During Founders Week, Holy Family Catholic High School tradition celebrates the academic accomplishments of our students through our Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Sunday, April 24, and our Academic Honors Ceremony on Thursday, April 28. This year, more than 300 students were honored for academic excellence during the Academic Honors Day ceremony. Holy Family Catholic High School celebrates the hard work of all of our students but on these days, we pause to acknowledge those whose efforts in the classroom bring forward positive environments and, at times, measurable results. Congratulations to our students recognized this week.
Honor Society Ceremony Highlights
Honor Society Advisor Jacob Dueck welcomed families before introducing guest speaker, Carver County Commissioner Matt Udderman. Following the induction of members, selected student speakers was Sophia Mackey ’22 and Allison Schumbacher provided closing thoughts.
Honor Society Inductees
3-4 semesters of participation
Emma Augustyn, Ella Augustyn, Kamea Bale, Jacob Burlage, Isabel Busch, Reagan Cizek, Austin Clifford, Catherine Dueck, Jack Egenes, Jocelyn Fett, Vivian French, Courtney French, Sydney Hickey, Angelina Huynh, Phoebe Johnson, Gabrielle Kapke, Boden Kapke, Maeve Kelly, Alexander Ketchem, Andrew Klawitter, Lillian Kunkel, Natalie Larson, Jackson Lund, Tamara Mackey, Lauren Mendoza, Gabriela Oconitrillo, Keenan Olsen, Nick Osgood, Isabella Paidosh, Kieran Paidosh, Olivia Paidosh, Kristian Palattao, Chloe Perrin-Smith, Thomas Red Wing, Abigail Ries, Kiera Schmeling, Zoe Schuele, Caitlin Sieve Charles Smith, Samuel Treat, Kayla Woytcke, Sophie Zay
Laurel Members 5-6 semesters of participation
Julia Anderson, Katherine Anseth, Jack Bauer, Sophia Boockmeier, Elijah Bresnan, Eleanor Bush, Hanna Bush, Caroline Cronin, Christopher Deavan, Edward Diminnie, Josephine Elsner, Rebecca Ernst, Kaellan Foudray, Benjamin Gallus, Olivia Guyer, Sophia Hall, Dayrin Jimenez, Alison Kunkel, Kori Lenzmeier, Mary Lizak, Ava Mettler, Emma Murphy, Makenzie Pavelka, My-Linh Pavelka, Michael Richelsen, Bennett Russo, Kellen Sieve, Janielle Stanoch, Melanie Stewart-Hester, Isabel Van Eyll, Madeleine Wiitala, Lorelei Wilson, Elizabeth Witcombe
Gold Members 7 semesters of participation
Jack Barth, Ryley Covington, Claire Haley, Ella Kunze, Sophia Mackey,, Molly O’Connor Derek Pass, Hailey Pavelka, Ellen Ries, Matthew Santini, Emma Schuele, Allison Schumacher, Joseph Tinucci, Cela Watkins
The 2022 Academic Honors Ceremony
Guests were welcomed by President Michael Brennan with the following words,
“We gather today to lift and celebrate the achievements of one and other in the areas of academics, the cornerstone of the educational experience and supported by the foundation of our Catholic faith. Today, we highlight, recognize, and honor the hard work of those students who excel in the playing fields of our classrooms. It is an opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements that are measured in GPAs, Advanced Placement and ACT scores, but it is also a time we recognize the effort, personal growth maturity attitude, grit, resilience, and commitment to one’s continuous improvement. These qualities are not necessarily captured in grades and test scores but witnessed daily by our teachers.”
Each academic department awarded individual performance within the subject area not always depicted by GPA but also by perseverance to learn and grow in understanding.
Department Awards:
Ms. Leslie Swanson presented the English Pursuit of Excellence Award
Ms. Leslie Swanson shared, “In an era where attention is often held by Instagram pictures and Tik Tok videos, the English faculty greatly appreciates your efforts toward thoughtful verbal expression, depth over brevity, clarity of ideas, an abundance of creativity and a willingness to put forth quality work.”
Outstanding Academic Success in Honors and AP courses.
“AP Literature is a class that incorporates critical reading and writing and discussions strategies for preparation at the collegiate level. A recipient of the AP Literature Award is one who embodies an attitude of both perseverance and passion. These two recipients are both hard workers, self-motivated, and natural leaders in the classroom, all while being humble and appreciative of the learning process. Even though AP Literature is rigorous and can be stressful at times, these students never complained but rather whole heartedly embraced their educational experience each time they entered the classroom.”
Recipients Eddie Diminnie and Ellen Ries
Creative Writing Awards by Ms. Carlee Kocon
“Our next three students dazzled the English Department by creating uniquely complex characters and plot twists all while utilizing humor and honesty to appeal to the readers through stories and speeches. Throughout their four years here, they possessed both a desire to write well grammatically but also to craft ideas to provoke thought long after they are read. They have constantly impressed their teachers with thoughtful analysis, critical thinking, and drive to succeed at every challenge presented their way.”
Recipients: Lucy Hertl, Hailey Pavelka, Elise Torborg
Spirit of English Award
The English Department would also like to recognize two students who consistently push themselves in their English classes and These students came prepared to participate and their participation and willingness to engage in conversation and group work greatly enhanced our classes. These students constantly pushed themselves to next level thinking and created high level work on time and with great effort. These students went above and beyond in our classes and soared to new heights.
Recipients: Dylan Ehlers and Ryan Thurk
Fine Arts: Music – Visual Arts
Music All-State Awards presented by Director of Instrumental Music Laura Boillat and Director of Vocal Music Jonathan Kopplin
Director of Instrumental Music Laura Boillat described the prestige of Minnesota’s all-state music program. She said, “The MN Music Education Association’s All State band, choir and orchestra program is widely recognized by guest conductors across the country as one of the best in the nation. This is due primarily to the rigorous audition and rehearsal process students undergo in order to earn a spot in one of these ensembles. Because of this, some of the best instrumental and choral directors come to Minnesota in August to work with our state’s best students.”
Director of Vocal Music Jonathan Kopplin further explained the purpose further. He shared, “In March, 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to audition for the all state ensembles for the following year. Choir and band students are required to record solos, scales, and e tus that highlight their grasp of intonation, rhythm, and artistic interpretation. If selected, the all-state students attend a week-long camp in August where they are taught by the guest director for their selected ensemble with additional teaching help from some of the best band and choir directors in the state.”
He continued, “At the end of the week, the ensembles perform a concert to highlight the music they have learned. However, that is not all. In February of the following year, the all-state choir, band, and orchestra students reconvene with their guest conductors to perform the Minnesota All-State Concert at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis. This event serves as the culmination of the MN Music Education Association’s Midwinter Clinic, an event that brings together many different music educators in the state.”
Two students were selected for all-state music ensembles: Isabel Busch – MN All State Mixed Choir and Sophia Heles, MN All State Concert Band
Visual Arts present by Mrs. Lindsey Werner
In the art room, we see a huge variety of students and talents. it is my absolute joy to see what these individuals create every single day. This year I have two awards to present.
The first is the Newcomer Award. This award goes to someone who has worked really hard in lots of different capacities, exploring what they can do. I am excited to see where it will continue to go from here.
Newcomer of the Year– Rachel Spoden
Our next award recipient has overcome many obstacles and stayed very positive throughout even if the outcome wasn’t exactly what she imagined. The recipient of the overcoming obstacles and positivity award is
Gabriella Oconitrillo.
Health and Physical Education
The PE department honored several students who have shown outstanding performance throughout the year. The following students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and positivity toward physical activity.
Two Female Performers of the Year: Macey Smith, Karly Gagnon
Two Male Performers of the Year: Dylan Ehlers, Thomas Red Wing, Graham McPhee, Austin Clifford
Mathematics presented by Ms. Karen Atkinson
The Mathematics Department has had an amazing year and witnessed students grow and learn throughout the year.
Exponential Achievement Award
The students receiving this award have shown tremendous growth and perseverance.
JJ McKenna, Ava Wilson, Will Sandefur, Dayrin Jiminez, Liam Crowley, Evan Marsh, George Moran, Sophie Smith
Outstanding Mathematician
Standouts in their class and have shown leadership in math
Isabel Busch, Nate Hamilton, Elise Torborg, Cam Hendrickson, Justina Valentini, Jackson lund, Jack Barth, Matt King, Lydia Dalwater
Math League Letters
The Math League varsity team finished 14th in Minnesota in their first season in Class AA and second in their division.
Recipients of Math League Letters
Isabel Busch
Edward Diminnie
Eli Foudray
Nate Hamilton
Andrew Klawitter
Elijah Moe
Emma Murphy
Hailey Pavelka
Michael Richelsen
Lucas Schoenecker
Alex Schrupp
Izzy VanEyell
Science Department presented by Mr. Jim Walker
The Science Department would like to award students who demonstrated stubborn tenacity with eight semesters of science.
Eight Semesters of Science Medals
Briar Charchenko
Grant Hayes
Molly O’Connor
Lucas Schoenecker
Ian Wagener
Advanced Placement Science Students Medals
Alex Beer
Isabel Busch
Hanna Bush
Ryley Covington
Edward Diminnie
Isaac Fassil
Nicholas Gesse
Sophia Mackey
Madeline Morgan
Derek Pass
Hailey Pavelka
Katie Savoie
Alex Schrupp
Ally Schumacher
Social Studies
One student from each class who displays and\ interest and passion for the subjects of history, government, geography, or the social sciences was recognized.
Dr. Pottebaum presented:
AP US History
Betsy Ricke
Kori Lenzmeier
AP Human Geography
Cole Spoden
Psychology
Ethan Livermore
Charlie Ficek
US History on behalf of
Janielle Stanoch
Economics
Daniel Fahey
Government presented by Mr. Kyle Economy
Abigail Puklich
Tommy Westerhaus
World History by Mr. Will Theobald
James Guillemette
Technology Department
Engineering Design – creative, understand design process, and demonstrate achieve and go beyond what is called upon them.
Engineering Graphics – Jackson Klamm
Design and Manufacturing – Marcus Wieneke
Programming
Program virtually and for real world applications
Michael Gartlets
Nicholas Stallock
Theology
Father Gjengdahl
On behalf of the Theology Department, it is my privilege to recognize students with our department’s Faith Seeking Understanding Awards.
The intention of this award is to recognize those students who strive to integrate their academic studies of theology with their personal faith lives and faith experiences. They’ve demonstrated a willingness to engage in learning theology for more than simply receiving good grades. They ask good questions, provide meaningful insights, and often go a bit deeper in their approach on class assignments and, ultimately, try to apply their faith to their everyday lives.
Recipients of Theology Awards
9 – Jessica Pass, Aubrey Fahey
10- Ava Wilson, Tommy Westerhaus
11- Sarah Chromy, Benjamin Gallus
12- Kenzie Moss, Aaron Hesse
Campus Ministry
Mrs. Lynnae Bosch, Campus Minister
At Holy Family, Campus Ministry promotes spiritual formation of our school community. A vital part of that program is our Campus Ministry, an elective theology course for seniors. This year I am pleased to recognize one senior from each semester who has consistently demonstrated growth and leadership in faith, service and community.
Luke Geadelmann, Sophia Mackey
World Languages: Italian – Latin – Spanish
The World Language Department is proud of all of our students who are choosing to explore different language and cultures and exploring traveling during their high school careers. This year we would like to honor seniors who have taken all four years of a world language and reached the top of their language classes.
Spanish presented by Mrs. Kidrowski
Maeve Kelly
Lucas Schoenecker
AP Spanish
Emma Schuele
Katie Savoie
AP Spanish by Mrs. Zimmerman
Charles Ficek
Ryley Covington
Italian
Cela Watkins
Sophia Mackey
Latin Academic Excellence presented by Ms. Diggins
This student is a person whose intensity for learning is equally matched with the depth of her character. From the first day I met her through today, her desire to learn Latin, I mean really learn it, has been unwavering. I would teach a concept, a grammar point, and within a very short time she was able to help others in the room understand it.
Recipient: Hailey Pavelka
3.5 GPA Semester Recognition
Students were honored for consistent semesters with a 3.5 GPA or higher are also recognized at the academic honors ceremony. Students with one semester with a 3.5 GPA receive a certificate, three semesters receive a letter, five semesters receive a pin, and seven semesters receive a cord.
Scroll Down to See the Recipients of Grade Point Honors
| Matilda Abercrombie – Certificate |
| Maider Agirre San Martin – Certificate |
| Andrew Athmann – Certificate |
| Benjamin Barth – Certificate |
| Brooke Batker – Certificate |
| Zachry Beach – Certificate |
| Natalia Bellefy – Certificate |
| Nicolas Briden – Certificate |
| Lucy Carraux – Certificate |
| Nicholas Charpentier – Certificate |
| Reagan Cizek – Certificate |
| Jacob Clifford – Certificate |
| Casey Cronin – Certificate |
| Lydia Dauwalter – Certificate |
| Brianna DeLorenzo – Certificate |
| Allison Diminnie – Certificate |
| Dominic Donato – Certificate |
| Rachel Dorr – Certificate |
| William Dunlap – Certificate |
| Beatriz Fahandezh Saddi Cantero – Certificate |
| Audrey Fahey – Certificate |
| Caden Farmer – Certificate |
| Yewbdar Fassil – Certificate |
| Emily Fenger – Certificate |
| Elias Foudray – Certificate |
| Charles Garlets – Certificate |
| Maren Grussing – Certificate |
| Hayden Guggemos – Certificate |
| James Guillemette – Certificate |
| Grace Guyer – Certificate |
| Nathan Hamilton – Certificate |
| Hannah Henderson – Certificate |
| Marcella Hoffman – Certificate |
| David Hovey – Certificate |
| Kaitlyn Jacobs – Certificate |
| Emma James – Certificate |
| Sophia Jesse – Certificate |
| Paige Johander – Certificate |
| Rose Johnston – Certificate |
| Luke Kans – Certificate |
| Sydney Keen – Certificate |
| Adam Kimbrel – Certificate |
| Judith Kohrman – Certificate |
| Brady Krautkramer – Certificate |
| Alexa Krienke – Certificate |
| Edward Linn – Certificate |
| Meredith Linsley – Certificate |
| Henry Lisko – Certificate |
| Ana Lopez Polls – Certificate |
| Zachery Lorusso – Certificate |
| Christina Maher – Certificate |
| Tyler Manning – Certificate |
| Anthony Marschall – Certificate |
| Ryan McPartland – Certificate |
| Abraham Melek – Certificate |
| Harold Mellen – Certificate |
| Keira Mertz – Certificate |
| Chase Messner – Certificate |
| Jillian Mlodozyniec – Certificate |
| Braedan Nelson – Certificate |
| Lucia Numelin – Certificate |
| Olivia O’Brien – Certificate |
| Philip Olson – Certificate |
| Noah Pabich – Certificate |
| Jessica Pass – Certificate |
| Isabelle Paulson – Certificate |
| Abigail Road Pawelek – Certificate |
| Ariana Radel – Certificate |
| Alexandra Raw – Certificate |
| Paula Rica Andres – Certificate |
| Addison Rice – Certificate |
| Lucas Rice – Certificate |
| Michael Richardson – Certificate |
| Simone Roman Vega – Certificate |
| Kathryn Rothstein – Certificate |
| William Sandefur – Certificate |
| Margaret Santini – Certificate |
| Tayah Schmidt – Certificate |
| Tyler Schmit – Certificate |
| Samantha Schumacher – Certificate |
| Ava Shirley – Certificate |
| Andrew Silverman – Certificate |
| Macey Smith – Certificate |
| Rosalyn Smyth – Certificate |
| Brady Sorrentino – Certificate |
| Rachel Spoden – Certificate |
| Sophia Terris – Certificate |
| Ella Tracy – Certificate |
| Henry Trcka – Certificate |
| Greta Tupa Clark – Certificate |
| Matilyn Vollmer – Certificate |
| Lillian Wallace – Certificate |
| Lauren Westerhaus – Certificate |
| Thomas Westerhaus – Certificate |
| Matthew Wideman – Certificate |
| Marcus Wieneke – Certificate |
| Bryce Wiitala – Certificate |
| Jack Willenbring – Certificate |
| Luciana Witcombe – Certificate |
| Kalah Worm – Certificate |
| Evan Woytcke – Certificate |
| Nicholas Young – Certificate |
| Desray Anne Zamora – Certificate |
| Julia Anderson – Cord |
| Jack Barth – Cord |
| Alexander Beer – Cord |
| Isabel Busch – Cord |
| Hanna Bush – Cord |
| Jacob Cameron – Cord |
| Alex Cherry – Cord |
| Ryley Covington – Cord |
| Edward Diminnie – Cord |
| Isaac Fassil – Cord |
| Charles Ficek – Cord |
| Luke Geadelmann – Cord |
| Claire Haley – Cord |
| Sophia Heles – Cord |
| Lucy Hertel – Cord |
| Maeve Kelly – Cord |
| Ella Kunze – Cord |
| Sophia Mackey – Cord |
| Shae Messner – Cord |
| Madeline Morgan – Cord |
| Molly O’Connor – Cord |
| Sydney Osterdyk – Cord |
| Derek Pass – Cord |
| Hailey Pavelka – Cord |
| Makenzie Pavelka – Cord |
| My-Linh Pavelka – Cord |
| Pearl Phillips – Cord |
| Ellen Ries – Cord |
| Olivia Sadowski – Cord |
| Matthew Santini – Cord |
| Kathryn Savoie – Cord |
| Lucas Schoenecker – Cord |
| Alexander Schrupp – Cord |
| Emma Schuele – Cord |
| Allison Schumacher – Cord |
| Laura Theis – Cord |
| Rachel Thurk – Cord |
| Ryan Thurk – Cord |
| Joseph Tinucci – Cord |
| Elise Torborg – Cord |
| Cela Watkins – Cord |
| Robert Alexander – Letter |
| Ella Augustyn – Letter |
| Emma Augustyn – Letter |
| Maggie Babler – Letter |
| Kamea Bale – Letter |
| Leah Beach – Letter |
| Nicole Bowlin – Letter |
| Kate Buchholz – Letter |
| Jacob Burlage – Letter |
| Briar Charchenko – Letter |
| Erik Charchenko – Letter |
| Joseph Charpentier – Letter |
| Braylon Cummings – Letter |
| John Donovan – Letter |
| Margaret Dowling – Letter |
| Catherine Dueck – Letter |
| Jack Egenes – Letter |
| Dylan Ehlers – Letter |
| Daniel Fahey – Letter |
| Jocelyn Fette – Letter |
| Vivian French – Letter |
| Karli Gagnon – Letter |
| Ellanore Galvin – Letter |
| Mario Gomez – Letter |
| Bree Hallson – Letter |
| Kambryn Hendrickson – Letter |
| Mick Herron – Letter |
| Ava Hopper – Letter |
| Angelina Huynh – Letter |
| Quinn Johander – Letter |
| Phoebe Johnson – Letter |
| Gabrielle Kapke – Letter |
| Alexander Ketchem – Letter |
| Matthew King – Letter |
| Andrew Klawitter – Letter |
| Taylor Koeppl – Letter |
| Jocelyn Land – Letter |
| Judah Land – Letter |
| Samuel Luessi – Letter |
| Jackson Lund – Letter |
| Tamara Mackey – Letter |
| Sophia Markstrom – Letter |
| Brynn Martin – Letter |
| Sydney McGuirk – Letter |
| Benjamin Mechtel – Letter |
| Elijah Moe – Letter |
| MacKenzie Moss – Letter |
| Sofia Neve – Letter |
| Griffin Newman – Letter |
| Hannah Newman – Letter |
| Malick Ngwana – Letter |
| Gabriela Oconitrillo – Letter |
| Keenan Olsen – Letter |
| Nick Osgood – Letter |
| Olivia Paidosh – Letter |
| Kristian Palattao – Letter |
| Logan Paulsen – Letter |
| Chloe Perrin-Smith – Letter |
| Elijah Pitner – Letter |
| Thomas Red Wing – Letter |
| Abigail Ries – Letter |
| Julia Riley – Letter |
| Drew Roelofs – Letter |
| Nicole Roper – Letter |
| Nadia Rustowicz – Letter |
| Caroline Schaefer – Letter |
| Lily Schaffer – Letter |
| Sophia Schlegel – Letter |
| Kiera Schmeling – Letter |
| Joseph Schmidt – Letter |
| Zoe Schuele – Letter |
| Amanda Seck – Letter |
| Caitlin Sieve – Letter |
| Charles Smith – Letter |
| Dylan Spalding – Letter |
| James Super – Letter |
| Trevor Thode – Letter |
| Tyler Thode – Letter |
| Samuel Treat – Letter |
| William Warren – Letter |
| Lauren Weigel – Letter |
| Rubie Wicka – Letter |
| Ethan Williams – Letter |
| Ava Wilson – Letter |
| Chloe Wright – Letter |
| Sophia Zay – Letter |
| Benedict Zweber – Letter |
| Katherine Anseth – Pin |
| Jack Bauer – Pin |
| Anton Bernaski – Pin |
| Sophia Boockmeier – Pin |
| Elijah Bresnan – Pin |
| Eleanor Bush – Pin |
| Sarah Chromy – Pin |
| Austin Clifford – Pin |
| Caroline Cronin – Pin |
| Christopher Deavan – Pin |
| Josephine Elsner – Pin |
| Rebecca Ernst – Pin |
| Kaellan Foudray – Pin |
| Courtney French – Pin |
| Michael Frost – Pin |
| Benjamin Gallus – Pin |
| Zoe Griffin – Pin |
| Olivia Guyer – Pin |
| Sophia Hall – Pin |
| Grant Hayes – Pin |
| Madelyn Helmstetter – Pin |
| Sydney Hickey – Pin |
| Abbey Hope – Pin |
| Dayrin Jimenez – Pin |
| Boden Kapke – Pin |
| Riley Knapp – Pin |
| Ella Knewtson – Pin |
| Alison Kunkel – Pin |
| Natalie Larson – Pin |
| Kori Lenzmeier – Pin |
| Jack Lisko – Pin |
| Mary Lizak – Pin |
| Joseph Maher – Pin |
| Sean McGaughey – Pin |
| Lauren Mendoza – Pin |
| Ava Mettler – Pin |
| Emma Murphy – Pin |
| Anika Olson – Pin |
| Isabella Paidosh – Pin |
| Kieran Paidosh – Pin |
| Mark Rahn – Pin |
| Michael Richelsen – Pin |
| Jodie Rief – Pin |
| Shannon Rothstein – Pin |
| Bennett Russo – Pin |
| Luke Sabart – Pin |
| Jack Schaefer – Pin |
| Kellen Sieve – Pin |
| Nicholas Stallock – Pin |
| Janielle Stanoch – Pin |
| Melanie Stewart-Hester – Pin |
| Benjamin Strezo – Pin |
| Emmett Thuli – Pin |
| Justina Valentini – Pin |
| Isabel Van Eyll – Pin |
| Madeleine Wiitala – Pin |
| Lorelei Wilson – Pin |
| Elizabeth Witcombe – Pin |
| Kayla Woytcke – Pin |
| Mariana Yanta – Pin |
National Academic Recognitions
National Merit Commended Students: Alexander Beer and Makenzie Pavelka
Advanced Placement Scholars: Alex Schrupp and Sophia Mackey
Advanced Placement Scholar with Honor: Edward Diminnie
Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction: Alex Beer
State Academic Recognitions
AAA Award: Sophia Heles and Luke Geadelmann
High school seniors with 3.0 GPA or higher and participate in MSHSL sponsored activity and athletic activities
Holy Family Senior Honors
Senior Honors: Valedictorian Isabel Busch | Salutatorian Makenzie Pavelka