Class of 2017 Celebrates Achievements at Annual Commencement

On Sunday, May 28, Central Catholic welcomed 220 students into the Central Catholic alumni brotherhood. The 87th annual commencement ceremony, held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall, celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2017.

Here is a snapshot of the Class of 2017, by the numbers:

• 93% of students plan to attend a 4-year college or university
• 3% of students plan to attend a 2-year or community college
• 1% of students are pursuing athletics
• 2% of students are enlisting in military service
• 1% of students are joining the work force
• Over $25 million - the amount of scholarship dollars earned by the Class of 2017

Of the students who will be attending a 4-year college or university:

• 61 students will attend a Catholic college or university
• 86 students will attend a public university
• 97 students will attend a college or university that is out-of-state

The Class of 2017 also celebrated many accomplishments during their time at Central Catholic:

• 49 seniors were inducted into the Saint John Baptist de La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools
• 10 seniors achieved the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America through earning their Eagle Scout Award
• 8 seniors were named Trib Total Media Oustanding Young Citizen for his contributions inside and outside of the classroom
• 7 seniors were recognized as AP Scholars with Honors by the College Board for their performance on the Advanced Placement Exams
• 5 seniors were recognized as AP Scholars
• 5 seniors were named National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists
• 3 seniors were recognized as nominees for the Saint Timothy Award for their contributions to youth ministry within the Diocese of Pittsburgh
• 1 senior was recognized with the National School Choral Award for his dedication to and achievement in the Central Catholic vocal music program
• 1 senior was recognized for his strong leadership and embodiment of the mission of the Crossroads Foundation by his receipt of the Crossroads Foundation Staff Award
• 1 senior was named a Gold Medal Trib Total Media Outstanding Young Citizen for his contributions inside and outside of the classroom
• 1 senior competed at both the FBLA Regional and State competitions and won first place for FBLA Interview Skills at both levels
• 1 senior competed with the Forensics Society at the PHSSL State Tournament and was awarded 2017 Champions in Lincoln-Douglas Debate

"The Class of 2017 was a pleasure to work with," said Loren Morgan, Director of College Counseling. "I admire their passion and drive, as well as their appreciation of the value of community and brotherhood. I look forward to checking in with them in the coming years and seeing their intellectual, personal, and spiritual growth. I have no doubt that the Class of 2017 will do great things for our community and our world!"