Largest class in school’s history, St. Joseph’s seniors known for strength, resiliency

The St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy class of 2020 saw their Boalsburg campus close on March 16, when remote learning started due to the coronavirus pandemic. The largest class in the school’s history quickly adapted, taking classes and milestone moments online.

On May 16 — what would have been graduation day — St. Joe’s hosted a virtual “senior acknowledgment day.” The school also had a Zoom viewing party for the senior video and a schoolwide Zoom viewing party for the awards presentation. Seniors have also had surprise home deliveries of honors cards, letters of support, St. Joseph’s medals and more from school faculty.

School officials hope to have an in-person commencement to honor seniors this summer.

What makes the St. Joe’s class of 2020 special?

Head of School Jennifer Mallett: I just want to say how proud I am of this St. Joe’s senior class. I am proud to be part of a community of student leaders at this time. These seniors are some of the bravest and strongest student leaders there has ever been. Despite the raging storm of COVID-19, despite the panic, fear and uncertainty, and negative news these seniors were chosen to show us by example of how to lead and stay strong. These seniors did not falter nor fail. They are simply amazing. When this pandemic is over, and it will be, people will ask in the years to come about how our school survived. Our school survived because of the strength and resilience of our 2020 seniors.

Senior Nicole Flis: The class of 2020 is special for many reasons. Our class is full of talented, courageous and caring individuals, from athletes and musicians to artists and scholars. We have always been a group of leaders. We do more than we are asked to do and always deliver on our promises. When we are faced with an unprecedented situation, we adapt and overcome. We are problem solvers, solution makers, and always see the bright side of things. For these reasons, I am proud to be a part of the class of 2020.

Class of 2020 Co-Advisor Joe Hergenreder: When the class of 2020 arrived at St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy in the fall of 2016 their presence made an immediate impact. They were the largest class in the school’s history, nearly accounting for half of the total student body. Many of them had already spent years in school together, and the preexisting friend groups were strong. They were confident, they had personality, they had the numbers, and they weren’t about to conform. Initially met with contempt by upperclassmen who felt as though their beloved school culture was being threatened by a band of unruly freshmen, over the years, the class of 2020 learned to use their confidence, personality and numbers to positively impact the school, and its culture. Out of the band of unruly freshmen came a collective group of leaders, scholars, and faithful servants to the school and its community. Their time in high school was met with unpredictable change and adversity, and through it all, the class of 2020 has stood tall with unpredictable poise.

The St. Joseph’s Class of 2020

Aidan Christopher Badger

Abigail Susan Bulick

Camden Joseph Burris

Myah Annalyse Chappell

Jaiden Nicole Ciampichini

Aidan Michael Cross

Daniel James Dawson

Grace Helen Dible

Caleb Timothy Dowling

Tyler Michael Emigh

Nicole Claudia Flis

Wangxiao Fu

Owen Henry Helfer

Caleb Anthony Henry

Brynn Laura Hershbine

Madeline Lenore Hulburt

Isaac Sotero Hyman

Yanzhong Jiang

Carter Allen Kauffman

Noah James Ladlee

Michael Adisson Lavallee

Sarah Louise Lombardi

Emma Katherine Mallison

Margaret Jane Mangene

Thomas Andrew McElhinny

Ruthanna Sophia McMurtie

Julia Ann Nagel

Uyen Hoang Nguyen

Elizabeth Anne Peters

Riegen Jehu Poduszlo

Teghan Alyssa Prospero

Keegan Dennis Rothrock

Joseph Gabriel Schneider

Alyssa Hailey Sharrar

Ava Leilani Starks

Tyler Joseph Stolzfus

Catalina McMahon Thornburg

Isabelle Hope Warren

Piper Reece Weldon

Elliott Bradley Weyhe

This story was originally published June 1, 2020 at 7:57 AM.