Panther graduates seem ready to face wider world

SANDUSKY — Standing on the steps at St. Mary's Central Catholic High School as the new graduates celebrated in front of the school, Principal Dennis Antonelli remarked that the school had produced a fine crop of 2017 graduates."It's always a great day when you release them out in the world and you know they're going to be OK," he remarked.Indeed, the school's 38 graduates pulled in $4.1 million of scholarship offers and accepted $1.1 million. A whopping 97 percent of the graduates are heading off to college, to destinations such as The Ohio State University, Duquense University and the Savannah College of Art and Design.Antonelli told the parents and well-wishers in the crowd watching the graduation that the top 10 students in the class included a computer programmer, a fashion designer and students who displayed other talents.The Panthers held their graduation Sunday afternoon. The ceremony followed a Baccalaureate Mass held earlier in the afternoon at St. Mary's Catholic Church.The school's graduation ceremony was a mixture of old and new. It was the 93rd commencement, but only the second held in the still new-looking Kinzel Center.The school's valedictorian, Rosemary Murphy, made the other students smile when she gave her graduation address, as she told amusing stories about class retreats and a trip to Florida."Take pride in how far you have gone," she said.The school presented a number of awards. Stacey Kuhn, a math teacher and the faculty advisor for the National Honor Society, received the Gary W. Kelley Service Award. Two students exceptional in their Catholic faith, Margaret Gyurke and Christopher Tyler, were presented with Bishop's Cross awards.The graduates included a set of twins, Hayden Farmer and Hunter Farmer.Both are good students, their family said. Hayden plans to study pharmacy when he goes off to college, while Hunter will study business.Reach reporter Tom Jackson at jackson@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @jacksontom.St. Mary Central Catholic High School Class of 2017• 93rd commencement• 38 graduates• College scholarship amount accepted: $1.1 million• Percent of graduates going to college: 97 percent• Percent going into workforce: 3 percent• Percent going into military: 0• Class president: Daniel Miller• Valedictorian: Rosemary Murphy• Salutatorian: Emily Tursky• Bishop's Crosses: Margaret Gyurke and Christopher TylerTop ten students: Olivia Bias, Christopher Dudenhoefer, Shelby Gosser, Sydney Kromer, Lake Lamb, Rosemary Murphy, Dominic Rosin, Elizabeth Snell, Emily Tursky and Christopher Tyler.Students at St. Mary Central Catholic High School clutch their diplomas shortly after receiving them. Panther graduates toss their caps into the air outside the school. After the graduation, it's time to pose for pictures outside the school. The Rev. Michael Roemmele poses for a picture with Bishop's Cross winner Margaret Gyurke. The Rev. Michael Roemmele, with Bishop's Cross honoree Christopher Tyler. Valedictorian Rosemary Murphy addresses the crowd. Salutatorian Emily Tursky speaks during Sunday's graduation ceremony. Math teacher Stacey Kuhn holds the service award she received during the graduation ceremony.