42 Flyers launch from St. Paul

NORWALK — The culmination of dozens of primary education journeys was a solemn commencement in St. Paul Catholic Church in Norwalk on Sunday. The occasion began with a baccalaureate mass at 3:30 p.m. before the 42 St. Paul High School graduates accepted their diplomas and moved to the next phase of their lives. The school's commencement coincided with the Christian holiday Pentecost, which is celebrated 7 weeks after Easter. It is the day the Holy Spirit descended on the Apostles and endowed them with the ability to speak different languages so they could spread the Gospel. Like the Apostles, the St. Paul Class of 2026 now enters the world to spread what they have learned at the school. St. Paul principal Michael Gocsik noted that his time with the Class of 2026 began when they were in eighth grade. "At that time, I was asked to step in and help facilitate intervention or should I say group therapy sessions, to support you, to challenge you, and yes, at times, to correct you," he said. Gocsik spoke about legacy. "In the musical 'Hamilton,' there's a line that asks, 'What is legacy?' And the answer is, 'It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see,'" he said. Not only did Gocsik plant the seeds of the Class of 2026, but he got to see them grow. He noted that the class took their lessons and exceeded expectations. "There's a quote from Master Yoda that says, 'We are what they grow beyond. That is the burden of all masters,'" he said. Gocsik closed with, "And so, with pride, gratitude, and prayerful hope for all that awaits you, congratulations, Class of 2026, on your graduation from St. Paul High School." Next at the podium was valedictorian Aubrey Dilger. She reminded all in attendance that the graduates faced difficult times but made the decision every day to keep on going. She and his fellow graduates "still picked up their backpacks, their car keys and made it through the doors of this school," she said. Dilger reflected on conversations she had with her dad. At dinner, he would ask her what she learned that day. "It was usually a general answer of what I had been learning in math, science or history," she said. But her answer evolved over the years, because St. Paul staff taught her so much more than the basics. "I've learned life lessons that will last a lifetime," Dilger said. She cited specific impacts certain teachers instilled in her and her classmates. "I'll always look back on the certain moments like our week at Kairos, the trip to Belize, Mr. Duffy's energy, the four corners in Mr. Macmurray's Spanish III class... and even Mr. Stoll's singing," she said. "I'm grateful for the chance to grow up with all of you. I hope everyone knows that we left our mark here at St. Paul. We are a part of the legacy here, where the years won't be forgotten nor the people," Dilger said. Dean of Students John Livengood and Gocsik then presented the graduates as Norwalk Catholic School president Martin Linder conferred their diplomas. After a military blessing, graduating senior Chloe Hazelwood led the class in switching their tassels before the entire congregation sang the school's alma mater. The graduates then gathered on the front steps of the church for a celebratory toss of their caps into the air. St. Paul High School class of 2026 Percent of students: • Entering college: 88% • Joining the workforce: 7% • Joining the military: 5% Local scholarship money accepted: $50,000