Mark Johnson, the middle and high school principal at St. Edmond, described them as the “newest alumni of St. Edmond Catholic School, the Class of 2024.”

The class was the center of attention as the school conducted its 69th annual commencement ceremony.

Four members of the class — Emma Davis, Michaela Leiting, Reese Lemberg, and Kara McGonegle — earned an associate degree from Iowa Central Community College to go along with their high school diploma.

This graduating class learned from each other as well as from their teachers. Maya Neverman, who was the class speaker during Sunday’s commencement, made that point clear. She told every member of the class sitting before her what she learned from them. She recognized each classmate by name and explained what she learned from each of them. The subjects ranged from baking to self-confidence.

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St. Edmond graduates (left to right) Zach Rossmanith, Sam Mericle and Thomas Cosgrove watch a video on YouTube before the St. Edmond commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

The graduates are at the “beginning of a new stage in your transition from adolescence to adulthood,” said Monsignor Kevin McCoy, president of St. Edmond Catholic School and pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

Some, he said, will start their careers, while others will be heading off to college in the fall.

All, he said, will build on the legacy of excellence and faith established by previous classes of St. Edmond graduates.

“Graduates, I pray that you will always succeed in all that you do,” McCoy said. “God bless you.”

Eight members of the class were recognized for having a perfect 4.0 grade-point average. They were Gabrielle Driscoll, Silvia Heldorfer, Hannah Landwehr, Micheala Leiting, Reese Lemberg, Kara McGonegle and Treyton Wilkins.

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St. Edmond graduates Andee Barwin, left, and Gabrielle Driscoll share a secret hand shake during the St. Edmond Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Sunday.

Out of the class of 30, 25 were designated honor graduates with a grade-point average of at least 3.25.

The class included 19 members of the National Honor Society.

Each graduate was cheered as they came on stage to receive their diploma from Mike Johnson, chairman of the St. Edmond Catholic School Board.

Bowe Wheeler, who overcame brain cancer to earn his diploma, received the most thunderous applause and cheers.

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Bowe Wheeler, of St. Edmond, holds up a photo of his father, Roger Wheeler, who passed away in June 2023.

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St. Edmond graduates toss their hats in the air after St. Edmond's commencement ceremony on Sunday.

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St. Edmond graduates (left to right) Silvia Heldorfer, Abby Lawler, Kaili Henning, Andee Barwin, Michaela Leiting, and Hannah Landwehr toss their hats in the air after the Gaels' commencement ceremony on Sunday.

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St. Edmond graduate Maya Neverman gives a speech to the class of 2024 during the commencement ceremony on Sunday.

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Denny Ehn shakes hands with Mike Johnson, chairman of the St. Edmond Catholic School Board, after receiving his diploma Sunday during the St. Edmond High School commencement ceremony.

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Bowe Wheeler's family reacts after he receives his diploma on Sunday at St. Edmond High School.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
St. Edmond graduates Zach Midtling and Maya Neverman walk toward the flagpole hand in hand after the Gaels' commencement ceremony on Sunday at the high school.