DETROIT — High school graduation is a special time in life. For students of the 23 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, it’s a time to reflect on the graces God has given them throughout their academic careers, the friends they’ve made, the teachers and mentors who’ve guided them, and the journeys ahead.
Each year, Detroit Catholic is proud to honor those students who have set themselves apart as valedictorians, salutatorians and scholars of honor. For their achievements both inside and outside the classroom, we salute them and their peers as they close one important chapter and prepare for all God has in store for the future.
Please join us in congratulating the following students.
Editor’s note: Schools have different criteria for selecting valedictorians and salutatorians, and some schools honor more students than others. Detroit Catholic’s list is provided by each of the high schools surveyed.
Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Dianna Kucy
Parents: Christina and George Kucy
Parish: Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, Hamtramck
College: Johns Hopkins University
Salutatorian: Jade Horcoff
Parents: Cynthia and Shawn Horcoff
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame
Salutatorian: Elyse Martel
Parents: Julie Martel
Parish: St. Peter, Mount Clemens
College: Georgetown University
Austin Catholic High School, Chesterfield Township
Valedictorian: Kasandra Waldi
Parents: Kevin and Marie Waldi
Parish: St. Kieran, Shelby Township
College: Michigan Technological University (mechanical engineering)
Salutatorian: Samuel Wenzel
Parents: James and Lori Wenzel
Parish: St. Thecla, Clinton Township
College: Robert Morris University (actuary science)
Bishop Foley High School, Madison Heights
Valedictorian: Emily Mandziuk
Parents: Jeff and Lila Mandziuk
Parish: St. Anne, Warren
College: University of Michigan (cognitive science, linguistics)
Salutatorian: Andrew Mleczko
Parents: James and Pamela Mleczko
Parish: St. Mary, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business, business administration and finance)
Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Blake Bluthardt
Parents: Beth and Rob Bluthardt
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame (pre-med)
Valedictorian: Michael Capitani
Parents: Lori Capitani and Mason Capitani
College: University of Michigan (mechanical engineering)
Valedictorian: Ryan Frohock
Parents: Jennifer and Craig Frohock
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
Valedictorian: Declan McGrath
Parents: Amanda and Patrick McGrath
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Michigan (mechanical engineering)
Valedictorian: Christian McNulty
Parents: Jenifer and Stephen McNulty
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame (finance)
Valedictorian: Will Venner
Parents: Heather and Bill Venner
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame (finance)
Valedictorian: Jacob Yono
Parents: Christina Yono and Sam Yono
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame (business)
Salutatorian: James Kowalewski
Parents: Kathryn and Donald Kowalewski
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College: Michigan State University (human biology/pre-med)
Cabrini High School, Allen Park
Valedictorian: Taylor Bonar
Parents: Norman and Shannon Bonar
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini Parish
College: University of Detroit Mercy (physician assistant)
Salutatorian: Niamh O’Connell
Parents: Edward and Maura O’Connell
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park
College: University of Michigan (biochemistry)
Cardinal Mooney High School, Marine City
Valedictorian: Matthew Zammit Jr.
Parents: Matthew and Marisol Zammit
Parish: Holy Cross Church, Marine City
College: United States Military Academy at West Point (political science)
Salutatorian: Claire Campbell
Parents: Matthew and Christine Campbell
Parish: Immaculate Conception, Ira Township
College: Tiffin University (forensic psychology)
Cristo Rey High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Saray Garita
Parents: Eloy and Dalila Garita
Parish: Our Lady of Guadalupe, Detroit
College: Michigan State University
Salutatorian: Jazmin Zamudio
Parents: Efrain and Norma Zamudio
Parish: Most Holy Redeemer, Detroit
College: University of Notre Dame
De La Salle Collegiate High School, Warren
Valedictorian: Mason Collins
Parents: Michael Collins and Bobbi Collins
Parish: St. Martin de Porres, Warren
College: Naval Academy (major undecided)
Salutatorian: George Gardey
Parents: David Gardey and Rosemary Gardey
Parish: St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe Farms
College: University of Notre Dame (finance)
Detroit Catholic Central High School, Novi
Valedictorian: Nicholas Barnaby
Parents: Todd and Anna Barnaby
Parish: St. Patrick, White Lake
College: University of Michigan (electrical engineering)
Valedictorian: Andrew Bianchi
Parents: Matthew and Jennifer Bianchi
Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth
College: University of Michigan (electrical engineering)
Valedictorian: Anthony Chalhoub
Parents: Nabil and Nahla Chalhoub
Parish: Basilica of St. Mary (Orthodox), Livonia
College: University of Michigan Ann Arbor (computer science)
Valedictorian: David Creen
Parents: David and Thuy Creen
Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle, Ann Arbor
College: Rose Hulman Institute of Technology (chemical engineering)
Valedictorian: Tyler Delyon
Parents: Robert and Cheri Delyon
Parish: St. Patrick, Brighton
College: Ave Maria University (biology pre-med)
Valedictorian: Andrew Kil
Parents: Ju Paek and Yong Kil
College: University of Michigan Ann Arbor (psychology/neuroscience pre-med track)
Valedictorian: Aidan Kinsella
Parents: Michael and Maureen Kinsella
Parish: St. Patrick, White Lake
College: University of Michigan (business)
Valedictorian: Luke Martin
Parents: Jeff and Jen Martin
Parish: Our Lady of Victory (Northville)
College: University of Michigan Ann Arbor (undecided)
Valedictorian: Patrick Michel
Parents: Patrick and Marnie Michel
Parish: St. Patrick, Brighton
College: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (chemical engineering)
Valedictorian: Joseph Stopczynski
Parents: Jill and Lawrence Stopczynski
Parish: St. Mary, Milford
College: University of Michigan Ann Arbor (data science)
Divine Child High School, Dearborn
Valedictorian: Lilyana Raishouni
Parents: Nohad Ajrouche
College: University of Michigan (statistics and political science)
Salutatorian: Nathan Marchywka
Parents: Donavan and Corinne Marchywka
Parish: Church of the Divine Child, Dearborn
College: Michigan State University (electrical engineering)
Everest Collegiate High School & Academy, Clarkston
Valedictorian: Alicia Emmert-Buck
Parents: Mike and Leslie Emmert-Buck
College: University of Michigan (engineering)
Valedictorian: Matthew Neme
Parents: James and Ann-Marie Neme
Parish: St. Joseph the Worker, Lake Orion
College: University of Michigan (engineering)
Salutatorian: Allison Tong
Parents: Harrison Tong and Andrea Goethals
Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford
College: Franciscan University of Steubenville (biology)
Salutatorian: Timothy Abraham
Parents: Renny and Rachel Abraham
College: University of Michigan (biology)
Gabriel Richard High School, Riverview
Valedictorian: Marohn Campena
Parents: John and Maricell Campena
Parish: St. Joseph, Trenton
College: University of Michigan (biochemistry)
Salutatorian: Lillian Paschke
Parents: Erik and Lynise Paschke
College: Lehigh University (chemical engineering)
Loyola High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Darnyl Copeland
Parent: Robena Hill
College: University of Michigan
Salutatorian: Victor Robinson
Parents: Janae Allen and Victor Robinson
College: Michigan State University
Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills
Valedictorian: Colleen Conroy
Parents: Pat and Debra Conroy
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College: University of Notre Dame (finance)
Valedictorian: Catherine DuBay
Parents: Michael and Sarah DuBay
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Notre Dame (economics)
Valedictorian: Leah Adams
Parents: George and Margie Adams
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Michigan (public policy)
Mercy High School, Farmington Hills
Valedictorian: Angelina Hamati
Parents: Lina and Hani Hamati
Parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Livonia
College: University of Michigan (biochemistry)
Valedictorian: Allison Flynn
Parents: Melissa and Colin Flynn
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College: University of Michigan
Salutatorian: Kathryn Byrne
Parents: Jennifer and John Byrne
Parish: Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Beverly Hills
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Pontiac
Valedictorian: Thomas Belej
Parents: Marko Belej and Monica Belej
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College: Northwestern University (mechanical engineering and history)
Valedictorian: Oliver Kayi
Parents: John Kayi and Angela Kayi
College: University of Michigan (civil engineering)
Valedictorian: Mia Daher
Parents: Dr. Emad Daher and Lily Daher
Parish: St. Lawrence, Utica
College: University of Michigan (neuroscience pre-med)
Valedictorian: Mia Mojares
Parents: Arthur Mojares and Michele Mojares
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Michigan (biology)
Valedictorian: Thomas Marvin
Parents: Jeff Marvin and Lisa Marvin
College: University of South Carolina (international business)
Valedictory Court: Aidan Mehta, Mackenzie Scherle, Luka Cvetkovic, Sergio Gasperoni, Luke Hogan, Thomas Fletcher, Luke Scheer, Ella Spender, Amanda Roth, Allison Voto, Blake Banninger, Zachary Conroy, Nico Liparoto, Emma Roth, John Milback, Teegan McLeod, Nicole Spengler, Katherine Anderson
Our Lady of the Lakes High School, Waterford
Valedictorian: Joseph Anthony III
Parents: Joseph Anthony II and Peggy Anthony
Parish: St. Anne, Ortonville
College: Michigan Technological University (mechanical and electrical engineering)
Salutatorian: Alison Anthony
Parents: Joseph Anthony II and Peggy Anthony
Parish: St. Anne, Ortonville
College: Oakland University (nutrition and dietetics)
Regina High School, Warren
Valedictorian: Jaden Arin Amparo
Parents: Noel and Rhodora Amparo
Parish: Guardian Angels, Clawson
College: University of Michigan (nursing)
Valedictorian: Adrianna Sharon Maria Lucido
Parents: Tom and Maria Lucido
Parish: St. Thecla, Clinton Township
College: University of Michigan (biology, health and society)
Valedictorian: Ava Cosette Marzolf
Parents: Mark and Cristina Marzolf
Parish: St. Peter, Mount Clemens
College: University of Michigan (sports management)
Shrine High School, Royal Oak
Valedictorian: Julia Brown
Parents: Dorothy Pasikowski and Frederick Brown
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (biology and pre-medicine)
Valedictorian: Brennan Cannaday
Parents: Katy and Chad Cannaday
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College: Michigan State University (psychology)
Valedictorian: Elizabeth Gladstone
Parents: Mary and Charles Gladstone
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (engineering)
Valedictorian: Meghan Gleeson
Parents: Shelagh and Craig Gleeson
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
Valedictorian: Andrew Imai
Parents: Patricia Imai and Yasuto Imai
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Notre Dame (physics and astronomy)
Valedictorian: Audrey Ray
Parents: Denise and Gary Ray
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: Georgetown University (government, history and pre-law)
Valedictorian: Kennedy Scher
Parents: Courtney and Steve Scher
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (biology)
Valedictorian: Norah Tisko
Parents: Lori and Tom Tisko
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
Valedictorian: Georgia True
Parents: Natalie and Preston True
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)
Valedictorian: Kirsten Vemulapalli
Parents: Lynn and Harsha Vemulapalli
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College: University of Michigan (economics and Spanish)
St. Catherine of Siena Academy, Wixom
Valedictorian: Brenna Cavanaugh
Parent: Jason Cavanaugh
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College: West Virginia University (forensic science)
Distinguished Scholar: Elizabeth Reidy
Parents: William and Sachiko Reidy
Parish: St. John Neumann, Canton
College: University of Michigan (life sciences and public health)
Salutatorian: Margaret Newell
Parents: Devin and Jennifer Newell
Parish: Our Lady of Victory, Northville
College: George Washington University (political science and international relations on a pre-law track)
Salutatorian: Hailey Baumann
Parents: Russ and Jennifer Baumann
Parish: St. Joseph, South Lyon
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison (biology and play soccer)
St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Monroe
Valedictorian: Luke Foster
Parents: Carlton and Jean Foster
Parish: St. John the Baptist, Monroe
College: University of Notre Dame (chemical engineering)
Valedictorian: Charlotte Jones
Parents: Bryan and Janeen Jones
College: John Carroll University (English and political science (pre-law))
Salutatorian: Michael Laboe
Parents: Anthony and Heather Laboe
Parish: St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Monroe
College: University of Notre Dame (major undecided)
St. Mary’s Preparatory, Orchard Lake
Valedictorian: Kale Beer Howcroft
Parents: John and Stephanie Howcroft
College: University of Michigan (School of Kinesiology)
Salutatorian: Sebastian Thomas Hinton
Parents: Ben and Marian Hinton
Parish: St. Owen, Bloomfield Hills
College: University of Michigan (School of Engineering)
University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit
Valedictorian: Noah Cahill
Parents: Tania Macioce and Michael Cahill
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College: Undecided
Valedictorian: Owen Dorweiler
Parents: Karla and Timothy Dorweiler
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College: University of Notre Dame (computer engineering)
Valedictorian: Will Friedrich
Parents: Tarah and Matt Friedrich
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College: Purdue University (engineering)
Valedictorian: David A. Smith II
Parents: Mae A. Smitherman-Smith and David A. Smith
College: Ohio State University (major finance and business law)
Valedictorian: Henry Smith
Parents: Andrea and Andy Smith
Parish: Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, Detroit
College: University of Notre Dame (aerospace engineering)
Valedictorian: Andrew Szachta
Parents: Christine and Michael Szachta
Parish: St. Irenaeus, Rochester Hills
College: University of Michigan (chemical engineering)
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