The St. Thomas School Class of 2026 was recognized during its 8th Grade Graduation ceremony with a celebration highlighting academic achievement, leadership, service, faith, and character.
The ceremony opened with the processional, “Pomp & Circumstance,” followed by an opening prayer from Father Tomy. Jennelle Hinterscher welcomed family, friends, faculty, and classmates before awards and diplomas were presented by Father Tomy, Mrs. Bierman, and Mr. Stork. Blake Bierman delivered the closing remarks.
Graduates recognized during the ceremony included Natascha Alblinger, Nathan Beals, Blake Bierman, Olivia Bower, Maison Buerster, Bryar French, Levi Gier, John Hartrich, William Hartrich, Sutton Helm, Jennelle Hinterscher, Bailey Meinhart, Eli Ochs, Jerrick Pitcher, Carter Ross, Dean Simpson, and Lyndsey Spiker.
School officials noted the Class of 2026 accumulated more than 320 hours of service to others outside of their school responsibilities, while also representing St. Thomas School and Parish throughout the community.
Several students were recognized with special honors during the ceremony.
The Honor Roll Award, presented to students who achieved “A” or “B” honor roll every quarter throughout grades 6-8, was awarded to Blake Bierman, Olivia Bower, Maison Buerster, John Hartrich, Will Hartrich, Jennelle Hinterscher, Bailey Meinhart, Dean Simpson, and Lyndsey Spiker.
Jennelle Hinterscher was also recognized for her contributions to the school yearbook and received the Star Spangled Banner Club Award for her performances of the National Anthem at local ballgames.
Blake Bierman received the Highest Scholastic Middle School Award, honoring the student with the highest scholastic average throughout grades 6-8.
Outstanding Student honors, selected by the eighth grade class along with St. Thomas faculty and staff based on helpfulness, friendliness, honesty, attitude, work ethic, and overall character, were presented to Olivia Bower and Blake Bierman.
The ceremony also included recognition of families graduating their final child from St. Thomas School, with school leaders thanking parents for their dedication to faith formation, education, and the school community.
Patsy Leffler served as pianist for the ceremony, while programs were prepared by Kyle Bierman and Kyle Meinhart.
Back: Mrs. Jill Bierman, Will Hartrich, Eli Ochs, Dean Simpson, Maison Buerster, Levi Gier, Blake Bierman, Nate Beals, Bryar French, Jerrick Pitcher
Back: Mrs. Jill Bierman, Will Hartrich, Eli Ochs, Dean Simpson, Maison Buerster, Levi Gier, Blake Bierman, Nate Beals, Bryar French, Jerrick Pitcher
