Morgan Kernan, center, smiles after turning her tassel during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
CRANBERRY TWP — Over 200 students at North Catholic High School turned their tassels on Friday night, May 23, at the commencement ceremony for the school’s class of 2025, held at the Cahouet Auditorium on campus.
“It’s a mix of emotions,” said vice principal John Benzing. “There’s sadness to see some of these kids I’ve been with for four years and watch grow into the young adults that they are, to know that they’re not going to be here next year ... but I’m also excited because they’re going to go off to bigger and better things, and I’m proud of every one of them.”
In the commencement program, over 100 schools are listed as destinations for graduating North Catholic students, from local schools to universities as far away as California. Mary Maloney, who led the seniors upstairs into the auditorium before the ceremony, is headed to Duquesne to study health sciences.
“I’m feeling excitement, nostalgia, sadness and happiness,” Maloney said.
Salutorian Natalia Rushak delivers the farewell address during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
“There’s lots to figure out and a lot you have to learn how to do, and you’ve really just got to know how to take on life now,” said James Totin, who says he intends to go to the Allegheny County Police Academy.
During the ceremony, Zeb Jansante, who is now completing his first year as principal of North Catholic, encouraged his new graduates to be bold and take risks in their new lives.
Braden Warecki gets on the shoulders of Josef Safar so he can write his name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
“There’s a simple quote I’ve used over the many years, and it’s something that I came up with,” Jansante said. “’Some say that life is full of opportunities. I say you make your own.’ That's something I want each of you to carry with you as you go forward. Don't wait for doors to open. Go build the door.”
Jansante also thanked the class of 2025 for welcoming him with open arms in his first year as principal.
“From the very first day I stepped on this campus as your principal, you welcomed me with open arms,” Jansante said. “Whenever I saw Members of this class in the hallways, I always received a warm smile and a hello. That might seem like a little thing, but it really did matter. It tells me who you are. It tells me what kind of people you are becoming.”
Co-valedictorian Julia Riley speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
This year’s class had not one, but two valedictorians, both named Julia — Julia Riley and Julia Schaarsmith. Coincidentally, both Julias will be attending the University of Notre Dame. During her co-valedictorian speech, Schaarsmith offered some advice for those still at North Catholic, including her sister, Kate, who will be a sophomore next year.
“We are more than students. Our character is not outlined on a transcript,” Schaarsmith said. “The most important thing we accomplished in high school was becoming the people we are right now.”
Co-valedictorian Julia Schaarsmith speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
A special shoutout was given to three of this year’s graduates, who chose to pursue military service after high school. Matthew White is headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, while Luke Lamb is headed to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and Nathan Melendez has enlisted in the U.S. Army.
“These young men will soon trade cap and gown for uniform and oath of enlistment,” said Joshua Murphy, incoming president of the Western Pennsylvania West Point Society. “They're not simply crossing the stage tonight. They're crossing the threshold into a lifetime of selfless service to this nation.”
Eva Cantalamessa receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Vanessa Miller writes her name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Sunni Love prepares to walk into the auditorium ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Co-valedictorian Julia Riley speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Eva Cantalamessa receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Co-valedictorian Julia Schaarsmith speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Redmond Jennison receives his diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Gianna Lapinsky receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Co-valedictorian Julia Riley speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Mary Maloney receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Morgan Kernan, center, smiles after turning her tassle during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Salutorian Natalia Rushak delivers the farewell address during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 listen to valedictory speeches during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Beckett Dunn walks across the stage to receive his diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Attendees cheer on the graduates after they received their diplomas during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Attendees cheer on the graduates after they received their diplomas during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 walk to the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Co-valedictorian Julia Schaarsmith hugs English teacher Rachel Reynolds before giving her address during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Sunni Love prepares to walk into the auditorium ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Attendees cheer on the Class of 2025 as they walk through the gymnasium into the auditorium ahead of their graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Vanessa Miller writes her name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Amanda Heinbach writes her name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
Braden Warecki gets on the shoulders of Josef Safar so he can write his name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Co-valedictorian Julia Riley speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Eva Cantalamessa receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Co-valedictorian Julia Schaarsmith speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Redmond Jennison receives his diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Gianna Lapinsky receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Co-valedictorian Julia Riley speaks during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Mary Maloney receives her diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Morgan Kernan, center, smiles after turning her tassle during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Salutorian Natalia Rushak delivers the farewell address during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 listen to valedictory speeches during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Beckett Dunn walks across the stage to receive his diploma during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Attendees cheer on the graduates after they received their diplomas during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Attendees cheer on the graduates after they received their diplomas during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 walk to the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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The Class of 2025 line up to enter the auditorium ahead of graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Co-valedictorian Julia Schaarsmith hugs English teacher Rachel Reynolds before giving her address during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Sunni Love prepares to walk into the auditorium ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Attendees cheer on the Class of 2025 as they walk through the gymnasium into the auditorium ahead of their graduating during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Vanessa Miller writes her name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Amanda Heinbach writes her name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
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Braden Warecki gets on the shoulders of Josef Safar so he can write his name on a wall in the school cafeteria ahead of graduating with the rest of the Class of 2025 at North Catholic High School during the North Catholic High School commencement ceremony on Friday, May 23, 2025. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Morgan Phillips
