Across the Diocese, the Class of 2026 leaves behind a remarkable legacy – but it is the individual moments rooted in faith and community that reveal the deepest impact.
Two stories in particular capture the spirit of what makes our school communities so extraordinary. They unite under the common mission of Catholic education. They highlight the transformative power of combining faith, family, and learning to shape character and foster a commitment to Gospel values.
A Shared Achievement at ACCHS
At Allentown Central Catholic High School, twin sisters Kathryn and Bridgett Kloiber achieved a rare distinction – valedictorian and salutatorian. From their earliest days at St. John Vianney Regional School, Allentown, where they attended preschool through eighth grade, they demonstrated a love of learning and a drive to succeed.
Their accomplishment reflects years of shared dedication, mutual support, and as they readily acknowledge, a bit of friendly competition. “We’ve always encouraged one another,” they said. “There’s competition, but it’s about wanting the best for each other.”
Both plan to attend Hamilton College on full scholarships to study neuroscience before pursuing careers in medicine. Their achievements extend well beyond the classroom. As standout soccer players, they helped lead their team to three State Cup championship appearances, earned a U.S. Youth Soccer title, and deepened their intellectual and spiritual formation through participation in the Witherspoon Institute at Princeton Seminary.
In her valedictory address, Kathryn reflected on the journey ahead with a message grounded in faith: “God has a very unique plan for each of us. We have the rest of our lives to discern and discover what that is.”
Bridgett echoed that call to purposeful living in her salutatory remarks, reminding classmates, “You won’t be remembered by asking people to remember you, but by giving them something to remember through how you live.”
Together, their words and witness exemplify the formation that our schools strive to provide – young men and women prepared not only for academic success, but for lives of meaning and service.
A Moment to Remember at Nativity
At Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville commencement brought a story that could unfold only in a close-knit school community. Ryan Grabowski, valedictorian, addressed his classmates with his father, Mike Grabowski, in his first year as principal, seated behind him.
Ryan plans to attend Messiah University to study mathematics and actuarial science, and join the Army ROTC program. But it was his reflection on the experiences of his class that resonated deeply.
He began with an admission: he had turned to artificial intelligence for help writing his speech – and quickly realized it fell short. “It was perfect,” he said, “and completely wrong.” Instead, Ryan turned to his classmates, asking what they would remember most. Their answers varied widely – big milestones, quiet moments, inside jokes shared by only a few.
“Nobody had everything,” he said. “But every single one of us had something. And that something is exactly what the world needs from you.”
Rooted in Nativity’s Christ-centered mission, Ryan highlighted gratitude as the defining lesson of his education. “None of us got here alone,” he said – a truth that took on special meaning in that moment as his father looked on with pride.
For Principal Grabowski, the evening marked the close of his first year leading the school he loves. Watching his son step forward as valedictorian transformed an already meaningful milestone into an unforgettable moment of shared joy that will remain with their family and school community for years to come.
By Cara Meskill, Director of Enrollment and Marketing, diocesan Office of Education.
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