Celebration of Faith, Growth, and Community: CCH Graduates the Class of 2025

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, Catholic Central High School proudly celebrated the graduation of 300 students during a moving Convocation Ceremony held at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. The event marked the culmination of a week filled with joy, reflection, and celebration, honouring the journey and achievements of the Class of 2025.

The week began with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit (FNMI) Feather and Métis Sash Blessing Ceremony on Tuesday, May 6. Led by Elder Kendrick Fox, Naatoiipiksi (Holy Hitter), this powerful event honoured Indigenous graduates in a deeply spiritual and cultural way, with families and friends in attendance.

On Friday, May 9, the graduation Mass brought the community together for an evening of prayer and thanksgiving, as students, staff, and families gathered to recognize the spiritual foundation of Catholic education.

"It's an exciting week for us here at CCH," said Principal Joanne Polec. "The Grad weekend begins with our Graduation Mass. As a Catholic school, we value the opportunity to celebrate this special evening with our community and all of the graduates. On Saturday, we hold both the Convocation Ceremony and the Grand March and Dance. These are important for all of our graduates as the recognition of all their hard work."

The Convocation Ceremony on Saturday morning was a highlight of the week, with Superintendent Chantel Axani and Trustee Roisin Gibb offering words of congratulations and encouragement before students walked the stage. Family, friends, and loved ones filled the arena to celebrate this significant milestone.

The ceremony was beautifully anchored in prayer, beginning and ending with student-led prayers and Blackfoot blessings. A sense of community and gratitude filled the air, especially during the heartfelt thank-you addresses delivered by graduates to staff, families, and friends.

The student voice was powerfully represented by co-valedictorians Madeline Russell and Sophia Henke, who shared personal reflections on growth, friendship, and the future.

"When I think about high school and what it's meant, I don't necessarily think about the academics I've been a part of, but the communities," said Madeline. "Groups like choir, book club, and volunteering are what stand out along with the people and the connections that I've formed."

Sophia reflected on the challenges and growth of her high school years: "High school was a definite growing experience. There were a lot of tough times but also a lot of great times too, and all of these have helped me grow and change and get ready for adulthood."

Both students acknowledged the honor of sharing the valedictorian role. “It’s just nice to be able to stand up there with a friend,” Sophia added.

The week concluded on Saturday evening with the elegant Grand March and Dance, closing out a heartfelt celebration of faith, perseverance, and community.

Congratulations to the Catholic Central High School Class of 2025—may your next chapter be filled with hope, courage, and purpose.