MERRILLVILLE – The day after the senior class celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, the Class of 2026 of Andrean High School gathered once more for Commencement Exercises. As the graduates arrived on May 29, they gathered in the gymnasium, sharing hugs and taking selfies in their caps and gowns before lining up to process onto the football field for the ceremony.
When asked about her time at Andrean, graduate Alexis Lockett said she truly enjoyed “everything.” She specifically is grateful for the special bonds that she’s developed with classmates during her high school years.
“That Christ-like centered foundation that we have, and that authenticness that we're able to share across each and every last one of us is something that I truly am so grateful for,” she said.
Lockett was a varsity cheerleader for four years and the president of the National Honor Society. She was also on the executive board of the Student Council in addition to being a member of the Art Club and Spanish Club.
Lockett said Andrean is special as it teaches students how to intricately place each of its values – the pillars of faith, service, leadership and learning – into life. She felt one of the most important things she learned at Andrean was how to accept change and be willing to jump at opportunities. Lockett will head to the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Bloomington to continue her education.
Classmate Caleb O'Donnell said he loved being a part of the Andrean family. He was a member of the National Honor Society, and played on the tennis and track and field teams.
“The overall sense of community is what makes Andrean special,” he said.
O'Donnell plans to major in chemistry and shared that it was his AP biology class, taught by Christopher Skinner during his senior year, which fueled his passion for the subject. He enrolled in the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, for college.
During the welcoming remarks, Principal Jacob Knazur said that when the graduates first entered the hall of Andrean four years ago, few knew the path each would follow and the contributions each would muster. While the staff and teachers saw great potential in every student four years ago, none but the Lord knew the path each would journey to get to that day.
“The 110 individuals seated before us have completed this leg of the journey,” Knazur said. “They have competed well, they have kept the faith, and allowed their light to burn bright. I'm honored and humbled to join you in celebrating them this evening.”
Salutatorian Daniel Shea took the podium and talked about the importance of growth. He quoted Benjamin Franklin, stating, “Without continual growth in progress, such words as improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.”
Shea stated that growth is the result of time, reflection and progress. Many, he said, might attribute growth to just increases in age and size. However, he pointed out that people grow throughout life in many different ways. He said people grow in faith, love, identity and mind.
“Without growth, we would be stationary people never fated to move beyond where we are,” he said. “But thankfully, this destiny is not ours to share.”
Shea told his classmates that time in their life is when they grew the most. For many, arriving at high school for their freshman year came with big changes. Suddenly, they had much more freedom and responsibility, and each year they were given more. Joining sports and clubs, starting to drive, and getting jobs were just a few things he said that would begin to prepare them for the future.
“This wasn’t always easy,” he said. “Every single person here faced hardships and challenges. But despite that, we grew.”
Shea said he considered those experiences and challenges successes. The successes provide a better grasp of the world as a whole.
Shea noted that the Andrean class was riddled with achievement. The football and baseball teams won the state championships. The softball team was incredibly successful and went far into their season, and volleyball also did the same.
While the time, sacrifice and work they put into their education may not have always been visible, he said they put in the hard work of studying and practicing.
“Every senior here today has also made many accomplishments,” he said. “We learned, we lived, and now we graduate. Every single class was harder than the previous one, but we rose to meet the expectations. We grew, and now look at us. We were all accepted into colleges and the trades.”
Shea then asked his classmates to look back on their freshman year and think about the mistakes they made and anything they might have regretted.
“We were different people back then,” he said. “These feelings are the best things you can feel when you reflect on the past. You wanna know why? These pains of the past only mean you have grown into something stronger, smarter and better.”
Valedictorian Abigayle Kubiak also recalled what it was like four years ago, walking into high school not knowing what anything would be like. Although graduations are meant to celebrate the students, she told her class to look around and celebrate the people who helped get them to the point of graduation.
“We didn't get into this moment alone, so thank you to all those in the bleachers out there for helping make this class of 2026 all it could be,” she said.
Kubiak said the day was bittersweet. She acknowledged that while she and her classmates were pretty excited to move on and start something new and fresh, they were leaving behind the memories they made at the school. From inconvenient fire alarms during lunch and Mass to winning the football state championship, she said, “We've spent some of the most formative years of our lives together within these walls.”
“The Class of 2026 family that we’ve created together is special, and I know it’s going to be hard leaving that and going somewhere new,” she said.
Kubiak reminded her classmates that they have the power to establish a community and create that sense of family with others they meet going forward.
“You're all children of God,” she said. “So, take that light of Christ with you into the new spaces that you enter.”
To further emphasize that sentiment, Kubiak referenced Luke 11:33, explaining that no one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a bushel basket. Rather, one places it on the lamp stand so those who enter may see the light.
“Put your light on the lamp stand and allow others to see that,” she said. “We all have a God-given light and talent that we have the responsibility to cultivate and share. Each and every one of us are strong, capable people who have the power to do good in the world, show others the love, support and kindness of God.”
Kubiak encouraged the graduates to go out into the world and use what they learned in high school to make things better for those around them. She also advised them to have integrity in everything they do and always to do the right thing.
“It’s not winning or succeeding that defines you, but the integrity of your character that matters,” she said.
Kubiak acknowledged that it's inevitable they may fall short on some tasks, but told them instead of focusing on faults to keep their focus on the new opportunities they have to learn and grow.
“Go out there and make mistakes,” she said. “Don't sit on them, but push past them into new days and experiences to try and be better. Continue learning, even outside of school, have integrity and don't take the easy way out of things.”
After each of the graduates’ names were read and diplomas were handed out, Principal Knazur had a few more words for the graduates. He challenged them to step up and lead, adding that the nation and greater society are thirsting for quality and authentic leadership.
“You're ready to leave us,” Knazur told the Class of 2026. “But, as you advance forward, look back every now and then. Look to see how we're waving at you and cheering you on… see how proud we are of you.”
