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Rosary High School Class of 2021

Posted June 15, 2021 1:00 am

Rosary High School graduating seniors Molly Lentz, Isabella Casanovas, Rachel Piscoran, Sarah Shoaff, and Emily Lentz in front of St. Peter Church. Courtesy of Rosary High School

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 67

Valedictorian: Brooklyn Capparelli

Salutatorian: Isabella Pytel

Student Council Executive Board: Ann Molenhouse, president; Katie Lifka, vice president; Brooke Capparelli, secretary; Mary Kate McAdams, treasurer.

Senior Class Officers: Kaileigh Quinn, president; Victoria Fleming, vice president; Josie Hathaway, secretary; Mirari Cardenas, treasurer.

Academic achievements:

• College Bound (93% to 4-year school, 4% to 2-year school, 3% directly entering military service)

• 25 National Honor Society Members

• 9 Illinois State Scholars (13.5%)

• 11 athletes committed to play in college

National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student: Liann Peterson

Extracurricular achievements:

• Virtual IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest, Julia Beltz, Division 1 - Superior Rating

• Wisconsin State Music Association State Solos, Maggie Baranick received first division (superior) ratings

Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Scholarships:

• Anna Garrison - Robert G. Schweitzer Scholarship

• Emily Lentz - Jack Desha Witt Education Scholarship

• Molly Lentz - Jack Desha Witt Education Scholarship

• Camille Sheetz - Fred and Barb Miller Scholarship

• Sarah Shoaff - Zonta Club of Aurora Scholarship

• Karla Tellez - Aurora Hispanic Heritage Advisory Board Scholarship

Illinois State Scholars: Brooklyn Capparelli; Isabella Casanovas; Peyton Dillon; Anna Garrison; Maia Italia; Isabella Pytel; Kaileigh Quinn; Lauren Roskuszka; Sarah Shoaff.

Athletic achievements:

• Eleven members of the Class of 2021 signed National Letters of Intent to participate in college athletics: Elyssa Brault - Swimming - Brown University; Brooke Capparelli - Softball - Washington University in St. Louis; Isabella Casanovas - Swimming - Augustana College; Peyton Dillon - Softball - Missouri University of Science and Technology; Maia Italia - Track & Field - Drake University; Jessica Geriane - Swimming - University of Notre Dame; Annie Molenhouse - Oklahoma State University - Track & Field; Anastasia Mucha - St. Ambrose University - Golf; Madelyn O'Brien - Merrimack College - Soccer; Isabella Pytel - University of Pennsylvania - Swimming; Molly Sullivan - Augustana College - Volleyball.

• Golf wins 1st IHSA Regional Championship

• Cross Country wins Metro Suburban Conference Championship and IHSA Sectional Championship

• Swimming wins Metro Suburban Conference Championship

• Cheer wins Metro Suburban Conference Championship

Theater productions: You're a Good Man Charlie Brown

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

Spirit Week, Holiday Hopes, Prom, Rosary Day of Service, National Honors Society Induction, Junior Ring Blessing, Musical, Senior Blessing, Candle Rose Ceremony and graduation all required limited attendance, wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

What were the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?

They overcame COVID-19 and all of the restrictions put on them and were able to be a successful class and have as normal of a senior year as possible.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

The Rosary Class of 2021 have a knack for making the best of bad situations. They have risen to the occasion and shown that their bravery outshines any doubts they had about yourselves. They are uniquely set up to handle every curveball thrown at them with creativity, resilience, and grace.

- Head of School Amy McMahon

Rosary High School seniors Julia Gaugel and Anna Garrison show their diplomas at St. Peter Church in Geneva. Courtesy of Rosary High School

Rosary held its annual Candle Rose Honors Convocation on May 18 at the school and its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 at St. Peter Church in Geneva on May 19. Seniors Maya Figueras and Karla Tellez are all smiles during the ceremony. Courtesy of Rosary High School

Rosary High School Candle Rose Ceremony where members of the junior class offer a rose symbolizing a new journey to a graduating senior in exchange for a lighted candle. Catherine Gallagher presents a rose to graduating senior Maria Saucedo at the Aurora school. Courtesy of Rosary High School

Rosary held its annual Candle Rose Honors Convocation on May 18 at the school and its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2021 at St. Peter Church in Geneva on May 19. Catherine Whittier, Alex Trocchio, Evelyn Zielinski, Meghan Gregory, Maria Saucedo, Julia Beltz and accompanist Mary Hendrian perform "Daughter of God," Rosary's unofficial anthem, at the graduation. Courtesy of Rosary High School

Rosary High School in Aurora. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com

Students from Rosary High School in Aurora load Easter baskets into a family's vehicle at a drive-through distribution of 350 free baskets at Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry. Courtesy of Al Benson

Sarah Shoaff, a senior at Rosary High School in Aurora, was the chair of the Youth Engagement in Philanthropy program of the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley for the classes of 2019-20 and 2020-21. Courtesy of Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley

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