Graduation honors absent classmates

Miracles occurred during the past four years at Notre Dame Regional High School.

That's the message Brother David Anthony Migliorino, principal, delivered to the 2006 graduating class at its commencement ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

It was the students who performed miracles of friendship, courage, strength and faith while attending Notre Dame, Migliorino said. "You have made miracles happen every day," he told the students. "And I too believe in miracles because of you."

The 114 students went through many challenging times as a class, Migliorino said. "Our world is very different than it was just four years ago," he said.

In December 2003, classmate Nathan Wibbenmeyer passed away after a battle with cancer. On May 5, classmate Tyler Glaus died when a tractor he was helping remove from a small pond overturned, pinning him underwater. He died of asphyxiation.

"You each changed pain into faith and strength, and gave everyone in the school hope. You made everyone realize the importance of life," Migliorino told the graduating class.

Class has tough times

Valedictorian John Kiblinger and salutatorian Adam Reinagel echoed Migliorino's sentiment about the class of 2006 dealing with difficult situations.

"Our class had many wonderful and tragic experiences. When Tyler and Nathan died, God helped us through the tough times," Kiblinger said. "Today, I know they are looking down on us."

The Rev. John J. Leibrecht, bishop of the diocese, told the class to continually give thanks to everyone who has affected their lives and to trust in God.

"We don't understand a lot of things that happen in life. Trust in God when those things that happen that we don't understand," Leibrecht said. "Trust in yourselves and trust in each other."

Nearly 65 percent of the class received academic or athletic scholarships totaling more than $4 million. Migliorino said the number of scholarships was a record for Notre Dame students.

"I have dreaded this day of your graduation, from the very first time I met you," Migliorino told the students. "This will be the last time I speak to you as your principal."

Close to 500 graduates from Notre Dame, Scott City, Cape Girardeau and Saxony Lutheran high schools participated in commencement ceremonies on Sunday.

jfreeze@semissourian.com

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