Bishop Ryan graduation

Class of ‘08 adds final high school memory

By JILL SCHRAMM, Staff Writer jschramm@minotdailynews.com
Seniors in the graduating class at Bishop Ryan High School added a final memory to their years with Minot Catholic Schools when they left their school auditorium clutching diplomas Sunday.

“The most important things we will walk away with today are the memories of our days here together,” valedictorian Wesley Halseth said in his address. “They are what make us who we are.”

Salutatorian Lacey Berentson echoed a similar sentiment.

“There are so any memories we have made as a class,” she said. “These memories are what keeps us connected and classmates forever.”

Bishop Ryan graduated 46 students, including 13 with honors.

Berentson and her classmates Jennifer Kondos and Leah Larson huddled to share their excitement and trepidation about the future before making their processional walk.

“It’s exciting because we are going to move on to a new stage of our lives, but it’s also kind of scary and sad that we are going to leave some of our friends behind,” Berentson said.

Kondos said she is happy about moving on but she also will be headed to the same college as Berentson and Larson. They all plan to attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.

Many of their classmates are going on to UND, Minot State University or North Dakota State University in Fargo, the graduates said. Some have chosen other North Dakota colleges, and a few will be attending schools out of state.

The class’s top two students will be pursuing science fields. Halseth plans to study biochemistry at the University of Minnesota, while Berentson will be working toward her goal to become a sports medicine physician.

Halseth received the Monsignor John W. Hogan Award, given to a senior for overall achievement and character.

The Most Rev. Paul Zipfel, bishop of the Diocese of Bismarck, told students to measure their success not by material gain but by the way they show love for others.

“Don’t see just what you want to see – what will justify your ideas of a good life. Open your eyes beyond your backyard and your front lawn and your class and your school and city,” he said. “Open your eyes wide to your sisters and brothers of all races, especially those who hunger for bread, for justice or a tomorrow that might be less inhuman than today.”