By The Message staff
The collective class of 2022 from the Diocese of Evansville’s four Catholic high schools received their diplomas during commencement ceremonies held May 21 and May 22. In addition to Bishop Joseph M. Siegel’s message to graduates, which appears here on page 1, you will find additional coverage on pages 2 and 5 of this issue of The Message.
Washington Catholic High School held commencement May 21 in the school’s gym. Rivet High School also held commencement May 21 at High Woods Community Center in Vincennes.
Evansville’s Mater Dei High School and Reitz Memorial High School held commencement ceremonies May 22 at Old National Events Plaza in downtown Evansville.
Congratulations to all!
Full coverage of 2022 Commencement ceremonies
Alicia McGuire, left, one of Rivet High School’s four valedictorian, presents a bouquet of flowers to her
parents in thanksgiving for all they have done for her. Seniors at the Vincennes Catholic high school have
carried on this tradition for many years. Rivet held its Commencement ceremony for the class of 2022
May 21.
The Message photo by Tim Lilley
Members of the Rivet class of 2022 move their tassels to signify their status as graduates
during the May 21 commencement ceremony. The Message photo by Tim Lilley
The Rivet class of 2022 celebrates commencement with a group cap toss following the May
21 ceremony at the school. The Message photo by Tim Lilley
Dr. Daryl Hagan, center, who is leaving his position as diocesan superintendent of schools in early July to
join the Catholic University of America, accepts a gift from Washington Catholic High School Senior Class President Alyssa Davison, left, and Vice-President Logan Craney. Washington Catholic held its Commencement ceremony for the class of 2022 May 21. The Message photo by Tim Lilley
Members of the Washington Catholic class of 2022 move their tassels to signify their
status as graduates during the May 21 commencement ceremony. The Message photo by Tim Lilley
The Washington Catholic class of 2022 celebrates commencement with a group cap toss
following the May 21 ceremony at the school. The Message photo by Tim Lilley
Bishop Joseph M. Siegel offers a closing prayer and blessing for
Mater Dei’s 2022 graduates. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Mater Dei High School senior Calvin Stratman, left, who served as mayor of Mater Dei-ville,
speaks to his classmates and their families before introducing those on stage, including Bishop
Joseph M. Siegel, front row left, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daryl Hagan, senior priest of the
diocese Father Will Lowell, Mater Dei President Dan Niemeier, Assistant Principal Melba
Wilderman, second row left, and Director of Guidance Shea Reneer. Mater Dei held its
Commencement ceremony for the class of 2022 May 22 at the Old National Events Plaza in
downtown Evansville.
The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Mater Dei’s Class of 2022 Valedictorians are Nathan
Schneider, left, Cole Norman, Kate Herrmann, Aleilah Nisley, Julie Heldman, Lauren Ahola,
Ryan Van Bibber, Alexa Kassenbrock, Emma Macke and Christine Marx. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Mater Dei’s Class of 2022, which included 120 graduates, move their
tassels to signify their status as high school graduates during the May 22 commencement
ceremony. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Steve Church, right, accepts the 2022 Reitz Memorial High School Distinguished Service Award
from school president Christian Mocek. Before the award presentation, Mocek gave a brief
introduction of the 37th recipient of the award. Church met his wife of 29 years, Stacey, through
some of his University of Evansville soccer teammates. The couple have four daughters, three of
whom are Reitz Memorial graduates, with the fourth intended to graduate next year. In 2015,
Church joined the President’s Council at Reitz Memorial, and he has served the past two years as
chairperson. In that time, Mocek said Church has been an invaluable member, offering
leadership, supporting various initiatives and ensuring the school has a strong foundation for the
future. When asked what it means to receive the award, Church said it is truly an honor, a
privilege and humbling. Reitz Memorial held its Commencement ceremony for the class of 2022
May 22 at the Old National Events Plaza in Evansville. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Reitz Memorial’s Class of 2022 Valedictorians are Emily
Roe, front row left, Jack Nichols, Lauren Meunier, Averi Anslinger, back row left, Andi Flittner, Mia Carter and Jenna Bersch. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Reitz Memorial’s Class of 2022, which included 130 graduates,
move their tassels to signify their status as high school graduates during the May 22
commencement ceremony. The Message photo by Megan Erbacher
Following his message to the Rivet High School class of 2022, Bishop Joseph M. Siegel
offered the benediction.
The Message photo by Tim Lilley