The Joliet Catholic Academy Class of 2021 was honored on Sunday, May 16 at Joliet Memorial Stadium during the annual Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Ceremony. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both events were combined in an outdoor setting. Graduates took part in a Mass led by Fr. Jeff Smialek, O.Carm. and then received awards highlighting the numerous accolades the Class of 2021 garnered during their high school careers. The day culminated in JCA’s newest graduates walking the stage and receiving their diplomas.
Click Here to view the full list of announced awards earned by JCA’s Class of 2021.
Click Here to view the 2021 Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremony Program.
Click Here to a view a complete photo gallery of the event (password: JCAC).
The highlight of the program was the final awards announced: JCA’s Angel of the Year and Hillman of the Year, and the presentation of Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian.
Joliet Catholic Academy’s most prestigious award recognizes the two students who have upheld the highest standards of honesty and reliability, courtesy, concern and respect for others, have carried out their accepted responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication, influenced their peers by their positive attitudes, and have given witness to the Gospel values.
Cameron Batis
The recipient of the JCA HILLMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD is:
Zachary Bertino
Each year the Administration of Joliet Catholic academy selects the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the senior class. This year’s outstanding nominees were:
SALUTATORIAN: Emma Oswalt
The Joliet Catholic Academy community is extremely proud of these seniors and congratulate them and their parents for this great accomplishment. They join the select few of previous candidates who have attained this tremendous academic distinction.
Each year the JCA Athletic Department honors students who demonstrated both academic and athletic achievement.
SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD: Breanna Ciemny and John Ehrsam
The JCA Spirit Award recognizes students who have displayed academic excellence, school spirit, cooperation, loyalty, and service to the JCA community.
JCA SPIRIT AWARD: Grace Buss and Hope Daga
The Administration, Faculty, Staff, Board of Members, and Board of Directors of Joliet Catholic Academy offer the heartiest congratulations to all recipients, their parents, step-parents, guardians, grandparents, relatives, and friends.
Joliet Catholic Academy’s Class of 2021 marked the 152nd year of Catholic education in Will County provided by the Carmelites and Franciscans between St. Francis Academy, De La Salle High School, Joliet Catholic High School, and Joliet Catholic Academy. Since the merger of JCHS and SFA in 1990, this marked the 31st graduating class at Joliet Catholic Academy.
Find us online