JCCHS Class of 2022 Leaving Their Mark
As the 75th graduating class from John Carroll Catholic High School (JCCHS), the Class of 2022 will be remembered as one that achieved many outstanding milestones and overcame significant challenges on their way to leaving their mark on the history of the school. With impressive scholarship awards, nearly 100% attending college, eight collegiate student-athletes, and notable community services performed, the Class of 2022 excelled, despite spending a portion of their high school career socially distanced, behind masks, and learning via virtual teaching methods. We congratulate them and honor them for their fortitude, perseverance, and unyielding Cavalier spirit!
Of the graduating seniors, the school’s president, Father Bob Sullivan, said “The Class of 2022 will always hold a special place in the history of John Carroll. They are the 75th class to graduate - a wonderful milestone and testament to the enduring legacy of Catholic education and the importance of the role that we play in the forming of our future leaders: mind, body, and spirit. Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2022 - we know that you will carry the light of Christ and the spirit of John Carroll with you throughout your life.”
The celebrations began on Tuesday, May 17, with the annual Senior Class Awards Night. Students and their families gathered in the JCCHS Auditorium to recognize the achievements of the students, including: 77 out of 106 students (almost 75%) earning scholarships/grants, $7.5+ million dollars in gift aid offered to these 77 students, 9,205 hours of service to the Birmingham community performed by the class, and 100% of the class continuing their education at two and four-year colleges/universities, or military service.
Alexandra Deichmann, a graduate of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School, was announced as the class valedictorian and Crystal Doan, a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Catholic School, was recognized as class salutatorian. Deichmann will be attending Boston College and Doan will be attending Northeastern University.
On Thursday, May 19, the members of the Class of 2022 and their families gathered to celebrate a beautiful Baccalaureate Mass in the JCCHS gymnasium, followed by an exciting commencement program at JCCHS’s Pat Sullivan Field.
The Mass was celebrated by JCCHS President Father Robert Sullivan (‘82). Concelebrants included Executive Vice-President Father Jon Chalmers, Campus Chaplain Father Jonathan Howell, and Deacon Doug Moorer (‘67).
Graduation ceremony attendees heard an encouraging message from class valedictorian. Deichmann challenged her classmates to “appreciate the past, anticipate the future, but more importantly, enjoy the present.”
Margaret DuBose, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Birmingham, was in attendance to present the Bishop’s Trophy to Ruby Thornton. This prestigious award goes to a student who finishes top 5 in their class and has been a well-rounded leader in service, sports, clubs, and activities. Thornton is the daughter of Tommy and Wendy Thornton, and she attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (K-8th). She will be going to Auburn University in the fall.
Finally, as the evening sun set over the beautiful John Carroll campus, the Class of 2022 gathered one last time to sing the alma mater and proclaim John Carroll “forevermore.” A sense of beginning, not ending, was in the air; the beginning of the next stage in the lives of the graduates, and the forthcoming and exciting chapters to come in the legacy of John Carroll Catholic High School. On the cusp of the 75th anniversary celebration and the anticipation in welcoming over 150 new Cavalier students in the fall of 2022, John Carroll proclaims a commitment to ensuring excellence as we continue the work of forming young people who are inspired by a passion for learning and who seek to lead lives of significance in service to God and others.
Scholarships and Awards:
Valedictorian - Alexandra Deichmann (OLV/Boston College)
Salutatorian - Crystal Doan (SFX/Northeastern University)
The Linda and Roy Taylor Memorial Scholarship - Anna Claire Grondin (POP/University of Montevallo)
The Joe Perry Scholarship - Lilly Langley (Homewood MS/Auburn University)
The Tyler Porter Memorial Scholarship - Campbell McFadden (POP/Auburn University)
The Sister Dominica Award - Alexandra Deichmann
The Tom Banks Award - Ruby Thornton (OLS/Auburn University)
The Floyd Meshad Award - Campbell McFadden
The Pat Sullivan Award - Macey Ogle (OLV/Lipscomb University)
The Deacon Joe Stephens Award - Sarah Pepe (SFX/Louisiana State University)
The Robert Lumpkins Award - Caroline Golab (OLS/University of North Alabama)
The Lynette Bice Casey Cavalier Spirit Award - Gregorey Shunnarah (POP/Jefferson State CC/UAB)
The Bailey Chestnut Scholarship - Kallie Moreland (POP/Fashion Institute of Technology)
The Marjorie Champion Salamone Award - Alexa Robinson (Altamont/Agnes Scott College)
The Destin Doughty Track Award - Nicholas Pfarner (SFX/University of Alabama in Huntsville)
The Destin Doughty Art Award - Kennedy Bonner (SFX/University of Memphis)
The Sister Mary Leo Emmaus Award - Tell Alessio (SRA/Spring Hill College), and Emma Hughey (OLS/University of Mississippi)
The Joe Milazzo Art Award - Peter Ray (SFX/Samford University)
Cavs IN Service Award (given to the student who recorded the most service hours) - Kennedy Bonner
Other recognitions included:
Eagle Scout - Peter Ray (SFX/Samford University)
Shades Valley Rotary Club Scholarships - Maggie Banks (OLS/Auburn University), Jack Carlisle, Lynette Garcia (SFX/Samford University), Ian Quiles (UAB), and Sidney White (SFX/Wake Forest University)
Distinguished Young Woman - Ellie Everett (POP/Samford University)
OLV Knights of Columbus Scholarship - Morgan Lazenby (OLV/Mississippi State University)
WBRC Rising Star Scholarship - Sarah Pepe
Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award - Zane Boackle (OLV/UAB)
Bryant-Jordan Academic Award - Ruby Thornton
The Rotary Club Coach’s Choice Award - Morgan Lazenby
United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athletes - Jack Carlisle (OLS/Auburn University), and Ellie Everett
United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence - Ian Quiles
United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Band Award - Lawrence Johnson Chambers (Holy Family Catholic Academy/LaGrange College)
Senior Musicianship Award - Lawrence Johnson Chambers
AP Capstone Completions - Tell Alessio, Lilly Brown (Advent/Auburn University), Alexandra Deichmann, Jackson Gerace (Pizitz/University of Mississippi), Morgan Lazenby, Madison Le (OLS/UAB), Stephen Plourde (OLS/Full Sail University), Mia Redcross (SFX/University of Vermont), Andrew Turkiewicz (OLS/Auburn University), Genesis Turner (SRA/Hampton University), and Sidney White
Collegiate Student-Athletes:
Quad Harrison (Berry MS) - Football/Troy University
Jessica Heberlein (OLV) - Cheerleading/Bellarmine University
Lawrence Johnson Chambers - Lacrosse & football/LaGrange College
Christopher LaRussa (OLS) - Soccer/St. Bonaventure University
Aaron Mason (St. Aloysius) - Football/Birmingham-Southern College
Macey Ogle - Softball/Lipscomb University
Charlotte Phillips (Rudd MS) - Softball/Gulf Coast State
Kaitlyn Shields (POP) - Golf/Belmont Abbey College
Military:
Grey Sanders - (Spring Valley School/United States Coast Guard)
Departmental Awards:
English - Sidney White
Math - Jose Tallaj (SRA/Columbia University)
Science - Alexandra Deichmann
Social Science - Jackson Gerace
Spanish - Daniela Lopez (SFX/Aurora University)
Theology - Ruby Thornton
Visual Arts - Crystal Doan
Choir - Tell Alessio
Band - James Gregory (Altamont/University of Alabama)
Drama (Technical) - Peter Ray
Drama (Performance) - Will Ireland (OLS/Auburn University)
Human Environmental Science - Joshua Simpson (Whitesburg MS/Mississippi University for Women - coed)
Class Officers:
President - Jack Carlisle
Vice President - Morgan Scott (OLS/Howard University)
Secretary - Olivia Hannon (SRA/Auburn University)
Treasurer - AJ Edwards (Bishop Lynch HS/Auburn University)
Student Council Officers:
President - Josie Scalici (SRA/Auburn University)
Vice President - Ruby Thornton
Secretary - Crystal Doan
