Geoff Andrews, Superintendent of Schools – May 14, 2026
The Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Across our diocesan high schools, this graduating class has demonstrated academic excellence, servant leadership, faith-filled discipleship, and a commitment to using their God-given talents in service to others.
As diplomas are handed out and tassels turned, we recognize that these moments are about much more than graduation ceremonies. They are the culmination of years of growth inside classrooms, on athletic fields, on stages, in chapels, and throughout communities across North Central and Northwest Kansas.
The Class of 2026 has spent countless hours completing homework assignments, preparing presentations, writing research papers, and finishing senior capstone projects that challenged them to think critically, communicate effectively, and connect learning to real-world experiences. They have balanced rigorous coursework with extracurricular involvement, leadership opportunities, part-time jobs, and service to their schools and parishes.
This year’s graduates also continued a strong tradition of excellence in athletics and fine arts. Students represented their schools with pride through state tournaments, league championships, concerts, musicals, speech competitions, art shows, pep bands, and countless other activities that enriched school communities and showcased the unique gifts of each student. Through victory and defeat, applause and adversity, they learned perseverance, teamwork, humility, and discipline.
Yet, what makes Catholic education different is not simply what students accomplish, but who they become in the process.
Throughout their time in our schools, these graduates have been formed in the light of the Gospel and challenged to see Christ in others. Through retreats, Masses, Adoration, service projects, prayer experiences, and daily encounters with teachers and mentors, they have been reminded that their lives have meaning and purpose beyond personal success.
The witness of the Class of 2026 reflects the heart of Catholic Social Teaching and the mission of Catholic education.
They have learned about the dignity of every human person by serving classmates, supporting peers, and caring for those who are struggling. They have experienced the importance of family, community, and participation through school activities, parish life, and the lasting relationships formed during their years together.
Many of our graduates completed significant service hours in hospitals, nursing homes, food pantries, parish ministries, community events, and youth programs. In doing so, they embraced the call to care for the poor and vulnerable while recognizing that authentic leadership begins with service.
Students preparing for careers in agriculture, skilled trades, education, healthcare, business, military service, and countless other professions have also come to understand the dignity of work and the rights and responsibilities that come with contributing to society. Whether heading to a university, trade school, junior college, the military, or directly into the workforce, these graduates are stepping into vocations that help strengthen families, communities, and the common good.
Living in rural Kansas has also taught many of our students the importance of stewardship and care for God’s creation. They understand the value of hard work, the beauty of community life, and the responsibility each person has to leave the world better than they found it.
Most importantly, the Class of 2026 has been reminded that they are called to solidarity with others. In a world that can often feel divided and uncertain, our graduates have learned the importance of compassion, mercy, and walking alongside others as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
As a diocesan school system, we are deeply grateful to the parents, pastors, teachers, coaches, staff members, benefactors, and parish communities who have helped form these young men and women. Catholic education is a shared mission, and the success of our graduates is a reflection of countless people who have invested in them spiritually, academically, and personally along the way.
The Catholic Schools of the Salina Diocese congratulate the Class of 2026 and pray that each graduate continues to seek God’s will with courage and confidence. We are proud of the people they have become, and we look forward to the ways they will continue to lead, serve, and share the light of Christ in the years ahead.
Together, let us be disciples of Jesus on mission.