On May 23, beneath the radiant morning sky, Bishop Machebeuf High School hosted a poignant graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025, marking the end of a 66-year legacy in Denver’s Catholic education landscape.
A sea of green and gold caps and gowns adorned the graduates as family members held programs while faculty donned bittersweet smiles, signaling the school’s impending closure in June.
Amidst the solemnity of endings and the promise of new beginnings, the ceremony was infused with a unique spirit of joy, a sentiment highlighted by the speakers of the day.
Acting Principal Ralph Pesce, who has been part of the Machebeuf community for six years in various roles, opened the event with a heartfelt message filled with gratitude and hope.
He emphasized the community’s deep “love and commitment” to Machebeuf, calling it a “beloved place” for all.
Graduates were encouraged to cherish their shared experiences, from triumphs in sports to quieter moments of laughter in the hallways and time spent in prayer and reflection.
In his remarks, Pesce underscored the spiritual aspect of their education, reminding students that their time at Machebeuf was not just academic but aimed at leading them closer to Christ.
“In every moment of joy and even every moment of sorrow, there we find Christ,” Pesce seamlessly integrated Scripture into his address, quoting Ephesians 2:20 as a guiding principle for the graduates moving forward.
He charged them to leave Machebeuf not only as scholars but as witnesses of the Gospel, encapsulating the legacy of the school.
Salutatorian Matthew Menke took the stage next, infusing wit and warmth into his speech while expressing gratitude for his time at the school.
Reflecting on a lesson from his father, he humorously recalled being told that “second place means you’re the first loser,” acknowledging the irony of his position as salutatorian.
Menke’s sentiments were rooted in a deep appreciation for the experiences that shaped him, from sports victories to cherished moments with faculty and friends.
“Looking over my time here at Machebeuf, I could not ask for a better experience,” he emphasized, reinforcing the idea that despite the school’s closure, the impact of Machebeuf would last a lifetime.
He fondly remembered how the school quickly became a second home, thanks to the caring community that enveloped him since his freshman year.
Valedictorian Ben Mages followed with a speech that encapsulated the spirit of resilience and fellowship within the Class of 2025.
Mages honored the support from parents, faculty, clergy, and staff, acknowledging their collective role in shaping the students’ faith and character.
He described his classmates as a small yet robust group that excelled both in academics and extracurricular pursuits, illustrating their diverse talents and unity in facing challenges.
“Our education and our friendships have given us the skills we will need to be successful, virtuous people,” Mages stated, underscoring how their experiences at Machebeuf prepared them for future endeavors.
The class’s achievements were celebrated not just as individual accolades but as a testament to the community’s focus on forming individuals for lives of purpose.
Principal Pesce reminded graduates that their journey this year, though marked by uncertainty and loss, was also one of significant personal growth and reflection.
He noted, “As Machebeuf students, you are no strangers to the Cross,” emphasizing the importance of faith amid adversity while encouraging them to remember the presence of God in times of trouble.
In a final reflection, Pesce recalled a student’s insight: “When you are educated, you want to strive for more. What more is there to strive for than God himself?”
As the ceremony concluded, the Class of 2025 stepped forward, not merely to accept their diplomas but energized with a renewed mission to carry forth the values instilled in them.
Pesce closed with a reminder from St. John’s First Letter, sending the graduates forth with the hope that their joy, rooted in their experiences, would be complete as they share their gifts with the world.
The closing words of the ceremony encapsulated the heart of Bishop Machebeuf High School’s legacy: a commitment to faith, community, and the pursuit of truth that transcends the school’s physical closure, living on in the hearts of its graduates.
image source from：https://www.denvercatholic.org/let-our-joy-be-complete-bishop-machebeuf-bids-farewell-with-the-class-of-2025
