The Ave Maria Catholic Academy celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass and 19th Commencement Exercises for its 31 graduating seniors in Ave Maria on May 29, 2026.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane was the main celebrant for the Mass which was attended by all the students, faculty and staff of the school. The opening procession for the Mass included each graduate carrying a white rose which was then placed in a vase before a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Bishop Dewane praised the graduates for their academic achievements and remarked that his prayers were for their continued spiritual growth as they leave high school.
“The way to accomplish true spiritual growth is only by opening your hearts to the Holy Spirit for this will allow your faith to grow continually,” Bishop Dewane said. “Become more aware of what Christ gave us in His victory over death. Let that victory continue to shape your lives.”
Following Mass, Bishop Dewane stood for a photo with the graduates on the steps of the Parish. After some time for photos with the families, the festivities moved to the nearby school, with the commencement exercises taking place in the school gymnasium.
Principal Dr. Marc Snyder reflected upon how the school offers an authentic classical education where students encounter Christ each day and pursue excellence in all things from academics through sports.
Paul Jahnke, a National Merit Scholarship winner, was the class Valedictorian while the Salutatorian was Camila Pineros. In addition, one graduate, Connor Cameron, will be going on to study as a Diocese of Venice Seminarian at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.
Dr. Joseph Guernsey, class of 2011, was the keynote speaker. Father David Vidal, Ave Maria Parish Pastor, offered the opening prayer while Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education, offered closing remarks and Benediction.
The 31 graduates earned an impressive $5.7 million in scholarship offers. In addition, many are going on to attend Catholic colleges in the fall.
