Amid cries of excitement from its soon-to-graduate students, Pacelli High School dismissed its 2013 seniors for the final time Tuesday afternoon. Fresh from finals and in high spirits, students gathered around the door during the final minutes of school.

The next day would hold a dress rehearsal, followed by the graduation ceremony itself at 7 p.m. at St. Augustine’s Church.

As students waited for the last bell to ring, they sounded off with closing thoughts on their time at Pacelli and what the future has in store.

 

Dakota Biwer

Dakota Biwer said he enjoyed his time at Pacelli, and he’s excited to graduate. His favorite subjects in school were humanities and economics, and he was active on the cross country team. When asked about what advice he had for future Pacelli seniors, Biwer recommended students stay active and involved.

“Do your homework and participate in a lot of activities,” he said.

After graduation, Biwer plans to go to Riverland Community College, then later attend college in Winona to study software development.

 

Ashley Barth

Ashley Barth took a special interest in art of various media during her time at Pacelli. She also sang as part of the choir. Her advice to future Pacelli seniors is for them to stay on top of their school work and not procrastinate.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to get caught up,” she said. “Try your hardest.”

Going forward, Barth said she had mixed feelings. While she’s excited, she said she’s also a little scared about what the future holds and everything she is leaving behind. She plans to attend Riverland.

“I’ve thought about being a preschool teacher,” Barth said.

 

Sean Shapiro

Sean Shapiro reflected fondly on how close-knit high school students are at Pacelli.

“You get to know everyone personally,” he said.

Among his classes, Shapiro found the sciences to be particularly fun and interesting. He played football, basketball and baseball.

Shapiro looks forward to graduation. He is currently seeking a college with a good physical therapy program to continue his education.

 

Jacob Nelson

What appealed to Jacob Nelson most about Pacelli were the small classes and the good environment. He liked the ability to get one-on-one time with his teachers. Out of all the subjects, history and geography were his favorite.

Nelson played football, basketball and baseball.

“I’m excited, but it’s bittersweet,” Nelson said.

In the future, Nelson plans to attend North Dakota State University. He hasn’t decided his line of study, but may major in a business field. He expressed his thanks to staff and administration for their support throughout the years.

 

Drew Chapek

Fresh out of a final exam, Drew Chapek was thrilled to finish his studies at Pacelli.

“Finals week is the toughest week,” he said.

Chapek had a knack for science during his time at Pacelli, and even took a course at Riverland this past year. In athletics, Chapek was a cross country runner, wrestler and baseball player. His advice for younger students is to enjoy school, but generally behave.

“Have fun with it,” he said. “Know the line; don’t cross it.”

After graduation, Chapek intends to study collision repair and automotive engineering. He plans to finish his general studies at Riverland and head to a four-year college afterward.

 

Jade Williams

To Jade Williams, the best part about Pacelli was its small student body.

“We’re all really close, and we’re all friends,” she said.

During high school, Williams took a particular interest in humanities and physics classes. She recalls enjoying many hands-on projects, including building model rockets, and singing in the choir.

Looking forward, she plans to study at Riverland and have a career as a physical therapist. She recommends her younger peers take time to enjoy school during their years at Pacelli.

“You’re only going to be with your class for a little bit,” she said.

 

John Ethen

John Ethen enjoyed all of his Pacelli classes, especially those concerning science. During his high school years, he was active in the choir and drama programs, and also ran on the cross country team. Ethen said he’s excited to leave Pacelli and move on to what’s next.

“College,” he said. “Going to St. Mary’s.”

While he’s still deciding on what to study at the Winona university, Ethen is considering a major in biology.