Graduation season in the city of Vicksburg has come to an end with St. Aloyisus’ 147th commencement ceremony Saturday morning at the Vicksburg City Auditorium.

There was an overall theme of inspiration, service and developing a family bond with classmates throughout the speeches and addresses given.

“Our graduates look at all of us old little people who were once like you, and we give thanks that we are still inspired by you,” said the Rev. P.J. Curley during the ceremony’s invocation.

The Rev. Curley continued his speech saying the graduates are inspiration for young kids in the community wanting to get into elementary school.

Salutatorian Sarah Elisabeth Newman thanked the parents for being the greatest source of encouragement and for giving them an education that can shape their minds, bodies and spirits. She also thanked teachers for inspiring them to live up to their full potential and believing in them, as well as thanking God for blessing their years together and for the opportunities they had.

“Our class is a melting pot of gifted scholars, athletes, artists, performs, leaders and individuals who share the gospel,” Newman said in her salutatory address.

The class went on a senior retreat to Cary, Miss. and it was a really good bonding experience. Some of them spent their time taking shingles off and completely redoing the roof of a house, while others worked on redoing the deck of the house.

Some graduates of St. Aloysius have been attending school together as early as pre-school and have grown up together. Charles Keith Pendleton has been at the Vicksburg Catholic School since he was 3-years-old.

“A lot has changed but it has always been a special class. Our talents and gifts make us special” Pendleton said.

Pendleton was ecstatic to graduate and said his favorite service event was the senior retreat, as he worked on building a deck for a woman’s house. He will attend Belhaven University in Jackson.

Collectively, the Class of 2015 recorded 3,947 hours of community service and was awarded more than $6 million in scholarships.

St. Aloysius is a serviced based school and graduate Sarah Ruth Andrews was honored to receive the schools service award.

Andrews was a part of the group that redid the roofing on a house at the senior retreat.

Andrews participated in service events at Good Shepherd Community Center and played with kids at the center. Andrews was also involved with projects at the food pantry.

“They taught that is how you love and it’s not just for school. We’re expected to go out and continue that in college,” Andrews said.

Like Pendleton, Andrews has been at Vicksburg Catholic School since the age of three and said it was like growing up with family.

John Tillman Thomas was relieved and honored to graduate from St. Aloysius. Thomas was proud of everything his class has done and what they have accomplished. Thomas has been at Vicksburg Catholic School since kindergarten and said that the one of the most special things about his Catholic education is having that family feeling.

“I’ve got to see people change and grow into such amazing people. They all have so many different talents and everyone is very supportive of that,” Thomas said.

Thomas looks forward to moving to Nashville and starting a music career.

“Congratulations to everyone. I can’t wait for the future,” Thomas said.