Class of 2026 Gathers for Baccalaureate, Commencement, and Senior Celebration Events

The Class of 2026 came together one final time on May 27 to celebrate the end of their Cretin-Derham Hall journey. From the Baccalaureate Mass to Commencement and the Senior Lock-In, graduation day was filled with traditions, celebrations, and memorable moments shared by students, families, faculty, and staff.

Baccalaureate Mass

The day began with the Baccalaureate Mass, attended by graduates, their parents and guardians, and members of the CDH faculty and staff. Many seniors took part in the liturgy, including Ja’Dale Thompson ’26, who was selected as the student speaker.

One of the most cherished traditions of the Baccalaureate Mass is the presentation of the "Baccalaureate Pearls." This recording features members of the CDH community—including teachers, custodians, food service staff, administrators, advancement staff, and others—sharing prayers, blessings, words of encouragement, and farewell messages for the graduating class. The messages reflect the strong relationships formed during the students’ time at CDH and serve as a reminder of the many people who have supported them along the way.

Baccalaureate Brunch

Following Mass, the Parents’ Association hosted the Baccalaureate Brunch in the Joe Mauer Field House. The gathering gave graduates and their families an opportunity to enjoy a meal together, connect with friends and faculty, and celebrate before the afternoon’s commencement ceremony.

Commencement Ceremony

The Commencement Ceremony was held at the St. Paul Cathedral, where the Class of 2026 officially received their diplomas and were welcomed into the community of CDH alumni.

Faculty speaker: Jody Cornett
Student speaker: Daniel Tolson ’26

The Top 10 graduates in the Class of 2026 were recognized and presented with medals:

• Valedictorian: Cecilia Larson ’26
• Salutatorian: Annie Fiedler ’26

Top 10 Graduates (alphabetical order)

• Sofia Goodlund ’26
• Luke Hilger ’26
• Emma Kennefick ’26
• Alice Long ’26
• Brynn McCabe ’26
• Darby Peterson ’26
• Alexa Wahlberg ’26
• Isabella Wengelewski ’26

Two of the school’s most prestigious honors were also presented during the ceremony:

• Mother Seraphine Ireland Award: Haydee Walz ’26
• Archbishop John Ireland Award: Daniel Tolson ’26

Senior Lock-In

The day concluded with the Senior Lock-In, hosted by the Parents’ Association. Graduates returned to campus for an evening of games, raffles, food, entertainment, and time with friends as they celebrated the end of their high school experience together.

The event was made possible through the dedication of the Parents’ Association and the many volunteers and donors whose generosity helped create a memorable final celebration for the Class of 2026.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and wish you the very best in the years ahead. Please come back and visit often—your Raider family will always be here for you. Once a Raider, Always a Raider!
— Mona Passman, Principal