Knoxville Catholic High School recently selected its two brightest students, Paul Liulevicius of Farragut and Kate Pettinger of the Choto Road area, who earned the Honor of Sedes Sapientiae prior to KCHS graduation Friday, May 12. This award, conferred to high school seniors, is the highest school honor a graduating senior can receive, said Pam Rhoades, KCHS director of marketing and communication. She said it is voted on by faculty and administration then presented to two seniors who best epitomize scholarship, loyalty, service and leadership. “I was stunned and pleased to have received the Sedes Sapientiae award, but realized that I (had) to write a speech for graduation and speak in front of hundreds,” Liulevicius said. “I am honored and humbled … those who win the award, in the estimation of the faculty, have contributed great good to the school and have performed charitable actions. “Every day, I always try to be friendly and kind to those around me,” the Class of 2023 senior added. “At the same time, I also want to show Christ to others and to be a light in the world.” The son of Vejas and Kathleen Liulevicius with a sister, Helen, the new graduate is involved in piano, taekwondo, Junior Cotillion and band.
Read MoreHearts and stands were full Sunday, May 21, when 506 seniors from Farragut High School’s Class of 2023 graduated in Eddie Courtney Stadium/Bill Clabo Field. Seniors Melody Dalili, who was Knoxville’s first youth poet laureate, and Ella Pinchok, one of four drum majors for the FHS Marching Admirals band, delivered commencement addresses, while class co-valedictorians, Eyrin Kim and Justin Li, and salutatorian Ridhima Singh were singled out. FHS’s Advanced Mixed Choir sang both the National Anthem and “Irish Blessing.” Senior class officers — president Will Duncan, vice president Cathlene “Cathy” Horwege, secretary Natalie Osorio and treasurer Amzie Beeler — opened the ceremony while Student Government Association officers Kathleen “Kate” Ford, Emily Day and Mathew Ferrari oversaw the traditional “Tolling of the Bell,” commemorating Admirals who could not attend or who had passed away. Class principal was Steve Killian. FHS principal Dr. John Bartlett noted the class had eight National Merit Finalists, 27 National Merit Commended scholars; three national African American Recognition Awards and one national Hispanic Recognition Award.
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