On June 6, 121 Bishop Noll Institute those same students, now wiser and older and ready to celebrate their accomplishments, donned their caps and gowns. The day began with a Baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of Holy Angels. Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrated the Mass, blessing the graduates as they celebrated their final Mass as Bishop Noll students. 

    Later, the scene shifted to the BNI Fieldhouse where families cheered and recorded on their cellphones as the Class of 2024 entered. Their achievements were undeniable – including a staggering $27 million in college scholarship offers, a true testament to their dedication and hard work.

    The ceremony itself was a tapestry of voices. The Honorable William J. Borah, a 1966 BNI alumnus and recent recipient of the Illinois State Bar Association's human and civil rights award, delivered a stirring keynote address. He spoke of his own journey, shaped by the diverse community of the Region, a journey that led him to become a champion for justice and equality. His words urged graduates to carry the torch of service and compassion.

    “My watch is almost over and now it’s your turn,” he said. “I’m looking forward to passing on the baton to you all.”

    Salutatorian Grace Shebish recounted the class's remarkable journey. From the uncertain early days of freshman year, they had persevered, forged a bond of resilience and camaraderie. Senior year was a testament to the strength they'd found in each other and their faith.

    Valedictorian Laura Bautista spoke of the countless individuals who had supported the graduates – parents, mentors, teachers. She finished by speaking of the power of inspiration, embodied for her by her older brother, Octavio, a BNI alumnus himself. 

    “He is the smartest person I know,” she said. “It is because of him that I aim to be the best. To my brother, thank you for being an amazing role model. Thank you for pushing me beyond my limits.”

    Her message, a call to embrace challenges and lead with empathy and innovation, resonated with her classmates.

    Once the tassels were turned and the graduated filed out of the fieldhouse, it was the first steps toward their new beginning. With a collective sigh of accomplishment and a wave of emotions, the Class of 2024 stepped out into the world, ready to chase their dreams, forever bound by the indelible mark of Bishop Noll.