Media Advisory: Diocese of Arlington Catholic high school graduations announced

Graduating seniors served more than 57,000 hours of community service during four years in high school

The four diocesan Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Arlington will celebrate their commencement ceremonies beginning today, with 870 seniors graduating:

• Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School will honor 148 on May 23.
• Saint Paul IV Catholic High School will honor 263 on May 24.
• Bishop Ireton High School will honor 189 on May 29.
• Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School will honor 270 on May 30.

Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington will address all the graduates at their various commencement exercises.

Accomplishments of our high school graduates:

• Graduates have received more than $78.9 million in scholarships (as of May 22). This number is expected to grow as many colleges determine their resources and students finalize their plans*. 
• Graduating seniors from three of the schools performed at least 57,495 hours of community service since their freshman year. This year alone, these seniors performed 19,665 hours of service. 
• 74 scholar-athletes have committed to play a college sport.
• 6 graduates will attend a service academy.
• 6 graduates are National Merit Scholarship Finalists.
• 1 graduate will be entering the seminary.

“Our graduates should be very proud of their achievements. Their graduation is a result of God's grace and their hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I pray they will continue to live faithful and virtuous lives and reflect their love for God and all his people,” said Bishop Burbidge ahead of the ceremonies.  

Dr. Joseph E. Vorbach III, superintendent of Catholic schools, commended the students as well.

“The class of 2024 began their high school journey during the COVID pandemic. They confronted the challenges that came their way head-on and with great resilience. These graduates have advanced in innumerable ways, thanks be to God and supportive parents who partnered with our dedicated Catholic educators,” Vorbach said.

Media interested in covering a graduation ceremony or with questions regarding our graduating seniors may contact Mary Shaffrey, director of media relations, at 703-841-2517 or Mary.Shaffrey@arlingtondiocese.org.

* This number is expected to go up as the national FAFSA (student aid) picture becomes clear.  Congress changed the national program last year for the first time in decades and there have been numerous technical hurdles facing families.