St. Mary celebrates 2023 valedictorian, salutatorians
GAYLORD — St. Mary Cathedral High School in Gaylord has revealed the Class of 2023 valedictorian and salutatorians.
The valedictorian at St. Mary is Rosemarie Cruz and co-salutatorians are Emma Glasby and Annalise Udell.
Cruz had a GPA of 4.19 and is the daughter of Carrie and Danny Cruz.
Her school highlights include cheering with and co-captaining the Spirit Squad, two years of volleyball, acting onstage with the Cathedral Players, having an active part on the ITS board, playing the flute with the Cathedral Band and Jazz Band, singing at mass and school community events, participation on the board of the National Honor Society, president of the Disciples committee, and participation in and on the board of the Otsego County Youth Advisory Committee.
"My favorite class I’ve ever taken has to be anatomy and physiology. You learn about the most minute building blocks of what you are: there is nothing more interesting than understanding the very organism that you’ve been living as for your entire life. The dissections were pretty cool, too," she said.
Cruz plans on attending Michigan State University in the fall.
"I’ll be studying for a pre-med degree and majoring in biology. Once I graduate I’ll attend a med school, and finally in about 12 years or so I’ll hopefully be a pediatric critical care specialist."
Cruz added that "If I could share any single life philosophy, it would be perseverance."
"Stoic as it may sound, you just have to let yourself be sometimes, let the waves of resistance roll over you, and understand you will be OK. Nothing is ever the end. Your movement through life cannot be stopped by any individual except yourself," Cruz said.
"I’d also like to thank every person who’s helped me get to where I am today: the teachers and staff of St. Mary’s, my friends, my sister Danielle, my intelligent parents, the Udell family and Mr. Miller for helping me get through my most difficult times," she added.
Subscribe Check out our latest offers and read the local news that matters to you
Glasby is the daughter of Heather and Russell Glasby and had a GPA of 4.15.
Her activities in high school included serving as president of the National Honor Society, president of the Coordinators Committee, president of the Youth Advisory Council, varsity basketball, varsity softball, varsity golf, varsity volleyball, serving on the board of the Cathedral Players, and being a member of the International Thespian Society.
"My favorite subject in high school was anatomy because I learned things that I would use in my day-to-day life," said Glasby. "It gave me a basis of common knowledge that is important for everyone to know. I also enjoyed it because I got to take the class with my closest and best friends. We were able to do dissections and fun labs to turn our learning into fun activities."
After high school, Glasby plans to attend the honors college at Grand Valley State University to major in education and business."I want everyone to have the best high school experience and enjoy every aspect. It is important to find a balance of fun and academic work without putting too much pressure on yourself. Enjoy every moment and be present," she said.
Udell had a GPA of 4.15 and she is the daughter of Natalie and Bruce Udell.
Her high school activities included Cathedral Players, softball and National Honor Society.
Her favorite subject was English "because I enjoy discussing with my peers," she added.
Udell plans on majoring in theater and business at the University of Detroit Mercy.
The 2023 St. Mary Cathedral High School graduation will take place at noon on June 4.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: St. Mary celebrates 2023 valedictorian, salutatorians
