North Catholic Class of 2026 step into their future
CRANBERRY TWP — On Friday night, May 22, North Catholic High School held its 84th annual commencement ceremony for the school’s Class of 2026 at the Cahouet Auditorium on campus.
About 170 seniors were conferred their high school diplomas at the ceremony following remarks from Zeb Jansante, principal, and the Rev. Charles Wober, Northern Catholic president.
“Tonight, we celebrate a milestone that represents four years of hard work, perseverance, growth and faith,” said Jansante. “To our graduates, this evening is about you and all that you’ve accomplished to reach this moment.”
Wober said graduation is one of the defining moments in life. Noting the school was founded in 1939, Wober said alumni are spread all around the world. He said he represented those former students in congratulating the Class of 2026.
“Commencement is a powerful word,” said Jansante. “It doesn't mean ending. It means beginning. Tonight is not a finished line. It’s the starting point for the next chapter of your lives.”
Lillian Best, salutatorian, could not attend the graduation due to her commitment to rowing nationals. Her friend, JoLeene Condle, instead gave the speech on behalf of Best.
Austin English, valedictorian, also gave a speech after the diplomas were granted to students.
During his remarks, Jansante spoke about the ongoing surge of artificial intelligence and preparing for it as future college students and members of the workforce.
“Your world is changing faster than ever,” said Jansante. “We are living in a time where artificial intelligence is transforming how we live, work and communicate.”
Pittsburgh is at the front lines of that change, said Jansante.
“Here’s something to think about: Many of the jobs that you will hold later on in your lives have yet to be created,” he said.
Jansante encouraged the graduates to stay curious, adaptable and flexible, and to continue learning, improving and staying grounded in their faith.
“You are capable and you are ready,” he said.
At Friday’s commencement ceremony, a former North Catholic student was honored posthumously.
William L. Bann, who attended North Catholic from September of 1940 until August 1943, enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. Bann served from August 1943 to March 1946.
“Instead of graduating with his classmates in June of 1944, he took an active part in the Normandy invasion, the largest seaborne invasion in history, leading to the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi occupation,” said Col. Medio Monti, who spoke about Bann.
To honor Bann, he was awarded a special diploma posthumously in what is the first of its kind at the school. His son, Lt. Cmdr. William M. Bann, took the stage to accept the diploma.
Also recognized were two of the graduates who are entering the military ROTC program post graduation: Condle and Madeline Meeuf.
Condle received her diploma from Lt. Col. Brett Boyle, and Meeuf received hers from her father, Capt. Ryan Meeuf.
“Military duty is the ultimate expression of civic duty,” said Monti. “We are especially proud of those who have committed themselves to serving our nation through military leadership programs.”
