DR. ERIN BARISANO, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Orange, encouraged Rosary Academy’s graduating class of 2026 to be guided by the “love of Christ” and embrace Rosary’s charism—serving the dear neighbor without distinction—as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
Dr. Barisano delivered the message of faith to 123 graduates at Rosary’s 58th annual commencement ceremony held May 22 on the campus lawn.
PHOTOS BY EVERETT JOHNSON/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“During your four years as Royals, you haven’t just gained knowledge to pass exams,” the superintendent said. “You have cultivated a foundation for your entire life in a world that often feels fast-paced, divided and uncertain. Your Catholic education has given you something unshakable, a deep understanding of your inherent dignity, a commitment to integrity and faith that anchors you.”
While every graduating Royal was celebrated, Rosary recognizes certain graduates each year with special awards.
Isabella Ramirez, who will attend the University of Notre Dame, was presented with the Royalette Award, St. Timothy Catholic Leadership Award and General Excellence Award.
The highest honor a graduating senior can receive at Rosary, the Royalette Award recipient “embodies the spirit of Rosary and the values of Mary, demonstrating active faith, selfless service and strong moral character.” The honoree is selected by the senior class, faculty and administration.
The St. Timothy Catholic Leadership Award is given to the graduate who has freely “offered outstanding service to Campus Ministry. The awardee is selected for graciously “giving of their time and talents through serving the dear neighbor without distinction as a campus minister and being living examples of the Gospel.”
Melina Gonzalez, who will attend UC San Diego also received the St. Timothy Catholic Leadership Award.
The General Excellence Award is presented by the faculty to the senior who has the highest all-around academic achievement. It is a highly significant honor because this student has not just specialized in one subject area but has achieved excellence in all areas of study.
Addressing her fellow graduates, salutatorian Michaela Watson said the 2026 class leaves with Rosary’s charism embedded in their hearts, a gift “we never could have imagined for our high school experience.”
“And what makes this place so special is that the charism was never just words written on a wall or printed in a brochure,” said Watson, who will attend the University of California, Berkeley. “We lived them. In the way people here showed up for one another. Standing here tonight, looking at all of you, I know that version exists in every single person in this class. Even though we’re all moving toward different futures, different cities, colleges, careers and callings, there is something comforting about knowing we were shaped in the same halls.”
Valedictorian Valerie Palomino encouraged her classmates to “pray to be yourself, chase new experiences and set bigger goals.”
Palomino, who will attend the University of California, Berkeley, challenged the graduates “to take risks and chase the goals that once felt impossible. You are capable of so much more than you think. Although it marks the end of our time at Rosary, it is just the beginning of a future filled with new friendships, new challenges and new memories that we will carry with us forever.”