Senior Honors Recognition has become one of Xavier’s most honored and cherished traditions. This is an opportunity to recognize our Xavier seniors who have excelled in academics, spirituality, activities and service.
We applaud them for their outstanding achievement during their four years here and for their contributions to Xavier, to our community and to our world.
This award recognizes active involvement in a parish. Parish involvement is so important to the spiritual climate of our school. Because of that, each year Xavier High School gives an award to a student and a staff member who participate wholeheartedly in their parish. Recipients are faith-filled individuals who understand that faith thrives in a community.
The Xavier Hall of Fame Awards are presented to students who embody the spirit of a Xavier Saint. They demonstrate the qualities that our faculty, staff and community believe are important in the development of the total person in a Catholic environment. They are committed to their faith and demonstrate a tenacious approach to academics and activities. They understand the importance of relationships and the importance of service. They are dedicated to making their school, their community and their world a better place.
For a willingness to learn and to deepen and share the Catholic faith, representing Xavier's core value of "Faithful."
For performing corporal works of mercy in service to others, representing Xavier's core value of "Serving."
For approaching all things with enthusiasm and a relentless positive attitude, representing Xavier's core value of "Passionate."
For doing all things driven by a spirit of collaboration, high expectations and a relentless work ethic, representing Xavier's core value of "Xceptional."
The Community System Award is given to a senior in a leadership role who exemplifies the values of the Community System. A person who embodies Xavier’s four core values with a relentless spirit of servant leadership.
This award is presented to students demonstrating the qualities we value in all Saints: a competitive spirit, a strong work ethic, a commitment to team and outstanding sportsmanship.
This award is for outstanding leadership, character and excellence in athletics as voted by head coaches in all sports.
This award is for outstanding leadership, character and excellence in fine arts as voted by teachers and moderators in all fine art programs.
This award recognizes a senior student for their outstanding work in Campus Ministry.
The following students have been recognized by the faculty as outstanding leaders and academic contributors in their content areas:
Outstanding Achievement in Art: Adelaide Peterson
Outstanding Achievement in Vocal Music: Evelyn Kunz
Outstanding Achievement in Instrumental Music: Leah Amborsy
Outstanding Achievement in Drama: Noah Upah
Tom Good Outstanding Achievement in Business: Nathaniel Selensky
Outstanding Achievement in English: Elizabeth Renner
Outstanding Achievement in Journalism: Teresa Pham
Outstanding Achievement in Fitness and Wellness: Colin Stoltenberg
Pat Wade Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics: Elena Schmit
Outstanding Achievement in Science: Andrew Kirpes
Marie Trachta Outstanding Achievement in Social Studies: Jace Borcherding
Outstanding Achievement in Theology: Noah Bernemann
Outstanding Achievement in World Language: Quincey Johnson
Recognition of Graduating International Student:
Tonghui Zang
Recognition of Students Who Have Chosen to Serve in the Military, ROTC, National Guard and Military Academys:
Charles Bostwick, Molly Garrison, Lucas Frost, Nathalie Navarro
Xavier Special Leadership Awards recognizing students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership: Max Bennett, Olivia Blais, Olivia Cobb, Sophia Faulkner, Sophia Kepros, Miranda Nolte, Nicole Pederson, Abigail Reininga
Xavier Special Service Awards recognizing students who have demonstrated outstanding service to Xavier: Brooke Bowersox, Shea Buenzow, Chase Decker, Ethan Jakel, Emma Kyes, Nora Maloney, Lillian Nasution, Maria Trotta
Each year in honor of a “fan of the game,” the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union provides schools who qualify for the state tournament a stipend to be used to assist students in their post-secondary education. We recognize these outstanding female student-athletes for their commitment to their Xavier athletic programs.
This award was established in honor of the long-time head administrator of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Mr. Bernie Saggau. Presented to a graduating student who best exemplifies a patriotic spirit, with strong religious beliefs and moral convictions, living and professing the qualities of honesty, integrity, and sportsmanship and believing both games and life should be conducted by the rules.
The Monsignor Anthony W. Chihak academic scholarship is awarded by the Cadets of St. George Branch W45 FCSLA of St. Wenceslaus Parish. Monsignor Chihak was a longtime pastor at St. Wenceslaus and a staunch supporter of higher education.
Larry and Claire Sharp are longtime supporters of Catholic Education in Cedar Rapids. Their children are graduates of LaSalle High School and their grandchildren are graduates of Xavier. This scholarship is given to a St. Jude parishioner who has demonstrated a strong work ethic, leadership, good character and strong community involvement during their time at Xavier.
Heidi Brown is a long time supporter of Xavier High School and Chair of Xavier’s Dancing With the Saints fundraiser. This scholarship, organized in her honor by previous celebrity dancers, recognizes two students who exhibit the traits of the parents and community members who have danced for DWTS. They have helped to make Xavier a better place while stretching themselves beyond their comfort zone.
The Iowa State Bar Association and The Iowa State Bar Foundation, as well as the Linn County Bar Association, present The Iowa State Bar Association American Citizenship Award to two members of this year’s graduating class.
This lawyer-sponsored award is presented annually to the students who, in the opinion of the faculty and administration, have best demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of the principles and possess outstanding qualities of American Citizenship.
The recipients are serious students who have been an active worker and leader in approved student activities, reliable and upstanding citizens, broadening the base of knowledge and experience through informal education in a sensible balance with formal studies.
The vital importance of the continual observance of the law by each of us should include the observance of honesty and morality and trustworthiness.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. The recipient is recognized for outstanding leadership.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. The recipient is recognized for dedicated career plans.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. The recipient is recognized for dedicated career plans.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. The recipient is recognized for outstanding academic achievement.
The Community Foundation Scholarship Program recognizes student achievements and supports deserving students. The recipient is recognized for outstanding community service.
The Knights of Columbus 909 Scholarship was conceived in 1984 to recognize students who, by a combination of effort, cheerfulness, and willingness to participate, best exemplify the spirit of Xavier High School.
This scholarship was established by students in families upon retirement of business teacher Mr. Tim O’Brien. Mr. O’Brien worked tirelessly to promote the success of his students both in class and through Business Professionals of America. His faith and his students were of utmost importance to him. In his honor a scholarship has been established to be given to a student who exemplifies Christlike values, is a member of BPA with success both at the state and national level.
We cannot imagine the pain and suffering the family endured at that time. But for the love of the Regis faculty, students and Catholic community, they were able to survive the tragedy.
The McWhinney family has tried to reciprocate the love of the faculty, the school and the students by awarding a scholarship which is called the Mitch McWhinney Carpe Diem Award to a student who displays the qualities of Integrity, Honesty and Gratitude. One who displays spirituality at home and at school and is active in school and church. One who has perseverance in life – to never give up. In other words, to “seize the day!”
These are the qualities the McWhinneys would have wished from Mitch. They challenge all of you seniors and other Saints, to display those same qualities.
Joe Negro, son of John and Donna Negro tragically passed away in 1999, just one year after graduating from Regis High School.
Joe Negro was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. This young man always had a smile on his face, no matter what was going on in his life. He would always spread joy wherever he went, and he was actively involved at Regis High School. Joe had something that couldn’t be measured by numbers and figures - he had heart. He put his heart and soul into everything he was passionate about, and everyone he loved. He was a positive influence in the lives of so many people, and this award represents a fragment of what a wonderful, well-rounded, caring person he was. Albert Einstein said it best when he said, “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” We should all strive to emulate the positive, upbeat, and generous attitude of this former Jaguar and Royal, Joe Negro.As a member of the Xavier Class of 2013, Nicole was involved in drama, photography, and Speech – making it to state with the TV News crew in her sophomore year.
This scholarship is given to a male student-athlete who participated in football, basketball, track, or baseball. The student-athlete selected must be hard working, show perseverance, dedication, enthusiasm, leadership, and integrity, exhibit high character, and academic excellence. This recipient must attend a community college or four-year institution.
This scholarship award is in honor of William Everette Richmond, son of Mark and Jaclyn Richmond. Will passed away in 2016, but not before touching the hearts of many. He was a beacon of light proving that every life matters and that you can learn something from everyone you meet; regardless of age, intellect or ability. He will always be considered a Xavier Saint to his family, as he carried out the single most important thing we do at Xavier…he celebrated Mass with us.
This award is for a male student who portrays all of the qualities that Will’s family dreamed he would possess if he were able to walk the halls of Xavier. He tries his best in each of his endeavors, walks strong in his faith while encouraging others to do the same, and he leaves everyone he meets just a little bit more joyful. Much like Will, this student has the ability to make you feel as if you are in the presence of God each time you are with him. He is sincere, he is genuine, and he leads others to walk deeper in their faith.
This memorial scholarship is in honor of Jim Merfeld, a 1973 graduate of Regis High School. This award is for a student planning to attend a college or university, majoring in engineering and held in high regard by Xavier science and math teachers.
This memorial scholarship was established by Karen Stulken in honor of her husband Doug. He was an avid Xavier supporter, especially of his children and their activities. After Ashley graduated in 2013 and Ryan in 2016, Doug continued to volunteer on the sidelines with the Xavier football team. He was known for his love of sports and helping others. This award is for a graduating senior who is actively involved in activities at Xavier and will continue their athletic career as well as having a helpful spirit towards others.
The Nicole Tiedt Memorial Scholarship was established by Jerry and Lori Tiedt in honor of their daughter, a 2007 graduate of Xavier. This scholarship honors Nicole’s passion for helping others and is presented to a graduating senior who exhibits Nicole’s aspirations of becoming a Registered Nurse.
The Jerry Sunderman Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 by the family of Jerry Sunderman to honor a graduating senior who exhibits leadership, strength of character, acknowledges others, and is entering the area of building trades.
The Andrea Henley Memorial Scholarship was established by the Henley family, mother of Jaden (X18), Anden (X22), and Lainey (X24), to honor a graduating senior who exhibits Andrea’s qualities of faithfulness and passion for teaching.