![De La Salle Celebrates the Class of 2023]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1684785158/delasallehigh/m8tqzlh5p0pq7gj6odko/762A1022.jpg","width":2200}])
Concord, Calif. - De La Salle High School today recognized its 247 seniors as they walked the stage at Owen Owens Field, on the De La Salle campus, to collect their High School Diplomas. The moment was punctuated by heartfelt speeches from Valedictorian, Charlie Kratus, and Salutatorian, Jack Christensen, as well as De La Salle President, David Holquin, and Vice President for Academic Life, Dr. Heather Alumbaugh.
Each of this year’s graduation addresses referenced the incredible resilience and tenacity of the Class of 2023 as they persisted to find personal growth at De La Salle during a global pandemic that disrupted their freshman and sophomore high school experience.
“The strength of our class relied on all of us,” said Valedictorian, Charlie Kratus. “Each one of us has, in our own unique way, contributed to the exceptional legacy that we will leave behind.”
Salutatorian, Jack Christensen, credited kindness as the attribute that helped the Class of 2023 navigate such a challenging moment in history. “If I had to define what it means to be a Spartan in one word, I would choose kindness,” he said. “All that we’ve been taught; all that the Brotherhood is; all that De La Salle stands for, is ultimately kindness.”
This sentiment was echoed by De La Salle President, David Holquin, “Being a Spartan means that you never quit because you know you are loved. You know that the only thing more valuable than the diploma that you walk offstage with is who has walked with you, and who will walk by your side in the future. That’s the Spartan Brotherhood. That’s the love we gave to you and which will always be here to give.”
De La Salle’s Graduation Ceremony was also the backdrop for a number of Senior Awards. These included Academic Departmental Awards, achievement, faith, and scholarship awards, as well as Distinguished Graduation Awards like the St. John Baptist de La Salle Excellence Award, which is the highest and most distinguished award granted by De La Salle at the time of graduation.
For more information about the Class of 2023 and the May 21 Graduation Ceremony, please click here.