This is a big year for Bethlehem Catholic seniors, as they are the 100th graduating class. As the school year comes to a close, the seniors ready themselves to leave the nest and soar to new heights. Every person in this class holds different dreams and aspirations, and this school has supported all of them through and through.

Though high school is not always a picture-perfect time, the students at Beca will forever have fond memories to look back on. Kendall Fulton, class of ‘26 recounts her time at the Twilight Retreat: “I would have never gone if it was not required for National Honor Society, but spending the night surrounded by my best friends was so much fun and made me wish I had attended it all four years.” Kendall plans to attend UC Santa Cruz to major in film and digital media in hopes of pursuing journalism.

At Bethlehem Catholic, students can get involved in the community in a variety of ways. Kristen McMenimen, class of ‘26, chose to do so as much as possible. A triple threat in sports, she played soccer, field hockey and ice hockey. She intends to continue field hockey and ice hockey at the University of Saint Joseph as she pursues a degree in health sciences. “My favorite thing about Beca is they allow their students to be involved,” says Kristen. “This year I took on the role of a social media student ambassador and that includes making Instagram posts, recording make a joyful noise and working on the senior videos which are all typically run by staff at other schools.”

This school is more than a community for most; it is a family. Senior Thomas Thornburg, though he bounced in and out of Beca, came to view it as such. Part of track and theater, he has found his people all around the school. “You can’t judge people based on who they hang out with,” Thomas, class of ’26 explains. “Every group has good people regardless of reputations.” He urges others to branch out to people they may have never talked to before. High school is a time to experiment and learn about oneself, so do not be held down by others. “Never isolate yourself. Join a club, join a sport, talk to people.”

The valedictorian of the senior class, Thao Do, will be attending Duke in the fall to study biology or psychology. Her time at Beca was one of not only academics, but growth. “More than anything, I’ve learned resilience. There were so many times I doubted myself and felt like giving up, but over time I learned to trust who I am and what I’m capable of,” says Thao Do, class of ‘26. Bethlehem Catholic has fostered a culture of challenge as well as grace. The curriculum pushes students, allowing them to find out just how much they can achieve on their own. Thao has put in the work now and has a great honor to show for it.

As the student body says farewell to the class of 2026, the 100th class prepares for its next steps in life. Every student’s path will diverge; however, they will always be able to look back at their time as a Bethlehem Catholic family. Congratulations and good luck class of 2026. For more information, visit becahi.org.