In May and June, a total of 1,439 students graduated from private, parish and diocesan run high schools in the Diocese of Camden, with over $88 million in scholarships and grants awarded to students.
A total of 1,376 of the graduates (96%) will attend either a four year (72%) or two year (24%) college in the fall.
The schools boasted one National Merit Scholarship Finalist, two Semi-Finalists, as well as 22 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students. In addition, 69 students were recognized as N.J. State Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholars.
1,217 graduates came from parish-run high schools: Gloucester Catholic (Gloucester), St. Joseph (Hammonton), Sacred Heart (Vineland) and Wildwood Catholic (Wildwood) and three diocesan-run schools: Camden Catholic (Cherry Hill), Paul VI (Haddon Township) and Holy Spirit (Absecon).
Also, 222 graduates were enrolled in two private Catholic schools: Bishop Eustace Preparatory School (Pennsauken) and Our Lady of Mercy Academy (Newfield). St. Augustine Preparatory School, a private Catholic high school in Richland, did not provide data on its graduates.
“We commend this year’s graduates for their many accomplishments as they prepare to take the next steps in their life’s journey,” said Most Reverend Joseph A. Galante, Bishop of Camden. “We also thank their parents for making faith formation and academic excellence a priority by choosing Catholic schools for their children. In addition, we express our gratitude to the teachers and school administrators whose dedication and skill have contributed so much to readying these young men and women for the challenges, responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.”