- June 15, 2025
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Keaton White poses with his best fiend Juan Muñoz.
Photo by Ian SwabyGraduates Andrew Blessitt and Samantha Aguilera sing the national anthem.
Photo by Ian SwabyPrincipal Ben Hopper, John Belmonte, Superintendent of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Cardinal Mooney Chaplain Alex Pince and Assitant Principal Stefan Gates are recognized.
Photo by Ian SwabyGraduate Emilio KInsella (center) poses with his stepmother Irene Kinsella, father Rick Kinsella, sister Sophie Kinsella, 7, and mother Claudia Wright.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrooke Johnson looks up as students walk the aisle to fill the seats.
Photo by Ian SwabyLibby Moser poses with her father Teddy Moser, brother and graduate Charles Moser, mother Erin Moser, sister and graduate Collier Moser, and brother Teddy Moser.
Photo by Ian SwabyMichael Navarro-Lenza poses with his father Geoffrey Lenza.
Photo by Ian SwabySy'monique Simon delivers the salutatorian address.
Photo by Ian SwabyNolan Bessé receives his diploma from Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrennan Cheperka shakes hands with Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyBrowning Collison shakes hands with Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabySophia Cusumano shakes hands with John Belmonte, Superintendent of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Venice in Florida.
Photo by Ian SwabyMischa Doan shakes hands with Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyDalton Fleming shakes hands with Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyAlana Jenkins shakes hands with John Belmonte, Superintendent of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Venice in Florida.
Photo by Ian SwabyCooper Smith heads onto the stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyAva Truong receives her diploma from Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyOlivia Wolszczak walks the stage with her diploma.
Photo by Ian SwabyStudents toss their caps into the air.
Photo by Ian SwabyKennedy Atwood leads a closing prayer.
Photo by Ian SwabyMark Yencik, and Sy'monique Simon, the deliverer of the salutatorian address, were hoonred as the most outstanding male and female seniors.
Photo by Ian SwabyPorter Strand delivers the valedictorian address.
Photo by Ian SwabyRev. John Belmonte, Superintendent of Catholic Education at the Diocese of Venice in Florida, delivers a closing prayer.
Photo by Ian SwabyDavid Ignaczak receives his diploma from Principal Ben Hopper.
Photo by Ian SwabyBryan Rogelio Cruz and Cecilia Anne Cosgrove make their way onto the stage.
Photo by Ian SwabyJuan Muñoz came to Sarasota from Seattle two years ago and calls his time at Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School the "greatest experience I've ever had."
"The best decision we've ever made is coming here," he said. "At Mooney, we had our highs and lows, but overall, it's been such a great experience, meeting so many people."
As over 200 students departed the graduation ceremony at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on May 23, Muñoz celebrated with his best friend, Keaton White.
"I'm going to miss him so much, but I'm looking forward to the next chapter," Muñoz said.
During the ceremony, speakers discussed the character students had built throughout high school. Salutatorian Sy'monique Simon called herself "a competitor now and forever."
"This class has embodied that spirit, whether athletics, academics, the arts, we've stretched ourselves, challenged one another, and raised the bar," she said. "As we move into the next chapter, competing for internships, leadership roles and careers, let us do so with courage and character, knowing we are created by God to rise to these moments and succeed."
Valedictorian Porter Strand reflected on the challenges of recent years, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the successive hurricanes.
He honored the memory of classmate Aidan McDonald, who died in 2024.
"Through that experience, we learned the importance of mental health," he said. "We learned how to be there even when we might not have the right words, and how to carry someone's memory with us. That kind of growth can't be taught in a textbook. It's something we learned from living through it, and that perspective will stay with us far beyond graduation."
