Principal Emily Hernandez said that Natalie and Nichole Rhinerson epitomize what being a Trinity High School student is about and that they are both servant leaders. The two graduates said they owe that mindset to family, friends, and the THS atmosphere. They added that the Class of 2022 is especially close and intertwined, and they are grateful to be a part of it.
There were 30 students in this year’s class, which graduated Friday night at the Horn Community Center Friday night after holding a Mass on Wednesday. The class was in the 7th grade when Hernandez became the principal at St. Mary’s and Trinity.
“They were a group that was very difficult to find a seating chart for because they were all so inclusive of everyone in their class,” she said. “They really do all love everyone in their class. This group has always been so appreciative of their teachers, their families, and have been wonderful representatives of Trinity High School, and we are confident they will continue to be lifelong learners and future leaders of the Church and community.”
Hernandez said the Rhinerson’s have been great representatives for THS. The both recently received the Diocesan Servant Leader in Ministry award, given to juniors and seniors who are exemplary leaders in their diocese, parish, community, and school.
Both girls are members of National Honor Society (NHS), Catholics in Action (CIA), Spirit Club, and they play music at every school Mass, weekend Masses, and most of the funerals at St. Mary’s parish.
“They are two of the most service-oriented students that I have had in my 22 years of education,” Hernandez said. “They truly live out the mission of discipleship, which is the mission of Trinity High School.”
Natalie said being surrounded by people of faith both at home and for 13 years at Catholic schools helped her to gain a better understanding of what it means to walk by faith.
“I believe it is important to put your faith into practice,” she said. “Your relationship with God isn’t going to grow just because you say you believe in Him. Actions truly speak louder than words. I’m going to be quite plain: if you want people to believe you are who you say you are, you have to prove it.”
Nichole echoed those thoughts, saying “I am influenced by a lot of good people. I want to be the best I can be and help make the world a better place. I am called to love and serve others, and that is what I intend to do.”
Nichole said they will recall their time at Trinity High School fondly, noting it’s the people inside who made Trinity a beautiful place.
“Trinity High School has become my home away from home,” Natalie said. “The students and teachers have such an intimate bond. It is evident that teachers and staff want the students to succeed. THS feels more like a village than a school because the teachers and staff overflow with love and support for the students. We have the small-town feel where everyone knows everyone and it is easy to read each other’s emotions.”
Natalie said the adults aren’t the only ones willing to help, as there have been several accounts where she has seen students helping other students.
“We care about each other here. We push one another to be the best we can be. We love each other,” she said. “Love is really the thing that holds us all together. We receive so much love not only from inside the school, but the parish of St. Mary of the Woods is exceptionally supportive. I feel blessed to have attended Trinity High School because through my years here I have formed friendships that will last. The people here feel like my family. I have little worry about my future because Trinity has prepared me for any challenge that may come my way.”
Both girls expressed their gratitude to have been a part of this year’s graduating class, most of whom have been together since elementary and middle school.
“I’m not saying my classmates have always been best friends,” Natalie said. “However, I find it admirable that though we had tension sometimes, at the end of the day we all know that we are a faith-filled family and we all come together.”
Nichole added, “I think this graduation class is special because of its family-like atmosphere. I feel like we are all a bunch of siblings. We laugh together, cry together, hug each other, fight with each other, tease each other, and comfort each other, just like siblings. But one other thing for sure is that we love each other, and I feel so lucky to have gotten to be in the THS class of 2022.”
