Marian Catholic High School to Celebrate 72nd Annual Graduation Exercises on Friday, May 29

TAMAQUA, PA – Marian Catholic High School will celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its 72nd Annual Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium at Marian Catholic High School in Hometown.

The 62 graduates of the Class of 2026 will join the ranks of 7,506 Marian alumni, continuing a proud tradition that began with Marian’s first graduating class in 1955. The newest graduates become part of a distinguished alumni network known for leadership, service, faith, and commitment to community.

The Rev. Robert Finlan, Principal of Marian Catholic High School, will preside over the graduation exercises and confer diplomas to the graduates. Members of the Marian Catholic High School Board of Directors, faculty, and staff will also participate in the ceremony honoring the achievements of the graduating seniors.

Leading the Class of 2026 academically are:

• Valedictorian: Alexander Karl Krapf, of Frackville, son of Karl Krapf ’88 and Crystal Domalakes Krapf. Alexander is a member of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, Frackville. 

• Salutatorian: Isabella Emma Horvat, of Hazleton, daughter of Joe Horvat ’97 and Valerie Horvat. Isabella is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of the Panther Valley, Summit Hill. 

The Class of 2026 reflects Marian Catholic’s strong tradition of multi-generational family connections. 

Among the graduates:

• Nine graduates are children of Marian Catholic alumni 

• Two graduates are children of Bishop Hafey High School alumni 

• Three graduates have grandparents who are Marian Catholic graduates and one graduate has a grandmother who is a Bishop Hafey High School alumnus. 

These family legacies underscore the enduring impact of Catholic education across generations and the lifelong connection alumni maintain with Marian Catholic High School.

Rev. Robert Finlan reflected on the significance of this year’s graduating class and the milestone they represent: “The Class of 2026 has distinguished itself through academic achievement, faith, service, leadership, and resilience. As they prepare to join more than 7,500 Marian alumni, they carry forward a tradition rooted in Catholic values and a commitment to making a difference in their communities. Graduation is both a celebration of what these young men and women have accomplished and a reminder of the tremendous potential they possess to shape the future. We are proud of each graduate and grateful to their families, teachers, and mentors who have supported them throughout their Marian journey.”

The graduation ceremony will celebrate not only the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, but also the enduring mission of Marian Catholic High School to prepare students spiritually, academically, and personally for lives of faith-filled leadership and service.

As the Class of 2026 receives their diplomas, they become the newest generation entrusted with carrying the Marian Catholic legacy forward.

The annual Baccalaureate Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, May 28 with His Excellency, Alfred A. Schlert, Bishop of the Diocese of Allentown presiding, along with Fr. Robert Finlan, Principal and Diocesan priests from many of the surrounding Catholic parishes.  The Mass will be held in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium starting at 6:30 p.m.

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About Marian Catholic High School

Marian Catholic High School provides a faith-based, college preparatory education rooted in the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church. Guided by the values of faith, service, and academic excellence, Marian prepares students to lead lives of purpose and integrity in a rapidly changing world.

Since opening its doors in 1954, Marian Catholic High School has graduated more than 8,000 students, now living in all 50 states and abroad. The school proudly honors the legacies of its predecessor institutions—Saint Ann’s High School (Lansford), Saint Mary’s High School (Coaldale), Saint Jerome’s High School (Tamaqua), and Mauch Chunk Catholic High School (Jim Thorpe).

Today, that legacy of faith, learning, and community extends to the alumni of Bishop Hafey High School and Cardinal Brennan High School. While those school buildings may no longer be open, their spirit and values endure through Marian’s ongoing mission. All graduates from these institutions are warmly welcomed as part of the Marian family.