Students recognized at honor roll assembly

Kirsten Holzeimer Gail ‘88 presents her son Connor ’14 with his honors award.

The honor roll students at Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School were recognized at an all-school assembly on Thursday, January 31.

As the guest speaker at the event, it was an opportunity for Kirsten Holzeimer Gail ’88 to come back home and celebrate the accomplishments of the students in her Viking family.

In her capacity as Council President of the City of Euclid, she will sometimes hear residents complain about the lack of respect and work ethic among today’s youth.

“I have been fortunate enough to see another side of today’s young people – of the young men and women of VASJ who are hard working, caring, and talented members of a community,” Gail said. She spoke of the honor and tradition that comes with being a student at VASJ and encouraged students to become actively engaged in the community of the Viking Village.

“In addition to achieving in your academic classes, you will develop lifelong relationships and an understanding of what it means to be a part of something special, and hopefully a sense of belonging that will stay with you and support you along the way.

“Set goals, work hard to achieve them, utilize your talents, utilize this community of support that surrounds you,” she said. “Be an active and engaged part of this wonderful community that is VASJ. And most of all, I encourage you to be the best that you can be.”