McAuley Names Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Speakers

CHICAGO — Graduating seniors may yet adorn Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School’s lawn in their long white dresses and white gloves. With the stay-at-home order in effect through May, the all-girl Catholic High School is planning for baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies to be held in July.

While the graduation ceremony may have been delayed, top honors and recognitions were announced for McAuley’s Class of 2020. Honorees hail from Orland Park, Evergreen Park, Palos Park and Mount Greenwood.

Valedictorian Alena Pedroza, of Orland Park, completed her senior year with the highest grade point average (GPA) among her classmates. She will address her classmates at graduation. Alena is co-president of the National Honors Society, a member of the National English Honors Society, the National Science Honors Society, and a Catherine McAuley Honors Scholar. She also competed on the Math Macs team, is a member of the orchestra and served as co-captain of the varsity volleyball team. She is a graduate of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. Alena will attend the University of Chicago.

The class salutatorian, Megan Howley, of Evergreen Park, holds the second highest GPA among her classmates. She is a member of the National Honors Society, the National English Honors Society, the Spanish Honors Society, serves as treasurer for the National Science Honors Society, and served as the director of the Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars. As a Mighty Mac athlete, Megan competed as a member of the cross country and track teams. She is a graduate of Most Holy Redeemer grade school. She will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.

Palos Park resident Allie Duffy was elected by her classmates as the student speaker. Allie is a student ambassador and member of the varsity club/dance club. Outside of school she is involved with the Youth Ministry program at Queen of Martyrs parish. She is a graduate of Independence Junior High. She will attend the University of Iowa.

Grace Ellerbeck, of Mount Greenwood, is the recipient of the Sister Mary Brian Costello, RSM scholarship, named in honor of the former English teacher, curriculum director, and principal of Mother McAuley. Grace receives a $2,000 toward her college tuition. She will address her classmates and guests at the baccalaureate mass. Grace is a member of the National Honors Society, National Science Honors Society and a Catherine McAuley Honors Scholar. As an athlete she was a member of the Mighty Mac golf team. Additionally, she served as co-consul president of the Junior Classical League-Latin Club, as a member of Primary Colors and as a student ambassador. Outside of school, Grace has worked as a summer volunteer at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. She is a graduate of Queen of Martyrs Catholic School. Grace will attend Loyola University Chicago.