Saint Joseph High School Graduates 114, Earn More Than $34.8 Million in Scholarships

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ - Members of the Saint Joseph High School Class of 2022 received their long-awaited diplomas and final blessings during the school’s graduation ceremony on May 23. 

Led by valedictorian Aayush Agnihotri and salutatorian Matthew DaSilva, the 114 members of the class celebrated their special day in front of family and friends at The Church of the Sacred Heart.

Fr. Michael Krull ‘76 initiated the proceeding by presiding over the Class of 2022 Baccalaureate Mass. The graduation ceremony followed immediately after.

During the ceremony, Agnihotri reminded his classmates to create their own path to success, regardless of outside expectations and influences.

"Everywhere we go, we will be in the shadow of others,” Agnihotri said. “Whether those individuals have already completed an internship at a Fortune 500 company, developed a ground-breaking app, or been named to an All-Conference baseball team, we will have to work hard in every endeavor to set ourselves apart. But through this school and each of our individual journeys to becoming a Saint Joseph Man, we have developed the tools necessary to not only succeed, but thrive.”

The Saint Joe’s Class of 2022 more than succeeded during their time on campus. As a whole, the class received more than $34.8 million in total scholarships, with the average accepted award being more than $96,000.

81 percent of Saint Joe’s students receiving scholarships were offered awards in excess of their four-year Saint Joseph High School tuition.

Saint Joseph High School President John G. Nolan, Jr. praised the class for overcoming challenges that no other class in the history of the school has done.

"As you leave us today, know how proud we are of all of you,” Nolan said. “You were challenged academically, spiritually, athletically, artistically, creatively and yes, even PANDEMICALLY (no, that’s not a real word) and you met those challenges head on. Know that if you keep working hard you can accomplish anything you set your mind to."

Key Stats from the Class of 2022

• The Class of 2022 were offered collegiate scholarships totaling more than $34.8 million.
• The Class of 2022 were offered 142 scholarships in excess of $100,000 over four years
• 81% of students receiving scholarships to four-year colleges received offers in excess of the four years tuition at Saint Joseph High School
• 60% of students receiving scholarships to four-year colleges were awarded a total individual scholarship amount in excess of $96,000 over 4 years