ANGELS MANAGER JOE MADDON OFFERS CONGRATULATIONS AND ADVICE TO DIOCESE OF ORANGE VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIANS VIA A ZOOM GATHERING. / PHOTO: ANDREW MEEHAN

Los Angeles AngelsManager and two-time World Series Champion Joe Maddonjoined Bishop Vann, Auxiliary Bishop Nguyen and Dr. Erin Barisano, superintendent of schools, to honor the Class of 2020 valedictorians and salutatorians from Catholic high schools across the Diocese of Orange. 

Coach Maddonacknowledged the students for their achievements and hard work, encouraging them to stay positive, remain optimistic and embrace new challenges.   

“Catholic education to me means everything,” Maddonsaid. “Enjoy this moment and continue to grow.” 

The Zoom call also featured a special message from Angelscenterfielder and three-time American League MVP Mike Trout.  

“Your ability to overcome these challenges will prepare you for anything the future holds,” he said. 

The students will be attending USC, UCLA, Rice University, Long Beach State, Macalester College, the U.S. Naval Academy, MIT, Notre Dame, Brown University and Stanford.  

“While this is the end of one experience, the world has opened up for you,” Dr. Barisanosaid. “I believe you will go out and change lives. You will always have a place to call home in the Diocese of Orange.” 

STUDENTS JOINING THE CALL INCLUDED: 

Kathleen Macfee– JSerraCatholic High School 

Maria ValentinaOsorio– JSerraCatholic High School 

Cynthia Garcia – Mater Dei High School 

Fiona Mulholland– Mater Dei High School 

Jeffery Peterson– Mater Dei High School 

Colin Weaver– Mater Dei High School 

Bryn Boznanski– Rosary Academy 

Julia Clift-Toth– Rosary Academy 

KloeyReyes– Rosary Academy 

Jordan Cheung– Santa Margarita  

Brendan Reeves– Santa Margarita  

Matthew Martinez– ServiteHigh School 

Preston Patz–ServiteHigh School