As the academic year comes to a close, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg celebrates the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as students from its Catholic high schools prepare to graduate and begin the next chapter of their lives. 

Superintendent Chris Pastura shared his congratulations with graduating seniors, saying, “Graduation season for the class of 2026 is upon us. This year is deeply personal because my daughter will be among our Catholic school graduates. I’ve known many of them since they made their First Communion and watched them grow into young adults full of knowledge, skills, and faith. As a Catholic school superintendent and dad, I could not be prouder of our graduates.”

The Diocese of Saint Petersburg is home to seven Catholic high schools:

• Academy of the Holy Names High School, Tampa (9–12 Girls Only) 
• Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Spring Hill (9–12 Co-ed) 
• Clearwater Central Catholic High School, Clearwater (9–12 Co-ed) 
• Cristo Rey High School, Tampa (9–12 Co-ed) 
• Jesuit High School, Tampa (9–12 Boys Only) 
• St. Petersburg Catholic High School, St. Petersburg (9–12 Co-ed) 
• Tampa Catholic High School, Tampa (9–12 Co-ed) 

Graduation ceremonies and Baccalaureate Masses will take place throughout the month of May. These celebrations provide an opportunity for students, families, faculty, and school communities to come together in gratitude and recognition of the graduates’ accomplishments. During the Baccalaureate Mass, prayers and blessings are offered for the graduating class as they prepare for the future.

Teachers, families, and faculty are also recognized for their dedication to helping students succeed. The graduation season is a time to celebrate not only the achievements of our students but also the collective effort of educators, families, and the entire community.

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The Diocese of Saint Petersburg includes 47 Catholic schools and early childhood centers serving nearly 13,000 students across Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, and Citrus counties. Schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference (FCC) and are committed to providing a faith-based education rooted in academic excellence.