ATLANTA--The 96th Marist School commencement exercises were held for 193 members of the class of 1997 on Saturday, May 24 at 2 p.m. at Symphony Hall of the Woodruff Arts Center.

Diplomas were presented to the graduates by headmaster Michael F. Maher.

The Harley R. Kimmel Memorial Award was presented to valedictorian Katherine E. Thomas and to salutatorian Katherine C. Tollon. Both graduates addressed the class.

Thomas, the daughter of Peter and Beverly Thomas, is a member of the National Honor Society and the French Honor Society, the cross country team and the math team. She has worked as a peer leader and support group facilitator and was a founding member of EACHH Environmental Club.

In her junior year, she was honored with the Harvard Book Award and a Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit, was a Wendy's High School Heisman National Nominee, and received a scholarship last summer to the Youth Theology Institute at Emory University. She plans to attend the University of Virginia where she will be an Echols Scholar.

She also received the Atlanta Journal Cup, which recognizes the best all-around senior who excels in service, friendliness, embodiment of school philosophy and involvement in activities.

Tollon, the daughter of John and Joan Tollon of Holy Spirit Church, Atlanta, is a National Merit Scholar and a member of the French Honor Society and the Math Society. She has competed in basketball, cross country and soccer and was a peer leader in the Peer Support Program. She will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Shiriki Cavitt, the daughter of Linda Cavitt of Tucker, was awarded the Sedes Sapientiae Award, which is given to a senior, chosen by the faculty, who excels in loyalty, scholarship and service. It is the highest honor given by Marist.

At Marist, Cavitt was a Georgia Scholar, president of the Spanish Honor Society, a member of the National Honor Society, the student council and the multi-cultural awareness club. She will attend Dartmouth College in the fall.

The Archbishop's Award, presented to students who have achieved excellence in the study of the Catholic faith and who have given service to their school, parish or community, was given to Marc D. Rosenkoetter, the son of Glen and Janet Rosenkoetter of St. Ann's Church in Marietta, and to Amy Tidwell of St. Thomas More Church in Decatur, daughter of Theresa Tidwell of Loganville and Matthew Tidwell.

Gary Ducote, son of Richard and Teresa Ducote of Atlanta, and Heather Marshall, daughter of Jeffrey and Julie Marshall of Atlanta, received the Dean Hargis Award which recognizes seniors who made outstanding contributions to the school through leadership, dedication and tenacity as participants for more than one season in a varsity athletic program.