ATLANTA--Justin Danner gave the valedictory address and was named Star Student at the 97th graduation of Marist School in Atlanta.

The event was held May 30 in Symphony Hall of the Woodruff Arts Center. Diplomas were awarded to 193 members of the Class of 1998 by Michael F. Maher, headmaster, at the ceremony. The Baccalaureate Mass was celebrated by Father Ronald Nikodem, SM, campus pastor, at Perimeter Church in Duluth with other members of the Marist community presiding.

Danner, the son of Jim and Leslie Danner of Norcross, also received the Harley R. Kimmel Memorial Award presented to the valedictorian by the Marist Parents Club.

Andrew Jones, the son of Robert and Peggy Jones of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, gave the salutatory address. The salutatorian received the Atlanta Journal Cup, which recognizes the best all-around senior who excels in service, friendliness and embodiment of the school philosophy, and the Harley R. Kimmel Memorial Award from the Marist Parents Club.

The Sedes Sapientiae Award, the highest Marist award recognizing outstanding loyalty, scholarship and service, was given to Amanda Kirsch Baumann, the daughter of James and Marlene Baumann of St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Alpharetta. Baumann and David Spencer Benson, the son of Thomas and Lynn Benson of Atlanta, received the Dean Hargis Award for leadership, dedication and tenacity in a varsity athletic program.

The Archbishop’s Award, recognizing excellence in the study of Catholicism and service to school, parish or community, was given to Brian McMorrow, the son of Denis and Patricia McMorrow of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta, and Elizabeth Trippe, the daughter of Patricia Trippe of All Saints Church, Dunwoody, and David Trippe of Atlanta.

Students were also recognized this year for contributions to the Blue & Gold Marist school newspaper. Jason Marraccini, Katie Caperton, Matt Maher, Andy Jones, Russell Christian, Bryan Dabruzzi and Elise Mattingly won writing awards in various categories from the Georgia Scholastic Press Association of the University of Georgia. For the 20th consecutive year the association awarded the school newspaper first place ranking and best front page layout in Georgia.

Nationally the Columbia Scholastic Press Association of Columbia University awarded the Blue & Gold the Gold Medalist Certificate and All Columbian Honors in coverage, writing and editing, hands-on production and business. The American Scholastic Press Association awarded the paper first place with special merit.