On May 27, Stella Maris Academy made history.

As the only Catholic high school in the Diocese of Duluth, the school celebrated its first-ever graduating class — 12 seniors whose journey began with a leap of faith and helped shape the future of Catholic education in the diocese.

For President Andrew Hilliker, the moment felt almost unreal.

“It feels sort of surreal,” he said. “We’ve been working at this for so long.”

That work began in 2021, when the board decided to establish a Catholic high school, building on a strong elementary program already in place. The timing, Hilliker said, felt providential. By the fall of 2022, Stella Maris welcomed its first class of freshmen — students who would remain together for all four years.

Hilliker calls them a “small but mighty” group of trailblazers.

Their willingness to begin something new helped establish trust in the school and sparked growth across the academy. Stella Maris Academy now anticipates 40 freshmen next year, along with more than 60 seventh graders and nearly 100 kindergarteners.

“These students helped us grow in ways we never could have without their willingness to take that leap,” Hilliker said.

The class formed a close-knit community. Their shared experience fostered strong relationships with one another, their teachers, and school leaders. The environment, Hilliker said, feels more like a family than a school.

That sense of unity developed in part from the conditions they encountered. The high school building, originally built in 1909 as the St. James Orphanage and reacquired by the diocese in 2021, was still under renovation when the first classes began. Only two classrooms were fully functional.

“They did not walk into a finished building,” Hilliker said. “They helped build it.”

Watching the school take shape gave the students a deep sense of pride. Their “yes” to an unfinished vision became a defining part of their legacy.

The graduates now move on to a variety of paths, including education, medicine, business and the trades. That diversity reflects the school’s broader mission.

“Our goal is not only academic excellence,” Hilliker said. “We strive to form good people who will do good things and grow closer to Jesus.”

The milestone was marked with a baccalaureate Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, celebrated by Bishop Daniel Felton, followed by commencement. The week also included the traditional senior walk-through and a Mass and breakfast for local Catholic school students.

For Hilliker, the day represents the fulfillment of years of prayer and effort.

“We have envisioned this day since the beginning,” he said. “It is incredible to see it finally here.”

What began with 12 students and two classrooms has grown into a community built on faith, courage and the legacy of its first graduates.