Twenty-four receive diplomas from SHCHS
Sacred Heart Catholic High School held its graduation ceremonies Sunday afternoon, May 17 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hallettsville with 24 seniors receiving their diplomas.
The top graduates were recognized, who included the valedictorian, salutatorian and historian Ryan Janak, Ella Demel and Lanie Haas, respectively.
Ryan is the son of Mark and Karen Janak and was named Valedictorian for the SHCHS graduating class of 2026. He earned a four-year high honors average of 101.76.
Throughout high school, Ryan distinguished himself through excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, public speaking, agriculture, 4-H, and community involvement.
In athletics, Ryan participated in cross country, track and field, swimming, basketball and tennis. He competed all four years in the state cross country meet and in track his last three years.
Ryan excelled in academics as well by being a state semifinalist in TAPPS Academic Meet Original Oratory and was part of the State Art Champion his freshman year.
In leadership, Ryan served in the Leo Club, president of the SH Barbecue Club, chaplain for student council and class chaplain. He also was the National Honor Society president and a Duke for the Coronation Court his freshman and senior year.
Regarding 4-H and agriculture, Ryan competed in local and major competitions displaying much success. He earned Grand Champion at the Hallettsville Commercial Heifer Show twice and also was a two-time winner at the San Antonio Beef Skillathon and once at the Austin Beef Skillathon.
Ryan also earned reserve champion at the Hallettsville Commercial Heifer Show and the Texas Cattle Feeders Association Junior Fed Beef competition.
In public speaking, Ryan qualified for State in 4-H Public Speaking and served as club president as well as the District third vice-chairman and a delegate for the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ryan was also very active in many extracurricular activities both at the school and the community.
As far as plans for the future, Ryan will attend Texas A&M University in College Station and pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a focus on beef production.
Ella Demel, the daughter of Darrell and Claudette Demel, was named the salutatorian with a highest honors average of 100.76.
Throughout high school Ella has been involved in multiple clubs and extracurricular activities.
Ella served as the vice-president of her class, president of the Astronomy Club and local KJZT family life organization, and was an active member of the SH Barbecue Club, Czech Heritage Club and National Honor Society.
In athletics, Ella was captain of the volleyball team, and also played softball, golf, and ran track.
She received state runner-up, first team academic all-state and first team THSCA Academic all-state in volleyball this past year, and was also first team TAPPS Academic all-state and THSCA all-state in golf and track this year. Awards in softball have not been released at this time.
Ella received a number of scholarships that will be put to use in achieving her plans for the future.
She will attend Texas A&M University at College Station and will major in Nutrition. Ella plans to obtain her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing and begin working as an ICU nurse.
She further plans to pursue a Doctoral degree and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Lanie Haas, daughter of Kevin and Lara Haas was named Historian earning a four-year honors average of 99.76.
During her high school years, Lanie has been involved in numerous events, organizations and activities.
Lanie has held a number of leadership roles including chaplain of the National Honor Society, member of the Leo Club, Student Council treasurer, senior class secretary as well as office position in the Astronomy Club and Czech Heritage Club.
Actively involved in athletics, Laney participated in volleyball, tennis and softball and helped her team advance all four years to the state softball tournament and three years to the state tennis tournament.
Lanie has earned all district honors in volleyball and all-state honors in softball.
She also received all-state academic recognition in all three sports.
Laney was awarded the Victoria Area Varsity Cup Athlete of the Year Award during her senior year.
Active in many church and community activities, Laney volunteered on plateto-go meals, church picnics and a regular reader at school Masses. She was also involved with the Hallettsville Rodeo Association helping work at various rodeos.
Lanie also earned a number of awards at the Hallettsville Livestock Show and competed at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She served as an officer on the Lavaca County 4-H Council and was involved in the Sacred Heart Teen ACTS Retreat and youth group.
Lanie plans to use a number of scholarships she received by attending Texas A&M at Victoria, and later transferring to Tarleton State University in Stephenville to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness.