Class of 2024 Celebrates with Baccalaureate Mass

With graduating Ramblers before him, much like the Apostles in the Upper Room on the Day of Pentecost, he acknowledges the myriad of emotions—a mix of gratitude for the experiences of the last four years and fear of all that is uncertain. With urgency, he leaves our forthcoming graduates with three actions by which they should live—Do not be afraid; Receive the Holy Spirit; and Go forth and bear witness with lives as servant leaders - serve the world as women and men for others. Fr. Stan inspired the room with his closing remarks, “The Lord is preparing all of you to go out and make your way. Do not be afraid as you prepare to leave. Know that God is always with you. Go forth with great confidence and determination, which comes from your talents, achievements, and the Holy Spirit. Do Well and Do Good. Be the light.”

The 2024 Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award recipient, Sam Soco ‘24, spoke about the many lessons he learned during his four years at Loyola that helped to define who he is today. He shared that perhaps, among the most challenging was learning how to be human and understanding the true meaning of those words. He reflected on his growth, crediting Loyola for the opportunities, resources, culture, and guidance, enabling a life-altering shift in his perspective. With personal examples, he illustrated how he evolved from being driven by the sole desire to achieve perfection to a selfless mindset grounded in service, community, and empathy. This metamorphosis enabled him to approach his senior year differently - better. He said in his address, “Alongside the foundational teachings of St. Ignatius, I learned that being a Rambler - being human - was to truly live life not only in service for others but also with an open heart and mind.”

Before concluding his address, Sam reminded his classmates that being human does not require perfection but rather much more. He shared the pride he felt to be part of the Loyola Academy family whose “sparks of humanity burn bright.” In a compelling call to action, he said, “Continue to carry the spark of humanity with you. With it, ignite the flames that will set your heart ablaze.” In the words of St. Ignatius, go forth and set the world on fire.