Music by the Loyola Band, conducted by Performing Arts Chair and Director of Bands Mr. Daniel Briggs, accompanied the Class of 2017 as they processed, dressed in black or white dresses or white tuxedos jackets in accordance with a time-honored Loyola tradition. The ceremony began with the national anthem, led by Honors Chamber Singers and conducted by Mr. Matthew Begale, director of choirs.

Loyola Academy Principal Dr. Kathryn Baal welcomed guests and began by recognizing eleven outstanding members of the graduating class. “These students have truly gone above and beyond academically,” Dr. Baal remarked. “And statistically, they are extremely close. So, for the first time ever, we would like to acknowledge Loyola Academy’s top two percent.” The following students were honored: Rebecca Amesbury, Christian Carini, Katherine Enrietto, Meredith Hardwick, Zachary Holecek, Kellie McCabe, Elizabeth Nichols, Elizabeth Peterson, Charles Power, Graham Repp and Roberto Roches, the Class of 2017 valedictorian.  

Next, Roberto Roches delivered his valedictorian’s address and shared his experience as both an immigrant to the United States from Mexico and as a transfer student to Loyola. “I have spent my entire life experiencing change in one form or another,” he explained. On a day that marked both an end and a beginning for the senior class, Roches encouraged his classmates to honor the important relationships and experiences in their lives, while embracing the change and transitions they will face. “On the last day of English, Mr. Seeberg read us the following quote by Tennyson: ‘I am a part of all that I have met,’” Roches recalled. “I am a part of all my schools, all my teachers, all my friends...and so are you.

“Look at the people around you,” he continued. “Your parents, your family, your friends and your teachers—they are a part of who you are and they always will be. Remember them with what lies ahead: change.”

After the valedictorian’s address, Dr. Baal presented the Graduate at Graduation Award, given annually to two well-rounded seniors, one young man and one young woman, who best resemble the Jesuit ideal of being intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving, physically fit and committed to doing justice. The 2017 Graduate at Graduation Award recipients were Katherine Enrietto and Theodore Falkenhayn.

Dr. Baal then introduced the 2017 Educator of the Year award, which recognizes a teacher for his or her outstanding contribution to the formation of students as voted by the senior class. “As we all know, teenagers are generally no pushovers,” Baal joked. “So there is a very high threshold for this honor.” The 2017 Educator of the Year Award was presented to Mr. Tim Mitchell of the theology department.  

Before diplomas were conferred, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, delivered his remarks to the Class of 2017. He reminded graduates that their education is both a gift and a challenge. “Your Catholic, Jesuit education means little if it is not given away in service and love,” he urged. “You are sent with a tool-kit and a worldview born of the incredibly positive, creative and engaging mission of St. Ignatius and his Society of Jesus.”

Diplomas were presented by Fr. McGrath and by Mr. Roger Hickey, chairman of Loyola’s Board of Trustees. In keeping with a cherished Loyola Academy tradition, for graduating seniors with alumni parents or grandparents, diplomas were handed down from one generation to another. Assistant Principal for Student Services Mr. Charlie Heintz and Mr. Tim Kane ’86 of the English Department read the names of graduates.

A roar of applause erupted after the last diploma was conferred and a spirit of excitement swirled Gentile Arena. Dr. Baal thanked the Class of 2017 for its extraordinary leadership and encouraged Loyola’s newest alumni to be doers, not just dreamers.

As the graduates processed out, eager to meet with family and friends, words from Fr. McGrath’s earlier remarks still echoed: “We send you into a world of noise and division as people who know how to dig deeper, to reflect well and to discern that which matters most—and ultimately to act with compassion and love. We send you to be a source of hope in the world.”