Class of 2025 Honored at Baccalaureate Mass

5/20/2025

On Sunday, May 18, Loyola Academy’s Class of 2025 gathered with their parents and guardians in the East Gym for the annual Baccalaureate Mass, a cherished tradition that celebrates the accomplishments of graduating seniors while grounding them in faith and mission as they prepare to embark on new journeys.

Presided over by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, the Mass began with a joyful reminder that this is a time of celebration and rejoicing. Campus Minister Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, offered a powerful homily that called the senior class to lives of courage, creativity, and compassion. Drawing upon the day’s readings, he reminded students that their Jesuit education has prepared them to face life’s hardships with faith and to respond to the world’s needs with love. “You are in the Jesuit way: leaders in service,” he said. “You are Women and Men for others. You are ready to set the world on fire.”

A highlight of the liturgy was the presentation of the Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award, Loyola’s highest honor given to a senior who exemplifies humble leadership, quiet service, and a commitment to being a person for others. This year’s recipient, Dia Drossos '25, offered heartfelt remarks that deeply moved the community.

“I came into Loyola knowing four people, and as I look out today, I see my family,” Drossos shared. She reflected on the remarkable transformation she experienced during her four years and the deep bonds formed within the Loyola community. “It has been my absolute pleasure to call myself a Rambler for the last four years and will be my continued joy to do so for the rest of my life.”

Acknowledging the impact of Loyola’s faculty and staff, she added, “I would not be the person I am if not for the transformative teachers and staff at Loyola. The teachers here are special.” Drossos also spoke to the depth of formation the class received: “Loyola taught our class how to live—we were taught how to empathize, care, serve, and listen. We have been prepared for the world...more than perhaps we realize.” While words alone could not fully capture what it means to be a Rambler, she concluded, “What it means to be a Rambler is too grand to express with just words—however, I can feel it deeply.”

Before the liturgy concluded, Fr. Ostdiek blessed the St. Ignatius medals that are distributed to each year's graduating class: "Gracious God, your saints and holy ones perpetually give you glory...may this holy image of St. Ignatius Loyola be for all who wear it a source of your rich blessings and a gateway to your loving presence. "As the Mass concluded, the Class of 2025 was sent forth with blessings and encouragement to carry the light of their Jesuit education into the world—to lead with love, act with justice, and live lives of purpose and service.

Watch Dia’s speech and a full recording of the Baccalaureate Mass.

A special thank you to the following students and faculty/staff whose participation helped make this a beautiful celebration.

Loyola Academy Choir:

Meaghan Barrio '25

Madison Czuba '25

Matty Erickson '25

Milanya FayCurry '25

Tommy Grant '25

Jillian Grinko '25

Rebecca Jalloway '25

Kate O'Donnell '25

Evelyn Pricco '25

Lucy Rossman '25

Musicians: Daniel Blanchard '25, piano, Lucas Yordan '25, bass, and Michael Dziekan '26, trumpet.

Call to Worship: Jonathan Hernandez '25

First Reading: Colin Langford '25

Second Reading: Grace Gordon '25

General Intercessions: Francie Ryan '25, Riley Prince '25

Gift Bearers: Maggie Bielinski '25, Raquel Velasquez '25

Cross Bearer: Nora Emerson '25

Book Bearer: Kate O’Donnell '25

Ushers: Emmary Arciniega Sanchez '25, Jack Ehlert '25, Colin Langford '25

Sacristians: Rebecca Jalloway, Brandon Matejka '25

Eucharistic Ministers: Jacqui Lukic '25, Lily Tarzon '25, Simone Abbasi '25, Sophia Cabrales '25, Grace Dwyer '25, Emmary Arciniega '25, Katherine Thomas '25, Claire Brady '25, Ashley Zapata '25, Camille Cox '25, Ava Jefson '25

Concelebrants: Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ; Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ; Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ; Rev. Ted Munz, SJ

Conferring Ignatian Medals: Greg Jacobson, Beth Waid Prince, Genevieve Atwood, Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ; Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ; Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, Liz Riggs, Ty Wahlbrink, SJ, Beth Stanton, Tim Devine '88, Nick Herrero, Colleen Fahrenbach '11, Mark McGuire '06, Melissa Krein, Phil Nieman, Colleen Aufderheide LdM '85, Chris Penna, Carrie Lofgren '10

Back