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Sending Forth Mass Marks a Joyful and Prayerful Farewell for the Class of 2026
On Friday, May 15, the Loyola Academy community gathered for its annual Sending Forth Mass, a cherished tradition marking the close of the school year and offering one final opportunity for the entire school community to come together in prayer, reflection, and gratitude before the senior class graduates next week. Rooted in Jesuit tradition, the liturgy also serves as a prayerful commissioning for students preparing to embark on summer service experiences and opportunities to live out Loyola’s call to be women and men for and with others.
Celebrated by Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, the Mass included concelebrants Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ; Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ; Rev. Matt Dunch, SJ, member of the Board of Trustees and Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Loyola University Chicago; and Rev. Charlie Rodrigues, SJ, member of the Board of Trustees and Assistant to the Provincial for Formation for the Midwest Jesuits.
In his homily, Fr. Greg reflected on themes first introduced during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the school year, when he challenged students to consider how they would open their hearts, souls, and minds throughout the year ahead. Revisiting those questions during the Sending Forth Mass, he invited students to reflect on how they have grown during their time at Loyola Academy and how they have lived out the call to "love your neighbor as yourself." Speaking directly to the senior class, Fr. Greg reflected on the unique bond he shares with the Class of 2026, noting that they entered Loyola as freshmen during his first year as president and asking simply, "How has it been?" He reminded students that becoming women and men for others is not something measured by grades, but rather by the choices they make each day to love, serve, and care for others.
Principal Tim Devine '88 described the gathering as both meaningful and bittersweet, noting that it marked the final time the entire Loyola Academy community would gather together this school year.
During his remarks, Mr. Devine revisited several distinguished awards first presented during the annual Honors Convocation earlier that week, recognizing students whose leadership, service, and character embody Loyola Academy’s highest ideals.
The 2026 Brost Award, which honors outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic co-curricular activities during junior year, was recognized once again for Juan Carlos Chiwah '27. Named in memory of Gerard Brost, a Loyola junior who passed away in 1934, the award celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the life of the school.
The 2026 Richer Award was also highlighted during the celebration and presented to Abigail Valdez '26 for her outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic co-curricular activities during senior year. The award honors Homer Richer, a Loyola Academy senior who passed away in 1935.
Mr. Devine also announced this year's recipients of two of Loyola Academy's highest honors.
The 2026 Fausone Medal was awarded to Aman Yohannes '26. Named in honor of Molly Fausone '08, whose resilience, determination, and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire the Loyola community, the award recognizes a student who embodies Loyola Academy’s cherished values and serves as a person for others. Aman was recognized for his intellectual curiosity, leadership, civic engagement, and unwavering commitment to serving others. In announcing the award, Mr. Devine reflected on Aman’s advocacy work, dedication to public service, and ability to bring people together through thoughtful dialogue and leadership.
The Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award, Loyola Academy's highest honor for service to the school community, was presented to Michelle Dutkin '26. Named in memory of Michael Rebarchak '79, the award recognizes the substantive yet often unheralded contributions made by a senior student who quietly strengthens the Loyola community through involvement, leadership, and service. Mr. Devine praised Michelle for her humility, compassion, and quiet leadership, describing her as someone who consistently lives out Loyola’s call to facta, non verba — deeds, not words. Deeply involved across campus life, Michelle was recognized for the countless ways she has strengthened the Loyola community through service, kindness, and authentic care for others.
The Mass was made especially meaningful through the participation of students who served as readers, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans, gift bearers, musicians, and vocalists throughout the liturgy. Their prayerful presence and leadership helped create a joyful and reflective celebration for the entire community.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Loyola community continued a tradition Fr. Greg began during his first year as president. Just as the freshman class is “clapped in” each fall during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the senior class was "clapped out" during the Sending Forth Mass — a joyful and emotional send-off celebrating the growth, accomplishments, and lasting impact of the Class of 2026.
As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, the Sending Forth Mass served as a meaningful reminder of how much these students have grown during their time at Loyola Academy — intellectually, spiritually, and in service to others. Bound together by shared experiences, friendships, faith, and formation, the senior class now prepares to carry the lessons of Loyola into the world beyond its walls. Once a Rambler, always a Rambler.
Volunteers and Liturgical Ministers
Call to Worship: Michael Crawford ‘26
First Reading: Merci Mayes ‘26
Intercessions: Quinn Reynolds ‘26
Gift Bearers: Ellen Osei ‘26 and Nathan Lawrence ‘27
Cross Bearer: Max Colpi ‘27
Book of the Gospels: Carla Fernandez ‘26
Sacristans
Daniel Vehovsky ‘26
Rose Harlan ‘26
Lilly Ryan ‘26
Jack Nelson ‘27
Elise Abbasi ‘27
Eucharistic Ministers
Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, Rev. Matt Dunch, SJ, Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, Rev. Charlie Rodrigues, SJ, Mrs. Sara Cagle, Mrs. Armida Dabu, Mrs. Fran Gombac, Mrs. Maria LaTorraca, Mrs. Mary McGann, Ms. Selina McGuire; Seniors: Michelle Dutkin, Henry Fisk, Mary Fuller, Ryan Huening, Stephanie Mozny, Emily Vasilj; Juniors: Kate Bottcher, Maggie Chekouras, Kathleen Devine, Molly Dwyer, Addison Goetz, Maeve Orr, Anna Semple, Marina Sentic, Mayah Siu, Lourdes Valdes, Angelina Zera; Sophomores: Charlie Fisk, Patrick Horton.
Music Ministry
Lead vocalists included Jenna Crosswhite '26, Angelina Denic '26, Lily Fitzgerald '26, Emilia Nelson '26, Maggie Schomer '26, Aubrie Sese '26, RJ True '26, and Maya Vanek '26, Jacqueline Willer '26.
Instrumentalists included Francis Tamayo ‘26 (piano), Michael Dziekan ‘26 (trumpet), Daniel Malan ‘26 (cello), Juan Carlos Chiwah ‘27 (guitar), and Elijah Weyer ‘27 (guitar).
Back
In his homily, Fr. Greg reflected on themes first introduced during the Mass of the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the school year, when he challenged students to consider how they would open their hearts, souls, and minds throughout the year ahead. Revisiting those questions during the Sending Forth Mass, he invited students to reflect on how they have grown during their time at Loyola Academy and how they have lived out the call to "love your neighbor as yourself." Speaking directly to the senior class, Fr. Greg reflected on the unique bond he shares with the Class of 2026, noting that they entered Loyola as freshmen during his first year as president and asking simply, "How has it been?" He reminded students that becoming women and men for others is not something measured by grades, but rather by the choices they make each day to love, serve, and care for others.
Principal Tim Devine '88 described the gathering as both meaningful and bittersweet, noting that it marked the final time the entire Loyola Academy community would gather together this school year.
During his remarks, Mr. Devine revisited several distinguished awards first presented during the annual Honors Convocation earlier that week, recognizing students whose leadership, service, and character embody Loyola Academy’s highest ideals.
The 2026 Brost Award, which honors outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic co-curricular activities during junior year, was recognized once again for Juan Carlos Chiwah '27. Named in memory of Gerard Brost, a Loyola junior who passed away in 1934, the award celebrates students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the life of the school.
The 2026 Richer Award was also highlighted during the celebration and presented to Abigail Valdez '26 for her outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic co-curricular activities during senior year. The award honors Homer Richer, a Loyola Academy senior who passed away in 1935.
Mr. Devine also announced this year's recipients of two of Loyola Academy's highest honors.
The 2026 Fausone Medal was awarded to Aman Yohannes '26. Named in honor of Molly Fausone '08, whose resilience, determination, and pursuit of excellence continue to inspire the Loyola community, the award recognizes a student who embodies Loyola Academy’s cherished values and serves as a person for others. Aman was recognized for his intellectual curiosity, leadership, civic engagement, and unwavering commitment to serving others. In announcing the award, Mr. Devine reflected on Aman’s advocacy work, dedication to public service, and ability to bring people together through thoughtful dialogue and leadership.
The Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award, Loyola Academy's highest honor for service to the school community, was presented to Michelle Dutkin '26. Named in memory of Michael Rebarchak '79, the award recognizes the substantive yet often unheralded contributions made by a senior student who quietly strengthens the Loyola community through involvement, leadership, and service. Mr. Devine praised Michelle for her humility, compassion, and quiet leadership, describing her as someone who consistently lives out Loyola’s call to facta, non verba — deeds, not words. Deeply involved across campus life, Michelle was recognized for the countless ways she has strengthened the Loyola community through service, kindness, and authentic care for others.
The Mass was made especially meaningful through the participation of students who served as readers, Eucharistic ministers, sacristans, gift bearers, musicians, and vocalists throughout the liturgy. Their prayerful presence and leadership helped create a joyful and reflective celebration for the entire community.
At the conclusion of the Mass, the Loyola community continued a tradition Fr. Greg began during his first year as president. Just as the freshman class is “clapped in” each fall during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, the senior class was "clapped out" during the Sending Forth Mass — a joyful and emotional send-off celebrating the growth, accomplishments, and lasting impact of the Class of 2026.
As the Class of 2026 prepares for graduation, the Sending Forth Mass served as a meaningful reminder of how much these students have grown during their time at Loyola Academy — intellectually, spiritually, and in service to others. Bound together by shared experiences, friendships, faith, and formation, the senior class now prepares to carry the lessons of Loyola into the world beyond its walls. Once a Rambler, always a Rambler.
Volunteers and Liturgical Ministers
Call to Worship: Michael Crawford ‘26
First Reading: Merci Mayes ‘26
Intercessions: Quinn Reynolds ‘26
Gift Bearers: Ellen Osei ‘26 and Nathan Lawrence ‘27
Cross Bearer: Max Colpi ‘27
Book of the Gospels: Carla Fernandez ‘26
Sacristans
Daniel Vehovsky ‘26
Rose Harlan ‘26
Lilly Ryan ‘26
Jack Nelson ‘27
Elise Abbasi ‘27
Eucharistic Ministers
Rev. Arek Ciemiega, SJ, Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, Rev. Matt Dunch, SJ, Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, Rev. Charlie Rodrigues, SJ, Mrs. Sara Cagle, Mrs. Armida Dabu, Mrs. Fran Gombac, Mrs. Maria LaTorraca, Mrs. Mary McGann, Ms. Selina McGuire; Seniors: Michelle Dutkin, Henry Fisk, Mary Fuller, Ryan Huening, Stephanie Mozny, Emily Vasilj; Juniors: Kate Bottcher, Maggie Chekouras, Kathleen Devine, Molly Dwyer, Addison Goetz, Maeve Orr, Anna Semple, Marina Sentic, Mayah Siu, Lourdes Valdes, Angelina Zera; Sophomores: Charlie Fisk, Patrick Horton.
Music Ministry
Lead vocalists included Jenna Crosswhite '26, Angelina Denic '26, Lily Fitzgerald '26, Emilia Nelson '26, Maggie Schomer '26, Aubrie Sese '26, RJ True '26, and Maya Vanek '26, Jacqueline Willer '26.
Instrumentalists included Francis Tamayo ‘26 (piano), Michael Dziekan ‘26 (trumpet), Daniel Malan ‘26 (cello), Juan Carlos Chiwah ‘27 (guitar), and Elijah Weyer ‘27 (guitar).
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