Loyola Academy Celebrates 108th Commencement Exercises

On Saturday, May 26, Loyola Academy celebrated its 108th Commencement Exercises at the Joseph J. Gentile Arena on Loyola University’s Lake Shore Campus. With family and friends present, 511 members of the senior class gathered one last time as classmates and departed as Loyola alumni.
Music by the Loyola Band, conducted by Performing Arts Chair and Director of Bands Mr. Daniel Briggs, accompanied the Class of 2018 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. Mr. Aaron Malnick, SJ, theology teacher and assistant director of stewardship, delivered the invocation.

Loyola Academy Principal Dr. Kathryn Baal welcomed guests and began by recognizing ten outstanding members of the graduating class. “In addition to our traditional awards, we are recognizing a handful of students who have truly gone above and beyond academically,” Dr. Baal remarked. “And statistically, they are extremely close. So, for the second year in a row, we would like to acknowledge Loyola Academy’s top two percent.” The following students were honored: Matthew Brun —the Class of 2018 valedictorian, Maximilian Calk, Catherine Comerford, Stephanie Collins, Louisa Edwards, Anne Elaine Foley, Andrew Forsyth, Emily Molins, Ngozi Okoli and Andrea Scheidt.

Next, Matthew Brun, headed to Rice University in the fall, delivered his valedictorian’s address and shared his unique interpretation of the special honor. “When we think about the valedictorian, we tend to think of the person with the highest grades, or the person who always knows the answer in class,” Bruns said. “When I think about being a valedictorian, a different duty comes to mind.” Calling on his knowledge of Latin, Brun gave a brief lesson in etymology, explaining that the root of valedictorian derives from two Latin words, one of which means to “be well,” “be strong” or “prevail.” “I am here on this stage to say goodbye, both from this class and to this class, but also to look to the future, to wish you all well,” said Brun. He then introduced  the audience to a second Latin phrase, St. Ignatius’s famous “Ite inflammate omnia”—go forth and set the world on fire. “We need to translate this quote, not from Latin to English, but from words to action,” he charged.

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 2018 Graduate at Graduation Award recipients were Ngozi Okoli, who will attend Yale University next year, and Thomas Barr, who will study at the University of St. Thomas.

Dr. Baal then introduced the 2018 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. “I think it’s safe to say that teenagers are generally no pushovers,” Baal joked. “So the bar is set very high for this honor.” The 2018 Educator of the Year Award was presented to Mrs. Priya Amin of the social studies department.  

Before diplomas were conferred, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, delivered his remarks to the Class of 2018, reminding graduates of all they have achieved during their time at Loyola. “Ramblers, in your four years at Loyola Academy we have challenged you to deepen your commitment to our faith community and to listen closely to the call of God,” he said. “Through classes, athletics, co-curriculars, retreats and service we have challenged you to recognize how you might share your talents, faith and life with the world around you. In the crazy, competitive and divisive world we live in, we have invited our community to a deeper reflection on the values that matter and endure. Together we have reflected on the truth that goodness, humility and joy are the fruits of a life of faith.”

Diplomas were presented by Fr. McGrath and by Mr. Roger P. Hickey ’79, 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 2018 for its extraordinary leadership and offered them a reminder: “Now the real work begins. To humbly carry forth God’s will for your life, using  your gifts, your knowledge, you work ethic and your heart for service and social justice.”

As the graduates processed out, eager to meet with family and friends, words from Fr. McGrath’s earlier remarks still echoed: “Now, the time has come to mission you for the next turn of the pilgrimage. May the lessons of these days sink ever more deeply into your hearts.”
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