This past Friday, May 10th, 2013, the student body congregated for the last time this year to celebrate an important milestone in a Jesuit student’s career- Senior Convocation. A way to honor and recognize the class of 2013 before the next step in their academic journey, convocation commemorates those seniors who have striven to achieve the ideal graduate at graduation and excelled in categories of academics, leadership, and community service during their final year at Jesuit.
After a brief reflection by assistance principal Mr. Fred Donohue on what it means to embody the ideal graduate at graduation, the award ceremony commenced with junior counselor Mr. Paul McDaniel, who announced the awards of excellence for an assortment of academic subjects and extracurricular activities. Notable awards in this category include the St. Peter Canisius Award, given to the Roundup Editor in Chief Andrew Frank for outstanding work as a member of the school newspaper, and the Brother Burt Rivet, S.J. Award, given to Jack White in commemoration for the hard hours put in as Editor of the yearbook.
Next came the Senior Magis Awards, merited “by those seniors who in daily life give the Magis, or ‘the more,’ to their community.” These students went “beyond the ordinary” in supporting the Jesuit community through their studies and relationships. The recipients of the MagisAwards were Drew Highlander, Ryan Pigeon, Bill Snyder, Steven Spieth, and Jordan Tabolka.
Following the Magis Awards, the Athlete of the Year Award was given in recognition of “a senior’s [athletic]accomplishments and for the way that he has represented Jesuit during his four years [as a student].” Unsurprisingly, the award went to football team captain Jake Oliver, a Parade Magazine all American, recipient of the Tom Landry Award, US Army all American, and future player for the Texas Longhorns.
Next, the Joseph Thomas Wunderlick award, given in honor of Alumni Tom Wunderlick of the 1946 graduating class, was presented to “the graduate who has best combined athletic and academic achievement during his years at Jesuit.” Jesuit golfer Josh Radcliff received the award in recognition of his achievements.
After the Wunderlick Award came the Ad Astra Medals, merited by “students whose overall involvement and creativity in designing and leading new social justice initiatives have bettered their school and civic communities.” The first award was presented to Rob Giltner, who selflessly worked with Christian Community Action, the Notre Dame School of Dallas, Meals on Wheels, and contributed an incredible 452 hours of community service. The second Astra Medal was awarded to Michael Pratt, who volunteered his time to the “commit to Dallas” Educational Partnership, working as a weekly tutor, leading the Hunger Busters and American Heart Association Events.
Following the Ad Astra Medals, the Aloysius Gonzaga Award for outstanding community service was merited by a student “who gives unselfishly of himself to his community.” Erik Eppig received this award for his selfless service in the community.
The next honor awarded, the Jesuit Man for Others Award, recognizes Jesuit seniors who “exemplify, in their words and actions, what is means to be a Jesuit student who has moved beyond himself.” Three Jesuit seniors received the award this year: Grant Hatzmann, Dennis Kamara, and Matt Yzaguirre.
Following the Man for Others Award, the JSEA Award, given by the Jesuit Secondary Education Association, honors a senior who “as a man for others, models the ideal profile of a graduate of Jesuit education.” The 2013 JSEA Award was presented to Jeff Ackles.
Lastly, the most coveted and noteworthy award for a Jesuit senior, the Bishop Lynch Award, named after the late Joseph Patrick Lynch, was awarded to a senior “in recognition of scholastic achievement, combined with character, leadership, participation in Extra-curricular Activities, and service on behalf of the school and the wider community.” This year, the Student Body President, Basil Sief, merited the Bishop Lynch Award.
Congratulations to the seniors who received an award at convocation through dedication and perseverance. The Roundup wishes all of the class of 2013 the best, as they advance to the next stage of their academic career and life.
