On Thursday, May 21, Jesuit hosted Junior Convocation for the Class of 2027. Junior Convocation is a distinguished tradition that honors students through awards, acknowledgments, and scholarships. Junior Convocation is particularly significant due to the presence of family donors associated with each scholarship, as well as the invited parents of award recipients, all of whom are seated alongside the Class of 2027. This occasion also welcomes freshmen and sophomores, allowing them to observe the celebration and the extensive array of awards presented, which includes more than 50 major awards alongside academic and extracurricular certificates. Recipients of these honors are recognized for their dedication, leadership, and exemplary character.
Opening Processions
To begin the morning proceedings, parents, faculty, staff and underclassmen gathered in the Terry Center. As the clock struck 10 a.m., a triumphant melody filled the space as juniors entered the main hall in two orderly lines. Principal Tom Garrison delivered a warm welcome with an introductory address, then invited Fr. Sylvester Tan, SJ to the stage to lead a moment of prayer for the audience. Following this invocation, Assistant Principal Todd Gruninger presented a scripture passage.
Following this, Assistant Principal Seth Waits introduced the next segment of the convocation: the presentation of certificates recognizing academic and extracurricular achievements. These awards are selected based on students’ accomplishments, involvement and success in both academic and extracurricular fields. Information about specific academic and extracurricular awards is provided at the end of this article.
Book Awards
Every year, renown colleges from throughout the country submit a select number of awards to be given out to students who excel in leadership, academics, character and service within their communities. This year, a total of 27 book awards were given to rising seniors. Below are each book award and its recipient.
University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award
The University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award recognizes a high school junior who demonstrates high academic achievement, rigorous coursework in science and superior intellectual promise in the field of science. This award was presented to Gianluca Cavalli.
Bowdoin College Book Award
The Bowdoin College Book Award recognizes a high school junior who has demonstrated extraordinary service to the common good and an unusual passion for inquiry, discovery and innovative thinking. This award was presented to Joaquin Suarez Soto.
Brown University Book Award
The Brown University Book Award recognizes a high school junior who best combines academic excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression. This award was presented to Daniel Shao.
Chatham University Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award
The Chatham University Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award is awarded to a student who is passionate and committed to improving the environment and their community through sustainability. This award was presented to Ford Feller.
“I’m grateful to be recognized for something I’m passionate about, and it encourages me to pursue my interest in environmental conservation.” – Ford Feller ’27
Dartmouth DFW Alumni Club Book Award
The Dartmouth DFW Alumni Club Book Award is awarded each year to a rising senior who has distinguished himself as a strong student, been active in extracurricular activities and is recognized as a leader among his peers. This award was presented to Cade Vopni.
University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award
The University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award is awarded to a rising senior in recognition of outstanding commitment to social justice and dedication to continuing their unfinished life’s work. This award was presented to Darren Clemons.
University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award
The University of Rochester George Eastman Young Leaders Award recognizes a junior who has demonstrated academic achievement and leadership. This award was presented to Michael Tobin.
George Mason University Honors College Book Award
The George Mason University Honors College Book Award recognizes a junior who has made significant contributions to their communities and classrooms, reflecting curiosity, problem solving and civic engagement. This award was presented to Mikhail Skariah.
Harvard Book Award
Each year Harvard University recognizes a junior who displays academic excellence, exceptional personal qualities and high character, combined with significant achievements in extracurricular or nonacademic fields. This award was presented to Isaac Ma.
Le Moyne College Heights Award
The Le Moyne College Heights Award is given to two juniors who reach for the heights in the classroom and in service to their school and community. This award was presented to Bankston Ernst and Oliver Owens.
“I feel really honored and appreciated by Le Moyne’s recognition of my achievements.” – Oliver Owens ’27
The Presbyterian College Fellows Scholarship
The Presbyterian College Fellows Scholarship award is given to juniors whose classroom performance has demonstrated a keen mental ability and maturity of purpose. This award was presented to Ryan Lastelick and Seth Timmons.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Medal
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Medal is presented to a rising senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the study of mathematics and science. This award was presented to Aidan McGuire.
Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology awards are presented to outstanding juniors for exceptional leadership, academic performance and community engagement. This year’s awards were presented to the following students:
Art and Design Award: Jonathan Shu
Business and Leadership Award: Henry Kovac
Computing Award: William Hutchins
Engineering and Technology Award: Aaron Roy
Humanities and Social Sciences Award: Jack Swindle
Science and Math Award: Peter Hasik
“It felt really good to win the [Rochester Institute of Technology] award and I’m proud to have been the one selected for it.” – William Hutchins ’27
St. Lawrence University Book Award
The St. Lawrence University Book Award recognizes a junior who has consistently demonstrated a significant commitment to the environment. This award was presented to Sunil Shah.
St. Michael’s College Book Award
The St. Michael’s College Book Award for Community Engagement recognizes outstanding students in their junior year who have demonstrated a sincere commitment to community service, issues of peace and justice, concern for others, as well as academic excellence and rigor. This award was presented to Alex Jimenez and Kade Turay.
Tulane University Book Award
The Tulane University Book Award recognizes a junior student who embodies Tulane’s motto, ‘Not for one’s self, but for one’s own,’ and has demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership and public service. This award was presented to Noah Walsh.
University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award
The University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award is presented to a junior who embodies Thomas Jefferson’s commitment to innovation, creativity and the spirit of discovery. This award was presented to Bennett Campbell.
University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
The University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology is presented to a junior in recognition of outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and an appreciation for the possibilities of technology. This award was presented to Christian Raju.
Yale Book Award
The Yale Book Award is presented to a high school junior with exemplary academic achievements who has also displayed intellectual promise and outstanding personal character. This award was presented to Ryan Tian.
St. Stanislaus Kostka Award
The Office of Campus Ministry fosters religious growth in light of Catholic tradition and the vision of St. Ignatius of Loyola by supporting all members of the Jesuit Dallas Community in their call to proclaim the faith, promote justice and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In honor of St. Stanislaus Kostka, this award was presented to Griffin Civello and Alonte Garmon.
Quest for Excellence Award
The Jesuit Ursuline Ranger Band Booster Club acknowledges two students who display diligence and enthusiasm in band activities and who exemplify the spirit and community of the band. This award, carrying with it two $1,000 scholarships, was presented to Kaden Handoko and Ryan Fitzgerald.
Haggerty Math and Science Academic Award
The Haggerty Math and Science Academic Award is a one-year $2,250 tuition scholarship awarded to selected students for their sophomore, junior and senior years. These scholarships are awarded to students pursuing excellence in math and science. Also considered is their involvement at Jesuit, leadership roles and community service. This award was presented to Bennett Campbell, Ford Feller, Peter Hasik, Isaac Ma, Simon McGoldrick, Levi Secker, Daniel Shao, Ryan Tian, Cade Vopni and Hudson Wall.
Man for Others Award
Jesuit’s Man for Others Award is given each year to students who exemplify selflessness in their words and actions, as well as what it means to be a Jesuit student. The award comes with a $1,000 scholarship, funded by the Jesuit Women’s Auxiliary. This award was presented to Max Galante.
Counselors’ Scholarship
The Counselors’ Scholarship is funded by an anonymous benefactor who wants to honor a student who is committed to being a Man for Others. This student may be actively involved in his church, Jesuit, or the greater community, and serves as a strong example of what Jesuit represents. The Counselors’ Scholarship, which comes with a $500 tuition grant, was presented to Andrew Cook.
James M. Collins Citizenship Award
The James M. Collins Citizenship Award was founded to honor the memory of the late Congressman James Collins and is awarded to the junior who best exemplifies the values Collins represented: knowledge of history and government, participation in the community and American citizenship. This award, which comes with a $1,500 scholarship, was presented to Ryan Lopez.
Frank Guida ’02 Memorial Scholarship
The Frank Guida ’02 Memorial Scholarship was established by Karen and Joe Guida and the classmates of Frank Guida to recognize a junior who strives for excellence, with talent and promise in music, theater or art. This award, which comes with a $1,200 scholarship, was presented to Ian Skertchly.
“I am thankful for the amazing support we get here at Jesuit. The financial grant will allow me to continue to work towards my goals and dreams.” – Ian Skertchly ’27
Dean Oliver Clarke ’94 Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in the name of Dean Oliver Clarke, Class of 1994, in 1995. This scholarship is based on the character of the student who displays his generosity in the school environment and creates a community that is welcoming and respectful to all. Unlike other awards, this scholarship is the only Jesuit scholarship that comes without need-based, academic, or extracurricular qualifications. This award, which comes with a $2,300 scholarship, was presented to Joaquin Lopez.
TJ Martinez, SJ Scholarship
The TJ Martinez, SJ Scholarship was assisted in presentation by Ryan Jetton, Class of 2004. The Father TJ Martinez, SJ Memorial Scholarship was established in 2016 in the memory of Father Martinez, SJ. This scholarship is presented to a junior who exemplifies himself greatly in his efforts towards community service, as would have been championed by Fr. Martinez, previous Jesuit Dallas Director of Community Service. This award, which comes with a $4,300 scholarship, was presented to Brady Zeck.
Mark S. Moussa ’76 Young Entrepreneurs Scholarship
Alumnus Mark Moussa established the Mark S. Moussa ’76 Entrepreneurs Scholarship to reward a Jesuit junior who has shown interest in being a future business owner. This award, which comes with a $4,500 scholarship, was presented to Bennett Campbell.
“I’m so grateful to Mark Moussa for this scholarship, and to my parents, teachers and the Jesuit Dallas community for their unwavering support and endless sacrifices. None of this would be possible without each and every one of them.” – Bennett Campbell ’27
Shakespeare Award
The Shakespeare Award was established for a rising senior who demonstrates a deep interest and curiosity about literature and famous literature writings. In addition, he has talent in his own writing, as well as actively works to grow as a writer and inspire his classmates to do so as well. This award, which comes with a $3,000 scholarship, funded by Steven and Lisa Meyer, was presented to Will Shaner.
Shakespeare Award — English III
The Shakespeare Award for English III was established for a rising senior who has a unique writing voice that often incorporates a strategic and sometimes witty use of language. This young writer makes use of his skill to bring life to his works, similarly to William Shakespeare. This award, which comes with a $3,000 scholarship, was presented to Henry Jiede.
Louis Kramer Memorial Scholarship
This award was assisted in presentation by Matt Kramer and Kevin Kramer, Class of 2009. The Louis Kramer Memorial fund was created by Kris and Matt Kramer to honor their first-born son, who died at the age of two. This award was established for a junior who has shown great dedication and commitment towards service throughout junior year. This award, which comes with a $3,300 scholarship, was presented to Griffin Civello.
“I was very excited and honored to receive this kind of scholarship here at Jesuit Dallas. The scholarship not only supports my education but motivates me to strive for excellence inside and outside of the classroom.” – Griffin Civello ’27
Shannon Family Scholarship
This award was assisted in presentation by Pat Shannon, who helped establish the Shannon Family Scholarship with her husband, Andrew Shannon, in 2005. This scholarship recognizes excellence in community service and social justice and is rewarded to a junior who has completed one year of work grant at Jesuit while serving as a “man for others.” This award, which comes with a $5,000 scholarship, was presented to Aiden Garza.
Jameson CC Sanders Memorial Scholarship
This award was assisted in presentation by John Sanders, Jr., Class of 1997, who helped established the Jameson CC Sanders Memorial Scholarship with his wife, Jennifer Sanders. This scholarship was established in honor of their son, Jameson Sanders, who passed away three weeks before his delivery date. The purpose of this award is to recognize a junior with strong academic accomplishments and contributions to the community, as well as a desire to build a positive and inspiring life. This award, which comes with a $10,000 scholarship, was presented to Drew Shippey.
Pedro Arrupe Award
This award honors the legacy of Fr. Pedro Arrupe, Father General of the Society of Jesus. He coined the phrase “Men for Others” and inspired countless Jesuit schools to grow their young men into people who dedicate themselves to the service of others. The recipient of this award is most representative of the Jesuit education, in his commitment to educational growth, the pursuit of justice, a willingness to serve, compassion for all and openness to the Holy Spirit. This award, which comes with a $1,670 scholarship, funded by anonymous faculty and staff members, was presented to Peter Hasik.
“It was truly the greatest honor to be given this award by the faculty, and I cannot thank them enough. I hope that I can continue to be my best both inside and outside the classroom, and keep forming relationships with my mentors that will last.” – Peter Hasik ’27
Bachendorf Scholarship
This award, established by Lawrence Bock, recognizes a student who has shown the most academic improvement throughout the course of his junior year. This award, which comes with a $7,500 scholarship, was presented to Noah Walsh.
Scott Lewis McWhorter Scholarship
This award was assisted in presentation by Bunny McWhorter, Dr. Chaplin C. McWhorter, Sean T. Gurgle and Sophomore Counselor David Williams, who was the first recipient of the Scott Lewis McWhorter Scholarship. In honor of Scott McWhorter, Class of 1993, it was established to recognize a student who applies his best efforts into both academics and athletics, as well as showing concern for those around him with a commitment to Jesuit. This award, which comes with a $15,000 scholarship, was presented to Cole Johnson.
Andrew W. Bark ’98 Memorial Scholarship
This award was assisted in presentation by Mary Bark and Chris Fredericks, Class of 1998. In honor of Andrew Bark, Class of 1998, this award recognizes a junior who has a strong passion for art, as well as displays the spirit of Andrew Bark in his artistic talent and expression. This award, which comes with a $15,675 scholarship, was presented to Jonathan Shu.
Henrion Scholarship
Geoff Henrion, Class of 1984, led the presentation of this award, alongside Rachel Henrion and Noah Zafereo ’26, recipient of the 2025 Henrion Scholarship. The Henrion Scholarship was established in 1987 by the Henrion family, in honor of Tim Henrion, who would have graduated in 1987. Tim was tragically killed in an automobile accident days before the start of his senior year.
“Tim had looked forward to participating in a wide variety of senior activities and extracurriculars.” – Geoff Henrion ’84
This award comes with a full tuition grant and an additional stipend towards the personal expenses of the recipient. It is to be presented to a rising senior who has participated in the Jesuit work grant program and will allow him to more freely assimilate himself into the Jesuit community during his senior year without a work grant obligation. In addition, this student has a strong academic and extracurricular profile and has shown excellence in his work grant responsibilities. This award was presented to Chase Brown.
“It was truly an amazing experience, and I am lucky to have been picked [for this scholarship]. There was a wave of happiness and appreciation when I heard my name get called, truly a feeling I’ll never forgot.” -Chase Brown ’27
Academic and Extracurricular Awards
Andres Acosta
Spanish Honor Society
Leeland Allen
The Last Roundup – Yearbook
Tate Archie
AP Computer Science A
AP Precalculus
Nicholas Bartel
AP United States History
Jesuit Ursuline Ranger Band
Quiz Bowl
Jack Bourret
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Chase Brown
Advanced Studio Art 2
Black Student Union
Special Education Service Leadership
Bennett Campbell
Entrepreneurship Club
Student Council
Anthony Castro Navarro
UIL Academics District 3rd Place Individual and 1st Place Team: Literary Criticism
UIL Academics District 3rd Place Individual: Spelling and Vocabulary
Gianluca Cavalli
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP French Language & Culture
Italian Cultural Society
Diego Centurion
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Nathan Chukwumah
Special Education Service Leadership
Griffin Civello
Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Theater Acting & Improvisation
Darren Clemons
Guatemala Medical Mission Leadership
Andrew Cook
Admissions Ambassadors
Ty Daboub
Monterrey Mexico Service Leadership
Branch Dallman
Latin 3
Andrew de Simone
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Intro to Architecture
Alex Duran
Honors Latin 3
Michael Edaki
AP Environmental Science
Bankston Ernst
English 3
Honors French 3
Sebastian Espinoza
Jesuit Musicians Union
Jonathan Evans
E-Sports Club
Photography
Jonah Fahrenbruch
Campus Ambassadors
Ford Feller
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
National Latin Exam: 2nd Place
Jackson Gair
Physics
Max Galante
Hope Squad
Charlie Gall
English 3
Alonte Garmon
Game Development
Will Garrison
FIRST Tech Challenge
Aiden Garza
Godly Guys ’27
Hermanos Unidos
Mu Alpha Theta (Math Club)
Matthew Gerst
Mandarin 3
Men’s Chorus
Colin Grant
Intro to Jazz History & Improvisation
Rangers for Life
Charlie Gray-Gonfalone
Car Club
Lucas Hamilton
Care for Creation – Waco Program Leader
Intro to Computer Programming
Peter Hasik
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Precalculus
Cubing Club
Honors Spanish 4
Journalism: Yearbook
Sacraments, Morality & Justice
Parker Hunt
Honor Our Heroes
William Hutchins
Robotics Team
Henry Jiede
United States History
Alex Jimenez
Interact Leadership
Cole Johnson
Interact Leadership
Henry Kovac
AP Physics C Mechanics
Ryan Lastelick
Sacraments, Morality & Justice
Joaquin Lopez
BBQ Club
Fighting Homelessness Leadership
Isaac Ma
AP Biology
National Latin Exam: 1st Place
Sacraments, Morality & Justice
JP McCosker
Honors Java
Anderson McDuffie
Asian Student Union
Simon McGoldrick
AP Calculus BC
English 3
Kash McNew
Honors Mandarin 4
Finn Murphy
Global Ambassadors
Mack Murphy
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Nolan Nguyen
UIL Academics District 5th Place Individual: Ready Writing
Milad Oropeza
Chamber Orchestra
Chinese Club
Oliver Owens
AP Literature and Composition
Brady Place
Engineering Design Process
Winston Quinn
Car Club
Harry Rahn
Dungeons & Dragons
UIL Academics District 2nd Place Individual and 1st Place Team: Literary Criticism
UIL Academics District 2nd Place Individual: Spelling and Vocabulary
Christian Raju
DECA
Ryan Ramirez
Solidarity in Leadership – Guatemala
Taylor Ripley
Open Mic
Robbie Ruiz
Game Development
Honors Spanish 3
Studio Art
Britt Rumpler
Web Development
Will Schardin
Admissions Ambassadors
Michael Schwabe
Physics
Spanish 3
Levi Secker
RangerVerse
Hunter Severson
AP Psychology
Physics
Precalculus
Sunil Shah
Technical Theater
Nikhil Shah
Men’s Chorus
Will Shaner
Campus Ambassadors
Daniel Shao
AP Literature and Composition
Luka Sharma
Interact Leadership
Drew Shippey
The Roundup Newspaper
Jonathan Shu
Varsity Debate Team
Ian Skertchly
Filmmaking
Stage & Film
Spanish Honor Society
Christian Strempek
Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Joaquin Suarez Soto
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
Rory Sullivan
Ceramics 1
Beckett Thornton
Chinese Club
Honors Mandarin 3
Ryan Tian
Multivariable Calculus
UIL Academics District 5th Place Individual and 2nd Place Team: Calculator Applications
UIL Academics District 5th Place Individual and 1st Place Team: Mathematics
Ryan Torres
MAGIS (Mentoring and Guiding Ignatian Students)
Kade Turay
Anime Club
Key Club Service Leadership
Spanish 4
Cade Vopni
AP Precalculus
AP Statistics
AP United States History
UIL Academics District 6th Place Individual and 1st Place Team: Literary Criticism
UIL Academics District 6th Place Individual: Ready Writing
Varsity Debate Team
Jackson Waguespack
English 3
Sacraments, Morality & Justice
Spanish 3
Technical Theater
Sutton Wall
United States History
Noah Walsh
AP Psychology
Kieran Webb
Advanced Ceramics
Thomas Williams
Honor Our Heroes
Grant Wilton
Care for Creation – Waco Program Leader
Game Development
Brady Zeck
Care for Creation – Trucks for Pups
Leadership
Jesuit Key Club
Rocco Zingarelli
French 3
Studio Art
Conclusion
Following a standing applause for Chase Brown, recipient of the Henrion Scholarship, Dr. Knize led the audience in a closing prayer. He concluded convocation with the words of Pope Leo XIV, “to enter your hearts, reach your families, to all people, wherever they may be…. Peace be with you.” This concluded the 2026 Junior Convocation, with the Class of 2027 racing to the Senior Courtyard, a moment they had been waiting for since freshman year.
Stay tune into The Roundup for more Campus News coverage!
Featured Image Credit: Katy Wilson
