On May 27, 2023, the Class of 2023 and their families and friends gathered in SMU’s Moody Coliseum for the graduation ceremony.  Kevin Babu, The Roundup Managing Editor from 2022-23, graduated as the valedictorian of his class. Next year, Kevin Babu will attend the University of Texas at Austin, studying computer science. 

Class of 2023 prepares to enter Moody Coliseum for their graduation (Source: Ms. Wilson)
Class of 2023 in anticipation of Principal Garrison’s opening invocation (Source: Ms. Wilson)

MILITARY APPOINTEES

Sam White (Navy ROTC at Texas A&M)

This scholarship program provides full tuition for 4 years, valued at $200,000, along with a stipend, and more.

Sam will receive a traditional college experience while training to serve as a naval officer. In college, Sam will study mechanical engineering and become a naval aviator.

Sam White (Source: Ms. Wilson)

Ryan Dunham (US Army Enlistee)

Following training, Ryan will choose a career in the US Army through a variety of branches such as intelligence, infantry, aviation, field artillery, etc.

Ryan Dunham (Source: Ms. Wilson)

VENERABLE FULTON SHEEN SEMINARY

Benjamin Gonzalez will enter the Venerable Fulton Sheen Seminary in Chillum, Maryland, extending his religious life and devoting himself to the service of others.

SALUTATORIAN – Joshua Lim

12 Honors and 8 AP courses

100% in 15 courses

Cumulative GPA: 101.09

AP Scholar with Honor

1st UIL District Ready Writing & 3rd UIL Regionals

Member of the Texas Private School Music Educators Association (TPSMEA)

Joshua will study UT Austin in fall 2023, specializing in finance.

Mr. Fitzsimmons and Joshua Lim prior to the presentation of the salutatorian award (Source: Ms. Wilson)

VALEDICTORIAN – Kevin Babu

9 Honors and 13 AP courses

Cumulative GPA: 102.42

AP Scholar with Distinction

National Merit Finalist

3x recipient of the Haggerty Math & Science Scholarship

Kevin Babu will attend UT Austin in fall 2023, specializing in computer science.

Kevin Babu with the valedictorian award presented by Principal Garrison (Source: Ms. Wilson)

WUNDERLICK AWARD – Cameron Martin

Football Academic 1st Team Member

All-District 2nd Team Running Back

THSLL All-District Honor Roll Mention Team

Cumulative GPA: 98.15

100% in 9 academic courses

Cameron Martin with the Thomas Wunderlick Award presented by Mr. Garrison (Source: Ms. Wilson)

ALOYSIUS GONZAGA AWARD – Nick Archer

Nick has used his computer science and coding skills to automate processes for the St. Patrick’s Refugee Outreach Program.

As co-founder of the Life Pak Initiative, he organized supply drives at six DFW schools to create supply bags for the homeless.

Nick will study at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, specializing in electrical engineering.

Nick Archer with the Aloysius Gonzaga Award presented by Mr. Garrison (Source: Ms. Wilson)

MAN FOR OTHERS AWARD

Leo Cruz

Recipient of the St. Stanislaus Kostka Award for living a faithful life and being an active member of the Key Club service organization

Member of the Spanish Honor Society 

Embarked on a mission trip in the Skid Row neighborhood in Los Angeles

Leo will attend Regis University in Denver, Colorado.

Mercer Lee

Recipient of the St. Lawrence University Book Award for extraordinary community service work

Executive Committee Member of the Big Brothers group

Served at Equest and tutored young immigrants at a local elementary school

Varsity lacrosse player

Mercer will attend Boston University.

Jacob Ovenshire

Member of the Ignatian Service Corps who helped planned senior service projects

Member of PALS who helped lead the junior retreat and organize the Notre Dame School of Dallas dance

Member of the Leadership Huddle

Cross country & track player

Jacob will attend the University of Notre Dame.

Recipients from left to right: Leo Cruz, Mercer Lee, and Jacob Ovenshire (Source: Ms. Wilson)

JESUIT SCHOOLS NETWORK (JSN) AWARD – Dave Alcala-Frederick

Member of the Jesuit Hope Squad

Works at Lee McShan Elementary School on Wednesdays (tutors students in reading and writing)

Gave the speech at the Senior Mass & Breakfast and reflected on the importance of brotherhood and how one is called to serve the global community

Dave will attend Texas A&M University.

Dave Alcala-Frederick with the JSN Award (Source: Ms. Wilson)

BISHOP LYNCH AWARD – RAUL HERNANDEZ

Small group leader on multiple grade level retreats

Member of the Ignatian Service Corps

Leads seniors at the Jan Pruitt Community Pantry in South Dallas every Wednesday

Founding member of the Jesuit Hope Squad

Student Council President from 2022-2023

Raul will continue his Jesuit education at Santa Clara University.

Raul Hernandez with the Bishop Lynch Award (Source: Ms. Wilson)

Student Thoughts

“Sharing the experience of graduation with friends and reading the applause of our families was exciting. Some of my favorite memories include hanging out with friends in the senior courtyard. At UT, I’m looking forward to also making new friends and exploring my passion in computer science.” – Kevin Babu

“In my opinion, graduation was the perfect sendoff for a group of men who will truly change the world. Regarding college, I am looking forward to living by myself, making new friends, experiencing the unique culture of Santa Clara, and having a bike. Finally, my favorite memory at Jesuit would be one of my basketball games during freshman year. At halftime, our team was losing and I gave a hilarious speech. In the end, we eventually came back and won.” – Raul Hernandez

Raul Hernandez delivering the commencement speech (Source: Ms. Wilson)

“Graduation was really fun. I loved taking pictures with my family and other different families celebrating our accomplishments. Raul’s speech about our brotherhood and setting the world on fire was an amazing summary of what our senior year was about. My favorite memories from Jesuit would definitely be the Kairos retreat, but I’m held to secrecy about the contents. Just know it was possibly the best retreat in my Jesuit experience. Probably another equally memorable moment in my days at Jesuit would be the San Antonio Trip for JURB and Orchestra. We got to compete, and win, in San Antonio and then enjoy the six flags.” – Jon Noquil

Jon Noquil (right) with James McKinney prior to the ceremony (Source: Ms. Wilson)

Conclusion

Overall, the Class of 2023 has excelled academically, athletically, and spiritually through their fulfilling of the Profiles of the Graduate. Good luck to these graduating seniors on their future endeavors, especially our Managing Editor Kevin Babu! Stay tuned to The Roundup for more school and community news!

Anthony Nguyen '24, Managing Editor
Anthony has spent three years working for The Roundup. He is involved in Model UN, UIL Academics, Environmental Society, National Honor Society, and Key Club (junior year). In his free time, Anthony watches high-quality movies and TV shows like The Gentlemen and House of Cards to name a few. Also, he invests time in rooting for the Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers, even when times are difficult. Anthony will attend Boston College and major in economics.