On May 15, 2023, the classes of 2024, 2025, and 2026 gathered in the Mike and Mary Terry Family Foundation center. The purpose of the assembly was to celebrate the accomplishments of the Freshmen and Sophomores. The word “convocation” comes from the Latin word convocare, meaning “to come together.” At Jesuit, this convocation is to recognize the accomplishments of our students. My first convocation was an experience I’ll never forget.
Gathering and Opening Prayer
After everyone had settled, Mr. Garrison opened the celebration with some remarks about how proud he was of all the students. Afterwards, Fr. Sylvester Tan, S.J. gave the opening prayer. Finally, Michelle Williams, the Assistant Principal of Faculty Formation, read from the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians. Soon, convocation was underway.
Awards
Haggerty Math and Science Scholarship
Each year, Haggerty Math and Science Scholarships in the amount of $2,785 are awarded to selected rising sophomores and juniors. Funding for the tuition scholarships has been provided by the Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas Foundation.
To be considered for the Haggerty Math and Science scholarships, a student must have either a 95 average in current math and science courses or an 85 average in current honors math and science courses. Each candidate is then reviewed by the faculty of both academic
departments and the administration of Jesuit to determine his achievements in mathematics and science. Also considered are his activities, leadership roles, and community service involvement.
Freshman Recipients:
Cameron Bare
Nate Fabriga
Ethan Irrobali
Jimmy Nackley III
Luke Nettune
Alex Ramsey
Ethan Senen
Allen Zhang
Sophomore Recipients:
Wallace Archie III
Lachlan Broad
Beau Bureau-Mitchell
Neel Manne
Winn Moore IV
Ewan Randles
Jack Reynolds
Theodore Walker
Principal’s Magis Award
The Magis, Latin for “The More,” implies that an individual or pursuit is driven for quality rather than quantity. This award recognizes the students who have exhibited to their teachers an outward desire to grow and learn. Whether through their engagement in class, or through their submitted work, these students express the Magis in their class.
Freshman Recipients
Computer Science- Pedro Rivera
English – Kevin Nazereth
Fine Arts – Wills Blosser
Language – Alex Ramsey
Math – Nate Fabriga
Science – William Wayne
Social Studies – Sebastian Suwanda
Theology – Luke Nettune
Sophomore Recipients
Computer Science – Kevin Martinez
English – Andrew McMahon
Fine Arts – Corbin Hicks
Language – Jackson Powell
Math – Carson Monnot
Science – Hudson Chappel
Social Studies – Beau Bureau-Mitchell
Theology – Cade Gill
Counselors’ Scholarship
The Counselors’ Scholarship is funded by an anonymous benefactor. It is presented to a student who has been active in the Jesuit community, is involved in scouting, church, or other activities, is cooperative and is open to the Jesuit experience. It also contains a $500 Tuition Grant.
This year’s recipients are the following:
Freshman – Ethan Irrobali
Sophomore – Andrew McMahon
“Congratulations to all honorees! It is always a joy to celebrate the accomplishments of students, not just the award winners but the freshman and sophomore classes as a whole. Each award winner was accompanied in their work by classmates, teammates, teachers, and coaches. Their accomplishments are a testament to their talents, hard work, and DEDICATION, AS well as the love and support of this community.”
– Mrs. Michelle williams, assistant principal of factulty formation
The Guy Delaney Scholarship
The Guy Delaney Scholarship can best be described in the words of Will Nickols ’20:
This year’s recipient is Brody Carlson.
The Bachendorf Scholarship
The Bachendorf Scholarship was established by Mr. Bock to recognize a sophomore student who has shown the most improvement academically. This scholarship carries a $7,500 tuition grant.
Recipient- Konstantin Deshevyy
Susan and John Piot Family Scholarship
New this year, the Susan and Jon Piot Family Scholarship will be awarded annually to a rising Catholic sophomore who exemplifies the Jesuit mission in being a Man for Others, above average academic performance, and continues to participate in one or more extracurricular activities. This scholarship of $9,000 is renewable each year as long as
the recipient continues to meet the named criteria.
This year’s recipient is Sebastian Suwanda.
Beverly and John M. Dietschy, Sr. Family Science
Award
In 2019, the Beverly and John M. Dietschy, Sr. Family Science Award was established by Dr. and Mrs. John Dietschy to recognize a rising sophomore based on his strong character, exemplary academic performance, and demonstrated passion for the sciences. This award
carries a $21,500 scholarship to be applied to the following year’s tuition. The competitive merit-based scholarship is renewable each year as long as the individual remains in good character and continues to excel academically.
This year’s recipient is Levy Mendoza.
“Jesuit is blessed with phenomenal students who, in various ways, appreciate and value the high expectations of character, intellect, and formation set forth by the mission and encouraged by the teachers and coaches. The student convocations are great opportunities for students who have excelled in specific areas to be recognized in front of their peers, teachers, and families. They also provide community members and families who support the school through various ways the chance to see and hear about how the newest generation of students carry on the mission and characteristics of the profile.”
– Dr. Ben Kirby ’00
Men For Others Award
Jesuit’s ‘Man for Others’ Award is given each year to students who exemplify, in their words and actions, what it means to be a Jesuit student. They have demonstrated in their dealings with others the ability to give of themselves selflessly. This award carries with it a $1,000 scholarship furnished by the Jesuit Women’s Auxiliary.
This year’s recipients are Luke Wilson and Michael Hasenfratz.
Reflections by Admin
Dr. Kirby, Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Academic Support: “Jesuit is blessed with phenomenal students who, in various ways, appreciate and value the high expectations of character, intellect, and formation set forth by the mission and encouraged by the teachers and coaches. The student convocations are great opportunities for students who have excelled in specific areas to be recognized in front of their peers, teachers, and families. They also provide community members and families who support the school through various ways the chance to see and hear about how the newest generation of students carry on the mission and characteristics of the profile.”
Mrs. Michelle Williams, Assistant Principal of Faculty Formation: “It is always a joy to celebrate the accomplishments of students, not just the award winners but the freshman and sophomore classes as a whole. Each award winner was accompanied in their work by classmates, teammates, teachers, and coaches. Their accomplishments are a testament to their talents, hard work, and dedication, as well as the love and support of this community.”
Mr. Tom Garrison, Principal “What we used to do is have four convocations, one for each grade. Then one year we had the idea to combine the freshmen and sophomores. That seemed to be better. The thing that has changed over the past year is that there started to be awards with scholarships included for the underclassmen. The Junior one has traditionally had some big awards. We’ve had generous people within the last few years who have donated money for underclassmen scholarships.”
Academic and Extracurricular Awards
Freshmen:
Brandon Bang
Band
English 1
Henry Banse
Culinary Club
Cameron Bare
Honors French 2
Scripture and Jesus
Cayden Bartusek
Spanish 2
Wills Blosser
Jesuit Stage & Film
Quiz Bowl
The Last Roundup: Distinguished Service
Grant Bomersbach
Campus Ambassadors: Excellence in Leadership
Campus Ministry
Honors Spanish 2
Alex Bowari
Honors Java
2D Design: Digital Media
Vince Brancaccio
Scripture and Jesus
Santi Bryce
Honors Heritage Spanish Learner
Chauncey Bullard
Magis Mentoring Program
Ford Carey
Car Club: Grease Monkey Award
Brayden Conlon
Spanish 2
Nate Fabriga
Campus Ministry
Community Service Leadership
Introduction to Computer Programming
TXML: Top Scoring Freshman
“I am extremely honored and humbled to have been recognized for my accomplishments, particularly from a prestigious school like Jesuit.”
-Nate Fabriga ’26
Leo Fernandez
Campus Ministry
Henry French
Campus Ministry
French 1
Photography
Patrick Gagliardi
Biology
Gabe Gerik
Introduction to Computer Programming
Stavy Gonzales
Introduction to Computer Programming: Robotics
Anderson Hardin
Honors English 1
Honors Spanish 2
Evan Hou
AMC 10: Top Scoring Freshman
Chamber Orchestra
Geography and Foundations
Ethan Irrobali
Campus Ambassadors: Excellence in Leadership
Community Service Leadership
Medical Society
Spanish 2
Cooper Jensen
Biology
Carson Long
Jesuit Rangers Sport Network
Nathan Long
Honors Algebra 1
Spanish 1
Reo Mashburn
Engineering Society
Mandarin 2
Teddy Matthews
Junior Classical League
Martin McDoniel
Honors Mandarin 2
Men’s Chorus
Open Mic
Mason Moore
Community Service Leadership
Jesuit Musicians Union
Henry Muns
Latin 1
Dutch Murzin
Algebra 2
Byron Nelson
Open Mic
Luke Nettune
Honors Latin 2
Music Appreciation
National Latin Exam: Summa Cum Laude
Scripture and Jesus
Pierce Nikolai
Admissions Ambassadors: Excellence in Leadership
Nathan Pascas
Jesuit Debate
Luke Patterson
Campus Ministry
Adam Peckham
Model United Nations: Most Honorable Delegate
Caeden Profitt
Introduction to Computer Programming
Declan Purcell
ESPN Club
Cash Ramirez
Campus Ambassadors: Excellence in Leadership
Alec Ramon
English 1
Alex Ramsey
Campus Ministry
Honors Algebra 2
Introduction to Computer Programming
Jesuit Debate
Maxwell Reichstadt
Mandarin 1
Pedro Rivera
Open Mic
Ethan Senen
Honors Physics
Spanish 1
Evans Senvalds
Campus Ministry
Louis Surmiller
Jesuit BBQ Smokies: Club MVP
Sebastian Suwanda
Campus Ministry
The Roundup: Excellence in Journalism
Rangers for Life: Leadership Award
Jaxon Tanner
Algebra 1
Chase Terrell
English 1
Honors Biology
William Wayne
Introduction to Computer Programming
Edmund Weis
Campus Ministry
Corbyn Wendorf
Algebra 1
Luke Wilson
Campus Ambassadors: Excellence in Leadership
Campus Ministry
Community Service Leadership
Allen Zhang
Band
Geography and Foundations
Honors English 1
Honors Mandarin 3
Introduction to Computer Programming
Scripture and Jesus
Sophomores:
Andres Benitez
Introduction to Jazz History and Improvisation
Blake Bodnar
English 2
Luke Brady
Game Development
Dillon Brandt
Journalism: Broadcasting
Peyton Bristow
Jesuit Ranger Sports Network
The Roundup: Excellence in Journalism
Beau Bureau-Mitchell
Car Club: Grease Monkey Award
Honors Chemistry
Jake Chostner
Latin 2
World History
Hogan Civello
Campus Ministry
Community Service Leadership
LEGO Club
Dawud Crooms
Magis Mentoring Program
Alex de la Cerda
Environmental Club
2D Design: Digital Media
Zachary Dsouza
English 2
Spanish 2
Grayson Dupre
English 2
Marcelo Elizondo
Honors French 2
Kyle Fleming
AP Studio Art: Drawing
Jesuit BBQ Smokies: BBQ MVP
Jack Freeman
Spanish 2
Beck Gannon
Music Appreciation
Cade Gill
Campus Ministry
Jack Golembeski
Spanish 3
Michael Grant
Campus Ministry
Introduction to Jazz History and Improvisation
Brady Green
Campus Ministry
Michael Hasenfratz
Chamber Orchestra
Music Composition and Film Scoring
Cole Hatzmann
Campus Ministry
Community Service Leadership
Honors Algebra 2/Trigonometry
Student Council
Leo Hernandez
Honors English 2
Honors Heritage Spanish Learner
Honors Java
Corbin Hicks
Jesuit Chess Club
Men’s Chorus
Liam Hurley
Chemistry
Jesse Jenkins
Geometry
Marty Jones
Engineering Society
Greg Kimatian
Stagecraft
Key Kolb
Filmmaking
Andrew Koshakji
Ceramics Throwing
Jaeger Krauss
World History
Luke Lastelick
Jesuit Debate
Jesuit Musicians Union
Neel Manne
AMC 10: Top Scoring Sophomore
AP Calculus BC
TXML: Top Scoring Sophomore
Fabian Mares
Stagecraft
Lucian Matula
World History
Game Development
Honors Latin 2
National Latin Exam: Maxima Cum Laude
Dungeons and Dragons
Andrew McMahon
Admissions Ambassador: Excellence in Leadership
Campus Ministry
Rangers for Life: Leadership Award
Oliver Miller
The Last Roundup: Distinguished Service
Photography
Winn Moore
Ceramics Throwing
Honors Chemistry
Honors Geometry
Honors Spanish 3
Conor Parro
Honors Latin 3
Caiden Pendola
Honors Spanish 2
Photography
Brandon Peppard
Game Development
Charlie Peters
Mission and Church
Spanish 2
Jace Petrutsas
Jesuit Stage and Film
Marlowe Polma
Culinary Club
Julian Polma
Culinary Club
Jackson Powell
AP Computer Science A
Honors Mandarin 2
Eli Prieur
Campus Ministry
Leo Ramirez
Band
English 2
Ewan Randles
Honors Algebra 2
Honors Chemistry
World History
Aidan Raymond
Mission and Church
National Latin Exam: Maxima Cum Laude
Jack Reynolds
Honors English 2
Mission and Church
Music Appreciation
Alec Roberts
Anime Club
Jackson Sanford
Community Service Leadership
Zavar Shallwani
Geometry
Caleb Steger
Stagecraft
Luke Steinhart
French 2
Brannon Suchala
Jesuit Chinese Club
Eli Trauner
Geometry
Santiago Valles
Mandarin 2
Ian Vicens
FIRST Robotics Team 2848
Honors Spanish 2
Luke Wilbert
Chemistry
Luke Wiley
AP World History
Benjamin Woodard
Drawing
Community Service Leadership
Junior Classical League
Medical Society
Jack Yeskie
Honors Geometry
Ryan Zito
Junior Classical League
Concluding Thoughts
I enjoyed my first convocation. There is that thrill of waiting for a award recipient’s name to be announced and the adrenaline rush when you hear your name is called. It is fun to see all the accomplishments of my classmates. I really enjoy hearing how accomplished we all are. Stay tuned to The Roundup for more coverage of Jesuit Convocations!
Photo credits: Ms. Katy Wilson
