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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
“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
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!
