Annually, each grade level has a convocation to commemorate their academic and extracurricular achievements the year. Consisting of a prayer service and speakers awarding students various certificates of excellence, scholarships, and special awards for academic excellence or service to the community, the Senior convocation occurred on Thursday, May 12th. The Senior class will have their graduation soon, and the senior convocation will give the graduating class of 2022 tokens of their success in this school year.
U.S Military Service Academy Acceptances and ROTC
Mr. Tom Eschenbrenner, United States Naval Academy Blue and Gold Officer, and Mr. Michael Neri, representing the US Military Academy at West Point, recognize seniors who have received nominations and acceptance into service academies or received significant ROTC Scholarships.
Mark Villalba
Jack DeGroote
Arthur Trapp
Each year, The United States Naval Academy seeks well-rounded candidates who have excelled academically and athletically and demonstrated strong character and leadership potential.
Approximately 16,000 students compete annually for one of 1,200 slots at the U.S. Naval Academy. Appointment to the Naval Academy is equivalent to a full 4-year scholarship valued at $400,000 with tuition, books, medical benefits, and monthly salary included. With 25 majors to offer, graduates of the Academy receive a Bachelor of Science degree, commissioning as an Ensign in the Navy or 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps and will join others in serving our country in many ways, including surface warfare, submarines, Marine Corps Ground and Air, Navy pilots, flight officers, or Navy SEALS. Mark Villalba has been accepted to the United States Naval Academy.
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a college that educates, trains, and inspires the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a commissioned leader of character committed to the values of Duty, Honor, and Country.
Each year, West Point admits 1,300 cadets from approximately 12,000 applicants. An appointment is equivalent to a full 4-year scholarship valued at $400,000 with tuition, books, medical benefits, and monthly salary included. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Science degree in one of the 45 majors offered and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army. West Point graduates will join others in serving our country in one of the Army’s branches, such as Aviation, Signal Corps, Air Defense Artillery, Engineers, or Chemical Corps to name a few. Jack DeGroote has been accepted to the United States Military Academy.
The Army ROTC scholarship pays 100% of a student’s tuition, mandatory fees, and $1,200 a year for books and fees. There is also an opportunity to receive a monthly scholarship, once a commitment is made to the Army. In this case, the three year scholarship is worth $157,000. An ROTC graduate will have the confidence, self-discipline, and leadership skills that come with having earned a commission as an Army officer. ROTC is a demanding and challenging complement to a traditional college curriculum. Arthur Trapp has earned this scholarship and will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall.
We all owe these young men our congratulations and sincerest gratitude for committing themselves to the service and security of our nation. Please join me in congratulating them on these prestigious awards and their decision to serve.
The recipients of the Academic and Extracurricular awards are chosen by their teachers and club moderators due to their accomplishments in the classroom and/or extracurricular involvements.
Extracurricular and Academic Awards of Excellence
Campbell Almond
Engineering Design Process
Jesuit Car Club
John Archer
AP United States Government & Politics
AP Calculus BC
AP Environmental Science
Excellence in Service Leadership
Zach Bartholomew
Honors Precalculus
Lucas Batalha
Drawing
Jet Beck
Forensic Science
Theater Directing
Patrick Bennett
AP Comparative Government & Politics
Troy Benson
English 4, Non-Fiction
Ajay Bhavan
The Roundup
Charlie Borowczak
Jesuit BBQ Club – Smokies
Owen Brown
Men’s Chorus
FIRST Robotics Competition Team
Mattia Campioli
AMC: Top Scoring Student
Jonathan Carney
AP Statistics
Matthew Casey
Forensic Science
Stephen Casey
English 4, World Literature
AP Physics C: Mechanics
AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism
Walter Contreras
AP Chemistry
Zac Crosby
Photography
Jack DeGroote
Government
Quinn Diamond
Justice: Peace and Conflict
Bruno Dosal
Economics
Matthew Dubiel
Excellence in Service Leadership
Luke Ehrisman
Ceramics Throwing
Joe Elms
History of the Catholic Church
Broadcast Journalism
Nick Evanich
Economics
Jesuit Journal
Robert Fitzgerald
Calculus
Ryan Fleming
Jesuit Car Club
Charlie Freeman
Stagecraft
Thomas Gasper
Christian Relationships
Tyler Gazzam
AP Computer Science A
John Gehan
Jesuit Musicians Union
Lone Rangers
Jack Giltner
Excellence in Service Leadership
Austin Graham
Government
Andy Guerrero
AP Spanish Language & Culture
Angel Guevara
Music Appreciation
Luke Harrison
Model United Nations
Blake Hunter
Slavery, Civil War, Reconstruction
CJ Jackson
Jesuit Ranger Sports Network
Aarin Jain
Debate Team
Bernie Jezercak
Historical Concept of War
Geology
Aaron Larson
Filmmaking
Max Lemme
Honors English Seminar
Henry Limber
Jesuit Car Club
Diego Lopez
Excellence in Service Leadership
Mario Lopez
Chamber Orchestra
Stage & Film Theater
Aidan Magner
Interreligious Dialogue
English 4, Modern American Literature
Psychology
AP Biology
Will Mansour
AP Calculus AB
AP Physics 2: Algebra Based
AP Human Geography
Excellence in Service Leadership
Christian Markey
Jesuit Ranger Sports Network
Lorenzo Martinez
Game Development
Luke May
Honors Java
Jack McClure
Excellence in Service Leadership
Julian McDoniel
Government
Matthew McKinzie
Anatomy & Physiology
Drawing
Bryce Mendenhall
Government
Anthony Mendoza
The Last Roundup – Yearbook
Nico Moreno
Social Justice & Public Policy
Precalculus
Nahum Najera
Excellence in Service Leadership
Cande Narvaez
Geology
Oliver Naumann
Psychology
Jacob Nieman
Intro to Jazz History & Improvisation
Kyle Nolan
Precalculus
Engineering: Introduction to Design Process
Gavin Nourallah
Junior Classical League
Akash Pagadala
Medical Society
Wyatt Paradise
Spanish National Honor Society
Samuel Parker
Intro to Jazz History & Improvisation
Open Mic
Brody Pawsat
Anatomy & Physiology
Ike Pawsat
Social Justice & Public Policy
Excellence in Service Leadership
Beckett Polma
Jesuit Car Club
Tyler Pruitt
International Relations
Honors Latin 4
Jackson Richard
Band
Jorge Rios
Excellence in Service Leadership
Joey Roman
AP Studio Art: Drawing
Andres Santos Burgoa Jourdain
Engineering: Introduction to Design Process
Joe Savage
Justice: Peace & Conflict
Luke Scott
AP Macroeconomics
Scott Shaffer
Economics
Statistics
AP Environmental Science
Finn Soesbe
Music Appreciation
Joe Staubach
Justice: Economics
Sam Steffler
AP Psychology
Jake Storey
AP Language & Composition
Jackson Strauser
Excellence in Service Leadership
Cody Strubel
Admissions Ambassadors
Excellence in Service Leadership
Jack Tchoukaleff
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
Phillip Thompson
Christian Relationships
Diego Torrealba
Justice: Economics
English 4, Modern American Literature
Joey Trigiani
Freshman Retreat Core Team
Carter Trupiano
Stagecraft
Adam Tullis
Christian Relationships
Landon Usry
Justice: Environmental
Excellence in Service Leadership
Imjai Utailawon
Drawing
TXML: Top Scoring Student
Antonio Vela
Music Appreciation
AP Psychology
Mark Villalba
Government
Nathaniel Walker
Justice: Economics
Chris Williams
Social Justice & Public Policy
Gray Wilson
Jesuit Ranger Sports Network
Alex Wolpert
Advanced Ceramics
Ryan Wombacher
Music Appreciation
Blake Woodard
The Roundup
Thomas Wray
Excellence in Service Leadership
Nico Yepes
Excellence in Service Leadership
Cole Younger
English 4, Non-Fiction
Derek Zhang
Band
Engineering Society
Saad Zulqarnain
Interreligious Dialogue
Campus Ministry Awards
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. When St. Ignatius sent forth his men of the society to carry on the mission of Christ, he told them to “set the world on fire!” Campus Ministry would like to recognize the following seniors for their dedication to ministry during their time at Jesuit, hoping they, too, set the world on fire. The Hearts on Fire Award is presented to:
Thomas Gasper
Connor Knight
The Roundup Awards
The St. Peter Canisius Award honors a graduating senior who, with two or more years of service, contributed to the student newspaper. A renowned Jesuit scholar and doctor of the church, St. Peter Canisius published detailed information on Catholic teaching in 1555. His writings enjoyed widespread use in his day and stood as the church’s standard catechism for centuries.
For dedication to the student newspaper, The Roundup, the St. Peter Canisius Award is presented to:
Ajay Bhavan
Blake Woodard
Blake Woodward, when being asked about what the award meant to him, said: “It was really awesome to win the newspaper award alongside Ajay. Since Junior year we’ve had each other’s backs on assignments, editing, writing, etc., so to finally get an award to recognize that was great. Overall senior convocation with special games felt like a great way to close out the year. It was great to take pride in my classmates who have done so much at Jesuit.”
Student Council Award
For exceptional service to the school, the Student Council Award is presented to:
Kyle Nolan
Music Award
Named for Jesuit’s first band director, The E.L. Hohman Award is presented to a senior who has excelled in music and has used his gifts with Ignatian spirit. This year, the E.L. Hohman award is presented to:
Samuel Parker
Alpha Epsilon Boulé Education Foundation Scholarship
Dr. Mark Clanton, Chief Medical Officer of Parkland Community Health Plan and a member of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity represents The Alpha Epsilon Boulé Education Foundation recognizing young African American men who exhibit high academic achievement and commitment to their community. The Circle of Scholars Scholarship merits a total of $8,000.00 over four years and this year’s recipient has also been recognized as one of ten National Sigma Pi Phi Boule’ scholars entitling him to an additional $10,000 over the four years for a total value of $18,000. Please join me in congratulating:
Myles Tucker
Magis Awards
The Senior Magis awards are given to seniors who, in daily ways, give the magis, “the more,” to their community. These students, in studies, in relationships, and in support of Jesuit, have gone beyond the ordinary.
This year’s Senior Magis Awards are presented to:
Luca Costanzo
Blake Hunter
Brady Kinzer
Michael Lohner
Benoni Mesfin
Brooks Verschoyle
Thomas Wunderlick Award
The Thomas Wunderlick Award is given in honor of Tom Wunderlick, a 1946 graduate of Jesuit Dallas. Mr. Wunderlick was the first president of the Jesuit Dallas Alumni Association. He had four sons graduate from Jesuit, as well as 10 grandsons who have attended our school. The Wunderlick Award is presented each year to the graduate who has best combined athletic and academic achievement during his years at Jesuit.
The Wunderlick Award winner will receive a certificate today and a trophy at the graduation commencement. This year, the Thomas Wunderlick award is presented to:
Lucas Hernandez
Ad Astra Award
The Ad Astra Award recognizes leadership in creating new initiatives in community service and the development of new programs to serve the Greater Dallas community. Ad Astra is a Latin phrase meaning “to the stars.” The following students have gone above and beyond in their efforts to serve the Community Service and Social Justice program. They will wear their medals during the graduation ceremony. The Ad Astra Award is merited by:
Charlie Borowczak
Matthew McKinzie
Joe Staubach
Aloysius Gonzaga Award
The Aloysius Gonzaga Award for outstanding community service is presented to a student who gives unselfishly of himself to his community. While still a young Jesuit, St. Aloysius Gonzaga bravely gave his life ministering to the sick in Rome. As the patron saint of our school, we look to Aloysius as a model of generous service to others.
The Aloysius Gonzaga award winner will receive a certificate today and a plaque at the graduation commencement. The Aloysius Gonzaga Award for outstanding community service is merited by:
Tyler Gazzam
Jesuit Man for Others Award
The Profile of the Jesuit Graduate states, “at graduation, the Jesuit student, well on the way to establishing his own identity, has also begun to move beyond self-interest and self-centeredness in human relationships.” The Jesuit Man for Others Award, voted upon by the faculty, is given each year to students who exemplify, in their words and actions, what it means to be a Jesuit student who has moved beyond himself. This year we honor three seniors who have demonstrated in their dealings with others, the ability to give of themselves selflessly. The Man for Others Award winners will receive a certificate today and a plaque at the graduation commencement. The seniors meriting recognition as recipients of the ‘Man for Others’ Awards are:
Samuel Dunkerley
Angel Guevara
Jorge Rios
JSN Award
Each year, the Jesuit Schools Network announces the recipient of an award to be presented in each of the 52 Jesuit high schools throughout the United States.
In the words of the JSN, “this award is to be presented to the member of the graduating class who, as a man for others, models the ideal profile of a graduate of Jesuit education: a well-rounded person who is intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving and committed to doing justice in generous service to the people of God.” The JSN Award winner will receive a certificate today and a plaque at the graduation commencement. He will also be the senior student speaker at this year’s graduation breakfast on May 22. The 2022 Jesuit Schools’ Network Award is presented to:
Joey Trigiani
Bishop Lynch Award
Jesuit’s highest award for outstanding achievement is named after His Excellency, the late Joseph Patrick Lynch, Bishop of Dallas, who invited the Jesuits to open a high school in Dallas in 1942. It is awarded to the graduating senior, judged by the faculty to be most representative of Jesuit College Preparatory School and most responsive to the influence of the school.
This award is in recognition of scholastic achievement, combined with character, leadership, participation in extracurricular activities, and service on behalf of the school and the wider community.
The Bishop Lynch Award winner will receive a certificate today and a trophy at the graduation commencement where he will give the keynote address. This year, Jesuit’s Bishop Lynch Award for outstanding achievement is awarded to:
Thomas Gasper
Concluding Thoughts
As a sophomore, watching the senior convocation this year made me realize how important it is to commemorate the graduating Senior class. They have worked tirelessly at Jesuit for four years in academic, athletic, extracurricular, and service fields and it is fitting that they are given awards for their excellence. We can learn from the success of the senior class to strive to continue Jesuit Dallas’ legacy of creating young men who act for and with others, whilst maintaining their academic and athletic achievement.
