LOYOLA BLAKEFIELD CELEBRATES 164TH COMMENCEMENT
On the morning of June 5, 2016, Loyola Blakefield celebrated its 164th Commencement on campus, graduating 177 students from the Class of 2016. On a day that called for thunderstorms all week, the rain held off and the tradition of holding graduation in the Hollow continued its streak of more than 30 years. We also welcomed back members from the Class of 1966 for their 50th reunion as they led the procession on Sunday. During the ceremony, student speaker Sam Commordari '16 did a fantastic job addressing the crowd (see video below), and the following awards were presented:
THE REV. FATHER LLOYD D. GEORGE, S.J., AWARD is presented to that member of the graduating class who has achieved the highest grade-point average through the mid-point of his senior year. This award went to Evan Pham '16.
THE REV. ANTHONY J. ZEITS, S.J., AWARD is presented by the Loyola Mothers’ Club to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and leadership on and off the athletic field. This award went to Cole Williams '16.
THE DOCTOR FORD LOKER AWARD is presented by the Loyola Fathers’ Club to a senior who holds a varsity letter and is outstanding for academic excellence. This award went to Benjamin Brown '16.
THE MATTHEW J. RUSSELL AWARD was established by the graduating Class of 1986 in memory of their deceased classmate, is presented to a senior whose commitment to God, family and friends has been exemplified by a quiet, sensitive, and selfless concern for others. This award went to Chris Louzon '16.
THE MICHAEL J. IAMPIERI AWARD was established to honor Mr. Michael Iampieri, a beloved member of the Loyola Blakefield faculty from 1966 to 2007. During his tenure, Mr. Iampieri founded the School’s art department and taught art to generations of young men over four decades. Through his engaging demeanor and persistent, gentle persuasion, Mr. Iampieri modeled in and out of the classroom that openness to growth and the spark of imagination are cornerstones of a rich, rewarding, and spiritual life.The Michael J. Iampieri Award is presented to a graduating senior who has demonstrated personal and spiritual growth through his pursuit of creative self-expression and his achievements in the fine arts. This award went to Peter Pferdeort '16.
THE REV. JAMES F. SALMON, S.J., AWARD is presented to that graduate who has demonstrated leadership in student activities and scholarship in Science and Religious Studies. This award went to Dennis Tadeo, Jr. '16.
THE REV. ALOYSIUS P. McGONIGAL, S.J., AWARD is presented by the Loyola Fathers’ Club to a senior who has worked to full capacity in and out of the classroom but has received little recognition for his tenacious spirit. This award went to Declan Aroh '16.
THE JESUIT SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AWARD is presented to the graduate who most closely resembles the ideal of a person gifted with conscience and intelligence. Religious and loving, he is committed to do justice in the generous service of God’s people. This award went to Jonathan Jeyachandran '15.
THE LOYOLA ALUMNI AWARD is presented to the senior who is most conspicuous for school spirit, leadership and excellence in studies. This award went to Rick Nickel '16.
THE DAVID A. KENNEDY AWARD was established by the Alumni Association to honor Mr. David A. Kennedy, teacher and registrar at Loyola from 1937 to 1977. This award is presented annually to that member of the graduating class who, through unselfish contribution of academic skills, personal talents, and social values in service to Loyola Blakefield and to the community at large, best embodies the Ignatian principle of “men for others.” This award went to Colin Green '16.
THE LOYOLA AWARD, founded in honor of the Rev. John F. Dustin, S.J., is awarded to the most representative member of the graduating class for excellence in scholastic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities. This award went to Biafra Okoronkwo '16.
THE DENNIS B. WOOLFORD "CURA PERSONALIS" AWARD is given in loving memory of Dennis B. Woolford class of 2010. Although Dennis was a gifted athlete who started on 8 MIAA championship teams including the undefeated 2008 Football team, Dennis will always be remembered for his kind heart, free spirit and a smile that would light up the room. He considered every Don his best friend and every teammate his brother. This award is given to a student or faculty member of Loyola Blakefield who best represents "care for the individual person." This award went to Mrs. Gayle Smith and Trey Thomas '16.
THE JOHN H. WEETENKAMP III AWARD was established to honor John H. Weetenkamp III, a beloved alumnus and member of the Loyola Blakefield faculty from 1969 to the present. During his tenure, Mr. Weetenkamp held a variety of roles including English Teacher, Moderator, Registrar, Assistant Headmaster, Headmaster, Director of Ignatian Mission and Identity, and Interim President. This award is presented to a graduating senior who has been caring to his peers and demonstrated dedication to the mission of Loyola Blakefield. He is a young man who has embodied the words of Saint Ignatius by his actions and has served his fellow Dons and others generously through the Campus Ministry and Service programs as well as other opportunities. This award went to Troy Meurer '16.
Watch Sam Commodari's commencement speech:
View photos from the day:
