Academy graduating seniors and their families celebrated the school baccalaureate ceremony on May 19, honoring the hard work of the students as they continue on to their next chapter. The ceremony took place at the Christ the King Catholic Church and began by celebrating Mass with Father Leonard Plazewski presiding. Seniors Lillian Hund and Elisa Fullen served as the lectors. In addition, seniors Kenzie Cappy and Julia Grammig were the featured psalmists. Academy’s student choir, the Quarter Notes, also sang.
The Mass officially began with the senior class proceeding into the Church to take their places in the pews. Senior Justine Pe Augirre enjoyed this procession, “My favorite part of the ceremony was walking into the Church,” she said. “It was a lot of fun to see all our family and friends in the pews.”
During his homily, Father Len encourages students to remain steadfast in their faith throughout their lives by spreading the gospel without fear of how others will perceive them. Father Len connected the importance of defending one’s faith to the gospel reading about Paul and Barnabus choosing to face consequences for boldly proclaiming their faith. He also inspired the girls to value the importance of Academy tradition by remembering the lessons they learned about faith as they continue throughout their education and beyond. Finally, he congratulated the girls for their exemplary academic achievements and reminded them God is always with them.
The Mass concluded with senior Quarter Note members Kenzie Cappy, Isabella Donaldson, Melina Gerlisky, and Julia Grammig leading the audience in singing the alma mater. Senior Katelyn Aschenbrenner appreciated this special moment, “My favorite part of the Baccalaureate Mass was singing the alma mater with my classmates because I felt it expressed our deep love for Academy to our friends and family in the audience.”
After Mass, the priests exited and the Church became the stage for the honors convocation. After being introduced by senior Rowan Alexander, the ceremony was moderated by Academy President Kevin Whitney, and high school principal, Jeane McNamara. During the honors convocation, seniors were recognized for exemplary character and academic achievement. Students who participated in student council, Academy publications, and honor societies were celebrated. Seniors who received college scholarships and diploma distinctions were recognized as well. The AP Scholar award was given to several seniors who passed three or more AP exams with a score of three or higher.
Academy Alumni organizations dedicated awards to girls with strong values who have been heavily involved in student life. This part of the ceremony was moderated by english teacher and Director of Alumni Relations, Jennifer Martinez Brown (‘02). The recipient of the Blessed Marie-Rose Durochér Alumnae Award was given to senior Mariana Guzman. This award celebrates the hard word and service Guzman has dedicated to her school community. The Dads’ Club School Achievement Award, honoring a driven athlete with excellent grades, was designated for senior Elizabeth Williamson.
The Academy Mothers’ Association awarded senior Rowan Alexander an honorary recognition highlighting her exemplary alignment with the school’s SNJM values. By voting as a class, seniors recognized Cassidy Forte as Senior of the Year.
Additionally, the Athletics Department honored Isabella Dieffenthaller as Senior Athlete of the Year. Faculty and staff also provided awards dedicated to seniors who have shown the most passion and dedication in a particular subject. Athletic Director, Kevin Vargas provided this award followed by a speech highlighting the hard work, courage, and character of senior athletes.
Kenzie Cappy, Gabrielle Marquez, Haynes Melchior, and Cameron Powell were recognized as Tampa Bay Times Scholars, a designation given to seniors residing in the top three percent of their class after the first semester. The final seniors recognized were Gabrielle Marquez and Cameron Powell, the Salutatorians, and Haynes Melchior, the Valedictorian.
Salutatorian Gabby Marquez enjoyed the supportive environment the Honors Convocation fostered, allowing her to celebrate her sisters the last time as a senior class.
Marquez said, “I really enjoyed how the seniors got to recognize and cheer for each other during the Honors Convocation. It was a very special moment as it was the last time we would all be at Mass together at school.”
