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All 185 members of the graduating class stood before their friends and family in maroon caps and gowns after being led by members of the high school’s class of 1966, who were celebrating their 50th reunion, according to the school.
Among those students who received special recognition was Dylan James Cordaro, the class of 2016’s valedictorian.
Cordaro, of Warwick, N.Y., is a National Merit Finalist and a recipient of the Gold Award for General Excellence, and the English, Mathematics, Chemistry and Computer Science Awards. According to the school, he plans to attend the University of Chicago.
Luke Robert Novak, of Allendale, N.J., was the class salutatorian and the recipient of the Silver Award for General Excellence. Novak is a National Merit Commended Student and plans to attend Northeastern University in the fall.
The Rev. Manuel Gallo, SDB, vice director of the Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School in Tacoma Park, Md., and a former director of youth ministry at Don Bosco Prep, gave the commencement address.
Each of the speakers discussed the qualities inherent in Don Bosco graduates.
“To everyone who fought beside me on the tennis court, the robotics arena, and in the testing room – thanks for the honor of fighting beside you. However, (Don) Bosco (Prep) has given me more than a bunch of titles and trophies – it’s given me life lessons, unconditional acceptance, and a string of dedicated teachers who believe in both the spreading of knowledge and character in education through experience,” Cordaro said.
Additional graduates who received awards during the June 4 ceremony include:
- Jeffrey John Lieto - Bronze Award for General Excellence
- Kevin Robert White - Theology
- Taimu Jordan Ito - Latin
- Patrick John Daly - French
- Maxwell Cole Geuder - Spanish
- Nicholas Raphael Fiore - Italian
- Logan Tye Springer - Mandarin
- Sean Robert Lee - Biology
- Christopher Victor Rylkov - Physics
- Sean Richard Lee - Social Studies
- Michael Anthony Stagapede - Art
- Ezemdi Preston Akalanu - Concert Band
- Charlie Mezini - String Orchestra
- Jeffrey John Lieto - Vocal Music
- Abelard Carlo Desrosiers - Physical Education
Those students have demonstrated character; leadership and service. They include:
- Kyle Michael Bierdumpfel
- Steven Austin Cepalia
- Abelard Carlo Desrosiers
- Steven Gerard Ebert
- Jordan Christopher Giordano
- Taimu Jordan Ito
- Jeffrey John Lieto
- Kevin Robert White
- Tyler N. Zanki
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