l to r: Alexander Lucas, Nicolas Chanes, Patrick Bouchon, and Niels Dickson
Brother Martin’s 47th graduating class received their diplomas on Friday, May 20, 2016 at the UNO Lakefront Arena during the 2016 Commencement Exercises. Principal Greg Rando ‘77 and Student Council President Marvin Hudson, Jr. ’16 opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to guests and thanked the Class of 2016 for having a part in the history of the school. Senior Class President Michael Ahearn ‘16 carried the Ceremonial Shield that represents both the cross of Christ’s crucifixion and the sword point of the crusader who fights for justice as he led the seniors in the processional.
Following the processional, the graduates joined their parents on the floor for this Brother Martin tradition. Vice Principal for Academics Mr. Thomas Mavor introduced himself as the emcee for the evening. President John Devlin led the opening prayer and invocation as members of the Brother Martin Chorus sang the National Anthem. Following the National Anthem, Mr. Mavor recognized the six students who have achieved perfect attendance during their Brother Martin career. Then, Mr. Mavor called upon graduates to approach the stage for their presentation of awards in a specific course of studies.
Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance Ryan Gallagher, Jr., ’00 introduced graduates as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas from Mr. Rando. This marked the beginning of their journey as members of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Alumni Association. Mr. Mavor also noted at the ceremony that 51 members of the Class of 2016 were legacies of St. Aloysius, Cor Jesu, and Brother Martin.
In addition, valedictory speeches were presented and several award recipients were announced for their dedication to their studies and their time at Brother Martin. Patrick Bouchon ‘16, Nicolas Chanes ‘16, Niels Dickson ‘16, and Alexander Lucas ’16 served as the valedictorians. Alexander Lucas ’16 received the Valedictory Award on being ranked 1st in the graduating class and presented his valedictory address. James Blake ‘16 was named this year’s James B. Branton Award as an unheralded influence for the good on the Brother Martin community, and Alexander Lucas ’16 was named this year’s Richard E. Lambert Award winner as the outstanding graduate of the Class of 2016. Other award recipients included Trevor Quatroy ’16 (Youth Citizenship), Vincent Soldano ’16 (Christian Leadership), Minh Vu ’16 (Award in Memory of Bro. Leo Godin, S.C) , and Nicholas Brondum ’16 (American Legion Award). Closing the ceremony, Mr. Rando said, “May you always draw joy and comfort from your belief in God’s love and your efforts to live it and spread it. And may you always know that you have a home at Brother Martin.”
Ametur Cor Jesu… Loved be the heart of Jesus!
Congratulations to the Class of 2016 Crusaders!
Perfect Attendance Recipients:
Nicolas Chanes ‘16
Dillon Connick ‘16
Scott Christopher Corrente II ‘16
Jeffrey Mechlin ‘16
Huy Nguyen ‘16
Nicholas Seoane ‘16
Subject Award Recipients:
Nicholas Brondum ‘16 – American History
Patrick LaBorde and Joseph Michel ‘16 – Studio Art
Nader Masoud and Alexander Lucas ‘16 – Choral Music
Nicholas Green ‘16-Computer Science
Daniel Seiler ‘16 – English
Matthew Palazola ‘16 – Health and Physical Education
Joseph Porché III ‘16- Journalism
Ethan Olsen ‘16 – Library and Information Science
O Sacred Heart, We Plight to Thee
O Sacred Heart, we plight to Thee,
Our honor, health, and liberty.
O Sacred Heart, we vow to Thee,
Our life and faith, our worship free.
O Sacred Heart, O Sacred Heart,
We pledge to Thee
Our all in loving loyalty.
Composed 1947 by Joseph A. Taverna
Arranged 1993 by Dominick Caronna, Jr. ‘85
