“… So while the whole gang is here, let’s stand up and cheer for Brother Martin High!”
Congratulations to the Brother Martin Class of 2017 on receiving their diplomas at the 48th Annual Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 19. This class was the 148th graduating class of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart school in New Orleans. Along with faculty and staff, the Brother Martin family joined the graduates at the UNO Lakefront Arena to celebrate the “courage and confidence” these Crusaders displayed in all their high school years. Principal Mr. Greg Rando ’77 opened the ceremony and thanked the seniors for their contributions to Brother Martin. In addition, Student Council President and Richard E. Lambert Award recipient, Ben Wisniewksi ’17, provided special information about the graduates to the guests. Then, Senior Class President Dominic Brocato ’17 was ready as class president to lead the seniors and faculty in procession for the last time as he carried the special Ceremonial Shield just as others before him had carried it. The shield represents both the cross of Christ’s crucifixion and the sword point of the crusader who fights for justice.
Leading the prayer, President Mr. John Devlin reminded everyone that the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is being faithfully carried forward by the laity in our school. The student quartet then sang the National Anthem after the Crusader Band played “O Sacred Heart.” Assistant Principal for Discipline and Attendance Ryan Gallagher ’00 served as the as the emcee. He informed guests that Brother Martin Hernandez, S.C. believed that success began with promptness and then recognized Michael Lopez ‘17, Joshua Nguyen ‘17, Ryan O’Rourke ‘17, Lance Resendez, Jr. ‘17, and Joshua Secrest ‘17 for their perfect attendance in all their years at Brother Martin. Assistant Principal for Academics, Mrs. Deborah Broussard, also presented awards in various subjects such as Religion, World Language, and Music to recipients for their outstanding accomplishments in class.
The time had finally arrived for the graduates to walk across the stage, receive their diploma, and leave the ceremony as members of the Brothers of the Sacred Alumni Association. Sixty-three members of the Class of 2017 will carry on the legacy of their fathers and/or grandfathers who attended Brother Martin, St. Aloysius, or Cor Jesu. Mr. Rando and Mr. Devlin then handed diplomas to the graduates as Mr. Gallagher announced their names. Assisting in the event was also Assistant Principal for Student Services Mrs. Gabrielle Macaluso, Facilities Director and Assistant to the President Mr. Nick Lagattuta ‘71, and Alumni Director Mr. Kenny Spellman ‘84. Honor graduates, Jonathan Gacharná ‘17, Justin Levy ‘17, and Les Levy, Jr. ‘17, each delivered their valedictory address. Their speeches ranged from achieving academic excellence at Brother Martin to living out the charism of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. As Les Levy, Jr.said, “Faith will always conquer doubt and fear, Be the change You want to see in the world, and Live a life in which you see the world not as it is but as it should be.”
Thank you to the Class of 2017 and congratulations!
Subject Award Recipients:
Stephen Corcoran ‘17-Studio Art
Antonio Domino ‘17-Choral Music
Jonathan Gacharná ‘17-Math
Emmanuel Guillot ‘17-NJROTC
John Paul Ledet ‘17-English, Pre- Medicine
Justin Levy ‘17- Science
Les Levy, Jr. ‘17- Pre- Medicine
Andrew Lipscomb ‘17- Computer Science
Michael Lopez ‘17- Journalism
Tarik Lopez ‘17-World Language
Hunter Mathas ‘17- American History
Thang Nguyen ‘17-Religion
Ryan O’Rourke ‘17-Instrumental Music/Music Leadership
Adam Peters ‘17- Library and Information Science
Roderick Thornton ‘17-Health and P.E.
Additional Award Recipients:
Jon Oliver ‘17- Youth Citizenship Award
Patrick Newburger ‘17-Christian Leadership
Brent Clement ‘17, William Leonard ‘17, and Christopher Webb ‘17 – Award in Memory of Bro. Leo Godin, S.C.
Ben Wisniewski ‘17- American Legion Award
Les Levy, Jr. ‘17- James B. Branton Award
Ben Wisniewski ‘17- Richard E. Lambert Award
