Jesuit Academy Presents the Class of 2013

Group photo courtesy of Scholastic Photography. 

The sounds of pomp and circumstance filled the air of the school commons area on Monday, May 20, as Jesuit Academy announced its thirteenth graduating class in.  A dinner and celebration followed the hour-long ceremony that was attended by over 100 people.  Congratulations to the Class of 2013 as they begin their high school adventure:  Eduardo Aguilar, Shannon Brewer, Christopher Coleman, Jordan Morris, Kazmere Nicholson, Jashen Wade and Kevin Williams, Creighton Prep; Jy’ion Berry, Mujahid Muhammad and Jaylen Smith, Roncalli; Kalen Byrd, out of state; Jordan Flowers, Central and Tony (Dwand) Hall, Westside. 

The ceremony opened with a welcome by Master of Ceremonies, Kalen Byrd, followed by an opening prayer from Fr. Tom Neitzke, S.J., President of Jesuit Academy.  Following the prayer, a reflection was read by Jordan Flowers.  The commencement address was given by Rev. Dr. Nikitah Imani, Professor and Chair of Black Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.  Presentation of the graduates was given by eighth grade teacher Brian Lindley, followed by the awarding of diplomas by the Jesuit Academy Leadership team of VP of Student Affairs Tony Connelly and Troy Wharton, Principal.  School guidance counselor Tony Phillip provided vocal accompaniment for the evening and sang “I Believe I Can Fly” as the young men presented roses to their mothers and grandmothers. 

Additional honors were granted that evening to:  Theo Skipper - Outstanding Alumni;   Eduardo Aguilar and Jordan Flowers - 2013 Ignatian Pillar Award and Kazmere Nicholson – Ignatian Award of Excellence.  The Ignatian Award of Excellence is presented during graduation at all Jesuit institutions across the country, recognizes a student who exemplifies the Jesuit tradition of “Men for Others” and “Grad at Graduation:  Religious, Loving, Open to Growth, Committed to Doing Justice and Intellectually Competent.    

Our school, located at 2311 North 22nd Street in the old Butler-Gast YMCA building, provides a Christian education for young men in grades four through eight who aspire to build strong character and earn a college degree. Founded in 1996 and sponsored by the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), this private, independent Catholic school provides a unique, personal learning environment for young men in our community.  Applications are currently being accepted for the 2013-2014 school year.  For enrollment information, please contact Tony Connelly at (402) 346-4464.