FATHER LOPEZCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

FIFTY-SIXTH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

Saturday, May 16, 20151:00 pm

Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Centerand Visual Arts Gallery

Bethune-Cookman UniversityDaytona Beach, Florida

FATHER LOPEZCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Most Reverend John G. NoonanBishop of Orlando

Mr. Henry P. FortierSecretary of Education

Superintendent of Catholic Schools

Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident

Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal

Ms. Patricia DaileyAssistant Principal

GRADUATION CEREMONY

MASTER OF CEREMONIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal

PRESENTATION OF THE FLAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Austin Uriah GonzalezBailey Anne Gillespy

Connor Armand Nyborg

PROCESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pomp and CircumstanceSir Edgar Elgar, Composer

INVOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. James E. CooneyAssociate Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orlando

NATIONAL ANTHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Star Spangled BannerLyrics by Francis Scott Key

INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal

SALUTATORY ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emma Vandermillen Albrecht

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Anthony Krusick

INTRODUCTION OF THE CLASS OF 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ms. Erin McDougallDirector of Guidance and College Planning

DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident

Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal

Ms. Patricia DaileyAssistant Principal

Rev. Stephen Ogonwa (Father Seno)Parochial Vicar, Prince of Peace Catholic Church

School Chaplain for Father Lopez Catholic High SchoolMr. James E. Cooney

Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orlando

CEREMONIAL TURNING OF THE TASSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal

PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident

Crest of the Wave AwardsPresident’s Awards

SENIOR CLASS REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mrs. Roberta J. SnyderSenior Class Mentor

BENEDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Stephen Ogonwa (Father Seno)Parochial Vicar, Prince of Peace Catholic Church

School Chaplain for Father Lopez Catholic High School

RECESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prelude to a Te DeumMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Composer

Michael Douglas Abate *Emma Vandermillen Albrecht #*Anita Allodia Annaheim #Joshua Daniel AshleyJacob Magdy Attia #Kurtis Bajor *Hunter Renee BenezetteChase Allen Berner Christian Ernest Borer #*Montgomery Catherine BroomeVictoria Tayler Brown #*Nicholas Lam-Khanh BuiMichael Bernard Cain Cole Stephon CanfieldAndrew John Carrozza +Lorraine LaBoy Castello Michael James Chaffman Jahid ChowdhuryJonathan Joseph CinoGrayson Alexandra Cooper *Tyler Michael Cowan #*Jacob Michael Daus *Marina Sioux De Rosa *Logan Marie DiMuro Brad William DonleyJames Marion DuRant

GRADUATING CLASS OF 2015

Michael James Durkin IIAndrés Echavarria González Adelina Veronica FeuerbacherTimothy James FiffeKevin John FountainLauren Ann FoxAbbygail Julia Freeman Andrea Morgan Giuffrida # Tristan Emery GoldmanCharlie John GraySara Carmella HaighHan, QidiAlexandra Aubrey HardmanCorrin McKay HarrisAlexa Gorham HillAndrea Marie HillCaitlyn Elizabeth Rose HoganJonah Matthew Hopton *Courtney Anne JamesChristopher Michael Johnson *Olivia Christina JonesGavin Inda JorrisAnthony William Kemmer #*Samuel Raymond Kidwell +Michael Anthony Krusick #*+Matthew Robert Lafleur

Joseph Smith Lambert IIINicholas Tuan LeChase Berenson Lorenz Paul John Lozano *Nicholas Samuel LupicaAllison Anne LydeckerBrandy Zacherl Lynch #Robert Hogan MacIntyre #*+Malik Andrew Maitland Tiffany Rae MarinoCollins Zakary Maude Emma Hargreaves McAskill #*Katelyn Rose McCathranHannah Jean McKillopThomas Daniel McLellanCarlos Enrique Metcalf, Jr.Samantha Elizabeth Minenna *Samantha Amelia Mirante #*Philip Micah MirinoOlivia Janay MorenoRylan Michael Mort #*Ryan Daniel Mowen Michael Thomas Munier #*Rachel Lauren Murray #*Troy Nosbisch NaabAnthony Elia Nader *

Xian Xuan Nguyen *Elizabeth Paige NicksMatthew Richard Thomas NixBrendan Michael Nolan Christina Ann Olivari *Christopher Lee PadgettLea Delaney Pafford #*Kalie Brooke PerdisattDzeneta Petravica *Zachary Gregg Pifer *Camila Andrea Pinzón *Zachary Robert PolansMegan A. Poteé +Matthew PrietoPaige Ann RattoCarrie Jessica ReeseBridget M. Reiser *Kianna Reneé RobinsonMatthew Edward Rudinski #*Jenna Ann SapsfordZachary Wilhelm Schafrick Kevin Jacob Scheiber #*Dominick J. SenatroShen, Zirui *Sebastian Silva #Lucas Robert Spetsas

Paige Patricia StaceyJavier Mateo Stewart #Kevin Charles StrasserSavannah Anne Stura #*Sun, JiahaoTeresa Pauline Tabar #*Alicia Mercedes TineoOscar Miguel TorresTyler Anthony Turnbull *John Andrew Ufheil #*Quan Van

Paige Maloy Ward *Anna Elizabeth WhalenShona Lesley Whitfield #*Emily Carol Whitmarsh +Gaetano Francis WickEmily Leighray WilsonSarah Nicole Wright #Yan, Ziqi *Madison Abigail Young *

# Summa Cum Laude Diploma* National Honor Society Member+ Second Generation Green Wave

CLASS FACTS

Class Flower: Orchid

Class Colors: Gold and Teal Blue

Class Song: “On top of the World” – Imagine Dragons

Scripture Verse: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, butset an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faithand in purity.”

Timothy 4:12

Class Quote: “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matterscompared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

American UniversityAppalachian State UniversityBarton CollegeBaylor UniversityBennington CollegeBerry CollegeBirmingham Southern CollegeBoston UniversityBryant UniversityCampbell UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityClark UniversityCollege of CharlestonCollege of Coastal GeorgiaDartmouth CollegeDaytona State CollegeEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFlagler CollegeFlorida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyFlorida Polytechnic UniversityFlorida Southern CollegeFlorida State College at JacksonvilleFlorida State UniversityFordham UniversityFurman UniversityHigh Point UniversityIowa State UniversityLaGrange CollegeLake Forest CollegeLee UniversityLouisiana State UniversityLoyola Marymount University

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE CLASS OF 2015(At the time we went to press, the following colleges and universities

had offered acceptances to our graduating seniors.)

Lynn UniversityManhattan CollegeMarquette UniversityMaryland Institute College of ArtMercer UniversityMorehead State UniversityMulhenberg CollegeNova Southeastern UniversityOglethorpe UniversityPennsylvania State UniversityPratt InstituteProvidence CollegePurdue UniversityRice UniversityRoger Williams UniversityRollins CollegeRutgers UniversitySaint Leo UniversitySan Diego State UniversitySanta Fe CollegeSarah Lawrence CollegeSavannah College of Art and DesignSeton Hall UniversitySkidmore CollegeSouthern Methodist UniversitySt. Edward’s UniversitySt. John’s UniversityStetson UniversityTallahassee Community CollegeTrinity International UniversityUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of DaytonUniversity of FloridaUniversity of Georgia

University of KentuckyUniversity of LouisvilleUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstUniversity of MiamiUniversity of North Carolina

WilmingtonUniversity of North DakotaUniversity of North FloridaUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of Redlands

University of South FloridaUniversity of South Florida

St. PetersburgUniversity of TampaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of West FloridaUniversity of Wisconsin-StoutVanderbilt UniversityWashington University in St. LouisWestern Michigan University

Editor’s Note: The 124 members of the Class of 2015 have been offeredacceptances from 90 colleges and universities located in 26 states and the Districtof Columbia. This includes acceptances from 26 institutions of higher learning inthe state of Florida. The next most popular states with our graduating seniors wereGeorgia and New York. Acceptances were offered from seven schools in Georgiaand from six schools in New York. Other states where acceptances were offeredfrom three or more schools were Kentucky, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Texas.Two universities in southern California were the furthest from home. Schools closestto home were Daytona State College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University andStetson University.

SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO THE CLASS OF 2015(At the time we went to press, the following scholarships

had been offered to our graduating seniors.)

Emma Vandermillen Albrecht Medallion of Excellence ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsUniversity of Notre Dame Athletic ScholarshipSouthern Methodist University Athletic Scholarship

Anita Allodia Annaheim Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Jacob Magdy Attia Rice University Academic ScholarshipUniversity of Miami, Ronald Hammond ScholarshipUniversity of South Florida Academic ScholarshipCase Western Reserve University Academic ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic Schola

Christian Ernest Borer Bright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsGator Club of Volusia County ScholarshipElon University Presidential ScholarshipSt. Edward’s University President’s ScholarshipSt. Edward’s University Edwardian Scholarship

Victoria Tayler Brown Father Downing Council 4934 Scholarship Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Michael Bernard Cain Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Golden Eagle Award

Andrew John Carrozza William J. Hunter Scholarship

Michael James Chaffman Daytona State College Foundation ScholarshipMorehead State University Athletic Scholarship

Grayson Alexandra Cooper Sarah Lawrence College Academic ScholarshipPratt Institute Scholarship

Tyler Michael Cowan Florida Institute of Technology Panther Fund ScholarshipFlorida Institute of Technology Panther Fund GrantFlorida Institute of Technology Visit GrantFlorida Institute of Technology Alumni Endorsement GrantFlorida Institute of Technology Farmer Scholar Grant Florida Resident Access Grant Bright Futures, Florida Academic Scholars

OUR SCHOOL PRAYERDear Lord,

We ask that You bless the community of Father Lopez Catholic High School.

Help us to uphold the virtues instilled here in Your name,That we may grow in knowledge and faith,

So that we may better serve You in all that we do.We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Written byThomas Makowski ’06

Marina Sioux De Rosa University of South Florida Gold Scholars AwardStetson University Presidential ScholarshipUniversity of North Florida Presidential Plus ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Brad William Donley Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

James Marion DuRant Florida Southern College Buckner ScholarshipFlorida Southern College Scholars Residency GrantFlorida Resident Access GrantEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University Golden Eagle Award

Michael James Durkin II University of Tampa Florida Resident Access Grant

Timothy James Fiffe Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Kevin John Fountain Stetson University Dean’s ScholarshipStetson University Legacy AwardStetson University Early FAFSA Filer AwardStetson University Margaret Beach AwardFlorida Resident Access Grant

Lauren Ann Fox Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Andrea Morgan Giuffrida Fordham University Academic ScholarshipFlorida Gulf Coast University Presidential ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Charlie John Gray Bright Futures, Florida Medallion ScholarsFlorida Resident Grant Rollins College Presidential ScholarshipRollins College GrantUniversity of Tampa Dean’s ScholarshipUniversity of South Florida Scholars Award

Sara Carmella Haigh Florida Gulf Coast University Academic Scholarship

Han, Qidi University of Dayton Academic Scholarship

Corrin McKay Harris Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Caitlyn Elizabeth Rose Hogan Nova Southeastern University Dean’s Scholarship

Jonah Matthew Hopton Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Christopher Michael Johnson Rollins College Dean’s ScholarshipRollins College GrantMercer University Presidential ScholarshipStetson University Presidential ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsKiwanis Club ScholarshipEugene McCall Memorial ScholarshipFlorida Resident Access Grant

Samuel Raymond Kidwell Florida Resident Access GrantEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University Golden Eagle Award

Michael Anthony Krusick Stetson University Presidential ScholarshipThe Stetson Legacy AwardBright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsFlorida Resident Access GrantUniversity of South Florida Directors AwardUniversity of South Florida Honors College Scholarship

Paul John Lozano University of Tampa Academic ScholarshipSeton Hall University Academic ScholarshipStetson University Presidential Scholarship

Allison Anne Lydecker Roger Williams University Academic Scholarship Bryant University Academic Scholarship

Brandy Zacherl Lynch Flagler College Academic ScholarshipBarton College Academic Scholarship

Robert Hogan MacIntyre Florida Southern College, Lucius P. Ordway Scholarship

Malik Andrew Maitland Morehead State University Athletic Scholarship

Emma Hargreaves McAskill Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Samantha Elizabeth Minenna Stetson University President’s Scholarship

Samantha Amelia Mirante University of Miami President’s ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsFlorida Resident Access Grant

Olivia Janay Moreno Lee University TEACH Grant

Rylan Michael Mort Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Ryan Daniel Mowen Trinity International University Athletic Scholarship

Michael Thomas Munier Bright Futures, Florida Academic Scholars

Rachel Lauren Murray Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Troy Nosbisch Naab Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Golden Eagle Award

Elizabeth Paige Nicks Stetson University Presidential ScholarshipAlfred DuPont Foundation ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic ScholarsFlorida Resident Access GrantStetson University FAFSA Early Filer Grant

Christina Ann Olivari Stetson University Dean’s ScholarshipStetson University Alumni ScholarshipFlorida Resident Access Grant

Lea Delaney Pafford University of Dayton President’s ScholarshipFlorida Gulf Coast University President’s Gold ScholarshipGator Club of Volusia County ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Academic Scholars

Kalie Brooke Perdisatt Stetson University Hatter Scholarship

Zachary Gregg Pifer Birmingham Southern College Foundation ScholarshipCampbell University Scott-Ellis ScholarshipCampbell University Administrative ScholarshipUniversity of Tampa Minaret Academic ScholarshipFlorida Resident Access Grant

Camila Andrea Pinzón Stetson University Dean’s Scholarship

Carrie Jessica Reese Flagler College President’s Award

Bridget M. Reiser Western Michigan University Silver Presidential AwardUniversity of North Dakota Academic Scholarship

Matthew Edward Rudinski Bright Futures, Florida Academic Scholars

Kevin Jacob Scheiber Stetson University Presidential Merit ScholarshipFlorida Resident Access GrantBright Futures, Florida Medallion ScholarsUniversity of Central Florida Pegasus Merit ScholarshipUniversity of Central Florida Student Assist GrantGator Club of Volusia County, Gale Lemerand ScholarshipNASCAR Foundation Scholarship

Shen, Zirui University of Massachusetts Amherst Academic Award

Sebastian Silva Bright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Lucas Robert Spetsas University of Tampa Spartan ScholarshipLynn University Dean ScholarshipEckerd College Dean ScholarshipEckerd College Athletic Scholarship

Javier Mateo Stewart University of South Florida Presidential ScholarshipUnited States Army ROTC Scholarship

Savannah Anne Stura Eckerd College Academic ScholarshipSt. John’s University Academic ScholarshipStetson University Presidential ScholarshipBaylor University Academic ScholarshipUniversity of South Florida Academic ScholarshipCollege of Charleston Academic ScholarshipUniversity of Tampa Academic Scholarship

Teresa Pauline Tabar Florida Southern College Academic ScholarshipMarquette University Academic Scholarship

Tyler Anthony Turnbull Stetson University Faculty ScholarshipBright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

John Andrew Ufheil Bright Futures, Florida Academic Scholars

Shona Lesley Whitfield Florida Southern College Danforth ScholarshipUniversity of South Florida Scholars AwardBright Futures, Florida Medallion Scholars

Gaetano Francis Wick Father Downing Council 4934 Scholarship

Yan, Ziqi Florida Polytechnic University International ScholarshipStetson University Academic ScholarshipFairleigh Dickinson University International Student

ScholarshipState University of New York at Plattsburgh International

Campus Community Award

Madison Abigail Young Berry College Academic ScholarshipBerry College Out of State GrantLaGrange College Academic ScholarshipLaGrange College Presidential Award

Total Value of Scholarships Offered ........$5,027,662.00

Miss Katelyn C. Landorf Fisher ’05B.A., University of Northern Colorado

Mrs. Jane FountainB.S., Stetson University

Mrs. Marie D. Gallo-LethcoeB.A., University of DaytonM.A., University of Dayton

Mrs. Christine Hauptle, C.P.A.B.S., University of Georgia

Mr. Christy P. HazlewoodB.A., The University of Texas at Austin

Mr. Andrew HockB.A., St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Mr. Allan Rubenstein KnightB.A., University of UtahM.S.E., University of Central Florida

Mrs. Valerie Mann-GrossoB.A., Florida International UniversityM.S., Barry UniversityM.A., University of Central Florida

Miss Cardeen R. MartinezB.A., Barry University

Mrs. Tina A. MathewsB.A., Saint Xavier UniversityM.A., Lewis UniversityM.Ed., Lewis University

Mr. Kelly T. McCabeB.A., McMaster University

Ms. Erin McDougallB.A., State University of New York

at New PaltzM.S., Long Island University

Mr. Edward MillerB.A., Pennsylvania State UniversityM.S.E., University of Central Florida

Mrs. Dalia York PattersonB.A., University of Florida

Mr. Darrell E. RadfordB.A., University of South FloridaM.S., University of South Florida

Mrs. Angela C. ReyesB.S., University of Central FloridaM.S., Florida International University

Mr. Bradley R. RidenourB.A., Flagler College

Mrs. Megan E. RinyuB.S., University of Central Florida

Mrs. Amanda R. RooneyB.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville M.A., Franciscan University of Steubenville

Mrs. Teresa M. SchwarzB.A., Stetson UniversityM.A., Middlebury College

Ms. Juliet K. SimmonsB.S., University of Central Florida

Mrs. Roberta J. SnyderB.A., University of Central Florida

Dr. Eric B. StetlerB.A., University of FloridaM.S., University of Florida Ph.D., University of Florida

Mrs. Darla M. TedescoB.S., Florida State University

Mr. Musset D. ApollonB.S., University of Florida

Mr. Scott C. BayB.A., University of CincinnatiM.S.E., Xavier University

Mrs. Lisa Lloyd Blais ’77B.A., Furman UniversityM.F.A., Southern Illinois University

at Edwardsville

Ms. Samantha L. Blakely, ATCB.A., North Central College

Ms. Anabel Borbón B.A., University of Central FloridaM.A., Middlebury College

Mr. Daniel E. BoydB.A., University of Central FloridaM.T.S., Boston College

Mrs. Regina BoydB.A., University of Central FloridaM.A., Rollins College

Mr. Noah M. CabiacB.S., Florida State University

Ms. Catharine H. ColwellB.S., Stetson University

Mr. Derek P. DalyB.A., University of Florida

Mr. Isaac M. DeniganB.S., Northern Kentucky UniversityM.A., Northern Kentucky University

Mr. Scott J. DrabczykB.A., Bethune-Cookman UniversityM.Ed., Stetson University

Mr. Jason D. DunlapB.A., University of MarylandM.S., California University of Pennsylvania

ADMINISTRATIONFACULTY & STAFF

Dr. Michael J. Coury, PresidentB.S.B.A., Creighton UniversityM.S.E., Drake UniversityEd.S., Drake UniversityEd.D., Drake University

Mr. Lee C. Sayago, PrincipalB.S., University of Central FloridaM.Ed., University of Central Florida

Ms. Patricia Dailey, Assistant PrincipalB.S., Stetson UniversityM.A., Stetson UniversityEd.S., Stetson University

Ms. Katherine M. BlaisAdmissions Officer

Mrs. Cynthia BrennanHuman Resources Coordinator

Mr. David W. CastetterTechnology Assistant

Mrs. Janet Mouton CraneBookkeeper

Mr. Anthony E. DetenteTransportation Driver

Mr. William J. HillFacilities Manager

Mrs. Monica Bryan MacIntyre ’84 Alumni Director/AdministrativeAssistant to the Athletic Director

ADMINISTRATIVE & AUXILIARY SUPPORT

Mr. David A. PetersonTransportation Driver

Mrs. Debra J. PetersonMedia Center Aide

Mr. Roger ReichardTransportation Coordinator

Mrs. Carmen C. RiveraAdmissions Coordinator

Mr. John P. StanberryTransportation Driver

Mrs. Nan TarasiFront Office Manager/AdministrativeAssistant to the Principal

Mr. David ZoldFood Services Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Father Lopez Catholic High School, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporationdirectly affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, Florida. Thecorporation is established to carry out the teaching ministry of the Catholic Church.The Bishop of Orlando is the sole Member of the Corporation. He appointsmembers to serve on the Board of Directors for the school corporation.

The Most Reverend John G. Noonan, Bishop of Orlando, has appointed the memberslisted below to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2014–2015 school year.

Rev. Thomas Barrett, Chairperson

Ms. MaryEllen Osterndorf ’83, Vice Chairperson

Mr. John S. Olivari, C.P.A., Treasurer

Mr. M. Brady Lessard, Member

Mr. Henry P. Fortier, Member (ex officio)

Mrs. Carol Brinati, Member (ex officio)

Dr. Michael J. Coury, President (ex officio)

Mr. Lee C. Sayago, Vice President (ex officio)

Mrs. Wendy L. TherrienB.A., Allegheny CollegeM.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst

Mr. Daniel S. TroutB.A., Clearwater Christian CollegeM.A., Reformed Theological Seminary

Mrs. Jamie L. WadeB.A., Florida State University

Mrs. Heather Voges Welch ’02 B.A., Florida State University

Miss Rebecca A. WestcottB.A., Messiah CollegeM.A.T., Wheaton College

Mr. Gordon T. White ’99B.A., Flagler College

Ms. Rebecca E. WuamettB.S., University of FloridaM.A., University of Central Florida

Mr. Steven C. ZelentyB.A., Glassboro State CollegeM.S., Nova Southeastern University

WHO WAS FATHER LOPEZ?

When the Diocese of St. Augustine opened the new Catholic high school in DaytonaBeach in 1959, it named the school after a Father Lopez. Who was our namesake, andwhat was his connection to this area? The following is a brief summary of the historicalevents as they relate to Father Lopez and our Catholic roots.

Nearly 400 years before our school was established, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilésled a Spanish expedition to Florida. The fleet chaplain on the expedition was FatherFrancisco López de Mendoza Grajales.

On September 8, 1565, General Menéndez came ashore at the site of the TimucuanIndian village. Father López had come ashore the night before. When Menéndez arrived,Father López carried a large cross to greet him at the location that is now known as St. Augustine.

Father López is recognized as being the Catholic priest who conducted the first Mass atthe first permanent mission and settlement in what would become the United States ofAmerica. This event and site in St. Augustine are now marked by a 208 foot stainlesssteel cross. The large cross in the center of our school campus plaza is also symbolic ofthe cross Father López carried to greet General Menéndez.

ABOUT OUR HIGH SCHOOL

The roots of our Catholic high school can be traced to 1924. At that time, a Catholic high schoolwas established as part of the St. Paul Parish School in Daytona Beach. As the population grew,the Diocese of St. Augustine opened a central Catholic high school in 1959. Father Lopez, locatedbetween Madison and Mason on the eastside of Nova Road, met the needs of the community fornearly fifty years.

As the facilities at our landlocked campus began to decline, so did enrollment. Today, we remainindebted to the community leaders and other friends of Lopez who gave of their time, talent andtreasure to make our campus on LPGA Blvd. a reality. Their efforts, as well as the support fromthe Diocese of Orlando, provided new life for our school and the students we serve. Our record-breaking enrollment has grown by eighty percent since our move to the new campus in 2008.

In the early years, the high school staff was comprised of diocesan priests and women religiousfrom the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt (NY). Although priests and sisters no longer teach at theschool, we are blessed to have dedicated lay educators who are committed to the school’s missionof pursuing excellence within the Catholic tradition. The current faculty members have beentrained at 43 different colleges and universities located in 18 states and in Canada. Collectively,they have earned a total of 33 graduate degrees.

Since our founding in 1959, some 3,800 young men and women have graduated from FatherLopez. Most have continued their studies at the collegiate level and beyond. Today, our alumniare recognized as leaders in their parishes, communities, families and chosen careers. We areproud to note that this year’s graduating class includes six children of alumni, adding to ourgrowing number of second-generation Green Wave.

In 2013, enrollment reached the 400 student milestone for the first time since 1985. History wasmade last year when an all-time record number of students (438) attended Father Lopez. Thatrecord was broken again this year as 483 students made Lopez their school-of-choice.

The diverse and talented student population at Lopez comes to us from 33 different zip codes inDaytona Beach and surrounding communities in Volusia, Flagler and Seminole counties. Ourcultural diversity is enhanced with the addition of international students from nine other countries.

Throughout these past 56 years, the school has pursued a noble mission. Father Lopez educatorspartner with parents, the first teachers of their children, to share values, doctrine and knowledge.Working together, we develop spiritual, physical and moral gifts through academic excellencewhile we continue to provide a valued education that prepares today’s student for their tomorrows.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We, the Class of 2015, dedicate this dayand all of our future accomplishments

to our familieswith our love

and deepest appreciation.

We also acknowledge and recognizethe faculty, staff and administration

atFather Lopez Catholic High Schoolfor their support and encouragement.

Additionally, we thankMr. Cedric Evans, Sr., and the staff

of theMary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center

and Visual Arts Galleryfor preparing this facility

for our graduation.

Lastly, we thank everyonewho contributed to this special occasion

and who have joined usin celebration today.

May God bless all of you.

Vision Statement

Father Lopez Catholic High School is a Christ-centered community of learners.We believe that spiritual formation in the Catholic tradition and academic rigorcreate a positive culture where all students are free to discover their full humanpotential through scholarly pursuits, athletics and service leadership.