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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.