Senior-Alumni Luncheon

Senior Day 2016 for Jesuit High School was packed with events on Friday (April 29), including the farewell address of Student Council president Sergio Farina '16, the awarding of Senior Notables, Mass in St. Anthony's Chapel, and the 20th annual Senior-Alumni Luncheon, at which the Class of 2016 joined the Alumni Association.

About 100 alumni joined the seniors at the luncheon at Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. The event was highlighted by the honoring of 2015-16 Alumnus of the Year Lee Pallardy III '69, as well as a presentation from Jordan Lassiter '16. The Alumnus of the Year is announced each year at the Homecoming football game in the fall, and then formally conferred in the spring at the Senior-Alumni Luncheon.

The day began with Farina's farewell address during Convocation. Next, the seniors took a class picture in the outfield of the baseball stadium, ate breakfast in the cafeteria, and then gathered in the MPR. There, they were addressed by school president Fr. Richard C. Hermes, S.J. about their four years at Jesuit, distributed Senior Notables (see the list of winners below), and watched the special senior videos. The class then returned to St. Anthony's Chapel for Mass before departing for the luncheon. 

Pallardy, who has generously shared his time, talent, and treasure with Jesuit in numerous capacities for decades, expressed humility and thankfulness for receiving the honor. Numerous past Alumnus of the Year award winners were in attendance, including Dr. Steve Krist '69 (2013), Richard Gonzmart '71 (1999), and Ernest "Cookie" Garcia '50 (2015).

Through the years, Pallardy has served Jesuit in many capacities, including as a member of the Foundation, Facilities and Real Estate Committee, Executive Committee of the ‘Honoring Our Traditions’ capital campaign, and Board of Trustees, twice serving as the Chairman of the Board from 2002-2004 and 2008-2012. He is a current member of the President’s Cabinet in support of the ‘For Greater Glory’ capital campaign. Please see below for more information on Pallardy.

Lassiter closed the luncheon with a moving story about how Jesuit has made a big impact on his life, and he encouraged his classmates to give back to the school as alums.

See below photo slideshows from the Senior-Alumni Luncheon and from Senior Day on campus, and video of the presentations by Lassiter and Pallardy. Below that are the list of Senior Notables and information about the Alumnus of the Year, Pallardy.

 

Class of 2016 Senior Notables

• Best Athlete - Rey Riveros
• Most Talented - Spencer Whipple
• Best Dressed - Josh Hamilton
• Most Spirit - J.J. Zambito
• Class Wit - Kieran Mahoney
• Most Generous - Steven Owusu
• Most Popular - Vito Holmes
• Most Dependable - Nick Perillo
• Best Student - Michael Lee
• Most Likely to Succeed - Dominic Kynkor
• Best All-Around - Michael Sandborn

 

Alumnus of the Year 2015-16 – Lee Pallardy III ’69

Since graduating in 1969, Lee Pallardy has been a lifelong advocate of Jesuit, donating his time, talent, and treasure to supporting his alma mater and the Jesuit High School Alumni Association.

Stemming from a family-tree that represents three generations of Jesuit Tigers (his father, Lee, is a graduate of the Class of 1937, and his son, Matthew, is a graduate of the Class of 2002), Pallardy has always been personally connected to the activities of the school.

Throughout the years, he has served Jesuit in many capacities, including as a member of the Foundation, Facilities and Real Estate Committee, Executive Committee of the ‘Honoring Our Traditions’ capital campaign, and Board of Trustees (twice serving as the Chairman of the Board from 2002-2004 and 2008-2012). He most recently served as a member of the President’s Steering Committee, and is a current member of the President’s Cabinet in support of the ‘For Greater Glory’ capital campaign. He is also a member of the Jesuit Hall of Fame.

Pallardy is recognized as one of the most accomplished and sought after real-estate appraisers in the state of Florida. But his true calling is seen in his passion for helping others. He is an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and has served on the Parish Council. He was a member of the Board of Directors at Metropolitan Ministries and served on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary’s Episcopal Day School. Pallardy also coached youth soccer for the YMCA and youth baseball for Tampa Bay Little League.