The largest graduating class in Jesuit history, comprised of 221 Men for Others, celebrated Senior Day on Friday (May 3).
The final day on campus for the Class of 2024 – aside from exams and Baccalaureate Mass – started in the Chapel of the Holy Cross as student council president Jake Killian '24 gave the traditional farewell address to the student body with an endearing mix of gratitude and humor.
It concluded with the annual Senior-Alumni Luncheon at TPepin's Hospitality Centre. Alumnus of the Year Brian Mooney ’81 gave a moving keynote address, inspired by many of his Jesuit brothers from the Class of '81 who were in attendance along with his wife, Kathleen, and several of his 10 children, including sons James Mooney '07 and John Mooney '14. Also in attendance were some 100 alumni who joined the 221 seniors, including previous AOY's John Oliva '60, Lee Pallardy '69, Richard Gonzmart '71, and Joe Caballero '86.
The final presentation of the day came from senior Donovan Terry ’24 , who addressed his classmates at the luncheon about the challenges he overcame and the tremendous support he received at Jesuit, and the impactful brotherhood they had developed. He encouraged them to express their gratitude to the school.
During the morning, the seniors had enjoyed the traditional Senior Day events. Among them were the making of the ’24 on the baseball field (in recognition of their graduating year) for a drone photo, a special address from principal Mike Scicchitano ’01, the senior video, and the awarding of the Senior Notables, which are voted on by the seniors (see below).
Following Mass in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, the class departed via buses for TPepin’s, wrapping up Senior Day with the luncheon, during which the members of the Class of 2024 were inducted into the Jesuit High School Alumni Association.
View below the winners of the Senior Notables, and below that are links to video of the presentations by Mooney and Terry. For photos, go to the Facebook page Jesuit High School of Tampa.
SENIOR NOTABLES 2024
Best Athlete – Peter Pesansky
Most Talented – Donovan Terry
Best Dressed – Marvin Martirez
Most School Spirit – Elias Acevedo
Class Wit – Aiden Buck
Most Generous – James Slack
Most Popular – Jake Killian
Most Dependable – Pierce Luttrell
Best Student – Michael Jacolow
Most Likely to Succeed – Michael Jacolow
Best All-Around – Michael Jacolow
Video of the presentations:
Brian Mooney '81: https://youtu.be/5T4pG_Zu55Y
Donovan Terry '24: https://youtu.be/NDte1HOdwHE