The list of awards presented Thursday night at Xavier’s 2022 Academic Awards Ceremony:
CLASS OF 2026
Each year applicants to Xavier High School are required to take the High School Placement Test, a national standardized test used by many private schools across the country. One measure of achievement on the test is a national percentile rating. Xavier honors those students who score in the 95th–99th national percentile as Ryken Scholars. The Ryken program is named in honor of the founder of the Xaverian Brothers, Theodore James Ryken. The work that Ryken began in Belgium nearly 180 years ago is carried on today by the Xaverian Brothers and their lay colleagues throughout the world. Here in the United States, Xavier is one of 13 high schools that serve to carry on Ryken’s mission – a mission that can be characterized in the simple phrase “Falling in love with the service of God.” The young men recognized will be challenged to honor the memory of Ryken by holding true to that mission.
THE BROTHER ROBERT HONORS ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP was established in honor of Br. Robert Sullivan, the first principal of Xavier High School and is awarded to the member of the Class of 2026 who scored in the 99th percentile and achieved the highest raw score on the entrance exam. The recipient this year is Patrick Manning.
THE XAVIER EXCELLENCE AWARDS are granted to students entering the freshman year who, in the course of their middle school years, have consistently demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service which we will expect of them here at Xavier. The recipients are: Jacob Batacan, Josh Bergeron, Jackson Bottaro, Theo Busa, Austin Carter, Isaac Castano, Tyler Crumb, Enzo DiMauro, Selasie Dogbey, Emmanuel Fon-Ndikum, Jaden Frank, Ryan Glen, Jake Gomez, Jordan Kukielka, Xavier Laudati, Declan Lewis, Cael Loria, Esteban Montoya, Olisaemeka Obi, Gabriel Pagliuca, Luke Roming, John Simpson, Liam Stutz
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2026.
CLASS OF 2025
Xavier faculty have selected the following freshman to receive Department Awards based upon their outstanding performance throughout the year:
The Freshman Religion and Honors Foreign Language Awards are presented to Petros Paul.
The Freshman College Prep English and Social Studies Awards are presented to Maxwell Zajac.
The Freshman Accelerated English Award is presented to Maxwell Enes.
The Freshman Honors English Award is presented to Jaycek Simko.
The Freshman College Prep Mathematics Award is presented to James Aronson.
The Freshman Accelerated Math Award is presented to Ian Schmeelk.
The Freshman Honors Mathematics and Science Awards are presented to Joseph Lechowicz.
The Freshman College Prep Science Award is presented to Bruno Massaro.
The Freshman Accelerated Science Award is presented to Gavin Peterson.
The Freshman College Prep Foreign Language Award is presented to Aidan Patton.
The Freshman Accelerated Foreign Language Award is presented to Elijah Barnhart.
The Freshman Accelerated Social Studies Award is presented to Jake Marino.
The Freshman Honors Social Studies Award is presented to Charles Lechowicz.
Each year Xavier students from all four grade levels take National Foreign Language exams which are administered across the country to high achieving students. The following freshmen have been recognized by the American Classical League for their Outstanding Performance on the NATIONAL LATIN I EXAM:
Certificates of Merit Cum Laude are awarded to: Bennett Chiappetta, Ian Schmeelk and Ryan Walsh.
Certificates of Merit Maxima Cum Laude are awarded to: Zander Bos and Shrikar Mutalik.
Certificates of Merit Summa Cum Laude is awarded to: Joshua Raj and with the added distinction of earning a perfect score Petros Paul.
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2025.
CLASS OF 2024
Xavier faculty have selected the following sophomores to receive Department Awards based upon their outstanding performance throughout the year:
The Sophomore Religion Award is presented to Ryan Cook.
The Sophomore College Prep English Award is presented to Liam Spring.
The Sophomore Accelerated English is presented to Chase Creedon.
The Sophomore Honors English Award is presented to Cormac Burke.
The Sophomore College Prep Mathematics Award is presented to Brian Olmstead.
The Sophomore Accelerated Mathematics Award is presented to Zachary Mendelson.
The Sophomore Honors Mathematics Award is presented to Gianni Brescio.
The Sophomore College Prep Science Award is presented to Kyle Hoynack.
The Sophomore Accelerated Science Award is presented to Thomas Collison.
The Sophomore Honors Science Award is presented to Alvin Nellik.
The Sophomore College Prep Foreign Language Awards are presented to Tyler Doyle.
The Sophomore Accelerated Foreign Language Award is presented to Brayden Lobo.
The Sophomore Honors Foreign Language Award is presented to Thomas Pullman.
The Sophomore College Prep Social Studies Award is presented to Alex Rodriquez.
The Sophomore Accelerated Social Studies Award is presented to Francesco De Vivo.
The Sophomore Honors Social Studies Award is presented to Juan Pacheco-O’Donnell.
The following sophomores have been recognized by the American Classical League for their Outstanding Performance on the LATIN II NATIONAL LATIN EXAM:
Certificates of Merit Magna Cum Laude are awarded to: Nathaniel Kerr and William McDougall.
A Certificate of Merit Summa Cum Laude is awarded to: John Wamester
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2024.
CLASS OF 2023
Xavier faculty have selected the following Juniors to receive Department Awards based upon their outstanding performance throughout the year:
The Junior Religion Award is presented to Justin Caulfield.
The Junior College Prep English, Mathematics, and Science Awards are presented to Christian Motto.
The Junior Accelerated English and Science Awards are presented to Dominic Cusano.
The Junior Honors English Award is presented to Samuel Matt.
The Junior Accelerated Mathematics Award is presented to. Samuel Enes.
The Junior Honors Mathematics Award is presented to Nicholas Russo.
The Junior Honors Science Award is presented to Matthew Whitaker.
The Junior College Prep Foreign Language Award is presented to Jiahao Chen.
The Junior Accelerated Foreign Language Award is presented to Jacob Greco.
The Junior Honors Foreign Language Award is presented to Rithik Kurup.
The Junior College Prep Social Studies Award is presented to Robinson Warren.
The Junior Accelerated Social Studies Award is presented to Ethan Gernhardt.
The Junior Honors Social Studies Award is presented to Brendan Peary.
Each year various colleges and universities in the northeast sponsor Book Awards to recognize students completing their junior year who have shown significant academic prowess. This year’s book award winners follow:
THE ST. ANSELM COLLEGE BOOK AWARD is presented to a student in recognition of superior academic achievement and personal character. The recipient is Nicolas Russo.
THE ASSUMPTION COLLEGE BOOK AWARD recognizes an outstanding Xavier High School junior who exemplifies the academic success, leadership qualities and concern for others that Assumption College students are known for. The recipients are Aidan Driscoll and Matthew Whitaker.
THE CLARKSON UNIVERSITY Leadership and Achievement Awards recognize Xavier High School juniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and have been positive contributors to the school community. The recipient of the Leadership Award is Nicholas Cassarino. The recipient of the Achievement Award is Allen Vidallon.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT AVERY POINT BOOK AWARD is presented to a student in recognition of his outstanding accomplishment in coastal and environmental issues. The recipient is Wesley Ong.
THE GETTYSBURG COLLEGE BOOK AWARD is awarded to recognize distinguished study of American History. The recipient is Brendan Peary.
THE HARVARD BOOK PRIZE is offered each year by The Harvard Club of Southern Connecticut to a student completing his junior year. The award is donated by Mr. William Holley, an alumnus of Harvard’s Class of 1983 and Xavier’s Class of 1979 and recognizes a member of the junior class who combines excellence in academics with significant achievement in extracurricular endeavor. The recipient is Aedan Frazer.
THE LASELL COLLEGE BOOK AWARD honors a student for their tenacity and their willingness to face a challenge head on and never quit. The recipient is Wyatt Pestka.
ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD is presented to two students for academic achievement with a social conscience and spirit of volunteerism. The recipients are Zachary Bulkovitch and Dominic Cusano.
THE RENSSELAER MEDAL AWARD recognizes the superlative academic achievement of secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The recipient is Sotirios Paul.
THE ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY award is presented to high school juniors who have distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school and community, and demonstrate interest and ability in computing or outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity, or entrepreneurship. The recipients of the Innovative and Creativity Awards are Tyler Keithan and Rithik Kurup. The recipients of the Computing Medal Awards are Vincent Salamone and Henry Stearns.
THE SETON/YALE BOOK AWARD is donated by the Yale Club of New Haven and is awarded to a member of the junior class who exhibits outstanding personal character and intellectual promise. The award will be presented at a formal ceremony held at Yale University in the fall. Tonight we invite our recipient to come on stage to be recognized. The recipient is Ryan Chrostowski.
The following juniors have been recognized by the American Classical League for their Outstanding Performance on the LATIN III NATIONAL LATIN EXAM:
Certificates of Merit Cum Laude are awarded to: Zachary Bulkovitch and Nicholas Miano.
Certificates of Merit Maxima Cum Laude are awarded to: Aedan Frazer and Samuel Matt.
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2023.
CLASS OF 2022
The COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY COLTER ABELY ACHIEVEMENT FUND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD was established in memory of Colter and is awarded to senior who has excelled in wrestling. The recipient is Thomas Lunt.
The GEORGE V. KEITHAN, SR. MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP has been established by Mr. and Mrs. George V. Keithan, Jr. of the class of 1981. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who has been accepted into an engineering program at an accredited college or university. This year’s recipients are Marcelo Burno and Michael Del Monaco.
The KOREY LEE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP is awarded each year to a senior who is considering a major in the Humanities, English Literature, or Journalism, has shown academic prowess and has been active in athletics and service. The recipient is Wyatt McElroy.
The MARK SCHAEFER SCHOLARSHIP is given in memory of Mark Erwin Schaeffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. Otto E. Schaefer of North Branford, who was a member of Xavier’s class of 1979. The intent of this scholarship is “to reward an all-around Xavier MAN, a scholar and an athlete who has actively demonstrated that he has realized that a Xavier education is a Christian education, one that requires service and dedication to one’s fellow human beings.” This year’s recipient is Brady Higgins.
The JAMES V. TILLONA MEMORIAL ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP has been established in loving memory of Jamie Tillona, a proud member of the Xavier High School Class of 1996. Jamie was a loving son and brother who, through his loyal and sincere friendships, brought happiness to those whom he encountered. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who, through his academic success, and his commitment to the Xavier community, best exemplifies the hopes and aspirations which were held for Jamie. The recipient is Jack Szeghy.
The COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER NEW HAVEN awards the needs-based WILLIAM and MARION TITTEL SCHOLARSHIP in recognition of academic success to Catholic students pursuing a college education. The recipients are Steven Wohlmuth and Frankie Perez.
The XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in the Xavier Business curriculum. The recipient is Evan McDonald.
The CONNECTICUT SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS award recognizes a member of the senior class for academic excellence in accounting. The recipient is Kevin Gilhuly.
The XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ARTS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in Xavier’s Drama program. The recipient is Benjamin Pitruzzello.
The LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD is presented to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity. The recipient is John Amatrudo.
The JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA BAND AWARD is an award given to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.” The recipient is Reilly O’Connell.
The NATIONAL SCHOOL CHORAL AWARD is given in recognition of singular merit, ability, and achievement, of outstanding contributions to the success of the school vocal program, and of an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation and high qualities of conduct. The recipient is Bennett Pancoast.
The NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARD is given in recognition of singular merit, ability and outstanding contributions to the success of the school orchestra, for displaying an unusual degree of loyalty and cooperation, and for exemplifying that high standard of conduct that is the aim of the instrumental program. The recipient is Samuel Simko.
The FOREST CITY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, COUNCIL NO. 3, annually presents an award to a senior who has achieved excellence in the area of religion and its practice as exemplified through Campus Ministry Service. The recipient is James DeDonato.
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2022.