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Commencement 2025

Commencement 2025

St. Sebastian's School celebrated its 81st Commencement Exercises on Thursday, June 5, 2025, graduating 61 students on the West Campus fields. Brendan Sullivan P’25,’29 delivered his first Commencement Address as Head of School, followed by remarks from Board President Devin Condron ’92,’29,’29,’31. Director of Music Ministry Meyer Chambers P’10,’14 delivered the Keynote Address in his 38th and final year at St. Sebastian’s. Maxim Kalinichenko ’25 was named Valedictorian, and Liam Cunjak ’25 was Salutatorian. Diplomas were presented by Head of School Brendan Sullivan, with Assistant Head of School Michael Nerbonne reading each name.

On June 4, the eve of St. Sebastian's Commencement, the Class of 2025 and their parents, along with members of the administration and faculty, gathered at St. Bartholomew Church for the Baccalaureate Mass. The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, S.T.D., Archbishop of Boston, served as the principal celebrant and homilist. He was joined by concelebrants Reverend John F. Arens and Reverend Christopher Boyle. The evening continued with a dinner in Ward Hall, where seniors received the traditional St. Sebastian’s tie and pen, along with awards recognizing their talents and contributions to the School.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

View Video Recap of Commencement 2025 ►


COMMENCEMENT AWARDS 

Pursuit of Excellence in the Disciplines Awards
Presented to individuals selected by the faculty

English Literature – Ty Ciongoli

Latin – Liam N. Cunjak

History – Ty Ciongoli, Liam N. Cunjak, Joseph B. Sullivan

Religion – Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Luis E. Sosa Espinal

English Writing – Robert R. Keller Iv, Joseph B. Sullivan

Spanish – Declan H. Carroll, Luis E. Sosa Espinal

Ceramic Arts – Luke C. Harrington, Travis A. Hodge

Mathematics – Declan H. Carroll, Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Luis E. Sosa Espinal

Physics – Maxim D. Kalinichenko

Chemistry – Ryan Pat

Biology – Liam N. Cunjak

Greek – Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Hugh P. Turner

Computer Science – Karson M. Bilezerian, Luis E. Sosa Espinal

MEDALS
The following Medals are awarded to individuals who, during their high school years, have achieved the highest grade point average in required and advanced courses in the disciplines:

The Humberto Cardinal Medeiros Memorial Medal for Modern Languages – Declan H. Carroll, Robert R. Keller, Daniel W. Yang  

The Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Beatty Memorial Medal for English – Joseph B. Sullivan

The Rev. Msgr. John F.X. Harney Memorial Medal for Religion – Maxim D. Kalinichenko

The Rev. Msgr. Charles D. McInnis Memorial Medal for History – Ty Ciongoli, Liam N. Cunjak

The Paul A. Ablondi ‘57 Memorial Medal for Mathematics – Maxim D. Kalinichenko

The John A. and Kathleen T. Nerbonne Memorial Medal for Classics – Liam N. Cunjak, Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Benjamin G. Molinsky

The St. Sebastian Medal for Science – Maxim D. Kalinichenko

The St. Sebastian Medal for Fine Arts – Conrad C. Shachoy

The Head of School's Award
Presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average.

Maxim D. Kalinichenko

The St. Sebastian’s Scholar with Distinction Awards
Presented to graduates who have achieved a yearly average of A- or higher in every course, every year.

Ty Ciongoli, Liam N. Cunjak, Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Robert R. Keller IV, Hugh P. Turner

The St. Sebastian’s Scholar Awards
Presented to graduates who have achieved a yearly average of ‘B+’ or higher in every course, every year.

Declan H. Carroll, Ace Ciongoli, Benjamin G. Molinsky, Erik J. Saradjian, Joesph B. Sullivan, Daniel W. Yang

The Sister Evelyn Catherine Barrett, O.P. Scholarship Award
Presented to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, most exemplifies in body, mind, and soul the spirit of St. Sebastian's School. 

Theodore C. Mckeigue, Luis E. Sosa Espinal

The Robert S. Gilligan Award
Presented to seniors who best exemplify the qualities of courage, determination, and perseverance. 

Avedis B. Najarian, Matthias J. Ogrinc

The Cardinal Cushing Memorial Medal for Student Service
Presented to a senior for exemplary service to the School.

Jack M. Knight

The Joseph P. MacDonald Award
Presented each year by the Student Council in conjunction with the entire School community to a member of the St. Sebastian’s family for outstanding service to the School.

Nancy G. Sanderson

The Reverend Charles K. Riepe Medallion
Presented by the Assistant Headmaster, in consultation with the Administration and Faculty, to the members of the graduating class who have shown true leadership in exemplifying the virtues of faith and honor for which the School stands. 

Declan H. Carroll

The Founder’s Medal
Presented to the member of the Senior Class whose character, leadership, and fortitude most closely reflect the ideals that inspired William Cardinal O’Connell to found this School in the name of St. Sebastian.

Joseph B. Sullivan

The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Medal
Presented each year to a senior for exemplary initiative, creativity, and perseverance in advancing the mission of the School.

Peter J. Bachiochi

The Alumni Award
Presented to a senior, selected by the faculty, who possesses strength of mind, body and character, who displays outstanding attitude, effort and achievement, has an innate commitment to excellence in all endeavors and who has made many and varied contributions to St. Sebastian's School.

Ty Ciongoli, Brendan P. Keaveney


BACCALAUREATE AWARDS

Poetry Out Loud Runner-Up in the School-Wide Competition
Daniel W. Yang

Poetry Out Loud Honorable Mention in the School-Wide Competition
Alexander C. Perkin 

The Walrus Award for Editorial Excellence
Joseph B. Sullivan

Service to the Creative Writing Club
Luis E. Sosa Espinal

Outstanding Leadership, Service, and Contribution to the Success of the Debate Team
Liam N. Cunjak, Ryan Pat, Daniel W. Yang

Leadership and Service to the St. Sebastian’s Finance Academy
Donald P. Armstrong, Kevin M. Bresnahan, Connor J. Carroll, Declan H. Carroll, Matthew E. Doherty, Travis M. Engel, Ryan W. Farley, Steven T. Hettrich, Brendan P. Keaveney, Brian M. Keene, Joseph W. Maxwell, Theodore C. McKeigue, Benjamin G. Molinsky, Luc J. Olivier, Ryan Pat, Erik J. Saradjian, Julian J. Singh, Joseph M. Spagnuolo, John P. Stenberg, Hugh P. Turner, Daniel W. Yang

Leadership and Service to the Robotics Team
Benjamin D. Corbett 

Leadership and Service to the Life Sciences Club
Maxim D. Kalinichenko, Colby W. Nash

Innovation and Support of the Life Sciences Club
Erik J. Saradjian

Courage and Development of the Life Sciences Club
Finnegan L. Straub

Leadership and Service to the Student Council
Rhys W. Amorosino, Manuel R. Pereira, Robert W. Wallace, Daniel W. Yang

Dedication, Creativity, Passion, and Inspiration in the International Club
Declan H. Carroll

Chapel Speech Award
Ty Ciongoli, Jacob A. Pichay, Joseph B. Sullivan, Daniel W. Yang

Creating the Thespis Festus
Liam N. Cunjak

Superlative Service at All-School Mass
Peter J. Bachiochi

Distinguished Service at All-School Mass
Julian J. Singh

Service to the School in Assisting at the 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade Retreats
Rhys W. Amorosino, Donald P. Armstrong III, Lucas B. Candiotto, Connor J. Carroll, Declan H. Carroll, Ty Ciongoli, Connor B. Crane, Ryan W. Farley, Travis A. Hodge, Brian M. Keene, Jack M. Knight, Devin R. Maguire, Joseph W. Maxwell, Manuel R. Pereira, Alexander C. Perkin, Julian J. Singh, Peter A. Stavaridis, Finnegan L. Straub, Mark C. Thurmond, Hugh P. Turner, Michael A. Williams

Leadership and Service to the Health and Wellness Program as Peer Educators
Cooper J. Bolton, Ty Ciongoli, Charles R. Hinman, Jack M. Knight, Luc J. Olivier, Erik J. Saradjian, Julian J. Singh, Luis E. Sosa Espinal, John P. Stenberg, Joseph B. Sullivan, Robert Walusimbi Mitchell

Inspired Generosity and Exemplary Leadership in our San Miguel School Initiatives
Declan H. Carroll, Robert W. Wallace

Excellence in Sports Broadcasting and Color Commentary
Jack M. Knight

School Spirit and Positivity
Robert Walusimbi Mitchell

Service to the Golden Arrows Society at Reunion 2025
Ty Ciongoli, Joseph B. Sullivan, Nicholas P. Ward, Michael A. Williams, Daniel W. Yang

Athletic Commitment Award
Presented to Members of the Senior Class who have participated in athletics each season from their sophomore through senior years.
Cooper J. Bolton, Declan H. Carroll, Benjamin G. Molinsky

ISL Award of Excellence
For exhibiting the Independent School League ideals of integrity, sportsmanship, fair play, and good citizenship while participating as a multi-sport athlete during his ISL career.
Justin P. Bourque

Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award
Liam N. Cunjak, Robert W. Wallace

Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award
Ryan W. Farley, Jacob A. Pichay

Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence
Christopher P. Lynch, Jr., Nicholas P. Ward 

Appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point
Devin R. Maguire

Mothers Medals
Presented to mothers with three or more sons who have graduated from St. Sebastian’s.  

Laura Harrington: Luke ’25, Aidan ’21, Sean ’16
Sandra McKeigue: Teddy ’25, PJ ’22, Jackson ’17