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