Seniors Celebrated at 2024 MPA Banquet

Family and friends of MPA gathered in Ward Hall to share in a wonderful meal and celebrate senior members at the annual Men with Positive Attitudes Banquet on Thursday, May 23. The evening began with a welcome from next year's MPA president, Joseph Sullivan '25. Senior reflections were given by Gianluca Centola '24, Events Coordinator 2021-22, and Rui do Rosario '24, 2nd Vice-President 2022-23. Fr. John Arens said grace and everyone helped themselves to a delicious meal prepared by the kitchen staff.

After the buffet, Andrew Zhang '26 and Luis Sosa Espinal '25 read "Dear Black Girl in Pursuit of Truth" (Morris). Senior reflections were given by Perry Rassiger '24, MPA Social Media Communications Officer, and Adrian Denis '24, Events Coordinator. "An Exquisite Truth" (Yun) was read by Wachira Njoroge '26. A senior reflection was given by Neal Carlson '24, MPA 2nd Vice President. The Class Tribute was given by Robert Walusimbi-Mitchell '25, 1st Vice President. "A Question" (Candelaria) was read by Gabriel Issa '28. The last senior reflection was given by Jonathan Demosthene '24, MPA President. "Truth" (Brooks) was read by Peter Lipscomb '28. The senior/retiring officers' tribute was given by Cooper Bolton '25, Michael Williams '25, Benjamin Osunsanya '26, Wachira Njoroge '26, and Joseph Sullivan '25.

Benjamin Osunsanya '26 introduced the guest speaker, Headmaster Bill Burke, who gave a moving speech at his last MPA Banquet after 34 years of service as the headmaster of the School.

Following the evening's address, the new officers video was shown which introduced each of the new MPA officers. Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne gave senior recognitions and notes from each senior's memory box were read out loud by faculty members Mr. Trevor McLean, Mr. Anthony Perez, Mr. Jeff Riemann, and Alum and former faculty member, Aturo Adkins '14 and the boxes were then distributed to each senior. The evening closed with Fr. John Arens offering a traditional blessing upon the seniors. The members of MPA, past and present, congregated at the front of Ward Hall and joined together to sing, "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing." It was a special night for the seniors, their families, underclassmen and alumni who came back to campus for the event.

Thank you to Meyer and Beth Chambers, the MPA Parent Group, the staff, and everyone that helped make this event a success.

Congratulations to all of the senior members of MPA: Deven Carkner, Neal Carlson, Gianluca Centola, Jonathan Demosthene, Adrian Denis, Rui do Rosario, Daniel Gillis, Dylan Lipof, Seamus McDonough, Perry Rassiger, Ben Scemama, Derron St. Marie, Chris Thompson, and Eddie Zhang