Seniors Celebrated at 2025 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 Wednesday, May 21. The evening began with a welcome from next year's MPA president, Wachira Njoroge '26 and then "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay was performed by the MPA Piano Quartet, comprising of Caleb Casiano '29, Karl Edouarzin '27, Rohan Ghatge '28, and Cesar Hernandez '26. A senior reflection was followed by Cooper Bolton '25, MPA Social Media Officer. Fr. John Arens said grace and everyone helped themselves to a delicious meal prepared by the kitchen staff.

After the buffet, students took to the podium. Robert Walusimbi-Mitchell '25 (2023-2024 MPA 1st Vice-President), Michael Williams '25 (MPA Events Coordinator), Daniel Yang '25 (Student Council President), and Joseph Sullivan '25 (MPA President) gave their reflections. Carter Mays '26 read "En la Calle San Sebastián," by Martin Espada. Anthony Gray '29 read "Looking at My Father" by Wendy Xu. Carter Rich '27 read "Young King: A Poem for Young Black Men" by BFoundAPen. Andrew MacDougall '27 sang "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban. Cameron Steele '26, Abner Machuca Diaz '27, Carter Dedier '26, Benjamin Osunsanya '26, and Wachira Njoroge '26 gave the Class of 2025 Officers' Tribute.

After the student speakers, the New Officers Video was shown and then Carter Dedier '26 introduced the Banquet Speaker, Meyer Chambers P'10,'14, Director of Music Ministry & MPA Moderator. A series of tribute videos were shown and Mr. Chambers took to the podium, dressed in traditional Nigerian Igbo clothing (a gift that was given to him recently) and gave a moving speech at his last MPA Banquet after a 38-year career at the School.

Following the evening's address, Assistant Head of School Michael Nerbonne gave senior recognitions and notes from each senior's memory box were read out loud by faculty members Mr. Trevor McLean, Mr. Jeff Riemann, Mr. Ryan Moore and Mrs. Deirdre Rynne Annan 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: Peter Bachiochi, Karson Bilezerian, Cooper Bolton, Travis Hodge, Brian Keene, Robert Keller, Jack Knight, Theodore McKeigue, Colby Nash, Lucy Olivier, Ryan Pat, Erik Saradjian, Luis Sosa Espinal, Joseph Sullivan, Mark Thurmond, Robert Walusimbi-Mitchell, Michael Williams, and Daniel Yang