Cardinal O'Hara celebrates 60th graduation

Submitted by Cardinal O’Hara High School

Cardinal O’Hara High School celebrated its 60th commencement exercises May 31 in the school’s performing arts center.

Jerome Andrzejczak (Class of 2003), a U.S. Secret Service special agent currently assigned to the first lady’s detail, was the guest speaker graduation

Andrzejczak has dedicated his life and career to serving and protecting the community and the country. He began his career in law enforcement in 2006 with the Richmond Police Department, where he gained valuable experience in all aspects of law enforcement.

In 2018, he joined the Secret Service starting in the Richmond field office. In 2022, he was transferred to the presidential protection division where he has been assigned to the president, the chief of staff, the national security adviser, and his current assignment on the first lady’s detail.

“Throughout my career in local and federal law enforcement, I have always strived to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity,” Andrzejczak said. “I believe that, by demonstrating these qualities, you earn the trust and respect of those around you.”

The valedictorian address for the highest average was presented by Kelly Brown. The salutatorian address for the second highest average was given by Bethany Mandaville.

The majority of the class will attend a four-year college, 13 graduates to a two-year college or entering a trade school, and one student who is entering the U.S. Naval Academy. In addition, 46% of the class belong to the National Honor Society.

The total amount of estimated money awarded to the graduating class in scholarships and awards is more than $12.1 million.

The following students, chosen by a selection committee, received special awards.

√ The Vivian Burkhart Memorial Award for a female scholar athlete: Kelly Brown

√ The John McPartlin Memorial Award for a male scholar athlete: Fallon Lapp

√ The Marie Mountain Award for loyalty and dedicated service to Cardinal O’Hara: Hailey Crawford

√ The Roger Montz Award in memory of a ’66 graduate who gave his life to his country, is given for loyal and dedicated service to school, classmates and community: Maxwell Hendershot.

√ The Faculty Student Service Award for time and service to school and community, embodying genuine Franciscan ideals and charity: Edward Acosta and Bethany Mandaville.

√ The Principal’s Awards: Edward Acosta and Hailey Crawford.

A baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Rev. Rob Orlowski, took place May 30 at Our Lady Czestochowa Church in North Tonawanda.

The following is the list of 2023 graduates: Edward Acosta, Finley Antonio, Bryce Bauer, Kelly Brown, Nicholas Carubba, Nicolas Cascio, Holden Cenczyk, Kelly Coghlan, Hailey Crawford, Sofia Darois, Brittany Day, Kiera Douglas, Cara Feeney, Joelle Gant, Guem Guem, Maxwell Hendershot, Geoffrey Johnston, Lilliana Kibbe, Isabel Krajewski, Noah Kreuder, Fallon Lapp, Gavin Lombardi, Sarah Lyman, Bethany Mandaville, Talulah May, Michael McCarthy, Quaron Morrison, Joshua Ogiba, Joshua Palamara, Christopher Santiago, MyKale Stewart, Simmarion Threet, Aliviya Vallone Russell, Acien Wal, Presley Wieczorek, Gianna Williams and Jordyn Williams.