finding new talents , and building each other up . He looked back on his time on the Track & Field team learning self-discipline , grit , and perseverance from coaches George Febles P ’ 15 ’ 22 , Ed Jennings P ’ 08 ’ 10 ’ 14 , and Gerry Sullivan ’ 92 P ’ 21 . He recalled learning what it means to be human and examining masculinity in Religious Studies teacher David Gelpi P ’ 12 ’ s class . He also remembered learning how to speak Spanish through Modern Languages teacher Russell Baker ’ s method of listening to the latest Latin hit songs and watching Netflix shows .
We have all been given so much by so many . It is now time to uproot and take those lessons on our journey beyond the walls of the Prep … go forth and set the world on fire .”
– Arison Cruz ( left ) was chosen by his classmates to speak during the 2022 Commencement Exercises .
His speech ended with a reflection on the service work he had performed alongside his peers throughout the years and recognition for the tools that the Prep has given the Class of 2022 to develop and discover their physical , intellectual , emotional , and spiritual talents .
“ We have all been given so much by so many . It is now time to uproot and take those lessons on our journey beyond the walls of the Prep ,” said Cruz before adding the popular Ignatian phrase , “ go forth and set the world on fire .”
The ceremony coincided with the last day of Fr . Christopher Devron , SJ ’ s Fordham Prep presidency .
“ If John Hughes were here today , speaking to you , the Class of 2022 , I think he would tell you three things ,” Fr . Devron said to the graduates at commencement . The graduates listened closely as he told them to keep the faith , live and learn , and love one another .
Toward the end of the ceremony , Principal Petriello recognized the retiring faculty that were present ( Dennis Ahern ’ 63 P ’ 01 , Bill Bozzone P ’ 00 , and Tony Tartaglia P ’ 94 ’ 99 ) as well as Rev . Stanley O ’ Konsky , SJ for their combined 191 years of service to the Prep .
Wednesday , June 1st , marked the last day of Fr . Devron ’ s tenure as president of Fordham Prep . After the commencement exercises for the Class of 2022 , a reception was held by the Board of Trustees in Fr . Devron ’ s honor . Chairman Mario Ciampi ’ 78 and former chairmen John Neary ’ 87 , Jim Rowen ’ 82 , and Paul Brusco ’ 82 paid tributes to the outgoing president , commending him for his leadership skills and pastoral abilities , especially during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic .
The group then presented Fr . Devron with two gifts — a memory quilt made of Fordham Prep athletic gear and a plate engraved with the names of the Jesuit schools he has and will serve as president .
Rev . Christopher J . Devron , SJ , REACH Scholarship
During the event , Ciampi announced the establishment of the new Rev . Christopher J . Devron , SJ , REACH Scholarship . This endowed scholarship will continue to support Fordham Prep students who attended the REACH ( Recruiting Excellence in Academics for
Catholic High Schools ) program and will honor Fr . Devron ’ s legacy and dedication to providing equal access to a Fordham Prep education for all . Fr . Devron founded the program in 2002 while he was assigned to Regis High School . Alumni and friends of Fordham Prep , in tribute to Fr . Devron ’ s transformative tenure , have already pledged over $ 1.2 million dollars to the scholarship .
As the class of 2022 and others before them have proven with college commitments to NYU , Princeton , Cornell , Boston College , Tufts , Georgetown , Notre Dame , and more , the value of a Fordham Prep education has the potential to be life-changing .
“ When I think about this scholarship ,” Fr . Devron stated , “ I think of REACH Scholar Arison Cruz , our speaker today at graduation .” Cruz , a native of the Bronx , will attend Colgate University in the fall .
“ Thanks to your generosity , we ’ ve been able to do a fantastic job opening the doors of Fordham Prep to students from families of all income levels ,” Fr . Devron continued . “ I ’ m so honored that you would think to name this after me . It brings me great joy to think that we have a way of opening the doors wider for students like those John Hughes fought to defend .”
To contribute to the Rev . Christopher J . Devron , SJ , REACH Scholarship please visit fordhamprep . org / giving / REACH .
LEFT : ( from left to right ) Former Chairmen of the Board of Trustees John Neary ’ 87 , Bill Mulrow ’ 74 , and Jim Rowen ’ 82 , Fr . Christopher Devron , Current Board of Trustees Chairman Mario Ciampi ’ 78 , Former Chairmen of the Board of Trustees Paul Brusco ’ 82 and Kevin Hackett ’ 67 .
SUMMER 2022 VOLUME 42 , ISSUE 3
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