The 161st Commencement Exercises begins precisely at
8 p.m. The curtains part at the Pontchartrain Center,
Fr. Donald Saunders, S.J., who is Jesuit’s chaplain,
leads the Class of 2008 and the audience in prayer,
and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited.

Sean M. McKay receives the
Reverend Father President’s
Spiritual Leadership Award,
given to the senior who has exerted
the greatest spiritual influence
on others by living a life
exemplifying his Catholic faith.

G. Mason Eustis receives the Harry McEnerny, Jr.
Memorial Plaque, given to the senior with a good
scholastic record, an active participant in
extracurricular activities, and who possesses those
qualities which symbolize the most representative
student of Jesuit High School.

Bradley D. Latham is the recipient of the Very
Reverend Father Pedro Arrupe Award, given to the
senior who exemplifies the spirit of being a man for
others by his participation and excellence in service.

Matthew M. Darce is the first
of four valedictorians to receive
his award. He is the son of
Mr. and Mrs. Noel J. Darce
of Mandeville. 

Gregory A. Dinnell receives his
valedictorian award. He is the
son of Mr. and Mrs. Steven F.
Dinnell of Kenner.

Matthew E. Levy receives his
valedictorian award. He is the
son of Dr. and Mrs. Gary T.
Levy of Metairie. Levy is also a
2008 Presidential Scholar.

Christopher A. Tosh receives his
valedictorian award. He is the son
of Dr. John A. Tosh and
Dr. Deborah S. Tosh
of River Ridge.

As designated speaker, Matthew Darce
delivers his valedictory address.

Stage right, first row, hands on laps, excellent posture,
and feet all in a row (well, almost)

The Pontchartrain Center is filled with family and
friends of the graduates.

The awarding of diplomas begins.

The Class of 2008 has 269 members on stage.

Jesuit’s principal, Mr. Michael A. Giambelluca ’82,
calls out the name of each graduate.

Row by row, graduates receive their diplomas.

Graduates are, at times, a blur, and it seems the
ceremony is racing by.

The entire ceremony, from opening to closing of the
curtains, takes less than 52 minutes.

Receiving his diploma is Edmond B.
“Monty” Montaldo, who successfully
completed the college preparatory
courses with the special
commendation of magna cum laude.

Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J. ’66 gives
Patrick E. Keiffer his diploma.

John J. Walsh III, Thomas C. “T.C.” Wicker,
and Graham H. Williams

Stage left, front row, from left: Thomas J. Faucheaux IV,
Kevin B. Fitzgerald, Connor P. Flint, William C. Glass,
and Jason P. Graffagnino

Stage left, row nine, from left: Jonathan W. Kim, 
Russell E. Lapeze, Jr., Bradley D. Latham,
Connor L. LeBon, and Daniel L. Levy

The faculty of Jesuit High School applaud graduates.

Near the end of the ceremony, the Blue Jay Band
performs the alma mater.

With diplomas in hand, exuberant Blue Jays
exit the stage.

Orchestrating the 2008 Commencement Exercises are,
from left: Jesuit president Fr. Anthony McGinn, S.J.,
principal Mike Giambelluca, assistant principal for
academic affairs Kathy Juhas, disciplinarian
Lary “Top” Abshire, and assistant principal for
student affairs Peter Kernion.

On Senior Day, May 2, 2008, the Class of 2008
pose for their senior picture in the Traditions Courtyard.