Xavier Prep commemorates its 97^th Graduation Ceremony

 

Celebrating the luminous end of an era and the dawn of a new beginning amidst the momentous culmination of the last graduating class of Xavier Prep.

 

Xavier University Preparatory School held its 97^th Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony on May 17, 2013 at the newly constructed Xavier University Convocation Center. Forty-five students from the senior class received their graduation diplomas. Nearly ninety–eight percent of the class earned academic scholarships and received college acceptance letters to attend local and national college and universities. The class garnered almost $2.2 million dollars in academic scholarships. Principal, Cheryllyn Branche and President, Joseph E. Peychaud, Jr., presented diplomas to the graduates. Father Charles Andrus, SSJ, provided the homily for the auspicious occasion. Father Andrus reminded the graduates to continue to put “God first in all that you do”.

 

The XUP “Voices of Praise” rejoiced in the celebration as they offered songs of praise and thanksgiving. A very spiritual moment was experienced by all as Valedictorian Dasia Payton performed a beautiful rendition of “Because of Who You Are,” a gospel song by Martha Munizzi. The members of XUP Board of Directors and graduates from the class of 1953 and 1963 were in attendance to celebrate the historic occasion; the final graduation of Xavier Prep.

 

The valedictorian was Dasia Lashae’ Payton. She is the daughter of LaTonya Bell and Derrick Payton, Sr. Dasia was a Presidential Honor Student, a member of the National Honor Society, XUP marching unit member, and president of the XUP Voices of Praise and LEAP Club. Dasia served over 200 hours of community service in the New Orleans community.  She received numerous awards and honors for her outstanding academic achievements, among the awards presented were the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence, the National Honor Society Award and the Honor Scholar Award. Dasia earned the highest class average in English, Math, Science, Religion, and Spanish. Dasia was enrolled in concurrent studies, where she earned college credits from Xavier University. She received academic scholarships from TOPS, Xavier University of New Orleans, Dillard University, Loyola University, Nicholls State University, University of Southern Mississippi, University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Tuskegee University, and a Walker Hart Academic Scholar Award. Dasia plans to attend Xavier University on a full academic scholarship in the fall of 2013 and will major in Biology/Pre Med.  Dasia participated in the concurrent enrollment program, where she earned 6 college credits from Xavier University.

 

The salutatorian was Brittany Peters.  Brittany is the daughter of Theresa Peters Fisher and Eric Fisher. Brittany received the President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Achievement, the Presidential Honor Roll Award, National Honor Society Award, the National Society of High School Scholars and the Hart Scholars Achievement Award.  She received a gold medal in Sociology at the 2013 UNO district rally, a bronze medal for the National Spanish Exam and earned Magnum Cum Laude on the National Latin Exam.

Brittany also received the U. S. Congressional Award, and earned the highest average in American History, Computer Science, Piano, Spanish I, Spanish II, English IV, Advanced Math, Calculus, Biology II, and Louisiana History. Brittany participated in the concurrent enrollment program, where she earned 13 college credits from Xavier University.

Brittany was a member of the XUP Student Council, Future Business Leaders of America, Diversity Club, Theatre Arts, and was a member of the XUP marching unit. Brittany also served more than 200 hours of community service in the New Orleans area.

 

Brittany received academic scholarships from TOPS, Xavier University, Loyola University, Spring Hill University and Tuskegee University. She plans to attend Xavier University and will major in Philosophy.

 

Niara Woods, XUP Class Speaker presented the class message. Niara spoke with the eloquence, refinement and poise of a great orator. She provided the audience with a snapshot of the great times and experiences shared with fellow classmates at Xavier Prep.  Niara affectionately encouraged her classmates to continue striving for excellence.  She concluded her speech by thanking the administration, faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. Niara is the third of three siblings to graduate from Prep.

 

The President of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Sr. Patricia Suchalski, SBS also addressed the graduating class, parents, alumni, faculty and staff offering words of encouragement while extending a good will message to all in attendance.

Honor Graduates:

Tiera Alexis Bridges, Mallory Alexandria Butler, LeAnte' Marie Craft, Jonquail Lewis, Amir Safiyah Muhammad, Candace Alicia Stewart, Ashley Elizabeth Sutton, Irielle Nicole Washington, Niara Octavia Woods

 

Other Graduates:

 Janae’ Rachelle Adams, Azia Brielle Ash, Olivia Clare Aubry, Keila Monique Boles, Bianca Dennell Brown, Irian Maria Chaisson,    Kailie Monet Chambers, Kassidy Joanna Christmas, Diamond Antonia Crawford, Julianne Alexis Crockett, Trina Michelle Juanita Delpit, Macie Elizabeth Desmond, Bria Michan Douse, Rae’lyn Denise Fazande, Janessa Jaenell Hunter, Alani Monet Huntley, Alexis Cornwell Jackson, Rachael Elizabeth Jacques, Victoria Lin Jenkins, Nadja Arielle Lanaux, Diamond Kay Lane,  Jade Ellise Lewis, Torionne Chante Lewis, Alexis Maria Lyons, Kori Brianne McClinton, Macy Lashawn McNeil, Diamond Kiera Newton, Frankette Sabrina O'Conner,  Kei'yaira Mildred Cevon Patterson, Jaci Chane Price, Michelle Marie Robinson, Jazmine Marie Rose,Amaya Clara Teresa Sorrell, Amani Tyriane Straughter

                                                                                               

Xavier Prep would like to thank the HART family for their continuous support and generosity.

THANK YOU HART FAMILY!!!

 

The HART scholarship awards are presented by our generous California Donors Alan, Wendy, Walker & Kiley Hart.

 

2013 HART SCHOLARS

 

Kiley Hart Scholar

Jonquail Lewis

 

Walker Hart Scholar

Dasia Payton

 

Hart Scholar Achievement Award

Mallory Bulter

Tiera Bridges 

Lante Craft      

Diamond Lane

Amir Muhammad

Brittany Peters

Candice Stewart

Ashley Sutton

Irielle Washington

 

Niara Woods  

Hart Service Award

Bianca Brown

Alani Huntley 

Nadja Laneaux

Jaci Price

Keiyara Patterson