Loyola Celebrates End of School Year with Annual Sending Forth Mass
The Loyola Academy community celebrated its Sending Forth Mass on Friday, May 17. The Mass is an annual celebration of the school year, a recognition of the outstanding efforts of distinguished students and faculty and a sendoff for the senior class.
The recipient of the 2024 Brost Award, which recognizes outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic, cocurricular activities in junior year, was presented to Constantina "Dia" Drossos '25. Cocurricular moderators nominate Loyola juniors for consideration. The Broast Award is dedicated to Gerard Brost, a Loyola Academy junior who died in 1935.
The recipient of the 2024 Richer Award, which recognizes outstanding participation and leadership in non-athletic, cocurricular activities in senior year, was presented to Lance Onrubia '24. Cocurricular moderators nominate Loyola seniors for consideration. The Richer Award is dedicated to Homer Richer, a Loyola Academy senior who died in 1934.
Next, Principal Devine revealed the recipients of two of Loyola Academy’s highest awards: the Fausone Medal and the Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award.
Each year, Loyola Academy recognizes a member of our Rambler community who inspires others and is emblematic of our cherished values with the distinguished Fausone Medal. Representing the ideals of this award by showing unrelenting determination and resilience, the 2024 Fausone Medal was presented to Esther Ochang '24. Principal Devine remarked that Esther is "the definition of tenacity, resilience, and strength—a true woman for others who represents the pursuit of excellence in all things." While she has overcome adversity and persevered through many challenges, Principal Devine reinforced that "she has drawn upon her faith in God, her faith in friends, and her faith in this Loyola community, and we are better because of her."
The Fausone Medal is named for Dr. Molly Fausone, MD, MAHE ‘08. Despite a traumatic accident before her sophomore year, Molly excelled in the classroom, on sports teams, and as a Dumbach Scholar. After Loyola, Molly earned both undergraduate and advanced degrees from Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Michigan School of Medicine, respectively.
The Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award is Loyola's highest honor for service to the Academy and its community. In honor of the 1979 graduate, this award recognizes the substantive yet un-heralded contribution made to Loyola by a senior student who quietly makes things happen through his or her involvement in and around the school.
The 2024 Michael Rebarchak '79 Memorial Award was presented to Sam Soco '24. In his comments, Principal Devine defined Sam as "omnipresent on our campus." In his four years at Loyola Academy, Sam has served as an active member of the National Honor Society, an accomplished runner on the Loyola Track Team, and a dedicated member of Insignis, the Hope Squad, the Adventure Gaming Club, Chinese Club, and Gardening Club.
While presenting this notable award, Principal Devine recalled, "Like any champion, he deeply invested himself in many experiences that helped exercise his RIPLOC muscles—religious, intellectual, physically and socially-emotionally fit, loving, open to growth, and committed to doing justice. He never sought the spotlight because his interest was for the betterment of others. Always wearing a smile, Sam embodied a servant's attitude and projected a kindness of spirit while striving to make our community better. He lives his life through deeds, not words. He is an Ignatian, a Man for Others, and a true Rambler."
Congratulations to these outstanding award-winning Ramblers!