By President Dan McGrath
A Leo High School graduation, it’s often said, is a ceremony unlike any other.
And this year’s, for the Class of 2025 held at St. Margaret of Scotland on Sunday, May 11, fit that description.
The stately old church was filled to capacity as 49 young men made the transition from Leo student to Leo alumnus, giving our school 13 consecutive years of 100 percent graduation. The world-renowned Leo Choir performed two songs, including a customized version of “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now” that had the audience on their feet.
The energy level was high at the start and grew higher as each speaker congratulated the graduates on their achievement and encouraged them to use their preparation and be confident and strong as they take on the world ahead.
“I know I yelled at you a lot,” said Leo’s Principal, Dr. Shaka Rawls,” but I was looking out for you. I wanted you to be ready for what awaits you today and from this day forward.
“And I believe you are.”
Indeed, confidence in themselves and an appreciation of each other helped form the bond that made the Class of 2025 particularly close. That appreciation was evident in the enthusiasm with which they greeted each graduate who was recognized.
Aiden Lott, 2025 valedictorian, thanked the Leo administration, faculty, staff and coaches for “always having our back and showing us the right way to do things.” Lott, who graduated with a GPA above 4.0, is headed for Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo on an academic scholarship.
Shane Shambley, the salutatorian, recalled highlights of the previous four years and thanked the Leo staff and the graduates’ parents for the strong foundation they provided. Shambley will attend the University of Memphis.
Gavin Donald is the recipient of a $10,000 scholarship from the Arose Foundation, his entry deemed best of the more than 400 submitted. Donald will use the scholarship toward his tuition at Jackson State University.
In addition, 10 graduates were honored for proficiency in various academic subjects, as well as citizenship and leadership.
Nick Armour, the William J. Kolosieke Award for athletics
Joshua Clark, the Bishop John R. Gorman Gold Medal for religion
Keith Smith, the Michael L. Thompson Gold Medal for music
Scott Millsaps, the Donald R. Flynn Gold Medal for history
Carlin Henry, the Dr. James J. Ahern Gold Medal for science
Aiden Lott, the Thomas and Mary Owens Gold Medal for math
Joshua Smith, the Stafford L. Hood Gold Medal for English
Kshawn Moore, the Br. James Glos Gold Medal for foreign language
Javon Logan, the Frank W. Considine Gold Medal for social justice
Lordan Black, the Andrew McKenna Gold Medal for leadership.
In what has become a highlight of the ceremony, English Dept. Chair Titus Redmond had each senior prepare a Mother’s Day poem for his mother. After Joshua Smith, Kshawn Moore and Marshawn Durr read their poems from the podium, the graduates presented their poems to their moms in a highly emotional exercise.
The new graduates brought the total of Leo alumni in the house to more than 100. Following the presentation of their diplomas, they were all summoned to the front of the church for another Leo tradition: a rousing rendition of the Leo Fight Song, with the Class of 2025 leading.