Thirty-three students from five Catholic high schools serving Northeast Philadelphia have been named distinguished scholars by Archbishop Charles Chaput, who recognized the honorees during the Academic Honors Convocation last Tuesday at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Prior to the convocation, Chaput was the main celebrant during a Liturgy of the Word.
The students are ranked in the top of their senior classes and were chosen for the honor for their academic success and dedication to schoolwork. This year, 158 Archdiocesan students were selected for this elite group according to their cumulative ranking at the end of the first semester of their senior academic year.
Each honoree was presented with a commemorative medal. Kathleen Dolan, a senior from Merion Mercy Academy, delivered a speech on behalf of the honorees discussing the topic “Catholic Education: A Foundation for a Lifetime.”
Honorees from Archbishop Ryan were Danielle C. Altenburger, Craig J. Carr, Christopher DePascale, Jeffrey F. Durelli, Benjamin P. Kates, Patrick Lam, Sarah A. Murray, Mary T. O’Leary, Melissa Schweizer, Daniel B. Turner, Elena J. Varela and Tarmily Wen.
Father Judge honorees included Thomas E. Kahn, Daniel C. Loghing, Michael J. McLaughlin Jr., Ryan F. Mulville, Michael G. Patterson, Andrew J. Petrosky, Justin M. Roarty and William J. Wallace.
Little Flower student honorees included Rose C. Pisacano, Sarah E. Plummer, Colleen C. Stengel, Debra Storbrauck and Mary Kate Walsh.
From Nazareth Academy, Paige M. Gianfortune, Isabel C. Mahan and Madeleine L. Parkes were honored.
Saint Hubert honorees were Chidinma C. Akpunonu, Megan P. Chatham, Jillian M. Salwach, Brittney M. Thompson and Lauren B. Weeks. ••