In a few days, the number of Father Lopez alumni will increase by 124 when the Class of 2015 officially completes its high school journey. Our fifty-sixth graduating class has been special in many ways. Not only is it the largest graduation class in the history of our school, it is large in other ways, too.

Our graduating seniors have excelled in the classroom and in a myriad of clubs, activities and athletics. Their accomplishments, individually and collectively, are many. They have rightfully been recognized and rewarded for their efforts. As noted elsewhere in this newsletter, many accolades were shared during the Senior Awards Ceremony last week. Many more will come when they receive their diplomas.

It should also be noted that this is our first $5 million class! At the time of this writing, documentation has been received that indicates the value of college scholarships offered to our graduates has passed this lofty mark. College acceptances were offered from 90 colleges and universities located in 26 states and the District of Columbia. Next year will find our graduates dispersed from close-to-home as well as from coast-to-coast.

What is most important, however, is that these young adults understand and live out the gospel message of giving of themselves to help others in need. They know that the best way for one to thank the Giver is to share the gifts that He has bestowed upon them. They have done this in many unselfish ways, and they are to be commended for their efforts.  

Our newest graduates will be front and center next week. Bishop John Noonan will preside at the Baccalaureate Mass at 6:00 pm on Friday, May 15, at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church in Port Orange. Prior to the final blessing, seniors Logan DiMuro (Daytona State College) and Christian Borer (University of Florida Honors College) will read their award-winning essays on what their Catholic education has meant to them.  

Graduation ceremonies will take place at 1:00 pm the following day at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach. Like those who have come before them, our Valedictorian (Michael Krusick/Stetson University) and Salutatorian (Emma Albrecht/University of Notre Dame) will eloquently address the crowd. The ceremonies will conclude with the presentation of Crest of the Wave honors to six outstanding seniors and the President's Award to two other outstanding graduates.

Although seating at the Baccalaureate Mass is limited, there is ample room to accommodate all guests at the Commencement Exercises on Saturday. I hope that many of you will be able to join us as we salute the Class of 2015!

In the past several weeks, Bishop John Noonan has presented Light of Faith Awards to two individuals, a parish and a school in the Diocese of Orlando. The program recognizes the many ways in which parishes, schools and individuals in the diocese spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. The program identifies and promotes the best examples of Catholic communications.

We are pleased to announce that Father Lopez Catholic High School was selected for the school award. Bishop Noonan addressed an all-school assembly earlier this week to make the surprise announcement. He was accompanied by Chancellor Carol Brinati and School Superintendent Henry Fortier.

In her introductory remarks, Chancellor Brinati cited many examples of the communications methods used at Father Lopez. She particularly praised the Annual Report magazine and the inclusion of a section that illustrated how our school community puts faith into action. Director of Development Heather Voges Welch '02 was acknowledged for her leadership role in the production of the magazine.

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES ANNOUNCED
Our Guidance and College Planning counselors have announced the arrival of additional college acceptances. Congratulations to the following seniors:  Qidi Han - Iowa State University; Kianna Robinson - University of Alabama; and, Tyler Turnbull - Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida State University, Stetson University and University of South Florida.

Alumni Director Monica Bryan MacIntyre '84 reports that the 11th Annual Father Lopez Alumni & Friends Party is set to begin at 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 27. This fun event will once again be held at the Blue Grotto on Basin Street. Special recognition will be given that night to Robbie Snyder. She is retiring after 37 years of service to the Lopez community. Click here for more information on this event. 

The spring season has now ended for all of our Green Wave teams. The final three competing teams finished nicely into the post-season:

• Baseball finished their season with a Sweet 16 berth.
• Boys' Track and Field finished at the State Championship. The boys 4x800 relay team of Kevin Scheiber, Nick Theriault, Nick Ohlwein and Matt Roof finished 12th.
• Girls' Track and Field also finished at the State Championship as
  Bailey Gillespy competed in both the high jump and 100 hurdles.