Celebrating Excellence in the Class of 2026

Graduation is a time of recognition for all seniors, marking the completion of a rigorous course of study, fulfillment of special requirements like the Suscipe Project and multiple prayer and retreat programs, as well as the recognition that the young man who receives his diploma has grown, matured and is prepared for adult life.

Department Awards: 

The Streicher Prize: Jack Siefker '26 

The Streicher Prize honors Fr. Bernard Streicher, S.J., former department chair and longtime member of the English Department. The award is given to a senior who has demonstrated an interest in literature and an ability in literary analysis and criticism. These talents are manifest both in his clear and effective essays and in a willingness to share his insights with his peers.

The George Anthony Moore '34 Award: Jonathan Feliciano Jr. '26/WA'22

The George Anthony Moore ’34 Award is given annually to seniors who promote diversity and understanding. George Anthony Moore's name is affixed to the award because he was very active in promoting understanding between various ethnicities. He was an editor for The Plain Dealer and the first African American graduate from Saint Ignatius High School in 1934.

The Colleen Mahon Eruditio Award: Charles Shmelter '26

The Colleen Mahon Eruditio Award is given in honor of Mrs. Colleen Mahon who taught Latin and served as department chairperson until 2001. This award is given to the senior who has distinguished himself as a scholar and who has demonstrated excellence in the classroom. 

The Charles G. Gallagher '50 Campus Ministry Servant Leadership Award: Jonathan Ghobrial '26

The Charles G. Gallagher ’50 Campus Ministry Servant Leadership Award is given annually, in honor of Charles G. Gallagher ’50, to the graduating senior who has made the greatest contribution to the campus ministry program, specifically retreat leadership. The recipient will be given a $5000 scholarship to be used at the school of his choice.

The Gus Caliguire History Award: Blake Walker '26

The Gus Caliguire History Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in his academic record in the study of history.

The Le Prix Thomas Award: Jack Finkle '26

The Le Prix Thomas—(French) Award honors Mr. Joseph Thomas, a teacher in the Modern Language Department, who taught at Saint Ignatius from 1937-1978. It is given to seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to the study of French by maintaining high academic achievement in the language for four years at the school and who is likely to continue the study of the language in college. 

The El Premio Thomas Award: Brendan Meidenbauer '26

The El Premio Thomas—(Spanish) Award honors Mr. Joseph Thomas, a teacher in the Modern Language Department, who taught at Saint Ignatius from 1937-1978. It is given to a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to the study of Spanish by maintaining high academic achievement in the language for four years at the school and who is likely to continue the study of the language in college.

The Frank J. Bitzan Mathematics Achievement Award: Jordan Gordon '26

The Frank J. Bitzan Mathematics Achievement Award is given in honor of Mr. Frank J. Bitzan, a math teacher at Saint Ignatius from 1930-1969. This is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated exceptionally high academic achievement in mathematics.

The Dale Polick Award: Adam Noga '26

The Dale Polick Award is presented in honor of Dale Polick, department chair and esteemed member of the Health and Physical Education department from 1990-2009. The award celebrates a candidate who embodies the spirit of recreational play--dedication, sportsmanship, team-building, and enthusiasm with an air of lightheartedness in Physical Education. "The game is on." -Dale Polick

The Dr. Gregory Knittel ’67 Greek Prize: Oliver Thorpe '26

The Dr. Gregory Knittel ‘67 Greek Prize is given in honor of Dr. Gregory Knittel who taught Greek and Latin at Saint Ignatius for over three decades. In addition to single-handedly maintaining the Greek program for many years, he also went on to found the Saint Ignatius soccer program. This award is presented to the Greek student who has distinguished himself on the National Greek exam and in the classroom.

The Fr. Kirby, S.J. Science Award: Anshul Bethi '26

The Father Kirby, S.J., Science Award honors Father James Kirby, S.J., who served as Science Department chair, was president of the school from 1964-1971, and who taught physics. The award is given to a senior who has demonstrated both ability and commitment to science by participation in special science projects and by high academic achievement in science. 

The Most Promising Artist Award—Music: Anthony Fritzgerald '26

The Most Promising Artist Award is given to a senior who has demonstrated extraordinary talent at school in one of the arts and who plans on pursuing a career in the arts.  The winner is chosen by the head of the Fine Arts Department upon recommendation from the department members.  

The Most Promising Artist Award—Visual: Andre Sturgeon '26

The Most Promising Artist Award is given to a senior who has demonstrated extraordinary talent at school in one of the arts and who plans on pursuing a career in the arts.  The winner is chosen by the head of the Fine Arts Department upon recommendation from the department members.

The Pierre Davignon Arts Award: Miles Juhasz '26

The Pierre Davignon Arts Award is given to a senior who demonstrates the highest goals embodied in the school's philosophy by service to the school in more than one of the fields of art. 

Jesuit Schools Network Global Scholar: James McGinty '26

The Jesuit Schools Network recognizes individuals committed to developing as Global Citizens. Through planned curriculum, projects, and experiences these students have satisfied the requirements of the Ignatian Global Scholars Program.

The Annabelle Whalen First Generation Scholarship Award: Joseph Jones '26

The Annabelle Whalen First Generation Scholarship Award was inaugurated in the year 2000 to honor Ms. Annabelle Whalen, retired Director of the College Counseling Program at Saint Ignatius High School. This award recognizes a graduating senior who exemplifies excellence in academics, extracurriculars, personal and spiritual growth, and who will be the first in his family to attend college.

The Michael F. Pennock Award: Jonathan Ghobrial '26

Senior Awards: 

The Jesuit Schools Network Recognition Award: Andrew Brobbey '26, Brendan Friel '26, Omar Shahed '26, Eli Skowronski '26, Brandon Walrod '26

The JSN Recognition Award is sponsored by the Jesuit Schools Network and is awarded to seniors at Jesuit institutions who have demonstrated the five characteristics of Ignatian education and have served their schools as leaders and role models for the entire school community.
 

The Conor J. Murphy Bellringer Award: Panagiotis Chatzimavroudis '26, Jackson Kenny '26, Drew Sidloski '26, David Takacs '26, Marcello Woodberry '26

The Conor J. Murphy `98 Bellringer Award is presented to one or more seniors who have demonstrated a love for Saint Ignatius and have been instrumental in leadership and school spirit. The winner is awarded $5000 (divided equally, if there is more than one winner) and his name is inscribed on a plaque on the bell located in the Sullivan Atrium. This award, established by the Colgate-Palmolive Corporation and the Jerry Murphy and William Litzler families, is sponsored by the Carfagna Family Foundation.

Valedictorian: Jack Siefker '26