Welsh Academy Award Ceremony 2025

On Monday, May 19, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our Welsh Academy students at the end-of-year awards ceremony. Congratulations to our eighth-grade honorees:

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Spirit of Fr. Robert J. Welsh, SJ ’54 Award
Julian Leon

The recipient this award lives out Father Welsh’s vision for our school community. This individual is compassionate, courageous and devoted to equity.  He holds himself and his peers to a high standard and exudes leadership.  Following the example that Father Welsh set, this person is present and attentive to the needs of the greater school community and strives to see and serve God in others.

Dr. Mary Ann Vogel Academic Excellence Award
Adyen Molina

This award is given to an inquisitive and curious Welsh Academy student who consistently strives to produce outstanding work. This young man exemplifies the commitment to excellence and relentless determination. Like Dr. Vogel, this young man has a passion for learning, a thirst for knowledge, and raises the academic bar for his classmates and himself.

Fr. Raymond P. Guiao, SJ ’82 Heart of a Wildcat Award
Angel Negron-Rodriguez

This award is inspired by the bold vision, courage, love of God, and generosity of Father Guiao. The recipient of this award is an agent of change, seeks the good in everyone, embraces diversity, and strives to better himself and others. Like Father Guiao, this student exudes joy that is felt throughout the Welsh Academy community.

Magis Award
Jaxon Floyd

This award goes to a Welsh Academy student who consistently goes above and beyond by sharing his unique gifts in Affinities, the arts, and/or athletics. Whether on the field, on the stage, or in a workshop, this student uses their talents not just for personal success—but to build up their teammates, bring joy to others, and contribute to our school community with heart and humility.

Man for Others Award
Andrew Randle

This award goes to a Welsh Academy student that exemplifies the spirit of community. This young man would be described as an upstander, a good friend, and someone who looks out for others. He is inclusive, routinely reaches out to others, spreads love, and looks for ways to build relationships both inside and outside of school.

AMDG Award
Jamel Ouedraogo

This award goes to a Welsh Academy student who expresses a desire to better know, love, and serve God each day. He seeks God in all things, recognizing that God’s presence exists not only in mass and prayer but in relationship with others, oneself, and the earth.  He takes seriously the question “what does God want from me?”

Perfect Attendance Award
Lukas Jacobson

This award honors students who have demonstrated commitment and reliability by attending every scheduled school day while enrolled as a Welsh Academy student.  This commitment to school attendance reflects a strong sense of responsibility, consistency, and dedication to their education.

The Harry W. Barkley ’53 Family Merit Scholarship Award
Angel Negron-Rodriguez

The Harry W. Barkley ’53 Family Merit Scholarship Award was established to provide financial assistance toward the cost of a Saint Ignatius High School education for a Welsh Academy alumnus who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. The merit award winner is a strong academic performer who exemplifies the path of becoming a “Man for Others.” He understands the value of integrating faith into his education and is committed to forming lasting relationships that, as the school’s alma mater states, “years of passing cannot sever.” Each year, a new recipient will be welcomed into the Barkley legacy—a legacy rooted in service, faith, and community—that will continue to grow long after their years at Saint Ignatius.

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We are so proud of each of you for embodying the values of our school and community.

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