Michael H. Kennedy delivered his final commencement ceremony as Headmaster at La Lumiere School on Friday, May 22. After his graduation from La Lumiere in 1986, Kennedy’s journey brought him back to campus from 1992 to 1996 when he served as a teacher, coach, and administrator. In 2004, he returned as Headmaster and placed a great emphasis on the School’s core values of character, scholarship, and faith. During the ceremony, Kennedy was recognized by Assistant Headmaster, Bryan Smith and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mark Leyden ’77, for his service and dedication to the School.
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Prior to forty-nine La Lumiere graduates walking across the stage to receive their diplomas, Heather A. (Bankowski) Anaya, a doctor of osteopathic medicine, lifelong learner, and La Lumiere alumna delivered an uplifting keynote address to the class of 2015.
Dr. Anaya challenged the graduates to not be fearful of what lies ahead. “Courage is the secret sauce in life. It is what lets you overcome fears that might hold you back from fulfilling your goals and dreams and provides confidence to take opportunities. Confidence is the powerful stuff that turns thought into action. These are the circumstances that have the potential for personal growth beyond your wildest imaginations.”
She continued with encouraging words to the graduates by saying, “Teach by being. Be the most awesome version of yourself. Are you going to be the person who has the courage to take challenges and opportunities that might scare you? Will you put your pride on the line to potentially do something amazing in your life? Will you have the confidence to push yourself to accomplish more than the average individual (because who wants to be average)? Surprise yourself with how awesome you are! Make the most of every day and every opportunity.”
Head Prefect, Conner Correira of Granger, Ind. also addressed his graduating class with inspiring words by saying, “Everyone in this room has the ability to change the world. It doesn’t matter how smart you are, or what gender you are, or race, or if you have obstacles that maybe others don’t — you still have that ability. With hard work, dedication, and courage, you can do anything.”
Headmaster Michael Kennedy closed the ceremonies by describing the class of 2015 as, “Intelligent, dedicated, athletically and artistically talented, energetic, selfless, and humorous — and now alumni. You’ve made your mark on La Lumiere School. You’ve made La Lumiere healthier, stronger, better. You are fortunate, blessed, and will do great things. And you’ve made us all proud.”
The following awards were given during the ceremonies for distinguished achievement:
The Alumni Memorial Award: Ana Elizabeth Kleihege, La Porte, Ind. Senior Award for Stellar Academic Performance: Ana Elizabeth Kleihege, La Porte, Ind. James R. Moore Scholar Athlete Award: Daniel Aras Goodman, La Porte, Ind. Alan R. Hannan Unsung Hero Award: Livia Fife Gazzolo, Sawyer, Mich. Trustees Award for Leadership Based on Character: Lydia Briggs Costello, Chesterton, Ind. Headmaster's Award for Growth and Distinction: Ka’Ron Joharii Wilson, Maywood, Ill. The One of Us Award: Brittany Lynn Hicks, La Porte, Ind.; Ikeadi Matthew Ndukwu, Chesterton, Ind.; Lucas Raphael Conner, Michigan City, Ind. Senior Award for Service to Younger Students: Jalen Rashod Coleman Lands, Indianapolis
The Class of 2015 had 226 college acceptances in 34 states and Washington, DC. They will attend 32 colleges in 12 states and received over $4.6 million in scholarships.