374 members of the Class of 2018 became Chaminade's newest alumni Sunday.
The day's events at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts on the LIU Post campus began with the Baccalaureate Mass at 9 a.m. Families then reconvened at 4 p.m. for commencement exercises.
Our graduates now head to 122 universities, colleges, service academies, and prep schools. Read the full list.
HIGHEST ACADEMIC HONORS
Shawn Connell and Nicholas Plante were respectively named valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class. Shawn and Nick earned the distinction by both a vote of their peers and their academic success during their four years at Chaminade. Shawn will pursue studies at Fordham University, while Nick prepares to begin at the University of Pennsylvania.
AWARD WINNERS
Several students received special honors at graduation for academics, athletics, and school and community service.
- John Paul Lynch • Chaminade Man of the Year Award • NYS Comptroller Achievement Award
- Christopher Mercadante • Fr. Philip Eichner, S.M. Award
- Matthew Crandall • Bro. Joseph Fox, S.M. Service Award
- Brendan Romano • Bro. Louis Faerber, S.M. Service Award
- Kevin Lynch • Joseph F. Thomas Student-Athlete Award
- John Thomas McDonald • Frank "Boiler" Burns Student-Athlete Award
- Christopher Nicholas • John R. Lenz "Semper Fidelis" Award
- Shawn Connell • Valedictorian • Nassau County Award
- Nicholas Plante • Salutatorian • Chaminade Academic Excellence Award • NYS Attorney General "Triple C" Award
- Scott McKinnon • Parish Religious Education Award
- Edward Doran • Angelo Ferdinando Band Award
- Michael Tsui • String Orchestra Award
- John Michael Magloire • Robert C. Wright Speech and Debate Club Award
- Andrew Peter Weiss • Albert Kozar Drama Club Award
- Richard Nessler • Alexander Ott Glee Club Award
- Walter Szczech • Town of Hempstead Award
- Thomas Flatley • NYS Attorney General "Triple C" Award
CHAMINADE MAN
John Paul (JP) Lynch entered an honored group of graduates, earning the Chaminade Man of the Year Award for the Class of 2018. The Chaminade Man is the most cherished and anticipated award bestowed at commencement. Simply put, the Chaminade Man embodies all of the characteristics a student aims to be – a well-rounded, faithful, intellectual Catholic man. During his four years at Chaminade, JP volunteered as a catechist with the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP), assisted patients and staff at a local hospital, wrote for Tarmac, and cooked with the Culinary Club. JP also served on the Intramural Officials Club and was on the Flyers basketball and volleyball teams; he was named the most valuable player in the volleyball championship game helping Chaminade win over St. Francis Prep.