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FATHER LOPEZCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
FIFTY-FIFTH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Saturday, May 31, 20143:00 pm
Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Centerand Visual Arts Gallery
Bethune-Cookman UniversityDaytona Beach, Florida
FATHER LOPEZCATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Most Reverend John G. NoonanBishop of Orlando
Mr. Henry P. FortierSecretary for Faith FormationSuperintendent of Schools
Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident
Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal
Ms. Patricia DaileyAssistant Principal
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We, the Class of 2014, dedicate this dayand all of our future accomplishments
to our familieswith our love
and deepest appreciation.
We also acknowledge and recognizethe faculty, staff and administration
atFather Lopez Catholic High Schoolfor their support and encouragement.
Additionally, we thankMr. Cedric Evans, Sr., and the staff
of theMary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center
and Visual Arts Galleryfor preparing this facilityfor our graduation.
Lastly, we thank everyonewho contributed to this special occasion
and who have joined usin celebration today.
May God bless all of you.
Vision Statement
Father Lopez Catholic High School is a Christ-centered community of learners.We believe that spiritual formation in the Catholic tradition and academic rigorcreate a positive culture where all students are free to discover their full humanpotential through scholarly pursuits, athletics and service leadership.
GRADUATION CEREMONY
MASTER OF CEREMONIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal
PRESENTATION OF THE FLAGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michael Douglas AbateAnthony Nader
Paige Maloy Ward
PROCESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pomp and CircumstanceSir Edgar Elgar, Composer
INVOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. James E. CooneyAssociate Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Orlando
NATIONAL ANTHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .The Star Spangled BannerLyrics by Francis Scott Key
INTRODUCTION OF SPECIAL GUESTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal
SALUTATORY ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sidney Marie Jackson
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jason Paul West
INTRODUCTION OF THE CLASS OF 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mrs. Patricia C. EverettSenior Class Moderator
DISTRIBUTION OF DIPLOMAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident
Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal
Ms. Patricia DaileyAssistant PrincipalRev. Thomas Barrett
Chairperson, Board of DirectorsMr. James Cooney
Associate Superintendent for the Diocese of Orlando
CEREMONIAL TURNING OF THE TASSEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mr. Lee C. SayagoPrincipal
PRESENTATION OF SPECIAL AWARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Michael J. CouryPresident
• Crest of the Wave Awards• President’s Awards
SENIOR CLASS REFLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Miss Rebecca A. WestcottSenior Class Mentor
BENEDICTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Thomas BarrettPastor, St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church
Chairperson, Father Lopez Board of Directors
RECESSIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Prelude to a Te DeumMarc-Antoine Charpentier, Composer
Jasmine Pearl Alson #*
Ida Sisko Lovisa Angelma *
Kaitlyn Shaye Azar
Katherine Sarah Biggs #*
Rebecca Alexandra Blais #*+
Joseph Boden
Justin Paul Bryant
Jackson Thomas Bush #*+
Chen Guan
David Crespo III
Olivia Ann Del Guercio
Andrew James Elder *
Adam Davis Farmer *+
Louis John Ferris III
Lauren Nicole Freeborn
Benjamin Charles Ginsberg #
Sarah Katherine Hollmann #
Jordan Rae Hopkins
Haillee Lizzette Elizabeth Howell
Alyssa Marie Husbands #*
Sidney Marie Jackson #*
Ashnel Dorey Jean-Mary #*
Kathryn Nicole Kehr #*
Kevin Patrick Spilman Kelly #
Brantley Egan Lansberry #*+
Tiffany Lianna Laserna
Alexandria Jayne Leek #*
GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014
Amy Lynne Leslie #*
Long Yun
Ma Shaohuan
Ma Shaoshu *
Benjamin James Marello
Spencer Dean Maugeri
Alan Jonathan McFarland *
Sam Alan McIntire
Alexis Nicole McMullin #
Meng Chenyang
Miao Wei *
Andrew James Miceli
Alexandra Rae Miles
Joseph S. Mortensen #*
Madeline Louise Musante
Brieanna Dominique Joely Napolitano
Isabella Valentina Amethyst Napolitano
William Thomas Oglesby #*
Spenser Patrick O’Hair #
Pan Ruixin
Mary Victoria Perry +
Talon Les Reeder
Ren Zijian
Marissa Luz Rodriguez
Nicholas Alexander Rowe
Cristina Ariel Roy
David Phillip Santa Maria
Nicholas Joseph Santoyo
Alanna Anne Schatz
She Meng *
Brooke Sierra Shroyer #*
Gabriel Kevin Silveira *
Nicholas Michael Spadea
ShaDeja Rayana Stewart
Valerie Pauline Villafañe-Mercado #*
Jeffrey Gerard Waddick Jr.
Wang Jinchu
Wang Junmusha *
Jason Paul West #*
Zachary Lee Wilson *
Xu Chengfeng
Zhang Mingxin
Zhang Nan
# Summa Cum Laude Diploma* National Honor Society Member+ Second Generation Green Wave
CLASS FACTS
Class Flower: Orchis Italica
Class Colors: Black and Gold
Class Song: “Time of Your Life” – Green Day
Scripture Verse: “I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession.Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forwardto what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal, theprize of God’s upward calling, in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3.13 - 14
Class Quote: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing newthings, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us downnew paths.”
Walt Disney
Adelphi UniversityAllegheny CollegeAlma CollegeAppalachian State UniversityAuburn UniversityAurora UniversityAve Maria UniversityAverett UniversityBarry UniversityBaylor UniversityBelhaven UniversityBenedictine UniversityBerry CollegeBrown UniversityCase Western Reserve UniversityCatholic University of AmericaChabot CollegeChestnut Hill CollegeClark UniversityCleveland State UniversityColgate UniversityCollege of CharlestonColorado State UniversityCrown CollegeDaytona State CollegeDrexel UniversityDuke UniversityEastern Michigan UniversityEckerd CollegeElon UniversityEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityEmory UniversityErskine CollegeFairleigh Dickinson UniversityFerrum College
COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES FOR THE CLASS OF 2014(At the time we went to press, the following colleges and universities
had offered acceptances to our graduating seniors.)
Flagler CollegeFlorida Agricultural & MechanicalUniversity
Florida Atlantic UniversityFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida Institute of TechnologyFlorida International UniversityFlorida State UniversityFordham UniversityFurman UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyHoly Cross CollegeIllinois CollegeIllinois Institute of TechnologyJohns Hopkins UniversityLawrence UniversityLindenwood UniversityLynn UniversityMarietta CollegeNew College of FloridaNortheastern UniversityNotre Dame UniversityNova Southeastern UniversityOhio State UniversityPennsylvania State UniversityPrinceton UniversityRhodes CollegeRollins CollegeRoosevelt UniversityRutgers UniversitySaint Leo UniversitySaint Michael’s CollegeSaint Vincent CollegeSeminole State CollegeSeton Hall University
Sewanee: The University of the SouthSkidmore CollegeSmith CollegeSouthwestern University of TexasSt. John’s UniversitySt. Mary’s CollegeState College of Florida, SarasotaState University of New York at Stony Brook
Sterling CollegeStetson UniversitySyracuse UniversityTallahassee Community CollegeThe Art Institute of Fort LauderdaleThe College of WoosterTroy UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California, IrvineUniversity of Central FloridaUniversity of DaytonUniversity of Denver
University of FloridaUniversity of IllinoisUniversity of MaineUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstUniversity of MiamiUniversity of MinnesotaUniversity of New HampshireUniversity of North FloridaUniversity of OregonUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of TampaUniversity of VermontUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of West FloridaUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison University of PittsburghUniversity of Pittsburgh at JohnstownValdosta State UniversityWofford CollegeYork College
Editor’s Note: The 70 members of the Class of 2014 have been offeredacceptances from 113 colleges and universities located in 32 different states.This includes acceptances from 28 institutions of higher learning in the stateof Florida. The Northeast and Midwest sections of the country were the nextmost popular areas with our graduating seniors. Acceptances were offeredfrom seven schools in New York; seven in Pennsylvania; five in Massachusetts;five in Illinois; and; five in Ohio.
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED TO THE CLASS OF 2014(At the time we went to press, the following scholarships
had been offered to our graduating seniors.)
Jasmine Pearl Alson Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Katherine Sarah Biggs Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Rebecca Alexandra Blais Academic Scholarship, Holy Cross CollegeAcademic Scholarship, Notre Dame UniversityAcademic Scholarship, St. Mary’s CollegeAcademic Scholarship, Stetson UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Tulane UniversityMatthew & Andrew Akin Foundation AwardAnonymous GrantFlorida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesMerit Scholarship, Furman UniversityNational Honor Society Scholarship, NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals
Joseph Boden Academic Endowed Grants, Farleigh DickinsonUniversity
Academic Grant, Illinois CollegeAcademic Grants, Saint Vincent CollegeAcademic Opportunity Award, Illinois CollegeAcademic/Participation Scholarship, Sterling CollegeAdmissions Scholarship, Crown CollegeAlma Award, Alma CollegeCatholic High School Scholarship, Saint VincentCollege
Crown Grant, Crown CollegeFerrum Merit Grants, Ferrum CollegeFlorida Tech Scholarship, Florida Institute ofTechnology
Founders Scholarship, Averett UniversityHighland Award, Alma CollegeRobert D. Swanson Award, Alma College
Justin Paul Bryant Academic/Athletic Scholarships, Ave MariaUniversity
Academic Scholarship, Florida Institute ofTechnology
Academic Scholarship, Stetson UniversityFlorida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Jackson Thomas Bush Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
David Crespo III Recognition Award, Adelphi University
Olivia Ann Del Guercio Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Andrew James Elder Academic Scholarship, Barry UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Catholic University ofAmerica
Adam Davis Farmer Catholic School Scholarship, Benedictine UniversityPresident’s Scholarship, Aurora UniversityPresident’s Scholarship, Benedictine UniversityPresident’s Scholarship, Florida Institute ofTechnology
President’s Scholarship, Roosevelt University
Benjamin Charles Ginsberg Academic Scholarship, Allegheny CollegeAcademic Scholarship, Furman UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Stetson UniversityAcademic Scholarship, University of MaineFlorida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Sarah Katherine Hollman Academic Scholarship, Florida State UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Rollins CollegeBell Tower Scholarship, Furman UniversityEarly Filer Scholarship, Stetson UniversityFlorida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesLegacy Scholarship, Stetson UniversityPresidential Scholarship, Elon UniversityPresidential Scholarship, Stetson UniversityPresidential Scholarship, Wofford CollegeSilver Scholarship, New College of Florida
Alyssa Marie Husbands Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesKnights of Columbus Scholarship, Sacred HeartCatholic Church
Presidential Scholarship, Stetson UniversityPresidential Scholarship, University of Tampa
Sidney Marie Jackson Academic Scholarship, Johns Hopkins UniversityCamras Scholarship, Illinois Institute of TechnologyDirector’s Award, University of South FloridaFlorida Academic Award, Stetson UniversityFlorida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesFlorida Resident Grant, Stetson UniversityHonors College Scholarship, University of SouthFlorida
Eugene McCall Memorial ScholarshipPresident’s Scholarship, University of MiamiPresidential Scholarship, Stetson UniversityTwelve-Year Student Grant, Music TeachersAssociation
Ashnel Dorey Jean-Mary Dean’s Scholarship, Saint Michael’s CollegeDirector’s Award, University of South FloridaEdmundite Scholarship, Saint Michael’s CollegeFlorida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesGator Club of Volusia County ScholarshipHonors Scholar, University of South FloridaMerit Scholarship, Florida Gulf Coast UniversityPresidential Scholarship, Stetson UniversityPresidential Scholarship, University of TampaPresident’s Gold Scholarship, Baylor UniversityPresident’s Gold Scholarship, Florida Gulf CoastUniversity
Kathryn Nicole Kehr Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesMerit Scholarship, University of South FloridaOut-of-State Scholarship, Colorado State UniversityOut-of-State Scholarship, Fordham UniversityPresident’s Award, Colorado State University
Kevin Patrick Spilman Kelly Academic Scholarship, Barry UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Belhaven UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Saint Vincent’s CollegeAcademic Scholarship, Stetson UniversityAcademic Scholarship, University of DaytonAcademic Scholarship, University of South FloridaSt. Vincent de Paul Award in Memory of AnthonyCipparone
Brantley Egan Lansberry Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesMerit Scholarship, Furman University
Alexandria Jayne Leek Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Amy Lynne Leslie Academic Award, University of AlabamaBonner Program AwardFlorida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesHome Depot Scholarship AwardPresidential Scholarship, Stetson UniversityVolusia County Music Teachers Association Award
Alan Jonathan McFarland Academic Scholarship, Nova Southeastern UniversityAthletic Scholarship, Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity
Athletic Scholarship, University of FloridaAthletic Scholarship, Nova Southeastern UniversityEmerald Academic Scholarship, Eastern MichiganUniversity
Golden Eagle Academic Scholarship, Embry-RiddleAeronautical University
Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club AwardIn-State Tuition Offer, Eastern Michigan University
Sam Alan McIntire Academic Grant, Stetson UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Saint Leo UniversityFaculty Scholarship, Stetson UniversityFlorida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Andrew James Miceli Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Joseph S. Mortensen Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Madeline Louise Musante Dean’s Scholarship, Stetson University
Brienna Dominique Joely Merit Scholarship, Barry UniversityNapolitano
Isabella Valentina Amethyst Merit Scholarship, Barry UniversityNapolitano
William Thomas Oglesby Academic Scholarship, Florida State UniversityFlorida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright Futures
Mary Victoria Perry Knights of Columbus Scholarship, Auxiliary #6584
Marissa Luz Rodriguez Dean’s Scholarship, Stetson University
David Phillip Santa Maria Academic Scholarship, Chestnut Hill CollegeAcademic Scholarship, Cleveland State UniversityAcademic Scholarship, Seton Hall UniversityDean’s Scholarship, Stetson UniversityMedallion Scholarship, Stetson University
Gabriel Kevin Silveira First United Methodist Academic Award
Valerie Pauline Florida Medallion Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesVillafañe-Mercado Goizueta Foundation Award, Berry College
Academic Grant, Berry CollegeAcademic Grant, Case Western Reserve UniversityAcademic Grant, Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity
Academic Grant, Smith CollegeAcademic Grant, Syracuse University
Jason Paul West Florida Academic Scholarship, Florida Bright FuturesPresident’s Scholarship, University of Miami
Zhang Mingxin Academic Scholarship, Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity
Women of Excellence Scholarship, Embry-RiddleAeronautical University
Total Value of Scholarships Offered ........$4,848,376.00
OUR SCHOOL PRAYER
Dear Lord,We ask that You bless the community of Father Lopez Catholic High School.
Help us to uphold the virtues instilled here in Your name,That we may grow in knowledge and faith,
So that we may better serve You in all that we do.We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Written byThomas Makowski ’06
Mrs. Marie D. Gallo-LethcoeB.A., University of DaytonM.A., University of Dayton
Mrs. Christine Hauptle, C.P.A.B.S., University of Georgia
Deacon Ruthven E. JackieAMusTCL, Trinity CollegeM.A., Saint Leo University
Mr. Allan Rubenstein KnightB.A., University of UtahM.S.E., University of Central Florida
Miss Katelyn C. Landorf ’05B.A., University of Northern Colorado
Mrs. Valerie Mann-GrossoB.A., Florida International UniversityM.S., Barry UniversityM.A., University of Central Florida
Mr. Nelson MatthewB.A., Georgia State University
Mrs. Tina A. MathewsB.A., Saint Xavier UniversityM.A., Lewis UniversityM.Ed., Lewis University
Mr. Kelly T. McCabeB.A., McMaster University
Ms. Erin McDougallB.A., State University of New Yorkat New Paltz
M.S., Long Island University
Mr. Edward MillerB.A., Pennsylvania State UniversityM.S.E., University of Central Florida
Ms. Janella M. MinottaB.S., Indiana State UniversityB.S., University of Connecticut
Mrs. DaliaYork PattersonB.A., University of Florida
Mr. Darrell E. RadfordB.A., University of South FloridaM.S., University of South Florida
Mr. Bradley R. RidenourB.A., Flagler College
Mrs. Megan E. RinyuB.S., University of Central Florida
Ms. Amanda M. SarasuaB.S., University of Florida
Mrs. Teresa M. SchwarzB.A., Stetson UniversityM.A., Middlebury College
Mrs. Roberta J. SnyderB.A., University of Central Florida
Mrs.Wendy L. TherrienB.A., Allegheny CollegeM.A., University of Massachusetts Amherst
Mrs. Jamie L.WadeB.A., Florida State University
Mrs. Heather Voges Welch ’02 B.A., Florida State University
Miss Rebecca A.WestcottB.A., Messiah CollegeM.A.T.,Wheaton College
Mrs. Ivy M.WickB.A., Barry UniversityM.A., Barry University
Ms. Rebecca E. WuamettB.S., University of FloridaM.A., University of Central Florida
Mr. Steven C. ZelentyB.A., Glassboro State CollegeM.S., Nova Southeastern University
Mr. Musset D. ApollonB.S., University of Florida
Mr. Scott C. BayB.A., University of CincinnatiM.S.E., Xavier University
Mr. Trevor S. BerryhillB.A., University of South Carolina Upstate
Mrs. Lisa Lloyd Blais ’77B.A., Furman UniversityM.F.A., Southern Illinois Universityat Edwardsville
Ms. Samantha L. Blakely, ATCB.A., North Central College
Ms. Anabel Borbón B.A., University of Central FloridaM.A., Middlebury College
Mr. Daniel E. BoydB.A., University of Central FloridaM.T.S., Boston College
Mrs. Regina BoydB.A., University of Central FloridaM.A., Rollins College
Mr. Noah M. CabiacB.S., Florida State University
Ms. Catharine H. ColwellB.S., Stetson University
Mr. Derek P. DalyB.A., University of Florida
Mr. Jason D. DunlapB.A., University of MarylandM.S., California University of Pennsylvania
Mrs. Patricia C. EverettB.A., Ball State University
Mrs. Carol M. FarmerB.S., Florida State University
Mrs. Jane FountainB.S., Stetson University
ADMINISTRATIONFACULTY & STAFF
Dr. Michael J. Coury, PresidentB.S.B.A., Creighton UniversityM.S.E., Drake UniversityEd.S., Drake UniversityEd.D., Drake University
Mr. Lee C. Sayago, PrincipalB.S., University of Central FloridaM.Ed., University of Central Florida
Ms. Patricia Dailey, Assistant PrincipalB.S., Stetson UniversityM.A., Stetson UniversityEd.S., Stetson University
Ms. Katherine M. BlaisAdmissions Officer
Mrs. Cynthia BrennanHuman Resources Coordinator
Mr. David W. CastetterTechnology Assistant
Mrs. Janet Mouton CraneBookkeeper
Mr. Michael J. EverettMedia Center Supervisor
Mr. Charles E. Greenwood Transportation Coordinator
Mr. William J. HillFacilities Manager
Mr. Bharat KapadiaTransportation Driver
ADMINISTRATIVE & AUXILIARY SUPPORT
Mrs. Monica LafleurFront Office Assistant
Mrs. Monica Bryan MacIntyre ’84 Alumni Director/AdministrativeAssistant to the Athletic Director
Mrs. Debra J. PetersonMedia Center Aide
Mr. Roger ReichardTransportation Driver
Mrs. Carmen C. RiveraAdmissions Coordinator
Mrs. Nan TarasiFront Office Manager/Administrative Assistant to the Principal
Mr. David ZoldFood Services Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Father Lopez Catholic High School, Inc. is a Florida not-for-profit corporationdirectly affiliated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando, Florida. Thecorporation is established to carry out the teaching ministry of the Catholic Church.The Bishop of Orlando is the sole Member of the Corporation. He appointsmembers to serve on the Board of Directors for the school corporation.
The Most Reverend John G. Noonan, Bishop of Orlando, has appointed the memberslisted below to serve on the Board of Directors for the 2013—2014 school year.
Rev. Thomas Barrett, Chairperson
Ms. MaryEllen Osterndorf ’83, Vice Chairperson
Mr. John S. Olivari, C.P.A., Treasurer
Mr. M. Brady Lessard, Member
Mr. Henry P. Fortier, Member (ex officio)
Mrs. Carol Brinati, Member (ex officio)
Dr. Michael J. Coury, President (ex officio)
Mr. Lee C. Sayago, Vice President (ex officio)
WHO WAS FATHER LOPEZ?
When the Diocese of St. Augustine opened the new Catholic high school in DaytonaBeach in 1959, it named the school after a Father Lopez. Who was our namesake, andwhat was his connection to this area? The following is a brief summary of the historicalevents as they relate to Father Lopez and our Catholic roots.
Nearly 400 years before our school was established, Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilésled a Spanish expedition to Florida. The fleet chaplain on the expedition was FatherFrancisco López de Mendoza Grajales.
On September 8, 1565, General Menéndez came ashore at the site of the TimucuanIndian village. Father López had come ashore the night before. When Menéndez arrived,Father López carried a large cross to greet him at the location that is now known as St. Augustine.
Father López is recognized as being the Catholic priest who conducted the first Mass atthe first permanent mission and settlement in what would become the United States ofAmerica. This event and site in St. Augustine are now marked by a 208 foot stainlesssteel cross. The large cross in the center of our school campus plaza is also symbolic ofthe cross Father López carried to greet General Menéndez.
ABOUT OUR HIGH SCHOOL
The roots of our Catholic high school can be traced to 1924. At that time, a Catholic high schoolwas established as part of the St. Paul Parish School in Daytona Beach. As the population grew,the Diocese of St. Augustine opened a central Catholic high school in 1959. Father Lopez, locatedbetween Madison and Mason on the eastside of Nova Road, met the needs of the community fornearly fifty years.
As the facilities at our landlocked campus began to decline, so did enrollment. Today, we remainindebted to the community leaders and other friends of Lopez who gave of their time, talentand treasure to make our campus on LPGA Boulevard a reality. Their efforts, as well as thesupport from the Diocese of Orlando, provided new life for our school and the students weserve. Our record-breaking enrollment has grown by more than sixty percent since our move tothe new campus in 2008.
In the early years, the high school staff was comprised of diocesan priests and women religiousfrom the Dominican Sisters of Blauvelt (NY). Although priests and sisters no longer teach at theschool, we are blessed to have dedicated lay educators who are committed to the school’s missionof pursuing excellence within the Catholic tradition. The current faculty members have beentrained at 40 different colleges and universities located in 16 states, as well as in Canada andEngland. Collectively, they have earned a total of 28 graduate degrees.
Since our founding in 1959, some 3,800 young men and women have graduated from FatherLopez. Most have continued their studies at the collegiate level and beyond. Today, our alumniare recognized as leaders in their parishes, communities, families and chosen careers. We areproud to note that this year’s graduating class includes five children of alumni, adding to ourgrowing number of second-generation Green Wave.
In 2013, enrollment reached the 400 student milestone for the first time since 1985. History wasmade this year when an all-time record number of students (438) attended Father Lopez. Anotherrecord will be set in a few months when over 470 students start the new school year at Lopez.
The diverse and talented student population at Lopez comes to us from 33 different zip codes inDaytona Beach and surrounding communities in Volusia, Flagler and Seminole counties. Ourcultural diversity is enhanced with the addition of international students from China, DominicanRepublic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Switzerland and Vietnam.
Throughout these past 55 years, the school has pursued a noble mission. Father Lopez educatorspartner with parents, the first teachers of their children, to share values, doctrine and knowledge.Working together, we develop spiritual, physical and moral gifts through academic excellencewhile we continue to provide a valued education that prepares today’s student for their tomorrows.