ON MAY 29, 173 SERVITE men graduated prepared to make their mark as thoughtful, faith-filled leaders in Orange County and beyond. They began their high school years as freshmen just as communities across Orange County were emerging from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, while rapid advances in artificial intelligence were reshaping daily life and global conflicts—from Ukraine and the Middle East to tensions felt here at home—were testing the possibility of civil discourse.
PHOTOS BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
Valedictorian Alexander Mires, who will be joining his brother Aeneas at UCLA this fall, said, “I am a better person, student and Catholic because of Servite. In these challenging times—with wars, artificial intelligence, high costs and political and social division—our faith and commitment will be tested. Succeeding professionally, financially and spiritually seems more difficult than ever. These words were ingrained in our minds at Freshman Formation: ‘I am the Friar, and I love the fight. We are good, but we will be great.’
“This summarizes what I learned most of all at Servite, and I will take this with me to UCLA and beyond. I was taught that nothing in life comes easy and that God will reward those who work hardest to become the best version of themselves, and I believe Servite instilled that in us. Striving athletically and academically is important, but being a good brother, Catholic and faith-filled leader is even more important.”
This message of hope and gratitude echoed in the remarks of every speaker, award winner and faculty member. Servite president Stephen Walswick, also a Servite graduate from the Class of ’02, spoke from experience as a Friar and observation of the Class of 2026.
“During your years here, you have grown not only in knowledge, but in character….above all you have learned to live full of hope – a hope rooted not in circumstances, but in Christ who continually calls you forward.”
For young people embarking on their adult life, hope is the greatest blessing and lesson they will carry for the rest of their lives. As principal Nancy Windisch said, “You leave Servite not as finished products, but as young men prepared to continue your formation in the world beyond these walls. Carry what you have received here into every place you go. Let your life be marked by integrity, humility and a commitment to something greater than yourself.”
Most of the students are headed to four-year colleges, including many of the top academic institutions and Ivy League universities in the country. Salutatorian Phillip Kim, known as Siwoo, is bound for Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. He plans to major in biology and eventually attend medical school. While at Servite, he served as president of the California Scholarship Federation, volunteered with Future Young Leaders of America, and tutored his classmates. Eight graduates matriculated with high honors (GPA 4.0 and above). The principal’s leadership award was given to Jackson Wright; Michael Lawrence was awarded the Neck Veyna Memorial Persistence Award; and Athletic Awards were presented to Jack Schutt, Jaden Liu, Fionnian Sparks, Patrick Hassett and Peter Beer.
Thirty-five graduates were members of the National Honor Society; 32 received California Scholarship Federation awards and 25 earned College Board Awards. Military Recognition went to five graduates: Peter Beerer, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Andre Chang, U.S. Military Academy West Point; Jaden Rasic, U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School; Aaron Chen, ROTC Scholarship; and Ryan Kovats, Naval Academy Preparatory School.
Once again, Servite has gifted Orange County with a new class of exceptional young men, who leave formed by the Primacy of Faith, Mastery of Self, Necessity of the Other and Centrality of Christ. Not a bad place to start.