Cardinal O'Hara celebrates 61st graduation

Cardinal O’Hara High School Press Release & Photo

Cardinal O’Hara High School celebrated its 61st commencement exercises on May 22 in the school’s performing arts center.

Jourdon LaBarber, Class of 2011, media and content coordinator for the Buffalo Sabres, was the keynote speaker.

After graduating from O’Hara, LaBarber went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from Canisius College in 2015. He has since worked in marketing and digital communications with the Buffalo Sabres.

LaBarber’s career with the Sabres has included script writing, video production and event planning, along with his primary role as beat reporter for the team’s official website.

“During my time at O’Hara, I made lifelong friends and memories that I cherish to this day,” LaBarber told the graduates. “Learning is a daily experience, and you should be excited. Learning is up to you, so be curious and accept the opportunity to learn.”

The valedictorian address for the highest average was presented by Dylan Flynt. The salutatorian address for the second-highest average was given by Grace Tag.

Principal Joleen Dimitroff presented the class statistics. She said the majority of the class will attend a four-year college, nine graduates will attend a two-year college or enter a trade school, and four students are entering the workplace. In addition, 43% of the class is in the National Honor Society.

In addition, two students earned the Regents with advanced designation with honors diploma and/or have earned mastery in math and/or science. This diploma is given to students who not only pass all additional regents exams, but pass them with an average of 90 or higher.

The total amount of estimated money awarded to the graduating class in scholarships and awards is more than $9.9 million.

The following students, chosen by a selection committee, received special awards.

•The Vivian Burkhart Memorial Award for a female scholar athlete: Grace Tag.

•The John McPartlin Memorial Award for a male scholar athlete: Avon Adams.

•The Marie Mountain Award for loyalty and dedicated service to Cardinal O’Hara: Braelyn Tucciarone.

•The Faculty Student Service Award for time and service to school and community, embodying genuine Franciscan ideals and charity: Charlotte Murphy and Braelyn Tucciarone.

•The Principal’s Awards for outstanding student leadership and character to students who exemplify the true embodiment of the O’Hara Spirit, as well as having served as a peer mentor: Mikel Ivy, Braelyn Tuccaroni and Tyler Illig.

•In addition, the Patriotic Award from the Milton J. Brounshidle Post 205 American Legion in Kenmore was presented by Wayne Sorrentino to Derek Ogiba who is enrolled in the ROTC program at Rochester Institute of Technology.

Three graduates were “legacy students,” who parent or grandparent also graduated from Cardinal O’Hara.

A baccalaureate Mass, celebrated by Rev. Andrew Lauricella, ’03, took place May 21 at Our Lady Czestochowa Church in North Tonawanda.

The following is the list of 2025 graduates: Avon Adams, Warren Adams II, Ava Becerril, Danila Bilogan, Ny’Ema Blair, Nicole Cleary, Jonathan Cozzarelli, Grace D’Antonoli, Matthew Dolan, Maxim Dolan, Mary Grace Doster, Aniyah Evans, Dylan Flynt, Kyla Hayes, Nolan Hickey, Amariana Hicks, Tyler Illig, Mickel Ivey, Gavin Johnson, Samantha Joldos, Elizabeth Kane, Gabriel Kelichner, Malia Knightner, Nevaeh Lee, Julia Lewis, Carter Maziarz, Kimorah Menifee, Vincenzo Morinello, Charlotte Murphy, Olivia Noel, Derek Ogiba, Ronald O’Hara III, Michael Palmeri, Jacob Pennick, Lorraine Price, Julia Quarcini, Matthew Schmutzler, Antonio Serrano, Sophia Stanton, Akyra Starks, Grace Tag, Braelyn Tucciarone, Anizia Wani, Casey Zak and Vivien Zent.

Following the graduation ceremony, graduates, their families and friends gathered for a celebration in the school gym.