Padua Academy graduated 95 seniors on May 29 at Abessinio Stadium. Bishop Koenig presided.
The valedictorian was Audrey Dever, and Sanya Dudeja was the salutatorian. Dever earned departmental honors in mathematics, religious studies and Spanish. Dudeja was recognized for her work in science, and she received the Rev. Thomas J. Erbrick Memorial Award, which goes to a graduate pursuing studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Rachel Ranieri received the Sarah Smith Memorial Award, named in honor of a 2013 alumna, for demonstrating a consistent work ethic and being a model of Padua values. Madeleine Peek earned the Knights of Columbus Award for faithfully demonstrating a heart of charity. The Softly but Strongly Award, derived from the school motto, “Suaviter Sed Fortiter,” recognizes a graduate who is responsive to the needs of others while remaining purposeful and determined. It went to two students, Bailey Peters and Reese Mullin.
The Brother Michael Rosenello Award, for extraordinary service to Padua, was merited by Ellie Kolano and Roshni Jacob. Anna Drushler earned the “Abbi Coraggio” Award, established to recognize the Class of 2020 for its response to the pandemic, for best exhibiting the qualities of dedication, resilience and adaptability. The Heart of Service Award for serving others and making a positive impact in her community went to Sarah Voigt, and Naima Ellis-Daniels received the Padua Academy Award for Community Inclusion and Acceptance for best exemplifying the school’s cultural norms.
The Student Council Leadership Award for leadership skills and a strong commitment to Padua went to Madison Christiano, Emily Gifford, Anuradha Dole and Julia Scarpitti. Rose Casey earned the St. Francis of Assisi Award for meritorious service to church, school and community. The St. Francis de Sales Award for sharing the love of Jesus with the school community was merited by Gianna Bruno and Aubrey Edwards.
Dole also received the Board of Trustees Annual Award for strong personal spirituality, social awareness and responsibility, integrity, courage, kindness and compassion, and dedication to Padua.
Other departmental honors went to Alexis Greenjack, social studies and English; Sophia Mattei, Italian; Casey, Spanish and art; Hailey Vandenbraak, French; Madison Keener, communication arts; Christiano, digital art; Jacob, technology; and Audrey Bruening, music.
The graduates will be attending 50 colleges and universities.
