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Paul Cumbo '97 receives Bene Merenti Award in recognition of 20 years in Jesuit education
Keith McShea

“Paul Cumbo embodies the heart of Jesuit education. He was formed by this institution and has served it now for 20 years to shape others with and in that same Ignatian spirit.”

English teacher Paul Cumbo ’97 received the Bene Merenti Award – presented to members of the faculty at Jesuit schools in recognition of 20 years of teaching, serving and leading – during our 155th Commencement.

Principal Tom Coppola '01 described the Cumbo’s contributions to Canisius before President Fr. David Ciancimino, S.J., presented the award.

“In his time with us, he has served as head of house, campus minister, coach, formation director and English Teacher – and of course, at our 150-year anniversary, he literally wrote the book on the place,” Coppola continued, referring to Cumbo’s authoring of “Blue Doors,” a history of CHS. “Through it all, he guides students to be discerning and critical thinkers.

“A colleague said, ‘Paul’s instruction reflects a profound care for every student’s journey, guiding them with wisdom, compassion and the commitment of someone who knows that education is both a calling and a sacred and shared trust. Through his deep commitment to faith, service and the Ignatian formation of young men, Paul shows us what Cura Personalis can be.’

“Please join me in recognizing a true Man for Others, Paul Cumbo.”

Later in the ceremony, Coppola quoted from Cumbo’s “Blue Doors” during his commencement address.

Throughout this summer and beyond, we will continue to look back at this most special day for the Class of 2025.

Students and families interested in the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked as the Buffalo area’s “Best Catholic School” by Buffalo Business First – can learn more by arranging an on-campus experience via canisiushigh.org/visit or by joining us at our Open House on Oct. 5-6.

This place is special. Let us show you why.

#AMDG #MenForOthers #GoCrusaders #PursueExcellence

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Bene Merenti Awards bestowed on five faculty members

During our 156th Commencement Exercises, an early portion of the ceremony was dedicated to special graduation honors, including an award that showed yet again the quality and quantity of outstanding educators at CHS.

The Bene Merenti Award is presented to members of the faculty at Jesuit schools in recognition of 20 years of teaching, serving and leading.

John Ricotta '05 named CHS Director of Athletics

"It's a dream come true." 

Those are the words of John Ricotta '05 upon being named the Director of Athletics at Canisius High School. 

Ricotta, a longtime member of the championship CHS Basketball coaching staff, comes to 1180 Delaware Ave. following a 15-year career in professional sports in Buffalo.

Requiescat in Pace, Seth Kibler ’20

We mourn the loss of Kibler, a standout swimmer at CHS who went on to swim collegiately and graduated last year from Xavier University. He passed away July 15 following a battle with cancer. He was 23.

Matthew Carver '26 honored with the Korn Memorial Award.

During our 156th Commencement Exercises, an early portion of the ceremony was dedicated to special graduation honors, including: The Midshipman First Class Jeffrey R. Korn Memorial Award, which was presented to Matthew Carver ’26 of Williamsville.

Johnny Esposito '25 honored with the Piedad Award.

During our 156th Commencement Exercises, an early portion of the ceremony was dedicated to special graduation honors, including: The Philippe B. Piedad Accolade Award, which was presented to Nazariy Drofych ’26 of Kenmore.

Requiescat in Pace, Matthew Mayer ’24

We mourn the loss of Mayer, who was entering his junior year at the University of Dayton in Ohio. He passed suddenly and tragically in a car accident Monday morning. He was 20.