Our unparalleled Higher Achievement Program finished its fun four-week run Friday as families and friends joined us for the HAP Awards ceremony in Scaccia Auditorium. It was a highlight of a very busy Week Five of our Best. Summer. Ever. 

Rising eighth graders from all over Western New York took classes in reading, English and math and competed in team sports and other activities with their homeroom teams – all of which are named after Jesuit colleges.

“This was a great summer of competition and hard work and we’re proud of all these young men,” said HAP Director and Assistant Director of Admission Brendan Tenney ’12. “Our staff thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you all and we are looking forward to seeing you in the future.”

Students also vied for the third HAP House Cup in a competition modeled after the pioneering CHS House System, with Arrupe House coming out on top. Arrupe House, led by CHS history teacher Sam Rizzo ’97, was comprised of homeroom teams Canisius University, Georgetown University and Gonzaga University. 

“The House Cup battles were super-fun to watch – seeing the bonds grow among the Houses resembles what our CHS House System looks like here,” said Tenney. “I hope you guys enjoyed our time together in the Madden Center participating in the scavenger hunt, trivia and minute to win it challenges.”

The ceremony was highlighted with the naming of Mr. HAP 2024: Nathan Wodaje of Buffalo and Notre Dame Academy. Wodaje was a part of Arrupe House and Gonzaga University.

“The Mr. HAP Award is presented to the student who best exemplifies the qualities associated with Canisius High School and the Higher Achievement Program,” said Tenney.

The other 2024 HAP Awards:

Jim Lilley Sportsmanship Award

(student who best shows respect for his opponent and graciousness in winning and losing)

Joe Goodly of Derby and Nichols School (Xavier University and the Jogues House).

Pedro Arrupe Award for Service

(student who conducts himself as a true Man for Others)

Hayden Gutzman of Cheektowaga and St. Gregory the Great School (Creighton University and Campion House).

Spirit of HAP Award

(student who other students look up to and is a great Man for Others to not just his homeroom, but his housemates)

Will Malchoff of Hamburg (Gonzaga University and Arrupe House).

Academic Awards (listed by homeroom)

Canisius University

Math: Danny Burke of East Aurora and Immaculate Conception School

English: Charlie Healy of West Seneca

Reading: Will Gibbons of Buffalo and City Honors

Creighton University

Math: George Rudzinski of Buffalo and St. Mark School

English: Hayden Gutzman of Cheektowaga and St. Gregory the Great School

Reading: Vincent Ladori of Buffalo and City Honors

Fairfield University

Math: Connor Dickerson of Williamsville and St. Gregory the Great School

English: Ryan Bridge of Kenmore and St. Mark School

Reading: Sulaiman Abdulhalim of Buffalo and Elmwood Village Charter

Fordham University

Math: Luke Collard of Amherst and St. Benedict School

English: Drew Peer of East Amherst and St. Gregory the Great School

Reading: Kemene Suteh of Buffalo and Nardin Academy

Georgetown University

Math: Alex Emblidge of Buffalo and St. Mark School

English: Parker Stafford of Clarence and Nichols School

Reading: Ben Davis of West Seneca and Queen of Heaven School

Gonzaga University

Math: Joey Gorino of Buffalo and St. Mark School

English: Will Malchoff of Hamburg

Reading: Charlie Cannon of Orchard Park and Nativity of Our Lord School

Loyola University

Math: Declan DiNunzio of East Amherst and Casey Middle School

English: Gavin Pepper of Williamsville and Clarence Middle School

Reading: Leo Schult of Buffalo and St. Benedict School

St. Peter’s College

Math: Myles Todtenhagen of Buffalo and St. Mark School

English: Liam Walters of Buffalo and St. Amelia School

Reading: Easton Hepper of Buffalo and St. Benedict School

Xavier University

Math: Dennis Lesniak of Buffalo and St. Benedict School

English: Henry Drab of Cassadaga and Nichols School

Reading: Nico Violante of Williamsville and St. Gregory the Great School

Overall HAP Athletic Champions: Canisius University Golden Griffins, led by teacher Nick Paterson.

Canisius University homeroom team members: Danny Burke of East Aurora and Immaculate Conception School, Ryan Danison of Williamsville and St. Gregory the Great School, Will Gibbons of Buffalo and City Honors, Antony Giel of Buffalo and NativityMiguel St. Augustine, Charlie Healy of West Seneca, Justin Houze of Buffalo and Nichols School, Lincoln Jacobs of Buffalo and Nardin Academy, Cameron Johnson of Buffalo and St. Joseph’s University School, Charlie Lucas of East Amherst and Clarence Middle School, Cooper Marks of Orchard Park, Joseph Maxwellhappy of Amherst and St. Benedict School, John Paul of Buffalo and Catholic Academy of West Buffalo, John Raught of Orchard Park and Aurora Waldorf School, Paul Rubino of Buffalo and St. Mark School.

HAP Athletic Team Champions

Basketball: Fairfield Stags

Football: Georgetown Hoyas

Handball: Canisius Golden Griffins

Soccer: Canisius Golden Griffins

Athletic Most Valuable Player Awards

Basketball: Nathan Wodaje of Buffalo and Notre Dame Academy (Gonzaga University)

Football: Emerson Manley of Buffalo and Nardin Academy (Georgetown University)

Handball: Charlie Healy of West Seneca (Canisius University)

Soccer: John Paul of Buffalo and Catholic Academy of West Buffalo (Canisius University)

Students can still be a part of our Best. Summer. Ever program, as there are limited spots remaining in our sports camps and workshops, which continue through mid-August. Check out the lineup at canisiushigh.org/bestsummerever

Students and families interested in the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – rated as Buffalo’s “Best Catholic School” in Business First and named “Best Private School” in The Buffalo News Best in 716 issue – can learn more at canisiushigh.org and by scheduling an on-campus experience at canisiushigh.org/visit

And be sure to save the date: Our Open House will be held Sun. Oct. 6 and Mon. Oct. 7.

This place is special. Let us show you why.

#AMDG #GoCrusaders #PursueExcellence