West Point-bound Evan Galvin '24 and National Merit Scholarship winner Vincent Misterkiewicz '24 were among scores honored at our annual Senior Awards Ceremony in Scaccia Auditorium Tuesday morning. 

Galvin was one of about 1,200 students accepted to the United States Military Academy from an applicant pool of over 15,000.

"Evan is a great example of young Americans were seeking," said Randy Garver, Field Force Lead and President of the West Point Society of Western New York. "He's at the top of his peer group in academics, leadership and athletics. 

"Upon graduation, Evan will be commissioned as an active duty officer in the United States Army. He's be entrusted with the responsibility of leading our sons and daughters around the world in combat, and training and at home. I think in these trying times, it's really important that we pause and consider the magnitude of this responsibility and the challenge that Evan is stepping up to."

Misterkiewicz earned the distinction of being among an exclusive group of scholars.

The National Merit Scholarship Program honors 16,000 students who are among the top 1% of test takers in the country as semifinalists. Of those, 15,000 advance to become finalists, and Misterkiewicz was among the 8,000 selected as National Merit Scholarship winners. 

The ceremony honored scores of members of the Class of 2024, which collectively has earned an estimated $20 million in college scholarships and grants.  

Students earning awards and school-wide recognition for a wide range of activities and achievements were honored before their parents and schoolmates. The event began with a prayer by Rowan McNeil ’24 and concluded with Patrick Sullivan '24 being named Mr. Canisius 2024.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

* The National Merit Scholarship Program's annual academic competition also names National Merit Scholarship Commended Students for those whose performance is among the 34,000 which are among the top 3% of PSAT test takers. Matthew Hassenfratz, Alexander Pusateri and Ryan Stravino were honored for being named Commended Students.  

* Robel Eyassu was selected for the National African-American Recognition Program of the College Board after scoring in the top 10% of the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

* Members of the Pfalzgraf family –David Pfalzgraf Jr. and Robin Marti – presented the 2023 Brendan C. Pfalzgraf Scholarship to Kevin Cosgrove. 

Brendan C. Pfalzgraf ’92 graduated from Canisius High School and attended Fordham University. His scholarship was established by his family and friends to assist a Canisius High School senior with tuition at Fordham.

The scholarship recognizes and remembers the life of a special young man filled with life, love and laughter, and encourages continued education in the Jesuit tradition.  The fund is intended to be a lasting memorial of Brendan’s academic promise, love of learning and enthusiasm for life. 

SPECIAL AWARDS

* The Student-Athlete of the Year Award was presented by Athletics Director Jim Mauro to three-sport standout Henry Richards, who excelled in soccer, hockey and also was an All-Catholic doubles champion in tennis.

* Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Chuck Frederico, S.J., recognized the 2023-2024 Kairos Retreat Rectors.

"These four young men guided the juniors in their spiritual journey of Kairos for three days and helped them understand God, Self and Others through their outstanding example and leadership. May this icon of St. Peter Canisius always remind you of the inspiration of this place and what it means to Live the Fourth."

Honored were Evan Galvin, Mark MacDonald, Ryan Seereiter and Ryan Stravino.

* Magis Awards: “Magis” is a Latin word meaning “More.” Central to Ignatian spirituality and Jesuit education, Magis is a call to realize the full potential of one’s vocation. The Magis Award is given by each academic department to a student who displays a true passion and love for that area of study.

The Magis Award for English was presented by Mrs. Sarah Beckwith to Liam Ainslie.

Mr. Kevin Durkin presented two Magis Awards for the fine arts: To Frank Wiedemer for art and to Ryan Stravino for music.

Ms. Angela Cascia presented three Magis Awards for foreign language: To Samuel Mann for French; to William Prendergast for Latin and to Paul Murdie for Spanish.

The Magis Award for history was presented by Mr. Sam Rizzo to Vincent Misterkiewicz.

The Magis Award for mathematics was presented by Mr. Steve Pecori to Matthew Hassenfratz.

The Magis Award for physical education was presented by Mr. Sam Belsito to Petros Kollidas.

The Magis Award for religious studies was presented by Ms. Andrea Tyrpak-Endres to Luca D’Angelo.

The Magis Award for science was presented by Mr. Steve Wanzer to Henry Richards.

* The 2024 Tyrpak Cup was presented by House System founder and former principal Andrea Tyrpak-Endres to Jogues House, represented by Mr. Steve Wanzer, Prefect Max Martineck and Assistant Prefect Josh Hemmerling.

The Tyrpak House Cup is awarded in recognition of a year-long team effort that plays out across the rich and varied scope of student life at Canisius High School. One earns points for his House through investment in the academic, athletic, spiritual, and service components of the Canisius experience – as well as through engagement in House-sponsored games and other special events. 

While the Cup is presented annually to the House that has earned the most points, it is more than a trophy. The Cup represents the spirit of camaraderie, collaboration, friendly rivalry, and healthy competition that binds Arrupe, Campion, Gonzaga, Jogues, Loyola, and Xavier Houses together as one, unified Canisius High School community striving for excellence in the service of our shared mission. 

SENIOR AWARDS

Mrs. Ann Marie Moscovic of the Guidance and Counseling Department presented the Senior Awards and Activity Awards.

* The Erie-Niagara Scholastic Achievement Award was developed in 1981 through a school-business partnership. Its purpose is to spotlight outstanding students and promote the importance of academic proficiency to our communities. The top three graduating seniors at the time of the nomination are recognized and receive a specially commissioned crystal bison for their academic success, honors, and activities: Vincent Misterkiewicz, Alexander Pusateri and Henry Richards

* The Independent Health and Business First Community All- Stars Award recognizes a student who has made a positive difference in the lives of people here at school and in the community. These students were featured in a special publication of Business First on May 17. 

Colby Cihak was selected as a Community Service All-Star.

Petros Kollidas was selected as a Wellness All-Star.

Kellen Palmer was selected as a Diversity & Inclusion All-Star.

* The New York State Comptroller recognizes exemplary students for their academic and civic achievements and their potential for leadership.

This year the award is presented to: Peter Cross, Benjamin Czora, Anthony Lana, Aiden Opferbeck, Ryan Seereiter and Stephen Sorrels.

* The New York State Education Department’s Scholarships for Academic Excellence are awarded to seniors who have earned high academic achievement and plan to continue their college education in the state of New York. If funds are appropriated by the legislature, these students will receive scholarships valued from $500 to $1,500. 

This year’s recipients: Benjamin Czora and Vincent Misterkiewicz.

* The New York State Attorney General’s “Triple C” Award recognizes seniors at each New York State high school who exemplify, to the highest degree, the qualities of character, courage and commitment.

This year’s honorees: Simon Gates, Rowan McNeil and Vincent Zimmerman.

* The Nicholas H. Kessler Award for Excellence in Classics is given each year to honor the graduating senior who has maintained the highest cumulative average in Latin. It is given in memory of Nicholas Kessler, a member of the class of 1928 and longtime teacher of the Classics at Canisius.

This year’s winner is Robel Eyassu.

* The University at Buffalo Gifted Math Program is a prestigious program that students enter in seventh grade and proceed through an accelerated and rigorous course of study of high school and college level mathematics. Students dedicate two evenings per week to these classes on the UB campus over the six years of the program. Congratulations to Kevin Li for successfully completing this program.

* Since 1984, $145 million has been awarded through the Wegmans Scholarship program to more than 46,000 employees based on work performance and a scholarship competition. Each scholarship recipient receives up to $8,000 over the four years of their college education. In recognition of his excellence both at work and at school, Wegmans is proud to recognize Alexander Pordum as a 2024 Wegmans Scholar.

ACTIVITY AWARDS 

Extracurricular life at Canisius High School is an essential component of students’ overall educational experience. Through the diverse range of clubs and activities offered, Canisius High School students pursue their passions with faculty mentors and peers who become lifelong friends. 

Recipients of our club awards have demonstrated commitment to the mission of their club, have regularly attended meetings, coordinated events or projects, and selflessly contributed to service to our school as well as the Western New York community. 

Mr. Sam Rizzo honored Michael Masci with the American Civil War History Club Award.

Mr. Bryce Hopkins honored Lucas Dembski, Mark MacDonald, Rowan McNeil and Edward Quinn with the Arena Yearbook Award.

Ms. Sarah Lewalski honored Frank Wiedemer with the Art Club Award.

Mr. Bryce Hopkins honored Charlie Graber and Ryan Seereiter with the Blue Crew Award.

Ms. Joni Schaller honored Kellen Palmer with the Black Student Union Award.

Mr. Keith McShea honored Lucas Dembski with the Digital Media Club Award.

Ms. Joni Schaller honored Max Martineck with the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Club Award.

Mr. David Hayes honored Blaine Benson with the Drama Guild Award.

Mrs. Melissa Langworthy honored Luca D’Angelo, Peter Kooshoian, Brett McDowell and Christopher Seebali with the Euchre Club Award.

Ms. Jennifer Johnson honored Austin Jones and Ryan Stravino with the Jazz Ensemble Award.

Mrs. Denise Keating and Mrs. Annette Sugg honored Anthony Lana with the Medical Club Award.

Mr. Bryce Hopkins honored Max Burget, Evan Galvin, Teddy Hibbard and Stephen Sorrels with the Mock Trial award.

Ms. Karen Nicosia and Ms. Emily Friol honored Brett McDowell and Vincent Misterkiewicz with the Robotics Award.