Class of '26 Finds a New Perspective

“It is perspective that allows us to pause and see the bigger picture. Over the years, we have watched you transform—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. As a young freshman, it might have been difficult for you to imagine what was yet to come, what you were capable of. But not for us. Not for the people surrounding you today. And even today, we know that there is still so much more for you to see, to do and accomplish.”

Ms. Grace Morris, Associate Director of School Counseling and the faculty speaker for the Class of 2026, offered Prep’s newest graduates some insight on the power of perspective. What might have taken the graduates four years to discover and develop within themselves, the adults of the Prep community had seen in the making all along. And now, here, white jackets resplendent in the sunshine of Keenan Field, was the proof: 217 young men, Prep men, who had once walked into the halls of Grand & Warren as boys.

Ms. Morris highlighted integrity, community, curiosity, and belief as four key guiding principles for life beyond Prep, and encouraged the class to remember some essential Jesuit ideals wherever life may lead them. “Cura personalis guides you to care for the unique individuals you encounter,” she said. “Magis challenges you towards a continuous pursuit of self-improvement.
The ideal of Seeing God in all things reminds you that each and every one of you is loved and beautiful, to look beyond what is in front of you, and to pause and see God’s love and beauty all around you. And being men for and with others encourages you to seek gratitude and fulfillment beyond personal gain; to serve, speak and stand up for those who can’t.”

She added, “When you look back on these years, I hope you realize that this school, St. Peter’s Prep, gave you more than an excellent education. I hope you appreciate the perspective it has given you to understand that your worth is not defined by accomplishments, that compassion is strength, and that your legacy of being a good person is far more important than simply pretending to be one.”

Aiden Ahn, ’26, the Penn-bound student speaker for the Class of 2026, also reflected on a change in perspective as he encouraged his classmates to think, perhaps just one more time, about the student ID cards they have carried through their Prep journeys.

“Like Peter’s keys to the kingdom, we use these IDs to open the doors of somewhere sacred,” he said. “That’s what makes them more than just tools. They represent something deeper: the balance between zeal and accountability that our school’s namesake, Peter, had to carry. The same balance Dr. Gomez calls ‘“’fierce love and radical humility,’ the ability to simultaneously live with both conviction and modesty, everywhere we go.”

Later, Aiden called attention to a detail on the cards that might go overlooked.

“For the guys who have your IDs, I want you to pull them out. Enjoy the last time you will probably be told to use it,” he said. “And now, look at the back. It simply reads: ‘If found, please return to Saint Peter’s Prep, 144 Grand Street.’ A sentence so clear that it’s almost easy to ignore. But it perfectly represents…radical humility. Like a lost card waiting to be brought back to Mr. Morris’ office, it’s a reminder that even when we feel lost, we still have somewhere to return. A reminder that if our fierce love turns into overzealousness, we have something to keep it in check, to ‘“’take us back to home base.'”

The cards’ practical utility as a means of opening the doors on campus might be at an end, but something more essential would live on, as these young men who were Prep students for four years would now be Prep alumni forever.

The daily work that shapes lives forever is, of course, what any graduation celebrates. But with the imminent retirement of Coach Rich Hansen, P’03,’09 as Prep’s athletic director, two moments of tribute underscored the point.

The first came during the presentation of named awards to outstanding graduates, when the inaugural Rich & Elisse Hansen, P’03,’09 Award was presented to Richie Rosa. This new annual award will celebrate students who model a grounded toughness only to be surpassed by loyalty to Prep. As Prep Principal Chris Caulfield, ’03 explained during the presentation, “This award is presented in honor of our legendary athletic director, Coach Rich Hansen, who for 44 years has been matched in these qualities only by his wife Elisse.”

The second was the presentation of a new award to Coach Hansen himself. Dr. Gomez introduced the Sword of Saint Ignatius, an honor that “recognizes a rare kind of devotion to the mission of Saint Peter’s Prep. It is presented to an individual whose influence has shaped the spirit, character, and future of our community through decades of tireless leadership and faithful service.” Dr. Gomez added: “This honor is inspired by the moment when Saint Ignatius of Loyola laid down his sword before the blessed virgin Mary at Montserrat, surrendering self interest in service to something greater than himself: serving God and others.”

“This award honors a person who, in his own way, has done the same for Saint Peter’s Prep,” Dr. Gomez continued. “This person has not only lived the Magis but brought out the Magis in others throughout his life…he has carried the mission with loyalty, courage, love, and with quiet sacrifices that have changed the lives of generations of young men.”