BCP Graduation

On Thursday, June 1, Benedictine College Preparatory celebrated its 111th Commencement honoring the Class of 2023. Prior to the ceremonial spinning of the plate, attendees and graduates alike heard motivational speeches from the valedictorian, Benjamin Marks, salutatorian, Hector Cibes-Lee, and commencement speaker, Gary Piacentini ’73. 

From a class of 62 Cadets, that group has produced two students who will matriculate to the United States Military Academy at West Point this summer, as well as six students who have earned R.O.T.C. scholarships to fund their college pursuits. These 62 extraordinary Cadets have earned acceptances at numerous prestigious colleges and universities, including Notre Dame, the University of Virginia, William & Mary, Boston College, and Wake Forest...to name but a few. In addition, the class has a record number of graduates (16) attending the Virginia Military Institute.

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

Speech Excerpt from Head of School Del Smith '01

• I want to tell you that your love and appreciation for Benedictine will grow and get stronger over time. You're going to start to realize this when you go to college. Others students won’t talk about their alma mater the way you do Benedictine. They won’t have that same pride in their high school as you...Cadets do!
• When you start your careers and become young professionals, your colleagues won't return to their alma mater for the BCCC, the Boxing Smoker, and homecoming games...Cadets do!
• And soon thereafter, you're going to start getting calls from me to give back to Benedictine in both your time and treasure, and you will...because Cadets do!
• When you get engaged and start to think about the men you want to be in your wedding party, don’t be surprised when men in this room remain your closest friends and come to mind first...because Cadets do!
• When you have children and start to think about the environment and educational experience you want for your daughters and sons, your peers won’t seek their alma mater...but Cadets do!
• In 50 years, when you are spread out all over the globe and get the call to return to Benedictine for the 163rd Commencement ceremony, you will return, and one of you will address the Class of 2073 and share your life experiences...because Cadets do!
• And in 80 years, when you go to heaven. Someone from your family is going to reach out to Benedictine to help celebrate your life because of the passion that you have shown for Benedictine over a lifetime. And make no mistake about it, the Schola, the Color Guard, or somebody from the pipe and drum band will show up...because that’s what Cadets do… And that’s what you’ve done for the last four years.
• So, congratulations men. And welcome to the coolest fraternity on the planet. A fraternity of Cadets!