Academics
Brophy’s 76th Commencement:
A Celebration of Resilience and Connection
On May 18, proud families, friends and faculty gathered in Robson Gymnasium as Brophy College Preparatory celebrated its 76th commencement. This year’s graduation was particularly momentous as it marked the end of an extraordinary journey for the Class of 2024—the first and only class to begin their Brophy career at the height of the pandemic.
The pandemic presented unprecedented challenges, and much has been said about the deficits in social connection during these times. However, the Class of 2024 defied this narrative, demonstrating connection, compassion and love for one another. Their journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, was not lost on anyone present.
The Class of 2024’s ability to overcome the isolation and uncertainty of starting high school online showcased their determination and strength as they found innovative ways to build community and support each other.
As the ceremony progressed, valedictorian Doer Leo He took the stage to deliver a memorable speech. Drawing an insightful comparison to the beloved movie “Finding Nemo,” He spoke about the challenges and triumphs of their time at Brophy. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, encapsulated in the movie’s iconic phrase, “Just keep swimming,” encouraging his classmates to continue moving forward regardless of obstacles.
President Bob Ryan addressed the graduates, offering words of wisdom and encouragement. He reminded them that in the world we live in today, filled with both cynicism and hope, the young men of Brophy, armed with a Jesuit education, must reject cynicism. He urged them to be beacons of hope and agents of positive change in society.
Principal Jim Bopp expressed his confidence that they will go on to achieve great things. Bopp recounted specific instances where the students displayed exceptional leadership and compassion, reinforcing his belief that their future endeavors will undoubtedly leave a positive mark on the world.
As the ceremony concluded, there was a palpable sense of pride and accomplishment in the air. The Class of 2024 had not only survived but thrived in the face of adversity. Their journey was a powerful narrative of the unbreakable bonds of friendship and brotherhood.
Photos: Allison Johnson
Fast Facts: Class of 2024
Number of Graduates:
Colleges and Universities Accepted to:
Valedictorian:
Doer Leo He
Salutatorian:
Race Joseph Bates
Academy Appointments:
(3 to the United States Air Force Academy; 1 to the United States Naval Academy)
National Merit Finalists:
A Friend Loves at All Times, and
a Brother is Born for Adversity
“We did not make it this far to be sucked back into the current: to give up on challenging ourselves in all aspects of our lives, to let opportunities at reaching our full, God-invited potential pass us by, to ignore the needs of others and lie down as injustice fills our world, and to stop hoping, persevering and loving. I acknowledge that this is hard, and as humans, we’ll inevitably slip, stumble and be carried away at times. But if the last four years of our lives have a lesson to offer, it’s this: that anything deemed impossible is only so if you never try, never persevere and keep only to yourself."
“And so that’s what I want to talk about today — the art of showing up and just trying. I know it sounds daunting — impossible even — to go “all-in” in everything that you do in life. I am not saying that you will succeed, because I fail and I falter every day. But I try. And when I fall, I wake up again the next day and try all over again. Because if there is one thing that Brophy has taught me, anything in life worth doing, is worth overdoing. Moderation is for cowards."
“I love you, let me tell you what I mean by that. I don’t mean it in some fake, warm and fuzzy, sentimental kind of way. I’m not saying it just to be nice or to look good, or to get you to like me. What I mean at the very least, is I only want what is good for you. And at the very most I mean I will give myself, my stuff, my time, my attention, my life for your good. I don’t care how I feel or how I look or what I’m getting out of it, or if I feel like it or not, I love you. ‘Love doesn’t pick and choose who to love, just like the sun doesn’t pick and choose who to shine on, it just shines.’ To my Seniors, as you are leaving Brophy and leaving home, take with you the love you were shown here, and shine.”
“The motto of the Class of 2024 — ‘A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity’ — comes from a section of the Book of Proverbs that focuses on living wisely in the midst of life’s uncertainties and shifting fortunes. There can be no more fitting embodiment of this class’ spirit than these words traditionally ascribed to King Solomon. While their friendships formed early, their love came out most when times got tough. The adversities they faced — both together as a community and each in his own personal life — transformed these childlike friends into something more: They became brothers. Through triumphs and tragedies, they came together, supported one another, and developed a sense of mutual support that gave a feeling of family to their day-to-day Brophy experience.”
