Celebrating the Giants of our Benedict’s Community

“Standing on the shoulders of giants,” was the recurring theme of the 2024 Annual Scholarship Gala that honored The Allen Brothers (Thomas J. Allen ’49 posthumously and John Allen ’54), The Charles Hayden Foundation, Thomas J. Kilkenny ’61 and Paul A. Lobo, Ph.D. ’46 (posthumously), on April 16 at Nanina’s in the Park. 

The Gala began with a stirring rendition of RENT’s “Seasons of Love” by the Gray Bee Choir. Student emcees Isabel Rosa ’24 and Adrian Rodriquez ’25 ran the event like pros, introducing the honorees and their acceptance videos that presented a cumulative portrait of dedication and love to St. Benedict’s Prep. Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy, O.S.B. ’63 presented the Medal of Benedict’s, the School’s highest honor, to the honorees and family members accepting on their behalf. 

While alumni and friends celebrated longstanding giants in the St. Benedict’s community, they also met a few giants in the making. Student speaker Noah Rega ’24 shared his personal journey from a struggling UDI, who was interested in the U.S. Naval Academy but didn’t have the qualifying GPA to attend an information session with the service academy. “‘No’ can be exactly what you have to hear in order to grow,” he recounted. “That rejection is what motivated me to apply myself and work harder.” 

Noah sought help from faculty and counselors, attained a student leadership post, became Senior Group Leader and persisted until he obtained a Congressional nomination and ultimate acceptance to the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, an announcement met by thunderous applause. After acknowledging his mom and the many members of the Benedict’s community who supported him since seventh grade, Noah concluded his remarks on a philosophical note. “Something I live by and that is trusting God, because with Him you are never alone in the daily battles of life.” 

The Annual Scholarship Gala brings the extended Benedict’s community together to support financial assistance for 85% of Middle and Prep Division students. The Presenting Sponsor of this year’s Gala was the Fournier Family Foundation.