This is Benedict’s. This is Why We Give.

Gray Bees were in the spotlight — literally — at the 2025 Annual Scholarship Gala on May 14. By candidly sharing their challenges, hopes and accomplishments, these student stories underscore the importance of giving to St. Benedict’s Prep and its mission to accompany kids to be their best possible selves. 

Seen. Heard. Loved. 

Student speaker Wilson Beledo ’25 openly shared his personal experience with loss. In the effort to suppress emotions surrounding the death of a family member who was important to him, Wilson became depressed and disengaged from school. Here is an excerpt from his address: 

“I had absolutely no hope. But when I had no hope, that hope came looking for me. The hope came in the shape of students who showed an interest in me as if I were part of their family. And the hope came from counselors like Mr. De Lorenzi, and of course, Fr. Ed, who actually called me on my phone out of nowhere to support me when I felt that I was alone. And when I disappeared from the School, Dr. Lamourt and Mr. Rowe came to my house to check on me.

Through all of this interest that was shown to me, I felt rather undeserving of it. But each time I put myself down, I was reminded by everyone in the School community that I was in fact, worthy of the time, care and interest that was being given to me every day. One of the biggest things that I remember about being at St. Benedict’s was the feeling of being seen and heard in a way I have not felt before. That world of isolation, cynicism and death that I had created and forced myself to live with in my head started to fade away. I was part of something greater than myself. I was part of a community. That feeling of brotherhood and belonging to a community that showed me they cared about me was all I could ask for to help me heal. And it was at this place where I was shown that, despite wherever we may be, whatever we look like and any of the experiences that we’ve been through, inside of each and every one of us lies a desire to be seen, heard and most importantly, to be loved. It was here in the middle of the city, which to many is riddled with problems, that I realized that my value of simply being a human being meant that I mattered. This is the place that didn’t give up on me when I’d given up on myself. This is St. Benedict’s.”

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“St. Benedict’s taught me that while you don’t always get what you want, you’ll get what you need. I followed in the footsteps of my dad and uncles who graduated from Benedict’s and, looking back, I understand that I was meant to be here. Giving back to the community is what we are all about. Through Benedict’s I started training Seeing Eye dogs.

In the future, I hope to give back to my community by becoming a State Trooper and continuing to train service dogs.”

— Jonathan Martinez ’25, Senior Group Leader, Boys Prep Division

 

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“St. Benedict’s gives its students hope and allows us to dream big. I now understand that sometimes we are given opportunities in support, but we must also learn how to do for ourselves to truly be successful. After graduation, I will be attending Temple University. I hope to become a sports medicine doctor and work for my dream team, the Philadelphia Eagles.”

— Benay Nwajei ’25, Senior Group Leader, Girls Prep Division

 

 

 

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“Developing through my journey at St. Benedict’s was a challenge for me personally because of what I dealt with. But the counselors at the Grossman Family Counseling Center taught me the importance of having compassion for those around you and facing what’s in your heart.

I hope to give back to this community because without my Benedict’s brothers and sisters, I would not have developed into the young man that I am today. Through the community support, I was able to always reach new heights academically and personally.”

— Rakshan Raveendran ’25, QuestBridge Scholar attending
The College of Holy Cross

 

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“Having spent time in foster care, I see Benedict’s not just as a shelter but as a true refuge, a place that finally feels like home. We watch out for our brothers and sisters because that’s the only way that a community can truly thrive. The doors are always open, and we know that this is a haven for kids like me. In the future, I hope to give back by becoming a criminal justice lawyer.”

— Sirron Norris ’26