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Photo by Ann Alsfeld. Pictured (L to R) are Head of School Dr. Jacob Conca, salutatorian Daniel Parent, valedictorian Cameron Peterson, and Principal Dr. Michael Nicholson.
5-22-2026 10:25pm
Xaverian High School Celebrates Class of 2026 Commencement in Westwood
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Thanks to Xaverian Brothers High School for contributing this article to Westwood Minute.
On Saturday, May 16 in Westwood, Xaverian Brothers High School celebrated the commencement of its 60th graduating class, the Class of 2026, with Head of School Dr. Jacob Conca and Principal Dr. Michael Nicholson conferring diplomas to 190 graduates who have enrolled in 87 different colleges and universities in Massachusetts and across the country.
This graduating class had a foundational presence in Xaverian’s Hawk News Club, helped lead the school to a golf state championship and to a third consecutive football state championship, volunteered at more than 70 local service agencies, and includes seven National Merit Commended students.
Photo by Heather Scripter. Members of the Class of 2026 gathered together post-commencement to toss their caps on Xaverian’s varsity field.Valedictorian Cameron Peterson
Cameron Peterson, son of Mr. Scot Peterson and Mrs. Meaghan Peterson of Mansfield, is the Class of 2026 valedictorian. A National Merit Commended scholar, Cameron is a member of both the Rocco Zoppo and Spanish chapters of the National Honor Society. He earned Ryken Honors, the highest level of academic honor, throughout his Xaverian career and has distinguished himself through exceptional leadership, scholarship, and service.
A four-year varsity tennis player and two-year captain, Cameron was twice named team MVP and earned Catholic Conference All-Star honors in two seasons. Beyond athletics, he has been an active and dedicated member of Student Council, Young Men 4 Change, Communications Corps, and Yearbook throughout his time at Xaverian. During his junior year, he founded Pillars of Faith Fellowship, further demonstrating his commitment to faith and community leadership.
Cameron has received Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X. ’70 Awards for discipleship, work ethic, and humility, as well as the Communications Corps Award, Young Men 4 Change Award, Chapel Morning Prayer Award, and Harvard Book Award. He will attend Yale University in the fall.
Salutatorian and Xaverian Award Recipient Daniel Parent
Xaverian’s Class of 2026 salutatorian is Daniel Parent, son of Mr. Keith Parent and Mrs. Lori Parent of Waltham. During commencement, it was also announced that Daniel is this year’s Xaverian Award recipient, the highest honor bestowed upon a Xaverian student. Determined through nominations from the graduating class in collaboration with faculty and staff, the award recognizes a student who exemplifies the Xaverian values of humility, trust, simplicity, compassion, and zeal. The recipient is kept secret until the graduation ceremony.
Photo by Heather Scripter. Pictured here is Salutatorian and Xaverian Award Winner, Daniel Parent of Waltham.A member of the Rocco Zoppo chapter of the National Honor Society, Daniel distinguished himself academically and personally throughout his time at Xaverian. He earned Ryken Honors every quarter from grades 7 - 12, was a three-time Student of the Year award recipient, and received four Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X. ’70 Awards recognizing his kindness, work ethic, and generosity.
An accomplished and dedicated student athlete, Daniel participated in indoor track and field and soccer for two seasons each and devoted four years to ultimate disc. He earned the JV MVP Award and received the varsity Coaches Award twice during his high school career.
Daniel was deeply involved in Xaverian’s campus ministry and extracurricular programs. He participated in retreats, peer ministry, and service programs, and was selected to attend the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS) retreat. In addition, he contributed his talents and leadership to Hawk News, Computer Science Club, Hawk Robotics, Cooking Club, Car Club, and Jazz Band. Among his many honors, Daniel received the Yale Book Award and the Campus Ministry Award. He will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.
When asked to describe Daniel, Dr. Conca shared:
“Daniel is a dedicated academician who never wavers in his commitment to his fellow students. He is always willing to lend a hand, always willing to be a positive force, and someone who enhances every space and every person around him. Notre Dame is a tremendous fit for him, and we are incredibly proud of all he has accomplished at Xaverian.”
In his reflection to the Class of 2026, Dr. Conca spoke about what he hopes for every Xaverian graduate: a life grounded in a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Reflecting on the traditions and values that define a Xaverian education, he encouraged students to pursue lives of purpose, compassion, and faith, reminding them that no matter where they are in their spiritual journey, they are loved by God and never alone. He also shared a lesson on prayer that has stayed with him over the years: “Don’t pray to be blessed,” he said. “Pray to be a blessing.”
Members of Xaverian Class of 2026 - Westwood Area Residents
Westwood
- Antonio V. Ciampa, son of Mr. Tony G. Ciampa '93 and Ms. Annmarie Ciampa
- Antonio will attend Bryant University
- Jake M. Fraga, son of Mr. Louis M. Fraga (Dedham) and Ms. Maria S. Petrucci
- Jake will attend Fairfield University
- Daniel D. Gentile, son of Mr. Douglas Gentile and Mrs. Amy Gentile
- Danny will attend Boston College
- Páraic S. Kelly, son of Ms. Elaine Kelly and the late Mr. Paul Kelly
- Páraic will attend Northeastern University
- Mattheu Lowney, son of Dr. Michael P. Lowney '00 and Mrs. Ammy Lowney
- Mattheu will attend DePaul University
- Mason Mills, son of Mr. Jeffrey M. Mills '91 and Mrs. Nina Mills
- Mason will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Canton
- Julian B. Aoun, son of Mrs. Erica R. Aoun
- Julian will attend Fairfield University
- Benjamin H. Burke, son of Mr. Martin Burke and Mrs. Liana Burke
- Ben will attend Fairfield University
- Owen M. Burke, son of Mr. Martin Burke and Mrs. Liana Burke
- Owen will attend Bentley University
- Andrew Elkhoury, son of Mr. Nabil Elkhoury and Mrs. Cathy Elkhoury
- Andrew will attend Northeastern University
- Gavin R. Hynes, son of Mr. Bryan R. Hynes and Mrs. Christine A. Hynes
- Gavin will attend Texas Christian University
- Andrew J. McGinty, son of Mr. Matt McGinty and Mrs. Stefanie McGinty
- AJ will attend Stonehill College
- Jayden Nguyen, son of Mr. Tri Nguyen and Mrs. Thuy Nguyen
- Jayden will attend Northeastern University
- Tyler T. Nguyen, son of Mr. Leon L. Nguyen and Ms. Kachen T. Nguyen
- Tyler will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Cody D. Pratt, son of Mr. Michael D. Pratt and Mrs. Lisa M. Pratt
- Cody will attend Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Dedham
- William P. Connelly, son of Mr. Brendan J. Connelly (Norwood) and Ms. Kelly R. Connelly
- Will plans to attend Fairfield University
- Fotios M. Condakes, son of Mr. Michael J. Condakes and Mrs. Madelan Condakes
- Frankie will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Joseph G. Fasullo, son of Mr. Brett P. Fasullo and Ms. Julie B. Ross
- Joe will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Jake M. Fraga, son of Mr. Louis M. Fraga and Ms. Maria S. Petrucci (Westwood)
- Jake will attend Fairfield University
- Cameron G. Hill, son of Mr. Patrick D. Hill '97 and Mrs. Michelle Hill
- Cam will attend Fairfield University
- Shadrach A. Maltiby, son of Dr. Francis A. Maltiby and Mrs. Janet-Ann A. Maltiby
- Shadrach will attend Colby College
- Sean Teahan son, of Mr. Daniel Teahan and Mrs. Amy Teahan
- Sean will attend Purdue University
- Brendan Wieher, son of Ms. Eileen P. A'Hearn and the late David W. Wieher
- Brendan will attend University of Massachusetts Amherst
Dover
- Harry Corrigan, son of Mr. Patrick Corrigan and Mrs. Karina Corrigan
- Harry will attend Fairfield University
- Burke I. McEwen, son of Mr. Keith C. McEwen and Mrs. Joely S. McEwen
- Burke will attend Miami University-Oxford
Medfield
- Nicholas Caruso, son of Mr. Thomas G. Caruso and Mrs. Jennifer Caruso
- Nick will pursue a career in the electrical trade through Local 103.
- Mark Ehrenzeller, son of Mr. Mark W. Ehrenzeller and Mrs. MaryJane Ehrenzeller
- Mark will attend the United States Naval Academy
- Brendan Sullivan, son of Mr. Richard G. Sullivan and Mrs. Jennifer Sullivan
- Brendan will attend Florida State University
- Grant Sullivan, son of Mr. Richard G. Sullivan and Mrs. Jennifer Sullivan
- Grant will attend Auburn University
Needham
- Owen J. Adams, son of Mr. Brian Adams and Mrs. Kristen M. Adams
- Owen will attend the College of the Holy Cross
- Harrison J. DeFeo, son of Mr. James DeFeo and Dr. AnnaMarie DeFeo
- Harry will attend Indiana University
- Dominic Funke, son of Mr. Jerod F. Funke and Mrs. Gabrielle O. Funke
- Dominic attends Boston College
- Andrew Kochenbach, son of Mr. Christopher Kochenbach and Mrs. Margaret M. Kochenbach
- Drew will attend Bentley University
- James J. Kouvlis, son of Mrs. Andrea J. DePasquale
- James will attend Northeastern University
- Maxim S. Melnik, son of Mr. Sergey Melnik and Mrs. Tatyana Melnik
- Max will attend Salve Regina University
- Davis K. Young, son of Mr. Kevin Young and Mrs. Julie Young
- Davis will attend Clemson University
Norwood
- Rodrigo W. Aranguena, son of Mr. Walter Aranguena and Mrs. Delia N. Vildoso
- Rodrigo will attend Bentley University
- David M. Carreiro, son of Mr. David Carreiro and Mrs. Nora Carreiro
- David will attend Bentley University
- William P. Connelly, son of Mr. Brendan J. Connelly and Ms. Kelly R. Connelly (Dedham)
- Will will attend Fairfield University
- Patrick T. Curley, son of Mr. Paul Curley and Mrs. Mary C. Curley
- Patrick will attend Virginia Tech
- Joseph Halabi, son of Mr. Joseph Halabi and Mrs. Marina Halabi
- Joey will attend Stonehill College
- Liam Hughes, son of Mr. Michael G. Hughes '85 and Mrs. Patricia A. Hughes
- Liam will attend the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
- John Kazarov, son of Dr. Alexander Kazarov and Dr. Tatiana Kolesnikova
- John will attend Bryant University
- Christian T. McIntyre, son of Mr. Jason McIntyre and Mrs. Lauren McIntyre
- Christian will attend Avon Old Farms
- Brayden Moynihan, son of Mr. Robert Moynihan and Mrs. Kathleen Moynihan
- Brayden will attend University of Connecticut
- Sean Moynihan, son of Mr. Robert Moynihan and Mrs. Kathleen Moynihan
- Sean will attend Quinnipiac University
- Henry Najjar, son of Mr. Elie Najjar and Dr. Adba Najjar
- Henry will attend the National Aviation Academy
- Namish Sapru, son of Mr. Neeraj Sapru and Mrs. Amrita Sapru
- Namish will attend Boston University
- Joseph J. VonHandorf, son of Mr. Chris Vonhandorf and Mrs. Helen Vonhandorf
- Joseph will attend Norwich University
Walpole
- Kevin S. Barnett, son of Mr. Jason S. Barnett and Ms. Nanci Jo Barnett (Norfolk)
- Kevin will attend Rochester Institute of Technology
- Jack Baumgardner, son of Mr. Paul Baumgardner and Mrs. Lindsey Baumgardner
- Jack will attend Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Patrick M. Brooks, son of Mr. Lance R. Brooks and Mrs. Joann Brooks
- Patrick will attend Fairfield University
- Benjamin A. Campbell, son of Mr. Brendan F. Campbell and Ms. Renee Lamarque
- Ben will attend Providence College
- David V. Chiavegato, son of Mr. David E. Chiavegato and Mrs. Anne Chiavegato
- Dave will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Michael J. Connolly, son of Mr. Joseph E. Connolly, Jr. and Mrs. Ann Marie Connolly
- Michael will attend Stonehill College
- Beckett Delleo, son of Mr. Jeffrey Delleo and Mrs. Heather Delleo
- Beckett will attend Wesleyan University
- Ryan C. Dickhaut, son of Ms. Rene Dickhaut
- Ryan will attend Hamilton College
- William Fleming, son of Mr. Robert J. Fleming, Jr. '86 and Mrs. Christine Fleming
- Will plans to attend Michigan State University
- Gino Gioioso, son of Mr. Gino Gioioso and Mrs. Mary-Ellen Gioioso
- Gino will attend Union College
- John M. Herman, son of Dr. Carolyn Herman and Mr. Andrew Herman
- Jack will attend Fordham University
- Tyler S. Korchin, son of Mr. Todd S. Korchin and Mrs. Jill M. Korchin
- Ty will attend Stonehill College
- Andrew A. Maggiacomo, son of Mrs. Caroline A. Maggiacomo and the late Mr. Kevin R. Maggiacomo
- Andrew will attend the University of Richmond
- Louis-Elias Nasr, son of Mrs. Rania Nasr
- Louis will attend Boston College
- John F. Olohan, son of Mr. Daniel P. Olohan and Mrs. Mary K. Olohan
- Jack will attend Boston College
- Anoop Rampure, son of Mr. Tejaswi Rampure and Mrs. Smitha Rampure
- Anoop will attend the University of Michigan
- Aiden B. Rice, son of Mr. Bradford Rice and Mrs. Marlene Rice
- Aiden will attend Case Western Reserve University
- Wyatt Stazinski, son of Mr. Thomas D. Stazinski '91 and Mrs. Maureen Stazinski
- Wyatt will attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Alexander Todorov, son of Mr. Lyudmil Todorov and Mrs. Anna Helon
- Alexander will attend the University of Chicago
Updated 5/23/2026 at 11:30 a.m.
