Editor’s Note: An alternate version of this article was placed in the 2024 Graduation Edition of the Benet Herald. It has since been updated with more pertinent and accurate information.
As Benet Academy’s one hundred and thirty-seventh school year comes to a close, so too does its Scholars Program’s inaugural year. While this may have been the first year of the program, it succeeded in providing a wide variety of enrichment opportunities for its members.
The year started with a mass celebrated by Father Francis Kamia Tambala of the Diocese of Blantyre, Malawi. Father Francis presented on efforts to build a Catholic high school in the impoverished region that he serves.
In October, scholars convened for a meal at the Fall Signature Dinner Event, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michael Flavin ’74. Dr. Flavin discussed his experiences conducting biomedical research and leading several successful companies, sharing key insights and lessons learned from his decades of experience. Scholars enjoyed hearing about Dr. Flavin’s journey from Benet Academy to being the CEO of multiple publicly traded companies in the biopharmaceutical field.
They then had the opportunity to invite their parents to the Scholars Mass and Reception in November. Scholar families came together for a beautiful mass and a breakfast social and were presented with a book gift, providing guidance on their quest for knowledge.
Perhaps the highlight of the 2023–2024 events catalog was the Harvard Model Congress trip in February. Thirteen scholars had the opportunity to represent Benet Academy at the model congress organized by Harvard University in Boston. They were assigned to different congressional committees, assumed the role of a congressperson, debated issues, drafted and voted on bills, and collaborated with students from across the nation. Scholars also spent a day touring Harvard’s campus and got to sit in on lectures normally closed to the public. This incredible travel experience was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who went, and the planning for more scholar excursions across the country has already begun for next year.
More recently, this April, a group of scholars had the privilege of visiting the world-renowned Argonne National Laboratory, where they were able to experience cutting-edge science firsthand. Scholars toured the Nuclear Energy Hall and experienced the Advanced Photon Source, a particle accelerator that provides ultra-bright, high-energy x-ray beams for research in almost all scientific disciplines. The group also visited the Aurora Exascale Supercomputer, soon to be the most powerful computer in the world, and had the opportunity to speak with experts in their fields and learn about the pathways to careers in science.
Twice this year, in October and April, scholars were invited to participate in a youth advisory council hosted by State Senator Seth Lewis. Attendees asked questions and listened to a number of speakers who presented on various topics and assumed roles such as senator, lobbyist, and concerned citizen. They had the chance to discuss and debate a proposed legislative measure as well as participate in a mock senate hearing with witnesses testifying.
The scholars rounded out the year with the Spring Signature Dinner Event in May at Villa Saint Benedict/Sacred Heart Monastery, featuring keynote speaker and big name in Benet history, Sister Mary Bratrsovsky, OSB. Scholars experienced a tour, including Sacred Heart’s breathtaking chapel and learned about the rich intertwined history of Benet and Sacred Heart. To celebrate our seniors, they were presented with honor cords to acknowledge their membership in the program.
Throughout the program’s mission statement, the formation of the whole person is greatly emphasized. This is achieved through distinct events cultivating intellectual, spiritual, and social growth and development.
In true Benedictine fashion, service is the culmination of all that Benet Scholars does. Over the course of the year, scholars organized a treat sale to benefit the Christmas Drive, claiming a place in one of Benet’s oldest traditions for years to come. Benet Scholars also began a relationship with Villa St. Benedict that will result in significantly expanded service next year. Many scholars are even giving up a portion of their summer break to serve as teaching assistants in the new CARE classes for incoming freshmen.
The Benet Scholars Program would like to wish all scholars a relaxing and enjoyable summer and great success to those leaving us for college next year; may they continue their journey for knowledge and growth. Those interested in staying updated on what the Benet Scholars Program is doing can follow them on Instagram, @benetscholars.
