05/17/2026
Yesterday, at the graduation ceremony for Christopher Columbus High School the final recognition given before the procession was the Marist Achievement Medal.
After a morning filled with extraordinary accomplishments — national athletic success, academic excellence, leadership, and service — the school chose to end by recognizing the student who best reflected the balance of all of them, grounded in faith, humility, and service to others.
Watching Jacob receive that honor was deeply humbling for us as parents. But as a fellow Columbus alumnus, it also filled me with tremendous pride in what this brotherhood continues to stand for. In a world that often measures success only by trophies, titles, or accolades, Columbus reminded everyone yesterday that the most important achievement is who you become before God and how you live for others.
That is the heart of the Marist mission: Ad Jesum per Mariam — To Jesus through Mary.
Congratulations, Jacob. We are incredibly proud of the young man you have become, and even more grateful for the faith, character, and servant leadership you carry with you into this next chapter. Adelante, my son.
