Meet the Cicero Prep Class of 2024 Valedictorian and Salutatorian
Cicero Prep June 4, 2024 -
Photography courtesy of Chase Colletta, a student at Cicero Prep. Instagram: @chase.coletta.5
Cicero Prep announced the outstanding accomplishments of its Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Cruz Reichert, and Salutatorian, Ava Caggiano, who gave their graduation addresses at the academy’s commencement ceremony. Both students have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated exceptional leadership, talent, and dedication in various extracurricular activities.
Photography courtesy of Chase Colletta, a student at Cicero Prep. Instagram: @chase.coletta.5
Reichert made history at Cicero Prep by becoming the only student to win the Blackfriars Award for drama two years in a row. This recognition is given to one 11th grader and one 12th grader who exhibits sophisticated and nuanced understanding and skill on stage, coupled with a commitment to personal growth through the beauty of stage work.
His passion for the arts extends beyond drama. As a vital member of the top-level Concert Choir, Reichert’s musical talents have made a significant impact on the choir program over the past two years. Not only did he star in and perform piano repertoire for curricular and extracurricular drama productions, but he also composed the score for “Uncle Vanya” and wrote a choral composition for his last concert at Cicero.
He led as the captain of the men’s soccer team, guiding his team with distinction and earning the MVP soccer award. His leadership extended to the student mentor program, where he guided peers throughout high school. He was a House Consul for two years and played a significant role in the Reading Buddies program, supporting 5th graders.
Photography courtesy of Chase Colletta, a student at Cicero Prep. Instagram: @chase.coletta.5
Most of all, he is recognized for his humility, kind-heartedness, generosity, and genuine love for others—especially those who disagree with him. Reichert will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Music and Theology at Hillsdale College.
Photography courtesy of Chase Colletta, a student at Cicero Prep. Instagram: @chase.coletta.5
Caggiano played a pivotal role in leading the varsity volleyball team to a state championship victory and guided the sand volleyball team to the state finals. Her performance in athletics earned her several awards, including the Iron Centurion Award as an exemplary student-athlete and the Centurion Award for her participation in both soccer and volleyball.
As a member of the top-level Concert Choir, her participation was instrumental in the program’s success over the past two years. She was key in building a culture of generosity and care in the choir and across the school. Caggiano also demonstrated her dramatic talents by earning the Golden Guild Award for drama two years in a row.
Caggiano was the only student to earn two coveted awards in her junior year: the Scientia Award for superior academic achievement and the Exemplary Leadership Award. She was a student mentor, house leader, and a reading buddy for 5th graders. Her perseverance revitalized Cicero’s Centurions in Service, integrating community service into the school’s daily activities. Under her leadership, the group organized several successful drives, maintained campus cleanliness, and even brought joy to a nursing home through caroling with choir scholars.
Photography courtesy of Chase Colletta, a student at Cicero Prep. Instagram: @chase.coletta.5
Most of all, she is recognized for her joy in serving others, humility, curiosity, and eagerness to grow. Caggiano will be pursuing an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, Theology, and Journalism, also at Hillsdale College.
Please join us in congratulating these great-hearted seniors and their incredible accomplishments!
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