Seven Honors Senior Thesis students at Saint Joseph Academy (SJA) presented their research projects to the school community from May 12 through May 15, showcasing months of independent academic work across a range of disciplines. The presentations included topics in theology, technology, and social issues. Gabriel Larrabure and Giovanni Bullara both focused on questions related to Catholic liturgy and faith practice. Larrabure examined Catholic teaching on the proper disposition for receiving the Eucharist, while Bullara presented an argument for Church renewal through a return to what he described as a more traditionally masculine liturgy. Several students explored concerns surrounding modern technology. Isaac Hernandez addressed the risks of smartphone addiction, while Rachelle Hill examined the potential harms associated with artificial intelligence. Adley Fontaine, whose thesis centered on the loneliness epidemic in the United States, also identified social media as a contributing factor. Other presentations approached broader cultural and scientific themes. Paolo Puccio argued for the importance of cultural unity in addressing social fragmentation. Closing the series, Dat Nguyen presented research exploring a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involving compounds derived from snake venom. Faculty panelists praised both the depth of research and the quality of student presentations. Mr. Kramp, who taught Senior Thesis for the first time this year, noted the program’s impact and expressed interest in expanding it in future years. “I see nothing but good things coming from this kind of intellectual undertaking,” Kramp said. “Young people are capable of so much more than people think, and our presenters will look back on this, rightly, as a real accomplishment.”  He added that he hopes more students will devote time to thesis development in the years ahead, calling the presentations “the first of many more to come.”

Dat Nguyen, a senior at SJA, received his First Holy Communion on May 23 after a personal journey marked by a deep desire to grow closer to Christ. What began as a simple conversation last year became months of preparation, sacrifice, and quiet perseverance as Dat committed himself to receiving the sacraments. The journey was not an easy one. As an international student from Vietnam without a local parish community, Dat faced additional obstacles throughout the process. Yet when he was asked whether he wanted to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, his answer was immediate: yes. That “yes” was met by many others within the SJA community. Frater Dominic spent the year teaching and guiding Dat through sacramental preparation. Theology teacher Chris O’Donnell carefully researched and compiled an appropriate list of catechetical texts, while Barbara de La Torre approved and purchased the materials needed for instruction. Fr. George prepared Dat for his first confession, and second-grade teacher, Zarina Berens, coordinated the logistics necessary to include him fully in the sacramental process.