Jesuit students and their grandparents celebrated their special relationship with a Mass and reception at the school’s annual Grandparent’s Day. The event took place on Saturday, April 23, in the Chapel of the North American Martyrs and Student Commons.

Mass was celebrated by school chaplain Fr. Kevin Dyer, S.J., who will be leaving Carrollton & Banks at the end of the school year for a key leadership position with FOCUS. Fr. Dyer was joined on the altar by Fr. William Farge, S.J. Sacred music was provided by Mr. Jeff Miraflor, S.J., and members of the Jesuit choir.

One of the students chosen to honor his grandparents and all grandparents in attendance was senior Matthew Vuong, who has graced school Masses with his accompaniment on the organ since he arrived on campus. Vuong, who is also a member of the Blue Jay Band, talked about the steep challenges all four of his grandparents faced getting out of Vietnam and assimilating in the United States.

“It is from our grandparents that you learn a lifetime worth of wisdom that you can carry with you for the rest of your life,” Vuong said.

Senior Holden Hess, a starting pitcher and infielder on the Jesuit baseball team, used his sense of humor to highlight his grandparents’ kindness and generosity. You can watch both speeches below.

The early evening affair ended with a reception for attendees in the Student Commons.