Xaverian Award goes to Kazis of Millis

On Saturday, May 15, 2021, Xaverian Brothers High School celebrated the commencement of the Class of 2021. Diplomas were conferred to the 179 graduates by Dr. Jacob Conca ’94 (Medway), Head of School, and Dr. Michael Nicholson (Norfolk), Xaverian’s Principal. The Class of 2021 hails from 47 cities and towns and represents the 55th graduating class since Xaverian opened its doors in Westwood in 1963. Collectively, these young men were accepted to 195 different colleges and universities. They have committed to continue their careers at institutions such as Cornell University, Babson College, Tufts University, NYU, UCLA, Trinity College (Dublin, Ireland), Boston University, and Boston College.
Medway graduates include Andrew Cookson who will attend The University of Tampa.
Millis graduates include Drew Briones who will attend The Ohio State University; Christopher M. Francis who will attend Merrimack College; and Athanasios V. Kazis who will attend Suffolk University.
Every year at commencement, one senior is selected for the highest honor bestowed to a graduate -- the Xaverian Award. The members of the graduating class, in concert with the faculty and staff, nominate a senior for this special honor and the recipient isn’t revealed until the graduation ceremony. The Xaverian Award recipient must have distinguished himself by living the mission and core values associated with Xaverian. This year’s recipient is described by the Head of School, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94, as “a young man who freely gives of himself to the Xaverian community and to the greater community at large.” He has performed exceptionally well in the classroom while being especially active within Xaverian’s campus ministry program, as well as mock trial and model United Nations. Dr. Conca describes him as “a true giver who believes deeply in service to others.” The 2021 Xaverian Award winner is Athanasios (Thano) Kazis, son of William and Mary Kazis, from Millis.