Thirteen JTCC students were honored for their commitment to excellence in the classroom and on the court on May 31 as they were officially recognized as the JTCC School Class of ‘23, joining the more than 315 other successful alumni.
All nine graduates in attendance were dressed to impress in front of the more than 100 proud parents, families, alumni, and friends of the graduates with beautiful weather on Pershing Square Center Court.
“The JTCC Graduation is a capstone event that our entire staff looks forward to every year,” Director of School Mark Santangelo commented. “We are always excited to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, both on and off the courts, and this year’s class has impressed us in every way. We’re proud of the Class of 2023 as they wrap up years of hard work and head off to college and beyond.”
JTCC CEO Ray Benton introduced special guest speaker Liz Clarke, two-time National Motorsports Writer of the Year and recently retired Washington Post sports journalist for 22 years, who congratulated the graduates and emphasized “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.”
Imani Jean, who will be playing NCAA Division I tennis for Howard University, and Stefan Regalia, who will be playing NCAA Division I tennis for Howard University and for the University of Virginia, respectively, delivered heartfelt speeches on behalf of the entire graduating class.
Graduates received their diplomas and portraits to hang on the JTCC Walk of Fame alumni section. Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed dinner courtesy of Paisano’s Pizza.
Congratulations to the Class of ‘23, and good luck in your future endeavors!
Class of 2023
Chase Cahill-Welsh: Louisiana State University
Imani Jean: Howard University (NCAA Division I tennis)
Cyrus Mahjoob: University of Michigan (NCAA Division 1 tennis)
Ameera Malik: Rome City Institute (College division tennis)
Mia Miranda: Undecided
Chloe Mitchell: Syracuse University
Ameer Muhammad: Morgan State University (NCAA Division I tennis)
Kaleem Muhammad: Xavier University of Louisiana (NAIA tennis)
Nicholas Patrick: University of Miami
Stefan Regalia: University of Virginia (NCAA Division I tennis)
Mason Robins: University of Delaware (NCAA Division I tennis)
Chloe Walker: Hampton University
Antonio Warner: University of Tampa