Seventeen JTCC students were rewarded for their dedicated work in the classroom and on the court on June 1 as they were officially recognized as the JTCC School Class of ’22, joining more than 300 other successful alumni.
Sent off in style on the Pershing Square Center Court with nearly 100 beaming parents and friends in attendance, the graduates were dressed to impress while battling the intense heat during the 90-minute ceremony.
The first in-person graduation since 2019 kicked off with a stirring rendition of the star-spangled banner performed by Director of Adult Tennis Jordan Zimmerman, followed by remarks by Director of School Mark Santangelo.
“We are so proud of the JTCC Class of 2022. Their hard work should translate into great success in college and beyond,” Santangelo remarked. “We are so glad to finally hold an in-person graduation again so the entire JTCC community can share in this milestone moment with the students and their families.”
Three-time All-American and JTCC alumnus Mitchell Frank also presided as a special guest speaker.
“Understand that somewhere in your mission should be to change the world for the better. In tennis, we are used to being selfish and the center of attention. In life, we must be more selfless and be in the background often. There will be lots of challenges, but know if you stay the course, you will come out stronger once you overcome them,” Frank exclaimed.
Alvaro Pedraza, who will be attending George Mason University, delivered a poignant speech on behalf of the entire graduating class, 13 of whom were present to receive their certificates.
Graduates were also presented with their official Wall of Fame portraits to be displayed along JTCC’s Walk of Fame hallway.
Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed dinner courtesy of Mission Barbeque.
Congratulations to the Class of ’22, and best of luck in the next step of their journey!
Class of 2022
Firebami Babalola: St. John’s University
Fernando Chinchilla: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Ryan Colby: University of Southern California
Conrad Decressin: University of Maryland
Max Esztergomi: St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Haidyn Green: Brandeis University
Lauryn Hall: Morgan State University
Ekansh Kumar: University of Indiana
Kallista Liu: University of Maryland
Seterah Mahjoob: University of Maryland
Robin Montgomery: Professional Tennis Player
Isabel Nicholson: University of Tampa
Alvaro Pedraza: George Mason University
Karim Sbihi: University of Virginia
Harnoor Singh: Towson University
Charles Wood: Morgan State University
Derek Yan: Stanford University
