Adam Jones ’15

Each year, there is a student in the graduating class that is singled out for best exemplifying what St. Edward is all about. With a rich history of this award dating back to 1956, the Man of the Year is the highest award a student can earn in his four years at St. Ed’s. On Monday, May 20^th, the 57^th Man of the Year award was announced. This year’s nominees included Gerard Basalla, Sean Cann, Brent Johnson, and Kevin Murray. Each of these students has proved to be not only an outstanding leader for the school, but also extraordinary grades and noteworthy accomplishments in extracurricular activities. The Man of the Year nominees are first selected by a vote taken by the senior class. The actual winner is decided by a vote from the teachers. Each nominee is asked to single out one faculty member who they believe has had a profound impact on their high school career, and then this faculty member gives a speech on the nominees behalf on Awards Night.
This year’s Man of the Year, complete with his portrait added to the Man of the Year hallway and a place in St. Edward history, was Gerard Basalla. Gerard has proven to be not only one of the great leaders of the class of 2013, but also an extremely talented musician and academic student. Gerard, who served as President of both the Junior and Senior classes, was responsible for the founding of May Madness, the 2013 Homecoming, and the 2013 Senior Prom. Each of these events was known for their creativity and lasting popularity. When asked to pick a quote that best defines his St. Edward experience, Gerard chose a quote from actor Michael J. Fox, “Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” This sums up what Gerard thinks, and all students think, of St. Edward. Congratulations to Gerard Basalla on being the 2013 Man of the Year, and congratulations to Sean, Brent, and Kevin who have compiled one of the most talented and charismatic group of nominees for this award in St. Edward history.