Prep Talk

Moving Up – Celebrating the 8th Grade Class of 2029

Posted May 30th, 2025

On Friday, May 30, 2025, the 8th Grade Class of 2029 gathered with their families, Prep leadership team members, Board of Trustees, faculty, staff and their Hermit Brothers for the Annual Moving Up Ceremony at St. Augustine Preparatory School. What began just nine months ago as a courageous step into unfamiliar territory has blossomed into a story of brotherhood, character development, and academic achievement—anchored in the Augustinian values of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas.

Fifty-five young men processed into the Rodio Gymnasium not just to complete a chapter, but to turn the page to the next one in their journey. This class arrived in Richland last fall from diverse backgrounds and schools from all over South Jersey, unified by the thought of finally joining the Hermit Brotherhood. As Salutatorian Santino Talotta ’29 reflected, “We were, for the first time, discovering who we are and who we want to be… in just one brief year, we became Brothers.”

Throughout the year, the Class of 2029 not only learned how to navigate life at the Prep but also how to live out the Augustinian values that define it. In his valedictory remarks, Andrew DeHorsey ’29 prepared his Brothers for the exciting road ahead. “With the year coming to a close, we have taken our first steps—entering as boys to learn… now, our grade school days are over, that chapter has ended. We can only look forward to the blank pages ahead just waiting to be filled.”

The impressive thoughts of these young Hermit Leaders reflected not only maturity but an understanding of the aforementioned values that have shaped their first year in “Richland’s Proud and Peaceful Glen.” Veritas (Truth) was discovered in new friendships and a shared search for meaning. Unitas (Unity) was forged in service, prayer, and the rhythm of daily life as a Hermit. Finally, Caritas (Love) was visible in acts of kindness, moments of encouragement, and the desire to unconditionally support their classmates.

Head of School, Fr. Murray, OSA proudly offered a blessing over the class, encouraging each student to “love wisely, work creatively, laugh heartily, and live honestly.” He reminded families that while certificates were conferred that morning, the formation of these young Hermits was far from complete—it was only just beginning.

The ceremony also featured a moment of gratitude for our 8th-grade families, as each graduate presented a rose to his mother or guardian, thanking them for the love and sacrifice that brought them to this milestone. The warm gesture served as a reminder that a Hermit doesn’t navigate his way through St. Augustine Prep alone—it is made possible through the love and sacrifice of so many.

With high school on the horizon, our youngest Hermits move forward ready to continue living the mission of the Prep—stronger in faith, steadier in purpose, and already shaping the kind of men they will become.

Their next chapter is waiting and they are ready to write it—together.

Photo Gallery: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCgdfE 

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Class of 2029 – Honors and Recognitions

Salutatorian

• Santino Talotta

Valedictorian

• Andrew DeHorsey

Academic Awards

• Chorus: Max Wadusky
• Coding: Jacob Mourning
• Honors Geometry: Brayden Thul
• Instruments: Travis Bartelt
• Intramurals: Logan Walsh
• Latin: Arjun Roy
• Logic & Civil Discourse: R.J. Reyes
• Algebra I, Arabic, Energy, English: A.J. DeHorsey
• Civics & Geography, Pre-Algebra, Spanish, Theology: Santino Talotta

Perfect Attendance Award

• Carter Hasperg