Class of 2025 Cum Laude Inductees

Following the certificate ceremony, Head of School Dale Smith introduced this year’s Dianne Lynn Levy Memorial Speaker, Dr. Kyle Brent Lewis. A distinguished member of Newman’s Class of 2013, Kyle is currently in his second year of Family Medicine residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Following his Upper School years at Newman, Kyle attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology.  

Prior to medical school, Kyle had the opportunity to work in an urgent care clinic in an underserved area in New Orleans. Even though the facility was an urgent care clinic, many of the residents in the area utilized the clinic for primary care needs. This experience not only served as a catalyst to pursue a career in medicine but highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive primary care, particularly to under-resourced communities, ultimately leading him to Family Medicine as his specialty of choice. Following completion of his residency, Kyle hopes to pursue a fellowship in Sports Medicine.  

A fellow Newman Cum Laude Society member, Kyle spoke to the importance of being open to embracing the moments when you need to ask for help and always being at the ready to assist those in need.

“I encourage you to be open to new experiences, to form relationships with people who are similar to you, and with those who are different. Newman teaches its students to practice openness. For those that practice it, continue to do so. For those that haven’t, give it a shot – it will take you very far in life,” Kyle remarked.

“The great thing about everyone in this room is that you have the intangibles to be successful individuals. You are driven, focused, bright, and determined. I would implore you not to let that success dissuade you from taking risks. Without risks you can’t grow,” Kyle said. “It’s okay to ask for help if you need it along the way,” he added. “It’s equally as important to be able to ask for help as it is to also be willing to lend a hand. Being altruistic is an important quality, especially in today’s world.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 Cum Laude Society Inductees:

Eli Reuben Friend, Paul Raymond Richard III, Sachin Seveen Dasa, Amar Singh Walia, Martin Dominick Rezza III, Audrey Elena Bagot, Isabelle Gail Wanek, Gwendolyn Gala Gray, Patrick Ross Landry, Catherine Westfeldt Fitzpatrick, Aria Jolly, Andrew Marx Brandt, Lucyna Jae Wojcik, Nicholas Lanier Ellis White, Catherine Davis Lapeyre, Eliza Eugenie Pilant, Adrienne Price Zura, Jake Solomon Lonseth, and Harrison Joseph Westerfield.
Listed in order, starting in the back, from left to right.