Article by Jacob Shean 

The students of Benedictine have elected Sean Washington the 72nd Mr. Benedictine. The entire student body chose him from a list of five seniors selected by their classmates. The other finalists this year were Danny Bozickovich, Charlie Roberto, Ben Trombetto and Danny Winterich. 

Mr. Benedictine is considered the highest student award at Benedictine High School and is to be given by election by the student body to the graduating senior who best exemplifies the school’s mission statement, according to the Benedictine student council. 

“Winning Mr. Benedictine means a lot to me. It means my peers see me as somebody who embodies the values of a man of Benedictine. I am truly grateful for the honor,” Sean Washington said. Sean resides in Warrensville Heights and is the seventh member of this family to attend Benedictine. He attended Milkovich Middle School before coming Benedictine. What attracted him to Benedictine the most was the diversity.

“I looked forward to making friends with students from different backgrounds and building a strong brotherhood with them,” he said. 

While at Benedictine, Sean has been a member of many organizations and teams. Sean is a member of National Honor Society and the Howley Aspire Nurse Scholar Program. He played the saxophone for the BHS marching band, jazz band, and concert band for two years and served as band captain for one year. Sean has been a member of the bowling team for four years. 

“Sean is a really kind guy and he’s great to be around. He always knows how to have a good time, but also when to be serious,” junior Matthew Brichacek said. 

Sean attributes many of his recent accomplishments to Benedictine experiences. “I have grown academically, socially, and spiritually after these past four years. With discipline and hard work, I’ve excelled in and out the classroom. I feel like I’ve made a positive difference in the community because of Benedictine.” 

Finalist Danny Bozickovich a Willoughby Hills resident, has one sister and attended Willoughby Middle School. Although he has always attended public schooling, he was persuaded by his father to come to Benedictine. 

“Coming in only knowing a handful of people and coming from a public school was challenging for me at first, but Benedictine welcomed me with open arms. The very tight knit community helped me open up and explore different clubs and sports,” Bozickovich said. 

Danny is a four-year letterman in lacrosse and has been a team captain both his junior and senior year. He is also the senior class president and the blood drive club president. Danny is a part of the student advisory board, the engineering club, the morning announcements, a class chaplain, and has maintained a spot on the honor roll all four years. Danny was inducted into National Honor Society his senior year. 

“Danny is great because of the energy he brings to the team. He has great confidence and interacts with everyone. It really helps the team when they have a leader that they know will always be there for them,” said head lacrosse coach and government teacher Collin Covington. 

Finalist Charlie Roberto of Cleveland Heights is grateful for all that he has experienced during his years at Benedictine. 

“The small size of Benedictine has created a high school community closer than any other. Over the past four years, I’ve found brothers for life. Brothers who push one another to become better versions of themselves,” Roberto said. 

Charlie attended Gesu Catholic School before coming to Benedictine. He has a sister and a brother. His brother Gabe is a 2021 graduate. Charlie played four years of varsity soccer, serving as captain his junior and senior years. Last year, he led his team to the most wins in Benedictine soccer history, 14. He has been a member of the student council since freshman year. He has also been serving as the treasurer of the Key Club and is a member of the student advisory board.

Another finalist, Ben Trombetto, is also honored by his nomination. “I first heard about this award when I shadowed and I have had a goal of being a finalist ever since. 

“In my eyes, this award is a representation of the character of the person and who he is rather than just their high school accomplishments. It is a true honor to be nominated,” Trombetto said. 

He is from Avon, Ohio, and has two siblings. Ben participated in hockey for four years, golf for three years and lacrosse for two years. He was chosen a hockey team captain his senior season. Ben was also involved in student council, student advisory board and engineering club. He was selected a member of National Honors Society his junior year. 

“When we’re losing, he’ll always hype us up and tell us to keep going. He has a great locker room presence as a captain,” sophomore winger Mason Rzepka said. 

The fifth finalist, Danny Winterich, is from Twinsburg, Ohio. He has one brother, Ryan, who is currently a sophomore at BHS. Before Benedictine, Danny attended St. Rita School. 

“I really think he embodies all the pillars of Mr. Benedictine. Danny helped me grow into the person I am today. He has always been a great example of what I should do,” his brother, sophomore Ryan Winterich said. 

Danny was on the varsity bowling team and also played junior varsity baseball. He was a member of the engineering club and chess club. Danny was also an editor and writer of The Bennet and literary magazine during his junior and senior years. In addition to these clubs, Danny was appointed to serve on the student council for all four years, as well as the student advisory board during his senior year. 

However, the activity that he was most devoted to was the Key Club, in which he served as club president. “I am thankful for all the support over my last four years. 

“The guidance of dedicated teachers and mentors has empowered me to live out the Benedictine values in every aspect of my life, preparing me to serve others and uphold the principles of compassion and service,” Winterich said.