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Each year, the Archdiocese of Newark recognizes an Outstanding Catholic School Graduate from each of its schools. An Outstanding Catholic School Graduate excels academically and actively lives out the Gospel message in word and deed. We are pleased to announce that Oliver Kahng has been recognized as the recipient of this honor for St. Cassian’s Class of 2022.
As a faithful, practicing Catholic and role model in the areas of academics, service, leadership, citizenship, and character, Oliver is certainly deserving of this honor. He has consistently achieved First Honors and Principal’s List recognition and, in 2021, was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. In addition to these honors, he has also been recognized for his academic achievements in various competitions, earning several awards in 2021. A brief summary of his accomplishments include earning Silver at the Spring and Fall Beestar National Competition, 3rd place in New Jersey and 7th place nationally at the Math Kangaroo Competition, and 1st place in New Jersey and 98th percentile nationally at the Korean-American Scientist and Engineers Association National Math and Science Competition. He has further demonstrated excellence in mathematics earning an A in Honors Algebra 1 (2000) and Honors Geometry (2001) at John Hopkins CTY and in Algebra II Trigonometry at Newark Academy (2001).
In addition to academic excellence, Oliver lives out the call of his Catholic faith through servant leadership by assisting as an Altar Server and sharing his gift for music through the Music Ministry at St. Cassian Church where he attends with his family. He has also used his gift for Music in service to our school on multiple occasions, including composing original music for various St. Cassian School events, including the Class of 2020’s graduation Mass and ceremony.
Oliver’s talent and passion for music, and playing the violin in particular, are further evidenced through the recognition he has received for his accomplishments in violin over the last 10 years and orchestra throughout the last nine. With regards to violin, he received 1st place at the American Protégé International Competition of Romantic Music and the New York Young Virtuoso Competition, and Gold at the Golden Key Music Festival (2021). Prior to this, he placed 2nd at the East Coast International Competition (2018) and received the Caglarcan Memorial Violin Scholarship (2017, 2015). With regards to his involvement in Orchestra, his awards and accomplishments include: Principal Second Violin (2021) for the Youth Symphony, Concertmaster (2019-2020) for the Youth Orchestra, Assistant Concertmaster for the Philharmonia (2019),Concertmaster for the Sinfonia (2018), and Concertmaster for Preparatory Strings with the New Jersey Youth Symphony. He was also the Principal Second Violin with the Youth Orchestra of Montclair State University in 2016.
In addition to the incredible amount of time and dedication Oliver has shown through his service to both our parish and school through Music Ministry, Oliver has also displayed servant leadership as the Student Council Vice President in 7th grade and on the Yearbook committee this year. Throughout his time at St. Cassian School, he has also been involved in the Cougar Athletics program through his participation on the Cross Country team and pursued athletics extracurricularly in the sport of golf.
Please join us in congratulating Oliver Kahng as St. Cassian’s Class of 2022 Outstanding Catholic School Graduate!
