Andrew Xakellis

There are many who live their life behind façade. People who ply those around them with false compliments. People who pretend to be someone they’re not. People who lie about their beliefs for fear of being called out for them. Not senior Andrew Xakellis.

“Andrew is one of the most honest people I know,” said Kimie Han. “I’ve known him for almost ten years, and even when he was a kid, he was always one to speak his mind—he’s just a good down-to-earth person and I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know him.”

While his friends often needle him for his habit of launching into evidence-supported tirades, explaining his personal beliefs in full detail, he also impresses them with his brutal honesty and his love for philosophical debates.

However, beyond pondering big, philosophical questions, he is also an amazingly loyal friend.

“If a friend is stranded across town with no ride, he is the first to offer to hop in the car and rescue them,” said JT Kirages. “When we were setting up the new couch for the orchestra room, Andrew, who isn’t a member of orchestra, helped us set it up, just because.”

While Xakellis isn’t the type to give out compliments often, his form of friendship is easily visible and far more valuable. He is the type of friend that will always be there for you. Who will tell you what he’s thinking, so you never have to worry about offending him. Who truly wants to spend time with and help his friends. Who lives without façades. Who, as Elliott Sarno put it, “can be relied on to have a serious discussion about something important, lighten a mood if necessary, and will be level-headed when the rest of us are losing our minds.”