Volume 4 • Edition 1 • Winter 2021
History of Devon
2
Cirriculum Updates
3
Athletics at Devon Prep
6
Devon
Field House/Turf Project 7 Interview with Jake Andrien
Preparatory School
8
Fireside Chat with Mike Collins & Paul Sanborn 10
Crew Team Fundraiser
15
Upcoming Alumni Events 16
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Flashback
History Of Devon Written in 1975
After the 1948 Russian occupation of Central Europe which destroyed their communities and schools in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Slovakia, Poland, and Rumania, many Piarists emigrated to the United States. With the help of then Bishop O’Hara of Buffalo they opened their first U.S. community there in 1951. When Bishop O’Hara became the Archbishop of Philadelphia and his successor in Buffalo showed little interest in advancing the educational system there, O’Hara invited the Piarists to Philadelphia. In August of 1954 Fr. Francis Senye, Fr. Stephen Senya (his brother), Fr. Louis Mesko, Fr. Andrew Soczowka, and Fr. Ladislaus Torontali moved to Philadelphia to teach in diocesan schools. On Dec. 15, 1955 they bought four buildings and the surrounding land in Devon for $82,000 for the purpose of starting a school. The estate included an old mansion, a carriage house, a stable, and a worker’s quarters. The main building had been built in 1912 by Dr. Charles H. Lea. At that time the property ran from the present Devon train station to the small lake on Timber Lane. Upon the deaths of Dr. and Mrs. Lea the estate was sold to a Dr. Lerner who had hopes of making it into a mental hospital. But complaints from the neighbors prevented the project from getting very far off the ground. The house was abandoned for several years until Dr. Lerner sold it to the Pairists. A few days before the contract on the house was signed Fr. Francis Senye died. Fr. Torontali never taught at Devon but lived here until his death in 1957. By March of 1956 the task of turning the run down hose into a school was begun. The first entrance exam was given on April 28, 1956, and on Sept. 8 Devon Preparatory School opened its doors to 49 freshmen. The original teachers were Fr. Stephen Senye (Headmaster; taught French and Math), Fr. Magyar (German and Math), Fr. Mesko (History and Spanish), Fr. Soczowka (French and Latin), Fr. John Shavary (Religion), and Mr. John Collins (English). There were two freshmen sections: Fr. Mesko had 1A and Fr. Magyar had 1B. Fr. Senye’s secretary was Miss Bernice Metzger and the janitor was Mr. John Gaspar. The next year Fr. Negrillos came to teach Spanish. On December 8, 1956 the school was dedicated by Archbishop O’Hara. In the years that followed the other buildings on the property became part of the campus. In 1956-57 the stable became the chapel; the next year the carriage house became the chemistry lab; and later the workers’ quarters (from then on known as the “cottage”) began to house clubs and activities. The first graduation was held on June 4, 1960. By this time Devon’s enrollment had reached 141. The first yearbook (called DELPHI) came out that year. Up until 1961 all classes were held upstairs in the old building in what are now priests’ bedrooms. But on Sept. 29, 1960 groundbreaking ceremonies were held for the new building. Construction was completed the next year and Archbishop Krol dedicated the building on Oct. 21, 1961. The gym was completed at the same time. Additions to the faculty of 1961-62 included Mr. Martin Bowen and Fr. Geza Pazmany. About this time activities were on the upswing. The Student Council became functional after 1961 when their original constitution was drawn up under Fr. Albert Fernandez. The first play was put on in the fall of 1961 (ROOM SERVICE) under the direction of Mr. Bowen. The patron drive of 1961 to help pay for the new building stimulated the first drama related ad drive the next year. The Student Council didn’t receive funds from the ad drive until 1967 when it was given its present financial responsibilities. The first two clubs came in 1964- first the Camera Club and the Radio Club. The first student newspaper, the DEVON DIALOGUE, was issued in 1964-65 although the office had previously published its own periodical- the DEVON DIGEST. In 1965 Fr. Oscar Alonso arrived to assist the organization of the library. And in 1967 Mr. Edgar Townsley became basketball coach and Athletic Director. Up until 1970 Devon was a partial boarding school. Fathers Pazmany and Alonso both served as the boarder’s perfects at different times. The daily schedule was a little different then. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays classes were from 9:00 to 3:00 (50 minute classes- 10 minute breaks). There were 20 minute lunches and no recreation periods. On Tuesdays and Thursdays a seventh class was added and the school day ran from 8:45 to 3:35. In 1969 Fr. Senye left Devon. He was replaced by Father Stephen Mustos. Fr. Mustos ended the boarding school (there were only 7 boarders at the time) and extended the library facilities upon his arrival. The next year completely new science and math departments came. Mr. Philip Connor and Mr. John Connelly (both graduates of 1961), Mr. James Shea (graduate of 1966), and Mr. Michael Seeds joined the faculty. Fr. Thomas Carroll also came in 1970. In 1972 and 1973 Devon expanded to six grade levels adding seventh and eighth grades. The 1972-73 enrollment of 274 is the highest in the school’s history. Of the remaining present members of the faculty Fr. Gendernalik came in 1971-72 (although he taught here is 1966-67), Mr. Michael Collins (graduate of 1968) and Mr. Stenger in 1972-73, Brother Oliva in 1973, Mr. Author Battista and Mr. Edward Cerullo in 1973-74, Mr Fred Knewstub in 1974, and Mr. John Logue (graduate of 1970), Brother Charles Newburn, and Brother Frank Silverio in 1974-75. The 70’s brought many new clubs and activities: the Community Action Program (founded in 1969 but revitalized in 1971), the Chess and Math Clubs (1971), the National Honor Society (1972), the computer (1972-73), and the Ski and Debate Clubs (1973-74). A few other clubs were formed but are presently inactive. Devon has had five interscholastic sports in its history. Basketball came first, then track, cross country, and crew in 1964-65, and baseball in 1972-73. The crew team collapsed after the death of their coach (and former Athletic Director) Tibor MacHan in 1970. The other teams have produced two varsity league championships (the Suburban Athletic Conference which is now extinct): basketball in 1971 under Mr. Townsley and cross country in 1973 under Mr. Bill Whitehead. Construction of the long awaited athletic field began late in 1972 but a weather and legal problem prevented its use for nearly a year. The running teams have been of championship calibre for the past two years but have not had a league this year.
In 1956 it was two homerooms on the second floor of an old mansion. Today the original 49 would hardly recognize the place. That is what Devon is all about- always growing, always expanding, always changing. This history showed Devon as it was. You know it as it is. If you come back in 19 years you might not recognize the place.
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Previous Devon Prep Curriculum
3 3
English
Language Arts I
Math
Pre-Algebra
Algebra I Sports Analytics
Algebra IB Geometry Sports Analytics
Science and Student Department Health
Interactive Life Science Physical Education 6 6th Grade
Interactive Physics Physical Education 7 7th Grade Crime Lab
Chemical and Earth Science Physical Education 8 8th Grade Crime Lab
English Theology
Language Arts I Old Testament
Language Arts II New Testament
Language Arts III Sacraments
WorldMath Language
Pre-Algebra Exploratory Language
French IA, Algebra German IIA, Spanish Sports Analytics IA
Social Studies Science and Student Health Fine Arts Theology
Early American History Interactive Life Science Physical Education 6 Discovery Art, Introduction to Old Testament Music Middle School Band
Modern American History Interactive Physics News Room Physical Education Military History 7 Crime Lab Art Explorations, New Testament Middle School Band Media Arts
French IB, German IB,Algebra SpanishIBIB, Introduction to Latin Geometry Sports Analytics Civics, Economics and Citizenship ChemicalNews and Earth RoomScience Physical Education Military History 8 Crime Lab Experienced Art, Sacraments Middle School Band Media Arts
World Language Computer Science
Exploratory Language Tech Foundations
French IA, German IA, Spanish Tech Explorations IA
French IB, German IB, Spanish IB, Introduction to Latin Advanced Tech
Social Studies Professional Studies
Early American History
Modern American History Public Presentation Skills News Room& Digital Cultural Diversity Military History Citizenship
Civics, Economics and Citizenship Public Presentation Skills News&Room Cultural Diversity Digital Citizenship Military History
Fine Arts Guidance
Math Computer Science
Language Arts II
Language Arts III
Updated Corse Offerings
DiscoveryGuidance Art, Introduction to ArtGuidance Explorations, 6 7 Music Middle School Band Study Skills Executive Functions 101 Middle School Band Media Arts Algebra I HS , Algebra II, Advanced Algebra II, Algebra II-A, Geometry Tech Foundations Tech Explorations
Professional Studies Science and Student Health Guidance Theology
Experienced Guidance Art, 8 Middle School Band Executive Functions 101 Media Arts Algebra II, Algebra II-B ,Geometry, Precalculus, Advanced Precalculus Advanced Tech
Public Presentation Skills Public Presentation Skills CulturalBiology, Diversity & Digital Chemistry, Advanced Chemistry, Cultural Physics, DiversityAP & Digital Citizenship Molecular Biology, Organismal Environmental Science, Physical Citizenship Physical Education, Sports Participation Education, Fitness and Weight Training Equivalency, Fitness and Weight Training Guidance 6 Guidance 7 Guidance 8 Study Skills ExecutiveofFunctions Executive Introduction to Scripture, Revelation Christ 101 History of the Functions Church 101
Department World Language
French I, French German I, German II, 9thII,Grade Spanish I, Spanish II, Latin I
French II, German II, Spanish II, Latin II, French III, German III, Spanish III 10th Grade
English Social Studies
Literature Around the World, Yearbook World History
American Literature, Creative Writing, Yearbook American History, History of the Supreme Court, Cold War Seminar, AP Human Geography
Fine Arts Math
Studio Art, I,Algebra Makerspace Sculpture and II, Algebra I HS II, Advanced Algebra Construction I, History ofGeometry Music, Music Theory Algebra II-A, I, Music Production Lab, Jazz Band, Choral Singing, Rock Band, Acting Fundamentals
StudioAlgebra Art I, Makerspace Sculpture and Construction Ceramics,Precalculus Design Materials II, Algebra II-B ,Geometry, Precalculus,I,Advanced and Methods, 3D Digital Prototyping and Design Thinking in Engineering History of Music, Music Theory I, Music Production Lab, Jazz Band, Choral Singing, Rock Band, Acting Fundamentals, AP Music Theory
Computer Science Science and Student Health English
Introduction to Computer Science and Molecular Biology, Certification, Organismal Biology, Microsoft Physical Sports LiteratureEducation, Around the World,Participation Graphic Design I Yearbook Equivalency, Fitness and Weight Training AP Computer Science Principles
Introduction to Computer Science and Microsoft Certification, Chemistry, Advanced Graphic Chemistry, Physics, APProduction Environmental Science, Physical Design I, Film I, Education, Fitness and Weight Training American Creative Writing, Yearbook APLiterature, Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A - Java, Robotics I
Theology Professional Studies World Language
Introduction to Scripture, Revelation of Christ Public Presentation Skills Trial I, German II, French I, FrenchMock II, German Spanish I, Spanish II, Latin I Transitions Group, Freshman Seminar World History
History of the Church Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Business Ethics, Human Rights and Social Justice, Introduction to Psychology, Performance APSpanish Psychology French II, German II, Spanish II, Latin II, French Psychology, III, German III, III
Fine Arts
Studio Art I, Makerspace Sculpture and Construction I, History of Music, Music Theory I, Music Production Lab, Jazz Band, Choral Singing, Rock Band, Acting Fundamentals
Studio Art I, Makerspace Sculpture and Construction I, Ceramics, Design Materials and Methods, 3D Digital Prototyping and Design Thinking in Engineering History of Music, Music Theory I, Music Production Lab, Jazz Band, Choral Singing, Rock Band, Acting Fundamentals, AP Music Theory
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Microsoft Certification, Graphic Design I AP Computer Science Principles
Introduction to Computer Science and Microsoft Certification, Graphic Design I, Film Production I, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A - Java, Robotics I
Professional Studies
Public Presentation Skills Mock Trial
Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Business Ethics, Human Rights and Social Justice, Introduction to Psychology, Performance Psychology, AP Psychology
Guidance
Transitions Group, Freshman Seminar
Career Counseling
11th Grade
12th Grade
Department
Guidance Social Studies
Department
9th Grade
10th Grade
Career Counseling American History, History of the Supreme Court, Cold War Seminar, AP Human Geography
English
Contemporary Literature, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature and Composition, The American South in Literature and History, Shakespeare is Dead, Creative Writing, Yearbook, Senior Yearbook Participation, Devon Dialogue
Math
Algebra II, Geometry, Math Through Project Based Learning, Precalculus, Calculus, Applied Statistics, AP Statistics, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC
Science and Student Health
Physical Education HS, Fitness and Weight Training, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Virology, Oceanography, Forensics, Sports Physiology, Physics, AP Physics 1 & 2, AP Physics C, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Biology, Lab Assistant
Theology
Department
Catholic Moral Principles, Life in Christ
Bioethics, Christian Spirituality and Service, Faith in Film, World Religions
11th Grade
12th Grade
World Language English
French III, German III, Spanish III, Latin III, French IV, German IV, Spanish IV, AP French, AP German, AP Spanish, AP Latin, German Theater and and FilmComposition, The American South in Literature and History, Contemporary Literature, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature Shakespeare is Dead, Creative Writing, Yearbook, Senior Yearbook Participation, Devon Dialogue
Social Studies
19th Century America, History of the Supreme Court, Civics and Citizenship, Cold War Seminar, AP US Government, AP American History, AP Human Geography, AP Comparative Government, AP European History
Fine Arts
Studio Art I, Makerspace Sculpture and Construction I, Ceramics, Design Materials and Method, 3D Digital Prototyping, Design Thinking in Engineering, AP Art, History of Music, Music Theory I, Music Production Lab, Jazz Band, Choral Singing, Rock Band, AP Music Theory, Acting Fundamentals
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science and Microsoft Certification, Graphic Design I, Film Production I, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A-Java, Robotics I, Robotics II
Professional Studies
Introduction to Psychology, Performance Psychology, AP Psychology, Introduction to Economics, Introduction to Finance, Introduction to Business Ethics, Introduction to Legal Studies, Introduction to Communication Studies, Human Rights and Social Justice, Advertising and Media Relations, Entrepreneurship and Technology, Sports and Entertainment Marketing, AP Microeconomics, AP Macroeconomics
Guidance
Junior Group Counseling, Junior College Counseling
College Counseling
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DEVON PREP 21-22 FAST FACTS
ACHIEVEMENTS
CLASS SIZE MATTERS
SAT SCORES (2020 & 2021 AVERAGE)
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 11 STUDENTS
609 648 592 622
SAT - ERW SAT - Math
6:1 STUDENT TO FACULTY RATIO
0
200 2020
400
600
2021
Ivy League Acceptances (2017-2021)
Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Princeton University and The University of Pennsylvania THE BEST OF THE BEST
OUR SCHOOL STANDS OUT
2021-2022 ENROLLMENT 309 Students 70 Middle School & 239 High School REQUIRED CREDITS 4 Credits: English, Mathematics, and Religious Studies 3 Credits: Lab Sciences, Social Studies 2 Credits: World Languages 1 Credit: Art and Physical Education
52 Additional Elective Courses
Our faculty consists of 51 teachers, including 7 alumni and 4 Piarist Fathers! 70% hold advanced degrees, 6 doctorate degrees.
100%
70%
Our College Acceptance Rate is 100%! 100 50 0
26 AP Courses # of Student By Grade 49
56
12th
11th
23
10th
7
9th
76% of our upperclassmen take 1 or more AP courses! *Freshman class is offered one AP course
ATHLETICS
High School League: Philadelphia Catholic League
High School Sports: 14
Middle School Sports: 14
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Schoolwide Participation: 88%
Middle School League: Catholic Youth Organization
School Day: Begins 8:05 AM and ends at 2:45 PM 7 Day Rotating Schedule (includes daily Advisory Period) Class Periods: 43 Minutes to 75 Minutes Clubs: 48 Nickname: The Tide School Colors: Navy, Gold, Light Blue
Athletics at Devon Prep
Devon Preparatory School has been a standard for academic excellence since its doors opened in 1956. This has not changed. The focus on rigorous academic offerings is still a main focus. However in today’s educational climate, the classroom is not the only place students learn and find value in their high school years. The school understood this concept with the creation of its mission statement, “Devon Prep is a private, Catholic, college prep school, grades six to twelve focused on the holistic education of young men for life.” For decades the holistic aspect of the school was lacking as athletics took a back seat to academics. When it comes to sports, Pope St. John Paul II said it best, that they can be “a means to total and harmonious physical, moral and social development.” Action needed to be taken. To give students of Devon Prep a truly holistic experience, an equal emphasis has been placed on athletics and academics.
The athletic programs at Devon Prep have made tremendous strides in recent years. State baseball championships in 2014 & 2019 and a golf state championship this season, in addition to our move to the Philadelphia Catholic League (PCL), has really put the school on the map for athletes looking to play competitively at the high school level and beyond. The increase in exposure and competition revealed a need for upgrades in the athletic programs. Previously, the normal approach for sports at Devon was to show up to practice and games then go home. Now it requires more commitment. To keep up with the competition in the PCL, each sport has implemented an offseason, preseason, and in-season plan. Every team has access to the recently-renovated weight room with our on-campus Certified Trainer during offseason, preseason, and within the season. On-field workouts are now commonplace for baseball, soccer, and lacrosse during the offseason. Basketball and crew have a year-round plan to get the guys on the court and in the water, respectively, as much as possible. A more in-depth approach to athletics has allowed Devon to appeal to a more diverse pool of applicants. Your academics are also your athletes, and regardless of your interests or talents, all our students are held to the same expectations. The rigorous classroom environment has not changed. What has evolved is the school’s understanding that in order to develop our students to be the best version of themselves, the school must provide the best it can both inside and outside the classroom.
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Please visit our website to learn more and consider donating to this exciting new step! https://www.devonprep.com/annualreport/capital-campaign/field-house-turf-field-project/
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Sketchup Model
DESCRIPTION
DRAWN BY
The Devon Prep Field House is the next addition planned for the campus! A turf field, drainage, and an 11k sq ft indoor facility will upgrade our facilities to provide our students the best playing atmosphere and conditions possible.
Elam King
ISSUE
9/14/2021
CLIENT
Devon Prep
Drawings By:
Keystone Steel Structures 3010 Compass Rd Honey Brook, Pa 19344 484-722-8274
Field House & Tu r f F i e l d P r o j e c t
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An interview WITH JAKE ANDRIEN ‘21
When you think about what makes a student great at Devon, certain words come to mind: bright, outgoing, gentleman, and well-rounded, among others. These characteristics fit Jake Andrien ‘21 perfectly down to the letter. In the classroom or out on the field, Jake always looked to improve in everything he did. His teachers loved having him in the classroom, and coaches say he was a fantastic teammate. During his time at Devon, Jake was a member of the Bowling team and the 2019 State Championship Baseball team. But the pressure of a state championship or the stress of college applications could not prepare him for one of his biggest tests. This past June Jake was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Through months of treatment and prayers, Jake is now cancer free. Many of us have gone through this process, or know someone who has, and in this interview, Jake talks about what his experience was like and how he worked through it with the help of family, friends, and faith.
1) At what point did you feel something was wrong? And how did you feel about your diagnosis?
Around some time in April, I noticed that swollen bump on my neck. After questioning what it was, I later realized it was just a lymph node and it is a normal thing to have swollen. I just pushed it off thinking it would eventually go away. About a month later I noticed it hadn't changed at all, but I still wasn’t worried about it. When I was working out one day, I was doing an exercise and felt a slight pain in my armpit. Then I felt that same bump of a feeling in that area. At this point I was curious as to why my lymph nodes were swollen, and I knew that they only get swollen when you are sick but I haven’t felt sick at all. I started questioning it if it could have been from the vaccine that I recently got, because I did not know what it could possibly be. Then a month later I had a doctors appointment scheduled for 2 days after my graduation just to get my physical for college, but I am family friends with my doctor and thought I would just ask him about these lymph nodes. The night before my physical I was talking to my uncle, who had Hodgkin’s lymphoma when he was in college, about these lymph nodes and he was asking me if I've been experiencing any of these symptoms that he had before he was diagnosed because he knew that the doctors looked at his lymph nodes before his diagnosis but I did not have any of the symptoms that he was mentioning. The day of my physical I asked my doctor to look at the lymph nodes and he sent me for blood work and a chest X-ray. And that night my X-ray came back showing some bumps on my chest, but did not fully tell us what it was. But from that night until my diagnosis I told myself to expect the worse of whatever the outcome will be. I did this because I knew it would make it easier later when getting the news to keep a positive attitude. The next couple weeks were just testing and scans. Then eventually I got a biopsy on the nodes in my neck and after that surgery they were able to diagnose me with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I had to get a PET scan a week later which confirmed it was Stage 3. Everyone around me was devastated with the news, but I expected the worst from the beginning. So this made getting the final news easier. All I thought after getting the news is when can I start treatment. I was willing to take whatever treatment plan would kill this the quickest, no matter how aggressive the treatment was.
2)
What has treatment been like for you? What do you do to stay positive?
I can not lie and say treatment was not difficult, because it was, I hated every day of it . But I did not want the people around me to know that because I knew that I would be able to handle it and allowing the people around me to know that I am fine allows them to feel better which is what I wanted people to think. After my first cycle, I was able to figure out what days were going to be my worst and it seemed that only the first day of the first 2 weeks of each cycle was the worst. After knowing that, I was able to set my mindset to “you just need to get through these days because you can handle all of these easier symptoms.” The way I stayed positive through this whole journey was being able to
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An interview WITH JAKE ANDRIEN ‘21
realize before I started my treatment that staying positive is going to make this challenge so much easier to beat and to handle. Not staying positive would have made it so much harder on myself to handle, and I would not have been able to live the rest of my summer how I wanted. And I knew that sorrowing or not keeping this positive attitude because of being mad about having to deal with this is not gonna change anything, so I should just accept that I am going to have to do this and instead of being mad turn that into motivation to beat this cancer.
3)
Talk a bit about your support system and your mindset through this process.
I can't even describe how thankful I am for all for the support that I received throughout this whole journey. I received so many thoughts and prayers from a substantial number of friends and family. People were even reaching out to me because they heard that I was going through all different prayer groups. Reaching all this support made me realize that I am not alone through this process because not only do I have all these people, I also have all these prayers going to God to help me through this. I never had any doubt because I knew He had my back. All of this support gave me more motivation to keep going and just think about the end result.
4)
Has Devon had any impact on you throughout this journey? If so, explain.
Yes, Devon has had a great impact on me throughout this journey. Basically all of my friends in my graduating class all found out and reached out and gave so much support, I am so grateful for everyone in that graduating class. After everyone eventually found out, a couple of my friends organized a mass during the summer which was the last mass we had as a class before we all went to college but they dedicated this mass to me. I also am grateful for Father Asia and Father Shea for having this mass at Devon. I also received many thoughts and prayers from Mr. Aquilante, Mr. Kane, Mrs. Eshleman, and some of my teachers over the summer. Devon was a huge help and motivation because of all the people who reached out and showed that they cared about how I am doing and were all hoping for a good ending.
5)
What has your college experience been like so far?
Being able to go to Temple allowed me to actually feel normal and feel like I could leave my treatment at home and live my normal life at college. It has really helped me to take my mind off of this and relieve all the stress.
6)
What is a piece of advice you would give someone going through this process?
To keep a positive attitude and even though it sometimes may get hard, just remember that it makes a huge difference throughout the whole process. And to keep the mindset that even though treatment is tough, it is totally worth it for the end result.
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Fireside C hat
WITH MIKE COLLINS
As an alum of Devon Prep if you’re reading this, you know who Mr. Mike Collins is, and you likely had him in one of the many history courses he taught over the years. No doubt you have a Collins story or two of your own - maybe he booted you from class, or threatened you if your AP score wasn’t high enough, or told a joke that made you fall out of your desk. We sat down with him and uncovered some great stories, but do yourself a favor and come back to campus, invite him to your reunion, do whatever you need to get your own conversation with the man, the myth, the legend: Mr. Michael Collins. Q: Talk about your time as a student. Who were your favorite teachers? My favorite teacher was my father, John Collins, he taught English, and Marty Bowen, he taught English and History. My dad, I never knew what to call him in class. He said “Just call me Mr.Collins”. Q: Any lessons or funny stories from your time as a student? Lessons? Nothing is easy. Well, college was easy. Graduate school was easy. But only because of the work I did at Devon. Stories? The only detention I got was from my father. He caught Bill Duffy and I smoking in what is now the locker room bathroom. We thought we were hiding it by blowing it up the air ducts but he somehow caught us! Then on the way home he bummed a cigarette off me. One other story, in the room that is now the oratory [room 127], we had German class and on the back door (the closet door) we stenciled “Men”. And for the first half of the year Bill Duffy used the closet during class as a men’s room. We got bored that he would just stay there for 15 minutes, so Duffy decided to add a little to his excursions to the men’s room by bringing a tape recorder with him and play a toilet flushing. We did that for a month. Then he decided to come out with his pants down bare-ass and tell father that there was no toilet paper left in the bathroom. At that point father discovered the ruse and grabbed his pointer and beat Duffy’s ass chasing him down the hall. Q: Why did you come back to Devon to teach? What was the adjustment like from student to teacher? Actually, the previous history teacher quit, and my dad offered me the job! It was all anaccident. I had plans to go to law school, in fact was already admitted into Villanova’s law school. When I got a call from my dad, in the summer saying the previous history teacher just quit and if you want a job you can teach history at Devon, and father needs an answer within a week. Seeing how my father sat at the kitchen table every night grading, I didn’t want to teach. Plus I knew how difficult it was to make ends meet on a teacher’s salary, but at that point I needed money. I decided I’d give it one year. Started teaching and I fell in love with it. The rest is history. The adjustment to teaching was a lot easier than how other teachers would find it. I had my father as a mentor and knew the culture of Devon. Plus I knew every trick in the book on how a student might cheat!
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Q: What are some of the biggest changes you have seen over the years? What made you want to stay at Devon all this time? Most memorable teaching moment? Technology is the biggest change. Students have access to information at their fingertips. When I was in grad school, I had to travel to John Hopkins and search through their archives for research. I would spend my Saturdays in Baltimore doing research, and now students can get all that information online. There is a downside to technology. I see students having difficulty concentrating for long periods of time. Students believe information should be accessed immediately. Reading 40 pages of a book for AP work is difficult for them. Also, texting has had an impact on students’ ability to write: spelling, capitalization, and grammar have all been impacted since students do not use them in their everyday language. What made me stay at Devon? That is easy, it never felt like work. My love for the school and passion for teaching, I never wanted to leave. There were many times I felt I was stealing my paycheck. One of my favorite moments as a teacher was underestimating what my students can achieve on AP exams. They always surprise the hell out of me. This isn’t a teaching moment, but for years I was the moderator of the Mock Trial team and I always enjoyed having cigars with the team after a win. I will never forget the look on Brandon Mitchell’s face after I changed his closing argument the night before he had to go to trial. Q: What adjustments have you had to make as students’ needs have changed? I haven’t made any adjustments to my teaching style. Students still use Blue Books, and I use a lot of red ink. Q: What do you think you will miss most about teaching at Devon? After teaching here for 50 years, I will miss the friends I have made on the faculty and the students. If you can’t teach at Devon then you shouldn’t be a teacher. Devon has the best students in the world. If you can’t teach here then you weren’t meant to teach. Q: A piece of advice you want Devon alumni to know? Love what you do and it won’t be work!
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Fireside C hat
W I T H PA U L S A N B O R N
Paul J. Sanborn ‘64, otherwise identified as wolf6actual, is one of the most colorful and interesting faculty members Devon Prep has ever witnessed prowling its halls. It is generally agreed that this is due to some slippage in his prescribed medications. But that is a story for another time. Due to his fifty-four years of experience as a military intelligence analyst, historian, classroom teacher, coach and administrator in four public school districts and Devon Prep, successful competitor is cross country/ track/ road racing, and proprietor of Charing Cross Speaking, the wolfman has gathered many stories of limited interest. According to Kevin Mulholland, some of these stories (25%) are even true. Levity is not a natural feature of Mr. Sanborn’s personality. Life is meant to be suffered. Heavenly reward may come later. Loyalty however is integral to wolf6actual’s primary values. And since 1960, he has remained committed to the Devon Experience. Since we and he have reached the point of not knowing which end is up, the wolfman has decided to go abroad to learn at the feet of Zen masters residing in the Kremlin. Before we reach the end of his tenure at Devon this coming June, we posed a few questions to help preserve some of the wolfman’s perspectives on our school and his time spent with us. Q: Talk about your time as a student. For example, who were your favorite teachers? Al Fernandez was our homeroom teacher for three years. He taught math. It took us two years to effectively communicate in the dialect of Devonese that he spoke. Eventually he became much more fluent in English and we became avid Devonese speakers. So, it turned out well. In the end, he married me to my wife and wound up working for the IRS as an auditor with Spanish-speaking American taxpayers in Philly. Marty Bowen taught English or Language Arts as we say today. We were inspired to read current and classical literature and explore the creativity of authors from around the World. Bela Kriegler was one of the first teachers we experienced who brought reality into the classroom. Unfortunately, for that, he was traded to the Methodists for two draft picks and an undisclosed bonus. On our first day as freshmen at Devon, a hurricane struck the Delaware Valley, flooding everything. That did not stop the Headmaster from bringing us all to the Chapel for Opening Liturgy. That pretty much sums up the high school experience of my class at Devon. Our school mascot was the Dukes which has morphed to today’s Tide. No comment necessary beyond stating the obvious...wolfpack is a better totem for young men learning to operate in groups harmoniously for the betterment of their society. Following the Europeanmodel, athletics were considered an afterthought and we had three sports at the time...Basketball, Cross Country and Track. It was the Devon parents who eventually convinced the Piarists to support the present “American Model” of sports as a vital part of one’s overall education.
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Q: Any lessons or funny stories about your time at Devon as a student? Coats and ties every day for both teachers and students. Students stayed in the same classroom all day and teachers changed. Class periods lasted fifty minutes each, with a ten minute break outside in the courtyard between periods each day. Faculty were sent on sweeps between classes to insure everyone’s presence out in the elements (except in pouring rain). One reason I selected Devon was to be an athlete. I was determined to be one and Devon seemed to be the place. So, on the third day of classes, our biology teacher, Bob Farley, told us practice for Cross Country would begin on the following Monday. This is great, I thought, although I had at the time in my life no idea what Cross Country involved. But, being young, immortal and brilliant, I assumed it had something to do with the Devon Horse Show. Horseback riding over barriers. Calvary! I was wrong. Almost dead wrong. Infantry! I ran like the wind. In my first race, I came in so far behind on a street course around Devon Prep that the coach, team and opponents had all left when I came in the drive. Shortly after, in a meet with Conestoga, I finished ninety-third out of ninety-three. I would have placed further back had there been others in the race. But I stayed the course, as it were, and improved. The rest is history. Q: What is different about Devon today, as compared to when you were a student here? Devon Prep is a very different experience for students today as compared to the 1960’s. The dress code is more suited to the times and is more flexible. There are electives for students to select, based on their interests. No longer a one-size fits all proposition. A rotating schedule helps balance out the time each subject is taught during the school year. The internet has changed education a great deal. Not all of it is for the better but time moves on, and so must we. The curriculum is grounded more on current challenges and life experiences. It is something like Great Books Ideals on steroids played out in practical topics ripped from today’ headlines (on computer screens). The typical Devon student today is more worldly than we were sixty years ago. They know a lot more. We had to resort to National Geographic magazines to learn about some matters best left unsaid. These days, just a flip of the switch opens doors beyond anyone’s dreams from the ‘60’s. Or so I am told. Today the challenges are varied and demand our constant attention to rise above them. That’s what keeps me up at night. Q: Do you have any reflections you wish to share with our Alumni? Where you attended high school matters to all of us. It is where we laid the foundation for becoming adults. For better or worse, it is integral to who we are today. We cannot undo the past, but you can play a role in someone else’s future. It really does take a community to raise a child. Devon today offers many great opportunities to our young men to grow and mature through experiences in many areas. More likely than not, it is different from the Devon you experienced, even if you are out of high school for only a decade or so. Give us a chance. Come back and see for yourself our accomplishments and challenges. We need your support. We can use your knowledge and input. It’s a different Devon. A better one, I hope. We still have problems and we still have issues. But we are committed to deal with them in the new dynamic of a community preparing young men for a future still unfolding. Donate, mentor, preserve our educational dream that is Devon Prep. -Wolf6actual
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Fr. Geza Pazmany’s Journey
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Crew Team Fundraiser
Crew Team Fundraiser
Inof the spirit of helping others, one ofornaments our parents is making ornam In the spirit of helping others, one our parents is making Christmas to support theChristmas Devon Prep support the Devon Prepmany Crewsports Team. Aside from COVID impactin Crew Team. Aside from COVID negatively impacting teams, a recent flood atnegatively the boathouse caused devastating damages to theflood boatsat and additional equipment. sports teams, a recent the boathouse caused devastating damages to
and additional equipment. Contact Susan Cicchetti if you are interested in purchasing a DP Ornament and directly supporting the Crew Team! Additionally, you can make a donation to the 2021-2022 Annual Fund and restrict your gift to the Contact SusanCrew Cicchetti if you are interested in purchasing a DP Ornament a Program.
supporting the Crew Team! Additionally, you can make a donation to the 20 Additional customization options are available, please contactyour Susangift Chicchetti susan.chicchetti@pfizer.com Annual Fund and restrict to the at: Crew Program.
https://devonprep.epaytrak.com/DP-Christmas-Ornament-P1518C311.aspx
https://devonprep.epaytrak.com/DP-Christmas-Ornament-P1518C311.aspx
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2021-22 UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS
A t h l e t i c Wa l l o f F a m e I n d u c t i o n s Saturday January 8th 2022 Inductees: Fran Rizzo, John Laprise ‘12, & Mark Aquilante ‘94 To R S V P : h t t p s : / /d e v o n p r e p . e p a y t r a k . c o m / Wa l l - o f - F a m e - I n d u c t i o n - C e r e m o ny-P1487C31 0.aspx
Alumni Basketball Game Saturday January 8th 2022 To R e g i s t e r : h t t p s : / /d o c s . g o o g l e . c o m / f o r m s /d /e / 1 F A I p Q L S f t v q 4 R G k J w - C g b 6 _ d 7 5 C d Va 8 3 m h X R B Y V Q 0 e 9 I 3 c u l - I w S u m Q / v i e w f o r m
Alumni Career Day January 20th If you are interested in participating, please contact Ty l e r K l i c k a . Email: tklicka@devonprep.com
Keep Us Updated!! If you have anything that you would like included in the next issue of the Alumni Newsletter, such as births, weddings, promotions, deaths, etc., please contact Alumni Engagement Officer Tyler Klicka ‘15, at tklicka@devonprep.com
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