Devon Dialogue Graduation Supplement 2011

The Devon Dialogue

Graduation Special Edition

June 2011

Crimi of the Crop Nate Stauffer ’12, Associate Editor

When I was tasked with writing an article on the valedictorian of the Devon Prep Class of 2011, Harry G. Crimi, Jr., I spent a lot of time pondering how to convey his best qualities through writing. Trying to put the reasons why Harry is so unique into words is like trying to explain the “Devon Difference” to an outsider. When people hear the word “valedictorian,” they instantly associate it with a student who is hard-working, studious, and exceptionally intelligent. While, of course, Harry possesses all of these qualities, they are not the only ones that stand out most when you actually get to know him.

Since arriving here in ninth grade, Harry has been a very active member of the Devon Prep Music and Theater Society, participating in Choral Tide and Rip Tide in addition to both the fall and spring theater productions. This past year, he acted as both president of Choral Tide and director’s assistant during the musical, Les Miserables, in which he also played a lead role. Besides this, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the yearbook.

His participation in Art Club, Ballroom Dance Club, Christian Action Program, Model UN, Student Council, The Devon Dialogue, and the Pro-Life Club has further expanded his influence in the Devon community. While all of these activities are important to Harry, they still are not the factors that distinguish Harry from the rest of the class.

Yes, Harry is an incredible student. Sure, he has a pile of extra-curriculars that could rival Mount Everest. Still, the reasons why Harry will be remembered as the ideal Devon student—the reasons why he has made such an impact on this school and everyone he has befriended—are far greater. The things that distinguish Harry include his incomparable musical abilities, his unwavering kindness, his infectious laughter, his loyalty to his friends and school, and his knack for always being the best friend anyone could possibly ask for. I have been more than honored to be good friends with Harry for the past four years.

I still cannot quite figure out how to put what makes Harry so special into words, but I suppose if I were to sum it up, I would say this: Harry has heart. There is no better quality to Harry than his heart. It is the reason why he was voted “most likely to be friends with everyone,” why he has been so extraordinarily successful, and why everyone he has influenced over the past four years is better for it. There should be no question in anyone’s mind that Harry is going to change the world, and the Devon community should be proud to say it played a role in that. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, Harry! There’s no other way to describe you: you are the Devon Difference.

Valedictorian Harry G. Crimi, Jr. (Left) Salutatorian Nicholas A. Pancerella (Right)

Pance on Fire Sam Nardi ’12

Nicholas A. Pancerella is a student and athlete who is determined, admirable, and humble. Whether Nick is behind a desk or home plate, he always gives one hundred percent. This season, Nick was named Most Valuable Player of the Devon Prep varsity baseball team. Nick was also named Salutatorian for his exceptional academic performance in the classroom.

Nick is well respected by the Devon faculty and students alike, and is a spectacular catcher and leader on the baseball field.

Born on July 4, 1993 in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, Nick attended St. Eleanor School in Collegeville. Nick’s interests include baseball and spending time with friends. What Nick loves most about Devon are the faculty and student body, the close-knit relationships between students and teachers, and the students’ level of participation in school activities. When asked what he will most remember about his Devon days, Nick cited baseball memories—such as defeating Malvern Prep and Conestoga High School in baseball, winning the Bicentennial League, and competing in the District Tournament. Nick also reminisced about time spent with his fellow seniors, including the Senior Retreat and Senior Field Trip.

Reading Nick’s resume shows how impressive a young man he is, but his personality tells an even greater story. As a prospective student, I toured Devon under Nick’s guidance; he is a major reason I am here at Devon. In the words of his teammate and close friend, Alex Pachella ’11, “Nick is always a nice, funny, but serious kid that always out-works everyone, in school and on the baseball field. Everyone likes Nick and he is respected by his peers.”

Nick Pancerella is the perfect balance between student and baseball player, and he exemplifies the scholar-athlete. A hardworking, humorous, and dedicated young man, Nick plans to take his talents to Binghamton University, playing Division One baseball for the Bearcats.

Year of the Eucharist Unites Vince Quintiliani ’11

This year, the Campus Ministry Team at Devon has taken a greater position in the spiritual life of students and the Devon Prep community. Along with the help of the new school chaplain, Fr. Nelson Henao, the group was able to achieve its mission of celebrating The Year of the Eucharist at Devon Prep.

Preparing and setting up for Mass every Friday, running prayer services and grade retreats, and putting together the Living Rosary every month are some of the things Campus Ministry has worked on this year. The mission of the group is to garner increased participation in the celebration of the Mass and in spiritual life among the students. With President Vince Quintiliani ’11 and members Brendan O’Brien ’11, John LaPrise ’12, Matt Burke ’12, Spence Latran ’12, Pat Robbins ’12, Ryan O’Shea ’12, Rich DiColli ’12, Mike Giampietro ’13, Ryan Shannon ’13, Tom Seykora ’13, and Maguire Bowie ’13, the Campus Ministry Team was able to achieve this mission. Working with Fr. Nelson, the group was also able to purchase a new crucifix and a new organ—every Friday, Mr. Mark Griswold, accompanied by a group of students, played the hymns for Mass. In the wake of this year’s successes, the group hopes to continue to help expand the spiritual life of the Devon Prep community.

Dancing Duos Vince Quintiliani ’11

Throughout the year, Devon Prep hosts various semi-formal and formal events. This year, Devon boasted two semi-formals, for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, as well as one formal prom, held on the Spirit of Philadelphia.

The Christmas Semi-Formal was one of the best in the recent history of Devon. Featuring amazing lighting and effects, a smorgasbord of amazing food, and the traditional cutting of the rug by Mr. Callahan, the night certainly was one for the record books. DJ Anthony, accompanied by up-and-coming star Ryan Litchert ’11—“DJ SpaceJam”—provided musical entertainment for the night. In February, Devon hosted another semiformal for Valentine’s Day. DJ Anthony once again pumped up the crowd for this exciting event. Throughout the rest of the year, students anxiously awaited prom. The dance was unique as it was held on the luxurious Spirit of Philadelphia, a cruise ship on the Delaware River. The three-hour voyage was a complete success, and the illuminated dance floor was packed from beginning to end. Even the faculty chaperones enjoyed themselves greatly.

Devon’s formals have always been notable events. This year certainly was no exception, and it will be difficult for next year’s Prom Committee to outdo this year’s success.

Do You Hear the People Sing?

Nate Stauffer ’12, Associate Editor

From the islands of the South Pacific to a small town in Ohio and most recently to historic Japan, the Devon Theater Society in past years has taken its audiences on some incredible journeys. This year, that journey brought us to the streets of Paris, France where an escaped convict was on the run. Led by the incomparable Radu family with assistance from former Rockette and choreographer extraordinaire, Mrs. Gail Oldfield, this year’s production of Les Miserables proved to be one of the greatest in our school’s history. Devon previously performed Les Mis in 2005, and this production was so well-received that Dr. Radu decided that it was worth repeating, and if the audience’s reaction is any indicator, he made a great decision.

The cast, one of the largest in the history of Devon shows, consisted of ninety-one students, a majority of whom were girls from local area schools. The supremely talented and extremely dedicated principals worked on average twenty hours a week rehearsing. Zach Bonner ’12 and Brian Kozak ’13 took up the incredibly difficult role of Jean Valjean, the protagonist of the show. Valjean’s nemesis, Inspector Javert, was powerfully portrayed by Albert Emhof ’11 and Dan Lewis ’12. Harry Crimi ’11 and Nate Stauffer ’12 brought emotion to their portrayal of the young rebel Marius Pontmercy, while Rich DiColli ’12 and Zach Adams ’11 provided comic relief as the sneaky innkeeper Thenardier. They shared the stage with female leads from Mount St. Joseph’s Academy, Harriton High School, Villa Maria Academy, Cardinal O’Hara High School, and Country Day School of the Sacred Heart. “People do not realize how much work the show really is, but they also miss out on how rewarding it can be,” said one cast member. “Because we spend so much time together, we cannot help but become great friends by the end of the show,” the member added. The stage crew also worked tirelessly to build and paint the intricate set, while also learning how to run the sound system and lights. Under the fearless direction of the amazing Ms. Medina the show ran smoothly with very few glitches. A team of volunteers designed the exquisite costumes that brought the show to life. Without the unsurpassable efforts of the many people involved in the show, it could not have been as terrific as it was.

Overall, the show was an astounding success. The cast performed four shows to sold-out audiences and the applause during bows at each show was deafening. It was an extraordinary accomplishment for everyone involved and one that will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.

Athletic Achievements Ryan O’Shea ’12, Editor-in-Chief; Joe Geiger ’12, Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Devon’s sports teams have been making headlines throughout the region this spring. Varsity baseball took home a league championship, members of track and field competed in Districts, and the tennis and lacrosse teams each made strong showings this season for the blue and gold. In the process, a number of Devon students have been honored for their individual performance.

The varsity baseball team won the Bicentennial Athletic League (BAL) Championship this season, their first in more than a decade. Their unstoppable 12–2 record was more than enough to put them ahead of fierce competition from area schools like Holy Ghost Prep, Bristol High School, and Christopher Dock Mennonite High School. Head coach Mark Aquilante ’94 was named the BAL Coach of the Year; John LaPrise ’12 and Alex Pachella ’11 were named to the All-BAL First Team; and Nick Pancerella ’11 and Matt Burke ’12 were named to the AllBAL Second Team. An honorable mention was also awarded to Michael Raftery ’11. In addition, the track and field team competed at the district meet, under head coach Paul Sanborn ’64. Tristan Dolan ’11 placed second in the Javelin Throw; Sam Gillin ’11 took third in the same event; and Richard Glikes ’11 placed third in the Triple Jump.

Devon baseball players John LaPrise ’12, Alex Pachella ’11, and Nick Pancerella ’11 have all made commitments to play baseball at Division I and Division III college programs. Alex will head north to pitch for Division III Hamilton College, located in upstate New York. Nick is also crossing the border into New York to catch for Division I Binghamton University.

As is common practice for stellar prospects, John made a verbal commitment, as a junior, to the University of Virginia, a team consistently ranked in the top ten in the nation, and will formally sign with the team this fall.

Devon athletics continue to compete with the best schools in the area, and the school congratulates these exemplary teams and players in anticipation of the autumn soccer, golf, and cross-country seasons.

Bill Adamiak ’11 eludes the grasp of classmate Joe Matthews ’11 during the Turkey Bowl

Fun in the Sun Harry Crimi ’11

The seniors enjoyed six days of summer fun during the beginning months of winter in Naples, Florida. Several volleyball tournaments were played, beaches were conquered and sunglasses were lost. The students also enjoyed many trips to “very good Italian restaurants.”

Highlights of the trip included fishing and golfing trips, as well as an assorted amount of sand-infused games. On the fishing trip, the waves proved to be too treacherous for sailing, so the seniors showed off their guppy-catching skills, while losing many lines in the nearby shrubbery. Manta rays proved to be both an unseen obstacle and an unforgettable attraction on one of the many beaches claimed by the seniors. The staff of King Richard’s welcomed “Devionshire” to a night filled with amusement and go-carting.

The trip was topped-off with a trip to the Everglades, where alligators were spotted and air-boats were nearly tipped.

The tour guides raced through a maze of waterways, giving students an unforeseen thrill. Mr. Iezzi, Mr. Cunningham, Mrs. Iacobucci, and Mr. Rollins made the entire trip possible. Although it was only six days long, the days spent and memories made in Naples will last a lifetime.

12A Trumps All Nick Pancerella ’11

Every year, the seniors of Devon Prep take their talents to the field in two fierce athletic competitions. Around Thanksgiving, the athletic fields are home to the Turkey Bowl, a football tournament among the senior homerooms. After AP exams, the Jewitt Cup again tests the students’ skills in an intense afternoon hockey match.

First, the seniors met on the makeshift gridiron on Edwin D. Keller Memorial Field to battle it out in flag football. From afar, the Turkey Bowl may seem like an excuse for a group of young men to don costumes and skip their afternoon courses to play a few touch football games. However, the Turkey Bowl is much more than a costume party. The event is a Devon Prep tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The students in each homeroom bond as a unit and strengthen their friendships. In many ways, the Turkey Bowl is a special experience that all of the participants will treasure well beyond their Devon years. This year, 12B, 12C, and 12D all put forth their best efforts, but were trumped by the eventual champion, 12A. The men of 12A were able to get the ball into their playmakers’ hands and create mismatches on the edge.

More recently, the twelfth grade homerooms faced off again in a hockey tournament known as the Jewitt Cup. This year’s Jewitt Cup showcased another powerful 12A victory.

Mike Raftery ’11, Duncan Becker ’11, Matt Maloney ’11, Terence Walsh ’11, J.J. Kiely ’11, and Tim Doney ’11 stood out in the homeroom’s dominant performance. The competition raged on all afternoon, and all of the students came away from the event with a positive feeling.

Hopefully, these priceless traditions will continue to unite the senior classes of Devon Prep for years to come.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011

College Highlights for the Class of 2011 315 College acceptances for the Class of 2011 7 Early Decision applications 108 Early Action applications 104 Rolling Admission applications 262 Regular Decision applications 136 Different institutions applied to 106 Institutions with acceptances 32 Institutions for matriculants Most popular colleges applied to by the Class of ’11: Penn State University (24) Drexel University (22) St. Joseph’s University (22) Loyola University Maryland (21) University of Pittsburgh (16) Institutions with highest Class of ’11 enrollments: Penn State University (5) Loyola University Maryland (5) University of Pittsburgh (4) St. Joseph’s University (4) Villanova University (3), Catholic University (3), LaSalle University (3) Total amount of scholarships earned by Class of ’11: $7,742,096 Senior with greatest single scholarship: Penn State University NROTC, $180,000 Senior with highest total scholarship offers: $101,800/year from 7 colleges

The Devon Dialogue wishes Fr. Nelson Henao the best and thanks him for three amazing years!

Alumni Welcome Newest Members Michael Dokas ’08, Alumnus Contributor

On Saturday, May 21, the Alumni Association, headed

by Mr. Simon, held its third annual Young Alumni Barbeque behind Calasanctius Hall. The Classes of 2007 through 2010 received invitations, in addition to the current senior class.

Several administrators and teachers were also in attendance.

The event has been growing in popularity since its inception three years ago. Many classmates returned to Devon after their spring semesters to share memories and tell new college stories.

The event has benefited from the delicious barbequing of Mrs. Kalivas, Director of Food Services at Devon; the Alumni Association would like to thank Mrs. Kalivas for all of her hard work. Many alumni remarked on the improvements made to Devon’s facilities, particularly the renovated entrance and driveway. Throughout the year, members of the Alumni Association held seminars for the senior class. Mr. Chris Turner, Esq. ’96, and Dr. Joseph D’Orazio ’96 were two of the many speakers who participated. These seminars enlightened the future graduates to opportunities in the professional world becoming available to them.

The Alumni Association hopes to continue to grow the event, as well as add another event for Young Alumni and the senior class in January of next year. Through the barbeque, as well as the Alumni Association’s other events throughout the year, the Association seeks to strengthen and maintain our valuable network for Devon’s alumni to benefit from both personally and professionally.

The Alumni Association proudly welcomes the Class of 2011 into its membership.

The Devon Dialogue thanks its departing seniors, in particular Greg Bokar and Jordan Kelly, for their tireless work.

Executive Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief: Ryan O’Shea ’12 Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Joe Geiger ’12 Faculty Moderator: Mr. Larry Theuer Assistant Faculty Moderator: Mrs. Elizabeth Eshleman Photos courtesy of Devon Prep Public Relations Office and John H. Ansley Portrait Photography.