DEVON
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
The Piarist Fathers
TIDINGS
Volume 3, Issue 1 October 2011
NEW TEACHERS JOIN DEVON PREP FACULTY
When Devon Prep students arrived on campus for the rst day of school they reconnected with old classmates, welcomed new ones, received their class schedules, and a ended Mass together in the school’s gym. They were also greeted by several new faculty members.
Headmaster Rev. James J. Shea, Sch.P., who served as the principal celebrant of the opening day Mass, welcomed everyone back to school and introduced the following new teachers.
Dr. Chris ne DeGrado teaches upper school and middle school Spanish. She holds a BA from the University of Chicago, and a MA and PH.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to Devon Prep Dr. DeGrado taught at the Wes own School, Haverford High School, Chestnut Hill College, Swarthmore College and the University of Pennsylvania.
Rev. Javier Renteria, Sch.P. teaches upper school Spanish and middle school religion. Father Back : Mrs. DeGrado (l), Mrs. Loutrel (r) Renteria was born in Bilbao, Spain and educated in Spain as well at the Pon cal University Front: Rev. Renteria and Mrs. Gregory in Salamanca and the University of Navarra. He was ordained to the priesthood as a member of the Piarist Order in 1983. Father Renteria has taught at several Piarist schools in Spain, including schools in Bilboa, Pamplona and Granada. Prior to Devon Prep he served in a Piarist parish in New York City.
Mrs. Anne e M. Loutrel teaches upper school chemistry and middle school physical science. Mrs. Loutrel holds a BS from Barry University and a MS from Columbia University. She comes to Devon Prep from New Hope Academy, where she served as chair of the science department as well as a teacher. Prior to New Hope Academy Mrs. Loutrel taught at Cardinal O’Hara High School, Archbishop Ryan High School and the College of New Jer sey. She is a member of the Na onal Science Teachers Associa on and the American Chemical Society.
Mrs. Jennifer Gregory teaches upper school English. Mrs. Gregory holds a BA from Ursinus College. Prior to Devon Prep she taught at St. Gabriel’s Hall in Audubon, PA and for the Chester County Intermediate Unit. Mrs. Gregory has also served as a test prepara on and subject tutor for A+ Test Prep and Tutoring.
See more photos of the rst day at: FIRST DAY
TEN SENIORS RECOGNIZED BY NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Na onal Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic compe on for recogni on and scholarships. More than 1.5 million stu dents in over 22,000 U.S. high schools enter the Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/ Na onal Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
The Semi nalists are among the 16,000 stu dents who are the highest scoring entrants in each state. Semi nalists are the only par ci pants who qualify to con nue in the compe on for Na onal Merit Scholarships. Scholar ship winners will be named in 2012. Approxi mately 90% of the Semi nalists are expected to advance to the nalist level, based on aca demic achievement, skills, and poten al for success.
Ten Devon Prep seniors, nearly 20% of the Class of 2012, were recognized by the 2012 Na onal Merit Scholarship Program. Six of these students were named Semi nalists and four are Commended Students.
The Semi nalists are, back row, from le :
Alexander Teplyakov, Nathan Stau er, Adam Swi , Ryan O'Shea , Hugh Phelan and Ryan Fulmer.
The Commended students include, seated, from le : John Damstra , James Lockard, Sean Gillin and Nicholas Ragsdale.
Commended students are among 34,000 of the approximately 50,000 high scorers on the PSAT/NMSQT® who were recognized for their outstanding academic promise.
On average 20% of Devon Prep’s graduates are named as Commended Students, Semi nalists or Finalists in the Na onal Merit Scholarship Program each year.
SOLAR CAR TEAM RECEIVES AWARDS Devon Prep’s Solar Car Team, “The Devon Panel,” took fourth place in the 2011 Hunt Winston Solar Car Challenge which ran from July 18th to the 21st. Devon Prep’s team is the rst and only, Pennsylvania high school team to compete in this closed track na onal compe on. Their solar powered car, named “Sol TIDE” and painted the school’s colors of blue and gold, measured 15 . X 2 ., and included ve solar panels,.
In September, the team presented Father Shea with the fourth place trophy they earned. The boys gave a brief overview of their week in Dallas and high lights of the race. They thanked several people who helped the team, urged those who might be interested in joining the team to contact one of the members, and then presented their trophy to the Headmaster to be placed among the school’s other prizes. In addi on Student Council Presi dent Patrick Robbins presented each team member with a special Senate Cita on in honor of their accomplishment issued by State Senator Andrew Dinniman.
A month later the team received the “Green Power Award” from Ci zens for Pennsylvania’s Future, (PennFuture). The team was recognized for their success in building and racing their solar car this summer. PennFuture is a statewide public interest organiza on that works to create a just future where nature, communi es and the economy thrive. Each year they recognize individuals and organiza ons that work to promote clean energy in Pennsylvania. READ MORE: SOLAR CAR TEAM
EIGHTEEN SENIORS NAMED AP SCHOLARS The following members of Devon Prep’s senior class were named AP Scholar with Dis nc on, AP Scholar With Honor and AP Scholar by the College Board. AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION Conrad Damstra John Damstra Joseph Geiger Daniel Lewis James Lockard Ryan O'Shea Hugh Phelan Ma hew Swatski Adam Swi Alexander Tepylakov Chase Weber
AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR Ryan Fulmer Roshan Patel Nicholas Ragsdale Nathan Stau er AP SCHOLARS Ma hew Bonner Nicholas van Schiajik Connell White
These Devon Prep students were recognized for their extraordinary achievement on college level Advanced Placement exams taken last spring. Only 18% of the more than one million students who took AP exams in May 2011 performed at a su ciently high level to merit such recogni on.
The AP Program, sponsored by the College Board, is a coopera ve educa onal endeavor between high schools and colleges and universi es. Most of the na on’s colleges and uni versi es award credit and/or advanced placement based on successful performances on the AP Exams.
Devon Prep’s AP Program begins in the sophomore year and o ers more than 17 courses in numerous subjects including history, biology, physics, English, geography, poli cal science and several foreign languages.
SENIORS MEET FORMER DEFENSE SECRETARY ROBERT GATES absolutely awestruck by the quality of the young people in our military.”
“The problem, though, with an embedded reporter,” Gates con nued, “is that it’s like watching the war through a soda straw. They get a very limited perspec ve.”
The students found Secretary Gates’ re marks both insigh ul and enlightening and they were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and shake the hand of such a signi cant force in American poli cs.
John Damstra found the experience mem orable. “We had an incredible opportunity Devon Prep seniors with Former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates (center), are from le : Sco to engage in a discussion with one of the Whi emore, Ma hew Swatski, John Damstra, Ryan Fulmer, Secretary Gates , Roshan Patel, Alexander Teplyakov, Conrad Damstra, and Daniel Lewis. most in uen al policy makers of the past decade,” the twel h grader said. “This was a great experience that not many high For 90 minutes Gates answered ques ons Eight Devon Prep seniors, all members of school students can claim to have had.” on a range of topics–from the future of the Mr. Mike Collins’ AP Government and Poli military, to the status of Middle East diploma cal Science class, recently met Former Secre cy, to the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” The 67 year old Gates stepped down on July tary of Defense Robert Gates at the Cons tu 1 a er serving as defense secretary since policy. on Center in Philadelphia. Devon Prep was 2006, under Republican George W. Bush and the only high school invited to a end a ques Democrat Barack Obama. He presided over He also discussed his experiences serving two on and answer session with the former Sec the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and was consecu ve Presidents (George W. Bush and retary prior to his acceptance of the 2011 involved in key decisions including the repeal Barack Obama), and the rela onship between Liberty Medal. the press and the military, speci cally embed of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for gays in the military. ded reporters during a war. Five of the seniors were asked to sit on stage with Gates and Cons tu on Center President Gates is the only Defense head to serve un “The good thing is, a wide array of journalists & CEO David Eisner during the Q & A session der both a Republican and Democra c presi have had rsthand exposure to the incredible which took place before an audience of 200 dent. He is also the only CIA Director to have young men and women in the military,” he people including ROTC cadets from St. Jo reached that level a er star ng there in an said. “I have yet to nd a reporter who has seph’s University and the University of Penn entry level posi on. been embedded who doesn’t come away sylvania.
DEVON PREP MARKS 10th ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11
Devon Prep marked the tenth anniversary of 9 11 with a special Mass honoring the more than 400 rst responders (343 re ghters and 72 po lice o cers) who lost their lives that day. Devon Prep’s Chaplain Rev. Richard Wyzykiewicz, Sch.P. served as the principal celebrant with Headmas ter Rev. James Shea, Sch.P., Rev. Javier Renteria, Sch.P., and Rev. Michael Du y, OFM concele bra ng. All the readings were o ered by Devon Prep faculty members who are military veterans.
The Mass began with an Honor Guard including representa ves of the Berwyn Fire Company, The Bryn Mawr Fire Company, and the Tredy rin Township Police Department. The Berwyn Fire Company performed the solemn Fireman’s Last Alarm Ceremony to honor their fallen com rades. The ceremony includes a special signal of ve rings, three mes each, represen ng the end of the re ghter’s du es and that they will be returning to quarters.
Rev. Michael Du y, OFM., gave the homily remembering his good friend Rev. Mychal Judge, OFM. who perished in the terrorist a ack a dec ade ago. Father Judge was Chaplain of the Fire Department of New York.
For more photos: 9 11 SERVICE
FIRST ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION
Devon Prep's rst Scholarship Recep on was held in Calasanc us Hall in late September with more than 100 upper school students, parents, donors, alumni and guests in a endance. Students who received schol arships to Devon Prep were recognized for their outstanding academic and personal achievements. Special presenta ons were made to the rst recipients of the Class of 1969 Memorial Scholarship and the Gin ger English Memorial Scholarship.
The Class of '69 Scholarship is the rst endowed Alumni Scholarship fund at Devon Prep. This scholarship, which also honors several de ceased members of the Class, was presented by Mr. Peter Connors ’69 to freshman Andrew Stau er.
Freshman Andrew Stau er with members of the Class of 1969. Andrew is the rst recipient of the Class of ‘69 Memorial Scholarship.
The Ginger English Memorial Scholarship honors the memory and spirit of the mother of 1998 alumnus Michael English. Mrs. English touched many lives with her vibrant personality and dedica on to Devon Prep. Michael presented this scholarship to senior Nathan Stau er. See more photos at SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION
Senior Nathan Stau er (center) with members of the English family. Nate is the rst recipient of the Ginger English Memorial Scholarship .
NINTH GRADE ADVENTURE IN EDUCATION DAY
STUDENT COUNCIL
Making the transi on from middle school to high school can be di cult for even the most self con dent teenager. Making that transi on in a school where you don’t know anyone can be twice as challenging.
Three students were elected to the Upper School Student Council Execu ve Board for the 2011 12 school year.
To help the 59 young men in Devon Prep’s Freshman Class get through that di cult transi on the school’s Guidance Depart ment sponsored an Adventure in Educa on Day. The goal of this interac ve learning experience was to strengthen the develop ing bond among the members of the class as they begin their high school journey.
Senior Patrick Robbins (right) serves as President, Connell White (le ) serves as vice president, and Ryan Fulmer (center) is treasurer
Devon Prep’s Student Council is elected by the student body. The council not only mediates between administra on, faculty, and the students, but also organizes, administers, and nances most of the student ac vi es at Devon Prep including dances, tailgates, Ba le of the Bands, and the prom.
Student Council members, especially the execu ve board, o en represent Devon Prep’s student body at events both on and o campus, such as Open House, Spring TIDE and the Headmaster’s Recep on. Par cipa on in the Student Council provides training for leadership, service, and loyalty.
MOTHERS’ COVERED DISH
“This day of Adventure in Educa on contributes to the process of building the Class of 2015,” explained Mrs. Denise Gavin, Devon Prep’s Director of Health and Guidance. “The whole class was divided into randomly formed groups giving the stu dents a chance to meet all the members of the class. They in teract while par cipa ng in new challenging ac vi es and stretching their own expecta ons,” Mrs. Gavin con nued. “They discover the value of coop era ve or group power and learn that some mes a group, when working together, can accomplish what an individual cannot.”
Tyler Klicka is new to Devon Prep and found the day both challenging and fun. “It’s really fun. You get to meet kids not just in your homeroom but eve ryone else throughout the whole grade,” he said. “It’s a good bonding me. The ac vi es are challenging and we needed a lot of teamwork to get them done.”
Andrew Walheim agreed. “It was a lot of fun. I learned a lot about working in a group and trus ng others,” he explained. “And I got to meet other kids that are not in my classes.”
Devon Prep’s
The tradi onal Mother’s Covered Dish Dinner took place in early September in Devon’s gym. More than 100 moms a end ed this deligh ul evening lled with shopping, food and plenty of cha ng. For new Devon moms it was a chance to meet and get to know other mothers. For the senior mothers, however, the evening was bi ersweet as it was the rst of many “lasts” this year.
Adventure in Educa on Day was presented by THOM STECHER AS SOCIATES and took place at an outdoor course in New town Square. The program involved tradi onal outdoor ac vi es such as group games an a low ropes course. Most situa ons called for team problem solving, good communica ons, trust in one another, respect of individual di erences within a group, and working together to ful ll the task created. The goal was not compe on but coopera on. The students learned to solve problems by working together in a group crea vely and e ec vely, and to take responsibility for the outcomes of their decisions. See more photos at: ADVENTURE EDUCATION
VARSITY SOCCER SENIOR DAY Senior members of Devon’s varsity soccer team and their parents were honored on Tuesday before their game against Calvary Chris an. Student Council President Pat Robbins announced the name of each senior who then presented his mother with owers. A er shaking hands with Fr. Shea, the coaches, and Mr. Aquilante, the seniors and their parents had their pictures taken. Although Calvary Chris an scored the rst goal, the TIDE went on to win the game 3 2. See more photos: SOCCER SENIOR DAY
COACHES, ATHLETES RECOGNIZED BY BAL The Bicentennial Athle c League recently recognized several Devon Prep coaches and athletes.
Congratula ons to the following:
Mr. Paul Sanborn was named Bicentennial Athle c League Coach of the Year for Cross Country. Mr. Sanborn has coached the Devon Prep Cross Country Team since 1998
Mr. Frank Casey was named Bicentennial Athle c League (BAL) Coach of the Year for Golf. Mr. Casey has coached Dev on Prep golf for 20 years.
All Bicentennial Athle c League for Soccer. First Team Second Team
All Bicentennial Athle c League for Golf.
Richard Gallo Paul Kubat D.J. Walz
Kyle Koehler
Honorable Men on
Michael Giampietro Michael McKenna Luka Zacharczuk
First Team
Honorable Men on Patrick Robbins
Ryan Shannon Andrew Shannon
MIDDLE SCHOOL CAMPING TRIP This year’s Middle School Camping Trip at French Creek State Park proved to be another memorable experience for our middle school students, many of whom experienced overnight camping in tents for the rst me. Although the weather was not totally coopera ve (some rain and cold) the boys didn’t miss any of the scheduled ac vi es. They took part in a massive science and math scavenger hunt, played Capture the Flag, money nd in the dark and ashlight tag, as well as par cipated in several races. They ate food prepared by the chaperones and enjoyed a delicious s’mores party around the camp re. Many of the boys said their favorite part of the trip was hanging out with their classmates and ge ng to know each other be er. A highlight of the trip was the a ernoon Mass o ered by Father Richard Wyzykiewicz in our outdoor se ng.
Thanks to all the parents and faculty who helped make this year’s camping trip a life me memory for our middle school students.
See more photos at: MS CAMPING
CAP SPONSORS “UP FOR A CAUSE”
s cks, index cards, binders, calculators, and just about anything else needed to start school.
The supplies were sorted, counted, boxed and delivered to St. Eliza‐ beth’s Community Center by C.A.P. officers, Co‐Presidents Seniors Jo‐ seph Geiger, and Benjamin Senss, and Co‐Vice Presidents Senior Ma hew Kramer, and Junior Kevin Fulmer.
The dona ons were distributed to families with school age children during a community block party.
52 MIDDLE SCHOOLERS QUALIFY FOR JOHNS HOPKINS CTY PROGRAM Devon Prep upper school students stayed “Up for a Cause” in mid‐ October to raise money for the na onally recognized St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Devon’s Chris an Ac on Program (CAP) sponsored the event, a 12‐hour night of fun, food and games beginning at 7 PM Friday evening and ending at 7 AM Saturday morning. More than $23,000 was raised for the hospital. Students spent the night par ci‐ pa ng in numerous ac vi es including basketball, dodgeball and soccer games.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (h p://www.stjude.org/) was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas to find cures, through research and treatment, for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. On average, 5,700 ac ve pa ents visit the hospital each year, most of whom are treated on an outpa ent basis. St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever denied treatment because of the family’s inability to pay
See more photos at: UP FOR A CAUSE
CAP COLLECTS SCHOOL SUPPLIES
More than 75% of Devon Prep’s Middle School students, 16 eighth graders, 18 seventh graders, and 18 sixth graders were recognized by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Program. CTY, a world leader in gi ed educa on, conducts na onal and interna onal talent searches to iden fy, assess, and recognize outstanding aca‐ demic talent.
These 52 students qualified for the CTY Program by scoring in the 95th percen le or above on standardized tests last year and by demon‐ stra ng superior academic performance.
As a result, these students are eligible to take the ACT or SAT (designed for high school juniors and seniors) as seventh and eighth grade students.
EIGHTH GRADE
SEVENTH GRADE
Andrew J. Barella Andrew R. Be s Alexander S. Bygrave Alexandru Damian Sean A. Fulmer Anthony Lambright Enoch S. Lee Joshua Y. Lee Ma hew J. McLaughlin Kyle A. Mooney Shane L. Norris Eric O’Brien Richard P. O'Flynn John F. Parkinson Shyamal B. Patel August Piro
Ryan Hallinan Kevin Holmes Tyler Keough Andrew Knaus Benjamin Lubker John Marquis Sawyer May Christopher McAlee Alexander Nawn Daniel O’Malley Paul Yoo John Rufo Connor Ryan Daniel Shannon Brandon Smoot A.J. Tiglao Jack Wagner Michael Weir
These students qualified to take the School and College Ability Test (SCAT) sponsored by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
Throughout the summer Devon Prep’s Chris an Ac on Program collect‐ ed thousands of school supplies for nearly 200 needy families in North Philadelphia. Among the 5000 donated items were notebooks, pencils, crayons, pens, folders, backpacks, copybooks, scissors, rulers, glue
SIXTH GRADE Brian O’Malley Thomas Bower Jacob Pabia Jus n Chambers Michael Pietrafi a Caelan Coyne Christopher Rufo Chase D’Amico Paris Shusterfallou Michael Hinke Ma hew Siracusa James Lorgus Jacob Snyder Brendan McGrath Augus n Thompson Akul Naik Tyler Wright Ma hew O’Brien
GERMAN CLUB ATTENDS OKTOBERFEST The German Club went to the Oktoberfest at O o's Brauhaus in Hors ham on Friday, October 21st. Seven Devon students a ended: Alex Teplykov, Sean and Dan Kennedy, Albert Emmanuel Milani, Nick Snyder, Dan Azarian, and Evan Hennessy along with several parents and family members. The entertainment was by the Philadelphia German Brass Band and the food was a German bu et that included Schnitzel, Goulash, and Wurst.
SUPPORT HARVEST TIDE FOOD DRIVE You can make a di erence in the lives of many needy people this Thanksgiving by contribu ng to Devon Prep’s HARVEST TIDE FOOD DRIVE. The Chris an Ac on Program (CAP) is collec ng canned food and non–perishables as well as turkeys for a community center in North Philadelphia . Cash dona ons are also accepted. All food items are being collected in the homerooms. Turkeys can be dropped o at Devon Prep on Tuesday morning, November 22. This year’s goal is 5,000 food items and 50 turkeys. The home room with the greatest dona on percentage will win a pizza party!
FALL OPEN HOUSE
Devon Prep’s Open House on October 9th was a great success! Interested middle school and upper school families visited our campus and facili es guided by our best salesmen, our stu dents. Faculty, administra tors, coaches, parents and several young alumni were all on hand to answer ques ons and talk about Devon Prep. A er their tours our guests were treated to deli cious snacks and beverages in Calasanc us Hall. Thanks to all the parents who came out to help and congratula ons to Admissions Director Mr. Patrick Parsons for a successful event. See more photos: OPEN HOUSE
SUMMER VACATION STORIES Summer may be lled with “lazy, hazy days” for many students, but several Devon Prep students were anything but lazy this summer. Here is what some of them did.
Service Trip to Kentucky One Devon Prep middle school student and nine upper school stu dents travelled to Floyd County in East ern Kentucky, one of the poorest areas in the US. There they assisted Fr. Bob Dam ron, pastor of St. Mar tha's Parish, with pain ng, power washing, carpentry, cleaning, clerical work, delivery of goods for the needy, and meal prepara on. They also visited the Piarist School to help prepare for the upcoming school year by delivering school supplies, moving furniture, and cleaning. The Piarist School provides a quality educa on, tui on free, to just over 100 students within one of the poorest regions of the country.
According to Chaperone and Devon Prep Religion Teacher Mr. Joe Lewis the trip was well worth the long ride to Kentucky. “I could not be more proud of our students in how hard they worked and how well they conducted themselves throughout the week,” he said. “The week included a nice blend of hard work, prayer and worship, and some fun and relaxa on. They were a tremendous group hard working, co opera ve, polite, and so anxious to be of help to so many people!”
The students included: Recent Graduate Clement Stormes , Seniors Ma hew Swatski, Daniel Lewis and Nicholas Ragsdale, Juniors Chris topher Clayton , Timothy Crowe, and Cole Hasse , Freshman Daniel Crowe , and Seventh Grader Connor Ryan. More photos at: KENTUCKY TRIP
Ryan Fulmer Attends Boys State & Boys Nation For Senior Ryan Fulmer the summer included not just hard work, but some exci ng opportuni es as well. Fulmer began his vaca on a ending the Summer Leaders Seminar (SLS) at the US Military Academy, in West Point, NY, a week long program designed to showcase cadet life. Next he traveled to the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD for their Summer Leaders Semi nar where he rode patrol boats, trained with an Ex Navy Seal, witnessed Mach 4 winds in a wind tunnel and more.
According to Fulmer, “Both SLS camps a orded great experiences for anyone interested in a military career and eye openers to those who want to serve their country in uniform someday.”
A er spending a week working at Boys Scout Camp at Resica Falls Scou ng Reserva on in East Stroudsburg, PA he was o to par ci pate in Boys State at Shippensburg University. Boys State is a week long program conducted by the American Legion where seniors are split into di erent “ci es” and govern themselves poli cally, socially, and legally. Every a endee is either elected or appointed to a posi
on and par cipates fully in the crea on of a func oning government. Ful mer was elected to be the Mayor of his city which won Honor City for the week. At the end of the week he was selected to represent Pennsylvania as a Senator at Boys Na on in Washington, DC.
At Boys Na on two students from each state except Hawaii are educated on the structure and func on of federal government. Ac ng as senators they caucus at the start of the session, then form commi ees and conduct hear ings on bills submi ed by program delegates. The week included lectures, forums, visits to federal agencies, ins tu ons and memorials, mee ngs with elected o cials from their home states, and the opportunity to meet President Obama.
“I was astounded at how knowledgeable each Senator was in every imagi nable eld,” Fulmer said. “At one point in the conference, I realized that I was discussing quantum physics and its impact on the rela on of me and posi on in space. I shouldn’t have been surprised, however; each minute of our day was lled with Senators eagerly discussing the problems in our world (and outside our world) and their solu ons,” he explained. “From health care to the de cit to global health, Boys Na on restored my con dence in our genera on’s future decisions. “
Joe Geiger Served as Government Page Senior Joseph Geiger spent six weeks in Washington, D.C., serv ing as a Page in the US House of Representa ves. He was spon sored by Pennsylvania Congress man Patrick Meehan. This summer about 70 high school students from around the US were hired as Pages, serving as support sta for the House of Representa ves. They lived in the House Page Residence Hall and a ended classes in addi on to their work du es.
“Living with students from around the country was a good cultural experi ence,” Geiger explained. “My roommates were from Utah and California. It was interes ng learning about them and what it’s like where they live.” Although serving as a Page took up half his summer, Geiger feels it was well worth it. “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “I was able to see rst hand how our government works, and how bills are passed. I was there during the debt crisis and when Gabrielle Gi ord returned to the House. It was all very exci ng.”
Alumnus Builds Gro o Recent Devon Prep gradu ate Doug Cichowicz, with the help of his dad and sev eral friends, spent much of his summer working on this beau ful gro o for his Ea gle Scout project. The stat ue of the Blessed Mother was donated by his fellow alumni in the Class of 2011. It is located on the terrace behind Calasanc us Hall, in front of St. Anthony Hall.
SUMMER STORIES CONTINUED...
Seventh Grader Meets CEO of SpaceX Devon Prep Middle School Student Brandon Smoot has a keen interest in aerospace engi neering. He made his rst rocket from a kit while a Cub Scout several years ago. When that no longer sa s ed his curiosity, he decided to design and construct his own two stage hybrid/ solid fueled mini rocket.
‘How was the Falcon Heavy going?’. Mr. Musk smiled and said that Falcon Heavy was going ne. He said that it was going right on sched ule.” (Falcon Heavy is the world’s most power ful rocket set for launch in 2013 to deliver cargo to the Interna onal Space Sta on.)
Brandon’s second ques on was about space travel. “What will it take for people to y to space just like ying in an airplane?,” he asked the CEO. Musk explained that the key is reusa bility of the rocket so both stages (parts) can be recovered. When a space cra takes o and lands like an airplane it does not need major fabrica on (re building) between launches.
While doing research for his rocket designs he came across Space Explora on and Technology Corpora on (SpaceX). SpaceX is a leading American space transport company, advancing the boundaries of space technology through its Falcon launch vehicles and Dragon spacecra .
“I started by making designs built my own rocket ,and launched it three mes,” Brandon said. “While I was doing research for my rock ets I found SpaceX. I was looking at their en gines and I copied that.”
Brandon Smoot with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
The more he learned about the company and speci cally the company’s CEO/CTO and chief rocket designer, Elon Musk, the more interest ed he became. Musk, Brandon learned, is also the founder of PayPal, the Zip2 Corpora on, and Tesla Cars. He was recognized for his work by Research and Development Magazine, re ceiving their Innovator of the Year Award; he received the American Ins tute of Aeronau cs and Astronau cs award for the greatest contri bu on to the eld of space transporta on; and he was named one of the 75 most in uen al people of the 21st century by Esquire maga zine.
So what would a bright, curious and resourceful 12 year old do a er learning all of this? He’d write to Musk and ask to meet him, of course. That’s what Smoot did in February. Shortly therea er he received a le er and several gi s from the Marke ng Department at SpaceX .
“I sent Mr. Musk some of my own rocket de signs and requested a visit to one of their o c es. The company wrote me back, sent me
some SpaceX gi s and an invita on to come out to their corporate o ce in Hawthorne, California to meet Mr. Musk.” Brandon said. “It was too good to be true. I thought this was a really big success. I got a t shirt, wrist band and a le er invi ng me to go out to California to meet the CEO and take a tour for 2 hours. It was very exci ng.”
In late summer Brandon, his dad Gregory, and li le brother Dylan, traveled to southern Cali fornia and the SpaceX headquarters. He met Musk, Je Williams (a NASA astronaut), and several key SpaceX employees who showed him the ins and outs of building rockets. He also took a tour of the en re factory ge ng to see, among other things, rocket engines and fuel tanks.
As their mee ng came to a close they posed for some photos, Brandon presented Musk with a special journal, they shook hands and Brandon and his family were o to the rocket building factory for a tour.
“I didn’t get to spend too much me with him but it was s ll very exci ng. I gave him a leather bound notebook because pen and paper is s ll the fastest way to get your ideas down instant ly. It’s quicker than typing it up.”
What does the future hold for this excep onal young man, who thinks he’d like to someday be either CEO of a major researching company or VP of SpaceX?
“I’m interested in earth science,” Brandon de clared. “ I like tes ng things and seeing how they work. It’s fun when you see your rocket blas ng o . If it doesn’t work I just try again.
“I want to build rockets, not necessarily y in them, but help build them,” the middle school er con nued. “One of my goals is to work for Although Brandon didn’t get to spend too much SpaceX and help the company make space trav me with Musk it was long enough to ask a few el a ordable for the average person. In my ques ons. le er from SpaceX they encouraged me to consider an internship with them when I get to “I had rehearsed several (ques ons) in my head college. I think I’d like to do that.” so I was ready,” he explained. “I asked him,
Ma Bonner Travels to Germany
Senior Ma Bonner spent three weeks in Europe with the family of Lucas Gropengieber last summer. Lucas had visited Devon in the spring as part of our German exchange program with a school in Stu gart, Germany.
While in Europe Ma traveled to Italy with his host family, and spent me with several of the other German students who had par cipated in Devon’s exchange program. In addi on to Stu gart, Ma visited Ulm in Germany and Trieste, Udine, and Venice in Italy. More Photos: GERMANY
Nominate a Devon Prep Teacher for “Heart of Learning” Award Citadel Bank has teamed up with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to honor our area’s most outstanding educators. Each year, Citadel receives thousands of nomina ons for this na onally recognized award (more than 2,500 in 2011 alone).
The Citadel team reviews each nomina on and narrows the list to 15 nalists: • One teacher from each of the 13 area public school districts • One teacher from the Chester County Intermediate Unit • One teacher from a non public school in Chester County (including charter and home schools)
Each of the nalists receives $500 to use in his or her classroom. From this elite group, three winners are selected: one high school, one middle school, and one elementary school teacher.
Each winner receives the Citadel Heart of Learning Award along with an addi onal $1,500 for use in the classroom. In addi on by nomina ng a teacher you can help Devon Prep earn money for events and assemblies. Citadel tallies all the nomina ons from each school and the top three schools win cash prizes.* First Place: $1,500 Second Place: $750 Third Place: $500
* Prizes will be awarded based on the percentage of nomina ons to the total student popula on for each school. In the event of a e, schools will be placed in a drawing and randomly selected.
You can nominate a Devon Prep teacher by going to Citadel’s website: CITADEL HEART OF LEARNING
SAVE THE DATE:
Spring TIDE 2012 “Ride the Tide to the Jersey Shore” March 10, 2012
Dinner Dance & Auc on Sponsored by the Devon Prep Parents Associa on For more information contact: Teri Magnotta, Spring TIDE Chairperson Magnotta@hotmail.com
DEVON
PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Family Communion Breakfast Please join the Devon Prep family in celebrating our annual Family Communion Breakfast
Sunday, November 20, 2011 10:30 AM Devon Prep’s Athle c Facility Tickets are $10.00 per person. All family members are invited. For more information contact
Bob Watters at 215-488-5171 or bob.watters@ey.com
DEVON PREP THEATER PRESENTS
Ah, Wilderness! A Comedy of Recollection in Three Acts by Eugene O’Neill Directed by Carl Gedeik
Friday, November 4, at 7:30 PM Saturday, November 5 at 2 PM Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 PM Sunday, November 6 at 2 PM in Devon Prep’s Auditorium Tickets: $10 adults $5 students (available at the door) Refreshments will be sold at intermission.
SUPPORT THE DEVON PREP ANNUAL FUND
The Devon Prep Annual Fund is a yearly appeal for contributions to support the current operations of the school, and it is a vital part of Devon Prep’s fundraising efforts. Because tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing a Devon Prep education, your tax deductible Annual Fund gifts are an essential source of revenue. A strong Annual Fund helps to keep tuition affordable.
As our 2011 2012 Devon Prep Annual Fund Campaign gets underway, the Development Office is pleased to announce that we have expanded our online giving program. We have established a monthly giving option using PayPal, a trusted leader in online gift processing. Monthly giving offers a simple and con venient way to spread out your fiscal year giving in monthly installments. As your gifts come in, they support the immediate needs of the school throughout the year.
Monthly giving is a great way of maximizing the impact of your gift, while at the same time, minimizing your gift’s impact on your pocketbook. Spreading your donation over equal monthly installments is a great way of making a real impact AND keeping it manageable. For more information on this and other ways that you can support Devon Prep contact Jean Emhof, Director of Development at 610.688.7337, development@devonprep.com, or visit http://www.devonprep.com/support/donation.php?
ImPACT TEST
Mark Your Calendars
Fall Concert October 28, 7 PM Middle School Halloween Party October 31
Alumni Association 5 K Run November 26
All Saints Day - No classes November 1
Junior Ring Mass December 1, 7:30 PM
Parents Association Meeting November 2, 7:30 PM
Parents Association Christmas Gala December 3, 7 PM
Fall Drama November 4 at 7:30 PM November 5 at 2 PM November 5 at 7:30 PM November 6 at 2 PM
Scholarship Entrance Exam December 4 , 8:30 AM
Senior Field Trip to Florida November 7—13
Middle School Dance December 9, 7 PM
Winter Dress Code Begins November 7
CAP St. Edmund’s Christmas Party December 10
Family Communion Breakfast November 20, 10:30 AM
The Test is being administered to all Devon Prep students through the Guidance and Health Department.
If you have not done so yet, please complete and return the Consent Form as soon as possible so your son can be tested. Please address any ques ons to Mrs. Gavin at dgavin@devonprep.com or 610 688 7337, ext. 112.
To access the Consent Form online: IMPACT TEST
Parent –Teacher Conferences December 14 Christmas Concert December 15, 7 PM
Quill & Scroll Induction November 17, 7 PM
Upper School Semi Formal December 16, 7:30 PM
Thanksgiving Mass November 22
Christmas Vacation No Classes December 19 - January 1
Thanksgiving Holidays No Classes November 24-28
Parents Association Meeting December 7, 7:30 PM
National Junior Honor Society Induction November 15, 7 PM
Grandparents & Special Others Day November 23, 10 AM
Last year Devon Prep ins tuted the ImPACT Test program for all students to evaluate head injuries. This non evasive, computerized exam is u lized in many profes sional, collegiate, and high school sports programs across the coun try to successfully diagnose and manage concussions.
Alumni Basketball Game Alumni Beef & Beer November 25
DEVON PREP ON THE WEB Keep up with all things Devon Prep...
Follow us on Twi er h p://twi er.com/DEVONPREP
Join our Facebook Page at h p:/www.facebook.com/devonprep
See our videos on YouTube: h p://www.youtube.com/devonprep1
See our publica ons on issuu: h p://issuu.com/devonprep
DEVON PREP 21ST ANNUAL 5K CHALLENGE NEW LOCATION! Wilson Farm Park in Chesterbrook
Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 10 AM • Awards for the top three men and women, plus awards in the following age groups:
12 and under
13 to 15 years
16 to 19 years
20 to 29 years
30 to 39 years
40 to 49 years
50 to 59 years
60 and older
• Free t-shirts given to the first 200 race entrants
• Split times available at 1st and 2nd mile marks • Refreshments and prompt awards following the race Race Fees:
Pre-registration: $20 Race Day: $25 Children under 16: $10 School teams of 5 or more call for discounts
Online registration at: www.active.com (Search: Devon Prep) For more information, contact: Dan Mulhern (484) 343-0727 or Rusty Davison (610) 585-2574
Name ____________________________________________________________
Sex _______
Age _______
Street ___________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________
City ______________________________________
Zip ________
State _______
T-shirt: S M L XL
Email ________________________________________________________________________________________ In consideration of this entry being accepted, I intend to be legally bound, here for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, waive and release any and all rights I have against the organization holding this event, its agents, representatives, successors, and assigns any and all injuries or death suffered by me at said race, even if caused by their negligence, gross negligence, intentional conduct, and/or any other liability-producing conduct.
Signature _________________________________________________
(Parent’s signature if under 18 years of age)
Make checks payable to “Devon Prep” and mail to Dan Mulhern, 18 W. Athens Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003