Outside the Classroom

Blessings In Disguise

This Halloween, Prep seniors hosted students from Hall Elementary School of Bridgeport for a fun afternoon of playing autumn-themed games, followed by “Trunk or Treat” in the senior parking lot. The Prep seniors were matched with a Hall School “buddy” to play the games. The children then enjoyed “Trunk or Treat” among the decorated cars in a safe, fun environment. This annual event is a wonderful community service program demonstrating Prep’s Jesuit mission of being Men for Others.

Everybody Hurts Sometimes

We are very grateful to have welcomed Jim Kuczo of Kevin’s After Glow to speak to the entire Fairfield Prep school community on March 2, in honor of World Teen Mental Wellness Day. Mr. Kuczo’s foundation works to increase awareness about mental health in young people.

100 Days And Counting

Seniors celebrated “100 Days To Graduation” during the week of February 13. The boys enjoyed deli sandwiches from Gaetano’s Deli for lunch, followed with an inspiring talk by Principal Tim Dee, video messages from Pres. Christian Cashman and former Pres. Tom Simisky, S.J., and a Senior Hype video produced by classmate Nic Vittoria. Afterward, the class participated in a carnival-themed recreation party in Brissette gym. Special thanks to the Class of ’23 parents who planned this fun event for their sons!

Outside the Classroom

Football Pep Rally

Ahead of the 2022 CIAC Football Class LL Championship Game, the Prep Community rallied in the quad on Dec. 9 to celebrate the team and show their support. The rally included inspirational speeches by Coach Keith Hellstern, Tom Shea ’73 and Matthew Kelly ’23.

Winter Pep Rally

Prep students and staff celebrated their winter sports teams. At the first FP Pep Rally held in Fairfield University’s new Leo D. Mahoney Arena, on Feb. 8, Head Hockey Coach and teacher Mr. Vin O’Hara ’01 — who could not attend due to travel to Rhode Island for a Prep hockey game — delivered a video message about the importance of students supporting the winter sports teams this year. In addition to speeches, everyone cheered for a spirited Faculty/Staff vs. Basketball Team competition! Mr. Darnell Macon won Game MVP!

PREP'S WOOFGANG SERVICE CLUB TELEVISED ON WTNH

Prep partners with Woofgang once again! On Feb. 15, our students joined Team Woofgang & Co., a local non-profit that teaches their “team” members vocational skills and offers mentoring and employment, for their weekly dinner and bunco game night. During these weekly activities, the club and the Prep community are able to build personal connections and relationships with young adults with special needs, and help to improve their social and communication skills. Prep has sincerely immersed themselves in the Team’s mission; participants have grown from eight to over twenty on both Prep and Team Woofgang sides, and undeniable friendships continue to form. To highlight the program, reporter Sarah Cody from WTNH and her video producer attended a Bunco night at Prep’s Student Life Center and featured the touching story in a news segment on Feb. 16. The station interviewed student club leaders, Jack Devine ’23 and Robbie Upton ’23, and members of Prep about their involvement in team activities, as well as the astounding impact they make.

Irish Club Raises Funds For Trad For Tr Caire

The Irish Club presented “TRAD for TRŌCAIRE” on Nov. 13, at Fairfield’s Gaelic American Club. With help from Prep families, they raised over $1300 for their cause of alleviating poverty. Trōcaire, which means “compassion” in Irish, is Ireland’s largest international-aid organization. Music fundraisers in support of Trōcaire have occurred across Ireland for decades, and FP’s Irish Club has done the same for the last several years. Prep families were invited to enjoy good craic and great entertainment, including musicians, Irish dancers, and Irish poetry readings from Prep students!

IRISH CLUB AND JAZZUITS CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY

The Irish Cultural Club and the Jazzuits participated in the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day 2023 Parade! The Irish spirit was contagious, with lots of cheers for Fairfield Prep!

WILLKOMMEN BEI PREP!

Prep offered a big welcome to their German Exchange students from Überlingen this past October, and hosted a communal dinner in the Student Life Center on Oct. 24. Our German friends attended classes at Prep, as well as toured NYC and visited other points of interest. In addition, Prep students who hosted exchange students in their homes will have the opportunity to visit Germany in June 2023.

The Year Of The Rabbit

Prep celebrated Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit, on Jan. 20. With help from the Chinese Culture Club, a cultural exchange event was put on in the Brissette Athletic Center. Students enjoyed authentic Chinese cuisine and tea tasting, played cultural games and activities, such as calligraphy, mahjong and ping-pong, and learned about unique Chinese culture. The event was made possible by International Student Advisor Mrs. Lina Gallinelli and Fairfield Prep’s international students. Additionally, it was sponsored by Apex International Education Partners (AIEP) Host Families, an international student recruiting organization and homestay provider.