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BOARD & SCHOOL OFFICERS 2021-2022 LISTING BOARD OF CORPORATE MEMBERS Br. Donald Blauvelt, CSC Br. James Branigan, CSC Br. Richard Critz, CSC Br. Thomas Dziekan, CSC
A Message from the President,
To the Holy Cross High School
Community,
I want to welcome everyone to this year’s edition of Connections Magazine. The pages before you reveal a story about a year like no other. They are more than just an historical account of challenges and successes, though. I hope what you find after reading this publication is that Holy Cross High School, now entering her fifty-third year, has evolved and is renewed. Our school has not only met the challenges of yesterday, but is poised to meet the needs and opportunities of tomorrow. I hope you also see in these pages how our mission has come to life this past year. We were reminded of the well-known directive from Blessed Basil Moreau — do not cultivate the mind at the expense of the heart. Those words, when put into action, have never been more relevant or impactful. This has been a year when we were all called upon to expand the dimensions of our own hearts as we responded to the needs of others. I could not be more proud of the efforts of our teachers, staff, board members, volunteers, friends and families in ensuring our students were not only cared for, but knew they were cared for. Private secondary education is at a crossroads. The challenges faced by families and colleagues with the closures of neighboring schools in the past 12 months remind us that we are in an increasingly competitive marketplace that requires a continuing growth mindset, particularly with our curricular and co-curricular offerings. Emerging from the challenges of the pandemic, we are ready to meet these challenges. I hope you enjoy reading this, and that in the stories and the faces, you feel a sense of renewal yourself. We are a people of hope. That is what makes us Holy Cross.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Atty. Kevin McSherry ’75, Chair Todd Genovese ’88, Vice-Chair Bernie Dzinski, Jr. ’81, Treasurer Barbara Diorio Germak ’83, Secretary Sally Bowman ’86 John Burrus ’81 Eileen Cornacchia Robert Fazo ’76 Msgr. Thomas Ginty ’76 Patricia Lenti-Crane Raymond Lynch Harold L. Miller, Jr. ’95 Peter McCasland ’98 Dr. Philip Mongelluzzo ’90 Atty. Gina Petrokaitis ’85 Jason Rizk ’08 Br. George Schmitz, CSC Atty. Jack Senich ’84 Heidi Shea Ball ’87 Rebekah Stokes ’99 Brian Zaccagnini ADMINISTRATION Dr. Thomas Pellegrino, President Thomas Pompei, Principal FINANCE Kathleen Partin ’93, Director of Finance kpartin@holycrosshs-ct.com ADMISSIONS Terri Ann Parks, Director of Enrollment Management tparks@holycrosshs-ct.com ADVANCEMENT Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President tpellegrino@holycrosshs-ct.com COMMUNICATIONS Todd Santa Maria ’94, Director of Communications & Marketing, Editor, Connections Magazine tsantamaria@holycrosshs-ct.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Lifetouch Photography Derek Ward DESIGN & PRODUCTION CEH Design, Bethel, CT PRINTING GHP Printing Follow us! www.HolyCrossHS-ct.com
Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino President
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direction The Holy Cross High School community has cultivated many takeaways during the COVID-19 era.
Expect the unexpected. Don’t take anything for granted. Take things one day at a time. Throughout the 2020-2021 school year, the Crusader community was safely in the building, starting in August 2020. That was made possible because Holy Cross was a school that prepared, responded and pivoted in the right direction. F A L L 2 02 1
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A daily block of 80 minutes (started in fall of 2018) dedicated to student ownership of their learning and time management
Beta tested Canvas in early fall 2019; PowerSchool implemented at the start of the 2020-2021 school year
Canvas & Power School
• An online student information system (SIS) where parents can stay up-to-date in real time with their student’s academic performance links directly with Canvas to provide a seamless digital experience.
What is PowerSchool?
• A learning management system (LMS) and a digital extension of the classroom. Students can access information, submit assignments and communicate with teachers.
What is Canvas?
Implemented in fall of 2019 No more text books. Students can learn anywhere!
Discussions began in 2018 to make HC a B.Y.O.D. school
(Bring Your Own Device)
B.Y.O.D. & E-Text
School that Prepares
Community Period
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ACAD E M IC S
Covid-19
becomes widespread sending schools all over the world into online learning models of all kinds.
Thanks to becoming a B.Y.O.D. school with e-texts and updated LMS & SIS in place, Holy Cross High School transitioned from in-person learning to remote learning within one day.
Initial Plans
• Go to study hall. • Participate in co-curricular activities. • Get extra help with teachers. • Eat lunch.
What can students do during this time?
Some of our International Students returned home and had to access information in different countries.
Many of our students were working full time to help support their families.
There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 at that time.
WHY?
Initially went to asynchronous learning for the spring of 2020
• Great for college preparedness; Canvas is used by most Ivy League schools. • Cultivates a digital classroom culture. • Allows teachers to be innovative in their teaching. • Improves communication between families and teachers.
Benefits
ACADEMICS
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE
(the cafeteria; the Brother James Kane, CSC Library & Media Center; the lecture hall; or the Alix Family Gallery). • 2nd 40 minutes: Those who were in the D.L.C. went to the classroom to get their face-to-face instruction and vice versa. • All Wednesdays were Remote Days. WHY? - To allow midweek deep cleans in the building. - To give students time to meet with their advisory groups and participate in co-curricular activities.
WHAT’s A D.L.C.? - E ach grade level went to designated areas
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40min
face-to-face learning
online learning
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CLASS BLOCKS
Our Blended Learning Model
School that Responds
• Our four 80-minute class blocks were divided in half. • The students in each class were split into two cohorts. • 1st 40 minutes: One half of the class had face-to-face instruction with the teachers in classrooms using proper social distance. The other half did class-related online learning in the Digital Learning Cohort (D.L.C.) on Canvas.
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• Renovated and opened up unused spaces in the building. • Assigned each grade level their own designated entrance into the building to avoid large crowds gathering. • Implemented a new lunch program that supported local businesses (and the students really liked the food).
Maximizing the Use of our Campus
We are so excited to return to some normalcy in our educational structures as we all reunite for great challenges and growth. Our building, grounds and support services are refreshed and ready to welcome our largest student population in over ten years. We anxiously await a year of athletics, extra-, and co-curriculars returning with renewed passion and fervor with an improved catalog of Community Period options including a variety of fully functioning intramural programs and
the introduction to the Crusader Creator Space with our new 3-D printer and other amazing new technology opportunities. Finally, we look forward to the return of in-person events including our Welcome Back Wine & Beer Tasting for Parents, Homecoming, the Crusader Hall of Honor and much more! We also look forward to celebrating Holy Cross’s first 50th reunion for the class of 1972 during graduation weekend in June 2022.
What’s Next for 2021-2022
throughout the year. • Allowed students and faculty to utilize Canvas in case we had to transition to virtual learning.
- Sustainability Club actively worked on recycling
• Allowed students, teachers and administrators to be in the building with proper safety precautions during the 2020-2021 school year, starting in August 2020. • Enhanced the interpersonal relationships between teacher to student and student to student. • Gave students weekly access to their advisors and foster social emotional learning. • Peer interaction - The Student Diversity Leadership Board was created. - Student Council planned a number of activities including the Prom and Halloween Happening.
Benefits
ACADEMICS
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ACAD E M IC S
A Crusader’s Journey
It is a story that is told time and time again. A protagonist leaves their normal world, overcomes adversity with the help of others and returns home as a new and improved self. This year, more than ever, we have witnessed the herculean efforts and stamina of our educators and students as they navigated through a global pandemic.
Normalcy
Solutions
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Dom Carini, History Teacher
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Kyle Piatak, Theology Teacher
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Goals
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We proudly present the stories from our Crusader community and their journey over this past year.
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Challenges
S IDE U G
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Cayla Howard ’22
ON S UTI L SO
Faith Crosby ’23
Guides
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Watch this video and find out what the faculty have to say
Rosanne Shea, Art Teacher
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Improvements
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Tyler Parks ’23
Watch this video and find out what the students have to say
• Raquel Rosa ’21 was named Class S Champion in the 200 and 400 meter track race.
• Crusader Tennis Stars! Simon Kopecky ’21 won the NVL Individuals Champion while Jayme Erdtmann ’23 & Rachael Honegger ’22 were named 2021 NVL Girls Doubles Champions.
OTHER ATHLETIC SUCCESSES FOR THE 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR • Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer were named division champions for the fall season.
THREE NVL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS
It was the seventh win in a row for Swimming & Diving.
ACADEMICS ATHLETICS
Girls’ Varsity Basketball
Boys’ Varsity Baseball
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S TUD E NT VO IC E S
E X PA N D I N G T H E R E P R E S E N TA T I O N O F
STUDENT voices
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oly Cross High School’s Student Diversity Leadership Board, founded in 2019, is dedicated to expanding the representation of student voices and discussing different issues affecting the greater Holy Cross community and the world around us. This group, comprised of upper and lower classmen, spent the 2019-2020 school year holding meetings to discuss diversity, equity, implicit bias, discrimination, and experiences of marginalized individuals.
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According to their Mission Statement, they are “committed to starting conversations which will allow students to hear and share different perspectives. We hope for ongoing conversations about diversity, inclusion, and equity within our community.” During Black History Month, the Student Diversity Leadership Board virtually hosted their inaugural diversity panel discussion, Celebrating Black Leadership in the Greater Waterbury Area. The panelists were outstanding black leaders in their respective disciplines and communities:
Loretta Claiborne, American Athlete and
Advocate, US Special Olympics Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, US Representative for Connecticut’s 5th Congregational District Harold L. Miller, Jr. ’95, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Boston Public Schools Judge Maurice B. Mosley, New Haven
District Superior Court Chief Vernon Riddick, Chief of Police,
West Hartford Police Department
S T UDE NT VOICES
Jaiden Epps ’21 The Student Diversity Leadership Board
“We highlighted the differences made by these exceptional leaders,” said Megan Dwyer ’05, Director of Student Life. “They shared who and what inspired them. They also gave their advice on how we, as a society, can achieve greater racial equity within our communities. All of the invited panelists had connections to the Greater Waterbury area.” Ms. Claiborne encouraged young AfricanAmerican people to evolve by being mentored by their role models. “Here
Mr. Miller credited his family, in particular his parents, as being instrumental in his development as a person. “I don’t know what I would do had they not taught me how to treat people the right way, do things equitably, stick up for yourself and for all people who are marginalized and give a voice to the voiceless. They were relentless in that work and serving the community.” “It was a really engaging conversation,” said Jaiden Epps ’21, co-moderator of the
“I don’t know what I would do had they not taught me how to treat people the right way, do things equitably, stick up for yourself and for all people who are marginalized and give a voice to the voiceless.” H a ro l d L. M i l le r , J r . ’95, Interim Assistant Superintendent, Boston Public Schools, Board Member, Holy Cross High School I am today,” she said. “This is how I serve in my community: by giving back. COVID’s not going to get this mind. As long as I got a street to run, as long as I got somebody to talk to, as long as I have something to do with somebody else, then I am doing God’s work, and He will take care of me.”
panel. “All the participants shared some amazing stories about their own personal experiences.” Representative Jahana Hayes’s trajectory from a local Waterbury teacher to a congresswoman resonated with Richayla Stallings ’22, who also moderated the panel. She remembers Representative
Richayla Stallings ’22
Hayes during her time at Kennedy High School. “It really spoke to me as a young African-American woman to see what she has accomplished,” said Richayla. “She’s making real change.” Rep. Hayes encouraged the current student body to not make the same mistakes of the past. She shared a recent experience on the Congress floor where LGBTQ+ equality was debated. “Literally, they had the same conversations that were heard 60 years ago during the Civil Rights movement. We have to make the commitment that we are not going to relitigate these same discriminatory practices. If every single one of us does our part, not only can we study the past, but we can learn from the present and blaze a trail for the future.” “Social injustice is very present in our current society,” said Jaiden. “It is something that needs to be fixed. I’m inspired to make change in my own community.”
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2021
G R A D UAT I O N The students of Holy Cross High School’s Class of 2021 were celebrated at the 50th Annual Commencement Exercises on
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Sunday, May 30, 2021. Administration, faculty, students and 2
parents were in attendance for the ceremony, which took place in the Timothy J. McDonald Gymnasium. The ceremony was open to a limited number of guests to adhere with social distancing guidelines.
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MATRICULATION LISTING for the CLASS OF 2021 Anna Maria College (5) Assumption University Bentley University Catholic University of America (3) Central Connecticut State University (2) Clemson University Drew University
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Eastern Connecticut State University (2) Eastern Wyoming College Emmanuel College Endicott College Fairfield University (4) Fishers College Fordham University (2) Framingham State University Grand Canyon University
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High Point University Hofstra University Iona College Johnson & Wales University Lehigh University Liberty University Marist College Massachusetts Maritime Academy Merrimack College
Naugatuck Valley Community College (2) New York University Northeastern University (2) Northwestern Community College Notre Dame Prepratory School Porter and Chester Institute (3)
C OMMENCEMENT
1 Elijah Wright, Drevon Yeldell
& Jaiden Epps
2 Alexandra Dassatti,
Savannah Diogostine & Julia Francisco
3 Samantha Miller & Alyssa
French-Graham
4 Matthew Ursini, Daniel
Ready, Brian Murtha, Cameron Brown & Jacob Myers
5 Giuseppe Mongelluzzo &
Colette D’Alessandro
6 Joe Antonazzo, Matthew
Granchelli, Katelyn Green & Riley Becker
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LaCava McGarrity ’93, Guidance Counselor
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Jacob Janatiss, Patrick
Giancarli, Paige Santopietro, Luke Zipoli & Kadin Talho
Post University (7) Quinnipiac University (2) Rider University Ringling College of Art and Design Roger Williams University Sacred Heart University (6) Saint Edward’s University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Siena College Southern Connecticut State University (2) Southern New Hampshire University Stonehill College SUNY at Purchase (2) The Phelps School Union College United States Marine Corps University of California, Davis
University of California, Santa Cruz University of Connecticut (13) University of Hartford (2) University of Maine, Orono (2) University of Maryland, College Park University of New England University of New Haven (2) University of Pittsburgh
University of Rhode Island (3) University of Saint Joseph (5) University of Tampa University of Tulsa Wentworth Institute of Technology Western Connecticut State University (4) Western New England University (3)
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campus Holy Cross Student Theatre presented the jukebox musical, We Will Rock You as its spring musical. This show felt, looked and sounded like a rock concert. It was equipped with loud music and flashing lights and featured several of Queen’s most popular songs including, “We are the Champions”, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Radio Ga Ga”, “Under Pressure” and of course, the title song. The show was under the direction of Mr. Sean Lewis. Caitlin Gorman ’23 and Christina Failla ’21 won HALO Awards from Seven Angels Theater for “Best Lighting Design” and “Best Supporting Actress in a Musical”, respectively.
Brielle Myers ’22 and her mother showed their American pride by participating in a project headed by the Waterbury Pride NAACP Youth Council. They joined other mothers and daughters who took part in a photo shoot in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris’ Inauguration. Dressed in all black and pearls, they posed for photos at Clay Johnson studio in Watertown. Former student Nadia FrenchGraham ’19 also joined in this project. Holy Cross, in conjunction with the city of Waterbury Fire Department and the local health department, hosted a vaccine clinic on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. This clinic, hosted in the Timothy J. McDonald Gymnasium, was open to students from Holy Cross and Sacred Heart High Schools. Holy Cross will host a second vaccination clinic, in partnership with Griffith Hospital and the city of Waterbury, on September 9, 2021. Student Class Officers for the classes of 2022, 2023 and 2024 were inducted into the Student Council by Megan Dwyer ’05, Director of Student Life. Congratulations to all of our student leaders for the upcoming school year!
O N CAMP U S
Holy Cross High School Welcomes Students from Chase Collegiate and Sacred Heart High School
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Music Department students performed in virtual mini concerts and liturgies throughout the school year.
During the 2020-21 school year, two schools, Chase Collegiate School and Sacred Heart High School, unfortunately ended their rich histories in the city of Waterbury. A number of students made the decision to continue their educational careers at Holy Cross High School. “Holy Cross’s responsibility is to provide a welcoming living and learning community for these families,” said Dr. Thomas C. Pellegrino, President. “That is the best way to honor the hard work and dedication of the teachers and staff at these two great schools.” “We are humbled that these families decided to come to Holy Cross,” said Terri Ann Parks, Director of Enrollment Management. “Over thirty students joined us from Chase Collegiate at the beginning of the 2020-21 school year. We will welcome over ninety students from Sacred Heart for the 2021-22 school year.”
As always, community service loomed large at Holy Cross during the 2020-2021 school year. One active group was Helping Hands/Crusade for a Cure. Every year, they participate in the Greater Waterbury Relay for Life, a fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society. Holy Cross hosts this year’s event on campus on September 18, 2021. This past spring, the Helping Hands group sponsored a pink dress down day and hosted a Car Parade for National Cancer Survivors Day.
Math teacher, Halise Erem was named the 2020-2021 Educator of the Year at the endof-year President’s Luncheon. Mrs. Erem worked as an Industrial Engineer prior to working as a teacher.
“Holy Cross has been so accommodating to the Chase families,” said Jason Calabrese ’89, father to Colby ’21 and Chase ’24. “The administration and the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and to do all they can to make the transition as painless as possible.” “It is so important to support not just Holy Cross High School but all private schools,” said Carolyn Byrnes, whose daughters, Raeanna and Kiara are transferring from Sacred Heart High School and Middle School, respectively. “They do so much to support not just our children but our city as well. They are a part of our history.” “Since 1968, Holy Cross High School has served families seeking a formative, rigorous Catholic education,” said Kevin McSherry ’75, Board Chair. “The Board of Directors is proud of the work done by the administration working with our many community partners to make this transition easier for the families.”
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Kelly Quinn Branco ’05
MAKES A LEADERSHIP GIFT
to Holy Cross high school. However, she was also drawn to the math and business classes. She took advantage of all opportunities during her time on both Oronoke Road and at Meredith College where she majored in accounting and minored in economics. “Death and taxes are guaranteed,” she said. “People will always need accountants. Pursuing this career path gave me options.”
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OTHING HAS EVER STOOD IN THE WAY of Kelly Quinn Branco ’05. She withstood insurmountable odds and emerged on the other side a compassionate and passionate leader. “I don’t take no for an answer,” said Kelly. “It’s stubborn, but it helps you get to where you need to be. That has been a big part of my drive.” Currently, Kelly is the Chief Finance Officer/Chief Compliance Officer for Tremblant Capital. She started in an entry level accounting role and worked her way to the top.
Kelly’s first job out of college was at Clifton Gunderson, LLP in Raleigh, North Carolina where she focused on Medicare/ Medicaid audits. She then took a job at Ernst & Young and moved back to Connecticut to work in the finance sector. This gave her exposure to auditing hedge funds and private equity funds. She has been at her current firm, Tremblant Capital for eight years. Years of diligence and determination brought her from an entry-level accounting role to the CFO’s office. She is a licensed New York CPA and has earned her Master of Strategic Public Relations degree from George Washington University. Kelly is no stranger to hard work and focus. She credits the latter to her younger brother Danny. “Things that came really easy to me were a struggle for him. I spent a lot of my youth helping him learn. He taught me patience and to appreciate the abilities I have.”
The road to the CFO’s office was a long one that began as a child growing up in Waterbury, Connecticut. She didn’t come from a wealthy family and had to work hard for what she had. She decided to come to Holy Cross High School because she liked the smaller class sizes and the advanced academic offerings.
This laser-sharp focus has brought Kelly to where she is today. She is working at a management level and is seeing all of her sacrifices pay off for her and her family. Philanthropy has always been a part of her life. However, she is now in a position where she can consider giving larger donations. Recently, she gave a $25,000 gift to Holy Cross High School’s Annual Fund.
“We couldn’t afford it ourselves,” she said. “Back then, you were given free tuition if you got the highest score on the entrance exam. I got that score and went to Holy Cross on a full scholarship.”
“I was one of those students who needed financial assistance. A gift can help them get from one situation in life to somewhere completely different. I’d love to help other kids take the same path I did.”
If you asked ninth-grade Kelly what she wanted to do with her life, she would have said she wanted to be on Broadway. She was really passionate about singing and theater during
Kelly currently resides in Chappaqua, New York with her husband Damon and their three children, Madeline, Charlotte and Theodore.
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A L UMNI P ROF ILE
Stefan Ryback ’76
Early Crusader Lesson
Stefan’s mind. “I got an A on the paper,” he said. “Brother Larry spoke to me after the class about the paper. He told me to look at that A. It was the last one I was going to get from him.”
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TEFAN RYBAK ’76 ENTERED Holy Cross High School as a fourteen year-old ready to take on the athletic world. He wanted to be the next great basketball star. Then-Basketball Coach, Timothy McDonald saw things differently. Stefan was on the bench for his freshmen year. He didn’t even make the team for his sophomore year. He opted to take easy courses so that he would get good grades. One of the offerings was Mass Media 101. “That sounded like an easy course,” said Stefan. “I walked in on the first day. There, in the front of the class, stood Brother Larry Lussier, the hardest teacher in the school.” Despite this wrinkle in his plan, Stefan decided to stick it out and stay in the course. Copious amounts of writing assignments followed. One stands out in
Stefan remembers Brother Larry saying, “You are the best writer in the class, but you aren’t giving me your best effort. I gave you that that A because I am comparing you to the rest of the class. However, I am going to start grading you against what I think you are capable of.”
While recovering from open heart surgery, Stefan put pen to paper and wrote his memoir, The Shadow of My Heart: Faith, Family and Forgiveness. It follows his journey as he confronts his own mortality after his heart surgery. According to Amazon, The Shadow of My Heart is “a poignant examination of one man’s struggle to cope with sudden, seemingly random adversity … to understand and accept his mother as the human being she was … to reconnect on a deeper level with his own family … and to grasp the true meaning of the words ‘Thy will be done.’” One of the key players in the book is Brother Larry. “When I learned that basketball wasn’t an option, Brother Larry mentioned to me that being a Crusader means that you are going out to the world and using whatever talents God gave you. He charged me to be a good Crusader on the radio and on TV. I take pride in being a Holy Cross Crusader.”
That was a turning point for Stefan. He started to take his work more seriously and found he had a true love for writing and media. More importantly, he forged a friendship with Brother Larry that has blossomed to this day. That class paved the way for a 44-plus year career in media for Stefan. He started off working in local radio at WWCO in Waterbury, Connecticut. He found work in New Haven, Phoenix, and Long Island. The bulk of his career has been in radio broadcasting but he has also worked in print and digital media. He has written many articles and radio scripts during that time. Currently, he runs a media and broadcasting consulting company. F A L L 2 02 1
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S UPPO R TI NG WAT ERBUR Y
“When Kathleen asked us to be a part of this, we were so honored and thankful that we were able to bring our products into Holy Cross. We have a lot of pride in them and are happy to share them with those who know us and those who don’t.”
SUPPORTING THE Greater Waterbury
“I was excited when Holy Cross reached out to me,” said Chris Dwyer ’10, owner of the Nardelli’s in Southbury. “It is always an exciting opportunity to mix what I do for a living with the school I went to.”
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Lunch sales doubled when this initiative kicked off in February 2021. “Every week, we saw more orders coming in,” said Mrs. Partin.
FOOD INDUSTRY oly Cross High School has always had the support of local, small businesses. Entrepreneurs, business owners and local officials have graciously donated their goods and services for the betterment of the school. In January 2021, Holy Cross found itself in a situation where the school could give something back to some of those supportive businesses. School leadership examined how they provided lunch options to the students. In the past, the school partnered with food service providers. However, the administration found itself reassessing the daily lunch model with the arrival of COVID-19. “We brainstormed ideas,” said Kathleen Partin ’93, Director of Finance and Operations. “We didn’t want to risk 18
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purchasing inventory that could potentially go bad if we were not in the building for an extended period of time due to the pandemic.” Mrs. Partin thought about all of the local restaurants and delis that supported Holy Cross in the past. “We decided to reach out to nine restaurants to see if they would be interested in providing lunches for our students. Noocchie’s, Frankies, Nardelli’s and Almalfi’s said they were interested. Hot and cold items were offered each day. Every day, there were healthy options. Students don’t just get fried food. They could also purchase beautiful sandwiches and salads.” “I am an alum of the school. My kids also went to Holy Cross,” said Justine D’Amelio ’84, who owns and runs Noochie’s with her husband, Gianni.
This popular lunch program will continue into the 2021-2022 school year. In addition to Noochies, Nardelli’s, Amalfi and Frankie’s, food offerings will be provided by D’Amelio’s, Vincenzo’s and Señor Panchos.
“I was excited when Holy Cross reached out to me. It is always an exciting opportunity to mix what I do for a living with the school I went to.” C hris D wyer ’10, owner of the Nardelli’s in Southbury.
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CLASS notes
Philip Wilson ’77
Guy Gignac shared with us that his daughters, Karen and Kathleen, have blessed him with four beautiful granddaughters. He is currently the lead engineer, systems maintenance and standards at the United Illuminating Company.
1977 David Manzo ’72
Philp Wilson reached a milestone this past January. He celebrated 25 years in business at Limousine Plus!
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Cotting School, founded in 1893 for children with complex special needs, recently announced that President and Executive Director David Manzo will retire in September 2021 after serving seventeen years as the school’s sixth president. David, who has also taught at Boston College since 1980, will continue teaching about nonprofit service and leadership.
Dan Coelho wrote in to tell us that he and his wife Mary ’82 moved to Florida this summer. They will be closer to their sons who both work in Orlando. He has accepted a position as an attending physician at a Cleveland Clinic hospital in Vero Beach.
Joseph Brevetti started Charter Oak, an oil and gas exploration company, with his wife Barbara in 2004. “I also run our disposal company, where we inject water underground that is a bi-product of well production. We have since expanded into a transportation company and have a service company which offers tractors, service trucks and equipment for people who do construction work. We also have a real estate company where we have been accumulating commercial properties.” 2020 was quite a year for John W. Rowland. He celebrated 35 years of marriage, his son was married in his new hometown of Anchorage Alaska, and he became a grandfather. “Life is wonderful, even though grandpa sounds OLD!!”
Simon Thorpe ’79
John Volket ’79 Dan Coelho ’78 with son, Blake in Hawaii
1979 Simon T. Thorpe OFS fully retired in early March 2020. Since retirement he has been enjoying remote outdoor places in Maine and documenting them with his photos. @MaineHiking on Twitter.
John Voket is the editor of The Newtown Bee, continuing a nearly 40-year career in community journalism. This position represents the seventh newspaper John has managed since college and the fifth in Connecticut. He is also a current member of the Connecticut Press Association; has been an active board member, and has served as President of the New England Newspaper and Press Association. John also continues F A L L 2 02 1
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C LAS S NO TE S
son inductees. John Rowland ’75 and Gralyn Harris ’77 are past inductees.
to serve as the Director of Public Affairs for Connoisseur Media’s Connecticut radio group — and is in his 29th year of producing and hosting the award-winning ‘For the People’— now syndicated on five of the state’s top radio stations including WPLR, STAR 99.9, and WICC-AM600.
1980 Bristol Community College adjunct faculty member Scott F. Nolan was the recent recipient of a 2020 Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award presented virtually by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) on September 24, 2020. The Dale P. Parnell Faculty Award distinguishes faculty who not only exemplify excellence in an academic setting but who also work outside the classroom to help their students achieve success. Scott has worked in field of human services for over 38 years. He has worked as a state licensor for Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services for
Michelle LaChance Smith ’82 daughter Gabby ’21
1981 The nonprofit world and mission-based activities loom large in the heart of Joseph Smolskis. Throughout his four decade accounting career, he always asks himself if he can “get into the mission” and “can I make a difference there?” He is currently making an impact as the Chief Financial Officer of the Democratic National Committee.
1982 Michelle LaChance Smith sends congratulations to her daughter Gabby ’21 who graduated from Holy Cross in May and will attend college at the University of Maryland. “Thank you Holy Cross for educating my daughter. She loved every minute of it!”
1984
Scott Nolan ’80
the past 26 years to evaluate service quality for people with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities and as adjunct faculty in Human Services at BRISTOL for six years. “The Brothers of Holy Cross, teachers, and Brother James Kane, CSC encouraged and mentored my growth to follow my passion for serving others in faith.”
After becoming a matchmaker through the Matchmaking Institute for NYC, Karenna Alexander (Karen Ali) published a book, A Woman’s Guide to Understanding Men: Dating Secrets Most Women Don’t Know. Her views on modern courtship are expressed in this book which is available for purchase on Amazon. Mike Cunningham was inducted into the CT Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. He joins his father Jim (former HC Director of Athletics) as the first father/
George Mason, a resident of Little Compton, Rhode Island, is the Deputy Administrator of the state of Rhode Island’s Medical Advisory Board, which is part of the state’s workers compensation board. He coordinates a program for long-time injured workers who are addicted to opioids.
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This past May, Bill Noel started a new role as Chief Product Officer at International Decision Systems (IDS) a financial technology company providing software services to the leasing and asset management industry.
• Welcome New Board Member • Attorney Jack Senich from the Senich Law Firm in Middlebury is one of the top-rated Personal Injury attorneys in his area. Jack has committed much of his time outside his practice to community support and service. He is a founding member of the Brass City Charter School, has served on numerous boards including the Waterbury Campership Fund and St. Vincent de Paul Society, and is a mentor and coach in several youth programs. Jack is a graduate of Fordham University (B.A.) and the Tulane University School of Law (J.D.).
•••••••••• 1985 Gianna Petrokaitis is an attorney in Waterbury who Concentrates on real estate and probate law.
1986
• Welcome New Board Member • Sally Bowman has been a Realtor since 2003 with experience in buying and selling houses all over Connecticut. Prior to a career in real estate, Sally owned and operated RW Hine ACE Hardware in Cheshire, where she built her business on the simple yet highly valued practices of investing in her community. A dedicated community volunteer, Sally has a long list of organizations she has served on as an active board member and has been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for her service. Sally holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Adelphi University.
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Bill Noel ’84
C L ASS NOTES
called The Narrative in Chicago. Their design work, which has been honored by the Type Directors Club, The Chicago Design Archive, Graphis Magazine and the STA100, is available at @thenarrativedesign. Journalist, Brian Wacker takes his readers through the world of professional and collegiate athletics as an escape from reality. Last year, Brian covered The Masters, an annual professional golf tournament.
Charlene Walters ’88
1988
1994
Charlene Terninko Walters published a new book with McGraw Hill in February 2021 titled Launch Your Inner Entrepreneur: 10 Mindset Shifts for Women to Take Action, Unleash Creativity and Achieve Financial Success. You can find out more about it at www.LaunchYourInnerEntrepreneur.com.
Andrea Brown is the director of Faith Formation at St. Anthony’s Church in Prospect where she runs the religious education program for kindergarten through high school.
David Hallet is happily enjoying his retirement.
1989 Sean Keegan relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina. He works for Allstate Insurance Company in Information Technology Sourcing and negotiates Software, Services and Telecom contracts.
1991 Steven G. Shaker was honored with Salve Regina University’s 2021 Alumni Achievement Award. Currently, he is a partner in the Shaker Automotive Group.
1993 Daniel McManus and his wife Sofya welcomed a baby girl, Galina Mae McManus, to the world on a very snowy Chicago day on January 29, 2021. Dan and Sofya own a communication design studio
1996 Joseph Martino is the Director of Finance, Operations and Facilities for the Region 15 Public School System. He graduated cum laude from Quinnipiac University in 2000 with a degree in finance and computer science. He resides in Southbury with his wife and two sons.
1998
• Welcome New Board Member •
1995
• Welcome New Board Member • Harold J. Miller, Jr. is currently the Interim Assistant Superintendent in the Office of Opportunity Gaps and has served Boston Public Schools (BPS) since 2001. Harold has worked in the Office of Opportunity Gaps since 2016 and has made notable contributions on behalf of students in Waterbury, and in Greater Boston and other New England areas throughout his career. He has a wealth of teaching and coaching experience, and has been a transformative leader in many critical educational areas including Opportunity and Achievement Gap Policy implementation and assessment. Harold holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Education Administration, both from Northeastern University.
Peter McCasland is the Principal of West Side Middle School in Waterbury. Pete has ten years teaching experience in the Waterbury Public School District and eight years of service as both an Assistant Principal and Principal at John F. Kennedy High School and West Side Middle School. He served as Holy Cross High School’s Assistant Football Coach (19982013) and Assistant Track & Field Coach (2000–2010). Pete holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education from Central Connecticut State University, a Masters of Science/School Counseling from Western Connecticut State University and his SixthYear Degree in Educational Leadership from Sacred Heart University and holds an 092 Certification in School Administration.
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ANNUAL FUND The Annual Fund is a yearly fund-raising effort that runs from July 1 to June
30. Annual gifts help to fund academics, arts, athletics, faculty support, financial aid and technology that tuition alone cannot afford. These gifts are the true lifeblood of Holy Cross High School. Please consider making a gift to Holy Cross High School today! Every gift makes a difference whether it is $25 or $2500. Visit us online at www.HolyCrossHS-ct.com/giving/make-a-gift or you can mail a check using the enclosed envelope in this magazine.
Holy Cross Alumni from Rotella Magnet School F A L L 2 02 1
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Kevin ’78 & Tim ’20 Zupkus with Dylan Vaglica and Steve Rizzuto at the 2021 Crusader Classic Golf Tournament. Save the Date for the 2022 Golf Tournament on Monday, June 20, 2022 at the Watertown Golf Club.
1999
• Welcome New Board Member • Rebekah Stokes is the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of Thomaston Savings Bank. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Post University and her Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from the University of Connecticut. She is a graduate of the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking, the Connecticut Bankers Association School of Finance and Management, and holds a certificate from the Wharton School of Leadership.
•••••••••• Robert Colby is a CPA with the Department of Defense. Previously, he spent one year working in Qatar and two years in Afghanistan. He arrived home just in time for Christmas last December. Michelle Faraci sends special thanks to Becky Brainard Coppola and Dave Coppola. “Thank you for all you have done to make the Class of 1999 20th Reunion a HUGE success!”
2000 Meghan (Sills) Morin is currently the Chief Development Officer of United Way of Greater Waterbury. She is also a happily married mother of three.
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Taryn Papa ’07
Rev. Michael E. Hennessy, CSP was ordained a priest for the Paulist Fathers in May 2018. Since then, he has been the associate pastor of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew in Grand Rapids, MI. Beginning July 2021, he will be the Associate Director of Vocations.
Kaitlyn Bogue Franco ’09 & Joseph J. Franco ’06
2004 Alison Crosby Lucas received her doctoral degree from Northeastern University in Boston. She currently lives in Wallingford with her husband Mike, and two children; Michael James (6), and Alaina Rose (3). Peter Trombley, along with Marissa Follo Perry ’03, Anthony Buell ’00 and Pat Conlan ’89 participated in a recent Holy Cross video that celebrated Pride month. “This is a great moment,” said Pete. “Your message is wonderful to see as an alum and hopefully even more so for current and future students. Your continued support and compassion can make a world of difference for your LGBTQ+ students.”
2007 Nashville-based singer, Taryn Papa realized an almost two decade old dream when she landed a spot on NBC’s hit singing competition show, The Voice last November. She auditioned eighteen times starting in 2011 when she was a senior in college and was rejected every time. The ninetieth time was the charm. She competed on the show as part of country music legend, Blake Shelton’s team.
2008 Alanna Palladino was recently engaged to her college sweetheart, Matthew Stone. They will celebrate their wedding in May 2022.
2009 Kaitlyn Bogue married Joseph J Franco III ’06 on September 12, 2020.
C L ASS NOTES
2010 Alanna D’Amelio is a first year resident in the emergency room department at Riverside Regional in Newport News, Virginia.
Alanna Palladino ’08 with fiancé, Matthew Stone
2016 Mike Bernard graduated from University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he worked at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, programming flight software for the crewed Orion spacecraft. He began working full-time as a software developer at SpaceX in Los Angeles after graduation. Congratulations to Second Lieutenant Zachary Mason on graduating Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sill, OK.
2017 Lia Fiore received her Bachelor of Arts on May 17, 2021 from Manhattan College, School of Liberal Arts, with a major in Communications, concentration in Media Production, and a minor in Film Studies.
IN MEMORIAM eter James Luddy ’73 died P unexpectedly at his home Oct. 16, 2020. Formerly of Waterbury, Peter was an Irish Catholic whose faith was an important aspect of his life. Born in 1954, Peter spent his early years in Waterbury and Wolcott. He was a graduate of St. Margaret Grammar School, Holy Cross High School, and attended Post College. After serving in the US Navy, he worked for Driscoll’s Painting, moved to Cape Cod in 1989 and started Luddy Paint and Wallpaper contracting business. Peter was elected Harwich selectman in 1995 and served seven years. He volunteered at the Harwich Library, and Community Center.
M O D E R N , E V E RY D AY G L A M O U R transformed the business into the area’s premier jeweler. Their diligence and innovative vision also lead them to house a fullscale production facility in New York City.
Daniel Sanchez ’99
Onyx II Jewelers in Watertown, underwent a creative renaissance in 2005 when Daniel Sanchez ’99, grandson of Onyx founders Zenaida and Higinio Perez, took over the family business and made it his own. The collections became fresh symbols of modern, everyday glamour that could be matched with casual wear. Daniel and his partner of ten years, James Michael Murphy broadened the offerings and
“When my grandmother started Onyx, she was selling basic gold jewelry door-to-door,” said Daniel. “She had one store on South Main Street in Waterbury. By the 1980s, it grew into a one million dollar company. I feel very proud to take the little baby that she formed and bring her up to next level. We think Onyx is a girl. She has female energy.” Daniel has always gravitated towards the jewelry, fashion and art worlds. Art was his favorite subject, starting in elementary school. “I remember waiting for it to be 2:00 p.m. on a Friday because that’s when we had art. I used to sketch pieces of jewelry and dresses. I always had an interest in design. That is what I thrive in.”
Although he possessed a talent for design, Daniel knew he needed to balance that with a finance background. He attended Fairfield University and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance from the University of Connecticut. After a brief stint in law school, he pursued Onyx while working on an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Currently, Daniel designs most of the jewelry sold at Onyx. “I have a great CPA and attorney,” he said. “That allows me more time to focus on the things that I really love. This includes interacting with and designing for the clients.” For Daniel, jewelry is fashion, and fashion is art. He brought the art from the big city red carpets to the main streets of the Greater Waterbury area. He kept the excitement in high-end fashion but made it accessible to his clients. “We are creating art that you can live your life in.”
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The Crusader Hall of Honor was created in 2016 to commemorate excellence within the Crusader community. Alumni, teachers, administrators, friends, teams, clubs and organizations have been recognized in this prestigious group for their achievements and contributions to Holy Cross and/ or their local communities. The Hall of Honor preserves the heritage, legacy and memory of those who made an invaluable mark in our school’s rich history. Awards include:
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587 Oronoke Road Waterbury, CT 06708 Phone: 203.757.9248 Fax: 203.757.3423
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milford, CT Permit No. 80
The Crusader Award, honoring an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself during his/her time at Holy Cross. The Saint Andre Bessette Award, honoring an alumnus/a who distinguished himself/herself in life after high school. The Blessed Father Basil Moreau Award, honoring a coach, teacher, administrator or staff member for his/her/their stand-out, outstanding service to Holy Cross.
The 2021 Summa Scholars
The Marguerite Bourgeoys Award, honoring the contributions of our loyal friends of Holy Cross. The Green and Gold Award, honoring teams, clubs, groups or organizations that have brought respect and honor to Holy Cross High School because of their outstanding accomplishments while in high school. Funds raised through this annual event will support the Crusader Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund, making a Holy Cross High School education more affordable to new students. This scholarship was established in December of 2020, supported by a matching gift from Kim and Jeff Fryer ’87. Through proceeds raised and inductees celebrated for their achievements, a path is paved with inspiration and opportunity for future Crusaders. Use the QR code below to view the inductees for the 2021 Crusader Hall of Honor as well as event updates and details.
www.holycrosshs-ct.com/news-events/crusader-hall-of-honor
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he Office of Catholic Schools honored the Superintendent’s Summa Scholars from the network of Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford. This year, six Holy Cross students were honored at an awards ceremony held on campus in the school courtyard. The Holly Cross students recognized were: Robert Anchini, Christina Failla, Jenna Hulstrunk, Joshua Lee, Vesa Prevalla and Victoria Rosales. Each student honored a teacher
who had made an impact on their educational endeavors. The Superintendent’s Summa Scholar Awards are given to recognize the students, parents and teachers for their commitment to the pursuit of academic achievement. The Summa Scholar represents the top 5% of his/her graduating class in terms of outstanding academic achievement from freshman year to the close of the first semester of his/her senior year, based on the cumulative grade point average.