Connections - 50th Anniversary Special Edition - Fall 2018

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onnections Fall 2018

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BOARD AND SCHOOL OFFICER 2018–2019 LISTING BOARD OF CORPORATE MEMBERS Br. Donald Blauvelt, C.S.C. Br. James Branigan, C.S.C. Br. William Nick, C.S.C. Br. William Zaydak, C.S.C. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin McSherry ’75, Chair Ivan Lucuk ’00, Vice-Chair Keith Sullivan ’83, Treasurer Barbara Diorio ’83, Secretary

Archbishop Blair accepts gifts from some of our students

The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford Leads Founders’ Week Liturgy The Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair, Archbishop of Hartford, served as the celebrant of Holy Cross High School’s Founders’ Week Liturgy. This liturgy was the culmination of a week-long celebration where Holy Cross celebrated its’ founders and the value of Catholic education. Several pastors from local churches were in attendance including, Fr. James Sullivan, Fr. Frederick Aniello, Fr. Joseph Donnelly, Fr. John Lavorgna, and Fr. Anthony Smith.

“I’m very glad to be here to celebrate with all of you,” said Archbishop Blair to the audience of students, faculty, administrators and special guests. “We can see very clearly the love that Jesus has for each one of us. As we celebrate this Mass, we are drawn to Christ and his love revealed on the cross. We ask that we may be freed of our own sinfulness and all the things that tempt us away from that love.”

“It was perfect timing that we were about to coordinate Archbishop Blair’s schedule with our Founders’ Week Liturgy,” said Kyle Piatak, Director of Campus Ministry.

“Amongst the students, there was great anticipation. They know this was something special. Theology teacher, Ann Estrada spearheaded a lesson plan that gave the students a better understanding of who the Archbishop is and our relationship with him.”

“Catholic education helps students in their academic, physical, social, emotional and spiritual development,” said Amadeo Rinaldi, 2017–2018 Interim President. “The primary mission of the school is to prepare students to be people of faith and followers of Jesus Christ. As Holy Cross celebrates its’ 50th Anniversary over the next year, it is a reminder of the important role that our school has played in instilling Catholic values in our students.”

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MEMBERS Salvatore Agati ’75 Mary Brigham ’79 Patrick Clifford Christopher Ciarleglio ’00 Bernard Dzinski ’81 Robert Fazo ’76 Kathleen Ferucci ’99 Jeffrey Fryer ’87 Todd Genovese ’88 Msgr. Thomas Ginty ’76 Sarah Herlihy ’06 Todd Montello ’86 Philip Mongelluzzo ’90 Christopher Mulville ’03 Julie Porzio ’81 Salvatore Porzio ’79 Matthew Stevens ’05 Norby Williamson ’81 ADMINISTRATION Paul G. Geise, Interim President Michael Giampetruzzi ’95, Vice President for Student Life Andrea Rodriguez, Vice President for Academics Cary Razza Fappiano ’85, Vice President for Advancement ADMISSIONS Terri Ann Parks, Director of Admissions ADVANCEMENT OFFICE Mike Phelan ’89, Director of Alumni Relations & Special Events Donna Marino, Director of the Annual Fund Todd Santa Maria ’94, Director of Communications & Marketing PHOTOGRAPHERS Art Rich, Phil Dutton DESIGN & PRODUCTION CEH Design, Bethel, CT PRINTING GHP Printing

Archbishop Blair with Joseph Carrah ’76, Theology Department Chair and Kyle Piatak, Director of Campus Ministry

Follow us! www.HolyCrossHS-ct.com

C onnections ACADEMICS

Solomina Darko ’18 & Wen Ting Zheng ’18

From Green & Gold to Crimson, Cardinal & Black

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Solomina Darko ’18 and Wen Ting Zheng ’18

ecent graduates, Solomina Darko ’18 and Wen Ting Zheng ’18 will attend Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), respectively. Both applied and were accepted through each school’s Restricted Early Action.

Solomina, Senior Class President, will study Biomedical Engineering and plans to pursue a Doctorate shortly afterwards.

She was among over 6,000 applicants who applied Restricted Early Action to Harvard and was one of only 964 who was granted admission to the prestigious university. Wen Ting, who will major in Bio-engineering, chose MIT because of their excellent programs and close proximity to several research internships in the Boston area.

“The Holy Cross community is extremely proud of both Solomina and Wen Ting,” said Catherine Xeller, Director of Guidance. “Both ladies are top scholars, leaders and ambassadors for our school. Each has made an indelible mark on Oronoke Road. I have no doubt that tremendous successes are in store for both.”

“I found out on December 12th,” said Solomina. “It was so surreal at first. My dad cried. My mom was really happy and thankful. Both of them have worked so hard for my education and success.”

A native of Ghana, Solomina moved to the United States when she was ten with her mother. Her father came to the states earlier to earn his master’s degree

in Psychology. It was a huge adjustment for Solomina. However, her academic experience didn’t change much. Learning English in Ghana helped her prepare for that. Solomina excelled at Holy Cross and emerged as one of the school’s top scholars.

Wen Ting, a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, arrived at Holy Cross as a freshman with the goal of getting into a top tier college. “Holy Cross provided me with the opportunities and support to get into this school,” said Wen Ting. “I especially like the small class sizes.”

Earlier this year, Wen Ting was named a recipient of the Coca-Cola Scholarship.

“This was a huge honor,” said Ms. Xeller.

“She is one of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars who will receive a $20,000 college scholarship.”

“I’m looking forward to a collaborative yet stimulating environment of students who share the same enthusiasm for learning,” said Wen Ting. “MIT has a wide array of resources that will enable me to perform to the best of my ability.”

Solomina is also anxiously awaiting the next chapter of her educational life to begin. “I was so fortunate to be part of such a diverse community at Holy Cross,” she said. “I am looking forward to meeting the diverse community of Harvard and learning from them.”

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50

Celebrating

Years

The strum of Mr. Killian’s guitar. The walks through senior hallway.

The sound of Coach Generali’s voice echoing in the gymnasium.

The sigh of relief when you hear the Crusader colloquialism, “Blazers need not be worn.” Mr. Whealon’s prayers to Saint Genesius. Mrs. McCarthy’s famous phrase: “from the journal to the ledger”. Mr. Burns’s get togethers. The Music Department’s red bowties and cummerbunds.

The National Honor Society sandwich making on Wednesday mornings with Mrs. Flaminio.

These are more than treasured memories. These are moments that develop into belief and value systems that last a lifetime.

For fifty years, talented and driven students have been formed and transformed at Holy Cross.

They are measures of our success and continue to serve and support the mission as faculty and administration, as trustees and parents, and as donors and volunteers. Each weaves the rich tapestry of heritage and strengthens the fabric of our Holy Cross future. Our Crusader family tree is vast, inclusive and is strung together by connections that have spanned a generation.

We hope these few pages will kindle and evoke fond memories of our school that we all know and love. Together, our individual stories are part of a five decade old trajectory that continues to impact our lives. And with these legacies, the best is yet to come.

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“ Working there was one of the highlights of my teaching career.

I was able to influence the growth of that school as its Principal.”

— Holy Cross’s First Principal Brother Francis Leary, C.S.C.

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HOLY CROSS:Genesis

The school utilized modular flexible scheduling. Students met in large groups in the lecture hall and broke off into smaller size groups in the classroom.

B rothers and lay people comprised the first Holy Cross faculty, under the leadership of Brother Patrick Halpin, C.S.C., Brother Richard MacDonald and Brother Francis Leary, C.S.C. (pictured), the school’s first Principal.

In 1966, Archbishop O’Brien announced that an all-boys Catholic school would open in Waterbury, Connecticut. There was an immediate need for such a school due to the city’s large Catholic population.

Groundbreaking was held on May 5, 1967 on thirty-one acres in Waterbury’s West End on Oronoke Road. In September 1968, 325 boys became the first students of Holy Cross High School. Classes were initially held off site as construction finished on Oronoke Road.

On October 7, 1968, Holy Cross High School opened its doors, and a new era began.

C O-EDUCATION In September 1975, Holy Cross merged with Waterbury Catholic High School.

The female students along with the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame became part of the Holy Cross family. Sister Patricia Jamele, C.N.D. was there for the transition and every year since then. She has served in many roles, most notably in the school’s Guidance Department.

Sister Patricia Jamele, C.N.D.

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“ Catholicism has expanded into something broader and better” People have a strong spirituality that is indicated in their service, kindness and relationships.”

—Sister Patricia Jamele, C.N.D., former faculty

phelia started in the late 1970s as a student O branch of Alpha Phi Omega. The Greek name means “to be of service.” This active program gained Holy Cross the honor of being the only high school in the state to win both Governor’s service awards in 1977. Ophelia fulfills two goals: 1) To do service, both in and out of school and 2) To develop student leadership.

(Pictured: Students pose with former Governor Ella T. Grasso.)

The First Prom in 1972

T he Holy Cross Student Theatre put on its first production in 1969. Since then, the annual fall drama and spring musical have captivated and inspired our audiences.

Brother John Paige, C.S.C., Physics Teacher

The Basketball team ended its season ranked number one in the Class LL Division. Under coach Timothy McDonald the team became the first in Waterbury to have an undefeated season since the early 1920s.

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HOLY CROSS:Growth & Maturation The School Leadership in the late 1990s: Timothy McDonald, Sister Denise Conway, C.N.D., Margaret Leger, Brother Harold Hathaway, C.S.C. and Amadeo Rinaldi

T he Most Reverend Daniel A. Cronin, S.T.D., Archbishop Emeritus with Monsignor Thomas A. Ginty ’76 lead a mass for Holy Cross’s 25th Anniversary in 1994.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, interest in the school soared.

At one point, due to large class sizes, the corridors were made one way to handle the traffic. Rigorous academic preparation reigned supreme. A variety of electives including Creative Writing, Journalism, Psychology and Political Science were offered. In 1997, Holy Cross became one of the first schools of its kind to introduce block scheduling into the school S ister Dorothy Flanagan, C.N.D.

day. This era also saw the introduction of many Holy Cross leaders who would make an indelible mark on the Crusader landscape including Brother Harold Hathaway, C.S.C., Brother Jerome Donnelly, C.S.C., Timothy McDonald and Margaret Leger, to name a few.

The Peer Ministry Program forms in the 1984-85 school year and makes a lasting impact.

H OLY CROSS ATHLETICS Athletics have always been a part of the Holy Cross landscape. From the beginning, varsity, JV and freshmen athletes learned the importance of competitiveness, sportsmanship and physical fitness. Two wins, however, served as benchmarks in Crusader Athletics. In 1988, Boys’ Varsity Basketball won the school’s first State Championship. A year later, Girls’ Varsity Softball gave the school their second. “Athletics are invaluable,” said T he 1993 Cross Country Team. One of the runners, Christopher Corbett ’93 (back row, 2nd from the right) is remembered every year by the City of Waterbury at the Chris Corbett 5K.

Jim Cunningham, Former Athletic Director. “They develop personality, give a sense of direction and sacrifice and most importantly, allow you to live a longer, more complete life.”

T he Concert Band, under the direction of Joseph Jacovino

any things happened in the 80s…

M including Secret Admirers Day

“ The students were so kind and caring. That is the one thing I miss while being retired — the Holy Cross students.”

— f ormer Faculty Member, Elaine Muldowney.

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HOLY CROSS:Traditions & Expansions In the new millennium, Holy Cross embraced time-honored traditions, great student leaders and an investment in technology. The development of Student Activities as a formal department in 2000 emerged as an invaluable part of the school experience. Also, several capital projects were completed and revolutionized the way Crusaders gathered together for times of work and times of play.

Now, more than ever, community service is a huge part of the Holy Cross High School DNA. Community service projects such as the Annual Service Trip, the Blood Drive, the Turkey Drive, Stockings for Seniors, Project Warmth and many others are held to give back to others in our local and national communities.

“ It didn’t matter to me if you were a top student or not a top student. You would get yelled at just the same.”

— f ormer Spanish Teacher Carol Liepis

Students and faculty at the annual Service Trip.

J ay Alix ’73 with former accounting teacher Rita McCarthy.

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T he Crusade for a Cure group raises money throughout the year for cancer organizations.

CA P I TA L G ROWTH In the spring of 2004, Holy Cross unveiled the $2 million Alix Family Art and Technology Center which included three digital classrooms, two art studios and a grand foyer used for receptions and events. Other major capital improvements and upgrades followed including the Fryer Family Chemistry Lab, The Brother James Kane C.S.C Library and Media Center, the two Brother Harold Hathaway, C.S.C. Life Science Labs, a state-of-the-art language lab, a guidance complex, the 740-seat Blasius Family Auditorium, The Monteiro Family Sports Medicine Facility, the Timothy J. McDonald Gymnasium, the Brother John Paige, C.S.C. Locker Rooms, the Stephen J. Ross Memorial Fitness Center and Alumni Field.

“ The Student Council took the opportunities and ran with it. So many programs were started then, such as Halloween Happening and Founders’ Week. They are still in existence today. That is a tribute to the early council.”

— former Director of Student Activities Denise Marcella

S tudent Activities was officially born in 2000 and came of age over the next decade.

V arsity Football’s first Class SS State Championship Win in the fall of 2006

Students working in the Brother James Kane, C.S.C. Library and Media Center.

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HOLY CROSS:Today & Tomorrow In celebration of Holy Cross’s 50th Anniversary, the Moreau Province of the Congregation of Holy Cross announced a commitment of a one million dollar gift to the school. This restricted gift will be used for various educational and physical needs to be determined through discussion with the Board of Directors. The Brothers have given this gift to support the mission of the school which is grounded in the educational values of Blessed Fr. Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross.

This gift, coupled with many planned events and programs, will celebrate where we came from and where we are going. Each day, Holy Cross inspires all to learn and lead with agile minds and inclusive hearts.

We encourage all to embrace their uniqueness and be different where it counts. Every student, parent, teacher, administrator, coach, staff member, Board member and friend has left an individual mark on our school tapestry.

The Holy Cross of today is comprised of our lessons from yesterday and our dreams for tomorrow.

Paul G. Geise NE W L E ADE R SHIP Before Holy Cross’s next President arrives in July 2019, veteran independent school leader, Paul G. Geise will serve as Holy Cross’s Interim President for the 20182019 school year. Over his four decade career, Mr. Geise served many roles including Head of School at the Pine Point School in Stonington and the Stanwich School in Greenwich.

“The Brothers are delighted that the school has been so successful in finding such dynamic leadership,” said Brother William Zaydak, C.S.C., Provincial. “Paul Geise has the talents and abilities to lead the school community and further the mission of the school.”

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“ I am honored to serve this fine school and excited to fully immerse myself as a green and gold Crusader. Throughout the year, we will celebrate the rich traditions of a community inspired by faith and informed by reason while exploring how best to position Holy Cross for its robust and vibrant future.”

— Interim President, Paul G. Geise

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C onnections G R A D UAT I O N

2018

commencement “THIS IS A MOMENTOUS OCCASION,” said Amadeo Rinaldi, 2017–2018 Interim President to the Class of 2018 at the 47th Annual Commencement Exercises. “You have reached an important milestone. As you leave Holy Cross, look forward to the future with courage and determination. It is another opportunity to further broaden your horizons, make new friends and meet new challenges.”

Caitlin Deher ’18 delivered an emotional Commencement Address centering on her personal struggles and how she eventually overcame those challenges. She encouraged her fellow students to follow their paths and expect the unexpected. “The most important thing I can leave you with today is to enjoy what is and not worry about what may occur sometime later on in life. Be at peace with the unknown and relish in the now.”

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matriculation listing for the class of 2018 Albertus Magnus College American University Anna Maria College (2) Arcadia University Arizona Western College Assumption College Belmont University Bentley University Boston University (2) Bryant University (5) Central CT State University (3) College of the Holy Cross Connecticut College Eastern CT State University (2) Emmanuel College (5) Endicott College (3) Fairfield University (3)

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Fordham University Green Mountain College Harvard University High Point University Hofstra University (2) Kean University Keene State College (2) King’s College LaSalle University (2) Manhattanville College Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Services Massachusetts Institute of Technology Merrimack College New England College New York University

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Nichols College Northeastern University Providence College (3) Quinnipiac University (3) Roger Williams University Sacred Heart University (3) Salve Regina University (2) Seton Hall University Southern CT State University Southern New Hampshire University Springfield College St. Catherine University St. John’s University (2) Stonehill College (2) Suffolk University SUNY-Purchase

Tulane University United States Army University of California-Davis University of California-Santa Cruz University of Connecticut (6) University of Hartford University of Kentucky University of New Haven (2) University of Rhode Island (3) University of Saint Joseph (2) University of Scranton University of St. Joseph University of Mass-Amherst Western CT State University (2) Western New England University Xavier University in 2019

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1 Former Board Chair Jeffrey M. Fryer ’87 addresses the graduates 2 Beloved teachers, Gabrielle Brazauaskas and Dennis Killian, perform the National Anthem 3 Dermott Greene, Greg Gruenwald & Michael Mara 4 Sofia Lupoi, Danny Flaherty, Alexandra Lombardo

& Alexandra Koulouris 5 Erin Goggin, Kevon Killian, Josie Guerrier, Clifton Hodak, Robert Gary & Marcellus Gomes 6 Kiley Harnish & Will Guglielmo 7 A memorable moment 8

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8 Shouming “Daniel” Huang & Yufei “Karissa” Meng 9 Michaela Flaherty, Jaelie Jackson & Melissa Hallas 10 Mrs. Conetta takes one last pose with her students before moving on from Holy Cross 11 Clifton Hodak

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Honoring

Margaret Leger

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ay the name Peg Leger and many emotions bubble to the surface: joy, love, fear, admiration. Many remember her as the no-nonsense administrator

who measured the length of the female students’ skirts. Others know her as the coach who encouraged her runners to reach their maximum potential. Some knew the woman beyond the Principal’s desk and developed deep relationships that spanned decades. To all, Margaret “Peggy” Maloney Leger was a force – a woman who demanded respect and authority yet remained friendly and approachable.

Since her arrival in 1980, Mrs. Leger encouraged all of her students “to live from your heart and go forward with compassion and enthusiasm in all that you choose to do.” That core value blossomed during her early years as a physical 16

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education teacher and a coach of cross country and track. She connected with many of her players during those early years.

“She always took care of us,” said Tracie O’Donnell ’84. “She was tough on us and

pushed us to take responsibility for our actions.”

“I didn’t come to Holy Cross as an athlete,” said Michelle Morcey Henderlite ’84. “Track and Cross Country became a passion for me. Currently, I coach at St. John the Evangelist School. That is one of the best things in my life. I owe so much of that to Peg.” In 1982, Mrs. Leger became the Assistant to the Director of Students. She would go on to become the Assistant Principal/ Director of Students, Assistant Principal for Academic Life, Principal and eventually, President of Holy Cross.

Remembering three special crusaders

SISTER DENISE CONWAY, CND

The Leger family

Mrs. Leger’s relationship with her students continued long after they graduated and left Oronoke Road. “I was at her wedding,” said Kimberly Brown ’83. “I babysat Erin, her first daughter. We have always kept in touch through the big and little things.”

“I admired and feared her at the same time,” said Cary Razza Fappiano ’85, Vice President for Advancement. “She was a mother figure for me, especially after my own mother died.”

Mrs. Leger had a deep love for Catholic education and for spreading the Holy Cross mission to everyone. She was instrumental in getting First Friday Mass

“Peggy’s family was everything,” said Margaret Belden, a close friend and Holy Cross’s Office Manager. “They came first above everything. She enjoyed her family and had so much fun with them. She always showed photos and videos of her grandchild. She was a great nanna. She spoke of Erin as a wonderful team player who embraced her family. She always said Kevin could be President of the United States because he was so charming and sweet. And she always said how talented and kind Meghan was. Peggy would also say that Paul was a wonderful husband, and they had a great life together. She always said that about him.

He was her rock.”

Mrs. Leger encouraged all of her students “to live from your heart and go forward with compassion and enthusiasm in all that you choose to do.”

back into the schedule. However, her single proudest accomplishment was her family: husband, Paul, children Erin ’02, Kevin ’05 and Meghan ’13, son-in-law, Mike and grandchildren Chase and Fallon Margaret.

Mrs. Leger’s legacy lives on in her family, her friends and in the countless Crusaders who were fortunate to have her in their lives. She always cherished her Holy Cross connections with her former students. In her eyes, a true sense of community made Holy Cross High School special.

Sister Denise Conway, CND passed away on December 22, 2017. She served for many years as a teacher and administrator in some of the finest Catholic education institutions including Notre Dame Academy, Waterbury Catholic High School, Notre Dame College, Notre Dame High School and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. She arrived at Holy Cross High School in 1985. She began as a Business teacher. After one year, she became the Director of Personnel. She was also the moderator of the National Honor Society and the Mothers’ Club..

KAUMUDI PARIKH Kaumudi Parikh, librarian at Waterbury Catholic High School and Holy Cross High School from 1972 until her retirement in 2002, passed away on February 8, 2018 while on a visit to her family home in the Republic of India. In accordance with Hindu customs, her remains were cremated in India and her ashes were scattered on the sacred Ganges River.

CAROL GUSTAFSON Carol Gustafson passed away on May 14, 2018 in Sarasota, Florida. She taught music classes at Holy Cross from 1998-2004 after retiring from public school teaching.

Prior to Holy Cross, she taught in Spring Valley, Waterford and Mamaroneck, New York and then Connecticut in the Bethel School System for 29 years.

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AT H L E T I C S Boys’ Varsity Baseball

Fills Season with Several Victories The Boys’ Varsity Baseball team saw many successes this past season. They won their second consecutive NVL championship and achieved a state quarter final win (3-0) against Immaculate High School in Danbury. They also played against Notre Dame of Fairfield in the semifinals and finished the season with a 24-3 record.

Boys’ Swimming & Diving Team

Takes Their Fourth NVL Championship Holy Cross’s Boys’ Swimming and Diving Team won the NVL Championship for the fourth year in a row and came in second at the State Championships. These accomplishments were realized because of stellar leadership by coaches, Mary Racevicius, Michelle Griffith and Paul Leger, and the unparalleled diligence and sportsmanship displayed by the team.

Frank Lombardo ’85 Sees 500th Career Victory in Coaching Varsity Girls’ Basketball

Girls’ Varsity Softball

Has an Incredible Season The Girls’ Varsity Softball team had an incredible spring season (19-7). The team defeated Coventry (11-4) in the Class S semifinals and reached its fourth straight state championship game. Despite not taking home their fourth state championship, the girls played hard and made a huge impact on the Connecticut’s high school athletics landscape.

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Frank Lombardo ’85, faculty member and Varsity Girls’ Basketball Coach, has seen many special moments and matches during his 27 years of coaching. However, the win against Sacred Heart High School in January 2018 was extra special to him. It was his 500th career victory and a validation to his program which is rooted in character, determination and structure.

“Winning my 500th game was an amazing feeling,” said Mr. Lombardo. “This was made through many years of hard work and dedication by the players who came through this program…I want my players to leave the program knowing how to work hard with integrity and how to deal with adversity. Those are the things that we try to teach them while they are here so that they can be successful in college and in life.”

Tanner Linhard ’21 Participates in the Young Marines WWI/WWII Adventure in France anner Linhard ’21 was selected by Brass City Young Marines to participate in the Young Marines WWI/WWII Adventure. He is one of fourteen students selected from across the United States to experience this one-time trip, which recognizes the centennial anniversary of WWI. He visited battlefields from WWI and WWII in France including the sites of the WWII D-Day invasion and the Battle of Bellau Wood. The ten day trip was held in July 2018.

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Tanner, a Brass City Young Marine CPL, entered an essay contest with the Young Marines to be considered for this experience. “The essays had to be written through the eyes of a soldier or medic,” said Tanner. “It was a piece of fiction, but we had to use real historic information. My story was based on the Battle of Bellau Wood.”

“CPL Linhard’s letter was incredibly well written and very realistic,” said Unit Commander, Eric Berthel, in an official release by the Young Marines. “I was proud to endorse his emotional essay.”

Tanner has a deep passion for writing and the military.

His father served in the Marine Corps, and his two great grandfathers served during WWII. “I want to follow in their footsteps,” he said. “I hope to join the Annapolis Naval Academy and become a Marine Corp Officer.”

In a very short amount of time, Tanner has made an impact in the Holy Cross community as the Treasurer of his freshmen class. He is an honors student and participated on the cross country and wrestling teams. He was also in the cast of Holy Cross Student Theatre’s musical, West Side Story.

Tanner Linhard ’21

Allie Peschel ’18 with her many contributions to the Arts on Oronoke show

Finding Her Voice

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llie Peschel ’18 has emerged as one of the most respected studentartists in her graduating class. Her body of work is based off of the things that inspire her - literature, English and Bible studies. “I am more drawn to nature,” she said. “I really liked studying transcendentalism in English during my junior year. That is the overall theme in my art.” This past spring, she presented multiple pieces at the annual Arts on Oronoke.

Her theme was Co-Dependence: Humanity and the Nature that Surrounds Us. This fall, she will major in Graphic Design at St. John’s University in Queens, New York.

Art has always been a part of Allie’s life. Her mother, Maryann Altieri Peschel ’82, also an artist, exposed her to art at a very young age. “I was drawing when I was a child,” said Allie. “I really loved it. I continued to draw as I grew up. However, I didn’t hone my skills until high school.”

Allie has taken several art classes at Holy Cross including Studio Art, Drawing and Design, Painting and AP Studio Art. She credits her teacher, Rosanne Shea for teaching her technique and helping her hone her skills.

“It was interesting to learn balance, shading and harmony. The Drawing and Design class made me a better artist. Mrs. Shea is very hands-on. She helped me become more of an academic artist.”

“As a student in Drawing and Design, I first noticed the abundance of creativity and originality in Allie’s work,” said Mrs. Shea. “I can see that Allie continues to show growth in skill and imagination as she works conscientiously and with dedication, Allie won the CAS Award this year for her excellence in visual art and was honored at their annual awards ceremony. I expect great success in her future.”

Allie’s Crusader ties run deep. Her mother is an alumna, her grandparents worked at the school and her father, Brian, is President of the Fathers’ Club. She is also a recipient of the Cecilia Razza Memorial Scholarship, which is given to an art student. The school means a lot to her and her family, mostly because of the great opportunities afforded to her. “Holy Cross helped me become a person who has ideas and concepts of their own that they can speak about,” she said.

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Engineers ONE DEPARTMENT

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What are the odds of Holy Cross having not one, not two, but three former engineers in one academic department?

Math teachers, Halise Erem, Karen Brough ’84 and Delores Villano had careers in this profession before they entered the world of education. Their experiences in the engineering world heavily informed their teaching careers.

Legions of students have benefited from their experience and background in mathematics and science.

Halise Eram, Delores Villano & Karen Brough ’84

“We speak in the same language,” said Mrs. Erem, on her fellow colleagues. “We think similarly. We have many things to talk about because of our previous careers. The Math Department, as a whole, under Department Head, Ryan Mulhern does a great job at collaborating.”

All three women had a strong interest and talent in mathematics and/or sciences at a young age. “I was a problem solver,” said Mrs. Villano. “I always enjoyed that. My teachers saw that and encouraged me to go into engineering.”

Mrs. Brough clicked with chemistry in high school. She had a genuine interest on the inner-workings of individual products.

“I would look at shampoo bottles and wonder about the ingredients,” she said. “My high school teacher instilled in me that chemistry was everywhere. To this day, I am still curious about all of that.”

Mrs. Erem’s first love was also chemistry. “I was inclined mathematically and scientifically,” she said. “I didn’t think of anything else. When I was looking at careers, I asked, ‘Who does the most math?’”

Mrs. Erem spent her time working as an Industrial Engineer on optimization in 55,000 dwellings (middle income housing).

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Mrs. Brough worked at Uniroyal for ten years as a Chemical Engineer while Mrs. Villano spent most of her time at General Electric in both Binghamton, New York and Plainville, Connecticut.

‘‘We speak in the

same language. We think similarly. We have many things to talk about...”

“I started as an Electrical Engineer in GE’s Aerospace Division,” said Mrs. Villano.

“I was developing code to test flight control systems to make sure they were operating and functioning. Then, I became a Quality Engineer. I would trouble shoot when problems came up in the airplane’s computer system. In Plainville, I had a position in Distribution and Control and worked on circuit boards, circuit panels and distribution panels. Eventually, I ended up in a Project Lead Role for a commercial product for a defense contractor.”

As the years went on for the three of them, life changed and professional trajectories were affected. Mrs. Erem, a native of Turkey, moved to the United States with her husband and became a school volunteer. Mrs. Villano started a family and became a stay-at-home mom and math tutor. Mrs. Brough

developed an interest in teaching while judging science fairs as a Uniroyal representative. All roads eventually led to the classroom.

“When I was studying for my Masters in Education,” said Mrs. Erem, “I realized that math teachers were learning engineering applications. Real life applications came really natural to me because I had seen the applications (in my earlier career).”

“I can bring up real life situations with my students,” said Mrs. Villano. “Problem solving is key, and that is something that all of us stress in the Math Department. I tell my students that you will have to problem solve in any career. You need to take something that is big, break it down into pieces and come up with a solution.”

“I tell my students to keep math with them,” said Mrs. Erem. “I ask them, ‘Why not minor in math?’ No one will ever ask you what x-3=5 means, but the skills you learn in math will apply to everything in your life.”

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C onnections HIGHLIGHTS

Six of our highest achieving seniors - Madison Smith, Caitlin Dreher, Wen Ting Zheng, Caitlin Kinsella, Jillian Noack and Solomina Darko - were awarded Summa Scholar Medallions from the Archdiocese of Hartford. The Superintendent’s Summa Scholar Awards recognize students, parents and teachers for their commitment to the pursuit of academic achievement.

Students must represent the top 5% of his/her graduating class to qualify for this award.

On March 14th, Holy Cross students joined thousands of young people across the country in a National Walk Out as a memorial for the victims of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. However, instead of walking outside, the students walked to the auditorium for a prayer service led by the Student Government. The school prayed for an end to all school violence and for the safety and well-being of all students.

Six of our student leaders attended the Holy Cross Conference for Student Leaders in South Bend, Indiana. At this weeklong event, midwest and east coast students from the Congregation of Holy Cross high schools gathered to grow as leaders and to experience the community and diversity of the Holy Cross tradition.

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• HOLY CROSS | Connections

Several alumni visited our classrooms. Dr. Daniel Coelho ’78, Chairman of the Anesthesia Department at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, (pictured above) gave the Honors Anatomy and Physiology Class a presentation on bone marrow transplant and stem cell treatment. John A. Zinno, Jr., CPA ’85, a BlumShapiro partner, spoke on personal fiscal responsibility to students from the Personal Finance, Accounting, Advanced Accounting, Intro to Business and English 10 Honors classes. Kenneth Curran ’93, State Director for Senator Chris Murphy, gave the Honors Political Science and Practical Law classes an overview of Congress and the role of legislators. Finally, Eamon Downey ’08 shared his journey that began at Holy Cross, continued at NYU and eventually landed him in the film industry.

Mark Choi, a senior from The Gunnery in Washington, Connecticut, met with some of our student leaders to discuss the role of leadership in a Catholic school setting. Mark worked on an independent study that examined the similarities and differences of student leadership within Connecticut schools.

Holy Cross was proud to be one of the participating schools in his study.

Community service projects were held throughout the year. It came to a culmination this past summer when students and faculty traveled to Virginia Beach for the annual service trip. They spent a week working with Union Mission, a non-profit organization that serves the homeless. They sorted food boxes, washed food delivery vehicles, painted and did yard work.

Brigadier General John P. Lawlor, Jr. ’83 Speaks at Honors Convocation riagadier General John P. Lawlor, Jr. ’83 addressed students and their families at the annual Honors Convocation. “I have fond memories of my time here at Holy Cross,” he said to the audience. “I had excellent mentors who set me up for success. I have been blessed, and it all started here.”

B

John, a Waterbury native, came from a military family. His mother and father were Korean War veterans, serving in the U.S. Navy and Air Force, respectively. He joined the Army when he was seventeen.

He was commissioned through OCS as an Infantry Officer where he was at the

Platoon level and directly responsible for 25-40 individuals. He was deployed to Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Iraq.

For the latter, he serve as Public Works Team Chief for both the 4th Infantry Division and then the 1st Infantry Division, responsible for infrastructure improvement projects and Ministry coordination throughout the northcentral region of Iraq. He was activated in October 1997 as part of the Combined Joint Civil Military Task Force, Sarajevo Bosnia-Herzegovina. He was the Aide-decamp and Military Assistant to Chief of NATO Operations. Recently, John was

Brigadier General John P. Lawlor, Jr. ’83 with wife Natalie Barone Lawlor ’85

promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the Army Reserve. Currently, he is the Director of Public Works and Facilities for Bloomfield, Connecticut.

WEST SIDE STORY:

Then & Now he Holy Cross Student Theatre presented an energetic and emotional production of West Side Story this past spring starring Michael Perkins ’18 and Christina Finkenzeller ’18 as the star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria.

Christina received a HALO award from Seven Angels Theatre for her performance.

T

This isn’t the first time the Jets and the Sharks graced the Holy Cross stage. A production was mounted in 1989 starring Bret Poulter ’89 and Marnie Weiss ’89. “Vocally, the role of Tony is very challenging,” said Bret. “I had the best time playing that part and working with Marnie. The directors, Paul Whealon and Carolyn Frank Cicchetti, instilled a love of theater in us.

To this day, I say a prayer to Saint Genesius.”

Bret, HCST’s original Tony, has a connection with Michael Perkins, the current HCST Tony. “I knew Michael’s mother, Molly Bergin Perkins ’89, when I was a student. He also attended one of my summer drama classes at St. Mary’s School.”

Christina Finkenzeller ’18 & Michael Perkins ’18 as “Tony” and “Maria”

Bret Poulter ’89, “Tony” in the HCST 1989 version of West Side Story

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Milford, CT Permit No. 80

UPCOMING EVENTS (All events at Holy Cross except where noted)

PLACEMENT EXAMS

October 27th & December 1st, 8:00am

MEET HOLY CROSS

587 Oronoke Road Waterbury, CT 06708 Phone: (203) 757-9248 Fax: (203) 757-3423

(Admissions Tours & Presentations) (Note: All begin at 6:30pm except where noted) September 11th, September 22nd (at 11:00am), October 9th, October 13th (at 11:00am), December 11th, February 12th, March 12th & April 9th

HOMECOMING

October 5th-7th

OPEN HOUSE

October 21st, 2:00pm

CRUSADER HALL OF HONOR

November 29th, at La Bella Vista, Waterbury

THE GOLDEN GALA

March 30, 2019 at Aqua Turf, Southington

Come Back,Give Back!

For fifty years, Holy Cross High School has provided the foundation for its graduates to find success and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.

The spirit of our school has been and shall always be forward thinking. Each year, generous alumni, parents, and friends reinforce this commitment to spread the Crusader spirit and contribute to its growth and advancement.

A gift to the Annual Fund allows Holy Cross to maintain and strengthen our programs, to attract top notch faculty aligned with our mission, and to help us keep tuition costs manageable. When you give, you reinforce the Holy Cross mission; a mission that is as relevant in 2018 as it was in 1968.

Please consider making a gift to the Annual Fund today and help us prepare our next generation built upon the Holy Cross foundation.

Visit www.HolyCrossHS-ct.com/giving/make-a-gift to make your gift today.