JOURNEY Spr i ng 20 2 0
IF HE BUILDS IT, THEY WILL COME David D. Quirk, ’84
A Service Academy for the Faith Over the years Austin Prep has been fortunate to graduate many students who have gone on to successful careers in our nation’s military academies. Motivated by a sense of duty to God and Country, there they develop discipline and hone their leadership and professional skills.
members who exemplify mission in action, alumni who rely on their education to inform their professional lives, students, parents and teachers who travel the world to expand their horizons, and about Austin Prep traditions that bring meaning to daily life. St. Augustine wrote that “education is the food of youth, the delight of old age, the ornament of prosperity, the refuge and comfort of adversity, and the provocation to grace in the soul.” It’s fitting that the words of the patron of Austin Prep best describes the essence of an Austin Prep education.
Recently I came across an interesting perspective from Dr. Dennis O’Brien, President Emeritus at the University of Rochester and frequent contributor to Commonweal Magazine, the oldest independent Roman Catholic journal of opinion in the United States. When asked about the purpose of Catholic education, Dr. O’Brien suggests Catholic schools should be like our nation’s service academies where students develop habits of mind, body and spirit that lead to meaningful and productive lives based on the timeless values of the Church – values like decency, honesty, and generosity. And in so doing, students and graduates of Catholic schools will have the opportunity to experience occasions of grace. That perspective certainly aligns with the mission of Austin Prep and how it manifests in the lives of our students and alumni. Austin Prep’s new Strategic Plan, crafted by the community and adopted by the Board of Trustees in the fall, specifically highlights a goal of embracing our Augustinian heritage, imprinting the enduring values of veritas, unitas, and caritas on the hearts of students.
Austin Prep is in expansion mode, our future is bright, and we are well-positioned for continued success. Our community travels on an unwavering Journey of renewal and excellence. With faith in our heritage, with confidence in our future, with your energetic support, with the intercession of St. Augustine, and with God’s grace, Austin Prep will continue on an enduring and transformational Journey of the heart. I encourage you to read with interest and pride in all that we are accomplishing together. This is the start of a new decade, full of great opportunities and big challenges. I remain confident that we will continue to accomplish great things together as we learn to be of service to each other, our families and our communities, and as we prepare to serve the world. In spirit of St. Augustine,
Put another way, it is our intention that all members of the Austin Prep community – students, parents, teachers, coaches, staff, alumni – are able to see Jesus in everything, in all aspects of their lives.This is the road to joy and a life of fulfillment. This will always be the bedrock upon which we continue to build a distinctive, inspiring, and nurturing educational journey of the heart for all students entrusted to our care.
James Hickey, Ph.D., P’22, ’23, ’24 Headmaster
We accomplish this by employing innovative and master teachers, by providing counseling and spiritual guidance, and by attracting superb coaches and artistic professionals who create experiences for our students not found in any book or classroom. As the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding. In this issue of JOURNEY you will read about Austin Prep community Spring 2020
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“Feature Story” In a famous scene in the popular film ‘Field of Dreams,’ the character Terence Mann played by actor James Earl Jones, urges the hero, Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner, to cut down his corn field and create a baseball diamond in order to attract the ghosts of famous major leaguers. “If you build it Ray, they will come.” Cut to1984. The scene now is Reading, Massachusetts and senior David Quirk is just about to graduate from Austin Prep. This time there wasn’t anyone whispering in his ear, but young David knew what he had to do.
Not bad for a kid who never went to college. To say David Quirk is a self-made man today would seem obvious. But he is the first to tell you that he has always been supported by family, friends and faith. And by Austin Prep.
In the following 36 years the Quirk Construction Company, headquartered in Georgetown, has grown to become a multi-million-dollar enterprise focusing on building parks, playgrounds and athletic fields throughout New England. Starting with a single bobcat skid steer loader to move earth, purchased with a loan from Wakefield Savings Bank, still his bank today, Quirk now operates a fleet of late model CAT loaders, excavators, end dumps, bulldozers, and track excavators. As a result of the company’s continued reinvestment of capital, Quirk still does all its own excavation in-house.
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Since 1984, Quirk has employed skilled craftsmen that are the best at what they do. In 36 years of operation they have kept up with the latest industry trends. For example, to ensure precision in the field the company uses software to build projects to exacting specifications. With the capability of working with CAD (Computer Aided Design) they can collaborate with design engineers and architects to quickly and efficiently solve any problems that may arise in the field, managing projects that require handling 100 yards or 100,000 yards of material. David is also a Certified Field Builder by the American Sports Builders Association; one of only a handful in New England.
One of seven children in Wakefield, David followed his brother, the late Benedict Quirk ’72, to Austin Prep. By his own admission he was not a serious student. But he was always a hard worker. He washed dishes at a restaurant every day after school. Later he was offered a job cutting a neighbor’s lawn and realized he could make more money faster working for himself than on someone else’s payroll.
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By the time he was a senior he had 30 clients, mowing in good weather, shoveling snow in bad, and was making $150 a week, the equivalent today of about $1,000. He loved being outdoors and took great satisfaction working with his hands. The challenge was getting his academic work done and it was not going well. By the time he was a junior, one of his teachers, Tom Enwright, took him aside and gave him the facts of life. Earning all D’s, he was unlikely to graduate. He loved school. The problem wasn’t his intelligence. It was his lack of focus. “I was on the ski team, had many close friends, and it was important to me that I graduate.” With the support of his parents, the late Atty. Benedict Quirk and mother Catherine, David attended summer school. Today he credits faculty members, Fr. Swift, Fr. Johnson, Mr. Rahicki, Mr. Hennessey and others with sticking by him. “I learned discipline and developed a cadence in my life that still exist. I can honestly say Austin Prep taught me all the skills I still rely on today.” The moment of truth came when it was time to look at colleges. “My father was a lawyer and I don’t think he saw his son digging holes for a living.” Yet with unconditional love they let him decide, and the day he 4
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graduated he started his company which was incorporated just months later on September 1st. To this day Quirk remains the sole owner of the enterprise. He says he was also blessed to be in the right place at the right time. Today synthetic fields are common, but they were rare in 1984. “I had some success building parks and natural grass playing fields,” he recalls. But when the new artificial surfaces appeared, I realized they were the future. “Today a successful athlete might go from Pop Warner football to high school to college to the Super Bowl and never play on natural grass” he says. “And with the boom in youth sports, the demand for practice and games will wear out natural grass fields. We were in the right place at the right time; we were honest, fair, and delivered quality on time and on budget. There aren’t many kids playing kickball on the grass anymore. Today 75% of playing fields are synthetic.” Quirk says he always enjoyed math and that numbers have no emotion. If you plan correctly things literally do add up. He feels this is what allowed him to grow from being a contractor to a successful businessperson. “I also appreciate the values I learned at Austin Prep,” Quirk says. “It’s not just about going to Mass on Sunday, it’s about
how you live every day in the week in between Sundays.” As his work became more manageable, Quirk has served on many area boards and done volunteer work. He has also found time to enjoy sports like skiing and golf, and has even started to take flying lessons. “When you are flying an airplane you can’t think about anything else but flying that airplane, I love that focus. It makes me stronger.” Apart from his success in business, his family has always come first. Quirk and his wife, Laura, are proud parents of three daughters, Alexis, 20, and twins Jess and Madison, 17. “That’s another thing I learned from my family and at Austin Prep. There’s nothing more important than family.” As you admire the football stadium or watch the new tennis courts, baseball and softball fields under construction, you will see the quiet hand of David Quirk behind it all. When he was bidding for the projects, he recalls that at the end of his presentation, one Board member asked him why he should be chosen. After a moment’s thought, the answer became clear to him. He simply said “I was once that young kid who drove up that long driveway in the backseat of his parents Buick for the first time at an open house and just needed some guidance and cadence. I found it within these walls. I owe everything to Austin Prep. In fact, I am Austin Prep.”
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Sing, Choirs of Angels. In ancient times it was said that Rome was not built in a day. Today, building a choir worthy of singing in Rome, at the Vatican, in front of the Pope, well, that would take something extraordinary. It all began in February 2019 when Dr. James Hickey received a call to collaborate with professional colleagues in the Archdiocese of New York to create an opportunity for the Austin Prep community. Dr. Hickey said of the opportunity, “My philosophy as an educator is to bring distinctive, value-added experiences to students that will last a lifetime.” Austin Prep’s choir would join with three other school choirs from across the United States to form the 6th Annual Youth and Adult Choir Festival, performing for Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Square during the 2019 Christmas break. Under the musical leadership of Austin Prep Choir Director Stephen Williams, the Choir is made up of students in grades 6 through 12, a broad range of ages in order to encompass the variety of voices needed for a performance of this caliber. In preparation for the 6th Annual Youth and Adult Choir Festival, the Choir practiced 16 pieces of music for the trip, twice a week for more than four months. Each rehearsal lasted several hours.They were not just practicing arrangements of traditional Christmas carols. “These were sophisticated compositions,” according to Williams, who majored in music at Holy Cross and holds a master’s degree from the New England Conservatory of Music where he studied, and still performs, opera and piano. 6
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Williams points out that the performance included songs written in Italian, Latin, German and Old English, and the singers were expected to understand the meaning of the words, not just memorize them, so they could convey the composers’ intended meaning and nuance. “The music would be more typical to find in a college level choir,” said Williams. “Challenging for a senior, much less a middle schooler! They deserve to feel proud of their accomplishment.” On December 27th, 60 members of the Austin Prep community, including the members of the choir, their families, and administrators traveled to Italy. While the trip to Rome included tours of historic and religious buildings, museums, and one or two wonderful feasts of Italian food, the heart of the journey was the sacred music. The Festival performances included Mass at the Saint Peter’s Basilica celebrated by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, Archpriest of the Basilica, and concelebrated by Austin Prep Chaplain Father Patrick Armano. Together, the three choirs sang in front of the Basilica’s 300-year-old organ which was a unique experience.
“The experience of performing at the Vatican was more than an honor,... It was humbling.” Olivia Doherty ’22 On New Year’s Eve the Choir, wearing their scarlet robes, and Austin Prep white and green vestments, was able to gather near the Vatican Nativity Creche on display in St. Peter’s Square. There, moments after vespers, the Pope appeared in the piazza in his dazzling white robes, accompanied by the Swiss Guard. Upon his arrival at the Creche, the Choir broke into song. At the sound of their voices, Pope Francis stopped, listened, and began shaking hands with members of the Austin Prep group, including Austin Prep middle school student Emerson Byrne. “It was a night I will never forget!” exclaimed the bubbly 6th grader.
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As if that wasn’t enough to make for a more than memorable pilgrimage to the Holy City, the next day, January 1st, the group attended a Papal Mass at St. Peters, where more than 200 cardinals, bishops and priests joined the Pope to concelebrate, again including Father Patrick Armano. Later that evening the Choir sang at a public concert for the citizens of Rome at the baroque Basilica of St. Ignatius Loyola, built in 1626 to honor the founder of the Jesuit order. The Austin Prep students performed for an audience of more than 800, including a surprise visit by the former maestro of the Sistine Chapel Choir, the Pope’s personal choir. Last on the itinerary was a trip on January 2nd to the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, built in the 13th century. There the choir sang hymns and songs inspired by St. Francis at a Mass of the Holy Family, followed by a tour of Assisi, seeing several relics, including his more than 800-year-old tunic, as well as the burial spot of St. Claire. Travels like these, filled with purpose and meaning, and not just sight-seeing are a valuable part of the Austin Prep Experience. The Choir is a real intersection of all that Austin Prep stands for, requiring a combination of intellect and spirit, and sharing that gift with others. “Rehearsals, performing, and traveling brought everyone together as a team,” said Olivia Doherty, a 10th grader from Beverly. “The experience of performing at the Vatican was more than an honor,” she said. “It was humbling.” Humbling perhaps. But a well-deserved honor after months of disciplined work and practice. And to all those fortunate to listen, a life experience worth celebrating.
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A LU M N I PROFI L E S
THE DREAM MANAGER John Guanci ’92 John Guanci’s journey has taken him full-circle. His Austin Prep education prepared him for a life of service to others. His service comes in the form of helping others make their own dreams come true.
On success: “Success is living authentically. Unapologetically. Figure out the best version of yourself, however long it takes. Live from that place and you can’t lose. I like to say that success is an inside job. Inner success creates outer success.”
That wasn’t obvious from the beginning. John, who graduated from Austin Prep in 1992, spent the first years of his career managing his family’s sandwich shop and catering business. It was interesting work and he enjoyed it, but he felt called to share the lessons he was learning.
On knowing what you want: “I believe most people know what they want, at some level. Yet they often convince themselves that they can’t get there. They’ve concocted stories about what could go wrong versus what could go right.”
“I read every self-help book I could find,” he says. “Then I began meeting and talking with different kinds of coaches. I developed a sense of what I wanted to do, how I could be of use. I got certified.” Building his own life coaching practice taught John lessons about how to grow the business. “The way I attracted clients was through simple conversations. Showing up and listening to what people had to tell me. In short, being the kind of person I wanted to be. That was a lesson I learned at Austin Prep. Stand firm as a person. Live a life of virtue and value. People sensed that and were drawn to me. That led to referrals.” Today, John works with “restless achievers;” executives, business owners and entrepreneurs from all over the world. “These are people in positions of responsibility who tend to put pressure on themselves relentlessly. Some have come a long way, but now the question is: what’s next? They know there’s something better for them. They are tired of not living the life they know is possible. Often, everyone around them is also eager to see them change, but self-limiting thoughts and beliefs have kept them from making more than half-hearted efforts to break through. That’s where I come in.” Talk to John for even a few minutes and you realize that, although his advice is direct and practical, it’s based on spiritual wisdom and deep insights into human nature. He has a way of cutting straight to the nub of a problem. 12
On getting what you want: “It’s easy to forget that at any given moment we are very close to realizing the lives we dream of. They are waiting for us, just on the other side of fear.” John is quick to point out the central role of his Augustinian education at Austin Prep. “I separated myself from the spiritual aspect of life after leaving Austin Prep. I count myself as truly blessed by Grace that I was able to recall the lessons I learned there and make them my foundation again. Those values are true for me. They guide me and I rely on them. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t acquired spiritual insight at Austin Prep.” Asked what advice he would give his 18 year-old self, he says: “Not knowing what you want to do isn’t a failing, it’s a gift. Take your studies seriously, but have fun. You are not supposed to have everything figured out in the 12th grade.” As for creating successful relationships, he suggests that it might have been easier before social media. “These days, connecting can be instantaneous – and that’s a problem. It promotes a “get-something-now” attitude. Genuine relationships depend on time. You need to take things one-step at a time. Technology is about acceleration. Establishing an enduring relationship can’t be hurried. And why would you want to?”
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Finally, John defines professional frustration and satisfaction from his own perspective, that of a totally committed life coach. “For me, frustration is the “un-coachable” client. The person who chooses his or her old patterns of thinking and behavior over my coaching. Satisfaction, on the other hand, is getting to be a dream-manager, a co-creator of new businesses and richer lives. ”That’s the most satisfying job anyone could ever have.”
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“WHEN YOU GET IT RIGHT, YOU KNOW IT.” John Cuoco ’04 He’s up by 1:45 a.m. and at the office by three. He’s gotten his assignment by then and he prepares. It’s still hours before dawn when he hits the road with a cameraman and a live truck. “I seldom know what’s going to happen day-to-day,” he says. “That’s what I love about this job.” John Cuoco ’04 is a reporter/broadcaster for 7News in Boston. His first piece is usually on the air by 4:30 in the morning. If the story is big enough, he’ll stick with it. Otherwise, it’s on to the next one. “My job is to report the story quickly, get it right the first time. My objective, always, is to give every story its due. I had to learn to compartmentalize my own feelings to get to the heart of the story. Sometimes I’m covering the worst day of a person’s life. It might be someone who has lost a loved one or seen his home burn down. Other times, I’m there for a person’s best day. I remember one woman who was given tickets to the Stanley Cup. She was positively overcome with joy.” Like many local reporters, John had to break into the business way, way out of town. He paid his dues in Texas and then in Wisconsin. “I was 22,” he recalls. “I had to grow up as a journalist. I had to grow up as a person, too. I’d never even paid a bill.” Small and mid-size markets give journalists opportunities they wouldn’t get in the big city. “I had a natural talent for telling a story, but I had to get all the rookie mistakes out of my system. Down in Texas, I learned how to find the story, even in tough situations. I learned how to put all the pieces together to achieve the right effect. The news director used to analyze my work with me. Why did you focus on that? Why did you cut there? Where’s the ambient sound? These are things you won’t pick up in a classroom. For me, Texas was graduate school.” “Texas gave me culture shock, I admit it,” he says. “Not just the pace of life, which is much slower, but almost everything, including smaller cities. It was also a chance to live among people with different ideas, values and things they are passionate about.” 14
“My point is that immersion in a somewhat foreign culture was the best thing that could have happened to me as a young journalist. It taught me to open my mind as well as my eyes. This was the first time I had ever been out of New England. I needed the experience.” From Texas, John went to Wisconsin and another market that gave him big opportunities to learn. “I worked with the FBI on unsolved bank robberies. Real cold cases. Where else but Milwaukee, right? The FBI guys thought being on TV might help them turn up some leads. They had video, we interviewed the agents, and put some excellent segments together. In two or three cases, I think we made a difference.” Milwaukee was also where John reported one of his all-time favorite stories. “Out there I had more chances to pitch my own ideas, so I used to comb through small-town newspapers looking for those little gems that nobody had recognized. And I found one.” It involved a man named Bud who had lost his wife Betty after 56 years of marriage. Bud had dedicated a bench to her memory in a park in Fond Du Lac. Every day he would visit the bench and leave a small bunch of flowers and a penny, tokens of their two favorite songs. One day a snowstorm blocked the path to Betty’s bench. Seeing Bud unable to reach it, two passing DPW workers leapt out of their truck and shoveled a path for him. “So I found Bud and lined up the two DPW guys,” John says. He’s too modest to say so, but he hit a grand slam with the story of Bud and Betty. “It was very emotional. Everyone burst into tears. Management even made us show the anchors the story ahead of time so they wouldn’t start crying on-air.” When asked how journalism has changed in the last ten years, John talks about the impact of social media on the way news is reported and consumed. He points out that large swaths of the population now live in echo chambers where they hear only what they want to hear, excluding everything else. By way
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of illustration, he recounts a story he reported once in central Massachusetts.
the people we are working for. Honest news is our only standard.”
“We tried to park the truck at an old country gas station across the road from where we would be shooting. A man ran out and asked us what channel we were with. When we told him, he started shaking his head. ‘No, no, no,’ he said. Then he mentioned a major cable network. ‘Only they can park here.’
John lives in the North End, close to his mother and father and younger brother James ’08. He has recently become engaged.
“It’s true that some people look at us as vultures,” John says. “But there are many more people who want honest news. They sift through everything out there, looking for what’s real. Those are Spring 2020
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A LU M N I PROFI L E S
“I’M A VERY SOCIAL INTROVERT.” Francine (DiChiara) Coughlin ’00 Ironically, dogs who have led “privileged” lives are more likely to need Francine’s help.
For an introvert, Francine (DiChiara) Coughlin ’00 is an open person. Open to new experiences, new points of view, new people, and, always, new dogs. If she has to reinvent herself along the way, fine. She’s done it before. Prior to establishing Bark ‘n Roll, an enterprise devoted to innovative canine care in North Reading, she was in film production in Los Angeles. Among many other projects, she worked with Johnny Depp on two of his Pirates of the Caribbean blockbusters. “He’s the coolest person I ever met. He exudes cool. It’s as if he’s from another planet.” But then Teeny came along, a stray Chihuahua mix who set Francine on a different course. She had been volunteering at local shelters to offset the demands of her life in Hollywood. Now she decided to change careers, and began by learning the art of dog training from a man who prepared animals for movie roles. She learned a lot. And if she could tell humans one thing about dogs, it would be this: “A dog’s basic needs are different from what people think they are. It’s much more than food and water. Dogs are like us; they have a whole hierarchy of needs. They want choices, freedom and, above all, the opportunity to live a life aligned with what they were bred to do. “I mean, if you adopt a German shepherd, don’t be surprised if he wants to guard the yard.” Recently, while in Guatemala studying the behavior of street dogs, she had an unexpected experience. “What I saw were dogs roaming happily through the town. They didn’t have owners, but they were clearly well-fed, healthy, and contented. They interacted with local humans in a natural way. They were simply members of the larger community. I quickly realized that bringing dogs from this environment to live in beautiful houses in New England wouldn’t improve their quality of life at all. Just 16 the opposite.” 16
“Aggressive dogs?” she says. “No. What I see are dogs who were punished to the point that they felt they had to defend themselves. Most owners and trainers mean well, but they can’t read animal body language, they can’t see the world as the dog sees it, and they end up creating a situation in which any living thing would feel anxious, depressed, and angry.” In cases like this, Francine begins by trying to undo the damage caused by earlier trauma. “You have to build a bond first,” she says, “ I remember one dog I worked with. He was not a fan of mine. To connect with him, I had to make him feel safe again. It took time, but now he enjoys accepting attention from me, and his owners have become advocates for him. That’s the way it’s supposed to be.” She started Bark ‘n Roll in 2010 and built it from the ground up, literally. “My first dog-walking client paid $15 a week,” she recalls. “Those first two winters were brutal.” Over time, she developed a highly competent staff and services that include walking, play groups, boarding, rescue and evaluation – in addition to training programs that encompass everything from puppyhood to therapy-dog readiness. Francine’s training philosophy is based on honoring every dog as an individual. Her method is to improve the quality of communication between dogs and their humans. “Owners are always present in class. They’re the ones we’re really working with. We translate what their dogs are saying into words and concepts that they can understand.” Indeed, Bark ‘n Roll’s website is full of testimonials to Francine’s gift for communication. “Oh, I don’t know about that,” Francine laughs, “I suppose it comes naturally once I get started. But I always feel a level of anxiety before a call or a meeting. Whether you’re communicating with dogs or people, there are barriers you have to overcome first. Humor is often an effective way to connect. So is listening. Listening without judgment. That’s takes practice, but it’s worth it.”
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When asked about volunteer opportunities for AP kids, Francine says, “Yes, we have them, but working with dogs is about relationship-building and that’s time-consuming. Time is usually in short supply for students. So, if what you’re looking for is a hands-on experience with dogs, that means coming in over the summer. The fact is, though, we need volunteers all year long to help with fundraising and special events. Volunteering for this kind of work is always a big contribution to our mission here at Bark ‘n Roll and would be much appreciated.” What advice would Francine offer to students who share her interest in entrepreneurship? “One, don’t feel you have to study business, study what excites you. Two, don’t be afraid to fail. Three, above all, don’t pigeonhole yourself. Explore different ideas. Having the opportunity to do that is a gift. Use it.”
Francine is certainly exploring new ideas for herself and Bark ‘n Roll. “We’re reinventing the dog care model,” she says. “Moving the focus away from what I’d call warehousing to a new kind of canine environment. I know it sounds abstract now, but it will make sense when you see it. The emphasis will be on wellness not convenience.”
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Thank you to the following alumni for participating in AP’s Career Day 2020.
Nothing Like A Network
Michael Baccari ’03 Timothy Bennett ’94 Paul Bimmler ’09 Tony Biscardi ’88 Stephen Boghos ’08 Krystle Boyajian ’16 Charles Brain ’68 Hillary (Hurst) Bush ’03 Chris Capone ’88 Joey Carregal ’05 Mac Cerullo ’08 Samantha Cila ’11 Andrea Crupi Costa ’97 Francine (DiChiara) Coughlin ’00 John Cuoco ’04 Megan Delaney ’13 Patrick Delaney ’15 Alexandra Dell’Anno ’12 Abbey Denaro ’05 George “Skip” DeVito ’68 Matt Diapella ’98 Patrick Driscoll ’97 Caitlin (Connolly) Filteau ’03 Nate Fuller ’09 Kathryn (Katie) Garland ’09 Drew Garland ’07 Felicia Giuliano-Kennedy ’09 Gianna Gravalese ’16 John Guanci ’92 Evan Guarino ’06 Erika Hemingway ’05 Jen Kruh ’16 Anthony Massaro ’79 Ed MacKenzie ’99 Jen Pace ’09 Robert Peterson ’04 Jim Peterson ’76 Nate Piccini ’93 Brian Pupa ’89 Ashley Samperi ’04 Elena Castellano Santos ’06 Avery Sikora ’13 Tom Thornton ’69
Austin Prep’s Career Day 2020 Austin Prep provides students with many advantages. One of the most important is a network of accomplished alumni extending across dozens of professional areas.
discussions were moderated by members of the faculty. Students then had the opportunity to meet one-to-one with alumni during a career fair.
Austin Prep alumni have built successful careers in financial services, law, medicine and healthcare, athletics, journalism, engineering, technology, entertainment, music, entrepreneurship, and pro bono enterprises.
Over the course of the morning a great deal of information was shared. Students asked many well-prepared questions. Seeds were planted.
In the spirit of Unitas, our alumni are always ready to help current students choose the right path and make a successful start. On January 24th, 43 alumni gathered on campus for the return of Austin Prep’s Career Day. Our objective was to enable students to tap the real world experience and insights of people who are already established in their careers, and in some cases, alumni who are just starting out on their professional journeys. During his opening remarks, Dr. James Hickey encouraged Upper School students, “Talk to these alumni and each other. There are some lessons you just can’t learn from books.” To encourage a productive exchange, students were invited to choose two panel discussions out of eleven offerings. Panel
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Since Career Day, one Austin Prep student has been hired to work at an alumna’s business. Another will be interning this summer at a Boston news station. As always, this is just the beginning. Austin Prep graduates are very capable people. They are in demand. Of course, Austin Prep isn’t all about vocational success. Providing an excellent academic and ethical education is still the main focus. Helping students become their best selves, that’s what really matters. In this area, Austin Prep alumni are an invaluable resource for both current students and for each other. We invite you to be part of our growing alumni program! If you are interested in professional networking opportunities with fellow alumni, or our current students, please let us know! Email Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org.
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Class of ’88. AKA Zeke. Harrier and Winter Track Captain. Martial Arts Club.
Class of ’97 AKA Babe. How many PuPu Platters did you order? Baseball Captain.
Class of ’03 AKA M Dawg. Service Club. “Our greatest glory is not never failing. But rising every time we fall.” – Confucius
Class of ’88 Hellraisers 1,2,3,4 President, X-Country, Winter, Spring Track 1,2,3,4, “Well I’m scared but here I go!”
Class of ’93 National Honor Society 3,4, Liturgical Music Ministry 2,3,4, Baseball 1, Classics Club 1,2,4
Class of ’97 “Yes, I’m Irish but I’m not a Leprechaun” Intramural softball 2,3,4 Being late every day junior year
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Class of ’12 “Long live all the mountains we moved, I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.”
Class of ’03 Science Fiction Club “I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready”Spongebob Squarepants
Austin Prep Alumni Faculty Guess Who???? Take a look at these senior photos and some information that might surprise you about teachers who once sat in your place!
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Class of ’99 AKA Senator. “This is not the end, this is not even the beginning of the end, this is just perhaps the end of the beginning.” - Sir Winston Churchill
Class of ’98 AKA Hootie. I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon. Ski Team. Drama club.
Answers Answers: 1.Chris Capone 2.Pat Driscoll 3. Marrissa (Bourgeois) McLaughlin 4. Tony Biscardi 5. Nathan Piccini 6. Jonathan Pollard 7. Alexandra Dell’Anno 8. Michael Baccari 9. Ed MacKensie '99 10. Matt Diapella '98 20
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The St. Augustine L E C T U R E
S E R I E S
Learning to be Merchants of Hope
A day to say Thank You Last November the Austin Prep community gathered to pay tribute and offer thanks to members of the Reading Police and Fire Departments as well as First Responders with relatives and friends in our school. A recent but meaningful tradition, this was the 4th Annual Blue Mass, celebrated in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line in the service of others. Headmaster James Hickey, Ph.D., P’22, ’23, ’24 pointed out “We all know a first responder, and we extend our thanks to those with us today, and pledge our resources to helping make your job easier.”
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Held on All Saints Day, the homily was read by Augustinian friar Fr. Andrés Niño, OSA, Ph.D., who drew parallels between the work of first responders and his orders’ charism of Restlessness, where those, unable to stay still or quiet, are ceaselessly active, moving in search to help others.
After Mass Fr. Niño blessed those in attendance as well as their emergency vehicles in the school parking lot. The morning culminated with a delicious breakfast provided by SAGE Dining Services in the Heritage Room hosted by Dr. Hickey and the Leadership team.
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The Augustinian value of Caritas means love. On March 9 Dr. Crystal Kuykendall spoke with Austin Prep upper and middle school students, faculty and staff about turning love into action by building strong communities.
Through personal examples, Dr. Kuykendall encouraged students to be “Merchants of Hope” through change, persistence and resilience, and sharing her own story of what inspired her to pursue a career in education.
A nationally recognized educator, attorney, and author, Dr. Kuykendall shared experience and insights from her life journey as part of the annual St. Augustine Lecture Series. She urged her audience to “Presume Good Intent,” which is a central theme within our school.
A former elementary and secondary school teacher, Dr. Kuykendall also has taught at Seton Hall University and Montclair State University. She is the former Executive Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and served as the Director of Urban and Minority Relations for the National School Boards Association.
Dr. Kuykendall reminded students that love is an extraordinary force and blessing in our lives, and that no matter our background, it is the quality of relationships that we have in life that brings us joy. “We live in a society with too much hate, too many divisions and differences that move us away from our common purpose, which is to embrace the similarities between us.” Dr. Kuykendall said. “We need to understand that when we show reciprocity in love, friendship, and kindness we create communities that care.” Dr. Kuykendall also addressed life challenges that force us to appreciate human frailty, and emphasized the importance of goodwill and blessings from others during times of need.
Named for Austin Prep’s patron, the St. Augustine Lecture Series is designed to enrich the intellectual life of the school community by exposing our students to accomplished individuals who share their experiences and lessons learned in life. •
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Brian Montgomery, former Deputy Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary in the Executive Office of President Bush and former Housing & Urban Development Secretary for President Obama. Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General of Operations in the U.S. First Army. Dr. Steven R. DiSalvo, President of Endicott College. Grace Cotter Regan, the first female President in Boston College High School. Fr. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., Vice President Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College.
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Class Notes
Send us an update on your life, your work, your Journey.
Jay Thiel ’79 and Roger Stone caught up in January. Jay is an attorney in private practice in Middlesex County specializing in representing children and the indigent. He is married and has two children.
Roger Stone caught up with alumni Ted Thomas ’80, along with brothers Brian Stitsel ’82 and Chris Stitsel ’90. Ted retired from a career in the entertainment business, traveling as a roadie for bands such as the Allman Brothers and Stevie Ray Vaughn. As an Austin Prep student, he was the Stage Carpenter and Stage Manager for the Blackfriars theater group. Brian is a technician building medical devices. Chris is a computer network technician and recently received his Master’s degree in Cyber Security.
Headmaster and Upper School Head, beginning on July 1, 2020. Bill joins Austin Prep from St. Peter-Marian Junior-Senior High School (SPM) in Worcester, MA, a school serving students in grades 7-12, where he spent the last eight years as Assistant Principal, Acting Principal, and Principal. Bill’s brothers, Mark ’92 and Patrick ’97, and his sister, Joanna ’03, are also graduates of Austin Prep. Patrick ’97 currently serves as Austin Prep’s Director of Athletics and Summer Programs.
Eric Verner ’90 was recently appointed as the Principal of East Hampton High School in East Hampton, Connecticut. “I always wanted to be a teacher. I never thought I should be doing anything else. I’ve loved every second of it.”Growing up, no one in his family was and or had been a teacher. But, he said, “I always loved history, and I was really influenced by my high school history teacher.”
After an extensive national search, William Driscoll, class of 1989, was appointed as Austin Prep’s next Assistant 24
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Danielle (Angiolillo) Thompson ’00 recently opened The Sukha Barn, a yoga, meditation and wellness studio in her hometown of Westford, MA. The studio will provide a safe space for the community to gather, grow and learn together. Danielle is hoping the studio allows for people to connect with one another through a compassionate and abundant mindset.
In May 2020, Liz Mover ’01 will have a podium presentation on her research called “Blanket Bolus:The Use of Weighted Blankets in the ICU” at the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) National Teaching Institute. She continues to work as the Attending Nurse in the Medical ICU at MGH Boston. This year Liz completed active treatment for breast cancer and is now the State Leader for MA for the Young Survival Coalition.
Kory Falite ’05 was named the new Head Coach and General Manager for East Coast Wizards, the junior team that plays in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). For the past four seasons Falite has served as the assistant head coach. Kory has a robust hockey resume, including signing with the St. Louis Blues, being assigned to Alaska Aces of the ECHL where he played 69 games during the regular season compiling 45 points in his rookie year. He also played in nine playoff games helping the Aces win both the ECHL regular season and the Kelly Cup playoffs. He has also played for Norway’s Manglerud Star, Florida Everblades of the ECHL, Utah Grizzlies, and San Francisco Bulls. He joined “World Select” in 2013 and was assigned to coach in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Selects. While in Hong Kong, Kory was the Director of Hockey Operations, coached several U8-U17 teams, and organized/ran weekly skill sessions.
Rachel Bocchino, Austin Prep lifer and member of the class of 2010, has been a medical student at Boston University School of Medicine for the last four years. Upon graduation, she begins her career as a physician at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Rachel is in Internal Medicine with plans of specializing in Gastroenterology after her residency.
Maddy Ricci ’15 is the Andover High School girls JV hockey coach. Austin Prep girls JV hockey coach Tony Biscardi ’88 was Maddy’s teacher and coach when she was in 6th and 7th grade.
Through the generosity of the Life Care Center of Stoneham, the Boys and Girls Club awarded former employee Rina Pfeifer ’16 with a $1,000 scholarship to continue her education in nursing in December 2019. Congratulations, Rina!
The following were honored at the East Boston Athletic Board Awards Banquet in late 2019; Alexandra Santostefano ’19, was awarded an academic scholarship from the Frederic O’Brien Scholarship Committee and was named Outstanding Girls Hockey player; Serena Gilbride ’19, was awarded an academic scholarship from the Frederic O’Brien Scholarship Committee and was named Outstanding Softball player; Coach Bill Maradei P’11, P’12 was the lone inductee into the East Boston Athletic Board Hall of Fame for his coaching career.
Louis Finocchiaro ’17 returned to campus in March to meet with students in Doreen Fuller’s stats class. Louis shared his experience using the program InStats while working at Northeastern University. He is the Analytics Coordinator for the Northeastern men’s hockey team. In this role, Louis assists in all video coordination and film analysis for the men’s hockey program, including collaboration on pre-scout reports and in-game video breakdown. His work has helped the team secure Hockey East championship, back-to-back Beanpot victories, and two NCAA tournament appearances. Spring 2020
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Maggie Peterson ’19 met presidential candidate Bernie Sanders during his visit to Saint Anselm College where she is a Freshman, studying Politics and English. In early February, a small group of students were invited to hear Bernie speak at NHIOP the morning of the Democratic debate. “The students and Bernie Sanders were all very excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity!”
Engagements & Weddings
Patrick Delaney ’09. Patrick married the love of his life, and the MacCarthy’s officially became family Cheers to forever!!
Paul Bruce ’10 married Jackie Nash on September 28, 2019 at the Envoy Hotel in Boston. The honey-mooned in Nashville, Tennessee.
Erica Vining ’02 married Justin Couto on September 28, 2019 in Falmouth.They make their home in Reading. Erica is the owner of Encore Dance Academy in Reading.
Felicia Guiliano ’09 and John Kennedy were married on November 9, 2019 at the Nantucket Hotel in Nantucket. Austin Prep classmates Nicole (Paparian) Frattura, Amara (DelVecchio) Rivotto, and Mara Jaffarian were part of the bridal party. Felicia and John make their home in Reading.
Classmates Amara DelVecchio ’09 and Tim Rivotto ’09 were married on Saturday, October 5, 2019.The couple celebrated with family and friends at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Pictured in the photo are: Steve Barker ’11, Ed Fothergill ’09, Brad Rivotto ’12, Nicole (Paparian) Frattura ’09, Curtis Paparian ’09, Felicia Giuliano-Kennedy ’09, Mara Jaffarian ’09, Lauryn Granara ’09, Alison Rivotto ’16 and John Harrison ’03.
Michael Petrillo ’10 and Mariah Mariano were married on November 8, 2019 at the Dell-Lea in Chichester, New Hampshire. They have made their home in Epsom, New Hampshire. Several members of the Austin Prep community were in attendance. (Front row) Doreen Fuller P ’09, P’13 and AP faculty, Ryan Taylor ’09, Nicole Saia Fuller ’09, Mariah Mariano, Michael Petrillo ’10, Natalie Petrillo P’10 and Barbara O’Leary, former faculty (Back row) Scott Sutherland ’09, Paul Bimmler ’09, Nate Fuller ’09, and PJ Concannon ’09.
In Memoriam †
Madeline Rita Saurman, mother of George Saurman ’83. Grandmother of Jonathan Saurman ’14. David Alexander, father of Leeann Blais. Delanne Corvino, mother of Bob ’88 and John ’89 Corvino. Domenic A. DeRosa, Class of 1971. Robert Deziel, father of Linda Sherry. Grandfather of Alexis Sherry ’24. Margaret DuLong, grandmother of Meredith (Doherty) Gaudiano ’95. Barbara A. Collins, grandmother of Tyler ’18 and Brendan ’22 Walsh. Paul T. McGonagle, father of Shawn ’87, Michael ’89, Kevin ’91, and Kelly ’96 McGonagle. Arthur F. Hughes, grandfather of Matt ’10 and Nicole ’13 Moran. Filomena Marsilia, grandmother of Meaghan (Marsilia) Williams ’05 and Jessica (Marsilia) Kerley ’07. Virginia Igo, mother of Jim ’67 and Ed Igo ’69. Grandmother of Mike ’94, Tim ’95 and Chris ’04 Igo.
Megan (Brennan)’07 married Bryan Lavoie on November 3, 2019 at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown, New Hampshire. “It was a perfect day with plenty of Austin Prep Cougars in attendance from the classes of ’05 and ’07.”
Donald Kelley, Class of 1976. Albert Hodgin, father of Jeff ’89 and Mike ’90. Grandfather of future student Ryan Hodgin. Scott M. Price, Class of 1977.
The official Austin Prep alumni photo from the wedding of Mark Kaliris ’10 and Kaitlin O’Connor ’11 on August 10, 2019. The wedding party included alumni James Carregal ’10, Anthony DeNisco ’10, Diane Kaliris ’07, James O’Connor ’16, Jonathan Richard ’10, and Matthew Van Liere ’10.
Stay in touch. Email Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org.
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Future Austin Prep Cougars
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Josephine Cecilia Fonzi arrived on February 18, 2020. She was welcomed by her parents Dan ’01 and Angela Fonzi and older sister Olivia.
Jackson Elliott Ketchum arrived on March 16, 2020. He was welcomed by parents Melissa (Lewis) ’01 and John Ketchum. Jackson joins his excited big brother J.J.
Jessica (Marsilia) ’07 and her husband Blake Kerley are the proud parents of Nora James who made her debut on February 27, 2020. “She has her mama’s face and her daddy’s strawberry blonde hair. We could not be more in love with our princess.”
Christina (Saropoulos) ’03 and Alex Kakambouras welcomed their first child, Anna, into their family on January 10, 2020 at 10:49 a.m. Mom and dad could not be happier (or more exhausted)! Future Cougar Parker Falite, son of Ashton (Munroe) ’07 and Kory Falite ’05, is modeling his new Austin Prep onesie.
Jennifer (Boyce) ’01 and Paul Ritter welcomed Allison Ruth into their family on January 5, 2020 at 5:39 a.m. “Everyone is happy and healthy!”
Stay in touch. *Please let us know if there is a new Austin Prep Cougar in your family and we will send you an official Austin Prep baby onesie! Email Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org. 28
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AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL 101 Willow Street Reading, MA 01867-1599
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Sustaining a Trajectory of EXCELLENCE www.austinprep.org/support-austin-prep
Alumni REUNIONS, EVENTS & HAPPENINGS We look forward to seeing our alumni at future class reunions and gatherings. To learn more about upcoming events and happenings, please visit www.austinprep.org/alumni/reunions-gatherings
Stay CONNECTED The Office of Alumni Relations will continue to share Austin Prep updates with our alumni community via email. Don’t miss out on class updates or what is happening around campus. If you are not sure that we have your current contact information, please visit www.austinprep.org/alumni/stay-connected and share your current information with us. @AustinPrep
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Share your JOURNEY We want to follow your Journey beyond Austin Prep. Please share your updates including academic and athletic accomplishments, career milestones, marriages, births and any of life’s other big announcements. We want to celebrate YOU! www.austinprep.org/alumni/stay-connected
WEDDINGS & ONESIES! Are you getting married? The Office of Alumni Relations will lend you an Austin Prep banner for photos at your wedding. Did you recently welcome a new cougar into your family? Let us know and the Office of Alumni Relations will send along one of our new Austin Prep Cougars onesies.
Contact Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations & Giving, at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org or 781-944-4900 ext. 852