JOURNEY Spr i ng 20 2 2
Perfection! 27-0
Maeve Carey ’22 with her parents George and Lisa at her signing to play Division I hockey at Stonehill College
Middle School students on field trip to the Stone Zoo
Inside this Issue of Journey Feature Stories
Departments
Head of School’s Letter
Page 1
Faces In The Community
Page 16
Austin Prep Joins NEPSAC
Page 2
Alumni Profiles
Page 18
Perfection 27-0
Page 8
St. Augustine Lecture
Page 24
Boys Track
Page 10
Class Notes
Page 25
Career Day
Page 12
Preparing for the Future
Page 14
Middle School students show off their elf hats at the annual Elf Hat contest in December
Jared Cruz ’23 holds the Missal as His Eminence Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston blesses the Daughters of Mary during the Convocation Mass on October 1, 2021 as they begin their ministry at Austin Prep
Derek Langenau ’26 and Braedden Dyment ’26 present their eco-friendly rocket during the Middle School
Middle School students used 3D printers to create prosthetic hands
Sr. Paskazia Nakitende with Jack Martinson ’26
Siena Fantozzi ’28 working in the science lab
Aiden Titcomb ’26 sorted supplies with fellow advisees during a service trip to Cradles for Crayons with Mr. Jack Brady’s Advisory
Putting Love into Action This academic year, Austin Prep selected its annual theme from the Gospel of John, 13:34, the Lord’s command: “Love one another as I have loved you.” The instruction has come to life in a meaningful way in the Austin Prep community through simple interactions and exchanges between faculty and students and through acts of charity for those in need from the wider community. Courtesy, generosity, and kindness have been evident as the spirit of Caritas fills each day. In the fifth century St. Augustine of Hippo, the patron saint of Austin Prep and the father of the Augustinian tradition, had an additional thought about how one should live in God’s love. He asked the question, “Do you want to speak praise of God? Be yourself what you speak. If you live good lives, you are His praise.”
Restlessness is that yearning to be filled and fulfilled, which comes about from living a good life. Maximizing our God-given potential. Serving others. Confronting injustice. Sacrificing for the common good. Living our vocations well as parents, as students, as husbands and wives, as professionals. As artists. As community volunteers. As friends. As people who journey together. When Augustine urged us to ‘be yourself what you speak,’ he was suggesting that we intentionally, thoughtfully, tenaciously make our every action a prayer – living our Faith and an opportunity to encounter grace. Serving those in need, changing curriculum, promoting social justice, improving facilities and technology, or simply working to strengthen community is very Augustinian. It’s the restless heart at work pushing us to ‘live good lives’ and ‘be His praise.’
What did Augustine mean by that, ‘be yourself what you speak’? Austin Prep prepares students to go out into the world with the skills, talents, and knowledge that are needed to problem solve, think creatively and critically, and to ‘live good lives.’ Through their Austin Prep education, they form an Augustinian heart and Augustinian hearts – restless hearts – are oriented towards God.
Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27
Spring 2022
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Austin Prep Joins The New England Preparatory School Athletic Council
More Than AWhole New Ballgame A New League of New Opportunities Assistant Head for Enrollment and Athletics Jonathan Pollard ’97 recently observed that sometimes people miss something in the name Austin Prep. “It’s the ‘prep.’ Our school exists to prepare students for college and for life. It’s all about preparation.”
Sharing innovations and best practices on curriculum and academic pedagogies will be a primary goal of Austin Prep’s new membership.
To further strengthen that mission, Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. recently announced Austin Prep will join the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) starting in the 2022-23 academic year.
Assistant Head and Head of Upper School Dr. William Driscoll ’89 suggests that this move is in the best tradition of St. Augustine who was continually on a journey to find enduring truths, Veritas, to lean into and support new communities, Unitas, and to find better ways to care for others, Caritas.
Dr. Hickey shared, “When we proposed this idea to our Board for their approval, their first question as stewards of the school was how would this better support our mission? How would this literally help inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire and hands to serve?”
It is in this area where membership in NEPSAC may be most apparent. Debate competitions, shared music and theatric performance opportunities, and multi-school service programs will be available. Dr. Driscoll points out there will also be new networking opportunities for faculty and alumni.
The move may appear to be organized around athletics but it’s about more than sports. “This is a new pathway to excellence in all aspects of our school.”
Dr. Hickey added that while academics are of paramount importance, it can be outside of class activities – what he calls ‘the unwritten curriculum,’ that can often teach life’s most important lessons. “They create lifetime memories and remain long after when everything else is forgotten.”
Preparing for the live streaming of Lessons and Carols 2020 in St. Augustine Chapel. Spring 2022 2
Robotics students Michael Young ’24,Victor Villarroel ’24, and Emily Clay ’24 work with Michael Baccari ’03 during the First Tech Challenge Qualifier at Andover High School on February 12th.
Lee Poulin ’23 celebrates play with teammate Tom Skeffington ’22
And, of course, there will be new athletic opponents. As Mr. Pollard said, “This will be a game changer.” At the start, teams will compete with other schools that best match their competitive levels, without formal league memberships. Director of Athletics Patrick Driscoll ’97 said that the goal will be for teams to play schools of equal ability. The first year will be an attempt to discover the most level playing fields. “We’re confident we will find teams at schools with similar values. We can schedule games knowing that there will be junior varsity and lower school teams as well, which hasn’t always been the case.” Nicole Tracy ’23
Austin Prep will not be the only Catholic school in NEPSAC, and Athletic Director Driscoll thinks playing against new teams will be exciting. “We’ll be like Notre Dame or Boston College competing in the ACC or Holy Cross in the Patriot League.” Mr. Pollard, who is also the varsity baseball coach, said he hopes the move will allow him and other coaches to better serve their student athletes. “There have been rules and limits the last few years on how coaches could interact with and even communicate with our players. NEPSAC members are entrusted in determining the best programs for their own students. “Now I feel I will be better able to address the needs of students who hope to compete at the college level and set up programs that will best prepare them to succeed.”
Andrew Fetten ’22 with his family at this signing to play soccer at Randolph Macon
Dr. Hickey also pointed out that an overwhelming percentage of Austin Prep student athletes hope to play in college. NEPSAC membership will make it easier for them to be noticed by and contact school recruiters for those who want to continue playing at higher levels. Spring 2022
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Jillian Whitney ’23
Serena Gilbride ’19
The historical relationship between NEPSAC and area colleges is a long one. After the War, New England prep schools were leaders introducing new sports like lacrosse, soccer, and ice hockey. The Ivy League was founded in1954 with similar goals as NEPSAC, and many of their coaches and others went to their prep school counterparts to share techniques and even facilities as those sports became popular and were added to the colleges. While NEPSAC does not function as a regulatory or oversight body like the NCAA or state public high school associations, it does sanction New England championship events in many sports, usually organized by school size. When asked about new opponents and travel considerations AD Driscoll said it will be a learning curve. “People may be surprised. Parents and athletes are used to playing teams on the South Shore and having to drive through Boston. It may be a longer distance, but it may take less time to travel north or west for games.” Since the new membership affiliation was announced, current NEPSAC members have reached out with welcoming arms. St. Sebastian and Buckingham Browne and Nichols have already added Austin Prep to their spring baseball schedules. “We are more than grateful to all the schools and leagues we have competed against in the last half century,” Dr. Hickey said. “We are excited by what the future will hold for all members of the Austin Prep community.” And we can all be confident that every Austin Prep student will be well prepared.
Nicholas Blessing ’23 addresses his fellow students
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Spring 2022
2021 Varsity Boys Baseball team celebrates CCL victory over St. Mary’s
“We’ll be like Notre Dame or Boston College competing in the ACC or Holy Cross in the Patriot League.” Patrick Driscoll ’97, Athletic Director 2021 Varsity Boys Lacrosse team captures the CCL Championship against Bishop Fenwick
2021 Varsity Girls Tennis team takes the CCL title over Bishop Feehan Spring 2022
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Zack Bova ’27
About NEPSAC Founded in 1942 as an organization for athletic directors of New England’s long-established, accredited independent schools, it has grown to over 170 independent and faith-based schools and its values align with Austin Prep’s academically, socially and athletically. It is a council offering guidance, not just a conference imposing rules and running sports tournaments. Each member school is free to create programs that best meet the needs of its students. The council’s first president, Martin Souders, Head of Phillips Exeter, said NEPSAC is primarily for the purpose of the interchange of ideas on the problems common to all private preparatory schools, whether day or boarding; mixed; large or small. It is not exclusive. “It is not to create leagues, or to regulate competitions, but to be a clearing house for the exchange of knowledge.”
Tyler Brown ’20
2021 Kicks for a Cure,Varsity Girls Soccer
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Spring 2022
“This will be a game changer.” Jonathan Pollard ’97, Assistant Head for Enrollment and Athletics 2021 Victoria Liwanag ’25
2019-2020 choir performs in Saint Peter’s Basilica during the 6th Annual Youth and Adult Choir Festival
Josh Azor ’20 Spring 2022
Madison Vittands ’24
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Perfection: Austin Prep claims
2022 MIAA Division I State Champion Varsity Girls Ice Hockey Team
Austin Prep families, faculty, staff, alumni and friends filled the stands in Unitas showing their Austin Prep Pride wearing their green and white.
Two years after having their trip to the championship game denied by the Covid shutdown of March 2020, and one year after having the entire season suspended by pandemic health restrictions, Austin Prep’s Girls Hockey team steamrolled their way through their 2021-22 schedule on their way to an undisputed MIAA Division 1 State Title. By the time they took the ice at TD Boston Garden for the championship game against Arlington High School, the team had amassed a record of 26-0-0 and had outscored the competition 152 to 10. The seniors on the squad had been preparing for the championship game in 2020 when the pandemic shut down all activities in the state of Massachusetts the Friday before the State Championship game. Being declared co-champions due to the shutdown did little to satisfy a team that felt it had been denied its opportunity to prove it was the best in the state. The canceling of the subsequent 2020-21 season just fueled their desire to prove they were the best team in the state. They stormed TD Garden to prove once and for all they were the best in the state. Freshman Bree Anderson gave the team an early lead, allowing for the space to breathe as Arlington High hung tough for the first two periods. In the third period, Austin Prep’s depth and skill overpowered their opponent on their way to a 4-1 victory.
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Head Coach Stephanie Wood, in her ninth season at the helm, realized there was going to be the added pressure of high expectations this year. “We were confident we had a strong team at the start of the year. Staying focused and delivering on the promise took discipline, dedication and a lot of hard work. And as the pressure built of being undefeated, we also kept our composure. Hat’s off to the girls.” Austin Prep is fortunate to have Wood as coach. A native of New Brunswick, Canada, she was a scholarship four-year starter at Northeastern University who also has experience playing and coaching with national teams. She knows how to develop strong skaters and loyal teammates. The perfect season established Austin Prep as one of the strongest programs in the state. Next season it will test its mettle against new competition in NEPSAC. The loss of senior leadership: Kathryn Karo, Isabel Hulse, Maeve Carey, Emma Guthrie, Sabina Axelrod, Gianna DiFilippo, Emma Spengler, Katrina Michalak and goalie Lauryn Hanafin, will be considerable, but a young core including McKenzie Cerrato, Madison Vittands, and Bree Anderson will be back, and they are driven to write a championship chapter of their own.
Spring 2022
State Title in Record Fashion
Isabel Hulse ’22
Maeve Carey ’22
Captains Maeve Carey ’22, Kathryn Karo’22 and Isabel Hulse ’22
Sabina Axelrod ’22 Spring 2022
Kathryn Karo ’22
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A Journey to the New Balance Nationals Austin Prep’s Indoor Track and Field season was extended to the Nationals by the success of the 4 x 400 meter relay team comprised of Nico Fanuele ’22, Colby Medeiros ’22, Tristan Miller ’23 and Steven Galatis ’22, who also set a record pace in the 1,000 meter race.
A Senior’s Reflections Steve Galatis ’22 reflected on the wins and what it took to get there: “Setting the school record in the
This postseason run began with the team winning the Division 4 State Championship in the 4 x 400 meter relay event at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, qualifying them to run at the All-State Meet.
beginning of the season, I wanted to test my body’s limits and
Their continued success earned them invitations to the New England Championship and the New Balance Nationals in New York City.
I had the chance to, and the only possible way to accomplish this
“This is a talented group of young athletes. They worked hard all season; pushing each other to their max. I am so proud of their accomplishments,” says Head Coach Brad Harkins. “This is a true example of what you can accomplish when working together as a team toward a common goal. It is Unitas in action.”
an amazing feeling. Our coaches helped get me the most prepared
Austin Prep’s 2022 Championship 4 x 400 Relay Team
came together and won the TCL championship. Hearing Austin Prep
1,000m was definitely something that I will never forget. In the challenge myself. Yes, it was going to hurt a lot, but the feeling of accomplishment makes it all well worth it. You have to be disciplined, trust the process, and ultimately believe that you can do it. I knew was to work as hard as I possibly could at every practice and during every race. Crossing that finish line and looking at the timer was possible for that particular race for All-States which got me an eighth place finish in the state of Massachusetts. I am truly thankful for that and for what they have done to help my teammates and me. On the relay team side of things, I couldn’t be more proud. We being announced as the winner was one of my favorite track and field memories of all time, and I’m so happy because we all worked so hard to accomplish this and leave our mark for the 2021-2022 season. Our 4 x 400 meter relay definitely was a success, winning the Division 4 State Championship, placing fourth at New Englands, and placing fifth in the Rising Stars division at New Balance Nationals Indoor in New York City, all while repeatedly setting the school record in the process. My relay mates, Nico, Tristan, and Colby, are probably some of the best runners I have competed with in a relay, and we knew from the beginning of the season that we could stir up something special. We have all become good friends and have formed a great
Tristan Miller ’23, Nico Fanuele ’22, Colby Medeiros ’22, Steven Galatis ’22 Brad Harkins, Head Coach, Nicolle Renick, Assistant Coach Joseph Hickey, Assistant Coach, Jack Brady, Assistant Coach
bond which is super important to our success. As we head into the spring season, we just want to continue to run fast and the results will follow...because everything you do comes back to you.”
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Spring 2022
Steven Galatis ’22
Colby Medeiros ’22 Spring 2022
Nico Fanuele ’22
Tristan Miller ’23
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CareerDay Alumni, Students & Faculty Participate in Alumni Career Day 2022
The benefits of professional networking was demonstrated on January 28th during Alumni Career Day. Forty-three alumni returned to campus either in-person (38) or virtually (5) to share their experiences and give advice to 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. As always, the faculty played a key role in supporting the event and adding weight and perspective to the discussions as panel moderators. The spirit of any school’s alumni community is vital, and Austin Prep’s alumni are particularly generous with their time, sharing hard-earned lessons from their own career journeys. The availability of our alumni as guides and counselors is an important part of what makes an Austin Prep education so valuable, not just during one’s school years, but throughout one’s life. Dr. Hickey stressed the lifelong nature of being part of the Austin Prep family when, during his opening remarks to the students, he said, “You will hear from people further along in their journeys, with successful careers in various professions, who have returned to campus to share their experiences with you. I hope one day, you will return, too.” Alumni Career Day is designed to provide the maximum exchange of practical information, from big-picture panel discussions on a wide variety of careers to much more detail-oriented one-on-one conversations during the Career Fair. Everyone agreed that this year’s Alumni Career Day exceeded expectations. “This was the best organized Alumni Career Day with the widest range of career topics ever offered,” said panelist Joe Sciacca ’75, Enterprise Editor, 7News WHDH-TV. “And I’ve attended several of these at Austin Prep.” Gianna Gravalese ’16, Entertainment and Lifestyle Reporter for NESN’s Dirty Water TV, remarked on the students’ knowledgeability, focus and motivation. Panelist Kathleen (Katie) McKendry ’05, Promotions Manager, NBC10 Boston & NECN, was equally impressed. “I found the 12
Jennifer Leonardo ’05, RN, speaks with a student during the Career Fair
students to be even more engaged in our conversations than I expected, which was very exciting.” “The students had wonderful, inquisitive questions,” said David Salibian ’93 DMD, FICOI, Owner, Eye Smile in Belmont. (To see just how carefully some students’ have mapped out their career plans, see “Passion & Preparation” in this issue.) As noted, the range of careers represented this year was more comprehensive than ever. Students had the opportunity to attend two panel sessions that covered: Athletics, Broadcasting/ Media, Education, Engineering, Entrepreneurship/Business/ Finance, First Responders, Government Relations/Politics, Health & Wellness, Legal Services, Marketing/Communications, Military, Performing Arts, Real Estate/Sales, Sciences, Technology, and Writing/Journalism. Spring 2022
Taylor Vanderwoude-Anzidei ’08, Michael Mandell ’03, Jennifer Leonardo ’05, GIanna Gravalese ’16, and Michael Nuttall ’05
Chris Carbone ’93, Nate Fuller ’09, and Jamie Dooley ’92 speak with students, including Evan Blanco ’22, at the Career Fair
Andrew Kiezula ’99, Rusty Jordan ’86 and Gianna Gravalese ’16 speak with students, including Madeline Hickey ’22, at the Career Fair
”Alumni Career day not only helped me navigate through the daunting task of choosing a career path but it also introduced me to people like Kate McKendry ’05 and Gianna Gravalese ’16 who are working in the field I want to explore. Their stories and experiences gave me the motivation I needed to start building an amazing career for myself. It is definitely a worthwhile experience.” – Jonathan Brand ’23 Kate McKendry ’05 and Gianna Gravalese ’16 during the Broadcasting/Media panel discussion
Cynthia Pitta, Director of College Counseling and panel moderator, believes that by gaining deeper knowledge of the professions that interest them, students will be able to identify the colleges that fit their objectives best. She emphasized how much students were deriving from interactions with the alumni. “I’ve had at least three students tell me how amazing their experience was. Two of them said they have already been in touch with panelists and are in the process of arranging shadow and internship opportunities. This is so valuable, not only so students can learn more firsthand, but also in helping them make their college applications stand out.” It’s important to stress that many alumni saw Alumni Career Day as much more than a one-time thing. It was a true networking event that brought students together with alumni who just might become long-term advisors and important professional connections.
Attorney Christopher Carbone ’93 is a good example of an alumnus who is committed to helping students succeed in his profession. He gladly handed out his card to anyone who might want to contact him later for further help and advice. Veteran rock guitarist Britt Denaro ’03 (Vixen and Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp) stepped up with a surprise internship for an Austin Prep student. This internship will enable the student to shadow her on tour and help to manage her social media platforms. Taylor Vanderwoude ’08, a Navy recruiter and nurse, flew in from Pennsylvania for Alumni Career Day. In addition to participating in panel discussions, she gave students a glimpse into the ceremony and tradition that is such an important part of military life when she commissioned a renowned orthopedic surgeon, George S.M. Dyer, MD, as a Commander into the U.S. Navy.
Spring 2022
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Passion & Preparation For some students Alumni Career Day wasn’t the beginning, it was a continuation of a process they already had underway.
Jacqueline Plante ’22
Vikramaaditya Gonuguntla ’22
Career Goals: Medical Research, Art
Career Goal: Video Game Design, Entrepreneurship
At a time when many students have barely begun to think about careers, Jacquie has already completed two internships, one at Biogen and another at the Gloucester Biotech Institute. She is inspired by her father, a doctor and medical researcher who specializes in infectious Jacqueline with her artwork diseases and bacterial immunology, “I’ve watched my father work tirelessly at his job and the reward of the countless lives he has changed and it has been truly inspiring.”
Vikram’s potential career paths are as wellmapped and nuanced as the design of a video game. To accelerate his progress, he plans to attend college at USC for game design and development, where he will take a variety of co-op jobs in different areas of the industry. Vikram on the tennis courts His plan is to gain as much experience as he can and develop the kind of portfolio that will lead to a position with an established video game company. Or he might launch his own.
Austin Prep faculty have been influential to her decision to study biochemistry and molecular biology after AP. Jacquie cites Ms. Elizabeth Farrell for helping her to understand the “why” behind how things happen; and Dr. Rick Vanegas has been instrumental with career advice. She credits Mrs. Stephanie Choate with helping her to understand the concepts behind presenting persuasively no matter what the topic is.
“On one hand, I can see finding a job, ascending the ranks, learning the business, and then leaving to start my own firm.
Jacquie plans to work in research herself to star t, and then move on to studying the application of her research with patients, “It would be my dream to be able to use my education and intellect to help others through science.”
“Also, the largest companies aren’t releasing the most polished, bug-free games these days. Smaller games studios and indie developers are on the rise due to their game quality based on their team size. Oppor tunity is there and I would prefer having creative control.”
Recognizing the value of real world experience, Jacquie has suggested that Austin Prep offer a seminar on finding internships and developing a professional network.
Vikram is already networking with people in the business, including 21-year-old Esports entrepreneur Evan Gouveia ’19,Vice President at Litecoin Gaming LLC. He founded Orlando Reapers when he was just sixteen years old in the summer of 2017; went on to win the AfterDarkesports WWII event in Miami; then scouted arguably his best signing ever consisting of Mack, Sib, Exceed, LordPawns and Brolic. Evan closed the company in 2021. Vikram talked with him on how his operation works.
While art may not be her primary career goal, there’s no doubt she would be successful if it were. She recently completed a portrait of Katherine Johnson, one of several brilliant Black female mathematicians who did groundbreaking work at NASA in the 1960s. The portrait is now on display in the Science wing at Austin Prep.
“I envision employing 10-50 people, all passionate about what we’re doing; a smaller company will give me a better handle on the health and wellness of my employees,” states Vikram. This Caritas in action!
“I was able to better understand the business of games by speaking with Evan. Even though e-sports team management is not the field I want to go into, it was still immensely helpful to learn about the games business in general. I hope to continue to connect with more people to gain as much knowledge as possible in the field,” says Virkram. “This will prepare me for what’s to come in college and beyond.” “Evan founded his company at age sixteen,” he says. “So the sooner I start, the better!”
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Spring 2022
Will Cacciatore ’22 Career Goal: Airline Pilot Will has been flying since he was 12. He is currently a student at a flight school at Hanscom Field, where he has already logged a fair amount of flying time in Cessna Skyhawks. Flight simulators are part of his program. “Being able to work at home on the computer Will in his pilot jacket during Spirit Day helps a lot,” he says. “I especially like the more sophisticated models that simulate the actual feeling of being in the air. It makes everything easier to recognize when you’re really flying.”
Being part of the Model UN program has also piqued her interest in international relations. Her mother grew up in London and Jaya has been there several times. “I like history, especially European history because it is so complex. History has had a lot to do with the development of legal systems.” Jaya admits that one question she would like answered is “Exactly how hard is law school?” Fortunately, Austin Prep counts many lawyers among its alumni who are willing to guide current students: Recently inducted into the California Bar, Paige Christie ’11 is helping Jaya answer that question. Alumnus Chris Carbone ’93 gave Jaya some advice that every student should take to heart. “It’s not just the company that is interviewing you; you are interviewing the company. Make sure it is the right fit for you.” In other words, be sure the internship you choose will provide you with experiences and training that will help you on your way.
Rohan Saini ’23 Career Goal: Engineering, Technology, and Business
His goals now are to get the ratings he will need, ranging from a basic pilot’s license to a multi-engine rating. He also says that he’s been using GPS and still has to learn the “old-fashioned” form of navigation using a map, protractor and pencil.
Rohan takes a big-picture view of possible careers and the kind of resume he is building.
This summer Will hopes to line up an internship in flight operations that will give him the chance to network with other pilots. Will plans to attend a flight-oriented college like Embry-Riddle. “Embry offers a direct path to the airlines,” he says.
“God provides the wind, we must raise the sail.”
Rohan on Ash Wednesday
The son of an IT executive and a director of financial reporting and accounting, he is interested in majoring in business and computer science, along with studies in engineering.
At the same time, he likes to “get into the gritty par ts of technology.” He calls it laying the foundation. Along with taking coding courses, he joins hackathons where programmers collaborate to complete a task within a limited time frame. He’s building his resume early on to get a head start for his engineering aspirations. He’s also looking forward to a hands-on co-op job in his college years.
– St. Augustine Jaya Gupta ’24 Career Goal: Law Law seems like an ideal career for someone who wants to help other people and “enjoys a good argument.” “I want to apply passion to a profession,” says Jaya. At this stage, Jaya is casting her net wide. She’s considering public policy as well as trial law, Jaya in the 2021 Nutcracker production because it would allow her to help people on a larger scale, “I want to help people who cannot help themselves.”
Rohan is fascinated by new technologies such as artificial intelligence and systems that can perform their own upgrades. On Alumni Career Day, he had the opportunity to speak with Air Force Reserve Officer Michael Mandell ’03. Michael is a cyber security engineer and Director of Operations for the 267th Intelligence Squadron, 202nd Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group of the Massachusetts National Guard. He also spoke with software engineer Patrick Delaney ’15. “I had the chance to learn more about managing a team, working with the kind of technologies I want to be involved with myself,” said Rohan. In short, it was Alumni Career Day at its productive best. Rohan has identified business software developer HubSpot as a likely place to intern. The Office of Development & Alumni Affairs continues to grow its programming to connect current students with alumni who can serve as mentors and professional role models through internships, co-ops and shadow experiences.
Spring 2022
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Faces
IN THE COMMUNITY
“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of others. That is what love looks like.” - Saint Augustine Black History Month and Women’s History Month Highlighted by Special Programming The celebrations of Black History Month in February and Women’s History Month in March included a series of educational, extracurricular, and schoolwide events. They were organized around the school’s yearlong JT Harold ’05 meets with students during his visit in March theme of “Love one another as I have loved you,” embedded in our Augustinian heritage and Catholic tradition. The theme was inspired by the Gospel of St. John, and guides us in our yearlong planning across multiple departments.
pharmaceuticals, shared her experience founding the Austin Prep Service program as a student. She asked students about what kinds of service they are doing now and how it feels for them to be helping others.
Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, hosted alumnus
As a freshman at the University of Alabama, Rachel decided to change majors from Nursing to Public Relations. She talked to our students about altering her original plans and how it has positively impacted her as she looks toward graduation this fall. She let students know that it’s OK to not know what your next step will be when you are surrounded by people who support you and believe in you.
Trod (JT) Harold ’05 for a student roundtable to conclude the celebration of Black History Month. JT met with students to share both his “Lifer” experience at Austin Prep, and his personal and professional journey beyond 101 Willow Street. After graduating from Austin Prep, Harold attended the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth where he distinguished himself as a student athlete by playing for the football team. In 2021, he was inducted into the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Athletic Hall of Fame. That same year, he graduated first in his class from the Cambridge/Northeastern University Police Academy. He now serves as a police officer with the City of Cambridge Police Department. After sharing pieces of his story, Harold led students in a broad and lively conversation covering a variety of topics. They talked about the daily commute to/from Austin Prep and their favorite books to read. He asked the students to share post-high school plans, and he revealed the influence his parents and friends have had on his journey. At the end, Harold shared advice that he would give to his 17-year-old self now that he has 17 years of life experience under his belt since he graduated from Austin Prep. During Women’s History Month, alumnae Colleen (Owens) Graham ’96, Rachel Havey ’18 and Alicia Triantos ’10 returned to campus for two informal conversations with students facilitated Rachel Havey’18, Colleen (Owens) Graham ’96 and Health and by Ashley Garcia, Health Wellness Counselor Ashley Garcia during Women’s History Month & Wellness Counselor, Mrs. Hodgdon, and Mr. Morales. Colleen, a clinical researcher in
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She also shared what it was like to be part of the first group of female students to attend Austin Prep from 9th-12th grades. This fall, things will come full-circle for Colleen when two of her three children begin their own journeys at Austin Prep. When asked how she was feeling about this next part of her journey as an AP parent, “My middle son has been looking at our yearbook for several years now,” Colleen, who married her high school sweetheart, told the students. “He spearheaded the idea of coming to school at Austin Prep, and after COVID, my oldest decided this was where he wanted to go, too. As a family, we are excited!”
Alicia, Owner/Psychotherapist of A Balanced Self, spoke about her experience as a licensed counselor, a career that allows her to fulfill her dream of helping people. Her own journey took her from being a “Lifer” at Austin Prep to St. Anselm College where she intended to follow a path to becoming a doctor. She told students to understand that things change over time and you may find other things that you want to do with your life. Like Rachel, she also said that sometimes you will change paths along your journey. If she could give advice to herself as a student, she would say to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness has helped her to embrace these changes, and to believe in herself. She also credits Austin Prep for teaching her the importance of note taking. This is a skill she uses daily as a counselor. All three alumni reiterated the importance of establishing lifelong relationships and friendships within the Austin Prep community, and how this has made all the difference on their journeys. Additional examples of the special programming offered during these month-long celebrations included a Middle School screening of “Hidden Figures,” recognizing three brilliant Black female mathematicians who used their intellect to supersede both segregation and sexism at NASA and helped propel the United States in the space race that dominated the 1960s; and visiting the Museum of African American History and the African Meeting House.
Spring 2022
“We wish to acknowledge the generosity of Tommy’s family and friends who celebrated his legacy through the Facebook fundraiser in July 2021:
The Callahan Family with 2019 Scholarship recipient Katherine Morin ’19 at the Memorial Scholarship Luncheon
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.” In July 2021, the Callahan family reached out to family and friends asking for their continued support of the Thomas N. Callahan ’10 Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship was established by the family and friends of Thomas N. Callahan of Wilmington, who passed away too soon at the young age of 25. Tommy will be remembered for his magnetic personality, great sense of humor and contagious smile. A “Lifer” (Grade 6-12) and honor student who participated in many sports and clubs during his time at Austin Prep, he thrived on his academic success and passion for the sciences. Tommy’s mother Jodi shared her thoughts and sentiments around the response of overwhelming kindness and generosity: “Our family feels so lucky to be surrounded by a tremendous support system, says Jodi. “One of the quotes that Tommy loved to share originated with his grandfather and was passed down by his father, Tom, is ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get.’ We continue to work hard to honor Tommy’s memory through his scholarship and hope that his legacy will live on in the students who benefit from the scholarship.”
Anonymous Kerry Bailey ’10 Vanessa Bitto Katie Bray ’12 Susan Brennan Nancy Brown Barbara Callahan Theresa Castellano Michael ’76 & Virginia Ciampa Jeanne Coutu Theresa Dady Cox Patricia DeYoung P’08,’10 Gregory DeYoung ’10 Michelle DeYoung Collins Ann Domigan P’11,’13,’15 Patrice Elia Terry Fox-Koor ’10 Dr. Meenaksh Ganesh Jeremy Gauvain ’10 Claire Gerrish Andrea Gillis Maureen & Jerry Giuliano P’07,’09,’11 Mary Goterch Michelle Grady Bill Gregory Eileen Gregory Dianna & William Harper Paula Hartt P’06,’10 Donald Heenan Janis Heenan
Lauren Heenan Kaitlin ‘11 & Mark ’10 Kaliris Karen Keane Denise Leblanc Nancy Lordan P’12,’16,’18 Mr. & Mrs. Hugh MacKenzie P’04,’09,’11 Chip Marshall Laurie McGlinchy Susan Meuse Adriana Reguera Christopher Reid Susan Rogers Shelby Rosenberg Nancy Rosenthal Carol Scalesse Courtney See Jon See ’09 Connie Silvia Aaron Skahill Katie Steen Nicole Streifert Michael Supino Tanya Thrasher Mary Tucker Christine Vardaro Chris Ventola Donna Viera Nick Vitale Chelsea Vittner Melanie Wellcome Joe Whalen
Austin Prep Student Volunteers Learn Through Doing Austin Prep students are making a difference and putting Caritas to action through their service work in the community. Service hours give our students the opportunity to reach out to others who truly need what they have to offer: their time and their talents. Siblings Dennis ’28 and Elena ’26 Klimashov volunteered with the nonprofit Cradles to Crayons. Working alongside other volunteers, they helped sort and size kids’ clothing. Together, the volunteers managed to help 261 kids get the clothes that they need. Anthony Sarney ’26 also volunteered through Cradles to Crayons at the Giving Factory in Newton, MA. He worked in the “outfits”, organizing, packaging and getting ready for shipment bags of boys’ clothing for homeless and low-income children in and around Boston.
Spring 2022
Penelope Gonzalez ’22 volunteered through Bellesini Academy to go to Cor Unum and help serve food to those in need. Volunteers make it feel like a restaurant by providing a well rounded dinner experience. Anthony Fergusson ’25 is one of many students who volunteer for the organization Lasagna Love. Anthony worked alongside his neighbor to make several batches of lasagna to share with families facing difficulties in his own community. Morgan Tammaro ’22 shared her passion for karate with children who have learning and mental differences.
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A LU M N I PROFI L E S
A Major Force Sara Mandell ’05 In the late 1990’s a Reading family was looking for new school opportunities for their children and discovered the answer was just down the road on Willow Street. When Sara Mandell ’05 enrolled as a sixth grader at Austin Prep, she did not realize it was just the first step in what so far has been a remarkable educational and global journey. Since then, Sara has exemplified the best values of the school. Starting with academics, she excelled in the sciences and found Dr. Vanagas’ AP Bio class life-changing. It propelled her to focus in this area with confidence, and she always tries to stop by and check in with him whenever she is home. The Mandells are Jewish and they found the AP community supportive. Sara appreciated the values and spirit of service to others she found at the school. A figure skater as a child, when she arrived at Austin Prep, Sara was encouraged to try ice hockey by her friends. Never one to back away from a challenge, she tried out for the team in the 7th grade and was playing varsity by 9th grade. She recalls loving the supportive team atmosphere and feeling of accomplishment as her teams made the States all four years she played. This combination of experiences encouraged her to pursue college at St. Anselm College where she continued her studies in Biology. She augmented that with her elective courses in the arts, where she discovered the joy of creating with her hands. Playing for the St. A’s Hawks women’s hockey team proved to be out of reach as a player. However, Sara missed the team atmosphere she enjoyed at Austin Prep, so she volunteered as a team manager and took an active part in the program all four years. This team approach became important as she approached graduation and began to seriously consider postgraduate options. Her father is a successful periodontist and suggested that at its best, dentistry is an art, where there is nothing more satisfying than creating a beautiful healthy smile. 18
With Sara’s combination of skills and interests, she listened and was accepted to the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dentistry. But this time she added a twist. The United States Army offered her a spot in their Healthcare Professional Scholarship Program which would cover the four-year tuition for dental school in return for four years of active service. Sara’s fitness and competitive sports background made her a perfect candidate and four years later she was a commissioned Officer. Her career continued at bases in Georgia and North Carolina, the latter where she also earned a master’s degree in Oral Biology during a two year residency program and was promoted to the rank of Major. While serving and practicing at Ft. Hood in Texas, her unit was called up to serve for two months in New York City, setting up a field hospital in the Javits Convention Center and providing needed emergency care to civilians at the height of the pandemic in April 2020. In early 2021, her unit set off on a tour in Iraq. The hospital where she was deployed was in a secure part of the city, but Sara volunteered to work with Special Forces teams in the field around the country, training medics on emergency dental techniques. Returning to Ft. Hood, after nine years serving her country, Sara decided it was time to leave the Army and enter private practice in the town of Cedar Park, Texas near the State Capital, Austin. She also plans on continuing her military service, following the example of her older brother and fellow AP alumnus Michael ’03, who is also a Major in the Air Force National Guard. By continuing to serve in the Reserves, Sara said she can keep options open. She believes her Austin Prep education has been excellent preparation for each challenge she’s faced along the way. In just a short time Sara has covered many miles and achieved great accomplishments on a journey that started on Willow Street not long ago.
Spring 2022
Major Sara Mandell ’05. U.S. Army
At the Ja vits Con vention Center in April 2020
Work ing o n
cedure on Performing a dental pro military K-9 in Iraq
Working with colleague du ring COVID deployment in NYC
a pat ient in the fi eld d ur deplo ymen ing her t to I raq
w soldiers With fello Spring 2022
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A LU M N I PROFI L E S
Practice Makes Permanent Andrew Kiezulas ’99 Andrew Kiezulas must have seemed like an ordinary kid back in the late Nineties, but his life has described an extraordinary arc, carrying him from the depths of hopelessness to a rare level of productivity and success. As you’d expect from such a friendly guy, this former lacrosse and football player is still in touch with friends from Austin Prep. He remembers Ms. Elizabeth Farrell and Coach Bill Maradei with particular fondness. “As a teacher, she was creative, always looking for ways to help us grasp the subtleties of chemistry.” As for Mr. Maradei, “He demanded absolutely everything we had, but no one worked harder for us than he did. “They were good people. All the teachers were. Easy to communicate with and totally committed.” “I know it’s a cliché,” Andrew says ruefully, “but my years at Austin Prep really were some of the best of my life. We had a lot of laughs.” Things changed in college: injury, surgery, and the loss of the athletic life that had defined him. Painkillers, alcohol, heroin, and a long, long trek back from the brink. The spirit of Veritas runs through everything Andrew has to say about those times. He doesn’t present himself as a victim, but he has enormous empathy for everyone who faces similar challenges. He gives himself little credit for his recovery, preferring to call out the love and support of his family over years of struggle.
In short order he completed a Bachelor’s in Chemistry at the University of Southern Maine and then a Master’s in Policy, Planning and Management at the Muskie School of Public Service. He succeeded in everything he did – and he did a lot: USM Student of the Year (2017). ARHE (Association of Recovery in Higher Education) Student of the Year (2017). Collegiate Leadership Competition New England Regional and National Champion (2017, 2016). Outstanding Junior Award (USM College of Science, Technology and Health, 2016). USM Chemistry Club V.P. and Community Outreach Officer (2015-2017). With a gut-level understanding of Unitas, he began to invest time in the causes he is passionate about. He collaborated with the FDA and the White House on drug control policy. He co-authored two Senate Resolutions. He co-founded the Recovery Oriented Campus Center (the ROCC) at USM, Maine’s first collegiate recovery center; and to draw students toward careers in STEM, he has given dozens of presentations, talks, and demonstrations. He still does. “I discovered the power of possibility,” he says simply. “How remarkable it is to transition from a life you don’t want!”
“What happened was, I got lucky, over and over and over. I come from a family that can separate issues from individuals. They refused to give up on me. They were constantly trying to help me understand that this wasn’t me. At the end of the day, I had people I felt safe enough with to open up and talk to. I had people that weren’t trying to shame me into change. They treated me with compassion. As soon as I said, “Hey, I need help, they were right there working with me to get help.”And then the morning came when the question changed from “What can I do?” to “What can’t I do?” He went back to college, this time riding a crest of energy that made him unstoppable. He majored in chemistry, naturally – 20
“My mother is a chemist,” says Andrew, “so chemistry is in my blood.” He also studied math and organizational studies.
Andrew’s business career has been just as exceptional as everything else he’s done. Three years ago he started as a chemist and lab manager at Coatings2Go in Carlisle, a company that specializes in medical devices. He was recently named the firm’s CEO. He takes the same approach to every challenge he faces as a leader and it’s pure Caritas. He doesn’t wait; he reaches out proactively, seeks to understand whomever he’s working with, then does all he can to help that person succeed. It’s almost always a win-win situation. When it comes to internships and mentoring employees, he maintains that success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. “You have to be someone that people can talk to, especially about things they’re afraid the boss doesn’t want to hear. For example, what
Spring 2022
Andrew Kiezulas ’99 teaching a chemistry lesson
their ’70 working on huck Kiezulas ther ge to y bb With father C ho tting arborist/tree cu
With w ife
if you don’t want to work in a lab? Not everyone does, you know. This came up just the other day. I told that person there were plenty of other things she could do with her knowledge of chemistry. How about technical sales? How about contracts? “Everyone responds better and stays with you longer when you focus on positives, on potential. It helps to pay well too!” It’s a people-first philosophy that grew out of Andrew’s experiences in recovery. And he understands the power of language. “Do you say, he’s an addict, he’s a substance abuser. No, that’s never productive. Overwhelming research shows that people with substance use disorder have been abused and this is how they are dealing with it. You start with the fact that the person in question is a son, a brother, a husband. That’s the first step. Everything follows from the recognition that the other person is a human being.”
Br yn a n
d “Mo ose” “So, on the subject of me personally, what happened to turn things around? Again, I got lucky. Maybe in the sense of preparation meeting opportunity. There were a lot of people around me ready to make moves and when I opened up to the opportunity, boom... we made moves together. They were doing things “with” me. Not for me or at me. If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Andrew has amassed a wealth of experience and wisdom in his tumultuous, accomplished life. Now he’s applying what he’s learned to improve the lives of others in classrooms, conference rooms, and chemistry labs. At Austin Prep, he recently participated in the Alumni Career Day on the Science panel, and in 2021 presented in the Austin Prep Presents virtual webinar program with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs. Andrew believes that Emerson said it best: “Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.”
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A LU M N I PROFI L E S
The Puck Stops Here Caty Flagg ’16 Look her up in Wikipedia and it will read “Caty Flagg is an American professional ice hockey goaltender, currently playing with the Buffalo Beauts in the NWHL.”
After also graduating with NEHC All-Academic team honors, women’s professional hockey was starting up. Caty signed a contract for the team in Buffalo in 2020 where she plays, and in the off-season she works as a personal trainer.
But for those who know the 2016 Austin Prep graduate, Caty is so much more. Playing goalie runs in the family, just like her dad and grandfather before her. Although her father Steve, a former college player, tried to steer her to figure skating as a child, she soon switched to youth hockey. She pulled on the goalie pads after just a few games and never looked back. Neither did Steve, who Caty reports attended every game, often videotaping with a GoPro and offering paternal advice afterwards. The Methuen, MA native came to Austin Prep when the girls’ team was gaining steam. Caty followed her Islanders club team coach Stephanie Wood to Reading. Wood was a scholarship hockey player at Northeastern University and committed to building a high level, high character program. By Caty’s senior year, the Cougars won the state championship and she was named Most Valuable Player of the Catholic Conference in 2016, posting a 22-2 record with 10 shutouts. She was also named 2016 Miss Hockey by ESPN Boston, and named to the Boston Herald’s and the Boston Globe’s 2016 All-Scholastic teams.
As her second season with the Beauts came to a close in March, Caty won the “Row the Boat” award that is voted on by teammates and given to the player who embodies the qualities of being a good teammate and sportsmanship. Caty points to her Austin Prep experience as formative. “We learned to respect everybody and be able to work with all types of people. “You don’t even realize it when it’s happening, but that has really helped me in the real world.” Caty’s legacy lives on today as the Austin Prep team continues its successful ways, and Stonehill College-bound Lauryn Hanafin ’22 follows Caty’s winning tradition in the net. It has often been said that there is perhaps no more noble position in sport than goaltending, the last line of defense. Austin Prep has been more than fortunate to have such a great run of nobility between the pipes.
Coach Wood recently remembered that Caty “stood on her head that season, and her future success was no surprise.” Caty also played on the Cougar softball team and attended University of New England with the intention of playing both sports. After two seasons of softball, Caty turned her focus solely to hockey. She transferred to UMass Boston where she could also major in Exercise and Health Sciences. Success followed and she started 25 out of 26 games in her senior year for the Beacons, posting a 1.84 GAA and .942 save percentage becoming the first UMass-Boston player to be named New England Hockey Conference Goaltender of the Year. 22
Spring 2022
ssion rsonal training se With client in pe
Caty Flagg ’16 in the net for the Buffalo Beauts
A Year to Remember
Ranked first amongst all NEHC Goalies in Goals Against Average (1.84) and Save Percentage (.942)
2019 - 2020 Season
Posted a career-high 47 saves against the second-ranked Panthers of Middlebury College on January 10
Shots Faced: 49 two times (849 total) Shutouts: 4
Currently holds the single-season program record for minutes played at 1,598:08, games played at 26 and shutouts in a single season with four
Win-Loss Record: 12-11-3
Highlights Became the first goaltender in UMass Boston Women’s Hockey history to be named the NEHC Goalie of the Year and first team honor
Is just the fourth goaltender in program history to record over 1,000 career-saves in just two seasons at the Harbor Campus
First goalie to win the NEHC Goalie of the Year at different schools
Recorded 30 or more saves in 14 contests throughout her senior season
Named to the NEHC All-Academic Team for maintaining a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Made 43 saves in 106:05 minutes of play during the NEHC Quarterfinal game at University of Southern Maine on February 22
Earned NEHC Goaltender of the Week Awards 3 times throughout the season (November 4, 25, January 27) Spring 2022
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The St. Augustine L E C T U R E
S E R I E S
From L to R: Aiden Jette ’24, Christian Alfieri ’23, Aiden Titcomb ’26, Liam Gildea ‘22, Emmet Surowiec ‘27, Meredith Rodes ’25, Aanya Metpelly ’28, Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A.
St. Augustine Lecture Features Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A. The St. Augustine Lecture Series began in 2015 and is designed to enrich the intellectual life of the school community by exposing students to accomplished individuals who share their experiences and lessons learned in life. This year’s lecturer was Fr. Bill Gabriel, O.S.A. Born and raised a Roman Catholic in New Hampshire, Fr. Bill felt an early calling to religious life at the age of eight. He was particularly inspired by an Augustinian Friar from Merrimack College who served as a pastor at Fr. Bill’s local parish in Dover, NH. Fr. Bill entered Villanova University in 2010, graduating in 2014 with an undergraduate degree in Theology. After graduation, Fr. Bill taught high school Theology and coached basketball in Delaware. After much contemplation and study, Fr. Bill joined the Order of St. Augustine in 2015 through the formation process. Fr. Bill was ordained an Augustinian priest on June 26, 2021, and he accepted his first assignment as the Parochial Vicar, commonly referred to as the Associate Pastor, for the St. Thomas of Villanova Parish. He is one of the youngest Augustinians at the University. His ministry experience and interests include: Augustine and the Augustinian charism, secondary education, retreats, campus ministry, faith formation, as well as sports and spirituality. The overarching message in Fr. Bill’s lecture revolved around this year’s school theme of “Love one another as I have loved you,” and around God piercing our restless hearts. He shared an Instagram post of toddlers having an exchange over whether it is raining or sprinkling. One child makes her point by touching her debate counterpart. The boy clutches his chest declaring, “You poked my heart.” Fr. Bill equated this experience to God poking at our hearts, tapping at us and calling to us. In this description, he referenced the Augustinian symbol of the heart being pierced by an arrow. 24
During his ordination, Fr. Bill said that he felt the pressure to be perfect in his new role, and how the act of pouring the chrism oil (used to consecrate someone or something to God’s service) onto his palms felt overwhelming; how could he keep all of this oil from spilling over and making a mess. He thought to himself, “How can I keep it all together?” As he stood up, the Bishop recognized his concern and said “Bill, let it drip. Just let it drip” It was at that moment that Fr. Bill understood that God was poking at his heart, reassuring him that this was where he was meant to be as a servant of God and to love in this way. Following Fr. Bill’s remarks, Fr. Patrick Armano facilitated students from across the grades for a thoughtful question and answer session with Fr. Bill. 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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Spring 2022
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; Trustee Grace Cotter Regan, the first female President of Boston College High School Fr. Raymond Dlugos, O.S.A., Vice President Mission and Ministry at Merrimack College; Trustee Dr. Crystal Kuykendall, former Executive Director of the National Alliance of Black School Educators and Director of Urban and Minority Relations for the National School Boards Association Fr. Bryan Hehir, the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Religion and Public Life at the Harvard Kennedy School, who is also the Secretary of Health and Social Services on the staff of Cardinal Sean O’Malley in the Archdiocese of Boston
Class Notes
Send us an update on your life, your work, your Journey.
During his visit from Sicily in November, Al Zappala ’68 got together with Austin Prep friends of 53 years John Sarto ’68, Gary Arivella ’68, Greg Calari, and Jay Dowd ’69 at MaryAnn’s Diner.
James Callahan, the son of Jay Callahan ’92 was recently accepted to Austin Prep’s class of 2028. James’ family had a special Austin Prep cake and giant AP balloons to celebrate him becoming the fifth Callahan boy to attend Austin Prep, joining his dad Jay ’92, Uncle Michael ’96, and Uncle Ryan ’00 and big brother Patrick ’25.
Members of the Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 gathered together at the Merrimack vs. Northeastern Men’s Hockey on March 5th. Jim Gallagher ’70, Stephen Benanti ’71, Bill Bolan ’71, Paul Lyman ’71, Brian Gallagher ’72, Jerry Fichera ’71 and Art McFague ’72 enjoyed catching-up with each other prior to the 50th Reunion in May.
Kevin Murphy ’81 and John Shinney ’80 traveled to Florida in March to visit with friend and classmate Bob Baldassari ’80 at his new Trident Golf Center.
Austin Prep Lifer and graduate from the University of New Hampshire, Erika Hemingway ’05 has worked in radio, TV and media sales for the last 15 years at a variety of stations including: Kiss 108, 101.7 the Bull, JAM’N 945 and iHeartRadio. She most recently ran the morning show and was an on-air host with North Shore 104.9 FM. Erika is taking a new direction with her career in a position with the State of Massachusetts, working at the State House in Boston. She will be the Deputy Director of Communications and the Director of Community Engagement, Public Relations, social media under the Minority Leader Brad Jones. She will be spending most of her time in his district which happens to include her hometown of North Reading, AP’s home of Reading, and serving Middleton and Lynnfield as well. When she isn’t making a difference in the community, she loves to spend time with her son and family skiing or going to the beach. Erika will make sure to come by AP and say hello soon.
Corinne Kelleher Fogarty ’98 continues to work full time at Mass General Hospital as ARN (attending nurse) on a busy pediatric unit. Recently, she earned the distinction of Clinical Scholar in the clinical recognition program and was elected to serve a 2-year term as ARN Co-chair of her daughter’s school. She enjoys spending her free time with her husband and two children and their adorable mini golden doodle pup.
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Sheetal (Kumar) Patel ’05 opened Reflections - A Senior Living Community in July 2020. Reflections - A Senior Living Community is an assisted living facility located in Leesburg, VA, which specializes in the care of seniors from independent living services to various light dementia levels such as Alzheimer’s Disease. Reflections offers the unique combination of a beautiful community with a commitment to excellence in resident care and quality of life. Backed by a strong history in senior care services, a mission is to continue to define excellence in the senior living industry. “It has always been my dream to open my own assisted living, where I could help and support seniors and their families through difficult times in aging and navigate the many obstacles that come.” says Sheetal who has a masters in Business Administration and Healthcare Administration.
Billy Maradei ’11 accepted an awesome job offer as Project Accountant in Boston at one of the top 50 marketing research companies in the area, Chadwick Martin Bailey. “I am very happy to advance my career further into the finance field!”
The awards recognize and reward excellence in student-produced programs from colleges and unversities nationwide. Winners in the competition were announced by television stars including Outlander’s Sam Heughan, Schmigadoon!’s Dove Cameron, Ghosts’ Rose McIver, and Bel-Air’s Jordan L. Jones at the awards ceremony on March 26.
Chris Caron ’15 has been accepted to and will be attending MCPHS Accelerated Physician Assistant Master’s Program in Manchester, NH starting in January 2023.
Tara Kenworthy ’08 graduated in December, 2021 with her Ph.D. in Clinical-Community Psychology from the University of South Carolina.
After completing a Bachelors in Education and English at Saint Anselm College, Lily Ditchfield ’17 took the last year to work as an ESL Paraprofessional at Lynnfield High School. Now, she is excited to share that she was recently accepted into the M. Ed. in Special Education at Saint Anselm College. The year-long program will allow Lily to further develop her skill set to better allow her to serve the needs of the student population that she works with. “I am looking forward to the multitude of opportunities which lie ahead of me!”
In July 2021, Paige Christie ’11 passed the California Bar Exam, and was sworn in to the State Bar of California in November 2021. She now works as a litigation associate at Jones Day in Irvine, California.
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Tyler Walsh ’18 is currently a senior studying Broadcast Journalism at the University of Miami, and is an executive producer for UMTV’s student-produced news show airing live each week. Tyler, and his UMTV team, were nominated for the News and Sports award for his writing on UMTV NewsVision by the Television Academy Foundation’s prestigious 41st College Television Awards.
Spring 2022
Upon completion of his internship at NBC Nightly News With Lester Holt with NBC News and his graduation, Tyler will be heading back home to the Bay State to work at NBC 10 Boston/NECN as a Content Producer.
Lauren Payne ’20 recently traveled to Ireland with her Irish art class at Emmanuel College in Boston for spring break. They spent 10 days exploring art around Dublin, Cork, Cobh, Kilkenny, and Maynooth. Sites they visited included the Irish Museum of Modern Art, the National Gallery, Blarney Castle, Newgrange and Knowth, the Abbey Theater, University College Cork, and St. Colman Cathedral. “This was such a great learning experience. I am so grateful to have been a part of it. Along with exploring a foreign country, I met so many amazing people I will have bonds with for life.”
Taylor Simonelli ’20 is excited to return to Structure Tone this summer as a member of their Corporate and Boston Marketing team. “I look forward to gaining more experience in the industry and am grateful for the opportunity to continue working with such a great group of professionals at one of the country’s top ranked construction companies.” TJ Dysart ’21 is spending his first year at Marquette University working for the Marquette Wire, which is Marquette’s independent student media organization. “It has been so great because I am literally practicing real multimedia journalism in a professional way.” TJ started out as a print news reporter for the first semester which enabled him to improve his writing skills. Most recently he switched over to being a news producer. This role has given him more opportunities to be in front of the camera, which is where he ultimately wants to be.
Future Austin Prep Cougars Kennedy Mae Countie made her debut on 12-02-21 at 12:01 p.m. weighing 7lbs. 9oz. and 19in. long. Parents Maggie and Zac ’10 Countie are thrilled to welcome their first child!
Katelyn (Sawyer-Lajoie) ’06 and Anthony Nocella welcomed Anthony Lawrence on January 10, 2022. He arrived at 11:34 p.m. weighing 7 lb. 2 oz. and 19.5 in. long.
Christiana (Homeyer) ’08, her husband Dave and daughter Ellie Fink became a family of five with the arrival of twin girls, Lilly and Laney, born on March 2, 2022 at 12:57 p.m. and 1:13 p.m.
Engagements & Weddings Tara Kenworthy ’08 and Roger LaMarca were married in Fort Lauderdale, FL on February 5, 2022. Members of the wedding party include Austin Prep alumnae: Jessica Kenworthy ’12, Ariel (Sweet) Hondros ’08, Bridget (Sheehy) Tipton ’08, Lisa DeVito ’08, and Sara (DeVoe) Guzowski ’08.
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REUNIONS & VISITS
We were grateful for the opportunity to safely bring alumni together last fall after a quiet year without in-person alumni gatherings.
Whether on break from school or just passing through town, we love it when our alumni come back to visit!
In October, alumni from the classes of 1980 and 1981 enjoyed a beautiful day on the fairways at Hillview Golf Club, followed by a gathering at the Horseshoe Grill. A few of the alumni closed-out their 40th reunion with an exclusive tour of campus and pictures with some of their teachers. Thank you to Bob Baldassari ’80, John Shinney ’80, Kevin Murphy ’81 and Larry McQuaid ’81 for organizing the weekend.
The Thanksgiving holiday brought five classes together to celebrate reunions:
On November 6th, 32 alumni from the classes of 1995 and 1996 toured Austin Prep, then headed over to The Charles at Bunratty in Reading Center,
Friday marked 20th and 10th reunions for the classes of 2001 and 2011, respectively. Forty alumni got together to celebrate and reminisce. Thank you to Libby (Dowd) Basile ’01, Bridget (Monagle) Kent ’01,Thomas Martin ’01 and Kasey Mazza ’11 for gathering your classmates together!
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On Wednesday, 76 members of the Class of 2020 returned to campus for their Alumni Breakfast. The last time this class was together was at their Baccalaureate Mass in May 2020.
On Saturday evening a total of 98 alumni came together for a 5-year reunion for the class of 2015 and a 15 year reunion for the class of 2005. Gratefully, Ava Clemente ’15, John Smolak ’15 and Joey Carregal ’05 (with help from Ashley (McCarthy) Leo ’05) spearheaded the events. Faculty Nate Piccini ’93 and Marla Pascucci-Byrne P’26 stopped by to celebrate with the alumni.
Spring 2022
The journeys we have all experienced are wide and varied, but the common thread of Austin Prep pulls us together. We look forward to continuing to welcome alumni back to campus! If you would like to help plan your class reunion, or to visit the campus, please contact Director of Alumni Relations & Giving Jennifer Hodgdon at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org.
You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in You. Augustine of Hippo (354–430), in Confessions
In Paradisum Peter Boyle ’69 Francis and Jean Burke, Grandparents of Dylan Dalbeck ’14 Mary Cummings, Mother of Michael ’73 and John ’79 Cummings, and Grandmother of Amy ’12, Kerry Anne ’16 and James ’18 Lordan James Drelick, Brother of Al Drelick, AP staff Tim Gallagher ’81, Brother of Jim Gallagher ’70 and Brian Gallagher ’71 Neil A. Guanci, Father of Michael ’86, Neil ’93 and Joseph (Jay) Guanci ’96. Uncle of Paul ’82, Matthew ’86, and John ’92 Guanci, Kevin ’91, Andrew ’93 and Daniel ’97 McCaul, and Christopher ’ 93 and Kathleen Pesce ’98. Gerda Kintigos, Mother of Steven Kintigos, AP staff Lauren Maniff, Sister of Jonathan Maniff David O’Donnell, Grandfather of Sam, Annie ’20, Dan (Ernie) ’22, Charlie ’23, Maggie ’25, Chad, and Emma ’29 Little Michael Riordan ’67 Elizabeth M. ‘Teddy’ Taranto, Grandmother of Katherine Millett ’24 John Trowbridge ’95, Brother of Christian ’86, Peter ’93, Caitlin ’01 and Elizabeth Trowbridge Demetra Vallee, Mother of Kim Esakof, AP staff Steve Zarella ’89
This list contains the names shared with us as of April 25, 2022. If you would like to list a loved one in Journey Magazine or have Mass Intentions said in their memory, please contact Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations & Giving at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org 29
AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL 101 Willow Street Reading, MA 01867-1599
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Alumni REUNIONS, EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
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.
We look forward to celebrating alumni reunions with the classes ending in 2 and 7 in the fall of 2022! Please be sure that your contact information is up-to-date with our Office of Alumni Relations to receive all correspondences.
@AustinPrep
@AustinPrep
To learn more about upcoming events and happenings, please visit www.austinprep.org/alumni/reunions-gatherings
SUPPORT Austin Prep The strength of Austin Prep is its supportive community — a meaningful contribution is the fulfillment of our Unitas ethos. Please join all those who have already donated to the annual fund this year and make your gift today. The 2021-2022 Annual Fund will close on June 30th. www.austinprep.org/support-austin-prep/annual-fund
Austin Prep Alumni
@austinprepschool
Share your JOURNEY We want to follow your journey beyond Austin Prep. Please share your updates including academic and athletic accomplishments, career milestones, marriages, birthdays 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 Austin Prep baby onesies.
Office of Alumni Relations Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations & Giving, jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org 781-9444900 ext. 852
Website accepts American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and PayPal. Austin Prep also accepts Venmo. When using Venmo to donate to the Annual Fund, please note “Annual Fund” in the comments.
Take a TOUR OF CAMPUS Today Alumni are welcome to return to 101 Willow Street for an exclusive tour of updates.
Sustaining a Trajectory of EXCELLENCE www.austinprep.org/support-austin-prep
