Journey | Winter 2024

Living

Rich Meelia ’67

Inside this Issue of Journey

e Road to Integrity.

“Judge me O Lord according to my righteousness and according to mine integrity that is within me.” This petition from the Book of Psalms (7:8) is Austin Prep’s theme for the 2023-2024 academic year, guiding our faith journey and our interactions as a community. Integrity is timeless and matters still. It provides Austin Prep with an unfailing, distinctive, and permanent foundation for continued growth and transformation.

St. Augustine was clear where integrity is found: “Do not go outside yourself, but enter into yourself, for truth dwells in the interior self…Reach, therefore, to where the light of reason is lit” (True Religion, 39, 72). Through an Augustinian education of scholastic excellence and formative experiences found in no book or classroom, generations of Austin Prep students continue to develop habits of the hand, the mind, and the heart that are steeped in integrity.

As you read through this winter edition of Journey Magazine, you’ll encounter stories, perspectives, and anecdotes from the Austin Prep community that unmistakably reflect integrity. That shouldn’t be surprising to anyone who knows Austin Prep. For more than 60 years, Austin Prep has been shaping Augustinian hearts forged in veritas, unitas, and caritas –enduring values that are inseparable from lives of integrity.

Integrity shapes words, deeds, and thoughts – habits of the hand, the mind, and the heart. Living virtuous lives of integrity isn’t easy. Yet, Austin Prep alumni do it every day. With Augustinian hearts they formed at 101 Willow Street, Austin Prep alumni continue to impact a world so much in need of truth, unity, and love. They are Augustinian cavalry who, through lives of integrity, make the world better through

Catholic social teaching, leadership, intellectual acumen, innovative spirit, open hearts, and service.

As an Augustinian Roman Catholic school, Austin Prep holds that truth is not relative, it’s timeless, and the growing complexities of the modern world are often at odds with that. In that context, inspiring students to lives of integrity has become more challenging. And more important than ever.

James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22,’23,’24,’27 Head of School

Photo Credits: Brendan Carpenter ’16, Nicolle Renick, Matt Mulcahy ’10 and Tyler Fleming P’28, ’30

Living a Life of Integrity

St. Augustine of Hippo once said “Pray as though everything depends on God. And work as if everything depends on you.”

Richard Meelia ’67 has embodied that spirit throughout his life and serves as a model for Austin Prep students and fellow alumni.

He credits his school for helping him navigate the journey.

Growing up in Melrose and attending St. Mary’s School, he always assumed he’d continue his education in a Catholic school.

What he couldn’t have imagined was that it would be at a place that didn’t yet exist, at a school where he would leave an indelible mark as a student and alumnus for more than half a century.

Austin Prep was just opening and had not yet graduated a class, but the new Augustinian boys school turned out to be the perfect place for the aspiring student athlete.

“The campus was pretty bare. Not at all like today. There were no fields, no tennis courts. But there was something about the place of what it could become. I came here

Academically vigorous, classes were organized according to achievement, with the 100 boys in his grade divided into quarters.

Rich remembers up until then he had been ‘an underachiever.’ But he decided it would be important to always rank in the top quartile of his class, a goal he maintained all four years.

“My parents were making a sacrifice to send me to Austin Prep, and just felt it was something I should do,” he recalls, foreshadowing a character trait of personal accountability that would last a lifetime.

Rich also arrived at school as a competitive baseball player and was twice named All-League in basketball. Senior year he was named the outstanding athlete in his class, edging out his good friend and teammate Tom Birmingham ’67 who would later attend Harvard.

When asked what person he admired most in life and used as an example, he did not hesitate. “My father. He worked hard, was a good provider, but always made time to attend my games and be involved in the school.”

After Austin Prep Rich headed north to St. Anselm College, where he focused on his business studies and developed an interest in community service and volunteering.

Then it was on to Boston College where he earned an MBA. Armed with a background in the best of Roman Catholic education traditions, Rich was then prepared to enter the work force not just to make a living, but to contribute to society.

“It was important to me to both do well in business, and to do good. It doesn’t have to be either or.”

Rich Meelia takes a moment in the Chapel of St. Augustine to reflect back on his Austin Prep journey.

The still young healthcare industry provided a great platform to do both, creating products and services critical to helping others.

Rich rose quickly in sales and marketing positions, becoming President of the Kendall Healthcare Company which was later the foundation of the Tyco Healthcare business, where he became President in 1995.

During the ensuing decade, he directed Tyco Healthcare’s acquisition, integration, and product development efforts, growing the business from $600 million to more than $11 billion annually.

Today he attributes his early business success to the application of skills he learned at Austin Prep, and suggests they are still relevant now. “It was about teamwork, integrity, and work ethic.”

His reputation for integrity was vital later during a period when some Tyco corporate management senior to him were found guilty of illegal business practices. Investors turned to Rich to rescue the damaged company.

“You can’t take shortcuts to success,” Rich recalled. “Unfortunately, the company had developed a culture of taking short cuts. Fortunately, our group wasn’t involved but it was a painful period.”

He spun off the Healthcare group and founded what became Covidien Plc. Through hard work and relentless focus on doing business the right way, when Rich retired as Chairman, CEO and President in 2012, Covidien was an $11 billion global healthcare company.

Believing that to whom much is given, much is expected, since his retirement Rich has continued to serve his community and the schools that prepared him.

“I support education because of the multiplier effect. When you help a school, you can have an impact on many students every year.” The list of schools he has supported is impressive.

He served on the board of trustees at St. Anselm College and today the Meelia Center for Community Engagement is named in his honor. There, students have opportunities to volunteer in local Manchester, NH, neighborhoods.

He has also been a contributor and benefactor at Austin Prep. Besides supporting the gym and activity center that bears his name, Rich was a major benefactor in establishing the Inner City Scholarship Fund, now known as the Austin Scholars Fund. The Austin Scholars Program - Inner-City Scholarship Fund is made possible due in part to the commitment of individual benefactors like Rich, foundations, and Austin Prep’s administration, and Board of Trustees.

More recently he donated the funds to establish a fulltime position to coordinate Mission and Inclusion, which is committed to a vision of excellence that breathes life to our Augustinian values so that all students are included and share a sense of belonging. The values of veritas, unitas, and caritas are woven into the very fabric of our school and celebrate our mission and identity.

A small theater in Meelia Hall, also known as the Black Box Theater, was given by Rich and his mother, Mary J. Meelia in memory of his father Edwin. “Austin almost closed for lack of endowment when I was a student, and my father was part of a group of parents that worked with the Augustinian order and the archdiocese to keep it open.

He always used to say, ’If you want something done, ask a busy man.’ It’s corny, but the truth. try to follow that too,” Meelia said.

Rich makes many visits to Austin Prep and has been particularly impressed with the progress over the last 10 years.

“To succeed you need rock solid leadership. You need a strategy and a plan. That’s just the start but we have that at Austin Prep.

“From there it becomes a question of belief. If you believe in something, work for it. The benefits of hard work become their own reward.”

Integrity. Hard work. These are the cornerstones of success. And these are the foundational values that have guided Austin Prep since our founding.

Rich Meelia arrived at Austin Prep as a competitive baseball player.

The Multi Purpose Facility (MPF) was named Meelia Hall in 2016.

Rich Meelia visits students during study hall.

Rich Meelia was twice named all-league in basketball.

Cubby Grows Up.

Introducing Auggie!

Villanova University, the first Augustinian school in the United States, adopted the Wildcat mascot for its football team in 1926.

“It was about teamwork, integrity, and work ethic.”

Since then, all schools connected with the order have followed the tradition of playing under the name of one ferocious feline or another.

Austin Prep followed suit 60 years ago when the teams began competing as Cougars.

For years a gentle version, known as Cubby, was represented in both uniform logos and a mascot costume, which had begun to show signs of wear and tear.

The school’s 60th anniversary celebration, and new membership in the New England Prep School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), presented an opportunity for a fresh start featuring a Cougar with a little more bite.

Thanks to the talent and skills of Art and Design Faculty member Nicolle Renick, we now have a Cougar showing some teeth!

The new image was introduced with great fanfare, cheering towels and t-shirts at an October 19 school pep rally. A new mascot costume was also introduced and will be part of both athletic contests and admissions office events.

Named Auggie after our school’s patron saint, here’s to a great next 60 years!

Roar Auggie, roar!

IT TOOK 60 YEARS, BUT IT WAS WORTH IT.

Austin Prep is not just a cool school anymore, it’s air-conditioned!

Austin Prep’s patron, St. Augustine, had an exhortation in one of his sermons: “Do not be content with what you are, if you want to become what you are not yet. For where you have grown pleased with yourself, there you will remain . . Always add something more, keep moving forward, always make progress.” As a school community, Austin Prep takes St. Augustine’s advice to heart. The school remains in growth mode with the past summer being another one of sustained progress and transformation.

Shortly after the final bell rang to close the 2022-2023 academic year, Austin Prep undertook a massive $4.2 million capital project to replace the school’s heating system, install air conditioning to instructional and administrative space, and modernize instructional space and technology. This initiative was another giant step forward in modernizing the school’s facilities. In upgrading the school’s mechanical systems, Austin Prep also installed HVAC equipment that is more energy efficient, thereby reducing our carbon footprint, and focusing on care for the natural environment.

The work spanned 14 summer weeks, an initiative that Matt Pimentel ’01, Vice President of Construction for Austin Prep’s longtime school project and construction management partner, Pimentel Construction called “one of the most complex projects we’ve completed for Austin Prep yet, renovating 70,000 square feet across the entire academic building.”

Despite the considerable scope of work, the school year kicked off on time as planned, and in an ironic twist, as other local schools were forced to dismiss students from school early due to excessive heat, Austin Prep students enjoyed a cool first week of class during an unseasonably late-summer heat wave that saw temperatures reach into the 90s.

Instructional Coach and Science Faculty, Elizabeth Farrell, says, “The temperature stability we now enjoy is so important to improved air circulation during science labs, maintaining the

precision of our electronic equipment, and is an added safety measure for our chemical storage.The automated lighting feeds our energy-saving/environmental awareness philosophy. Austin Prep now has a physical learning environment to match the intellectual and spiritual one we’ve always provided.”

The HVAC and classroom modernization project is an indication of Austin Prep’s bright future and continued growth. As the school closed a year of celebrating its 60th anniversary – Austin Prep first admitted students in 1963 – the project was also a symbolic step forward as the school rises to meet the challenge of the next 60 years and beyond. It is likely that the only time Austin Prep experienced a project of a similar magnitude in its 60-year history was when the cornerstone was laid.

The summer infrastructure project was the next in a line of considerable additions to the campus footprint in recent years, including a completely renovated Dining Hall with all-inclusive dining plan in 2018; a state-of-the-art athletic complex, including a baseball stadium with synthetic playing surface, playing space for soccer and field hockey, and a six court tennis facility in 2020; and a new modular and flexible science lab to support teaching and learning in the life, chemical, and physical sciences in both the Upper and Middle Schools, plus renovations to the Chapel of St. Augustine in 2022.

As you can tell from Austin Prep’s recent transformation, the generosity of our donors is nothing less than extraordinary and has extended to every aspect of our operation, from academics, teaching and learning, to infrastructure, to sports, co-curricular activities, and spiritual development.

As a result of the summer work, it’s unmistakable that Austin Prep’s instructional space has been transformed – it’s bright, modern, and well-equipped to begin the school’s next 60 years.

“one of the most complex projects we’ve completed for Austin Prep yet, renovating 70,000 square feet across the entire academic building.”

Matt Pimentel ’ 01, Vice President of Construction

Classroom Demolition Begins

Hallway Demolition Begins

Class Of 1973 Celebrates 50th Reunion

As a part of Commencement Weekend, we welcomed back the Class of 1973 for their 50th Austin Prep Reunion, as well as the Classes of 1966-1972.

Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A. celebrated Mass prior to joining alumni and their guests for dinner in the Austin Prep Dining Hall. In addition to touring campus, Alumni had the opportunity to join Dr. Hickey for conversation and hear about what lies ahead for their alma mater.

We look forward to celebrating 50 years with the Class of 1974 on May 16th - 18th.

Hall Of Fame Class of 2023

Inducted

The Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals and teams who have made significant and lasting contributions to Austin Prep athletics and have achieved a high standard of athletic success.

The Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and Administration were proud to honor the athletes and coaches selected for the Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023 at a ceremony on campus, Saturday, April 29th.

Jim McAdam Head Ice Hockey Coach

1999 Football Team

Bill Maradei P ’11, ’12 | Head Football Coach

Arianna Rigano ’06 Girls Ice Hockey

Fr. Art Johnson O.S.A. and alumni reminisce

Dr. James Hickey, Head of School addresses alumni at dinner

Commencement 2023

Austin Prep celebrated the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023, Friday, May 19th on Father Seymour Field. Friends, family, faculty, staff, Austin Prep Board of Trustees and graduates came together for Mass and the conferring of diplomas for members of the Class of 2023.

Celebrant Most Rev. Arthur L. Kennedy, Ph.D., Retired Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, gave great insight into the development of a young St. Augustine, detailing three major conversions in his life: one intellectual, one religious, and one moral. In doing so, Bishop Kennedy affirmed for the graduates the great Augustinian tradition in which they have been trained while at Austin Prep. “But this experience is not over yet, “ Bishop Kennedy said. “This is just one stage in the Journey.”

Caroline Kelly, Class of 2023 Salutatorian, addressed the wide array of opportunities she was presented while at Austin Prep, specifically opportunities that came about unknowingly or as a result of adversity. Caroline referenced the new friends she made as a result of her COVID-19 related academic cohort (members of the Class of 2023 were freshman in March of 2020), and Austin Prep’s flexibility surrounding the Senior Class trip to Disney World, which allowed her to both win a NEPSAC Championship in cross country and visit Disney with classmates. “Our Austin Prep journey has been full of trial and error, but has led us to a better understanding of ourselves. Whatever path you chose, Austin Prep allowed all of us to find our passions,” Caroline said.

Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Olivia Ferri, reflected not only on the legacy that will be left behind by the Class of 2023, but also how that legacy has helped provide the tools of intelligence, leadership, integrity, and compassion for the class as they move on in their Journey. “As we step out of the classroom and into the world, I hope your choices are coupled with introspection, your brilliance with comedy, your accomplishment with humility, and your warmth with sincerity. hope you consider how you choose to sow the seeds of your life and foster their growth. And most importantly, I hope you remember your classmates at Austin Prep, the years you gave to them, and the years they gave back to you,” Olivia said.

While addressing the graduates, James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27, in his tenth year as Head of School at Austin Prep, pondered the question “how can we end polarization?” But he did so through two seemingly different and conflicting lenses: the Augustinian hearts developed in Austin Prep graduates to help guide, inspire, and give courage on the Journey ahead, and ChatGPT, the natural language processing tool driven by AI technology that allows you to have human-like conversations and much more with a chatbot. The ChatGPT response to ending polarization was Augustinian in nature, emphasizing unity, shared purpose, humility, love, respect, and belonging. “It occurred to me that 21st century ChatGPT could be a direct descendent of 4th century Augustine,” Dr. Hickey said. “Essentially, 1,600 years ago St. Augustine offered some timeless advice, and that advice which is applicable to the challenges of 2023, was picked up by AI.”

“Artificial intelligence, however, will not stop wars between nations, it will not stamp out bigotry and intolerance, it will not promote unconditional love, or solve the societal challenges that just seem to be multiplying,” Dr. Hickey added. “What will make the world better is the human intelligence of an Augustinian Heart and with your Austin Prep diploma in hand, you leave here today and begin the next part of your Journey – with an Augustinian heart. And the world needs more Augustinian Hearts out there.”

The event included remarks from Board of Trustees Chair, Mr. Daniel Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15, who expressed admiration for the Class of 2023 for the wisdom and growth

class members attained as a result of the persistent change, adjustment, and expansion experienced during their Austin Prep Journey. Mr. Bouchard also referenced the impact of the Austin Prep experience on his own children, all three who have since graduated from college and are pursuing their professional lives. “ I remain extraordinarily grateful for all that Austin Prep did to prepare them for college and life beyond,” Mr. Bouchard said. “When they graduated, they may not have fully understood the real gift of the education they received. But as young professionals, they now see the importance of the indispensable values of service and citizenship. They now appreciate that the fullest life involves a commitment to act for the benefit of other people.”

Mr. Bouchard also noted that the Class of 2023 has been collectively awarded more than $31 million in scholarships to some of the top colleges and universities in the United States.

Following that, to commemorate the ten-year anniversary of Dr. Hickey’s tenure as Head of School, Mr. Bouchard announced on behalf of the Board of Trustees the commissioning of a new award, The Dr. James Hickey Leadership Award. This award will be presented annually to a student who best exemplifies Dr. Hickey’s qualities of integrity, leadership, and service before self. The award will honor a graduating senior who exemplified an untiring commitment to mission – to veritas, unitas, and caritas — and who has had a significant impact on the Austin Prep community. The first Dr. James Hickey Leadership Award was presented to Jaclyn Brand ’23.

Roger Stone leads Class of 2023 processional

Valedictorian Olivia Ferri ’23

Trustee Tom Flynn ’ 83 joines Dr. Hickey to present the first Dr. James Hickey Leadership award to Jaclyn Brand ’23

35th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament

We had another beautiful day on Monday, May 22nd for the 35th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament, held at Indian Ridge Country Club. The event was a great success with a full-flight of golfers!

The Annual Golf Tournament is vital in our efforts to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for all our students. A special thank you to alumni families for their 2023 Title Sponsorships: Pimentel Construction and Quirk Construction Corp. This year, proceeds from the golf tournament helped support the new heating system upgrades and the addition of air conditioning in McLaughlin Hall to provide a comfortable learning environment in the classroom for our students and faculty.

Winning golfers list:

1st Place Team: John Caron P’24, ’25, Meghan Caron P’24, ’25, Sean Keane, Brian Tisbert P’26

2nd Place Team: Matt Pimentel ’01, Jeff Kennedy, Dennis Sullivan ’01, Mark Saindon

3rd Place Team: Hratch Minassian P’26, ’29, Joseph Aceto, James Abbot P’23, ’28, Leigh Martinson P’21, ’24, ’26

Closest to the Pin, Hole #7, Men: Mike Swift P’05, ’07

Closest to the Pin, Hole #7, Women: Cheryl DeLorenzo

Longest Drive, Men: Nate Budrow

Longest Drive, Women: Meghan Caron P’24, ’25

Thank you to our Student Volunteers:

Zachary Bova ’25

Cameron Morrow ’25

Special Thanks to Austin Prep Staff:

Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain

Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School, Administration

Mrs. Nicole Barletta P’28, ’29 Administrative Assistant, Main Office

Mrs. Michelle Connor P’25, ’28, Assistant Head of School, Head of Upper School

Mrs. Brianna Driscoll, Administrative Assistant, Admissions

Mrs. Kasey Field P ’29, Administrative Assistant, Development

Mr. Tyler Fleming P’28, ’30, Director of Communications

Mrs. Laurie Gillis, Director of Annual Giving

Dr. James Hickey P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27, Head of School

Mrs. Allyson Jaena P’19, ’22, ’26, Student Accounts Manager

Mr. Matt Mulcahy ’10, Communications Assistant

Mr. Ryan Patrie, Director of Admissions

Mrs. Lisa Simmons P’24, ’25, ’27, ’30, Assistant Director of Admissions

Sponsors

A1 Datashred, LLC

All Owners Drain Cleaning

Austin Preparatory School Teachers Association

B & L Mechanical and Consulting

Baerlein & Partners, Inc

BDS Group Inc.

Ms. Susan E. Belanger

Dr. Maria Blewitt & Mr. Stephen Blewitt

Blue Sky Tower

Boston Freightliner, Inc.

Boston Hill Fence LLC

Bunratty Tavern

Burbank YMCA

Capone Landscaping, Inc.

Champions Choice Apparel, LLC

CL&H Energy

Comak Brothers, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Connor P’25,’28

Constant Temperature Systems Inc.

Cora Operations Inc

CSL Consulting, LLC

DeMoulas Foundation

Douglas Funeral Home

Endicott College

Five-O Promo

Frame One, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Christopher J. Frommelt P’07, ’11

Grinnell Mechanical, Inc.

Hannaford & Dumas Corporation

Dr. & Mrs. James Hickey P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27

Humboldt Storage and Moving

Huntress Sports

Inello Electric LLC

J.G. MacLellan Concrete Co., Inc.

Kirkwood Printing Company

LaPlume & Sons Printing

Latham Law Offices, LLC

Lendah

LSS Consulting Group LLC

McKenna & Partners

McLane Middleton

NRT Bus, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Oostman P’24, ’26, ’28

Perfect Parties USA

Perin & Campbell Electric, Inc.

Pimentel Construction Company

PRRI

PwC

Quirk Construction Corporation

Reading Rotary Charitable Trust

Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce

Drs. Ruben and Emma Reyes P’24,’26

RSM US LLP

S

G Mechanical, Inc.

Sage Dining Services, Inc.

Salem Five Charitable Foundation

Sanitrol Building Maintenance Corp.

Sarkisian Farms Driving Range, LLC

Shea Concrete Products, Inc.

Mr. Jason Slye and Mrs. Jill Slye ’99 P’27,’29

Specialized Roofing Company

Stoneham Bank

Tycon Development

UBS Financial Services

VACO

Wakefield Custom Dental

Winn Street Service

Memorial Scholarships Awarded

Scholarship Recipients

The Austin Prep Teachers Association Scholarship

Max Domenici ’26

The Ross A. Alameddine ’05 Memorial Scholarship

Emma Losolfo ’24

The John V. Aliberti ’70 Memorial Scholarship

Nora Moodie ’26

The Thomas N. Callahan ’10 Memorial Scholarship

Owen Sperling ’25

The Kristen M. Corbett ’08 Memorial Scholarship

Maeve Lomasney ’26 & Kylie McDonald ’24

The Francis J. Cummings Memorial Scholarship

Marcus Villarroel ’26

The Michael R. Darwin ’82 Memorial Scholarship

Isabel Henderson ’25

The Francis T. Duggan Memorial Scholarship

Tyler Mathew ’26 & Madison Mangino ’26

We were honored to announce Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year at a special breakfast and ceremony on May 25. Students in Grades 9-11 were eligible to apply for the awards and recipients demonstrated significant academic achievement and service contributions to the Austin Prep community, among other qualities. Memorial Scholarships are available to our students due to the generosity of Austin Prep families and friends who have created funds in memory of a loved one. We are proud of our students and grateful for the support of those who make these scholarships possible.

The Alyce and Fred Gilfeather Memorial Scholarship

Caroline Brabeck ’25

The Margot E. Girodet Memorial Scholarship

Lauren Neal ’24

The Scott J. Heseltine ’82 Memorial Scholarship

Vera Masciarelli ’25

The James M. McGonagle, II ’01 Memorial Scholarship

Madison McCarthy ’25

The George “Matt” Miller Memorial Scholarship

Alison Joyner ’26

The Alyssa Nanopoulos ’08 Memorial Scholarship

Keira Gagne ’26

The David E. Nelson ’81 Memorial Scholarship

Jonathan Burke ’24

The David F. O’Donnell Memorial Scholarship

Peter Pavlakos ’24 & Victoria Liwanag ’25

The Herbert W. Peterson, Jr. & Claire M. Peterson

Memorial Scholarship

Madeleine Fisher ’26

The Martha and Arthur Pimentel GP’99, GP’01

Memorial Scholarship

Avery Emerton ’25

The Aristides “Artie” C. Speros, Jr. ’85

Memorial Scholarship

Allison Jenks ’25

The Michael G. Sverdlove ’14 Memorial Scholarship

Katherine Millett ’24

Jack Peterson ’25

The William H. Turner Scholarship

Luke Brezner ’25

We are pleased to announce that the Austin Prep Annual Report is now online! Your support and engagement are integral to our school’s success and we thank you for your generosity!

Simply Scan the QR Code

Community Dances the Night Away at the Black Tie Gala

We had an amazing celebration September 15th as nearly 300 parents, past parents, faculty, alumni, Trustees and friends celebrated Austin Prep’s 60th Anniversary at the Burlington Marriott. It was an unforgettable dinner and dancing event, noting the accomplishments of yesterday, embracing the opportunities of today, and imagining the future with pride, confidence, and optimism.

One of the highlights of the evening was the premiere of a video piece documenting our strong history with an eye towards the future. You can view the video by subscribing to Austin Prep’s Youtube channel.

We are grateful for all our students, staff, parents, past parents, alumni, Trustees, friends and more, for the six decades of unwavering support and for being an essential part of our school’s legacy. We look forward to many more years of partnership and success.

Let

Austin Prep Concludes 60th Anniversary Celebration with Convocation

On Thursday, September 14th, Austin Prep marked the official start of the academic year with the celebration of the annual Convocation Liturgy. Austin Prep welcomed Seán Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of Boston, as the principal celebrant and homilist. The celebration, open to parents and live streamed to the school community, also helped conclude Austin Prep’s 60th Anniversary Celebration.

Complete with the pageantry expected of Convocation –including the procession of students carrying class banners, welcomed by faculty in academic regalia to the sounds of the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums – this year’s liturgy continued to include a parade of flags representing the national heritages of those in our school community. Over 80 national flags were included.

Ava Intoppa ’24, School-Wide Student Government President, began the ceremony by addressing her classmates. “I am honored to have the opportunity to welcome Cardinal O’Malley to campus today to celebrate this special mass and bless the school year as we close out our 60th anniversary, and look forward to a new chapter of our story, “ Ava said. “I am also honored to address all of you, my teachers, classmates, and friends here today to celebrate our membership in this community and our love for God and one another. I am extremely excited for the year that is to come, and even more excited to be able to experience it with all of you and to see what each member of this student community will do.”

Cardinal O’Malley began his remarks by thanking all those who over the past 60 years have helped make Austin Prep the institution that it is, then reflected on the importance of Catholic education.

“In a time of more people living alone, a part of Catholic education is bringing us together to discover our connectedness,” Cardinal O’Malley said. “It is our faith that allows us to discover the meaning and value of things. Who we are made in the image and likeness of God. What is our mission? What is our purpose? All of this is so important in Catholic Education.”

Head of School, Dr. James Hickey P’22, ’23, ’24 ’27, welcomed those in attendance, thanked Cardinal Seán for his support of Austin Prep over the years, and congratulated him on recently celebrating 20 years as the Archbishop of Boston. Dr. Hickey made note of the attendance of Augustinian Friars Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A., Fr. Peter Gori ’70, and Trustee Fr. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A. and the Augustinians of the Assumption, who joined the Austin Prep community this year.

“60 years is certainly a significant milestone, but when you place those 60 years in the context of St. Augustine’s heritage, the milestone is a bit diminished, “ Dr. Hickey said. “St. Augustine was born in 354, and for nearly 1700 years his legacy has endured. Our 60 years is only one tiny part of 17 centuries. Our restless Journey in the footsteps of Augustine has kept Austin Prep steady, and determined, and resolute. We have much to celebrate, and much to be proud of.”

In closing, Dr. Hickey added, that despite our successes, “St. Augustine told us that ‘humility must be with us everywhere. For as soon as we glory in our good works, they are of no further value to our advancement to virtue.’”

the night begin!

Sue Belanger, Assistant Head of School - Administration, Allyson Jaena & Patty Fothergill, Business Office Colleagues

Tom Flynn 83, Trustee

Dr. James Hickey, Head

Preparing to serve the Nation. ALUMNI PROFILES

Emily Hickey ’20

Veterans’ Day is a day set aside annually to honor and recognize veterans of the United States Armed Services. What better way to spend it than speaking with future service officer and Austin Prep alum, Emily Hickey ’20.

We spoke while Emily was taking a break between classes at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, where she is a senior, majoring in Intelligence with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Upon graduation in May, Emily expects to be a commissioned officer and will be carrying out her commitment within the Surface Warfare community.

Before then, she will continue as two-time captain of the Citadel women’s track and field team where she is a pole vaulter, a sport she began at Austin Prep.

Growing up, Emily was a gymnast but when she arrived at Austin Prep in the sixth grade following her older brother, the Melrose native decided she wanted to play on school teams, and she was just in time for the new track with a vaulting pit.

Attending the Citadel was a natural jump. Emily always knew she wanted a career in the military, following in the steps of her father, a former Army Military Policeman, and both grandfathers, who were also veterans.

Going to college in Charleston allows her to pursue that dream as well as participate in Division 1 athletics, a combination she would not be able to do at most universities.

Starting at the Citadel in August right after graduating from Austin Prep, Covid hit and made the traditional ’Knob’ first year even more challenging.

Adapting to military discipline is hard for anyone. Doing it with a mask on is even tougher. But Emily persevered and even helped classmates learn the ropes.

The Citadel takes pride in training future leaders and Emily has found the experience fulfilling. She says one aspect of leadership is having empathy for others.

Between a close family and what she learned at Austin Prep about caring for others, that has been a strength she has been able to develop, and it has been recognized. Today she is her Company’s Human Affairs Officer, a role like being a Resident Advisor at other schools.

She is also a representative on the Honor Court, and sometimes called on to adjudicate violations of the cadet honor code: “A Cadet does not lie, cheat or steal, nor tolerate those who do”.

At the Citadel it is more than a promise to the corps. It is a way of life.

On Veteran’s Day one is reminded to say ’Thank You for Your Service’ to those in the Armed Forces.

As she looks forward to a five-year commitment on active duty starting in May, hopefully the start of a long, distinguished military career, we reflect on all Emily learned while on her Austin Prep Journey, and thank her for future service to our country.

ALUMNI PROFILES

How To Succeed In Business, Life, and Everything else.

Billy DeLuca ’00

Asked for a selling secret only an insider would know, Billy DeLuca ’00 says: “Be honest. Be helpful. Never boast and never pretend you know something you don’t really know.” Then he laughs. “That’s not what you were expecting, is it?”

It is a concept that can be traced back to Billy’s time as an Austin Prep student, and the importance that Augustinians placed on humility, viewed as a central piece of Christian faith.

As Vice President of the DeLuca Family of Dealerships, Billy leads an organization that sells hundreds of vehicles a year. By any measure he is a master salesman – but don’t ask him about the art of persuasion.

“Sales is not about talking people into things,” he says. “If you want to succeed at sales consistently, you’ve got to change your point of view. I’m there to solve problems for customers, and there are lots of ways I can do that, lots of ways I can set up a win for that person. It might be a different financing option, a pre-owned vehicle instead of a new one, oftentimes it’s something the customer wasn’t even thinking about when they came in. What’s important is that they feel they were treated right when they leave. Treat clients like family and you will succeed in the long run. It’s as simple as that.”

Billy has equally specific advice for students going into their first jobs. “Never take the easy way out. Not many people are willing to work for things anymore and management knows that. Surprise them.

“And be willing to fail. Every good salesperson knows you have to ask for the order at least half a dozen times before the customer is ready to say “yes”. But most people won’t even ask once because they’re afraid of being turned down. Don’t be that kind of person. Overcome objections patiently, one by one. Be willing to hear the word “no” without going to pieces, without giving up. You will never succeed if you don’t ask for the sale, whatever that means in a given context.”

Billy believes that it’s Austin Prep’s job to get kids ready for college and a career. “That’s why they call it a prep school!” he quips. On a more serious note, he points out that the lessons every Austin Prep student learns create a foundation for success.

“The same principles apply at school and on the job. Show up on time. Demonstrate your dedication. Do what it takes to get the job done. Focus. If you have any kind of management role, help others. Train them, support them, give them a chance to succeed. Nobody does well right out of the gate.”

According to Billy, passion is vital to success and he urges students to use their time at Austin Prep to explore possibilities. “Start now,” he says. “Don’t stop looking until you find something you can commit yourself to totally. Choose a career you are absolutely passionate about. Internships are a great way to do that, even in high school.”

(Asked whether he would be willing to provide internships for Austin Prep students, Billy didn’t hesitate for a moment. “I definitely would!”)

Sports were a major source of life lessons for Billy, especially football. “Here’s where you learn about self-discipline, meeting expectations, and bonding with others,” he says. “Being on a team is where you develop resilience, grit, and the will to win.

He adds, “The new emphasis on “personal branding” in sports gets it all wrong. What I took away from my time on sports teams is the relationship between the individual and the group. The group comes first. Always.”

He believes strongly that the education one receives as a team member is so valuable that every student should have the opportunity to play a team sport while at Austin Prep.

Billy cites his time under the legendary Coach Maradei during the Super Bowl season of 1999 as his most significant experience.

In fact, the story of the Cougars in that decade perfectly captures Billy’s ideas about persistence, grit, leadership, teamwork, and insisting on high expectations, even when the odds of success are not promising.

The ’93 and ’94 seasons were tough slogs for Maradei and his teams, but in ’95 they finished 7-3. Hopes ran high the next year when they reached their first Super Bowl, but they were shut out 20-0 by Weston.

Maradei got back to work and three years later it was Austin Prep that posted the shutout, 24-0 against West Bridgewater.

Afterward, quarterback Derek Mazza spoke for the team – if not the entire school – when he said, “Having a winning senior year is all that matters. Everything else in the past is so minimal, you don’t even consider it. You only use the past to grow from it and become a champion, which is what we are today.”

Billy DeLuca sees ongoing success for Austin Prep and he clearly intends to be part of it.

Over the next ten years, he anticipates continued growth in enrollment, academic prominence, facilities, co-curricular programming, and the active involvement of alumni.

He is also a great believer in community service and would like to see Austin Prep present kids with even more opportunities to give back.

Finally, if he could tell Austin Prep faculty and school leaders one thing it would be to “Keep developing entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders. That’s what the world needs right now and that’s what Austin Prep has always been good at doing.”

’02

Michael Parr ’02 was named the 2023 Fire and Life Safety Educator of the Year in Massachusetts. Captain Mike Parr was one of five fire safety educators nominated for the award.

The Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year Award honors an individual or a team for their involvement and commitment to making our world safer from fire and other preventable injuries. It recognizes those who have shown excellence in educating their community and demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance

Steven Jepeal ’12 recently made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. A co-founder of Allium Engineering, Allium, develops coatings for structural engineering and construction projects that enable buildings and bridges to last centuries instead of decades. It partnered with a major U.S.-based steelmaker to validate and scale its technology and is working with Departments of Transportation in Florida and Virginia to build more sustainable, durable, and resilient roads and bridges. It raised $1.2 million.

Thomas Duff ’67 began a new chapter in his life in January when he retired from Pediatric Practice after 50 years in medicine, and looks forward to spending time with family, friends and traveling.

Lawrence Norman ’77 retired on December 29, 2022 after 40 years as a Program Coordinator III with the Municipal Police Training Committee.

Lawrence (Marzec)-Gerrior ’72 shares that the inspiration for his career of 25 years teaching chemistry in the public sector came from the Austin Prep science department. Most specifically Fr. Johnson and Fr. Shank who guided him in a direction to love science, nature and teaching.

John “Jack” Mawn ’80 Lieutenant Colonel John E. Mawn, Jr. was appointed Interim Colonel of the Massachusetts State Police by Governor Maura T. Healey on Friday, February 17, 2023. Before this role, Mawn served as Commander of the Division of Investigative Services, which investigates homicides and other violent crimes, crimes against children, narcotics offenses, cybercrime, and organized crime investigations. With more than 400 members across 24 units, the Division provides dedicated service to the Commonwealth’s 11 District Attorney’s Offices, the Office of the Attorney General, and the State Fire Marshal’s fire investigation team.

Convocation Parade of Flags

Michael Parr

Engagements & Weddings

Future Austin Prep Cougars

Reunions & Visits

Whether on break from school or just passing through town, we love it when our alumni visit!

The day before Thanksgiving break, Joe Blanchette ’67 stopped by to say hi and check out campus. Joe’s next stop was meeting up with former classmates, Vasken Bogosian ’67 and Mike Bergeron ’67.

William Zhao ’22 stopped by campus on January 31st to say hello and visit with Mr. Sun (math faculty) and the math team. Currently a sophomore at WPI, William is getting ready to spend a semester in Germany and wanted to visit campus & Mr. Sun once more before embarking.

Also visiting campus on Thanksgiving Eve was the Class of 2023. The members of the class gathered in the Dining Hall to connect with classmates, faculty and staff as Austn Prep continues the tradition of welcoming back the past year’s graduating class the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

The New Year started

Wedge

Ryan’s Wedding Party had seven Austin Prep

Alumns:

Andrew Leighton ’11 - Best Man

Kyle Kirby ’11 – Best Man

Tyler Sullivan ’11

Dom DiRupo ’11

Matt Devoe ’11

Kevin Widzinski ’11

Steve Barker ’11

Abby’s Bridesmaids included: Rachael Wedge ’08

Other graduates in the crowd are: Scott Wedge ’84

Zach Vieira ’11

Emily Heffernam ’11

Eugenia Amerral ’11

Other Attendees:

Ken Wedge P’08, ’11 IT Director 20012012; Assistant Coach, Girls Hockey and Karen Wedge P’08, ’11

Luciano Cornelio P’11 & Maria Cornelio P’11

Pictured here with Tony Biscardi ’88, Deborah Berube ’08 married Michael McIntyre ’06 on December 1st, 2023 at The Barn at Gibbet Hill, Groton, MA

Katherine O’Neil ’06 and her husband Joshua McKinnon welcomed their first child Olive James on April 16, 2023.

Jamie (Hodnett) ’11 and Conor Kelly welcomed their first child, a daughter, Harper James Kelly, on December 16, 2022.

off with a mini Austin Prep reunion! On New Year’s Eve, Ryan

’11 married Abigail (Abby) Mitchell.

You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in You.

In Paradisum

Andrew Black ’70

Timothy B. Bourke ’90

Gary S. Brien ’87

Lorraine Caron, Grandparent of Julia ’15 and Christopher ’20 Roselli

Jennifer Chavez

James J. Connolly, Father of James ’80 and Mark ’83 Connolly, Grandfather of Joseph ’15 and Fiona ’20 Connolly

Dr. Stephen deGaravilla, Father of Amy Doucette ’98, Andrew deGaravilla ’00 and Julie Merrigan ’01

Daniel Conroy, Father of Devin ’16 and Sean ’17 Conroy

Keith D’Entremont ’72

Augustine of Hippo (354–430), in Confessions

Rosamond J. Dorrance, Grandparent of Elizabeth Dorrance ’00

Robert Dunnigan, Father of Kathleen Mann

Raymond Elden ’84

Richard J. Ferrara ’68

Richard J. Foley ’87

Jeffrey Foresta ’90

Charles Harkins, Jr. P’25, Step-Father of Madison Valade’25

Kevin Lawless ’67

Eric Liwanag, Father of Victoria ’25 and Emilio ’27 Liwanag

Kevin G. Loughry ’71, Brother of Daniel Loughry ’69

Philip G. MacDonald ’87

John Newton ’67

William Phinney, Father of Caleigh Murphy ’27

Elinor F. Ricker, Mother of Michael Fahey

Michael Riordan ’67, Father of Matthew Riordan ’90

Michael Scanlon, Father of Patrick ’14 and Taylor ’18 Scanlon

Gregory Shea ’75

This list contains the names shared with us as of January 24,2024. If you would like to list a loved one in Journey Magazine, please contact Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School - Administration sbelanger@austinprep.org

Cardinal Seán Patrick O’Malley with the Daughters of Mary and Dr. James Hickey, Head of School

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.

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Save-the-date for these upcoming 2024 events:

April 27, 2024, Alumni on Campus Celebration, A 60th Anniversary Celebration hosted by Austin Prep and Joey Carregal ’05

May 18 – 20, 2024 50th Reunion Events: Class of 1974

May 20, 2024 Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament

events

@AustinPrep

@AustinPrep Austin Prep Alumni

@austinprepschool

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

For 60 years, Austin Prep has created an academic experience to meet the ever-changing needs of its students in the classroom and beyond.This is an accomplishment made possible through the School’s unwavering commitment to veritas, unitas and caritas and the continued support and generosity of the Austin Prep community – of parents, grandparents, alumni and friends.

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 781-944-4900 ext. 770 www.austinprep.org

The Austin Prep Fund is the cornerstone of fundraising at Austin Prep, and provides annual, flexible dollars for key programs and priorities, and the funding to address unforeseen needs throughout the year. Your gift makes an indelible impact on current students, as well as future students. Your gift makes extraordinary possible at Austin Prep.

www.austinprep.org/support-austin-prep or simply scan the QR code

Take a TOUR OF CAMPUS Today

Alumni are welcome to make an appointment and return to 101 Willow Street for an exclusive tour of campus update.