FALL 2012 - WINTER 2013
Looking to the Future Atrium Addition, 50th Celebrations & 500K Challenge Success
ALSO INSIDE: • Spring ’12 Sports • Alumni News: Weddings, Bib Babies and More • Welcome Class of 2016
le t te r fro m t he PRINCIPA L/CHi ef A dm inis tr ator
Dear Friends, As we celebrate the Year of Faith, it is an honor and a privilege to have such faith in you – our generous supporters. Your support and faith in Northwest Catholic allow us to continue to provide an outstanding college preparatory education in the Catholic tradition to hundreds of students each year. Improvements to our facilities are but an outward sign of the continued examination and improvement that occurs regularly in our curriculum and activities; in how we teach and learn; in how we make a difference. Although we have accomplished many projects as part of the 50th Anniversary, there are still improvements to be made that will only continue to enhance everything about NWC. As we have focused on Faith this year, our students have learned more about their own faith and especially how to put their faith into action to help others. As challenging as the many personal situations that families deal with are, the NWC community was particularly touched recently by the tragedy in Sandy Hook. I am sure that many of our alumni can recall having been in school in a moment of local, national or worldwide tragedy. You recall the feelings of sadness or anger or shock in response to the assassinations of President Kennedy or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Challenger disaster, the Columbine shootings, 9/11 or tragedies in our own NWC family. Looking back on those experiences I feel confident that we can all say today that our faith helped us get through the difficult times. Belonging to a nurturing and caring faith community gave us the strength to learn from that experience, to help someone else or to respond to challenges later in life. We pray daily for those who have been affected by the tragedy in Sandy Hook, that God will give everyone the comfort and strength they need. We are also proud to know how many in our extended community have stepped up to help and continue the outreach. Although (due to our publishing calendar) you will not see evidence of this particular faith journey in this edition, I hope that you follow our website, Facebook page and news alerts for information. What you will find in this edition of Logos is a common thread of reaching out to others and serving the community. In particular, we had the opportunity to remember our founding principal in a special way this fall as we dedicated the Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium. The school that Fr. Colton started with a small group of dedicated educators has blossomed into a school of the 21st century that is responsive to the social issues of our time and always seeks the bedrock of our existence, our Catholic faith, to help us be the best people we can be and to graduate young people who will truly make a difference in the world. I am so very proud of all that you have accomplished and I encourage us all to put our faith into action every day of our lives in even the smallest gesture of kindness to our neighbor. That is what makes our NWC community special and one to which you will always belong.
Sincerely,
Margaret R. Williamson Principal/Chief Administrator
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Contents Fa l l 2 0 12 - W in ter 2 0 13
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Looking to the Future NWC Celebrates New Facilities
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A Family Connection
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Challenge Gift an Overwhelming Success
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Northwest Catholic Names New School President
13
Saying GoodBye to Richard Callahan
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NWC Bids Farewell to the Class of 2012
Departments Send us your e-mail address! Help us cut down on paper and postage, while still keeping you posted about NWC news. Send to jleary@nwcath.org.
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ADVANCEMENT NEWS
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NEWS FROM 29 WAMP
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SPORTS NEWS
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ALUMNI NEWS
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LOGOS
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ollowing our special 50th Anniversary Edition, Logos now returns to a biannual publication schedule. In this issue, we bring NWC’s 50th Anniversary to a close with a look back at the last few months of that banner year. We also look ahead to the next 50 years. This also marks my first issue as editor of Logos and my return to my alma mater. It has been fantastic coming back to NWC and seeing all the great things that have happened here since I graduated nearly a decade ago. I look forward to sharing with you all the wonderful things that happen at NWC, as well as hearing about all the wonderful things NWC alumni are accomplishing.
The Greek word or logos (pronounced lo-gaas) is defined as “word” or “meaning.” St. John’s Gospel opens: “In the beginning was Logos (the Word), and Logos was with God, and Logos was God.” The phrase “Word (Logos) of God,” found in John 1:1 and elsewhere, shows God’s desire and ability to “speak” to the human. The Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs (the founding Order of Northwest Catholic) have been noted for their effective ability to preach the word. The mission of the Dominicans is to provide intellectual formation, social communication, and service through word and action. Our publication, Logos, conveys our mission and values through this medium of the word. Logos is published twice a year by the Communications Department of Northwest Catholic High School. Please send comments or suggestions to: Kimberly Sanders ’03 Northwest Catholic High School 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.4221 x133 ksanders@nwcath.org Editor: Kimberly Sanders ’03 Principal/Chief Administrator: Margaret Williamson Design:
GO media
Photography:
Upcoming Events
Meghan Walsh Aguirre ’05
Bill Rice
Beth Casey Boyle ’96
Katie Rose
Amy Griffin Buzzell ’97
Kimberly Sanders ’03
Derek Donnelly ‘98
Cara McNamara Sandhu ’01
Kevin Dowd ’77
Kerri Smith
David C. Eustis, Jr.
Korrie Koch Sprong ’01
Adrian Hatch ’13
Colby Thresher
HILL Class
Christopher Darcy Twomey ’86
Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame
Sadie Martinez ’13
Matt Velazquez ’06
Michelle M. Murphy
Rich Wagner, Imagine It Framed
April 27th at 6pm
NOWECA Staff
West Hartford Magazine
Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94
Kathleen Williamson ’08 Margaret Williamson
Spring Musical Singin’ in the Rain April 5th and 6th at 7:30pm, April 7th at 2pm
Lindsey Pelletier Ramsdell ’02
Jazz Night May 4th from 7-11pm
Grandparents’ Day May 16th
Art Show and Dance Recital May 16th at 6:30 and 7:30pm
Pardon Us Please
SprinG Instrumental and Choral Concert May 21 at 7pm st
36th Annual Golf Tournament June 3rd (9-Hole at 8am, 18-Hole at 11:30am)
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Corrections from Logos - Special Edition One of the Originals banners featured incorrect photos of Ron Ferri and Sister Marie Veritas. On page 45 of the previous edition Molly Deneen ‘14 was misidentified as Emma Deneen ‘14 in the lacrosse photo.
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Celebrating 5 0 YEAR S
Looking to the Future NWC Celebrates New Facilities
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or 70 days over the summer, Northwest Catholic was in a state of transition. The main entrance was torn down, so that a new modern one could be built in its place. The front parking lot was being redone. The Richard Rice Auditorium was being updated. And with just days to go until school began, the projects were completed. A few weeks later, it was a day for celebration as Archbishop Henry J. Mansell dedicated and blessed the Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium and the newly named stage in the Richard Rice Auditorium and the new tech booth in the auditorium. The Sept. 24 event honored the legacy of those in whose honor the new and improved facilities were named. It was also a time to express gratitude toward those whose generosity made the $1.2 million project possible. The Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium, named after the school’s founding principal by a gift from Laura Connelly Allen ’65 and her husband Richard, provides a bright, inviting and modern area for the NWC community to gather and welcome visitors. The atrium features a wireless hub for the brand new school-wide wireless network, as well as a widescreen television that displays photos and school announcements. A paver walkway, donated by the parents of the Class of 2012
as a legacy gift to NWC, leads to the main entrance doors of the atrium, named the Irene Dower Bourret Memorial Entrance by a gift from Mrs. Bourret’s family. The Rice Auditorium also underwent major changes with a new state-of-the-art sound system; a rear projection screen and video system; and a state-of-the-art lighting system with a new dimmer control rack, control panel and new LED lighting instruments. The stage is now named for William H. Mortensen, a former neighbor and supporter of NWC, by a gift from the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation. The Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation also contributed to the auditorium improvements, helping to fund the new tech booth. Archbishop Mansell called the dedication a time to “recognize the generosity of those who have gone before us…those who made this day possible.” Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson noted that the improved facilities are a visual sign of the quality of education Northwest students receive. “From the beautiful cross outside the atrium to the modern classrooms inside,” she said, “people will come to understand that only the very best education in the Catholic tradition continues to be offered at Northwest Catholic High School.”
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Donors and guests socialize in the Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium.
Archbishop Mansell blesses the cross outside the new atrium.
Archbishop Mansell speaks with Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson and former NWC President Rev. Henry C. Frascadore.
Archbishop Mansell with Marion Barrak and Joseph Chaho from the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation.
Archbishop Mansell and Margaret Williamson with Bob Carter from the William and Alice Mortensen Foundation.
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A Family Connection
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hen the Irene Dower Bourret Memorial Entrance was dedicated in September, it marked the latest chapter in a long-standing relationship. Irene Dower Bourret was the niece of Alice Mortensen, in whose memory the Mortensen Theater is named. The stage in the Richard Rice Auditorium is named after Alice’s husband, William. It’s a family connection formed over 40 years ago, when the Mortensen family was looking to move from Hartford to West Hartford. One place they were shown was across the street from Northwest Catholic. Irene Bourret, knowing her son Tim would one day attend Northwest Catholic, liked the idea of Aunt Alice living across the street from her son’s future high school, and she successfully campaigned to have her aunt buy the house. And that was the start of the Mortensen family’s long and enduring relationship with NWC. The Mortensen family came to know and love the NWC community through their proximity to the school as well as through their nephew Tim Bourret ’73. Tim’s father, Chuck Bourret, said the Mortensen house “became a stopping off point for us when we were attending events at NWC. Tim would also spend time with Aunt Alice on the way home from school.”
Archbishop Mansell and Mrs. Williamson with Noel Brault, Chuck Bourret, and Tim Bourret ’73.
And it is Aunt Alice who plays an important role in one of Tim’s fond memories of NWC. It happened in March of 1973, Tim’s senior year. “I would go over to Aunt Alice’s to vacuum on Fridays and stayed until whatever sporting event was going on at Northwest. That afternoon, Alice said, ‘Call your mother, she’s got some news for you.’ So I went in the kitchen, called home and that’s when my mom told me I got into Notre Dame.” NWC students also loved the Mortensens. When Bill and Alice came back from a vacation one year, the students posted a banner in the school windows, welcoming them home. And today, the Mortensens and Bourrets are remembered together at NWC. Chuck Bourret said that having both his wife and her aunt remembered at NWC means a lot. “That was one of the things that we had in mind when we made the move towards a memorial for Irene,” he said. “Irene died in 2011 and I wanted to have something for her and it seemed nice and appropriate that it be tied to Northwest Catholic because of her affection for Northwest and Tim’s attendance there, as well as there already being the theater named for Alice.” Tim Bourret agrees. “My mother and Aunt Alice were very close,” he said. “My mother’s mom died in 1953 of cancer, so from then on Aunt Alice was like my mother’s mother, so to have both honored with places at NWC named after them, it’s very gratifying for our family.”
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NWC students posted this banner in the school windows to welcome Bill and Alice Mortensen home one year.
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Challenge Gift an Overwhelming Success
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orthwest Catholic was offered an extraordinary opportunity last spring: raise $500K in gifts and pledges for NWC’s 50th Anniversary Projects between April 1 and Sept. 30 and an anonymous benefactor would match those gifts in full. Now the results of
NWC’s $500K Challenge are final. As of the Sept. 30 deadline, $543K in gifts and pledges for NWC’s 50th Anniversary Projects were received! And all of those gifts and pledges will be matched due to the generosity of the school’s anonymous Challenge Gift donor and two additional donors who stepped forward to match the amount raised over $500K.
ENGE
NWC $500K CHALL
RESULTS
$543,317 + $543,000
$1,086,317
“We are incredibly gratified at the response to the Challenge Gift opportunity and the wonderful generosity of the donors who are matching the gifts,” Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson said. “The occasion of the very special 50th Anniversary has allowed our alumni and extended community to come together to celebrate the success of Northwest Catholic and ensure that it will continue to educate students for many years to come.”
Atrium and the installation of new sound and lighting systems in the Rice Auditorium were completed over the summer of 2012.
Several 50th Anniversary Projects remain: the interior renovation of the Richard Rice Auditorium, the creation of the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Center for Performance and Achievement, and the replacement of the school’s windows, part of an effort to continue the modernization of the building and improve energy efficiency. The Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial
Gifts and pledges to help fund the remaining 50th Anniversary Projects are still welcome and appreciated, though they will no longer be eligible for the Challenge Gift match. Contact NWC Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh at pwalsh@nwcath.org or Advancement Officer Colby Thresher at cthresher@nwcath. org for more information.
Thank You!
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Advancement news Gloomy Weather Cannot Stop 35th Annual NWC Golf Tournament For the first time since 2007, the NWC Golf Tournament was soggy! However rain, wind, and chilly temperatures could not dampen the success of the 35th Annual NWC Golf Tournament, held on June 4, 2012. But that did not dampen the spirits of the intrepid golfers who played in the morning 9-hole or afternoon 18hole events. Sally Scully ’77, Mary-Anne Francoeur Baldassarre ’78, and Kathryn Dunn Bassett ’79 placed first among the morning golfers, followed by the team of Karen Herbert, Barbara Karsky, Diane Beckerman, and Ellen Rodgers Fox ’85. The foursomes of Mark Murnane ’88, Kevin Baker ’88, Robert Chamerda ’88, and Scott Bennett ’88 and Dominic Lopreato, Rich Arnold, Michael Sapere, and Tom Worth tied in the afternoon for first gross honors. The team of Tom Bisson ’78, Michael McGoldrick ’77, Mark McGoldrick ’78, and Michael Morris ’78 took first net honors.
A highlight of the golf dinner was the presence of alumni parents Edward and Phyllis Janiszewski, Sr., who helped found the NWC Golf Tournament in 1977. They attended with their son, Edward “Chip” Janiszewski, Jr. ’72 and his wife Nancy. Twenty-five sponsors, 128 golfers, and many live and silent auction donors helped raise over $47,000 for the Northwest Catholic Fund to provide tuition assistance for NWC students. Be sure to save the date for the 36th Annual Golf Tournament, which will be held on June 3, 2013. Ellen Rodgers Fox ’85 and Diane Beckerman AP
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Grandparents’ Day ’12 Members of the Class of 2015 showed off their school to their grandparents during NWC’s annual Grandparents’ Day, held on May 4, 2012. The grandparents enjoyed a presentation from Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. They also toured the school and had lunch with their grandchildren. James Jordano ’15 and Jessica Jordano ’15 enjoyed the day with their grandparents Dorothy and Joe Jordano (below). Kelsey Geddes ’15 poses with grandfather Eric Alfred (right).
Double Your Gift to the NWC Fund – Without Spending an Extra Dime! How? Through a Matching Gifts Program that your employer may offer. In many cases, a company will match the same amount you give, and you get the credit for the company’s gift, too! Contact the human resources or benefits administration department at your company for more information and the necessary forms. Simply include the matching gift forms when you mail your gift
to NWC. If you make your gift online at www.northwestcatholic.org/giveonline, simply check “yes” on the Matching Gifts question, indicate your employer’s name, and email or mail the form to us. NWC Advancement Assistant Debra LeBel (dlebel@ nwcath.org, or 860-236-4221 x 139) is always happy to assist with any matching gift questions.
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Northwest Catholic Names New School President “We welcome Mr. Eustis to our community,” Mrs. Williamson said. “Northwest Catholic is well-positioned and ready to benefit from David’s expertise and enthusiasm.” Mrs. Terry Becker, chair of the NWC school board and chair of the President search committee, said “I am pleased to welcome Mr. David Eustis to the Northwest Catholic family as President of our school. David will be a tremendous addition to the extraordinary faculty, staff, and administration that work tirelessly to educate our children in the Catholic tradition of Northwest Catholic High School.” Dr. Dale R. Hoyt, Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford, agrees, saying: “His appointment will result in the further strengthening of Northwest Catholic High School’s Advancement Office, as this premier West Hartford school looks to a bright future in educating young people with an excellent academic program rooted in the Catholic faith.” Mr. Eustis holds a BS in Human Performance from Southern Connecticut State University as well as an M.Ed. in Athletic Administration from Springfield College. He is a past-president of the Simsbury Little League and the president of the Simsbury Youth Hockey Association. Mr. Eustis and his family are residents of Simsbury and his wife Eileen is an Assistant Principal at Simsbury High School.
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fter a thorough search, Northwest Catholic is pleased to announce that Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell has named David C. Eustis, Jr. as the new President of Northwest Catholic High School. Margaret Williamson will remain the school’s Principal.
“A career in education has been my vocation since graduating from college. I have a passion to make a difference,” says Mr. Eustis. “I want to lead by example, meet goals, grow the school, grow the endowment, grow the annual fund, continue to make capital improvements, and prepare the school for the next great 50 years. I see Catholic education as even more important today and I want to be a part of that growth engine that is going to move forward.”
Mr. Eustis, most recently the Associate Head of School at Cheshire Academy, brings a wealth of experience to Northwest Catholic. He has over twenty years of experience in the field of development and business management, including some years with educational programs. Prior to joining Cheshire Academy, Mr. Eustis served as the President of Junior Achievement of Eastern Massachusetts from 2007-2011.
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Saying Goodbye to Richard Callahan and maybe even thrive (if that’s the right word ) despite all that was thrown his way. Dick was able to use a joke or humorous anecdote to defuse potentially volatile situations and he always seemed able to find solutions through diplomacy and a calm response.” - John Shukie, Former NWC Athletic Director and Social Studies teacher “Once I went into Mr. Callahan’s office to have a heart to heart my sophomore year and he said. ‘Don’t worry about changing yourself to blend with others. Just be yourself. People will be drawn to your originality.’ He was Right!” - Kimberly Anne Kleszczynski ’11
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fter 21 years as Vice Principal, Richard Callahan retired at the end of the 2011-2012 school year. And while he did not want any formal send-off, NWC did send him off with a book full of tributes from former and current students, parents, and faculty, all sharing their favorite memories of Mr. Callahan. Here are just a few of the tributes.
“I was a student at NWC from 2004-2008, when Mr. Callahan was Vice Principal. I was always impressed with how Mr. Callahan memorized everyone’s names over the summer. There is nothing more terrifying than coming to your first day at a new school, walking down the hallway, and hearing ‘Ms. Pelton, tie your shoe.’ But as time went by, I came to respect the time and dedication Mr. Callahan put into being able to personally address each student, and paying such close attention to what we were doing. I probably still have dreams where I hear: ‘There are four minutes remaining. Clean up your areas on, under and around!’ My time at Northwest wouldn’t have been the same without Mr. Callahan always looking over our shoulder and making sure we were on the right path.” Hannah Pelton ’08 “Dick and I worked together at NWC for his first 16 years on the job. It’s hard to believe that anyone could handle the various challenges required of the individual in his position for such a long period of time. No job in education that I can think of demands more of an individual and pays back less. I believe that it was Dick’s sense of humor and ability to keep a cool head that enabled him to survive
“I first met Mr. Callahan in September 1999. It was under good circumstances but he often playfully gave me a hard time in the hallway. It didn’t matter what person I was walking through the hallway with, I could always count on Mr. C. saying, ‘Bruff, do you know everyone in the school?’ But my favorite memory was when Mr. Callahan announced my name during a pep rally my senior year right before the state championship basketball game. I will never forget that.” - Christopher Bruff ’03 “My main memories of Dick involve his jokes, his laugh and his positive outlook. He was always able to diffuse tense situations with a joke or comment that helped put things in perspective. He really knew the kids and I think they knew that he liked them even when they did ‘bonehead’ things. We will miss him.” - Virginia Murphy, NWC Science teacher “He was a big part of my high school experience. He was always so kind to me and made me feel welcomed both when I was a student and even as often as I would come back and visit. I guess if I had to put anything in his scrapbook it would be. ‘Ms. Giannetta, don’t you owe me like 15 detentions that you haven’t made up.’ Now I graduated in 1998 and every year I go back and visit and every year he tells me I owe him detentions. I will definitely miss him saying that.” - Elizabeth Giannetta ’98 “Mr. Callahan is definitely one of the most special people I had the great opportunity of meeting while I was a student at Northwest. Honestly, we got to know each other over the years from my occasional trips to his office. Mr. Callahan was extremely kind and gracious no matter what I did. He would always say ‘Dani, you’re a smart kid and I know you can do better.’ I don’t think he ever really realized what his words meant to me. Him saying I could do better made me want to do better and so I did.” - Danielle Griffiths ’07
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“I had the pleasure of meeting Dick Callahan when my son attended Northwest and quickly came to appreciate his strength of character and fairness. These qualities allowed him to discharge his responsibilities impartially and equitably. He possesses a love of the students and the school which is clearly evident. His presence and contributions have significantly contributed to the school’s success during his tenure. We wish him all good things in his retirement.” - Scott Guilmartin ’74 “For many years my office was located next to Mr. C’s. I could readily tell that a student had incurred his wrath when the wall between our offices trembled as his office door slammed shut and Mr. C’s ‘soft, gentle’ voice would proceed to ‘discuss’ the student’s infraction! And yet, there were those times “I appreciated what a great supporter he was both of the academic side when gentle sobs of distress were of NWC, but also the athletic side. He was a strong proponent of the soothed by his compassion and understanding of the student’s student-athlete and I remember many conversations with him about situation. Dick’s great sense of soccer or basketball or track. He also didn’t let me get away with anything humor would make the day’s – and you have to respect that.” - Kaitlyn Saunders ’01 troubles just a passing moment – replaced by a smile and a laugh to make it brighter.” Richard Puskarz, Director of Finance
NWC School Board Welcomes Four New Members Cheryl Kozak, mother of Stephen Kozak ’12 and Brian Kozak ’14, brings years of experience both as a parent volunteer and in the business world. She has a BS in Business Administration from Western New England College and currently works as a consultant in the human resources field. She lives with her husband Dave and family in Rocky Hill, CT. Gail Lonczewski ’71 returns to NWC as a School Board member. She lives in South Windsor, CT with her husband Loren. She is a Senior Consultant at Vertex, has a BS in Math from Southern Connecticut State University and an MS in Organizational Behavior from the University of Hartford. New NWC School Board members, Edward Dunn, Cheryl Kozak, Gail Lonczewski ’71, and Stephen Stites Edward Dunn, father of Connor Dunn ’14 and Christian Dunn ’15 and future NWC students Cameron Dunn and Mackenzie Dunn, has a BS in Finance from Quinnipiac University and is the Vice President of Supply Chain for Climate, Controls & Security for UTC. He lives with his wife Mary Jo and family in Avon, CT.
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Stephen Stites brings 13 years of public accounting experience as a CPA to the NWC School Board. He has a BS in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Accounting from the University of Florida, and currently works for Aetna as a Tax Director. He lives in Kensington, CT with his wife Jackie and children Tyler Stites ’13 and Haley Stites ’16.
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NWC Bids Farewell to the Class of 2012 Northwest Catholic has said goodbye to the Class of 2012. NWC’s 48th commencement on June 6, 2012 was punctuated with laughter (and a few tears) inside the majestic Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Archbishop Henry J. Mansell of the Archdiocese of Hartford presided over the school’s commencement. Veteran WCBS-NY News radio reporter Rich Lamb ’67 delivered the witty but wise commencement address, and Agata Harabasz ’12 of East Hampton and Elizabeth Allen ’12 of Burlington gave the valedictory and salutatory addresses, respectively. The Class of ’12 had 163 students, including 26 whose parents were also NWC alums, and they came from 31 towns. West Hartford is home to the largest number of graduates (39), followed by Windsor (23) and Hartford (17). A total of 82 students graduated with honors or highest honors. The vast majority of the graduating class – 99% – was college bound, headed to schools like Princeton University, Boston College, University of Connecticut, The College of William and Mary, and Tufts University. The class included a National Merit Finalist (Elizabeth O’Neill ’12); three other students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; three students who were named “Summa Scholars” by the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford; three Division I athletes; one NESCAC and one Ivy League athlete; and 20 students who plan to play Division II or III sports in college. “We are very proud of the Class of 2012,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “They have contributed so much to the school over their four years. We wish them the best in the future, though they will always be part of the NWC family.”
Fall One-Act Play Guidance counselor Mrs. Matthews (Magdalena Lenczewski ’13) questions students to determine exactly what happened in Homeroom A-113. The one-act play Homeroom A-113 was written and directed by TJ Lowe ’13 and performed on Sept. 28, 2012
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NWC Welcomes Class of 2016 and New Teachers NWC welcomed the Class of 2016 on Aug. 29, 2012. The freshman class is made up of 151 students from 26 different towns and sixteen students transferred into grades 10, 11 and 12. There are also a total of 17 international students attending NWC, coming from countries including China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Brazil. This year NWC piloted a new 3 day freshman orientation, designed to give freshmen more time to get to know each other and the school. The first day consisted of a traditional orientation, with the students going to each of their classes and meeting their teachers, getting yearbook photos taken, and figuring out their lockers. On the second day of orientation, students met in smaller groups to discuss their goals and potential challenges. On the third day, students heard speeches on topics such as study skills and organization and were able to take short classes on a variety of hobbies, introducing them to classmates and faculty members with similar interests. “The students seemed to enjoy the new orientation and took advantage of the opportunities the new structure gave them,” said Director of Campus Ministry and Senior Class Moderator Kristina Gillespie, who helped coordinate the three-day orientation. “I feel freshmen started school in a much more comfortable way and didn’t feel as frantic when the first full day of school started.” NWC also welcomed several new faculty members this September. Kimberly Sanders ’03 returned to NWC as the Director of Communications. Nancy DaSilva is a new full-time World Language teacher, and Jeff Gurganus joins the school as a part-time Chinese teacher. Joseph Ohlheiser ’05 returns to NWC as a part-time Social Studies teacher and Brie McDonald is a new parttime Fine Arts teacher at NWC. Sr. Angela Marie F.S.E. and Lori DeCrescenzo have become full-time faculty members in the Religion and English Departments, respectively after serving as part-time faculty previously. Mike Johnson ’04 has become the full-time sports information director and web site administrator.
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NWC Students Excel Academically
NWC’s National Merit Semifinalists are (from left) Edwin Vincens, Haley Derlinga, Elizabeth Lathrop, Emily Kearney, Sarah Gillespie, and Eamon Wizner. All are members of the Class of 2013. The National Merit Scholarship Program honored 14 members of the Class of ’13 for outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam they took when they were juniors in October 2011. Six students were named National Merit Semifinalists – Haley Derlinga ’13 of East Granby, Sarah Gillespie ’13 of Manchester, Emily Kearney ’13 of Simsbury, Elizabeth Lathrop ’13 of Plantsville, Edwin Vincens ’13 of West Hartford and Eamon Wizner ’13 of Wethersfield. They are in the top 1% of scorers among the 1.5 million juniors who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam in October 2011 and they will now continue in the competition for designation as a National Merit Finalist and for possible Merit Scholarships. Savannah Gaston ’13 of Enfield was named a Scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition program. The program recognizes nearly 5,000 Hispanic/Latino students for their high scores on the PSAT/NMSQT exam. Seven students were named National Merit Commended Students: Myles Gibbons ’13 of West Hartford, Julia Grieco ’13 of West Hartford, Susan Grimshaw ’13 of Windsor, Adrian Hatch ’13 of Simsbury, Ryan Murphy ’13 of Rocky Hill, Savannah Gaston ’13 has been Sean Murphy ’13 of Rocky named a Scholar in the National Hill, and Tyler Stites ’13 of Hispanic Recognition program. Kensington. These students are among the 5% highestscoring of the 1.5 million students who took the exam.
NWC’s National Merit Commended Students are (from left) Julia Grieco, Adrian Hatch, Ryan Murphy, Tyler Stites, Myles Gibbons, Sean Murphy, and Susan Grimshaw. All are members of the Class of 2013. The College Board named 43 NWC students as AP Scholars for 2012, based on exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams. Seven students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, earning an average score of 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and a score of 3 or higher on five or more of the tests. Eight students were named AP Scholars with Honor, earning an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and a score of 3 or higher on four or more of the exams. Twenty eight students were named AP Scholars, earning scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. In total, 181 students took 310 AP exams in 2012. In addition, Agata Harabasz ’12 of East Hampton was named a National AP Scholar, a distinction awarded to students who earn an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and a score of 4 or higher on eight or more of the tests. Agata is the first Northwest Catholic student to achieve this level of excellence. For a complete list of NWC’s AP Scholars for 2012, visit http:// www.northwestcatholic.org/uploaded/documents/Academics/AP_ Scholars,_2012.pdf.
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NWC Names Brendan M. Canny ’86 as New Vice Principal and Dean of Students Brendan M. Canny ’86 has been named Vice Principal and Dean of Students of Northwest Catholic High School. He succeeds Mr. Richard Callahan who retired last summer after 21 years at Northwest Catholic.
Program at Sacred Heart University and has passed his Connecticut Administrators Test (CAT) this past year, earning his Connecticut Administrators 092 certification. He completed these degrees during his tenure at both the CREC Metropolitan Learning Center Interdistrict Magnet School in Bloomfield and the CREC Public Safety Academy in Enfield.
“We are very pleased that Mr. Canny has joined the Administration,” Principal/ Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson said. “He is an experienced administrator who understands Catholic schools and is pleased to be returning to his alma mater.”
His responsibilities at Northwest Catholic include serving as Dean of Students, supervising student activities and overseeing the plant and facilities.
Mr. Canny has helped develop two very successful magnet schools in the greater Hartford region for the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC). His most recent post was Dean of Students and Guidance Coordinator at the CREC Public Safety Academy in Enfield. Mr. Canny holds a Master’s Degree in School Counseling and a 6th Year Certificate in Counseling and Education from the University of Hartford. He also has completed the Educational Leadership
“I am so very impressed and humbled by the work the NWC faculty, staff, students and families have done with the school community by creating a positive culture and climate and developing exemplary teaching practices that will prepare all of our students for college and career success,” he said. “The unified NWC family should also be commended for the cultivation of a school community that has a culture that honors academic success, leadership, service, respect, Catholicism and personal pride.”
Three NWC Students Are Named Superintendent’s “Summa Scholars” Three outstanding members of the NWC class of 2012 – Elizabeth Allen, Agata Harabasz, and Mark Mossberg – received the Superintendent’s Summa Scholar Award from Dr. Dale R. Hoyt, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford, in recognition of superior academic achievement. To qualify for the award, students needed a grade-point-average of 4.3 or 98% through the first semester of grade 12. A total of 23 seniors from four Archdiocesan high schools were honored during the Summa Scholars ceremony and reception at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield on April 30. The keynote speaker was Dr. Pamela Trotman Reid, the President of Saint Joseph College, now the University of St. Joseph. Each Summa Scholar was invited to name the Catholic school teacher who had been the most influential in the student’s K - 12 education. These teachers were also honored at the ceremony. The Summa Scholars received bronze medallions engraved with their names, the crest of the Archdiocese, and a prayer: “May you find truth through faith, knowledge, and wisdom.” The students presented certificates of recognition to their mentor teacher.
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Superintendent Dr. Dale R. Hoyt with Northwest Catholic’s Summa Scholars and their teachers (from left): Dr. Richard Luddy, Mark Mossberg, Agata Harabasz, Elizabeth Allen, Deborah Metzler, and John Cusson
NWC’s Summa Scholars and their honored teachers are: Elizabeth Allen ’12 of Burlington – Deborah Metzler, NWC Math teacher Agata Harabasz ’12 of East Hampton – John Cusson, NWC English teacher and Academic Dean Mark Mossberg ’12 of Windsor – Dr. Richard Luddy, NWC Science teacher
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KUDOS TO... Alto saxophone player Margaret Curran ’13, and vocalists Lance Morgan ’12, and Caroline O’Neill ’13 who participated in the 2012 CMEA All-State Festival on Apr. 14 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. To be accepted into the prestigious All-State Festival, which includes 122 Band members and 240 Chorus members from throughout Connecticut, students must participate in a rigorous audition process.
Huo ’12 who placed first in French II and French III, respectively, in an essay contest sponsored by the Alliance Française of Northwestern CT. The boys were given an hour to respond in French to an essay prompt. Huo, one of 22 international students at NWC, was also a finalist in an essay contest sponsored by the Connecticut chapter of the American Association of Teachers of French. Nathan McKenzie ’12, who was awarded a full Naval ROTC Scholarship (Marine Corps option), which he will use to cover the costs of tuition, books, and fees at Boston College. The estimated value is $180,000. This was one of only 11 NROTC-Marine option scholarships awarded in New England in 2012.
The NWC Relay for Life team, which raised over $3000 for the West Hartford American Cancer Society Relay for Life, held at NWC in June. The team has been designated a “Bronze level” team as a result of their fundraising success. The West Hartford Relay for Life will again be held at NWC on June 1, 2013. The 25 members of the NWC Math Team, who finished first in their division for the 2011-2012 school year and qualified for the state meet. Cathy Sullivan ’13 was named team’s MVP. The team received a trophy at the league banquet for finishing first in its division and has moved to the more competitive Euler Division this year. The 15 Latin students who earned ratings of cum laude, magna cum laude, maxima cum laude, or summa cum laude on the 2012 National Latin Exam. Christian Murphy ’12 and Meghan Grabowski ’12, who were named two of eight Terrific Teens to Watch in the September/ October 2012 edition of West Hartford Magazine.
Caroline O’Neill ’13 and Olivia Fenton ’15, who were chosen to participate in the 2012 Hartt Community Division Vocal Honors Recital on June 9, 2012 at the Hartt School of Music.
Sam Spak ’16 who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro in July with members of Simsbury Boy Scout Troop 175.
NWC dancers, including Xueni “Tracey” Yang ’14 and Kelly Geelan ’14 (pictured), who worked with dancers and teachers such as Aubrey Lynch, former Dance Captain for the Original Broadway Cast of The Lion King, Stephen Hankey, and Julia Fredericks in the CCSU Dance Festival. They also performed for those instructors and received constuctive feedback.
James Jordano ’15 and Lulin “Henry”
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sports news From the Desk of Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 Fun….The Northwest Catholic StudentAthletes had an outstanding finish to an even better year! They did so with a smile on their face! Winning three State Championships in the spring (Boys’ Golf, Boys’ Outdoor Track and Girls’ Lacrosse) was only the icing on the cake. The Northwest Catholic student body is unlike others, and each one of you understands that because you have all played a big role in the development of our community. This past Spring I had the pleasure of seeing all of the wonderful activities that our student athletes participated
Courant Baseball Player of the Year) and Alex Mortillaro ’12 (AllConference, All-Academic, Coaches Award), the Indians jumped out to an impressive 12-0 start with victories over powerhouses such as New Britain, Hall and Southington. The Indians finished off the regular season with 18 wins and 2 losses and headed into the CIAC Class S State Tournament as the #1 seed. The team looked to their senior leaders for guidance in the tournament and got just that from all seven of them – Dan Errico ’12, Chris Laffin ’12 (All-Academic), Kevin Langan ’12, Alex Mortillaro ’12, Dylan Peterson ’12, Aaron Wilson ’12 and Mike Wine ’12 (All-Academic). After earning a first round bye, the Indians defeated Hale Ray and East Catholic in the 2nd Round and Aaron Wilson ’12 throws to make the play. quarterfinals of the tournament. In the semifinals the Northwest Catholic Baseball team met up with B aseb all the team they faced two years earlier in the championship game – Cromwell. Head Coach Cory Carlson knew going into Although the game did not have the same his season that he was going to have a “good” outcome, the Indians posted a remarkable year. How good of a season he was going to overall record of 20-3. In 2013, the team looks have, he would have to wait and see, but it did to build off the success of the 2012 season, as not take long for him to realize that his seven they return some very talented players, led by senior student-athletes were following in the Mac Crispino ’13 (All-Conference, Junior footsteps of those before them, and were All-Star) up for all of the challenges that the season held. Led by senior captains Dan Errico Softb all ’12 (All-Conference, All-State, Senior AllStar), Aaron Wilson ’12 (All-Conference, On any given day in the spring, you can All-State, Senior All-Star, MVP, Hartford find the Softball team in the far back of the
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in, both on and off the field. One Friday afternoon our campus was home to three Breast Cancer Awareness games (Baseball, Softball and Boys Lacrosse), to show support to members of our community who have been affected by this disease. I also participated in a walk with our baseball team to raise awareness for Breast Cancer, hours before a rivalry game. These two events exemplify the character traits that we as a collective Northwest Catholic Community (parents, teachers, coaches, staff) try to instill in our studentathletes.
Northwest Catholic property. You will hear the girls before you see them as they work hard to be the best that they can, day in and day out. Leading this group of determined young women is Head Coach Kate Mayer, who took over the program a few years ago. After graduating five very talented softball players in 2011, all of whom contributed heavily to the success of the program, the team knew it would be a long tough road to get back to the same level that they were playing at only a year before. Coach Mayer knew that her team could do it, and that this group was going to surprise people. After losing the first three games of the season,
Jessica Tyler ’12 takes a swing.
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Twenty Seniors Plan to Compete in DII, DIII College Sports
These members of the Class of 2012 committed to competing in D1B, DII, or DIII college sports (front row, from left): Meghan Grabowski, Francesca Flynn, Jessie Rocha, Rachel Duncan, Morgan Mencio, Anthony Carter, Kathleen McCormack, Christian Farrell, Becca Sierejko, Tyler Huffman. Back row, from left: David Blackwell, Kywane Thomas, Lucien Cance, Nicholas Italia, Michael Wine, Dan Errico, and Chris Laffin. Not pictured: Cory Christina, Jalen Lollar and Maleek Riley. Twenty NWC student-athletes from the • Cory Christina – Worcester State Class of 2012 committed to continue playing University (Soccer) sports in Division II or Division III colleges and • Rachel Duncan – Assumption College universities. (Track) These students are in addition to the five • Dan Errico – Baseball (UConn/Avery students who committed to high-level athletic Point – Division 1B) programs: Brian Butler ’12 (D1 golf, Boston College), Mary Deneen ’12 (volleyball, Bates • Christian Farrell – Endicott College (Football) College), Sydney Golic ’12 (D1 swimming, Notre Dame), Brian Poirier ’12 (D I cross • Francesca Flynn – Wheaton College country, Princeton), and Aaron Wilson ’12 (Track) (D1 baseball, University of Hartford). • Meghan Grabowski – Plymouth State These students who will play sports in college University (Lacrosse) represent 15.3% of the Class of ’12. • Tyler Huffman – Clark University The Division II- and Division III-bound (Basketball) athletes from the Class of ’12 are: • Nicholas Italia – Bentley University, • David Blackwell – Salve Regina University Honors Program (Soccer) (Basketball) • Chris Laffin – Fordham University • Lucien Cance – Nichols College (Football) (Baseball) • Anthony Carter – Endicott College • Jalen Lollar – Southern CT State (Football) University (Track)
• Kathleen McCormack – Plymouth State University (Basketball) • Morgan Mencio – Dean College (Soccer) • Maleek Riley – Western CT State University (Football) • Jessie Rocha – Western CT State University (Softball) • Becca Sierejko – University of New Haven (Soccer) • Kywane Thomas – Rivier College (Basketball) • Michael Wine – University of Scranton (Baseball)
We Tweet!
@NWC_athletics Get real-time updates about NWC sports from Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli. Follow him on Twitter @NWC_athletics.
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Sport s ne ws had a great year and have helped pave the way for the teams that follow. In the 2013 season, J’leen Diaz ’13, Kristen Young ’13 (All-Conference) and Alisha Collazo ’14 (All-Academic) look to make NWC proud.
Boys’ Lacrosse
Tanner Vaughn ’12 looks to score. the team quickly got themselves back on track. Madeleine Gauthier ’12, Kerry Kearney ’12, Cara Ledwidge ’12 (All-Academic), Jessie Rocha ’12 (All-Conference, All-Academic, MVP), Kathleen Tanguay ’12 (All-Academic) and Jessica Tyler ’12 (All-Conference, All-Academic, Coaches Award) all assumed leadership roles on a team that only returned a couple of starters from the year before. Midway through the season, the team found themselves in a great position to get back into the State Tournament and seized the opportunity. Even though the softball team’s season did not end the way they had wished, they
Alumni Athletes: Where Are They Now? Patrick Dornfried ’10 took his baseball talents to Albertus Magnus College where he started in all 33 games of the 2012 season. During his freshman campaign he batted .250 with 27 hits and 17 RBI’S. In the field he had 33 putouts and 73 assists. Patrick also appeared on the mound during four games where he quickly tallied up 2 saves while never giving up a run. Brooke Denver ’09 finished up her senior season on the Field Hockey team at Anna Maria College this past fall. The team had a record of 14 wins and 8 losses and went 6-0 in conference play. Brooke was 4th on her team in assists during her senior season, which helped her team win the New England Collegiate Conference Championship.
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The Northwest Catholic Boys’ Lacrosse team set their goals for the year to work, train and play the game of lacrosse that they knew they were capable of. Starting in their preseason in Seneca, NY, the 6 senior leaders knew that all of their hard work in the off-season was going to pay off. Although their goal of returning to the State Championship seemed to be a tough task for a group that missed the tournament the year before, they took their season one game at a time, and kept things in perspective. Seniors Marcus Andersen ’12, Rob Donohue ’12, Jack Ferrell ’12 (All-Academic), A.J. Massaro ’12 (AllConference, MVP), Tanner Vaughn ’12 (AllAcademic) and Ryan Yazdzik ’12 helped lead the team to a 9 -6 regular season record, with huge wins over Suffield and Granby Memorial. With their strong finish in the regular season, the team was able to return to the State Tournament. In the first round of the tournament, the Indians were paired up with the team that they had met in the first game of the season, Ledyard. The Indians would lose 7-6 in a close game. Returning impact players Alex Hunter ’13 (All-Conference, AllAcademic), Ian McCarthy ’13 (All-Academic), Brian Kelleher ’13 (All-Academic), Cormac
After becoming the 13th player in Northwest Catholic History to hit the 1,000 point mark in his career, Julian Harris ’10 decided to take a year off from basketball and attend the University of Richmond. After realizing that he missed the game, Julian transferred to Wesleyan University where he has become a valued member of the team. Coming in as a sophomore, Julian saw limited time but helped the team to a 20-6 record. As a junior, Julian has become a huge part of the program, averaging around 22 minutes a game. Julian is shooting 51% from the field, while averaging 8 points, 5 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1 steal per game halfway through the season. Lauren Backhaus ’11 finished her freshman year at Simmons College and helped her softball team post a record of 26-18. Lauren returned to her Northwest Catholic ways as she led her conference in
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McKenna ’13 (Coaches Award), Ryan Donohue ’14 (All-Academic), Chris McLaughlin ’14 (AllAcademic), and Aidan McDonnell ’14 (AllAcademic) all look forward to the 2013 season to get back to where they left off and continue to improve the program.
Girls’ Lacrosse The Northwest Catholic Girls’ Lacrosse team capped off a wonderful year of Northwest Catholic Athletics this past season, winning the school’s 5th State Championship of the year – a first in Northwest Catholic history. Head Coach Bill Mullady ’66 knew that his team was going to succeed, and worked to make sure that the team was ready for each one of their games. That was a tough task for Coach Mullady, as his team played in the highly competitive CCC Conference. The team started the year off with a four game winning streak, but soon found themselves in a place that Coach Mullady did not want to see. After seven games, his team had a record of 4-2-1. Seniors Meghan Grabowski ’12, Grace Hallinan ’12 (All-Conference, All-Academic), Kristen Reilly ’12 (All-Academic) and Taylor Selig ’12 (AllAcademic, Coaches Award) took on the task of getting their team back on track, winning seven out of the next nine games, including a highly anticipated match with Farmington in the last game of the regular season, leading to NWC’s first CCC South Championship. The team took their hot streak into the CIAC State Tournament, as they quickly defeated North Branford, Waterford
strikeouts, shut outs and wins (197 strikeouts, 11 shut outs and 15 wins). Lauren helped bring her team to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Semifinals and is excited to continue to improve next year as she moves on to her sophomore season. After leading Northwest Catholic Girls’ Basketball to one of their best records in history (25-1), Jenniqua Bailey ’10 went on to Bryant University. During her freshman year, she appeared in 25 games, including 4 starts, averaging 4.1 points a game. Coming into her sophomore year, Jenniqua started in the first five games, including scoring a career high 20 points against Colgate, before suffering a season-ending injury. During the first part of her junior season, Jenniqua has played in 6 games, averaging 4.7 points and 3.3 assists per game.
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Maggie Rose ’14 makes a run with the ball. and Haddam-Killingworth to reach the State Championship. This would be a rematch against Granby Memorial, a team they lost to earlier in the season. At the State Finals, everyone stepped up and met the challenge. Grabowski, Hallinan, Reilly and Selig had great support from MaryKate Bourdon ’13 (All-Academic), Julia Crawford ’13 (All-Academic), Annie Higgins ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, AllAcademic), Cathy Higgins ’13 (All-Conference,
All-State, All-Academic, MVP), Emily Kearney ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, All-Academic) and Maggie Rose ’14 (All-Conference, AllAcademic), as the team won the first State Championship for Girls’ Lacrosse in school history. Coach Bill Mullady ’66 was also named CIAC Girls’ Lacrosse Coach of the Year. Next year, the team returns three All-State selections in Emily Kearney and Annie and Cathy Higgins, as they look to repeat a magical season.
the successes of the program that made school history. Returning next year is a very talented group, including Magdalena Lenczewski ’13 (All-Academic), Emma Deneen ’14 (AllAcademic), Grace Deneen ’14 (All-Academic), Rachel Poirier ’14 (All-Academic), MaryKathryn Rogers ’14 (All-Academic), Charlotte Carew ’15 (All-Academic) and Anna Case ’15 (All-Academic). The team looks to improve and again become a State Tournament contender.
Boys’ Tennis
Boys’ Golf
The Northwest Catholic Boys’ Tennis team finished the year strong, with a record of 8 wins and 10 losses, under the direction of Head Coach Tim Crowley. Leading the team was James Adamidis ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, All-Academic, MVP), the team’s #1 player, who went all the way to the CIAC Class S Semifinals, competing as an individual. Not far behind him was his brother, freshman John Adamidis ’15 (All-Conference, All-Academic) who also made the State Tournament as an individual. Alexx Dennis ’12, Trevor Lathrop ’12 (All-Academic), and Andre Stephanou ’12 (All-Academic, Coaches Award), led the team throughout the season, and helped the team exceed all expectations. Returning Varsity players Dan Bodell ’13 (All-Academic), Tim Dodds ’14 (All-Academic), Will Smullen ’14, Kyle Brooks ’15 and Adam Mendoza ’15 (AllAcademic) look to improve upon their record in a tough CCC Division.
Year in and year out, Head Coach Scott Fletcher puts together successful golf programs. But this past year was a special year for Coach Fletcher, as the Boys’ Golf team finished off the regular season with only one loss to CCC rival Simsbury. That loss did not ruin anything for the team. In fact it did the opposite. It made the team hungry, and over the next and final two matches in the regular season, the team posted their lowest and best scores of the season. They went into the CIAC Division IV Tournament the favorite and played like it, as they were crowned State Champions. Leading the pack throughout the season was Brian Butler ’12 (All-Academic, All-Conference, All-State, MVP), who was the overall low scorer (#1) in the Tournament and who earlier in the year committed to Division I Boston College. Tyler Huffman ’12, Stephen Kozak ’12 (All-Academic), Thomas Murphy ’12 (All-Academic), Alex Phibbs ’12 (AllState) and Ryan Strid ’12 (All-Academic, AllConference, All-State, Coaches Award), finished their final season with the team, but have
Girls’ Tennis
Tim Dodds ’14 returns the volley.
Under the direction of Head Coach Stan Piorkowski, the Girls’ Tennis team had one of the most impressive seasons in school history. Posting a regular season record of 11 wins and 4 losses, the girls earned the #13 seed in the CIAC Class S Tournament. The team quickly reached the semifinals of the tournament, after defeating Haddam-Killingworth, St. Paul Catholic and Old Saybrook. In the Semifinals, #13 Northwest Catholic met their match as they lost to #1 seed Westbrook, who would go on to win the tournament. But the team had everything to be proud of as they were the first Northwest team to make the State Semifinals for Girls’ Tennis. Leading the team was the #1 player, Caroline Carew ’12 (All-Academic, MVP) who day in and day out had to face the best of the best. Devon Bodey ’12 (AllAcademic), Agata Harabasz ’12 (All-Academic), Ariane Leuenberger ’12 (All-Academic) and Caitlin Spalluto ’12 (All-Academic, Coaches Award) gave their all and contributed heavily to
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Angela Miguel ’15 takes a shot.
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Athlete Spotlight: Caroline Connal ’12 which is a three foot hunter division. In the hunters division, the judge looks at the horse and how the horse moves, its temperament and how the animal is built. Caroline now attends Stonehill College and rides on their Varsity Equestrian team.
For most of her life, Caroline Connal ’12 has loved horses. For several years, she’s competed on horseback as well, with her horse Eloise, affectionately known as Ellie. While a student at NWC, she competed in the children hunter horses division,
She continues to compete on her own as well, riding in a $250,000 Hunter classic in Saugerties, NY this past fall. But she says horseback riding is not a seasonal sport; it’s a year round sport that takes up much of your time. During the week she spends a minimum of 12 hours at the barn. When she’s competing, the competition takes up her entire weekend, due to the amount of time it takes for just one class of competitors to compete – sometimes over 3 hours. But Caroline says the time commitment has taught her patience, adding, “Horseback riding is a very demanding sport which takes many, many years to even come close to mastering.”
the young program’s success. With the return of all of the previous year’s starters, Coach Przech had high hopes for his team. Practicing day in and day out at Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield, the Northwest Catholic Girls’ Golf team was ready for the challenges that awaited them in their highly competitive Central Connecticut Conference. Caroline Davenport ’12 (All-Academic), Samantha Russo ’12 (All-Academic) and
Hannah Shea ’12 (All-Academic) were original members of the first Girls’ Golf team at NWC and knew what it took to be successful. During their senior campaign, the team finished the regular season with a record of 10-5-1, and earned a berth in the CIAC Girls’ Golf State Tournament for the third time in the program’s four years of existence. Finishing the year as the 10th best Girls’ Golf team in the State of Connecticut was a wonderful ending to a successful season. Next year Sadie Martinez ’13 (All-Conference, MVP), Emily Stanwick ’13 (All-Academic) and Lauren Bellizzi ’14 (Coaches Award) look forward to another wonderful season and jump at the opportunity to continue to impress the Northwest Catholic community.
Outdoor Track and Field Brian Kozak ’14 attempts to chip the ball onto the green. provided guidance and leadership to returning varsity players Tyler Stites ’13 (All-Academic) and Demitri Yao ’14 (All-Academic).
Girls’ Golf This past spring was the first year for Jeff Przech ’95 as Head Girls’ Golf Coach at Northwest Catholic. With his excitement and knowledge of the game, he looked to continue to build on
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Hannah Shea ’12 drives the ball down the fairway.
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State Champions again! The Northwest Catholic Boys’ Outdoor Track team followed in the footsteps of the Indoor Track and Field team as they too won their CIAC Class S State Championship. In his first year as Head Coach, Patrick Williamson ’99 pushed his team day after day. Leading the way was senior standout Brian Poirier ’12 (All-Academic, All-Conference, All-State, All-New England, MVP) who broke several records, most impressive of which was his Class S Championship Meet Record of 4:14.68 in the 1600m. Galo Rodriguez ’13 (All-Academic, All-Conference, All-State, AllNew England) was a state champion in the 110m
s p ort s n e w s Lucien Cance ’12, Yannick Chevannes ’12 (All-Academic), Christian Farrell ’12, Elijah Hilliman ’12, Ryan Kosha ’12 (All-Academic), Jalen Lollar ’12, Nate McKenzie ’12 (AllAcademic), Dillon Meehan ’12, Mark Mossberg ’12 (All-Academic), Dan Piette ’12 and Ronald Poole ’12 all earned their Varsity Letters and left Northwest Catholic as champions! Finishing with a record of 1-7, you wouldn’t think that the Girls’ Outdoor Track team had a successful season. That’s not what first year Head Coach Patrick Williamson ’99 would think. The Northwest Catholic Girls’ Outdoor Track and Field team took their “stuff ” into the CIAC Class M Meet and finished 6th, quite an accomplishment. The word “broken” was thrown around a lot – not because the team needed a good fixing, but because the girls kept on breaking records. Leading the way was Sarah Gillespie ’13 (All-Academic, AllConference, All-State, MVP) who broke several records. In the Class M State Meet she broke the Meet Record in the 800m and 1600m. Jacqueline Denver ’13 attempts to clear She was also a part of the 4 x 800 Relay that set a new school record of 9:37.55. Sharing the high jump bar. that record with Gillespie are Elizabeth Allen hurdles. Also earning great accolades were ’12 (All-Academic, All-Conference), Megan Anthony Carter ’12 (All-Conference, Coaches Baker ’12 (All-Academic, All-Conference) and Award), Wesley Hopkins ’12 (All-Academic, All- Elizabeth Lathrop ’13. Seniors Megan Auletta Conference), John Peterson ’12 (All-Academic, ’12 (All-Academic), Stephanie Boccuzzi All-Conference, All-State), Jared Delane ’13 (All- ’12 (All-Academic), Kathleen Connelly ’12 Conference, All-State), and Anthony Ravosa (All-Academic), Melissa Donnelly ’12 (All’13 (All-Academic, All-Conference, All-State). Academic), Rachel Duncan ’12, Francesca
Flynn ’12 (All-Academic), Leanne Oleasz ’12 (All-Academic), Katherine Schwartz ’12 (AllAcademic) and Sarah Visintainer ’12 (AllAcademic) helped lead the team through a tough regular season, and into a successful post-season. The 2013 Girls’ Outdoor Track team will miss their former teammates but will never forget the lessons that they learned from them.
Anthony Ravosa ’13 takes the lead.
Deneen, Poirier Are NWC’s CIAC Scholar-Athletes for 2012
Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson and Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 congratulated Mary Deneen ’12 and Brian Poirier ’12 at the 2012 CIAC Scholar-Athlete Awards dinner.
Deneen played varsity softball and volleyball for NWC. She was the MVP of the volleyball team in her junior and senior years, and was named AllConference and All-State as a senior, when the team was the Class S runner-up – the best performance in school history. She was also named All-Academic as a sophomore, junior, and senior, and has been a member of the National Honor Society since junior year. She is playing volleyball at Bates College. Poirier is an outstanding runner who has amassed dozens of awards during his cross
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country and track career, including MVP, All-Conference, All-State, All-New England, and All-Academic many times throughout high school.The 2011 Class SS State Champ in Cross Country, he was named The Hartford Courant’s Runner of the Year for Fall 2011. In 2012, he was crowned State Champion in the 1000m, contributing to the Boys’ Indoor Track team’s first-place finish – the first State Title for the team in 31 years. He is running at Princeton University. The Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes a boy and girl from each CIAC member high school “whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline and courage,” according to the CIAC.
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Alumni News As in every school, some people who enroll at NWC as freshmen do not remain here for four years, for a variety of reasons. However, we still consider them part of the NWC family. For record-keeping purposes, NWC has followed the lead of many other schools in defining “when an alum is an alum.” The policy is that if a student completes one year at NWC, we consider them to be part of the class with which they entered, and they will be identified as “a member of the Class of ’xx.” A person in this category who wishes to be removed from or added to our database should contact Director of Constituent Relations Jane Leary at jleary@nwcath.org.
1960’s
business called AKM Interior Design.
Theresa Richardson ’67 retired from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2011 and has settled in Port St. Lucie, FL. She is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Port St. Lucie where she is a volunteer case manager for the St. Vincent de Paul Society. She also volunteers once a week at the church food pantry.
1970’s Carol Heneghan Mahoney ’71 recently took a position as Account Executive for the Northeast Region for Charity Brands Consulting, which works to bring sponsorships to nonprofit organizations. Carol and her husband Brian have 3 grown sons and live in Middletown, RI. Laura DeMaio Essa ’76 is working as a Registered Nurse in orthopedic surgery. She lives in Las Vegas, NV with her husband and 3 daughters
1980’s Lori Monroe Bout ’81 finished her Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Regional Planning from Westfield State University (honors). She is working on her Master’s Degree in Geographical Information Systems at Central CT State University. Ted Boland ’84 moved back to Perth, West Australia to work on a new liquid natural gas onshore terminal project in purchasing. Ann Daly Mongey ’84 is married with 3 children and lives in Morristown NJ. She is self-employed with an interior design
Judi Czaja McCaffrey ’87 is living in Tampa, FL, with husband Tom and twin daughters Katherine and Elizabeth (age 10). She is a head and neck cancer surgeon at the Moffitt Cancer Center.
1990’s Jennifer Boudreau Djang ’96 and her husband Robert had their second baby, Austin Robert on Valentine’s Day 2012. Jennifer was also promoted to Project Manager for Connect Specialist at ValueOptions in May 2012. Molly Budds ’99 joined the Carole and Ray Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at UConn Health Center as its breast nurse navigator. She works with patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, answering questions and guiding patients through their breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. She directs them on everything from how to get to the hospital to how to handle the nausea after chemotherapy.
2000’s Cristin Cossette Auten ’00 and her husband Daniel were expecting their second son in January 2013. Tom Spinella ’00 and Lauren Jones ’01 completed the Providence Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon in August. Both also graduated from Providence College. Jourdan Smith ’01 is an art director for Walgreens’ website. He also co-founded the tech fabric company emitips. The company makes iron-on strips that make gloves touchscreen compatible. The company signed a deal to sell the product in American Apparel
Kevin Dowd ’77 Celebrates First Novel It’s summer 1974 on an island off the coast of Connecticut, and all Jack Smith wants is a vacation like he enjoyed in his youth: swimming, sailing and sunshine. But Jack finds his summer plans quickly spiraling out of control. It all leads to a calamitous Fourth of July.
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locations in Europe and Asia as well as NYC and Chicago. Jourdan is also entering his 2nd year as an Adjunct Professor at Columbia College Chicago, teaching Advertising Art direction courses. John Brickley ’02 has been working as a SportsCenter Update Anchor for ESPN Radio. He’s also been a play-by-play announcer and sideline reporter for ESPN Television. John also is sports anchor and reporter for WFSB-TV. Alexandra Taylor ’02 recently accepted the position of Assistant Director of Admission for Bard College at Simon’s Rock in Great Barrington, MA. She also freelances as a marketing and social media consultant for small nonprofits. Bret Clancy ’03 is now a Senior Account Executive, Advertising at Staples in their Framingham, MA Corporate Headquarters. He lives in Boston, MA. Dennis Durao ’03 graduated, magna cum laude, from the Quinnipiac University School of Law in May, 2012. His article, “An Endangered Species: Professional Sports Team Physicians,” was recently published in the Quinnipiac University Health Law Journal. He also recently passed the Connecticut bar exam and currently serves as an Associate at Taboada Rochlin LLP. Dan Luddy ’03 participated in the Sierra Club’s One Day Hike from Georgetown, District of Columbia to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia along the C & O Canal Towpath on April 28. The hike is one hundred kilometers (about sixty-two miles). Chris Swetcky ’03 was the lead on creating the set for the Tony Award-winning musical Porgy and Bess. Chris and his crew worked with the director and cast at Harvard University. Chris then packed up the set and brought it to the Richard Rogers Theater in New York, NY. Ann Testa ’03 is the Media Coordinator and Assistant Administrator for the Christian non-profit organization Holyfire Ministries. Last year the group founded City Church in downtown New Haven and Ann is working on a feature length documentary about the first year of the church.
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Christopher Darcy Twomey ’86 Participates in US-ASEAN Business Council’s Business Mission Christopher Darcy Twomey ’86 was part of the US-ASEAN Business Council’s Business Mission to Vietnam in July, 2012. As NonLife Country President for the ACE Insurance Company, he represented the ACE Group by attending senior level meetings with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; US Undersecretary of State, Bob Hormats; Vietnam’s Prime Minister, Nguyn Tn Dng; and National Assembly Chairman of the Economic Affairs Committee, Nguyn Van Giau. The business mission and various side
Megan Bonney ’04 is currently living in Cambridge, MA working towards her Ph.D. in molecular biology at MIT in the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. Danielle Lawrence Montague ’04 earned a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Central CT State University in May 2012. Kaitlin Olson ’05 completed her certification in medical surgical nursing. Andrew Velazquez ’05 is currently working as a Budget Analyst for the Department of Defense and just recently achieved his Certified Defense Financial Manager with Acquisition certification from the American Society of Military Comptrollers. He is engaged to Holly Fredrickson and planning a wedding for October 4th, 2013 in Mt. Airy, MD. Megan Dees ’08 graduated from American University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education.
Correction: Shannon Fitzpatrick ’08 – graduated from Providence College in 2012 cum laude, made Dean’s List Spring and Fall 2011 (incorrectly labeled as having attended ECSU) Rachel Godbout ’08 received the Dean’s Award for academic excellence in spring 2012 at Colgate University. To be eligible, a student must achieve a 3.30 or higher while enrolled in four courses. Elise Huehner ’08 passed the national certification exam for occupational therapy and officially became a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in May. She accepted a full time position working for Touchpoints Therapy at Wintonbury Care Center in Bloomfield, CT. She will be mentoring an Occupational Therapy Assistant student in hopes of preparing them for a career in occupational therapy. Kate Williamson ’08 graduated summa cum laude from Saint Joseph’s University (PA) with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education in May 2012. Kate is
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meetings were intended to discuss some of the challenges faced by foreign-owned companies in Vietnam and determine the best ways to overcome those challenges to ensure the entire Vietnamese economy could continue to grow and develop at the targeted rate. He currently lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with his wife Valerie, his 11 year-old son James and his 8 year-old daughter Olivia. He is also the current Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Minh City.
pursuing her 6th year degree in Educational Psychology at UConn, Storrs. Janae Frazier ’09 will graduate from Elon University in May 2013. She worked with NBC Nightly News as a runner at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC. Bridget Kiley ’09 is a senior at Villanova University in Philadelphia. She was featured in “Campus Philly” as the student of the month for October 2012. Katherine Conlin ’10 is studying abroad in Florence, Italy. She is a student at Seton Hall University. Kristin Tomaiuolo ’10 has been hired as a chef intern at Walt Disney World. Michael Laffin ’11 was the recipient of the John S. King Scholarship from the German Department at Connecticut College, which allowed him to study abroad in Germany in the summer of 2012 for five weeks. He studied at the Universität Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany.
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Nicole Wegrzyn ’06 Completes Doctoral Program Nicole Wegrzyn ’06 graduated magna cum laude in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies from Northeastern University. She has completed her doctoral program there and is completing a PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency Program at Midwestern University, where she will be working at several community health centers in the Chicago area, providing ambulatory care services as a registered pharmacist.
NWC Reunions Alums from classes ending in 2 and 7 came together at NWC for Grand Reunion ’12, which was held on Sat., April 28, 2012, in the Navin Cafeteria. The five-year reunion for the Class of ’07 was held at Damon’s Tavern in Hartford on Sat., June 2. Visit www.northwestcatholic.org/reunions to see a slideshow of additional photos from the Grand Reunion. Members of the Class of 1992
Members of the Class of 2007
Members of the Class of 1987
Members of the Class of 2007
Calling all alumni musicians! The NWC Alumni Jazz Ensemble needs YOU to play at Jazz Cabaret Night on May 4, 2013. Please contact Dan Luddy, Director of Instrumental Music, at dluddy@nwcath.org, or call (860)236-4221 x152.
Members of the Class of 1972
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Who Tied the Knot? Andrea Varney ’06 and Matt Velazquez ’06 were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Dayton, OH on June 30, 2012. They met and began their relationship as sophomores at Northwest Catholic and many Northwest alumni were in attendance. Andrew Velazquez ’05, Nina Varney ’09, Katherine Velazquez ’12, Carrie Schwartz ’06, Martin Rubino ’06, and Kevin Leuenberger ’08 were in the wedding party. Andrea is currently a biology teacher at DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati and Matt is working on his Master’s of Sports Journalism degree through Indiana University’s program at IUPUI.
Korrie Koch ’01 married Scott Sprong on September 15, 2012. The couple lives in Newington, CT.
Recently Married? We’d love to include a photo in a future issue of Logos. Cara McNamara ’01 married Jasmit Sandhu on April 14, 2012 in Simsbury, Connecticut. Maria Lopez Baltazar ’00 served as Maid of Honor, and Michael McNamara ’04 was a groomsman. The couple works and lives in New York City.
E-mail ksanders@nwcath.org a photo and some details about the wedding and your family.
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Bib Babies
Katherine Brennan Donnelly was born on April 25, 2012 to Michaela and Derek Donnelly ’98. She is pictured here with big brother Jack, who recently began preparing for his NWC entrance exam in his preschool class at the Enfield Montessori School. The Donnelly family lives in Suffield and look forward to seeing proud uncle Colin Donnelly ’00 of Los Angeles, CA. Amy Griffin Buzzell ’97 and Ryan Buzzell welcomed their first child, Connor Griffin Buzzell, on May 10, 2012. Connor is the grandson of former NWC President Dr. Michael S. Griffin. Amy received her MBA from UConn last spring, finishing just weeks before the baby arrived.
Had a baby? Get a bib! We’d love to include a photo of your baby in a future issue of Logos. Please request your bib and e-mail jleary@nwcath.org a photo and some details about the baby and your family afterwards.
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Caleb Michael Aguirre was born on August 16, 2012 to Meghan Walsh Aguirre ’05 and Cpl. Tomas Aguirre. Tomas is a member of the United States Marine Corps and the family is stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. Caleb is the great-nephew of Maryann Lacouture of the Admissions Office.
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Lindsey Pelletier Ramsdell ’02 and husband Darrin Ramsdell are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Claire Elizabeth Ramsdell, on July 10, 2012. Lindsey is an accountant at Portland Pipe Line Corporation and Darrin is a scientific associate at Idexx Laboratories. The couple resides in Portland, ME.
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In Memoriam Northwest Catholic extends its prayers and sympathies to the families of those in our community who passed away between April 1, 2012, and Sept. 30, 2012. To ensure accuracy, we require that In Memoriam notices be accompanied by a newspaper obituary. Please notify ksanders@nwcath.org of any errors or omissions.
Alumni Francis X. Daly ’77 died May 18, 2012 at the age of 52 at home in West Simsbury. He was born July 22, 1959 in Hartford, son of the late Patricia (Moynihan) Daly and Francis Daly, grew up in East Granby and had lived in Hartford prior to moving to West Simsbury 22 years ago. Mr. Daly was the General Sales Manager for Hoffman Audi in East Hartford for many years. Frank enjoyed riding his Harley, participating in annual Toys for Tots and Turkey Trot fundraisers; kayaking on the Farmington River; listening to music and seeing live shows; and most importantly, spending time with his family. He attended Eastern Connecticut State University. Besides his loving wife of 25 years Elizabeth (Caufield) Daly, he is survived by his daughter Patricia Daly, and his son, Connor Daly; his brother, Edward Daly and partner Mark Ware; his sisters, Colleen Daly, Maureen Daly Pare ’79 and husband Bryan, Kathy Daly Brett ’78, and Ellen Daly ’83 and husband Donald Zeffer; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Caufield; his sister-in-law, Patricia Graves and husband Ronald; brothers-in-law, Francis Caufield and wife Deborah of Canton and James Caufield and wife Linda and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mari Louise D’Onofrio ’74 died on April 18, 2012 at the Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain. She was 55. Born in Hartford, daughter of the late Mario and Helen (Bushnik) D’Onofrio, she lived in Newington since 1978. Mari attended Hartford College for Women and graduated from Amherst College with a B.S. in Psychology and from UConn with a B.S. in Nutrition. She worked as a registered dietitian at the Whiting Forensic Institute, Middletown. In 1993 Mari left the workforce due to the advanced development of Multiple Sclerosis. She fought her disease for over 20 years, and received special care from her two dedicated and loving care givers Tina and Tash. Survivors include her brother Thomas D’Onofrio ’77 and his wife Mary Beth, her sister Karla D’Onofrio Ludwig ’72 and her husband Steve Ludwig, a niece and two nephews and her best friend and love of her life Ray Morse of Bristol.
Nancy Ann Fritsche ’69 of West Hartford died June 7, 2012 in New Britain, CT at the Hospital for Special Care at age 60. Born July 19, 1951 in Pittsburgh, PA, Nancy was the daughter of Joseph V. Fritsche and Louise C. Pfister Fritsche, who predeceased her. She is survived by her sisters, Karen L. Fritsche of West Hartford, CT and Jo Ann M. Fritsche of University Place, WA; and by several cousins. Nancy was a beautiful person, beautiful in body and beautiful in spirit, who inspired all who knew her by fighting bravely against an unknown neurological disease for almost forty years. Nancy held a B.S. from University of Connecticut, an M.S. in Recreation Therapy from Springfield College and an M.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Maryland. She also held a national certification in therapeutic recreation. Nancy worked as recreation director for several towns including Hanover, NH and Attleboro, MA. She also worked as a civilian as recreation director for the Army and Air Force for three years in Germany. In addition Nancy was a Grants Director, specializing in handicapped accessibility, for the National Park Service. She was also an art therapist at Connecticut Valley Hospital. She was a superb athlete, a champion swimmer and a senior life saver. She was also on the junior pre-Olympic circuit for tennis. Nancy loved jazz and played jazz piano, French horn and xylophone for school bands. She was a prize winning artist who excelled in painting trees. She loved plants and helped to found a garden club at the Hospital for Special Care. She loved her family and took care of her elderly mother and her beloved dog, Arrow, until her admission to the hospital. At the end of her life, Nancy was an inspiration to others by her courage in dealing with her disease and by her concern for and interest in others. She was a long time member of the Church of Saint Helena, receiving communion every Wednesday from Father Kilbride. Andrew J. Gleason ’72 was known his entire adult life by his childhood nickname, Charlie. Charlie was born and grew up in Hartford, CT. As an adult, Charlie lived and raised his family in Granby, CT. Nearly 30 years ago, after apprenticing in the lawn irrigation trade,
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Charlie branched out and started the Valley Lawn Sprinkler Service Company. From a humble beginning, Charlie and Valley Lawn established and maintained the highest possible standards of professional customer care. He was well known in the irrigation trade and throughout the Farmington Valley. A lifelong sports fan (he was on the New England CYO Basketball Championship team in grammar school), he coached his daughter’s grade school basketball team and enjoyed watching both of his children play soccer through their high school years. Charlie also bonded with his brothers over their mutual enjoyment of UConn men’s and women’s sports programs and their shared interest in watching the NFL. Charlie leaves behind his beloved children Meg (and husband Matt), Tim, and their mother, Jan and his siblings Ellen Gleason ’67, Bill Gleason ’69, Robert “Byrd” Gleason ’71 and Loretta Gleason ’79. Gabriel “Mark” Pace III ’80 died April 6 from post surgical complications following a 6 year fight with stage 4 brain cancer. He was 49. Born Sept. 25, 1962 in Wash. DC, and received Economics degree from UConn, he pursued a sales career and settled in Huntington Beach. He enjoyed surfing, cycling, hockey and tennis, and was a professional tennis umpire in the ’96 Olympics and a distinguished fundraiser for the Livestrong Foundation. He cycled in several 100 mile rides with Team Pace. He was pursuing a Masters in Theology from Biola University and attended FCCHB. Mark is survived by his wife, Andrea; son, Brock; parents, Gabriel Pace and Rosamond Lawson; and sisters, Deborah Pace Sitzmann ’82 and Sharon Pace Ward ’86. Edmund T. “Bud” Welch III ’73 of East Hampstead, NH and E. Falmouth, MA died Sept. 7, 2012 at age 57. Bud was born April 25, 1955 at Hartford Hospital in Hartford, CT. He spent his childhood and young adulthood in West Hartford, CT. He graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA in 1977. His successful sales career spanned thirty years including positions with Miles Pharmaceuticals, Cutter Medical, and Akorn Pharmaceuticals. Bud was an avid outdoorsman who found his greatest joy boating and fishing FA L L 2 0 1 2 - W I N T E R 2 0 1 3
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In Memoriam (Continued) around Nantucket Sound and his time spent at Wauwinet. He also enjoyed spending time in the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire with his family and friends. He leaves behind his parents, Dr. Edmund and Jeannine Welch, his sons Edmund “Ted” Welch ’93 and wife Molly, Craig Lewis Welch and fiancé Whitney Upton, Scott Thomas Welch, granddaughters Ava and Genevieve. He also leaves behind his sisters, Jan Welch Norwood ’71 and husband Carl, Leslie Welch Rogers ’76 and husband Walter, Louise Welch Daves ’79 and husband Michael Daves and Kelly Welch and partner Steven Anderson. He also leaves his much loved nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends. The family would like to thank the nursing and medical staff of Massachusetts General Hospital for their compassionate care during Bud’s hospitalization.
Daniel Paul Albrizio, brother of Ronald Albrizio ’80 and Eileen Albrizio ’81 Gordon Catto Andrew, father of Linda Andrew Starr ’66, Gordon Andrew ’68, Joan Andrew Luddy ’71, Richard Andrew ’76; father-inlaw of Dr. Richard Luddy, science teacher, and grandfather of Rick Luddy ’00, Dan Luddy ’03, faculty member, and Ben Luddy ’07 Dr. Richard Salmon Bagnall, father of the late Corporal Robert Bagnall ’66, James Bagnall ’69, Anne Bagnall Pelow ’73, Steven Bagnall ’76 and Barbara Bagnall ’77; father-in-law of John Pelow ’73 and grandfather of John Pelow II ’02 Walter (Terry) Bobowski, uncle of Serena Bobowski ’91, Torey Knight ’03 and Dina Knight ’05
Current Families
Dr. Leo Thomas Bruyette, Jr., DDS, uncle of Michelle Bruyette Melander ’73
Rita “Murph” (Murphy) Caldarella, mother of Mark Caldarella ’73, grandmother-in-law of Kevin Deneen ’78 and great-grandmother of Bryan Deneen ’16
Dr. Raymond Caldarelli, father of Renee Caldarelli Fabrizio ’65, Richard Caldarelli ’67, John Caldarelli ’69, Donna Caldarelli Burke ’79 and Mia Caldarelli ’82
Thomas J. Denno, grandfather of Caila Denno ’13
James Michael Carey, father of former faculty member Kathleen Gauthier, grandfather of Maggie Gauthier ’12 and Brigid Gauthier ’16
Dr. Morgan V. Flaherty, father of Patia Flaherty Haverty ’84, and grandfather of Jack Haverty ’15 Luis Enrique Montalvo, father of Luis Montalvo ’95, father-in-law of Tertia Melluzzo Montalvo ’95 and grandfather of Arianna Montalvo ’13 James F. Moran, father of faculty member Catherine Curran and grandfather of Margaret Curran ’13 Nicholas Anthony Notte, Sr., father of Nicholas Notte ’75, Terry Notte Becker ’76 and Jenny Notte ’82, grandfather of Matthew Becker ’11 and Mary Becker ’13 Anette Palmer-Russell, mother of Aisha Russell ’13 Ruth Ellen (Flagg) Small, “Grand mother” of McKenzie Seldon ’04, Tony Seldon ’11, and Alana Seldon ’13 Patricia Sweeney, grandmother of Brendan Butler ’13 William Francis Tynan III, grandfather of Gracie Quinn ’10 and Charlie Quinn ’13
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Peter P. Caruso, father of Jennifer Caruso Seuss ’92 and Jonathan Caruso ’96 Claire E. (Galligan) Cassell, mother-in-law of Greg Burns ’69 Anthony R. Cicero, grandfather of Christina Cicero Green ’05 and Tony Cicero ’09 Luella Elizabeth “Betty” (Lint) Claflin, grandmother of Heather Claflin ’99
and Bill Davoren ’85 and father-in-law of AnnMarie O’Neill Davoren ’74 Jonathan Demos, brother of Sara Demos Avery, faculty member and brother-in-law of Daniel Avery ’97 Grace (Mahon) Doherty, mother of Mary Pat Doherty Provencher ’73 and Ann Doherty Gardner ’75 Le-An Marie (Wilcox) Flaherty, sister-in-law of MaryRose Flaherty Palmese ’78 and Patricia Flaherty ’80 John “Jack” W. Geoghegan MD, father of Noreen Geoghegan Kroehle ’86 and Mary Geoghegan ’00 Sean C. Harvey, son of Elaine Davis Charette ’71, nephew of Gail Davis Cardwell ’73 and Nancy Davis Mainelli ’77 Douglas Brassil Horak, son of Ellen Brassil ’70 and Jack Horak former NWC Board Member, nephew of Catherine Brassil Luby ’65, Robert Brassil ’69 and cousin of Ed Spinella ’01 Francie C. Hoyer, mother of Brian Hoyer ’99, Khara Hoyer ’02, and Jesse Hoyer ’07 Ann O’Donnell McCarthy, mother of Dawn McCarthy Kennelly ’95 Katherine C. (McGrath) McElaney, mother of the late Kim McElaney ’72, Margaret McElaney Woolley ’73, Ann McElaneyJohnson ’75, Jane McElaney Peterson ’77, and Julie McElaney-Gorman ’83, grandmother of Jack Peterson ’12 Walter F. Milewski, grandfather of Nikki Milewski ’09 Robert Moras, father of Kara Moras ’09
Mildred (Lombardi) Cleary, mother of the late Robert Cleary ’70 and grandmother of Thomas Cleary ’06 and Julie Cleary ’09
William J. O’Brien, father of Bill O’Brien ’69, Kathleen O’Brien Tracy ’70 and Tom O’Brien ’71
Nellie Katherine (Wojceshonek) Clermont, grandmother of Matthew Martorelli ’03, Athletic Director
Marianina “Marion” Occhineri, mother of Nancy Harrison ’66, the late Linda Occhineri Lucca ’69, and Marie Occhineri Koepke ’76
Nicholas David Coleman, son of Joseph Coleman ’79, nephew of Tim Coleman ’77, and Michael Coleman ’82
Harold A. Olson, husband of Lorraine FlorioOlson, former faculty member, and step-father of Diana Florio Beardsley ’84
Thomas F. Davoren, Jr., father of Joan Davoren Dowd ’73, Tom Davoren ’74, Anne Davoren O’Gorman ’77, Mary Davoren Kycia ’80
Dennis O’Neil, cousin of Susan Brimmer ’66, staff member
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Elsie Palmer, mother-in-law of Donald Bisson ’80
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Patricia “Pat” L. Pruitt, mother of Jennifer Pruitt ’94 and William Pruitt ’98 Amy Marie (Keefe) Randall, mother of the late Joseph Randall ’70, Mary Randall ’72, Amy Randall Lynch ’78, Margaret Randall Brodeur ’79, and Patricia Randall Taylor ’84, mother-in-law of Daniel Lynch ’78 and grandmother of Daniel Lynch ’09 and Casey Lynch ’10 Marilyn Lee Richardson, Richardson ’08
aunt
of
Tim
Mauricio Rizikow, father of Sarah RizikowBattiplagia ’03 Blanche (Parent) Ronaghan, mother-in-law of the late Robert Cleary ’70 and grandmother of Thomas Cleary ’06 and Julie Cleary ’09. H. Michael Schiffer, father of Katherine Schiffer ’73, Ellen Schiffer Quinn ’74, Michael Schiffer ’75, Mary Schiffer Jones ’76, Danielle Schiffer Andruszkiewicz ’77, John Schiffer ’79, James Schiffer ’81, Therese Schiffer Brehm ’82, Andrew Schiffer ’85, Jennifer Schiffer Freeh ’86, and Julie Schiffer Climer ’89, father-in-law of John Quinn ’74 and grandfather of Molly Andruszkiewicz ’04, Peter Andruszkiewicz ’06, Grace Andruszkiewicz ’08, and Eily Andruszkiewicz, member of the class of ’10
Elias Schwartz, grandfather of Carrie Schwartz ’06, Sarah Schwartz ’07, Emily Schwartz ’09, and Katherine Schwartz ’12 Jodie (Cianci) Seward, mother of Cara Seward ’11 and Haley Seward, member of the class of ’13 Frances Ann (Zazzaro) Taylor, grandmother of Lara Taylor ’06 Robert T. Walsh, Sr. father-in law of Kevin Kelly ’76, grandfather of Liisa Walsh Sloat ’04 and Katie Walsh ’09 William J. Walsh, father-in-law of Patricia Walsh, Director of Advancement, and grandfather of Devin Walsh ’06 and Lukas Walsh ’08 Muriel Frances Wintrode, mother of Barbara Wintrode Morris ’72, Janice Wintrode Conboy ’76, Carol Wintrode Maksimow ’77, and Paul Wintrode ’80 Mary L. Wontka, mother of Richard Wontka ’68 and Andrew Wontka ’73, mother-in-law of Mamella Murphy Wontka ’68 Joan R. Wood, mother of Christopher Wood ’73, David Wood ’74, Stephen Wood ’76, Julie Wood ’79 and Catherine Wood Lange ’83 Richard J. Wood, father of Christopher Wood ’73, David Wood ’74, Stephen Wood ’76, Julie
Wood ’79 and Catherine Wood Lange ’83
Faculty, Staff, and Administration Theresa Keith, aunt of Jane Leary, Advancement Office Amos Kentfield, uncle Advancement Office
of
Deb
LeBel,
Barbara (Peterson) Maule, mother of baseball coach Jason Maule Jimmy Pace, brother of Bobby Pace, staff member Larry Pace, brother of Bobby Pace, staff member Thomas Henry Tamoney, father of Deborah Metzler, faculty member Anne Rita Thayer, aunt of Mary Jo Foran, faculty member
Friends Shirley Mary Augusto, mother of Leslie Nelson, Office Manager of the Office of Catholic Schools Judith N. “Judy” Borrelli, sister of Mark Vincent, Project Engineer, FIP Construction
Join the 1961 Heritage Society The easiest and most cost-effective way to make a deferred gift to Northwest Catholic High School is to make a planned gift. This may be done via a provision in a will or trust; by naming Northwest Catholic as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, pension, profitsharing, IRA or 401(k) plan; or by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust. These gifts ensure the school’s strength and academic excellence for years to come. People who make planned gifts of any size automatically become members of our 1961 Heritage Society.
If you do include Northwest Catholic in your bequest provision, we would appreciate it if you would notify us accordingly. All notifications are kept confidential. We would be happy to work with you and your attorney or financial advisor. For more information about the Heritage Society, charitable gift annuities, or other options for planned giving, please contact Advancement Officer Colby Thresher at cthresher@ nwcath.org or 860-236-4221 x156.
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In Memoriam: Audrey Ann Naughton VanBrocklin, 1936-2012 a kind and sweet woman and over the years I often thought of her.” “She was the only math teacher I ever had who got me to (finally) understand algebra and get organized,” wrote Abigail Japenga Egan ’98. “I was lucky enough to have her as my geometry teacher at NWC,” wrote Kate Bartlett Williams ’98. “She was a great teacher, who always held our interest.” “Mrs. VanBrocklin was my high school Geometry teacher at NWC,” wrote Desi D. Nesmith ’97. “It is because of her that I love geometry to this day. She was strict, but fair and we knew she cared about us.” “Mrs. VanBrocklin was a truly gifted, one of a kind teacher who had a wonderful impact on her students,” wrote Lisa Sheehan Bragaia ’85. “She will never be forgotten.” That sentiment was echoed by those who worked with Audrey.
A
udrey Ann Naughton VanBrocklin, a Math teacher at Northwest Catholic from 1980-1997, passed away at age 75 on June 28, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, in Hartford. Audrey was born Oct. 13, 1936 in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest of three children of the late Gustav and Henrietta (Hoerschelmann) Naughton. She is survived by her husband Owen VanBrocklin, her two sons and their families, Henry and Linda VanBrocklin, Eric and Seth, of Walnut Creek, CA, and Kevin and Tanya VanBrocklin, Garrett and Mitchell of Harlan, IN; a brother and sister-in-law, Henry “Hank” and Eleanor Naughton of Cedar Knolls, NJ; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister and Hank’s twin, Diane Schneider. As a Math teacher at NWC, Audrey was known for her passion for math and a desire to help students learn – a sentiment reflected by her students in tributes posted online following her death.
“The thing I admired most was her dedication to her students,” says Math teacher and former department chair James Shugrue. “She was very demanding of them but they produced. Audrey loved math and saw in it both logic and creativity. As chairman, I was able to observe Audrey enthusiastically impart this to her students. At the end of the year several students indicated the hard work they did was worth it because they really learned how to think. Audrey VanBrocklin was a credit to Northwest Catholic both as a dedicated teacher and a personal friend to us all.” Administrative Assistant Susan Brimmer ’66 wrote, “She was always laughing! Audrey certainly had a positive and uplifting spirit.” “I will always remember her fondly as a fine teacher and a truly dedicated colleague at Northwest Catholic,” wrote former Social Studies Department Chair and Athletic Director John Shukie. “Several of our own children number themselves among the many young minds that Audrey worked so unselfishly and tirelessly to educate. Her memory will live on in the lives of those that she touched for so many years in the classroom.”
“Mrs. VanBrocklin was one of my favorite teachers at Northwest Catholic,” wrote Astread Ferron-Poole ’83. “She was
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LOGOS
T H E M AG A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
Five Alums Inducted During Eighth Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony
Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03, Peter Curran ’65, Heather Porch Rutkowski ’90, Suzanne Roemke ’76, Chuck Mears ’95, and Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson (Not pictured Bill Griffin ’69)
NWC’s Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed its eighth class of outstanding alumni athletes on Sat. Sept. 15, 2012. The members of the eighth Hall of Fame class, chosen for tremendous athletic achievements, as well as integrity, sportsmanship, and character, are: Peter Curran ’65: An outstanding football and baseball player, Pete was a crafty lefty who led the Indians to their first State Finals appearance. Pete was a two year captain for the football team and a four year captain for the baseball team as well as being named to the All-HCC team. Pete was named the NWC 1965 Athlete of the Year before moving on to Southern Connecticut State University. Bill Griffin ’69: Athlete of the Year in 1969, Bill was a classic three sport athlete competing in football, basketball and baseball. He was captain of the NWC football team during his senior year and was also named to the All-HCC team. Bill was a three year starter for the basketball team and four year varsity player on the baseball team. Suzanne Roemke ’76: Suzanne began her NWC career on the track competing in the 100m dash, 4x100m relay, long jump and javelin, before excelling on the basketball court as the starting point guard her junior and senior year. After NWC, she took her talents to Boston College where she played tennis (Freshman Year) and Lacrosse (Junior and Senior Year). Heather Porch Rutkowski ’90: One of the most accomplished runners not only at Northwest Catholic but in the state of Connecticut, Heather was a member of the
cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams. She was named to the All-State team for three years as a member of the cross country team. She went on to run at Brown University, where she was an All-American, and then took her talents to the world at the Olympic Trials. Chuck Mears ’95: One of the best running backs to ever come through Northwest Catholic, Chuck was not only an unbelievable asset to the football team, but he excelled on the track as well. An All-Conference performer his junior and senior year on the gridiron and All-State as a senior, Chuck holds school records for TDs in a season (23, 1994) and career (37). From 93-94, Chuck had 17 consecutive games where he rushed for at least 150 yards and a touchdown. Chuck lettered in football at the University of Connecticut in 1996 and 1997.
Save the Date! The ninth Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame class will be inducted at Wampanoag Country Club on Sat. April 27, 2013. The inductees are John Lyons ’70, Robert Marques ’77, Bruce Matthews ’88, Andrea Clarke ’96, Shayla Wallace ’97, and Mary Holloway Preble, who will be named an honorary member (awarded posthumously). Visit www.northwestcatholic.org/hof to purchase tickets for the dinner and ceremony.
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If you receive a copy of Logos for your son or daughter who has established a separate permanent address, please notify us at jleary@nwcath.org or 860-236-4221, x131
www.northwestcatholic.org
ACTS/HILL Summer Camping Trips In the picture on the left, members of the 2012-2013 HILL class prepare for a trust fall as part of their summer camping experience. During the summer of 2012, students from both the ACTS and HILL senior religion classes spent several days in the Northwest hills of Connecticut camping, hiking and growing closer together as a group.
Reunions 2013 If you graduated from NWC in a year ending in 3 or 8, your reunion year is 2013! We know that each class likes to celebrate in their own way. In the past, NWC alums have held reunions with a variety of events: • A reunion held at NWC • Lunch or dinner at a restaurant • A cocktail party or BBQ held at a classmate’s home • Happy Hours at local venues in Hartford
Some classes have already started planning their reunions, and others still need organizers. Northwest Catholic is here to help you with the planning of your reunion. Contact Jane Leary, Director of Constituent Relations, at 860-236-4221 x131 or jleary@nwcath.org, and she will help to get you started or get involved.
Help us find lost alums! Visit northwestcatholic.org/alumni Update your e-mail address so you are kept in the loop. Contact Jane Leary, jleary@nwcath.org.