Logos 50th Anniversary Edition by Northwest Catholic High School

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Celebrating 50 Years of Excellent Catholic Education

1961-2011

le t te r fro m t he PRINCIPA L/CHi ef A dm inis tr ator

Dear Friends, What a year it has been! From June of 2011 to the spring of 2012, it has been a remarkable period in the history of Northwest Catholic HS. The goals that the original 50th Anniversary Steering Committee set forth in 2009 have truly come to fruition. The celebration of the anniversary has truly been that – a wonderful remembrance of people who meant so much to this great school, many of whom came to enjoy the outstanding Gala held on March 31. The other goal, to create ways to achieve parts of the Master Plan for the building and campus, has also been achieved thanks to the outstanding generosity of so many of you. As you read this issue the Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium will be in use, the parking area will have been rehabilitated and the Rice Auditorium will have benefitted from significant modernization. And those are just the 2012 phase of the Anniversary projects! In 2011 over one million dollars was raised and in 2011-12 over $1.8 million has been raised allowing us to significantly increase the endowment while completing the aforementioned projects. Even as we revel in the modern, updated building, this remains a shell without the wonderful faculty, staff, students and parents, who work, learn and grow in this environment. In the right environment everyone walks a little taller, works a little harder and seeks to grow in maturity and faith with a little more effort. We have seen this pride reflected in the many accomplishments of our students and their desire to do better and be better people each day. People ask, what is next for Northwest Catholic? There remain items on our project list to complete – the Rice Auditorium needs more work and we intend to create the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Center for Performance and Achievement. However, faith development for young people facing a very secular world, continued curriculum enhancements and Professional Learning Community goals are a very real focus for us on a daily basis. The more things change, the more they stay the same and this is so true for the tradition that is Northwest Catholic. If you have not been by the school in a while, please drop in or come to any one of our many events. It feels good and right when you walk in the door. Northwest Catholic, the school where you know that you belong! This edition of Logos is a compilation of a great many events and we hope you enjoy reading about them. The Gift Report for 2011 will be posted on the school’s website.

Sincerely,

Margaret R. Williamson Principal/Chief Administrator

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Contents S P E C I A L ED I T I O N 2 0 12

NWC Celebrates Major Milestone in 2011-12

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50th Anniversary Mass History Exhibit Depicts Seven Pillars of NWC Education

Spectacular Gala Celebrates 50th anniversary

IMmaculÉe Ilibagiza pays visit to NWC

NWC’s “Originals” Honored on Special Banners

NWC Luminaries Alumni Tributes to Faculty, Staff, Coaches, and Administrators from the First 50 Years

Depar tments

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.

ADVANCEMENT NEWS

NEWS FROM 29 WAMP

SPORTS NEWS

ALUMNI NEWS

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t was an extraordinary year in Northwest Catholic history, no matter how you slice it, so it seemed only fitting that the publication schedule for Logos be adjusted to reflect that. Instead of two separate issues during 2011-12 – Fall ‘11/Winter ’12 and Spring/ Summer ’12 – we decided to publish just one comprehensive issue covering all school news from Apr. 1, 2011, through Mar. 31, 2012 (including three seasons of sports). This enabled us to include all of the very special events that made up NWC’s 50th Anniversary year, as well as something else very special: the tributes that alumni submitted about the teachers, coaches, staff, and administrators who’d had the biggest influence on their lives. Thus, this special 50th Anniversary edition of Logos is akin to a yearbook, if you will, of this unforgettable year.

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: Editor of Logos Northwest Catholic High School 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.4221 x133 editor@nwcath.org Editor:

Michelle M. Murphy

Principal/Chief Administrator: Margaret Williamson Design:

GO media

Photography:

Marilyn Adamo, Judith Appah ’08, ArtRich, Eileen Beakey, Nancy Bouligny, Timothy Bourdon ’03, Beth Casey Boyle ’94, William Carew, Courtney DeAngelis Collier ’01, Kathleen Connelly ’12, Dominican Sisters of Peace, Courtney Jason Driesch ’99, Jennifer Fiereck, Joe Fusco ’04, GO Media, Google Images, Claudia Hart ’78, James Holloway, Nadia Johnson ’99, Rufus Jones, Monica Kirschmann, Matt Leidemer, Jay Luby ’69, Dan Luddy ’03, Richard Luddy, Ph.D., Miriam O’Leary Mahoney, MD ’95, Brandon Marshall ’08, Mount St. Mary’s College, Michelle M. Murphy, NOWECA Staff, Northwest Passages staff, Jim Healey/Peapod Designs, Grace Quinn ’10, Zaira Santiago ’96, NCEA, Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94, William Phibbs, Jessica Rienow ’08, Mary Turbert Roberts ’96, Michael Rogers, SJ ’98, Jeff Rose, Saint Joseph College, Hilary Scurlock ’03, John Shukie, , Liisa Walsh Sloat ’04, TimeFrozen Photography (Keith and Chinenye Claytor), University of Scranton, Patricia Walsh, Margaret Williamson

We will resume publication of two issues of Logos per year in the Fall of 2012, with the Fall ‘12/Winter ’13 edition. Enjoy! ** This is Mrs. Michelle Murphy’s final edition of Logos. We wish her well in her new position and thank her for five years of outstanding promotion of Northwest Catholic HS.

Upcoming Events Admission Procedures For The Class Of 2017

November 17 - Saturday Night Live The 29th Saturday Night Live, NWC's signature fundraiser, will be held on Saturday November 17, 2012 from 6:30 pm-midnight and plans are already underway for another exciting event.

Come and learn more about NWC at Open House on Sunday Nov. 11 from 1 to 4 pm. Presentations that include information about academics, activities and much more will take place.

Interested in becoming a patron, maybe take an ad in our program, sponsor a room or even volunteer?

Contact Jane Leary at jleary@nwcath.org. Check for details at northwestcatholic.org and click on parents.

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Call Mrs. Lacouture at 860-236-4221 ext 140 or go to www.northwestcatholic.org

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Celebrating 5 0 YEAR S

NWC Celebrates a Major Milestone in 2011-12 50th Anniversary Year Includes Recognition of Past, Excitement about Future

orthwest Catholic High School turned 50 in September 2011! As with all milestones, this was cause for reflection, recognition, and celebration throughout the 2011-12 school year.

The 50th Anniversary year was officially celebrated from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, and featured a number of special events – an Anniversary Mass in September; a community book and author-in-residence in October; and a fundraising Gala dinner dance in March – along with such traditional favorites as Saturday Night Live, the Grand Reunion, and the NWC Golf Tournament, which was itself marking its 35th year. The yearlong celebration also featured a beautiful, museumquality history display in the Breen Center, where vintage photos and memorabilia from all five decades filled the walls and glass cases, and the unveiling of two large vertical banners capturing the names, photos, and years of service of the 14 “Originals” – i.e. the nine religious and five laypeople who worked at NWC when the school opened in 1961. And, it offered a sneak peek of what NWC will be like in the future. Two of the 50th Anniversary building projects (the

renovation of the Johnson Gym, including a new floor named for longtime Basketball Coach John Mirabello, and the comprehensive upgrade of 17 classrooms in the east wing of the building) were completed as the 50th Anniversary year began, and two others (renovation of the Rice Auditorium and the reconfiguration of the front of the school, including the new Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium) got under way as the 50th year ended, in June 2012. Planning for the 50th Anniversary began in June 2009, and from the outset, the intention was to include something for everyone in the NWC community – an array of tributes and activities that would honor NWC’s rich past, acknowledge those who established its strong foundation, and solidify the support that will ensure its future success. And oh yes: The year was meant to be filled with lots of nostalgia and fun, as well! Judging from the response – from the hundreds of alumni, current and former parents and grandparents, friends, and current and former faculty, staff, and administrators who reunited, on campus and off, during this 50th Anniversary year – that goal was achieved, and then some. It was certainly a year to remember!

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Archbishop Mansell, Seven Other Priests and Deacons Preside at Well-Attended 50th Anniversary Mass

WC’s 50th Anniversary celebration officially began on a very muggy Sat., Sept. 24, 2011, when Hartford Archbishop Henry J. Mansell and seven other priests and deacons concelebrated a 4pm Mass in the newly renovated Johnson Gymnasium. This was exactly 50 years to the day that the school was dedicated – also in the Johnson Gym.

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Assisting Archbishop Mansell on the altar were former NWC President Rev. Henry C. Frascadore, former faculty members Rev. Lawrence Bock and Rev. John McHugh, current faculty members Deacon Rich Santos ’82 and Deacon Jeffrey Sutherland, NWC chaplain Rev. Joseph Crowley, and Deacon Gary Bockweg ’65 from the Archdiocese of Washington, DC.

Cath ol iC hig h SCh oo l

Approximately 600 people attended the beautiful liturgy, which was filled with music from current NWC students — Meghan McCormack ’08 was the cantor — as well as faces and symbols from the past 50 years. During the opening procession, two alums

from each decade carried white candles with gold numerals representing their time period of NWC history. The readings were done by former faculty members Ron Ferri and Lee Callahan and by former administrators Dr. Michael S. Griffin and Sister Doris Regan, OP, who traveled from Honduras for the event. Current class officers brought up the offertory gifts, which included a NWC diploma, plus framed copies of the NWC Mission Statement, the NWC 50th Anniversary logo, and the logo of the Dominican Sisters of Peace (the successor order to the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs, who were assigned to NWC when it opened).

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Meghan McCormack ‘08 leads the congregation as cantor for the Mass.

Dr. Michael S. Griffin shares a laugh and a few memories with Sr. Doris Regan. As former leaders of the school, they have plenty to reminisce about!

Many old, familiar faces – former administrators, faculty and staff, numerous alums, and several alumni families who reunited for the event – were spotted in the crowd, along with dozens of current families, faculty members, and staff. Those who could not attend in person were able to attend the Mass in spirit, thanks to a live broadcast by a local cable channel and live streaming on the station’s web site. Before the Archbishop’s closing prayers, Hartford’s Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dale Hoyt and NWC Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson offered brief reflections on NWC, past and present, while West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka and Governor Dannel Malloy issued congratulatory proclamations from the town and state – the latter of which was read by NWC School Board Chair Robert O’Hara. The Mass, and the day, ended with many blessings from Archbishop Mansell – blessings on the renovated Johnson Gym; on the NWC community gathered to launch the 50th Anniversary year; and later, down the hall, on 17 newly renovated classrooms in the east wing of the building, after which guests enjoyed a beautiful assortment of light refreshments in the Navin Cafeteria and on the Senior Patio.

Rev. Henry C. Frascadore, former President of NWC, catches up with his former Assistant, Mrs. Sharon Barnes. She may still have a question or two about the Bike-a-Thon!

It was a most fitting, faith-filled beginning to NWC’s 50th Anniversary celebration!

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History Exhibit Depicts Seven Pillars of NWC Education

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of memorabilia can accumulate over 50 years – in private homes as well as in schools. At Northwest Catholic, those yellowed newspaper clippings, faded photos, prom souvenirs, musical programs, outdated athletic uniforms, and much, much more ended up in closets, drawers, and on random shelves all throughout the building.

Early in its anniversary-year planning, the 50th Anniversary committee decided it was time to corral these treasures into an exhibit that could be enjoyed throughout the yearlong celebration, if not beyond. A request went out — inside and outside NWC — for people to dig up the memorabilia hiding in the nooks and crannies of their classrooms or homes and loan it to the school for display.

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In the Summer of 2010, the Navin Room became the “holding tank” for these items. Volunteers led by Patrick Williamson ’99 and Hillary Baran ’11 dusted, sorted, identified, catalogued, boxed up, and indexed hundreds of pieces of memorabilia. By the time school started in September, the boxes were in an offsite storage facility, protected from moisture, heat, and fire.

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The Committee determined that the open, airy halls and existing It remained mounted in the Breen Center until the end of the 50th large display areas in the Breen Center would be the perfect site for a Anniversary year – a striking and engaging visual tribute to the people yearlong, museum-like tribute to NWC’s first 50 years. Freelance mu- and values at the heart of NWC’s first 50 years. seum consultant Brenda Milkovsky provided direction and guidance about how to tell the NWC “story” most effectively in this space, and Patrick Williamson and Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh formalized her ideas with a plan for seven different panels depicting the “pillars” of a NWC education: academics, faith, arts, athletics, community, leadership and service, and foundation. GO media (Logos magazine designer) did the layout, and the Joseph Merritt Company of Hartford created and printed the large panels. Installed in early September 2011, the display was officially unveiled on Sept. 24, the day of the 50th Anniversary Mass. In the months that followed, hundreds of people toured the exhibit, sometimes several times over, discovering a new photo or snippet of an article on one of the panels with each visit.

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Spectacular Gala Dinner Dance Attracts 550 People, Grosses $350,000 for Financial Aid

nother special event in the 50th Anniversary year was a sparkling Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday, March 31, 2012, at the Hartford Marriott Downtown in Hartford.

The event attracted more than 550 people from every part of the NWC community, and it grossed about $350,000, making it the second-most successful fundraiser in school history. (The first was the cross-country Bikea-Thon in 1992 led by then-President Rev. Henry Frascadore, which raised $750,000 and began the NWC Endowment.) Proceeds from the Gala – the majority of which came from corporate and individual sponsorships – will go entirely toward annual and endowed scholarships. “This event is a milestone in our history, and will allow us to create more scholarships for students wishing to attend Northwest Catholic,” said NWC Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret William-

son. “In addition, it was an opportunity for all of our constituencies to join together to celebrate the success of their beloved school. We could not be more pleased.” The Gala crowd included alumni from every decade; current and former faculty and staff; current and former parents; and numerous friends from the community. Four former heads of school were present – Rev. William O’Keefe, Rev. Henry Frascadore, Dr. Michael S. Griffin and Sister Doris Regan, OP, who traveled from Honduras for the event. A total of 73 different companies, families, and individuals signed on as sponsors; sponsorships ranged from $1,000 to $50,000. Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh and Gala Sponsorship Committee chair Terry Notte Becker ’76 spearheaded this effort (see www.northwestcatholic.org/Gala for info and more photos). United Technologies Corporation and Kenneth and Judith Boudreau were the two presenting sponsors of the Gala, contributing $50,000 each. The UTC donation will create a STEM scholarship for a NWC student interested in studying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math. The Boudreaus’ contribution will establish the Boudreau Family Leadership Scholarship, earmarked for an upperclass NWC student who has displayed leadership skills. Local TV personality Irene O’Connor ’85 and local radio personality Brad Davis, father of Leslie Davis Gregor ’81, were the emcees for the festive evening, which featured music by a nine-piece band; a live auction, which raised just over $25,000 on sports tickets, trips to Italy and Kiawah, SC, and a shoreline wine tasting; and a focused “raise the paddle” fundraiser for financial aid. The NWC motto -– “In Your Light, We Shall See Light” –- set the theme for the evening, which was evident in every corner of the ballroom. Instead of flowers, for example, the table centerpieces were three-sided luminaria with vel-

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lum panels that depicted the NWC motto, the Dominican Sisters’ motto, and a teacher, administrator, or staff member who had been influential in the life of a NWC student. These 45 different “luminaries” were nominated by alums. (See page 14 for a story explaining the “luminaries” project.) The Gala’s honorary co-chairs were Laura Connelly Allen ’65 and Richard Allen, Ned Guillet ’69, and Kathy Collagan Wentworth ’65 and Ned Wentworth ’65. The Gala Planning Committee was co-chaired by current parents Mary Butler and Kara Cunningham Langan ’81. They were assisted by current parents Vicki

Ferrell (raffle baskets) and Kim Shea (invitations and registration); alumni parent Madelyn Filomeno (decorations), and KC Connors O’Brien ’81 and Kip Parker ’82 (event advisers). NWC’s Director of Constituent Relations Jane Leary was the in-house coordinator. “We are so grateful to the many members of our community who supported the Gala with their sponsorships, donations, and attendance,” said NWC Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh. “We definitely could not have done this without the tireless efforts of an amazing team of volunteers and NWC staff who collaborated for almost three years to plan and execute our beautiful celebration.”

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NWC Community Reads and Reacts to Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza, a Rwandan Refugee

WC’s 50th Anniversary celebration included a “community book” that was designed to include all of the school’s constituencies in a remarkable and memorable shared experience. The selected book was Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust, by Immaculée Ilibagiza. Published in 2007, Left to Tell is a haunting tale of the 91 days that Immaculée – then a college student — spent hiding with seven other women in a tiny bathroom during the three-month genocide in her homeland in 1994. During her captivity, Immaculée said she discovered the power and solace of prayer, which helped to strengthen her relationship with God and the Blessed Mother and enabled her to forgive those who slaughtered her family and her countrymen. Within weeks of its publication, Left to Tell was a New York Times bestseller, and it has since been made into a documentary. In 2007-08, the book was required reading for 6,000 students at Villanova University. Among many other accolades, Immaculée has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Notre Dame. Left to Tell was included on NWC’s Summer reading list in 2011, and all NWC students were required to write a letter to the author

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with their reactions to the book and two questions they would ask Immaculée if they had a chance to meet her. Once school began, each homeroom teacher then selected the two best letters from that homeroom, and those students were invited to attend a reception with the author when she came to campus in October. For two days in October 2011, Immaculée served as an “author-inresidence” at NWC. On Monday night, Oct. 24, she spoke in the Rice Auditorium to a hushed audience of more than 350 people who had purchased $20 tickets to the event. (Some people opted for a higherpriced ticket, which enabled them to meet with Immaculée during an intimate wine and cheese book-signing reception before her presentation.) She also signed copies of her book afterward. On Tues., Oct. 25, Immaculée spoke to the entire student body about her experiences, and also entertained a number of insightful questions from the student audience. The students who’d written the best letters to the author had the opportunity to meet with her and share light refreshments before her presentation on Tuesday morning. For more information, visit Immaculée’s web site – www.lefttotell. com – or her Facebook page.

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NWC’s “Originals” Honored on Special Banners Celebrating nWC’s “Originals” Honoring the 14 educators – 9 religious, 5 laypeople – who worked at nWC when it opened in 1961.

r. Colton. Sister Marie Veritas. Ron Ferri. Their names – and 11 others – are synonymous with Northwest Catholic’s history, because they are the 14 people who worked at the school when it opened in September 1961. Now, they have been immortalized on two 5-foot banners created specifically for the 50th Anniversary celebration – but which will certainly be used for decoration and displayed at countless events and activities for many years to come.

Rev. Bradford Colton 1918-2009 NWC Principal (1961- 68)

Sister Lauranna Stoll, OP 1910-1988

Miss Alice McWeeney 1903-1993

Vice Principal (1961- 62)

School Secretary, Bookkeeper, Voice of Morning Announcements (1961-70)

Sister Edwina Devlin, OP English Teacher (1961- 62)

Sister Mary James McMahon, OP (Now Mrs. Martha McMahon McCaffrey) Math Teacher (1961- 62)

Sister John Vianney McCulloch, OP Latin Teacher (1961- 62)

The banners feature a vintage photo of each "Original," along with the subjects they taught or the position they held, their years of service at NWC, and also the years of their birth and death (if they are deceased). There are nine religious and five laypeople. Made of a durable, dark-green vinyl, the “Originals” banners collapse easily into lightweight and portable containers, which facilitates quick and flexible set-up. When not being used at a 50th Anniversary event, the banners were on display in the main lobby of the school building, appropriately flanking the words “Northwest Catholic High School” on the beautiful green marble façade.

Sister Mary Lucy (now Ellen) McNulty, OP Math and Religion Teacher (1961- 62)

The Class of ’15 Creates Iconic Image On the very first day of their very first year of high school, the members of the Class of ’15 helped to make history at Northwest Catholic. Well, perhaps it would be better to say they helped to make a symbol of history. Just after their orientation lunch on Wed., Aug. 31, 2011, the 165 students in the freshman class were ushered out onto Brewer Field. There, they were invited to arrange themselves into a single-file line, shoulder to shoulder, following a design outlined with string and defined with pencil “stakes” on the field. (The field had been carefully measured and marked the day before, based on a hand-drawn schematic – and a lot of math!) The goal was to create a gigantic human “50” that could be photographed and used throughout the Anniversary year. Though the photographer’s elevation in the press box wasn’t quite high enough to get a true aerial shot, and though it was tricky to obtain clean lines in the 5, the image was successful enough to get the idea across. An enlarged version of the big 50 photo graced the windows of the main office throughout the school year, and often prompted freshmen to conduct “Where’s Waldo”-like searches for themselves and their friends when passing by. And, the photo was used in local newspapers’ extensive coverage of the anniversary year.

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NWC’s Luminaries Alumni Tributes to Faculty, Staff, Coaches, and Administrators from the First 50 Years had a luminaria centerpiece featuring one of these tributes, including a vintage photo of the honoree and an excerpt from the nomination form, illuminated by a battery-powered LED light. The effect in the ballroom was mesmerizing, as the tiny lights cast a glow inside the vellum-paneled centerpieces that depicted the very best of a NWC education – the people who shape the minds, hearts, and souls of its students. Some of these luminaries received more than one nomination, but we have chosen to print only one per person. (However, each nominee received hard copies of each nomination form that was submitted, so they are aware of all the beautiful things that were written about them, and by whom.)

ike so many things in life, this collection of tributes to NWC’s educational “luminaries” – the faculty, staff, coaches, and administrators cited by alums for their extraordinary influence – started out as something much different. Originally, we sought nominations for “50th Anniversary Gala Honorees” – people who embody and live out Northwest Catholic’s mission and ideals in their personal and/or professional lives. These honorees could have come from any part of the NWC community, and there were no restrictions on who could nominate. From the many nominations received, we planned to select a handful of people to honor at the 50th Anniversary Gala on March 31, 2012. In September 2011, we began a parallel effort asking for nominations for a different project, but this time only alumni could contribute. We asked alums to tell us about the NWC teacher who had had the biggest influence on their lives, personally or professionally, and why – and to tell us about the person via an on-line nomination form on the NWC web site. We promised to publish all the nominations in a special issue of Logos. The response was amazing! It was not only the sheer number of teacher tributes – 45 different people were cited by the end of February 2012 – but also the beautiful, heartfelt words of gratitude that were written about them. Teachers from every decade and every academic discipline were mentioned, and some alums even wrote about staff, coaches, and administrators, prompting us to expand the questionnaire halfway through the project to include these categories. We also decided to save the 50th Anniversary Gala Honorees for another time, and to instead incorporate these “luminaries” at the Gala, the theme of which was “In Your Light, We Shall See Light” (the English translation of the NWC motto). Each of the 52 tables

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This collection of tributes should not be considered exhaustive, but rather, just a representative sample of the many, many NWC educators who have positively affected thousands of students since 1961. After the Gala, we heard from many alums who said they wished that they, themselves, had submitted a form for the person who had most influenced them during their years at NWC – and indeed, we may offer the opportunity again at some point. In the words of Craig M. Hudak, MD ’79, who submitted a tribute for Latin teacher Kay Slattery: “I have to say, it was very hard to pick just one teacher for this! Thinking back about this now with some perspective, I realize just how blessed we were. I honestly cannot think of a college level teacher that was any better than what I already had in high school…I learned how to learn in high school. “Just like Mrs. Slattery, Claire Weldon had an absolutely awesome command of her subject. Daniel Marcus made English and writing not only fun, but cool! Mary Louise Roland taught both Latin and French, and you could just see every day how much she loved her students. Michael Miscio had the best chalkboard diagram explanation skills I have ever seen, and put so much effort into every calculus class. Carol Canora was the best chemistry teacher I've ever had. “Sr. Janice MacFarland (the easiest newspaper advisor in the world with which to work), Paul Reardon, Ronald Fenn, Lori Hinchcliffe, Sr. Cornelia Coughlin, Fr. Michel Gosselin, Fr. Lawrence Bock, Richard Rice, Mitzi Hagearty, Robert Johnson...I'm sure I'm missing someone! Northwest Catholic simply would not have been the same without all of them. May God bless them all. “Someday I hope to go back to teaching — at the local Catholic high school. I know how to do it. I have my role models already.”

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Sister Edith Fitzgerald, OP Science teacher, 1963-66 and 1969-73 Nominated by Lucinda Harris, MD ’72 Sister Edith got me to submit my biology project on the black ghost knife fish to the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, which was a national high school competition. That changed my life, because it won me a trip to West Point and introduced me to high school students from around the country, got me an invitation to apply to the college that I eventually went to, Barnard College, and helped me to obtain my dream of becoming a physician.

Sister Elizabeth Seton Ryan, OP (1916-2005) Speech teacher, Dramateurs’ Director, 1964-70 Nominated by Rich Lamb ’67 I had Sister for Speech class, and at the time she was also in charge of the Dramateurs. Though I had never been on stage in my life, I thought it was time for me to do an audition — I knew I wouldn't get a part, but I believed it might nourish her more charitable impulses when it came to my grade in Speech class. I did the tryout, and you can't imagine the shock when I won the lead in the show. I was absolutely certain that I couldn't remember the lines, but somehow it happened, and doing that part changed my high school trajectory and changed my life forever.

Sister James Marie Sexton, OP (1908-1991) Math and Science teacher, 1963-70 Nominated by Rich Lamb ’67 Sister James Marie was a fierce but enthusiastic teacher of chemistry — she had us using a college-level textbook in our high school class.

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Mrs. Katherine Slattery (1915-2008) Latin teacher, Latin Department Chair, 1962-80 Nominated by Craig M. Hudak, MD ’79 Mrs. Slattery was my very first foreign language teacher and awakened my love for words and language in general. She also taught me a lot about English grammar! She was simply unflappable, always calm and kind, never upset, in that logical way of hers. I will always treasure a very old Latin grammar she gave me when I graduated. She was the first teacher I came back to visit during my first college break. She looked at me in jeans and said, “Is that what they’re wearing at college these days?” She was a woman of quiet elegance, and I will never forget her. She certainly affected how I made choices, if not the actual choices. Translating Latin is very logical and teaches you how to think and put things together in an orderly way. She also set very high standards, not only for academic achievement but also for behavior outside the classroom. Strive for excellence. Think about what great people have done before you. Never take the easy way out. Oh, and Latin sure makes medical anatomic terms easy!

Mrs. Kristina Gillespie Spanish teacher, ACTS teacher, Director of Campus Ministry, 1990-present Nominated by Erica Stewart ’07 Mrs. Gillespie taught me how to strengthen my faith life when I was a student in her ACTS class my senior year. Because of her, I went to a wonderful Catholic college (Stonehill), majored in Religious Studies and participated in many campus ministry activities, and am now participating in a Catholic-affiliated post-graduate service program, living with Dominican sisters. I teach at a Catholic high school, and I’m also looking into studying Catholic school teaching in graduate school.

Mr. Scott Fletcher Science teacher, Coach, 1985-present Nominated by Karen Walker ’98 As I think back on my “growing up years,” athleticism was never really a huge part of my family – yet now, 13 years after high school, l still crave being an athlete. I attribute this to spending my four years at NWC on Scott Fletcher’s cross-country team. It was a great learning experience for self-motivation, mental toughness, and a desire to be healthy. I continue to be active today. I joined the diving team in college, and post-college I have dedicated my free time to curling, training competitively in the sport. Overall, I maintain my drive to be physically active.

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Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick Social Studies teacher, Social Studies Department Chair, 1997-98, 2000-present Nominated by Robert Dornfried ’07 Mr. Fitzpatrick was the most enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable teacher I had at NWC. His ability to interact with students inside and outside the classroom made him a student-body favorite and further solidified his reputation as the ultimate teacher. His attendance at numerous sporting events as well as leading class trips to Europe revealed his persistent quest for knowledge. Most importantly, Mr. Fitzpatrick, known as "Fitz" to the school, was friendly, humorous, and led electric classroom discussions. Mr. Fitzpatrick solidified my ambition to study history at his alma mater (Holy Cross) and to pursue the teaching of history. Today I am fulfilling this dream.

Mr. Ronald Ferri Science teacher, Science Department Chair, Band teacher, Marching Band Director, 1961-62, 1964-79, and 2000-07 Nominated by Robert Shangraw, MD, Ph.D. ’72 He taught that it was important to apply yourself. He made classes fun, including physics. He put in great extra effort to make his subjects real, even entertaining, to his students — particularly in the independent research course. Mr. Ferri helped direct me to a career in science, first in college, and then into academic medicine. In high school he instilled in me the love of pursuing the unknown and pushing to the next question.

Sister Rita Clare Lanz, OP (1909-1983) Math teacher, 1962-72 Nominated by Martha Smith Murphy ‘67 Sister Rita Clare was a wonderful math teacher, but the biggest impact she had on my life was teaching us the Memorare, which we said every day at the beginning of class, and her inherent faith in us. I can still hear her saying: “You can do this!” Without knowing it, I applied to and attended the college she had attended. I majored in math, as she did, and I went on to graduate school in a field that was heavily mathematical.

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Sister Doris Regan, OP (formerly Sister Mary Sheil, OP) Latin teacher, Principal, 1964-87 Nominated by Joanne (Jodi) Warner Fyfe ’67

Sister Doris helped me to really enjoy the study of this ancient language, to better understand the origins of our own English vocabulary, to memorize some great quotes (Forsan et haec ...), and to learn to persevere in my efforts at Latin IV translations! Most importantly, with her wonderful wit, enthusiasm, warm personal style, and expertise in her subject area, she modeled for me what a great teacher should be. I figured that if I made it through Latin IV successfully I'd survive college courses that might challenge me down the road. (After college I even ended up co-chaperoning with Sister Doris a NWC student trip to Rome, of all places!) I myself became a teacher and then a high school counselor, and my two daughters are now teachers. I consider Sister Doris a superb role model for all educators.

Sister Mary Ann Fatula, OP Religion teacher, 1970-74 Nominated by Joanne Scapellati Protasewich ’73 Google Sr. Mary Ann Fatula and the results are numerous — which leads me to believe that she has not changed! She was the most influential teacher I had at NWC and, by far, the most energetic, spiritually upbeat, and intellectually stimulating. She was academically demanding, yet enthusiastically motivating. She taught with an unbridled passion, radiating the very tangible presence and essence of the Holy Spirit about whom she was teaching. My Catholic faith was significant in my life before I took her classes, but Sr. Mary Ann, with her infinite knowledge and wisdom, infused it with new energy and understanding. My faith continues to be first and foremost in my life today. In addition to my parents, I attribute this to Sr. Mary Ann. She made a dynamic impact on my life. She instilled in me an intense, unwavering love of my Catholic faith and subsequently, the fervent desire to impart it to my children. Now, years later, having done so, I feel I have accomplished much in life. Sr. Mary Ann, truly an influence then, will always be an inspiration to me.

Ms. Nancy Deren (1957-2011) Religion teacher, 1977-79 Nominated by Terri-Ann Trifari Sands ’81 Without ever having had her for class, and probably without her knowing it, Ms. Nancy Deren taught me the most important lesson I ever learned at Northwest Catholic, and one that I keep with me to this day. It is the philosophy of Saint Therese, the “Little Flower,” and it’s just this simple: Even the smallest gesture, sometimes unknowingly, matters.

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Mr. John Cusson English teacher, Academic Dean, 2000-present Nominated by Megan Kathleen Richardson ’04 Mr. Cusson made us appreciate the literature and works we studied. He also helped us to look at literary works from so many perspectives and made us the best writers, as well as students, we could be. As academic dean, he was also a vital part of planning our high school career and helped prepare us for college and life after NWC. Mr. Cusson actually helped to guide me toward my current profession. After I expressed an interest in becoming a registered nurse, he put me in touch with his wife, a professor at the UConn School of Nursing. The rest is history. I earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nursing and now work in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the UConn Health Center. Thanks to Mr. Cusson, I found my career as well as my passion in the field of nursing, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Ms. Carol Canora (1936-2006) Science teacher, Science Department Chair 1970-97 Nominated by Wilder Leavitt ’82 Ms. Canora stressed learning concepts, rather than memorizing scientific facts. She was famous for saying, “That’s a look-uppable,” referring to facts that we need not commit to memory. She would write information like the quantity of a mole or the number pi on a side blackboard while emphasizing chemical and physical concepts, which we would take with us beyond high school. When I left NWC, I decided to study aerospace engineering. This was partly influenced by the confidence I gained in Ms. Canora’s classes. Once while we were studying gravitation and acceleration, I read in our textbook about an experiment to measure the force of gravity. When I approached Ms. Canora to ask her about it, she suggested I set up the experiment and conduct it myself. She opened the physics lab after hours and supervised my experiments. She gave me the freedom to explore my interests and indulged my curiosity on her own time. She helped me to understand that I could explore the universe just like every other scientist who came before me.

Mr. John Shukie Social Studies teacher, Social Studies Department Chair, Coach, Athletic Director, 1976-2007 Nominated by Michael Hill, MD ’86 Mr. Shukie epitomized the ideal coach mentor for adolescent males. He was strict, hardworking, and fair. You knew your boundaries, and you also knew that he would regard each player and student as individuals with all their strengths and weaknesses and treat them fairly and with respect. He truly felt both euphoria and anguish with the team members regardless of the outcome — good and bad. He taught us that football (team play) taught us life skills, which I use every day. And he also taught us that you get out of football, school, and life what you put into it; put in everything you’ve got. N O RT H W E S T C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L

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Mr. George Kochanowicz (1936-2009) Custodian, 1985-2001 Nominated by Kyle Benson ’01 George was from a different era, and it showed in his old-school approaches to any task at hand. He taught me a lot about direct problem solving. For instance, he created a flying lawnmower. See, he hated pushing the regular mower because of the clogged bearings in the wheel bushings. He solved this problem by removing the wheels, speeding up the RPMs of the cutting blade, and adding some other engineering secrets that allowed the mower to hover over the grass while still cutting it in a very neat and expeditious manner. I worked one Summer with George when we remodeled the science labs. Along with Steve Menyfield ’01 and Brian Paoletti ’02, we literally demolished the old slab concrete workstation, the painted lab tables, and tiles with sledgehammers and removed them from the premises piece by piece. He taught me the value of a hard day’s work, safety in the workplace, and general knowledge and an approach that I may not have gotten without forming a close-knit relationship with him. A sort of “George colored glasses” that I still refer to when dealing with customers and projects of my own. Like I said, George taught me the value of hard work. I am not talking about giving the ole’ college try. I’m talking about hard physical labor, sweat and blood and unfiltered cigarette smoke wafting into your face and lungs. Today, I am a general contractor and some of my direct knowledge of construction practice comes from George. He instilled that sense of accomplishment that you get when you physically make, change or recreate something for the better. He never thought a task was too large or daunting; he would just approach it with his crooked fingers, a visceral grunt and an efficient practical set of steps. I think that was the greatest trait of his that affects me in a positive way when I’m completing projects in my daily life.

Mrs. Jeanette Fraulo Science teacher, 1985-93 Nominated by Margaret Berges ’92 I had Ms. Fraulo for bio, and she made me love learning. She helped me to believe that I could succeed in challenging courses in college.

Mrs. Eloisa Saavedra Spanish teacher, 1965-70 Nominated by Barbara Fanning Iorillo ’69 Sra. Saavedra opened a new world for me! I learned a new language, a new culture, and a broader appreciation for and acceptance of things and people who view things differently. Different is not better or worse, just a common way a certain group of people choose to do things or view things that may be different from the American way.

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Mr. Joshua Reese ’95 Social Studies teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, 2001-11 Nominated by Garrett Hickey ’09 Mr. Reese opened my eyes to a lot of things that I never thought about. He stressed hard work in the classroom and on the court. In the classroom, he made learning about American law and the world fun and interesting while sharing stories and reading great documents. Mr. Reese had a huge influence on me at my time at NWC, but also after it. It is because of him that I want to become a teacher and coach and maybe someday an athletic director. I interned with him in the AD office for two years after I graduated and learned so much from him.

Mr. Paul Reardon (1941-2009) English teacher, English Department Chair, 1967-2003 Nominated by Michael Lenz ’91 Mr. Reardon had a unique style that really kept the class engaged. He was able to have fun, but get a lot of work done at the same time. It was a creative writing course, so he would read student work aloud to the class and bring it to life with so much enthusiasm and energy — it was awesome. Mr. Reardon was also a great storyteller in his own right, and he would regale the class with humorous and heartfelt stories from time to time. Finally, Mr. Reardon related to his students – especially the seniors – as adults, and he tried to teach lessons not just about writing, but about life. Mr. Reardon had a huge impact on me as I decided to pursue a career as a high school English teacher. I always felt respected by Mr. Reardon, and his class was a place where students felt comfortable enough to express their feelings and to take chances in their creative writing. I try to establish that same feeling in my own classes, and I certainly take a break from the rigors of class every once in a while to entertain my students with a humorous story or two! Thanks, Mr. Reardon, for teaching me to strike a balance with my students that encourages learning and creates a true class community.

Mr. Ed Noonan English teacher, 1979-85 Nominated by Libby Belfast Gray ’86 Mr. Noonan made English fun. He was a younger teacher, and I think because we felt like he was closer to our age, he was better able to relate the information that we read and the lesson that he was trying to impart in terms that we could understand. Mr. Noonan was a teacher who gave you the encouragement to enter his class on a daily basis, despite not particularly being fond of the reading that was being covered, because he was always able to make the information understandable. N O RT H W E S T C AT H O L I C H I G H S C H O O L

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Mr. Michael Miscio Math teacher, 1971-79 Nominated by Marie Tyler Wiley ’77 With my, shall we say, “quirky” learning style, I was definitely challenged in certain subject matters — math being one of them. Mr. Miscio had always offered me help. Back then, I was way too embarrassed to ask for help. But one day I realized I had no option. I either got help, or I was done! So I took “Mr. Mish” up on his offer, and there I stood after school, watching him repeatedly draw on the chalkboard yet another way to explain what was going on in the classroom. This man struggled for over an hour attempting to get one single concept into my head. Each time, he would gingerly look at me and ask: “Do you get it?” Feeling like a fool, I'd shake my head no and cast my eyes downwards. But Mr. Miscio would have none of that. He stuck with me, coaxed me with an easy smile, and repeatedly said: “Don't worry. You’ll get it. I'm not giving up on you.” And he didn't. After an hour of explanation, I had a Hallelujah moment when I screeched: “I got it!” I remember him bursting out laughing, and I the same — ever grateful that he didn't chastise me or make me feel stupid. That's when he became a star in my eyes. Now he was a great teacher!

Mr. John Mirabello Social Studies teacher, Health teacher, Phys Ed teacher, Coach, 1987-present Nominated by JJ Twigg ’90 Mr. Mirabello had such a connection with the students. He was more like your brother, or a greatly respected friend. He treated his students with respect, and he made it a point to make us feel that our thoughts mattered. Even students who had free periods would want to come and be a part of his classes because of his personality and teaching style. Mr. Mirabello had a big impact on me. I chose to attend Quinnipiac College, knowing that is where he graduated from, and it was the perfect fit for me.

Mrs. Patricia McGrath Health teacher, 1971-74 Nominated by Katherine Stovall Jordan ’82 There were many unbelievable NWC teachers – Mrs. O'Rourke, Mr. Noonan, Mrs. Florio-Olson, Mr. Reardon, Mr. Larson … they all influenced my life in more ways than one. But one teacher, in particular, did something unique. Patti McGrath took me to tour the campuses of four colleges in the Boston area. I chose to go to Stonehill College, which really set my life in a completely different direction. The fact that Mrs. McGrath cared enough to do that, and invested her time and energy in me, still strikes me today, and I now try to go above and beyond for the people in my life.

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Sister Maria Arnold, OP (1915-2008) Librarian, 1965-77 Nominated by Ida McGhee ’74 The NWC teacher that had the biggest influence on me was actually not a teacher but a librarian, Sister Maria Arnold. My fondest high school memory was volunteering in the library and working with Sr. Maria, shadowing her and learning many aspects of librarianship. Sr. Maria had the prettiest smile, and as I recall, she did not smile that often, opting instead to portray a strong stance of order and compliance when students visited the library. Sr. Maria knew that I wanted to be a librarian, and since I also worked in my local public library after school, she entrusted me with multiple tasks. Soft-spoken (and expecting the same in the library), she encouraged me to follow my passion to become a librarian. I went on to earn not only an undergraduate degree in Library Science & Information Technology, but also a Master’s in Library Services & Information Studies. Of course, libraries are not what they used to be 40 years ago. I can only imagine Sr. Maria and I standing over a computer, discussing the new technology, curious about the students entrenched with Facebook and the Internet. Now that I am older and semi-retired, my only regret is that I never told her how much she meant to me, and how she impacted my life. Yet, I truly believe she knew she was my favorite teacher. The smile gave it away.

Mrs. Barbara Keenan French teacher, 1988-2003 Nominated by Lisa Urso ’94 Mrs. Keenan was one of my favorite teachers in high school. She really ignited in me a passion and love for the French language and culture. It quickly became my best subject, and I ended up placing in the top five of two statewide French Competitions. In addition to being a great teacher, Mrs. Keenan served as my mentor throughout high school. I knew I could always come to her room after school and talk about anything — and I often did. Simply put, Mrs. Keenan inspired my career choice! I have been teaching French and Spanish to middle school students for the past 11 years. If it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t be back in the classroom today. When I was a senior at NWC, we were all asked “Where will you be in 10 years?” for a survey in the school newspaper. My response? “Back at Northwest teaching French.” While I’m not back at NWC, I’m still fulfilling that prediction — and I have Mrs. Keenan to thank for it.

Mr. Sean Hayes ’82 Religion teacher, Director of Campus Ministry, 1991-94 Nominated by Kelly Oliver Kimball ’92 Mr. Hayes connected with us as people, not just students. He was real with us, yet he still had boundaries. He took us to Chicago for a Habitat for Humanity project, and it is an experience I will never forget. I wouldn't have wanted to disappoint Mr. Hayes if I messed up! I became a better person because he made us stop and reflect on ourselves, the community, and the world.

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Dr. Richard Luddy Science teacher, Coach, 1997-present Nominated by Daniel Mitchell ’07 Dr. Luddy encouraged me to pursue higher education in math and science, while giving me a strong foundation in physics and cementing my desire to major in a field related to math, science, and engineering. He encouraged students to always do their best – but also always pushed us to do better. He made class interesting and fun, while making sure we were well prepared for tests, the AP exams, and college. He had a strong background in science, especially physics, and was able to answer any questions. He was always available for extra help. Dr. Luddy helped me pursue my dream of majoring in an area related to math, science or engineering, and he also inspired me to continue on for my Master’s and to choose a career where I can make real contributions in my field.

Ms. Joan Keating-McKeon English teacher, 1984-87, 1997-present Nominated by Chris Thomas Hayes ’01 Ms. Keating-McKeon sparked an interest in literature and for getting lost inside a story. She literally showed me how she reads, and how much effort and time she put into not only reading but also looking beyond a book and making it personal. I'm a professional actor, puppeteer, and artist. I deal with text and literature constantly, and I have the same love for reading and make an effort to connect with the material and my art. I make it part of me. I also outwork anybody in a 5-mile radius — that's something that all Northwest teachers push their students to do.

Mrs. Patricia Juda English teacher, English Department Chair, 1984-2011 Nominated by Jennifer Bucchiere Wilson ’98 Mrs. Juda always expected your best. At times you may have thought you were working to your fullest potential, but Mrs. Juda was able to push you a little bit harder than even you thought was possible. Failure was not an option. You were going to complete her assignments, one way or another. If you were smart, you would complete them the minute they were assigned, otherwise you could guarantee that you would be spending your free period in the back of her classroom finishing that assignment. Although I wanted to be an educator even before I attended NWC, I feel that the high expectations I hold for my students are a direct result of Mrs. Juda's example. When my students fail to turn in assignments, I often find myself asking: What would Mrs. Juda do? And my response to my students is often the same one Mrs. Juda offered us: You can complete the assignment for homework, or you can complete it after school with me, but failing to do the work is not an option!

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Mr. James Shugrue Math teacher, former Math Department Chair, 1992-present Nominated by Sarah Griffin Casper ’96 Mr. Shugrue always made me feel smart and as if I could do it. I kept this feeling throughout the rest of my academic studies. When I was a junior at UConn, my math teacher told me I should switch my major to math. I told him my high school math teacher would have said the same thing. While I didn't switch majors, I never forgot Mr. Shugrue making me feel no matter how much stuff is on my plate, I can be successful in all of it if I try.

Mr. Jeff Przech ’92 English teacher, Coach, 2002-present Nominated by Joel Adifon ’10 When I began Mr. Przech’s Honors Creative Writing class, I had a pretty rigid world view. I had this “I'm right and if you don't agree with me, you're wrong” attitude. I was not very open to how others saw the world and how they interacted with it. Mr. Przech challenged this and constantly called me out of my comfort zone. By allowing me to listen to and critique the poems and short stories of others, he placed me in an environment where people were vulnerable about who they were and what they stood for. I learned many life lessons about accepting people who think and believe differently from me. I learned to be more open to new ideas and to listen to people, regardless of whether I agree with them. Everyone deserves a chance to be heard. I often think of Mr. Przech when leading faith discussion groups or just talking to people at college. I strive to be open about my faith and honest about my love for Jesus. I have not lost my passion or my fire. At the same time, I always remind myself that we are all on a life journey. Not everybody gets to the same place at the same time. The most important thing is to love the person in front of us and to listen to their hearts no matter what. I firmly believe that I would not have learned this lesson if I had not been in Mr. Przech's class.

Rev. Lawrence Bock Religion teacher, 1965-2004 Nominated by Debbie Samolyk MacMillan ’76 Fr. Bock loved to teach! Fr. Bock expected his students to study and apply his lectures. He taught his students to speak and write their thoughts in an articulate manner. Fr. Bock kept his students on their toes and encouraged his students to plan for their future. Colleges and universities were mandates for all of us to broaden our education, mature and grow spiritually. I still remember the theologians and philosophers we discussed in that class.

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Sister Catherine Marie Fitzgerald, OP (1907-1992) Secretarial teacher, 1963-70 Nominated by Diane Boisvert Henahan ‘66 Sister Catherine Marie taught strong basic secretarial skills that stuck with me throughout my personal life and career. After high school, I continued my secretarial education and later received an Associate’s Degree in Secretarial Science. This afforded me an opportunity to obtain good-paying jobs, which in turn led me to a successful career operating my own secretarial business.

Mrs. Deborah Metzler Math teacher, 1997-present Nominated by Alison O’Connor ’08 Mrs. Metzler went above and beyond to help me get through math. The subject was never my strength, and when she became my teacher halfway through my freshman year she never gave up on me. Mrs. Metzler was there early every morning and made time for me even when she had her Calculus Club. She worked with me to find the right approach to any problem that stumped me. She is a kind, determined person. As an education major, I continuously look for the other way of teaching a subject to students. Mrs. Metzler never told me to just memorize something; she always came up with a different approach to a problem so it would finally click with me. She also never settled for less than my best. She pushed me to be a successful math student, and now I am much more confident as I continue my education and start my career.

Mr. Ron Swanson History teacher, Latin teacher, 1982-present Nominated by Lindsey LaRocque, Ph.D. ’02 Mr. Swanson genuinely cared about each one of his students and made sure that everyone understood before proceeding. He constantly motivated his students to go beyond the classroom. He somehow made Latin enjoyable, and I looked forward to going to class everyday. Mr. Swanson gave me the tools I needed to succeed, to continue my education, and to work hard to reach my goals.

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Mr. Daniel Dwyer (1936-1969) English teacher, 1962-69 Nominated by Doug Lescoe ’68 Of all my NWC experiences, my English Literature class with Danny Dwyer made the most significant impression on me. From this teacher, I developed a lasting love for reading and writing. In his class, we read and discussed the ideas in a book of short stories. Prior to this time, we had studied mostly from the works of those who wrote in a more flowery and complex fashion. In contrast, the short stories expressed ideas in a clearer and less convoluted way. The material began the process of giving me clarity of thought, and in time, learning to view things as they really are. This began my search for the truth in all matters and a quest for the practical. Many of these stories forever changed me. For example, I on occasion still ponder the message from “the Happy Hypocrite” – a tale of personal change and improvement. I first read it in Danny Dwyer’s class. Thank you, Mr. Dwyer. After leaving high school, I had seven rebellious years. The lessons from my youth, including those from Mr. Dwyer, were still part of me; in time, I again embraced religion. Lessons learned early on can remain with us for life.

Mrs. Carol Schave Math teacher, 1978-2007 Nominated by Gillian Pratt ’86 Math had always been difficult for me. I just didn’t get it. With Mrs. Schave’s help, I passed Algebra I — but more than that, she made it start to make sense. Throughout college and grad school I could still hear her voice giving me tips on how to figure out problems. I even earned an A in a math class in grad school. Me — an A in math? Unbelievable! It took a while, but it happened. Thanks, Mrs. Schave! I became an educator. And, when introducing concepts, I always try to give students the most direct way to figure out a puzzle/problem, and I am consistent with the delivery. I learned this from Mrs. Schave.

Sister Dolores Staub, OP (1918-2010) Music teacher, 1961-67, 1975-82 Nominated by Paul LaRochelle ’68 I had the feeling, and I'm sure many other high school students had, as well, that when Sister Dolores exposed us to the music of Broadway tunes and classical season entertainment, she brought us out of the dark, so to speak. That music gave us all new light to our lives, which even today I feel. Like a plant that needs sunlight, the music was a light that helped us grow.

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Mr. Walter Stosuy (1937-2010) Physical education teacher, Athletic Director, Coach, Driver’s Ed instructor, 1962-2001 Nominated by Barbara Fanning Iorillo ’69 As my driver’s ed teacher, Walt Stosuy gave me a lesson for a lifetime. The chapter in class was Driving in Inclement weather. I got behind the wheel of the school car (which did not have a steering wheel or brake for the instructor), and Mr. Stosuy informed me that the practice that day would be getting out of a skid. There had been several snowfalls that year. The last one still left its remains in the school parking lot. Mr. Stosuy told me to accelerate. I put my foot on the gas pedal and began driving about 20 miles per hour. I was doing well, I thought. We were going what I believed was fast in a parking lot and not skidding. He said, “Go faster.” I accelerated to 25 miles per hour. He said, “Go faster.” I reluctantly pressed the gas pedal to 30 miles an hours. Mr. Stosuy said “No, faster!” and put his foot over mine on the gas pedal and floored it. We flew forward; the car went into a spin. I screamed and covered my face with my hands because I thought we were going to crash. We stopped in front of a snow bank out by the fields. Mr. Stosuy very calmly looked at me and said, “Now that is what you DON’T do!” At the end of the lesson, he had to pry my hands off the steering wheel! Needless to say, it was a lesson I never forgot. Thirty years later, I was driving my daughter to her college orientation when we suddenly were in a wicked snowstorm. I skidded — and that practice in the NWC parking lot helped us survive!

Mr. Cliff Marvin (1939-2006) History teacher, Dean of Discipline, Vice Principal, 1962-72 Nominated by Rich Lamb ’67 Mr. Marvin's history class was a revelation. He sugar-coated nothing. He made history stand up and walk – and could make you laugh out loud at the contradictions and absurdities of the past.

Rev. Bradford Colton (1918-2009) Principal, 1961-68 Nominated by Rich Lamb '67 Father Colton was “authority personified.” He was diminutive in stature, but his vitality, mental acuity, and sense of command made him seem 6 feet tall. His crisp diction, quick wit and the bounce in his walk made him a force of nature, but he also had a very sweet and kind side. A couple of weeks after I graduated from Northwest, I received a card in the mail. I opened it, and it was in Fr. Colton's hand. He had written me a note of encouragement and enclosed a personal check to help me with college expenses. I was blown away. More than 40 years later, I can tell you that meant the world to me. I stayed in touch with Fr. Colton; my wife Peggy and I would go to lunch and dinner with him. He always said the great secret to his long life was the happiness he received from his vocation.

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Mr. Ed Kelly History teacher, 1983-97, 1998-2000 Nominated by Michelle DiMarzo ’03 Among many other memorable moments, I'll never forget the image of Mr. Kelly in his tweed blazer, leaning on the podium as he bellowed “My ram, my favorite ram!” in character as the cyclops Polyphemus from The Odyssey. When I took my first art history class in college, the subject of my paper was one of the lions from the Ishtar Gate of Babylon, about which I had first written the briefest of essays for Mr. Kelly several years before. Today I'm working toward my Ph.D. in art history, and although I'm focused on the art of the Renaissance rather than the ancient world, it was Mr. Kelly’s passionate presentation of that world that first helped me see the past as something engaging and alive. If my students get even half the pleasure from my lectures as I did from Mr. Kelly's, I'll consider it a success!

Mrs. Nita Beeman Vitaliano Social Studies teacher, 2008-present Nominated by Francis Butler '11 When I entered Advanced Placement U.S. History my junior year, I knew two things: I had a passion for history, and I wanted to do something with history in the future. It was through Mrs. Vitaliano’s teaching style, guidance, and mentorship that I was able to enhance my passion for the subject and come to realize that I wanted to be a history teacher myself. Thanks to her outstanding efforts in the classroom, she showed my peers and me that history was a subject that can really be brought to life. Her class was not just about passing the AP; rather, it was about immersing yourself in the subject and trying to truly experience all that we learned about in class. From the patriots of the American Revolution to the “Hoovervilles” of the Great Depression, my classmates and I experienced American History as if we were witnessing it happen, not as a list of dates and events from the past. Mrs. Vitaliano really made history come alive, and she inspired me to become a history teacher myself.

Mr. William Tressler Religion teacher, HILL teacher, 1994-present Nominated by Niamh O’Leary, Ph.D. ’99 Mr. Tressler’s whole approach to teaching was amazing. The HILL course was interdisciplinary by definition, and Mr. Tressler did a wonderful job showing how religion could be an important lens through which to discuss economics, politics, and other national and international concerns. He was also always very open and honest with students, demonstrating a true interest in our opinions and a willingness to share his energy and wisdom with us. And he was brave — taking us to Germany and Austria for a week! Once there, he was tolerant of our tantrums, laughed heartily at our jokes, finished our wiener schnitzel, and taught us more than we had expected to learn. As a teacher now myself, I emphasize the importance of understanding socio-political and historical context when teaching works of literature. I strive to be as wise, open-minded, as devoted and earnest, as approachable and inspiring as Mr. Tressler was for me.

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Advancement news Founders’ Circle Dinner Honors Top Donors, Celebrates Teaching Excellence

ne of the most special events on Northwest Catholic’s Fall calendar is the annual Founders’ Circle Dinner, which honors donors who give $1,000 or more to the NWC Fund during the prior fiscal year. Last year’s dinner, celebrating the 189 people in the 2010-11 Founders’ Circle, was held on Oct. 7, 2011, in the Navin Cafeteria. There were 23 new Founders’ Circle members this year, as well as ten members who marked their 10-year anniversary in the group: Elizabeth Collins Barton ’70 and Michael Barton; Peter and Mary Bourdon; Thomas Driscoll and Patricia Teufel-Driscoll; Claudia Hart ’78; Jim Hudak ’82 and Maria Hudak; Tom Kearney ’74 and Mary Jane Kearney; Geraldine Luksic ’69; Gail McCue; Bridget Walsh Moses ’76 and Cornelius Moses; and Jim Turner ’74 and Janice Turner. “Your support is significant for the funds it provides, but also for the faith that you demonstrate in the importance of this school in the lives of young people,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. Another special component of the Founders’ Circle Dinner is the recognition of a teacher for professional excellence, via the Dr. Michael S. Griffin and Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Teaching Chair Awards, which are given in alternating years. Last year, Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94, the chair of NWC’s Fine & Performing Arts Department, received the Dr. Griffin award. “As a professional educator, Beth leads the Fine and Performing

Dr. Michael S. Griffin, President of Northwest Catholic from 19962005, and Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson congratulate Beth Lynch Oates ’94 for being chosen by her peers to receive the Dr. Michael S. Griffin Teaching Chair Award.

Arts Department that has myriad activities going on and she challenges all involved to be the best that they can be. As a colleague, Beth is that gentle soul who listens when she has plenty on her own plate and is always there for her peers. When nominated for this award her peers stated: ‘Beth is not only a gifted artist; she is a mentor who truly seeks to bring out the best in her students. I could cite countless examples of students, who may not have been particularly inspired classroom learners and yet Beth would somehow reach them. As a colleague, she is without equal. She always willing to take one more, or make special arrangements.’ Beth is kind, but strong and always has her eye on what matters most – advancing the education of her students. She is their advocate, as well as their teacher. I can think of no better role model for our students.” stated Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson.

Grandparents’ Day ’11 It’s hard to tell who enjoys NWC’s annual Grandparents’ Day more – the students or their grandparents! More than 100 grandparents got a glimpse of what high school is like these days when they visited NWC on Apr. 14, 2011. They enjoyed a “state of the school” presentation from Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson, followed by tours of the school and then lunch and a special photo session with their grandchildren. Stephen Kozak ’12 and Brian Kozak ’14 were among the many NWC students who were pleased and proud to show their school to their grandparents (from left): Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Scollo, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Kozak.

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Parents of Seniors Leave Lasting Legacies to NWC It has become a tradition over the past several years for the parents of the senior class to help underwrite the cost of a legacy gift to NWC – a tangible improvement to the physical plant that stands not only as a lasting reminder of each graduating class, but also as a tribute to the generosity and gratitude of their parents. Every single day, hundreds – if not thousands – of people see the legacy gift from the Class of ’11 parents: a handsome new, uplit sign on the corner of Wampanoag Drive and North Main Street. Led by Senior Parents’ Gift Committee Co-Chairs Terry Notte Becker ’76 and Sarah Chambers Lorenzo-Genck ’79, the Class of ’11 parents donated more than $24,000 toward the new sign. Posing near the old one just before demolition, the co-chairs were joined by their sons Matt Becker ’11 (far left) and Alec Lorenzo ’11 (far right), as well as committee member Cathleen Fox Laffin ’77 and her son, Michael Laffin ’11.

Meanwhile, appropriately enough, the senior parents’ gift from the Class of ’12, whose graduation coincided with the end of the 50th Anniversary year, is part of the 50th Anniversary building projects. With leadership from Senior Parents’ Gift Committee CoChairs Bill and Karen Carew and Dave and Cheryl Kozak, donations from the Class of ’12 parents were earmarked for a beautiful new paver walkway that will join the pedestrian areas at the newly renovated main entrance of the building.

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ADv ance me nt News

Sun Shines on the 34th Annual NWC Golf Tournament The 34th Annual NWC Golf Tournament, held on June 6, 2011, was a sunny, sold-out success! The 9-hole golfers teed off at Wampanoag Country Club at 9am, and finished their outing with a ladies’ luncheon in the air-conditioned comfort of the Wampanoag dining room. The foursome of Sally Scully ’77, Mary Dunn Miner ’79, Kathy Dunn Bassett ’79, and Kerry Kearns Curry ’77 placed first, followed by Mary Quish Smullen ’75, Glynis Huffman, Martha Johnson, and Michele Pizzitola. Meanwhile, a full afternoon field of 32 foursomes enjoyed lunch on the patio before their 12:30 start. The foursome of Peter Mirabello, George Connor, Jim Abbott, and Josh Reese ’95 eked out first gross honors by one stroke (58), while first net honors went to Jeff Casey ’79, Paul Bisson ’79, Tom Greenfield ’79 and Ed McGuire ‘79. The event included 11 major sponsors (four more than the year before), and profits were $31,397 (up 10% year to year). All proceeds were earmarked for tuition assistance. Visit www.northwestcatholic.org/golf 2011 for a slideshow of additional photos from the day.

The Show Went On: Storm Alfred Did Not Derail Saturday Night Live The impact of the freak snowstorm that hit Connecticut and other nearby states on Oct. 29, 2011 lasted long after the power came back on – though that did take 7-10 long days in most of the towns surrounding NWC. In terms of planning for NWC’s 27th annual Saturday Night Live, slated for Sat., Nov. 19, 2011, the timing was especially bad. The storm, and its ensuing interruptions, hit right in the planning home stretch for the hugely important entertainment fundraiser. Undaunted, approximately 200 volunteers – led by co-chairs Linda Moran Buda and Ellen Moran DeLorenzo and Director of Constituent Relations Jane Leary – forged ahead as best they could, determined that their show would go on. And indeed it did! An estimated 550 people attended SNL in 2011, enjoying refreshments and conversation in 16 different rooms, including the International Food Court, the Comedy Club, and the Silent Auction, to name just a few. Profits totaled $37,946, about 9% more than the prior year. Mrs. Leary stated that Storm Alfred may have actually helped the cause, as so many people came out of the woodwork to help ensure the success of this critical fund- and fun-raiser.

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news from 29 wamp Hartford Group Taps NWC for Volunteer Appreciation Award

n recognition of nearly a decade of service, NWC was the recipient in 2011 of the “School Volunteer Appreciation Award” from Hands On Hartford, an organization that matches volunteers with Hartford residents in need. NWC was honored for its long-term dedication to preparing and serving dinner on the first Monday of every month, even during the Summer, at MANNA Community Meals and Senior Café in downtown Hartford, according to Caroline Trudel, Hands on Hartford’s Chef/Food Service Coordinator. “Your commitment to Community Meals and the effort you put into service has not gone unnoticed,” she said at the awards ceremony in April 2011. “Though different groups of students have started and graduated from NWC, you have remained committed to volunteerism…this is an important and powerful lesson.”

NWC’s Director of Campus Ministry Kristi Gillespie (left), volunteer Caroline O’Neill ’13, and Principal/ Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson accepted the volunteer appreciation award from Hands on Hartford on behalf of all involved with the program.

The NWC volunteers vary, but include students, parents, teachers, and even some alumni and alumni parents. “It could be as many as 60 different people in a year, including the people who can’t work but very generously provide food,” said NWC’s Director of Campus Ministry Kristi Gillespie, who coordinates the program.

“We know that you try to make every season special for our clients by serving extras like hot chocolate in the Winter and root beer floats in the Summer,” said Ms. Trudel. “Hands on Hartford appreciates these extra touches that you bring. Thank you for your selfless commitment to the Hartford community.”

The meal is served at Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Hartford, and includes Catalina Chicken (NWC s signature entrée), plus salad, cheesy noodles, vegetables, salad, and homebaked desserts.

“Our students really do care about serving a good meal,” Mrs. Gillespie said. “In addition, we really care about the people at MANNA, and we feel we have a real relationship with everyone there. Our efforts at MANNA are an important part of our Campus Ministry program. It is an opportunity for us to put love into action!”

The NWC School Board Welcomed Three New Members In September 2011

ill Carew may be new to the School Board, but he is not new to NWC. Bill and his wife Karen live in Simsbury, CT, with their four children. Caroline Carew ’12, Will Carew ’13, and Charlotte Carew ’15 are involved in varied activities at NWC. Claire Carew, future class of 2019 will be joining her siblings shortly. Carew is a graduate of Boston College and has an MA in Economics from Trinity College. He is the President and CEO of Ovation Benefits Group.

ufus Jones, father of Lauren Jones ’01, brings a wealth of board experience and community leadership to the NWC School Board. He has a BS in Education from Syracuse University and completed a multitude of leadership programs as Chief

Underwriting Officer at Travelers. Jones lives with his wife Laraine in Windsor, CT.

aira Santiago ’95 has returned to NWC as a School Board member. She lives in Hartford and is a member Sacred Heart Parish in Windham, CT. Santiago ’95 is the Associate Director of College Advising at Kingswood Oxford School and volunteers as a CCD teacher and at the Hillcrest Community Center with young adults. “These the three new board members bring vast and diverse experiences to NWC and we are very excited to have them join the School Board” stated Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson.

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Farewell, Class of ’11 and Welcome, Class of ’15

ast year, the Northwest Catholic community said goodbye to the class of 2011 and welcomed the class of 2015.

NWC’s 47th commencement on June 8, 2011, was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus Peter Rosazza of the Archdiocese of Hartford. The dignified, yet warm, ceremony was held at the majestic Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford. Bishop Rosazza, who also delivered the Commencement address, urged the graduates to take their intelligence and passion for social justice out into the world, which he said sorely needs their gifts. Sung Yun (Rosa) Park ’11 and Sarah Purple ’11 gave the valedictory and salutatory addresses, respectively. The Class of ’11 was comprised of 130 students, including 15 whose parents were also NWC alums, and they came from 31 towns. A total of 76 students graduated with honors or highest honors. The vast majority of the graduating class – 99% in all – was college bound, headed to schools like Cornell, NYU, Boston College, UConn, Tufts, and Colgate, to name just a few. The class included a National Merit Finalist (Alexandra McKenzie ’11); six other students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation; six students who were named “Summa Scholars” by the Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford; one Division I athlete; and 12 students who plan to play Division II or III sports in college.

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“We are very proud of the Class of 2011,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “They have grown and matured and provided great life to the school over their four years. We wish them the best in their future endeavors, even though they will always belong at NWC.” As the Class of ’11 prepared to begin their college careers, NWC welcomed the Class of ’15 on Aug. 31, 2011. Their arrival marked the beginning of the yearlong celebration of NWC’s 50th Anniversary. Senior members of the class of 2012, in their capacity as Freshman Contact Representatives, welcomed the new students and assisted them as they learned their way around school. The freshman class was made up of 165 students from 25 different towns, with West Hartford (35), Hartford (17), and Windsor (15) contributing the largest numbers. NWC’s tradition of strong family ties is continued in this group: 19 students have parents who are NWC alums, and 55 students are the siblings of current students or alumni. Four international students are part of the class as well. More than two dozen students transferred in to grades 10 and 11, including 12 international students from China, Germany, South Korea, and Spain. NWC now has a total of 22 international students. Along with the new faces in the student body, NWC saw the addition of new faculty members as well as new responsibilities for NWC veterans. Valerie Doucette, a part-time NWC English teacher since 2003, has been named Chair of the English Department, succeeding the retiring Patricia Juda. Matthew Martorelli ’03, who has worked in a number of capacities

at NWC since 2007, has been named Athletic Director after a period as Interim Athletic Director. He is replacing Josh Reese ’95, who is pursuing a career in the private sector. Andrew Selig ’06, NWC’s Jazz Ensemble teacher, has added the titles of International Students Program Coordinator and Academic Support Advisor. Elizabeth Godwin is a new full-time teacher in the Math Department, while Danielle Kondratuk and Lori DeCrescenzo are part-time teachers in the Math and English departments, respectively.

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The End of an Era: Patti Juda Retires after 27 Years at NWC

major chapter in school history came to a close in June 2011, when Patricia S. Juda retired after 27 years as a NWC English teacher – the last 15 of which were as chair of the department. Known for being very demanding, but very devoted to her students, Mrs. Juda came to NWC in 1984 from St. Mary’s School in Simsbury, where she worked as a language arts teacher, reading specialist, and principal.

Prior to that, she taught at St. Augustine School in Hartford, where she began her career in 1974 after earning her Bachelor’s degree in Social Studies and English from Saint Joseph College. (Three years later, she earned a Master’s degree in Reading from Central CT State University.) She was certified for grades 6-12, and she also earned an advanced professional certificate in Grade 12 English. In 2004, she was certified as an AP English teacher. During her years at NWC, Mrs. Juda taught Freshman English, Honors Sophomore English, American Literature, British Literature, AP Literature and AP Language and Composition. She was the Junior Class moderator from 1984-92 and the moderator of the National Honor Society since 1994. She was known for assigning extraordinary amounts of homework, for her exacting standards on research papers, and, as many students later reported, for “overpreparing them” for college. To this day, hundreds of NWC alums can recite lines from The Raven or A Tale of Two Cities, among other works of literature, thanks to Mrs. Juda.

In 2004, her peers chose her to receive the prestigious Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Teaching Chair Award. “Mrs. Juda was my favorite teacher of all time,” said Harold Lee ’97. “Her wit and desire to want us to do better always showed … My fondest memory of her was after I’d been slacking off and had gotten a test back in her English class. What she wrote on the paper made me fall in love with her: ‘D+ – Keep up the good work.’ “This comment probably would have broken most students,” continued Lee. “I sat there and stared at it for a while, getting mad at her, but then I realized it was me I needed to be mad at. I figured I had two options at this point – hate her for exposing me, or love her for the motivation. I chose to love her because I knew what she was doing. I knew that was her way of telling me I needed to do better. I knew that was her way of telling me she wanted me to do better.” Lee went on to earn a degree in computer science from the University of Maryland/Eastern Shore and now works as a business analyst for MetLife in Bloomfield. Mrs. Juda and her husband, Michael, live in Simsbury, not far from her three children and their families. Her retirement plans include helping to care for her grandchildren – a role she said she relishes. “During my years at Northwest Catholic, I had the pleasure of working with many fine people, both students and staff,” Mrs. Juda said. “It was a rewarding and fulfilling career for which I will always be grateful. Now I look forward to a new direction, more so than a retirement. Having a role in caring for a grandchild has always been a dream. I am thrilled to see it coming true.” “Clearly, she was a model of dedication to her craft, and we wish her the very best in this new phase of life,” said NWC Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson.

New Online Applications Delayed by Historic Storm Alfred

or the first time, 2011 saw the use of online applications for prospective students. With the new format, candidates were able to submit their application fee and register for the NWC Entrance Exam. “With the continuous emphasis on upkeep and the upgrades to the facility in honor of the school’s 50th Anniversary, the school has evolved from providing a first-rate 20th century education to providing a first-rate 21st century education grounded in faith and morals,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “This is a wonderful time to be looking at Northwest Catholic as it builds on a great foundation and moves into the future.” The application process for the class of ’16, however, met an unexpected interruption in late October. The nor’easter, known as Storm Alfred, which hit Connecticut before

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Halloween was the largest ever to strike the Hartford area in October and caused lengthy power-outages across the state. As a result of the storm, NWC was closed for seven school days, postponing the Open House and the deadline for the new, online applications. The storm’s effects reached far into the school year, as midterm exams were moved, professional development days for teachers were rescheduled, and February break was shortened. In the midst of this chaos, the NWC community reached out to those in need. The Daly family, including daughters Maeve Daly ’07 and Bridget Daly ’10, never lost power in their West Hartford Center home and opened it up to people all week. Their generosity was chronicled by the online news organization “The Patch.” You can read the story at http://westhartford.patch.com/articles/a-neighbor-with-power-opens-hishome#photo-8347674.

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Veteran Addresses Students On Nov. 11th, 2011, in observance of Veteran’s Day, NWC was addressed by Army National Guard and Marine Corps veteran Jennifer Long ’83. At NWC, Jennifer was a soccer player and threw the javelin for the track team. Two weeks after graduating from NWC, she entered Army boot camp and served in the Army National Guard as a combat medic for three years. She then made an inter-service transfer and went into active duty with the United States Marine Corps. Jennifer became a two-time Marine Corps Champion in the javelin and won a silver medal in the Armed Forces Championships. After the Marine Corps, she attended Mills College in Oakland, CA, then returned to the east coast to earn her JD from New York Law School. She is now a practicing attorney in New York City, where she specializes in Workers’ Compensation litigation. Jennifer lives in Yonkers, New York.

NWC’s Dr. Luddy Meets Nobel Laureate with UConn Colleagues On Nov. 4th, NWC Science teacher and particle physicist Richard Luddy, Ph.D., met with Noble Laureate Gerard ’t Hooft and the UConn Physics Department as part of a distinguished lecture series at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Dr. ’t Hooft is a Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences Professor of Physics at the Spinoza Institute at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. In 1999, he and his colleague Professor Martinus Veltman were awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for “elucidating the quantum structure of electroweak interactions in physics.” The UConn Physics Department invited Dr. ’t Hooft to deliver the 14th annual Katzenstein Distinguished Lecture for the Physics Department. His topic was “Black Holes, Quantum Mechanics, and Conformal Symmetry.” For about an hour before the lecture, Dr. ’t Hooft met with NWC’s Dr. Luddy and his collaborator, UConn Professor Munir Islam, to share information and ideas about their model of proton structure. “We described our proton structure model and discussed the theoretical foundations it is built upon,” Luddy explained. “Professor ’t Hooft was interested and saw some connections with some of his recent work.” Dr. Luddy is an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Connecticut, where he teaches Physics and conducts research. Since 1997, he has also been a science teacher at Northwest Catholic. He teaches a range of

classes, including Honors and AP Physics, as well as a college Physics class in which NWC students are fully enrolled at the University of Connecticut and for which they receive eight transferable college credits. Dr. Luddy earned his doctorate at UConn. His specialty is Particle Physics, and the Islam-Luddy-Kaspar proton structure model is currently being tested on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

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How to Succeed on 42nd Street

rom April 8-10 2011, the Rice Auditorium rang with “The Lullaby of Broadway,” as NWC’s Dramateurs presented 42nd Street. This celebration of Broadway, hard work, luck, and love featured Saralynne Brown ’12, John Fitzpatrick ’11, Dan Lusardi ’13, Danté Jeanfelix ’11, Kate Molloy ’11, Nicole Poirier ’11, and Abbie Reed ’13, as well as nearly 50 other students who sang, danced, and provided technical support backstage. Performing such Broadway classics as “We’re in the Money,” the cast tap-danced their way into the audience’s hearts. A pair of 50th anniversaries was marked from March 23-25 of 2012 with NWC’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which first appeared on Broadway in 1961. Fresh from the success of the winter play, A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley, the Dramateurs presented the story of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” to climb the corporate ladder. The musical highlighted the musical and comic stylings of Dan Lusardi ’13, Olivia Fenton ’15, Ryan DeFranzo ’14, Sara Ball ’13, Saralynne Brown ’12, and Adrian Hatch ’13. The talent of NWC’s singers, dancers, musicians, and technical crew brought this hilarious satire of big business to life.

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KUDOS TO... NWC Earns Ten-Year Re-accreditation from NEASC The Commission on Independent Schools of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) has granted Northwest Catholic re-accreditation for another 10 years, following a comprehensive review of its educational programs and a three-day visit by a NEASC accreditation team in October 2011. This is the fifth time that NWC has gone through the reaccreditation process; it earned its first NEASC accreditation in 1971. The new accreditation is good until 2021. The NEASC re-accreditation process, which was managed inhouse by Academic Dean John Cusson, actually began in 2009, with a self-study that involved numerous NWC constituencies. “The whole process allowed us to examine who we are, what we do, and how we do it,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “We began with an examination of our Mission Statement and Statement of Values and continued from there to examine everything about the school.” Then, Faculty and Staff spent months surveying parents, alumni, and students on various topics, and incorporated those results into the self-study. This became the basis for the NEASC team’s assessment, as it evaluated whether NWC adheres to its stated mission, values, and educational goals.

standards for re-accreditation and then makes a recommendation to NEASC,” Mrs. Williamson continued. “In addition, the team makes suggestions and recommendations to the school regarding areas it may seek to improve.” Following the team’s visit to the school the Commission on Independent Schools had the following to say: “The Commission commends the school for actively considering individual students as it develops plans, policies, programs and pedagogy to nurture, support and encourage each of their students to reach their potential and to engage in the life of the school. Also, the Commission wishes to acknowledge the tradition of diversity at Northwest Catholic, and the enrollment efforts to maintain such diversity.” In addition to following up and reporting on self-recommendations and other suggestions by the visiting team, the school is responsible for providing narrative responses to the two major recommendations that have been made: 1. That the school investigate the concept of the President/ Principal model in its administrative structure. 2. That the school find ways to engage the faculty in the decision-making process at the school.

“The team’s role is to ascertain that the school meets required

NWC Students Shine on National Standardized Tests The National Merit Scholarship Program honored four members of the Class of ’12 for outstanding performance on the PSAT/ NMSQTs they took when they were juniors. Elizabeth O’Neill ’12, daughter of Jennifer and Thomas O’Neill ’82 of Marlborough, was named a National Merit Semifinalist in September 2011, placing her in the top 1% of scorers among the 1.5 million juniors who took the exam in October 2010. In the Spring of 2012, she was named a National Merit Finalist.

of the tests; an AP Scholar with Honor earned an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and a grade of 3 or higher on four or more of the exams; and an AP Scholar got a score of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. For the complete list of NWC’s AP Scholars for 2011, visit www. northwestcatholic.org/honorsstudents.

Three senior boys were named National Merit Commended Students: Brian Farley ’12, son of John Farley and Claudia Triggs of West Hartford; Jack Ferrell ’12, son of Brian and Vicki Ferrell of Avon; and Andrew Stephens ’12, son of Michael and Bonnie Stephens of Windsor. These students were among the 5% highestscoring of the 1.5 million students who took the exam. And, the College Board named 26 NWC students as AP Scholars for 2011, based on exceptional achievement on Advanced Placement exams. Of this group, 11 students qualified as AP Scholars with Distinction; three were named AP Scholars with Honor; and 12 were cited as AP Scholars. An AP Scholar with Distinction has earned an average grade of 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and a grade of 3 or higher on five or more

Elizabeth O'Neill '12

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KUDOS TO... Sharon Grimshaw ’11, who was named a Coca-Cola Scholar for 2011 – the only one in CT and one of only 252 in the country. According to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Sharon was chosen out of nearly 71,000 applicants because of her leadership, academic excellence, and community involvement. She received her award in Atlanta in April 2011.

publican Registrar Eleanor Brazell and Democratic Deputy Registrar Alice Weibel, and were organized and marketed by Social Studies Department Chair Paul Fitzpatrick and faculty member Nita Vitaliano and their AP US Government and AP US History classes.

who was named team MVP. The Empty Bowls Club, which raised $220 through its Ice Cream Social in May 2011. This brought the total raised for the 2010-11 school year to $1,100 – all of which was donated to the House of Bread in Hartford. The 21 Latin students who earned ratings of cum laude, magna cum laude, maxima cum laude, or summa cum laude on the 2011 National Latin Exam. The NWC Athletic Department, which won a CIAC Michaels Cup trophy in September 2011 for overall excellence in the athletic program. The CIAC chooses winners based on athletic participation, chemical-free environments, academic and athletic achievement, and sportsmanship.

Former NWC President Michael S. Griffin, Ph.D., who was named Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Fall River, MA, in June 2011. Most recently the Principal of Holyoke Catholic High School, Dr. Griffin had been Principal of NWC from 1987-96 and President from 1996-2005. He also served as the Director of Planning and Development and a part-time religion teacher at Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, CT, from 2005-09. The 42 inaugural members of NWC’s World Languages Honor Societies, who were inducted in April 2011 in a ceremony during which the “Our Father” was recited in French, Spanish, and Latin, as well as the 28 additional students who were inducted in December 2011. To qualify, students must be juniors or seniors with a 4.0 average in their language, as well as a GPA of at least 2.67 in all other classes. The 70 inductees included 43 students in the Spanish Honor Society, 13 students in the Latin Honor Society, and 14 students in the French Honor Society. The 63 NWC students who registered to vote during an on-campus voter registration drive in May 2011, and the 98 students who registered in March 2012 (this drive was held in time to permit students to vote in the Presidential primary in April 2012). The drives were conducted by West Hartford Re-

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Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson, who was recognized at the April 2011 NCEA Convention in New Orleans as one of only six people in the country to receive the 2011 Catholic Secondary Education Award. She was chosen because of her dedication and commitment to NWC and her contributions to secondary Catholic education in general, according to the NCEA.

Gabrielle Foster-Bey ’13, Noelle Amato ’13, Jennifer Yorgensen ’13, and Global Awareness Club moderator Claudia Hart ’82, who assisted in a Coastal Cleanup at Lighthouse Park in New Haven, CT, in September 2011. This was the fourth year a group from NWC participated in this event. The members of the NWC Math Team, who finished second in their division for the 201011 school year, and especially Rick Cui ’11,

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Arts Awards Winners Shannon Crawford ’11 and John Fitzpatrick ’11, as well as Christopher Freund ’12 and Lance Morgan ’12, who were recognized at the CT Association of Schools Arts Awards Dinner in April 2011 and 2012, respectively, for excellence in the arts as well as outstanding scholarship and leadership. The editors and staff of Northwest Passages, which earned a First Place award from the American Scholastic Press Association and a Silver Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for their work in 2011. Social Studies Department Chair Paul Fitzpatrick, who was elected to a three-year term as a Vice President at Large and member of the Executive Committee of the National Association of Catholic School Teachers, the umbrella organization of the Greater Hartford labor organization to which NWC teachers belong. The 66 newest members of the National

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KUDOS TO... Honor Society, who were inducted into NWC’s Aquinas Chapter on Dec. 7, 2011, in recognition of their outstanding scholarship, leadership, character, and service.

Maggie Gauthier ’12, whose photography was included in “NEXT: Emerging Talent,” a month-long exhibition of outstanding art by local high school seniors held at the Gallery on the Green in Canton, CT, in February 2012. Supporters of the annual Sophomore Class Turkey Drive, who donated $3,772 toward the purchase of turkeys in November 2011. This was a new record, according to Class of ’14 moderator and NWC Science Department Chair Ginny Murphy. Saralynne Brown ’12 (Jazz Choir), Ryan DelMonaco ’14 (Big Band) and Matt Pranaitis ’12 (Jazz Combo), who won Judges’ Choice Awards at the Berklee College High School Jazz Festival in Boston, MA, in March 2012. NWC also received a trophy honoring its 10 years of participation in the festival.

NWC Musicians, led by Dan Avery ’97 and Dan Luddy ’03, who brought home numerous awards from the four-day Heritage Music Festival competition in Philadelphia in April 2011. Five different groups earned “Silver” ratings: Concert Choir (1st place), Women’s Choir (2nd place), Jazz Choir (1st place), Wind Ensemble (2nd place), and Big Band (3rd place). NWC also won the Choral Sweepstakes Award, given to the school with the best overall choral program, and the Festival Sweepstakes Award, awarded for excellence across all five groups (choral and instrumental). Rev. Henry C. Frascadore, NWC President from 1985-96, who published his first book of poetry, Beyond the Weeping Willow Tree, in July 2011. Available on amazon.com, the book is a collection of mini-homilies in free verse. Officially “retired” since 2008, Fr. Frascadore lives in downtown Hartford, where he enjoys taking long walks with his dog, Ramsey, and frequently leads spiritual retreats and writing workshops. Eight NWC faculty members who were honored at the NWC Faculty/Staff Christmas party for their years of service to the school: Richard Luddy, Ph.D. and Deborah Metzler (15 years); Ginny Murphy and Jim Shugrue (25 years); Fran Laffin, John Mirabello, and Margaret Williamson (25 years); and Ron Swanson, (30 years). For the first time, this

year’s Christmas party included Former Faculty and Staff, in lieu of the Former Faculty/Staff luncheon traditionally held each January. By all

accounts, the new arrangement was a big hit, as evidenced by the reunion of Kathleen O’Neill Reilly and her former Math student, NWC’s current Director of Information Technology Beth Casey Boyle ’96. Sixteen NWC faculty members recognized in 2012 for their years of service to the Archdiocese: Ana Barrett (40 years), Joyce O’Rourke, Fran Laffin, William Tressler (35 years), Ron Swanson (30 years), John Mirabello, Barbara Iorillo ’69 (25 years), Deborah Metzler, Virginia Murphy (20 years), Katy Sibley, Richard Luddy, Jeff Przech ’92 (15 years), Dan Avery ’97, Robert Nasta, DM, Nancy Martin and Helga Phillips (10 years).

In Class of ’12, 23 Students Earn First Honors Every Semester In the Class of ’12, 23 students belong to an exclusive community of scholars: They earned First Honors (a minimum 3.67 grade-point average) in every semester at Northwest Catholic. These students were recognized for this accomplishment at the Honors Breakfast in March 2012, where the guest speaker was Cristina Santos-Tomas, DMD ’96, a Trinity College and UConn Dental School graduate who now has a pediatric dentistry practice in Newington, CT.

left: Allison Denton, Matthew Pranaitis, Alexander Mortillaro, Samantha Russo, and Logan Lawson. Not pictured: Olivia Rustic and Ryan Strid.

Front row, from left: Gina Bettencourt, Sarah Visintainer, Emily Kapral, Mark Mossberg, Nathaniel McKenzie, EmmaKate Mortillaro, Mary Deneen, Andrew Stephens, Grace Hallinan, Agata Harabasz, Cara Ledwidge, Elizabeth Allen, Christopher Freund, Jack Ferrell, Colleen Riley, and Kathleen Connelly. Back row, from 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

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sports news From the Desk of Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 I was delighted to assume the role of NWC’s Interim Athletic Director at the end of August 2011, following the resignation of Josh Reese ’95, who is pursuing a career in the private sector. On behalf of the Athletic Department, as well as the entire Northwest Catholic community, I wish Josh the best of luck in all his future endeavors. I also want to thank everyone who has stepped forward to offer support, kindness, and encouragement as I settle in to this position. My parents, Frank and Joann, deserve special thanks for their continued guidance and love.

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@NWC_athletics Get real-time updates about NWC sports from Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli. Follow him on Twitter at NWC_athletics.

As I present my first seasonal synopsis in these pages, I offer my personal congratulations to the student-athletes who competed in their final season at NWC in the Spring of 2011, and wish them the very best in college and beyond. I look forward to seeing all of you on the practice fields, cheering with you at games, and celebrating what makes Northwest Catholic so great. Go Indians!

Spring ’11 B aseb all With the loss of 11 Seniors from the 2010 State Championship team, Head Coach Cory Carlson had his work cut out for him in 2011. But the team made it back to the Class S State Tournament once again, helped by players like Matt D’Orsi ’11 (MVP, Tri-Captain, All-Conference selection); Aaron Wilson ’12 (Coaches Award, Tri-Captain, All-Conference, and All-Star Team); Dan Errico ’12 (Tri-Captain); Alex Mortillaro ’12; and Mac Crispino ’13. John Arel ’14 was an impact player on the mound, while Michael Wine ’12 had a solid season behind the plate. With eight Seniors returning, Coach Carlson looks forward to another successful season in 2012. Matt D’Orsi ’11 looks to throw a fastball past the batter.

Laffin, Stoecklin Are NWC’s CIAC Scholar-Athletes for 2011 Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson congratulated Brynn Stoecklin ’11 and Michael Laffin ’11 at the CIAC Scholar-Athlete Awards dinner in May 2011. Stoecklin was a standout member of NWC’s volleyball and swim teams, where she served as Captain for both squads. She attends Clemson University. Laffin played lacrosse for NWC and is now a member of the lacrosse program at Connecticut College. The Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes a boy and girl from each 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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Standout NWC Athletes Commit to College Programs A baker’s dozen of NWC student-athletes from the Class of ’11 committed to continue playing sports at Division I, II, and III colleges and universities. In May 2011, 12 students confirmed their plans to compete at Division II and Division III schools, following on the heels of Regan Bosnyak ’11, who committed in February 2011 to play Division 1 soccer at Stony Brook University. These 13 students who will play sports in college represent 10% of the Class of ’11. The Division II- and Division III-bound athletes from the Class of ’11 are: •

Lauren Backhaus of Windsor – Simmons College (Softball)

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Kevin Beakey of Avon – Endicott College (Football)

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JC Carr of Bloomfield – Eastern Connecticut State University (Basketball)

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Carissa Desiderato of Burlington – Endicott College (Horseback Riding) Matt D’Orsi of West Hartford – Eastern Connecticut State University (Baseball)

These NWC seniors plan to compete in D2 or D3 college sports next year (front row, from left): Lauren Backhaus (Simmons; softball), Julia Mansolillo (St. Anselm’s; lacrosse), and Ryan Geelan (Trinity; cross country and track). Back row, from left: Ryan Veronesi (Plymouth State; football), Robby Kunkel (University of Chicago; swimming), Kevin Beakey (Endicott; football), Matt D’Orsi (Eastern CT State; baseball), JC Carr (Eastern CT State; basketball), Tony Seldon (Susquehanna; basketball), Michael Laffin (Connecticut College; lacrosse), and Brendan McCormick (St. Anselm’s; cross country). Not pictured: Carissa Desiderato (Endicott; horseback riding). •

Robby Kunkel of Avon – University of Chicago (Swimming)

Brendan McCormick of West Hartford – St. Anselm’s (Cross Country)

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Michael Laffin of West Hartford – Connecticut College (Lacrosse)

Tony Seldon of Bloomfield – Susquehanna University (Basketball)

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Julia Mansolillo of Fairfield – St. Anselm’s (Lacrosse)

Ryan Veronesi of Hartford – Plymouth State University (Football)

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Ryan Geelan of Canton – Trinity College (Cross Country, Track)

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Your Clicks Count! The NWC community has a reputation for coming through in the clutch – and in Fall 2011, it was by clicking in two different online competitions. According to a spokesman for WFSB, many, many clicks made Anthony Carter ’12 the landslide winner of the TV station’s “Athlete of the Week” poll. The station nominated him after his tremendous performance in NWC’s 33-14 football opener against Platt High School of Meriden (he had 297 rushing yards, 65 receiving yards, and two touchdowns). Carter beat out three other candidates in the contest, earning bragging rights and a t-shirt – and getting lots of positive publicity for NWC in the process. Just a week later, NWC was again a candidate in an on-line poll – this time, in NBC30’s “Game of the Week” competition. The Sept. 30 football game between NWC and Bloomfield High School was one of four games in the running; the winning school would be spotlighted during that night’s news broadcasts. In this poll, the voting was very close, and progress could be tracked on the NBC30 web site. Thanks to a flurry of last-minute clicks, NWC eked out the win – and the next day, news crews arrived at school to videotape a feature story about NWC’s “Thurs-

days in the City”/Catholic Worker House volunteer program, along with interviews with Coach Mike Tyler ’73 and football captains Tyler Calitri ’12 and Wes Hopkins ’12. To watch these stories, visit www.northwestcatholic.org/ Thursdaysinthecity and www. northwestcatholic.org/football interviews. Although the stories were shown as scheduled on Sept. 30, the game itself was interrupted by bad weather after Anthony Carter ’12 just one quarter. After play resumed on Mon., Oct. 3, the game went into overtime, and the Indians lost to Bloomfield by just one point – an exciting matchup that was the Game of the Week, by any measure.

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Sport s ne ws Alisha Collazo ’14 were feared behind the plate and very solid in the field. Coach Mayer looks forward to continued success with many players returning.

Outdoor Track With Head Coach Jeff Przech ’92 at the helm, the Boys’ and Girls’ Outdoor Track teams had another terrific year. The Boys finished the season as Class S State Runner-Up, and runners from each team broke multiple school records. Brian Poirier ’12 (Coaches Award, All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic) now holds the school record in the 1600m and Mile, and Ryan Geelan ’11 (Co-Captain, All-Academic, All-Conference), Sean Morris ’11 (All-Academic), Darien Marshall ’11, Brendan McCormick ’11, Nick Melaragno ’11, and Luis Rosado ’11 (Co-Captain, All-Conference) were all integral members of the team. Lucien Cance ’12, Jack Peterson ’12, Jared Delane ’13 (MVP), and Anthony Ravosa ’13 were also All-Conference. Lauren Backhaus ’11 delivers the pitch.

Softb all The Softball team was NWC’s Cinderella story of Spring 2011! In just her second year as Head Coach, Kate Mayer went from an 1110 season in 2010 to a stunning 16-6 in 2011 – the best Softball record in school history, culminating in the 2nd round of Class M State Tournament. Lauren Backhaus ’11 (MVP, Co-Captain, All-Conference) and Jessie Rocha ’12 (All-Conference, All-Academic) were forces to be reckoned with on the mound, while Sharon Grimshaw ’11 (All-Conference, Academic All-State, and All-Academic), Melissa Martucci ’11 (Co-Captain, All-Academic), Kelly Yorio ’11, Jessica Tyler ’12, Kristen Young ’13, and

Sarah Gillespie ’13 (MVP, CHSCA Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic) broke NWC records in the 800m, 1600m, and Mile, and she also broke 80-year-old records in the 800m and the 1600m at the Greater Hartford Invitational. Her teammates Lucie Cance ’11 (All-Conference), Shanice Douglas ’11 (AllAcademic), Emily Janusko ’11 (Co-Captain, All-Academic), Alessandra Lamari ’11 (All-Academic), Jeannine Nocera ’11 (All-Academic), Megan Baker ’12 (Co-Captain, All-Academic), and Francesca Flynn ’12 (Coaches Award, AllConference, All-Academic) also had great success on and off the track.

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Boys’ Tennis Head Coach Timothy Crowley and his team earned a spot in the Class S State Tournament, after finishing the regular season with an 8-8 record. David Lawton ’11 (MVP, Captain, AllAcademic), John Sullivan ’11 (All-Academic), and Brandon Xing ’11 (All-Academic) demonstrated great leadership to the young squad. James Adamidis ’13 (MVP, All-Academic, AllConference, All-State) was integral to the team’s success, as well. Alexx Dennis ’12, Trevor Lathrop ’12, and Andre Stephanou ’12 “stepped up” when it counted, and the team looks forward to an even better season in 2012.

With many talented veterans returning, Coach Przech and his assistants set their sights on a State Championship for 2012!

Megan Baker ’12 attempts to clear the high jump bar.

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Brian Poirier ’12 begins to pull away from the pack.

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Andre Stephanou ’12 looks to serve an ace.

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Katherine Butler ’11 returns the volley.

Girls’ Tennis Playing in one of the toughest conferences in the state, Head Coach Stan Piorkowski, Assistant Coach Deacon Jeff Sutherland, and their team gave it their all in every match. Leading by their own example, Katherine Butler ’11 (Co-Captain, All-Academic, MVP), Elizabeth Olszewski ’11 (Co-Captain, Coaches Award), and Kelsie Stevens ’11 (All-Academic) demonstrated to the younger members how to face and conquer adversity. Devon Bodey ’12 (AllAcademic), Caroline Carew ’12 (All-Academic), Agata Harabasz ’12 (All-Academic), and Caitlin Spalluto ’12 (All-Academic) all contributed to the team’s success.

Boys’ Lacrosse Head Coach Chris Gallagher had the twin challenges of a very young team and a very challenging schedule – and was impressed with the boys’ efforts. Key players included Matthew Fox ’11 (Co-Captain) in goal, Evan Herron ’11 (Co-Captain), Michael Laffin ’11 (All-Conference, All-Academic), and Thomas Gollenberg

Emma Deneen ’14 (5) and Maggie Rose ’14 (28) defend their goal and goalie Christine Susi ’13.

Boys’ Lacrosse team getting pumped up before the game. ’11 (Coaches Award, All-Academic), and Tanner Vaughn ’12 (MVP).

Girls’ Lacrosse The Girls’ Lax team advanced to the quarterfinals of the State Tournament, on the heels of a very successful season under the direction of Head Coach Bill Mullady ’66. The team was led by Hillary Baran ’11, Regan Bosnyak ’11 (AllAcademic, All-Conference), Dana Crory ’11 (Tri-Captain), Julia Mansolillo ’11 (Tri-Captain, All-Academic), Grace Hallinan ’12 (TriCaptain, All-Academic), Meghan Grabowski ’12 (All-Conference), and Cathy Higgins ’13 (All-Conference). The team looks to post the 100th win of the young Girls’ Lacrosse program in Spring 2012.

Boys’ Golf The Boys’ Golf team had another remarkable season, posting a 10-6 record and finishing as the runner-up in the CIAC Div. IV State Tournament, under the direction of Head Coach Scott Fletcher. Key team members included Pat Nista

Brian Butler ’12 looks to drive the ball down the middle of the fairway.

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’11 (Captain, Coaches Award), Dan Kowalczyk ’11 (All-Academic), Chris Sherer ’11 (All-Academic), Brian Butler ’12 (MVP, All-State, AllConference, All-Academic), and Ryan Strid ’12 (All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic). With Butler, Strid, and a rising core of promising players returning, the team looks ahead to another successful season.

Girls’ Golf For the 2nd year in a row (and only the 3rd year of its existence), the Girls’ Golf team, supervised by Matt Martorelli ’03 and Gillette Ridge Pro George Connor, qualified for the CIAC State Tournament. Hannah Shea ’12 (Captain, All-Conference, All-Academic), Caroline Davenport ’12, and Samantha Russo ’12 (All-Academic), Sadie Martinez ’13, and Emily Stanwick ’13 all helped lead the team to a 13-5 record – the best in school history. With the entire team returning, the girls look to continue their past success and make their 3rd consecutive run at the State Tournament.

Hannah Shea ’12 chips up from short of the green.

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Fall ’11 Footb all Head Coach Mike Tyler ’73 got the football team back on track with an 8-2 record and a return to the State playoffs after a one-year hiatus, where they ultimately lost to Cromwell in the Class S Semifinals. It was a team heavy on seniors, including Marcus Andersen ’12 (Coaches Award), Nick Armetta ’12, David Blackwell ’12, Tyler Calitri ’12 (Captain, All-Conference), Lucien Cance ’12, Anthony Carter ’12 (All-Conference), Christian Farrell ’12, Henry Hayes ’12, Wesley Hopkins ’12 (Captain, AllConference, All-State), Jalen Lollar ’12, Daniel Piette ’12, Maleek Riley ’12 (Captain, AllConference, All-State), and Jessica Tyler ’12. With so many graduating, the team will count next year on Mac Crispino ’13 (All-Conference) and Nick Gaynor ’13 (All-Conference, AllState, MVP) for leadership and experience.

Field Hockey The Field Hockey team, by contrast, was very young – there were just two seniors on the squad: Kayla Kilgore ’12 (Captain) and Cara Watts ’12 (Captain). Head coach Bill Mullady ’66 and his team posted a 5-10 record, but will seek to build upon this next year with returning players Julia Crawford ’13 (Captain), Amanda Waltman ’13 (Captain, Coaches Award), and Madison Mortillaro ’14 (All-Conference, MVP).

Anthony Carter ’12 (31) takes the handoff from Mac Crispino ’13 (10) and heads down the sideline.

Boys’ Soccer The CCC West division of Boys’ Soccer is notoriously difficult – in fact, five of the teams qualified for the State Tournament. NWC Head Coach Terry Phillip led NWC’s injury-plagued team to a 3-9-4 record. Cory Christina ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award), Rob Donohue ’12, Jack Ferrell ’12 (Captain, MVP), Nicholas Italia ’12 (Captain, All-Conference), Stephen Kozak ’12, Marcel Lewis ’12, and Alexander Mortillaro ’12 (Captain, All-Conference) all contributed and provided leadership to promising underclassmen Galo Rodriguez ’13, Alejandro Tobon ’13, and Brendan Thompson ’13.

Girls’ Soccer State Champs – outright! In 2011, the Girls’ Soccer team, led by Head Coach Todd Sadler

Emily Stanwick ’13 steals the ball from her opponent.

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(CIAC Class M Coach of the Year), won its second State Title in school history, but this time it wasn’t shared with another team (as it was in 2009, when NWC played to a 0-0 tie with CoChamp Suffield). The regular-season record was an unbelievable 19-0-1 (best in school history), making NWC the #1 seed in the Class M State Tournament. Madeline Domingo ’12, Morgan Mencio ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award), EmmaKate Mortillaro ’12, Colleen Riley ’12, and Rebecca Sierejko ’12 (Captain, MVP) all provided great leadership throughout the long season. Jessica Fontaine ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, CCC West Player of the Year, All-American), Annie Higgins ’13, Cathy Higgins ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, All-New England), Emily Kearney ’13, and Michelle Medina ’14 (All-Conference, All-State) will return with experience and determination for another outstanding season next year.

Alejandro Tobon ’13 winds up to put one on net.

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Ryan Kosha ’12 looks to catch his opponent.

Girls’ Soccer team posing after their Class M Championship win over Granby.

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Despite a 1-6 regular-season record, Head Coach Scott Fletcher and his Boys’ Cross Country team won a number of accolades in the Fall of 2011. Brian Poirier ’12 (Captain, All-Conference, All-State, Class SS State Champion) led the team, winning just about every race he entered. He was assisted by a core group of other seniors: Ryan Kosha ’12, Nate McKenzie ’12 (Captain), Christian Murphy ’12, John Peterson ’12 (Captain), and Sebastian Skarba ’12. Joe Doyle ’13 (All-Conference) is one of the underclassmen leading the way for the team next year.

In her first year as Head Coach, Jeanne DiGiacomo made school history, taking the Volleyball team to a place no NWC team had ever gone – the State Championship! Though the girls lost the title game, their smiles that night revealed their pride in making it as far as they had in the playoffs. Highlights of the tournament included an incredible come from behind win in the quarter-final game and a defeat of the number eight seed in the semi-final game. The team was led by Mary Deneen ’12 (Captain, All-Conference, All-State, MVP), Kathryn Beaule ’12 (All-Conference), Caroline Davenport ’12, Grace Hallinan ’12, Logan Lawson ’12, Samantha Russo ’12, Paige Salerno ’12, Taylor Selig ’12 (Captain) and Kathleen Tanguay ’12 (Coaches Award). Varsity letter winners Emma Banevicius ’13, Jaqueline Denver ’13, J’Leen Diaz ’13, and Sarah Gillespie ’13 are poised to lead the team to another great season next year.

Coach Fletcher’s Girls’ team finished with a 3-4 record. Leanne Oleasz ’12 (Captain), Katherine Schwartz ’12 (Captain), Sarah Visintainer ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award), and Melissa Donnelly ’12 provided great motivation and insight to the young team. Bitty Lathrop ’13 (MVP) is expected to lead the team’s momentum into the Fall 2012 season.

Logan Lawson ’12 (27) looks to set Mary Deneen ’12 (9) for the spike.

NWC’s Phibbs Gets Hole in One at Doral Alex Phibbs ’12, a member of NWC’s golf team since freshman year, achieved something in April 2011 that most golfers only dream of: a hole in one. Phibbs claimed this distinction on a par-3 hole at the Doral Golf Club in Doral, FL, where he played an 18-hole game in between college visits with his parents. “Alex was a key member of [ the 2010 ] State championship team,” said NWC Golf Coach Scott Fletcher. “He demonstrates a unique swing similar to pro Jim Furek! He’s a pleasure to have on the team.” 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

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Bitty Lathrop ’13 (left) and Leanne Oleasz ’12 (right) pace themselves.

Cheerleading Loud and proud – NWC’s Cheerleaders were an ever-present and enthusiastic force on the sidelines of games throughout the Fall. Head Coach Christine Michaud ’97 led a terrific squad, reinforced by the leadership of Adrianna Soldevila ’12 (Captain) and Katherine Velazquez ’12 (Captain). Destinee Webster ’13 (Coaches Award) and Zara Lenihan ’14 (MVP) are among the 13 girls who will return to next year’s team.

Winter ’11-’12 Boys’ B asketb all Under the direction of Head Coach John Mirabello and his staff, the Boys’ Basketball team

Destinee Webster ’13 (left) flies threw the air while stunting during a home football game.

had another fantastic season. Led by Tyler Huffman ’12 (Captain, All-Conference) and Kuran Iverson ’13 (MVP, All-Conference, All-State, New Haven Register All-State, and Hartford Courant “Player of the Year”), the team gelled more with every game. With a regular-season record of 18-2 (losses were to Windsor and DeMatha Catholic, a national powerhouse from suburban Washington, DC), the Indians were seeded #1 in the CIAC Class L State Tournament. That’s when the team — including Kywane Thomas ’12, Aaron Wilson ’12, David Blackwell ’12, and Alex Mortillaro ’12 (Coaches Award) — began to play its best basketball of the year, though it lost in the State Final to Career Magnet High School at Mohegan Sun. Experienced players Nick Gaynor ’13 and PJ Edwards ’13 should help to position the team for another great season next year. Kywane Thomas ’12 skies for the slam .

NWC Is Well-Represented at Hartford Marathon More than 30 NWC students manned the NWC aid station on Fern Street during the Hartford Marathon on Oct. 15, 2011, handing out water, Gatorade, and GU, and cheering on many members of the school community who were competing in the event. Will Sanders ’05 finished 9th overall in the marathon, with a time of 2:32:08, while NWC faculty and staff members Claudia Hart ’78, Dan Luddy ’03, and Patrick Williamson ’99 achieved their personal bests in the halfmarathon. A Girls’ Relay team, comprised of Emma Deneen ’14, Sarah Gillespie ’13, Molly McDonald ’14, Rose O’Brien ’14, and Rachel Poirier ’14, finished 2nd overall in the full marathon in the Open Womens’ Division and 36th overall (out of 125 relay teams). Caroline Carew ’12, Kathleen Connelly ’12, and Emily Kapral ’12 organized the NWC aid station, where entertainment was provided by a band made up of Paul Stenko ’13, Brian Poirier ’12, Sean McDonough ’14, and Mark Mossberg ’12.

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Girls’ B asketb all After a rough 3-5 start, Head Coach Karl Herbert and the Girls’ Basketball team regained balance and worked extremely hard in the middle of the season, winning an impressive 8 games in a row to go back above .500. The team ended the regular season with an overall record of 14-6 and headed into the CCC and CIAC State Tournaments; there, the team made it to the quarterfinals round in both tournaments and ended the year with a 17-8 record. Jessica Tyler ’12 (Captain) and Kathleen McCormack ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award) provided strong leadership, while Alecia Dulaire ’13 (All-Conference) and Alyssa Reaves ’13 (MVP, All-Conference) displayed incredible physical play in the paint. Losing only two seniors, the team’s future looks bright, with great promise from Haley Connors ’15, Haley Garcia ’15, and Sofia Giansiracusa ’15.

Ice Hockey Jessica Tyler ’12 looks to pass after getting double teamed.

NWC’s Ice Hockey team made school history this year, making it to the CIAC State Championship for the first time since the Varsity program began 11 years ago. Under the direction of

AJ Massaro ’12 sets up the offense from behind the net.

Alumni Athletes: Where Are They Now? Mike Bourdon ’07 was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 2011 MLB draft, following his graduation from the University of Tampa. During the Summer of 2011, Mike played in the Gulf Coast League, appearing in 20 games and hitting .236. Jack Wagoner ’07, a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University and a 2011 draft pick by the Cleveland Indians, has appeared in six professional games with an ERA of 1.13 and six strikeouts. During his senior year, Jack pitched his way to a 5-3 record, including a 4-1 record in Atlantic Sun Conference play. Anastasia Feola ’08 played her last season on the Girls’ Basketball team at the College of St. Elizabeth in New Jersey. An Elementary Ed/Psychology major with a concentration in Special Ed, she was named a North Eastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) Scholar-Athlete for 2010-11.

the Royals, 21 of which she was the goalie. Uju Nwankwo ’10, a sophomore at the NJ Institute of Technology, this year scored 13 points and the go-ahead basket in a tied game against Bucknell, just as the clock expired. As a result, she was named the College Sports Madness Great West Conference Women’s Basketball Player of the Week. Robby Kunkel ’11, a standout swimmer at NWC, continues to glide through the water at the Div. III University of Chicago. As of press time for this issue, Robby had won the 100m Butterfly in a dual meet win over Illinois Tech.

Regan Bosnyak ’11 started in 16 out of 17 games in her first season on the Stony Brook (Long Island) Seawolves soccer team. Regan scored her first two collegiate goals in September against the University of MD/ Baltimore County. She was named to the America East All-Rookie Team. The Endicott College Gulls – who finished 9-1 during the 2011 regular football season and beat Mount Ida in the ECAC North Atlantic Bowl game, 31-22 – count three NWC alums among their ranks: Kevin Eagan ’08, Kevin Beakey ’11 and Alex Filomeno ’10. Eagan was named All-New England.

Alexandria Marandino ’08 was a four-year letter winner on the Field Hockey team at the University of Scranton. As a sophomore, Alex became a Goalie and has made a name for herself in between the pipes. She played in a total of 39 games for 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

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Boys’ Indoor Track team celebrating after their Class S State Championship. Head Coach Don Melanson ’84, the team won the CCC East Conference title (first NWC team to earn this distinction). Brennan Graham ’12 (Captain), Matthew Greenwood ’12 (Captain, All-Conference), Conor Hardy ’12 (Captain), AJ Massaro ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award, AllConference, All-State) and Tanner Vaughn ’12 (Captain, MVP, All-State) all contributed to the overall 19-5 record. The team should keep moving in the right direction next year, led by Patrick Melanson ’13 (All-Conference, All-State), Jeff Greenwood ’13, and Walter Hansen ’13.

Indoor Track Coach Patrick Williamson ’99 and his Girls’ Indoor Track team had a very successful winter season, with remarkable performances by the

Francesca Flynn ’12, Rachel Duncan ’12, Jenna Jordano ’13 and Sarah Gillespie ’13 after winning the Sprint Medley Relay at the CCC Championships.

team and by individuals. In addition to being crowned CCC West Division champions, the team – led by tri-captains Liz Allen ’12, Megan Baker ’12, and Megan Auletta ’12 — also finished 4th overall at the CCC Championship Meet and came in 3rd at the Class S State Championship Meet. Sarah Gillespie ’13 (AllConference, All- State, MVP) had a season for the record books (CCC and Class S Champion in the 1000m and 1600m, State Open Champion in the 1000m, All-New England for the 2nd consecutive year in the 1000m, and 7th place in the 800m at the New Balance Indoor National Championship). Sarah was also the anchor on the best Sprint Medley Relay team in school history, which included Francesca Flynn ’12 (All-Conference, All-State), Rachel Duncan ’12 (All-Conference, All-State), Bitty Lathrop ’13 (All-Conference, All-State), and Jenna Jordano

’13 (Coaches Award); this team won the CCC and Class S Championships and also competed at the Indoor National Championship meet. Rachel Barrachina ’12, Mariamma Chaluparambil ’12, Stephanie Figueroa ’12, Agata Harabasz ’12, Cara Ledwidge ’12, Catherine Marshall ’12, and Eleni Tsagdis ’12 finished off their NWC track careers in style. The Boys’ Indoor track team, headed by Coach Patrick Williamson ’99 and led by Wesley Hopkins ’12 (Captain), Jalen Lollar ’12 (Captain), and Brian Poirier ’12 (Captain, AllConference, All-State, Coaches Award), won the Class S State Championship for the second time in school history – the last time was in 1981. Outstanding performances came from Jared Delane ’13 (All-Conference, All-State, MVP), who won the 55m and 300m, and Poirier, who won the 1000m. The team also scored points

Girls’ Soccer Stars Earn Regional and National Recognition Two standout members of the State Champion Girls’ Soccer team received regional and national recognition in November 2011. Center back Cathy Higgins ’13 (left) was named All-New England, the first NWC Girls’ Soccer player so honored since 1995, when Tricia Murray ’96 made the team. She was also one of only three defenders on the team. She is the daughter of Ray and Mary Higgins of West Hartford. Her twin sister, Annie Higgins ’13, is also a standout player on the team. Meanwhile, Center forward Jessica Fontaine ’13 was named to the NCSAA Girls’ High School All-America team — the first Girls’ Soccer player in NWC history to earn this distinction, and one of only four girls in CT this year. She is the daughter of Peter and Barbara Fontaine of Enfield. In addition to the All-America honors, Fontaine was named AllState, All-Conference, and the CCC West Player of the Year in 2011. She has been All-Academic every year at NWC, and is a member of the National Honor Society. As a sophomore, she was All-Conference

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and All-State, and as a freshman, she was All-Conference. She had 20 assists this year, the second-highest in school history. Higgins is also All-State, All-Conference, and All-Academic this year, and was also All-Conference as a sophomore.

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s p ort s n e w s in the 4x200 and 4x800 relays, Shot Put, and Long Jump. Delane went on to compete at the New England and Indoor National Championship Meets, and Poirier ran the 800m at Indoor Nationals. The relay teams consisted of Elijah Hilliman ’12 (All-Conference), Nick Italia ’12 (All-Conference), Poirier, Delane, and Brendan Thompson ’13 (All-Conference). Anthony Carter ’12, Yannick Chevannes ’12, Cedric Henderson ’12, Ryan Kosha ’12, John Peterson ’12, Alexander Phibbs ’12,

Ronald Poole ’12, and Ryan Yazdzik ’12 were also all integral members of the State Championship team.

Swimming NWC’s Swimming and Diving team, led by Head Coach Spencer Hartmann and his assistant coaches, compete in one of the toughest divisions in the state. The team was far better than its regular-season record of 4-11 suggests, and in fact, did well in post-season competition (3rd Place at Splash, strong CCC West and State

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@NWC_athletics Get real-time updates about NWC sports from Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli. Follow him on Twitter at NWC_athletics.

Five Seniors Announce Intention to Play High-Level College Sports Five members of the Class of ’12 – Brian Butler, Mary Deneen, Sydney Golic, Brian Poirier, and Aaron Wilson – intend to compete in high-level sports at outstanding colleges and universities next year. “The NWC community is very proud of these students who have used their gifts in the classroom, in the community, and especially in athletics, to achieve great things,” said Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson. “They are well-rounded young people who care about others.We look forward to seeing them compete at the next level as they complete their college education.”

Brian Butler ’12 of West Hartford celebrates with his parents, Mary and Paul Butler, as he signs a National Letter of Intent to play Division 1 golf at Boston College. A member since freshman year of NWC’s perennially strong Varsity golf team (State Champs in 2008 and 2010), Brian was named All-Conference, All-State, and MVP as a junior. He was also named to the AllCourant team for Spring athletes in 2011. In addition, he was named All-Academic every time he was eligible – meaning, he earned academic honors and a varsity letter during the same period in freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic, and MVP for Cross Country, and was a team Captain. Also a Captain of the Boys’ Indoor Track team as a senior, Brian won the State Title in the 1000m and contributed to the team’s State Title – the first for the boys’ team in 31 years. NWC shortstop Aaron Wilson ’12 Principal/Chief Administrator Margaret Williamson and Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 congratulate (from left) Sydney Golic ’12, who will swim for the University of Notre Dame; Mary Deneen ’12, who will play volleyball at Bates College; and Brian Poirier ’12, who will run track at Princeton University. The daughter of Jen and Mike Deneen ’77 of Windsor, Mary Deneen was the MVP of the volleyball team her junior and senior years; was named All-State and AllConference as a senior, and All-Academic as a sophomore, junior, and senior. NWC was the runner-up in the Class S State Volleyball Tournament this year – the best performance in school history. Sydney Golic is the daughter of Chris and Mike Golic of Avon. She has been swimming competitively since age 6. An outstanding member of WHAT (West Hartford Aquatic Team), Sydney’s key events are the 100 and 200 backstroke; 100 and 200 breaststroke; and the 200 and 400 individual medley. She is continuing a family legacy at Notre Dame: In addition to her father and other relatives, her brothers Mike Golic ’08 and Jake Golic ’09 play football there. Brian Poirier, the son of Trish and Rick Poirier of Windsor, was The Hartford Courant’s “Runner of the Year” for Fall ’11 sports season, after he captured the Class SS State Title for Cross Country. He was also named 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

celebrates his commitment to play D1 baseball at the University of Hartford with NWC Baseball Coach Cory Carlson and his family (from left): his stepfather Carlos Rodriguez, his mother Diana Ramos, and his father John Wilson. The starting varsity shortstop at NWC since sophomore year, Aaron was a Captain of the team both junior and senior years. He was named All-Conference as a junior and senior, All-State as a senior, and was also the team MVP and The Hartford Courant’s “Baseball Player of the Year” in 2012. In addition, Aaron competed on NWC’s indoor track, football, and basketball teams. As a short forward for the basketball team, he averaged 7.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 steals as a senior; and when he was a junior, he was named All-Conference, All-State, and All-New England as a member of the 4x200 Relay team.

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Sport s ne ws Championship performances). Paula Bompane ’12, Saralynne Brown ’12 (Captain), and Madeleine Gauthier ’12 helped to lead the way, while strong performances were turned in by Matthew Masciocchi ’15, Grace Kunkel ’ 13 (Coaches Award), Thomas Vignati ’13 (MVP), Austin McCarthy ’13, Colin McCarthy ’13, Ian McCarthy ’13, Nick Ruddat ’13, Tyler Stites ’13, and Amanda Waltman ’13 (Captain). With so many returning swimmers, next year’s team shows great promise.

Cheerleading NWC’s cheerleaders, led by Head Coach Christine Michaud ’97, help to create and sustain the intense atmosphere in the Johnson Gym all throughout the Winter. With strong leadership from Adrianna Soldevila ’12 (Captain, MVP) and Katherine Velazquez ’12 (Captain, Coaches Award), the younger members of the team – Chayla Alston-Smith ’13, Shanice Anderson ’13, Traci Parker ’13, Victoria Peluso ’13, Alana Seldon ’13, and Destinee Webster ’13 – have had excellent role models and are sure to carry on the tradition next year.

Katherine Velazquez ’12 leads her squad in a cheer.

Coach Hartmann and his team discussing their game plan.

NWC Athletes Fill All-Courant Teams for Winter, Spring ’11 Sports At the end of each season, The Hartford Courant names the best athletes from throughout its circulation area to its “All-Courant” teams for each sport. Northwest Catholic was well-represented on these teams in 2011. In addition, The Courant asks each school to nominate its top male and female athletes for the entire school year, based on grade-point average and participation in at least one varsity sport. These students are named Connecticut High School Scholar Athletes. NWC’s two winners for 2011 were Nicholas Gaynor ’13 (Football and Basketball) and Sarah Gillespie ’13 (Volleyball, Girls’ Indoor Track, and Girls’ Outdoor Track). NWC’s All-Courant athletes were: Winter ’11 Sports

Spring ’11 Sports

* JC Carr ’11 – Boys’ Basketball * Kuran Iverson ’13 – Boys’ Basketball * Brian Poirier ’12 – Boys’ Indoor Track, 1000m * Boys’ 4x200 Indoor Track Relay Team – Luisantonio Rosado ’11, Jared Delane ’13, Jalen Lollar ’12, Aaron Wilson ’12

*James Adamidis ’13 – Boys’ Tennis *Lauren Backhaus ’11 – Softball *Brian Butler ’12 – Boys’ Golf *Caroline Davenport ’12 – Girls’ Golf *Sarah Gillespie ’13 – Girls’ Outdoor Track, 800m & 1600m *Brian Poirier ’12 – Boys’ Outdoor Track, 800m *Ryan Strid ’12 – Boys’ Golf *Hannah Shea ’12 – Girls’ Golf

Honorable Mention: * Sarah Gillespie ’13 – Girls’ Indoor Track * Jeffrey Greenwood ’13 – Ice Hockey * Robby Kunkel ’11 – Swimming * Zachary Lewis ’12 – Boys’ Basketball * Patrick Melanson ’13 – Ice Hockey

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Honorable Mention: *Jared Delane ’13 – Boys’ Outdoor Track *Ryan Geelan ’11 – Boys’ Outdoor Track *Cathy Higgins ’13 – Girls’ Lacrosse *Mike Laffin ’11 – Boys’ Lacrosse *Melissa Martucci ’11 – Softball *Jack Peterson ’12 – Boys’ Outdoor Track *Anthony Ravosa ’13 – Boys’ Outdoor Track 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

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 Chuck Drury ’65 found himself demoted from head football coach to assistant coach in the Fall of 2011 – but for him, it was a dream come true. After 27 years as the head football coach of Pomperaug High School in Southbury, CT, Chuck is now an offensive coordinator for his son, Mike Drury, the head coach at Southington High School. Chuck played at Southern CT State University, served in the National Guard for 14 years, and taught phys ed at Pomperaug for 33 years, in addition to coaching football there. Stephen Ellis ’65 was elected a Selectman in the town of Pittsburg, NH. William R. “Randy” Molloy ’65, CFSP, was re-elected as the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association’s Representative to the Policy Board of the National Funeral Directors Association in March 2012. A Past President of the statewide organization, Randy is the Co-Chair of CFDA’s Legislative Committee. Karen Benoit Belanger ’67 and Ronald Belanger ’67 are enjoying their retirement in the mountains of Berkeley Springs, WV, and in Maine during the summers. Karen had been a reference librarian at The Library of Congress, and Ron was a musician with the US Navy Band. These days, Karen enjoys playing with the Washington, DCbased bluegrass group Foggy Bottom, and attends First Nations’ powwows in Maine as a member of the Abenaki Nation. She is also

a Usui and Karuna REIKI master teacher. Ron is the Grand Master of Freemasons of MD and the Chairman of Grand Masters of Freemasons of North America, and he has started his own woodworking business. They both enjoy numerous outdoor activities, including fly fishing, kayaking, and snow shoeing. “Ron and I attribute our inspiration and enthusiasm for life to the wonderful education we received at NWC,” said Karen, adding that they were not a class couple while in high school! Mary Ellen Sullivan Connors ’68 and her husband Larry welcomed their third grandchild, Colleen Sullivan O’Connell, in May 2011. Colleen joins Thomas, 4, and Mary, 2.

1970's Robert Shangraw, MD, Ph.D. ’72 and his wife live in Tualatin, OR. They have three daughters: Sarah graduated from the University of Puget Sound in May 2011 and is an NIH fellow in Bethesda, MD; Kirsten is a physical therapist and in graduate school in Maine; and Kathleen is a sophomore at Scripps College. Nancy Smith ’75 is studying at the University of Hartford’s Graduate School of Nursing Education. She has four daughters — two of whom are also studying nursing. Maureen Connolly ’79 expected to complete a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU’s Wagner School for Public Administration in May 2012.

1980's David Blough ’82 and Cheryl Weissenburger Blough ’82 have seven children, ranging from age 24 to 2-year-old twin boys. They are expecting their first grandchild in Spring 2012.

1990's Lauren Schave Ametrano ’92 is an avid runner, having completed half marathons in New York City in April 2011 and in Hartford in October 2011. She lives in Guilford, CT, with her family. Desi Nesmith ’97 went back to school at Metacomet, his Bloomfield elementary school, in September 2011 – only this time, he went as the Principal. Desi earned his BA and Master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut, and began his career as a 5th-grade teacher in East Hartford (where he was named Teacher of the Year). He has also worked for the CT Department of Education, as an assistant superintendent in Hartford, and Principal at SAND School in Hartford. He was named a Promising Young Professional by UConn’s Neag School of Education in 2010.

2000's Andrew Drozd ’00 has been teaching at the Academy of Urban Planning, a small high school in Brooklyn, NY, since 2005, having earned Master’s degrees from UConn (Education) and Brooklyn College (Special Education). He lives in Glendale, NY, with

Phoenix Urban League Awards High Honor to Mark Breen ’68 Mark D. Breen ’68, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Development & Investments, Inc, of Phoenix, AZ, received the 2011 Whitney M. Young Jr. Individual Award from the Greater Phoenix Urban League. With more than 35 years of experience in the real estate industry, Mark has successfully built and managed affordable multi-family properties for more than 25 years in Greater Phoenix and other areas of the country.

According to the Urban League, this award recognizes “individuals and corporations who have exhibited genuine concern for the community in promoting and celebrating diversity, racial harmony, and social and economic equality. The award is given to those whose everyday actions exemplify the principles for which Whitney M. Young, Jr., stood.”

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Small World: NWC Students (Literally) Bump Into Alum in Italy There was an unexpected addition to the itinerary of this year’s NWC History trip to Italy – a reunion with an alum! Lauren Savary ’07 (center) gave Social Studies Department Chair Paul Fitzpatrick the surprise of his life when she tapped him on the shoulder on a plaza near the Ponte Vecchio in April 2011. He and Marilyn Adamo, NWC's school nurse for the past 18 years, were two of the chaperones of the trip. International travel with the Social Studies Department has been an option for NWC students every Spring since 2004. Savary is a student at Northeastern University.

his wife Sandra and their children, Sofia and Caleb. Ted Reilly ’00 left Goldman Sachs in March 2012 and, with one partner, launched a boutique investment management firm in Chicago called SRH Partners. One of his clients is Joe Matt Navin ’02, who is starting a business in NY called Fresh Focus. Ted and his wife, Kristin, welcomed their third child, Timothy Richard, on Oct. 15, 2011. Timothy joins his siblings Mary Frances and Edward IV. Ted continues to collaborate with Matt Amenta ’00 on Lifefinder Films; their latest short film has screened in the Coney Island Film Festival (Brooklyn), Big Apple Film Festival (Tribeca), and the Backyard Film and Music Festival (Chicago). They are also in pre-production of a feature-length film. Cara McNamara ’01 was married on Apr. 14, 2012, to Jasmit Singh Sandhu. A gradu-

ate of The College of the Holy Cross, Cara works for Tiffany & Co. in Manhattan. Her husband graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business and works for Credit Market Analysis. Lindsey LaRocque ’02 is a Doctoral candidate in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Water Resources at the University of South Carolina. Her focus on floods, dams, and levees has taken her all over the world, from Puerto Rico, to Belgium, to Egypt, to New Zealand. Lindsey says that constant guidance and encouragement from NWC teacher Ron Swanson provided her with the tools she needed to succeed. Rebecca Arnold ’03, a member of the Class of ’12 at UConn Law School, has been named a George N. Lindsay Civil Rights Legal Fellow by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The one-year fellowship

will enable Rebecca to work with civil rights experts at the Lawyer’s Committee national office in Washington, DC. Kim Marakovits ’05, a Boston College graduate who is now a medical student at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, spent a month volunteering in Ecuador during the Summer of 2011 with a non-profit group called Physicians for Humanity. Ramon Chavarro ’06 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Central CT State University. Brendan Danaher ’06 began working as a police officer in Bloomfield in January 2012, after graduating from the CT Police Academy. A graduate of Assumption College, he worked as a child development specialist at the Village for Children and Families before entering the academy in August 2011.

Adam Cloud ’87 is Elected Hartford City Treasurer Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra (right) congratulates Adam Cloud ’87 on his November 2011 election as Treasurer of the City of Hartford. His four-year term began in January 2012. Adam had actually been serving as Hartford Treasurer since February 2011, when he stepped in to the position vacated by the retirement of Kathleen Palm Devine. With undergraduate and law degrees from Howard University, Adam has worked as a financial adviser and bond underwriter for a number of companies, including Advest Inc. and Loop Capital. He has also served on the Hartford Redevelopment Agency, the Hartford Economic Development Commission, and the Metropolitan District Commission. He lives in Hartford with his wife, Nicole Plessy Cloud, and their three children.

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Mike Rogers, SJ ’98 Participates in Beatification Mass Mike Rogers, SJ ’98, a Jesuit scholastic from the New England Province, was tapped for extraordinary duty in May 2011: He was invited to distribute Holy Communion at the Beatification Mass of John Paul II in Rome. Mike said he was one of 300 priests at his Communion station, which was one of four or five at the Mass.These men gave out 60,000 hosts – which was just a fraction of the 500,000 that were distributed that day. Even still, only 25% of the people who were assembled were able to receive the Eucharist. “There would have been no way to get to Rebekah DeLauro Battersby ’07 graduated from the University of Hartford. Siobhan Danahey ’07 graduated from Gonzaga University in 2011 and is pursuing an MBA in Gonzaga’s Healthcare Management Program. She is also doing graduate assistant research in lean implementation/quality control management in local hospitals, and is also a perioperative business intern at a nearby hospital. Tzivia Freeman-Dasent ’07, a 2011 graduate of the University of New Haven, just finished her first year at the Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, LA.

everyone,” Mike wrote. “I myself was distributing Communion to people from all over the world for more than half an hour when I finally ran out of hosts.” A graduate of The College of the Holy Cross, Mike is currently studying theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome for the next two to three years, in preparation for his ordination. He regularly posts about his experiences on a blog (http://www.mikerogerssj.blogspot.com) and on Twitter (@mrogerssj).

ern Connecticut State University. Rachel Anne Godbout ’08 received a Dean’s Award for academic excellence for the Fall 2011 semester at Colgate University. She is studying molecular biology. James Jordan ’08 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Marist College. Brittney A. Kennedy ’08 earned second honors at Clark University. Gregory Marakovits ’08 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Springfield College.

Meghan Kiley ’07 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s list at Connecticut College.

Kathleen Williamson ’08 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Saint Joseph’s University.

Sean Leary ’07 graduated from Eastern CT State University in 2011 and now lives in New York, where he works for MetLife.

Jennifer Bonee ’09 was named to the Dean’s List at the University of Hartford’s art school for both semesters of the 2010-11 school year.

Daniel Martinelli ’07 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Salve Regina University. Margaret Molloy ’07 graduated summa cum laude from The College of the Holy Cross in May 2011. A member of Phi Beta Kappa, Alpha Sigma Nu, and Sigma Tau Delta (an international English Honor Society), Margaret spent her junior year abroad studying at Mansfield College in Oxford, England. She now lives in New York, where she is a teacher at the Cornelia Connelly Center. Katherine Murphy ’07 graduated magna cum laude from Manhattan College with a degree in elementary education in May 2011. She is an assistant second-grade teacher at the Windward School in White Plains, NY, and will enter Hunter College Graduate School of Education in September 2012. Shannon Fitzpatrick ’08 was named to the Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 Dean’s Lists at East-

Julie Cleary ’09 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Fairfield University. Kayleigh Donnelly ’09 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at the University of Delaware. Ryan Dowd ’09 was named to the Spring 2011 and Fall 2011 Dean’s Lists at Providence College. Maura Graham ’09 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at the University of Scranton. She was also inducted into Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national honor society for health professionals. Nathan Hunter ’09 planned to spend the Summer of 2012 designing and creating a rooftop garden at Manhattan College in NY. Vegetables grown in this eco-friendly garden on top of a parking garage will be sold back into the community. Caitlin Kearns ’09 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Stonehill College.

NWC Alumna Installed as College President Ann McElaney-Johnson, Ph.D. ’75 was installed as the 12th President of Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, CA, on Mar. 16, 2012. She is believed to be the first NWC alum to become the president of a college or university. Ann earned a BA from The College of The Holy Cross, a Master’s from Middlebury College, and a Ph.D. in French from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before assuming the presidency of Mount St. Mary’s, she had served most recently as vice president for academic and student affairs at Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC, where she also taught French. Previously, she had been a professor and the coordinator of faculty development of Ripon College in Wisconsin. Ann and her husband, David Johnson, have three grown daughters: Emma, Rachel, and Caroline.

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Old Friends Reunite for Fr. Bock’s 75th Birthday A group of old friends reunited in February 2012 to celebrate the 75th birthday of Rev. Lawrence Bock with a dinner in his honor at Peppercorn’s Grill in Hartford. Seated, from left: Ed Jason ’71, Tim Coleman ’77, Rev. Richard Russell, and Jay Luby ’69. Standing, from left: John Walsh ’71, Jay Melley, Peter Dwornik (partially obscured), Brien Horan ’71, Bill Curry ’70, Dan Scapellati ’75, Fr. Bock, Rev. Shawn Daly ’79, Tom Downes ’77, and AJ O’Brien. Fr. Bock taught Religion at NWC from 1965-2004, and is now the pastor of Holy Spirit Church in Newington.

In Honoring Its Own Alumnae, Saint Joseph College Also Honored NWC’s At its annual Reunion in September 2011, Saint Joseph College in West Hartford presented its coveted Distinguished Alumna Award to three women – two of whom also graduated from Northwest Catholic.

Photo credit: Steven Laschever Photography

Honored for their outstanding professional accomplishments and service were (far left) Margaret Steeves-Laffin ’72, vice president for marketing at Masonicare in Wallingford and (far right) Molly Rees Gavin ’67, president of Connecticut Community Care Inc. in Bristol. The other honoree, Roselee Barbagallo Fanelli, a 1961 graduate of Saint Joseph College, is agency services manager at Raynard & Peirce Insurance and Real Estate in Norfolk. They were congratulated by Saint Joseph College President Pamela Trotman Reid, Ph.D. (Second from left)

Though “Retired,” Shukie Is Still Teaching Former NWC Athletic Director, coach, and Social Studies Department Chair John Shukie may have “retired” from Northwest Catholic in 2007 – but anyone who knows him knows that the place, and its people, are never far from his mind.

was very familiar with the stories of that terrible battle. “I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to play teacher again,” he said.

Now living for much of the year in Baltimore, MD, with his wife, Mary, John loves nothing more than exploring the historical riches of that region (as well as the trials and tribulations of the Baltimore Orioles). On June 24, 2011, he had the chance to marry his avocation as a history junkie with his (former) vocation, as a teacher. On that day, John gave a tour of Gettysburg Battlefield National Park in Pennsylvania to two of his former students – Susan Peterson Fetter ’80 (left) and her brother, Eric “Pete” Peterson ’82 – and their children (from left, Eliza Fetter, Jennifer Peterson, and Samantha Fetter). Having included Michael Shaara’s The Killer Angels in his “American Mind” class for many years, John

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Bridget Kiley ’09 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Villanova University. Nicole Milewski ’09 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Fairfield University. Uzoma Orchingwa ’09 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Colby College. Chloe Scobee ’09 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at the University of Scranton.

Dan Luddy ’03 is not only an accomplished musician and NWC’s Director of Instrumental Music, he is also an avid longdistance hiker. In 2008, for instance, he hiked all 2,176 miles of the Appalachian Trail. And in 2011, he spent most of the Summer out West, including a two-week excursion to Glacier National Park in Montana with Mark Filomeno ’04 and Joe Filomeno ’06. Among the highlights of that Summer: Climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous 48 states, in the middle of a 600-mile hike along California’s Pacific Crest Trail.

2010's Jei Cho ’10, one of the first two students to matriculate at NWC through the International Students Program, returned home to Seoul after graduating from NWC. Now a student at Handong Global University in Pohang, South Korea, Jei spent Christmas 2011 in Thailand on a mission trip. Erika S. Duenas ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 and Fall 2011 Dean’s Lists at Washington College in Maryland.

Nicole Lacouture ’10 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Loyola University/Maryland.

Lauren Walz ’10 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Saint Joseph’s University.

Madeleine Livingston ’10, a student at George Washington University, presented a paper at a Women’s Leadership Conference in Abu Dhabi during the 2011-12 school year. During the Summer of 2012, she planned to intern in the Marketing and Global Client Development department of Christie’s in NYC, and in Fall 2012 she will attend the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark.

Patrick Graham ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Saint Joseph’s University. Michael Laffin ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Connecticut College. Alessandra Lamari ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Villanova University.

Meghan Feeney ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Dean’s Lists at Sacred Heart University.

Emily Peters ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 Dean’s List at Fairfield University.

James Hallinan ’10 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s List at Bryant University.

Sean Polley ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 Dean’s List at Fairfield University.

John Healey ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Dean’s Lists at Villanova University, where he is in the Honors Program.

Lauren Rosano ’10 was named to the Spring 2011 Dean’s Honors List at Connecticut College.

John Sullivan ’11 performed with the Marist College Music Department in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL during the 2011-12 school year.

Ryan Juliano ’10 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Western New England University.

Kelsey Sumple ’10 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at The College of New Jersey.

Brandon Xing ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Ithaca College.

Ameet Katkar ’10 was named to the Fall 2010 Dean’s List at the University of Connecticut.

Timothy Waltman ’10 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Babson University.

Kelly Yorio ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at Fairfield University.

Brendan McCormick ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at St. Anselm College. Morgan McKenna ’11 was named to the Fall 2011 Dean’s List at the College of St. Rose.

NWC Alums Reunite at Elon University Homecoming part of DC Teaching Fellows, a branch of The New Teacher Project.

On a picture-perfect afternoon in October 2011, old NWC friends (from left) Janae Frazier ’09, Brandon Marshall ’08, and Jacqueline Beliveau ’07 reunited during Homecoming at Elon University in North Carolina.

Brandon was scheduled to begin work at WFSB in Hartford after his 2012 graduation from Elon, producing news shows. And Janae, a junior at Elon, lived in NYC from January through May 2012, while completing an internship at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.

A 2011 graduate of Elon with a Business Administration degree, Jacqui now lives in Washington, DC, where she teaches math at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School as

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They may have met at Harvard as undergrads, but the Sept. 10, 2011 wedding of Hilary Scurlock ’03 and Luke Cocalis – at the Church of St. Patrick in Farmington, CT, with a reception at The Hill-Stead Museum – was a real NWC affair. Julie Laverty ’03 was the maid of honor, John Scurlock ’06 was a groomsman, and Dana Bercowetz ’06 sang during the cocktail hour. Guests included Jennie Quinn ’03, Alison Devine ’03, Kate Thorner ’03, and Nicole Della Rocco ’03, as well as Mike Gualtieri ’04, Kate Masciocchi ’06, Tyler Gualtieri ’06, Tom Heslin ’06, Jack Phelan ’72, Mary Lou Tuohy Duffy ’72, Jim Duffy ’71, Cathy Gobes ’75 and Al Masciocchi, John Heslin ’76, and Tracey Preston Heslin ’76. After a honeymoon in Italy, the couple returned home to San Diego, CA, where Hilary is Marketing Coordinator for MiresBall and Luke is an attorney with Sheppard, Mullin, Richter and Hampton, LLC.

For Courtney DeAngelis ’01 and AJ Collier ’01, the path to the altar at the Church of Saint Timothy for their Sept. 24, 2011, wedding was both interminably long (they knew each other 15 years before they started dating) and incredibly short (their relationship began just down the hall, so to speak, in a 7th-grade classroom at Saint Timothy School)! Their wedding, which was celebrated by Rev. Henry Cody, included dozens of NWC people, starting with the bride’s dad, Jordy DeAngelis ’72; the maid of honor, Cara DeAngelis ’05; the best man, Damian Gugliotti ’01; and several other members of the wedding party: Jim Collier ’07, Melissa Delligan Bambery ’01, and Kathleen Spignesi ’07. Other guests: George Colli III ’73, Katy Finley Colli ’72, Jack Phelan ’72, Ed Jason ’71, Ned Wentworth ’65, Kathy Collagan Wentworth ’65, Patty Romano McMahon ’71, Bobby Magestri ’71, Lenny Burke ’72, Carl Prutting ’71, Cathleen Fox Laffin ’77, Ellen Fox Spalluto ’77, John Boorjian ’01, Kevin McHale ’01, Ed Murphy ’01, Matthew Suski ’01, Julio Morales ’01, Colleen Murphy McCabe ’03, Kathryn McMahon ’05, Patrick Devine ’05, and Jake Spignesi ’09. Courtney graduated from Assumption College with a degree in Sociology and is currently working on her Master’s in Community Counseling and Licensure in Professional Counseling at Saint Joseph College. She works for Catholic Charities as an intake specialist and child development specialist for the Juvenile Justice Intermediate Evaluation Program. AJ, a graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology, is an estimator for Commercial Flooring Concepts and also serves as an ice hockey official for several organizations in CT.

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A l um ni N e w s Twelve years after they met as freshmen at NWC, Tim Bourdon ’03 and Carol Frederick ’03 became man and wife – although in fairness, they did not start dating until they were juniors in college (Tim went to Trinity, and Carrie graduated from Loyola/MD)! Their Sept. 23, 2011, wedding was concelebrated at St. Ann’s Church in Avon, CT, by Tim’s uncle, Rev. Norman Bourdon from Cumberland, RI, and Rev. John McHugh, pastor of St. Ann’s. The wedding party included Peter Bourdon ’05, Michael Bourdon ’07, Thomas Bourdon ’10, MaryKate Bourdon ’13, and Maureen Frederick ’01. Following a honeymoon in Aruba, the couple now lives in West Hartford. Tim works at MassMutual and is studying for an MBA, and Carrie earned a Master’s in Social Work from UConn and now works at ValueOptions.

Nadia N. Johnson ’99 and Abdullah (Abdi) N. Rahaman II were married on Aug. 13, 2011. The wedding party included Nadia’s brother, Aaron Johnson ’01; her cousins Nichelle Johnson ’97 and Jamaal Johnson ’02; and the daughters of Lori Bryant Thompson ’80. Princess Wiggins Lyles ’99 and Jaquita Marshall ’99 were also there to celebrate. The couple met at Howard University, where Abdi earned a BA in Administration of Justice and a MS in Social Work, and Nadia earned a BA in Accounting. She also earned a BS in Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. Nadia and Abdi live in New Paltz, NY; Nadia is a Community Development Manager for Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc., and Abdi is the Homeless Liaison for the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.

Rev. Henry Frascadore officiated at the wedding of Miriam O’Leary Maloney, MD ’95 and Ted Maloney at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury on July 16, 2011. The wedding party included Miriam’s sisters, Niamh O’Leary, Ph.D. ’99 and Keara O’Leary ’00. Miriam and Ted live in Boston, where Miriam is a head and neck surgeon at Tufts Medical Center.

Recently Married? We’d love to include a photo in a future issue of Logos. E-mail editor@nwcath.org a photo and some details about the wedding and your family.

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Jessica Rienow ’08 and Matthew White were married on July 16, 2011, in a beautiful outdoor wedding at the Rienow home in Bloomfield. Jess is a senior majoring in psychology at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, where the couple now lives. Matt, a 2010 graduate of Geneva, is the Operations Manager for TransIT Solutions, which makes security systems for public transit companies. In addition to Hannah Rienow ’09, Jessica’s sister and a member of the wedding party, NWC guests included Casey Curry ’08, Maddy Deneen ’08, and Danielle St. Jacques ’08.

Joe Fusco ’04 and Kristen Russo were married on July 2, 2011, at St. Margaret Church in Madison, CT, with a reception following at the Pine Orchard Yacht and Country Club in Branford. Joe and Kristen graduated from Fairfield University in 2008. Kristen earned a Master’s from Fairfield in 2010 and now teaches 7th-grade English in Madison. Joe is in his third year at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine and is completing clinical rotations in Manchester, CT. Tim Fusco ’06 was his brother’s best man, and other NWC guests included Ashley DeBella ’06 and Fran Rogers ’04, as well as NWC Director of Admissions Nancy Scully Bannon ’73 and Admissions Assistant Maryann Lacouture. Joe’s mother, Cindy Fusco, is the Associate Director of Admissions for Enrollment Management at NWC.

For a while, it looked like the Labor Day weekend wedding of Liisa Walsh ’04 and Jeff Sloat might be a completely candlelit affair, since it was taking place in Stonington, CT, just days after Hurricane Irene left the Connecticut shoreline without electricity. But during the rehearsal on Thursday night, the power came back – and the wedding at St. Mary’s Church, followed by a reception at Saltwater Farm Vineyard, came off without a hitch on Sept. 2, 2011. Jeff and Liisa, both of whom graduated from Assumption College in 2008, are now settling in to their new life in Portland, ME. Liisa is working as an employment specialist with Catholic Charities, and Jeff is an Operator on Duty with Portland Radio Group. Many old friends from Northwest Catholic and West Hartford were on hand for the celebration, including (front row, from left) Amy Grinsfelder ’04, Megan Lemp ’04, Mallory Craig ’04, and Catherine Turley, and (back row, from left) Bruce Smith ’04, Neil Mascolo ’04, Hakim Morris, Brian Davis ’04, Brenna Milbier ’04, Shil Basu, and Bridget Carr. Liisa’s sister and maid of honor, Katy Walsh ’09, and her uncle, Kevin Kelly ’76, rounded out the NWC contingent.

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Bib Babies

NWC English teacher Monica Kirschmann and her husband Rob welcomed their first baby, Robert Philip Kirschmann, Jr., on Aug. 9, 2011. Samwell Edward Driesch, the first baby for Courtney Jason Driesch ’99 and Greg Driesch, was born on Feb. 26, 2011, into a long and excited line of NWC Indians: “Grampy” Ed Jason ’71, Aunt Lindsey Jason ’05, and Uncles Ryan Jason ’02 and Clayton Jason ’07. The Driesch Family lives in East Lyme, CT, where Greg is a builder/plumber who’s building the family’s first home, and Courtney is a 7thgrade Math teacher in the Durham/Middlefield school district.

Baby Robert is the tenth male to carry the name Robert Kirschmann. The middle names have varied over the generations, but the baby and his dad, who teaches English and Religion at Xavier High School in Middletown, both carry the middle name of Philip in honor of Great-Grandpa Robert, who passed away in September 2011. The Kirschmann family lives in Meriden.

Sam was born just eight days after Charlotte James Ufford, the first child of Liz Joseph ’99 and Matt Ufford. Liz and Courtney were dear NWC friends, and loved introducing their children to one another!

They were born a month apart, they live blocks away from each other in West Hartford, their parents are siblings … and it’s clear these cousins are already getting a kick out of one another! Hannah Katherine Casey (left) is the daughter of Brian Casey ’94, a claims specialist with Safeco Insurance, and his wife Maureen, an occupational therapist in the Southington school system. Hannah was born on Apr. 3, 2011, and was welcomed home by her big sister Caroline, who's 2 ½. Her godfather is Chris Molloy ’95. Casey Mac Boyle was born on May 6, 2011, to Beth Casey Boyle ’96 and her husband, Kevin. Kevin works as a mediation coordinator at Manchester Regional Academy, and Beth is the Director of Information Technology at Northwest Catholic. Casey’s godfather is his Uncle Brian Casey.

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 email editor@nwcath.org a photo and some details about the baby and your family afterwards.

Aryanna Nichole Cornelius, the beautiful new daughter of Judith Appah ’08, was born on Aug. 25, 2011, weighing 7lb, 4oz. The family lives in Hartford.

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During a campus visit this Fall, Karl Brown III wanted to let everyone know he was definitely “on his way” to Northwest Catholic in the future! Karl, the son of Kristen Shannon ’04, was born on July 19, 2010. The family lives in Bloomfield.

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Bib Babies (Continued) Corrina Meiying Bouligny is the third child for Duane Bouligny ’90 and his wife, Nancy. Born on June 29, 2011, Corrina has an older sister, Julia, who recently turned 5, and an older brother, Cade, age 2 ½. The family lives in Greenbrae, CA, where Duane is a Managing Director in the Debt Capital Markets division of Wells Fargo Securities.

Mary Turbert Roberts ’96 and Nigel Roberts ’98 welcomed Olivia Marie Roberts into their family on July 11, 2011. Mary, who earned a Bachelor’s at Northeastern University and a Master’s at Boston College, is the Director of Advancement at Sacred Heart School in Roslindale, MA. Nigel, a graduate of Bentley University, works at Thomson Reuters. The family lives in Dorchester, MA.

Alums Reconnect at Grand Reunion ’11 More than 150 alums from classes ending in 1 and 6 converged on Wampanoag Drive on Sat., Apr. 30, 2011, for Grand Reunion ’11 — another New England lobsterbake under a big white tent.Though the night air was cool, the mood inside the tent was festive and warm, as old friends reunited and reminisced. Visit northwestcatholic.org/reunions to see a slideshow of photos from the evening.

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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, 2011, and March 31, 2012. To ensure accuracy, we require that In Memoriam notices be accompanied by a newspaper obituary. Please notify editor@nwcath.org of any errors or omissions.

Alumni William T. Duksa ’65 died on Dec. 27, 2011, at the age of 64. The son of Anna Lennon Duksa and the late Dr. Walter J. Duksa, Bill was born in Hartford and grew up in West Harford before moving to Berlin 30 years ago. A graduate of Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, he worked at St. Francis Hospital and at Arburg, Inc. in Berlin. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son Daniel W. Duksa and daughter Rebecca A. Duksa, both of New Britain; his siblings Walter J. Duksa, Jr., Anne Duksa Jimenez, and Mary Duksa Peterson and their families; and many other relatives and friends. Joseph R. Fanelli ’65 passed away at his home in Studio City, CA, on Aug. 2, 2011. He was 63 years old. Born in Hartford to the late Michael and Julia Freeman Fanelli, Joe graduated from Rider College with a degree in business studies. He worked for Stryker Medical Corporation in New York and SBC Communications in Los Angeles until he retired in 2005. Joe was interred at Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford in September 2011. He is survived by his sister, Elizabeth Fowler Fanelli ’68 and her husband, Earl, of Essex, CT. Kathleen J. Guinan Hoyt ’65 passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 29, 2012. She was 65 years old. Kathy was born in Hartford, the daughter of the late Jean Guinan and Francis M. Guinan, Sr., and grew up in West Hartford. She attended Hillyer College (University of Hartford), and then began a distinguished, 44-year career at Colt’s Manufacturing Company. With her career at Colt’s, Kathy continued a family tradition begun by her grandfather, Martin, and sustained by her father, Francis, and her brothers, Tom and Fran. In total, the Guinan family contributed 140 years to the company. Before her retirement in 2009, Kathy served as Colt Historian — the only woman to hold that title. Kathy is survived by Dave, her husband of 29 years; two step-daughters and three grandchildren; her sisters and brother, Mary Ann Levander, Veronica Guinan Rogers ’67, Patricia Guinan Anderson ’69, Eileen Matteson, Teresa Ward, and Francis Guinan; and numerous in-laws, other relatives, and friends, including her nephew Ryan Ward ’04. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Thomas Guinan, and her father-in-law, Philip D. Hoyt.

Elizabeth Mary Tyler ’65 passed away on Mar. 26, 2012 after a long and brave fight with cancer. She was 65. Born in Hartford to Mary Flynn Tyler and the late Adrian Joseph Tyler, Liz lived for most of her adult life in New Britain. She worked for many years at the Connecticut Department of Education. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her son, James Dionizio, and her daughter, Kira Clark; her sister, Susan Holman; and two grandchildren. The family requested that donations in her name be sent to St. Francis Hospital. Peter J. Kennedy ’71 passed away on May 30, 2011. He was 58. A Hartford native, Pete grew up there and in West Hartford, and worked for 21 years for the Avon Police Department, receiving several awards for meritorious work. He also spent much of his life in logging and the tree work industry. Pete is survived by his beloved wife, Kate Cantwell Kennedy; his mother, Marion Hoar Kennedy; his brothers James, John, Patrick, and Thomas and their families, including nephew Philip Kennedy ’10, niece Angela Kennedy ’14, and sister-in-law Debbie Kennedy, a former staff member in the NWC Advancement Department; as well as many other relatives and friends. His father, Philip Kennedy, predeceased him. Brian Mulshine ’71 died in his sleep at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan on Nov. 12, 2011, at the age of 57. A Vice President of Amerigroup in New York City, Brian grew up in West Hartford and graduated from Fordham University, where he was on the debate and squash teams. He also earned a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia, and had been profiled in the NY Daily News concerning his community health initiatives in distressed areas of the Bronx. Brian was an avid cyclist, world traveler, and runner, and had completed many marathons. He was a vice president at Amerigroup at the time of his death. He is survived by his siblings — Bonnie Mulshine Hinsdale ’67, Bob Mulshine ’69, Jim Mulshine ’70, Joseph Mulshine ’74, John Mulshine ’76, Mary Teresa Mulshine ’81, Marigrace Mulshine Roche ’82, and Peggy Mulshine Timoney ’84 — and their families, which include 23 nephews and nieces and four great-nephews, as well as a host of friends and other relatives. His parents, Robert and Elizabeth Mulshine, predeceased him. Gerard L. “Rod” Donohue ’74 passed away on Oct. 19, 2011, at a palliative care center in Morganton, NC. He was 55 years old. Born in

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Hartford to Stephen Donohue and the late Mary Clemens Donohue, Rod moved to North Carolina soon after graduating from Boston College. Certified in American Sign Language, he also earned a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina. Rod lived his life to the absolute fullest, creating an inspirational career teaching and working in the special education community. He was passionate about adaptive recreation, ASL communication, ADA compliance, and the arts. He also loved to read and travel. Rod is survived by his father and his siblings – Sheila D. Johnston, Michael T. Donohue, Stephen J. Donohue ’72, Thomas W. Donohue ’76, and Brigid M. Donohue ’83 – and their families, including 17 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother and his sister, Maureen. Ava Marie McCrory ’77 of Hartford died on Aug. 6, 2011. She is survived by her parents, Isaac and Mary McCrory; her children, Chaz, Brandon and Andre’ Campbell; her sister Gina McCrory; her brothers Kenneth McCrory and State Representative Douglas McCrory; and a host of other relatives and friends. Adam M. Lawton ’99 died on Jan. 6, 2012. He was 30 years old and passed away in an avalanche while skiing in British Columbia, Canada. The son of Nancy and David Lawton of East Granby, Adam earned a BA in Recreation and Environmental Studies from Western State College in Colorado, and had completed coursework for a Master’s in Experiential Education from the University of Utah. He was the Outdoor Experiential Education Manager at Gateway Academy in Salt Lake City, UT, a therapeutic treatment facility for teenage boys. According to his family, Adam loved living in Utah, and was happiest when he was climbing and skiing in places like the Wasatch Mountains, Chamonix, and Mount Rainier. “Rest in peace does not seem to apply to someone who was constantly in motion,” his obituary said. In addition to his parents, Adam is survived by his brother Drew Lawton; his sister Erica Lawton Brophy and her husband and daughter; his grandfather; and many other relatives and beloved friends. His memorial service was held in NWC’s Rice Auditorium. His family asked that donations in his memory be made to the Canyon Country Discovery Center at the Four Corners School of Outdoor Education, P.O. Box 1029, Monticello, UT 84535.

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In Memoriam (Continued) Joshua Cameron Garcia ’08 died unexpectedly on Aug. 26, 2011, at the age of 21. Josh was born and raised in Hartford, the son of Russell and Junette Garcia, with whom he still lived. An avid swimmer, he had competed for NWC and also belonged to the Charter Oak Swim Club. He was a student at Manchester Community College at the time of his death. In addition to his parents, Josh is survived by his brothers Russell Garcia ’95 and Brian Garcia, a member of the Class of ’03, as well as his grandparents and many other relatives and friends, especially Judith Appah ’08.

Current Families Lorraine B. Becker, grandmother of Tait Becker ’15 Genevieve D. Bourdon, grandmother of Tim Bourdon ’03 and his wife, Carrie Frederick Bourdon ’03, Peter Bourdon ’05, Michael Bourdon ’07, Tom Bourdon ’10, and MaryKate Bourdon ’13; mother of Peter Bourdon, former NWC School Board Chair Lorraine Brennan, mother of Kevin Brennan ’67, Timothy Brennan ’68, the late Mary Brennan ’70, and Eileen Brennan Deneen ’81; mother-in-law of Margaret Guillet Brennan ’72 and Christopher Deneen ’79; and grandmother of Ryan Deneen, a member of the Class of ’08, Connor Deneen ’10, and Molly Deneen ’14 Anna Lobo Buda, grandmother of Joe Buda ’08 and Meg Buda ’12 David L. Butler and William D. Butler Jr., uncles of Brendan Butler ’13 Albert Michael DeFranzo, grandfather of Ryan DeFranzo ’14 Rosina Errico, mother of Vincenzo Errico ’80 and Donato Errico ’82; mother-in-law of Lori Patrissi Errico’80; grandmother of Daniel Errico ’12 and Christopher Errico ’14 Barbara Fleeting, grandmother of Maleek Riley ’12 and Elijah Riley ’15 Ruth Malley Flynn, grandmother of Francesca Flynn ’12 Irene Galvin, grandmother of Christopher Kuhlberg ’11 and Timothy Kuhlberg ’14 Chester J. Grabowski, Sr., father-in-law of Maureen Davis Grabowski ’77, grandfather of Kathleen Grabowski ’11 and Meghan Grabowski ’12 Daniel E. Holland, Jr., grandfather of Nora Holland ’15 Salvatrice “Sally” Italia, great aunt of James Italia ’10 and Nicholas Italia ’12

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Martha E. Katrichis, grandmother of Katie Katrichis ’15 Helena Koldras, grandmother of Stephanie Koldras ’12 Joseph V. Krason, grandfather of Conor Hardy ’12 Mary Agnes Loomis, mother-in-law of TJ Selig ’77, grandmother of Andrew Selig ’06, Ryan Selig ’08, and Taylor Selig ’12 Tina Lorenzo, mother of Robert Lorenzo ’77 and the late Lawrence Lorenzo ’68; grandmother of Alec Lorenzo ’11, Sam Lorenzo ’13, and Natalie Lorenzo ’15 Dorothy L. Marti, grandmother of Katherine and Kristen Marti ’14 Mildred L. May, mother of Kimberly MayBailey ’88 and Tracey May ’91; grandmother of Marcus Bailey ’14 Robert Lawrence McGoldrick, father of Michael McGoldrick ’77, Mark McGoldrick ’78, Maureen McGoldrick Hann ’79, Patrick McGoldrick ’82, and Kelly McGoldrick Curran ’85. Grandfather of Brian McGoldrick ’11 and Matt McGoldrick ’13. William P. McKeeman, grandfather of Tim Bourdon ’03 and his wife, Carrie Frederick Bourdon ’03, Peter Bourdon ’05, Michael Bourdon ’07, Tom Bourdon ’10, and MaryKate Bourdon ’13; father-in-law of Peter Bourdon, former NWC School Board Chair Charles M. Rittling, uncle of Katie Rodgers Katzman ’79, Thomas Rodgers ’79, Lisa Rodgers LoMedico ’80, Karen Rodgers Miller ’81, Susan Rodgers ’84, Ellen Rodgers Fox ’85, Maura Rodgers ’89; great-uncle of Brendan Fox ’13 and John Fox ’14 Karen Ann Shopis-Fox, sister-in-law of Cathleen Fox Laffin ’77, Ellen Fox Spalluto ’77, Ellen Rodgers Fox ’85, NWC Religion teacher Francis Laffin, and NWC Board Member Brendan Fox; aunt of Maureen Spalluto ’06, Carolyn Spalluto ’08, Michael Laffin ’11, Caitlin Spalluto ’12, Matthew Laffin ’13, Brendan Fox ’13, and John Fox ’14 Beatrice C. Steeves, mother of Michael Steeves ’66, Gerald Steeves ’69, Margaret Steeves Laffin ’72, and Brian Steeves ’74; grandmother of Christopher Laffin ’12 Mildred A. Stegeman, grandmother of Ryan Thompson ’10 and Brendan Thompson ’13 William F. Tynan Jr., grandfather of Gracie Quinn ’10 and Charlie Quinn ’13 Cennie Mae Wade, grandmother of David Blackwell ’12 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

Ann Walsh, aunt of NWC Admissions Assistant Maryann Lacouture and great-aunt of Nicole Lacouture ’10, Allison Lacouture ’13, Edward Walsh ’00 and Meghan Walsh Aguirre ’05 George Walz Jr., grandfather of Lauren Walz ’10 and Victoria Walz ’14 William F. Whaley, Jr., uncle of John Healey ’10 and Meghan Healey ’13 Thelma Gatewood Williams, aunt of Anthony Carter ’12 Robert J. Wolosiuk, grandfather of Olivia Fenton ’15 Paolo Zullo, father of Antoinetta “Toni” Carreria ’79; grandfather Kristina Carreira ’07, and Sabrina Carreira ’15

Alumni Families John F. Beakey, Jr., uncle of Kevin Beakey ’11 Margaret “Marguerite” Berry, grandmother of Vincent Berry ’05 Robert Ignatius Boland Jr., father of Deborah Boland Lefebvre ’71, Cheryl Boland Vallee ’72, Robert Boland ’74, Timothy Boland ’81, Theodore Boland ’84; father-in-law of General Paul Lefebvre USMC ’71 Irene Bourret, mother of Timothy Bourret ’73 Felipe Colon Caban, father of Evelyn Colon ’72, Philip Colon ’73, and Madelyn Colon Gaines ’73 Joseph G. Cezus, father of Joseph Cezus ’70, Vincent Cezus ’73, Donna Cezus ’74; father-inlaw of Kathleen D’Amato Cezus ’68; grandfather of Eric Cezus ’99 Douglas J. Chernovetz, husband of Susan Rodgers ’84; brother-in-law of Katie Rodgers Katzman ’79, Thomas Rodgers ’79, Lisa Rodgers LoMedico ’80, Karen Rodgers Miller ’81, Ellen Rodgers Fox ’85, and Maura Rodgers ’89 Helen Coffey, mother of the late Thomas Coffey ’70, Mary Alice Coffey ’81, and Noreen Coffey ’82 Susan Thomas Couloute, grandmother of Brandon Couloute ’10 Timothy L. Curran, MD, father of John Curran ’66 and Elizabeth Curran ’72 Kenneth W. Devins, husband of Jeanne Burke Devins ’70; brother-in-law of Catherine Burke Geraci ’76 and Anne Burke Reiser ’69 David R. Dlugos, husband of Nora Pickering Dlugos ’80; brother-in-law of Mary Pickering ’77 and Robert Pickering ’84 Patricia M. Donovan, aunt of Jeanne Murray VanSchaak ’81, Assistant NWC Librarian San-

A l um ni N e w s dra Murray Hayes ’85, and Susan Murray McNulty ’85 Mary Drusedum, grandmother of Megan Drusedum ’09 and Erin Drusedum ’11 Dominic J. Ferraina, father of Richard Ferraina ’78 Joseph Fournier, grandfather of James Riley ’96 and Meredith Riley ’05 Tito Frezza, uncle of Stefanie Lynch Wood ’91, NWC Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94, and Niel Lynch ’98; and brother-in-law of Former NWC Faculty member Patricia Lynch Giuseppe Fusco, grandfather of Joseph Fusco ’04 and Timothy Fusco ’06; father-in-law of NWC Associate Director of Admissions for Enrollment Management Cindy Fusco Valerie C. Michonski Gigliotti, mother of Paul Gigliotti ’72, Bob Gigliotti ’73, and Lisa Gigliotti Capalbo ’77 Michelien J. “Mikki” Giliberto, mother of Michelle Giliberto Tortora ’94 and Salvatore Giliberto ’98 Barbara Dowjat Gondek, grandmother of Eric Dauphinais ’91 and Michelle Dauphinais ’94 Constance Grew, grandmother of Ryan Grew ’98, David Grew ’00, Conor Grew ’03, and Molly Grew ’06 Fabian “Faye” Griffiths, grandmother of Sarah Rizikow-Battipaglia ’03 Catherine M. “Kay” O’Brien Grimes, mother of Mary Grimes Parent ’67, William Grimes ’69, Daniel Grimes ’71, and Susan Grimes ’74 Kathleen O’Hare Havens, mother of Camilla Havens Caffrey ’77 and Kelly Havens Cabell ’79 Marie Hilliard, aunt of Robert Hilliard ’79, Stephen Hilliard ’81, Thomas Hilliard ’83, William Hilliard ’86, and Maribeth Hilliard Hager ’90, and sister-in-law of Deacon Robert Hilliard Rebecca Hudson, mother of Cecil Hudson ’79 Patricia Landmann, grandmother of Devin Walsh ’06 and Lukas Walsh ’08; mother of NWC Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh Linda Lang, grandmother of Jack Olson ’09 Lillian Z. Lombard, grandmother of Nathaniel Lombard Poirot ’10 Nicholas Lorenzo, father of Nick Lorenzo ’05, Justin Lorenzo ’07, and Michael Lorenzo ’10; cousin of Bob Lorenzo ’77 and the late Lawrence Lorenzo ’68 Merle Massey, father-in-law of Jim Scully ’79

Judith Gengras McDonough, grandmother of Emily McDonough ’10 and Merritt McDonough, member of the Class of ’12

Louise K. Sanders, mother of Kimberly Sanders ’03, William Sanders ’05, and Meghan Sanders ’08

Kathleen “Kally” Hayes McGuinness, aunt of Daniel Connors ’79, KC Connors O’Brien ’81 and her husband Bob O’Brien ’80, and Anne Connors Catillo ’84

Alex B. Sonski, father of Mary Sonski Getman ’71 and Alex Sonski ’74; father-in-law of Elenore Foley Sonski ’75; aunt of Susan Sonski ’68

Evan Alexander Miller, son of Tianjdra Surgeon Miller ’93 Roger Morgan, father of Matthew Morgan ’77, Michael Morgan ’79, and Jeff Morgan, a member of the Class of ’81

William F. Steinmiller Jr., father of Mary Beth Steinmiller Hamilton ’72, Catherine Steinmiller Cwilichoski ’74, William Steinmiller ’77, and Jane Steinmiller ’81 Mary J. Scelza Stimpson, mother-in-law of Roberta (Bobbie) O’Brien Stimpson ’73

Donna Mucha, grandmother of Theodora Mucha ’11

Barbara A. Thompson, grandmother of Elizabeth Kallfelz ’08 and Christian Kallfelz ’11

Mary Horvath Navin, aunt of Sheila Navin Armour ’66, Joseph Navin ’69 and his wife Suzanne Dumont Navin ’78, and Rosemary Navin Dowd ’73. Great aunt of Joe Matt Navin ’02 and Patrick Navin, a member of the Class of ’08

Arline Rose Tonino, mother of Richard Tonino ’69 and Robert Tonino ’73

Arthur O’Donnell, father of Joseph O’Donnell ’82 Patrick O’Leary, uncle of Miriam O’Leary, MD ’95, Niamh O’ Leary, Ph.D. ’99, and Keara O’Leary ’00 H. Russell Ohlheiser, Jr., father of Kathleen Ohlheiser Murray ’79, Anne Ohlheiser Crowell ’83; grandfather of Nicholas Ohlheiser ’05, Joseph Ohlheiser ’05, Kara Murray ’06, and Michael Murray ’09 Mrs. Ray Paulsen, grandmother of NWC Director of Choral Music Dan Avery ’97

Evelyn M. Trappe, grandmother of Catherine Talarski ’99 Deacon Maurice Walsh, father of Jeff Walsh ’76 and Daniel Walsh ’78

Friends Mary Boudreau, mother of NWC School Board Member Kenneth Boudreau Richard P. Cody, brother of Rev. Henry Cody, pastor of the Church of St. Timothy Paul Wirkus, husband of Mary Pat Wirkus, former principal of St. Brigid School, West Hartford

Faculty, Staff, anD Administration

Julia Parker, mother of Katherine I. Parker ’82, Timothy F. Parker ’83, and Theresa Parker Colantuono ’85

Laurence B. DeBurro, father of former faculty member Rob DeBurro

Rose Aimee D’Auteuil Pelletier, mother of Claire Pelletier ’67 and Louise Pelletier Albin ’72

Mary Rose McGuire, mother of former Director of Guidance Mary Carol McGuire

Raymond K. Peterson, grandfather of Gregory Peterson ’08 and Meghan Peterson ’11

Edward Joseph McGuire, brother of Former NWC Faculty Member Mary Carol McGuire

Carol Phaneuf, mother of Michelle Phaneuf ’79

Mary Ahern Tamoney, mother of NWC Math teacher Deborah Metzler

Andrew Resnisky, father of Andrew (Doc) Resnisky ’74, Mark Resnisky ’75, JoEllen Resnisky McHale ’76, and Matthew Resnisky ’90; fatherin-law of Irene Piccione Resnisky ’74 Edward Resnisky, Jr., uncle of Andrew (Doc) Resnisky ’74, Mark Resnisky ’75, JoEllen Resnisky McHale ’76, and Matthew Resnisky ’90; uncle-in-law of Irene Piccione Resnisky ’74

Arthur C. Manstream Jr., brother-in-law of NWC Math teacher Stan Piorkowski James F. (“Bud”) Shugrue, father of NWC Math teacher Jim Shugrue

Hubert Rocamora, father of Gaetan Rocamora ’78 and grandfather of Jamie Carona ’11 Joanne Rooney, mother of Sean Rooney ’98

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

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In Memoriam: Mary Walsh Holloway Preble, 1926-2011 Gym Teacher, Choreographer, Coach Who Loved “Her Girls”

ary Walsh Holloway Preble, a beloved gym teacher, coach, and choreographer at Northwest Catholic from 1961-77, passed away at the age of 85 on July 17, 2011, in Annandale, VA. She was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The daughter of the late Kathleen and Albert Walsh, Mary was born in Albany, NY. She is survived by her husband, Col. (Ret.) Charles E. Preble, Jr., her daughter Jeanne Holloway, her son James Holloway, who attended NWC from 1961-63, and their families, along with many other relatives and friends. Mary was one of those foundational “faces” of NWC, along with retired Athletic Director Charlie Larson, retired English teacher Dan Carney, and the late Walter Stosuy, Sister Dolores Staub, Sister Teresa Miriam, and Rev. Bradford Colton, to name just a few. Though she was hired as a phys ed teacher, she quickly became so much more, taking on roles as cheerleading coach, track coach, and choreographer – all inspired by her fierce love and belief in the young women she taught.

M-A-D-E you do your best. She was the one who raised the bar for many, and those Majorettes in my eyes were always the best dressed and the most entertaining squad I’ve ever seen!” “I was a majorette on Mrs. Holloway’s squad from 1968-72,” wrote Katy Finley Colli ’72. “Mary Holloway was a mover and a shaker back then, and we all had fun trying to keep up with her dance moves. Those were the greatest years ever!” “My mother LOVED every moment of her time with her girls, fellow coaches, Walt Stosuy and Charlie Larson, sweet Sisters Dolores and Miriam, Father Colton, and all the bright souls who inspired and assisted her countless times in myriad fashions,” said Jimmy Holloway. At the time of her death, Mary and her husband, Col. Preble – her childhood sweetheart – had been married for 35 years. Though each was married once before, they reunited in 1975, after he phoned her at NWC to reconnect following the death of his daughter, who was also named Mary. At the time, he was staying with relatives in Boston. “I said to myself, I think I’ll call Mary and tell her that young Mary had died,” he recalled recently. “I was lucky. When she came on the line, she said, ‘Is there any way you can come down so we can have lunch?’

Many of those former students posted notes of condolence on Mary’s on-line guest book in the weeks after she died: “Ms. Holloway was a role model, teacher, and mentor to hundreds of NWC students,” wrote Debbie Samolyk MacMillan ’76. “Her beautiful smile, constant energy and commitment to her girls will never be forgotten.” “Mary was my gym teacher, coach and mentor,” wrote Annie Davoren O’Gorman ’77. “I feel lucky that she was part of my young life, and I will never forget her wonderful spirit. When I was becoming a gym teacher, I asked her advice, and she was happy to help. I was the P.E. teacher at NWC from 1982-86, and I made sure to include dance in the curriculum. I still think of her when I dance the alley cat. I am sure she is dancing with the angels now.” “Mary Holloway was the life of our Majorette squad,” wrote Linnet Carty ’76. She courageously picked me to be a part of the squad back when it wasn’t popular to have a girl of color on the squad.” “Mrs. Holloway was one of the cornerstones of my NWC experience,” wrote Shannon Stock Herzfeld ’70. I was a JV cheerleader and then a Majorette for three years, becoming Captain in my senior year. Mrs. Holloway encouraged me to be both a dancer and a choreographer — and to live life to its fullest. These were some of my happiest times. Bless you, Mrs. Holloway, and many thanks.” “Oh Mrs. Holloway — the gym teacher who knew when you were pulling her leg, or trying to pull a fast one,” wrote Marie Tyler Wiley ’77. “And the one who

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“Now, Hartford is a two-hour drive from Boston, but I think I made it in an hour and a half,” he continued. “When I saw her at the school, it was like 30 years ago was yesterday; she was still beautiful, still had that beautiful smile, and the chemistry was still there. We were married the following year.” Though it had been 35 years since Mary Holloway Preble had worked at NWC, the reaction in the community to her death last year made it seem as though she left just yesterday. “There is no way to adequately express appreciation for the loving letters and comments from my Mom’s friends and Northwest family,” her son said. “In addition to being deeply comforting, they resurrected cherished memories and revealed unknown treasures of my mother’s singular warm, friendly way of positively affecting others. “The intimate expressions of love for my mother have made me and my sister, Jeanne, more proud than ever to have been blessed with the perfect mom,” he concluded.

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

“You may delay, but time will not.” — Benjamin Franklin

Raise 500K. Get 500K. Anonymous Donor Offers NWC the Chance to Raise $1 Million for 50th Anniversary Building Projects

The Challenge: NWC must raise $500,000 in new pledges or one-time donations earmarked for the remaining 50th Anniversary building projects, and an anonymous donor will match each gift, dollar for dollar. The (Potential) Payoff: $1 million! Proposed New Entrance and Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium

The Timing: Now through Sept. 30, 2012 – but pledges can be paid until Dec. 31, 2014 The Bonus: Gifts can also be matched by employers The Projects: • Major renovation of the Rice Auditorium • Redesigned school entrance, including the Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium • Creation of the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Center for Performance and Achievement

School Entrance Before

Fundraised at print date $325,000

Goal $500,000

Rev. Bradford Colton Memorial Atrium Progress

The Next Steps: Discuss naming opportunities or gifts with Director of

Advancement Patricia Walsh (860-236-4221, x138, pwalsh@nwcath.org) or Advancement Officer Colby Thresher (860-236-4221, x156, or cthresher@nwcath.org)

Or, Give Today!

Mail your check or pledge form (available at www.northwestcatholic.org/$500kChallenge) to Patricia Walsh, NWC Advancement Office, 29 Wampanoag Dr., West Hartford, Ct 06117, or make a secure, on-line gift at www.northwestcatholic.org/challengegift.

Northwest Catholic High School 29 Wampanoag Drive West Hartford, CT 06117

www.northwestcatholic.org

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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