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le t te r fro m t he PRes ident/CHief A dm i n i s tr ator
Dear Friends, As I begin my first full year as President/Chief Administrator at Northwest Catholic, I am continually amazed by the energy and passion in this great school. When I began my duties on February 5th of this past winter, I felt like a typical 9th grader going to a new school for the first time – anxious, nervous, excited and hoping the cafeteria food was good! As I stepped in through the beautiful atrium on my first day of employment, I was greeted by two boys walking by who said, “You must be Mr. Eustis. Welcome to Northwest Catholic.” I knew I was in the right place at the right time. As someone who has spent the last 23 years in education, I truly have found the right place for me. You just cannot beat the family atmosphere at NWC. The strong teaching faculty, supported by a great administration, provides the framework for a quality Catholic education to over 600 students. As part of our ongoing commitment to make our facilities strong, we are replacing all of the exterior windows of the school as I write this letter. The design of the windows will mirror the beautiful atrium and will give the school a “brand new” look as our doors open for the new school year. We are also continuing renovations of the auditorium, and looking at a conversion from oil to gas for heating over the next 12-18 months. As the school enters its 53rd year of operation, we will continue to make financial commitments to keep up with infrastructure demands of a 21st century learning environment. To all of our alumni, donors and benefactors, I say Thank You! Because of your continued support to Northwest Catholic, we can provide wonderful programs in athletics, drama, theatre, music, the arts and many other clubs and extra-curricular activities. Your support generated a 9.3% increase in the annual fund this year, and we want to keep moving in that direction in order to accomplish all of the goals we have for the future. My thanks to everyone for your continued support of Northwest Catholic. Come by and see us if you are in the area. Take in a game, a play, a musical or tour the halls to see some wonderful art work. And by the way, the food is really good! Peace and Blessings to all
Sincerely,
David Eustis President/Chief Administrator
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Contents S P RIN G - S UMMER 2 0 13
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Live from West HArtford IT’s Saturday Night LivE! Celebrating 30 Years of SNL
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Author Encourages Students to Embrace Imagination
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Northwest Catholic Welcomes New Chaplain
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NWC’s Response to Sandy Hook: Recognizing the “Superheroes”
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NWC College Sports Round-Up
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NWC Weddings:
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MEET THE PRESIDENT:
Look Who Got Married!
A Q & A with David Eustis
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.
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ADVANCEMENT NEWS
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NEWS FROM 29 WAMP
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SPORTS NEWS
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ALUMNI NEWS
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t seems that every day I learn something new at Northwest Catholic. Sometimes, it’s through viewing the incredible talent of NWC students on the field, on the stage or in the classroom, or observing the equally talented faculty and staff as they share their knowledge and guide students. Other times, I learn from the tremendous accomplishments of NWC alumni as they make their mark on the world. Now and then, I even learn something about Northwest Catholic itself, as happened while preparing this edition.
While I was a student at Northwest Catholic, Saturday Night Live was one of those events my parents attended, but I didn’t really pay much attention to it. As an alumna, it became a social event, a chance to reconnect with my NWC classmates and enjoy a night out. But until I started researching Saturday Night Live in advance of its 30th year, I did not realize just how important the event is to Northwest Catholic and the community it brings together. I want to especially thank Dick Santos, Colby Thresher, John Skahill, Peggy Linehan Skahill ’66, Gail Riley and Carol Ciotto for taking the time to share with me their stories and memories of Saturday Night Live. I could not have done this without you.
LOGOS The Greek word or logos (pronounced lo-gaas) is defined as “word” or “meaning.” St. John’s Gospel opens: “In the beginning was Logos (the Word), and Logos was with God, and Logos was God.” The phrase “Word (Logos) of God,” found in John 1:1 and elsewhere, shows God’s desire and ability to “speak” to the human. The Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs (the founding Order of Northwest Catholic) have been noted for their effective ability to preach the word. The mission of the Dominicans is to provide intellectual formation, social communication, and service through word and action. Our publication, Logos, conveys our mission and values through this medium of the word. Logos is published twice a year by the Communications Department of Northwest Catholic High School. Please send comments or suggestions to: Kimberly Sanders ’03 Northwest Catholic High School 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.4221 x133 ksanders@nwcath.org Editor: Kimberly Sanders ’03 President/Chief Administrator: David Eustis Design:
GO media
Photography:
Upcoming Events Fall One-Act Play October 4 at 7:30pm th
NWC Open House November 3 ; 1-4pm rd
Art Rich Photography
Sarah Hagearty Nalbantian ’80
Amanda Carrier ’04
Sean O’Brien ’02
Meghan Myott DeLucia ’99
Elizabeth O’Hara ’15
Fr. Rick Frechette, CP ’71
Christine Prince Pericolosi ’96
G&B Photography
Jeff Przech ’95
Caroline Stewart Geiger ’04
Danielle Gervais Puchir ’00
Laura Giannone
Ralph (Skip) Roosevelt
Sandra Felicissimo Gomes ’96
Kimberly Sanders ’03
Todd Hansen
Kerri Smith
Michael Lenz ’91
Patricia Walsh
Dr. Richard Luddy
Patrick Williamson ’99
Andrew MacPhail ’98
NWC Entrance Exam November 16th and December 7th at 8am For more information visit: www.NorthwestCatholic.org/admissions
SAturday Night Live November 23rd, 6:30pm-midnight
Fall Play
Pardon Us Please Correction from Logos Fall 2012-Winter 2013
December 6th and 7th at 7:30pm; December 8th at 2pm
Art Show and Dance Recital December 10th at 6:30 and 7:30pm
Instrumental and Choral Spring Concert
On page 26, Judi Czaja McCaffrey was incorrectly identified as a member of the Class of 1987. She is a member of the Class of 1983.
December 12th at 7pm
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Celebrating 3 0 years of SNL
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or nearly 30 years, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Northwest Catholic Parents’ Club has organized and run an elaborate fundraiser at the school for the benefit of the Northwest Catholic Fund. But what exactly is Saturday Night Live? Here’s an inside look at this annual event.
The Casino Room was a part of Saturday Night Live from the event’s beginning and remained popular until The first Saturday the early 2000s, when changes to state law led to the closing of the Casino Room. Above left, patrons enjoy Night Live was held the table games in the early 1990s. Above right, patrons taking a break from the action. in November 1984. “The idea was to turn the school into an entertainment center,” Although the school already had two other fundraisers at the Santos said. “We were told we were starting the planning too late time, the Golf Tournament and the Magazine Drive, the Parents’ but we gave it a shot anyway, meeting almost every night, with Club wanted to add their own event, something that the parents almost every parent participating in some way.” So on November could actively participate in. Dick Santos, who was president of 16th and 17th, 1984, the first Friday and Saturday Night Live the Parents’ Club at the time and would chair the first Saturday was held at Northwest Catholic. Over the course of the two Night Live, said, “I personally came from a close-knit community nights, people sampled wonderful food, enjoyed good music and and thought we needed to get to know the parents of the school.” entertainment, and placed their bets in the Casino Rooms. Dick, along with a group of volunteers, looked around for inspiration and found an organization that developed an evening However, the first event was not the money-maker the school of entertainment program and helped organize it. had hoped. In fact, it actually lost money. But the volunteers were
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undeterred. “We never thought of ending the event,” said Santos. “We knew we had made some mistakes that first year, such as overinvesting in the entertainment, but what we experienced that first year was a massive number of people who worked, contributed, participated and enjoyed the entertainment and the evening.” With the full support of Principal Sister Doris Regan, O.P., the group of volunteers quickly began planning for the next year, gathering more support from local businesses and selling more tickets. Their efforts paid off; the 1985 Friday and Saturday Night Live made between $15,000 and $20,000. And the rest is history. “As Northwest Catholic branched out into more communities, the event grew and changed,” said Colby Thresher, an alumni parent who has been involved in Saturday Night Live nearly every year since it began. The biggest change was the elimination of Friday night after the first few years, giving volunteers more time to set up for the event. Rooms and themes changed as well, but the spirit of camaraderie stayed the same.
The Silent Auction made its first appearance in the early years of Saturday Night Live and has been growing ever since. The earliest silent auctions were held in NWC classrooms. Today, the auction takes up most of the Johnson Gymnasium, with items up for bid including trips, sports memorabilia and a variety of gift baskets.
John Skahill and his wife Peggy Linehan Skahill ’66 first got involved with Saturday Night Live as room chairpersons in 1994, after their first son began attending Northwest Catholic. They would serve as co-chairs for the event in 1995 and 1996 and would later help with purchasing supplies for the event. “It was a great way to get to meet the other parents,” said John. “Seeing the whole event come together and helping support the school in the process was very rewarding.” That community spirit has kept the Skahills coming back year after year to attend Saturday Night Live, even though their children graduated from Northwest Catholic more than a decade ago. “It’s always changing,” said Peggy. “Some things, like the Irish pub, are constants, but there are always new things to see and do. People come back because of the variety and because it’s great to see the school thriving and growing. Some of those changes are the result of people like Gail Riley, who started volunteering in 1998 and has been with Saturday Night Live ever since. Over her 15 years of involvement, she’s seen Saturday Night Live grow and expand. “Some of the rooms have changed. We stopped doing karaoke. The Casino Room ended because of changes in state laws. The Silent Auction is much bigger, taking up almost all of the gym, while the International Food Court has doubled in size,” she said. “The Jazz Room, the Northwest Catholic lounge, the Wine Cellar, the Sports Bar… all of these rooms have been added within the last ten to twelve years.”
The Irish Pub is the only room found at every Saturday Night Live over the past three decades. The room has been always been a source of food, fun and entertainment – from Irish step dancing to live Irish music.
Carol Ciotto, who co-chaired the event with Gail from 2007 to 2009, agrees. “It’s been a constant evolution, trying to find ways of getting better,” she said. “Some rooms remain the same, but we also ask what can we bring that’s new and innovative, what can we add to the evening to make people come back? There’s a blend of things
(story continues on page 8)
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Music has always been a popular part of Saturday Night Live. The first event featured a Polish polka band and a 50’s Flash Back room. Other musical acts over the years include a Gospel choir (left) and Jazz groups (right).
Some recent additions to Saturday Night Live include the Sports Bar (1999), the Casa di Vino (2001) and the Margarita Bar (2007).
Many people come to Saturday Night Live to sample the wide variety of food. Nearly every style of food can be found, from Caribbean food – which first appeared in Saturday Night Live’s first year – to tasty desserts in the Starlight Café, another patron favorite.
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c ove r sto ry returning and new and creative ideas.”
“The school is transformed for the event. There’s everything from food, to a gospel choir, to a silent auction,” said Peggy. “You have to come to the event to really get a grasp of it.”
It is that blend of old and new, of food and fun that has helped make Saturday Night Live the successful event Co-chairs Gail Riley and Carol Ciotto take it has become. a break during Saturday Night Live in 2007. In 2012, the event raised over $61,000 – the best year ever. Those who have volunteered say there is one simple reason for the event’s success – it is fun. “It’s a fun event for adults to come and relax and be laid back and meet other parents and mingle with other parents in a relaxed atmosphere,” said Gail. “You can just come and walk around and have drinks and know that you’re raising money for the school but not in a high-pressure atmosphere. It is fun seeing people outside of an academic or sporting atmosphere.”
“It’s a good mixer for parents. The school has kept it fresh and made it fun; that is why Saturday Night Live has been so successful over the years,” said Colby. “The event has adapted to changing tastes and interests without losing the sense of community that helped it succeed in the first place.” Over the past 29 years, Saturday Night Live has created wonderful memories, both for those who come to enjoy the entertainment it offers and for those who put in the time and effort to make the event happen every year. Even when they’ve moved out of Connecticut, like Dick Santos, the connection to Saturday Night Live remains. “If I were living in West Hartford today, I would want to participate in it. I would like to be a part of it,” said Dick. “My greatest enjoyment of Saturday Night Live comes from the camaraderie and the spirit of togetherness it creates.” “It’s an awesome time. People who have never been do not know what they are missing,” Carol said. “I love coming back and hope to keep doing it for as long as I can.”
The main thing that has remained unchanged over the past three decades has been the spirit of fun found at Saturday Night Live.
Save the DAte 2013! Northwest Catholic’s 30th Annual Saturday Night Live will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at Northwest Catholic from 6:30pm until midnight! Join us for an evening of food, fun, and entertainment. Be sure to visit www.northwestcatholic.org/SNL for updates and ways you can help support this great event!
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Advancement news Founders’ Circle Dinner Honors Top Donors and Excellence in Teaching NWC Math teacher Deborah Metzler was honored with the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Teaching Chair Award for her professional excellence during the school’s annual Founders’ Circle Dinner on October 12, 2012. Mrs. Metzler has been a teacher at NWC for 15 years, teaching numerous math classes, specifically Calculus and Algebra II, among other classes, as well as creating the school’s ever popular Calculus Club. She is the eighth recipient of the award, which is presented in even-numbered years alternating with the Dr. Michael S. Griffin Teaching Chair Award. Principal Margaret Williamson praised Mrs. Metzler: “Deb has the gift of being able to clarify what is sought after in the problem and help the student to identify the solution mechanism that they should employ. It is true that Deb teaches AP Calculus but students know her as a math teacher who can help them with anything. It is not about the AP scores – although they are stellar – it is about students learning and feeling confident about their work… Deb is also known in the department as a resource for teachers. She is happy to help them find a new way to explain a topic and become better at their craft.” Mrs. Metzler thanked members of the Math Department for their support, saying she considers them all personal friends, who have helped her both personally and professionally. She also thanked Margaret Williamson and Academic Dean John Cusson “for fostering an atmosphere of academic excellence and support.”
Principal Margaret Williamson and the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore honor NWC Math teacher Deborah Metzler with the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Teaching Chair Award. During the dinner, the school honored many of NWC’s most generous benefactors who donated $1,000 or more to the Northwest Catholic Fund in the 2011-2012 fiscal year. Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh thanked the 48 new members of the Founders’ Circle, as well as several couples who have been members for at least ten years: James Hudak ’82 and Maria Hudak; Edward Jason ’71 and Mary Jason; Philip and Sue Kelly; Richard and Denise Shima; and Margaret and Brian Williamson.
NWC Students Get Taste of Military Life on Veterans Day NWC welcomed two US veterans for a special Veterans Day assembly on November 12, 2012. Kenneth Boudreau (below right), a member of the NWC School Board, and Gerard Mullane ’76 (below left) addressed the student body about their own experiences in the military and how that influenced their lives after their service ended. They also answered students’ questions about military life and met with some history classes.
Boudreau graduated from the University of Hartford and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines. He served for four years, ending his service as a Captain, and went on to start his own staffing service in Connecticut, which he owned for 30 years. He called the Marines a transformative experience for life. “I learned a lot,” he said, “and it prepared me for leadership roles and skills for getting along with the challenges of life.” Mullane graduated NWC and went straight to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a BS in 1980. He was on active duty from 1980-1987, serving at several bases around the country and overseas, and eventually became a Field Artillery Captain. After the military, he went on to earn an MBA from Dartmouth College in 1989 and has worked for Vanguard since then. He is currently Director of Large Market Retirement Plan Sales there.
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Of his military service, Mullane said: “My leadership experiences, serving others as an army officer, reinforced the value of pursuing a mission that you are passionate about, in an environment that is consistent with your values. We all have a responsibility to give back, to leave the world a slightly better place and to live our lives in service of those less fortunate.” During the course of the day, students also signed large “thank you” cards to veterans. The cards were created by members of the Global Awareness Club and delivered to VA Hospitals in Rocky Hill and West Haven.
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news from 29 wamp Author Encourages Students to Embrace Imagination “Anyone can write as long as you know a little about the process.” That was the message that Enrique Flores-Galbis, author of the award-winning historical novel 90 Miles to Havana, brought to NWC students and teachers. Over the course of two days in October, Enrique spoke to the entire student body, as his book was required reading for all NWC students in the summer of 2012. His discussion with sophomores and seniors focused on creativity and the writing process as he told students they need to focus their imagination in order to develop their creative side. He talked to freshmen and juniors about Cuba’s history and culture, providing additional background and context for his novel. He also met with a select group of students to answer their questions about the Cuba, the novel and the writing process. These students were invited to this discussion based on essays they had written about the novel, in which they asked Enrique questions about 90 Miles to Havana or made thoughtful comments about his experiences.
Author Enrique Flores-Galbis addresses the NWC student body. that the Cuban government under Fidel Castro would take away their parental authority. Operation Pedro Pan offered parents an opportunity to send their children to the United States. Enrique and his two older brothers spent months in a refugee camp in southern Florida before beginning the reunification process with their family.
Flores-Galbis visited several NWC history and English classes, answering students’ questions. Published in 2010, 90 Miles to Havana is based on Enrique’s own experience as one of 14,000 children who left Cuba in 1961, without their parents, in a mass exodus called “Operation Pedro Pan.” Sponsored by Catholic Charities, this plan was implemented because Cuban parents feared indoctrination of their children and
90 Miles to Havana has received several honors for its depiction of Hispanic culture and Cuban history, including the Association for Library Service to Children and REFORMA, The National Council for the Social Studies Exceptional Children’s Book list, Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year, Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children’s Book list, and The Cooperative Children’s Book Center’s Choice Award. The NWC summer reading program includes fiction, nonfiction and advanced placement work in multiple disciplines, with the goal of expanding students’ reading abilities in a variety of areas and preparing them for their coursework in the fall and standardized testing.
Flores-Galbis and the select group of students who met with him for an in-depth discussion of his work and experiences.
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NWC Students Take the I-Promise Pledge for Safe Driving After the presentation, students were encouraged to sign the I-Promise pledge, which asks students to make a promise not to drive distracted, not to text while driving, to keep their hands on the wheel and to keep their eyes on the road. Hundreds of NWC students and faculty signed the pledge. The students were also asked to encourage others, including their parents, to take the I-Promise pledge.
Olessa Stepanova shares the story of one young driver whose distracted driving led to another man’s death. Channel 3, along with the West Hartford police, asked NWC students to take the I-Promise pledge during a safety presentation at the school on Jan. 30, 2013. NWC is the first West Hartford school that West Hartford police and Channel 3 partnered with on the program. I-Promise is an educational campaign to warn Connecticut drivers of all ages of the dangers of driving while distracted and to change the way they think and act in a car. It also encourages students to make good decisions in all aspects of their lives. Channel 3 traffic reporter Olessa Stepanova showed students a video about a young man who killed a 75-year-old man while driving distracted. Images from the crash scene drew audible gasps from the students. The students also heard from several West Hartford public safety personnel, who spoke about their experiences responding to serious or fatal accidents caused by distracted driving.
NWC Vice Principal/Dean of Students Brendan Canny ’86 said the increasing number of students who drive distracted concerned the school. “We want to make students more aware of the dangers of driving distracted and to encourage them to make good choices both in and out of school,” he said.
NWC students sign the I-Promise pledge.
Northwest Catholic Welcomes New Chaplain Archbishop Henry J. Mansell named the Rev. Emmanuel Ihemedu as the school’s new chaplain earlier this year. He follows the Rev. Joseph Crowley in the position. Rev. Ihemedu, currently the pastor of St. Justin and St. Michael parishes in Hartford, was ordained a priest in 2006 and is originally from Nigeria. In his role as chaplain, he will be present on campus every week and will be available to students for pastoral and spiritual counseling. He will also celebrate school Masses, offer the sacrament of Reconciliation, and work with Campus Ministry to assist on retreats.
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Northwest Catholic Celebrates Black History Month Barre Mohamood ’14 shows off his beat boxing skills as he accompanies Dr. Mark Naison during a Black History Month hip hop presentation in February, 2013. Dr. Naison, a Professor of History and African American Studies at Fordham University, used music and videos to educate students on hip hop music’s original purpose and its multi-cultural origins in the poor and forgotten neighborhoods of the Bronx in the 1970s. Dr. Naison is the author of four books and over 100 articles on African American politics, social movements and American culture and sports, and is the Principal Investigator of the Bronx African American History Project, one of the largest community-based oral history projects in the nation. During the last five years, he has presented historical “raps” in Bronx schools under the nickname of “Notorious PhD.”
The Importance of Being Earnest From Nov. 30 to Dec. 2, 2012, the NWC Dramateurs presented Oscar Wilde’s farcical comedy The Importance of Being Earnest. The show featured Adrian Hatch ’13 as Mr. John Worthing, Dan Lusardi ’13 as Mr. Algernon Montcrieff, TJ Lowe ’13 as Lane, Sara Ball ’13 as Lady Bracknell, Abbie Reed ’13 as Gwendolyn Fairfax, Danielle Lewczyk ’13 as Cecily Cardew, Olivia Fenton ’15 as Miss Prism, Ryan DeFranzo ’14 as Doctor Chasuble, and Savannah Gaston ’13 as Merri. The production was directed by Sara Avery.
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NWC’s Response to Sandy Hook: Recognizing the “Superheroes”
NWC students wore green and white in solidarity with Sandy Hook Elementary School. Green and white are the school colors of both schools. “Northwest Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, diverse, college preparatory school whose mission is to foster in young people a faith in God which gives meaning and direction to life; to challenge and guide them in the pursuit of spiritual, academic, and physical excellence; to develop versatile leaders; to cultivate in them the desire to serve God and others; and, to promote justice in a global world.” – Northwest Catholic Mission Statement
In 1961, when the Dominican sisters founded Northwest Catholic High School, they could never have imagined how this mission statement would be realized by the NWC community in December, 2012. Following the tragedy in Newtown on December 14, NWC asked students and members of the school community to send in “superhero capes” to be donated to the students at Sandy Hook Elementary School. This effort was done in coordination with Capes for Kids – a Facebook group that collected both capes and monetary donations.
Snowflakes for Sandy Hook Students also used their creativity to show their support for Sandy Hook Elementary School and Newtown. Using paper and scissors, the students cut out hundreds of snowflakes, which decorated the classrooms and halls of Northwest Catholic before they were mailed to Newtown, where they would be used to decorate the new school building used by the Sandy Hook students.
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collecting money, and boxing the capes. They felt productive and helpful,” Oates said. “We all wanted to show love and support for the families, the children, the teachers, the first responders of Newtown. This was a tangible, active way to show them our love and support.” Abigail Visintainer ’15, who helped her mother sew capes for the project, echoed Oates’ sentiment, saying, “It’s nice to know that after such a tragic event, you can do something to make things a little bit better.” In a more solemn way, the members of the Northwest Catholic community also expressed their support by holding many public expressions of prayer following this tragedy. These included a school wide prayer service, marked by a moving candlelit procession, on December 17, and continued throughout the week at each athletic and community event. At these times, the NWC school colors took on a special significance, solidarity, as green and white are also the school colors of Sandy Hook Elementary school. Williamson explains, “It appeared that our students, faculty and staff, parents, and alumnae have never been so proud to wear our beloved green and white.”
Camie Beebe Mollica ’94, her daughter, and Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94 model the superhero capes on the day they were delivered to Newtown. The idea for the project came from a discussion that Camie Beebe Mollica ’94 had with her children during which her son said that the students at Sandy Hook are like superheroes. This comment inspired Mollica’s daughter to make superhero capes for the Sandy Hook students. Mollica spread the word about the project on Facebook and by reaching out to her former classmate Elizabeth Lynch Oates ’94, Chair of the NWC Fine and Performing Arts Department. Oates requested that the Northwest Catholic community mobilize for this cause, and students and parents took action. “In the face of such a tragedy, our efforts with Capes for Kids provided an opportunity to demonstrate compassion for the students in Newtown in a small, but meaningful, way,” said Principal Margaret Williamson. In total, over 1800 superhero capes, were delivered to Northwest Catholic High School as part of the Capes for Kids campaign. The NWC community also collected over $900 to help purchase additional capes and support the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. The contributions from NWC, several companies, and numerous other individuals were so incredible, that the Mollica family was able to expand the campaign to include all the elementary and the intermediate school students in Newtown – 3200 capes in all. These were presented to the Newtown community in January 2013.
Just some of the thousands of capes donated to the Capes for Kids campaign.
NWC faculty and students wear some of the capes donated to the Capes for Kids project.
Oates believes the project provided an outlet to help students process the tragedy. “They took an active role collecting the capes,
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KUDOS TO...
NWC science teacher Dr. Richard J. Luddy (right), who met with Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Roy Glauber and the UConn Physics Department as part of a distinguished lecture series at the University of Connecticut at Storrs in October 2012. Over the course of the day, Dr. Luddy and his research collaborator, UConn Professor Munir Islam, met with Dr. Glauber to share information about the IslamLuddy-Kaspar model of the proton. The winners of the American Mathematics Contest — David Kalamarides ’15 in the AMC 10, which is given to 9th and 10th graders, and Yinong Tao ’13 in the AMC 12, which is given to 11th and 12th graders. Other top finishers in the AMC 10 were James Jordano ’15 and Brendan Fahey ’15 in a tie for second place and Ryan Sands ’15 and Matthew Sottile ’16 in a tie for third place. Catherine Sullivan ’13, Elizabeth Lathrop ’13, Susan Grimshaw ’13 and Edwin Vincens ’13 rounded out the top 5 in the AMC 12. The 78 newest members of the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society, who were inducted on December 6, 2012. The inductees included 16 seniors and 62 juniors. To be invited into membership in NHS, students must maintain a 3.5 grade-point average and must demonstrate exemplary character, leadership, and service to their school, parish, or town.
Boston and delivering meals to the hungry on the Common.
on dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
The 31 newest members of NWC’s World Language Honor Societies, who were inducted on January 24, 2013. To qualify for membership, students had to be juniors or seniors carrying a 4.0 average in the language they study, as well as a minimum 3.0 average in all other classes. Of the 31 inductees, 21 were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, seven into the Latin Honor Society, and three into the French Honor Society.
The donors to NWC’s two Red Cross blood drives. The fall drive collected 45 productive units of blood and the spring drive collected 40 productive units, potentially helping over 250 people. Anna Hardy ’15, whose poem “Down Under” was selected as an Honorable Mention in the 25th Anniversary issue of Connecticut Student Writers magazine.
Olivia Fenton ’15 (Jazz Choir), Kyle Brooks ’15 (Jazz Ensemble), Matt Goldman ’16 (Big Band) and Kevin Kearns ’16 (Jazz Combo) who won Judges’ Choice Awards at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival in Boston, MA in March 2013.
Catherine Sullivan ’13, who was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country. Catherine earned her award for her work as a peer tutor at NWC. Walter Hansen ’13, who was honored
The NWC Dance Team for outstanding performances at the Spirit of Dance Awards Competition. The trio of Allison Coffey ’15, Kelly Geelan ’14, and Alicia Moran ’16, and the dance team’s group number each received a High Silver award. The duet of Vaniah Delancy ’16 and Ricky Sullivan ’16 received a Gold award, while the trio of Mary Papandrea ’16, Tracey Yang ’14, and Jacquelyn Collas ’16 received High Gold. Tracey, Mary and Jackie also received a Special High Score Trophy for their trio “Recluse in the Forest.” The NWC Athletic Department, which won a CIAC Michaels Cup trophy in the fall of 2012 for overall excellence in the athletic program. The CIAC chooses winners based on athletic participation, chemicalfree environments, academic and athletic achievement and sportsmanship. The 17 Latin students who earned ratings of cum laude, magna cum laude, maxima cum laude or summa cum laude on the 2013 National Latin Exam. Special recognition goes to James Jordano ’15, who was one of only 792 students worldwide to achieve a perfect score on the exam.
Elizabeth O’Hara ’15, who was selected to participate in St. Catherine of Siena’s “Feed the Hungry” Mission trip to Boston. She assisted in making meals and doing repairs and cleanup at various shelters throughout
by the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter, NSDAR, as a DAR Good Citizen. Students selected as a DAR Good Citizen are judged 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
NWC students who donated over two dozen dresses to the Princess and the Prom, a program that collects gowns and dresses to donate to high school girls to wear to
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ne w s fro m 2 9 wamp
KUDOS TO... their prom. NWC Student Representatives MaryKate Bourdon ’13 and Anne Higgins
Alison Connors ’13, who was named a Private School Rising Star in the West Hartford Press. She was chosen for academic excellence, her service within the school community, and her leadership qualities. The editors and staff of the student newspaper Northwest Passages, which earned a Silver Medal from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association for its 20112012 publications.
’13, as well as Catherine Higgins ’13 and Emily Kearney ’13 modeled some of the donated dresses on the TV program “Better Connecticut.” The editors and staff of the 2012 yearbook Noweca, which received a First Place Award from the American Scholastic Press Association.
The NWC students, faculty and staff who donated to the freshman toy drive in December, 2012. Hundreds of toys were
collected and distributed to families in need in the Greater Hartford area. Four NWC faculty and staff members who were honored at the NWC Faculty/Staff Christmas party for their years of service to the school: Madonna Burke (30 years) Claudia Hart (25 years), Floyd Wilson and Lynn Prendergast (15 years). Nine NWC faculty members recognized in 2013 for their years of service to the Archdiocese: Margaret Williamson (35 Years), Madonna Burke (30 years), Claudia Hart (25 years), Joan Keating-McKeon (20 years), Sara Avery, Cory Carlson, Mark Dodd, Valerie Doucette and Stanley Piorkowski (10 Years). In addition, Scott Fletcher and Timothy Crowley also received certificates for completion of their Adult Faith Formation program.
In the Class of 2013, 22 Students Earn First Honors Every Semester In the Class of 2013, 22 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, along with many others in grades 9-12, were recognized for this accomplishment at the Honors Breakfast in March 2013, where the guest speaker was NWC President David Eustis.
Front row, from left: Ryan Murphy, Ian McCarthy, Tyler Stites, Myles Gibbons, Eamon Wizner and Sean Murphy. Second row, from left: Magdalena Lenczewski, Kathleen Sarpu, Emily Kearney, Catherine Sullivan, Susan Grimshaw, Sarah Dottor, Noelle Amato, and Jacqueline Denver. Back row, from left: Elizabeth Lathrop, Grace Kunkel, Julia Crawford, Sarah Gillespie, Gabrielle Giangreco, Haley Derlinga, Margaret Curran, and Alexandra McKenna.
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sports news From the Desk of Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight; it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” That quote from Hartford’s own Mark Twain sums up the Northwest Catholic coaches and athletes that we are so lucky to have. No matter what challenge they faced, they never gave up. It is this quality that turns average student-athletes into great student-athletes. During the fall and winter seasons, we were lucky enough to have not one, not two, but three studentathletes named All-American for their athletic efforts. For one of the athletes, this was the second time she received that honor.
In the classroom, it is exciting to announce that again, we have had extremely high numbers of individuals named to the CCC All-Academic team – nearly two-thirds of our fall and winter varsity athletes – an accomplishment that does not go unnoticed.The school also received a sportsmanship award for the CCC West Division during the fall season and was selected as a CIAC Michael’s Achievement Cup exemplary program for the 2011-12 academic year – the fourth year in the row the school has received this honor, which is based on the school’s sportsmanship, student participation, athletic scholarship, coaches, athletic facilities and athletic achievement. It is a pleasure to work with and learn from the student-athletes of Northwest Catholic, they are incredible!
Fall ’12
“Win and In” on Thanksgiving Day against Rocky Hill, a team that was in the exact same position as Northwest Catholic. Quarterback Christian Flynn ’14 brought the Indians up and down the field on numerous occasions, making for a very exciting game. Even though Northwest Catholic lost that game, Coach Tyler was extremely proud of what his team had accomplished, finishing with a record of 7-3, and is excited to get back to work this fall.
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The 2012 Northwest Catholic Football season was one for the books, one that Head Coach Mike Tyler ’73 will never forget. It is hard not to remember a group of kids who did everything you asked, and then some more. The team could be seen before and after practices, working on their game, preparing for the sport they loved. boys’ soccer Led by captains Nick Gaynor ’13 (MVP, Myles Gibbons ’13 gets ready to make All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic), PJ the block for Joseph Repoli ’13. Playing in the CCC West Conference day Edwards ’13 (All-Academic), Mac Crispino in and day out is a challenge, especially in what the seniors before them taught them – ’13 (All-Conference, All-Academic), Devin Boys’ Soccer. It is a phrase that you will hear hard work. The team would win their next Stewart ’13 (All-State, All-Conference) Coach Terry Phillip say at the beginning four games, putting them into a position to and Will Carew ’13 (All-Conference, All -Academic), the team set their goals high as they began their season – winning three out of the first four games. After falling to Berlin in the fifth game of the season, the team knew that they needed to win the rest of their games to get into the highly competitive CIAC State Tournament. Although winning five in a row was not out of the question, Coach Tyler knew it was going to be tough. The captains, with help from senior leaders Arnoldo Ballestas ’13 (All-Conference), Zitong Chen ’13, Myles Gibbons ’13 (All-Academic), Ryan Jendraszek ’13, Matthew McGoldrick ’13 (All-Academic), Joseph Repoli ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic), and Chris Alejandro Tobon ’13 works to get the ball past the opponents, with Kieran Thomas ’13 (All-Conference), took it upon Ferrell ’16 ready to assist. themselves to lead the Indians and show them
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s p ort s n e w s and end of each season and it is true. When you are constantly matched up against many of the best teams in the state, it makes it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get into the State Tournament. This past season, the team got that chance. With a regular season record of 7-9, the team was ranked #23 in the CIAC Class S Tournament, which was fine with them. They knew that by playing such a tough schedule during the regular season, they would be ready to go, no matter who they were matched up against. Captains Connor Krikawa ’13 (MVP), Brendan Thompson ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic) and Alejandro Tobon ’13 (AllState, All-Conference, All-Academic) worked to get their teammates ready for the tournament, where they faced #10 seed Old Lyme in the first round. After making the trip down to the shore, the NWC team came back with a 4-0 win and an opportunity to play in the second round against Shepaug Valley. With a surprising 1-0 win over the #7 seed, they quickly found themselves in the quarterfinals. It looked as though their run was going to end when they were paired up against #2 seed Hale Ray. Coach Phillip looked to his captains as well as seniors Brendan Butler ’13 (All-Academic), Raul Castro ’13, Evan Fox ’13 (All-Academic), and Maxwell McCarron ’13 (All-Academic), and asked them to give all that they could. It was a magical night, as the team won 1-0 in the final minutes of the game. The team headed into the semifinals, facing #6 Somers in a game that brought in Northwest Catholic fans from all over. Although they did not win that game, the team showed Connecticut what Northwest Catholic Boys’ Soccer is all about and raised the bar for future teams. Tim Dodds ’14 (All-Academic), Cooper Kerr ’14, Brian Kozak ’14 (All-Academic) and RJ Place
’15 (All-Conference, All-Academic) will look to carry the team back to the State Tournament and pick up where this team left off.
Girls’ Soccer We are the champions, again! Who would have thought? Not Head Coach Todd Sadler (NSCAA East Regional Coach of the Year), or any of his players. He knew they were going to be good, especially with the return of key players from the previous year’s State Championship team – Jessica Fontaine ’13 (Hartford Courant Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year, MVP, AllAmerican, All-New England, All-State, AllConference, All-Academic), Anne Higgins ’13 (Coaches Award, All-State, All-Conference, All -Academic), Cathy Higgins ’13 (All-American, All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, AllAcademic), Jenna Jordano ’13 (All-Academic) and Emily Kearney ’13 (All-Conference, AllAcademic). Still, the players took their season one game at a time. While they won some games with ease, others were a reminder that they needed to get back to the basics and practice. Practice made perfect for the team as they ended the regular season with a record 15-0-1 and earned the #1 seed in the State Tournament. Freshman Goalie Kelsey Dornfried ’16 (All-Academic) had help from the tough defense of Cathy Higgins and Margaret Rose ’14 (All-Academic), who allowed only a few shots on goal all season. After earning a first round bye, the team cruised into the semifinals with a goal differential of 9-0 against Weston and Nonnewaug. In the semifinals, the team was matched up against Lewis Mills, who knocked the Indians out in the semifinals of the 2010 State Tournament. But this time it was all Northwest Catholic, as they defeated Lewis Mills 5-1. While scoring 14 goals in three
Grace Deneen ’14 sets up the serve.
games is very impressive, the team remained focused on one thing – the state championship. From the first day of practice to the last second on the clock against St. Joseph in the finals, the girls gave their all, and were rewarded for their efforts. Winning that game 4-1 made the team State Champions yet again, the third time in the last four years. Although graduating five seniors, two of whom who earned All-American Honors, the team looks to continue building on their previous years’ success.
Volleyb all During her second year as Head Coach, Jeanne DiGiacomo had a very simple plan: do not change a thing from the year before, when the team went to the finals in the State Tournament. Despite graduating several key players from the previous season, the team took to the season without a hitch. Going 11-7 in the regular season was quite an accomplishment and something that seniors Shanice Anderson ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic), Emma Banevicius ’13 (All-Academic), Jacqueline Denver ’13 (All-Academic), J’Leen Diaz ’13 (All-Conference), Sarah Gillespie ’13 (MVP, All-Conference, All-Academic), Meghan Healey ’13 and Kelly Weiss ’13 (All-Academic) were The Girls’ Soccer championship team poses with their championship plaque.
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Jessica Jordano ’15 sends the ball flying down the field while Sarah McLaughlin ’15 looks on.
Joseph Doyle ’13 takes the lead.
proud and excited about. That record got the team into the State Tournament for the second year in a row, something that the team had not done in many years. Coach DiGiacomo knew the road to the finals was going to be a tough one, one that had the team facing powerhouse Coventry in the second round, but that did not scare anyone, as captains Denver, Gillespie, Weiss and Diaz got their team ready for the playoffs. In the first round, the #16 Indians defeated #17 Coginchaug in three sets, and headed off to take on #1 Coventry, who had not lost a match all season. Although Northwest Catholic lost that game, not once did any of the players quit or complain; they just played Northwest Catholic Volleyball, and did a fantastic job.
forward to next season, where they hope to pick up from where they left off. Erin Curley ’13, Caila Denno ’13 (All-Academic), Savannah Gaston ’13 (All-Academic), Alexandra McKenna ’13 (All-Academic) and Emily Stanwick ’13 (AllAcademic) all contributed heavily to the success of this team and left Northwest Catholic knowing that they brought the team back – back to the State Tournament, a place they hope the team can stay for many years.
Field Hockey Head Coach Bill Mullady ’66 began the
season with a team that had only lost two players from the previous year. He had high expectations for them, since they were an experienced group who barely missed out on the State Tournament the previous year. Julia Crawford ’13 (Coaches Award, All-State, All-Academic) and Amanda Waltman ’13 (All-Academic) got their team mentally and physically prepared during the first days of practice. That preparation paid off, as the team posted a regular season record of 9-51-1, losing by more than one goal on only one occasion. It was one of the better seasons in recent history. Goalie Christina Wilson ’15 (MVP) also had six shutouts. In the postseason, the team was in it until the end, losing to Stafford, 1-2 in a highly competitive first round tournament game. Returning team leaders Madison Mortillaro ’14 (All-Conference, All-Academic) and Jessica Jordano ’15 (All-Conference, All-Academic) look
Members of the Girls’ Cross Country team are off to the races.
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Cross Country Under the direction of Head Coach Scott Fletcher, the Northwest Catholic Cross Country Team had another wonderful season. After losing Brian Poirier ’12 to Princeton, team captain and team points leader Joseph Doyle ’13 (MVP, AllState, All-Conference, All-Academic) made it is his goal to follow in Brian’s footsteps and help bring the program back to the top, with the help of fellow captains Anthony Ravosa III ’13, Haley Derlinga ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic) and Elizabeth Lathrop ’13 (All-Academic). That was exactly what they did, starting with practice. Driving the streets behind NWC, you could see the Indians running in preparation for their season. Mary McNally ’16 (MVP) quickly made a name for herself during her first athletic season at Northwest Catholic, winning multiple meets, while Charles Quinn ’13 (Coaches Award, AllAcademic), Edwin Vincens ’13 (All-Academic), Michelle Bach ’13 (All-Academic), Chloe Nguyen ’13 (All-Academic) and Melinda Pham ’13 (All-Academic), finished up amazing careers at Northwest Catholic, not only because they were great runners, but due to their leadership, which will continue to move this program forward for years to come. SPRING - SUMMER 2013
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The NWC cheerleaders lead the halftime show during Homecoming Weekend.
Cheerleading In her first year as coach, Mischa Hadaway ’03 brought with her a bit of tradition from her time as an NWC cheerleader. At any football game in the fall, you could hear the NWC cheerleaders as they brought NWC spirit to each and every game, led by a group of seniors who wanted to bring the program to new heights. Gabrielle Babcock ’13 (All-Academic), Gabriela Garcia ’13 (All-Academic), Traci Parker ’13 (MVP, AllAcademic), Victoria Peluso ’13 (All-Academic), Sophia Pierre ’13 (All-Academic), Alana Seldon ’13 (All-Academic), Chayla Alston-Smith ’13 and Destinee Webster ’13 were the core group that brought the pep to the games, getting the team fired up and making the crowd loud and proud. These seniors helped choreograph an outstanding pep rally routine that brought the student body to their feet. They had the help of underclassmen like Sophia da Silva ’15, an international student from Brazil who joined the team this year and earned Coaches Award honors.
winter ’12 — ’13 Boys’ B asketb all The 2012-13 Boys’ Basketball team looked to team captains Nick Gaynor ’13 (MVP, AllConference, All-Academic) and PJ Edwards ’13 (Coaches Award) to show their varsity experience as the team faced a major rebuilding year. The two helped lead one of the youngest teams in Coach John Mirabello’s tenure to an impressive 10-10 season and a 23rd consecutive year in the CIAC State Tournament. With remarkable early season victories over eventual Class S Runner Up Weaver and Class L powerhouse Maloney, the Indians turned to senior leadership in team captain Matt Laffin ’13 (All-Academic), as well
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team captain Alyssa Reaves ’13 (MVP, AllState, All-Conference), Alecia Dulaire ’13 (AllConference) and team captain Alison Connors ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic). The Indians would use their senior leadership to begin their season with a 6-0 record, including huge wins over CCC foes Hall and New Britain, and perennial powerhouses Glastonbury, Berlin and Windsor. Mary Becker ’13 (All-Academic), Megan Schuppe ’13 (All-Academic), Kathleen Sarpu ’13 (All-Academic) and Aisha Russell ’13 (All-Academic) helped the Indians find balance and energy off the bench along with Natalie Lorenzo ’15 and Sofia Giansiracusa ’15 (AllAcademic). Sophomore starters Haley Connors ’15 (All-Academic) and Haley Garcia ’15 did the majority of the ball handling for the Indians and were a huge part of the team’s success. Through tough midseason injuries to Reaves and team captain Jacqueline Denver ’13 (All-Academic), the Indians would battle and end their regular season with an impressive 14-6 record. In the second round of the Class L State Tournament, Head Coach Karl Herbert earned his 100th career victory over higher seeded Watertown.
Nicholas Gaynor ’13 looks to inbound the ball.
as Mac Crispino ’13 (All-Academic), Brendan Fox III ’13 (All-Academic) and Sam Lorenzo ’13 (All-Academic) to help the juniors and lone sophomore on the varsity team build confidence for the future. Junior standouts Kenny Cox ’14, Evan Farrell ’14, Louis Lawson ’14 and Michael Story Jr. ’14 along with sensational sophomore Christian Thomas ’15 look to anchor the future for the Northwest Catholic Indians.
Girls’ B asketb all With eight seniors and two returning sophomore starters, the Indians began the year with high expectations and started off with a bang. After suffering three losses to the eventual 2012 Class L Runner Up EO Smith the season before, the Indians looked to avenge those losses and did so in a huge opening game victory at Northwest led by University of Hartford-bound 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
Alyssa Reaves ’13 has her eye on winning the tip-off.
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Walter Hansen ’13 heads for the goal.
Ice Hockey The Northwest Catholic Ice Hockey team, under the direction of Don Melanson ’84, tested uncharted waters this past season, playing in Division II for the first time in school history. They made the jump from Division III after successful seasons and playoff appearances in previous years. Coach Melanson knew that it was going to be a tough road, but went into the season with great confidence, and some of the best players in the state. Led by Division II Player of the Year and team captain Patrick Melanson ’13 (MVP, AllState, All-Conference, All-Academic), the Indians quickly jumped out to an impressive 9-0 record with a huge win over the previous year’s Division III Champion, Newington-Berlin-Manchester. Zachary Hesketh ’13 was unbeatable in goal, posting three shutouts during that stretch. Through the remainder of the regular season, the team went 5-6, losing three of those games in overtime. Their 14-6 regular season record was good enough to get them into the Division II State Tournament, where they met #10 Daniel Hand in the 1st Round. Coach Melanson looked to his captains, Jeffrey Greenwood ’13 (All-State, AllConference), Walter Hansen ’13 (All-Academic), Alexander Hunter ’13 (All-Academic), Garrett Wolf ’13 (All-Academic) and Melanson, as well as seniors Kevin Bompane ’13 (Coaches Award, All-Academic), Albert Innarelli ’13, Austin McCarthy ’13 (All-Academic), Eamon Wizner ’13 (All-Academic) and Hesketh, to get the team to the next round. That is exactly what they did. Playing against one of the best goaltenders in Connecticut, Northwest Catholic was able to force overtime on a last ditch effort and take away
from Daniel Hand, in what will go down as one of the best Northwest Catholic Hockey games of all time. Coach Melanson is happy that the upcoming group of seniors, led by standouts John Arel ’14, Matthew Angelini ’14 and Demitrios Yao ’14 (All-Conference), had the opportunity to play with this group of players for three years, and looks forward to continuing to build the program for years to come.
Swimming and Diving Northwest Catholic Head Swim Coach Spencer Hartmann took to the pool this past season with a veteran group of swimmers. Competing as a coed swimming team in a sport that the CIAC lists
Kelsey Baker ’14 shows off her diving skills.
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as Boys’ Swimming is tough. Competing in the CCC West does not make it any easier. But all you had to do was watch this group of swimmers once to know that they were excited day in and day out to meet that challenge. Fighting through the regular season, their goal was to improve their times in each of their races, and be ready to go during tournament time. Grace Kunkel ’13 (All-Academic) and Colin McCarthy ’13 (MVP, All-State, All-Academic) led the team as captains, and guided this group of young swimmers and a lone diver (Kelsey Baker ’14) throughout the season. The team was ready to go during the CIAC Class S Qualifying Trials, as many of the Northwest Catholic swimmers achieved personal records, and qualified for the State Tournament. Nicholas Ruddat ’13, Thomas Vignati ’13 (AllAcademic) and Tyler Stites ’13 (All-Academic) all set personal records, combining for over a minute and a half off their next best time. When it came time for the State Meet, it was a pleasant surprise to see a team that struggled throughout the regular season finish in the top half of their division, with one swimmer named All-State (Colin McCarthy). What a fantastic season!
Indoor Track and Field Just one year after a Boys’ Class S Indoor Championship and one of the best Girls’ teams since the mid-90’s, Indoor Track and Field coach Patrick Williamson ’99 looked to team captains Sarah Gillespie ’13 (MVP, All-American, All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, All-Academic) and Jared Delane ’13 (MVP, All-New England, All-State, All-Conference, AllAcademic), as well as several other senior leaders to continue their run of excellence. Those seniors would help lead their teams to 4th place finishes in the Class S State Meet, as well as a 5th place finish in the State Open for the Boys’ team and a 14th place finish for the Girls’ team. On the Boys’ side, Delane set school records in the 200m, 400m, and 600m, and won the 300m at the Class S State Championship – his third career individual state title. Galo Rodriguez ’13 (All-Conference, All-Academic) set the school record in the 55m hurdles. Balancing out the track portion on the Boys’ side were long distance sensations and team captains Joseph Doyle ’13 (All-Academic) and Anthony Ravosa, III ’13 (All-Conference, All-Academic), and sprinting standouts Christopher Grenham ’13 (AllAcademic), Devin Stewart ’13 (Coaches Award), Connor Krikawa ’13 (All-Conference) and Jonathan Walker ’13. Other contributing seniors were Charlie Quinn ’13 (All-Academic), Edwin Vincens ’13 (All-Academic), Brian Cao ’13 (AllAcademic), Peter Pham ’13 (All-Academic), SPRING - SUMMER 2013
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Shanice Anderson ’13 and Alana Bumbray ’14 lead the crowd in a cheer for NWC.
Haley Derlinga ’13 keeps on pace with the rest of the runners.
Dan Pitruzzella ’13 (All-Academic) and team newcomer Chris Thomas ’13. Gillespie led the Girls’ team with an historic season in which she set four individual school records (1600m, 1 mile, 3000m, and 3200 m) and was a member of three additional school record-setting relay teams. She won three events at the Class S State Championship meet – giving her seven individual state titles in her career – and the 1600m at the State Open. Gillespie continued her postseason by winning her second Indoor New England Championship and competing at the highest level at the New Balance Indoor National Championships – earning All-American status with a fifth place finish in the one mile run. Team captain Jenna Jordano ’13 (AllConference, All-Academic) captured the school record in the 600m, and joined Gillespie, team captain Elizabeth Lathrop ’13 (All-Academic) and Rose O’Brien ’14 (Coaches Award, AllAcademic) to make up the school record Distance Medley Relay and the 4 x 400 relay teams. Team captain Gabrielle Giangreco ’13 (AllConference, All-Academic) teamed with Jordano, Lathrop and Gillespie on the Sprint Medley Relay team that improved the school record and took
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eighth place at the New Balance Indoor National Championship meet. Haley Derlinga ’13 (AllAcademic), Margaret Curran ’13 (All-Academic), Chloe Nguyen ’13 (All-Academic), and Melinda Pham ’13 (All-Academic) also contributed
in track events. Anchoring the field events for the Indians were Emma Banevicius ’13 (AllAcademic), Gabriela Garcia ’13 (All-Academic) and Catherine Sullivan ’13 (All-Academic). The future is bright on both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams, with varsity contributions from Robert Place ’15, Andrew Doran ’15, Justin Drisdelle ’15, Jayden McAdams ’16, Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 and Claire Hurtado ’16 (All-Conference), who will look to continue their success next season.
Cheerleading
Anthony Ravosa, III ’13 runs his lap for the relay 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
The Northwest Catholic cheerleaders were loud and proud, continuing from where they left off at the end of the fall season. Led by Head Coach and former NWC Cheerleader, Mischa Hadaway ’03, the Northwest Catholic Cheerleaders put on a show at home and on the road, and gave that extra push at both the Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball games. Seniors Chayla Alston-Smith ’13 (Coaches Award, Captain), Shanice Anderson ’13 (All-Academic), Traci Parker ’13, Victoria Peluso ’13 (All-Academic, Captain) and Alana Seldon ’13 (MVP, Captain), had more people than ever yelling, “Green, Black and White… Fight! Fight! Fight!” in support of the Indians. The entire team helped give the extra push the basketball teams needed this past season, and provided the spectators with a little piece of Northwest Catholic spirit.
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Former NWC Athletic Director Inducted into Coaches Hall of Fame Former Northwest Catholic Athletic Director Charlie Larson was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame on November 15, 2012. Charlie was one of the 14 “originals” who made up the faculty and staff of Northwest when it opened in 1961 and he served as the school’s Athletic Director from 1961 to 1981. During that time, Charlie coached various sports teams, including
basketball, softball, baseball and golf, earning 358 coaching victories. He led the boys’ basketball team to back-to-back Class M titles in 1972 and 1973, and the softball team won the state championship in 1981. That championship game was the final game of Charlie’s NWC coaching career. Charlie was also Vice Principal of NWC from 1981-1987, and was made an Honorary Member of the NWC Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006.
Three NWC Athletes Earn All-American Status In addition to the All-American honors, Fontaine has been named All-State and All-Conference. She is also a two-time CCC West Player of the Year and was All-Academic all four years. As a sophomore, Fontaine was All-Conference and AllState, and as a freshman, she was All-Conference. In 2012, her senior year, Fontaine broke the single season school record for points with 73 points (29 goals, 15 assists). She graduated NWC with honors and will be playing soccer at Quinnipiac University.
Two standout members of the State Champion Girls’ Soccer team and a standout member of the Girls’ Indoor Track and Field team have received regional and national recognition. Center forward Jessica Fontaine ’13 (left), and center back Catherine Higgins ’13 (right) were named to the NSCAA Girls’ High School All-America team in the fall of 2012. This is the second year in a row Fontaine has been named All-American. Higgins was named All-New England last year. Nationwide 81 young women were named to the team, with four players from Connecticut. Northwest Catholic is the only Connecticut school with two players on the All-American team. Fontaine and Higgins were instrumental in NWC’s historic 2011 and 2012 seasons, when the team won back to back Class M State Championships. Their senior class had an unbelievable record of 73-4-3, with an impressive 40-1 record at home. The girls were both team captains in 2012.
Higgins was also All-State, All-Conference, and All-Academic for the past two years. As a sophomore, she was All-Conference. Following her career at NWC, she will be attending Connecticut College, playing soccer and lacrosse. Sarah Gillespie ’13 earned All-American status in the one mile run at the New Balance Indoor National Championship Meet. Gillespie ran her personal best time in the indoor mile to place 5th overall in 4:52.53. That performance at New Balance Nationals concluded a stellar senior season in which she primarily focused on the one mile distance – winning the event at the Class S, State Open and New England Championship meets. Gillespie also raced in the high school invitational mile at The Millrose Games (placing 7th), the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix (placing 3rd), and The Hispanic Games (placing 3rd). In addition to the one mile distance, Gillespie was the Class S State Champion in the 1000m and 3200m – winning the three distance events – and earning All-State status for the 4th time in her high school career. The 1000m was her signature event throughout her high school career, as she
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won the Class S State Championship at that distance in each of her four years. In her outstanding Indoor Track career, Gillespie has earned All-State distinction 10 times. She has earned All-New England three times (2011-2013), including winning individual New England titles in the 1000m in 2011 and the mile in 2013. Sarah finishes her high school indoor track career as the Connecticut state record holder in the 800m and 1000m. She set the State Open record in the 1000m, owns Class S Championship meet records in the 1000m and 1600m, holds the CCC Championship meet record in the 1000m and is a member of the Sprint Medley Relay team that set the CCC meet record. Gillespie has also amassed seven individual school records and is a member of three school-record holding relay teams. She graduated NWC with highest honors as Valedictorian, was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar and will be running track at Harvard University.
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Northwest Catholic Seniors Announce Plans to Compete in College Sports
Alyssa Reaves (University of Hartford) and Michael Crispino (Fairfield University) are proud of their college choices.
(from left): NWC Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03; Nicholas Gaynor (Trinity College); Paul Edwards (Stony Brook University); Thomas Vignati (College of the Holy Cross); Grace Kunkel (Boston College); and NWC Principal Margaret Williamson ***Not pictured: Arnoldo Ballestas III and J’Leen Diaz
(from left) Jared Delane (University of Connecticut) celebrates with his parents Eric and Debra Delane and Coach Patrick Williamson ’99.
(from left) Anne Higgins (Connecticut College); Catherine Higgins (Connecticut College); Brendan Fox (Bates College); Joseph Doyle (Bates College); Sarah Gillespie (Harvard University); Jacqueline Denver (Iona College); Galo Rodriguez (College of the Holy Cross); and Jessica Fontaine (Quinnipiac University)
Twenty seven members of the Class of 2013 committed to continue playing sports in college. Of these students, 15 committed to high-level athletic programs. These students are: Michael Crispino — Fairfield University (Baseball)
Front row (from left): Kathleen Sarpu (Babson College); Sadie Martinez (University of the Cumberlands); Kristen Young (Suffolk University); and Alejandro Tobon (Eastern Connecticut State University) Back row (from left): Edwin Vincens (Tufts University); Christopher Thomas (Husson University); Devin Stewart (Husson University); Colin McCarthy (Bentley University); Alison Connors (Springfield College); and Emma Banevicius (Manhattanville College) ***
In addition, twelve students committed to compete in Division II, Division III or NAIA college athletics. These students are: Arnoldo Ballestas III — Western Connecticut State University (Football and Lacrosse)
Jared Delane — University of Connecticut (Track)
Jacqueline Denver — Iona College (Basketball)
Alison Connors — Springfield College (Basketball)
Joseph Doyle — Bates College (Cross Country and Track)
Paul Edwards — Stony Brook University (Football)
J’Leen Diaz of Hartford — Castleton State College (Volleyball)
Jessica Fontaine — Quinnipiac University (Soccer)
Sadie Martinez — University of the Cumberlands (Golf)
Brendan Fox III — Bates College (Baseball)
Colin McCarthy — Bentley University (Swimming)
Emma Banevicius — Manhattanville College (Volleyball)
Nicholas Gaynor — Trinity College (Football)
Sarah Gillespie — Harvard University (Track)
Devin Stewart — Husson University (Football)
Anne Higgins — Connecticut College (Soccer and Lacrosse)
Christopher Thomas — Husson University (Football)
Catherine Higgins — Connecticut College (Soccer and Lacrosse) Grace Kunkel — Boston College (Swimming)
Kathleen Sarpu — Babson College (Basketball)
Alejandro Tobon — Eastern Connecticut State University (Soccer)
Edwin Vincens — Tufts University (Sailing)
Kristen Young — Suffolk University (Softball)
Alyssa Reaves — University of Hartford (Basketball) Galo Rodriguez — College of the Holy Cross (Track)
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Thomas Vignati — College of the Holy Cross (Swimming)
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Together, these 27 students who will be playing sports in college represent 16% of the Class of ’13.
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Northwest Catholic Track Team Wears Pink to Support Fight Against Breast Cancer
Members of the Northwest Catholic Indoor Track team wore pink – pink headbands – in support of the fight against breast cancer. The project began in late 2012 when Coach Patrick Williamson ’99 learned that the mother of both a Northwest Catholic alum and a current student had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The alum had been a member of the track team while at Northwest Catholic. “Our team mantra this year is One Team. One Family. One Goal,” said Coach Williamson. “That extends to those who have ever been a part of the NWC track team family, including parents.” Williamson wanted his team to do something to support the family, so he
contacted Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford and owner Stephanie Blozy offered to donate 125 reversible pink headbands for the track team members and their coaches to wear. “This project emphasizes that we really are one team, even after graduation,” said Joseph Doyle ’13, one of the track team captains. “We still support each other.” The project expanded beyond the members of the track team. A Northwest Catholic staff member who was also recently diagnosed with breast cancer was offered the support of the team.
Athlete Spotlight: Sadie Martinez ’13 Sadie Martinez ’13 of Hartford was selected as the only representative from Connecticut for the inaugural First Tee Outstanding Participant Leadership Summit. She and 31 others from across the country participated in the educational event February 28 – March 2, 2013 in Nashville. Martinez was selected based on her academic achievement, community service, chapter involvement with The First Tee of Connecticut, leadership, essay responses and letters of recommendation. She has been a member of The First Tee of Connecticut since she was 7, a member of the NWC Girls’ Golf Team for four years and a two-time team MVP. Martinez was also named All-State in 2013, All-Conference in 2012 and 2013 and holds several school records. She received the 2012 PGA Junior Ryder Cup Academy Scholarship and will play on scholarship at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, KY.
Girls’ Golf Coach Jeff Przech ’96, Sadie Martinez ’13 and George Connor, PGA teaching pro
The First Tee is a youth development organization that provides educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.
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NWC Athletes Named to All-Courant Teams for Fall ’12, Winter ’13 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 the Fall of 2012 and the Winter of 2012-13. NWC’s All-Courant athletes were:
Fall ’12 Sports
Winter ’13 Sports
Sarah Gillespie ’13 — Girls’ Indoor Track; Courant’s Girls’ Indoor Track Runner of the Year
Joseph Doyle ’13 — Boys’ Cross Country
Jessica Fontaine ’13 — Girls’ Soccer; Courant’s Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year Nicholas Gaynor ’13 — Football
Patrick Melanson ’13 — Ice Hockey Alyssa Reaves ’13 — Girls’ Basketball
Anne Higgins ’13 — Girls’ Soccer Catherine Higgins ’13 — Girls’ Soccer
Honorable Mention
Devin Stewart ’13 — Football
Alejandro Tobon ’13 — Boys’ Soccer
Alecia Dulaire ’13 — Girls’ Basketball
Jared Delane ’13 — Boys’ Indoor Track
Nicholas Gaynor ’13 — Boys’ Basketball
Honorable Mention
Galo Rodriguez ’13 — Boys’ Indoor Track
Emily Kearney ’13 — Girls’ Soccer
Michelle Medina ’14 — Girls’ Soccer
Jeffrey Greenwood ’13 — Ice Hockey
Demitri Yao ’14 — Ice Hockey
Nicole Medina ’14 — Girls’ Soccer Robert Place ’15 — Boys’ Soccer
Alumni Athletes Mike Golic Jr. ’08 signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers following the conclusion of the 2013 NFL Draft. Golic, a four year varsity player at Northwest Catholic, helped lead the Indians to an impressive record of 35-7 during his career at Northwest Catholic, with the team making it to the State Semifinals three times. Golic went on to the University of Notre Dame, earning a degree in film, television and theatre and starting on the offensive line on a team that went to the BCS National Championship this past season. His brother Jake Golic ’09 was also a member of that team. Mike was also selected to the 2012 Allstate Good Works Team for being a leader in the local community as well as excelling in the classroom and on the football field. Theo Agnew ’09 finished his junior football season at Georgia State, after competing at the University of Massachusetts for his first two seasons. At Georgia State, Theo
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started as a Defensive Tackle, combining for 60 tackles and two sacks. Rachel Duncan ’12 finished her first year at Assumption College, competing on the Track and Field team. She has continued to impress everyone with her personal records, achieving a 9.03 in the 60 meter dash at the Southern Maine Invitational on January 26th! In her first year at Dean College, Morgan Mencio ’12 made a name for herself and showed the entire conference what Northwest Catholic soccer players are all about! As a freshman, Morgan scored 13 goals, while adding 16 assists. During this time she had two games where she scored three goals and five games where she had multiple assists. Ryan Geelan ’11 finished his sophomore year at Trinity College, adding to an already successful track career. During his two
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years of college, Ryan has already finished among the top runners in his division, winning the 600m run at the 2012 Tufts Indoor Invitational with a personal best time of 1:29.46. In his junior year at Albertus Magnus College, Patrick Dornfried ’10 played 30 games as a member of the baseball team, batting a very impressive .290, with ten RBI’s and 12 runs scored. During his time at Albertus Magnus, he has played in the infield and seen some time as a pitcher on the mound. Eric Kennedy ’10 broke his own Bentley University school record in the 200 meter preliminaries during the New England Championships at Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center in February 2013, with his time of 22.03 seconds improving on the mark he set on the same track a month earlier by two-tenths of a second.
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 Dennis Spurr ’65 is in his third year as a Science and Math Educator (2nd-8th grades) aboard the USS Midway Museum. Dennis retired in Sept. 2010 as a Mechanical Engineer from Northrop Grumman. Miguel A. Satut ’68 and Kathleen Kelly Satut ’68 are living in Grosse Point Park, Michigan and have had 5 grandchildren in the past five years!
1970’s Louise Pelletier Albin ’72 is celebrating the 20th year of her business – Cafe Louise Catering in West Hartford. Her daughter Isabelle is 16 and a junior at Canton High School. Sandy Fanelli Cannone ’72 currently works for the Dean of the Business College at the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration at Coastal Carolina University. Sandy and her husband Samuel have a son, Brian and his wife Michele and one granddaughter, Jaydon who is 4 years old. They also have a daughter, Lisa. Gayle Apuzzo Dillman ’76 founded a new business called Gable Music Ventures, a music promotion business located in Wilmington, DE.
1980’s John Kennedy Hampton ’84 was elected to the Connecticut General Assembly on Nov. 6, 2012. He represents the 16th District (Simsbury) at the State Capitol. Representative Hampton has served as a member of the Simsbury Board of Selectmen since 2003 and as Deputy First Selectman since 2007. Michael Dalton ’85 and his wife Kim currently live in West Hartford. Mike currently works at RSA, the Security Division of EMC, as a computer security technical consultant. Kim works at Aetna as an Informed Health Line Health Coach. G. Kurland Sadler ’85 resides in Greensboro, North Carolina and is employed with the Guilford County
Sheriff ’s Office as a Corporal, where he’s worked for 20 years. He conducts workshops on bullying, firearms awareness and computer safety for the school system and other youth organizations. Andrew DiPippo ’87 recently became the principal at Canton High School. He lives with his wife Kelley Kerrigan DiPippo ’89 and three daughters, Kerrigan, Ella and Teagan in West Hartford. Elizabeth Ann Carter Moses ’87 currently lives in Blacklick, Ohio. She has three daughters (Chelsea, Alexandria, Brianna) and a grandson Jaylen Carter, who all live in Hartford, CT. She has been pursuing a project management career for the last 10 years.
1990’s Colleen Porch-Bruns ’91 is the proud mother of a baby girl named Veronica Mae. Jason Lambert ’95 is the General Manager of Sikorsky in Troy, Alabama, a factory that manufactures and performs repair and overhaul services of military and commercial helicopters. He lives in Montgomery, Alabama with his wife Lisa, son Jason Jr. and daughter Brooke. Karen Walker ’98 is living and working in Spokane, WA. In December 2011 she became engaged to Paul Marseglia, originally of Holliston, MA. They will be returning to the east coast in September 2013.
Taryn Gervais ’03 graduated from Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in 2011, and then specialized in equine medicine and surgery through a year-long internship in Dover, NH. Dr. Gervais has been working as a mixed animal veterinarian at Beckett and Associates Veterinary Services in Glastonbury, CT. Joseph Guilmartin ’03 currently lives in Boston and works at Bank of America as a corporate debt underwriter. He received his MBA from Babson College in May 2013. Joe married Nicole Cushion in Providence, RI in July 2013. Daniel Murphy ’05 and Matthew Velazquez ’06 both covered the National BCS Championship Game between the University of Notre Dame and the University of Alabama. Dan covered the game as part of his work for Blue & Gold Illustrated, a publication about Notre Dame athletics. Matt covered the game for the National Sports Journalism Center. Matt recently completed his Master of Arts in sports journalism at Indiana University and is now a Digital Sports Producer at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Rivkah Freeman-Dasent ’06 was the guest speaker for the 2012 Promotion Ceremony at St. Thomas the Apostle School in West Hartford, CT. She graduated from the school in 1999 and advised students to cherish their education and continue to strive for excellence.
John Tressy ’99 recently graduated from the University of Saint Joseph with a Masters in clinical and mental health counseling. He hopes to work with veterans and the possibilities of animal assisted therapy.
Kimberly Zito ’06 graduated in May 2013 with an MS in school psychology from St. John’s University. She also was accepted into the University of Hartford’s Clinical Doctoral Program and will begin her doctoral work there in the fall.
2000’s
Lorin LeBlanc ’07 married Matthew DeLucia on May 25, 2013. The couple has known each other for 3 years.
Aaron Meadows ’01 is serving in the U.S. Army in Kuwait. Ari Barnett ’03 was recently engaged to his longtime girlfriend Denine Forest. Ari popped the question while the two were backpacking through Switzerland and Germany.
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Rachel Godbout ’08 graduated magna cum laude in May 2012 from Colgate University. Rachel graduated with a B.A. in microbiology and a minor in Asian studies. She is continuing her education in a Ph.D. program in virology at the University of Maryland, where she is also a teaching and
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Alumn i Ne w s research assistant. Lissa Joseph ’08 graduated from the University of Connecticut with a major in biology. Hannah Pelton ’08 will be starting at the Boston University School of Education for graduate work in the fall of 2013. Janae Frazier ’09 graduated from Elon University in May 2013 with a BA in broadcast journalism and a minor in dance. Abigaile Sands ’09 was named to the dean’s list of Fordham University at Lincoln Center for the 2011-2012 school year and graduated a semester early in December 2012. She earned a B.A. degree in communications and media studies, with a minor in creative writing. Sarah White ’09 graduated from University of Hartford in May 2013, with a BS in elementary and special education and a minor in sociology. She has spent the last year student teaching at Whiting Lane Elementary School in West Hartford and Capital Prep Magnet School in Hartford.
Fr. Rick Frechette, CP ’71 Wins Humanitarian Award for His Foundation The Saint Luke Foundation for Haiti run by Fr. Rick Frechette, CP ’71 was honored with the 2012 Opus Prize, a humanitarian award of $1 million that focuses on faith-based organizations with an entrepreneurial spirit. Opus Prize winners combat seemingly intractable global issues like poverty, illiteracy, hunger, disease, and injustice. The St. Luke Foundation for Haiti provides education, healthcare, and dignified humanitarian outreach to over 150,000 people each year while employing more than 800 Haitian staff. Fr. Frechette began the work of the St. Luke mission in collaboration with a group of inspired, young Haitian leaders who envisioned a different path
forward for their country, and has built St. Luke’s on the foundation of 100 percent Haitian leadership. The St. Luke team has made remarkable advances implementing organic, sustainable solutions to the problems facing the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
2010’s Madeleine A. Livingston ’10 co-authored a paper on gender equality that was published in a joint consultation by the United Nations and UNICEF. As part of the publication of the paper in November 2012, she participated in an international conference entitled Women as Global Leaders, which was held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in March 2012. She is currently a student at George Washington University pursuing a degree in international economics. Sarah Wizner ’10 was one of four students from Union College awarded a community service grant which helped her complete a summer internship. She worked at HARC, an organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities and their families by providing support, education and advocacy. Sarah was involved in two main programs: one providing early intervention services, and the other affording an opportunity for those with intellectual disabilities to interact with individuals without disabilities. She was also recently awarded the Hans Hainebach Memorial Prize in German Literature, which is given to a sophomore or junior who has demonstrated particular promise as a student of German literature.
Boothe Luce Research Scholars. The program is funded by a grant made to Olin College in 2011 from the Henry Luce Foundation of New York City. The awards provide stipends and other support to women students at Olin to pursue research with a faculty advisor. Sharon will work with Professor Lynn Andrea Stein on design for assistive technologies. Lyne-Saddlie Joseph ’11 was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, a Greek National Honor Society at the University of Connecticut.
Sharon Grimshaw ’11 was one of eight Olin College students named Olin’s first Clare
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Stay up to date with fellow Alumni. Connect on LinkedIn with the Northwest Catholic High School Alumni group.
A l u m ni N e w s
Dianna Soucier ’08 was a guest speaker in several of John Mirabello’s health classes. As part of a group project in a nursing course at the University of St. Joseph, Dianna developed an educational presentation on bullying, drug use and alcohol awareness, aimed at reaching high school students in a way that speaks to them. NWC students then filled out a survey evaluating the presentation, to help improve it for future use.
Sarah Hagearty Nalbantian ’80 has spent most of the last several years living overseas. In 2009, her family moved from Philadelphia to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for her husband Serge’s position in real estate development. In the UAE, Sarah helped with the start-up of New York University, Abu Dhabi and served on the American Community School Board of Trustees. After a brief period back in Philadelphia in 2012, the family moved to Amman, Jordan. Sarah and Serge’s children, Kira and Julien, attend an American Community School in Amman; Sarah is working on ‘third culture kid’ research – studying children like her own who have spent a significant part of their developmental years outside their parents’ culture; and Serge is building a multi-use resort complex in Aqaba.
Amanda Carrier ’04 was recently accepted as a novice of the Sisters of Mercy in West Hartford, after spending the past three years with the sisters as a candidate, discerning her vocation and working in the nuns’ St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen ministry. She has been blogging about her experiences and preparation for over two years at https:// jeremiah2811.wordpress.com/. Michael P. Shea ’85 was approved by the U.S. Senate to become a federal judge to the U.S. District Court of Connecticut. He was formerly a partner at Day Pitney LLP in Hartford.
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Weddings Recently Married? We’d love to include a photo in a future issue of Logos.
Meghan Myott ’99 married Anthony DeLucia on October 13, 2012 in New London, CT. Marc Fantozzi ’99, Kristin O’Donoghue ’99 and Pamela Murphy Woodruff ’99 were in the wedding party. Meghan and Anthony are presently living in Las Vegas, NV, working as a veterinary specialist and a mechanical engineer respectively. They are expecting their first child in August 2013.
Marc Pericolosi ’98 and Christine Prince ’96 were married in December 2012 in Avon, CT. Several NWC alumni were in attendance, including Frank Pericolosi Jr. ’93, Jaime Anderson Ward ’96, Katie Brayton Frederick ’96, Julia Mastronardi Yakovich ’96, Paul Peltier ’96 and Lenny Cossette ’98.
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E-mail KSanders@ nwcath.org a photo and some details about the wedding and your family.
Caroline Stewart ’04 married Jeff Geiger on October 6 2012. The couple first met while students at Avon Middle School and reconnected in college. They now live in Portland, Oregon.
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Alumni News
Bib Babies
Logan Gomes, the second son of Sandra Felicissimo Gomes ’96, was born on November 12, 2012. His older brother Lucas turned four years old in July. The family lives in Newington, CT.
Andrew MacPhail ’98 and his wife Sherri welcomed their daughter Nyah Therese MacPhail on November 19, 2012. Nyah joins older sister Linnea, who is two years old.
Assistant football coach Michael Lenz ’91 and his wife Jennifer welcomed their daughter Avery Davinia Lenz on October 18, 2012. Avery joins three-yearold brother Cooper Lenz.
John Reiss and Mary Beth Slavin Reiss ’99 welcomed their daughter Bridgette Rose Reiss on September 8, 2012.The family lives in Manhattan with their dog Casper (pictured with Bridgette).
Had a baby? Get a bib!
Ignatius Jeffrey Kurantowicz, son of Liz Stafford Kurantowicz ’00 and Greg Kurantowicz ’00, was born on May 4, 2013 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.The family lives in Fairfield, CT.
JV Boys’ Basketball coach Sean O’Brien ’02 and his wife Lauren welcomed their son Evan O’Brien on December 5, 2012. This is the first child for the couple. Sean works at Aetna, while his wife works for Cigna.
We’d love to include a photo of your baby in a future issue of Logos. Please request your bib and e-mail JLeary@ nwcath.org a photo and some details about the baby and your family afterwards.
Danielle Gervais ’00 married Bret Puchir on October 8, 2011 and the couple spent their first anniversary in the hospital for the birth of their first son, Parker Robert Puchir, born October 5, 2012. Danielle is currently senior casting director for Leftfield Pictures in Manhattan, and resides with her family in Croton Falls, NY.
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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 October 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013. To ensure accuracy, we require that In Memoriam notices be accompanied by a newspaper obituary. Please notify KSanders@nwcath.org of any errors or omissions.
Alumni Elizabeth Foley Emile ’70 died September 28, 2012. She was the mother of Robert Emile ’95, the sister of Catherine Foley Bodak-Gyovai MD ’65, Virginia Foley ’68, Patricia Foley Seremet ’71 and Elenore Foley Sonski ’75. She was also the sister-inlaw of Major Alex Sonski ’74. Kathleen Marie Hagarty ’68 died on October 18, 2012, at the age of 62. Born on August 12, 1950, in Hartford, Connecticut to Thomas J. Hagarty and Frances (Martel) Hagarty, Kathy graduated from Manhattanville College in 1972 with a BA in psychology. For several years after graduating from college, she worked in sales and marketing in the New York City area, including Fawcett Publishing, 3M Media Services, J.C. Penney Company and Must Software International. In 1987, she moved to San Diego and joined Computer Associates as a technical writer where she worked until retiring in 2011. Kathy was an accomplished photographer who loved to travel and document her visits on film. Kathy was preceded in death by her parents, sister Christine, brother Joseph, and her beloved Aunt June who gifted Kathy with her love of the beach. She is survived by her sister Mary Hagarty ’75 of Costa Mesa, California, her brother Thomas Hagarty ’70 of West Hartford, Connecticut and her brother Mark Hagarty ’72 and nephews Mac and Murphy Hagarty of La Jolla, California. Jennifer Horn ’07 passed away unexpectedly on April 2, 2013 at age 24. She was born on March 10, 1989 at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, TX. Jennifer started her college career at Midwestern State in Northwest Texas, followed by Central Connecticut State University. She studied abroad at the University of Ghana, which gave her the experience needed to assist atrisk youths. This led her to apply those skills in the NYC area, where she started helping at Sheepshead Bay HS with City Year NYC, while still in college at CCSU. She graduated in December 2012, and immediately went back to NYC accepting a position with AmericaCorps in the Harlem Middle Schools with the juvenile court system as a truancy
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counselor and mentor. Jennifer’s focus was on the kids and helping them get back on track. She will be dearly missed by her students and co-workers. Some may have thought these were futile challenges but Jennifer saw them as achievable and realistic opportunities to impact the future. Recently Jennifer, with the assistance of her father, became a registered citizen of the Chickasaw Nation. Jennifer is survived by her mother and stepfather, Shannon and Paul Harvill, of Simsbury, her father and stepmother, Jim and Penny Horn of California, and siblings, Jimmy Horn ’06 of Brooklyn, NY, Melissa Horn ’09, Matthew Harvill, Christopher Harvill, of Simsbury, Tyler Horn, and Wyatt Horn of California, grandparents, Donna McManus of Rhode Island, John McManus and his spouse Erika Walz of Florida and Beverly Ann Lucey of California. Jennifer was preceded in death by E.P and Pauline Harvill of Texas, Loretta McManus and Eleonora Burke of Rhode Island. Jennifer is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, including Danahy Bonner ’04, Patrick Bonner ’05 and Cullen Bonner ’07, and friends who loved her very much. John F. “Jack” Hughes III ’69, of West Hartford, CT, son of Marie and John Hughes, passed away on January 2, 2013. Known as a kind and giving person, Jack was generous in helping others. He enthusiastically gave wonderful care and support to his mother, Marie, helping her live in her home until the age of 91. Jack was self-employed and a talented craftsman and adept at many types of mechanics. As a contractor, he took consistent pride in a job well-done. Jack appreciated life and lived it with enthusiasm and vigor, in his own definite way. He made many friends as he journeyed through life. Jack is described by many as loyal, with a wonderful sense of humor and great laugh. He found much to laugh about and enjoy in life. As a student at Northwest Catholic, he demonstrated his athleticism playing football. He was a natural skier and golfer. Jack attended Leicester College in MA and later enjoyed travelling through Europe. He was interested in the world, in meeting and conversing with others, and sharing ideas, his opinions and knowledge. Whether watching a Patriots game, grilling a steak or working on
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a project, Jack was engaged in life and there was a dog always by his side. He enjoyed the companionship of many gentle Rottweilers, especially his beloved Dante. Jack was predeceased by his mother, Marie Hughes and father John Hughes, Jr. He is survived by his son, John Hughes, brother, Peter Hughes, sister, Penny DeFrino and brother-in-law, Bob DeFrino. Candice M. Johnson ’67 of Margate, FL and Pine Grove Niantic, CT passed away March 21, 2013. She was the daughter of Philip Johnson and Jacqueline Stewart Johnson, the beloved wife of George Keeney and the mother of Gaelen McCormick. She is survived by her aunt, Veronica Pelletier; her sister, Lynn Johnson Gelinas ’74; her brother, Ron Stewart; her sister-in-law Miriam Johnson; her stepsons, Peter and Bill Keeney; her granddaughter, Clara and many nieces and nephews. A survivor of forty years of M.S., she was loved by all. Kevin McGuire ’72 died on April 4, 2013 at age 59 after a 14 month battle with brain cancer. Kevin was a retired salesman in the Health Insurance industry, having worked for CIGNA, General American Insurance and Travelers. He attended Providence College in Providence, RI, from which he graduated in 1976. He was a member of the Providence College Golf Team and a past president of the Providence College Alumni Association. Kevin was a member of Marshfield Country Club for 17 years serving on many committees, and serving as the Editor of the MCC Clippings monthly newsletter for several years. Kevin became President of MCC in 2006 and 2007. He was also President of MMFC Golf Charity. He is survived by his fiancée Virginia A. Nelson; his son Shay G. McGuire; his daughter Kelly McGuire; his brother Thomas McGuire ’67; his sister-in-law Nancy Tantolo McGuire ’68; his sister Elizabeth McGuire Ellis ’69 and his brother-in-law Bob Ellis, as well as his cousins Stephen Blanchfield ’69, Mary Lee Blanchfield Geary ’71 and Barbara Blanchfield Carpenter ’72. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael F. and Marion (Blanchfield) McGuire. Donald K. Warfel ’69, of Millersville, PA, passed away on February 14, 2013 at home
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In Memoriam (Continued) at age 61. Born on Oct. 4, 1951 in Lancaster, PA to W. Kenneth and Elizabeth (Kleine) Warfel, he was predeceased by his father and sister, Lynda W. Green. Don is survived by his mother, his son Gregory K. Warfel of Lititz, PA, his sister Mary Beth Warfel Carbine ’71 of Kittery, Maine, his brothers Michael (Elsa) Warfel of Millersville, PA and W. Scott Warfel of Tampa, Florida, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Don is a graduate of Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT, class of 1973. He worked as an assistant golf pro at Glastonbury Hills Country Club in CT, and at The Golf Oasis in Pittsburgh. He moved back to CT and worked in sales for Harbor Foods and H.P. Hood & Sons. Don and his family moved to Lancaster where he worked in the family business, Mumma Pretzel Bakery on 4th Street in Lancaster. Upon retirement he pursued several entrepreneurial ventures. In addition, he worked at Highlands at Donegal and Lancaster Country Club. His passion for golf lasted throughout his life, evident by the courses he played and trips to the Masters and several US Opens. He enjoyed helping others and being a caretaker to loved ones. He will be remembered by family and friends for his keen wit and quiet ways.
Dorothy Loftus Houlihan, grandmother of Sarah Wizner ’10 and Eamon Wizner ’13
Claudia Hart ’78, Andrew Hart ’80 and Rachel Hart ’82
Thomas Otto Keenan, father of Anna Keenan, member of the Class of ’13
Sylvia A. Crispino, mother of Salvatore Crispino ’76, Nadine Crispino Durkin ’78, and Kyle Crispino ’86; grandmother of Paul Durkin ’97, Anita Durkin ’99 and Michael Durkin ’08
George Stephen McKenna, great-uncle of Morgan McKenna ’11, Cormac McKenna ’13, Elizabeth Fabbri ’13, and Alexandra McKenna ’13 John Michael Mirabello, uncle of John Mirabello, faculty member and boys’ basketball coach, great-uncle of Olivia Mirabello, member of the Class of ’13, and Anna Mirabello ’15 John J. Muldoon, uncle of Jim Galligan ’75, William Galligan ’79, and Maureen Galligan ’82; great-uncle of Kelly Galligan ’13 Dorothy M. Murphy, grandmother of Ryan Murphy ’13 and Sean Murphy ’13 James Nicholas, grandfather of Caitlin Nicholas ’15 Antoinette Marie Trifari, grandmother of Terri-Ann Trifari Sands ’81, Edmund Trifari Jr. ’82 and John Trifari ’85; greatgrandmother of Abigaile Sands ’09, James Sands ’10, Ryan Sands ’15 and Nicholas Trifari ’15
Current Families
Irene (Ryan) Waltman, grandmother of Tim Waltman ’10, Patrick Waltman, member of the Class of ’11, and Amanda Waltman ’13
Bertha (Parenteau) Bonk, grandmother of Gabrielle Bonk ’14 and Lauren Bonk ’16
Alumni Families
Juan G. Collas, grandfather of Jacquelyn Collas ’16 David Collins, uncle of Brendan Butler ’13 Leah R. (Morrow) Collyer, mother of Michael Collyer ’86, Richard Collyer ’88, and Christine Collyer Coyne ’93; grandmother of McKenzie Collyer ’15 Amada Olga Dallis, mother of Deborah Yao, pep shop coordinator; grandmother of Francisco Yao ’10 and Demitrios Yao ’14 Livio “Lee” Joseph Dottor, grandfather of Sarah Dottor ’13 Faye Ambrose Dudley, grandmother of Kevin Dudley ’15 Helen Platner Gaudiana, grandmother of Victoria Peluso ’13 Lancelot Altamont Gordon, Sr., great-uncle of Jessica Gordon ’14
Joan M. (Plourde) Banville, grandmother of Christopher Banville ’10 Petra Anderson Beatty, mother of Kathleen Beatty Palma ’74, Patricia Beatty ’78, Suzanne Beatty ’80, John Beatty ’81 and Sheila Beatty Fitzsimmons ’85 Judge William C. Bieluch, father of Philip Bieluch ’72 Mary (Mascolo) Brannack, mother of John Brannack ’74 Clarence “Chuck” Bourret, father of Tim Bourret ’73 George A. Colli, Jr., father of George Colli ’73 and Laurie Colli Amos ’75; father-in-law of Catherine Finley Colli ’72 Leo J. Conley, uncle of Marcella Hart Ester ’72, Patricia Hart Poole ’73, Stephen Hart ’74, Eleanor Hart ’76, faculty member
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
Patricia Crowley Cunningham, aunt of Ian Crowley ’98 Sandra (Banes) D’Amico, mother of Michael D’Amico ’85, Christopher D’Amico ’91 and Jason D’Amico ’92 Blanca A. de Ocejo, mother of Luis De Ocejo ’69 Dorathea “Dotti” Dodd, mother-in-law of Cynthia Killian Dodd ’74 and mother of Mark Dodd, faculty member James Patrick Duffy, father of James Duffy ’71 and father-in-law of Mary Lou Tuohy Duffy ’72 Keith J. Ellis, uncle of Vanessa DeLuca ’02 and Lauren DeLuca ’05 Dorothy Ann Farley, mother of James Farley ’81 and grandmother of Mary Beckerman ’10 and Haleigh Beckerman ’12 James E. Farley, Jr., father of James Farley ’81 and grandfather of Mary Beckerman ’10 and Haleigh Beckerman ’12 Andrew Scott Feiner, nephew of Bill O’Brien ’69, Kathleen O’Brien Tracy ’70, Tom O’Brien ’71 and Scott Guilmartin ’74 Frederick J. Gent, Jr., father of Laurene Gent St. Jacques ’83 and grandfather of Danielle St. Jacques ’08 Eileen C. Guinan (Matteson), sister of the late Kathleen Guinan Hoyt ’65, Veronica Guinan Rogers ’67 and Patricia Guinan Anderson ’69; aunt of Ryan Ward ’04 The Honorable Francis Xavier Hennessy, husband of Mary Fran Hennessy, former faculty member; father of Maura Hennessy Shaw ’76, Mark Hennessy ’77, Matthew Hennessy ’88, and Margaret Hennessy Knight ’89 The Reverend Robert W. Ladish, uncle of Gretchen Ladish ’98 Herbert H. Landmann, father of Patricia Walsh, Director of Advancement, grandfather of Devin Walsh ’06 and Lukas Walsh ’08
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Alumn i Ne w s
In Memoriam (Continued) Rita (Bessette) Leary, mother of James J. Leary III ’65, Colleen A. Leary ’66, Joan Leary Thomas ’69, and Patricia Leary Badeau ’72; mother-in-law of Jane Leary, Director of Constituent Relations, and Paul Badeau ’71; grandmother of James J. Leary IV ’05 and Sean P. Leary ’07
Calvi ’79 and Lori Patrissi Errico ’80; fatherin-law of Vincent Errico ’80
Nicholas J. Piergrossi, grandfather of Marc Piergrossi ’89 and Sarina Piergrossi ’94
Kathleen Nina (Kearney) Williams, mother of Kathleen Williams Reed ’72, Russell Michael Williams ’74, Sheri Williams Connelly ’75, and Kellie Williams Bassell ’79; grandmother of Meagan Williams ’02, Russell Williams ’03, Brett Williams ’06 and Kathleen Connelly ’12
William C. Lichtenfels, father of Beth Lichtenfels Veihmeyer ’73 and Steven Lichtenfels ’76; father-in-law of Mary Liz Meany Lichtenfels ’77
Sonia Richardson, sister of Colby Thresher, Advancement Officer; aunt of Renee Thresher Howard ’82, Scott Thresher ’86, Michelle Thresher ’88 and Byron Thresher ’94
George Wesley Wilson, grandfather of Carrie Schwartz ’06, Sarah Schwartz ’07, Emily Schwartz ’09 and Katherine Schwartz ’12
Carl Raymond Matson, father-in-law of Joan Buckley Matson ’66
Thomas Edward Sherer, grandfather of Christopher Sherer ’11
Kathleen Curry McAndrews, mother of Kathleen Curry ’75, mother-in-law of Richard Fairbrother ’71; aunt of Kathleen B. Curry ’68, William Curry ’70 and Elizabeth Curry ’73
Jeffrey Russell Stafford, husband of Ellen McKone Stafford ’72, father of Liz Stafford Kurantowicz ’00 and Courtney Stafford, member of the Class of ’07; father-in-law of Greg Kurantowicz ’00, brother-in-law of Thomas McKone ’68, uncle of Amelia McKone ’93 and Thomas McKone III, ’96
Mary (Butler) Zeph, mother of Delene Zeph Mulready ’84, the late Joseph Zeph, member of the Class of ’86 and Christopher Zeph, member of the Class of ’88; mother-inlaw of Amanda Pernaa Zeph ’88
David W. Milligan, brother of Marcia Milligan ’70, Susan Milligan Szymaszek ’71, Don Milligan ’77, Laurie Milligan O’Brien ’78 and Mark Milligan ’81 Dr. Joseph Michael Nastri, father of Diane Nastri ’74 and Carol Nastri Wojtkowiak ’81 Kathleen (Kay) Campion O’Neill, aunt of Richard Cobb ’75, Michael Cobb ’77, Mary Cobb Gothers ’80 and Chris Cobb ’80 Stephen Patla, father of Stephen Patla ’04 Richard F. Patrissi, father of Susan Patrissi
Alan Percoski, father of AJ Percoski ’99 and Amanda Percoski ’02
Faculty, Staff, and Administration
Margaret Mary McNamee Stakem, mother of Ronald Stakem ’65 and Mary Lynn Stakem Kelly ’76; mother-in-law of Elizabeth Hickey Stakem ’65
Sister Mary Joan Cook, RSM, Ph.D., auntin-law of Virginia Murphy, faculty member
William H. Thompson, grandfather of Elizabeth Kallfelz ’08 and Christian Kallfelz ’11
Edward Thomas Smith, uncle of Kerri Smith, faculty member
Eleonora (DeParis) Torromeo, mother of Gaetano Torromeo ’70 and Lauretta Torromeo Bartoletti ’75
Friends
Lionel Cusson, father of John Cusson, Academic Dean
Robert J. Daly, Admissions Office volunteer
Join the 1961 Society The easiest and most cost-effective way to make a deferred gift to Northwest Catholic High School is to make a planned gift. This may be done via a provision in a will or trust; by naming Northwest Catholic as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, pension, profit-sharing, IRA or 401(k) plan; or by establishing a Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Remainder Trust. These gifts ensure the school’s strength and academic excellence for years to come. People who make planned gifts of any size automatically become members of our 1961 Society.
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LOGOS
If you do include Northwest Catholic in your bequest provision, we would appreciate it if you would notify us accordingly. All notifications are kept confidential. We would be happy to work with you and your attorney or financial advisor. For more information about the 1961 Society, charitable gift annuities, or other options for planned giving, please contact Advancement Officer Colby Thresher at cthresher@nwcath.org or 860-236-4221, x156.
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
Meet the PRESIDENT: A Q & A with David Eustis Logos recently sat down with President/Chief Administrator David Eustis to talk about his first few months at Northwest Catholic and where he sees the school heading in the future.
Logos: How has your time at Northwest Catholic been so far?
David Eustis: I absolutely love it. It’s a great community with wonderful kids, wonderful faculty and wonderful staff. I couldn’t be at a better place in my life right now. Logos: There has been a lot of renovation at the school over the past few years. What’s coming up in the next few years?
David Eustis: Eighty five percent of the windows were replaced over the summer and we will complete that project next year. We also have an aging roof and heating system that are both in need of repair or replacement. Logos: Following the events of Sandy Hook, one of the major issues on everyone’s minds over the last few months has been school security. What steps is Northwest Catholic taking to ensure students’ safety?
David Eustis: The new windows will be a dramatic improvement over what the school has had for the last 50 years. In addition, we’ve had three video surveillance companies come in and we’re waiting for bids from them. We’re looking at video as an added layer of security moving forward. Logos: Technology continues to play an increasingly important part in the world. What role do you see it taking at Northwest Catholic?
David Eustis: Technology will play an enhanced role both in the near future and long-term plans of Northwest Catholic. We’ll certainly look at how the I-Pad can affect our learning environment and we will continue to strive to be cutting edge. No matter what we do, we have to keep aligned with 21st century learning.
Logos: Northwest Catholic has produced numerous championship teams and athletes. Are there any plans for upgrading the athletic facilities?
David Eustis: We’re looking into synthetic turf for the future. Because we’re landlocked by a neighborhood and a country club we have very limited field space, so we need to look at being able to enhance what we have by bringing it up-to-date with fields that are equivalent to other public and private high schools. Logos: What other areas are you personally focused on?
David Eustis: Admissions will continue to be at the forefront of my leadership agenda with a goal of being at 650 students in the next three years. Coupled with that, we will look to continue building up our strong Advancement program to help secure our financial future.
Get your News Live on Twitter Now you can stay connected and updated on all the News from 29 Wamp, just follow @NWC_NEWS
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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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
Reunions 2013 If you graduated from NWC in a year ending in 3 or 8, this is your reunion year! Many class reunions are already scheduled, but we’re still looking for people to plan other reunions. The reunion for the Class of 1983 will be held on Saturday, September 14 at Wampanoag Country Club, while the Class of 1978 reunion will be held on Saturday, October 12th at Wampanoag Country Club. The Class of 1968 will hold their reunion on Friday, November 29th at Wampanoag Country Club, and the Class of 2003 reunion will be on Friday, November 29th at City Steam Brewery Café.
The classes of 1973, 1993, and 1998 still need planners.
If you’re interested in helping plan one of these, contact Jane Leary, Director of Constituent Relations, at jleary@nwcath.org.
We know that each class likes to celebrate in their own way. In the past, NWC alums have held reunions with a variety of events: • A reunion held at NWC • Lunch or dinner at a restaurant • A cocktail party or BBQ held at a classmate’s home • Happy Hours at local venues in Hartford
Help us find lost alums! Visit northwestcatholic.org/alumni Update your e-mail address so you are kept in the loop. Contact Jane Leary, jleary@nwcath.org.