THE MAGAZINE OF NORTHWEST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
2015-2016
Northwest Catholic
2 • LOGOS
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
L E T TER F ROM THE PRES IDE NT & C HIEF AD M IN ISTR ATO R
Dear Friends, I was proud in a new and unexpected way when the class of 2016 crossed the stage in June. When I began at Northwest Catholic during their freshman year, I knew we’d travel this chapter together, but I wasn’t aware of how profound an effect they would have on me. The class of 2016 was special, as all graduating classes are — it’s just that this was my class, and I was honored to share in their celebration. Over the past four years we weathered great change together. We embraced iPads, became lions, renovated much of the building, from the Rice Auditorium through the Frascadore Hall to the D’Amico Family Fitness Center. Together we were saddened when we lost members of our community, and together we rejoiced in every accomplishment, award, championship, and obstacle overcome. The young men and women who graduated in June transformed themselves and our school during their tenure. By every measure, they were the most academically gifted class in school history. Truly, they are already missed, and I hope this edition of Logos does them justice. But I now look at the class of 2017, our current seniors, and I’m finding myself proud once again. All signs point to another stellar graduating class, and I predict each class that follows will reach higher and higher. My son Kevin will graduate this June, and Eileen and I are delighted with and grateful for the strong, faith-based education Northwest Catholic provided him. Thank you for being part of the Northwest Catholic community. Every student who walks our halls benefits directly or indirectly from your commitment and friendship, as do I. Thank you for your support throughout my first four years at the school, and I look forward to many more years in your service.
David C. Eustis President & Chief Administrator
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
2015 - 2016 • 3
EDITOR’S NOTE Dear Reader, As some of you know, I’m new to Northwest Catholic, and this is my first edition of Logos. I worked hard to follow the lead of my predecessors and prepare a magazine with highlights from the year that illustrate who we are. The challenge, as you might guess, has been discovering who Northwest Catholic is as I navigated the Logos waters. Lucky for me Northwest Catholic’s identity is clear — it’s a school rooted in the Catholic tradition, and it is a school ready for the future. It is, without question, a strong institution. Many of my new colleagues helped me deliver this final product, and even more have welcomed me into the fold. First, I’d like to publicly thank Dave Eustis for bringing me aboard, making me feel appreciated, and giving me creative license. Second, I’d like to thank Katie Rose and Andrew Selig. Because of their patience, kindness, know-how, and, yes, proximity, unfortunately or fortunately for them, to my desk, they have answered my questions, performed countless favors, and have been good sports through it all. Katie and Andrew, thank you. Others who’ve helped see this edition to fruition include Katie and Andrew again, Patrick Williamson ’99, Pat Walsh, Jane Leary, Matthew Martorelli ’03, Keith Blum, Sara Demos Avery, and most notably Kate Morran. Although I cannot name all the people who’ve made me feel at home at Northwest Catholic, I want to acknowledge the remarkably warm welcome I’ve received from the colleagues mentioned as well as Beth Bornstein, Kristi Gillespie, Cindy Fusco, Nancy Bannon ’73, Deb LeBel, Colby Thresher, Mark Dodd, Peter Martin, Karissa Blum, the entire guidance department, and, of course, too many more to name here. I’m delighted to be the new communications director at Northwest Catholic, and I hope you enjoy the 2015-2016 edition of 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 once a year by the Communications Department of Northwest Catholic High School. Please send comments or suggestions to: Maureen C. Scudder Northwest Catholic High School 29 Wampanoag Drive, West Hartford, CT 06117 860.236.4221 x133 MScudder@nwcath.org Editor: Maureen C. Scudder
Maureen C. Scudder Logos Editor
President & Chief Administrator: David Eustis Design: GO media Photography:
Upcoming Spring Events FRESHMAN GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Friday, May 12th
We apologize if your name was inadvertently left off this list.
GRADUATION Wednesday, June 7th @6:00pm 40TH ANNUAL NWC GOLF TOURNAMENT Tuesday, June 13th 5TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP SCAMPER 5K Saturday, June 24h 4 • LOGOS
RDK Photography Kimberly Sanders Spera ’03 Mark Dodd NOWECA Teresa Giegel Bournique ’84 Beth Casey Boyle ’96 Craig Mello of Art Rich Photography Rich Wagner of Imagine It Framed
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
TAB L E OF C ONTE NT S
FEATURES 6 24 25 32 36 38 52 66 78 85 88 92 99
Once a Dramateur Dramateurs Win Halo Awards Upcoming Spring Arts Events A Heartfelt Thank You Class of 2016! Kudos to… D’Amico Family Fitness Center Dedicated Seven Seniors Commit to Play College Soccer NWC Takes Pride in New Team Name and Mascot Weddings Reunions In Memoriam The 1961 Society
DEPARTMENTS 18
IN THE ARTS
26
NEWS FROM WAMP
50
ADVANCEMENT NEWS
56
SPORTS NEWS
74
#GOODWORKS
79
ALUMNI NEWS T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
2015 - 2016 • 5
Dramateurs Pursuing Theater Beyond Their High School Years At Northwest Catholic
I was drawn to theater at a very young age and love many aspects of it. At Northwest Catholic I played wonderful roles and experienced what it was like to impact an audience. At Hartt I am discovering and trying new things that take me out of my comfort zone. My grandparents introduced me to the possibilities of storytelling. Because of them my most favorite part about theater is making people happy. Even as a young actor I realize I have the opportunity to touch lives and tell a variety of different stories that can resonate with others. Olivia Fenton ’15 is currently a sophomore at the University of Hartford’s The Hartt School pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. She was most recently seen in the Viewpoints Project, a series of ten minute plays directed by Joni Weisfeld. While a student at Northwest Catholic, Fenton was a member of the Dramateurs, Jazz Choir, and Unified Theater. Some of her favorite roles at NWC include: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Rosemary), Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy), and Barnum (Charity Barnum). She also performed at the Apollo Theater in New York City in 2015 with the members of Jazz Choir. This spring Fenton will appear in her first Hartt musical project, and in the fall of 2017 she will appear in her first Hartt mainstage production.
I knew coming into high school I wanted to pursue musical theater. The Dramateurs helped shape this idea and made my dream into a reality. Mrs. Avery, Miss Kate, and the Dramateurs embody love, support, acceptance, and a family atmosphere. The Dramateurs impacted my high school experience in so many positive ways. I would not have made it to Hartt without the Dramateurs, and I know Hartt will now take me where I want to go. I will always be a Dramateur and for that I am thankful.
Brenna Fitzgerald’s recent theatre credits include Mika in Lab Rats with Brown Box Theatre, Rose in The Flick with Company One, and 44 Plays for 44 Presidents with Bad Habit Productions. She can next be seen in Peerless with Company One this spring. She was nominated for the Elliot Norton Award for Outstanding Actress In A Small Company for her role as Rose in The Flick. Fitzgerald holds a BA in theatre education from Emerson College and is a certified actor-combatant through The Society of American Fight Directors, or SAFD. I love theatre because it's the most visceral and intimate way to tell a story to a group of people. And I love that it goes away immediately after you do it. It's ephemeral. You had to be there. Theatre at Northwest Catholic was remarkable in that it improved each year. The Dramateur family kept growing larger and more dedicated, the rehearsals more intense and organized, the quality of productions better and better. I've also got a lot of memories of us laughing until it hurt. The Dramateurs: where shenanigans meet art. What else could you ask for?
Lauren Mangine ’16 is currently a freshman at Seton Hall University studying elementary education. She has been acting since she was twelve years old and has been in love with it ever since. She has been seen in Northwest Catholic's productions of Metamorphoses (Eurydice/Psyche), Once on This Island (Ti Moune), Anne of Green Gables (Anne Shirley), and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat (Narrator). Other productions she has been proud to be a part of are Annie (July), Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAffee), Peter Pan (Wendy), Legally Blonde (Elle Woods), and West Side Story (Margarita). Last summer Mangine played the Wardrobe in West Hartford Summer Arts Festival's Beauty and The Beast. She has been actively involved with her college's drama department and attended multiple acting workshops. She most recently played Violet in Seton Hall University's production of It's A Wonderful Life.
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is I love about theater. I love stepping into a whole other world, taking on a brand new perspective, and challenging myself to relate in any way possible to the character I'm portraying. I think those things are so important, not only in theater, but in life. It helps you to be more understanding. In theater you are taking on so many different characters with different backgrounds, cultures, personalities, and you have to be vulnerable and understanding of who they are as people, not just as characters. It helps you view the world through so many other perspectives. That's one of the things I love about theater. I also love the lessons and stories that come out of theater. Theater is storytelling, and storytelling is something I have always admired. It’s how you tell the story that makes it worthy and beautiful. When you're reading a book to a child, he or she won't listen if the reader isn’t excited about telling the story. The child won't get anything out of it. In theater you have to pretend the audience (or I pretend) are children, and they won't get anything out of the story if it's dull or if you're not putting all your energy into it. Every single play or musical tells a different kind of story, and the way the actors, directors, and crew create that story is beautiful in itself. It's a feeling you can't take away from anybody.
“It helps you view the world through so many other perspectives.”
Dan Lusardi is originally from Windsor, CT and is currently a senior at Elon University pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Favorite credits include Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius) and Miss Saigon at Interlakes Theatre, as well as How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Gypsy at Flat Rock Playhouse. At Elon, Lusardi has had the opportunity to work on a total of nine shows including concert dance pieces. He most recently played Franz in Rock of Ages. What I love most about live theatre is the relationship to the audience. Every audience responds to a story in their own way, and it’s always exciting to feed off their reactions in spontaneous, instinctive ways. That’s what sets live theater apart from television and films and why theatre has been essential in society. It’s the human element.
My time with the Northwest Catholic Dramateurs gave me so many great memories and provided me with friends and mentors, like Mrs. Avery and Miss Kate, who I will have for the rest of my life. The community they’ve created is very special.
“Every audience responds to a story in their own way, and it’s always exciting to feed off their reactions in spontaneous, instinctive ways. ”
Ryan is beginning his fourth semester at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, where he is studying theatre arts with a concentration in music theatre performance. He was last seen in Marymount’s musical theatre association’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone as Robert. Despite his firm history and passion with theatre, Ryan also explores other areas of the arts. He studies classical piano with concert pianist Jerzy Stryjniak at the New York Conservatory of music, his most recent concert being in October at Carnegie Hall, where he played alongside such accomplished musicians such as cellist Christine Walevska.
I believe my time with the Dramateurs, and the entire music program at Northwest Catholic, is the bedrock of my artistic career and motivation. The Dramateurs are truly a family, a place where artists are given the opportunity to evolve, take on new roles, and discover things about themselves beyond the realm of the arts. If I had to highlight one part of my high school career that changed my life the most, it would be my time with the Dramateurs. When it comes to theatre, I love to tell a story in an effective and poetic way. Being able to evoke certain feelings from an audience, whether tears or laughter, is an amazing honor– theatre makes people feel things! Also I mustn’t forget to mention the incredible bond one builds when working with a cast and crew. I believe students who decide to join the Dramateurs, even if it’s just for one production, will get much more out of it than singing, acting, and dancing.
Kate Morran, Dramateurs Director and Choreographer
Kate Morran is a choreographer and yoga teacher based out of West Hartford, Connecticut. After years of juggling a career in the arts with her job in financial services, she left the corporate world to bring the joy of movement to students of all ability levels. She is the choreographer of the West Hartford Summer Arts Festival and a proud alumni of the program. Favorite WHSAF credits include My Favorite Year, Wonderful Town, Gypsy, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Hairspray, On the Town, and West Side Story. Since 2004 Kate has choreographed the musical productions at Northwest Catholic High School where she is employed full time in academic support. She has worked on productions at the Park Road Playhouse, Hall High School, Conard High School, and has taught yoga/dance at Watkinson School as a part of the school’s physical education curriculum. Under the Artistic Direction of Dr. Stuart Younse, Kate is the choreographer/assistant director of the Simsbury High School musical productions and has been faculty for the Hartt School Community Division’s Summer Vocal Institute: Musical Theatre Intensive. She completed her 200 hour teacher training at West Hartford Yoga (WHY) in 2012 under the instruction of Barbara Ruzansky. Kate incorporates yogic philosophy into the musical rehearsal process and offers private yoga workshops to teens, theater groups, and families.
Kate Morran has been the choreographer for NWC musicals since 2004. She is currently the Director and Choreographer of the Dramateurs and provides academic support services at the school.
Why We Tell the Story by Kate Morran
Sara and I are permanently bonded by the collective memory of all the productions we have created together. It is that personal bond that has informed our approach to theater education as an art form. Unlike typical high school drama programs, we do not look at what we do as watered down Broadway. For us, educational theater is its own unique genre of storytelling. The bright, contagious energy that young adults bring to the stage is unmatched. Students in high school are just starting to dissect their individuality by discovering how they relate to the world. Every rehearsal becomes a laboratory for not only art-making but, perhaps more importantly, for personal growth as well. As we work through the script, we learn something about the human condition with every character we encounter. Sara and I are blessed to bear witness to this process year after year. Some students come to auditions with very little experience while others are practically seasoned professionals. Our job is to bring all levels, personalities, and abilities to the project in such a way that every individual shines his or her unique light to the world. For better or for worse, the theater arts are inherently collaborative. It takes a creative army to produce a main stage musical or play. Among the cast, orchestra, and tech crew the Northwest Catholic Dramateurs are comprised of more than 100 students, 10 staff, and 20 parent volunteers in a given year. Looking back on all the shows I have ever been a part of, we were only as strong as our weakest link. A show can sound spectacular, but if the lighting isn’t designed well, the audience will leave saying, “The singers were great but I couldn’t see them!” The front row of dancers might have wonderful high kicks, but if they aren’t smiling, they have failed to entertain. Even the best director can’t go it alone. She is at the mercy of the team she surrounds herself with, which is why Sara and I always say: “Invest in people instead of stuff.” Over the years we have grown an amazing network of teaching artists, designers, and Broadway professionals who generously bring their expertise to the Dramateurs. Many of these designers, master teachers, and guest directors are people we shared the stage with years ago. Some are even former students. All of them are part of our theater family.
“Anything you do, let it come from you. Give us more to see.” Stephen Sondheim
Excellence in the performing arts requires so much more than talent. Excellence in the performing arts is about teamwork, perseverance, and endurance. It’s about committed, earnest storytelling. It’s about technique and mastery of skill. It’s about what has come before. It’s about passionate problem solving on a budget. It’s about learning by doing. It’s about people. That said, more than the product, the process remains the touchstone of what we do here at Northwest Catholic. Our mission is to make sure every single person involved in the Dramateurs knows how vital he or she is to our collective success. This means each Dramateur is not only loved and welcome but also accountable and committed. Before opening night, Sara always reminds the cast that theater is ephemeral. We rehearse for months yet the company only has one fleeting weekend to actually perform the piece. Audience members have remarked on what a shame it is that the shows fly by so quickly. A comment we often hear is, “All that hard work for only three performances seems like such a disappointment!” Sara and I always smile kindly at these well-meaning folks, but our joy is greater than opening night applause. While the audience has been entertained for a couple of hours by these young artists, it is Sara and I who see the magic of the creative process. And what a magical process it is. The growth from auditions to opening night is simply astounding. It is in that evolution where the bonds are formed. Together we have laughed, cried, fought, celebrated, fallen down, and gotten back up more times than we can count. When a show closes, our hearts break open just a little bit more to make room for the next one. Each and every Dramateur is part of this beautiful story, and we are blessed beyond measure to be a small part of their journey.
An Interview with
Sara DEMOS Avery, Dramateurs Director and Producer Q: Can you please give us a brief history of the Dramateurs at Northwest Catholic? A: I took over the Dramateurs in the 20032004 season. Before me, several great people had led the organization, notably Dan Carney and Jo O’Leary. The Dramateurs had always been a vibrant and important part of the Northwest Catholic community, and many of the teachers that are Northwest Catholic alums have Dramateurs credits to their names (Dan Avery ’97 played Harry McAfee in Bye Bye Birdie to critical acclaim, and Jeff Przech ’92 and Patrick Williamson ’99 can claim the Dramateurs limelight as well.) Q: How long have you been working with the Dramateurs, and can you tell us a few highlights from your time with the program? A: This is my 14th season at the head of this program. I did the math last year, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat marked my 50th production with the Dramateurs, which is pretty incredible. There are many highlights over the years that I look back on with fondness. In the early years it was about bringing this small program into the new age of professional style theater. We had to advocate for growing the level of professionalism of the program in any way we could — lighting, sound equipment, and hiring more professionals to work on staff. Our early shows were simple, but one of my favorite memories was my first show here, God's Favorite by Neil Simon. I had never directed a straight play before, only musicals. Coming from the theater machine that was Conard High School, I was used to a huge staff being in place that would take care of costumes and sets and all the other stuff. When I got to Northwest Catholic, I had to figure it out myself. I got a name from the administration — Rorie Fitzsimons, a NWC alumni parent. He had worked on shows at NWC for years, but hadn't recently. Maybe he would be interested in coming back?
Dan and Sara Demos Avery and their children Charles and Penny.
I called Rorie, and he said he was interested. We met in front of the West Hartford Town Hall. I was a 23 year old kid with no experience; he was a big, jolly man who worked full time at Yale University on technical theater. I remember being so grateful that he was willing to work with me that the first thing I did after he agreed to help was give him a giant hug. And that has pretty much been the essence of our relationship ever since. He has designed every show I have ever directed at NWC, and also works with me on the shows I direct for West Hartford Summer Arts Festival. He has become one of my dearest, most trusted friends. We make an unlikely but perfect team.
skill, to be a Dramateur really only has one requirement: kindness. The beauty of theater, especially the way we do it here at NWC, is that everyone has something to contribute. Everyone has something that makes him or her unique and special, and we truly try to celebrate those individual talents. Those kids who maybe don't have conventional theatrical talent are ultimately most changed by their time with the Dramateurs because they learn to value their own gifts.
I have other fun memories that center around my work with the students. Godspell in 2009 was an especially powerful year because the students, and Kate Morran, Dramateurs’ director/ choreographer, and I built that show as a team. It was very much about a group of artists coming together and creating beautiful moments. There was one point in the show where the Apostles had to say goodbye to Jesus, and I had asked them to think back on a moment of theirs from earlier in the show and try to create a poignant connection with Jesus surrounding it. And then I just let them try it. The first time they did it, I looked at Kate and we both started bawling — it was just perfect. It spoke to the friendships they had made and the characters they had created, and it was beautiful, far more powerful than if I had given them something to do. Those are my favorite kinds of moments.
All students have influenced me in some way, but the ones who I think have a special place for me are those who have used theater to overcome difficulty or adversity. There are so many of our students who struggle with really tough things, and watching them soar above those issues on stage makes me feel so proud. It is really an honor to see them transform — it's the best when other teachers in the building will say things like, "I can't believe how so-and-so came alive on stage! He barely speaks in class! What a star!" Kate and I get to see students in ways that most other teachers never see, and it's our privilege to provide the vehicle for these students to achieve their dreams.
There are the big moments, as the program has grown, that are, of course, magical. The trapeze. The rain. The pools. The technological achievements have been impressive, and they are the moments that everyone can see. Then there are the personal triumphs — watching my children interact with the students at rehearsals. One day as we rehearsed "Come Follow the Band" in Barnum, I looked up to realize that my son was joyfully marching down the aisle and onto the stage with the performers. It's special for me to have my children emulate and look up to young people who I think are outstanding individuals. Q: What kind of student do you think you’ve left the greatest impression on? I think the students who are most moved by their time with the Dramateurs are those who have a hard time finding a home anywhere else. Kate and I spend a lot of time emphasizing the fact that, while to be the star requires talent and
Q: And what kind of student has left the greatest impression on you?
Sara Demos Avery,
Dramateurs Artistic Director and Producer
Q: Lastly, what do you dream for the Dramateurs? When you one day pass the torch, what would you like to see happen for the Dramateurs, and how can all of us reading this interview help to realize that dream? I know with 100% certainty that the Dramateurs will always be first and foremost about heart. Kindness, compassion, and inclusion will always be the cornerstones of our organization. Those are the things that Kate and I promise to the students. What the program needs are cheerleaders. These kids make it look easy, but the amount of work and time and money that goes into these productions is staggering. We need full houses every night, every performance, every show. We need you to come see these kids, whether you know them or not, and value their work, value who they are. Make the arts, particularly art with heart, like NWC provides, absolutely vital to your life. That will keep this organization the vibrant, essential part of this community for years to come.
Sara Demos Avery is in her 14th year at the helm of the NWC Dramateurs. Additionally she has served as the artistic director of the West Hartford Summer Arts Festival for the past seven years, overseeing productions of Gypsy ’10, Thoroughly Modern Millie ’11, Hairspray ’12, Guys and Dolls ’13, On the Town ’14, West Side Story ’15 and Beauty and the Beast ’16. She directed the musicals at Conard High School for the ’03 and ’04 seasons, and has served on the faculty for the Summer Vocal Institute: Musical Theatre Intensive Jr. program at the Hartt Community Division. She has her 30+ Masters credits in educational administration through the University of Scranton.
Dramateurs is more than a club: it’s a family. They are there for you on your best days and help you get through your worst ones. I graduated high school in 2015 and was soon after diagnosed with cancer. I owe a lot of my progression to remission to the Dramateurs. They
were always there
for me. The Dramateurs evolve every year because of the
dedication of Mrs. Avery and Miss Morran, and it is humbling to know I was part of that evolution. We defined ourselves as a family, and family doesn't have to see each other every day, week, or month. When we do, it's like we never left.”
Charles Faselle ’15
Nothing made me feel more at home than being on stage and performing. The Dramateurs
not only gave me some of my best memories of high school, they also helped me become more confident as an adult, both in college and in the work force. I was able to establish better relationships, learned interviewing and public speaking skills, and was prepared for long work weeks because of those tech weeks leading up to a show. If I could re-do high school, my only change would be to participate in more of the school’s productions. Mrs. Avery and Miss Kate encouraged us to be ourselves, inspired creativity, and made us a part of something great.”
Danielle (Zaugg) Lawrence ’06
I have a lot of love for my high school drama department. Even ten years removed from Northwest Catholic, I am still super close to my friends from the Dramateurs, to the point where I’m currently working on projects (both theaterrelated and not) with a couple of them. From the first blocking rehearsal of my first NWC show (Bye Bye Birdie, 2004), I knew I had found a home. Being
a member of the Dramateurs was the most inclusive experience of my life. I’ve never felt like I was part of a family more
than I did at rehearsals with the Dramateurs.”
Ben Tomaiuolo ’07
What can I say about the Dramateurs? Being a Dramateur made my entire high school career. It is what I look back on most fondly. Not only was the theater an outlet for artistic expression, but it was also important to my social development and well-being. I
was given unconditional support and acceptance through the program, not just by my mentors Mama D. and Miss Kate, but through the lasting relationships I made with my friends there. It wasn't always roses, but we made the best out of what we had, and we enjoyed every last minute.”
Caitlin Gilbert ’05 T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 • 17
I N T H E A RT S
Kevin Kearns ’16 and Ian D’Arcangelo ’16 were honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School Outstanding Arts Awards Banquet.
Students Honored for Their Work in the Arts Ian D’Arcangelo ’16 and Kevin Kearns ’16 were honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School Outstanding Arts Awards Banquet. The CAS Outstanding Arts Awards Banquet annually recognizes two seniors in each high school for outstanding ability in the performing or visual arts. The students are chosen by their school to receive this honor. The banquet, with over 1,300 in attendance, is sponsored by Jostens and Bearingstar Insurance. D’Arcangelo of Avon is both an artist and musician. He played bass in the Northwest Catholic Big Band, Unified Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, Pit Band, String Orchestra, and Jazz Combo. He also participated in Jazz Cabaret Night, the Berklee College Jazz Fest, Manchester High School Jazz Fest, Infinity Hall Hartford, Celebrate! West Hartford, and Avon Day. Ian took several visual arts courses at Northwest Catholic, including AP Studio Art as a senior. He designed program covers for Northwest Catholic events and designed a logo for the nonprofit charity “Trumpets Not Guns.” Ian also wrote and produced a few short films. He now attends the University of Connecticut. Kearns of Simsbury is a multi-faceted musician. He was a member of the Big Band, Jazz Choir, and Jazz Combo for four years, performed with the Honors Wind Ensemble for three years, and sang in the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Kevin represented Northwest Catholic in the 2015 NAfME All-National Mixed Choir Honor Ensemble his senior year and performed in the CMEA All-State Chorus as a sophomore and junior. In his junior year he was named the number one singer in the group. He also participated in the CMEA Northern Regional Honor Ensembles as both a singer and a jazz pianist. During his senior year Kevin created and directed a Unified Jazz program. He now attends Harvard University and sings in the acappella group, Din & Tonics.
18 • L O G O S
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
Students Named to AllNational Music Ensembles Sarah Jessen ’17 (trumpet) of Colebrook and Kevin Kearns ’16 (bass voice) of Simsbury were named to the 2015 NAfME All-National Symphony Orchestra and Mixed Choir Honor Ensembles, respectively, sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Jessen and Kearns joined 670 of the most musically talented and skilled high school students in the United States for a once-in-a-lifetime experience: performing at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee last October. These exceptional students, named the “best of the best” out of approximately 2.5 million students nationwide from local, district, and state music festivals, rehearsed a repertoire of remarkably challenging music. They performed under the baton of some of the most prominent conductors in the United States: Jung-Ho Pak, Artistic Director and Conductor of Cape Symphony and Music Director Emeritus of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra; and Ann Howard Jones, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Boston University. “Sarah and Kevin are well-deserving of this honor. They practice their craft diligently every day,” states Daniel Luddy ’03, Director of Instrumental Music at Northwest Catholic. Both students also participated in the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s All-State ensembles.
IN THE A RT S
NWC Hosts Annual Christmas Concert
Daniel Luddy ’03 conducts the band at the Christmas concert.
Katalin Viszmeg conducts the string ensemble.
CMEA musicians Michael Foster ’19, Katharine Jessen ’17, Emily Driscoll ’17, Sarah Jessen ’17, and Jenna Creighton ’17
Students Perform in CMEA Ensembles Five students performed in the Connecticut Music Educators Association’s Northern Region ensembles. Katharine Jessen ’17 and Sarah Jessen ’17 of Colebrook performed in the orchestra. Jenna Creighton ’17 of West Hartford and Michael Foster ’19 of Wethersfield performed in the band. Emily Driscoll ’17 of Avon sang in the choir. Director of Instrumental Music Daniel Luddy ’03 is thrilled with the students’ achievements. “These five musicians worked hard to achieve this honor,” he said. “The experience they had working with top conductors and talented musicians from other schools was both fun and challenging.”
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6 • 19
I N TH E A RT S
The Cast of Anne of Green Gables. Charles Gfeller ’18 as Moody Spurgeon, Anderson Murphy ’17 as Diana Barry, Julia Christolini ’16 as Josie Pye (front row) Sarah Loitz ’18 as Florence Remsen, Jacquelyn Collas ’16 as Marilla Cuthbert, Anthony Lenczewski ’16 as Matthew Cuthbert, Destiny Benejan ’19 as Minnie Stern (second row) Mary Velazquez ’19 as Mrs. Alexander Spencer, Avery Hatch ’16 as Mrs. Rachel Lynde, Lauren Mangine ’16 as Anne Shirley, Ava DeMartino ’18 as Mrs. Mildred Barry, Darius Cygler ’16 as Gilbert Blythe (third row) Sarah Lazor ’19 as Mrs. Allan, Daniel Ogbonna ’18 as Ira Mills (back row)
Northwest Catholic Presents Anne of Green Gables Northwest Catholic High School’s Dramateurs performed Anne of Green Gables adapted from L. M. Montgomery’s novel by Alice Chadwicke. Green Gables is the home of lovable Matthew Cuthbert and his stern sister, Marilla. They agree to adopt a boy to help with the farm work. Imagine their consternation when Anne Shirley, a girl in her teens, is sent by the orphanage by mistake! Anne’s vivid imagination touches Matthew’s heart and his charitable viewpoint, but it takes time to reach the tender heart beneath Marilla’s hard exterior. This lovely classic is very simple and full of warmth and wit. The show was directed by Sara Demos Avery and Kate Morran.
Jacquelyn Collas ’16 as Marilla Cuthbert (center); Darius Cygler ’16 as Gilbert Blythe and Anthony Lenczewski ’16 as Matthew Cuthbert (right); Avery Hatch ’16 as Mrs. Rachel Lynde and Lauren Mangine ’16 as Anne Shirley (left).
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NWC’s Annual Spring Art Show and Dance Recital
Students admire their peers’ artwork at the annual Spring Art Show and Dance Recital.
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Students Finish in Top 10 of Statewide Poster Contest Three Northwest Catholic students placed in the top 10 of the Connecticut Fair Housing Center’s 2016 Fair Housing Poster Contest. The students’ work was selected out of 100+ entries submitted from across Connecticut. Sydney Samele ’17 of New Hartford took 2nd place, Yeji Jang ’18 of West Simsbury took 6th place, and Mary Velazquez ’19 of Southington took 7th place. The theme of the contest was Equity vs. Equality, and entries were judged on the clarity of that theme in the poster, as well as the poster’s overall concept, neatness, and creativity.
NWC Musicians Take Top Honors at Berklee Jazz Festival Northwest Catholic’s Big Band and Jazz Singers performed at the Berklee High School Jazz Festival in Boston in February, with the Big Band earning first place in the Large Ensemble category. Individual Judge’s Choice Awards were presented to Kevin Kearns ’16 of the Jazz Singers and Sarah Jessen ’17 of the Big Band. Jessen was also recognized for Outstanding Musicianship in the Big Band’s Large Ensemble category.
As the runner up, Samele received a $300 cash prize and was honored at the Loving Dinner Awards in April. All entries were featured in a Gallery Display at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. “It is wonderful that our students were able to participate and receive such high recognition in a visual arts contest that truly fuses our students’ artistic skills and creative vision with the mission of our Catholic school,” said Elizabeth Lynch McCarthy ’94, Dean of Students and Chair of the Fine & Performing Arts Department.
Sydney Samele ‘17 wins 2nd place in the 2016 Fair Housing Poster Contest.
Judge’s Choice winner Kevin Kearns ’16 and NWC Director of Choral Studies Daniel Avery ’97.
Yeji Jang ’18 wins 6th place.
Judge’s Choice winner Sarah Jessen ’17 and NWC Director of Instrumental Music Daniel Luddy ’03. Mary Velazquez ’19 wins 7th place.
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Gabriella Fenton ’17, Emily Driscoll ’17, Lauren Mangine ’16, Allyson Voelker ’17 in the Jazz Singers.
Deanna Casey ’16 plays the violin in the Big Band.
Northwest Catholic Holds Ninth Annual Jazz Cabaret Night The annual spring event featured performances by Northwest Catholic’s Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Singers, and Big Band, as well as gourmet refreshments and exciting raffle and door prizes. Proceeds from the event benefited the music department, defraying the cost for new instruments and music, guest performers and clinicians, and music festival fees and buses. David Ogbonna ’17, James Sullivan ’18, John Sullivan ’18, Daniel Ogbonna ’18, Gabriella Fenton ’17 in the Jazz Singers.
The Big Band at the Jazz Caberet.
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Dramateurs Win Halo Awards for its Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The NWC Dramateurs’ spring musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was honored with two awards at the 13th Annual Halo Awards, presented at the Palace Theater in Waterbury in May. David Ogbonna ’17 won the award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Judah, and Vaniah Delancy ’16 won Best Featured Dancer for her portrayal of Potiphar’s Wife. The production had been nominated for six awards in total. Other nominations included Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Classical Musical (Anthony Lenczewski ’16 as Joseph), Best Hair and/or Makeup Design (Ava DeMartino ’18), Best Specialty Ensemble (Joseph’s Family for “Those Canaan Days”), and Best Classical Musical. The musical tells the Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.
Director and choreographer Kate Morran and artistic director and producer Sara Demos Avery stand in front of the Alice C. Mortensen Theater.
The production was directed by Sara Demos Avery and Kate Morran.
Emily Driscoll ’17, Lauren Mangine ’16, Jacquelyn Collas ’16, Lindsey Voelker ’19, Margo Lipari ’17
Anthony Lenczewski ’16 as Joseph during the song “Any Dream Will Do.”
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David Ogbonna ’17 as Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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Upcoming Spring Arts Events The Northwest Catholic Dramateurs Proudly Present THE LITTLE MERMAID Richard Rice Auditorium Friday, March 31st at 7:30pm Saturday, April 1st at 7:30pm Sunday, April 2nd at 2pm For more information visit NorthwestCatholic.org/LittleMermaid
JAZZ NIGHT | Saturday, May 6th @7:00pm SPRING CONCERT | Tuesday, May 16th @7:00pm SPRING ART SHOW & DANCE RECITAL Thursday, May 18th @6:30pm
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Archbishop Blair and the class of 2016. Archbishop Leonard P. Blair visited Northwest Catholic October 23, 2015. He met with members of the class of 2016 for a question and answer session, followed by lunch. The seniors were encouraged to ask questions, with topics ranging from church teachings to advice on maintaining a spiritual life in high school, college, and beyond.
Archbishop Blair fields a question from the audience.
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Archbishop Blair meets with a group of students during his visit to campus.
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Civil Rights Arts Project Comes to NWC NWC celebrated Black History Month February 29, 2016 with a performance by the Civil Rights Arts Project – an interactive dramatization of the 1963 events in Birmingham, Alabama. During this time children and teenagers were called upon to revive a civil rights campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 40-minute performance featured freedom songs, speeches, and testimonies. Students were encouraged to participate. A question and answer session followed the dramatization. Northwest Catholic student Daniel Ogbonna ’18 spoke with the performers afterward, asking why the story of the Birmingham Children’s March needs to be told. Ogbonna summarized their response: “They said it was important to show that the Civil Rights Movement was not a oneman show. Kids were an important part of it and this performance gives them, the foot soldiers, the credit they deserve.” Ogbonna said he believed the performance “was a vehicle for education, something that brought a new perspective to the Civil Rights Movement.”
Top: Juniors present their candles during Junior Investiture when students are given a new role in the school community. Bottom: Student receives a cross at Junior Investiture. The cross is an important symbol of the student’s new responsibilities.
Civil Rights Arts Project comes to NWC during Black History Month.
NWC holds voter registration drive for eligible students.
Northwest Catholic High School Student Meets with CT Congressional Delegation Gianna Molinari ’17 of Windsor Locks participated in a trip to Washington, D.C. as part of her squadron in Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Every year the Civil Air Patrol visits Washington, D.C. as part of their Legislative Day. During the squadron's visit, the participants met with Congressman John Larson and other members of the Connecticut Congressional delegation. Molinari was recently promoted to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant and is the first sergeant at her squadron. Loren Davis ’19 is also a member of the squadron.
Gianna Molinari ’17 (far right) with members of her Civil Air Patrol squadron and Congressman John Larson.
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United States District Judge Michael P. Shea ’85 Discusses Judicial System with Students
U.S. District Judge Michael Shea ’85 discusses the judicial system with AP Government students. Top: Freshman Contact Team welcomes the class of 2019. Bottom: The class of 2019 participates in orientation.
United States District Judge Michael P. Shea ’85 returned to Northwest Catholic March 2, 2016 to speak to Advanced Placement U.S. Government students about his experience with the U.S. judicial system, including the process of being nominated as a district judge and what the position involves. He also took questions from students about the court system and current legal issues being debated around the country. AP Government teacher Paul Fitzpatrick said, “It was a privilege for our AP United States Government students to learn about the federal judiciary from Judge Shea. He did a wonderful job describing the role of the courts in our system of checks and balances as well as explaining the application of the Constitution in our daily lives. We all greatly appreciate his taking the time from a very busy schedule to field questions posed by our seniors.”
Class President Matthew Sottile ’16 and Director of Advancement Patricia Walsh congratulate the class of 2016 on becoming alumni.
Judge Shea graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He graduated from Yale Law School, where he served as a senior editor of the Yale Law Journal, in 1993. After graduating from law school, Judge Shea clerked for Judge James L. Buckley of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He then joined Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP as an associate, first in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office, then in its Brussels, Belgium office. In 1998 Judge Shea returned to Hartford and joined Day, Berry & Howard LLP, now known as Day Pitney LLP, as an associate, becoming a partner in 2003. He also chaired the firm’s appellate practice group. Throughout his career in private practice, Judge Shea maintained an active pro bono practice, receiving awards from both the Hartford County and Connecticut Bar Associations for his work on behalf of indigent persons in criminal and civil cases. He was sworn in as a United States District Judge on December 31, 2012.
Kyara Heredia ’18 was a Youth Employment Student (YEP) last summer and participated in an internship at ButlerMcCook House and Garden in Hartford.
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Kyara Heredia ’18 (far left) stands with the other Youth Employment Students (YEP) and program advisors in Hartford.
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Tchaka Shepherd MD ’90 Meets with Students at Northwest Catholic Tchaka Shepherd, MD ’90 is a trauma surgeon and the director of the Trauma/ Critical Care Division at St. Francis Medical Center in Southeast Los Angeles, CA. A Hartford native, he was an only child who immersed himself in life at Northwest Catholic. He was on the track and football teams, he joined the Spanish Club and several class committees, and he was in the ACTS class. He earned a BS degree in Biology at Morehouse College in Atlanta and his medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville. After six years of training in general surgery in Southern California, he came back East to complete a trauma/critical care fellowship at the Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, MD. “During my matriculation at NWC, I was a young man searching for answers regarding the complexity of AfricanAmerican life in America. It occasionally led to interesting and intriguing situations. The Northwest Catholic community was an integral part of my growth and development, and for that I will always be grateful. I am currently living in California because unfortunately we are one of the nation’s leaders when it comes to gang-related violent crimes. I am involved in several violence-intervention programs in the hopes of stemming the current tide of excessive teen violence. My most vivid memory of NWC? This may
Tchaka Shepherd, MD ’90 and John Mirabello NWC teacher and coach during Dr. Shepherd’s visit.
surprise many, but it’s Patricia Juda. She challenged me to be better than I ever thought I could be. She challenged me to seek excellence, and that I can never
repay. The first word that pops into my mind when I hear Northwest Catholic? Home. The Northwest community will be forever a part of my extended family.”
Tchaka Shepherd, MD ’90 stands with students during his visit. Abigail Herron ’16, Shemar Laurent ’17, Daniel Adebimpe ’17, Elijah Warner ’17, Megan Lowe ’17, Tyler Sisk ’16, former Principal Margaret Williamson.
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Retired Naval Aviator and Former Army Officer Make Veteran’s Day Presentation NWC welcomed two U.S. veterans for a special Veteran’s Day assembly November 11, 2015. Captain Robert Leeds ’73, USN, Ret. and Army Capt. Matthew Lecours ’05 spoke to the students about their experiences in the military and how those experiences influenced their lives. Capt. Leeds entered the Navy via the Aviation Officer Candidate School after attending Providence College. He was commissioned an ensign and later earned his Naval Flight Officer wings with a specialty in Electronic Warfare. He became the Commanding Officer in Rota, Spain and was later assigned to the Pentagon. In 2004 after 26 years of service, Capt. Leeds retired from the Navy; however, he stayed on at the Pentagon for eight years, specializing in unmanned aerial vehicle development. He is now a volunteer docent at the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum and is an associate scout for the San Diego Padres baseball team. Capt. Lecours began his military career as a member of the Army ROTC program at the University of Scranton, where he studied
Army Capt. Matthew Lecours ’05 speaks to the student body about his experiences in the military.
political science. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Adjutant General’s Corps in 2009 and was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team in Fort Drum, New York where he was a
personnel officer for a field artillery battalion. Capt. Lecours deployed to Afghanistan for 13 months where he lived on a small forward operating base. Capt. Lecours now works for Bloomberg LP.
Army Captain Matthew Lecours ’05, Captain Robert Leeds ’73, USN, Ret., former Principal Margaret Williamson, President & Chief Administrator David Eustis during the 2015 Veteran’s Day presentation.
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Rice Auditorium Gets New Look In December 2015 the 700+ seats of the Richard Rice Auditorium were removed for remodeling. The seats received new cushions, metal work, and ball bearings, essentially becoming brand new seats. While the seats were removed, asbestos was abated from the auditorium floor.
Capitan Robert Leeds ’73, USN, Ret. talks with Lauren Contenta ’16 during a reception in the Atrium. New seats and carpeting mark the completion of the renovation of the Rice Auditorium. The refurbished seats and new carpeting mark the completion of the renovation of the Rice Auditorium. Since the summer of 2012, new state-of-the-art sound, video projection, and lighting systems have been installed. The auditorium has been air conditioned, and new curtains, rigging, and flooring have been added to the stage. Naming opportunities are still available for our newly renovated seats. For more details visit: NorthwestCatholic.org/NameASeat
Jazz Choir performs during Veteran’s Day celebration.
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A Heartfelt Thank You In June Northwest Catholic said thank you and farewell to Mrs. Margaret Williamson. Mrs. Williamson worked at Northwest Catholic for 29 years in a variety of roles, most recently as principal. She is currently the principal of St. Mary’s School in Simsbury. To honor Margaret’s legacy, NWC created a scholarship in her name, the Margaret R. Williamson Scholarship. For more information, visit: NorthwestCatholic.org/Williamson
A message from Patrick Williamson ’99, Margaret Williamson’s son and NWC technology coordinator and head coach of cross country and track & field. I think it is illustrative of Mom’s dedication to and love for NWC that my sisters and I all went into some form of the “family business.” Meghan is an elementary teacher and reading specialist, Kate is pursuing her PhD in School Psychology, and I do what I do at Northwest Catholic. Mom showed us the value of not only providing an education to our students, but caring for the development of the young people in our charge. My sisters and I grew up loving Northwest Catholic, of course; but, moreover, we grew up to love what Mom demonstrated to us here as children, as students, and, for me, with the honor of being a coworker. The three of us loved Northwest because she loved it, and we wouldn’t be the same people without her example. Northwest Catholic has been lucky to have her, but not nearly so much as we have. Margaret is the mother of three Northwest Catholic graduates: Patrick Williamson ’99, Meghan Williamson Lawson ’03, Kathleen Williamson ’08.
Former NWC principal Margaret Williamson was honored last June for 29 years of service.
Nick Lawson, Patrick ’99, Brian, Margaret, Kathleen ’08, Meghan ’03
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Sydney Samele ’17 & Margaret Williamson
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Margaret pictured with NWC board chair Bill Carew and President & Chief Administrator, David Eustis.
Sisters Christina Carreira ’07 and Sabrina Carreira ’15 returned to NWC for Mrs. Williamson’s farewell party in June.
A message from Colby Thresher, long-time friend and associate of Margaret Williamson’s, dedicated NWC parent volunteer with a 38 year history with the school, and most recently advancement officer. Colby retired from NWC in December 2016 after 16 years of service. Where did all those years go, Margaret? It seems unimaginable that we have known each other for 29 years. The time has flown since you arrived at Northwest Catholic, when Anita and I were sending four young people through the school, and you were the brand new assistant principal for academics in those exciting Frascadore/Griffin/ Williamson years. Your work over those 29 years can only be defined as legendary. You have poured your heart and soul into Northwest Catholic, and it is stronger for it. Being a lover of statistics, if I were to try to total the hours you spent at NWC, leading, supporting, and cheering, it would produce a result of well over 100,000, and much likely higher. You have been the backbone of this fine school. I wish you the very best as you complete a valued and fine career in Catholic education at St. Mary’s School in Simsbury. Anita and I look forward to being able to drop by now and then to observe your continued good work.
Friends lined up to say thank you.
A message from Joyce O’Rourke, director of guidance at Northwest Catholic and colleague to Margaret Williamson for 27 years. Throughout her career at Northwest Catholic, Margaret not only demonstrated her commitment to Catholic education but she emerged into a passionate leader and mentor as well. Whether she was setting the strategic direction of the school, collaborating with a teacher, or interacting with a student, Margaret displayed her dedication to Northwest Catholic through her words, actions, and presence. What sets Margaret apart from most of her contemporaries is her unbelievable stamina. She exhibited, and continues to exhibit, incredible energy and enthusiasm for the Northwest Catholic community by attending just about every religious, athletic, fine arts, and fundraising event. I have always been impressed that while embracing her role in the NWC community, Margaret also remained current with outside religious, educational, and community responsibilities. Margaret serves in leadership roles on Archdiocesan committees, with Catholic Charities, the local American Cancer Society, and many more.
Kathleen ’08 honors her mother at her farewell party in June.
As a colleague who’s known Margaret Williamson for more than twenty years, I am proud and honored to share these thoughts on her behalf. While it is hard to sum up 29 years, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. You are truly an amazing person, and we wish the very best for you.
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Grandparents’ Day 2016 Members of the class of 2019 showed off Northwest Catholic to their grandparents during the school’s annual Grandparents’ Day held May 13, 2016. The grandparents enjoyed a presentation from President & Chief Administrator David Eustis as well as performances by NWC student musicians. They also toured the school and had lunch with their grandchildren.
James Nicholas ’19 with Mary Nicholas
Andrew Wendorff ’19 with German and Luz Wendorff
Hope Moustakakis ’19 with Janice DaPonte
Samuel Deveau ’19 with the Deveaus and Sandra DuRante
Gianna Rosato ’19 and Emily Noll ’18 with Joyce Noll
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Annie Alissi ’19 with Jo-anne Alissi
Justin Mathew ’19 with Thomas and Sheila Mathew
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Graduation June 8, 2016
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CL A S S OF 2016! Graduates of the class of 2016 are currently attending the following colleges and universities: Arcadia University
Ohio University
Assumption College
Pace University
Babson College
Providence College
Becker College
Quinnipiac University
Boston College
Regis College
Bowdoin College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Brown University
Roger Williams University
Bryant University
Rutgers University
Central CT State University
Saint Anselm College
Clark University
Saint Michael’s College
Colgate University
Salve Regina University
College of Charleston
Seton Hall University
College of the Holy Cross
Siena College
College of William & Mary
Southern Connecticut State University
Colorado College
St. John’s University
Connecticut College
Stevens Institute of Technology
Curry College
Stonehill College
Drexel University
Suffolk University
Eastern CT State University
Syracuse University
Elms College
Tufts University
Elon University
United States Marine Corps
Emerson College
University of Arizona
Emmanuel College
University of California at San Diego
Endicott College
University of Connecticut
Fairfield University
University of Delaware
Florida International University
University of Hartford
Fordham University
University of New England
Georgetown University
University of New Hampshire
Gettysburg College
University of Rhode Island
Harvard College
University of Saint Joseph
High Point University
University of Scranton
Keene State College
University of South Carolina
King’s College
University of South Dakota
Lafayette College
University of the Arts
Manchester Community College
Utica College
Marist College
Villanova University
Marymount Manhattan College
Wake Forest University
Merrimack College
Western CT State University
Middlebury College
Western New England University
Mount Saint Mary College
Widener University
Northeastern University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northwestern University
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KUDOS TO...
Kevin Kearns Class of 2016 Valedictorian Kevin Kearns ’16 of Simsbury was the valedictorian of Northwest Catholic High School’s Class of 2016. The son of Connie and Jay Kearns ’75, Kevin was an outstanding student and a talented musician at Northwest Catholic. Kevin was a member of the Big Band, Jazz Choir, and Jazz Combo for four years; performed with the Honors Wind Ensemble for three years; and had also sung in the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir. Kevin represented Northwest Catholic in the 2015 NAfME All-National Mixed Choir Honor Ensemble his senior year and performed in the CMEA All-State Chorus as a sophomore and junior. As a junior he was named the number one singer in the group. He also participated in the CMEA Northern Regional Honor Ensembles as both a singer and a jazz pianist. During his senior year
Abigail Herron Class of 2016 Salutatorian Abigail Herron ’16 of West Simsbury was the salutatorian of Northwest Catholic High School’s Class of 2016. The daughter of Peter and Carrie Herron, Abigail was an outstanding student-athlete and active member of the Northwest Catholic community. During her years at NWC, Abigail was a member of the field hockey and lacrosse teams, serving as captain of the lacrosse team her senior year. She was the sports editor for the school newspaper Passages, participated in the school’s ski club, and served as a tutor for ConnectiKids. Abigail was a member of
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the National Honor Society and was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar. She was also named a 2016 CIAC Scholar Athlete. “Abby is a valued member of our community through her academics, athletics, and community service,” states Northwest Catholic President & Chief Administrator David Eustis. “She is a notable leader in our school and will be greatly missed.” Abigail is a parishioner at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury and attends Boston College.
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Kevin created and directed a Unified Jazz program. He was a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, and was a “Superintendent’s Summa Scholar,” meaning he was in the top 5% of his graduating class through the first semester of grade 12. Kevin was also honored at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) High School Outstanding Arts Awards Banquet. “Kevin has had an amazing high school career – academically, musically, and in his service to others,” notes Northwest Catholic President & Chief Administrator David Eustis. “He’s a self-starter who is driven to succeed and embodies all that Northwest Catholic stands for.” Kevin is a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena in Simsbury and attends Harvard University.
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Archdiocese Names Seven Northwest Catholic Students as Summa Scholars Seven outstanding seniors from Northwest Catholic were named Superintendent’s Summa Scholars in recognition of superior academic achievement. To qualify for the award, which was given to 52 seniors from the eight Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford, students needed to be in the top 5% of their graduating class through the first semester of grade 12. The students were honored during a ceremony and reception at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield on May 2.
Bryan Deneen ’16 of Windsor honored Scott Fletcher, NWC science teacher.
Caroline Banevicius ’16 of West Hartford honored Virginia Murphy, NWC science teacher.
Each Summa Scholar was invited to name the teacher from a Catholic elementary or secondary school who had been the most influential in the student’s education. These teachers were also honored during the ceremony. The Summa Scholars received bronze medallions engraved with their names, the crest of the Archdiocese, and a prayer: "May you find truth through faith, knowledge, and wisdom." The students presented certificates of recognition to their mentor teacher.
Alexandra Wendorff ’16 of West Hartford honored Deborah Metzler, NWC math teacher.
Abigail Herron ’16 of West Simsbury honored Jennifer Montoney, NWC science teacher.
Kevin Kearns ’16 of Simsbury honored Deborah Metzler, NWC math teacher.
Northwest Catholic’s Summa Scholars and the teachers they selected are: Caroline Banevicius ’16 of West Hartford, now at Tufts University, honored Virginia Murphy, NWC science teacher. Bryan Deneen ’16 of Windsor, now at Georgetown University, honored Scott Fletcher, NWC science teacher.
Abigail Herron ’16 of West Simsbury, now at Boston College, honored Jennifer Montoney, NWC science teacher.
Ana Mangini ’16 of West Hartford, now at Fordham University, honored Deborah Metzler, NWC math teacher.
Kevin Kearns ’16 of Simsbury, now at Harvard University, honored Deborah Metzler, NWC math teacher.
Sarah Neubert ’16 of West Hartford, now at Northwestern University, honored Virginia Murphy, NWC science teacher.
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Alexandra Wendorff ’16 of West Hartford, now at Northeastern University, honored Deborah Metzler, NWC math teacher.
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KUDOS TO... Northwest Catholic High School Advanced Placement Scholars, 2016 National AP Scholar Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams. John Carew ’16 Haoyi Shang ’16
AP Scholars Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams. Diana Cao ’16 Rachel Conover ’17 Jenna Creighton ’17 Darius Cygler ’16 Kelsey Dornfried ’16 Gabriela Doskos ’17 John Dudley ’17 Christian Dunn ’16 Olivia Emmanuel ’16 Emily Grandell ’16 Amelia Janaskie ’16 Sarah Jessen ’17 Patrick Lazor ’16 Henry McKenna ’16 Connor Murphy ’16 Taryn Nguyen ’16 Ann O’Meara ’16 Abby Oostendorp ’16 Taylor Pane ’17 Mary Papandrea ’16 Erika Peterson ’16 John Pham ’16 Natalie Smith ’17 Adam Sorrentino ’16 Allyson Voelker ’17 Mary Wood ’17 Yiwei Yuan ’17
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AP Scholars with Distinction
Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Caroline Banevicius ’16 Julia Christolini ’16 Bryan Deneen ’16 Jessica Eskander ’16 Caroline Gill ’16 Avery Hatch ’16 Kevin Kearns ’16 Guangkuo Liu ’16 Will Moustakakis ’16 Sarah Neubert ’16 Timothy O’Donnell ’16 Matthew Sottile ’16 Samuel Spak ’16 Rachel Sullivan ’16 Alexandra Wendorff ’16
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AP Scholars with Honor Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. Emma Barnes ’16 Annamma Chaluparambil ’16 Theresa Dao ’16 Ian D’Arcangelo ’16 Louis de Benoist ’17 Kieran Ferrell ’16 Kirsten Greene ’16 Oliver Hasson ’16 Abigail Herron ’16 Katharine Jessen ’17 Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 Colleen McAnaney ’16 Kaitlin McGuire ’16 Tyler Sisk ’16 Erin Tully ’16
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Eleven Northwest Catholic Students Named National Merit Commended Scholars Eleven members of the class of 2016 were named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program, based on their exceptional performance on the PSAT/ NMSQTs in October 2014. This is the highest number of Commended Students in the last 10 years at Northwest Catholic. The students are Caroline Banevicius ’16 of West Hartford, Emma Barnes ’16 of West
Hartford, John Carew ’16 of Simsbury, Darius Cygler ’16 of New Britain, Bryan Deneen ’16 of Windsor, Jessica Eskander ’16 of East Longmeadow, Kevin Kearns ’16 of Simsbury, Will Moustakakis ’16 of West Hartford, Sarah Neubert ’16 of West Hartford, Timothy O’Donnell ’16 of Windsor, and Rachel Sullivan ’16 of Granby. These students are among the 5% highest- scoring of the more
than 1.5 million students who took the exam. “All of us at Northwest Catholic congratulate and celebrate the accomplishments of these wonderful students,” said Northwest Catholic President & Chief Administrator Dave Eustis. “Their thirst for learning and the enthusiasm in which they contribute to our community makes them natural leaders. We look forward to their accomplishments in the years to come.”
Members of the class of 2016 named Commended Students by the National Merit Scholarship Program: Caroline Banevicius ’16, Jessica Eskander ’16, Emma Barnes ’16, Rachel Sullivan ’16, and Sarah Neubert ’16 (front row). Timothy O’Donnell ’16, Will Moustakakis ’16, Darius Cygler ’16, Bryan Deneen ’16, John Carew ’16, and Kevin Kearns ’16 (back row).
39 Seniors Earn First Honors Every Semester
Thirty-nine students from the class of ’16 earned First Honors (a minimum 3.67 grade-pointaverage) 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 on March 10, 2016, where guest speakers Dr. David Grew ’00, a radiation oncologist at St. Francis Hospital, and Jennifer Jacobs Grew ’99, a public finance attorney, addressed the audience.
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KUDOS TO... NWC Students Excel in American Mathematics Contest In February Northwest Catholic competed in the American Mathematics Contest sponsored by the Mathematics Association of America. In the AMC 10, given to 9th and 10th graders, Michael Foster ’19 took first place. Dawid Karpiej ’18 and Justin Lam ’18 tied for second place. Rounding out the top four was Matthew Villani ’19. In the AMC 12, given to 11th and 12th graders, Kevin Kearns ’16 took first place, followed by Weiting Hong ’17, Guangkuo Liu ’16, Katharine Jessen ’17, and Tao Shi ’16.
Two Northwest Catholic Students Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates
U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate Jessica Eskander ’16.
U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate Timothy O'Donnell ’16.
Jessica Eskander ’16 and Timothy O’Donnell ’16 were named candidates in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars program.
school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character, and involvement in community and school activities. The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is not a scholarship, but students who have been chosen receive an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. and are honored with a medallion at a ceremony sponsored by the White House.
The 4,000 candidates, including 110 from Connecticut, were selected for their exceptional performance on either the College Board SAT or the ACT Assessment. Further consideration is based on students’ essays, selfassessments, descriptions of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, now in its 52nd year, is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high
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“We are very proud of what Tim and Jessica have accomplished and wish them the best as they go forward in the process,” said former Northwest Catholic Principal Margaret Williamson.
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Two Members of the Class of ’16 Recognized in West Hartford Terrific Teens Publication Will Moustakakis ’16 and Kaitlin McGuire ’16 were featured in West Hartford Magazine’s special edition Terrific Teens this past October. Moustakakis, now at Lafayette College, was an active member of the Northwest Catholic community during his time at the school. He played varsity soccer and trumpet in the jazz band. He was also president of the Young Democrats of America club and a member of the National Honor Society. When interviewed for receiving this honor, Moustakakis was asked to choose a hero, and he pointed to Nelson Mandela. Moustakakis said, “[Mandela] was simply the greatest human being of all time. He never conceded his beliefs. Always stayed true
to his authentic self. Through all his sacrifices, he was able to become the first black president of South Africa.” Kaitlin McGuire ’16 now at the College of the Holy Cross was also an active and outstanding citizen at NWC. She played varsity volleyball, was a member of the student recruitment committee, tutored through the Connectikids program, and volunteered for Special Olympics. When asked who inspired her, Kaitlin said her high school English teacher, Joan Keating-McKeon. “[S]he demanded we do our best….She taught me that failure wasn’t an option.”
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KUDOS TO... NWC Students Honored for Excellence in Academics and Service Northwest Catholic honored students in all academic disciplines during its 2016 Academic Award Ceremony. Students were also honored for their commitment to service and their leadership skills.
Academic And Service Awards 2016 Outstanding Achievement In Academics English Freshman English Michael Stamm ’19 Sophomore English Dylan Rispoli ’18 Junior English Katharine Jessen ’17 Senior English Kieran Ferrell ’16 World Languages AP French Caroline Gill ’16 Honors Latin III- IV Abigail Herron ’16 AP Spanish Annamma Chaluparambil ’16 AP Chinese IV Kevin Kearns ’16 Mathematics Mathematics I Mathematics II Mathematics III Mathematics IV
Michael Stamm ’19 Dylan Rispoli ’18 Dung Nguyen ’17 Kevin Kearns ’16
Fine and Performing Arts Artist of the Year Yiwei Yuan (Rain) ’16 Choral Music Megan Grandell ’16 Instrumental Music Erin Tully ’16 Musical Theater Anthony Lenczewski ’16 Theater Lauren Mangine ’16 Dance Alicia Moran ’16
University Book Awards and Special Recognition Awards Wheelock College Book Award: To a junior who has demonstrated a commitment to working with children. Theadora Petropoulos ’17 Le Moyne College Award: To a junior who has shown significant contributions in academics, leadership, and service to school and to the community at large. Gabriela Doskos ’17
Science Adv. Physical Science Alexis Aiudi ’19 Honors Biology Matthew Villani ’19 Honors Chemistry Dylan Rispoli ’18 AP Physics Kevin Kearns ’16 AP Chemistry John Allen ’17 Social Studies World History Sophia Argay ’19 U. S. History Katharine Jessen ’17 AP Government Kevin Kearns ’16 Achievement Award Emma Barnes ’16 Religion Religion I Sophia Argay ’19 Religion II Alex Kenya ’18 Religion III Louis de Benoist ’17 Religion IV Kathleen Yorio ’16
Joshua Vallera ’17 Wellesley College Book Award: To a junior girl who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, an excellence in scholarship, and who exemplifies the motto: “not to be served, but to serve.” Taylor Pane ’17 Gettysburg Book Award: To a junior who has distinguished him/herself in the study of United States History. Joseph Morelli ’17 Regis College Book Award: To a junior who has demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication skills, displayed outstanding academic promise, and exhibited exceptional leadership qualities. Elleana Paradise ’17
Saint Micheal’s College Book Award: To juniors who have demonstrated academic excellence, are members of the National Honor Society, and have shown a commitment to community service through Northwest Catholic and its community. Valeria Seymour ’17 John Dudley ’17 Smith College Book Award: To a junior girl who exemplifies academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others. Sarah Jessen ’17 St. Anselm College Book Award: To a junior who has shown excellent academic achievement and is actively involved in school and/or community activities. Emilia Palascak ’17
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Trinity College Book Award: To a junior for outstanding academic achievement.
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Fairfield University Book Award: To a junior in the top 10% of the class, is active in school and/or community, and has leadership qualities and a sense of concern and responsibility in the community. Christopher Poniatowski ’17 Bay Path College Award: To a junior girl who has shown a commitment to academics and a significant interest in community service. Francesca Link ’17 College of the Elms Book Award: To a junior for outstanding academic achievement. Katelyn Konigsberg ’17
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The University of Hartford Book Award: To a junior who is in the top 20% of the class, has displayed outstanding academic promise, exhibited exceptional leadership qualities, and expressed an interest in pursuing a future business career. Mary Wood ’17 College of the Holy Cross Book Award: To a junior who demonstrates outstanding scholarship, personal qualities, and evidences strong concern for school and community. John Allen ’17
Harvard Book Award: To a junior who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement. Katharine Jessen ’17
Julia Christolini ’16 George Eastman/University if Rochester Young Leaders Award: To a junior who exhibited strong leadership skills and high academic achievement.
Connecticut Association of Schools Arts Award: To students in the fine arts who have demonstrated a talent and passion for creative expression.
Elizabeth LeBlanc ’17
Kevin Kearns ’16 Ian D’Arcangelo ’16
Bryant University: To a junior who ranks in the top 10% of the class, pursues a challenging curriculum, and demonstrates involvement.
University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Science: To a junior who has exhibited strong leadership skills and high academic achievement in the humanities and social sciences.
Maeve Kearns ’17
Rachel Conover ’17
Salve Regina: To a junior who has demonstrated academic achievement and a commitment to NWC.
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology: To a junior for outstanding achievement in the pursuit of innovative approaches and appreciation of the possibilities of technology.
Brynna Ledwidge ’17
Louis de Benoist ’17 Notre Dame: To a junior who combines excellence in academics with a sense of community and of responsibility that prepares him/her for subsequent leadership in building a society that is at once more human and more divine.
Bausch & Lomb Science Award: To a junior for outstanding academic achievement and intellectual promise.
Allyson Voelker ’17
Mount Holyoke Book Award: To a junior girl who exhibits outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and a dedication to community service. Veronica Eskander ’17 Yale Book Award: To a junior who demonstrates qualities of leadership, effective teamwork, organizational abilities and who ranks in the top 10 – 15% of the class. Natalie Smith ’17
Diane T. Weldon Award: To a senior who has been recognized for outstanding achievement in the performing arts and/ or creative writing.
The Nancy Ann Fritsche ’69 Visual Arts Award: To an upperclassman and exceptional visual artist in memory of Nancy, an artist and therapeutic recreational therapist who developed her artistic talents at Northwest Catholic, and her parents, Joseph and Louise Fritsche, who put enormous value on a Catholic education. Erika Peterson ’16 Alexander S. Cavanagh, Jr. Award: To a senior for excellence in the field of journalism and creative writing, this year’s recipient devoted many hours to the successful publication of NOWECA, the school yearbook. Abigail Herron ’16
Rensselaer Award: To a junior who has displayed outstanding achievement in math and science.
Richard Rice Award: In memory of Mr. Richard Rice to a senior who has evidenced in life a search for truth and dedication to Church; one who is known among his/her peers as a listener and a peacemaker; one who is able to express feelings through the arts.
Brett Baker ’17
Brigid Gauthier ’16
Artistic and Communication Awards
Mock Trial Award: To students who have made a unique contribution to the NWC Mock Trial Team’s success.
Dramateur Award: Given in memory of David Lenz ’87 for cooperation and dedication in the pursuit of excellence in dramatic arts.
Olivia Emmanuel ’16
Brendan Gill ’17
Avery Hatch ’16
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Rachel Sullivan ’16 John Carew ’16
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KUDOS TO... Athletic and Academic Achievement Awards Jack Kearns Award: Donated by the Kearns family to a senior who has displayed unselfish concern for the welfare of others, integrity, hard work, spirit, sportsmanship, and has participated in track or cross-country. Christina Colliton ’16
Nora E. O’Brien ’82 Memorial Award: Named in honor of Nora by her friends to a senior who exemplifies Nora’s attributes – a fun-loving, school-spirited, female athlete who will attend a Catholic college.
CIAC Excellence Award: For exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity. Lauren Italia ’16
Bryan Deneen ’16
CIAC Scholar Athlete Awards: To outstanding athletes who also maintain an academic average of at least 3.5.
Jonathan Granata ’16 Kenneth G. Phelan ’69 Memorial Award: Donated by the Phelan family to a senior who expresses interest and ability in higher education, who participates in athletics (basketball and/or track), who is sincere, sensitive, reserved, and idealistic. Mackenzie Tibball ’16 Robert Kay Memorial Award: Donated by the family and friends of Robert Kay in his memory to senior golfers who have participated in the program for four years and who have demonstrated the qualities of leadership, responsibility, and character. Matthew Sottile ’16 Alicia Moran ’16
Patrick Lazor ’16
Robert C. Johnson Award: In memory of Mr. Robert C. Johnson, assistant principal of NWC, to a senior who is idealistic, sensitive, unassuming, open to life, and brings out the best in others. Brittney Lundy ’16
Abigail Herron ’16
NWC Unity Award: To a senior who has contributed to the development of greater understanding, unity, and school spirit throughout the NWC community:
Tyler Sisk ’16
Lauren Italia ’16
Service Awards
Adam Sorrentino ’16
The Joe Fritsche Memorial Service Award: To a good student with a passion for service in memory of Joe Fritsche, a NWC alumni parent who devoted many hours to working with community non-profit organizations in service to others.
Molly Mullen ’16
Alicia Moran ’16
John Florio National Honor Society Award: To a senior in the National Honor Society who strongly exemplifies the four National Honor Society traits: scholarship, leadership, service, and character:
Citizenship Awards and Honors
Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools Service and Leadership Award:
John Carew ’16 NWC Student Council Service Award: To a senior for service above and beyond requirements and expectations to the NWC Student Council.
Greenwood/Melanson/Gartland Memorial Hockey Award: To a senior NWC varsity hockey player who has shown dedication and leadership both on and off the ice and plans to carry this through in attending a college or university and beyond.
Matthew Sottile ’16
John Foster ’16
Kerre Lattanzio ’16
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Emma Barnes ’16
Rebecca Molin ’16
Scully Award: To a senior athlete and student who maintains a strong academic record.
Richard Pitek ’84 Memorial Award: Donated by the Pitek Family to a senior who is a dedicated student and athlete and must have participated in at least one varsity sport.
Navin Award: Presented by the Navin Family to a senior for academic excellence and outstanding service to the school.
Parents’ Club Achievement and Service Award: For academic performance and exceptional service to the school.
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American Legion Awards: To seniors who meet the exceptional standards of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. Kieran Ferrell ’16 Megan Grandell ’16 Daughters of the American Revolution Award: Honored by the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter as a “good citizen” displaying the qualities of dependability, service, patriotism, and leadership: Matthew Sottile ’16
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Connecticut Girls State: To a junior girl who shows leadership and has an interest in the electoral process: Veronica Eskander ’17 The John Rice Award: Given in memory of John Rice to an underclassman who has exhibited interest in politics as well as demonstrates an understanding of the political process: Aaron Belletsky ’17 Paige Ann Corrigan Scholarship Award: To students who have demonstrated a keen interest in mathematics and who represent the standards and values of NWC. Sydney Samele ’17 Christopher Poniatowski ’17 Greater Hartford Catholic Education Association Award: Vida Benejan ’17
Northwest Catholic Scholarship Awards The Reverend Leonard Goode Awards: Catherine Hoelzer ’16 (Religion) Kevin Kearns ’16 (Performing Arts) Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 (Athletics) Caroline Banevicius ’16 (Deans’ Award) Erin Tully ’16 (Principal’s Award) Abigail Herron ’16 (President’s Award)
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KUDOS TO... Northwest Catholic Inducts 45 Students Into World Language Honor Societies Last May Northwest Catholic inducted 45 students into its World Language Honor Societies. Guest speaker Mary Turbert Roberts ’96, Northwest Catholic’s Director of Leadership, told the students, “Being able to communicate effectively in any language is the most important of all life skills.” She added, “It is only through understanding other languages that we can hope to get close to understanding how people think.” 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 45 inductees, 24 were inducted into the Spanish Honor Society, eight into the Latin Honor Society, seven into the Chinese Honor Society, and seven into the French Honor Society. One student, Emilia Palascak ’17, was inducted into both the Chinese and French Honor Societies.
World Language Societies Inductees 2016
Northwest Catholic honors St. Gottschalk, patron saint of princes, linguists, and translators
National Latin Honor Society, or The Associationem Ad Promovendum Studium Latinum Brett Baker ’17 Rachel Conover ’17 Gabriela Doskos ’17 Christina Gluch ’17 Brynna Ledwidge ’17 Elleana Paradise ’17 Christopher Poniatowski ’17 Allyson Voelker ’17
National Chinese Honor Society, or 全美中文荣誉学会 Sean Keating ’17 Emilia Palascak ’17 Christopher Ravosa ’17 Virgil Rona ’17 Jack Ruddat ’17 Joshua Vallera ’17 Brian Waterston ’17
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French National Honor Society, or Société Honoraire de Français Kelly Deneen ’17 Brendan Gill ’17 Katelyn Konigsberg ’17 Elizabeth LeBlanc ’17 Emilia Palascak ’17 Theadora Petropoulos ’17 Valeria Seymour ’17
Spanish National Honor Society, or Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica John Allen ’17 Leanna Beaulieu ’17 Regina Chappano ’17 Jenna Creighton ’17 Louis de Benoist ’17 Kelsey Dornfried ’16 John Dudley ’17 Veronica Eskander ’17 Carlos Figueroa ’17
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Abigail Flower ’17 Mohamed Ismail ’16 Sarah Jessen ’17 Katharine Jessen ’17 Maeve Kearns ’17 Ariana Kelly ’16 Laura Kunkel ’17 Francesca Link ’17 Damian Mackay-Morgan ’17 Kaitlin McGuire ’16 Claire Nicholas ’17 Kamryn Post-Desrosiers ’17 Natalie Smith ’17 Mary Wood ’17 Angel Zohrabian ’17
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Northwest Catholic Inducts Eighty-Five Students Into National Honor Society Northwest Catholic inducted 85 students into the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society on December 10, 2015, during a beautiful ceremony in the Rice Auditorium. Northwest Catholic religion teacher Fran Laffin was the guest speaker. He told the students that the one word he thought best described them as a group was “AWESOME,” which he turned into an acronym for Achievement, Winners, Excellence, Service, Other People, Mom and Dad, and Empathy. He also encouraged them to continue to be awesome in all they do. The inductees, who were recognized for outstanding scholarship, admirable character and leadership, and generous service to NWC and their communities, came from over two
dozen towns and included seven seniors and 78 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, their parish, or their town. A selection committee of five teachers reviews the applications and qualifications of all eligible students. “These students represent the highest in academic achievement and leadership,” said Terri Turley, a member of the school’s math department and the National Honor Society moderator. “They serve as role models for the entire student body and their communities.”
NWC Religon Teacher Fran Laffin addresses the 2015 National Honor Society inductees.
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A DVA N CE M E N T NE WS Founders’ Circle Dinner Honors Top Donors and Excellence in Teaching
NWC English teacher Joan Keating-McKeon receives the Dr. Michael S. Griffin Teaching Chair Award from former Principal Margaret Williamson, Superintendent Dr. Michael S. Griffin, and President & Chief Administrator David Eustis.
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In October 2015 Northwest Catholic hosted its annual Founders’ Circle dinner, a special event to honor those who gave $1000 or more to the school the previous year. The Founders’ Circle is comprised of donors committed to moving Northwest Catholic forward. Their vision is clear and their generosity inspiring. At the event President & Chief Administrator David Eustis thanked 18 new members of the Founders’ Circle, as well as several people who have been members for at least 10 years: Capt. Michael Critz ’71, Giuliano and Edith DiFrancesco, Kevin Grenham ’78 and Elizabeth Grenham, Mark Hudak ’71 and Bonnie Hudak, Bill and Janet Miller, and John and Mary Shukie.
Academic Dean John Cusson and former Athletic Director John Shukie.
Longtime NWC English teacher and Mock Trial Team moderator Joan Keating-McKeon was honored for her professional excellence with the Dr. Michael S. Griffin Teaching Chair Award. Principal Margaret Williamson praised Ms. KeatingMcKeon, saying, “We know Joan to exhibit and demand commitment, enthusiasm, and high standards. I have heard many stories of Joan spending Saturdays and Sundays in the library working on lessons or correcting student work. No matter how many times she teaches Romeo and Juliet you would think it was the first time!”
Spanish teacher Ana Barrett, Superintendent Dr. Michael Griffin, and Joan Keating-McKeon.
Father Frascadore gives a blessing at the Founders’ Circle Dinner.
Alumni parent and grandparent Brendan Fox and former first NWC President Father Henry Frascadore.
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D’Amico Family Fitness Center Dedicated On May 16, 2016, members of the extended Northwest Catholic community gathered in the school’s fitness center for a special ceremony – the dedication of the newly refurbished space. The D’Amico Family Fitness Center, named in memory of Michael B. D’Amico ’85, was made possible by the generosity of Mike’s classmates, teammates, friends, and family. The center was blessed by Deacon Jeffrey Sutherland, a Northwest Catholic science teacher. Northwest Catholic President & Chief Administrator David Eustis, Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 and Steve D’Amico, father of Michael B. D’Amico ’85, all offered remarks on the occasion, with a number of Mike’s family members and classmates in attendance. With more than 80 percent of NWC students participating in at least one sport each year, the up-to-date fitness center will be very beneficial to the school community. The refurbished facility provides equipment tailored to the needs of both male and female athletes and includes four state-of-the-art weight lifting platforms, a leg press/back squat machine combo, a lat pull-down, a complete set of free weights and plates, a treadmill, an elliptical, a spinning cycle and new rubber flooring. It is open to NWC students as well as faculty and staff.
The D’Amico family in front of the D’Amico Family Fitness Center.
The refurbishment and naming of Northwest Catholic High School’s fitness center was generously made possible by: Ryan Attianese ’92 Danielle Mooney Blaine ’85 & Theodore Blaine Elizabeth Shukie Borst ’91 & John Borst Kenneth & Judith Boudreau Lisa Sheehan Bragaia ’85 & Gianpaolo Bragaia Ronald Brunner ’85 & Diane Risedorf Brunner ’85 Paul Carrier ’85 & Sheila Schafer Carrier ’85 Franklyn D. Chang ’86 & Sandy Chang Theresa Parker Colantuono ’85 & Larry Colantuono Edward Connors ’83 & Amy Di Pippo Connors ’85 Leslie DeMaio Costello ’86 & John Costello Kenneth Couch Hillary Harding Cronin ’85 & James Cronin Kathleen McGoldrick Curran ’85 & Thomas Curran Christopher D’Amico ’91 Diana D’Amico Jason D’Amico ’92 Stephen D’Amico Drew Dillworth ’85 & Karen Dillworth Kathleen Gormley Doan ’85 Catherine Almond Donaghey ’85 & John Donaghey Margaret Donnelly ’85 Sean Dorsey ’85 & Nicole Dorsey Ellen Dupuis Dudek ’85 & Stanley Dudek Effie’s Place Family Restaurant Laura Grant Evans ’85 & Ashley Evans Wendy Dumont Everett ’85 & William Everett James Fenton ’85 Stacey Dabkowski Franas
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Johanna Goodrich Goetcheus ’85 & John Goetcheus Andrea Grant ’85 Kimberly O’Brien Green ’85 A. Candice Hatch ’85 John F. Hayes ’85 & Susan Hayes Sandra Murray Hayes ’85 & Robert Hayes John Keany ’85 & Amy Keany Todd and Elaine Krauss Michele Lizotte ’85 Rohan Long ’85 & Marcia Long Rebecca Emilio Manley ’85 & William Manley Lauren Shukie McHugh ’91 & Tom McHugh John McNulty ’85 & Susan Murray McNulty ’85 Eileen Walsh Neubert ’85 & Daniel Neubert Kathleen Shima O’Brien ’85 & James O’Brien Christopher N. O’Connor ’85 & Catherine O’Connor Robert Pickering ’84 Patricia Hayes Reyda ’85 & Joseph Reyda Leithia Asuncion Rogers ’85 & Stuart Rogers Catherine Rusconi Sansbury ’85 & Charles Sansbury David Santos ’85 & Susana Santos Michael Silvester ’85 & Gina Silvester Michael Sisk ’85 & Patricia Sisk Nadine Jeresaty Soucier ’85 & Richard Soucier Sarah Norko St. Denis ’85 & Roland St. Denis Peter Tolisano ’85 Thanh Truong ’92 & Danielle Truong Luke A. Walsh ’91 & Caitlin Walsh Andrea Melanson Wlochowski ’85 & Blair Wlochowski
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NWC Announces Winners of its 2nd Annual $10K Raffle
$10K raffle grand prize winner Andrea Melanson Wlochowski ’85 and President & Chief Administrator David Eustis.
Third prize winner Rudolf Karl Kempf and David Eustis.
Andrea Melanson Wlochowski ’85 of Bloomfield won the grand prize of $10,000, Margo Roberts of Bloomfield won the second prize of $3,500, and Rudolf Karl Kempf of Wethersfield won the $1,500 third prize. The drawing was held November 21, 2015 at the school’s Saturday Night Live! fund raiser event, with proceeds benefiting the Northwest Catholic Fund, which annually supports the school’s operating budget as well as the educational programs and significant financial aid program which distinguish Northwest Catholic.
Second prize raffle winner Margo Roberts and David Eustis.
NWC Hosts 32nd Annual Saturday Night Live! Saturday Night Live! featured the return engagement of West Hartford band Lonesome Eddie and the Bird Dogs, as well as a performance from comedian Bryson Lang. Both the silent and live auction were successful, with prizes including sports tickets and memorabilia, electronics, gift baskets, jewelry, and a week in Hawaii. Patrons enjoyed fine food in the Starlight Dessert Café and the International Food Court.
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Perfect Day for the 39th Annual NWC Golf Tournament
The sun was shining for the 39th Annual NWC Golf Tournament, as golfers enjoyed a beautiful afternoon at Wampanoag Country Club on June 14, 2016. Eighteen sponsors, over 90 registered golfers, and many raffle and silent auction donors helped raise over $38,000 for the Northwest Catholic Fund to provide tuition assistance for NWC students. The foursome of Jeff Yao, Aidan McDonnell ’14, Demitri Yao ’14, and Thaddeus Link ’14 took first gross honors among the golfers, with the team of Bob Gigliotti ’73, Mike Klimas ’73, and Anthony Gigliotti taking second gross honors. The team of Brian Comer, Kevin Brown, Tim Bourdon ’03, and Maura Stamm took first net honors, with the foursome of Irene Sawka, Andy Ozmun, Sue Langan, and Dave Marceau ’95 taking second net honors.
The Annual Golf Tournament was established in 1977 to support scholarships, both academic and need-based, for deserving Northwest Catholic students. Golfers sign up for the 18-hole scramble event or choose to attend just cocktails and dinner. Special pricing is available for young Northwest Catholic alumni and for early registrations. Current and alumni parents, alumni, and friends are encouraged to be part of this fun event. This year’s will take place June 13, 2017. The NWC Golf Tournament provides a great way to reconnect with friends and former teachers and coaches, as well as enjoy the beautiful Wampanoag Country Club golf course. Look for more information at: NorthwestCatholic.org/Golf
1st Gross Winners Jeff Yao, Aidan McDonnell ’14, Demitri Yao ‘14, and Thaddeus Link ’14.
1st Net Winners Kevin Brown, Brian Comer, Maura Stamm, and Tim Bourdon ’03.
2nd Gross Winners Mike Klimas ’73, Bob Gigliotti ’73, and Anthony Gigliotti.
2nd Net Winners Andy Ozmun, Irene Sawka, Sue Langan, and Dave Marceau ’95.
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Annual 5K Road Race The 39 Annual Northwest Catholic Golf Tournament was held on June 14, 2016. th
On June 25, 2016, NWC hosted the Fourth Annual Scholarship Scamper 5k Road Race. This chip-timed event is competitive for serious runners, welcoming for casual runners and walkers, and fun for everyone. Nearly 200 runners and walkers of all ages, including alumni representing every decade of NWC’s history, participated in the event. The 5k and its affiliated Adam M. Lawton ’99 Memorial Scholarship raised $16,000 for the Northwest Catholic Fund, providing scholarships for NWC students. The top male and female high school student finishers were awarded the Adam M. Lawton ’99 Memorial Cup. A portion of the proceeds of the 5K is directed to the Adam M. Lawton ’99 Memorial Scholarship.
Three NWC Athletic Directors Matthew Martorelli ’03, John Shukie, and Josh Reese ’95.
Deacon Sutherland blesses the runners Joseph Doyle ’13 was the overall race winner, while Kathryn Shea ’18 was the top female finisher. For the third year, the top high school student finishers, male and female, were awarded the Adam M. Lawton ’99 Memorial Cup. The 2016 winners of the Lawton Cup were Kathryn Shea ’18 and Brian Waterston ’17.
Top Female Finishers Christina Colliton ’16, Kathryn Shea ’18, and Tammy Perrotta.
Top Male Finishers Joseph Doyle ’13, Brian Waterston ’17, and Patrick Daly.
Following the Scamper was a celebration, including food, beverages, and fun for the whole family. This year’s Scholarship Scamper 5k will be held June 24, 2017. Look for more information at: NorthwestCatholic.org/5KScamper
Lawton Cup Winners Brian Waterston ’17 and Kathryn Shea ’18 with members of the Lawton family.
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S P O RT S NE WS From the Desk of Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 It was another wonderful year for Northwest Catholic Athletics as we continued to build on the success of our programs. Hard work and perseverance was the motto, and our fantastic group of seniors led the way for the underclassmen to follow. Last year we earned State Championships in both Girls’ Soccer and Boys’ Outdoor Track and Field. Both championships were extremely
exciting events for our community and something we are all very proud of. As we move from last year to this year, I am confident our programs will continue to be successful, largely as the result of the leadership demonstrated by the members of the class of 2016. Matthew Martorelli ’03
FALL ’15 BOYS’ SOCCER The boys’ soccer team finished the season with a 5-9-1 regular season record under Head Coach Terry Philip, Sr. and qualified for the Class S State tournament. In the tournament, the team lost a very close game to the #5 seed Notre Dame-Fairfield 1-0. If it weren’t for a NWC goal that was called offside, it could have been a different outcome. The team’s best win came late in the season, beating Conard 1-0 at home. The team was led by a large and strong group of seniors that included Constantine Bouzakis ’16, Edoardo Del Brocco ’16, Bryan Deneen ’16 (Coach’s Award), Kieran Ferrell ’16 (Captain, All-Conference), Blake Greenslade ’16 (All-Conference), Oliver Hasson ’16 (Captain), John Iacobucci ’16, Mohamed Ismail ’16, Nicholas Kamansky ’16, Will Moustakakis ’16, Connor Murphy ’16, and Sean Tanguay ’16 (MVP). Juniors Jullian Barba ’17, Asa Guest ’17 (Captain, All-Conference, All-State) and Ryan Sherba ’17 provided depth to an upperclassman-heavy team.
Marcelino La Bella ’19
Under the direction of first year Head Coach Brett Quinion, the Northwest Catholic football team finished the year with an overall record of 4-6. After graduating many seniors from the previous season, Coach Quinion was excited for the challenge of continuing
to move the program forward in a tough CCC conference. In the season’s most exciting game, versus Plainville, Quarterback John Manzi ’16 led the team down the field in epic fashion after trailing in the 4th quarter to ultimately win the game. Another great win during this season came versus Enfield in an overtime thriller that went in the Lions’ favor 12-6. Seniors Michael Adebimpe ’16 (All-Conference, Coach’s Award), Liam Connelly ’16, Christian Dunn ’16, Michael Errico ’16, Connor Fitzgerald ’16, Coty George-Davis ’16 (All-Conference), Jonathan Granata ’16
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(All-Conference, MVP), John Manzi ’16, Douglas McIntosh III ’16, Robert Rispoli ’16, Daniel Shumaker ’16, Tyler Sisk ’16, Ricky Sullivan ’16, and Brandon Viera ’16 all provided guidance and leadership to the entire program. The team continued the success of these seniors in the fall 2016 with AllConference members Daniel Adebimpe ’17 and Elijah Warner ’17.
S P ORT S NE W S to continue to improve on the recent success of the program and made it a goal to return to the State Tournament, but they knew they couldn’t do it alone. Diana Cao ’16, Emily Grandell ’16, and Kaitlin McGuire ’16 were on the same page as their captains, and that played a large role in the success of the program for the 2015 season. After losing four of the first six games of the season, the team went on an absolute tear for the remainder of the fall and earned home court advantage in the Class S State Tournament. With the help of Maeve Kearns ’17 (All-Conference), Elizabeth LeBlanc ’17 (All-Conference) and Claire Nicholas ’17 (All-State, AllCourant, All-Conference) the team earned the 15th seed in the Class S Tournament and lost a close match to Trinity Catholic 3-2 in the opening round. The program looks to continue to build on the success of these seniors under the direction of a new Head Coach Jonathan Bui.
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Diana Cao ’16
VOLLEYBALL It was an emotional season for Head Coach Jeanne Digiacomo as she knew 2015 would be her last year coaching at Northwest
Rachel Elliott ’16 now at Assumption hugs Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16 Eastern Connecticut State University.
Catholic. At the same time, she had a group of senior athletes aware it was their last year and wanted to make it count. Senior Captains Erin Feeney ’16 (MVP) and Megan Weiss ’16 (Coach’s Award) wanted
The girls’ soccer team had a remarkable season that included a 14-1-1 overall regular season and ended with a Class M State Tournament Championship! The team only surrendered one goal through their five-game magical ride in the tournament, in which they defeated Enfield 2-0 in the finals. Under Coach Todd Sadler, the
Girls’ Soccer wins Class M Championship.
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SP O RT S NE W S program won its fourth State Title in the past seven years. The team heavily relied on its nine seniors (eight of whom went on to play soccer at the collegiate level), Deanna Casey ’16, Anna Cronin ’16 (Captain, All-Conference, All-State, All-New England), Kelsey Dornfried ’16 (Captain, All-Conference), Rachel Elliott ’16 (AllConference), Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16, Bailey Julian ’16 (Captain, All-Conference, All-State), Jessica Kelly ’16, Rebecca Molin ’16 (Coach’s Award, All-Conference), and Mackenzie Tibball ’16 (Captain, All-Conference, AllState). The Team MVP Award went to the entire, much deserving, senior class.
CHEERLEADING Under the direction of Head Coach Courtney Ramos, the NWC cheerleaders were loud and proud across the state. From Enfield to Tolland to Manchester to West Hartford, these young women traveled the state and brought school spirit and pep to all our football games. Senior Christal Riley ’16 (Captain) with the help of Janadel Francis ’16 and Vaniah Delancy ’16 led their team well. Returning to the program are Margaret Bello ’18 (MVP) and Shania Lapsey ’18 (Coach’s Award ) as the team continues to energize the Northwest Catholic community both home and away!
Christal Riley ’16 and Vania Delancey ’16 schedule, but the team held its own all season long. The team lost in the first round of the tournament to #4 seed Stonington 3-0. The team had big wins over rival East Catholic and Windsor. The team was led by their seniors and juniors. The seniors were Mary Budnick ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award), Abigail Herron ’16, Molly Mullen ’16, Sarah Neubert ’16, Ann O’Meara ’16 (Captain), and Grace Vincens ’16. Juniors that contributed during the season were Rachel Conover ’17, Stephanie Duzy ’17, Margaret Hoffman ’17, Katharine Jessen ’17, Julia Klein ’16 (Captain), Gianna Molinari ’17 (MVP, All-Conference, All-State), Elleana Paradise ’17, and Natalie Smith ’17.
FIELD HOCKEY The Field Hockey team ended the regular season with a 7-7-1-1 record and qualified for the Class S State Tournament. Head Coach Bill Mullady ’66 and his staff battled a tough CCC and out-of-conference
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Field Hockey players support Breast Cancer Awareness with pink jerseys.
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Amelia Toscano ’18
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The 2015 girls’ cross country team had a stellar season in their new CCC Central White division, coming in 2nd place in both
S P ORT S NE W S The strength of this team was in their pack mentality, always finishing races in close bunches. All-CCC runner Brian Waterston ’17 (MVP) led the way, followed closely by senior tri-captains John Carew ’16, Kevin Kearns ’16 (Coach’s Award), and Samuel Spak ’16. Fellow senior Stephen Nahorney ’16 had his best season in the program, while juniors Brendan Gill ’17, Christian Heiden ’17, and Nicholas Klingman ’17 were always a threat. Sophomores Aaron Belletsky ’18 and Dylan Rispoli ’18 and freshman Michael Stamm ’19 each had phenomenal finishes and show much promise for their years to come on the team.
WINTER ’16 BOYS’ BASKETBALL The boys’ basketball team finished with a stunning 15-5 regular season record, including a fantastic 11-0 start. Under Head Coach John Mirabello, the team reached the Class M State Tournament as
Madeleine Hasson ’17 and Jessica Follo ’17 the regular season and at the conference championship meet. Led by All-CCC performers Kathryn Shea ’18 (MVP) and Christina Colliton ’16 (Coach’s Award), the girls notched a 7-3 overall conference record on their way to a strong eighth place finish in the Class SS State Championship Meet. Fellow captains and four-year varsity team members Caroline Gill ’16 and Megan Grandell ’16 were instrumental in the team’s success, and they were joined by senior Kirsten Greene ’16 in her first season on the team. Juniors Emily Driscoll ’17,
Jessica Follo ’17, and Madeleine Hasson ’17, sophomore Gia Henville ’18, and freshmen Annie Alissi ’19, and Meghan Shea ’19 rounded out the varsity team and ensure a bright future for the program.
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY The 2015 boys’ cross country team had a very strong conference (3rd place CCC Central White division) and invitational season, topped off by earning 11th place in the Class SS State Championship meet.
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Jayson Williams ’17
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SP O RT S NE W S the #10 seed and cruised past Brookfield, Nonnewaug, and Abbott Tech before losing to Notre Dame-Fairfield in the semifinals by a basket after a miraculous comeback in the fourth quarter. Head Coach Mirabello notched his 500th career win during the season and etched his name in Connecticut high school basketball history. The team was anchored by its four seniors Connor Daly ’16 (Captain), Stephen Laffin ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award), Patrick Lazor ’16 (Captain, All-Conference), and Aaron Renker ’16. The team received quality help from underclassman Luca Mirabello ’18 and Cairo McCrory ’19 (MVP, All-Conference).
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL The girls’ basketball team started the season with one goal in mind: returning to Mohegan Sun for the Class L Finals. Coach Sean O’Brien’s ’02 team finished with a strong 13-7 regular season record, which qualified them as the #13 seed in the Class L Tournament. With wins over Bristol Eastern and East Lyme in the first two rounds, the team faced last year’s reigning champion, Capital Prep, in the quarterfinals (a rematch of last year’s Class L Finals). They came up short but battled Capital Prep in a tough game. Beating a tough Farmington team
Elizabeth Jacobs ’17
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Boys’ ice hockey team after winning the St. Dominic’s Winter Classic in Maine. was one of the highlights of the season. The team was headed by their four seniors Elysia Calloway ’16 (Coach’s Award), Erin Feeney ’16 (Captain), Athena Feola ’16, and Mackenzie Tibball ’16 (Captain, MVP, All-Conference). Next year’s team will rely heavily on their starters Elizabeth Jacobs ’17 and Lauren Murphy ’17 (All-Conference).
GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK & FIELD The girls’ indoor track & field team was led by a strong group of upperclassmen to top finishes and record-breaking performances under the direction of Head Coach Patrick Williamson ’99. Captains Claire Hurtado ’16 (All-Conference), Brittney Lundy ’16, Rachael Ogbonna ’16 (All-Conference, Coach’s Award), and Alicia Palmer ’16 (All-Conference, MVP) were inseparable throughout their track and field careers at NWC and capped off these years with a new school record performance in the 4x200m relay at the State Open. Claire, Rachael, and Alicia joined sophomore Kathryn Shea ’18 (All-Conference) on the Sprint Medley Relay team that took second at the CCC and Class S Championship and 4th at the State Open. Sophomore Katherine Jacobs ’18 (All-Conference) had a stellar season in the 55m high hurdles as well. The girls’ team finished second in the CCC Central White division, 12th in the overall CCC, and eighth at the Class S State Championship meet. Other seniors completing their careers and providing great depth and instruction were
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Annamma Chaluparambil ’16, Christina Colliton ’16, Lauren Contenta ’16, Roberta Linares ’16, Colleen McAnaney ’16, Shannon McMahon ’16, and Mary Papandrea ’16.
BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY With NWC Alumnus Don Melanson ’84 at the helm, the 2015-2016 Northwest Catholic boys’ ice hockey team looked to continue to make a name for itself in the toughest division in the state, Division 1. With the help of his coaching staff and his seven seniors, the team went 15-5 which included three victories and a championship as the team traveled to Maine for their first appearance in the St. Dominic Academy Winter Classic. Nicholas Alzugaray ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award), Michael Camasso ’16 (Captain, All-State, All-Conference, MVP), Ian D’Arcangelo ’16, John Foster ’16 (Captain), Andrew Hesketh ’16, Todd Koss, Jr. ’16, and Henry McKenna ’16 (Captain) all played a key role in helping the team win some monumental home games versus Simsbury and East Catholic. The team earned a #4 seed in the State Tournament and hosted a tough Hamden team that ended up going on to the D1 Semifinals. Tucker Alissi ’17, Brett Baker ’17, Brendan Bompane ’17, Anthony Ceolin ’17 (All-State, All-Conference), Kevin Eustis ’17, Anthony Giannone ’17, Ian Jacobs ’17, Ryan Sherba ’17 (All-Conference), and Zachary Taylor ’17 all return for their senior seasons in an effort to bring the team back to the State Tournament and make a push at greatness.
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GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY For the first time in school history, Northwest Catholic can proudly say it has a girls’ ice hockey program! Under the direction of the school’s first girls’ ice hockey coach, John Alissi, Northwest Catholic combined efforts with Mercy High School to create the first ever Mercy/Northwest Catholic Girls’ Ice Hockey Co-op. The lone NWC senior Emily Kalinski ’16 (Captain) breathed a sigh of relief to hear that NWC was forming the program and she had an outstanding finish to her time at Northwest Catholic. The program had great wins over Guilford, Lauralton Hall, and Notre DameFairfield/Foran. Junior Gianna Molinari ’17 defended the net for the co-op. Returning Elleana Paradise ’17 (Captain) along with a handful of underclassmen look forward to the program’s second season this winter.
SWIMMING Under Coach Tammi Haynes the swim team had another successful season. It’s always a difficult task having a co-ed team and competing against the all boys’ teams, but each year the NWC swim team makes its presence known. The team was led by its three seniors: Abby Oostendorp ’16 (Captain), Erin Tully ’16 (Captain), and Grace Vincens ’16. Junior Rachael Krawiecki ’17 (Coach’s Award) and sophomore Justin Lam ’18 (MVP) also made key contributions to the team. The NWC Swimming Program made waves through the State Tournament competing in the Class S Division where the team finished in the 13th spot in the State! The team will be looking forward to next season, returning a host of key sophomores and juniors that should pave the way to another terrific season.
BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK & FIELD Under the direction of Head Coach Patrick Williamson ’99, the boys’ indoor track & field team had a remarkable season at the conference, state, New England, and national levels. Jayden McAdams ’16 (Captain), Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 (Captain, MVP, All-Conference, All-State, All-New England), and Samuel Spak ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award) led the team to second place in the CCC Central White division, fifth place in the CCC, third place in Class S, and seventh place in the State Open. Christian set the example from the top, rewriting the record books with the 600m meet record at the Shoreline Conference Invitational and all-time school records in the 300m, 400m, and 600m. He won the Class S state titles in both 300m and 600m and earned All-New England honors in the 600m, going on to race the 200m and 400m dashes at the New Balance Indoor National Championship Meet. Also running at New England’s was the 4x200m relay team of Blake Greenslade ’16, Jonathan Granata ’16 (All-Conference), Asa Guest ’17 (All-Conference), and Damian Mackay-Morgan ’17. Damian, Asa, Christian, and Jonathan raced the same event at Nationals as well. The 4x400m relay team of Jayden, Damian, Blake, and Christian also reset the all-time school record in that event. Others contributing to the success of the program were seniors John Carew ’16, Thomas Lanzarone ’16, and Matthew Mitchell ’16.
CHEERLEADING They could have been heard in many different parts of the state as the Northwest
Catholic Cheerleaders stepped it up a notch this past winter season cheering enthusiastically for our basketball teams, but also making a name for themselves entering in competitions around the state, something the program hadn’t done in previous seasons. Head Coach Courtney Ramos had a long conversation with returning senior Christal Riley ’16 (Captain) about what she wanted her impact to be on the program. It is clear by her leadership she wanted to bring this program back to competition and she did just that. Along with Christal was junior Filamena Vukaj ’17, sophomores Margaret Bello ’18, Monique Bryan ’18, Shania Lapsey ’18, and Janelle Rigor ’18, along with a plethora of freshmen who had the same goal. In the Windsor Warrior Challenge, the team’s first competition in years, the NWC Lions won their novice division competing against many other CCC schools. We look forward to another successful competition season for the Lions this winter!
SPRING ’17 SOFTBALL The softball team had a very successful season under second year coach Rick Smith. The team finished the regular season with a 13-7 record and clinched a share of the CCC Central Division title with a 9-1 division record. The team qualified for the Class M State Tournament as the #20 seed and ran into a tough Nonnewaug team in the first round. The team got a huge 2-1 win over Windsor at home during the regular season, the team with whom they shared the division title. The two senior leaders that led the team were Lucia Barresi ’16 (Captain) and Kathleen Yorio ’16 (Captain, MVP, All-Conference). Also contributing were Caela Daly ’17, Margaret Hoffman ’17 (All-Conference), Kayla Midney ’18 (Coach’s Award, All-Conference), Taylor Pane ’17 (All-Conference), and Gianna Salemi ’17.
BOYS’ LACROSSE The boys’ lacrosse team had a very good season finishing with an 8-7 record, making the conference tournament and qualifying
Natalie Smith ’17
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SP O RT S NE W S for the Class S State Tournament. The team won their qualifying round convincingly over Canton 15-5 and then lost to Somers, soon to be State Champions. Head Coach Peter Vlahakis led the team to a huge win over South Windsor, the first in several years. A seniorheavy leadership was a key role in the team’s success: Paul Baranski ’16, Michael Camasso ’16 (All-Conference), Coty George-Davis ’16, Connor Murphy ’16 (Captain, MVP, AllConference, All-State), Robert Oakley, Jr. ’16 (Coach’s Award), Daniel Shumaker ’16, Tyler Sisk ’16, and Adam Sorrentino ’16 (Captain). Also playing key roles were Brendan Gill ’17 (All-Conference), Joseph Smith ’17 (AllConference), and Spencer Merkel ’18 (AllConference, All-State).
GIRLS’ GOLF
BOYS’ TENNIS
After losing their opening match of the season, the girls’ golf team didn’t hang their heads; instead they ran off 10 wins in a row! Under Coach Jeffrey Przech ’92 the team finished the regular season with an impressive 13-3 record. They picked up quality wins over Avon twice, Simsbury twice, and Conard twice. The team qualified for State Tournament and finished 17th overall. Individually, Katherine Mullen ’17 (Captain, MVP, All-Conference, All-State) finished tied for 17th overall out of 98 girls. The two seniors who led the team were Alicia Moran ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award) and Grace Vincens ’16. Leanna Beaulieu ’17, Jenna Fahey ’19 (All-Conference), and Katharine Jessen ’16 all played key parts to the team’s success throughout the year.
The boys’ tennis team capped another successful season by making deep individual runs in the Class S State Tournament. Under Coach Tim Crowley the team finished the regular season with a 4-12 record in a very tough division and an even tougher out of conference schedule. The team picked up big wins over Tolland and Bristol Central. The senior-heavy team was led by Ian D’Arcangelo ’16 (Captain), Oliver Hasson ’16 (Captain), Patrick Lazor ’16 (MVP, AllConference), Anthony Lenczewksi ’16, and Timothy O’Donnell ’16 (All-Conference). Oliver Hasson ’16 reached the singles quarterfinals in Class S, Louis de Benoist ’17 (Coach’s Award) reached the singles second round, and Patrick and Timothy reached the third round for doubles.
GIRLS’ LACROSSE The girls’ lacrosse team finished the regular season with a 6-10 record. Under Coach Bill Mullady ’66, the team fought hard throughout the season and never gave up. The team had big wins over Southington on the road and against the Bristol co-op at home. The senior leadership held a young team together throughout the year. The seniors were Julia Christolini ’16, Abigail Herron ’16 (Captain), Lauren Italia ’16, Mary Joerg ’16, Ariana Kelly ’16, and Ann O’Meara ’16. Julia Klein ’17 (Captain) and Madeleine Hasson ’17 (MVP, AllConference) also contributed. The team has a lot to look forward to next season with a heap of returning players on a young team.
UNIFIED VOLLEYBALL Northwest Catholic students and the Intensive Education Academy teamed up to form a Unified Volleyball team this year. The students practiced once a week, leading to the big tournament at Bacon Academy in Colchester. The hard work paid off because the NWC/IEA team won gold medals! Seniors included Claire Hurtado ’16, Lauren Koldras ’16, Ana Mangini ’16, Kaitlin McGuire ’16, and Rebecca Molin ’16.
BOYS’ GOLF The boys’ golf team finished the season with a 3-12 regular season record but had a very impressive finish at states in the Division III Tournament. Head Coach Scott Fletcher led the team to a sixth place overall finish out of 20 teams. Individual achievements included Justin Mathew ’19 (MVP) finishing tied for seventh overall and Matthew Sottile ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award) finishing tied for ninth overall out of 100 golfers. Other seniors providing strong leadership were George Burnett Jr. ’16, Christian Dunn ’16, Andrew Hesketh ’16 (Captain), and Alexander Janusko ’16.
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Andrew Hesketh ’16
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GIRLS’ OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD Under the direction of Head Coaches’ Will Sanders ’05, Ryan Martin, and Meghan Feeney ’10, the 2016 girls’ outdoor track & field team achieved many great performances throughout the season. Claire Hurtado ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award), Brittney Lundy ’16 (Captain), Rachael Ogbonna ’16 (Captain), and Alicia Palmer ’16 (Captain, MVP) were joined by fellow seniors Christina Colliton ’16, Janadel Francis ’16, Megan Grandell ’16, Mary Papandrea ’16, and Christal Riley ’16 in finishing their careers with strong seasons in the CCC Central Region and Class M State Championship meet, at which they placed seventh overall. Claire, Rachael, and Alicia combined with Virginia Gautier ’18 to lower the all-time school record in the 4x400m relay, finishing second in the event in Class M. Alicia, Claire, and Rachael also ran a relay at the New Balance Outdoor National Championship meet, along with freshman Kiana Woods ’19. Katherine Jacobs ’18 had an outstanding season in the 100m high hurdles, taking third place in the event in both the CCC Championship and Class M. This accomplished senior class continued the program’s tradition of success and helped prepare a strong group of underclassmen to carry it forward.
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BOYS’ OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The 2016 Class M State Champion boys’ outdoor track & field team continued the legacy of championships at Northwest Catholic – winning the program’s third State title in the last seven years and its eighth overall. Coaches William Sanders ’05, Ryan Martin, and Meghan Feeney ’10 had an outstanding group of seniors who led this team to the title, starting with Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 (Captain, All-CCC, All-State, Coach’s Award), Jonathan Granata ’16 (Captain, MVP),
BASEBALL Head Coach Cory Carlson entered the 2016 season excited for his team to pick up where they left off. With six seniors, who all returned from the 2015 Class S State Championship team, the Northwest Catholic baseball team started the year off with seven victories in a row, one of which included a perfect game thrown by Justin Gallicchio ’16 (All-Conference) in the opening game of the season against Granby Memorial. The Lions relied heavily on its senior lead team of Justin Gallicchio
Tyler Rice ’16
Boys’ Outdoor Track & Field stand together when their championship banner is revealed at the fall 2016 pep rally. The team won the 2016 Class M State Championship.
and O’Neil Brown ’16 (All-CCC, All-State); supported by Asa Guest ’17 (All-CCC, AllState), Jayson Williams ’17 (All-CCC), Ricky Sullivan ’16, Blake Greenslade ’16, Jayden McAdams ’16 (Captain), Samuel Spak ’16 (Captain), Damian Mackay-Morgan ’17, David Ogbonna ’17, and Brian Waterston ’17. Other contributing seniors were John Carew ’16, Thomas Lanzarone ’16, John Manzione ’16, Matthew Mitchell ’16, and Curtis Veronesi ’16. Jonathan and O’Neil competed in the Decathlon, in which Jonathan set the school record. Christian also broke the school record in the 400m dash. Damian, Asa, Christian, O’Neil, and Jonathan went on to compete at the New Balance Outdoor National Championship as well. The 2016 class will be missed, but the rest of the boys’ team is ready to move up and defend the title next year.
’16, John Manzi ’16, Thomas Meucci ’16 (All-State, All-Conference, MVP), Aaron Renker ’16, Tyler Rice ’16 (AllConference, Coach’s Award), and Sean Tanguay ’16. Thomas and John both led the team in RBIs bringing in 30 runs combined throughout the season. The Lions’ efforts during the regular season earned the team a home game in the CIAC Class M Tournament. It was here that the team eventually lost to Weston 3-2. The program returns with juniors Anthony Ceolin ’17, Kevin Eustis ’17, Collin Farrell ’17, Richard Hansen ’17, Ian Jacobs ’17, and Robert Matson ’17 (All-Conference) for the 2017 season, one that Coach Carlson knows will continue to move the program forward.
GIRLS’ TENNIS Under the direction of Head Coach Stan Piorkowski, the Northwest Catholic girls’ tennis team made it a pre-season goal of following in the footsteps of the previous two senior classes, and that involved making some noise in the CIAC Class S State Tournament. After graduating some of the top singles players in
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Thomas Meucci ’16 the state the previous year, the coaching staff knew the 2016 season was going to be tough, but this group that Coach Piorkowski had was certainly a special one. Seniors Diana Cao ’16 (Captain, MVP), Deanna Casey ’16, Lauren Contenta ’16 (Captain), Olivia Emmanuel ’16, Jessica Eskander ’16, Emily Grandell ’16 (Captain, Coach’s Award), and Rachel Sullivan ’16 all provided great depth and leadership to the team. Diana, Lauren, and Emily led the team as tri-captains and helped the team gain a berth in the CIAC Class S Tournament, earning the 11th seed. After gaining big wins in the first few rounds of the State Tournament versus Bolton, then Shepaug Valley, the Lions found themselves in the CIAC Class S Semifinals against the #2 team Valley Regional. After a convincing 6-1 victory on the shoreline, the team met #12 Weston in the State Finals where they eventually became runner-ups! The future continues to look bright for the program as they return All-Conference sophomores Katelyn Mogelnicki ’18, Lauren Mogelnicki ’18, and Kathryn Shea ’18 for the 2017 season.
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Northwest Catholic Class of 2016 College Athletes Twenty seniors at Northwest Catholic announced their intention to compete in Division II or Division III college athletics in 2016-2017. These students are in addition to five seniors who had already committed to Division I athletic programs. Together these 25 students playing sports in college represent 17% of the class of 2016.
“Their hard work in the classroom and in their respective sports has put these students in this fantastic position,” said Northwest Catholic Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03. “As a community, we are so proud and excited to see and hear their stories over the next four years.”
Northwest Catholic Class of 2016 Commit to Division I Anna Cronin ’16 — soccer at the University of Connecticut Kelsey Dornfried ’16 — soccer at Central Connecticut State University Justin Gallicchio ’16 — baseball at Bryant University Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 — track & field at the University of Connecticut Mackenzie Tibball ’16 — soccer at Quinnipiac University
Seniors from the class of 2016 committed to D I, II, and III schools. Front row (left to right): Blake Greenslade, Coty George-Davis, Abbey Fitzsimmons, Kelsey Dornfried, Bailey Julian, Alicia Palmer, Erin Feeney, Megan Weiss, Claire Hurtado, Anna Cronin, Rebecca Molin, and Rachel Elliott.
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The DII- and DIII-bound athletes from the Class of ’16 are: Michael Adebimpe ’16 – football at Western New England University
Jessica Kelly ’16 – soccer at Assumption College
Constantine Bouzakis ’16 – soccer at Keene State College
Stephen Laffin ’16 – basketball at St. Michael’s College
Rachel Elliott ’16 – soccer at Assumption College
Patrick Lazor ’16 – basketball at St. Anselm College
Erin Feeney ’16 – basketball at Connecticut College
Thomas Meucci ’16 – baseball at Keene State College
Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16 – soccer at Eastern Connecticut State University
Rebecca Molin ’16 – soccer at Elms College
Coty George-Davis ’16 – football at Becker College
Connor Murphy ’16 – lacrosse at Stevens Institute of Technology
Blake Greenslade ’16 – track & field at Assumption College
Alicia Palmer ’16 – track & field at Connecticut College
Claire Hurtado ’16 – track & field at Stonehill College
Tyler Rice ’16 – baseball at Curry College
Mary Joerg ’16 – lacrosse at University of Saint Joseph
Grace Vincens ’16 – sailing at Salve Regina University
Bailey Julian ’16 – soccer at Western Connecticut State University
Megan Weiss ’16 – volleyball at Utica College
Back row (left to right): Thomas Meucci, Tyler Rice, Mackenzie Tibball, Justin Gallicchio, Stephen Laffin, Jessica Kelly, Grace Vincens, Mary Joerg, Michael Adebimpe, Connor Murphy, Constantine Bouzakis Not pictured: Patrick Lazor, Christian Mackay-Morgan
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Seven Seniors Commit to Play College Soccer Anna Cronin ’16 of Glastonbury is playing soccer at the University of Connecticut. A 2015 team captain and four-year varsity player, Cronin started on two state championship teams, appearing and starting in 61 games. She was named All-Conference as a sophomore and senior, and was named All-State and All-New England as a senior – the 5th player in Northwest Catholic history to be named All-New England. Kelsey Dornfried ’16 of Berlin is playing at Central Connecticut State University. A 2015 team captain and a four-year starter, Dornfried started her Northwest Catholic soccer career as a goalkeeper, helping lead the team to the state championship in 2012. After leaving the goalkeeper post her sophomore year, she appeared in 61 games and started all but two of them. Dornfried finished her career with seven goals and 16 assists and was named All-Conference as a senior. She was also selected to play in the 2016 Senior Bowl All-Star game. Rachel Elliott ’16 of Newington is playing at Assumption College. A three-year starter, Elliott appeared in 60 games and started all but one. She finished her Northwest Catholic soccer career with 22 goals and 28 assists, including 12 goals her senior year. Elliott was named All-Conference as a senior. Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16 of West Hartford is playing at Eastern Connecticut State University. A two-year starter for Northwest Catholic, Fitzsimmons appeared in 40 games and started 33. As a senior, she had 4 goals and 9 assists.
Bailey Julian ’16 of Simsbury is playing for Western Connecticut State University. A four-year varsity player and three-year starter, Julian appeared in 81 games, starting in 60. She is one of only two players to score goals in two different championship games. As a senior, Julian scored 12 goals and 16 assists (40 points). She is the fifth player in the last nine years to score over 100 points in their Northwest Catholic career (122 total). As a senior, Julian was named both All-Conference and All-State. Jessica Kelly ’16 of West Suffield is playing for Assumption College. A four-year varsity player and two-year starter, Kelly started every game in her final two years as a center back. She was named Honorable Mention All-Conference as a senior. Rebecca Molin ’16 of West Hartford is playing at Elms College. Becca was a 4 year varsity member and a 3 year starter who won 2 state championships for NWC. Becca came into her own her senior year setting school records for the most wins in a season with 20 and shutouts with 15 during their amazing run to the class M title. Becca was rewarded with her remarkable, record breaking senior season by being named first team All-CCC. Mackenzie Tibball ’16 of West Hartford is playing at Quinnipiac University. A four-year varsity player, three-year starter, and 2015 team caption, Tibball appeared in 79 career games, starting in 60. She finished her senior season with eight goals and 12 assists, is a three-time All-Conference player, and was named All-State as a senior.
Northwest Catholic soccer players (left to right) Rebecca Molin ’16, Anna Cronin ’16, Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16, Jessica Kelly ’16, Bailey Julian ’16, Kelsey Dornfried ’16, Mackenzie Tibball ’16, and Rachel Elliott ’16 with NWC Girls’ Soccer Coach Todd Sadler
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Girls Soccer Signing Anna Cronin ’16, Kelsey Dornfried ’16, Rachel Elliott ’16, Abbey Fitzsimmons ’16, Bailey Julian ’16, Jessica Kelly ’16, Rebecca Molin ’16 and Mackenzie Tibball ’16 committed to college soccer on February 3, 2016 during a special ceremony at Northwest Catholic.
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Northwest Catholic Announces Twelfth Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Class NWC’s Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame welcomed its 12th class of outstanding alumni on April 23, 2016 with a special ceremony attended by the inductees’ families, friends, and former coaches and teammates. The five newest members of the Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame include four outstanding athletes and one longtime supporter of Northwest Catholic athletics. The new inductees are: Tom Landers ’67 – A three-sport athlete, Tom was a member of the football, basketball, and baseball teams, earning AllConference recognition in both football and baseball as a senior. He was named to the New Haven Register’s All-State 2nd Team in football as a senior and was named
Northwest Catholic’s Athlete of the Year in 1967. Tom went on to play football and baseball at Amherst College, and pursued further education at Trinity College and the University of Connecticut. He is now retired, living in Windsor with his wife Eileen. They have two children – Shawna Tustin and Sarah Landers. Bill Scully ’70 – A standout baseball player, Bill was a four-year player (three years on varsity) and was named MVP three times. He was team captain as a senior and earned All-Conference honors as both a junior and senior. Bill also played basketball for four years at Northwest Catholic. He continued his education at Trinity College where he played on the baseball team for four years
and was a team captain as a senior. He went on to earn his MS in Professional Accounting from the University of Hartford in 1978. Bill is the VP of operations and technology at Travel Insured International. He lives in West Hartford with his wife Shelby. They have two children Thomas and Laura. Jacqui Bisson Gustafson ’75 – An important figure in the history of girls’ athletics at Northwest Catholic, Jacqui was first a member of the Track & Field program. As a junior, she and classmate Mary Ann Hayes ’75 approached then-principal Rev. William O’Keefe about forming a girls’ basketball team. They were sent to find out the cost of uniforms, basketballs, and other supplies, and the team was formed the
Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03, John Shukie (former Athletic Director), John Shukie ’95, and President & Chief Administrator David Eustis
Mary Ann Hayes ’75 (left) nominated Jacqueline Bisson Gustafson ’75 for the award.
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following year. Jacqui was one of the team captains and scored the first basket in the first game played at Northwest Catholic. Jacqui went on to play basketball and softball at Marymount College of Fordham University, from which she graduated in 1979. She is currently the area VP of sales for Carter-Hoffmann and lives in West Hartford with her husband David. John Shukie ’95 – A four-year football and baseball player, John was captain for both teams his senior year. In football and baseball, he earned All-Academic honors as both a junior and senior. John was also named AllConference in football as both a junior and senior, was named to the Hartford Courant’s All-State team in football as a senior, and
earned recognition as a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete. He also played basketball as a freshman and sophomore and was a member of the Indoor Track team as a junior. Following Northwest Catholic, John attended Bowdoin College where he was a four-year member of the football team and served as the special teams captain. He also played baseball at Bowdoin for one year. After graduating Bowdoin in 1999, he went on to earn an MS in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 2001 and a JD from the University of Chicago in 2004. He lives in Colorado with his wife Maricela and his three children Marisol, Sofia, and Nadia. John is the president of Forward Progress Athletics
Consulting, which assists universities with student-athlete academic progress. Bill Baker, Honorary Member – An alumni parent, Bill was the clock operator for girls’ and boys’ basketball games as well as a ticket taker for football games beginning in the mid-1980s. He has also handed out programs at the football games, kept score at baseball games, and ran the clock and scoreboard at soccer games. When the school started a girls’ volleyball program, he stepped up and managed the clock/scoreboard for that sport as well. Bill’s calm demeanor certainly was appreciated even during the most hotly contested games.
Hall of Fame inductees John Shukie ’95, Jacqui Bisson Gustafson ’75, Bill Baker, Tom Landers ’67, and Bill Scully ’70.
Bill Baker and former NWC Athletic Director who nominated Bill, John Shukie.
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NWC's Herron, Sisk Named CIAC Scholar-Athletes Abigail Herron ’16, a dedicated field hockey and lacrosse player, and Tyler Sisk ’16, a talented football and lacrosse player, were named Northwest Catholic's CIAC ScholarAthletes for 2016. Abigail Herron of West Simsbury played midfield in field hockey and lacrosse for four years. She was named to the CCC AllAcademic Team in both sports every year since her sophomore season, and was a team captain for lacrosse. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Abby hopes to play club lacrosse at Boston College. Tyler Sisk of Simsbury was a four-year football and lacrosse player, playing offensive tackle and inside linebacker in football and defense in lacrosse. He was named All-Academic for both
sports since his junior year and is a member of the National Honor Society. Tyler attends Wake Forest University. “We are so proud of who Abby and Tyler have become during their years here at Northwest Catholic and cannot wait to see what they achieve in the future,” said Northwest Catholic Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03. “They are the epitome of excellent studentathletes.” The Scholar-Athlete Program recognizes a boy and girl from each high school “whose academic and athletic careers have been exemplary, whose personal standards and achievements are a model to others, and who possess high levels of integrity, self-discipline, and courage,” according to the CIAC.
Abigail Herron '16 and Tyler Sisk '16 receive Scholar Athlete Awards.
NWC Boys' Basketball Coach Earns 500th Win Northwest Catholic Boys’ Basketball Coach John Mirabello earned his 500th career coaching win on January 2, 2016, when the team defeated Hall by a score of 70-45. Mirabello has been coaching boys’ basketball at Northwest Catholic since 1987, with a record of 500-189 for his career. He has won four State Championships, 13 regular season championships, and 14 league tournament championships. He has received the IAABO’s Walter D. Ackerley Sportsmanship Award eight
times, was named CT Coach of the Year in 2002, and was a finalist for National Coach of the Year in 2013. Mirabello has also received the Dean of Sports Award and finished 7th in USA Today’s America’s Best High School Basketball Coach contest in 2014. He has coached 25 AllState Players, including a Gatorade Player of the Year and two Hartford Courant Players of the Year. Mirabello is a member of the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Coach Mirabello with current and former NWC basketball players and assistant coaches after his 500th career coaching win.
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Northwest Catholic Recognized for Exemplary Athletic Program Northwest Catholic High School was one of twenty Connecticut high school athletic programs awarded the CIAC Michaels Achievement Cup for its exemplary program and outstanding achievement for the 2014-15 academic year. The 20 schools were selected based on achievement in seven distinct areas – sportsmanship, participation, athletic scholarship, athletic personnel, equity, chemical free initiatives, and athletic achievement. “I am so proud of our entire community,” said Northwest Catholic Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03. “To be recognized
by the CIAC as one of the top twenty athletic programs in Connecticut for the 2014-15 school year is quite an accomplishment.” Michaels Cup recipients were honored at the CIAC Sportsmanship Conference on November 19, 2015. The Michaels Achievement Cup program was created in the early 1980s as the brainchild of Roy Michaels, the owner of Michaels Jewelry, in an effort to recognize outstanding athletic programs. The program recognized yearly winners since that time, and then in 2008 transitioned directly to CIAC administration of the program.
Michaels Achievement Cup on display at NWC
Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03, Anna Cronin ’16, Matthew Sottile ’16, Kieran Ferrell ’16, Ricky Sullivan ’16, Elysia Calloway ’16, Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16, Diana Cao ’16, Abigail Herron ’16, and Fred Balsamo of the CIAC with Northwest Catholic’s Michaels Cup award.
Girls' Soccer Wins Class M State Title November 21, 2015 The 2016 girls’ soccer team after winning the Class M Title and later holding their championship banner at the winter pep rally.
Girls’ Soccer Class M Championship Banner
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All-Courant Teams for Fall ’15 Include NWC Student-Athletes The Hartford Courant named four NWC student-athletes to its All-Courant teams for Fall ’15 sports, and four additional NWC students received Honorable Mention.
All-Courant Student-Athletes: Anna Cronin ’16 – Girls’ Soccer
All-Courant Honorable Mention Athletes:
Bailey Julian ’16 – Girls’ Soccer
Michael Adebimpe ’16 – Football
Claire Nicholas ’17 - Volleyball
Kieran Ferrell ’16 – Boys’ Soccer
Mackenzie Tibball ’16 – Girls’ Soccer
Rebecca Molin ’16 – Girls’ Soccer Gianna Molinari ’17 – Field Hockey
All-Courant Teams for Winter ’16 Include NWC Student-Athletes The Hartford Courant named four NWC student-athletes to its All-Courant teams for Winter ’16 sports, and four additional NWC students received Honorable Mention.
All-Courant Student-Athletes:
All-Courant Honorable Mention Athletes:
Michael Camasso ’16 – Boys’ Ice Hockey Anthony Ceolin ’17 – Boys’ Ice Hockey Christian Mackay-Morgan ’16 – Boys’ Indoor Track & Field Ryan Sherba ’17 – Boys’ Ice Hockey
Tucker Alissi ’17 – Boys’ Ice Hockey Asa Guest ’17 – Boys’ Indoor Track & Field Patrick Lazor ’16 – Boys’ Basketball Lauren Murphy ’17 – Girls’ Basketball
All-Courant Teams for Spring ’16 Include NWC Student-Athletes The Hartford Courant named 10 NWC student-athletes as Honorable Mentions for Spring ’16 All-Courant teams.
All-Courant Honorable Mention Athletes: Justin Gallicchio ’16 — Baseball Thomas Meucci ’16 — Baseball O’Neil Brown ’16 — Boys’ Outdoor Track & Field Asa Guest ’17 — Boys’ Outdoor Track & Field Christian MacKay-Morgan ’16 — Boys’ Outdoor Track & Field Oliver Hasson ’16 — Boys’ Tennis Katelyn Mogelnicki ’18 — Girls’ Tennis Lauren Mogelnicki ’18 — Girls’ Tennis Matthew Sottile ’16 — Boys’ Golf Katherine Mullen ’17 — Girls’ Golf
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#GOODWORKS Northwest Catholic High School Provides a Big Assist for Childhood Cancer
Paul Shapiro and guests help students understand why their contributions to vie for the Kids™ truly matters Matt Martorelli ’03 and Paul Fitzpatrick’s economics classes participated in the vie for the Kids™ Business Competition, beginning in February 2016 and culminating in May with the announcement of the competition winners. The mission of vie for the Kids™ is to fund cancer clinical trials treatment and research at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center and to provide financial support for cancer patients and their families. Fifty senior economics students developed and executed business plans in an effort to deepen their understanding of business strategy, community development, and social responsibility. The teams were guided through the process of developing a business plan, from its inception to its realization. Each of the seven teams was given seed money, and each group found a mentor. The idea for this competition started when Founder and Chairman of vie for the Kids™, Paul Shapiro, wanted to give students an experience that would prepare them for the real world and for them to better understand social responsibility. Shapiro said, “These young students are bright, full of energy, and truly believe they can change the world. What they’re accomplishing is amazing, but after meeting these participants, it’s not surprising.” Matt Martorelli ’03 echoed Shapiro when he said, “These are talented young adults and they are going to have an opportunity to give back to their communities in a big way. Showing how they can build a successful business and learn about the importance of helping others at the same time is going to really pay off for them and for their communities one day.”
Members of the winning team of the vie for the Kids™ Business Competition celebrate their success with the panel of judges. Winners were Jeffrey Augustowski ’16, Mary Elizabeth Budnick ’16, Darius Cygler ’16, Jonathan Granata ’16, Lauren Italia ’16, Emily Kalinski ’16, and Tony Shi ’16. and the execution of their business plan. All teams were judged on their creativity, collaboration, and financial results. The winners of Northwest Catholic’s inaugural vie for the Kids™ Business Competition were Jeffrey Augustowski ’16, Mary Elizabeth Budnick ’16, Darius Cygler ’16, Jonathan Granata ’16, Lauren Italia ’16, Emily Kalinski ’16, and Tony Shi ’16. After winning the competition, the team members spoke about the challenges of selling their product to people outside the school community and how they learned to adapt to different situations and obstacles that they faced throughout the competition.
“It’s one thing to talk about a business plan in the classroom,” said Mary Elizabeth Budnick ’16, a student in the competition. “But actually putting a plan into action was unbelievable. I learned so much about real business through this process.
“This experience is in complete alignment with our educational mission to cultivate versatile leaders,” said NWC President & Chief Administrator David Eustis. “We seek out opportunities like this to provide powerful, experiential opportunities for our students to learn outside of the traditional curriculum.”
During final presentations to a panel of business leaders, the teams were praised for their organization, their ability to work together,
The proceeds from all the groups, approximately $7,500, benefited the clinical trials program at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.
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# G OODWO RKS
Northwest Catholic Supports Organizations By Raising Money to Dress Casually Through the collection of $2 once a month from participating students and staff who wanted to earn a dress down day, Northwest Catholic raised $10,796 last year. All proceeds were donated to charitable organizations, including the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, Catherine’s Place, Bandit’s Place Animal Rescue, House of Bread, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Special Olympics, Helping Hands, and Relay for Life. NWC will continue this tradition in 20162017. This year’s monthly collection will go to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, St. Francis Foundation, Relay for Life, Malta House of Care, Operation Fuel, and Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist.
NWC raised $1,320 for the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, founded by alumnus Fr. Rick Frechette ’71, CP, DO Junior class officers Mitchell Karangekis ’17, Jenna Creighton ’17, Katherine Mullen ’17, and Elizabeth LeBlanc ’17, along with President & Chief Administrator David Eustis, present a check to Terri Frechette-Brainerd ’70, sister of Fr. Frechette.
Thanksgiving Season at Northwest Catholic The turkey drive has become an institution at NWC. Since 2002 the school’s sophomore class has led the Thanksgiving turkey collection in the spirit of giving. The November 2015 drive raised $5,934, with which the class purchased 80 turkeys for The Hartford Catholic Worker and donated the remaining funds to Foodshare. Sophomore class advisor and science teacher Virginia Murphy loves the turkey drive because “the students can see something concrete they are giving.” She especially likes that each student gives only what he or she can. She said, “A student can give $2 or $10 or $20 or more, and each one is helping buy a turkey.” In the past, she said, families have given as much as $1,000. Since the turkey drive began, the school community has raised $42,381. To encourage student participation in the turkey drive, the sophomores run a competition in which the homeroom that collects the most money earns itself a casual day. Through November cartooned turkeys appear on the walls outside each homeroom. For every $20 raised, a new turkey appears. The 2015 winners were Mr. Paul Fitzpatrick’s homeroom.
Brittany Lundy '16, Catherine Hoelzer '16, Lauren Koldras '16, Samuel Spak '16, and Alicia Palmer '16 pack and deliver Thanksgiving turkeys and side dishes to the Hartford Catholic Worker.
Robert Rispoli '16 and brother, sophomore class president Dylan Rispoli '18, collect money for the annual turkey drive.
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# GOO DWO RKS
Yingying Chen '18 and Spanish teacher and Campus Ministry director Kristina Gillespie collect lettuce from the school's St. Isadore Garden. The vegetables are sometimes used during Manna Community Meal preparation or donated.
NWC’s Relay for Life team, Northwest Nation, raises $5,078 for cancer research.
NWC's Relay for Life team is called Northwest Nation.
Students sing at Masses and prayer services throughout the year.
Campus Ministry organizes a diaper collection during the All Souls Day Mass last November. At Northwest Catholic’s monthly Mass for the entire school community, there is often a collection of a much needed item.
Father David Dawson, NWC Chaplain, says monthly Mass with NWC religion teacher Deacon Richard Santos and science teacher Deacon Jeffrey Sutherland.
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James Sabia '19 loads toys into a van to be delivered to the Hartford Catholic Worker during the Christmas season. The freshman class organizes the annual Christmas Toy Drive.
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A student received communion on Ash Wednesday when a special Mass was held in the gym.
# G OODWO RKS
Campus Ministry leads a team in providing a monthly Manna Community Meal at the Parish Center of Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford. Justin Mathew '19 and his sister Alina prepare food for the Manna Meal.
NWC holds a bi-annual blood drive to support the Red Cross. Last year the school collected 107 pints of blood in total at its November and March blood drives.
Students show each other support at the November blood drive.
A student smiles while giving blood at the school's bi-annual blood drive.
Students from NWC and the Intensive Education Academy work together throughout the year in the schools’ Unified Theater Program.
Students from NWC and the Intensive Education Academy work together in Unified Theater.
Students build gingerbread houses with the school’s international students, spreading holiday cheer and helping everyone feel at home during the holidays. Leanna Beaulieu '17 and Zeyu Yang '18 read the directions together before building a gingerbread house.
Campus Ministry provides beautiful music at school-wide Masses.
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Julia Christolini '16, Haoyi Shang '16, Yingying Chen '18 glue the walls together with icing.
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# GOO DWO RKS
Northwest Catholic High School Takes Pride In New Team Name and Mascot:
Last year Northwest Catholic High School ended a 50-year association with the mascot and team name “Indians” and became the “Lions.” Northwest Catholic began using “Indians” in 1964 but began exploring an identity change during the last few years as momentum grew among groups who believe the continued use of a Native American name was both insensitive and not representative of Northwest Catholic’s core values. For five decades Northwest Catholic has embraced diversity and acceptance in the pursuit of academic, artistic, athletic, and spiritual excellence. “It’s exciting to be part of this historic change,” said Northwest Catholic Student Council President Matthew Sottile ’16 of East Granby. “I think this new sense of identity is going to bring about an even greater sense of school pride.” Once the school agreed on the name change, a process began to select a new
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one. Interestingly, Northwest Catholic had already been using the phrase “NWC Pride” in various ways for many years, including as the current name of a digital platform that connects all student activities. A brand study was conducted by a Simsbury-based consulting firm to help students and school leaders narrow down name choices. Through the study, “Pride” was determined to be a word closely tied to the mission and the school’s winning tradition of excellence in academics, the arts, athletics, as well as its commitment to spirituality. A powerful and logical choice to represent the embodiment of Northwest Catholic Pride was “Lions.” Clyde Bellecourt, co-founder and current board member of the National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media, said, “The National Coalition Against Racism in Sports and Media congratulates Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford,
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Connecticut for their decision to retire their indigenous mascot… We express our admiration and appreciation to their administrators, school leaders, students, and other advocates for helping retire this mascot. We are sure that the actions of Northwest Catholic High School will be emulated by other schools in the Connecticut area and that Northwest Catholic High School will be seen as leaders for mutual respect and equality of all peoples." Native American names and mascots have been the subject of much public debate since the 1960s. The National Congress of American Indians, the nation’s oldest, largest, and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native advocacy organization, has long said such names are derogatory and harmful stereotypes of native people.
ALU M NI NE WS 1960s Cathy Zunner Kennelly ’65, Sean Kennelly (past parent), and Kathleen Kennelly Breitenwischer ’99 traveled to Ireland in July for a Kennelly family reunion. More than seventy family members gathered for three days at Mount Wolseley Hotel in Tullow, Co. Carlow.
Cathy Zunner Kennelly ’65 and Kathleen Kennelly Breitenwischer ’99.
McKeown establishes parent support groups throughout New Hampshire. McKeown and her husband have conducted seminars for engaged couples for four decades. They live in New Hampshire where they raised their four children and are now blessed with two grandchildren.
Susan Whalen McKeown ’66 and her husband Patrick conduct seminars for engaged couples.
Geoffrey Walker ’65 with his six grandchildren. Tom Benoit ’66 has moved to Ponte Verda Beach, FL. He is president of Allen Thomas Associates, Inc., a national executive search firm, specializing in the healthcare industry with offices in New Jersey and Florida. Tom recently became a grandfather for the first time. Susan Whalen McKeown ’66 published her first book Beyond the First Dance: A Guide for Couples to Think Beyond their Wedding Day. McKeown’s second book Beyond the Tango: A Guide for Couples during the Chaotic Years of Careers, Kids and Keeping House will be released in 2017. McKeown, APRN, CPS, earned a BS degree in Nursing from St. Anselm College, graduated from Northeastern University’s Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Program, and has worked as a nurse practitioner for over forty years. She is also a certified prevention specialist, educating and advocating on issues of mental health and substance misuse. In her current position as family support coordinator for the New Hampshire Children’s Behavioral Health Collaborative,
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Claire Pelletier ’67 retired after 10 years as the food, beverage, and catering manager at The Glenridge on Palmer Ranch, a continuing care retirement community in Sarasota, FL. She recently moved to Venice, FL. In 1991 Pelletier moved to Key West where she was in fine dining for 13 years. She said when she left CT she “didn’t know a soul and had practically never heard of Key West! It all worked out and I never looked back!” Before retiring Pelletier started a business refurbishing vintage furniture. She showcases her pieces at the Venice Mercato and Muse Galleria, in Sarasota. She has a son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren.
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Fr. Rick Frechette, CP, DO ’71 tends to a young hospital patient served by the St. Luke Foundation for Hati.
Fr. Frechette gives the first Mass at the St. Victor Church in Haiti since Hurricane Matthew destroyed the building.
Fr. Rick Frechette, CP, DO ’71 is the founder of the St. Luke Foundation, or Foundation St Luc, and medical director of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos International. For more information about the St. Luke foundation visit: StLukeHaiti.org Excerpt from Fr. Rick Frechette’s essay:
“Now that the winds have died down” Published October 20, 2016
During the past week, the Wall Street Journal featured an article referring to the curse of charity in Haiti. It is certainly true that when “helping someone” is limited to getting them through the day (or through the present disaster) it is just a flash of good will, something like a shooting star. It is as brief as it is beautiful. The article points out that sometimes charity, in fact, undercuts autonomy, holds people bound in poverty, and that the application of charity can become its own big business. If it is true that charity can be a curse, it is just as true that the people that we know and work with in rural Haiti are not looking for charity. It is not what they ask for, if given a chance to ask. Most people in fact ask for a job. If a job is not possible, they ask for some tools to be able to work on their own (garden tools, fishing equipment, a juice squeeze to be able to squeeze and sell juice). As we accompany our neighbors in rural Haiti, after the devastation of hurricane Matthew, it is clear that they are eager to replant their gardens, fix their roofs, replace their drowned livestock. They are eager to give their children something to eat for today, and an education and skill that will make them independent tomorrow. Unlike a shooting star that cannot be followed to any destination, or even admired for very long, the dream of the rural Haitian people is rather like the north star, a compass and guide, steady and clear. Since we work with vulnerable children in Haiti, we are concerned about their anxiety for their families and friends in their villages. We are concerned about their anxieties when they see, right outside our gates, homes, gardens, and schools ravaged. They are vulnerable children in a vulnerable country in a vulnerable world. Anxiety is offset by practical action. Anxiety is offset by accepting responsibility for the world around us. The feeling that we are in this together tempers the feeling of helplessness and victimhood. We are in this together. We can do something about it. We care, and in a practical way
We are in this together. We can do something about it. We care, and in a practical way. All of us engaged in the sister missions of Nos Petits Freres et Soeurs and Fondation St Luc in Haiti are convinced we can make the world around us better, for at least 5,000 families. Through the various churches, town halls, and community leaders within our field of mission, our network is like a huge tree, like a sturdy sprawling tree seen on a family ancestry drawing. This kind of tree does not fall in earthquakes or hurricanes. The roots are deep, and we are rooted in those roots.
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Fr. Frechette and his friends and neighbors loaded 9 tons of seeds and 11 tons of food onto boats because the road to the town they needed to reach was impassable after the hurricane.
The men hiked up mountains, carrying the seed and food to the local school, then to St. Victor Church.
Throughout our wide tree, we can tell you the names of these 5,000 families, where they live, the names of their children, how they are faring. Together we seek food to tide them over until their gardens yield again in just a few months. Together we seek the seeds to plant right away so that three months harvest comes soon. Together we seek the tarps and tents to help the refugees camped out in our damaged schools live rather under their own humble roofs, until humbly we can build something better together, and school can be a school again. We already started, the minute Matthew was gone, sharing the short term food help, planting the long term seeds, planning with the families the feeble and later stronger roofs. It’s about being good neighbors. Old fashioned and wholesome. It’s what makes the world go around.
It’s about being good neighbors. Old fashioned and wholesome. As we do this work together, vulnerable children in vulnerable communities are a little bit stronger and a lot more engaged. Memories of struggling together in hope and with purpose give another meaning to the howling winds and punishing rains. Although life now is very tough, already new banana leaves glow bright green as they reach up from the fallen orchards and shield the sun. And if you listen, the wind already begins to carry the sound of laughter. If charity can be a curse, friendship is always a blessing.
Although life now is very tough, already new banana leaves glow bright green as they reach up from the fallen orchards and shield the sun. And if you listen, the wind already begins to carry the sound of laughter. Thanks for blessing us, and the 5,000 families we stand with. Your prayers, friendship, and generous support are heartwarming, and as beautiful as a starry sky. We wish for you and your families many blessings from God, our Strength and our Providence!
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ALUMN I N E W S Jim Lizzi ’76 came out of retirement — “Temporarily!” he emphasized — to work part time as a senior traffic engineer for the City of Costa Mesa, CA. Lizzi recently purchased a home in Tustin, CA.
Claire Pelletier grandchildren.
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and
Katherine Thomas ’78 moved to Palm Coast, FL and says she’s “still very much in touch with the class of 1978.” In fact, Amy Randall Lynch ’78 , Mary Anne Francoeur
her
Katherine Thomas ’78, Amy Randall Lynch ’78, Mary Anne Francoeur Baldassarre ’78, Eileen Quinn Brown ’78, and Anne Dante Carroll ’78 gather for a weekend in Florida.
Claire Pelletier ’67 refurbishes furniture in Florida. Before and after. Pelletier says, “I’m blessed with all the beauty around me! The wildlife on my canal never gets old to watch!” Pelletier also says she’s looking forward to her reunion next year. Dr. Ed Boudreau ’69 is an emergency physician at the Cleveland Clinic’s Emergency Services Institute. Last year he completed a consulting project at Chris Hani Baragwaneth Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa. He’s been married for 38 years with two children and one grandchild.
1970s Maureen Fitzgerald Norton ’73 published a book Analytics Across the Enterprise as part of her work at IBM. Norton, MBA, JD is a distinguished market intelligence professional and executive program manager in business analytics transformation at IBM. She leads initiatives to bring more science to decision making. Maureen pioneered the development of an outcome-focused
communications strategy to drive the culture change needed for analytics adoption. Maureen created analytics case studies and innovative learning exercises and taught big data and analytics workshops for MBA students in Europe and the Middle East. Previously Maureen led analytic project teams in public safety, global social services, commerce, and merchandising, specializing in cost/benefit analysis and return on investment of analytic. The Hart family, including Stephen Hart ’74, Ellie Hart ’76, Claudia Hart ’78, and Rachel Hart ’82, organized a blood drive in July in Farmington in memory of their mother, Kathleen Hart, who was a big proponent of blood donation. Several Northwest Catholic teachers and staff, some of them also alumni, participated. NWC current and former faculty, staff and family included Teresa Giegel Bournique ’84, Patrick Williamson ’99, Pat Walsh, Jeff Cahill and his wife Beth Bartus Cahill ’81, Madonna Burke, Catherine and Tim Curran, and Kathleen O’Neill Reilly.
Maureen Fitzgerald Norton ’73 with her co-authors of Analytics Across the Enterprise, Dr. Brenda L. Dietrich and Dr. Emily C. Plachy.
The Hart family at the Hart Family blood drive in Farmington in memory of their mother, Kathleen Hart.
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Baldassarre ’78, Eileen Quinn Brown ’78, and Anne Dante Carroll ’78 recently came to visit. “We had such a great time!” Thomas said. “The class of ’78 was exceptional, and I am thankful to be in touch with them as well as folks from other years. I’m so thankful for the years I spent at NWC. My friendships have endured and the education I received helped to drive my future.” Ed Pilkington ’79 is currently teaching English to 12-18 year olds in Ayutthaya, Thailand.
1980s Brigid Donohue ’83 lives “happily in a nature haven” in eastern CT. She offers spiritual counseling, teaching, and energy work to individuals and groups. She’s been blessed with four wonderful children, two in their 20s and two in their teens. She sends smiles and loving wishes to all in the NWC community. Jennifer Long ’83 made partner at the law firm of Vecchione, Vecchione, Connors & Cano LLP. Ted Boland ’84 is a senior processing agent for the Bechtel Corporation. He works at the uranium processing facility in Oak Ridge, TN, purchasing capital equipment in support of the Y-12 national security project. Jennifer Samolyk ’88 lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with her husband John Romney and twin nine year old daughters Summer and Capri. Samolyk currently runs the enterprise architecture business management office at Fannie Mae and is an
ALU MN I NE W S elected commissioner on Capitol Hill. As a commissioner Samolyk oversees planning and zoning cases, renewal of alcohol licenses, and transportation issues. She works closely with D.C. agencies to resolve issues for her constituents in her district. Samolyk is also the co-chair of the Capitol Hill Advisory Neighborhood Commission Constituency and Outreach Taskforce. She was a finalist for the Fannie Mae SERVE Volunteer of the Year award. Prior to joining Fannie Mae, Samolyk filed over 500 successful claims for Hispanic American farmers who were discriminated against by the USDA. In her spare time she loves going to Washington Nationals baseball games with her family and, of course, rooting for the Patriots during football season.
1990s Jeff Przech ’92 released his debut solo record Sounds Like Fresh in March 2015. The record has received airplay on internet radio as well as on WPLR and WAPJ in Connecticut. He spent much of the summer touring the East Coast to support the record but will be focusing on New England and New York in the fall and winter.
Cristin Auten Cossette ’00 is a registered senior interior designer for Friar Associates Architecture Firm in Farmington, CT. Jeff Przech ’92 (third from left) with his band The Outfit. Pictured Joe O’Brien, Dennis Fancher, and Slim Kalish.
Jennifer Samolyk ’88 lives on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. with her husband John Romney and twin nine year old daughters Summer and Capri.
John Borst, son of Liz Shukie Borst ’91, signed his National Letter of Intent to wrestle for Division 1 Virginia Tech. Pictured with grandparents John and Mary Shukie. John Shukie is a former Athletic Director at NWC.
2000s
Kate Connolly Cameron ’85, Catherine Rusconi Sansbury ’85, and Danielle Mooney Blaine ’85 at brunch after the class of 1985 reunion at Water’s Edge in Westbrook. “A great time was had by all. Big thanks to the organizers for an outstanding time.”
recently traveled to Bilbao, Spain where her husband’s film Olé was featured in the Zinebi International Festival of Documentary and Short Film. Auten lives in South Windsor, CT with her husband Dan and two sons Aiden and Liam.
Cristin M. Cossette Auten ’00 is a registered senior interior designer working for the past 12 years for Friar Associates, an architecture firm in Farmington, CT. Auten works primarily on K-12 schools throughout Connecticut. Auten and her team were awarded two Blue Ribbon CREW awards for their work on the CREC Academy of Aerospace & Engineering in Windsor, CT. The team took home “Best in Class Education” and was recognized by vote of the event attendees with the “People’s Choice Award.” Auten has been instrumental in the renovations of Northwest Catholic’s Father Frascadore Hall and the main office hallway. Auten and her husband
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Alexandra Taylor Billick ’02 is the assistant director of admissions and recruitment for the University of Texas at Austin. In this position she serves as the director for the school’s Austin-based recruitment team.
Alexandra Taylor Billick ’02 is the assistant director of admissions and recruitment at the University of Texas at Austin.
Kaitlin Olson ’05 “Influence through policy. Four steps you can take” Kaitlin Olson ’05 recently published the article “Influence through policy: Four
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ALUMN I N E W S steps you can take” in Reflections for Nursing Leadership, the Sigma Theta Tau International online magazine. This article is about how nurses can become involved in advocacy and policy. Olson is a critical care nurse at Hartford Hospital.
Jon Tapper ’87 and Kelly Weiss ’13 during Kelly’s internship at Melwood Global where Jon is a senior partner and co-founder. Kelly Weiss ’13 didn’t know much about Melwood Global before she started her internship in its Boston office last summer. She knew it was a strategic communications and political consulting firm, and she knew they had offices in Boston and Washington, but she had no idea she and her new boss went to the same high school. In her first conversation with Melwood Global senior partner and co-founder Jon Tapper ’87, Kelly learned that he graduated from Northwest Catholic too. “I am really grateful for the opportunity to intern at Melwood Global this summer. Finding out that both Jon and I went to Northwest and are from the same area was a great surprise as well,” said Kelly. Tapper was equally surprised and thrilled. “We didn’t set out to hire someone from Northwest,” he said. “With interns, we’re after the best and the brightest, and that’s exactly what we got in Kelly.”
Ankit Harpaldas ’07 opened a grocery store named Greenway Market in downtown Hartford. Jourdan Smith ’01 is the global creative director of fashion at Amazon in Seattle. He is overseeing their iOS and android apps as well as their websites worldwide. He recently moved to Seattle from Chicago where he was the design director for Tribune Publishing (LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Hartford Courant, Baltimore Sun, Orlando Sentinel and 200+ other publications).
Tapper and his partner started Melwood Global in 2005. The firm is duallyheadquartered in Boston and Washington, D.C., and provides political consulting, media relations, crisis communications marketing, and strategic counsel for clients through a wide array of industries, including higher education, health care, transportation, and international development. At Melwood, Weiss, a senior at Elon University, researched clients’ backgrounds, built media lists, and sat in strategy sessions. She also made connections in the communications industry and political sector of Boston. “I have truly enjoyed my time at Melwood Global this past summer,” Weiss said. “Everyone in the company is very friendly, professional, and open to giving advice and sharing their experiences.” After graduating from Northwest Catholic, Tapper went to Northeastern University, earning a degree in journalism in 1992. After working as a political reporter for several Boston newspapers, he moved to Geneva, Switzerland to work at the United Nations in its Department of Public Information. He later served as a government and political spokesman, and was part of a team of media advisors to go to Afghanistan in 2005 to help President Karzai’s government build a media operations center. “It was our success working in Afghanistan that convinced us to open up Melwood,” Tapper said. Weiss is majoring in political science and strategic communications with a minor in policy studies at Elon. There she is a member of several organizations and holds leadership roles on campus. After Elon Weiss hopes to move back to Boston. “We’d be lucky to have Kelly work for us after she graduates,” Tapper said. “She reminds me of the best of Northwest – a hard working, independent thinker with a tremendous intellectual curiosity.”
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Jourdan Smith ’01 is the global creative director of fashion at Amazon in Seattle. He is overseeing their iOS and android apps as well as their websites worldwide.
2010s Brandon Couloute ’10 is a full time choreographer and dance instructor. Couloute graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2014 with a BA in journalism with a minor in theater. Couloute said, “NWC prepared me for college by pushing the idea of high expectations.” He continued, “NWC played a big role in my career. I
ALU MN I NE W S choreographed some of my first dances through the dance program at the school. It was during high school when I really began taking choreography and dance seriously. In fact, I booked my first teaching gig my junior year of high school. I value my NWC education more and more all the time, especially when I go into different high schools to teach and see just how fortunate I was to go to a school that put morals and values at a high priority.”
TEOFL classes. EASEP is an organization committed to developing future leaders by preparing them for and facilitating education opportunities at the world’s most competitive colleges and universities.
Weddings
Sarah Gillespie ’13 stands with her class. She taught SAT prep and TEOFL as the 2015 Program Director of The Education and Social Empowerment Program. Rose O’Brien ’14 is a junior at St Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. She spent the fall semester in Florence, Italy with the the Fairfield University in Florence program.
Brandon Couloute ’10 is a full time choreographer and dance instructor.
Last year Pope Francis made an unannounced visit to SJU, a Jesuit University, while in Philadelphia. During his visit, Pope Francis strolled very close to the students who had gathered in front of the chapel and climbed the trees, including Rose. The Pope blessed the students and blessed a statue commemorating the friendship between Christians and Jews. A rabbi friend of the Pope’s was also in attendance. Hope Vaughn ’15 is a sophomore social work major and Spanish minor at Salve Regina University. Vaughn was one of four students invited to attend a reception to announce an important grant Salve Regina was awarded, the “100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund Award” for promoting transnational institutional partnerships.
Karen Walker ’98 and Paul Marseglia were married April 18, 2016 on Anna Maria Island, FL. The couple had a small family ceremony including NWC alum, brother of the bride, Matthew Walker ’94. Karen graduated with a BA from Mount Holyoke College and an MS from Bay Path University. Paul is a graduate of UMASS Amherst. The couple resides in the greater Boston area.
Brandon Couloute dancing. Sarah Gillespie ’13 is a senior at Harvard University majoring in cognitive neuropsychology. Gillespie spent the past two summers as program director of the Education and Social Empowerment Program in Kenya where she taught SAT and
Sarah Gillespie ’13 trained with Kenyan runner Kemboi during her summer work.
Devin Walsh ’06 married Kelly Thomas June 18, 2016. Pictured left to right Peter Andruszkiewicz ’06, Michael Miller ’06, Devin Walsh ’06, Kelly Thomas Walsh, J.K. Vaughn ’06, Alaina Tosatti ’06, Lukas Walsh ’08.
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Hannah Pelton ’08 married Bill DeRusha September 17, 2016 at Saint Bernard Church in Enfield, CT. The wedding party included Luke Pelton ’10 and Amanda Perrotti Owens ’08. Also in attendance from NWC were Kenny Rousseau ’08 and Stacie Provencher ’08. The DeRushas showed off their dance moves throughout the reception, including their first dance (an Irish polka) and a father/daughter dance. The couple lives in Medford, MA. Elizabeth Ann (Carter) Perry ’87 was married September 17, 2016.
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ALUMN I N E W S Northwest Catholic Leaves a Lasting Impression:
An Interview with Karen Carew
The Carew Family: William ’13, Charlotte ’15, William, Karen, Claire ’18, Caroline ’12
NWC Babies
David Marceau ’95 and his wife Kelly had a daughter, Bridget Anne Marceau, on May 6, 2016.
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Brian DeConti ’00 and his wife Kristyn welcomed their second son Anderson. The DeContis also have a son Holden. DeConti is the IT manager for Milone and MacBroom, Inc. in Cheshire, CT. He and his family live in Simsbury, CT.
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NWC Athletic Director Matthew Martorelli ’03 and his wife Kate welcomed their first child Madelyn Jean Martorelli October 24, 2016.
Patricia Whittel ’79 is the new and proud grandmother of Theo born May 30, 2016.
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Why did you choose Northwest Catholic for your children? When it came time to consider high school for the oldest of our four children, we thankfully had many great options. The more time we spent around NWC the more confident we became that NWC was the best choice for our family. We started our process by talking to friends who had attended NWC themselves and were now sending their children there. The underlying message we heard from other families was that NWC, being a small school, enabled the faculty, administration, and coaches to really get to know your children. The learning environment was simply more intimate, and the Catholic experience made NWC feel like a community. Another sentiment we heard repeated by many NWC alumni is the camaraderie they still have with friends they graduated with and the connection they feel to the school long after graduation. That’s pretty special! The overarching sense of community and the Catholic influence was something we wanted our children to have. How has attending NWC changed and influenced your children? I think NWC has made our children more aware of the people around them. Having a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic student population gave our children a better picture of life outside of our own town. Also participating in different service projects gave them good life skills and made them more compassionate people. Wearing a uniform, as silly as it seems, has also been a positive—even the kids would admit that. Having everyone look the same, be neat and “tucked in,” helps them to put their best foot forward in being respectful young adults. What do you feel is the value of a NWC education? I think the value of a NWC education is far reaching. Our older three children were extremely well prepared to handle the college work load and the social environment.
NWC Babies
Had a baby? Get a bib! Request your bib from Jane Leary at: JLeary@nwcath.org
Recently married? We’d love to include a photo in a future issue of Logos. Send a photo of your wedding or baby (in a NWC bib, if you’d like!) to Maureen Scudder at: MScudder@nwcath.org
Our older three children were extremely well prepared to handle the college work load and the social environment. Upon entering NWC my three older children didn’t really know anyone. They were forced to put themselves out there to meet new people. This experience was extremely valuable when it came time to move into college. Most important though is the faith that was infused in their four years at NWC. They have been taught to listen and trust in God and to lean on Him through life’s ups and downs. It is a gift that will last a lifetime.
They have been taught to listen and trust in God and to lean on Him through life’s ups and downs. Would you recommend NWC to other families? Why? We would absolutely recommend NWC—choosing NWC for our children has been one of the best and most important decisions our family has ever made. Our youngest is a sophomore this year and upon entering as a freshman, she loved how warm and inviting the faculty and coaches were and that they remembered her siblings with fondness. Not only have our children made wonderful friends but as parents we have too. Northwest Catholic is truly a special place.
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Reunions Class of 1966 50th Reunion Saturday, June 4, 2016
The class of 1966 gathered June 4, 2016 to celebrate their 50th Reunion. The Class of 1966 celebrated their 50th class reunion on Saturday, June 4, 2016. With over 80 alums and guests attending, they began their celebration at Northwest Catholic with tours of the school, followed by Mass in the Rev. Bradford Colton Atrium. It was then over to Wampanoag Country Club for an evening of dinner, dancing, and renewing old friendships.
Class of 1976 40th Reunion
40 th Reunion Group Reflections from Maureen Quinn Tarca ’76 after the class of 1976 reunion: It has been fun connecting with old friends. We had a great class and the strength of the bond is still there after all these years. It is impressive and envied by those who know us and those who do not. Not many people can say they have maintained friendships since the time they were freshman in high school. The best thing my parents did for my four siblings and me was to send us to Northwest. It opened our eyes and doors and put us all on a path to college and successful careers. I am eternally grateful to Northwest Catholic.
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Giving Back In honor of their 40th Reunion, members of the class of 1976 gave back to Northwest Catholic by making gifts to two restricted funds, both of which will benefit deserving NWC students. The first is the endowed NWC Indians Legacy Scholarship, established with $25,000 in gifts, which will result in the awarding of a NWC Indians Legacy Scholarship each year in perpetuity beginning in 2017-18. The second is the 40th Reunion Scholarship Fund, which will allow additional financial aid funds to be available for awarding in the current fiscal year. Thank you to all who contributed so generously. Your class has truly created and left its legacy. For more information or to make a gift to the NWC Indians Legacy Scholarship visit: NorthwestCatholic.org/IndiansLegacy
REUNIONS 2017 If you graduated from NWC in a year ending in 7, your reunion year is 2017!
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: • Lunch or dinner at a restaurant • A cocktail party or BBQ held at a classmate’s home • Happy Hours in Hartford Class reunions are planned by members of the class. If you would like more information or would like to plan your reunion, contact Jane Leary, Director of Constituent Relations, at 860-236-4221 x131 or JLeary@nwcath.org.
The Class of 1967 will celebrate their 50th Class Reunion on Saturday, June 10, 2017. The celebration will include tours of the school, a reunion Mass, and dinner, and a party at Wampanoag Country Club. 50th Reunion Committee: Pat Hamilton ’67, Liz Stump Lankarge ’67, Al Lenge ’67, Rick Uliano ’67, Margaret McCormack Urban ’67, and Steve Urban ’67. For more details, visit: NorthwestCatholic.org/50thReunion
Help us find lost alums! Visit NorthwestCatholic.org/Alumni Update your email address so you are kept in the loop. Contact Jane Leary, JLeary@nwcath.org.
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South Catholic has a Home at NWC South Catholic Alum’s Golden Football Displayed at Northwest Catholic
Northwest Catholic, in South Catholic’s stead, is one of more than 2,000 high schools throughout the country to receive a Golden Football through the NFL’s Super Bowl Honor Roll initiative. The initiative, in honor of the 50th Super Bowl, honors the players and coaches of the first 49 Super Bowls as well as their high schools. The football now on display at NWC is in honor of Doug Widell, a graduate of the now-closed South Catholic High School, who played for Boston College and then was a second-round NFL draft pick in 1989 for the Denver Broncos, playing in Super Bowl XXIV.
February. Widell viewed the ceremony from his home in Florida via a live video feed. In 2014 a memorabilia display in tribute to South Catholic High School was created at Northwest Catholic in honor of the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore, former President of Northwest Catholic and a longtime principal at South Catholic. The Golden Football will be displayed there alongside other pieces of South Catholic history.
The golden football now on display at NWC is in honor of Doug Widell.
The football was presented to Northwest Catholic by Dr. Dale R. Hoyt, former Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford, during a special ceremony in
To learn more about South Catholic High School events held at Northwest Catholic contact NWC religion teacher and advancement officer Fran Laffin at: FLaffin@nwcath.org
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The football was presented to Northwest Catholic by Dr. Dale R. Hoyt, former Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford.
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South Catholic Graduate Speaks at NWC Last November South Catholic alumni and friends gathered for an evening visiting with old friends and listening to acclaimed author F. Mark Granato speak. Granato, a South Catholic graduate from the class of 1970, is one of Connecticut’s rising literary voices. He has written six books, including the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Finding David. During his talk Mr. Granato gave an overview of each book he’s written and shared how the values he acquired while attending St. Augustine School and South Catholic High School, both in Hartford, manifested themselves throughout his writings. A wine and cheese social and book signing by the author immediately followed Mr. Granato’s presentation.
South Catholic alumni have a strong community and now have a home at NWC.
Acclaimed author F. Mark Granato of South Catholic’s class of 1970 discusses his work at an event at NWC last November.
South Catholic alumni gathered for the author event at Northwest Catholic last fall.
South Catholic alumni come together at NWC.
F. Mark Granata and Fran Laffin, NWC religion teacher and advancement officer.
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IN MEMORIAM Northwest Catholic extends its prayers and sympathies to the families of those in our community who passed away from 2015-2016. Please send newspaper obituaries to Jane Leary at JLeary@nwcath.org, and please notify MScudder@nwcath.org of any errors or omissions.
Theodore A. Donahue, Sr., former guidance counselor at Northwest Catholic, passed away peacefully with his family by his side March 24, 2016 at age 85. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 52 years, Patricia Cronan Donahue, and is survived by six children and five grandchildren. Ted was born in Waterbury to the late Timothy and Anna Fitzpatrick Donahue. He was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier School, Sacred Heart High School, and Fairfield University. Ted served during the Korean War with the Army Medical Service Corps and afterwards became a teacher, then assistant principal in Waterbury. After retiring from Waterbury Public Schools, Ted joined the counseling department at Northwest Catholic. Ted was a devout Catholic and faithful communicant of Our Lady of Loreto Church in Waterbury. As an educator Ted was guided by the mantra “friendly, firm, and fair” and had a soft spot for students whom school was difficult.
Father Eugene Michael Kilbride, former faculty member at Northwest Catholic, died peacefully in his sleep at the priest house of St. Helena on March 17, 2016 at age 82. Father Kilbride was born in Waterbury, CT, the youngest child of Michael J. and Helen Madden Kilbride. His father came to this country from Ireland and served as a Waterbury fireman. Father Kilbride graduated from St. Francis Xavier Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School both in Waterbury. He attended St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield for two years and finished his education at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, New York, where he studied philosophy and theology in preparation for priesthood. He was the first priest from St. Francis Xavier Parish in Waterbury to be ordained. He served in parishes across the state but found his “home” at St. Helena’s in West Hartford where he served for 40 years.
Sister Catherine McNally (Sister Joseph Theodore), a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and former Northwest Catholic staff member, died at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor in New Britain on September 23, 2016 at age 99. Sister Catherine earned a BA in Education from Diocesan Sisters College, an MA in Secondary Education at Fairfield University, and an MS in Library Science at Southern Connecticut State University. Sister Catherine taught in elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford, Bridgeport, and Norwich. Sister Catherine showed love and kindness towards her pupils. She understood their needs and treated each as individuals who were given to her care for a short time and who deserved special concern. Sister Catherine, being a proficient seamstress, did not really retire, but spent her later years, even in her late 90s, sewing dresses for new mothers in the missions of Haiti.
Carol L. Schave, a math teacher at Northwest Catholic from 1978 to 2007, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2016. Carol was the beloved wife of Loren W. Schave and mother of Kathy Schave ’86, Beth Schave-Bemis ’87, and Lauren Schave Ametrano ’92. Born November 27, 1938 in New Haven, Carol was the daughter of the late Alan and Katherine McCourt Sheridan. She was an avid Boston Red Sox and UCONN Women’s basketball fan, and she enjoyed traveling to Sanibel Island and Cape Cod. Carol was a Eucharistic Minister at the Church of St. Patrick in Farmington for many years and was a communicant at the Church of St. Mary in Unionville.
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IN MEMORIAM would often go out of her way to reach out to students and faculty who were trying to keep their pain bottled inside. She would reach out quietly and gently, instinctively knowing what would lift a person’s spirits. For one person it might be hot chocolate, another tea, another a mug of mac and cheese, and another, of course, her wonderful baked goods. These gifts created a path to a conversation that would end with the person walking away fed not merely in the physical sense but with God’s love as well. Lisa had a great talent when it came to baking. She would make special creations for people’s birthdays or as a way to motivate a student to get his or her work done or to help with a student-based fund raiser. Lisa went out of her way to support students in their activities. She enjoyed going to hockey games, tea club, mock trial, and more. She became the moderator of Unified Jazz when a student wanted to start up this club and needed teacher support.
Lisa J. Miles Huston, Assistant to the Academic Dean and Registrar at Northwest Catholic from 2006 to 2016, passed away May 17, 2016 at age 52. Lisa was born in Long Island, NY, daughter of Robert and Nona Cunningham Miles of Clearwater, FL. In addition to her parents, she is survived by a daughter Elizabeth Huston and two sisters.
Lisa was a loving and joyful person. The source of Lisa’s love and joy could be seen every Friday at Northwest Catholic when she spent time in the chapel during Adoration.
ALUMNI
Fitzsimmons ’00; cousin of Caitlyn Curley ’03, Daniel Curley ’05, John Curley, member of the class of ’07, and Erin Curley ’13.
Kyle Dean Benson ’01 of Hartford and formerly of Windsor passed away unexpectedly October 3, 2016 after a long battle with addiction. After high school Kyle continued his education in the Hartford area pursuing his passion as an artist. He was wellknown for his paintings and drawings, and he enjoyed working at Passages Art Gallery in Hartford. Most of all, he will be remembered as a true friend who knew people from all walks of life. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially his daughter Ruby, and he would do anything to help those he loved. Brother of Kelsey Benson
Lisa’s faith in Jesus was not simply an intellectual or private one but a faith she lived. She had a great motherly instinct for the suffering of those around her. She
William R. “Bill” Borchers ’84 died October 29, 2016 with his family at his side. Bill attended Westfield State College and Western New England College. He was employed most recently for several years as a retail manager in the food industry. Bill was an avid sports enthusiast who enjoyed watching football games and the New York Yankees as well as playing golf. Terence P. “Terry” Brewer ’74 died November 8, 2015. Terry graduated Northwest Catholic High School in 1974 where he was a fierce competitor on the
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Outside of school Lisa was active working with various beauty pageants. She would help contestants as well as participate as a judge. Lisa enjoyed horse racing and hockey. She was a New York Ranger fan through and through, and when she found out that the Ranger goalie was moving, she immediately began to plot how we could get his daughters into Northwest Catholic! Lisa Huston was a caring, faithful, and generous person and is deeply missed.
football field. He then completed a degree in construction management from Dean College in Franklin, MA. He worked for many years as a strategic project manager as well as a heavy equipment operator for Brewer & Horan Construction Company amongst others. Brother of Eileen BrewerAkin ’76, David Brewer ’76, Jim Brewer ’77, Chris Brewer ’80, Matthew Brewer ’81, the late Neil Brewer ’73; brother-in-law of Jim Akin ’68. Patrick Henry Broderick, Jr. ’86 of Glastonbury, beloved husband and best friend of Susan Stanley Broderick, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Patrick grew up in Windsor Locks, attended local
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IN MEMORIAM schools, and graduated from Northwest Catholic High School in West Hartford. Patrick was a ROTC Scholar at Providence College and was an officer in the US Army Reserve for many years. He went on to receive his Master’s in rehabilitation counseling from Springfield College. Patrick worked as a systems administrator for the State of Connecticut for 23 years. Virginia Marie “Jenny” Brown ’10 of New Britain passed away unexpectedly March 11, 2016. Jenny attained her cosmetology certificate in 2013 from the Paul Mitchell School in Charlotte, NC and was licensed by the State of Connecticut as a hairdresser/ cosmetician. Jenny was a highly regarded employee at Sephora, West Farms Mall and actively used her talents as a vocalist and dancer on the Praise Team, the Visions of Grace Choir, and Serenity Dance Ministry at Grace Church of New Britain. Her real passion was making women beautiful through her make-up line B-Vain Cosmetics. Sister of Lee Brown ’11. Jonathan Kennedy Dounouk ’66 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. Jonathan worked at AAA for many years and finished his career at Foley Services. Jonathan and his wife have been residents at Amston Lake for the last 42 years and have shared their home with several dogs whom he loved. Jonathan enjoyed his life on the lake because it allowed him to indulge in one of his favorite pastimes, fishing. Jonathan was also an avid tennis player and a member of the Glastonbury Tennis Club. John Patrick Flannery died March 17, 2016. John worked for Bechtel as a safety manager and was an avid golfer. Jo-Ann (Carter) Gatzen ’65 passed away August 17, 2016 after a 14 month battle with cancer. She graduated from Bay Path Jr. College. With her husband, Jo-Ann owned Creative Music in Wethersfield prior to retirement. In earlier years she worked in her family business, Roosevelt Mills in Rockville, CT. Jo-Ann was a past president of the Farmington Valley Kennel Club, recent treasurer, and a lifetime member. She owned champion AKC Tibetan Terriers and a champion Old English Sheepdog. They were dearly loved by her and her husband. She was also a member of the Hartford Obedience Training Club and worked with her dogs to achieve performance titles.
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Thomas Marshall Giardini ’65 passed away September 3, 2015. Tom was raised in West Hartford, lived in Wethersfield, and later Farmington. Graduating from Northwest Catholic High School in 1965, Tom recently attended his 50th high school reunion. Following his graduation, he completed a post-graduate year at The Winchendon School and received his undergraduate degree while simultaneously enlisting in the 405th Army Reserve in West Hartford. Throughout his high school and college years, Tom worked for The Associated Construction Company, which his father established in 1942. He served as president of the firm for over 30 years. Walter Greenfield ’71 of Ridgefield died February 10, 2015. He was a 1975 graduate of Villanova University and received his MBA at the University of Hartford. Before his retirement in 2011, he was the president of Webster Capital Finance. Brother of Elise Greenfield Furman ’74 and Thomas Greenfield ’79. Lawrence Joseph “Larry” Hogan ’68 passed away peacefully July 29, 2016 in Honolulu, HI. Larry attended Villanova University where he earned a degree in psychology and played four years of Division I football. Larry was an avid athlete. After college Larry studied meditation and worked briefly at the US Mission to the UN. He had a fine cabinetry/carpentry construction business for 30 years in Queens. Larry traveled in 40 countries. He was threatened by a bull elephant; bush-camped among lions in Kruger National Park; canoed the Zambezi river among hippos and crocs; dove the Great Barrier Reef; swam among great white sharks, barracuda, giant mantas, and piranhas; hiked the Himalayas; visited Tokyo, Cambodia, Vietnam, Bali, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Iguazu Falls, the Amazon, and the Pantanal. After two years in Thailand, Larry moved to Oahu and became a Master Scuba Diver Instructor. Brother of Matt-Bhima Hogan ’67, Joan Hogan Reinhart ’71, and Laura Hogan ’75. Grace “Gigi” S. Humphreys ’79 of Rocky Hill, CT passed away unexpectedly surrounded by family November 26, 2016. Gigi received her Bachelors in Psychology in 1983 from Saint Anselm College. She volunteered at group homes in Manchester, NH before moving back to CT and working at Close Jensen and Miller and Franklin Giant Grinder in Hartford. Gigi was very involved in her children’s local sports teams and was
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a CCD teacher for 10 years at St. James Church. She loved having Sunday family dinners and being surrounded by loved ones. She was an avid reader and enjoyed spending time at Hawks Nest Beach. Kathryn Higgins Jarvis ’66 of South Windsor passed away peacefully August 31, 2016. Kathryn attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1968. Kathryn devoted her life to her patients and to the education of nurses. She served as past president of the CT Chapter of the American Heart Association and proudly became one of the first certified diabetes educators in the country. She retired from nursing in 2010 after 38 years of working for the Eastern Connecticut Health Network at Rockville General Hospital and Manchester Memorial Hospital. Kathryn was a communicant of St. Margaret Mary Church in South Windsor. Christopher D. Johnson ’84 of Ashford passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Terrence T. Lescoe ’72 of Kensington passed away May 20, 2016. Terry received his BS and MBA at the University of Connecticut. Terry was the Chief Financial Officer for the Knights of Columbus in New Haven and a 4th degree member of Council 3675, where he held many offices. He was a member of St. Paul Church in Kensington. Brother of Douglas Lescoe ’68, Patricia Lescoe Tang ’71, and Timothy Lescoe ’74. John Lilly ’99 passed away suddenly October 21, 2015. John was a 2003 graduate of Keene State University. His artwork and graphic design business were his passions in life, along with his family and many friends. He was a proud Hartford resident for his entire life, and he loved the city. Brother of Kate Lilly ’98, Bridget Lilly ’01, Maeve Lilly ’01, and Patricia Lilly ’03. Kevin Macbeth ’04 of Winchester, MA and Canton, CT, passed away unexpectedly June 13, 2016. Kevin worked as a project manager in the generator division at Nardone Electrical Corporation. He completed an apprenticeship program in pursuit of his journeyman electrician’s license. Kevin enjoyed brewing beer, hiking, sharing his love of music, and spending time with his family and friends. Willie L. “Will” McCrorey ’91 passed away suddenly September 24, 2015. Willie was raised in Hartford, graduated from St. Justin
ALU MN I NE W S
IN MEMORIAM School, Northwest Catholic High School, and then from the University of Connecticut. He lived in New Hampshire for several years, Lawrence, MA for a few years, and the past 5 years in Melrose, MA. Willie was a talented IT computer engineer. Jeffrey McFarlane ’81 passed away June 21, 2016. Brother of the late Joseph McFarlane ’81. Alan Paul McIlveen ’84 of Simsbury died unexpectedly October 25, 2016. Alan received his Bachelors Degree from the University of Hartford. He was president of Walter McIlveen Associates, Inc. for many years and was a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 2758 as well as past president of the Connecticut Chapter of ASHRAE. Brother of Ronald McIlveen ’68, Adrian McIlveen ’75, Peter McIlveen ’80, and Anita McIlveen Kelsey ’82. Lorraine Morano ’66 of North Franklin, MA passed away peacefully at home September 12, 2016. Lorraine was known by so many as a best friend. Her caring and giving nature will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known her. Sister of Carol Morano ’65. Todd Randolph Nolan ’93 passed away suddenly July 19, 2015. He was a graduate of both Ben Bronz Academy and Northwest Catholic High School and served with the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Adams Ahearn Sign Solutions of Hartford. Stephen William Reeder of West Hartford passed away unexpectedly October 11, 2016 at home. Stephen will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and co-workers. Stephen was a 1996 graduate of Capital Community Technical College. He was a loyal fan of the New York Giants and Boston Red Sox. He had an eye for detail and was called a perfectionist, a trait that served him well in his career as a carpenter for over 30 years. Stephen loved nature, being outdoors, hiking, and camping, even in the winter. Stephen loved cooking and spending time with friends, watching a game, talking about history, or describing the latest project he was working on. Judith A. “Judie” Shea ’65 died peacefully February 17, 2016 surrounded by her family. Judie was a graduate of Northwest Catholic High School’s first graduating class.
She went on to graduate from Morse School of Business. She retired from the Hartford Board of Education where she was an administrative assistant. She was a member of the Hartford Secretaries Association and enjoyed their luncheons throughout the years. Judie enjoyed old TV shows and was a movie trivia buff. She had quite a green thumb and cultivated the most beautiful gardens. She loved lunches out with family and will best be remembered for her wit and sense of humor. Above all, family was most important to Judie. Concetta Tina Spagna-Czaczkes ’66, a dedicated teacher, mother, wife, sister, and aunt, passed away unexpectedly in Wethersfield December 12, 2015. She obtained a Bachelor’s from the University of St. Joseph in West Hartford, and a Master’s in art from Trinity College in Hartford. She began her teaching career at East Catholic High School where she taught French, Spanish, and Italian for 17 years. She also taught Spanish at Silas Deane Middle School in Wethersfield for three years along with French and Spanish at Cromwell High School for thirteen years. Sister of Patricia Spagna Darling ’72. Lynda Marie Johnson Trumbull ’65 of West Simsbury and Old Saybrook passed away peacefully October 26, 2016 in her home with her family by her side. Lyn was a beautiful woman—smart, creative, with a huge heart, and a mischievous sense of humor who gave willingly to her family and friends. A wonderfully supportive mother whose two children were her pride and joy, she always had time to listen to them and to her special friends when they needed to talk. She was in the first graduating class from Northwest Catholic High School, graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Hartford, and earned a Masters degree in Russian History. Lyn loved all creatures, big and small, from the bears who came to swim in the pool to her favorite birds. Carol Ann Verfurth ’77 of Flower Mound, TX passed away July 11, 2016. Carol received her degree in finance from Central Connecticut State University. She enjoyed a successful career in the insurance and private banking industries employed by firms in Hartford, Charlotte, and Dallas. She will be remembered for her love of family, her annual dance parties, and her unfailing
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devotion to the Green Bay Packers. Sister of James Verfurth ’79, Charles Verfurth ’81, and Mary Verfurth Arn ’82. Christopher “Chris” James Wolf ’65 died April 26, 2016 at his home with family by his side. A man of great character and integrity, he made a lasting impression on all those who knew him. He was kind, generous, hardworking, loyal, and always punctual. No matter what came his way, he approached life with a smile. Chris found great pleasure in his friendships and his sense of humor and cheerful nature made him a friend to many. He looked forward to regular lunches and fishing trips with “The Board.” While his career in accounting was long and successful, his proudest achievement was the establishment of the POTE (Providing Opportunity Through Education) Foundation, which was dedicated to providing educational support and resources to youth. Husband of Elaine Civitollo Wolf ’66.
CURRENT FAMILIES Charles E. Deye Jr, grandfather of Regina Chappano ’17 and Olivia Chappano ’19. John E. “Jack” Egan, grandfather of Michael Adebimpe ’16 and Daniel Adebimpe ’17. Robert Henry George Fetherston, grandfather of Adam Mortillaro ’08, Emma Kate Mortillaro ’12, Alexander Mortillaro ’12, Madison Mortillaro ’14, and Isabel Mortillaro ’20. Janina Fitrzyk, grandmother of Nicole Fitrzyk ’17. Gloria P. Signorino Hetterich, grandmother of Kevin Eustis ’17 and mother-in-law of David Eustis, NWC President & Chief Administrator. Christopher A. Italia, father of James Italia ’10, Nicholas Italia ’12, and Lauren Italia ’16; uncle of Louis Dillon ’17. Phyllis (Sachs) Katz, grandmother of Megan Dees ’08 and Hilary Dees ’10. Sheila Klingman, grandmother of Jacqueline Klingman ’14 and Nicolas Klingman ’17. Edna M. L’Heureux, grandmother of Joe Verbitsky, NWC staff member, and Lindsey Verbitsky ’18. John J. “Jack” McGlynn, uncle of Jane Leary,
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IN MEMORIAM NWC Dir. of Constituent Relations, and her husband, Jim ’65; great-uncle of Jay Leary ’05, Sean Leary ’07, and Brennan Horn ’20. Steve Frank Meilinger, Sr., grandfather of Clayton Stewart ’17. Geraldine Meskill Murphy, mother of Robert Murphy ’76, Daniel Murphy ’80; mother-in-law of Alison Kearns Murphy ’80; grandmother of Christian Murphy ’12 and Anderson Murphy ’17. Albert Penta, grandfather of Christian Farrell ’12, Evan Farrell ’14, and Collin Farrell ’17. Mary S. Rice, mother of Mary Rice Sternberg ’76, J.Thaddeus Rice ’77, and the late John Rice ’80; grandmother of Tyler Rice ’16 and Shayne Rice ’18. Phyllis Ann Rice, grandmother of Zachary Rice ’14 and Kyle Rice ’17. Eileen Salcedo, grandmother of John Salcedo ’18 and Nicholas Salcedo ’19.
Mildred Blaschinski, mother of Nancy Blaschinski ’68 and Dennis Blaschinski ’70. Jennifer Cecelia Knight Bolling, sister of Beverly Knight Davis ’76. Norman Bourdan J., grandfather of Tim Bourdon ’03, Peter Bourdon ’05, Michael Bourdon ’07, Tom Bourdon ’10, and MaryKate Bourdon ’13; grandfather-inlaw of Carrie Frederick Bourdon ’03; father of Peter Bourdon, former NWC School Board Chairperson. Robert F. “Bob” Bouvier, father of Valerie Bouvier Sabella ’75, Denise Bouvier Desmarais ’77, and Rob Bouvier ’81; grandfather of Nicholas Desmarais ’06, Gregory Desmarais ’08, and Emily Desmarais ’12. George W. Brazel, Jr., father of Michael Brazel ’78, Timothy Brazel ’82, and the late Matthew Brazel ’79.
’82, and Jennifer Dalton Antonia ’86. William James Dalo, uncle of Ellen Dalo ’16. Josephine “Jo” Fiducia DeAngelis, mother of Jordy DeAngelis ’72; grandmother of Courtney DeAngelis Collier ’01 and Cara DeAngelis ’05. Edwin G. Devine, father of Lorrie Devine ’70; grandmother of Michael Rossler ’19 and Drew Rossler ’19. Kathleen Palm Devine, sister of Christine Palm ’74. Dorothy Mezzanotte DeVito, mother of Theresa DeVito St. Gelais ’69, Frances DeVito Ciotto ’71, and Michael DeVito ’75. Anthony J. Di Re, grandfather of Alexandra McKenzie ’11 and Nathan McKenzie ’12. Paul Allan Doan, husband of Kathleen Gormley Doan ’85. Margaret M. “Peg” Donohue, mother of T.J. Donohue ’69.
Derrick West, father of Valentino West ’19.
Elizabeth “Betty” Bruyette, aunt of Michelle Bruyette Melander ’73.
Johanna Patricia Paulina Cataldi “Jo” Wolosiuk, grandmother of Olivia Fenton ’15 and Gia Fenton ’17.
Reverend George Patrick Burnett, uncle of Francis Burnett ’89 and George Burnett ’16.
Joseph P. Dougherty, father of Maureen Dougherty ’72, Brian Dougherty ’74, Ellen Dougherty Aspell ’81, and the late Michael Dougherty ’76.
ALUMNI FAMILIES
Albert J. Callahan, Jr., father of Albert Callahan III ’72; brother of Lee Callahan, former NWC faculty member.
Mary M. Doyle, mother of Carrie Doyle ’82 and Sara Dole Connolly ’83; aunt of Julia Murphy, NWC faculty member.
Reverend Thomas B. Campion, uncle of Richard Cobb ’75, Michael Cobb ’77, Mary Cobb Gothers ’80, Christopher Cobb ’83, and Theresa Desjardins Cobb ’75.
Rose Marie Wishinsky Durkin, motherin-law of Nadine Crispino Durkin ’78; grandmother of Paul Durkin ’97, Anita Durkin ’99, and Michael Durkin ’08.
Dr. Joseph Amato, father of Anthony Amato ’77, Mary Amato ’78, Paul Amato ’82, Tina Amato Glacklin ’83, Lisa Amato Quinn ’84, Linda Amato Smith ’87, and the late John Amato ’86; father-in-law of Kerry Quinn ’83; grandfather of Noelle Amato ’13. Mary Paoli Armour, mother of Donald Armour ’66, James Armour ’73, Jean Armour Miller ’73; mother-in-law of Shiela Navin Armour ’66. Gertrude Jacobson Bach, mother-in-law of Ann Grzesiuk Bach ’70 and grandmother of Michelle Bach ’13. Sylvia Arnold Banks, grandmother of Samantha Deramus ’16. Sean Michael Barton, stepson of Elizabeth Collins Barton ’70; brother of Nicholas Barton ’03, Alexander Barton ’05, and Catherine Barton ’08. Malora Wright Billington, mother of Christal Billington Anderson ’81 and Courtney Billington ’82.
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Lucien Cance, Sr., grandfather of Ida Cance ’08, Lucie Cance ’11, and Lucien Cance ’12. Shirley H. Knowles Cassella, grandmother of Kevin Larsen ’02, Marybeth Mitsch ’07, John Mitsch ’08, and Maureen Mitsch ’10. Angela Roberts Chiasson, mother of Joanne Chiasson Catania ’73, Rosanne Chiasson Arvin ’76, and Steven Chiasson ’80. Adam Anthony Cotugno, son of Kathi Shangraw Cotugno ’81; nephew of Robert Shangraw ’72, Timothy Shangraw ’73, Michael Shangraw ’76, and Vicki Shangraw Kvedar ’77. Patrick Joseph Crowley, Jr., father of Ian Crowley ’98. Dr. George R. Dalton, father of Kathleen Dalton ’77, Michael Dalton ’85, Brian Dalton
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Joan Eagan, mother of Mary Ann Eagan ’71, Michael Eagan ’74, Owen Eagan ’78, and Margie Eagan Waal ’82; mother-in-law of Geralyn Tuohy Eagan ’74; grandmother of Michael Eagan ’04, Caley Eagan ’06, Kerry Eagan, member of the class of ’05, Kevin Eagan ’08, Maura Eagan ’09, and Owen Eagan ’14. Ehrentraut Eisele, mother of Helga Phillips, NWC Faculty member, grandmother of John Phillips ’06. John A. Facey, Jr., father of John Facey ’68, Jeffrey Facey ’70, James Facey ’72, Juliana Facey Prignano ’74, Marlene Facey McGunigle ’84, and Jerald Facey ’90; grandfather of Geoffrey Facey ’03, Paul Prignano ’99, James Prignano ’01, Thomas Prignano ’06, and Robert Prignano ’08. George H. Farrah, father of Rhonda Farrah
ALU MN I N E W S
IN MEMORIAM ’76, Rommerro Farrah ’77, and Albert Farrah ’85.
Ellen Leahy ’75.
Arthur E. Fay, father of Peter Fay ’66, Susan Fay-Wilcox ’68, and Elaine Fay-Coelho ’69.
Kathleen Agnes Brady Liss, mother of Joseph Liss ’82, Eileen Liss ’83, Rori Sughrue ’86, and Suzanne Liss ’87.
Frank X. Flaherty, father of Mary Rose Flaherty Palmese ’78 and Patricia Flaherty ’80; grandfather of Eilish Flaherty, member of the class of ’15.
Geraldine Whitaker Luksic, mother of the late Geraldine Luksic ’69, aunt of A. James Dionizio ’65, Peggy Dionizio Arseneaux ’66, and Gail Dionizio Lonczewski ’71.
Elizabeth Anderson Foran, mother of Karen Anderson Cichon ’68 and Donna Anderson Halloran ’69.
Mark Leo Lynch III, father of Mark Lynch ’89 and Karen Lynch Keefe ’93.
Christopher Jon “Buddy” Gardner, brother of Abby Gardner ’15. Maryann McKinnon Garlasco, mother of Christopher Garlasco ’81, Marie Garlasco Cavanaugh ’83, and Ann Garlasco Grubb ’88. Jacqueline B. Bolduc Gendreau, mother of Charlene Gendreau Arnold ’73. Mary Louise Latham Giangreco, grandmother of Gabrielle Giangreco ’13. Linda Diane Brown Glascock, mother of John Glascock ’15. Eulalia Anne “Anne” Gloekler, motherin-law of Anne Edmonds Sopelak ’78; grandmother of Mary Sopelak ’09. Albert William Gollenberg, Jr., grandfather of Thomas Gollenberg ’11. Raymond F. “Ray” Grady, grandfather of Tyler Sisk ’16 and Megan Sisk ’19; father-in-law of Michael Sisk ’85, NWC Board Member. Mary Ruth Kennedy Hampton, mother of Thomas Hampton ’80 and John Hampton ’84. Preston F. “Pret” Harding, father of Christopher Harding ’70, Michael Harding ’81, Holly Harding ’82, and Hillary Harding Cronin ’85. Kathleen Walter Hart, mother of Marcy Hart Esler ’72, Patti Hart Poole ’73, Stephen Hart ’74, Eleanor Hart ’76, Claudia Hart ’78, Andy Hart ’80, and Rachel Hart ’82. Beverley Jean Henriques, mother of Mischa Hadaway ’03. Robert August Huck, grandfather of Kristi Gillespie; great-grandfather of Sarah Gillespie ‘13 and Amy Gillespie, member of the class of ’15. Elizabeth Murphy Leahy, mother of Mary
Michael E. McDonough, father of Sean McDonough ’14. Adele K. Meaney, mother of Martha Meaney ’67, Kathleen Meaney ’70, and Maureen Meaney Dietze ’70. Lynn Rodeman Metzger, PhD, grandmother of Eric Kelly ’08, Gretchen Kelly ’10, and Meghan Kelly ’12. Winnifred Miller, grandmother of Christina Ciotto ’08. Melissa Joy Molin, sister of Rebecca Molin ’16. Lorraine Abbott Molloy, mother of Ann Molloy Stillman ’70, Robert Molloy ’71, and Katherine Spencer-Molloy ’73. Virginia Rose Balf Morgan, mother of Matthew Morgan ’77 and Michael Morgan ’79. Theodore Mucha, grandfather of Theodora Mucha ’11. Penelope “Penny” Pepek Murphy, mother of Pamela Murphy Woodruff ’99. Mary E. Navin, mother of Sheila Navin Armour ’66, Sharon Navin, Joseph Navin ’69, and Rosemay Navin Dowd ’73; motherin-law of Don Armour ’66; grandmother of Joe Matt Navin ’02 and Patrick Navin, member of the class of ’08. Carol Lee Genovese Nista, grandmother of Patrick Nista ’11 and Christopher Nista ’15. Sonya Denise Dockett Nwachukwu, mother of Anthony Nwachukwu, member of the class of ’15 and former NWC Board Member. Robert E. “Bob” O’Brien, father of Lisa Meehan Curran ’71, Maureen O’ Brien ’72, Kevin Meehan ’72, and Robert O’Brien ’74; grandfather of Kate Curran Hunter ’00, Kelly Curran ’04 and Dillon Meehan ’12.
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
Dr. George Brendan Odlum Jr., father of Jessica Odlum ’90. Arthur J. O’Grady, grandfather of JK Vaughn ’06, Ryan Vaughn ’08, Tanner Vaughn ’12, and Hope Vaughn ’15. Kathryn “Kitty” Craemer O’Shea, mother of Elisa Craemer Genovese ’77, Rosanne Craemer Shea ’82, and James Craemer ’86; grandmother of Fiona Shea ’15. Marjorie Fay Palm, mother of Christine Palm ’74; grandmother of Seamus Palm Baker, member of the class of ’12. Charles Paul Pariano, Meredith Pariano ’08.
grandfather
of
Tsani (Emery) Pinnone, grandmother of Michael Sarnese ’05. Carol Perry Preston, mother of Ann Preston Ney ’73, Judy Preston Francis ’74, and Tracy Preston Heslin ’76; mother-in-law of John Heslin ’76; grandmother of Thomas Heslin ’06, Jack Heslin ’09, and Haley Heslin ’10. Donika Prevalla, Prevalla ’10.
brother
of
Fanol
Robert “Bob” Quinn, father of Carol Quinn Toomey ’83, Robert Quinn ’85, Lisa Quinn Bradley ’87, Paul Quinn ’89, and Daniel Quinn ’91. Edward Radionovas, father of Albert Radionovas ’76 and Sylvia Radionovas Parker ’77; father-in-law of Margaret Gaffney Radionovas ’77. Ana Maria Hernandez Ramos, mother of Tania Rivera ’98 and Jennifer Rivera Unker ’03. Marguerite A. “Marge” Riley, aunt of James Emswiler ’67, Margaret Riley ’69, Lauren Riley Roy ’75, Michael Riley ’77, and the late Mary Riley Emswiler ’68; great aunt of Maura Riley ’85, Daniel Riley ’86, Brendan Riley ’03, Taylor Riley ’05, Danielle Riley ’07, and Colleen Riley ’12. Dianne Hoelzer Roux, mother of Katie Hoelzer ’16. Patrick Ryan, uncle of Mary Kate Kearney ’08, Patrick Kearney ’10, and Emily Kearney ’13. Muhamoud Malik Saleh (Stanley Morgan Singletary), father of Nnamdi Sigletary ’98. Marion F. Sayadoff, mother of Carol Sayadoff
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Sarkozy ’70, Lauren Sayadoff Gromak ’73, Peter Sayadoff ’75, John Sayadoff ’77, and the late Robert Sayadoff ’67; mother-inlaw of Donna McAllster Sayadoff-Flaherty ’67, Richard Sarkozy ’69, and Sally Tracey Sayadoff ’79. Mario Serrano, father-in-law of Stephen Wood ’76.
Helen Ann Gregaitis Venora, mother of Daniel Venora ’77 and Timothy Venora ’81. Theresa “Terry” (Skinner) Walsh, grandmother of Ed Walsh ’00, Meghan Walsh Aguirre ’05, Nicole Lacouture ’10, and Allison Lacouture ’13; mother of Maryann Lacouture and Dennis Walsh, former NWC staff members.
Moira Patricia Howell Serrano, mother-inlaw of Stephen Wood ’76.
Krystyna Biesiada Wielblad, grandmother of Adam Powojski ’09 and Mark Powojski ’11.
Ann Scott, grandmother Shepardson ’07.
Keegan
Constance Wilcox, grandmother of Abigail Wilcox ’18.
Frances Sica, grandmother of Megan Dees ’08 and Hilary Dees ’10.
Bertrand “Bert” Peter Williams, father of Nigel Williams ’99; stepfather of Nicki Webster ’92 and Noy Webster ’93; grandfather of Destiny Webster ’13.
of
Angela E. Shages, mother of William V. Shages, Jr. ’65. Margaret “Peggy” Walsh Sitarz, mother of Julia Sitarz Lasek ’97, MaryKate Sitarz ’99, and Jane Sitarz ’01. Linn Haskell Smith, uncle of Maggie Rose ’14 and Katie Rose, NWC staff member. Joan M. Sperdini, grandmother of Stephen Nahorney ’16. Mary Ann Burgen Steadman, grandmother of Thomas Meucci ’16. Edythe “Edye” Teich, mother-in-law of Tricia Molloy Teich ’70. Katherine A. Hester Thompson, grandmother of Ryan Thompson ’10 and Brendan Thompson ’13. Cornelia Agnes Kelly Toohey, mother of Kathyrn Toohey Whittel ’84, Frank Toohey ’85 and Martha Toohey Conneely ’87; mother-in-law of Joe Whittel ’83. Susan Hobert Tremble, aunt of NWC faculty member Michael Tyler ’73, Gay Tyler Gallagher ’70, Kathleen Tyler ’71, Grant Tyler ’72, Marie Wiley Tyler ’77, Dan Tyler ’83, Matthew Tyler ’84, and the late Patrick Tyler ’83; great-aunt of Nathan Tyler ’08, Lucas Tyler ’10, Jessica Tyler ’12, and Owen Tyler ’15. Dorothy “Dot” Sullivan Tuohy, mother of Mary Lou Tuohy Duffy ’72 and Geralyn Tuohy Eagan ’74; mother-in-law of James Duffy ’71 and Michael Eagan ’74; grandmother of Michael Eagan ’04 and Kevin Eagan ’08; aunt of John Tuohy ’65 and Mary Boucher Tuohy ’66, Patricia Tuohy Leonardi ’68, Nancy Tuohy Frobel ’69, and Carl Frobel ’77; Michael Tuohy ’76 and James Tuohy ’78.
98 • L O G O S
Rita (Sheehan) Zalucki, mother of John Zalucki ’72 and MaryAnn Zalucki Hall ’78. Ann Malone Zangari, mother of Kathryn Zangari, member of the class of ’07, Jack Zangari ’11, and Annie Zangari ’13.
FACULTY, STAFF, AND ADMINISTRATION Marlette A. Greene, fiancé of Floyd Wilson, NWC staff member. John Sotiros Harris, uncle of Sara Demos Avery, NWC faculty member. Johnny Wilson, brother of Floyd Wilson, NWC staff member.
FRIENDS Arthur Denis Crowley, father of Rev. Joseph Crowley, former NWC chaplain. Rev. Monsignor Charles W. Daly, brother of Bob Daly, longtime NWC volunteer. Patrick DeLorenzo Dennis Durkin Mother Rosemae Pender F.S.E., Mother Foundress of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. The Reverend Richard R. Russell, former NWC Board Member. Joseph N. Shugrue, uncle of Jim Shugrue, NWC faculty member. Janelle Staffieri
T H E M A G A Z I N E O F N O R T H W E S T C AT H O L I C
Northwest Catholic faces our second half century with justified enthusiasm. The history of its first 50 years of accomplishments is exceptional. Graduates of our school have achieved notable success and leadership in education, religious life, business, military service, law, medicine, and other fields. They have also given back generously to support their school’s mission. The 1961 Society is established to encourage future support of Northwest Catholic through planned gifts to increase endowment. This effort assures a continued strong financial future and allows us to provide financial aid to deserving students, as well as keeping future costs of a Northwest Catholic education as manageable as possible. Below is a listing of current members of the society. We would be pleased to learn of others who may have made this provision, or are considering it. Please contact Pat Walsh, Director of Advancement, at 860-236-4221, ext 138 or PWalsh@nwcath.org. You can also inform us directly at NorthwestCatholic.org/The1961SocietyEnrollment. MEMBERS OF THE 1961 SOCIETY Theresa Notte Becker ’76 and Clint Becker Drs. Catherine Foley Bodak-Gyovai ’65 and Levente Bodak-Gyovai Phil Bonee ’72 and Valerie Bonee +Clarence Bourret (AP) Timothy F. Bourret ’73 +Maureen Dennehy (Former Faculty) Rev. Henry C. Frascadore (Former President)
Karen L. Fritsche (Friend) Frank Genovese ’65 and Susan Genovese Kevin Grenham ’78 and Beth Grenham +Martha Johnson (Friend) Philip F. and Susan Kelly (AP) (GP) Jean Lam (Friend) William Murphy ’67 and Katherine Murphy Jane Z. Reardon (AP) (Former Faculty Spouse)
+Anne F. Satriano (Friend) +Francine M. Sider (AP) Dennis P. Sullivan (AP) Ronald E. Swanson (Faculty) +Elizabeth P. Sweeney (Friend) Colby and Anita Thresher (AP)
+ Denotes Deceased
DR. CATHERINE FOLEY BODAK-GYOVAI ’65 AND DR. LEVENTE BODAK-GYOVAI academic foundation,” said Dr. BodakGyovai, “it provides a rich, well-rounded student experience as well.” Dr. BodakGyovai says, “No one gets to where he or she is without some great help along the way. When I think about the people who’ve helped me in my life, to become who I am, I think of my teachers at Northwest Catholic. My four sisters and I all attended NWC, and the school helped each of us to define the direction of our lives.” Dr. Catherine Foley Bodak-Gyovai ’65 and her husband Dr. Levente Bodak-Gyovai joined The 1961 Society because they are committed to faithbased education and believe Northwest Catholic provides a strong foundation for the whole person. “Not only does Northwest Catholic provide an excellent
Dr. Bodak-Gyovai is a pediatric neurologist at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Delaware and has written for 70 scientific publications. Catherine was a member of the first graduating class at Northwest Catholic. She continued her education at Rosemont College, graduating in 1969,
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then onto the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, graduating in 1974. She did a four-year pediatric residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, where she was the chief resident. She also completed three years of neurology residency at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. She taught at Temple University Medical School for 15 years, followed by 13 years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, before assuming her current position at Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine in Philadelphia and A. I. duPont Hospital for Children. She and her husband have two adult sons and seven grandchildren. They happily report that their youngest granddaughter and grandson are thriving in Catholic elementary school, and so the tradition continues.
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Kate Morran and Sara Demos Avery met on stage in June 1999 as students of the West Hartford Summer Arts Festival (WHSAF). They went on to perform side by side in many local musicals throughout their early twenties. In 2003 the two began working with the Northwest Catholic Dramateurs and then took over as director and choreographer of WHSAF in 2010. To date, Avery and Morran have produced upwards of 25 musicals and plays as a team.
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