THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2022
Explorer
Utility Player
AUSTIN MEEHAN ’79 AND JOHN BROWN ’86 BECAME THE 92ND AND 93RD INDUCTEES INTO THE LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL H A L L O F FA M E O N M A R C H 6 , 2 0 2 2 .
Explorer WHAT’S INSIDE
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2022
FEATURE
4
U T I L I T Y P L AY E R AUSTIN MEEHAN ’79
8 THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED JOHN BROWN ’86
President Brother James L. Butler, FSC Principal James E. Fyke Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan Editor Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Contributing Writers James Donahue ’86 Sam Donnellon Rob Stott ’06
ARTICLE
12 JOE KNOWS BASKETBALL
JOE MIHALICH ’74 HONORED BY NIAGARA AND HOFSTRA
Editorial and Production Assistance Cathleen P. Winning Photography Flat Tail Photography, LLC Sam Fritch Lifetouch Photography, Inc. Zave Smith Photography
HIGHLIGHTS
14
MOMENTS
of D I S T I N C T I O N 30
PHOTO GALLERY H A L L O F AT H L E T I C S I N D U C T I O N D E D I C AT I O N O F T H E E X P L O R AT O R I U M AUCTION DINNER DANCE C O M M U N I O N B R E A K FA S T A N D H A L L O F FA M E I N D U C T I O N
Art Direction and Design Burns Design Group Address Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 215 233 2350 phone 215 836 4502 fax alumni@lschs.org www.lschs.org The Explorer is published three times a year by La Salle College High School. The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and other topics covered by and in the magazine. The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right edit and make all decisions regarding the content and
DEPARTMENTS
2
LET US REMEMBER (LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT)
38
NEWS NOTES
40 WE WELCOME AND REMEMBER ( B I R T H S A N D D E AT H S )
information published in the magazine.
MISSION STATEMENT La Salle College High School, a Catholic independent, college preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in the development of his unique Godgiven talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.
DEPARTMENTS
L E T
U S
R E M E M B E R
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
A
DEAR LA SALLE FAMILY, s I have tried to illustrate numerous times before, travel always teaches the Explorer something. As I write this letter, I am no place exotic this time.
Rather, I am visiting alumni of all ages on what has come to be called the “Southern Swing.”
Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Florida in turn, the trip taking almost two weeks to complete.
The service personnel I encounter along the way are unfailingly polite. I am being “yes sir”-ed to death. This should not be taken to imply that I am getting everything my heart desires. Southern culture, like some others I have encountered around the world, makes a virtue of saying yes, even if its participant’s firm intention is to do no. Giving requests the benign neglect following a genteel acquiescence is almost a way of life in the restaurants or hotels I visit. “May I have some fresh towels?” “Certainly, sir”…if you go to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and buy them.
A few weeks earlier, I was in Pittsburgh, probably a typical city from the Northeastern rust belt – perhaps one that has reinvented itself better than most. As I was getting together with the undergraduate alumni who were available, another showed up who took an approach diametrically opposed to the one I describe above. Tim Moxey ’19 had declined the invitation, having a late class and then a 5:00 pm meeting to run for some organization at Pitt. Yet he popped in between engagements to say hello, shake hands, and extend greetings. In this case, he said no, but did yes. Working within constraints, he showed up for La Salle. If there is anything the three honorees from
this
year’s
Hall
of
Fame
share,
it is that they show up for La Salle, becoming examples to all the different ways this virtue can be practiced. Over several decades, Jim Donahue ’86 has been a paragon of loyal service to his fellow alumni, running countless events and contributing to others, before and after he was elected president of the Alumni Association Board. Service to La Salle has been a family affair: his mother Linda is a retired World Language Faculty member, his wife Karen served as President of the Mothers’ Club, and all three sons have graduated. Living perhaps three miles from the school, Jim’s social world is filled with alumni
connections,
particularly
members
of his Class of 1986. He is never far from La Salle.
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“
”
travel always teaches the Explorer something The experience of Jim’s classmate, Hall of Fame
Austin Meehan ’79 bears a name associated
As we enter more fully into what we devoutly
inductee John Brown ’86, couldn’t be more
with La Salle for almost a century now, a family
hope can be called the “Post-Covid Era,” it is
different in some ways – apart from the fact that
with many branches and generations, but few
once again time for all of us to “show up for
they both had a faculty mother watching over
first names. Austin is the epitome of a graduate
La Salle”: to reconnect with classmates
them, John’s late mother Clare having been a
who has always been willing to show up for La
and friends; to participate in person or via
long-time member of the English department.
Salle, serving on the Board of Trustees for two
social media and other technology in the rich
He left Glenside for Yale after graduating and
different six-year terms and now as an Emeritus
extracurricular life of the school, to devote
returned to the 19038 only to visit, never to live
Trustee. An active La Salle dad and proud uncle,
ourselves to the lifelong work of providing
since then, becoming a Philadelphian again
Austin’s La Salle career of 45+ years intertwines
opportunities
for
qualified
and
deserving
only when he studied at Wharton. His Peace
both philanthropy and service in oft-unheralded
students to attend La Salle College High
Corps experience and career have taken him
ways (He kind of prefers it that way.). Although
School, when their parents alone are not
all over the world, to Afghanistan, to Bangkok
he has never once bragged of them, Austin’s
sufficiently resourced to bring them through our
where he began his family and became CEO
professional wisdom and personal connections
doors and into our community.
of Agoda, and shortly to Rome. John has
are at the service of La Salle. In all his personal
had the sort of career La Salle now looks to
dealings, Austin exemplifies that quintessentially
prepare students for more consciously with our
La Salle trait, often too narrowly attributed to be
new Global Business concentration opening
“Christian Brothers humility.” Quietly confident
to the first students this spring, one rooted
and often self-deprecating, he’s never moved
on Cheltenham Avenue, but capable of
to tell you he’s good. But other people willingly
flourishing anywhere.
line up to do exactly that.
When you do next show up for La Salle, it’s likely I will be around. It’s my privilege to thank you for the commitment and loyalty so many people demonstrate for our school, the commitment and loyalty our honorees exemplify.
BROTHER JAMES L. BUTLER, FSC PRESIDENT
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ARTICLES
Utility Player By Rob Stott ’06
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FEATURE
Any student who has ever walked the halls of La Salle College High School can tell you about the sense of community that exists. From our time as students, through the college years, into our careers, and perhaps into parenthood and as our own sons eye the possibility of continuing the generational tradition of becoming an Explorer. With the enduring nature of the La Salle community, you could look at the network of thousands of alumni that spans across the globe as one massive fraternity. In fact, La Salle College High School class of
Of course, it wasn’t just at those Thanksgiving
2022 Hall of Fame inductee Austin Meehan ’79,
Day games where the Meehan family’s presence
founder and president of Utility Line Services
would be felt. Austin, as he mentions, is one of
Corporation, used that exact word to summarize his time as a student.
“I always think back to the Thanksgiving Day games and the rivalry against Saint Joe’s, which perfectly relates to that fraternity experience,” say Meehan. “Feeling a part of that, my whole family would be there, because all my brothers went to LaSalle and my father. So, everybody would make that a special day.”
a long legacy of Meehan’s that continues today. His own two sons, among other nephews in the family, represent a third generation of Explorers. A product of Saint Christopher’s in Northeast Philadelphia, attending La Salle was never a question for Meehan. With a father, uncles, and brothers who came before him, his path was laid out for him — but it’s one that he certainly went on to make his own.
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Utility Player “I never really thought of even looking anywhere else for high school,” he says. “I looked forward to going to La Salle. It was like a home away from home for me and my family. And looking back on it, I couldn’t be more thankful for all the opportunities that were provided to me and my family here.”
Meehan says those opportunities provided him
Those influences propelled Meehan through
with an education and overall experience that left
his four years at La Salle and on to a collegiate
him more prepared for college and everything
career at Villanova. After a number of years
else life had in store for him than he could have
in the business world, Meehan set out on
ever hoped for. To that end, Meehan recalled a
his own and, in 1996, founded Utility Line
number of prominent influences from his time
Services, a Conshohocken, PA-based firm that
on Cheltenham Avenue who helped shape
provides turnkey construction services to the
him into the man he is today. Among them Joe
utility industry.
Colistra, Joe Turk, David Diehl, and Brother Fred Stelmach, FSC. “There were some incredible figures to look up to during my time there,” he says. “At the time, you know, they might’ve been scary individuals from a student’s perspective. But looking back on it today, they were all so influential and provided such great guidance to all of us.”
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FEATURE
Throughout his career, Meehan has been able
“I think part of the lesson you learn at LaSalle
His paralleled relationship with his father and La
to call back on his learnings from La Salle as he
is that you have to give back,” Meehan says.
Salle was recently capped off with his induction
continued to grow his business and, eventually,
“Whether that’s with time or financial support or
into the school’s Hall of Fame. Austin, who
find the time and means to begin giving back.
whatever it is, I left there with the expectation
joined his father John, class of ’38, became just
In addition to serving on multiple industry boards
that, others before me had sacrificed and given
the second father-son pairing to be enshrined
— including the Society of Gas Lighters and as
their time and resources to make that school
into the school’s Hall of Fame.
President of the Atlantic Contractors Association
what it is, and now I’m blessed enough to be
— he also served on the La Salle College High
able do that.”
School Board of Trustees during a critical juncture, overseeing the fundraising for and construction of the Glaser Center.
Meehan also enjoyed having the opportunity to experience the school from the business side. “Serving on the Board of Trustees certainly allowed me to see the school from a different perspective as a non-student,” he says. “You get a new understanding and respect for all of the work that goes into the upkeep and operation of the school. There are so many tough decisions that have to be made on a regular basis related to
“I remember when my father got inducted and I knew probably 90% of the people that are in the Hall of Fame,” says Meehan. “Those guys were all like giants to me. It was really hard to kind of get my head wrapped around it, but it is quite an honor.”
improvements and raising money for programs, expansions, or just keeping the school up and running. It was interesting and a lot of work for sure. But it was a very rewarding experience for me.” Meehan’s time serving on the Board of Trustees
Quite the honor, for sure. But one that is very well deserved.
was a sort of full-circle moment for him and his family. Austin’s father was a member of the inaugural Board of Trustees back in 1960 when La Salle College High School established its identity independent of, at the
“
time, La Salle College.
I’m tempted to say you can’t teach character, but La Salle manages to do it every day. I’m a better husband, a better father, a better friend, and a more faith-filled person – because of this place. It took me years to fully recognize the gifts I’d been given by La Salle. I didn’t realize it when I was cutting gym and struggling through Algebra, but I was absorbing bigger lessons that to this day define my life and career – and I am forever grateful. AUSTIN A. MEEHAN ‘79 Acceptance Speech Hall of Fame Induction March 6, 2022
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D EA PR AT R ITCMLEENST S
The Road Less Traveled by James A. Donahue III ’86
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FEATURE
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. It would be easy to read those lines by Robert
JB came to La Salle from Saint Luke the
Frost and think they perfectly describe my friend
Evangelist School in Glenside. “I knew my
and classmate, John Brown ’86, and 2022
friends Joe Canavan and Bill Matthews
inductee to the La Salle College High School
were going, so I was definitely interested in
Alumni Hall of Fame. Although, with John, as
La Salle,” said JB. Additionally, his mother,
with Robert Frost, a closer look reveals much,
Clare Brown, who many alums will remember
much more.
fondly as a long-time English teacher at
“I like the idea of taking the road less traveled,
La Salle, had brought him along to several
but the title of the poem is The Road Not Taken” said John, known to his classmates, friends and even family as JB. “Frost is poking fun at
La Salle events. Although JB’s brother, Bill, went to Cheltenham, “My parents gave me a choice, but it just seemed sort of natural that
people who think they had it figured out. That’s
I would go to La Salle.”
the real truth behind that poem.” In that context,
Like his mom, JB’s dad, Bill Brown, Jr., was
the
roads
JB
also a teacher so, naturally, the bar was set
traveled make his
high in his eyes for what makes a good teacher.
accomplishments
Unsurprisingly, he found no shortage of fantastic
at La Salle and
teachers at La Salle. “Great teachers make you
beyond
more
what you become. I knew I liked math, physics
remarkable.
and literature, and that’s probably because I
Always a humble
liked Jim Roche, Lorraine Rimert, Bob Russell,
guy, JB added, “I
and Ed and Bernie McCabe so much. I just
know that I didn’t
loved their classes.” JB also valued the range
have any grand
of subjects he could study at La Salle. “Even
plan in my life.
after college and grad school, the point in my
Life, while you’re
life when I felt the most educated was the day
living it, is a hell
I graduated from high school. You knew so
of a lot less clear
much about history, literature, math, chemistry,
than
seems
religion, languages. You really do come out of
to be when you
La Salle feeling like you’re a ’man of letters,’ as
look backwards.
they used to say.”
it
Each choice you make shapes you, sometimes just a little, into the person you are. It might seem clear now, but it wasn’t then.” How does one make it from La Salle to become CEO of a global technology and travel company with almost 6,000 employees and operations on five continents? In John’s case, there were many different roads to travel. Some grassy and fair, as Frost might say, and others less so, but each choice influenced by JB’s experience at La Salle.
JB also credits Dave Lewis as having a big impact. “He might not have known it, but he opened many doors for me and gave me opportunities to go places and do things I never could have on my own.”
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La Salle wasn’t all classes and academics,
Along with Sean McCook ’86, Ron Bean ’86
After college, JB landed a job as a writer for
though. “La Salle taught me a love of learning,
and Aham Amachi ’88, JB won the mile relay
a benefits consulting company. “When I left
and how to be a great teammate and a good
championship at the Penn Relays, a peak
college, my only ambitions were to read a lot
person. The Christian Brothers taught us a code
achievement that few in La Salle’s history have
and to travel a lot. And maybe become a writer.”
of conduct and how to be a gentleman.” Those
matched. Individually, he held the 400 m hurdle
One of the things he read was how to live in
life lessons learned at La Salle still stay with him
record at La Salle for nearly 25 years, and,
Asia for just $10 a day. Having saved enough
today. “If you can get those things down – how to
incredibly, nearly 40 years later, he still shares
money after two years of work, he left his job
study and love learning, how to be a teammate,
the 60 m high hurdle record at La Salle.
to travel the world. His first stop: Thailand.
and how to be a good person, you’ve got all the skills you need to be a success in life,” says JB. Because his mom, Clare Brown, was a teacher at La Salle, she would often take him to events at school. One of the events was a track meet, where he met coach Pat Devine. Pat Devine is the nicest guy ever, and a great coach. He knew how to push you without discouraging you. “I had so much fun with Pat Devine, whether we won or lost. Brother Dave Rogers, who was my freshman coach, was a great influence on me, too.” Track would provide another path to choose. “I ran cross country my freshman year, but I wasn’t that good. I knew pretty quickly I wasn’t going to be a distance guy.” So JB focused on sprint and track events, and that led to many successes at La Salle and beyond.
JB’s track career continued at Yale, where his times still rank in the top 10 all-time in several events. Yale would present more roads to choose. “I began college studying physics,” he says, adding that the reason he would eventually switch majors, despite his love for physics, was that he found himself in advanced classes and realized “I was the least gifted student of physics in the room.” Switching his major to literature, JB would go on to graduate cum laude from Yale.
JB had no idea that he would return to Thailand one day and become CEO of a travel and technology company. Back in the US after a year traveling the world, JB resumed work in the benefits consulting world, a road which quickly led to…the Peace Corps. He asked a few friends to be references on his Peace Corps application. He said, “Just tell them I lived on my own in Bangladesh. If you can live on your own in Bangladesh, you can live anywhere.” You would think that the Peace Corps would recognize his travel experiences in Asia, South America and Africa and use those experiences to their advantage. However, he wound up as an economic development advisor in… Lithuania. “I spent three years totally immersed in another culture, living with a host family, speaking nothing but Lithuanian for days and months,” says JB.
Enough diverging roads? Not by a long shot.
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Following his induction into the La Salle College High School Hall of fame on March 6, 2022, John Brown ’86 dedicated a classroom, which is currently used to teach English, to his mother, Clare Brown, who taught at La Salle College High School for over twenty years.
After completing a second assignment in the
JB continued to succeed at BCG and had a
“I like to think that I did some good for the
Peace Corps, JB returned to Philadelphia to earn
promising career ahead of him as a BCG partner,
company, but whether a start up company
an MBA at The Wharton School. Interestingly,
but he knew it wasn’t the career for him. When
blossoms like Agoda did is often a huge matter
that wasn’t exactly his plan, as he also considered
a friend from the Peace Corps came to visit
of luck.” Luck is certainly a component in any
the Foreign Service. Having been rejected on
him in Bangkok, another road presented itself.
business, but anyone who knows JB also knows
previous MBA applications, he was somewhat
His friend asked, “Know anyone who would be
that his intellect, his wisdom, and his ability to
skeptical of his chances, and JB was accepted
interested in a job as a corporate finance advisor
connect with and lead people were surely key
at just two of the schools he applied to. Towards
in Afghanistan?” John thought about it for a bit
elements in Agoda’s success.
the end of his time at Wharton, when it was time
and said, “Yes, me.” He then spent the better
to interview for jobs, he had just two job offers.
part of a year as an advisor to the Minister of
“All the things I got rejected from, in retrospect,
Commerce and Industry in Afghanistan, trying
I’m super happy about, even though, at the time,
to help stabilize the country’s financial systems.
you don’t really appreciate it. All the rejections
“I’m inherently curious,” said JB, “and going
end up leading you to a place where you didn’t
to a place like Afghanistan, where I could do
expect to be.”
something good for that country and mine,
JB started at the Boston Consulting Group right after Wharton, and quickly excelled. After a string of highly successful engagements, JB was offered a spot in BCG’s Ambassador program, essentially and exchange program between BCG’s US and international offices. As luck would have it, JB was offered a spot in Bangkok, Thailand.
I thought, why not?” JB returned to Bangkok and decided to join Agoda, whose founder, Rob Rosenstein, had been trying to get him to come on board for quite
John will be turning over the CEO role at Agoda in 2022. Still, though, roads diverge in the wood. After 17 years in Bangkok, JB, his wife Suzanne, and twins Bix and Ella, are moving to Rome. All of us who have had the privilege of knowing JB can’t wait to see the roads he travels next.
The Road Less Traveled
a long time. “Agoda just worked out, luckily,” said JB, who worked his way up to become COO by 2014, then CEO in 2018, and guided the company through not just a period of sustained global growth, but also a pandemic. JB, always one who values his teammates, was able to steer the company through the pandemic and grow it to nearly 6,000 employees, higher than prepandemic levels.
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ARTICLE
UPON HIS ARRIVAL ON MONTEAGLE RIDGE, JOE MIHALICH ’74 EVOKED THE NAMES OF THE BASKETBALL COACHING LEGENDS WHO PRECEDED HIM — “TAPS” GALLAGHER, THE ALL-TIME WINNER FOR WHOM NIAGARA UNIVERSITY’S GYMNASIUM WAS RENAMED IN HONOR, AND THE BELOVED FRANK
“I just have to pinch myself when I think that I’m going to be sitting in the same seat,” Mihalich said during his Niagara introduction in 1998. “You just ask yourself, am I worthy? Do I deserve this?”
TRADITION
CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIUMPHS AND NCAA TOURNAMENT TRIPS, IN A STYLE THAT ENTHRALLED THE PURPLE EAGLES’ FAITHFUL. HIS PLACE IN NIAGARA’S ROYAL COURT IS NOW ENSHRINED IN THE WINGS OF LAYDEN’S
LAYDEN, WHO COACHED THE PURPLE
THROUGH
HARDWOOD
AT
GALLAGHER
PROMINENCE
MIHALICH PROVED HIS WORTH WITH MORE
CENTER
BEFORE GAINING NBA FAME AND NOW
VICTORIES IN 15 YEARS AT NIAGARA THAN
MIHALICH
GRACES THE BASKETBALL COURT WITH HIS
ANY COACH IN METRO ATLANTIC ATHLETIC
THAT WAS UNVEILED AT A TRIBUTE DINNER
SIGNATURE.
CONFERENCE HISTORY, 265 WINS THAT
AHEAD OF MIHALICH’S INDUCTION IN THE
RESTORED
NIAGARA ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME.
EAGLES
TO
NATIONAL
NIAGARA’S
BASKETBALL
WITH
THE
REMODELED
BASKETBALL
OFFICE
JOE SUITE
JOE KNOWS BASKETBALL JOE MIHALICH ’74 HONORED BY NIAGARA AND HOFSTRA
Mihalich received his purple flowers at a sold-
a stroke sixteen months earlier that led to his
out event well-attended by players, coaches,
retirement from coaching.
managers,
trainers,
administrators,
priests
and all sorts of supporting characters from his winning runs at Niagara and Hofstra, as well as family, friends and fellow coaches from his native Philadelphia.
display of mementos, championship trophies and the nets cut down after the Purple Eagles soared to their greatest heights.
Greeting each guest with a smile, a hug and shared memories, Mihalich entertained his
grandchildren and posed for pictures by a
At the largest gathering he has attended on campus since leaving Niagara eight years ago, Mihalich spoke publicly for the first time since
Team Mihalich, father and sons Joe Jr., Matt and twin Tony, who all came of age in Lewiston before going on to become coaches themselves, shared acceptance speech duties. When it came time for his portion, Joe Jr. invited every player, coach, manager, and AD from Mihalich’s era to stand with them. “This is what it’s all about,” he said.
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ARTICLE
Flanked by his flock of Purple Eagles, the head
looked at the guest of honor and spoke for a
The 2019-20 season saw Hofstra have a magical
coach was determined in delivering choice
Niagara community: “Welcome
year as the Pride won 26 games and captured
home.”
lines from his written remarks. Mihalich’s most
its second straight outright CAA regular season
difficulty came as he got choked up before
Hofstra University and the Department of
title. The Pride became only the sixth team in
closing his speech with the most impactful
Athletics honored former Head Coach Joe
conference history (since 1982-83) to win back-
words directed at his wife Mary. “You have
Mihalich with “Joe Mihalich Day” on February 19,
to-back outright conference regular season
supported me wholeheartedly throughout my
2022 in conjunction with the men’s basketball
titles. For his strong work during the 2019-20
career,” Mihalich said, “and have made me the
team’s game against Northeastern at the David
campaign, Mihalich was named a finalist for
man that I am today.”
S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex. The
the Hugh Durham Award, presented annually
highlight of the celebration will be the official
to the top mid-major coach in Division I college
Juan Mendez, the All-American center of
unveiling of the renamed men’s basketball locker
basketball, and for the Skip Prosser Man of the
Niagara’s 2005 championship team, became too
room in honor of Coach Mihalich.
Year award. Hofstra set a school record with 27 victories
helping to mold every Purple Eagle, from star
“Words cannot express what Coach Mihalich means to me and our basketball program,” commented Hofstra Head Men’s
player to walk-ons like himself, into the men they
Basketball Coach Speedy Claxton. “Coach
the 2000-01 season. The Pride advanced to
are today.
Mihalich’s
is
the CAA Championship Game and the regular
Tyrone Lewis, the winningest player in Niagara
incredible and our program wouldn’t be where
season title earned Hofstra an automatic berth
history, star of the 2007 championship and 2009
it is today without his hard work and dedication.
in the National Invitation Tournament. The team
NIT teams, had more to say, as is his nature.
For me personally, I am so thankful for all he has
had a spectacular 16-game win streak along the
done to assist me in my coaching career and the
way. He was named the CAA Coach of the Year
guidance he has provided me as a mentor.”
for his efforts, becoming the first Hofstra coach
overcome with emotion to speak. But he stood tall beside his point guard, Alvin Cruz, and with teammate Greg Noel, who praised Mihalich for
“The passion that I have for this school is because of him,” Lewis said. “It’s hard not to love this place, because he truly loves this place.” Now in his 10th year coaching basketball, Lewis recalled one of Mihalich’s mantras, “tough times don’t last, but tough people do.” “And I know you are going through some things right now,” Lewis said. “But I know you are going to last.”
commitment
to
excellence
during the 2018-19 season and earned its first outright regular season conference title since
to earn that honor since the Pride joined the CAA Mihalich engineered a masterful resurgence of
in 2001-02. He also earned many other coaching
the Pride during his tenure, revitalizing a program
accolades that year as he was named the United
that was coming off a seven-win campaign
States Basketball Writers Association District II
and, in three years, turned it into a team with
Coach of the Year, the National Association of
back-to-back 20-win seasons and consecutive
Basketball Coaches District 10 Coach of the
postseason appearances. He captured 141
Year, and a finalist for the Skip Prosser Man of
wins while at Hofstra and averaged more than 22
the Year Award and the Hugh Durham Coach of
victories per season over his last five campaigns
the Year Award. Prior to the year, he added to his
on the sidelines. In his seven seasons coaching
awards as he was inducted into the Niagara Falls
Greg Paulus, current coach of the Purple Eagles,
the Pride, Mihalich posted four 20-win seasons,
Sports Hall of Fame.
noted his fortune to sit in the same seat as “Taps”
led the Pride to three regular season Colonial
Gallagher, Frank Layden and Joe Mihalich —
Athletic Association titles, earned four postseason
even if, like Mihalich before him, Paulus spends
appearances,
an entire game coaching on his feet. Before
CAA title.
and
captured
the
2019-20
playing a video showcasing Niagara’s spruced up locker rooms and basketball offices, Paulus
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New Concentrations Program Announced a capable young man a spark, the spark that will ignite a new level of effort, thought, for on2022-23 School and commitment. The demands a guy’s time will need to be managed,Year and challenges must be met. It is not easy to develop expertise, but, I know, there is no stopping one of our guys exploring opportunities and pursuing his passion.”
“Why am I learning this?” This program embodies one ofmatter?” our marketing phrases here at La Salle: “Choose your “Why does this
path.” La Salle will provide the resources and the opportunities. “What will you do with The New Concentrations Program at them? What will be your path?” asks Mr. Fyke.
While high school students often question the relevance of their coursework, young men at La Salle College High School have benefitted from an emphasis on the practical and transferrable skills that will prepare them for collegiate and career success. Now, with the introduction of a new and innovative program, relevancy and skill development will be taken to the next level.
La Salle will allow students to embark on an innovative pathway where they can earn credentials and certifications in various career fields through coursework, electives, clubs, and experiential learning. These customized pathways will help a young man discover and pursue his passions. Young men in a concentration will have the opportunity to take new electives and a senior seminar course. They will work off-campus, create portfolios, and complete capstone projects. The concept, introduced by La Salle’s new Principal, Jim Fyke, seeks to match the varied interests of La Salle students with the electives they choose. By packaging current course offerings to create curricular pathways, La Salle will offer three concentrations next year in IT Professional, Engineering, and Global Business. “The benefit of this, and why it resonates with me, is that when young men do not have a reason or a goal or a target, they can lose focus, be adrift and not really apply themselves,’’ Fyke says. Students do not always have the long view, the sense of relevance, or the reason for learning a subject. Students often miss the learning links in front of them and connections that can be made. “These concentrations give a guy a reason, a purpose: ’I’m taking public speaking because I am in the Global Business Concentration, and I have to get comfortable pitching an idea, giving a presentation, and possibly someday, speaking to a large group at a conference’.” This class now matters to a student, and the long view comes into focus. “And that can carry over to math and English classes, any subject really.” Connections are made across subject areas and deeper more meaningful learning takes place.
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The genesis of the program was inspired internally and from what colleges and workplaces will be asking our students to do. “While the organization of this program formalizes the pathways, we recognize that students will find their own paths, that they will encounter their learning in different ways and through different experiences”, says Nicholas Coggins, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. “La Salle’s program aims to honor and encourage those pathways and La Salle has many elements of the initial
Over a three-year period, basic courses would
recognize those students who are motivated to
concentrations already in place. Its Microsoft
be taken first, with electives to follow. By senior
complete their concentrations journey.”
IT Academy, in which students earn IT
year, students will take a seminar course to
certifications, has been a staple for more than
build portfolios and even be engaged in a
Mr. Coggins adds that in his sixteen years
a decade. Its unique and award-winning Lab
capstone project, culminating in a presentation,
as Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and
Manager Program provides the opportunity
recognition, and certification.
Assessment, “no program or initiative has generated so much buzz and excitement, and
for students to progressively develop IT skills through a mentoring program that services the
After the initial launch next fall, Mr. Fyke
that’s for good reason. This program is open to
school’s more than 1,200 network users.
envisions adding, over the course of
all students, will deepen their understanding,
a few years, between one to three
and force them to grow in multiple dimensions
“Our IT guys for the past 20 years have been
concentrations each year to La Salle’s
as students and young men. It has inspired
taking high level courses, industry certification
program. Already under discussion
our administration and faculty to look at our
tests and working on our infrastructure and
are certifications in Health Professional
curriculum with new eyes, seeking more points
our server,” says Mr. Fyke. “When I have a
(Doctor, Physician Assistant, Nurse, Trainer,
of connection and relevancy.” Finally, this is just
tech issue, one of our students comes up and
Veterinarian), Music Professional, Data Analysis
the start. The rollout of additional concentrations
helps me. We rely on high school students.”
and Statistics, Digital Media & Marketing, and
in the upcoming years will perpetuate this buzz
This program builds off that model, organizes
Non-profit Management.
and add momentum.
“Honestly, I don’t think this is modeled after any one thing,” Mr. Fyke says. “What we are doing is defining pathways that students can take. Or more importantly, offering new opportunities. Already you see the potential of multiple avenues within a concentration that students can follow.”
Mr. Fyke states, “the Concentrations Program
it, expands it, and adds elements to deepen the learning even more. The IT Professional Program brings new electives over a three-year period and provides working experience opportunities outside of the school as well, whether it is community service or actual internships. In the case of the latter, Mr. Fyke hopes to leverage La Salle’s robust network of alums in key positions to place students, and not just for IT, but for Global Business and Engineering as well. “Actually, all of our concentrations will require you to get off campus and use those skills,” says Fyke. “To see and do things in the industry of your concentration.”
is important to me, and I am committed to its full implementation and future expansion. Participation in a concentration will provide a capable young man a spark, the spark that will ignite a new level of effort, thought, and commitment. The demands on a guy’s time will need to be managed, and challenges must be met. It is not easy to develop expertise, but, I know, there is no stopping one of our guys exploring opportunities and pursuing his passion.” This program embodies one of our marketing phrases here at La Salle: “Choose your path.” La Salle will provide the resources and the opportunities. “What will you do with them? What will be your path?” asks Mr. Fyke.
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Celebrating Forty Years of an Independent La Salle College High School and Its Own Board of Trustees Forty years ago, La Salle College High School took a major step on its journey to becoming the premier independent school for boys that it is today when it became an entity distinct from La Salle College. This evolutionary move, which involved La Salle College High School establishing its own governing Board of Trustees, set the stage for four decades of unparalleled growth and achievement.
Since then, an independent La Salle College High School has built on its historic foundation of excellence, faith, accomplishment and personal transformation to become even more dynamic and nimble to meet the ever-changing needs of students and parents in a dynamic educational environment. Today, La Salle College High School provides opportunities for young men to probe, question, discover and learn in modern, dynamic ways, guided by a faith that is unapologetically Catholic, yet non-judgmental. We are a school where success breeds success, where young men are encouraged to dream big and then pushed to work hard to achieve their dreams. We see this every day in the classrooms, laboratories, concert stages and fields of play. But mostly we see it in the men who leave our campus geared for action in their professions and in a lifetime commitment to service and mentoring. Throughout the year, La Salle College High School will produce a series of articles, social media posts, and events that remind us where we’ve come from since 1982 and, more importantly, to show where we’re headed. For the faculty, staff and students of La Salle College High School, this is a never-ending journey; a journey that begins here on this beautiful campus and then reaches to the far corners of the world – or as far as our imaginations will allow.
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Archbishop Perez Visits La Salle
Most Reverend Nelson J. Perez,
Following the tour, the Archbishop celebrated
Following Mass, the Archbishop was
Archbishop of Philadelphia, spent the
Mass outdoors on Flannery Field for the entire
interviewed by several multimedia students
student body along with the faculty, staff, and
and then participated in a reception with the
invited guests. He was joined by pastors from
entire senior class in the tents on Meehan
local parishes and over 1,000 people were able
Field, where he played baggo with some of the
to take part in the celebration of the Eucharistic
students. In a coincidence which did not seem
FSC and Trey DeSantis ’22, President
Liturgy. The choral group sang the refrain for
so accidental, the Mass on Flannery Field was
of the Student Council, along with the
the opening hymn (Christ, Be Our Light) in
celebrated on what would have been Coach
sounds of the Pep Band. He was given
Spanish and over fifty instrumentalists provided
John “Tex” Flannery’s 99th birthday.
a tour of the school by three members
music. During his homily, Archbishop Perez
morning at La Salle College High School on October 6, 2021. He was greeted at the entrance by Brother James Butler,
of the senior class, where he visited science, religion, and world language classes as well as spent time in the
acknowledged the generations of Christian Brothers who have carried the spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle in their hearts and have passed on those teachings to the lay faculty and
Innovation and Design Studio and
students. Additionally, he charged the students
Robotics Lab.
to be grateful for the gifts given to them through “God’s creative touch.”
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High-Achieving Arts Programs Cross Traditional Boundaries
Joseph Ciccimaro ’57 has seen his students do just about everything in his seven decades of teaching music at La Salle College High School. He’s seen a drummer build a robot. He’s watched a shy kid become an accomplished award-winning poet and orator. He’s seen students still sweating from a football practice or a track meet bolt through the doors and grab their musical instruments and join the band in mid-performance. He’s seen a future NFL player, singing in the chorus. EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2022 18
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But there’s one thing he hasn’t seen. Not yet anyway.
“I wasn’t very good in middle school,’’ says
“The bass trombone player of our pep band is also on the football team,’’ says Ciccimaro, a 1957 alum who began teaching at the school in 1968. “At the end of every game, win or lose, football players come over to the stands, the pep band plays the alma mater…”
It was well-deserved. His 7 ½-minute oratory
It wasn’t fun. I was like, ’What am I going to
“One day I’m going to have him go walk up
his brother. “I am not a really sports-designed
recently won the Prose and Poetry award at the Prestigious New York City Invitational in Prose and Poetry. The well-crafted speech, centered around the concept of “Toxic Masculinity,’’ is a challenge to swap false and hurtful bravado for acts of compassion and kindness. After, he tells the audience that he attends the school with one of his brothers. “He tries out for every single sports team,’’ he says of person. But I got involved with everything with
after the game, someone will hand him his trombone, and he will play.’’
the arts. The Production Team. I’m a student
“That would be funny,’’ says Nick Prosperi, a
and I’m currently the Vice President.’’
Sebastian Barnes, who plays tenor sax and is also part of the band’s string section. “We met just once a week because of lack of resources. mess up this time?’
“When I got here, that changed. It was, ’How can I improve? I picked up violin, which is notorious for being hard to pick up, but I would come into one of the practice rooms during lunch periods and work on it. I was afforded the opportunity to get better. And I did.”
council member. I was President of the class
senior defensive tackle with the Explorers and
It’s not the only thing Barnes does though. He’s also involved in speech and debate, robotics,
La Salle’s speech and debate program, the
and is a Boy Scout. There are after-school
La Salle Forum, has excelled over the years,
meetings for one just about every day. When
producing six national champions, 30 state
there are conflicts, he prioritizes. Ultimately,
EDITORS NOTE: At the end of the final regular
champions, 73 city champions and other
choices must sometimes be made. “I wanted
season game on October 30, 2021, Nick
prestigious awards such as Perry’s recent one.
to do track and field,’’ he says. “But there just
that aforementioned bass trombonist. “All the guys in the band call me Football Nick anyway.”
Prosperi did just that. Following a 20-0 victory over Archbishop Wood, which also allowed the Explorers to capture the Philadelphia Catholic Championship, “Football Nick” hopped the fence in full uniform, climbed into the bleachers, grabbed a trombone, and played the Alma Mater with the Pep Band to the football team. Fun. Encouraging. Nurturing. These are the words that fuel the school’s overall teaching and learning philosophy, creating a culture void of the caste system so often found among highschool-aged students. At La Salle, Sam Perry’s oratory skills aren’t just tolerated, they are revered. As the senior stood up in front of a room mixed with fellow students, faculty, and parents of middle-school
Meanwhile, at least one-fourth of the school’s students are involved in one of its music programs. There are 15 bands and performing ensembles, two competitive jazz bands, four choral groups. Two theatrical productions are presented by the school each year (a drama in the fall and a musical in the spring), and some of the more theatercentric students perform in neighboring high school performances as well.
wasn’t enough time.” Sometimes there’s just enough. As he entered the room that night, Ciccimaro was surprised to see the five string members who play for the JV football team dressed in street clothes. “We thought they were coming in their uniforms,’’ he says. “But they were beating the other team so badly they kept the clock running.” When he was hired way back in 1968, such involvement was unfathomable. “When I was hired here there were 12 musicians in the whole program,’’ he says. “And me.’’ Today there are three full-time teachers and 10 part-timers to handle the many derivations inside of the music department. “It grew,’’ says Ciccimaro. “And I grew with it. The principal
parents attending La Salle’s recent “Arts Night’,” he read a speech called “Man Up’’
It all takes place over a 6,000-square foot
who hired me at the time said do something fun
and was greeted with chants of his name and
space dedicated to music, which includes a
that the boys will like.”
enthusiastic applause.
large performance space with pitch-perfect acoustics. There are small music rooms as well that students can access during free time, should they desire to hone their craft.
“And now we have this.’”
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La Salle’s Personalized and Practical Approach to College Counseling Pays Off for Students Here’s some good news if you’re a La Salle College High School student or parent: You know those escalating tuition and room and board fees, escalating admission requirements, and that escalating pressure on high school students you keep hearing about?
The school’s College Counseling Department’s multi-tiered, highly personalized approach provides practical avenues and solutions that minimize those staggering concerns as it guides each student along his path to acceptance. The goal is not to push every student into a highly selective university – though a substantial number get accepted to them. It’s to provide the information, counseling, and skills – even down to what to say and wear during an interview – needed to pick a college that ensures success.
“The goal is to find that academic, personal, and financial fit,’’ says Gerard Brett, the faculty chair of La Salle’s five-member College Counseling Department. “To have them go to a place where they are flourishing and challenged, but not in over their head. The goal is to have a well-balanced list with a few likely, target, and reach schools.” The College Counseling Office burnishes its knowledge in the field by attending annual state and national conferences and by visiting colleges throughout the nation throughout the year. For instance, former La Salle Principal Michael A. O’Toole ’68, who will join Katie Palopoli, Maura Diehl, Jim Sawyer, and Gerard Brett in the College Counseling Department in January focusing on essay writing among other aspects of the college search and admissions process, traveled to the University of Texas to see what it could offer La Salle graduates. La Salle’s College Counseling Department makes sure the students’ lists are balanced and realistic and that the students position themselves for success. Cumulatively, La Salle students achieve statistics that are, in their own right, impressive. Consider this: last year, Class of 2021 seniors were accepted to 240 colleges and universities in five countries, 40 states and the District of Columbia. They ultimately enrolled in 99 separate universities in 25 states and two countries, 54 of which were private and 20 were Catholic.
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The schools might be as big as Penn State or
La Salle introduces college and career
The process ramps up at the start of senior year
as small as Franklin and Marshall. Some have
fundamentals and the analysis of standardized
when 175 colleges typically visit La Salle during
global reputations like Yale and Cornell, and the
testing information during Group Advisory
the first two months of school. Of those, about
Naval and Air Force academies. Students travel
Classes in freshmen and sophomore year
65 ordinarily send representatives to La Salle’s
as far as Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland or
and then begins focusing in earnest on the
annual College Interview Day, held for over
stay as close as Drexel. Over 20% of the Class
college admission process during junior year.
35 years on the first Tuesday of October. “By
of 2021 enrolled at a college 500 miles or more
Once every eight-day cycle, students attend a
October of senior year, students should have a
from La Salle’s campus. Even more important
separate class where the college search and
general idea of the schools they are interested
than the acceptances, perhaps, is that 83
application process is explained. The classes
in,’’ says Brett. “We ask the colleges to be
percent of that class reported documented
continue first semester senior year, when
realistic and honest with them… Even if it’s `It
scholarships and grants valued in excess of
students fill out applications, polish essays,
may not happen here, but here are some other
$41 million.
and are prepped on aspects of the interview
colleges to consider’ or maybe they say, `You’re
process, from potential questions that might
solid and will likely be accepted.’ Others may
be asked of them, to making and keeping eye
even hear, ’You’re going to qualify for $20,000
contact, even shaking hands.
of merit scholarship money.’’
College Counselors then have one-on-one
Approximately 87 percent of La Salle seniors
meetings with each student to discuss what
apply to at least one school by Nov. 1, the most
they might be looking for at the next level, both
common deadline for Early Action or Early
from an academic and social standpoint. How
Decision. Another group of colleges target
big of a school are students looking for? Are
November 15th as their early date, and still
they leaning towards the humanities, sciences,
more set December 1st as a deadline.
“We strive for that academic and reputational balance, but we strive for a financial fit too,” says Brett, who spent the early part of his career on the other end of this process, working in the admissions office of Villanova University. “It’s great that you get into a highly selective university but as a family can you afford that? And can we figure out together ways to make that affordability happen?’’
business, engineering, or technology? How far from home are they willing to move for an
By Christmas, 95 percent of La Salle seniors
academic opportunity?
have submitted applications to preferred schools according to Brett. Last year, 75
Students are introduced to Scoir, an interactive
percent of the senior class was accepted to one
cloud-based college search tool that uses
of the colleges on Barron’s Most Competitive
La Salle-specific historical data to refine
and US News & World Report Top 50 National,
the college list as well as College Kickstart,
Liberal Arts, or Public Colleges/Universities list.
which helps students and families balance the college list and maximize admission odds. In addition, the office offers an in-depth college essay bootcamp throughout the summer in conjunction with College Essay Guy.
For La Salle students and their parents, that too is staggering. But in a good way.
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La Salle Branch-Out Day: Helping Others ’Part Of Who We Are’ as La Salle Students Over his 23 years as a history teacher at La Salle College High School, Jim Tate ’93 believes he and his assigned freshman on ``Branch Out Day’’ have covered it all.
Painting the exterior of the Boys and Girls Club was this year’s assignment for Tate, who earlier that morning led a 25-man contingent of fathers and sons onto one of the 16 yellow buses headed to 22 different sites throughout Philadelphia. Another member was his son Jack, a freshman, who has followed in the steps of his father and older brother Jimmy. The entire freshman class took part in the annual daylong event which serves as a kickoff for the school’s more elaborate and ambitious ’Call to Serve’
“We’ve painted everything I could possibly think of,’’ he was saying as he put his roller down outside of the Bridesburg Boys and Girls Club during the 2021 edition of Branch Out Day on October 12, 2021. “We’ve prepared meals for addicts in Kensington. We’ve done drywall in that same facility. We put a floor down in a food pantry one year. I have packed up food in food pantries for shipping out and direct pickup. We’ve fixed church pews, played checkers with seniors…’’
program, along with 212 of their fathers and members of the L aSalle College High School faculty and staff. Other stops included Rock Ministries and Visitation BVM in Kensington, SHARE and Face to Face. By the time many of these boys graduate, they will have slept, lived and worked in some of the city’s hardest-hit spots, and traveled to help those less fortunate in places such as Appalachia and the Bronx, and on Native American reservations in Montana and Arizona. Some others may even leave the country to serve.
“I think it’s four different countries and right now as many as 13 different states,’’ said Joe Parisi, La Salle baseball’s former legendary coach for 28 seasons, who still teaches social studies and works in the Mission and Ministry Office. He coordinated this year’s event, La Salle’s 20th Branch-Out Day.’’ (Covid restrictions canceled last year’s event).
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“From our perspective, it’s ’Hey, look around,’’
And when they all left school together?
he said. “There is a need. The world is bigger
“I was just wondering what we were going
than their neighborhoods. And they need to see
to do,’’ he said.
that and understand it. And they need to realize that just as they didn’t do anything to be in the
“With a lot of these kids, you get on that yellow
position they are, the young men and young
bus, and you start riding into some of the
women that live in these neighborhoods didn’t
neighborhoods that you are not typically in…
do anything to be there.
it’s a little bit different,’’ Tate said. “Then you
In all, the students and their fathers logged 2,048 hours of community service hours in a day, said Director of Lasallian Mission and Ministry Lew Clark. “The father participation was tremendous,’’ said Clark.
get here, and you meet the great people who
“Share your gifts. It might be sharing it with one person or share it with your community. One of the things we try to teach is there is a responsibility to do something out there.”
work here at the Boys and Girls Club. And you
Some of that may be due to Covid restrictions
start talking to them and they’re awesome. You
allowing for more work flexibility said Clark.
realize this might not look like my neighborhood,
Some of it may also be attributable to a desire
but great people are great people. ’’
to get out of way too familiar surroundings now that the virus’s grip seems to be loosening.
By the end of the day, the entire building had
But there is also the likelihood that La Salle’s
been painted. A task that would have taken
call to service, a theme that begins with the
Boys and Girls Club Maintenance Crew Chief
first day of class and resonates well beyond
Steve Bustard and his three men a week to
graduation, is one that unites fathers and sons.
As they boarded the bus, Tate’s group included
do was completed in a day. Friendships had
football players, band members, students
been forged, acquaintances made, and not
“We started this in 2002,’’ Clark said.
whose interests lay in the arts and sciences.
just between the kids, but among the dads too.
“The Men of La Salle and the school ministry
The kids and their fathers are placed randomly
Painting next to Terence’s father, Russ Hellyer,
met to figure out how to get fathers involved.
in groups, said Parisi. Some knew each other
Brian Trymbiski ’96 spoke of boarding the bus
And it was perfect. Having the fathers work side
from those pursuits, or other facets of their two
that morning as if it had been years ago,
by side with the sons – it was perfect. To build a
months of attending the Springfield school.
not hours.
culture of service. So, students and their fathers
Some, said freshman Terence Helyer, “didn’t know each other until today.’’
see this as part of who they are as a La Salle “Looking back there, when we started pulling
College High School student.’’
in, there was a sobering kind of realization of this is why we’re here,’’ said Trymbiski. “It was nice to see the boys connect that way. But us too. Russ and I met today and found out we have a connection in our work lives and our personal lives.’’
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Lab Manager Program: Where Interest Meets Opportunity and IT Solutions Are Found In an age of wireless omnipresence, the existence of a phone in every La Salle College High School classroom would seem, on its surface, archaic, if not anachronistic.
“Some days you will go the entire day without a call, other days we’ll get a call every five minutes,’’ says senior Peter Koniers, one of the Lab Manager Program’s co-presidents. ”Definitely, the first two weeks of school, maybe even first month of school, can get pretty busy.’’ La Salle’s unique and award-winning Lab
But should your PowerPoint presentation falter in mid-lesson, or your video screen draw a blank, the value of such a ”Batphone’’ becomes not only relevant but critical. Teachers at the school have committed to memory ”4994’’ – the four digits that connect them to the school’s IT Lab, where a rotating group of about 30 students are willing, and more importantly able, to rush to the rescue.
Manager Program embodies the school’s evergrowing emphasis on technology and provides the opportunity for students to progressively develop IT skills through a mentoring program. As they learn, the team of students work together every day to maintain, upgrade, and manage the IT network throughout the entire school. From their initial introduction freshman year to graduation, approved members are given the opportunity to run La Salle’s Cisco Meraki network, which consists of over 1,200 users. Troubleshooting skills are developed through teacher guidance and by pairing off with more experienced upperclassmen, creating a feeder system that gives back to the school while providing lessons in technology and opportunities for leadership and teaching skills.
Sophomore Andrew Rakow ’24 provided great insight into the student mentorship experience of the Lab Manager Program, “The hands on experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the past year and a half participating in Lab Managers is quite remarkable. The upperclassmen mentors of the program really encourage me to learn about the field and help me understand different technical problems and how to approach them.” EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2022 24
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Begun over 20 years ago by former Chief
That describes Koniers in a nutshell – or should
“They’re sitting there, and here’s this 18-year-
Information Officer Peter Sigmund ’85, the
we say megabyte? His brother Ben, who is
old student walking through what he’s seeing,’’
program is now overseen by Michael Sabatino,
two years older, was part of the program and
Sabatino says. ”And you can see their faces on
Director of Technology and Information
encouraged him to apply as a freshman.
the screen, and they’re nodding like, `Oh, this
Systems. Beginning in freshman year, incoming
“I really didn’t have any knowledge of anything
kid knows what he’s talking about. We actually
students are interviewed, and members
IT related at the time,’’ Peter Koniers says. “The
hadn’t thought of that. Let’s look into that.”
selected based on several factors that include a
most I had done was maybe look at computer
history of responsibility and collegiality.
parts once or twice, but I really had no idea of any of the technical side of it and then.’’
“I’m not really looking for guys that have previous experience because there’s very little previous experience that a 14-year-old or 15-year-old can have.’’ says Sabatino. “Clearly, you’re going to find that student anyway. I’m more interested in students that are interested in technology. Students who may have tinkered with their home computers or messed around and tried to figure out a home network or something like that, whether successful or not – it shows me that they have a desire to learn.’’
Ben Koniers and his peers took advantage of La Salle’s paid summer internship program under Sabatino, working on several projects to upgrade and improve La Salle’s system. When the school year began, his brother tagged along or leaned in to ask and learn when one of them was working on something in the lab. “That’s a big part of the program,’’ Peter Koniers says. ``You can ask any of the leaders what project they’re working on and offer to help with it. I learned through that, and then I was selected to join them over the summer. That’s probably where most of my technical learning came from.’’ It’s an added aspect of an educational experience that was already full of avenues. And
“I had people reach out to me on the side to say that it’s really impressive that you have an 18-year-old who can describe exactly what’s happening at our network. But that’s what’s happening at La Salle. They’re learning by doing.’’ In addition to the hands-on learning through our extracurruculular clubs such as the Lab Manager Program, La Salle offers over 20 technology courses through our Innovation and Design Department. All freshmen are required to take our Introduction to Technology and Design course and from there – various electives are available in networking, programming, media, engineering, and robotics.
he’s far from alone in such an enriching journey. There were some issues when Cisco Meraki was first being installed as the school’s wireless network, says Sabatino. So what did they do? They put one of their top seniors, Ryan Keenan, on a video call with some of Cisco’s tech guys.
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HIGHLIGHTS
MOMENTS
of D I S T I N C T I O N
The Path To Innovation At first glance, Craig Fox ’19 looks like most of the La Salle College High School students who have shown up on a Monday night to introduce and tout the school’s innovative and forward-thinking science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs to potential middle school parents and students.
It’s only when he starts talking to those parents and students that you realize that he’s there not just to explain the technological aspects of some of the nearly 150 electives offered to students at the school.
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MOMENTS
He’s there as a prime example of the schools’ culture of giving back, and to personify where those STEM courses might lead.
of D I S T I N C T I O N
and Lockheed Martin, the school has invested
Each year two robotics students are mentored
more than $75,000 in robotics equipment to
while performing independent research, then
not only respond to current trends in the job
present it at The Interservice/Industry Training,
marketplace but anticipate what the future might
Simulation and Education Conference (I/ITSEC)
hold for them.
in Orlando, FL. La Salle has placed among the top three nearly every year it has competed.
“We are trying to meet students where they
Fox, 20, graduated from La Salle in 2019 and is entering his senior year at Temple University on a full scholarship. Those numbers only add up when it is disclosed that he graduated La Salle in 2019 with enough advanced credits to enter Temple as a junior. A data science major, Fox decided to stay in college for three years because he wanted to work in their research department (and get paid for it) while attending school.
are and also trying to take it to another level
“Robotics,’’ said Ryan McDowell, the robotics
where we build those skills for whatever
coach and Science Department Chair, “is a
future is out there,’’ says Kurt Schollin, the
varsity sport for the mind.’’
Director of Digital Learning in La Salle’s Innovation & Design Department. “We always
There are internship programs available in
talk to the students about how the jobs they are
both robotics and media content creation as
going to hold might not even exist yet. Things
well. Robotics has found internships for as
are changing so quickly.’’
many as five students with local tech companies in some years.
Schollin also serves as the moderator to La Salle’s Esports Club, which has quickly become
Harrison Karsch, a junior student heavily
one of its most popular. Students flock to the
involved in the WEXPtv Media Program, has
makeshift space after school and during the
already been an intern at KYW radio. He
“It’s high-performance computing, virtual reality, neuroscience simulator,’’ he said.
down times of their day to challenge each
credits Robert Johnson, the Department Chair
other, and the computers’ capabilities, as well.
of Information Sciences and Technology and a
Intended as a fun release from the stresses
former Emmy-Nominated Comcast Sportsnet
of their day, the club has become both an
television producer for his and others early
opportunity to apply science and technology
exposure to professional media opportunities.
Got it?
skills in an understandable manner and a vehicle
His research?
“In my job, the next oldest person is five years older than me,’’ he said.
for students from all walks of life to socialize
“I’ve seen kids leaving this room with a huge
and form friendships that continue beyond the
portfolio,’’ said Karsch. “He makes it a priority
school’s walls.
to do your own creation, make your own stuff. Put your name out there. I wouldn’t have done
“I played video games growing up, but never
the news studies program if he didn’t say you
even imagined it being part of education
could get a job if you’re really committed to the
Computer Science, Engineering, Technology,
and teaching,’’ Schollin says. “We’re trying
business. And it got my name out there.’’
Multimedia Design and Robotics – the families
to make sure they are good communicators,
that attended the school’s recent STEM Night
good at collaborating. And really also good at
For Fox, who hails from Newtown and now
saw an aspect of La Salle that was as exciting
problem solving. You see that played out
lives in Brewerytown, it did even more than that.
and imaginative as any play made in the
daily down here.’’
It jump-started a career he is already clearly
school’s football defeat of St. Joseph Prep a
passionate about, even as he ponders where it
few days before. Indeed, the presentation that
You see the same thing in the WEXPtv Content
will ultimately lead him. Besides data research,
night in the school’s newly created WEXPtv
Creation Lab and in the school’s Robotics Lab.
he also currently works at The American
Content Creation Lab featured teams of
Bolstered through upperclassmen mentors, two
Philosophical Society Museum in Old City.
students filming that game, editing its highlights
freshman-only robotics teams allow incoming
into exciting slow motion and real time replays,
students to build small, mobile robots in a
“My philosophy right now is to pick the things
and offering interviews and analysis.
collegial after-school setting, even offering the
that interest me,’’ he said. ``I like the educator
chance to compete against other schools in
side and I like the technical side. So maybe a
With fundraising that toppled $4.6 million
regional and national events. Visitors on La
teacher or an educator. But where I can still do
in 2021 despite a pandemic, La Salle is
Salle’s STEM night walked into a gymnasium of
data science.
aggressively seeking to equip its current
student-built and operated drones maneuvering
student body – which includes its largest
around and through obstacles. Upperclassmen
“Maybe even a teacher during the school year…
freshman class ever – with tomorrow’s skill
move on to the design and implementation of
and a data scientist over the summer.’’
sets. Infused with a robust mentoring program
larger industrial grade robots, also competing in
that features experts from places like Comcast
regional and national events.
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MOMENTS
of D I S T I N C T I O N
Students Compete In Annual Turkey Bowl To Support Every Can Counts Food Drive event also drew camera crews from four local television stations – NBC10, CBS3, FOX29, and 6ABC. Once the champion was crowned, a team of brave faculty members took the field for a game against a team of students. In the past, this has inspired Robert Johnson, the Director of Multimedia, to admittedly use “alternate facts’’ when reporting the result on Twitter. But this
There should have been a flag. That’s what junior Leyton Bracken thought anyway. The ball was in the air by the time Senior Henry Troy put his hands on him during the championship game of La Salle College High School’s annual “Turkey Bowl’’ charity football tournament recently on Flannery Field. And well… “He hit me right in the face,’’
The other was that Troy’s infraction was a Three
year’s victory over a team dominated by those in
Stooges-like face-rake delivered with a smile.
student government resulted in a faculty win, so
And which Bracken quickly avenged with a two-
no alternative was needed.
handed push that landed Troy on all fours. When all the games concluded and the trophy Again, delivered with a smile.
was presented to the seniors by Marie Stott, hot dogs were served up by La Salle’s Dean of
“We’re really good friends,’’ Troy said after the seniors held on to defeat the Juniors, 28-14 and capture the latest championship. “We go at each other like this every day in practice.’’
said Bracken, and technically, yes, he did.
Student Life Charles Cirelli and Brother James Butler, FSC. The tournament is run by the junior class, whose Student Council Members officiate all the games with the exception of their own class. Senior Student Council Members step in there, but with a 10-minute clock, offsides, interference – even out-of-bounds calls – are
Bracken and Troy are teammates on the
often waived for the sake of continuity.
school’s varsity lacrosse team, one a scorer, the other a defender. There are plenty of varsity
That put Junior Class President Darold
athletes involved in this annual event, held
DeNgohe in the crosshairs of angered students
after school over the two weeks that precede
on several occasions throughout the event. But
Thanksgiving week. But there are plenty of
at 6-3, 260 pounds, the First-Team Catholic
students from La Salle’s endless array of other
League Defensive End was amused by the
activities who participate as well. Art, Theater,
occasional outrage rather than unnerved.
Robotics, Speech and Debate – this braggingrights tournament offers yet another opportunity But there were two reasons for the no call.
for La Salle students to get to come together as
One – and this is perhaps the most important
friends outside of the classroom.
of the two – the collection of officials from the junior class who were working the game
This year’s Turkey Bowl had 43 teams, each
were far more interested in taunting the players
made up of eight to 10 players. That’s a record,
themselves than they were of dishing out
said Marie Stott, Assistant Dean of Student
penalties that would slow the frenzied pace
Life. Each student had to pony up $5 for the
of a 10-minute running clock contest that
right to play, and the $1,639.00 collected was
shared more characteristics with rugby or
donated to the Student Council/Mission and
that other football than it did of the plodding
Ministry Thanksgiving Food Drive. This year’s
American version.
“They have their little arguments, but nothing crazy,’’ he said. “It’s kind of part of the fun.’’ Overall, the funds raised from the Turkey Bowl helped support our annual #EveryCanCounts Thanksgiving Food Drive – our community donated over 23,000 non-perishable food items to support St. Vincent’s Food Pantry in Germantown and other local charities.
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MOMENTS
of D I S T I N C T I O N
La Salle Students Bring “The Miracle of Christmas” To Cancer-Stricken Children and Their Families There’s no secret to how Max Morgan ’06 became one of the first-ever student Santa Clauses for La Salle College High School’s wildly successful Secret Santa program almost two decades ago.
Morgan was a sophomore in 2003, when the
Sometime in the fall, the children being
program, begun by alum Jim McCloskey ’64
treated at Saint Christopher’s make wishes
and expanded exponentially over the years
for Christmas gifts. The La Salle community,
through the tireless stewardship of La Salle
along with other generous families, purchase
administrator Chris Carabello ’82, was still in
the gifts. The Mothers’ Club wraps, tags and
its infancy. With the help of alums like Morgan,
bags the gifts, which are stored at a Warminster
the program grew to between 150 to 200 boys,
warehouse made available by a generous alum,
with as many as 400 applying to be involved.
Jim Hasson ’85. During the morning hours of
The outbreak of COVID-19 has forced those
Christmas Eve, the Santas, elves and their
He had a suit. Granted, it was a bit musty and
numbers to be shrunk, and this year only juniors
parents – along with alums like Morgan – load
draped noticeably over his then 15-year-old
and seniors were eligible to be involved.
up their trucks and SUVs and fan out. This year
body. But it was a suit nonetheless, and the
there were 33 routes in 13 counties, extending
program, which this year distributed wish-list
Still, almost all 35 of the Santa suits that
from Atlantic County to Carbon County and
gifts to nearly 300 disadvantaged cancer-
Carabello has accumulated over the past two
Mercer County to Berks County.
stricken children and their siblings, was an
decades were put to use this past Christmas
upstart effort back then.
Eve, over an area that extended from Jim
Some of the requested gifts are elaborate.
Thorpe to the Jersey Shore, distributing new
Over 25 children received bikes, assembled
“The suite had been in my family since, like
toys purchased by La Salle families and alums
by students and La Salle’s adult community of
the 40s,” says Morgan, now a 34-year-old
to hematology and oncology patients of Saint
alums and parents.
patent attorney living in Haddonfield, NJ.
Christopher’s Hospital for Children in North
“There were two groups of about six kids each
Philadelphia and their families.
and we needed a suit for my group. I was only a sophomore, but I had the suit. So, I became Santa.’’
“Some are cause for pause,” said Carabello, La Salle’s longtime Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations and a 1982 graduate of the school. “The wishes are sometimes things that our boys take for granted. Children want a bed. And it’s like OK, we’re going to get a bed and then we’re going to buy a mattress and sheets and pillows too. Because if you’re asking for a bed, then clearly the other things that go with it are either non-existent and/or in terrible condition. We build the bed; we make it up, and we carry it in just like that. And the reactions are incredible.’’
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P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S
HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION September 10, 2021 The 9th Annual Hall of Athletics Induction featured the induction of four athletes: Joe Meade ’97, Garrett Miller ’95, Don Quinn ’94, and Gavin Muir ’87. La Salle’s longtime lacrosse coach Bill Leahy was likewise inducted along with the 2009 State Championship Football Team and the 1977-78 Tennis Team.
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DEDICATION OF THE EXPLORATORIUM – IN HONOR OF MICHAEL A. O’TOOLE ’68 October 17, 2021 The newly remodeled collaboration space on the second floor of Kestler Hall was dedicated as the Exploratorium and in honor of Michael A. O’Toole ’68 for his years of service to La Salle College High School as a teacher and administrator. He was joined that day by his family and many of his former and current colleagues.
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P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S
AUCTION – “A ROYAL AFFAIR” November 6, 2021
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P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S DINNER DANCE February 5, 2022
The annual event returned to Blue Bell Country Club and celebrated Brother James Butler, FSC and his 40 years of religious service as a Christian Brother along with his ten years as President of La Salle College High School.
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G A L L E R I E S
COMMUNION BREAKFAST AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTION March 6, 2022 Austin Meehan ’79 and John Brown ’86 became the 92nd and 93rd alums inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame. James Donahue ’86 received the William J. Whelan ’55 Alumni Service Award for his dedicated and consistent service to La Salle College High School and its alumni.
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HIGHLIGHTS
N E W S
1940s WILLIAM CROSSON ’47 is holding down a place on the West Coast for La Salle College High School. AUGUST OBER ’47 just had his fourth great-grandchild. August turned 92 and started out at 1240. PETER FINLEY ’49 celebrated his 90th birthday and welcomed 2nd great-granddaughter. JOSEPH A. PETTINEO, SR. ’49 has fourteen great-grandchildren with the most recent addition of Jameison.
N O T E S
JOE MCGONIGLE ’62 plays Irish music every Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at Josie Kelly’s in Somers Point, NJ. LOU BECCARIA ’63 recently co-authored his second book with a friend/colleague, Connie Carter. It is entitled NONPROFIT EXCELLENCE: Strategies for a Challenging World. JOHN P. FISHER, DDS ’63 recently received the Alumni Achievement Service Award from Temple University School of Dentistry. AUGUSTIN SCHWARTZ III, MD ’63 retired after 45 years of Hematology-Oncology practice in Palm Beach, FL. DAVID J. SMITH, MD ’63 has been practicing medicine for 50 years.
1950s JAMES MCGILL ’57 and his wife Andrea have relocated from NJ to Harleysville, PA after 20 years at the shore.
ROBERT YACOBELLIS ’64 became a grandfather for the first time. Augustine John born in Sydney, Australia on March 1, 2021.
PAUL CHARLES AITA, MD ’58 is a retired surgeon; married 57 years; 4 children married with 11 grandchildren. All healthy and doing well.
ANTHONY LOPRESTI ’67 writes that his family joyfully welcomed their first grandchild, Julian Celestino Lopresti, on September 20, 2021.
ROBERT SMITH ’59 turned 80; continues to row on the bay. Follows BC football and his nine grandchildren and their universities.
1960s DAVE LEWANDOWSKI ’61 retired in 2013 but still doing some public relations work for Armstrong Ceilings. He is also working as an usher at the Lancaster Barnstormers ballpark. DEACON ALFRED J. MAURIELLO, II, MD ’61 retired from active practice six years go and as an active volunteer physician at CVIM in West Chester, PA and Panira Healthcare Clinic in Naples, FL. He is active in ministry and is an ordained Deacon in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish in West Chester, PA) and in the Diocese of Venice, FL (Saint Finbarr Parish). He is a lecturer/ speaker for End of Life Issues (medical ethics) in PA and Florida and spends winters in Florida.
PATRICK J. BECHER, DO ’69 is retiring from the practice of medicine after 44 years.
1970s JOHN DUGAN ’71 retired in 2020 during the Covid Pandemic and now enjoys biking and hiking. John’s granddaughter was born on November 2, 2021. MICHAEL DAPKUNAS ’72 welcomed grandson, Owen, in May of 2021.
a
RICHARD DEVINE ’72 just joined Victory Bank as a Vice President and Commercial Lending Officer. KEVIN MCDONNELL ’72 is married 45 years in October 2022. Four children and six grandchildren. Kevin’s mother turned 95 in June 2021. CHARLES HARVEY ’73 completed “Certified Physician Executive” degree.
TERRY SMITH ’73 enters his 20th season on the Angels flagship radio station. The 2021 season marks his 12th season as the Angels lead play-by-play announcer. His 20 seasons in the booth make Smith the longest tenured broadcaster (radio or TV) in club history. Smith joined the Angels in 2002 after serving as the radio voice of the New York Yankees Triple-A affiliate Columbus Clippers for 19 seasons. From 1983-97, Smith also served as Sports Director on WBNS AM in Columbus, Ohio and was simply known as “The Voice” serving as play-by-play announcer for the Ohio State University Football and Basketball Radio Network from 1986-97. Smith was recognized three times by the Ohio Associated Press for his sportscasts and WBNS AM was named the Outstanding Sports Operation in Ohio six times by the Associated Press. He started his baseball broadcasting career in 1978, calling games for the Jacksonville Suns and later called games for the Memphis Chicks from 1981-82. At Memphis, Smith also worked as the Sports Director on WHBQ AM, anchoring sports on the morning and afternoon drive shows. Smith attended Temple University, where he played collegiate club hockey, as well as Jones College in Jacksonville, Fla. which has produced the likes of actors Joe Piscopo and Jay Thomas. In February 2002, Smith made his on-screen debut as a broadcaster in the baseball movie A Little Inside, which aired on HBO and Showtime. He assists in Angels Community Relations with appearances and has served as Honorary Chair of the Orange County Learning for Life’s Exploring program. Smith and his wife, Sonia, reside in Queen Creek, AZ. JOHN BRAND ’75 retired after 40 years as a Geologist in the oil business and moved to northwest Nevada near Lake Tahoe. ANTHONY ARMAND ’77 is an MBA Candidate at The University of Delaware; expected graduation May 2022. KEVIN DOLAN ’78 retired from Local 98 IBEW.
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1980s
1990s
MICHAEL B. DINDA ’82 serves on the Board of Velodrome Foundation KEVIN DUNPHY ’83 is celebrating 45 years at Dunphy Ford and proud sponsor of Bob Long Sports broadcasting La Salle Sports. CHRISTOPHER BRANSCOME ’85 has been a member of the Executive Leadership Committee for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, which is the city’s bid committee to host World Cup 2026. WILLIAM FINNEGAN ’85 has been involved in the financing and housing spaces for most of his career and is now venturing into the home loan industry. He has spent over 20 years in commercial real estate in Philadelphia, and prior to that was a CPA in the pharmaceutical industry. DAVID F.X. CIANCI ’86 is beginning his 25th year as the bass trombonist for the Philly Pops Orchestra and as the house pianist for the Bay Pony Inn in Lederach, PA. SSGT KEVIN J. MILLER, USMC ’86 has three grandchildren and has been recently named Marine Toys for Tots Foundation coordinator of the year for Region 1 (entire Mid-Atlantic and New England areas). MICHAEL SAWICKY ’87 works as an attorney (solo practitioner) and part-time magistrate. Michael is living in Farmington Hills, MI and married almost 28 years with two children in college.
MICHAEL B. HAYES, ESQ. ’90 recently joined Horn Williamson LLC, a law firm located in Center City, to serve as the Litigation Chair for the firm. PATRICK MOORE ’98 invites all Explorers to stop in Moore’s Bagel Shop on Route 70 in Marlton, NJ for the best bagels in town.
2000s JEFF MILLS ’02 was named one of the 40 under 40 by Philadelphia Business Journal. MATTHEW C. GLEASON ’04 is enjoying selfemployment at Gleason Landscape Design. PETER TERRERI ’05 passed the PA Bar Exam and works at Reed Smith in Philadelphia. THOMAS M. CROKE ’06 is a Fulbright SemiFinalist. A Ph.D. candidate in Musicology at the College-Conservatory of Music, his research focuses on the legacy of the illness and death of Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin and how this legacy has been reflected in European and American music, art, and literature since the Nineteenth Century. He received his M.F.A. from Brandeis University, where he completed a research project reconciling the biographical inconsistencies of Hungarian pianist-composer Franz Liszt. He has presented at the Biennial North American Conference on NineteenthCentury Music, speaking about Chopin’s Études and the historical context that led to their creation. He also presented at the 4th International Chopinological Congress at the Chopin Institute in Warsaw about Chopin’s only existing photograph and its connections to postmortem photography. Tom was the President of the Music Theory and Musicology Society at CCM, where he presided over their 2018 biannual conference. He is also a professional pianist with over 15 years of experience.
ANDREW C. GLEASON ’06 is living in Los Angeles, CA recording, producing, and performing in two bands: Young Creatures and Sleuth Dog. He is also working in the music library. ANDREW BOWMAN ’08 married Emily D’Angelo on October 2, 2021 in Sea Isle CIty, NJ. Groomsman and best man included: Austin Meehan Jr ’08 (Best Man), Rob Powers ’08, Brian Collins ’08, Mike McCabe ’08, and Pat Morrow ’08.
2010s MICHAEL VECCHIONE, JR. ’11 is a Petty Officer Second Class in the U.S. Coast Guard attending Graduate School at American Military University. WILLIAM ROSE ’12 won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy. PATRICK L. DUFF ’14 accepted a new position this year as a Critical Time Interventionist for Resources for Human Development providing support for the homeless in Montgomery County. CHRISTOPHER CZYZEWSKI ’16 started a new position with the Knights of Columbus in July 2021. WILL HISEY ’16 graduated from the University of Maryland in 2020 with a BS in Marketing. JAMES T. OLSEN ’16 began a Chemistry PhD Program at Baylor University in August of 2020. He joined research group of John Wood in January 2021 working on total synthesis of natural product.
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DEPARTMENTS
W E
W E L C O M E
A N D
R E M E M B E R
(BIRTHS AND DEATHS AS OF MARCH 25, 2022)
WE WELCOME
DAVID J. COLLINS ’53
STEPHEN DOLAN III ’08 and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed a son, Stephen IV, on January 29, 2021.
ROBERT A. ROMANO ’53
RYAN GIBBONS ’05 and his wife, Anna, welcomed a daughter, Teresa “Reese” Mary Gibbons, on August 2, 2021.
EDMUND H. KUHN ’53
FRANCIS B. BOLAND, JR., MD ’54, father of Christopher ’81 and Michael ’85; brother of Michael ’56, William ’57, James ’61, John ’64, and Bernard ’65.
JOSEPH HAND IV ’01 and his wife Stephanie, welcomed a son, John James Hand, on December 10, 2021.
RAYMOND A. DOYLE ’54
WILLIAM KESSLER ’05 and his wife, Katie, welcomed a daughter, Claire Geraghty Kessler, on August 9, 2021.
KEVIN E. CAREY ’56
JAMES TIERNEY ’06 and his wife, Samantha, welcomed a son, Finn James Tierney, on October 9, 2021. STAFF MEMBER MICHAEL FURLONG ’08 and his wife, Caitlin, welcomed a daughter, Madison Helen, on January 4, 2022. FACULTY MEMBER KYLE FINLAY ’09 and his wife, Jesssica, welcomed a son, Oliver Gene Finlay, on November 12, 2021. FACULTY MEMBER CARLY HARBISON and her husband, Ryan, welcomed a daughter, Stevie Rose Harbison. FACULTY MEMBER MICHAEL ROCHE and his wife, Jaclyn, welcomed a son, James Michael Roche, on November 19, 2021. FACULTY MEMEBER BOB ZANNEO and his wife, Jen, welcomed a daughter, Demi Jean, on September 16, 2021.
WE REMEMBER JOHN P. BACON ’41 EDWARD W. EDINGER ’41 CHARLES M. HORAN ’45 FRANK J. KLEKNER ’46 THOMAS J. WELSH, JR. ’45 CHARLES C. CLUNK, JR. ’47, brother of Phillip ’52. ROBERT A. KNIGHT ’48 GERARD F. GRADEL, SR. ’49 LEON PIJANOWSKI, PHD ’49 THOMAS J. HIGGINS ’50, father of Thomas ’75, Paul ’78, Philip ’82, and James ’93. THOMAS J. WHELAN ’50, son of John (1916); brother of John ’42(Dec’d.), Edward ’47, and William ’55(Dec’d.) GEORGE M. YOCUM III ’50, father of Former Trustee Arlene Yocum. EUGENE MCDONNELL ’51 ENOS C. NEY ’51 DAVID J. SMITH ’51, brother of the late Brother J. Clement Smith, FSC ’50. JOSEPH A. KANE, PHD ’52, father of the late Terence ’78 and David ’81. FRANK R. BRESLIN ’53
FRED S. TOKARSKI ’54
DONALD B. MCCOY, ESQ. ’56 ROBERT E. CWIK ’57 JOHN C. MALLEY ’57 WILLIAM DEMARCO ’58 STEPHEN W. COOK ’59, father of Stephen ’92; son of J. Carroll Cook ’31; brother of Dennis Cook ’62; father-in-law of John J. Schaefer ’88. JOHN J. KANE, JR. ’59, brother of Michael ’61 and Peter ’62. DONALD D. DELMANZO, JR. ’60 MARK J. MALONE ’60 THOMAS F. MURPHY ’60 JOHN A. NEWELL ’60 KENNETH T. QUIGLEY ’60 THOMAS J. REYNOLDS ’60 D. ROBERT BUCCINI ’61 JOSEPH C. GAMBONE, MD ’61 ROBERT A. LEONE ’62 JOHN J. RYAN, JR. ’62 HONORABLE DAVID M. DUFFY ’65 J. GREGORY PIRMANN ’65, brother of Frederick ’63. JOSEPH H. SCHMIEG ’65 WILLIAM H. WALTERS ’68, brother of Robert ’67 and Christopher ’70. DONALD P. DEANGELIS ’69 JOSEPH W. MCDERMOTT ’69 PATRICK J. WHITE, DC ’69 JAMES A. PERUTO, ESQ. ’70, uncle of John Peruto ’06 and Vincent Peruto ’13. THOMAS G. COYLE ’74, brother of Bernard ’69, James ’71, and Richard ’76 Coyle BRIAN A. MITCHELL ’74 DAVID C. MACLAY, III ’78 STEPHEN W. ANDRASCO ’83 ERIC S. DICIANNO ’85 CHRISTOPHER M. FARRELL ’89 THEODORE “TEDDY” KRADZINSKI III ’10 BLAKE GARDINER BARKLAGE ’22
BONNIE INSLEY ALLISON, mother of staff member Jonathan Allison.
BARBARA A. KELLY, wife of Kevin ’70 and mother of Scott ’00.
KATHERINE BENYOVSZKY, mother of Paul ’78 and Christopher ’82; grandfather of Paul ’08 and Nicholas ’12.
FRANCIS R. KLASTER, father of faculty member Christine Meko (John ’86); grandfather of John Meko ’16 and Patrick Meko ’21.
JOHN F. BETZ, grandfather of Austen ’14, Dylan ’20, and Evan ’23 Mollick. ROBERT E. BIDDLE, SR., father of Robert ’71 and Richard ’73. R. DAVID BRADLEY, father of Matthew ’87 and Christian ’89.
LINDA LARSON, mother of staff member Catrina Wheatley. NANCY LAVIN, wife of Thomas J. Lavin, Jr. ’55.
CONSTANCE BROPHY, mother of Daniel ’07.
JOHN POPE MADDOCK, father of former Mothers Club member Anne Flynn (Sean ’83); grandfather of Malcom ’12 and Fergus ’16 Flynn.,
FRANCIS X. CASSIDY, father of Frank ’08 and John ’10; son of Francis ’45.
CONSTANCE MARIE MARTUCCI, mother of Albert ’75.
DOROTHY “DOT” CLINTON, mother of William ’86 and Robert ’87; sister of Kenneth Shaw, Jr. ’60.
CELESTE C. MAY, mother of former faculty member Elizabeth Field (Robert ’67); grandmother of Luke ’02.
COLLEEN COLL, grandmother of Will Coll ’22.
JAMES C. MCGOLDRICK, father of James ’90 and Mark ’93; grandfather of James (Jace) ’24.
FRANCIS A. “FRANK” CRAIG, JR., grandfather of Thomas ’22, Ryan ’25, and Jack ’25 Convey; father-in-law of James E. Convey, IV ’90; son-in-law of Mrs. Florence Ward. ROBERT E. CWIK, SR., grandfather of Erik ’09. DIANE “DEE” LOUISE DUFFY, mother of Colin O’Malley ’15. CHARLES A. DEBOW, JR., father of Charles ’97. JOHN H. ENGEL, father of staff member and past parent Mrs. Kathleen Tavolaro; grandfather of Kevin ’15.
MARGARET A. MCMONAGLE, mother of Patrick ’90; grandmother of James Schlupp ’12, Patrick Schlupp ’15, and Owen Reape ’24. JANE MINNICH, the mother of Chuck, ’85 and John ’92; grandmother of Charlie ’18, Jude ’20, and Brendan ’26. MARIE MULLER, grandmother of Maximillian ’03 and Alexander ’06 Muller. ERNEST “CHUCK” PESCATORE, father of Scott L. Pescatore, PharmD ’93. DOLORES R. PURTELL, mother of Jeffrey ’86.
ELVIRA “DOLLY” ESPOSITO, mother of Michael Esposito ’67, sister-inlaw of Louis Esposito ’63, aunt of Robert Stott ’06 and John “JB” Brady ’14.
JON T. RIETZKE, father of Stephen ’85 and Gregory ’88, grandfather of Will ’16, Brennan ’17, Sean ’17, Owen ’18, Aidan ’21, and Rylan ’21.
MICHAEL P. ESMOND, father of Michael ’25.
THOMAS D. RILEY III, father of Thomas ’00, Sean ’02, Terrance ’06 and Kevin ’07.
GERALD R. EVANS, SR., father of faculty member Jerry Evans. FRANK J. FERRO, father of Frank ’99; John ’02 and Michael ’04.
LORRAINE RIMERT, former faculty member.
ANNE (NANCY) M. FLEMING, wife of James ’50; grandmother of Andrew Potok ’14.
MARY SABIA, wife of John ’46(Dec’d.); mother of Daniel ’82, Christopher ’84; past parents Mr. John Sabia, Mr. Nicolas Sabia, and Mrs. Mary Ciammetti.
EDWARD FURMAN, SR., father of Edward ’06.
MARIA C. SALVITTI, mother of Former Trustee Alfred ’70 and Stephen ’76.
JOSEPH E. GALBALLY, father of Daniel ’00 and Brian ’02.
ANN SAUTER, grandmother of Richard Sauter ’11 and Frank Gregor ’19; mother-in-law of Frank Gregor ’86.
NICHOLAS JAMES GAMBONE, SR., father of Nicholas, Jr. ’22. JAMES J. HEARN, father of faculty member Michael Hearn, grandfather of Harry ’21 and Luis ’25. BRADFORD HOUCHINS, SR., father of Andrew ’07 and Tyler ’09. SUSAN ELIZABETH HOLLOWAY, sister of Trustee Robert Moran ’69. KATHLEEN V. JOYCE, grandmother of William ’12, Thomas ’14, and Patrick ’18 Joyce. JOHN KANE, father of Brother John Kane, FSC ’76, James ’80, Michael(Dec’d.) ’82, Matthew ’86. and Paul ’88 Kane.
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SPRING 2022 40
MILDRED J. STOUTENBURGH, grandmother of William Larkin ’07. BERNARD R. STUSKI, grandfather of Galen Stuski ’10. TERESA WADE, mother of Brent ’15. MILTON F. WHITEHEAD, father of David ’79 and Daniel ’84 Whitehead. JOHN F. WILSON, III, father of John ’93 and James ’98. ALOYSIUS F. ZEBROWSKI, SR., father of Aloysius ’79, Joseph ’82, and Mark ’84.
GRAND REUNION SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2022
LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL GLASER CENTER
Registration Begins at 5:30 pm – Front Office Mass 6:00 pm Reception Begins at 7:00 pm For additional information, please contact Jill D’Angelo at (215) 402-4808 or dangeloj@lschs.org www.lschs.org/alumni
Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Change Service Requested
DAVID T. DIEHL ’55 SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING Tuesday, June 21, 2022
UNION LEAGUE LIBERTY HILL Lafayette Hill, PA 19444