Explorer 2023-2024

WINTER

Dear La Salle Family,

LET US REMEMBER LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

A couple of hours ago, a regular monthly email from the Union League of Philadelphia crossed my inbox. It contained the new members’ posting for the month. I always at least run my eyes down the list, checking for people I know, the children of alumni being nominated by family members, past parents “joining the club,” or familiar faces sponsoring new members. There’s always the explicit opportunity to write a “blue card,” the name a vestige of the pre-digital era, supporting the prospects of a new member.

I was perhaps more attune to this posting than usual because the prior day, I participated in one of the more hallowed annual rituals of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, the Vow Chapter, a process I am required to join in while wearing one of my other hats, that of a member of the provincial council. Candidates for vows, particularly perpetual ones that get awarded seven to ten years after joining, have the opportunity to send or read a personal statement. There might be questions, and the opinions of those who were responsible to accompany the candidate are expressed or noted. Sometimes, further discussion follows, or clarifications are requested; at times, it’s only endorsements and compliments. Then comes the moment that really matters. A box with a small opening is passed around. Each councilor sits with a handful of black and white beans (You know what they mean.). He slips one of them into the box unobserved. The box is opened, a tally made, and the results are sent to Rome for approbation. Archaic as this may seem, that’s how you get in for life.

The Union League and the Brothers of the Christian Schools are two venerable institutions (The latter approximately twice as old as the former, just sayin’.). And that’s how you get in. This got me thinking: How do you get in at La Salle? I think it’s rather simple really, nothing exclusive or otherworldly about it. You show up, put in time, and do work.

You see this process unfold all the time. The freshmen are timid and tentative until something happens.

They make a team, maybe not the first one they had in mind, join forensics or robotics, earn a part in the musical, get elected to student council. They put in hours on stage crew or making videos with like-minded peers for WEXP, and, in a short while, they belong. The same happens to a new teacher, burdened by unfamiliar faces and processes. Then they volunteer for Kairos, show up for a mixer or freshman football team, and shortly there are smiles in the hallway, thanks for their presence, people calling them by name. There might be a freshman mom who comes from a school that doesn’t send a large number at La Salle. After attending the New Mothers’ Tea, she knows a tableful; encouraged, she signs up to help with Christmas Shopping Spectacular or the Senior Mother/ Son Dinner and starts to find she has friends at La Salle. An alumnus of 25 or 50 years, initially reluctant to commit the time, overcomes this reservation and joins his class’s reunion committee. Many phone calls, emails, and texts later, he’s reconnecting with friends he had lost track of, discovered a few people he was only acquainted with whose interests or experiences have converged with his over the years. Soon, he’s meeting for drinks at MaGerk’s on the third Thursday of the month if he’s younger, golfing together once an empty nester, gathering for lunch in Blue Bell or Stone Harbor when he’s a Golden Explorer.

The pages of this annual Explorer tell the stories of people who have come to belong, from freshmen competing with passion at their first Field Day to seniors who can’t believe it’s a diploma, a cigar, then it’s over, to Joe Ciccimaro ‘57 who came as a fourteen-year-old boy from Port Richmond and found his 70-year forever home at La Salle. Adolescents today face numerous crises, depending on which analyst you read, whether causality is imputed to technology or Covid-19. None is more apparent, though than the crisis of belonging, the “loneliness of boys” even becoming a topic in the august opinion section of the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/05/opinion/boys-parenting-loneliness.html

Familiarity and observation confirm that this is more than the usual twenty-first century socio-cultural alarmism. One of the most significant unmet needs of people in general, adolescent boys in particular, is that need to belong.

Not to spurn the characteristic humility we’re known for, I think it’s fair to say that La Salle has done as good a job as any institution can in addressing the dynamic of loneliness and belonging, sometimes in the face of overwhelming existential tragedy with the questions it prompts, sometimes in routine “everydayness,” with the inattentiveness it engenders. But don’t think that this is simply due to astute programing. More importantly, it’s people, strong, luminous people committed to the young people in their care. It’s people and it’s culture, culture and ethos. The pages of this annual magazine testify to that culture. As to the ethos, consider this. Just like there’s no “I” in team, there’s no I in our alma mater, either. If you forgot, just have a look here:

Hail La Salle we praise thee, Honor and tribute true. Great and bright your splendor, Banner of Gold and Blue.

Loyal sons we’ll ever be High we’ll hold your memory. Hail La Salle, our Alma Mater Hail, all hail!

High We’ll Hold Your Memory

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL 2023-2024

President

Brother James L. Butler, FSC

Principal James E. Fyke

Executive Vice President Kevin B. Dougherty ’00

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Daniel L. McGowan

Editor

Christopher M. Carabello ’82

Contributing Writers

Brother Anthony Baginski, FSC

Christopher M. Carabello ’82

Luca Scott DeMarco ’25

Zachary Dodaro ’26

Richard J. Dunn, Jr. ’26

Owen Daniel Kunko ’24

Matthew McNesby ’24

Alex Olivares ’24

William Palopoli ’24

Daniel Bernard Rovi ’24

Quinn Ryan ’24

Ethan Smith ’24

Ethan Thien Tran ’24

Editorial and Production Assistance

Katie Palopoli

Cathleen P. Winning

Photography

Lifetouch Photography, Inc.

Sam Fritch

Design

Holly Hartner | Design With Sol

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

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 God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.

HAIL LA SALLE WE PRAISE THEE, Honor and tribute true.

LA SALLE OPENS DOORS FOR 165 TH TIME

WELCOMES THE CLASS OF 2027

AUGUST 17-18, 2023

La Salle College High School opened its doors on August 17, 2023 for the start of the school's 165th academic year. Over 300 boys from local middle and elementary schools were welcomed to the Class of 2027 by the faculty, staff, and administration with various orientation activities. The students were greeted at the entrance of the school by Brother James Butler, FSC, Principal James Fyke, senior members of the Student Council, the Explorer, and the sounds of the La Salle Pep Band. As part of the freshman class ritual, each young man received a class tie and participated in a ceremony for the planting of their class tree.

RETURNING TO SERVE

FOUR ALUMS RETURN TO TEACH AT THEIR ALMA MATER

BRIAN P. COLLINS ’08

Faculty Member | Mathematics Department

CLASSES? Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS WORKING WITH? Freshmen Basketball, Saint Katharine Drexel Program

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE? Teacher – Cheltenham School District and Lower Merion School District

WHAT WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH AS A STUDENT? Service Trips

FAVORITE LA SALLE FACULTY MEMBER? Mrs. Julia Maher

FAVORITE LA SALLE MEMORY AS A STUDENT? Field Day – Every Year

INTERESTS? Spending time with family, home improvements, golf, and Philadelphia sports teams.

FAMILY? Wife, Nora, and son, Rory (2)

WHY DID YOU WANT TO RETURN TO LA SALLE TO TEACH? My four years at La Salle as a student left me with many of the most memorable experiences of my life. The relationships I made with my teachers and peers could never be replaced. I feel fortunate to be in a position to pass these same types of experiences on to La Salle students.

WHAT MAKES LA SALLE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS? The people make La Salle different than every other school. The students are committed to their success and the faculty and staff are committed to the betterment of their students as a whole person.

SEAN T. MCLAUGHLIN ’06

Faculty Member | Religion Department

Campus Minister

CLASSES? Catholic Lasallian Identity and Christian Morality

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS WORKING WITH? Lasallian Mission and Ministry Team, Crew Bus

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE? Boston College, Sisters of Saint Basil the Great, and Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia

WHAT WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH AS A STUDENT?

Rowing, Wisterian, Gazebo, and National Honor Society

FAVORITE LA SALLE FACULTY MEMBER? Brother Richard Herlihy, FSC

FAVORITE LA SALLE MEMORY AS A STUDENT? Swimming from the boathouse dock to the Strawberry Mansion Bridge and back on a beautiful day in May.

INTERESTS? Philosophy, Church history, rowing, and skateboarding

FAMILY? Wife, Kelly, and son, Max (3)

WHY DID YOU WANT TO RETURN TO LA SALLE TO TEACH? I wanted to return to La Salle to share my passion for service and the study of the faith. I hope I can contribute to the institution that helped form me.

WHAT MAKES LA SALLE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS? La Salle College High School is distinctive for combining excellence (character, classroom, and athletics) with an emphasis on the unity of faith and reason along with the Lasallian charism.

ANTHONY MIECZKOWSKI ’06

Faculty Member | Science Department Campus Minister

CLASSES? Biology

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS WORKING WITH? Mission and Ministry, Kairos Retreats, Underclassmen Retreats, and Various Service Projects

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE? La Salle Faculty Member 2010-2020, Special Agent with the FBI 2020-2023

NOTABLE OR INTERESTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Having the chance to serve as head coach of the La Salle Crew program. Graduating the FBI Academy in January 2021 and serving as a Special Agent in the FBI.

WHAT WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH AS A STUDENT? Crew, Kairos, and Theater

FAVORITE LA SALLE FACULTY MEMBER?

Mrs. Dorothy Ponisciak

FAVORITE LA SALLE MEMORY AS A STUDENT?

Two moments stand out to me: winning the bronze medal at the Stotesbury Cup Regatta in the lightweight eight in my junior year (Spring 2005) and participating as the “Strong Man” in La Salle’s musical Godspell in my senior year.

FAMILY? Wife, Kelly, and sons, Philip “Pip” (3) and Elton (2 mos.)

WHY DID YOU WANT TO RETURN TO LA SALLE TO TEACH? When I left La Salle in Summer of 2020 to join the FBI as a Special Agent, I left because I had a desire to exercise what La Salle taught me as a student and put in to action the professional lessons I learned as a faculty member and coach. What struck me was that the mantra of “Leave to Serve” spanned beyond the campus of La Salle and was integral in my formation as a Special Agent. As time passed, being away from La Salle, the call to make a difference in the lives of young men never faltered…if anything it grew stronger. After a lot of prayer, reflection, and time with my family, I recognized that my vocation was to education and that serving at La Salle was my true calling. Young men and women need those who answer the calling to be that mentor who will make a difference in their lives. I believe La Salle is THE place where young men find those mentors who help forge them in to the men our global community needs today.

WHAT MAKES LA SALLE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS? The community of students, faculty, and staff of La Salle College High School stands as the foundation that makes La Salle a place to be for so many people. There is a feeling of “home” when you walk into the building within moments of your first days here, whether as a student or teacher. It is the mission of La Salle, that is lived by each member of the community, that creates that sense of “home.” The mission of “teaching minds, touching hearts” is lived by the community of La Salle, not just preached. The mission of La Salle is one that carries well beyond the campus and easily enters all aspects of the person’s life,

whether you are a student, faculty, or staff member. La Salle cares about the heart and mind of the student. There is no greater mission in life than to mentor and teach the young men of La Salle. Young men need positive mentors in their lives, who will help them sift through the craziness and stressors of their day-to-day lives. La Salle has an entire community set around the fulfillment of the mission, guiding the path for these young men in hopes that they go out and serve as great leaders in all capacities.

CRAIG E. FOX ’19

Faculty Member | Social Sciences Department and Science Department

CLASSES? Data Analytics, AP Economics, and AP Physics 1

CLUBS/ACTIVITIES/SPORTS WORKING WITH? Robotics

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE? STEM Assistant Program Manager at the Juneau Economic Development Council, Museum Manager at the American Philosophical Society, Data Analyst for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Research Assistant for the Center for Computational Mathematics and Modeling

WHAT WERE YOU INVOLVED WITH AS A STUDENT? Robotics, Model UN, and Mathletes

FAVORITE LA SALLE FACULTY MEMBER?

Mr. Ryan McDowell

FAVORITE LA SALLE MEMORY AS A STUDENT? Winning Field Day – Senior Year

INTERESTS? Backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, and reading

NOTABLE OR INTERESTING ACCOMPLISHMENTS?

Presenter at the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics Annual Meeting (2022), Award for Improving Internal Processes at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

WHY DID YOU WANT TO RETURN TO LA SALLE TO TEACH? As a student, my teachers help cultivate my interest and enthusiasm for a variety of subjects. I would like to return that favor to the next generation of students. I hope to help them become lifelong learners and use their knowledge to make the world a better place.

WHAT MAKES LA SALLE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SCHOOLS? The community is irreplaceable. Everyone is so supportive of each other and pushes them to do their best. In good times and bad, everyone at La Salle is there for you.

POWER OF CONCENTRATIONS

BY BROTHER ANTHONY BAGINSKI, FSC

The Concentrations Program at La Salle College High School takes learning to another level and allows students to embark on an innovative journey where they can experience various career fields and earn credentials during their high school years. By navigating a pathway through elective classes, clubs, and experiential learning activities as well as linked course content, interviews, service-learning opportunities, and independent research, La Salle students gain unparalleled academic and real-world insights. These customized pathways will enable these young men to discover and pursue their passions. As a result, connections will be made across subject areas and deeper more meaningful learning will take place.

A student in our program can expect to work on and off campus connecting his experiences in pursuit of his goals and the deepest levels of understanding. Students in a concentration will take senior seminar courses, create professional portfolios, and complete capstone projects. This rigorous experience will serve students in a variety of ways, but most importantly, will facilitate the development of the skills, habits, work ethic, and character needed in our world today. In addition, the Concentrations Program will help an individual to decipher if these fields are potential college majors or career options for him and inspire him to learn more and do more with that knowledge.

By packaging current course offerings to create curricular pathways, La Salle currently offers concentrations in:

→ Digital Media and Communication

→ Engineering

→ Global Business

→ Health Sciences

→ IT Professional

→ Music Production

The benefit of the program is that when young men do not have a reason, goal or a target, they can lose focus, be adrift, and not really apply themselves. 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 young man a purpose and reason. Classes now matter to a student, and the long view comes into focus. Connections are made across subject

What La Salle is doing is defining pathways that students can take. More importantly, offering new opportunities. Already you see the potential of multiple avenues within a concentration that students can follow. All the concentrations will require students to get off campus and use those skills – to see and do things in the industry of one’s concentration.

James Fyke, Principal

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areas and deeper, more meaningful learning takes place.

Over a three-year period, basic courses would be taken first, with electives to follow. By senior year, students will take a seminar course to build portfolios and even be engaged in a capstone project, culminating in a presentation, recognition, and certification. Importantly, students can choose to specialize in one of these areas or take electives in multiples. Many students will instead decide to pursue additional electives in our 28 AP classes.

The genesis of the program was inspired internally and from what colleges and workplaces will be asking of students. The program is open to all students, will deepen their understanding, and force them to grow in multiple dimensions as students and young men. It has inspired La Salle’s faculty and administration to look at its curriculum with new eyes, seeking more points of connection and relevancy.

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. It is not easy to develop expertise, but the Concentrations Program will allow students to explore opportunities and pursue their passion.

While the organization of the program formalizes pathways, students will ultimately find their own paths from what they learn and experience. The program aims to honor and encourage those pathways and recognize those students who are motivated to complete their concentrations journey.

DIGITAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION

The Digital Media and Communication Concentration exposes students to an assortment of careers in media that are constantly evolving. Students will use the WEXPtv Media Program's state-ofthe-art studio to jumpstart themselves on paths towards careers in journalism, video production, social media, digital marketing, public relations, Esports and various other iterations of content creation. Students will learn and incorporate Digital Media Tools from Adobe Creative Cloud, become Certified Professionals through our partnership with Certiport and continue to produce awardwinning content for La Salle College High School, as well as for their own personal brands.

ENGINEERING

Engineering is a much soughtafter college major for many of our graduates. The Engineering Concentration, which includes a variety of robotics offerings, provides La Salle students with a clear understanding of what pursuing an engineering degree involves and what being an engineer really entails. This information is critical when considering an engineering major in college. The Engineering Concentration provides our young men the opportunity to complete coursework, participate in site visits and internships, and work on projects that provide them with tools they will use in studying engineering, but more importantly the critical thinking skills necessary for all engineers. An integral co-curricular element of the Engineering Concentration is the Robotics Program.

The Robotics Program offers students a number of unique opportunities:

→Build Industrial Grade Robots

→Compete Against Local Schools

→Manage a Budget

→Serve in Outreach Initiatives

While having experience in a cuttingedge robotics program on your college resume is appealing, there is even more to like when it comes to the expanding career opportunities within the technology sector over the next ten years. The Robotics Program is structured by students and for students. The program recognizes that an extracurricular activity should be engaging, interesting, and fun; therefore, the teams at La Salle College High School are designed to ensure that all the participants will have a rewarding experience.

GLOBAL BUSINESS

Business professionals have a broad range of career opportunities in today’s job market. Individuals with expertise are in high demand and this is one of the reasons many young people pursue a business degree in college. Students who complete the Global Business Concentration at La Salle will understand their own strengths and interests and how they intersect different business fields. Young men in this program will be able to make a well-informed decision regarding the pursuit of a business career. Global Business students will understand and experience business that is both local and international. They will learn, practice, and develop critical thinking, interpersonal skills, leadership, and ethical decision making. Through guest lectures, field trips, immersion experiences, site visits, and mentoring, students will learn and create a network with business professionals who will provide relevant and current insights in their career field.

HEALTH SCIENCES NEW FOR 2024-2025

The Health Sciences Concentration is a transformative educational journey, preparing students for futures dedicated to individual and community well-being. In today's world, shaped by healthcare advances, understanding and contributing to health sciences is more crucial than ever. This specialized program ignites students' passion for health and medicine, providing a scientific foundation while fostering critical thinking, empathy, and practical skills. Beyond traditional learning, it offers a dynamic curriculum integrating hands-on experiences, cutting-edge research, and exposure to real-world healthcare scenarios.

As global health challenges increase the demand for knowledgeable and compassionate professionals, this program is essential. It equips students with vital knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and medical technologies while instilling a sense of responsibility and ethical conduct in healthcare. Participation opens doors to diverse career pathways, including medicine, nursing, public health, and biomedical research.

Emphasizing skills such as effective communication, teamwork, and cultural competence, the program recognizes their importance in the collaborative healthcare sector. Students not only gain a solid scientific foundation but also aspire to become compassionate and ethical healthcare leaders. The Health Sciences Concentration is a revolutionary experience, empowering students to impact the health and well-being of humankind. Welcome to a journey of discovery, growth, and service in the realm of health sciences.

IT PROFESSIONAL

La Salle College High School has always been at the forefront of technology. The IT Professional Concentration allows students to immerse themselves in the everchanging field of technology. Students in the program will take industrystandard courses, work in the Lab Manager Program, and gain relevant experience on La Salle's campus and beyond. To that end, this concentration will prepare students for a future in the technology industry. Classes provide a background in networking, cybersecurity, and cloud computing while extracurricular activities provide hands-on experience to cultivate realworld technology skills.

MUSIC PRODUCTION

Music Technology degrees are growing rapidly at the collegiate level. La Salle College High School's Music Production Concentration provides our students a clearer understanding of the industry and a solid preparation for college. Students learn in a project-based curriculum in our state-of-the-art music lab, will participate in internships, camps, masterclasses, and site visits at local colleges and recording studios, and will have opportunities to run sound independently in and outside of the classroom.

WANTED

The Concentrations Program needs alumni and parents (past and present) who are willing to lend professional experience to the program. We are willing to accommodate most schedules.

→ Guest Lecturer – can you speak to one of our classes or clubs?

→ Professional In Residence – are you able to teach a class during the semester?

→ Mentor – can you act as a mentor in one of our entrepreneurship classes? Would you be willing to assist young alumni as they begin their careers?

→ Shark – can you act as a “shark” for our entrepreneurship classes and their final group project, which is a Shark Tank presentation?

→ Host – can you host one of our classes or clubs at your place of business for a tour and/or presentation about your company and industry?

→ Internships – can you provide internships for our students during the summer months? We are looking for companies to employee (paid or unpaid) our students for part or all of the summer (1-to-10-week opportunities).

→ Shadow – can you have one or more of our students shadow you at your place of work?

If you are able to assist or would like to be involved in Concentrations Program in any capacity, please contact Michael Cassidy ’74 at CassidyM@lschs.org

FALL SPORTS

GOLF

Following an undefeated season in the Philadelphia Catholic League (14-0) and a regular season record of 19-1-2, the Golf Team captured its 20th Philadelphia Catholic Championship since 2000 (and 9th consecutive) on September 30, 2023 at Jeffersonville Golf Club. The Explorers won by 43 strokes over Saint Joseph's Prep and 54 strokes over Devon Prep. Senior Ethan Martin fired a 1-over par round of 71 to capture the individual championship followed by John Stevenson (72), Scotty Hughes (72), George Deming (73), freshman Liam Littleton (74), Sebastian Botero (75), Jackson Fryer (77), Aidan Buchanan (77), Ian Natale (78), and Chris Vahey (78)as 12 Explorers earned All-Catholic honors. The following week, La Salle Golf won their 7th consecutiv Championship as Ethan Martin and Sebastian Botero each carded 4-over par rounds of 74 at Philmont Country Club. In the PIAA Sub-Regional played at French Creek Golf Club in Chester County, the Explorers defeated Southern Lehigh High School, the District 11 champions from the Lehigh Valley, by 26 strokes to advance to the finals of the PIAA State Championship for the 6th time in seven years. John Stevenson fired a 2-over par round of 73 to lead the Explorers followed by Ethan Martin (75), Ian Natale (75), Nolan Corcoran (75), and Sebastian Botero (76).

On October 18, 2023, the team shot 2-under par in the State Championship,

played on the Blue Course at Penn State University. Despite shooting what was the lowest score in the history of the State Championship, the Explorers were bested by Peters Township, the District 7 champions from the Pittsburgh area, which shot 4-under as a team.

CROSS COUNTRY

The Cross Country Team, after a strong performance at the Eastern State Invitational in Manhattan, captured its 8th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 (City) Championships at Belmont Plateau. Seven student-athletes received All-District honors: 1st Team – Cole Casadei, Nolan Yeagle, Will Palopoli, Sean Higgins, Ben DiCola and 2nd Team – Braeden Perry, Thomas Cresko. On November 4, 2023, at the Hershey Parkview Course the Cross Country Team placed 2nd in the PIAA AAA Boys State Championship – the Team’s 6th consecutive runner-up finish following its 2017 State Championship.

The Explorers sat in 4th place as a team at both the 1600m and 2.5K check points. The Team then began to move up through the field and climbed into 1st place at 3200m and held a slim 8-point lead at the 4K mark. Over the final 1,000m Council Rock North, the District 1 champions, had a couple runners who managed to move up several spots as they narrowly managed to overtake the Explorers to capture the championship 134-136 points. It was a fantastic team effort from the Explorers who posted the fastest 5 runner average in the field of 16:46.

SOCCER

The Soccer Team finished the regular season with a record of 13-5 (10 shutouts) and held the No. 2 seed in the Philadelphia Catholic League in the playoffs. Following overtime victories against Roman Catholic and Archbishop Ryan, the Explorers avenged an earlier season loss to top-seeded Father Judge and won the program’s 10th Philadelphia Catholic Championship and third in four years. They defeated Northeast High School the following week to capture the District 12 (City) Championship. The Explorers defeated West Chester Bayard Rustin in the first round of the Pennsylvania State Championship but lost in double-overtime to Council Rock North in the quarterfinals.

RUGBY 7s

The Rugby 7s team went 3-0 in Pool C but lost to Conestoga in the semifinals of the Rugby State Championship on November 11, 2023 at Manheim Township High School. As suggested by the name, Rugby 7s is played in the fall by seven players per team, and Rugby 15s in the spring by fifteen players on each side. Playing time is adapted accordingly. A Rugby 7s match lasts 14 minutes, divided in two halves of seven minutes each, with a break of one to two minutes between each half. The traditional longer form of Rugby consists of two halves of 40 minutes each with a 10–15-minute half time. In addition to a Juniors Tournament for the younger and less-experienced players, the Explorers played six matches leading up to the Pennsylvania State Championship.

FOOTBALL

The Football Team finished the regular season with a record of 5-4, which included victories over North Penn, Calvert Hall (MD), and Archbishop Wood. The Explorers defeated Father Judge 49-14 in the first round of the playoffs before falling to Saint Joseph’s Prep the following week. Running back Stevie Davis finished his career with over 2,000 rushing yards.

WATER POLO

The Water Polo Team finished fifth in the Pennsylvania State Tournament after a strong regular season where it compiled a record of 20-4 and secured the No. 2 seed. Seven Explorers received All-State honors and a number of varsity contributors will return in 2024.

HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION

SEPTEMBER 29, 2023

Four athletes and three teams became the latest inductees into the Hall of Athletics.

ATHLETES

Seamus McElligott ’86 – Cross Country/Track and Field (Posthumous Induction)

Edward Bongard ’98 – Football, Basketball, and Baseball

Art Martella ’81 – Tennis

Darius Madison ’12 – Soccer

TEAMS

Baseball 2012

Lacrosse 2009

Swimming 2003-2004

AUCTION

FEATURING HAVANA NIGHT

NOVEMBER 4, 2023

DECEMBER 13, 2023

CLASS OF 2020 PROM

DECEMBER 20, 2023

The Class of 2020 had an early reunion compliments of Brother James Butler, FSC. The class that had their senior year ended abruptly in March due to Covid-19 managed to have a formal graduation ceremony; however, they missed out on several traditions, one of which was a Senior Prom. Brother James gave them the prom they never had, minus the tuxedos and dates, in the form of a gathering in the Glaser Center while they were home from Christmas break. Nearly 200 members of the class returned for a celebratory evening.

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE FALL

COLLEGE INTERVIEW DAY

OCTOBER 3, 2023

The Class of 2024 participated in the school’s annual College Interview Day on October 3, 2023. Held in the Charles “Obie” O’Brien Gymnasium, 60 representatives from nearly 50 colleges and universities attended the event. Seniors were scheduled for individual appointments with the colleges of their choice. In the exchange, seniors presented their transcripts, had the opportunity to provide additional personal information, and ask questions about the school.

FRESHMAN BRANCH-OUT DAY

OCTOBER 23, 2023

On October 23, 2023, the freshman class (Class of 2027) participated in Freshman Branch-Out Day. Nearly 300 students, along with almost 200 of their fathers and 35 members of the faculty/staff, performed service at over 20 different “underserved” sites in the Philadelphia area. This year marked the 20th time that the freshman class at La Salle College High School has “branched out” and nearly 2,000 hours of service was provided to the community. The day concluded with a prayer service and discussion about the integral role that community service plays in the Lasallian mission.

NATIONAL LETTER OF INTENT (NLI) SIGNING DAY

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Held in the Whalen Courtyard on November 8, 2023, the first NLI Signing Day of the 2023-2024 academic year featured 16 student-athletes who will be competing in five sports at 14 different colleges/universities.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

DECEMBER 5 AND 11, 2023

The Music Department at La Salle College High School performed its annual Christmas Concert on December 5, 2023. The concert featured over 250 musicians in seven different ensembles, performing 16 numbers. The Choral Program, under the direction of Mr. Mark Norman and comprised of over 60 singers, treated attendees to 14 arrangements at a concert on December 11, 2023.

GREAT AND BRIGHT YOUR SPLENDOR, Banner of Gold and Blue.

HIGH WE’LL HOLDyour memory

BY CHRISTOPHER M. CARABELLO ’82

As the final notes played, a gray-haired man could be seen center-stage with fists clenched and feverishly conducting his beloved Alma Mater. In front of him were six decades of his former students, standing with instruments in hand and playing the very tune he had taught them. The number of these alums in attendance was overwhelming. As it turns out, “overwhelming” would be the theme of the evening.

On Saturday night, January 13, 2024, hundreds of former musicians, many of their parents, and dozens of current and former faculty members attended a celebration for Joseph Ciccimaro ’57, who retired last May after 53 years as music director at La Salle College High School. Affectionately known as “Mr. C,” Joe Ciccimaro began his journey at La Salle in 1953 and graduated as a member of the Class of 1957. In 1968, he returned to his alma mater to assist with the musical production of South Pacific and was eventually hired as head of the Music Department. Over the next five decades, Mr. C created the best music program in the Philadelphia area. He started the program with 12 musicians. Today, over 400 students (more than a third of the school’s enrollment) are actively engaged in the music program. Countless students have become successful musicians and artists, starring on stage and screen. Most importantly, Joe Ciccimaro is a mentor to thousands of students, and has

Mr. C arrived at La Salle on Saturday night thinking he was attending a fundraising event for the Together As Brothers capital campaign. As he entered the auditorium wearing his usual blue shirt, gold tie, and navy sport coat, he was immediately overwhelmed by the audience that had assembled. More overwhelming were the 30+ musicians on stage, all but four were alums or former teachers/ music instructors at La Salle, including five of the school’s competition band directors (past and present). Mr. C took his seat in the front row and what followed were eleven numbers and the most spectacular concert ever performed on that stage. Narrated by Frank DiLella ’02, an 11-time Emmy Award winning entertainment journalist and on-air personality for NY1 News, the concert paid tribute to the life and career of a musician and musical contractor who worked with many of the biggest names of the time including Stevie Wonder, Elvis Presley, and Leonard Bernstein. The concert began with a medley of songs from Bernstein’s West Side Story that featured five of the top woodwind players in the area, including Steve Lyons ’02 who is one of the most accomplished and sought-after musicians on Broadway. It was Leonard Bernstein who wrote the reference letter that launched Ciccimaro’s career, and the legendary composer’s musical was the last show that Mr. C produced at La Salle. ori, a renowned woodwind doubler who spent 40 years as a member of the music department and faculty Georgia On My Mind, a song that played tribute to the success of the competition bands at La Salle and featured two of the finest trumpet players to ever play at the school (Nick Owsik ’12 and John Meko ’16).

Tice-Carroll ’16, a rising star among orchestrators

and music engravers on the West Coast, conducted the remaining numbers, which included the Overture from The King and I, which was the first Broadway show that Mr. C ever attended (the original production in 1953 starring Yul Brynner).

Fran Prisco ’90, a star in the local theater community, performed a rendition of Give My Regards To Broadway and Michael Scarcelle ’94, an international opera singer, sang My Funny Valentine. The highlight of the evening came when Hugh Panaro ’82, a leading Broadway actor who is best known for playing Marius in the original production of Les Misérables as well as The Phantom in over 2,500 performances of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s The Phantom Of The Opera, performed Bring Him Home and Music Of The Night, two of the many songs that launched his career.

At the end of the performances, Frank DiLella and Hugh Panaro presented Mr. C with a proclamation from Mayor Cherelle Parker and the City of Philadelphia along with a proclamation from the Shubert Organization, which referenced a plaque that will be erected in Joe Ciccimaro’s honor in the Forrest Theater in Philadelphia. As Mr. C was handed the proclamations, hundreds of his former students stood and took out instruments they had brought. Chris Mele ’13, who organized the evening and succeeded Joe Ciccimaro as the school’s Music Director, handed him a baton. Mr. C faced the audience and conducted the Alma Mater one last time from that stage. Everyone stood, some sang, but all who were present felt the same overwhelming sensation of the moment as those alums paid tribute to their school and former teacher.

Mr. C, a man who was never at a loss for words, spoke briefly and readily admitted that he was “overwhelmed” by not just the music and performances, but by the outpouring of love and appreciation from his former students. He told the audience, “I never felt like I worked a day in my life.” Whether that is true or not, he forever changed the environment at La Salle College High School by filling the air with beautiful music. His impact is much like the concert –overwhelming.

PROGRAM

West Side Story Medley

Composed by Leonard Bernstein, Adapted by Steven Lyons ‘02

Conducted by Patrick Tice-Carroll ’16

Boogaloo Man

Composed by Gerald Sebesky

Conducted by Chris Mele ’13

Margaritaville

Composed by Jimmy Buffett

Arranged by Chris Mele ’13

Georgia On My Mind (Featuring Nick Owsik ’12) Composed by Hoagy Carmichael, Arranged by Tommy Newsom Conducted by Joe Vettori

Overture from The King And I

Composed by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein Conducted by Patrick Tice-Carroll ‘16

Give My Regards to Broadway (Featuring Fran Prisco ’90) Composed by George M. Cohan Adapted and Conducted by Patrick Tice-Carroll ‘16

My Funny Valentine (Featuring Michael Scarcelle ’94) Composed by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart

What I Did For Love (Featuring Maria Brinkmann) Composed by Marvin Hamlisch and Edward Kleban Conducted by Patrick Tice- Carroll ’16

Bring Him Home (Featuring Hugh Panaro ’82) Composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Herbert Kretzmer Conducted by Patrick Tice-Carroll ’16

Music of The Night (Featuring Hugh Panaro ’82) Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber Conducted by Patrick Tice-Carroll ’16

Alma Mater

JANUARY 13, 2024

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS’ SERVICE AWARD

GERALD A. MILLER, JR.

Presented annually to a member of the school community. The award recognizes significant professional or volunteer service to the school rendered over a substantial period of the awardee’s life; service that mirrors the generosity of Christian Brothers serving students at La Salle College High School since 1858.

WILLIAM J. WHELAN ’55

ALUMNI SER VICE AWARD

SCOTT H. WOLPERT, ESQ. ’84

Established in an effort to recognize the dedicated and consistent service of alumni to La Salle College High School. The award is presented in memory of William J. Whelan ’55, a man of both kindness and principle, who was a loyal son of La Salle. Bill was our friend and teacher, and the identification of this award to his life reflects the true spirit of his service to La Salle College High School and its alumni.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

MARCH 7, 2024

VINCENT J. TAGUE, SR. ’57

Inducted 2024

Businessman

Vince Tague is Chairman of Tague Lumber, Inc., a 115-year-old company that was founded in Germantown by his grandparents and is widely regarded as the leader in their field. After a tragic fire destroyed the lumberyard in 1973, Vince built a more modern facility and expanded the company beyond the city limits of Philadelphia. Today, the company has eight locations, and its work has been featured in many magazines and on national television, including Good Morning America’s “Award-Winning Home Makeovers” and HGTV’s “Renovations.” Vince has served on countless boards and is an ardent supporter of the Catholic church and the Christian Brothers. The millwork of Tague Lumber can be found throughout the buildings on campus and his generosity to the school’s theater program has transformed the stage and many a set. Vince was awarded the President’s Medal by La Salle College High School in 2006.

JOSEPH F. HARTNETT, JR. ’69

Inducted 2024

Businessman and Alumni Leader

Joe Hartnett began his career as a Certified Public Accountant and Audit Manager for Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers). He then served as a Senior Vice President at Butcher & Company, and later as Vice President and Treasurer of the American Water Works Company. He was a longtime consultant to The Ware Family Foundation, where he provided investment oversight and coordinated all financial affairs. He served on the Board of Trustees of Gwynedd Mercy Academy Elementary and was President and Board Chair of the Upper Merion Boat Club. He served on the Board of Trustees of La Salle College High School from 2010 to 2018. He was named as the school’s fourth lay Chair in 2018 and served in that role until 2023. His consistent promotion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) resulted in financial aid at the school increasing by 115% over his tenure.

CHARLES J. DUNTON, MD ’70

Inducted 2024 Medicine

Charlie Dunton graduated from Jefferson Medical College and did his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Lankenau Hospital. After serving in the U.S. Public Health Service, he completed his training with a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. He practiced at Jefferson Medical College for ten years rising to a full Professor. He returned to Lankenau and practiced gynecologic oncology until 2018. He was the Director of Gynecologic Oncology and built one of the largest gynecologic oncology services in the Philadelphia area. His research areas include cervical cancer screening, treatment of ovarian and cervical cancers, as well as innovations in surgical care. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and has been named a top doctor by Philadelphia Magazine and U.S. News and World Report. He is a former President of the ASCCP and served on the Board of Trustees of La Salle College High School.

ARTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

MARCH 24, 2024

Presented to individuals who have brought distinction to La Salle College High School through their talents as demonstrated in Theater/Performing Arts, Speech and Debate, and Music. They exemplify the characteristics of living the Lasallian mission including leadership, service, and commitment to the community. A current student, Theodore Peebles ’24, was recognized with the Brother René Sterner, FSC Award for his excellence in speech and debate, music, and theater.

ARTHUR J. BURKE III, ESQ. ’85

Speech and Debate, Inducted 2024

Art Burke created a lasting impact and legacy on the Speech and Debate Program at La Salle College High School. A two-time National Catholic Forensics League qualifier and a three-time National Speech and Debate Association qualifier, Art and his policy debate partner were the champions of the Philadelphia Catholic Forensics League and Valley Forge District in 1985. As the Vice President of the team, Art became known for mentoring the younger members of the program. As an alumnus, Art was instrumental in establishing the Brother Kevin Dalmasse, FSC Forum Fund – ensuring the traditions and opportunities of the La Salle Speech and Debate Team continue in perpetuity.

COLLEEN DURKIN LAPOWSKY

Theater, Inducted 2024

Colleen Durkin Lapowsky found La Salle College High School at age 15 and it forever changed her life. She made her place on the stage as a young actor, singer, and comedian. Years later, with the inspiration and encouragement of Brother Gene Graham, FSC, she teamed with Joe Ciccimaro ’57 and directed the musicals and several dramas from 1985 until 2008. Driven by her love for the stage and education, Colleen brought a creative flair to every production and was determined to instill in her students a passion for La Salle’s superb legacy of high school theater. She remains a mentor and friend to many.

HONORABLE GERALD ROSS III ’77

Music, Inducted 2024

Upon his arrival at La Salle College High School, Jerry Ross was immersed in music and theatre. He played first trumpet in the jazz, concert, and pep bands as well as the orchestra for the musicals under the tutelage of Joe (Mr. C) Ciccimaro ’57. He played in the New Year’s Mummers Parade as a freshman and sophomore and performed four jazz band concerts in Europe during spring break of his senior year. The latter experience helped forge a lifelong bond with his bandmates, Mr. C, and Brother Tom McPhillips, FSC ’67 who organized the trip. Jerry also acted in several dramatic plays at La Salle. He took his music and acting talents to Cornell University where he performed throughout his undergraduate studies. Although he did not pursue a career in the arts, Jerry has continued to indulge his artistic side. He plays trumpet in the Brandywine Pops Orchestra, Essence of Harmony Choral Society Orchestra, Neumann University Jazz Band, Bethel AME Church, and Christiana Hospital as a musician volunteer.

WINTER SPORTS

SQUASH

The Squash Team and Head Coach Jeremy Butt returned to campus for their 8th season and a hefty 16-game schedule in the MASA league. A total of 35 students took part in the fall clinics, which was very exciting. The Explorers fielded a varsity team of 12 players and had a 9-7 record against some very tough opponents. They had a 4-game winning streak in January, which included back-to-back wins over Saint Joseph’s Preparatory School, retaining the famous Butternut Cup. The Explorers took a team field trip to UPenn to watch the top two college squash teams in the country face off against each other.

WRESTLING

The Wrestling Team had a very successful season at both the team and individual level. This year, the wrestlers captured their fourth straight District 12 Team Championship and District 12 Individual Championship. The La Salle wrestlers, as a team, represented District 12 at the PIAA Team Championships in Hershey, where they captured their first State victory in over a decade. La Salle finished the season ranked 12th in the State. There are over 60 student-athletes on the squad, with over 20 of them earning varsity mat time. 11 of the 13 regular varsity starters earned All-Catholic status at the Philadelphia Catholic League Tournament, which was held here at La Salle in February. Eleven wrestlers qualified for the regional tournament and Andrew Brennan ’24 qualified for and medaled at the Pennsylvania State Championship.

BOWLING

The Bowling season began in late November. Both the JV and Varsity teams played well, and Varsity finished in 3rd place in the league with a record of 53.5-18.5. They hosted Roman Catholic in the quarterfinals of the Philadelphia Catholic League playoffs; unfortunately, the Explorers’ season came to an end. Although they did not win the championship this year, the future is very bright for Explorers as the team returns four of its top five

AND FIELD

The Indoor Track and Field Team captured the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on February 11, 2024 at Lehigh University's Rauch Fieldhouse. The title was the program's 9th consecutive Indoor title. The team received a balanced effort that saw the Explorers score in every event.

They scored 142 points (Father Judge –82, Cardinal O'Hara – 56, and Saint Joseph’s Prep – 54). Cole Casadei and Will Palopoli finished first and second in the Mile, while the Distance Medley Relay finished first.

SWIMMING

The 2023-2024 Swimming and Diving team went undefeated in the dual meet season beating several outof-conference teams that included Malvern, Mercersburg, Wissahickon, and Salesianum. The team also captured first place in the Wilson Relays in January. The team earned its 36th straight Philadelphia Catholic League Championship and 16th straight District 12 (City) Championship on February 16-17, 2024 at La Salle University. Eight swimmers earned All-American Honors and this year's team will be in the running for the Top 10 Dual-Meet National Championship and will find out this summer once all entries have been compiled throughout the United States.

BASKETBALL

The Basketball Program had a successful season in which there was a lot of growth at all levels. The seniors helped to develop a culture that will provide a foundation for the program to compete at the highest level. This year’s team returned only one starter and a total of five players from last year’s varsity team. The five players combined for 867 minutes of playing time in 202223 (an average of less than 8 minutes per/game). The Basketball Team won more Philadelphia Catholic League games than last year and had a stretch early in the season when they lost four games by a total of 12 points. Against the top seven teams in the Philadelphia Catholic League, the team was in each game until the final seconds including a loss in overtime and one on a buzzerbeater. Junior Nick Parisi earned AllCatholic recognition and led the league in scoring for most of the season.

HOCKEY

The Hockey Team had a strong season winning the program's 11th AAA Flyers Cup Championship. The team lost 4-3 in OT in the State Championship game against Pine Richland and ended the season with an overall record of 23-4. In route to the State Championship, La Salle won the APAC Championship defeating Saint Joseph’s Prep 7-0. La Salle earned the No. 1 seed for the Flyers Cup AAA tournament and defeated Holy Ghost in the semi-finals 5-2 and Malvern Prep 6-3 in the finals on March 20, 2024.

The victory earned La Salle their 11th AAA Flyers Cup Championship, the most of any school in Pennsylvania.

LEGACY RECEPTION

JANUARY 9, 2024

The Legacy Reception was open to all students at La Salle College High School whose fathers and/or grandfathers are alums of the school. Recently accepted members of the Class of 2028 and their alumni fathers/grandfathers were likewise invited.

DINNER DANCE

HONORING SISTER MAUREEN GILLESPIE, ACI

FEBRUARY 3, 2024

La Salle College High School honored Sister Maureen Gillespie, aci who served as Principal at Ancillae-Assumpta Academy from 1989-2023. She embodies the school’s mission to educate all with love and for love, and her unwavering commitment and extraordinary contributions have left an impact on both school communities.

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE WINTER

SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION

JANUARY 11, 2024

La Salle College High School awarded scholarships to 74 eighth grade boys based on their scores from the Scholarship/ Entrance exam administered in October. On January 11, 2024, those young men along with their parents and favorite teacher/administrator from grade school, attended a dinner in their honor. The guests were addressed by former scholarship recipients and current seniors Danny Rovi ’24 and Theo Peebles ’24 and were hosted at their table by a current senior as well as a member of the faculty/staff.

MARCH 4, 2024

The 74th annual Father/Son Banquet was held on March 4, 2024 at The Fuge in Warminster. Attended by over 500 fathers/sons, the event is one of the oldest traditions at La Salle and provides some time for fathers and sons to break routines and spend time with each other.

FASHION SHOW

MARCH 10, 2024

The Mothers’ Club held their annual Fashion Show at Normandy Farms in Blue Bell on March 10, 2024. Featuring fashions from Bloomingdale’s, modeled by young ladies from local high schools, boys in the senior class were given an opportunity to “dress to impress” and escort the models down the runway. The garden theme was a fitting way to kick-off spring.

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

MARCH 21-24, 2024

La Salle College High School staged four performances of the Tony Award-winning musical Something Rotten! from March 21-24, 2024. The production incorporated the combined talents of nearly 100 students from La Salle College High School and surrounding area girls’ schools. From the opening curtain to the final bows, the show entertained audiences with a weekend of performances worthy of the original Broadway production.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

GRAND REUNION

APRIL 22, 2024

CLASSES OF 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009, 2014 AND 2019

CLASS OF 1994

CLASS OF 1984

CLASS OF 1979

CLASS OF 2004

CLASS OF 2014

CLASS OF 2019

50-YEAR REUNION - CLASS OF 1974

MAY 21-22, 2024

LOYAL SONS WE’LL EVER BE, High we’ll hold your memory.

ALUMNI STORIES

PROFILES OF ALUMNI CELEBRATING REUNIONS IN 2024

Talented writers at La Salle College High School were previously limited in their ability to showcase and develop their writing skills. The Blue and Gold (yearbook), Wisterian (newspaper), and Gazebo (literary magazine) provided opportunities to be published within the school community, but apart from class assignments and a creative writing course offered sporadically in the curriculum, students with a passion (or even a strong interest) for writing were limited. The new Concentrations Program in Digital Media and Communication offers electives for students who enjoy writing and have an interest in journalism. One course, Introduction to Multimedia Journalism, is a half-credit, one semester elective offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In this course, which meets two of the eight days of the cycle, students learn how to gather information, organize ideas, edit, and format for different forms of news media publications. The course also examines the historical development of journalism and the role of journalism today. Students enrolled in this course are responsible for producing content for the Wisterian, the school’s website, and/or the Wisterian Student eNewsletter Mastering the basics of journalism and digital communication, students produce and submit two to four stories per quarter for publication consideration. These publications are “web-first,” so emphasis is placed on digital over print production, emphasizing the ever-changing media landscape. Students in this course also play a pivotal role in La Salle College High School’s overall communication strategy through regularly published work for the La Salle community. The following profiles, featuring alums celebrating reunions in 2024, were written by the students in Mrs. Keri Hoffman’s journalism class and demonstrate the range of the Concentrations Program.

JEFF FEGLEY: FROM LASALLIAN TO BREWER

BY QUINN RYAN ’24

Since La Salle first opened its doors in 1858, it has produced an unimaginable number of alumni, many of whom have gone on to be very successful. One of these is Jeff Fegley, a member of the Class of 1994. Although La Salle differed in many ways, the core Lasallian experience was the same as it is today.

“What makes La Salle different is that it is college-like,” Jeff said, “it has an awesome blend of the best students, the best teachers, and phenomenal facilities.”

Jeff Fegley was not the first in his family to go to La Salle as all three of his older brothers attended the school. His family was a La Salle family ever since his oldest brother graduated in the mid-eighties. Each of the brothers wanted to experience La Salle after being exposed to it.

“My parents gave me a choice. Do I want to go to La Salle or Central Bucks East?” Jeff said. “I was definitely a big fan of heading to La Salle.”

Prior to La Salle, Jeff had been a swimmer, however, he was unsure if he wanted to try out for the swim team. After much deliberation, he sought out the swim coach, Frank Lichtner, who like Jeff, was a newcomer to La Salle. Coach Frank encouraged Jeff to try out for the team.

“I swam my entire life but had stopped swimming just before I got to La Salle,” Jeff said. “When I got there, the coach had heard I was a swimmer, and he encouraged me to try out for the team and we ended up winning the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.”

Jeff was not only a valued member of the swim team, but a valued member of several of La Salle’s bands, including the Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Competition Band. Jeff was a drummer, and under the guidance of Mr. Ciccimaro, he grew to love music and fully immersed himself with the band during his four years at La Salle.

“One of the challenges I see in my own children’s education is that some high schools break down into what’s cool and not cool,” Jeff said. “At La Salle, I never felt ostracized because I was in the band. We were there to play and enjoy it. We got better because we liked it.”

Following his graduation, Jeff attended Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, PA, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. Jeff always loved biology and at La Salle it had been his favorite class. He had no idea how useful his degree would be until his junior year, when his family decided to start a brewing business. This changed the course of Jeff’s life as his senior year was spent finishing his studies and working to get the family business off the ground.

“We founded the Fegely’s Bethlehem Brew Works in 1998 and have been in operation ever since,” Jeff said. “I was able to use my degree to help with the brewing process. I was the only brewer for the company until 2004.”

In 2004, Jeff went from sole brewer of the company to President of the Fegley's Brew Works. Under his leadership, Fegley's Brew Works has grown substantially. Not only did he help expand the company with the opening of a second brewery in nearby Allentown, but he has also expanded into the real estate business with his latest venture, Fegley Real Estate. While the mantle of president presents a host of challenges, Jeff can keep his company moving forward and profitable thanks to his time at La Salle.

“La Salle is more than academics. You learn to meditate. That time you sit and pray and back out of the daily grind so you can relax and find peace is a big part of what you learn at La Salle,” Jeff said. “Some people in the real world don’t know how to reset, and that can ultimately be their downfall. If you can’t reset, you’ll never be able to rebound or take on the next challenge.”

DAN PRICE: FROM LA SALLE RADIO TO NETWORK AIRWAVES

BY ETHAN SMITH ’24

CLASS OF 1979

Dan Price from the Class of 1979 has certainly been able to make a name for himself in the radio and advertising industries.

Growing up in Ardsley, Mr. Price attended Queen of Peace School. He made his way onto La Salle’s campus with big ideas and hopes for a successful future. While at La Salle College High School, one of Mr. Price’s notable accomplishments is when he and another classmate were able to get the school’s radio station off its feet and get it going again. “I recall that the school was into it and put some money into equipment to really get it going,” said Mr. Price.

While at La Salle, Mr. Price’s favorite subject was Psychology, which was taught by his basketball coach, Mr. Ervin. His favorite faculty member was Mr. Jim Devine, who was also his homeroom teacher. “He was able to take Spanish to a different level”.

La Salle was able to give Mr. Price an opportunity by supporting his idea to form a school radio station. It solidified his idea of pursuing this career path but also showed him that he was already in the game. While at La Salle, Mr. Price interned at WIFI-92, a Philadelphia station playing Top 40 hits. He was able to study the industry and learn about the business. He saw creativity and it sparked interest in a career in radio.

Mr. Price founded Oink Ink when he was 30 years old. He recruited his brother, Jim ’85, to join him and they were able to get it off the ground together. At Oink he has been fortunate enough to win over 1,000 awards. Eventually the firm expanded beyond the local and regional level. Some notable clients they have been able to work with include: 7-Eleven, American Express, Coors Light, Disneyland, Doritos, Google, Mountain Dew, Southwest Airlines, and Showtime.

Today, Mr. Price is a partner and Oink Ink’s Executive Producer. For over 30 years, Mr. Price has been a soughtafter director of talent, and has produced many of Oink’s commercials. He knows what makes actors tick, what they react to, what works, and what doesn’t. Mr. Price is also a contributing writer, co-creative director, and manages the business operations.

Mr. Price met his wife, Francine, at a dance at La Salle and they are proudly approaching their 40th anniversary. His sons have followed in their father’s footsteps and are involved in advertising and brand impact.

In 2021, Dan and Jim Price launched an off-shoot sister company, Price Brothers, which is a digital audio boutique focusing on emerging technologies in the digital audio space such as branded podcasting.

Mr. Price believes that La Salle has been able to successfully sustain its comfortable and positive environment. There was an energetic vibe in the mid70s that is still present today. At no time did he ever feel overwhelmed and truly valued his time at La Salle.

RET. COLONEL MATTHEW G. ANDERER: A MODEL EXAMPLE OF A LASALLIAN ACHIEVER

BY LUCA SCOTT DEMARCO ’25

CLASS OF 1984

Ret. Colonel Matthew G. Anderer, USAF ’84 is the true embodiment of La Salle’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve.” Following a 27-year career in the United States Air Force, Colonel Anderer recalls how his time at La Salle was a foundational period of his life which set him up for monumental success and incredible accomplishment.

He can still recall Brother John D’Alfonso, FSC ’55, who “really took the time to know each of us, not by name, but know our strengths and weaknesses and most importantly, our promise.” Among other teachers that Colonel Anderer remembers is Brother Linus, FSC. Colonel Anderer was in Brother Linus’ typing class, where he not only fine-tuned his motor skills but also learned to embody necessary characteristics of a La Salle student. The skills fostered in this class would prove invaluable for his military experiences.

Describing his time in high school, Colonel Anderer is modest. “I’m not the guy whose picture is going up in a trophy case in the gym or an alumni wall. I played a little soccer, wrestled a couple years, and [was in the] photo club for a bit. And I left, prepared for better things.”

Colonel Anderer fully understands that La Salle is not intended to be the peak of one’s life; rather, it is designed to perform the necessary function of preparing one for a life of achievement and service. And for Colonel Anderer, La Salle did just that.

After graduating from La Salle in 1984, Colonel Anderer attended Villanova University and enrolled in their Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) program, which is run in conjunction with Saint Joseph’s University. Going to flight school a few months after graduating ROTC and Villanova, Colonel Anderer experienced the “best-worst year of my life.”

He describes how, in flight school, everything was graded, and one could literally be sent home following a single week of sub-par performance. But the great satisfaction following a year of productive hard work and stress was all worth it. After finishing flight school in 1988, Colonel Anderer flew in the Air Force for about 10 years. Almost immediately after finishing flight school, Colonel Anderer was called back to be a First Assignment Instructor Pilot (FAIP), and he jokingly describes the situation “where I was the student in the front seat trying unwittingly to kill the instructor in the back seat, and a few months later I am now the guy in the back seat trying to keep the guy in the front from killing us while trying to teach at the same time.”

Colonel Anderer also served as a C-141 aircraft commander, and subsequently as a special operations mission director. But his education was still not over.

“The Air Force sent me to school a couple times, master's degree at Maxwell AFB, International Security Studies certificate from the Geneva Center for Security Policy in Geneva, Switzerland. A couple staff tours and command assignments, every assignment, every new job building on what came before.”

As a young officer his primary role was to fly airplanes. He was an active flyer until about 2000, when he started taking on different responsibilities.

After Air Command and Staff College, Colonel Anderer was assigned to the Aviation Tactics Evaluation Group (AVTEG), through which he contributed to operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and Noble Eagle. He was deployed in Baghdad twice, in 2003 and again in 2006. He has been shot at, fired at with rockets and mortars, and experienced the heat of battle. "I’ve spent enough time in Africa and Asia delivering beans, bullets and band aids when some despot or group goes rogue. I’ve spent enough time getting shot at in Baghdad working to rebuild that nation. But I have never fired a shot in anger.”

This quality of character began at La Salle, which truly prepared Colonel Anderer for his military career. “I think it is in the name and the mission statement. La Salle is truly a preparatory school. Students, faculty, and alumni have said for decades, that ‘boys will be boys, but La Salle boys will be gentlemen.’ Will be leaders in industry, will be leaders in government, will be whatever you are willing to work hard enough to achieve. La Salle prepares you for greater challenges and opportunities... La Salle didn’t teach me to fly, but it taught me to think.”

Colonel Anderer’s work also consisted of supporting and managing the transportation of White House cabinet members. He flew the Vice President aboard Air Force Two. He likewise served the First Lady, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Colonel Anderer also led an Air Mobility Command squadron, which was responsible for many important duties, including supporting the Special Air Mission (which provides air transportation for the president and other members of the executive branch) and providing intelligence to presidential aircraft.

In addition, he worked at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium and was involved in the Command of the 721st Air Mobility Operations Group in Ramstein, Germany.

Looking back on his time in the military, Colonel Anderer says, “I still remember driving on 4th Street in Lubbock, Texas towards Reese AFB. Jets seemed to be flying in every direction. I recall thinking ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ Next thing you know, you are walking out of the Aerial Port Germany, in your dress blues, a new medal on your chest –your last medal – retired with your wife and kids walking out the door with you. A good day, honored that you were given the opportunity to serve.”

Colonel Anderer was also the director of Junior Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), a job which involved directing initiatives and programs to implement the Air Force’s high school citizenship program. This program consists of around 240,000 cadets in more than 800 high schools around the globe. Colonel Anderer describes how, “Quite literally, the sun never set on JROTC.”

Recapping his career, Colonel Anderer says, “I’ve logged over 3,000 military flight hours incident free. In that time, I figure I have dropped more than 100,000 paratroopers and Lord knows how many tons of equipment – all of it on the drop zone. Some notable moments are those decisions to not drop, when alignment may have been good enough or maybe not. I flew the most important passengers in the United States. Not the president, but his wife, the first lady, and his daughters. I flew Air Force 2, and the secretaries of defense and state. I had the opportunity to be the director for over 240,000 Junior ROTC cadets. I was at the tip of the spear developing tactics techniques and procedures (TTPs) in pursuit of High Value Targets (HVTs)…"

But he can't pick a favorite military experience, as he believes that each one was an honor and an essential part of the journey. Whether it was watching a squadron blossom under a leader with integrity, nailing a time over target (TOT), mentoring young officers, witnessing a brilliant decision by a new pilot, finding jobs for lieutenants waiting to go to flight school, getting thanked by the secretary of state after being “smeared” in the press, or landing in the desert in Nevada for the first time ever in a C-17 on a dry lakebed at night with night vision goggles while pioneering a new technique, no single experience was greater than the collective whole.

Despite all his achievements, experience, and success in the military, Colonel Anderer says that his number one accomplishment has been staying married to his wife Cathy. “Staying married is at the top of that list. Being a military spouse is not easy...When I married Cathy in 1994, do you think anyone knew Tangos were going to fly into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon?” Colonel Anderer also has a daughter, Kelly, and a son, Sean. Both are college graduates in their 20s.

Colonel Anderer now lives in Saint Augustine, FL, and has been a Country Integration Lead (working in systems engineering) for Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems for more than seven years. His responsibilities include assisting international customers in bringing in F-35 training systems into their air forces and guiding their way of training pilots, maintainers, and support personnel.

Colonel Anderer describes his perspective as one centered on integrity: “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters. If somebody else said it before me, I plagiarized...but it’s something that I wholeheartedly believe. It’s hard to do the right thing all the time. If you act with integrity and are trying to do the right things, people will notice. You’ll earn people’s respect and trust. Trust is a tough thing. But in industry, it matters. In the service of your country, it’s critical...acting with integrity can get you some unwanted attention, but in the end, you’ll know you’re right and the people that are growling at you will know you’re right later too.”

Would he say that La Salle helped foster that value of integrity? “Of course. Absolutely. You lived it at La Salle.”

This is perhaps the most important thing about the school. Aside from the outstanding academics and extracurriculars, La Salle can make men who are honorable and responsible, and prepared to make a difference in the modern world.

Colonel Anderer beautifully describes it: “La Salle is unique. It’s in the mission, and it’s in the name. It’s a preparatory school. You don’t go to La Salle for that to be the best of your days. You go to La Salle to have great days, but to prepare you for better things. There are leaders in industry, there are leaders in government, there are leaders in law, that are graduates of La Salle. And that’s not an accident...it prepares you; it prepares you to think.”

SCOTT WOLPERT: A LA SALLE SON FOREVER

BY ETHAN THIEN TRAN ’24

CLASS OF 1984

Lawyer, husband, father: Scott Wolpert ’84 has become many things after his time at La Salle College High School, but he has never forgotten his alma mater. La Salle has given him much, so Mr. Wolpert continues to give the school everything he can.

Coming from Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, a private Catholic school, made getting acclimated to La Salle a smooth transition. In La Salle’s environment, he was able to continue his Catholic journey under the tutelage of the Christian Brothers, who helped instill many of the core values that he continues to practice today.

“La Salle was my first real direct exposure to service to others, and I continue to try to incorporate that in my current life,” Mr. Wolpert said.

One of Mr. Wolpert’s favorite teachers was Mr. Michael O’Toole ’68. Mr. Wolpert describes Mr. O’Toole as “very precise and demanding, but he made us better students and writers.”

Mr. Wolpert’s favorite class at La Salle was AP U.S. History, a notoriously difficult course and one that many high school student’s dread taking.

“In learning about American history in a smaller class with daily roundtable discussion, I was not only able to learn about historical events and how to critically analyze them,” said Mr. Wolpert, “but I was able to better understand why modern-day policy makers make their decisions.”

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Wolpert was very involved in school activities. He was a sprinter for La Salle’s track team and played on the varsity football team. He was also a writer for the Wisterian and a member of the Spirit Club, which helped rally school spirit during events.

Mr. Wolpert’s most memorable moment at La Salle was not a football victory, or a homecoming event; rather, it was the words of the principal, “Brother Andrew Bartley inspired spirit and pride in La Salle by always finishing a speech with ‘We Are La Salle.’ I always felt a sense of enthusiasm and unity whenever he would repeat those three words.”

After Mr. Wolpert graduated from La Salle in 1984, he entered Ursinus College and majored in political science. At that time, he already knew that he wanted to go to law school.

“I like to read. I like to write. I like to argue. Those things tended to make me think the law profession would be good for me. No other professions stood out to me in college and I thought with a law degree, I could be a good lawyer,

but could also potentially use that law degree for another profession.”

Mr. Wolpert would graduate Ursinus and win the Trucksess Prize, which is awarded to a graduating student who shows great potential in the legal field. He was admitted to University of Richmond Law School, graduated three years later, and passed the bar.

As a young attorney, fresh out of law school, Mr. Wolpert was not sure what specific area of law he wanted to practice. He began by building his career at Timoney Knox LLP, a law firm in Fort Washington. For ten years, Mr. Wolpert worked under several different senior litigation attorneys, learning courtroom and trial skills. Enjoying his time working with one

of the partners who represented public school districts, Mr. Wolpert decided to fully specialize in education law, initially representing school districts and private schools, but later fully committing to representing students in kindergarten to high school. The students he represents are primarily ones with special needs and/or students who are subject to bullying in school. Today, Mr. Wolpert is the managing partner at Timoney Knox LLP.

But many challenges came out of choosing this area of the law.

“Most of what I did everyday involved some aspect of education law and what happens in school, whether it’s related to administrators, faculty, or students,” Mr. Wolpert said. “When I started doing education work, the federal law that primarily applies was fairly new. The precedential case law was developing, and procedures were still being defined as far as how to properly address ensuring that students with disabilities receive an appropriate education. The timing of when I started in this field has helped my career development.”

Mr. Wolpert feels a meaningful connection to his area of practice – one that fulfills him and actualizes the teachings of the Christian Brothers.

“When I used to just represent schools, I felt like we were collectively trying to get to a favorable result, but the right result for both the school and students,” said Mr. Wolpert. “In working with parents and students now, I can see a direct tangible benefit – whether it is finding a private school placement for a student with special needs or getting students some type of other meaningful remedy when there are serious obstacles to their learning, such as tutoring or other specialized services to accommodate their learning needs.”

Outside of his career, Mr. Wolpert is very active in the community. Still retaining his love of the game of football, Mr. Wolpert is currently on the board of directors of the Maxwell Football Club. Mr. Wolpert also officiated football for many years and was a NCAA Division 1 Football Official. He also recently served on the board of directors of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network which is a non-profit organization that assists people with disabilities and their families.

Mr. Wolpert served as the President of the Alumni Association at La Salle College High School in 20032004. As President, he oversaw the Alumni board’s planning of events including Homecoming, the Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame Induction, class reunions, and the golf outing. In serving as the President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Wolpert feels that he has gained a valuable experience and worked with many talented people who were dedicated to La Salle.

“I worked with men from many different generations and classes. I worked with men who graduated in the 60s, 70s, some after, and some even older. I was able to experience a wide variety of perspectives of La Salle and developed pretty close relationships with alums outside of my class year.”

You might even regularly see Mr. Wolpert on La Salle’s campus as he currently serves as one of the coaches for the Mock Trial team. Mr. Wolpert views Mock Trial as not only beneficial to those who may become lawyers, but also beneficial to anyone entering a profession.

“Mock Trial is a very good reflection of the litigation work that lawyers have to do. It also fosters reading comprehension and writing skills,” said Mr. Wolpert. “Whether or not you become a lawyer, the more opportunities you can take advantage of with public speaking and writing, the better. No matter what professional career you pursue, you will always use those valuable skills.”

Mr. Wolpert is married to his wife, Amy, and has two children: Grace, who is 14 and attends Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy, and Thomas, who is 16 and a current sophomore at La Salle.

Mr. Wolpert cites his reason for sending his son to La Salle and continuing to support his alma mater, “La Salle has very strong academics and many valuable extracurricular opportunities and service activities. La Salle is a school but also a community in which the involvement of parents, administrators, faculty, and students is constant and essential. All those things combined make La Salle a wonderful place for students to learn and for families to be part of the La Salle community.”

MATTHEW BEAGLE: SUCCESS IN LEADERSHIP

BY ALEX OLIVARES ’24

CLASS OF 1989

As an 8th grader at Assumption BVM School in Trevose, PA, Matthew Beagle ’89 wasn’t sure about attending La Salle College High School.

“Even though my brother, John ’87, was a student, I wasn’t initially sold on going to La Salle. My parents told me to look at it. I applied and got accepted. I was a little hesitant, but I am glad I came,” reminisced Mr. Beagle about his decision to attend La Salle.

Mr. Beagle’s involvement as a student ranged from working at a small business for his dad to being involved in SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) as well as being on the football team during his freshman year.

Mr. Beagle’s favorite subject at La Salle was American History with Mr. Turner.

“It just started to ground me, where I am from, who I am, and where do I want to go,” Mr. Beagle said about how history with Mr. Turner began to change his outlook.

“He was somebody who I knew I could talk to inside and outside the classroom and was always willing to listen if I had a problem,” noted Mr. Beagle about the way that Mr. Turner was able to make a lasting impact on his life by just listening. “He was also a balanced individual, where sometimes I would like his responses and other times I would not. He would kind of push me to do things and that’s probably the best thing you can ask for.”

Macroeconomics with Mr. Joseph Colistra ’64 was also another course that interested Mr. Beagle. “That was the course that helped me figure out that I wanted to pursue Economics as a career.”

A memorable moment from his time at La Salle is when he met John Bang on the first day of class as their lockers were next to each other. Walking through the halls, scanning every number on all the lockers, looking for his own, Mr. Beagle found his locker next to someone that was already there. With a quick remark, Matt noted that they were lucky to find their lockers. Both smiled as the small talk mixed with a feeling of relief. All without knowing the lifelong friendship that just began through sheer happenstance.

“I roomed with John during our first year at the University of Pennsylvania and he is somebody whom I still talk with and see whenever I can,” said Mr. Beagle about his best friend and best man at this wedding.

Mr. Beagle’s involvement with football helped him with Army ROTC, which he joined at the University of Pennsylvania through the guidance of his uncle who was a recruitment officer.

Mr. Beagle’s interests are far and wide from being an avid runner to supporting our veterans through programs that directly help student veterans with extra expenses such as rent, food, and childcare.

“Since I am an Army Veteran myself, I support veteran students at a number of universities including Villanova University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Chicago.”

“Ever since joining the Army, I have run marathons. Running is something that I do 4-5 times a week, it has kept me in good shape,” Mr. Beagle proudly asserted.

This passion for running came from his training for airborne school in Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) and in Indiana for officer basic training. He was also stationed in Hawaii as a 2nd Lieutenant. There, he was company commander of a 25th infantry regiment that trained with the possibility of going to Korea if there was to ever be another war.

Mr. Beagle is a part of a family tradition where his grandfather was stationed in the Pacific during World War II.He was in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Beagle’s father fought in the Vietnam War.

The time in the Army helped Mr. Beagle with his current career as it taught him how to lead a large group of people under all circumstances.

“There was no better place to learn leadership than in the Army.”

Mr. Beagle has been with Hartford Investment Management Company as an investor for the last thirteen years

“I invest in banks all around the world such as J.P. Morgan, Barclays, HSBC, and Bank of America. I am responsible for the investments in those banks,” shared Mr. Beagle who was previously an investor for Putnam Investments.

In terms of accomplishments, Mr. Beagle cites being married for twenty-five years, having two children, and being an active member of his church, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary in Acton, MA.

Some of Mr. Beagle’s other accomplishments include finishing the Hawaii, New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago marathons. Professionally, he is proud of making good investments during the 2008 recession and the United States banking crisis that spring.

La Salle’s academic rigor helped prepare Mr. Beagle for the working world. The school also helped him spiritually as Catholicism has been an anchor for Mr. Beagle throughout his life and has kept him grounded.

In addition to an appreciation for economics, Mr. Beagle learned several skills from his time at La Salle. He learned to use history to predict the future. Being able to apply past knowledge to forecast certain things is a great asset for an investor.

“La Salle opened a lot of doors for me that I did not know were available for me at the time. It showed me a whole different world where I could be successful.”

Mr. Beagle’s family includes his wife, Lisa Scopa, who he has been married to for twenty-five years after they met at the University of Pennsylvania. His children include his son, Ethan (21), who is a junior at Villanova University, and his 17-year-old daughter, Addison Beagle, who just graduated from Buckingham, Browne and Nichols in Cambridge, MA and will attend Villanova in the fall.

Brother James Butler, FSC visits the Boston area, and many alums meet him for lunch or dinner. There Mr. Beagle talks with Brother James about La Salle and recent news. Seeing the progress La Salle has made, Mr. Beagle is proud to support the school in any way that he can. Despite living so far, Mr. Beagle is glad that he can be involved with a school that helped him in so many ways.

On occasion, Mr. Beagle visits the school to see all that has changed since his time as a student. A place so different from what was once so familiar. There are a few times when the old days come rushing in, seeing a familiar face, or seeing places that were so common. Even though there may be differences, to Mr. Beagle it is still the same La Salle as it once was and ever shall be.

MIKE PELHAM: STILL GIVING BACK 30 YEARS AFTER GRADUATION

BY MATTHEW MCNESBY ‘24

An active member in the La Salle community, even 30 years after his graduation, is Mike Pelham, a 1994 graduate who remains deeply rooted in his alma mater, tirelessly giving back to the school to enrich the community.

Before his time at La Salle College High School, Mike Pelham attended Immaculate Conception School and Abington Friends School.

During his years as a student, Mike Pelham immersed himself in the crew team and the investment club, experiences that would significantly shape his career path.

"He sparked the fire for my interest in business and accounting," Mike Pelham recalls of Pete Sigmund '85, who not only coached the crew team but also taught accounting during his junior year.

Mike Pelham remembers many things about the class, but one quote stuck with him the most. Sigmund identified to Pelham that “95% of every CEO of every corporation has an accounting degree.” Wanting to one day go into the business world, he decided to study accounting. Mike Pelham also expressed his passion for the subject of history, specifically during his junior year when he had Brother Tim Ahern, FSC as his teacher. “BT was very passionate, specifically through the way he communicated,” said Pelham.

Reflecting on his time at La Salle, Mike Pelham shared that some of his best memories were on the river, specifically during his junior season in 1993. That year, the team managed a comeback win over Saint Joseph’s Prep in the City Championship. Pelham underlined how hard the team worked together that year, and the joy of knowing it all paid off – a testament to their collective dedication and effort. “We just worked really hard together as a team,” Pelham said.

After graduating from La Salle, Pelham pursued his passion for accounting at La Salle University, and earned a master’s degree. His educational journey laid the foundation for a successful career spanning 23 years, marked by purchasing four companies and eventually assuming the role of President and Owner of International Chemical Company.

Pelham started at Vanguard right out of college then went to work for TL Ventures where we took several companies public, including Blackboard and Internet Capital Group.

“Family businesses are complex, and I did not want to be part of the politics,” Pelham said. “When my grandfather passed away, my uncle, who owned half the company with my dad, wanted out.”

“This was early 2000 and I had made great money on stocks and the companies that went public, so I agreed to

buy out my uncle over a 10-year period and began to rebuild a failing company that was stuck in the 1970s,” Pelham said. This was a highly impressive accomplishment during a time without computer networks, websites, or emails.

Mike Pelham has two children, Dan ’23, and future Explorer, Ryan ’28. Dan’s passion and involvement in the crew team throughout his high school career has allowed Mike to get involved as well.

Referring to how La Salle is different from other high schools; Mike highlighted the importance of the involvement of not only students and faculty but parents. He believes strongly in the idea of parents giving back to La Salle, to help students thrive in and out of the classroom. “The parents are just as involved as the students. The entire school is committed to enhancing the lives of students.”

Drawing inspiration from the motto of one of his favorite singers, Dave Matthews, Pelham strongly believes in giving back to live a fulfilling life: "If you give, you begin to live." To manifest this belief, Pelham actively contributes to La Salle's crew program, channeling his dedication and experience into supporting the program from a different perspective.

Now, while continuing his work at the chemical company, Pelham eagerly anticipates witnessing his children's achievements – Dan in his collegiate pursuits and Ryan, soon embarking on his journey at La Salle this fall.

FROM GRADUATION TO LEADERSHIP: RICK TARGET REFLECTS ON THE EVERLASTING IMPACT OF LA SALLE

BY DANIEL BERNARD ROVI ’24 CLASS OF 1999

The buzz inside school was electrifying. Members of the Class of 1999 were waiting in the auditorium, invigorated by the sights and sounds of the packed building. They were preparing to walk at the school’s commencement exercises; a moment that felt surreal for all members of the class.

Rick Target ’99 remembers the day fondly. Additionally, he remembers a particular remark that has stuck with him since he received his diploma.

Mrs. Julia Maher (Hon. ’14), who was a fixture of La Salle College High School education for more than 35 years, addressed the graduating class.

“Look around you. Look at all these faces, all these people that you’ve spent the last four years with. This is the last time you will all be together. However, you’re a part of a brotherhood that is going to last forever.”

The words spoken by Mrs. Maher were, in Target’s words, an “A-ha moment” of realization. The values instilled from his high school experience were just beginning to form.

The lasting value of Mr. Target’s La Salle experience continued to influence his next steps of life. He graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Management Science and Information Systems from the Smeal College of Business and credits La Salle for helping him with “time management, work ethic, and learning how to learn,” skills that are deeply essential in the world of technology.

Mr. Target found himself in that very world of technology early after his studies at Penn State, working in IT Consulting at Accenture. He spent a plethora of his young professional years traveling, before ultimately acquiring a position with United Health Group, where he has been working for the past 18 years in various leadership roles.

Perhaps it was his leadership qualities that resulted in him achieving a distinct honor of being one of 31 selected employees out of 7,000 nominated worldwide to participate in an all-expenses-paid MBA program at the University of Saint Thomas in Minneapolis. It was here that Mr. Target began to develop a true passion for development, recruiting, and onboarding at United Health Group, a company that is responsible for well over 500,000 global employees.

Mr. Target still derives the lessons learned at La Salle into his occupation, helping him excel and assist others around him.

“I have a lot of passion toward my job, which equates to some of the lessons I’ve learned from my days at La Salle. I try to help people deliver their best efforts and maximize their potential. I think that’s what La Salle got out of me, and that’s what I’ve learned to help get out of all the people

I integrate with at work. Something that also resonates with me because of La Salle is being able to have a career for a company that has a great societal mission. It’s incredibly important for me.”

Mr. Target describes the values of his La Salle experience as a “differentiator” in his life, extending beyond his high school years, helping guide him to new professional heights.

“At La Salle, with the character you build, it matters not only what you can get done, but also how you get things done. You can differentiate yourself by doing things the right way. That’s the protégé of a man of La Salle; doing things in the right manner, which is not always the easy manner.”

During the next four years, Mr. Target will experience La Salle from a parental perspective. His son, Colin, will begin his journey through La Salle next year as a freshman and member of the Class of 2028. Colin looks forward to choosing his path at La Salle as a third generation Explorer, with his grandfather Bob McAnespey ‘66 and his father supporting him every step of the way as he will “Enter to Learn.”

CLASS OF 1999

LCDR JOHN O'HARA: FROM THE HALLS OF LA SALLE TO THE SKIES OF IRAQ

BY WILL PALOPOLI ’24

“Don’t give up the ship” is a common saying among the United States Naval forces. It conjures a sense of loyalty and steadfastness and is a common cause for all soldiers. Nowhere is this motto embodied more clearly than in Lieutenant Commander John O’Hara, USN, a member of the Class of 1999. Throughout his career, LCDR O’Hara has remained true to not only his Naval roots, but also his Lasallian roots.

LCDR O’Hara grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia. He went to school at Epiphany of Our Lord School (now Holy Rosary) before moving to Our Lady of Mount Caramel in Doylestown. After 8th grade, he transitioned to high school at La Salle. LDCR O’Hara immersed himself immediately in different programs at La Salle, where he was a member of the freshman soccer team, played basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. He pursued both basketball and lacrosse for all four years at La Salle. He was a good student and had success in the classroom. While LDCR O’Hara admits that he enjoyed most of his classes at La Salle, the one that stood out was a class on the Civil War taught by Brother Tim Ahern, FSC. LDCR O’Hara’s fondest memories of his times at La Salle are the connections and relationships he formed. LDCR O’Hara said, “There are still 40-50 guys out there who would drop everything to be there for me.”

LDCR O’Hara received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, where he would earn a Bachelor of Science degree in economics. He would later receive a MBA from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. He cites La Salle as being a key factor in preparing him for the challenges he was met with at the Naval Academy and Georgetown.

LDCR O’Hara graduated from Annapolis in 2004, and then went to Florida to train and become a pilot. He flew briefly in Okinawa, Japan, before being sent over to Iraq during the insurgence in 2007 While in Iraq, LDCR O’Hara flew P-3’s, a plane that surveyed the land for enemies from high in the sky All the missions he flew during his tour were successful as he gathered valuable intel for the armed forces. After his time in Iraq, LDCR O’Hara returned to Annapolis as an instructor.

La Salle instilled a work ethic in LDCR O’Hara that allowed him to take on the demanding life in the Navy with poise and grace. La Salle also enabled him to develop relationships at the professional level, and to cooperate with peers in the workplace. LDCR O’Hara says that what separates La Salle from the rest is how it encourages students to open up to each other and to trust each other.

Since retiring from the United States Navy, LDCR O’Hara has worked for several companies in a variety of capacities. He was head of corporate development and strategy at Iron

Net, worked in strategic development for Comcast, and worked in investment banking and management at Goldman Sachs. Currently, LDCR O’Hara is president of FON Advisors, a private equity firm formed by a group of senior aerospace and defense industry executives, intelligence, operations officers, and operators from premier units in the DoD and United States intelligence community.

LDCR O’Hara’s sister is our very own Mrs. Fix, who works in the front office alongside Mrs. Cooney. Having that relationship created another avenue for him to maintain a close relationship with the school. LDCR O’Hara has three children. His oldest, Grey, graduated from AncillaeAssumpta Academy (AAA) and will be a freshman at La Salle in the fall of 2024. His other son, Luke, a 6th grader at AAA, frequents a few of La Salle’s summer camps and has his sights set on being a member of the class of 2030. LDCR O’Hara also has a daughter, Penelope, and says that his greatest accomplishment has been his three children and marrying his high school sweetheart, Veronica, a member of the Class of 1999 at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. LDCR O’Hara has always remained close to his roots, and it has given him the greatest gift – a family.

LDCR O’Hara exhibits everything expected from a La Salle alum. He is the embodiment of the graduate profile, a loving husband and father, a successful businessman, and an allaround amazing person. He will never give up the ship and is a role model for future generations of Explorers.

BILL BENZ: FROM LA SALLE TO THE BIG SCREENS IN HOLLYWOOD

BY OWEN DANIEL KUNKO ’24

La Salle College High School is where young minds embark on transformative journeys, turning them into successful men. Bill Benz, a graduate from the Class of 2004, embarked on a transformative creative journey during his time at La Salle. As a student, Bill discovered a profound passion that would go on to shape the trajectory of his creative pursuits. During Bill’s time at La Salle, he developed a love for creative writing when he was involved in WEXP. Bill also ventured into the world of cinema for the first time when he was introduced to a film class. Bill recalled that during film class, “We’d dive into old movies, dissect them, and engage in thoughtful discussions. It wasn't just about watching; it was about understanding the artistry and craftsmanship behind each frame.”

Bill took the creative foundation that La Salle helped lay and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University. Bill Benz explained, “College was the place where I truly learned the foundation skills of movie making." He acquired a solid understanding of the fundamentals of filmmaking, delving into the theories behind movies, mastering the art of screenwriting, and learning what makes a good story. Once Bill finished up his time at Temple University, he moved to Los Angles. Bill explained that he had no connections and had to grind to get his foot into the world of cinema by working hard. Bill aimed to have a career in Hollywood by accepting various gigs and trying to get his name known in the industry. Bill explained that “La Salle was academically challenging, so they taught me how to perform and get good grades under pressure and instilled that sense of grind into me.”

Bill consistently applies the lessons learned from his educational background to his professional filmmaking career. Every day, he actively seeks out new opportunities, filling his schedule with varied projects. He understands the film industry as an "eat or starve environment," a perspective that highlights the relentless effort and hustle required to succeed in such a dynamic and competitive field.

During the initial phase of his professional journey, Bill experienced a significant breakthrough. He received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Comedy Series," a recognition that came because of his outstanding work on Portlandia. This achievement marked a turning point in his career.

As he progressed in his career, Bill intentionally expanded his horizons, taking on a wide range of projects. This diversification not only honed his skills but also enriched his experience in the industry. Presently, he is channeling his talents into producing short films and commercials. Notably, he has collaborated with several prestigious car brands, leveraging his expertise to create impactful visual narratives.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bill's life in Los Angeles is balanced with personal commitments. He dedicates time to his family and enjoys cycling during his time off. Reflecting on his journey, Bill acknowledges La Salle as a pivotal influence. The institution provided him with the crucial creative foundation that has been instrumental in his development as a producer, director, and editor. His work, often involving some of the most significant projects in Hollywood, stands as a testament to the skills and knowledge he gained during his formative years.

TUCKER DURKIN: REDISCOVERING THE ROOTS OF GREATNESS

BY R.J. DUNN ’26

Tucker Durkin ’09 would have never imagined himself coaching college lacrosse. Today, at 33-years-old, his lacrosse career is flourishing, and he is involved with the game more than ever.

Tucker, who grew up in Huntington Valley, PA, is a graduate of the Class of 2009 at La Salle College High School. He is a dual-edged sword, coaching Drexel men’s lacrosse, and playing in the professional lacrosse league. Tucker Durkin has been impacted greatly by La Salle and had these words regarding the school.

“La Salle was and is a big part of my life, [I] credit a lot of my development as a person and definitely a lacrosse player to my time at La Salle,” Tucker said.

Tucker spent three years on La Salle’s varsity lacrosse team, led by Mr. Resch and Mr. Leahy, after transferring from Penn Charter. The way the La Salle lacrosse team was constructed gave each player a boost in the next level, college. Those years at La Salle prepared him in many ways for his career. He went on to attend John Hopkins University where he played Division 1 Lacrosse.

“The competitive style that we were playing and the coaching that we had in high school made a very seamless transition from high school to college,” Tucker said.

The skill difference from high school to college lacrosse was quite the jump for many student athletes, but not for Tucker. Mr. Resch and Mr. Leahy held the entire program to high standards, which cut down the jump. Although lacrosse was a huge part of Tucker’s life, he was truly a part of the La Salle brotherhood.

“Still to this day some of my best friends are from my time at La Salle,” Tucker said.

Many La Salle students experience this. The La Salle brotherhood creates bonds that will never be broken, and Tucker is a perfect example of this. Whether it be one of the many sports he played – golf, football, basketball, or lacrosse – he always found a way to incorporate the brotherhood into everything he did. Not only were friendships made, but important qualities were built.

“I would say my experience at La Salle, through the coaches I had, the teachers I had, and the experience I had there, all really prepared me for how to deal with people and be a leader,” Tucker said.

Throughout his coaching career, many of his achievements can be credited to his time at La Salle and the leadership skills he developed. Before his time at Drexel, Tucker was a coach at Bryn Athyn College. There, he made a significant impact improving the lacrosse program from a roster of 13 men. He worked hard to grow the sport at Bryn Athyn, and

helped the college become part of the NCAA. It does not stop there as Tucker won the 2021 CAA championship with his Drexel squad. It is no surprise Tucker has been such a successful coach; he has a way with words that inspire an audience. Tucker was asked, “If you could go back in time and give your younger self some words of advice what would they be?”

“I would say to stay in the present the best you can. I think it is very important to set goals – long term goals – but the most effective way to achieve them is to almost forget about them after you’ve set them and just focus on executing them day in and day out. Rather than get consumed with an end goal, just find a way to focus on staying present,” Tucker said.

Tucker Durkin emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of lacrosse. He was an All-American during his junior and senior-year seasons and, in 2009, was named an Under Armor All-American as well as the Player-of-the-Year by phillylacrosse.com. His teams won three Philadelphia Catholic Championships and a Pennsylvania State Title. He went on to have a celebrated career at Johns Hopkins University, where he was a three-time All-American and twice won the William Schmeisser Award and named NCAA Defender of the Year. He was a member of the USA World Team in 2014 and 2018 and won a gold medal in the 2018 Olympic Games. He was a dominant defender for a number of professional lacrosse teams.

Tucker’s journey from local prodigy to world renowned lacrosse player is a testament to his dedication and skills. Although he recently retired from playing professional lacrosse, he continues to be mentor on and off the field.

Tucker Durkin epitomizes the spirit of La Salle excellence, serving as a beacon of hope and achievement for all who dream big and work even harder to turn those dreams into reality.

BOB LONG: A VOICE FOR SPORTS AND A MIND FOR FINANCE

CLASS OF 2009

BY ZACHARY DODARO ’26

How did the inability to make a sports team create new passions and opportunities for a La Salle alum? Bob Long ‘09 recounts his journey through La Salle and how he was able to capitalize on many opportunities. Bob is a current Vice President at PNC Bank and the owner of the successful Bob Long sports media account that covers many of the athletic events at La Salle and other schools in the Philadelphia area. He is the perfect example of how to balance a successful career with the “love of the game.”

Bob always had a connection with La Salle. His brother, Kevin ’12, is pictured in the gym hugging the catcher after winning the school’s first State Championship in baseball. His family's close connection to La Salle is what drew him to attend and now draws him to continue being involved.

Bob was able to accomplish his goal of running cross country and indoor track for all four years at La Salle. His original plan also included being a four-year baseball player like his brother. Unfortunately, he was cut from the freshman baseball team. Bob had a love for athletics, so he found ways to get involved with sports in ways that were not on the field. In his senior year, he was tasked as the head sports editor for the Wisterian. He knew the ins and outs of sports and found a passion for producing content. This opportunity unlocked a whole new skill set. Bob was very optimistic about his new challenge and embraced the switch from playing on the field to working in the media box. His initial reaction was, “Knowing early I would not be a professional athlete, I found out how I could be involved with the thing I still loved. I wrote a lot of articles for the Wisterian and it was deemed I would be a good fit as the editor.”

To be successful in media requires creative skills. Bob explicitly remembers Mrs. Betty Field who was his English teacher. He explained how she was a challenge and often made him feel discouraged but left him with many life skills that helped him in the media and in the banking industry. Bob said, “Critical thinking is arguably the most important skill you learn throughout high school and college. You can memorize and learn a certain curricular, but to have a well-rounded sense of the world and the underlined drivers and be able to apply those skill sets, allows for personal, professional, and social growth. I attribute a teacher like Mrs. Field, and many others, with giving students the window to experience things themselves.”

Bob was a part of many successful running teams throughout his time at La Salle. His greatest achievement was being part of the 2008 cross country team that finished second in the Pennsylvania State Championship in the first year La Salle was part of the PIAA. As a runner at La Salle, he paid homage to Pat Devine, coach of the track and cross country teams for many years, who he says, “Helped instill personal values that I have carried with me since.” Bob shared one tradition Pat Devine would make his team do, which taught him extremely valuable lessons in work ethic and determination.

“In general, running teaches you a level of discipline, consistency, and dedication that can carry you throughout life. Something as simple as, we’d run at Valley Green every

day for practice. It’s a trail along the Wissahickon Creek and we’d run to a certain distance and turn around to run the same distance back. In short, only run out as far as you’re willing to run.”

Bob would go on to run club level cross country at Penn State University where he also got his start at calling sporting contests. He has been doing Bob Long Sports for over a decade and provides high-quality broadcasts of La Salle sporting events and other schools in the area. Although Bob was not a member of WEXP during his time at La Salle, he works closely with many WEXP members and sees how the program is setting students up for life saying, “It was a unique opportunity at that age, that most high schoolers do not have in the multimedia and broadcast space. Seeing what I see now, the program has expanded dramatically and gives students the opportunity to challenge themselves in ways I never would have thought possible.”

When Bob isn’t making electric calls in the media box, he works for PNC in the banking industry. Bob Long has been in this field of work for many years now and he gave insight on his journey to this point in his profession, “I started my career with PNC in Pittsburgh in 2013 and worked in the Energy Banking group for two years. In 2015, I had the opportunity to move within the bank to PNC’s Philadelphia Commercial Banking group. I was in an Associate role for two years before being promoted to Relationship Manager, which is what I do now.”

Bob enjoys his new position, which has allowed him to excel. A long career that has seen him move internally and geographically. Bob explained his role saying, “As a Relationship Manager in the Commercial Banking group, I am the primary point of contact at the Bank for about 70 medium-sized, often family-owned businesses, in the greater Philadelphia area. We provide loans, as well as deposit and other banking services to our clients, such as asset management, foreign exchange hedging, and employee benefits. Additionally, I am always focused on growing my portfolio by meeting with and proposing our services and capabilities to other businesses in the area that may not currently bank with PNC.”

If you cannot attend a La Salle sporting event, Bob Long Sports provides high-quality broadcasts of high school games. Bob is the perfect example of making the most out of opportunities and creating new passions when things don’t go your way.

SPRING SPORTS

LACROSSE

The Lacrosse Team finished the regular season with a record of 20-1 and captured both the Philadelphia Catholic League and District 12 (City) Championships. In a rematch with Radnor, they lost in the finals of the Pennsylvania State Championship. The team was ranked No. 13 in the country and had 12 players receive All-Catholic recognition, seven players selected to the All-State Team, and four named as USA All-Americans. In addition, 12 players committed to play lacrosse at the collegiate level: Penn (3), Harvard, Cornell, Villanova, Saint John's, Mount Saint Mary’s, and Hampton.

TENNIS

The Tennis team had an overall record of 7-5-1 and finished second in the Philadelphia Catholic League, losing to Saint Joseph’s Prep in the finals of the championship. Andrew Gaylord '25, Drew Pensabene '24, Alex Patenko '26, Harrison Haviland '24, and Blake Simonson '25 received All-Catholic recognition. The team will return with several talented upperclassmen for the 2025 season.

BASEBALL

The Baseball Team finished the regular season with a record of 17-3 and 11-1 in Philadelphia Catholic League, which

earned them the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Six players earned All-Catholic Honors and on May 25, 2024, the team defeated Neumann-Goretti by a score of 4-1 to capture the program’s fourth league championship since 2018. They went on to win the District 12 (City) Championship to advance to playoffs for the Pennsylvania State Championship, where they lost to Hempfield Area High School in the finals.

RUGBY

The Rugby Team did not make the playoffs under the new structure of only the top four teams advancing. For the second consecutive year, La Salle was able to enter a Juniors (U15) level team into the RugbyPA competition. That team went undefeated in the

Rugby Club in the state semifinal round. The team had a memorable trip to Ireland over Spring Break. Accompanied by their parents, players had the opportunity to not only play matches in Kildare and Galway, against Cill Dara RFC and Corinthians RFC but also take in all the stunning scenery that Ireland has to offer. The program graduates 25 seniors this spring, with several players planning to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level.

CREW

The Rowing Program won the Manny Flick Trophy for the second consecutive year as the top team throughout the regular season. At City Championships, seven of the ten boats La Salle entered made it to the medal stand giving 55 of our 65 student-athletes a medal. At the Stotesbury Cup, six boats raced with four making it to Stotesbury Cup. With 99% of the current roster eligible to return next fall, the team is poised for a most exciting 2024-2025 season and has received a guaranteed entry to the prestigious Head of the Charles in October.

TRACK AND FIELD

The Track and Field team captured its 9th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on May 11, 2024, by scoring 154 points to outdistance second place by 70 points. Junior Gavin Muller captured the Field Events MVP and the team showcased great depth with balanced performances in all events. After capturing the District 12 (City) Championship the following week, the team advanced 19 athletes to the PIAA State Championship at Shippensburg University.

VOLLEYBALL

The Volleyball Team, coached by Jason Eisele, finished the regular season with an overall record of 14-2, and a league record of 10-0. The Explorers lost in the finals of the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. They won the District 12 (City) Championship, but lost in the first round of the State Playoffs. Sam Johnsson '24 was named League MVP and four other Explorers received All-Catholic recognition.

GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY

MAY 29, 2024

JUNE 4, 2024

NEW HOME FOR THE DAVID PROGRAM

For over 20 years, the David Program has been serving the students at La Salle College High School who learn differently. The inspiration of the late Brother René Sterner, FSC, the David Program has grown over these past two decades to provide structure, support, and success for one of the significant diversities in the La Salle community – intelligent and capable young men who will achieve significant things once they and their teachers understand their learning styles and adapt to them in the classroom context. For those 20 years, the David Program was housed in the same makeshift space; the apartment above the garages of the original Belcroft Estate (Christian Brothers’ House)

For this reason, the Board of Trustees of La Salle College High School approved an addition to the main academic building to house the David Program. On June 12, 2024, a new home for the David Program was dedicated. The beautiful and spacious complex provides instructional space for five teachers and the program director to work closely and collaboratively with their students. The 7,000 square foot facility includes six classrooms/meeting rooms and a large conference room along with a bright and inviting commons area that will become a home within the home that is La Salle College High School for students in the David Program. The new building takes advantage of the natural beauty of the area, framed by the original school building, the Belcroft Mansion, and the Lourdes Grotto.

DEDICATION OF THE DAVID PROGRAM

JUNE 12, 2024

SNAPSHOTS FROM THE SPRING

FIELD

DAY APRIL 19, 2024

The weather was perfect for Field Day on April 19, 2024, as homerooms competed against each other in over three dozen events. The day featured spirited competition, notable sportsmanship, and a campus filled with smiles and laughs. The winning homeroom was determined by an giant obstacle course that took its toll on many a competitor in search of that ultimate prize – bragging rights.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION APRIL 16, 2024

On April 16, 2024, 102 young men were inducted into the De La Salle Chapter of the National Honor Society at a ceremony in the auditorium. Selection for membership requires that the student maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.80, achieve a final grade no lower than a B- in any class, have a record of good conduct, demonstrate leadership, participate in service activities and in an acceptable number of extracurricular activities within the school community as well as the community at large. The student must also exhibit positive qualities and attitudes of responsibility, honesty, reliability, cooperation, and concern for others.

SHARP DRESSED MEN

APRIL 13, 2024 AND APRIL 26, 2024

The Senior Prom was held at The Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill on April 13, 2024. The Junior Prom was held at Celebrations in Bensalem on April 26, 2024. Nearly 500 gentlemen, along with their dates, attended and enjoyed evenings filled with food, dancing, great music, and good times shared by friends and classmates.

CLASS OF 2024 Our Newest Alums

BACCALAUREATE MASS

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH - DOYLESTOWN, PA

MAY 20, 2024

“ ”

As students at this institution, we are molded into men of the future, driven by strong character and compassion for others.

Matthew Antonio Siravo ’24 – Baccalaureate Speaker

SENIOR AWARDS CEREMONY

MAY 21, 2024

COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES

MAY 22, 2024

“ ”

Our teachers and faculty pushed us every day to be the best versions of ourselves – the best learners, the best men, and above all reach out and form real connections that may last forever.

Kevin Joseph Guerin, Jr. ’24 – Valedictorian

ACCEPTED

TO 208 33 Colleges and Universities in States, District of Columbia, and Canada.

ENROLLED AT 92 20 Colleges and Universities in States, District of Columbia, and Canada.

were accepted to one of the TOP 50 MOST SELECTIVE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES * 82%

23% are matriculating 500 miles or farther from La Salle College High School of students applied to at least one TOP 50 MOST SELECTIVE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES * 83%

plan to enroll at one of the TOP 50 MOST SELECTIVE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES * 46%

34 student athletes 28 colleges 8 sports

* U.S. News & World Report Top 50: National; Liberal Arts; or Public Colleges/Universities and/or colleges/universities that accept less than 25% of applicants.

HAIL LA SALLE, OUR ALMA MATER, Hail, all hail!

ALUMNI NEWS

AUGUST OBER ’47 writes that he attended “1240” in 1944-1945 at Broad and Girard. A large brownstone with 12 rooms, a chapel, a basketball court in the yard, and a lunchroom in South Philadelphia.

JOHN SCHMIDT ’56 is alive and kicking at 86 in Salt Lake City, UT.

ROBERT M. SMITH ’59 at 83 years young is still rowing on the Chesapeake Bay and volunteering as a high school football coach.

DAVID J. SMITH, MD ’63 was honored by the Marine Corps League.

KEVIN KEEGAN, ESQ. ’65 volunteers at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA by serving military retirees from all branches throughout New England regarding their military retirement benefits.

JAMES WISE, MD ’65 recently retired from his Rheumatology practice.

FRANK WESNER ’66 writes that he and his wife, Mia, have seven grandchildren ranging from 12 years to 1 year.

THOMAS J. BALDINO, PhD ’67 is an emeritus professor of Political Science at Wilkes University. He recently co-authored Understanding Public Policy in the Keystone State with Dr. Paula Holoviak. The publication, which was published by Penn State University Press, provides a comprehensive examination of the Keystone State’s formal and informal political institutions and players, past and present, and elucidates the place each holds in governing the commonwealth today.

ED MOLUSH ’68 was elected to the Temple University Athletic Hall of Fame.

PHILLIP F. HELLER, JD, PhD '69 is failing retirement for the second time but having a blast as a Sailing Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD.

ARTHUR WARREN ’69 retired on December 31, 2023, after 48 years of Federal Government service.

JACK MCKEOWN ’70 and his wife Denise were in Antarctica followed by

a safari in Tanzania. Jack is an avid collector of antique Samurai swords and armor and sponsored a Samurai exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond from April 20, 2024 through August 4, 2024.

GEORGE DEFREHN ’70 published his first novel (third book) call The Judas Tree – Book 1.

GERALD HATHAWAY, ESQ. ’72 changed law firms and is now a partner of Fox Rothschild, LLP. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.

GREGORY KOCHANOWICZ ’72 is enjoying his family and traveling.

DAVID THOMAS ’75 has been coaching at Jefferson University for over eighteen years and recently coached the women's team to its 13th CACC Cross Country title.

JOSEPH A. CHECCHIO, DDS ’75 opened a new office in Mullica Hill, NJ and is working on a paper regarding placement of dental implants in Oral Cancer patients.

DON RONGIONE ’75 celebrated 47 years of marriage with Maryellen Kueny and 42 years with Bollman Hat Company.

JAMES “JIM” CUMMINGS, APR ’76 is now a Senior Strategist with CESO Communications after 33 years as a School Communicator.

MICHAEL A. BECKER, DO ’79 received the Alumni Certificate of Honor from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for his unwavering dedication to osteopathic medicine and his outstanding contributions to the College. Awarded at the College’s annual Founder’s Day celebration, it is the school’s highest honor.

DAVID E. REINHARDT, DO ’84 opened his own corporation after 25 years of Orthopedic Surgery. Pennsylvania Regional Orthopedics at 260 Knowles Avenue, No. 226, Southampton, PA, 18966.

RICHARD VAN FOSSEN ’84 spent the last two years working with Eustace Wolfington and his family on the marketing and fundraising for the feature film Cabrini

CHRISTOPHER DORAN ’85 was named COO of Guilford Publishing.

RICH SHERMAN ’85 published his first book, Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes who Never Returned www.neverhomeheroes.com

MARC MADISON ’86 was recently featured by Washington Exec. He is Vice President of Strategic Pricing Administration for Koniag Government Services, and his career includes over 20 years of federal pricing experience working for several Fortune 500 government contracting companies. He joined KGS thirteen years ago to support an exceptional, growing company.

VIC SUCHODOLSKI ’86 has been promoted to CEO of Sargent & Lundy.

STAN SZPINDOR ’87 started a new position as Vice President of R&D Quality at Pyxis Oncology developing new drugs to treat solid tumors.

JOHN DEVER '89 has a son, Jack, who will join the Class of 2028 in the fall of 2024. Jack is the fourth generation of John Devers to attend La Salle College High School: John J. (Jack) Dever '23, John J. Dever, Jr. '53, John B. Dever '89, and John B. (Jack) Dever, Jr. '28.

EDWARD M. LOUKA ’92 was promoted to First Assistant District Attorney in Bucks County.

DAVID KAISER ’93 celebrated 25 years working at Temple University in September of 2023. He works for the Fox School of Business as the Senior Director of Strategic Analytics, which has him oversee all the data for the Fox School and Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism and Hospitality Management.

VINCENT CARR ’99 recently received a royal distinction in the United Kingdom. On March 9, 2024, in Southwark Cathedral in London, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, the highest level of certification an organist can obtain. The College has been under a Royal Charter with the Monarch as patron since 1893. Carr is one of very few Americans to have achieved this

honor, and successfully completed the intense multi-day exam in which the organist is tested on musical skills, performance, and knowledge. His work garnered three highest-score prizes: the Limpus, Dixon and Richardson Prizes. As a Limpus prizewinner, he offered the Vote of Thanks speech at the conclusion of the ceremony. Carr leads the education program for the American Guild of Organists, the world’s largest professional association of Organists and Church Musicians. He currently serves as Director of Sacred Music at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona, NJ.

JOSEPH GIDJUNIS '00 is host of Grown Up Dad, a new documentary airing on public television stations and

streaming on PBS Passport. Grown Up Dad explores the generational changes of fatherhood by asking what it means to be a good dad today? Historically, being a dad meant providing financially – putting food on the table and a roof overhead. Yet, this norm feels incomplete. Between important discussions about toxic masculinity and evolving gender roles, defining good fatherhood has never been more complex. Joe is a dad who only saw fathers as drive-by parents, missing the real family time. Wanting to be more for his own son, he sets out on a journey across the United States and Australia after being inspired by the hit TV show, Bluey.

https://www.grownup.dad

GREG BEDNARZ ’02 is happy to be back on the East Coast after five years in San Francisco. It has been wonderful to see his La Salle friends in the area and he is looking forward to seeing and meeting even more alums in the future.

MATTHEW QUIGG, ESQ. ’02 opened his own law firm, Law Office of Matthew Quigg, LLC, specializing in criminal and DUI defense.

PATRICK BRETT ’04 had a successful heart and liver transplant and is now healthier than ever and able to do things with his children that he never thought he would be able to do!

MICHAEL DRISCOLL ’04 relocated to Wichita, KS, to work at Koch Industries corporate headquarters after nearly a decade at its Washington, DC office.

GARY ALEXANDER STAUROWSKY ’04 attended Hofstra University and graduated Cum Laude with a degree in International Business and minors in French and Information Technology. He is co-founder of Oyster Bay Community Rowing in Oyster Bay, NY, and was featured in the Wall Street Journal for restoration of antique John Deere tractors with his father.

FRANK EVANS ’10 graduated nursing school and started his career as a nurse at Temple University Hospital. He currently works as the Assistant Director of the Respiratory ICU. Frank and his wife, Julia, were married in April of 2022 and currently reside in Palmyra, NJ.

CHRISTOPHER ALEXANDER ’11 married Molly Rooney on November 4, 2023. Molly is the great-granddaughter of La Salle’s legendary basketball coach Charles "Obie" O'Brien.

MICHAEL VECCHIONE ’11 recently transitioned from enlisted to officer in the United States Coast Guard.

ALEX WEINRICH ’12 Alex and Christianne Weinrich were married on July 29, 2023, at The Inn on Chebeague Island in Maine. Attending the wedding were (pictured left to right): Joe Eble '75, Matt Fitzpatrick '13, Ted Weinrich '01, Stephen Weinrich '91, John Weinrich, Sr. '81, Herman Weinrich, Esq. '79, Alex Weinrich '12, John Weinrich, Jr. '10, Emmett Gross '12, and Michael Weinrich ' 77.

JULIAN BASEMAN ’13 graduated from Officer Candidate School and commissioned as a 2nd LT in the United States Marine Corps.

PATRICK FINLAY, DVM ’13 graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.

WE WELCOME AND WE REMEMBER

(BIRTHS AND DEATHS –

WE WELCOME

BRETT FOLEY ’00 and his wife, Ali, welcomed a girl, Rory Louise Foley, on January 12, 2024.

JAMES “JIM” SACCHETTA ’03 and his wife, Katie, welcomed their fourth child, on September 19, 2023.

WILLIAM “BILLY” KESSLER ’05 and his wife, Katie, welcomed a son, William Alexander on July 20, 2023.

MATTHEW SINNOTT ’06 and his wife, Kelly, welcomed a son, Sebastian Robert Sinnott, on March 7, 2024.

MICHAEL FURLONG ’08 and his wife, Caitlin, welcomed a son, Sean Michael, on September 19, 2023.

MICHAEL McCABE ’08 and his wife, fellow Faculty Member Liz McCabe, welcomed a son, Francis Michael, on January 25, 2024.

SEAN SMITH ’08 and his wife, Kelsey, are the proud parents of a son, Declan Michael, born September 14, 2023. Congratulations to proud grandparents Kathleen and Brian Smith.

JOHN “JACK” MILLS ’13 and his wife, Jessica, welcomed a son, Rowan Patrick Mills, on May 8, 2024.

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR BOB ZANNEO and his wife, Jen, welcomed a son, Pierce Brian Zanneo, on March 25, 2024.

WE REMEMBER

THOMAS A. FLANNERY ’41, brother of the late John "Tex" Flannery '40.

ROBERT J. CARABASI, MD ’42

FRANCIS P. BURNS ’45, brother of the late William '46.

GEORGE C. HINES ’46, Hall of Fame Member and Hall of Athletics Inductee.

EDWARD J. MCQUILLEN, PhD ’47, father of Edward '90.

EDWARD J. WHELAN ’47, father of Christopher '82; predeceased by his father John '16 and brothers John '42, Thomas '50, and William '55.

ROBERT J. MCCLOSKEY ’48

REPORTED AS OF JUNE 30, 2024)

REV. MSGR. IGNATIUS MURRAY ’48, son of the late Ignatius Murray ‘18; brother of Rev. Msgr. Thomas Murray ’59 and the late Dr. John Murray ’49 and Rev. Msgr. Joseph Murray ’51.

JOHN P. MURRAY, MD ’49, father of the late John '76; son of the late Ignatius ’18; brother of Rev. Msgr. Thomas Murray ’59 and Rev. Msgr. Ignatius Murray ’48 and the late Rev. Msgr. Joseph Murray ’51

ERNEST J. SANTONE ’49

JOHN J. KERWIN ’49

PETER J. FINLEY, SR. EdD ’49, son of John '24.

FRANCIS X. DEVLIN ’50

REVEREND WILLIAM SPENCER ’50

JOSEPH E. LABRUM ’50, father of Michael ’77 and Mark ‘80; grandfather of Kyle Martin ’12 and Connor Martin ’14.

JAMES J. MULLAHY ’50

EDWARD J. SCHMID ’50

HONORABLE R. BARRY

MCANDREWS ’50, father of Michael '81 and R. Brian '85; grandfather of Michael McNulty '23.

RONALD A. HOLLY ’52

JOHN F. LEE ’52

MICHAEL J. LONGO, PhD ’52

ROBERT J. WALKER ’52

GEORGE A. BUTLER, JR., ESQ. ’53

JOHN H.J. GRANAHAN ’53

GEORGE H. PERANTEAU ’53

RAPHAEL S. TANCREDI, SR. ’53

CHARLES J. BABIOWSKI ’54

EDWARD J. NESSLER ’55

THOMAS J. LAVIN, JR. ’55

FRANK J. DOYLE ’56

JAMES M. FOLEY ’56, Hall of Fame Member and Past Trustee; father of Mark '80 and James '84; grandfather of Christopher Rocco '13; brother of the late Michael '61.

CHARLES J. "OBIE" O'BRIEN ’56, father of Mrs. Erin Dugery (David); grandfather of David Dugery '18; greatgrandfather-in-law of Christopher Alexander '11.

WILLIAM J. WALSH ’56

ROBERT G. GABAGE ’57

RICHARD F. GINIECZKI ’57, father of Robert '83 and Christopher '90; brother of Michael '61.

ALEXANDER S. MACAIONE, DO ’57

JOHN "JACK" WOJCIECH ’57

THOMAS J. RISI ’58, bother of the late Anthony ’61.

WILLIAM J. EBBECKE, JR. ’59

DAVID E. DELP ’59

GEORGE J. KELLY, JR. ’60

LOUIS A. CICALESE, ESQ. ’61

ROGER E. AGIN ’61

JOSEPH M. CROTTY ’61, brother of James ’63.

THOMAS J. PAGAN ’62, grandfather of Michael Lee '23, and Ryan Lee '25; brother of the late Arthur '59.

LT.COL. JOSEPH F. HAUGHNEY, USAF(RET.) ’62

JAMES DAVID JOHNSON, CPA ’64

DANIEL J. KEATING ’64

DENNIS MANION ’64

MICHAEL F. JEFFERS, JR. ’65

KENNETH G. FULMER ’66

EDWARD J. WHITE ’66, brother of Lawrence '72, James '75, and the late Patrick '69.

MARK S. CONLOW ’68, brother of Paul '64.

JAMES J. HANEY III, MD ’68, brother of John ’71.

JOE MCGOWAN ’69

ANDREW J. MILLIGAN, PHD ’69, Former Trustee; brother of Mark Milligan '77; uncle of Mark Milligan '06.

MICHAEL J. DOUGHERTY, USN (RET.) ’69

TOM CHRISTMANN ’70

JOHN "SEAN" GALLAGHER ’71, father of Ryan '98, Kevin '02, and Christopher '05.

JOSEPH A. SCHREINER ’72

JOHN V. MASTRONARDO ’73, father of John '13; brother of the late Joseph '66.

CRAIG L. MENTA ’73

BERNARD W. LAFFERTY ’76

EUGENE E. SHUTTLE, JR. ’77

MARTIN BRYERS ’78, brother of William '73 and Richard '74; uncle of Nicholas '97 and Kieran '00.

TIMOTHY J. PRZYBYLOWSKI ’78, brother of Thaddeus '73.

ROBERT E. BOLGER, JR. ’79, father of Robert '08; uncle of Thomas Sottile '17.

GREGORY T. SHAW ’80

JOHN J. LEE, JR. ’81, son of John J. Lee, Sr. '55.

RICHARD E. WILLIAMS ’81, brother of Roy '79.

TIMOTHY J. CAMPBELL, JR, ESQ. ’82, brother of Thomas ’72 and the late Terence ’85.

JOHN C. MUNSHOWER, DO ’83, brother of Thomas '81.

JAMES R. POOLE ’84

STEPHEN L. SOTTOLANO ’84

STEPHEN T. RIETZKE ’85, father of William '16, Owen '18, and Aidan '21; brother of Gregory '88; uncle of Sean '17, Brennan '17, and Rylan '21.

THOMAS K. HOULAHAN ’86

JOHN W. BROWN ’86, Hall of Fame Member and son of Former Faculty Member Clare Brown.

ROBERT J. SULLIVAN ’86, uncle of Niko Amato '09.

CHARLES MCNALLY ’87

TIMOTHY J. "TIM" MCGOLDRICK ’88, brother of Peter '90.

ROGER J. WILLIAMS, JR. ’89

ROBERT “BOBBY” FARRELL ’98

TIMOTHY J. RILEY ’06, brother of Patrick '04.

GAVIN MATTHEW HYER ’17, brother of Kieran '10; nephew of James Hasson '88 and Christopher Hasson '91; and cousin of Patrick '14, Andrew '16, John '22, and Ryan '23 Hasson.

GARRET DOTGER ’22, brother of Tyler ’19.

DYLAN JOSEPH LESKUSKY ’26

GENEVIEVE ADDISON, grandmother of Evan ’18 and Liam ’22 Addison.

WILLIAM AGER, father of Jason ’00.

TERRENCE ALEXANDER, father of Terrence ’00.

SUZANNE ALTIERI, mother of Ronald '93; sister of the late Martin '63 and the late Edward Longstreth ’74.

GERARD J. BRETT, father of Mr. Gerard Brett, Director of College Counseling.

TERESA M. BRYERS, mother of William '73, Richard '74, and the late Martin '78; grandmother of Nicholas Bryers '97 and Kieran Bryers '00.

MARY ANNE E. BURKE, mother of Arthur Burke ’85.

NANCY CALVITTI, Mothers Club Past President; mother of Vincent '90 and Anthony '93; sister of Karl Williams '63.

JOSEPH J. CANAVAN, SR., father of Joseph ’86.

JOHN M. CARR, father of John ’01.

NICHOLAS J. CASSIZZI, father of Joseph '19.

JOHN R. CELLUCCI, father of John ’82.

WILLIAM H. CLARK, father of Michael '06 and Kevin '10.

NORINE CROSS, mother of Stephen '24.

JOSEPH A. D'ANGELO, father of Michael '84 and Anthony '86 D'Angelo; grandfather of Anthony '14, Alex '16 and Michael '17 D'Angelo and Max Gallagher '27.

JOHN W. DINDA, son of Michael ’82; nephew of Mark Dinda ’85.

EUGENE R. DONACHIE, JR., father of Brendan ’21.

JOHN A. DOUGHERTY, father of Philip '00.

EILEEN BRETT FLYNN, mother of Kevin ’82 and Sean ’83; grandmother of Malcom Flynn ’12, Fergus Flynn ’16, Colin Borneman ’17, Max Flynn ’19, Macklin Borneman ’19, Flynn Marzarella ’20, Henry Marzarella ’22, Miles Marzarella’24, and Edward Marzarella’27; mother of Past Trustee Meganne Borneman.

BROTHER EDWARD GALLAGHER, FSC

JOHN GILL, father of former Staff Member John Gill; father-in-law of former Staff Member Connie Gill; grandfather of John ’01, Ryan ’03, and Andrew ’05 Gill.

ANDREW “DREW” GORDON, former Football Coach; father of Brett ’98; brother of Tom ’82.

JAMES FARLEY, brother of Reverend Bernie Farley.

PHILIP “BERT” HAGGERTY, father of Philip ’07; wife of Campus Minister Carol Haggerty.

FRANCIS X. HANNIGAN, father of Timothy '97 and Andrew '04.

JAMES HASSON, Past Trustee; father of James ’85 and Christopher ’91; grandfather of Patrick ’14, Andrew ’16, John ’22, and Ryan’23 Hasson along with Kieran ’10 and the late Gavin ’17 Hyer.

LAURA HOPKINS, mother of Phillip Hopkins '09.

DANIEL J. KELLEHER, former Assistant Basketball Coach.

RONALD E. KESSLER, father of Jason '18; son-in-law of Janice and Joseph Ciccimaro '57; brother-in-law of Joseph Ciccimaro, Jr. '81.

THOMAS KOLONIS, SR., grandfather of Thomas '17 and Matthew '19 Kolonis.

JOSEPHINE A. KONOPKA, mother of Bruce '74; and the late Walter '69.

MICHELINE KOWALCZYK, Wife of Sydney ’57; sister-in-law of James Kowalczyk ’60.

JASON J. LAWLER, son of late Former Trustee Denis J. Lawler, Esq. '66; nephew of Terence '69, Rory '73, Timothy '75 and Brendan '83 Lawler.

LYNN LANGE, mother of Mason ’24, wife of Brian ’84.

JOANNA LEE, grandmother of William Ernst ’18; mother-in-law of William ’81.

SENORA LOPEZ, mother of Faculty Member Lastenia Breen; mother-in-law of Michael Breen ’72; grandmother of Patrick ’00 and Mark ’07.

BROTHER LUKE MAHER, FSC

JOHN J. MALONE, father of John '73, Joseph '76, Charles '91, and Terrence '92.

ANNA MANZ, mother of Christopher ’82.

DOROTHY D. MCNAMARA grandmother of Brian '13, Shane '15, and Daniel '18 McNamara.

EILEEN MARIE DOWDS MINARIK wife of Joseph J. Minarik, Jr., PhD ’67.

WALTER P. MORAN, JR. Robert Moran ’69.

JOHN G. “JACK” MURPHY Christopher ’87; grandfather of Shane ‘23 and Connor ‘25.

GUNA PANTELE, wife of Andrew Puntel '00; daughter-in-law of Former Faculty Member Al Puntel: sister-inlaw of Jeremy Puntel '15.

SISTER GLORIA JEAN PETRONE, ACI, former Faculty Member.

MIRIAM PFLUGER, wife of long-time Alumni Board Member Frank Pfluger '50.

ELIZABETH “BETTY” SHAW wife of Ken ’60, mother of Ken ’83; grandmother of Peter Re ’21 and Robert Re’ 22.

ROSALIE SHELTON, wife of the late Richard '51, mother of Eric '90.

MARY LOUISE SKELLY, mother of Richard Skelly '84.

EMILY ANN SMITH, daughter of the late Faculty Member Mrs. Mary Jo Smith; sister of Matthew Smith ‘02.

JOHN H. STEINBERG, father of Thomas '18.

ROBERT E. RUETER, father of Brendan ’01; grandfather of Patrick McGinley ’27; father-in-law of Patrick McGinley ’90.

HELEN WALTERS, wife of the late Former Trustee Vincent Walters '59.

THOMAS G. WINNING, father of Thomas '06 and Brian '09.

DEBORAH WOOD, mother of Faculty Member Liz Wood; mother-in-law of Admissions Director Michael McCabe ’08.

STEPHEN WOOD, father of Faculty Member Liz Wood; father-in-law of Admissions Director Michael McCabe ’08.

SCHOOL CALENDAR for 2024-2025

JANUARY

MARCH

APRIL

EXPLORER

La Salle College High School

8605 Cheltenham Avenue

Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 402 4800 phone www.lschs.org

Change Service Requested