Explorer - Winter 2023

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POWER of CONCENTRATIONS

Explorer THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL WINTER 2023

HALL OF FAME INDUCTION

MARCH 5, 2023

10:00 AM

CHARLES “OBIE” O’BRIEN GYMNASIUM

MASS WILL BE CELEBRATED IN THE AUDITORIUM AT 9:00 AM

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

MICHAEL A. O’TOOLE ’68

ADMINISTRATOR AND EDUCATOR

JOSEPH A. MIHALICH ’74

BASKETBALL COACH

WILLIAM J. WHELAN ’55 ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

JASON H. SPERA ’89

JOHN J. WALLS III ’89

CHRISTAN BROTHERS’ SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT

JULIA K. MAHER ’14(HON)

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL WINTER 2023

President

Brother James L. Butler, FSC

Principal

James E. Fyke

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Daniel L. McGowan

Editor

Christopher M. Carabello ’82

Contributing Writers

Christopher M. Carabello ’82

Matt Cosentino

Samuel Donnellon

Michael J. Winning ’74

Christine Wolkin

Editorial and Production Assistance

Cathleen P. Winning

Photography

James Beaver

Alison Dunlap

Lifetouch Photography, Inc.

Sam Fritch

Art Direction and Design

Burns Design Group

Address Explorer

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038

215 233 2350 phone 215 836 4502 fax

alumni@lschs.org www.lschs.org

The Explorer is published three times a year by La Salle College High School. The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and other topics covered by and in the magazine.

The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right edit and make all decisions regarding the content and information published in the magazine.

MISSION STATEMENT

La Salle College High School, a Catholic independent, college preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in the development of his unique Godgiven talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.

WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES 8 A SPARK OF INSPIRATION ARTICLES 12 GLOBAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATION PROGRAM OFFERS FIRST-HAND GUIDANCE AND EXPERIENCE 14 DIGITAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION CONCENTRATION WILL PREPARE STUDENTS FOR E VOLVING CAREER PATHS 16 A STORIED CAREER IN LASALLIAN EDUCATION 18 A COACH WITH MORE THAN X’S AND O’S HIGHLIGHTS 4 MOMENTS of DISTINCTION 20 PHOTO GALLERIES HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION AUCTION DINNER DANCE DEPARTMENTS 2 LET US REMEMBER (LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT) 26 NEWS NOTES 30 WE WELCOME AND REMEMBER (BIRTHS AND DEATHS)
Explorer

LET US REMEMBER

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

DEAR LA SALLE FAMILY,

If you were to visit La Salle today, you would discover that the two end classrooms on the first and second floors of McLean Hall have a somewhat different look to them. Variably called innovative classrooms, or classrooms of the future, these rooms don’t have whiteboards, let alone chalkboards. The paint applied to the walls allows for being written on and erased, so students can put up problems just about anywhere. Pupil desks can be coupled together in pods for group tasks or separated for testing and other solo work. Several monitors allow students to dock their laptops and show work to their group or the whole class.

Those used to traditional arrangements would likely enter these rooms and puzzle at the arrangement of furniture a bit before asking an obvious question, “Where’s the front?” Each room totally lacks the traditional teacher’s desk and chair with podium on a central axis anchoring the room to “the front,” ordinarily in close proximity to a door.

The absence of this “front of the room” is not simply a question of fashion, a reflection of the fact that departments have office space at La Salle, or a concrete way to inculcate the maxim, “good teachers never sit in the classroom.” It is a window onto a whole different style of teaching recognized as more effective and relevant in the third decade of the twenty-first century. The lecturing teacher at the podium dispensing knowledge, even on a platform in some earlier La Salle classrooms, has been removed from his perch. Now, information is everywhere, and the challenge is not so much accessing it but evaluating available data, constructing new knowledge from the interaction of what is already available and the insights of a group of learners. The teacher’s role transitions to that of a guide, a mentor—a coach, if you will.

Mike O’Toole ’68 was an instructor who understood the “teacher as coach” model years before it came into pedagogical and psychological high repute. His classes, while always rigorous, were and are rarely focused on student mastery of things he already knows.

Rather, he relentlessly probes, requires students to elucidate their thinking, poses counter arguments. As principal also, his nine years focused on “teaching excellence” have resulted at La Salle in an instructional climate that is stimulating, student-centered, and focused on continuous growth by students, whatever their ability level. These classroom prototypes piloted this year harvest the pedagogical seeds he planted.

Think of coaching in the context of La Salle alumni, and few names would come to mind more quickly and elicit more respect than that of Joe Mihalich ’74. Born in the shadow of La Salle College (as it then was), a professor’s son, he grew up in the world of Big Five basketball and played at both La Salles himself before a three-decade career as head coach at Niagara and Hofstra, including frequent championship appearances. Still involved on La Salle University’s staff today, he coaches all of us now on how to deal with life’s inevitable challenges with an inspirational grace, wisdom, and serenity.

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DEPARTMENTS

You will also read in this issue of the Explorer information regarding exciting developments in our new Concentrations program. During the 2023-24 school year, we will be featuring five “live” concentrations: Global Business, Engineering and Robotics, IT Professional, Music Professional, and Digital Media and Communications. Another in the health professions continues in active discussion. The Concentrations program itself works on more of a coaching model than a direct instruction approach to learning. Students aren’t just presented information, they’re placed in situations where they must use what they know, garner insight from observation and participation, reflect actively on the fit between their academic learning, evolving real-world experiences, and the mentoring of alumni, parents, and others who are established in the field. Adults on the school’s faculty and beyond provide guidance, perspective, and refinement as the students “try on” careers that might remain as vague aspirations for years to come in the traditional model.

As should be no surprise, John Baptist de La Salle approached teaching from something of a coaching perspective three and a third centuries ago, alien as the concept of athletic competition might have been to him. In his famous Good Shepherd Meditation, the Founder observes:

Intoday’sGospelJesusChristcomparesthose who have charge of souls to a good shepherd who has great care for the sheep. One quality hemustpossess,accordingtoourSavior,isto know each one of them individually. This ought also to be one of the main concerns of those who instruct others: to be able to understand their students and to discern the right way to guide them. They must show more mildness toward some, more firmness toward others. There are those who call for much patience, thosewhoneedtobestimulatedandspurredon, some who need to be reproved and punished to correct them of their faults, others who must be constantly watched over to prevent them from being lost or going astray.

This taxonomy of student or athlete types can still be found in any classroom today, on any bench or sideline. Following de La Salle’s blueprint for how to attend to the developmental needs of your students and players may not get you into the PIAA or NCAA playoffs every year, but it will secure you a place in the hearts and minds of former students and athletes such as that held by Joe Mihalich and Michael O’Toole.

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“ ”
…Jesus Christ compares those who have charge of souls to a good shepherd who has great care for the sheep.

MOMENTS of DISTINCTION

COLLEGE INTERVIEW DAY

On October 4, 2022, the Class of 2023 participated in the school’s annual College Interview Day. Held in the school gymnasium, 67 admissions representatives (an in-person record) from 55 colleges and universities were in attendance. 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 asked questions about the colleges and universities.

GOLDEN EXPLORERS RETURN TO CAMPUS

CLASS OF 2026

La Salle College High School opened its doors on August 18, 2022 for the start of the school’s 164th academic year. Over 300 boys from local middle and elementary schools were welcomed to the Class of 2026 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 mascot, and the sounds of the Pep Band.

NEW MOTHERS’ TEA

The Mothers’ Club welcomed new mothers to the La Salle community on September 11, 2022 at the annual New Mother’s Tea. Over 250 mothers attended the event that was held in the gymnasium. Brother James Butler, FSC, Principal James Fyke, and Mothers’ Club President, Mrs. Nancy Matthews, spoke to the mothers regarding different aspects of life at La Salle College High School. The mothers enjoyed light refreshments and came away with many new acquaintances.

OPEN HOUSE

Over 300 families toured the buildings and campus during the Open House on September 25, 2022. Personal tours were conducted by Student Ambassadors, which allowed families to visit particular areas of interest. Music filled the air as over 100 musicians performed throughout the day. All nineteen athletic teams were in the gym along with the academic departments, and over 50 clubs and activities were represented in the Glaser Center. Trolleys with student guides provided tours of the school’s 84-acre campus.

Over 100 Golden Explorers – alumni who graduated more than fifty years ago from La Salle College High School – returned to campus on October 4, 2022 for the annual Golden Explorers Reception. Will Ryan ’23 spoke to the alumni about life at La Salle today and reunions were celebrated by the Classes of 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. The event provided an opportunity to catch up with old friends and classmates, reminisce about the glory days at “20th and Olney” and “8605” as well as learn about the exciting things going on at their alma mater.

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

On October 5, 2022, the Golf Team won the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship at Jeffersonville Golf Club. The Explorers’ overall score of 455 was 23 strokes better than Saint Joseph’s Prep and 44 strokes better than Devon Prep. It was the 7th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League Championship for the Explorers and their 19th title since 2000. La Salle was led by junior John Stevenson who fired a 2-over par round of 72, finishing second overall, Ten Explorers shot 80 or better and received All-Catholic honors. The following week, the Explorers repeated as District 12 Champions and went on to defeat Liberty High School (Bethlehem, PA), the District 11 Champions, by 11 strokes to advance to the finals of the Pennsylvania State Championship for fifth time in six years.

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FRESHMAN BRANCH-OUT DAY

On October 11, 2022, the freshman class (Class of 2026) participated in Freshman Branch-Out Day. Over 300 students, along with almost 200 of their fathers and 30 members of school’s faculty and staff, performed a day of service at 21 different “under-served” sites in the Philadelphia Area. This year marked the 20th year that the freshman class at La Salle College High School has “branched out” in service to the community. In total, almost 550 members of the La Salle community collectively provided over 1,600 hours of service to these organizations. The day concluded with a discussion about the integral role community service plays in the Lasallian mission and a challenge to the freshman to find their role in that mission.

HONORS CONVOCATION

La Salle College High School held its annual Academic Convocation on October 20, 2022 and awarded a Scholastic “L” to 384 First Honor Students – 154 seniors, 98 juniors, and 132 sophomores – who distinguished themselves by attaining a final grade point average of 3.75 or above and no grade below a “B-” at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 academic year. In addition, 223 boys – 92 seniors, 66 juniors, and 65 sophomores – were recognized for having a final GPA of 4.0 or higher at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year. Mark Gibbons ’92 and Mark Chesnik were recognized for their 25 years of service to La Salle College High School and Daniel Spinelli, Jr. ’14 was the guest speaker.

ONE ACT PLAYS

The Theater Program at La Salle College High School performed six one act plays – including two student-written and student-directed shows – as part of the school’s Annual One Act Play Festival held in the auditorium October 21-22, 2022. A group of 26 actors and actresses staged two performances of the plays.

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Cross Country team captured the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship on October 22, 2022 for the 7th consecutive year and 14th time since 2003 by scoring 18 points as senior captain Drew Brill captured individual honors with a time of 16:14 at Belmont Plateau. The following week, La Salle repeated as District 12 Champions to advance to the Pennsylvania State Championship in Hershey, PA, where they finished in second place. The runner-up finish marked the 6th consecutive podium (Top 2) finish for the Explorers, who were State Champions in 2017 and have now finished 2nd in the five years since then.

JUNIOR CLASS CELEBRATES LEADERSHIP

On November 13, 2022, over 260 members of the Class of 2024, along with their families, attended the Brother Edward Gallagher, FSC Leadership Liturgy. Named in honor of Brother Edward Gallagher, FSC who twice served as Principal of La Salle College High School (196669 and 1972-77), the event marked the transition to leadership for the junior class. The day began with a Mass celebrated in the gymnasium by Reverend Louis Monica, Jr. and concluded with a leadership pledge along with the blessing and presentation of the Class of 2024 Leadership Pin along with class rings for those who purchased them.

EVERY CAN COUNTS

The Thanksgiving Food Drive to benefit Saint Vincent’s Parish in Germantown and La Salle’s Pheed Philly service initiative wrapped up on November 21, 2022. Over 14,000 cans and non-perishable food items were collected by the La Salle community and were used to benefit families in need around the Thanksgiving holiday and throughout the year.

A Thanksgiving Prayer Service organized by the Mission and Ministry Leadership Team was held in the gymnasium on November 22, 2022 and attended by the entire student-body. Students packed the food into boxes and prepared it for transport to the pantry at Saint Vincent’s Parish in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, which serves those in need in North Philadelphia.

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MOMENTS of DISTINCTION

SENIOR MOTHERS TRIM TREE

Over 225 mothers of seniors gathered in the auditorium on November 29, 2022 to decorate and light one of the many Christmas Trees on campus during the Christmas Season. This annual tradition where each mother (or grandmother) hangs a Christmas ornament inscribed with the name of their son brought together mothers from the Class of 2023 for a special moment to commemorate their son’s time at La Salle College High School. A reception was held, and the evening concluded with a candle ceremony and special prayer.

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

The Music Department at La Salle College High School performed their annual Christmas Concert to a capacity crowd in the auditorium on December 5, 2022. The concert featured almost 200 musicians in seven different ensembles, performing fifteen numbers. The Honors Advanced Band closed out the concert with Home For The Holidays and Sleigh Ride.

The following week, on December 12, 2022, the Choral Program treated the audience in the auditorium to fourteen arrangements featuring the voices of over 70 young men in the two ensembles under the direction of Mr. Mark Norman, who performed numbers that included Do You Hear What I Hear?, It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, Angels We Have Heard On High, and White Christmas.

MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS

During the morning hours of Christmas Eve, over 120 students (30 Santas and 94 elves) delivered presents to the homes of 80 pediatric oncology and hematology patients from Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children. The day marked the 22nd consecutive year that La Salle College High School has partnered with Committee to Benefit the Children to bring the “Miracle of Christmas” to these children and their siblings. The La Salle community purchased gifts that were wrapped, tagged, bagged, and delivered to over 250 children on the morning of Christmas Eve. Additional gifts were donated by families who “adopted” patients and their siblings. Over 30 parents and alums accompanied the students as they made deliveries into twelve counties in two states.

LEGACY RECEPTION

La Salle College High School hosted its annual Legacy Reception in the Glaser Center on January 10, 2023, where nearly 200 past, present, and future Explorers — across three generations — gathered to share their Lasallian stories, connect with classmates and friends, and welcome members of the Class of 2027 with familial connections to La Salle.

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SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION – CLASS OF 2027

La Salle College High School awarded 62 scholarships to 8th grade boys and, on January 12, 2023, the La Salle community hosted these young men along with their parents and a favorite teacher from their grade school, at a Scholarship Reception. The guests were hosted at their table by a current senior along with a member of the faculty/staff and addressed by current seniors Thomas Eble and Sebastian Barnes along with Brother James, Butler, FSC.

SILENT NIGHT

Friday, January 13, 2023 was far from unlucky for La Salle College High School as the Varsity Basketball Team defeated Conwell-Egan Catholic High School by 26 points on “Silent Night,” an annual event that dates back to 2012. The students dress in costume and remain silent until the Explorers score their tenth point and then go berserk and maintain highenergy for the remainder of the game. Over 600 students pack the stands opposite the home and away benches and become the ultimate “sixth man.” The costumes are creative, the atmosphere is electric, and the brotherhood and solidarity is infectious.

SEVENTEEN SENIORS RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of over 16,000 Semifinalists in the 68th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors qualify for this prestigious honor. The following Explorers were named 2022 National Merit Semifinalists: Sebastian Barnes , Evan Cohen, Matthew Giordano, Harrison Glover, and Alexander Ippoliti. The following students were named as 2022 Commended Students: Matthew Dalfo, Joseph Gleason, Connor Goldfarb, Jack Gorovitz, Jonathan Guza, Shane Hannan, Liam Keenan, Cabot Morrissey, Justin Muttreja, Elio Shiffman, Christopher White, and Kevin White.

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A SPARK of INSPIRATION

La Salle College High School’s new Concentrations Program helps students discover their passions, focus on goals, and prepare meaningfully for college and beyond.

It’s no secret that teenage boys tend to lose their focus, which is why the educators who are tasked with getting them back on track are constantly in search of new ways to motivate them. An inspired student can reach dizzying heights, but one who is struggling to see the purpose of his studies may end up mired in complacency.

FEATURE

La Salle College High School, has implemented a forward-thinking program to provide students with a unique opportunity while addressing that concern with a new initiative known as the Concentrations Program. Similar to a college major, the program enables students to choose among three concentrations—with more to come in the future—and discover a path toward realizing their passion and purpose.

“What jumped out at me about specialty programs at La Salle like Robotics, Band, and IT Lab Mangers is the commitment from the students and the amount of learning they get when they dive in and they are fully invested,” says Principal Jim Fyke, who helped develop Concentrations with the full support and guidance of Brother James Butler, FSC. “It’s far superior to traditional models that are just concerned with testing and telling kids what they’re going to need in college. When students commit to something, their level of involvement and engagement, and what they get out of it is just unbelievable.”

The Concentrations Program, which kicked off in September of 2022, is open to all students starting in their sophomore year, although they must meet certain requirements and maintain a B average in the core courses. The three initial areas of study are engineering and global business—based on popular college majors for many La Salle graduates—as well as information technology, which already had a strong existing foundation at the school.

Through the program, students take core courses and interesting new electives. They also participate in related clubs and activities, create professional portfolios, complete capstone projects, have opportunities to earn credentials and certifications, and engage in off-campus internships. The process is heavy on experiential learning and giving students a chance to take an active role in their education.

FEATURE
“A lot of people talk about experiential learning, but not many people do it,” says Dan Cipolla, a longtime physics teacher at La Salle and chair of the engineering arm of the Concentrations.
“That’s the idea, to combine classroom learning with experiential learning. I think for a lot of these guys, the opportunity gets them excited about it possibly being a career for them and gets them motivated to do even better.”

Brother Tony Baginski, FSC, chair of the global business concentration, is new to La Salle this year after serving as principal at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He was drawn to La Salle in part because of this groundbreaking program, which he feels not only sparks intellectual curiosity but also gives students a better understanding of what it will mean to major in these fields in college and pursue a career in them.

“For example, we’re having a retired alum who spent a number of years overseas in China, India, and Japan,” he says. “Just talking to him briefly, you get this idea of what it means to be in international business. It can spark both interest and questions, and the more that we can get our alumni and supporters in front of our students, and the students in front of them, the more it’s going to pay off immensely.”

La Salle already has a renowned music program, and that will be one of three new concentrations starting next year, along with multimedia communications and health sciences. Three more will be added the following year, with nonprofit management and data analysis and statistics under consideration. Fyke is grateful to the school’s leadership team for committing to the program, allocating funds, and hiring new faculty to teach these courses. He is also optimistic about the future of Concentrations and the way it will impact future students.

The internships, which are still being developed, will take place at various times, but ideally in the summer before the student’s senior year.

Principal Fyke expects that students who participate in the Concentrations Program will focus better in non-core classes such as English and history while honing skills such as public speaking and writing that they will surely need later in life. Meanwhile, electives in a chosen concentration, whether it’s advanced computer-aided design in engineering or East Asian studies in global business, will give them a leg up should they continue the same track in college.

“We are working with some of our alumni, and we actually met with our board of trustees to get a sense of the skills they would be looking for if they were hiring kids for a two-week internship, or even a summer internship,” Cipolla says. “They said it was a really great concept and, if the guys had certain skills, it would be a win-win situation.”

Baginski is also counting on La Salle’s vast network, whether through alumni, parents, or staff, to provide valuable resources in the classroom. Having members of the network speak with students about their personal experiences can provide valuable context that drives home lessons learned from a textbook.

“My focus is always on the students we have, the quality of their education, and their seriousness of purpose for it,” he continues. “But there’s no doubt that this is going to attract families who will recognize this is an amazing opportunity for their sons, and it can help with the college application process as well.”

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“La Salle College High School is one of the gems of our Lasallian network, which includes almost 50 high schools in the United States and schools in 80 countries,” he says. “Having a number of these concentrations and not being exclusionary but trying to offer something that will engage and excite almost every one of our students, is the strength of this program.”
“On the one hand, this will expose students to a certain field or career path, and they can pursue it in college and have a head start,” Fyke says. “But the other thing that’s interesting is some students will do this and realize that maybe a certain field isn’t for them and they’re not going to major in it, which is probably just as valuable. You don’t want to spend two years in college, spend all that money, and then end up switching majors or transferring schools.”
“When high school boys don’t have a goal or a plan, they’re notorious for floundering,” he says. “They don’t see the point to some classes, and when they don’t see the point, they don’t seem to perform. I hope this helps them see the point.

GLOBAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATION PROGRAM OFFERS FIRST-HAND GUIDANCE AND EXPERIENCE

“I really didn’t know what the heck I was getting into,’’ he says, laughing.

In turning Bubba’s Hot Dogs into a well-known Sea Isle spot, McNamara had to learn by doing, while suffering all the costs incurred by the inevitable mistakes. Now a teacher at La Salle College High School, his is just one of the life experiences he and Brother Anthony Baginski, FSC present to students involved in La Salle’s first-year Global Business Concentration Program.

Global Business is the newest of what are now three concentration programs developed at the school in the past year. Like the IT Concentration and the Engineering Concentration, Global Business students take seminar courses, create professional portfolios, and complete capstone projects. The program will include guest lectures, field trips, immersion experiences, site visits, and above all mentoring from La Salle’s loyal alums.

“The idea of all these concentrations is to give your son an insight into what the career possibilities are and also what the requirements are academically in college to make that connection in the student’s mind between what’s going on within the four walls of a classroom and their future,’’ says Brother Anthony.

That explains, says McNamara, why some of the concentration electives don’t, at first glance, sound very business-like. But both Public Speaking and East Asian Studies are handy tools when it comes to the global business world.

As the program develops, McNamara and Brother Anthony hope to develop short internships in which the student spends as much as a week inside the business of a La Salle alumnus – even an alumnus who is in the early stages of a career himself.

“For many of these high school students to talk to somebody who’s 25 years old and can say, ’well two years ago I started my first full-time job and here’s how it went is beneficial,’’’ says Brother Anthony. “’Here’s what I did for interviews. Here are some things that I recommend, here’s some of the mistakes that I made that I hope you avoid.’

“We have a pretty esteemed alumni group, folks that have done pretty darn well,’’ says Brother Anthony. “And a lot of those folks are already very excited about stepping up and helping us out. We may even have dinners around a conference table with some of our successful alumni.

McNamara and Baginski both joined La Salle’s Social Science Department this fall as teachers. Baginski was the principal of Central Catholic in Pittsburgh for the last seven years, but actually began his path with an 11-year stint as a commissioned officer in the Coast Guard before becoming a teacher and ultimately joining the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

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“The idea is for them to have more knowledge, to make better choices,’’ he says. “Maybe they decide they are interested in East Asian Studies as a minor to their business major. So, they look for a college that offers that.’’
“This program may still be very young. But there is already lots and lots of momentum behind it.’’
When he graduated from La Salle College High School in 1985, Tim McNamara thought he might want to go into business someday. Years later, after leaving his commission as a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy to teach high school, he decided to start a summer hot dog business at the Jersey Shore.

DIGITAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION CONCENTRATION WILL PREPARE STUDENTS FOR EVOLVING CAREER PATHS

When La Salle’s Innovation and Design Department Chair Robert Johnson attended high school 25 years ago, most everything was siloed in terms of preparing students for careers in media and mass communications.

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“If you wanted to be a journalist, you just took writing classes,” says Johnson, La Salle’s director of digital strategy. “If you wanted to be a media guy, you just took video editing courses.”

Today, the skill sets of those in media, public relations, marketing, and other communications careers are evolving. “This media landscape is so connected now where if you are going write, they expect you to write and know how to tweet and know how to take photos and produce video content,” he says.

To meet those challenges, La Salle’s curriculum is adapting, too. In 2023, La Salle College High School will launch a Digital Media and Communication Concentration Program that will expose students to an assortment of careers that are constantly evolving. Students will use the WEXPtv Media Program’s state-of-the-art studio to jumpstart themselves on paths towards careers in journalism, video production, social media, marketing, public relations, and various other iterations of content creation.

“It’s opening their eyes to all the various avenues that are out there and gives our young men an opportunity to tap into to their creative potential” Johnson says.

Owen Kunko’s eyes are already wide open. A junior, he greatly expanded on the skills he developed at home during the pandemic once he got to La Salle’s expansive media labs.

“The seniors took me under their wings, and they taught me what I know today,” he says. “And then along with that, came Mr. Johnson’s guidance, experience, and expertise in the industry. He laid his knowledge upon me.”

“I’ve always loved basketball and I wanted to stay connected to that in some way,’’ says Kunko, who is targeting a career making documentaries. “So, I started producing basketball content for La Salle and outside of school. And then through that, I built my brand, ALK Studios. We partner with local high schools doing content for their varsity level teams, just providing video content for their social media pages and things of that nature.”

The breadth of La Salle’s media concentration will provide multiple avenues for students, from web design for businesses to creative writing to graphic design to multimedia journalism and storytelling.

All students will be required to complete an independent study project their senior year and to gain leadership experience through one of the school’s many media avenues, including WEXPtv, the school’s online media network; the Sports Information Club; the Esports program; and The Wisterian (school newspaper).

An Emmy-nominated television producer at Comcast Sportsnet in Philadelphia for 10 years before bringing his industry-knowledge to teaching, Johnson has experienced first-hand the dynamic nature of media and is acutely aware that a program like this must be able to pivot and adjust quickly.

“There’s going to be multiple tracks, tailored to what that student is interested in,’’ he says. “Some students may want to pursue a video production track where they are doing more shooting and editing. Some students might do more journalism and storytelling, whether you want to write or do that digitally. Some might want to take photography and graphic design and showcase their skills that way.”

“All these creative skills are skills that are in demand in the workforce. They’re in demand in different career paths, even if it’s not in communications.”

Kunko is already an example of that. He began by making montages for a video game. That morphed into an eight-month stint in Esports, where he self-taught himself 3D animation. And that led to his current passion –live content, focused mostly on sports.

Next year? With the opportunities presented through the concentration, the media world is his oyster, as are his opportunities in choosing what college or university is best to pursue his passion.

Four of last year’s graduates went on to media majors at The University of Connecticut, James Madison University, Fairfield University and Duquesne University. “And they’re all off the bat as freshmen, helping with their sports information departments and their marketing departments.” Those four young men also won the program’s first Mid-Atlantic High School Emmy for Sports Production last year.

Global research from Adobe –the industry-leader in creative production tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro – shows that tomorrow’s jobs will demand creative problem-solving skills.

All students at La Salle have access to Adobe Creative Cloud, and students in the concentration will harness the power of these creative tools daily to showcase their digital creativity – and have the opportunity to achieve professional-level certifications through the school’s on-site partnership with Certiport.

“The goal of this concentration program is to find more of those students like Owen,” says Johnson. “To give them more opportunities to get experience here at La Salle and some outside of school as well to help build their professional portfolio in high school.”

Learn more about the WEXPtv Media Program at www.lschs.org/WEXPtv.

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And he took off. Kunko started his own small business, ALK Studios LLC, that now provides video and social media content to four recurring clients and a few other occasional ones.

Hall of Fame Inductee 2023

A.

A Storied Career In Lasallian Education

ARTICLES

Michael O’Toole ’68 is an educator with five decades of professional experience who exhibits excellence in his vocation and has risen to the pinnacle of his profession. He served as Principal of La Salle College High School for nine years (2012-2021). Prior to returning to his alma mater, he served as Principal of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in Bensalem, PA for seven years. Mike O’Toole is a member of the PAIS Commission on Accreditation, where he serves as an evaluator at independent schools in Pennsylvania seeking PAIS (formerly Middle States) accreditation. He holds both an A.B. and M.A. in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Klingenstein Fellow in Independent School Leadership at Teachers College of Columbia University, where he also received a

Masters degree in education. Additionally, he participated in the inaugural Lasallian Social Justice Institute in 2004.

Although retired as Principal, Mike O’Toole is in his 42nd year as a teacher at La Salle College High School (1974-2005, 2012-present). His tenure is second only to Dave Diehl ’55 and Joe Ciccimaro ’57, both Hall of Fame Inductees. He was elected chairman of the English department at age 30 and served as Director of Summer Programs for eleven years. He initiated and founded the Northwest Scholars Program, an outreach program to Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods that is now called the Saint Katharine Drexel Program and is a viable component to the school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. He was named Curriculum Associate and eventually served as the school’s first Director of Academic Technology, where he spearheaded the school’s initial technology plan and launched La Salle’s first website. He was the second Editor of the Explorer and was the long-time moderator of the Swim Team and, for the past five years, has served as moderator of the Squash Team.

Three new sports were added while Mike O’Toole was Principal along with 20 new clubs and activities, including Robotics and the expansion of the WEXP program. In addition, the student-to-faculty ratio was reduced to 9:1 with 121 faculty members from 93 different colleges and universities, 80% of which have an advanced degree (eight have doctorate degrees). During Mike’s tenure as Principal, enrollment increased by 7% and interest in the school was never higher. AP offerings and scholars remained a top the local catholic and private schools in the area as did the number of National Merit Recognized students. His

leadership during the pandemic, most notably La Salle’s academic performance from March 2020 to May 2021, is particularly noteworthy as few other schools were able to accomplish what La Salle did for its students.

Mike O’Toole has repeatedly proven his willingness to assist La Salle College High School and the Alumni Association in the realization of La Salle’s mission of a Christian education. He served as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors (19992002) as well as a member of the Board of Trustees (2000-2005, 2012-2021). In addition, Mike O’Toole has also demonstrated tremendous service and contributions to the community having served as Board Chair of Face to Face in the Germantown section of Philadelphia and a member of the Advisory Board for De Paul Catholic School in North Philadelphia.

Mike O’Toole clearly shares the Christian values of La Salle College High School, the Alumni Association, and the Christian Brothers. He received the President’s Medal in 2005 and, in 2021, Mike O’Toole was the recipient of the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award from the Christian Brothers, which is presented annually to an educator amongst all Lasallian schools for their outstanding work and dedication to the charism of Saint La Salle. It is the highest award given to a Lasallian educator.

Mike and his wife, Mary Lou, reside in Elkins Park and Cape May, where they spend time with their daughter, Lara, two grandchildren, and their son, Dan ’05 – all of whom celebrate his induction in the Hall of Fame.

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Hall of Fame Inductee 2023

A Coach With More Than X’s and O’s

The expectations growing up in the Mihalich family were very simple and humble – get the most that you can from your education, find a career that you will love, become the best you can be, and never forget there is nothing greater than the love and loyalty of family. And through all of these, live your faith.

who lives out the mission of Saint Vincent de Paul in providing selfless service to the poor and marginalized.

During his career, Joe won 408 games, won multiple coach of the year awards, and took his teams to 8 post-season tournaments. Joe accomplished this at two universities that were struggling to find their identity in Division 1 basketball. In sports parlance, he turned around two programs doing it in what he describes as “the right way.” Most significantly, Joe received the Skip Prosser Man of the Year award in 2013, given to the coach who displays moral integrity on and off the court. As he was taught, Joe found something he loved to do, and he clearly became one of the best.

coached and mentored throughout his career. He has become close to many of those players who readily profess their love and admiration for a man who is so much more to them than a basketball coach. One of Joe’s favorite expressions is “it’s not about the X’s and the O’s, it’s about the Jimmy’s and the Joe’s.” He wanted to understand them, and care for them beyond their basketball life.

In 22 years as a head coach, Joe had a 100% graduation rate. He didn’t recruit just skilled basketball players. He recruited dedicated student-athletes, players who saw education and learning as one of the only true paths to success in life. Joe learned that from not only his parents but from his long association with the Christian Brothers and he passed it on to the athletes whose care he was entrusted. He also has an advanced degree and taught math at a couple of his coaching stops. In 2006, he received the Vincentian Award while at Niagara University, given to the person

In all the games Joe has coached, it has been rare not to see his dad or mom, his wife Mary, sons, siblings, nieces, nephews, or in-laws sitting behind the bench. The only criterion for their attendance was that the game had to be within a reasonable 8-hour drive. A 3-hour drive to a game was essentially around the corner. Joe’s dad had an expression that he often used about sharing in the highs and lows of a large family. He used to say, “if one of us gets cut, we all bleed,” a belief Joe has passed on to his sons, Joey, Matt, and Tony. Joe also extended that philosophy to the players he

Coach Mihalich, you have done all these extremely well. Congratulations on joining the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame.

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As Joe Mihalich ’74 is inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of Fame, one could argue that his induction is a direct result of these early learnings, learnings he has lived his entire life.
A simple definition of living the Lasallian mission is this: Influence young men so that they recognize that the surest way to success is through education, demonstrate the importance of love and community, emphasize why integrity is always crucial, and rely on your faith to face all that matters.

PHOTO GALLERIES

HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION

October 28, 2022

The 10th Annual Hall of Athletics Induction featured the induction of three athletes: John F. Burns, Jr. ’75 (Cross Country and Track and Field), Tucker Durkin ’09 (Lacrosse, Basketball, Football, and Golf), and Patrick J. Gallagher ’70 (Swimming). Long-time coaches John Costello (Baseball) and Kenneth Shaw, Jr. ’60 (Crew) were inducted for leadership and three teams were likewise inducted: Soccer 2006, Basketball 1962-1963, and Hockey 2007-2008.

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HIGHLIGHTS
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PHOTO GALLERIES

AUCTION – “AN EVENING WITH GATSBY” November 5, 2022

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PHOTO GALLERIES

DINNER DANCE – “IT HAD TO BE BLUE… AND A LITTLE GOLD, TOO”

February 4, 2023

The annual event returned to Blue Bell Country Club with a celebration of the La Salle community.

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1950s

ENDA R. COYNE ’50 and his wife, Peg, recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

JOHN GRANOZIO ’52 is enjoying his life in Charleston, SC for the last 17 years.

PETER FREY ’56 enjoys monthly lunches with some of his classmates.

PAUL CHARLES AITA ’58 retired after many years as a General and Peripheral Vascular Surgeon at Reading Hospital.

EDWARD J. MILLER ’58 had his most recent book, “It’s About Eternal Life After All” appear in Lectio Divina Press in September 2021.

1960s

REVEREND JOSEPH V. MULLIGAN ’64 is still active in ministry and pastoral care in the Charlotte, NC area.

ROB YACOBELLIS ’64 spent two months in Sydney, Australia to spend time with his new grandson.

GREGORY J. GIULIANO ’65 retired with 41 years teaching High School math –most notably Statistics (or as he refers “Sadistics”). He is also President of The Blind Man Interior Design.

EUGENE CATTIE ’66 is retired and living in Richmond, VA area, where all his children and grandchildren live. He spends February and March in Marco Island, FL.

DAVID KREINES ’68 is still licensed as US Coast Guard Captain running his charter fishing boat from Beach Haven, NJ where he is also active with Surflight Theatre.

1970s

RICHARD DILAURENZO ’70 is semi-retired Financial Planner now doing Christian Prison Ministry.

WILLIAM GEIGER ’72 retired from La Salle College High School at the end of the 2021-2022 academic year. He would like to thank everyone at La Salle for 41 great years.

GREG KOCHANOWICZ ’72 is enjoying La Salle College High School baseball games with great nephew – Pitcher Cole Kochanowicz ’24. Greg is an independent performing musician (available for events). See Greg Kochanowicz on Facebook.

MICHAEL OSBORNE ’72 is looking forward to his 10th grandchild in May 2023.

NICHOLAS RONGIONE ’72 is happily retired after 45 years in the business world.

1973

WILL CELEBRATE THEIR 50-YEAR REUNION IN CONJUNCTION WITH GRADUATION ON MAY 24-25, 2023

CHRISTOPHER SZAL ’73 is a first time grandfather to Brooklyn Rose born March 9, 2022.

RICHARD TALMAGE ’72 is volunteering photography time to local history projects, house museums, and historical societies post-retirement.

DONALD J. RONGIONE ’75 is celebrating 41 years with Bollman Hat Company; half of which has been in the role of President and CEO.

MARK ZIELINSKI ’77 retired in May 2022 after a 37 year career in law enforcement.

1978

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 45-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

KEVIN DOLAN ’78 is retired and half-living in Mays Landing and Wildwood, NJ.

HERMAN WEINRICH ’79 has three grandchildren. The youngest was born on his birthday, February 24th, so he now shares a birthday with grandson, Kevin James Manning III.

1980s 1983

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 40-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

1988

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 35-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

CONNELL MCCONEGHY ’88 has started his own brokerage company: CTM Liquor Licenses LLC. They broker liquor licenses in Pennsylvania.

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DEPARTMENTS
NEWS NOTES

1990s

DANIEL P. KEENAN ’91 recently joined Conner Strong & Buckelew as Vice President of New Business Development, Corporate Insurance.

DAVID NEWDECK ’92 earned two master’s degrees in education which are being put toward work at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 30-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

JAMES E. MALONEY, JR., PE ’93 was named Regional Manager for JMT, an infrastructure consulting engineering, architecture, and construction management firm. He oversees 400 professionals in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

WILLIAM BELL ’94 has been promoted to Vice President of Business Enablement, Engagement and Training at FINRA.

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 25-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

ROBERT MILLER ’98 competed in the 2022 Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race.

2000s 2003

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 20-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023 2008

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 15-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

2010s

KEVIN HARVEY, MD ’10 completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Reading Hospital and is now working as an ER Attending Physician with Geisinger Health System.

DONALD DIGNEY ’10 is co-Owner of Atlantic Security Specialists in Holland, PA.

CHASE DIGNEY ’12 is a Manager at Springdance Hot Tubs in Jamison, PA

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 10-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

MICHAEL EIFE ’13 and Carina Barreiro were married on July 2, 2022.

COLIN CHRISTIE ’16 is pursuing a PhD in Applied Physics at Yale University. 2018

WILL CELBRATE THEIR 5-YEAR REUNION ON APRIL 22, 2023

LUKE D. SZYSZKO’19 is graduating from Penn State University this spring with a B.S. in Kinesiology and plans to pursue graduate school for a doctorate in physical therapy.

2020s

MICHAEL WILLIAM BROWN, JR. ’21 is a sophomore at the Air Force Academy.

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1993
1998
2013

NEWS NOTES

the owner of

Tables

has an eye for wood, although he is quick to tell you he’s no expert woodworker.

Duffy was previously an executive telecommunications operator, but he was looking for something more fulfilling at the same time he ordered a table from a carpenter in Maryland and then had to wait for 14 weeks before receiving it. You might say he followed the “Shark Tank” mantra of looking around for a need that the marketplace is not filling adequately and then figure out a way to fill it.

Duffy and his business partner, Chris English, a carpenter by trade, own a furniture business that is different from most; since 2006 they’ve been building tables from reclaimed wood, giving the lumber a second life. From old barns and horse stables to bowling alleys, Duffy and English search, leaving no log unturned when searching for unusual pieces with which to work.

So Duffy came to the conclusion that there is an endless supply of wood that can be reclaimed from trees that collapsed due to old age, disease, insect infestation, weather calamities, etc. In fact, there are so many trees dying of natural causes that there is really no need to buy the wood from a company that is tearing down healthy trees. So it is a win-win for the environment as well as for their business.

Stable Tables works with several contractors and a Tacony trash transfer station, which supply them with old wood from local buildings and houses, which would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. In fact, it also turns out that the best tables tend to come from the trees that have been the most damaged.

Reclaimed wood typically requires more work, explained Duffy, but those imperfections are typically what he (and his clients) are looking for.

Duffy will go through the wood he acquires and handpick logs he finds aesthetically pleasing, he explained, as he motioned toward one of his table tops with tiny black grooves in it.

“This one had some bug damage on the outside, and then there were also mushrooms growing on the outside. So I look for stuff that’s unusual that you can’t get anywhere else.”

The end result is beautiful conference tables, side tables, coffee tables, desks and benches, etc.

While Stable Tables has gained a faithful following of clients over the years (the business’ portfolio features restaurateurs and designers, as well as regular old folks just looking to furnish their home), Duffy stressed that he is not an artist, just a businessman with a passion.

“I’m not an expert woodworker by any means. I know how to make a table. I have an eye for pretty wood. The wood’s the art. I know how to put it together, how to present it the best, but

“There are a million guys out there that can do better woodworking than I can, but I just focus on what I know,” Duffy said, humbly.
“After initially using exclusively old barn wood, we now incorporate wood from old houses and reclaimed, roughhewn lumber,” said Duffy. “A lot of other woods come from logs that are milled by local saw mills and then kiln dried.”
“It just requires more work. They’re old floor joists, and they typically have knob wiring running through them, nails running through them,” he said.
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL WINTER 2023 29 DE LA SALLE ANNUAL FUND InSupportofNeed-BasedFinancialAid 2022-2023 HELP THEM THRIVE AnnualFund-MainBooklet.indd 1 9/27/22 8:08 AM Each year, support from our devoted alumni community allows us to offer the incredible opportunity of a life-changing Lasallian education. Help us open the doors at 8605 to young men from across the Delaware Valley with a gift to your alma mater. www.lschs.org/gift

WE WELCOME AND REMEMBER

(BIRTHS AND DEATHS AS OF FEBRUARY 22, 2023)

WE WELCOME

Faculty member Kelly Smith, and her husband, Peter, welcomed a son, Callum, on October 10, 2022.

WE REMEMBER

REVEREND JOSEPH J. GETZ, OSA ’42

ANTHONY J. WALTON ’44

JOHN C. MACKIN, JR. ’45

EDWARD J. STEMMLER, MD ’46

WILLIAM A. WHITESIDE, JR., ESQ. ’46, father of William ’72 and Michael ’73; grandfather of Andrew ’11.

FRANCIS X. BALL, PE ’47, brother of Robert ’51.

EDWARD J. GALLAGHER ’47

HONORABLE JUDGE JOHN T.J. KELLY, JR. ’49, brother of Philip ’51.

VINCENT A. DELLAVALLE ’51

CHARLES JOSEPH MCMAHON, JR. ’51, father of David ’87.

EDWARD J. STROW, JR. DDS ’51

THOMAS J. DEVLIN, PHD ’53, brother of David ’57.

JAMES P. MALONE, SR. ’53, father of James ’74 and Andrew ’78; grandfather of Patrick ’06 and Colin ’11 Malone.

WALTER F. STARET, SR. ’54

JAMES J. WALSH ’54

JOSEPH W. HEYER ’56

WILLIAM T. WARD ’56, brother of the late James Ward ’55.

JOSEPH M. DALY ’57

JAMES A. LANE ’57

LAWRENCE J. MCEVOY ’57

JOHN A. GALLAGHER ’58

JEROME F. LOMBARD ’58, father of Jerome ’79 and Andrew ’82; brother of John ’52; grandfather of Patrick ’05 and Kelly ’07 Lombard; father-in-law of Sean O’Hara ’89.

MICHAEL E. SULLIVAN, PHD ’58

PATRICK J. CONNER ’59, son of the late Earl ’33; brother of the late Thomas ’63.

CAPT. FRANCIS J. DRISCOLL, SR., USNR(RET) ’59

JOSEPH M. RIDGWAY ’59

FREDERICK J. SHAUGHNESSY ’59

THOMAS J. HIPP, MD ’61, father of Kevin’90 and Sean ’92; brother of Gerald ’57.

DOMENIC J. TRIOLO ’63

JAMES A. DOWNEY, III, ESQ. ’64

GREGORY L. MOUNTAIN ’65, son of former librarian Mary Mountain; brother of Michael ’71 and Stephen ’72; uncle of Timothy P. Curran ’89(Dec’d.).

THOMAS V. SIKINA ’68

THOMAS J. CARROLL ’71, brother of James ’82

JAMES D. GALEN ’73, brother of Timothy ’80 and the late Anthony ’68; uncle of Timothy ’03.

JOHN F. WEBER ’75

WILLIAM J. MATTERN ’76, brother of Joseph ’83

KEVIN J. KELLY ’77, son of Philip ’51; brother of Philip ’74, uncle of the late Stephen Stanton ’09 and Aidan Gaab ’17

RICHARD J. WILLEMIN II ’77, brother of Robert ’69, Paul ’70(deceased), John ’71, and Anthony ’74.

THOMAS J. BARTH ’80, brother of Frederick ’76.

ANTHONY M. GALLO, ESQ. ’83, brother of Frank ’88.

CHRISTOPHER A. GANNON ’85, brother of Francis ’82 and David ’83.

CHRISTOPHER W. MILES ’85, brother of John ’87

JAMES BLOUNT III ’86, brother of Christopher ’87

STEVEN M. BUONOMO ’88, brother of Joseph ’83 and David ’85.

JOHN L. PETKO ’88

MATTHEW T. BAUERLEIN ’90, brother of Mark ’80.

PATRICIA AMON, mother of staff member Cathleen Winning (Institutional Advancement); grandmother of Joseph Winning, Jr. ’05; mother-in-law of Bob Ellis ’68 and Joseph Winning ’69.

BERNADETTE T. BALCER, PHD, mother of A. Patrick Balcer III ’95.

PAETRUS F. BANMILLER, JR., father of Paetrus Banmiller III ’89; grandfather of Paetrus Banmiller IV ’23 and Maximillian Banmiller ’23.

CHARLES T. BOGLE, father of Charles ’87.

KATHERINE BOGLE, mother of Charles ’87.

CHRISTOPHER J. BOYLE, son-in-law of David Diehl ’55; brotherin-law of David Diehl ’78, Daniel Diehl ’85, and staff member Maura Diehl; uncle of Ryan ’01, Sean ’17 and Shea ’19 Diehl.

ROBERT CHAPMAN BRACE, father of Patrick Brace ’24.

SHERRY BROGAN, mother of Finnian ’24; sister of Alex Himes ’04; aunt of Harrison Himes ’21.

FRANCIS R. BYRNES, father of Michael ’77, Dennis ’78, Kevin ’80, and Stephen ’84.

DONNA CADDICK, grandmother of Jake Caddick ’19.

PAUL J. CALLAHAN, father of Timothy ’92, Paul ’97, and Kyle ’00.

PEGGY CONNOLLY, mother of staff member Kathleen Smith; grandmother of Sean Smith ’08.

NANCY B. CURTIN, mother of former staff member Lisa Henrich; grandmother of D. Andrew ’07.

PETER DEPAUL, father of former trustee Donna Bartynski, the late Peter DePaul, Jr. ’79, Anthony DePaul ’80, Alfred Dragani ’81, John Dragani, Esq. ’84; father-in-law of John L. Williams ’73.

TERESITA M. DURKIN, mother of Donald ’73, Michael ’74, and James ’81; mother-in-law of Michael Flanigan ’81; sister of Brother Thomas Dunn, FSC ’50.

BEATRICE “BEATI” GATHMAN, former Mothers’ Club President; mother of Jason ’90 and David ’92; grandmother of David Gathman ’17.

EDWARD L. GILLETTE, JR., grandfather of Zachary ’17 and Gavin ’19 Moretski and Kevin Schmidt ’24; father-in-law of Kevin Schmidt ’91.

THOMAS GOLLA, brother of former staff member Barbara Franks.

PATRICIA GRIFFITH, wife of Robert ’62; grandmother of Robert Seiss ’09 and Ryan Seiss ’14.

YOLANDA GUARRIERI, grandmother of Edward ’06.

JOANNE M. HANNA, grandmother of Kevin O’Donnell ’13; mother-in-law of Craig O’Donnell ’80.

HELEN HELMICK-WAITE, mother of F. Lawrence Helmick, Jr. ’84 and Timothy Helmick ’85; grandmother of Frederick Helmick ’17 and Tristan Helmick ’23.

CHARLOTTE HVORECKY, sister of Jude Hvorecky ’26.

MARGARET JOHNSTON, grandmother of Thomas Johnston ’15 and Charles Johnston ’23, Brennan Daly ’18, Sean Daly ’19, and Gavin Daly ’21; mother-in-law of Lawrence Daly ’86.

MARGARET C. JUNOD, wife of Michael ’70.

LISA VIOLA KELLY, mother of Nicholas Jackson ’22 and Stephen Jackson ’25.

ROBERTA “BOBBIE” KOLONIS, grandmother of Thomas ’17 and Matthew ’19 Kolonis.

EILEEN LOSCALZO, wife of former staff member Albert Loscalzo.

DOUGLAS J. MACMASTER III, father of Douglas ’15 and Keegan ’16.

GIUSEPPE MANES, grandfather of Anthony ’14 and Alexander ’16 D’Angelo; father-in-law of Anthony D’Angelo ’86.

CESAR MANGUBA, grandfather of Andrew Lepore ’16 and Alexander Lepore ’19.

MICHAEL J. MATTIE, father of John ’18.

ANTOINETTE M. MARKOWSKI, grandmother of William ’15, Ryan ’18, and Matthew ’25 McDonnell.

ELEANOR T. MCGURKIN, mother of Paul ’72; grandmother of Paul McGurkin’00, Matthew McGurkin ’03, Gerald Fillman ’06, John Fillman ’15, and the late Timothy Pidgeon ’11.

JANE MIECZKOWSKI, sister of former faculty member Anthony Mieczkowski ’06.

ANNE MIRSCH, mother of Kevin ’83; grandmother of Michael ’17.

GEORGE M. MIRSCH, father of Kevin ’83; grandfather of Michael ’17.

KEVIN A. MULRAIN, father of Ryan ’98 and Jordan ’00.

MARY POLLINO, mother of James ’77; grandmother of James III ’12.

BARBARA RESCH, mother of faculty member Anthony Resch; grandmother of Patrick ’10 and Conor ’13.

JAMES A. ROGERS, father of James ’74 and John ’78.

JOHN J. ROONEY, father of the late James ’84 and Peter ’90; father-in-law of Sean Mahoney ’82.

MARION L. SANDMAN, mother of Richard Sandman, Esq. ’81.

DOLORES SANTORO, mother of Louis Santoro ’74 and Christopher Santoro ’77; grandmother of Alec Santoro ’18 and Matthew Santoro ’18.

BROTHER DOMINIC SMITH, FSC

NATALIE MARIE SUSANIN, Past President of the Mothers’ Club; mother of Peter, ’78, Timothy ’81, Jay ’83 and Christopher ’87.

DAVID WELZ, brother-in-law of faculty member Carol Haggerty.

EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL WINTER 2023 30
DEPARTMENTS

GRAND REUNION

SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2023

CLASSES OF 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, AND 2018

LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL

GLASER CENTER

Registration Begins at 5:30 pm – Front Office

Mass 6:00 pm

Reception Begins at 7:00 pm

For additional information, please contact Jill D’Angelo at (215) 402-4808 or dangeloj@lschs.org

www.lschs.org/alumni

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Change Service Requested Explorer DAVID T. DIEHL ’55 SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING Tuesday, May 2, 2023 UNION LEAGUE LIBERTY HILL Lafayette Hill, PA 19444

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