THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018
Explorer
WHAT’S INSIDE FEATURES
10 GOING THE DISTANCE
18 CLASS OF 2018
ARTICLES
20 DOUBLE TIME
22 TRAVELING AFAR
HIGHLIGHTS
4 SNAPSHOTS
8 HUBCAP HEAVEN
24 PHOTO GALLERIES
DEPARTMENTS
2 LET US REMEMBER (LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT)
35 WE WELCOME AND REMEMBER ( B I R T H S A N D D E AT H S )
DEPARTMENTS
L E T
U S
R E M E M B E R
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
C
DEAR ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS, ommercial aviation buffs were set buzzing back in March when a new entrant appeared on the list of the world’s longest flights. Qantas now offers a direct flight from Perth, Western Australia to London, UK aboard a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The duration? 17 hours and 20 minutes, that time needed to travel 9,010 miles. Only a flight from Auckland to Doha is longer in terms of both miles and time. No other flights are longer in distance, though a few have a slightly greater duration because of the width of the earth along the flight path. While I’ve been to both Perth and London, I’ve never connected between them. I’ve stopped in Auckland twice over the years, but have never found motivation to get to Doha, prejudicially viewing it as just the King of Prussia Mall with camels. The longest flights I have endured only appear farther down the list, towards its midpoint: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney and Newark to Hong Kong. Shortly, I hope to add DFW to Hong Kong to my list. Nevertheless, whenever the subject of one of these flights comes up, my conversation partner’s response is nearly always the same: “How can you take it?” 15 or 16 hours onboard a plane. Nothing but bad movies and worse meals to interrupt the misery and monotony. Even memories of shorter LA to Melbourne or Tel Aviv to Newark jaunts, each taking about a half-day, provoke claustrophobic squirming in some quarters where any flight longer than the drivetime to Ocean City is somehow considered “long.” My response is always the same, “But when you get there… the destination, it’s SO worth it.” It starts on the approach to Sydney, skirting the New South Wales beaches, entering the Harbour over North and South Heads, seeing the chic settlements around various bays, followed by the spectacular flight over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House before making a fishhook turn over brackish Botany Bay to land at Kingsford Smith. Then there’s the trip from Hong Kong’s ultramodern airport on the MTR, the outlying islands with their hills and mountains covered in jungle gradually yielding to the urban jungle, innumerable skyscrapers providing a magic light show whether viewed looking down from Victoria Peak or across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon (I guess somebody back home had a bit of an ego when the Union Jack was first planted on those shores!). La Salle College High School must defend the same value proposition to survive and thrive as a Catholic college preparatory school of regional prominence. While earlier generations might only have distinguished “city” and “suburban” students (with the occasional brave soul who boarded the PATCO line in Camden only to transfer to the Broad Street Subway and hoof it from Broad and Olney), now La Salle has significant enrollment from all five counties comprising the Philadelphia Metropolitan area—occasionally with welcome outliers from Lehigh and Burlington Counties.
So, the obvious question must arise. Why is it worth the trip? What’s here at La Salle that motivates young men and their families to “go the distance”? I think the best answers begin with the letter C. There’s the incredibly varied curriculum allowing students to pursue interests, discover passions, and find vocations. There’s the dedication to the craft of teaching shown by legendary faculty across the generations, those preternaturally able to balance both the artistic and the technical dimensions of this profession. Then there’s the temperate climate created by the coming together of people from diverse backgrounds with varied goals, a clientele that doesn’t necessarily see the world in entirely the same way but who see each other as worthy of respect and mutual support. All these factors, of course, combine to create a culture, the distinctly Lasallian culture which, though it is fully understandable only from the inside, nevertheless still manages to attract those who glimpse its impact on participants for more than three centuries. This culture includes some processes, the ways in which classmates and teammates become friends then, somehow, brothers for life, the ways in which availability, interest, and accessibility bridge the professional distance between student and teacher with care. It includes some core values, particularly optimism for the future, not only for the future success of our students but for the future of our Church and society given the impact on them these carefully educated young men will have for years to come. Finally, it points towards the intangible: faith – faith in God, and faith in the Catholic worldview He has given us, one which asserts the goodness of all creation, the pursuit of universals that can unite us in our respectful diversity, and, most importantly, the sacramental nature of reality, a confidence that in all our human encounters, God is present. Present, and He will never abandon us. Lastly, it engenders the compassion that such an awareness cannot but inspire. When people ask, “What’s it like being president of a school like La Salle?” I will generally respond with one of two metaphors. Bit of a commercial aviation aficionado myself (if you hadn’t already guessed), one metaphor I use is that of the air traffic controller. While he doesn’t actually fly any of the planes represented by those hundreds of points of light on the computer screen, he is somehow responsible to ensure that there are no midair or landing strip collisions, that the hundreds of thousands of souls represented by those points of light arrive safely where they belong. So, appropriately enough and with the pride shared by all at La Salle, I end by saluting the Class of 2018, the 268 young men who have arrived at their destination, perhaps more aptly understood as the hub through which they will be transiting to so many fascinating adventures ahead. As I am sure they will tell you if you ask them—this La Salle journey? It was SO worth it. Fraternally,
BROTHER JAMES L. BUTLER, FSC PRESIDENT
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Explorer THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018
President Brother James L. Butler, FSC Principal Michael A. O’Toole ’68 Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan Editor Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Contributing Writers Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Editorial and Production Assistance Katie Palopoli Cathleen P. Winning Photography Joseph J. Bradley, Jr. ’85 Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Sam Fritch Lifetouch Photography, Inc. Michael S. Opielski Illustrations Darryl Detweiler Mario Zucca Art Direction and Design John Burns Design Group Printing Garrison Printing Company 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 God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence, service, and leadership.
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HIGHLIGHTS
S N A P
S H O T S
SECOND SEMESTER
ON DECK – CLASS OF 2022
LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
The school community welcomed over 250 families from the Class of 2022 on March 11, 2018 with an orientation. Students and their parents rotated through presentations that included character development, student involvement and activities, service, scheduling, and the curriculum. Students received their network credentials, email address, and access to the student portal. The highlight of the day was the classes’ first Mass together, which was celebrated between the two sessions by Rev. Msgr. Charles Vance, Pastor at Saint Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill.
Members of the senior class had the opportunity to interact with alumni at the annual Leadership Luncheon held on March 20, 2018 in the Gymnasium. Over 75 members of the class with leadership roles (captains of athletic teams, ministry/service leaders, editors, and leaders of various clubs and activities) sat down for lunch with almost 40 alums representing different decades and professions. Matt Alba ’08, a reporter for PHL17, spoke to the seniors about his experiences while a student at La Salle as well as the networking opportunities available to graduates of the school.
FASHION IN BLOOM
THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
The Mothers’ Club hosted their annual Fashion Show on March 15, 2018 at Presidential Caterers in Norristown. The theme for the evening was “Fashion In Bloom” and featured fun, friendship, and fashions by Scout & Molly of North Wales. In addition to raffles and beautiful tombola prizes, one of the many highlights of the evening took place when members of the senior class “dressed to impress” and escorted models down the runway.
The Theater Program left audiences rolling in the aisles March 22-25, 2018 with four sold-out performances of the Tony Award-winning musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. Drawing on the combined musical, performance, and technical talents of some 100 La Salle students, complemented by over 30 girls from local schools, the cast and crew delivered a production worthy of the Great White Way. From the set designs and costuming, to one of the most challenging scores ever played by La Salle musicians, The Drowsy Chaperone delivered on every conceivable level and earned rave reviews due to the high energy, challenging choreography, and amazing performances.
CLASS OF 2018 IS GOLD After four years of serving others and making a profound impact on the local community and beyond, the Class of 2018 has truly left their mark as leaders with their recent class gift to the Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57 Fund. Asked individually to join the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Club with a gift of $20.18, the Class responded with 100% participation as all 268 members participated and tallied an impressive $5,408.24 in support of service and spirituality for the generation of Explorers that will follow in their footsteps.
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POOR MAN’S SUPPER
MEN OF INTELLECT
La Salle College High School hosted a Poor Man’s Supper on April 19, 2018 in the Glaser Center. Each attendee made a $10 donation and was able to select a ceramic bowl that was produced and handcrafted by a student as a remembrance of the less fortunate people in our area who are suffering from hunger. La Salle provided a simple meal – soup, bread, drinks, and dessert – along with wonderful companionship for all who attended. The event raised over $3,000 for Face to Face, which is located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia.
The National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 94 new members – 11 seniors and 83 juniors – on April 23, 2018 during a prayer service and induction ceremony in the Auditorium. The newest inductees join 85 members from the Class of 2018 who were inducted last spring, which brings the total membership for 2017-2018 to 179 members. Selection for membership requires that a student maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.75/4.0, have a record of good conduct, and participate in an acceptable number of extra-curricular activities within the school community as well as the community at large. Reflections on the four qualities of membership in the National Honor Society – scholarship, leadership, character, and service – were read by the NHS Officers James Marek ’18, Eric Marasheski ’18, Zack Rotzal ’18, and Aidan Young ’18.
FSC WEEK The school community celebrated its Lasallian heritage and core values during “FSC Week” from April 23-27, 2018 with different activities sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry under the direction of Mr. Lew Clark. Highlights of the week included: Monday – a day focused on the core value of quality education. The Ministry and Service Leadership Team woke up extra early to prepare breakfast for the faculty and staff. Tuesday – a day focusing on concern for the poor and social justice through a clothing drive and sandwich making for Homeless Outreach. Wednesday – a day focused on the core value of inclusive community that included the finals of a Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament. Thursday – a day focusing on faith in the presence of God by Religion classes gathering in the Marian Chapel for Communion services. Friday – a day focused on respect for all persons featured prayer and Communion services and saw the conclusion of the clothing drive.
SENIOR MOTHER/SON LITURGY Over 260 seniors along with their mothers or special guests gathered for Mass and dinner on April 24, 2018. The annual Senior Mother/Son Liturgy, hosted by the Mothers’ Club, began with Mass in the Gymnasium celebrated by Reverend Michael McCue, OSFS, Spiritual Director of DeSales Service Works in Camden, and was followed by a rose ceremony and dinner. The event was held a little more than a month before graduation and was a fitting tribute to the efforts of the boys and the sacrifices made by their mothers.
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HIGHLIGHTS
S N A P
S H O T S
SECOND SEMESTER
SHARP DRESSED MEN
STATE OF THE ARTS
Over 250 sharply dressed seniors along with their beautiful dates attended the Senior Prom on April 27, 2018 at Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland. The night was filled with food, dancing, great music, and good times shared by friends and classmates.
La Salle College High School held its 35th Annual Arts Festival as the Art Department exhibited over 400 pieces of student artwork throughout the school beginning on April 30, 2018. Over 90% of the students who took an art class had at least one piece of artwork included in the exhibition, which ranged from ceramics and sculptures to drawings and paintings. The student artwork was critiqued by judges and awards were given to pieces that displayed excellence. Several students received Awards of Excellence for pieces of artwork they produced in class and a few received a “Body of Work” Award, which recognizes the quality and quantity of work that a student has produced.
FIELD DAY The 15th Annual Field Day was held on April 26, 2018. The weather was perfect and the day once again featured spirited competition, notable sportsmanship, and many smiles and laughs. Homerooms competed against each other in over three dozen events taking place simultaneously in four areas of the campus. Some of the most popular events included the tricycle race, a Gerber baby food eating contest, a three-legged race, and dodge ball. The winning homerooms were 1A (Freshmen), 10B (Sophomores), 7C (Juniors), and 7D (Seniors). In the tug-of-war, 7D, led by their homeroom teacher, Mr. Mike McCabe ’08, defeated Mr. Dan Cipolla and 10B in the finals and were crowned as the Overall Champions.
LET THE MUSIC PLAY The Band Concert was held in the Auditorium on April 30, 2018. Every seat was filled as over 250 musicians, representing nine separate ensembles, performed for over two hours. The Concert Band, comprised of over 75 musicians, performed the Star Spangled Banner followed by an arrangement of music from John Williams and Danny Elfman.
AP EXAMS La Salle College High School offered Advanced Placement (AP) Exams from May 4-18, 2018. On May 11, 2018, 116 students sat for the AP U.S. History Exam, which represents the largest number of La Salle students taking a single test. In total, 434 students took 1,039 exams in 24 different subject areas that included: Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government and Politics, Computer Science, Economics Macro, Economics Micro, English Language (Juniors), English Literature (Seniors), Environmental Science, European History, Human Geography, Latin, Physics 1, Physics 2, Physics C (Mechanics), Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism), Psychology, Spanish, Statistics, U.S. Government and Politics, U.S. History, and World History. Over the past five years, La Salle’s “qualifying” rate (3 or higher) on all AP exams is 87%, which is 19 percentage points higher than the rate for all the exams in Pennsylvania and 26 percentage points higher than the global average.
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VOICES CARRY
LASALLIAN EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
The Choral Concert was held on May 7, 2018 in the Auditorium and featured the voices of almost 80 young men under the direction of Mr. Mark Norman. The audience was treated to 16 arrangements from four different ensembles, including the A Capella Club. The Freshmen Chorus performed Loch Lomond, a Scottish folksong. The Belcrofters, the school’s advanced ensemble of over 20 singers, performed five numbers including Over The Rainbow and Hooked On A Feeling.
The Feast of the Ascension was celebrated with a school-wide Mass on May 10, 2018, which concluded with Mr. Thomas Barna, a 25-year member of the faculty and former Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs, being honored as the Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year. Mr. Nicholas Coggins, the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, introduced Mr. Barna, who was then presented the award in the presence of the entire faculty and student body by Principal Michael O’Toole ’68 and Brother James Butler, FSC.
SUMMER SERVICE COMMISSIONING CEREMONY Over 300 sophomores and juniors along with their parents attended a prayer service and commissioning ceremony on May 8, 2018. Each of the students will be participating in one of 16 voluntary summer service trips being offered this summer in four different countries and nine states. The evening began with a prayer service in the gym organized by members of the junior class. Hunter Bradbury ’18 spoke to the group about his experiences during his service trip to Puerto Rico last summer. Deacon Tim Lynch administered the service oath and, following the prayer service, each of the service trips met together along with their group leaders. The parents and students learned details of their week of service and had an opportunity to ask questions.
ARCHDIOCESAN SCHOLARS Eight seniors – Ethan Iatesta, Siqi Liu, James Marek, Jack Ruch, Liam Ward, Eric Witt, Aidan Young, and Desmond Young – were recognized as Archdiocesan Academic Scholars at a Mass held at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Center City Philadelphia on May 17, 2018. Each year, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia honors graduating seniors from 33 Archdiocesan and private Catholic high schools who are ranked in the Top 3% of their senior class and acknowledges their academic success and dedication to their schoolwork.
BROADWAY WISHES The combined talents of over 60 students from La Salle College High School, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and Gwynedd Mercy Academy performed numbers from 15 different Broadway Musicals during a single evening performance on May 18, 2018. A capacity crowd of nearly 800 people in the Auditorium heard songs from seventeen Broadway musicals including Aladdin, Catch Me If You Can, Hairspray, West Side Story, and Memphis. The evening raised over $30,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, an organization that provides hope, joy, and support to children fighting life-threatening illnesses.
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HIGHLIGHTS
HUBCAP HEAVEN
GOLF The Explorers, who were undefeated in the regular season, successfully defended their title by posting five of the Top 10 scores in route to a 466-481 victory over Saint Joseph’s Prep and Archbishop Carroll (521). It was the 15th time that La Salle has won the Philadelphia Catholic League Golf Championship since 2000. The Explorers won the District 12 (City) Championship and defeated the District 11 champions, Liberty High School in Bethlehem, to advance to the State Finals.
La Salle College High School joined the as
Philadelphia a
founding
Catholic member
League in
1920.
Records indicate that the school’s first championship was won by the Basketball team in 1936 and, since
SOCCER La Salle blanked Roman Catholic 1-0 to repeat as champions. The Explorers, who were nationally-ranked at times during the season, went on to defeat the public league champions from Northeast High School to win the District 12 (City) Championship and advance to the State Tournament.
then, the Explorers have captured 239 championships, which is the most among any school competing in the Philadelphia Catholic League. CROSS COUNTRY
Today, the 15-member league hosts championships in fifteen boys’ sports:
La Salle won for the third consecutive year and tenth time since 2003 by scoring a perfect 15 points (five runners from the same team finishing in the top five places). The Explorers repeated as District 12 champions to advance to the Pennsylvania State Championship, where they won the first PIAA Cross Country Championship in school history.
Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Crew, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Lacrosse, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, and Wrestling. The “hubcap”, as it is casually referred, has become
BOWLING The Explorers defeated Roman Catholic 2958 pins to 2646 pins to capture their third championship in four years. The 312-pin victory capped a near perfect season as La Salle was led by senior Ryan McDonnell’s 669 series along with junior Paul Mueller’s 668 series.
a coveted championship. During the 2017-2018 school year, the Explorers won 12 of the 15 championships, including all six contested in the spring.
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SWIMMING
TRACK AND FIELD
La Salle captured its 30th consecutive title by finishing the championship meet with 1052
La Salle captured their fourth consecutive championship by scoring 192 points – 72 points
team points, which was 625 points more than second-place Saint Joseph’s Prep. The
more than second place Saint Joseph’s Prep. The Explorers went on to repeat as District 12
Explorers captured their 10th straight District 12 (City) Championship and advanced to the
champions and qualified 15 athletes for the PIAA State Championship.
State Championship.
LACROSSE The Explorers, who were undefeated in league play, overpowered Saint Joseph’s Prep by
INDOOR TRACK AND FIELD
a score of 11-2 to capture the 22nd championship in the program’s 26-year history (1993,
The Explorers won their 4th title in a row with a 157-139 victory over a Saint Joseph’s Prep
1995-2002, 2004-2010, 2012-2014, 2016-2018). La Salle went on to repeat as District 12
team that featured some of the best sprinters in the country. La Salle trailed by 12 points with
champions and advance to the State Tournament.
four events to go, but received some incredibly gritty performances to retain the championship.
VOLLEYBALL
CREW
La Salle remained unbeaten in league competition by defeating Archbishop Wood in four hard-
Coming off strong performances at Lake Lenape and Saint Andrews, La Salle won the
fought games (25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 28-26) to capture their third consecutive championship.
coveted championship for the first time since 1998 by accumulating 169 team points. The
Later the same week, the Explorers defeated Central High School went on to win their first
Explorers won six races, including the Lightweight 2x, Lightweight 4+, Varsity 4+, Lightweight
District 12 (City) Championship and advance to the State Tournament.
8, and Varsity 8.
BASEBALL
TENNIS
The Explorers chased Archbishop Carroll’s ace pitcher in the first inning by scoring seven
The Explorers continued a decade of dominance with a 5-0 victory over Saint Joseph’s Prep
runs en route to a 10-0 victory and, in doing so, avenged their only loss in league play.
to win their 12th straight championship. La Salle defeated Central High School to win the
It was La Salle’s first Philadelphia Catholic League Championship in baseball since 2013.
District 12 (City) Championship and advance to the State Tournament.
The following week, the Explorers defeated Frankford High School to capture the District 12 (City) Championship and advance to the State Tournament.
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BY CHRISTOPHER M. CARABELLO ’82
EVEN AFTER LA SALLE’S 1960 MOVE TO WYNDMOOR FROM 20TH AND OLNEY, IT WAS NOT UNCOMMON FOR STUDENTS TO COMMUTE FROM SOUTH PHILADELPHIA, FAIRMOUNT, BRIDESBURG, PORT RICHMOND, SOMERTON, MAYFAIR, OR EVEN PARTS OF NEW JERSEY. WITH THE GROWTH OF SUBURBAN COMMUNITIES, THE SCHOOL EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR SHIFT IN DEMOGRAPHICS, AND BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY, NEARLY 85 PERCENT OF THE STUDENT BODY CAME FROM WITHIN A 10-MILE RADIUS AND/OR FROM ONE OF THE SEVENTEEN SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT PROVIDE BUSING TO LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL. In an effort to accommodate students living in areas where there was not district busing, two private bus routes were added in the late 1990s, which subsequently increased enrollment from parts of Bucks County and Northeast Philadelphia. Currently, the school operates eight private bus routes that provide transportation for over 80 students. Two routes travel throughout Bucks County while two others cover Northeast Philadelphia. One route journeys through Chester County with stops in Malvern and Paoli, another travels down from Schwenksville and Collegeville, a seventh route goes through Souderton and parts of Upper Montgomery County, and the newest route comes through Delaware County. While the majority of students still come from one of the school districts that provide busing, over 15 percent travel from beyond the 10-mile radius that surrounds the school. A small percentage travel 20 miles or further each morning from remote areas that include Bethlehem, Kennett Square, West Chester, and Willingboro, NJ. La Salle students come from 111 zip codes and an equal number of grade schools. In addition, there are international students from China, South Korea, and other countries. Principal Michael O’Toole ’68 feels that the “unique opportunities students get at La Salle has made the school desirable and worth the commute. Parents and students are attracted to a combination of academic and athletic opportunities and a school rooted in faith and values.” In addition to expanding the geographic footprint of the student body, the number of students coming from public school has more than doubled since 2000. Kevin Dougherty ’00, the school’s Dean of Enrollment Management, says “Today’s families are often looking for specific programs – typically music, athletics, or technology – and are willing to sacrifice and/or travel for those opportunities. The distance and commute are no longer the stumbling block they once were in attracting students as parents are also looking for a school that will develop the character of their son and students quickly discover that La Salle is a place where it is cool to be smart.” Today’s graduates of La Salle College High School leave with lasting relationships and memorable moments. They are prepared to face the future as better students and men. For a handful, those experiences were worth “Going The Distance.”
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ARTICLES
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman year, my parents drove me to school in the morning and they still do today. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? About an hour. Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? At La Salle, I felt that there was a greater sense of community than at other schools closer to my home. I was looking for a school with strong academics, great extracurriculars, and a great community and La Salle fit all of those things. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? Varsity Ice Hockey, Lab Managers, LSA Tutoring, French Club, Elder Share, Baggo Club, and Ultimate Frisbee What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? Sophomore year winning the State Championship in Ice Hockey Was it worth the commute? It was absolutely worth the commute. I cannot thank the teachers, coaches, fellow students, and the entire La Salle community enough for the amazing experiences I’ve had over the past four years. I’ve made friendships that will last a lifetime and made memories I will never forget. Choosing to make the commute and come to La Salle was the best decision I ever made.
RYAN JAMES BAKER ’18 Kennett Square, PA 19348 Charles F. Patton Middle School
GOING THE DISTANCE
“I cannot thank the teachers, coaches, fellow students, and the entire La Salle community enough for the amazing experiences I’ve had over the past four years.”
GOING THE DISTANCE
ARTICLES
SHANE WILEY MANIERI ’18 Harleysville, PA 19438 Perkiomen Valley Middle School West
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman year, I carpooled with my neighbor. Today, I drive to school each morning. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 40-45 minutes
Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? I chose La Salle because the school offers a challenging academic experience and is reputable for its success in areas such as sports and music. The religious influence and emphasis on service provided an enriching, life-changing opportunity in my educational career. Each year I saw extraordinary development inside and outside the classroom which I can only attribute to the well-rounded curriculum and the community surrounding the school. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? Pep Band, Lab and Competition Bands, Speech and Debate, and Baseball
“Each year I saw extraordinary development inside and outside the classroom which I can only attribute to the well-rounded curriculum and the community surrounding the school.”
What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My most memorable La Salle moment was participating in a summer service trip to Arizona in which members of my class and I helped the Navajo Indian Community. We renovated schools and churches in the area while also learning about the culture. It was a memorable moment because it was perhaps the greatest example of La Salle’s motto, “Leave to Serve,” that I encountered in my four years. It provided me with the realization that service extends beyond our immediate surrounding community and I’m very fortunate to have been a part of the experience. My favorite moment was winning the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship in baseball my senior year. The team worked incredibly hard and I’m extremely proud of their efforts to develop themselves as players and their desire to help the team. Was it worth the commute? The drive to La Salle each morning was absolutely worth the commute. It was something I looked forward to because I knew that each day was an opportunity to build long-lasting relationships and to learn from the most caring and compassionate teachers. My La Salle experience helped me to become aware of the presence of God in the community and to foster my own spiritual growth. I’m blessed to have been a part of the La Salle family for the past four years and I look forward to applying what I’ve learned in college and beyond because I have no doubt that I have been given the necessary education to succeed in life.
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman year, I was driven to school. Today, I drive myself. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 30-35 minutes Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? I chose La Salle because of the amazing music and academic programs that are offered. I had known about the La Salle music program since the summer after 5th grade when I attended the Jazz Camp at La Salle. I remember hearing the outstanding trumpets and knew that I wanted to learn to play like that. The music program was the main reason that I chose La Salle. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? Pep Band, Lab and Competition Bands, Brass Ensemble, and Computer Club What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My most memorable La Salle moment was when the Competition Band won the championships sophomore year. To be part of such a great team and to see months of hard work finally pay-off is a great experience. I was also excited when the band won again the next year, but the first year was particularly special because it was the first time that I won something as part of a group. Was it worth the commute? My experience at La Salle was definitely worth the commute. The amount of knowledge that I now possess about how the world works and about music is astounding. I also have had so much fun playing in competitions and meeting friends through La Salle, and have made connections with other students that may come in handy later on. I could not have made a better choice in a high school.
SAMUEL ANTHONY HELLINGS ’18 Levittown, PA 19056 Nazareth Academy Grade School
“The amount of knowledge that I now possess about how the world works and about music is astounding. ”
“My relatives who attended La Salle all had extremely positive experiences, which made La Salle an obvious choice for me.”
How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 30-35 minutes Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? I actually liked that most people from my school were not going to La Salle. Even though I had some good friends, I really wanted a fresh start. I also really liked all of the academic opportunities that La Salle provided. However, the main reason I chose La Salle was because of the music program. A number of my cousins had gone through the program, and I had heard the Competition Band at various music events. My relatives who attended La Salle all had extremely positive experiences, which made La Salle an obvious choice for me. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? I have been heavily involved in music in my four years. I did Pep Band all four years, Pit Orchestra in the spring musical all four years, Lab Band for two years, and Competition Band for the other two. Aside from music, I have also been a member of the robotics team all four years. I have been on the drive team for the past two years, and this year, I was the primary driver of the robot. What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My favorite “La Salle moment” is probably all the times I spent time at school, outside of school. I quickly realized I was not the only one hanging around after school, studying or waiting for my ride. I quickly made friends during this time, and we grew to know each other extremely well. We frequently hang out after school even though we can all drive ourselves now. Another great moment occurred while being on the drive team for robotics last year. Our alliance, which was seeded eighth, beat the first seeded alliance, which allowed us to move on to the next level of elimination rounds, something nobody, including us, expected. By getting past that round, we were able to move on to district championships for the first time in the team’s history. Was it worth the commute? The commute was definitely worth it. I firmly believe La Salle was the perfect choice for me, and I would not have been happier at any other school. I met great people here, was able to pursue my academic and musical interests, and am now headed on to an amazing college. Plus, I got to listen to some great podcasts all the while.
ERIC CHRISTIAN WITT ’18 Skippack Village, PA 19474 Saint Eleanor School (now Holy Cross Regional Catholic School)
GOING THE DISTANCE
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman and sophomore year, I took one of La Salle’s private buses to school. There was a stop less than a mile from my house my that parents would drive me to in the morning. I carpooled with a friend for the beginning of junior year until I got my driver’s license in October. Since then, I have driven myself to school.
KEYSHAUN TAIWAN EPPS ’18 Philadelphia, PA 19111 Young Scholars Charter School
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman year, I would take the SEPTA bus to school. Today, I drive to school myself. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? When I took the bus, it would take me 45-50 minutes to get to Willow Grove Avenue. I would then walk another 10 minutes to get to school. It only takes me 30 minutes now that I drive. Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? I chose La Salle because of the things that I experienced there through the Drexel Program, which is a program for inner city kids who were selected to get the feel of high school. The atmosphere at La Salle is unique and something that was noticeable right away. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? I was a part of the Varsity Rugby team for four years, played Football freshman and junior year, was a Student Ambassador for all four years, and was a member of the Diversity Club. What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My favorite La Salle Moment was getting to play a Rugby 7s game in front of thousands of people during halftime of La Salle’s football game against Saint Joseph’s Prep. I loved every moment of it. Hearing my friends and classmates cheer me on as I walked on to the field and seeing all the pandemonium in the crowd as the game was played was something special to me. Was it worth the commute? As I look back to Freshman year, the commute was definitely worth it. La Salle is one of a kind. It has become a second home to me and the relationships that I gained will definitely last a lifetime. Those people are not just friends, classmates, teachers and faculty, but they have become my family and people who I look to for support in any way. La Salle helped me grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I could not have become the person I am today without everything I gained from my experiences at La Salle.
“I could not have become the person I am today without everything I gained from my experiences at La Salle.”
ARTICLES
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? I took the bus freshman year, but now I drive myself. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 35-40 minutes
What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My favorite La Salle moment was Kairos. I went on Kairos 37-117 as a retreatant and returned as a student leader on Kairos 37-118. Kairos was a powerful experience for me and it truly brought me closer to my classmates. The bonds I formed on those trips will last a lifetime and I am truly thankful for the experience.
Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? I shadowed my cousin as an 8th grader and fell in love with the atmosphere. My primary reasons were music and baseball, and although baseball did not work out for me, I discovered a number of other opportunities.
Was it worth the commute? La Salle was 100% worth the commute. Until this year I was the only one at La Salle from my zip code, and I knew no one when I walked in for my first day of freshman year. Through the music program I began to meet more people. Band was my “thing” at La Salle. I was in a competing band every year, and I have been in the Honors Advanced Band class since freshman year as well. La Salle has pushed me What activities did you participate while at La Salle? both musically and academically, although I realized that a career in music was just I participated in Pep Band all four years, Lab Band for my first three years, and Comp not for me. Despite this I tried to take advantage of everything La Salle had to offer, Band my senior year. I was both a player and manager for Rugby and participated although I was not always successful. If I would have gone to my public high school in a number of ministry and service opportunities including Kairos, Triest House, I would have been a two-sport athlete, but after getting cut from the baseball team Homeless Outreach, Urban Immersion, and a summer service trip in Chicago. freshman year I quickly knew that the athletic environment at La Salle was a step above what I was used to. At first it was hard getting used to not playing sports, but I knew La Salle would give me the opportunity to excel in the areas that I was strongest in. I also am truly thankful for the opportunity to get involved with service at La Salle. My two service trips were absolutely amazing, and I was blessed enough to be a part of the first ever trip to Chicago. My four years at La Salle were truly special and I will definitely miss waking up and making the drive to school every day.
JAKE MICHAEL GRANT ’18 Springfield, PA 19064 E.T. Richardson Middle School
“I shadowed my cousin as an 8th grader and fell in love with the atmosphere.” EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018 16
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Freshman year I was fortunate enough to carpool with a senior that lived relatively close to me. Today, I drive myself. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 35-40 minutes, depending on the traffic on the Blue Route and Pennsylvania Turnpike.
DAVID WRIGHT MESTER ’18 Swarthmore, PA 19081 Strath Haven Middle School
“However, when I visited La Salle, a location that is much further than the other schools, I was amazed by the environment.”
GOING THE DISTANCE
What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your My most memorable “La Salle moment” was winning the Flyers Cup and State home? Championship my sophomore year. As an aspiring hockey player, I visited multiple private schools in the area. However, when I visited La Salle, a location that is much further than the other schools, I was Was it worth the commute? amazed by the environment. The way the students interacted amongst each other, and At times, it got difficult, especially during my sophomore year when I had to the way the students and teachers interacted reflected not just a tight knit community, endure a long ride to La Salle. However, when I started driving my junior year, but a brotherhood. Coming from a highly regarded public school, I was willing to it was a simple and easy commute. At the moment, those long car rides were make the sacrifice to come to La Salle to advance myself as a hockey player, but more difficult, but in hindsight, those 35 minute trips were worth it. My journey and importantly, as a person and student. I wanted to challenge myself morally, mentally, experience at La Salle has made me a better student and person. Traveling and physically. nearly 30 miles each day to see and interact with the incredible teachers and students at La Salle made the journey so special. I truly feel prepared for my What activities did you participate while at La Salle? next endeavors in life with an education from La Salle College High School. I played hockey and golf. Additionally, I was part of the National Honor Society, the Student Ambassador Program, and participated in Homeless Outreach. I also went to Puerto Rico the summer after my junior year to help impoverished students at the Christian Brothers School in Bayamon.
C L A S S Matthew Carl Acker, IV Nando Robert Addari Evan Perry Addison Will David Adler William Lee Affel Gustavo Vaughan Alexanian Adam Cole Aronson Ryan James Baker Byron Anthony Barré, Jr. Anthony Paul Basciano Brandon Nicholas Bean Jason Kwame Bempah Jalen Isaiah Bennett Patrick J. Benson Robert J. Bohner, III Daniel John Boyle Hunter William Bradbury Sean Patrick Brand Joseph Michael Brigidi Joseph Francis Burnham Christian Joseph Calabretta Findlay Thomas Campbell Steven Carbucia Octavious Dante Carter Patrick Ryan Caulfield Timothy Allen Chaykosky, Jr. Matthew Christopher Chiappone Conor Patrick Christian Joseph Francis Ciccimaro, III Matthew Garcia Clibanoff Michael Daniel Clibanoff William James Conran William Edwin Cook, Jr. Andrew Lawrence Cossetti Anthony Joseph Cossetti Robert Francis Costello, III Ryan Louis Cramer Martin Colman Csongradi Brennan Lawrence Daly Preston Thomas Damasco Chase Derek D’Andrea Andrew Paul Datto Dylan Lee DeBrakeleer Robert Walter Denny Dominic Joseph DeRosa
Jack Lawrence Desmond Matthew Edward Donofrio Jack Kenney Donohue Thomas Joseph Dougherty Sean Patrick Duffy David Reilly Dugery, Jr. Brendan James Dulin Sean Patrick Egan Joseph Emil Ellis, Jr. Keyshaun Taiwan Epps William Francis Ernst, IV Michael Angelo Fabrizio Colin Joseph Fadigan Christopher James Faunce Theodore Fitzgerald Felix, Jr. Timothy Joseph Fitzpatrick Christopher Robert Forsyth Sean Edward Friday Daniel John Gandolfo Dominic Francis Gerace Kevin Patrick Gill Patrick Ryan Gill John Grant Gimpel Quinn Jack Giongo William Jacob Glah, IV James Michael Gottshall Joshua Patrick Graham Joseph Patrick Grant, Jr. Sean Michael Grant Jake Michael Grant Samuel Joseph Grossi David A. Gutekunst Grant A. Hamilton Elmer Frank Hansen, IV Matthew William Harkins Nicholas James Harmon Ryan Patrick Haviland Samuel Anthony Hellings Jake Nicholas Herbetko Christopher Joseph Hillman Owen James Hinkley Colin Patrick Hirschmann Nicholas Robert Hoffman Kieran Joseph Hogan Troy Khari Holland
Edward James Holzel Michael Richard Ianieri Ethan John Iatesta Isaiah Zyaire Jones Daniel James Jordon Patrick Michael Joyce John Patrick Judge , III Daniel Read Junkin Brian Gerard Karabin, Jr. Daniel William Karrash Colin Eugene Kelley Michael John Kelley Daniel Robert Kelly Jack Francis Kelly Patrick John Kelly Evan John Kennedy Chase Michael Kensil Jason Nicholas Kessler Robert Philip Koch Matthew Paul Koller Craig Cornell Krug Daniel Konstantin Kuznetsov John C. Kyle William Patrick Lacon, Jr. Benjamin Robert LaMay Ethan Kai LaMond Michael Patrick Leaden Thomas John Leahan Gregory Joseph Lee Seungyun Sean Lee Austin Connor Lemke Anthony Thomas Lemma, III Christopher Anthony Lenge, Jr. Bernard Charles Lindinger Siqi Liu James Victor Lombardi Thomas Joseph Longo Timothy Ryan Lorenzo Andrew Martin Lutschaunig Ian Alexander MacGilvray Jackson Mackunis Kieran Daniel Maguire Christopher John Maloney Shane Wiley Manieri Eric Robert Marasheski
O F
2 0 1 8
James Michael Marek Andrew Patrick Martin Jack Scott Martin Christopher Dominic Marzullo Ethan Falk Masucci Stephen Lawrence Matchett John Robert Mattie Gianluca Mazzarelli Shawn Lawrence McBryde Christopher Michael McCloskey John Edward McCuen, III Shane Patrick McCullough Scott Michael McDade, Jr. Ryan Edmund McDonnell James Patrick McErlean Hunter Thomas McGarvey Joseph Alphonsus McIntyre IV Michael Daniel McLaren Matthew Ryan McMahon James Michael McMonagle, III Daniel Kevin McNamara Brendan James Meagher David Wright Mester James Francis Meyer Joseph Edward Miller Charles Joseph Minnich Jacob Zaslow Mittman Patrick Francis Mizzoni Maxim Loong Mocharnuk Alexander Moon Kevin Thomas Morrissey Kyle Robert Morse Christopher A. Mulligan Brandon Michael Murphy Thomas Charles Nagle Kyle Quinn Natter Brendan John O’Brien Kyle Patrick O’Connor Ryan Michael O’Neill Christopher William Oldt Gregory Dugan Osborne Alex Robert Parlanti Maxwell Joseph Paz Maximilian Perez-Mas Christian John Persichetti
Casey Redding Peterman Julian Francisco Picofazzi Owen Christopher Pighini Eugene Andrew Pinder II Thomas Patrick Price Garrett Steven Pumilia Gregory Kent Quick Zachary John Quinn Matthew Thomas Quirk Luke Joseph Radaszewski Tommy Wilfredo Ramos Giovanni Anderson Randazzo John Palmer Reckner Martin Richard Redanauer Michael Luke Reilly Owen Patrick Rietzke Robert Gustav Rinker Luke Thomas Roberts Owen Thomas Rocks Blake Hunter Rondeau Angelo Joseph Rosato Joseph Philip Rossi Zachary Peter Rotzal John William Ruch Alec Christopher Santoro John Nicholas Santoro Matthew Nicholas Santoro Daniel Trinh Scallon Tylar Thomas Scavello Brian Charles Schaub, Jr. Patrick William Scheffey Brian Richard Schleinkofer Jackson Alexander Schwarz Christian Brian Scotto James Brian Scotto Benjamin Dawson Shelley Andrew Harrison Shenk Chase Haaq Shields Tyler Bennett Shorten Francis Saverio Signoretta Sean Thomas Simon Jared Colin Singletary Harrison Thomas Sloan Devon James Smith Ian Thomas Smith
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018 18
Joshua David Smith Jack Tyler Smyth Isaiah Gerald Snead Jack Hansen Soens Daniel James Solecki, Jr. Joseph Gasper Sortino Jonathon Reed Squadrito Thomas J. Steinberg Marco Joseph Strozzieri Kevin Nicholas Swartz Brendan Michael Sweeney Daniel Patrick Sykes Thomas Joseph Szalwinski John Tyler Tausz Nicholas Anthony Towers Liam Charles Trainer Christopher Michael Troemel John Patrick Tyrrell Robert Nicholas Uzzo Jack Thomas Venneri Alister Chapman Virkler Dean Michael Walton Jiaxi Wang Edmund John Ward, III Liam Anthony Ward Brett Michael Werner Kyle William Wernly Jacob Michael Weyand Tyler Lester Whitehead Owen Patrick Williamson Andrew Lee Wisniewski Eric Christian Witt Daniel Paul Wolfinger Thomas Murphy Woolley Joseph Peter Wright Charles Donald Wroten, III Andrew Owen Wynne Yuanchen Royce Xu Aidan Kevin Young Desmond Joseph Young Garrett Michael Zobel Tianyou Owen Zuo
The Class of 2018 entered La Salle College High School on August 26, 2014 coming from 89 elementary schools and 75 zip codes along with four students from China and one from Korea. On June 2, 2018, 268 seniors graduated during the 155th Commencement Exercises held on the campus of La Salle College High School. 17 STUDENTS RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION
> 5 National Merit Finalists > 12 National Merit Commended Students
93 MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (minimum GPA of 3.75 and no grade below a B-)
52 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2018 WILL PLAYING 11 COLLEGIATE SPORTS AT 36 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
THE CLASS OF 2018 HAS ENROLLED IN 91 COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, OR SEMINARIES IN 25 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
> The Class of 2018 applied to 325 colleges and universities in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, China, Japan, and Scotland > The Class of 2018 was accepted to 239 colleges and universities > The Class of 2018 has enrolled in 107 colleges and universities in 27 states and the District of Columbia > Of the 107 colleges and universities where La Salle graduates enrolled: – 62 are private institutions – 20 of which are Catholic colleges or universities – 4 are Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education public universities – 3 are Pennsylvania state-related universities
Destinations (60) for the Class of 2018
83% OF THE CLASS OF 2018 RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT TO A COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY THE CLASS OF 2018 EARNED IN EXCESS OF $39 MILLION IN DOCUMENTED SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS.
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017-2018 PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS
12
Baseball Bowling Crew Cross Country Golf Indoor Track and Field
Lacrosse Soccer Swimming Tennis Track and Field Volleyball
PENNSYLVANIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
9
1
DISTRICT 12 (CITY) CHAMPIONSHIPS Baseball Swimming Cross Country Tennis Golf Track and Field Lacrosse Volleyball Soccer
Auburn University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Boston College
Saint John’s University
Boston University
Saint Joseph’s University
Bucknell University
Syracuse University
The Catholic University of America
Temple University
Clemson University
Tulane University
College of Charleston
United States Naval Academy
College of the Holy Cross
United States Air Force Academy
College of William and Mary
University of Alabama
Cornell University
University of Arizona
Drexel University
University of California, Los Angeles
Duke University
University of California, San Diego
Duquesne University
University of Colorado at Boulder
Elon University
University of Delaware
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
University of Georgia
Fordham University
University of Illinois
Franklin & Marshall College
University of Maryland
The George Washington University
University of Miami
Gettysburg College
University of Michigan
High Point University
University of Mississippi
Johns Hopkins University
University of Notre Dame
Kenyon College
University of Pennsylvania
La Salle University
University of Pittsburgh
Lehigh University
University of Richmond
New York University
University of Scranton
North Carolina State University
University of Virginia
The Ohio State University
Ursinus College
Pennsylvania State University
Villanova University
Princeton University
Virginia Tech
Providence College
Wake Forest University
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018 19
DOUBLE TIME The story of three boys who commuted daily from a small borough in Bucks County that is bordered by the Delaware River and is only a few minutes from New Jersey. Collectively, they commuted over 100,000
DESMOND JOSEPH YOUNG ’18 Yardley, PA 19067 Saint Ignatius of Antioch School How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? For my first two and a half years at La Salle, I slept on the bus on my way into La Salle. Now, when It’s not my day to drive, I sleep in the car that I share with my brothers, Aidan and Emmet, on the way to school. How long does it take you to get to school each morning? My bus ride to school used to be a little over an hour. Now that I drive, I leave my house early to avoid traffic and can arrive at school in about 40-45 minutes, which allows me time before school to finish homework or relax before the school day.
miles and logged countless hours in their four years at La Salle. At the Baccalaureate Mass on May 30, 2018, they were recognized for having the three highest grade point averages among the Class of 2018, and were selected to lead the Class as Tri-Marshalls during the Commencement Exercises on June 2, 2018.
Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? My grammar school graduating class was about 30 students. I knew I wanted to go to a high school with a larger class size for a different experience. La Salle offered a larger student body with guys from many different parts of the Philadelphia region. Along with this, came more classes to choose from and, therefore, more flexibility in creating the curriculum that fit me. La Salle offered a larger school experience than I was used to while offering small class sizes. My Physics class this year, for example, had only thirteen students in it. La Salle offers the best of both worlds: many friends to make and small environments to learn in. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? I played three years of soccer and competed on the speech and debate team for four years. I founded the Baggo Club and was also a member of the Ministry and Service Team as well as Freshman Mentors. What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? During my freshman year, on the second day of school, not knowing many people, I walked into the library and sat down at a computer hoping it wasn’t obvious that I didn’t yet feel comfortable at school. A senior sat down next to me and asked if I was a freshman. I responded, “yes,” and expected maybe he would change his seat. Instead, he said, “Enjoy your time here, it goes by quickly.” At the time, I appreciated the fact that a senior would reach out and talk to a nervous freshman. Now, I appreciate the words he conveyed to me, as they are so true. Was it worth the commute? In a way, the commute has benefitted me. I’ve learned discipline in that I know I have to be up and out by a certain time every morning. I have learned to budget my time better since I have schoolwork, activities, and a commute to manage. It has forced me to not waste time but, instead, use opportunities during the school day or during the commute to get work done. I’ve also learned that La Salle can truly be a second home. I get to school earlier than most and many times have stayed at school until the evening to attend a night event. There are friendly faces everywhere in the building – from the front office to the cafeteria to the library. Like when I am home, I am amongst people who care about me and would help me if I needed a hand.
JAMES MICHAEL MAREK ’18 Yardley, PA 19067 Saint Andrew School
AIDAN KEVIN YOUNG ’18 Yardley, PA 19067 Saint Ignatius of Antioch School
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? Throughout my freshman and sophomore years, I rode one of the Bucks County buses to school that picked me up at a local shopping center. Getting home was more unstructured. We shared carpools with other families from my area, as extracurricular activities kept all of us from being able to take the school dismissal bus home. Juniors and seniors from my area with licenses were also willing to provide greatly appreciated rides home when needed. Beginning junior year and continuing into my senior year, I have driven to and from school and have provided a ride for underclassmen both in the morning and afternoon. I am confident that they too will “pass it on” to younger students in the area.
How did you get to school freshman year? How do you get to school today? During freshman year, I took the bus to school. Today, I drive to school with my twin brother, Desmond, and younger brother, Emmet.
How long does it take you to get to school each morning? 35-40 minutes Sometimes traffic on the Pennsylvania Turnpike extended my drive, but I was always able to park and make it inside school in time for prayer and 1st period at 7:55 am. Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? While I considered different high schools during 8th grade and while most of my grade school classmates chose closer options, to me La Salle offered “something” the others did not seem to have. My shadow day in 8th grade allowed me to see that La Salle students truly enjoyed being at school with each other, the faculty, and the administration. That is the feeling I wanted and that I have repeatedly experienced throughout the past four years. La Salle was a perfect fit for me in terms of faith, commitment to service, size, and quality. I have participated in various service opportunities in the La Salle community, including Face to Face, Manna on Main Street, Pheed Philly, and Operation Santa Claus. I also spent week-long summer service immersions in Philadelphia as a rising junior and the Coachella Valley for Operation Desert Son as a rising senior. What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My most memorable moment at La Salle fell in the fall of 2017, when after years of coming close to our goal, our team won the first Cross Country State Championship in school history. It was the perfect culmination of the relentless hard work everyone on the team had put in since the beginning of June and could not have ended my senior season any better. The sense of brotherhood that will always exist for that team is a microcosm of the brotherhood that exists at La Salle as a whole. Was it worth the commute? While I sometimes envy friends who are able to wake up at a later time, the extra hours I have spent commuting back and forth from school have undoubtedly been worth it. The bus rides provided me with new friends and valuable study time freshman and sophomore years. The crazy carpools somehow always worked out. Driving these past two years has even made me more of a morning person, not to mention, an experienced highway driver! Any negatives I have faced with my commute have been outweighed many times over by the positive times I have had and bonds I have formed. La Salle has provided me with the high school experience I had hoped for: spiritually, socially, and academically. My four short years as an Explorer certainly prepared me for success in college and career, but also created the connections of a true brotherhood that will last my lifetime.
How long does it take you to get to school each morning? When I took the bus, it usually took around 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to school. Now that I drive, it takes anywhere between 40 and 50 minutes depending on traffic. I have learned that getting up early to beat the traffic is well worth it as it provides a shorter commute and time to hang out before school starts. Why did you choose La Salle over schools that may have been closer to your home? La Salle was part of a family tradition for me. My dad and four of his brothers, as well as extended family, all attended La Salle. However, I did not attend La Salle solely to continue the family tradition. I attended La Salle because I saw the great people my dad and his four brothers have turned into because of their own La Salle experience. I wanted to follow in their footsteps because I listened to their stories and how each one became a part of the La Salle community. What activities did you participate while at La Salle? I played soccer for the freshman and junior varsity teams for three years. I played on the squash team for a year. I have been a part of speech and debate for four years. I have participated in the ski and snowboard club and have gone to Vermont and Utah on ski trips. I was also a Freshman Mentor during my senior year. What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My most memorable La Salle experience was at the beginning of senior year, actually at freshman orientation, when I dropped my younger brother, Emmet, off for his first day. Seeing him start his own journey and begin what I began three years ago made me excited for him and the experiences and memories he will make during his next four years. Was it worth the commute? Although I might leave my house wishing for more sleep and a little cranky, which my mom can attest to, when I arrive at La Salle every morning I am excited to be there. I have traveled over 35,000 miles going to and from school during these last four years, and I can honestly say that every single mile has been worth it. The memories I have made and the experiences I have had more than make up for the slightly longer commute. Often times after school, my brothers and I are unwilling to drive straight home. This is not because of the dread of our commute, but rather we enjoy spending time at school even after the school day ends. My La Salle experience is coming to a close, but I would trade twice as long a commute for four more years.
“My La Salle experience is coming to a close, but I would trade twice as long a commute for four more years.”
ARTICLES
TRAVELING AFAR Since 2013, La Salle has admitted international students, primarily from China and Korea, in an effort to expose its students to other cultures and people with different mind-sets and to prepare them for a 21st century global economy. To date, 25 boys have participated in the program and, presently, there are 17 boys at the school who reside with host families from the local area. Five boys graduated as members of the Class of 2018 and three boys will be starting in September.
TYLER SIQI LIU ’18 Guangzhou, China
ROYCE YUANCHEN XU ’18 Hefei, China
OWEN TIANYOU ZUO ’18 Beijing, China
How long is your flight to Philadelphia (including all connection)? I usually transfer my flight in Detroit. The one-way flight from South Korea to Detroit takes 13 hours and the flight from Detroit to Philadelphia takes 2 hours. An additional five hours is required for waiting between flights and riding to/from my residence. Where did you stay in the United States while attending La Salle? Thanks to my generous guardian, Alice, I have peacefully stayed in her home throughout the school year. Two-floor house with a nice, green yard and a mischievous German shepherd who energized me frequently. It is located only 10 minutes from La Salle.
What activities did you participate while at La Salle? Initially, I joined clubs like robotics and math, but as a sophomore, my interests gradually shifted toward the “creative.” This is when I signed up for the Art Club, which I enjoyed throughout my career at La Salle. Starting with some simple pinch-pots, I took on the challenges of ceramics and drawing. I took a painting course in Senior year, but I still actively delve myself into the works of art completed in the Art Club.
What was your favorite or most memorable “La Salle moment”? My affection to La Salle actually began with very minor event. On the second day of my freshmen year, I peeped through the glass door of the library, wondering if I was not allowed to enter as at my middle school. I slowly pulled the door and approached the librarian, Mrs. Doyle, and asked if I could stay in the library during the free period. She said: “yes, you can stay whenever you want.” Nowadays, I guess she just replied so with no special intention, assuming the library should be opened for everyone and anytime. However, her response was so polite that I was culturally shocked to freely stay inside the library during my free period. This is where I could feel the Lasallian emphasis on quality education, which encouraged me to focus on my work at the tranquil study area inside the library.
Why did you choose to go to school in the United States and why did you choose La Salle? Frankly speaking, I was exhausted with adapting myself to the Korean education system, which nurtures students to be a test-machine. I wanted to liberate myself from the routine, narrow thought process that average Korean – also Asian – students usually attain. Opportunities for the professional academic training attracted me to move to the United States and attend La Salle. I intentionally came to La Salle, because it had no Koreans when I applied. I thought such environment would boost up my English proficiency, which has improved enough Was it worth leaving your home? to be accepted by the colleges where I want to attend. My first realization of personal transformation was addressed by my old Korean friend a few months ago, when he called me a better thinker than his other colleagues the same age. What most young Korean adults lacked in living wisely, I could regulate my expense, responsibly finish my assignments, and endlessly question for the better gain from events on a daily basis. Living alone in this country taught me to get things done by myself on time. Nobody would do chores or homework on behalf of me and I had to keep myself in a good shape in order to accomplish my duties on time. Four years of steady practice have made me capable of doing chores by myself, unlike my father who is still clumsy at washing clothes. Furthermore, my guardian Alice, taught me how to ask questions. Whenever she took me to a restaurant, she demonstrated how to take the seat faster by verbally negotiating with the waiter. Her actions motivated me to reach out to teachers, most of who kindly responded me back with wise solutions.
DAVIS JIAXI WANG ’18 Zhengzhou, China
In one sentence, I would describe my life at La Salle as “the growth of a wimpy boy into a man with moral wit and independence.” The school has provided me numerous opportunities to improve myself in terms of academics. Also, many events inside the campus taught me to make wise decisions, which will lead me to the better life and a firmer healthy identity of mine.
SEAN SEUNGYUN LEE ’18 Seoul, South Korea
HIGHLIGHTS
P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S
COMMUNION BREAKFAST AND HALL OF FAME INDUCTION March 4, 2018 Robert J. Laskowski, MD ’70 (Physician/Executive) and Edward “Ward Fitzgerald III ’81 (Businessman/Philanthropist) were inducted into the La Salle College High School Alumni Hall of Fame on March 4, 2018, and were joined by family, classmates, teammates, and friends in celebration of their achievement. J. Michael Whitaker, MD ’68 (Physician/Humanitarian) was inducted posthumously. His sons, Colin Whtaker ’02
and Brendan Whitaker ’03, accepted on his behalf. Peter A. Nolan ’78 and Michael F. Donohoe, DC ’79 were also honored as this year’s recipients of the William J. Whelan ’55 Alumni Service Award. Brother James l. Butler, FSC, President of La Salle College High School, presided over the ceremonies and presented the awards.
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018 24
EXPLORER THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF LA SALLE COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2018 25
Class of 1973 45-Year Reunion
P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S CONTINUED GRAND REUNION April 21, 2018
Class of 1988 20-Year Reunion
Class of 1978 40-Year Reunion
Class of 1993 25-Year Reunion
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Class of 1978 40-Year Reunion
Class of 1983 35-Year Reunion
Class of 1998 20-Year Reunion
Class of 1998 20-Year Reunion
Class of 1988 30-Year Reunion
Class of 1973 45-Year Reunion
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HIGHLIGHTS
P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S CONTINUED
FRESHMAN GRANDPARENT’S DAY March 28, 2018 The 11th Annual Freshmen Grandparent’s Day brought over 550 grandparents to campus. The day began with a prayer service organized by members of the junior class (Class of 2019). Brother James Butler, FSC offered a few remarks before inviting the guests to light refreshments with their grandsons in the auditorium and family photos in the gym. A group photo was taken of grandsons and their grandfathers who were alumni of La Salle College High School. The grandparents concluded their visit by touring parts of the school.
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Alumni Mentor Reception May 14, 2018
50 Years of Musical Theater March 22, 2018
P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S CONTINUED
OTHER REUNIONS AND EVENTS
Class of 2003 15-Year Reunion and Golf Outing May 11, 2018
Penn State University Collegiate Alumni Social Federal Taphouse, State College, PA March 18, 2018
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Legacy Reception January 7, 2018
Class of 2008 10-Year Reunion May 5, 2018
Class of 2013 5-Year Reunion May 5, 2018
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Villanova and Saint Joseph’s University Collegiate Alumni Social April 15, 2018
HIGHLIGHTS
P H O T O
G A L L E R I E S CONTINUED
BACCALAUREATE MASS MAY 30, 2018 Reverend Stephen D. Thorne, Pastor of Saint Martin de Porres Catholic Church in North Philadelphia and Chaplain at Neumann University, along with over a dozen other priests, celebrated a Baccalaureate Mass On May 30, 2018 at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown. Andrew Patrick Martin addressed his fellow graduates.
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GRADUATION JUNE 2, 2018 The Class of 2018 entered La Salle College High School August 26, 2014 coming from 89 elementary schools and 75 zip codes along with four students from China and one from Korea. On June 2, 2018, Brother James L. Butler, FSC, President, addressed the graduates and conferred diplomas to 268 seniors during the 155th Commencement Exercises held on the campus of La Salle College High School. By virtue of having the highest grade point average in the Class of 2018, James Michael Marek, Aidan Kevin Young, and Desmond Joseph Young served as Marshalls and led the Class in the procession. Robert J. Bohner III and Patrick John Kelly delivered the student commencement speeches.
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Previewing graduation for the La Salle Class of 2018 and Golden Reunion for the La Salle Class of 1968, representatives from the two groups gathered for lunch and conversation hosted by Principal Michael A. O’Toole ‘68 on Thursday, May 10, 2018, in the Glaser Center. From the Class of 2018, Jack Gimpel, Sam Hellings, Troy Holland, Tyler Liu, James Marek, Scott McDade, Dave Mester, Isaiah Snead, Robert Uzzo, and Liam Ward joined Class of 1968 members Joe Baillie, John DeMasi, Tony Gillespie, Bill Henning, Ed Molush, Ed Quinn, Lee O’Dea, Mike O’Toole, Bill Ryan, Chester Salwach and Dave Smith to exchange opinions on La Salle, higher education, careers, and their own roles in serving communities, large and small. Representatives from the two classes share not only their common La Salle education but also many of the same home communities, from Philadelphia to Flourtown to King of Prussia and Oreland.
50-YEAR REUNION Class of 1968 The Class of 1968 celebrated their 50-Year Reunion on June 1-2, 2018. Over 50 members of the Class returned for a variety of events that included a golf outing on Friday afternoon at North Hills Country Club, which was followed by an evening reception at the Dunleavy Center on the campus of La Salle College High School. On Saturday, the Class participated in the Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2018. The festivities continued with a lunch in the McShain Library, where those in attendance were presented with “Golden Diplomas” and recognition of the 50th Anniversary of their own graduation. The celebration concluded on Saturday evening with a dinner dance at North Hills Country Club.
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DEPARTMENTS
W E
W E L C O M E
A N D
R E M E M B E R
BIRTHS AND DEATHS AS OF MAY 31, 2018 WE WELCOME SEAN BROOKS ’00 and his wife, Julie, welcomed their second child, Henry Joseph, on January 4, 2018. Henry is the grandson of Joseph Brooks ’77. ANDREW MACKINTOSH ’02 and his wife, Randi, welcomed a daughter, Elise “Ellie” Townsend, on September 29, 2017. COLIN BEHR ’05 and his wife, Ali, welcomed a son, Booker, on August 31, 2017. BRIAN HEENAN ’05 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed a daughter, Finley Grace, on May 12, 2018. JASON J. HENNER ’05 and his wife, Rachel, welcomed a son, Finley Gerald Henner, on November 22, 2017. MATTHEW PAUL ’07 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed a daughter, Eloise, on January 23, 2018.
ARNOLD A. BUBEN ’59, brother of Alvin A. Buben ’42(Dec’d.) and Arthur A. Buben ’48. THOMAS J. GIBBONS, JR. ’62 ROBERT P. FULTON, ESQ. ’71 KEVIN P. O’NEILL ’73, father of Gerald K. (Kellen) ’09; brother of Timothy ’70 and Brian ’75; uncle of Timothy ’09 and Brendan ’14 Daly and Sean ’13 and Quinn ’17 O’Neill. JOSEPH J. MCKERNAN, JR. ’83, brother of Andrew ’89. JOHN N. BRACA III ’05, son of John ’76; nephew of James ’77, Joseph ’80, and Anthony ’84; brotherin-law of faculty member Benjamin Courtney ’07.
HELEN K. ACIERNO, grandmother of P.J. Acierno ’12; mother-in-law of Roy Hanshaw ’70. LORETTA F. BARBALACE, mother of Richard ’90 and Daniel ’93.
WE REMEMBER
ROSE CROSSON, wife of William Crosson ’47.
ROBERT J. FOSTER ’43, father of Robert ’66, brother of William ’38 and Joseph ’46 (both deceased). WILLIAM R. HALBERSTADT, JR. ’44, father of William ’71, Geoffrey ’74, and Curtis ’76. G. RUSSELL REISS, JR. MD ’46, father of G. Russell Reiss III MD ’83. CHARLES C. WYNN ’46
EUGENE PETER MCLOONE, PHD ’47
JAMES DEVERY, father of James ’71, Daniel ’74, and Richard ’77; grandfather of James Devery. ’02 along with Gregory ’07, Joseph ’11, John ’13, and Nicholas ’14 Dusing.
ROBERT EIDENSHINK, grandfather of Ryan ’09, Casey ’12 and Andrew ’13 Eidenshink.
GEORGE S. KNEDEISEN ’49 GUIDO C. “GUY” PACITTI 49, father of Guy ’81. WILLIAM J. SHEEHAN ’49 PHILIP J. LEMBACH ’50, father of Guy ’86.
JOHN F. REARDON ’55
LAWRENCE W. DALY, father of Lawrence ’86 and Brian ’90; grandfather of Brennan ’18, Sean ’19, and Gavin ’21.
CATHERINE T. ERIKSEN, mother of Niels, Jr. ’89 and John ’94.
FRANCIS J. “FRANK” HOBAN ’47
WILLIAM A. MAGEE ’54
CHARLES C. CROVO, grandfather of James ’19.
ROGER CUTTING FLANIGAN, father of Michael ’81; and grandfather of Michael ’14. RICHARD J. GIULIANI SR., grandfather of William ’09 and Daniel ’11 Brennan, Jonathan ’12 and Matthew ’14 McCarry and Richard ’14, Anthony ’17 and John ’19 Giuliani.
CLAIRE ROSE GRANT, wife of Francis ’47(Dec’d.); grandmother of Richard Beaver ’15, Patrick Grant ’16, Sean Grant ’18, Joseph Grant ’18, and Daniel Grant ’20. MARGARET M. GREENHALGH, mother of James ’88. JOSEPH H. GRINDLE, grandfather of Eric ’00, Patrick ’04, and Craig ’06 O’Neill. SALLY KEANE, mother of the late Thomas ’74, Kevin ’75, and James ’78. JENNIE H. LEARY, wife of the late Howard R. Leary, Esq. ’35. MARGARET MCGRATH, wife of the late Joseph ’49; mother of John ’83. BERNARD J. MURPHY, father of Susan Dearolf (Walter ’74), Joseph Murphy ’7; grandfather of Christopher Dearolf ’11. HELEN M. PATCELLA, mother of Leonard “Jack” ’68; grandmother of L. John ’99, Gregory ’02, and Nicholas ’07 Patcella; sister of Paul Kolodchak ’47. PAULINE S. PORRECA, mother of Raymond ’68. BROTHER PATRICK POWER, FSC (formerly Brother Gustin Patrick, FSC) MARJORIE FLYNN ROOS, grandmother of Louis ’09, Nicholas ’12, and Alexander ’14 DiGiacomo. MARTHA SCHILLING, grandmother of Timothy McNamara ’21. RICHARD W. SCOTT, grandfather of Matthew ’13 and the late Michael ’10 Scott. STANLEY SKRESKI, father of Mrs. Phyllis Wells; grandfather of Clay ’07 and Gordon ’09 Wells. KATHLEEN BRADLEY-SMITH, mother of Gavin ’98. ALAN YUHAS, father of Alan ’07. JACQUELINE A. WALLO, grandmother of Matthew Wallo ’12.
A SHORE THING JOIN FELLOW ALUMNI AND PARENTS – CURRENT AND PAST – FOR AN EVENING BY THE BEACH.
JOIN ALUMNI PARENTS FOR AN EVENING BY THE BEACH Saturday,FELLOW August 4, 2018 Avalon, NewAND Jersey 6:00 pm Windrift Hotel Resort 105 80th Street
AUGUST 4, 2018 | 5:00 PM Light Fare SATURDAY, and Cash Bar WINDRIFT HOTEL RESORT | 105 80TH STREET | AVALON, NEW JERSEY www.lschs.org/ashorething Light Fare and Cash Bar | www.lschs.org/ashorething
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HOMECOMING THE TRADITION CONTINUES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
HALL OF ATHLETICS INDUCTION Gymnasium Admission Is Free Athletes Steve Duncheskie ’94 Keith Conlin ’91 Team Cross Country/Track and Field 1997-98 Coaches Dave Diehl ’55 Drew Gordon
FAMILY BBQ Glaser Field 4:00 to 6:30 pm $25 per person
VARSITY FOOTBALL VS. THE HAVERFORD SCHOOL
Free for Children 12 and Under
Springfield High School 7:00 pm
Price includes BBQ, beverages, and ticket to the Football Game.
Watch as the Explorers tackle Inter-Ac powerhouse The Haverford School.
Enjoy the music of the Pep Band and watch as the Explorers walk down from the locker room to the stadium at Springfield High School.
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HALFTIME CEREMONY Recognition of the athletes, coaches, and teams inducted into the La Salle College High School Hall of Athletics.
Do You Believe?
Saturday, November 3, 2018
For more information please contact the auction office at 215.402.4915 or www.lschs.org/auction