The Magazine of Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart | Fall 2017
Commencement 2017
“ LEADING A NATIONAL REINVENTION OF BOYS’ EDUCATION FOR A NEW GENERATION OF ENLIGHTENED MEN.” RINCETON ACADEMY STRATEGIC PLAN P WWW.PRINCETONACADEMY.ORG/EPICVISION
Mr. Torchio’s Grade 5 Science class designs, builds and tests marshmallow catapults
It is hard to believe that another year has passed and that we are already at the midpoint of the 2017-2018 school year. We have much to be thankful for and be proud of - through the great work of our team, Princeton Academy has successfully launched its strategic plan Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart. The process was intentionally inclusive and transparent. Over 150 visionaries joined us on campus last winter to share their ideas and join in courageous conversation about the direction and future of Princeton Academy. The result is a powerful vision; Princeton Academy in 2021, leading a national reinvention of boys’ education for a new generation of enlightened men. We live in a world that needs our boys now and what better way to prepare them for their journey than to equip them with the values, confidence and compassion to help make a positive difference. We know our aspirations are high and only through the good work of ALL will we achieve what we set out to do. For that reason, we began with the idea of listening to the many voices which make our community strong: students, faculty and staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, founders, trustees and friends. Thank you to everyone who participated in this process! Our work is not done, however, and so we continue to pursue our goals with an emboldened heart knowing that we have your support. Princeton Academy is a school on the rise. Our founding 19 years ago was fueled by a group of creative, compassionate and courageous parents who wanted to provide their sons with an education that nourished their minds, bodies and hearts. A values-based education which emphasizes learning through an open heart guided by our Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. Our mission to develop young men to be their best selves in the classroom, on the field, on stage, at home, and in their neighborhoods is a commitment to each individual boy. This commitment does not end in eighth grade, it lives on in perpetuity, and it is the reason that alumni frequently come home to Princeton Academy. In these pages you will read about all of the wonderful learning taking place on campus, about talented educators who are experts in boys’ education, and about how the journey continues after our students graduate from Princeton Academy. We have much to celebrate and we hope you enjoy this issue of PASHPORT - please come and visit soon, our doors are always open! With full hearts,
Alfred (Rik) F. Dugan III
Kenneth Harlan
Headmaster
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Headmaster’s Letter
Dear Princeton Academy Community,
“ ...TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE VALUES, CONFIDENCE AND COMPASSION TO HELP MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE.” 2017 | PASHPORT
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PRINCETON ACADEMYof the Sacred Heart
1128 Great Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 (609) 921-6499 | www.princetonacademy.org
BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2017-2018 Kenneth Harlan, P ’19, Chair Patricia Carragher P ’15, ’19 Robert Casey Robert Connor P ’22, ’24 Danielle Coppola P ’16, ’17 Alfred F. Dugan III P ’21, Headmaster Nikki Frith P ’14, ’23 Timothy Gardner P ’17 Jud Henderson P ’25 Heather Hoerle Nat Howe P ’14, ’18 Ann M. Jablonski, RSCJ Olen Kalkus P ’03, ’04, Emeritus Alyson Landers P ’14, ’16 Peter Stournaras P ’18, ’20, ’22 Chris Sugden P ’17 Diana Sullivan P ’20 Lou Tesoro P ’05, ’08, Emeritus Amrit Walia-Zaidi P ‘17 Forwood (Duke) C. Wiser III P ’12, Emeritus Fidelma Woodley P ’09, ’10, ’16, Emeritus
MISSION STATEMENT Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, an independent Catholic lower and middle school for boys, is committed to academic excellence within the context of a faith-based community. Our mission is to develop young men with active and creative minds, a sense of understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their beliefs. We stress the total development of each child: spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Our philosophy is rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart, which educates children to become leaders of a just society by adhering to the following five goals: • A personal and active faith in God • A deep respect for intellectual values • A social awareness which impels to action • The building of community as a Christian value • Personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
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PASHPORT 2017
Kettle Up and Stay Connected! Stay up-to-date with all of the amazing things happening on campus: @PrincetonAcademy @PrincetonAcadSH @Hawks_Athletics @rikdugan @princetonacademyhawks
CONTENTS
In this Issue
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14 THE MAGAZINE OF PRINCETON ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART
FEATURES
HEADMASTER
04 Princeton Academy Graduates the Class of 2017 at 15th Commencement Student Perspectives: An Interview with Lifer Hayden Messina ’17 10 Strategic Plan 2017-2021 – Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart by Alfred F. Dugan III and Nat Howe 14 Alumni Feature: From PASH ISP to BIOMOD 2016 by Darnel Theagene ’10 and Joanna R. Dugan
SECTIONS 16 A Look Back...
30 Classroom Spotlights
20 2016-2017 Athletics
35 Alumni Spotlight
24 2017 Fall Album
36 #WeAreSacredHeart
ON THE COVER
The Class of 2017 at Princeton Academy’s 15th Commencement Exercises held in the Alumni Courtyard of Kalkus House on campus
Alfred F. Dugan III DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Brooke Gadasi bgadasi@princetonacademy.org EDITOR
Joanna Rodriguez Dugan Communications Associate
jdugan@princetonacademy.org CONTRIBUTORS
Jonathan Britt Paul Clewell Pat DeFazio Alfred F. Dugan III Joanna R. Dugan Brian Ferrenz Ken Harlan Linda Hogancamp Nat Howe Kathleen Mayer Hayden Messina ’17 Darnel Theagene ’10 Erich Trautwein Matt Trowbridge PHOTOGRAPHY
Joanna R. Dugan John Kling Mark Wyville Photography DESIGN
Abbie Moore Design
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PRINCETON ACADEMY GRADUATES THE CLASS OF 2017 AT 15TH COMMENCEMENT On Tuesday, June 13, 32 young men graduated from Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart. The 15th Commencement Exercises were preceded by a Baccalaureate Liturgy with Monsignor Thomas J. Mullelly presiding over the celebratory mass. After Mass, the attendees gathered in the majestic gardens and Alumni Courtyard of Kalkus House (formerly Manor House) on campus. With blue skies, bucolic greenery and the vintage Princetonian stone facade of Kalkus House as a backdrop, the stage was perfectly set for the graduates. Faculty and staff led the procession followed by the Class of 2017, Headmaster Alfred (Rik) F. Dugan III, Head of Middle School Kathleen Humora and Chair of the Board of Trustees Kenneth Harlan. Headmaster Rik Dugan welcomed guests and addressed the graduating class with zeal and inspiration, “In a global context that is ever shifting, uncertain and demanding, you should feel most confident and hopeful that you have timeless, tested, true tools to help you navigate, succeed and make the world a better place.” Dugan reminded the young men and the audience of His Holiness Pope Francis’ TED Talk, The Only Future Worth Building Includes Everyone, as the students viewed the talk earlier in the year. He cited Pope Francis’ call for a Revolution of Tenderness and how “Our world requires tenderness… Tenderness means to use our eyes to see the other, our ears to hear the other…” Dugan noted, “Tenderness is not for the weak. It takes courage to be compassionate and that is our mission.” Graduating eighth grader William Bryce Thompson VI was chosen to give the speech on behalf of the Class of 2017. The recipients of Sacred Heart Honors were then announced. Head of Middle School Kathleen Humora conferred the diplomas to each member of the graduating class and remarked, “We will hold these wonderful young men in our memories and our hearts. They are and always will be a part of Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart.” Headmaster Rik Dugan bestowed one last hearty congratulations before the graduates headed towards the Kalkus House fountain for the long-standing graduation tradition of jumping in, “Soar with heart Class of 2017; it has been an honor to watch you lead!”
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PASHPORT | 2017
Commencement
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COMMENCEMENT
THE 2017 RECIPIENTS OF SACRED HEART HONORS: In the spirit of
In the spirit of
In the spirit of
In the spirit of
In the spirit of
GOAL I
GOAL II
GOAL III
GOAL IV
GOAL V
a personal and active faith in God
a deep respect for intellectual values
a social awareness which impels to action
the building of community as a Christian value
personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom
this honor was presented to
this honor was presented to
this honor was presented to
this honor was presented to
this honor was presented to
MATTHEW LEPRE
HAYDEN MESSINA
COOPER SUGDEN
ZAKIR ZAIDI
EVAN LILIENTHAL
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5 (1) Hayden Messina with his grandparents (2) Simon Sheppard, Evan Lilienthal, Sam Dev, Souleymane Diarra and Christian Anderson (3) Headmaster Alfred (Rik) F. Dugan III delivers his Commencement address (4) William Thompson VI represents the Class of 2017 with an eloquent speech (5) Members of the Class of 2017 keep tradition and jump in the fountain (6) Oliver Firmenich, Will Morrison, Hayden Messina and Nicholas Muscara
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COMMENCEMENT
Class of 2017 PRINCETON ACADEMY IS PROUD TO CONGRATULATE THE 32 GENTLEMEN SCHOLARS OF THE CLASS OF 2017: Hunter Wood Allen
Jack Kilbourne
Andrew James Rasmussen
Christian Anderson
Quinn Lucas Knott
Angus H. Ruscher
Jared T. Bell
Michael Jacks Kosoff II
Joseph Edwin Schubert
William Peter Bernal
Andrew Oliver Kraut
Simon James Sheppard
Andrew H. Chen
Jaden Leggett
Zachary Stover Sheppard
Walter August Danker IV
Matthew William Lepre
Cooper Christopher Sugden
Sameer C. Dev
Christopher Lewis Levine
Matthew MacKinnon Tewell
Souleymane Diarra
Evan Stark Lilienthal
William Bryce Thompson VI
Christopher Brian Dorey
Hayden Oliver Messina
George Endsley Logan Wright
Oliver Firmenich
William Rees Morrison
Zakir I. Zaidi
Alexander Rittenhouse Gardner
Nicholas R. Muscara
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(7) Andrew Chen celebrates with his father Shawn Chen (8) Zachary Sheppard, Simon Sheppard, Angus Ruscher, Andrew Rasmussen and Nicholas Muscara (9) Each student touches the Princeton Academy seal before the processional (10) Mr. Dugan brings the graduates in for one last “huddle” before they jump in the fountain (11) Simone Anderson, Christian Anderson, Cooper Sugden and Alexander Gardner (12) Jack Kilbourne delivers a psalm during the Baccalaureate Liturgy
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COMMENCEMENT
STUDENT PERSPECTIVES:
AN INTERVIEW WITH PRINCETON ACADEMY LIFER HAYDEN MESSINA ’17
Hayden is currently attending St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, DE How long have you attended Princeton Academy? I have attended Princeton Academy for nine years (since kindergarten).
What is your favorite aspect of attending an all-boy school? My favorite aspect of attending Princeton Academy is the community. PASH is small enough so that you get to know all of the people in your grade as well as your teachers. However, it is big enough for there to be a wide variety of students with different experiences and personalities. We have a community and learning environment where we can all learn from our teachers as well as each other comfortably.
How would you describe the Sacred Heart Goals in relation to your learning at Princeton Academy? Is there a Goal that resonates most with you? The Sacred Heart Goals are something that I can use to guide myself and keep myself focused on all aspects of my learning at Princeton Academy in academics, athletics and just
communicating with people. They help me to remember to treat people with respect and to stay creative in my learning. The Sacred Heart Goal that I believe is the most important is Goal V, personal growth in an atmosphere of wise freedom, or be responsible. This goal reminds me to make the right choices despite the situation and it helps me to remember that as we gain more freedom as we grow older, we also gain more responsibilities.
What are some of your interests and passions that were born from an experience you had at school/outside of school? Some of my interests and passions that were born from experiences I had at Princeton Academy were my love of running and interest in playing tennis. I had always liked to run, so I decided to join the cross country team. It was very challenging, but I enjoyed it and I was able to improve a lot. The reason I wanted to try tennis actually came from my friends. Most of them play tennis and they told me how fun it was and that I should try it, so I recently started taking lessons.
Can you tell us about one of your most memorable experiences at Princeton Academy? One of my memorable experiences at Princeton Academy was a day called Visioning Day. It was a day when parents and students could come to school to try to formulate a visioning statement and kick off the brainstorming for the plan for PASH for the next five to ten years. I think it was a cool experience because we, as students, were able to participate and have a say in the new plan for the school for the next few years. It was also a great opportunity to think about what I like about PASH and what could be improved.
What are you most excited about looking ahead to secondary school? The aspect of high school that I am most excited about is that I will be able to meet many new people and expand my knowledge and improve in academics and athletics.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience at Princeton Academy? The last thing I would like to say about Princeton Academy is that I’m extremely grateful that I am able to go to such a good school and have an amazing education and make great friends.
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COMMENCEMENT
Class of 2017
Congratulations to the Class of 2017 on earning admission to the following secondary schools: AVON OLD FARMS
THE HILL SCHOOL
MILLBROOK SCHOOL
SOLEBURY SCHOOL
BERKSHIRE SCHOOL
HOLY GHOST PREPARATORY SCHOOL
MILTON ACADEMY
SOUTH KENT SCHOOL
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
ST. ANDREW’S SCHOOL
THE PENNINGTON SCHOOL
ST. JOSEPH’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL
BLAIR ACADEMY CHOATE ROSEMARY HALL CULVER ACADEMY DELBARTON SCHOOL EPISCOPAL HIGH SCHOOL GEORGE SCHOOL THE GUNNERY SCHOOL
THE HUN SCHOOL KENT SCHOOL KIMBALL UNION ACADEMY LAKE FOREST ACADEMY THE LAWRENCEVILLE SCHOOL
PHILLIPS EXETER ACADEMY PRINCETON DAY SCHOOL PEDDIE SCHOOL
LOOMIS CHAFFEE SCHOOL
RUTGERS PREPARATORY SCHOOL
MERCERSBURG ACADEMY
THE SALISBURY SCHOOL
TABOR ACADEMY THE TAFT SCHOOL WESTMINSTER SCHOOL
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STRATEGIC PLAN
2017-2021 Strategic planning is a process by which an organization envisions its future and then sets goals to make vision reality. In partnership with our consultant Christina Drouin of the Center for Strategic Planning, our Strategic Planning Committee (comprising current and former parents, trustees, faculty and staff) designed a highly collaborative process engaging all members of our community.
“ WHEN ASKED TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP HOPING TO START A SACRED HEART SCHOOL FOR BOYS, I COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED THE SCHOOL PRINCETON ACADEMY WOULD BE TODAY. OUR FOUNDING VISION WAS TO CREATE A PLACE WHERE YOUNG MEN COULD BE SHAPED BY THEIR EXPERIENCE OF THE SACRED HEART GOALS AND BECOME MEN OF FAITH AND INTELLECT WITH AN ACTIVE SOCIAL CONSCIENCE; TO INSPIRE THEM TO BUILD COMMUNITY BY SEEKING TO UNDERSTAND THE OTHER AND TO GROW IN AN ATMOSPHERE OF WISE FREEDOM. PRINCETON ACADEMY LIVES THIS VISION EVERYDAY. I AM PROUD AND EXCITED TO JOIN IN OUR EPIC VISION: SOARING WITH HEART TOGETHER WITH NEW VISIONARIES TO IMAGINE WHAT THE FUTURE WILL BRING TO THIS SCHOOL THAT FOR ME WAS ONCE JUST A DREAM.” FIDELMA WOODLEY P ’09, ’10, ’16, FOUNDER AND EMERITUS TRUSTEE
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VISIONING DAY
On Saturday, December 3, 2016, over 150 Princeton Academy community members came together to share, participate and collaborate in the building of our strategic plan Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart. The day was full of palpable energy and a flow of innovative strategic thinking. Participants included current students and parents, alumni and parents of alumni, trustees and former trustees, faculty and staff, and founders all who generously invested their time for the future of Princeton Academy. The ideas generated from this productive day, where everyone’s voice was heard, informed the creation of Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart.
Headmaster Rik Dugan reflects on the success of Visioning Day: Visioning Day was an opportunity to make memories and forge new relationships while engaging in deep and meaningful dialogue around that which matters most: our boys’ futures. We keep our young men and our mission at the center of all that we do at Princeton Academy. I am of the belief that when we adults take a step back, students can take a step forward. At Princeton Academy students are seen and heard - their voices matter. Therefore, it was no surprise that our young men inspired all present on Visioning Day in a way that only Princeton Academy students can. Delivering their vision statements with poise and confidence, our Middle School and young alumni leaders reminded us all why we were gathered as they articulated their hopes and visions for the future of the school they love. The high order of thinking omnipresent by all in attendance was inspirational, the spirit of the Sacred Heart was palpable and the unity of our community around the potential for our future was striking. The clarity of our mission and the dedication of our community combine to provide us with a powerful advantage as we engage in strategic planning.
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LAUNCH On Friday, May 5, 2017, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart launched its five-year strategic plan, Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart at an all-school assembly. The celebration included all members of the Princeton Academy community. Headmaster Rik Dugan welcomed those in attendance and addressed students, “Welcome everybody, today is a really big day in the
A
“I want to thank everyone for participating in this transformational process,” said Howe. The strategic planning process began one year ago and over the course of that year, Princeton Academy’s Strategic Planning Committee collaborated with all members of the community to build a shared vision and initiatives to guide the school for the next five years. “Most schools choose not to include
Timeline OF PRINCETON ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART
1998
O CTOB E R Princeton Academy is incorporated as a Sacred Heart school for boys.
1999
JA N U A R Y Board of Trustees appoints Olen Kalkus as founding headmaster.
S E P TE MB E R Princeton Academy opens with 32 students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 at Our Lady of Princeton.
FALL The school received an anonymous pledge of $1 million toward the purchase of a permanent home.
2000
S P RI N G The late William E. Simon, former U.S. Treasury Secretary, recognizing the entrepreneurial spirit of the school’s leadership, offers a challenge gift of $1 million dollars if the school can purchase Our Lady of Princeton mortgage-free.
S E P TE MB E R Second academic year opens with 94 students in Kindergarten through Grade 6.
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life of Princeton Academy and we are starting our day with you, our young men because as we look to the future, we look into each and every one of your eyes.” Dugan continued by expressing his gratitude to Chair of the Board of Trustees Kenneth Harlan, Strategic Planning Committee Chair Nathaniel Howe and the entire Strategic Planning Committee.
PASHPORT | 2017
DECEMBER Our Lady of Princeton property is purchased, having raised more than $2 million and borrowing $6 million. The Simon Foundation extends its challenge for one year – tying its million-dollar gift to the elimination of the mortgage.
2001
SEPTEMBER Third academic year opens with 157 students enrolled in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 7.
2004
Princeton Township grants approval for construction of a new Athletic and Convocation Center.
2008
2005
William E. Simon Chapel Library is completed and a geodesic greenhouse is built.
The Campaign for Princeton Academy reaches $2.5 million and the school breaks ground on a new Athletic and Convocation Center.
2006
Princeton Academy meets the Simon Foundation challenge and satisfies the mortgage.
Princeton Academy receives provisional membership in the Network of Sacred Heart Schools and begins the Sacred Heart Commission on Goals process of reflection and self-evaluation.
2003
2007
2002
An anonymous challenge grant of $500,000 inspires the establishment of the The Campaign for Princeton Academy, a $5 million capital campaign. The first eighth grade class graduates and its first alumni gain acceptance to top day and boarding schools. The school receives accreditation from Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Network of Sacred Heart Schools.
The Campaign for Princeton Academy reaches $4.1 million, and the school obtains approval from the township for the renovation and construction of the Chapel Library, as well as approval for the expansion of the athletic fields. The Athletic and Convocation Center is completed and Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart receives full membership into the
JANU ARY
2009
The school receives a gift of property valued at $5 million.
2010
Board of Trustees initiates the process of selecting architects to begin the schematic planning for the Master Plan build out.
2011
Donated property is sold for $5 million, and planning begins for the campaign to complete the school’s Master Plan.
2012
Building for Our Boys, the campaign to complete the Master Plan is launched, as the Board of Trustees pledges $1 million. Construction begins on geothermal wells and demolition of the old Y Wing.
2013
The Y Wing renovation is complete. Princeton Academy wins a Leadership Award for Sustainability from Sustainable Princeton due to the success of the geothermal project made possible through the generous benefactors, Katherine L. Adams and Forwood C. Wiser III.
2014
Renovation of the new Administrative Wing is complete. Princeton Academy announces the appointment of its second headmaster.
2015
NOV EM BER The school celebrates the installation of Alfred F. Dugan III as its new headmaster.
2016
Princeton Academy announces the commencement of its strategic planning process: Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart. The school commits to building a shared vision for the future of the school over the next five years.
their entire communities in this process – favoring a board-down approach – and so, it is incredible to see the excitement that Epic Vision has brought to our campus as we plan to take Princeton Academy on a bold new path for the next five years,” added Howe. The vision set forth for 2017-2021 is indeed bold, “Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2021: Leading a national reinvention of boys’ education for a new generation of enlightened men.” Four pillars will guide the initiatives driving the success of the plan: Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Identity and Loyalty, Thought Leadership and Strategic Growth. Back in February, the community mobilized to make its vision a reality by drafting over 150 initiatives, which the School Leadership Team (SLT) worked enthusiastically to coalesce into 70 meaningful initiatives spanning all four pillars of the plan. “Herein lies how community-wide collaboration produces bold vision, strategic thinking and action implementation,” said Dugan. Princeton Academy was founded 18 years ago and is poised to cement its established reputation for educating boys in the Princeton area. The school’s mission is augmented by a philosophy rooted in the 200-year tradition of the Society of the Sacred Heart. It is befitting then that the launch of the school’s strategic plan was aligned with its Sacred Heart Goals - in particular, Goal III, “a social awareness which impels to action.” Director of the Mercer County Wildlife Center Diane Nickerson was invited to present to students on raptor birds during the launch event. The school’s mascot is a hawk and when Nickerson revealed the Harris Hawk she brought with her, the metaphor of Epic Vision: Soaring with Heart was crystallized. After Nickerson’s presentation, representatives from Middle School student government presented her with a donation to the Mercer County Wildlife Center on behalf of the school. The combination of service learning with the celebration of Princeton Academy’s strategic plan was meaningfully executed.
Nickerson was also presented with a “Princeton Academy Hawks” shirt that she enthusiastically accepted.
“ WE ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS OF ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THIS STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS. SETTING OUT TO BUILD A SHARED VISION TAKES CREATIVITY, COMPASSION AND COURAGE. THANK YOU TO THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR SUPPORTING THIS GOAL IV APPROACH TO STRATEGIC PLANNING AND FOR UNANIMOUSLY APPROVING OUR COMMUNITY’S VISION STATEMENT AND PILLARS.” STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIR NAT HOWE
On behalf of the Strategic Planning Committee, it is with great enthusiasm that we share the vision statement for the future of Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart: Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart in 2021: Leading a national reinvention of boys’ education for a new generation of enlightened men. Our community’s Epic Vision is rooted in our Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria, guided by our mission and uplifted by the following integral pillars:
Pillar 1: Excellence in Teaching and Learning In 2021, all Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart boys consistently experience superior quality teaching and learning in mind, body, and heart.
Pillar 2: Identity and Loyalty In 2021, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart is known and valued for inspiring and equipping boys as lifelong learners and enlightened men.
Pillar 3: Thought Leadership In 2021, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart’s approach to K-8 boys’ education is nationally known and emulated.
Pillar 4: Strategic Growth In 2021, Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart is optimizing resources and assets to advance strategic growth.
STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE Rob Connor
Paris McLean
Alfred F. Dugan III
Cathy Schnitzler
Brooke Gadasi
Raymond Shay
Kenneth Harlan
Jennifer Sheppard
Heather Hoerle
Tim Stevens
Nat Howe, Chair
Alan Stifelman
Hoddy Klein
Peter Stournaras
Alyson Landers
Matt Trowbridge
Lisa Luke
Forwood (Duke) C. Wiser III 2017 | PASHPORT
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PASH ISP To BIOMOD 2016: From
Princeton Academy Alumnus wins silver with his team ‘TubeTech’ in San Francisco biomolecular competition A team of student researchers from Columbia Engineering earned a silver award at BIOMOD 2016, a biomolecular design competition for undergraduates sponsored by Harvard’s Wyss Institute. The TubeTech team designed a protocol to favor the further polymerization of cytoskeletal filaments known as microtubules. The technique doubles the average filament length obtained by the standard protocol. The ability to produce longer microtubules, which support the “skeletons” of human cells and operate as “molecular highways” for transporting cargo within cells, has major implications for designing next-generation bionanodevices. Darnel Theagene ‘10 is a current student at Columbia University and was a member of TubeTech. We recently checked in with him to congratulate his accomplishments and welcome him home to Princeton Academy. Theagene returned to campus in March to participate in the Middle School
Independent Science Project (ISP) as a judge. Theagene fondly recalled his time at Princeton Academy, “there were many great subjects that I loved. I feel as though I learned a lot from all of them. If I had to pick favorites though, I think that I would have to choose math, science and Spanish.” When asked about his memories of the ISP, he stated, “I still remember when I first did the ISP back at PASH. I don’t remember all of the projects that I did, but I do remember one year I did an experiment to test the effects of positive reinforcement. I tested this by having a subject shoot free-throw shots into a basketball hoop. I cheered for half of the subjects and did not cheer for the other half. I then counted the free-throw shots from both groups in order to see if there was an effect.” Theagene graduated from The Hun School in 2014 and when asked about whether he felt adequately prepared for secondary school, he responded, “I would say that my experience at Princeton Academy very adequately prepared me for Hun. From my first semester at Hun, I was able to place into honors geometry and Spanish 2 because I had already taken the prerequisites for those classes at PASH. Academically, PASH prepared me very well for my transition to secondary school. Also the five Sacred Heart goals that each PASH student learns match very well with the values embodied by Hun students.” Theagene’s passion for science and engineering was sparked by a physics class he took his junior year at Hun. He noted that what he loved most about physics was that it took previously learned math concepts and applied them to real world problems. After taking that class, he knew he wanted to be an engineer, “I definitely knew that I was going to
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pursue a science-related field when I applied to Columbia. I didn’t know then that I wanted to do biomedical engineering, but I did know which direction to head in.” In looking ahead to the future, Theagene would like to attend graduate school to continue doing biomedical engineering research. He doesn’t know yet specifically what he wants to be working on, but as long as he can do engineering and make a difference, he will be happy. In true Princeton Academy fashion Theagene ended our conversation in a way that paid homage to one of our time-honored traditions, Friday Thank Yous. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “I am very grateful to Columbia’s biomedical engineering department and its professors, for all of their support. I would also like to thank Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart, The Hun School of Princeton, and my many wonderful teachers. Without their love and their focus on students, I might not be here at Columbia.” A description of Theagene’s project for BIOMOD 2016 in his own words: I worked with a team of other undergraduate students, led by two graduate student mentors in the Columbia Hess Lab for bionanotechnology and synthetic biology. Our group’s goal was to create a protocol for polymerizing long microtubules. We chose microtubules because the lab has done previous work with microtubules, and we wanted to expand on their work and increase the range of applications of these microtubules. Microtubules are tubelike proteins in our cells that help act as a skeleton for our cells. Since they stretch to different parts of the cell, they can act as roads for the transportation of “cargo” known as vesicles throughout the cell. Motor molecules like kinesin, act as vehicles that can attach to microtubules and move along them to pull
Darnel Theagene ‘10 is pictured with his TubeTech team in the third row from the top, fourth from the left
“ I’VE GOT TO SAY WHEN MY GROUP WENT TO PRESENT AT BIOMOD THE EXPERIENCE WASN’T THAT DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE ISP. WE PRESENTED OUR PROJECT WITH A SPECIFIC HYPOTHESIS AND WALKED THROUGH THE STEPS OF OUR EXPERIMENT.”
TUBE TECH the cargo to its destination. These motor molecules carry cargo to different parts of the cell. Microtubules can be produced outside of cells (in vitro). Since microtubules can be produced outside of cells, we saw their potential to be used in nanoscale transport systems. If they were to be used in such systems, there would have to be a method for adjusting the lengths of microtubules in order to make longer ones. We did this by varying three factors in the production process of microtubules.
We worked on the experiment from June to about August. Afterwards we had to make a project video, website and presentation to show at BIOMOD. It was quite an experience to present my work at BIOMOD. The conference took place in San Francisco, and it was my first time going to the West Coast. There were many other schools there from many different countries who each got up and presented their work. I
got to see some amazing projects from other students who were doing groundbreaking work. I’ve got to say, when my group went to present the experience wasn’t that different from that of the ISP. We presented our project with a specific hypothesis and walked through the steps of our experiment. In the end we presented the analysis or our results and a conclusion. I also enjoyed meeting the other teams to talk with them about their projects. The whole experience was very fun.
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A Look Back LS Families PROVE MATH IS FUN On an unseasonably warm Thursday in February, Princeton Academy families gathered in the MACC for a night of math games. Lower School teachers organized myriad activities for families to engage and learn all while having a lot of fun! The event was built to invite parents to step into their son’s academic world and share laughter while engaging in math. “One important component of our math curriculum here is math games,” states Instructional Coach Peggy Feuerstein. She adds, “These games are specifically selected to support curriculum topics and reinforce skills. We all know that boys learn best by doing and playing.” Each grade had a center set up with games ready to play that emphasized counting, problem-solving, fractions, estimating and coding among many more topics. Beebots were available for all ages to play and explore early programming and coding.
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On display in the MACC during the LS Family Math Game Night was an installation of “Math is Art” - projects born out of a collaboration between lead classroom teachers and Classroom Teaching Specialist Maggie Rose. Ms. Rose teaches art and making in LS. The art projects included a study of patterns, creative number sentences and abacus construction. Educational research supports family game nights and notes that parental attitudes about math are reflected by their children. At Princeton Academy the partnership between teachers, students and parents is honored. Parental involvement in LS activities, including playing games that strengthen skills, lead to academic success.
A LOOK BACK
200+
MLK Day of Service
students, parents and friends gathered to participate in service projects to help local and national organizations
250 1000 chew toys for puppies were made for SAVE Animal Rescue
utensils were packaged for TASK: Trenton Area Soup Kitchen
150 60 placemats were decorated for Loaves & Fishes
90 prayer cards were written for residents and families at the Princeton Care Center
On Monday, January 16, 2017 Princeton Academy of the Sacred Heart hosted an MLK Day of Service sponsored by the Princeton Academy Parents Association (PAPA) in the McPherson Athletic and Convocation Center (MACC) on its Princeton campus. Families from Stuart Country Day School, Princeton Academy’s sister school, were invited to partner with them in turning a day off into a day on. It was an amazing day of inspired service and community-building. “The number of families that expressed their joyfulness in helping others today, as well as their happiness that Princeton Academy hosted such an important event, was inspiring,” stated Tia Bennett, MLK Day of Service co-chair. Headmaster Rik Dugan also shared his enthusiasm and gratitude for the success of the day, “Thank you to our extraordinary Princeton Academy Parents Association, student and parent volunteers, and friends for coming out to participate in projects to help organizations within our community and beyond.”
activity bags were stuffed for children in need for The Bag Project
At Princeton Academy, service is a cornerstone of our mission and integral to the Sacred Heart Goals, which highlight social awareness which impels to action and community-building.
a gratitude poster was created with colorful messages for the Princeton Police Department and dozens of letters were written to the men and women serving our country for Operation Gratitude
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A LOOK BACK
Princeton Academy Presents the Musical
GUYS AND DOLLS JR.
Christopher Dorey
Ryan Lagay
as Nicely-Nicely Johnson
as Angie the Ox
On Friday-Sunday, February 10-12, Princeton Academy Middle School students presented their winter performance of the Tony Award-winning musical Guys and Dolls JR. They performed alongside students from Stuart Country Day School and the show took place at the Stuart Little Theater. Corinne Sekinger served as stage director and choreography, and General Music Teacher Jonathan Britt served as music director.
as Benny Southstreet
A synopsis of the play
Eva Nester
provided by Musical Theatre International: Set in Damon Runyon’s New York City, the ensemble cast told the story of gambler, Nathan Detroit (played by eighth grader Zakir Zaidi), as he tries to find the cash to set up the biggest crap game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend and nightclub performer, Adelaide (played by Stuart eighth grader Ava Roche), laments that they’ve been engaged for 14 years without ever getting married. Nathan turns to fellow gambler, Sky Masterson (played by eighth grader Evan Lilienthal), for the dough, but Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown (played by Stuart seventh grader Caroline Bednar). Guys and Dolls JR. takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, but everyone eventually ends up right where they belong. “Our characters are faced with the option to move beyond themselves, finding new places in the heart to take risks, trust their hearts, and love more truly,” states Sekinger. She continues, “Full of great moments, this show is fresh and full of life, just like its cast.”
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FULL MIDDLE SCHOOL CAST:
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Russell Clark Benjamin Kelly
Joshua Reece as Rusty Charlie
as Liver Lips Louie
Ava Roche
Ken Jiang
as Miss Adelaide
as Society Max
Caroline Bednar as Sarah Brown
John Kling as Arvide Abernathy
Evan Lilienthal as Sky Masterson
Sean Liebowitz as Big Jule
as Brannigan
Dolores Hawrylo Dee Harris Lorrie Benditt Brooke Gadasi Grant Franke
Zakir Zaidi
as Hot Box Cameos
as Agatha and Mimi
Nick Callan as Harry the Horse
Xavier Silverio as Nathan Detroit
A LOOK BACK
Young PASH Scientists Never Stop Questioning The Middle School Independent Science Project (ISP) is a signature program that Princeton Academy takes great pride in. As a Sacred Heart school, we are committed to educating to a deep respect for intellectual values. We aim to incorporate all forms of critical thinking, we inspire a lifelong love of learning, and we emphasize the creative use of the imagination. We recognize our students as individuals, and we support them in their journey to selfadvocate and to be independent. The ISP is a true exploration of Sacred Heart Goal II. All MS students carry out an ISP under the guidance of their science teacher. They follow the scientific method process: they pose a problem, find out information through research, design a controlled experiment, troubleshoot, analyze data, draw conclusions, write a detailed report and present the completed project to a panel of scientists at the Science Exposition. “This is a six-week intensive unit,” Head of Middle School Kathy Humora states. “It’s a 21st century project that blends problem solving and creativity and takes the students from the knowledge they gain in research to applying
it in their experiment, troubleshooting and evaluating. It’s an all-encompassing project.” Students in Grades 5 through 8 presented their Independent Science Projects to a judging panel made up of professional scientists, researchers, professors, engineers and alumni on Monday, March 6. Each young scientist developed a hypothesis and ran controlled experiments to test it. The students’ presentations included a summary of the experiments and an analysis of the data. “Many fifth grade students carried out sports-based ISPs because they love sports,” Humora states. “By the time students reach eighth grade, they choose a wide variety of project topics. Many eighth graders carried out human behavior ISPs as they are curious about peer pressure, focus, attention and memory. They also like to choose topics that are based in the branches of science such as chromatography separation and heat, and crystallization in physical science, or taste sensation in life science. In fifth grade they’ve just learned what a controlled experiment is. By eighth grade they understand it fully and it’s amazing what they can do.”
While teaching the scientific method is important, the real lesson of the ISP program is about the students’ capacity for refined thought and analysis. “What’s really great is that the eighth graders buddy up with the fifth graders to help them with their projects,” states Humora. “It’s a community builder in many ways. And to me what’s really important about it is that it represents a deep respect for intellectual values. This shows the students not only the importance of their lessons, but of the process of learning.” Whether it was bacteria, reaction time, human behavior, sailboat speed, air pressure variation, or time perception, students followed the scientific process. Creativity was everywhere you looked as students turned ideas into projects. The six steps of the scientific method were the foundation for process, investigation, evaluative thinking, problem solving and independence. As students moved through the ISP, they planned their work and worked their plan, they grew in their responsibility and self-discipline, they reflected on the value of process, and they never stopped questioning. Truly, the ISP is Sacred Heart in action.
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Athletics 2016-2017 20
SOCCER A Head Coach: Matt Trowbridge Soccer A had a dynamic season that culminated with progress shown in the final week in a hard fought battle vs. Hun. Having lost in the opening week of the season at Princeton Academy by a score of 1-4, the team traveled to Hun for a rematch with a presence of mind and collective determination. Simon Sheppard showcased a burst of offensive prowess that matched Jared Bell’s best goaltending effort of the season. With several other eighth grade leaders shutting down Hun’s repeated attempts down the middle of the field, and all players hustling back on defense, a 3-1 victory secured the season’s positive direction. Coach Trowbridge would like to thank Coach Springer ‘08 for his tremendous work in his first year coaching for Princeton Academy. The eighth graders will be missed next year and we are looking forward to continued success in Princeton Academy soccer.
SOCCER B Head Coach: Pat DeFazio Soccer B Team had an excellent season finishing 7-2-1 for the season. The team was characterized by a free-flowing style of play supported by a potent offense and stalwart defense. Pablo Argueta, Hudson Aton, Sean Wu, Sean Wu, George Sullivan, Anthony Balbuena, Leo Martinez and Sid Bhanote all contributed goals at some point this season, with Bennett Cerrullo and Josh Reece providing much needed depth and support offensively. The defense was anchored by John-Michael Ajemian, Sean Wu, Nate Wallace, Aaron Brown and Sam Mao, who, when combined with first-year goalkeeper Daniel Harlan, went on to post two shutouts throughout the season. While victories are what the record books will show, this team will be remembered for their cohesive playing style, love for the game and joy with which they played. If the 2016 B Team season is any indication, the future looks bright for Hawks Soccer.
SOCCER A
SPORT SOCCER B history. The team of 12 golfers finished the season with a 4-2 record. The team won two matches each against The Haverford School and Springside Chestnut Hill. The only losing matches were against the outstanding Malvern Prep team. To the team’s credit, a Princeton Academy golfer was the low score in every match. While injuries reduced the playing time of some of our players, history was almost made this year when we were inches from our first hole-in-one at our last match. The Hawks were led by an outstanding group of eight eighth graders. Coach Mayer and Coach Ferrenz depended on their leadership by pairing them with younger golfers
GOLF Head Coach: Kathleen Mayer The 2016 Golf season turned out to be the best yet in Princeton Academy’s
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GOLF
to offer advice ranging from club selection to reading the slope of a green. Coach Mayer and Coach Ferrenz will miss these graduating eighth graders who will be hard to replace and are excited for the opportunity of the 2017 season.
CROSS COUNTRY Head Coach: Jonathan Britt If hawks soar simply for the sheer joy of soaring, then Princeton Academy’s Cross Country team indeed holds this principle true by building on a foundation of three E’s: Enjoyment, Effort and Encouragement. This year’s team under
ATHLETICS
Princeton Academy Athletic Office Announces New Logo The Princeton Academy Athletic Office was proud to announce a new logo in the fall of 2017. The logo prominently features a hawk, the school’s mascot, in the school’s distinctive blue and green. This is the first official athletic logo for Princeton Academy which was founded in 1998. Director of Athletics Paul Clewell said, “This is a very exciting time for our athletic program. We wear the Hawk with pride and honor our Sacred Heart goals in all that we do.” Clewell continued, “When we were designing the logo we were
the guidance of Coaches Britt and Franke had over 30 runners, the largest turnout in recent seasons. There was a balanced blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience as part of the group’s makeup. Like last year, there was a large number of younger, or first-time runners, who all made vast improvements in various ways throughout the season. Two fifth graders and three sixth graders were selected to run this year’s Stuart Invitational and also attended the prestigious Ed Scott Invitational as alternates or starters. Those experiences were vital in the team’s growing process. Co-captains Jaden Leggett, Chris Levine and Zakir Zaidi provided valuable wisdom and mentoring to the new teammates. We stayed competitive all season with several second place finishes against local
very intentional about this and that is why the Hawk’s eye is actually a stylized Sacred Heart.” The logo was unveiled to students at a special One School Friday Thank Yous, where the entire school community gathered to share the things they were grateful for with each other. The logo was received with jubilation and a unified chant of “Go Hawks!” Each student was then given a Spirit Wear hoodie featuring the new logo courtesy of the school.
teams. Highlights of the season included a big team win the final week of the season on our home course and the Battle of Princeton,
a new invitational in which three of our runners placed in the top 10 and received finisher awards. At the final practice, our
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ATHLETICS younger boys to improve in the off season and be ready to hit the mat in November.
SQUASH Head Coach: Matt Trowbridge Princeton Academy squash continues to thrive thanks to hard work and dedication from players at every grade level. This year’s team was led by three eighth graders - two veterans, Zach Sheppard and Andrew Kraut, and one brand new to the game, Evan Lilienthal. Boasting a final record of 6-1 with a seventh place finish in Division II at Nationals, this squad enjoyed the success it deserved by showing up ready to compete in each practice. Individual progress was seen throughout the ladder, top to bottom, and many of the season’s highlights were from practices where players supported one another and pushed each other to reach their potential. Coach Trowbridge will miss the eighth graders next year, and knows that there is a lot of skill coming up the ranks in the underclassmen.
WRESTLING
BASKETBALL A eighth graders did a passing of the torch to the rest of the team as a commission to keep the joy of running alive and to encourage the reward resulting from hard work. Kudos to all runners for their efforts and team spirit! We will miss our departing eighth graders and wish them all of the best.
WRESTLING Head Coach: Erich Trautwein In what could be considered one of our biggest transition seasons to date, a very young wrestling squad battled through the winter. With the loss of many key graduating eighth graders, it was up to the current eighth grade class to carry the torch through the
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BASKETBALL A Head Coach: Paul Clewell season. With our biggest roster in school history, many first and second year fifth and sixth graders, the eighth grade had to put the team on its back to keep us competitive during our dual meets. After an 0-7 start, the team was able to finish the year with three straight victories and a very good showing at the annual Greater Mercer County Tournament. Three of the boys wrestled in the varsity division and two boys in the junior varsity division. We walked away with a gold and silver medal in their respective junior varsity brackets, and a silver in the 210 pound weight class in varsity. The silver medal marks our fourth varsity medal in school history (three silver, one gold). Heading into next season it looks as though it will be another season of growth. It is going to be up to the
BASKETBALL B
The Princeton Academy Basketball A team enjoyed its best season since the 2013-2014 season. The team was led by a great group of eighth graders and a really good group of sixth and seventh grade players. During the season, the team had some ups and downs, but always kept the same demeanor and worked hard. They fought hard until the final game and never gave up in any game no matter what the score was. The year was highlighted with wins over Princeton Charter, Chapin, Newtown Friends and Pennington. This was also the first time in school history that two players each scored over 100 points in the season and both players will be returning next season. Coaches Clewell and von Oehsen will miss this group of eighth graders,
ATHLETICS but there are a lot of seventh and sixth grade players ready to step up and fill their shoes.
BASKETBALL B Head Coach: Kathleen Mayer The Princeton Academy B basketball team finished the season tying the school’s record for wins with an outstanding 8-5 record. This year’s squad was the largest ever with 19 boys, of which only six were returning from last year’s team. The Hawks had a slow start to the season with tough losses against Rutgers Prep and Hun, but a win against Princeton Charter right before Christmas put the team on the winning track. The new year brought a renewed intensity to the team as they won six of their next seven games. Decisive wins over Princeton Day School, Newtown Friends, Pennington and Chapin highlighted the improved offensive and defensive skills of each team member. While the team consisted mostly of fifth and sixth graders, it was the leadership of the five seventh and eighth graders who led the team throughout this impressive season. Coaches Mayer and Franke will miss our two graduating eighth graders whose hard work and determination influenced the rest of the team. We look forward to the younger players’ growth in the off-season, knowing they will be ready to step up and lead the Hawks to continued success next year.
BASEBALL Head Coach: Paul Clewell The Princeton Academy Baseball Team had one of the most successful seasons in school history with a record of 7-1, tying the school record for wins in a season. The team was made up of five strong returning eighth grade starters and a great mix of seventh, sixth and fifth graders. Somebody was ready to step up and make a big play in the field, up at bat, on the bases, or on the mound in every game. It was a team effort all year long
BASEBALL
LACROSSE with this group. The team had some great wins this year over the likes of Hun, Rutgers Prep, Moorestown Friends and including a no hitter against PDS in the last game of the season. The biggest win of the year came with the first win ever against Cranbury Public Middle School. The team took an early blow from Cranbury when they jumped out to a 5-2 lead, but this team never gave up and kept fighting back knowing that they could play with Cranbury and even beat them. The team scored 4 runs in the third inning to take a 6-5 lead. Behind some great defense, timing hitting, our starting pitcher went five strong innings and handed the ball off to our closer who locked down Cranbury for a six-out save, to preserve a 10-6 win. Coach Clewell, Geraci and Springer will miss this group of eighth graders next year.
LACROSSE Head Coach: Brian Ferrenz Princeton Academy Lacrosse had a record breaking 9-2 season this spring! Our captains, Cooper Sugden and Zach Sheppard, led their team by example and with a calm competence that was infectious throughout the whole team. In most of our games, our offensive squad was able to take shots on opposing goalies with impunity.
Our experienced defensive line kept our phenomenal goalie comfortable most of the time. In addition to the great record, we were very happy to get more playing time in for our rising players. This will help us successfully fill out our roster next year when we will miss our eighth grade team members. We’ve been given assurances that they are happy to come back and help coach future generations of Princeton Academy Lacrosse… Thanks for a great season and GO HAWKS!
TENNIS Head Coach: Linda Hogancamp Congratulations to the tennis team on a hard fought season. It was a tough one with regards to wins and losses, but the perseverance of these gentlemen was outstanding. The rainy season prevented us from practicing as much as we would have liked. As coaches, we don’t just look at the wins and losses for a year, but at the development of the players, and despite all of our setbacks, our players developed. Games played got closer and closer, and more of them went into deuce in order to determine the winner. Throughout the season, the boys never gave up! Coach Hogancamp will miss our eighth graders, but the players coming back have a great opportunity to put together a strong season next year.
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Fall Album 2017 HAWKFest Ray Shay P ’26, Alyson Landers P ’14, ’16 and Colin Landers ’14
MS students from the Classes of 2018 and 2019
Raphael Frase ’21, Roderik Dugan ’21 and Nate Bennett ’22
Director of Admission Jennifer Sheppard P ’17, Killian Shay, Cory Shay P ’26 and Cormac Shay
Andrew Wang ’20 and his mother Song Han
Director of Athletics Paul Clewell with his wife Monica and their family
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Sandy Scarlatella P ’19, Andy Kavulich P ’18 and Josh Silva P ’19
FALL ALBUM
DRESS UP DAY /Spirit Week
TIE CEREMONY The Class of 2018 received their Princeton Academy ties at the annual Opening Day Kettle Up: Grade 8 Tie Ceremony
TWIN DAY /Spirit Week Kendall Anderson ’20
Headmaster Rik Dugan with members of the Class of 2018
Luke Jeanes ’18 and Director of Athletics Paul Clewell twinning during Spirit Week
Members of the Class of 2018 in their graduation attire for Mockbrook Academy Andy Poljevka ’19 and Hudson Aton ’20 twin it out in Villanova gear with Mrs. Durish
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FALL ALBUM
BLUE & GREEN DAY /Spirit Week
PAJAMA DAY /Spirit Week MS students sport their comfiest pajamas during Spirit Week
Tony Zhang, Sam Mao and Carson Daniell
MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT & BLESSING OF THE HAWK
Declan Shay ’26 and George Stournaras ’20
Princeton Academy Hawk and Father Jarlath Quinn
Cameron Chin ’21, Linus Seruma ’21, Asa Gee ’25, Jamie Duffy ’21
Julian Perello ’20 and his Prayer Buddy Dante Carabelli ‘26
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Members of Princeton Academy’s Student Liturgy
FALL ALBUM
HALLOWEEN The Princeton Academy community meets in full force on the front lawn for the annual LS Trunk-or-Treat
Students in MS get ready to lead the LS Halloween Parade with a marching band
Kindergarteners dressed in costume march in the Halloween Parade
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FALL ALBUM
FEAST OF MATER ADMIRABILIS Students donned pink shirts for the Feast of Mater Admirabilis
The Class of 2018 poses for a meaningful Sacred Heart photo under Princeton Academy’s Mater Admirabilis
SECONDARY SCHOOL FAIR
Headmaster Rik Dugan and Director of Secondary School Placement Matt Trowbridge accompany members of the Class of 2018 to the Far Hills Secondary School Fair
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FALL ALBUM
SPIRIT CLUB BONFIRE
On the evening of Friday, October 6, Princeton Academy celebrated its 9th Annual Spirit Club Bonfire. The event drew a record number of families and friends. A special thank you to PAPA Spirit Club Chair Patricia Carragher, Director of Athletics Paul Clewell and LS Lead Classroom Teacher Vince Geraci for orchestrating a wonderful community event in the spirit of Goal IV. Our gratitude is also extended to the Princeton Fire Department for being on hand to help with the lighting and extinguishing of the fire. It was a night full of old school family fun - Go HAWKS!
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Classroom Spotlights 30
Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) Facilitates MS Workshop With mission in mind, Princeton Academy was proud to partner with the Global Youth Leadership Institute (GYLI) on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. GYLI is a non-profit organization committed to the four pillars of multicultural identity, religious pluralism, environmental sustainability and collaborative leadership, all interrelated within a circle of community. GYLI was founded in response to the unspeakable events of September 11, 2001. Princeton Academy students in Grades 6-8, along with their teachers, participated in a full-day workshop titled “Working Across Lines of Difference,” aimed at celebrating our diversity, building inclusive community,
transcending stereotypes, developing global competencies, and fostering a deeper understanding of self and other so as to support our young men as they grow into fully engaged citizens of our world. Headmaster Rik Dugan stated, “As we seek to develop creative, compassionate and courageous young men to be leaders of a just society, we are reminded within our Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria that a school of the Sacred Heart ‘educates to a critical consciousness that leads its total community to analyze and reflect on the values of society and to act for justice; promotes a safe and welcoming environment in which each person is valued, cared for and respected; has programs that teach the principles of nonviolence, conflict resolution and peacemaking; and that all members of the school community show respect, acceptance and concern for themselves and for others.’” During the workshop students participated in group discussions, exercises and viewed the film Poet Against Prejudice directed by Faiza Almontaser in conjunction with BYkids. Thank you to the dynamic facilitators who joined us from GYLI: Executive Director Matt Nink, Assistant Director BaSheeba Mays and Program Assistant Alexandria Cedergren.
MS Goal IV Day Middle School celebrated its first ever Goal IV Day in honor of Sacred Heart Goal IV, the building of community as a Christian value on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. In true Hogwarts fashion, Morning Assembly looked like it could have taken place in the Great Hall with Professor McGonagall and the Sorting Hat - new MS students were “sorted” into their
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“houses” according to our Blue Green Tradition. The Blue team and Green team work all year to gain points for their “houses” and on Wednesday, the teams participated in challenging leadership and community-building exercises utilizing the entire campus including our Low Ropes Course.
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS
LS Mindfulness Program Inspires Faculty and Students This year, Lower School will center on the theme Mind, Body and Heart, as part of Princeton Academy’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum and commitment to boys’ wellness. Within this concentrated focus lies Wellness Week, a new and exciting initiative that will incorporate a multidimensional approach to bringing out the best in boys. Wellness Week kicked off on Wednesday, September 20, with Mindfulness practitioner Trish Miele from To Be Mindful leading students and faculty in structured, guided and gradelevel specific mindfulness practices. Princeton Academy’s personalized program All About M.E. (Mindfulness Exercises) allows for all boys (Kindergarten through Grade 4) to practice and recognize the value of being mindful in an ever distracting world, while also learning self-regulatory techniques as they manage their emotions with themselves and others. Wellness Week will continue to run throughout the school year with one week each month being dedicated to mindful events.
experiences with yoga, an opportunity to “hop on the mat” and give it a try. Cindy and Sue have thoughtfully crafted monthly themes, anchored by children’s books to lead conversation and promote engagement within the practice of yoga. During their first yoga experience on Friday, September 22, the boys were encouraged to reflect on the theme “Working Together,” which was paired with the reading of The Grouchy Lady Bug by Eric Carle. During the story, Cindy and Sue paused to guide the boys in various yoga poses based on the animals in the story.
The second element of Wellness Week was boys’ yoga led by certified child yoga instructors Cindy Kaserkie and Susan Leonard. This program allows boys from all backgrounds and
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CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHTS
Butterfly Migration Provides a Multitude of Learning Opportunities for Third Grade Boys The incredible 2,500 mile migration of the monarch butterfly is a phenomenon that ties all of North America together ecologically, biologically and culturally. Sadly, the number of monarchs as well as their host plant and larvae food source are drastically decreasing. Raising monarch butterflies in the classroom gives students the unique opportunity to become citizen scientists through the study and authentic conservation of something they love. And boy, do Ms. Terranova and Ms. Schnitzler’s students love butterflies! The third grade has been busy raising butterflies and carefully studying their metamorphosis. To the students’ delight they have observed caterpillars making chrysalises and butterflies hatching right before their eyes. The class is also reading The Prince of the Butterflies by Bruce Coville to enhance their understanding of the magnificent feat of the monarch migration. The hands-on, kinesthetic nature of their study has blossomed into a multidisciplinary learning experience that extends well beyond science class. The Grade 3 Monarch Butterly Project has also provided third graders with a unique opportunity for global education through their participation in a symbolic migration. Students made realistic monarch butterflies from paper that were tagged and labeled with their names and school, and sent them to a school in Mexico. In the spring, paper monarchs will be sent back to Princeton Academy and students will be able to track the butterflies’ journey north. On campus, third graders have expanded their study to outside of the classroom with the planting of a milkweed monarch garden. Milkweed is the host plant necessary for monarchs to lay their eggs and feed their larvae. In addition to milkweed, the garden includes pollinator flowers so fall migratory monarchs can drink their nectar and strengthen themselves for the long journey to Mexico. The class is also winterizing milkweed seeds provided by a first grade family’s garden - a true testament to Goal IV and building community. The seeds are being harvested in the refrigerator for 30 days and then students will plant them in school and watch them grow. Hopefully, they will be ready in the spring for planting and the boys will look for caterpillars that they can raise and release again before the school year is out. Headmaster Rik Dugan states, “One look at our boys and their care during this process affirms the sweetness within. This moment integrates all disciplines with a hands-on experiential core, while enabling for reflection and celebration of nature and culture – this is Princeton Academy.” The Grade 3 Monarch Butterfly Project was inspired by Lead Classroom Teacher Christine Terranova and her professional development experience with the Monarch Teachers’ Network
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at Duke Farms in Hillsborough, NJ. Ms. Terranova and Ms. Schnitzler plan to use this project to apply for qualification as an eco-school through the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). The Eco-Schools program strives to model environmentally sound practices, provide support for greening curriculum and enhancing science and academic achievement. Additionally, it works to foster a greater sense of environmental stewardship among youth. Classes at Princeton Academy are specially geared toward research-based methods regarding how boys learn best. Kinesthetic learning opportunities can be found throughout the day. Research shows that boys need to be comfortable in their space, but also have freedom to move around that space within boundaries. Students begin each day with a run around campus, which is comprised of nearly 50 acres, including grasslands for exploration in science classes and vintage Princetonian buildings.
SPECIAL EVENT
Princeton Academy is proud to host a discussion and screening of the documentary film The Mask You Live In on Wednesday, January 17, 2018. Please join us for this special free screening which is open to the public. For more information and to reserve your seat, visit princetonacademy.org/themaskyoulivein. 2017 | PASHPORT
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FACULTY NEWS
Welcome New Faculty JEFF HOISINGTON joins the Middle School team as a sev-
enth and eighth grade algebra and geometry teacher. Jeff is a master teacher, mentor and coach. A graduate of The Lawrenceville School, Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Clark University (where he earned his M.Ed.), Jeff has spent the majority of his career as an algebra and geometry teacher at The Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. During his 25 years at Episcopal, Jeff was known for inspiring his students as a legendary educator, a lacrosse/basketball/soccer coach, director of residential life, director of student activities and as dorm head. Jeff has also served as the director of the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth summer program and as the director of The Lawrenceville School Camp. Prior to his time at Episcopal, Jeff was a teacher, dean of students and assistant head at The Hillside School in Marlboro, MA, and for the past year has been teaching algebra and geometry at St. Augustine of Canterbury School in Kendall Park, NJ. Jeff has presented at numerous conferences and workshops, including The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS), has been a member of The Center of the Study of Boys Lives and is the author of Secrets of a Good Youth Coach. As a boy, Jeff grew up on a farm near Princeton Academy and recalls fond memories of “romping through the woods” on campus with his brother. Jeff’s mother, Eleanor, was a receptionist at Princeton Academy. A lifetime educator who has devoted himself to bringing out the best in his students, Jeff is excited to contribute his enthusiasm, experience and expertise to the development of our young men in body, mind and spirit.
GRESON TORCHIO
joins the Middle School team as a seventh grade algebra and fifth grade science teacher. Greson will also be fusing his diverse knowledge of curriculum design, integration, alignment and best practice with his passion for our Epic Vision, serving in the new role of Curriculum Innovator to help advance forthcoming strategic initiatives in the realm of Pillar 1: Excellence in Teaching and Learning. A graduate of Princeton Day School and Kenyon College, Greson is a dynamic, student-centered educator who believes in the power of interdisciplinary learning. Greson’s educational philosophy mirrors Princeton Academy’s Learning Principles for Boys and embodies our Sacred Heart Goals and Criteria. As a middle school math and science teacher at Marin Horizon School in Mill Valley, CA, Greson designed inquiry-based and hands-on STEM learning experiences for his students, including the design and construction of pumpkin catapults, Rube Goldberg machines, solar ovens and wind turbines. As chair of the math department at Marin Horizon, Greson has been a collaborator who fosters a growth mindset in those around him. Prior to his time at Marin Horizon, Greson also taught at the Hamlin School, Mission Dolores Academy and San Francisco Day School. Greson is a multisport coach and has a passion for outdoor experiential education. Greson’s demonstrated leadership, diverse skill set, and experience with both STEM and humanities curricula will be integral in his role as Curriculum Innovator. Greson is enthusiastic about the mission of Princeton Academy and is excited to immerse himself in the lives of our boys.
MARISSA RIGAS
joins the Lower School team as Kindergarten Classroom Teaching Assistant. Marissa has served regularly as a substitute teacher at Princeton Academy as well as at other local independent schools including Princeton Day School, Princeton Junior School and Chapin School. A magna cum laude graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Marissa earned kindergarten through grade 5 certification and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in elementary education. Please join in welcoming Marissa to the Princeton Academy community. Marissa is excited to embark on her first year in Princeton Academy’s Kindergarten class.
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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Spotlight CLASS OF 2009 ALUMNUS AND UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA GRADUATE AWARDED FULBRIGHT SCHOLARSHIP The U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board offered the grants to the UVA alumni and graduate students, who will be among 1,900 U.S. citizens – selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential – who will travel abroad for the 2017-18 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. The scholarships cover round-trip transportation to the host country; funding for room, board and incidental costs; and health care benefits. In some countries the scholarship also has book and research allowances, mid-term enrichment activities, full or partial tuition, language-study programs and orientations. Nicholas Budd Fenton of Skillman, New Jersey, graduating with a double major in political and social thought, and Russian and Eastern European studies, will teach English in a university in Omsk, Russia. An Echols Scholar and a Jefferson Scholar, Fenton is a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the IMP Society, the Raven Society and Engage@UVA. He is a recipient of the Hammond Prize for Excellence in Russian Area Studies. A graduate of The Lawrenceville School, he plans to continue his studies of Russia. “This award is a dream come true,” Fenton said. “The opportunity to live and work in Russia for a year, where I will be able to explore Russian culture, forge relationships with Russian counterparts and additionally improve my knowledge of the Russian language, means the world to me. I am so grateful to the Fulbright Program for providing me the funding for this adventure. I am confident that my experiences abroad in Russia will serve me immensely as I continue my studies and begin my career.” This article appeared on May 26, 2017 in UVAToday, written by Matt Kelly
TWO CLASS OF 2014 ALUMNI AWARDED AS 2017-18 HEELY SCHOLARS AT LAWRENCEVILLE Stefan Reuter ‘14 and Bobby Vogel ’14 have been selected as 2017-18 Heely Scholars along with a cohort of six other Lawrentians. “All the candidates were particularly strong this year, making the decision a very difficult one,” said History Master Anne Louise Smit, Heely Scholar Director. The Heely Scholar program is a two week, boarding, summer seminar in archival research for rising Fifth Formers that have demonstrated a keen interest and ability in their study of American History. The program introduces Lawrentians to primary research from the School’s collection and local research institutions. Each year, students consider a particular portion of the collection that allows them to place Lawrenceville within the historic context of national and global events. In the fall, students begin an Advanced Research Seminar, giving them a chance to expand their summer research into an individual senior thesis while being introduced to the conventions and the discipline of historical writing. Portions of this article appeared on May 8, 2017 online at lawrenceville.org. Photo by: Olalla Duato /The Lawrence
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2017 | PASHPORT
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SACRED HEART IN ACTION
#WeAreSacredHeart A BROTHER’S LOVE HELPS RAISE AWARENESS OF TYPE 1 DIABETES Last fall, courageous fifth grader Charlie Ewing presented to all Lower and Middle School students about Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Charlie’s presentation was of a personal nature; his younger brother Alex was diagnosed with T1D at eight months old. Charlie spoke to students about what T1D is, common misperceptions and what research is being done to better understand the disease. Charlie’s family is active through the organization Beyond Type 1. Beyond Type 1 was founded in 2015 by Juliet de Baubigny, Nick Jonas, Sarah Lucas and Sam Talbot. Beyond Type 1 is a new brand of philanthropy leveraging the power of social media and technology, changing what it means to live with Type 1 diabetes.
STUDENT-LED WINTER COAT DRIVE EXEMPLIFIES GOAL III “It is always here and now, there is always the present moment to do the very best we can with, and the future depends on the way these moments are spent.” - Janet Erskine Stuart Third grader Sandro Cunningham started a coat rack just outside of the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen last winter. He set out to help those in need and his model was simple: Are you cold? Take One… Do you want to help? Leave One. Sandro’s act exemplifies what it means to serve with compassion. It is inspiring that he chooses to spend his moments helping others.
By educating the global community about this chronic, autoimmune disease, as well as providing resources and support for those living with Type 1, Beyond Type 1 bridges the gap from diagnosis to cure, empowering people to both live well today and to fund a better tomorrow. One hundred percent of every dollar raised directly supports the most promising global efforts and programs working to educate, advocate and cure Type 1 diabetes.
EIGHTH GRADE STUDENT USES PASSION FOR TECHNOLOGY TO HELP OTHERS Eighth grader Chase Quijano has been hard at work harnessing the power of 3D printing to help others. Chase has organized a student-led project in partnership with the e-NABLE Community, an amazing group of individuals from all over the world who are using their 3D printers to create free 3D printed hands and arms for those in need of an upper limb assistive device. Chase spearheaded the printing of parts of prosthetic hands which were later constructed at a building event held at Princeton Academy on December 3, 2017. The event welcomed families, sports teams, scouts, schools, and clubs to assemble 3D printed prosthetic hands. The hands will be given to e-NABLE to donate to children and adults around the world.
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PASHPORT | 2017
12 FIELD TRIPS per year in MS
11 MILES WALKED on eighth grade Washington, D.C. Monument March
The Fund for Princeton Academy 2017-2018 5 TIMES PER WEEK LS begins the day with a Morning Run and ends the day with song
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INFINITE AMOUNT OF GRATITUDE WE HAVE FOR THE GENEROSITY OF OUR DONORS
As an independent school, Princeton Academy relies on the generosity of members of our community to support its mission. Princeton Academy is the best place for boys to learn because of the generous support of the entire Princeton Academy community - parents, grandparents, relatives and friends, trustees, alumni families, faculty and staff, and others. That is why The Fund for Princeton Academy is the single most important fundraising initiative at our school. Gifts to the Fund have a direct and immediate impact on the current operating budget impacting every boy and every classroom. Each year Princeton Academy relies on contributions to provide resources for students and teachers not covered by tuition alone. Your gift is an investment in Princeton Academy’s remarkable educational experience. Please join your fellow HAWKS and make your gift today by visiting princetonacademy.org/makeagift THANK YOU!
12,000 MORNING HANDSHAKES
Mr. Dugan gives in a year
25 ALUMNI VISITS in 2017-2018 school year
34 DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OFFERED ADMISSION to the 32 members of the Class of 2017
700+ Solar Panels on our 50-acre campus
9 chicks hatched in last year’s Kindergarten
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