Colwell Retires as Head of School after 29 years at PVI.
The Magazine of St. Paul VI Catholic High School • Spring/Summer 2022 Tradition & Transformation
Ginny
“I’ve always had the family feel about this place since the first day I walked in.”
“Paul VI has a strong sense of community and commitment to Catholic education and service.” “Every moment at PVI has cultivated the beautiful things in my life, providing an environment for me to grow.”
P2
P13 P15
“Success is not always what you expect it to be.” “Learning from other people’s success and failure is not weakness; it is wisdom.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL iii
As a class, these seniors sent out over 1,500 college applications, were offered over 16 million dollars in scholarships, and performed over 21,000 hours of service to the community.
The Class of 2022 celebrates their graduation on the stadium field on Wednesday, June 1.
Photo by Dan GlassP28
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iv PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS Panther Tracks Magazine St. Paul VI Catholic High School 42341 Braddock Road Chantilly, VA 703-352-092520152•paulvi.net ADMINISTRATION Mrs. Laura Swenson Head of School Dr. Tom Opfer ’96 Fr.PrincipalStephen Schultz ChaplainMrs.Elba Campagna P ’16, ’18, ’19, ’21 Assistant Principal, Dean of Academics Mrs. Eileen Hanley P ’00 Assistant Principal for Admissions and Student Life Mrs. Cindi Harkes Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction Mr. Patrick McGroarty P ’09, ’10 Assistant Principal, Dean of Students Mrs. Michelle Pochick Chief Financial Officer OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT Ms. Kate Grimm Andreottola ’94, ’25 Director of Advancement Mrs. Mary Ashooh Hamrick ’86, P ’19, ’20, ’22 Associate Director, Constituent Relations Mrs. Kiersten Caputy Annual Fund Manager Ms. Christine AdvancementMoanServices Coordinator OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Irene Zaso Director of Communications and Marketing Mrs. Eileen Kiley Curren ’98 Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing; Creative and Editorial Content Manager PVI SCHOOL BOARD President: Angela Wilson P ’21, ’23 Vice President: Rev. Donald Heet, OSFS Secretary: Marianne Moore P ’19, ’20, ’25 Jennifer Bell Keating ’92, P ’22 Don Bohn P ’19, ’21 George Eastment P ’05 Mark Graham ’90, P ’22 Gene Hubbard Kathy Lyons P ’08, ’10, ’11 Ann Orem Zigo ’00 Kate Shanley P ’21 Andy Zaso P ’18, ’21 Cover: Retiring Head of School Ginny Colwell poses behind the main building on the newly named Ginny & Bill Colwell Patio. The Colwells share the incredible gift of being able to bring people together. As the location of many school events, its new name will commemorate the hospitality that Ginny and Bill personified during their time at PVI. IN THIS ISSUE Tradition Transformation& Ginny Colwell Retires as Head of School 2 The Next Chapter Laura Swenson Named Next Head of School 11 Student Profiles Seniors Exemplify PVI Mission 14 Class of 2022 Graduation & Class Stats 22 Alumni Today Alumni Make Their Mark AlumniEVERY46ISSUEUpdates 50 In Memoriam .........................................................58
Thank you for putting your trust in me as Head of School. My time at PVI has been the journey and honor of a lifetime. I will continue to trust in the Lord. Virginia Colwell
Mrs. Laura Swenson has been named the next Head of School by Bishop Burbidge (see page 10) and I am confident she will lead PVI successfully into our next chapter. While I have retired from this role, I will always have PVI and this community in my heart and in my prayers. I look forward to volunteering within the Diocese and continuing to support our beloved school in whatever ways I can.
2016-2022
PVI has been my career for three decades. PVI has been the place I have met and cultivated so many friendships. PVI has been the team we have cheered for each season. PVI has been the school that shaped my three sons to become who they are today. In this issue, you will find several student and alumni spotlights. I am always so proud to see how much our current students flourish and embody the PVI mission statement in their successes, as well as what our alumni have gone on to accomplish. I am so blessed to have been a part of the greater team of faculty at PVI who have helped shape so many lives. We are also featuring the latest happenings on campus in this issue, from fine arts, athletics, the return of the Black & Gold Gala, and more. I am grateful that my final year as Head of School was a much more typical year than the previous two. The halls (and my evenings) were busy – and noisy – full of energy, excitement, and school spirit…just as they should be!
I have been honored to serve St. Paul VI Catholic High School and the Diocese of Arlington for nearly 30 years and play several leadership roles at PVI. It was a bittersweet time for me as we closed out the school year and I completed my final school year at PVI. I am looking forward to enjoying retirement with my husband Bill and being able to spend more time with our three sons and our “grandloves.” However, I will find it difficult to step away from the school that has been such a major part of our lives.
THANK YOU & LETTER
Ginny Colwell, Head of School
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 1
FAREWELL
Dear PVI Friends,
It’s so hard to believe that this is my last Head of School letter in Panther Tracks
TRADITION & TRANSFORMATION: Ginny Colwell Retires as Head of School
PVI 1993-2022 Teacher. Advisor. Academic Dean. Assistant Principal. Principal. Head of School. You have led our school with faith, dedication, compassion and a sense of humor. Thank you, for all you have done for our school and community — and for what you have built. Your legacy will live on in all that we do at PVI. Congratulations on your well-earned retirement. GINNY COLWELL ST. PAUL VI CATHOLI C HIGH SCHOOL 3
Students knew Mrs. Colwell as the administrator who sat in during classes, the kind face in the hall, or merely someone in charge, but Mrs. Colwell was so much more than that. As Head of School, Colwell acted as a CEO, managing finance, budgets, strategic planning, athletics, and much more. Whatever the role, she was loved and respected by teachers, students, staff and parents. “PVI is both business and family combined,” Colwell said. Because her husband Bill was in the military, Colwell had moved to a lot of different places before settling in Virginia. “I werewaslived…iteverywherelovedwewasn’tjusttheplace,itwherewegatheredas a family.” In 1989, they were transferred to Northern Virginia, and Colwell had a few County.jobssubstitutelong-termteachinginFairfaxIn1993,sheappliedtoPaulVI as an English teacher and was hired by then principal Fr. Mulligan.
PVI athletic events, taking time to smile and talk to students, or going the extra mile to make the school the best it can be, Mrs. Colwell’s love and dedication has helped PVI succeed as “both a business and a family.”
Colwell has been the heart of PVI for a long time, and it is now the point for her to retire. She has placed in PVI’s hands a strong legacy, a model of great faith, and a lasting impact. The community will forever be grateful for all she has done. Her legacy will remain as PVI continues to “grow in grace and wisdom.”
Article by Natalie Askin ’22
4 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
With all of the time and love she has brought to the PVI family, she now needs to spend time with her family at home in retirement. “It’s just my time now; I just want to be a Nana,” Colwell says with a smile. She speaks very fondly of her “grandloves,” as she calls them. “Jane, Rose, and Beau live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Ben lives in Los Angeles. They are my hearts!” she exclaims.
“I’ve always had the family feel about this place since the first day I walked in. When I was teaching, I had a great support staff with my Ginny Colwell Retires as Head of School department chair.” Not only did her teaching experiences help her become the Head of School, but it also helped her have great relationships with the teachers. She states, “I think my relationships with teachers are good because I was one of them. When I went into administration, I knew what was being asked of everyone.”
Colwell worked hard for the PVI community. She helped the school move from Fairfax to the new Chantilly campus in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. “I couldn’t have done it without the teachers; they really stepped up,” she shared. She then navigated the school through getting settled in a new space, hybrid-learning, and Covid Whetherprotocols.watching
Starting as an English teacher in 1993, Ginny became principal in 2006 and Head of School in 2016. Since her time in leadership, Ginny has overseen many changes, led PVI through challenges, and done so with grace, and most importantly, a sense of humor. Ginny Colwell Retires as Head of School
Ginny’s first yearbook photo from the 1994 yearbook is juxtaposed next to her photo in the 2022 yearbook. She joined the PVI faculty in 1983 as an English teacher and went on to serve in the positions of Dean of Academics, Assistant Principal and Principal, before assuming the position of Head of School in 2016. This summer, Mrs. Ginny Colwell, Head of School, retired after 29 years at Paul VI, including sixteen years in leadership.
TRADITION & TRANSFORMATION:
Ginny delivers her annual “By the Numbers” speech in 2008 at Baccalaureate held at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 5 PVI THEN & NOW SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2006: 2022: 16 ACRES 68 ACRES ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS 2006-2007: 2021-2022 $0 $712,412 FINANCIAL AID AND MERIT AWARDED 2006-2007: 2021-2022: $768,388 $2,998,253
“Ginny has been an amazing model of our Catholic faith. Her spirit and heart that she shares with the students, staff and school always brings such peace to any situation. This unconditional love is going to be missed by us all here at Paul—Mrs.VI.”Debbie Bozik, Registrar Ginny speaks at the Ribbon Cutting for PVI’s new campus on August 27, 2020.
—Fr. Stephen Schultz, Chaplain
TRADITION & TRANSFORMATION: Ginny
“It’s been the work of her life to help students learn, to grow in grace and wisdom, to help them to be who they are in the light of God’s love. That really shines forth in all of the work that she has done here.”
6 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
4,790 THANK YOU LETTERS SIGNED 975 CHRISTMASSIGNEDCARDS 823 THANKPERSONALYOUCALLSMADE
“You can trace the path of any school and juxtapose that to who is the school leader. You’ll be able to tell the success or the failure of that particular school. When you look at Paul VI’s path over the last decade or so, and you look at the success that they’ve enjoyed, all roads lead to Ginny’s office. She was not a good hire; she was a great hire.”
Ginny and her mother Mrs. Laura Dailey are pictured at their favorite pub in Ireland. Ginny shares that her parents were a major influence on her life and describes them as “my heroes.”
Ginny poses with students in the Options program in 2014.
— Dr. Tim McNiff, former Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Arlington Colwell Retires as Head of School
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 7 ANNUAL I FUND SINCE GINNY BECAME HEAD OF SCHOOL IN 2016, THE PAUL VI ANNUAL FUND HAS INCREASED FROM $228,277 AND 325 DONORS TO OVER $460,000 AND 1,000+ $460,000$1,000 DONORS Ginny speaks at PVI’s new Februarygroundbreakingcampuson16,2018. Ginny poses with the Panther on Day of Giving 2022.
—Mrs. Ana Aldana, World Languages DIPLOMAS AWARDED
Ginny locks up at PVI Fairfax one last time on June 19, 2020 with Dr. Tom Opfer, current principal, and Father Don Heet, OSFS, PVI’s founding principal.
Ginny poses with then Superintendent Sister Bernadette McManigal, B.V.M., in 2012 at the Chancery, to highlight the launch of PVI’s One-to-One Laptop program.
Ginny is pictured with her husband Bill, her sons Ryan ’97, Jack ’99 and Dan ’05, their wives, and her grandchildren. During her retirement, Ginny plans to spend more time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who she calls her “grand-loves.”
8 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 3,750
TRADITION & TRANSFORMATION:
“Thank you for being a wonderful leader. You are always wise and calm, no matter how difficult the situation is. You truly live and lead by example.”
Ginny Colwell Retires as Head of School
“Here’s a little shout out to one of Ginny’s favorite poets, William Butler Gates. One of his images is that of the rock. The stone and the water streams around it, but the stone is a constant. Ginny has been a rock and embodies perseverance. She does not give up.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 9
CAMPAIGN UNDER HER LEADERSHIP, PAUL VI HAS RAISED OVER $4.8M THROUGH THE ON EXTRAORDINARY CAMPAIGN, SECURING FOUR OF THE LARGEST GIFTS IN SCHOOL HISTORY.
“Faith and community are two of the important aspects that Ginny truly believes in at Paul VI. She’s helped us all to grow in our faith. She’s helped us all to remember that first and foremost, we’re a Catholic community and we take care of each other.”—Dr. Tom Opfer, Principal $4.8M
—Dr. Mary Sullivan, English teacher Ginny congratulates a student during Junior Ring Mass in 2016.
BUILDING
10 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS
ollowing an extensive national search and the recommendation of a search committee, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge has appointed Laura Swenson as the new Head of School for Paul VI. Mrs. Swenson assumed the position on July 1, 2022.
“I am confident that Laura Swenson is the ideal person to step into this critical role as Head of School at Paul VI,” said Bishop Burbidge. “I believe God will use her gifts and talents to allow St. Paul VI Catholic High School to continue to flourish as a premier Catholic high school. Paul VI offers exceptional instruction rooted in our Catholic faith and meets the highest standards of excellence, offering an experience that allows students to thrive spiritually, intellectually and socially. The members of this community, in turn, will be a great blessing to Mrs. Swenson as she embarks on this important work
Caption: Laura poses with her husband Steve and sons David and Matthew on a family vacation in Hilton Head.
Bishop Burbidge appoints Laura Swenson as new Head of School and builds on the school’s many successes. I am praying for Mrs. Swenson and her family during this time of transition.”
Bishop Burbidge added, "To the members of the search committee, I express my appreciation for your hard work and diligence in helping me identify the most appropriate candidate for this key role."
Mrs. Swenson began her career as an intelligence analyst before moving into the education field 26 years ago. She has served in a variety of roles in Connecticut and Tennessee over the course of her career, including as a teacher, consultant, instructional coach and advisor, and school administrator. Most recently she has served as academic dean, then principal at Notre Dame High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she helped guide the school community through the challenges presented by the COVID Swensonpandemic.earneda Master of Arts in Education from the University of St. Joseph, and a professional educator
“VI Fun Facts” about Mrs. Swenson
“I am delighted to join the Paul VI community and look forward to building upon the school’s tradition of excellence to grow its mission as a service-oriented, faith-filled Catholic institution.”
Favorite Quotes
• Laura has broken her nose twice thinking she can play basketball with her much taller husband and sons.
Stay tuned to the next issue of Panther Tracks and watch our social media accounts @paulvicatholic to learn more about Mrs. Swenson.
• Laura is happy to be at Paul VI, and hasn’t gotten lost in the building...yet! license in elementary and secondary history and political science. Additionally, she holds a certificate in school management and leadership from Harvard University.
• Laura ate breakfast with former President Bush’s dog, Millie, sitting on her lap, and he suggested she send her dry cleaning bill to the First Lady.
“We are so grateful for Ginny Colwell’s years of dedicated commitment and service to St. Paul VI Catholic High School. We pray that she receives many blessings in this next chapter of her life,” said Dr. Vorbach.
“I am delighted to join the Paul VI community and look forward to building upon the school’s tradition of excellence to grow its mission as a service-oriented, faithfilled Catholic institution,” Mrs. Swenson said. “I have been warmly welcomed by all, and feel blessed to join the Diocese of Arlington, a dynamic and supportive diocese that is committed to Catholic education.”
• Laura performed in a dance group in the Rose Garden when she was in high school.
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” — Booker T. Washington
• Laura got lost commuting on her first day of work to Paul VI, and it is only a 1.5 mile drive!
— Laura Swenson
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 11
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” — Albert Einstein Favorite Saint Francis de Sales is one of my favorite saints. Years ago, I received a book from a dear friend titled Set Your Heart Free: The Practical Spirituality of Francis de Sales. I have read it many times because it is a 30-day guide that reminds me to simplify my life and be mindful of God in all things.
“Laura Swenson is grounded in faith and brings creative, collaborative and forward-thinking leadership skills to the Paul VI community,” said Dr. Joseph Vorbach III, Superintendent of Schools. “We’re delighted she will be joining us.”
• Laura is a diehard Boston sports fan, and a Bucs fan, as long as Tom Brady is playing.
SCHOOL NEWS 12 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
Mrs. Eileen Johnson retired after 32 years at PVI. Mrs. Johnson taught all levels of math and served as a Department Chair and Advisor. She was also the cocoordinator of the new teacher mentoring program.
Over her 24 years, Madame Christine Casey taught French, was an Advisor, moderated the French Club and French Honor Society and organized several student trips to France. Mrs. Roberta Fisher retired after 14 years in the Finance Office. In addition to her Accounts Payable responsibilities, she has been an Advisor and a friendly face helping out in the lunch line.
Faculty and Staff Retirements
Dr. Peg Weimer retired after 23 years. During her time at PVI, Peg wore many hats. She taught computer classes, and was an Advisor and department chair. For many years, Dr. Weimer served as Instructional Technologist and, most recently, Dean of Instruction. She was pivotal in the implementation of the one-to-one laptop program. She is also the mother of three PVI alumni. St. Francis de Sales, wrote, “Great occasions for serving God come seldom, but little ones surround us daily.” Mrs. Johnson, Madame Casey, Mrs. Fisher and Dr. Weimer, that you for all the big and small ways you have helped our students, faculty and staff grow in grace and wisdom.
We are grateful for the years of dedicated service by the following faculty and staff members who retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
Pictured left to right: Peg Weimer, Robert Fisher, Ginny Colwell, Christine Casey, and Eileen Johnson pose with a pen and ink sketch of St. Paul VI drawn by art teacher Ms. Cindy Ali ’96 to commemorate Ginny’s retirement. For more staff updates, visit www.paulvi.net/staffupdates.
Kathy Lyons Andy ZasoDon Bohn
Don Bohn earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Villanova University. He has served on the boards for the Alliance for Aging Research and the Healthcare Institute of New Jersey. Don enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, golf, and “Beingreading.onthe board allows me the opportunity to give back to a special school that has had a great impact on our family. Paul VI has a strong sense of community and commitment to Catholic education and service,” shares Don.
Paul VI is excited to introduce the three newest members of the School Board.
“Being on the board is important to me because PVI has been so important to my family. The foundation the school provided my daughters has shaped them into the wonderful people they are today,” shares Andy.
Andy Zaso holds an undergraduate degree in Engineering from Boston University and MBA from George Washington University. He had a long career in Federal Information Tech nology for the Federal Government, including time with the Secret Ser vice, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Courts. After retiring from the Federal Government, he joined Raytheon Technologies in the area of Andy’scybersecurity.hobbiesinclude volunteering at Our Lady of Good Counsel and PVI, running Boy Scout Camporees, golf, traveling, and visiting with friends.
Kathy Lyons grew up overseas and eventually returned to Vienna, Virginia. She has a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from George Mason and a Master’s in Computer Science from George Washington. She worked for the CIA for 35 years and is now a cybersecurity consultant. She enjoys playing golf and pickleball, hiking, reading, and hanging out with her children and “Beinggrandchildren.ontheboard gives me the chance to give back to the wonderful, faith-filled PVI community that has given so much to my family,” shares Kathy.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 13 SCHOOL NEWS
School Board Update
Spring/Summer 2022
Mission Possible
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Seniors exemplify school mission in growth and accomplishments
The first sentence of PVI’s mission statement is, “The mission of St. Paul VI Catholic High School is to provide an excellent Catholic education to young men and women by affording them the means to achieve spiritual, intellectual, personal, social, and physical development according to the teachings of the Gospel and St. Francis de Sales.”
More than just words, a mission statement outlines the goals, objectives and priorities of a school. Members of the graduating Class of 2022 reflected on how their diverse experiences at PVI helped them grow and develop into the people they are today.
Anastasia Leffas ’22 Activities: Pink and White Club, Panthers for Life, Campus Ministry Leadership Team, Philosophy Club, Theater Favorite PVI memory: “During the spring of every year, when everything starts winding down and the weather is beautiful, I really recognize what a gift PVI is. This is when it really hits me how truly grateful I am for the year that’s passing. It’s during that time that my friends and I study (or to be honest, cram) for finals together, hit up Panera right after school a bit too often, and laugh and chat after school with our favorite teachers from that year: all things that wrap up a whole year at PVI with a few beautiful little moments.” “PVI has pushed me to discover just who God is calling me to be. Whether it’s intellectually, through my fabulous teachers; spiritually, through Campus Ministry; or socially, through service projects, leadership, and extremely fun events, every moment at PVI has cultivated the beautiful things in my life, providing an environment for me to grow. I am grateful for how PVI has helped me grow in my faith. I have been provided with so many opportunities to dive deeper into the Catholic faith, and learn how to take ownership and grow in leadership in my faith in the current culture.” Anastasia will be attending Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas on a full tuition scholarship and hopes to study History and Journalism.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 15 INTELLECTUALLY
Favorite Memory: “My favorite PVI experience was winning the WCAC Championship in basketball this past year. We had been to the championship game when I was a sophomore, but didn’t get “the
Dug McDaniel ’22 Basketball and Football
16 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
PHYSICALLY
“PVI has helped me develop socially. I’m more comfortable approaching people and becoming friends with other people who aren’t necessarily like me. Physically, my experience at PVI have taught me that hard work and dedication pays off.” What’s next for Dug? “Next year, I will be playing basketball and furthering my education at the University of Michigan. But once a Panther always a Panther.”
Favorite
Taylor Virusky Activities: Photography Club, National Honor Society, Peer Mentoring, Stage Crew, Asian Culture Club PVI Memory: “Throughout my time at PVI I have gotten to experience so many amazing things and I have so many different memories, but I would have to say one of my favorite memories would have to be junior prom. It was one of the first gatherings our whole class could do during the pandemic. It was super exciting to dress up and go with my group of friends to the Country Club. It was reassuring to experience a feeling of normality after a year of unfamiliar mandatory separation.” “PVI has helped me develop intellectually. The challenging courses and very rigorous curriculum pushes you to work hard. Thanks to PVI, I have developed a strong worth ethic and a momentum to push myself harder. I have also developed socially. PVI encourages everyone to be involved and I have taken that to heart. The support and comfort felt from the PVI community has helped me grow more comfortable to be myself and reach more personal goals.” Taylor will be attending James Madison University and plans to major in International Affairs. SOCIALLY
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 17
’22
18 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Ethan Lee ’22 Activities: Football, Wresting, Altar Server, Band, Nobilis Christi (Gentlemen of Christ).
“PVI has turned me into the person I am today. Whether it is as a son, brother, or friend, I thrive to be the best person I can be. Paul VI has helped me find my spiritual life and has helped me in my physical development. Many of the people I have met here have done nothing but uplift and help turn me into the person I am today.”
Next year, Ethan plans to study Computer Engineering at Christopher Newport University.
Favorite PVI Memory: “My favorite memory was football senior night. Being able to walk onto the field with the brothers I found in the past four years and the parents who supported me for eighteen is a feeling I will never forget. Paul VI has given me a family that has supported and loved me for years and will continue to support and love me for many more.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 19 INTELLECTUAL
“I’ve been able to grow tremendously on an intellectual and personal level due to my teachers. I can tell that they’re all incredibly passionate about their subjects, and that inspires me to do the best I can in their classes.
Sophia will attend the University of Notre Dame and study Engineering.
Favorite PVI memory: “My favorite PVI memory is my first day of junior year. It was my first day being an upperclassman, being in the new building, and being back in-person after sophomore year came to an abrupt halt. That day was the start of an amazing year for me.”
Sophia Lama ’22 Activities: Chess Club, It’s Academic, Philosophy Club, Gaming Club, shot put for Indoor Track & Field.
The impactful Theology classes I’ve taken at PVI have also allowed me to grow a lot spiritually. I now take a much more active role in my faith, and I look forward to continuing my spiritual growth after graduation.”
Kevin Kirk ’22 Activities: Orchestra, Computer Club, playing piano at Mass
INTELLECTUALLY
20 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Next year, Kevin will attend Virginia Tech and plans to study Computer Science.
In addition to his musical activities at PVI, Kevin also participated in competitions and festivals hosted by the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association. He shares that in particular, he enjoyed playing popular songs from the 50s and 60s for local nursing homes. Favorite PVI experience: in the instrumental concerts. It’s fun being able to get on stage with other instrumentalists to share our music with an “PVIaudience.”hashelped me develop as a musician by giving me a friendly environment in which I could interact with other musicians. PVI has helped me develop intellectually by letting me attend classes taught by great teachers who really know their stuff. PVI has helped me develop socially by setting me in a great environment with other kids. And PVI has helped me develop spiritually by giving me opportunities to participate in activities like school Masses.”
Purdue Tri-CountyTheTheTheSyracuseSusquehannaSUNYStetsonSt.SpelmanSetonSeattleSavannahSanSaintRadfordUniversityUniversityJoseph’sUniversityDiegoStateUniversityCollegeofArt&DesignUniversityHillUniversityCollegeMary’sCollegeofMarylandUniversityKoreaUniversityUniversityCatholicUniversityofAmericaUniversityofAlabamaUniversityofTennessee-KnoxvilleTechnicalCollegeUnitedStatesMilitaryAcademyUnitedStatesMilitaryAcademyPreparatorySchool
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 21 Auburn University Ave Maria University Baylor UniversityUniversityChristopherBostonBostonBenedictineBelmontUniversityUniversityCollegeCollegeUniversityNewportClemsonUniversityCollegeofCharlestonCollegeofWilliam&MaryColoradoStateUniversityElonUniversityEmoryUniversityFloridaAtlanticUniversityFordhamUniversityFranciscanUniversityofSteubenvilleGeorgeMasonUniversityGeorgeWashingtonGeorgetownUniversityHampden-SydneyCollege Our seniors have grown in grace and wisdom during their four years at Paul VI and will go on to excel in colleges across the country…and beyond. The Class of 2022 will attend the following colleges: High Point University Howard University James Madison University Kenyon LincolnLehighKeystoneCollegeCollegeUniversityTechnical Institute Longwood University Loyola University Maryland Manhattan UniversityUniversityNorthNewMountMontanaMonmouthMiamiMarymountCollegeUniversityUniversity,OxfordUniversityStateUniversitySt.Mary’sUniversityYorkUniversityCarolinaStateNorthernVirginiaCommunityCollegeOhioStateUniversityOrangeCoastCollegePennsylvaniaState
VirginiaVirginiaUniversityCommonwealthMilitaryInstitutePolytechnicInstituteandStateUniversityWakeForestUniversityWestVirginiaUniversityXavierUniversity
University of Arizona University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Florida University of Georgia University of Lynchburg University of Mary WashingtonUniversityof Maryland University of Michigan University of Notre Dame University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of the Pacific University of Vermont University of Virginia Villanova University Virginia
22 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL
“Success is not always what you expect it to be…The journey to get here is so much more important than what we have accomplished. In fact, our accomplishments are further exalted by the struggles we have faced…So as you receive your diploma today, remember everything you struggled through and worked through to get here and know that your accomplishment does not stop there. Your accomplishment is in the work you put in.”
Class of 2022!
— Jessica Serres, Salutatorian
NEWSCongratulations
Pictured right to left: Sophia Lama, Valedictorian and Jessica Serres, Salutatorian
“I want to encourage you to include God in every day of the rest of your lives. I promise it will change your life for the better. Live every day like it’s a Water Main Exploding Day. The world may be crumbling all around you, but don’t let it bring you down. As we journey into adulthood, the final frontier, we should try to find joy in everything we do.”
In his remarks, Bishop Burbidge encouraged the 209 graduates to remember, rejoice and renew. Sophia Lama, Valedictorian, and Jessica Serres, Salutatorian, also addressed their classmates and we have shared an excerpt from each of their speeches here.
The Class of 2022 graduated on June 1 in a beautiful ceremony held on the stadium field.
— Sophia Lama, Valedictorian
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 23 NATIONAL MERI FINALISTSTNATIONALMERITCOMMENDEDSTUDENTS16 3 22 29 49713 568 2,124 1,507 MILLION DOLLARS IN SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED HOURS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY 21,473 8 CLASS OF 2022 BY THE NUMBERS AP SCHOLARS 6 SETS OF TWINS LEVELCOLLEGEONMOVINGATHLETESTO SENIORS SPORTSATTENDEDPARENTSWHOSEPVITEAMS FINE PERFORMANCESARTS ACADEMIC CLUB ACTIVITIES APPLICATIONSCOLLEGE Photos by Dan Glass
24 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB SPOTLIGHT In Our HabitatsNatural Members of the Photography Club took their talents around campus, to the woods, and even Guatemala. Spotlighted here is photography by Patrick Matthews ’23, Anderson Torres-Rivas ’22, and Gianna Maynard ’25. Patrick Matthews ’23
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 25 Anderson Torres-Rivas ’22 Gianna Maynard ’25
26 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 ART SPOTLIGHT
Ziiwan by Brie Ferrufino ’23 Shore by Amelia Kim ’22 Forager by Sean Gunn ’23 Rescued by Julia Thomas ’22
Student Art Spotlight
On May 24, PVI hosted its annual Art Show with the theme of “Channeling Ideas.” According to Art teacher Ms. Cindi Ali ’96, “This year, the students felt relieved from a dark period of Covid and felt like they were back on track sorting out their ideas.” We are featuring a sampling of their art here and congratulate all our talented student artists.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 27 Cottage by Charlie Balderrama ’25 Icarus by Lauren Mangilit ’22 Ruminations by Melissa Vinh ’23 Beatrix by Stella Dermody ’23
Article by Natalie Askin
Students Learn Business Lessons in the SHARK TANK
Terpenning is a Clinical Orthotist and owner of Infinite TerpenningEquity,LifeProsthetics,OrthoticsTechnologies&InfiniteTherapy,InfiniteandTheGroup.
Instead of merely watching the show, students in the class were able to experience the show “Shark Tank” hands-on, coming up with a new product idea and building a pitch. While they complete each step of the process, Gillman breaks down each step. She also brings in outside mentors to teach and aid even more.
“I’ve learned so much useful information in this class, and I feel prepared if I were to create my own business plan one day,” said junior Lia Pugsley. Senior Brennan Colby agreed, “With each class, we grew closer and closer to the information that we gained.”
Mrs. Mary Gillman teaches the Business electives at Paul VI, including the Entrepreneurship class. She has worked on developing and improving the class for the past few years. Gillman teaches entrepreneurship fundamentals, such as creating business plans and presenting pitches, while also preparing students for their own “Shark Tank.”
For example, Mr. Lorenzo D’Agostino is a PVI alumnus and owns multiple Tony’s NY Pizza restaurants, a chain started by his family. Another example is Mr. Joseph F. Terpenning, who has a daughter in the entrepreneurship class.
— JOSEPH F. TERPENNING OWNER, INFINITE TECHNOLOGIES ORTHOTICS AND PROSTHETICS
t PVI, students are lucky to be offered an Entrepreneurship class, where they learn how to start and run businesses, work without the guidance of a boss, and create new ideas themselves.
28 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS
’22
With the help of Mrs. Christina Desmarais, Director of Community Engagement, Gillman secured real world mentors who were experienced in their fields and willing to help in the class. They even assembled a few Paul VI alumni and current parents, who were especially happy to participate.
“It is vital to remember that it is normal to not have all the answers. A successful entrepreneur and business owner needs to be true to themselves and know when to seek the advice and expertise of fellow experts.”
Above: Patti Duckworth Kwong ’99 (EthnSynPro), Joe Terpenning P ’21, ’23 (Infinite Technologies Orthotics and Prosthetics) and Mark Brogley P ’17, ’19 (Ripeta) serve as Sharks and listen to students pitch their ideas during Entrepreneurship class in January 2022.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 29
Bottom Right: Brennan Colby ’22 and Jameson Glynn ’22 pitch their product idea.
Bottom Left: Ray Pugsley P ’23, ’26, Owner of Potomac River Run & Walk, listens to Mick Torrey ’22 discuss his group’s business plan.
The students valued being able to meet with the mentors. “What I think was really special was having the opportunities to meet with so many different mentors who came into the class. They really helped me narrow down my vision for my idea, and ultimately made it better,” Colby said.
He gave great advice, noting: “It is vital to remember that it is normal to not have all the answers.
Mentor Kevin Sturm, who runs a coaching business called wastheenjoyedCoaching,FocalPointsaid,“Iseeingprogressthatbeingmadeandthoughtthatitmightbefuntoincreasethenumber
“No matter what business you go into, do it with passion to be the best you can be. Never do anything for the money. If you are passionate and always give 100% you will be rewarded.”
Mr. Anthony (Tony) Stafford, who owns three restaurants in Loudoun County called Ford’s Fish Shack, has been in business for over 11 years. He visited the class three times and was impressed with the students’ engagement and growth. “They were very bright and smart young men and women who are already on track to become great small business owners,” Stafford said.
“What I think was really special was having the opportunities to meet with so many different mentors who came into the class. They really helped me narrow down my vision for my idea, and ultimately made it better.”
of visits to provide additional support and less time between sessions. Hopefully I helped the students look at the bigger picture and view their business from the perspective of the customers that they want to serve,” he said.
— Brennan Colby ’22
Mentors who came throughout the semester were happy to see the students’ plans from start to finish.
— TONY OWNERSTAFFORD,FORD’S FISH SHACK
A successful entrepreneur and business owner needs to be true to themselves and know when to seek the advice and expertise of fellow experts. The knowledge is already out there and many things have been tried. Learning from other people’s success and failure is not weakness, it is wisdom.”
SCHOOL NEWS 30 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2021
Mrs. Gillman expressed pride in her students, saying, “The students just stepped up. That’s a lot for a high schooler to do, and they did so well.”
While students may forget specific information they learned about the processes an Entrepreneur goes through, they will always remember that whatever they do, no matter the area, they should do it with Staffordpassion.states, “No matter what business you go into, do it with passion to be the best you can be. Never do anything for the money. If you are passionate and always give 100% you will be rewarded.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 31 REAL WORLD PERSPECTIVES Career Reps in the Classroom We appreciate the following individuals and companies who helped in our Entrepreneurship course this past school year, either as mentors, sharks or guest •speakers:Brendan Armstrong ’04, Patrick Armstrong ’08, Liam Armstrong ’12; Trinity Wiring Solutions • Chris Bourassa and Laila Victorie; The Ballpark Loudoun • Mark Brogley P ’17, ’19, Ripeta • Lorenzo D’Agostino ’09; Tony’s NY Pizza • Bruce Gemmil, GAM Graphics and Marketing • Carolyn Gullion, VIRAGE Creative • Scott Hamberger, Integrus Holdings, Inc. • Jason Kangarloo, The Fitness Equation • Patti Duckworth Kwong ’99, EthnSynPro • Angela Mitchel, ARM Consulting LLC • Bridgit Phelps, ALS.Org • Mary Pociask, Schooley Mitchell • Ray Pugsley P ’23, ’26, Potomac River Run & Walk • Chris Ricci, NVA Career Coaching • Tony Stafford P ’23, Ford’s Fish Shack • Kevin Sturm, GAME ON Coaching • Greg Switaj, C12 Group of NoVa • Joe Terpenning P ’21, ’23, Infinite Technologies Orthotics and Prosthetics • Andrea Winey, Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce • Kyle Winey, HACKiversity
The mentors’ advice and information learned in Entrepreneurship class will help PVI students immensely in the future, no matter the path they follow or create themselves.
Students pitched their business plans in the Shark Tank at the end of the semester, and according to mentors, the presentations went well. Bridgit Phelps, who works in nonprofit development, said, “The students did a great job, particularly those who found out their partner was out sick and they had to present by themselves with almost no notice. I could see the amount of work each group put into their product concepts and presentations.”
Additionally, on February 28, the boys won the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championship by defeating Bishop McNamara, Forestville, MD, on a last-second shot that put them up 43-42 with .7 secs left on the clock. Girls and Boys Basketball Win VISAA Championship
It was quite the year for PVI Basketball as both teams won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division 1 Championship on Saturday, March 5.
32 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS
The girls team won their 15th straight VISAA title with a 60-48 victory over St. Anne’sBelfield, Charlottesville, VA. The boys team won their second straight and 6th overall VISAA title with a 56-52 win over St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes, Alexandria, VA.
Middle row, pictured left to right: Grant Catello (Mount St. Mary’s lacrosse), Jaden Mullins (Mount St. Mary’s lacrosse), Carson Boyle (Vermont lacrosse), Johnny Kidd (Lehigh lacrosse), Jacob Fowler (Mary Washington
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 College Bound Athletes lacrosse), Owen Mead (Marymount baseball), Dug McDaniel (Michigan basketball), Sophie Weeks (Dayton soccer), Caroline Graham (Villanova soccer).
Front row, pictured left to right: Jake Frye (Monmouth football), Kevin Adamson (Keystone baseball), Alex Hebenstreit (Harford baseball), Brendan Cecka (St. Mary’s, Maryland baseball), Carlos Irizarry (Penn State baseball), Marco Signorello (Maryland lacrosse), Isabella Henson-Vendrell (Villanova lacrosse), Erin Irlan (South Florida track), Gabriella Henson-Vendrell (Villanova lacrosse).
Top row, pictured left to right: Jessica Serres (Michigan dance), Caroline Mitchell (Elon cheer), Madison Garcia (Mount St. Mary’s track), Alyssa Costigan (Manhattan basketball), Fiona Hastick (West Point basketball), Ashley Vandergrift (Lynchburg basketball), Maya Koebke (Mary Washington lacrosse), Jaelyn Talley (Stetson basketball), Pierre Westoff (Ave Maria golf), Corinne Eisner (Seton Hill basketball). Not pictured: Stephen Payne (Ave Maria football).
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 33
ADVANCING TO THE NEXT LEVEL
100 DUAL (WRESTLING)COACHMATCHES:MIKEEASTMAN
• Nearly 65% of all PVI studentathletes received the scholarathlete award for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher during their season this past school year.
• Over 50% of the Honor Roll or Principal’s Honor Roll was comprised of student-athletes.
• More than 30% of the student body plays two or more sports.
• More than 60% of the PVI student body plays at least one sport.
500 WINS:COACH BASKETBALL)FARELLOGLENN(BOYS
SPORTS NEWS
Part of our Culture:
The2022athletic program at Paul VI is an extension of our school’s mission and in turn, the mission of the Church. Through athletics, students learn the value of teamwork, competition, and hard work, as well as how to deal with failure and adversity. These lessons build up young men and women in faith, who are then prepared for the world, with their faith as their guide. As college students and professionals, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and members of their communities, students will rely on this foundation in the next roles they take on after PVI.
Achieving in the Classroom:
34 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer
400 WINS: COACH SCOTT ALLEN (VOLLEYBALL)COACHBASKETBALL),(GIRLSSAMFARRAR
300 WINS: COACH BILLY EMERSON (BASEBALL) Coaches of the Year
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 35
Within the last ten years, the following PVI coaches have been named Coach of the Year: Scott Allen, Girls Basketball Meg Ashley, Girls Soccer Billy Emerson, Baseball Glenn Farello, Basketball Sam Farrar, Girls Volleyball Michael Grandizio, Football Rich Hayden, Girls Lacrosse Matt Leiva, Boys Soccer Bob Waters, Boys Lacrosse Kevin White, Golf National Recognition: Numerous PVI teams have been nationally ranked in the last five years. The following teams were most recently ranked in the year noted below: Girls Soccer 2017 Baseball 2018 Girls Basketball 2021 Boys Basketball 2022 Boys Lacrosse 2022 Girls Lacrosse 2022 Tradition Excellence:of Since 2010, the Panthers have played in 69 conference or state finals and won 44 WCAC or VISAA Championships.
Thank
36 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
and
Thank you, Ginny! you, PVI!
Scan to view the evening’s video tribute to Ginny Colwell.
Thank you to our co-chairs Lisa Furgal and Elisa Johnson, our Gala committee, and all the volunteers, sponsors, donors, attendees, those who bid from home, and the PVI community who truly made this a night to remember.
fter two years without an in-person event, the Black & Gold Gala made a big return this spring. Held April 30 on campus, over 475 people were in attendance to honor Ginny Colwell and raise important funds for PVI. The gala raised over $265,000, which included over $125,000 in support of professional development in honor of Ginny Colwell.
SCHOOL NEWS
Raising the paddle to fund professional development
Cocktail Hour in Bel Alton Commons VIP Reception
Scan to view the hilarious and heartfelt speech delivered by Ryan Colwell ’ 97 about his mom, Ginny.
Gala Raises Funds Honors Ginny Colwell
Dan Colwell ’05, Anna Colwell, Ryan Colwell ’97, Bill Colwell, Ginny Colwell, Jack Colwell ’99, Alexis Colwell Luis Diaz, Brooke Diaz, Kelly Nighland, Steve Koelber Thank you, volunteers! Matthew Menezes, Therese Menezes, Tom Horan, Kate Horan
38 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS Thank You to our Black & Gold Gala Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors • Lisa Bradford, Realtor • BMW of Fairfax • Carroll & Nuttall, PC • MORIARTY • Northern Virginia Orthodontics • Partners in Mission Bronze Sponsors • Anita’s “New Mexico Style” Mexican Foods • Chantilly Shell • Computerware • Chris and Carl Desmarais • FlynnO’Hara Uniforms • HOPE FASTER • Diocese of Arlington – Office of Catholic Schools • Tony’s NY Pizza
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 39 Why r Real Estate Team? Buy and Hold First Time Homebuyers Fix and WealthPropertiesSmithLandInvestorsFlipAcquisitionMountainLakeGeneration Craig's Specializations: The Wateridge Group is made of former alumni, current and future PVI parents with deep involvement and participation within the PVI community. Our service and expertise expands into the neighborhoods of Northern Virginia where we strive to be active community members and your go to advisors and educators when it comes to your real estate goals. We understand that real estate decisions can be some of t he largest milestones in our lives and it would be a privilege for us to assist you in taking the next step The Wateridge Group 1886 Metro Center Dr #200, Reston, VA 20190 wCaskcraigwilson@gmail.comell:(703)930-6999ww.thewateridgegroup.comCraig Wilson Real Estate Agent Not Just an Agent. Your Real Estate Advisor. For Life.
40 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 o wrap up our $5M Building on Extraordinary Campaign, the goal is to have as many PVI families as possible on our donor wall. Gifts and pledges of $2,500 or more will have recognition on the donor wall in the Fr. Heet Lobby in perpetuity. Many families have chosen to make a $500 a year gift for five years to make this possible. Naming and recognition opportunities throughout the campus are also a great way to leave your legacy at PVI. A few recognition opportunities, such as a painting in the chapel or a Station of the Cross, are pictured on this page. You can also reach out to Kate Andreottola, Director of Advancement, at 703-352-0925 x1110 to discuss your interest. There are several giving options, which include making a one-time donation or making a pledge that can be paid over a period of up to three to five years. Gift of $5,000 | Wink Wall Wink walls are dry erase walls in the classrooms Support PVI and Leave a Lasting TOTAL GIFT QUARTERLY ANNUALLY $1,000 $50 $200 $2,500 $125 $500 $5,000 $250 $1,000 $10,000 $500 $2,000 $25,000 $1,250 $5,000 SAMPLE GIVING OPTIONS - 5 YEAR PLEDGES POPULAR RECOGNITION OPPORTUNITIES Gift of $25,000 | Chapel Paintings Gift of $10,000 | Stations of the Cross located in the Chapel or Exterior Walkway SCHOOL NEWS To learn more about naming and recognition opportunities at PVI, visit www.buildingonextraordinary.net and click on “Ways To Give.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 41 Total Raised Social EngagementMedia Video Views Average Gift Size Gifts from 23 States and 2 Countries Total Donors $114,515 538 10,060 2,060 $200 Day of Giving Helps PVI Students DREAM BIG Thank you to all those who made a gift on our Day of Giving in March. By contributing to the success of Paul VI, you are investing in our future and providing our students with even more opportunities to Dream Big. Your generous commitment to the mission of Paul VI continues to make a difference in the lives of past, present, and future Panthers, and for that we are extremely grateful.
42 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 Tim Brown ’87, Ken Myers ’87, Dennis Hutson, Pete Raphael ’87
Chris Grauert ’92, Bayo Oduolowu ’92, Brian Leary ’92, Dan Bennett ’92, Brian Murray ’92, Tom Hoffman ’92, Margy Johnston Dunn ’92, Michael Lukacs ’92, Kerry Sheehan Birch ’92, Kerry Mannion Drummond ’92
Reunion had a blast on Saturday, June 11, 2022 as we welcomed our classes ending with 2’s and 7’s back to PVI. Reunion took place on campus with opportunities to tour the school, visit with former teachers, and catch up with classmates and other alumni.
2022 We
’86Jennifer
Devin Kammerdeiner ’12, Eric Malloy ’12, Andrew Balmaceda ’12, Robert Gibbs ’12, Christina d’Alelio ’12, Mary Kate Wiedemer ’12, Marlaina Astorino ’12, Kelsie Kreitler ’12 Mari Lantin Roquiz ’02, Marie Walsh Pius ’02, Mike Pius ’02 Vicki Henderson ’86, Laurie Cooke Combs ’86, Bernice Clark Gillespie ’86, Maura McMahon Rickman ’86, Allison Cibroski Hamilton Peek, Eileen Johnson, Anthony Peek ’02
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 43 Members of the first two classes of PVI1986 and 1987 - with Coach Ed and Monica Grimm; Jack Kirby, former Athletic Director; and Coach Dennis Hutson Irene Veltri Hall ’87, Elise Hall ’17 Mercedes Castro ’87, Erik Falls, Darby Switzer Falls ’87, Alanna Lynch Almeda ’87, John Anzalone ’87 Jon Dunn, Margy Johnston Dunn ’92, Chris Grauert ’92, Joanna Maggard Katrina Alino Purtell ’97, Patrick Purtell Robert Gibbs ’12, Chukwudozie Enweze ’12, Sean May ’12, Andrew Balmaceda ’12 Brandon Dell ’07, Kim Dell, Karli Sherman, Joe Sherman ’07, Zach Costello ’07 Marcy Dausch ’86, Chris White ’86, Mark Woodfine ’86, Scott Cassidy ’86 ALUMNI UPDATES
After PVI, Drew attended the University of South Carolina, graduating magna cum laude in 2020 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management and Business Administration.
44 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer
“Paul VI set me up well for college from an academic standpoint,” he reflects. During college, Drew participated in an international business study abroad program in New Zealand and received the Academic Excellence Award as the top senior in his major.
After a solid start to the 2022 season, Drew was named to the Team USA Paralympic Team.
A Good Run Drew Shea ’16 Represents U.S.A in Paralympics
“Making the Paralympic team was the goal I was chasing. I was more than excited to represent Team USA at the Winter Games,” shares Drew. During the offseason, the team spends six days a week training. The race season starts around December and runs until the beginning of April.
TODAYALUMNI
This year Drew traveled to Lake Placid, Utah, Montana, Canada, and Oregon for training and competitions. “On a game year, you hope to be named to the Paralympic Team, and your season finishes at the Winter Games.”
In the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, Drew competed in both the biathlon and
2022 ith a few zigs and zags along the way, Drew Shea ’16 went from competing on the soccer field at Paul VI to a career representing the United States on the ski slopes. Drew competed in the Paralympics this winter in Beijing, China, on the U.S. Para Nordic Skiing Team.
After an accident, Drew took up Para Nordic skiing as a way to recover, and the sport soon became a year-round activity for him. After graduating college, he moved to the West Coast to work for a tech company and train for ski racing. Drew made his first World Cup in Slovenia in 2021. “I was thrilled to be on the team for those races.”
“I have a lot of good memories of playing for the PVI Soccer program for four years. Coach “PVI laid the groundwork for my professional athletic career.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 45 freestyle skiing disciplines. He placed 14th in the Men’s Sprint Standing in his Paralympic debut. He says that his first biathlon race in China was a personal highlight, as well as a Top 10 finish on the relay team.
— DREW SHEA ’ 16 Matt Leiva and the entire soccer program fueled my passion for competitive sports throughout high school. PVI laid the groundwork for my professional athletic career.” Drew Shea ’16 celebrates after the Para middle-distance cross-country ski competition at the Paralympic Winter Games in March 2022 in Beijing. Photo courtesy of USOPC/Mark Reis.
“I have to give credit to Mrs. Collier and her AP Stats class as the catalyst for me realizing my interest in statistics and applied math.”
— JOSH RUFFIN ’ 10TODAYALUMNI 46 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
“A lot of people who look like me don’t have access to the same doors that I do. I think it’s important to use my strengths to try and extend that opportunity to others who might go overlooked.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 47
At PVI, Josh was on the Varsity Baseball team. “Learning the game of baseball under Coach Billy Emerson and Coach Jeff Nolan was professionally beneficial,” he reflects. “I also loved sitting on the bench on the basketball team,” he jokes.
“I really appreciate being able to claim that I reached a dream of mine. Sports can be an incredibly difficult industry to break into. I’ve been blessed to have the chance to see the inner workings.”
After PVI, Josh attended Duke University and majored in Statistical Science. He was also pitcher on Duke’s Varsity Baseball team.
“I’m in a position where I can make the information useful for the player, not just the team. My role allows me to use data to help players reach their ultimate potential, benefiting both individual players and the club.”
After graduating from Duke, Josh worked as a Data Analyst for the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and USDA as a contractor before securing his dream of working for Major League Baseball.
Combining his love of baseball with his talent in math and statistics, Josh Ruffin ’10 has landed a dream job in professional sports.
It’s a Numbers Game
“I have to give credit to Ms. Collier and her AP Stats class as the catalyst for me realizing my interest in statistics and applied math. It’s been amazing to be able to apply my academic interest in a field that I also find entertaining.”
Being able to achieve the dream he had set for himself has been very rewarding for Josh. It has also motivated him to help others achieve their full potential, whether in the game of baseball or life in general.
Josh puts priority on taking full advantage of the opportunity with which he’s been blessed.
“Knowing that the education I received at PVI was a major stepping stone in getting to where I am today motivates me to help make sure that any and everybody can have a chance at a quality education.”
“As soon as I stepped on Duke’s campus, I knew there was a pretty small chance that I would ever play professional baseball. So I wanted to find a way to be able to work in the game, and my interest in statistics happened to coincide with the explosion of information collected in today’s game.”
Josh Ruffin ’10
“I completed two different internships, one at Sports Info Solutions and the other with the Detroit Tigers, before landing with the Minnesota Twins.”
Josh is the Player Development Research Manager for the Minnesota Twins. In this role, he helps direct the team’s efforts to use data to turn their Minor Leaguers into Major Leaguers.
“Additionally, I loved volunteering with the Options program and paying it forward with fellow students. I had the chance to be exposed to a lot of experiences during my four years at PVI, and I imagine the current students are enjoying it all the same.”
ALUMNI UPDATES
48 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
The Paul VI Athletic Hall of Fame honors student athletes, coaches, athletic staff members, and community stars. Those inducted into the Hall of Fame are recognized not only for outstanding performance in their sport, but also for exemplifying the core values of PVI—both on and off the field. St. Paul VI Catholic High School is honored by the legacy of our Hall of Fame members, who continue to make a difference in their communities long after they have left our halls.
Want to nominate someone to the Paul VI Athletic Hall of Fame? Scan the QR code to learn more and access the form. us as we recognize all members of the Hall of Fame at our home basketball game on Friday, February 10, 2023. This year’s inductees will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2023. All are welcome!
Join
Hall of Fame members are recognized at a basketball game in February 2020. Mark Your Calendars!
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 49
Marc Tinaz ’88 and Sonya McCarthy ’88, 1988 classmates, were wed in a private ceremony, which according to Marc is “proof that life is unpredictable and miracles do happen.” They reside in Temecula, California. 1991 Cara Ciatti Hardin ’91 traveled to Palm Beach, Florida in April to meet up with college friends. During the trip, she had the opportunity to have brunch with Barbara Rannazzisi (PVI staff 1983-1999) and Rannazzisi-DickDeena’89.
1986 Father Chris Beretta, OSFS ’86 visited PVI in early April. Father Chris is currently the principal of Salesianum School in fromDelaware.Wilmington,HeispicturedwithtwootherfamiliarfacesPVI’searlydays:foundingprincipalFr.DonHeet,OSFSandMr.DennisHutson,scienceteacherandcoach.
1988 Sean McGlone ’88 was honored at the 44th Annual Fairfax County Valor Awards on March 31, 2022. This event celebrates and wasfirstFairfaxrecognizesCounty’srespondersinrecognitionofactionsaboveandbeyondthecallofduty.AMasterPoliceOfficerintheFairfaxCountyPoliceDepartment,Seanawardedagoldaward,aswellasacertificateofvalor.
50 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 SCHOOL NEWS What’s New? Tell us your latest accomplishments and milestones by submitting your news to Class Notes. Email alumni@paulvi.net to be included in our next issue. We can’t wait to hear from you!
1992 Marymai Hanlon Quaglia ’92 and her husband Michael welcomed a baby boy, Holden Robert Quaglia, in August 2020. Holden was officially adopted in October 2020.
1997 Patrick Kiechlin ’97 and wife Ashley welcomed a baby boy on February 4, 2022. They named their son Edward (Edju) Francis after both of their fathers. Edju was baptized at St. Veronica Catholic Church in Chantilly by Fr. Stephen Schultz, PVI Chaplain. “As the son of two PVI math teachers, it will be interesting to see how much of a math brain Edju inherits from his parents,” shares Ashley.
1999 Clint Branam ’99 and his wife Mary concluded a decade in the Foreign Service with USAID for Clint to become COO of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Venice, Florida. youngfeaturingPlayinglaunchedbusinesscouple’sThesmallalsorecentlyabest-sellingproduct:HolyCards,premiumplayingcardsthesaints.Theyalsohaveaandgrowing family: Vera (2) and Conrad, born in December 2021.
2002 Kate Reidenbaugh Heasly ’02 and Chris Heasly ’02 welcomed their daughter Amelia on February 13, 2022. Amelia is the fourth child for Kate and Chris.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 51 ALUMNI UPDATES
2003 Alli Opfer Ramirez ’03 and her husband Dan welcomed Camila Luna Ramirez to their family on November 18, 2021 in Dallas, Texas. Big sisters Sienna and Scarlett love giving her hugs and making her laugh!
2006 Dana Robinson O’Neill ’06 and her husband Peter welcomed daughter Victoria Janet Rae on February 23, 2022. Victoria weighed 8 lbs 5 oz, was 21 ¾ inches long, and has brown hair and brown/grey eyes. She joins older brothers Benjamin Arthur James O’Neill and Michael Robert Joseph.
52 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
2007 Alex Martinez ’07 and Kelsey Nieves ’07 welcomed their first child, Miles David, on February 16, 2022. Mom, dad, and Miles’ fur siblings love him like crazy.
ALUMNI UPDATES
2004 Tom Wonder ’04 and Colleen Kiley ’04 welcomed a baby girl, Grace, in December 2021. 2005 Bonnie Burnheimer ’05 and Luke Luallin were married on October 23, 2021. Bonnie had a ’first look’ with her triplet brothers, Ben (left) and Bryant (right), also ’05. Other alumni in attendance, pictured left to right, were Mary Sheridan Giuffre ’05, Bryant Burnheimer ’05, Sarah Burnheimer ’08, Amy Altenburger Luik ’98, Emily Campbell Dudley ’05, Bonnie Burnheimer ’05, Erica Hopper ’06, Lauren Depont ’05, and Benjamin Burnheimer ’05.
2012 WCAC Championship Team Honored
Then Now
2008 Ryan QuiggCostello’08 and her husband Jake welcomed their daughter Kennedy on February 9, 2022. She joins big brothers and sister Colton, Nolan, and Bryah. Kennedy was baptized at Corpus Christi in Aldie, Virginia on April 2, 2022 in the presence of her godparents Dillon ’17 and Erin ’18 Costello.
On the 10th anniversary of their championship season, alumni from the Class of 2012 baseball team were honored at the Panthers’ home game on April 12, 2022. Pictured left to right: Paul Battaglia, Andy Page, Mark Gunst, Blake Banet, Josh Bitto, Mitch Freeborne, Thomas Beauchamp, Billy Ellis, Jack Maestri, and Patrick Keane.
Drew Shaw ’08, his wife Becca, and son Hunter welcomed Brynn Olivia Shaw to the family on November 23, 2021. Brynn was born at Fairfax Hospital and weighed 7 lbs, 9 oz. The family is grateful for this beautiful baby girl who completes their family.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 53 ALUMNI UPDATES
54 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 ALUMNI UPDATES
Pictured: Rob Molthen P ’07, ’10, ’11, Gus Anderson ’10, Jake Molthen ’11, Mollie Chrisinger (wife of Kevin Chrisinger ’10), Zach Molthen ’07. Not pictured: Kyle Kohler ’11, Nick Molthen ’10 achieve homeownership and we’re excited to continue growing within the local community.” Are you in business with other PVI alumni? Let us know: alumni@paulvi.net
2012 Annie Huvane Beauchamp ’12 and Thomas Beauchamp ’12 welcomed their second son, Cillian Joseph, on June 2, 2021. He joins big brother Finbarr.
2011 Meagan Astorino Gregg ’11 and her husband Alex welcomed son Lochlan Alexander Gregg on December 6, 2021. “He arrived just six days shy of his big wasKinsleigh’ssistersecondbirthday.LochlanbaptizedintotheCatholicChurchonDecember18,while all of the immediate family was still in town. Everyone is doing great, and we couldn’t be happier to be a family of four!” shares Meagan.
Alumni Working Together Feels Like Home Homeside Financial is a PVI Family affair! Gun Anderson ’10, Nick Molthen ’10, Jake Molthen ’11 and Zach Molthen ’07 all work together in Homeside’s Fairfax office and Kyle Kohler ’11 works with the team remotely from North Carolina. Gus shares, “From meeting freshman year at PVI to attending the same college, we’re fortunate to still be close friends and now colleagues in the mortgage industry. Soon after college, Nick and I began working together and soon started a branch with Nick’s father, Rob Molthen, called the DMV Mortgage Group in Fairfax. We grew our branch with fellow PVI alumni, including Jake, Zach, Kyle, and Mollie Chrisinger and have helped countless PVI families with the financing of their home. Homeownership is a big step in one’s life and we’re blessed to provide honest, trustworthy service in the area we all grew up in. It’s a pleasure assisting fellow ’Panthers’
2018 Antonella Henson-Vendrell ’18 graduated from Monmouth University summa cum laude with a B.S. in Biology/Molecular Cell Physiology and a minor in Health Sciences. She was awarded an academic achievement award in Molecular Cell Physiology and the Biology Honor Society Chi Eta Excellence Award. She was also named to the Metro Atlantic Athletics Conference Women’s Lacrosse All-Academic team 20182022. She played on the DI Monmouth Women’s lacrosse team, was treasurer of the Pre-Med club, and was a member of four honor societies: Phi Eta Sigma, Beta Beta Beta, Alpha Epsilon Delta, and Chi Alpha Sigma. Antonella hopes to enter medical school in Fall 2023. In the next year, she will be applying to medical schools, working as a medical scribe and traveling to Europe.
2019 Riley Hayden ’19, a rising senior at Virginia Tech, was presented with a “Top 6 for Service” award in May 2022.
Each year, the Virginia Tech Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosts “The Gobblers” - an ESPYs-style award show which recognizes the members of the Virginia Tech athletic achievementsdepartment’sonandoffthe field. A member of the women’s lacrosse team, Riley was recognized for her service to those facing food insecurity in the Blacksburg Community and her work supporting “Morgan’s Message” in the area of mental health. Riley has taken the values instilled at PVI and combined them with Virginia Tech’s motto to serve others. Riley has balanced being a Division I student-athlete with her studies as a Human Nutrition, Foods & Exercise major. Her goal is to continue her post-graduate studies to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). 2020 Zachary Namiotka ’20 of Woodbridge, Virginia graduated from United States Marine Corps boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on March 18, 2022.
Raphaella Henson-Vendrell ’18 graduated from Hood College with a B.A. in Law and Criminal Justice, a major in Law, a minor in Political Sciences, and an advanced certificate in Spanish. She received the SGA Student Leader of the Year Award and the Spanish Academic Honor Society Sigma Delta Pi Award. At Hood, she ran cross country and track for four years and played lacrosse for one year. She was both the SAAC President and the MAC NCAA Division 3 SAAC Vice President from 2021-2022. She was named to the Country AcademicMAC CrossHonor Roll 2021-2022 and awareded Rookie of The Year for the 2018-2019 season. In addition, Raphaella volunteered and worked at the Boys and Girls Club in Frederick, Maryland. Post-college, she will be a University of Virginia Advising Corps and AmeriCorp high school pre-college counselor at Kettle Run High School in Fauquier County. She hope to take the LSAT and attend law school in the future.
Private First Class Namiotka successfully completed thirteen weeks of intensive basic training at MCRD Parris Island as one of approximately 45 recruits in Training Platoon 2022. While in recruit training, PFC Namiotka earned the Expert Marksmanship qualification badge. Following ten days being home on leave, he reported to Camp Geiger, NC for one month at Military Combat Training and then he will proceed to Military Occupation Specialty school afterwards. PFC Namiotka’s final Permanent Duty Station (PDS) will be determined following the completion of his specialized training.
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 55 ALUMNI UPDATES
ALUMNI UPDATES 56 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022
IN MEMORY
Coach Tony Conques Coach Tony Conques (“Pops”) was a member of the PVI Girls Basketball coaching staff for 21 years. He served as the freshman girls coach and a varsity assistant coach. In his last season coaching freshman, the team was undefeated 19-0. In addition to his dedication and impact as a coach, Coach Conques was the father of five PVI alumni (Tony ’97, Carrie ’99, Leanne ’01, Kristin ’03 and Billy ’05). Coach Conques is a member of the PVI Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended Fairfax High School, when it was located in the former PVI Fairfax location. Varsity Girls Coach Scott Allen shared, “Tony was by my side for 20 years as my freshman coach, varsity assistant, and most importantly like a second father to me. I moved to Northern VA in August of 2002 and Pops was my first hire. I didn’t know one single person in Fairfax VA and he took me in like I was one of his family.”
Mrs. Anne Henry-Gross
Mrs. Anne Henry-Gross joined the PVI faculty in 1995. She had been a graphic artist, spent a Canonical Year of Novitiate with the Carmelite Sisters of Charity, served as a Director of Religious Education, ran a foster home and taught at several other schools before arriving at PVI. Mrs. HG taught a variety of courses, including developing senior electives on Death and Dying and Salesian Spirituality, as well as other courses in the Theology and History departments. She loved teaching and helping people of all ages. While at Paul VI, she put that love into the clubs she moderated included Key Club, Salesian Leadership Club, SADD, PVI Service Corps, working with a pilot program for teen participation in a hospice program, and more. Her daughter Caroline graduated from PVI in 1998. For many years, she coordinated the faculty rosary and spiritual bouquets for those needing prayer. Mrs. HG served as PVI’s St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal scholar and her enthusiasm for Catholic education and Salesian Spirituality were models for others.
This past school year, four very special members of the PVI faculty and staff passed away. We will miss them all dearly, and know their positive impact and legacy will live on at PVI.
“Truly it is a blessed thing to love on earth as we hope to love in Heaven, and to begin that friendship here whichis to endure forever there.” ~St. Francis de Sales
Mrs. Denny Kline
After a career as a New York City police office, Mr. Pharao enjoyed a career with the DEA. After retirement, he studied education at George Mason University before joining the PVI faculty in 2005. Mr. Pharao loved teaching and his passion was evident every time you interacted with him. Mr. Pharao taught U.S. History, U.S. Government, and Practical Law classes. He retired from full-time teaching in 2014 but remained a part-time teacher until May 2021. Mr. Pharao was a well-respected teacher, advisor, and friend. Many students interacted with Mr. Pharao while he drove the PVI bus to many athletic events and practices. As a native New Yorker, Mr. Pharao was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes Catholic High School in the Bronx. He lived the motto of his high school, “A Hayesman is always a gentleman,” through his positive gentleman qualities and his love of our Catholic faith. He is the proud father of three PVI graduates: Kelleigh ’98, Erin ’00 and Diana ’03. Deborah Pollard, mother to Aidan ’21, shared, “To students, Lou meant being seen, heard and valued in the classroom. It meant learning about the values of duty, commitment, and faithfulness.”
ST. PAUL VI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 57
Mrs. Kline was PVI’s long-time Campus Minister and Pastoral Counselor. She was one of PVI’s first staff members, hired in 1983 by founding principal Father Don Heet, OSFS. She embraced Salesian Spirituality and modeled how we should all Live Jesus every day. Mrs. Kline helped start the ECHO (Encountering Christ in Others) retreat program, helped begin the Teen STAR program, began the service requirement for all classes, and served as Campus Minister from 1983-2007. She transitioned to a new position as PVI’s Pastoral Counselor in 2007. In this role, she founded FISH, a group of peer counselors. After 36 years, Denny retired from Paul VI at the end of the 20182019 school year. She was the mother of three PVI alumni: Kimber ’86, Courtney ’88 and Sean ’97. From the start, Denny viewed her role as Campus Minister as one who was to serve and help build the faith community. She encouraged ALL to become the best they could be and follow St. Francis de Sales’ teaching “do ordinary things extraordinarily well.” According to Fr. Heet, “Denny’s name is synonymous with all that is good at PVI…She made the school motto, ’grow in grace and wisdom’ a reality.”
Mr. Lou Pharao
Joseph Kane | father of Loretta Madelmayer, Admissions staff; grandfather of Robert ’04, Sean ’06 and Lauren ’09
Quantez Wright | father of Giovanni Wright ’18
Lola Emerson | mother of Billy Emerson, Director of Athletics; grandmother of Amanda ’17, Haley ’19 and Will IV ’25 Roger Ashooh | father of Mary Ashooh Hamrick ’86, Associate Director, Constituent Relations; grandfather of Jake ’19, Katherine ’20, James ’22, and Emily ’23 (Hamrick)
Denny Kline | longtime PVI Campus Minister and Pastoral Counselor; mother of Kimber ’86, Courtney ’88 and Sean ’97
Tony Conques | father of Tony ’97, Carrie ’99, Leanne ’01, Kristin ’03 and Billy ’05; long-time member of the Girls Basketball coaching staff; member of PVI Athletic Hall of Fame. Frances Trahan | mother of Michelle Boyle, Options teacher; grandmother of Lia ’24, Therese ’22, and Michael ’23 Rev. John O’Neill, OSFS | PVI Academic Dean from 1990-1992 Wallace Prince | grandfather of Sara Prince, PVI Choir teacher, and Abigail Prince Hartwick ’11
The Paul VI community extends its prayers and condolences to the relatives of faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends of the school who have passed away recently.
Luis "Sonny" J Lagdameo | grandfather of Paolo ’17 and Franco ’20
Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
John Peter "JP" Feldmann | father of John ’08
Janice Mastriano | mother-in-law of Rosalila Mastriano, World Language teacher
Michael Sheehan | husband of Elizabeth Cooch Sheehan ’89; father of Joe ’25 Stacey Talbot ’91
Jim Hutchison
Bill Siegfried | husband of Jan Siegfried, Instrumental Music teacher
William Adams | father of Jeni ’87 and Joy ’93
Mary Kotarski | mother of Christopher ’25 and Nicholas ’24 Dylan Paul Kirby ’20
Jung Ja An | grandmother of Alyssa An ’22
Richard DiBrango | uncle of Meghan O’Connor, Theology teacher
58 PANTHER TRACKS Spring/Summer 2022 IN MEMORIAM
Oliver Kyte | father of Cindie ’88 and Jamie ’92; grandfather of Thomas ’18 and Robert ’20 Monica V. McGonigle | mother of Katie ’02, Stephen ’06, and Vincent ’13; aunt of James Gaughan ’08
Barbara Marie Flynn | grandmother of Kelly Karas, Health teacher; great-grandmother of Avery Karas ’24
Alice McGroarty | mother of Patrick McGroarty, Dean of Students; grandmother of Daniel ’09 and Matthew ’10
John H. “Jack” Rust, Jr. | father of John ’90
Michael P. McGonigle | uncle of Katie ’02, Stephen ’06, and Vincent ’13 and James Gaughan ’08
| grandfather of Kenny ’22 and Mackenzie (Myers) ’22
Michael Rodgers | father of Michael ’91, Daniel ’92 and Brendan ’95
“Thank you for all your support over the years, the kindness extended, and the prayers through both trying and happy times.
Again, once an English teacher, always an English teacher. In the words of William Butler Yeats, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.”So my friends, Sayonara. Continue to trust in the Lord, — Ginny
Anne Morrow Lindbergh says “Sayonara, literally translated, ’Since it must be so,’ of all the good-byes I have heard is the most beautiful. It says neither too much nor too little. It is a simple acceptance of fact. All understanding of life lies in its limits. All emotion, smoldering, is banked up behind it. But it says nothing. It is really the unspoken good-by, the pressure of a hand, Sayonara.”
Advancement Office 42341 Braddock Road Chantilly, VA 703.352.092520152 www.paulvi.net NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID Dulles, VA Permit No. 6418
“I am delighted to join the Paul VI community and look forward to building upon the school’s tradition of excellence to grow its mission as a serviceoriented, faith-filled Catholic institution. I have been warmly welcomed by all, and feel blessed to join the Diocese of Arlington, a dynamic and supportive diocese that is committed to Catholic education.”
Mrs. Laura Swenson, Head of School
