Prep
Saint Peter’s Preparatory School
spring 2015
Support Along the Road On a rainy day in June three years ago, I was stuck in terrible traffic on the West Side Highway, trying like crazy to get to my interview at Saint Peter’s Prep on time. It was an appointment I almost canceled – as a product of public school education, what did I know about teaching at a Jesuit school? As the third of four daughters in my family, how could I hope to connect with almost a thousand teenage boys? As a newly-minted professional, how would I go about handling everything required of a well-functioning library? At that interview it was made clear to me that Prep was looking for a modern information commons, for a different path towards their goal of forming 21st-century learners. I toured the new science building and ended in the high-ceilinged, airy Siperstein Library. Prep wanted to transform this space from the default hang-out spot into a learning hub that would be conducive to preparing our boys to succeed within its walls and beyond. I realized that it might be the ideal place to continue my professional career and gave an enthusiastic “yes” when the position was offered. Since then, I have fostered and watched the growth of the library program in ways I couldn’t imagine. When I arrived in 2012 there were two graphic novels on the shelves. Now it’s not uncommon to see boys checking out piles of comics and books that I’ve added to the collection. The graphic novel focus has led to my own course on the topic as well as a lunchtime discussion group that engages students who are happy to find this place to belong. I developed a research unit based around the Ignatian Pedagogical Process and feel rewarded when I read thoughtful reflection papers that reveal a true understanding of print and digital (or in their words, “futuristic”) resources. Teachers feel welcome to utilize me and the library in ways that benefit their students, as evidenced by the 30 classrooms I’ve been invited to work in over the past year. I would never have come this far in my role without the students, teachers, and administration at Prep. In giving me both professional guidance as well as the freedom to innovate I have been fully supported on the road to becoming a truly Ignatian educator. I remain open to growth in professional and personal ways and work to provide our boys with the chance to feel the same way. Most importantly in the time I spend with students (which is all day long, as the space remains one of the most vibrant parts of Grand & Warren) I am rewarded by the casual conversations and the looks on their faces when I show them a new way to look at the world around them. I am continually humbled and challenged by the role I play in our collective journey towards forming young men of competence, conscience, and compassion and look forward to continuing on the path for years to come.
Erinn Salge Librarian
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Contents
Cover Story 18 All In From the first practice to the final whistle, Prep’s state championship football season revolved around those two words.
Volume 25 - Number 2 Spring 2015
Ken Boller, S.J. President
Jim DeAngelo, ’85 Principal
Chris Casazza, ’97 Editor Mike Jiran, ’03 Managing Editor John Irvine, ’83, P’11 Sports Editor Renato Rodrigues, ’10 Erinn Salge Carmela Schlitzer Mike Wright, ’10 Contributors
Features 12 Think Globally, Act Vocally Prep Vox swept through Europe last summer, earning accolades from judges, competitors, and spectators alike
Two Wheels, One Mission Henry Greenfield, ’08 blazed a 2,700-mile bike trail for a cause near to his heart.
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5 Questions You might not need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, but just in case, it’s a comfort to know Renato Rodrigues, ’10 is around.
11 To Whom Much is Given After 60 years, Bob Corke, ’55 still always has time for his alma mater.
Copyright © 2015, Saint Peter’s Prep. All publication rights reserved. Contact us:
144 Grand Doc Kennedy hangs up his chalk; senior earns NROTC scholarship; Prep Robotics builds early success
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Mike Jiran, ’03 Additional Photography and Layout
Prep Magazine is a publication of the Advancement Office of Saint Peter’s Preparatory School. It is distributed in print, free of charge, to Prep alumni, faculty, staff and parents, and online at spprep.org/prepmag
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Mark Wyville, ’76, P’11 Select Photography Mace Duncan Ohleyer Hotplate Original Design Concept
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Alumni Relations: alumni@spprep.org or 201-547-6413 Communications: communications@spprep.org or 201-547-2308
Photo File Continuity and change as Prep’s “new” Siperstein Library turns 20.
Stay Up-to-Date
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@spprep To subscribe to our weekly P-Mail newsletter, contact us at communications@spprep.org with your name, class year (if applicable) and preferred e-mail address. On the Cover: Prep Football, moments after winning their first state championship since 2005.
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Sports County titles for Cross Country and Soccer
22 Alumni Seven alumni join Prep’s Hall of Fame; Alumni feed the community at Saint Peter’s Univeristy Campus Kitchen; Regional Reunions from sea to shining sea
Photo by Mark Wyville, ’76, P’11,’18 PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP.ORG n SPRING 2015 1
144 Grand Doc Kennedy with his seniors during his last week of classes.
After 48 Years, The Doctor is Out As the fall semester drew to a close, the sun set on an era at Grand & Warren. The English department’s resident Prep Legend, Dr. Rich Kennedy, taught the final class period in his Literature and Film semester elective, and in a career that spanned 48 years over six decades. After teaching a part-time schedule since 2012, “Doc” embarked upon a well-deserved retirement. A graduate of Regis High School and Georgetown University, Rich Kennedy joined the Prep faculty in the fall of 1967, and later earned his Ph.D. from Saint John’s University, making him the first Prep teacher on record to hold a doctorate. He is in many ways the embodiment of a multidisciplinary, Jesuit education, able to jump from politics to architecture to history to pop culture, then tie it all back in to the literature at hand. His seemingly bottomless store of knowledge on every imaginable subject has given more than 6,000 students the perspective to “connect the dots” and see a Prep education as a multifacted whole rather than just the sum of disparate parts. In addition to being a Prep tradition in his own right, Doc was instrumental in the development of another: Prep Day. Including those Prep Day excursions as well as other class and club field trips, he has led well over 70 student groups on voyages of discovery through New York’s museums, performance spaces, and neighborhoods, giving them the opportunity to broaden their cultural horizons and fuse the “real world” with their work in the classroom. In appreciation of all this (and more), his colleagues, along with hundreds of students gathered on the Warren Street Plaza on a chilly January afternoon to give him a true Prep sendoff. After a rousing rendition of “Pride and Glory,” Doc offered his humble thanks, and a promise: “I’ll never forget today.” Prep will remember the day, too, along with the more than 8,000 he has spent in the classroom, bringing literature to life, and life to literature. 1967
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144 Grand Section
Above: Team members show off the spoils of their first meet. Left to right: Shawn Vollaro, Chirayu Shah, Hunter Novello, Julien Panepinto, Kyle Smith, Jan Butrym, ’01 (mentor), Bob O’Hare, S.J. (mentor), Jonathan Racki, Bennett Wong, Pavel Nawrocki (mentor-Eastern Millwork, Inc.), Nicholas Magnotti, Jason Davidoff, Nicholas Furtzaig, and Riley Horton. LEFT: The team paid a visit to City Hall in February.
Prep Robotics Builds Early Success After months of toil after school and on weekends, Prep Robotics enjoyed a strong outing in their first official meet this spring. Team 5438, the Technological Terrors, are in the midst of their first season in the FIRST Robotics Competition, a nationwide tournament involving more than 73,000 students on over 3,000 teams. The team drew attention on campus as they worked long hours in H304 each day, and received well-wishes from Mayor Steven Fulop and Councilwoman Diane Coleman at City Hall (inset). The six-week build process ended February 17, leaving the team about two weeks to practice with their creation, dubbed “Ignatius Prime,” before the first meet in March. When a full weekend of competition at Mount Olive High School were over, Prep emerged with the Rookie All-Star Award and the Highest Rookie Seed Award. A second April meet in North Brunswick yielded the Rookie Inspiration Award, and the team earned a place in the district tournament. Watch for much more about this up-and-coming Prep co-curricular in the future!
Class of 2019 Waiting in the Wings As the seniors complete the home stretch toward graduation, a new class of Prep men await their own daily life at Grand & Warren. The class of 2019 stood 262 strong at the end of registration day in February – the largest registration-day total in more than 20 years – and had grown to 267 as of this writing. They represent 121 different grammar schools, and hail from 72 communities in ten New Jersey counties, along with New York City. There are, of course, the students from Jersey City and Bayonne, but there are students from such far-flung locales as Holmdel, New Brunswick, Allendale, and Convent Station, as well. Significantly, 112 of the incoming freshmen, 43% of those registered on registration day, are graduates of the summer HAP program. John Irvine, ’83, P’11, Prep’s director of admisisons, explained that the expansion of HAP in 2012, to accommodate students from outside Hudson County, has had a major impact on the applicant pool. “Boys love HAP,” he said, “and parents realize if they can send their rising eighth grader on a train, it’s that much easier when he’s a year older.” He also noted that HAP alumni who return to Prep as freshmen often encourage some of their grammar school classmates to apply as well. In addition to Prep’s reputation among the broader community, Irvine also cited the expanded Ignatian Scholars Program, as well as the Gerald V. Sheehan, ’48 Scholarships. “The scholarships have been the deciding factor for a number of families,” he noted.
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Marauders Moving Up As of this writing, twelve members of Prep’s Class of 2015 had committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. Pictured above, left to right: football players Jose Palomino (Assumption College), Dave Tolentino (U.S. Naval Academy), Brandon Wimbush (University of Notre Dame), Minkah Fitzpatrick (University of Alabama), Jordan Fox (Stanford University), Corey Caddle (Fordham University), Chris Geissler (Fordham University), and Ryan Hernandez (Warner University). At right, left to right: wrestlers Manny Ramirez (NYU), Ryan Burkert (Hofstra), and Connor Burkert (Hofstra), and football player Dennis James (Saint Francis).
Naval ROTC Scholarship for Prep Senior Andrew Fennell, ’15 was a few minutes late for his third period class on a Thursday in March. But far from a case of senioritis, Andrew had a perfectly good excuse: he was busy accepting a full Naval ROTC Scholarship from Marine Corps Captain Zachary Smith and Sergeant Sergio Castro. After a lengthy application process, he became one of about 4,000 total students nationwide – from about 25,000 applicants – to receive a fouryear, full-tuition ROTC scholarship. Andrew will attend the school of his choice while committing to take part in the Naval ROTC program, training to become a leader in the Marine Corps after graduation. The program includes weekly drills, service projects throughout the school year, and summer cruise training with his fellow midshipmen.
Flanked by his parents, William and Claire Fennell, Andrew Fennell, ’15 accepted his scholarship. Standing: Captain Zachary Smith; Rich Hansen, Prep football coach; Ken Boller, S.J., president; Jim DeAngelo, ’85, principal; and Sergeant Sergio Castro. 4 SPRING 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
Section 144 Grand
A Trip Around the World, Full of Fun and Fashion!
More than 600 members of the Prep community – mostly moms, past and present! – gathered Sunday at Mayfair Farms for the 2014 PPA Fashion Show, "Around the World." As always, it was a day filled with fun and fashion, with hundreds of prize baskets waiting to meet their lucky winners. But this year's event had special siginficance for Prep, as it celebrated the many nations that come together each day at Grand & Warren. In keeping with recent tradition, 25 "Men of Prep" and 13 "Sisters of Prep" took to the runway. The boys modeled formal wear courtesy of The Tux Shop in Bayonne and Tuxedos by Rose in North Bergen. The girls modeled two looks each: formal wear from Morilee by Madeline Gardner, and, in celebration of Prep's diversity, traditional attire from some of the countries represented in the Prep community.
P.J. Walshe, ’15 and Allie Duran
While the seniors took to the runway, underclassmen had their own moment in the spotlight, delivering baskets to their lucky winners!
RIGHT: Tristan Brandt, ’15 and Molly Oser on the runway. FAR RIGHT: Nathaniel Soliven, ’15 and mom Rosalie.
In all, the Fashion Show and Luncheon raised more than $107,000 to support the mission of Jesuit education at Saint Peter's Prep. Thanks to a veritable army of volunteers, donors and sponsors, who worked with co-chairs Janine Anderson, P'15, Xandra Lau, P'09,'15, Leonor Perez, P'12,'18, and Rosalie Soliven, P'15, everyone was a winner!
Stephen Kellner, ’15 and Molly Oser
Yet another year of generous donations ensured that the tricky tray raffle featured a basket to tempt every ticket.
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144 Grand The 2015 German Exchange group posed for their traditional photo at (where else?) Exhcange Place. INSET: The inaugural exchange group outside Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, 1985.
German Exchange Turns 30! Prep’s longest-running exchange program, in partnership with Clara-Fey-Gymnasium in Schleiden, Germany, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. It would have seemed an unlikely pairing: Schleiden lies in the bucolic Eifel hills of North Rhine-Westphalia, where dairy cattle dot the overwhelmingly green landscape, and back in 1985, CFG was just beginning its transition from girls’ school to co-ed. But dedicated teachers and enthusiastic students on both sides have ensured the program’s continued success. This March, 20 girls and four boys visited Grand & Warren with their teachers, Verena Backes and Dominik Göbel, and their Prep counterparts will pay them a return visit over the summer. It’s the second exchange under the guidance of current moderator and German teacher Sal Veniero, ’05.
Prep Welcomes Archbishop Hebda Archbishop Bernard Hebda, the coadjutor bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark, visited Grand & Warren in December, presiding at Prep’s Advent liturgy before the school community parted ways for the Christmas break. Archbishop Hebda expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received at Grand & Warren, and, in his homily, encouraged the school community to discern the unique plans God asks each of us to fulfill.
Archbishop Hebda shows off his new Prep baseball cap, a souvenir of his visit to Grand & Warren. 6 SPRING 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
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Giving Thanks, Giving Back
#MaroonTuesday
In contrast to the frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that threaten to overshadow the Thanksgiving holiday, Giving Tuesday has emerged in recent years as an opportunity to continue in the spirit of gratitude and support the causes that make our lives richer and our world a better place. This year, Prep put its own stamp on the Giving Tuesday concept, by celebrating Maroon Tuesday on December 2. Coordinated by Prep’s Office of Institutional Advancement, Maroon Tuesday invited members of the Prep community not only to offer financial or volunteer support to Prep’s mission, but to tell their friends (and the world!) what Prep means to them. Alumni, parents, students, and many members of Prep’s faculty and staff took the time to print out an official #MaroonTuesday placard and write a message, completing the sentences “I support Prep because...” or “Because you support Prep...” Dozens of photos, posted on social media with the #MaroonTuesday tag, created a mosaic that told a familiar story: Prep’s mission of Jesuit education helps boys grow into young men for others, brings people together from diverse backgrounds into a proud community, and continues to shape lives well beyond the halls of Grand & Warren. If you’d like to join in celebrating the difference Prep makes in students’ lives, mark your calendars for the second annual Maroon Tuesday, coming December 1, 2015.
Above (left to right): Class chair Billy Bludgus, ’01; current senior David Anderson, ’15; and alumni chaplain Tony Azzarto, S.J. left: Following the Thanksgiving Prayer Service, a few days before Maroon Tuesday itself, members of Prep’s faculty and staff held up #MaroonTuesday placards to show their support for the life-changing mission they live each day. Below (left to right): 1957 classmates Alec Clerihew, Bob Groesbeck, Jack Savage (class chair), Kevin Collins, Pat Downes, and Pete MacIsaac; student council president Clark Burnett, ’15 and vice president Jon Carlo Dominguez, ’15; director of annual giving Nancy Cunningham, P’99,’01.
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X/Y Days: A New Perspective When Prep adopted a new academic schedule in the fall of 2013, one of the notable new features was the presence of X and Y days, which occur at the end of every second cycle of A- through H- days. The X/Y schedule runs a full school day, but features just four extended class periods – allowing more time to examine class topics in greater depth. In its second year, the X/Y day schedule truly demonstrated its versaitility, with a number of guest speakers visiting campus to share their unique perspectives with Prep students. Here are some of the highlights of this year’s X/Y day events:
• Congressman Albio Sires met with AP Government and other history students. • Pediatrician and Doctors Without Borders volunteer Peter Cardiello, ‘77
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Congressman Albio Sires; Joseph Illidge; Peter Cardiello, ’77; Luis Pomales-Diaz, ’16; Matthew Thomas.
discussed the Ebola epidemic as a guest of Prep’s Medical Club.
• Noted comic book and graphic novel editor Joseph Illidge shared his professional experiences during a presentation in the library.
• Matthew Thomas, critically acclaimed author of We Are Not Ourselves, met
with English classes to discuss both his novel and the rigors of balancing his writing with his “day job” at Xavier High School.
• Sister Cora Marie Billings, RSM, visited students in the African-American Faith Experience senior religion elective.
• Prep’s own Luis Pomales-Diaz, ‘16 gave a guest lecture in the Design & Color
art elective, examining issues of diversity (or lack thereof) in the output of the mainstream comic book industry.
The Eagles of Grand & Warren Prep has enjoyed a long tradition of students active in scouting, including many who have advanced to the top rank of Eagle Scout. Three more names have joined that tradition during the course of this school year, as David Bovich, ’15 was awarded the Eagle rank in December, followed by Brendan Coughlin, ’15 and Tom Evans, ’15 in March. Scouts must organize and perform a service project in order to advance from the Life to the Eagle rank, and all three of Prep’s newest Eagle Scouts knew they could count on their Prep classmates and others in the school community for support. David’s Eagle project, the conversion of a storage room in the Shalloe Hall basement into the Prep Food Pantry, was completed in 2013 with help from more than 10 additional Prep volunteers, and is now an integral part of the Campus Ministry department’s service programs. David was featured in BSA’s Eagles’ Call Magazine earlier this year. Brendan organized his fellow scouts, including Brad Switala, ’15 and Tyler Switala, ’17, in the painting and restoration of a stairwell and hallway main entrance to the playground at the World Impact Christian School in Newark. And with help from several Prep classmates, Tom completed his Eagle Scout project for the Kessler Foundation’s Stroll ‘N Roll event, by creating games, signage, and a wheelchair obstacle course to educate participants Kessler Institute’s work with victims of spinal cord and brain injuries. More than two million Boy Scouts have attained the Eagle Scout rank since 1912, representing just 5% of all Boy Scouts, a testament to the high standards and hard work associated with the honor.
Tom Evans, ’15 (second from right), worked with classmates Brad Switala, Will Springer, Mark Vasile, and Kevin McVeigh to ensure the success of his Eagle Scout service project.
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Arrupe 2015: Masculinity The 2015 Arrupe Lecture Series focused on the concept of masculinity, and how ever-shifting notions of what it means to “be a man” shape social, economic, and even spiritual realities for both men and women. Major events included an opening Mass with guest celebrant Joseph Marina, S.J., the pastor of Saint Francis Xavier parish in Manhattan, and the keynote lecture by Michael Kimmel, Distinguished Professor of Sociology at Stony Brook University. Dr. Kimmel is the author of several books on the social roles of men and masculinity, including Guyland: The Perilous World in Which Boys Become Men. The topic was important because “We’re trying to help our students grow into men who are compassionate, committed to justice, reflective, intelligent, and authentic,” explained John Dougherty, assistant director of campus ministry, “and that’s very different from the messages they’re getting from society about what a ‘real man’ is.” The restrictiveness of popular culture’s version of masculinity particularly stands out in Prep’s retreat programs, he explained, where a space free of judgments allows students to be much more open with their thoughts. Dr. Michael Kimmel delivered the keynote presentation for the 2015 Arrupe Lecture Series.
“We really wanted to start a conversation about what it means to ‘be a man’ in the Ignatian context, and how we can give voice to expressions of masculinity that you don’t often see in the media. Our hope overall, was to promote the idea that masculinity isn’t just one thing – it’s as diverse as men themselves – and to hold up the ideal of a ‘Man for Others’ as what we hope our students become.”
Class of ’15 Quenches Prep’s Thirst When students returned from their Easter break, they found the ordinary water fountain in the Moriarty Science Center lobby had been replaced by an EZH2O Rapid Bottle Filling Station, the result of the 2015 Senior Class Gift program. In addition to providing a direct, quick drink like a regular fountain, this water station quickly and conveniently fills reusable bottles with no spillage. That makes it a great alternative to purchasing (and throwing away) single-use water bottles. A built-in display keeps track of how many fills the device has provided, and by extension, how much plastic waste has been saved. By the end of its first day in operation, just the one station in the Moriarty lobby had delivered nearly 400 fills, keeping a similar number of plastic bottles from being discarded. As the Class of 2015 looks ahead to graduation, they can rest assured that thirsty Prepsters will be grateful for years to come! PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP.ORG n SPRING 2015 9
5 QUESTIONS
with Renato Rodrigues, ’10, Alumni Service Corps Volunteer
Renato Rodrigues, ’10 is one of four recent college graduates working as Alumni Service Corps volunteers at Prep this year. In addition to assisting members of the science department and the Browning Learning Center, he has come to be known as Prep’s resident weather expert – a particularly valuable role over the course of the volatile winter of 2014-15! Prep Magazine: How has it felt to be back at Prep this year as an ASC member? Renato Rodrigues: It has felt great to be back at Prep this year as an ASC member because I have always considered Prep to be my second home. It has been such a great experience for me just coming back and being a mentor to these students, from helping out students in the Browning Center to leading retreats like Emmaus and Kairos, it has brought me new opportunities that I did not have when I was a student at Prep. PM What does your typical day on campus look like? RR Often, I start and end my day in the Browning Center with students who need help in math or the sciences. But I also assist with labs in Environmental Science and Chemistry for several periods a cycle. I also run the Enhanced Academic Support program during Community Period for students who are struggling academically, which is about improving timemanagement skills as well as grades. Students have to check in with me to discuss their “game plan” for that period, then head off to see that teacher. It is a program that allows the students to take full advantage of the fifty minute community period to work with their teachers. PM How did your connection with meteorology develop? RR When I was in the eighth grade at Lafayette Street School in Newark, I would be watching ABC 7 in my homeroom and see Bill Evans do the morning weather forecast. He always ended his forecast by mentioning the link to his online weather forums. So a couple of days before the supposed Blizzard of 2006 came around, I went on his website and saw all these people showing the weather models for this storm. At first I was so 10 spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
confused on how to interpret what exactly these models were showing, but once I figured them out, I started to become the go-to forecaster for my eighth grade class. My eighth-grade yearbook even labeled me as the “future weatherman.” Ever since that moment in 8th grade, I knew then that I would want to become a meteorologist. PM Is a full-time career in weather forecasting your ultimate goal? RR It has been a dream of mine since eighth grade to become a meteorologist. But after this past year, working with students in math and science has brought me to potentially another chapter in my life. I have really enjoyed the tutoring aspect of my job, and that might lead me to being a teacher or even a full-time tutor. But my ultimate goal will always be to become a full-time meteorologist. It has always been a passion of mine to forecast the weather, especially when there are storms coming on the horizon – as this winter has proven! PM As your Alumni Service Corps year winds down, what will you take away from the experience? RR I will take away all the memories and new relationships that I have experienced this year at Prep. Of course one of my greatest memories has to be seeing the whole Prep community going crazy when we won the state championship this past December. Having the chance to lead Kairos, Emmaus, and the Sophomore Retreat is a great memory because I never led any of the retreats as a student at Prep. I formed so many relationships amongst the faculty just because of the fact that I am Prep’s own meteorologist, as well as being a lab assistant for the science department. The everyday experience of being at Prep, and being someone that the students can look up to as a mentor on a daily basis, has been satisfying to me. With all the experiences that I’ve had during my year back at Prep, I feel I’m open to a lot more choices for my career, in addition to being the meteorologist that I am.
8 Visit spprep.org/prepmag for more on Renato’s career in meteorology.
alumni Section
To Whom Much is Given: Bob Corke, ’55
Pass through Shalloe Hall’s third floor on most Thursdays, and you’ll hear some of the greatest hits of the 1950s and 1960s emanating from the last office before the stairs. Follow the music to its source, and the smiling face of Bob Corke, ’55 will greet you as he looks up from his work. As he heads for his 60th reunion as part of one of Prep’s proudest classes, Bob volunteers in Prep’s advancement office once a week, helping to keep everything organized and running smoothly. For Bob, it’s about giving back, but it’s also about keeping in touch. “I
always leave the door open because I like to hear
the sounds and see these kids walking by,” he says. “It’s a lively environment, and when I pass these kids going back and forth to classes, I think how much it’s really just like it was when we were here.”
Bob has discovered that continuity, even through six decades’ worth of growth and change, is a big part of the Prep alumni experience. “The spirit is still something that keeps people together, and that, to me, is very valuable.” By lending a hand in keeping alumni records up-to-date, he aims to share with other classes some of what the Class of ’55 experiences to this day. “I say to myself, ‘Wow, our class has been together for over 60 years,’ and we still meet every month. “We’re all in our late 70s, now, but we’re sitting down and having a blast. We
have a whole host of guys who have made their mark in their professional fields, and yet everyone is still the same.”
It’s that sense of pride and belonging that make Bob’s Prep Class of ’55 T-shirt and other Prep items staples of his wardrobe. “I’m walking in ShopRite, and someone comes up to me and says, ‘Saint Peter’s Prep? That’s a great school!’ Even down at the shore, you’ll be wearing a Prep hat and someone will come up and say ‘You went to Prep? What year?’ It’s almost like walking into a cocktail party, and suddenly there’s a spotlight on you. It’s a real icebreaker, and as an alumnus, that’s something I’ve always felt.” PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP.ORG n SPRING 2015 11
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Think Globally, Act Vocally by Carmela Schlitzer
Prep Vox represented the United States in the parade of nations at the Llangollen Eisteddfod Festival in Wales. Leading the way were Marc Wright, ’15 (right) and the recently-graduated Peter Apicella, ’14.
Prep Vox swept through Europe last summer, earning accolades from judges, competitors, and spectators alike as they competed in festivals in Wales and Latvia. Prep science teacher Carmela (Castellano) Schlitzer traveled with the group as a chaperone, giving her a unique perspective on this highly successful tour. When I was asked to be a chaperone for the Vox AMDG European Tour, I was excited. I am no stranger to Saint Peter’s Prep trips. I have been on a trip every summer with Prep since my first year as a teacher. In the summers of 2012 and 2013, I partnered with my science department colleague Alex Canale, ’05 to run summer enrichment courses in the Grand Canyon and Glacier Bay, Alaska. I knew this trip would be a different experience, but I would not know how different until we returned home. As much as I can brag and talk about their world renowned awards and ranking, I would instead like to show you what I experienced and witnessed, namely, that Vox and their director G.P. Eleria are remarkably special. Before heading to the airport to begin their European adventure, the members of Vox joined Fr. Azzarto, along with their families and several alumni, for Mass in their rehearsal room.
Vox is a well-known name around the halls at Saint Peter’s. We hear them at Mass, practicing when passing Mr. Eleria’s classroom, and on their albums. I was curious to see them in competition. The day of departure, a small Mass was held in the Vox recital room to wish us well on our excursion. Many faculty and staff, as well as parents, came to mass to wish us luck . Afterward, Vox performed some of the songs they would use in competition. This was the first time I saw the group sing together, and it was the perfect way to start the trip. Our first stop was Wales. We immediately went to the Llangollen International Eisteddfod Festival for the Parade of Nations. We were representing the United States of America; no pressure! The parade took us through the town of Llangollen, where music plays such a large part
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Feature Section
LEFT: Welsh opera singer Wynne Evans chatted with Vox while waiting to film a BBC television segment together. BELOW LEFT: Vox left Wales with a second-place finish in one category, a third-place finish in another, and the respect and admiration of their competitors and new friends. BELOW: In Riga, Vox director G.P. Eleria was reunited with the Ateneo Chamber Singers. Mr. Eleria had performed with the group while residing in the Phillipines.
of the culture. Here is where I noticed firsthand how extraordinary this experience would be. People were cheering for us, as newspapers and media were taking pictures and interviewing us mid-parade. The members of Vox were cheering, too, as they waved their flags proudly. Remember, this was after many hours of travel and time change, and yet the students were full of energy. I also noticed how the Vox members were interacting with choirs from other nations, it was heartwarming. Without skipping a beat, they immediately supported and became friends with their competition. After the parade we had an opportunity to watch the competitions of the day. It was overwhelming but it brought everyone together. Jet lag and exhaustion from travel were definitely in place, but this is where I believe the focus for the trip set in. Afterwards, we made it to our beautiful inn, were briefed for the next coming days of competition, and were finally able to get some rest.
Wales is known for being very green because of its rainy climate, and yet it did not rain until the day we left. How much more of a sign could we ask for? Aside from the competitions, Vox performed in two showcases; one in a lovely little church and another on stage behind the pavilion. As exciting as the competitions were, these two shows were possibly my favorite. In the church, they performed the chamber category songs which they were practicing for the World Choir games in the coming week. It was the most moving performance I witnessed. The townspeople were telling me they see choirs perform year after year, and Vox were the first ones to move them to tears. The showcase outside the pavilion was another memorable performance. Here, they sang a variety of songs which drew in large crowds. Vox caught the ears, eyes, and hearts of many people in Wales. A memorable opportunity was being interviewed by the BBC. Here, Vox performed two songs and was interviewed by a Wynne Evans, a Welsh opera singer. Again, I watched from the background, feeling very proud of Vox, and of Prep as a whole. Leaving Wales was bittersweet. We were excited to move on to London and then to the next round of competitions, but our experience in Wales had been exceptionally unforgettable. Vox left on a high note, and the awards for Silver/Second Place in the Show Choir category and the Bronze/ Third Place in the Pop Choir category were only part of what we took with us. Llangolen had also given us new friends, and memories for a lifetime. In London, we had time to be tourists and relax a little before heading to Riga, Latvia, and the World Choir Games. One particular moment that stands out for me was an impromptu performance in front of the Lyceum Theatre, home of the West End production of The Lion King. Vox had performed “The Circle of Life� before, and decided to sing it in front of the theater. Of course this drew a crowd and some of the workers in the building came out to watch the performance. Even though our PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP.ORG n SPRING 2015 13
Feature stay in London was short, I would say many of our bucket-list items were checked off: Abbey Road, The London Eye, the West End, and obviously shopping! With a bit of a delay, we finally arrived in Latvia, another country new both to myself and to Vox. The World Choir Games started off with another parade of nations. It was a bit of déjà vu to our arrival in Wales with jet lag and travel exhaustion, but the positivity of the excitement for representing America broke through. Here, however, Vox had the opportunity to meet Mr. Eleria’s choir from the Philippines, the Ateneo Chamber Choir. They even performed with Vox on one of our shuttles, singing Saint Ignatius’ Prayer for Generosity. Seeing G.P. beam with pride and realize his experiences had come full circle was amazing to witness. In the World Choir Games, Vox performed in two competitions: a pop category and a chamber choir category. These two very different musical styles would present both a test and a showcase of the group’s versatility. While the results at Llangolen had been announced immediately, this time we would have to wait until the final day for the awards ceremony. As we all know (see Prep Magazine, fall 2014), Vox took silver in the pop category and won the chamber choir category. Being behind the scenes, I got to witness much more than the medals. I was able to witness the Ateneo Chamber Choir share in the excitement along with Vox and Mr. Eleria. I was able to witness Vox be so proud that they could win a category outside their usual style. This proves the depth, dedication, and cohesiveness this group has, and that is an award in itself. Now well-stocked with awards, accolades, and experiences, the group suddenly found that after months of preparation and thousands of miles traveled, all of the competitions were over. It was time to unwind a bit and enjoy our European surroundings. And where better to do that than in the final stop of our tour: Paris. Over the course of our journey, we as a group became very adept at squeezing in as much tourist time as possible. In keeping with that theme, Paris was a whirlwind. In just two days we were able to visit la Basilique Sacre Coeur, Tower Montparnasse, the Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame, go on a Seine River tour, and see many other sights along the way. The Eiffel Tower was lit up with a light show in the background, and invited us to reflect on the tour as a group. It was a defining moment that reflects what this trip was all about; a moment I will never forget. One would think
after all these awards, compliments, cheers, and interviews their egos would be through the roof. But through it all, Vox remained humble and really just wanted to do what they love. They have such a gift, not
only for music, but for bringing people together. I am grateful to so many people – to G.P. Eleria, to Vox, and to the parents – for this opportunity to witness what Saint Peter’s Prep represents: cura personalis.
left: Vox enjoyed a whirlwind tour of Paris before returning stateside, providing an opportunity to reflect on the journey that had just unfolded. RIGHt: At the Mass of the Holy Spirit in September, G.P. Eleria presented Vox’s awards to the school community, giving the students, faculty, and administration a chance to celebrate their accomplishments.
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Photo File Section
Photo File: One for the Books Twenty years ago this spring, Prep’s “new” library opened following an extensive renovation and expansion. Funded by the Keys to the Future capital campaign, the work was part of a set of improvements around campus that also included the adjacent Humanities Building lobby, main staircase, and elevator. These photos, from the Spring 1995 Prep Magazine, show us the remodeling in progress, the new space in use, and the “state-of-the-art computerized circulation desk” in operation. The renovation blended the old and the new. Long-hidden 1880s details were restored, like the distinctive capitals and the skylight, dating to a time when the building was the Academy of Saint Aloysius and the room was a chapel. And much-celebrated 1990s technology was added, including “research computers with CD-ROM capabilities” and a still-present raised floor to accommodate the attendant wiring. It’s remarkable how much has changed – after several expansions, relocations, and replacements, the library computer lab met its end this past fall, having been made redundant by the 1:1 Chromebook program – and yet how much about this center of Prep life has stayed quite the same. PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP SPPREP.ORG .ORG nnSPRING SPRING2015 2015 1515
Feature
From east to west, and everywhere in between, Henry Greenfield’s photos from the road paint a picture of the diverse landscapes and challenges along the way, but also of the indomitable spirit that made the ride possible. More photos at Henry’s blog: henryonabike.tumblr.com
8 From Jersey City to Venice Beach, California in 50 days. It sounds like a leisurely, scenic, cross-country drive, the sort of adventurous vacation a lucky college student or a recent retiree might enjoy. But last fall, Henry Greenfield, ’08 took a slightly different approach to this transcontinental grand tour: he did it on a bicycle, for a cause near to his heart!
Two Wheels, One Mission
Henry Greenfield’s Prep classmates might remember him as an avid and ambitious cyclist. After all, he regularly pedaled his way from his home in the Heights down to Grand & Warren, an incredible three miles. More impressively, he would make the return trip, as well – uphill!
As it turns out, though, one can achieve even more outstanding feats on two wheels, but it takes physical by Mike Jiran, ’03 strength, mental determination, and a good deal of inspiration. Fortunately, as he planned a cross-country ride over the span of just a few months in 2014, Henry had plenty of each. The thought first struck him early in the year, as he and fellow RAs at Lehigh University discussed their life goals during a staff meeting. “I had no idea I ‘d be taking on this challenge so soon!” he admits. During a late-summer lull in his work as a tennis instructor, though, he began to give it more serious thought, mapping a route and 8 Learn more about No Limits at nolimitsfordeafchildren.org researching the experiences of others who had attempted the ride. Convinced that it was feasible, and in his own words “somewhat naively” believing that he was up to the physical challenge based on his experiences of several 50- and 60-mile rides (plus a 95-mile personal best in 2012), he needed a purpose for the adventure. “It felt a bit selfish to just attempt this bike trip without dedicating it to a cause,” he reflects. The answer lay in Henry’s past, and in his present. He was born with severe hearing loss, and uses cochlear implants. At age 9, he began performing in plays produced by No Limits, an organization that provides after school and performing arts programs for kids with hearing loss. His experiences with No Limits over the following four years, and in several 16 spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
Feature Section alumni productions, have been a defining experience for him (and for hundreds of others since the organization’s founding in 1996). Its name and motto, “I can do it,” were also particularly apt, and both appeared prominently on Henry’s cycling jersey along the way. He also set up a fundraising page on gofundme.com. “I wanted to make a statement,” he says, “and show people, hearing-impaired or not, that you have control of your life.” Armed with that mindset, an Olive Garden Unlimited Pasta Pass for those much-needed carbohydrates along the way, plus ample packets of peanut butter and almond butter, courtesy of sponsors Peanut Butter & Company and Justin’s, respecitvely, Henry set out in the early hours of September 23. What had originally been planned as a solo ride had morphed into a two-man team effort. But after a grueling, 106-mile first day left his riding partner injured and unable to continue, it became a solo journey once again. That was a relatively minor setback, since he had initially planned to ride alone. But rain, darkness, wind, flat tires, fatigue, rough roads, and one particularly nasty spill presented their challenges along the way. A steep downhill stretch in West Finley, Pennsylvania, followed by a sharp curve and a grassy runoff leading to a chain rope, nearly spelled disaster on day 10. Henry’s knee got the worst of it, in the form of cuts and scrapes that would be re-aggravated by his constant movement over the days ahead. It was a scary moment, but he never thought of quitting. “I was still on a mission,” he explains. “It was simply a roadblock. It was still early enough in the trip that I had so much more to go, and so much that I wanted to see. My goal was still the same.” It wasn’t until days 33 and 34, near Meade, Kansas, that Henry recalls feeling discouraged. Delayed by a flat tire and in the midst of a four-day stretch of battling strong headwinds, “I was losing sight of the big picture, and my warped thinking led me to be disappointed about being behind schedule, as opposed to proud of what I had done so far.” But after talking with friends, the doubts began to fade. “It really helped me refocus, and I held onto that mindset for the rest of the trip.” Even so, the miles that still lay ahead were no picnic. A new friend he made in Guymon, Oklahoma, convinced him the 50-day goal was still within reach, and it was – but not without four more flat tires, and a stretch that saw him ride by night for nine out of ten days. That last night ride came on Day 49, a 115-mile day that included a 3,000-foot ascent over a 15-mile stretch approaching Twentynine Palms, California; hazardously sandy roads, two descents and another ascent, each greater than 1,500 feet; howling, 45-mph winds; and a stretch where the only available road was Interstate 10, where no bikes are allowed. The alternative? “I took some extremely shoddy road that eventually turned into pure rocks and gravel...then, to get to where I needed to go, I ended up having to crawl through a 4-foot-tall crawlspace under the highway before biking the last two miles.” But that next day left “just” 112 miles to the sands of Venice Beach, a ride Henry describes as “actually very relaxing.” After sighting the ocean, it took a few minutes for him to find a group of about 75 people from No Limits’ headquarters in nearby Culver City, who welcomed him with open arms. “I was overwhelmed, some tears were shed, and I was shaken up by Michelle Christie, the director, and the rest of the team.” Also waiting at the finish line were Henry’s brother Tyler, and Prep classmate Eamon Hartnett, ’08. As he adjusts back to “real life,” and with time now to reflect on his journey, Henry is struck by the vastness of the landscapes he crossed (“At one point, I was chasing the same mountains outside Albuqueruque for a good 60 or 70 miles...this trip gave me a different perspective on distance, spread, and vastness!”) and the vastness of possibility that life offers (“I think the trip made me realize how much there is out there, how much our choices and decisions impact our lives, how much freedom we have that we don’t recognize.”). Back home in Jersey City, Henry was recognized by the City Council in January, as Councilman Michael Yun, P’02,’04 presented him with a resolution. His work with No Limits continues, as he prepares to reunite with fellow youth program alumni to perform Silent No More, a collection of stories about hearing loss and personal identity, at the Kennedy Center in late March. And in case you’re wondering: No, he didn’t bike home. “Are you kidding me?” he laughs. left: It doesn’t take a superhero to bike cross-country. Just a Prep alumnus determined to support a good cause. RIGHt: Councilman Michael Yun, P’02,’04, presents Henry with a resolution at City Hall, saluting his outstanding efforts.
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Cover Story In the misty gloom of a rainy December night at MetLife Stadium, the strains of “Pride and Glory” drifted skyward as Marauder Nation greeted the Marauders themselves along the sideline. The game had been played. The season was at an end. And the scoreboard told the story: Prep 34, Paramus Catholic 18.
All In
by Mike Wright, ’10
For a team whose chemistry and unselfish play had contributed so much to victory, it was only fitting that many hands should come together to raise the NJSIAA trophy (on the cover) and the Gillen Trophy, presented to the #1 ranked team in New Jersey (above).
All in. From the very first practice of the new year, until the final whistle of their championship season, it was a slogan that embodied everything that was the 2014 Saint Peter’s Prep Football team. Behind one of the most accomplished senior classes in school history, the Marauders stayed true to their motto and completed their remarkable season by claiming the 17th state championship in the program’s storied history. After their convincing 34-18 victory over Paramus Catholic in the title game, Prep was awarded the state’s #1 overall ranking, as well as the #1 spot atop the tri-state. In addition, the Marauders were ranked as high as the top 10 in the entire nation. Adding to to this team’s long list of achievements, the members seniors who will go on to play college football at the Division I level include nationally heralded players such as Brandon Wimbush (Notre Dame), Minkah Fitzpatrick (Alabama), Jordan Fox (Stanford), Dave Tolentino (Navy), and Corey Caddle (Fordham).
“As the years passed, [the senior class] only built on the chemistry that they developed as freshmen, so obviously they were a very special group,” said Kolton Huber, ’16 (#10) celebrates his touchdown with classmate KJ Gray, en route to a decisive, nationally-televised win over Bergen Catholic. It was an early statement game for Prep, and prefigured a playoff rematch.
athletic director and head football coach Rich Hansen, who has now led Prep to four state championships (1989, 1994, 2005, 2014). “I was really, really proud of these guys, because their talent, their chemistry, their work ethic, and their unselfish fabric all came together and this senior class was able to take that and go out, produce, and perform every week.” After rolling past Henry Wise (MD), 35-9, to open the season, Prep moved on to face Bergen Catholic in yet another anticipated chapter in what has become a stirring rivalry. In front of a national audience on ESPNU, the Marauders turned in one of their most impressive performances of the season, dominating the Crusaders in a 49-20 victory.
“I think that game kind of reinforced all the things we believed,” said Hansen. “I don’t think you ever go into a game 18 spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
Cover Story In the NJSIAA semifinal vs. Bergen Catholic, senior Brandon Wimbush’s three second-half TD passes to Fitzpatrick powered a Prep Minkah Fitzpatrick, ’15 carried vs. Seton Hall comeback.
Ahmad Thomas, ’15 (with a little help) celebrated Prep’s return to the final.
expecting to roll the way we rolled, scoring 49 points in less than three quarters, but it didn’t surprise me and it didn’t surprise any of us, because we knew how good we were.” Following a victory over Seton Hall Prep in week 3, the Marauders near perfect record received its only blemish, as they were knocked off by IMG Academy (FL). In a game that took place in Florida after a three and a half hour delay, Saint Peter’s saw four first half touchdowns called back in a difficult, but far from crushing, defeat on a day when Hansen claimed he was, “more proud of his team than any other.” Prep quickly put the loss behind them and rolled through its remaining regular season schedule, which included yet
another Hudson County championship, a title that they claimed for the unprecedented 16 consecutive season. th
The Marauders entered the playoffs with a full head of steam, once again defeating Seton Hall Prep in the state quarterfinals to set up yet another meeting with Bergen Catholic in the semifinals. However, with a trip to the state championship on the line, Prep came out of the gate slow, as a lackluster first two quarters and a 14-10 Bergen lead set up a defining moment for Hansen’s team. “Before we did anything, I just looked in people’s eyes, and it was more frustration than anything,” recalled Hansen. “We walked out after halftime saying, ‘This is for the state championship, this is to go to the finals,’ so that sense of urgency finally hit.” As expected, the Marauders responded. The Prep defense shut out Bergen Catholic in the second half, while Wimbush and Fitzpatrick connected for three touchdowns to clinch a 31-14 victory and book a trip back to MetLife Stadium for the final. “In the second half, we went back to being us; I
have a saying, that ‘Big time games are won by big time players,
making big time plays,’ and in that second half, our big time players made big time plays, as you would expect them to,” said Hansen. The state championship matchup with Paramus Catholic set the perfect script for Prep. With an unsettling 13-6 loss to the Paladins in the 2013 title Kolton Huber could hardly believe it himself as his teammates congratulated him: a 43-yard blocked punt return that put Prep on top to stay.
With the stage set for a rematch of last year’s NJSIAA Group 4 non-public final, Prep fans would not be denied the opportunity to cheer the Marauders on to victory over Paramus Catholic, not even by a soaking rain that persisted through the day and night. Corey Caddle, ’15 put Prep on the board with his first touchdown, and tacked on another here in the closing minutes.
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Cover Story To the delight of the soggy citizenry of Marauder Nation, Brandon Wimbush broke the last of four Paramus Catholic tackles as he crossed the goal line on a 63-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
game still fresh in their minds, the 2014 state championship was a perfect opportunity for the Marauders, and the senior class especially, not only for vindication, but also to
cement themselves as one of the greatest teams in Prep history.
In the end, it was a victory that was the perfect final stamp on an incredible journey. Just as Hansen had come to expect, his “big time players made big time plays,” on all sides of the ball in a win that finalized yet another banner year for the Saint Peter’s Prep football program. “We talked about it all year, there’s nothing like walking down the tunnel before the state championship game,” said Hansen. “There was a lot of pressure to do what we did this year, the kids felt it, we felt it, and then when you win it, when you realize it, it’s almost like a thousand pound barbell is taken from your back. “I was happy for the seniors, more than anything else, that they were able to go out the right way not only with a state championship, but as the number one team as well.” For the Prep Football program, the standard has now officially been set. When the expectation is to win a state title each and every season, Hansen knows that it’s up to the next crop of Marauders to build on the success of their predecessors. “The foundation is there and if it’s truly as strong as we think it is, the batton just gets passed, but the tempo stays the same,” said Hansen. “These guys are working just as hard, if not harder and when you look across the board, there are talented pieces in place.”
“People don’t expect it next year, and that’s going to be the fun part.” Left: Minkah Fitzpatrick stayed in bounds as he leapt for a touchdown. RIGHT: After the final whistle, before the trophy presentation, a moment between team and fans.
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Sports Section
Juniors Will Delaney (left) and Brandon Parrado earned first team all‑county recognition, and will look to lead the team as seniors next season.
Cross Country With new coach Drew Seaver taking over from the legendary Mike Burgess after almost three decades,Prep Cross Country picked up right where they left off. In his first year as the Marauders new head cross country coach, Seaver led Prep to a third consecutive Hudson County title. In addition, Prep claimed the city crown, while also winning the South Hudson championship. However, arguably their biggest accomplishment came in the New Jersey Non-Public A Group Meet, where the Marauders placed fourth in the state, the highest finish in school history. Some notables for Prep included juniors Will Delaney and Brandon Parrado, as well as sophomore Brandon Rossi, who all achieved first team all‑county honors. Senior Alex Alberti, as well a junior and team captain Billy Fitzpatrick, were awarded with second-team all county honors. With several underclassmen returning, 2015 is looking to be yet another banner year in this new era of Saint Peter’s Prep cross country.
Soccer
Senior captain Nolan Collier was a first team all-county selection.
The Marauders continued to climb the soccer ranks in both the county and the state in 2014. Josh Jantas, ’95, who was named the HCIAL boys’ soccer coach of the year by NJ.com, led the the team to an impressive 16-5-2 record and a number of fine performances in some of their biggest games. Prep tied Kearny, arguably their biggest rival, in both of their meetings on the season, while an upset over Passaic County champions DePaul, in the North Jersey, Non-Public A quarterfinals, will go down as one of Prep’s more impressive wins in recent history. Seniors Nolan Collier and Kyle Krutis, as well as junior Juan Alcantara, were all named first team all-county, while seniors Griffen Faherty and Scott Rogers were each awarded with second team honors.
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Alumni
Seven Alumni Join Prep’s Hall of Fame Joined by 200 guests at Mayfair Farms last fall, seven alumni enjoyed a moment of recognition for their efforts in service to their professions and to their community. As they accepted their awards and joined the Prep Hall of Fame, each expressed gratitude to the people and the place that have inspired their achievements. The honorees are pictured above with Alumni Board president and master of ceremonies Bob Colacurcio, ’73, and Prep president Ken Boller, S.J. Left to right: Bishop John Flesey, ’60 (Professional Achievement Award), Billy Bludgus, ’01 (Young Alumnus Award), Kathy Cullum (accepting a Professional Achievement Award in memory of her husband, Leo Cullum, ‘59), Mike Ring, ’56 (Ernie Baker, ’38 Community Service Award), Paul Colford, ’71,P’09 (Professional Achievement Award) and John Feeney, ’80 (Br. Paul Harrison, S.J. Spirit of Prep Award). The seventh honoree was George Krol, ’74. The then- U.S. ambassador to Uzbekistan (as of January, he is now the ambassador to Kazakhstan) was understandably unable to attend, but Charlie Lizza, ’74 accepted the Professional Achievement Award on his behalf
Golden Moments for the Class of ’64
It’s the kind of weekend that comes along once every half-century. The class of 1964 enjoyed two days of memories and Prep Pride as they returned for their 50th reunion last fall, organized with the help of the class’s reunion committee and its chairman, Joe Napoli, ’64. The festivities began with a Friday afternoon reception, featuring tours of Prep’s much-changed campus led by the experts – current students, of course! The reunion class would get another chance to rub elbows with their current-day counterparts on Saturday afternoon, as they gathered at Caven Point for a Prep Football tailgate. During the Marauders’ decisive win over Union City, the class – and the 1963 football team – received a special welcome at halftime. The class returned once more to Prep on Saturday evening, receiving their Golden Diplomas from Prep’s president, Ken Boller, S.J., during Mass. Concelebrating at Mass were two of the new Cepheans: Joe Burke, S.J. and John Shea, S.J. It was an opportunity to celebrate the gifts of a Prep education, and the new gifts that the decades have bestowed. Over dinner, the Class of '64 shared a Champagne toast, enjoyed a slideshow prepared by Joe Napoli, '64 and heard from Fr. Boller about the ways in which life at Prep in 2014 contrasts with (and also resembles) life at Prep in 1964. After dinner, the Class of '64 Scholarship Committee chairs, Kaz Herchold, '64 and Paul McGovern, '64, presented Fr. Boller with a ceremonial check for $135,000 – forming the basis for the new, endowed, Class of 1964 Scholarship, which now stands at $176,442. LEFT: Paul McGovern (left) and Kaz Herchold present Fr. Boller with a “check” for $135,000 toward the Class of ’64 scholarship. RIGHT: The Class of ’64 gathered for their group photo
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Alumni Section
Cooking for the Community Avid Prep Magazine readers will remember Erich Sekel, ’98 from the cover of our Spring 2008 issue, when he was serving as Prep’s assistant director of campus ministry. Erich is now associate director of campus ministry for community service at Saint Peter’s University, and recently saw a long-held goal come to fruition with the opening of the university’s Campus Kitchen. The Kitchen opened last September in the former convent at Saint Aedan’s church, now part of Saint Peter’s University. It’s one of 42 kitchens across the country affiliated with the Campus Kitchens Project (CKP), a national leader in community service for students and hunger relief. CKP works to empower the next generation of leaders to implement innovative models for combating hunger, developing food systems and helping communities help themselves. The program sees student volunteers prepare meals using donated food, and deliver them to people in need in partnership with United Way of Hudson County, the Hudson County Self-Help Center, and Magnificat House (founded by Matt Laracy, P’95,’03). Erich Sekel, ’98 (left) and Will Ryan, ’11 at work in the Campus Kitchen.
After years of searching for a suitable space, the kitchen became a reality after the convent space became available, with support from the Raskob Foundation, and the university’s catering partner Sodexo. Volunteers from Rebuilding Together Jersey City helped to install the kitchen equipment and prepare the work space. Along with Super Hero Sub Shop on Duncan Avenue, Sodexo also regularly donates food to the kitchen – and those donations have allowed the project to expand rapidly. “We started with two cooking shifts but have expanded to four,” Erich said. “We originally wanted to do 50 meals a week, but because of the amount of food received, we make more than 200 meals a week, and in total have completed over 4500 meals to date.” A group of Prep students spent a day in the kitchen making sandwiches, joining the more than 200 Saint Peter’s University students and community members who have volunteered in the kitchen. 8 For more information, visit facebook.com/ckspu or email esekel@saintpeters.edu
Save the Date! Lifetime achievement awards dinner and ceremony october 8, 2015 Honoring Gerald Sheehan, ’48
Paul Schaetzle, ’71
Bill Ahearn, ’75, P’01
Jack Campion
Ana García
Rich Hansen, P’03,’09
Learn more at spprep.org/Legends
Alumni
Palm Beach
San Francisco
Miami
Alumni Gather from Sea to Shining Sea
Over the past few months, regional reunions have brought Prep alumni together in seven cities, from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Gulf of Mexico.
Raleigh
Venice/Sarasota
Continuing what has become a yearly tradition, Boston kicked things off in November, with a happy hour at Globe Bar and Cafe on Copley Square. Phoenix and San Francisco gatherings in January painted a stark contrast to the deepening winter chill back in Jersey City, a theme that continued through four Florida receptions in February.
Bonita Springs
As usual, the Florida receptions were hosted by local alumni. Special thanks go to our hosts, Eileen and Larry Fell, ’54 (Palm Beach), Maggie and Hernan Hernandez, ’89 (Miami), Val and Bob Esti, ’55 (Bonita Springs), and Helen and Kevin Collins, ’57 (Venice/Sarasota). April saw two new additions to the regional reunion map, as Peter Cashin, ’85 hosted in Raleigh, N.C., and Carmen and Bruce Woerner, ’74 hosted in Atlanta. Prep’s regional reunions are a great opportunity for local alumni to reconnect with old friends or even connect with some new ones, to meet Prep’s president, Ken Boller, S.J., and to chat with members of Prep’s advancement and alumni relations staff. Special guests are known to tag along as well – former English teacher Jack Campion and current Director of Admissions (and a former English teacher himself) John Irvine, ’83, P’11, were on hand in Boston, and former Spanish teacher Ana Garcia joined the Miami gathering.
Steve Spiewak, ’03 Speaks at Father-Son Brunch More than 100 fathers and sons filled O’Keefe Commons on a snowy Sunday in March for the PPA’s annual Father-Son Communion Brunch. After Mass, they shared a meal as they heard from alumni speaker Steve Spiewak, ’03. In addition to being a Prep class chair, Steve is the national football editor for MaxPreps.com. Drawing inspiration from the day’s Gospel reading, in which Peter suggests building tents and staying on the hilltop where the Transfiguration took place, he recalled the experience of transitioning from Prep student to Prep alumnus. “As a senior at Prep, and even well before that, I didn’t want to leave,” he said. But while four years at Prep must come to an end, the good news is that the experience lives on forever. “Eventually you have to move on, but my time here, as I mentioned, a transfiguration for me, really laid the foundation for those next steps.” Steve also discussed his journey from a student in Dom Scibilia’s junior religion class (where he remembers learning about the Transfiguration as an “a-ha! moment”) to earning a degree in theology at Loyola University Chicago, to the series of paths that led him to sports journalism. It’s a story of openness to growth: “In some ways, it’s not what I had imagined, but every day I’m reminded of how blessed I am, and how comfortable I am with my decisions. I feel that this is where God has led me. 24 SPRING spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG SPPREP.ORG n n PREP PREPMAGAZINE MAGAZINE
Alumni Section
LEFT: Mark Hogan, ’83 braves the snow to welcome guests to his home. RIGHT: Despite the frigid weather outside, there was no warmer place in Colts Neck than Mark’s Prep on the Road event, just one in a monthly series that takes place from September through June.
From Your Neighborhood to the Universe, Something for Everyone! Prep’s Alumni Spirituality Committee is in the midst of another jam-packed year, with several events a month offering alumni an opportunity to gather, catch up with friends, meet new people within the Prep community, and share their experiences of faith. The events are generally informal and always welcoming, with a focus on bringing people together. Some events are about meeting neighbors who share a connection to Prep. The monthly Prep on the Road gatherings take place in the home of an alumnus or Prep parent, and feature Mass with Fr. Azzarto, followed by light refreshments. Some events are about celebrating a particular community within the Prep community. This year, the committee has hosted events for African-American and Asian-American alumni, a “Thank You to Prep’s Finest and Bravest” for alumni in police and fire careers, and a Grandparents’ Mass, among others. And other events are a chance to reflect on our relationships with the people in our lives, with the world around us, and with God. This year’s guest speakers have included Mike Gomez, ’91 (former Prep English teacher and current principal of Cristo Rey School in Philadelpia), and George Coyne, S.J., former director of the Vatican Observatory and now chair of religious philosophy at Le Moyne College. Fr. Coyne arrived at Prep early, and shared his presentation on “The Dance of the Fertile Universe” with students in the afternoon before meeting with alumni in the evening. For more information about the Alumni Spirituality Committee, contact Tony Azzarto, S.J. at 201-547-6412 or AzzartoA@spprep.org
LEFT: George Coyne, S.J. chats with students after a presentation to several classes. He would repeat the lecture for an alumni audience that evening. RIGHT: Mike Gomez, ’91 – a former English teacher and baseball coach at Prep, a former principal at Saint Joseph’s Prep, and the current principal of Cristo Rey Philadelphia – added another title: Theology on Tap guest speaker!
PREP MAGAZINE n SPPREP.ORG n SPRING 2015 25
Alumni
Class Notes
8 Share your photos, class notes and other news with us...and the Prep community! Drop us a line at communications@spprep.org
Dear Prep,
CLASS NOTES
not-so-fictional island of St. Maarten, which provides inspiration for the people and places of St. Gregory.
The ’70s
Richard Reeves, ’43 celebrated his 90th birthday – not bad for having been, in his words, “clinically dead on the battlefield 71 years ago!”
Joe Ryan, ’76 is now an adjunct professor of political science at Saint Francis College in Brooklyn Heights. He taught a course in comparative government last fall, and is currently teaching one in international relations. He continues in his “day job” as well, Public Information Officer for the City of Bayonne.
Bob Nielsen, ’49 and wife Dorothy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 22, 2014.
The ’80s
The ’40s
The ’50s Hank Quense, ’56 is the author of numerous short stories and six novels, including his latest, Moxie’s Problem, which has received great reviews from readers. The follow-up novel, Moxie’s Decision, will be available in the fall. Hank is also the CEO of Strange Worlds Publishing, and his books are available on Amazon or at strangeworldsoline.com/wp
The ’60s Ed Regenye, ’63 (known to his readers as Ed Arre), published his fifth novel, Meat Market, in February. The book revists Michael Carsagian, the protagonist of Ed’s previous Deadline, who is now investigating a grisly secret on the fictional island of St. Gregory. Ed and wife Judith split their time between London and the
Michael J. Gadaleta, AIA, ’75, principal of the firm MG New York Architects, PLLC, with the newest member of the firm – his daughter, Allison. MGNY is converting Jersey City’s Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital into 260 residential units.
Vic Picinich, ’80 and wife Mary are proud parents of three sons in California. Though far from Grand & Warren, Vic often thinks of his years at Prep as being influential on his teaching career. Rev. Benjamin Williams, ’80 is now the pastor of two parishes in Paterson (Our Lady of Victories and Our Lady of Lourdes). He is also a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force, following 27 years of commissioned service and 32 years total. He notes that he is bilingual thanks to his Prep Spanish teacher, Ms. Donna Pica (now Donna Derise). Timothy O’Connell, ’82 is the proud father of Lauren, a freshman at the University of Notre Dame. Ralph Pantozzi, ’88 was the 2014 recipient of the National Museum of Mathematics’ Rosenthal Prize for Innovation in Math Teaching. Ralph teaches at Kent Place School in Summit, and says, “It all started with HAP ’83, and Fr. Browning allowing me to try out different learning activities as a tutor and then HAP teacher.” Dupuy Fatal, ’89 produced and directed the short film 00:03:00 Thriller, which was an official selection at the 2013 San Francisco Black Film Festival, the 2013 Hollywood Black Film Festival, and the 2014 Hoboken International Film Festival. Hernan Hernandez, ’89 lives and practices law in Miami. He and his wife Maggie have three children.
The ’90s
Ken Ferrante, ’90 was sworn in as Hoboken’s Chief of Police last December. Prep’s own Tony Azzarto, S.J. offered the benediction at the ceremony, and Coach Rich Hansen was on hand. Randy Bruno, ’91 recently received tenure at Columbia University and was promoted to Associate Professor of Neuroscience. The Society for Neuroscience, the world’s largest organization of scientists and 26 SPRING spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG SPPREP.ORG n n PREP PREPMAGAZINE MAGAZINE
Class Notes physicians devoted to understanding the nervous system, awarded him its Young Investigator Prize for his research. He resides in Manhattan with his wife and 4 children. Brian Crimmins, ’97 was named Hudson County Irish Firefighter of the year. He received his citation from Hudson County Executive Tom De Gise and Freeholder Anthony Romano, ’73, P’96. Lawrence Lazzara, ’98 was Arizona Attorney at Law Magazine’s Attorney of the Month for January 2015. Ed Mullins, ’98 is now a senior associate with the law firm of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP in Parsippany. He was formerly a Deputy Attorney General with the State of New Jersey.
The ’00s
Dylan McGorty, ’01 co-hosts Morning Run, a sports talk show on 120 Sports (a free app), weekdays from 8-10 a.m. He also co-hosted Dylan and Doyle on 87.7FM “The Game” in Chicago, until the station changed formats in January.
alumni
Vincent De Pinto, ’05, a captain in the United States Marine Corps, has been selected to participate in the USMC’s Junior Officer Strategic Intelligence Program (JOSIP). In JOSIP, two officers are selected annually to attend the National Intelligence University where they will attain a Master’s Degree in Strategic Intelligence. This is then followed by assignments at a number of organizations within the capital region. Sam Slaughter, ’05 completed his MA in English from Stetson University in May 2014. He was selected “Best of 2014” by There Will Be Words, a weekly Orlando literary reading series that showcases some of Florida’s best writers, leading to the publication of When You Cross That Line, a chapbook of his flash fiction, this spring. Sam’s debut novel, Dogs, is slated for publication in 2016. Johnny Quispe, ’09 works as a research assistant with the Ecology, Landscape Architecture, and Civil & Environmental Engineering Departments at Rutgers University. He recently joined the The Somerset County Park Commission’s Environmental Education Center (EEC) as Biomimicry Lab Coordinator. Johnny will be working to develop a classroom at EEC where students from local schools can explore biomimicry (a field of engineering which seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating natural patterns) firsthand.
The ’10s
Mark Zatta, ’11 now holds the all-time scoring record for the Saint Joseph’s University rugby program.
Eight Prep Rugby alumni are continuing their athletic endeavors at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia. Five of them are pictured here: Ryan Stickno, ’13, Matthew Zebrowski, ’13, Mark Zatta, ’11, Michael Weber, ’13, and Michael McGee, ’12. Not pictured, but also continuing their Jesuit rugby careers in Philly, are Connor English, ’14, Rob Kufczynski, ’13, and Luke Venditti, ’12. The Hawks enjoyed an undefeated regular season this year, with Zatta making the Keystone Conference All-Conference team while setting the school record for career tries.
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Alumni
VITA MUTATUR NON TOLLITUR (LIFE IS CHANGED, NOT ENDED) | WEDDINGS | BIRTHS Current as of March 10, 2015
Alumni John J. Satz, ’37 Edward J. Lynch, ’39 Joseph J. Gourley, ’42 Albert H. Noll, ’43 Matthew J. Healy, ’45 Brother of James P. Healy, ’47†; Cousin of Edmond N. Moriarty, ’46† and Donald P. Moriarty, ’46† Raymond Wilhelm, ’45 Cousin of Walter J. Spendley, ’45†, Robert M. Spendley, ’47, William J. Spendley, ’53, and Gerard Spendley, ’55 Rev. Thomas Foye, S.J., ’46 Robert F. Lang, ’46 Henry E. Higham, ’46 Edward W. Luczynski, Jr., ’48 Richard E. Murphy, ’48 Edward F. X. Waterbury, ’48 Brother of James Waterbury, ’54; Cousin of James J. Mack, ’58 and Kenneth R. Hampton, ’59 Daniel J. Massarelli, ’49 Brother of John J. Massarelli, ’44†; Father of Daniel R. Massarelli, ’77 and Joseph A. Massarelli, ’80 (former faculty member); Cousin of S. Robert Massarelli, ’46; Nephew of Sylvester F. Massarelli, ’27† Joseph E. Zeller, ’49 Father of Robert J. Zeller, ’76 and Paul M. Zeller, ’86 Richard Emley, ’50 Deacon Robert J. Kinsey, ’51 John Connell, ’51 William A. Muller, ’51 Thomas G. Fallon, ’52 John G. Swier, ’52 Thomas A. Egan, ’53 Father of Michael Egan, ’78 Joseph C. Heinzmann, ’53 Robert M. Carducci, ’54 Brother of William J. Carducci, ’49; Cousin of Martin Carducci, ’54†, Thomas J. Meloro, ’54, and Ralph Ristaino, ’54† Raymond F. Moran, ’54 Brother-in-law of Edward Lewis, ’64 and Lawrence J. Lewis, ’70 Donald E. Weibel, ’54 Edward M. Bolger, ’55
James R. Mazurek, ’55 Richard P. Barnitt, ’56 Brother of Roy F. Barnitt, ’51† Robert Brozek, ’56 Rev. John P. McGovern, ’57 William J. Skinner, ’57 Paul McEntyre, ’58 Joseph M. Rabbia, ’59 Philip J. Gianfredi, ’60 Thomas F. Curry, ’61 Stephen P. Haggerty, ’61 Brother of William J. Haggerty, ’56; Father of Brian S. Haggerty, ’84 John T. Berberich, ’62 Brother of Raymond W. Berberich, ’64 Stephen E. Hendzak, ’62 Daniel J. Donahue, ’64 Harold Moore, ’64 David P. McHeffey, ’65 Brother of Lawrence M. McHeffey, ’64 Ernest W. Kemp, ’69 Robert Mastellone, ’70 Gary Wondolowski, ’71 William R. Mueller, ’73 Brother of Walter R. Mueller, ’60 Edward F. Rebbert, ’73 Thomas G. Holden, ’78 Twyford E. Payne, ’78 Luis Vassallo, ’87 Michael Gal, ’90 Anthony C. Castelli, ’95 John Wooden, ’03 Devin J. Ruiz, ’11 Michael H. Swab, ’11 Brother of Robert Swab, ’09
Family of Alumni Peggy Ann Bailey Widow of John P. Bailey, ’43 Mary E. Beirne Mother of D. Peter Beirne, ’66 Zona G. Berberich Wife of John T. Berberich, ’62; Sisterin-law of Raymond W. Berberich, ’64 Frances A. Bryngil Mother of David A. Bryngil, ’87 Edward Byszysnki Father-in-law of Joseph J. Carr, ’61
Patricia Croghan Mother of James P. Croghan, S.J., ’73 and Matthew T. Croghan, ’83 Ellen Dunn Mother of Patrick Dunn, ’86 Michele Carey Egan Daughter of Thomas A. Egan, ’53†; Sister of Michael Egan, ’78 Muriel Filoramo Mother of J. Robert Filoramo, ’58 and Richard T. Filoramo, ’66 Charles F. Gallagher Father of Thomas H. Gallagher, ’68 Maureen A. Garry Wife of William J. Garry, ’57 Rodolfo Geronimo Father of Ronald A. Geronimo, ’99 and Ryan Geronimo, ’04 Catherine Fellmer Grant Wife of Edward J. Grant, ’43 Marlene Harrison Mother of Robert L. Harrison, ‘75 and Byron S. Harrison, ‘77 Harriet Hogan Mother of Michael D. Hogan, ’72 Jean Howard Wife of Robert P. Howard, ’41 (Prep Legend and former faculty member); mother of Robert E. Howard, ’67 (former faculty member and trustee), Kenneth Howard, ’73 and Rita Anne Howard (former faculty member) Cynthia Kiebus Mother of Matthew J. Kiebus, ’05 and Mitchell A. Kiebus, ’09 Vivian Kuca Sister of Anthony Wiersielis, ’77 Theresa A. Lee Wife of Donald R. Lee, ’54; Sister-inlaw of George J. Lee, ’49 Patricia E. Lemaire Wife of Joseph J. Lemaire, ’45 Helen O. Maloney Mother of Patrick J. Maloney, ’75, Kenneth T. Maloney, ’79, and John K. Maloney, ’81 Virginia McCarthy Sister of J. Randall McCarthy, ’57† Mary E. McLaughlin Wife of James A. McLaughlin, ’57 Margaret O’Brien Mother of Mary M. Finn (Campus Ministry staff); Mother-in-law of Edward F. Finn, ’67; Grandmother of Edward F. Finn, ’93 and Daniel M. Finn, ’99†
Brian O’Connor Father of Michael O’Connor, ’80 and Robert O’Connor, ’90 Alice Philipczak Mother of Curt J. Philipczak, ’81 Francesco Priore Father of Michael Priore, ’97 Joseph C. Pini Father of Joseph C. Pini, Jr., ’71 and Thomas L. Pini, ’72 Peter T. Podesta Father of Thomas M. Podesta, ’67 Patricia Rasmusson Wife of Donald R. Rasmusson, ’44; Mother of Donald R. Rasmusson, Jr., ’72, Joseph Rasmusson, ’75, and Peter G. Rasmusson, ’79; Grandmother of Daniel B. Rasmusson, ’06, Gregory E. Rasmusson, ’06, Stephen Rasmusson, ’08, Christian Rasmusson, ’12 and Pierce Rasmusson, ’16 Edward G. Ratyniak Father of Edward J. Ratyniak, ’01 Julia Mendolla Rienzo Mother of Anthony R. Mendolla, ’62 James A. Romano Father of James A. Romano, ’62 Wanda Ryglicki Mother of Joseph J. Ryglicki, ’64 and Walter P. Ryglicki, ’67; Grandmother of Jonathan M. Ryglicki, ’99 and Jason M. Ryglicki, ’04 Peter M. Schmidt Father of Colin A. Schmidt, ’06; Son-in-law of Daniel F. Ullmann, ’42 Anita Veltre Mother of John Veltre, ’79 Donald J. Wolfe Father of John Wolfe, ’90
Family of Faculty & Staff Steven J. LePage Brother of Diane Casazza, P’95,’97, admissions staff member; Uncle of Chris Casazza, ’97, chief advancement officer Peter J. Walsh Husband of Elizabeth R. Walsh, advancement staff member
Former Faculty Members Leonard Fordellone Modern language teacher, 1969-93
Vita mutatur, non tollitur. Life is changed, not ended. 28 Spring 2015 n SPPREP.ORG n PREP MAGAZINE
WEDDINGS | BIRTHS
Weddings Carmela Castellano (science teacher) and Stephen Schlitzer October 12, 2014
Matt Scannapieco (classics teacher) and wife Franny (former science teacher): daughter Olivia Karen and son Luke Gordon, born October 22, 2014
Alex Canale, ’05 (science teacher) and Julie Groark (former English teacher) November 15, 2014
Erica Rivera (assistant to the athletic director) and Chris Abbondante: son Emmett Zeus, born October 30, 2014
Brendan Whitford ‘04 and Lauren Wojcik March 6, 2015
Ryan Grusenski, ’03 and wife Beth: daughter Helena, born December 18, 2014
Michael Farley, ’01 and Kerri Halliday April 11, 2015
Matthew Jamison, ’97 and wife Jennifer: daughter Cecilia Grace, born December 20, 2014
Births Joseph Garafalo, ’99 and wife Ingrid: son Joshua Francis, born June 23, 2014 Tom Gargiulo, ’97 and wife Nadia: son Samuel Ryan, born September 10, 2014 Kevin Comprelli, ’98 and wife Valerie Sons Thomas and Connor, born October 2014
alumni Section Matthew Cunningham, ’99 and wife Katie: son Aiden Matthew, born February 28, 2015 Rob Komorowski, ’03 and wife Claire: son Owen Michael, born March 25, 2015
8 Share your photos, class notes and other news with us...and the Prep community! Drop us a line at communications@spprep.org
Spiro Dounis, ’02 and wife Michelle: daughter Theia, born December 20, 2014 Rick Briamonte, ’99 and wife Courtney: daughter Caroline Nicole, born December 20, 2014 Anthony Fesken, ’98 and wife Beth: daughter Vanessa Marie, born January 23, 2015
Theia Dounis, born December 20, 2014
Joshua Garafalo, born June 23, 2015.
Young Vanessa Fesken enjoys two Prep connections: she’s the daughter of Beth and Anthony Fesken, ’98, and the niece of Gerry Iorio, ’98
Aiden Cunningham is wasting no time, having already set his sights on the Prep Class of 2033.
Prep Crew managed to surprise their coach (and Prep science teacher) Alex Canale, ’05 and his new wife, former Prep English teacher Julie Groark, with this impressive salute following their wedding in November. The team had gathered outside during the ceremony, ready to greet the couple with oars raised.
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