In Memoriam: Debbie Peko-Lillis, P’10

The Prep community was stunned in January by the sudden passing of longtime staff member Debbie Peko-Lillis, P’10. The mother of Kyle Lillis, ’10, sister of James Peko, ’85, and aunt of current freshman Matthew Peko, ’26, had been a fixture at Grand & Warren, serving as the database manager for the advancement office since 2010. Former Prep President Bob Reiser, S.J. often described Prep students as aggressively friendly, and few members of the faculty and staff have ever embodied that quality better. Her quick wit, her hearty laugh, her enthusiastic pride in the sometimes unglamorous work of processing donations and event registrations, and above all her unmistakable love for her family, for her friends, and for Saint Peter’s Prep will be sorely missed. Members of Prep’s faculty and staff gathered for a memorial service in the library, joined by members of Debbie’s family. Colleagues shared fond memories of the generous spirit that made her so quick to befriend newcomers to Prep, so welcoming to anyone in search of some lunchtime conversation, so eager to share her encyclopedic knowledge of all things Secaucus.

“The entire Saint Peter’s Prep community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our dear friend and colleague Debbie Peko-Lillis,” said Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91. “Debbie was a proud Prep mom–her son Kyle graduated in 2010, but she was a Prep mom forever–and a dedicated member of our advancement office staff for more than a decade. With a tremendous and generous heart, she left her mark on all of us, forming an unforgettable part of the Prep family she loved so much.”

Dr. Gomez added, “Our love and prayers are with Debbie’s family in this difficult time.”

A World of Welcome

Prep’s global education programs were in full swing during the fall semester, as exchange groups from four schools on two continents visited Grand & Warren. Pictured clockwise from top left:

• Colégio Santo Inácio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

• Colegio de la Inmaculada, Lima, Peru

• Le Caousou, Toulouse, France

• Sant Ignasi, Barcelona, Spain

This spring, groups from Japan and Germany will arrive at Prep, and during Easter break, Prep students will head out to France and Spain, as the cycle of outbound exchange trips begins.

Shakespeare Returns to the Prep Stage

For the first time in more than a decade—and the first time in O’Keefe Commons—Prep Dramatics brought Shakespeare to life last November. Marc Wright, ’15, a veteran of numerous Prep productions as well as Prep Vox, returned to Grand & Warren to direct Macbeth. With Louis Correro, ’23 in the title role, the starkly-staged production earned rave reviews from audiences, proving the Bard still has a place on Prep’s stage...today and tomorrow (and tomorrow and tomorrow).

Mr. Galano Becomes Fr. Galano

2022 was a pivotal year for longtime faculty member and Director of Financial Aid Fred Galano, P’22. In June, he was ordained to the diaconate in the Episcopal Church, and then on December 17, he was ordained to the priesthood in the presence of parishioners, family, and many Prep colleagues. As Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91 explained at Prep’s Christmas liturgy, “Fred Galano…has been and continues to be a gift to Saint Peter’s Prep, working with and serving many families for over 17 years. He is a difference maker.” A special stole was presented to Father Galano at the Mass in appreciation of his many contributions to Saint Peter’s Prep.

In addition to his duties at Prep, The Rev. Fred Galano is now serving as an associate pastor in the Episcopal parishes of Christ Church South Amboy and Trinity Matawan.

Ebony Club Looks Forward to a Milestone

As Prep’s Ebony Club looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in the 2023-24 school year, one of Prep’s longest-running student organizations has had a busy 2022-23, including taking the lead on a successful Black History Month celebration. To kick off the 2023 Black History Month, the club hosted a panel titled The World of Art Through the Lens of Black Artists. This panel featured the following speakers: Rashad Davis, 09 an illustrator, animator, and writer; Eric Pryor, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts; Tiana Webb Evans, P’18, Founder of ESP Group LLC; and Heather Williams, recipient of the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award for Exceptional Achievement in MFA Art Practice. This event was designed to bring awareness of the uniqueness of both Black art and artists, celebrate art as a whole, and help students gain a more explicit understanding of what it means to be a Black artist in the art world.

As the month continued, the club hosted additional events. A “For the Culture” dress down day raised over $1,000 for the Ignatian Solidarity Network. Several alumni of the Ebony Club visited Prep and toured the campus with current club members, cheered on our Prep basketball team, and spoke with current students. A Black Diaspora Breakfast where students sampled an array of dishes that represent the culture of AfricanAmericans, Afro-Caribbeans, Afro-Latinos, and Africans. Lastly, we brought back the Ebony Club Dance, a long-standing tradition that saw many students enjoying the company of others.

The Ebony Club’s annual Washington D.C. Trip will return in March. Highlights will include visits to Howard University, Georgetown University, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, plus an opportunity to meet and network with the Prep Ebony Club Alumni who live and work in the DC area.