Scarlet & Grey | SP23

FROM THE PRESIDENT

DEAR ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY,

It has been an incredible year at SJC! Our newest Cadets, the Class of 2026, were selected from an applicant pool of 1,232 students, and this is the fifth consecutive year the number of applications exceeded 1,200. These freshmen are guided by our impressive seniors who have received acceptances from prominent institutions such as Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Air Force Academy, and Coast Guard Academy.

During the 2021–2022 academic year, SJC sports teams secured a record 11 WCAC championships and last fall, we earned five WCAC championship titles with football winning back-to-back for the first time in almost 50 years. With more than 500 visual and performing arts students, there were several highlights over the last year. The Regimental Band was selected to participate in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Waikiki, honoring the men and women of the armed forces. This trip was made possible by the generosity of a member of the Class of 1967. Vocal Resonance, our top choral group, was invited to perform with the National Youth Choir at Carnegie Hall in March, and St. John’s Theatre continues its legacy of outstanding shows with spring performances of Godspell

The Cadet Corps Leadership Program is one of the fastest-growing programs in the school. Under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Mark Erwin, the cadets have weekly interactions with keynote speakers and recognized alumni, such as General Stanley McChrystal ’72 and Vice Admiral James Malloy ’81, and engage in numerous on- and offcampus activities. The color guard continues the tradition of representing the school at a multitude of events throughout the DMV. Also of note, we added a nationally competitive trap and skeet team in 2020.

The mission of the De La Salle Christian Brothers, taught and modeled by our faith-filled faculty, is witnessed throughout our Gospel-centered curriculum. Numerous activities such as Masses, retreats, and Christian service trips and projects provide for the faith development of our students. In December, SJC welcomed visitors from the Lasallian Generalate in Rome and its Secretariat for Solidarity and Development. They shared the global significance of our Lasallian mission throughout the world with junior Morality classes and students from the Entrepreneurial Center for Innovation and Social Impact.

If you long for inspiration, visit this campus to witness the passion and pride of our students as they represent the scarlet and grey. I hope you will join us when you receive your invitation for a reunion, game, or special event. Since September, we have held 24 events for alumni and have had more than 1,000 graduates reunite with their alma mater.

Enjoy this edition of the Scarlet & Grey

Live Jesus in our hearts…

Sincerely,

Jeffrey W. Mancabelli | President

2022 President’s Medal Awards

SJC’s highest honor is bestowed upon those who have made the greatest contributions to St. John’s and the larger community.

On Nov. 4, more than 500 members of the St. John’s College High School community attended the 2022 President’s Medal Celebration. St. John’s most prestigious honor, the President’s Medal is presented to distinguished members of the St. John’s community who have made significant contributions to society or provided new direction and hope for the future. These individuals embody our Lasallian values of faith, achievement, leadership, and service.

This year’s guests were welcomed to the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, DC, by master of ceremonies Christopher Williamson ’10. Attendees, including current and former honorees, faculty, alumni, and friends, were then treated to the presentation of colors by members of the SJC Cadet Corps, performances by students in St. John’s Vocal Resonance and the Regimental Band, and by an invocation by Msgr. John Enzler ’65. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, dinner, and presentation of medals to the 2022 honorees by President Jeff Mancabelli. Thank you, to each benefactor and attendee who contributed to the success of this biennial celebration. Proceeds from the evening’s dinner benefit the St. John’s General Scholarship Fund and the Campus Improvement Campaign.

Master of Ceremonies Christopher Williamson ’10

Members of the St. John’s College High School Color Guard

DOREEN ENGEL

CATHOLIC SCHOOL EDUCATOR

An educator for almost 40 years, Doreen Engel received a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Anna Maria College and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in special education from The Catholic University of America. Formerly the assistant superintendent for the Diocese of Arlington and director of special education for the Archdiocese of Washington, Engel’s classroom experience includes teaching students in every grade from preschool to graduate school with courses ranging from AP psychology to elementary school music. She has served as principal for four Catholic schools, including St. Coletta School in Arlington, Virginia (1985–1988), Blessed Sacrament School in Washington, DC (1994), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Academy, Rhode Island—where she and her team were awarded a grant from the Raskob Foundation to implement distance learning for highly gifted students via the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented and Gifted Students— and is the current principal at Our Lady of Mercy School in Potomac, Maryland. Engel was also an adjunct professor at The Andrew M. Greeley Center, Loyola University, Chicago, and has worked with The Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College

While working for Blessed Sacrament as assistant principal, Engel met Hal DeLuca, currently at St. Anselms Abbey School, who sought to determine why local students were experiencing challenges getting accepted to Catholic high schools. Through

this relationship, she went on to design, implement, and direct the St. John’s College High School Benilde Program (1998–2006), named for visionary and innovative Lasallian educator St. Benilde Pierre Romancon. To this day, the Benilde Program offers a college preparatory curriculum for highly motivated students with diagnosed mild learning differences. The program received a national award from the National Center for Catholic Education Association (NCEA) in 2000 and again in 2004. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity and experience at St. John’s,” said Engel. “I laid the groundwork for the Benilde Program, but it was St. John’s College High School who first had the vision.” From 2014 to 2018, Engel went on to create and then direct the Benilde Program at St. Raphael Academy in Rhode Island, and in 2020, received the Catherine McNamee Award, given annually to the person in American Catholic education who has provided additional opportunities for children to have a Catholic education.

Engel is the author of Be Open!: A Guide to Prayer for Reflection on the Inclusion in Catholic Schools (NCEA, 2019); “A Powerful Sign: The Catechesis of Children with Disabilities” (Catholic News Service, 2019); and co-author of “Serving Exceptional Learners” (Best Practices, NCEA, 2018), among other articles. An experienced speaker, Engel recently hosted an NCEA webinar for more than 3,000 participants during the COVID19 pandemic. She is a former member of NCEA’s Exceptional Learner Advisory Committee, an associate for the Sisters of Mercy, and was a former board member for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability. In her precious spare time, Engel is a serious student of Spanish and enjoys playing the violin. Engel’s son Daniel graduated from St. John’s in 2007.

BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS ’02

AMERICAN PLAYWRIGHT

As a student at St. John’s College High School, Branden JacobsJenkins discovered his identity as a writer and artist. Inspired and supported by teachers Tim Emerson ’84, theatre director; Carol Fitzsimmons, religion; Brother Zewe, FSC, English; Joe Patterson, English; Michael Sheehy, calculus; and best friend MAJ Mary O’Donnell ’02, MD (who received the SJC President’s Medal in 2017), Jacobs-Jenkins went on to attend Princeton University, earning a bachelor’s degree in anthropology in 2006. He attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a master’s degree in performance studies in 2007, and the Julliard School, where he completed the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwrights Program.

Jacobs-Jenkins remembers being given the access, encouragement, and freedom to explore subjects that interested him at St. John’s. Inspired by his religion classes and through his experience with and participation in St. John’s Theatre, The Sabre student newspaper, The Lasallian literary magazine, peer ministry, De La Salle Scholars, the SJC yearbook, and French Club, he received an incredibly well-rounded education. “I always knew I wanted to be a writer. It didn’t occur to me to be a playwright until college. My education from St. John’s Theatre prepared me to be a playwright. I believe I would never have been accepted to Princeton University without St. John’s, since my freshman college class was recruited specifically for their experience in the arts and theatre.”

Jacobs-Jenkins’s first play, Neighbors, which premiered OffBroadway at the Public Theater/Public LAB in 2010, was later presented at the Matrix Theatre Company, Los Angeles, and premiered in Boston in 2011. His second play, War—written while on a Fulbright Fellowship in Germany—premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 2014 and opened at the Lincoln Center LCT3 Off-Broadway in 2016. In 2014, he received the Obie Award for Best New American Play for both Appropriate and An Octoroon. Appropriate was also nominated for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play and won the 2014 Obie Award for Direction and Performance.

Members of the Cadet Corps Leadership Program

An Octoroon, an adaptation of the play by Dion Boucicault, first ran in 2010 at the Performance Space, New York, then Off-OffBroadway from 2014 to 2015 and was later staged at the Artists Repertory Theatre in Oregon in 2017.

Produced Off-Broadway in 2015 by the Vineyard Theatre, Jacobs-Jenkins’s play, Gloria, was nominated for the 2016 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play, was a finalist for the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, received two nominations for the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play and Outstanding Director, and was nominated for the 2016 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play. In 2017, Jacobs-Jenkins’s Off-Broadway play, Everybody—inspired by the 15th-century morality play Everyman—included roles assigned by lottery. “The concept is that every night there will be a different ‘Everyman,’ chosen by lottery, so the cast is forced to shift.” Everybody was also a finalist for the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. A contemporary version

of Euripides’s Greek tragedy The Bacchae, his most recent play, Girls, premiered at the Yale Repertory Theatre in 2019 and featured dance music and livestreamed video.

Jacobs-Jenkins’s work has been seen both nationally and internationally at The Public Theater, Signature Theater, PS1122, SohoRep, Yale Repertory Theatre, Actors Theater of Louisville, The Matrix Theatre in Los Angeles, Mixed Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia, CompanyOne and SpeakEasy Stage in Boston, Theater Bielefeld in Germany, the National Theatre in London, and the HighTide Festival in the UK. Jacobs-Jenkins taught playwriting at the Tisch School, Princeton University, and the University of Texas, and currently teaches theatre and performance studies at Yale University. He is a board member of the Dramatists Guild Fund—which provides more than $1.6 million in emergency relief and mental health support for fellow writers—the Ucross Foundation, and is vice president of the Dramatists Guild of America.

From left: Bro. Tom Gerrow, President Jeffrey Mancabelli, Bro. Charles Gresh. Bro. Colman Coogan, and Bro. Robert Schieler

JAMES KERNAN ’70 AND CHRIS (STADTLER) KERNAN

LEADERS IN THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY

James Kernan ’70 and wife Chris know firsthand the many benefits of a Catholic education. Raised by his grandmother who taught at St. Mary’s in Rockville, Maryland, for nearly 25 years, Jim attended St. Ann’s Academy and later St. John’s, following in the footsteps of his brother Pat ’67, father-in-law Paul Stadtler ’42, Chris’s uncle John W. Stadtler ’35 (1967 SJC President’s Medal honoree), and several cousins, all fellow Cadets. Chris Kernan’s upbringing was strikingly similar. She also attended St. Ann’s Academy, where she and Jim were in the same class. Chris’s great grandmother (Mary Christine Stadtler) was one of the first teachers—and later principal— at St. Ann’s, where Chris joined the faculty as a preschool teacher and worked with three-year-old students for 36 years. In addition, she and Jim took over running St. Ann’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) beginning in the 1970s. Since then, Chris has been recognized for her work at St. Ann’s as an educator, awarded “Teacher of the Year” by the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, in 2008, and served on the Board of Directors of the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Youth Organization from 1980 to 1986.

As a student-athlete at St. John’s in the ’60s and ’70, Jim found the rigors of the program and the school’s humble service approach helped to shape his work ethic, future professional success, and interest in philanthropy. “The intellectual power that comes from an SJC education is unbelievable. It inspired in me a great level of discipline and philanthropy. It forged in me

a future I didn’t even know existed. It is so heartwarming to see how beautifully the campus and curriculum has transformed and evolved over the years. I feel it is one of the finest institutions in the country.”

Lifelong residents of Washington, DC, the Kernans’ experience as Catholic-school students inspired their later contributions to both St. Ann’s and St. John’s. At St. Ann’s, Jim and Chris coached baseball and basketball for students in the fifth through twelfth grades and together, continue to oversee weekend games for the CYO, for which Chris still bakes and runs the concession stand. After graduating from St. John’s, Jim recalls discussing possible ways in which he and fellow alumni could give back to the school and its community. Along with fellow classmates Joe Donnelly ’67, Kevin Foster ’68, Jack Greaney ’44, John Stadtler, Jr. ’60, and others, Jim helped form the first SJC Alumni Association. He also served on St. John’s Board of Trustees from 2010 until 2019. Still active in the alumni community, Jim never passes up an opportunity to help organize reunions and other alumni events.

“St. John’s has been such a special place for our families, and a real turning point for our son Brendan.” Described as a “free spirit,” they felt Brendan would benefit from the direction provided by the JROTC program. After graduating from St. John’s in 2007, Brendan went on to operate his own business, Every Last Detail in North Carolina where he lives with his wife and

children. Jim and Chris’s daughter Kaitlin followed in her mother and grandmother’s footsteps, graduating from Georgetown Visitation in 2004. Both Brendan and Kaitlin previously attended St. Ann’s, where they had their mother as a teacher and their father coached the CYO.

Chris also worked for DC’s Department of Recreation at Lafayette Recreation Center, where she and John Holmes first founded Biddy Basketball. Now established and run by St. Ann’s Catholic Youth Organization, the league meets regularly for games at St. Ann’s gym in Northwest DC. Both Chris and Jim enjoy introducing girls and boys in first through third grades to what is often their first experience with organized sports. Participation in the league inspires sportsmanship, team building,

technical skills, and of course, socialization without technology. “Throughout our 33 years of running Biddy, it always brings us great joy that these kids still recognize us all these years later.” To honor the Kernans, the gym floor at St. Ann’s parish is now Kernan Court. Chris and Jim feel that through their roles as alumni, donors, teachers, and coaches, they can generously give back to the institutions that have provided so much to their families throughout the years. “We are honored and humbled beyond words to receive the St. John’s President’s Medal.”

In addition to his contributions to St. Ann’s and St. John’s, Jim has been a member of the Palisades-Georgetown (Friendship) Lions Club for nearly 40 years. He was named Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services in 2009 and 2021 and was awarded the Dr. Arnall Patz Fellowship in recognition of service and support to advance the objectives and commitment of the Lions Multiple District 22. Jim served on the Board of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington from 1993 to 1996; Georgetown Visitation’s Board of Trustees from 2000 through 2009; Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Washington Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2009, finishing his tenure as chairman; and has served on the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Youth Organization’s Board of Directors since 2014. In 2014, Chris and Jim were presented with the Manifesting the Kingdom Award, given by the Cardinal to individuals who demonstrate the presence of Jesus in their lives and exceptional service to the Church.

From left: Kristina Foley, John Foley ’78, Dave Freitag ’69, Pete Grant ’69, and Sheila Grant

From left: Tish O’Connell, Beth Veihmeyer, and John Veihmeyer ’73

JAMES S. O’CONNELL ’73

PRESIDENT, JIM KOONS AUTOMOTIVE COMPANIES

After graduation, James S. O’Connell majored in English at the University of Notre Dame and was a seminarian during his sophomore year with the Congregation of Holy Cross. After earning earn his MBA from Notre Dame in 1979, he married his wife Barbara and joined the field of public accounting. He earned his CPA and settled in Indianapolis, where he worked for a family car business. In 1987, he returned to DC to join Jim Koons Automotive Companies, where he has been president for 34 years. During his tenure, the Koons organization has grown into one of the largest retail automotive organizations in the nation. With revenue of more than $2.8 billion annually, more than 2,600 employees, 28 franchises, and 20 locations located in Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, the company has received every major award offered by the automobile industry for sales, performance, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence. It was voted one of the “Top Workplaces” eight years in a row by The Washington Post and “Best Places to Work” by The Washington Business Journal.

“I have nothing but wonderful memories of St. John’s,” said O’Connell. “As Cadet Colonel, I valued my experience during a time when SJC was an all-boys military school. Under President Jeff Mancabelli’s watchful leadership, I feel the Lasallian tradition of brotherhood has remained intact, reflecting the same values that made the school such a special place for me in the 1970s. The military program taught me and my brothers, Quinn ’70,

Jerry ’71, and John ’75, so much about leadership and building trust. To this day, I feel this is one of the most important components to running a successful business, as trust stems from good character. Through Catholic values, community service, self-respect, discipline, and learning how to respectfully interact with members of our diverse community, we all felt supported at St. John’s. As great as that time was, however, the revamped military program and coeducation have greatly enriched and strengthened the St. John’s of today.”

O’Connell enjoys keeping up with SJC classmates by regularly attending alumni events such as Class of 1973 dinners organized by Phil Finelli ’73. “In addition to my close friends from those days, I’ve also made great friends with other classmates later in life. You can’t help but develop great friendships after SJC. When you meet a fellow alumnus, you have an immediate shared experience. Our class has a tremendous bond to this day.” It was these experiences that inspired Jim to help launch the Cadet Colonel Society in 2015. The idea was born to bring alumni together through their shared experience at St. John’s and to reconnect them to the school. During the 2015 Cadet Corps black-tie dinner, O’Connell and fellow members of the SJC Alumni Committee invited former Cadet Colonels to the celebration, presenting each of them with medals. When reaching out to these men, O’Connell was touched by the warm and enthusiastic reception, particularly from members of the earlier classes, saying, “The fact that someone called and reminded the cadets of this time in their life was thrilling to them. I enjoyed several lovely conversations with fellow cadets. We shared so many similar memories, and on the night of the dinner, everyone thoroughly enjoyed being together and reconnecting. The evening’s

enthusiasm was infectious, particularly as attendees—ranging in age from 18 to 80—sang the school song in unison. Alumni both young and old were dazzled to witness how much the school has grown and improved over the years.”

In addition to his responsibilities at Jim Koons Automotive, O’Connell is on the advisory council at Notre Dame’s Raclin Murphy Museum of Art. He is an active member of St. John’s Cadet Colonel Society, eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, annual gala chair for Georgetown Preparatory School, and was a basketball coach for the Catholic Youth Organization. Jim was president of the Serra Club of Indianapolis, served on the board of trustees at the Academy of the Holy Cross, and on the board of directors at the Washington Area New Car Dealers Association, where he helped launch the Auto Technician Development Program through the Automobile Dealer Education Institute. The ADEI Technician Development Program recruits, employs, and educates aspiring technicians, successfully transforming them into line technicians over the two and a half years of prescribed college training. For these contributions, he was awarded the Northwood University Education Award in 2015.

From left: Jean Hall ’02, honoree Branden Jacobs-Jenkins ’02, Caitlin Robinson ’02, and Cheo Bourne

MAJ Mary O’Donnell ’02, MD, with SJC Trustee Raul Fernandez ’84

DAVID N. ROGERS ’54

REAR ADMIRAL, U.S. NAVY (RETIRED)

Rear Admiral Rogers claims that the foundation for his many successes was largely due to his Catholic education and experiences in the cadet program at St. John’s College High School. There, he learned to be polite and to treat people with respect, which later inspired his leadership through faith.

Rogers attended Georgetown University; earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the United States Naval Academy in 1959; earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, in 1966; and earned an MBA in international business from the University of Southern California. In 1958, while a midshipman, Rogers participated in the US amphibious landing in Lebanon. His first duty was as an instructor of seamanship and navigation at the Naval Academy. Following flight training at Pensacola, Florida, and Beeville, Texas, he reported to Attack Squadron 36, flying the A-4 and deploying twice aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga to the Mediterranean, and later aboard the U.S.S. Lexington during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Following school, Rogers reported to Attack Squadron 125 at Lemoore, California, as an A-4 instructor pilot. He then reported to Attack Squadron 93, deployed aboard the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard, and later aboard the U.S.S. Ranger in Southeast Asia.

Admiral Rogers flew more than 200 combat missions in Vietnam and was subsequently assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC, as an Aviation Officer Detailer, where he returned to Vietnam for the third time. He later served as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 192, the “World Famous Golden Dragons,” deploying twice aboard the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk and flying the A-7E. He then reported again to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, serving as Head of the Subspecialty Development Branch and Head of the Air Combat Placement Branch.

Rogers assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, later deploying aboard the U.S.S. Coral Sea. He was then assigned as Air Wing Training Officer at Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He commanded the U.S.S. Okinawa, followed by command of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk. He was next assigned as Chief of Staff to Commander Seventh Fleet. Rogers then served as Deputy Director for Operations, National Military Command Center; Deputy Director for Operations, Current Operations, and Vice Director for Operations, Joint Chiefs of Staff; and as Commander Carrier Group Three and Commander Battle Group Charlie; Deputy Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare); and Commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Rear.

Rogers has flown 62 different types of military aircraft—16 types from the decks of 17 carriers. He has more than 1,400 carrier landings and more than 5,000 accident-free flight hours. His personal awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense

Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, 18 awards of the Air Medal with Combat V, five awards of the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Following active duty, he joined Kapos Associates as director of studies for three years, followed by nine years as senior vice president of the Titan Corporation. Rogers has the following advice for graduates of St. John’s College High School who are entering the workforce:

“Know your responsibilities inside and out; be respectful to everyone you work with and help those around you excel in their jobs, and be courageous and stand up for what is right and ethical.”

Rogers keeps in regular contact with classmates (Ed McNamara ’54, in particular) and was instrumental in planning the Class of 1954’s 50th reunion. Before the pandemic, he enjoyed monthly lunches with classmates and hopes to continue this tradition.

Honoree Jim O’Connell ’73 (pictured seventh from left) with fellow alumni from the Class of 1973.

From left: SJC Board Chair Patrick Dunn ’03, Chris Hopkins ’04, Jessica Hopkins, and Mallory Dunn

From left: SJC Board member Korey Neal ’08 and former trustee Kirk Ruthenberg P’07, ’10

From left: Pat Greaney ’70, President Jeffrey Mancabelli, W. Christopher Smith ’70, and Rahasaan Bernard P’26

SAVE THE DATE —

Friday, November 3, 2023

SJC SPOTLIGHT

SJC APPOINTS DISTINGUISHED

TRUSTEES

This fall, St. John’s welcomed new board members Brother Michael Andrejko, FSC, Father C. Timothy Corcoran ’63, Karen Frana P’24, Nicholas Luongo ’93, and Benjamin Ventresca, as well as new SJC Board Chair Patrick Dunn ’03 and new Advancement Committee Chair Korey Neal ’08.

BOARD CHAIR PATRICK DUNN ’03

Patrick Dunn, a St. John’s board member since 2019 and St. John’s Alumni Council member since 2012, assumed the position of board chair in July. He is excited to serve the SJC community in this new leadership role. “The Lasallian community and the teachings of John Baptist de La Salle have been instrumental in

my family’s formation for the past 20 years. I am honored and humbled to accept the role of board chair at St. John’s College High School. I look forward to continuing to work closely with President Jeff Mancabelli and our tremendous group of trustees to preserve and champion the Lasallian educational experience at St. John’s.”

Dunn has been a presenter at St. John’s Young Alumni Business Network events, and in 2020, established the Dunn Family Scholarship, which provides tuition assistance to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in academics and extracurricular activities, with a preference to team sports (see page 34). Dunn is the founding member and practice leader for the employee benefits division of Copper Dunn, an independent,

full-service insurance brokerage and consulting firm. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University and a master’s degree in business administration from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University.

ADVANCEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR KOREY NEAL ’08

Korey Neal, a St. John’s board member since 2019 and presenter at St. John’s Young Alumni Business Network events, assumed the position of Advancement Committee chair in July. He is the president of K. Neal Truck and Bus Center, a full-service commercial truck dealership headquartered in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Additionally, Neal is the owner-operator of NAPA Automotive Parts of Greater Washington, a leading automotive parts and accessories distributor located right outside Washington, DC. He was recognized by the Washington Business Journal’s 2019 FamilyOwned Business Awards and was featured in School Transportation News and Successful Dealer for his success in the transportation industry.

Neal also serves on the boards for First National BankWashington Regional, Vehicles for Change, Excel Automotive Institute, Catholic Charities Task Force, and Eastern Michigan University’s Athletic Department. He is a graduate of the American Truck Dealers Academy and was selected to be part of the BB&T Leadership Institute. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University and a master’s degree from American University.

BRO. MICHAEL ANDREJKO, FSC

As a student at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bro. Mike admired the instruction of his teachers and knew from an early age his calling to be a Christian Brother. He joined the Brothers at age 20 and for the past 34 years has dedicated his life to God. Bro. Mike has served in six ministries in three geographical areas during his religious life: Philadelphia, DC, and Pittsburgh. He also spent a semester at Bethlehem University in the Holy Land.

Bro. Mike first came to St. John’s as a faculty member in 1996, teaching Business Principles and religion and moderating the

Student Council. In 2000, he left St. John’s to become assistant principal for academic affairs at West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia but stayed connected to SJC by serving on the Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2010 and as principal at St. John’s from 2010 to 2016. During his tenure as principal, he taught algebra and morality, traveled with the Athletics Department to out-of-state tournaments, supported Cadet Corps students at summer camps, and chaperoned Christian service immersion trips. He was also the moderator of the Mothers’ Club and a non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.

From 2017 to 2022, Bro. Mike served as the director of contacts for the Christian Brothers District of Eastern North America, and in July 2022, he embarked on the challenging but rewarding task of leading his alma mater, Central Catholic High School, as principal. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from La Salle University and a master’s degree in religious studies from Villanova University.

REV. C. TIMOTHY CORCORAN ’63

Born in Kansas City, Fr. Tim Corcoran grew up in DC and graduated from St. John’s in 1963. He spent a year at the U.S. Naval Academy and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. After graduation and commissioning through the NROTC program, Fr. Tim served three years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as a line officer. He was awarded the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and retired from the Naval Reserve a Lieutenant Commander in 1991. He went on to complete law school at the University of Virginia, accepting a two-year federal judicial clerkship upon graduation and then practiced law as a business trial lawyer in Tampa, Florida.

In 1989, Fr. Tim accepted an appointment as a United States bankruptcy judge for the Middle District of Florida, the largest and busiest bankruptcy court at the time. Following retirement from the federal bench in 2003, he started a specialized bankruptcy consulting and mediation practice. As a lawyer and judge, Fr. Tim chaired several committees and held other leadership positions in the Florida Bar, the American Bar Association, and the Section of Litigation of the American Bar Association.

In 2008, Fr. Tim entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree and was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2012. His assignments included parochial vicar, parochial administrator, and pastor. He also served as Vicar Forane of a deanery, a judge of the diocesan tribunal, and a member of the Presbyteral Council. Although he retired as pastor in 2021, he continues his priestly ministry by assisting at various parishes and has celebrated Mass at St. John’s

over the last decade, including the graduation Masses for the classes of 2013 and 2017.

Fr. Tim’s 1963 class was the first to complete all four years at the school’s current location on Military Road. His parents were active members of the Mothers’ Club and the Men of St. John’s, and his connection to St. John’s has remained strong through the years.

KAREN FRANA P’24

Karen Frana has held numerous sales, marketing, and senior management positions across her corporate career. She received several awards for her work with IBM prior to joining Hitachi Data Systems, where she was promoted to vice president and general manager of the company’s Enterprise Server Division. She directed P&L, product management, marketing, and sales support for a $700 million worldwide business distributing enterprise servers to Fortune 500 companies.

In 1999, she left HDS to live with her husband Tom Frana ’65, president and CEO of ViON Corporation and former SJC Board of Trustees chair, in Virginia. There, she joined software startup Artresia Technologies as vice president of worldwide sales. Before retiring from the corporate life in 2004, Frana ran the North America region for Convera Corporation, where she was responsible for all sales and service in the US and Asia. From 2005 to 2010, she was a consultant, coaching CEOs and operational executives on companywide performance issues.

Frana has served on the boards of Fisher Island Club in Miami and the Langley School in McLean. She currently sits on the Advisory Committee of Ascolta, a small cyber-security company in Herndon. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from San Jose State University. Tom and Karen Frana are the parents of Trey, currently a junior at St. John’s.

NICHOLAS LUONGO ’93, P’24

structuring and negotiating leveraged buyouts, cross-border transactions, acquisitions and dispositions of corporate divisions, and equity investment transactions. He represents private equity firms and public and private companies in a variety of industries.

In 2013, he was honored as a winner of the M&A Advisor’s “40 under 40.” From 2014 to 2018, he served as a board member of Charter Board Partners, a nonprofit organization that identifies and trains people from the greater DC community to serve on the boards of directors of DC charter schools. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Yale and a juris doctor degree from Boston University School of Law.

As a Cadet, Luongo was in the honors program and played both football and lacrosse all four years. He was co-captain of the football team his senior year and received a scholar-athlete scholarship at graduation. His sister Kate ’95, and brothers, Drew ’06 and Nate ’09, are all St. John’s graduates, and his son, Robert, is currently a sophomore.

BENJAMIN VENTRESCA

Benjamin Ventresca is the Provincial Delegate for Board Governance of the District of Eastern North America (DENA). Ventresca provides leadership for the DENA Association of board chairs, presidents, and principals, serving as liaison between the District member representatives to each ministry board and the ministry corporation. Through his experiential expertise, he ensures best board practices and the Lasallian Catholic identity of the ministries, working with board chairs and chief administrators to troubleshoot any problems that arise within the work of the board.

Nicholas Luongo is a partner in the Corporate Department of the law firm Latham & Watkins LLP and the current co-chair of the DC Corporate Department, where he leads department business strategy, lateral partner and associate recruitment, associate training and development, and promotion recommendations. He has developed experience in

With more than 30 years of cumulative service and leadership on three governing boards within DENA, as well as over 40 years of organization development and leadership consulting to chief executives and boards of nonprofit organizations and Global Fortune 100 corporations, Ventresca brings a broad base of Lasallian formation and business experience to his role. During his Lasallian board trusteeship, he chaired advancement, executive, finance, and strategic planning committees and served as chair and co-chair for two capital campaigns. Following his 10 years of service as vice chair and chair of La Salle College High School’s Board of Trustees, he was elected chair emeritus and subsequently lifetime trustee. During these many years of service, Ventresca has deepened his understanding of and commitment to the Lasallian charism and mission.

SJC WELCOMES NEW VP FOR ADVANCEMENT TOM BAGWILL

Tom Bagwill is an experienced director of institutional advancement with a demonstrated history of working in education. A proud 1980 graduate of St. Paul’s School, a Lasallian high school in Covington, Louisiana, Bagwill went on to earn his degree in broadcast journalism from Loyola University in New Orleans. After moving to the nation’s capital in 1987, he served as press secretary to Mississippi Congressman Trent Lott, spending one year in the U.S. House of Representatives and two years in the U.S. Senate.

Prior to his work in advancement, Bagwill was an Emmy award–winning broadcast journalist for WGNO-TV, the ABC affiliate in New Orleans. He also earned numerous first-place New Orleans Press Club awards for his writing and reporting, as well as a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award. He later spent three years as development director at the Christian Brothers Foundation, which provided financial assistance to Christian Brothers for post-graduate education and retirement.

For the past 12 years, Bagwill served as the director of institutional advancement at Jesuit High School, the market leader in secondary education in New Orleans, founded in 1847. Bagwill and his wife Dana relocated to the DC area during the summer of 2022 and have three adult children who reside in New Orleans.

“St. John’s is fortunate to have such an experienced leader join our community. As a graduate of a Lasallian school, Tom is passionate about our Catholic, Lasallian mission and understands the impact his work will have on our students, alumni, and the future of SJC.”

—JEFF MANCABELLI, PRESIDENT

PATRICK BEHAN: HE’S STILL OUR COACH

Head coach for the SJC boys’ basketball team since 2017, Patrick Behan is a former college basketball player whose passion in life is coaching high school boys in the DMV. In May of 2022, Pat learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Despite this devastating diagnosis, Pat and his family and friends choose to fight this disease head-on. Pat plans to continue as head basketball coach at St. John’s for as long as possible, since it provides him “the best medicine.” To share information and to offer support, Pat’s family created the website, www.behanstrong.com, which features ALS information and resources, as well as events to support Pat’s care, treatment, and well-being.

ON OCT. 1, Pat served as honorary captain for SJC’s home football game against Georgia’s Cedar Grove. The Men of St. John’s, who ran the concession stand, prepared and served the “Behan Burger,” complete with bacon, cheese, sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce. In the week leading up to the game, SJC students, faculty, and staff purchased red “Behan Strong” bracelets to show their support. All proceeds from the football game concession stand, gate proceeds, and bracelet sales were donated to help Pat in his fight against ALS.

ON JAN. 3, SJC hosted the inaugural Behan Strong Invitational, a six-team, threegame basketball showcase. Pat earned his 102nd win as coach with an 80–73 overtime victory against nationally celebrated IMG Academy. All proceeds supported Pat and others diagnosed with ALS.

ON MARCH 18, the inaugural “Party at Pat’s” was held in Gallagher Gymnasium. The space was filled with love, laughter, and resiliency to keep “punching back” against ALS. The event raised $177,000 to assist Pat Behan and Matt Kurkjian (a former baseball player at Catholic University) with medical costs associated with ALS.

As a valued member of the SJC community, we hold Pat in our prayers and work to support him as he continues his responsibilities as head coach.

PHOTO CREDIT: @MSEALPHOTO

TIFFANY MILLS RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED LASALLIAN EDUCATOR AWARD

The annual Distinguished Lasallian Educator (DLE) Award honors an educator who exemplifies the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers of children and youth. The award is sponsored by the Regional Office of the Christian Brothers Conference in the name of all Lasallians of the Region of North America. The Christian Brothers Conference requests that each ministry nominate one awardee.

We are excited to announce that the honoree from St. John’s College High School for the 2021–22 school year is Art Department Chair Tiffany Mills. Tiffany is in her 25th year at SJC and has played a fundamental role in raising the visual arts department to extraordinary levels of artistic achievement. Her leadership inspires students to develop a respect for their classmates and their work. Her commitment to showcasing students’ work at significant events across campus throughout the year also demonstrates her passion and enthusiasm for teaching and the arts. Her classrooms welcome and embrace students of all abilities and interest to feel at home, grow in their gifts and talents, and gain an appreciation for the arts. Under Tiffany’s direction, the art department facilitates several service initiatives including the Memory Project and Empty Bowls, providing students with an understanding of their roles as community leaders who can positively impact those in need. As an educator and leader in our community, Tiffany embodies the five goals of a Lasallian community: faith in the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, an inclusive community, quality education, and respect for all persons.

TWO SJC FACULTY MEMBERS NAMED 2021 TEACHER OF THE YEAR

NOVICE TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Christopher Dunckel ’08

Congratulations to Christopher Dunckel ’08, SJC’s novice teacher of the year. Dunckel graduated from St. John’s in 2008 and returned as a long-term substitute teacher during the spring of 2020 and full-time teacher the following fall. During his tenure, he taught English 9, American Literature, and the 12th-grade elective Literature on Stage and Screen. The energy and passion that Dunckel brings to the classroom not only enlivens the subject matter, but also motivates his students to develop their own passions. He is active as the assistant head coach on the swim and dive team and the moderator for the booster club, as well as various other roles in the community supporting Student Life, Cadet Corps, and Campus Ministry. As a true Lasallian educator, he recognizes the value of diversified experience, and the importance of educating the whole person intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Dunckel strives to truly know his students in and out of the classroom and is a clear example of the zeal that is crucial in creating connections with the young people in our care.

VETERAN TEACHER OF THE YEAR: Amy Kemper-Moore

Celebrating her seventh year as an SJC faculty member, Amy Kemper-Moore teaches several levels of Spanish, including Advanced Placement Spanish and Spanish classes for students in SJC’s Benilde Program. Masterful in relaying content to diverse learners, Kemper-Moore embodies the Lasallian tenet of responding to the needs of each student. She cultivates a welcoming and inclusive environment in her classroom by combining innovative practice with effective routines to encourage high achievement. Prior to her role at St. John’s, Amy taught at Georgetown University and American University, and has a background in special education and learning differences.

English teacher Christopher Dunckel ’08 and Spanish teacher Amy Kemper-Moore were chosen as SJC’s novice and veteran Teacher of the Year by a jury of their peers. Established by the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools to recognize the devotion of novice and veteran Catholic secondary school teachers, these awards celebrate faithful service, excellence, best practices, and innovations in Catholic secondary school teaching.

TWO SJC FACULTY MEMBERS RECEIVE 2021–22 GASSER TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Paul DeStefano has been an educator for more than 40 years and is serving his 27th year at St. John’s. A stalwart in the Math Department, he exemplifies all the characteristics of a Lasallian educator. His commitment to helping students at all skill levels realize their full potential is visible in his classrooms and beyond. Paul’s attention to students and his desire to respond to their needs affirms them, guides them through the learning process, and helps them to gain confidence.

Cristina Paluch assumed the role of AP English Literature teacher in 2020, creating a welcoming atmosphere with an emphasis on rigor and compassion. She has experience teaching all levels of English and works as co-moderator of the SJC yearbook. Beyond the classroom, Paluch is a visible presence at athletic competitions, performances, dances, student activities, and Lasallian formation experiences. Her commitment to the holistic education and support of her students shines through her work both in and out of the classroom.

PAUL DESTEFANO CRISTINA PALUCH

Cadet Culture Life Beyond the Classroom

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER KARL RACINE ’81

On Feb. 24, 2022, Karl Racine ’81, the District of Columbia’s first elected, independent Attorney General, spoke to the Class of 2022. During his presentation he discussed his experience as a student at St. John’s, his role as attorney general, and how St. John’s values and mission align with the Office of the Attorney General.

As the city’s chief legal officer, Racine relies on his 30 years of legal and leadership experience to advise the mayor and District agencies, defend the city in court, and use the law to advance public interest. He has prioritized juvenile justice reform, consumer protection, public integrity, and affordable housing in communities across DC. He also launched the nation’s first restorative justice program within a prosecutor’s office.

SJC President Jeffrey Mancabelli introduced Racine, citing his background, list of accomplishments, and recent office initiatives, and then led the group in prayer. Opening his discussion with an emphasis on empowerment, Racine reminded students that there will always be good and bad experiences in life. “You have the resolve to overcome those ups and downs. Never be afraid to ask for help.”

He credits Mr. Dent and Coach Gallagher for putting him on a course of “modest success” at SJC and building his self-confidence. He passed on their advice to the seniors, “Don’t hold yourself back.”

Racine noted that the teachings and mission of St. John’s are consistent with the Office of Attorney General. “We use the law for the vulnerable and often poor of the community—creatively.” Both strive to achieve equity, work for social justice, and help people reach their potential. Racine told the group that his office welcomes interns interested in serving the community through law

and those students who would like to complete Christian service hours in a public law firm.

After addressing the students, Racine answered questions on a range of topics such as advocate programs for police officers, restorative justice, First Amendment rights, and antitrust lawsuits. One student asked whether it was difficult for the AG’s Office to remain unbiased. He responded, “You can’t judge people based on what you think they are thinking or what you think is motivating them. Most people are similar, and you have to give people a shot.”

At the conclusion of the assembly, Student Government President Hannah Kirby ’22 presented Racine with a thankyou gift from the senior class. “We are so grateful for AG Racine taking the time to speak with our students. With his passion for justice, he models our mission, ‘Enter to learn, leave to serve,’” said President Mancabelli.

“You can’t judge people based on what you think they are thinking or what you think is motivating them. Most people are similar, and you have to give people a shot.”

—KARL RACINE ’81

STUDENTS COMPETE IN WORLDSTRIDES ORLANDO

MUSIC

FESTIVAL

GRAPHIC NOVELIST GARETH HINDS VISITS SJC

IN MARCH 2022, St. John’s welcomed back graphic novelist Gareth Hinds for the school’s third annual Audience with an Author event. Hinds graduated from the Parsons School of Design and worked in video game design before becoming a full-time graphic novelist. He has adapted several classic works of literature to the graphic novel format, including Macbeth, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, The Odyssey, and Beowulf. During the summer of 2022, St. John’s AP English Literature and Composition students read Hinds’s adaptation of Beowulf, John Gardner’s Grendel, and portions of Seamus Heaney’s translation of the original Old English poem. This seminar provided students with the opportunity to discuss these works with Hinds and present their own compositions.

IN APRIL 2022, student musicians traveled to Florida accompanied by Director of Bands and Performing Arts Ken Hammann and Director of Vocal Music Kate Fernandez to compete in the Worldstrides Orlando Music Festival. St. John’s took home the following prestigious awards:

GOLD: WIND ENSEMBLE COMP JAZZ ENSEMBLE ADVANCED VOCAL STUDIES

SILVER: STRING ORCHESTRA

INVITATIONS TO FESTIVAL OF GOLD: WIND ENSEMBLE ADVANCED VOCAL STUDIES

1ST PLACE IN DIVISION: COMP JAZZ

TOP BAND GROUP: COMP JAZZ

BEST COMBINED INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM: COMP JAZZ

WIND ENSEMBLE

BEST OVERALL COMBINED PROGRAM: COMP JAZZ

WIND ENSEMBLE ADVANCED VOCAL STUDIES

TOP SOLOISTS: GRANT WARD ’23, TROMBONE NICOLAS HENSAL ’24, TENOR SAX

GALLERY NIGHT 2022

On March 30, the SJC community enjoyed a showcase of student artwork in Frana Auditorium. First- and second-place awards were presented in 2D and 3D categories, an overall “best in show,” and several honorable mentions.

Bridget Kelly ’25: Honorable Mention

Olivia Del Rosario ’24: Third Place, 2D

Max Catanzano ’24: Honorable Mention

Martina Una ’22: Honorable Mention

Miles Farrington ’22: First Place & Best in Show, 3D

Kamal Najjar ’24: Honorable Mention

Keira Gomes ’24: Second Place, 2D

Millicent Gimer ’24: Honorable Mention

Menna Meshesha ’23: Honorable Mention

Aminah Martin ’22: Honorable Mention

Pamela McCune ’23: Honorable Mention

Kara Powell ’23: Honorable Mention

Ella Platt ’22: First Place & Best in Show, 2D

Andrea Ciconte ’24: Second Place, 3D

Cailey Gardiner ’23: Honorable Mention

Paula Balleste ’23: Third Place, 3D

ANNUAL WACLAWIK 5K HONORS FORMER STUDENT

ON OCT. 24, students, faculty, and staff gathered for a fun 5K in memory of Carl Waclawik, a member of the SJC Class of 2010 and cross country team, who passed away in 2007. Carl had a wonderful spirit, loved running, and above all, valued the SJC community. The run, a free event open to the entire SJC community, started behind Cassidy Commons and traversed Rock Creek Park along the paved path parallel to Oregon Avenue, a challenging out-and-back course with beautiful autumn views. Congratulations to First Place winners Quinn Langan ’26 and Rylee Tymon ’26 and Second Place winners Mac Knight ’26 and Sydney Townsend ’26.

Faculty members Tom Callaghan and Jonathan Navas flank Mac Knight ’26 and Quinn Langan ’26

From left: Sydney Townsend ’26 and Rylee Tymon ’26

From left: Carl Waclawik’s sister Sydney Waclawik ’07 and father Phil Waclawik with Kevin Jez ’78

VOCAL RESONANCE PERFORMS AT VATICAN EMBASSY

On Nov. 17, members of SJC’s Vocal Resonance performed at the Bethlehem University Foundation’s 2022 Annual Awards Reception, held at the Vatican Embassy in Washington, DC.

LASALLIAN GENERALATE VISITS SJC

On Dec. 9, SJC students enjoyed a visit from and presentation by the Lasallian Generalate in Rome and its Secretariat for Solidarity and Development about their outstanding work on behalf of the most vulnerable members of Lasallian institutions around the world. The Secretariat is supported by the fundraising and work of the La Salle International Foundation and oversees ministries not only in education, but also in the multidimensional vulnerabilities of poverty, children’s rights and well-being, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. The impact extends to the entire community by providing formation, stability, and sustenance in the form of clean drinking water.

ST. JOHN’S REGIMENTAL BAND REPRESENTS THE DISTRICT AT 2022 PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL PARADE IN WAIKIKI

In Dec. 2022, St. John’s Regimental Band was selected by the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade Committee as “an outstanding ensemble which has a history of excellence that represents the spirit of American youth and good citizenship.” The band was then invited to perform in the 2022 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade as an official ambassador from the District of Columbia. The 2022 parade recognizes this day in history as an official part of the World War II 80th Anniversary Commemoration.

Each year on Dec. 7, the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Waikiki, Hawaii, provides a meaningful living memorial tribute to our veterans and the men and women who serve in our military. The annual event features World War II veterans, marching bands, choirs, military platoons, and other officials representing states from across the country to share the spirit of America with the island’s citizens and visitors.

To complement the exciting announcement, a St. John’s alumnus and former member of the Regimental Band generously donated $30,000 to assist with the school’s travel expenses. A great honor for St. John’s, members of the Regimental Band and Color Guard began their rehearsal journey in June 2022, meeting every Wednesday to prepare for the parade and continue the legacy of excellence in the arts at SJC. “Participating in such a special event to recognize and remember the history of our country is an incredible honor for St. John’s. I am so proud of our student-musicians who worked so hard over the last several months to march with distinction during this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Ken Hammann, St. John’s director of bands and performing arts.

During their visit to Hawaii, the cadets also visited the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, Pali Lookout, the Dole Plantation, and the U.S.S. Missouri.

CROSS-CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Since 2021, St. John’s College High School and Escuela Preparatoria de La Universidad La Salle have engaged in virtual student exchange activities to build, foster, and share the Lasallian mission.

Through the coordinated efforts of Spanish teacher and SJC Exchange Coordinator Dan Pier and English teacher and La Salle Mexico’s Exchange Coordinator Jesús Espinosa de La Luz, the students from each school enjoyed opportunities

to share their cultures while practicing their respective languages. In the fall of 2021, SJC’s Spanish 3 students exchanged three short videos with their Mexican partners, and at the end of semester, they participated in a live, virtual exchange. Students were divided into breakout groups to share interests and stories in both Spanish and English. The schools also exchanged recipes to prepare during a virtual dinner event and spoke with one another in both languages while enjoying their meals.

IN SPRING 2022, La Salle Mexico’s Exchange Coordinator Jesús Espinosa de La Luz visited St. John’s to deliver a presentation to the school’s faculty and to visit SJC Spanish classes and meet the students. He shared a beautiful video featuring Mexico’s celebrated artists and writers, and the country’s renowned food, tourist sites, and historical places. He then answered questions about the La Salle Mexico and Mexico City and invited St. John’s to participate in another virtual exchange during the 2022–23 school year.

IN OCT. 2022, it was Mr. Pier’s turn to travel to Mexico City and visit with the faculty and high school students of La Escuela Preparatoria de La Universidad de La Salle. During his stay, he joined French and Danish exchange students and their Mexican hosts and teachers for a visit to Teotihuacan, a sprawling pre-Columbian city. He integrated SJC Spanish students in DC into his field trip by creating a video assignment for them featuring the site’s Pyramid of the Moon.

Students, faculty, and staff at La Escuela Preparatoria devote an entire day to the celebration of el Día de los Muertos. The dance team, chorus, and orchestra perform, and students create extensive decorations including a large ofrenda (altar) in honor of their deceased loved ones. They also create their own costumes and compete in two categories: catrines, representative of ancestors who returned to the land of the living to visit loved ones, and alebrijes, fantastical, brightly colored animals believed to serve as spirit guides. There is a competition of skeletons vs. spirit animals, a parade throughout the school, and a costume contest judged by students. Among the decorations are flores de cempesúchil, the orange marigold ubiquitous in Mexico during the season and calaveras, brightly decorated skulls sometimes made of sugar.

Determined not to miss out on St. John’s annual Waclawik 5K while in Mexico, Mr. Pier and Senior de La Luz ran their own 5K in Mexico city’s famous Chapultepec Park at the same time as the Cadets, making it the firstever Waclawik 5k “International.”

IN DEC. 2022, La Salle Mexico and SJC engaged in their second virtual exchange in Fitzpatrick Library. This time, Spanish 2 students had the opportunity to converse with their Mexican peers in both languages about their classes, driving habits, sports, and much more. They also led virtual tours of their schools.

Mr. Pier continues to promote multicultural exchange and student’s global exposure. He mentors the Lasallian Cultural Ambassadors Club, a group of student leaders developing friendships with students of La Salle Mexico through videos. He is confident the program will help develop students’ self-confidence and intercultural skills, improve their Spanish, and shape their lives in the future. Both schools look forward to continuing this relationship in the hope that one day, the students can meet in person. Both schools are enthusiastic about this association of shared mission.

High School Musical |

ST. JOHN’S THEATRE

Peter and the Starcatcher |

DE LA SALLE SCHOLARS

DURING THE 2021–22 SPRING BREAK, senior De La Salle Scholars traveled to Belize where they toured the Mayan sites of Lamanai and Xunantunich, made chocolate using traditional Mayan techniques, and learned about the different cultural groups, languages, and traditions in Belize. Students also participated in ziplining and cave-tubing tours, a guided jungle survival experience, and a planting activity with a local environmental organization. They also learned about Belizean flora and fauna by snorkeling in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve, visiting the conservation-focused Belize Zoo, touring the Chaa Creek Butterfly Farm and Natural History Museum, and hiking in the jungle.

IN MAY 2022, incoming De La Salle Scholars enjoyed spring orientation at Upward Enterprises, where students enjoyed team-building activities and ropes course challenges.

ON MAY 25, 2022, De La Salle Scholars from the Class of 2022 were honored during our annual luncheon and medal award ceremony. Congratulations, Cadets!

IN FEB. 2022, juniors in the De La Salle Scholars Program traveled to Boston to visit Boston College, Boston University, Emerson College, Harvard University, and Northeastern University. Students also met with several alumni scholars to learn about their college experiences. Thank you to Maria Ascanio Aliño (SJC ’19, MIT ’23), Thomas Kresina (SJC ’20, Northeastern ’24), and Hannah Aguirre (SJC ’20, Northeastern ’24) for sharing their insight with our students.

AWARDS

2022 DONATELLI ART AWARD

The Donatelli Art Award—named in honor of Lou and Anne Donatelli, long-time members of the SJC community—is presented to an upper-level art student for their outstanding involvement, service, and commitment to art at St. John’s. Martina Una ’22, the winner of the 2022 award, was an AP 3D design student who set herself apart with her quality of artwork and outstanding work ethic. She served as co-present of the Art Club, led a weeklong, afterschool art program at San Miguel, and plans to continue her studies at Eastern University with a BFA in sculpture.

DURING THE WEEK OF

Scholars visited the Kennedy Center to see Hamilton as one of their field experiences, aligning with the arts pillar of the program that examines the relationship between popular culture and theatre.

COLLEGE BOARD NATIONAL RECOGNITION PROGRAM HONORS SJC STUDENT

Menna Meshesha ’23 was accepted into the National African American Recognition Program for her achievements in the classroom and on College Board assessments. These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out during the college application process.

SEPT. 26, 2022, sophomore De La Salle

SCHOLARSHIPS

BRO. ALBERT MOSSER SCHOLARSHIP

Mark Nakamura ’23 was awarded the 2022 Bro. Albert Mosser Scholarship which was established in 1998 to carry out Brother Albert’s simple wish, “Make sure St. John’s is always there to help students.”

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

In March 2022, James M. Morrison ’22 was selected as a winner of the National Merit Scholarship which honors talented youth for their contributions and leadership in school and community activities. Morrison is currently a freshman at Georgetown University.

DUNN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP

Amir Wallace-Jones ’25 was the 2022 recipient of the Dunn Family Scholarship. Focused on providing tuition assistance to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in academics and extracurricular activities with a preference to team sports, the scholarship was created by the Dunn family to celebrate Catholic education and provide educational opportunities at St. John’s to deserving students.

From left: SJC Board Chair Patrick Dunn ’03, Sonny Dunn ’35, Katy Dunn, Amir Wallace-Jones ’25, Pat Dunn, Sr., and Mallory Dunn

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

FEB. 1, 2022: Freshmen visited the Saint John Paul II National Shrine on their class retreat.

FEB. 15, 2022: As part of Black History Month, students in the SJC Pre-Med Club visited Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine to view the documentary Black Men in White Coats, hosted by members of the USU SOM Class of 2025.

FEB. 28, 2022: Thank you to the SJC Mothers’ Club for helping to make last week’s Mardi Gras celebration a great success. During Friday’s lunch periods, students enjoyed music by a live DJ, festive decorations, and delicious treats.

MARCH 9, 2022: To kick off Poverty Education Week—an annual program highlighting issues of poverty in the context of social justice—artwork decorates our hallways as students make sandwiches for Martha’s Table.

FEB. 23, 2022: St. John’s Entrepreneurial Club welcomed owners of The Museum DC to discuss how they founded and continue to run their successful clothing business.

MARCH 1, 2022: St. John’s Modern and Classical Languages Department inducted new members into the Spanish, French, and Latin National Honor Societies.

MARCH 10, 2022: As part of Poverty Education Week, students participated in a technology fast, a meager lunch of solidarity, and purchased bowls made by fellow students to benefit our sister school, the Child Discovery Centre in Kenya.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH 16, 2022: St. John’s Performing Arts Department welcomed 29 new members into Chapter #6096 of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Tri-M (Modern Music Masters) is the only national honor society for student musicians in the country. Members of band, strings, and vocal music programs who exemplify musicianship, leadership, and service are invited to become members.

MAY 10, 2022: The SJC Swing Band and Competition Jazz ensembles performed for parents, faculty, and staff—their first indoor concert at SJC in three years.

AUG 24, 2022: Faculty and staff gathered this morning for our annual back-to-school retreat led by honored guest Bro. Robert Schieler, FSC, former Superior General of the Brothers of Christian Schools and 27th successor of St. John Baptist de La Salle.

APRIL 5, 2022: Thank you to our amazing Mothers’ Club volunteers for organizing the annual Teacher & Staff Appreciation Day! This year we were treated to a coffee bar, catered lunch from Guapos, special prizes, and giveaways made possible through donations from the SJC community.

MAY 17, 2022: The Haddad triplets, Class of 2022, rang the bell at 2:50 p.m. to signal the last day of classes for seniors! In addition, the Class of 2022 gathered wearing apparel from the colleges and universities they plan to attend this fall. Congratulations, Cadets!

OCT. 20, 2022: Senior De La Salle Scholars presented their independent study projects, including a memory care program using puzzles, a device that uses radioactivity and electric impulses to generate random passwords, and a 90-page original play and live scene performance.

SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

OCT. 30, 2022: President Jeff

Mancabelli, Director of Admissions

Susie Hinton, and De La Salle Scholars Olivia Purefoy ’23, Dale Stenberg ’26, and Connor Shannon ’23 welcomed more than 1,020 families to campus for our annual Admissions Open House. Prospective families learned about SJC’s educational opportunities inside and outside the classroom and enjoyed live demonstrations and performances by students and faculty. Members of the SJC Mothers’ Club and Men of St. John’s were also on campus to assist visitors throughout the day.

DEC. 2, 2022: Spanish teacher Amy Kemper-Moore and four students from her AP Spanish Language & Culture class—Kevin Aldridge ’23, Gabriel Perassi-Vilcarromero ’23, Melanie Dmytrijuk ’23, and Faneshka Rivadeneira ’23— traveled to San Miguel School to serve as translators for parentteacher conferences. The students are also members of SJC’s San Miguel Translation Club.

DEC. 21, 2022: Alumni from the classes of 2015–2022 returned to campus for SJC’s annual Young Alumni Business Network event. This year, alumni interacted with keynote speaker Raul Fernandez ’84 and breakout session presenters Kiko Washington ’76 and Rebecca Cassidy from Georgetown University. The morning concluded with a career fair of 25-plus companies and lunch. Thank you to our speakers and alumni for contributing to the success of this event!

NOV. 4, 2022: Social studies and foreign-language classes were treated to a presentation by Matthew Amt, LARPer and Imperial Roman Twentieth Legion member. Matthew shared his vast knowledge of ancient Roman armament, including samples of protective gear he crafted himself.

OLIVIA BAPTISTE VALEDICTORIAN, CLASS OF 2022 | BROWN UNIVERSITY An Excerpt from the Valedictory Address

The stories of our journey over these four years have created many memories. The Lasallian beliefs of St. John’s run through its walls every day, pushing the core principles of faith, concern for social justice, respect for all persons, quality education, and the strength of an inclusive community.

Believe in yourselves, Class of 2022, and remember this phrase, “Per aspera ad astra” (Through the hardships to the stars). We can achieve our highest goals with trust in the beauty found within us, despite the difficulties presented. Dream, Class of 2022. In our next steps of our lives, I compel you to attack your passions, pursue your goals, and think to the highest possibilities. Those dreams of leaving an impact on the world are possible. I advise you not to be afraid to chase after those dreams. Do not limit yourselves to an idea of your life pushed onto you, choose what you are passionate about and continue to dream. I hope to see those dreams come true. Try, Class of 2022. We are capable individuals, so try, try, and try once more to find the opportunity that creates a place for you to prosper. You may not know what you want to do for the rest of your life, and that is okay. But please do not stop trying. Apply yourselves in countless ways to find that drive; I am confident we will achieve greatness. Do good, Class of 2022. The simple gesture of kindness is beyond measure. A helping hand to someone or a smile in the hallways can bridge the gap between us. The Lasallian words written above us in the student walkway, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” have represented the experience of learning tools to go out and serve our Lasallian mission. In the recent years, the world has presented us with both good and evil, shown through the protests for social justice. And so, I call upon you all to change the world, using our formidable strength in numbers.

Although today we emphasize our students’ achievements, this is also a celebration of our beloved parents. Thank you for the hours spent driving us to school, games, and more. Thank you for staying up late, helping us with homework, and for being our guiding hands when lost and the shoulders for us to lean

on when down. Our teachers’ accomplishments during online learning, battling every difficulty to make sure we received a quality education, and teaching us beyond tests and quizzes over these past four years helped us develop into confident and kind-hearted individuals. Thank you for staying after school, arriving early, and everything in between to allow us to reach our academic goals. Thank you to the counselors for allowing us to share extremely vulnerable and personal experiences without judgment. Thank you to the administration and staff for continuing to perform your responsibilities to keep us safe, supply us with structure, and for all you do behind the scenes to make St. John’s look and feel like a home. Now we are faced with a crossroads between the past and the future. We have looked back and appreciated the moments that allowed us to develop into individuals we are proud to be. Yet, we look out into the future, clouded with the unknown of who we will become, who we will meet, and what we will experience. This is our time to take that first step into our new homes for the next years to come. Our four years at St. John’s are now over, but our time as a Cadet will forever live on. Thank you.

NAGOMI MYERS

SALUTATORIAN, CLASS OF 2022 | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK

A Reading of the SJC Mission Statement

Following in the footsteps of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, our diverse community accepts and welcomes students of all backgrounds. St. John’s College High School aims to continue the Lasallian identity providing a strong education that incorporates Christian morals into everything we do. We strive to grow closer to one another both inside and outside the classroom, and discover our true selves. Serving our brothers and sisters is a core component of our community’s identity. Through this, we are able to grow in our faith and develop relationships with others. St.  John’s gives every student the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and discover the path God is calling us to. The Class of 2022 will continue this mission and strengthen the values upheld by St. John’s.

Every day we stepped into St. John’s College High School the Class of 2022 aspired to better ourselves as students, athletes, and servants. Most of all, we strengthened our relationship with God. St. John’s provided us with opportunities to grow together as a class, and we embraced those opportunities to become respectful, accepting, and open-minded leaders. It is not just who we

were at St. John’s, but it is who we will become in the world outside St. John’s that matters most. As followers of Christ, we will encourage each other to take the initiative in changing the world for the better. The Class of 2022 will leave a positive impact on society. At all times, we will act in the image and likeness of God.

CLASS OF 2022 COMMENCEMENT AWARDS

EXCELLENCE IN ART: ISABELLA TOTIA

EXCELLENCE IN CADET CORPS STUDIES: MARGARET GLEESON

EXCELLENCE IN CHORAL ARTS: IAN JAVELOSA

EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE: BRIAN SCHNEIDER

BROTHER MARTIN ZEWE, FSC, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD: JAMES MORRISON

EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH: ALANNA FINN

EXCELLENCE IN INSTRUMENTAL ARTS: AUSTIN RIOS-COLON

EXCELLENCE IN LATIN: CELIA HODGES

EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS: SEAN LACEY

EXCELLENCE IN RELIGION: STEPHEN LEDET

EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE: OLIVIA BAPTISTE

EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL STUDIES: KIRAN VARGHESE

EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH: GABRIELLA HADDAD

THE THEATRE AWARD: SAMANTHA CERNICH

SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARDS: JENNIFER ALBERO AND ANDREW KUROWSKI

THE LASALLIAN CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD: GABRIELLA HADDAD

THE CITIZENSHIP AWARD: RILEY LANGAN

THE CARDINAL’S AWARD: ADRIAN MAGDALENO

THE PRINCIPAL’S AWARD: KAITLYN MALONEY

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

The Class of 2022 collectively earned more than $33,000,000 in scholarships. The list below represents schools that the members of the Class of 2022 were admitted to.

American International College

American University

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Babson College

Barnard College

Berry College

Boston University

Bowie State University

Brown University

Bucknell University

Butler University

Campbell University

Carnegie Mellon University

Case Western Reserve University

The Catholic University of America

Christopher Newport University

The Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Clark University

Clemson University

Colby College

College of Charleston

College of the Holy Cross

Columbia University

Davis & Elkins College

Dickinson College

Drexel University

East Carolina University

Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Florida State College

Elon University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Emerson College

Emory University

Fairfield University

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida State University

Fordham University

George Mason University

The George Washington University

Georgetown University

Hampton University

Harvard University

High Point University

Hobart William Smith Colleges

Hofstra University

Howard University

Jacksonville University

James Madison University

Lehigh University

Louisiana State University

Loyola Marymount University

Loyola University Maryland

Lynn University

Marquette University

Merrimack College

Miami University

Michigan State University

Middlebury College

Monmouth University

Morehouse College

Morgan State University

Mount St. Mary’s University

New York University

Niagara University

North Carolina Central University

Northeastern University

Northern Virginia Community College

Ohio State University

Pennsylvania State University

Providence College

Purdue University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rutgers University

Sacred Heart University

Salisbury University

Seton Hall University

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

St. John’s University

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

Stanford University

Stevenson University

Syracuse University

Towson University

Trinity College Dublin

Trinity Washington University

Tulane University

United States Air Force Academy

United States Naval Academy

University of Aberdeen

University of Arizona

University of Arkansas

University of California

University of Central Florida

University of Chicago

University of Colorado

University of Dayton

University of Delaware

University of Denver

University of Georgia

University of Maryland

University of Miami

University of Michigan

University of Minnesota

University of Mississippi

University of New Hampshire

University of Notre Dame

University of Pittsburgh

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of South Carolina

University of South Dakota

University of Southern California

University of Tennessee

University of Virginia

University of Wisconsin

Utah State University

Villanova University

Virginia Military Institute

Virginia Tech

Virginia Wesleyan University

Wake Forest University

Waynesburg University

William & Mary College

Wilson College

Xavier University

2022 Theatre Hall of Fame

On April 22, St. John’s College High School honored five individuals who have demonstrated outstanding talent in the theatrical arts. We join their families, friends, and classmates in congratulating them on this achievement and on the excellence displayed in their craft. In each play and musical, the inductees expertly portrayed the drama and resilience of the human experience. This tradition continues as today’s theatre students participate in the performing arts at the community, college, and professional level. The theatre program at St. John’s is founded on the principle of collaboration—memorable ensemble productions are the culmination of remarkable talent, dedication, generosity, and teamwork.

JAY HOLLOWAY ’69

Among the first graduating class of The Mask & Wig at St. John’s, Jay Holloway has been working in the entertainment industry as a stage technician for the past 56 years.

In 1966, he joined St. John’s Theatre Department in their second season as a properties hand for Oliver and The Music Man He was later promoted to props department head for performances including My Fair Lady, Damn Yankees, Fiorello, and Little Mary Sunshine. During his senior year, he was awarded the Outstanding Crew Member Medal by a jury of his peers. His 53-year pursuit of technical theatre excellence would not have been achieved without the exceptional guidance and leadership of The Mask & Wig’s first director and producer, Gene Morrill.

After graduating from St. John’s in 1969, Holloway attended Fairfield University on a theatrical scholarship as playhouse manager and technical director, working on 16 productions. The summer between his freshman and sophomore years, he worked as the technical director for Rockville, Maryland’s, Recreation and Parks Summer Theatre Program, the youngest person ever appointed to that position.

Holloway left Fairfield to pursue an opportunity with a documentary film production company as unit manager, camera operator, lighting director, grip, still photographer, and audio director. Additional productions included television commercials for Save the Children Federation in the Andes of Columbia; a series of documentaries for the U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; the prison reform system in Pennsylvania; and Dick Gregory’s bicentennial run in Chicago, among others.

Anxious to get back into technical theatre in 1975, Holloway was initiated into the Connecticut local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees and Moving Picture Machine Operators of the United States and Canada (I.A.T.S.E.) as a 35mm film projectionist. He later pursued regional theatre assignments at the Westport Country Playhouse, Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Darien Dinner Theatre, and Levitt Pavilion, working as a stagehand, follow-spot operator, and lighting technician. He was later elected to the I.A.T.S.E. Executive Board as president and then business agent, responsible for negotiating contracts as well as filling labor calls. He has been a member of the I.A.T.S.E. for the last 47 years.

During the next 30 years, while performing his duties as a theatrical union representative, Holloway was a high school audiovisual teacher and theatre director, as well as a systems programmer for General Electric and IBM. He received his bachelor’s degree in computer science from Iona College in 1995. In 1997, he and his wife Denise and sons Jason, Daniel, Matthew, and Andrew relocated to Atlanta, where he continued his theatre career with a new I.A.T.S.E. local working for the Atlanta Ballet, the Atlanta Opera, Family Feud with Steve Harvey, Wild ’N Out for MTV, Sunday Best for BET, Cirque du Soleil, The Weather Channel, BET Hip Hop Awards, MacGyver, All My Children, New York City Dance Alliance, Joyce Meyers Ministries, Live Nation Amphitheaters, Junior Theatre Festival, City Springs Theatre Company, and the Fox Theatre, among others. In 2019, he was in the audio department for the Super Bowl LIII pre-game and half-time shows at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

PAUL SCHOMMER ’70

Paul Schommer came to St. John’s in 1966 and began his musical theatre career in 1967 as the assistant rehearsal pianist for The Music Man. Inspired by the exceptional leadership, charisma, and urgings of Eugene Morrill— SJC’s theatre director and producer from 1965 to 1975— Schommer continued as the rehearsal and orchestra pianist, and later musical director for My Fair Lady, Damn Yankees, Fiorello, Little Mary Sunshine, The Happy Time, and Man of La Mancha. He also served as president of The Mask & Wig during his senior year.

After graduating from St. John’s in 1970, Schommer went on to Harvard University, where he was the musical director and orchestra conductor for various shows including She Loves Me, The Most Happy Fella, and Kiss Me Kate. During summer break, he worked professionally with fellow SJC alumni at a dinner theatre in Ocean City, Maryland, presenting The Drunkard and The Fantasticks.

After graduation from Harvard with a bachelor’s degree in biology, he went on to earn his medical doctorate from the University of California, San Francisco, where he was the pianist and musical director for the medical musical satire Scar Wards, performed with his fellow doctor–thespians.

Schommer practiced family medicine and obstetrics for 35 years in Visalia, California, delivering more than 2,500 babies. He retired in 2017 and spends his time gardening, golfing, enjoying his four grandchildren, and getting back to playing the piano.

TIMOTHY S. EMERSON ’84

Timothy S. Emerson ’84 spent 29 years as the managing director of St. John’s Theatre.

During his time as a student and production stage manager at St. John’s College High School, Emerson got his start in the dramatic arts under the tutelage of his teacher, mentor, and friend, Mr. Howard Dent (SJC Theatre Hall of Fame ’18). After graduating in 1984, Emerson matriculated to the Catholic University of America, where he was the director of the Centerstage Theatre Company and a stage manager at the Hartke Theatre. There, he directed the first non-professional production of Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? and his first production of Godspell, performed in the round. Emerson also appeared as Maryland delegate Samuel Chase in Hartke’s 1776.

During his time at CUA, Emerson began working with the Wildwood Summer Theatre (WST) where he was an actor, director, costume designer, stage manager, producer, and chairman of the board. Emerson has also worked with the Trinity Players, the Arlington Players, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, the Paradigm Players, and the Maryland Traveling Repertory Company. He also spent one semester directing at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School.

In the summer of 1990, Dent asked Emerson to take over as director of St. John’s Drama. Under Emerson’s leadership and by vote of theatre members, the name of the organization was changed to St. John’s Theatre. A student board was created, the St. John’s Theatre Organization, to advise on matters of procedure, and a student constitution was written to run the organization.

Emerson also directed the occasional third production during the school year, most notably Waiting for Godot, starring MacArthur Genius Grant winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins ’02 (SJC Theatre Hall of Fame ’16) and Christopher Wilson ’03 (SJC Theatre Hall of Fame ’18); The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged); Of Mice and Men, starring Helen Hayes Award nominee Vincent Kempski ’09, and A Separate Peace.

Hallmarks of Emerson’s tenure include a Holocaust studies program under the guidance of the Archdiocese of Washington’s Bearing Witness program. Created with his friend and teacher Dr. Raymond Nighan, the program was offered with several productions that dealt specifically with the subject: The Diary of Anne Frank, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, Number the Stars, and And Then They Came for Me (Remembering the World of Anne Frank), among others.

Emerson started an annual student trip to New York City in 1997 and ran a production of Godspell at least once every six

years, believing it to be the perfect musical for a Catholic secondary school. Personal highlights as managing director include directing his dear friend Charles McNamara ’85 (SJC Theatre Hall of Fame ’16) as Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol; spending time with his colleague and set/lighting designer Mel Colvin ’81; watching Mel’s wife Chris teach the theatre students how to hail a limousine in Times Square; and all the time spent from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with SJC’s amazing thespians!

Emerson hails from a family of singers, dancers, actors, and athletes. He has collaborated with three of his siblings as choreographers and directed another three siblings while with WST. He attributes his on-stage, “Let me show you how to do it,” tendencies to his father, the late James O. Emerson, and his backstage “taking care of business” tendencies to his mother Noreen Casey Emerson.

NATHANIEL P. CLARIDAD ’00

At St. John’s College High School, Nathaniel P. Claridad began pursuing his theatrical career when he was cast in I Never Saw Another Butterfly, directed by Tim Emerson ’84. Throughout high school, he continued to grow under Emerson’s direction with shows such as Godspell, Pippin, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

After graduating from St. John’s in 2000, Claridad went on to study theatre performance and English literature at the University of Maryland, College Park. In 2004, he took a leap of faith and moved to New York City, where he soon appeared Off-Broadway at the New York Musical Theatre Festival and with The Awesome 80’s Prom. He also returned to DC occasionally to perform at the Folger Theatre, the Shakespeare Theatre Company of DC, Imagination Stage, and The Kennedy Center (with whom he also toured the country).

In 2011, Claridad participated in a workshop of David Byrne’s new musical, Here Lies Love, directed by Alex Timbers at the Public Theater. He was accepted to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where he developed his love of directing, producing, and teaching. He also joined the original Obie and Lortel—winning Off-Broadway cast of Here Lies at the Public Theater during the summer of 2013, a year before graduating with his MFA and moving back to New York.

Claridad continues to perform in New York City, regionally across the United States, as well as internationally at venues such as the Sydney Opera House. His proudest achievement as a producer is co-founding Broadway Twisted, a fundraiser for North Carolina AIDS Action Network, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, for which he earned a UNC Impact Award. As a director, Claridad’s work has been seen in New York City and regionally, and he was named a Drama League Resident in 2016 and 2019. In the summer of 2022, he returned to the DC area to direct Mr. Popper’s Penguins for Imagination Stage.

JONÉ DOWD

Born in Lithuania at the dawn of World War II, Joné Dowd and her family left their homeland when she was five years old. In their effort to escape communism, they found refuge in a post-war Germany displaced persons’ camp. It was there that seven-year-old Dowd began her dance training with a Latvian ballerina who was also seeking asylum. In 1949, she and her family arrived in the United States under the sponsorship of family in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

As her family assimilated to their new home country, Dowd continued her dance training at a local studio until her teacher encouraged her to travel to New York City for more advanced instruction. Due to her family’s limited finances, she was resigned to sporadic trips on weekends and intermittent instruction. After high school, she dreamed of pursuing a career in ballet but did not have her parents’ support unless she went to college. She matriculated to Southern Connecticut State University, where she majored in physical education and was invited to join the gymnastics team, and put her dance training to work.

Upon graduation in 1961, Dowd was approached by the head of the Physical Education Department who asked if she had secured a job. He suggested she contact the athletic director, Edmund La Fond, at Catholic University in Washington, DC, as they were looking for someone to implement a female physical education program. A short trip and an interview later, Dowd was hired and moved to the nation’s capital.

It wasn’t long before she met the charismatic Fr. Gilbert Hartke, who was then the head of the Drama Department. During this time, Dowd was performing with the Washington Ballet in addition to pursuing her graduate degree at the University of Maryland. Shortly after arriving at CUA, Fr. Hartke asked if she would choreograph the Drama Department’s annual musical, Good Going. There, she met Gene Morrill, who quickly pulled her into the St. John’s orbit. Over the years, the two collaborated on South Pacific, West Side Story, The Music Man, How to Succeed in Business, My Fair Lady, Oliver, Fiorello, and Little Mary Sunshine.

Dowd continued her work at CUA, where she established a program for women’s athletics, founded and coached the women’s tennis team for 34 years, created the CUA Dance Theatre program, started and managed the CUA Leisure Studies program, and continued working with the Drama Department. She worked with graduate students in the Master of Fine Arts acting program, the summer acting program of the Hartke Conservatory, and regularly choreographed the annual musical production. Dowd also worked with the Benjamin T. Rome Music School, where she choreographed and performed in several opera productions in addition to producing and directing the Evening of Broadway annual production.

Dowd retired from CUA in 2008 but was regularly consulted on Athletic Department and Drama Department matters. She was married for more than 53 years to the late Martin Dowd (CUA ’60). They are the proud parents of four children, Dana, Jennifer, Michael, and Tara. Dowd currently resides in Arnold, Maryland, where she encourages a life of dance and health to her five grandchildren.

Cadet Corps Leadership Program

2022 SPEAKER SERIES

MONGOLIAN PRESIDENT TSAKHIAGIIN ELBEGDORJ

ON MARCH 15, Cadets were honored to host the former president of Mongolia, President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. President Elbegdorj shared insights on leadership and the personal courage he gained by establishing a democracy in Mongolia in 1990 after 70 years of communist rule in the country. His remarks enhanced the perspective of cadets and gave them a deeper appreciation of history, democracy, and freedom.

2022 REGIMENTAL BALL

ON MARCH 9, the Cadet Corps celebrated the 97th Annual Regimental Ball at Catholic University. The formal program featured a receiving line, grand march, saber arch, color guard, the National Anthem sung by SJC’s Vocal Resonance, and dancing. The event welcomed more than 300 cadets and their guests, the largest gathering in recent years.

REAR ADMIRAL ROBERT W. WRAY, JR. U.S. NAVY (RET.)

ON APRIL 21, the Cadet Corps Leadership Program welcomed Admiral Robert O. Wray to campus who shared his insight about the essentials of growing in a leadership role and developing emotional intelligence skills.

2022 CADET RETREATS

ON MARCH 28, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard visited St. John’s. After a movement and skills demonstration they worked with the CCLP Color Guard to help perfect their maneuvers and techniques. Thank you, Air Force Honor Guard for the visit!

DURING THE WEEKEND OF APRIL 8, St. John’s Regimental Band played loud and proud down in Orlando, FL, as part of the Orlando Music and Arts Festival.

ON APRIL 14, CCLP’s Raiders spent the day climbing, scrambling, and navigating the Old Rag Mountain Trail. Cadets packed out carrying everything they needed for the day and completed the challenging 12-mile climb together.

ON APRIL 28, as part of their unit on U.S. National Security, cadet seniors toured the Pentagon. They met with Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Grady then visited the military service corridors and 9/11 Memorial.

ON APRIL 22, sophomore and junior Cadet Corps students took a trip to Annapolis to visit the Naval Academy where they received an admissions brief, toured the campus, and had a lunch Q&A with SJC alumni and current midshipmen.

ON APRIL 29, retired U.S. Army Captain William Reynolds III spoke to students about his experience as the Chief of Reconnaissance and Sniper Employment Officer for the 10th Mountain Division in Baghdad, and his injury from an IED while on dismounted patrol. Through his experience as an amputee, an Invictus Games champion, and an entrepreneur, CPT Reynolds is a living example of the four pillars of the CCLP.

IN AUGUST, student officers and CCLP Class of 2023 leaders enjoyed retreats to Saint Catherine’s Island in Georgia and Boulder Crest Foundation in Virginia to prepare for the 2022–23 school year. Activities included leadership discussions, service work, morning PT, and other teambuilding activities.

IN SEPTEMBER, members of the U.S. Army Color Guard and Drill team performed for cadet freshmen and took time to speak with them about discipline, excellence, accountability, and unit pride.

ON MAY 6, the CCLP Color Guard presented the colors for the Flower Mart Festival at the National Cathedral. Mayor Muriel Bowser and other local leaders were in attendance.

ON SEPT. 22, Brendan McElroy ’02 took time to visit campus and speak to the freshmen and about his experience at St. John’s, his service in the Marines, and his current entrepreneurial success with his company, FranklinIQ.

ON OCT. 14, cadet juniors had the opportunity to visit the United States Military Academy at West Point where they enjoyed a tour, walked the post, viewed a brigade-level parade, talked with West Point cadet Justin Fitzgerald ’20 (brother of Cadet Colonel Ryan Fitzgerald ’22), and watched a home football game.

ON APRIL 30, cadet juniors stepped away from classrooms to volunteer at the Boulder Crest Foundation in Bluemont, Virginia, a retreat center for wounded veterans and their families.

2022 CADET RETREATS

ON OCT. 21, cadet juniors visited Gettysburg National Military Park where they experienced history by walking the key terrain of the battlefield. During the visit, they engaged in conversations about communication, decision making, and other leadership concepts.

ON NOV. 5, cadets opened the 100th regular-season meeting of St. John’s vs. Gonzaga—the first regular-season SJC vs. Gonzaga game played on Military Road in 30 years (see page 61).

IN OCTOBER, eight members of the CCLP Raiders Team completed a Tough Mudder competition in Mechanicsville.

ON NOV. 4, attendees at the 2022 President’s Medal Award Ceremony were treated to the presentation of colors by members of the SJC Cadet Corps and performances by the Regimental Band (see page 3).

ON DEC. 13, cadet seniors visited the McChrystal Group headquarters to brief General McChrystal ’72 on Operation Cadets Care. During the visit, students were treated to a candid discussion with McChrystal about leadership lessons learned during his 34-year military career.

2022 SABER CEREMONY

ON MAY 18, rising seniors participated in the traditional Saber Ceremony, where each cadet junior was presented with a ceremonial sabre by a family member or close friend.

2022 WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY: TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

ON NOV. 9, C/COL Jais Kirkman ’23 and C/CSM Rafael Visoso ’24 led SJC’s annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery with honored guest and SJC Board Chair Tom Frana ’65. Before the ceremony, Historian Tim Frank ’94 and Contract Historian Kevin Hymel ’85 shared their knowledge and expertise about the national landmark.

2022 CCLP AWARDS CEREMONY

ON MAY 17, the Cadet Corps Leadership Program celebrated cadets who exemplify outstanding performance in the four pillars of the program with ROTC scholarships and prestigious awards.

Clockwise from top right: Lt. Col. Mark Erwin and Charles “Ren” Devereaux ’25 | Lt. Col. Jason Roth and Chase Provencher ’22 | Joe Sorge ’64 and Jonah Pate ’25 | Lt. Col. Mark Erwin and James Harris ’25 | Lt. Col. Jason Roth and Grace Bottner ’22

2021–22 CADET CORPS LEADERSHIP AWARDS

CADET COLONEL SOCIETY INDUCTEES

Ryan Fitzgerald ’22

Maggie Gleeson ’22

Bradley Hirst ’22

Ian Javelosa ’22

Chase Zabala ’22

ROTC SCHOLARSHIPS

Grace Bottner ’22, University of Wisconsin

Ryan Fitzgerald ’22, University of Dayton

Bradley Hirst ’22, The Citadel

Chase Provencher ’22, Embry Riddle

Christian Swope ’22, Dickinson College

MCGOVERN CADET CULTURE AWARDS

Fadi Ayoub ’25

Caitlin Brown ’24

James Harris ’25

Ryan Marcellino ’22

Patrick Moorehead ’22

Andy Pererra ’25

Ellie Pierson ’24

Riquelmer

Vazquez Ramos ’25

Lucas Serra ’25

Billy Spelman ’24

Alex Wilson ’23

Nebiyu Zerefa ’23

PATTERSON HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARDS

Addie Brietenbach ’24

Nick Felton ’24

Colin Francis ’25

Asa Gregg ’23

Noah Hall ’23

Elizabeth Holt ’24

Nick Kaiser ’22

Anthony Mancinelli ’25

James M. Morrison ’22

Christian Swope ’22

Luke Varanelli ’25

Phoenix Williams ’24

PATRICK S. GILMORE AWARD

Ian Javelosa ’22

COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR FISHER SCHOLARSHIP

James Harris ’25

SERGEANT MAJOR HACKETT SCHOLARSHIP

Ren Devereaux ’25

SERGEANT MAJOR MCCONNELL SCHOLARSHIP

Nebiyu Zerefa ’23

SORGE SCHOLARSHIP

Jonah Pate ’25

Top left: Lt. Col. Mark Erwin and Nebiyu Zerefa ’23. | Clockwise from top right: Lt. Col. Jason Roth pictured with Ryan Fitzgerald ’22, Bradley Hirst ’22, and Christian Swope ’22

Alumni in Action

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME

ON AUG. 20, former teammates from the SJC girls’ and boys’ basketball teams returned to campus to play in a reunion game in Gallagher Gymnasium.

NAPLES, FL

ON JAN. 11, 2022, Vincent “Cap” Mona ’61 and Christina Mona hosted more than 40 SJC alumni during our annual Naples event. Attendees enjoyed a lovely evening of camaraderie with old friends and new.

LJ Hoes ’08 | Jalin Abbott ’19 | Ish Leggett ’20 | Steve Wilson ’14 |

Shane Lancaster ’22 | Julian DeBose ’11 | Richard Njoku ’18 | Avery Smith ’22 | Jeff Dowtin ’16 | Malik Priest ’19 | James Mitchell ’14 | Chris Wright ’07 |

Darian Anderson ’14 | Geoffrey Shaiyen ’20 | Reese Mona ’17 |

Artie Bryant, head JV coach, Parent ’07 ’14 | Gary Priest ’89, P’19 ’25 Floor, left to right: Ryan McNeil ’11 | Qwanzi Samuels ’18

LOS ANGELES, CA

ON MARCH 15, 2022, members of the classes of 1967 through 2016 gathered for an alumni reception in Los Angeles. Thank you to our generous host, Kiko Washington ’76!

Back row, left to right: Ryan Jones ’02 | Steve Schultz, SJC boys’ basketball assistant coach and school counselor | Pat Behan, SJC boys’ basketball head coach |

Back row, left to right: Tori Oliver ’13 | Lindsay Allen ’13 | Kayla Love ’13 | Raley Hinton ’14 | Asia McCray ’17 | Kayla Robbins ’16 | Mooriah Rowser ’12 | Kailyn Ebb ’14 | Mariah Jones ’11 | Front row, left to right: Bella Tanedo ’22 | Caramina Tanedo ’20 | Olivia Baptiste ’22

NEW YORK CITY

ON OCT. 18, St. John’s hosted a Young Alumni Network reception in Manhattan at the law firm of Arnold & Porter, coordinated by Asia Carr ’08 and Nick Papillo ’11. After a one-hour social, alumnus Victoria Patton ’11, a marketing manager at PepsiCo, talked about her journey from shelf stocker to corporate executive.

INSIDE THE HUDDLE

ON OCT. 13, 2022, SJC football alums went “Inside the Huddle” with Head Coach Pat Ward ’93. A new component of SJC alumni engagement, attendees reviewed the current season, discussed updates on current and former players, and previewed upcoming matchups. We are grateful to all participants and encourage all alums to remain connected to their alma mater.

SJC CAMPUS

ON DEC. 21, 2022 alumni from the classes of 2015 to 2022 returned to campus for SJC’s annual Young Alumni Business Network event, which featured keynote speaker Raul Fernandez ’84, breakout sessions with Kiko Washington ’76 and Rebecca Cassidy, and a career fair of 25-plus companies and lunch.

Class Reunion

We look forward to welcoming the following classes back to their alma mater this fall for their reunions!

Class of 1953, 70th Reunion

Class of 1958, 65th Reunion

Class of 1963, 60th Reunion

Class of 1968, 55th Reunion

Class of 1978, 45th Reunion

Class of 1983, 40th Reunion

Class of 1988, 35th Reunion

Class of 1993, 30th Reunion

Class of 1998, 25th Reunion

Class of 2003, 20th Reunion

Class of 2008, 15th Reunion

Class of 2013, 10th Reunion

Class of 2018, 5th Reunion

PLANNING IS UNDERWAY. WE WELCOME YOUR PARTICIPATION.

ALUMNI EVENTS

DMV ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2022 NETWORKING EVENT

ON OCT. 13, SJC alums from six decades turned out for an evening of connection and camaraderie at Bethesda Country Club. Special thanks to all attendees and to Peter Black ’68 for his assistance in organizing the event.

CLASS OF 1955 LUNCHEON

ON NOV. 16, ten members of the Class of 1955 gathered in the Vaghi Dining Room for lunch and to connect with fellow classmates. President Jeff Mancabelli welcomed Cadets with a school update and encouraged them to browse yearbooks and other school ephemera— organized by school archivist Felicia Zannino-Baker—from their years at St. John’s. Alumni from the Class of 1955 meet quarterly to stay connected to each other and to their alma mater. Thank you to class captain Charlie Case ’55 and SJC Associate Director of Development Tom Veith for organizing this event.

2022 DOC SCALESSA GOLF TOURNAMENT

ON MAY 13, St. John’s held its annual Doc Scalessa Golf Tournament at Renditions Golf Course in Davidson, Maryland. Proceeds from each tournament go directly to the Doc Scalessa Scholarship Fund, part of the SJC endowment. Grants from the scholarship are made to SJC students with financial need who have demonstrated outstanding achievement both in and outside of the classroom.

From left: Christian Lucas ’12, Andrew Gaffney ’12, President Jeff Mancabelli, John Redmond ’12, Dennis Conley ’12

From left: Bobby Browning ’85, Andy Zamora ’88, Scott Spicer, Mark Tropea ’88, Brian Dunn ’88, President Jeff Mancabelli, Mark MacPeak ’88, Stephen Strachan ’88

From left: Doug Grantam ’94, Nate Luongo ’09, President Jeff Mancabelli, Nick Luongo ’93, Drew Luongo ’06

From left: Andre Simonpietri ’62, Diana Soucy, President Jeff Mancabelli, Bob Baiers ’60, Tema Masters ’16

From left: David Robinson ’88, President Jeff Mancabelli, Ron Kennison ’89, and Carlos Mosley ’90

From left: Brad Fennell ’83, President Jeff Mancabelli, Rahsaan Bernard P’26

From left: Will Cutler ’01, Danny Boitel ’01, President Jeff Mancabelli, Kyle Brant ’04, Tim Iuculano ’02

From left: Jim Bieber ’65, Nick Carosi ’65, President Jeff Mancabelli, John Thiel ’65, Alex Bieber

CHRIS BALLA ’12

Class Notes

DANIEL A. CARRERO ’91

ED DELGADO ’74

SJC alumni gathered in Cusco, Lima, and Machu Piccu, Peru, to celebrate the upcoming wedding of Chris Balla ’12 and his fiancé Emily Brown. Shown left to right: Carson Christie ’12, Justin Rosenberg ’12, Christopher Balla ’12, Søren Døssing ’12, and Anthony Crisalli ’12.

ASIA CARR ’08

Daniel A. Carrero, president of House to Home Solutions, LLC, was honored with the prestigious Remodelers Advantage (RA) National IMPACT Award. House to Home Solutions is a three-time nominee for this prestigious award, topping a field of more than 500 industry leaders.

MARK CROSBY ’68

Asia Carr can be seen on YouTube in “Tovala: Asia’s Story,” an online advertisement for the Tovala® Smart Oven.

Mark Crosby was inducted into the DC Wireless Hall of Fame. One of the industry’s highest honors, the appointment acknowledges the leadership, innovation, and achievement of each honoree based on contributions to the advancement of wireless services, products, and programs.

The story about a boy who makes the remarkable discovery that his golf clubs have come to life, Ed DelGado’s children’s book, Cal’s Magical Clubs, has piqued the interest of the LPGA.

KAHLIL HARRIS EPPS ’14

BLAIR HALL HAYES, PH.D ’96

JOSHUA K. HOUSE ’16

Kahlil Epps was awarded the Jordan A. Quick Memorial Award for the Vanderbilt Law School Class of 2022. The award is given annually to the student judged to have made the greatest contribution to the quality of life at the law school through leadership with the Vanderbilt Bar Association.

THOMAS GRAHAM ’78

Thomas Graham, the director at Goodwill of Greater Washington, received the U.S. President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Voluntary Service.

Written to help individuals reflect on the joys of their lives and of those who joined them on their path to happiness and fulfillment, Grace, Growth & Gratitude: The Path to Happiness through Acts of Appreciation and Expression of Thanks, provides tips and techniques for incorporating gratitude and grateful acts into our everyday lives.

In 2021, Big Sun Publishing, in association with Josué Casa, Inc., released Joshua K. House’s first poetry collection, Mahogany: Reflections of a Young Black Man. The poetry collection consists of 55 poems that focus on the identifying, understanding, and application of true compassion and love to all that humans interact with throughout their lives.

KEVIN HYMEL ’85

Research director for WWII History and Military Heritage magazines, Kevin Hymel’s book, Patton’s War: An American General’s Combat Leadership, was published by University of Missouri Press in 2021. Mr. Hymel also works as a contract historian at Arlington National Cemetery and leads tours of General Patton’s European battlefields for Stephen Ambrose Historical Tours. In other exciting news, Tyler Perry is set to write and direct Netflix’s Six Triple Eight—adapted from Hymel’s article about the 6888th battalion, published in WWII History Magazine by Sovereign Media—about the efforts of the only all-Black, all-female battalion. Set as executive producer, Kerry Washington also stars in the film along with Sam Waterston, Susan Sarandon, and Oprah Winfrey.

KERN M. JACKSON, PH.D ’83

JAH-ASIA NURU ’98

JIM PERRUS ’84

Dr. Kern Jackson, director of University of South Alabama’s African American Studies program, was recognized at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival for his powerful contributions to Descendant, a film about the 2019 discovery of the last known illegal slave ship Clotilda, and Africatown, a historic community founded by descendants of the vessel and African Americans in Mobile. The film premiered on Jan. 22 as part of the festival’s US Documentary competition.

ALEXANDRA JONES ’96

An associate in the Construction Litigation department at Cullen and Dykman LLP, Jah-Asia Nuru has been named to the Lawyers of Color’s Annual Hot List, which recognizes early- to mid-career attorneys exceling in the legal profession.

JONATHAN PALUMBO ’97

Director of alumni sponsorships and business development with the University of Maryland Alumni Association, Jim is responsible for driving growth in non-dues revenue by leveraging existing business and effectively managing the sales pipeline. Pictured above: Jim (left) with Maryland all-time great Len Elmore at the 2022 inaugural Black Alumni Weekend.

AISHA SHEPPARD ’17

President Joe Biden announced key appointments to boards and commissions including Alexandra Jones, chair, Cultural Property Advisory Committee.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi announced that Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics/Director of Athletics Jon Palumbo would assume the role of executive deputy athletics director/chief operating officer at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Connecticut 3–1 in the championship series. The former Gatorade DC Player of the Year for girls’ basketball starred at Virginia Tech after a stellar career with the Cadets.

Congratulations to Aisha Sheppard for winning a WNBA title with Las Vegas. The Aces defeated

GEORGE SHIPYAN ’75

TERESA D. TEARE ’96

President Jeff Mancabelli presented George Shipyan with the St. John’s Cadet Coin to honor his under-the-radar, countless hours assisting Coach Pat Ward and the SJC Football team.

EDWARD SEIBOLT ’74

Recognized for professional excellence by her peers in the 29th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, Teresa was additionally recognized as one of the 2023 “Lawyer of the Year” award recipients. She is currently a partner at Shaw Rosenthal in Baltimore, Maryland.

ROGER WHYTE ’04

Fannie May Confections Brands, Inc. and Edward Seibolt, vice president of Sales and Business Development, was inducted into the Candy Hall of Fame by the National Confectionery Sales Association.

Roger was named among the “40 Under 40” by BizBash and Connect, who recognize professionals who make an early mark in the meetings and events industry. This special honor was awarded to individuals who displayed not only innovation but imagination in their work.

Athletic Highlights

SJC vs. Gonzaga: 100th Anniversary Game

On Saturday, Nov. 5, SJC football played Gonzaga in the 100th regular-season meeting of the two teams— the first regular-season, SJC vs. Gonzaga game played on Military Road in 30 years.

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

The following pages highlight athletic accomplishments from the following seasons: Winter 2021–22, Spring 2022, and Fall 2022.

WINTER 2021–22

BOYS’ BASKETBALL

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Malik Mack ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Donavan Freeman ’24, Christian Watson ’22

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Shane Lancaster ’22, Raymond Watts ’23

• DCSAA 1st Team All-State: Malik Mack ’23

• DCSAA 2nd Team All-State: Donavan Freeman ’24, Shane Lancaster ’22, Christian Watson ’22

• 3rd Team All-Met: Malik Mack ’23

• College Commitments:

Shane Lancaster ’22, Niagara University

Christian Watson ’22, University of Miami

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• WCAC 1st Team AllConference:

Delaney Thomas ’23, Kyndal Walker ’24

• WCAC Honorable Mention:

Gianni Boone ’22, Mitchell Edmond ’22

• DCSAA 1st Team All-State:

Delaney Thomas ’23, Kyndal Walker ’24

• 1st Team All-Met:

Delaney Thomas ’23

• 3rd Team All-Met: Kyndal Walker ’24

• College Commitments:

Gianni Boone ’22, Campbell University

Isabella Tanedo ’22, Utah State

Delaney Thomas ’23, Duke University

Louise Tshitenge-Mutombo ’22, Virginia Wesleyan University

Girls’ Basketball 2022 WCAC Champions

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• 2022 MAPHL Champions

• Ranked #1 in The Washington Post

• WCAC Player of the Year: Andrew Kurowski ’22

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Matthew Grisius ’22, Chase Hornbecker ’23, Andrew Kurowski ’22, Charlie Volkman ’22

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Aidan Foster ’22

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Charlie Benjamin ’22, Carter Johnson ’25, Adam Urbancic ’24

• MAPHL Player of the Year: Andrew Kurowski ’22

• 1st Team All-MAPHL: John Carney ’23, Aidan Foster ’22, Chase Hornbecker ’23

• All-Met Player of the Year: Andrew Kurowski ’22

• 1st Team All-Met: Chase Hornbecker ’23

• 2nd Team All-Met: Aidan Foster ’22

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Matthew Grisius ’22

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY

GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• 2022 MAGHL Champions

• Ranked #1 in The Washington Post

• WCAC Player of the Year: Jen Albero ’22

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Jen Albero ’22, Amelia Haywood ’22, Cece Hodges ’22, Caroline Lokken ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Bailey Guessford ’23, Margaux Nicholson ’25

GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Zoe Beuzelin ’23, Elizabeth Holt ’24, Ava Schutter ’22

• 1st Team All-MAGHL: Jen Albero ’22, Amelia Haywood ’22, Caroline Lokken ’23

• 2nd Team All-Met: Jen Albero ’22

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Amelia Haywood ’22, Cece Hodges ’22, Caroline Lokken ’23, Margaux Nicholson ’25

Boys’ Ice Hockey 2022 WCAC Champions

Boys’ Ice Hockey 2022 MAPHL Champions

Girls’ Ice Hockey 2022 WCAC Champions

Girls’ Ice Hockey 2022 MAGHL Champions

SWIM & DIVE

• WCAC 3rd Place 100 Breast: Felicity Yetter ’23

• 2022 DCSAA Championship: Girls: Runners Up Boys: 4th Place

1st Place, Diving: Caden Guy ’24

• College Commitment: Riley Langan ’22, Towson University

SWIM & DIVE

INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

• 2022 Boys’ DCSAA Champions

• 2022 Girls’ DCSAA Champions

• DCSAA All-State: Lorelei McIntosh ’25

• DCSAA 1st Team All-State: Aminah Martin ’22

• 1st-Team All-Met: Chayce Bryson ’24, Meredith Gotzman ’23, Joshua Thompson ’22

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Payton Jones ’25, Aminah Martin ’22, Lorelei McIntosh ’25, Carlos Moore ’22, Austin Rios-Colon ’22, Naeema Solomon ’25, Cymia Yourish ’25

• DC Gatorade Player of the Year: Meredith Gotzman ’23

• College Commitments: Matias Facchinato-Sitja ’22, Case Western University

Nicolas Grabarz ’22, Fordham University

Kennedy Hayward ’22, George Mason University

Aminah Martin ’22, Columbia University

Tristen Parker ’22, George Mason University

Austin Rios-Colon ’22, Columbia University

Kylie Ritz ’22, Fordham University

WRESTLING

• 2022 DCSAA Runner-up

Boys’ and Girls’ 2022 Indoor Track DCSAA Champions

BASEBALL

• 2022 WCAC: 2nd Place

• Ranked #7 Prep Baseball Report, VA/DC Power 50

• Ranked #3 Prep Baseball Report, Private Schools

• 2nd Team PBR All-Regional

• 1st Team All-Met: Brayden Martin ’23

• College Commitments:

Adam Astacio ’22, Eastern Connecticut University

Sean Harmon ’23, Coast Guard Academy

Flynn Howard ’22, Merrimack College

Brayden Martin ’23, Florida St. University

Rohan Mishra ’23, Vassar College

Andrew Powers ’23, Virginia Commonwealth

Mitchell Smallwood ’23, Emory University

Ben Thomason ’23, University of Massachusetts

BASEBALL

GOLF

• 2022 WCAC: 3rd Place

• 2022 DCSAA: 3rd Place

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Katie Robles-Patterson ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Jimmy Spallone ’25

• WCAC Honorable Mention: William Griffith ’24

• DCSAA 3rd Place Individual Honors: William Griffith ’24, Katie Robles-Patterson ’23

• All-Met Honorable Mention: William Griffith ’24, Katie Robles-Patterson ’23, Jimmy Spallone ’25

• College Commitment: Charlie Craig ’22, Hobart College

CREW

• 2022 Head of the James Men’s Youth Eight: 2nd Place

• 2022 Head of the James Women’s Lightweight Four: 1st Place

• 2022 Scholastic Rowing Association of America National Championships: Boys’ Silver

• 2022 SMIRA Girls’ Fours Champions: Bronze 3rd 4+

• 2022 Stotesbury Cup: Boys’ Silver, Lightweight 4+

• 2022 WMIRA Boys’ Fours Champions: Gold 2nd 4+ | Gold 3rd 4+ | Silver 1st 4+

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Jack Drelichman ’22, Nick Hessick ’22

• College Commitments: Jack Drelichman ’22, Ohio State Teddy Knight ’22, Holy Cross Elena Conic ’22, Loyola Marymount University

EQUESTRIAN

• 2nd Place, IEA Regionals | 7th Place, IEA Zone Finals: Bertille Souberbielle: ’25

• 4th Place, IEA Regionals: Ava McQuiston’24

BOYS’ LACROSSE

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• WCAC Player of the Year: Riley Figueiras ’22

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Richard Checo ’22, Ryan Duenkel ’24, Riley Figueiras ’22, Caleb Fyock ’23, Mac Haley ’22, Luke Rhoa ’22, Vincenzo Trujillo ’22, Jackie Weller ’23

• Inside Lacrosse: #1 National Ranking

• Ranked #1 MaxPreps

• College Commitments:

Blake Boyd ’22, Air Force Academy

Chase Cavalier ’22, Mount St. Mary’s

Riley Chai-Onn ’23, Hamilton College

Richard Checo ’22, Lehigh University

Thomas Dezio ’22, Jacksonville University

Riley Figueiras ’22, Syracuse University

Caleb Fyock ’23, Ohio State University

Mac Haley ’22, U.S. Naval Academy

Noah Hall ’23, University of MD Baltimore County

Landen Hyatt ’22, Dickinson University

Gavin Kelly ’22, Drexel University

Ryder Mattingly ’22, Towson University

Jack Morad ’23, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Patrick O’Donnell ’22, Christopher Newport University

Jack Pilla ’22, Mount St. Mary’s

Luke Rhoa ’22, Syracuse University

Christian Swope ’22, Dickinson University

Vincenzo Trujillo ’22, Syracuse University

Jackie Weller ’23, University of Michigan

Kevin Whitty ’22, Mount St. Mary’s

BOYS’ LACROSSE

GIRLS’ LACROSSE

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Lilly Comello ’22

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Lauren Archer ’23, Meryl Docking ’24, Brigid Murray ’22, Stella Shea ’23, Olivia Weston ’24

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Molly Bruner ’24, Ellie Chen ’24, Amelia Haywood ’22

• 2nd Team All-Met: Stella Shea ’23

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Lauren Archer ’23

• College Commitments:

Lauren Archer ’23, Northwestern University

Caroline Lamanna ’23, Gettysburg College

Katie Maloney ’22, Drexel University

Brigid Murray ’22, Catholic University

Stella Shea ’23, Harvard University

Boys’ Lacrosse 2022 WCAC Champions

Girls’ Lacrosse 2022 DCSAA Champions

RUGBY

• MAVRC 1st Team All-Conference: Mike Kehoe ’23, Garrett Schuppner ’22, Ben Sozio ’23

• MAVRC 2nd Team All-Conference: Lucas Bichy ’23, Paul Carvajal ’22, Tyler Munson ’22, Alex Ogu ’23

SOFTBALL

• 2022 WCAC: 4th Place

• 2022 WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Cameran Corbett ’25, Delaney Mosley ’23

• 2022 WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Devyn Johnson ’25

• 2022 DCSAA: Runner up

• 2022 DCSAA 1st Team All-State: Helen Bromley ’23, Cameran Corbett ’25, Devyn Johnson ’25, Ellie Langley ’24, Delaney Mosley ’23

• College Commitment: Delaney Mosley ’23, University of Illinois

BOYS’ TENNIS

BOYS’ TENNIS

During the spring 2022 season, the boys’ tennis team placed 8th in the WCAC with John Jameson ’23 competing in the WCAC semifinals.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

• 2022 Girls’ WCAC Champions

• 2022 Girls’ DCSAA Champions

• WCAC Freshman of the Year: Cymia Yourish ’25

• DCSAA 1st Team All-State: Aminah Martin ’22

• 1st Team All-Met: Chayce Bryson ’24, Meredith Gotzman ’23, Joshua Thompson ’22, Cymia Yourish ’25

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Takia Henson ’23, Amina Martin ’22, Carlos Moore ’22, Austin Rios-Colon ’22

• DC Gatorade Player of the Year: Meredith Gotzman ’23

• College Commitment: Meredith Gotzman ’23, Fordham University

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

FALL 2022

Girls’ Cross Country WCAC Champions

CROSS COUNTRY

• 2022 Girls’ WCAC Champions

• 2022 Girls’ DCSAA Champions

• DCSAA 1st Team All-State: Nell Droege ’24, Caroline Gotzman ’23, Jennifer Maxwell ’24

• DCSAA All-State Honorable Mention: Hailey Caldwell ’26

• 1st Team All-Met: Meredith Gotzman ’23

• College Commitments:

Matias Facchinato-Sitja ’22, Case Western University

Meredith Gotzman ’23, Fordham University

Nicolas Grabarz ’22, Fordham University

Kennedy Hayward ’22, George Mason University

Austin Rios-Colon ’22, Columbia University

Girls’ Cross Country 2022 DCSAA Champions

FIELD HOCKEY

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• All WCAC Player of the Year: Leah Morrison ’23

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Lauren Archer ’23, Anna Arnold ’26, Molly Bruner ’24, Leah Morrison ’23, Ally Snyder ’25

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Ella Kraus ’25, Colleen Mahoney ’24, Olivia Weston ’24

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Elizabeth Chen ’24, Kathryn Morin ’24, Bethany Rose ’24

• All-Met Player of the Year: Leah Morrison ’23

• College Commitment: Leah Morrison ’23, Syracuse University

Field Hockey 2022 WCAC Champions

FOOTBALL

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• Ranked #1 in The Washington Post

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Rohan Davy ’23, Griffin Dorman ’23, Collin Gill ’23, Adrian Littleton ’23, Shane Messenger ’23, Da’Jaun Riggs ’24, Jordan Seaton ’24, Montay Weedon ’24

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Cinque Blount ’24, Tariq Hayer ’25, Ian Miller ’23, David Ojiegbe ’23, Alexander Provencher ’24, Owen Ruskavich ’23, Sean Williams ’23, Trenton Wilson ’25

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Kahini Austin ’23, Trent Brown ’23, Asa Gregg ’23, Shamar McIntosh ’24, Kenneth McManus ’25

• Under Armour All-American: Rohan Davy ’23, David Ojiegbe ’23

• 1st Team All-Met: David Ojiegbe ’23

• 2nd Team All-Met: Rohan Davy ’23

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Collin Gill ’23, Tariq Hayer ’25, Da’Jaun Riggs ’24

• College Commitments:

Kahini Austin ’23, Duquesne University

Trent Brown ’23, Rutgers University

Jamar Curtis ’22, Lafayette University

Rohan Davy ’23, NC State University

Griffin Dorman ’23, Morgan State University

Joshua Gary ’22, Bucknell University

Collin Gill ’23, University of Oregon

Wyatt Hagan ’22, Virginia Military Institute

Raashed Hall ’23, University of Pennsylvania

Wilson Gonzalez ’23, Millersville University

Asa Gregg ’23, Alabama State University

Jais Kirkman ’23, United States Coast Guard Academy

Darryl “DJ” Linkins ’22, University of New Hampshire

Adrian Littleton ’23, Morgan State University

Arturo Mattocks ’22, Morgan State University

Shane Messenger ’23, Morgan State University

Ian Miller ’23, Towson University

Carlos Moore ’22, Elon University

David Ojiegbe ’23, Clemson University

Phillip Rawlings ’22, Monmouth University

Zahbari Sandy ’23, University of South Carolina

Kendel Sims ’22, Merrimack College

Marcus Simmons ’22, University of South Dakota

Myles Slade ’23, United States Naval Academy

Isaiah Smith ’22, Southern Methodist University

Shomari Stone ’22, University of Michigan

Joshua Thompson ’22, Stanford University

Sean Williams ’23, University of Maryland

Football 2022 WCAC Champions

BOYS’ SOCCER

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Nicholas Laffey ’23, Mark Nakamura ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Vincent Barranca ’23, Lowen Jamison ’25, Leon Stanley ’24

• DCSAA All-State Soccer Team: Nicholas Laffey ’23

• College Commitments:

Clayton James ’22, Waynesburg University

Nicholas Laffey ’23, Virginia Tech

Mark Nakamura ’23, George Washington University

GIRLS’ SOCCER

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• WCAC Player of the Year: Emely Rubio-Garcia ’23

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Kailyn Effah ’25, Alyssa Heard ’24, Emely Rubio-Garcia ’23, Samantha Stevens ’24

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Erin Belson ’23, Shelby Pollard ’23, Chanel Wright ’26

• 2022 DCSAA Champions

• DCSAA Player of the Year: Emely Rubio-Garcia ’23

• DCSAA Player of the Match, Championship Game: Emely Rubio-Garcia ’23

• DCSAA All-State Soccer Team: Alyssa Heard ’24, Kailyn Effah ’25, Shelby Pollard ’23

• All-Met Player of the Year: Emely Rubio-Garcia ’23

• 2nd Team All-Met: Alyssa Heard ’24

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Kailyn Effah ’25, Samantha Stevens ’24

• College Commitments:

Farah Salam ’22, St. John’s University

Karly Bacarisas ’23, Howard University

Shelby Pollard ’23, Delaware State University

Girls’ Soccer 2022 DCSAA Champions

Girls’ Soccer 2022 WCAC Champions

GIRLS’ TENNIS

• 2022 WCAC Champions

• WCAC 1st Team Singles: Eva Marie Doomes ’23, Gabrielle Pierce ’25, Nadia Watkins ’24

• WCAC 1st Team Doubles: Eva Marie Doomes ’23, Nadia Watkins ’24

• WCAC 2nd Team Singles: Chloë Walker ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team Doubles: Gabrielle Pierce ’25, Chloë Walker ’23

• 2022 DCSAA: Runner up

• All-Met Honorable Mention: Eva Doomes ’23, Chloë Walker ’23

VOLLEYBALL

• 2022 WCAC: 3rd Place

• WCAC 1st Team All-Conference: Pam McCune ’23

• WCAC 2nd Team All-Conference: Maya Reeves ’23

• WCAC Honorable Mention: Racquel Frazier ’25, Morgan Reeves ’26

• ABCA 1st Team All-American: Pam McCune ’23

• 2022 Volley Hall Classic Tournament Champions

• DC Gatorade Player of the Year: Pam McCune ’23

• 1st Team All-Met: Pam McCune ’23

• College Commitments:

Melina Brooking ’22, Syracuse University

Erin Faughnan ’22, Catholic University

Kathryn Kelyman ’22, Berry College

Pamela McCune ’23, Iowa State University

Maya Reeves ’23, Jackson State University

Girls’ Tennis 2022 WCAC Champions

In Memoriam

Our deceased alumni, faculty, and staff are enrolled as perpetual members of the St. La Salle Auxiliary. The Christian Brothers and the entire St. John’s community offer their prayers and condolences to the families and friends of those who have passed.

NOTICES RECEIVED FROM JANUARY 21, 2022, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2022.

John Baden ’47

Cornelius “Neal” Collins ’47

William Flanery ’47

Jerome Knittle ’42

John McCarthy ’45

William Offutt ’49

John Williams ’49

Rudolph Bauss ’56

Gregory Betor ’54

John Brazinsky ’56

Joseph Bruno ’52

Theodore Burns, Jr. ’52

Timothy Conner ’50 Burl Hays, Jr. ’54

C. Walter Hendrix, Jr. ’52

Edward Hill ’52

Joseph Kelly ’50

Theodore Leneski ’52

Raymond Manogue ’50

William May ’51

John McAuliffe ’58

Nicholas Poulos ’52

Lee Reamy ’55

William Retzbach, Jr. ’52

J. Walsh Richards, Jr. ’58

William Scaggs ’54

David Shannon ’54

Robert Smith ’52

Edwin Stokes, Jr. ’54

Richard Amato ’60

Thomas Beall ’62

Christopher Beverley ’64

Bret Brown ’67

John Conlon, Jr. ’64

Vincent Dean ’62

Dennis Dimsey ’61

Richard Downham, Jr. ’63

Rafael Font ’68

Peter Fuge ’65

John Herchenroeder ’69

Michael Lawrence ’65

Robert Lomedico ’64

Lawrence Mallam ’67

Thomas McHugh ’62

Matthew McNeill ’68

Michael McNerney ’66

James Mitchell ’64

Nicholas Morgan ’66

Raymond Osbourn ’63

James Rodgers ’68

Mario Siravo ’65

James Stakem ’66

James Stanton, Jr. ’68

Kenneth Welker ’67

Robert Hawkins ’71

FACULTY/STAFF

NOT SHOWN: Jerry Brzezanski, Class of 1964

TO NOTIFY ST. JOHN’S OF A DEATH, PLEASE CONTACT TOM VEITH, SJC’S ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, AT TVEITH@STJOHNSCHS.ORG.

Michael Kelly ’79

Brendan “Joe” Malloy ’76 Floyd McCrory ’73

Arthur Walsh ’71

Philip Weeda ’78

Kevin Babbington ’85

Karin Rodney-Hodge ’96

Benita Bobo ’02

Robin Smith ’02

Kevin Ourand ’20

Andrew Marcey ’25

Bro. John Herron, FSC Bro. John Lawless, FSC Jennifer Pelletier

CLASS OF 1973 Reunion 50th Reunion

THURSDAY–FRIDAY, JUNE 1–2, 2023

SHOW YOUR –

School S pirit

SHOW YOUR –School S pirit