Scarlet & Grey Summer 2013 by St. John's College High School

summer 2013

Dear St. John’s Community,

Scarlet & Grey Vol. xxV • No. 3 • Summer 2013

St. John’s College High School President

Jeffrey Mancabelli Principal

Bro. Michael Andrejko, fsc Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Michael Esten Director of Communications

Kathy Howe Director of Development

Mark Gibbs ’96 Associate Director of Development Tom Veith

This summer we are trying something new. In order to wrap up the 2012-13 school year and cover the Class of 2013’s graduation before we start fresh in the fall, we have added this online-only, summer supplement edition of the Scarlet & Grey. In this edition, you will read remarks from the 2013 valedictorian and salutatorian and see photos from graduation. You can read about a St. John’s graduate who is serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar and the summer service trips taken by our current students. There are also photos from the 98th JROTC Annual Federal Inspection and a report about the most recent renovations and additions to the St. John’s campus. This summer, we did away with the separate alumni website to make things simpler for the St. John’s community. You can now register for reunions, update your contact information, read about what’s happening on campus, view images from school events and get other alumni-specific information, all on one website. Keep an eye out for our next print edition, which will arrive in your mailbox later this fall. We are gearing up for an exceptional start to the new academic year so until then, stay up-todate on what’s happening at St. John’s via our website, Facebook page and Twitter feed.

Sincerely,

Director of Annual Giving

Deborah DuPont Events Manager

Gerri O’Boyle Database Manager

Lori Martin Editor

Kathy Howe Photography

Lawrence French Kathy Howe Art Director

Frank Sheehan St. John’s College High School 2607 Military Road, NW Chevy Chase, DC 20015 www.stjohnschs.org Alumni and Development Office 202.364.0229 | F: 202.363.5091 khowe@stjohnschs.org

Mr. Jeffrey W. Mancabelli President

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2 Life at St. John’s 7 Sports at St. John’s 9

9 Congratulations, Graduates! 18 Alumni Action

Life at St. John’s Cesar Vergara ’74 Shares His Passion for Transportation Design with SJC Students On May 17, Cesar Vergara ’74 visited St. John’s visual art classes to discuss his unique career as an industrial and transportation designer with SJC’s young artists. Vergara designs bridges, high-speed trains, industrial locomotives and other mass transportation vehicles. He showed the students some of the vehicles he has worked on and explained the artistic work

Stay Connected Make sure you’re up to date on the latest news and events happening at St. John’s:

L ike us on our official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ StJohnsCollegeHighSchool Visit our website for news and announcements: www.stjohnschs.org/news Follow us on Twitter: @StJohnsCHS @SJCAthletics

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that goes into creating these machines, which he designs to be both attractive and functional. His company, Vergara Studios, employs the motto: “If it costs a million, it should look like a million.” His work can also be seen locally as he redesigned the DC Circulator buses, which he pointed out to the students are colored St. John’s scarlet and grey!

Under Construction: Summer Campus Upgrades This summer, the St. John’s faculty and staff were hard at work upgrading campus facilities in preparation for the fall semester. To better support the new 1:1 educational technology program, the Technology Department upgraded the school’s entire Wi-Fi infrastructure to support the increase in iPad use. They also upgraded all classrooms to include wireless connectivity for iPads and laptops, added management servers for the iPad program, installed charging stations throughout campus and upgraded the network switches. One of the biggest changes on campus this summer was the renovation of

the Counseling Center. The academic counselors and college counselors will now occupy two different offices: the old Counseling Center has been completely redone and will now house the academic counselors, and the college counselors will move into new offices built in the former bookstore’s location. St. John’s also renovated the bathrooms on the 100 and 200 levels, installing new tile, stalls, fixtures and granite countertops. The hallways on those levels also received new ceilings and new energy-efficient light fixtures that significantly brighten the halls. These changes will welcome the students back to school for the 2013-14 school year this August.

Life at St. John’s

St. John’s Presents Annual Faculty Awards This spring, St. John’s honored three educators with its annual faculty awards. They will be formally presented at the Academic Convocation on Sept. 25. Linda Majkrzak was named as St. John’s Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year. This award honors an educator who exemplifies the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of the Christian Teachers of Youth. It is sponsored by the regional office of the Christian Brothers Conference in the name of all Lasallians of the region of North America. Donna Moga and Katie Vedete were chosen by their peers as recipients of the 2012-13 Gasser Award, which recognizes individuals who are excellent educators and who serve as Christian role models. These educators maintain effective relationships

Linda Majkrzak

Donna Moga

with their students and their families and support with great zeal the philosophy and mission of St. John’s. This annual award was established by the Gasser family in honor of Marge Gasser, mother of four St. John’s graduates: Timothy ’74, Mark ’75, Jeffrey ’79 and Jonathan ’80. She was president of the Mother’s Club from 1978-79, and her grandson Mark gradu-

Katie Vedete

ated in 2004 and is currently a member of the St. John’s faculty. “Our hats are off and our hearts are filled with gratitude for these dedicated Lasallians and all that they have done to help the students entrusted to them. It has been a privilege to work alongside them,” said Bro. Michael Andrejko, St. Johns’ principal.

Capitol Hardscapes Brightens the Senior Picnic This May, the Class of 2013 gathered for their Senior Picnic to practice for graduation, sign each other’s yearbooks and spend one of their last days as St. John’s students together as a class. And thanks to the hard work of John Scango ’88 and his crew from Capitol Hardscapes, they were also able to see their personalized bricks in the Fernandez Stadium Plaza at the Senior Picnic. Scango generously donated his time after a long day to come to campus and ensure the pavers were installed correctly and in time for the seniors to enjoy them. St. John’s greatly appreciates his commitment to his trade and to the school, and SJC is fortunate that he and his company will be on hand to make sure this work is performed just as well in the future.

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Life at St. John’s

JROTC Holds Annual Federal Inspection On May 14, St. John’s held its annual JROTC Awards Ceremony and Pass In Review; this year marks the 98th anniversary of the school’s JROTC regiment. Capt. Brian Jones ’04, USMC, served as this year’s reviewing officer. In 2008, he graduated from the University of Alabama and was commissioned from the Officer Candidate School. His first posting was to the Fifth Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton, CA, where he served as an intelligence officer. Jones has since served two tours in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon for actions while under fire. He is a graduate of the Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape (SERE) School, ScoutSniper Platoon Commanders Course and Counter-Intelligence School. In addition to the inspection, the JROTC program presented awards to this year’s exemplary cadets: • President’s Medal: ––Thomas Shedlick ’13 • Sergeant Major Michael J. Hackett Scholarship Award: ––Genevieve Pennanen ’16

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• St. John’s Principal’s Medal: ––John Rurka ’13 ––James Schnurr ’14 ––Jacob Bearer ’15 ––Thomas Oristian ’16 • Superior Cadet Award: ––Matthew Cranford ’13 ––Brandon Tull ’14 ––Matthew Arceo ’15 ––Genevieve Pennanen ’16 • Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award: ––Murray Shackelford ’13 • Military Order of the World Wars Award: ––Eleanor Franc ’14 • Daughters of the American Revolution Bronze Medal: ––Brenna Zsebedics ’13 • Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Medal: ––James Dour ’13 • Good Citizenship Medal: ––Brenna Zsebedics ’13 ––James Dour ’13 • Sergeant Major Hackett Award: ––Matt Fitzgerald ’14 • American Legion Award: ––Patrick Garcia ’14 ––Austin Stevens ’15 ––Michael Birch ’16 • Military Order of the Purple Heart Award: ––Hugh McDowell ’13 • Reserve Officer’s Association Award: ––P.J. Oristian ’13

Life at St. John’s

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Life at St. John’s

A Summer of Service During the summer break, St. John’s sponsored three service trips that gave students a chance to get out of their comfort zones and spend their vacation helping others. This June, two groups traveled to the De La Salle Blackfeet School in Browning, MT. A total of 16 students and four faculty members made the trip to the Lasallian San Miguel school, which serves the boys and girls living on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. During the weeks of June 9-15 and June 16-22, the St. John’s contingent helped run the school’s optional summer program. They gave lessons in reading and math and planned fun activities and field trips to local landmarks, such as Glacier National Park. Although the students also helped the Christian Brothers who run the school with yard work and cleaned up around the mission, they still found time to swim, hike and take in the beautiful scenery. Science Department Chair Brian McCarthy, who accompanied the first trip to

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Montana, said he thought the trip gave the St. John’s students a better awareness of how other people live because the environment there was so different from Washington, DC. “I think the Blackfeet children really opened up to them, and they were in need of mentorship. In return, the SJC students learned to open up and have patience. I think they learned as much from the children they were working with as the children learned from the SJC students,” McCarthy reflected. From July 29 through Aug. 4, nine St. John’s students and two faculty sponsors traveled to Camden, NJ, to volunteer with Romero Center Ministries. The center, which is designed to provide high school students with Catholic education and retreat experiences, partners with other local non-profits to give its student volunteers the chance to work with a variety of service organizations during their week-long stay. In Camden, SJC students volunteered at St. Bartholomew’s Summer Youth Program, which provides mentoring, recreation, and education for students aged

6-14; Francis House, a community for those infected with HIV and their families; Habitat for Humanity; the Martin Luther King Jr. Child Development Center; and the Food Bank, where they packed student lunches and cleaned the facility. James Williams ’14 traveled to Camden for the second time this summer. He said that while the work was challenging, it was also very rewarding. “When I look at the people that I work with and the thanks they give us, and also when I see all the kids being able to play together happily, it makes me feel like a better person. It tells me that I am doing something right,” Williams shared. “With this service to the smaller community, the bigger community can benefit in many different ways. When all of the bigger communities give service to the smaller and less fortunate, over time, it brings the whole population to equilibrium.” The students also wrote daily blog posts during each service trip detailing their activities and reflections – to read them, please visit www.stjohnschs.org/ servicetripblog.

Sports at St. John’s Spring 2013 Sports Highlights The varsity baseball team finished the season 22-6 overall and 14-2 in the WCAC. The Cadets took first place in the WCAC regular season and were ranked No. 4 by The Washington Post. Boys’ varsity lacrosse ended their season 11-8. Season highlights included a win over Good Counsel and tied matches against Prep and Landon. The girls’ varsity lacrosse team placed fifth in the WCAC, with a record of 9-9-1. The team spent three days at a tournament in Ocean City, NJ, where they went 3-0.

Class of 2013 College Athletic Commitments • Lindsay Allen (Basketball) – University of Notre Dame • Tristan Atterbury (Football) – Wesley College • Jasmine Bailey (Basketball) – Stony Brook University • Eva Baker (Crew) – University of Rhode Island • Jake Band (Baseball) – Dickinson College • Ned Bent (Football) – Bucknell University • Sherman Bernett (Football) – West Virginia State University • Brandon Bowman (Football) – Wesley College • Darrell Burrell (Football) – St. Vincent College

Softball continues its rise in the WCAC. The 2013 team boasts a winning record at 8-5. Boys’ track and field finished second at the WCAC championships, a huge improvement in team performance – two years ago, SJC was the 12th-place team. The girls’ track and field athletes finished fifth at the championships. The track team also placed two qualifiers for the New Balance Nationals: Chandler Baxter ’14 in the 55-meter and the 200-meter relay team (Baxter, Taylor Camp ’15, Nia Sena ’13 and Jordan Camp ’13). The crew team’s popularity continues to grow, with more than 50 students now participating. After achieving success at the novice level, the team now competes at the top level with hope of breaking

• Bobby Campbell (Baseball) – George Washington University • Katherine Colevas (Soccer) – Virginia Tech • Sam Davis (Soccer) – Wright State University • Brian DeLaurentis (Soccer) – Manhattan College • Evan Flax (Baseball) – Denison University • Ryan Fornatora (Lacrosse) – Robert Morris University • Cassie Houy (Crew) – San Diego State University • Warren Lea (Lacrosse) – Robert Morris University • Alex Malchow (Football) – Denison University • Josh Neal (Baseball) – Case Western Reserve University • Tori Oliver (Basketball) – Columbia University

into the second day at the championships. The team also rows in Philadelphia at the Stokesbury Regatta, the largest in the country, and in New Jersey at the Classic National Championships. The team placed its first shell in the semi-finals at the nationals. The golf team has enjoyed a huge increase in both the number of true golfers participating at SJC and the number of future golfers looking at St. John’s. They finished the season with a 3-6 record, including victories over McNamara, O’Connell and Holy Cross. The rugby team had a solid season with a notable first win over Calvert Hall in the Fourth Annual Brothers Cup. St. John’s will defend the Christian Brothers Cup in the spring of 2014.

• Max Onyenwe (Football) – Robert Morris University • Lis Parks (Soccer) – West Chester University • Cory Paton (Baseball) – Washington & Lee University • Phil Reese (Baseball) – College of the Holy Cross • Errol Robinson (Baseball) – University of Mississippi • Peter Rosa (Football) – Catholic University • Harry Thomas (Baseball) – Delaware State University • Xavior Williams (Football) – Shenandoah University • Josh Willis (Football) – Butler University • Cortney Yeoman (Volleyball) – Dominican College • Zach Zagone (Football) – Frostburg State University

St. J o h n ’ s Gonzaga 3 P.M. November 2 / montgomery blair High School Come early and cheer on your Cadets! St. John’s College High School 7

Sports at St. John’s

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Congr atulations, Gr aduates! On Friday, June 7, the St. John’s Class of 2013 officially became alumni. The 226 graduates crossed the altar at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, shook St. John’s President Jeff Mancabelli’s hand and received their diplomas, ready to take their next steps as young adults dedicated to the Lasallian ideals of leadership, achievement and service to the community.

Remarks from the 2013 Valedictorian Brigid Greaney

ood afternoon, Bro. Mike, Mr. Mancabelli, faculty, classmates, parents, family members and friends of the St. John’s community. I would like to begin my speech as we begin most everything at SJC, so “Let us remember we are in the holy presence of God.” Four years ago, as I sat in the pews at my oldest brother’s graduation, I would never have guessed that I would be standing in front of you all today, proud of what I have accomplished at SJC and so very proud of the class that sits before me. Family is what drew me to St. John’s; it is what made it feel like home before I even attended. From a young age, I was taught to love the scarlet and grey and detest the color of the enemy, Gonzaga purple. So, although family is what brought me to St. John’s, it happened to be the diverse family of SJC that kept me here. God truly is present at SJC, and very present among our relatively small graduating Class of 2013. I have seen evidence of God’s love throughout my four years from my fellow classmates, from the support given at home

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football and basketball games to the simple experience of meeting someone through Kairos to the daily smiles and light-hearted teasing that occur every day throughout the hallways. I cannot stand up here and say that our class are all best friends, nor that we all agree on everything. That, I believe, would lead to a very dull high school experience. Rather, our differences make us strong as a class. Multiple times I have participated in the Class of 2013 coming together in the support of a fellow classmate, or of a former one. This family we have created, this small community, is what makes our class unique. We are there for each other, without a thought, just like family. They say you can’t choose your family; well, then, I would say that God has blessed us with a great one! The second part of the prayer is “St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us.” As high school students, trying to navigate who we are, what we want to do with our lives, who our friends are and various homework assignments, we could really use St. John’s help and guidance. I firmly believe that the presence of God, along with the legacy of St. John, is throughout every inch of our beautiful campus. The Lasallian method of teaching the whole person has affected me in ways I could never have expected. The encouragement from the St. John’s faculty to ask questions, to continue to grow in faith and knowledge, has struck me as an important life lesson. As I look around me, with familiar faces, varying in interests, abilities, dreams and backgrounds, I can see that we are all in the same situation. We know what has happened before St.

John’s, and we have lived for four years with Lasallian tradition in mind, but now we do not know what will happen next. Most of us are headed off to college, and some may choose to discover themselves in a different way, but we all do not know where our paths will take us. Even with varying intelligences and points of view, this is one problem that only God has the answer to. However, this leaves me hopeful! As Sarah Weeks, the author of one of my favorite books, “So B. It,” wrote: “Not knowing something doesn’t mean you’re stupid, all it means is that there’s still room left to wonder.” Not knowing where life will take all of us does make me wonder, and although I do not know where we will be led in life, I am eagerly anticipating what God has planned for the Class of 2013. That being said, there is a final part of the prayer, an importance that can sometimes be missed in the rush to finish homework during homeroom or the anticipation in a huddle before a game. This last part is “Live Jesus in our hearts, forever.” Forever is what truly encompasses what I hope to express to my friends and classmates of 2013. All across the globe, students are saying these words, and the echo of forever is an altogether powerful one. Bro. Luke Salm from Manhattan College dissected this last part of the prayer, saying that “the prayer reminds us that we carry Jesus in our hearts in whatever else we do, not only for the rest of the day, or the week, or the year, but on and on through a lifetime. That is what forever means.” I could never have found the words to say that message so profoundly. St. John’s does not end today. It does not end when we grab our diplomas and head off to different parts of the country. Rather, St. John’s will be with us forever. The blood, sweat and tears on the athletic fields and courts, the countless hours of rehearsals, club meetings or studying will soon become memories. However, the bonds formed at SJC and the love of a community so strong that God’s presence is felt through the hallways and the interactions of the students will never leave us. So I ask this of you, my friends, my family and my class: do not forget SJC. Do not forget that forever will not end in the passing months or years. Please, keep the lessons and experiences from SJC close to your heart as your journey of life becomes increasingly more complex and up to you. Remember that you are always in the holy presence of God and that the SJC family will not forget you after graduation. As I conclude, I would like to say a personal thank you. To my teammates, thank you for pushing me to be the best athlete and teammate I could be. To my teachers, especially Doc Nighan, Ms. Melin, Mr. O’Connell and Ms. Kernich, thank you for seeing more in me than what I could see and challenging me each and every day. Thank you to my family and the entire community of SJC for making this school such a great experience and a wonderful place to spend four years. Finally, thank you to the Class of 2013; thank you for everything, I could not have asked for a better group of people to share in my high school experience. I love you all and wish you the absolute best with your future endeavors. So, if you will let me, I would like to say the prayer one last time as a St. John’s student. Let us remember that we are in the

Fr. Timothy Corcoran ’63 celebrated Mass at the Class of 2013’s commencement. Corcoran was also celebrating his 50th reunion with his own St. John’s classmates from 1963.

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holy presence of God. St. John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Remarks from the 2013 Salutatorian Kristiana Jordan

s I lay in bed, fretting over how even to begin this speech, a miscellaneous quote I had somehow scavenged on the Internet sprang into my head: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” Michelangelo said this, and although most of us aren’t going to become worldfamous sculptors, I do believe that our time at St. John’s has provided us with some of the important tools needed to carve ourselves free. It was September of 2009 when the majority of us entered the deceivingly enormous hallways of St. John’s College High School to begin this transformative journey. Some of us were legacies, like the Greaneys and the Donatellis, whose family members had already walked those very same halls and been educated by some of the seemingly ancient teachers. Others, like me, were the very first of our

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families to set foot in a Catholic high school. All 230 of us entered the building, some skipping, others dragging their feet, wearing enormous freshman backpacks like tortoise shells. I dragged around my now infamously gargantuan, navy blue rolling backpack. Needless to say, it was pretty tragic. The feeling I recall the strongest, a feeling I’m almost positive was universal, is a confounding concoction of elation and terror. I was staring at that block of marble, fingers clasped loosely around a pick, with absolutely no idea where to begin. While the first few weeks of freshman year were marked by fumbling through new friendships, being intimidated by new teachers (most memorably Bro. Martin) and awkwardly playing musical chairs in the cafeteria, the moment that sticks out most to me is my first St. John’s vs. Gonzaga football game. It was the first time I had ever attended a football game, and, to be honest, I had absolutely no idea what was actually occurring on the field. However, it was during the first “I Believe Cheer” that I truly felt, in full force, the sense of community that I believe defines St. John’s. I was jumping in the red zone, bundled in my SJC gear with my fellow freshmen. Screaming the refrain of the cheer, along with hundreds of other students, was the first time I truly felt like an integral member of the community. The mismatch of hoarse falsettos, low baritones and everything in between blended together in an exhilarating cadence. Throughout my time at SJC, that feeling as remained with me – the feeling of being a part of something wild and sometimes confusing, but altogether transformative.

Class of 2013 Commencement Awards • Excellence in Art: Kayla Phillips • Excellence in Computers: Brennan O’Reagan • Excellence in English: Daniel Dunlavey • Excellence in French: Camilla Cook • Excellence in JROTC Studies: Thomas Shedlick • Excellence in Latin: Daniel Dunlavey • Excellence in Mathematics: Kevin Nuckolls • Excellence in Performing Arts: Kevin Nuckolls • Excellence in Religion: Thandi Young • Excellence in Science: Robert Genega • Excellence in Social Studies: Aaron True • Excellence in Spanish: Grace Hassler Scholar-Athlete Award: Lindsay Allen and Edward Bent The Scholar-Athlete Award is presented to the student who best exemplifies, through conduct and activities, the qualities of excellence borne of both academic success and athletic achievement. Each year St. John’s recognizes one male and one female scholar athlete. Theatre Award: Claire Conley The Theatre Award is presented to the student who, over the course of four years, has not only achieved excellence in the performing arts, but also has dedicated their time, talents and gifts to enhance the theatre program at St. John’s. Lasallian Christian Service Award: Alexandra Ruiz The Lasallian Christian Service Award is presented to the student who promotes social justice by living the mission of Jesus through direct service to the poor and the outcast.

Citizenship Award: Justin Trabue The Citizenship Award is presented to the student who best exemplifies the qualities of citizenship, responsibility, loyalty to the school, leadership and patriotism. Cardinal’s Award: Brenna Ryan and Kierra Wiggins The Cardinal’s Award was presented this year to two students who, in the judgment of the faculty and administration, best exemplify a commitment to values rooted in our Catholic tradition by fidelity and a sense of service at home, in school and in their parish. Principal’s Award: Mary Ellen Garrett From Bro. Michael Andrejko: “The principal at St. John’s College High School is charged with the supervision of the academic and extracurricular lives of the school. From my perspective, I notice excellence of many kinds…excellence that has been acknowledged in the awards given today. The principal bestows his own award on a student who has served the St. John’s community. I often say that leadership implies followership, meaning that if one wants to lead, he or she must, as our Gospels tell us, be the least and the servant of all. The summation of this year’s recipient is provided by Ms. Katie Kernich, co-coordinator of campus ministry at St. John’s: Her … ‘exposure to both the privileged and the poor has truly shaped the young woman that she is and formed in her a heart for service.’ I experienced this myself first hand when she was on a mission of support for a former SJC student and her college lacrosse team when they were in a bus accident in Pennsylvania. For touching the hearts of all that she came into contact with, this year the principal’s award is presented to Mary Ellen Garrett.”

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Over the course of these four years, we began to carve our place within the school, while also having extensive construction done on us by various coaches and teachers. We jogged up that eternal hill in Rock Creek Park, fighting our way to attain positions on various sports teams. We sprinted across turf fields, chasing balls and other students, practically tasting the elation of being named captain of our teams. We meticulously crafted harmonies with our voices and our instruments, later traveling to competitions to flaunt our extensive musical abilities. And we struggled – oh, did we struggle. We fought to analyze and somehow construct papers on the works of Shakespeare and to understand complicated works of art. We marched outside in muggy heat and bitter cold in order to synchronize hundreds of steps. We procrastinated homework that really should have been started long before and lamented our struggles to friends, counselors, the Internet and teachers. We also learned how to navigate the various relationships that came together and fell apart during our four years here, and some of us (like me) were lucky enough to establish friendships with the potential to last a lifetime. This information we uncovered added more grooves and carvings to the marble, and gradually a diverse, inventive community began to take shape. And this community that I’ve been honored to be a part of is composed of such a unique and insane group of people. We have a football star with the infectious laugh, who is incredibly funny and really good at chemistry. The insanely talented basketball phenomenon, who’s so humble that most of the time you hear about her 14 Scarlet&Grey Summer 2013

accomplishments either by reading the newspaper, from her multitude of friends or on Twitter and Instagram. We have the future engineer, who has a penchant for jazzy trombone solos and witty Facebook statuses. This is only a handful of the distinctive people that make up the colorful Class of 2013. Being surrounded by them for the past four years has shifted many of the preconceived notions I had, and the close friendships I have formed have shaped me as well. I find it bittersweet that the year in which many of us have gotten to know each other best is the year that we’ll be separating, but I’m blessed to have gotten to encounter all of you. And here we are, finally at the end of these four years of high school. For me, it feels as though I’ve finally finished that arduous essay, proofread it and turned it in at 11:59 p.m. on the dot. And now it’s time for us to open a fresh document on Microsoft Word and begin weaving a new narrative. In around three months we’ll be in a similar position to the one we were four years ago – ready, overwhelmed, elated and terrified – but on a much larger scale. Some of us, the majority of us, I’d venture to say, haven’t even begun chipping away at the marble that is our true selves. I know I definitely have an immeasurable amount of information to discover, hundreds of people to meet and difficult lessons to learn. There is so much to uncover about not only the world, but ourselves as well. As Thomas Szazas said: “People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates.”

Higher Education: Life Beyond St. John’s The 226 graduates of the Class of 2013 will attend 113 colleges and universities, with a college acceptance rate of 100 percent. More than half of these seniors received scholarships, earning a total of $22 million in tuition assistance.

Class of 2013 College Acceptances Albright College American University Auburn University Barry University Boston College Boston University Bucknell University Butler University California Poly State University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University The Catholic University of America The Citadel Clark Atlanta University Clarkson University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of the Holy Cross College of William and Mary Columbia University Cornell University Delaware State University Denison University DePaul University Dickinson College Dominican College of Blauvelt Drexel University Duquesne University East Carolina University Elon University Emerson College Fairfield University Flagler College Florida A&M University Fordham University

Frostburg State University George Mason University The George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology Gettysburg College Hampton University High Point University Hofstra University Howard University Ithaca College James Madison University La Salle University Lake Forest College Long Island University CW Post Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University of Maryland Lycoming College Manhattan College Marymount Manhattan College Marymount University McDaniel College Miami University, Ohio Morehouse College Mount St. Mary’s University New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University University of Notre Dame The Ohio State University Ohio University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Purdue University Radford University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Richmond in London Robert Morris University Rochester Institute of Technology Rutgers State University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Leo University Saint Vincent College Salisbury University San Diego State University Savannah College of Art and Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago Shenandoah University Skidmore College

Spelman College St. John’s University St. Mary’s College of Maryland Stony Brook University Swarthmore College Sweet Briar College Syracuse University Temple University Towson University Trinity University Tufts University Tulane University United States Merchant Marine Academy University of Colorado at Boulder University of Delaware University of the District of Columbia University of Florida University of Maryland, Baltimore County University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts – Amherst University of Michigan University of Mississippi University of New England University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Richmond The University of Scranton University of South Carolina University of Utah University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Madison Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Tech Virginia State University Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Washington College Wesley College West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia State University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Wright State University Yale University York College of Pennsylvania

Columbia University

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Class of 2013, we are embarking upon an amazing journey, during which we will continue the never-ending process of creating who we are. We are sculptors of our own being, chipping away at the infinite marble in order to free the people we are meant to be. Just as Jeremiah 29 says: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” As we leave this place today, I want us remember these words, and to know that no matter how the next four years go, our future is secure, and it is bright.

Remarks from St. John’s College High School President Jeff Mancabelli

et me be the first to congratulate the Class of 2013 and, in particular, offer congratulations to the many graduates who have distinguished themselves and their families by receiving honors, academic awards and athletic and academic scholarships. I wish to thank our celebrant, Fr. Timothy Corcoran ’63, for

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celebrating the Eucharist on this, his very own 50th reunion. I also want to recognize the many members of the Class of 1963 on the altar and the members of the Class 1953 in the pews as we honor them 50 and 60 years after their graduation. Their presence here is a credible sign to the Class of 2013 that when St. John’s speaks of community, there is no time limit to our commitment. In preparation for my remarks today, I spent the last few months meeting with the entire senior class. I asked them: What did they want all of you to know about the Class of 2013? Allow me to share a few of their responses: They want you to know that they survived the end of the world on Dec. 21, 2012, and they, the Class of 2013, are the beginning of a new age. They want you to know that they have enjoyed living through the many changes at SJC and feel fortunate to get the benefit of the new facilities. It has been an amazing journey and they are a grateful class. They want you to know that they now consider the number 13 a lucky number. They want you to know with great pride that Lindsay Allen is a member of the Class of 2013. This is the first time a class has asked me to recognize one individual. They want you to know that they looked out for one another and represent what the St. John’s community really is – a family.

Save the date for the fall 2013 class reunions! This year, St. John’s is pleased to welcome back classes with years ending in three or eight. For more information and to register online, visit the St. John’s website at www.stjohnschs.org.

They want you to know they raised the bar on school spirit and are very proud to be Cadets. I would like to add that this class received more than $22 million in college scholarships, helped lead us to both girls’ tennis and girls’ basketball conference championships, completed more than 20,000 hours of service, and the list goes on and on. We, the faculty and staff of St. John’s, remember when you arrived in August of 2009. We were excited for what you would accomplish and you exceeded our expectations. Our celebration today is also a thanksgiving for the many gifts that God has bestowed on you. One of the greatest gifts you have received is your parents, who have sacrificed much to help bring you to this day. I now ask that the parents of our graduates please stand to be acknowledged by your children. St. John’s is blessed with many outstanding men and women who have dedicated their lives to the Christian education of youth. Today, we honor nine members of the staff as they reach milestones in their service to the students of St. John’s. I would ask each of them to stand to be recognized. For 10 years of service to St. John’s: Dino D’Agata, Linda Majkrzak, Valerie Montana and Laura Zellers. For 20 years of

service: Sue Stanton-Carr, Ken Cooper and Molly Williams. And last, but certainly not least, two people are celebrating 30 years of service: Duane Carr and, from our maintenance staff, Ken Grimsley. As a class and as individuals, you should feel proud of your accomplishments and rejoice in your successes. As you leave St. John’s, I echo what Brigid said earlier in her valedictory address: Remember that you are always in the holy presence of God and that the St. John’s family will not forget you after graduation. I also offer you these simple words from Jerry Hannan. Mr. Hannan graduated from St. John’s in 1938, and this year marks his 75th anniversary. I asked him if he had any advice for the Class of 2013. He said that living a life with a clean conscience is the secret to true happiness. Class of 2013, you will be missed. Good luck, and may God bless each of you! And as we are gathered together for the last time, let us depart by responding to those special Lasallian prayers, which are recited in many different languages around the world by our fellow Lasallians. St. John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our hearts, forever. St. John’s College High School 17

Alumni Action

Cadets At Large:

Kate Barry ’08 As a freshman at St. John’s in 2004, I was advised to start thinking about my future. Working and living abroad was something I was always interested in. Finally, by the time I was a senior, I had made up my mind that the Peace Corps was something I wanted and would be capable of doing. At that point I still had a long road ahead of me until the Peace Corps would send me off. The application involved intensive interviews, medical examinations and a ton of patience. After all my waiting and hard work on the application, I tore open my acceptance packet and discovered I was not only going farther away than expected, but also much sooner than I ever expected. So two short months after graduating from the University of Colorado with a bachelor’s degree in biological anthropology, I boarded a plane to start a whole new life. I am currently an Education Peace Corps volunteer serving in Madagascar! I have been in Madagascar for more than a year now. I teach English at the public high school in a faraway town called Mandritsara, which translates to “good sleep” and is also referred to as “The Black Hole” by other volunteers and Peace Corps staff. Amenities are limited. I have no running water in my house, no electricity at night, minimal Internet access and I am eight hours away from my post office. Living in Madagascar is difficult at times. Learning a new culture and language has been one of these difficulties. I consistently mix up similar-sounding words and make a fool of myself. I have also come to accept chickens entering my classrooms while I am teaching and students exiting through windows instead of doors as the norm. Another difficulty was never having had teaching experience before Peace Corps. I found myself at a loss for what to do when the school year first began. I still had not decided what type of teacher I was going to be. In my past, I have had the privilege of experiencing many different teaching 18 Scarlet&Grey Summer 2013

techniques. I wanted and still want to be the best possible teacher I can be. So I reflected back on all the great teachers I had. Many of my great teachers date back to when I was a student at St. John’s. I remember so many of my teachers staying after class and having the patience to come up with example after example to ensure we completely understood. These are the teachers that I modeled myself after. I stay after every class to help students with English and have three English Clubs, as well as an open door to anyone who has questions (I conveniently live on the school grounds). In addition to teaching, I am applying for funding to build a well so students will always have access to water while at

school. Currently there is one water spigot for more than 2,000 students and 150 teachers, which is often turned off by the local water company. Having lived in Mandritsara, I have learned so much about the culture and am now realizing how hard it will be to return home. The Malagasy community where I live has been so accepting and patient with me. Every day presents a new challenge, and I am thankful for my experiences at St. John’s and my former teachers, whom I have now modeled myself after to become a better role model. I know St. John’s helped mold me into the person I am now. For that, I will say misaotra betsaka (thank you very much)!

Alumni Action

The History of the Lasallian Classroom Prayer When St. John Baptist de La Salle created the first Christian Brothers schools in the late 1600s, he integrated prayer into all aspects of school life. One of the practices he instated was for schools to ring a bell every half hour during the school day, after which someone would speak the words “Let us remember that we are in the holy presence of God.” More than 300 years later, Lasallian schools continue to uphold this tradition. Every class, assembly or meeting at St. John’s begins with the same phrase, spoken in unison by the members of the community who are present as a reminder for each person to live in God’s presence.

Photo by Nick Thompson

A Ar rc ch hbbis isho hopp Ph Phiilliipp M M.. H Ha anna nnan ’31 n ’31

H A N N A N B anqu e t Honor i ng Lou Donat e l l i ’ 52 A l M e r r i t t ’ 58 Jo e Borg e r ’ 76 Bro. Tom G e r row, F SC

thursday, November 7, 2013 Columbia Country Club Cocktails 6 pm Dinner 7:30 pm

Chevy Chase, MD

St. John’s College High School 19

St. John’s College High School 2607 Military Rd., NW Chevy Chase, DC 20015

At St. John’s, more than 160 years of tradition meet innovative learning techniques in a welcoming community. Do you know a student looking for a Catholic, Lasallian, coeducational, college preparatory school? Share with them the difference that St. John’s can make in their lives. • 1:1 educational technology program featuring iPads • De La Salle Scholars Program, as well as 23 AP and 15 honors courses • 100% college acceptance rate; Class of 2013 earned $22 million in scholarships • 30-acre campus with more than $13 million in new construction • 26 varsity athletic teams • Free shuttle service from the Friendship Heights and Silver Spring Metro stations • Bus transportation available from Maryland and Virginia

For more information: 202-363-2316 / stjohnschs.org