St. Sebastian's Magazine, Issue I, 2013-14

VOLUME IX, ISSUE I

2013-2014

S T. SMEBASTIAN’S AG A Z I N E

The Science Issue Story Title Story Title Story Title

p 12 p 33 p 35

The Sculptor Behind the New Statue From Tragedy to Triumph The True Meaning of Beauty

FEATURES 6 Headmaster Burke’s Opening Remarks on “Community” 12 The New Man on Campus

The dedication of our new statue

14 The Sculptor Behind the Statue

Ann Hirsch brings our new statue to life

16 From Tragedy to Triumph

Author Steve Pemberton shares his story

20 The True Meaning of Beauty

Photographer Courtney Bent inspires with her film “Shooting Beauty”

DEPARTMENTS 2 Around Campus 9 New Trustees 10 Faculty & Staff News 22 Event Highlights

2013-2014 Board of Trustees Seán Cardinal O’Malley, OFM. Cap. Chairman James L. Elcock ’77, P’08 President

24 Campaign News

William L. Burke III P’95,’97,’00,’04 Executive Officer, Headmaster

27 Fine Arts

Douglas A. Kingsley, P’10,’10,’12,’13 Secretary

30 Fall Sports

Robert M. Wadsworth, P’10,’15 Treasurer

36 Alumni Events 38 Class Notes 42 In Memoriam

The Covenant of St. Sebastian’s

Photo: Neil Melley ’18 St. Sebastian’s School Mission Statement A Catholic independent school, St. Sebastian’s seeks to engage young men in the pursuit of truth through faith and reason. By embracing Gospel values in an inclusive, nurturing community and by inspiring intellectual excellence in a structured liberal arts curriculum, St. Sebastian’s strives to empower students for success in college and in life. The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a life-long learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.

Credits St. Sebastian’s Magazine publishes three times a year.

Photos by Marshall Goldin, Marcus Miller and Christine Robertson

St Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Ave Needham, MA 02492 781.449.5200

J. Devin Birmingham ’84, P’14 David M. Calabro ’78, P’16 Devin C. Condron ’92 William T. Connolly, Jr. P’10,’12,’17 John DeMatteo II P’11,’13,’16,’18 John P. DiGiovanni ‘84, P’14 Dana G. Doe P’17 Rev. Michael E. Drea Sr. Janet Eisner, SND Patrick J. Hegarty ‘89 Jane M. Hoch P’07 Edward J. Hoff P’11,’13 Ross M. Jones P’16,’17 Wayne M. Kennard P’08 Rev. Brian R. Kiely John A. Mannix ’74 Robert J. Mulroy ’82 Mark L. O’Friel ’79 William A. O’Malley P’09,’10,’13 Stuart D. Porter Kristin E. Reed P’15,’17 Stephen P. Ward ’96 Celeste E. Wolfe P’09,’12 Kimberly A. Mullin P’13,’16 President, Guild of St. Irene Daniel W. Fulham P’14 President, Men’s Association John E. McNamara ’81,P’14,’18 President, Alumni Association Most Reverend John P. Boles ’47 James A. Cotter, Jr. ’57 J. Brad Griffith ’58 Frank M. Ward P’96 Trustee Emeriti

From the desk of the headmaster Wil l ia m L . Bu rk e I I I

…we all belong together in one enormous symphony of being.

—Pope Benedict XVI

W

ith the dedication of our gorgeous new statue, our year of Community has enjoyed a fabulously successful launch, and we continue to gain momentum. We’re pursuing truth through faith and reason—loving God, working hard, taking good care of one another, and experiencing great joy in our labors.

As I often say, I have the easiest and the best job in America: serving a Catholic independent, single-gender day school driven by a clear, important mission; a unified, focused board; a gifted, devoted faculty; a talented, dedicated staff; and loyal, engaged alumni—all working in harmony with selfless, loving parents to inspire truly great young scholars of faith and honor to become— ever more fully—the very best versions of themselves, in body, mind, and spirit.

I hope that this issue will provide you with a glimpse of your School today and prompt you to visit soon and often. Please enjoy the graced moment in time captured by an eighth grader (on facing page); introductions of our newest faculty, staff, and board members; tributes to veteran teachers and Arrow fathers, Sean Albertson and Brian Richter; celebrations of our new friends in the arts: sculptor Ann Hirsch, author Steve Pemberton, and filmmaker and photographer Courtney Bent; the spotlight on eminently valuable, multifariously engaged alumnus Dan Archabal ’64; and photos and copy of events and dedications, and great achievements of our students and adults who make up our symphony of being.

Thanks again for everything. May God continue to bless you every sacred step of the way.

Sincerely,

William L. Burke III Headmaster

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 1

Around Campus News and Notes from Our School Community

Class of 2014

71 Students Inducted into the National Honor Society In a ceremony held on Thursday, October 24, 2013, Headmaster Bill Burke, Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne, and National Honor Society moderator Sean Albertson inducted 71 St. Sebastian’s students into the Sr. Evelyn C. Barrett, O.P. Chapter of the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society aims to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character.

Students with a minimum 85 percent grade average, who complete an essay application and have the support of their teachers and advisor, are eligible to apply for this honor.

Samuel J. Carroll, Andrew S. Corcoran, John B. Daukas III, Nicholas J. Flanagan, Owen M. Kehoe, William J. Kenney, Tucker W. McLoughlin, Brandon G. Sweeney, Joseph Tran

Class of 2015

Jack R. Adams, Gregory J. Barletta, George L. Barrett III, Jordan D. Barros, Daniel M. Beam, Matthew W. Bell, Matthew R. Blue, Anthony J. Canavan, Christian G. Capello, Thomas J. Caravolas, Colin P. Connolly, Noah D. D’Angelo, Matthew C. Daniel, Cedric R. Depestre, James C. DeSisto, Matthew P. Doherty, William S. D’Orsi, Jack T. Duffy, Edgar E. Escobar, John F. Flatley, Charles B. Gordon, Matthew G. Guarino,

Christopher G. Haley, Mark M. Heffernan, Jr., Pablo J. Hernandez, Daniel J. Higgins, James H. Hunt, Ackel A. Jreige, Joseph J. Kerwin, Ryan W. Lee, Justin R. Lee, Shawn P. Lynch, Conor R. Masterson, Gabriel C. Maxwell, William D. McCarthy, Patrick H. McGowan, L. Ryan McGuirk, James R. Mitchell, Jr., Macarthur W. Morris, Kevin P. Murray, Saverio W. Mustone, Peter E. Olson, Angus M. O’Rourke, Tommy L. Pace III, Cameron M. Quirk, Tyson C. Reed, Jr., Christian Reenstierna, Jr., Matthew T. Rocco, John D. Rourke, John J. Ryan IV, Paige I. Sanderson, Christian J. Santosuosso, Peter K. Scotten, Edward D. Silvia, William K. Supple, James D. Sylvia, Kenneth M. Vallace, Geoffrey E. Wade, Michael H. Wadsworth, Scott H. Westvold, Tyler C. Wiik, Christopher A. Wolpe

Deacon Moynihan Speaks about Catholic Education and Haiti Deacon Patrick Moynihan, President of the Haitian Project, Inc., spoke to the St. Sebastian’s School community during an assembly on October 10, 2013. After being introduced by John Daniel P’15,’18, his friend and classmate at Brown University, Moynihan spoke with passion about lessons learned over the past 17 years of his life of missionary work in Haiti.

The Haitian Project, Inc. operates the Louverture Cleary School (LCS), a Catholic, co-educational boarding school in Haiti, which seeks to maximize the potential of gifted Haitian students who would otherwise have no access to education. By preparing leaders committed to and invested in rebuilding their country, LCS is making a powerfully positive difference in Haiti.

Deacon Moynihan emphasized the importance of Catholic education—whether it’s in Haiti, at St. Sebastian’s, or anywhere else in the world—because of its commitment to intellectual excellence and its moral imperative to sanctify the world.

2 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

AROUND CAMPUS

Four Students Recognized as National Scholars Four senior Arrows have been recognized for their outstanding performance on last fall’s 2012 Preliminary SAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT).

Conor Craven ’14 and Will Kenney ’14, were recognized as National Merit Scholarship Commended Students for scores that placed them in the top 3.5 percent of test takers nationwide. John Bartlett ’14 was named a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist after his test score placed him in the top one percent nationwide. He will advance to compete as a Finalist for a Merit Scholarship; recipients will be announced this spring.

Zachary Chambers ’14 was recognized by the National Achievement Scholarship Program for scoring in the top 3 percent on the PSAT/NMSQT. For reaching this level, Zachary received a certificate from the National Achievement Scholarship Program, and his name and undergraduate major choice were sent to 1,500 colleges and universities.

Only 3,100 out of 160,000 Black

AP Scholar Awards The following students and recent graduates earned AP Scholar Awards from the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program. Roughly 20 percent of the 2.1 million students worldwide who took AP Exams at the end of the 2012-13 school year performed at a sufficient level to earn this recognition.

National Scholar (scoring 4 or higher on at least 8 exams, with an average score of at least 4) Kenneth Chen ’13, Peter DeMatteo ’13, Michael Petro ’13, Thayer Wade ’13 CLOCKWISE Seniors John Bartlett, Zachary Chambers, Will Kenney and Conor Craven.

Scholar with Distinction (scoring 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, with an average score of at least 3.5)

American students receive this extraordinary honor.

Started in 1964, the National Achievement Scholarship Program is specifically designed to honor academically promising Black American high school students. The annual competition is conducted by the same corporation that conducts the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Michael Adams ’13, Nikhil Basavappa ’13, Matthew Donovan ’13, Michael Haley ’13, Michael Hoff ’13, Julian Matra ’13, Alexander Moore ’13, Edward O’Hara ’13, Kevin Patterson ’13, Christopher Riley ’13, Christopher Rodowicz ’13, Ryan Schnoor ’13, Luke Scotten ’13, Andrew Sullivan ’13

Action in the AV Room Thanks to the video system upgrades, made possible by “Raise the Paddle” at the 2012 Christmas Auction, there has been lots going on inside—and outside—the AV Room recently.

The AV Club makes student announcements twice a day, using technology such as teleprompter software and television quality cameras to record. There is also a green screen, allowing the addition of scenery for special projects such as interviews with alumni and guest speakers. With the sophisticated video equipment, including new cameras in St. Bartholomew’s Church and Ward Hall that are connected to the AV Room by miles of wire, we are able to capture School events, including weekly senior corporate chapel speeches, guest speakers and the Christmas program.

Scholar with Honor (scoring 3 or higher on at least 4 exams, with an average score of at least 3.25) Caleb Aldrich ’14, Zachary Chambers ‘14, Matthew Fachetti ’13, Joseph Kearney ’14, William Kenney ’14, Kevin Looney ’13, Matthew Vandini ’13 Scholar (scoring 3 or higher on at least 3 exams) John Bartlett ’14, Peter Breslin ’13, Connor Chabot ’13, Ikenna Chukwu ’13, Daniel Fulham ’14, Joseph Guarino ’13, Cameron Kelly ’14, Matt Mcguire ’13, Christopher O’Shea ’14, George Price ’13

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 3

AROUND CAMPUS Students Deliver Chapel Speeches at Pope John Paul II Faculty Retreat

Debate Team Delivers Strong Performances The St. Sebastian’s Debate Team began its season with a strong showing at the Roxbury Latin Parliamentary Debate Tournament on Sunday, September 22, 2013. The Advanced Team of John Flatley ’15 and Peter Olson ’15 compiled a perfect record of three wins and zero losses, while their teammates, Christian Kelly ’14 and John Bartlett ’14, compiled a record of two wins and one loss. On Sunday, October 13, St. Sebastian’s hosted 13 schools for its annual Parliamentary Extemporaneous Debate Tournament and Andrew Elcock ’17 won a speaking prize for his individual performance. At Phillips Andover Academy’s tournament on Sunday, November 10, Michael Rozewski ’16 won a Top School Speaker award for his individual performance. And on Sunday, December 8, Will Kenney ’14 and Joe Kearney ’14 compiled a perfect record of three wins and zero losses competing in the Advanced Division at The Hotchkiss School’s tournament.

FROM TOP Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne with Michael Rozewski ’16; and with Joe Kearney ’14 and Will Kenney ’14.

On Tuesday, November 7, 2013, St. Sebastian’s had the opportunity to showcase its Chapel Speaking Program at a retreat for the faculty of Pope John Paul II Catholic Jack Brugger ‘16, John Ryan ‘15, Justin Bellinger Academy at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center in Braintree, MA. ‘14, Sean Harrington ‘16, Michael Bollas ‘18, Headmaster Burke opened the and Griffin Wagner ‘19. presentation with some reflections on the connection between our Catholic mission and the Chapel Speaking Program.

Assistant Headmaster Nerbonne then offered an overview of the program, highlighting its benefits and what Chapel Speeches mean to the students and the School community. Six students from various classes then shared the same speeches they had delivered before their peers and teachers at School.

Christmas Program Features Musical Talent The St. Sebastian’s Community kicked off Christmas break on Friday, December 20, 2013, with a festive Christmas program that showcased the musical talent of some of our students and faculty. In addition to traditional music from the St. Sebastian’s Schola, which consists of both students and faculty members, the program featured contemporary Christmas pieces performed by the St. Sebastian’s Jazz

and Rock Bands, and St. Sebastian’s a capella group, The Arrowheads. The Rock Band’s enthusiastic rendition of “Feliz Navidad,” with lead vocals

by Marlon Matthews ’14 and Jack Goldman ’14, brought the crowd to its feet before the students, faculty, and guests concluded the program by joining together for Mendelssohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

FROM LEFT Sam Gordon ’17 on the piano; Marlon Matthews ’14 and Jack Goldman ’14 sing “Feliz Navidad.”

4 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

AROUND CAMPUS

Arrows by the Numbers

35

63

How many games were played in the St. Sebastian’s Chess Tournament. Sonny Huang ’16 defeated Ibrahim S. Kaba ’18 for the title on December 18, 2013.

The number of blazers sitting in the front office at last count. So if your son is missing one ...

8.2

1

The number of Catholic schools in the Independent School League, making St. Sebastian’s and its faithbased mission unique among its peer schools.

The approximate number of miles officially logged by student mousetrap cars since the inception of the project 20 years ago.

102.5

The approximate number of unofficial miles logged since the project began.

24

7:1

The ratio of students to faculty, with an average class size of 11, creating an intimate learning community and fostering the pursuit of truth.

The number of years St. Sebastian’s has been blessed to have Headmaster Burke as its leader, just one year shy of his 25th anniversary!

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 5

Headmaster Burke’s Opening Remarks on

Community

The following remarks were made during Corporate Chapel on Monday, September 16, 2013.

Y

esterday, my wife and I were privileged to be in Boston’s Copley Square with Vietnamese Buddhist monk and author of “Living Buddha, Living Christ,” Thich Nhat Hanh, who led us and several hundred other people in a meditative prayer service for world peace, and I thought of the words of Blessed Pope John Paul II: There is only one community, and it consists of all people.

I begin with an image, which you may have encountered: If you were to see a turtle on a fence post, the one thing you’d know for certain is that the turtle didn’t get there by himself.

Certain, too, is the truth that not one of us has arrived at our beloved St. Sebastian’s School by himself or by herself alone.

Rather, each of us has been endowed with ability and inspiration and countless other blessings by God, and each of us has been gifted with opportunity and encouragement and tremendous support by our families and by others who love us and call us to greatness.

In summation, and as I’ve shared before, all we need for success is ability, opportunity, and attitude. God gives us the ability to see and hear and move and think, and our families and others sacrifice to provide us with the opportunity to attend this great School and pursue the truth through faith and reason with truly great teachers.

Ability and opportunity are given to us. So far, you students have done nothing. But what wonders unfold when you invest and develop your ability and seize upon your magnificent opportunities by responding with a powerfully positive attitude and an unwavering commitment to excellence! And it will be your attitude, your response, that we focus on when supporting you in the college process.

Established in 1941 in Newton and moved to Needham during the 1982-1983 Christmas vacation, our School community has been built by the grace of God and through the efforts of many selfless men and women on whose shoulders we stand. I draw particular attention to the outstanding Board presidents with whom I have been privileged to serve: Jack Birmingham ’59, Tom Swan ’60, Brad Griffith ’58, David Gately ’73, and Jim Elcock ’77. We owe these leaders, other trustees, and many educators, staff members, parents, and friends a debt we can only attempt to repay by living our lives in the best possible manner.

As Steve Pemberton reminded us last week, we are, at our very best, custodians, beneficiaries of what others have created, fully committed to preserving and building up this great St.

6 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

Sebastian’s community before passing on an even stronger St. Sebastian’s to those who will follow.

Our year’s theme—community—is defined as “a unified body of individuals.” I believe that this definition is as good as any: a unified body of individuals; but I would tweak it a bit: a unified body of unified individuals. For while every individual in any community is a sacrosanct, genetically unrepeatable gift created in the image and likeness of God and made for eternity, each of us is called to integrate and unify—ever more fully—the intellectual, physical, spiritual, aesthetic, and emotional parts of ourselves. First, a unified whole individual—then a unified whole community of individuals. First, unity—then community, and both are evolving and helping one another all the time, for surely we can become much better people by engaging in a healthy

A student embraces the theme of “community” at Homecoming.

community, and from beginning to end, it’s all about love, as Teilhard de Chardin asserts: Love alone is capable of uniting living beings in such a way as to complete and fulfill them… for it alone takes them and joins them by what is deepest in themselves.

And I believe that our Lord is here deep with us this morning and every time we assemble with hearts and minds and souls open to Him, as sacred scripture assures: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20) The word “community” appears in the second sentence of our mission statement: “… embracing Gospel values in an inclusive, nurturing community…”

Gospel values are human values. Be kind, not cruel. Be honest, not deceitful. Do all of your own work. Don’t cheat.

Respect property. Don’t damage. Don’t steal. Be loyal, not treasonous. Be a brave friend, not a cowardly bully. Love God. Work Hard. Take good care of one another. Do what Jesus would do.

An inclusive, nurturing community is both a statement of fact and a call to action. Countless visiting students and their parents and other guests remark that they feel included and valued by us right away. Just last week, Steve Pemberton graced our campus for the very first time and proclaimed: St. Sebastian’s is a family to me – to be known and loved and followed.

As you may have seen in our most recent St. Sebastian’s School magazine, I cite this excerpt from a letter Nikhil Basvappa ’13 wrote to me around the time of his graduation in June: I am determined to impact whatever communities I become part of in such a way that you can see me, however many years from now, and feel proud of giving me a chance to become a part of the 8th grade class so many years ago. Yet, the most impressive

thing to me is how St. Sebastian’s created such a genuine sense of brotherhood that it would make me even happier to see my fellow Arrows do St. Sebastian’s proud… I will continue thanking you throughout my life, maybe not through words or letters, but in the way I will carry myself and the way I intend on spreading the St. Sebastian’s spirit wherever I go.

Just last week, we dedicated a math classroom in honor of Edmund Murphy ’11 and his family. The words on the plaque read: “Building Men of Character.” Edmund spoke most eloquently at the ceremony, sharing that he had always been told that college would be the best four years of his life. Now halfway through Middlebury, a great college he truly loves, Edmund proclaimed that the best four years of his life thus far have been the four he spent as a student at St. Sebastian’s, where he made his best friends and where he was inspired by his best mentors.

Nikhil’s story and Edmund’s story of brotherhood and community have been the stories of St. Sebastian’s young men for a long, long time. They are your stories in the making right now. But we must build them ourselves and earn the good will and brotherhood every day. When a visitor arrives on campus and asks how to get to Mr. Nerbonne’s office, we have a choice; we can grunt a response and point the way, or we can spring to action, look our guest in the eye, introduce ourselves, shake hands, and accompany and converse with him or her every step of the way to Mr. Nerbonne.

“Everything we say and

do truly matters both in the moment and forever. ” WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 7

“What power each of us has! If our hearts are open and our intentions are pure, we can and we will build community...”

When we walk into Ward Hall with a tray filled with food, we can seek out the crowded table and wrestle our way in, or we can be poised like a linebacker, open, on the lookout for the person sitting alone and then place our tray beside him. When we notice that someone is being teased, we can join in, we can sit on the sidelines, or we can heroically intercede. When someone is about to make a bad choice on a Saturday night, we can join him, we can sit in silence, or we can challenge him to do the next right thing, remembering that no school can call itself a great school until peer pressure is a positive, not a negative force. When someone looks sad, we can ask how it’s going.

Older students can get to know younger students, call them by name and support them well.

Inclusive: once in, never out. Arrows forever! Nurturing: how can I be most helpful at any given moment, especially to the person who needs me most? How can I lead best?

Our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, seems to be talking to us in this recent letter: …we are called to be the children of the only Father and brothers with each other. The uniqueness of Jesus is for communication not for exclusion… does not mean escaping from the world or looking for any kind of supremacy, but being at the service of mankind…

8 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

We hold the door for others and shower them with support, and we embrace the truth that we’re linked to other communities. As senior headmaster in the Independent School League, I wrote the following passage last year in a sort of State of the League address: We are blessed with a structured, well-ordered, well-respected framework within which a community of schools can work, and through which we are able to advance the common good.

For this reason and for every good reason, we cheer for our teams and not against our opponents, whom we rightly refer to as guests when playing at home. It’s a joy and an honor to compete against young men from other schools. We pray that no one on either team suffers serious injury. We take no unfair advantage. We respect officials. And we strive to win with dignity and honor. Other than ‘nice game,’ we say little when we lose and less when we win.

Everything we say and do truly matters both in the moment and forever. Listen to what two famous Christian educators have to say about this truth: A teacher’s major contribution may pop out anonymously in the life of some ex-student’s grandchild. (Wendell Berry) The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt. (Frederick Buechner) What power each of us has! If our hearts are open and our intentions are pure, we can and we will build community, and so we ask God to give us strength and lead us, embracing the truth expressed in Psalm 127: Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.

Like the turtle on the fence post, by some great mystery we find ourselves here together in this Church, in this School, on this morning, in this year of Community, and I am so very happy and so very grateful that it is so. There is no place I’d rather be and no young men with whom I’d rather be working. I love you and your families, my colleagues, our trustees, our alumni, and our many friends, and I look forward to building community with each of you.

May God continue to bless us all.

St. Sebastian’s Welcomes New Trustees St. Sebastian’s is very fortunate to have an exceptional group of parents and friends of the School who give generously of their time and share their wisdom as members of the Board of Trustees. We are pleased to welcome our newest members.

DANA DOE P’17

Dana and his wife, Beth, live in Winchester, MA. Their son Bryan is in the Class of 2017 and they also have an older daughter, Meghan. Dana is a former Executive VP of Real Estate and Development with the 99 Restaurant where he was also a Board Member and served on the Executive, Financial and Marketing Committees.

Dana holds a BA in Hotel Management from the University of New Hampshire. He has been a very active volunteer in the St. Sebastian’s Men’s Association and is also involved with other volunteer organizations such as The Pine Street Inn, the Greater Boston Food Bank and Cradles to Crayons.

Rev. Michael E. Drea Rev. Michael E. Drea is the present Pastor of St. Paul’s, Harvard Square, and Senior Catholic Chaplain to Harvard University, a position he has held since 2009. Previously, Father Drea was the parochial vicar at St. Ann Parish in Quincy’s Wollaston section. Before entering St. John’s Seminary, he attended Boston College, completing his BA in communications in 1988 and his MA in higher education administration in 1994. He worked in the private sector at The Boston Company, Cardinal Spellman High School as Development Director, and then as Director of the Annual Fund here at St. Sebastian’s. Cardinal Sean O’Malley ordained Father Drea to the priesthood at Holy Cross Cathedral on May 22, 2004. Father Drea is also a Board Member at St. John’s Seminary and serves on other diocesan committees.

Dan Fulham P’14

Men’s Association President Dan and his wife, Dana, live in Newton, MA. They have four sons, Peter, Anthony, Daniel, who is a senior at St. Sebastian’s, and Brendan. Dan is the Operating Partner at Fulham & Co. in Wellesley, MA. He has an extensive background in the retail food industry, including more than 20 years of experience dealing with consumer packaged goods, sales and marketing, brand and market development, and strategic planning. Dan has been a very active volunteer at St. Sebastian’s: he was Co-Chair of the Annual Fund, has worked on the Christmas Auction and is Co-Chair of this year’s Golf Outing. Dan has a BA from Holy Cross and an MBA from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University.

Ross Jones P’16,’17 Ross and his wife, Emily, live in Needham, MA. They have two sons, Erik ’16 and Luke ’17, and a daughter, Alexa. Ross is a Managing Director at Berkshire Partners in Boston. He previously worked at Bain & Co. in the Investment Banking Division of Morgan Stanley & Co. Ross and Emily are engaged in a number of non-profit organizations. Ross has a BA from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.

Bob Mulroy ’82 Bob and his wife, Jean, live in Belmont, MA with their two young children, Mary and Robert. Bob is a 1982 graduate of St. Sebastian’s. He currently serves as the President & CEO and member of the Board of Directors of Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company focused on the development of new treatments and diagnostics for cancer. Bob worked previously as a management consultant focused in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

He holds a A.B. from Stanford University and a master’s degree in public and private management (MPPM) from Yale University.

Bob also has four brothers and four nephews who have graduated from the School.

Kim Mullin P’13,’16

Guild of St. Irene President Kim and her husband, Hugh, live in Winchester, MA. They have two sons, Brian ’13 and Peter ’16, and a daughter, Samantha. Kim has been a very active volunteer at St. Sebastian’s since 2008.

She has worked on the Parent Advisory Committee, the Christmas Auction, Homecoming, and the Annual Fund Committee, in addition to acting as Library Co-Chair. Kim was previously employed at Brach’s Candy Corporation as the Eastern Zone VP of Marketing & Promotions, and before that as Sales Manager at Nestle Foods Corporation. She has also done extensive volunteer work in her community. Kim is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in marketing and a minor in economics.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 9

New Faces on Campus St. Sebastian’s is pleased to welcome its newest faculty and staff members, a talented group who are already making an impact in the classrooms and on the School community.

James Cavanagh

Religion James joins St. Sebastian’s burgeoning theology department, coming to us by way of Worcester, where he attended Holy Cross, earning his BA in history. In addition to teaching 7th and 8th grade religion courses, James coaches hockey and lacrosse. He is a native of Warwick, RI, and, even as the second youngest of nine children, is impressed by the community and family he is now part of at St. Sebastian’s.

Sean Cleary

English Originally from Cambridge, MA, Sean matriculated from Matignon High School to Tufts University, where he earned his BA in English in 2008, and then traveled west to the University of Montana, where he earned his MFA in 2013. In addition to teaching English, Sean also coaches hockey.

He is an avid golfer and hockey player, and a fan of Spanish literature. He’s happy to be part of St. Sebastian’s great community of teachers and students.

Michael Foley ’09

Religion Michael returns to St. Sebastian’s, this time as a member of the religion faculty, after graduating last spring from Boston College.

In addition to teaching religion, Michael also coaches JV soccer and Fifth Hockey. He is thankful for his fellow faculty members who have helped him make the transition from student to teacher, and very excited to be back at St. Sebastian’s.

Shayna Gilman

Spanish Shayna joins St. Sebastian’s from East Longmeadow High School, where she taught after earning a BA from the University of Vermont and an MA from Middlebury College. As a graduate student, she also taught English for a year in Argentina. She currently resides in West Roxbury, MA, and is thoroughly enjoying her first year at the School.

10 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

David Hinman

Athletic Director, Mathematics A coach at St. Sebastian’s from 1997 to 1999, David has returned to take the reigns as the School’s new Athletic Director and newest member of the mathematics department. An alumnus of Hobart College with an Ed.M. from Boston University, David previously held the title of Athletic Director at Taft School, where he also worked as Associate Admissions Officer, taught math, and coached basketball, leading his teams to ten NEPSAC tournaments and three league titles.

He lives in the area with his wife, Ellen, who heads the upper school at Dexter-Southfield, and his three children, Emily, Sam and Charlie. The whole family is delighted to be part of the St. Sebastian’s community.

Marcus Miller

Communications Associate Marcus joins the St. Sebastian’s staff this year as the new Communications Associate. A native of Minnesota, Marcus received his BA in public relations and writing from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, and his MA in writing and publishing from Emerson College. Before coming to St. Sebastian’s, Marcus worked as a freelance writer for companies such as Bosch, Genzyme, Rue La La, and BzzAgent.

He is extremely happy to have found a place among his wonderful colleagues and students at St. Sebastian’s

Christine Robertson

Director of Communications Christine began working as the new Director of Communications during graduation week this past June, an exciting time to begin her new role. Before coming to St. Sebastian’s, she worked at The Home for Little Wanderers, one of New England’s largest child welfare organizations, for over 16 years. In her most recent position, she served as Graphic Design & Web Manager for The Home. Christine holds a BA in Psychology from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. She lives in Medfield with her husband, Craig, and twins, Jack and Chloe.

Marissa Simms

Science Marissa, a Milton native, comes to St. Sebastian’s from Notre Dame Academy, where she taught biology and neuroscience, as well as headed the Neuroscience Network. Since graduating from Milton High School, Marissa has pursued rigorous study, earning her BA in neuroscience from Smith College and an MA in neurobiology from Boston University School of Medicine before earning a degree in school administration from Emmanuel College. She teaches AP Biology, Honors Biology, and 7th grade science. She heads the St. Sebastian’s Neuroscience Network and plays viola in the Mass Ensemble.

Olivia Uhlman

Science Olivia joins the ranks of St. Sebastian’s science faculty fresh off earning her BA in physics from Williams College. In addition to teaching 7th grade science and physics, Olivia also coaches the ski team. In her free time she dabbles in music, playing marimba drums, piano, and violin, and getting outside to play ultimate frisbee. She’s very happy to be teaching students who are so hard working and eager to learn.

Kaitlyn Woelfel

Director of Annual Giving Kaitlyn joins St. Sebastian’s as the Director of Annual Giving, overseeing the Parents, Alumni and Friends Funds. She graduated from Boston College and began her fundraising career at Harvard University, working at the College, Law School, and most recently at the Medical School on the strategic planning of their campaign. Kaitlyn is thrilled to be a part of the St. Sebastian’s community, helping to raise critical funds for a school and mission in which she strongly believes. Kaitlyn resides in Norfolk with her husband, Steve, and new puppy, Baxter.

25 Years & Counting...

Sean Albertson & Brian Richter Honored at Faculty-Trustee Dinner

Faculty and trustees gathered in Ward Hall on Thursday evening, November 7, 2013, to honor Sean Albertson and Brian Richter, who are both celebrating their twenty-fifth year of teaching at St. Sebastian’s School. Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08 began the night by thanking the faculty and praising them, saying, “You are, individually and collectively, the unique reason why this School is so successful and has such a bright future... Celebrating (l to r): Brian Richter with his daughter, Cynthia, you is what makes wife, Sarah Jane, and son, Brian ‘09. this evening so wonderful.” Father Arens followed with a moving blessing before dinner, during which he thanked Albertson and Richter for their combined half century of work at the School.

After dinner, a host of faculty, friends, and family took to the podium to celebrate the evening’s honorees. Headmaster Bill Burke spoke fondly of his colleagues, thanking both for their years of dedication and service, adding how truly proud he was to serve alongside them. Faculty member Michael Foley ’09 shared his favorite memories from his time studying under Albertson as a student.

English Chair Chris Lynch offered an amusing look at the legend and mystery of Brian Richter, followed by a heartfelt speech from Richter’s son, Brian ’09.

During their own Sean Albertson (far right) with his children, remarks to the faculty and Meagan, Brendan ‘15, and Ryan, and his trustees, Albertson and wife, Peggy.

Richter each reminisced about their time at St. Sebastian’s, and related how blessed they are to have served for so long at the School. Their extraordinary commitment has made our community richer and stronger.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 11

12 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

The New Man On Campus On September 19, 2013, the entire School community gathered on the Class of 2013 Courtyard to dedicate our gorgeous new statue of St. Sebastian.

I

n contrast to the statue of our patron saint in front of the Administration building, this one tells the story of St. Sebastian as a Roman soldier in the army of Diocletian.

Sculptor Ann Hirsch, a phenomenally gifted artist, and our extraordinarily talented architect, Rob Olson, collaborated with donors Doug and Joanie Kingsley P’10,’10,’12,’13, to create this stunning masterpiece, and we are so very, very grateful.

The goal of this sculpture was to capture a particular time in St. Sebastian’s life, after he was shot with arrows and nursed back to health by Irene. He is striding forward, going back to Diocletian to speak the truth and to face his ultimate martyrdom for his Faith. Father Arens opened the ceremony with a blessing that beautifully illustrated this moment (see below for the full blessing).

Headmaster Burke then reflected on this magnificent addition to our campus: “This great statue is a work of art in itself, and we all know that art isn’t completed until a viewer engages with it. It’s so strikingly beautiful that it arrests us, draws us in, makes us want to look upon it from all sides and read the words that reveal the powerfully beautiful truth of our patron’s faith, honor, strength, and courage.”

Doug Kingsley followed with a powerful message to the students: “It is our hope that each of you young men, and the countless Arrows who will follow in your footsteps in the years to come, will look at this statue and consider your own path to heaven.

As each of you strides forth from this School into the world, how will you pursue truth through faith and reason? How will you be a beacon of light in the world, and an example to others?”

Father John Arens Blessing of the Statue: As we gather in prayer, strengthened by the gift of St. Sebastian, Our Patron, we give You thanks and praise, Oh, Lord,—You give us word and vision, wisdom and inspiration in this image we dedicate to You. The brave warrior rushes to the battle-line—his soldiering lead gives courage to all who follow. He advances to meet the foe, not of flesh and blood, but the enmity of evil. He seeks to share the Christ in Whom he believes—in Whom he knows is True Victory.

See, this soldier speaks from that moment where he saw death and life again—he holds a hand to Heaven—“Let these arrows be my eloquence —their piercing has been healed—Irene’s compassion nursed with Christ.

What sought to bring death, I bring to witness Life—hastening to you, my earthly father, your son Sebastian’s wounds voice Love’s Power to reconcile and save. To the gods of man’s fashioning be not a slave—God who is One speaks His Eternal Word, before Whom these idols mutely fall.”

FACING PAGE TOP The School community gathers on the Class of 2013 Courtyard.

BOTTOM FROM LEFT Joanie and Doug Kingsley with their sons, (l to r) Max ’10, Scott ’13, Doug ’12, and Ned ’10; Doug Kingsley speaks at the dedication ceremony.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 13

The Sculptor Behind the Statue

S

culptor Ann Hirsch brings an extraordinary passion to her art that is tangible. It is that passion that was the driving force behind bringing to life our School’s new statue of St. Sebastian. She has done more than bless our campus with a remarkable object of beauty; her creation tells the story of our patron saint and serves as a powerful representation of the School’s mission to pursue truth through faith and reason.

Hirsch has sculpted for more than 20 years, including most recently a statue of former Celtics great Bill Russell for City Hall in Boston. She loves contributing to projects that have meaning and the opportunity to sculpt St. Sebastian was no exception. Hirsch felt an immediate connection to St. Sebastian’s, having attended an all-girls Catholic high school with a similar mission. When Hirsch was approached to work on this project, she was honored. “I saw it as a way to say thank you to a system of

education—Catholic and single sex— that was a powerful influence in my own life,” said Hirsch.

The creation of St. Sebastian was a process that took almost two years.

It began in mid-2011 with a year of brainstorming, designing and planning with the School’s architect, Rob Olson, in concert with the benefactors of the statue, Doug and Joanie Kingsley P’10,’10,’12,’13.

There were numerous decisions to make, but one thing was clear from the beginning: this statue would depict St.

Ann Hirsch with the small models she made to help decide on the pose of the statue.

14 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

Sebastian as a soldier of the Praetorian Guard, rather than the martyr shot full of arrows that was more commonly depicted in art and literature.

In order to bring the statue to life and tell its story in three dimensions, it was important to get the details right.

Hirsch read everything she could find about St. Sebastian and looked at different representations of the saint. She carefully researched the type of armor prevalent in the third century, incorporating those details into the breastplate and straps that hold up the armor. She added images of the four evangelists to the shoulder hinges, as well as the school crest on the backplate.

The pose of the statue was also critical.

Hirsch created several small models of St. Sebastian in different positions and then used a life model to determine the best gesture. She worked closely with Olson to make sure the sculpture was in dialogue with the surrounding architecture, including the Math, Science & Library building that was at that point still a vision yet to be built.

The pose selected was the perfect fit: St. Sebastian pointing up to the sky, figuratively to God, at the top of the Class of 2013 Courtyard stairs and facing St. Bartholomew’s Parish. The position had the right amount of power and energy, representing the saint striding forth with purpose. The granite surround, designed

by Olson, would complete the masterpiece, with “Truth” or “Veritas” carved in the ground before him and on either side “Fides” and “Ratio” for “Faith” and “Reason,” evoking the school’s mission.

At her studio in Somerville, Hirsch began the highly skilled work of modeling St. Sebastian out of clay before it would head to the foundry and be cast into bronze. Some elements of the process have changed over time, including the use of technology to enlarge the small clay model into a life-size three-dimensional model made of foam. Yet, today, Hirsch’s method to transform her vision into a bronze

“There’s something extraordinary about being engaged in a process, whether in clay or in bronze, that human beings have used for millennia.” sculpture essentially remains the same as it was in 2,000 BC during the Akkadian period. “There’s something extraordinary about being engaged in a process, whether in clay or in bronze, that human beings have used for millennia,” she acknowledged.

There were many challenges over the next five months, from sculpting the breastplate and leather straps to splaying the arrows held in St. Sebastian’s right hand.

One of the hardest tasks, but something that felt important to Hirsch, was making St. Sebastian’s age indeterminate so that the students can relate to him no matter what age they are. Her hope is that younger students will see the statue differently by the time they are seniors, and then again as alumni when they return to campus as men.

Hirsch loves that the boys walk past the statue each day as they come up and down the stairs to the courtyard. In fact, the statue’s base is intentionally low to the ground so that St. Sebastian feels more accessible to the students and has a real presence among them. “I see this sculpture as a learning tool, a way to learn about faith,” states Hirsch. “I am honored to have been asked to make something that functions that way.”

What stands out most to Hirsch about this project is not the statue itself, but the people she worked with to create it and the strong sense of community at St. Sebastian’s.

We are honored to now consider her part of that community. As Headmaster Burke said, “Ann Hirsch is a very intelligent woman of faith and honor, a phenomenally gifted artist, and a tireless researcher who plumbs the depths and connects intimately with the soul of her subject, then designs from the inside out. I could not be happier with her statue of St. Sebastian nor more in awe of her creative genius.”

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 15

From Tragedy to Triumph Steve Pemberton’s Remarkable Story Inspires St. Sebastian’s Community Headmaster Burke’s Introduction during Corporate Chapel on September 9, 2013 Trying to find my family was going to be difficult. Yet I had always found safe harbor in the person I believed God had made me, in my strength, my resilience, my competitive nature, and my loyalty toward others.

—Page 129, A Chance In The World, our 2013 All-School Read Yesterday, under God’s golden sun on the verdant grounds of Oyster Harbors Club in Osterville, I was blessed to have Mr. Steve Pemberton as partner and fortunate to benefit most richly from his strength, resilience, competitive nature, loyalty, and at least ten thousand other gifts.

Toward the end of the round, Mr. Pemberton’s back began to trouble him—no doubt, from swinging his club while simultaneously carrying his partner. John Wooden reminds us that sports may or may not teach character, but they certainly reveal it. And what great character Mr. Pemberton has!

As we know, Mr. Pemberton grew up in nearby New Bedford and spent most of his childhood in foster care, which, heartbreakingly, most often wasn’t really care at all. Against all odds, he prayed and read and worked his way to admission to, success in, and graduation from Boston College.

He served for many years as an Assistant Dean of Admissions at Boston College, worked at Monster.com, and co-created and co-directed the very successful Road To College program before moving to Chicago to become Divisional Vice-President and Chief Diversity Officer for Walgreens. His commitment to civic organizations such as The Home for Little Wanderers and UCAN is expansive and deep. He has been recognized as one of our nation’s top leaders in matters of diversity and inclusion.

Steve Pemberton and his beautiful wife Tonya are the proud parents of three young children. Tonya has shared that her already strong faith really grew when she met the man who became her husband. Mine did, too, and I’m confident that yours will as well.

Please help me welcome Mr. Steve Pemberton.

I would like to thank new parent Mr. John Hailer for helping us secure his good friend, Mr. Pemberton.

Excerpts from Steve Pemberton’s Speech

A Responsibility to Write My Story If there was a time for me to have written this book, chronologically, it was twenty-odd years ago when it was all unfolding at the time. But there is a time and a reason and a season for all things, and it really was becoming a husband and father that really motivated me to write the book. I was being asked questions by my children. I would give them an answer, and it would lead to another question and another question, and ultimately I realized, “Well, I had better start to get this down as something for them to read.”

The process of writing a book is an intense one; it can be a joy, it can be a burden at times. And even in the process of writing the book there are some instructive lessons as you students begin your year. The first is that whenever I look at the cover

16 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

of the book, I think to myself all the time that it was not my name intended to be on the cover. I actually had initially hired a ghostwriter, an agreement with the publisher that he was going to write it and I would tell it to him. So it would have said, “A Chance in the World: As Told to by…” this author’s name.

We started this process of collaboration, and he writes the first chapter, and I look at it, and I’m very impressed with it. I send it to my wife, and she reads it; I call her and I say, “So, what do you think?” and she says, “Well, it’s nice.” And that’s all she says. That was her way of telling me, “I don’t think that’s it.”

The reason the ghostwriter’s name didn’t wind up on the cover was because of my mother—a woman I have no memory of. He wanted to refer to her life in far harsher terms than I wanted to.

She was still my mother, and I knew, through my research, how difficult her life had been, and I didn’t feel the need to further

judge her. That was God’s responsibility, not mine. I remember the ghostwriter said something to me: he said “Well, it’ll sell more books.” And I said, “Well, I think you’re missing the point.”

And then he made another judgment, a critical one. He thought I couldn’t write. He had never seen anything I had ever written; he just made a presumption about me without ever really asking the question. There’s something instructive about that — to be careful about making snap judgments. I’m often described as somebody who doesn’t look like his story. But that’s true for every single one of us; it’s true for every single one of you. None of us look like our story. And you have one — every single one of you do. You came here, into this world, into this experience, with a story. And whatever that story is, it is not evident just by looking at you. By your accent, or what you look like, or how you’re dressed, or what your address is. They think they know your story. And you, in turn, might think you know someone else’s story. So you have to pause for a moment, and you have to ask whether you understand the full totality of someone.

So what didn’t the ghostwriter know? Well, he didn’t know, as you know, that I read every single day of my childhood.

Relentlessly, unyieldingly, it gave me vision and direction. And when you read that much, it naturally follows that you write well, and then it should also naturally follow that you will speak well.

But that’s not evident by looking at me, no more than it might be evident by looking at you. And he also missed a fundamental element of the story, which was the power of persistence. I, to be quite honest, remember thinking, “Well, you know enough about the story,” and I would’ve thought he’d said, “If there’s somebody I should not challenge, if there’s somebody I should not tell he can’t do something, it’s probably this guy, because he’s willing to do just about anything to make a vision come true.”

So I say to myself, “He can’t write this.” Not the right voice.

My wife, Tonya, she was exactly right. She saw something long before I did.

I was ready, is my point. That story had been with me for a long time — not just the story, but the way I wanted to write it. So I was, to some degree, held hostage by what I thought I couldn’t do as well, and that’s true for a lot of us. You know that phrase, “a chance in the world” is usually said in the quiet of our own hearts.

We think, “I don’t have a chance in the world that something”—or somebody may have said that to you. It’s rarely said in a positive way, “not a chance in the world, not a prayer.” And to me it means the exact opposite, because a chance was all I wanted. It was all I was looking for. I didn’t want a lowered bar, I just wanted a chance.

So everything that I did was focused in that direction, in that way.

And over 60,000 copies later, being translated into multiple languages, in conversations with Hollywood about turning the book into a movie—that vision that began long before I wrote it; that boy sitting on a rock wall.

I had two rules for writing the book: one, I didn’t want to make it too hard. I thought I would lose you if all you saw was the tragedy of it, because to me it is a story of triumph, and not of tragedy, but

sometimes you have to articulate that very clearly to others.

And the second rule was that I didn’t want to lose time with my children, I didn’t want to squirrel myself away somewhere just writing, watching their childhood go by, for a year.

I do get asked, “Why would you write this? You know, you’re a successful corporate executive, you have a great family, a wonderful life. Why would you tell people about all of this tragedy that you’ve come from?” And, you know, what they’re really asking me, what they’re really saying, is that, “If I had come from that, I wouldn’t say a word. I’d say nothing at all.” And there’s something fundamentally wrong about that.

Author Steve Pemberton speaks during Corporate Chapel.

The truth is that there’s a little bit of brokenness in every family line somewhere, something that was fought for, something that was sacrificed for, something that was struggled for. My faith told me, and continued to tell me, that I didn’t survive that to keep that victory to myself. So I saw actually not writing it as a retreat, as backing away or backing down, and that I cannot do. I have never done that. And so if I thought in any way, shape, or form that my story was going to impact and touch the lives of others, then I had a responsibility to write it, to get it down. And all of the things which have unfolded I could have never even have remotely anticipated.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 17

Ending the Cycle

Compelling Words

of

Wisdom

“The question of life, of this life, is not what you inherit, over which you have no say, but that which you build, over which you have every say.”

“The people who I remembered most were the ones who did small things, kindnesses. You have the opportunity to make that same impact on one another, and you should.”

“Where others see an end, will you see another avenue? Where others see only what can’t be done, do you see another way?

You will learn those things here.”

“Hope usually asks you to stay there and wait for something to happen.

But when you believe, that’s different.

Belief, for me, sits on a higher plane.”

“I want you to take advantage of this time, take advantage of these friendships and these relationships.

They will form the foundation for your entire life.”

18 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

I had inherited something. We’re all inheritors, if you think about that. You come into the world with a great name, could be great fame, could be great wealth. And you can also inherit great tragedy.

But inheritances all have something in common: you didn’t build them, you didn’t create them, you didn’t ask for them. They were given to you in some way, shape, or form. But the question of life, of this life, is not what you inherit, over which you have no say, but that which you build, over which you have every say.

So I had a say, ultimately. I don’t think that I could walk down this aisle here and tell you about all the damage and destruction I had unleashed because of what I inherited. You’d be polite. A nod here or there, but ultimately, somewhere, you’d say, “He’s making an excuse.” And that’s largely how I saw it. I thought that I’d been chosen to end this cycle that I had inherited, that I hadn’t asked for, that it wasn’t my fault.

I wanted to show a pathway of resilience, of faith, of perseverance, of family. The only answer I ever had to all of this was that I had to build. There wasn’t any other answer. I couldn’t lament it, I couldn’t make excuses, I couldn’t cry over it. I had to build something from that.

So when I go home, and I come through the front door, and Quinn and Vaughn and Kennedy jump on me, they think I’m the coolest dad on the street. And they’re right. But that was what it was all about. It was really about them, making sure that this story would end with them. So they’re never going to know what it was like to grow up the way that I did, and that’s exactly the way that it should be.

And you know the times it hits me? They are avid athletes, even at their young ages — basketball, and gymnastics, and football.

And there are times where they’ll run across a field and I’ll see the name “Pemberton” across the back of their jersey, and I have to do a double-take, because your last names, for many of you, you have never known life without them. Nor have my children; they’ve always had that name. But for me, it still arrests me. I still realize, “Yes, that’s my name,” because I’ve had it less than half my life. But I was building that for them, so that they would have continuity, and certainty, and conviction. And it does require sacrifice; it requires community; it requires friendship as well.

Standing in the Gap I can tell you that the values you are going to get here, you’d be hardpressed to look at any other time in our society’s history where we need these values more than ever. I want to repeat that: you’d be hard-pressed to look at any other time in our society’s history where we need the values that are instilled in you.

I see some of the things on social media, people posting about how much cream they had in their coffee, and these mundane, kind of pedestrian things. And to be honest with you, I wish Facebook

would put a “Don’t Care” button on their site, because that’s my reaction to a lot of things I see. How important is that? How much does that change the arc of a life? Is it a Mrs. Levin? I doubt it.

Ultimately we are measured by the impact we have on the lives of another. When all is said and done, that’s ultimately what we’re measured by. Nor should you think that you are too young to have that kind of impact. The people who I remembered most were the ones who did small things, kindnesses.

You have the opportunity to make that same impact on one another, and you should. Realizing that there are things that you’re going to want to look further into, don’t make assumptions about people based on what they look like, and don’t make assumptions on your own experiences as well. Make sure that you leave here deepened, emboldened, enriched by those around you.

And when you walk into a place like this, here’s the truth of it all, here’s the blessing that you get: on your best day, your absolute best day, you are a custodian. That’s what you are. You are a steward of a history that is much greater than you, that was here before you, and will be here long after you’ve stepped away. So during your time you have to hold it as high as it was held before you arrived for others to come, and that is an absolutely awesome responsibility. So you’re builders in your own right, and there’s something eminently powerful and beautifully gifted and unique about that. You’ll stand in the gap for others, whether it’s a smile — to this day, when somebody serves me I use the name that I see on their lapel, because in that single moment of interaction I want to bestow some dignity upon them and hope that they will return some to me.

I have a lot of people who report to me at Walgreens, and I’m looking for the attributes and features, characteristics, qualities that you have learned here, and that you will continue to learn here, and that you will take with you. In the face of trouble, will you stand in the gap, will you be a self-starter, will you be motivated, will you look out for others? Where others see an end, will you see another avenue? Where others see only what can’t be done, do you see another way? And you will learn those things here.

The Distinction between Hope and Belief Lastly, I’ve learned to make a distinction between hoping and believing. You know, sitting on that rock wall I remember thinking to myself, “God has forgotten about me.” There’s no way he would take my parents from me, subject me to this kind of treatment from these kinds of people. So, He’s forgotten about me. And the last thing that you want in that situation is hope. I understand its reach, its power, but hope usually asks you to stay there and wait for something to happen. You can hope for a lot of things. You can hope to apply to the school of your dreams or you can hope to do well on that exam or you can hope to do well on that standardized test.

But when you believe, that’s different. Belief, for me, sits on a higher plane. When you believe in yourself and you believe in others, then you will do what is most required; you will take action; you’ll get up

John Hailer P’17, Headmaster Bill Burke, Steve Pemberton and Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ‘77, P’08.

at 4:30 in the morning if that’s what’s required. And you’ll write from 12:00 to 1:00 in the morning, if that’s what’s required. Because if you believe, you’ll take action, not just for yourself, but you’ll do that for others. What I needed was not hopers; I needed believers, and I never found them, at least not during my childhood. They came to me later.

So what is my responsibility now? Well, I have to be a believer, not just in myself, but in others, and to make sure that lives are better simply because I’m here, whether it’s by virtue of having written this story, or by giving a kind word. And that is a humble, humble blessing that I am going to continue to live by and abide by.

I’m never going to know home and family in the traditional way.

People ask me where I grew up and I say New Bedford, but I don’t say I’m from there. I don’t know a mother’s love and I don’t know a father’s love, I don’t know community in the way that so many of you do, so you have to find it in people and in places. So whether it’s a magnificent day of golf with your Headmaster and my good friend John Hailer, or it’s being here in this sanctuary, as strange as it might seem to you, this is family to me. This is family. It represents what I so wished for and longed for: to walk through the halls and the doors of a place, and to be known and to be loved and to be followed by others, for my entire life. That’s what you have here.

I want you to take advantage of this time, take advantage of these friendships and these relationships. They will form the foundation for your entire life. So when I say thank you for having me here, I hope you better understand that it’s not a perfunctory “Thank you, nice to see you,” and go on with your day. I’m not saying thank you because it’s an honor for me to be here as much as it is for a realization of all the things that I wished for and all the things that I hoped for, that I get to experience here, in this short window of time.

And you have no idea how very, very precious that is. So for that I celebrate you. Bill, my new friend. Thank you very, very much.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 19

“I see ‘Shooting Beauty’ as a vehicle to talk about disability,tolerance and diversity—and the possibilities of what we can all do when given a camera, a voice and a chance.”

- Courtney Bent

Tony Knight, with Courtney Bent, after receiving his new camera.

20 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

The True Meaning of Beauty

E

ach of us defines beauty a little differently. Some of us look only at what’s on the outside; others look a little deeper. Photographer Courtney Bent’s eight-time audience award-winning documentary “Shooting Beauty” looks much deeper than what the eye can see, capturing the beauty of individuals with disabilities and reminding us that it emanates from a person’s spirit. During St. Sebastian’s annual Unity Day celebration on November 1, 2013, the School community had the opportunity to view this powerful film and had everyone looking through a different lens.

“Shooting Beauty” is the inspiring story of how Bent’s career as an aspiring fashion photographer took an unexpected turn after encountering a group of people with disabilities while photographing a Dance-a-thon. Intrigued, Bent accepted an invitation to visit the local day program that served these individuals.

The following week, she set out for United Cerebral Palsy in Watertown, MA, with the intention of creating a picture story for a magazine or newspaper of what it was like to live with a disability.

She discovered a warm, welcoming community of diverse personalities and was immediately attracted to the honesty she saw in these individuals.

After weeks of taking pictures, Bent came to realize that her images were not reflecting how she really felt about her new friends. “The people I met were vibrant, fun and fascinating, but my photographs were emphasizing a story of pity—a story that had apparently been my biased and conditioned view of what it was like to live with a disability.”

Bent realized that she needed to put the cameras in their hands so they could tell their own stories.

“Shooting Beauty,” filmed by Bent and Director George Kachadorian over the next six years, chronicles the evolution of a photography workshop for people with a wide range of disabilities and the amazing impact it had on their lives. Bent adapted cameras for her students, using everything from duct tape to Velcro and foam. She approached each individual’s disability as a new challenge and found a solution regardless of the severity—

even for EJ, who learned to take photos by pressing a lever with his tongue. Her students were able to inject their own creative expression into their photos and it gave them a voice many of them had never had before. The film culminates in a photography exhibit, showcasing and celebrating their talent.

Although Bent does not shy away from the difficult truths of living with a disability, her documentary is also full of joyful, sweet and funny moments.

Threaded throughout the story are anecdotes about the people she met, capturing their personalities, hopes and dreams for the future, including a man named Tony Knight. The film allows us to see Knight and Bent’s other students as individuals first, not to be defined by or pitied because of their disability, but simply as beautiful people full of life.

On St. Sebastian’s Unity Day, the students not only had the opportunity to view and discuss the film, but to hear from Bent and Knight in person, and were clearly moved. As Headmaster Burke said, “this magnificent, soul-stirring movie inspired us beyond measure and made us all want to become better, stronger, more open and more giving men and women for others, and do we ever love Courtney for it! That her extraordinary work advanced the St. Sebastian’s School Unity Day mission—to heighten our awareness of every person’s dignity and to strengthen the bonds that unite us—is a powerfully beautiful, self-evident truth. We cried, we laughed, and our world expanded exponentially. We’ll never be the same, and we feel so very, very blessed that it is so.”

In fact, watching this film did make a lasting impact. On Unity Day, the students and faculty heard about the 100 Cameras Project, Bent’s new initiative to replicate the workshop featured in “Shooting Beauty” for individuals of all ages with varying degrees of physical and intellectual disabilities, from autism to Alzheimer’s. The School community decided they wanted to be part of it.

Inspired by Knight’s passion for photography and the power it’s given him to capture the world around him from his wheelchair, the faculty and students launched an effort to raise the money needed to give him a new digital camera—making it the first donation to Bent’s 100 Cameras Project. In just a few weeks, more than $1,300 was raised through a variety of methods, including faculty donations, student council donut sales, a ping pong tournament held by the seventh and eighth grades, and a recordbreaking contribution of $562 raised by the freshman class in one day.

On December 16, 2013, with his mentor Bent by his side, Knight was presented with a new digital camera during Corporate Chapel. He thought he was just returning to campus for another visit and had no idea of the surprise in store for him. As Knight visited with students in their classrooms throughout the morning, it was clear from the beaming smile on his face how much this camera meant to him. That smile—and the gift that put it there—now that is the true meaning of beauty.

To learn more about “Shooting Beauty,” visit www.shootingbeauty.org.

If you would like to contribute to the 100 Cameras Project, please visit www.shop.shootingbeauty.org or contact the Shooting Beauty team directly at shootbeauty@gmail.com.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 21

Event Highlights Leadership Reception

Boston Business Breakfast

Current and past parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends gathered on September 19, 2013, in Ward Hall for a reception to thank leadership donors for their tremendous support of St. Sebastian’s. During his remarks, Headmaster Bill Burke noted the power of the School’s mission, and thanked the leadership donors for strengthening our most important mission with their spirit and generosity.

On Tuesday, November 26, 2013, more than 100 alumni, current parents, and parents of alumni gathered at the Boston College Club for St. Sebastian’s annual Boston Business Breakfast. Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08 started the morning by welcoming those in attendance, and after breakfast, Jack Sebastian P’18, a partner at Goldman Sachs in Boston, delivered the morning’s keynote address, during which he discussed his family, his career, and his experience playing collegiate and professional lacrosse.

Sebastian spoke passionately about how he makes his athlete‘s mentality work for him in the world of finance, and shared, for the young alumni present, that he and his colleagues look for that same desire to compete in everyone who applies to work at Goldman Sachs. He also spoke about the spirit of competition and loyalty at his firm, and what risks he took to get where he is today. Most important, he shared the truly wonderful message he shares most often with his children: don’t be afraid to fail.

(l to r): Patty Griffith, Erin Condron, Brad Griffith ’58 and Devin Condron ’92.

Homecoming 2013 St. Sebastian’s was packed for Homecoming on Saturday morning, October 12, 2013, as alumni, students, parents, and friends arrived in droves to watch varsity football and soccer take on rival Belmont Hill. A day that threatened to rain, but never did, was warmed by delicious food, fun games for the kids, and spirited competition.

(l to r): Recent graduates Kevin Looney ’13, Michael Haley ’13, and Luke Scotten ’13 are greeted by Headmaster Burke during their return to campus for Homecoming.

22 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

(l to r:) Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, keynote speaker Jack Sebastian P’18 and Headmaster Bill Burke.

Brothers Tom ’69, P’08 (far left) and Kevin ’72, P’05,’09 (far right) with their sons Dan ’08, and Kevin ’09 and Ryan ’05.

TOP ROW FROM LEFT Auction Co-Chairs Ruth Capone P’17 and Beth Doe P’17 with Guild of St. Irene President Kim Mullin P’13,’16; Auctioneer Bill Supple P’9,’10,’15 gets the bidding going. BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT Bill and Barb Connolly P’10,’12,’17; Bob Reardon P’15 and Dan Fulham P’17, President of the Men’s Association, encourage the crowd to bid on the Premium Board Auction items; Cara Real P’13,’19, Jan Aldrich P’16 and Lee McIntyre P’11,’13.

A Successful & Festive Christmas Auction

I

t was another record-breaking year for St. Sebastian’s annual Christmas Auction & Dinner. More than 400 people attended the December 7th fundraiser at the Seaport Hotel Boston, raising close to $400,000 for the School.

The evening, featuring a silent auction, dinner, and live auction, was a wonderful opportunity for parents and other members of the St. Sebastian’s community to gather during the holiday season.

Attendees spent an enjoyable evening bidding on hundreds of items, from sports tickets to golf outings and getaways. Some of the more unique items gave parents

a chance to show their Arrows pride, including custom Adirondack chairs and a Sunfish sailboat featuring the School’s logo, and a gourmet gingerbread reproduction of the School building. With something for everyone, bidding went long into the night.

The highlight of the evening was “Raise the Paddle.” Thanks to the incredible generosity of our parents, over $175,000 was raised in a matter of minutes. The funds will be used to upgrade the entire weight-training facility with new stateof-the-art equipment, implement a sports nutrition program and expand our fitness training, utilizing our trainer, Andrew Carr.

St. Sebastian’s would like to thank all those who contributed their time, talents, and resources to make the evening a huge success. This event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Auction Co-Chairs, Ruth Capone P’17 and Beth Doe P’17, Guild of St. Irene President Kim Mullin P’13’16, and the entire Guild of St. Irene Auction Committee. We are also grateful to our Auctioneer Bill Supple P’09,’10’15 for lending his personality and energy to the live auction. It was a fantastic night for St. Sebastian’s and all who attended.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 23

Campaign news

A Lasting Legacy Room Dedications in the Science, Math & Library Center serve as fitting tributes to generous campaign donors “Honoring parents, grandparents, trustees, and families who have called us to greatness through the evidence of their lives, the O’Connors, the McGraths, the Fullhams, the O’Hares, and the Murphys have given most generously to fund and hallow spaces in which our students and faculty come together daily to worship, to teach, to learn, to balance and solve, to debate, to create, and to socialize, and we are so very grateful. Edwin J. Hull, Jr. (Hull Robotics Room), the McGrath family (McGrath Hall), Reverend John E. Brooks, S.J. (Fr. Brooks Math Room), Harry O’Hare, Sr. and John Egan Shea (Math & Theology Classroom), and the Murphy Family (Murphy Family Mathematics Room) live on and inspire us beyond measure, and we love them for it.”

William L. Burke III Headmaster

Hull Robotics Room Family members gathered on June 11, 2013, to dedicate the Hull Robotics Room, given

by Terry and Kathryn O’Connor in honor of Edwin J. Hull, Jr., devoted husband of Janet Hull, beloved grandfather of John ’10, Terry ’12 and Claire O’Connor. From left: Terry and Kathryn O’Connor, with Claire, Janet Hull, and St. Sebastian’s alumni John and Terry.

Murphy Family Math Room

On September 11, 2013, the Murphy Family gathered to dedicate a math classroom in honor of St. Sebastian’s and their son, Edmund ’11. From left: Math teacher Jim Rest, Headmaster Bill Burke, Edmund ’11, Jennifer, and Ed Murphy, Father Arens, Math teacher JP Craven and Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08.

24 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

Campaign news

McGrath Hall

The first-floor hallway of the Science, Math & Library Center honors the McGrath Family in recognition of their generous support, including David ’77, Scott ’78, Chris ’81 and Sean ’85.

Fr. Brooks Math Room Given by Dan and Dana Fulham P’17, a math classroom was dedicated on November 6, 2013, in honor of Reverend John E. Brooks, S.J., a trustee of St. Sebastian’s School from 1994 to 2012. From left: Father Arens, Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne, Dan Fulham, Headmaster Bill Burke and Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08.

Math & Theology Classroom On December 11, 2013, a math and theology classroom was officially dedicated in memory of Harry O’Hare Sr. and John Egan Shea, with a tribute on the plaque reading, “fathers, mentors, gentlemen.” From left: Matthew, Mel, Bobbie and Chip ’67 O’Hare.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 25

Campaign news

Faith & Future Campaign Celebration Dinner

M

ore than 250 leadership campaign donors attended the St. Sebastian’s Faith & Future Campaign Celebration Dinner at the Marriott Newton Hotel on Thursday, October 24, 2013. The evening, hosted by Headmaster Bill Burke, Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, and the Campaign Co-Chairs, brought an official end to the fabulously successful Faith & Future Campaign, which raised $45.7 million to build new and better academic and athletic facilities and to grow our endowment, enabling us to transform our campus and strengthen our School beyond measure.

Chaplain Father John Arens offered a stirring invocation and Trustee Father Michael Drea closed the evening with a grace-filled benediction. In between, we were

treated to videos featuring Assistant Headmaster and Dean of Studies Michael Nerbonne, a host of students, and our Campaign Chairs: Michael Cronin P’06, David Gately ’73, Doug Kingsley P’10,’10,’12,’13, and Bill O’Malley P’08,’09,’13. In addition, we were inspired by the heartfelt addresses of Jim Elcock, student leader John O’Leary ’14, Science Chair David Wilbur, and keynote speaker Jack Connors, Chairman Emeritus of Hill Holliday.

Headmaster Burke spoke last, thanking the donors one more time for their tremendous generosity.

The Faith & Future Campaign has forever changed the footprint of St. Sebastian’s, and we are extremely grateful to each and every donor who helped make it possible.

ABOVE Keynote speaker Jack Connors and Headmaster Bill Burke; Susan and Bill Elcock P’07,’08 and Kristin Reed P’15,’17.

LEFT David Wilbur, Science Department Chair speaks about the impact of the campaign on the science program and the School; Tom Wolfe P’9,’12, Director of Development Richard Arms P’14 and Campaign Co-chair Michael Cronin P’06.

“You have strengthened St. Sebastian’s School and transformed our campus beyond measure.

I thank you all from the depths of my soul.”

—William L. Burke III, Headmaster

26 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

FINE ARTS

Playing with Fire Students Learn the Art of Raku Raku is an ancient pottery technique that is

both exciting and unpredictable. Although the results are hard to control, it can produce beautiful surprises, as three St. Sebastian’s students recently discovered for themselves.

On Monday, November 18, 2013, Marlon Matthews ’14, James Ryan ’16, and Patrick Ryan ’18, along with faculty member Barrett Ellis, traveled to the Potters Shop in Needham to learn the art of raku from artist Steve Branfman. At the workshop, the boys had the unique opportunity to make their own pottery alongside Branfman. “Being in the presence of an expert potter and watching him work was an honor and truly amazing,” said Patrick.

In this traditional Japanese process, fired pottery is removed from a hot kiln and is allowed to cool in the open air or in a container filled with combustible material. It is raku’s unpredictable results and intense colors that attract modern potters. The patterns and colors result from the harsh cooling process and the amount of oxygen that is allowed to reach the pottery. Depending on what effect the artist desires, the pottery can be either instantly cooled in water, cooled slowly in the open air, or placed in a barrel, covered, and allowed to smoke.

In the weeks leading up to the workshop, the students prepared by creating slab build pots, coil pots and masks during their free time after school. During the evening of the workshop, they glazed their work and loaded it into a kiln to heat up to about 1800 degrees. Once the pots were glowing and the glaze had started to melt, Branfman took the pots out of the kiln. Each student then took the lead on how they wanted to finish the work, either by spraying it with water to rapidly cool the pot or placing it in a trash barrel with sawdust and letting it smoke. “Seeing the glaze melting on the red hot clay was the coolest (or hottest) part, although a close second was watching a fireball of dry leaves erupt from the trash can as a glowing pot was put inside,” said James.

All three students were pleased with the very unique outcome of their pieces. The opportunity to watch a real master practice his craft, and to learn how to do it themselves, was a fun and fascinating experience. As Marlon said, “I enjoyed the project mostly because it was completely new to me and I love broadening my scope, especially when it involves art.”

(l to r): Patrick Ryan ’18, artist Steve Branfman, James Ryan ’16, Marlon Matthews ’14 and art teacher Barrett Ellis.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 27

The 39 Steps

Drama Club keeps audience guessing and laughing

28 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

FINE ARTS

T

he St. Sebastian’s Drama Club, together with students from Montrose School, put on a wildly entertaining show on November 1 and 2, 2013, performing the stage adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The 39 Steps.” After countless hours of preparation and hard work, it was rewarding to deliver the theatrical riff in front of a jam-packed audience in Ward Hall.

The cast made superb work of the script, which turns a serious spy thriller into a comedic show with romantic entanglements, fast changes, and plenty of references to old Hitchcock films, puns intended. The play follows our hero, Richard Hannay (played by Jack Goldman ’14), wrongfully accused of murder, as he flees from police, spies, and assassins, all the while attempting to uncover the truth behind the clandestine organization, The 39 Steps.

Special thanks to Director Mark Rogers and Assistant Director Allison Stansfield for their guidance from beginning to end, as well as the fantastic crew behind the scenes. Congratulations to the entire cast on a wonderful performance.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 29

Fall Sports Varsity Football

“A tale of two seasons”

by Coach Michael Lawler The 2013 St. Sebastian’s varsity football team will remember this fall as a tale of two seasons. The first half consisted of three close losses, yielding a disappointing 1-3 tally. In the second half of the year, the team answered Coach Souza’s call to “run the string;” the squad played tough, fundamental, and inspired football to secure four straight victories and a winning season. The Arrows finished tied for third in the ISL at 5-3—an especially respectable record considering the team played the most competitive schedule in Coach Souza’s 36-year tenure.

After graduating many offensive stars from the 2012 cohort, the Arrows counted on a new corps of linemen and skill players to lead the offensive attack. The new starters welcomed the opportunity and performed at a consistently high level, finishing third in the league with an average of 27.4 points per game. The offensive line—led by a mentally sharp and physically strong group of seniors:

Will Kenney, Aturo Adkins, Brian Curley, John McNamara, Dan Fulham (tight end) and junior Tyson Mattox—opened holes for the veritable horde of talented backs.

Seniors Connor Strachan, James Fiore, junior Edosa Onaiwu, and freshman Blake Gallagher followed the big men and carved their way through defenses, making the potent run attack hard for opposing defenses to stop. In the passing game, junior quarterback Geoff Wade and senior signal-caller Andrew Corcoran connected frequently with their favorite receiving targets junior Matt Daniel and senior Brandon Sweeney.

Led by an experienced and talented pair of senior co-captains, Dan Fulham and Connor Strachan, the Arrows’ defense proved capable of stopping both the run and pass. The defensive line, comprised of a band of committed and aggressive players including seniors Aturo Adkins, John McNamara, Christian Kelly, Miles Hunter, Dan Fulham, Zach Chambers

30 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

and juniors Travis Lampron and AJ Jreige plugged gaps and pressured quarterbacks.

At the linebacker position, seniors Connor Strachan, James Fiore, Chris Callahan, and Henry Finnegan used their football acumen, strength, and speed to secure the majority of the team’s tackles while members of the secondary juniors Matt Daniel and Edosa Onaiwu, and senior Joe Kearney protected the perimeter and dutifully covered opposing receivers. In sum, the defense emerged as a tenacious and dependable group, holding opponents to two touchdowns or less in five of their eight games.

The season opened at Milton Academy with an exciting and high scoring competition. The Arrows began the game with an early 14-3 lead after Geoff Wade connected with Matt Daniel for two touchdown passes. As Milton surged back, the Arrows held steady with physical play up front, 110 yards rushing from Connor Strachan, athletic grabs by Brandon Sweeney, and another touchdown catch for Daniel. In the end, Milton was able to score the game’s final touchdown, finishing with a 31-27 victory.

In week two, the Arrows traveled to nearby West Roxbury to face Roxbury Latin. Capitalizing on early fumble recoveries by seniors Miles Hunter and John McNamara, the Arrows scored two early touchdowns. The team relied on a strong running attack throughout the game as Connor Strachan ran for three first-half touchdowns, and underclassmen Edosa Onaiwu and Blake Gallagher rushed for a combined 160 yards. The defense—led by overpowering play from defensive end Dan Fulham—stymied RL’s offensive attack throughout the game, ending in a convincing 37-7 victory.

The following Saturday the Arrows competed against 2012 ISL CoChampions Governor’s Academy in a highly-anticipated contest under the lights in Needham. After an early 43-yard touchdown pass from Geoff Wade to Matt Daniel and a steadfast performance from

Fall Sports

Strachan ’14 and Gallagher ’17 Play in National Bowl Games

the defense—including two crucial stops on fourth down—the Arrows led 7-6 at the half. In the second half, Wade found Daniel for another touchdown pass; however, Governor’s forceful triple-option run-game proved difficult to stop. In the end, Governor’s finished the exhilarating and spirited contest with a 27-14 win.

In week four, Belmont Hill came to Needham to challenge St. Sebastian’s in their annual Homecoming game. The Arrows defense controlled Belmont’s offensive attack, holding them to three field goals. On offense, Connor Strachan punctuated a successful opening drive with a short rushing touchdown. The offense struggled to find the end zone for the rest of the game, slowing themselves down with penalties and turnovers. The contest ended with Belmont Hill on top 9-7. After the game, Coach Souza, disappointed, but motivated to finish the season with a winning record, impelled the squad to “control your destiny.” As the Arrows returned to practice on Monday, they were committed to reverse the fate of the 2013 season.

The second chapter of the “tale of two seasons” began in a home match up against St. Mark’s. Quarterback Geoff Wade had a career day, helping the offense move the ball efficiently in both the pass and run game. The defense faltered at times, but did enough to attain a 49-28 win.

Six days later, the Arrows headed to play an undefeated BB&N team under the lights in Cambridge. The back-andforth game included a break-out night for freshman Blake Gallagher who amassed 179 yards rushing; a notable performance from senior punter Richard Arms who helped the Arrows win the field position battle with several long punts; and an inspiring effort from quarterback Andrew Corcoran who replaced injured quarterback Geoff Wade in the fourth quarter. The two squads traded scores, leading to a 14-14 stalemate with less than two minutes left in the contest. On fourth down, the Arrows called on senior kicker Kevin Ginns, who, in arguably the season’s most memorable and euphoric moment, drilled a career-long 35-yard field goal.

An interception by Edosa Onaiwu and a rushing touchdown from Connor Strachan sealed the 24-14 win.

The Arrows faced a talented Lawrence Academy team the following Friday, their minds focused on continuing the win streak. The force of the Arrows’ late-season surge continued on this unseasonably warm autumn afternoon.

Andrew Corcoran displayed poise and talent in his first start under center, rushing for a 20-yard touchdown and scrambling out of the pocket to throw for another. With the help of the stalwart offensive line, Edosa Onaiwu amassed 102 yards rushing and ran for a touchdown.

For the first time in St. Sebastian’s history, the varsity football team had two of its members selected to play on national All-American football teams. Senior Captain linebacker and running back Connor Strachan, who will go on to play at Boston College next year, was selected as co-captain and started at linebacker in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Anaheim, CA, on January 5, 2014. On January 4, freshman Blake Gallagher played in The Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX. Selected from among the best football players in the country for their age groups, Connor and Blake proudly represented St. Sebastian’s football on the national stage.

Connor Strachan ’14 and Blake Gallagher ’17 with Coach Bob Souza after receiving their bowl game jerseys at the Athletic Awards Assembly.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 31

Fall Sports Safety Joe Kearney intercepted a pass late in the game, helping the Arrows complete a 27-12 victory.

In the perennial end-of-the-year match-up against Thayer Academy, the Arrows finished the season with a dominant performance. After an early rushing touchdown from Connor Strachan, senior linebacker James Fiore returned an interception for another first-quarter score. Strachan and Fiore each rushed for a second touchdown while Blake Gallagher—in one of the season’s most remarkable highlights— broke several tackles and dodged defenders to run for another. The Arrows controlled the game throughout and defeated Thayer 34-7.

Although the 2013 Arrows did not reach all of their ambitious goals for the

season, they proved to be a committed, talented, determined, and united group who could compete against and beat the ISL’s toughest teams. An impressive group of seniors—many of whom will compete at the college level—leave behind a notable legacy: a collective record of 20-5 over three years, an ISL and New England Championship, and most importantly a consistent commitment to teamwork and effort.

Next year’s Arrows, propelled by newly elected tri-captains Edosa Onaiwu, Tyson Reed, and Geoff Wade, will aim to build on the success of both this year’s varsity team and the undefeated JV “Red Dog” squad. In closing, the coaches thank the 2013 senior class and the entire team for their tireless dedication to the St. Sebastian’s football program.

32 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

Varsity Soccer “Celebrating the silver linings”

by Coach Richard Connolly The summer read for my senior elective was Matthew Quick’s The Silver Linings Playbook. In the book, the narrator explains, “I don’t want to stay in the bad place, where no one believes in silver linings or love or happy endings.” And while just one of the players on this year’s team takes my class, the 2013 edition of Arrows soccer certainly stayed away from that bad place and discovered the silver linings in a season that yielded just two wins against fourteen losses and one tie (2-14-1).

Our first four games were against New England Class A finalist Worcester Academy and three ISL teams that all earned more than 30 points: Nobles, Rivers, and BB&N. Trying to find a tougher opening slate is like trying to sneak the sun past the rooster.

Following a 3-0 loss against Worcester, we played Nobles. After Kenny Vallace ’15 finished a cross from Alejandro Soto ’16 in the 68th minute, it felt like the Arrows would tie and ultimately win the game; but twice in the last three minutes the Bulldogs’ leading scorer got behind the Seb’s offensive-minded backline to secure the 4-1 win. Defending co-champ and tournament-bound Rivers poured in four goals, but could have had many more if not for goal-tending of Matthew Eldridge ’16, who stood on his head in the 4-1 loss, our lone goal off the foot of Matthew Guarino ’15. At BB&N’s homecoming, the Arrows eleven performed valiantly on the Knights’ small field, but came out on the wrong side of a 3-0 game.

Driving to Byfield on a Wednesday is hardly anyone’s idea of fun, but anything is worth it when you win, and the team

Fall Sports

Fall Athletic Awards The following students were recognized for their performance on either the Arrows varsity football, soccer or cross country teams during an Athletic Awards Assembly on Friday, November 22, 2013: ISL Co-MVP & Boston Globe All-Scholastic Team Football: Connor Strachan ’14 All-League ISL Football: Dan Fulham ’14, Joseph Kearney ’14, William Kenney ’14, John McNamara ’14, Connor Strachan ’14 Soccer: John O’Leary ’14

returned to Needham in the dark with a 2-1 victory over a feisty Governor’s side, both goals from Soto.

The next several games resulted in a string of tough losses, but there were some fierce battles on the field and many highlights. In the 66th minute of Seb’s Homecoming game against Belmont Hill, Doyle Silvia ’15 headed a free kick from Raffi Barsamian ’17 for what was arguably the nicest goal of the year, and for the final 25 minutes anyone who didn’t think the Arrows would win was not actually watching the game. Alas, Blemont Hill navigated the 2-1 win. In the 37th minute against St. Mark’s, the Arrows found themselves ahead 2-1, with goals from Parker Joyce ’17 and co-captain Austin Lewis ’14, but the tournament-bound Lions scored the equalizer just before halftime and added two more in the second for the 4-2 win. The Arrows earned a 1-1 tie against St. Paul’s, with Lewis heading in a cross from Paige Sanderson ’15 in the 72nd minute to salvage the point. At Groton, the hosts got on the board early and then scored two more within one minute to take a 3-0 lead in the 57th, but Seb’s, true to form, didn’t quit, with Niko

Fischer ’14 scoring his first career goal in the 63rd and Soto pulling the Arrows within one just seven minutes later, only to have the comeback thwarted in the 88th, the Zebras earning a 4-2 win.

As a coach, one of the things you wish most for your players is that signature win, the one they’ll talk about years later.

For the 2013 Arrows, that win came at Roxbury Latin, where Eldridge earned his first career shutout, and Vallace and Charlie Gordon ’15 scored first-half goals five minutes apart for a 2-0 win against the defending New England co-champions.

It was a cold, dark afternoon in early November, and as sun set over Centre Street, the scoreboard glowed a little brighter and the boys certainly walked to the bus a little slower and a lot prouder.

While the boys prepared for the final game against Thayer, I began optimistically crafting this narrative in my head, the message being “You’re only as good as your last fight.” Unfortunately, we lost 2-1, with the highlight being the defense of James Sylvia ’15, who shut down the league’s second leading goal scorer. But it occurred to me that this credo is a bit of false wisdom, because

Honorable Mention All-League ISL Football: Aturo Adkins ’14, Chris Callahan ’14, Henry Finnegan ’14, James Fiore ’14, Brandon Sweeney ’14 Big Hit Award Presented to the football player who leaves a “lasting impression” on his opponents.

Connor Strachan ’14 Ennis Award Presented to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and outstanding attitude to the football program.

Andrew Corcoran ’14 Peter Kerr Award Presented for sportsmanship, dedication to the team, and commitment to the soccer program.

John O’Leary ’14, Austin Lewis ’14

if you’re going to be as good as your last fight, you probably won’t be ready for the next one. The magic of the 2013 team is that the boys never thought they were as good as their last game—they knew they were better. These Arrows believed in working hard at practice, helping each other get a little better every day, and whenever they put on the Black and Red, the boys were hungry for victory.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 33

Fall Sports So where’re the silver linings in a season where we were outscored 51-13?

This season saw so many underclassmen performing at a high level, never seeing themselves as younger or lesser, but instead competing as varsity soccer players. Four freshmen earned significant time this year, and we look forward to the promising careers of Barsamian, Joyce, Adama Kaba, and Kyle McCarthy. Liam Noonan ’16 emerged as a rising star, and joins Soto and Eldridge as part of a small, but very experienced and talented rising junior class. And with eight returning seniors, many of whom fill out our starting lineups and score sheets, next year’s squad will be loaded with veteran leadership. Doyle Silvia ’15 and Billy McCarthy ’15 are the captains-elect, and they are joined

by Gordon, Guarino, Sanderson, Sylvia, Vallace, and James DeSisto.

None of this would really matter, though, if it weren’t for our seven departing seniors who showed up to practice every day ready to work, and who left everything—physical and emotional—on the field, setting a foundation on which we promise to build. Matt Barletta, Conor Murray, Matt Pickard, and Andrew Warner were all new to the varsity team this year,

but all four have given much to the soccer program, coming up through the ranks and showing the younger boys what it means to play because you love the game, your school, and your teammates.

Niko Fischer returned for his second year on varsity and, his talent on the field aside, he is the kind of player a coach wants on his team, quietly mentoring the younger players and always the first to help the coaches with equipment or setting up drills.

Coach Lynch, who has been around the game of soccer for a long time and has been involved with many Arrows clubs, says the 2013 captains are the best he’s ever known in terms of leadership. John O’Leary and Austin Lewis are both fully deserving of the Peter Kerr Award, presented for sportsmanship, dedication to the team, and commitment to the soccer program.

O’Leary was further recognized as an allleague selection and was invited to play in the senior all-star game on championship weekend. After one especially disappointing loss, the two captains, who are both threeyear letter-winners, called a players-only meeting. The following game, the team played its most inspired soccer of the year.

And while what John and Austin told the boys surely made a difference that day, it was how both of them played the game every day—with passion, dedication, and enjoyment—that will make up their legacy on Greendale Avenue.

With winter settled in, and the only soccer we see coming from across the pond to our televisions, the 2013 campaign seems almost impossibly far behind us. The members of the 2013 Arrows team, however, will all look back upon this season fondly, knowing that where most everyone else sees the clouds of defeat, they recognize, embrace, and celebrate the silver linings.

LEFT Coach Chris Lynch, recipients of the Peter Kerr Award Austin Lewis ’14 and John O’Leary ’15, and Coach Richard Connolly at the Fall Athletic Awards Assembly.

34 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

Fall Sports

Varsity Cross Country

“Our sport is your sport’s punishment”

by John Ryan ’15

The quote above is the embodiment of the sport Cross Country. There is not much else that you do except run… and run… and run.

Unlike in other sports where you have a team playing around you, it is all up to you. In cross country, you run with your teammates in a race, but you can’t blame someone else for not passing the ball or puck. You are the only person who can force yourself to run harder; you need to have the drive inside to keep going. Cross country races don’t seem that long, but when you are running in one, there is no opportunity for a timeout, or a stop in the action; it is straight running for 20 plus minutes. It takes a lot to know that for every race, you are going to be hurting, and hurting a lot. But the runners on the team this year were willing to take this challenge, tough it out, and run as hard as they could.

With several seniors graduating last year (eight in total, and three of our top five), there were many spots to fill on this year’s team. We looked to the sophomores (and two freshmen), coming off their Middle School Championship at the RL Invitational.

They had to fill out the top seven, which is extremely hard to do in your first year of running 3.1 mile races, versus a 2-mile race in middle school. Two freshmen, Kevin

Moore and Luke Jones, waived their final year of eligibility for the middle school team and ran with the varsity team, consistently finishing in the top five. Sophomores on the team, coming off their championship season, were Paul Keady, Erik Jones, Jimmy Ryan, and John Kapples. Paul and Erik both filled up the top five spots each race, running extremely well every day. Jimmy and Kapples, even though they ran in JV races, came out every day, looking to get better, and get better they did. The junior class was represented by John Flatley and John Ryan, with the seniors represented

by John Bartlett and 2013 Captain Cam Kelly. Both Cam and Bartlett called each and every runner to do their best every day, whether it was a hill workout, a race, a stretching day, or a cross country football game. The coaching staff headed by Coach Ryan, began the season without an assistant.

Luckily enough, we found one in a former captain Mike Haley ’13. Haley, taking a gap year before heading to Harvard, was a great addition to the coaching staff and we thank him for his advice and help.

This was the first season in a long time where there was a good pack with several strong runners. Cam Kelly led the pack,

followed by John Ryan, Paul Keady, Erik Jones, Kevin Moore, Luke Jones, and John Flatley, with some variations in the order race to race. Cam earned first place overall against LCA and Rivers. The Homecoming race against Rivers later in the season was possibly the best of the year because of the fan support. It was a close race overall, with Cam riding the wave to another first-place finish in front of the top Rivers runner; then Paul Keady, to the excitement of the crowd, finished soon after; John Ryan followed next, having just passed a Rivers kid in the last stretch, thanks to a power surge from the cheering crowd. It was a great race, with the Arrows winning 25-32 (lower score wins).

By the end of the season, the Arrows had run at Caryl Park, and traveled to Nobles, St. Mark’s, St. Paul’s, Rivers, and Groton, finishing the year with an overall record of 6-13, with many close races, including losing to Brooks by just one point. Then, for ISLs, the Arrows went back to St. Mark’s to partake in the League Championships.

As a whole, the Arrows didn’t do as well as they’d hoped, coming in 14th place out of 16 teams and losing to a few teams that they had beaten earlier in the season. Thankfully, the ultimate race was a week later, the New England Championships at St. George’s, and the Arrows had a great race. Cam Kelly came in 38th with a time of 18:30, John Ryan finished in 41st with 18:37, Paul Keady in 71st with 19:20, Erik Jones in 73rd with 19:24, Luke Jones in 86th with 19:37, Kevin Moore in 88th with 19:40, and John Bartlett in 145th with 21:56. The Arrows came in 12th out of 22 teams, a good way to end the season.

On behalf of the team, I would like to thank Coach Ryan and Coach Haley, as well as captain Cam Kelly and senior leader John Bartlett, for their dedication, leadership, and perseverance. The Arrows look forward to a strong season next year, under the senior leadership of John Flatley and captain-elect John Ryan, We will miss those who have left us, but always welcome any newcomers to the team.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 35

REUNION 2014 | May 16 & 17 Are you a member of a class ending in 4 or 9?

Join us for Reunion 2014 to reconnect with classmates, share memories and make new ones.

Friday, May 16 Milestone Reunion Celebrations – 25th and 50th 6:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception for 25th & 50th Reunions 7:00 p.m. 50th Reunion Dinner

25th Reunion Dinner

($25 per person)

Saturday, May 17 12:00 p.m. Headmaster’s Reception

The Classes of 1945-1964 are invited to Headmaster Burke’s

home for an intimate reception.

2:00 p.m. St. Sebastian’s Campus Tours 4:00 p.m. Alumni Memorial Mass 5:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception 7:00 p.m. Clambake

($60 per person, $25 for alumni celebrating a 5th reunion)

Register online at:

www.stsebs.org/reunion Register by March 15 and save $10!

Alumni Events ALUMNI Reception Alumni filled Ward Hall on Thursday, October 10, 2013, for St. Sebastian’s annual Alumni Reception. Alums had a chance to reconnect, including (l to r): Chris Kennedy ’82, David Calabro ’78, P’16, Kevin McCarthy ’78, Jay Mullen ’78, P’19 and Andy McAuliffe ’48, P’75,’78,’79,’81,’86, GP’15,’16.

Helping to kick off Homecoming weekend, the theme of the night was “Celebrating Tradition and Rivalry.”

NY & DC Receptions St. Sebastian’s alumni and members of the junior class gathered at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington, VA, on Veteran’s Day evening for the annual Washington, D.C. reception and ice cream social. Recent grads in attendance included (l to r): Andrew Sullivan ’13, Ramy Andil ’13 and Matt Donovan ’13. The New York Reception, graciously hosted by David Gately ’73 was held the following evening, November 12, at the Yale Club in New York City.

(l to r): Matt Lutch ’08 and Mike Ewing ’10 take a break from the action during the annual Alumni Sports Day on Saturday, November 30, 2013. It was a great day of athletic competition and camaraderie on the football field, basketball court, and ice rink.

ALUMNI SPORTS DAY

The Class of 2013 returned to St. Sebastian’s on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 for the annual Yearbook Reception.

Our most recent alumni received their yearbooks, as well as a special book containing all of their Corporate Chapel speeches, a new tradition this year.

After a lunch spent reminiscing with old classmates and catching up with faculty, last year’s seniors were presented with their Class of 2013 plaque, which will join the plaques of years past in Alumni Hall.

Yearbook Reception WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 37

CLASS NOTES Notes and Announcements from Arrows Alumni

1948

Col. Harold J. Field, Jr. is retired and busy enjoying his children, 14 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

1950

Dick Schiffmann, the first St. Sebastian’s student to graduate from Stonehill College, was awarded Stonehill’s Outstanding Alumnus Service Award for 2013 for his work on the Alumni Council. The award was presented by Father John Denning, CSC the newly installed 10th president of the college. The second Arrows graduate of Stonehill was Dick’s late brother, John R. Schiffmann ’51.

Joseph Shea is still moving and shaking out in Sonoma, CA, and although he misses New England, he still enjoys California, where Anne and his kids are all well. They have many family gatherings. He gives extreme thanks to God for his many blessings.

1954

Walter T. Rich is still working and playing hard, enjoying tennis and golf, and still loving his extended family.

John S. Drinkwater and his wife, Margot, spend much of their time assisting more than 300 people in obtaining free prescription medications, as well as participating in many programs at their church in Rochester, NY. They have nine grandchildren and five children living in Brazil, Vermont, New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

1956

Peter Ablondi continues to act as Class Agent, a position he has manned since succeeding Dr. Al Cail in 1970.

1959

Daniel A. Nugent and his wife celebrated their 50th anniversary with a cruise to Australia and New Zealand. He reports that he and his wife are

The New England Prep School Championship Team from 1964.

38 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

in good health and enjoying the good life in Georgia with family and diverse activities.

1960

Richard B. Nelson and his wife Annabelle are still living in Arlington, VA. Annabelle works at the State Department.

Richard’s daughter, Joanna (21), is in her final year at Virginia Commonwealth University, and his son, Chris (20), is in his junior year at the University of Mary Washington.

1961

Allan C. Byrne, Jr. hosts two one-hour weekly radio shows, Sunday and Monday at 1:00 p.m.

EST. The shows have 2.5 million listeners on iHeartRadio.com.

1965

John C. McCarthy is pleased to report that all is well with his family. He and his wife still live in Potomac, MD, and are adjusting to semi-retirement.

He looks forward to catching up with classmates in 2014.

V. Grady O’Malley now has three of the best grandchildren, two boys and a girl. He is still trying cases as Sr. Litigation Counsel at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark, NJ, where he is finishing up 36 years of service.

J. Timothy Sullivan, Jr. and his wife, Maryann, are delighted to announce that their grandchildren now number eight. And with their daughter Meredith having finished her first semester at Bowdoin, they are empty nesters. Go Polar Bears!

1966

John R. Ready congratulates classmates George L. DeMambro ‘66 and Vin D. Cucchiara ‘66 on opening their beautiful shop in Kennebunkport, ME, called Three Dories.

1969

Kevin J. Duggan and his wife, Cindy, are enjoying life by the sea in Scituate. They have been blessed with five grandchildren.

Alumni from many classes join Headmaster Bill Burke for a Christmas gathering on Cape Cod.

CLASS NOTES

Daniel Archabal ’64 DEGREES: MBA, Accounting Finance, University of Pittsburgh – Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business; MAT, Ed Administration & History, Boston College; AB, Harvard University JOB TITLE: Executive Professor, Northeastern University College of Business Administration ROLES AT ST. SEBASTIAN’S: Student, faculty member, Director of Middle School, Director of Admissions, Trustee, Co-chair of 50th Reunion Committee

What is your favorite memory of St. Sebastian’s?

What is the most profound change you’ve seen at the school?

As a student, one of my favorite memories was playing one of the leading roles in the school’s drama production, “The Fantasticks.” Father Powers, the director, took a bunch of boys, along with two college women, and somehow managed to pull off an operetta. He turned us into actors. We rehearsed scenes and lines repeatedly with frequent admonitions to “get it right” or commands to “do it again” (and again and again). He was a perfectionist and perfection was not optional.

I had blown a line in dress rehearsal and Father Powers ate me alive. I decided I was never going to let that happen again and memorized everyone’s lines in “Hamlet,” the next play we did. Looking back, the experience allowed me to realize I can do a lot more than I thought I could.

Managing the baseball team for Henry Lane was also a highlight; he taught me about fairness, how to win and to stretch people to do more.

The most profound change since my days as a student and faculty member is the academic program. There has been an aspiration to have the best curriculum, the best students and to challenge them. Through continuous efforts those objectives have been achieved. Now I hear other people say, “I don’t know if I can get my kid into St. Sebastian’s.” One thing that hasn’t changed: the school has always attracted talented students and parents who really cared about their son’s and the school’s success.

As a teacher, my favorite memory is of an eighth-grade English class. I said to this group of boys, “This grammar book can take an entire year, or we could do it in eight weeks.” I never thought they could do it, but they did and by the end of the year, they were mastering Shakespeare. I never found their limit. Teaching that class was a terrific experience for me.

What values did you gain at St. Sebastian’s?

FROM 1964 YEARBOOK Dan in “Hamlet”

My father had to remind me more than any of his children “to do it right or don’t do it at all,” whether I was raking leaves or completing a school assignment. Frs. Barrett, Gilmartin, Boles, Contons and Powers, as well as Henry Lane and others, reinforced my parents’ values—work hard, treat people with respect and do your best.

All of these men made a lasting impression and were examples of “Love God, work hard and take good care of one another” before it became the “order of the day.” I’m more aware of their influence now than I was as a student. The values graduates take away from here are the important ones. I can see those values and the work ethic in the St. Sebastian’s students I’ve had in my classes at Northeastern.

Have you enjoyed serving as co-chairman of your 50th reunion?

Yes, much more than I thought I would and I have surprised Vicki, my wife of 45 years and best friend of more than 50 years. Recently, I have become much better connected to the School than I have been for a long time. Working with fellow co-chairs Don Terry and Herb Minkel and the reunion committee has been enjoyable and we have made great progress reconnecting with many classmates whom we haven’t seen or heard from since graduation in ’64. Interestingly and fortunately, we discuss the present and the future even more than the past.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 39

CLASS NOTES

WHAT’S

NEW? Keep your classmates updated by sending us your news!

Submit class notes and photos at: stsebs.org/classnotes Deadline for next issue: APRIL 1, 2014 Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to send the highest quality image possible and identify everyone.

Questions?

1992

Brian Faherty has been busy acting in both Boston and New York, including supporting roles in “American Hustle” and “The Business Trip” plus the TV shows “Blue Bloods” and “The Knick.”

2001

Colin T. Dowdall and his wife, Erin, welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Finn Thomas Dowdall, into the world on August 26, 2013.

2002

Kevin Cullinan married Chrissie McMahon on September 15, 2013 in Oyster Harbors, MA. Richard Faro married his wife, Cori on November 2, 2013 in Fairfield, CA. Matthew Hepburn became engaged to Ms. Emily Saari this past summer.

Contact Christine Robertson at christine_robertson@stsebs.org

Brian Kittler ’00 and his wife, Kim, are the proud parents of Lucas Owen, born October 7, 2013.

Ryan Fitzpatrick ’92 and his wife Maura are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter Roisin Mae, on December 23, 2013.

40 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

2003

Christopher J. O’Connor owns and operates a sober living home in Brooklyn, NY. Jay Tansey and his wife Elly live in Washington, D.C., where Jay was appointed by President Obama to serve as the special advisor for Congressional & Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

2006

G. Andrew Conway, Jr. accepted a position at F-Squared Investments in Wellesley, after two years spent working in campus ministry with The Evangelical Catholic, based in Madison, WI.

2008

Steven J. Feeley is married and has an 11-month-old daughter, Hannah Rose. He and his family are currently living in Aviana, Italy.

2009

Christopher M. Brown is currently working at Blackstone in New York City, where he often bumps into St. Sebastian’s alumni. He sends his best to Headmaster Burke and everyone else in Needham.

2011

Zane Stanton, a junior and center back at Stonehill College, was named team MVP for the 2013 soccer season.

2012

Anthony J. Arcanti is currently working toward his degree in journalism at Northeastern University. Last year he spent a semester abroad in London.

Robert D. Cotter, Jr. has transferred from Norwich University to Seton Hall University.

Curtis K. Yandow is in his sophomore year at Syracuse University.

John Real ’13 (left) and Conor Thomson ’13 (3rd from left) support fellow Arrows Chris Marano ’13 and Brian Mullin ’13 at the Bowdoin vs. Colby Game on November 9, 2013.

CLASS NOTES

Career Advisory Network The St. Sebastian’s Career Advisory network links alumni, especially recent graduates, with alumni and parents who are willing to share their experiences, offer valuable advice, and possibly provide employment leads. The network also serves as a way to connect members of the St. Sebastian’s community with other well-established alumni and parents who share similar vocations.

Anthony Gallagher ’01 married Jessica Studstill on September 20, 2013, in Milton, MA. (l to r): Members of the Gallagher family, including James ’06, Nick ’09, JoAnn, Anthony and his bride Jessica, James, Beth Gallagher Ward, Leo Ward and Justin Ward.

More than 500 people representing a wide range of professions are already part of the network, and the potential for growth is tremendous.

To become an advisor or learn how to access the list of career advisors, visit:

www.stsebs.org/careers

St. Sebastian’s

Online Store Jay Tansey ’03 married his Bowdoin College sweetheart, Elly Pepper, on September 8, 2012, on Mount Desert Island, Maine. Arrows in attendance were (l to r): Joe Tansey ’69, Jay and Elly, John Suliman ’03, Bobby Falconi ’69, Zach Hammond ’03, Chris O’Connor ’03, and Conor Moran ’03.

Show your Arrows pride!

Our online store includes a wide variety of items from fleeces and t-shirts to hats, tote bags and even bibs for the next generation of Arrows!

To access the bookstore, click on the “Online Bookstore” link on our homepage: Jason Prince ’06 married Danielle Brody on September 7, 2013 at St. Mary’s in Hull; the reception was at the Cohasset Harbor Inn. (l to r:) Jason with his mother Lisa Giallonardo, a former staff member at St. Sebastian’s, and his brother Jared Prince ’08.

www.stsebs.org

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 41

In Memoriam We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the graduates and friends of St. Sebastian’s School whose deaths are reported with sorrow.

James W. Burke August 21, 2013 Brother of Headmaster William L. Burke, III Patrick J. Cunniffe September 12, 2013 Father of John P. Cunniffe ’86 and Thomas M. Cunniffe ’88 Francis B. Daly, Sgt. Maj., USMCR, Ret. October 4, 2013 Father of Brendan J. Daly ’86 Sarah T. Daly August 27, 2013 Mother of Brendan J. Daly ’86 Susan Fortune November 1, 2013 Wife of Albert Fortune ’64 Diane “DeDe” Gallagher October 19, 2013 Wife of Mark E. Gallagher III ’54 Marjorie Kelley October 26, 2013 Grandmother of Patrick K. McLaughlin ’12

Mary O’Connor November 18, 2013 Grandmother of Joseph Kearney ’14 Bruno Palumbo November 9, 2013 Father of David Palumbo ’92 Leon Pemberton November 25, 2013 Grandfather of Justin Charles ’19 Angelina C. Pupolo December 26, 2013 Mother of JoAnn Farrell, Assistant to Business Manager Daniel F. “Bud” Roche September 4, 2013 Father of Daniel F. Roche ’76, John J. Roche ’77, and grandfather of William D. Roche ’17 Marie J. Souza November 22, 2013 Mother of Head Football Coach Bob Souza Lexuss Thornton August 26, 2013 Brother of Jalen W. Thornton ’12

“Happy are those who have died in the Lord!

Happy indeed the Spirit says; Now they can rest forever after their work, Since their good deeds go with them.”

—Revelation 14:13

42 42 | | SST.T.SSEBASTIAN’S EBASTIAN’SM MAGAZINE AGAZINE Volume VolumeIX, IX,Issue IssueII

Rev. Msgr. William J. Forster Latin and Religion Faculty | 1973-1976 Rev. Msgr. William J. Forster, of Waltham, passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2013.

After graduating from Saint Mary’s High School, he entered Saint John’s Seminary in 1947 and was ordained in Rome on December 8, 1954. In 1956 he returned to Rome for graduate studies, earning his doctorate in Sacred Theology.

In addition to his time at St. Sebastian’s School, Rev. Forster served as vicechancellor of the Archdiocese of Boston, administrator of St. Therese Church in Everett, and as senior priest of the Archdiocese. He is survived by his sisters Margaret, Helen, and Elizabeth, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Donald E. Gibbons ’45 Mr. Gibbons passed away August 27, 2013, after a brave battle with cancer.

At St. Sebastian’s Gibbons dazzled his classmates with his speed on the football field and in track. After graduation, he served for two years in the U.S. Coast Guard and then went on to earn a degree in business from Boston College in 1951. He then moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as an entrepreneur and a magazines publisher for many years. He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, of 41 years and his two brothers, Martin and Austin.

He is survived by his four daughters: Kathleen, Donna, Barbara, and Deborah; by 13 grandchildren; and by two greatgrandchildren.

In Memoriam

William P. Gibbons ’49

Donald J. MacMillan ’56

Mr. Gibbons died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on November 6, 2013.

He was regarded as one of the finest athletes in his class at St. Sebastian’s, excelling at football, hockey, and baseball.

He made Boston College his alma mater, and then served in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Korean War. Golf was his passion, and he made it his living, helping build and operate Lost Brook Golf Club in Norwood, MA. He became a golf professional in 1973, and in 1983 he founded Sport Graphics International, a pioneer in video swing analysis. He was loved by his wife, Natalie; his sons, John and William; his daughter, Amy; his grandchildren, Leah and Justin; and his great-grandson, Owen.

Mr. MacMillan passed away August 18, 2013, from complications with his brave battle against cancer.

During his time at St. Sebastian’s, MacMillan was an avid member of the debating society and a four-year Walrus staff member. In addition to his intellectual pursuits, he also played baseball, football, basketball and golf.

After St. Sebastian’s, MacMillan went on to Harvard and, after graduating in 1961, the navy. Upon his honorable discharge in 1964, he joined his father in the family business, Calverts Inc. of Needham, MA. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mickey, his five children, Maura, Jennifer, Sheila, Amy, and Donald, and his 13 grandchildren.

Mary Packenham P’71,’73,GP’08,’13 A. Shaun Kelly ’45

St. Sebastian’s Secretary | 1989 – 2001

Mr. Kelly passed away in his home this past November.

He was a charter member of St. Sebastian’s first class, as well as a member of the “Arrow” staff. After St. Sebastian’s, Kelly served in Japan in the U.S. Army’s 21st Infantry Regiment of the 24th Infantry Division. He then went to Georgetown University and graduated in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. For more than 40 years after that, Kelly worked in the lumber industry, retiring from his own wholesale lumber company. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan; their children, Maura, Shaun, Trish, Ellen, and Chris; and their grandchildren, Martin, Emma, Rachel, and Sarah.

Mrs. Packenham passed away peacefully on August 16, 2013. She served as Executive Secretary to former Dean of Students Morris Kittler for many years, running our front office with dignity, class, respect, love, and supreme equanimity. Before St. Sebastian’s, Mary served as Executive Secretary at Grover Cronin’s Department Store. She was a devout communicant of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Auburndale, MA, and a member of their guild. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, John; her son Richard Daniel; and her siblings Patricia and Ned. She is survived by her son Laurence, her sister Margaret, and her grandchildren, Colin, Patrick, Olivia, and Luke.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 43

Mission Moment “Chapel speeches cover a wide variety of topics: family, challenges, colorful relatives, trips, favorite sports or activities, service to the wider community...

What we have discovered over time is that the boys want to talk about what is in their hearts, what’s most important to them. More often than not this relates to our mission as a Catholic Independent School. I like to say about this phenomenon that we have our mission read back to us on a daily basis, when it is reinforced by our students who want to share their faith experiences with their classmates.”

—Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne

44 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume IX, Issue I

From the classrooms to the fields, in the arts and technology, your gift to the St. Sebastian’s Annual Fund makes an immediate impact.

Support Arrows today, and the future Arrows of tomorrow.

Make an impact today.

ONLINE:

www.stsebs.org/give

BY MAIL: St. Sebastian’s School Alumni and Development Office 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, MA 02496

BY PHONE: 781.247.0120

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

| 3

1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, Massachusetts 02492

Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit No. 19943

William L. Burke III Headmaster Richard F. Arms Director of Alumni & Development Christine Y. Robertson Director of Communications

Summer Workshops in

Writing & Science

July 7-18 and July 21-August 1, 2014 Open to boys entering grades 5-9, these faculty-run workshops are an enriching learning opportunity for both current and prospective students looking for a challenging and fun experience.

Learn more and help us spread the word to your family, friends and colleagues:

www.stsebs.org/workshops