S T. S EBASTIAN’ S FALL 2018
M AGAZINE
2018-2019 Board of Trustees Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Chairman William L. Burke, III P’95,’97,’00,’04 Executive Officer, Headmaster James L. Elcock ’77, P’08 President Patrick J. Hegarty ’89, P’23 Vice President David M. Calabro ’78, P’16 Treasurer Devin C. Condron ’92 Assistant Treasurer Members: Barbara E. Connolly P’10’12’17 Timothy P. Doherty ’87 P’17 Rev. Michael E. Drea Stephen DuFour P’14’18’21 William B. Evans ’77 P’17 John W. Hueber ’71 Kathleen F. Ix P’22 Ross M. Jones P’16’17 Susanne C. Joyce P’20’23 Carolyn M. Lemone P’16’18 Shawn D. Martin P’17’18’19 Wesley D. Mateo ’03 Peter J. McLaughlin ’55 GP’13’19 John E. McNamara ’81 P’14’18 James F. Mooney, III P’18 Michael P. Muldowney P’12’16’22 Kathleen A. Murphy P’21 Mark L. O’Friel ’79 Robert M. Reardon P’15 Randall P. Seidl P’17’19 Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. Troy L. Stanfield P’21 Kurt R. Steinkrauss ’91 P’19 Mary L. Supple P’09’10’15 Andrew Wasynczuk P’14’17 Jeanne McKenzie P’18’20 President, Guild of St. Irene Samuel Hodgson P’12’20 President, Men’s Association Charles Haley ’92 President, Alumni Association Trustees Emeriti: James A. Cotter, Jr. ’57 David F. Gately ’73 J. Brad Griffith ’58, GP’19,’23
FALL 2018
S T. S EBASTIAN’ S M AGAZINE
FEATURES
Assistant Headmaster Michael P. Nerbonne
IN EVERY ISSUE
14 Our Year of Empathy Headmaster Burke’s remarks on “Empathy,” the one-word theme for the academic year
18 Introducing the
West Campus Center
St. Sebastian’s opens the doors of its newest facility
26 Joining the
2
Headmaster’s Letter
3
Around Campus
10
New Faculty
12
New Trustees
38
Event Highlights
40
Fine Arts
42
Fall Sports
Wall of Honor
50
Alumni Events
Rich Arms P’14 and Jed Doherty ’86 celebrate 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s
53
Class Notes
62
In Memoriam
34 Providing Opportunities
Headmaster William L. Burke, III P’95,’97,’00,’04
Editor and Designer Christine Y. Robertson, Director of Communications Principal Photographer Joey Spadoni, Digital Media Coordinator Contributors Michaela Chapman, Communications Associate Ed Davis ’65, P’88,’90 Alumni Office, Director of Planned Giving Editorial Advisor Michael Deschenes, Director of Library & Information Services
Donkor Minors ’01 makes an impact on youth through BPS’ 10 Boys Initiative
18
Director of Alumni & Development Richard F. Arms P’14
26
St. Sebastian’s Magazine is published three times a year by the Communications Office. Correspondence concerning the magazine should be sent to: communications@stsebs.org
Rich Arms P’14
West Campus Center Blessing & Ribbon Cutting
Jed Doherty ’86
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.
St. Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, MA 02492 781.449.5200 www.stsebs.org COVER: The St. Sebastian’s community gathers to celebrate the Blessing & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the West Campus Center on November 8, 2018.
INSIDE COVER: Looking up at the top of the rotunda which serves as the main entrance to the West Campus Center.
From the desk of the headmaster
Cooperate with Grace. (The Cloud of Unknowing)
W illia m L . Bu r k e III
Thanks to the grace of God and to the many wonderful St. Sebastian’s students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and trustees who have cooperated—and continue to cooperate —with God’s grace, our School is blessed with an eminently clear, powerfully positive culture of service and love. A few weeks ago, when my colleague, Mike Melley P’18,’22, met with some of our young alumni entrepreneurs, he heard them express their knowledge of the importance of culture and confess their frustration in developing language to carry the culture they devoutly wish to establish in their start-up companies. Their primary lament was that they simply could not come up with anything as good as Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. I have every confidence that our young Arrows will continue to embrace and exude the ethos of St. Sebastian’s wherever they go and that each will succeed in building a positive culture in consonance with the one he has come to know and love. This issue of St. Sebastian’s Magazine celebrates the ongoing success of our Spirit & People Campaign, the blessing and opening of the West Campus Center, the honoring of many people, including two long-serving members of our community and many current and former students who pursue and achieve ever rising peaks of excellence in body, mind, and spirit. I thank you for all that you do to strengthen the culture of your most grateful School. May you visit soon and often and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones every sacred step of the way. With love and gratitude,
William L. Burke III Headmaster
2 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
AROUND CAMPUS
News & Notes from Our School Community FALL 2018
| 3
AROUND CAMPUS
The Debate Team Shines at Fall Tournaments
“ integrity courage
St. Sebastian’s values of leadership, ,
, and faith made him
On October 7, 2018, St. Sebastian’s hosted our Annual Parliamentary Extemporaneous Invitational Debate Tournament for students in both novice and advanced divisions. Jeff Serowik ’20 won a Speaker’s Prize in the Advanced Division. Over 230 students and faculty from 19 Independent Schools participated, making this one of our largest tournaments ever. The Debate Team had another strong showing on December 2, 2018, at Buckingham, Browne & Nichols’ Annual Invitational Debating and Public Speaking Tournament. This year, for the first time, the Tournament required students to participate in Impromptu Speaking and Interpretive Reading categories in addition to two rounds of Parliamentary Extemporaneous Debating. John Chisholm ’22 and Will McInerney ’22 earned a perfect debating record, winning both of their rounds in the Novice Division.
an obvious role model for the first class of students and that continues on today.
”
—Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, Board President
St. Sebastian’s Celebrates Founder’s Day
D
uring the last week of September, St. Sebastian’s celebrated Founder’s Day, continuing a tradition that was launched two years ago as part of the School’s 75th Anniversary. In recognition of the first-ever day of classes on Nonantum Hill on September 27, 1941, Jim Elcock ’77, P’08—alumnus, past parent, and President of the Board of Trustees—addressed the student body in St. Bartholomew’s Church. He talked about a number of things, including the School’s beginning and his memories as a student at St. Sebastian’s in the 1970s. He concluded his remarks by saying, “Thank you for honoring and remembering Founder’s Day with your presence here. We are so fortunate that we have St. Sebastian’s. We thank God for the wisdom and courage of Cardinal William O’Connell, who bought a small campus on Nonantum Hill and started what has become one of the best, most sought-after schools in New England.”
4 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne with prize-winning debaters Jeff Serowik ’20 (top) and John Chisholm ’22 and Will McInerney ’22 (bottom).
AROUND CAMPUS
An Empathy-Themed Unity Day The St. Sebastian’s Community gathered to celebrate Unity Day on November 2, 2018. The oneword theme for this academic year, Empathy, and the All School Read, The Red Bandanna, served as the basis for the program. This inspiring book tells the true story of Welles Crowther—an American equities trader and volunteer firefighter known for saving at least a dozen lives during the September 11 attacks in New York City, during which he lost his own life. The program began with a prayer service. A list of all the names of the 9/11 victims from Massachusetts was displayed and followed by the names of the victims from the recent Squirrel Hill synagogue shooting. The students watched a Mass 9/11 Fund video and then heard from a panel of local Massachusetts family members of the victims and first responders from 9/11, including staff member Maureen Gilligan whose brother lost his life serving as a firefighter that day. Students and faculty members broke into discussion groups in classrooms and watched ESPN’s “The Man in the Red Bandanna.” After reassembling in Ward Hall, the boys heard from Dan Ponsetto, Director of Boston College’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center. Ponsetto initiated the annual Red Bandanna Run at Boston College to celebrate the life of Welles Crowther, a 1999 BC graduate. The event helps fund the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, to honor Welles’ memory through scholarships and support of organizations that assist young people in their pursuit of excellence. Unity Day ended with prayer and song, concluding a powerful morning of reflection.
TOP: Dan Ponsetto, Director of Boston College’s Volunteer and Service Learning Center, with Headmaster Burke and Meyer Chambers. BOTTOM: The panel of local Massachusetts family members of 9/11 victims and first responders with Headmaster Burke and Fr. John Arens.
53 Students Inducted into
the National Honor Society This fall, 53 St. Sebastian’s students were inducted 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.
CLASS OF 2019 Matthew A. Behman
Michael T. Fotiades
Matthew L. Connelly
Matthew W. Real
James D. Davenport
CLASS OF 2020 Jared G. Arevian Jacob M. Babigian John R. Beam Christopher J. Canavan Jose Maria Castelo Christopher J. Cataldo Michael J. Colgan Liam P. Connors Dylan Crandall Jake W. Cusack Edward R. Daniel Michael J. Derenzo Jude F. Doherty Andy-Tinh Duong Michael P. Farinacci John P. Feeney William P. Ford Aidan T. Garrity Trace R. Gotham Raymond J. Hilvert John A. Hodgson Connor S. Joyce Nathaniel T. Kelly Ryan J. MacDermott
Declan E. Maguire Timothy M. Malloy Thomas J. McCarthy Patrick W. McDonald Connor J. McKay Luke D. McKenzie Michael P. McLoughlin Edward T. Murphy Evan T. Nordby Nathan J. Piecyk Joseph D. Pimlott William D. Queally Cedrick R. Rene Kristian A. Rosario Patrick J. Rourke Dominic T. Scordino Jeffrey M. Serowik Wesley J. Stanton Krishna F. Thach David Thai Michael T. Treseler Michael R. Walsh Timothy A. Williams Dennis M. Yandow FALL 2018
| 5
AROUND CAMPUS
Touring Our Nation’s Capital
T All the World’s a Stage In December, two events gave students the chance to get out from behind their desks and perform works by William Shakespeare. During the Shakespeare Competition on December 4, students in grades 9-12 were invited to deliver a speech from one of the Bard’s plays in front of faculty judges, aiming to demonstrate their acting prowess and memorization skills. Participating Arrows competed to be the St. Sebastian’s representative at the regional semifinals of the ESU’s (English Speaking Union) national high school competition held at Mt. Ida College. Alessandro Barbiellini ’21 was selected to represent St. Sebastian’s for the second year in a row. On December 13, the sophomore English classes congregated in the McCulloch Room for the annual Macbeth Competition. The students competed for the prize of being the witchiest weird sister, the most ghostly poor player, or the greatest gory-locked Banquo. Ultimately, the panel of faculty judges awarded first prize to Matt Choi, Michael Phelps, Cam Collins, and Conor Mynahan. Individual acting awards were also given to Daniel Ko and Patrick Wade.
6 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
he Class of 2020 spent Veterans Day Weekend on the annual junior class trip to Washington, D.C. The first day in the Capital was filled with touring some of the city’s incredible museums, including the Newseum and a sampling of Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. In the evening, the students took a night tour of some of Washington’s most famous monuments and memorials. Activities on the second day included: a visit to the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, the Supreme Court and the Holocaust Memorial Museum; exploring Georgetown; and attending the annual Alumni Reception where the juniors heard from several speakers and were able to reconnect with Arrows graduates. On their last day in D.C., the juniors visited Arlington National Cemetery, where class officers Jeff Serowik and Michael Farinacci took part in a wreathlaying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Afterward, the Class of 2020 was treated to a special tour of the Pentagon, a first in the annual trip’s history. They visited the building’s two 9/11 memorials and other sites of interest. The tour culminated with a visit to the office of General Mark Milley, Chief of Staff of the United States Army.
TOP: Class officers Jeff Serowik ’20 and Michael Farinacci ’20 participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. BOTTOM: The Class of 2020 stands on the steps of the Supreme Court.
AROUND CAMPUS
Parents Provide Insight into the World of Finance As part of the Finance Academy’s speaker series, club members had the opportunity to hear from two current parents about their experiences in the world of business and finance. In November, Tim Connelly P’17,’19 spoke about his 30-year career at Brown Brothers and Harriman working in Private Banking, Investment Management, and Investor Services. He had once been appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts to be the CEO of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and continues to work as a Limited Partner for BBH. Connelly shared with the boys some advice on how to prepare for today’s workplace, as well as a detailed outlook of what’s to come in the world of finance, including the next big investment ideas and how important STEM backgrounds are and will continue to be. In December, the Finance Academy hosted James Colgan P’16,’20, a Portfolio Manager at Frontier Capital Management. Colgan introduced the students to the concept of SAILOR (SAve and Invest for the LOng Run), emphasizing the importance of saving and investing for retirement at an early age. He used real world examples of famous athletes and products like the Apple iPod to illustrate his point and demonstrate the consequences of spending and the benefits of investing.
James Colgan P’16,’20, a Portfolio Manager at Frontier Capital Management, speaks to members of the Finance Academy in Ward Hall.
Christmas Program Showcases Musical Talents On December 14, the St. Sebastian’s Community gathered to celebrate the season with a beautiful Christmas program full of song and scripture. From traditional hymns to more contemporary music, this favorite annual holiday tradition provided a range of entertaining musical performances from the St. Sebastian’s Schola, The Chamber Ensemble, the Rock Band, the Arrowheads and the Jazz Band. Among the highlights, English teacher Erin O’Luanaigh sang “Silver Bells,” and Nate Kocho ’19 rapped “Christmas in Hollis,” receiving thunderous applause from the student body.
Maxwell Surprenant ’22 Recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Maxwell Surprenant ’22 won two National Medals—Journalism and Personal Essay/Memoir—in the 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards! On November 15, he was honored at the Art. Write. Now. Opening Ceremony at the Lyndon B. Johnson U.S. Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C. Out of 350,000 submissions, Surprenant was among 2,800 students in grades 7-12 whose work was recognized with a National Medal.
FALL 2018
| 7
AROUND CAMPUS
AP Scholar Awards The following students and recent graduates earned AP Scholar Awards from the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program. Roughly 20% of the 2.1 million students worldwide who took AP Exams at the end of the 2017-18 school year performed at a sufficient level to earn this recognition.
National Scholar (scoring 4 or higher on all AP exams taken, with an average score of at least 4 on 8 or more of these exams.) Michael D. Twohig ’18
Scholar with Distinction (scoring 3 or higher on at least 5 exams, with an average score of at least 3.5)
Arrows Compete in Robotics Tournament Thirteen members of the St. Sebastian’s School FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics Team traveled to Canton High School on December 15, 2018, to compete in a FIRST Robotics Massachusetts Qualifying Tournament against 23 other teams from the area. The Arrows competed in five preliminary-round matches and finished with a 2–3 record. During the first two matches, the robot struggled to disengage fully from the central tower which severely limited the team’s ability to influence the early matches. Through persistent troubleshooting, modifications throughout the day, and a few changes in strategy, the Arrows began to score some points in autonomous and limit other teams during teleop by playing good defense. With lessons learned, renewed purpose, and a new vision for the robot, the team has been hard at work making improvements ahead of their next tournament.
Five Seniors Recognized as National Scholars The following seniors have been named as Commended Students by the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program: Connor Bertsch, Kevin Oh, and Jack Randall. Recognized for their exceptional academic promise, the three Arrows placed among the top three percent of more than 1.6 million students who entered the 2019 competition by taking the 2017 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) last fall. Seniors Anthony Perez and Miguel Vega have also been recognized as National Hispanic Scholars this year for their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT last fall, scoring in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino test takers. Congratulations to these five Arrows on this tremendous academic achievement!
8 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Royce D. Abel ’18 Daniel K. Borah ’18 Harrison P. Carlson ’18 William F. Coyne ’18 Luke A. Diggins ’18 Patrick S. DuFour ’18 William D. Forman ’18 William P. Fox ’18 Nicholas M. Howell ’18
Henry M. Kapples ’18 Charles V. Kittler ’18 Robert A. Lordi ’18 Keun W. Oh ’19 Orvin A. Pierre ’18 John H. Randall ’19 Patrick J. Ryan ’18 Michael D. Twohig ’18 Martin P. White ’18
Scholar with Honor (scoring 3 or higher on at least 4 exams, with an average score of at least 3.25) Patrick J. Barron ’19 John H. DeMatteo ’18 John B. Moffatt ’19 Thomas E. Olson ’18
Anthony A. Perez ’19 Jared H. Price ’19 Vaughn S. St Marie ’18 Miguel J. Vega ’19
Scholar (scoring 3 or higher on at least 3 exams) Connor J. Bertsch ’19 Michael N. Bollas ’18 Brian C. Craven ’18 Ryan K. Curran ’18 William R. Hentschel ’19 Theodore J. Hoppe ’19 Ibrahim S. Kaba ’18 Colin J. Kehoe ’18 Peter J. Kilmartin ’18 Andrew Y. Ko ’19 Nathaniel T. Kocho ’19 Jack R. Leetch ’18 Wilson A. MacPherson ’18
Neil C. Melley ’18 Michael J. Milbury ’18 James F. Mooney ’18 Finn M. Mulligan ’18 Peter F. Murphy ’18 Ellis P. O’Donnell ’19 William A. Phelan ’18 Nolan M. Prince ’19 Andrew J. Santosuosso ’18 Paul T. Scemama ’18 Griffin C. Wagner ’19 James R. Walsh ’18
AROUND CAMPUS
Serving Our Neighbors
I
ntegral to the St. Sebastian’s mission, our Service Program lives the order of the day of loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. Below are just a few of the many ways our students have served our neighbors recently.
Backpack Drive for San Miguel On September 4, members of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 gathered to fill 63 backpacks with school supplies for students at the San Miguel School in Providence, RI, and then traveled to San Miguel to deliver the fully stocked backpacks. All of the items, including the backpacks, were donated by St. Sebastian’s families to ease the financial hardship faced by our brothers at San Miguel. Special thanks to Mary Beth Persons P’20 for her excellent leadership of this project, and the many students and parents who contributed.
National Honor Society Hosts Two Successful Drives The National Honor Society sponsored St. Sebastian’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive and Christmas Warmth Drive to benefit Catholic Charities. Both drives were a huge success due to the generosity of the St. Sebastian’s community, helping to restock shelves for those in need of food in the days following Thanksgiving and keeping our neighbors warm with donations of hundreds of gloves, hats, scarves and socks.
8th Grade Arrows Collaborate with NCDS to Support “The Spirit of Sharing” The eighth grade traveled to Newton Country Day School on December 4 to participate in their annual Christmas Service Project with the eighth grade of NCDS to support the “Spirit of Sharing.” The program, sponsored by St. Patrick’s Parish of Lawrence, MA, under the leadership of Fr. Paul O’Brien, benefits the thousands of people in that community who lack the financial means to provide their children with Christmas gifts. The eighth graders sorted their unwrapped gifts into bags after listening to Fr. O’Brien speak to them about the poverty in Lawrence and the added trauma and physical suffering caused by the natural gas explosions in September.
Basketball Team Brightens the Holidays for Children at the Italian Home Members of the varsity basketball team volunteered their time on December 17 to help set up for a Christmas Party for children and families served by the Italian Home for Children in Jamaica Plain. The Italian Home provides services to help children and families with emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges thrive in their communities. The basketball team delivered St. Sebastian’s t-shirts and decorated the gym to look like Santa’s Workshop. FALL 2018
| 9
AROUND CAMPUS
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.
Erin O’Luanaigh Faculty, English
Erin graduated from Hillsdale College in 2012 with a B.A. in English, but spent most of her college days in the music building, singing in several jazz bands and musical theater productions. After college, she worked as a jazz singer and music teacher before returning to her bookish roots, receiving her M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Florida last May. Erin teaches 8th and 10th grade English at St. Sebastian’s. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing poetry, watching classic films of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, traveling, and visiting her family in Connecticut.
Aturo Adkins ’14 Assistant Director of Admissions
A member of the Class of 2014, Aturo is excited to be back “home” after spending the last four years at Dickinson College. He earned a B.A. in International Studies with a focus on the Middle East, along with a minor in Arabic and a Security Studies Certificate. He also had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. Army War College in their Peacekeeping and Stability Operations Institute. Aturo was a four-year letter winner in football at Dickinson, playing in all 40 games in his career. He is excited to be working in Admissions at St. Sebastian’s, as well as helping to coach varsity football and wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys trying out new restaurants in and around the Boston area.
Mark Pohlman Faculty, Mathematics
Mark comes to St. Sebastian’s from the Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, MA, where he spent the previous seven years teaching, coaching and advising. Prior to Eaglebrook, Mark earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Boston College, while captaining the lacrosse team. Mark, his wife, Ashley, and two children, Welles and Calla, live in Medfield and enjoy spending time in Maine and Cape Cod. In addition to being a member of the St. Sebastian’s Math Department, Mark coaches 7th grade hockey and will be working with the varsity lacrosse team this spring. Mark feels fortunate to work in such a supportive community, alongside so many inspiring and caring colleagues.
Matthew Donovan ’13 Faculty, Spanish
After graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 2013, Matt went on to Georgetown University where he earned a B.S. in International Politics. While at Georgetown, he concentrated in security studies and minored in Spanish. He studied at Madrid’s Universidad Comillas for a semester during his junior year. After graduating, he spent a year in an Americorps service position working in the development office of an environmental conservation organization. In addition to teaching Spanish, he is coaching 8th grade soccer and varsity and junior varsity squash. In his free time, he loves music, movies, and trivia.
10 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Matt Willey Faculty, Science
Matt returns to us this year after joining the St. Sebastian’s community in the second semester of last school year. He will continue teaching 7th and 8th grade science. Matt graduated from UMass Amherst in 2013 with a BA in Finance. He decided that he loved teaching and coaching more than business and received his Master’s in Education from the University of Hawaii in 2017. After school, Matt loves coaching football, wrestling and lacrosse for the Arrows. He is an avid traveler and is hoping to travel to 30 countries before he turns 30.
AROUND CAMPUS
Music teacher Karl Grohmann works at the piano with his class.
A GLIMPSE
Arrows put their mousetrap cars to the test during physics class.
along Greendale Avenue
Students and faculty run the Monster Mile before Halloween.
Devoted St. Sebastian’s football supporters clear the snow off the turf field in preparation for the Todd Marble NEPSAC Bowl.
FALL 2018
| 11
Welcome to Our New Trustees Stephen DuFour P’14,’18,’21 Stephen and his wife, Patti, live in Wellesley. They have three boys—Will ’14, Patrick ’18 and Ryan ’21—and a daughter, Katie who attended Newton Country Day. Their three oldest all followed in their father’s footsteps, attending the University of Notre Dame. Stephen also holds an MBA from the University of Chicago. For the past 26 years, he has worked for Fidelity Investments where he is an equity portfolio manager. Outside of family activities and working, Stephen enjoys serving on the Archdiocese of Boston’s Investment Committee and being involved at his alma mater, Notre Dame, through their Applied Investment Management Advisory Board, the College of Science Board, and Research Like A Champion.
William B. Evans ’77, P’17 Bill and his wife, Terry, live in South Boston, where Bill has been a lifelong resident. They have three children. Their son, Will, graduated in 2017 from St. Sebastian’s and currently attends Harvard. Bill recently retired as the Police Commissioner for the City of Boston and is now the Executive Director of Public Safety & Chief of Police of the Boston College Police Department. A graduate of Suffolk University, Bill holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Anna Maria College, attended the FBI National Academy, and received several certificates from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in subjects ranging from homeland security to preparedness leadership. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Boston University and guest lecturer at Boston College and Northeastern University.
12 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Charles M. Haley ’92
President, Alumni Association Charles and his wife, Kim, live in Hingham with their three young children, Austin, Nora and Quinn. Charles is a graduate of Boston College and has spent the past 20 years investing in the high yield and leveraged loan markets at Colonial Management, Boldwater Capital, SSgA, Putnam Investments and most recently Liberty Mutual Investments. Charles has been an active alumnus since graduating from St. Sebastian’s. He has assisted with capital campaigns, reunion committees, and served as a member of the Alumni Board.
Samuel Hodgson P’12,’20 President, Men’s Association
Sam and his wife, Ann, live in Wellesley with their four children. Their son, Sam, graduated from St. Sebastian’s in 2012 and went to Bowdoin and their son, Jack, is in the Class of 2020. Sam is a Managing Director and Wealth Manager at First Republic Investment Management. Prior to joining First Republic in 2018, he was a Managing Director with Merrill Lynch. He began his career in 1991 at Merrill Lynch where he held a number of positions including financial advisor, producing resident manager, and producing sales manager. Sam is active in his local community with several organizations, including Bridge Over Troubled Waters. He has a bachelor’s degree in history from Middlebury College in Vermont. Sam has cochaired the St. Sebastian’s Headmaster Scholarship Golf Tournament for the past two years.
St. Sebastian’s is very fortunate to have an exceptional group of parents, alumni, 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 the six new members joining our board.
ARROWS
Out & About
Kathleen F. Ix P’22 Kathleen and her husband, Rob, live in Wellesley with their four children. Their son, Sam, is in the Class of 2022 at St. Sebastian’s; their daughters, Elizabeth and Emily are at Colgate University; and their son, Robert, is at Fairfield University. Kathleen earned her B.A. and M.Ed. at Boston College. She taught for several years at the elementary level, in both public and private schools in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She currently sits on the Board of Trustees at Boston College. She is also a founding board member of the Irish Famine Memorial Fund, which provides financial or material support to alumni and other individuals associated with BC who are committed to alleviating poverty, disease, famine and illiteracy around the world.
At the 7th grade orientation at Hale Reservation, students lend each other a helping hand.
Jeanne McKenzie P’18,’20 President, Guild of St. Irene
Jeanne and her husband, Brian, live in Medfield with their four children. Their son, Brendan ’18, is studying at the College of the Holy Cross, and their son, Luke, is in the Class of 2020. Jeanne most recently worked as a practicum supervisor at Simmons College. She has a B.S. in Elementary Education/ Psychology from Seton Hall University. Previously, she was an elementary school and pre-school teacher. Jeanne and Brian have been very active volunteers at St. Sebastian’s. They have served on the Current Parent Steering Committee since 2014. Additionally, Jeanne has done extensive volunteer work in her church, community and other schools her children attended.
Tim Weiss ’23 with his dad, Ed, who works for the Red Sox, standing on the field at Dodger Stadium with the World Series trophy.
Seniors walk along the beach during the annual Senior Retreat at the Craigville Retreat Center on Cape Cod.
FALL 2018
| 13
OUR YEAR OF
EMPATHY September 10, 2018 / Opening remarks for the academic year BY HEADMASTER WILLIAM L. BURKE III
Stay awake. Pay attention. The readiness is all. Two commands from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, followed by a line from Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Stay awake. Pay attention. The readiness is all. Empathy, our year’s theme, came to me at the urging of Mr. Palmaccio, and we thank him for it. Last year, Mr. Morelli told me that his sister, who reads and loves our All School Read every year, had a recommendation for me: The Red Bandanna. So, I ordered a copy, read it, loved it, and here we are. We thank Mr. Morelli and his sister. We select a theme and a book each year to deepen our understanding of and strengthen our commitment to our most important mission, so let us turn to our mission statement—with special emphasis this morning on the last word. Please listen for it. 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.
14 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Let us turn to sacred scripture to hear how Jesus answers that question: There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped him and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 29-37)
The story of the Good Samaritan stirs us deeply; it evokes and stokes our empathy. Consult a dictionary, and you will find these words associated with empathy: affinity, appreciation, compassion, insight, pity, rapport, sympathy, warmth, communion, comprehension, concord, recognition, responsiveness, mercy, soul. And you will find these words offered as antonyms: disdain, hatred, indifference, mercilessness, disagreement, discord, apathy, misunderstanding, unfeelingness. As we shared on Friday, empathy is all about deep thoughts and deep feelings. It is other focused and absolutely necessary for true understanding, a truth author John Steinbeck asserts, proclaiming: You can only understand people if you feel them in yourself. It’s impossible to be self-absorbed and empathic at the same time. Choose one. Dr. Dale Dillavou, our consulting psychologist, recently attended a conference on empathy and came away with several gems, including these: It has been said that sympathy is feeling sorry for another, that compassion is caring for another, and that empathy is getting in the same boat with the other—not calling from shore…empathy creates connection and promotes development of the self. No matter how we define it or differentiate it from other good things, empathy is something we should all hope to have, and the more we have of it, the better for us and the better for everyone around us. Contemporary psychologist, Kendra Cherry, offers: Empathy allows us to understand others and, quite often, compels us to take action to relieve another person’s suffering. The Good Samaritan and our new hero, Welles Crowther, are certainly gentlemen of empathy, and do they ever take action! On the cover of The Red Bandanna, between the title and the author’s name, we find these six words: A life. A choice. A legacy. God blesses Welles Crowther—and all of us—with the gift of life, and He endows us with freedom of choice. The choices we make define our character and determine our legacy. Not so long ago, I heard a priest share this arresting message in his sermon: There is something we have that God does not have—access to our hearts. We can keep God out. There is free will involved in love. God has taken a risk—to let us be able to push Him away. He has let us truly love. How many times have we heard, read, and said: “Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another”? I believe that these actions express the truth of our true calling and that they represent a unified whole. Just Love God—and the hard work to develop our gifts, and the commitment to take care of our neighbor must follow ineluctably—as dawn goes down to day. Empathy is perhaps the quality we possess, the force that gushes up and out from deep within when we’re most open,
most awake, most attentive, and most responsive to our truest true selves. Mrs. Crowther asserts: Welles believes that we are all connected as one human family, that we are here to look out for and to care for one another. These words bring to mind Frederick Buechner’s images of the spider web and ocean waves. Here they are: Humanity is like an enormous spider web, so that if you touch it anywhere, you set the whole thing trembling… As we move around this world and as we act with kindness, perhaps, or with indifference, or with hostility, toward the people we meet, we too are setting the great spider web a-tremble. The life that 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 and time my touch will be felt. Our lives are linked together. And... Your life and my life flow into each other as wave flows into wave, and unless there is peace and joy and freedom for you, there can be no real peace or joy or freedom for me.
FALL 2018
| 15
Empathy stirs us to bring comfort to the afflicted, to be sure, but empathy also prompts us to celebrate with the fortunate, as Homer sings in The Odyssey, when Telemachus relates: Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow For another’s good, and melt at other’s woe. The best people I know are those who glow for another’s good, who are truly happy for the success of another. And, sadly, the converse is true. Of all the weaknesses to which we can fall prey, jealousy is the one that makes the least sense, for it’s totally lose/lose. Stealing is, of course, morally and legally wrong, but a thief at least gets the things he stole. If, however, one’s problem is jealousy or resentment, he only becomes more and more miserable and gets nothing for his efforts. It has been said that resentment is drinking poison and waiting for the other guy to die and that if we harbor resentment, happiness will dock elsewhere. Thanks be to God, the giver of all good gifts, there’s plenty enough love and opportunity to go around. All we have to do is open ourselves to this beautiful truth, which Henri Nouwen advances in these words: When we truly enjoy God’s unlimited generosity, we will be grateful for what our brothers and sisters receive. Jealousy will simply have no place in our hearts. When we laugh and cry together over the same things, we express empathy. When we remind one another and live the message that Joy shared is multiplied, and grief shared is divided, empathy is at play. Tomorrow marks the 17th Anniversary of 9/11, which means that you 378 young men either were yet unborn or too young to hold a memory of that day. The rest of us remember precisely where we were, what we were doing, and how we felt that morning when we learned of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. Tom Rinaldi paints the day brilliantly on page 96: Blue. So deep it was on occasion. The vault of sky that morning was boundless and crystal, a shade so brilliant it would set the day, and after, pierce its memory. Shortly after our Opening Mass, I got on the PA system to share that our nation was under attack. Some of our young men had family members who had planned to be at the World Trade Center that day. Fear and sorrow rose up. We held on to one another, offering what comfort we could, and we prayed. In the late afternoon of that still weather-perfect day, two of our sons and I were outside our home, when my wife pulled into the driveway and got out of her car. After Sam, our youngest, noted that she was barefoot, my wife, who happens to be a psychologist, explained that her last client was a young girl who was so terribly upset by the tragic events of the day that she asked if she could wear her shoes home. The next morning, when we gathered here in the Church. I remember sharing this passage: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21) 16 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
God is love. Love never fails. Be not afraid. If we had no personal connection to anyone who died on 9/11, we all do now, thanks to The Red Bandanna. As I have told many friends, the book took me deep. I cried even harder the second time I read it. Before his remains are found, Welles’s mother, Alison, reads a detailed account from survivors and thinks of her son. She began to imagine his path down from the 104th floor on the stairs, and likely his coming upon the distress and terror of the sky lobby. She believed that if he saw any part of it, any of the devastation depicted so vividly in the article, there would be no way for him to pass by. He’d respond. That was his training. That was her son. And, of course, she is proven right. When all hell broke loose, Welles Crowther made a choice, and it was his choice not to pass by on the opposite side. Rinaldi writes: He wasn’t made or trained to run away from peril but to go toward it. As his friend, Chris Reynolds, puts it: He had every opportunity to leave and he didn’t. He stayed and put others first and that’s something you either have or you don’t. He had it, and he used it. The Good Samaritan, too, had it and he used it. What is the it? Faith, hope, love, courage, empathy? Do we have it? Will we use it? In his moment of truth, Welles called out: Everyone who can stand, stand now. If you can help others, do so. Like your parents and your St. Sebastian’s mentors, he modeled and demanded the best virtues. I have a friend, a big, burly man a little older than I. He grew up in the Boston area and was still living here as he entered high school, when, sadly, his mother passed away. In the immediate aftermath, his father abruptly moved his family out of Massachusetts. So here was this young kid in deep mourning, transferring to a new school in a new state after the academic year had begun. His father took him to the new school in mid-morning, got him registered, and off he went. The profoundly sad and lonely young man’s first commitment was lunch. He walked into the crowded, noisy lunchroom, his tray laden with food, and he froze. He knew no one. He was just about to drop his tray in the middle of the room and flee, when a voice called out: “Hey, new kid. Get over here. You’re with us!” To this day, my friend insists that that young man and his friends saved his life. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. Hey, new kid. Get over here. You’re with us. It cost the speaker of those words nothing, and it gave the new kid everything. As my good friend and mentor, Norm Walker, was wont to say: Little things are big things. You can’t fake love, you can’t fake care, you can’t fake integrity, and you can’t fake empathy. Can focusing on our theme, can embracing this book inspire us to become deeper,
“No matter how we define it or differentiate it from other good things, empathy is something we should all hope to have, and the more we have of it, the better for us and the better for everyone around us.” better people, the loving, responsive people we truly want to be? Yes. Yes. Yes. That’s why we do what we do. Adversity, illness, injury, physical and emotional pain visit us all. May we always remember that no matter how tough it gets for us, we always and forever have access to the two most powerful forces in the universe: God, and people of good will through whom our Lord works. And, if we so choose, each of us gets to become, ever more fully, one of those people of good will, and why wouldn’t we? The readiness is all. Be ready, guys. Be not passive but rather be alert, poised, on the lookout for people in need. Be ready to be kind. To beat the “Stay awake. Pay Attention. The readiness is all.” drum one last time, I offer excerpts from a letter I recently received from a young man, who, for six years, sat where you are sitting: Dear Headmaster Burke, The other day I was speaking to a friend… and he told me, “Every time we think of someone and choose not to reach out, we are choosing to let that relationship die.” Whoa! I have a lot of people to reach out to now. This drew me to your words, “The essence of life is in relationships.” Maybe I should have been more attentive as a young man sitting in Corporate Chapel. I lost sense of this beautiful message. I live in New York City now, and the essence of life seemed to be, for the longest time, who made the most money, who had the biggest apartment, who was with the most attractive partner. Oh what I would give to go back to the seventh grade and shake that young man and implore him to LISTEN! Mind, Body, and Spirit. The commitment to better myself each day in these three aspects of life, and understanding that everything else is unimportant. To push my mind to its very capacity for knowledge, to find truth through faith and reason. To push my body to its very limit, to maximize the physical talents that God has bestowed upon me. And to push my spirit to its full goodness. To love like there is no tomorrow, to strengthen and build relationships, to forgive whenever I can, and when in doubt, to pray like my life depended on it. This, I now believe, is my North Star. I love you and I love St. Sebastian’s School more than I will ever know how to say. As I take each step forward in life, it is your words, and the words of my teachers, classmates, and
friends from those six years, that guide me and direct me on my path. I cannot thank you enough for each and every word you ever stood on the podium and rang down upon the 400 or so people in that chapel. I cannot thank you enough for doing this even though I was not always listening. For preaching and teaching and loving when all I wanted to do was go to lunch, or play basketball, or go home and watch TV. I cannot go back and change this, but my ears are open now, and so is my heart. I do hope our paths will cross again one day soon. An Arrow Forever. I followed up right away with a written expression of gratitude, and more recently, I wrote again, this time asking permission to share his words with you this morning. Here is his response: This email has made me happier and more proud than I have been in a long, long time. Please, absolutely use anything and everything you would like. It means the world to me that you would consider anything I wrote worth sharing in such an environment. I am hoping that even one single person will listen and learn something. I will be thinking of you and all the others as you embark on this new year. I wish I could be there (alas, work beckons) but I will be with you all in spirit and prayer, tomorrow and always. St. Sebastian, Pray for Us! Our School exists for the glory of God and for our students and their families. The rest of us are here to serve. And what a true joy and tremendous honor it is do so. You gentlemen are our Legacy. Our commitment is eternal. Arrows Forever. As Dennis Eckersley “The Eck” would say: “It’s a beautiful thing.” You’re bright, promising young men with your whole lives in front of you, and each of you and each of us confronts one fundamental choice: We can live for ourselves alone and be miserable, or we can live for the Lord and others and be joyful. Not much of a choice, guys. It is my prayer, my hope, and my expectation that we will strive in earnest and struggle mightily together to gain a deeper understanding of and firmer commitment to the beauty, truth, and goodness of the power we call empathy. Stay awake. Pay attention. The readiness is all. Thank you for listening. Thank you for loving. May God continue to bless you all.
FALL 2018
| 17
Blessing &
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The West Campus Center
18 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
The St. Sebastian’s School community gathered in front of the West Campus Center for the blessing of the new facility and a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 8, 2018. The entire student body and faculty, along with Trustees, parents and alumni, were there to commemorate this pivotal moment in the Spirit & People Campaign.
T
he West Campus Center adds 49,000 square feet of new construction and 21,000 square feet of renovated space to St. Sebastian’s. The $31 million expansion and renovation project was funded through the $55 million Campaign. The Center includes a second full basketball court with a balcony overlook, six squash courts, an expansive wrestling room, a video classroom for art history, drama, college counseling, and athletics, a
new training room, and office space for admissions, communications, development, and athletics, among many other features. St. Sebastian’s School’s Chaplain, Fr. John Arens, opened the ceremony with a stirring prayer. Headmaster Burke, Board of Trustees President, Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, Campaign Co-Chairs, Jack Connors GP’20,’23,’24,’24 and Bill O’Malley P’09,’10,’13, and Student Council President, Will Hentschel ’19 followed with words of infinite
gratitude. Many of those who played a key role in bringing this project to reality were in attendance, including: our gifted architect Rob Olson P’15,’18 and his team; the School’s construction representative Kevin Hines P’91,’97; members of the Bowdoin Construction crew led by Butch McGern; and John Marston of Eastern Bank. St. Sebastian’s Business Manager Jack Doherty ’62, P’86,’87, GP’17 and Director of Maintenance Eric Ludwig also received special accolades for the countless hours they’ve devoted to this project. Scissors in hand, the speakers, along with Assistant Headmaster and Dean of Studies, Mike Nerbonne, and Jack Doherty, ceremoniously cut the ribbon, officially opening this magnificent facility and launching a new and exciting chapter for St. Sebastian’s.
Bill O’Malley P’09,’10,’13, Headmaster Bill Burke, Jack Connors GP’20,’23,’24,’24, and Board of Trustees President, Jim Elcock ’77, P’08. n Students gather for the ceremony. n Fr. John Arens blesses the West Campus Center. n Headmaster Bill Burke, Kevin Hines P’91,’97, Rob Olson P’15,’18, Jack Doherty ’62, P’86,’87, GP’17, Eric Ludwig, and Butch McGern. n Guests tour the new facilities, starting with the main entrance.
FALL 2018
| 19
Below are some of the words shared by our speakers during the Blessing & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. “Bless those, Lord, who have contributed to this place of learning and play, this place of teaching and administering to the needs of this family of St. Sebastian. May the days and years ahead be filled with the joy of Your Grace that works among us in this building of maturing strength and deepening teamwork.” —Fr. John Arens
“Whether it’s a senior, down to a seventh grader, playing basketball, wrestling or squash, doing intramurals, or the 9th grade dodgeball game that I just witnessed, you all are going to use this building, hopefully, with great intensity. You’ll always take care of it. You will share it. And you will be very proud when you come back to this campus.”
“Students, I challenge you to just stop for a moment, right now, and soak in this moment. Store it somewhere way back in your mind. And maybe 20 years from now, in the year 2038, you’ll be called on as an Arrow alum to do something for your school and perhaps you can restore that little thought that you just locked away and you can be there for future Arrows.” —Bill O’Malley P’09,’10,’13, Campaign Co-Chair
“St. Sebastian’s founding purpose was to run a Catholic college-preparatory boarding school that allows the students to go home at night. That is, a school of academic rigor and spiritual depth, offering a full-day program up to the dinner hour. The facility we bless and dedicate today honors our founding mission, as we now have truly beautiful spaces and places to offer every young man a full day program from September through June.”
—Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, Board President
—Headmaster Bill Burke
“They say that one man can make a difference and every person should try. Bill Burke is the reason why this school stands as tall and as strong as it does today, but as he mentioned, we’re all here standing on the shoulders of those who came before us. This is part of the tradition that you learn. This school is not about you, this school is about all of you. And it’s just a very extraordinary and exciting opportunity, frankly, to be a part of it.”
“In May of my sophomore year, I stood watching Mr. Burke, Father Arens and Matt Wolpe ceremoniously break ground for the new West Campus Center. Now, 18 months later, we are fortunate to stand here again, in front of the finished product…When we look at this beautiful building, we should all be reminded of the generosity of the Board of Trustees, our parents, and St. Sebastian’s donors. Without these people, this new athletic facility would not be possible.”
—Jack Connors GP’20,’23,’24,’24, Campaign Co-Chair 20 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
—Will Hentschel ’19, Student Council President
T
he Spirit & People Campaign, launched in January 2016, has raised $46.2 million in total gifts and pledges as of December 31, 2018, from 253 donors and is progressing toward its $55 million goal in total funds raised by the conclusion of the Campaign. The first of the Campaign’s two distinct components—the construction of the West Campus Center—was completed in January 2019, and through the tremendous generosity of our Campaign donors, the $31 million needed to build the Center has been raised. The second, but equally important, component consists of adding $22 million to St. Sebastian’s endowment. Our efforts for the balance of the Campaign will focus on growing this sustainable and vital source of funding. As the table indicates, we are making considerable progress in raising funds for endowment. As of December 18, 2018, total gifts and pledges restricted to endowment equaled $13.3 million out of the $46.2 million in total funds raised and 60.5% of the total goal of $22 million in total endowment funds. Since the Campaign’s inception, seven named scholarship funds have been created, and total gifts and pledges for those funds aggregated $3.4 million. On a fully
funded basis, these new endowment funds will generate over $130,000 annually in additional income to support financial aid for deserving students. At the conclusion of the campaign, the additional $22 million in endowment funds will support St. Sebastian’s financial aid program, help to moderate tuition increases
for all families and provide greater compensation to our valued faculty and staff members. The Spirit & People Campaign and its importance to students, families and those who serve them cannot be overstated, and we will continue with our fundraising efforts until we have achieved or exceeded our $55 million goal.
Name of Fund
Total Gifts & Pledges
Abbey Fathers Scholarship Fund
$350,000
Alizadeh Fund
$104,000
The Doris E., David H., and Beverly A. Barlow Scholarship Fund
$250,000
The Honorable John J. Burns Scholarship Fund
$1,112,800
For My Parents, George & Fran Fund
$100,000
Michael P. Nerbonne Scholarship Fund
$479,549
Sister Cecilia Leonor Navas, O.P. Scholarship Fund
$500,000
General Endowment—Individual Gift
$500,000
Seven Scholarship Funds created—Total Gifts & Pledges
$3,396,349
Total Gifts & Pledges restricted to Endowment as of 12/31/18
$13,308,847
$46.2M
As of December 31, 2018
$55M Campaign Goal
For updates on the Campaign, please visit www.spiritandpeople.org.
FALL 2018
| 21
Introducing...
THE WEST CAMPUS
CENTER
In November 2018, St. Sebastian’s opened the doors to our West Campus Center. The energy and excitement around the new facility was palpable across campus in the days and weeks leading up to the opening and has not wavered since. Members of our administration and faculty who coach winter sports share their thoughts on some of the spaces and the impact the Center has already made on the life of the School.
22 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
A DEDICATED WRESTLING ROOM Aturo Adkins ’14, Wrestling Coach “I was on the wrestling team all four years while I was a student at St. Sebastian’s and remember walking into the small gym that we shared with the basketball program and having to roll up the mat each day. Now we have a dedicated wrestling room with two full mats and stands on each side for spectators, as well as pull up bars and ropes for workouts. Especially for the returning players, every day they walk into the room, they are happy and excited. You can see it on their faces. This new room says a lot to the boys, that the school is committed to wrestling and being one of the toughest teams in the league, and sends a message to the ISL as well. More space means not only more practice time, but also more meets. When visiting teams come through our facilities now they’re in amazement because it’s the biggest and nicest wrestling facility in the ISL. When we get a lot of fans in there, like we did at our first home match, the sound really echoes and it’s loud in a good way. The atmosphere is full of energy.”
A GRAND ENTRANCE Headmaster Bill Burke “‘What you encounter, recognize or discover depends to a large degree on the quality of your approach.’ So writes Irish poet, philosopher, and Catholic scholar, John O’Donohue. How could our approach to and through the magnificent structure welcoming us to the West Campus Center do anything but call us to greatness? Stately, bold, majestic from the outside. Awe-inspiring, lofty, open to the heavens inside. To quote Robert Frost, ‘It asks of us a certain height.’ It commands our respect, demands our reverence, calls us to our best, most excellent selves. This is the place where we receive our guests. It’s a place of reception and celebration. Surely, there will be more deep and powerfully positive engagements here than we can imagine. Welcome to St. Sebastian’s. Welcome home!”
FALL 2018
| 23
SQUASH COURTS ON CAMPUS Andrew Conway ’06, Squash Coach “Having our own squash courts here on campus has been a huge boost to the squash program. Our numbers have more than doubled from last year. We previously had to travel to Nobles to hold late evening practices a couple times a week and often had to share play time on the courts. Now we have six courts, giving us the ability to hold practices after school each day and accommodate more players. Along with the tremendous work of our new coach, Ray Lindsay, more practice time and instruction is dramatically changing the level of play—I can already see a difference. The raised platform in the middle, along with the windows, makes it feel very open and allows room for coaches to move around and fans to watch the matches. Leading up to when the courts opened, players were asking me daily when they could get in there and the courts have been full almost constantly ever since. Even boys who aren’t playing squash have wanted to borrow a racquet and faculty have expressed interest, too.”
VIDEO CLASSROOM & THEATER David Hinman, Athletic Director “The Video Classroom is unlike any other space we have on campus. With fixed theater-style seating for 96—and the capacity for additional seating if needed—this beautiful room has the potential to be used by a variety of groups across campus, from athletic team meetings to lectures and parent presentations. Outfitted with cutting-edge technology, including a sound system, two flat screen TV’s and a large projection screen, the Video Classroom provides a dedicated space for teams to meet and break down game film and for coaches to have chalkboard sessions with their players. The superb acoustics and lighting provide our arts department with another place to hold small plays or concerts. We envision that College Counseling will use the Video Classroom for admission presentations and regional receptions with other schools. The Alumni Office will also make use of this wonderful space for events.” 24 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
NEW COMPETITION BASKETBALL COURT George Morelli, Basketball Coach “Although the dimensions are the same as the old basketball court, the new court has a completely different feel. The balcony makes it feel more stadium-like, and combined with the new lighting, gives the court a center stage atmosphere…like you are in a special place. We now have two full-size competition courts, making all the logistics of scheduling practices and games much easier. Increased time on the court adds to the quality of the team experience for our players at all levels, from lower school to varsity. For the program, it is much more than just a new gym—it is a home where basketball can be played and practiced year round by our players. My favorite thing about the new space is the message it sends, that we have a serious interest in giving our players, current and future, a place to be their best.”
A TRAINING ROOM WITH A VIEW Kern Fitzgerald ’79, Athletic Trainer “As the trainer here for over 34 years, I’ve seen it all— from one table in the referee’s room down at the rink to the backend of the soccer locker room to the previous training room, sandwiched between two locker rooms at the end of a long, intimidating corridor. My favorite part about the new space is the windows! Our new location is much more accessible and visible, in the middle of the facility so we can go left or right, and also gives us easy access to the outside. We can be more mobile and with the weight room right next door, we have better access to do rehab. The increased space gives us additional elbow room and allows us to do more in less time. The kids absolutely love it and stop by all the time now!” FALL 2018
| 25
Joining the Wall of
HONOR BY CHRISTINE Y. ROBERTSON
Rich Arms P’14, Director of Alumni & Development, and Jed Doherty ’86, faculty member and coach, celebrate
25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s, joining 39
other individuals who have achieved this milestone.
26 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Advancing Our School When Director of Alumni & Development Rich Arms P’14 came on board in June 1993, St. Sebastian’s was on the cusp of a magnificent period of transformation. The talented and hard-working fundraiser hit the ground running and has not stopped since. From the physical plant and endowment to alumni outreach and the Annual Fund, Rich has dedicated himself for more than 25 years to advancing St. Sebastian’s and played a key role in every major leap forward. FALL 2018
| 27
R
ich’s arrival on Greendale Avenue marked the beginning of a new career for him. The young lawyer had never engaged in educational fundraising prior to his new role at St. Sebastian’s, but he had developed transferable skills as a political fundraiser for several campaigns and as a coordinator for presidential candidate Paul Tsongas in 1992. He found fundraising to be more fun and fulfilling than practicing law and decided to pursue opportunities at private schools. Highly recommended by Arrow alumnus, Paul Kirk ’56, Rich was offered the job at St. Sebastian’s, turning down offers from two other schools. It just felt like the right fit, from the people he met during the interview process, including Headmaster Bill Burke, to the geographic location; his wife, Muriel, was working in Boston at the time. Rich immediately went to work to develop the School’s Annual Fund program, with a focus on parent and alumni events. Soon after, the School’s first major capital campaign, the New Century Fund, began. He worked closely with Headmaster Burke and the Board of Trustees, and teamed up with Dick Boardman, the School’s fundraising consultant, to
“Rich has brought St. Sebastian’s to a new level of development that can never be overlooked. He is the lynchpin that keeps all of us moving in the right direction.” —Jim Elcock 28 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
TOP: Rich with Fr. John Arens, Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne and Headmaster Bill Burke in the early 1990’s. BOTTOM LEFT: Rich and Dick Boardman at the 75th Anniversary Gala. BOTTOM RIGHT: Donning a hard hat, Rich tours the West Campus Center to see the construction progress, along with Jack Doherty and Headmaster Burke.
help launch what would end up being a phenomenally successful campaign. “My educational experience began right away, sitting at the same table with such fine men as Jack Birmingham, Tom Swan, Brad Griffith, Kip Condron and so many other Trustees that really touched the School,” recalled Rich. “I couldn’t believe my good fortune to work with such accomplished individuals and just tried to soak up as much as I could.” In the end, the New Century Fund Campaign raised $26 million, far surpassing its original $6 million goal, greatly enhanced the campus and established the School’s endowment thanks to a surprise gift from Frank and Eileen Ward. “We accomplished things we didn’t think were possible at the outset of the Campaign,” said Rich. “It took on a life of its own and was a great ride! That’s when I got hooked!” During Rich’s early years on the job, he also spearheaded a significant transformation of the Alumni & Development Office, with initially just one and a half people supporting him. He built contributions to the Annual Fund, added a formal communications office,
and improved publications to alumni and parents. The Senior Class Gift program was also launched during Rich’s first year, and he has expertly overseen the execution of each one of the 25 gifts, collectively making a tremendous impact on the campus experience. Under Rich’s guidance, several annual events were established in the 1990’s that continue to this day, including the Boston Business Breakfast, Grandparents’ Day, Cape Cod Reception, Parents of Alumni Reception, Alumni Dinner, golf tournament and many others. Rich also formalized the Reunion program and regional alumni receptions brought him and Headmaster Burke to Arrows around the country. Whether on or off campus, all these gatherings helped to expand and deepen the School’s connections with alumni, parents, past parents and grandparents. Taking off his fundraising hat, the avid skier also initiated an annual student ski trip to Stowe, VT, in the early 2000’s. Year after year, he has chaperoned the trip which remains immensely popular today. The fact that St. Sebastian’s was a school on the move, always evolving and
changing, kept the job fresh and exciting for Rich. It was not long after the New Century Fund Campaign wrapped up before he was in the midst of helping to prepare for the next campaign. Rich found himself once again working with an excellent team, led by Board Chair David Gately, to launch the incredibly successful Faith & Future Campaign, ultimately adding the turf fields and then the Science, Math & Library Center. As the second campaign concluded, Rich and his team began to plan for St. Sebastian’s 75th Anniversary, culminating in a 750-person gala on October 1, 2016, an incredible night of celebration for the School. Meanwhile, the third and current Spirit & People Campaign was already in the works and he found himself once again collaborating with a talented and forward-thinking campaign committee, including co-chairs Bill O’Malley and Jack Connors and Board President Jim Elcock. Fittingly, the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new West Campus Center—another dramatic advancement in facilities—took place on the same day as Rich celebrated 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s at the FacultyTrustee Dinner. Dedicated to growing St. Sebastian’s endowment—the second component of the Campaign—Rich continues to work tirelessly to achieve the $55 million goal. In Rich’s 25 years of service, there have only been a few years in which he was not involved in some phase of a campaign, yet each has given him the opportunity to work with a different set of great minds, face new challenges and achieve remarkable things for St. Sebastian’s. “To be a part of a campaign from the incubation and design stages to the public phase of fundraising, the building of it and the opening is tremendously satisfying,” said Rich. While Rich is proud of the many advancements that have occurred during his tenure, his pride as the father of an Arrow cannot be measured. In 2007, his son, Richard ’14, enrolled at St. Sebastian’s, and for the next six years,
Rich witnessed firsthand the dedication of the faculty and the brotherhood among the students. He stood on the sidelines of football and baseball games and avidly supported the ski team. Seeing the School through the eyes of a parent gave Rich a new perspective and even greater appreciation for St. Sebastian’s, its mission, and its spirit. “Richard became totally immersed in the ‘Arrows forever’ culture and it drew us in as parents,” said Rich. “It made me a better fundraiser for this school and gave me an extra spark to get stuff done.” And Rich certainly has gotten a lot done. “From well before dawn to well after dark, Rich is on the job, planning and running events, scheduling and making calls and visits, writing letters and reports, always thinking about new and creative ways to get better,” shared Headmaster Burke. Since 1993, Annual giving has blossomed from a couple hundred thousand dollars to last year’s figure of $4.1 million, each year meeting or exceeding the goal; nearly every corner of campus has been enhanced; and the department has grown from 3 people to an effective team of 11 alumni and development staff and a communications team of three. “Rich has brought St. Sebastian’s to a
new level of development that can never be overlooked,” said Elcock. “He is the lynchpin that keeps all of us moving in the right direction.” Rich will join the Wall of Honor along with many of the legends he’s worked with over the years to make St. Sebastian’s the school it is today. As he shared at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner, “I feel blessed, satisfied and humbled to have had this opportunity to work at such a special place and with such a wonderful team—and it’s not over yet, with much work to be done!” St. Sebastian’s is equally blessed to have had Rich. As his son put it: “My father may not have attended St. Sebastian’s, but his character, work ethic, and compassion are those of a true Arrow.”
TOP: Rich, his wife, Muriel, and his daughter, Mei Mei, cheer on Richard ’14 at an Arrows baseball game. BOTTOM LEFT: Rich and Muriel with Richard in Ward Hall at Commencement 2014. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Arms Family at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner where Rich was honored for 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s.
FALL 2018
| 29
Unwavering Devotion A gifted educator, a dedicated coach and a trusted mentor, Jed Doherty ’86 epitomizes what it means to be a great teacher. For more than 25 years, he has instructed and guided Arrows, knowing when to encourage, and when to push, both in the classroom and on the ice. His loyalty and passion for St. Sebastian’s is tangible and contagious, influencing hundreds of students and players over the years, and keeping them connected long after they leave. 30 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
A
s a second generation Arrow, Jed has known and loved St. Sebastian’s his entire life. His father, Jack Doherty ’62, would bring him and his brother, Tim ’87, to hockey games when they were young boys. In the fall of 1980, a year after his dad started working at the school, Jed officially became an Arrow, reaping the benefits of being taught and coached by legends like Danny Williams ’64 and Henry Lane ’49. After graduating from Bowdoin College in 1990, Jed took a job in finance, working at Putnam Mutual Funds. At the time, his dad was coaching the varsity Arrows hockey team along with Williams and Kevin Mutch ’80, and Jed could often be found in the stands during games. When Mutch, who had been helping to coach the team, passed away in a tragic accident in September 1992, Jed was deeply impacted. This sudden loss made him realize that he wanted to pursue a career that felt more meaningful to him. An opportunity arose at St. Sebastian’s and in June 1993, he joined his father on Greendale Avenue, initially wearing many hats as Director of Alumni Affairs, teaching two subjects and coaching three different sports. Within a couple of years, he
knew he had found his calling, focusing his energy on teaching history and continuing to coach hockey and soccer. As an educator, Jed strives daily to teach his students to be critical thinkers. “Whether it’s a battle in ancient history or a presidential debate, I want the students to be actively engaged in discussing the topics we’re learning about,” said Jed. “I love seeing how kids can pull from historical events things of value that affect their lives— how leaders deal with adversity or show compassion, how ordinary citizens do extraordinary things—and have those real examples help them realize the power they have as individuals.” For the past four years, Jed has been teaching AP Government, providing the classroom environment to facilitate even deeper discussions with seniors who’ve begun to form strong views on current affairs. Jed is genuinely interested in hearing what his students have to say, something he believes is true for all of his colleagues: “Across the board, the students are really an important part of each class and they have a voice.” It’s part of what he loves about teaching at St. Sebastian’s, along with the connections that develop between students and their teachers. With mediums like Twitter changing the way news is consumed, Jed has placed increasing emphasis on teaching
“I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with whether it was as a part of the history department or as a coach.” —Sean McCann
his students to develop resources they can depend on for accurate information. In addition to the changes in technology, becoming a parent has also had an impact on his role as a teacher; Jed has two children, Makayla and Matthew, with his wife, Laura. “You see teaching through the lens of your own children and their experiences and that has an influence on how you prepare, how you view what students are doing and what may be going on in their lives that might affect their performance some days,” shared Jed. Indeed, what Jed loves most about coaching is the opportunity it provides to get to know the students outside the classroom. He aims to bring out the best in each player, just as he does with his students in the classroom.
LEFT: A 1990’s snapshot of Jed working with a student. RIGHT: Some twenty years later, Jed leads a discussion in history class.
FALL 2018
| 31
TOP LEFT: Jed (top right) celebrates with the 2001 Arrows hockey team after winning the New England Championships. BOTTOM LEFT: The Doherty Family at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner where Jed was honored for 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s. TOP RIGHT: Jed discusses strategy with Coach Sean McCann in the Red Sox dugout during the 2014 Frozen Fenway game.
As former Arrows hockey player Donny McGuirl ’11 reflected, “Jed saw things in myself long before I did, and never lost faith in me as a person, student, or player…I imagine there are many players that look back on their experience playing for him and are incredibly grateful for the time he commits to our success not only on the ice, but off it as well.” Jed feels blessed to have coached with so many faculty members over the past quarter-century, including fellow hockey coaches Steve Dagdigian and Sean McCann. The feeling is mutual; as McCann shared at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner, “I couldn’t have asked for a better person to work with whether it was as a part of the history department 32 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
or as a coach. Jed is always willing to challenge my opinion and to get me to think outside the box in order to come to the best decision for the team.” The bonds Jed has formed with many of his players are lasting, strengthened by his efforts to stay in touch. As McCann noted, “Jed knows what’s going on in their lives, congratulates them when something goes well and is there for them when it isn’t going well.” The St. Sebastian’s hockey camp each August has provided a bonus opportunity to work with many alumni—from college students to professional hockey players—since the camp started 20 years ago. Jed has made countless memories while coaching the sport he loves, but
a few in particular stand out. Winning the New England Championships in 2001 and 2002, and losing in overtime in the final in 2003, are games he will never forget. “The group of players who made up those teams were among the best to ever play together in prep hockey,” shared Jed. “What they achieved in those three years and after Seb’s will always be a highlight for me.” The first Championship in 2001, in which the Arrows beat a team with a record of 36-0, ranks at the top. “Coming out of the locker room with the trophy and sharing that with my dad, who captained a hockey team here at St. Seb’s that was the best in New England in the early 1960s, was really special because of how influential he was in helping get the hockey program back to the top in New England,” recalled Jed. Coaching his nephew, Jack Doherty ’17, a captain of the 201617 hockey team, was another great highlight of his coaching career. Jed is especially thankful for the relationships he’s enjoyed with his peers, students and their families over the past 25 years. “These are the connections that make this so much more than just a job.” His portrait will join his father’s on the Wall of Honor, making the Doherty’s the first family with two generations to achieve this honor. Thank you, Jed, for your unending devotion to St. Sebastian’s and to the hundreds of Arrows whose lives you’ve touched.
Summer Workshops in Writing & Robotics TWO SESSIONS FOR SUMMER 2019
Robotics: July 8-19 | Writing: July 8-19 or July 22-Aug 2 These two distinct workshops, run by our experienced St. Sebastian’s faculty, are an enriching learning opportunity for students looking for a challenging and fun summer experience. Open to all boys entering grades 5–9
stsebs.org/workshops FALL 2018
| 33
PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES Outside of Four-Block Realities BY JOEY SPADONI
T
How do you combat systematic oppression? How do you positively affect young people and possibly change the trajectories of their lives? These are big questions, but ones that Donkor Minors ’01 does not shy away from; he embraces them. As Coordinator of Targeted Programs for the Boston Public Schools, Minors manages the 10 Boys Initiative and works with young men of color to help improve their academic performance and build socio-emotional skills that will empower them to pursue successful futures. Minors believes his own life changed because of a few impactful experiences and now he is working to provide similar opportunities for the next generation. This past summer, he took his students to Ghana, a trip that was not only culturally enriching, but will have a lasting impact on their academic and personal lives. 34 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
he course of Minors’ life changed when he was in seventh grade at the James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, and was supported and encouraged by one of his teachers, Mr. Sweeney, to attend St. Sebastian’s. With the help of financial aid, Minors enrolled as an Arrow and immersed himself in the school community, participating in clubs like Men with Positive Attitudes and playing football. During his Senior Service Project—a transformative experience for countless Arrows—Minors worked at the Epiphany School with a student named Joao. Struggling with dyslexia, Joao found reading difficult. “He was so talented athletically, he loved soccer, he was such a light, a great young man with a great spirit,” remembered Minors. Bothered by Joao’s academic struggles and yet operating without the necessary training, Minors did the best he could to help. Over time, he shifted his approach and utilized different strategies and techniques, trying to connect with Joao. They would play basketball together and then pause to read something from Sports Illustrated. When Minors’ opportunity to work with Joao drew to a close, the student presented him with a bracelet. Seventeen years later, he has never taken it off. “Basically, it was that senior-year project that really inspired me to get into education,” said Minors. Before leaving for college, he had the chance to travel to Mexico for a service trip where he worked in a poor village and gained a new perspective on the world. Minors began his studies at Holy Cross deeply moved by these two powerful experiences and started pondering global consciousness and how he could affect social change. After graduating from Holy Cross, Minors received an email from his old mentor, Mr. Sweeney, inviting him to return to the Boston Public Schools, but this time as a teacher. “I just came back to help out the man who basically helped me,” stated Minors. He has been working for BPS for the past fourteen years in various roles, including teaching creative writing, robotics, and English language arts. Minors also holds a Master’s in English Curriculum and Instruction from Boston College as well as a Master’s in Special Education. In addition to teaching, he spent eleven years as a facilitator for the 10 Boys Initiative, running groups and working under the prior director of the program. Eventually, he became the director
himself and inherited the goals of his predecessors while also desiring to go further. “How do you provide young people opportunities outside of their four-block realities?” asked Minors. “How do you take them outside of the walls that are creating learned hopelessness, systematic oppression, and depression?” He believes it is very difficult for young men of color growing up in cities. “With the competing factors that are really impeding on strong character development as well as selfidentity, it’s like whatever they see, they become, and that’s how they see themselves.” Minors remembers how important his St. Sebastian’s Senior Service Project and the service trip to Mexico were for him. “I think those two experiences really humbled me a lot about people who don’t have opportunity and what it feels like for them.” As part of his work with the 10 Boys Initiative, Minors began to take his students—most of whom rarely, if ever, travel beyond Boston—on trips to places like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Last year, he decided to take it to a new level by exposing them to a place outside of the United States. “I really wanted to get them out of the country so they could have an experience to remind them how grateful we should be for the things we have here, but more importantly, how do we give a voice to those who don’t have one.” Minors set his sights on Ghana. “I wanted to follow the slave trade for young people to connect our histories, prior to and post-colonialism, so young people could see how our histories are aligned. We share more history than sometimes invisible lines can connect for us.” Two trips to Ghana were taken, one in July and one in August, limiting the size of each group to twenty, including students and adults. During the first part of the trip, the group volunteered at Bosco Orphanage, working with local students and abandoned youth. The second half of their trip was a tour of the country,
“Every day, I hope that I can continue to be the bridge between where students are and where they want to be.” where the students were able to visit important historical sites, such as the Portuguese and British slave dungeons and even learn about Ghana’s STEM sites. “Language and place and space doesn’t disconnect history,” said Minors. “Our histories are all combined and we have to begin to understand that, particularly for issues that concern people here in America as well as globally.” Minors’ work with the 10 Boys Initiative goes way beyond influencing
academic outcomes. He is providing young men of color with amazing opportunities, like this trip to Ghana, in the hopes that it will inspire and motivate them to see the world—and their future—in a new light. “Every day, I hope that I can continue to be the bridge between where students are and where they want to be,” said Minors. The full impact of his efforts are hard to measure, but no doubt he is fulfilling his mission and helping the young men he works with to close that gap.
TOP LEFT: The bracelet Joao gave to Minors, still on his wrist all these years later. TOP RIGHT: Minors in Ghana. BOTTOM: Minors at his graduation from Boston College, surrounded by young men he worked with in the Boston Public Schools who came to surprise and support him. FALL 2018
| 35
Chris Callahan ’14 ARMY
Anthony Canavan ’15 NAVY
Joe Clark ’07 ARMY
Chris Conley ’94 ARMY
Chris Curran ’05 ARMY
John Dacier ’13 ARMY
Andrei Doohovsky ’00 ARMY
Teddy Griffin ’14 AIR FORCE
Mike Haley ’13 NAVY
Ryan Hart ’91 NAVY
Jon Hernandez ’00 ARMY
Brian Horne ’09 USMC
Conor Keating ’07 USMC
Pat Kelly ’08 ARMY
Timothy Kiley ’18 ARMY
William Kiley ’18 ARMY
Doug Kingsley ’12 ARMY
Max Kingsley ’10 ARMY
Mac Lalor ’09 ARMY
Travis Lampron ’15 ARMY
Matt Lutch ’08 USMC
Dalton MacAfee ’13 ARMY
Greg Mateo ’08 USMC
Ken Mateo ’05 USMC
Andrew Maxwell ’06 ARMY
Cole Maxwell ’09 ARMY
Gabe Maxwell ’15 ARMY
Harry Maxwell ’08 ARMY
Matt Mcguire ’13 ARMY
John McLaughlin ’16 NAVY
James McLoughlin ’09 ARMY
Tucker McLoughlin ’14 ARMY
Billy O’Brien ’09 NAVY
Conor O’Neil ’05 NAVY
Patrick O’Neil ’02 NAVY
Matt Ouellette ’14 ARMY
Dean Piersiak ’16 ARMY
Andy Schneider ’05 ARMY
Patrick Stanton ’08 AIR FORCE
Zane Stanton ’11 NAVY
Fr. John Arens USMC
David Cornish USMC
Ed Davis ’65 ARMY
Eric Ludwig NAVY
Stephen Salamone ARMY
Bob Souza ARMY
36 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Honoring Arrows Who Have SERVED
L
ess than three full months after we welcomed our inaugural students in 1941, our country entered World War II. By the time we held the first St. Sebastian’s graduation in 1945, seven of those students had been drafted by Uncle Sam to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Eight decades of Arrows have honorably carried on their legacy of love and service, and we are beyond proud of and grateful to every one of them. On November 11, 2018, senior Jack Gallagher spoke at Needham’s annual Veterans Day observance. His participation continued the tradition initiated by James Dunn ’68 several years ago of having a senior Arrow interested in the military deliver a speech at the event. Below are some of the words Jack shared:
come from everywhere. They came for every reason imaginable, but they all had one thing in common, hope. Eighteen years ago, my parents had hope that their son would live a better life than they. You, all of you, are the reason for that hope. You represent the very best of our country and the reason you do is quite simple: you’re willing to risk everything to protect it. But hope comes in many forms. When you put on the uniform you had hoped that you would make this country a better place. A better place for you to live in, a better place for your kids and for some of you, a better place for your grandkids. Well, I’m here today to tell you that you have achieved that. Every single one of you has done something to improve our country and undoubtedly many of you are still improving our country. All of you had and still have hopes, but all of you gave hope, hope inspired by love and that is the most powerful kind.
Almost 18 years ago, I was born in December of 2000 in Concord, Massachusetts. Six months before that, my parents moved from Dublin, Ireland, to Massachusetts in the hopes of providing our family with better opportunity. Today, I live in a great town, I go to a great school where I am receiving a great education and I have the opportunity to go to a great college to further my education—hopefully at the Naval Academy—so that one day I might have the honor of calling myself a veteran. But I would not be in that position without two key factors, one being my parents and their decision, and the other being all of you here today and all of the men and women throughout history who have served our great country. It is you who make possible the American dream that I am currently living... One of the most important things that anyone can have is hope. Hope created America and is still creating America. Hope prompted Paul Revere to take his midnight ride. Hope prompted Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. Hope prompted thousands of farmers, doctors, lawyers, merchants and even slaves to take on the most powerful military in the world and win. Hope prompted millions of desperate people from all over the world. First they came from Europe and Asia, then they came from South America and Africa, today they
In the days leading up to Veterans Day, we created a poster displaying the names and photos of St. Sebastian’s veterans who had graduated over the past few decades and we included current faculty who have served as well. The display, centrally located in the foyer of the Birmingham Academic Building served as a reminder to our current students of the daily sacrifices made by many members of the St. Sebastian’s family.
We have to believe that we have missed a number of recent and likely many more seasoned alumni who have served or who are serving in the military. If you have served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, or if you are a relative of a deceased alumnus who has served, please take a moment to give us a brief history of your or your loved one’s service by completing the following simple online form: www.stsebs.org/military. We devoutly wish to honor all who should be honored.
FALL 2018
| 37
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Headmaster’s Leadership Reception The Headmaster’s Leadership Reception on September 27 brought together more than 200 current and past parents, grandparents, alumni and friends to recognize and celebrate Leadership donors for their tremendous, continued support of the Annual Fund for St. Sebastian’s School. Student Council President Will Hentschel ’19, Board of Trustees President, Jim Elcock ’77, P’08 and Headmaster Burke expressed gratitude and appreciation for the many contributions from the community which continues to give so generously in support of our School’s noble mission.
Bill O’Malley P’09,’10,’13 delivers the keynote address at the Boston Business Breakfast.
23rd Annual Boston Business Breakfast
Ward Hall was decorated with Arrows pride for Homecoming weekend.
Current parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of St. Sebastian’s gathered at the Boston College Club for the 23rd annual Boston Business Breakfast on November 20. Bill O’Malley P’09,’10,’13, Managing Principal at Income Research + Management, delivered the keynote address.
HOMECOMING 2018 Alumni, students, parents and faculty gathered on Friday, September 28, and Saturday, September 29, to celebrate St. Sebastian’s Homecoming and to cheer on the varsity football, soccer, and cross country teams. The weekend began with the varsity cross country team hosting Nobles, Thayer, and Roxbury Latin at Caryl Park in Dover. The squad was supported by a number of St. Sebastian’s students who cheered on their fellow Arrows with vigor. The following morning, members of the school community filled the sidelines at St. Sebastian’s. Before kickoff, Headmaster Burke said a few words and then the Arrowheads sang the National Anthem. Under a beautiful blue sky, the varsity football team took on Tabor Academy and the varsity soccer team competed against BB&N. The Arrows came to play, with the football team securing the win and the soccer team’s match ending in a tie. 38 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Students line the end zone to cheer on their fellow Arrows.
A Successful Christmas Auction & Dinner
O
ver 400 parents and members of the St. Sebastian’s Community attended the annual Christmas Auction & Dinner on December 1, 2018, at the Seaport World Trade Center. This fun and festive event supports our beloved School. The evening featured silent and live auctions, which included hundreds of items, from a St. Sebastian’s golf cart to professional sports experiences and premier vacation getaways. Bidding went into the night, with the funds supporting St. Sebastian’s students. Current parents Marty Kane ’84, P’22 and Dan Fulham P’14,’23 served as auctioneers, entertaining the guests throughout the live auction. Donors also gave generously to support the School’s creation of an Innovation Lab, a space that will be loaded
with technologies, including CAD software, sophisticated 3D printers, a laser cutter, and a CNC milling machine, enabling our students to design and build almost anything! St. Sebastian’s would like to thank all those who contributed to making this evening a tremendous success, from the donors, sponsors, and advertisers to those who attended and bid. We are especially grateful to the more than 100 mothers who gave their time, talents, and resources as part of the Guild of St. Irene Auction Committee. A special thank you goes out to this year’s Auction Co-Chairs Laurel Mullen P’19,’21 and Janet Seidl P’17,’19 and Guild of St. Irene President Jeanne McKenzie P’18,’20. The event was a great chance for parents to gather and celebrate the Christmas season!
TOP ROW: A red Christmas ball ornament served as the theme for the Christmas Auction & Dinner; parents enjoy a night out in support of St. Sebastian’s; student musicians entertain guests with Christmas tunes; BOTTOM ROW: Auction Co-chairs Janet Seidl P’17,’19 and Laurel Mullen P’19,’21; Headmaster Bill Burke holding a copy of Words from the Heart, a book of his quotes created especially for the Auction; parents browse the auction items on display.
FALL 2017 2018
| 39
FINE ARTS
RECENT WORKS FROM
ARROWS ARTISTS From painting and ceramics to photography, St. Sebastian’s students have been busy in the art studio and behind the lens, producing a wide variety of creative and colorful works.
1
2
4
5
1] Photograph by Bryce Gallagher ’19; 2] “City Water,” watercolor painting by Ted Duffy ’19; 3] Photograph by Matt Connelly ’19; 4] Pottery by Stepan Kapreilian ’19; 5} “Contour of a Gorilla” by Jack Connors ’24; 6} Photograph by Liam Murphy ’20
3
40 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
6
Great Expectations
T
he Slings & Arrows Players presented “Great Expectations,” by Charles Dickens and adapted by Barbara Field on November 2 and 3, 2018. With a simple set featuring a dramatic spotlight on center stage and occasional drawings projected behind the actors, Director Mark Rogers and the cast did a wonderful job of bringing Dickens’ story to life. Through their physical expressions and emotional delivery of lines, the actors conveyed the tale’s twists and turns of poverty and wealth, rejection and love, while showcasing their British accents.
FALL 2018
| 41
FALL SPORTS
42 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
FALL SPORTS
Varsity Football BY COACH DAN BURKE
Coming off of an injury riddled 2017 season that resulted in a 2-6 record, the 2018 Arrows were hoping to have a healthier, more productive 2018 season. Turning a couple of last year’s losses into wins this year would have been an accomplishment in the highly competitive upper division of the ISL. Few could have expected that the 2018 Arrows would go even further by finishing the regular season 7-1 and earning the Arrows’ first ISL title since 2012. Credit for the turnaround and success of the team goes to the 23 seniors who led the team to be relentless, focused, and resilient all season and to Coach Souza who expertly guided his final team to play tough, inspired football from start to finish in each game. What the team didn’t realize until late in the season was that this championship run
would be Coach Souza’s last as head coach. Never one for self promotion, Coach Souza wanted this season to be about the seniors, not his final season, keeping the announcement to himself and his family until November. While they didn’t plan it, the 2018 Arrows sent Coach Souza off as well as they could have with a championship season and a NEPSAC bowl berth. The season started off with a matchup against a highly touted Milton Academy team that many predicted to be at the top of the ISL. The Arrows also aimed to be at the top of the ISL, though, and looked to show that right away in this first game of the season. In a dominant performance, the Arrows defense swarmed the Milton running backs and quarterback all game long, only yielding six rushing yards on the day en route to a shutout. Offensively, the Arrows’ balanced run and pass attack led by captains Billy Seidl ’19 and Bryce Gallagher ’19 resulted in over 300 yards of offense and three touchdowns. The 21-0 victory was the
best start the Arrows could have hoped for and set the tone for the way the season would go. Next up for the Arrows was a Homecoming matchup versus Tabor Academy. The Arrows’ offense jumped on Tabor early, scoring on their fourth play of the game on a Seidl to Alex Cherry ’19 pass connection, and they would go on to score a total of 38 points in the game. On the other side of the ball, the defense earned their second straight shutout with tough, aggressive play. Two games into the season the Arrows had already equaled their win total from the previous season and were building their confidence as they faced a highly talented BB&N team who was also 2-0 and who had a distinct size advantage over the Arrows. Looking at the two teams physically, many thought that the Arrows could not measure up. If told that one team would rush for 87 yards and the other would rush for 249 yards, most would have predicted that the Arrows would be on the losing side of that margin. The opposite
OPPOSITE: Members of the varsity football team douse Defensive Backs and Wide Receivers coach Jeff Riemann with their share of the ISL-Championship in sight. ABOVE: The 2018-2019 varsity football team gather together on the field after defeating Thayer and becoming Tri-ISL Champions.
FALL 2018
| 43
FALL SPORTS
The tri-captains in action (from left): Bryce Gallagher ’19 carries the ball and looks down the field; Miguel Vega ’19 celebrates with his teammate; Billy Seidl ’19 tucks the ball and runs during the team’s home game under the lights against BB&N.
was the case, though, as the Arrows’ defense again stifled their opponent, not yielding a touchdown for the third consecutive game, and the Arrows’ ground game was relentless on the way to a 23-3 victory. While the Arrows were thrilled to be 3-0 at this point in the season, there was no time to celebrate as the schedule remained challenging with consecutive away games at Governor’s and Lawrence Academy, two teams that the Arrows had not beaten in a number of years. In the Governor’s game, the Arrows faced their first adversity and yielded their first touchdowns of the year. Trailing at halftime 1413, the Arrows regrouped and came out firing in the second half, scoring 22 unanswered points, highlighted by touchdown receptions by seniors Will Frisoli and Joey Fiore. Versus Lawrence in the next game, the Arrows jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead only to have Lawrence narrow the lead to 21-13. From that point on, though, the Arrows regained control of the game ending with a 42-13 victory and a 5-0 record. The Arrows had a similarly lopsided 37-6 victory over Brooks in their next 44 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
game to go to 6-0 before squaring off against a talented 5-1 Belmont Hill team. As always, this game was hard fought and though the Arrows were leading 17-7 going into the fourth quarter, they were unable to hang on to the lead, losing their first game of the season 21-17. Now tied with two other teams with one loss in the ISL, the Arrows needed to beat Thayer in their final game of the season to ensure at least a share of the ISL title. The game got off to an inauspicious start when the Thayer returner took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown. The battle-tested Arrows did not panic, though, as they settled into their offensive game plan and continued their defensive dominance. Cherry caught three touchdown passes, senior captain Miguel Vega caught his first touchdown of his career, and Louis Hansen ’20 caught a touchdown pass as well, and the game ended with a 41-12 victory and an ISL title for the Arrows. As league champions, the Arrows were certain that they would play in a bowl game but where unsure whom or where they would play. The NEPSAC
selection committee pitted the Arrows against the Taft School in the Todd Marble Bowl in a game to be played at St. Sebastian’s. After several in the community spent the morning shoveling off the field, the game got underway with Taft taking a 14-0 lead in the first few minutes of the game. The Arrows responded well with tough defense and outstanding running by Bryce Gallagher on the offensive side. After tying the game at 14-14, the Arrows then lost the lead again but kept battling until the end, coming up just short as Taft won the game 35-34. In the final game of his career, Bryce Gallagher ran for 206 yards and two touchdowns and also led the team on defense with 23 tackles. While the Arrows were hoping to give Coach Souza a win in his final game as head coach, they did send him off with a championship season he will never forget. He could not have been prouder of their efforts throughout the year, and told them that they will always hold a special place in his heart, as have all of his other 40 teams in his outstanding career.
FALL SPORTS
41
Bob Souza retires as head coach of Arrows football after
Seasons In the fall of 1978, Bob Souza joined the ranks
at St. Sebastian’s to serve as head coach of the varsity football team as well as to teach social studies. After 41 seasons at the helm, the legendary Souza led his final squad this past fall, finishing with a 7-1 record and a share of the ISL title—a fitting way to close out an incredible career. Over the course of four decades, Coach Souza was the face, backbone and leader of the Arrows football team, always modeling and demanding hard work, integrity, and toughness. Under his guidance, St. Sebastian’s won seven ISL championships— beginning with the Arrows last season on Nonantum Hill in 1982 and ending with his final season in 2018. He also led the team to five NEPSAC super bowls, capturing the trophy in 2012 and 2014 and was honored as Coach of the Year by the Gridiron
Club of Boston in March 2013. However, to him, the experience was about much more than wins and losses. “The part you play in young people’s lives and the part they play in yours is what’s most important,’’ said Souza. On November 17, several of Coach Souza’s former players, including those from his first team in 1978, came out for his last game as the Arrows hosted the Taft School in the Todd Marble Bowl. He will be missed, but his impact on the football program, and so many Arrows alumni and coaches will be felt for many years to come.
At the Alumni Dinner next fall, there will be an opportunity for Arrows to honor Coach Souza and his devotion to the football program. Stay tuned for more details.
FALL 2018
| 45
FALL SPORTS
LEFT: Co-captain Patrick Barron ’19, Owen Smyth ’20, and Austin Persons ’20 celebrate on the field. RIGHT: Justin Charles ’19 pushes the ball towards the middle of the field.
Varsity Soccer BY COACH RICHARD CONNOLLY
In his memoir My Losing Season, famed writer Pat Conroy wrote, “There is no teacher more discriminating or transforming than loss.” Of course, he was talking about his time as a basketball player at The Citadel in the 1960s, but the same words could be ascribed to this year’s varsity Arrows soccer team. We went 3-10-3. But these kids battled. They fought for the crest on their jerseys. And they learned. When the final whistle blew in our last game against Thayer, the scoreboard had us losing 3-0, but each kid looked to us, as their coaches, and you could tell their
46 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
hearts ached for one more chance— they weren’t done playing. And as much as we wanted to give them that game, we couldn’t. The season started on a relatively positive note. We lost 1-0 to Worcester Academy, a team that would go on to the Class A New England finals— arguably the best high school game in the country. We then tied 1-1 at Nobles, a team that would earn the six seed in the Class B tournament. In that game, a waning-minutes free kick from Owen Smyth ’20 hit the crossbar, bounced around in the box and was slotted home by Pat Barron ’19, as the Seb’s football team, who after practice made the short trip down Needham Street, went wild by the corner flag. Next it was a 1-1 tie with Rivers, a team that made the Class B final. And then, on Homecoming,
we tied BB&N 0-0. So while it was just three points through four games, most any team in New England would have gladly taken those results. Then we lost 3-0 to upstart Governor’s, who scored three of the best goals we conceded all season. We then lost to Milton, Belmont Hill, and Brooks, by a combined 14-0. Next, we beat Lawrence 3-1 in a game that was interrupted with four minutes left in regulation because of our new lightning sensor. Against the Spartans, Smyth ’20 netted two and Jared Price ’19 lofted one from 30 yards out to seal the deal. In our game at Middlesex, it was tied with eight minutes left, but the Zebras snuck through and scored in the final minutes to win, 2-1. In what we coaches dubbed “All Saints Soccer Week,” we beat both St.
FALL SPORTS
Mark’s (2-1) and St. George’s (2-1) to take the mantle for 2018. Against the Lions, Ellis O’Donnell ’19 punctuated the win with a banger from the top of the box, and versus the Dragons, Smyth ’20 connected for the brace. But to close the season, we lost to Tabor (despite a pretty goal by Gabe Twohig ’21 from Justin Charles ’19), Groton, Roxbury Latin, and Thayer, mostly because we scored just one goal to their nine. To quote one of my favorite movie speeches, from 2004’s adaptation of H.G. Bissinger’s seminal book Friday Night Lights, “Being perfect isn’t about that scoreboard out there….Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didn’t let them down, because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything that you could.” A bit sentimental, sure, but perhaps not for the young men who gave it their all during the 2018 Arrows Soccer season. They were perfect in many ways and as
coaches we cannot thank them enough for their effort, their enthusiasm, and their friendship. At the end-of-year ISL coaches’ meeting, Owen Smyth ’20 earned first-team honors, and Gabe Twohig ’21 received honorable mention. Cocaptain Jared Price ’19 was selected to play in the NEPSAC senior All-Star game, and Smyth ’20 was elected to represent the East squad in the junior All-Star match. Co-captain Pat Barron ’19 was selected by the coaches for the Peter Kerr Award, given to the player who best demonstrates “commitment, sportsmanship and dedication to the program.” Finally, we thank our seniors, the members of the Class of 2019: Pat Barron, Justin Charles, Jac Campanelli, Brad Coughlin (manager), Michael Dailey, Jack Dumochel, Brendan Murphy, Ellis O’Donnell, Nolan Prince, Matt Real, Rafael Twohig, and Griffin Wagner.
FALL ATHLETIC AWARDS The following student-athletes were recognized for their performance during the fall season at an Athletic Awards Assembly on November 27.
FOOTBALL Darren Gallup League MVP Award Billy Seidl ’19
ISL All League Awards Matt Behman ’19, Alex Cherry ’19, Matt Connelly ’19, Will Frisoli ’19, Bryce Gallagher ’19, Steve Jessup ’19, Billy Seidl ’19
ISL Honorable Mention Peter Blake ’19, Devlin McCool ’19, Ryan Mullen ’19, Tim Noone ’19, Miguel Vega ’19
Ennis Award Presented to a senior who displays the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the football program. Jack Gallagher ’19
Big Hit Award Presented to the player who makes a positive impact on our opponents. Bryce Gallagher ’19, Ryan Mullen ’19
SOCCER First Team All ISL Owen Smyth ’20
Honorable Mention ISL Gabe Twohig ’21
NEPSSA Junior All-Star Owen Smyth ’20
NEPPSA Senior All-Star Jared Price ’19
Peter Kerr Award Presented to the soccer player who displays sportsmanship, dedication, and commitment to the soccer program. Patrick Barron ’19
CROSS COUNTRY Ellis O’Donnell ’19 battles against his opponent in pursuit of the ball.
ISL All League Award Patrick McDonald ’20 FALL 2018
| 47
FALL SPORTS
Varsity Cross Country BY COACH JOSEF CRESSOTTI
On August 30, St. Sebastian’s cross country got under way as runners set out on Steve’s Trail along the Charles River. As temperatures reached the 90’s, our runners began to lay a foundation of training for a long season ahead. The Arrows were led by captains Anthony Perez ’19 and Patrick McDonald ’20. Returning to the team were Jack Randall ’19, Tom Flatley
’20 and Joey Pandit ’21. They were joined by four new runners, Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, Henry Gennari ’21, Mark Wilson ’21, and Charles Yang ’22. The season began on BB&N’s scenic course around Fresh Pond in Cambridge. On this extremely fast course, McDonald ran a personal best 5k time of 17:38, coming in third place against runners from Belmont Hill, BB&N, and Brooks. In his first-ever cross country race, Charles Yang ran an impressive time of 18:01. With Flatley, Pandit, and Wilson rounding out the top five, the Arrows defeated Brooks, but lost narrowly to BB&N. On Friday, September 28, the Arrows competed in the annual
Homecoming Race at Caryl Park. On a wet and muddy course, the Arrows raced valiantly against local rivals, Roxbury Latin, Nobles, and Thayer. As it does each year, Henry’s Corner showed up in full force to support our runners. RL and Nobles took first and second places, while St. Sebs edged out Thayer. McDonald led the team with a time of 18:05 and Flatley ran his best race of the year at 19:16. Yang, Pandit, and Perez finished third, fourth, fifth respectively. Although our team ran well, our performance that day is not what will be best remembered. Rather it will be the mob of fans surrounding Gennari as he doggedly crossed the finish line.
Numerous Arrows accompany Henry Gennari ’21 across the finish line during the homecoming race at Caryl Park.
48 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
FALL SPORTS
LEFT: Captain Patrick McDonald ’20 speeds past the crowd. RIGHT: Captain Anthony Perez ’19 trying to distance himself from those behind him.
The Arrows runners continued to work hard throughout the season, increasing mileage and intensity each week of practice. Unfortunately, runners were affected by illness and injury, which strained our already small team. Still our runners remained upbeat and dedicated, with each person improving their times as the year went on. On Tuesday, October 16, the varsity team joined the Lower School team to compete in a 1.6 mile race around Kendrick Pond in Cutler Park. With runners starting at staggered times according to pre-race handicaps, 7th grader Jack Connors finished in first place. McDonald ran the fastest overall time. Former Arrow runner Marty White ’18, on break from Notre Dame, joined in the race, showing that college life had not spoiled his speed. On Friday, October 26, the team traveled down to Marion for a quadmeet against Tabor, Groton, and Lawrence. We were fortunate to get the race in before the Northeasterforce rain and wind would strike the following day. On a flat course under pleasant conditions, our runners
achieved some of their best times for the season. McDonald came in first for the team at 17:49. He was followed by Yang (18:55), Pandit (19:38), Wilson (20:45), and Perez (21:08). Tabor Academy, led by ISL Runner of the Year, Aly Hussein, won the competition. The following week, runners began to set their marks on the ISL championships. On Tuesday, the Arrows performed one last 400 meter hill workout at Caryl Park. The following day they returned for a Halloween Edition of the annual Adventure Run in the Noanet Woodlands. Fortunately, all returned on time, safe and dry, with a couple award-winning photographs of the Dover fauna, although regrettably not of the Dover Demon. The ISL Championships took place on Friday, November 2, at Nobles. While the lightning and rain held off, the Arrows ran hard on a slippery course to finish a respectable 12th out of 16 ISL teams. This constituted an improvement from the regular season as Seb’s beat two teams, Lawrence and
St. George’s to whom we had previously lost. With a time of 18:44, McDonald came in 34th, the highest finish for an Arrow at the ISL’s since Michael Haley ’13 in 2012. Yang also raced well, coming in 47th with a time of 19:12. By and large the season was a successful one. Despite persistent injuries, very busy schedules, and the mental and physical strain of running, our runners made personal improvement and achieved several notable team victories. McDonald, who regularly came in the top-5 of the weekly dual and quad meets, was recognized at the end of the year as ALL-ISL, the first St. Sebastian’s runner to be so recognized since Rick Mulroy in 2009. While we are sad to lose seniors Perez and Randall, who have been running with the team for the past several years, we look forward to a new crop of runners next year. With a deep and talented Lower School team, coached by Jim Rest and Steve Thomasy, the future of St. Sebastian’s Cross Country is bright.
FALL 2018
| 49
ALUMNI EVENTS
Alumni Reception 2018
S
t. Sebastian’s hosted its annual Alumni Reception on Tuesday, October 23. During the event, Devin Condron ’92 and Joe Tansey ’69, P’03 were honored with this year’s Alumni Service Award. Alumni Association President Charles Haley ’92 welcomed everyone and reflected on how unique St. Sebastian’s is today, noting that although the campus has been transformed, the School and its mission have not changed. He credited the Alumni Office with improving the alumni experience through programs and events and encouraged his fellow Arrows to stay connected with the School. Headmaster Bill Burke introduced Devin Condron, whom he taught in a senior writing class in the 1991-1992 academic year. Since graduation, Devin 50 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Honoring Devin Condron ’92 and Joe Tansey ’69, P’03
LEFT: Honorees Joey Tansey ’69,P’03 and Devin Condron ’92 with Headmaster Bill Burke; TOP RIGHT: 1992 Classmates Joe Harney, Chris Brinkhaus, Devin Condron and Chris Haley enjoy catching up at the Alumni Reception. BOTTOM RIGHT: Jay Tansey ’03, Margo and Joe ’69 Tansey P’03, and Melissa Tansey.
has been a constant, eminently positive presence at St. Sebastian’s. A most valuable, tremendously loyal Arrow, Devin currently serves as our Board of Trustees secretary. Devin praised the School for its continued momentum and success, noting that people always react positively to his affiliation with St. Sebastian’s. He remarked that “anyone who has St. Sebastian’s attached to their name should be proud.” Joe Tansey’s son, Jay ’03, gave a fitting and emotional introduction for his dad and included this quote from Joe’s page in the 1969 Arrow yearbook: “One of the most mature and personable members of the graduating class of 1969 is also a fine student and an active athlete, namely Joseph Tansey. His record at St. Sebastian’s is distinguished
because of an unyielding desire to excel and a limitless capacity for hard work. Joe Tansey will be a graduate of St. Sebastian’s who will attract only praise and admiration for the school.” Like the speakers before him, Joe said, “Since graduation, it has been a pleasure to see the school continue to prosper and expand while maintaining the core mission laid out by our founders.” Headmaster Burke told the attendees, “What makes these two gentlemen special is that they have shown up and been with us every step of the way through this transformation. Joe and Devin are the very best representatives of the alumni community.” Congratulations, Joe and Devin, for being this year’s Alumni Service Award recipients!
ALUMNI EVENTS
REUNION
2019 MAY 17 & 18 Calling all 4’s and 9’s!
Reserve your seat for Reunion weekend. Mark your calendar now and help us fill your class table! If you would like to be involved in the Reunion planning, please contact your class agent. We can’t wait to see you in May!
Register online at:
www.stsebs.org/reunion Sign up by March 15 and save $10 on the Clambake.
FALL 2018
| 51
ALUMNI EVENTS
ARROWS’ GATHERINGS On November 12, a large group of Arrows, past parents and grandparents who live and work in the Capital area gathered at the Key Bridge Marriott for the Washington, D.C., Alumni Reception. Following a presentation from Headmaster Burke, alumni socialized with members of the Class of 2020 who were in the midst of their annual Junior Class Trip to the Capital. Jackson McKeigue ’17, Ryan Kennedy ’93 and Dan Crane ’64 spoke about their college experiences and how St. Sebastian’s played a role in preparing them for higher education. Also on the evening of November 12, local alumni in Philadelphia gathered at JG Domestic Restaurant to socialize with classmates. The following night, November 13, the annual New York Reception was hosted at the Yale Club by Vin Gandolfo ’73 and Mark O’Friel ’79. The well-attended event was a great opportunity for former classmates to catch up and hear about what’s happening at St. Sebastian’s. Certainly, Arrows pride is alive and well along the East Coast!
DC, Philly & NYC
In keeping with the Thanksgiving-week tradition, the St. Sebastian’s School Alumni Office hosted its annual Alumni Sports Day on November 24. Alumni returned to campus for a great day of athletic competition and camaraderie on the hockey rink and basketball court. With the opening of the West Campus Center earlier in the month, alumni were also able to enjoy the brand new squash courts for the first time.
Alumni Sports Day
Recent Alumni Reception Members of the Classes of 2000 to 2014 gathered at Carrie Nation in Boston for a recent alumni event on November 20. The Arrows kicked off Thanksgiving week by connecting with their fellow St. Sebastian’s brothers. Alumni from San Francisco to Boston attended.
Yearbook Reception While home from college for Thanksgiving break, the Class of 2018 returned to St. Sebastian’s on November 21, 2018, for the annual Yearbook Reception. Our most recent alumni received their copy of the yearbook, which was dedicated to math teacher Donna Atwood and science teacher Patricia Colton, both of whom recently retired after long and successful careers at St. Sebastian’s. After a lunch spent reminiscing with old classmates and catching up with faculty, last year’s seniors were presented with their Class of 2018 plaque, which will join the 73 other class plaques lining Alumni Hall.
52 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
CLASS NOTES
Spectators cheer on our Arrows athletes fromFALL “The2018 Hill"|in 53 1967.
CLASS NOTES
WHAT’S
NEW? Keep your classmates up to date on your accomplishments, family members, travels, or anything else new in your life. Send us photos, too!
Submit class notes and photos online at:
stsebs.org/classnotes Deadline for next issue:
APRIL 1, 2019
Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to send the highest quality image possible and identify everyone in the photo.
1952
Dr. James Benjamin writes, “I recently took the MG-TD to a car show called Wings and Wheels. It was the car’s first time out and was judged ‘best of show’ in the imported car class. There were a couple of fancy Porsches there. It was at an airport and there was a fly-in.” (see photo) Jim Brosnahan, one of the most respected and recognized trial lawyers in the United States, was recently honored by the American Board of Trial Advocates. He received the prestigious Donald E. Bailey Civility & Professionalism Award during ABOTA’s annual Holiday Gala in San Francisco on December 7 (see photo). The Award is given each year to a member of ABOTA’s San Francisco chapter who models civility and humanity. Jim has been practicing trial and appellate law for over fifty years and has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his distinguished career.
He maintains an active practice of civil and criminal cases, very often cases that are going to trial or will be argued in Circuit Courts. In addition to his busy practice, he teaches a class on persuasion at UC Berkeley Law.
1970
Joe Abely shares: “I welcomed my 4th granddaughter, Keira Ann. Parents are Jim and Christine and this is their first. Keira joins Maggie, Molly and Betsy.”
1975
Donald Maloney writes: “I recently moved to Hale House in Boston’s Back Bay. Now that I am in my sixties (and starting to slow down), it was time for me to live in a place where I can get all of the services and care that an older person needs. I can still get out and about (with the help of Uber) and my brother Mark and my sister Ellen live close by and do
Share your IDEAS for Alumni Profiles Do you know an alumnus you would like to see profiled in an issue of St. Sebastian’s Magazine? Tell us about it! Send an email with your suggestions to our Communications Office at communications@stsebs.org.
’52 Dr. James Benjamin ’52 pictured in front of an F4U Corsair at a car show.
54 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
CLASS NOTES
visit often. My favorite memories at St. Sebastian’s occurred while playing sports (not in the classroom)! I remember attending the Henry Lane Hockey School and having the opportunity to lace up my skates and join the members of the varsity team. It was a thrill to get an assist on a goal that was scored by our Captain Bobby Devaney in the Belmont Hill game. I also remember fondly a play that took place during a scrimmage of the football team. As I recall, Tom Giblin handed the ball off to half back Devaney who then handed it back to me. As the left flanker back, I ran the ball in the opposite direction of the entire offensive line and was tackled forty yards down the field. No one was more surprised than me! That was a very long time ago. I am interested in hearing from my classmates and can be reached by email at: maloneydonald123@aol.com.”
Jim Brosnahan ’52 (left), recipient of the 2018 Donald E. Bailey Civility & Professionalism Award, with Arturo González, chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Commercial Litigation & Trial Group, who introduced Jim at the American Board of Trial Advocates’ Holiday Gala.
LEFT: Joe Curnane ’70 (2nd from right) with five of the other newest members of the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame. RIGHT: Joe takes the floor during the ceremony.
Joe Curnane ’70 Inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame
J
oe Curnane ’70 was one of eight new members inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame during a ceremony held on June 16, 2018. The event was held at hotel 1620 in Plymouth, MA, in conjunction with the Massachusetts Hockey Annual Meeting. Nicknamed “Video Joe” by legendary Boston Bruins trainer John “Frosty” Forristall, Joe began developing coaching video for Coach Henry Lane ’49 at St. Sebastian’s 50 years ago. In 1971, Coach John “Snooks” Kelley asked Joe to work with the Boston College Men’s Ice Hockey team and together they pioneered using video analysis for coaches in collegiate hockey. While at BC, he produced and wrote college hockey’s first team highlight documentary detailing the Eagle’s 1978 ECAC Championship season. In 1981, Joe joined the Boston Bruins, where he worked for 23 years as an executive, including 16 years with Hall of Famer and former Bruins President Harry Sinden. In 1991, Joe created the Massachusetts Youth Hockey/Bruins License Plate which has raised more than $2 million dollars for Massachusetts Hockey. In 1999, he established the Bruins’ John Carlton Memorial Award for Eastern Massachusetts’ most outstanding girl’s high school senior ice hockey player. The award is regarded as one of the nation’s most important high school hockey awards. Along with Joe Bertagna, Former Boston Bruins and Olympic Goalie Coach, Joe produced the 1989 documentary “Crimson and Character” depicting Harvard University’s Men’s Ice Hockey and their first NCAA Championship. Joe continues to administer the Bruins’ Carlton Award for both the boys and girls.
FALL 2018
| 55
CLASS NOTES
MARCH RECEPTIONS
’66
in Florida
If you live in Florida or are looking for a great excuse to head to warmer climates, join us! All members of the St. Sebastian’s community are welcome, including alumni, parents, and grandparents.
3/15 Jupiter 3/18 Naples For more information and to RSVP, please visit www.stsebs.org/jupiter or www.stsebs.org/naples.
1966 Arrows get together in Woodstock, Vermont. Standing: John and Vera Campbell, George DeMambro, Carole Kiendzior, and Joanne Kenney. Seated: Gladys and Jack Sullivan (holding Buddy) and Ed Kenney.
’94 Flashback
Are you ready for your 25th Reunion?
2nd Annual Nonantum Cup Challenge
www.stsebs.org/reunion
56 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Granite Links Golf Club was the scene of the second annual Nonantum Cup Challenge on August 22. The Class of 1971 once again defeated their elders from the Class of 1970. The victorious team included Mark Bergin, Brian Campbell, Bob Dandrow, Jay Harney, Bob Hennessy, John Hueber, Bob Maloney, Mark McCue, Bill McGowan, Tom Whalen, Vinny Quealy and their captain, Gleason Gallagher. The Class of 1970 team included Mark Birmingham, Ted Curtin, Fred Daly, Joe Duffey, Joe Maiella, Pat Tracy and Captain Joe Abely.
CLASS NOTES
Becoming Merely Human Writing about one’s past can be a fruitful venture. For Richard Griffin ’47, this undertaking provided him the opportunity to address a question asked of him many times. In Becoming Merely Human: A Spiritual Journey to Imperfection, Griffin addresses why he left the priesthood. After graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 1947, Griffin attended Harvard for two years before entering the Jesuit novitiate at Shadowbrook in Lenox, MA. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1962. In 1968, a memorably tumultuous year, he was appointed Catholic chaplain at Harvard, based at St. Paul Church. Strongly influenced by the recent reforms of Vatican II, and stirred by the civil rights and antiwar movements, Griffin moved the chaplaincy in a progressive direction that attracted considerable opposition. At the same time, he had begun a long period of personal reflection that led him to question his vocation. Eventually he decided to petition Rome and was relieved of his vows as a priest. Although he left the clergy, Griffin remains a committed Catholic and maintains close ties of friendship with the Jesuit community. His memoir explores his journey and expands on his transition from life as a member of the clergy to his experience as a husband, to his wife Susan, and father, to his daughter Emily. “Writing has a way of surprising you, of revealing what you had not known until your written words disclosed it,” writes Griffin. “That is how I found my theme, the passage from one quest to another, from searching for the divine toward looking for the human, one that had remained latent until I took to expressing it.”
Have you joined
ARROWS
CONNECT? Become a part of our amazing network of Arrows you can tap into anytime, from anywhere! Joining our networking platform for the St. Sebastian’s community is easy; you can even log in with your LinkedIn or Facebook accounts.
Expand your network
“Writing has a way of surprising you, of revealing what you had not known until your written words disclosed it.” —Richard Griffin ’47
Connect with classmates Advance your career Be a mentor Register today:
www.arrowsconnect.org
FALL 2018
| 57
CLASS NOTES
1993
Mike Grier joined the coaching staff of the New Jersey Devils as assistant coach. Mike is working with fellow Arrows, Brian Boyle ’03 who is a center for the team, and Michael Regan ’07 who is the video coach! Mike has spent the past four seasons as a pro scout with the Chicago Blackhawks and also volunteered the past few years as an assistant coach for the varsity hockey team at St. Sebastian’s, where his son Jayden is a freshman. No stranger to the pros, Mike played 1,060 regular-season games in the NHL during 14 seasons on four different teams.
2003
Andy Bartlett and his wife, Kim, welcomed their new baby boy, Logan Sebastian Bartlett, into the world on December 13, 2018, weighing in at 8lbs 2oz and was 21 inches long. (see photo)
2005
Shea Fitzgerald writes: “My girlfriend Brittany and I just purchased a townhouse next to Dedham Square. Looking forward to starting a family soon! Going on almost 14 years since we graduated, but I still reminisce about how many strong teachers and faculty were a
1970’s Football Coach Ed Sweeney Honored with a Plaque in Arrows Hall On November 10, prior to the last home football game of the season, members of the Class of 1978 paid tribute to Ed Sweeney, deceased head coach of the varsity football team from 1975 to 1977. For their 40th Reunion, the Class of 1978 chose to recognize Coach Sweeney, whose impressive record of 15-5-1 over the course of his three years as coach culminated in the undefeated 1977 season. Members of the class and other Arrows alumni who played for Sweeney, along with their families, gathered on campus to dedicate a plaque in his memory. Tri-captains Peter Arnold ’78, John Lawler ’78, and John McAuliffe ’78 shared memories about Coach Sweeney before presenting Sweeney’s children, Sean and Callie, with a picture of their father from one of his last games as the St. Sebastian’s football coach.
58 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
part of my time there. From Tom Nunan, who was a strong leader, motivator, mentor and truly just a stand up guy to Coach Dags and JD who made winters a lot more enjoyable. We had a strong class advisor in John Ryan who we didn’t make it easy on, but ultimately he was meant to handle our class and did so very well. I wouldn’t be doing justice if I didn’t give a shout out to George O’Toole who as our class president was the best guy around. Cheers to Class of 2005, the glory days.”
2008
James Mulroy shares, “I was married on June 16, 2018 in Cape May NJ to Meghan (O’Keefe) Mulroy. Many of our guests were St Seb’s alumni as evidenced in the attached photo! 23 total!” (see photo) Cedric White received the 2018 Dr. Karl A. Nieforth Pharmacy Student Research Award at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy last May. Cedric’s research centers on the most effective ways to present the risks and benefits of different chemotherapy medications to cancer patients who may lack the ability to understand treatment choices, especially when they are presented in a numerical format. In turn, this will not only increase patient health literacy, it will help enhance the patient-pharmacist relationship in a team approach to healthcare. The Dr. Karl A. Nieforth Pharmacy Student Research Award is offered to PharmD students based on their project’s significance to the pharmacy field, the scope of their work, and how the research fits into their plans for their future in the field of pharmacy. In 2013, White earned his BS in biochemistry and sociology from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. He subsequently worked at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute as
CLASS NOTES
a clinical research coordinator for the Adult Leukemia Group before pursuing his PharmD at UConn.
’08
2012
Patrick Ciapciak, a third-year student at Boston College Law School, was chosen to argue a case in the Massachusetts Appeals Court on behalf of the Commonwealth as part of his clinical work in the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office this year. The Appeals Court is the highest-level court a law student has ever argued in, and Patrick became one of the first ever to do so. He is scheduled to graduate this spring and plans to enter a private civil litigation firm in Boston after taking the bar exam.
’03
2013
Kevin Patterson shares: “On New Year’s Eve, I will be fulfilling my lifelong dream of appearing on Jeopardy! Tune in to see how I do! Mr. Stefan Cressotti helped me learn to love trivia and to gather all the knowledge I can simply for the thrill of it. I owe my appearance on the show, in part, to him!” Kevin became The Last JEOPARDY! Champion of 2018. What a way to end the year! (see photo) A Dartmouth College graduate, Kevin has been working as a Management Consultant in Boston. Dalton MacAfee, a senior at West Point, was named an Army hockey captain for the 2018-19 season. Dalton was one of five Black Knights to skate in all 36 games last season, and ranked tied for fourth on the team in points with 21. Prior to West Point, he played at Boston University in 2013-14, appearing in 31 games as a rookie with the Terriers, and then went to the South Shore Kings where he played in 40 games.
’08
’13 James Mulroy ’08 (son of James Mulroy ’77) and his wife, Meghan, are surrounded by St. Sebastian’s alumni at their wedding on June 16, 2018, in Cape May, NJ. n Andy ’03 and Kim Bartlett welcome their first child, Logan Sebastian Bartlett, into the world on December 13, 2018. n Cedric White ’08 (right) receives his Pharm.D. from University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. n Alex Trebek congratulates Keven Patterson ’13 after he becomes the last JEOPARDY! Champion of 2018 on December 31, 2018.
FALL 2018
| 59
CLASS NOTES
Arrows cheer on Matt Daniel ’15 at the Middlebury vs. Trinity game. From left: Teddy Daniel ’20, Greg Barletta ’15, Matt Doherty ’15, Matt Daniel ’15, Colin Connolly ’15, Noah D’Angelo ’15, George Barrett ’15 & Billy Daniel ’18. n Will Kiley ’18 (left), currently a Plebe at the United States Military Academy at West Point, with Matt Ouellette ’14 (right) who graduated from West Point in 2018 and is now a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. Matt is the assistant coach of the Army club hockey team. Will’s twin, Tim Kiley ’18, is at Marian Military Institute in Alabama and will be joining Will at West Point next year.
Arrows Playing
D1 FOOTBALL
The 2018 college football season marked the first time in St. Sebastian’s history that five Arrows alumni were members of Division 1 college football teams at the same time.
60 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
Connor Strachan ’14, a senior at Boston College, played inside linebacker for the Eagles. He started as a freshman and was a leading tackler on their number one ranked defense as a sophomore. After a knee injury cost him a season, Strachan battled back to start in every game this past season and was named All-ACC Third Team. Blake Gallagher ’17, also an inside linebacker, led Northwestern in tackles this season and was third in the Big Ten. Jonathan Pace ’18 started as a freshman at University of Connecticut, completing his first season as a defensive end for the Huskies. Geoff Wade ’15, a senior at Holy Cross, played quarterback. He stepped in for his injured teammate as a sophomore and helped Holy Cross upset Harvard. He started this past season and won Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week after Holy Cross’ victory over Yale. Tom Hovsepian ’17 went to Boston College as a preferred walk on. He made the team and dressed for some games as an outside linebacker and special teams player.
CLASS NOTES
ALUMNI GOLF OUTING May 17, 2019 / 8:00 am Shotgun Start Joe ’15 (left) and Jack ’18 (right) Kerwin, were recently recognized for their musical talent by the Boston Music Awards. The brothers are part of a band, “The Water Cycle," which was nominated for 2018 New Artist of the Year. Joined by Joe’s bassplaying friend at Harvard, Rob Capodilupo, the trio ascended from practicing in a basement to touring in 13 different cities in only a few years. Joe sings and plays the guitar, while also serving as the band’s primary songwriter. Jack is the drummer, and serves as the band’s business manager and booking agent. The Water Cycle has two EP’s and two music videos.
South Shore Country Club, Hingham, MA Open to all St. Sebastian’s alumni
ARROWS ALUMNI
on the Sidelines
Registration and sponsorship information: TOP: Tucker McLoughlin ’14 and Christian Kelly ’14 come back to campus for Homecoming. BOTTOM: Peter Rockett ’79, and John Fiore ’79, members of Coach Bob Souza’s first football team in the fall of 1978, come out to cheer him on during his last game as head coach of the Arrows.
www.stsebs.org/alumnigolf
FALL 2018
| 61
IN MEMORIAM John “Jay” E. Donahue ’60
Jay passed away on October 18, 2018. While at St. Sebastian’s, he was a standout student, one of the highest ranking members of his graduating class, and captain of the basketball team. Jay also made valuable contributions to The Walrus. After graduating, he attended Harvard and worked for the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. He was a program officer for many years for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education, a program that awarded grant funding to innovative college education opportunities for adults. After retirement, Jay fulfilled a lifelong dream and completed an around the world cruise on the QE2. He is survived by his brothers Mark ’67 and Neil ’67, his sister, his four sons and six grandchildren.
Reverend Monsignor John Robert Giggi ’46
Fr. Bob passed away on August 7, 2018. During his days on Nonantum Hill, Fr. Bob was a part of the choir and could always be relied on to cheer on the Arrows at sporting events. After he was ordained in Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Boston, he started his priesthood as Parochial Vicar at St. Mary of the Assumption in Revere from 1953-1955, then served as Parochial Vicar at St. Philip Neri Church in Waban from 1955-1961; while there he also served as the Chaplain at Newton Wellesley Hospital. Fr. Bob then continued on to Boston State Hospital in Mattapan from 1961-1979, served as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Forest Hills from 1980-1981, then onto his final Parish at St. Linus Catholic Church in Natick in 1981 until his retirement in 2013. While serving as Pastor at St. Linus in 1998, he was awarded the title of Monsignor. His priesthood was his life. He was well loved by nearly 7,000 families and loved being their pastor. Fr. Bob is survived by Marianne Stoecker and Liz Smith, RN, and many other cousins. 62 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the graduates and friends of St. Sebastian’s School whose deaths are reported with sorrow.
Francis “Barry” Maher, Jr. ’58
Barry passed away on December 8, 2018. While at St. Sebastian’s, he was an excellent student and involved in many activities, including football, tennis, basketball, Dramatic Society, Altar Society, and Yearbook Club. He enjoyed long walks in nature, and some of his favorite places included Twin Lake Village in New London, NH, and Bowerman’s Beach Club in West Falmouth, MA. A loyal and caring person, Barry was well known for his touching notes and letters. He was considered a mentor to many young people who were fortunate to have him in their lives. Barry is survived by his two daughters, Sarah and Mary Jo, and their husbands, Bill and Scott; his granddaughters, Kate and Ellie; and his siblings, Joanne, Denise, Peter, and Jennifer.
Christopher J. O’Connor ’03
Chris passed away on July 24, 2018. In his yearbook, he is quoted: “There is nothing I could possibly say in one paragraph to sum up how amazing my experience was at St. Sebastian’s. I could not envision a better high school.” After graduation, he attended the University of Massachusetts and earned a Master’s degree from William James College. He was a PsyD candidate at the time of his death. He is the beloved son of Peter (past Trustee) and Arden O’Connor and loving brother of Arden and Matthew, along with his wife, Liz, and their two children, Ryan and Kevin. He is survived by many cousins, including Michael ’15, aunts, uncles, and his girlfriend, Annie Giron.
This listing contains deaths reported before December 15, 2018. To see a complete listing of alumni who have passed away within the past twelve months, please visit www.stsebs.org/inmemoriam. To report a death of a St. Sebastian’s alumnus or relative to the Development Office, contact Kelsey Kane at kelsey_kane@stsebs.org.
IN MEMORIAM
ALUMNI RELATIVES & FRIENDS
Lt. Colonel Lewis John Santoro ’50
Lewis passed away on April 27, 2018. While at St. Sebastian’s, he spent many days typing and filing for The Arrow yearbook as Assistant Business Manager. A great skiing enthusiast, he was a member of the Alpine Club and also participated in the Science Club. Colonel Santoro was a decorated officer, distinguished teacher and accomplished artist. He moved to Alaska with his young family in the late 1960s and settled in Kodiak, eventually retiring in Anchorage. Lewis was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Louis D. Spagnuolo, Jr. ’59
Louis passed away on November 22, 2018. During his days as an Arrow, he was a bundle of energetic humor who could make anyone smile. Louis was the starting guard for the basketball team. According to the 1959 edition of The Arrow, he was a rare individual who combined the best characteristics of good athlete, good student and good fellow. Louis is survived by his wife, Beverly, his children Louis and Arna, siblings Anthony and his wife Wendy, Dr. Richard and his wife Lucille, Lucia and her husband Dr. Joseph Giangrasso, Elena and her husband Ronald, many nieces and nephews, including JM Spagnuolo ’94, and great grandchildren.
John Abely September 30, 2018 Son of Joe ’70 and nephew of Bill ’77 Joyce Boland August 16, 2018 Grandmother of Kevin ’16 and Colin ’22 Robert Carey August 20, 2018 Father of the late Brian ’70, Don ’76 and Steven ’88 Robert Dagdigian September 28, 2018 Grandfather of Jake ’09 and father of faculty member, Steve Dagdigian Margaret M. Donahoe September 25, 2018 Grandmother of Tucker ’08 and Robert ’10 Polynice Dorsainvil July 25, 2018 Grandfather of Alexandre Swayne ’07 Terry Frechette September 7, 2018 Father of Tim ’85, David ’89 and John ’97 and grandfather of Fitz ’21 and Mick ’22
Andy Lynch August 22, 2018 Son of our former longtime Director of Health Services, Jean Lynch Edward V. McCarthy December 2, 2018 Father of Edward, Jr. ’78 and Thomas ’80 and grandfather of Edward, III ’13 Theresa McDermott August 30, 2018 Mother of Ed ’75 and David ’77 Paul McGonigle August 6, 2018 Father of P. Mark ’87 Philip F. Mulvey August 9, 2018 Father of Sean ’90 and husband of past trustee and member of the Headmaster Search Committee, Mary Lou Robert Mungovan November 23, 2018 Grandfather of Brendan Murphy ’19 Gary Murphy October 18, 2018 Father of Brian ’84
John Kapples August 29, 2018 Grandfather of John ’16 and Henry ’18
Joseph C. Steinkrauss November 10, 2018 Father of Peter ’90 and Kurt ’91, trustee, and grandfather of Ryan ’19
Stephen P. Kearney October 24, 2018 Father of Joe ’14
Mary Tyrrell August 8, 2018 Mother of James ’76
FALL 2018
| 63
From the Archives 1949
Fr. Joseph Beatty with Debate Team members, J. Laurence McCarty ’51, Joseph McCarthy ’49, Francis Renaud ’49, Paul McDonald ’49 and John Moore ’51.
In keeping with the St. Sebastian’s Country Day School ideal, several extracurricular activities were established over the course of the School’s first decade in the 1940’s, including the Debate Society. Led most effectively by religion teacher Fr. Joseph Beatty, the Debate Society initially ventured beyond campus to take on the diocesan competition in the C.Y.O. league. By the 1960s, the School’s quick-witted debaters were traveling to compete against private schools, giving students a platform to further hone their public speaking skills. Thanks to the exceptional leadership of moderator and coach Michael Nerbonne, St. Sebastian’s joined the Debating Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS) in 1990 to compete against other top prep schools and began hosting twice yearly tournaments before the decade was over. St. Sebastian’s Debate Team continues to deliver strong performances today, regularly coming home with speaking prizes.
64 |
ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE
What legacy will you leave?
Members of the Class of 1959 listen to Fr. Keating, a beloved member of St. Sebastian’s faculty from 1942 to 1981.
As you look back fondly on your St.
Sebastian’s days—on your teachers, coaches and classmates—think about how you can help ensure future St. Sebastian’s students have an education that is just as exceptional and life-changing as yours.
For more information about gift planning and including St. Sebastian’s in your estate plans, visit plannedgiving.stsebs.org or contact Rich Arms, Director of Alumni & Development, at 781.247.0116 or rich_arms@stsebs.org.
If education changes lives then charitable gifts to education help make that change possible. Learn how a charitable gift to St. Sebastian’s, like a bequest in your will or living trust, can match your goals, values, and what you hope your lasting legacy will be.
Monsignor Charles D. McInnis Society
1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, Massachusetts 02492
Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit No. 19943
The Arrows win a share of the ISL title during Coach Bob Souza’s last season as head coach of the football team. (see pg. 42)