38 minute read
25 Years of Service
25 years
of service
Dean of Students Brendan Sullivan and faculty members Steve Dagdigian and Jim Ferguson join the Wall of Honor in recognition of their 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s School
BRENDAN SULLIVAN
When Brendan Sullivan accepted a teaching position at St. Sebastian’s, it was with the intention of staying for one year only. That one year has stretched into 25 years and counting —14 as Dean of Students—during which he has served the school and our students, parents and faculty as a dedicated mentor, caring confidant and faithful leader.
APrinceton grad, Brendan had been taking graduate level science courses in preparation for medical school when he applied for the open position in the Science Department in 1994. A great interview, along with a recommendation from Jean Lynch, the Director of Health Services at the time, landed him the job, despite his declaration that it would only be for a year.
That first year was full of new challenges as Brendan took on the responsibilities of teaching three middle school science classes, two biology classes and one chemistry class, as well as coaching varsity football, JV basketball, and JV baseball. With invaluable guidance from his colleagues in the Science Department, including Pat Colton, Peter Kittler and department chair Lea Mannion, as well as young faculty members Jed Doherty ’86 and Matt Noone ’81, who were also graduates of the school, he learned the ropes in the classroom and on the fields. “It was a great first year,” recalled Brendan. “Everything I was doing had me fully engaged.”
In the end, Brendan never applied to medical school, realizing he had found his true calling at St. Sebastian’s. “A fabulous biology teacher and a truly great coach, Brendan came out of the blocks exceptionally well,” noted Headmaster Bill Burke. “And he just keeps getting better and better and better.” Over the years, Brendan has taught seven different science classes, from seventh grade science to honors chemistry, and continued to enjoy great relationships with his colleagues in the department. “I have been a part of many successful teams at St. Sebastian’s and science is one of them,” said Brendan. “I’ve also been so fortunate to be a part of the incredible athletic tradition here, coaching alongside legends and good friends.”
“Always ready to do whatever needs to be done and always with the kids’ best interests at heart, Brendan never asks for or wants credit for the thousand things he does each day to keep St. Sebastian’s functioning as well as it does.” —Dan Burke, Asst. Dean of Students
In the fall of 2006, Brendan transitioned into the Dean of Students role, following in the footsteps of the revered Morris Kittler, who had served in the position for 25 years. He also had a stint as the Athletic Director and continues to teach one biology class each year, using his experience in the classroom and on the fields to guide him in his role as an administrator. Brendan has become a legend in his own right: the respect, admiration, and affection students have for him could never be expressed in words.
Despite getting pulled in many directions each school day, Brendan makes time for everyone. “His patience is unmatched,” noted Nancy Sanderson, who began working in the front office in Brendan’s first year as Dean of Students. “I can’t begin to count the number of times I’ve heard people ask him ‘Do you have a minute?’ Be it students, faculty, staff, parents, neighbors of the school, the answer is always ‘Sure, come on in.’” Dan Burke ’97, who has served as Brendan’s Assistant Dean of Students for the past ten years, concurred: “Always ready to do whatever needs to be done and always with the kids’ best interests
TOP: Brendan teaches a science class in the 1990s. BOTTOM LEFT: Coach Sullivan gives feedback to one of his players on the football field in 2006. BOTTOM RIGHT: Brendan enjoys catching up with former student and friend Nick Soivilien '98 at Reunion in May 2013.
at heart, Brendan never asks for or wants credit for the thousand things he does each day to keep St. Sebastian’s functioning as well as it does.” Brendan not only serves as a leader for the students, but acts as an important resource for the parents as well. In his time as dean, technology has changed the nature—and speed—of communication, creating both positive benefits and new challenges. One thing that has stayed the same is the sense of partnership he has with the parents. “Our parents are on the same team and have the same goals,” said Brendan. “They choose this school because of the mission. They have trust in what we’re doing.” This partnership has played a central role in enabling him to not only do his job, but to enjoy it as well. While there have been countless moments of joy, Brendan has also been a rock for students during times of sadness. Having lost his own father at age 12, he has been an invaluable support to students who have also lost a parent. His mother did an amazing job of continuing to raise six children on her own and he has tried to live up to that standard. “The model that all of us children had growing up was my true hero, my mother, Martha,” said Brendan. “The theme for this year at St. Sebastian’s is Faith and there is no greater model of faith than my mother.” Brendan has also never forgotten the faculty and friends at BC High who helped him through such a difficult time. He makes sure to pass on this message to the students,
encouraging them to help one another. “I want them to understand they have a great power in them to lift someone up even when they don’t get the acknowledgment of it.”
This academic year, Brendan became the parent of an Arrow, adding a new dimension to his experience at St. Sebastian’s. He and his wife, Rebecca, have three children: Eliza, who attends Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart; Joseph, a member of the Class of 2025 at St. Sebastian’s, and future Arrow, Patrick. Brendan has enjoyed being able to see the school through Joseph’s eyes as an eager and enthusiastic 7th grader. “He loves to talk about his teachers; he just thinks that they’re so special,” shared Brendan. “And he holds the seniors in such high esteem. Every Monday when we’re driving home, he talks about their Chapel speeches.” Although each academic year has brought new memories, Brendan also loves the rhythm from year to year, starting with the first week of school and ending with Commencement Day. “I love being in New England, watching the full seasons. It’s the same thing about an academic year, there’s just a flow to it. From butterflies that first week to saying goodbye to our seniors, there are certain things that you anticipate and emotions that you feel as the year goes on.”
As Dean of Students, Brendan is in a unique position to watch each student develop not only over the course of each year, but during their entire time at St. Sebastian’s. “It’s amazing to think of what happens to an individual during that six-year period and it’s an honor to be part of those changes,” shared Brendan. Even after students graduate, he enjoys watching all the ways they continue to grow and reconnecting with them at events like Homecoming and Reunion.
With a packed schedule and many balls to juggle on any given day, there is never a dull moment for Brendan. He is grateful to have the support of his “elite front office squad,” Nancy Sanderson and Penny Reilly. “Penny has been at the school since 1987 and she still comes in with the brightest attitude and an infectious smile each day. And I wouldn’t be able to do anything without Nancy,” noted Brendan. He also feels blessed to be surrounded by an outstanding administrative team, most of whom he’s been working with throughout his tenure as Dean of Students.
At the annual Faculty-Trustee Dinner, Brendan took the opportunity to acknowledge and tell stories about the “amazing people who have made this such a fun, full and fantastic 25 years.”
He also spoke fondly of his family, including his five siblings, his mother and his wife and children, most of whom were there to celebrate with him. “This dinner has given me the opportunity to reflect on my family, all the special days, the competitions, the wins and losses, the transitions, the common goals, the shared experiences, those who have joined us, those who have left, and those that have left enduring marks on us,” remarked Brendan. “I can’t imagine being surrounded by a better family— but St. Sebastian’s is a close second.”
TOP LEFT: At Commencement 2019, Headmaster Bill Burke announces Brendan as the recipient of the Joseph P. McDonald Award for outstanding service to the school. TOP RIGHT: Brendan shakes the hand of each graduate as they exit the church; BOTTOM ROW: Brendan with his wife, Rebecca, and children, Eliza, Joseph '25 and Patrick, and his mother, Martha, at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner.
JIM FERGUSON
From the time Jim Ferguson first arrived on campus in 1994, he knew he was in the right place. He’d found a school where he could combine his love of the Classics with his passion for teaching and his strong Catholic faith. A life-long learner with a keen intellect, Jim remains committed as ever to sharing all the discipline has to offer, from language to literature and philosophy.
Jim first fell in love with the Classics while studying at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. Upon his return from Ireland, he was recruited by a good friend who had been elected to the state legislature to serve as his staff director. After working at the State House for several years, Jim decided to pursue teaching and received his masters degree in Classics from Boston University.
While Jim was finishing his student teaching at Boston Latin, he learned of a job opening for a Latin teacher at St. Sebastian’s. He can still vividly recall that first meeting with Mike Nerbonne (who was Classics Chair at the time), current Classics Chair Sean Albertson and Headmaster Bill Burke and how comfortable it felt. “The thing that sold me on St. Sebastian’s was how evident it was that both the head of school and the dean of studies were really, really supportive of Classics,” said Jim. “It was like an epiphany that this was the place for me.”
Over the years, Jim has taught Latin across all grades and levels, from laying the foundation for 7th and 8th graders to guiding seniors in intensive, college-level courses. A firm believer in the value of Classics, his instruction provides a foundation in far more than Latin grammar, helping students to strengthen skills in reading, writing, analyzing and speaking. “Jim is one of the most erudite, well-read classicists that I know,” said Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne. “His students benefit each day from his knowledge and his infectious love of the discipline.”
As a life-long learner, Jim is always taking courses and classes, reading and researching to build on his knowledge of Latin and Greek. “Classics is such a wide-ranging discipline; it touches on almost everything—history, archaeology, art, history, politics, science,” said Jim. “There’s always something new to explore and that makes it fun to teach.” Jim’s teaching style is more like a conversation than a lecture. As he sits around the table with his students, he
poses questions and encourages them to do the same. “One of Jim’s greatest gifts is that he simply asks his students the very same questions that intrigue him,” observed Albertson.
Although Jim finds ways to keep a “dead language” very much alive for his students, he also appreciates that at its core, the curriculum and the mission of the Classics Department have remained constant. “I love the fact that Classics is valued at St. Sebastian’s. At a lot of schools, it is tucked away in a world languages department,” said Jim. “It’s at the heart of so many of our traditions, whether it’s Chapel speeches or the church life in the parish.” Jim believes this is also a reflection of St. Sebastian’s steadfast mission. “The school looks a lot different, but in the important ways, it feels the same and to me, that’s a good thing.”
For the past 15 years, Jim has led the Chapel Speaking program for the senior class, working with each student on the writing and delivery of his Chapel speech. Every Monday morning during Corporate Chapel, two to three seniors share their speeches and at the end of the year, Jim collates them into a book for the graduates to have as a keepsake. “The study of Classics really has a direct influence on our Chapel Speaking program,” observed Jim. “It connects the spiritual life of the school and the tradition of students writing and speaking in a powerful way.” Albertson credits Jim with playing a crucial role in preparing our students for this St. Sebastian’s milestone: “His wisdom and guidance help our seniors say the things that need to be said.”
Outside of the classroom, Jim also coaches freshman basketball and freshman baseball and serves as a moderator of the Latin Club. Traveling to Rome with Latin Club students during the 2010 March break remains a highlight of his 25 years at St. Sebastian’s. “For our boys to be able see all the sites that they’ve read about and at the same time realize it’s embedded in this fascinating modern city is really cool.”
Jim is not only a well-loved teacher, but also esteemed by his fellow faculty members who feel blessed to count him as both a colleague and friend. He especially enjoys a great bond with the members of the Classics Department who share their love of Latin. “We have had a lot of experiences, conversations, and laughs over the years,” noted Albertson. Jim’s wonderful sense of humor is appreciated among his co-workers and students alike. “It is no secret among our students that Jim and I like to trade barbs,” shared Nerbonne. “I know that they love this banter as they are always looking for opportunities to get one of us to comment on the other!”
—Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne
In looking back on the past 25 years, Jim reflected that it “went by so fast,” adding that he feels humbled to be joining the Wall of Honor. “The faces up there represent some great, great teachers, most of whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with and really respect.” Jim will make a wonderful addition to the amazing group of educators who’ve reached this milestone. As Nerbonne expressed, “Although he did not graduate from St. Sebastian’s, I consider Jim Ferguson to be a perfect example of our ideal graduate: 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.”
STEVE DAGDIGIAN
When Steve Dagdigian joined the faculty at St. Sebastian’s in the fall of 1994, the School gained a bright teacher, committed coach and loyal colleague. From lessons on geography to drills on the ice and soccer fields, he has been guided by his belief that every student and every player has something to contribute.
Born and raised in Needham, Steve relished the opportunity to come “home” and teach in the community where he grew up and his parents and other family members still lived. After attending Needham High and graduating from Harvard College in 1975, he taught for several years at two different independent schools —the Peddie School in New Jersey and Choate Rosemary Hall School in Connecticut —and served as the Assistant Coach at Clarkson University, in addition to a year of playing pro hockey in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
After years of teaching and coaching hockey, Steve settled easily into his new role at St. Sebastian’s. Over the past 25 years, he’s shared his love of history with students, teaching many different subjects. “His classes are upbeat and his observations of his students show a real concern not only for their academic progress, but for their emotional wellbeing as well,” shared Denis Cleary, Chair of the History Department.
For many of those years, Steve has taught boys in 7th and 8th grade, laying a foundation for them with subjects like ancient history, while also trying to weave in current events to familiarize them with the world. “I enjoy teaching the younger students and getting them at the beginning of the funnel,” noted Steve. “It’s never dull!” Outside of the classroom, he assisted Cleary with the Moot Court competition each spring, never missing a trial over the course of a decade. “He always had really spot-on observations on the quality of the students’ presentations,” said Cleary. “His comments showed his appreciation for every nuance of the legal arguments students provided.”
Some of Steve’s favorite memories were made on the ice while coaching the varsity hockey team for 15 seasons, from 1993 to 2009. He was known for his extensive list of drills and those drills paid off. At the end of the 2000-01
LEFT: Coach Didge (far right) celebrates with the 2001-02 varsity hockey team after winning the NEPSAC Championship; RIGHT: Steve gathers with his daughter Mats, wife Barb, son Jake '09, Headmaster Bill Burke and Board President Jim Elcock at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner.
season, the team captured the ISL title and the New England Prep School Division 1 Championship, the first New England hockey championship in the School’s history. The hockey team repeated the feat in 2001-02, winning both the ISL and NEPSAC Championships, and claimed the ISL title again in 2002-03, narrowly missing a third consecutive NEPSAC title by losing the championship game to Deerfield in overtime.
Following the championship wins in 2001, Steve said, “It has been a tremendous satisfaction that our kids played so well and accomplished everything they wanted to… We are all still quietly smiling.” Indeed Steve, also know as “Coach Didge,” always has a smile on his face at the mention of hockey. “Didge inspired his students and players with a unique blend of intensity and levity, with a roaring fire in his belly and a joyful twinkle in his eye,” recalled Will Burke ’95. Assistant Coach Jed Doherty ’86 remembers the joy Steve felt in seeing their players succeed at St. Sebastian’s and beyond: “Having gone through all his successes at Needham High, he knew what those New England championships would mean to the team long after their playing days were done as far as the bonds they would always share.” These days, Steve introduces young athletes to the world of sports at St. Sebastian’s by coaching 7th grade soccer.
Steve’s other passion is his family: his wife, Barb, and his children, Mats and Jake ’09. “As excited as he is about hockey, ask about the famous Barb or Jake or Mats and he is truly in his element,” said Cleary. A devoted father, Steve enjoyed watching his son become an Arrow, noting, “Jake has best friends from that time. It’s still very important to him.” Steve’s colleagues over the years also mean a great deal to him. “We’ve had some tremendous people who have been here and tremendous people who are here. There’s a good camaraderie throughout the faculty.” Thank you, Steve, for being a part of this special community for the past 25 years. Headmaster Bill Burke, who came to know Steve through coaching summer hockey in the 1970s, summed it up perfectly at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner: “Didge is just a great guy.”
WALL OF HONOR BY THE NUMBERS
19 The number of current employees who have worked at St. Sebastian’s for 25 years or more
44 The number of faculty, staff and trustees who have achieved this honor in St. Sebastian’s 79-year history
48 The record for longest number of years on the faculty, held by Dan Williams ’64. Fr. Paris is not far behind at 46 years.
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.
FAITH IN LIGHT Derron St. Marie '24 adds the finishing touches to his painting which was featured on the 2019 St. Sebastian's Christmas card, along with his poem, "Faith in Light."
COOKBOOK PHOTOSHOOT Members of the AP Photography class worked with photography teacher Courtney Bent to simulate a professional photoshoot. The students took artistic photos of recipes featured in Food & Faith, a cookbook sold at the Christmas Auction.
ASYMMETRICAL ART This ceramic mask by Jacob Pichay ’24 is inspired by the work of artist Kimmy Cantrell. Cantrell creates large asymmetrical, colorful masks that reconnect him to his childhood. “I want to show the beauty within flaws,” Cantrell explains. “Imperfections tell stories that are far more compelling than perfection.”
MIXED MEDIA Will Perri ’21 created a pencil drawing of his own hand, based on a photograph he took, and then used ink to add texture to the hand, as well as a series of repeat patterns.
Robin Hood
The Slings & Arrows Players presented a performance of Robin Hood on November 1 and 2. It was a great success having the first theatrical performance in the new Video Classroom with its theater-style seating. Director Mark Rogers and the cast did a fantastic job of bringing the story of the heroic outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor to life through the use of costumes, props, accents, lighting, sound and backgrounds.
FALL SPORTS
Varsity Football
BY COACH DAN BURKE
The varsity football team finished the 2019 season with a 5-3 record, good for third place in the ISL. Only returning three starters from the 2018 ISL Championship team, and starting out the season 0-2, the 2019 Arrows football team showed resilience and improved tremendously as the season progressed. Senior captains Dylan Crandall, Teddy Daniel and Kristian Rosario led the way, along with a dedicated, selfless group of players in the Class of 2020, and each class contributed significantly to the team’s success. All bought in to the team first motto, making this a great team even without the winning record. Tough, gritty, selfless, talented—this team was fun to coach and fun to watch.
After a successful preseason, we opened with two opponents who ended up finishing in second and first place respectively in the league. First up was Governor’s Academy who came to St. Sebastian’s on a hot September day. Both teams battled hard and had typical first game miscues in an evenly played contest that Governor’s eked out, 13-7. Coming off of this tough loss, the Arrows traveled to Milton Academy to battle the eventual ISL Champions. After an inauspicious start to the game, St. Sebastian’s proved their resilience, answering each of Milton’s scores and eventually taking the lead 21-20 at the end of the third quarter. Losing the lead with just over five minutes left in the game, fatigue set in and Milton scored again resulting in a 34-21 loss. Despite losing both games, this Arrows team proved that they could compete with anyone and that they would not get down on themselves no matter the score or opponent.
In week three, we traveled to Nobles to face a 2-0 team that had size and momentum on their side. This dauntless Arrows football team, however, never defeated by size or self-doubt, came into the game ready to play and expecting to win. On the first play of the second offensive series, Zion Simmons ’23 took an inside handoff and ran untouched for a 58- yard touchdown to give the Arrows the lead. While Nobles was able to respond with a score of their own, it was all Arrows from there as the defense was stifling and Michael Phelps ’21 threw touchdown passes to Louis Hansen ’21, Sam Frisoli ’21, and Teddy Daniel ’20, and Daniel also added another touchdown on a fumble recovery, resulting in a 35-7 victory.
Next up, the Arrows hosted Lawrence Academy at Homecoming, a game that started with honoring the 1969 team on the 50th anniversary of their undefeated season. Inspired by the Arrows of the past, the 2019 Arrows used an old school run attack to earn their second consecutive victory. Nick Vallace ’21 led the way on the ground, rushing for 203 yards and three touchdowns on the way to a 27-6 victory. Now 2-2, the Arrows looked to get above .500 in an away game versus Roxbury Latin. The Arrows started fast with a touchdown pass from Michael Phelps to Aidan Harrington ’21 on the opening drive, followed by a blocked punt by Kristian Rosario ’20 that was recovered and returned for a touchdown by Mark Rice ’21 on R.L.’s next possession. When Phelps found Sam Frisoli in the endzone on the Arrows’ next possession, the Arrows took a 21-0 first quarter lead.
R.L. mounted a comeback, scoring twice, but St. Sebastian’s closed out the game with shut down defense and a touchdown run from Phelps and another touchdown pass from Phelps to Hansen to finish with a 35-13 victory. In game six, BB&N took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown and then jumped out to a 17-0 lead. Again, this resilient Arrows team kept battling and ended up trailing 24-20 late in the game with a chance to take the lead deep in BB&N territory. As dusk fell, though, so too did the Arrows’ hopes as BB&N held on to eke out the win. Now 3-3, the Arrows traveled to rival Belmont Hill who was 5-1 and who had beaten the Arrows in the past three seasons. In what turned out to be one of the best football games in recent memory, the Arrows took the lead early and held on to it until the last minute and a half of the game. Belmont Hill scored but missed their extra point to take a 16-14 lead. Having just a minute left on the clock, the Arrows offense took the ball at their own 25-yard line with one more chance to try to take the lead back. A big catch and run by Zion FALL SPORTS
Simmons, two great throws and catches from Phelps to Hansen, and a nice run from Phelps brought the Arrows all the way down to the Belmont Hill 9-yard line. With only four seconds left on the clock, Matty Joyce ’20 stepped up to attempt his first career field goal. While most would be nervous in such a high pressure situation, Joyce calmly stepped up and drilled the 26-yard field goal as time expired to give St. Sebastian’s a 17-16 victory. Fans rushed the field to celebrate the exciting win.
To end the season, the Arrows hosted Thayer Academy on a frigid Saturday morning. As was the case all season long, the Arrows’ tough, relentless defense played incredibly well and limited Thayer to just one score. On the other side of the ball, two touchdown runs by Vallace and one by Harrington to go along with touchdown receptions by Simmons and Sam Frisoli led the Arrows to a 32-7 victory to send the seniors off with a victory on Senior Day.
It was a tribute to the leadership of the seniors on the team that we were able to win five out of our last six games down the stretch to finish with the 5-3 record overall. Outstanding defense, explosive offense, and tough, resilient play by all made this an exciting Arrows team to watch. We are sad to see the seniors go, but their impact will be felt again next year when the returning players come back to pick up where they left off.
OPPOSITE: Matt Joyce ’20 celebrates with coaches and teammates after kicking the winning, 26-yard field goal to defeat Belmont Hill 17-16. (photo: Meredith Murphy) TOP: Teddy Daniel ’20 looks for extra yardage as he shakes off a Governor’s Academy tackle. BOTTOM LEFT: Dylan Crandall ’20 carries the ball upfield as BB&N’s defense moves in. BOTTOM RIGHT: Kristian Rosario ’20 runs with the ball for a big gain on the play..
Varsity Soccer
BY COACH WOODY REDPATH
The varsity soccer team experienced a roller coaster of a season this fall, with a lot of “almost” and “close” moments, but the boys fought game in and game out. The first half of the Arrows season may be the toughest in the ISL, playing six New England Tournament bound teams, including Worcester Academy, Nobles and Milton (all of whom made it to the championship games). Despite staring these New England giants in the face, St. Sebastian’s came out with desire and heart. Gabe Twohig ’21 had the lone goal in our loss to Worcester, and outstanding saves by goalie Will Torrence ’20 kept hope alive, which would be a theme for him throughout the season. The boys lost a heartbreaker to Nobles after going ahead in the first half on a gritty goal from captain Owen Smyth ’20. Unfortunate to “turn off” for a seven
LEFT: Jose Castelo ’20 defensively heads the ball out of St. Sebastian’s end during a game against Belmont Hill. RIGHT: Owen Smyth ’20 (right) threw on sunglasses to celebrate his first goal of the game against Nobles, alongside teammate Krishna Thach ’20.
minute stretch in the 2nd half in which Nobles scored twice, St. Sebastian’s looked dangerous throughout, often threatening to find the equalizer.
The Arrows got their first victory of the season against Governor’s Academy. Jack Mahoney ’21 and Colm Kearney ’21 both notched their first varsity goals in the come-from-behind, last gasp win. The boys had a strong run of play through the heart of the season, going 2-1-2. In a back and forth battle against Brooks, Austin Persons ’20 set the standard for goal-of-the-year, curling a shot into the upper 90 from 20 yards out. Kearney also notched his second goal of the year rising above everyone else at the back post to find a late equalizer.
The Arrows welcomed Belmont Hill to campus for a Homecoming showdown. The Arrows went down 1-0 late in the first half, but didn’t give in. Minutes after the goal, Belmont Hill fouled a St. Seb’s player just outside the penalty box on the left side. Captain Jose Castelo ’20, for the second time of the year, served the ball with purpose, finding the far post side netting for the equalizer. Both sides had chances to get the full three points, but neither side could find a crack in the back lines.
Build in confidence and good play, the Arrows scored two early goals against Lawrence Academy, both coming from Twohig. His two tallies were accompanied by great assists from our third captain Krishna Thach ’20 on the first goal and Evan Prince ’20 for the second. St. Seb’s held on for the win as Lawrence pushed to get back to equal. After a setback against a strong Middlesex team, the Arrows found their way against St. Mark’s. Will Adams ’22 had a goal and the game winning assist to propel the Arrows forward. In the final minutes, after giving up the lead late, Adams drove down the sideline, beating his defender with pace and eventually slotting the ball back into the box for an on rushing Twohig who scored to snatch back the three points.
The Arrows had a tough end to the year, giving up three leads in a row
that resulted in difficult losses against Tabor, Groton and Roxbury Latin. Each game had the potential to go our way, but late goals cost us.
Every player on the varsity team contributed this year, including three freshmen Oliver O’Donnell, Alex Baynes and Charlie Hoffman, and one 8th grader Nick Adams. All four have bright futures as Arrows. The three sophomores, Will Adams, Aidan Noonan and Aidan McCarthy contributed in positive ways. Noonan was one of the toughest tacklers on the team and possibly in the ISL. McCarthy, injured for much of the year, demonstrated that he will have a major impact on the field.
Juniors Paul Vallace, Juan Oliva, Nolan McGovern, Jack Mahoney, Gabe Twohig and Colm Kearney will be the heart and soul of the team next season. We will look to these veteran members to provide leadership, guidance and strength.
A huge thank you to our seniors: Tim Malloy, Christopher Hatem, Owen Smyth, Quin Feeney, Austin Persons, Michael Farinacci, Jose Castelo, Krishna Thach, Wes Stanton, Jack Cusack, Evan Prince and Will Torrence. Malloy and Prince were also nominated for goals-of-the-year for their strikers against Thayer and Tabor respectively. Feeney stepped up defensively, causing the other teams frustration! Hatem was an animal every time he stepped on the field, causing our opponents all sorts of problems with tenacious play. Farinacci was fantastic all year, playing every position on the field except goalie. And our season wouldn’t have been the same if it weren’t for Stanton and Cusack on the field.
A huge thank you to all our supporters, especially the parents!
NEW THIS SUMMER ATHLETIC CLINICS SOCCER | BASKETBALL | LACROSSE
These one-week clinics, run by our experienced St. Sebastian's faculty, are designed to sharpen the skills of student-athletes.
Grade-based sessions open to all boys entering grades 4-12
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 ISL All League Award Cole Hanifin ’20, Louis Hansen ’21, Michael Phelps ’21, Kristian Rosario ’20 ISL Honorable Mention Scotty Behman ’21, Dylan Crandall ’20, Teddy Daniel ’20, Nick Vallace ’21 Ennis Award Presented to a senior who displays the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the football program. Jack Hodgson ’20, Tommy McCarthy ’20 Big Hit Award Presented to the player who makes a positive impact on our opponents. Kristian Rosario ’20
SOCCER ISL All League Award Gabe Twohig ’21 ISL Honorable Mention Jose Castelo ’20 Peter Kerr Award Presented to the soccer player who displays sportsmanship, dedication, and commitment to the soccer program. Krishna Thach ’20 NEPSSA Junior All-Star Gabe Twohig ’21 NEPSSA Senior All-Star Jose Castelo ’20
CROSS COUNTRY ISL All League Award Patrick McDonald ’20 Coaches Award Patrick McDonald ’20
Varsity Cross Country
BY COACH JOSEF CRESSOTTI
The Fall of 2019 was a breakout season for the St. Sebastian’s varsity cross country team. After a disappointing regular season, the Arrows finished 6th out of 16 teams in the ISL Championships, the team’s best result in over 20 years.
The Arrows were led by returning captain Patrick McDonald ’20 and three-year letterman Tom Flatley ’20. They were joined by returning juniors Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, Henry Gennari ’21, Joey Pandit ’21, and Mark Wilson ’21. Daniel Ko ’21, Ryan Albertson ’22, and Sam Hinman ’22 came out to the sport for the first time. Will Hansen ’23, Matthew Choumenkovitch ’23, and Michael Kalinichenko ’23 joined the team as freshmen runners. And 8th grader Jack Connors ’24, injured for most of the season, ran for the team in the ISL championship.
During the regular season, the Arrows lost close races to Belmont Hill, Nobles, Thayer, and Governor’s. Because of their small roster, the Arrows found it difficult to compete against deeper teams, especially when affected by injury or illness to runners. Nonetheless, they enjoyed victories against Lexington Christian, Brooks and St. George’s. Their most thrilling victory occurred at Homecoming. On a new course behind the Rashi School, the Arrows defeated BB&N in cold and rainy conditions. As always, Henry’s Corner came out in force, despite the inclement weather. With a large crowd of fans cheering behind the fence along the home stretch, McDonald narrowly defeated his BB&N rival. Flatley, Hinman, and Pandit took third, fourth, and fifth places respectively, securing the team a victory at 25-32.
LEFT: Thomas Flatley ’20 runs to the finish line with great support from classmates on the sideline during Homecoming Weekend.
After the excitement of this victory, the Arrows returned to training with new hope and a commitment to finish the year strong. For the next couple of weeks, training intensified. For the second year in a row, the lower school and varsity teams combined for an intra-squad competition, the Cutler Cross Country Cookie Run (CCCC) at Kendrick Pond. Each runner was given a staggered start-time and raced around the 1.6 mile loop. 9th Grader Rob Craven ’23, perhaps given an overly-generous handicap, destroyed the competition, earning a delectable treat from Mr. Rest. The Arrows also continued the tradition of Ultimate Frisbee Fridays and the annual Adventure Run at Caryl Park.
By far the highlight of the season was the team’s performance at the ISL Championships at St. Mark’s. With a full team together for the first time all year, the Arrows came in 6th place. (They tied 5th place Tabor, 2018 champion, though Tabor came ahead on the tie-breaker.) This was the team’s best result since 1998. Nine runners ran personal records on this occasion. Five runners ran under 19 minutes, including McDonald (18:18), Hinman (18:24), Flatley (18:25), Connors (18:40), and Pandit (18:53). The Arrows showed in this race that they can compete against some of the elite teams of the league.
For the second year in a row, Patrick McDonald was selected for first team All-ISL. He also received the Cross Country Coaches Award. Both McDonald and fellow senior, Tom Flatley, will be hard to replace next year. But with only two runners graduating, and a number of younger runners coming up to the varsity level, the future of St. Sebastian’s cross country is bright. Joey Pandit, voted captain by his teammates and coaches, will be leading the team, alongside a solid core of junior runners.
Alumni, students, parents and faculty filled the sidelines on Saturday, October 12, to celebrate St. Sebastian’s Homecoming and to cheer on the varsity football and soccer teams. Before kickoff, Headmaster Burke said a few words and then the Arrowheads sang the National Anthem. The 1969 varsity football team was also recognized for their undefeated season 50 years ago (see pg. 56). The Arrows came to play, with the football team defeating Lawrence Academy, and the soccer team’s match against Belmont Hill ending in a tie, 1-1.Thank you to everyone who came out to support St. Sebastian’s!
HOMECOMING
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
John and Mary Boyle P’23 with Board President James Elcock ’77, P’08.
Headmaster’s Leadership Reception The Headmaster’s Leadership Reception on September 29 brought together more than 150 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.
24th Annual Boston Business Breakfast 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. Joe Amorosino P’24, the sports director at 7NEWS Sports and host of the weekly Sunday night show “Sports Xtra” at WHDH-TV in Boston, served as the keynote speaker. Amorosino expressed how happy he and his wife, Tiffany, are to have their son, Rhys ’24, attending St. Sebastian’s and how welcome his family has felt since coming to the school. A Boston native, he captured the room’s attention with Boston sports trivia about every major league team in the city and shared memorable stories while covering them for 7NEWS Sports.
The Guild of St. Irene and the Men’s Association hosted the Opening Mass & Reception on October 10. Fr. John Arens started off the night with Mass and guests gathered afterwards in Ward Hall where they enjoyed a tailgatethemed evening in anticipation of Homecoming on October 12. Parents showed off their Arrows pride by wearing red and black and sporting St. Sebastian’s gear. HOMECOMING MASS & RECEPTION
Kathleen Bragdon P’23, Lisa Tryder P’23 and Kristina Hatem P’20.
46 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE TOP: Joe Amorosino P’24 addresses the alumni and parents gathered at the Boston Business Breakfast. BOTTOM: Vin Gandalfo ’73 shares a conversation with Michael Hoff ’13, Johnny Rodriguez ’11 and Tommy Hoff ’11 over breakfast.
Over 400 parents and members of the St. Sebastian’s Community attended the annual Christmas Auction & Dinner on December 7, 2019, at the Seaport World Trade Center. Always a fun and festive event, the auction supports our beloved School.
The evening featured silent and live auctions, which included hundreds of items, from hand-stitched St. Sebastian’s ornaments to professional sports experiences and premier vacation getaways. Bidding went into the night with the funds supporting St. Sebastian’s students. Guests were entertained throughout the night by current parent auctioneers, Marty Kane ’84, P’22 and John Merageas P’21, ’24.
This year’s “Raise the Paddle” proceeds all went to establish a new Arrows Scholarship Fund. After hearing a message from Headmaster Burke about the importance of financial aid and then watching a powerful video featuring several alumni and staff members who were themselves recipients of financial aid, the crowd donated a record $235,500 to create this new fund.
St. Sebastian’s would like to thank all those who contributed to making this evening a tremendous success, particularly our Auction Co-Chairs Jill Purpura P’21, ’22, and Tina Souza P’21, and Guild of St. Irene President Cathy Daniel P’15, ’18, ’20. We are especially grateful to the more than 90 mothers who generously offered their time, talent, and resources as part of the Guild of St. Irene Auction Committee. We also extend a special thank you to the donors, sponsors, advertisers, student volunteers and all those who attended and bid. What a wonderful way for our parents to gather and celebrate the Christmas season! A Merry & Bright Night for St. Sebastian’s
TOP ROW: Guests received an ornament featuring the one-word theme of the year, “Faith,” designed and produced by Innovation Lab Director Matt Burke; Auctioneers Marty Kane ’84, P’22 (at the podium) and John Merageas P’21,’24 (on the scooter) keep things lively during the live auction; Guild of St. Irene President Cathly Daniel P’15,’18,’20 (center) and Auction Co-Chairs Tina Souza P’21 and Jill Purpura P’21,’22; BOTTOM ROW: ornaments hand-stitched by members of the Guild are on display in the silent auction; parents raise their bid cards in support of St. Sebastian’s during the live auction; a drone photograph of the Class of 2020 standing on the football field serves as a unique auction item.
