St. Sebastian's Magazine, Spring/Summer 2016

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VOLUME XI, ISSUE III

2015-2016

S T. SMEBASTIAN’S AG A Z I N E


2015-2016 Board of Trustees FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

11 Senior Class Gift

Parents of seniors gather to dedicate the Class of 2016 Senior Class Gift

12 Commencement 2016

St. Sebastian’s graduates 62 students

Around Campus

9

Fine Arts

36

Event Highlights

40

Spring Sports

52 Class Notes

30 Everyday Amazing

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James Mooney ’18 is recognized as one of “The One Hundred” honorees by MGH Cancer Center

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32 Three Generations of Arrows

In Memoriam

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Hockey Captains

Jack ’17 follows in the footsteps of his father, Tim ’87 and grandfather, Jack ’62

37 75th Anniversary

Save the date for three days of celebration and enjoy fun finds from St. Sebastian’s archives

46 Reunion Recap

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The classes of 1’s and 6’s come back to campus

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Reunion 2016 St. Sebastian’s School Mission Statement

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

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

Photos by Joey Spadoni, Michaela Chapman, Adam Richins, Jessica Scranton

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

Seán Cardinal O’Malley, OFM. Cap. Chairman James L. Elcock ’77, P’08 President William L. Burke III P’95,’97,’00,’04 Executive Officer, Headmaster Douglas A. Kingsley, P’10,’10,’12,’13 Secretary Robert M. Wadsworth, P’10,’15 Treasurer David M. Calabro ’78, P’16 Devin C. Condron ’92 William T. Connolly, Jr. P’10,’12,’17 John DeMatteo II P’11,’13,’16,’18,’22 John P. DiGiovanni ’84, P’14 Dana G. Doe P’17 Rev. Michael E. Drea Kevin F. Driscoll ’72 P’05,’09 Patrick J. Hegarty ’89 Jane M. Hoch P’07 John W. Hueber ’71 Ross M. Jones P’16,’17 Susanne C. Joyce P’20 Wesley D. Mateo ’03 John E. McNamara ’81 P’14,’18 James F. Mooney III P’18 Robert J. Mulroy ’82 Mark L. O’Friel ’79 William A. O’Malley P’09,’10,’13 Kristin E. Reed P’15,’17 John A. Sebastian P’18 Kurt R. Steinkrauss ’91, P’19 Mary L. Supple P’09,’10,’15 Stephen P. Ward ’96 Andrew Wasynczuk P’14,’17 Celeste E. Wolfe P’09,’12 Alyson M. Karpowicz P’16 President, Guild of St. Irene Michael P. Muldowney P’12,’16,’22 President, Men’s Association Timothy P. Doherty ’87 P’17 President, Alumni Association James A. Cotter, Jr. ’57 David F. Gately ’73 J. Brad Griffith ’58 Trustee Emeriti


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

“In a world that is getting crazier by the day, it is reassuring that our oasis in Needham still runs strong and churns out educated gentlemen year after year. I cannot express how thrilled I am with how the School has continued to evolve.” —Shane Ecclesine ’06 This message in the wonderful letter I recently received from Shane, the oldest of the three fabulous Ecclesine Arrows, hits me hard and spurs me on. Our School of purpose has a purpose well beyond our property lines. Our community must continue to articulate and advance our most important mission in the best interest of the students, families, faculty, staff, and trustees currently with us, in the best interest of those who have gone before us, in the best interest of those not yet with us, and in the best interest of the world that needs to know that our philosophy of pursuing truth through faith and reason and that our commitment to love God, work hard, and take good care of one another are not only possible, but fully lived, and greatly to be preferred. There is truth. There is a way we ought to be, and we ought to be kind and merciful, faithful and honorable. We ought to embrace and live the charges of St. Theresa of Avila: May all your words be uplifting, and of Mother Teresa: Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Our St. Sebastian’s School is an inclusive community of Spirit and of People, several of whom we commemorate in this issue of the magazine. Through photos and copy, we revisit the joys of Reunion and the passion of Commencement, and we celebrate a year of growth in the classroom, in the arts, in athletics, in service, and in faith, hope, and love. May you enjoy every page and feel inspired to return soon and often, especially in the upcoming 75th Anniversary year of celebration. We have come a long way, we have big plans, and we firmly believe that, with your continued support, the best is yet to come! I thank you all for your prayers and for the countless other blessings you shower upon your School. 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

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AROUND CAMPUS News and Notes from Our School Community Strong Showing at Debate Tournament On May 15, over twenty members of the St. Sebastian’s Debate Team traveled to Boston for the Winsor School’s Annual Invitational Boston Area Debate Tournament. In addition to St. Sebastian’s and Winsor, debaters from Roxbury Latin and Belmont Hill also participated. The Tournament consisted of three rounds of Parliamentary Extemporaneous Debate. Competing in the Advanced Division, juniors Liam Duggan and Stevie Karol won a team award, as did freshmen Andrew Ko and Griffin Wagner in the Novice Division. Special congratulations to our top speaker at the tournament, sophomore Thomas Olson, who won a prize for placing 2nd out of 64 speakers in the Novice Division.

Twelve Seniors Inducted into Cum Laude Society Headmaster Bill Burke, Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne, and faculty member David Cornish inducted 12 senior students into the Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held on April 15. David Calabro ’78, P’16, Investment Advisor for a Private Investor, delivered the keynote address. The Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the Society has grown to over 350 Chapters located in public and independent schools in the United States, Canada, England, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. The Class of 2016 Inductees were: Weston R. Brach, Michael D. Calabro, Ryan D. Colgan, Gregory H. DeMatteo, Matthew G. Eldridge, Sonny Huang, Erik R. Jones, Paul J. Keady, David E. Korzeniowski, Ryan O. Macedo, Christopher R. Potvin, James P. Ryan

Debate award winners Andrew Ko ’19, Griffin Wagner ’19, Thomas Olson ’18, Stevie Karol ’17 and Liam Duggan ’17, with Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne.

Students Attend St. Andrew’s Dinner On April 6, a group of students traveled to St. John’s Seminary in Brighton for the St. Andrew’s Dinner. Students met with seminarians and learned about their path to becoming a priest. The night concluded with an address from Cardinal Sean O’Malley, who offered reflections on the need for all people to be open to their vocational calling and told of his own call to the Franciscan Order. Students in attendance were Paul Keady ’16, Jimmy Ryan ’16, Raffi Barsamian ’17, Thomas Hovsepian ’17, Adama Kaba ’17, Johnny McCarthy ’17, Jackson McKeigue ’17, Peter Kilmartin ’18 and Juan Pablo Olivia ’21. Members of the Religion Department also attended including Father John Arens, Josef Cressotti and John Eaton.

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St. Sebastian’s students and faculty with Cardinal Sean O’Malley.


AROUND CAMPUS

Vergilian Actus Tests Students’ Knowledge of Latin St. Sebastian’s Vergilian Actus took place on May 10. Richard Thomas, the George Martin Lane Professor of Classics at Harvard, tested AP Latin students’ knowledge of Vergil’s epic poem, the Aeneid, in front of family and friends. An annual tradition at St. Sebastian’s, the event helped the students to prepare for their AP exam later in the week.

Juniors who participated in the Vergilian Actus were Samuel Cullen, Liam Duggan, Andrew Elcock, William Evans, Samuel Gordon, John Petro and Stewart Smith.

2016 Edition of

The Quiver

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his spring, St. Sebastian’s once again was proud to produce another edition of The Quiver, a literary and artistic magazine featuring work from both within and beyond St. Sebastian’s. The Quiver provides a platform which invites high school students from all over New England to tackle existential conundrums through poetry, prose, and visual works. The staff of The Quiver, and St. Sebastian’s as a whole, is honored to provide these students with the opportunity to share their creativity and talent, and we invite you to pick up a copy whenever possible. Be sure to check out this year’s Quiver Writing/Artwork Award winners, Matthew Wolpe’s Rowboat and Christian Locurto’s Winter’s Hearth.

Bill Wingard ’61 Presents Lecture on the Shroud of Turin On May 20, Bill Wingard ’61 addressed the School community in Ward Hall on the topic of the Shroud of Turin. Wingard is a passionately eloquent, very well-informed speaker of SHROUD TALKS, a recently established organization dedicated to presenting the history, the science

and the passion of Jesus Christ—as seen in the Shroud of Turin—one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the world. Many believe it to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Wingard’s presentation to the students and faculty was informed by exhaustive research and mentoring from experts on the Shroud. Thank you, Bill, for taking the time to visit with students and faculty during your 55th Reunion weekend!

Cover: “Winter’s Hearth” by Christian Locurto ’16

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AROUND CAMPUS

MFA Rhetoric Competition On May 18, seventh graders Gabriel Twohig, Nolan McGovern, Alessandro Barbiellini, Mathew Choi, and P.J. Walsh participated in the Museum of Fine Arts Rhetoric Competition. Each student chose a few lines from the Odyssey or the Iliad to memorize and then delivered the lines in front of a panel of judges. The MFA’s Greek exhibit served as the perfect backdrop. Mathew Choi and Alessandro Barbiellini were declared as two of the winners by the judges.

Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne and trustee Jim Mooney P’18 with members of the Finance Academy.

Real World Investment Advice As part of the Finance Academy’s speaker series, the club had the opportunity to hear from two financial experts this spring. On April 12, Jesse Lucas, Director of Strategic Finance at Uber Technologies, and cousin of Curtis ’12, Trevor ’17 and Dennis ’20 Yandow, addressed over 100 members in grades 7-12. Lucas recounted how his various experiences in the tech industry—from intern to entrepreneur—have helped him find success with Uber. He shared the many valuable lessons he learned in starting his own company, Bidfire, before going to work at Uber. Lucas went on to discuss his experiences as the first exclusively financial employee at Uber, including the challenges of managing a company that’s growing so quickly. On May 3, trustee Jim Mooney, father of James Mooney ’18, spoke to the club about the four building blocks to investing. Mooney, the Managing Director at the Baupost Group, went over examples of investments like bonds and stocks, and also spoke about the risk factor in making an investment. The presentation was interactive and easy to understand, leaving a packed Ward Hall entertained and educated.

“Performing the ancient lines made it feel like time had stopped, and we were back in ancient Greece listening to a bard recount the great tales of Odysseus or the Trojan horse.” — Gabriel Twohig ’21

Mark Rogers, Chair of the Fine Arts department, and Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne with seventh grade students at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Music Album Showcases Students’ Talents Every year, St. Sebastian’s students record a school music album using our state-of-the-art recording studio in the Arts Center. From first time songwriters to experienced musicians and everything in between, all students are encouraged to share their music. The songs are both original compositions and covers of well-known songs chosen by the students. This year’s album offers a variety of musical styles, from jazz to hip hop to classical. Listen to the 2016 album at www.stsebs.org/music

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AROUND CAMPUS

Class of 2016 Welcomed into Alumni Ranks On May 26, the Alumni Association Board joined with other alumni to celebrate the Class of 2016 at the annual Senior Class-Alumni Breakfast. The morning began with Father John Arens dedicating and blessing this year’s Senior Class Gift—The St. Sebastian’s Living History Collection and Class of 2016 Brotherhood Fund. As the seniors enjoyed plates piled high with pancakes and bacon, Alumni Association President Tim Doherty ’87, P’17, Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, and Billy McCarthy ’15, who just completed his freshman year at Duke University, each addressed the soon-to-be graduates, offering advice for the future, and welcoming the class to the alumni ranks.

GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY St. Sebastian’s students hosted their grandparents and special friends for a memorable day on campus on April 26.

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he day’s events started in Ward Hall with a welcome from Grandparents and Special Friends Day Co-Chairs Carolyn Lemone P’16,’18 and Janet Seidl P’17,’19. Guests were also treated to a special video celebrating St. Sebastian’s 75th Anniversary, a piano performance by Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, and poetry recitations by Owen Finnegan ’16 and David Korzeniowski ’16. Student speaker Jack Frisoli ’17 then spoke followed by brief remarks from Grandparents’ Fund Co-Chair Peter McLaughlin ’55, GP’13,’19. Students then took their special guests to class before celebrating Mass with Fr. John Arens. The afternoon concluded with family photos and a dessert reception in Ward Hall. A special thank you to the grandparents and special friends who visited and the mothers of the Guild of St. Irene, who worked tirelessly to make the entire day, from registration to dessert, run smoothly.

TOP: Ben Fachetti ’16, John Ryan ’15, Matt Karpowicz ’16 and Billy McCarthy ’15 share breakfast together. BOTTOM: Seniors Nico Topulos, Rob Lemone and Cam Balboni hold up their new St. Sebastian’s swag.

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AROUND CAMPUS Moot Court Finals

Members of the junior class—Thaddeus Kennedy, Tim DiFiore, Bryan O’Donnell, Tommy Seidl and Jack Frisoli—with Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne.

San Miguel School Recognizes St. Sebastian’s Community On June 6, five members of the junior class, along with Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne, attended the Annual Meeting of the San Miguel School in Providence. The meeting included a special recognition of the St. Sebastian’s community “in honor of the many ways they touch the lives of our students.” Mark Carty, San Miguel’s Executive Director, presented the St. Sebastian’s students with a beautiful plaque. Inscribed on the plaque is a well-known quotation from Lasallian saint, San Miguel Febres Cordero, rendered especially for us in Latin “Omnia quae facio amoris spiritu mihi ingredienda sunt” - “I must enter into all that I do with a spirit of love.” The plaque, given on the tenth anniversary of our involvement with San Miguel School, will be proudly displayed in our library in honor of our brotherhood with the boys of San Miguel.

The finals of the 9th Annual Moot Court Competition took place on May 25. The competition was sponsored by the History Department and Denis Cleary, Chair of the History Department, served as the moderator. Seniors David Korzeniowski and Christopher Potvin took on juniors Michael Hartman and Stephen Karol in a trial presided over by the Honorable Beverly Cannone of the Massachusetts Superior Court, the Honorable Marian Ryan, District Attorney of Middlesex County, and Charles Koech, the Assistant District Attorney of Middlesex County. All four student “lawyers” acquitted themselves splendidly and the Judges declared David Korzeniowski and Christopher Potvin the victors.

Juniors Stephen Karol and Michael Hartman with seniors Christopher Potvin and David Korzeniowski.

Dear Soldier Campaign Honors McCool ’16 and McLaughlin ’16 On June 10, Paul Cardello, Chairman of iPods for Wounded Veterans, visited campus in order to make a special presentation to Jack McCool ’16 and Jack McLaughlin ’16 for their leadership and service to the Dear Soldier Campaign. In addition to recognition gifts from Cardello, both of our recent graduates received a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, which reads: “Your support for the iPods for Wounded Veterans/Dear Soldier Campaign has ensured that the men and women who serve our great nation have not been forgotten. Your efforts have touched the lives of thousands of veterans directly and indirectly. Your community, the Commonwealth, and the country thank you.” Congratulations to both young men for their exemplary leadership of the Dear Soldier Campaign at St. Sebastian’s.

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MPA Celebrates Seniors On May 26, St. Sebastian’s Men with Positive Attitudes celebrated another successful year with a feast of food and friends. This year, MPA graduated seven seniors, three of whom took the podium after dinner to share their final words of wisdom and thanks with classmates, faculty, and family members. Seniors Sonny Huang, Nnamdi Okwerekwu and Clayton Turnbull, Jr. gave their reflections on the club and Osamudiamen Onaiwu ’18 delivered an original poem. Raffi Barsamian ’17 introduced an MPA Video for the audience followed by Jackson McKeigue ’17 introducing the night’s guest speaker, Andy Petigny. Petigny is the Director of SANKOFA Leadership Program at Boston College. Assistant Headmaster Mike Nerbonne recognized the seniors of the club and presented the MPA Gift. Several fathers of MPA members read from memory boxes guests filled for the graduates. The night ended with remarks from Headmaster Burke and the traditional blessing of the seniors by Fr. John Arens.

Undergraduate & College Book Awards St. Sebastian’s School is proud to recognize the following students who were presented with College Book and Memorial Awards for their achievements during the Undergraduate Awards Assembly held on May 25.

COLLEGE BOOK AWARDS:

UNDERGRADUATE AWARDS:

Boston College Cameron A. Rivera ’17

Bausch & Lomb Science Award Cameron A. Rivera ’17

Brown University Christopher P. Vallace ’17

John P. Birmingham, Jr. Writing Award Anthony A. Perez ’19 John H. Randall ’19

Bryant University Thomas P. Seidl ’17 College of the Holy Cross Samuel P. Cullen ’17 Dartmouth College Luke N. Jones ’17 Harvard University Andrew M. Elcock ’17 Richard P. Gallo ’17 Regis College Michael P. Ragnoni ’17 Trinity College Dublin Liam J. Duggan ’17 St. Anselm College Tyler J. Goldman ’17 St. Lawrence University Samuel H. Gordon ’17 St. Michael’s College Michael K. Finucane ’17 University of Virginia Michael A. Hartman ’17 Villanova University Joseph R. Hunt ’17 Wheeling Jesuit University William P. Evans ’17 Cameron W. Mulvey ’17

TOP: CJ Turnbull addresses the crowd in Ward Hall; BOTTOM: Sonny Huang, Maynel Fuentes, CJ Turnbull and Nnamdi Okwerekwu receive certificates.

Williams College Kyle P. McCarthy ’17 Yale University Stephen C. Karol ’17

Catholic Citizenship Award Thaddeus J. Kennedy ’17 Joseph Compagnone Memorial Award Michael P. Ragnoni ’17 Gandolfo Award Samuel P. Cullen ’17 Andrew M. Elcock ’17 Stephen C. Karol ’17 Kyle P. McCarthy ’17 Kevin Ghelli Award Bryan P. O’Donnell ’17 Patrick E. Reed ’17 Frank J. Hennessey, Jr. Award Andrew M. Elcock ’17 Kyle P. McCarthy ’17 Kevin T. Mutch Award Jack F. Doherty ’17 Eric M. Jeremiah ’17 Robert J. Joyce, Jr. Award Raffi A. Barsamian ’17 Blake J. Gallagher ’17 William P. Judge Award Michael P. Farinacci ’20 William P. Judge Scholarship Jackson S. McKeigue ’17 Jason Keating Award Gabriel A. Twohig ’21 James P.B. McDonough Award William P. Evans ’17 Grace S. Vorce and Raymond M. Vorce, Sr. Award Ethan P. Fidalgo ’17 WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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AROUND CAMPUS Art Students Create Peaceful Mural

Nolan McGovern ’21, Stew Smith ’17, Ted Duffy ’19, Ethan Fidalgo ’17, former St. Sebastian’s student Jeremy Xu, and Sam Gordon ’17, with art teacher Deirdre Rynne.

On June 15, Art Club students started painting a mural in the visitor room at the Italian Home for Children, a child welfare agency serving children with emotional and behavioral challenges. It took the boys seventeen hours over the course of two days to complete the mural. Their intent was to create a space where family members could join together with their child in a peaceful environment. The finished product incorporates elements from China and Japan to create a colorful garden of plum blossom trees, a bamboo garden, rock sculptures, golden pagoda temples, Shinto gate and waterfall pond. Butterflies, birds, deer and a panda occupy the walls of the room showcasing the many artistic gifts of the St. Sebastian’s students who volunteered their time. This wonderful project was led by art teacher Deirdre Rynne.

English Classroom Dedicated in Memory of John A. Lawler III On May 22, members of the Lawler family gathered to dedicate the English Department Chair classroom in memory of John A. Lawler III P’78,’81,’83,GP’20— past parent and longtime distinguished trustee of St. Sebastian’s. The event included a Mass celebrated in the School Chapel, followed by the dedication of the classroom and a reception. The plaque, which hangs in the classroom, reads “In loving memory of John A. Lawler III, Parent, Trustee, Friend; Given by his wife Julie and their Children; ‘A Man for Others.’” All three of Lawler’s sons, John ’78, Joe ’81 and Matthew ’83, attended St. Sebastian’s. As is the case with all sisters of Arrows, his four daughters, Martha, Amy, Maura and Christina, are a huge part of our School community as well. Lawler was also the loving grandfather of 17 grandchildren. His grandson, Joe, is a member of the Class of 2020, continuing the St. Sebastian’s tradition. Lawler was a devoted board member and supporter of St. Sebastian’s for over thirty years. He served as a trustee from 1979 to 2005. He passed away in 2009. At the funeral, John III ’78 shared that his father urged his children to get their priorities right: God, family, friends; to be bold; and to marry well. And did John ever practice what he preached! From top to bottom, left to right: Julie Lawler with her children and Headmaster Burke. n Members of the Lawler family in the English Department Chair classroom. n The Lawler brothers, Matthew ’83, Joe ’81 and John ’78, with the dedication plaque.

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SPRING REVUE St. Sebastian’s students showcase acting and musical talents

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he St. Sebastian’s Community filled Ward Hall on May 13 for the Fine Arts Department’s annual Spring Revue. The Slings & Arrows Players began the night with five entertaining student-directed plays: “The Dead Parrot,” directed by Nick Howell ’18 & Will Forman ’18; “Tarantino Variation,” directed by Marty White ’18; “Balloon Shot,” directed by Thomas Olson ’18; “This Is a Test,” directed by Andrew Elcock ’17; and “The Tomato Skit” directed by David Korzeniowski ’16 and Owen Finnegan ’16. After intermission, the Spring Revue turned to music, with sets from the Pop Rock Ensemble, Jazz Combo and the Jazz Band. Pop Rock took the stage first, performing The Cars’ “Just What I Needed.” The Jazz Combo followed with “All the Things You Are” and “On Green Dolphin Street.” The Jazz Pop Ensemble concluded the night with a set of classic hits, including “Run Around Sue,” “Northside Gal,” and “Let’s Dance.” Congratulations to all of the students for their wonderful performances.

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WEBSITE REDESIGN St. Sebastian’s launched a new website this summer. From bold statements and testimonials to videos and infographics, the power of St. Sebastian’s mission permeates pages across the site. Check out the website’s many features at www.stsebs.org!

Homepage

Beneath the photo slider, the homepage leads with the “order of the day,” summing up the value of a St. Sebastian’s education in just a few short words. Photos, infographics and a video continue to tell our School’s story as you scroll down.

Responsive Design

The new website automatically “responds” to the device you’re on by adapting the content to fit the screen size. This means that whether you’re on your desktop, tablet or smartphone, you’ll see the same content, just in a different layout suited to that device!

Infographics

Infographics are strategically placed on landing pages, from Admissions to Academics, providing relevant, easy-to-digest and visually appealing stats that make you pause and read.

Admissions Video

The landing page of the Admissions section features a new video, covering all aspects of student life. The video provides a glimpse of a student’s typical day on Greendale Avenue for prospective families.

Testimonials

Powerful words from students, parents, alumni and faculty speak volumes about our mission and community. From quotes, to Chapel Speeches and video profiles, these testimonials help bring the St. Sebastian’s experience to life.

“Beginning with ’the order of the day’—that big, bold value proposition beneath the homepage slider—down to the elegant detail of the crossed arrows throughout the site, St. Sebastian’s is an example of a school who is completely honed in on who they are as a brand, and who their target audience is—no questions asked.” —Mia Major, Content Marketing Manager, Finalsite

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Class of 2016 Parents Dedicate the St. Sebastian’s

Living History Collection & Brotherhood Fund

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arking the beginning of Commencement Week, parents of the Class of 2016 gathered on Sunday, May 22 for a reception and dinner to dedicate this year’s Senior Class Gift. The gift from the Class of 2016 was selected in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of St. Sebastian’s School being celebrated this year. It is a dual gift, continuing the tradition started by the Class of 2015. The St. Sebastian’s Living History Collection and Class of 2016 Brotherhood Fund pay special tribute to the past and the future of our School. The St. Sebastian’s Living History Collection includes the creation of the school archives as well as a book chronicling the 75-year history of the School. The Class of 2016 Brotherhood Fund is an endowment fund supporting financial aid for future deserving young Arrows. The evening provided one last opportunity for the Class of 2016 parents to gather together in celebration of all their accomplishments as a class and to give special recognition to their sons in the story of St. Sebastian’s history from 1941 to 2016.

From top to bottom, left to right: Class of 2016 Senior Class Gift Committee. n Father John Arens blesses the magnificent floor-to-ceiling plaque, recognizing the Class of 2016 gift. n Clayton Turnbull P’16 and Bob Mackintire P’16. n Members of the committee unveil the plaque. n Alyce Aldrich P’14,’16 and Coleen Noonan P’16,’17,’22. WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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Congratulations,

CLASS OF 2016!

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n Thursday, June 2, 2016, St. Sebastian’s School graduated sixty-two students at its 72nd Commencement Exercises. The morning’s celebrations included awards, speeches and the conferral of diplomas to the outstanding Class of 2016.

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The Robert S. Gilligan Award

Presented to a senior who best exemplifies the qualities of courage, determination, and perseverance

Nathan I. Akukwe and Michael E. Mullowney, III The Joseph P. MacDonald Award Presented each year by the Student Council, in conjunction with the School community, to a member of the St. Sebastian’s family for outstanding service to the School

COMMENCEMENT AWARDS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE IN THE DISCIPLINE AWARDS

Presented to individuals selected by the faculty

English Literature Owen N. Finnegan Latin Christopher R. Potvin History David E. Korzeniowski and Michael E. Mullowney, III Religion Paul J. Keady and James P. Ryan Chemistry Cole S. Aldrich English Writing Weston R. Brach Biology Owen N. Finnegan Spanish Weston R. Brach Drama Owen N. Finnegan and David E. Korzeniowski Mathematics David E. Korzeniowski, Christopher R. Potvin and James P. Ryan Greek Christian M. Locurto Physics James P. Ryan Computer Science James M. Driscoll

SPECIAL MEDALS

Awarded to individuals who, during their high school years, have achieved the highest grade point average in required and advanced courses in the respective disciplines

Humberto Cardinal Medeiros Memorial Medal for Modern Languages Weston R. Brach Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Beatty Memorial Medal for English James P. Ryan Rev. Msgr. John F.X. Harney Memorial Medal for Religion Weston R. Brach and James P. Ryan Rev. Msgr. Charles D. McInnis Memorial Medal for History Weston R. Brach Paul A. Ablondi ’57 Memorial Medal for Mathematics Sonny Huang St. Sebastian Medal for Science Paul J. Keady St. Sebastian Medal for Fine Arts John R. Behman St. Sebastian Medal for Classics Christopher R. Potvin The Headmaster’s Award Presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average James P. Ryan

Peter W. Kittler and Daniel H. Williams ’64

The St. Sebastian’s Scholar with Distinction Award

Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of Aor higher in every course every year

Paul J. Keady and James P. Ryan The St. Sebastian’s Scholar Award

Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of B or higher in every course every year

Cameron R. Aldrich, Cole S. Aldrich, Weston R. Brach, Michael D. Calabro, Ryan D. Colgan, Gregory H. DeMatteo, Matthew G. Eldridge, Dan Miguel G. Espinosa, Sonny Huang, Erik R. Jones, David E. Korzeniowski, Christian M. Locurto, Ryan O. Macedo, Peter D. Mullin, Christopher R. Potvin and Alejandro Soto The Sr. Evelyn C. Barrett, O.P. Scholarship Award

Presented to that senior who, in the opinion of the Faculty, most exemplifies in body, mind, and soul the spirit of St. Sebastian’s School

James P. Ryan The Cardinal Cushing Memorial Medal for Student Service Presented to a senior for exemplary service to the School

Owen N. Finnegan

The Reverend Charles K. Riepe Medallion Presented by the Assistant Headmaster, in consultation with the administration and faculty, to the member of the graduating class who has shown true leadership in exemplifying the virtues of faith and honor for which the School stands

Paul J. Keady The Founder’s Medal

Presented to the member of the Senior Class whose character, leadership, and fortitude most closely reflect the ideals that inspired William Cardinal O’Connell to found this School in the name of St. Sebastian

Matthew G. Eldridge and John C. McLaughlin The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Medal

Presented each year to a senior for exemplary initiative, creativity, and perseverance in advancing the mission of the School

David E. Korzeniowski The Alumni Award

Presented to the senior, selected by the faculty, who possesses strength of mind, body, and character; who displays outstanding attitude, effort, and achievement; has innate commitment to excellence in all endeavors; and who has made many and varied contributions to St. Sebastian’s School

Michael D. Calabro

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CLASS OF 2016 MATRICULATION Matthew Aisenberg Nathan Akukwe Cameron Aldrich Cole Aldrich

Trinity College Worcester Polytechnic Institute Santa Clara University University of Virginia

Christian Locurto John Loughborough Brendan Lutch Ryan Macedo

Cameron Balboni

Boston College

Michael Mackintire

Matthew James Barron

Boston College

Francis Mahoney

John Behman

California Institute of the Arts

Paul McAuliffe

Georgetown University College of the Holy Cross University of Virginia College of the Holy Cross Villanova University Providence College

Kevin Boland

Trinity College

Weston Brach

Middlebury College

John McLaughlin

United States Naval Academy

John Brugger

Northwestern University

John McManmon

The University of Alabama

Michael Calabro Paul Canavan Ryan Colgan Gregory DeMatteo James Driscoll Matthew Eldridge Dan Miguel Espinosa Benjamin Fachetti Cameron Finnegan

Harvard University University of Massachusetts, Amherst Boston College Princeton University Roger Williams University Davidson College Middlebury College Boston College College of the Holy Cross

Jack McCool

Colby College

Gap Year

Patrick Muldowney

Boston College

Peter Mullin

Boston College

Michael Mullowney

Boston College

John Nilles Liam Noonan Nicholas O’Neil Austin O’Shea Nnamdi Okwerekwu Ryan Parker

College of the Holy Cross Providence College College of the Holy Cross Loyola University Maryland Boston University Boston College

Owen Finnegan

Tufts University

Patrick Peters

Loyola University Maryland

Maynel Fuentes

University of Massachusetts, Boston

Dean Piersiak

Tulane University

Sean Harrington Sonny Huang Erik Jones John Kapples Matthew Karpowicz Paul Keady Harrison Kelleher Casey Kelly David Korzeniowski Robert Lemone

Babson College Princeton University Dartmouth College Southern Methodist University

Christopher Potvin John Ragnoni Michael Rozewski James Ryan

Harvard University Villanova University Tulane University University of Notre Dame

Williams College

William Slayne

Bates College

Georgetown University

Alejandro Soto

Colgate University

Trinity College College of the Holy Cross University of Notre Dame Boston College

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Nicos Topulos Clayton Turnbull, Jr. Declan Walsh Aaron Wolfsberg

Washington University in St. Louis Lehigh University Rhodes College University of Rhode Island


COMMENCEMENT 2016

Celebrating on the Eve of Commencement On June 1, the night before Commencement, we held our annual Senior-Parent Dinner in Ward Hall following the Baccalaureate Mass in St. Bartholomew Church. It was a wonderful opportunity for seniors and their parents to gather together and celebrate the Class of 2016. In addition to receiving graduation ties and pens, students were presented with awards recognizing their talents and contributions to the School. Some of the awards presented include: Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award

John McLaughlin

Chapel Speech Award

Student Athletes Alejandro Soto, Matthew Karpowicz, Jack Ragnoni, and Paul Keady.

Owen Finnegan, Christian Locurto Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award

Erik Jones, Jack McCool

FIVE-YEAR

Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award

Kevin Boland, Michael Mackintire

Matriculation #’s

Semper Fidelis Award for Music Excellence

Matthew Eldridge

Colleges to which 5 or more students have matriculated over the past 5 years

Navy ROTC Scholarship

John McLaughlin

Recognition by iPods for Wounded Veterans to Dear Soldier Program

Jack McCool, John McLaughlin Independent School League Award of Excellence

Michael Calabro

Headmaster Bill Burke presents award to James Driscoll.

Boston College ............................43 College of the Holy Cross ............21 Harvard College ..........................17 Middlebury College ....................12 Providence College .....................11 Georgetown University ...............10 Trinity College ............................10 Worcester Polytechnic Institute .....8 Bowdoin College ..........................7 University of Notre Dame ..............7 Dartmouth College .......................6 Villanova University .....................6 Boston University ...........................5 Tufts University..............................5

Members of the Class of 2016 follow step-by-step instructions from Headmaster Burke on how to tie their new bow ties prior to the Baccalaureate Mass.

Wake Forest University .................5 WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS

Live Lives of Mercy BY WILLIAM L. BURKE III

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efore I say good-bye, let us pray one more time together as a class. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. It’s all a gift, this beautiful day, our beloved School, every graced soul with us, who came before us, and who will follow— all gifts from our gracious and loving God, the giver of all good gifts. Thanks be to God. Thornton Wilder asserts: “We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” By this measure, I can only imagine how fully alive your parents felt this morning as they watched you and your brother Arrows—true treasures all—wend your way across campus and up this aisle! I can only imagine how acutely alive they and you feel now. Let’s go back to the start, when, gazing upon you, their newborn son, your parents were struck immediately, deeply, and permanently by the beautiful truth that they cared—and that they would always care—way more about what happens to you than they could ever care about themselves. They and your grandparents and many other family members have held you and kissed you and fed you and changed you and bathed you and taught you and brought you to this proud moment. They have prayed for you and paid for you—often at considerable sacrifice—and you know full well that they’d do it all again in a thrice and only ask in return that you live happy, healthy, holy lives of faith and honor, dignity and respect, integrity and hope, service and love. This day belongs to you gentlemen, but it belongs to your parents and your grandparents and your families, too. Let us rise, connect with our eyes, and express heartfelt gratitude to those who have loved you and who will forever love you beyond all telling. Perhaps the first time you visited St. Sebastian’s was at our Admissions Open House program and perhaps you remember me quoting President Lincoln, who, at the height of his powers proclaimed: “I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me, and I didn’t have the heart to let him down.” And perhaps you remember me sharing that our School is filled with educators who want to be that friend to you. Well, there’s certainly no “perhaps” about your discovery that it’s all true. One of you recently had this to say: “How lucky we are to have teachers who care—and to be in this School, the perfect place to bring out the best in us.”

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To bring out the best in us, yes. Our promise is to know you, to love you, to call you to greatness, to evoke from each one of you, who has been made in the image and likeness of God, the goodness the Lord has placed in you, to help you become the man you want to be, the man synonymous with the man God wants you to be. When on campus last week to serve at our College Night program for the Class of 2017, two engineering majors from the Class of 2015 regaled me with stories of how exceptionally well prepared they have been, citing especially Mr. Kittler in chemistry, Mr. Wilbur in physics, and Mr. Palmaccio in mathematics. They shared delightful surprise by how relatively easy they found the work, and they expressed tremendous gratitude for it. They noted that what their fellow engineering majors expressed was something closer to envy. Another alumnus shared that when his new friends comment on the ease with which he engages with professors, he tells them that his St. Sebastian’s teachers became his friends right away, so he expects that his college professors will become friends, too. And virtually all alumni reported that the skills gained and lessons learned from their St. Sebastian’s teachers guiding our Writing and Humanities and Chapel Speaking programs have translated themselves into tremendous success as writers and readers and thinkers and presenters at the college level, earning them glowing reputations as gifted, highly sought after editors and tutors for their college classmates, who have not benefited from the St. Sebastian’s deep, classical, traditional, curriculum delivered by gifted, passionate, loving teachers. Your friends on our faculty have devoted the very best parts of themselves to teach you and coach you and direct you and advise you and inspire you and educate you for life. They have


COMMENCEMENT 2016 been here long before sunrise and well after dark to provide you with extra help sessions. That they live the creed let me serve them all my days and never count the cost is a powerfully beautiful, self-evident truth. Please rise. Get eye contact. And thank your true friends. The other day, I received this beautiful note from a St. Sebastian’s mom: May 26, 2016 Mr. Burke, I mentioned that a particular passage from the Magnificat Year of Mercy Companion really touched me. Attached is a copy of the January 1st reading. I have considered the passage many times over the last few months and have sought to incorporate it into the fabric of our family. Because of you and this book, my eyes have been opened wider. Thank you for this generous gift, and thank you for all you do for my boys. We love you & Sebs dearly. God bless, And she signed her name. I am so very honored to receive such a nice note from such a great person. —I’ll comment on the passage she references in a moment, but, before I do, I need to make a confession. I get way more credit than I deserve. In fact, I constantly get tremendous credit for many, many things that I don’t deserve at all. The idea of putting this wonderful book, the Magnificat Year of Mercy Companion into the hands of every student, every parent, every faculty member, every staff member, and

every trustee came not from me, but from our outstanding Assistant Headmaster and Dean of Studies, Michael P. Nerbonne, who throws his heart and soul into the life of his School, which he loves beyond words and serves with preternatural distinction. Whenever something great happens here, Mr. Nerbonne is a most likely suspect. May we express our gratitude to this extraordinarily intelligent, talented, energetic, and devoted leader. Now here are excerpts from the January 1 Magnificat Companion entry, which is written by Father Richard Veras, who, by the way, is also the writer of the truly excellent essay for June 3, tomorrow—I’m guilty of having read ahead. Back to the January 1 entry, I quote: I don’t have many regrets regarding things or projects that remained unfinished, but I do have many memories of times I wish I had been more attentive, more present to a person. What does this tell me? Those needy people who interrupt my life are Christ’s mercy toward me…Mercy is not just for the end; mercy accompanies us on every step of our journey to our destiny. Mercy, who is Jesus, is really present now. People who need us are Christ’s mercy toward us. Mercy, who is Jesus, is really present now. I have felt the beauty and truth of these claims many times throughout our year of Mercy. One of you mentioned that your class has come a long way, and indeed you have. You have made great progress and won glorious triumphs in the classroom, in athletics, in the arts, and elsewhere, and you have sought and found ways to help others be better than they used to be as well.

Seniors stand to face and thank their parents during the Commencement Ceremony in St. Bartholomew Church. WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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COMMENCEMENT 2016 So many of you have expressed and lived these phrases:

All my friends have my back.

The essence of life is in relationships.

I don’t have to wait until Sunday to hear God’s voice.

Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another.

Everyone wants to be here.

And here are a dozen other community revealing phrases you gentlemen have offered publicly: Mr. Wilbur, my advisor, changed the way I study and view life. I now look out for people who may want my help. I cherish and savor every day on this campus. I am so blessed to have been a part of it. What can I do to be as selfless as I can be? The academic demands in Mr. Drummond’s Freshman English class hit me like a train…My teachers didn’t let me fail. Everyone here is pushing you to be your best. Find and live out the way we can help the greatest number of people. I would like to thank everyone in the community who has made the culture one of inclusion. Ms. Callini demanded that I come for help…Pride gave way to humility and intellect…Don’t take it head on and alone. We’re all helping each other to be better people.

My friends’ mothers treat me like a son. You and your parents have conspired with our faculty, staff, board, and alumni to make your School and our world much stronger, much better places where kindness and mercy abound, and we love you for it! Pope Francis urges us, in this year of Mercy, to bear the weaknesses and struggles of our brothers and sisters. And did you ever succeed! Last week, when we met in the Chapel to hear testimony of your community service work this spring, we were treated to so many moving stories of faith deepened through action. Those of you who served at a nursing home were struck by the abject loneliness of the “really old and run-down residents.” They’re focused on the past and you on the future. You noted that just speaking to them made a difference. At the end of one long day, one of you who had been talking for quite some time with a particularly loquacious resident informed him that you had to go and that you would see him tomorrow. He responded: “OK. My life will start back up again when you come back tomorrow.” Profoundly sad, yet stirringly beautiful in the manner expressed by Henri Nouwen: “…our brokenness has no other beauty but the beauty that comes from the compassion that surrounds it.”

Headmaster Bill Burke congratulates the seniors as they line up before the Commencement ceremony.

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

LEFT: Andy McAuliffe ’48 congratulates his grandson, Paul McAuliffe ’16; RIGHT: Jack Brugger, Weston Brach, Kevin Boland and Johnny Behman.

I glimpsed the fullness of God in you in that moment, as I glimpse it in all of you every time you respond with mercy and compassion to one who needs you—and so complete the portrait of beauty. Former College of the Holy Cross President, Rev. John Brooks, SJ, who served St. Sebastian’s as a most loyal and tremendously valuable trustee for 18 years, has written: “Liberal arts is not about learning to do something. It’s about learning to be someone.” Of course, each of you is already a someone living life not just for yourself alone but for the Lord and others, and you’re called and destined to become an even brighter, stronger, kinder and more merciful someone as you continue to pursue truth through faith and reason in college and beyond. I was a bit late for our graduation practice yesterday because I ran into Chris Riley ’13. A six year Arrow survivor and an eminently successful rising senior at Harvard, where he’s majoring in English, Chris had been working out in our fitness center. Happily, not an uncommon practice for our Alumni. When I asked Chris what I should share with you today, he offered some thoughts and followed up with an email message. Here’s an excerpt: “Surround yourself with people who encourage you, inspire you, challenge you, and make you want to be a man for others … Because when you get right down to it, Seb’s created that kind of community for you and it is what separates Saint Sebastian’s from every other school.” “I’m not leaving.” So insisted one of your dads at the end of the dinner party my wife and I recently hosted for your parents. Of course, he didn’t mean that he wasn’t going home that night. He meant that he had no intention of ever leaving his St. Sebastian’s family. “I’ve been in full denial for a long time, but it’s settling in now.” In these words, one of you gentlemen confessed your separation anxiety. None of us wants to leave St. Sebastian’s, and none of us wants to see you seniors leave, but leave you must, and, oh, how much stronger you have left us!

On more than a few occasions I have shared these words of Teilhard de Chardin: “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” The good news for parents and for students and for all of us is that, in a deeply spiritual way, the Once in, never out, Arrows forever cry rings true. All that is pure and good about St. Sebastian’s remains in our hearts forever. One of you spoke to this truth in a note you wrote to me after having gained admission to your first choice college. I quote: “I’m excited to open this new chapter in my life but I know I will never leave behind the values and the guiding principles St. Sebastian’s has taught me.” As I gear up for the close here, guys, I remind you that there are bound to be bumps in the road and painful setbacks. You will struggle, to be sure, but you will struggle not alone, for 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. So, while I cannot promise you lives free from injury or illness, I can promise you good lives—if you continue to hold sacred your relationships—with God and with everyone else. For if you keep your heart, and your mind, and your soul open to the grace of God and strive to do the Lord’s will—and if you regard every woman and every man you meet to be someone like you, who has been made for eternity, you’re going to treat each person a certain way—with honor and dignity and respect and love and truth and kindness and mercy—and you’re going to live good lives. It cannot be otherwise. Yours are lives of purpose, and your ultimate goal is heaven, so here’s the final quotation: “Keep yourself in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.” (Jude 21) Good-bye, our noble Arrows. Go now in peace and return to us often in sorrow or in joy. We’ll be here waiting for you with hearts and arms wide open. Know that we love you and that we will forever—Saecula Saeculorum. Shalom! WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

BOARD PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Stay Humble & Kind BY JAMES L. ELCOCK ’77, P’08

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entlemen, it’s an honor and a pleasure on behalf of the Board of Trustees to speak to you this morning. Headmaster Burke, Father Unni, Father Arens, Mr. Doherty, parents, grandparents, distinguished guests, faculty, staff, alumni and most importantly, Class of 2016, good morning and congratulations. Today is St. Sebastian’s finest day. Gentlemen, this is your school. Though your days of sitting in our classrooms, competing in an athletic competition or giving your last Chapel Speech are over, your relationship with this school will last forever. You have accomplished so much individually and collectively that as a class that you should not only be proud of your accomplishments, but you should cherish this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Back in 1941, when Cardinal William O’Connell founded St. Sebastian’s on a beautiful Newton Campus with only 21 boys, I am sure he knew the school would succeed and flourish. But I must confess that what St. Sebastian’s has accomplished over the past 75 years has far exceeded what anyone thought was imaginable. With the addition of the class of 2016, 62 young men join a strong and vibrant Alumni Association of over 2,500 fellow Arrows. Together we can do great things. It won’t be too long, usually your 10th reunion, until you begin with the usual chorus: “I could never get into that school today.” This is only said because your fellow Arrows know that today you have raised the bar in every aspect of St. Sebastian’s. Whether it’s your outstanding academic achievement where 12 members of your class were inducted into the St. Sebastian’s Cum Laude Society, the 5,000 hours of community service, your athletic competitiveness in all sports in all seasons, the impressive list of colleges that you will attend this Fall and everything in between, St. Sebastian’s has never been a stronger, healthier, more vibrant school than we are today. Thank you Class of 2016 for making this possible. St. Sebastian’s has prepared you well—better than you will ever imagine. Perhaps it will be this September and you find

“Though your days of sitting in our classrooms, competing in an athletic competition or giving your last chapel speech are over, your relationship with this school will last forever.”

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yourself sitting beside 75 new classmates and the professor discusses the six papers that you will write during the semester on top of reading an average of 100 pages of material before each class. Or maybe it’s two years from now, when you set your eyes on that summer internship. You have read up on the company, prepared yourself well and then in the interview you make strong eye contact, sit with good posture, you dress smartly, take notes, conclude with a firm handshake and finally a well-written thank you note, all coming naturally. Or perhaps it’s 20 years from now when you are dealing with a family health issue, a friend’s loss of a job, or your own personal transition, when you realize that you may not have all the answers, but you have family and friends who love you, care for you and want to be there to support you. More times than not, I believe you will find yourself turning to your fellow Arrows. This past Spring I finished reading David Brook’s The Road to Character, a book I have shared with my fellow trustees and will be sharing with you as well. The book begins with Adam I and Adam II, two sides of human nature described in The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Soloveitchik. Adam I is the external, career-driven, ambitious self, which Brooks calls the “Resume Self.” Adam II is the internal, humble and the “Eulogy self,” the one who wants to have the serene inner character. I believe that St. Sebastian’s has given you a wonderful balance of both. Clearly, all that you have accomplished today with all of your activities have given you terrific resumes that have been well received by colleges and universities alike. But also, I know from our conversations and observations, that you will continue to live the mission of St. Sebastian’s, and you all understand that life is eternal.


COMMENCEMENT 2016 Your class is that of a wonderful mosaic. Sixty-two graduates from 26 towns. You will all spread your wings and fly off to 21 states for the next four years. We are proud that we have three fathers, David Calabro ’78, Paul McAuliffe ’86, and Michael Mullowney ’84, and two grandfathers, Andrew McAuliffe ’48, and Joseph Norton ’57, who have all led the way decades ago to three of your fellow classmates. And finally, 29 of you have or have had a fellow Arrow attend St. Sebastian’s. We truly are a family. Now, as I conclude, I would like to share with you some lines from a country artist. In this case, from “Humble & Kind” by Tim McGraw: Hold the door, say please, say thank you; Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but, Always stay humble and kind. When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you, When the work you put in is realized, Let yourself feel the pride, but Always stay humble and kind. Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin’, Don’t forget turn back around And help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind. Gentlemen, congratulations. Sonny Huang makes his way into St. Bartholomew Church for the Commencement Ceremony.

The Arrows legacy continues as fathers and grandfathers join graduates prior to Commencement: Joseph Norton ’57, GP’16 with his grandson Patrick Peters, Andrew McAuliffe ’48,P’75,‘78,‘79,‘81,‘86,GP‘15,‘16’,‘21, and son Paul McAuliffe ’86 with Paul McAuliffe, Jr., Headmaster Bill Burke, Michael Mullowney III with his father Michael Mullowney ’84,P’16, and David Calabro ’78, P’16 with his son Michael Calabro.

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Where are you going? BY REVEREND JOHN J. UNNI Pastor, St. Cecilia Parish, Boston

I

was thinking of this week and I didn’t know exactly how or what I was going to say to you—the sixty-two young men graduating today—because there was so much going on in my life. The life of a parish priest can be mundane; it can be with nothing going on; or it could be “pedal to the metal,” and one is going all the time. These past couple of weeks has been that for me, so I’m going to throw out a couple of heavy things to you. Last week, I got a call from a family whose oldest child had just died in a sudden accident. They have four kids, three boys and their daughter, who had just graduated from college. Graduation took place on Friday and her parents and family all flew home on Saturday. They were going to send the car back and she said she’d drive home with her friend instead. She was meant to be home in Boston for a week and then off to a year of service overseas. As the highway went from three lanes down to one due to construction, there was a trailer truck in front; they were in their SUV. The vehicles were all stopped in that one lane, but the trailer truck behind them went full speed and, less than twenty-four hours after her graduation, she was gone. I know it’s a very heavy thing to start with, but bear with me. I started thinking about this incident and about life, especially young life and what’s important. Then I got a call that my college roommate went in for a procedure at the hospital. For whatever reason, it went south. Before you knew it, he was gone. His family is at that funeral mass right now as we are gathering here. Last night, I got a call at two in the morning that the sister of a good friend had overdosed. All we have to do is read the papers and watch TV to know how the opioid epidemic is ravaging families and friends. It is an equal opportunity destroyer. It doesn’t matter—education, influence, how good the family is, faith. It wipes people out left and right. I thought, “What are you going to say to these young men when this stuff is all bubbling up within you right now?” As I re-read my address, I asked myself, “Why did you start off a commencement speech with something so sad and depressing?” The only thing I could come up with is that “it’s real.” You guys are leaving this beautiful place and these past years here, and you’re going into a very real world. There’ll still be the bubble of whatever college or university you go to, but you’re going into a very real world. It’s about being equipped from the inside out,

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to deal with life on life’s terms in very real ways, especially when life is unfair, untimely or unexplainable. My understanding is that St. Sebastian’s isn’t just about academics, athletics, or arts; it’s about the whole person, the whole man. We get one life—and I don’t care if we live to be three, thirty-three or a hundred and thirty-three—it’s short when you think of it in the context of eternity. How are you going to live your life? How am I going to live my life? Then I asked myself, if I were sitting there where you guys are today and somebody stood up there, in a collar, asking me how I’m going to live my life, I’d probably be sitting there saying, “I have no clue. Life’s probably going to live me more than I’m going to live life.” Right? Isn’t that so much our experience as we get older? The key is how you and I choose to deal with that life as it presents itself to us. On this very exciting and beautiful day, I want to challenge you, I want to invite you, and hopefully inspire and encourage you—and all of us, no matter who we are, but especially you guys—to look at your lives and ask, “Where am I going?” Not just what school I’m going to, but in life. What’s the trajectory, the direction? “Where am I going? What do I want? Who do I want to be?” In other words, “What’s my mission, my purpose, my passion, my calling in this life, with whatever time you and I have been given?” I want to look at three things. First, as we celebrate today, take a minute to ask yourselves, how did you get here? How did


COMMENCEMENT 2016

“I want to challenge you, I want to invite you, and hopefully inspire and encourage you to look at your lives and ask, ‘Where am I going?’” you get to this beautiful school with these opportunities where your starting point is so far up in the positives, it’s not even at zero - and certainly not in the negatives. So how did you get here? Who helped you? Who encouraged you, and mentored you, and accompanied you? I don’t know if you guys have ever heard of a guy named Father Tony Penna; he is a Chaplain over at BC. You can check him out on YouTube. He tapped into Captain Charlie Plum who was a fighter pilot in Vietnam who gives an inspirational talk called, “Who packed your parachute?” Check it out. The bottom line is this: the hotshot fighter pilot got all the glory and got to do all these cool missions, but when he got shot down and that parachute opened and worked, the question became, “Who packed that parachute for me?” Who is down in the bowels of that ship (no glory in that job), making sure that the parachute would open correctly so that he could live? Who’s been doing that for you guys so that you can succeed and continue to go forward and up? I taught for a couple of years at Christopher Columbus High School. It was run by the Franciscans in the north end of Boston. It was quite a place back in the early 80’s. I had come from college up in Burlington, Vermont. I was wearing corduroys; I had a plaid shirt and a square neck tie. I think I had Timberland boots on and I tried to put on a blue blazer. These kids had pleated pants and pointed shoes from Tellos, which was this store from the 80’s. The styles were very different from now! I remember standing there and teaching and loving it. Teachers are underrated. I don’t know what the pay scale is here but, generally, teachers are underpaid. I think teachers want not only to mold a particular discipline, but they want to help shape the development of the whole person. I would like to invite your teachers here, the administrators, and all those who’ve been so important in your lives, “packing the parachute,” so to speak, to please stand for a minute. (applause) I think parenting is also underrated. Not being a parent myself, but being a great observer, I watch what parents do. I watch what my own parents did. I’m sure you guys have taken the time to say thanks, but maybe in a special way today, I’d ask your parents to please stand so we can salute you and give thanks for all that you’ve been about. (applause) My father died when I was a junior in high school. He was a barber. My mother was a hairdresser so, go figure, the two of them connected. My dad fought in Korea in the Marine Corps. He was of the utmost character, but he did not finish high school. When he came back from Korea, he recognized the value of education. He’d had a series of heart attacks from 38 to 48 years old, when he died. In those ten years, those formative

Introduction of Reverend John J. Unni by Headmaster William L. Burke III

My friend, Reverend John J. Unni, grew up in North Reading, Massachusetts, was graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from St. Michael’s College in Colchester, Vermont in 1983, taught English at Christopher Columbus High School in Boston’s North End, attended St. John Seminary in Brighton, where he earned an M.Div, and was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Boston in June, 1992. Fr. John has served at St. Joseph Parish in Wakefield, at St. William Parish in Savin Hill (Dorchester), at St. Richard Parish in Danvers, at Northeastern University as Catholic Chaplain, at St. Ann University Parish in Boston as pastor, and at St. Cecilia Parish, in Boston, where he has been pastor for the past 12 years. St. Cecilia is a vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive parish community in the heart of the city with a commitment to the gospel of Jesus and particular attention to charitable involvement and to issues of social justice. Fr. John serves on the Board of Directors of Pine Street Inn, Nativity Preparatory School in Jamaica Plain, St. Cecilia’s House, a residence for seniors of limited income in the Fenway, and St. Boniface Haiti Foundation, which tends to the health care and educational needs of the poor in Haiti. Following a transformative experience working in Haiti thirty years ago, and inspired by the Spirit and the wonderful parish experiences he has had, Fr. John’s parish ministry today continues to have a commitment toward education, health, and spiritual growth, especially for those who are marginalized and impoverished. If you haven’t heart Father John preach yet, you’re in for a real treat. I promise. Please help me welcome Father John Unni.

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

“I hope that you grow more in love and less in judgment, grow more deeply in mercy.” years for me and my two brothers, he passed on a lot of wisdom about what’s really important in life. Before he passed away, he called my brothers and me into the room, and he said, “Johnny, you’re the oldest. I want you to take care of your mother. Take good care of your brothers. Make sure you get an education. Make sure you go to college.” He passed on what he saw as being very important in that time that we had with each other. I didn’t know it was going to end that quickly. His starting point educationally was in the negatives, but he recognized what it was to be in the positives, and he wanted that for us. “Your mother and I want you to have more than we’ve had.” You guys have a starting point, as I said earlier, that’s up here in the positives: St. Sebastian’s. You have parents who love you and encourage you, who probably press your buttons and hold you to bounds at different times, but who have a love and vision for you, hopes and dreams too, just like you guys have for yourselves. Last summer, we were in Chicago for a Young Neighbor’s in Action trip. It was a high school service learning trip and we spent time with some kids. Some of them started to talk about where they were going, what they were about. They talked about having a kitchen gun - that’s the gun sitting on the kitchen table in case anybody comes in. I thought, “What’s the starting point for these guys in terms of education and opportunity? What’s their family system like?” You guys have been given a great gift just by being born or adopted into the family you have and, as Jesus says, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” So, where are you going? What do you want? Who do you want to be? Second, what does it mean for you today to graduate from St. Seb’s, to leave here and go into the next exciting, maybe even daunting phase of life, while continuing to love God, work hard, and take good care of each other? In his book, Just Mercy, Brian Stevenson talks about what it is to be close to others. He says this: “My grandmother was the daughter of people who were slaves, enslaved in Virginia. She was born in the 1880’s. Her father talked to her all the time about growing up in slavery and how he learned to read and write but he had to keep it a secret. He hid the things that he knew until the emancipation. The legacy of slavery very much shaped my grandmother and the way she raised her children and us grandkids. She would always tell me, ’Keep close.’ When I visited, she hugged me so tightly I could hardly breathe. She never tired of pulling me to her and she said, ’You can’t understand most of the important things of

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life from a distance, Brian. You have to get close. You have to get close.’” To whom or to what issue will you guys get close in these next few years in this new chapter of your life? Will you become close to stepping out of your own comfort zones? Being challenged as to who you’re called to be and what you’re called to do as you work for justice in this world because it’s a world filled with a lot of injustice? Will you take the courses that challenge you to think and to see things in new ways? Will you get close to others who are different from you or whose situations are different from yours in order to grow more in compassion and be able to make a difference? Will you get closer to the things that intimidate you or scare you, or deepen your character? Will you lessen your fears or any anger and increase the possibilities for justice, mercy and grace in your lives and in the lives of others? Once again, from this graduation day forward, the questions are there. Where are you going? Who do you want to be? What do you want to do? Third and finally, my parents were always asking my brothers and me, “What do you want to be when you grow up? With this gift of life that’s been given to you, what do you want to do with it?” I used to ask that same question to my kids in my first parish in Dorchester. I remember talking one time with one of the high school kids and I asked him, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Nothing, there was dead silence. I asked again, “What do you want to be?” I asked a third time, “Hey, what do you want to be?” Then he slowly looked at me and he said, “I don’t know, Father. No one has ever asked me that.” He was nineteen years old, and no one had ever asked him that question, so he never asked himself. Growing up is not a set or definite point necessarily, it’s a process, where in every life situation we’re asking, “Where am I going? Who do I want to be? What do I want to do?” I hope as you guys continue in this process of “growing up,” boys to men, you grow in closeness to others and to your fellow Arrows, to the pain of others where your compassion deepens, to situations where injustice is rife in order to understand, as Brian Stevenson’s grandmother said, “the important things in life.” I hope that you grow more in love and less in judgment, grow more deeply in mercy. Pope Francis says, “Mercy embraces, welcomes and leans down closely to forgive.” Congratulations, gentlemen, I hope you continue to grow in a deeper love and relationship with God - that relationship that prompts and propels us to be grateful, to grow closer to all that matters to us, and to find your calling as you love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. Thanks for this privilege today. Peace.


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COMMENCEMENT 2016

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

Words of Wisdom BY JAMES P. RYAN ’16

M

r. Burke, Fr. Arens, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Elcock, Fr. Unni, members of the faculty, parents, families, distinguished guests, and fellow Arrows of the Class of 2016. We all know what’s coming, what has been coming really since we first entered the doors of the Birmingham Academic Building. We will soon walk out of this church, out those doors we have probably gone through a hundred times before. This time we will cross some magical portal, after which we will never again walk back in as Seb’s students. But we will still be Arrows, because walking out of this church does not mean we can never come back in, just that we will never come back in the same. Really, that was always the case. Week in and week out, when we walked in and out of this church, through these halls and classrooms, we were always changing, always growing in mind, body, and spirit. Getting older 45 minutes at a time. And maybe learning something along the way. But now our time is swiftly drawing to a close, and the sooner I finish this speech the sooner this is all over. How is it that we’re already done? I thought we had so much time, so much more to do. Now all that’s left to do is say goodbye, if only for a time. How many times did we wish class to go faster, checking the clock every five minutes trying to force the day to end? How often did we just want the week to be over so the weekend could begin? But then, how often did we clamor for extra time on tests and complain about how we needed more time to get homework done? And now how much do we want to hold on to our Seb’s experience, to follow Mr. Burke’s advice to slow down time and savor the moment? I feel guilty for wishing away some of my time here at Seb’s when now every second is special. Yet, as awesome as Seb’s is and as much as I love the place, the teachers, and my fellow Arrows, I would not want to turn back time. I’ve done a lot here, I’ve written a third of my life story within these walls, and I am so grateful that I can call this place home. But there is always a time to move on, to take all the great things I’ve learned here and make an impact where I can. That doesn’t mean I won’t miss this. It doesn’t take away from the tears which will be shed before the day is out. And it certainly doesn’t lessen the importance of everything we’ve done. We have come to the final and climactic scene of our Seb’s stories, poised on the edge of what we have known for the past three to seven years and what we hope for the future.

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Like Indiana Jones scratching his chin, weighing a sandbag, ready to swipe the golden idol. Like Holmes and Moriarty locked in a struggle at the top of the Reichenbach Falls. Like captured Luke Skywalker peering down into the gaping maw of the Sarlacc. The million dollar question is: “what comes next?” Maybe we’ll make an amazing escape as we run from a boulder and slide under a falling barrier, dropping our hat, but grabbing it again just as the opening is sealed. Maybe we’ll dramatically confront our nemesis, fall to what everyone assumes is our tragic end, only to return by popular demand. Or maybe we’ll give a cocky salute to our little droid friend, who tosses us our weapon as we execute an amazing flip and proceed to heroically win the day for the good guys. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: Nerd! And you’re probably thinking: life isn’t like that. Life is a lot more normal than we imagine. It’s not like we’re a bunch of treasure hunters or clever detectives or Jedi. But what’s stopping us from making this life exciting and meaningful and powerful? There is little advice that I can give that someone else hasn’t already said better. So I’d like to spend the rest of this speech sharing some wisdom I’ve picked up from books, songs, poems, and those colorful cards hung up around the physics labs. We’ll start with Mary Oliver: “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” And Oliver again: “I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.” I see these two quotes from different poems going hand in hand, the question and the answer. The answer at first seems like an immature let-me-be-really-vague kind of cop-out answer,


COMMENCEMENT 2016 “Each day is not just an opportunity; it is a gift from God, and the people here have inspired us to appreciate that gift as men of faith and honor.” but can anyone nail down the purpose of life? Take Oliver’s question as a challenge, and consider the answer. If you simply resolve to treat your life, your one big opportunity, not as something just to endure or something merely ordinary, then I can confidently say that your life will be meaningful and you will be happy. I think we of all people know that it’s hard to be happy by just getting by. So don’t let the precious opportunities you have slip away, because time waits for no one. If you feel like you missed an opportunity while here, don’t waste time regretting it, go out and get it next time. I’m not saying you have to cure cancer or become the CEO of a big company. Just use each day as an opportunity to do something good, build better relationships, move towards a solution to a problem, and face the challenges life throws at you. Now here’s one of my favorites tacked up outside Mr. Wilbur’s room: “Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn’t matter whether you’re the lion or a gazelle—when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.” Talk about motivational. To put it simply, don’t be lazy. Not only will you be unhappy, you might get eaten by a lion. Here are some more philosophical words from the wall of that other physics teacher: “All the gold in the world cannot buy a dying man one last breath—so what does that make today worth?” Hopefully we know by now that material goods and wealth are not the determinants of value, especially when we are talking about the use of time in a day. For instance, can you measure the impact of our service projects in dollars? Could we have made the same kind of difference just by donating a little cash? I hope you join me in saying “no.” There is something immensely valuable about spending time with others, pursuing passions, using talents and skills to help others. Your life is wild and precious, Mary Oliver would say. Make it count. Which is a nice segue into this pre-game prayer by Lou Holtz, because you know I just can’t leave Notre Dame out of this speech: “This is the beginning of a new day. God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it, or use it for good. But what I do today is important because I’m exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place that which I have traded. I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil, success not failure. Not that I should regret the price I have paid for it, because the future is just a whole string of tomorrows God has given me to use as I may.” There’s a bit of a theme here: carpe diem. Know that

we already have what we need to use each day for good. Being a part of the Seb’s community has filled us with the courage, love, openness, respect, dedication, and faith we need to take advantage of each day. Each day is not just an opportunity; it is a gift from God, and the people here have inspired us to appreciate that gift as men of faith and honor. I think I’ll wrap things up with the last lines of an Owl City song: “Love is confusing and life is hard. You fight to survive because you made it this far. It’s all too astounding to comprehend. It’s just the beginning, this isn’t the end.” A lot of confusing and difficult things are headed our way. Let’s meet these challenges confidently, knowing that we have the strength of this entire community with us every step of the way. We have all heard how this is just a new beginning for us. Commencement is the sending forth, not the ending. This is the end of my speech, the end of our Seb’s careers, but not the end of our relationships and not the end of loving God, working hard, and taking care of each other. Let’s go, boys. As a little kid named Calvin once said, “It’s a magical world, Hobbes ol’ buddy, let’s go exploring!” God bless, and go Arrows!

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COMMENCEMENT 2016

SALUTATORY ADDRESS

Finding My Brothers BY PAUL J. KEADY ’16

M

r. Burke, Father Arens, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Elcock, Father Unni, members of the faculty, families, and most importantly, Class of 2016. Congrats. We made it. We’ve made the most of these past years at our beloved school, and now our time is rapidly closing. As we’re about to walk out these doors for the last time as students, I’d like to reflect back on how and why I was blessed to first walk through these doors. As some of you may know, I have two older sisters, Kayla and Alanna, and in my extended family, there are only a couple male cousins. So basically, I was raised surrounded by females. With two older sisters, I have spent more than my fair share of time at Daisy, Brownie, and Girl Scout meetings. I say this honestly, not proudly - I was an honorary Girl Scout. I was forced to be there. I didn’t exactly enjoy these activities, so I played lots of sports to get away. Sports were a way of finding a crew of boys to have fun with, but still I always bugged my mom, asking her for a brother. I was always mad that my sisters had their squad of girl cousins and their girls’ nights out. I needed my boys’ squad. I remember one day in particular in sixth grade I was still bugging my mom as she sat at the kitchen table looking through the mail. Per usual, I asked her why I couldn’t have a brother and complained about how I didn’t have another boy to play with. At one point in the stack of mail, she must have come across something from St. Seb’s. So she stopped, grabbed the pamphlet, and as I made a last plea, she said, “Paulie, you’re twelve years old. It’s time to stop asking that stupid question.” So I marched downstairs, powered up Guitar Hero on my Xbox, and cried my way through “Free Bird.” That last detail and what my mom said to me are almost completely false, but you get the idea. I actually did ask my mom about having a brother all the time, but her responses were always much more compassionate. Her answer was in a stack of mail one day during my sixth grade year. From there she decided to bring me to a St. Sebastian’s Open House where I got a look at exactly what I’d longed for all along. A year later, I was blessed to find my brothers as I entered this fine institution with most of you. And now, here we are today, and I stand here so proud of and happy for all my brothers.

Although after today we will go our separate ways for the most part, and it seems like our brotherhood is temporary, we have created something eternal. Over the past three to six years we have come a long way. I know personally I have developed a lot from the kid with gelled hair and button blazer who was having a panic attack in Mr. Cornish’s room in the face of his Johnny Tremain summer reading quiz. We have overcome so many challenges and have strengthened ourselves and each other through them to truly become men of courage, honor and wisdom, as our mission states. There are a lot of great memories I look back on when I think of the forging of this brotherhood. I think of the long rides and fan buses to playoff hockey games. I think of late night and early morning donut­-fueled study sessions. I think of the countless number of calories consumed at Chipotle, Chick­fil­A, Town Pizza, McDonald’s, you name it. You could say we’ve wasted a lot of time and clogged a few arteries, but I think those moments of downtime not really doing much are some of the most precious and formative. I will never forget the skiing adventures, rounds of golf, or Wednesday joyrides. Through these experiences we have grown with each other and become closer to one another, and now I can finally say that

“As brothers, we know how to give of ourselves to help out a classmate. As Arrows, we know to go beyond these grounds and make a mark on the wider community. ” 30 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III


COMMENCEMENT 2016 I’ve found my crew of boys in you guys. I pray we never forget exactly how special these years have been, and I know we’ll look back at them with smiles and laughs. For all of these memories, I am so grateful to my fellow Arrows of the Class of 2016. Moreover, our time here was greatly enriched by all of our teachers. None of this St. Sebastian’s experience would’ve been possible without their hard work and dedication. Our teachers have formed us and guided us through ups and downs on our way to becoming the young men we are today. We students owe a great deal of gratitude to them for their efforts to go above and beyond for us. And lastly, perhaps we owe the most thanks to our families. It’ll take me a while to ever fathom just how much my parents do for me. Personally, I think one of my greatest failings has been how little I have appreciated my parents and shown my love for them. Someday, I hope I can realize all they do and be appropriately thankful. If we step back and look at all of the good things we have going for us in our lives, I think the majority would be thanks to our parents and families. Mom and Dad, thank you for everything. You have offered me so much guidance, and I don’t know who I’d be today without you both. Unlike my parents, I’m not worthy to even try to offer you any advice. Nevertheless, here’s my brief spiel. I misspoke at the beginning Seniors process across campus during the Headmaster’s Walk before Commencement. of the speech. I said we made it, which is only partially true. We have indeed made it to graduation and our school larger world, I am confident that we will remember to share our work here is complete, but our mission is ongoing. We are gifts. We have learned the lesson well here at St. Sebastian’s that not done; rather, we are now equipped. We are now trained to when something is just for yourself, it isn’t as real, satisfying, go on our way and live out our mission as fully as we can. At or lasting. As brothers, we know how to give of ourselves to this time when we are extending the paths we’ve started here help out a classmate. As Arrows, we know to go beyond these and seeking new paths, a lyric from one of the least relevant grounds and make a mark on the wider community. As a fun­ bands is most relevant. The line comes from the song “Give loving and simply loving class, we are poised to live balanced a Little Love” by Noah and the Whale, and it goes as follows: and happy lives if we stick to our roots as brothers and Arrows. “What you share with the world is what it keeps of you.” We I look forward to seeing all the great things that we will do, have all shared a great deal with St. Sebastian’s, and we will be but until then, let’s keep after it and show everyone what we’re remembered for those deeds. If we hadn’t shared anything, we made of. Thank you, God bless, and roll Seb’s. would’ve been largely forgotten. Now, as we gradually enter the

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“It is so exciting to have so many members of the community participate in something that will have such a great impact.” —James Mooney ’18

Two years ago, James travelled to Mbarara, Uganda

Everyday

AMAZING

E

ach year, the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center salutes one hundred individuals and groups from across the country and around the globe who are making a difference in the fight against cancer. From researchers and advocates to philanthropists and volunteers, “The One Hundred” represents people whose contributions have made an impact in inspiring and often innovative ways. James Mooney ’18 is one such individual, selected as a 2016 honoree for his efforts to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer in Uganda by organizing East Africa’s first-ever color run. 32 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III

with his sister and mother, a life-changing trip that planted the seed for James’ call to service. His parents, Lisa and Jim, a St. Sebastian’s trustee, had been avid supporters of the Mass General’s global health initiatives for years, but to witness firsthand the lack of medical resources in Uganda had a profound impact on James. The MGH Center for Global Health runs a program in Mbarara that collaborates closely with the Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. As James spent time in the hospital’s cancer clinic with undernourished and sick children from remote villages, his heart filled with compassion for them. A child diagnosed with cancer in Uganda only has a 20-30% chance of survival, compared to a child living in the U.S. who has an 85% chance of beating the disease. Seeing devoted teams of doctors and nurses working to save the lives of those afflicted by pediatric cancer inspired him to help in any way that he could. During the visit, the MGH Global Health program director. Noortje Trienekens, suggested to James that he return with a project of his own one day, and that is exactly what he did. In June 2015, just a year later, James returned to Mbarara to organize the first ever 5K Uganda Color Run for Cancer in East Africa in collaboration with local hospital, the Mbarara University of Science and Technology, and the MGH Center for Global Health. Noortje had tried to organize a 5K the year before, but the event did not inspire many runners. “5K’s are common here in US, but not in Uganda, “shares James. “Noortje and I thought it could be a nice twist to make it a color run instead.” The goal of the event was to raise awareness in the community about the critical services that the Oncology department at Mbarara Hospital provides. The Color Run also served as a way to raise funds to support cancer care for children in Uganda. The event was a great success on both fronts. James helped to recruit over one hundred members of the community to participate in the run. Far surpassing his original goal of $7,000, he raised $40,000, with friends, family and other supporters at home sponsoring the run. In the days and hours leading up to the Color Run, James was busy promoting the event in the community, gathering supplies and setting up the route. A competitive athlete who has participated in many fundraising runs, he was ready and excited to lace up his running shoes on the big day. The


untimed race was a unique experience for the runners as they were saturated with colorful corn starch powder by volunteers who stood along the dirt road that served as the route. Despite being challenged by the high altitude, running alongside the native Ugandans in a color run he had organized is something James will never forget. “This is so cool. It is so exciting to have so many members of the community participate in something that will have such a great impact.” The funds raised were used to build a 12-bed inpatient ward for the cancer clinic, completed just three months later, and to provide scholarships for residents in adult and pediatric oncology to complete their training and strengthen the nursing capacity at the clinic. There are only a few trained oncologists serving the entire country, and in Mbarara, a single physician and six nurses see between 15 and 20 patients daily. On May 24, 2016, James was honored at the Mass General Hospital Cancer Center’s “The One Hundred” Gala for his extraordinary efforts. James found himself alongside icons such as Patriots’ player Nate Solder and standup comedian

Quincy Jones, as well as ordinary individuals like himself. It was a very special night, listening to and celebrating the stories of some of this year’s honorees. “I was proud to be among the 100 honorees,” shares James. “It was a really impressive group. The other honorees were so inspiring as well.” One Color Run was not enough; the seed planted two years before on James’ first trip to Uganda had grown into a passion for helping children in the African cancer clinic. In June 2016, James returned to Uganda to organize and participate in the Second Annual 5K Uganda Color Run for Cancer. This time, he recruited over three hundred racers, enlisting the help of local TV and radio stations in Mbarara to promote the event. Once again, James surpassed his fundraising goal, raising around $50,000 to fund the urgent need for more doctors and nurses. During the trip, James was able to see the fruits of his labor, visiting children in the 12-bed inpatient ward he made possible through funds raised from the first Color Run—a beautiful example of “Everyday Amazing” in action.

From top to bottom, left to right: James with one of the runners following the 5K Uganda Color Run for Cancer. n The new cancer ward for children. n James at the 100 Gala with Noortje Trienekens, MGH Global Health Program Director, his sister, Catherine, and his mother, Lisa. n James promotes the run at a local radio station in Mbarara.

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Three Generations of

ARROWS HOCKEY CAPTAINS

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I

t’s not often that three generations of one family attend the same school and even more unusual that they play on the same team. The Doherty family has taken the legacy a layer deeper, achieving something truly special—three generations of captains for the same team. Jack Doherty ’17 will take the ice this coming hockey season as a captain, following in the footsteps of his father, Tim ’87, and his grandfather, Jack ’62. St. Sebastian’s strong hockey program has always been a source of pride for the Arrows since the formation of the first team during the winter of 1943-44. The Doherty family has been part of that tradition for 60 of the School’s 75year history. “It runs in our blood,” says Tim. For all three generations, it was a dream come true to play hockey at St. Sebastian’s. Jack ’62 was itching to be a student at St. Sebastian’s from an early age. Older brother Neil ’59 started as a 9th grader in 1954 and just a year later, Jack entered the School as a 7th grader. He had spent his early years being taught by the nuns at Sacred Heart in Newton Centre and was so excited to be at an all-boys school—and to get to play hockey. During Jack’s first year, St. Sebastian’s had no hockey rink. The boys travelled by bus to the Boston Skating Club for practices and games. Luckily, by the time he was in 8th grade, the outdoor rink at the top of Nonantum Hill had been built. He also had the great fortune of having Henry Lane ’49 as his coach on the varsity team. A truly brilliant coach, Lane was a master at getting more out of a high school athlete than should be possible. His hockey and baseball teams were

among the best in the state, despite the school’s small size. During Jack’s time on the varsity team, the line-up was filled with outstanding players with the record to prove it. The 1960–61 varsity hockey team finished 19-0 against schoolboy hockey teams. The next year, Jack was a captain of the undefeated 1961-62 team, finishing

a perfect 17-0 to complete a remarkable run of 36-straight schoolboy victories over two seasons. “There were lots of glorious moments,” shares Jack. “Playing on that team, there was nothing like it.” His wife Kathy—who was also his high school sweetheart and the sister of his teammate, Joe Tomasello ’63—has been cheering on the Arrows for over 50 years.

Coach Lane drops the puck for Jack Doherty ’62 and Tim Ladd ’63.

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“In Boston, kids are passionate about the Bruins, Celtics or Red Sox. For me, it was all about how St. Sebastian’s was doing.” —Tim Doherty ’87

Jack remained an active alumnus after graduating in 1962, and returned to serve as Business Manager in 1979. At that point he had two boys of his own, Jed ’86 and Tim ’87, and would bring them to hockey games when they were young and recount stories of his glory days on the ice. Jack was coaching the junior varsity team when Tim was in 4th and 5th grade, and during school vacations, Tim would be out there with the players on the ice. “In Boston, kids are passionate about the Bruins, Celtics or Red Sox. For me, it was all about how

St. Sebastian’s was doing,” shares Tim. When it came time to decide where his sons would go to school, there was no doubt in Jack’s mind that they would become Arrows. Jed arrived in the fall of 1980, Tim the following year. Tim started as a seventh grader just one year shy of St. Sebastian’s move from Newton to Needham. This gave him the opportunity to experience one season of play on the outdoor rink at Nonantum Hill. Just like his dad before him, he can still recall how the wind would whip across the rink and the lights would swing—Nonantum was the second highest hill in Newton. And if it snowed, Tim and his classmates would spend gym class shoveling off the rink. Tim played with Jed on the varsity team for three years for Henry Lane—the same coach as their dad. Jack, who served as assistant coach, recalls how proud he was of both his sons when they captained teams during their senior years; Jed served as a soccer captain, and Tim was a captain for football and hockey. While Jed was a clever and shifty forward, Tim played defense. “He’s one of the best open ice checkers I ever saw,” shares Jack. “Most parents get excited

watching their son get a goal. I’d get excited when he’d nail a kid.” Jack notes that helping to coach the team ensured he’d always be at the games. His sons felt the same way. After they graduated and Jack was still coaching, they would call around during away games until they got the Zamboni operator to get the score. In fact, the Doherty Family’s passion for St. Sebastian’s hockey has never waned. Jed has been an assistant coach for the past twenty-one years, Jack ’62 never misses a game, and Tim can count on less than one hand the number of games he’s missed in the last two decades. By the time Tim’s son Jack ’17 was one year old, he was already an Arrow in training. “Grampy” would often bring him to games and put him up against the glass so he could watch. During his first organized skate, young Jack got down on all fours to do stretches, just like the boys on the St. Sebastian’s hockey team. “Nobody else at that age was doing those stretches; it’s just what he knew,” says Jack ’62. Little Jack thought of those players as professionals. In response to the question “who is your favorite pro hockey player?” on the back of a

LEFT: Tim with his coaches, Dan Williams, Henry Lane, and his father, Jack. RIGHT: Jack and Tim on the ice.

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TOP LEFT: Jack ’62 holds his young grandson, Jack ’17, up to the glass so he can watch the Arrows play. TOP RIGHT: Jack ’17 skates for the Arrows during the 2015-2016 hockey season.

The back of Jack’s Needham Youth Hockey card.

Needham youth hockey card, sixyear old Jack listed Brian Boyle ’03 - a member of the St. Sebastian’s hockey team at the time. (His instincts were good as that same year Boyle was a first round draft pick in the NHL and now plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning). In a pool of talented hockey players, Jack ’17—a forward just like his grandfather—worked hard to make the Arrows team. Tim and Jack ’62 have been there to watch every single game Jack has played, always standing in the same spot. “They still live Seb’s hockey through me,” says Jack ’17. “Sometimes after a big win, they are more excited than I am. It’s pretty cool to be able to carry on that tradition.”

“As good as those days were back in ’62, they pale in comparison to watching my grandson play.”

Through dedication and grit, Jack ’17 has become a valuable member of the team and has been elected one of the captains by his peers for the 2016-2017 season. “There is no doubt in my mind that Jack was chosen because he is a heart and soul type of player,” says Coach Sean McCann. “His determination and intensity are exceptional and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win. He’s also a great teammate who thinks of others and their well-being.” Jack ’17 notes that “to get to play on the team in general is special. To be third generation captain takes it to another level.” The pride both Jack’s father and grandfather feel in watching him skate for the black and red is evident, and to share this honor as hockey captain with him makes it that much more extraordinary. “As good as those days were back in ’62,” shares the older Jack, “they pale in comparison to watching my grandson play.”

—Jack Doherty ’62

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS PARENTS OF ALUMNI RECEPTION On April 14, St. Sebastian’s hosted the annual Parents of Alumni Reception in Ward Hall. Almost 200 parents from a wide range of classes returned to campus to reconnect and reminisce. It was an especially meaningful reunion as St. Sebastian’s begins the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of our School. Parents enjoyed a video capturing some of the special moments and memories of the past 75 years and Headmaster Burke shared his reflections on the School’s exciting history.

HEADMASTER SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

Kathy Ouellette P’14, Liz Quinn P’09 and Bob Ouellette P’14.

More than 100 St. Sebastian’s parents, alumni, and friends hit the links at Woodland Golf Club on May 9 for the Headmaster Scholarship Golf Tournament. For the third year in a row the outing successfully raised funds for the Headmaster Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to St. Sebastian’s students. Thank you to Men’s Association President Mike Muldowney P’12,’16,’22 and Golf Chair Sam Hodgson P’12,’20 for their efforts to make this event a fantastic success. Thank you also to all of our sponsors and participants for your generous support of the tournament.

GUILD OF ST. IRENE FASHION SHOW St. Sebastian’s mothers enjoyed an evening of fun and fashion on May 17 at the Guild of St. Irene’s annual closing event in Ward Hall. The Dinner & Fashion Show began with socializing and shopping, followed by the highlight of the evening - senior moms working the catwalk in the latest fashion trends. A lovely evening was had by all thanks to the fantastic efforts of CoChairs Jeanne McKenzie P’18,’20 and Susan Wagner P’19 and the event committee.

Bill Burke with Mary Mahoney P’16,’21, Eileen Orscheln P’17 and Alyson Karpowicz P’16.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION COOKOUT

Mothers of seniors model outfits put together by Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs.

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On June 9, Headmaster Bill Burke hosted over 100 parents, alumni and friends on the Class of 2007 Terrace for the Volunteer Appreciation Cookout to celebrate and thank our tremendous volunteers who have made contributions of time and talent this year. From supporting Guild and Men’s Association events, to working on the annual fund and serving as class agents, St. Sebastian’s is blessed to have such an amazing team of volunteers!


Celebrating 75 YEARS of

A THREE-DAY BIRTHDAY PARTY 75th Anniversary

Founder’s Day Celebration

GAME DAY

Thursday, September 29

Friday, September 30

Join us for a community-wide Mass followed by a luncheon to mark the 75th anniversary of St. Sebastian’s first ever day of classes. Our students and faculty will spend

Come cheer on your Arrows!

the day celebrating our School’s history at this inaugural event.

4:30 PM Varsity Soccer vs. BB&N 7:00 PM Varsity Football vs. Middlesex

11:00 AM Mass on the football field 12:00 PM Luncheon under the tent

Concessions | 75th Apparel | Fireworks following football game

RSVP for the luncheon and Mass at:

*Varsity Cross Country vs. Roxbury Latin will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1.

stsebs.org/foundersday

Let us know you’re coming: stsebs.org/gameday

75th Anniversary Gala SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2016 Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston, MA 6:00 PM Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres | Oval Room 7:30 PM Dinner, Remarks & Anniversary Film | Grand Ballroom 9:30 PM Dancing until Midnight | Oval Room —Black Tie—

Purchase tickets at: stsebs.org/75gala WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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Fun Finds from the

ARCHIVES

An ad for War Bonds appears on the very last page of “The Arrow” 1945 Yearbook. This ad serves as a powerful reminder of what was happening in the world during St. Sebastian’s earliest years. Purchasing War Bonds was a way every American could support World War II.

Alcibiades was a much-loved dog who belonged to Monsignor Keating. He lived from the mid-1950’s until the late 1960’s. Students thought of him as the school mascot. Alcibiades was named after the prominent Athenian statesman, orator and general. He lived in McInnis Hall, where the priests resided. Along with Purina dog food, he also ate heartily from the scraps of the priests’ evening dinner. Alcibiades was one of several dogs to roam campus over the years, including Father Riepe’s dog, Christopher Hollingsworth.

A telegram was sent to the Class of 1958 by Foster Furcolo, the 60th Governor of Massachusetts, congratulating the boys on their graduation from St. Sebastian’s.

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Color movies from the 1960’s and early 1970’s of sporting

“All aboard, going aboard!” This is the warning Father Keating would give to seventh and eighth graders before embarking on one of their field trips to various points of interest around Massachusetts. These excursions were a regular event during the mid to late 1950’s, giving the younger members of the Saint Sebastian’s family an opportunity to acquaint themselves with many of the famous cultural, historical and religious monuments in Massachusetts. The “small fry” were shown such sights as the Museum of Fine Arts, the U.S.S. Constitution and the battlefields of Lexington and Concord. In April 1955, the boys were treated to a Red Sox-Yankees game with box seats graciously provided by Mr. Joe Cronin, general manager of the Boston club and father of eighth grader “Corky” ’59. Monsignor Flanigan’s idea behind the program was “the education of the whole boy.”

events and Commencement at St. Sebastian’s were recently donated to the school’s archives, thanks to John Hickey ’65. After searching his father’s movie collection, John had 17,250 feet of 16 mm color film converted to a digital format. The film taken by his dad, John P. Hickey, covered various events in his life from 1943 to 1980, including his days in Pearl Harbor. The priceless clips of St. Sebastian’s include footage of a football game in 1962, a baseball game in 1965, and Commencement in 1965,1969 and 1971.

Help us build our archives! In honor of St. Sebastian’s 75th Anniversary, we are looking to build our archives and preserve our history for future generations of Arrows. Perhaps you—or your parents— have something buried in a box in the attic! For more information about how to make a contribution to our archives, contact Ed Davis at ed_davis@stsebs.org or 781.247.0158 or visit stsebs.org/archives.

A collection of football programs dating back to 1946 feature colorful artwork on the front cover, rosters, cartoons and Coca-Cola ads. The cost of a program was 25 cents!

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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SPRING SPORTS

LEFT: Kevin Boland ’16 (left) and Matthew DeSisto ’18 (right) hustle down the field; RIGHT: Cameron Balboni ’16 intercepts the ball.

Varsity Lacrosse BY JOHN PIATELLI ’17 The St. Sebastian’s Arrows varsity lacrosse team had a strong season with an overall record of 12-4, and an ISL record of 11-4. The team welcomed several new young players to their team, and with the help of some more experienced leadership, the Boys in Black were ready to overcome any opponent that stood in their way. In their first contest of the year, the Arrows took on Phillips Exeter in their only non-league matchup. Although the game was locked 3-3 at halftime, the boys were able to persevere and battle their way to a 6-5 victory. After Phillips Exeter, the Arrows welcomed the Foxes of Roxbury Latin to their home turf. Spearheaded by a pair of goals from senior attackman Cam Balboni and an additional pair from junior captain Mike Connolly, the Arrows found themselves sitting comfortably with a 4-1 lead in the second quarter; however, the Foxes fired back with two goals before halftime to cut the lead to just one. Never a team to be discouraged easily, the boys capped off the game with four goals to win the contest 8-5.

Although the win against Roxbury Latin was an uplifting one, the players quickly set their eyes on the next opponent: Nobles, another tough ISL rival. Nobles showed off their talent early, jumping off to a 5-1 lead. The Arrows fought their way back into the game with a huge spark in the fourth quarter: four consecutive goals, three of them by junior attackman John Piatelli. Despite the late-game heroics, the Bulldogs edged out a victory against the Arrows, 8-6. Although Nobles found themselves victorious, Lawrence, Groton, St. George’s and St. Paul’s did not find themselves so lucky. The Arrows ripped off an impressive fourgame winning streak, outscoring their opponents 53-10 in that span, due in large part to solid goaltending from Alex Gainey and Mac Fotiades. Although the whole team was rolling during this streak, all players had their minds on the next home game: rivals Belmont Hill. The Arrows were up 6-4 at halftime with senior captain Mike Mackintire playing a strong game. At one point in the game, Mackintire dove for a loose ball to allow a fellow Arrow to scoop it up and gain possession, but despite the great play by Mackintire,

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Belmont Hill played a great game of their own and grinded its way to an 11-10 victory. Although this particular loss stung, the boys knew that the season must go on, and bounced back with a convincing 11-4 win against BB&N. After BB&N, the Arrows were ready for revenge against a talented Middlesex team, whom they had lost to last year. Individual defensive efforts from Eric Jeremiah, Will Frisoli, and Kevin Boland carried Sebs to a well-deserved 11-6 win. Eric Jeremiah won his matchup against a very talented midfielder. With the end of the season drawing near, the thought of an ISL championship still lingered in everyone’s mind, and the Arrows looked to stay in the hunt as they traveled to Rivers. In a close, hard fought game, Rivers came out on top 5-4. The team then played Milton at home after the tough loss, and won the game 10-3 with senior attackman Chris Potvin joining the scoring column with a beautiful goal. After Milton, the Arrows faced Governor’s Academy. The game quickly turned into an offensive slugfest, with both teams flashing some serious offensive talent. Jack Frisoli, Will Plansky, Matt DeSisto, and Parker Joyce provided the scoring for the Red and Black, as well as an amazing late goal by junior long-stick midfielder Eric Jeremiah. Despite the offensive fireworks, Governor’s claimed a 12-10 victory in what remained a close game until the final whistle. The Arrows won their last three games of the year against St. Mark’s, Brooks, and Thayer. Capping off the season in a fast, explosive, and confident fashion, the Arrows, assisted by a fantastic goal from Kevin Boland, dominated the Tigers 18-7. This year’s ISL was a tough one; the team lost four games by a combined total of only six goals. With some great young talent coming back, the Arrows look to have another great year next year with captains John Piatelli, Mike Connolly, and Jack Frisoli leading the way.


SPRING SPORTS

Varsity Baseball BY COACH RICHARD CONNOLLY Your 2016 Arrows Nine went 13-5 overall and 10-5 in the ISL. This was by far the most competitive season in league history. Our five losses gave us the second-best record, which of course is disappointing, but picking up doubledigit wins is certainly something to be proud of. Our seven seniors, led by co-captains Mike Calabro ’16 and Sean Harrington ’16, leave the program with a strong sense of confidence and pride, and the twelve returning guys are hungry to compete for the title next year. Harrington and Tommy Seidl ’17 earned all-league honors, and Frankie Mahoney ’16, Blake Gallagher ’17, and Billy Seidl ’19 were honorable mentions. We began auspiciously, with Gallagher throwing a no-hitter on opening day to beat Nobles 1-0. Next, Will Slayne ’16 threw five innings of three-hit ball to defeat

Dexter 7-3, and despite an impressive career debut on the bump by Billy Seidl, the Arrows fell to Lawrence Academy 2-1 in extra innings, after the Spartans stole home with two outs in the last frame to tie the game. We then went on a little bit of a tear, ripping off five consecutive wins, highlighted by away victories against both Roxbury Latin, where Jack McCool ’16 paced the offense, and Belmont Hill, where Maynel Fuentes ’16 drove in three two-out runs to beat the defending champs 7-3. At BB&N, we ran into a stud-filled lineup, dropping a 15-6 decision to the eventual league tri-champs. Against a Worcester Academy team that won 20 games and put up insane offensive stats, the Arrows plated 12 runs and Tommy Seidl, Cole Tremblay ’19, and Timmy Noone ’19 held the Hilltoppers to just three in a statement-making win. An extra-innings victory against Rivers was followed up by a 13-7 triumph at Tabor, with an all-freshmen pitching arsenal of Connor Bertsch, Tremblay, and Noone leading the way.

We then hit a three game skid during which we dropped one-run losses to tri-champ Milton and St. Mark’s (in extra innings) and a 5-0 decision against tri-champ Governor’s and their pitcherof-the-year. If a couple bounces went our way during this week, you’re talking about a league championship. To close the season, we earned convincing wins over Brooks, Thayer, and Middlesex, against whom an all-senior staff of Brendan Lutch, Cole Aldrich, and Slayne combined to hold the Zebras to one run off three hits. Our team mantra was “Kaizen,” a Japanese word that means continuous improvement, and this group of 19 young men certainly lived up to that challenge. Each day they got a little better, and if you were lucky enough to see these guys in action, you witnessed young men playing for the love of the game and for each other. Captains elected for 2017 are Timmy DiFiore ’17, Blake Gallagher ’17, and Tommy Seidl ’17.

LEFT: Frankie Mahoney ’16 drills the ball into the outfield; RIGHT: Sean Harrington ’16 dashes for second base.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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SPRING SPORTS

Varsity Tennis BY WESTON BRACH ’16 & ERIK JONES ’16 The 2016 tennis season was a phenomenal one for the Arrows. Led by senior cocaptains Erik Jones and Weston Brach, the team compiled a 13-2 record in the ISL and a 17-3 record overall. With only two losses in league play, the Arrows tied for 2nd, marking the best ever finish in program history. At the end of last season, we set a goal to qualify for the New England Class B Tournament in 2016. In order to do this, we knew that we would all have to come back as better players. Every single member of the team put in work over the offseason, and this year’s team reaped the rewards. Practices run by Coach Richter and Coach Thomas started early, the week before March vacation, and we immediately got to work on both singles and doubles play. The vast improvement of this year’s team was demonstrated in how we performed against teams that beat us last year: Groton, St. George’s, Roxbury Latin, and Brooks. We knew it would be difficult to defeat these teams, as all three (with the exception of RL) had nearly identical line-ups to the year before. But this year’s Arrows squad was characterized by athletes who played extra gritty tennis and who pushed one another to persistently fight during matches. Against Roxbury Latin, the St. Sebastian’s team went from a 0-15 loss in the 2014-2015 season to a 10-5 victory this year, after a couple of key players graduated from RL. Throughout the lineup, the Arrows demonstrated a significantly higher level of play than last year, in their next three matches, winning all three (St. George’s: 9-6, Brooks: 8-7, Groton: 12-3). This year’s Arrows squad truly played together as one unit, and this team unity was a major factor that allowed us to defeat these strong teams. Beginning the lineup at #1 singles was senior co-captain Weston Brach. Weston carried the team once again at the top spot, playing the best competitor that each

CLOCKWISE: A talented group of seniors, Weston Brach, Sonny Huang, Christian Locurto and Erik Jones.

school had to offer. With a big serve and volley style, along with consistent ground strokes and a strong mental game, Weston finished the season with only one loss in league play, and once again was awarded All-league. Weston played doubles with Kurt Saraceno, and without the success of this doubles team, the season would have looked quite different. Weston will go on to play for Middlebury College and will be greatly missed. Senior co-captain Erik Jones (aka “Jonsey”) played #2 singles. Erik had a brilliant season for the Arrows, often employing unorthodox strategies (underhand serve, drop shot/lob) that tested the limits of his opponents’

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mental game. Erik used his speed and guile on the court to win key sets in matches, his most important win being the first set against the #2 from St. George’s. Erik finished the season with a remarkable 24-6 set record and was awarded All-league. He played doubles with Jayson Barros, and the two had a lot of success at the #2 position. Erik will go on to Dartmouth College, where he will likely play club tennis. He will be greatly missed. At #3 singles for the Arrows was sophomore Jayson Barros. He suffered from an illness late in the season, but when healthy, he was a consistent set winner for St. Sebastian’s at the third


SPRING SPORTS singles spot and the #2 doubles spot with Jones. Jayson may have had a shot at an All-League award had he not missed two matches from his sickness. He will be a key player for the Arrows in the 2017 season, likely playing at one singles. Playing #4 singles for St. Seb’s, sophomore Kurt Saraceno was frequently the most enthusiastic and energetic player on the court, and his nearby teammates fed off of his positive energy. Kurt’s big serve and forehand were key in singles, but they also set him up well for #1 doubles with Weston. His clutch play at the #1 doubles position helped him and Weston to secure important victories against the top two players from opposing teams. At #5 singles for the Arrows, senior Sonny Huang put in consistent work throughout the offseason, and he came into this season a much-improved player. Sonny contributed key points in every league match in singles. He also had a great season at #3 doubles, as he and Luke Jones were undoubtedly one of the best #3 teams in the league. Sonny finished his Seb’s tennis career by clinching the deciding point against Brooks. He will most likely play club tennis next year at Princeton University, but dreams of one day walking on to the varsity team after he “grinds over the summer.” He will be greatly missed next year. Playing #6 singles, was junior Luke Jones. Luke was clearly one of the best 6’s in the league and was a reliable contributor at this position. Luke had the privilege of playing all home matches on the “deserted island,” the champion court that overlooks all others from the top of the hill. Although playing his home matches away from most spectators’ view, Luke would consistently battle opponents in typically long baseline points. This “grinding” style of tennis frequently broke the opposition’s will to win. Luke was also an impact player at #3 doubles, and he will be moving up several singles spots in the 2017 season. The final senior departing from this year’s squad is Christian Locurto. Making the hike to and from Sturbridge, MA is no easy task, especially for Saturday

matches. However, Christian always made the trek, never complained, and uplifted his fellow Arrows with his positive attitude. Christian occasionally played in the #3 doubles, had two big wins at 2nd doubles with Erik Jones against Thayer, and had multiple wins in exhibition singles. His team spirit and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Filling out the team’s roster were junior Austin Huffman, and sophomores Paul Scemama and Henry DeMatteo. In over half of the other ISL teams these players would be in the top six, but this year’s Sebs squad had great depth. These players combined for many exhibition wins and, at various times during the season, contributed team points in doubles competition. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the season was making the Class B draw for the New England Prep School Tournament. For the first time in Seb’s history, the school hosted the upper half of the Class B draw. In the quarter final round, the Arrows faced top-seed Brunswick School and came away with a dramatic upset. With the match tied at 3-all, players and spectators moved to the championship court to watch Luke Jones play his third and final set for the last point of the match. After dropping the first set 4-6, Luke took the second 6-2 and then went on to take the third also by 6-2 to secure the win. The team’s good fortunes ran out in the semi-final round against Belmont Hill. The Arrows took a 1-0 lead, winning two doubles matches, but ran out of steam in the singles matches. After hours of play, two players were battling severe cramps and dehydration, and the team only managed another point in the singles round. The final score was 2-4 (one singles match was retired after the Hill took its fourth point). Nevertheless, the team competed well and richly deserved the invitation to the tournament. With four players graduating, the team will be looking to the remaining players to step up. The team elected co-captains and will surely have strong leadership from Luke Jones and Kurt Saraceno.

Spring Athletic Awards The following students were recognized for their performance on the Arrows varsity baseball, golf, lacrosse, sailing, and tennis teams during an Athletic Awards Assembly on June 1:

All-League ISL

BASEBALL: Sean Harrington ’16 and Tommy Seidl ’17 GOLF: Andrew Giacchetto ’19, Andrew Michienzi ’19 and Alejandro Soto ’16 LACROSSE: Cam Balboni ’16, Kevin Boland ’16, Mike Mackintire ’16 and John Piatelli ’17 TENNIS: Weston Brach ’16 and Erik Jones ’16

Honorable Mention All-League

BASEBALL: Blake Gallagher ’17, Frankie Mahoney ’16 and Billy Seidl ’19 LACROSSE: Jack Frisoli ’17, Will Frisoli ’19, Eric Jeremiah ’17 and Parker Joyce ’17

Paul Lepley Award (Baseball)

Presented by the coaches to the players who show the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of baseball at St. Sebastian’s School: Sean Harrington ’16 and Frankie Mahoney ’16

Letterman Award

Presented to members of the Senior Class who have earned a Varsity Letter in each season from their sophomore through senior years: Michael Calabro ’16

Scholar Athlete Award

Presented to members of the senior class who have participated in athletics each season from their sophomore through senior years: John Nilles ’16

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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SPRING SPORTS

LEFT: Coach Jim Sullivan with the 2016 championship varsity golf team. ABOVE: Alejo Soto ’16 takes a few practice swings.

Varsity Golf BY COACH JAMES SULLIVAN Take a talented group of golfers and mix it with excellent leadership and you have the ingredients for a championship golf team. For the past three seasons, the St. Sebastian’s Golf Team has been knocking on the door for the ISL Championship. Coming off a very successful 2015 season, and one win away from the ISL title, the Arrows approached the 2016 season with great anticipation. Yes, the Arrows had lost a fine leader, Ryan McGuirk ’15, but many talented and tournament savvy golfers were returning led by tri-captains Alejo Soto ’16 (4 time All League), Rob Lemone ’16 (All League 2015) and Peter Mullin ’16. They were joined by seniors Mike Mullowney ’16 and Paul Keady ’16, as well as the very talented freshman pair Andrew Giachetto ’19 and Andrew Michienzi ’19, and a hopeful group of junior varsity players and newcomers. The season was slow to get underway due to weather and golf course availability, but eventually tryouts among 26 hopefuls resulted in a varsity team of 10 with sophomores Jack Lemone ’18, Mario Oliva ’18 and Patrick DuFour ’18 cracking the varsity lineup.

As the season got underway there were the unasked questions: “Can we stay focused?” “Will we get trapped in thought of self and not team?” “Will overconfidence lead to disappointment?” The answers to these questions quickly emerged from the excellent leadership of tri-captains Soto, Lemone and Mullin. They were focused, committed to the goal, working as a team and they passed on these qualities to the younger players both in their actions and an occasional word of encouragement. They developed a spirit of togetherness and fun and were greatly supported by the other seniors, Mullowney and Keady. Match after match, the Arrows rolled to victory, soundly defeating the opponent and posting impressive scores along the way. Often matches resulted in 4, 5, or 6 Arrow players shooting par or better. Yet, with all of this success the Arrows were not alone at the top of the ISL League. Lawrence Academy, Rivers School and BB&N were also having great success. First up for the Arrows was BB&N on their home course. The Arrows were ready and soundly defeated the defending league champion by the score of 5.5—1.5. The next seven matches resulted in strong wins for the Arrows (two wins over Belmont Hill and Thayer and one each over Brooks, Middlesex and St. Mark’s). Nobles was next on their home

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course. This has always proven to be a very difficult match and this year was no exception. After four matches recorded, the Arrows found themselves in a tie, 2—2. After six matches the depth of the Arrows became apparent as the score was now 3.5 to 2.5. Mullowney sealed the victory with a win at the 7 position. However, victories were now becoming more difficult. Hard fought wins over Lawrence Academy and St. George’s School were followed by a nail-biter against Milton. In the Milton match, the Arrows found themselves behind 1.5—2.5 after the number four match. The depth of the Arrows proved again to be the deciding element as Oliva and Michienzi recorded go ahead victories and Keady sealed the win with his victory. The team now found itself atop the ISL League undefeated at 16 wins. A tri match remained against Rivers and Brooks. Both matches were most important as the very talented Rivers team had one loss and Brooks was a most formidable opponent with a winning league record. The Arrows needed to record at least a tie against Rivers to secure the league title. The match was filled with tension and excitement from the beginning. Student support for all the teams was quite evident around the Ponkapoag Golf Course. With a bit of a shotgun start to the event the Arrows quickly fell behind in the early


SPRING SPORTS going. Rob Lemone and Mullin tied the score at 2 with great come-frombehind victories. Two more matches quickly followed with a split result and still a tie at 3. On the course was Oliva in the number 6 match. Rumors were everywhere as to which player was ahead. Finally, the answer came that the match was tied coming to the last hole. With more than 30 onlookers the two players gave the crowd excitement down the stretch. Shot for shot, they matched each other until the last putt remained and Oliva secured the tie in his match and the league title with his final putt. The Arrows finished the season undefeated but once tied with a 17-0-1 record and a well deserved ISL Championship. Congratulations Arrow Golfers! The Kingman Cup is an 18-hole league tournament where each team sends its top five players. The four best scores are used to determine each school’s score. This year the tournament was held at the beautiful and very challenging Renaissance Golf Club in Haverhill. The selection for the team was most difficult this year, and ultimately awarded to Soto, Rob Lemone, Mullin, Giachetto, and Michienzi. The Arrows finished in second place with a score of 318 behind the very talented group from BB&N at 299, as their top three players recorded the three lowest scores in the field of 65. For the League Champion Arrows, Giachetto and Michienzi, both recorded a score of 76 and earned All League Honor. Soto was voted All League by the coaches for his outstanding league match play record, 13-5, at the most challenging number one position. Since 1990 no Arrow golfer has matched Alejo’s record: six year varsity player and mostly at the one position, five times All League, and a 65–27–11 league record. Alejo leads a group of five seniors who will be most difficult to replace on the golf course and as fine young St. Sebastian’s gentleman. For the past few years, one golfer has been recognized for his outstanding contribution to the team with his dedication, commitment, ever present positive spirit and encouraging attitude. The recipient for the Sullivan Award for the 2016 season was Paul Keady.

Varsity Sailing BY COACH DEIRDRE RYNNE This season marked a new beginning. With only two returning sailors and three new to sailboat racing, St. Sebastian’s joined with Ursuline Academy to form a composite team of eleven sailors. John Petro ’17 and Finn Mulligan ’18 helped lead and instruct new St. Sebastian’s sailors Jack Gallagher ’19, Aidan Garrity ’20 and Cameron Howell ’21 to learn the ropes on a variety of sailboats including Rhodes 19, 420 dinghy, MIT tech and Cape Cod Mercury. Six athletes from Ursuline Academy brought summer racing experience to the team. The team continued to practice out of Courageous Sailing in Charlestown out on Boston Harbor. Early in the season, the team was thwarted by snow and small craft advisory winds. The erratic weather patterns brought a roller coaster of temperatures including unseasonably cold weather in May which Fr. John Arens joked helped him reconnect with his Viking roots! Despite challenging weather and a new squad, St. Sebastian’s & Ursuline Sailing were able to race

against a number of teams in both Fleet and Team Racing throughout Greater Boston including Scituate, Concord Academy, Nantasket Nor’Easters, Natick, Hopkinton, Wellesley, LincolnSudbury, Wayland and Notre Dame Academy. Though there were not any Team Racing victories, the team learned a great deal about the mechanics of sailing, adapting to oscillating conditions in new venues and teamwork. The kids had fun and we never take for granted how fortunate we are to conclude a season without anyone or any boat harmed! The season concluded at the Mass Bay League Zimba Championships, one of the largest high school sailing events in the country hosted at Community Boating on the Charles River. The team finished 23rd. A special thanks to Mrs. Mary Ferruci and Mr. Mike O’Connor from Ursuline for helping make this union a smooth and successful transition which has strengthened the bond between two Catholic schools. The life long bonds and lasting skills developed on the water keeping each other safe is unlike that in any other sport. With a young group of sailors all intending to return next season, we hope to have more St. Sebastian’s sailors join the team.

John Petro ’17 and Cameron Howell ’21 race for Arrows Sailing.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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REUNION 2016

REUNION

2016 BY THE NUMBERS

Class of 1966 The class with the largest Reunion gift ($200,000) and the greatest number of members in attendance

3,122 miles The furthest distance traveled to get to Reunion by Ned Desmond ’76, coming from Menlo Park, CA. John Campbell ’66, John Murphy ’66, Marc Harrington ’71 and Brian Bowe ’96 were close runners-up, also coming from California

REUNION 2016

Alumni from the classes of 1’s and 6’s came back to campus to relive their days as students and reminisce with their Arrow brothers.

R

eunion weekend began on Friday, May 20 with events for the milestone Classes of 1991 and 1965, who were celebrating their 25th and 50th Reunions. Saturday’s festivities included a luncheon for the Classes of 1945 through 1966 where alumni had the opportunity to hear about life at St. Sebastian’s from current seniors. The afternoon also included campus tours and a chance to watch baseball, tennis and lacrosse before honoring all departed classmates during a Memorial Mass celebrated by Fr. John Arens in the St. Sebastian’s Chapel.

Reunion events concluded with the annual Headmaster’s Cocktail Reception and Clambake on Saturday night, with more than 230 alumni, their spouses, faculty, and friends in attendance. Before dinner, classmates reunited on the Class of 2013 Courtyard for the reception and class photos. The clambake in Ward Hall followed, featuring a brief program and video presentation celebrating St. Sebastian’s 75th Anniversary. Thank you to all of the alumni who returned to campus to be a part of this special Reunion weekend!

Class of 1991 The first class to graduate under Headmaster Burke’s tenure, celebrating their 25th Reunion

100% All 14 Reunion classes were represented over the course of the weekend’s events, with Bob Flynn ’46 serving as the most distinguished alumnus.

An enthusiastic group of Arrows from the class of 1971 thoroughly enjoy catching up at Reunion on Saturday, May 21.

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REUNION 2016

From top to bottom, left to right: Class of 2006 members Mike Morteo and James Pietsch enjoy their lobsters. n 2006 classmates Matt Spencer, Brian Lepley, Matt Simon, and Dale Anderson enjoy reconnecting. n John Harney ’71 dressed up for reunion. n Reunion attendees watch a slideshow of photos from over the years, highlighting each of the Reunion classes. n 2011 classmates: Alex Spear and Jordan Perry. n Robert Hennessy ’71 and John Campbell ’66 pose for a photo. n John Hueber ’71 and wife Marcia enjoy their lobster dinner.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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REUNION 2016

Milestone

CELEBRATIONS

50th

REUNION

Reunion weekend kicked off on Friday, May 20, with 25th and 50th Reunion dinners for the milestone Classes of 1966 and 1991. The Class of 1966 took a trip down memory lane, watching videos featuring photos from their years at St. Sebastian’s and sharing stories. Leading up to Reunion, Ed Kenney and George DeMambro diligently put together the 50th Reunion yearbook, while Ken Ulrich and Henry Tabb captured memories and updates through a Class of 1966 blog. The Class of 1991, the first class to graduate with Bill Burke as headmaster, enjoyed catching up at their dinner held under the tent on the Class of 2013 Courtyard.

Left: Steve Jack Sullivan, Chairman of the 50th Reunion Committee addresses his classmates. n Above: FRONT ROW: Bob Conway, Henry Tabb, Art Conway, Vin Cucchiara, George DeMambro, John McManus, Peter Castoldi, Carl McManama, Mike Warren and Ed Kenney. BACK ROW: Dick Terry, Jim Hoare, Tim Dolan, Bob Arnot, Rick Scully, Ken Ulrich, Jack Sullivan, Ron Lemieux, John Connolly, John Campbell, Steve Spenlinhauer, John Foley, Steve Finnegan and John Quinn.

Left: FRONT ROW: Headmaster Bill Burke, Paul Goodrich, Bill Bowman, Mike Mingolelli, Eddy Tabit, Kurt Steinkrauss; BACK ROW: Todd Proia, Kevin Welch, Tim O’Connell, Tim Chick, Bill Redfern, Mike Maguire, Tom Cronin, Alex Cook, Peter Cohn, Aron Clarke. n Below: Kurt Steinkrauss, Paul Goodrich and Todd Proia.

25th

REUNION

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REUNION 2016

Class of 1966 Establishes Fund in Honor of Henry Lane ’49

A

highlight of the Headmaster’s Luncheon was a special ceremony announcing the “Henry T. Lane and Class of 1966” Scholarship Fund. The 1966 50th Reunion Committee established the fund to honor their former teacher and coach - and life-long friend - Henry Lane ’49. Twenty classmates generously contributed to the fund, raising $200,000 in gifts and pledges. Jack Sullivan ’66, Chairman of the 50th Reunion Committee, presented a plaque, commemorating the initiation of the scholarship fund, to Henry and spoke fondly about the strong bonds formed between Henry and the Class of 1966. “It is a great honor to name this fund after Henry because of the respect that our entire class has for him as a teacher, coach and mentor and what he means to St. Sebastian’s,” shares Jack. “He always gave us the belief that we could win in both baseball and in hockey and made our practices and games fun to participate in.” Headmaster Bill Burke thanked Jack and the entire committee for their outstanding efforts in establishing this fund which will make it possible for future generations of deserving students to become Arrows. Along with Jack, committee members included: John Campbell, Peter Castoldi, Vin Cucchiara, George DeMambro, Steve Finnegan, Ed Kenney, John Mcmanus, John Quinn, John Ready, Steve Spenlinhauer, Henry Tabb, Dick Terry, and Ken Ulrich.

Jack Sullivan ’66 and Henry Lane ’49, holding the plaque commemorating the initiation of the “Henry T. Lane and Class of 1966” Scholarship Fund.

Headmaster’s LUNCHEON The Classes of 1945 through 1966 kicked off Saturday’s festivities with a luncheon hosted by Headmaster Burke and his wife, Patty, on the Class of 2007 Terrace.

Top to bottom, left to right: 1956 Classmates Paul Kirk and Peter Ablondi. n Mike Warren ’66 enjoys some delicious food. n Ed Carens ’61 with his wife, Paula. n Charlie Monahan ’57 and Allan Praught ’54.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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REUNION 2016

Bob Flynn ’46, representing the 2nd-ever class of alumni.

John Moore ’51 with wife Betty and Mary Rose Griffin.

Tom O’Brien, Bill Burke, Peter Allen, Peter Ablondi, Mike Donlan, Paul Kirk and Tim Daly.

FRONT ROW: Robert Hennessy, Mark McCue, Mark Bergin, Tom Whalen, Brian Campbell, John Hueber, John Noonan; BACK ROW: Bob McGuane, Marc Harrington, Richard Hoy, Gleason Gallagher, Barry McGown, Jay Harney, Vincent Quealy.

52 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III

Dan Daly, Booth Myers, Ed Burke, Bill Wingard, Ed Carens and Kevin Daley.

FRONT ROW: Robert Doonan, Ed Mahoney, Jim Mulroy, Francis Rockett; SECOND ROW: Frank Viano, Geoff May, Ned Desmond. BACK ROW: Larry Conway, Tom Clarke, Don Carey, John Manning, Peter McManama.


REUNION 2016

FRONT ROW: Paul Andrews, Bill Kasper, Bill Maney; BACK ROW: Mark Warner, Henry Vara, Joe Lawler, John Harrington.

FRONT ROW: Jim Walsh, John Ferrante; SECOND ROW: John Conti, Lee Sullivan, Chris Curtin, Bill O’Hearn, George Giunta, Matt Noone; THIRD ROW: Ted Carr, Ned O’Neill, Eddie Wright, JB Dowd; FOURTH ROW: Paul McAuliffe, Jed Doherty, Peter McLaughlin, Doug Koza.

FRONT ROW: Greg Madden, Vin Connors, Dave McLean, Brian Bowe, Peter DiZinno; Doug Carlson; BACK ROW: John Weddleton, Stephen Ward, Justin Harney, Ned Cleary; Mike Smith.

FRONT ROW: Uche Anidi, Jason Prince, Ted Dillon, Dan Casali, Matt Spencer, Tim Kilcullen; SECOND ROW: Sheldon Mercer, Dale Anderson, Andrew Conway, Matt Boole, Andrew Dolan; Matt Simon. THIRD ROW: John Hynes, James Pietsch, Jonathan DeFalco, Matt Griffiths, David Gusella, Mark Holland; BACK ROW: Mike Morteo, Jim Gallagher, Brian Lepley, Matt Perry.

FRONT ROW: Mike Culgin, Jamie Stoddard; MIDDLE ROW: Matt Giddings, Brendan Atwood, Anthony Gallagher, Colin Dowdall; BACK ROW: Tom Scott, Mark McLean, Brian Flaherty.

FRONT ROW: Johnny Rodriguez, Jordan Perry, Louis Heck, Sean Sullivan, Will Adams; MIDDLE ROW: Nick Cortese, Alex Hunnewell, David Leith, Dillon Keer, Chris Warner, James Cerra, Robbie Spencer; BACK ROW: John Fee, Gerard McEleney, Connor Wiik, James Connolly, Tom Hoff, Sam Racine, Alex Spear. WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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CLASS NOTES Notes and Announcements from Arrows Alumni

WHAT’S

NEW? Keep your classmates updated by sending us your news! Send us photos, too! Submit class notes and photos at:

stsebs.org/classnotes Deadline for next issue:

NOVEMBER 15, 2016 Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to send the highest quality image possible and identify everyone.

1949

Henry Lane is still beating “E” (Ed Davis ’65) in cribbage on a regular basis.

1951

Ted Fallon writes: “A Diller a dollar, a ten o’clock scholar…with best wishes to my classmates and to those dear to them. The spirit of the school is wonderful to behold.”

1967

As of April 1st, Andy DeMambro has entered the next phase of life: RETIREMENT! “So far it has been awesome,” shares Andy. “Recently my daughter and her 2 1/2 year old son moved back to live with us after being in California for 3 years. I got the chance to drive cross country back from California in a rental truck; I loved the experience and scenery. I am looking forward to my next class reunion—#50.”

1968

Paul Maloof shares: “A Saint Sebastian’s warrior. Joined the USMC in 1968 right after graduation. Fr. Boles thought I needed my head to be examined. Nevertheless, I did a tour of Vietnam from 1969 to 1970 and entered Georgetown undergraduate and then Georgetown Law School. I still have the principals that the school instilled in me, especially by Henry Lane, my baseball coach and mentor, together with coaches who were Fr. Charlie McCoy and Henry O’Brien who took our 1967 football team to an undefeated season. I am blessed that I was a student at St. Sebastian’s. I am blessed to have great classmates like Jim Dunn, our ’68 class representative, who welcomed me home after Vietnam and made me his brother. This is the true value of being a classmate of St. Sebastian’s. Go Arrows!”

’68

Save the Date

May 19 & 20

REUNION

2017

If you are a member of a St. Sebastian’s class ending in 2 or 7, it’s time to start planning your reunion. We can’t wait to see you!

’52

James Benjamin ’52 has been working on his 1952 MG-TD for the past 48 years. His photos include the car with his children in 1967, with his wife Ruth in 1984 and almost completed.

54 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III

Paul Maloof


CLASS NOTES

’65

ALUMNI

EVENTS

September 27

Reunion Kick-off Rally

October 15 27 On a recent auto trip along the Maine coast, Frank Burke ’65 stopped to visit with classmate, Jamie Oates ’65, at his Belfast studio and gallery, Mainely Pottery. Along with his own work, the gallery provides space for many other Maine artists.

1969

Jack McKeon is engaged to SueAnn Shannon. Bob Falconi ’69, best man, will be graciously hosting the August 27th, 2016 nuptials at his Thornton, NH, estate along the Pemigewassett River.

1971

Gleason Gallagher reports that members of the class of 1971 Eric, Bergie, 110%, Gipper, Soup, and Bombis still all remain friends. “45 years later and the boys are still at it!” Bryan Ledoux writes: “Greetings to all my old classmates. Hope you and your families are doing well. How to catch up after being ‘incognito’ for several decades? Perhaps just a simple catch up with some biographical data to start with. My birth: 21 October 1952, Montreal, Canada; my citizenship(s): three, Canadian, US, Irish; my wife, Jean Regina Ledoux, born, Ottawa, Canada; my children: Patrick, living with wife Mary Ann in Maryland, Benoit (deceased), Germain (deceased); my parents: father, Joseph David Ledoux,

deceased WWII veteran of Canadian Army (paratrooper regiment), born Montreal, Canada. Mother, Hilda Ledoux (British citizen and WWII Royal Air Force veteran), born Belfast, Northern Ireland, 94 years young and living in Cohasset with older brother Derry and younger sister, Patty. Other brother, Michael, lives with wife Jin See (born in Malaysia), Cambridge, MA. He has two sons, Corey and Brendan. My career and education since leaving St. Sebastian’s: Boston College graduate, US Army retiree (and disabled veteran under the VA). Served in South Korea and the Middle East with various postings in US. Served as Chinese-Mandarin/Russian linguist, counter-intelligence agent and polygraph examiner. Post Army: worked for Compaq Computer Corporation (federal division) as computer engineer. Completed second degree—BS in Speech Language Pathology with MS degree (just about finished) in same field. My wife, Jeannie, and I have been happily married over 30 years. She is a retired nurse (University

Homecoming Alumni Dinner

November 14

Washington, D.C. Reception

15 22

New York Reception

23

Class of 2016 Yearbook Reception

26

Alumni Sports Day

Boston Business Breakfast

For more information, visit:

stsebs.org/alumnievents

Celebrating Be sure to see page 37 for details on upcoming events to celebrate St. Sebastian’s 75th Anniversary.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1971 continued... of Maryland) and our son is an architect (Catholic University). We have four granddaughters: Crystal, Sapphire, Jade, and Carmen. We suffered the tragic losses of our twin sons Germain and Benoit due to illnesses. Our Catholic faith has helped us tremendously. My interests: Catholic history, fine art, cycling, travel, languages. And last but not least an avid Montreal Canadians supporter (sorry Bruins fans!) Well

that’s it lads. God bless you all, Bryan P.S. In communication with any of you I prefer my own name. No nickname please. Thank you. P.P.S. I have been kept informed of happenings with St. Sebastian’s due to my good friend Bob McGuane. So if there is any prize for finding old classmates he should get it! (Ha. Ha.)” Robert J. McGuane (RJM) of RJM Tutoring & Research has been doing course development, and is scheduled to teach Basic Sign Language for Families & Care Givers this fall for

the Town of Wellesley Continuing Education. RJM notes, “Not only is sign language FUN, but it is highly researched, has recognized uses for dementia prevention, cognitive support, alternative, medical communications, infant and senior care giving; in addition to support for the deaf and hard of hearing. The classes propel the student into immediately making correct, practical use of basic sign language for his/her community of manual communicators.” In a different vein, as an avocation, RJM has collaborated with classmate Bryan Ledoux ’71 to do Bible study, with the objective of reading all the books of the Bible. “Like many of my classmates and schoolmates, I, RJM, feel that I received, at St. Sebastian’s School, both preprofessional and professional training, through an honors program combining math-science with humanities, including top rate English, French, history, etc., and a classical education (directed by a foremost Latin authority) of practical importance to biomedicine, law, religion, etc. (Few people may realize that Class of ’71 benefited from an upgrade to the science program, directed by a tough minded chemical engineer and graduate chemist.)”

1975

From top to bottom, left to right: Steve Brady ’60, Coach Tom Green ’49 and Coach Henry T. Lane ’49 enjoy a laugh at the expense of Ed Davis ’65 (Camera Man). n Gregg Cronin ’71 and Henry Lane ’49 enjoy a good St. Sebastian’s story at The Marshside Restaurant in Denis, MA. n Early one morning in June, Monsignor Gigi ’46 and “Bing” Crosby ’55 (seated) joined Mark “Bergie” Bergin ’71 and Ed Davis ’65 for breakfast in Natick.

56 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III

Paul Coletti writes: “Late 2016 and early 2017 will be a busy time for my wife, Kim, and me as we prepare for the weddings of our two daughters Marissa and Leah and the arrival of our first grandchild. My job at John Hancock Investments occupies a great deal of my time. I still however find myself with enough time to serve as a Deacon at St. Matthias Parish in Marlborough. I enjoyed seeing my classmates that were able to make our 40th reunion in 2015.


CLASS NOTES

Paul’s shares St. Sebastian’s memories: “I remember fondly the dedication of all of the teachers at St. Seb’s that made it a great place to learn. Some memories include Latin class with Monsignor Keating, math and religion classes with Father Mahoney, Father McAuliffe, Brother Raphael, Father Flagg, and Father Paris. The 9th grade baseball team coached by Mr. Dan Williams and Mr. George Norcross. Present day experiences include the immediate connection to St. Sebastian’s that I feel whenever I run into another Arrow, whether it’s a classmate from the 1970’s or some of the younger arrows now working at John Hancock and other financial institutions. Last but not least, I am grateful to my parents for sending me to St. Sebastian’s.” Robert McLaughlin shares that his daughter Erin is finishing up her third year at Pennsylvania State University’s College of Nursing while his son Bobby will receive his Masters Degree in May 2016 from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.

1978

George Quinn ’78 is heavily involved with veteran and active duty personnel. He is President of the veteran’s memorial design and development group in Big Lake, MN and President of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon in MN. Quinn will be traveling to Ireland this August with his sons Harrison and Gregory.

1982

Chris Kennedy has a healthy family and is plugging along in Realty. Kennedy notes, “I hope to gather with the class of 1982 in visiting Dan Keating this summer at Glen Farm for a Polo match.”

1998

Nicholas Soivilien has been named Assistant United States Attorney at The John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse in Boston. Nick will also be getting married on October 8th to Jennifer Lawrence at Gate of Heaven Church in South Boston.

Career Advisory

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

MORE THAN 500 PEOPLE representing a wide range of professions are already part of the network, and the potential for growth is tremendous. Dozens of industries are represented, from Advertising and Engineering to Healthcare and Real Estate Development.

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

www.stsebs.org/careers

Already an advisor? On July 21, Dr. John C. McManama P’66,’71,’72,’74,’76 turned 100 years old. The McManama family gathered in Humarock, MA on July 30 to celebrate this wonderful family milestone. The McManama brothers—Carl ’66, Steven ’72, Michael ’74 and Peter ’76—and their sisters surround their dad, and Dan ’71 was there in spirit. Their collective family is now over 80+ with children, spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The milestone birthday was celebrated by Boston College and the City of Waltham, with special Proclamations signed by the Mayor of Waltham and Fr. Leahy of Boston College, and was also acknowledged on the Today Show.

Help us keep our database current by logging into the Career Advisory Network and updating your contact information.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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CLASS NOTES

TED HARRINGTON ’01 NAMED

“EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR” Ted Harrington ’01 has been named “Executive of the Year” by the American Business Awards (ABA). Harrington is co-owner and Executive Partner of Independent Security Evaluators (ISE), and runs their west coast office located in San Diego. He was selected as one of five honorees in the category of Computer Services for ISE’s positive contributions to security research. On February 23, 2016, ISE published a groundbreaking piece of research called “Hacking Hospitals,” wherein they identified how hackers could deploy cyberattacks that could hurt or kill patients. Over 24 months, the study investigated 12 hospitals, two healthcare data facilities, two healthcare technology platforms, and two medical devices. According to Dr. Larry Ponemon, Chairman of the Ponemon Institute and a member of the research advisory board: “This study is laser-focused on protecting patients, by not just identifying the vast array of security challenges in healthcare, but also by articulating the path forward for the providers and business associates to provide better security.” ISE organizes IoT Village, which first debuted in August 2015 at esteemed security conference DEF CON. Created to investigate security flaws in connected devices, IoT Village hosts an onsite hacking contest, talks, workshops, live exploit demos, and press events. In its inaugural run, IoT Village served as a platform that delivered 66 critical security vulnerabilities across 27 different devices types and 18 different manufacturers, including prominent brands. On June 20, Harrington was honored at a black–tie gala in New York along with other ABA winners, including many of the world’s most respected executives, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business educators. Harrington was selected from more than 3,400 nominations made across the categories, with 44 U.S. states, three countries and two continents represented. “This award is obviously a great honor,” shares Harrington, “but what is most humbling is how this accolade reflects the important contributions to security research that everyone in our company has made.”

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2001

Dennis Smith and his family moved from Norwood to Norfolk, Massachusetts in October of this year. His daughter, Aliya, will be 3 in September and Smith and his wife are expecting a baby boy in July. He recently changed jobs and took on a sales specialist role with Novartis marketing a new biologic.

2002

In an unexpected (and exciting!) turn of events, James H. Keefe and his wife Hadley and daughters Millie (4 y/o) and Claire (1 y/o) have relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area. James is pleased to have accepted the position of Wealth Advisor with Polaris Greystone Financial Group LLC, a Fee-only firm headquartered in San Rafael, CA. James and family are settling in nicely and are also happy to once again live close to older brother Peter Keefe ’99 and his wife Alana and their five children. Chris Averill was married to Amanda Kaster at St. Paul Church in Hingham on May 22, 2016. The couple met while working for Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, and were engaged last January at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth, Maine. As both love to travel, Chris and Amanda are planning a November honeymoon in Hawaii, but got in a quick trip to Rome following the wedding, where their marriage was blessed by Pope Francis at a Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s Square.

2003

Andrew Bartlett married Kimberly Kirshon on May 15, 2016, at the Wychmere Beach Club in Harwich Port, MA. Andy has taken a position at Boston College in their Alumni Department.


CLASS NOTES

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?

’02

Tell us about it! Send an email with your suggestions to our Communications Office at communications@stsebs.org.

’03

’03 From top to bottom, left to right: Following their wedding in May, Chris Averill and his bride, Amanda, had their marriage blessed by Pope Francis at a Papal Audience in Saint Peter’s Square during a short visit to Rome. n Andrew Bartlett ’03 married Kimberly Kirshon on May 15, 2016, at the Wychmere Beach Club. n Arrows alumni in attendance at the wedding included: Front Row: Greg Clark ’03, Bob Cintolo ’03, Andy Clark ’03, Andy Bartlett ’03; Back Row: John Bartlett P’95,’03, Will Bacic ’03, Matt Moran ’03, Kosta Douros ’03, Will Hayes ’03, Joe Scardino ’03, and Wes Mateo ’03.

WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 2003 continued...

’05

Sedale Threatt, Jr. brought to life the character of Tom, a hardworking blacksmith, in the History Channel’s remake of “Roots.” The 4-night miniseries, which aired May 30 to June 2, is an adaptation of Alex Haley’s novel following the bloodline of Junta Kinte. Sedale’s character struggles with the oppression of American slavery and is a part of the fourth generation of Kinte’s family. Congratulations, Sedale, on your role in this powerful miniseries!

2004

Robert Dudley is currently in Berlin on his second Fulbright scholarship.

2006 ’09

’03

’04 From top to bottom, left to right: Seven Arrows from the Class of 2005 spent the weekend on Martha’s Vineyard at Tyler Fallon’s home (l-r): Marc Federico, Mark Flaherty, Drew Tuckett, Conor Joyce, Tyler Fallon (sitting), George O’Toole (standing behind Tyler) and Patrick Chambers. n William O’Brien ’09 with fellow Naval Aviators. n Sedale Threatt ’03 in the History Channel’s remake of “Roots.” n Sam ’04 and Sophie Burke welcome their new son, Owen, in June. n Owen, the fifth grandchild of Headmaster and Patty Burke, joins his four cousins, (l-r) Dillon, Jackson, Isla (holding Owen) and Liam.

60 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume XI, Issue III

Dale Anderson is pursuing the truth through faith and reason and building a career at Santander Bank. He is also running for District Senator.

2009

William O’Brien received his wings and was designated a Naval Aviator in July of 2015. He is now flying the MH60 Sierra “Seahawk” (navy helicopter) and is stationed at Naval Station Norfolk with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9. William writes: “My fondest memories include my time playing lacrosse for Coach Stanton and having lunch with my friends in Ward Hall. I have to especially thank my teachers Mr. John Eaton and Ms. Carla Callini for teaching me the value of hard work and being a good person.”

2010

Members from the class of 2010 Thomas Gregg, Mike Ewing and Peirce Daly play hockey together every Wednesday night.


CLASS NOTES

2011

Connor Wiik has relocated back to the U.S. after a stint in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi where he was working for Schlumberger on drilling rigs in the Persian Gulf. He is now living in New York City and has just recently started working as a Global Oil Analyst at PIRA Energy Group.

2012

Congratulations to Alex Venditti who was named NEIBA and American Baseball Coaches Association New England Player of the year. Alex just completed his senior year at WPI where he played first baseman for the WPI baseball team. Joseph Dudley has been awarded a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship to Germany. In addition to teaching English to German high school students, Dudley hopes to start an “American Culture� group for the students where they can experience American music, poetry, movies, etc. in a more relaxed atmosphere. Dudley, who majored in English and German at the College of the Holy Cross, will be returning to Germany after studying in Bamberg during the 2014-15 academic year.

2013

Brian Mullin spent his spring semester studying abroad in Prague.

2014

Matthew Ouellette finished his second year at West Point Military Academy in New York. Ouellette enjoys playing for Army West Point Club Hockey team, and reports that things are going well. Matthew Barletta just finished up his sophomore year at Providence College and will be studying abroad in Rome this fall.

2015

Save the Date HOMECOMING

October 15, 2016 www.ststsebs.org/homecoming

Gregory Barletta just finished up his freshman year at Trinity College where he plays lacrosse. WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG

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IN MEMORIAM We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the graduates and friends of St. Sebastian’s School whose deaths are reported with sorrow. ALUMNI RELATIVES Cecilia E. Brinkhaus-Benoit May 20, 2016 Sister of Christopher Brinkhaus ’92 Margaret J. Flaherty July 25, 2016 Mother-in-law of faculty member Sean Albertson and grandmother of Brendan ’15 and Ryan ’22 Albertson

Joan Mooney July 8, 2016 Mother of Jim Mooney III, Trustee, and grandmother of James F. Mooney IV ’18 Dr. Francis X. Moran June 22, 2016 Father of John ’86 and James ’88 Moran

Rev. Francis D. Garrity May 21, 2016 Past Trustee

Helen J. Mullin July 11, 2016 Mother of Stephen Mullin ’84

Robert Harrison May 22, 2016 Father of Paul Harrison ’68

Linda Marie Pallotta (Owens) July 6, 2016 Sister of Michael Owens ’72

Alice J. Lawler May 15, 2016 Mother of Robert Lawler ’73 and grandmother of Kevin Cullinan ’02 and faculty member, Michael Lawler

Kathleen E. Reardon May 7, 2016 Mother of Bob Reardon, Trustee, and grandmother of Bobby Reardon ’15

Joan F. McAuliffe May 25, 2016 Sister of Andrew McAuliffe Jr. ’48

Dorothy Ann Ritt June 23, 2016 Mother of John ’79 and Matthew Ritt ’83

This listing contains deaths reported between May 1, 2016 and August 1, 2016. To report a death of a St. Sebastian’s alumnus or relative to the Development Office, please contact Kelsey Johnson at kelsey_johnson@stsebs.org.

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ARROWS ALUMNI Richard A. Durot ’54 Richard A. Durot of Bristol, RI passed away on May 27, 2016. While at St. Sebastian’s, Richard achieved honor roll frequently and was a top member of his class. He enjoyed playing basketball and was on the junior varsity baseball team. Richard graduated from the College of the Holy Cross and then graduated from Officer’s Candidate School in Newport, RI before serving as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy for three years. Richard was a stockbroker in Boston and commuted from Bristol to Beacon Hill for over 25 years. He is survived by his children, Guy, Jon, Chris, and David and step-children, John, Bill and Chrissie Reed; his brother, Marcel; and four grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

John C. Flanagan ’54 John Charles “Jack” Flanagan of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on May 12, 2016. During his days as an Arrow, Jack was known as “Mr. Personality,” as he won the affection and esteem of all his peers. Jack was a hard worker at St. Sebastian’s and played varsity baseball. He attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. He began a career in sales and became Vice-President of Sales for Carnation Company and later worked for Dean Foods Company. John is survived by his wife Linda; his siblings, Anne and William; five children, John Charles Jr., Paul, Georgia, Sean and Kevin; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.


Providing for Future Arrows Ray and Marilyn Ruddy P’87, GP’20 Make Record-Setting Bequest to St. Sebastian’s

R

ay and Marilyn Ruddy began building a strong supportive relationship as Arrows in September of 1983 when their son Ray ’87 entered St. Sebastian’s as a freshman. As strongly involved, family-oriented, Catholic parents and grandparents, this relationship has grown over the years. Today, the Ruddys are proud grandparents of Tim Malloy ’20 and Matthew Malloy, who will become an Arrow in Fall 2017. Over the past 33 years the Ruddys have many wonderful St. Sebastian’s memories. Ray observes “St. Sebastian’s was a good school when Ray ’87 attended. It is even better now under Bill Burke’s leadership.” Marilyn comments glowingly, “Our grandson loves the school as did our son. He especially loves his religion teacher and actually updates the family on the significance of each Holy Day.” Both remember fondly Morris Kittler and Gerry Ward, administrators during young Ray’s four years. They are especially proud of how St. Sebastian’s has remained committed to Catholic principles and what that effect is on young men like their son and grandson. Marilyn proudly states that “for anybody who knows the school, it speaks for itself, and people you talk to who have had children or grandchildren here feel the same way.” Ray says his favorite Bill Burke quote is: “We are not here to get your son into Harvard; we are here to get him into heaven.” Marilyn wishes there were more places like this. The Ruddys share Headmaster Burke’s passion for making St. Sebastian’s a model for other Christian schools. Ray and Marilyn know the importance planned gifts play in maintaining the strength of our school. They feel very strongly about supporting St. Sebastian’s and have joined the Charles D. McInnis Society recently by making a significant record-setting bequest. “We want to help others realize how important Planned Giving is to strengthening the St. Sebastian’s order of the day,” shares Ray. That order is to “Love God, work hard, take good care of one another.” The Ruddys give because they believe “St. Sebastian’s is exceptional—and we want it to remain exceptional.” Thank you, Ray and Marilyn, for your leadership, generosity and support!

For more information about gift planning and including St. Sebastian’s in your estate plans, contact Ed Davis ’65 in the Office of Planned Giving at 781.247.0158 or ed_davis@stsebs.org or visit plannedgiving.stsebs.org.

Monsignor Charles D. McInnis Society


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