St. Sebastian's Magazine, Fall 2024/Winter 2025

2024-2025

Board of Trustees

Archbishop Richard G. Henning, S.T.D. Chairman

Devin C. Condron ‘92, P’29,’29

President

Brendan W. Sullivan P’25,’29 Executive Officer, Head of School

James F. Mooney III P’18 Vice President

Barbara E. Connolly P’10,’12,’17 Secretary

Michael J. Maguire ‘91, P’22,’25

Treasurer

David M. Calabro ’78, P’16

Assistant Treasurer

Members:

Mark H. Carter P’28

Tara B. Ciongoli P’25,’25,’27,’29

Casey M. Condron ’94, P’23,’24,’28

Timothy J. Connelly P’17,’19

Marybeth Connolly P’27

Catherine C. Daniel P’15,’18,‘20

Paul A. D’Attanasio ’96

Timothy P. Doherty ’87, P’17

Michael R. Frisoli P’17,’19,’21,’22,’26

Dr. Chris Hahm P’22,’26

Kristen D. Maxwell P’25

Matthew R. Perry ‘06

John A. Piccione ‘76

Dr. Edward T. Ryan P’23

Randall P. Seidl P’17,’19

Michael J. Stanton ‘88, P’20

John D. Suliman ‘03

Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

Robert V. Wallace Jr. ‘89, P’25

Stephen P. Ward ‘96, P’24,’25,’27,’29

Kyle E. White ‘09

Elizabeth A. Derenzo P’20,’22,’24,’27

President, Guild of St. Irene

Richard H. Sutphin Jr. P’26

President, Men’s Association

Ryan R. Fitzpatrick ‘92

President, Alumni Association

David F. Gately ‘73

Trustee Emeritus

An

A tribute to Fr. John Paris reflects on his half-century of dedicated service to St. Sebastian’s.

Chris Lynch, John Ryan, Dave Thomas, and Greg Wishart join the Wall of Honor.

Tommy Suliman ’04 and Jimmy Elcock ’08 share their musical gifts with the world.

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.

Head of School

Brendan W. Sullivan P’25,’29

Assistant Head of School

Michael P. Nerbonne

Director of Advancement

Richard F. Arms P’14

Editor & Designer

Christine Y. Robertson, Director of Communications

Contributors

Michael Melley P’18,’22, Director of Alumni & Development

Principal Photographer

Brett Crawford, Visual Media Coordinator

Editorial Advisor

Michael Deschenes P’28, Director of Library & Information Services

St. Sebastian’s Magazine is published two times a year by the Communications Office.

Correspondence concerning the magazine should be sent to: communications@stsebs.org

St. Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, MA 02492 781.449.5200 www.stsebs.org

COVER: Photographic portrait of Fr. John Paris.

INSIDE

Jimmy Elcock’08 on the drums

From the desk of the head of school

Brendan W. Sullivan

Celebrating Great Educators

My first seven months as Head of School have been such an exciting time for me and my family. There are so many positive things happening at St. Sebastian’s School—it’s a great time to be an Arrow! Among so many amazing moments, my most meaningful ones are those when we come together to honor and celebrate the individuals who make our community such a unique and beautiful place.

Each November, we hold a Faculty-Trustee Dinner at which we recognize those who have completed 25 years of service to the School. Past Honorees include administrators, faculty, staff, trustees, and kitchen staff. This year we celebrated four exceptional educators: Mr. Chris Lynch, Mr. John Ryan, Mr. Dave Thomas, and Mr. Greg Wishart.

These legendary faculty members have touched so many lives in their combined century of service to the School. They are lifelong learners who embody our order of the day to “love God, work hard, and take good care of one another.” There were so many tributes and stories shared on that night in November, truly a highlight of the year.

It was a deeply moving and personal night for me. These men are not only my colleagues, but also great friends. Together, we have shared moments of great joy and, at times, deep sorrow. They have unselfishly shared their gifts with St. Sebastian’s, making it a stronger and more compassionate school. They have influenced my sons in so many positive ways— an immeasurable gift for which I will always be grateful. As devoted teachers who love their subjects and always put students first, I am so proud to work alongside these men.

In January, we had the privilege of celebrating another iconic figure in St. Sebastian’s history: Fr. John Paris. Serving our school for 50 years—twice as long as the four esteemed men we honored in November—he was a pillar of faith, wisdom, and dedication. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest priest in the Archdiocese of Boston, a testament to his remarkable life of service. His unwavering commitment was perhaps best exemplified by his daily commute from Malden, which he continued until the age of 94, often arriving as early as 4:30 a.m.

When I arrived at St. Sebastian’s in September 1994, Fr. Paris was already the elder statesman. I had the joy of working with him for over thirty years. One of my fondest and somewhat surprising memories is the way he embraced changes in technology. There were times when I would walk through the library to find him live streaming a Mass from the Vatican. Later that day, he would have downloaded a transcript of the Pope’s sermon, put it through a translator, and hand-deliver a copy to me. He was always working to increase his knowledge base, and to share those insights with others.

Our School is indeed blessed with individuals who dedicate their lives to engaging young men in the pursuit of truth through faith and reason. I am continually grateful to be part of such a special place. Here’s to the educators—past, present, and future—who are at the core of what makes St. Sebastian’s the extraordinary community that it is.

May peace be with you,

Brendan W. Sullivan Head of School

AROUND CAM PUS

A Miraculous Journey to Healing

Faith, healing, and miracles—these were three themes about which Artie Boyle P’03, GP’22,’25,’29 spoke in his powerful address to the school community during the All School Read Assembly on September 16.

As recounted in his book, Six Months to Live, Artie shared the story of his grim cancer diagnosis in 1999 and his pilgrimage to Medjugorje the following year, from which he returned cancer free. Artie and his wife, Judy, have 13 children, including St. Sebastian’s alumnus and former NHL star Brian Boyle ’03, and 27 grandchildren, including three Arrows, Christian ’22, Jacob ’25, and Daniel ’29 Pichay. Jacob introduced his grandfather, to whom he referred as a “beacon of joy” who has “passed down his unbelievable faith to his children and grandchildren and has set a beautiful example of living for others and God for his substantial family to follow.”

During his address, Artie recalled the remarkable and inexplicable series of events that led up to his pilgrimage to Medjugorje with his friend, Rob Griffin, and his brother-in-law, Kevin Gill P’04. He described in rich detail what the three men experienced together in this tiny village—from going to confession for the first time in decades to praying at the top of a mountain in the pouring rain—and the people they met along the way who made a profound and lasting impact on their spiritual transformation. When they came home, just days before Artie was meant to have major surgery to remove his right lung, his cancer was gone. Filled with gratitude, Artie has since travelled to Medjugorje 20 times and inspired people around the world with his story.

In his closing remarks, Head of School Brendan Sullivan noted, “I have known Artie for nearly 25 years, going back to when his son, Brian, was a freshman at St. Sebastian’s. His story is such a testament to the power of the ‘three Fs’: Friends, Family, and especially Faith. It is such an honor to have him back on campus today to share his powerful Witness with our community.”

Tony Reddick ’78 Delivers Founder’s Day Address

In celebration of the School’s 83rd anniversary, St. Sebastian’s welcomed Tony Reddick ’78 to give the Founder’s Day address on September 27. Reflecting on his time as an Arrow, Reddick recalled his daily two-hour commute on two buses and a train from Roxbury to Nonantum Hill and shared how the school changed his life. He had the love of his family, but his circumstances were difficult. At St. Sebastian’s, he found a supportive environment that helped him grow academically, athletically, and personally. Reddick emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities and giving back, encouraging students to make the most of their education. He has most certainly done that, having recently retired from a career as an educator, a coach, and ultimately the Superintendent of the Gadsden, Alabama school district. Following his address, Reddick joined art classes to discuss his success as a portrait artist. To complete his return to campus, he served as the honorary captain of the football team at Homecoming the next day.

All School Read keynote speaker Artie Boyle (center) with three of his 13 children, Dr. Jennifer Pichay P’22,’25,’29, Fr. Christopher Boyle, and Brian Boyle ’03; Head of School Brendan Sullivan; and grandsons Jacob ’25 and Daniel ’29 Pichay.

Arrows Shine in Debate Tournaments

During the first half of the academic year, St. Sebastian’s Debate Team participated in several tournaments, showcasing impressive skills and earning top honors. At the Roxbury Latin School Invitational on September 15, Rohan Ghatge ’28 earned 1st place out of 56 competitors in the Novice Division. The following month, on October 6, St. Sebastian’s hosted its Annual Novice Debate Tournament. Rohit Dabas ’27 and Andrew MacDougall ’27 triumphed in the competition, winning 1st place out of 58 teams. Dabas also won a prize for placing 3rd out of 116 individual debaters. Dabas and MacDougall continued their dominance at the Groton School Invitational on December 15, achieving a perfect 3-0 record in the Advanced Division. This tournament featured 34 teams, and the duo’s victory further solidified their place among the top debaters. Congratulations to the entire team for a fantastic fall season!

THE ART OF STORYTELLING

As part of St. Sebastian’s Visiting Writer Series, two esteemed authors visited campus this fall to share their insights with students, leaving them with a deepened appreciation for storytelling and the written word.

On September 24, Richard Price, a renowned novelist and screenwriter, spoke about his career in publishing, film, and television. Known for his gritty novels of urban life in America, including new release The Lazarus Man, as well as hit Hollywood screenplays like The Color of Money and Clockers, he has also written on numerous TV shows such as HBO’s The Wire. Price spoke to the students about growing up in the projects in the Bronx and how his grandfather’s love of poetry inspired him to pursue a career as a writer. He encouraged students to explore new perspectives and experiences to find their own narratives.

Weike Wang, author of three novels, including Rental House, and recipient of several prestigious awards, gave a lecture on December 5 about her unconventional path to becoming a writer. She shared how she began in STEM but ended up pursuing fiction, following her passion to find her ultimate vocation. During her visit, Wang also led a flash fiction exercise, inspiring students to engage creatively with writing.

Robotics Team Enjoys Intense Day of Competition

Members of St. Sebastian’s Robotics Team competed at St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury on December 15, facing 26 teams in a FIRST Robotics Massachusetts Qualifying Tournament. Team 133 finished the preliminaries with a 5-0 record, securing 2nd place entering playoff rounds. After a loss, they won two more matches before being eliminated in the semifinals. Fueled by lessons learned and the spirit of innovation and improvement, Team 133 immediately began making modifications in preparation for the next competition in February.

Assistant Head of School Michael Nerbonne stands with Andrew MacDougall ’27 (left) and Rohit Dabas ’27, the first place team at Sebastian’s Annual Novice Debate Tournament.

Members of St. Sebastian’s Team 133 work with their robot during competition.

COMMEMORATING VETERANS DAY

Arrows continued the tradition of honoring veterans by participating in the Needham Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11. Patrick Dunn ’28 paid tribute to his grandfather, Commander Joseph P. Dunn, who went missing in action in 1968 while serving in the Navy. He also recognized the efforts of his grandmother, Maureen Dunn, a longtime champion and activist for prisoners of war and those missing in action. During the ceremony, Brendan Fleming ’29 sang the national anthem.

Watts 2 Boston Brings Stories of Hope

On October 8, Julie Mulvey P’17,’21,’26, Founder and

President of Watts 2 Boston, introduced two inspirational speakers to the St. Sebastian’s community. Watts 2 Boston is a non-profit supporting the Los Angeles Police Department in providing resources to underserved youth and crime victims.

The speakers, Meah Watson and Marc Maye, shared powerful messages of hope. Meah, 22, grew up in Watts, CA, surrounded by gang violence and witnessing her first murder before her sophomore year of high school. Determined to escape the cycle, she found a path with the support of Watts 2 Boston to pursue her dreams. Today, she is a student at Morgan State University, studying business management with aspirations of becoming a real estate agent.

Marc is the Executive Director of Project Blue, an organization focused on building safer communities and bridging the gap between law enforcement and youth. He shared his pride in how far Meah has come since he taught her in 6th grade. Sharing his own journey, Marc emphasized the importance of a strong support system. He recalled how a childhood friend who struggled with hunger helped him realize his own difficult circumstances were not as bad as he thought. Marc now dedicates his life to serving those in need, and urged our students to reflect on how they can make the world a better place.

Understanding the Risks of Gambling

On November 20, St. Sebastian’s students gathered in Ward Hall to learn about the dangers of gambling. Thanks to the JohnsonMcCarthy Wellness Fund, we welcomed Saul Malek, a public speaker focused on mental health, resilience, and gambling harm prevention. Malek captivated the student body with his story, sharing how he developed a gambling addiction in college, losing money, time, relationships, and nearly his life. Since recovering in 2019, he has dedicated himself to helping others avoid compulsive gambling and to cope with life’s challenges. He has spoken at schools, conferences, and in major news outlets like The New York Times and NPR. After his presentation, Malek engaged in a Q&A session and met with the peer educators to develop discussion questions for class meetings as a follow up on this important topic.

Head of School Brendan Sullivan with Meah Watson, Julie Mulvey P’17,’21,’26, Marc Maye, Executive Director of Project Blue, and Quinn Mulvey ’26.

Assistant Head of School Michael Nerbonne stands with Patrick Dunn ’28 (left) and Brendan Fleming ’29 (right) at the Needham Veterans Day Ceremony.

Public Speaker Saul Malek shares his story of gambling addition and recovery.

speaker

Golub speaks about living with a disability.

Panelists Zachary Chambers ’14, Jack Connors ’24, Nick Connelly ’17, and Courtney Bent share their stories of working and living with people with disabilities. BOTTOM RIGHT: A student wears goggles impairing his vision while attempting to catch a tennis ball.

Unity Day Focuses on Disability Awareness

St. Sebastian’s celebrated its annual Unity Day on November 1, focusing on increasing students’ awareness and understanding of individuals living with disabilities. This year’s featured speaker, Aaron Golub, delivered an inspiring message of resilience, determination, and hard work. Golub recounted his journey as a football player at Tulane University, where he made history as the first legally blind Division I athlete to compete in a game and later served as team captain during his senior year. After college, he became an NFL free agent and has since built a career as an entrepreneur, professional speaker, and consultant.

Golub emphasized that limitations don’t define a person and the importance of perspective in overcoming adversity. In a powerful demonstration of his disability, he invited three students to wear goggles that simulated his vision and attempt to catch a tennis ball, offering them a firsthand glimpse into the daily challenges he navigates.

The event also included small group discussions led by Peer Educators and MPA members. Unity Day concluded with a panel of alumni and faculty, including photography teacher Courtney Bent, English teacher Nick Connelly ’17, Zachary Chambers ’14, and Jack Connors ’24, who shared stories about working with and living alongside people with disabilities. Each panelist expressed how these relationships enriched their lives. A key takeaway from the day was the reminder to treat all people with the same respect and kindness, regardless of their abilities.

School Champion Crowned in Poetry Out Loud Competition

On December 12, 70 Arrows participated in the Poetry Out Loud competition, with students in Grades 7-12 reciting poems from memory. Faculty judges labored to choose a winner from so many quality performances, In the end, Cameron Steele ’26 was crowned school champion for his recitation of “The Charge of the Light Brigade” by Alfred Lord Tennyson, earning him a spot at the State semi-final in March.

Five Arrows Recognized as National Scholars

Congratulations to seniors Liam Cunjak, Maxim Kalinichenko, Robert Keller, Ryan Pat, and Daniel Yang for being named as Commended Students by the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Recognized for their exceptional academic promise, these students placed among the top 3% of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2025 competition by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT).

TOP: Keynote

Aaron

BOTTOM LEFT:

Cameron Steele ’26, winner of the competition, recites a poem before the panel of faculty judges.

70 Students Inducted into the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

This fall, 70 St. Sebastian’s students were inducted into the Sr. Evelyn C. Barrett, O.P. Chapter of the National Honor Society. The National Honor Society aims to create an enthusiasm for scholarship, stimulate a desire to render service, promote leadership, and develop character.

CLASS OF 2025

Karson M. Bilezerian

Kevin M. Bresnahan

Travis M. Engel

Steven T. Hettrich

Joseph W. Maxwell

Colby W. Nash

CLASS OF 2026

Carson E. Arevian

Samuel J. Barbosa

Sawyer R. Bean

Brian R. Burke

Davis W. Cassler

Sean P. Collins

Alistair P. Cooper

John L. Cronin

Sebastian F. Culleton

Tyler D. Curry

Finn N. Daley

Carter A. Dedier

Charlie M. Delay

Michael M. DeMatteo

Andrew J. Donovan

Nolan L. Dunphy

Luca J. Faggiano

Alan M. Felix

Gavin L. Feyler

Theodore C. Frisoli

Brett A. Gallo

John T. Grimes

David J. Hahm

Cesar A. Hernandez

Jared E. Hughes

Seth D. Janchar

Gavin M. Joyce

Peter T. Keefe

Jack T. Kelleher

George K. Kelly IV

Finance Academy Speaker Series

Through fantastic presentations using real-world examples, the Speaker Series gives club members insight into the complex world of finance, from investing to acquisitions.

On September 18, Jay Carroll P’22,’25 discussed his career as a Senior Portfolio Management Director at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. He introduced his team and explained the firm’s two main sectors: investment banking and wealth management. Carroll highlighted the roles of investment bankers and financial advisors, emphasizing the benefits of personalized financial planning. His presentation offered insights into Morgan Stanley’s services and the role of a financial advisor, providing a glimpse into the workings of one of Wall Street’s largest firms.

Matthias J. Ogrinc

Ryan Pat Cole D. Pastore

John P. Stenberg

Michael A. Williams

Adam J. King

Joseph D. Koh

Samuel Z. Li

Oliver R. Manning

Joseph P. Martin

Tiernan P. Massenburg

Brendan J. Matthews

Carter J. Mays

Brendan M. McHugh

Quinn A. Mulvey

John D. Munro

Finneas C. Noonan

Donal J. O’Connor

Benjamin O. Osunsanya

Antonio Petruzziello

Andrew W. Plotner

Evangelos S. Poulos

Michael A. Rohatgi

Dominic S. Scioli

Cameron N. Steele

Reagan M. Straub

John C. Sullivan

Richard H. Sutphin III

Brendan J. Treseler

Jeffrey Q. Welham

Colin L. Williams

Caden A. Young

Andrew Zhang

Ian Zhou

On November 7, Tom Olivier P’25 gave a presentation on his role as a technology investment banker. Currently working in the private equity field as Managing Director at Arrowroot Capital, he gave an overview of how he helps companies with financing, acquisitions, and exit strategies and shared a case study on his work with a global technology company specializing in innovative solutions for the restaurant and retail industries. Olivier concluded with advice on embracing learning, taking risks, and viewing every experience as valuable.

On December 17, Bob and Bobby ’15 Reardon delivered the first-ever father-son presentation to the Finance Academy. Bob, Chief Executive Officer of ISG, shared insights from his career, highlighting the importance of understanding how to interpret numbers, asking questions, and learning from others. He emphasized hard work, confidence, and networking for success. Bobby, who works in acquisitions at ISG, stressed the value of trying different fields to find your passion in finance. Both encouraged persistence, self-belief, and leveraging opportunities for growth and success.

Assistant Head of School Mike Nerbonne, Bobby Reardon ’15 (far left) and his father, Bob (far right), with Finance Academy seniors.

A Tradition of Song and Spirit

Ajoyous Christmas Program ushered in the holiday break on December 20, bringing the school community together in St. Bartholomew Church to celebrate the season with song and scripture.

During the first part of the program, Fr. John Arens provided an opening prayer, students read scripture, and the St. Sebastian’s Schola, Mass Ensemble and Faculty Chorale performed several traditional Christmas pieces. Arrows alumni, Thomas Nunan ’11 and Colin Lapus ’21, joined as accompanists on the piano and the organ. The Jazz/Pop Ensemble picked up the tempo during the second half of the program with upbeat performances of some holiday favorites, closing with a riveting rendition of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo.”

A highlight of the program was a performance of “Some Children See Him,” sung by Director of Music Ministry Meyer Chambers P’10,’14. This was especially meaningful as Chambers, who will be retiring at the end of this academic year, has been instrumental in leading the Christmas Program during his 38 years of service to St. Sebastian’s.

Macbeth Reimagined

On December 19, the sophomore English classes congregated in the McCulloch Room for the 11th Annual Macbeth Competition. To end their study of Macbeth, students had to select a scene, devise an interpretation, and then perform the scene. After several lively performances, the panel of faculty judges awarded first prize to Abner Machuca Diaz, Akul Trikha, and Duke Ciongoli. The individual winner was awarded to Quincy Quillard.

TOP: The St. Sebastian’s Schola, Mass Ensemble and Faculty Chorale lead the School community in singing “Joy to the World.” BOTTOM LEFT: Members of the Jazz/Pop Ensemble perform a classic Christmas rock song. BOTTOM RIGHT: Director of Music Ministry Meyer Chambers sings a beautiful rendition of “Some Children See Him.”

New Faces ON CAMPUS

MATTHEW AVENTURO

Faculty, Classics

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

Matthew is a graduate of Colgate University where he majored in history and studied Latin. He played a year of college baseball at Williams College and then played club baseball and golf at Colgate. Matthew is excited to be launching his career at St. Sebastian’s, teaching Latin as a member of the Classics Department. He also serves as an assistant coach for the 5th basketball team and JV baseball.

WESTON BRACH ’16

Director of Academic Technology

Weston graduated from St. Sebastian’s in 2016 before attending Middlebury College, where he earned a B.A. in philosophy and played varsity tennis. Currently, he is pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in computer science through CU Boulder’s online engineering program. Weston returns to St. Sebastian’s as the Director of Academic Technology and head varsity tennis coach. Outside of work, he enjoys playing competitive tennis. He and his wife, Emma, have a one-year-old son named Emerson.

BRIAN CANAVAN

Director of Operations

Brian earned a B.A. in economics and accounting from Holy Cross and a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University. Brian began his career in finance at Putnam Investments before transitioning to law enforcement, driven by his Jesuit education and passion for service. He served 25 years with the Massachusetts State Police, retiring as a Detective Lieutenant in 2019. Afterward, he held leadership roles in campus safety at Noble and Greenough School and the University of Chicago before teaching middle school math at Austin Prep. Now the Director of Operations at St. Sebastian’s, Brian is excited to support the school’s growth.

NICK CONNELLY ’17

Faculty, English

Nick graduated from St. Sebastian’s in 2017 and earned a B.A. from Kenyon College with a major in English and a minor in history. He continued his studies, receiving an M.A. from The University of Manchester and an additional M.A. in philosophy and literature from The University College Dublin. Prior to returning to Greendale Avenue, Nick taught at Oxbridge Academy in Florida. In his free time, he likes to ski and read.

JOHN CORNISH

Faculty, English

John joins the English Department after two decades in the private sector, where he was an executive, consultant, and entrepreneur. He graduated from Princeton University summa cum laude with a degree in English Literature. The son of the legendary David Cornish, former faculty member and Director of Grades 7 & 8, John is no stranger to the St. Sebastian’s community. He lives in Sherborn with his wife, Victoria, and son, John.

LILIANA JOBITY

Communications Associate

A 2023 graduate of Stonehill College, Liliana earned a B.A. in graphic design and honed her skills through several internships. She launched her professional journey at Consigli Construction, where she worked as a Graphic Designer. As a member of St. Sebastian’s Communications Department, she brings her creativity and passion for design into every project. When she’s not working, Liliana immerses herself in music and movies and is an enthusiastic Formula 1 fan. Liliana calls Plainville home, where she lives with her family.

ANDERSON JULIO AUZA Director of Information

Technology

Anderson joins us from Babson College, where he served as an Information Security Engineer. Prior to his tenure at Babson, Anderson worked at Noble and Greenough School in various roles, including Spanish Teacher, Athletic Coach, Academic Technology Specialist, Systems Support Analyst, and Coordinator of Special Projects. Anderson holds a B.S. from Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas in Bogotá, Colombia, an M.A. in English from the Bread Loaf School of English, and an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Northeastern University. Anderson will draw on his extensive experience to support our school community, strengthen IT governance, enhance resiliency, and streamline processes.

CAROLINE LEARY

Business Office Associate

After graduating from Loyola Maryland in 2017, Caroline spent several years working in the finance world. Knowing that she wanted to make the jump to education one day, she went on to earn an M.Ed. from Boston College. She is excited to merge both experiences now that she has joined the Business Office team at St. Sebastian’s. Caroline enjoys spending time with family in Newburyport, exploring Maine and trying new restaurants in Boston.

MICHAEL MOROCO Faculty, English

A native of Western Pennsylvania, Michael graduated from Villanova University before spending nearly a decade in Los Angeles as an independent filmmaker. After leading creative writing workshops at Phillips Andover Summer, he now brings his passion for storytelling to St. Sebastian’s as a member of the English faculty, teaching 9th-grade English and Writing. In addition to his role in the classroom, he also coaches baseball and soccer. Michael and his wife, Kelly, have a 2-year-old son, Michael Angelo.

DIANE POPEO Faculty, Science

Diane is a graduate of Georgetown University, where she majored in biology and theology, and recently completed a master’s degree in education in Instructional Coaching from Clemson University. Diane has been teaching science and religion for more than 25 years, and at every grade level from K-12. She previously worked at Dexter-Southfield and Newton Country Day School, where she was the Director of Middle School Students. She is thrilled to be back at a Catholic school and in a place that teaches through love, empathy, and relationships. She is teaching 7th grade science, 8th grade science, and Biology, and coaching the 8th grade soccer team.

JOHN RYAN IV ’15 Faculty, Fine Arts, English

After graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 2015, Johnny attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned degrees in theology and philosophy. He remained in South Bend for several years, entering seminary formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross and receiving his Master of Divinity in the spring of 2024. He then discerned the Lord was calling him elsewhere, and so he returned home and joined the family business, teaching at St. Sebastian’s alongside his father, science teacher John Ryan. Johnny teaches English and Drama. He also oversees the drama productions and coaches wrestling and baseball.

ANGELA VASSALOTTI

Business Office and Human Resources Associate

After graduating from Bentley University with a B.S. in Marketing, Angela joined an International Education company, where she worked in accounting, accounts receivable and accounts payable roles. During that time, she was able to travel to 13 countries and 8 states, which furthered her love for travel, education, and learning new cultures. Angela is no stranger to the ISL community as she attended Thayer Academy. Outside of work, Angela enjoys traveling, photography, spending time on the Cape, and walks with her golden retriever, Winnie.

Serving Our Neighbors

Integral to the St. Sebastian’s mission, our Service Program lives the order of the day to love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. Here are just a few of the many ways our students have served our neighbors recently.

NHS Drives Help to Keep Our Neighbors Warm and Fed

The St. Sebastian’s community continued its tradition of coming together to make a difference for our neighbors in need at Catholic Charities in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Thanksgiving “Cram the Van” Food Drive and the Christmas Warmth Drive were both huge successes, helping to restock shelves for those in need of food in the days following Thanksgiving and keeping our neighbors warm with donations of hundreds of gloves, hats, scarves and socks. A special note of gratitude to Meyer Chambers, our Director of Music Ministry, and his wife, Beth, who is in her 35th and final year of working for Catholic Charities, for their incredible commitment to this cause over the years and inviting the St. Sebastian’s community to partner with them.

Seniors Make an Impact through Day of Service

On November 12, members of the senior class participated in a day of service at three different sites: My Brother’s Keeper in Stoughton, Catholic Charities Yawkey Center and Food Pantry in Dorchester, and Avita Memory Care in Needham. Students at My Brother’s Keeper delivered food and furniture to families who were transitioning into new housing in Brockton. The crew at Catholic Charities helped prepare for serving Thanksgiving Meals to over 500 families. Seniors who helped at Avita enjoyed conversing with residents while creating some meditative neurographic art compositions with the residents of Avita.

Backpack and Christmas Drives Show Love for Our Brothers at San Miguel

St. Sebastian’s continued its 18-year partnership with the San Miguel School in Providence with two different initiatives. Before the start of the school year, the Classes of 2025, 2027 and 2028 donated 64 backpacks filled with school supplies for the San Miguel students and a donation was also made to the San Miguel Compassionate Care Fund. In December, the senior and freshman classes collected over 150 gifts for the San Miguel students to give their parents, caregivers or other loved ones for Christmas. Both initiatives, organized by the generous and inspired leadership of Marie Carroll P’25,’28 and Katy Wallace P’25, involved rewarding trips to San Miguel where our students also had the opportunity to spend time with their “brothers.” This was one of several gift drives Arrows and their families contributed to during the Christmas season, with other grades supporting our neighbors in need at St. Pope John Paul II and Cor Unum.

A GLIMPSE along Greendale Avenue

Students proudly showcase their creations from the fourth annual Middle School Pumpkin Carving Contest.

Seventh graders Owen Higgins, Sully Straub and Henry Kolinski enjoy a cold treat from an ice cream truck on a September afternoon.

Fr. John Arens gives a blessing to the 8th grade football team before the start of their practice in September.

Joseph Koh ’26 plays his guitar during rehearsal for the Jazz Pop Ensemble.

Eighth graders David Ashenuga and Griff Ciongoli shoot candy pumpkins from their trebuchet as part of a science project.

ARROWS OFF CAMPUS

From orientations, to trips and retreats, here are some of the ways Arrows have spent time connecting, learning and reflecting off campus.

Forming Bonds in the Great Outdoors

Our 7th and 8th graders spent an adventurous day in nature during their class trips to Hale Reservation and TreeTop Adventures on September 5. Both outings were filled with team-building activities and challenges, helping these Arrows to form and strengthen bonds as classmates, teammates, friends, and brothers before the first day of school.

Juniors Explore Our Nation’s Capital

The Class of 2026 enjoyed an exciting and meaningful trip to Washington, D.C. during Veterans Day weekend. The juniors embraced the opportunity to be together while immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of our nation’s capital. Over the course of three days, they visited inspiring national monuments, impressive museums, and historic government buildings, from the Smithsonian Museums to Mount Vernon and the U.S. Capitol Building. During a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, they took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The trip was not only educational but also deeply impactful.

Senior Leadership Day Along the Charles

To kick off their last year at St. Sebastian’s, members of the Class of 2025 participated in Senior Leadership Day on August 26. After being welcomed back to campus by Head of School Brendan Sullivan, the seniors departed from the school’s launch site along the Charles River, heading out for a series of challenges that included canoeing, frisbee, hiking, tug of war, sudoku, trivia, and much more.

Bonding, Learning and Leading at SDLC

A FINAL RETREAT ON CAPE COD

Six Arrows—Quincy Quillard ’27, Carter Dedier ’26, Ben Osunsanya ’26, Michael Williams ’25, Wachira Njoroge ’26, and Tristen Alexander ’27—represented St. Sebastian’s at the 2024 National Association of Independent Schools’ Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver, CO, in early December. The SDLC crew bonded with each other, met students from independent schools across the U.S., and gained valuable perspective through the conference theme: “Lifting as We Climb: Elevating Our Schools through Love and Justice.” For

From Sunday, November 10, to Tuesday, November 12, nineteen members of the Class of 2025 gathered at the Craigville Retreat Center on the Cape for their senior retreat. Led by Fr. Arens and faculty members, Joe Cressotti, Steve Salomone, Dr. Ryan Patrico, and Chris Lynch, the senior Arrows enjoyed time in reflection, contemplation, prayer, and recreation in the sublime setting of Craigville Beach. Following in the footsteps of more than three decades of senior classes who have been coming to Craigville, these members of the Class of 2025 will remember this retreat as a highlight of their final year at St. Sebastian’s.

ACADEMIC WORKSHOPS

Writing | Debate & Public Speaking

Innovation | Math | Biotechnology

Summer 2025

Sessions run from 9am-12pm for either one or two weeks.

Open to all boys entering grades 5–9

These five distinct workshops, run by our experienced St. Sebastian’s faculty, are an enriching learning opportunity for students looking for a challenging and fun summer experience.

Joining the Board

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

Elizabeth A. Derenzo P’20,’22,’24,’27

Guild of St. Irene President

Elizabeth and her husband, Jay, live in Wellesley with their seven children, Michael ’20, Nick ’22, Tyler ’24, Gregory ’27, Andrew, Paige and Brooke. Elizabeth is an Owner/Managing Director at J. Derenzo Properties, LLC and a licensed Real Estate Agent. Previously, she worked as a third and sixthgrade teacher for the Boston Public Schools. She has a B.S. in Human Development and a M.S. in Elementary Education from Wheelock College. Elizabeth has been a very active volunteer with the Guild since 2016, as well as volunteering at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Parent Talk, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Ryan R. Fitzpatrick ’92

Alumni Association President

Ryan and his wife, Maura, live in Rye, NY, with their four children, Roisin, Desmond, Nieve, and Brendan. He is Director of Marketing at Baillie Gifford in New York. Previously, Ryan held positions at BNY Mellon Asset Management, The Boston Company Asset Management and Commonwealth Financial Network. Ryan’s brother, Dan ’87, is also an alumnus. Ryan has a B.A. from Bucknell University and a M.S. in Finance from the Boston College Carroll School of Management.

Kristen D. Maxwell P’25

Kristen and her husband, John, live in Hingham with their three children, Joseph ’25, Grace, and Margot. She is a project manager at Susan Stacy Design and is the Principal of Maxwell House LLC. She has been a dedicated volunteer at St. Sebastian’s, serving as the President of the Guild of St. Irene for the 2022-2023 school year. Kristen previously served as a Trustee at Derby Academy in Hingham and has been a volunteer at Rosie’s Place in Boston. She has a B.A. from Suffolk University.

Matthew R. Perry ’06

Matt and his wife, Katie, live in Milton with their three young children, Matthew, Olivia and Thomas. Matt is a 2010 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross where he majored in economics and was a member of the baseball team. He is a member of the Holy Cross Athletics Hall of Fame, alongside his father Ronald K. Perry, Holy Cross Class of 1980, and his grandfather, Ronald S. Perry, Holy Cross Class of 1954. Matt was drafted by the MLB’s Detroit Tigers in 2010 and played for four years in their minor league system before transitioning to a career in commercial real estate brokerage. He is currently a Managing Director at Savills, advising companies throughout Greater Boston and nationally.

Richard H. Sutphin, Jr. P’26

Men’s Association President

Rick and his wife, Paige, live in Wellesley with their two children, Trey ’26 and Kate. Rick is the Managing Partner at Silver Creek Holdings LLC, an early-stage venture capital firm. Previously, Rick was an Executive Director at Wells Fargo Securities, Oppenheimer & Co., and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey. Rick also serves on the Board of Trustees at the Dana Hall School, Denison University Board of Advisors, Mass General Hospital for Children, and the Harry L. Laws Company in Baton Rouge, LA. Rick holds a B.A. from Denison University and has been an active member of the Headmaster Scholarship Golf Tournament Committee for the past four years.

Jeffrey P. von Arx, S.J.

Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, S.J. is Visiting Professor of the History of Christianity at Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry and community coordinator of John LaFarge House, the Jesuit House of Studies in Cambridge. He is President Emeritus of Fairfield University and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of two Jesuit universities and served six years as a member of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), for whom he still chairs accreditation visits. Previously, he was the Thomas I. Gasson Professor at Boston College, Professor of History and President of Fairfield University, Associate Professor of History and Dean of Fordham College at Rose Hill in Fordham University and began his academic career at Georgetown University. He has an A.B. from Princeton University, an M.A. and M.Phil. from Yale University, a M.Div. from the Weston School of Theology, and a Ph.D. from Yale University in modern European history with a specialization in British history.

Kyle E. White ’09

Kyle and his wife, Paige, live in Quincy with their two young children, Parker and Morgan.

Kyle is a Client Portfolio Manager at Income Research + Management. He previously worked at Putnam Investments.

Kyle is a graduate of Bowdoin College and has an MBA from Boston College Carroll School of Management. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Youth Enrichment Services (YES) and spends his free time in the fall refereeing high school football. Kyle’s twin brother, Cedric ’09, is also an alumnus.

A New Era of Board Leadership

Devin C. Condron ’92, P’29,’29, dedicated Trustee and longtime supporter of St. Sebastian’s, assumed the role of St. Sebastian’s eighth President of the Board of Trustees in September 2024. He succeeds Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, who previously held the position since 2011. Since graduation, Devin has been a most valuable, tremendously loyal Arrow. He served as Alumni Association President from 2005 to 2007, Trustee from 2007 to 2019, and rejoined the Board in 2022, playing a vital role in some of the School’s most important initiatives as Secretary and Chair of the Development Committee. Devin and his wife, Erin, are the proud parents of five children, including two Arrows in the Class of 2029, Brendan and Finn. He is a Managing Director in Private Wealth Management at Morgan Stanley in Boston. Devin received a B.A. from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. Devin’s leadership and passion for St. Sebastian’s will help us to sustain and build upon the remarkable legacy of previous Board Presidents.

Archbishop Richard G. Henning was installed as the seventh archbishop of the Archdiocese of Boston on October 31, 2024, succeeding Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley. With this new appointment, Archbishop Henning follows in the footsteps of his predecessors in serving as Chairman of St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees. This role reflects our School’s history, with Cardinal William O’Connell, the second Archbishop of Boston, founding St. Sebastian’s Country Day School in 1941 as an all-boys independent school with a Catholic mission. Most recently, Archbishop Henning served as the Coadjutor Bishop of Providence, and prior to that, as an auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he served as a regional Vicar and later as the Vicar for Clergy and Pastoral Planning. Among his many accomplishments, Archbishop Henning is noted for his work with international priests serving in the U.S. We are grateful for Archbishop Henning’s leadership and vision as he begins his ministry in serving the Boston community.

WITNESS

On September 10, 2024, Brendan Sullivan delivered his inaugural Opening Remarks as St. Sebastian’s Head of School, reflecting on his selection of “Witness” as the one-word theme for this academic year.

Be a good witness, witness the good

Good morning, Arrows! Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. Last spring, as I prepared to become St. Sebastian’s tenth Head of School, there were a few questions I knew would be answered in time, and others that were more time-sensitive and needed my attention.

Among those considerations were the traditions of an All School Read and a theme for the year. The first All School Read was in 2008; it is a tradition, but not a long-standing one. Luckily, I had access to a lot of thoughtful people during this process, who gave me valuable guidance and sage advice. Regarding the question of a theme, one of my mentors told me, “Be patient, you’ll find the right answer.” But the truth is, it was more like the answer found me.

On the evening of March 4, Artie Boyle—parent of former NHL star Brian Boyle ’03 and grandfather of Christian ’22, Jacob ’25, and Daniel ’29 Pichay—led a Rosary in our Chapel for a group of parents, faculty, and even a few students. As Artie shares in his book, Six Months to Live, he was diagnosed with cancer in 1999. The following year, he went on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje from which he returned cancer free. When Artie’s cancer first appeared, Brian was an eighth grader at St. Sebastian’s and I was his baseball coach. Now, 25 years since that grim diagnosis, Artie continues to share testimony of his miraculous healing, as he did that night.

I sat in the Chapel next to Lisa Ogrinc, mother of Matthias ’25, who was deep into her own battle with cancer, a battle that would claim her life three weeks later. After the Rosary, I walked with Lisa to her car. Despite her poor physical health, I could feel her spirit soaring. She was so moved by the prayers and the support from the St. Sebastian’s community, a community she had only recently joined. We talked about Artie’s testimony, his witness to faith. Hope and peace radiated from Lisa. It was such a privilege to walk with her. At that moment I knew that I would choose Artie’s book as our All School Read and “Witness” as our theme for the year. We will hear from Mr. Boyle and more about his story next Monday.

After proposing “Witness” as a theme, Mr. Nerbonne was the first person to teach me that the Greek word for witness is martus, the root of the word martyr. It evokes thoughts of our patron saint, Sebastian.

I was not surprised to learn that lesson from Mr. Nerbonne, but I was surprised when the message was reinforced by Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla! He discussed Saint Sebastian while hosting a session of the “Saints in 7 Days” series on the Hallow prayer app this summer—five minutes a day for seven days.

Coach Mazzulla grew up in Rhode Island and went to Bishop Hendricken High School. As a dedicated athlete who treasures his Catholic faith, he has a special devotion to Saint Sebastian. He would end each episode with this prayer: “Dear Jesus, help us to imitate the courage and resilience of your witness, Saint Sebastian.”

To be a good witness is to be attentive: notice when things don’t seem right or someone is down and needs a friend; listen closely to and learn from each other, whether it’s your Chapel Speeches or sitting around the lunch table in Ward Hall; look for opportunities to celebrate one another. Be a good witness this year. It strengthens our community.

That image of Saint Sebastian as a witness was illuminated in such a powerful way in the latest edition of The Quiver, our literary and artistic magazine. Please listen closely to this poem by junior Michael Rohatgi. He wrote it while contemplating the statue that stands just outside of this church.

To be a good witness is to be attentive: notice when things don’t seem right or someone is down and needs a friend; listen closely to and learn from each other; look for opportunities to celebrate one another.

The Soul of the Statue by Michael Rohatgi ’26

Alone I stand strong in the sunlight, Towering tall with tremendous power. With pride I point to heaven above And give glory to the greatness of God.

I have never waned nor wavered weary from my task, But gladly guard the gates of Sebs, With a stern set gaze in a fearless face, Arrows held in hand, A sacred symbol to the students.

But I was not always so important and proud. Many moons ago I was but meek unmolded metal, a meaningless mass. I spent millennia drifting dreamless in the dark, devoid of dignity, Far beneath the earth I was nothing, nobody, I knew not fame nor honor.

But then there came a sculptor who shaped me in glistening grandeur, I was given the form of the holy soldier Saint Sebastian. I feel blessed to bear his armor, yet unworthy to wear it all the same. When I was positioned in this perfect place my life was given purpose, So here I dutifully dwell and do nothing but observe.

I hear the church bells loudly lauding the Lord with hymns, Or young students playing beside me, or people praying in the Peace Garden, Or the rambunctious roaring of the Arrows across the road, rooting for their team.

I see some arriving anxious, or others only half awake, New students frantically fixing their tie, or old without one at all.

I see them leave late, lingering long after the bell.

I have watched countless grades grow and graduate, grateful for their time, Yet through a decade I’ve remained, rooted upright and revered. I give thanks to God in heaven, for here is my home.

There is so much that I love about this poem. I love the theme. I love the descriptive imagery. I love thinking about our faculty as sculptors. But mostly, I love the intelligence that radiates from this work. Human intelligence, nothing artificial about it. Working with his teacher, Michael produced something original, something authentic, and something beautiful. He takes the statue, something we’ve all walked past often without contemplating its glory, and he makes it extraordinary. He has such a talent for writing. Michael’s poem and Mr. Boyle’s story are just two of the reminders that we are part of something much greater than ourselves at St. Sebastian’s. Those inspiring moments, initiated by, and shared with, our faculty, students and families, fill me with hope, and with faith, and with love.

Embrace challenges, love learning

Inspiration from our students also helped me to answer another question from last spring: “Should I continue to teach a class?”

That answer became clear when I did an exercise that looked to define my philosophy on education and my reasons for wanting to run a school. Two things about myself that I always knew were crystallized by this exercise: I love a challenge and I love to learn.

We all love a challenge, whether it is the daily Wordle, hiking up a mountain, running a marathon, or doing the brain teasers outside of Ms. Callini’s room. I know that teaching a class will be a challenge on top of my responsibilities as Head of School, many of which I’m still learning. But I also know that while there are many great things that happen at St. Sebastian’s, the most important things happen in the classroom. It’s a place I want to be as long as I can.

More inspiration came to me last year when I noticed a student who was clearly embracing scholarship. Every time I saw him, he had a book in his hand, or was working through a problem set with classmates, or seeking guidance from a teacher.

I asked him what his inspiration was. Why was he so determined to go the extra mile? He told me that he was inspired by the story of Frederick Douglass. He first heard about Mr. Douglass in Mr. Cleary’s history class, and then read his Narrative in Mr. Adams' English class. He talked about how Douglass did everything he could when he was enslaved—and when he was free—to read and learn. Douglass embodied the truth that pure education, learning for the sake of learning, is the path to freedom. That student was telling me what inspired him, but nothing could have been more inspiring to me as an educator.

Our mission statement is our North Star. It is fixed, and steady. It gives us a sense of where we are, and it guides us to where we’re going.

It became clear to me early in my career that teaching is probably the best way to learn, and this was another instance when I learned so much from a student. I had my answer: I want the challenge; I want to be in the classroom for that one period a day; I want to keep learning lessons from Arrows that I can’t learn anywhere else.

Seek truth through faith and reason

This brings me to the last question I had to answer last spring: “How do I prepare for the challenge ahead?” What exactly do I need to do? What are the steps? Where do I find the blueprints for success? Once again, the answer found me.

For those who were here last spring, you know that we were conducting a self-study to prepare for our accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, a process that takes place every ten years. It is a thorough look at our operations and our programs, and each standard that we assess starts with the same question: Do your programs align with your mission?

And there was my answer. When I need guidance, when I need direction, when I need a blueprint, I need to go to our mission.

Our mission statement is our North Star. It is fixed, and steady. It gives us a sense of where we are, and it guides us to where we’re going.

I’m going to deconstruct our mission for a minute and start with the last of the three sentences, the objective of the mission:

The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a lifelong learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.

This is your to-do list. We expect you to develop your gifts while here at St. Sebastian’s, then we expect you to take those gifts and serve your community. And we expect you will do this as a gentleman, as someone who loves to learn, and you will be courageous, honorable and wise as you accomplish your goals. That’s an awful lot to expect from you, but we wouldn’t ask if we didn’t believe you could deliver.

The second sentence of our mission states:

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.

“Embracing Gospel values in an inclusive, nurturing community” is at the heart of a new monument on our campus. Some of you may have noticed this magnificent sculpture, which stands between the Arts Center and the Oratory. Known as a Khachkar or Armenian Cross, this structure means so much to, and is a symbol of, the Armenian community. It is a gift from our Armenian families, a way to say thank you to St. Sebastian’s for supporting students who come from a faith tradition different from Catholicism. The Khachkar also serves as a tribute and memorial to Regina Najarian, mother of Avi ’25 and Sebu ’24, who passed away in 2022. It is such an honor to have this monument on our campus.

And finally, the first sentence of our mission:

A Catholic independent school, St. Sebastian’s seeks to engage young men in the pursuit of truth through faith and reason.

When you look at the statue of Saint Sebastian outside, notice the words on the ground. He steps towards Veritas (truth), and on either side is Fides and Ratio (Faith and Reason). He is striding toward truth, through faith and reason—a physical depiction of our mission. You will not find a mission like ours at any other school. It is carved in our walls and represented by the statue about which Michael wrote so beautifully.

To summarize, here are the three takeaways from today:

1. Be a good witness, and witness the good 2. Embrace challenges and fall in love with learning 3. Seek truth, and use faith and reason on your way

I give thanks to God in heaven for here is my home.

Thank you for being here this morning and serving as a witness to my inaugural Opening Remarks as Head of School. Have a great year!

ST. SEBASTIAN’S STRATEGIC PLAN

A BLUEPRINT for the Future

St. Sebastian’s has long been blessed with a visionary administration and Board of Trustees, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping the School’s path. Among their many vital responsibilities, few are more significant than setting the direction for the future through the Strategic Plan. Our previous Strategic Plan, implemented in 2016, set the course for growth across several key areas. These included broadening and diversifying our applicant pool; strengthening the endowment; enhancing the campus with the addition of the Burke Family Center, Innovation Lab, and Oratory; and establishing and funding a Wellness Program.

With the successful implementation of this plan, the Board of Trustees has now embarked on the next phase of our School’s future with a new Strategic Plan. In January 2022, following the successful Spirit & People Campaign, the Board and School Administration initiated the development of a refreshed plan, designed with five-to-ten-year goals and objectives in mind. The new Strategic Plan committee was led by Trustees Andy Wasynczuk P’14,’17,’27 and Casey Condron ’94, P’23,’24,’28, Chair and Vice-Chair of the Long-Range Planning Committee, and Board President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08.

As part of their comprehensive approach, the committee sought input from various stakeholders within the community. This fact-finding process led by the administration included surveys of parents and alumni, faculty departmental evaluations, and extensive discussions with the Board of Trustees. From these valuable insights, ten key pillars emerged— reflecting common priorities and goals that align with the mission of St. Sebastian’s. In May 2024, the administration and the Board formally adopted the new Strategic Plan.

The timing of this process was serendipitous. While the Strategic Plan work was well underway, Headmaster Burke announced his retirement in January 2023. A thorough search for our next leader followed, culminating in the selection of Brendan Sullivan as St. Sebastian’s tenth Head of School. Sullivan officially began his tenure on July 1, 2024, with the newly adopted Strategic Plan providing him with exciting opportunities for growth in all areas of the program and a blueprint for the future.

STRATEGIC PILLARS

SPIRITUAL LIFE & CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Nurture and strengthen the religious, spiritual, and moral lives of our students, faculty, and staff.

ADMISSIONS

Attract, admit, and graduate young men open and committed to loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another.

ACADEMICS & SCHOOL LIFE

Provide an excellent academic experience. Our intentional small class section sizes allow for tremendous individual attention and promote dynamic student engagement.

FACULTY & STAFF

Attract, support, and retain exceptional faculty and staff committed to the School’s mission.

The following ten pillars of the Strategic Plan define St. Sebastian’s core goals and initiatives. The plan outlines clear actions to achieve our objectives and advance our most important mission.

To view the full plan, visit: stsebs.org/strategicplan

ATHLETICS

Provide a wide range of athletic opportunities with an emphasis on promoting dedication, fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

ARTS

Provide a wide range of arts opportunities with an emphasis on promoting creativity, performance excellence, and devotion.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Prioritize the health and wellness of our students, faculty, and staff by better equipping our community with the necessary skills and resources to thrive at St. Sebastian’s and beyond.

UNITY IN DIVERSITY

Attract and support students, faculty, and staff across racial, ethnic, geographic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. Share freely and fully our unique experiences and perspectives to bring our community closer together.

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

Develop a comprehensive plan for the campus which will identify potential improvements and generate a priority assessment relative to needs and costs.

FINANCE

Maintain financial equilibrium while advancing the School’s mission in perpetuity.

CAMPUS MASTER PLAN PILLAR

A Major Goal Realized through Acquisition of East Campus Property

On October 24, 2024, St. Sebastian’s announced the acquisition of St. Bartholomew Church and its contiguous property following the Archdiocese of Boston’s decision to merge the Parish with St. Joseph’s in Needham. As laid out in the Campus Master Plan Pillar, this important transaction marks a significant and proud milestone in the School’s history and secures a major part of the campus for the future.

The parcel, bordered by Great Plain Avenue and Greendale Avenue, consists of the Church and Rectory, the parking lot, green space and adjacent property. Totaling five acres of land, this purchase expands the footprint of St. Sebastian’s campus by over twenty-five percent!

Since January 1983, when St. Sebastian’s moved from Newton to Needham, this land area, known as the “East Campus,” has been leased from the Archdiocese of Boston and St. Bartholomew’s. St. Sebastian’s has enjoyed a symbiotic partnership with the Parish for over 40 years while making substantial improvements to the Birmingham Academic Building, including significant classroom and community spaces. Head of School Brendan Sullivan stated, “In addition to this acquisition being a tremendous asset for the School, it is also very important to us to maintain a warm relationship and connection with St. Joseph Parish as we continue to work with and support our local Catholic community.” Planning for the East Campus has already begun with a strong sense of purpose and enthusiasm as we strategically explore our priorities and essential goals to further our mission and advance St. Sebastian’s in all respects. This acquisition will create many opportunities to enhance and expand the School’s facilities and programs to the benefit our students and faculty.

We look forward to sharing details of our overall Strategic Plan and the development of the East Campus property as a vision for the property unfolds.

LEFT: An aerial view of the East Campus property; RIGHT: Current and former Board Presidents Devin Condron ’92, P’29,’29 and Jim Elcock '77, P’08, Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Head of School Brendan Sullivan P’25,’29 gather at the Cardinal’s residence to mark this momentous occasion for the School.

Riposa in Pace, PADRE PARIS

February 26, 1927—January 15, 2025

For nearly half a century, Fr. John Paris was a steadfast presence at St. Sebastian’s. Serving across both the Nonantum Hill and Greendale Avenue campuses, he holds the distinction of being the longest-serving faculty member in the School’s history, from September 1974 until his retirement in July 2023. His wisdom, faith, humor, and ever-present reminders—both gentle and firm—shaped the character of generations of Arrows. A beloved mentor and friend, Fr. Paris will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Anyone in our school community who had the privilege of crossing paths with Fr. Paris would instantly recognize his unmistakable Italian accent—a testament to his roots. Born and raised in Italy as the sixth of seven children, he was affectionately known in his hometown as “Padre Nino.” A dedicated scholar, he worked tirelessly through his schooling, eventually earning a B.A. and S.T.L. from St. Anselm’s International College, an M.Ed. from Boston College, and a Ph.D. from Catholic University in Milan. Ordained at the Church of Sant’ Alessio in Rome on July 8, 1950, he began his priesthood serving the less fortunate in Italy. In the 1960s, he came to the United States as a Somascan priest, serving parishes in Cambridge and Mattapan before joining the faculty at St. Sebastian’s.

Fr. Paris began his nearly 50-year tenure at St. Sebastian’s in September 1974, teaching Religion, Latin, French, and Spanish. A true polyglot fluent in many languages, he captivated students with his remarkable ability to recite a proverb in Latin, then Italian, German, and finally English. A master of expression, he explained his point with great clarity, not just through words but through his animated gestures, vivid facial expressions, and warm, engaging banter. His brilliance and charm quickly established him as one of the most respected and well-liked faculty members on Nonantum Hill.

By 1987, Fr. Paris shifted his focus from the classroom to working in the library and serving as a language tutor. He stood sentinel in the library, reminding boys how to conduct themselves with his gentle, and occasionally not so gentle, words.

A dedication to Fr. Paris in the 2004 yearbook captured his essence and paid tribute to his affection for Latin: “Silentium est signum sapientiae; loquacitas stultiae” (Silence is a sign of wisdom; talkativeness is a sign of folly). Despite his sometimes stern façade, those who knew him well cherished his warmth and subtle humor.

Fr. Paris’s impact extended far beyond academics. He instilled in his students the values of kindness, discipline, and faith. The 1980 yearbook dedication in his honor reflects this beautifully: “Father was not only concerned with us academically, but he was also concerned that we be able to live good, happy lives… He has watched us grow and raised us as if we were his children. His love for his students radiated throughout the classroom and

touched everyone whether they knew it or not. His hard work rarely in the spotlight but it always was appreciated.”

A lifelong learner, Fr. Paris was always reading books and sharing articles with both faculty and students. His love for art was only matched by his deep passion for all things Italian. He was an active member of the ItaloAmerican community in Malden, from where he commuted daily until he was 94 years old. Even when Fr. Paris was no longer able to come to campus each day, he remained a beloved figure amongst the student body, as evidenced by their enthusiasm in celebrating his birthday with a cake in Ward Hall, including his 96th.

On January 22, 2025, Fr. Paris returned to St. Sebastian’s one final time for his funeral Mass in St. Bartholomew

A

on the Nonantum Hill campus

the 1970s; n Fr. Paris gives guidance to students during a tutoring session; n Fr. Paris delivers the Benediction at Commencement; n Students in the library receive a reminder from Fr. Paris to lower their voices; n The school community gives Fr. Paris a rousing round of applause in celebration of his birthday during lunch in Ward Hall.

Church. Most Rev. Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston, served as the Principal Celebrant of the service. Fr. John Arens gave a heartfelt homily on the life of Fr. Paris and his nearly 50 years of service to St. Sebastian’s, sharing anecdotes that captured his unique charisma and enduring faith.

Students, faculty, and alumni participated throughout the service as readers, altar servers, choir, organist, and pallbearers, underscoring the strong bond the St. Sebastian’s community shared with Fr. Paris. Head of School Brendan Sullivan closed the ceremony with poignant words: “We will miss you, my friend. Thank you for all the many gifts you’ve shared with St. Sebastian’s for so many years. Rest in peace.”

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT:

shot of Fr. Paris

in

Reflections on Fr. Paris

“Fr Paris shared his many gifts so freely and fully with all of us, in thousands of ways over thousands of days. I’m sure that many Arrows have fond memories of Fr. Paris, encouraging them to be quiet in the Library or to find an alternate location in which to study (in other words, “Get out of the Library”), or pacing the floor with his breviary in hand quietly reciting his obligatory prayers, most likely in Latin. It truly was a privilege to spend time with him over the past few years. As the end of his life approached and his health declined, one constant remained: his love and devotion for our School, our faculty and staff, our alumni, and especially his students. We pray him home to his loving Creator, confident that he will hear the words of our Savior, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

—Michael Nerbonne,

Assistant Head of School

We can’t speak of Fr. Paris without sharing something of that dear presence among us—for his prayerfulness, for his playfulness, and for his reminding us of our conduct in the library, especially the sound of the whistle to which he sometimes resorted, which is part of St. Seb’s lore now. He desired the very best from us and for us, and we have been greatly blessed for having had him in our lives...He charmed us when he celebrated life in our midst. He gave us a witness to faith, the like of which we may not find very often.

—Fr. John Arens, Chaplain

“Fr. Paris’s example as a priest stands out most—praying before the Blessed Sacrament, offering consolation upon my mother’s passing, and celebrating our annual Latin Mass. His words in those homilies remain impactful. He shared his love for Mary and always encouraged our devotion to her—In danger, in difficulty or in doubt, think of Mary. . . She is the most powerful woman of the world. . . She is the mother who will tell us, as to the servants at Cana: “Do whatever he tells you.”

—Sean Albertson, Chair of Classics Department

I met Fr. Paris when he came to St. Sebastian’s in September 1974, my senior year, and enjoyed having him as my Religion teacher. His presentations were to the point, leaving us with one or two things to think about and discuss in the next class. My friendship with Fr. Paris grew in 2000, when I saw him at Reunion and mentioned that I was considering applying to the Archdiocese to become a deacon. We had lunch shortly after and continued to see each other regularly in the following years. Father was a tremendous counselor and friend during my four years of study and preparation to become a deacon. I was so happy that he was at the Holy Cross Cathedral for my ordination. Our friendship and his counsel continued after I was ordained. He was one of the best priests that I have experienced for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our friendship was a true blessing for me, and I will miss him dearly.

—Deacon Paul Coletti ’75

Fr. Paris had served St. Sebastian’s for almost two decades when I began my tenure as Headmaster in 1990. In the early going and ever after, he went out of his way to encourage me, advancing his belief that my status as the first layman to head our School was working well. He had a penchant for handing me a papal encyclical or a religious book, when I walked into Corporate Chapel on Monday mornings. Several years ago, he put Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza in my hands. I devoured the book and insisted that every student read it over the summer. Immaculee, who had survived the 1994 Rwandan genocide, visited us in September and blew us away with words from her heart! And so was born our All School Read program. A deep-thinking, deep-feeling, beloved holy man of faith and honor, style and grace, Fr. Paris was long at the heart of so much that is so good about St. Sebastian’s. May we hold him in our hearts forever!

—Bill Burke, Headmaster Emeritus

25 years of service

Four members of our school community

Chris Lynch, John Ryan, Dave Thomas, and Greg Wishart join the Wall of Honor in recognition of their 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s School.

CHRIS LYNCH P’27, Chair of the English Department, has enriched the St. Sebastian’s community for over 25 years with his gifts as an exceptional educator, dedicated mentor, and inspiring leader. His deep love for literature and talent for making even the most complex texts accessible have left a lasting impact on countless Arrows. Beloved by students and respected by colleagues, Chris is a lifelong learner who continually refines his craft while delivering the same quality of teaching year after year.

After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross, Chris wasn’t entirely sure what path he wanted to take. At the time, he was working in a paint factory in Everett while taking classes at Boston College. A conversation with his good friend, Fr. O’Brien, changed everything. “There’s this amazing school in Needham called St. Sebastian’s—you have to meet Bill Burke,” Fr. O’Brien told him. Chris admits he had never heard of the School before, but within 30 minutes of speaking with the headmaster, he knew he had found his calling.

Chris’s first year at St. Sebastian’s was a whirlwind. In addition to teaching 8thgrade English, he co-taught Freshman Writing with Bill—a truly formative experience. “The old saying goes, ‘All I need to know I learned in kindergarten.’ For me, everything I needed to know about teaching, I learned while teamteaching a section of Freshman Writing with Bill Burke,” Chris reflects. He also balanced working in Admissions under Bill Cullen on top of his teaching responsibilities. With just the two of them running the Admissions Office, Chris quickly immersed himself in the world of independent schools, visiting numerous feeder schools and attending admissions fairs nearly every weekend that fall.

One of Chris’s most memorable early teaching moments came when he struggled with a student accepting constructive feedback on an essay. After running out of useful things to say, Chris simply said, “Do it again, but do it better.” In the years since, he’s found more refined ways to communicate feedback, but he’s come to see that this simple mantra encapsulated the essence of education: constant revision, persistent effort, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

In 2001, Chris became Chair of the English Department, a role he continues to cherish. “I loved the department then, and I love it now,” he says. Over the years, he has transitioned from learning from senior colleagues to mentoring younger faculty, always embracing new perspectives and ideas. His leadership has made the department a dynamic and supportive

community, where his fellow English teachers feel valued and students are pushed to reach their full potential.

Chris’s passion for literature, particularly Russian novels, has captivated his students, especially in his AP English Literature course. His classroom, an inviting space filled with Harkness tables and couches, fosters engaging discussions that help students connect themes to their own lives. “We read and discuss great literature because it helps us lead happier, more meaningful lives,” he says. “My favorite part of teaching is being part of that process over and over and seeing our students discover purpose and truth.”

Colleagues and students alike recognize Chris as a phenomenal educator. “His teaching style is just magic,” shares Assistant Head of School Mike Nerbonne. “His students don’t want class to end and leave the room debating and talking about whatever was on the docket that day.” English teacher Dean Adams praises Chris’s leadership: “He values growth, learning, and intellectual curiosity, and he cultivates that throughout the department, while supporting each of our diverse interests wholeheartedly.”

Beyond the classroom, Chris has played a significant role in shaping St. Sebastian’s broader academic culture. As secretary of the Teaching Committee, he advises the Head of School on academic matters and has also twice chaired the School’s accreditation process. For the last decade, Chris has led the two-day orientation for new faculty at the beginning of each school year. During the summer, he oversees the Academic Workshops, expanding the program from a single Writing Workshop to five diverse offerings since its launch in 2013. His organizational skills and strategic vision have made him an invaluable faculty leader.

Chris has also made his mark as a coach, mentoring students in various sports, including middle school basketball and baseball, and soccer across all levels. Coaching has allowed him to forge deeper connections with

students, witnessing their growth and resilience in a competitive setting. “I love coaching. You learn so much about the kids by being with them on the fields and courts,” Chris reflects. “Some of my happiest and most memorable moments have been after big wins.”

Among the many St. Sebastian’s traditions Chris holds dear, the Senior Retreat stands out. “The time on Cape Cod can be transformative for our boys and witnessing that transformation over the last 25 years has been a privilege.” He has also been moved by the students’ devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, with increasing attendance at Benediction each week. “It’s the perfect way to come together to end the week,” he says.

A father of three, Chris treasures the opportunity to have his son, John ’27, attend St. Sebastian’s. “I was in the school parking lot in 2007 when my wife, Christina, called after an ultrasound to tell me, ‘We’re going to have an Arrow.’ When I see him in a St. Seb’s jersey or joking with his peers, I have to pinch myself.”

“We read and discuss great literature because it helps us lead happier, more meaningful lives. My favorite part of teaching is being part of that process over and over and seeing our students discover purpose and truth.”

As he reflects on having his portrait added to the Wall of Honor, Chris expresses deep gratitude. “I am completely humbled to join my heroes on the wall. So many of those faces have had a huge impact on me as a teacher and as a person.” Above all, it is the people of St. Sebastian’s who have made his experience so meaningful. “I love so much about this school, but most of all, the students and faculty. I have made lifelong friends and had the privilege of serving alongside awesome people. There’s truly nothing I would rather do.”

TOP LEFT: Chris leads a discussion on Hamlet; TOP RIGHT: “Future" Arrow Ryan Albertson '22 receives guidance from Chris during a summer Writing Workshop; BOTTOM LEFT: The epitome of the teacher-coach model, Chris runs soccer drills with 8th graders; BOTTOM RIGHT: Chris with his wife Christina, and children, John '27, Cate, and Grace, at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner.

JOHN RYAN P’15,’16,’18,’28 embodies dedication in everything he does —whether in the classroom or the wrestling room. For the past 25 years, he’s shared his passion for science, making physics come alive through hands-on learning, and mentoring Arrows in six different sports. A skilled educator, a dedicated coach, and a man of faith, he pushes his students to be their best while offering steadfast support along the way.

John’s story at St. Sebastian’s began when he and his wife, Jean, moved to the area from New Jersey to be closer to family. He had spent the previous seven years teaching at St. Benedict’s Prep, where he attended high school. While seeking a Catholic school to continue his teaching career, John found St. Sebastian’s. “It was, and is, a perfect fit.”

Since joining the Science Department in the fall of 1999, John has taught every level of physics, from standard to honors and AP, as well as middle school science in his earlier years. His classroom is one where students learn by engaging in lab work and encouraged to learn from their mistakes. “You have to give the kids something hands-on so they can learn it better,” he says. John’s teaching philosophy aligns with that of his high school teacher and former colleague, Fr. Mark, who always believed that students should discover concepts themselves rather than having them simply explained. John’s commitment to making physics engaging and relevant is evident in his efforts to not only get students into the lab, but on the field to launch rockets, or the roof to look at stars through a telescope. He has enjoyed keeping traditions alive, such as the mousetrap car project which was established before he arrived, and adding new ones along the way. Years ago, he started doing magic tricks during class, inspiring “Magic Mondays,” where students try figure out how the trick is done using the scientific method.

While making physics fun for his students, John also holds them to high standards, earning him the affectionate nickname “Sarge.” “For boys to get clear expectations from a teacher and to execute their work based on those clear expectations is a great gift to them,” shared Assistant Head of School Mike Nerbonne. According to Dave Wilbur, Chair of the Science Department, John is often the “pilot” in their science program, constantly introducing new ideas for lessons, experiments, and use of more modern equipment. “He’s willing to try ideas out, learn from them, and then bring

them to the other physics teachers and the rest of the department,” Wilbur notes. “A passionate, gifted, demanding teacher, John is a master of his craft.”

Outside of the classroom, John has become a fixture in St. Sebastian’s athletic programs, teaching countless athletes the values of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. He has coached multiple sports across grade levels over the years, including hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, baseball, and cross country. Among these, coaching wrestling has become one of his greatest passions. In 2007, he helped to launch the program with colleague Greg Wishart and has remained a dedicated coach ever since. For the past three years, he has also led the summer service trip to Lourdes, France, with Our Lady’s Pilgrimage, an experience he describes as a blessing: “It’s been amazing to see these young men grow in their faith and service to others.”

Faith plays a central role in John’s life and St. Sebastian’s Catholic mission is just one of the many things he loves about the school. “I love the collegiality and camaraderie between the faculty. Everyone is here to make you better. I love that the school has always supported any ideas I have had for something in class, or for a team, or for a trip. Seb’s has always said yes. I love the kids—the best part is when they come back and say how much their work here has helped them in college. And I love the Science Department.

“I love the collegiality and camaraderie between the faculty. I love that the School has always supported any ideas I have had for something in class, or for a team, or for a trip. I love the kids. And I love the Science Department.”

The leadership of Lea Manion and the mentorship of Dave Wilbur and Pat Colton in my early years made me know I was in the right place and with Dave at the helm we continue to do good things.”

With four sons—Johnny ’15, Jimmy ’16, Patrick ’18, and Joe ’28—who have attended the school, John and his wife, Jean, have a unique perspective on what makes this place special. “It has been a great gift for them to be taught by a faculty that know their topics so well and truly love and look out for them.” This past fall, his oldest son joined the faculty, teaching English and drama. “Having Johnny here has been amazing,” shared John. “I love seeing

him at lunch or just around the school every day. It’s great to see how much he cares about the kids and the school.”

John’s deep connection to the school and his commitment to educating the next generation of students as if they were his own sons reflect the values that define his life and work. As John walks by the Wall of Honor, he is reminded of the incredible community of teachers he has been a part of over the years. Being included in this group is an honor, but for Ryan, it’s about more than just recognition. It’s about being part of the history of St. Sebastian’s and carrying on a legacy of excellence, faith, and service.

TOP LEFT: Students in John's science class put their mousetrap cars to the test; TOP RIGHT: Coach Ryan cheers on an Arrows wrestler during a meet; BOTTOM: The Ryan Family at Jimmy’s wedding in November 2024.

When thinking of DAVE THOMAS ’94 , one cannot help but picture his iconic traditions, like the annual “chemis-tree” and the legendary end-of-year “explosive” demonstrations. These signature events capture his enthusiasm for chemistry and his dedication to engaging students in memorable ways. Since joining the faculty in 1999, Dave has inspired Arrows with his dynamic blend of intensity, purpose, humor, and genuine care—both in the classroom and as a mentor on the ice and courts.

Dave’s connection to St. Sebastian’s dates back 34 years when he attended as a freshman and sophomore before transferring for hockey opportunities. Although he did not graduate from St. Sebastian’s, in line with school tradition, he is considered an alumnus of the Class of 1994. After graduating from Middlebury College, Dave took a year off to work and travel around Europe before launching his career. Upon his return, a job posting in The Boston Globe and encouragement from his friend Steve Zrike ’94 led him back to St. Sebastian’s, this time as a teacher.

In 1999, Dave joined the Science Department, working alongside Peter Kittler, his former sophomore chemistry teacher. Peter would often remind Dave that “wisdom cannot be taught but only earned by experience.” This mentorship set the foundation for Dave’s teaching philosophy, which emphasizes the value of experiential learning.

For the first 13 years of his career, Dave traveled from one classroom to the next, pushing a cart stocked with chemicals, safety goggles, and a fire extinguisher. In 2013, the addition of the Math, Science, and Library Center finally gave him a classroom to call his own— a dedicated space where he could fully embrace his hands-on, interactive teaching style, conducting frequent labs and demonstrations.

Over the years, Dave has taught a wide range of science classes, with a focus on chemistry, where he currently teaches three honors sections and one AP class. In addition to hands-on engagement, one of Dave’s teaching tools is to employ humor in his lessons. “Atoms, the fundamental building block of matter, are ridiculously tiny and tricky,” he notes. “Using whimsical analogies helps students grasp abstract concepts in a relatable way.”

Dave has two cherished traditions that set the rhythm of each academic year. On the first day of classes, he shakes hands with every new student, welcoming them to chemistry, and repeats the gesture at the end of the year to congratulate them

on completing the course. Another highlight is the “closing ceremonies” of chemistry classes, where Dave and his colleagues perform exciting demonstrations involving exothermic reactions, chemical changes, and pH experiments. “It’s a day full of smoke, vapors, bubbles, flames, and colors,” he shares. These grand finales have set off smoke detectors but leave students with unforgettable memories.

The “chemis-tree” is another fun project he co-created with Peter Kittler, where students create chemistrythemed ornaments to decorate a Christmas tree in the science hallway. Dave and fellow science teacher Julia Burnet have kept the tradition alive, with the ornaments growing more elaborate each year.

Along with Dave’s creative approach to teaching, his often intense and demanding tone in the classroom is a deliberate technique meant to challenge students and encourage their growth. Science Department Chair Dave Wilbur describes him as “a knowledgeable, consistent, and reliable teacher whose integrity and perspective are invaluable.” Colleague Carla Callini adds: “He clearly loves chemistry and bringing it to life for his students.”

Dave’s dedication as a teacher carries over to the ice and courts. Over the years, he has coached every sub-varsity level of hockey and spent 20 years as assistant varsity tennis coach. He also helped with the International Club for many years. One of Dave’s most rewarding experiences was participating in several service trips with faculty and students

“Like atoms, together we are more and better than we are individually. Together, we are the St. Sebastian’s family. Thank you for being my St. Seb’s family.”

to New Orleans in the years following Hurricane Katrina. “We truly did a lot of good, helped great people, and had a wonderful time doing so.”

Balancing a fulfilling career with a joyful personal life, Dave has built a beautiful family with his wife, Maura, and their three young children: Greta and twins Alex and Peter. “They have brought me the joy and wisdom that comes from being a dad,” he notes.

Reflecting on his career thus far, Dave credits the people of St. Sebastian’s for making his work so fulfilling. “The students, administration, staff, and faculty are simply great,” he says. “My department exemplifies this—fantastic teachers who are even better people.”

He also treasures the stability within the Science Department, which has fostered lasting relationships. “It’s a rare gift to interact, collaborate, and build friendships with colleagues over 10, 15, even 25 years. That’s truly special,” he says. Grateful for the mentors who shaped his journey, Dave feels honored to see himself next to many of them on the Wall of Honor.

During his chemistry-inspired speech at the Trustee-Faculty Dinner, Dave expressed his gratitude with heartfelt symbolism: “Like atoms, together we are more and better than we are individually. Together, we are the St. Sebastian’s family. Thank you for being my St. Seb’s family.”

TOP LEFT: Dave gives instruction to Arrows on the ice. TOP RIGHT: A student receives a fist bump from Dave during Corporate Chapel. BOTTOM LEFT: Dave assists students with a chemistry experiment; BOTTOM RIGHT: Dave with his wife, Maura, at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner.

GREG WISHART P’27,’29 brings thoughtfulness, insight, and humanity to everything he does. As Dean of Enrollment, he has been instrumental in advancing St. Sebastian’s mission and values, which he holds close to his heart. Over the past 25 years, Greg has left an indelible mark on the school—not only as an admissions leader but also as a dedicated teacher, coach, and community builder.

Greg’s path to St. Sebastian’s began as his senior year at Colgate University was drawing to a close. Facing a crossroads between law school and a career in education, he reflected on his options. A double major in English and Philosophy, Greg had also served as a tutor in the campus Writing Center, which hinted at his growing passion for teaching. His career decision was made during a fishing trip when he received an offer from Bill Burke to join the St. Sebastian’s faculty. “I took that as a sign,” Greg recalls. “After all, most of life’s mysteries can be solved while fishing.”

In his first year at the School, Greg embraced a number of roles, serving as an English teacher, Assistant Varsity Soccer Coach, Assistant Ski Coach, and Assistant Sailing Coach. Despite having no experience with competitive skiing or sailing, Greg jumped in with characteristic enthusiasm. “Fr. Arens knew I could handle the cold and could drive the boat,” Greg notes. Over time, he found his way to coaching soccer, baseball and wrestling, all while continuing to teach. Mike Nerbonne, Assistant Head of School, reflects on Greg’s impact in the classroom: “He is an incredible teacher. The students talk about him as someone who set them up for success in their later high school writing by having him for Freshman Writing.”

After 10 years as a teacher-coach, Greg became the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, where he has excelled and recently earned the title of Dean of Enrollment. Becoming a father the same year he transitioned into the Admissions Office gave him a profound understanding of what matters most to prospective parents. “Families see their values reflected in our mission and we offer a school in which to celebrate and strengthen those values.” This insight informs his approach to admissions, emphasizing the critical role it plays in advancing the school’s mission and fostering a close-knit, thriving community. Colleagues marvel at Greg’s ability to balance the big picture with a personalized, individual approach. “Greg tracks

everything in incredible detail so the Board and administration can see trends, and alerts us to what’s over the horizon,” notes Mike Nerbonne. “Meanwhile, he ensures that every student gets full consideration, no matter how obvious their candidacy may seem.” Admissions colleague Sean McCann adds, “Greg is one of the most thoughtful, considerate and thorough people I’ve worked with. He tries to understand the families we interact with and is always mindful of how his words and actions will impact them.”

Greg’s appreciation for the St. Sebastian’s community and his pride in the School’s admissions approach shines through in his reflections. “I am grateful for our students, parents, alumni, and faculty for being the best ambassadors, advocates, and marketing people an Admissions Director could ask for,” he shares. “I am also incredibly proud of our admissions team for the personalized approach and careful deliberation we offer every prospective family.”

As a leader, Greg has fostered a collaborative and inspiring environment within his team. “Whether navigating the challenges of a busy admissions season or being a great father, he sets an example of the kind of person I aspire to be,” shares Trevor McLean, Associate Director of Admissions. Helen Maxwell, a long-time colleague and mother of four Arrows, adds, “Greg has created a strong, fun, cohesive admissions team and is always finding ways to acknowledge and celebrate the work we do together.”

The values Greg holds dear are deeply rooted in the lessons he learned from his parents, Bill and Joanna Wishart, who together have over 80 years of experience teaching in private schools. “They taught me that anything worth doing is worth doing well and emphasized the importance of family,” Greg shares. Those values are evident in his own family life. A proud father to Nolan ’27 and Finn ’29, Greg often reflects on how his role as a parent informs his work. “Being a teacher is a privilege, but being a parent is the

ultimate privilege. My sons help me to be a better teacher and a better person. Teenagers are good at keeping you honest, humble, and sharp, but I truly look up to my boys. Thanks to their mother, they have gifts I wish I had.” His wife, Caroline, has been a part of his St. Sebastian’s journey since the beginning. Looking back on 25 years of service to St. Sebastian’s, Greg is grateful that he made the decision to choose teaching. “Returning to St. Sebastian’s year after year has been an incredibly easy choice, or more accurately, a blessing. I feel so lucky to be here, working with some of my best friends in this community of good, kind, and talented people working hard every day to do the right thing.”

“Returning to St. Sebastian’s year after year has been an incredibly easy choice, or more accurately, a blessing. I feel so lucky to be here, working with some of my best friends in this community of good, kind, and talented people working hard every day to do the right thing.”

TOP LEFT: Greg instructs students in a Freshman Writing class. TOP RIGHT: During the wrestling program’s first season, Coach Wishart gives guidance from the edge of the mat; BOTTOM LEFT: Greg delivers remarks to prospective families during an Open House. BOTTOM RIGHT: The Wishart family gathers for a photo at the Faculty-Trustee Dinner in Ward Hall.

MAKING THE

Magic

Just about everyone has experienced the thrill of live music. From intimate club performances to arenas and stadium shows, music brings people from all walks of life together. For two St. Sebastian’s alumni, Tommy Suliman ’04 and Jimmy Elcock ’08, sharing their musical gifts and talents with the world makes this magic happen. Tommy, bassist for the American reggae and dub band, Stick Figure, and Jimmy, touring drummer and band leader, have followed their passions to stages around the globe. These two Arrows are alchemists of the live music experience.

HAPPEN

TOMMY SULIMAN ’04

is the middle of three brothers to attend St. Sebastian’s. John ’03 led the way and Joe ’07 followed in Tommy’s footsteps. Like many Arrows, Tommy was a student-athlete earning varsity letters in soccer and lacrosse, but consistently found time to pursue his interest in music. After classes, but before practice, music teacher Justin Smith always kept the door open of what was then the newly constructed Arts Center for aspiring musicians to experiment, jam, and hone their craft. Tommy spent many hours, sometimes 15-20 minutes at a time, refining his guitar skills long before his days as a bassist. “Mr. Smith gave us the space to be creative. I don’t know if we saw it as being productive at the time, maybe it kept us out of trouble, but we all connected with him there,” Tommy recalled. “I’m also appreciative of faculty like Malcolm Cooke and David Emond who went out of their way to develop strong relationships with me.”

From St. Sebastian’s, Tommy headed to UMass Amherst before making his way to the West Coast. Juggling odd jobs in restaurants to pay the bills, this

transition provided an opportunity for Tommy to explore and have some fun. During this time, he struck up a friendship with Scott Woodruff, who had been releasing solo music under the Stick Figure moniker. Tommy and Woodruff’s humble beginnings at open mic nights, skate and snowboard shops, and local bar acoustic sets preceded the formation of Stick Figure as a band, with Tommy as bassist. “Having grown up emulating guitarists like Trey Anastasio (Phish) and Tim Reynolds (Dave Matthews Band), I needed to take a new perspective on the bass. It’s a heavy instrument that plays a big role in reggae music. It can be a humble instrument, but it really lays the foundation.” Studying the style and technique of Boston native Nate Edgar (John Brown’s Body) and Aston “Family Man” Barrett (The Wailers), Tommy committed to transforming into a bassist. Going all in on the project, Stick Figure took to the road supporting Hawaiian band, “The Green” in 2013. This was the dawn of what has grown into something much more than a casual following, more akin to the vibes of a Phish or Grateful Dead experience, only on a reggae platform.

Stick Figure’s success is easily captured in Spotify streams—3 billion+ (yes, that’s billion with a B!)—or number of concerts, nearly 150 shows in some years, now streamlined to 25-30 headliners and select festivals annually. The true measure of this success, though, is in the live performance. A Stick Figure show is truly an immersive event that creates a very unique vibe.

“We definitely have a vision for the music, the lights, the visuals,” shared Tommy. “The production has evolved

to the point where it’s almost another band member.” The Stick Figure collective even employs a Director of Art, Nesta Garrick, who has long roots and connections in the reggae community, including the legendary Bob Marley. Adding all of this together and rolling it out in the iconic natural beauty of a soldout show at the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado creates a completely unique experience. “There is something about that place, the energy there is different, it’s like nowhere else,” observed

Tommy. With the band’s significant Massachusetts roots (Woodruff grew up in the Boston area as well), Stick Figure is a mainstay on the local concert scene performing regularly at the Xfinity Center and the Levitate Festival in recent years, among other venues.

Life on the road for a touring band can be arduous and take its toll on its members. Despite some of the challenges of the lifestyle, Tommy has remained committed to the fitness habits he developed as a varsity athlete

at St. Sebastian’s and club lacrosse player at UMass. His California locale now allows his fitness routine to include surfing. Another of the band’s health and recovery secrets: “We travel with an ice bath and encourage everyone we can to take advantage of it—it works. We’ve now incorporated meditation and breath work that helps to calm and relax us on and off the road.” As the momentum behind Stick Figure shows no signs of abating, it will take fitness and stamina to stay on the wave.

JIMMY ELCOCK '08

developed a love of music at a young age while tinkering on the piano in his maternal grandmother’s home. In response to his interest in the instrument, she added pieces of colored tape to the keys, enabling Jimmy to start experimenting before he could ever read music. After a fateful visit to Blue Man Group as a young teenager, the drums became his instrument of choice, and he hasn’t looked back. Today, he is a drummer and band leader touring with country singer and songwriter, Mitchell Tenpenny.

Jimmy shares the St. Sebastian’s experience with many members of his family. His father, Jim Elcock ’77, past President of the Board of Trustees, and several cousins attended the School, and he was drawn to the idea of being an Arrow early on. While at St. Sebastian’s Jimmy took advantage of all that the School offered, “St Sebastian’s believes you should educate the whole person, and I think that means a lot of learning outside of the classroom,” noted Jimmy. “You learn as much on the field, in the rehearsal, in the dark room, in the student lounge as you do when class is in session, and I did. Every teacher or mentor in the Fine Arts Department, Justin Smith, Karl Grohmann, Meyer Chambers, Mark Rogers, and more, have always championed my passion for music.” After diving into the full range of the arts program at St. Sebastian’s, Jimmy followed his passion for music where any great artist would, the city of New Orleans, attending Loyola University. While mulling over the next move after college—Los Angeles or New York—he had a realization. “I should move to Nashville and make country music—the music that I seemed drawn to consume not as a student but just as a listener or fan—for my career.”

For a touring musician like Jimmy, it is not about being locked into one band, one style, one genre. Rather, he needs to continuously hone his skills as a drummer while developing

relationships and building trust with the artists he is heading out on the road with. He landed his first national touring gig with Jamie Lynn Spears, followed by a lengthy run with Logan Mize before hooking up with Mitchell Tenpenny. In addition to his drumming responsibilities, Jimmy’s role as band leader is integral to the success of the team. Drafting new band members and managing the flow of a performance all falls under the umbrella of a band leader. Both roles require different elements. “As a drummer, you are driving the ship, you are laying the foundation for the house…no matter how beautiful it is aesthetically, it has to stay standing up! I view my roles as drummer and bandleader to be roles of service. I am there to help the artist and other band members on stage feel comfortable and confident to execute their parts.”

oceans. It’s a special kind of magic! I think there’s something innate to humans, that we feel the need to express ourselves. Anger, love, laughter, happiness; I’m not sure there’s a medium of doing so quite so comprehensively as music. I’ll always be enamored with that.”

Jimmy’s tour with Mitchell Tenpenny is about to take him back out on the road, literally to the other side of the world. After opening for Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, Tenpenny is supporting Luke Combs on his stadium tour in Australia and New Zealand in January and February 2025, with expected crowds in excess of 50,000 fans. This opportunity to bring people together is not lost on Jimmy, “I’ve heard it said that music is the way feelings or emotions sound. I think it’s what makes it the universal language; it crosses cultures and borders and

So, what does a drummer and a band leader do when he’s not on the road? If you’re Jimmy Elcock, you’re a cowboy! Growing up, he spent a lot of time outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, horseback riding. This love of nature and horses led him to the world of rodeo in Louisiana. He started out doing back pen work before he got himself hired out caring for folks’ horses during the day to keep his nights free for his music career in Nashville. Today, this is more than a hobby for Jimmy. From his new home in the DFW area of Texas, he started a business helping market cattle genetics, matching up herds from around the world to fortify the gene pool. In addition, he works for Fort Worth Herd, leading cattle drives on horseback twice a day down Exchange Avenue. Through friends at the PBR, Professional Bull Riding (the NFL of bull riding), he was invited to work the back pens and gates at the World Finals this past year. “So, I'm pulling gates and tying flanks at the World Series of Bull Riding, and I'm officially a New England cowboy, I guess.” Jimmy seems to be doing more than playing country music, he’s living “country” in the true sense of the word.

“I’ve heard it said that music is the way feelings or emotions sound. I think it’s what makes it the universal language; it crosses cultures and borders and oceans. It’s a special kind of magic!” —Jimmy Elcock ’08

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating Our Leadership Donors

On September 19, over 175 parents, alumni, parents of alumni and grandparents gathered for the Leadership Society Reception under a tent on the West Campus fields, providing the perfect venue for a beautiful fall evening. This annual event celebrates the tremendous generosity and support of our Leadership donors.

Following a prayer from Fr. John Arens, Board President Devin Condron ’92, P’29,’29 thanked attendees for their tremendous philanthropic support: “Each person here has contributed directly to the evolution of this magnificent institution that is St. Sebastian’s today. You have stood up as leaders in our community and helped usher our beloved school into the future.” Head of School Brendan Sullivan also shared words of gratitude for our Leadership donors and the St. Sebastian’s community, recognizing the many talented people surrounding him, including the administrative team, outstanding faculty, and Board of Trustees. Fr. Michael Drea provided a few inspirational words and a closing prayer. All in attendance had a wonderful time reconnecting and reminiscing.

Welcoming Our New Parents to the St. Sebastian’s Family

On September 26, parents of new students were welcomed in Ward Hall by faculty members, administrators, and fellow parents at the annual New Parent Dinner. The night began with a cocktail reception, which gave guests a chance to connect with different members of the School community and meet other incoming families. Following dinner, William Wallace ’25 shared his experiences and growth as a student—both inside and outside of the classroom—since arriving in 7th grade, and several of our parents spoke about opportunities to get involved at St. Sebastian’s.

Devin Condron ’92, P’29,’29 addresses the crowd gathered under the tent during the Leadership Society Reception.

TOP: Alumnus Ben Heller ’93 and his wife, Amanda, are excited to join the community as parents of an Arrow; BOTTOM: Head of School Brendan Sullivan greets new parents as they enter Ward Hall.

The St. Sebastian’s community “jingled and mingled” at the annual Christmas Auction.

Held at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport on December 7, the evening provided a wonderful opportunity for parents and friends of the School to gather during the Christmas season while supporting St. Sebastian’s.

Auction Co-Chairs, Kim Daley P’26,’28 and Sarah Williams P’26,’28, and Guild of St. Irene President Elizabeth Derenzo P’20,’22,’24,’27, along with the Auction Committee, gave their time, talent, and resources to strategize for months leading up to the auction, secure item donations and sponsors, and decorate and set up the ballroom to create a festive night. Special thanks to our auctioneers,

Joe Amorosino P’25, Scott Mutryn P’25,’26, and Wendy Thurmond P’25,’28, and our lively senior student volunteers, who brought great energy to the event.

An exciting highlight of the night came during the “Raise the Paddle” when attendees exceeded the goal for the enhancement and beautification of the Arts Center terrace. In addition to supporting the students, community, and Fine Arts Department, this initiative will pay tribute to our beloved Guild of St. Irene with the creation of a garden and statue in honor of all St. Sebastian’s mothers.

We are so grateful to all our generous sponsors, donors, advertisers, and bidders who helped us make the 2024 Christmas Auction a smashing success for St. Sebastian’s!

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: A group of Arrows moms gather with two of the senior student volunteers, Teddy McKeigue and Julian Singh; n Maura and Tom Turner P’25 enter the ballroom through the human tunnel formed by the group of enthusiastic seniors helping move the crowd from the reception to dinner; n Guild of St. Irene President Elizabeth Derenzo P’20,’22,’24,’27 and Auction Co-Chairs Sarah Williams P’26,’28 and Kim Daley P’26,’28 with Head of School Brendan Sullivan; n Tim Delay P’26 , Brian Stenberg P’25, Bill Noonan P16,’17,’22,’26, David Bresnahan P’21,’25; n Tiffany and Joe Amorosino P’25 stop by the Balloon Pop where their son Rhys (center) is engaging parents to participate in this fun addition to the Auction.

ST. SE BAST IA N’S CHRI STM AS AUCT IO N

Building CONNECTIONS

St. Sebastian’s hosted two opportunities this fall for professionals in our school community to gather, network, and hear from industry experts.

Charlie Wagner P’19 speaks about his role as CFO at Vertex Pharmaceuticals.

Biopharma/Life Sciences Industry Networking Event

On November 19, St. Sebastian’s hosted its first Biopharma/Life Sciences Industry Networking Event at the headquarters of Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston. In typical St. Sebastian’s fashion, attendees included alumni, parents, parents of alumni, sisters of alumni, and even a prospective parent and current Arrow! Charlie Wagner P’19, Vertex Pharmaceuticals CFO, served as our keynote speaker. Wagner’s presentation was a fascinating overview of the dynamic and life-changing $120B biotech company that is Vertex. He shared a deep dive into their Cystic Fibrosis drug which has increased life expectancy for those who suffer from this disease by 20-30 years! Additionally, he highlighted the amazing progress they are making in sickle cell disease and pain management. Displaying an impressive mastery of the science, Wagner emphasized that his most important role as CFO is resource allocation across the Vertex enterprise including R&D, human capital and real estate, among others. A lively Q&A followed his presentation. Biopharma professionals, as well as attendees in adjacent industries, including law, real estate, and consultants, had the opportunity to network before and after the presentation.

Boston Business Breakfast

November 27th marked the occasion of our Boston Business Breakfast, gathering alumni, parents, and parents of alumni for this annual kickoff to Thanksgiving week. Nearly 150 members of the St. Sebastian’s community attended the breakfast at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room. Devin Condron ’92, P’29’29 opened the program with welcoming remarks and an update from the Board before introducing fellow Trustee and keynote speaker, Mark Carter P’28, Managing Director at TA Associates. During his remarks, Carter walked attendees through the private equity landscape based on his decades of experience in the field. He outlined his career path, the TA investment process, and the firm’s core values. In conclusion, Carter cited numerous commonalities between the success of TA Associates and St. Sebastian’s. Both cultures recognize that “People are our greatest assets,” “Hustle” is a requirement for success, “Culture is a prized possession” and is built from within, “Meritocracy” recognizes excellence throughout the organization, and “Integrity and Personal Responsibility” keep our institutions accountable to take care of one another.

TOP: Mark Carter P’28, Managing Director at TA Associates, speaks about the private equity landscape during his keynote remarks. BOTTOM LEFT: Head of School Brendan Sullivan catches up with alumni at the Boston Business Breakfast. BOTTOM RIGHT: J.R. McDonald P’20 and Ryan Colgan ’16 exchange a handshake.

Recent Dedications

St. Sebastian’s families came together to make thoughtful additions to the campus landscape.

Khachkar Honors Fr. John Arens

On October 8, members of the St. Sebastian’s Armenian community and invited guests gathered to dedicate a beautiful monument, known as a Khachkar or cross stone, installed between the Arts Center and the Oratory. Wearing the traditional clergy stole from St. Sebastian’s earliest days, Fr. John Arens was joined in the blessing by three priests from local Armenian churches, Fr. Krikor, Fr. Vasken and Fr. Arakel. Raffi Barsamian ’17 spoke eloquently about the important role St. Sebastian’s and Fr. Arens have played in his academic and spiritual life. Carson Arevian ’26, Karson Bilezerian ’25, John Esserian ’27, Wes Nahabedian ’29, Avi Najarian ’25, and Cole Pastore ’25 all recited a beautiful poem, Khachkar, written by Fr. Arens. Head of School Brendan Sullivan remarked, “The Khachkar speaks volumes about our shared values, about who we want to be as a school. It is a symbol of tradition, a symbol of openness and hope.” Memorializing Regina Najarian P’24,’25 who passed away in June 2022, Sullivan went on, “We feel your presence, we thank you for walking with us through this day. Stay close and protect our boys.” In addition to the Khachkar, the Fr. John Arens Scholarship Fund has been established in honor of Fr. Arens, adding to the School’s endowment which enables St. Sebastian’s to continue to offer needbased financial aid to our families.

New Scoreboard Pays Tribute to Ken Kelly P’26

On September 20, members of the St. Sebastian’s community gathered on the football/lacrosse field for a blessing and dedication of the new scoreboard named in memory of Ken Kelly P’26. The Kelly family was joined by members of the football team and their parents, as well as the football and lacrosse coaches. The plaque affixed to the scoreboard reads: “This scoreboard is named in memory of George ‘Ken’ Kelly III (1973-2022) who inspired all to live a life like him, rooted in love, leadership, and family. Loving husband to Laurie and devoted father of Anna Catherine and George Kenneth IV ’26.” As Fr. John Arens blessed the scoreboard, he noted the meaningful spirit behind this dedication: “A memorial for a very dear person, son and father, husband and friend, coach and mentor, we are privileged to be here and participate in this blessing for George ‘Ken’ Kelly III.” In his closing remarks, Head of School Brendan Sullivan observed, “The keys to success are sitting right up there on the plaque: Love, Leadership and Family. These words Laurie chose to include on the plaque are just absolutely beautiful and so meaningful.” In speaking directly to the Kelly family, he added, “I know for sure that Ken is so happy tonight, and he is so proud of you, and he loves you so much. Thank you for this wonderful gift that will be here for years to come.”

The Kelly Family and members of St. Sebastian’s faculty lead the ribbon cutting at the dedication of the new scoreboard in memory of Ken Kelly P’26.

St. Sebastian’s families of Armenian descent stand proudly with the newly dedicated Khachkar at the entrance to the Oratory.

Clubs Igniting Passions

OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM

With over 40 clubs on campus, St. Sebastian’s wide array of extracurricular activities gives Arrows the freedom to delve deeper into a hobby they already enjoy or to try something new. The full list runs the gamut, from the Life Sciences Club to Dead Poets Society, the Cooking Club and Finance Academy. Many of the clubs were inspired by the expertise of a faculty member or initiated by a student with a specific interest or talent. Here are just a few of the clubs that have tapped into those passions, helping Arrows to discover what truly ignites their enthusiasm and building skills along the way.

SPORTS MEDIA CLUB

At a typical varsity sporting event, members of the Sports Media Club are capturing the action from the sidelines. A few are behind cameras, taking photos or shooting video, while another is providing real-time commentary of the game for those watching the livestream. Students in the club bring a range of talents and passions, from photography and videography to play-by-play announcing and social media design.

The club’s original goal was to engage knowledgeable students in assisting the Athletic Department with behindthe-scenes media coverage. In addition to tapping into those talents, the club has grown to include a group of students who have little to no experience but an interest in learning about sports media and can develop their skills by working with the experts. “These students are learning by trial and error; that is how they get better. Practice, practice, practice,” observes Athletic Director Jon Bartlett. “It’s great to see how they share advice and learn from one another.” As just one of many examples, Trey Sutphin ’25, one of the club’s leaders, gave members a step-by-step tutorial on how he edits his photos.

“These students are learning by trial and error; that is how they get better. Practice, practice, practice. It’s great to see how they share advice and learn from one another.”

—Jon Bartlett, Director of Athletics

St. Sebastian’s is blessed to have a group of students with such incredible talent. Some of the more proficient members of the club have graduated to the “next level,” working on projects outside of the school for various organizations. Their work has been featured in publications such as The Boston Globe or on college social media channels. “These boys are crushing it making their own content; they are that good,” praises Bartlett. “And with their success and productions, comes the marketing of St. Sebastian’s Athletics every time their work is featured.”

BOTTOM LEFT: Brian Keene ’25 and Jack Knight ’25 give play-by-play of the action on the ice at Henry T. Lane Rink. TOP RIGHT: Andrew MacDougall ’27 and Patrick Fennell ’29 capture the fans in the stands at the football game held at BC’s Alumni Stadium. BOTTOM RIGHT: Trey Sutphin ’26 shoots B-roll of a hockey game from the balcony.

ANIMATION CLUB

Animation is a discipline comprised of a set of skills, ranging from storytelling to drawing and engineering. Arrows in the Animation Club are learning that it takes dedication, creativity, and persistence to see a project through from start to finish. The inspiration for the club came from students asking art teacher Skip Wrightson ’97 about his experience in the field during class. As a professional animator, Wrightson has created animated short films, taught animation at Northeastern University, and worked on TV shows for PBS and NBC.

The club introduces the fundamentals of animation through a variety of activities, including “draw jams,” exploration of relevant software in the Adobe Creative

“I remember being a young artist/ animator and what it feels like before and after I finally understood certain concepts we tackle in the club.”

—Skip Wrightson, Art Teacher

Suite, story idea generation games and exercises, and group projects using camera equipment in the Arts Center and machines in the Innovation Lab. The goal of the club is to integrate itself into other mediums such as music and drama, with plans in motion to create theatrical visual effects for the winter play.

Club members are learning other valuable lessons: the ability to observe the world and translate those observations into various animation styles; the value of pre-planning ideas and taking something through multiple drafts; learning how to recognize when an idea is not working and when to start over; and understanding how to work as a team, with each member contributing whatever their strengths might be. Wrightson loves seeing the students figure out solutions to all the little problems that come up in the creative process. “I remember being a young artist/animator and what it feels like before and after I finally understood certain concepts we tackle in the club,” he recalls. “It definitely has meaning for me when I see students spit balling ideas for a comedic story about an incompetent Santa Claus and then I show them a drawing I made as an art student at St. Sebastian’s 30 years ago of Santa falling out of his sleigh.”

LEFT: Students in the Animation Club practice working with a down shooter to produce a stop motion animation project. RIGHT: Art teacher Skip Wrightson's illustration of the basics of animation.

CREATIVE WRITING CLUB

St. Sebastian’s emphasis on the importance and beauty of the written word is reflected in the number of opportunities available outside of the classroom for students to hone their skills. One of these extracurriculars, the Creative Writing Club, explores different aspects of writing and craft. A math teacher might seem like an unusual choice to lead such a club, but faculty moderator Paul Tremblay also happens to be an award-winning novelist. “My goal is for everyone in the club to have fun and to foster joy with writing,” noted Tremblay. “Skills can be practiced and approaches learned, but the people who stick with writing are the ones who simply enjoy the act for the act itself.”

Most meetings feature a prompt or a writing contest. Last year’s activities included running a school-wide two-sentence Christmas ghost story contest. Club members also collaborate on group projects, such as the story about random notes found throughout the school, published in The Quiver (St. Sebastian’s literary and artistic magazine). Guest speakers, from screenwriters to video game scripters, have been invited to join meetings, providing insight into the many paths to becoming a writer, even for those with a background in STEM. “I hope that I can model or represent the idea that your future isn’t mapped out after high school and/or college,” shared Tremblay. “It’s never too late to follow your passions.”

“I hope that I can model or represent the idea that your future isn’t mapped out after high school and/or college. It’s never too late to follow your passions.”

—Paul Tremblay, Math Teacher

CLUBS BY THE NUMBERS

4 SPIRITUAL LIFE CLUBS

deepen faith through music, scripture, prayer, and fellowship, enriching the spiritual heart of St. Sebastian’s.

7 FINE ARTS CLUBS

provide a creative outlet where students can express themselves, whether on the stage or at the ceramics wheel, and let their imagination soar.

8 LITERARY CLUBS

nurture aspiring writers to hone their skills in poetry, fiction, and journalism, while giving them a platform to share their voices.

9 CAREER-ORIENTED CLUBS

serve as a launchpad for future success, offering exposure to fields like engineering, finance, real estate, and medicine.

4 CULTURAL & LANGUAGE CLUBS

celebrate diversity through culture and language,fostering unity while embracing the unique backgrounds and perspectives within our community.

Faculty member Paul Tremblay engages students in a writing prompt during a meeting of the Creative Writing Club.

FINE ARTS

LUMINOUS CREATIONS

Advanced Photography students collaborated with the Innovation Lab to turn their photos into glowing light boxes using 3D printing, custom boxes, and a string of lights. From left: Joe Spagnuolo ’25, Matthias Ogrinc ’25, and Conrad Shachoy ’25 hold their works of art.

Art, Advocacy, and Movember

Blending Art & Science

In our new Innovative Design course, 7th and 8th graders apply visual art principles to the technology in our Innovation Lab. This blend of art and science provides a hands-on creative learning experience while learning how to use the various machines and software programs in the Lab. The results are some very cool and unique pieces!

In November, students took part in Movember a global initiative raising awareness about men’s health issues. Artists discussed and chose topics they felt deserved advocacy and created work in various mediums. As a creative community, students donned mustaches for a portrait and added their photo along with a written trait reflecting what it means to be a good man.

EXPLORING THE Immigrant Experience

On December 4, MPA students visited the “States of Becoming” exhibit at Boston College’s McMullen Art Museum, exploring works by 17 African diaspora artists. Students engaged in insightful discussions about identity construction and immigration with museum docents and art teacher Deirdre Rynne Annan.

The Rise and Fall

The Slings & Arrows Players delivered a wonderful performance of this year’s fall play, The Rise and Fall, on November 2 and 3, 2024, in the West Campus Theater. Written by C.J. Santosuosso ’15, The Rise and Fall tells the powerful story of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy from the perspective of ordinary and regular people who try to comprehend and respond to what happened in Dallas on that infamous day in November 1963.

With historical events woven into a fictional story, The Rise and Fall is an original, artistic take on a tragic tale that will live forever in American history. The play was first performed in Winter 2015 by an impressive cast of C.J.’s fellow Arrows, under his direction. Ten years later, a new quiver of Arrows brought The Rise and Fall back to the stage, giving it new life.

The actors and the crew excelled under the guidance of faculty member Johnny Ryan ’15 in his first production as director of St. Sebastian’s Drama Program.

FALL SPORTS

Varsity Football

BY COACH DAN BURKE

The 2024 Arrows team was led by one of, if not the largest, groups of seniors in the history of St. Sebastian’s football. Thirty-two players or managers, over half of the 2025 class, were part of the team, and their leadership led the team to a 5-3 finish in the ISL. Had a couple plays gone the other way, the record would have been even more impressive, but regardless the 2024 season was a success due in large part to the Class of 2025.

The season began on a cold, rainy day at home versus Belmont Hill. In these conditions, neither team could get much going offensively and turnovers ended up playing a huge factor in the narrow 10-7 loss for the Arrows that day.

Putting the disappointment of the opening loss behind us was a must as we entered a week two Homecoming

game versus Lawrence Academy. God blessed us with a beautiful day, and the team played outstanding. Lawrence’s opening drive ended in a huge defensive stand for the Arrows on fourth and one deep in our territory, giving us the ball and a huge momentum swing. Ten plays later, Justin Bourque ’25 caught a pass from Ty Ciongoli ’25 and walked in untouched from 18 yards out for the opening score in front of an enthusiastic Henry’s Corner crowd. A touchdown catch by Crosby Thurmond ’25, two touchdown receptions by Kaelan Chudzinski ’25, and a running score by Bourque powered us to a 35-18 victory followed by the red sea of fans storming the field to celebrate with the team.

We knew that we were not going to be able to win all our games by that large of a margin and ended up in a tight battle with Milton Academy the following week. In a game where we felt we could have pulled away, the team responded well to adversity late in the fourth quarter. Finding ourselves down with

around three minutes to play, the offense executed a 10-play march down the field punctuated by a three-yard, powerful run across the goal line by Justin Bourque with 40 seconds to play. A Brendan McHugh ’26 pick sealed the huge win that revealed the grit of this team.

Week four pitted us against thenundefeated Tabor Academy in what many in attendance referred to as one of the best high school football games they have seen. It was quite a display of offensive output by both teams, with Ty Ciongoli throwing for 376 yards and five TDs, Kaelan Chudzinski catching 12 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns, and their running back bobbing and weaving his way to over 400 yards on the ground. In that game, we came back from being down multiple times and felt we would have had them in OT if they had not pulled off a wild scramble and threw for a TD as time expired. It was a deflating end to what had been such a great game, but all in attendance were proud of how our guys

battled and knew that we were just a play away from flipping that loss our way.

There was no time for licking our wounds after that loss as we had our second consecutive game vs. an undefeated ISL opponent with a returning Co-MVP at running back. After an awesome senior night ceremony honoring our 32 members of the Class of 2025, we got to work under the lights vs. BB&N. It was a tight first half with us knocking on the doorstep at the end with a chance to tie it at 1414, but we ultimately did not execute. And in the second half, we did not do enough to come away with the win.

At that point, we knew we had to win to have a chance at a bowl game, and we came out determined to play our best against Roxbury Latin the next week. After a slow start, the team dominated in the second half, rattling off 21 unanswered points to secure the victory. Two touchdowns by David Hahm ’26,

and one each by Ace Ciongoli ’25, Crosby Thurmond ’25, and Justin Bourque '25 carried the day for the offense. Stout, physical defense kept RL to just 7 points compared to our 35.

Next up was Governor’s Academy at Boston College. We were so blessed to play at Alumni Stadium on a beautiful night in front of a large crowd of Arrows supporters. The team played great, highlighted by Justin Bourque having the night of his life on both sides of the ball in a tribute game to his grandfather. Justin had over 100 yards rushing, two touchdowns, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Connor Crane ’25 also had a huge interception in the end zone, Ace Ciongoli had two touchdown receptions, and Kaelan Chudzinski had one. Our senior heavy offensive line was the key to our balanced attack of 178 yards passing and 160 yards rushing. It was an awesome night for

St. Sebastian’s and the football program resulting in a 42-12 victory.

At that point, we had just one more game, one that is always so special for the seniors who dedicated themselves so completely to this team and program and who would be playing their final game in a St. Sebastian’s uniform. The team honored our leaders well that day as we jumped out to a quick lead against Thayer and didn’t relinquish it, finishing with a 37-6 win. It was a great victory with Paul Armstrong ’25 scoring his first touchdown and the whole team pitching in for the win.

Tied for third in the ISL at 5-3, we just missed earning a berth to a NEPSAC bowl game. Regardless, the 2024 Arrows football season was a success. While we are sad to see the Class of 2025 move on, the JV team finished undefeated this season, so the future is bright for the Arrows next year!

OPPOSITE: Senior players and managers pose with coaches for a photo at Boston College’s Alumni Stadium, following a 42-12 win over Governor’s Academy. LEFT: Ace Ciongoli ’25 sprints into the End Zone for six points at Alumni Stadium. TOP RIGHT: Crosby Thurmond ’25 extends to the goal line, after a reception against Lawrence Academy. BOTTOM RIGHT: Tedy Frisoli ’26 performs a pass breakup while delivering a hit on a BB&N receiver.

Varsity Soccer

BY COACH WOODY REDPATH

If ever there was a story of two seasons, this was the year. The 2024 St. Sebastian’s soccer team went 3-6-1 in the first ten games before finding their stride. During the second half of the season, the Arrows earned a 7-1-2 record, finishing strong with a 4-game winning streak.

In the opening game against Worcester Academy, something felt different than the previous season. The Arrows were able to apply pressure on the back line and goalie of the Rams, resulting in a beautiful goal from Alex Perkin ’25 midway through the first half. This goal in the run of play represented the growth of the St. Sebastian’s program over the years. Worcester ended up winning 2-1, but the effort and chances created by the Arrows was something of which to be proud.

In their first ISL match up, St. Seb’s travelled down the road to local rival Nobles for what turned out to be one heck of a soccer game. Though on the losing end of a 3-2 scoreline, the Arrows demonstrated the ability to play high-quality soccer, scoring two great goals in the first half from Jacob Pichay ’25 off a corner and another from Perkin deftly chipping an onrushing goalie. Henry’s Corner was out in full force, as was the cheering section for Nobles, creating a highly energized atmosphere that could be felt throughout the 90 minutes.

In the Homecoming game against BB&N, Perkin evened the score at one in the middle of the second half with a near post, upper ninety free kick that would make anyone’s highlight tape. BB&N clinched the win in the 88th minute on a penalty kick, but the Arrows kept their heads high despite the setback.

Next up were back-to-back wins against St. Paul’s and Governor’s Academy, in which Matty Doherty ’25 found the back of the net for his first varsity goal, while Griffin Collins ’26 scored a hat trick.

The Arrows came out on the front foot in the away game against Brooks, scoring two goals early in the first half, one from Collins and one from John Lynch ’27, the first of his varsity career. Despite the strong start, Brooks scored the next three goals, taking a 3-2 lead early in the second half. The scoreline resembled an eerie trend of previous games which resulted in a one goal loss for the Arrows. But this time, something flipped in the boys, and they found the equalizer midway through the second half. It proved to be a turning point for the Arrows, as the fight, desire, and confidence continued to grow following this match until the end of the season.

For the first time in ten years, the Arrows earned a victory over Middlesex, winning 1-0. For 85 minutes, the

TOP: Griffin Collins ’26 leads the attack for the Arrows in a match versus Roxbury Latin. BOTTOM: Captain Alexander Perkin ’25 leverages his body to box out a Roxbury Latin defender.

two teams were dead even, with scoring chances on both ends of the pitch thwarted by defensive play. The play that unlocked the tie was a combination of three sophomores! Lynch served in a great ball from the left wing, which was just cleared by the Zebras, but Karl Edouarzin ’27, at the right back position, was able to tackle and pass the ball in one movement to a wide-open Tristen Alexander ’27 who toe-poked the ball under the on-rushing goalie for the lone goal! In order to preserve the win, senior defender Luc Olivier ’25 blocked two shot attempts and won numerous headers in dangerous situations.

The team closed out the season by scoring 22 goals and only giving up six in the last four games, a testament to their growth over the season.

On behalf of the coaching staff, we would like to thank the seniors, Jacob Pichay, Alex Perkin, Luc Olivier, Matty Doherty, and manager Brian Keene, for their efforts. Their contributions will be felt for a long time. Also, a huge thank you to all our supporters; we couldn’t have done it without you all cheering us on.

FALL ATHLETIC AWARDS

CROSS COUNTRY

All-NEPSAC

Sebastian Culleton ’26, John Joyce ’27

All-ISL

John Joyce ’27

Coaches Award

For the Runner who in his performance, leadership, and example best contributes to the success of the St. Sebastian’s Varsity Cross Country Team.

John Joyce ’27

SOCCER

All State for Massachusetts

Griffin Collins ’26

All-ISL

Griffin Collins ’26, Alex Perkin ’25

ISL Honorable Mention

Sebastian Martinez-Moule ’26, Luc Olivier ’25, Jacob Pichay ’25

Peter Kerr Memorial Coaches Award

Presented to the soccer player who displays sportsmanship, dedication, and commitment to the soccer program.

Alex Perkin ’25

FOOTBALL

All-ISL

Justin Bourque ’25, Kaelan Chudzinski ’25, Ty Ciongoli ’25, Jake Mulrey ’25, Marky Walbridge ’26

ISL Honorable Mention

Lucas Candiotto ’25, Ace Ciongoli ’25, Matthias Ogrinc ’25, Manny Pereira ’25

ISL Souza/Healy

Lineman of the Year

Marky Walbridge ’26

Ennis Award

Presented to a senior who displays the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the football program.

Declan Carroll ’25, Paul Armstrong ’25

Big Hit Award

Presented to the player who makes a positive impact on our opponents.

Kevin Bresnahan ’25, Manny Pereira ’25

Tom Stratton Award

For Grit, Resilience, and Enduring Passion for St. Sebastian’s Football

Jake Mulrey ’25

Special Teams Award

For Outstanding Performance in and Commitment to Special Teams

Cooper Bolton ’25

Captain Jacob Pichay ’25 dribbles, as he seeks out an open teammate.

Varsity Cross Country

BY COACH JOSEF CRESSOTTI

Coming into the fall, the Arrows knew the 2024 season would be a challenge. The defending New England Division III champions, boasting the topranked runner in the league, knew that other teams would be aiming to take them down. Five runners had graduated, including two of their top five runners. Hopeful to duplicate the success of the previous season, the Arrows dedicated themselves to training from the very end of August while playing the long game for success in November.

Led by captains Luis Sosa Espinal ’25 and John Joyce ’27, with Sosa as the only senior, the team was young

this season. Seb Culleton, Joseph Koh and César Hernandez returned as juniors and Alex Wasynczuk and Abner Machuca Diaz joined Joyce as returning sophomores. The team was strengthened by newcomers Ryan Connolly ’27, Antonio Martinez ’27, Cormac Anderson ’27, and Anthony Marcucci ’27.

After winning their opener at Lexington Christian, the Arrows struggled in ISL competition. Affected by illness and injuries, they went 6 and 10 in the league, with narrow losses to Thayer and St. George’s that they hoped to avenge at ISL’s. With Culleton suffering a chronic hamstring injury, the Arrows mostly had to do without their second fastest runner, and the 14th fastest in the ISL in 2023. Highlights of the season included their race at Brooks, where they defeated two of their three opponents. By holding off Groton’s top runner by a second, Joyce won his first ISL race of the year. Also notable was the team’s last regular season race at Tabor, where

Joyce won for the fourth time and Koh broke 18 minutes for the first time in his career.

The Arrows trained hard throughout the season, each runner steadily improving by way of long runs, intervals, hill workouts, and strength and mobility exercises. Special workouts such as intrasquad relay races, a sprinting scavenger hunt, and the long-running Adventure Run at Caryl Park motivated the team to push themselves while having fun. With the help of middle school Coaches Rest and Wiggin, Coaches Cressotti and Salomone organized a joint high school-middle school race around 1.6 mile Kendrick Pond: the Sourdough Challenge. The team of César Hernandez, Abner Machuca Diaz, Jack Halloran, Richie Joyce, and Frankie Oldfield received a freshly baked sourdough bread for first place.

The season concluded successfully at the ISL and New England Championships. At ISL’s, four runners set personal records on the course in Wrentham. John

LEFT: John Joyce ’27 displays a smooth stride. RIGHT: Captain Luis Sosa Espinal ’25 dashes toward the finish line, while a lively Henry’s Corner cheers him on.

Joyce improved upon his 2nd place run in 2024 by breaking 16 minutes to finish at an impressive time of 15:56. At New England’s, he ran even better, winning the Division III Boys contest by a fraction of a second, the first time in school history. The rest of the team also ran well in this race, with six runners setting personal records. Although the team dropped from first to fifth in New England’s, they did beat rivals St. George’s and Rivers who surpassed them at ISL’s.

All in all, it was a very successful season for the Arrows runners. Their improvement was commendable and their character and work ethic excellent. With only one senior graduating, and talented new runners coming up from the middle school team, the 2025 season looks bright.

SUMMER

Teammates Alexander Wasynczuk ’27 and Antonio Martinez ’27 make a final push for the Arrows.

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

ALUMNI RECEPTION

Celebrating their shared brotherhood, alumni dating back to 1953 were in attendance at the annual Alumni Reception on October 24 in Martin Hall. Head of School Brendan Sullivan presented the Recent Alumni Service Award to this year’s recipient, Matt Perry ’06. This award is given annually to a recent alumnus who has shown an extra level of commitment and dedication to St. Sebastian’s, staying active in alumni events, and showing a consistency of leadership as an alumnus on campus and beyond. Matt’s many contributions to St. Sebastian’s alumni life include his role as Class of 2006 Class Agent, Reunion Committee Member, volunteer on several ad hoc committees for the Board of Trustees, and most recently as a Trustee.

Arrows Connect Career Night

On January 6, the Alumni Board hosted its 4th annual Arrows Connect Career Night via Zoom. Arrows from the Classes of 2016-2024 were invited to gain insight and guidance from four recent alumni panelists representing a range of professional interests, including Finance/Investments, Law, Commercial Real Estate, and Neurotechnology. Alex Cook ’91, Chair of the Alumni Board’s Professional Networking Committee, moderated the event which included commentary from each panelist and an extended Q&A session. Panelists included: Dean Ebozue ’10, Equity Analyst at T. Rowe Price; Sean Frazzette ’12, Assistant Public Defender; John O’Leary ’14, Senior Manager at Rhino Capital Advisors; and Andrew Spencer ’10, Product Development Manager at Axoft. Although each alumnus shared a unique career story, a recurring theme between the presentations included the importance of networking and learning a diverse range of skills early in your career.

Panelists, John O’Leary ’14 , Sean Frazzette ’12, Andrew Spencer ’10, and Dean Ebozue ’10, join moderator Alex Cook ’91 and host Mike Melley P’18,’22, Director of Alumni & Development.

Class of 2024 Yearbook Reception

The Class of 2024 returned “home” on November 27 for the annual Yearbook Reception, reuniting as a group for the first time since Commencement and reconnecting with faculty members. The 2024 edition of The Arrow is dedicated to Mr. Kern Fitzgerald ’79, “our outstanding athletic trainer, teacher, friend, and fellow alum,” and also includes a special section paying tribute to Headmaster Emeritus Bill Burke. Fr. Arens opened with a blessing for the Class of 2024, followed by remarks from Mike Melley on behalf of the Alumni Office. Head of School Brendan Sullivan invited the newest class of alumni to return often and stay connected to the School. The Class of 2024 timeline will accompany the Classes of 2020-2023 along the overlook of the varsity basketball court.

Matt Perry ’06, honored with the 2024 Recent Alumni Service Award, celebrates the moment alongside his wife, Katie, his parents, Sheila and Ron, and his sister, Jess.

On the Road to D.C., Philly & NYC

On November 11 and 12, Head of School Brendan Sullivan made the annual trip to connect with alumni in New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. In each location, he met with dozens of alumni looking to enjoy each other’s company and connect with the St. Sebastian’s spirit.

At the reception in Washington, D.C., Sullivan gave an update on St. Sebastian’s, including the recent acquisition of the East Campus. Alumni were then joined by members of the Class of 2026, in town for the annual junior class trip to D.C. This was a great opportunity for today’s Arrows to hear from two alumni, Patrick Brennan ’07 and Chris Conley ’94, who are working in the nation’s capital. Patrick moved to D.C. in 2015 to work for Marco Rubio’s presidential campaign. From 2017 to 2021, he was

Thanksgiving Eve Social

On November 27, St. Sebastian’s alumni from the Classes 2006 to 2020 gathered at Layla’s in South Boston. It was a perfect opportunity to connect with the many Arrows who were home for the Thanksgiving holiday in what was a great night for all.

a speechwriter for the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, while attending Georgetown Law School part time. He now works as an associate at the law firm Manatt, Phelps, and Phillips, LLP. Chris Conley ’94 graduated from West Point and served in the U.S. Army for 24 years, retiring at the rank of Colonel. Chris was an Airborne Ranger, spending a total of 36 months in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2021, he started his own company doing contract work for the Department of Defense and Defense Market Entry Strategy, consulting for startups.

Heading up the coast, Sullivan and Rich Arms, Director of Advancement, met with a small group of Philadelphia area alumni for lunch at the White Dog Café. Continuing north to New York City, we hosted a reception at the Harvard Club for alumni in the area, ranging from recent college graduates to Trustee Emeritus David Gately ’73.

Head of School Brendan Sullivan headed out on the road to meet with alumni in Washington, D.C. (left) and New York City (right).

HOMECOMING

Alumni, students, parents and faculty gathered with great enthusiasm on September 28 to celebrate St. Sebastian’s Homecoming. Henry’s Corner set the tone for the event the evening before, vigorously rooting for fellow Arrows on the cross country team as they ran the annual Homecoming Meet at the Rashi School in Needham.

During the pre-game ceremony on Saturday, Head of School Brendan Sullivan gave an opening speech at midfield and the national anthem was sung by alumnus, Derron St. Marie ’24, with the Holy Cross NROTC serving as color guard for the day. Members of the school community cheered on varsity football as the team defeated Lawrence Academy in a 35-18 victory. Tony Reddick ’78 served as honorary captain for the game. Nearby on the soccer field, varsity soccer played well and gave their best effort, but lost 2-1 to BB&N.

Special thanks to members of the Men’s Association and the Guild of St. Irene who manned the grills and kept the swag moving in the Homecoming campus store. Thank you to everyone who came out to support our Arrows on a beautiful fall day!

Duces Society Homecoming Reception

Prior to the games on Homecoming Saturday, St. Sebastian’s welcomed alumni to campus for the inaugural Duces Society Homecoming Reception. The Duces Society celebrates the tremendous generosity of our Alumni Leadership donors. There are over 260 members, with nearly 50 of them in attendance at the reception. “Duces” is the Latin word for “Leaders.”

CLASS NOTES

Fr. Keating addresses the assembled group of football players during the 1947 season.

WHAT’S NEW?

Keep your classmates up to date on your accomplishments, family members, travels, or anything else new in your life. Send us photos, too!

Submit class notes and photos online at: stsebs.org/classnotes

Deadline for next issue:

JULY 1, 2025

Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to send the highest quality image possible and identify everyone in the photo.

1960

Richard “Doc” Nelson shares that his daughter Joanna, who lives in San Francisco, had a baby boy. He and his wife, Annabelle, are delighted with the birth of their first grandchild, Caden Mitchell Nelson. “Mom and future St. Seb’s graduate doing fine and looking forward to Christmas in Bradenton, Florida.”

1961

Kevin Daley shares: “My wife Diane and I enjoyed an experience of a lifetime last summer with our then nearly 21-year-old granddaughter and 17-year-old grandson, pursuing the Big Five in Zambia and Botswana while also observing rainbows over Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and learning about Cape Town Apartheid and the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point in Africa. While mesmerized by all the animals and resounding thunder of Victoria Falls accented by its rainbows, the most precious part of the trip

was our priceless isolated time with our grandchildren sharing such a life changing experience. This trip was even better than our sharing with them the sea lions and blue and red footed Boobies in the Galapagos several years before. The challenge now is our next adventure before they become too old or too busy to want to travel with us ‘Oldies’!” (see photo)

1962

Fred Corcoran, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Golf for All, was honored with the 2024 Bob Beach Award at Special Olympics Massachusetts’ Celebration of Inclusion on December 9, 2024, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. This prestigious honor, awarded annually by Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Golf Association, and the New England PGA, recognizes exceptional service in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities through the game of golf. Fred has profoundly impacted the golf community, continuing a family legacy of serving

LEFT: The Galligan brothers gathered for a photo at a celebration for Tom Galligan’s 80th birthday in November at the Weston Golf Club. From left: Marty ’73, John ’65, Tom ’62, Peter ’74 and Chris ’69 Galligan. n RIGHT: Kevin Daley ’61 with his wife, Diane, and grandchildren at the Cape of Good Hope, the most southwestern point in Africa.

the game and creating opportunities for players of all abilities. His work has been instrumental in fostering inclusive programs and ensuring golf remains a welcoming sport for all. Fred added to his note, “The fact that I am still active as an alumnus after 63 years indicates the enormous impact that St. Seb’s has had upon my life. I still stay in contact with several classmates whose friendship I treasure, with fond reminiscence of our careers at St. Sebastian’s.” (see photo)

1971

Gleason Gallagher writes: “Our holiday gathering was held at the Stockyard in Brighton just before Christmas. Classmates attending included McCue, Campbell, Morrissey, Bergin, Noonan, Hoy, Quealy, Gallagher Whalen as well as our fellow Arrows from 1970. A merry time was had by all. Jay Fulham reported in from Cape Cod with news that all is well. Cronin is tanning in Florida. Hueber is skiing most weekends in Stowe, VT. McGowan

is sailing in the waters of Cohasset. And we’ll be talking to more of you as the winter goes by. Stay safe.”

1976

Walter “Bud” Giblin shares: “I currently live in Chevy Chase, Maryland with my wife of 40 years, Maureen. Our four children live all over—son in Long Island and two daughters in California and one in Australia. We have three wonderful grandchildren in New York as well. I have been a practicing dermatologist just outside of Washington, D.C. in Maryland for many years after having served in the U.S. Army for eight years. I plan on working for a few more years before retiring and enjoying more traveling, golf, and gardening. I would be happy to see and host any classmates or St. Sebastian’s friends who might be traveling through the Maryland or Washington, D.C. area. I look forward to our 50th class reunion next year!”

Gregory Schneiders ’65 with Jimmy Carter on the campaign trail in 1976. Greg, who passed away last May, was a close advisor to Carter during his run for president and served in various key positions during the Carter administration.

MARCH RECEPTIONS in Florida

If you live in Florida or are looking for a great excuse to head to warmer climates, join us! All members of the St. Sebastian’s community are welcome, including alumni, parents, and grandparents.

March 14

Palm Beach

March 18

Naples

For more details and to RSVP: > stsebs.org/palmbeach > stsebs.org/naples

Fred Corcoran ’62, recipient of the 2024 Bob Beach Award, on the course with Golf for All participants.

ARROWS CONNECT

Looking for an internship, industry contacts, first job, next job, or career advice?

The Arrows Connect network is the place to start.

Arrows Connect is our own networking directory connecting members of the St. Sebastian’s community to each other. Your profile has already been set up by the Alumni Office. Answer a few short questions and your profile will be complete. As a member of Arrows Connect, you can access an extensive directory of professionals, find qualified candidates to hire, post job offerings, volunteer to be a mentor, and more.

Register today to make the most of your St. Sebastian’s network!

TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Members of the Class of 1968 gathered at Thayer Academy to watch the final football game of the season. Top Row: Paul True, Kevin Cronin, David Leahy and David Barry; Lower Row: Ronald Rich, Gavin Viano and Jimmy Dunn; Not pictured but in attendance: Paul Maloof & Peter Lyons. n 1970 classmates, Joe Abely, Patrick Tracy, Ted Curtin and Joe Duffey, gathered at the Stockyard in December for a bit of Holiday Cheer. n 1973 classmates got together for a most enjoyable autumn golf outing at Bay Club-Mattapoisett.

From left: Tom Cook, Vin Gandolfo, Andy Maloney and Marty Galligan. n Ted Curtin ’70 and Joe Abely ’70 flank a statue of Saint Sebastian at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain. n Shelby Pierce ’84 at the piano. n Virgil Glenn ’90 with his wife and daughters in Cozumel, Mexico.

1976

Geoffrey May and David Boudreau share their inclusion in The Lions of Winter, a recently published book by Ty Gagne. The book details the successful rescue of two lost young climbers, the death of a rescuer who lost his life in an avalanche while searching for them, and the courageous efforts of the rescue team, including Geoffrey and David. The setting is Mount Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in 1982.

1984

Shelby Pierce shares: “I moved back to Cambridge in 2022. It has been great to return to the area where I grew up with my family. I am excited to share that there was an opportunity to release ‘Beautiful Presence’ the first original piano song in my first series of compositions. It was released on the Healing Grace Network at the end of 2024. The music is in a healing tone played live for the audience. I call them ‘Angel Tunes.’ I’m planning some more recordings which will lead up to an EP and a full album for 2025. It is remarkable to watch and see how God has blessed this musical journey!” (see photo)

1990

Virgil Glenn shares: “The family and I took a Christmas Cruise and spent Christmas Day in Cozumel, Mexico. It was wonderful to be at the beach enjoying warm weather instead of the cold of the Midwest. My wife, Rachel, and our daughters, Denver and Virginia, joined us on the cruise, which left from New Orleans and also stopped in Progreso, Mexico.” (see photo)

ALUMNI GOLF OUTING

Friday, May 9, 2025

8:00 am & 2:00 pm Double Shotgun Start South Shore Country Club, Hingham, MA

TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: In a full circle moment, Kevin Faherty ’98 returned to St. Sebastian’s as the head coach of the Rivers 8th Grade basketball team to face off against his own 8th Grade Coaches, Jim Rest and Dave Hinman! n Noah Hanifin ’15, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman, returned to campus on August 26, 2024, for a skate around Henry T. Lane Rink with the Cunjak Family and their friends. The Cunjaks were the winning bidder for this special ice time donated to the 2023 Christmas Auction. n Hadley Marie Donahoe, daughter of Tucker Donahoe ’08, was born on March 30, 2024. n Tommy Seidl ’17 married Marianna Annest on January 4, 2025. Fellow Arrows Billy Seidl ’19, Matt Daniel ’15, Brian Craven ’18, and Thaddeus Kennedy ’17 stood by his side during the ceremony. n MAJ Patrick Kelly ’08, Assistant Professor of International Affairs at West Point, welcomed Jack McHugh ’24 to campus at the end of August as he entered his Plebe Year.

Celebrating Championship Football Teams

Members of the 1994 and 1999 ISL Championship and victorious 2014 Kevin Fleming Bowl teams gathered with former head football coach, Bob Souza, to celebrate their achievements before the varsity football game on October 18, 2024.

ALUMNI BACK IN CLASS

Two St. Sebastian’s alumni returned to campus this fall to share inspiring presentations about their fields of study. It’s always great to have Arrows back in the classroom to share their experiences!

Cam Rivera ’17 addressed AP Biology classes about how their lecture material applies to the study of medicine, highlighting his neurosurgery research as a medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He also spoke to the AP Spanish class about the value of a second language.

Aidan Mulvey ’21, a senior at Vanderbilt, spoke to the Life Sciences Club about his neuroscience research on non-human primates at Bastos Lab. Aidan’s presentation on predictive coding, a theory of consciousness, and demonstration on how an EEG works, exposed students to the field of neuroscience, as well as the importance of academic research.

On Arrows Forever Day our 9th annual giving day— we ask our alumni and other members of the St. Sebastian’s community to give in support of the Annual Fund.

We hope you will help us make Arrows Forever Day a success again this year. Every gift counts!

MAY 9 & 10

IN MEMORIAM

Jack Connors, Jr. GP’20,’23,’24,’24,’26

Co-Chair of the Spirit & People Campaign

Jack passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, surrounded by his close family. A loyal supporter of St. Sebastian’s and proud grandfather of several Arrows, he will be greatly missed. Jack is the father of Susanne Joyce P’20,’23,’26 and Tim Connors P’24,’24, and the grandfather of Connor ’20, Nolan ’23 and Gavin ’26 Joyce and Jack ’24 and Owen ’24 Connors.

Jack served as an outstanding Co-Chair of our Spirit & People Campaign from 2016 to 2021. He played an instrumental role in the campaign’s success, resulting in a beautiful new facility for athletics and a significant boost to our endowment. “We are forever grateful for Jack’s enthusiastic leadership and unwavering support of St. Sebastian’s,” shared Head of School Brendan Sullivan. “A man who put faith into action, he is a true model of generous Catholic service for us all.”

The legacy of generosity and civic leadership Jack leaves behind is far reaching. A pivotal figure in Greater Boston’s business, health care, education, social services, and political communities, he was renowned for his philanthropy and successful advertising career. In 1968, Jack co-founded the ad agency Hill, Holliday, Connors, Cosmopulos. His innovative approach and extensive connections in Boston’s power structure allowed him to raise significant funds for various causes. Notably, he co-created Camp Harbor View, a program supporting underprivileged youth.

Jack’s first love was his family and friends. He and his wife cherished spending time with their grandkids, watching them compete on the rinks, rivers, racecourses, fields, and courts across New England. Jack is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eileen; his four children, Kevin, Susanne, Tim, and John; his 13 grandchildren; and his beloved sister, Peggy Hanks.

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

Alan F. Casey ’51

Alan passed away on August 8, 2024. While at St. Sebastian’s he played football and basketball. After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross with a B.A. in Economics, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Senior Propulsion Engineer on a Destroyer and subsequently was commissioned to serve on the Admiral’s staff in Newport. After the Navy, Alan had a six-decade career in the life insurance industry, starting his own firm, Life Plans of New England, where he served as President and CEO. Alan is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Faith; sons Alan, Jr. and Jeffrey; daughters Kerry and Lauren; and was predeceased by his cherished son, Christopher. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and seven nieces and nephews.

Timothy X. Cronin, Jr. ’64, P’88,’91,’94, GP’26

Tim passed away on July 23, 2024. He is the father of Tim III ’88, Tom ’91 and Greg ’94; brother of Robert ’65, Greg ’71, the late Philip ’76; grandfather of John ’26; and uncle of Casey ’09. While at St. Sebastian’s, Tim played hockey and football. He attended Boston College where he earned a BSBA and MBA. He spent most of his career in electronics distribution at Cramer Electronics, Arrow Electronics, and served as President of Cronin Electronics. Tim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia, eight grandchildren, three brothers, and a large extended family of sisters, nephews and nieces, extended family and friends.

J. Christopher Glutting ’61

Commander Joseph Christopher Glutting, USN (Ret.) passed away on October 20, 2024, after a lengthy illness. While at St. Sebastian’s, Chris was a member of the football team and worked on The Walrus. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and attended the U.S. Naval Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School and Destroyer School. He had a distinguished 26-year Navy career, receiving many military decorations. Chris is survived by his brother, J. Andrew Glutting, and a large family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Laurence J. Kidney ’67

Larry passed away on December 27, 2025, after a yearlong battle with Parkinson’s Disease. While at St. Sebastian’s, he brought his athletic talents to intramural football and basketball, and track. Larry was a dedicated marathoner known for his humor, kindness, hard work, and exceptional skills with tools. He built Rugged Bear stores across New England, and built homes, including his first home—a log cabin in Aspen, CO. He continued building throughout his life, creating remarkable outdoor spaces in Westport, where he retired and married his wife, Maryellen (Mickey) in 2008. Larry is survived by Mickey, and his brother, William.

Frank A. Maiellano ’67

Frank passed away quietly on May 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. While at St. Sebastian’s, Frank was noted as a most dependable member of his class, with a great sense of humor. He participated in the dramatic society, photography club, golf team, track team, and served as the Assistant Editor of The Arrow yearbook. He earned a B..S. in Accounting from Boston College. After graduation Frank enlisted in the National Guard before heading to Washington, D.C. where he held several positions in the department of Health, Education and Welfare and the Federal Trade Commission. After retiring Frank kept himself busy volunteering in Washington, D.C. and as a recruiter for Boston College. He is survived by his sister, Ann-Marie Edson, his brother, Joseph, and several nephews and nieces, and his husband of four months, John Ferretti.

Daniel A. Nugent ’59

St. Sebastian’s recently learned of Dan’s passing on January 17, 2022, after a brief illness. While on Nonantum Hill, he was on the varsity football team and participated in several intramural sports. Dan graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he was a member of the Naval ROTC program. He served in the Navy in both active duty and reserves for 24 years and retired as a Captain in the Security division. Dan had numerous hobbies, including skiing, motorcycling, Corvettes and flying glider planes (soaring). He enjoyed these all to the fullest, especially after his retirement from the industrial instrument and valve industry. Dan was predeceased by his daughter, Suzanne Nugent Zimmer. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Carolyn Nugent, brother Richard, and four grandchildren.

Christopher J. O’Brien ’77

Chris passed away suddenly on November 25, 2024. While at St. Sebastian’s he played both baseball and hockey and was a member of The Walrus staff. Chris held a variety of positions in sales throughout his career. He had many interests, including swimming, sailing, hiking, and was an avid Red Sox and Bruins fan. He was happiest when visiting with his wide circle of friends and family. His signature chocolate chip cookies often appeared under Christmas trees, as birthday presents or just as “thank you’s.” Chris is survived by his siblings George, Elaine, and David; six nieces and nephews; and a grand-nephew.

Thomas Regan ’57

Tom passed away on November 9, 2024, after an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. While at St. Sebastian’s, he was on the football, basketball, and track teams. He was also a member of the science club and The Walrus staff. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Donna Regan; two sons, David and Brian; three grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Tom attended Boston College and earned a B.S. in Economics. He served in Fort Jackson, SC, becoming a Captain in the Army Infantry, and then joined the active reserves. He raised his two young sons in Newton and Falmouth, as a single dad. Tom had a successful 30-year career at Metropolitan Life Insurance, becoming Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Group Insurance Division. Tom received a private military send-off at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne.

Gregory S. Schneiders ’65

Greg passed away on May 8, 2025. While at St. Sebastian’s, Greg was noted as the founder and editor of the school’s first literary magazine, and was also a member of the Altar Society, drama, and intramural football and basketball teams. After graduating from Georgetown University, he owned two popular restaurants in Washington, D.C. before transitioning to politics. A close advisor for Jimmy Carter during his run for president, he then joined Carter’s administration as Deputy Assistant to the President for Communications and played a key role in the creation of FEMA. He also worked on campaigns for Senator John Glenn and Governor Bruce Babbitt, as well as various congressional and senatorial campaigns. In 2001, he founded Prime LLC, a communications consulting firm. He is survived by his wife, Marie, sons Luke and Nate, and several siblings and grandchildren.

ALUMNI RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

Patricia Burke

November 9, 2024

Wife of William Burke Jr. ’54, mother of William ’78 and Michael ’80, sister of Joseph ’62 and George ’66 DeMambro

Seung Hwan Chung

January 1, 2025

Father of Trustee Dr. Chris Hahm P’22 ’26, grandfather of Andrew ’22 and David ’26

R. Todd Clark

July 31, 2024

Father of Joe ’07

June Cooper

July 19, 2024

Daughter of Jonathan ’98

Frank Condon

October 14, 2024

Father of Sean ’91

Clare DiGiovanni

October 12, 2024

Mother of David Korzeniowski ’16, sister of Thomas ’74, Stephen ’76, Jude ’78, John ’84, and Christopher ’86 DiGiovanni

Ellen L. Elcock

September 12, 2024

Mother of former Board President, Jim Elcock ’77, grandmother of Tucker ’07, Jimmy ’08, Billy ’08, and Andrew ’17 Elcock and Stephen Jessup ’19

Michael J. Foley, Sr.

November 16, 2024

Father of Michael Foley, Jr. ’09

Mary Rose Griffin

October 14, 2024

Wife of the late John ’51

Grace Kelly

January 22, 2024

Grandmother of Marty ’18 and Paul ’22 White

Richard Parker

August 30, 2024

Father of Brad ’99

Dean Prescott

August 22, 2024

Father of Joe ’12

John Real

February 15, 2024

Father of Timothy ’91, grandfather of John ’13 and Matthew ’19

This listing contains deaths reported before January 22, 2025. To see a complete listing of alumni who have passed away within the past 12 months please go to www.stsebs.org/inmemoriam.

To report a death of a St. Sebastian’s alumnus or relative to the Advancement Office, please contact Kelsey Kane at kelsey_kane@stsebs.org.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

St. Sebastian’s planned giving society was founded in the late 1990s and named in honor of the School’s first headmaster, Monsignor Charles D. McInnis, a devoted and beloved leader. The purpose of the Society is to recognize and honor the individuals and families who support St. Sebastian’s by making a gift by will (bequest) or other legacy gift to support the School.

There are many reasons members of our community choose to remember St. Sebastian’s in their estate plans. Some remember our School to say thank you for the education, athletics, and friendships they experienced here, while others are touched by the inclusive, nurturing community that strives to empower students for success in college and in life.

Please consider joining a growing number of alumni, parents and friends who haven chosen to remember St. Sebastian’s with a legacy gift, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and alumni community.

For more information about gift planning and including St. Sebastian’s in your estate plans, contact Rich Arms, Director of Advancement, at 781.247.0116 or richard_arms@stsebs.org or visit plannedgiving.stsebs.org.

Monsignor Charles D. McInnis Society

Nonantum Hill, 1970s

1191 Greendale Avenue

Needham, Massachusetts 02492

The varsity football team gathers with Henry’s Corner after their win against Belmont Hill at Boston College’s Alumni Stadium.