PVI Panther Tracks Spring/Summer 2023

“Paul VI is a life-changing place, and we get to connect students and their families to a community that shares their same values and beliefs.”

“PVI taught me that the way to be a leader is to be an example to others.”

“High school begins and ends in the blink of an eye. Cherish every moment and be sure to take it all in!”

The PVI mission team organizes activities for children in Cuilapa, Guatemala. Partnered with Cross Catholic Outreach, the team did a week of service and stayed at Hogar de la Nina run by the Religious Sisters of the Little Apostles of the Redemption, a boarding school for girls ages 5-12. P44

“Then, I opened my mailbox and there it was: a package sitting on top of the other mail.”

“It is important that learning is a lifetime pursuit.”

Panther Tracks Magazine St. Paul VI Catholic High School

42341 Braddock Road

Chantilly, VA 20152

703-352-0925

paulvi.net

Mrs. Laura Swenson

Head of School

Dr. Tom Opfer ’96

Principal

Fr. Stephen Schultz

Chaplain

Ms. Kate Grimm Andreottola ’94, P ’25

Director of Advancement

Mrs. Mary Ashooh Hamrick ’86, P ’19, ’20, ’22, ’23

Associate Director of Advancement

Mrs. Irene Zaso P ’18, ’21

Director of Communications and Marketing

Mrs. Eileen Kiley Curren ’98

Associate Director of Communications and Marketing; Panther Tracks Managing Editor

2023-2024 PVI SCHOOL BOARD

President: Andrew Zaso P ’18, ’21

Don Bohn P ’19, ’21

Marie Cox P ’23, ’26

George Eastment P ’05

Fr. Donald Heet, OSFS

Melissa Hish ’94

Gene Hubbard

Kathy Lyons P ’08, ’10, ’11

Thomas McGonigle P ’02, ’06, ’13

On the cover: The Class of 2023 celebrates after their graduation held on campus on May 31, 2023, with an inset photo of PVI’s first graduation held on June 8, 1986 at the Cathedral at St. Thomas More in Arlington. A total of 9,013 alumni have graduated since our school opened its doors in 1983, and with our mission to help each student grow in grace and wisdom, PVI students are more than a number

We want to hear from you. Send alumni news, photos, comments, suggestions, and corrections to communications@paulvi.net.

Change of Information

Need to change your address or contact information? Would you prefer not to receive Panther Tracks in the mail any longer? Let us know by email at advancement@paulvi.net.

Connect with PVI

@paulvicatholic

More Than a Number

RESPONSIVENESS RESILIENCE RESPECT

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

As we conclude our 40th anniversary year, it is easy to think of St. Paul VI Catholic High School simply in terms of numbers. We are a growing Catholic community of 1,200 students, over 100 dedicated faculty and 60 staff members. We recognize four saints every day during prayers. We are proud of our awardwinning student spirit group, the VI Man, and our 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2023. We are adding new initiatives to grow our impressive 25-year old program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We continue to add to our extracurricular programs, featuring over 70 clubs. To share even more PVI by the numbers, we are proud of the following:

• We had one National Merit finalist, 12 Commended Scholars, two National African American Recognition Award recipients, and nine National Hispanic Recognition Award recipients.

• Our talented Class of 2023 received $13,706,692 in college scholarship offers.

• Our graduating seniors performed 18,534 hours of service during their four years at PVI.

• Our athletic teams won a record-breaking four state championships, one state Catholic championship and an ice hockey WCAC championship.

• We raised over $1,000,000 and added 362 first-time donors this past year. Undoubtedly, PVI is certainly impressive by the numbers, and yet, we are so much more than numbers. We are a Catholic community that continues to Grow in Grace and Wisdom. We are also a group of individuals who engage, inspire, and respect one another. As Pope Benedict noted in a speech to Catholic educators, “A school’s Catholic identity is not simply a question of the number of Catholic students. It is a question of conviction. Are we ready to commit our entire self — intellect and will, mind and heart — to God?” As I conclude my first 365 days as Head of School, I look forward to our 41st year with gratitude and anticipation of the new opportunities and challenges that we will encounter, always with God in our hearts, minds, and actions.

Peace and blessings,

Laura H. Swenson, Head of School

RESPONSIVENESS RESILIENCE RESPECT

Respect, Resilience, Responsiveness

The three R’s of post-pandemic 21st-century education

A Reflection by Mrs.

Laura H. Swenson, Head of School

While the three R’s of education, reading, writing and ’rithmetic, have traditionally been the foundation of teaching and learning, I would argue that, in a post-COVID era, with the chaos it rained down upon all of us, there are three additional R’s on which our school family should focus: respect, resilience, and responsiveness. If honed and shared, these three will help any school recover, renew and, where necessary, revamp.

RESPECT is — and has always been — the “golden rule.” Jesus taught us and told us to treat others as we want to be treated. What does this look like in a high school setting?

Perhaps, we assume the best rather than the worst of others. Perhaps we refuse to repeat or retweet what is unkind. Perhaps we repeat a

direction, restate an explanation, or simply spend a few extra minutes with a struggling student or colleague.

After a couple of years without regular contact with others, it would be easy to forget about Catholic Social Teaching and the dignity of the human person. We have

forgotten how to interact and put others first. How many of us have been guilty of doing the same?

When mutual respect exists between leaders, teachers, students, and families, learning can only get better and better. Unfortunately, students lost out on a critical period in their cognitive development and need

to rebuild and relearn respect, recognizing how to earn it and how to give it.

This is not unlike what we, as adults, experienced. The pandemic made us cranky and less tolerant of others because we worried most of the time (really all of the time). Perhaps I grabbed for the last roll of toilet paper when grocery shelves were bare or someone else took the last loaf of bread in the bakery. There were many accounts that highlighted the worst and the best of human nature.

As Catholics, we are called to recognize that we are made in the likeness and image of God. Learner variability, while a factor before the pandemic, is an even greater factor now, and here at PVI we quickly realized returning to what was is unlikely.

Schools must accept and respect that students are different, and accept the challenge it presents us.    “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” This was penned by the American author, Robert Jordan, long before the pandemic, yet he poetically described what educators around the world have recognized.

are looking back to what we just experienced and wondering how in the world we made it through online learning with only days to prepare, contact tracing, hybrid learning, and teaching in masks. And yet, we did.   Catholic schools not only accomplished the unknown, Catholic schools did it well with faith and hope and a belief that God would not abandon us.

But on the flip side, our students were forced to spend too much time alone, in their rooms, and on screens…especially those first months of the pandemic when students should have been at sporting events or performances, and in classrooms with classmates and teachers nearby.

Now that we are blessed to be back together, we should remember all we did accomplish and imagine what we can now achieve, now that we are together again. Resilient and capable…we can do most anything.

Lastly, RESPONSIVENESS.

Conveying a sense of genuineness is important for Catholic school communities to remember. When we had just returned from the pandemic, I remember walking through the learning center and noticing a

understood the directions. I spoke with his teacher and she gladly gave me a new quiz. The student and I talked through the directions and he nailed it.

He later told the learning specialist that I was “really good at Spanish.” Truth be told, I do not speak any Spanish — not a word. But this student really didn’t need someone who could speak Spanish. He, similar to so many others, simply needed someone to be there for him. With a bit of encouragement and genuine concern, he was able to be his best self.

“The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.” This was penned by the American author, Robert Jordan, long before the pandemic, yet he poetically described what educators around the world have recognized.

I see our teachers do the same every day!

Of course, even more important than any “R,” traditional or otherwise, is faith in Christ. Philippians 4:13 states, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” So,

RECOVER • RENEW • REVAMP

RESILIENCY in a post-COVID world cannot be undervalued. Students demonstrate this characteristic when they learn from mistakes, take responsibility for their actions, and demonstrate grit in the face of frustration.

With the recent announcement that the pandemic is “over,” some

student, who seemed super stressed, sitting by himself, head in his hands. All of the learning support specialists were busy, so I sat down to check in with him. He replied he thought he had failed a Spanish quiz on direct objects even though he had studied and was sure he knew the material. He explained he never quite

as we continue to Grow in Grace and Wisdom, may we use our gifts and this opportunity to reflect on the role each of us has in building a student-centered community that fosters respect, resilience, and responsiveness, the three R’s of post-pandemic 21st-century education.

New Deans Bring Experience and Expertise

Paul VI is thrilled to announce the appointment of five new deans who began July 1, 2023. With a shared passion for academic excellence and a deep commitment to fostering a nurturing and student-centered environment, these deans bring a wealth of experience and expertise to our beloved school. Their impressive backgrounds and dedication to our Catholic values make them the perfect fit for our school. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to our new deans, who will undoubtedly inspire and guide our students on their educational journey.

Mrs. Ana Aldana Dean of Instruction

Ana Aldana is delighted to move into the role of Dean of Instruction. Most recently, she served as a new teacher mentor and World Language Department Chair. Mrs. Aldana has worked as a Spanish teacher for the Diocese of Arlington for 19 years and is excited to accept this new challenge. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Learning Technologies in Schools at George Mason University. Originally from Colombia, she and her husband, Felipe, have one daughter, Isabela ’16. When not at school, Mrs. Aldana enjoys spending time with her family and friends and loves traveling and learning about other cultures.

Dr. Adam Bigbee Dean of Exceptional Learning

Adam Bigbee began his educational career 21 years ago as a teacher in the PVI Options Program. Since then, he has served as a special educator in Catholic and public schools throughout Northern Virginia. After serving the Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School community as the Assistant Principal for Academics, Dr. Bigbee helped start Loudoun County’s newest high school, Lightridge, during the pandemic. He is proud to return to PVI, this time as Dean of Exceptional Learning. Dr. Bigbee earned his B.A. in Religious Studies at the University of Florida. After getting married, he relocated to Virginia and completed his M.Ed in Special Education and Ph.D. in Special Education Leadership at George Mason University. He and his wife of 24 years, Yvonne, have two sons, Ethan and Gabe. Dr. Bigbee is eager to help exceptional learners thrive at PVI.

Mrs. Melanie Kiernan ’92 Dean of Faculty

During her 27 years of teaching English and coaching Track & Field and Cross Country at Paul VI, Melanie Kiernan has continued to develop her passion for learning, literature, and running while working to awaken the untapped potential of her students and athletes. She has acted as a faithful witness to the school’s mission by serving in various leadership roles, and is very excited to challenge herself in this new leadership role as Dean of Faculty. Having such a thorough understanding of the traditions of PVI’s history and the influence of St. Francis de Sales, Mrs. Kiernan is well-equipped to maintain the high academic standards of our school while motivating our faculty to embrace professional growth and new traditions. In addition to being a member of the PVI Class of ’92 and the PVI Athletic Hall of Fame, she is also the very proud mother to Patrick ’21, Maddie ’24, Vinny ’25, and Sinead Kiernan ’31, who have all learned to embrace the meaning of "growing in grace and wisdom."

Mr. Apolonio Latar, III Dean of Curriculum

Apolonio Latar is delighted to move into the role of Dean of Curriculum. He was the Department Chair of Theology at PVI and is currently an adjunct professor at St. Bernard’s School of Theology and Ministry. He has published several articles, created

exhibits, and given presentations on cultural, educational, philosophical, and theological issues. He has more than 15 years of experience in youth ministry, including organizing retreats and charitable work. He is also actively involved in prison ministry. Mr. Latar and his wife Siobhán enjoy hiking, traveling, and exploring historical sites.

Mr. Tony Salgado, Jr. Dean of Students

Tony Salgado, a long-time Panthers baseball coach, will join us for the upcoming school year as the new Dean of Students. Mr. Salgado has spent 10 years as a teacher and 10 years as an administrator in both Loudoun and Fairfax County Public Schools. He has worked as both a school-based administrator in LCPS and FCPS, as well as a curriculum specialist in the central office of FCPS. Mr. Salgado is a native of Northern Virginia and has lived in South Riding for 15 years. His wife Suzie is also a native of Northern Virginia and is a school-based administrator at LCPS. Together, they have two young boys, Shane and Luke, and a daughter, Emma, who will be an incoming PVI freshman for the 2023-2024 school year. The Salgado family enjoys traveling, movies, and various sports, especially PVI sports!

Meet the Enrollment Management team

Kiersten Caputy

Having spent the past five years as a member of the Advancement team at Paul VI, Kiersten Caputy is excited to move into the Director of Enrollment Management role. Her experience as an Admissions Associate at a K-12 allgirls independent school in Baltimore, Maryland, coupled with her success as Annual Fund Manager at PVI, makes her uniquely qualified for the position. Kiersten holds a Bachelor’s in Tourism and Event Management from George Mason University and a Master’s in Marketing & Public Relations from Liberty University. She and her husband, a proud PVI alumnus from the Class of 2008, are proud parents to Gianna (3) and Geno (1). Kiersten is eager to continue to serve PVI’s current and future families.

What is your favorite thing about PVI? I love the way our students are able to actively practice their faith in a deeply personal way. Our Catholic faith is intentionally woven into our curriculum and throughout every part of our day. Seeing our students dive in to the many

opportunities with which they are provided to deepen their relationship with God is so beautiful!

What is one word you would use to describe PVI?

Joyful! From our students’ eagerness in our classrooms and labs to their enthusiasm while singing "Jerusalem, My Destiny" during school-wide Mass, to their spirit on the stage, court, and field, the joy transcends the walls of Paul VI, and is palpable to all who step on our campus. What’s your favorite thing about working in admissions? Admissions is a field in which you can have a tangible impact on other people’s lives. Paul VI is a lifechanging place, and we get to connect students and their families to a community that shares their same values and beliefs. What’s more amazing than that?

Mike Cresson

Mike Cresson is thrilled to move into the Associate Director of Enrollment Management role. Mike loves the welcoming and friendly community at PVI and looks forward to working with current and new families. Mike earned an undergraduate degree in History from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education from Marymount University. He has spent the majority of his career in the Diocese of Arlington, first at Bishop O’Connell as a teacher and then as the Director of Admissions. He has spent the past two years teaching social studies at PVI. Mike is the proud father of two boys, Cameron (6) and CJ (3), and enjoys spending time with his family at PVI attending sporting events, concerts, and theatre productions. In his spare time, Mike enjoys watching sports and spending time outdoors with friends.

What is your favorite thing about PVI? My favorite thing about PVI is the students and how they make PVI such a great place. The students are very caring, positive, and hardworking. It makes it easy to be at a school where the students make it a great place to be.

What is one word you would use to describe PVI? Welcoming. Not only the students, but the faculty, staff, and parents have been so friendly and welcoming. It is obvious that so many people care about making PVI a wonderful place.

What’s your favorite thing about working in admissions? My favorite thing in Admissions is working with new families and being able to share the excitement of attending a new school. I love being able to share how PVI is an amazing school and how new families will get to experience that as well.

Ron Ginyard, Jr. ’99

We are delighted to welcome Ron Ginyard, Jr. back to PVI as Associate Director of Enrollment Management. A graduate of the PVI Class of 1999, Ron earned an undergraduate degree in Government in 2006 from Georgetown University. Soon thereafter he embarked on a collegiate basketball coaching career with a focus on institutions geared towards faith and service, such as The Citadel, the U.S. Naval Academy, and Niagara University. He and his wife, Thérèse, returned home to Virginia after the birth of their first child to prioritize their family and exit the hectic life of college coaching. Ron is coming to PVI after spending 11 years in various roles at St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, most recently as Director of Middle School Admission. Ron and Thérèse are proud parents of Xavier (12) and Soléil (8). They are active members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Annandale where Ron serves as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister, while Xavier is an Altar Server. Ron has deepened his faith through a study of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, even spending two weeks in Assisi living in a convent with the Franciscan Missionary Sisters. Ron loves outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and kayaking. Ron and his family currently reside in Springfield.

What is your favorite thing about PVI? My favorite thing about PVI is its ability to plant seeds of charity in young people through the strength of Catholic social teachings. I often reflect on my 12th grade religion course with Mrs. Helen Brewer at PVI. I was paired as a pen pal with a veteran who was on death row. The image of that man is imprinted in my memory, and the letters opened my heart to the reality of the life and dignity of the human person and the idea of solidarity. My life has been about charity and service, and I am grateful to Mrs. Brewer for such a powerful experience.

This fall, we invite our applicants to spend a full school day on campus and experience core academics, co-curricular programming, enjoy lunch with future classmates, and meet and learn from a wide variety of faculty. New this year, we will have information sessions for parents during their student’s Visit Day! Parents will have the opportunity to meet school administrators, take a campus tour, and hear from current faculty, students, and parents about the PVI experience. Visit www. paulvi.net/admissions to learn more about visiting campus and the application process.

What is one word you would use to describe PVI? Mystical. Entering our new campus for the first time inspired a sense of awe and wonder. I still struggle to digest the difference between the building within which I attended classes and the campus we are now blessed to occupy. I enjoy entering a space, indoors or outdoors, that is difficult to comprehend.

What is your favorite thing about working in admissions? I look forward to all the conversations with prospective students and families that create meaningful human connections. I relish the journey of walking alongside families as they discern such an important life decision — in what environment to be educated and to grow and mature into young adulthood. It’s deeply rewarding to attract families to a community that has a mission that aligns with my faith.

ENCOUNTERING

STUDENTS ATTEND PILGRIMAGE IN ROME AND ASSISI

GOD IN ITALY

Although the pilgrimage only lasted eight days, every second was a door for God’s hand to open.

Article by Sarah Burkat ’23

Monastery of Tre Fontane

This February, students ventured to Rome and Assisi for an eight-day pilgrimage. Thirty participants were in attendance, making their way to many churches, chapels, and Catholic landmarks.

The trip began on February 8 with two flights to get to Rome and a full afternoon to follow. Students stayed in a guest house managed by the Missionary Sisters of the Catholic Apostolate – Pallottine, who provided them with breakfast, snacks, and comfortable, clean rooms. Mass was offered by PVI’s Chaplain, Father Stephen Schultz, almost every day. Further exploration of the art and history of the Catholic faith with visits to famous cathedrals and chapels also provided an opportunity for students to deepen their faith and explore their hearts with God.

Xuan Le ’24 shared, “[The trip to] Rome was the best week of my life. I watched Jesus reveal Himself in the most profound ways through scenery, artwork, and friendships. He is so good!” As students immersed themselves in architecture, landscapes, and conversations, it was clear that this was not simply a week away from school.

Students saw Jesus working on their trip not only in many beautiful artistic interpretations, but in very physical and meaningful ways as well. The group toured Rome and Assisi under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Denz from St. Gemma’s Catholic Pilgrimages. The guides were well-versed in the history and culture of Italy, and helped

students appreciate the small details of their destinations and all of their encounters with God.

The group attended Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica multiple times and attended a papal audience and the saying of the Angelus with Pope Francis. They also had the opportunity to climb the Holy Stairs, which Jesus Himself took to approach Pilate before the Crucifixion. Santa Croce was another extraordinary landmark on the pilgrimage. Here, students were able to observe relics from the Crown of Thorns, the True Cross, the Penitent Thief’s cross, and St. Thomas’ finger.

The abundance of striking relics, stories, and glowing faith in Rome allowed each student to find a special place that touched his or her heart. Maris Wilk ’23 was drawn to St. Cecilia’s Chapel. “[St. Cecilia] is my confirmation saint, and seeing her house and how she lived and died touched a part of my heart that led me closer to God. I feel as though I came back home with a newfound strength in my faith to be able to face the daily challenges of life. This experience was truly once in a lifetime.”

Going on a pilgrimage meant that reflection was an essential part of the journey and experience. Inspirational poverty, humility, devotion, and pure charity lived in Rome and Assisi in the stories of the saints, the adult leaders on the trip, and in the peers that grew closer by way of their shared experience. Although the pilgrimage only lasted eight days, every second was a door for God’s hand to open.

A. Father Schultz gives a homily at a chapel of Scala Sancta (Holy Steps).

B. PVI pilgrims pose in front of the Basilica di Santa Chiara in Assisi.

C. PVI pilgrims pray on the Holy Steps.

D. Angelus with Pope Francis

Celebrating 40 Years

OF GROWING IN GRACE AND WISDOM

On January 29, 2023, we honored our 40th Anniversary with a Mass and reception. The Mass was concelebrated by current Chaplain Fr. Stephen Schultz, founding principal Fr. Donald J. Heet, OSFS, and former principal, Fr. Robert Mulligan, OSFS. It was also special to have former teachers Deacon Tom Grodek and Deacon Rich Caporiccio back to assist. The celebration included over 400 alumni, alumni parents, former faculty and staff, current students, parents, faculty and staff...and even a few Future Panthers! In his homily, Fr. Schultz spoke about the PVI family. Family life is full of ups and downs, but we take each other by the hand and support one another. “You don’t choose your family, you choose to be a family, and a family is what we are.”

We love that the PVI legacy lives on and hope that at our 50th Anniversary, we can pack the PAC!

Photos from the day are available using this QR code.

Be at Peace

A Reflection by Dr. Tom Opfer ’96, Principal We know that St. Francis de Sales teaches us to be at peace. I believe we all need to listen to that advice, especially in our busy world.

St. Francis de Sales teaches us, “Do not worry about tomorrow. The same everlasting Father who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. Either he will shield you from pain and suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.”

I first learned this quote 30 years ago when I was a student here at PVI. My friend, Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS, shared this quote and taught us to take time to be at peace, to stop worrying, and to live in the present moment.

Being at peace starts with recognizing the little ways we can be gentle, grateful, and giving each and every day. Gentleness is not weakness but rather controlled, directed, and loving strength. It might also be described as knowing how to react to life appropriately and proportionately. To quote St. Francis de Sales: “There is no nothing so strong as gentleness and nothing so gentle as real strength.”

Gratefulness is thanksgiving to God for the many wonderful gifts we have been given. We are called to share our gratefulness with others and tell others when we are grateful for their service and kindness to each one of us.

Giving. We are called to be servants. Let us give of ourselves in service to God by helping others around us.

The above is an excerpt of a reflection Dr. Opfer gave at the Oblates’ Live Jesus Lenten Morning of Reflection in March 2023 held at Paul VI. The artwork on this page was done by Devyn Wallace ’24.

Learn more about PVI’s Special Saints

Did you know? Our school’s patron saints are St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal, and our school’s namesake is St. Paul VI.

St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) is the patron saint of journalists and writers, and his feast day is January 24. St. Francis de Sales was a French Catholic bishop and spiritual writer who was born into a noble family and initially pursued a career in law. He tried to live each day in gentleness and humility and was known for his ability to communicate spiritual truths in a way that was accessible to everyone. He was canonized by Pope Alexander VII in 1665, and Pope Pius IX proclaimed him a Doctor of the Church in 1877. St. Francis de Sales wrote several influential books on spirituality and friendship, including “Introduction to the Devout Life” and “Treatise on the Love of God,” which continue to be widely read and studied today. He believed that friendship was an important aspect of spiritual growth since having strong relationships with others helps people to grow in their faith. One friend he worked closely with was St. Jane de Chantal, with whom he helped found the Visitation Order of nuns. In 1875, Fr. Louis Brisson founded the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, and in 1983 the Oblates were asked by the Diocese of Arlington to administer the new Paul VI High School in Fairfax, VA.

St. Jane de Chantal (1572-1641) is the patron saint of forgotten people, widows, and parents who are separated from their children, and her feast day is August 12. Jane de Chantal was born into a noble family and was married at a young age to Baron de Chantal. Together they had six children before her husband was tragically killed in a hunting accident. After several years of mourning, Jane met St. Francis de Sales, who became her spiritual director and encouraged her to devote herself to God. St. Jane de Chantal is known for her deep faith, her commitment to serving others, and her writings on spiritual life. St. Jane remained steadfast in her mission

to help others find God and founded the Order of the Visitation nuns, which focused on prayer, humility, and kindness, and welcomed women from all walks of life. She was canonized by Pope Clement XIII in 1767.

St. Paul VI (1897-1978) is the patron saint of modernization and reform in the Catholic Church, of ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, of journalists, of unborn children, and the pro-life movement. Born Giovanni Battista Montini in 1897, he grew up in a family deeply involved in the Church. Montini was ordained a priest in 1920 and began a long and distinguished career serving in a variety of roles under several popes. In 1958, he was named a cardinal by Pope Pius XII, and following the sudden death of Pope John XXIII in 1963, Montini was elected to succeed him and took the name Paul VI. As Pope, he oversaw the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, which brought major changes to the Catholic Church, including a greater emphasis on the role of the laity, the use of vernacular languages in the liturgy, and greater engagement with other Christian denominations and religions. He also worked to promote social justice and peace, speaking out against war and nuclear weapons and visiting numerous countries around the world to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding. Paul VI was canonized by Pope Francis on October 14, 2018. A group of PVI students, faculty, and parents went on a pilgrimage to Rome to be there for the canonization Mass. In addition to his many accomplishments, St. Paul VI is also remembered for his humility and simplicity of life. He was known to shun many of the trappings of the papacy and preferred to live in a small apartment rather than the more ornate papal residence. He was deeply committed to the idea of serving others.

The saint illustrations on this page were done by Sarah Burkat ’23.

LETTERS DURING HIS LIFETIME.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES WROTE MORE THAN

THE STORY OF

Since our founding 40 years ago, St. Paul VI Catholic High School has been dedicated to fostering spiritual growth, academic excellence, and compassionate service within a nurturing Catholic community.

When Paul VI opened its doors in Fairfax in 1983, it was a new school in an old building. Now, 40 years later, we continue our legacy in state-of-the-art facilities in Chantilly to ensure we continue to offer an excellent Catholic education for generations to come.

Here are just a few of the highlights in the PVI story:

1982-1983 Paul VI High School

(nickname PVI) was established by

former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh. The Diocese purchased a building being used by George Mason University that dated to 1935, which had been the site of Fairfax High School until 1971.

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales were asked to administer and staff the school. Rev. Donald J. Heet, OSFS, was appointed founding principal and the Oblates administered and staffed PVI until 2000.

In its first year, Paul VI opened with 350 freshmen and sophomores and 21 employees. Students choose the Panther as the mascot at an assembly.

1992 3,000 cans were collected in Paul VI’s first Canned Food Drive.

1997 The first Rally in the Alley took place, with students gathering for food, music and fun before home football games. Today, the tradition continues with a new name: Rally in the Valley!

1998 Six students entered in the first Options class. The Options program provides a Catholic education to students with intellectual disabilities. At the time, PVI was only the second Catholic high school in the U.S. to offer such a program. The word “Catholic” is added to the name of Paul VI High School.

2000 The Oblates end their 17 year administration of Paul VI and Philip Robey begins his role as PVI’s first lay principal.

2004 The VI Man cheering section was established. In 2006, DCSportsFan named the VI Man its top student section.

2009 The Class of 2009 was instrumental in securing a 6.6 ton spirit rock from a local quarry. The iconic rock was transported from Fairfax to Chantilly on July 30, 2020. Scan the QR code in the timeline on page 19 to see the journey!

2011 PVI begins its Dual Enrollment partnership with Northern Virginia Community College. DE classes offer students a pathway to earn dual course credit at both PVI and NOVA.

2012 Paul VI was named among the Top 50 Catholic High Schools in the United States by the Cardinal Newman Society.

2013 PVI launched a one-to-one laptop program for incoming freshmen and rising sophomores.

2015 The Diocese of Arlington announced that Paul VI would relocate from its original 16-acre campus in Fairfax to a 68-acre campus in Chantilly.

2018 The groundbreaking ceremony for the new campus took place on February 16, 2018. Bishop Michael F. Burbidge opened the ceremony with a prayer and sprinkled holy water on the site.

Later that year, our school’s namesake, Pope Paul VI, was canonized on October 14, 2018 and a group from PVI attended the canonization at the Vatican. To honor the occasion, “St.” is added to our official school name.

2020 Bishop Burbidge performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting and blessed our new campus on August 27, 2020. Scan the QR code in the timeline on page 19 to hear the speeches from the event.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, PVI opened for the 2020-2021 school year five days a week, utilizing a hybrid model that combined in-person and online learning.

continued on next page

The Story of 40, continued

2022 Ginny Colwell retired after nearly 29 years at Paul VI, including sixteen years in leadership. Laura Swenson began as the new Head of School in July 2022.

2023 PVI celebrated its 40th anniversary. Mass was concelebrated by current chaplain Fr. Stephen Schultz, as well as former principals Fr. Donald Heet, OSFS, and Fr. Robert Mulligan, OSFS to celebrate 40 years of growing in grace and wisdom.

In his final letter to the PVI school community, published in the Panther Press student newspaper in June 1991, Fr. Heet wrote that he hoped students would graduate taking three lessons with them: “The first lesson is that, no matter what your gifts and talents are, develop them to the best of your opportunity. Don’t fall into the trap of judging yourself by the standards of your peers; set your own standards, set them high, and do your best to achieve them. The second lesson is the importance of community. No matter where you find yourself in life, be part of a community that supports you and which you support.

Life is too short and difficult to go alone. The last, and most crucial lesson, is to stay close to Christ and the Church. There are a lot of false values in our world; they are enticing, but they are ultimately empty. Cling to your faith, continue to learn about it, and above all live it in your everyday life.”

Fr. Heet’s words ring true today, more than ever. Thank you to everyone who has made PVI the special place it is today! As we look forward to the next forty years, may we build on the past to create the future… and always continue to grow in grace and wisdom

Want to learn more? Scan the QR code to check out even more PVI milestones on the updated history page of our school website.

2004

2009

2011

2012

2013

2018

2020

2022

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

The Class of 2023 graduated on May 31 in a beautiful ceremony held on campus in Luke McGuire Stadium. In his graduation remarks, Bishop Burbidge encouraged seniors, “Do not negotiate the path to true happiness. You know the path — love God, follow his commands, use your gifts and talents to praise him, and to serve those in most need.” Morgan Vannell, Valedictorian, and Joseph Moran, Salutatorian, also addressed their classmates, and we have shared an excerpt from each of their speeches on the next page.

Over 18,534 hours of service to the community in their years at PVI

Over 13 million dollars in college scholarship offers

1,931 college applications sent

174 served as Options peer mentors

Headed to 110 different colleges

Photos by Daniel Glass Photography

23 AP Scholars

“If there is one lesson you all gave me, which I will carry into the uncertain future, it is to be childlike. Jesus called for them, saying ‘Permit the children to come to Me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,’ Luke 18:16. So how do we be childlike? What does a child have that we lack? It’s trust. Children trust that someone will care for them, that nothing is so terrible their parents will be unable to save them from it. They cry out and expect always to be answered. Now, the time is coming when our parents will be unable to save us. As much thanks and praise as they certainly do deserve, their reach is limited. And so it should be. We are becoming men and women. So how do men and women remain like children? We turn our trust to another, to Christ. When we trust in Him, we become more like Him and see that, like Him, we are children of the Father. Our first Father, who long has loved us, since the beginning of our lives. This is a new and greater childhood, where we belong to a much older, much greater Father. A Father who is never far from us, who can and will answer us each and every time we cry out.”

— Morgan Vannell, Valedictorian

9

“Every single student here has some unique talent, given to them by God, and nurtured through their own hard work. I’ve seen it firsthand…20 years from now, I am confident in saying that this class will have produced some great leaders in fields ranging from athletics to medicine to technology to religion to music. As I remember learning in my Theology class this year, true wisdom in a field is not just knowing everything about that one topic in isolation. Rather, true wisdom is understanding something as a whole and how it relates to everything else, especially to the spiritual side of things. This is what makes the Class of 2023 so special and why this class will go on to do great things in the future. They truly have wisdom.”

— Joseph Moran, Salutatorian

1 = AMAZING CLASS OF 2023!

Sarah Burkat received the Saint Thomas More – Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for reflecting the qualities of the Diocese of Arlington’s patron saints.

2 National African American Recognition Award recipients

15 seniors whose parents attended PVI

35+ student athletes playing at the college level

National Hispanic Recognition Award recipients

1 National Merit Finalist and 12 National Merit Commended Students

Baccalaureate Mass

The Class of 2023 had their Baccalaureate Mass on May 30 at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Chantilly.

Our seniors have grown in grace and wisdom during their four years at Paul VI and will go on to excel in colleges across the country…and beyond. The Class of 2023 will attend the following schools:

Arizona State University

Auburn University

Baldwin Wallace College

Barton College

Baylor University

Boston College

Bridgewater College

Christopher Newport University

Clemson University

Coastal Carolina University

College of Charleston

Davidson College

Duquesne University

East Carolina University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Fairfield University

George Mason University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Hofstra University

Howard University

Iona University

Jacksonville University

James Madison University

Lafayette College

Lehigh University

Long Island University

Longwood University

Louisiana State University

Loyola University Chicago

Michigan State University

Missouri State University

Montana State University

Mount St. Mary’s University

New York University

Newberry College

Northern Virginia Community College

Northwestern University

Notre Dame College

Ohio State University

Pennsylvania State University

Purdue University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University

Shenandoah University

St. Bonaventure University

St. John’s UniversityNew York

Stetson University

Stevenson University

Susquehanna University

Texas A&M University

The Catholic University of America

United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Merchant Marine Academy

United States Military Academy

United States Naval Academy

University of Alabama

University of Dallas

University of Dayton

University of Delaware

University of Kentucky

University of Mary Washington

University of MarylandBaltimore County

University of MarylandCollege Park

University of Michigan

University of Mississippi

University of North CarolinaWilmington

University of North Florida

University of Notre Dame

University of Oklahoma

University of Richmond

University of San Diego

University of South Carolina

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

University of Virginia

University of Utah

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Tech

West Virginia University

William & Mary

Yale University

Morgan Vannell ’23

“I walked through the short hallway leading from the athletic building to the stands, my friend just a few steps in front of me. Sound pulsed in from the bright end of the hall, louder and louder. My friend stepped out into the light and turned to face me, grinning. He began to join in the chants shaking the air around us with sound, and I ran past him into that beloved, crazed mob of students.”

Morgan Vannell’s description of his favorite PVI memory reveals one of his many talents: writing. While interested in many different subjects, “writing feels meaningful, like it’s something I have to do, something I’m supposed to do,” he shares. Morgan is headed to Yale University, where he plans to major in English with the goal of becoming a writer. “I read and write a lot of poetry now and I want to learn how to write extended fiction and become a better storyteller. I’m excited to take creative writing classes where I can work under teachers who have written books and learn how to break down a story.”

Morgan has valued the difference good teachers have made for him. “The teachers are the exceptional part of PVI. There is a depth to them and their lives as individuals which shows in the way they interact with us.”

Morgan earned the distinction of Valedictorian for the Class of 2023. Notably, he also used his academic talents to help others. He created Tutoring Outreach Program, which provided free tutoring to middle and high school students from disadvantaged and recently immigrated families. He created flyers and worked with LCPS, public libraries, and homeowner associations to connect with students in need of tutoring and recruited PVI classmates to serve as tutors too. Morgan shares that he was especially moved by the bond he formed with one young man, who would walk by himself a long distance to attend their sessions.

In addition to being on the PVI cross country, swim and boys volleyball teams, Morgan served as a volunteer firefighter in Ashburn. As a junior volunteer, he ran tools, set up the hose, and made sure the crew had everything they needed.

“I saw how the fire fighters interacted with one another and it was something I wanted to be a part of. Working with the crew teaches you how to react in a situation where you have to respect somebody who’s giving you a job, who knows how to make the team work better.”

As Morgan heads off to Yale to make his mark on the world with his vast set of talents and unique voice, we’re eager to see what the spark of inspiration will create.

A SPARK of INSPIRATION

ACHIEVING GOALS

Alauna Rutland ’23

During her time at PVI, Alauna was a standout in both soccer and track.

For soccer, in her senior year alone, Alauna was named AllMet Honorable Mention, WCAC First Team and MVP. In track, her myriad accomplishments include being a 10-time Virginia State Catholic Champion and a three-time WCAC State Champion. She has received the VA State Catholic Female Track Athlete Award, the WCAC Best Female Field Athlete Award, and twice received the VA State Catholic Female Field Athlete Award. She holds school records in indoor track for long jump, high jump, 60 meter hurdles, and 200 meters, and for high jump in outdoor track. Additionally, Alauna has given back to the community by serving as a Student Ambassador and youth soccer coach.

Through sports, Alauna has developed mental toughness and perseverance. She shares, “Participating in athletics at PVI has helped me to grow mentally, physically and spiritually. I’ve learned that hard work, faith and dedication will help you overcome any obstacle. Sometimes I have really great games and sometimes I don’t. In these instances, I don’t give up—I go back to practice and keep working until I’ve achieved my goal.”

“My four years at PVI shaped the individual I am today. I am confident in my next chapter as a collegiate athlete due to the challenging— yet rewarding and supporting—environment that PVI provided for me spirituality, academically, athletically and socially.”

Alauna will continue striving in the classroom and on the soccer field at Howard University in Washington D.C.

THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Jackson Herrera ’23

“The biggest lessons theatre has taught me is not to give up and to surround yourself with people you love,” Jackson reflects. “I was a part of PVI Players since my freshman year and I made some of my best friends there. In my earlier years, I didn’t always receive the role I was going for, but the work I did in those smaller parts earned me my larger parts later on.”

Throughout his high school career, Jackson’s favorite roles were Dr. Lyman Sanderson in “Harvey,” Adam in “Freaky Friday,” Colonel Arbuthnot in “Murder on the Orient Express,” Archie Feldon in “Double Exposure,” and Jimmy Winter in “Nice Work If You Can Get It.”

Of all his favorite roles, Jackson shares that working on “Double Exposure” was particularly rewarding. “The rehearsal process, the performances, and just spending time with my friends strengthened relationships and created new ones. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Jackson is also proud of his six star International Thespian Society career (having earned 60 points from various roles in and out of shows, including director, lead, and supporting character), as well as his appointment as “The Wizard” in the group who serves as a role model for all the boys in PVI Players. “Something people might be surprised to know about me is that I can do a really good impression of Louis Armstrong, as well as a trumpet.”

Jackson’s involvement in theatre has helped him grow and evolve in many areas. “I’ve grown spiritually, intellectually, and socially though theatre. Taking and giving advice from my friends has shaped the person I am today and I’ve learned so much from everyone involved.”

Jackson will attend Virginia Tech and plans to major in Sports Media and Analytics. We may even be seeing him on a different type of stage in the future. He shares, “I hope to become a broadcaster.”

Alexis Florit ’23

“At PVI, I have been blessed with amazing teachers who have encouraged my curiosity and pushed me to think deeply. They have taught me the value of hard work, perseverance in the face of difficulty, and that I should never give up on my goals. I am so grateful for them pushing me to be my best and helping me be excited for all that is to come,” Alexis shares.

Alexis will attend Auburn University as a member of the Honors College and will major in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics.

Alexis says that her teachers and the environment at PVI encouraged her to challenge herself. “A huge part of what made me love math has been the environment in which I have been so blessed to learn. Mrs. Collier is the reason I decided to take extra math classes senior year; she helped me realize that the value of a challenge is immeasurable. I love the challenge that math presents and how you could solve one problem in four different ways but still get the right answer.”

In addition to her challenging course load, Alexis played field hockey and served in several leadership positions, as the senior class president, swim and dive captain, and Student Ambassadors Executive Board president. Alexis took advantage of opportunities in and out of the classroom as she explored a variety of paths for the future. “Chemical Engineering hasn’t always been my dream field, and for the past four years at PVI, I have been experimenting with different fields to find what I love. I have attended countless labs and seminars, learning from people in all stages of their careers: college students, professionals, and even retired astronauts! In my junior year, I was lucky enough to work with BAE Systems to observe different career paths and practical applications of engineering degrees.”

Alexis loves being a woman in STEM. “Working hard, knowing that I am pursuing something I love, makes every late night, lab report, and hard test worth it. I am so excited to explore my career options and hope that I can serve as an example for other girls who want to pursue something that might seem difficult — you won’t regret it, I promise!”

THE VALUE of a CHALLENGE

FINDING the PERFECT RHYTHM

Sean Wallace ’23

“What’s great about percussion is that, in addition to the conductor, percussion brings everyone together. We keep the tempo,” shares Sean Wallace.

Sean started playing the drums when he was nine years old. As a rising PVI freshman, Sean planned to play football and join band, but his mom was worried he would have too much on his plate, and wanted him to choose one. After speaking with his middle school conductor, Sean opted for band and never looked back.

“I’ve been so fortunate. Band really brought me into PVI. Without band, I wouldn’t have met my closest friends.”

Sean was involved in several music groups, including symphonic band and pep band, and new initiatives such as the PVI drumline and the beginnings of a marching band. Sean found that playing different percussion instruments — such as timpani, snare drum, xylophone, and bells, to name just a few — helped him with multitasking and used different parts of his brain. He also gained a strong sense of focus. “You need to really focus to make sure you play everything right. That’s what I try to improve on every day in order to become a better drummer.”

Many of his favorite PVI memories involve drumline. In addition to performing at the spring pep rally, the drumline led the PVI group at both the DC and Virginia March for Life. “The crowd was hyped up. Everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”

Sean’s time at PVI included several leadership roles. He was percussion section leader in Symphonic Band, a two-year cross country captain, secretary of Tri-M music honor society, and was inducted into National Honor Society. “I definitely have a sense of leadership I will carry with me. PVI taught me that the way to be a leader is to be an example to others.”

Over the summer, Sean will play in his middle school conductor’s community band before heading off to St. Bonaventure in New York. While undecided on a major, he is interested in business and communications, and plans to audition for symphonic band.

“As I move on from PVI, I want everyone to respect others and themselves enough to be a good example. I want underclassmen to be leaders too — that’s how to form the best team.”

When asked about football versus band, Sean grins widely and says, “The PVI football team is awesome; I love the football team. But I made the right decision. I’ve really enjoyed myself and I’m really happy.”

Daniela Angarita ’23

In her time at PVI, Daniela displayed a heart for service and developed an appreciation for deep conversations and genuine friendship.

In the summer, Daniela served as a translator with Hope for Tomorrow in Sterling, where she used her Spanish skills to help underserved populations gain access to medical care. She also assisted dentists in providing free dental check-ups.

“I value being able to build a connection with people –and help them be heard. Over the course of a seven hour day, myself and two other translators could meet with up to 400 people,” she shares.

Daniela also explored the medical field as a member of PVI’s Medical Club and assisted at House of Mercy medical clinic in Manassas with other club members. In addition to connecting to the community, Daniela found connection and supportive friendships through Philosophy Club and retreats. “I found genuine friends who are open to conversation. We all support one another. One of my favorite PVI memories was a retreat I went on in January. We spent a long weekend in the Pocono Mountains and there I met some of my best friends. It was the most transformative and best weekend of my senior year.”

“I’ve grown personally and spiritually through my work of service at PVI. Whether I’m helping organize a school event or doing a service project in the community, I’ve embraced PVI’s spirit of service and adopted it as my own.”

Daniela will be attending the University of Virginia where she plans to study Neuroscience on the pre-med track and minor in International Affairs. She will continue to embody a spirit of service, noting: “I hope to become a doctor and join the Doctors Without Borders organization.”

SPIRIT of SERVICE

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words Student Art Spotlight

Wings by Brie Ferrufino ’23

Coke by Devyn Wallace ’24

Beauty of the Mind by Isabella Almodovar ’23

She Knew You First by Angela Benedict ’25

3 soap refills on 3 soap dispensers + 25 boxes of paper towels + 30 bottles of paint + 300 colored pencils + 800 sheets of drawing paper = AMAZING ART!

Untitled by Grace Geiser ’23

A Radiant Daybreak by Clarisse Ladaban ’23

St. Frederick’s Church by Melissa Vinh ’23

Michael the Arc Angel by Charlie Balderrama ’25

Untitled by Maria Canan ’24

Untitled by Samantha Rayfield ’24

Farmers Market by Isabelle Marut ’24

A Banner Year for the Panthers

Both the Girls and Boys Varsity Basketball teams won the VISAA Division I State Championship on March 4, 2023. The girls defeated St. Anne’sBelfield 67-56 for their 16th straight state title and 23rd overall. The boys defeated St. Anne’s-Belfield 69-56 for their third straight state championship and 7th overall.

On May 13, 2023, Paul VI hosted the Virginia State Catholic Championships for track and field

on campus and the girls’ track team won their 6th straight State Catholic Championship.

On March 24, both the Girls and Boys Varsity Lacrosse teams won the VISAA State Championship. The girls defeated St. Anne’s-Belfield 11-8 in Virginia Beach. This was the first state title for girls lacrosse in school history and came at the conclusion of their 30th anniversary season. The boys captured the program’s second state title by besting Episcopal 9-5 at home.

Panther Nation! We'd love to see you at a game!

You can also tune in via livestream on the St. Paul VI Catholic High School YouTube channel. Follow @pvisports on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see even more news and accomplishments from our teams. Scan the QR code above for the schedule and livestream link. #TeamPVI

Victory with Program’s First WCAC Metro Division Championship

On February 17, 2023, PVI Hockey faced off against Bishop Ireton at The Gardens Ice House in Laurel, Maryland for the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Metro Division championship game. Despite having a 1-1 WCAC regular season record against Ireton, the team knew that securing a win would not be easy. The Panthers started strong with two quick goals, but then allowed four in a row. Nonetheless, the Panthers persisted and managed to tie the game. In the third period, an Ireton penalty resulted in a PVI penalty shot opportunity, which they capitalized on to take a 5-4 lead. With only 7 seconds remaining, PVI won the final faceoff and clinched the first ice hockey championship in school history, as well as the first championship of the 2022-2023 year for PVI.

The following individuals earned WCAC All-Conference honors:

Coach of the Year: Ken Kerrigan

First-team All-Conference: Carson Breissinger, Sean Robert Sarda

Honorable Mention: Carter Faas, Will Kovacs, Jack Powers, Matthew Quarry

The team’s three seniors: Matthew Quarry, Brendan Curran, Carson Breissinger

Check out more about the team in their 2022-2023 media guide using the above QR code.

PVI Hockey celebrates after winning the first WCAC Metro Division Championship in school history.

ADVANCING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Congratulations to the Class of 2023 College Bound Athletes

Front row, pictured left to right: Brian Rogowski (Stevenson soccer), Parker Love (Naval Academy lacrosse), Dustin Shattan (Coast Guard Academy lacrosse), Louis Volker (Missouri State basketball), Victoria Crofford (Merchant Marie Academy basketball), Brooke Batchelor (New York University basketball), Anna Kunzwiler (Stetson basketball), Sofia Lucero (Marymount tennis), Ashley Kirby (North Florida swim and dive).

Second row: Michael Vertino (Notre Dame College baseball), Keegan McMahon (Baldwin Wallace wrestling), Olivia Darrow (Barton softball), Matthew Johnson (University of Maryland Baltimore County swim and dive), Bailey Gurley (Lafayette lacrosse), Camilla Madonna (Lehigh lacrosse), Anna Viglione (Arizona State lacrosse), Lia Pugsley (Tennessee cross country/track), Alauna Rutland (Howard soccer).

Third row: Ethan Villaver (Mount St. Mary’s cross country/track), Matthew Han (Michigan lacrosse), Finnegan Joyce (Newberry lacrosse), Henry Fleckner (Jacksonville lacrosse), Brady Colby (West Point wrestling), Grant Giunchi (St. Bonaventure lacrosse), Charles Adams (Longwood track), Kolbe Curtin (Iona lacrosse).

Back row: Griffin Hart (James Madison football), Ben Stefanon (Christopher Newport soccer), Nate Murphy (Richmond lacrosse), DeShawn Harris-Smith (Maryland basketball), Brendan Robinson (William & Mary football), Matthew Dineen (Utah lacrosse), Blas Kodrowski (Long Island football). Not available for picture: Patrick Drummond (Catholic football), Jack Morningstar (Bridgewater football).

members of the Class of 2023 will continue their sport at the next level.

HONORING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

EIGHT NEW ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME MEMBERS INDUCTED

The newest members of our Athletic Hall of Fame were inducted on February 11, 2023 at International Country Club. The newest inductees were also recognized at halftime of the Varsity Boys Basketball game on February 10, with many past Hall of Fame inductees present to welcome them at center court.

Congratulations to our

Athletes:

Andre Eason ’01 – Football, Basketball

2023 PVI Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Coaches:

Scott Allen – Girls Basketball

Michele Brady Gibbons ’02 – Soccer, Lacrosse

Kathryn Naylor Howard ’08 – Softball

Anne Alessi Nuttall ’88 – Soccer, Basketball, Track

Billy Emerson – Baseball, Athletic Director

100 members in the Hall

of Fame

Kat Naylor Howard ’08

More than the competition and winning games, PVI sports was my second family. The friendships I made were invaluable, and to this day, many of my closest friends are my teammates from PVI. When I think back on my time playing sports at PVI, I think of the strong community first.

PVI is a place full of supportive students, teachers and faculty. With such a strong community behind them, students can grow and learn in both faith and academics, and prepare for the world beyond. The strength of the community was evident in the Hall of Fame weekend, with so many friends and teachers coming to support each other and the inductees.

The biggest thrill for me was being able to share the experience with my family, especially my two young children. Taking them to the basketball game and having them meet my friends, teachers, and coaches was a wonderful introduction to the PVI community, and I loved being able to share my Hall of Fame experience with them.

What advice would you give to current Panthers?

I would tell current Panthers to really appreciate your time at PVI; it goes by so fast! Some of my best memories are from my time at PVI and I feel blessed to have had been part of such an amazing community of friends, coaches, and teachers. There is no place like it.

Andre Eason ’01

Playing football and basketball at PVI meant the world to me! Playing in front of family and friends on those Friday nights and getting tackled in left field as we shared the baseball diamond are things that build character within a team, school and program. Our Fairfax gym may have been small but it was to our advantage and opposing WCAC teams knew it!

I found love and support from the PVI community before I even stepped on campus. The outpour of love from our student body and administration was exceptional and really made me feel welcomed.

The entire Hall of Fame weekend was fantastic, from the game to the ceremony. Sharing the moment with my family and friends and seeing coaches and trainers that I shared so many memories with was priceless. Thank you, PVI, for it all and recognizing the extraordinary work our student athletes do on and off the field!

What advice would you give to current Panthers?

The best advice I would give to current Panther athletes is to stay focused! We have a lot of great athletes that are now gracing our halls and it would be easy to get caught up in the moment. Have blinders on to the outside noise and lock in on your goals and the work you put in, to get to this point in your athletic career.

Cherish the moment! High school begins and ends in the blink of an eye. Cherish every moment and be sure to take it all in!

Kat is pictured with her husband Drew (also PVI Class of 2008) and their two sons.

At the induction ceremony, Andre was introduced by Mrs. Lonnell Battle, former PVI English teacher, English department chair, and College and Career Specialist.

Black & Gold Gala Celebrating 40 Years in the Winner’s Circle!

special thank you to our fantastic Black & Gold Gala co-chairs, Elisa Johnson P ’21, ’23, ’25, ’26, Kelly Nighland P ’24, ’26 and Karina Rodriguez

P ’21, ’24, and all of the volunteers who generously gave their time and energy to help us prepare and execute the event. Their dedication and hard work created an amazing experience and raised over $140,000 for Paul VI.

Guests were greeted by a live horse, enjoyed delicious food and drink, had fun bidding on silent and live auction items, enjoyed watching the PVI Dance team perform, had fun competing in trivia contests and the heads and tails game, and last but not least, dancing. Everyone’s presence and enthusiasm helped make the night truly special.

We could not have been so successful without our incredible sponsors and supporters and are grateful for their ongoing commitment to Paul VI. Their contributions have enabled us to continue and enhance our essential work of helping our students grow in grace and wisdom.

Scan to view photos from the evening.

Scan to view the event program.

raised for PVI

Signature Sponsor

We were pleased to be the Signature Sponsor for Paul VI's 2023 Black & Gold Gala and were blessed to celebrate 40 wonderful years of PVI with the community.

Two of our sons, Dan '98 and Kevin '01, greatly benefited from the education and spiritual growth they gained at PVI. We commend the administrators, teachers, staff, and other caring persons who have donated their time, services, and resources to provide the highest level of Catholic education and character development to the students at St. Paul VI Catholic High School.

Congratulations, Mrs. Swenson, faculty, staff, and parents!

Cheers to 40 more!

Tom and Nancy Woodley

In 1986, PVI graduated its first class (105 students) and the top grossing movie was Top Gun. Regardless of age, most can remember seeing this movie and how it quickly became a classic. I bought the movie poster, the soundtrack on cassette tape, and rushed to make an appointment to get a spiral perm in an effort to look like Kelly McGillis.

As we celebrated 40 years of PVI, it wasn’t lost on me that the top grossing movie of 2022 was Top Gun: Maverick. I realized that it parallels PVI in many ways. The classic version is loved. I thought nothing could top it (kind of like the early years in Fairfax). I felt conflicted walking out of the Maverick movie because, well, I liked it so much. I loved it, to be honest. I appreciated how it honored the legacy of the first movie and built on it to continue the storyline we all loved in 1986. One could not exist without the other.

I also saw PVI academics throughout both movies:

• Music: Who didn’t sing along to “Great Balls of Fire” or “Highway to the Danger Zone” or get chills with the instrumental introduction?

• Math/Science/Engineering: Those planes aren’t flying over mountains without some of each.

• Theology: We all suffered when Goose faced his untimely death and learned about the beauty of friendship and forgiveness in Top Gun: Maverick.

• Social Studies: Countries at conflict, still…

• World Languages: Maverick had to know some other languages to “borrow” that old Russian plane.

• English: The story line and character development separately, and spanning 35 years, were a thing of beauty.

• Health/PE: Volleyball and football on the beach and the ability to withstand 8G’s while flying make a case for being in shape.

Like our Day of Giving theme this March, “Panther Pride… Always in Style,” Top Gun proved that certain things don’t go out of style. (Some do…see the photographic evidence on the next page of the spiral perm decision disaster of ’86.)

Most importantly, Top Gun (the 1986 or 2022 version) shows us how to just keep getting better. One way we do that is through raising money to make all things at PVI happen. We may not have grossed $718 million

during our Day of Giving like Top Gun: Maverick, but your support, both large and small, makes a difference.

If you have not yet made your gift this year, now is the perfect time! Maybe it’s $10, like a tip left in the jar in the piano Goose played, or $40 in honor of our anniversary (or spiral perm costs in the 80s). Your support, regardless of the amount, helps fuel the future of PVI, as we honor 40 years of a school we love, and provides our students an education that will help them soar.

With gratitude,

PARENT PERSPECTIVES

PVI means God, Family and Success! And what makes PVI unique is that it isn’t just a school, but a place that allows us to grow in our faith and our relationships and friendships, whether through sports or just helping out in school and after school activities. It helps us all grow together, like a family. You end up building a whole new family.

JACKIE BROOKS P ’24, ’26

PVI has been such an incredible blessing to our family. Our son flourished during his four years within the PVI community: academically, socially and spiritually. The athletics, peer mentoring, and volunteering with Special Olympics made his time so special.

KIM CURRAN P ’23

Kate Andreottola ’94, P’25 Director of Advancement Survivor of Perms of the Late 80s

Paul VI has been a true community for my family. Whether attending an academic, athletic, or fine arts event for my daughters, I can feel it even as I’m just approaching the building. The Catholic values that are reinforced daily are priceless to me and the academic foundations laid have made for smooth transitions to rigorous, competitive college majors. Along the way, we’ve been blessed to share so many memories with fellow PVI families. I never saw it coming but the richness of our PVI experience has been a Godsend.

CARLOS LAMA, P ’20, ’22, ’25

Inspiring Goodness

A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Giving Back

breakfast conversation with Kathy Lyons leaves you feeling inspired, and wanting to simply do good, without fanfare or recognition. Kathy, an alumni parent to Patrick ’08, Michael ’10, and Margaret ’11, and a member of the School Board, reminds us of St. Francis de Sales’ words, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.” Humble, yet strong in her beliefs and commitment to Catholic education and service, she candidly shared how her passion for helping others came to be, how that translates into the Paul VI experience, and her hopes for the future of PVI.

Kathy embodies resilience. While her memories from PVI often make her smile as she speaks about her husband Tim being on the “chain gang” for PVI football games, and her son Michael being taken under Glenn Farello’s wing as a coach for the basketball team, Kathy also knows loss. Her husband Tim passed away the summer after Margaret’s graduation from PVI, and Michael lost a brave battle to cancer in March 2020. Kathy has turned her loss into something that honors the memory and legacy of her loved ones as she continues to give back to PVI and her community.

You are a passionate supporter of Catholic education. Was there someone in your life who instilled a love of learning in you?

My mother said, “You should always be learning.” My mom used Reader’s Digest as a way for me and my siblings to learn vocabulary and an array of cultural activities to teach history, social studies, and literature while traveling and living internationally. Whether you are stepping outside of your comfort zone to try something new, taking a class, or meeting new people, you need to keep your mind active. It is important that learning is a lifetime pursuit.

How would you describe the experiences your three children had at PVI?

They all experienced the community aspect of PVI— lifelong friends, a family atmosphere and teachers

who mentored them— as three unique people in their academic pursuits with diverse interests. Teachers and staff went above and beyond to help them pursue their goals. People such as Frau Joyner, Glenn Farello, Darcee Snider Gamble, and Clarence Boone all supported my children, and me, during tough times. They offered good advice, sometimes as simple as a “don’t worry” from Tom Opfer.

Each of the teachers and staff, in their own way, modeled what a good Christian should be. All three of my children learned how to live their Catholic faith in everyday life. What are your hopes for the future of Catholic education at PVI?

I would like to see Catholic education be affordable for all. It is important to have a varied student body. We don’t want to close doors; we want to open them to those who want to be here. I’d also like everyone to learn how to incorporate God into their everyday lives, not just as a Sunday obligation.

What advice would you give to our students and their parents?

Slow down! See God in everyday things. Ask God for help with practical things – help to study, working out a dispute with a friend, playing in your sporting event, or performing at your concert.

I share the same advice with parents. If you don’t have Him in the little things, you can’t have Him in the big things.

Michael coached JV Basketball at PVI and impacted the lives of many players in doing so. What did Michael love most about this role?

Michael loved working with young student-athletes. Coach Farello mentored Michael, and became a father figure after my husband died. Michael wanted to “pay it forward” by not just teaching the students basketball, but ensuring they were good students and good people. He wanted the players to know he would always support them, the same way he had been supported. Particularly

as a JV coach, he recognized he was teaching the students as much about life as he was about basketball. That is one reason we started the Michael T. Lyons Foundation in his name – to assist young studentathletes in learning the same life lessons my children did through sports.

We ask our PVI community to give of their time, talents, and through financial gifts. In addition to your support of the Fund for Paul VI and the Building on Extraordinary campaign, you give of your time on committees and the School Board. What does giving back in these capacities mean to you?

“To whom much is given, much is expected.” I was taught this at a young age, to give back to your community and to share your time, talents, and treasures. Everyone has God-given talents that we should share. You don’t always know who you are helping.”

—While Kathy and her family have chosen to give back to PVI in many ways, her words and wisdom leave the greatest impression. From her travels, her knowledge gained from her mother’s Reader’s Digest “curriculum,” to her love of family and quest to see God in all things—from the joyful to the challenging—Kathy reminds us that our lifelong learning extends beyond the classrooms and boundaries of our campus. Her example propels us to do good, often for those we will never meet.

“The Lyons family is very special to me. Kathy and Tim welcomed me into the PVI community with open arms as I began my journey here at PVI. They are a strong, loyal, selfless family and PVI is lucky to call them one of our own. And what Kathy, Margaret and Patrick have done to help kids through the Michael T. Lyons Foundation is inspirational.

When I get a chance to speak about Michael, I do so with immense pride as I tell stories of how he impacted so many of our players with his words of encouragement or holding players accountable, and using basketball as a tool to teach about life. Michael exuded passion and enthusiasm and was a natural leader, as a captain for us in 2010 and as a JV Head Coach. I miss him every day.”

Glenn Farello Assistant Athletic Director and Head Coach Boys Basketball

STRENGTH IN

Allison Zammit ’17 earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Notre Dame and works as a consultant for PwC.

“I enjoy getting to an answer and the feeling of accomplishment with that. I also like how you can take many different paths to get to an answer, and you can see how different people look for different avenues. There are so many fields in math that if you aren’t interested in a particular subject, you can often find something else to study.

If you are struggling with math, my advice would be to ask your teachers for help. There could be a way of looking at what is difficult for you that you haven’t thought of. I’ve always been interested in math, but my great teachers at PVI definitely helped me remain engaged and interested.

What has also stayed with me from PVI is the friendships I built. Though I haven’t lived near my PVI friends since high school, it still feels like no time has passed when I’m with them.”

Daniel Jacobs ’18 graduated from Georgia Tech with a major in Electrical Engineering.

“My favorite thing about math is that you can get a nice concrete answer from it. While the path to the answer might be ambiguous, there’s usually only one correct answer.

Math, just like almost everything else, isn’t for everyone. Some people are just wired differently. However, there’s a lot of variety when it comes to math. I’d tell someone to take classes that focus on the parts of math they enjoy, whether that’s integral math, complex word problems, or matrices.

To someone considering studying math in college, I’d say that they chose one of the harder fields to follow, but that it’ll pay off down the line. Math is needed in plenty of incredibly rewarding careers. I was interested in math before getting to PVI, and PVI definitely helped keep me interested. PVI also challenged me to take more difficult classes and put myself to the test. This really helped me find what I wanted to pursue in college.”

ALUMNI ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN MATH AND MATH-RELATED CAREERS

Teresa Duong ’22 is a Chemistry major at University of Virginia.

“Studying math, to me, is one of a few things that allows you to take your time and sit in your thoughts. You could have a loud voice or a quiet voice, be quick or slow, be good with words or not; numbers are the great equalizer and great ideas can jump from them just by sitting in silence and thinking.

Studying math gave me a lot of practice with the kind of deductive reasoning used in chemistry. To me, organic chemistry is a lot like being blind: to be able to say certainly that this white powder is an acid or base, you have to rely on other things besides appearance. And at the end of the day, you must be willing to accept that you may never be quite sure what something is. Math is similar. The x’s and y’s of math are all symbolic, and who is to say the things they represent will behave the same way in real life? It makes the feeling all the more rewarding to follow a theory through and then see that what you believe is actually what is in front of you.

I’m a bit of an introverted person, but I found a very welcoming environment at PVI in the school band, math club, and classes in general. I had a supportive net of teachers who gave me much of my confidence to take opportunities and pursue interests.

Try asking for help from your math teacher; they are great and very interesting people from my experience, and the worst-case outcome is that you leave with a good conversation!”

Thomas Beauchamp ’12 earned a B.S. in Mathematics from James Madison University and works as a Senior Data Analyst at a data science consultancy.

“Math is everywhere in our world and math’s fundamental concepts can be applied to many things in life. I believe math is not something we have created but only discovered over time and there is always something exciting to learn about.

Math gives you invaluable problem solving skills that can set you apart in any professional industry. Math is definitely a challenging major, but you will have a solid foundation thanks to how well the PVI math department prepares you for higher level math.

Math is not everyone’s favorite subject but it also should not scare anyone. Never be afraid to ask for help or say you do not understand something during class—no one understands every new concept at first.

I am incredibly grateful for how PVI has positively influenced my life. Academically, I was very prepared for coursework after high school. Spiritually, my faith was molded by the examples of all my teachers’ faiths. Personally, my wife and I started dating our senior year at PVI, have been married for five years, and have two wonderful boys!”

Lucian Kapushoc ’21 is a Mathematics and Classics major at Dickinson College.

“My favorite thing in math is the application of formulas in order to simplify and solve complex problems and arrive at simple answers. I enjoy learning new strategies to tackle problems and follow in the footsteps of math scholars over the last few hundred years. My favorite concepts are Pi and the Pythagorean Theorem as they represent a crossover between my math major and my classics major.

PVI is where I really got my start with math and it’s where I experienced some of my most challenging and rewarding experiences in geometry, algebra, and calculus. These classes set the tone and prepared me for more advanced math in college. Being exposed to mathematical concepts at PVI sparked my interest for math that continues even now.

My time at PVI instilled in me the work ethic and passion for learning that I still hold to this day. My success at PVI helped me get into a school where I could get access to all the opportunities to further my learning in fields that interest me and I am passionate about.

Math can sometimes get pretty complex but it always leads back to the basic principles and properties. Part of embracing mathematics is not viewing it as work, but instead as an engaging puzzle to be solved.”

Quinn Campagna ’16 graduated from William & Mary, where he was a physics major and history minor. He went on to earn his M.S. in Physics from University of Mississippi, where he is also working on his PhD. Quinn’s research interest is particle physics, namely CP violation and baryogenesis.

“My favorite thing about math is that it provides a framework for understanding the physical world. Through math, we are able to not only describe the present, but also make testable predictions about the past and future.

To someone struggling in math, I recommend trying to understand what is going on behind the math, not just how to crank through a calculation. Personally, I am always more successful learning math when I can imagine a concrete scenario to tie it to.

Math and science fields are very rewarding, but are hard work, so it’s important to have other activities in your life to keep you balanced. Make sure you cultivate other interests as well.

At PVI, I had the benefit of some very good math teachers and a very good physics teacher who really encouraged me to push myself and follow my interest in those subjects. My teachers in non-STEM subjects did the same, which allowed me to form more well-rounded interests as well. My teachers at PVI let their passion for their subjects shine through their teaching and inspired me to learn for the sake of learning.”

What’s New?

1986

Fr. Chris Beretta, OSFS ’86 �� was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA), the governing body for high school sports in the state. Fr. Beretta is in his 13th year as principal of Salesianum School in Wilmington, Delaware, and enjoys applying the many lessons he learned at PVI in building and strengthening the community of faith and learning at Salesianum. He still teaches a Death & Dying elective patterned after the course he took as a PVI senior with Fr. Bill Dougherty, OSFS.

2001

Andrea Troncoso ’01 �� recently took a position at the Texas Exes, the alumni association for the University of Texas. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband Clint, who she married in 2010, and together they raise their three children, Elias (9), Amelia (8), and Lucia (6).

2004

Cecilia Kern Fix ’04 �� and husband Scott welcomed their baby daughter Luna Riley on February 26, 2023. Luna's big brother Ronin Maverick is 2 years old.

2006

Jenny Hodge Roland ’06 �� and her husband Chris welcomed their son, Callen Pierce Roland, on May 13, 2023. He weighed 7.1 lbs and measured 19.5 inches long. Callen is a curious and active little boy. He joins his fur siblings Yeti and Bailey, while his older brother Austen watches over him from heaven. His parents appreciate all of the love and support for their family during this joyful time.

2007

Rob DeSilva ’07 �� and his wife Andrea welcomed baby girl Rosemary Ann DeSilva on April 2, 2023. Rosemary Ann’s furry siblings Jeep and Wrangler couldn’t be more pleased!

Zach Costello ’07 and Casey Bridges Costello ’07 �� welcomed Jude Christopher Costello on March 31, 2023. Jude is the younger brother to Landon, Cooper, Evie and Kolbe. Jude was baptized at St. Timothy Catholic Church on April 16, Divine Mercy Sunday. His godparents are Owen Costello ’13 and Katie Doherty Hathway ’05.

2008

Kathryn Naylor Howard ’08 and Drew Howard ’08 �� welcomed their son, Henry William Howard, on December 21, 2022. Henry is the second child for Kathryn and Drew and he loves smiling and watching his big brother Luke. Henry was baptized at St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia.

Rose Castelli ’08 �� married James Boohaker on November 12, 2022 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia. The couple is pictured with Rose’s brother Nick Castelli ’06, their parents Francis and Margaret Castelli, and Nick’s wife Kristi.

2010

Ruth Bradley Weston ’10 �� and her husband Nick welcomed a baby girl, Lucy Jane, on February 21, 2023. She weighed 7.2 lbs and was 21 inches long. Lucy was baptized at St. Mark Catholic Church in Vienna, Virginia on June 10, 2023.

2011

Erin O’Shaughnessy Chahine ’11 and JJ Chahine ’09 �� welcomed their fourth child, Chloe Lynn, on November 1, 2022. Chloe is the little sister of Christian (5), Carter (3), and Charlotte (2).

Reconnecting through Sports

Paul VI Baseball Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 1993 Conference Championship

On April 22, 2023, Paul VI Baseball was honored to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1993 Conference Championship team. The current Panthers extended a warm welcome to the 1993 team at "The Scottie," PVI’s Scott Eastment Memorial Park. Each team member was presented with a special jar containing dirt from Panther Field in Fairfax as a memento. Check out more about PVI baseball history and stats in their 2023 media guide using this QR code.

Reuniting on the Ice

On December 21, 2022, PVI Hockey hosted an alumni game. Players from 2003 through 2026 faced off on the ice and enjoyed a pizza social after the game. Alumni in attendance included Geoffrey Rixon ’03, Peter Hart ’12, Cory Kramer ’13, Cameron Meyer ’19, JP Ottariano ’19, Caelen Grange ’20, Zachary Fata ’21, Conor O’Byrne ’22 and William Webb ’22.

Making Time for Mass

When our basketball team was in Fort Myers, Florida for the City of Palms Classic tournament in December they attended Mass on the fourth Sunday of Advent at St. Cecilia with former Paul VI faculty member, Fr. Frank Hanlon, OSFS.

Jackie Gillman Price ’11 �� graduated from her Pediatric Residency program at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine in June 2023, where she served as chief resident. She completed her bachelor’s degree at Virginia Tech and attended medical school at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. She will be working as a general pediatrician at the Carilion Children’s Daleville office near Roanoke, Virginia beginning in August. She is looking forward to taking care of children throughout the Roanoke area as she continues on to the next step of her career.

Taylor Norman ’11 �� and Morgan Batchelor were married in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on April 29, 2023. In attendance were Cat Witko Chelena, Abbie Prince Hartwick and Erin O’Shaughnessy Chahine, PVI classmates from 2011.

2014

Kelly McLean ’14 married Corey Mahoney ’15 �� on November 11, 2022 in Manakin-Sabot, Virginia. They celebrated with their family and friends at the private estate Dover Hall. Kelly’s maid of honor was her sister Kathleen McLean ’16 and Corey’s best man was his

brother Mitchell Mahoney ’13. Several Paul VI alumni and teachers were also in attendance, including Colleen Myers-Mahoney ’13, Patrick Myers ’16, Dominic d’Alelio ’15 and PVI Chinese language teacher Mrs. Liangyan Wang. Kelly and Corey reside in Centreville, Virginia with their two cats, Misty and Honey, and their dog Rosie.

2015

Hanna Ashby Burke ’15 �� and her husband Jacob welcomed their first baby, Eloise Mae Burke, on March 6, 2023.

2017

Wesley Dyer ’17 �� graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Finance, Business Information Systems, and Supply Chain Management, a minor in Economics and a certificate in Business Analytics. He currently works as a Business Analytics Consultant within Treasury Management at the PNC headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the fall, Wesley will begin studying part-time online at Georgia Tech, working towards his Masters of Science in Analytics.

2018

Antonella Henson-Vendrell ’18 �� graduated from Monmouth University in 2022, where she majored in Biology with a concentration in Molecular Cell Physiology and a minor in Health Studies. She also was a member of their Division 1 Women’s lacrosse team. During the summer of 2022, she competed in the World Lacrosse Senior Women’s Championships in Towson, Maryland. Later that year, she started working as a medical assistant while applying to medical school. This July, Antonella will begin her first year of medical school at Wake Forest School of Medicine.

Daniel Jacobs ’18 �� graduated with Highest Honors from Georgia Tech in December 2022 with a major in Electrical Engineering. While at Georgia Tech, Daniel competed as a member of the Georgia Tech Novice Crew team, led incoming students as an Edge Leader with the Office of Minority Education and Development, helped produce a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King as a Speaker Chair with the Martin Luther King Student Committee, and participated in multiple productions with the DramaTech theatre troupe on campus. He is now pursuing his Master’s in Electrical Engineering at Georgia Tech and is working as an intern in Silicon Valley this summer.

2019

Abigail Andrade ’19 �� graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2023 with two bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Spanish. She will be attending medical school at VCU for four more years, following her dream to become a physician. In the summer of 2022, Abigail received the DAAD RISE Scholarship to intern full-time in Kiel, Germany at a top research institute where she worked on a project in the immunology department. During her time in college, she was also a volunteer EMT in Chesterfield, Virginia and served as a nurse at two community health clinics. In the spring of 2023, she studied abroad in Seville, Spain which she says was a fantastic experience that really helped her improve her Spanish. “I am passionate about improving healthcare access and reducing health disparities, especially affecting underserved communities. In the future, I hope to practice medicine overseas and serve in the global health sector,” Abigail shares.

Josh Oduro ’19, �� who graduated from George Mason University and played on the men’s basketball team, was named to the All-Atlantic 10 First Team. Oduro is the only two-time All-Atlantic 10 selection in GMU program history. Oduro finished his career at Mason with 1,300+ career points, 700+ rebounds, 150+ assists and 100+ blocks, and is only one of four players in George Mason history to accomplish this feat. Josh is pictured with students from PVI Options after a game in January. He recently married Caroline Oduro and is now playing at Providence College in Rhode Island, where he is working on a leadership certificate.

Laura Moore ’19 �� graduated from Villanova University in May 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering. She received both the Meritorious Service Award and National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars Award. This summer, Laura is working as a water resources intern for Jacobs in Philadelphia. She will next pursue a Master’s of Science in Sustainable Engineering (also at Villanova) through a graduate assistantship to lead high school STEAM education programs for students around the country.

2020

Jerry Ko ’20 �� was selected into the Korean Augmentation to the United States Army (KATUSA)

program, which allows conscripted South Korean soldiers to become military ambassadors to the United States Forces Korea. After finishing his freshman year at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, he temporarily withdrew to fulfill his obligatory military service as a South Korean male. As a Religious Affairs Specialist, Jerry provided spiritual and psychological support to those in his unit, whether Korean, American, or civilians. “My job could be as simple as making flyers for different religious events or as challenging as grief-supporting those who have lost someone close. A couple of lessons I learned throughout my experience in the Army is that as you gain experience and climb the ranks of wherever you are employed, there will be nothing more paramount than supporting those who are in your responsibility. Another thing is to always do the right thing, no matter what the circumstances are; the Army’s principles and lifestyle will guide you to be someone who is responsible, honorable, and mentally strong.” After his service ended May 28, 2023, Jerry returned stateside to continue his studies at UNC. Jerry is pictured after being awarded the Area 1 Best KATUSA award and medal by the United States Army Garrison Casey in June 2023 in Camp Casey, Dongducheon, Republic of Korea.

2021

Natalia Rodriguez ’21 �� recently finished her sophomore year at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. She was accepted into the Greg & Lisa Smith Global Leadership Scholars Honors Program in the Haslam College of Business at UT and spent the spring semester in London. She took six weeks of classes and ended her experience with a six week internship with the LMP Group, working in the subgroup LMP Action. “LMP stands for ‘Let Me Play’ and they are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and create opportunities for students all across the UK,” shares Natalia.

Panther Page Turners: Book News

New York Times bestselling author and PVI parent, David Baldacci P ’11, ’14 gave a recent “shout out” to Ginny Colwell, former Head of School, and her husband Bill with the dedication of David’s novel Long Shadows. “If David was trying to shock us, he succeeded. We were truly touched by his words,” said Ginny. The Colwells are not the only PVI couple to receive recognition in a Baldacci dedication. Former PVI Assistant Principal/Dean of Instruction Cindi Harkes (now principal of St. Leo the Great Catholic School in Fairfax) and her husband John were honored with The Fallen

Friendly Faces at School

This past January, Chris Barbuschak ’08 and Suzanne LaPierre, librarians with Fairfax County Public Library, published their first book entitled Desegregation in Northern Virginia Libraries. They investigated the history about the barriers imposed on the Black community and the citizens-turned-activists who used protests and lawsuits to achieve more equitable library services in Northern Virginia. Both Loudoun County and Fairfax County (PVI’s former home) are profiled in the book.

Authors Among Us

Along with Chris Barbuschak’s book mentioned above, two other alumni titles were also on display this year in the PVI library: Reclaiming Life: A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children by Maureen Higgins ’90 (Maureen Michele, MD) and Wire to Wire: A South Baltimore Memoir by Patrick McArdle ’90.

Former PVI Panthers are helping out the St. Leo Lions! Zach Fowler ’17 and Morgan Howard ’13, who both graduated from the Options program at Paul VI, are working at St. Leo the Great Catholic School in Fairfax. Ms. Morgan helps as an assistant for the art teacher and Mr. Zach helps in the office and with lunch, recess, computers, carpool, and more.

Next school year, PVI Options will celebrate 25 years! Are you an Options grad? Let us know what you’re up to now! If you were a general education student, did Peer Mentoring influence your career trajectory? Let us know! Email communications@paulvi.net.

Reunion 2023

We had a blast on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at Mega Reunion, which was open to all graduating classes. Thanks to the band of our very own Sarah Bennett Swanner ’93 and Justin Smith ’93 for the awesome music; all our class reps; our alumni, parent and student volunteers; and everyone who came out to celebrate 40 years! Additionally, the Classes of 1988, 1993 and 1998 gathered in the evening for individual class parties.

ALUMNI TODAY

A Cross for the Journey

PVI faith community connects past and present for Kevin Hiller ’90

’ve always had my cross from our PVI senior retreat in every one of my vehicles,” shares Kevin Hiller ’90.

“Before graduation, all of the seniors got together for the senior retreat and had such a fantastic time. It was great fellowship between all of us. The priests blessed crosses and gave them to everyone. It was super special to all of us. We wore them the rest of the retreat around our necks.”

Former PVI teacher, Father Bill Dougherty, OSFS, had been the priest to bless Kevin’s cross.

“I looked up a lot to Father Doc. He was my angel who kept an eye on me when I was in high school.”

“That cross meant more to me than a lot of things. I was 18 years old when I got it and I’m 51 now and I still had it. To me, it was my protection and reminder of my faith every day.”

From 1990 to 2023, Kevin had the cross in six different vehicles. He runs a business in Florida doing landscape maintenance and installation with about 50 employees, and is on the road a lot, driving about 150 miles a day.

“Not one of those vehicles was ever in a wreck, accident, bump, nothing. That’s why the cross meant a lot to me.

On the morning of February 6, I was driving into work on a normal day. All of a sudden, a gentleman ran a red light and cut out in front of me. I tried to swerve to miss him and my front tire hit a curb, popped, and my Jeep started rolling. I rolled twice, the Jeep seven feet in the air, before slamming into a brick wall and landing on the ground, right side up.

I sat there for a minute thinking, ‘What just happened?’ I got my composure and as I’m sitting there, I’m frantic, looking all around, not realizing how hurt I was. An ambulance took me to the hospital and I ended up having three broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and stage three separation of my clavicle.

The first thing I asked was if my wife had found my cross. She went back to the accident site and searched for two or three hours. I kept thinking, ‘Where’s my cross?’ She couldn’t find it and I was heartbroken.

In her infinite wisdom, my wife reached out to the PVI alumni office. She did this behind my back, so it was such a great surprise when I got a call from PVI saying that Father Heet was going to visit Father Doc and see if he could have a new cross blessed for me.

Meanwhile, my vehicle was totaled and I looked for over a month for a new one. I was getting so frustrated because I couldn’t find what I wanted, or if I found something, it was already

gone or not in my price range. I was at my wit’s end. I prayed and the very next day, the ultimate vehicle popped up that was exactly what I wanted. I had to drive an hour and a half, and after I had settled up, and was driving it back home, I kept looking in my rear view mirror, thinking, ‘I need my cross. I need my cross. Something’s missing.’

I got home, pulled the Jeep in the driveway and my wife asked, ‘How did it drive?’

I said, ‘It did great all the way back, but I’m missing my cross.’

‘I know. Just be patient.’

Then, I opened my mailbox and there it was: a package sitting on top of the other mail. I saw it and I literally dropped to my knees.

It was such a beautiful thing. I was under such duress and I prayed and the new cross came that very day. That is divine intervention all the way. Something so simple, but a reminder of our faith. To me, it was a beautiful sign about the importance of faith, and God, and why we all believe.

I didn’t do anything else. The first thing I did was get it and hang it in my Jeep — and I was at peace.”

Fr. Doc blesses a new cross for Kevin.

“That cross meant more to me than a lot of things. To me, it was my protection and reminder of my faith every day.”

— KEVIN HILLER ’90

Panther Postcards

Alumni explore the world together

WishWereYouHere!

Hish siblings, Gerry ’91, Melissa ’94, Tim ’98 and Elizabeth ’00, took a sibling trip to Reykjavik, Iceland for Gerry’s birthday. “We took advantage of the beautiful landscape by hiking Þingvellir and Skògafoss (as seen in the pic). We had a wonderful weekend of amazing views and food,” shares Tim.

Philadelphia Eagles fans Charlie Riceman ’87 and Michael Riceman ’90 went to Phoenix for Super Bowl LVII. Despite the loss (#badholdingcall), they had a great time celebrating their team. The night before the Super Bowl was the premiere of the new Netflix series Full Swing, on which Michael serves as an Executive Producer.

Classmates from 2003, Chris Brown, Jay Zimmer, and Joe Cascio had a great mini reunion last summer – at a concert three years in the making. “In 2018, we purchased our tickets for the Rage Against the Machine show; it was scheduled for 2019, only to have it postponed until the summer of 2022 due to COVID restrictions. It was a fantastic show — a once in a lifetime opportunity — since the band reunited recently and was part of our CD collections during high school,” shares Joe.

Alissa Magrum ’92 and Courtney Kline ’88 recently met at a national swim safety conference. They did not know each other at PVI — only knew of each other — and have since become good friends. They traveled to a Learn to Swim International Outreach trip together in June to the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera to teach swimming and water safety. "This will be my fourth trip like this and Courtney is now part of our epic team. This trip builds on my core values of service that I grew and lived while at PVI. Denny Kline [Courtney’s mother, and PVI’s original Campus Minister] was literally a lifesaver for me at PVI. Courtney and I reconnected right after Denny died [in January 2022], so it felt like we were supposed to find our way to each other," shares Alissa.

Sophia Lama ’22 hosted Shannon Leavitt ’23 at Notre Dame this spring when Shannon was making her final college decisions. Shannon has chosen Notre Dame for the fall of ’23. Go Irish!

Kelsey Loesch ’17 and Kelly Farmar ’17 are pictured at Coachella together. “I’ve always been wary of music festivals, but Kelsey is a true Coachella professional, and I knew I couldn’t say no! We camped the whole weekend and had an awesome time, listening to great music and creating a sense of community,” shares Kelly.

Catherine Irons ’20 studied at Webster Vienna Private University in Vienna, Austria, an international school with students from all over the world. She is pictured with Mary Chris Beardsley in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Mary Chris, former PVI Campus Ministry Assistant, is now living in Vienna.

Gracie Tecala ’18 visited Christina Zaso ’18 in St. Louis, Missouri to partake in the huge Mardi Gras celebration in the Soulard neighborhood. They also did some local staples of visiting the arch and eating some St. Louis barbecue.

IN MEMORIAM

The Paul VI community extends its prayers and condolences to the relatives of faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and friends of the school who have passed away recently.

Michael James Kelly | father of former PVI Chaplain Fr. Michael "Mic" Kelly

Brother Bob Carter, OSFS | former PVI staff member

Dennis Joseph Moran | father of Kevin, Megan ’01, Tim ’03, Mark, Terrence ’09, and Kelsey ’10

Louis G. Walters | father of Allison Granstedt, PVI Computer Science teacher

John Francis Kiefer | husband of Meaghan Shevlin Kiefer ’87; father of Mitch ’16 and Brent ’20

James Joseph Ryan | father of Matt Ryan, PVI Technology Director

Edwin H. Chadwick | grandfather of Benjamin ’23

MaryAnn Catherine Adamson | mother of Dan ’90; grandmother of Steven ’17 and Kevin ’22

Theresa Leona Deasy Reeping | grandmother of Lindsey ’18, Christine ’21, and Andrew ’24 (Paniszczyn)

Kenneth Raymond Augst | father of John Augst ’94

Gerald Richard Walsh II | father of Gerald Walsh III ’89

Timothy William Fowler ’86

Daniel Joseph Sullivan | father of Mary Sullivan-Haller, PVI English teacher

Andrew Steven MacDonald ’96

Rosalie Corigliano Barr | mother of Chris Collier, PVI Math teacher

Anthony Cutonilli | father of Kathleen ’89 and Elizabeth ’96

Joyce Campot | mother of Steven ’86

Robert Joseph Castle | grandfather of Nicholas ’19, Sarah ’21 and Zachary ’24 (Poole)

John Joseph Shanley, Jr. | grandfather of Michael ’21 and Annie ’21

Joan Voisin | mother of Lisa Carroll, PVI front office staff; grandmother of William ’05, Tim ’08 and Andrew ’12

Neil C. Kuehnast | father of Kathryn Virusky, PVI DeSales teacher; grandfather of Taylor ’22, and Hadley ’24

Victor Alessi | father of Anne Alessi Nutall ’88, Peggy Alessi ’90, Beth Alessi Fraser ’93 and Michael Alessi ’98; grandfather of Meghan Nuttall ’21 and Avery Gegg ’22

John Joseph Rooney | father of Jane Rooney Burke ’87, PVI DeSales teacher; grandfather of Erin ’23 and Jack ’25

Stephen A. Hamer | father of Ken Hamer ’86; father-in-law of Cindy Roerty Hamer ’92; grandfather of Kelsey ’17, Molly ’19 and Shannon ’22

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.

The Significance of the Number 40 in the Bible

By Kieran Koch, YA

Numbers in the Bible play a pivotal role in providing deeper meaning to seemingly straightforward situations. The number 3 points to the perfection of the Trinity, 7 indicates being whole and complete, God’s chosen people are represented in groups of 12, and 1,000 expresses permanence and eternal life. These are just a few of the many examples of numbers in the Bible used to express profound spiritual meaning.

In Sacred Scripture, the number 40 appears numerous times in both the Old and New Testaments — rain poured down on Noah and the ark for 40 days, the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, and Jesus ascended to Heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. The number 40 symbolizes new life, transformation, repentance, preparation, and our expectant hope for eternity.

For the Israelites of Moses’ time, the 40 years spent wandering in the desert were likely painful and frustrating. God allowed them to wander for such a long period of time to realize that apart from him they can do nothing. Through their

suffering, they were led to repentance. They were constantly reminded of their lack of trust in God — the same God who led them out of slavery in Egypt and split the Red Sea to provide safe passage away from their adversaries. Yet, these 40 years were not without great joy. God provided the heavenly bread, manna, to sustain his chosen people on their journey and prove he is worthy of their trust. Today, God gives us sustenance for our earthly journey in the Eucharist, the perfect bread from heaven, until we come to our final heavenly destination.

In his Passion and death, Jesus takes upon himself the weight of our transgressions, reconciles us with God the Father, and heals our wounded nature. Through his glorious Resurrection, Jesus destroys the chains of death and opens the doors of Heaven to all the faithful. Jesus ascends, body and soul, to Heaven 40 days after the Resurrection. He did not abandon us on Earth to fend for ourselves when he ascended to Heaven to be with his Father. Rather, he gives us the expectant hope that we too may one day share in the same eternal joy in Heaven.

Kieran graduated from Virginia Tech in 2022 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is a consecrated lay brother in Youth Apostles and his ministry assignment is as a missionary to PVI. We asked Kieran to provide this reflection as we celebrated PVI’s 40th school year.