A Magazine for Alumni, Parents and Friends




CURLEY is published through the Office of Advancement for Alumni, Parents and Friends of Archbishop Curley High School 3701 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, MD 21213 410-485-5000 archbishopcurley.org
PRESIDENT Fr Donald Grzymski, OFM Conv ’70
VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT
Barry Stitz ’87
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Joseph Gaeta
DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EVENTS
Caroline Palmisano
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI
Gregory Loftus ’95
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR ADVANCEMENT
Julie Maney
OFFICE HOURS
7:30 a m - 3:30 p m
ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Curleyproudlydisplaysanewsymbolofourlongstanding Curleyproudlydisplaysanewsymbolofourlongstanding messageofunity,loyaltyandBROTHERHOOD. messageofunity,loyaltyandBROTHERHOOD. ThisbannerwasdonatedbytheCurleyAlumniAssociation. ThisbannerwasdonatedbytheCurleyAlumniAssociation.
MISSION STATEMENT OF ARCHBISHOP CURLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Archbishop Curley High School, a Roman Catholic college preparatory school rooted in the Franciscan tradition, develops great men With the support of the entire Archbishop Curley Family, each Curley Man is challenged to reach his maximum academic and personal potential in a safe and nurturing environment leading him to be a man of faith, character, discipline and service to others
Thisspringhashadanumberofoccasionstointeractwithalumni,particularly Thisspringhashadanumberofoccasionstointeractwithalumni,particularly theGoldenFriars(thoseof50ormoreyearssincegraduation) Themid-May theGoldenFriars(thoseof50ormoreyearssincegraduation).Themid-May rreunionfortheClassof1975wasagainacelebrationthatre-kindled eunionfortheClassof1975wasagainacelebrationthatre-kindled friendships,andhadmanylaughsasstorieswereshared AtCommencement, friendships,andhadmanylaughsasstorieswereshared.AtCommencement, tthe’75alumniwhowerethereinitiatedagauntletandapplauseasthesoonhe’75alumniwhowerethereinitiatedagauntletandapplauseasthesoonto-begraduatespassedbetweenthem Thateventwasfollowedaweeklater to-begraduatespassedbetweenthem.Thateventwasfollowedaweeklater withaluncheonreunionfortheClassesof1965and1970,celebratingtheir60 withaluncheonreunionfortheClassesof1965and1970,celebratingtheir60 and55 and55 reunionsrespectively TheClassof’65arethefirsttohavea60 reunionsrespectively.TheClassof’65arethefirsttohavea60 reunion,andmanymadeitcleartheywantedtocelebrate Perhapsthiswill reunion,andmanymadeitcleartheywantedtocelebrate.Perhapsthiswill sstartaneweventontheAlumnicalendarforthosewhoare50+years tartaneweventontheAlumnicalendarforthosewhoare50+years.
Sadly,therewerealsosomefuneralsformembersofthose‘senior’classes,but Sadly,therewerealsosomefuneralsformembersofthose‘senior’classes,but tthese,too,becameoccasionstoseeclassmatesgathered,and,inatleastone hese,too,becameoccasionstoseeclassmatesgathered,and,inatleastone ccase,itwasclassmateswhowerearealsupportgroupasafriend’shealth ase,itwasclassmateswhowerearealsupportgroupasafriend’shealth declined,andheneededassistancefortransportationandthelike Theterm declined,andheneededassistancefortransportationandthelike.Theterm ““brotherhood”wasn’tuseddecadesagoasitistoday,butithasbecome brotherhood”wasn’tuseddecadesagoasitistoday,butithasbecome apparenttomethatthecircumstancesweretheretobuildlastingfraternal apparenttomethatthecircumstancesweretheretobuildlastingfraternal bonds bonds.
IIamsogratefulthatthereisaCurleytradition,rootedinbothJesusandthe amsogratefulthatthereisaCurleytradition,rootedinbothJesusandthe Franciscanidentity,thathasbeensharedwiththeclassesinschoolnow,with Franciscanidentity,thathasbeensharedwiththeclassesinschoolnow,with tthosewhograduatedinmorerecentdecades,indeedwithschoolfamiliesand hosewhograduatedinmorerecentdecades,indeedwithschoolfamiliesand friends Itisthattradition,asitisfeltandexperienced,thatattractsmanyof friends.Itisthattradition,asitisfeltandexperienced,thatattractsmanyof thenewstudentseachyear Theendofaschoolyearisanaturaltimefor thenewstudentseachyear.Theendofaschoolyearisanaturaltimefor rreflection,andthisisarealblessing,foritmakesclearthereisagiftthatcan eflection,andthisisarealblessing,foritmakesclearthereisagiftthatcan bepassedalong Ihopeallthenewsinthisissueofthemagazinehelpsalumni, bepassedalong.Ihopeallthenewsinthisissueofthemagazinehelpsalumni, parentsandfriendsappreciatethattheyareapartofCurley,anditiswhywe parentsandfriendsappreciatethattheyareapartofCurley,anditiswhywe won’tholdbackfromaskingtheirsupport Nomatterhowlongsomeonehas won’tholdbackfromaskingtheirsupport.Nomatterhowlongsomeonehas beenaway,it’scleartheycancome‘home’andknowtheystillhaveaplaceto beenaway,it’scleartheycancome‘home’andknowtheystillhaveaplaceto sshareandtobenourished hareandtobenourished
RepresentativesfromtheBaltimoreAreaCounciland theNationalEagleScoutAssociationpresentedMr JeremyJoseph,withtheNationalOutstandingEagle ScoutAward
DuringCatholicSchoolsWeek,Curleywelcomedback tocampusByronPitts’78,AmericanJournalist, author,andABCNewsco-anchor,tospeakwiththe studentsabouthisCurleyexperiences
TheSTEMSymposiumwasa greatsuccess,bringing togetherstudents, educators,and professionals,toexplore innovationsinscienceand engineering Theevent featuredengaging presentations,hands-on demonstrations,and interactiveexhibits
Fr.DonaldandMr.JosephpresentedthefirsteverStaffMemberoftheYear awardtoMs RobinYoung,Housekeeping Followingthat,itwasannouncedthat Mrs NatalieHaxhadwontheBarryBrownleeExcellenceinTeachingAward Mrs HaxhasbeenaMathematicsInstructorat Curleyforthepastfouryearsandis currentlythe2026ClassModerator
NguyenD.E.Burrell,Jr.
Nguyengraduateswith distinction,earninga4.0GPA andservingasSeniorClass President Heisadedicated TouchstoneScholarand memberoftheNationalHonor Society.Nguyenwillattend MorganStateUniversityto pursueadegreeinCivil Engineering.
TheArchbishopCurleyAward(highest QPASeniorYear) TylerM.Brown,DavidL. FritzII,OwenT Shaprow
TheArchbishopKeoughAward (3rdhighestQPASeniorYear) DaltonE Scheckells
TheLawrenceCardinalShehanAward (2ndhighestQPASeniorYear)AlexB. Alarcon,AedanJ McGann,CaseyL Price
StateofMarylandMeritScholars Certificates
TylerM Brown,DavidL FritzII, WilliamM.Girard,NathanielA.Kaelber, AedanJ.McGann,CaseyL.Price, OwenT.Shaprow
TheMichelangeloBuonarroti ArtAward DiegoJ Vega-Diaz
TheDanielJ.PoperaMemorial AwardforExcellenceinBusiness NathanR Woods
TheE.PatrickMoloneyMemorial AwardforExcellenceinHistory TylerM Brown
TheStanleyJ.GiermekMemorial AwardforExcellenceinMathematics DavidL.FritzII
TheCherylJoseAwardforExcellence inWorldLanguages NicholasT.Lentz
TheSt.FrancisScholasticAward(2ndhighestQPA4years): TylerM Brown
TheSt.BonaventureScholasticAward(highestQPA4years): DavidL FritzII
TheSchoolSpiritAward:XavierA.Dandridge
TheSchoolServiceAward:DaltonE Scheckells
FranciscanScholars(GoldChords) AlexB.Alarcon,TylerM.Brown,Xavier A.Dandridge,JoshuaM.Driver,David L FritzII,WilliamM Girard,CooperJ Granados,NicholasP Griffin,JacobC Hanley,JoshuaT Harris,AndrewJ Jordan,NathanielA.Kaelber,Nicholas T.Lentz,PalmerH.Masaitis,AedanJ. McGann,GavinP McGraw,AidanN Myers,NicholasM Pierorazio,AidanE Pinto,CaseyL Price,OwenT Shaprow, MichaelK.Streckfus,NathanielJ. Welkos,Khalee'G.White,NathanR. Woods
TheJohnHartmanMusicAward MichaelK.Streckfus
TheSt.GregoryChoralAward DeclanM Sullivan
TheC.MarklandKellyPhysical EducationServiceAward DylanM.Fish
TheMichaelDeMarcoAwardfor ExcellenceinScience XavierA Dandridge
TheKathleenMaskellAwardfor
Blackfriars’Theatreproudlypresenteditshighly anticipatedSpringMusicalproductionofDamnYankees overthecourseofthreeexcitingperformances,heldfrom March14ththroughMarch16th
Ms.CherylJoseretiredattheendoftheschoolyearafter45yearsinCurley classrooms.SincearrivingatCurleyin1980,followingfiveyearsinAllegany CountyPublicSchools,Ms.JosehastaughtSpanish,FrenchandStudySkills. Amongotherdutiesshesoreadilyfilled,Ms JosechairedtheWorldLanguages Departmentfor25years,wasyearbookadvisorfor35years,andmoderatorof theScholarsProgramsince2008 Ms Joseservedonnumerouscommittees,and asfacultyrepresentativetotheSchoolBoard Onlongbreaksandinsummers sheled20studenttourstoEurope.Ms.JosewastwicenamedCurley’sTeacherof theYear,andin2024receivedtheCornerstoneAwardtiedthemostyearsof servicebyanystaffmemberoftheschool.Thegraduationawardforexcellence inworldlanguageshasbeennamed“TheCherylJoseAward.”Ms.Josehas contributedtotheCurleymissioninsomanyways,andisrememberedasa devotedteacher,colleague,mentorandfriend.Ms.Josewillcontinuetoservein apart-timecapacity
TheArchdioceseofBaltimore's33rdAnnualDistinctiveScholarsConvocation washeldonApril10,2025 Curley'sthreescholarsareDavidFritz,Nathaniel KaelberandTylerBrown TheyareshowninthephotowithArchbishopLori
Curleycelebratedtwo seniors,DavidFritzand TylerBrown,who receivedappointments totheUnitedStates NavalAcademy.Around 10,000–15,000students typicallystartthe applicationprocessand only 1,200get appointed,whichis abouta7–10% acceptancerate !
The Franciscan Youth Ministry Program (FYM) serves the entire student body in the integration of the Christian-Franciscan identity and values of Curley into the life of the brotherhood and the life of the individual students. FYM encourages faith and prayer by creating meaningful opportunities for students to encounter God in both. FYM also offers a variety of retreats that support students’ spiritual growth, service committment, and sense of BROTHERHOOD.
Eachyearallstudentscompleteservicehours andaregiventheopportunitytointegratetheir serviceexperienceswiththeirownspiritual lives.ServicesitesincludetheFranciscan Center,OurDailyBread,FirstFruitsFarm,Little PortionFarmandSt Ann’sAdultDayCenter
Eachyearstudentsparticipateinaretreatto growintheirfaithandspirituallyincorporatethe school’svaluesandideals.Additionaloff-site andovernightretreats,whileoptional,have growninpopularity
Duringaweekendserviceretreatstudents tooktimetovisittheNationalMuseumof African-AmericanHistoryandmonument sitesinWashington,DC.
TheFYMrunsatleastthreetoy/fooddriveseach yeartohelpthelessfortunate,withagenerous responsefromtheCurleyFamily
The entire student body gathers each week for either a school liturgy or community prayer, with many of the prayer moments studentorganizedandled.
FYMhostsvariousopportunitiesforfunand Brotherhood-buildingatsiteswithinafewhours, includingvisitstoSkyZone,forbowlingorgolf, andanoutingtoHersheyPark.
CurleyCareerDay,sponsoredbytheCurleyAlumni, wasahugesuccessfeaturingmorethan20Curley Grads,speakingtostudentsabouttheircareer journeys Deliveringthekeynoteaddress tothe entirestudentbodyintheSuehleAuditoriumwas BillVollerthum'75.
Curley’sfirstDAYOFGIVINGtookplaceonMarch19, 2025andwasanincrediblesuccess,surpassing goals anddemonstratingthepowerfulimpactoftheCurley Community’sgeneroussupport
ILOVECURLEYT-ShirtGiveawayforGIVINGDAY
CurleywarmlywelcomedbacktheClassof1975fortheirreunioncelebration.OnFriday,May16,theclassjoinedtheCurleystudent bodyforMass,duringwhichtheyreceivedtheirGoldenFriarlapelpinsfromFr.Donaldfollowingthehomily.Thecelebration continuedthefollowingeveningwithadinnerreception Additionally,membersoftheClassof1975wereinvitedtoparticipateinthe commencementprocessionalongsidetheClassof2025
Curley’s“POWERBREAKFAST”atDellaRose’s featuredJoeSuehle’83,PresidentatImage Engineering, asthemainspeaker Theevent broughttogetherbusinessleadersandwas sponsoredbyCarmineMistichelli’93,COO& PartneratFidelityBuildingServicesGroup, alongwiththeAdvancementOfficeofArchbishop CurleyHighSchool.
L-R:Fr DonaldGrzymski’70,BarryStitz’87, JoeSuehle’83 andCarmineMistichelli’93
CornerstoneDay2025tookplaceonWednesdayApril30,2025. DonationsthatdaywenttosupportTheCornerstoneFundforFaculty Enrichment,whichwasestablishedtohonorthefacultywhoadvance thetraditionofacademicexcellenceatArchbishopCurleyHigh School.Theendowedfundwillbeavehicletostimulatestillgreater excellenceonthepartofthefacultybyprovidingfinancialsupportto deservingfacultymembersforprofessionaldevelopment,graduate studies,andcontinuededucation
GraduatingClassesof1965&1970 GraduatingClassesof1965&1970
The2025graduation ceremonyfeatureda presentationofThe ArchbishopCurley Medal,toMr &Mrs JosephR Citro'69for theirdedicationand generosityto ArchbishopCurley.
MembersoftheMichaelJ.CurleyTrusthaveexpressedtheir commitmenttoArchbishopCurleyHighSchoolthroughaspecialand importantformoffinancialsupport.
The Curley Golden Friars Classes of ’65 and ’70 came The Curley Golden Friars Classes of ’65 and ’70 came together to celebrate over 50 years of friendship, brotherhood, together to celebrate over 50 years of friendship, brotherhood, and shared memories. and shared memories
It was a meaningful time to reminisce, reconnect, and It was a meaningful time to reminisce, reconnect, and honor a bond that has stood strong through the decades. honor a bond that has stood strong through the decades.
Curley Brothers exchanged laughter and stories Curley Brothers exchanged laughter and stories reflecting not only on where life has taken them, reflecting not only on where life has taken them, but also on the lasting spirit of the but also on the lasting spirit of the Curley Brotherhood that continues to Curley Brotherhood that continues to unite them all. unite them all.
ThesedonorshavenamedCurleyastheultimatebeneficiaryofa plannedgift.Suchgiftsmightincludeabequestand/orcharitable incomegiftssuchascharitablegiftannuitytrusts.Donorscanmake agiftoflifeinsurancebymakingCurleytheirrevocableownerand beneficiaryofapolicy
Membershipinvolvesnodues,obligations,orsolicitations,butit doesallowtheschooltothankandrecognizethosewhohavemade plans,anditmayinspiregenerosityinothers.
-IncludeabequesttoArchbishopCurleyHighSchoolinyourwillor trust.
-Makeyourbequestunrestrictedordirectittoaspecificpurpose. -Indicateaspecificamount,orpercentageofthebalanceremaining inyourestateortrust
-Yourassetsremaininyourcontrolduringyourlifetime -Youcanmodifyyourgifttoaddresschangingcircumstances. -Youcandirectyourgifttoaparticularpurpose(besuretocheckwith ustomakesureyourgiftcanbeusedasintended)
-Remembering ArchbishopCurleyHighSchoolinone’swillprovides agiftthatwillmakeanimpactforyearstocome
“Amandoesn’tplantatreeforhimself. Heplantsitforposterity.”
-AlexanderSmith
UPDATE for The Facilities Campaign for Curley UPDATE for The Facilities Campaign for Curley
Repair/ReplacementofWaterPipes:Thepipesthat carrywaterthroughoutthebuildingruninthecrawl spaceunderthebuilding.Severalleakshavebeen repaired,andplumberssaytheexteriorofthepipesin severallocationsindicatesaweakness.Replacingthe pipes:estimateof$200,000+
Transportation:Curley’ssmallfleetofmini-busesand vansareusedtotransportteams,clubs,etc.Fourofthe vehiclesarereachingtheendoftheir“life-span.”A mini-buscosts$120,000,andavancosts$75,000. $30,000iscommitted.
AthleticParkingLot:Thelargeparkinglot(200spaces) hasbeenpatchedinplaces,andisshowingsignificant deteriorationincertainlocations.Itneedstobe skimmedandre-surfaced.Theestimateis$200,000, withanestimated5%increaseperyear.
BaseballField:Eachyearthebaseballfieldfor Curley’sA-Conferenceteamgetsrenewed,andthenuse andwindwearitaway.Installingasyntheticturf infieldwillsignificantlyreduceannualmaintenance costsandallowfieldrentalswithouttheunduewearof agrassfield.Plantodoinsummer2025. Estimatedcostis$290,000.$210,000iscommitted.
ClassroomLightingFixtures:Withthe“RenewingOur Future”campaigntoinstallairconditioning, classroomsalsoreceivednewdoors,furniture,blinds, white-boardsandtechnology.Replacementofthe originallightfixtures(whichwereadaptedforLED lights)isthefinalproject.Estimatedcostis$100,000.
Kitchen/ServingAreaRenovation:Schoollunches aregenerallyalacarte,andtheconfigurationof theservingline,aswellastheoutdatedequipment, callforarenovation.
Theestimateis$250,000.$50,000iscommitted.
Chapel:TheChapelhasanumberofareasthatneed tobeaddressed,includingplasterrepair,sealingat thewindows,andre-paintingofthechapel. Estimateis$40,000.$40,000iscommitted
NewRoofForTheFitnessCenter:Ithasbeen patched,andnoonewantstoseeinteriordamage. Totalcost:$249,000. Roofhasbeenreplaced.
RestroomRenovations:Threerestroomsarestill vintage1961andneedrenewal.$38,000hasbeen raisedtowardrenovatingthefirstrestroom.Costis $75,000perrestroom.
By Fr. Donald Grzymski ’70
GrowingupintheBelair-Edisonneighborhood,JohnBoiamadehiswaytoArchbishopCurleyafterattending GrowingupintheBelair-Edisonneighborhood,JohnBoiamadehiswaytoArchbishopCurleyafterattending elementaryschoolatShrineoftheLittleFlower.AtCurley,Johnfocusedhisattentiononmathandscience, elementaryschoolatShrineoftheLittleFlower AtCurley,Johnfocusedhisattentiononmathandscience, enjoyedstudyingtheGermanlanguage,andwasalreadyplanningaheadforacollegedegreeinscience.Adding enjoyedstudyingtheGermanlanguage,andwasalreadyplanningaheadforacollegedegreeinscience Adding ttohisearlyinvolvementwiththe“It’sAcademic”team,Johnandhisfriendshelpedcreatetheschool’sfirst ohisearlyinvolvementwiththe“It’sAcademic”team,Johnandhisfriendshelpedcreatetheschool’sfirst ComputerClubin1982whenCurleyobtainedacoupleAppleIIcomputers.Thisnewfoundinterestindabbling ComputerClubin1982whenCurleyobtainedacoupleAppleIIcomputers.Thisnewfoundinterestindabbling withprogrammingeventuallyledhimdownasolidcareerpaththathehadnotpreviouslyanticipated. withprogrammingeventuallyledhimdownasolidcareerpaththathehadnotpreviouslyanticipated.
GraduatingfromCurleyin1984withthetopGPAinhisclassandtheExcellenceinScienceawardunderhis GraduatingfromCurleyin1984withthetopGPAinhisclassandtheExcellenceinScienceawardunderhis belt,JohnnextattendedLoyolaCollege(nowUniversity)topursueadegreeinphysicsandfollowhis belt,JohnnextattendedLoyolaCollege(nowUniversity)topursueadegreeinphysicsandfollowhis astronomyandaerospaceinterests.AtLoyola,hespentafairamountoftimehangingaroundthecomputer astronomyandaerospaceinterests.AtLoyola,hespentafairamountoftimehangingaroundthecomputer llab,eventhoughheonlyevertookonecollege-levelprogrammingcourse(Fortran).Johnspentthesummerof ab,eventhoughheonlyevertookonecollege-levelprogrammingcourse(Fortran).Johnspentthesummerof 1987asaresearchassistantattheNationalOpticalAstronomyObservatoriesfacilityinTucsonAZ,doing 1987asaresearchassistantattheNationalOpticalAstronomyObservatoriesfacilityinTucsonAZ,doing astronomy-relatedprogramming,andhecreditsthisinternshipashisfirst“foot-in-the-door”experience.John astronomy-relatedprogramming,andhecreditsthisinternshipashisfirst“foot-in-the-door”experience.John ccompletedhisstudyatLoyolain1988withaB.S.inphysicsandminorinmathematics.Hethenbegana ompletedhisstudyatLoyolain1988withaB.S.inphysicsandminorinmathematics.Hethenbegana doctoralprograminphysicsattheUniversityofMaryland,CollegePark,butheleftafteronetoughyear,but doctoralprograminphysicsattheUniversityofMaryland,CollegePark,butheleftafteronetoughyear,but notbeforemeetinghisfuturewife,Lori,attheCatholicStudentCenteroncampus.(Theymarriedin1992after notbeforemeetinghisfuturewife,Lori,attheCatholicStudentCenteroncampus.(Theymarriedin1992after sshegraduated,alsowithadegreeinphysics.) hegraduated,alsowithadegreeinphysics.)
IIn1989,JohnappliedforapositionwithComputerSciencesCorporation(CSC),andamongtheirclientswasa n1989,JohnappliedforapositionwithComputerSciencesCorporation(CSC),andamongtheirclientswasa projecttosupporttheHubbleSpaceTelescopemissionatNASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenter(GSFC).They projecttosupporttheHubbleSpaceTelescopemissionatNASAGoddardSpaceFlightCenter(GSFC) They broughthimonboardasajuniorprogrammerandhequicklydevelopedknowledgeandskillstocontributeto broughthimonboardasajuniorprogrammerandhequicklydevelopedknowledgeandskillstocontributeto histeam.Hevividlyremembersthelaunchofthetelescopein1990andtheearlydaysofmissionsupport,as histeam Hevividlyremembersthelaunchofthetelescopein1990andtheearlydaysofmissionsupport,as engineersdiscoveredHubble’s“sphericalaberration”opticalflawanditseventualrepair.Johnspentseven engineersdiscoveredHubble’s“sphericalaberration”opticalflawanditseventualrepair.Johnspentseven yyearsasaProgrammer/Analyst,developingandmaintainingsoftwareforaltitudedetermination, earsasaProgrammer/Analyst,developingandmaintainingsoftwareforaltitudedetermination, ssensorcalibration,andvarioussupportingactivitiesintheSpaceTelescopeOperationsControlCenterat ensorcalibration,andvarioussupportingactivitiesintheSpaceTelescopeOperationsControlCenterat Goddard Switchingprojectsin1997,hespentanotherthreeyearsworkingonanimageprocessingpipeline Goddard.Switchingprojectsin1997,hespentanotherthreeyearsworkingonanimageprocessingpipeline ssystemfortheearth-observingLandsat-7spacecraft,finallyachievingthetitleofComputerScientistafter10 ystemfortheearth-observingLandsat-7spacecraft,finallyachievingthetitleofComputerScientistafter10 yyearsatCSC earsatCSC.
In the 1984 Curley yearbook, In the 1984 Curley yearbook, John said his ambition was to be a John said his ambition was to be a NASA Astrophysicist or Jedi Knight. NASA Astrophysicist or Jedi Knight.
Startinginearly2000,JohnbeganworkattheSpaceTelescopeScienceInstitute(STScI)atJohnsHopkinsUniversityin Baltimore.HehashadtheopportunitytoworkonboththeHubbleandtheJamesWebbSpaceTelescope(JWST)missions, andheisnowontheteamdevelopingnewgroundsystemcomponentsfortheNancyGraceRomanSpaceTelescope, scheduledtobelaunchedin2027.John’steamprovidessoftwareforschedulingscienceobservationsforeachtelescope mission.HisworkmainlyinvolvesprogramminginCandC++onLinuxcomputers,transferringdatatoandfromMicrosoft SQLServerdatabases,maintainingastablecodebaseacrossmultipleGitlabrepositories,andrunningcomplexsoftware testswritteninavarietyofscriptinglanguages.JohnwasrecentlypromotedtobeaPrincipalSoftwareEngineer.
AsJohnreflectsonhis36-yearcareer,henoteshowcomputershavegottenfaster,newprogramminglanguageshave evolved,newautomationhasbeenintroduced,andprojectsarestartingtouseartificialintelligence(AI)whenitcanbe included.Henotesthatitis“alwaysachallengetofindtherightpiecesoftechnologyforeachprojectandfitthem together,”anditdoesn’tmeanoldersoftwarehasbeencompletelyreplaced Thereexistsalargebodyof“legacy code”datingback30,40,even50years,acrossmanydifferentciviliananddefenseagencies,andthatcodemustbe maintainedandadaptedtoworkcorrectlyonnewercomputersystems Healsomentionsthatthereareoftenhundreds, eventhousands,ofpeopleworkingonasinglelarge-scaleproject Withtheadvancesbeingmadetodayincomputersand telescopeinstruments,thechallengenowishowtostoreandprocessever-largervolumesofdata.Forhimself,Johnfinds itchallengingandrewardingtomakesurehissoftwaresystemscanmeetalloftheproject’srequirements,providethe telescopeoperationsteamswithallthenecessarycapabilities,andultimatelygiveresearchersthedatatheyneedto makenewastronomicaldiscoveries.
Perhapsnotsurprisingly,John’sson,Christopher,a2014Curleygraduate,movedintoasimilarfieldofwork.Thankstohis dad’sinterestsandconnections,Chrishadopportunitiesovertheyearstomeetastronauts,tovisitplaceslikeGSFCand KennedySpaceCenter,andeventotravelwithhimtoGreenvilleSCtoviewthetotalsolareclipseof2017.AsaFranciscan ScholaratCurley,ChrisheldabriefinternshipwithamentoratSTScI.Followinga5-yearengineeringprogramatUMBC, andjustreceivinghisMaster’sdegreefromJohnsHopkinsthisyear,theyoungerBoiaworksintheSpaceControl ApplicationsGroupattheJHUAppliedPhysicsLaboratory(APL)inLaurel.
Johnurgesanystudentwithsimilarcareerintereststopursuecoursesinmath,science,andcomputers;tokeepaneye outforinternships;tostaycurrentwiththelatesttechnologies;andtotakenotewhenprojectsgetattentioninthemedia, asthismayindicatethatthereareopportunitiestofillvariouspositions.
Inhissparetime,Johnhasbeenquiteinvolvedin Scouting,atthelocalanddistrictlevels,earning numerousrecognitions,andblazingaparallel trailalongsideChris(whostartedinCubScouts andwentontoachievetherankofEagleScout) JohnandLorialsohaveadaughter,Rebecca,of whomtheyarequiteproud,eventhough,he laughs,herinterestsliemoreintheartsthanin science.
Over the past decade, travel has evolved from a hobby into a shared passion for James
Over the past decade, travel has evolved from a hobby into a shared passion for James Bonner ’13 and his wife, Taylor It was during one of these trips that the couple set a goal Bonner ’13 and his wife, Taylor It was during one of these trips that the couple set a goal for themselves to visit 30 countries by the age of 30, including touching ground on all for themselves to visit 30 countries by the age of 30, including touching ground on all seven continents While the 30-country target seemed attainable, Bonner was less seven continents While the 30-country target seemed attainable, Bonner was less confident of reaching every continent. That was until they crossed Africa off their list. confident of reaching every continent. That was until they crossed Africa off their list. “South Africa was difficult to get to. We figured if we could do this, we could get to “South Africa was difficult to get to. We figured if we could do this, we could get to Antarctica,” he explains. Antarctica,” he explains.
Bonner shares that his travel was limited prior to college and meeting his future wife Bonner shares that his travel was limited prior to college and meeting his future wife However, an internal drive to learn and experience the unknown kicked in and was only However, an internal drive to learn and experience the unknown kicked in and was only further fueled by Taylor, whom he first trekked with in 2016 and married in 2018 further fueled by Taylor, whom he first trekked with in 2016 and married in 2018 “Traveling the world has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. There’s no “Traveling the world has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. There’s no better way to understand other cultures than to immerse yourself in it by being there, better way to understand other cultures than to immerse yourself in it by being there, walking its streets, sharing meals, and connecting with its people,” he adds. On every walking its streets, sharing meals, and connecting with its people,” he adds. On every trip he makes sure to eat where the “locals” do “American cuisine is a melting pot from trip he makes sure to eat where the “locals” do “American cuisine is a melting pot from other countries and it’s nice to go to these places where it originated ” other countries and it’s nice to go to these places where it originated ”
While his adventures have taken him many places, Bonner lists Champagne, France,
While his adventures have taken him many places, Bonner lists Champagne, France, which he has visited three times, and Antarctica as his favorite destinations. “That which he has visited three times, and Antarctica as his favorite destinations. “That region of France is beautiful and is the home of one of my favorite wines,” he shares. “It region of France is beautiful and is the home of one of my favorite wines,” he shares. “It was fun to visit the vineyard and see how it is made ” The trip to Antarctica is hard to was fun to visit the vineyard and see how it is made.” The trip to Antarctica is hard to sum up in words for the frequent traveler “It is such a breath-taking and fascinating sum up in words for the frequent traveler “It is such a breath-taking and fascinating place,” he exclaims “We felt we were waking up as a part of an National Geographic place,” he exclaims “We felt we were waking up as a part of an National Geographic movie every single day ” movie every single day ”
By: Barry Stitz ’87
Bonner, a graduate of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and Johnson & Wales Bonner, a graduate of The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College and Johnson & Wales University (MBA in Hospitality), recognizes the extra benefit of every excursion he takes. It University (MBA in Hospitality), recognizes the extra benefit of every excursion he takes. It not only broadens his personal horizons but deeply influences his professional life as the not only broadens his personal horizons but deeply influences his professional life as the Banquet Director at Keswick Hall, a boutique luxury resort and golf club in Charlottesville, Banquet Director at Keswick Hall, a boutique luxury resort and golf club in Charlottesville, VA Bonner admits it is not uncommon to “bring things home” that he has encountered at VA Bonner admits it is not uncommon to “bring things home” that he has encountered at places he has stayed “Every new city and hotel I visit offers fresh ideas and insights, places he has stayed “Every new city and hotel I visit offers fresh ideas and insights, little details that spark inspiration and help me create memorable experiences for my little details that spark inspiration and help me create memorable experiences for my guests.” This list could include a style of service, a new drink, or simply the way a meal is guests.” This list could include a style of service, a new drink, or simply the way a meal is pplated lated.
The Curley alumnus happily reports that he and Taylor reached their goal this past year
The Curley alumnus happily reports that he and Taylor reached their goal this past year prior to their milestone birthdays The number of countries visited currently stands at 32 prior to their milestone birthdays The number of countries visited currently stands at 32 He plans on continuing to grow the list with upcoming visits to Budapest, Marrakech, and He plans on continuing to grow the list with upcoming visits to Budapest, Marrakech, and Brussels on the horizon. A long-awaited trip to Galapagos is also scheduled for 2026. Brussels on the horizon. A long-awaited trip to Galapagos is also scheduled for 2026. After that, Bonner intends to stick with following his own advice, “Travel when you can, After that, Bonner intends to stick with following his own advice, “Travel when you can, while you can!” while you can!”
By: Joe Gaeta
AtArchbishopCurleyHighSchool,musicismorethana performance it’salifelongconnectionthatresonateswell beyondthefinalnote.Nowhereisthatmoreevidentthaninthe CurleyLuminareChoir.Underthedirectionoflongtimemusic educatorMichaelGaffney,theLuminareChoirhasbecomea symbolofunity,tradition,andbrotherhood,fosteringbondsthat stretchacrossdecadesofgraduates.
Foundedin2003,the ArchbishopCurleyLuminareChoirwasborn outofadesirefromalumniwhohadoncesunginCurley's esteemedchoralprogramandsoughttocontinuetheirmusical journeybeyondgraduation Theirpassionformusicand communityledtotheformationofachoirthatwouldnotonly honorCurley’smusicallegacybutalsoenrichitthroughongoing alumniinvolvement.
Initsformativeyears,theensemblebecameknownforits spirituallymovingperformancesofEveningPrayerservicesat variouschurchesandchapelsthroughouttheArchdioceseof Baltimore Thechoir’sname,“Luminare,”meaning“light,”was carefullychosentoreflectthespiritualinterplaybetweenlight anddarknessthatisoftenthematicallypresentinEveningPrayer anaptmetaphorforthelightthiscommunitybringsintothe livesofitsmembers.
“BeingabletostayintouchandmakemusicwithMr Gaffneyand otherCurleyalumnihasbeennothingshortofablessing,"shares JakeStahl’18.“Mostoftheotheralumniwhograduated5,10, even20yearsbeforeme whoIotherwisemayhaveneverknown —havebecomelifelongfriends.”
ThepoweroftheLuminareChoirliesnotjustinitsmusic,butinits abilitytobridgegenerations Itistheonlyorganizationat ArchbishopCurleythatbringsalumnibacktocampusweekly, year-round regardlessofwherelifehastakenthem.Rehearsing oneeveningeachweek,thechoirbringstogetheradiverse communityofvoices,rangingfromrecentgraduatestoseasoned alumni,alongsideaselectgroupofcurrentstudentsinvitedto participate Theseintergenerationalcollaborationsprovide invaluablementorshipopportunities,asyoungersingerslearn fromtheirpredecessorsnotonlyaboutmusicbutaboutwhatit meanstobepartofsomethinglargerthanthemselves.
Throughouttheyear,thechoirperformsatnumerousevents,both oncampusandthroughoutthegreaterBaltimorearea Highlights includetheirparticipationintheschool’smajorconcerts,suchas thecherishedChristmasConcertandtheSpringConcert,where theirpresenceaddsdepth,experience,andauniqueconnectionto Curley’shistory.
Ineveryperformance,theluminareChoirembodiestheFranciscanvaluesattheheartoftheCurleyexperience-community, service,andacommitmenttoexcellence Morethanjustanalumnichoir,itisaliving,breathingexampleofhowmusiccan bindpeopleacrosstime,experiences,andgenerations
That Matthew Scheffel was “Man of the Year” at his graduation in 2017 tells you he was actively involved in Curley life as a student. He continues to live an active life, and recognizes the high school experiences that continue to influence his life.
Scheffel attended the University of Virginia, and continues to live in Charlottesville He first thought he would pursue business and accounting, but his mathematical interests drew him toward calculus and statistics, and he pursued a double major in economics and Spanish. He gives credit to Ms. Cheryl Jose, a longtime language teacher at Curley, for instilling that interest in Spanish, and he continues to tutor Spanish for the UVA Athletics Department. Scheffel further notes that he continues to appreciate his high school foundation in mathematics and critical thinking, both of which are so critical in economics
Upon graduation from the University, since his fiancée (now wife) was finishing a master’ degree and applying to medical schools, Scheffel spent a year as a manager for a Charlottesville restaurant/bar. While not his ultimate career path, it was a lesson in managing people and personalities, handling business details, and sometimes conflict resolution Along the way he began working part-time for ClearForce, a workforce risk mitigation company Scheffel worked with a team that was developing a platform to help various government organizations, such as the Veterans Administration, monitor veterans who might be at risk for suicide or other risk behavior. Along the way, Scheffel was being introduced to numerous statistical methods, machine learning, AI, and the rapidly expanding world of data science.
With his wife in medical school at UVA, Scheffel began working in economic consulting as well as on a Master’s in Data Science It is another area where Large Language Model (LLM) machines are currently transforming modern business practices. However, LLM is also being used in medical diagnoses, often more accurately than the traditional testing methods. Applying these to business, Scheffel finds this science is being used for workforce development, economic impact studies, hiring trends, interest rates and the like
By Fr Donald Grzymski ’70
Having received his Master’s degree in 2024, Scheffel began working as an economist at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at UVA. His work is to help Virginia forecast economic trends, and not only as they impact the commonwealth, but also in conjunction with U.S trends Among contemporary issues, his work is also looking at data centers and their energy usage and economic impact, as well as in relation to the evolving federal workforce landscape
Looking back to Curley, Scheffel appreciates the academic preparation he received, but also the lasting impact of “the Franciscan spirit that was instilled in me and all my brothers ” He said, “Every day I aim to take a Franciscan approach to my career: to put forth my best work with the goal that what I produce and provide will be used in service to others ” For Matt Scheffel, the Curley lessons and values continue to be lived.
GavinAlbrighthasbeennamedCurley’sAthlete ofthe Year. Gavinisadualsport athlete,team captain,andwasnamedALL-MIAAinbothfootball andlacrosse.Hewill takehistalentstoHarford CommunityCollegetoplaylacrosse
CurleyWrestlinghadanimpressive2024-2025Season andwererankedashighas15 inthestate Curleywon twoteamtournamenttitlesandimprovedtheir placementintheMIAA,State,andNationalPrep Tournamentsoverlastyear.
Congratulations to the following winter & spring athletes for being selected as MIAA All-Conference.
BASKETBALL-Greate White, Kemori Collins
HOCKEY-Joe Crouse, Jack LaChapelle
SWIMMING-Jason Kellerman
BASEBALL-Jonas Ritter, Owen Rossi
GOLF-Jack Bennett, Drew Phelan
LACROSSE-Gavin Albright, David Fritz II, Brandon Mejia
Chase Bandy - Baseball - West Liberty University (WV)
Owen Shaprow - Baseball - University of Maryland Baltimore County
Giampaolo Tripodi - Basketball - Stevenson University
Scott Anderson- Football - Linfield University (OR)
Dylan Fish - Football - Shenandoah University (VA)
Miles Griffith- Football - Stevenson University
Skylar Harvey - Football - Syracuse University (NY)
Travis Petr - Football - Shenandoah University (VA)
Gavin Albright - Lacrosse - Harford Community College
Finn Anderson - Lacrosse - Juniata College (PA)
Ryan Cosey - Lacrosse - Notre Dame of Maryland University
Cooper Granados - Lacrosse - Lincoln Memorial University (TN)
Ryan Kenney - Lacrosse - Marietta College (OH)
Brandon Mejia - Lacrosse - McDaniel College
Kyle Blevins - Soccer - Mt St Mary’s
David Brunetti - Soccer - Salisbury University
Xavier Dandridge - Soccer - Lycoming College (PA)
Mike Griffith - Soccer - Randolph Macon College (VA)
Camden Jones - Soccer - Eastern University (PA)
Nick Lentz - Soccer - University of Maryland Baltimore County
Casey Price - Soccer - University of Maryland College Park
Jason Kellerman - Swimming - Bucknell University (PA)
Joshua Harris - Track and Field - Stevenson University
Colby Hawkins - Track & Field - Mt. St. Mary’s
Zion Stokes - Track and Field - Stevenson University
Isaiah Dunn - Track and Field - Stevenson University
Zion Pate - Track and Field - Stevenson University
CamJones,adualsportathleteatCurley (tennis, soccer)isthisyear’sCurleyrecipientofthe McCormick &Co.UnsungHeroesAward.Everyyearstudentsare nominatedfromallsportswhodisplaysuchcharacter traitsas goodsportsmanship,dedication,and intergity. CamwillbeattendingEasternUniversityin thefall.
OnFebruary25 , JessicaLong,30x ParalympicMedalist, spoketotheCurley Community.The doubleamputee swimmerwhowas adoptedfromSiberia, inspiredtheaudience onhowtoovercome challengesandlead withpurpose
OnMay20th,CurleyAthleticsproudlybroughtbackthehighlyanticipatedVarsity SportsBanquet,markingitsreturnwithamemorableeveningthatcelebratedthe accomplishmentsofstudent-athletes,teamsandcoaches Theeventfeaturedspecial guestspeakers,includingsportsradiopersonalityJeremyConnfrom105 7TheFan,and currentNFLwidereceiverandreturnspecialistDeonteHarty’14oftheBaltimore Ravens,whoentertainedtheaudiencewitharobustQ&A
Our coaches have been recognized for their outstanding leadership, and excellence, with prestigious awards.
BOBBYJONES
NamedBaltimore TouchdownCoachofthe Year.CoachJoneshelped leadtheFRIARStotheirfirst FootballB-Conference Championshipsince2014.
BARRYSTITZ ’87
NamedtheMIAA SoccerCoachoftheYear. Stitzledhisteamtoa 17-3-2record&the championshipgame.
TRAVISWILLIAMS
NamedtheMIAASwim CoachoftheYear CoachWilliamshelped leadtheswimteamtoa 2ndplacefinishinthe Conference.
It’sBaltimorevsBuffalo,ArchbishopCurleyvsSt.Francis(NY)
ThegreatFranciscanrivalrygotheatedupwhentheBaltimoreRavenstraveledtoBuffalototakeontheBuffaloBillsinthe DivisionalPlayoffRound. InthetrueFranciscanTradition,andafterexchangingvideochallengestooneanother,theschool whosehometownteamwasunsuccessfulhadtomakeadonationtoacharityselectedbythewinningschool,andweartheother team’scolorsatschoolonthefollowingTuesday.TheBillsprevailed,butallwerewinners.
TyshawnWilliams defeatedAlfredWalker inLasVegasonMarch 14 toimprovehis professionalMMA (MixedMartialArts) recordto7-0-0 th
StefanoD'Alessioopenedhisnew businesscalledChefStef'sBaked Goods HespecializesinItalian pastriesandcookies
AirForceAcademyFreshmanSamStitzearnedthe JohnMatcheftsAwardastheteam'stopfreshman. Thisseasonheledallfreshmenandwasfifthon theteam,witheightgoals.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO STAY UP TO DATE ON ALL THINGS CURLEY.
Through June 4th, 2025
Bernadine Adamski, mother of Gerard ’84 & Ronald ’86
Rodolfo Aparentado, father of Raymond ’84
Ronald Arczynski ’70
Steven Berkenkemper ’72
Deborah Betley, mother of Michael ’86; grandmother of Michael Jr ’28
Jane Bittner, mother of Robert ’73, Paul ’80 & James ’85
Michael Blazejak ’73, brother of Paul ’81
Raymond Crowley, Jr , father of Steven ’98 & Mrs. Dot Johnson (former staff); grandfather of Carson ’28; father-inlaw of Michael Saffran ’85
Lynn DiGennaro, father of Joseph ’07
Sharon Fitzpatrick, mother of Keith ’90 & Neil ’94
Charles Fleming, Sr., father of Charles Jr ’77
Frances Forte, mother of Louis Jr. ’71, Timothy ’77, Anthony ’79, John ’83: mother-in-law of Mark Zawodny ’99; grandmother of Anthony Forte ’24 & Brendan Zawodny ’29
Dolores Gintling, mother of +Mark ’73
Betty Harper, mother of James ’79
Michael E Kloid ’73
Joseph M Knott ’69, brother of John ’72
Bernardine Kosyjana, mother of John ’73 & Joseph ’77
Rita Kotowski, mother of James ’70 & Wayne ’72
Edward Kratzen, former teacher, father of Christopher ’01 & Nicholas ’07
William Kurek ’66
Kenneth Lewis ’65
Fr Francis Lombardo, OFM Conv , former faculty
Thomas J. Lorber ’83, brother of Anthony ’71; uncle of Bart ’05
William Lowe, Jr ’66, brother of Thomas ’70 & Gary ’74
George Mullaney, Sr , father of George, Jr ’82
Eleanor Myers, mother of Thomas ‘82, aunt of Jeffrey Thomas ‘00, Douglas Myers ‘91, and Bart Myers ‘76, and great-aunt of Daniel Myers ‘11
Bryan Napoli ’85
Thomas Nocar, Sr , father of Thomas, Jr ’89
Theda “Terri” Quinn, mother of William ’81; grandmother of Michael Stabile ’11
Mary (Dudek) Radecki, Wife of Stanley ’69
Joseph Robel, Sr., father of Joseph Jr. ’86
David Rogers, Sr , father of David ’84
Marianne Rohe, mother of Christopher ’93
Rose Rudolph, mother of Michael ’74, Brian ’76+Matthew ’78
Harry Schanberger, father of Scott ’89
Lawrence Soellner ’78, brother of Martin ’76
A Craig Tillman, former lacrosse coach; father of Craig ’81; father-in-law of Carl Goscinski ’85
Albert Tysor ’68
James VanDetta, father of Eric ’87
APRIL 12, 2025
1 night, 1 goal
442 Guests
38 Sponsors
21 Live Auction Items
12 Gift Gathering Parties
130 Volunteers
710 Gifts
3,100 Hours Of Prep Time
$29,050 in Sponsorships
$180,341 Money Raised in Silent & Live Auctions
$224,511 Total Dollars Raised