THE ARCHMEREAN 1916-1918 • The Patio Centennial • 2016-2018
Celebrating The Manor
Forty Years of AP Testing
President's Volunteer Service Award
6
10
12
in this issue Family Traditions: Pat Udovich ’17
Stories from Around Campus
St. Norbert Hall Rededication
Like father, like son;
Catch up on some of the
Breathing new life into
Senior Pat Udovich following
highlights from the school
a building that has given
in his father’s footsteps.
year so far.
so much to so many.
13
22
14
Board of Trustees
Kathryn K. McCord, PP ’11 ’16
Legal Counsel
Damian M. Andrisani, M.D. ’91
Candace Penza, PP ’97 ’99 ’01 ’03
Anthony G. Flynn, Esq. ’69, PP ’03 ’04
Richard M. Beck, Esq. ’82, CP ’18 Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Paul D. Ramseur II ’87
Executive Officer
Frank J. Behm ’74, PP ’13 Rev. Francis B. Danielski, O.Praem.
Elaine C. Fry Reilly, Esq. ’83, CP ’17 ’20, PP ’13 Chair, Governance Committee
E. Andrew DiSabatino Jr, ‘69
Rt. Rev. Ronald J. Rossi, O.Praem.
B. Christopher Dougherty, Ph.D. ’85 Chair, Advancement Committee
Andrew S. Thomson, CP ’18, PP ’08 ’11 Chair, Finance and Facilities Committee
John S. Gerard, PP ’10 ’13 | Board Chair Kevin J. Gilroy, PP ’08 ’11 ’13 Thomas C. Grimm, Esq. ’73, PP ’04 ’08 ’12
Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster Managing Editor and Layout Andrew Campion ’07 Communications Manager
Neilli Mullen Walsh, Esq., CP ’18, PP ’10 ’12 ’14
Design and Layout:
Barbara A. Wasik, PH.D., PP ’09 ’11 Chair, Mission and Heritage Committee
Angela Marinelli ’90 & Jac Cottrell Yellow Sky Consulting
Victoria C. Yatzus Incoming Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
The abbreviations “CP” and “PP” after each name indicate the individual’s status as a “Current Parent” or a “Past Parent” with their child(ren)’s graduation years following.
Volume LXXXV Winter 2017 Table of Contents
Alumni Spotlight: David Hogan ’87 One Auk who has helped open doors for younger generations of Archmere students and grads.
25
A Letter from the Headmaster
4
The Manor at Archmere
6
Forty Years of AP Testing
10
President's Volunteer Service Award: Kevin Jasani ’18
12
Family Traditions: Pat Udovich ’17
13
Stories from Around Campus
14
Claymont Train Station Design
14
Puppetry Workshop at Archmere
14
2017 High School Art Educator of the Year
15
Yearbook Wins Gold
15
WWII US Navy Fireman Awarded Diploma
16
National Merit Finalists
16
Art Students Recognized
17
Scholastic Writing Awards
17
Shreyas Parab ’18 Accepted into International Accelerator Program
18
Lauren Chua '18 Receives Emerging Artist Scholarship Award
19
Brennan Stark '17 Takes Innovative Approach to Solving Homelessness
19
Fall Sports Wrap 2016
20
St. Norbert Hall Rededication
24
St. Norbert Hall Campaign
26
Contributors
Alumni Spotlight: David Hogan ’87
27
Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76
News & Notes
28
Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.
In Memoriam
32
John Jordan ’80
Remembering Mr. John “Jerry” Ambrogi, Jr. ’76
34
Erin P. McNichol ’92 Ainsley Hertrich Palladino ’05 Rev. Stephen Rossey, O.Praem. Denise Alexander Starnes ’93 David Oswinkle
1916-1918 The Patio Centennial 2016-2018 The Manor has faithfully stood beside the Patio for the last 100 years. It has been a building dedicated to "work" for its entire life. Transforming from a garage, to an academic building, to a well-worn studio space for our talented art students. The cover of this issue shows a glimpse of continuing the tradition of working, crafting, and learning while inside the walls of this humble little workshop. The back cover of this issue depcits students in the winter production of Avenue Q School Edition. The show features puppets, which were supplied by one of the show's original creators, Rick Lyon. Lyon led a puppiteering workshop to prepare our students for the production.
A Letter from the Headmaster Dear Members of the Archmere Community, The synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke recount Jesus telling the parable of the mustard seed. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.� (Matthew 13:31-32) The many teachings in this short parable were intended to enlighten people in Jesus’ time using ordinary and familiar experiences they would understand. I am not sure how many of us have planted mustard seeds, but I believe we can relate to the image of something small and insignificant, something to which we do not give our attention or consideration that suddenly becomes important and significant to us. Many of us had parents or teachers that told us we may not appreciate something now, but later in life, we will be grateful for having had the experience. This thought came to mind as I was sitting at the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame Dinner this year, listening to the inductees talk about how their lives were affected so positively by their years at Archmere. It is impressive how Archmere can make such a tremendous positive impact on young people in just four short years. Life-long friendships, professional relationships, and even spouses and families began with the Archmere experience for many students in the years that followed their time at Archmere. Having had many conversation with our alumni over the last several years, they consistently mention how Archmere changed them, prepared them, and gave them the confidence they may not have gained in other high school programs to realize opportunities they have had as they grew professionally and personally. This issue of The Archmerean reflects the energy and reports the exciting things happening in the Archmere community. From academic and extracurricular accomplishments of our students to alumni achievements and interesting notes, the Academy community has helped to create and support flourishing careers and interesting lives. Continuing our celebration of the Patio turning 100 years old
4
We continue with our series of articles on the history of the Patio and Manor, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of their construction. These buildings that were built as a residence for the Raskob Family, housed classrooms, dormitories, science labs, and even practice areas for sports in the earlier years of the Academy. We are fortunate to have beautiful facilities that have been developed and maintained over the years through the generosity of many benefactors. However, the hallmark of Archmere has been the consistently productive and respectful relationships between students and teachers, founded in the teachings of our Catholic Norbertine heritage. An important part of that heritage is to keep in prayer the members of the Archmere community who have died. They are remembered in our Masses in Immaculate Conception Oratory in Saint Norbert Hall, and, in a special way, our alumni and former faculty and staff are remembered in the annual Memorial Mass, organized by the Alumni Association. We especially remember in this issue, Jerry Ambrogi ’76, long-time coach, benefactor, mentor, classmate, and friend, who passed away November 2, 2016. His life epitomized the parable of the mustard seed, as he quietly and unassumingly, yet significantly, made as a goal of his life’s work to help others realize their full potential.
The passing of a legend, Jerry Ambrogi ’76
His goal is Archmere’s goal: to develop a person’s full potential, and by example, demonstrating the importance of prayer, faith, and spirituality. At this time of year we begin to welcome the members of the incoming Freshman Class – the Class of 2021! We are excited about the enthusiasm and talent that our newest students and families will be contributing to our school community. We are grateful for all those who help to introduce Archmere to potentially new students and their families. We also thank all those who have supported our fund raising efforts to renovate Saint Norbert Hall and raise funds for endowment for scholarships and financial assistance. While most of the renovations to the building are complete, our fund raising efforts continue. On January 31, 2017, Rt. Rev. Richard Antonucci, O.Praem., Abbot of Daylesford Abbey, blessed Saint Norbert Hall in a rededication ceremony that included Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. This service replicated the original dedication ceremony held on November 8, 1959, when Saint Norbert Hall was constructed. The germination of the mustard seed offers us the powerful image of one of the largest garden plants growing from one of the smallest seeds. Among the lessons learned from the parable is how great things can come from humble and simple beginnings with the right conditions. That describes Archmere’s history and the Archmere experience for many students. Sincerely,
Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76 Headmaster 5
6
the
manor
We are halfway through our two yearlong celebration of the centennial building of the Patio. The Patio has been a piece of Archmere’s identity since the very beginning. Thousands of Auks have passed through its doors and danced under the stained glass ceiling. And while it is an amazing, one of a kind building, we cannot forget the second building on campus that is also celebrating a birthday; The Manor. Architecturally, the inspiration for the Manor at Archmere finds its prototype in the Villard Houses, c. 1882 (today the Helmsley Palace Hotel, opened 1981) in New York City. The architects McKim, Mead and White, found inspiration for the Villard Houses in the Palazzo della Cancelleria and the Farnese Palace in Rome. James Harper and Clay McClure, the Archmere architects, miniaturized and modified the U-shaped Villard town house plan to accommodate carriage house garages, a heating plant and servants’ quarters for the John J. Raskob estate.
pavilion of the building. The underground tunnel connected the Manor to the Patio. Three arcade openings on the south (Manor Avenue) side of the central wing of the first floor led to a car washing area on the interior. The north (Mirtle Avenue) side of the central core featured seven arcade openings. Cars could enter and exit from either side of the building and be housed there. The left pavilion (west side) housed a car maintenance shop with pit for under-carriage repair, two small storerooms, one large storeroom, and a full bathroom.
The Manor at Archmere originally housed the heating and electrical plant for both the Raskob home and garage. Both were located in the basement under the central portion of the building. A refrigeration system, laundry and drying room were located under the east
7
of the second 1976: The open floor plan ents a stud red offe floor art room tive work more collaborative and crea t. men iron env
The right pavilion (east side) featured an entrance door from the courtyard and a staircase leading to the second floor. A furniture repair shop was located above the basement laundry. (An entrance door and exterior stairway on the east side were added when the Manor was converted into classrooms for the Academy in the 1930’s.) The second floor was divided into multiple small bedrooms for the Raskob support staff, a lavatory and large sitting room. An outdoor porch was originally located on the south side, above the car wash area, but that exterior wall was moved so as to enclose the porch when the second floor was gutted and converted into classrooms. The Manor has undergone many renovations and changes-in-purpose over the course of the Academy’s existence. In the school’s early days it housed the general science, chemistry and physics laboratories; this endured until the Justin E. Diny Science Center was constructed in 1974.
n in the Manor An English lesso e’s early years. er m ch during Ar
8
With that accomplishment, the removal of false ceilings and the revelation of original construction, a large student center took over the ground floor of the Manor, where the Student Council also met. The Manor’s second floor was converted into religious studies classrooms. As renovations progressed in the basement of St. Norbert Hall these activities were gradually moved there. The expansion of visual arts curriculum in the 1970’s (led by Fr. Stephen Rossey, O. Praem.) necessitated additional studio spaces; the Manor became the obvious solution. All levels of the building were converted into studios, classrooms and offices.
the
manor
Today the Manor is home to our fine arts department. It is a building that is constantly humming with activity. Talented Archmere students paint, draw, sculpt, develop, design, and labor away at their artistic creations, all the while being mentored by expert faculty. While the Patio has hosted countless celebrations and functions, none of them would have been possible without the Manor. It has given heat and electricity, as well as been the front door for all shipping deliveries. It made sure the family vehicles were in top shape, and was home to many of the approximately 20 servants needed to run the original family home. Transitioning from garage, to classroom, to studio over the past 100 years, the Manor has always been a place of work. Archmere owes a lot to this humble little building in the center of campus.
the tunnel The construction of iginally on June 2, 1916. Or pments, used to transport shi Patio, it the to at he d an power years to er lat in d was expande r, Patio, St. connect the Mano Justin E. Norbert Hall, and the . ing ild Bu ce en Diny Sci
9
The Advanced Placement® program at Archmere has played a significant role in the academic growth and development of Archmere for over 40 years. The advantages of an AP®® class are many. The rigorous demands of a college-level class challenge high school students to think critically, prepare assiduously and communicate effectively. With 22 AP® offerings, Archmere students have ample opportunity to demonstrate their skills and preparedness for university life. For the 2016-17 school year, 70% of the senior class, 59% of the junior class, and 48% of the sophomore class will opt to take at least one AP® course. Archmere’s AP® association began modestly in the late 1950’s but grew quickly in the ensuing decades. Archmere’s annual success rate in the AP® program speaks to a core strength of the school community. Former AP® Physics teacher and past Principal Mr. Paul Pomeroy was instrumental in growing the AP® programs in the 1990’s. “Archmere has had, and still has, talented and motivated students whose ability levels have surpassed even the most rigorous of high school offerings. It seems only natural to offer college level courses. And our students have done remarkably well in this endeavor.” Archmere faculty have been involved with the organization for many years, not only as AP® teachers in the Archmere classrooms, but also as AP® Readers, Table Readers and Consultants. Mrs. Rosalba Bellen has taught AP® Spanish Language at Archmere Academy since 1988 and has been an AP® Reader since 1999. Her AP® curriculum and preparation have motivated her to “constantly research for up-to-date authentic material to stimulate the interest of her students as they develop into global citizens.” World Languages Chair Mrs. Katie Eissler-Thiel concurs: “As an educator, the AP® program has forced me to stay in touch with the Francophone world, and to constantly adAP®t my curriculum to meet the needs of 21st Century learners.” As an AP® Consultant and longstanding AP® teacher, English Department Chair Mr. Stephen Klinge has traveled the globe leading AP® workshops, writing teacher manuals and consulting for the AP® College Board. Steve has traveled to the Virgin Islands, Malaysia, Qatar and China to lead workshops for interested AP® teachers and he values the skills the AP® curriculum demands: “Advanced Placement® courses prompt our students to think deeply and critically; they encourage our students to challenge themselves, and they give a clear target for success. I’ve loved working with the AP® English students because the courses build skills rather than present content. Rather than emphasize command over a body of work, they promote analytical skills in argument and synthesis for AP® English Language and in prose and poetry for AP® English Literature.” An AP® curriculum is also an indication to colleges and universities of the rigors and expectations of an Archmere education. Students AP®plying to colleges with AP® classes on their transcripts clearly demonstrate college preparedness. “Archmere’s AP® course load, and the success rates on exams, demands the attention of college admission offices,” asserts Archmere’s Director of College Counseling Mr. Christopher Boehm. “Schools from across the country are knowledgeable about the rigor of AP®. This takes away any guesswork about strength of curriculum. Our student performance as a whole exceeds that of almost all schools; our pass rates are more than 17% beyond the Pennsylvania average
10
40
Over and 33% higher than the Delaware average.”
Years of AP® Testing
Many students apply their AP® credits towards their college
transcript, a distinct advantage which allows families to potentially save college costs as well as help students graduate in less than four years. As a freshman at Princeton this past fall, Greg McCord ’06 phased out of introductory math and engineering classes. A Computer Science major in the Engineering School, Greg took Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra in his first year. “My AP® classes at Archmere allowed me to skip several introductory engineering courses. The humanities AP® classes I took at Archmere helped me qualify for advanced standing, which means that I have enough credits to graduate in 3 years. I've elected to bypass this opportunity because I would prefer to have a four-year college experience.” Peter Sabini ’06, a current freshman at the University of Notre Dame who is double majoring in English and Spanish, took eight AP® classes in his career at Archmere. Peter received one semester’s worth of college credit at Notre Dame as an entering freshman; his AP® work at Archmere exempted him from introductory college classes in English, Spanish and math. “For me, this was extremely helpful because it allowed me to fulfill a math requirement and thus focus on higher level Spanish and English classes right away.” Our students traditionally excel in the AP® programs, year in and year out. Archmere’s forty-year relationship with the Advanced Placement® Program has been a successful venture for the school. The exposure to the AP® curriculum and demands continues to help Archmere students excel and achieve as they learn skills that translate beyond high school and better prepare them for the university community that awaits them.
English Department Chair Mr. Stephen Klinge has traveled the globe leading AP® workshops, writing teacher manuals and consulting for the AP® College Board. Here he is in China with his class this past summer.
11
President's Volunteer Service Award The president’s volunteer service award is the premier volunteer awards program, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through presidential gratitude and national recognition. Archmere junior Kevin Jasani was awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award in recognition of the hundreds of hours he spent helping the poor last year. He has spent the past three years volunteering with Faith Victory, a nondenominational church in Claymont, DE that has built its ministry around organizing such things as holiday dinners and book bag drives for the poor. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes those who have achieved the required number of hours of service over a 12-month time period or cumulative hours over the course of a lifetime. Kevin has not only given his own time, he has helped mobilize Archmere to take action and help the poor as well. He has organized a shoe drive for the homeless and countless clothing and food drives through Archmere.
How long have you been with Faith Victory? Three years ago when I was in the 8th grade, my mother wanted to do something on Thanksgiving morning. She called a bunch of community service organizations but none of them responded. The first one that got back to her was Faith Victory. She said yes. She told me about it the day before thanksgiving. At first when she told me that we would be waking up early to go volunteer, I had the same response of any other teenager, “...but I’d rather sleep in.” I was still happy to help! The first time we went, it was very nice. The whole
What is the hardest part?
time I noticed that the organizers were doing such a great
The hardest part is getting everything organized. For each event
thing on Thanksgiving Day. Most people would be at home cooking up the turkey, not out helping the homeless.
there’s always at least one thing that we forget. But it lets us regroup and reorganize. We ask ourselves do we have everything? Or is there anything that we can ADD to the event?
What is your favorite part aboutworking with Faith Victory? My favorite part is when I see the homeless first get the stuff that we provide for them. I like to see them picking out the clothing for themselves. And when they get something to eat once a month or so. Another favorite part is seeing the difference between loading
We do a variety of events, at least 12. We do a monthly Faith Victory brunch where we serve food and hand out clothes. In the spring and summer we do events in a park where we hand out food and other items for the homeless. In mid spring we do an Easter Egg hunt event. That’s a really fun event, a very long day but a lot of fun. We’re start around 8 a.m. and will finish unloading the truck around 1 a.m. We also do book fairs for kids along with monthly readings.
the truck full of donation items in the morning of an event, and when we pack it up at the end of the day. In the beginning it’s loaded to the ceiling, but after it’s almost empty. It’s nice to
How do you hope to stay involved beyond Archmere?
see the difference with the amount of donation items we gave
I hope to see through all the volunteers who have been coming
away that day. It really makes you feel good and like you’re
to these events that they’ll keep moving forward with the
making a difference.
organization.
12
Family Traditions: Pat Udovich ’17 A family affair since the 1970’s, Archmere has had the privilege of graduating several members of the Udovich family. The tradition began with Clement (Class of 1981), who became the first Udovich boy to attend Archmere, followed by Mike (Class of 1983) and Patrick Sr. (Class of 1985). All three excelled at football, with Clem and Patrick Sr. playing collegiately at Rutgers, while Mike went on to Millersville (PA). All three brothers are members of the Archmere Athletics Hall of Fame. Their sister Regina (Class of 1986) was also an Auk. Not to mention several of their children have carried on the Archmere legacy. After attending Saint Thomas the Apostle elementary school in Glen Mills, PA, Patrick Udovich Jr., set his sights on Archmere, and along with his cousin, Nick (Class of 2016) and sister, Maggie (Class of 2019), became the next generation of the Udovich family to walk along the yellow brick road. Pat, currently a senior, has also helped to sustain the Udovich tradition of excellence in athletics at Archmere. A football standout like his father and uncles, Pat was named First Team All Catholic Linebacker for three years, Second Team All State Linebacker his junior and senior year, and this fall was a First Team All State and All Catholic Fullback. Thirty-two years ago, Pat’s father, Patrick Sr., was also a First Team All State selection on offense, defense and special teams. In addition to football, Pat also excels on the lacrosse field. His accolades include First Team All Conference for all three years, Second Team All State his sophomore year, and First Team All State his junior year. Scoring goals and success on the field is not the only link that binds this family of athletes. This fall, following in his father’s footsteps once again, Pat Udovich, Jr. was named the recipient of the Michael DeLucia Sportsmanship Award, a signature award in the Diocese of Wilmington. The Michael DeLucia Sportsmanship Award is given to a senior for his “performance, attitude and character on and off the field.” Football players and coaches hold the award in high esteem as a symbol of honor and great achievement. Pat’s father won it in 1984, as did his uncle, Mike Udovich, in 1982. Patrick Sr. and Jr. are the first ever father-son recipients. “He was pumped,” Pat said of his father’s reaction. “I think he was actually more proud of me with the DeLucia Award (than all-state). He was very proud of me for that.” The other honor bestowed upon Pat this year was one for the player with the most character. The players voted for the winner, and the award is named after the late longtime Archmere football coach Jerry Ambrogi, who died during this past season after battling cancer. Pat believes that his teammates and coaches made the awards that he has received possible. He states “I would not have developed into the man I am right now if it were not for Coach Ambrogi. I owe him everything I have.” Aside from athletics, Pat is the co-president of the Military Heroes club at Archmere. He enjoys hunting and fishing in his free time, but most often is found spending time with family and friends. He is currently committed to playing lacrosse at Drexel University, although he said football still has a hold on him that may prove to be stronger. Whatever the future holds, Pat Udovich, Jr. has successfully created his own legacy at Archmere.
13
Stories from Around Campus Architectural-Environmental Design Class Chosen to Provide Input in the Design of the Claymont Train Station Five years ago, Mr. Jim Tevebaugh, CEO of Tevebaugh and Associates, an architectural firm in Wilmington, Delaware, worked with several of Terry Newitt’s AP students on a very successful coloring book about the Wilmington Train Station and its architect Frank Furness. The coloring book is currently available for youngsters who board the trains in Wilmington. One of Mr. Tevebaugh’s next projects is designing the new Claymont Train Station, which will be located where the shuttered Evraz Steel Mill is currently. The project is slated to be completed over the next five or six years. Evraz Steel Mill will be transformed into a development called “First State Crossing”, a mixture of offices, warehouses, and a logistics center for container shopping. The project is estimated at close to $40 million dollars. Mr. Tevebaugh was so impressed with our students that he requested to work again with them, specifically Terry Newitt’s Architectural-Environmental Design class. His firm commissioned these students to help design the Claymont Train Station as their semester-long project. He may actually utilize some of their ideas in the real design of the station. At the end of the semester, the students’ 2-D designs and 3-D models will be presented and critiqued by an actual panel of architects selected by Mr. Tevebaugh. Among these architects will be Sean Goodrick ’97.
Rick Lyon Conducts Puppetry Workshop at Archmere Academy Rick Lyon, Professional Puppeteer, conducted a workshop for the cast of Archmere Academy’s winter musical, Avenue Q School Edition, during the second week of January. Mr. Lyon designs and builds custom puppets, including the puppets used for the Tony Award-winning musical Avenue Q on Broadway, in London, and on tour nationally. Mr. Lyon, a resident of Bloomfield, NJ, designed the puppets and appeared in the original Broadway production of Avenue Q, which beat out Wicked to win the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2004. Other projects have included puppets for Comedy Central's Crank Yankers, puppets and props for Nickelodeon's Stick Stickly, television pilots for VH1, Nickelodeon, PBS, numerous industrials and home videos, and the live national tour of PBS's The Magic School Bus. Filled with gut-busting humor and a delightfully catchy score, not to mention puppets, Avenue Q is a truly unique show that has quickly become a favorite for audiences everywhere. The Archmere cast had the privilege of learning from Mr. Lyon, who worked with puppets that he created and designed himself. He gave three, 3-hour puppeteering workshops, introduced puppeteering skills to the Archmere students and then worked with specific scenes and songs from the musical. The students learned with Rick's own handmade, original puppets to create unique characters with movements, gestures, and expressions. His company, The Lyon Puppets, built all of the puppets for Avenue Q, and Mr. Lyon also originated the roles of Nicky, Trekkie Monster, and other characters. 14
Ms. Jody Hoffman Named 2017 High School Art Educator of the Year Archmere Art Department Chair and Fine Arts Teacher Jody Hoffman has been selected as the 2017 High School Art Educator of the year by the Executive Board of the Delaware Art Education Association. The Delaware Art Education Association Awards Program highlights the leadership, excellence, and service to the field of art education among their member art educators. Each year, the statewide membership is asked to nominate a peer for consideration. Nominees are evaluated according to a rubric closely modeled after the National Art Education Association's evaluation criteria, and the Board carefully reviews nominees. As a state-level award recipient, Ms. Hoffman will now advance to the national level for consideration. Ms. Hoffman attended the celebratory awards banquet on March 23, 2017 at the Capital School District office, where Principal John Jordan spoke to the audience about the amazing work Ms. Hoffman has contributed to Archmere Academy.
Archmere's 2015-2016 Yearbook Wins Gold The Columbia Scholastics Press Association (CSPA) is an international student press association, founded in 1925, whose goal is to unite student journalists and faculty advisers at schools and colleges through educational conferences, idea exchanges, textbooks, critiques and award programs. CSPA is affiliated with Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism. The CSPA offers several contests and a critique service for student media. The contests, including the annual Crown Awards and the Gold Circle Awards, select the best from among many entries. This year, the 2015-2016 Archmere yearbook, "The Adventures of the Mighty Auk" has received the Gold Medal Award. "The Adventures of the Mighty Auk" also won the First Place award for the American Scholastic Press Association Contest, an annual contest/review for Scholastic Yearbooks, Magazines and Newspapers.
15
Stories from Around Campus Archmere Academy Awards US Navy Fireman Richard Fox Grace Diploma Richard Fox Grace, US Navy Fireman Second Class, was declared "Missing In Action" when the U.S.S. Lagarto failed to return from its third mission in May of 1945. The submarine was off the Malay coast near the Gulf of Siam at the time. All 86 men were declared “Missing in Action” for almost exactly sixty years. Richard had served with the Navy for two years and three months at the time of his death and was decorated with a Purple Heart. In May 2005, a group of private deep-sea divers, led by British wreck diver Jamie MacLeod, discovered the wreck in 70 meters (230 ft.) of water in the Gulf of Thailand. The wreck is mostly intact and sitting upright on the ocean floor. During the dive, a large rupture was discovered on the port bow area, suggesting a depth charge as the catalyst to her sinking. Also observed during the dive was an open torpedo tube door, with an empty torpedo tube behind it, suggesting the possibility that Lagarto fired off a torpedo shortly before her sinking. Richard Grace left Archmere Academy to join the U.S. Navy the first semester of his junior year. He would have been in the graduating Class of 1944. While at Archmere, Richard played football and was a drummer in the Archmere Orchestra. He was also president of his class sophomore year. On November 11, Veterans Day, Richard Grace was awarded his Archmere Academy high school diploma posthumously. His grandnephew, Kyle Armstrong, a 2002 graduate of Archmere Academy, and his nephew, Richard Armstrong, a 1969 graduate of Archmere Academy, accepted the diploma on his behalf at a Veterans Day Tribute in the Performing Arts Theatre at Archmere.
Archmere Seniors Named National Merit Finalists Four Archmere Academy seniors were named National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Finalists and thirteen were named Commended Students based upon their 2015 PSAT test scores. Seniors Alison Lobo, Olivia O’Dwyer, Keelin Reilly, and Makala Wang were named Semifinalists in October, meaning their test scores were among the top 1% of the nearly 1.6 million test takers. In February, they were recognized as finalists. Alison, Olivia, Keelin and Makala were four of 15,000 students nationwide that were chosen as finalists from the initial list of 1.6 million test takers. The selection of approximately 7500 Merit Scholarship award winners will be decided in March. Commended Students recognized for their exceptional academic promise were Ariana Abbrescia, Christopher (Max) Beck, Anna Cassidy, Leah DaCosta, Abby Kraus, Haley Levinsky, Charles Liston, Nirmal Patel, Kathryn Slomski, Brennan Stark, Emma Stovicek, Idana Tang, and William Wang. Their performance on the PSATs placed them in the top five percent of all the test takers.
16
Art Students Recognized at Regional Scholastic Art Competition Archmere students won close to 70 awards at the 2017 Delaware Regional Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s most prestigious and competitive contest for excellence in fine art. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have recognized the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s youth since 1923. The awards have grown to be the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition initiative for creative teens, and the largest source of scholarships for young artists and writers. Work is evaluated based on originality, technical skill and emergence of a personal voice or vision. Archmere Academy received seven Gold Key awards. Gold Keys represent the top 5 percent of entries in any given category and Silver Keys represent the top 10 percent of entries. Gold Key award-winning work will advance to the national level of competition, with over $10 million in scholarships available, as well as additional exhibition and publication opportunities. In addition, senior Makala Wang won a Gold Key Portfolio Award for her "Miniature Family" piece in the portfolio category of the competition. These awards were presented to talented seniors who submitted eight pieces in a portfolio to be evaluated as a body of work. Archmere's art students have always won strong recognition in this competition. All Gold and Silver Award-winning artwork were on exhibition Sunday, January 15, through Saturday, February 4, at the Arts Center Gallery at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware. For the complete list of winners please visit the News and Happenings page of www.archmereacademy.com
Archmere Students Win 19 Scholastic Writing Awards In this year's Scholastic Writing Awards, Archmere Academy won 19 awards, three of which were Gold Keys. Works submitted were eligible for Honorable Mention, Silver Key, Gold Key and American Voices Nominee recognition by the Delaware Writing Region. Works awarded a Delaware Regional Gold Key are considered for national honors. The Awards program was created in 1923 by Maurice R. "Robbie" Robinson, founder of Scholastic Corporation, and has been administered by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers since 1994. It has an impressive legacy and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Frances Farmer, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, and Joyce Carol Oates among many others. The work of Archmere's Gold Key winners, senior Emma Stovicek and sophomore Katherine Alberta, have been entered into the national competition, and all of the writers were recognized in Dover at the Art Center Gallery at the Delaware State University. Full texts of Gold Key written works will be available in print in the Gallery. The full text of Silver Key written works and Gold Key works will also be available for browsing on Kindles. For the complete list of winners please visit the News and Happenings page of www.archmereacademy.com 17
Stories from Around Campus Shreyas Parab ’18 Accepted into International Accelerator Program in Oslo, Norway Shreyas Parab, junior at Archmere Academy, was recently accepted into the prestigious international accelerator program, Young Sustainable Impact (YSI), based out of Oslo, Norway. Shreyas is one of 25 entrepreneurs selected out of 10,000 applications from across 160 countries. After witnessing the Paris conference unfold, a group of Norwegian youngsters felt inspired to create their own conference, and thus Young Sustainable Impact was developed. It is an organization empowering youth to solve the sustainability challenges of the 21st century, a place to bring together the greatest young entrepreneurs from all over the world. Although Shreyas just barely meets the age requirement to apply, he will work with entrepreneurs ranging from 16 to 27 years old. As part of the accelerator, Shreyas will work remotely with his team of four other entrepreneurs from Pakistan, Canada, India, and Myanmar, respectively, over the next few months to address a specific “Sustainable Development Goal” of the United Nations. There are 4 other teams of entrepreneurs just as geographically, linguistically, and culturally diverse as Shreyas’s team. Shreyas admits, “I applied as a joke. I knew there were over 10,000 applicants, so I highly doubted they’d choose a tie salesman from Delaware County to work with the world’s top social entrepreneurs. It truly is an honor to be recognized among such amazing entrepreneurs from other countries and I am stoked to meet people from all across the world in Oslo, the second coolest city in the world…Philadelphia being first, of course. The best part of this program is that I will literally be working with the top 0.25% of applicants in the world, learning about their country and experiences, sharing my own experiences in the United States, and creating new memories with them. Even if our company doesn’t succeed, I know the lessons I will learn through this program are more than enough for me.” From August 11th to August 25th, YSI will pay for Shreyas and the other 24 entrepreneurs to fly out to their headquarters in Oslo, Norway, where they will meet and pitch their new startup ideas to foreign dignitaries, delegates to the United Nations, venture capitalists, and other social entrepreneurs. The goal of the accelerator is to unite people from all walks of life in order to solve the world’s most pressing issues with a startup, mentor the budding startup, and see it through the funding phase. Last year’s accelerator saw the successful funding and launch of two companies, one dubbed the “Tinder for Biodiversity” in developing countries and the other a machine for rapid water-purification. Both companies are thriving today and pushing the envelope on innovation to solve the world’s most pressing issues.
18
Lauren Chua '18 Receives the Michael Curcio '06 Emerging Artist Scholarship Award At the 2017 Fine Arts Festival held on March 25th, Archmere art student Lauren Chua '18 was named the recipient of the fourth annual Michael Curcio '06 Emerging Artist scholarship award for her commitment to the study of art, outstanding portfolio, and originally conceived sketchbook. This award, funded in memory of Michael P. Curcio '06, is awarded annually to a deserving junior in recognition of excellence in the visual arts. The Emerging Artist scholarship award involves a $1,000 scholarship endowed graciously by the Curcio family and friends in memory of Michael Curcio, class of 2006. The other finalists were Cassie Paterson and Krupa Patel. Students professionally presented a PowerPoint of their artwork in front of the art faculty, and also had to develop at least one originally conceived sketchbook, not teacher directed. Lauren had 5 original sketchbooks. Lauren also has won several Gold and Silver Keys in the Delaware Regionals of the National Scholastics Scholarship Art Awards program. In addition, she was selected to attend the Governor's School for the Arts as a sophomore, one of 10 art students in the state awarded this distinction.
Brennan Stark '17 Makes Headlines By Taking Innovative Approach to Solving Homelessness Archmere senior Brennan Stark not only leads but also co-founded Y Innovations Inc., a federally recognized tax-exempt 501(c)(3) scientific research based nonprofit corporation. Y Innovations Inc. aims to develop innovations and stimulate public interest in key areas of rapidly developing technology in the hopes of leading humanity into a bright future. The News Journal featured the company for their first sustainable development project, a small storage shed built this year at the Siegel JCC. The student-led nonprofit started this year to come up with creative solutions to common problems, such as homelessness. Over this past summer, along with other local high school students, Archmere students Akhil Bollu ’17, Alison Lobo ’17, Bill Wang ’17, Blake Parker ’17, Daniel Kim ’17, Idana Tang ’17, Makala Wang ’17, Matthew Etzrodt ’17, Mathew Groum ’17, Monica Onishi ’19, Kathryn Slomski ’17, and Keelin Reilly ’17, joined Brennan in building the model shed structure. The structure is made of all renewable and sustainable resources, using a technique called “cobbing,” a natural building technique similar to adobe that utilizes clay, sand, and straw. Brennan and the fellow members of Y Innovations Inc. anticipate that this model will serve as a beacon of hope, and lead to their goal of creating these types of houses for the homeless and underprivileged in our community. Brennan was also key speaker at the Independence School's TEDxYouth program this winter. The theme of this year’s TEDxYouth program was to talk about how to best "pay it forward", even at a young age. In its inaugural year, the TEDxYouth program featured speakers who were in their late 20's to 30's. This year, they expanded to high school students such as Brennan who have shown leadership and the ability to "create a movement". 19
Men’s XC
Juniors Ryan Padien, Charlie Sanders,
Invitational as the toughest race where
This season was was full of excitement,
Kevin Jasani, Ryan Nowaczyk, and
they pushed themselves the hardest. It
fun, hardwork, perseverance, and many,
Anthony Ciampoli, and Sophomore Jack was truly a great season for the students
many miles of memories. The team had a
Flynn. Although the runners wish the
successful season that saw many personal season weren’t over, one thing is for sure: bests and great all around effort from the
the trails of White Clay and Brandywine
entire team. Captains Ryan Lairdieson
Creek will never forget the green and
’17, Max Beck ’17, and Kyle McIntyre ’17 white, and this team has made their lead the team through rigorous workouts and tough runs. The team took on the Sallies and Joe O’Neil invitational meets, and, despite several injuries, admitted 7 runners to states! This included Seniors Kyle McIntyre and Ryan Lairdieson,
permanent mark on history.
and coaches alike. Field Hockey The Field Hockey team was determined to make the playoffs, and they had the right team to do it. After having a 2-2 start, the Lady Auks didn’t know how
Women’s XC
successful the rest of the season would
Coached by Mr. John Jordan and Ms.
be. However, the team got hot, and
Christine Witte, the Women’s Cross
rallied up a 6 game winning streak,
Country team took on a sisterly bond.
becoming one of the most elite teams
Each of the runners gave it their all in
in the state. One of these wins was
every race. From the new freshmen
against St. Elizabeths, who was a very
runners to the seniors who stepped up as
challenging team. Despite a game with
leaders, they all ran great races. Makala
poor weather, the team still managed
Wang ’17 described the season as "a
to beat St. E’s 8-0, making a statement
great bonding opportunity with runners
to every other team that they were a
of all levels and ages." When asked
powerhouse. With wins over Tatnall
about the hardest race, Gabrielle Dayrit
and Conrad, the team was proven to
’18 mentioned the Brandywine Creek
be a force to be reckoned with. After winning 3 more games, and losing 2 very tough battles, the team was ready for the playoffs. Unfortunately, the girls lost a tough 1- 0 game against Polytech, putting a disappointing end to their season. The team is determined to make the playoffs again next year, and they feel they will have the squad to do it.
FALL SPORTS WRAP 2016
Men’s Soccer The Auks had a great season, finishing with a final record of 10-6. The team was coached by Mr. Bob Bussiere and Mr. John Jezyk, with John Jezyk winning the state assistant coach of the year. A senior defense-men, Michael Fiorile, said "I am going to miss going to battle with all these kids everyday." The Auks went 4-1 in the Diamond state athletic conference, finishing second in their conference. The postseason saw a first round match-up with St. Georges. Although the team lost, all the boys gave it their all.
Football The senior players had a great season and contributed greatly to the 5 wins that the team fought hard to earn. Coach Bellace was very proud of the seniors and the awards they received, including First Team All-State Fullback and Second Team All-State Linebacker for Pat Udovich ’17, Second Team All-Catholic Offensive Tackle for Kevin Olsen ’17, Second Team All-Catholic Defense for Joe Bolner ’17, P.J. Wicks ’17, Connor Ruggieri ’18, Anthony Soscia ’18 and Antwyne Scott-Coleman ’19 and All-Catholic Punter for Mark Dombroski ’17.
The Archmere Volleyball team began its season with an 11 game winning streak, and eventually finishing the regular season 13-2. Auk’s volleyball was known for clearing teams out 3 sets to 0, showing huge signs of sportsmanship, and helping charities with their annual Breast Cancer Awareness game. During the course of the season, the girls pushed themselves to the limit every single game and left everything on the court. The team made it to the semi finals in the Delaware State Tournament and brought back to Archmere the title for 4th in the state.
FALL SPORTS WRAP 2016
Volleyball
S T. N O R B E RT HAL L On Tuesday, January 31, 2017, the Archmere community gathered for the rededication of St. Norbert Hall. This historic event was to commemorate the near completion of the year and a half renovation project to the building. In April of 1958, construction began on a new building to expand the facilities for the students of Archmere Academy. In September of 1959, 240 students entered this new building, which was called St. Norbert Hall. The dedication of St. Norbert Hall took place on November 8, 1959, with The Most Reverend Michael W. Hyle, now Bishop of Wilmington, presiding at the ceremonies. Following the laying of the corner stone, the procession proceeded into the new building for the blessing of the building. Following the blessing, the procession advanced to the auditorium where the dedication address by Rev. Michael J. McKeough, the first headmaster of Archmere, was given. “We recall the pains and the pangs of the infant school when it came into existence in the depth of a depression in 1932. These were
1959
caused partly by the economic conditions, but also by the limited facilities that we available to us. It was slow going during those early years. Nevertheless Archmere not only remained in existence
but with the help of God made steady progress. Now with the completion of this magnificent new building the school comes to its maturity. Its pioneering days are over. It takes its place now among the outstanding Catholic college preparatory schools of the country, and it must meet their competition.� With Archmere students lining the hallways, Abbott Richard Antonuci, O.Praem. (accompanied by Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.,
24
R E D E D I C AT I O N Rev. John Zagarella, O.Praem., Rev. Francis Danielski, O.Praem., and Headmaster Michael Marinelli, Ed.D. ’76) blessed each floor of the newly renovated building. After the blessing, the school community transitioned to the theater to conclude the ceremony. In discussing the Patio, Mrs. Raskob once stated that “every real home should have four rooms, each one contributing to the maintenance of our lives – a dining room, to nourish the body; a music room, to strengthen the soul; a living
2017
room, to stimulate the heart; and a library, to cultivate the brains.” In his homily at the rededication, Rev. Joseph Mclaughlin, O.Praem. mirrored Mrs. Raskob’s words in relation to the newly renovated St. Norbert Hall. “Our new library will cultivate the brain; the lounges on all three levels will stimulate the heart, and the Oratory will strengthen the soul. It is a short walk, too, from St. Norbert Hall to the Student Life Center to nourish the body.” This was a historic day for the Archmere community. St. Norbert Hall has had hundreds of alumni pass through its doors, each with their own stories. This turns the page on a new chapter for the building, paving the way for future generations of Auks to create their own stories.
25
St. Norbert Hall Campaign The transformation of St. Norbert Hall is nothing short of astounding. This past fall and winter we have been offering tours and inviting all of our Archmere families to see the wonderful changes that have been made to the building. If you haven’t had a chance to see what we’ve done, please contact us to arrange for a private or group tour today! The redesigned and updated St. Norbert Hall serves as a flexible, bright and accommodating place to collaborate with other students, research or study independently, hold a group discussion or problem solve with a team. While there are several larger projects and a few other “touch up” items to be completed, everyone is benefiting from a fully functioning renovated building.
The newly renovated Library Learning Commons offers multiple study environments for our students and encourages collaborative learning.
We need your help and participation and continue to ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to the goal for St. Norbert Hall’s renovation. With slightly more than $5M secured, we are still in need of $3.5M to reach our goal. Each gift, no matter its amount, is important. Please consider making a donation or pledge; your support is critical. We will be approaching area foundations with requests for St. Norbert Hall funding help in the spring and fall of 2017, and must have a significant level of participation from our Archmere community in order to compete successfully for support. We must be able to convince the foundations that those closest to the campaign, with the most to gain from it, have given what they are able to give. Our students are loving the changes to St. Norbert Hall so far. However, we still need your help and participation to support the renovation of this important building. All gifts are important! Please consider making your donation or pledge now. For information about gift naming and recognition opportunities, as well as endowment or scholarship giving, contact
26
after
before
Katherine Ball-Weir, CFRE, Director of Institutional Advancement, at 302-798-6632 Ext 857.
Alumni Spotlight At his 1987 Baccalaureate Mass, Senior Class President David Hogan ’87 told his peers to “treat this graduation as a beginning, a doorway or perhaps a bridge to the future.” Whether it was intentional or subconscious, David has adapted these words to his own small mission of working with Archmere students over the last several years and helping them gain important career skills and networking opportunities for them. David Hogan is the Chief Marketing and Analytics Officer for OneMain in Wilmington, DE. He and his team do a lot of the statistical modeling as well as the scoring for credit applicants. A number of Archmere students and graduates have worked with David and his team over the past several years. They worked primarily in statistical modeling building as well as with service systems. Having learned some computational and mathematical skills, a number of these Auks have gone on to mechanical engineering fields. “Young adults who have had experience working with us hopefully it wets their appetite for this field,” says David. “If we got them interested in something that could
David Hogan ’87
be rewarding for them then I think we’ve succeeded.” Speaking about his experiences working with David, Greg McCord ’16 said, “David helped me get an internship at the company he worked for in the data analytics department where I got to work in the field of my intended major, computer science, and gain hands on experience in a corporate business place. Dave came to Archmere and interviewed me himself, and from the day I started working for the company, he demonstrated the way he cared about his employees. He kept the atmosphere lively and was a part of the workplace rather than removed from it despite being an executive. To that end, he was always willing to have a conversation with an intern and ensured that the company atmosphere was hospitable.” Whether it was intentional or not, David has been a sort of pioneer for Archmere’s recently introduced AUKS Connect program. AUKS Connect is Archmere’s mentor & career networking program that promotes the development of professional relationships between current students, alumni, parents, and trustees. The purpose of the program is to connect current students and young alumni with professionals in the Archmere community who can provide college experiences and real-world business advice. Our hope is that
To date, AUKS Connect has had:
current students and alumni can utilize Archmere Academy’s connections through this program and ultimately grow to understand the importance of professional
32 young alums have
signed up to be matched with a mentor
65 alums/current and
past parents have signed up to be a mentor
21 connections
networking.
have been made
27
News & Notes 1961 Michael J. Monaco married Andrea McQuiney Reese on March 3, 2016 in Sarasota, FL.
1975
John V. Stephano is a Training Analyst with Prince William County Government in Virginia. In June, he was presented with the County Executive Award for his work designing and administering the Supervisor Equivalency Credit Program. This 16-week program provides county employees who
Kevin F. Dieter (deceased 1988) has been
lack supervisory experience a chance to
selected for induction posthumously into
meet the minimum mandatory requirements
the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame,
for promotion into supervisor role. John
Class of 2017. Kevin is being recognized
and his life long partner Shelli live in
for his accomplishments in basketball and
Centreville, VA.
baseball. The induction ceremony will take place on April 23, 2017 at The Concordville Inn, Concordville, PA. Kevin was inducted into Archmere’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2008. Kevin is the brother of Robert ’72 and Patrick ’79 Dieter, and father of Michael ’03 and Ryan ’04 Dieter.
1982
1993 Brian Nagle and wife Jessica welcomed their fifth child, June Elizabeth, born on February 22, 2016. Her older siblings include
2016. Lachlan was 8 pounds, 14 ounces. Simon is a Senior Director for CCS Fundraising, a global strategic fundraising-consulting firm; he is currently serving as interim Vice President for Howard University. Simon and his family live in
(7). Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.
Washington, DC.
baptized June on December 4, 2016 at Saint Agnes Church, West Chester, PA. Brian's
of the nationally recognized Campaign
Jessica is a Temple University Education
for Youth Justice (CFYJ), which leads the
Ph.D candidate and an adjunct professor of
national effort to end the practice of trying,
Education at West Chester University. Brian
sentencing, and incarcerating youth in the
is a Shareholder of the law firm of MacElree
adult criminal justice system. Since CFYJ
Harvey, Ltd. in West Chester. The Nagles live
was launched in 2004, nearly half the states
in West Chester.
Henning-Mlyniec Award for Youth Justice.
welcomed their first child, Lachlan Brody
Jackson (13), Charlie (11), Annie (9), and Billy
sister, Gretchen Pezza '95 was godmother.
adult court. Liz was honored with the 2016
Simon S. Jackson and his wife Stacia Sweeting Jackson, born on September 29,
Liz Ryan is the founder and former CEO
have reduced the prosecution of youth in
1994
Kara A. Briggs joined the staff of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ State Historic Preservation Office in Dover as an Architectural Historian. She continues in her love of the arts by creating works on paper as well as acrylic on canvas. She recently had a painting accepted into the National Arts Program Competition.
1996 Bradley W. Thomas and wife Tracy welcomed their second child, Emilia Mae, born on September 26, 2016. She joins older brother, Charlie, who is two. Brad is a surgeon in Charlotte, NC and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in that area, including Carolinas Medical Center and Carolinas Medical Center-University.
28
1998
Brandywine Church, Greenville, DE. John Jordan ’80 was lector for the Mass and Danielle Cuoco ’18 was cantor. Josh and his family live in Chadds Ford, PA. Josh is an assistant cross country coach for Archmere Patrick C. Doyle married Kathryn "Kitty" Nicastro on June 25, 2016 at South Seas Resort on Captiva Island FL. Patrick’s brother
Nicholas F. Sanna married Nina Elizabeth
Ryan ’01 was the Best Man. Flower Girls,
Vietri on October 29, 2016 at Saint Anthony
Anna and Niamh, are daughters of Ryan and
Church, Wilmington, DE. Christopher Sanna
Kristen Doyle Highland ’97. In addition to
’05 was best man for his brother; in the
parents of the groom, William and Carolyn
wedding party were Nick’s sisters Erin ’00
Doyle, present and former faculty members
and Tracy ’02, and classmates Nicholas
in attendance were Paul and Trish Pomeroy,
Quercetti ’98 and Jason Hartman ’98.
Jim and Nancy Malseed, and Larry ’73 and
Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem.
Debby Cylc. Alumni in attendance included
officiated at the Nuptial Mass. The wedding reception was held in The Patio at Archmere. Nick teaches Spanish and coaches basketball and baseball at Saint Mark’s High School. Nick and Nina live in Wilmington
1999
Kristen Doyle Highland ’97 and Philip Raymond ’99. Patrick and Kitty reside in Naples FL. Matthew T. Peterson and wife Shannon welcomed their first child, Lila Elise Peterson, born April 30, 2016. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Lila on September 11, 2016 at Saint John the Beloved Church, Wilmington. Matthew, son of Richard Peterson ’73, lives with his family in Newark, DE.
2000 Nicholas and Rachel Cutrufello welcomed their second child, Lorenzo Nicholas, born February 28, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM, weighing nine pounds. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Lorenzo on January 14, 2017 at Saint Agnes Church, West Chester, PA Godmother was Nick's sister, Sherri Cutrufello Schultz, former art teacher at Archmere. Nick is the son of James ’73 and Mariane Cutrufello and brother of Keith ’03 and Emma Davies ’03 Cutrufello, all present for the baptism. Nick and Rachel have an older son, Augustine, who is four. After graduation from medical school in Florida in 2011 Nick went to Albuquerque in 2012 to do his residency. He is currently Assistant Professor of Sleep Medicine at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Albuquerque Daniel M. Kane and wife Lauren welcomed their second child, Liam Daniel, born on June 23, 2016; Liam was 8 pounds, 2 ounces and 20.8 inches. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Liam on October 2, 2016 at Mother of Divine Providence Church, King of Prussia, PA. Dan’s brother, James ’08, was godfather. Liam has an older brother, Davin, who is two. Dan and his family live in Collegeville, PA. Dan owns Kane Insurance Group LL.C in King of Prussia, PA.
Joshua M. Alcorn and wife and Brianna welcomed their first child, Noah Mark Alcorn, born on June 16, 2016; Noah was 7 pounds, 11 ounces and 21 inches. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Noah on January 22, 2017 at Saint Joseph on the 29
News & Notes 2002
2004
Kevin M. Donnelly and wife Angela
Michael R. Blahusch married Lauren
welcomed their first child, Martin Louis, born
Nichole Thomas on November 5, 2016 at
on October 17, 2016; he was 7 pounds, 8
Saint Patrick Cathedral, Harrisburg, PA.
ounces and 20.5 inches. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. baptized Martin on November 27, 2016 at Saint Denis Church, Havertown, PA. Kevin’s brother, Brian ’00, a
Among the groomsmen were Michael’s cousin, Stephen Collins ’08 and Joseph Devine ’04. Michael and Stephen are nephews of the late Father Michael Collins, O.Praem. ’68. Father Joseph McLaughlin,
history teacher at Archmere, was the
O.Praem. proclaimed the Gospel at the
godfather. Kevin works in Commercial
Nuptial Mass. Michael and Lauren live in
Lending at Univest in Philadelphia, a job he
Denver, PA.
2005
Anthony S. DeSantis and Kasey Hacker DeSantis ’06 welcomed twin girls on February 9, 2017. Leah Ann was 4 pounds, 3 ounces, and 16.5 inches long. Nicole Mary was 4 pounds, 13 ounces, and 17.5 inches long. The family lives in Kennett Square, PA.
began on November 1, 2016. Kevin and his family live in Havertown.
2003
Michael ’04 and Kathryn Cunningham ’04 Hall welcomed their third child, Amelia Marie, born on February 2, 2016; she was 6 pounds, 14 ounces. Amelia was baptized
Christian M. Burdziak and wife Kae
on February 5, 2017 at Saint Joseph on
welcomed their first child, Haru, born May
the Brandywine Church, Wilmington, DE.
11, 2016 in Yao City, Osaka, Japan. Father Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem baptized Haru on December 28, 2016 at Saint Madeline Church, Ridley Park, PA where Christian and Kae were married on the same date in 2014. Christian’s sister, Jillian ’06, was godmother. Christian and his family returned to Japan on January 1, 2017.
Amelia joins Logan Joseph (6) and Madison Genevieve (4). Michael and Kathryn are
Christina M. Hess married Frank Gibbs on
anesthesiologists at the Hospital of the
November 5, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic
University of Pennsylvania; they live in
Church in Lancaster, PA. Christina’s sister,
Philadelphia.
Natalie Hess Trento ’03 was the matron of honor, and Christine DiPrinzio ’05 and Kate O’Flynn O’Brien ’05 served as bridesmaids. Many other auks were in attendance to celebrate their special day. The couple met in Philadelphia and currently resides in their beloved South Philly home.
30
2007
2009
2014
Daniel J. McCadden, a lieutenant in the
Gabriella F. Vasile married William
Caroline Rath is at junior at Ohio State and
United States Navy, began teaching at the
Taylor Geib on December 30, 2016 at the
is a Sports Industry major and a Business
United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD
Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and
Administration minor. She was named to
in January 2017. Dan lives at the Academy.
Paul in Philadelphia. Gabriella’s brother,
the Deans List in Fall of 2016. Caroline was
Anthony ’11, was in the wedding party, as
named Big Ten All- Conference 2015 and
Christopher M. Lawlor graduated from
was Jennifer Rounds ’09. Gabriella’s uncle,
2016 and plays field hockey for Ohio State.
Harvard Business School in May 2016 and
Robert Vasile ’75 read the Prayers of the
now lives and works in Manhattan.
Faithful. Gabriella’s father, Dr. Anthony Vasile ’74, escorted her down the aisle.
2008 Alexander M. Daniels is currently deployed with the Air Force in Iraq, serving in weather support. Alex writes that his team is making many contributions toward a better future
Father Joseph Mclaughlin, O.Praem. officiated at the Nuptial Mass. Gabriella is in her final year of medical school in Philadelphia.
for many people. Alex will be in Iraq until
2010
July; his wife, Sara, also in the Air Force,
Brett P. Lawlor had the lead role of Don
is stationed in Texas where she and Alex
Browning in "Leaving Iowa" at The Paul
moved in 2016.
Bunyan Playhouse in Minnesota in the
John “Drew” Earnest is currently a technology specialist at The Washington
summer of 2016.
School for Girls in Washington, DC. Drew has
2013
a BA in History and Secondary Education
Charlotte Rath is a senior at Lafayette
from the Catholic University of America
College. She is an International Affairs major
(2012) and a MA in History from George
minoring in Spanish. Charlotte was named
Mason University (2015). Drew plays on two
to the Dean’s List Spring and Fall of 2015 and
recreational softball teams and enjoys hiking
Fall of 2016. She was also named a Patriot
and biking in the many parks of the DC area.
League All Academic 2014, 2015 and 2016
Drew currently lives in Alexandria, VA.
and plays lacrosse for Lafayette. She was named Team Captain for the 2016 & 2017
Stephen M. Collins returned from a six
seasons.
month Tour of Duty in Afghanistan as an officer in the United States Marine Corps. He received a promotion to Captain on January 1, 2017.
31
In Memoriam Lt. Col. (Ret) Charles J. Garland, Jr. ’70 January 10, 2015
Dr. Henri F. Wendel ’43 September 18, 2016
Mr. William J. McClafferty, III October 19, 2016
Mr. Charles B. Whitestone ’69 December 25, 2015
Son of the late Mr. Harry A. Wendel,
Father of the late Shawn McClafferty
music teacher at Archmere 1939-1945;
’76 and paternal grandfather of
Mr. James D. Myers ’65 April 2016
brother of Martin M. Wendel ’45 (RIP
Bryan McClafferty ’03
Mr. Andrew R. Halko August 27, 2016 Father of Andrea Halko Roberts ’95 Mr. Domenico R. Bonvetti, Jr. August 31, 2016
3/15/15); father of Christopher ’70, Gregory ’75, and Gloria ’80 Wendel; and paternal grandfather of Timothy Wendel ’02. Mr. Frederick A. Schollins September 22, 2016
Paternal grandfather of
Father of William F. Schollins ’64
Robert W. Bonvetti ’98
and paternal grandfather of William F. Schollins, Jr. ’90
Mr. Wayne Curtis Weldon, Jr. ’99 August 29, 2016 Brother of Karen Weldon Donaghy ’92, Kristin Weldon Peri ’94, Kimberly Weldon Piersig ’95 and Andrew Weldon ’01 (at Archmere 97-98)
Mr. John Stewart ’65 Oct 5, 2016 Mrs. Genevieve Bloom October 11, 2016 Maternal grandmother of Bradley ’96 and Brent (at Archmere 1995-1996)
Mr. Carmine J. Rappucci September 6, 2016 Father of R. Christopher ’91 (married to Maria Cole ’94), Michael ’94, and Gina ’02 Rappucci Mr. John J. Commiskey, Sr. September 13, 2016 Father of John J. Commiskey, Jr. ’78 Mr. Robert F. Quinn, Sr. September 15, 2016
Thomas Mr. Richard M. Beck October 18, 2016 Father of Richard M. Jr. ’82 (Archmere
Mrs. Clara K. Terris October 19, 2016 Mother of Alexander Terris ’79 Mr. Anthony M. Vari October 19, 2016 Father of Grace Vari ’19 Mr. Carl Deirmengian October 26, 2016 Husband of Cristina Deirmengian, former Spanish teacher at Archmere (1989-2013) and father of Carl ’92 and Gregory ’96 Deirmengian. Mrs. Patricia Jefferson October 31, 2016 Maternal grandmother of Madison ’17 and Evan ’19 Hernick Mr. John G. Ambrogi ’76 November 3, 2016
Trustee), Christopher ’85, and Peter ’85
Father of Jessica ’04, Christopher
Beck and paternal grandfather of Max
’11 and Michael ’11 Ambrogi; he
’17, Patrick ’18, Riley ’18, and Avery ’19
was football coach at Archmere
Beck
(1983-2015)
Father Owen J. Mullen October 19, 2016
Mr. James T. Collins November 12, 2016
Father of Robert F., Jr. ’79 and
He was a teacher, counselor, and
Mark A. ’80 Quinn
Father of Paul J. Collins ’75, Margaret
coach at Archmere from 1969 to 1975.
Collins Coffin ’81, and John Collins ’86
He was a priest of the Diocese of Wilmington.
Mrs. Dolores McCloskey Bailey November 16, 2016 Mother of William D. Bailey III, ’84
32
Mrs. Mary Katherine Denny November 25, 2016
Mr. Alfred R. Fraczkowski December 21, 2016
Mrs. Eileen C. Moeller January 26, 2017
Mother of James Denny, former history
Father of Kurt ’74 and
Maternal grandmother of John ’98,
teacher at Archmere (1991-1998)
David ’76 Fraczkowski
Robert ’01, and Max ’06 Long
Mrs. Shirley Ann Ciarlo November 28, 2016 Mother of Gregory ’84, Brian ’86 and Sandi ’89 Ciarlo Mrs. Helena A. Coyle November 30, 2016 Paternal grandmother of Kevin ’82 and Eric ’88 Coyle Mr. Robert J. Gregore December 2, 2016 Father of Carol Gregore Borris ’81 Mr. William L. Murphy ’62 December 8, 2016 Dr. Aletha I. Ramseur December 10, 2016 Mother of Tewana ’83 and Paul ’87 (a current Trustee of Archmere) Ramseur Mrs. Mary Louise Owens December 13, 2016 Mother-in-law of Michael Walsh ’80 Mrs. Barbara C. Mueller December 15, 2016 Mother of Barbara Mueller Weyler ’86 and Daniel P.Mueller ’88 Mrs. Lakshmisri Chatterjee December 17, 2016 Mother of Pia Chatterjee ’99 Mr. Daniel T. Regan December 17, 2016
Mrs. Nan K. Storm-Sabia January 2, 2017 Mother of Philip B. (Jay) Storm, Jr. ’86. Mrs. Lucille Protack January 2, 2017
Mrs. Caroline E. Kuhwald January 27, 2017 Mother of Mark Kuhwald ’76 Mrs. Betty Jane Sniadowski January 30, 2017
Paternal grandmother of Clinton ’99
Mother of the late
and Kevin ’08 Protack
John W. Sniadowski ’65
Mr. John J. O’Malley January 3, 2017
Mrs. Frances D. Waldron February 6, 2017
Father of John ’73 and Thomas ’81
Mother of Patricia D. Pomeroy, former
O’Malley; uncle of Samuel ’71, Armand
science teacher/department head at
’74, William ’75, Mary ’78, James ’81
Archmere (1978-2011) and maternal
Catherine ’82, and the late Vincent ’73
grandmother of Paul J., III ’88 and
Pace; uncle of William ’82 and Brian ’87
Melissa ’90 Pomeroy
McGlinchey. Mr. John J. Brady January 9, 2017
Mr. George R. Oliver February 8, 2017 Father-in-law of John Cirillo,
Maternal grandfather of
Archmere’s Director of Finance, and
Lauren Raziano ’20
maternal grandfather of Melissa ’13
Mrs. Pauline S. Zagarella January 21, 2017 Mother of Father John Zagarella,
and Jennifer ’17 Cirillo. Mrs. Stella R, Gehrt February 13, 2017
O.Praem. Director of Guidance at
Mother of W. Thomas ’67 and
Archmere
Russell L. ’70 Gehrt and the paternal
Mr. Domenic J. Martino ’83 January 24, 2017 Mr. Thomas F.X. Rafferty, Jr. January 24, 2017
grandmother of Matthew T. Gehrt ’96 Mr. John Dougherty Jr. ’52 February 15, 2017
Father of Thomas F., III ’74 and Brian J. ’77 Rafferty
Former Archmere teacher and coach (1958-1962) 33
REMEMBERING MR. JOHN
34
“JERRY” AMBROGI, JR. ’76 Jerry’s affection for and goodness to Archmere is legendary. He arrived as a student in the fall of 1972 and in many ways never left the Academy. Jerry was a three-season athlete playing basketball, track & field, and football. During his senior year, he was captain of both the basketball and track teams, and was awarded All Catholic Honors in all three sports. At graduation, Jerry received the Archmere Men's Athletics Medal. In 1983, Jerry returned to Archmere to coach basketball and track & field, but most notably he dedicated his time and talent to the football program. He was named head football coach in 2001. In 2008, when he was named Alumnus of the Year, he was asked if he would ever retire. Jerry said, “I will. I just do not know when. My problem is that each year I say it will be my last and then I introduce myself to the next generation of Archmere students, I fall in love with them, and they keep pulling me back in the mix for yet another year.” Jerry had a simple philosophy of finding opportunities to make a difference in the lives of children. Jerry and his wife, Kristy's most crowning achievement is their three children – Jessica ’04, Christopher ’11 and Michael ’11. Jerry Ambrogi made a tremendous impact on all those he touched especially here at Archmere. We remember him tonight and always. May he Rest in Peace.
35
Inspiring Students to Distinction
Pre-Sorted Non-Profit Org. U.S.Postage PAID Wilmington, DE Permit #2061
3600 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, DE 19703
Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please e-mail us at alumni@archmereacademy.com with his or her new address. Thank you!