JOURNEY Fall 2016
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: The 50 Year Graduation Transit Umbra, Lux Permanet A Man for Others Grit & Grace
AP Goes Global
Not Just a Game, a Culture Journeys of Service
Forward! As we pursue the Austin Prep Journey as a community following in the footsteps of St. Augustine, I’m pleased with both the progress we are making, and excited about the road ahead. I’d like to highlight some of our accomplishments and update you on a number of initiatives that will enhance the Austin Prep experience in the years to come. The Strategic Plan the Board of Trustees approved in December 2013 keeps Austin Prep moving forward on a path of growth and excellence. To date, nearly 85% of the strategic initiatives outlined in the document are complete or underway. From expanding the arts curriculum to the opening of the new athletic stadium to renovating classrooms and administrative space, we have made remarkable progress in the last three years. Progress continues. This past summer, we remodeled much of the first floor of McLaughlin Hall, modified the campus ministry office and Meelia Hall (formerly the MPF) and renovated the health office. With each upgrade, we also become more “green” – advancing a key value of the Austin Prep community. Also during summer several faculty pursued activities to advance their professional growth as educators – activities that were funded by new summer sabbatical awards that the Board of Trustees approved to support teachers. Stephanie Grace, who teaches British Literature, attended an international conference on Shakespeare and several productions of his work in London. Jessica Foster and Nicole Putney, both English faculty, attended the Boston EdTech summer session to learn how to integrate technology into the English curriculum in a meaningful way. Lori Lambert-Osburn of the Science faculty attended a 10-day intensive training program for yoga to enrich the lives of high school students. Thankfully, gifts to Austin Prep’s Annual Fund support initiatives like these. The faculty summer sabbatical program is a tangible example of how your ongoing financial support directly benefits instruction. We continue to nurture the intellectual life at Austin Prep and bring renowned leaders to interact with our students. Last March, we welcomed Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr. as the 2016 St. Augustine Lecturer. Maj. Gen. Whittington is the Deputy Commanding General of Operations for the U.S. First Army and he spoke about the importance of leadership. And in May, we hosted Dr. William C. Campbell, the man who received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine for developing a class of drugs called “avermectins” whose derivatives have shown to have extraordinary efficacy in treating river blindness.
I am also pleased to report that we have recruited Brian J. Ford to lead our college counseling department as the new Director of College Counseling. Brian comes to Austin Prep after working seven years in college admissions, most recently as Assistant Director of Admissions at Boston University. He recently earned his master of education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston University. We continue to make progress upgrading our data systems. Beginning this academic year, we transitioned to a new comprehensive information system that will allow us to better manage academics, admissions, development, alumni relations, event management, and enrollment. Last year Austin Prep had a banner year in enrollment. I’m pleased to report we are at capacity and began the 2016-2017 academic year with a waiting list. We also experienced the lowest attrition rate in years. Both of these indicators attest that an Austin Prep education is in demand. And, as always, we remain committed to providing a quality education at an affordable price in a cost-containment environment. In May, we administered a parent survey through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to assist the Board of Trustees in its strategic and generative work in charting a path forward for Austin Prep. I’m pleased to report that, overwhelmingly, parents provided a very favorable assessment of the Austin Prep experience. In the spring, I announced that we completed phase one of the Igniting Hearts,Transforming Lives Campaign with $1 million committed – and we will build on that foundation to advance the growing culture of philanthropy at Austin Prep. The numerous achievements and abundant momentum of the last three years will keep Austin Prep on an accelerating trajectory of excellence in the years ahead. Our community is vibrant and our future is bright. We travel on a journey of transformation knowing that transformation has no end point. I look forward to our continued work together to make Austin Prep the place we all want it to be. As always, please be in touch with me directly if I can be helpful to you in any way. Sincerely, James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, P’23 Headmaster
Fall 2016
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50
CELEBRATING
Y E A RS
of GREATNESS Five of the members from the Class of 1966 kicked off their 50th Class Reunion during the Class of 2016 Commencement Exercises in June. The group then celebrated after with a small reception. They are, from left, Mike O’Malley ’66, Jim Maguire ’66, Paul Healy ’66, Philip Mothon ’66, and Arthur Ford ’66.
Commencement last June was remarkable. Not only did Austin Prep celebrate the wonderful Class of 2016, it also recognized several graduates from 1966, the very first class. First class would actually be an apt description for both groups. Five stalwart men represented their class on parade and at graduation. They recalled that in 1962, seventeen boys were admitted to the very first year of Austin Prep. One, Paul Healy, went on to earn degrees from Cal Berkeley and Harvard and enjoyed teaching at several leading Canadian universities. Mike O’Malley served in Viet Nam before returning to college and a fulfilling career in the transportation industry. He credits the school with instilling family values and faith that continue today. So does his best friend and classmate Jim McGuire, who returned with the Intramural Golf Championship trophy he had been carefully guarding for 50 years since winning it his senior year! Also a Viet Nam vet, one of four in the founding class, Jim spent a career in the U.S. Postal Service. Now living in Tempe, AZ, he still speaks with O’Malley once a week, a friendship that has truly lasted a lifetime. Also present with another proud ’66-er Phil Mothon, Art Ford recalled rigorous classes conducted mostly by Augustinian priests, 2
who instilled those strong, enduring bonds, although he applauds the successful move to co-education since graduation! As an example, consider Brown University freshman Emma Tilley, valedictorian, who asked 140 classmates to reflect on the Austin Journey each has taken and suggested “We cannot create unitas - unity - without the recognition that each one of us comes from a different place, had different experiences while here, and seeks a different path in the future.” More than 25% of the class earned membership in the National Honor Society. Others were athletes, actors, and community volunteers. All made their mark. And more great things are yet to come. Salutatorian Victoria McDermott is a freshman at the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Recalling many of the class accomplishments that seemed impossible only a short time ago she predicted “After all the lessons we have learned at Austin Prep, I am certain we will all become very successful at our new schools and in our new lives. I can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you all do in college and beyond.” All the weekend ceremonies marked a half-century of excellence and memories. It truly was a commencement of more bright futures continuing their journeys. One can only imagine the stories to come from last year’s class when they celebrate their 50th reunion in 2066!
Fall 2016
“LIFERS” While most of the Class of 2016 were completing four years at Austin Prep, 51 graduates marked another milestone. They were completing seven years at the school. Starting in the sixth grade, this qualified them to be known by the endearing term “Lifers.” Victoria McDerm ott
’16 give
s her salu
tatory sp
eech.
The middle school at Austin Prep is a “school within a school,” and gives some students a leg up taking classes in a prep school environment a few years early, including an opportunity to take language courses like Latin or Mandarin Chinese. Along with fellow lifer Victoria McDermott, Lena Syed started at Austin as a wide-eyed sixth-grader who immediately appreciated the close bonds she had with teachers who were “always there to provide extra help and really knew us as individuals.”
Victoria tatorian stage. e 16 Salu ss of 20 ley ’16 take th la C , 2 a Til ga P’1 mes No edictorian Emm Ja an Chairm ’16 and Val Trustees ott oard of McDerm m left, B
Fro 2.
Syed is attending Simmons College in Boston where she plans on majoring in the sciences, continuing an interest that started in the seventh grade. Jaimee Cooke recalls the close friendships she was able to build with both classmates and teammates at Austin. She commuted 45 minutes from home in Pelham, NH but was able to combine school and a serious youth hockey commitment. That allowed Jaimee to develop the skills needed to play a leading role on Austin Prep’s state champion girls hockey team by the time she was a senior. It also helped her take the first steps toward earning a hockey scholarship to St. Lawrence University. “Everyone at Austin encouraged me to be my best and dream big,” says Jaimee.
Many members
of the Class of
2016 decorated
their mortarbo
ards.
Austin Prep believes in offering students options that will let them reach their potential. For many, starting their journeys a few years earlier as a “Lifer” has been a productive path. 3
Seniors from the Class of 2016 celebrate their graduation on June 4, 2016.
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Fall 2016
College Matriculation 2016 American University
Quinnipiac University
Anna Maria College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Assumption College
Roanoke College
Becker College
Roger Williams University
Bentley University
Saint Anselm College
Boston College
Saint Joseph’s University
Boston University
Salem State University
Bryant University
Sarah Lawrence College
Champlain College
Simmons College
Chapman University
Southern New Hampshire University
Clarkson University
St. Bonaventure University
College of the Holy Cross
St. Lawrence University
Colorado State University
Stonehill College
Cornell University
Suffolk University
Curry College
Syracuse University
Douglas Education Center
The University of Tampa
Elon University
Trinity College
Emerson College
United States Military Academy - Army
Endicott College
University of Connecticut
Fairfield University
University of Denver
Florida State University
University of Maine
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Georgetown University
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Hamilton College - NY
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Ithaca College
University of New England
Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
University of New Hampshire at Durham
Loyola University Chicago
University of Pennsylvania
Loyola University Maryland
University of Pittsburgh
Lynn University
University of Rochester
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
University of Tampa
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Villanova University
MCPHS - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy
Wagner College Western New England University
& Health Sciences Merrimack College
Westfield State University
North Carolina State University
Wheaton College MA
Northeastern University
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Northfield Mount Hermon
Xavier University
Providence College Fall 2016
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TRANSIT UMBRA, LUX PERMANET
*
Roger Stone has served Austin Prep as a teacher and advisor since 1969. In this conversation, we asked him to share his thoughts and feelings with total candor. He was glad to comply.
J: Could you give us an example of what you mean? RS: In fourth-year Latin, students prepare and deliver a persuasive speech on a subject of their choosing. No holds barred — as long as they incorporate Ciceronian structure, figures of speech, and oratorical techniques. At AP, kids are given academic freedom, and they learn to use that freedom intelligently. J: Tell us about AP’s academic rigor and the “no excuses” philosophy. RS: Any teacher can make a class difficult. The first challenge is to turn kids into real students. We teach them how to take notes, study, organize their time, think critically, and work. Do that and rigor comes naturally. Preparing kids for college is what we’re all about. Building resilience in the individual is part of that. In college, only two or three hours a week are organized for you. You’ve got to be able to manage on your own. And Austin graduates are ready for that. They come back and tell us they were better prepared than anyone else. J: What role do parents play? RS: In years past, parents had more faith in the process. They supported us in every way, including financially when we needed something extra for the class. The great majority of parents are still dependable and generous allies. But, recently, a different kind of parent has emerged, intent on removing every obstacle from their child’s path. Does the kid have a problem with a teacher? Get rid of the teacher! Was he caught cheating on a test? Get rid of the test! Despite all their efforts, they are not helping their children. Just the opposite. J: What advice would you give a new teacher? RS: I’d say: you’re going to walk into that first class with the assumption that it’s all about you. It’s not. Prepare, but be ready to drop everything and go where you need to go with those kids. Good teachers always find ways to make it about their students. When kids are engaged, they drive things.
JOURNEY: You’ve taught Boomers, GenXers, Millennials, and now Gen Z. How have kids changed over your career?
J: What was it like when Austin Prep began to accept female students?
ROGER STONE: In some ways, they haven’t changed at all. But technology has had an impact. Knowing they can access any information they need through their phones has rewired kids’ brains. They don’t retain as much. Technology has transformed the way they learn and we’ve had to adapt.
RS: A major social/psychological change. All-male Austin used to be like a locker room with chairs. With the arrival of female students, we became more human and humane. Less stoicism, more feeling. They upped our academic game too. Many guys don’t start thinking about college until the end of sophomore year or later. Girls are working toward college from ninth grade on. They set high standards and they’re competitive. They make up the majority of students in our AP classes.
J: How does AP differ from public schools? RS: Students here can think and say whatever is on their minds. That’s not always the case in public schools. And I believe that makes for a richer educational experience.
*Shadow passes, light remains. 6
J: What’s your most vivid memory of Austin Prep? RS: It’s been 47 years. I’ve got lots of them.
Fall 2016
A Man For Others When Jay Dowd entered the doors of Austin Prep in 1965 he was a student expecting it to be a four-year stop on the way to somewhere else.
Debates over race, war and the draft followed Jay through his senior year at Austin and his first year in college, a year marked by great turmoil in the nation.
Little did he imagine that, with the exception of four years of college at Holy Cross, he would return and spend 43 years enriching the lives of students, parents, colleagues and alumni.
His Austin classroom became the place where his students put Army Lt. William Calley on trial and learned about the horror of war and the events in My Lai in the process. The experience not only got them thinking, it allowed many of the students to go home and discuss the war with their parents, some of whom were veterans.
The Jesuits in Worcester built upon the strong Augustinian values Jay learned at Austin, among them, taking on the responsibility of being a man for others, and spending a career and living a life of service. Whether teaching, coaching, or working for a decade as the school’s Director of Development, Jay continues to give it everything he has.
“That was a memorable class, and very rewarding for me, Brian and the kids.” It has all the marks of a great Dowd class where he says, “The students do all of the reading and analysis. I serve as coach.”
Nowhere gives him more satisfaction than the classroom, where he has witnessed and taken part in an evolution that turns out leaders ready to face the challenges of a changing world.
Jay Dowd appreciates the evolution of Austin Prep. “This is a school where it’s OK to succeed. The students are very focused and committed in school. They play lots of sports and win their fair share. They excel in their community service.”
“Like many in my generation, I started out as the ‘sage on the stage,’ lecturing to students on literature. I hope I did not sound like a tape recorder.”
“Last year on the St. Augustine’s birthday, the whole school headed out to clean up Revere Beach. It was quite a site to see all our students make a collective effort to benefit others.”
But with curriculum improvements and longer classes it was no longer possible to get by with a lecture. So Jay developed cooperative learning skills, engaging students in conversation with one another, and encouraging them to think, converse and problem solve.
Dowd believes in the value of Austin so much that his two children are graduates. Elizabeth ’01 is married with two beautiful children. She runs a wedding planning company. Philip ’05 is a United States Army officer. He currently serves as company commander. They are proof of the value of an Austin education.
One of his most memorable classes was a joint Literature and History project he and Brian Chenery designed and taught for seniors. The English class was called American Social Issues. The second semester’s focus was the war in Viet Nam. The course evolved from his own experience.
Educated at Austin Prep. Taught at Austin Prep. In some ways it may seem like a short trip, but in all the ways that matter, it has been the journey of a lifetime.
Fall 2016
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Grit
&Grace
In the last issue we addressed some four-letter words important to the Austin Prep Journey, among them Love, Hope and Grit.
Austin Prep is committed to developing habits of grit in our students as well as a spirit of joy.
Grit, or resilience, is an important part of character development these days, and crucial for students preparing for a successful college experience.
In class, on the playing field, in serving others, we aim at inculcating both grit and grace in our students.
In a recent speech the actress and Vassar College trustee Meryl Streep talked about traits shared in common by important public servants in history. The key was having a passion for their cause along with a combination of grit and grace. A character mixture of focus, strength and toughness along with generosity and kindness are vital. In a similar vein, Angela Duckworth, the University of Pennsylvania psychology professor and 2013 MacArthur “genius” grant winner, recently wrote “Grit,The Power of Passion and Perseverance” that examines grit, which she defines as the ability to develop and sustain passion and commitment to achieving long-term goals. Finally, New York Times columnist David Brooks applauds the stick-to-it spirit of grit, but adds that it must be combined with genuine love. Getting perfect SATs shouldn’t be the goal, loving your subject and working as hard as possible should be.
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The college preparatory curriculum Austin Prep offers in class and in extracurricular activities is based on the traditional liberal arts approach of leading American schools and universities. In the United States, it’s important to remember that the origin of the term liberal derives from the Latin “libre,” meaning to be free. Thus the content of one’s education is designed to provide students with the essentials needed to be contributing, positive, responsible free citizens in our democracy. At Austin Prep we aspire to develop people for others. We hope they will learn to be good students because they love their subjects, and work hard as a result. We want them to be tough enough to deal with challenges and determined to overcome them. By the time they graduate we hope Austin Prep alumni will be prepared to keep learning over their entire lifetimes, and contribute with grit and grace to whatever communities fortunate enough to count them as members.
Fall 2016
The college preparatory curriculum Austin Prep offers in class and in extracurricular activities is based on the traditional liberal arts approach of leading American schools and universities.
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Not just a game, a culture.
Current families, students and alumni pack the stadium for a Friday night football game.
Austin Prep sports are not just fun and games. Cougar athletes are par t of a mindful, focused program with clear goals and objectives. Surprisingly, winning is not one of them. When Director of Athletics Jonathan Pollard ’97 took the helm a few years ago, after enjoying successful high school and college baseball careers, he had a clear idea of where teams should fit into the Austin community. Both veteran and new coaches are committed to developing true student-athletes who learn teamwork, integrity and responsibility. Selfless, with an unparalleled work ethic, Cougars also must display the highest levels of sportsmanship. AP teams train and compete based on a college model that preps athletes to play at the next level. When you have clear goals like that, winning is a natural by-product and one only has to look at last year’s record for evidence.
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Girls hockey, softball and indoor track teams highlighted the year with the Cougar skaters taking home the State Championship, track winning its first TCL title and softball making it to the state final game. Of special note, goalie Caty Flagg ’16 was named ESPN’s Best Female Hockey Player in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, while Head Coach Stephanie Wood was named Division 1 Massachusetts Coach of the Year. Not only did softball advance to the state finals, but Logan MacDonald ’18 was named D3 Player of the Year and Head Coach Frank Sorrenti was named D3 Coach of the Year. And that’s not all. Girls volleyball advanced to the D3 North Finals. Head Coach Paul Mayo P’01’s golf team finished the season with a perfect 18-0 record while also advancing to the D3 North Finals. Boys soccer advanced to the second round of the State Tournament under first year Head Coach Gary Munsen and Girls soccer completed the regular season 16-4, the second-best record in school history under second year Head Coach Tim Phelan P’14.
Fall 2016
Austin Prep’s sports teams have brought home numerous titles over the past several years, including championships in baseball, soccer, cross country and hockey.
Head Coach Bill Maradei P’11, P’12’s football team was recognized on the field at Gillette Stadium as recipients of the 2015 MIAA Sportsmanship Award. Head Coach Marge Robertson was able to again elevate the cheerleading program as our girls won both the Catholic Central League Championship and the D4 North State Championship. Girls basketball also qualified for the state playoffs under first year Head Coach Maggie Reedy. And Boys hoops made the state tournament for the first time since 2008 under first year Head Coach Eric Polli. Head Coach Lou Finocchiaro P’17’s boys hockey continued its tradition of being one of the top teams in the state as they advanced to the Super Eight tournament for the fourth year in a row! Our swim team once again won the CCL tournament, completing the three-peat! For second year Head Coach Lianne Nihan it’s a perfect two-for-two in the CCL under her guidance. Under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Busby and Head Coach Liz Richards P’17, P’19, baseball and girls lacrosse were able to compile matching 17-3 regular season records while both also secured back-to-back CCL Championships.
Boys and girls tennis continued to be perennial powerhouses here on campus, as both teams were able to once again secure CCL titles, highlighted by boys tennis finishing the regular season 18-2 under first year Head Coach Matt Tiberii. Finally, in outdoor track, the Boys 800-meter medley team traveled to North Carolina’s AT&T Stadium with Head Coach Brad Harkins to compete in the New Balance Nationals! Clearly the year would be considered a success by anyone’s standards. Though all-star selections, MVPs, and championships are great, what matters most is community. Our teams are playing in front of packed stands filled with supporting peers, friends, alums and parents. There has been a cultural change at Austin. The entire school has bought in to what being part of the Austin Athletic Community is all about. It’s not just a game. It’s part of the educational journey for everyone.
Fall 2016
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JOURNEYS OF SERVICE At Austin Prep, “…lives of service to others in the spirit of Jesus Christ” is more than a phrase from our mission statement. In the last year and a half, Austin students have traveled at their own expense to help villagers in Peru and the homeless in Toronto. Both trips had an additional objective: to strengthen Austin’s focus on its Augustinian ethos. The group that went to Toronto was our delegation to an annual meeting of the Student Augustinian Values Institute. The group that went to Peru was eager to apply their Augustinian values in a place where it really counted.
up a spot on the soccer ball I had missed while painting. With that, a huge smile spread across her face. She placed the brush down, and gave me a slight hug before skipping off.” For 10 days, the students rebuilt walls, painted classrooms, and distributed food to homeless families. The plan was to “open eyes and hearts to those around us” and the Austin group succeeded brilliantly, demonstrating the highest levels of Caritas. For more on the service trip to Peru, we urge you to read the detailed notes, including videos, that students posted to our website, AustinPrep.org/Peru throughout their stay.
According to Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School and leader of the Peru trip: “Preparing kids for life in a global society means giving them experience of the world. And to us, that means hearts engaged, hands engaged.” Engaged they were. Remembering a moment at one of the group’s service sites, Kate Horgan ’19 wrote: “When painting a mural on the walls of Sacred Heart School, I was closely watched by a young girl who attended school there. I attempted to introduce myself and greet her in my weak Spanish, but received no response. She remained an emotionless face as she watched me intently with each stroke of my brush. Without warning, the girl touched my shoulder and proceeded to take the brush from my hand. She dipped it in the black paint and touched 12
Fall 2016
Augustinian Education The Student Augustinian Values Institute brings students, faculty, and administrators together to build common purpose and explore the meaning and application of Augustinian values. In October, 2015, Austin Prep was one of 10 schools that sent delegations to a SAVI meeting hosted by Villanova College outside Toronto. Deborah Gray, Assistant Headmaster & Head of Upper School, described the event as an intense four-day program of lectures, group activities, Masses, and service with the objective of imparting techniques for living the Augustinian ethos in the 21st century. The six Austin participants came away with insights and experiences they were eager to share with classmates and teachers.
AP Hits the Beach In a tradition that started in fall 2015, students took to area beaches to help collect trash and debris as part of the school’s Day of Service. In November of last year and October of this year, students and teachers traveled from the school to Revere Beach in the morning for training by the Department of Conservation & Recreation and Coastal Zone Management. From there, students supported beach cleanup and management on Revere Beach, Nahant Beach and Winthrop Beach.
Joshua Bartnicki ’18: SAVI changed the way I live my life by showing me how the church and learning are universal. I was blessed with the opportunity to see people from across the U.S. and Canada come together through Catholic education. Rachel Dumond ’18: SAVI was one of the best experiences I’ve had and it’s going to impact our school in the most positive way. The introduction of Austin Talks during Community Meetings is something I greatly admire after listening to faculty members giving similar presentations at Villanova College. One experience all participants enjoyed was Sandwich Patrol. This is a service project run by Villanova in which kids and teachers prepare brown bag lunches and then roam the streets of Toronto, passing them out to the needy. Gray said that Austin faculty attended an AVI session last winter, as well. In fall 2016, Austin Prep sent different groups of students and faculty to the annual SAVI and AVI conferences.
Last year, the Middle School students remained on campus and made Thanksgiving cards, place mats and rosary beads for the homebound and infirm. They also worked on campus beautification. This year, the middle-schoolers helped clean up the beaches along with the Upper School students. For more photos and a story written by the students about the Day of Service, go to AustinPrep.org and click on the news story.
Fall 2016
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This is a pic of Winchester Cathedral, which AP middle-schoolers visited.
AP
goes
This past summer students from Austin Prep traveled to England and Greece. As part of a liberal arts education we believe that experiences like visiting Winchester Cathedral, walking the steps of a Greek amphitheater, or learning first hand about local culture by cooking a meal together are essential to understanding the world beyond our campus.
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Fall 2016
Global
Several Middle School students took part in a three-week summer trip to England as part of the Independent School Cultural Alliance. They are pictured at the Charterhouse School in London, which is where they stayed.
Olivia Venuto ’21, Aingea Venuto ’19, Emily Happeny ’19, and Anastasia Mastrocola ’19 take a cooking class with their tour guide in Greece.
Aingea Venuto ’19 (in the center of the stage below) ponders singing at the Ancient Theater at Epidauros, the most well-preserved of its kind in all of Greece.
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@
Austin
S U M M E R P RO G R A M S
Who you gonna call? Toastbusters!
That’s not a typo – “Toastbusters” is the name of a short movie, just one of many produced by students in Austin Prep’s Filmmaking Summer Program. The four students who created the film were responsible for all stages of production – they wrote the script, built the props, acted the roles, filmed the scenes and edited all of it into a 5-minute film, complete with a custom soundtrack. “I like to tell stories and I like making movies in general,” said Alyssa Cross ’21. “This is really fun.” There are not many summer filmmaking courses available to middle and high school students that provide the opportunity to work with professional equipment. “I think the beauty of it is they get to work with the advanced tools even at the middle school level,” said Rob Taylor, the technology teacher who runs the summer filmmaking course. “They are usually relegated to using basic video tools.” This summer’s Spielbergs-in-training worked with six professional cameras, two GoPro cameras, shoulder rigs, sliders, and dollies to make their short films. They also learned how to use the Adobe Creative Suite professional editing software. At their disposal was the media lab with a green screen and 12 editing computers. The other summer programs organized by Austin Prep are equally as unique for middle and high school students. The courses teach the skills needed to work in the professional world and provide opportunities to work one-on-one with students. They also attract teens who are not Austin Prep students. Graphic Design participants created their own characters by learning the basics of Adobe Illustrator. They discussed design and its real-world relevance in everyday life, including logos, business cards and invitations, said Heather Jones, the art teacher who taught the summer course.
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For Spanish: Tacos and Tenses, Foreign Language teacher Lisa Theriault was able to tailor the course to each student’s ability. One teen’s family was from Spain and his speaking skills were superior, but he wanted to work on his written grammar skills. While the other students worked on tenses, he was working on more advanced lessons. He then showed classmates family photos from Spain. The class analyzed artwork and photos in Spanish, and discussed cooking and food. The group used the school’s media green screen to create some videos. The course culminated with a trip to a Spanish restaurant. “We get to do things during the summer that we don’t get to do during the school year,” Lisa said. “It’s nice to be able to work with each student individually.” If you would like to view “Toastbusters,” and many of the other short films and music videos created by our budding directors, scan the QR code.
Fall 2016
Fall 2016
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The St. Augustine L E C T U R E
S E R I E S
Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, Operations, First Army Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, Operations, First Army visited campus last March as part of the St. Augustine Lecture Series. Addressing an audience of 800 on the subjects of leadership and service, he stressed the importance of putting the needs of others before your own and sharing the hardships of those you lead. “Carry the spirit of selfless service,” Gen. Whittington said. “Be prepared to accept the challenges that are presented to you.”
Dan Monagle ’16, Maj. Gen. Charles Whittington, and Headmaster James Hickey chat before the 2016 lecture.
Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, Operations First Army.
Brian Montgomery, partner at the Collingwood Group, LLC As former White House Cabinet Secretary to President George W. Bush, Brian Montgomery has witnessed many key moments in recent American history. He shared his memories of September 11th with the AP community in a St. Augustine Lecture in May 2015. Speaking of the first responders he met at the World Trade Center, he said, “These are our true heroes. I think we ought to reserve that title for people who head up a staircase with 50 pounds of gear strapped to their backs to potentially save someone they have never met.”
Montgomery, Dr. Hickey and Yiming Xing ’18 talk after the 2015 lecture.
Brian Montgomery, former White House Cabinet secretary, addresses students and faculty.
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Fall 2016
Class Notes Spotlight
Send us an update on your life, your work, your Journey.
A classic education and the big outdoors – Austin Prep in 1971 As Michael poured another sampling of local microbrews from Rhode Island, we reminisced about Austin Prep in the late 1960s and early ’70s. Michael White ’71 and I (Dave Galvin ’71) agreed that we got a solid education from Austin, and were especially appreciative of our schooling in English grammar and writing, backed up by the requirement of two full years of Latin as well as the attitude of teachers across the spectrum to teach critical thinking. Michael teaches at Brown University, so he sees the challenges many of today’s undergraduates have with clear writing. I have seen similar challenges after hiring more than 100 employees over a 40+ year career in environmental management out west. It pays to pay attention to the basics, and it pays off in the ability to think critically, write well, and synthesize information in these ever-changing times. We got our foundation for these skills at Austin Prep. We had an active outdoor club at Austin when we were there in the dark ages – it was called Explorer Post 706. We hiked, we camped in all seasons, we canoed, we SCUBA-dived, we even organized a three-week camping trip through Europe in 1970. This focus on the outdoors was a key experience for me, and led to my vocation (environmental protection) and avocation (being outdoors in all seasons, skiing, climbing, snowshoeing, backpacking, kayaking, birdwatching – the reasons why I ended up in Seattle). After retiring this past spring, I rode my bicycle across the country: 5,000 miles over three months. I stopped to visit Michael in Providence, RI, as well as Bob Brennan ’71 in Danvers, MA. Bob fit me for a new suit (his business at the high-end men’s clothing store he manages, Giblees Dave Galvin ’71 and Michael White ’71 leave Michael’s house in ProviMenswear in dence, RI, to keep Dave headed toward his 5,000 mile goal in Maine. Danvers) to wear at my son’s upcoming wedding in Seattle. We passed the time as if we’d never been separated by thousands of miles and these many years – one of the best things about old, lasting friendships.
Austin Prep gave me the basics of a good, liberal, in many ways today, traditional, education across many disciplines that has served me well over these past 45 years. I particularly appreciate the focus on basic grammar and writing well, on critical analysis and the synthesis of disparate information – these are key skills in today’s world as well as the fast-changing world of tomorrow. Whatever One of our van camper groups. From left: a Spanish hitchhiker we picked the technology, up along the way, Bob Bigos ’71, Bob Antreasian ’71, Jim Sullivan ’71, you have to be “Butch” Everett ’70, Dave Galvin ’71, and John McCarthy ’70. able to assess new data, synthesize, and communicate well. All are fundamental skills taught at Austin Prep! It is a big country out there, which I have just experienced bicycling west to east, coast to coast. Michael and I remembered fondly the admonition of Fr. (Arthur) Smith during our time at Austin: “There’s a big world west of Framingham,” he used to regularly say. Get out and experience places beyond your immediate locale. Be open to new ideas and new perspectives. Ride your bike across America. I credit Fr. Smith and Austin Prep with the genesis of this crazy idea. Think big. Grab for all the gusto. Get out there and do things to stretch your horizons. Austin Prep is the perfect place to build the skills as well as the attitudes to do so. The world is shrinking fast – time for all Austin students to think as world citizens, not just provincially as we used to, limited to the greater Boston orbit. I can attest that there is a big world out there, Dave Galvin, Class of 1971 For more information about my bike trip, check out http://galvindbiketrip.org. Contact me at galvind53@gmail.com.
Fall 2016
Stay in touch. Email Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, at cakennedy@austinprep.org. 19
The Austin Prep Annual Fund Austin Prep’s Annual Fund supports many aspects of our school, including academics, student life, arts, athletics, tuition assistance and many other areas. The Annual Fund is crucial to our growth and is pivotal to our success. Here are specific items the Annual Fund supported last academic year:
ATHLETICS:
THE ARTS:
The Girls Ice Hockey Team learned it takes 334 hours of blood, sweat and tears (and rented ice time) to become State Champions. The Boys Baseball Team used 367 baseballs on the way to earning the 2016 Catholic Central League Championship.
110 people + 150 costumes + 26 props + 1 Growing Tree + 20 pounds of dry ice = The Nutcracker Suite – an annual holiday favorite – at Austin Prep. More than 50 mat boards are needed every year to frame the artwork of our very talented students for showcasing in the Murphy Art Gallery.
ACADEMICS:
GENERAL SUPPORT:
The AP Literature and Composition students culminated their Shakespeare unit by traveling to Saint Anselm College in Manchester, NH on The Bard’s 400th Birthday. The entire junior class prepares for the college admissions process with in-depth SAT Prep, including two online practice tests and one in-person test. Juniors begin writing their college essays in the course and begin their college applications, as well.
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Renovated and expanded the Nurse’s Office and purchased updated equipment. EPS works with more than 200 light bulbs and lenses for every event in Meelia Hall – from dances, to Masses to Community Meetings.
TUITION ASSISTANCE: 30% of families received tuition assistance.
Fall 2016
STUDENT LIFE: 709 students took part in more than 60 clubs and activities in 2015-2016. Our upper school students boarded 9 buses to clean debris and collect recyclable materials from 3 beaches during the 2015 Day of Service.
ACADEMICS: There are more than 60 Apple TVs in use every day in our classrooms. Three faculty members were awarded a stipend by Austin Prep to pursue summer sabbaticals, and they brought those new techniques, ideas and inspiration back into their classrooms. This helps attract and retain the best faculty.
SAVE The DATE
Alumni Networking Events
Annual Austin Golf Outing
February 9, 2017 (Thursday): New York, NY February 28, 2017 (Tuesday): Washington, DC
May 22, 2017 (Monday) Indian Ridge Country Club, Andover, MA
March 29, 2017 (Wednesday): Manchester, NH April 26, 2017 (Wednesday): Boston, MA
COLLEGE & CAREER FAIR! Calling all alumni - do you live or work near Austin Prep and have a career you are passionate about? We’d love to have you attend and represent your field and company at Austin Prep’s College & Career Fair on the night of April 4, 2017! Interested? Intrigued? Love the idea? Contact Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, at cakennedy@austinprep.org to learn more!
Fall 2016
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AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL 101 Willow Street Reading, MA 01867-1599
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Get INVOLVED Become a class agent.
Every class needs champions to spearhead reunions, share news, and keep everyone in touch. This can be as simple as arranging a small dinner with old friends, or working directly with the Office of External Affairs to plan reunions and events. Want to learn more? Contact Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, at cakennedy@austinprep. org.
Host an Alumni Gathering. Staying connected with your classmates and other Austin Prep graduates is difficult with everyone spread out around the country. Work with the Office of External Affairs to host an Alumni Event in your city. Even small gatherings make a big difference. Interested in hosting? Contact Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement, at cakennedy@austinprep.org.