Austin Preparatory School Magazine
Dynamic Duo The
of Communications
Nicolle Renick, Art & Design Faculty DESIGN
& Dumas
COVER STORY
In a school defined by tradition and achievement, two student-athletes have risen to a level rarely seen—together, at the same time. Fope Ayo and Bradley McCafferty, both members of the Class of 2026, have earned Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year honors, placing them among the nation’s elite and cementing their legacy at Austin Prep.
INNOVATION
In Austin Prep’s Digital Fabrication Lab, students design with purpose— serving children across the globe and reimagining sacred stories. Rooted in Augustinian values, their work reflects compassion and creativity. This is learning that transforms both hearts and minds.
Restored stained-glass windows now illuminate more than the space; they tell stories of sacrifice, conversion, and community. Rooted in Augustinian tradition, their beauty forms and inspires. A legacy once
Archbishop Henning offered a special blessing over the emergency vehicles of the Reading Police and Fire departments, recognizing the service and sacrifice of the first responders they represent.
Students proudly processed as the Convocation Liturgy began, celebrating the start of a new year centered on faith, community, and the theme, “In the One, we are one.”
Even small details, such as the calming fish tank in the Integrated Learning Center, were thoughtfully chosen to create a welcoming space where students feel supported, focused, and at home.
From the Head of School
Building on Mission. Inspiring Possibility.
A mission-driven school that remains dedicated to its values and strategic framework is bound to surpass expectations. Strong and innovative schools that prioritize students, faculty, the community, its history, and foundational values persistently strive to identify the gaps between aspirations and achievements, confidently advancing to higher levels of achievement. This edition of Journey magazine presents profiles of the Austin Prep community working collaboratively to advance opportunity and potential. In these stories, we witness the true significance of an Austin Prep education fueled by confidence, ambition, and a culture of shared values.
The diverse profiles of students, faculty, parents, and alumni showcase the individuals who are the driving forces behind innovation and creativity. Their invaluable contributions have been instrumental in shaping our school’s growth. They serve as enduring examples of what excellence involves, and their mission-driven approach continues to inspire us all.
Austin Prep stands resilient and intact, both on our campus and beyond. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, students, and staff. Their tireless efforts continue to be instrumental in this success. Moreover, the support of our trustees and alumni plays a crucial role in our school’s pursuit of becoming a leader among peer institutions. Austin Prep students are destined to become leaders, and the colleges they will attend and the world they will enter eagerly awaits their invaluable contributions.
When I engage in conversations with students, faculty parents, and alumni, I am often deeply moved by the profound sense of gratitude and appreciation they express for being a part of the Austin Prep journey. These conversations also reveal the hopes and dreams of students and faculty, highlighting how Austin Prep holds immense significance in their lives. This sense of belonging encourages them to seek challenges and opportunities with self-confidence.
The hallmark of an exceptional school lies in its remarkable ability to unlock the underlying potential and unique qualities within each student. It is this profound understanding of the heart and potential within children that distinguishes average schools from the extraordinary.
Whether students captivate audiences on stage in performing arts productions, immerse themselves in the intricacies of modern science in state-of-the-art labs, engage in athletic pursuits on the field and courts, or embark on enriching international journeys with students and faculty, the value of what unfolds at Austin Prep transcends boundaries and endures as a timeless legacy.
For many students, Austin Prep serves as their starting point, a place where a vision of greatness is nurtured. When we look into a child’s eyes, we’re peering into the world we hope will become—a world filled with hope, trust, and love. Our students are always on a journey, guided by faith and the values we instilled in them.
Enjoy this inspiring edition of Journey magazine, which explores the daily activities at Austin Prep. As a community committed to nurturing innovative, ethical, intelligent, creative, and socially conscious future leaders, we will consistently build upon our school’s mission and strengths, embracing the ever-expanding opportunities outlined in our strategic vision.
I eagerly anticipate our numerous gatherings to express my sincere and heartfelt appreciation for the collective progress we continue to make together.
Sincerely,
AP Snapshot
James Hickey, PhD
A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
Caitlin Simmons ’27 and The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston following Convocation. Following the liturgy, Caitlin Simmons stops for a memorable photo with Bishop Reed, whose message encouraged the community to “show up” with faith, purpose, and openness to growth.
Head of School James Hickey, PhD, P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27
Reagan Hickey, special assistant to the head of school
What’s Right, What’s Next ?
Austin Prep’s Partnership with BrightBridge
As the annual production of The Nutcracker buzzed with energy, Casey O’Donnell had a job to do. Working backstage under the guidance of Marla Pascucci-Byrne P’30, chair of art and design, Casey waited for the familiar music to reach its crescendo to cue the snowfall on stage, a moment that added a magic sparkle to the performance. There was nothing ceremonial about Casey’s job. No announcement. No spotlight. Just responsibility and trust.
Mrs. P. did not make a show of it. She took Casey under her wing, entrusted him with meaningful tasks, and treated him as what he is: a member of the team. “He is a thoughtful, kind, and insightful young man whose deep knowledge and love for the arts shine through in every interaction,” she said. “His energy and enthusiasm are unparalleled.”
Mia Kruppa, sister of Damon Kruppa ’20, had a special role, too. As parents and students filed into the auditorium, Mia welcomed them to the show and gave them a folded program. “I met Mia back when I had her older brother, Damon, in my class and Advisory, so it was wonderful to be able to work with Mia this year. She is a sweet and friendly young woman who carefully and graciously handled all our Nutcracker programs, and greeted our guests warmly and professionally.”
For the cast and crew, the message was unspoken yet unmistakable: There can be a place for everyone. These moments capture the heart of BrightBridge, an employment placement service for individuals who are neurodivergent. Founded in 2025 by Maryanne O’Donnell P’20, ’22, ’23, ’25, ’29, the partnership is becoming part of the everyday fabric of Austin Prep. “BrightBridge is built on the belief that dignity is
revealed in ordinary moments,” Maryanne explained. “When someone is trusted with real work and welcomed as part of the day-to-day life of a community, that’s where belonging actually takes shape.”
OPENING DOORS THROUGH MEANINGFUL WORK
BrightBridge grew from a deeply personal place and sense of purpose. “When individuals with disabilities age out of school, opportunities too often disappear,” Maryanne said.
“Nearly 80 percent of young adults with neurodivergence are unemployed or underemployed. While programs and supports exist, employment offers dignity, independence, purpose, and a social network.” BrightBridge serves as both matchmaker and coordinator, pairing employers with individuals and helping those individuals share their skills and smiles with others.
FORMATION THAT HAPPENS EVERY DAY
When someone is trusted with real work and welcomed as part of the day-today life of a community, that’s where belonging actually takes shape.
“
MARYANNE O'DONNELL, FOUNDER
At Austin Prep, individuals from BrightBridge are known as the Kaleidoscope Crew. Crew members work two to four shifts each week, lasting two to three hours, and are embedded naturally into the daily life of the school. Some assist in the Dining Hall, helping to restock supplies; others sort mail or deliver materials to classrooms.
“Austin Prep was the very first place I looked to as a partner,” she shared. “With its Augustinian commitment to unitas, to a community grounded in dignity, it felt like the right place for this work to begin.” As the program has grown to include additional schools, Maryanne envisions continued expansion in locations and opportunities. “This only works when we do it together,” she explained. “Job coaches, site supervisors, and business partners are all part of the same team.”
While BrightBridge is designed to support young adults who are neurodiverse, the program’s impact on the broader Austin Prep community has been just as significant. By embedding members of the Kaleidoscope Crew into the ordinary rhythm of campus life, the program reshapes how students and adults understand work, belonging, and community.
Rooted in an Augustinian vision of community grounded in human dignity and shared purpose, the program moves from aspiration to action, forming students not through instruction alone, but through the lived experience, the unwritten curriculum, of belonging.
Students and faculty encounter members of the Kaleidoscope Crew not through scheduled programs or special events, but in hallways, offices, and the Dining Hall. These ordinary, daily interactions amid familiar routines are precisely where formation takes root and grows. Over time, these moments normalize differences and reframe expectations, quietly teaching that everyone has unique abilities that enrich the life of the community.
The program is formative for students because it meets them where they are. By encountering inclusion early and often, students develop empathy, expand their understanding of ability, and gain the confidence to advocate for others.
These lessons will not end at commencement. They will travel with students into future classrooms, workplaces, and communities, shaping the kind of leaders they will become and the cultural impact they can make.
EVERY ORDINARY MOMENT MATTERS
BrightBridge is guided by a prayer that directs Maryanne’s evolving vision: What’s right, and what’s next? “For us, that question is always about action,” she said. “It’s about noticing where doors are closing and asking how we can open them.”
The partnership with Austin Prep is just beginning, which means the most important chapters are yet to be written. As the Kaleidoscope Crew becomes more deeply woven into campus life, as students graduate carrying these lived lessons into their own communities and lives, the ripple effects will extend beyond campus.
The question “what’s next” isn’t rhetorical—it’s an invitation. How can we move from witnessing belonging to actively creating it? At Austin Prep, that formation continues in the unwritten curriculum that unfolds between classes and curtain calls, in every ordinary moment where Mia hands out programs and Casey cues the snowfall.
THE CREW Top row left to right: Casey, Mia, Patrick Bottom row left to right: Austin, Jacob, Leia, Whitman
Faith Meets Innovation From Uganda to Bethlehem
Faith, innovation, and service are coming together in powerful ways at Austin Prep. Two recent projects from the Digital Fabrication Lab demonstrate how students are integrating technical skill with Augustinian values, creating meaningful work that serves both their local community and the global Church.
DESIGNING HOPE
As part of Austin Prep’s commitment to experiential learning and global citizenship, students in the 3D Design & Engineering class participated in an inspiring service-learning project that reached halfway around the world.
Coinciding with the Christmas season of giving, students designed and manufactured educational manipulatives for St. Mark Deaf Ministries, a
Catholic school serving deaf and mute children in Uganda, run by the Daughters of Mary, the Bannabikira Sisters.
Sister Maria Nassali, a Daughter of Mary who serves as assistant head for Mission and Ministry at Austin Prep and is a native of Masaka, Uganda, visited the class to share more about St. Mark and its mission.
and sisters who learn differently and deserve the same opportunities. Watching them design tools with such care and intention reminded me that technology, when guided by love, becomes a powerful instrument of God’s grace.”
Students used Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs and the Digital Fabrication Lab’s 3D printers and laser cutter. These are technologies they have been fully trained to operate throughout the semester and used to create handson learning tools. These tools are particularly effective for children with diverse learning needs and can be adapted for mathematics, language development, and world studies.
REIMAGINING THE NATIVITY
Using CAD software, laser cutters, and 3D printers, grade 7 students reimagined the Nativity story through a project that brought together faith, creativity, and innovation.
Her firsthand perspective helped students understand the real needs of the children they would be serving and impact their work could have on students with diverse abilities.
“When I shared stories about the children at St. Mark with our students, I could see their hearts open,” Sr. Maria reflected. “They began to see these children not as distant strangers, but as brothers
This project beautifully embodies Austin Prep’s core Augustinian values. Through unitas, students collaborated with Campus Ministry and international partners, recognizing our shared humanity across continents. Caritas guided them to design with empathy and compassion for children with disabilities, thoughtfully considering unique learning needs. And veritas challenged students to understand how their technical talents can address real-world educational inequities and the responsibilities that come with innovation.
THE ANCIENT STORY, TOLD ANEW
for engineering projects, they begin to see that there’s no separation between their faith and their learning,” Dean Foley explained. “These projects show our students that STEM skills aren’t just for solving technical problems because they’re tools for expressing beauty, telling sacred stories, and serving others. That integration is at the heart of what we’re trying to cultivate at Austin Prep.”
The resulting nativity scene stands as a testament to Austin Prep’s commitment to integrating faith across disciplines and honoring multiple pathways to understanding truth.
The project provided students with the opportunity to apply their technical skills to make a tangible difference in the lives of children they would never meet face-to-face but could serve through innovation and care. They gained hands-on experience in human-centered design, deepened their understanding of educational accessibility, and witnessed firsthand how engineering knowledge can serve communities in need.
One student reflected on the experience: “At first, I thought we were just making learning tools, but then I realized we were creating something that could help kids communicate and understand their world better. Knowing that children in Uganda, where the Sisters are from, will use what we designed made me think differently about what engineering can do. It’s not just about building things; it’s about building bridges between people.”
Earlier in the academic year, during Advent, another collaboration demonstrated the creative integration of faith and technology. Amy Foley, Dean of STEM and Innovation Specialist, and Sr. Maria led a project that invited grade 7 students to express their understanding of the Christmas story in new, creative ways.
Using Austin Prep’s Digital Fabrication Lab, students designed and created a nativity scene using laser cutters and 3D printers. Every element, from the Holy Family to the manger and animals, was designed using CAD software and brought to life through digital fabrication.
The project invited students to engage in theology, art, and technology simultaneously. The ancient story of the Nativity was retold through modern tools, illustrating that faith and innovation are not at odds, but deeply complementary.
“When students design a nativity scene using the same tools they use
INNOVATION IN SERVICE OF THE MISSION
Together, these projects reveal a deeper truth about education at Austin Prep. Technology is not pursued for its own sake but as a means of serving others, deepening understanding, and living out the Gospel. Students learn to see their talents as gifts meant to be shared, knowledge as a tool for building up the community, and faith as something that permeates every aspect of learning.
As the academic year draws to a close, these projects stand as enduring examples of what becomes possible when students are invited to bring their whole selves—mind, heart, and spirit—to their work. In designing manipulatives for children in Uganda and crafting a digital Nativity scene, Austin Prep students have discovered the most meaningful learning happens when faith meets innovation and technical skill is placed in the service of love.
NeW parKiNg GOeS beYOND CONVeNieNCe
For those familiar with summers at Austin Prep, upgrades and improvements are commonplace, with construction work often beginning as soon as the final school bell rings. In the summer of 2025, a long discussed project—need for expanded student parking on campus—came to fruition late in the summer, and thanks to quick work from the Austin Prep community, the project ultimately provided nearly 100 new parking spaces for students.
The need for additional parking on campus came as a result of many growth points. First, in recent years, the interest from families in an Austin Prep education has continued to rise, resulting in unprecedented enrollment growth. This has been compounded by the fact that more students are driving earlier in their high school careers as a result
of re-classing—a practice where students intentionally repeat a grade in private school for educational, developmental, or athletic reasons. As a result, parking challenges on campus were growing.
“Quite simply, the number of Austin Prep students who had drivers licenses far outnumbered the number of parking spots on campus,” AJ Benning, dean of students said. “It was starting to place a strain on our physical space and those around us.”
The additional parking needs at Austin Prep had gone beyond convenience. Adequate on-campus parking has become a critical factor for prospective families evaluating Austin Prep alongside other schools.
Ensuring safe, accessible, and sufficient parking is essential to maintaining competitiveness and appeal for a school,
Having
chief financial officer, said referring to the temporary transition of the school’s dining services to Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall to allow for work to start.
“We knew there would
4, 2025. The event was attended by Head of School James Hickey, PhD, and members of the school community, including student drivers benefiting from the new space.
drivers will enhance our campus’s safety, security, and accessibility,” Hickey said. “We are grateful for those who have partnered with us on this project, helping ensure we create
a safer, more accessible campus while strengthening the long-term vision for Austin Prep.”
“ “
so many students at the blessing of the lot, and particularly the juniors as they were the students most impacted by the project, showed the positive impact the
project had on the student experience. a J
especially one serving over 70 communities.
The additional parking dramatically enhances safety, accessibility, traffic flow, and the daily experience of families, students, faculty, and visitors. It reflects careful stewardship of Austin Prep’s physical plant and longterm campus planning.
Austin Prep had been working with an engineer for several years to develop a campus master plan to expand parking and improve campus roadways.
At the end of the 2024–25 school year, Austin Prep submitted the necessary applications to Reading’s Conservation Commission and Community Planning
and Development Commission. Following several public meetings in June and early July, both commissions issued their respective order of conditions approving the project. Shortly after the approval from the town of Reading and Austin Prep’s Board of Trustees, the first excavators arrived on campus, and the parking lot expansion project— one of the most significant campus infrastructure projects in recent years— was underway.
“Given the point in the summer when the project started, it brought back memories of starting the Dining Hall project in 2018,” John Weber,
be an inconvenience and disruption to the community, but it would be worth it once the project was complete.”
Austin Prep turned to familiar faces and alumni to manage the project, namely David Quirk ’84 of Quirk Construction and Frank Capone ’85 of Capone Landscaping, delivering a high-quality final product that not only significantly increased parking, but did so in an aesthetically pleasing way. Work continued through the fall and into the early winter.
“Typically, we look at Labor Day as a hard stop for our facility projects. For this one, Thanksgiving was the goal, and we delivered,” Weber said.
The new lot opened to drivers in the Junior class in early December, with the lot officially blessed by Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, on December
“Having so many students at the blessing of the lot, and particularly the Juniors as they were the students most impacted by the project, showed the positive impact that the project had on the student experience,” Benning said.
The scope, cost, and timeline of the project is considerable, with the entire cost of the project estimated at about $5 million and the cost of parking alone reaching nearly $2 million.
Austin Prep is currently in the early stages of a major capital campaign to support the future of the school.
The funding aspect of the project is off to a strong start thanks to several generous gifts from current parents and alumni.
“Our long-term goal has always been to provide additional on-campus parking as the school continues to expand and grow its programs and offerings. More campus parking for student
BLESSED SPACES
Fr. Patrick Armano blessed the new student parking lot in December, joined by members of the Austin Prep community, including many of the Junior drivers who will benefit from the expanded space.
FROM WILLOW STREET TO THE NATIONAL STAGE THE CLASS OF 2026´S DEFINING DUO
HISTORIC CAREERS CULMINATE IN
GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS FOPE
Austin Prep has enjoyed a rich history of athletic success, with highly regarded teams contending for championships, both within the current NEPSAC landscape and in the MIAA era of years past. These teams routinely had rosters that included noteworthy college bound student-athletes, oftentimes at a rate that exceeded the national average.
Despite this tradition of excellence, Austin Prep may have never seen the likes of Fope Ayo and Bradley McCafferty. And, in the case of these two generational talents, they leave their mark at 101 Willow Street at the same exact time.
For Ayo and McCafferty, two members of Austin Prep’s Class of 2026, success hasn’t been measured just by stats or even their noteworthy college commitments—rather, national recognition. McCafferty, a 6'1" 200 lbs. catcher from Beverly, was named the Massachusetts Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year following his 2024–25 Junior season. Ayo, a 6'5" post player from Methuen, followed that by being named the Massachusetts Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year following her 2025–26 senior season.
The honor, widely considered the most prestigious individual award in high school sports, acknowledged excellence not only on the field, but also in the classroom and community.
“I’ve been associated with Austin Prep athletics for a long time, and [Ayo] and [McCafferty] are two of the most acclaimed athletes that I can remember being part of our athletics program,” Director of Athletics Pat Driscoll ’97 said. “For those two to receive the recognition they have is well deserved and impressive, but for them to be in the same graduating class is truly remarkable.”
On the baseball field, the University of Virginia–bound McCafferty led Austin Prep to a 20–2 record his Junior season, batting 0.367 with two home runs, 23 RBIs, and 22 runs scored, while posting a 0.474 on-base percentage. Behind the plate, he anchored the defense with advanced receiving skills, pitch framing ability, and a throwing arm that consistently altered opponents’ decisions on the bases. A two-time All-NEPSAC selection, McCafferty is ranked as New England’s No. 4 prospect in the Class of 2026 by Prep Baseball Report and No. 3 in Massachusetts by Perfect Game.
“He’s literally good at everything,” Austin Prep Head Coach and Associate Head of School Jonathan Pollard ’97, P’32 said. “As a catcher, he’s a tremendous receiver, a good blocker, and has a game-changing arm. Whether it’s stopping the running game or getting us extra outs, he impacts the game defensively and offensively.”
Ayo, ranked as the nation’s No. 45 recruit in the Class of 2026 by ESPN, will take her in-the-paint process to the University of Michigan next year. She averaged 22.3 points, 17.3 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks this past season, becoming the first player in Austin Prep history to eclipse both 1,000 career points and rebounds. Ayo was the New England Basketball Journal’s 2024–25 Class AA Defensive Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American Game nominee this year.
BRADLEY MCCAFFERTY
“[Ayo] is a wonderful basketball player, an exceptional human being, and a tremendous competitor,” Austin Prep Head Coach Ushearnda Stroud said. “She is super intelligent and is unapologetically a back-tothe-basket player. No one wants to be a big, lowpost player anymore. Not that she can’t handle the ball and shoot the three-pointer. But she sprints the floor, cleans up the boards with big rebounds, and dominates physically. And she is extremely coachable, which is rare these days.”
Their journey to prep school stardom and Gatorade Players of Year has been different, however. McCafferty’s exploits on the diamond, like most, started at a very early age. “I started playing baseball at 4 years old, hitting off a tee in my grandparents’ backyard,” McCafferty said. “I joined Little League the next year in Beverly, where I didn’t play much and was just an average player. Not playing on the All-Star team, just a bench guy, had given me motivation and now it’s taught me that hard work pays off.”
Ayo, on the other hand, not only grew into her formidable frame, but also her interest in basketball.
“It took me a while to be happy being this tall. I mean pants are a struggle, I can’t even lie,” Ayo said. “I didn’t really want to do basketball at all. I didn’t want to do it in high school. I definitely didn’t want to do it in college.”
Despite their national recognition and dominance on the diamond and hard court, the impact of McCafferty and Ayo reaches far beyond athletic exploits. Well respected by classmates and the school community as a whole, their presence on campus is noteworthy. Last November, when Ayo announced she would be attending the University of Michigan, the school’s Heritage Room was packed with students and staff eager to learn her decision. When McCafferty was
presented with his Gatorade Player of the Year banner at a Community Meeting in February, Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall was filled with attentive and engaged students who celebrated the significance of his accomplishment. The duo has been featured on nearly every Boston area news station, with social media engagement hitting peak numbers with the announcement of each and every accolade.
To that point, Gatorade Player of the Year Awards aren’t just given to amazing athletes. Academic achievement and exemplary character are also deciding factors.
A member of Austin Prep’s student government and leadership council, Ayo has volunteered locally in association with the Unitas Leadership Academy, a faculty-nominated role in a program that features mentoring, community engagement, and skill development. Meanwhile, McCafferty has volunteered locally at a rehabilitation center and as a youth baseball coach.
With a collegiate career at Power 4 conference schools next for Ayo and McCafferty, the sky is their limit.
“My long-term goal is to get drafted and make it to the big leagues,” McCafferty said. “I have always pictured myself playing at Fenway Park and imagining how it would feel to make it there.”
“My goal is to be good enough that I can get drafted to the WNBA,” Ayo said. “That would be pretty cool.”
If their journeys continue on this same path, continuing their athletic careers beyond college could become a real possibility, adding another chapter to their shared Austin Prep legacy.
Steward s of Light Preserving a Heritage of Stained Glass
Every day, students pass through countless doors on campus, but one threshold asks them to slow down, look inward, and listen. Crossing into the Chapel of Saint Augustine marks a shift in posture. The noise and urgency of the day give way to quiet. Here, silence is not absence but presence. And in this sacred space, visitors are invited to listen.
ROOTED IN PURPOSE
Over the past decade, renovations of the Chapel of Saint Augustine have enhanced both its function and beauty. Practical improvements, such as a sound system, air-conditioning, and lighting, have made the space more comfortable and accessible. At the same time, additions, such as a center aisle and refurbished pews, the restored marble predella, and new statues, tapestries, and altar furniture, have elevated the Chapel’s aesthetic, contributing to a space that invites reverence and prayer.
The focus on sacred art and craftsmanship reflects a conviction rooted in the Catholic imagination: Beauty teaches. The Chapel’s ongoing renewal reflects a belief that what surrounds us in prayer forms us. Art possesses the power to shape the soul and draw the restless heart toward God in ways words alone cannot.
The most recent chapter in this story has been the installation of historic stained-glass windows. These windows do more than decorate; they shape the experience of prayer. Filtered through story, symbols, and color, light enters the Chapel no longer as something functional, but as something sacramental.
FROM MILLS TO MISSION
The history of the stained-glass windows is itself a testament to stewardship and the shared mission of the Augustinian network. The windows are works of art and faith that once adorned some of the ornate nineteenth-century churches of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Lawrence emerged in the midnineteenth century as a planned industrial city. Boston investors built what was then the world’s largest dam to harness the power of the Merrimack River. Two canals
carried that hydroenergy to textile mills, transforming the region and drawing a largely Irish immigrant labor force.
Many lived in shanties and crowded tenements near the mills, but they built soaring churches that lifted eyes and hearts heavenward. These communities were shepherded by the Augustinians, who offered pastoral care and spiritual guidance amid the trials of industrial life.
One of the grand churches was the Parish of St. Laurence O’Toole, established in 1873. A generation later, a new church building was constructed on East Haverhill Street, complete with a remarkable series of stained-glass windows. These windows narrated the life of Saint Augustine, offering worshippers not only beauty, but also a visual catechesis.
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When that parish shuttered its doors in 1980, care was taken to ensure the windows would not be lost, though the collection was divided. “Some found a home at St. Augustine Church on Tower Hill where they adorn the Baptistry,” recalled Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A. “Others were installed in the rectory of Saint Mary’s Parish in Lawrence, another Augustinian parish, and the Mausoleum of Saint Mary’s Cemetery.”
Eventually, the windows from Saint Mary’s rectory were sent south to Villanova University with the hope they would be incorporated into the residence for the Augustinian novitiate. The windows did not fit the space as envisioned and were instead crated into storage. There, they waited, as it were, for the right moment and the right home.
STORIES IN STAINED GLASS
Each pane invites viewers to slow down, reflect, and enter into Augustine’s journey.
An opportunity emerged for Austin Prep to refurbish the windows. In bringing these windows into the Chapel of Saint Augustine, the school did more than beautify a sacred space. The act reclaimed a piece of Augustinian history and created an opportunity to preserve the sacrifice and spiritual heritage of the Irish immigrant community that commissioned the windows over a century ago. Now, the same windows that instructed and inspired parish communities in Lawrence form students’ hearts of faith, inviting them to see, reflect, and be transformed.
The window at the front of the Chapel depicts Saint Augustine’s conversion in a tranquil garden in Milan. Augustine is shown kneeling in prayer. He hears a voice calling, “Tolle, Lege ” (take up and read), as represented by angelic figures holding a banner. Moving from the garden to the written Word of God, Augustine opens the epistle of St. Paul to the Romans and experiences a profound conversion. Behind Augustine is his friend, Alipius, who shared in his studies and later journeyed with him to Africa. The scene reminds viewers of the power of Scripture to
SHINING LIGHT ON A MOMENT
transform, importance of listening to the inner teacher, and truth that no journey of faith is undertaken alone.
At the rear of the chapel, another window portrays Saint Augustine with Saint Monica, his mother, at Ostia, the port of Rome. In this intimate moment, narrated in Augustine’s Confessions, mother and son share a mystical spiritual experience. Monica was preparing to return to Africa but died before she could do so. This window memorializes that final meeting of mother and son, honoring Monica’s steadfast prayers for Augustine’s conversion and her enduring presence in his life. It is a testament to the bonds of faith between generations and how devotion and guidance shape a life.
In the sanctuary, a third window depicts Augustine giving the Rule to his followers. Here, Augustine is shown in his Roman attire, while the Augustinians are clad in black friars’ habits. This scene highlights how Augustine codified his guidance, ensuring his spiritual wisdom and Rule could be carried down through the centuries. As Pope Leo XIV proclaimed from the balcony of Saint Peter’s upon his election, as Augustinians, we are descendants of Augustine. We inherit a way of living, thinking, and prayer marked by truth-seeking, community, charity, and deep interior reflection.
WHY THE WINDOWS MATTER
For Fr. Art, the significance of the Chapel’s stained glass goes beyond beauty. “These windows preserve both the artistic and faith heritage of a community,” he explained. “They honor the legacy of the Irish immigrant families who commissioned them, celebrating their sacrifice, devotion, and the faith they brought to Lawrence. At the same time, they tell the story of Augustine—his conversion, his relationship with God and others, and the Rule he gave to his followers. In doing so, they bring that story to life for every person who enters this Chapel.”
The windows serve as a visual catechesis. “Windows have always pointed to stories—the lives of
the saints, the Gospels, the great moments of our faith,” Fr. Art observed. “Now these windows tell a story that inspires students to focus on what Augustine was all about: listening, learning, and living a life devoted to God and community.”
The refurbishment and installation of the windows have transformed the Chapel itself.
“The space is more special now,” Fr. Art noted. “These windows are not just decoration; they give a narrative, a path for prayer and reflection. They tell the story of faith, conversion, and a life guided by a rule that continues to shape hearts today.”
The project also underscores the importance of stewardship. There are opportunities for benefactors to participate in this ongoing project, supporting the faith formation of the community. Through the careful refurbishment of these historic windows, Austin Prep has preserved a legacy for generations to come. Each window is thus not only a work of art and history, but a connection between past, present, and future.
In every sense, the windows illuminate Austin Prep’s mission, calling all who enter to witness, reflect, and be transformed by the light of faith.
Christ the Teacher
The St. Laurence O’Toole windows join the window of Christ the Teacher, the image depicted at the very center of the Chapel. This window was originally commissioned for the Church of the Immaculate Conception, another Augustinian parish in Lawrence, and was refurbished and installed largely thanks to the efforts of Jay Dowd ’69, P’01, ’05, a longtime faculty member now retired. The window serves as a reminder during weekly Adeodatus reflections: The community is invited to listen to the Inner Teacher, Christ, who guides from within and calls us, His children, to Him.
Saint Augustine with Saint Monica, his mother, at Ostia, the port of Rome.
Broadway Bound
SCENES FROM A THEATRE SABBATICAL
Katie Clark inspires Austin Prep actors to trust the process, take risks, and find their voice on stage. This summer, she had the chance to follow her own advice thanks to the Austin Prep Fund, which supported her Faculty Summer Sabbatical in the heart of Broadway’s creative world.
The weeklong sabbatical placed Clark right in the heart of New York City’s theater district, where she joined more than 200 educators from around the world for classes, workshops, and behind-the-scenes experiences. The competitive sabbatical grant is designed to support intensive, transformative development for faculty who will bring enriched learning experiences back to students.
Each day brought something new— moments of challenge, inspiration, and validation. Participants selected elective sessions tailored to their craft. Clark’s choices focused on strengthening her work as a theater educator, zeroing in on directing techniques and classroom strategies that inspire students to explore characters and bring stories to life.
Among her electives, one was a dream come true: a masterclass with Tony Award winner Beth Leavel, one of Clark’s Broadway idols. Studying and interacting with the legendary actress was an exhilarating experience.
“Learning from a Broadway legend was incredible,” Clark shared. “What was most validating was realizing her process resonated so closely with what I aim to do as a director and teacher.”
Another highlight of the week was a full-day directing intensive led by the director of Hamilton (San Francisco company), in which Clark studied imagery, movement, and the relationship between choreography and storytelling.
The sabbatical also included four Broadway performances— Gypsy, Stranger Things, Death Becomes
Her, and Clark’s personal favorite, Operation Mincemeat, whose five actors portray more than 200 characters just by changing part of their costume. After each show, she participated in VIP talk-backs with lead cast members and writers, offering rare insight into the artistic process.
Clark also devoted hours to the Museum of Broadway: “It was incredibly well researched, such an enriching deep dive into musical theater history.” The highly interactive and immersive exhibits gave her new ways to teach students about Broadway’s stories, shows, and theatrical design, bringing the magic of the stage into her classroom.
Reflecting on the sabbatical experience, Clark expressed gratitude and renewed inspiration: “This program was so important to me, and I couldn’t have done it without Austin Prep’s support. Being immersed in the world gave me new insights to elevate our work in art and design. I came back confident, validated, and excited to bring fresh energy and ideas to my students.”
INSPIRATION FOR A HIT PROGRAM
Several of the hit shows Clark took in while on her sabbatical in the Big Apple.
High Rolling for a Higher Purpose
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the Austin Prep community gathered in Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall for the annual Parent Ambassadors Social. This year’s Casino Night theme transformed the space into a lively gaming floor, where parents, faculty, and friends enjoyed an evening of camaraderie and friendly competition in support of the school’s mission.
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and Austin Prep families, the event raised more than $25,000 for the Austin Prep Fund. These essential funds support tuition assistance, academics, the arts, athletics, Mission and Ministry, faculty professional development, classroom innovation, and campus enhancements. The Parent Ambassadors’ leadership and dedication once again ensured a festive and meaningful evening that will have a lasting impact on Austin Prep students.
ROLLING THE DICE
2 2 0 5
Left page: Ryan Abraham P’28 rolls the dice as wife Kris tiferanne looks on with Laurie Greene P’29 and Simonas Janusis P’29. Right page top: Senior Committee members, Amy Davis P’26, Deb O’Neill P’26, ’23, ’21 and Allyson Gagne P’26, ’26 receive flowers from Jeanette Vigorito P’27 and Head of School Dr. James Hickey in recog nition of their service and to commemorate their final event together. Below: Shawn Crossman P’29, ’29 took home the prize after making it all the way around Meelia Hall before the music stopped.
CASINO AND CREW Left middle: Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall transformed to casino floor. Bottom left: Parent Ambassador Casino Night Crew. 1st Row Left to Right: Julie Savino P’28, Joanna Liwanag P’26, ’25 Jen Onorato P’27, ’29, Liz Bianco P’26, ’27,Deb O’Neill P’26, ’23, ’21, Jeanette Vigorito P’27, Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School, Deb Mathieu P’27, ’29, Allison Gagne P’26, ’26. Frank Vigorito P’27, Second Row Left to Right, Brian Zapach P’29, Dominic Savino P’28, Maitri Patel P’29, ’29. Anthony Onorato P’27, ’29, Wendy Zapach P’29, Brian Robertson P’28, Joy Robertson P’28, Eric Mathieu P’27, ’29.
The whole experience was a huge honor. I’m truly grateful that I was able to see all of the beautiful sights and sing in so many cathedrals while building relationships with others on the trip.
ISABELLA BIANCO ’ 27
Honoring Courage and Service
Austin
Prep’s 9th Annual Blue Mass
In late October, Austin Prep welcomed representatives from the Reading Police and Fire departments, along with first responder parents from the Austin Prep community, for its 9th Annual Blue Mass for First Responders. This cherished tradition offers a moment to express gratitude to those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.
Catherine Antonelli ’26, schoolwide president, opened the Mass by addressing her classmates. “The Blue Mass holds a special place in our community,” she said. “It gives us a moment to pause and recognize the men and women who put others
Shamrocks and Sacred Song
Austin Prep Choir Journeys Through Ireland
From walking along the Cliffs of Moher to standing at the edge of the Giant’s Causeway where land and legend collide, the Celtic Christmas Pilgrimage and Choir Tour to Ireland was filled with plenty of memorable moments. Beyond the dramatic landscapes, the journey was rich with iconic experiences: kissing the Blarney Stone, evenings of music and Irish wit, and a viewing of the Book of Kells at Trinity College.
Music was at the heart of the journey. Under the direction of Dr. Jessica McCormack, Austin Prep director of music, the choir gave voice to the journey through daily Masses celebrated in some of Ireland’s most historic and sacred spaces. Special highlights included Mass at the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Knock, the chapel at Kylemore Abbey, and St. Mary’s Cathedral in Killarney. These sacred settings elevated the experience, allowing students to connect their musical gifts with the spiritual traditions of the Church.
The tour culminated in the choir headlining a concert at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Performing in one of Ireland’s most iconic cathedrals was an honor and affirmation of the choir’s dedication and preparation.
Later this year, the choir will perform as part of the Youth Choir Festival at the Vatican, and the entire Austin Prep community is invited to join in on the journey. The 2026–27 travel season will also offer opportunities in Iceland, the Caribbean, and United Kingdom.
before themselves every single day. You work tirelessly to protect us, often in dangerous and unpredictable situations, and your courage and compassion do not go unnoticed.”
The Mass was celebrated by The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston, marking his second visit to Austin Prep and coinciding with his oneyear anniversary as archbishop. In his homily, Archbishop Henning reflected on a world often focused on material gain while also noting the depth of faith he sees in young people throughout the Archdiocese. “God invites us to search deeper and ask more questions,” he said. “Let those
questions be part of the foundation you are building here at Austin Prep.” He further emphasized the value of discipline, self-mastery, and sacrifice. “The officers we honor today embody these principles,” Archbishop Henning explained. “Their work requires practice, effort, and risk. They understand the central importance of serving and protecting others.”
Head of School James Hickey, PhD, concluded the Mass with a reflection on gratitude. “We offer our deepest thanks to you, our first responders. May God bless you for the peace you preserve, the compassion you extend, and the example you set. Today, we give thanks for your courage, faith, and witness to love in action.”
Following the Mass, Archbishop Henning blessed the emergency vehicles in the school parking lot and offered a special blessing to the first responders. Guests then gathered for brunch in the Heritage Room with clergy and Austin Prep faculty and staff, while students departed with special Halloween candy bags.
Adding to the excitement of the day, students received a special bonus: a day off from school. In keeping with tradition, Archbishop Henning’s visit coincided with a school holiday, giving students and staff an extended Veterans Day weekend.
Austin Prep’s Blue Mass continues to be a meaningful opportunity to honor courage, service, and the enduring spirit of community.
HONORING THE GUARDS
Reading Police Department Honor Guard Unit with the Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston.
UNITED IN SONG
Austin Prep Choir students visited St. Mary's Cathedral, sharing their musical talents in one of Ireland’s most historic and sacred spaces.
A Lasting Impression
Art, Faith, and Inspiration with Rob Surette
We were thrilled to welcome guest artist Rob Surette to Austin Prep in November for an inspiring visit that left a lasting impression on our students. A nationally recognized speed painter and motivational speaker, Surette is known for combining art, music, and storytelling through his high-energy, large-scale painting technique, creating six-foot portraits in just minutes.
During his dynamic Hero Art presentation, Surette captivated students with bold, expressive brushstrokes, paint splatter, and dramatic movement, all while sharing powerful messages about kindness, imagination, courage, and persistence. These values resonated deeply with our school community and reflect Austin Prep’s Augustinian mission, encouraging students to carry them forward throughout their lives.
At the conclusion of his performance, Surette presented the school with a striking portrait of St. Augustine. We remain grateful to Surette for sharing his time, talent, and wisdom with our students. His unique blend of artistry and inspiration continues to resonate with the Austin Prep community.
Celebrating Achievement, Sustained by Giving
Earlier this year, Austin Prep announced the Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2026–27 academic year at a special breakfast and ceremony. Students in grades 9–11 were eligible to apply, and recipients were selected for their strong academic achievement, meaningful service to the Austin Prep community, and other exemplary qualities.
Memorial Scholarships are made possible through the generosity of Austin Prep families and friends who have established funds in memory of loved ones. During the celebration, students received certificates from James Hickey, PhD, Head of School, and Jonathan Pollard ’97, P’32, Associate Head of School.
We are proud of these students and deeply grateful to the benefactors whose support continues to make these opportunities possible.
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Top: Austin Prep Memorial Scholarship recipients.
Above: Morgan Greene, unable to attend the ceremony, received her award in Dr. Hickey’s office alongside Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, and Associate Head of School Jonathan Pollard ’97, P’32.
Each fall, the Austin Prep community gathers on Fr. Seymour Field to ceremonially open the academic year with its annual Convocation Liturgy, a meaningful tradition that sets both the spiritual and communal tone for the months ahead. This year’s celebration was presided over by The Most Reverend Robert P. Reed, Auxiliary Bishop of Boston, who served as principal celebrant and homilist. The liturgy was live streamed, allowing families and friends to join the moment from afar.
Rich in symbolism and pageantry, Convocation unfolded with the familiar sights and sounds that mark this important occasion. Students processed proudly with their class
In the One, We Are One.
Through honesty, kindness, service, and love, she noted, the community grows stronger and more connected in Christ.
Bishop Reed’s homily blended warmth, humor, and insight.
Lightheartedly acknowledging the start of the school year might not be every student’s favorite moment, he quickly turned to a deeper message about presence and commitment. He emphasized true success begins with simply “showing up”—not only in body, but with intention, focus, and faith. God, he reminded the community, does not demand perfection but asks each person to be present and open to growth, trusting that God will guide the rest.
Austin Prep Convocation
banners, welcomed by faculty members wearing academic regalia, as the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums filled the stadium with music. Reflecting the global nature of the Austin Prep community, the liturgy once again featured a procession of international flags, more than 80 in total representing the diverse heritages of students, families, and faculty.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Catherine Antonelli ’26, schoolwide student government president, who addressed her classmates and introduced the school’s theme for the year, “In the One, We Are One.” She spoke to the call for unity rooted in faith, reminding the community that shared values of veritas, unitas, and caritas guide daily life at Austin Prep.
Head of School James Hickey, PhD, formally welcomed the community into Austin Prep’s 63rd academic year. Echoing the theme, he reflected on the call to unity in Christ, urging students and faculty alike to recognize the face of Christ in one another and to live that unity in their daily interactions.
The liturgy traditionally concludes with a symbolic and timehonored moment: the Senior Class Representatives raise their class banner. The banner hangs prominently in Meelia Hall throughout the year as a visible reminder of the leadership, responsibility, and shared journey of the senior class, and it is lowered at Baccalaureate Mass in May.
From top to bottom: Students proudly displayed international flags during Convocation, celebrating the diverse cultures and backgrounds represented throughout the Austin Prep community. Catherine Antonelli ’26, school-wide student government president, welcomed the community and introduced the year’s theme, “In the One, We Are One.” Michael Brosnan ’26, school-wide student government vice-president and Katarina Burke ’27 carried their class banners as part of the Convocation procession, a tradition that marks the start of the academic year.
One Heart, Many Ways of Learning
Austin Prep’s Richard J. Meelia ’67 Center for Integrated Learning embodies an Augustinian vision of dignity and collaboration, honoring the unique gifts of every learner and living out the promise of Catholic education.
During the 2025–26 academic year, few developments better reflected the school’s continued momentum than the opening of this new center. What began as a carefully planned summer 2025 transformation of former classrooms has become a vibrant hub of
daily activity, supporting students while reinforcing Austin Prep’s belief that learning is both personal and communal.
At its core, the center exists to meet students where they are and help them understand how they learn best. When students
recognize their strengths and receive the right support, they discover that persistence matters more than perfection, and each has something meaningful to contribute.
More than a renovation or a new program, the center represents the realization of intentional planning, educational vision, and philanthropic partnership. It reflects Austin Prep’s conviction that inclusive education, grounded in Augustinian values and strengthened through generosity, enriches the entire community.
Support is designed to be integrated into classroom life whenever possible, reinforcing the belief that when one student thrives, the whole community grows stronger.
LEADERSHIP AND APPROACH
The center is led by Director of Integrated Learning Jennifer Brogan and supported by a fulltime team of experienced educators. Austin Prep’s St. Ambrose Fellows—teachers specially trained to mentor diverse learners—guide students in developing executive functioning skills, self-advocacy, and resilience.
A VISION ROOTED IN AUGUSTINIAN VALUES
Inspired by St. Augustine’s call to balance reflection with service, the center integrates instruction, support, and care within the school’s shared life.
Nearly one in four students nationwide learns differently, and Austin Prep is no exception. The center expands the school’s learning support system while affirming a core Augustinian truth: Students are not defined by challenges but recognized for their dignity and potential.
access to the curriculum from grades 6–12.
SUPPORTING THE WHOLE PERSON
Beyond academic support, the center offers executive functioning coaching, reading and writing support, and small-group instruction—services that reflect Austin Prep’s commitment to holistic formation.
By strengthening organization, resilience, and self-awareness, students gain skills that extend beyond the classroom.
A student shared how that confidence shows up daily: “The support here helps me stay organized and feel prepared. It’s made school less overwhelming and helped me believe I can succeed.”
A CULTURE OF COLLABORATION
A PLACE AT THE HEART OF CAMPUS
“Our purpose is to inspire every learner to discover their strengths, rise to challenges, and take ownership of their growth,” Brogan explained. “In partnership with families, we support students’ needs while celebrating who they are becoming.”
Faculty employ researchinformed practices, such as Universal Design for Learning, flexible grouping, embedded technology, and executive functioning support. Students with documented learning differences receive Austin Prep Accommodation Plans that ensure meaningful
As Teaching and Learning Specialist Laurie Ford notes, “When students develop planning, organization, and reflection skills, they gain more than academic strategies; they gain confidence and independence.”
A defining feature of the center’s success is Austin Prep’s sustained investment in faculty collaboration. Weekly early-release Wednesdays provide time for professional learning, interdisciplinary planning, and partnership with learning specialists. These conversations are central to teaching. By creating space for shared reflection and inclusive lesson design, Austin Prep affirms that excellent teaching grows through collaboration.
Located adjacent to the Chapel of St. Augustine and the Fr. Smith Library, the center sits at the intersection of prayer, study, and community. Its thoughtfully designed 1,000-square-foot space includes tutoring rooms, testing areas, collaborative workspaces, and quiet study zones—all created to foster belonging. Even small details, like the calming fish tank, reflect the center’s emphasis on care and welcome.
INSPIRED BY VISION AND GENEROSITY
The Center for Integrated Learning is the result of strategic planning, educational foresight, and the generosity of benefactors who believe deeply in mission-driven, inclusive education.
Human dignity is not something we earn through achievement; it is something we honor by how we care for one another. The Meelia Center reflects our belief that education guided by love forms not only strong students, but also strong communities.
DR. JAMES HICKEY, HEAD
OF SCHOOL
As a key initiative within Austin Prep’s strategic priorities, philanthropic support helped bring the center from concept to reality—sustaining faculty formation, expanding student services, and strengthening a culture in which every learner is known and valued. Their partnership created more than a physical space. It advanced Austin Prep’s ability to live its Augustinian mission with greater depth and clarity.
A MISSION IN ACTION
The center helps students understand their learning, build confidence, and advocate for themselves.
“Success at Austin Prep is not a single moment,” Hickey said. “It is a formation of heart and mind. The Meelia Center plays an important role in helping students develop the resilience to persist and the confidence to grow.”
For students, it offers something enduring: a place where they are supported, challenged, and invited to flourish.
The Richard J. Meelia ’67 Center for Integrated Learning At a Glance
PURPOSE
Supports diverse learners through integrated, research-informed practices that strengthen teaching and learning for all students
KEY SUPPORTS
• Integrated academic support within classroom learning
• Individualized Austin Prep Accommodation Plans ( grades 6–12)
• Executive functioning coaching
• Evidence-based reading and writing support
• Small-group and one-to-one instruction
• Testing accommodations, including reduceddistraction spaces
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
1,000-square-foot space featuring tutoring rooms, testing areas, collaborative workspaces, quiet study zones, and a welcoming common area
WHOLE-PERSON FORMATION
Supports intellectual, social, emotional, and spiritual development rooted in Augustinian values
MADE POSSIBLE BY
Strategic vision and the generosity of Austin Prep benefactors committed to inclusive, missiondriven education
LEARN MORE AND SUPPORT
To learn more about services, contact Jennifer Brogan, MEd, director of integrated learning, at Jennifer. Brogan@austinprep.org or 781-944-4900 x4938.
To support the center’s mission, contact the Development Office at development@austinprep.org or 781-944-4900 x4926
Champions of Giving
A Shared Commitment to Mission and Community
At Austin Prep, generosity reflects a shared commitment to faith, community, and the formation of young people who will lead lives of purpose. Our donors give because they believe deeply in the school’s mission and the impact an Austin Prep education has on students and families.
Mike and Karen Bravo P’18, ’20, have supported Austin Prep through philanthropy and service, including the Bravo Family Flagpole and leadership on the board of trustees.
Dan Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15, transformed the baseball complex through visionary generosity, creating the Bouchard Pavilion as a place of community and pride.
Steve Burke ’77 is a trustee emeritus who represents a multigenerational family commitment to Austin Prep, shaped by athletics, community, and lifelong connection.
Jessica and Patrick Driscoll ’97 give as an expression of faith and gratitude, supporting student life through projects, such as the Boys Hockey Locker Room.
The Champions of Giving program honors the individuals and families whose generosity has strengthened Austin Prep and expanded what is possible for our students. Their support has enhanced learning spaces, broadened opportunity, and reinforced the values of truth, unity, and love that guide our work each day. The individuals highlighted here represent the first eight Champions of Giving, whose stories helped launch this initiative.
Dan Little P’20, ’22, ’23, ’25, ’27, helped create Regis Paul Little Field, strengthening the baseball program while honoring his father’s legacy.
Richard Meelia ’67 has been a faithful supporter for more than fifty years, guided by compassion, service, and belief in young people.
Tony Pimentel P’99, ’01 GP’27, ’29, is the owner of Pimentel Construction who has supported Austin Prep through leadership and expertise, helping shape the campus that serves students.
David D. Quirk ’84 is a leading New England builder who has paired professional excellence with generosity, enhancing spaces where students learn and grow.
Additional champions are featured on the Champions of Giving page on our website. To learn more about supporting Austin Prep or being featured, contact the Development Office at development@austinprep.org or 781-944-4900 x4926
IN PARADISIUM
You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless, until they rest in You.
AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354–430), IN CONFESSIONS
TRACY CALLAHAN
Mother of Adia Murphy ’27
CYPRIANA COELHO
Mother of Julia Coelho ’27
PETER DEMAKES
Father of Mariella Demakes ’27
MATTHEW DRISCOLL
Brother of Sarah Driscoll ’29
STEPHEN FERREIRA ’83
RICHARD GALLAGHER
Father of Catherine Gallagher ’22
MICHAEL KEENAN ’66
BRIAN LORANCE ’04
WILLIAM MARTIN
Father of John Martin ’85
JAMES MCADAM Former Coach
RUTH MCDONALD
Mother of David MacDonald ’79 and John (Jack) MacDonald ’77
Grandmother of Sean MacDonald ’10 and David MacDonald ’08
CHRISTOPHER MINOR
Father of Victoria Minor ’28
WILLIAM MOODIE
Father of Nora Moodie ’26
DWIGHT O’HARA ’86
FRANK RUSSO
Father of Brian Russo ’09
CHARLES RYAN
Father of Sean Ryan, Faculty
Grandfather of Max Ryan ’29 and Layla Ryan ’30
THOMAS SHEEHAN ’72
RICHARD SHULTZ
Father of Nicholas Shultz ’14
CHRISTINE DIANE TILLEY Former Faculty
VERONICA TUCKER
Mother of Brendan McCarthy ’22 and Bridget McCarthy ’19
WILHELMINA VENO
Mother of Jonathan Veno ’88 and Edward Veno ’85
This list contains the names shared with us as of April 30, 2026. If you would like to list a loved one in Journey magazine, contact Susan Belanger, assistant head of school, administration and special projects, at sbelanger@austinprep.org
ClassNotes
Updates on the lives, careers, and journeys of AP alumnus.
BABY BOOM
Meet Austin Prep’s newest additions.
2006
Katie O’Neil ’06 and husband Josh McKinnon welcomed their second son, Theodore Jay O’Neil-McKinnon (right), on April 18, 2025. He joins big brother Oliver James.
2012
Alexandra (Dell’Anno) Galezowski ’12 and husband Matthew welcomed their first child, a daughter, Flora Marie on Friday, May 16, 2025.
1982 OF NOTE Exciting life news from AP alums.
Frank Caruso’s ’82 grandkid count is up to 10 (Megan, Kaelyn, Alijah, Michael, Hartley, Tucker, Madeline, Maya, Patrick, and Maeve).
2022
Maeve Carey ’22 was named the captain of the Boston University women’s hockey team for the 2025–26 season.
HAVE SOME NEWS FROM YOUR JOURNEY YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE AP COMMUNITY?
Send your photos and stories to the Office of Alumni Relations at darren.stewart@austinprep.org
Austin Prep alums who recently tied the knot.
2004
Renee Lee ’04 and her partner, Miro Kazakoff, celebrated their commitment on October 12, 2025, in Boston. Surrounded by loved ones and a vibrant splash of color, Renee even wore a dress she airbrushed herself to match her hair.
2020
Elizabeth (D’Angelo) Sampson ’20 married Andrew Sampson on August 1, 2025.
2022
Nikki Theriault ’22 and Ernie Little ’22 recently got engaged!
Austin Prep alums achievements and move.
1968
William E. Shakalis ’68 was awarded upon retirement Professor Emeritus, Associate Librarian, at Worcester State University.
James Betses ’71, after earning a degree in special education, spent 45 years in the auto industry, advancing from salesman to sales manager, finance director, and ultimately owner. He is also a partner with his brother, David, in Compliments Gallery in Kennebunkport, Maine. Married 51 years to his high school sweetheart, Maureen Deignan, he is now retired and a member of the Marlborough Country Club.
1977
1985
Robert Ficociello ’85, after a decade in the sciences, earned an MFA and a PhD in English. In January 2026, he published his children’s book, Lucia and Marcus Go to Space: Jupiter!, inspired by his own children and designed to show young readers ages 4–8 a confident female leader and a chatty male educator.
Michael McDade ’85, (below) retired from the Burlington Police Department as a lieutenant detective after 30 years. His career began in Barnstable in 1988, included time in Florida, and brought him back to his hometown in 1993.
Meghan Phelan ’14 married Ryan Moskos this past August.
Meghan is a litigation attorney for the downtown Boston Law Firm Rubin and Rudman and lives in Swampscott.
Ed Coyne ’77 retired as a network architect and consultant.
Kurt Meyer ’77 retired in February 2025. He stays active mentoring and teaching. He volunteers with SCORE, a national nonprofit providing business guidance and resources, and guest lectures at Pacific Lutheran University. He also enjoys being a proud grandparent to his 3-year-old granddaughter.
Joe Zarella ’77 recently retired from a career in telecom, ed-tech, and info-tainment. He held leadership roles at Sirius XM, multiple startups, and served as CXO in public companies. Married 37 years, he and his wife, Mary, raised three accomplished children and live in Great Falls, Virginia, with their golden retriever, Fenway. He enjoys golfing, traveling with family, and reflects that his Austin Prep education—and “occasional discipline”—helped shape his career and life.
1980
Bob Baldassari ’80, (right) is now living outside Lexington, Kentucky. He is part of The Woodford Club golf ownership and management team through his company, Reimagine Golf. He created the annual LPGA Legends senior tour tournament, The Woodford Legends Invitational, and in 2025, founded the Kentucky Golf Trail golf tourism company. He was recently elected secretary of the PGA of America’s Kentucky Section.
Austin Prep alums achievements and move.
1989
Bill Driscoll ’89 continues to lead at Austin Prep as the dean of faculty. He wrote an article on Augustinian Spirituality that was published in a recent edition of the Journal of Catholic Education
1990
Rob Percival ’90, in January 2026, began a new role as head of ABLE Solutions at Ascensus in Newton, leading the company’s work on disability-related savings plans that help individuals save for long-term needs.
2000
2004
Elizabeth (Rheaume) White ’04, a world history teacher for 18 years, was inspired by the Austin Prep teachers she had as a student. Married six years, she and her husband live in Tampa, Florida, with their two dachshunds.
2014
REUNION
Austin Prep alums reconnecting.
1985
The Class of 1985 gathered on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Austin Prep for their 40th reunion. The evening began with a campus tour and concluded with a memorable dinner. Former longtime faculty member and alumnus Jay Dowd ’69 stopped by to visit his former students, a highlight for all in attendance. Special thanks to John Martin ’85 and Ed Veno ’85 for their help in making the reunion a success.
Gregory Williams ’14, spent two years in Australia as a vocational teacher for at-risk youth. He is now a fifth-grade math, science, and social studies teacher in South Carolina. He and his wife have settled in Fort Mill, where they share their home with their beloved dog, Posie.
Andrea (Motta) Hatziyannis ’00 credits Austin Prep’s strong educational foundation for launching her life journey. Now a senior category strategy manager at Sprouts Farmers Market, she oversees product decisions and private label development. Her role brought her family from Massachusetts to the Phoenix area, where they enjoy the year-round sunshine. She also serves a five-year term on the USDA National Organic Standards Board, appointed in January 2025 to represent retailers.
2003
Karlee (Binnig) Dana ’03, after graduating from Austin Prep in 2003, earned a BA in psychology with a minor in business studies from Providence College in 2007. Following eight years in event marketing, she realized at age 30 that her passion was nursing. She earned her BSN from Northeastern University in 2015 and most recently completed her MSN at the University of New Hampshire. She encourages others with this advice: It’s never too late to find your path, and changing careers is worth it if it leads to what truly makes you happy.
Gabriela Asare ’22 graduated from Bunker Hill Community College and is now working in veterinary medicine.
2025
Austin Prep continued the tradition of welcoming back our newest alumni class for breakfast the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Over 80 members of the Class of 2025 gathered in the Dining Hall to connect with classmates, faculty, and staff as a kick-off to the holiday weekend. It was great to see so many of you. Thank you for coming back to campus!
2020
The Class of 2020 celebrated their five-year reunion on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. Head of School Dr. James Hickey hosted the class at Austin Prep for a reception and toast to kick off the evening, after which over 60 classmates headed into Boston to continue the celebration. Having missed many senior-year milestones, it was wonderful to see their smiling faces back on campus, enjoying each other’s company. Special thanks to Elizabeth Boucher ’20 and Cecilia Hall ’20 for helping organize such a memorable night.
Random Reunion
Serendipitous AP Reunion at Army-Navy Hoop Game, Victor Villarroel ’24 /Navy ‘28 and Tait O'Koniewski '25/West Point ‘29 back to campus!
Alumni Spotlights
Paul F. Healy ’66
RESIDENCE IN ’66
Stonehan, Massachusetts
RESIDENCE TODAY
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
FAVORITE CAR IN ’66
1964 Chevy Impala Convertible
SS 327 (prom car)
FAVORITE TODAY
Corvette
LIFETIME FAVORITE
1967 VW Beetle, drove from Yosemite to Cambridge with new bride
FAVORITE BANDS/SONGS IN ’66
Beach Boys and Motown, plus Chicago, Doobie Bothers, and Bob Dylan
FAVORITES TODAY
Beach Boys and anything on Sirius XM ’60s channel
From fifth grade on, Paul Healy knew exactly what he wanted to be: an archaeologist. After Austin Prep, he set his sights westward, enrolling at the University of California, Berkeley, drawn not only by its academic reputation, but also by his girlfriend, Doreen, whose family had relocated there. He graduated in 1970 with a degree in anthropology, though his first job took an unexpected turn: selling coffee and coffee machines throughout the Bay Area. Despite an appreciation for good coffee, Healy soon returned east to pursue his doctorate in anthropology at Harvard University.
After two years teaching at Rutgers University, Healy accepted what he imagined would be a short-term appointment at Trent University in Ontario to help launch a new anthropology program. That “two-year stop” became a 40-year career. Before retiring in 2013, Healy served as department chair, held numerous leadership roles, and authored six books along with many scholarly articles. His fieldwork took him to seven countries and offered adventures worthy of the big screen.
There were Indiana Jones–like expeditions: riding horseback to a remote mountainside cave and being lowered by rope to retrieve ceramic vessels dating to 1000 BC; hacking through dense jungle with machetes to uncover a Mayan temple; and discovering a royal tomb, the remains adorned with jade and seashells. It was, as Healy modestly puts it, “the real deal.”
In retirement, Healy devotes his time to volunteering at a local food bank, traveling with Doreen, his wife of 55 years, and visiting their two married children and five grandchildren. He credits his years at Austin Prep with providing the discipline and critical thinking skills that became the bedrock of his distinguished career.
ADVICE TO AUSTIN PREP STUDENTS
“Take full advantage of opportunities, and use time wisely.”
This is the second installment of our special alumni series, inspired and written by Robert Rose ’69. What began as a reconnection with his fellow classmates has grown into an exploration of the diverse journeys Austin Prep alumni have taken since graduation. Each spotlight continues to offer a window into the lives of our graduates, celebrating their accomplishments, sharing their stories, and passing along insights gained along the way. Through these personal narratives, we hope to bring you closer to the experiences, passions, and wisdom of the Austin Prep community.
Alfred Zappala ’68
RESIDENCE IN ’68
Lawrence, Massachusetts
RESIDENCE TODAY
Aci Catena, Sicily, Italy
FAVORITE CAR IN ’68
1962 Chevy Impala (car of first accident, hitting a pole on campus)
LIFETIME FAVORITE
Toyota 4Runner
FAVORITE BAND IN ’68
Rolling Stones
FAVORITE TODAY
Rolling Stones
After graduating from Austin Prep, Al Zappala continued his academic and athletic career at Boston College, where he played football until an injury curtailed his time on the field after his sophomore year. Undeterred, he transferred to New England University, earning his degree with plans to teach and coach. He went on to do just that, serving students and athletes at Methuen High School and Fitchburg State University.
At 36, Zappala embarked on an entirely new chapter, entering the field of law. He became a founding trustee and graduate of Massachusetts School of Law, helping to launch the Andover institution while building a successful local practice. Though his legal career flourished, his passion for teaching never waned. He later founded MTS Law Review, a bar preparation program that has guided thousands of aspiring attorneys. Over the years, he has also taught and mentored students at Suffolk University, Northeastern University, New England School of Law, and University of Massachusetts.
Sicily, however, would become the setting for yet another remarkable chapter. At his father’s request, Zappala traveled to the Church of St. Alfio to offer prayers for him and his grandfather. In that quiet moment, he felt a profound sense of belonging. Though the move took time, Zappala has now called Sicily home for 15 years, alongside his life partner, Eszter, a talented journalist and television producer.
True to form, the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped his career in education and law has flourished abroad. Together, Zappala and Eszter founded an English language school, launched travel and specialty goods enterprises, and authored five books and a travel guide. Zappala continues to practice law, consult, and lead tours, blending his professional expertise with his love of Sicilian culture.
Zappala is the proud father of three children and grandfather to four. He carries with him fond memories of Frs. Faye, Schenk, and Morgan, who still recalls Zappala’s deft command of iambic pentameter, a testament to the enduring influence of his Austin Prep years.
ADVICE TO AUSTIN PREP STUDENTS
“Save 10% of earnings, and enjoy the wonders of compound interest.”
AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
101 Willow Street, Reading, MA 01867-1599
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Stay Connected
The Office of Alumni Relations will continue to share Austin Prep updates with our alumni community via email. Don’t miss out on class updates or what is happening around campus. If you are not sure that we have your current contact information, please visit www.austinprep .org/alumni/stay-connected to share your current information with us.
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Share Your Journey
We want to follow your journey beyond Austin Prep. Please share your updates, including academic and athletic accomplishments, career milestones, marriages, births, and any of life’s other big announcements. We want to celebrate YOU! www.austinprep.org/alumni/stay-connected
Weddings and Onesies!
Are you getting married? The Office of Alumni Relations will lend you an Austin Prep banner for photos at your wedding.
Did you recently welcome a new cougar into your family? Let us know, and the Office of Alumni Relations will send along one of our Austin Prep baby onesies.
Office of Alumni Relations
781-944-4900 ext. 4862 www.austinprep.org
Alumni Reunions, Events, and Happenings
Save-the-date for these upcoming 2026 events
ALUMNI BASEBALL GAME
CLASS OF 1976 REUNION
ALUMNI RED SOX GAME
DAY OF GIVING
CLASS OF 2026 ALUMNI BREAKFAST
August 2026
Fall 2026
September 2026
November 13, 2026
November 25, 2026
To learn more about our alumni events, please visit www.austinprep.org/alumni.
Support Austin Prep
For over sixty years, Austin Prep has created an academic experience to meet the ever-changing needs of its students in the classroom and beyond.This is an accomplishment made possible through the school’s unwavering commitment to veritas, unitas, and caritas, as well as the continued support and generosity of the Austin Prep community—of parents, grandparents, alumni and friends.
The Austin Prep Fund is the cornerstone of fundraising at Austin Prep and provides annual, flexible dollars for key programs and priorities, and the funding to address unforeseen needs throughout the year.Your gift makes an indelible impact on current students, as well as future students.Your gift makes the extraordinary possible at Austin Prep.
Visit www.austinprep.org/support-austin-prep or simply scan the QR code.
Take a Tour of Campus Today
Alumni are welcome to make an appointment to 101 Willow Street for an exclusive tour of campus update.
