Cardinal Connection - 2022-2023

2 02 3

CARDINAL

The Bishop Ireton High School Magazine

CONNECTION Advance Always in Christ Through the Legacy of the Gentle Saint, Francis de Sales

Adding to the Nest page 13

Honoring our Faith, Building on Tradition page 21

Sonia is Super page 39

about the cover The cover features a mosaic of the front of Bishop Ireton made up of the photos of the 2022-2023 students, faculty and staff.

BISHOP IRETON 2022-2023 BOARD OF GOVERNORS

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION

Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, Head of School Dr. Timothy Guy, Principal Mr. Martin Marinoff, Jr. ‘68 - Chair Rev. Noah Morey, Chaplain and Mr. John Riley ‘77 - Vice Chair Campus Ministry Director Mrs. Barbara Dalmut - Secretary Mr. Dwayne Bryant, Athletics Director Mr. James Barker Mr. Chris Gilliland, Advancement Director Mrs. Michaelin Kastantin Barsness SMA ‘87 Mrs. Nicole Mahon, Admissions Director Mr. Dan Blaine ’03 Mr. Joshua Goldman, Communications Deacon Malcolm D’Souza ’84 and Marketing Director Dr. Melissa Deichmann Evans Mrs. Lisa Ring, Finance Director Mr. Scott Fedder ‘76 Mrs. Lonnell Battle, Assistant Principal Mr. Joseph Ferguson, Jr. ‘87 for Academics Rev. Christopher Christensen, Pastor, St. Rita’s Dr. Jane Hannon, Assistant Principal, Dean of Mrs. Nkem Konkwo Faculty Mr. Jack Murray Mr. Jonathan Pressimone, Assistant Principal Mrs. Jane Pisano for Student Life Mrs. Meghan Roberts Mr. Milton Powell, Diversity Director Mrs. Kathleen McNutt SMA ’87, Head of School Ms. J-Lynn Van Pelt, Special Services Director Dr. Jane Hannon Faculty Representative Dr. Joseph E. Vorbach, Superintendent of Schools, Diocese of Arlington

CONTENTS 01

Letter from the Head of School

25

35th Annual Golf Classic

03

Letter from the Principal

27

05

Q&A with the Konkwo Family

From SMA to BI: A Conversation with Nicole Dilorenzo

09

Good to Be Back

31

The Athletic Training Room Gets a Facelift

11

Class of 2022

33

13

Adding to the Nest

Introducing the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame

35

The McConnon Family Legacy

15

Inclusion is a Community Affair

39

Sonia is Super

17

Take a Look at Visual Arts

41

It’s Great to Be A Cardinal

19

Cheerleading Dominance

43

Obituaries

21

Honoring Our Faith, Building On Tradition

CARDINAL CONNECTION Mr. Joshua Goldman, Editor and Head Writer Mrs. Kaitlyn Gerke, Creative Director Contributing writers and photographers : Kathleen McNut t, Tim Guy, Chris Gilliland, Ryan Fannon, J-Lynn Van Pelt, Lifetouch Photography, Billy Sabatini Photography

Cardinal Connection is published once a year by the Of fice of the Head of School for alumni, students, families and friends of Bishop Ireton High School and St. Mar y’s Academy. For comments and sug gestions, or to request a copy of Cardinal Connection, please send an email to communications@bishopireton.org.

In the Catholic tradition and in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales, Bishop Ireton High School is a college preparator y high school that promotes spiritual, intellectual, creative, social and physical development.

As a Salesian community of learning and ser vice, Bishop Ireton High School prepares and inspires students to Advance Always with a Christ-centered focus to meet and surpass current and future global challenges.

Letter from the Head of School

This is my fourth year as Head of School and not one year has been like another!

My arrival came amidst the height of construction for the new academic building, the new front entrance and renovation of the athletic wing. Just nine months later, we were navigating a pandemic that presented us with challenges unlike any other in education. During the past two school years, we were constantly adjusting to ever-changing health mandates, protocols and guidance while keeping students in school and learning new ways to engage with one another. Covid-19 changed how the world and the educational field operates, and yet, here on Cambridge Road, we still found ways to provide excellence in instruction and maintain deep rooted traditions, always keeping Christ at the center of what we do. This year, we opened our doors to the largest freshman class (250 students) and the largest enrollment (860 students) in school history.

1

The energy on campus is palpable and all of our new spaces are being fully utilized for classes, activities and events. Our number of instructional sections has increased but our focus on student-faculty connection and outstanding academics has stayed the same.

Our Cardinal connection is strong and the spirit of our students is seen in so many ways. From dedication to studies, engagement in faith and service opportunities, commitment to the arts, sportsmanship in athletics, joyous participation in student life activities, clubs, organizations, Spirit Week, dances, or simply time spent on campus with classmates, all of our students find ways to connect and advance… always. We continue to explore new ways to advance our campus as well, with preparations to add solar energy through our entire roof system and make needed updates to the St. Francis de Sales chapel. The chapel renovation project will bring needed structural, electrical and energy updates, increased seating for a larger student body, and beautification for its central, spiritual presence on campus. It’s an exciting time to be a Cardinal!

I feel extremely blessed to be the Head of School at Bishop Ireton. This school has educated my husband, brother-in-law, my siblings, my five children, and two sons-in-law. That’s twelve Ireton graduates and a lot of opinions! I am a proud St. Mary’s Academy graduate with a deep rooted commitment to all of my SMA sisters who have a love for our years on Russell Road. My time at BI has reinforced my knowledge that Bishop Ireton not only embraces its SMA connection, but also works hard to make sure that my high school and its graduates will live on in Alexandria throughout the hallways, in the archives and through connection to her graduates. What a unique story we have to tell, and what a gift this history is for all of our students and alumni.

Whether you remain connected to us as a current family, alumni family or community friend, we hope that this issue of Cardinal Connection provides you with the opportunity to reflect upon your time at Bishop Ireton High School and St. Mary’s Academy and the people who made an impact on your life while you were here. I look forward to our connection in the year ahead as we Advance Always with faith, hope and love.

Live Jesus,

Kathleen F. McNutt Head of School

2

Letter from the

PRINCIPAL At Bishop Ireton, the tradition of excellence in Catholic education continues. In a community with a Christ-centered focus, our program of studies encourages and enables students to develop spiritually, creatively, socially and academically.

The call to “Advance Always” aptly characterizes our students’ journies as they are challenged by the rigorous college-preparatory curriculum we offer and more deeply explore areas of interest in humanities, STEM and the arts. Each year our program evolves in keeping with the principle to Advance Always. Next year new Advanced Placement courses in Math and World Languages will complement the over twenty AP courses that are already a part of our program in English, Math, Science, Computer Science, Social Studies, World Languages and Fine Arts. These new courses will provide additional opportunities for students to distinguish themselves as serious scholars.

Bishop Ireton is pleased to have partnerships with Marymount University and NVCC to provide Dual Enrollment courses in English, Social Studies and Computer Science. Through coursework students will be able to earn college credit while still in high school and prepare for an ever-changing and competitive world. Likewise, our relatively new Distinguished Scholars Program, in which students undertake additional requirements for course work, exploratory research, and real-world experience in the area of STEM, Humanities or the Arts, continues to grow as the first cohort of students have progressed to the next year of the program and more underclassmen accept the added challenge that this program entails.

Rest assured as a college preparatory school the rigorous curriculum at Bishop Ireton exists not just in the advanced studies programs described above, but in all our courses. The support for students as they meet and succeed in the face of these challenges begins with our committed and highly qualified faculty, more than 80% of whom have advanced degrees and who average over fourteen years of experience in education. Over a dozen teachers have been at Bishop Ireton for ten or more years. That’s commitment! In addition to the dedicated staff, programs are in place to help our students meet the challenges the academic program affords. Students work with professionals throughout the school to understand the opportunities available, explore areas of interest and select challenging courses for which they can also anticipate success. They also help students plan

3

for their futures after BI through the college application process. All students have access to the Math Help Center, the Word-Write Shop, the Co-Lab, the Wellness Center and the Testing Center during study hall. Additional levels of support are also available through our Special Services Department in our Academic Support, DeSales and Options programs.

I hope this broad overview of the state of academics helps showcase the good news about what is happening at Bishop Ireton today. That said, the real story is happening in specific classrooms with gifted teachers directing and leading the inquiry of gifted students in their learning, in courses like Dual Enrollment Science Fiction and Fantasy, Statistics, Bioethics, Engineering Design, Forensic Chemistry, Creative Writing, AP Comparative Governments, Honors Wind Ensemble, Mandarin Chinese and more. The list, and the story, goes on and on.

Advance Always,

Dr. Tim Guy Principal

4

Q&A

with the Konkwo Family

Since their first child began at Bishop Ireton in 2013, the Konkwo family–father Anthony, mother Nkem and children Amaechi and Akunna–has been deeply involved in the Cardinal community. Amaechi graduated in 2017, Akunna graduated in 2019 and their mom, Nkem is a current member of the Bishop Ireton Board of Governors.

Anthony and Nkem - can you describe the gift that a Catholic education in the Diocese of Arlington provided both your son Amaechi and daughter Akunna at both St. Louis Catholic School and Bishop Ireton High School and your thoughts on Catholic education in general with your children beginning their Catholic education at such an early age and continuing for so many years?

Anthony and Nkem: Catholic education has been a wonderful gift. Anthony and I wanted to give our children a solid education and foundation in the Catholic faith. St. Louis Catholic Church holds a special place in our hearts since both Amaechi and Akunna were baptized and confirmed there and also attended the school.

As a current Bishop Ireton Board of Governors member, Nkem, can you share with us the areas of support you and other board members provide to Head of School Kathleen McNutt?

Nkem: I am in my second year on the Board of Governors. Our role is to support and advise the Head of School in various areas that affect BI and its community. I am a member of the Athletic Committee and our focus is improving the athletic experience for our student athletes. Being on the Board is an interesting experience for me because it provides a different viewpoint. After the time I spent as a BI parent, I feel like I am getting a “behind the scenes” look at the school. It’s also great to see the growth and changes to Bishop Ireton. It’s really nice to contribute and have a voice as a Board member but I also learn a lot from our meetings and sessions.

5

Far Left: Kathleen McNutt and Akunna Konkwo at Boston College.

Top: Nkem Konkwo with the 2022-2023 Board of Governors.

Left: Amaechi Konkwo on the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute football team.

Anthony and Nkem - can you tell us the importance of staying involved in the BI Community as Parents of Alumni after your children have graduated from BI? Anthony and Nkem: We think it’s important to stay involved with the BI community even though Amaechi and Akunna are now alumni. It’s always great to stay engaged. We spent so much time here and there is always going to be a connection.

We also feel that it’s good to give back to the BI community that was good to us. We encourage Amaechi and Akunna to stay connected as well.

Akunna - after leaving BI as the school’s all time leading basketball scorer with 2,345 career points and 1,800 career rebounds, can you share some of your greatest memories from your BI basketball playing days?

Akunna: While playing at Bishop Ireton, my favorite memories were our away trips to other states. My favorite was when we went to Daytona, Florida to play. We met so many other people, did a fun gift exchange similar to secret Santa and spent time at the beach together as a team.

As a Bishop Ireton 2019 graduate, you earned a Division 1 college basketball scholarship to Boston College. Can you describe the lessons you learned the most inside and outside the classroom at Bishop Ireton that prepared you for college?

Akunna: One of the main lessons I learned inside and outside the classroom was time management. It prepared me to go to college and juggle academics with athletics. Finding time for my studies was the most important thing.

Having gone through several injuries during your basketball career so far at Boston College, how has the support of your family, coaches and teammates helped as you continue to work diligently to overcome injury adversity?

Akunna: Having a support system with me just helps me to get through the hardships I endure. It is great having people by my side every step of the way. For me, it makes things go by better and faster.

6

“We think it’s important to stay involved with the BI community. We feel it’s good to give back to the BI community that was good to us.”

Amaechi - having graduated in the BI Class of 2017, can you share the BI teachers and coaches that impacted you the most during your student days on Cambridge Road?

challenging. The coaching staff at RPI did a great job of keeping tabs on my academic progress as well as offering me various tutoring and academic support services on campus when needed. Along with the coaches offering help, my teammates were also a great resource. Any upperclassman who had the same major or took the same classes I did was always able to offer help or back work. My football experience was definitely special. I was able to play in one of the most competitive D-III conferences in the country, win championships, and play in the national playoffs multiple times. Being able to come in as a freshman, play, then eventually start gave me the confidence I needed to take my play to a new level the following years. Due to Covid in 2020, we didn’t have a season, so I had an extra year of eligibility. I graduated in May 2021 with a B.S. in Computer Science, and came back that following fall to pursue my M.S. in Business Analytics and play my senior season. Unfortunately I got injured early on in the season, so I came back again in fall 2022 to finally play my senior season. I graduated last December with my Masters.

Amaechi: The teachers that impacted me the most were Mr. Wester, Ms. Alice and Mr. Patterson. Mr. Wester’s Honors Introduction to Programming class my sophomore year was where I first learned to code, and I’ve been doing it ever since. He was very patient with me when I didn’t understand or fell behind, and always offered time after school to finish up or ask questions.

Similarly, Ms. Alice’s AP Computer Science Principles course was where I got to use skills that I learned over the course of the year to create my own app and showcase it to the class. She was also very encouraging, and was always able to offer help and answer questions. Being an athlete, P.E. was one of my favorite periods, and Mr. Patterson (Mr. P) did a great job at making it fun and competitive, while also teaching us different sports and games.

I’ve had plenty of coaches over the course of my high school career, and all of them have had a positive impact on me whether they’ve known it or not. I would have to say my most impactful coaches were Coach Meyers, Coach Barger, Coach Verducci, Coach Powell, Coach Britt, Coach Shotton, Coach Webb and Coach Hayes.

As you wrap up your college football playing days, tell us about your working experience as a Data Analytics Intern at Lumen Technologies and your future plans.

Amaechi: This past summer I was able to intern with Lumen Technologies as a Data Analytics Intern. I learned how to use PowerBI and other visualizations to present data in a comprehensive manner to various clients within the company.

I am currently working full-time at Lumen Technologies, but in the future, I would be open to sports analytics for a professional team, or software engineering.

Tell us about your college experience of playing football and balancing academics while becoming a multi-year football captain at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY and coming back for the fall of 2022 season as a Graduate Student and completing a successful 8-3 season with your coaches and teammates.

Amaechi: Playing football and studying Computer Science is no small feat and was definitely

7

Buy your tickets today!

Buy your tickets today!

“help close the gap”

8

Good to be Back It wasn’t a given at the beginning of

the 2021-2022 school year that there would be normal end of the year festivities for our graduating class.

While planning was moving ahead for a return to a full Baccalaureate Mass for our seniors and their families and

commencement ceremonies at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in the fall of 2021, there was no guarantee that it would be possible due to the ongoing effects from the pandemic.

As we turned the calendar to 2022, however, it became clear that an in-person return to the traditional Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement ceremonies would be possible.

Baccalaureate was held on May 26, 2022 at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield. The entirety of the Class of 2022 and their families had the opportunity to worship together during Mass and then celebrate the faculty after Mass. Mr. Michael Rauer was also presented with the Award for Outstanding Leadership in Christian Service. For many whose lives have been touched by Mr. Rauer, it will come as no surprise that he has served the Bishop Ireton community with grace, humility, joy and warmth throughout his time at Bishop Ireton.

After a three-year hiatus, on the morning of May 27, 2022, Bishop Ireton returned for commencement at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Despite the rain and unsavory weather on the outside, it was bright and warm inside of the church with smiling faces, joyful attendees and enthusiastic graduates.

During the ceremony, attendees heard from the Most Reverend Michael Burbidge, Bishop of the Diocese of Arlington, Head of School Kathleen McNutt, Principal Dr. Tim Guy, Chaplain Father Noah Morey, Salutatory speaker Riley LeBon and Valedictory speaker Aidan Foley.

9

The Peter L. Ireton Award for general academic excellence was presented to Annemarie Mueller (who earned the highest cumulative GPA in the Class of 2022) and Andrew Csontos (who earned the second highest cumulative GPA in the Class of 2022). The Salesian Medal of Honor, which is considered the highest honor bestowed on any student by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, was presented to Aidan Foley and Stella Hermann by Father Donald J. Heet, OSFS. The Diocese of Arlington inaugural St. Thomas MoreSt. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award was presented to Katie Scolese.

Though the school year began with uncertainty about how the end of the year festivities would happen, the meticulous planning and preparation (and prayers for what we can’t control!) by the Bishop Ireton administration was worth it. The 2022 commencement exercises went off without a hitch. It was good to be back.

Editor’s Note: to see a one minute recap of the 2022 graduation, scan the QR code or visit www.youtube.com/bishopiretonhighschool.

10

The students from the Class of 2022 have graduated from Bishop Ireton and are now attending some of the finest colleges and universities around the country.

Wilson Rodrigo Alvarado Old Dominion University Joseph Aidan Ambery University of North Carolina Wilmington Cameron Marie Arnold La Salle University Taylor Jane Ballenger Aveda Institute of New York James Henry Barker Bucknell University Leo Bartholomaus Syracuse University Regan Elise Bartol Virginia Tech Melanie Becker Temple University Nadia Bingham James Madison University Zachary Ryan Blaha Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Janet Lilly Blanton University of Mississippi Brenden Jean-Francis Bokino Loyola University Maryland Matthew Louis Bond George Mason University Catrina Boyle University of Tampa Caroline Mary Breen James Madison University Kyle Brewer Berkeley City College Olivia Brooks Texas Southern University Gavin Pierce Brunsman Swarthmore College Rizalia Bustamante Northern Virginia Community College Mairead Callahan Pace University Jessica Emily Carlo University of Lynchburg Christopher James Carpenter George Washington University Joseph Michael Caturano Creighton University Joseph Elias Charuhas George Mason University Maeve Clare Chawk University of Dayton Peter Anthony Chiarello Marymount University Kennedy Nicole Clifton Rice University Dominic Matthew Rena Codd Virginia Tech Anna Grace Connole Christopher Newport University Ian Christopher Cook Bridgewater College Carolyn Anne Corallo Pennsylvania State University Camryn Craig Virginia Commonwealth University Sofia Cruz James Madison University Andrew Csontos University of Virginia Ashley Vivian Csontos University of Virginia Avery Kate Darke Fairfield University Lavinia De Rosa Suffolk University Kathleen Kelly Delaney University of Mississippi

11

Isabelle Marie Dionne Rowan Michael Dorrler Zachary Dennis Downey Quinn Doyle Annabelle Dreher Kendall Dunham Marquis Dunklin Emile Marcel Edora Jane Elkins II, Jeffery Derryl Ellison Madeline Rose Esposito Benjamin Eduardo Faundes Fiona Fedorochko Elizabeth Clare Ferguson Gabriel Figueroa Sarah Jean Fleming Aidan Stebbins Foley Madeline Elaine Garra Marguerite May Gately Johannes Grauvogel John Carlson Grzebien Samantha Jaydan Hansford Jack Ethan Hare Samuel Haskell Makensie Hennigan Matthewos Henok Estelle Elizabeth Hermann Abigail Carolina Hernandez Patricia Quan Hiyama Jonathon Trey Hobson John Derrick Hodges Connor Thomas Hoffman Kamal Holley Grace Nina Holloway Sydney Holsclaw Reagan Strickler Houser Benjamin James Hovatter Christopher Elliot Huertas Kevin Thach Huynh Amaria Jackson Joseph Johnson Michael Johnson Ana Sophia Jones Henry Jones Kieran Camden Kelleher Kaitlin Kessmeier Bradley Wilhelm Klinck William Paul Kopp Qin Lillian Kramer Maxim Kuzmenko Courtney Rose LaRochelle Graham Robert Lawrence

James Madison University Rutgers University James Madison University Macalester College Christopher Newport University Johns Hopkins University Miami Preparatory Academy Seattle University Randolph-Macon College The Catholic University of America University of Mississippi George Mason University Ithaca College Cabrini University Northern Virginia Community College Boston College Xavier University University of Virginia University of Denver Northern Virginia Community College College of the Holy Cross Stevenson University Virginia Tech Louisiana State University James Madison University Virginia Tech University of Dayton Stevenson University Virginia Commonwealth University University of Kentucky Ursinus College Saint Joseph’s University Monroe College Carnegie Mellon University High Point University University of South Carolina Virginia Tech American University Gettysburg College Towson University College of William & Mary Villanova University Illinois Institute of Technology Hampden-Sydney College Georgia Institute of Technology Savannah College of Art & Design University of Texas at Austin Texas Christian University Northeastern University Northern Virginia Community College Emerson College University of Kentucky

Isabella L Leathers Virginia Tech Riley Harley LeBon College of William & Mary Taryn Leigh Comyn Ledbetter Eckerd College Victoria Claire Leopold Clemson University Joseph Lis University of Pittsburgh Harper Lucchesi Clemson University Lanise Mabaya Virginia Tech Hayley Ann Madden University of Mary Washington Ian Thomas Mahalek University of Scranton David McAdam University of Alabama Meghan Claire McCloud East Tennessee State University Kelly Marie McCormack University of South Carolina Andrew Whitney McCoy George Washington University Brigid Ann McGraw The Catholic University of America Connor Geoffrey McNutt University of Pittsburgh Michael Meehan West Virginia University Diya Mehta Christopher Newport University Yeabsera Mekebeb Boston University Ezana Mekuria Virginia Commonwealth University Natalia Alejandra Menjivar Marymount University Ashley Anne Michaelis James Madison University Colin Gilbert Miller James Madison University Lauren MaKenzie Mingo Barton College Wyatt Ray Moffett Virginia Commonwealth University Marcos Enrique Moglia Southern New Hampshire University Sofia Emma Moncada Virginia Tech Annemarie Elizabeth Mueller University of Florida Charles Michael Murphy Virginia Tech John Eugene Murphy Clemson University Colin Christopher Nash Arizona State University Samuel Cecil Nethery Pennsylvania State University Gabrielle Thuy-Vi Nguyen Fordham University Anthony Noone Undecided Yechi Oneida Sakina Nwosu College of William & Mary Isabella O’Brien-Gonzalez Virginia Tech Rachel Elizabeth O’Connor Sarah Lawrence College Annabelle Mary O’Keefe James Madison University Alexandra Margaret O’Keeffe James Madison University Joseph O’Rourke Waynesburg University Bianca Raquel Olivieri Virginia Commonwealth University John Olson George Mason University George Garber Pacious University of Alabama Hannah Parker Elon University Thomas Matthew Paxton Pennsylvania State University Sarah Anne Payne Rochester Institute of Technology Gabriela Veronica Pena George Washington University Triet Phan Drexel University Anthony Porter Salisbury University John Nance Putzu Pennsylvania State University Courtney Elizabeth Quinn Virginia Tech Natalie Ramirez University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Madalyn Rauner Gap Year

Francesca Lilly Ray Virginia Tech Travis Robert Rayome SUNY Binghamton University Elida Gissell Reyes Ventura The Catholic University of America Baden William Reynolds University of Tennessee Emma Marcelline Rice Kenyon College Calliope Zigmont Rieder James Madison University Ella Jaelin Rier University of Virginia Faith Mangente Riley Loyola University Maryland Malachi Robinson Virginia Tech Christian Gulager Rockwell Rochester Institute of Technology Ana Sofia Roldan Christopher Newport University Sydney Rose Sacha College of William & Mary Lila Cerene Sampilo University of Miami Marta Sanchez-Reig Pardo Universidad de Navarra Mary Elizabeth Schmitt Virginia Tech Virginia Elizabeth Schwarz University of New Hampshire Sarah Teresa Schweers Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Katharine Rose Scolese The Catholic University of America Ainsley Cecilia Scruggs Jacksonville University Matthew Francisco Sendi University of Virginia Arthur Gustavs Seng Virginia Tech Shelby Seyler Virginia Commonwealth University Liam Patrick Sims Virginia Military Institute Yuri Van Singh Loyola University Maryland Allison Smith American University of Paris Andrew Smith Morehouse College Isabella Helene Smith American University Sophia Southall Drexel University Fiona Catherine St. Clair Christopher Newport University Brenna Stiles Virginia Tech Audrey Swanson Texas A & M University Henry Swoope Pennsylvania State University Antony Sean Tate East Carolina University Lillian Ruth Taylor University of Arizona Gabriela Temple George Washington University Nelsa Tiemtore Brown University Luke Tracey Virginia Commonwealth University Sophia Tuminaro Savannah College of Art & Design Griffin Hall Turner University of Delaware Alessandro Vera Virginia Commonwealth University Terrell Jaeden Weekes Northern Virginia Community College Nicholas Weiler Saint Leo University Ethan Richard Wiley Marymount University Matthew Wilson Virginia Tech Lindsay Wong University of Oregon Charline Tchoutuo Yodjieu Morgan State University Meron G Zebro University of Virginia Jacob Xavier Zientek James Madison University Maxwell Zummo University of Arizona

12

“The Admissions Department received a record number of applications for the 2023-2024 school year and it’s likely the school will welcome another big incoming class in the fall of 2023.”

13

ADDING

to the nest

Bishop Ireton is growing more rapidly than ever before. The school welcomed the largest freshman class in its history for the 2022-2023 school year.

Throughout its history, Bishop Ireton has maintained the

that increase, though, is the school’s historical emphasis on superior academics, a continued commitment to outstanding arts and athletic programs and a focused, robust Catholic curriculum with opportunities for the sacraments and service.

same footprint on Cambridge Road. It’s what has taken up that footprint, from the buildings and facilities to the students and staff who occupy the halls, classrooms, fields and performance spaces, that has changed.

Bishop Ireton’s dedication to its students and families in the heart of the pandemic was also certainly a critical component for the school’s growth. While public schools were entirely online for the majority of the 2020-2021 school year, Bishop Ireton’s doors remained open with a hybrid in-person and synchronous online educational model. This provided both excellent health and safety protocols as well as the ability for students to interact everyday directly with their teachers and classmates. Bishop Ireton welcomed its largest incoming freshman class (250 students) and largest student body (860 students) in school history with the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

First, let’s look at the physical space. What started as a two story school building, an athletic field, a parking lot and a home for the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, has morphed into a robust campus. The athletic field has seen numerous updates and improvements throughout the years including the transition to Fannon Field with the addition of synthetic turf, expanded bleachers for fans to watch games and a centrally located pressbox. The main school building added a third floor shortly after opening in 1964 and in the late 1990s had a massive addition in the form of Garwood Whaley Auditorium and K-wing classrooms (the “K” coming from Bishop Keating). Additional building updates and renovations have been made throughout the years to the front entrance, parking lots, administrative offices, classrooms and storage spaces. The latest $28 million addition, which was completed in early 2020, includes a renovated athletic wing with the addition of a new auxiliary gymnasium and fitness facilities, a new front entrance and conference area, and a new academic building on the grounds of the old Oblate house. The new building added science labs, classrooms, Murphy Hall (a cafeteria and multi-use space), Hellmuth Library, Special Services study rooms, an engineering wing and storage spaces. Now, Bishop Ireton embarks upon a top-to-bottom renovation of the St. Francis de Sales Chapel, which will ensure a beautiful, spiritual center for the school.

In conjunction with the student body’s increase and the completion of key facilities projects around the school, there has also been growth in other important areas especially in regards to racial and cultural diversity. Following the protests for racial equality in the summer of 2020, Bishop Ireton was at the forefront of an important school-wide initiative rooted in Catholic social justice teaching. What began as something relatively small has blossomed into a dedicated advisory Diversity Council and a Director of Diversity, Mr. Milton Powell, who facilitates various projects in consultation with Head of School Kathleen McNutt. The diversity of the student body and the faculty and staff enrich learning and have contributed to a host of new activities including an upcoming multicultural fair. In addition, the school has increased staff and programs for our neurodiverse learners through expanded Special Services and Special Education programming, including the Academic Support program, the De Sales program and the Options program. With a testing center available throughout the instructional day, a vibrant after-school homework center, and the ongoing strength of our staffed math and writing centers, our growing student body has access to more support than ever before.

Second, let’s look at the people. Bishop Ireton’s first significant change occurred in 1990 when it transitioned from all-boys to a co-educational model. This change quickly shifted enrollment numbers from the 400s to ~800, thus requiring the 1998 building addition. While numbers remained relatively consistent in terms of student enrollment from 1998 to 2019, there were changes in staffing as the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales ended their tenure at Bishop Ireton and lay leadership began, including the first lay principal followed by the addition of a lay Head of School.

Though the leadership structure adjusted, the faculty and staff continued to provide students with the strength of the Salesian charism on which the school was founded.

While there is a limit to our enrollment number, the Admissions Department received a record number of applications for the 2023-2024 school year and it’s likely the school will welcome another big incoming class in the fall of 2023. Bishop Ireton High School is ready for this next group, and that ever-dynamic campus on Cambridge Road will become home to more Cardinals. As we adjust to growth, one thing remains constant: the commitment to Bishop Ireton from faculty, staff, current families and alumni isn’t likely to waver anytime soon.

Bishop Ireton had room for further growth with the 2020 academic building addition. Over the past three years, enrollment has increased sharply–more than 12%. The ability to physically handle more students with the new building has certainly contributed to that increase. Just as important in

14

Inclusion Is A Community Affair With growing enrollment in Academic Support, the De Sales Program and the Options Program, the Special Services Department continues to make an impact on the Bishop Ireton community.

“has Ms.changed Van Pelt, Peer Mentoring [a student with intellectual disabilities] my life. I am going to major in Special Education now and

come back to work for BI in four years, so you better hire me!” This is something every Director of Special Services wants to hear. But to hear it once, twice, three times in the last year is a neurodiversity advocate’s dream. Something substantial is shifting for the better at Bishop Ireton

15

Below: The Bishop Ireton Varsity Cheer team volunteers at the annual Buddy Walk

for the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia for the 12th year in a row.

In turn, we are helping to support Porto Charities as they offer professional development sessions and build an employment program for Diocese graduates with intellectual disabilities to return as interns and employees in the schools and chancery.

We continue to partner with the Special Olympics, growing the Andrew Benson Memorial Special Olympics Soccer Tournament into one of the largest annual events in the area. Students and staff honor the memory of Andrew Benson (BI ‘21) while welcoming teens and adults with intellectual disabilities to Fannon Field for friendly competition. The Special Services Team is also working with the Athletics Department to expand our partnership with Special Olympics to include a basketball tournament in the spring and the founding of a Bishop Ireton Special Olympics unified team where neurotypical students play alongside their neurodiverse peers.

In the three short years of building Bishop Ireton’s programs for students with neurodiversity, significant supports have been put in place so that all students have access to the rigorous college prep education that Bishop Ireton offers. More importantly, students have the opportunity for a Catholic school education that, without the expert support of the Special Services teachers, would not have been successful in the past.

This year the Options Program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities doubled in size as did the Peer Mentor Program that supports it. The De Sales Program for students with learning disabilities like dyslexia and dyscalculia is full with a waiting list, and the Academic Support Program is thriving as it supports a variety of students who struggle with executive functioning. Alumni with special education training are returning to join our staff, content area teachers are enrolling in professional development to improve their ability to support all students, and the students are showing their best selves as they support students in our Options Program to navigate the complex world of high school.

The Special Services team just launched a partnership with Johns Hopkins University where teachers will be trained in the latest research and best practices for teaching social skills in addition to academics to better support our students with Autism. In a fun bid for bragging rights, the Special Services Team partnered with BI’s Best Buddies Club to raise the most money for the National Buddy Walk. Diocesan high schools competed to see who could raise the most money and Bishop Ireton won the inaugural Bishop’s Cup. They plan to repeat again in April during Neurodiversity Inclusion Awareness Month at BI. These are just a few shining examples of the exciting things happening both on and off campus. Inclusion truly is a community affair and the Bishop Ireton community and alumni families are some of the best. To learn more about the Special Services Programs offered at Bishop Ireton, visit the BI website at https://www. bishopireton.org/academics/special-services.

This school year, we have an added focus on developing community partnerships to support our BI students, and in the long tradition of volunteerism at BI, to also give back to the larger Northern Virginia community. Porto Charities, a parent-led organization that is instrumental in grant funding for inclusion programs across the Diocese has made a significant investment in helping us develop the curriculum and instructional resources for our Options Program.

Left: Ms. Mary Kate

Wiedemer, Ms. J-Lynn Van Pelt, Mrs. Elizabeth Subasavage and Ms. Molly McKone, along with other faculty and staff members from the Special Services Department, attend the Andrew Benson Memorial Special Olympics Soccer Tournament.

16

TakeataVisual Look Arts Once a simple program offering just a few courses, the visual arts program has exploded at Bishop Ireton over the last decade.

The Bishop Ireton Fine Arts Department is thriving. While you may have heard the

jubilant concerts from our Music Department or witnessed the tremendous productions from our Theater Department, you may not have seen as much about our robust Visual Arts Department.

The Fine Arts Department is chaired by longtime Bishop Ireton faculty member Vicky Eichler who has taught at the school for more than three decades. Not only is she the chair of the Fine Arts Department, she is also a gifted art teacher. In her more than 30 years at the school, she’s seen massive changes in the curriculum.

“When I interviewed at Bishop Ireton, the school was still an all-boys school and the art room was where the girls locker room is now near the gym,” remembers Vicky. When I began working at BI, the Fine Arts curriculum was just four sections of art. I added painting and drawing to the curriculum in 1994 and created an honors course a few years later so students would have options for art classes throughout their time at Bishop Ireton. Importantly, having additional classes has given the curriculum vertical alignment, allowing students to build and develop their skills and techniques.

“Just two years ago, the school added sculpture and ceramics to help develop the students’ awareness of form and volume in art. Additionally, there is a utility to 3-D forms which gives comprehension of both how art influences and is incorporated into life outside of simply being aesthetically pleasing.”

The school now offers eight different classes in 2-D art including “Principles of Art,” “Exploration of Drawing,” “Exploration of Painting,” and both “AP Studio Art: Drawing” and “AP 2-D Art and Design.” Where BI separates itself from other schools is in the 3-D art options that Mrs. Eichler described above. Though the 3-D art options are in their infancy at BI, the school already offers students the opportunity to take “Sculpture” at two levels and “Ceramics” at two levels. The ceramics artform is possible at BI with the addition of a kiln, which was installed in conjunction with the construction of the new building and renovations to the art classrooms.

“Students who take studio and art history give themselves an opportunity to view our world differently and activate their imaginations,” says Vicky. “Art stimulates our learning about the interconnections of societies and cultures.”

17

18

19

CHEERLEADING DOMINANCE

They may not be the first team that comes to mind when you think about Bishop Ireton Athletics, but the BI cheer program should definitely be on your radar.

Cheerleaders may tumble but the Bishop Ireton

Angela took over, the team took home its first Grand Champion title as well as the Spirit of Competition trophy at the CCA National Championships. “Those are truly the moments that you just want to bottle up and keep with you forever,” recalled Angela. “I was just so thankful to God for helping us get there and so proud of those athletes for the perseverance they had to succeed.”

cheerleading team is on a roll. The team has put together one of the most impressive and dominant runs in school history, earning not just first place in their division but the title of Grand Champion at the Christian Cheerleaders of America (CCA) National Championships the past seven years. Led by Coach Angela Hope-Eskew–a newly inducted member of the Bishop Ireton Athletic Hall of Fame–since 2009, the team has seen athletes come and go. Despite not having the same team year to year, cheerleading has stayed on top.

The cheerleading team has put prayer and God at the center of their program. Both Angela and the team attribute their sustained success to God. Said Angela, “We pray before we do anything, and everything! We give God the glory when things go wrong, and we give God the glory when they go right.”

When Angela arrived in 2009, the cheerleading team was on its fifth coach in just two years. And though she was successful at her previous school, Angela said of her decision to come to BI: “I prayed about it and felt that God was opening the door and leading me to BI. I had a vision for the program and I was excited to try to make that happen.”

The team also focuses on respect–for themselves, for each other and for the program as a whole. And unlike other sports, there are no role-players in cheerleading.

Everyone is an integral piece of the puzzle. If each person doesn’t bring their best, it will show in the performance.

When she came on board, the state of the program as she described it was “a little rough around the edges.” The team had never competed and didn’t know much beyond a handful of cheers. They weren’t experienced tumblers and didn’t perform routines.

Due to the turnover in coaches, it was evident that the cheerleaders were basically keeping the program going themselves.

For the future, Angela just hopes that the team continues to grow in its success. “I pray there are more inspiring moments ahead,” said Angela. “Bishop Ireton is truly a family and it’s where I’ve found my home.”

As can be expected with such a sustained run of excellence, the team feels some pressure each year to perform as well as previous teams. he 2022-2023 squad secured their place at Nationals in early March and once again brought home the Grand Champion trophy. Looking ahead, they’ll continue to give it their all to stay on top. And just like a cheer routine that doesn’t go to plan, even if they don’t repeat as Grand Champions next year, there’s no doubt they will pick themselves up and fly again.

Once Angela arrived, though, she got to work right away. Her initial goal was to make sure that the cheerleaders were respected by other teams and recognized as athletes. A key component of the vision she had for the program was to ensure that everyone knew that not only is cheerleading a sport but also that it should be taken seriously.

It didn’t take long for the team to ascend to a toplevel program and team. In 2011, just two years after

20

Honoring Our Faith Building On Tradition The St. Francis de Sales Chapel Renovation

The Bishop Ireton St. Francis de Sales Chapel has been largely unchanged since it was first dedicated and blessed in 1967. It has undergone several small changes. For example, following the arrival of current chaplain Father Noah Morey in 2019, the chapel was repainted and adorned with new sacred art. But for the most part, the chapel is much the same as it was more than five decades ago. That’s all about to change. In just a few months construction begins on a new and improved version of the chapel. While not a complete teardown and rebuild, the chapel will be renovated from top to bottom within the existing footprint.

The origin of the project actually began back in 2015 when the school initially considered renovating the existing space in conjunction with the new building and auxiliary gym.

Those plans were scrapped when it became clear that moving forward with the chapel renovation at the same time as so much other new construction would be untenable.

Once the other projects were completed in early 2020, attention turned back to the chapel.

With the growing size of the Bishop Ireton student population and the growing list of required chapel facility improvements, the need for a visible and beautiful spiritual centerpiece became more pressing. The first step was to put a plan together for approval from the Diocese of Arlington. Head of School Kathleen McNutt and Chaplain Father Noah Morey worked closely with Bishop Michael Burbidge and the Arlington Diocese Office of Construction, Planning and Facilities. Said Bishop Burbidge of the project, “It gives me great joy knowing that Bishop Ireton Catholic High School is embarking on a renovation of St. Francis de Sales Chapel. With Christ at the center of all we do in Catholic education, it is critical that our schools have such a sacred place where our students and faculty can gather for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, celebrate the Sacrament of Penance, and spend quiet and peaceful time with the Lord.”

21

With the diocese on board, it was time to select an architect.

After a thorough bidding process and a careful selection process, Bishop Ireton and the Diocese Office of Construction, Planning and Facilities chose C.J. Howard Architecture LLC to take on the project. Led by C.J. Howard, a prominent architect in the Washington DC area and an associate professor at Catholic University, C.J. Howard Architecture proved to be a perfect fit for the work.

With C.J.’s expertise, plans were put in place for the following among other improvements and changes: A new gabled roof with architectural details including north, south, east, and west transepts with crosses A bell tower, visible from all sides of the campus A new front plaza for gathering and new main entrance off the circle drive A transformed Narthex area with a St. Francis de Sales shrine New religious stained-glass windows throughout (with original stained glass to be moved to the renovated corridor from the main building into the chapel) New flooring, pews, confessional, liturgical furnishings, lighting and electrical Expanded seating space to accommodate 125 people (up from the current capacity of 70)

22

C.J. and his team put together renderings of the new space and fundraising began in 2022. As the school inches closer to its $4 million fundraising goal, the tangible part of the project is finally in sight. Current families, students, staff, faculty and alumni are all excited about what’s to come, especially in the utilization of currently unused space.

“I am so excited that the exterior alcove and door adjacent to the chapel will be transformed to a beautiful stained-glass window that will serve as a backdrop for a new St. Francis de Sales statue and pedestal,” said Board of Governors Chair, Marty Marinoff (BI ‘68). “This will welcome students, faculty, alumni and visitors and amplify the teachings of our patron saint: God draws you to Himself so that you may be His, and through this guidance of paternal love and protection, He brings all who enter to a peaceful understanding, He will take care of you.”

With blueprints, renderings and a design firmly in place, fundraising continues and the anticipation is building as a hopeful start date for the beginning of construction gets closer. Likely nine months or more of hard work from various contractors and construction crews lies ahead. But the finished product will be more than worth it. “The renovated chapel will expand the school’s ability to serve the community in a beautiful way and will be a special gift for the entire Bishop Ireton community,” said Bishop Burbidge. “I look forward to blessing this renovated chapel and celebrating Mass there when the project is complete.”

23

Q&A

WITH ARCHITECT C.J. HOWARD

Why were you interested in bidding on this project?

There were many points of interest for me with this project. I would start with familiarity through association and proximity. As a resident of Alexandria and member of the Arlington diocese, I know the school well, to include students that attend and people that work there. For those reasons I feel connected to it and am invested in its success. Other reasons would include being interested in the current broader ambitions of the diocese to invest in increasing the quality and visibility of its sacred spaces, especially for young adults at a very formative time of their lives. The final interest I would share is that I specialize in traditional ecclesiastical architecture and sincerely felt perfectly suited for the project’s vision as it calls for embracing a traditional character. I also consider this aspect of my professional career vocational, in the sense that it is very rewarding to share personal gifts for greater good.

What were your inspirations for the designs?

The design process for this chapel was an interesting one. The existing chapel is what we would call “Art Deco,” though a modest articulation of that style, and has particular features that present a character that is somewhat machine-like. Think of the Chrysler building in New York City–sleek, shiny, streamlined, “modernist”. With Art-Deco in its DNA, it was difficult to ignore and presented a challenge in thinking of ways to adapt with a more explicitly traditional design. The early design ideas reflect an evolution and spectrum from leaning into the Art Deco to a more clear adoption of a traditional canonical architectural language. In the end, like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, a middle ground choice was made to primarily employ the Romanesque language. Romanesque shares the characteristic of using a collection of simple forms with Deco. Relying on the Romanesque style also gives the design credibility given the historical association with Christian architecture.

Many precedents were gathered and used to some extent, but the design that was most influential came, providentially, from the very church in which St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances De Chantal are buried–Visitation Basilica and Convent in Annecy, France.

What piece of the design are you most excited about? Or, what piece are you proudest of designing?

This may be a somewhat predictable answer, but it is true. The design elements on the exterior are very intentionally meant to have as high a visibility impact as possible. The steep sloped roof with transept dormers and rose windows within the gables on 3 sides, plus the tower and the prominent entrance off the circle drive, will be very exciting to see from multiple vantage points. The beacon-like quality will be unavoidable and on a fundamental level should help to draw people to the Chapel. Imagining this is very exciting.

That being said, the best is reserved for the interior. The sacredness and intimacy of the interior hopefully delivers on the promise of the exterior. The original space has a really good proportion and feel. Given that, the design tried to amplify this effect by adding new things to help elevate and inspire a sacred experience including new stained glass windows with iconographic narratives and imagery. The sanctuary itself counters the exterior by adding more richness, nobility and meaning. The hope is that the chapel will truly be a “sanctuary” that is both comforting and transcendent. The hope is that it is a place where you get a little taste of heaven in the course of your normal, everyday mundane activities. Imagining, a student for example, being compelled into that space because of its ability to facilitate engagement with God will make everything worth it.

Were there any particular challenges for this project? Was it easier or harder knowing you had to work within the existing space as opposed to starting from scratch?

C

WA R D .J. HO

You may get different answers to this question depending on when it is asked. Working with existing buildings, in general, is more challenging.

There are idiosyncrasies to existing places that require more attention and care, whether in design or construction. To give a very technical answer, the building’s foundations, for example, turned out to be quite complicated with respect to structural considerations. In other words, putting a new roof on the building is more complicated than initially thought. That said, existing structures have the capacity to impact a design in ways that are difficult to contrive. There is a certain uniqueness and history that usually leads to a more interesting and meaningful building than one that doesn’t have that context.

2424

35th Annual Golf Committee Brendan Kearney ‘04 Chairman

David Kaye ‘99 Taylor Barnes ‘13 Mike Bennett ‘72 Dan Blaine ‘03 Matt Brideau ‘02 Mike Brideau ‘06 Eddie D’Antuono ‘12 John Greksouk ‘02 Dave Para ‘84 Raul Ricaurte ‘68 Mike Thomas ‘04 Conor Tracy ‘04 Dave Rodriguez ‘05 Bruce Roland ‘76

25

Golf Classic Thank you to the golf committee, sponsors, volunteers and golfers for attending the 35th Annual Bishop Ireton Golf Classic, which was held on May 9, 2022 at Mt. Vernon Country Club in Alexandria. There was a full field of golfers and it was a beautiful day for golf!

The “gross” team winner, made up of foursome John Greksouk, Stephen Greksouk, Dan Greksouk and Dave Greksouk, finished with a score of 58 (12 under par). The “net” team winner, made up of foursome Eric McNutt, Kerry McConnon, Britt Dennis and Alex Gutierrez, finished with a score of 53 (17 under par).

As in past years, the money raised from the Golf Classic goes toward the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales retirement fund, financial aid for Bishop Ireton students and funds for ongoing athletic projects.

Join Bishop Ireton for the 36th Annual Bishop Ireton Golf Classic on May 8, 2023!

Each year, the Golf Classic welcomes a full field of golfers and dozens of sponsors. Since 1988, alumni, parents and friends of Bishop Ireton have raised more than $2 million to support the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, provide needed financial aid and to assist with ongoing projects.

To register for the 36th Annual Bishop Ireton Golf Classic, visit bishopireton.org/ golfclassic or scan the QR code.

26

27

FROM SMA TO BI: A CONVERSATION WITH NICOLE DILORENZO

Some might think that Nicole DiLorenzo has only been a part of the Bishop Ireton community since she began as a counselor in the early 2000s. But her history actually goes back to the 1980s when she graduated from St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) in 1989.

How did your career path evolve that brought you back to Catholic education in Alexandria and to Bishop Ireton as a guidance counselor?

That is a great question. The short answer is that I honestly think God had a plan for me and it was to be part of this amazing community.

Before I started working at BI, I had worked as a guidance counselor in two different public schools. I worked just over a year at Northwestern High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland and then two years as Director of Counseling at Roanoke Valley Governor’s School, in Roanoke, Virginia. When I left RVGS in 2001 I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue to be a counselor. I moved back home after living in Blacksburg for two years, and started working with my father, who was an orthodontist. I had worked as an orthodontic assistant during summer breaks while I was in college and graduate school. I loved working with my father and his staff, so it was easy enough to step back into the job.

While working with my father, I continued to look for jobs related to my degrees. I had a Bachelors in Human Relations and a Masters in Guidance and Counseling. About 15 months after I moved home, Mr. Bulcavage, who had been a math teacher at BI for many years, and whose family has been intertwined with ours for decades, told me that BI was adding a third counselor. He gave my name to the Principal, Fr. Kevin Nadolski. After my interview, Fr. Kevin told me he reached out to a close friend of his to see if I would be a good fit for Bishop Ireton. Mr. Ruane, whose three daughters went to St. Mary’s Academy and Bishop Ireton, and who we knew well, gave me a raving recommendation. It was that recommendation coupled with Mr. Bulcavage that got me hired. Ultimately, I thank my parents for this job. Their good reputation in our community and how they raised us played a significant role.

During your time at Bishop Ireton, can you share the most rewarding aspects of working with the students, faculty and staff?

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with the students is seeing their growth. Watching them come in as freshmen and then develop into young adults, and ultimately move on to leave their mark in the world has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this job. It has been gratifying to witness their academic development, signing on to play sports, developing their artistic talents or going to plays and being genuinely entertained by the amazing performances while watching them flourish as leaders in different clubs, outside jobs and other community-based organizations. I am in awe over what our students do.

It has also been fun developing different relationships with my students. I love to laugh and enjoy the banter back and forth with many of them. I think it is important for them to see that life does not have to be so stressful and serious. It has been fun getting to know them on a more personal level.

As for the staff and faculty, I treasure the friendships that I have made over the years. I started working at BI in 2002. Many of my close friends have left, which has been difficult, but the connections and experiences I have had with everyone is priceless. I often tell the teachers and support staff that they make me look good because they always go above and beyond for our students and parents. When parents thank me, I tell them it is the teachers that made whatever they are thanking me for happen.

I have remained close to many of my friends who have left. We still get together for dinner, theater performances or beach trips.

This community is nothing like I have ever experienced. I have made lifetime friendships that I will always cherish.

28

Seeing the growth of Bishop Ireton from a new facilities standpoint, enhanced student services, and the enrollment boom that has recently occurred, can you describe the tremendous momentum the school is experiencing?

me stronger. I have thick skin and while I may cry during a silly Hallmark movie, I don’t let much bother me. I am grateful for them and could not imagine life without them. I do thank God for the best sister-in-law, who has helped offset the balance a little when we have family get-togethers.

I think the new facilities and student services support we offer is enhancing Bishop Ireton’s reputation. We have always had a great reputation for what we’ve offered, but it is becoming more robust. The new STEM program has certainly been a draw for many students interested in that field and has made us stand out among many of the other high schools.

I have also been blessed with two nephews who also continue to challenge me in different ways (sometimes personally, but most of all spiritually). It warms my heart when I hear that the two of them have conversations about different parts of the Bible. (What teenagers do that?) They have inspired me to do better as a Catholic.

The multitude of languages that we offer is more than what many colleges offer (Latin, Italian, German, Chinese, Spanish and French). We have a broad spectrum of talented educators in the Fine Arts department from Visual Art to Theater and Musical Performances. We also have a strong core curriculum, which has always been something that has drawn students to our school. It’s gratifying to hear how well prepared our students are for college because of the strong foundation we provide.

My husband has been amazing! I married later in life and thank God every day for having such a patient, kind and down-to-earth man. He definitely broke the mold when God created him. He is my biggest cheerleader, and supports and encourages me every step of the way. He attends many of the BI events and even ordered a bowtie for Prom that matched the BI colors.

He too has blessed me with two step-sons that have helped fulfill my life and challenge me in ways that have made me grow. I have truly been blessed to have such an incredible family.

Having graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1989 and staying so involved on the SMA Alumnae Association Board for so many years, tell us about the pride you have in making sure the Legacy of St. Mary’s Academy remains strong 33 years after its closing in 1990.

I am very passionate about the legacy of St. Mary’s Academy. Our Head of School, Mrs. Kathleen McNutt, who is an SMA alumnae, has been a great asset who continues St. Mary’s Academy pride. She understands the importance of our legacy because it means just as much to her. I am grateful that BI has done so much for our alums, including welcoming us in all their alumni functions. For years, BI fostered the SMA legacy by opening their doors and allowing us to host the SMA Annual Tea and Mass. We have had many reunions in conjunction with the BI Homecoming weekends to maintain that community relationship between the two institutions, which many SMA alumni are grateful for.

As a shining example to the Bishop Ireton community, can you share how your faith guides you on a daily basis and how important it is to share your faith with others?

I think it’s important to share my faith by example. I always say to the students and sometimes my family and friends, “WWJD”. “What Would Jesus Do?” I try to live my life by that motto. In most situations, that is how I live. Now, I’m not perfect and sometimes revert away from my motto, especially when I am driving on 495 during my 2 ½ hour round trip commute!

Your mother and father, brothers and your husband Mike have been such a strong support system throughout the years. Tell us what these family members have done to help you on your life journey so far.

All of my family members have had a significant impact on me. First and foremost my parents sacrificed so much to allow me to attend Catholic grade school and college. My parents were the most humble, honest and generous people I have ever known. They were strong in their faith and gave so much of themselves to their church community. Their strong value system and how they lived their lives shaped who I am. Since my mother passed away 12 years ago, my dad has done a great job of being a solid rock for my three siblings and me. He has stepped in and tolerated my countless daily phone calls–something my mother dealt with for many years, until she passed.

My brothers have always been supportive as well. As you can imagine, growing up with three brothers had its challenging times. Kidding aside, I love my brothers. They were tough on me growing up, but in a way that made

29

With Covid and the stresses that young people feel these days, what advice do you give to current Bishop Ireton students as they try to succeed, balance daily life inside and outside of the classroom, all while trying to still truly enjoy their high school years that we all know go by so fast?

That’s a great question. I think students need to simplify their lives. I see so many students in my office with anxiety. Our kids seem to be overscheduled academically and in their activities. They should have control over their lives and their schedules. But so many of them want to do everything. What they put themselves through is not sustainable.

Looking back at MY life and MY time in high school, there are lots of great memories that I will keep with me forever and friendships I have maintained to this day. So take a deep breath, relax and enjoy high school.

As you look back at your student days at St. Mary’s Academy, which teachers made the greatest impact on your life and who are your mentors today that you still look up to for guidance?

I have wonderful memories of so many of my former teachers, so I cannot say that any one teacher in particular made a huge impact. That said, coming to work at BI and being able to work with several of my former teachers, like Mrs. Scafati, Sr. Elizabeth, Sr. Ann, Mrs. Krogh, Mrs. White and Mrs. Beckman was extremely rewarding. It was nice to get to know them as colleagues and friends and I learned so much from them.

As for my mentors, the one teacher that impacted my life the most was Mr. Johnson. He was my 7th and 8th grade history teacher at St. Columba, in Oxon Hill, Maryland. He is the reason I’m a counselor. When I was in college, I went to visit my mother who was the librarian at St. Columba; I always made sure to say hello to Mr. Johnson when I visited. On one visit, he told me that PG County was looking for Guidance Counselors. I thought, “Shoot, I give free advice to my friends all the time. Why not get paid to give advice?” So, that started my journey as a counselor. Mr. Johnson is still working at St. Columba. I see him every year at the annual fundraiser walk/run across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. My relationship with him prompted an invitation to speak at St. Columba’s graduation a few years ago.

I was happy to have the opportunity to give him credit for where I am today.

That was a wonderful day…finally being able to thank him in front of so many who loved him.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of working with the students is seeing their growth. Seeing them come in as freshmen and then watching them develop into young adults, and ultimately move on to leave their mark in the world has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this job...I am in awe over what our students do.”

30

The Athletic Training Room Gets a Facelift In late 2021, Bishop Ireton received

support to outfit, enhance and upgrade the old training room equipment in the athletic training facilities. Enhancements included a new whirlpool tub with seating, all new custom Bishop Ireton embossed trainers tables and benches and upgrades to cabinetry and supply drawers.

Kevin Gaghan (BI ’74), who passed away in April 2022, donated funds to support this initiative. Over the years, Kevin and Linda Gaghan have supported a bevy of athletics, campus and financial aid needs including The Future is Now: A Campaign for Bishop Ireton and the ongoing chapel renovation project, Honoring our Faith, Building on Tradition. Kevin was an outstanding wrestler at Bishop Ireton and his passion for both the school and the wrestling program continued throughout his life. He was a devoted family man, a respected business leader and an ardent supporter of everything Bishop Ireton. In 2015, Kevin was awarded the Bob Pollard Distinguished Alumni Award and earlier this year, the Bishop Ireton Wrestling Classic was renamed “The Bishop Ireton Kevin Gaghan ’74 Wrestling Tournament.”

Kevin’s legacy lives on at Bishop Ireton throughout the school and now, thanks to his generosity, in the training room.

31

Athletic Training at Bishop Ireton Did you know that Bishop Ireton employs two full time athletic trainers? These amazing Cardinals work closely with the Athletic Department on the dayto-day care of the Bishop Ireton student-athletes.

The athletic training staff is omnipresent at Bishop Ireton sporting events and provides preventative services, emergency care, therapeutic intervention and rehabilitation of injuries and medical conditions.

They are often the first on the field or court after an injury and are a key component of the continued success of Bishop Ireton Athletics.

Introducing the

Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame As Bishop Ireton High School begins to age as an institution, we recognize how important it is to share the successes of our alumni in a very visible way with our Bishop Ireton community. To that end, we have established a recognition program called “The Bishop Ireton High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame” to honor BI graduates who have made a significant impact on their communities and professions, and who have given extended service or philanthropy to Bishop Ireton High School. Nominations for the award, which will be given biannually, will open in early 2024.

Following graduation from college, Peter worked his way up in Congress starting as a volunteer intern, and subsequently becoming a chief of staff to two Congressmen. He lobbied for the American Psychological Association for 21 years, gathering coalition support to make mental health benefits more accessible to people in private and public health plans.

In 2008, Peter won appointment as one of the three members of the Alexandria Electoral Board and served there 2008-2012. Following that, he and his wife Mary moved to Seattle, Washington, to be near their two daughters. Before retiring in 2020, Peter spent six years at the Alzheimer’s Association, managing public policy and advocacy for its Washington State Chapter. He was honored by the national organization for effectiveness in having constituent families press Congress to fund more research for a cure and better programs that support those with dementia.

The inaugural recipient was honored during Homecoming Weekend 2022. Peter Newbould (BI ‘72) has been an incredible ambassador to his class, a long-standing and dedicated 1972 Class Agent and an organizer of reunions. He has provided unwavering support of his alma mater for five decades. From alumni volunteer work to campus politics to national political events and advocacy, Peter brings infectious enthusiasm and connects people to causes larger than themselves.

“We were just the fifth class in the history of BI,” Peter said, “and we appreciated the possibilities to excel in so many ways at this new school.” Peter’s continued love of Bishop Ireton and his love for his fellow classmates (along with the help of many others) made their 50th reunion this year a paramount success.

As a student at Bishop Ireton, Peter worked on the stage crew and managed several campaigns for class office. After graduating from BI, he went to Lynchburg College and majored in political science while serving in student government and rising to be SGA president his senior year.

We look forward to recognizing the success of more distinguished Cardinals in the years ahead!

32

Athletic Hall of Fame CLASS OF 2022 INDUCTION On Thursday, October 13, two athletes, two coaches and one team were officially inducted into the Bishop Ireton Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2022.

A strong turnout of over 190 people watched as Shannon Varner ‘76, Lisa Strittmatter McLaughlin ‘99, current Head Cheerleading Coach Angela Hope-Eskew, Former Head Girls Lacrosse Coach Rick Sofield, and the Girls Lacrosse team from 2014 spoke and celebrated the evening.

The next Hall of Fame class will be inducted in the fall of 2025. Stay tuned for a call for nominations next year!

The 2014 Girls Lacrosse Team The 2014 Girls Lacrosse Team was one of the winningest and most successful teams in school history. They were nationally ranked and won both the WCAC Championship and the 2014 VISAA State Championship.

33

Angela Hope-Eskew Coach Angela Hope-Eskew has coached the Bishop Ireton cheerleading team since 2009. Since her arrival, the Bishop Ireton cheerleading team has over a dozen Regional and Classic 1st place Championship titles. In 2015 she began the Cardinal Winter Blast Cheerleading Competition at Bishop Ireton. This competition hosts the WCAC Schools and local Arlington Diocese schools. Bishop Ireton holds four of the five Cardinal Winter Blast first place championships. For the past 13 years the Cardinal cheerleaders have competed in the Christian Cheerleaders of America’s Nationals and hold seven National Grand Championship titles, including the six most recent competitions (2016-2022). For more than five years, they have captured the coveted Spirit of Competition trophy voted on by all the athletes at Nationals.

Lisa Strittmatter McLaughlin Lisa Strittmatter McLaughlin ‘99 was a four-year starter on the varsity softball team at Bishop Ireton. She regularly played multiple positions during her time at BI. Throughout her high school career, she compiled many awards and accolades including Cardinal North/South Tournament CoMVP, Cardinal Defensive Player of the Year, Bishop Ireton MVP, two-time 1st Team ALL WCAC, two-time All-State Selection, two-time captain in her junior and senior year and Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Softball Player of the Year.

Rick Sofield Coach Rick Sofield coached the Bishop Ireton girls lacrosse team from 2011-2021. During his time at Bishop Ireton, he led the team to five WCAC championship titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019) and four VISAA state championship titles (2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018). He won more than 77% of his games while coaching at BI and was named a USA Today National Coach of the Year. He has guided more than 50 players to NCAA programs around the country.

Shannon Varner Shannon Varner ‘76 was a four-year member of the varsity swimming team, competing in multiple events but primarily distance freestyle, individual medley and butterfly. He served as team co-captain in 1976. Also that year, he was awarded a National High School All-America ranking. He was named the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Swimmer of the Year in both 1975 and 1976. He attended Arizona State University on scholarship and was elected co-captain of the swim team in 1978. He achieved NCAA All-American status in the 400 Individual Medley and as a member of 800 Freestyle relay teams. Shannon also qualified for the 1980 Olympic Trials in the 400 Individual Medley.

34

The McConnon Family Legacy Since the early 1980s, the McConnon family has built a legacy at Bishop Ireton that is likely to continue into the future.

The McConnon family ties to Catholic

education run deep through the Diocese of Arlington and began, as it usually does, with Ray and Caron McConnon. Together, the couple had two BI graduates, BR McConnon (BI ‘84) and Kerry McConnon (BI ‘89), one St. Mary’s Academy graduate, Catherine (McConnon) Simons (SMA ‘85), and one former PVI student, Caron Ann McConnon. Caron, the matriarch, attended a Jesuit University, which led to her children attending Catholic schools.

“I learned about BI and SMA through parishioners at our church, Queen of Apostles,” said Caron. “I wanted my children to learn in an environment where their peers had similar Christian values. I hoped they would develop lifelong quality friendships. I had no idea what each of them would go on to do or be, but I wanted to give them a strong foundation.”

Following his time at Queen of Apostles, BR continued his Catholic education at Bishop Ireton. Many of the faculty and administrators made a lasting impact on his life. “Father Walsh, Father Dougherty, Mr. Swaney, Oblate Robert Del Santo and Ken Baskette at pivotal moments had the right things to say to me as I was growing up to shape my thinking,” reflected BR. “I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Ireton.”

In fact, his time on Cambridge Road was so impactful that he has generously given back to his alma mater for close to four decades

serving as a long time ‘84 Class Agent, Past Alumni Association President, and on the Campaign Leadership Committee for the Future is Now recent Capital Campaign.

“I’m happy, thrilled and honored that I get to participate and contribute back to the younger generations going through BI,” he shared.

BR and his wife Laura, who live just a few blocks from Bishop Ireton, are in the thick of the next generation of Cardinals with their own children, Ryan (BI ‘23) and James (BI ‘26). “BR has life-long friends going back to his high school days and I always wanted that for my kids,” said Laura. “I love the way [the people at] BI look after each other. They all just want to help each other and that’s what I appreciate.”

Though she didn’t attend Bishop Ireton, Catherine had an equally positive experience at St. Mary’s Academy, especially being taught by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. “I loved all four of my years at SMA,” she shared. “There was, and continues to be, a true sense of community among the students and the sisters. Many of us are connected on social media and receive updates about each other. Over the years, we have shared our accomplishments and lifetime milestones. Prayers are asked for and sent for each other, family members and other graduates. We often share memories of specific classes and teachers...Sister Elizabeth for English, Sister Brenda for religion [and on].”

35

so many others had wonderful personalities, folks you could relate to completely. You could talk to them about anything. They were your teachers, your coaches and they truly wanted to be a part of our student experience. We were all so appreciative of the effort they put into us. We had a real connection with them, whether it was a good kick in the butt sometimes or a pat on the back. They were there for both.”

“I think the power of BI/SMA is what was instilled in us,” reflected Catherine. “The spirit of service, community, acceptance and love were important, but most of all, being representatives of those qualities as we interact with others. Our schools had high expectations for us, not only while we were within their walls, but even more so once we left them.”

Catherine’s connection to Bishop Ireton extends to today. Two years behind Catherine at SMA was current BI Head of School Kathleen McNutt. While at SMA together, Kathleen was Catherine’s “little sister.”

Of Kathleen, she shared, “I am extremely proud of her and what she has been able to accomplish at BI.”

Kerry’s son Shane graduated from Bishop Ireton in 2021 and his youngest son Aidan is currently a senior at Bishop Ireton and part of the BI Class of 2023. Kerry has remained an active BI Alum and stayed involved in a variety of ways including playing in a 2014 alumni full contact football game in April 2014. Kerry was brave enough to play quarterback and took one tough hit during the game (that he might still be feeling!).

Outside of that unique experience, he’s felt a special connection to the school in the years since his graduation. “I really also like how Bishop Ireton is connecting with

Kerry McConnon has fond memories of his student days at BI and how the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and all the teachers truly lived the high school experience with the students. He said, “Father Metzger, Father Kowalewski, Mr. Swaney, Ken Baskette, and

Ryan ‘23, BR ‘84, James ‘26 and Laura McConnon

Caron McConnon

Catherine McConnon SMA ‘85 (2nd from left) with fellow classmates

36

Ryan McConnon ‘23

alumni today under the leadership of Kathleen McNutt and the Advancement Office,” shared Kerry. “They are listening to alumni suggestions and doing so much to help Ireton prosper and make BI/SMA alumni feel more connected than ever.

The enrollment increase in the last few years has had such a positive impact on the school.”

Although having attended Paul VI, Caron Ann McConnon was so impressed with Bishop Ireton and the McConnon family legacy at the school that she wanted her daughter, Brittany (Schott) Sumby (BI ‘06) to attend BI. “The awesome electives that I was able to take were unmatched and laid a solid foundation: psychology, law, creative writing and web design,” recalled Brittany. “These electives helped shape my personality and mentality while preparing me for university level courses. Small class

“I wanted my children to learn in an environment where their peers had similar Christian values. I hoped they would develop lifelong quality friendships. I had no idea what each of them would go on to do or be, but I wanted to give them a strong foundation.” sizes made us feel like family and made us feel seen by our teachers. Lori Whitley and Gail Georgieff were administrators that had a profound impact on my experience at BI. My days started and ended at Ms. Whitley’s desk. In high school, we all needed a safe space and Ms. Whitley and Mrs. Georgieff definitely gave that to me.”

Brittany also shared how two Bishop Ireton teachers significantly impacted her educational journey. “Brother Rick and Ms. Curran–both Honors English teachers–

laid my foundation for critical thinking and helped me map out my thoughts on paper.

Brother Rick encouraged me to submit a poem that got published in Cambridge Road Literary Magazine. I went on to list “published author” on my first resume in high school. I hope to be able to send my own children one day to Bishop Ireton.”

Kerry’s sons Shane, now a sophomore at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, and Aidan, a current BI senior, both speak highly of the school. “My BI experience was made by good teachers, classes that I enjoyed and being surrounded by a good community,” said Shane. “There were almost 200 kids in my 2021 BI graduating class and I knew almost everyone.” Aidan echoed those sentiments. “The school feels so connected, yet there are always opportunities to get new perspectives from others every day,” said Aidan. “I have been fortunate to meet a group of very close friends at BI that I now call family. We love each other and care about each other.”

BR and Laura’s daughter Ryan (and first cousin of Shane and Aidan) had great passion to be a Bishop Ireton Cardinal even before she started her freshman year while still a student at The Basilica School of St. Mary. “My Dad had told me for as long as I can remember about his time at Bishop Ireton and stories with my aunts and my uncle,” she shared. “It was fascinating to hear, because I realized Bishop Ireton really provides this all encompassing experience that I really wanted to be a part of. When I got my acceptance letter into BI I was floored. I was so excited because Bishop Ireton sounded like it was just the perfect place to not only serve the community, but serve each other and grow academically. I really wanted to make my Dad proud and that was very important to me at the time and still is.” Ryan has been involved in Model UN and become the President of the German Club. Ryan is also one of just

37

a few in the McConnon family who has had the chance to experience the new spaces at Bishop Ireton. “When the new academic building opened up, it was like a whole new world had opened,” she said.

“It was amazing to see such a new and unique change to Bishop Ireton. I spend a lot of time studying there in Hellmuth Library because it provides such a great ambience and big windows with a lot of sunlight. It gets you in a really good head space to do a lot of tough assignments. It just provides such a great atmosphere for Bishop Ireton.”

Aidan McConnon ‘23

BR and Laura’s youngest child James, a freshman at BI this year, is the latest McConnon to navigate the halls on Cambridge Road. He jumped headfirst into life at Bishop Ireton last summer, attending numerous BI summer camps and getting to know coaches and students. He felt support from his very first day. “When football started in August, I was impressed with how the juniors and seniors got to know me and how supportive the coaches were.” Despite a knee injury in the fall, James has continued to be involved in different areas of the BI community. “I’m looking forward to following in my sister Ryan’s footsteps as a part of the German Club and Model UN and just keep learning and exploring new opportunities. It’s so nice to be a part of the BI family and within the school spirit.”

Shane ‘21 with dad Kerry ‘89 and mom Brandi

Kerry ‘89 and BR McConnon ‘84

As the next generation of the McConnon family continues to make their mark on Bishop Ireton today, it was the vision of Ray and Caron McConnon more than four decades ago that laid the foundation for Catholic education for their family throughout the Diocese of Arlington that continues to flourish today on Cambridge Road. Caron McConnon said it best. “I’m so proud of my children and grandchildren and our family legacy in so many of the Diocese of Arlington schools and especially at Bishop Ireton.”

Kerry McConnon’89

38

Sonia is

Super!

After more than 25 years teaching at Bishop Ireton, one of the longest tenured science faculty members in school history is accelerating into retirement at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

If there is one thing former students of physics

After graduation, she thought it might be more important to teach young children. She got her elementary school credential and taught kindergarten for six years. After more than half a decade teaching five and six year olds, Sonia realized that dealing with that age range wasn’t her strong suit. When she and her husband moved to the Washington, DC area so that he could work on Capitol Hill, she didn’t yet have a job. Just a few days after arriving on the East Coast, however, she got a call from the Vice Principal at Bishop Ireton saying they were looking for a physics teacher. She began at BI in the fall of 1986.

teacher Sonia Faletti might remember about her and her class, it’s probably that “Physics is Phun!”

That mantra, emblazoned on a well-worn t-shirt that she owns with pride, has been said and said again for decades at Bishop Ireton. And despite the beloved teacher’s retirement at the end of this school year, it’s a saying that is likely to echo in memories for years to come.

Sonia’s interest in teaching dates back to college. When she attended Stanford University, she majored in physics. During her time in the program she was able to serve as a physics TA her junior and senior years in addition to working in a low-temperature physics lab.

In the initial four years she was at BI (from 19861990), she was the only physics teacher at the still all-boys school. At the time, there wasn’t a need for more than one teacher since there were only about 100 students per grade.

“Both were amazing experiences but I loved teaching and I was way better at teaching than I was at working in a lab,” remembers Sonia.

39

In June 1990, Sonia left Bishop Ireton to teach in another way. Her other, equally important vocation at the time was being a stay at home mom to her three children.

She said of the decision, “I was really glad to be home with my kids,” said Sonia. “I wanted to watch them grow and guide them.” Two of her children, Timothy and Joanna graduated from Bishop Ireton in 2009 and 2011 respectively. Both were involved throughout the school and were members of the Wind Ensemble.

In 2002, Sonia returned to Bishop Ireton. At the time, she was only looking for a part time position and as she describes it, the job opening at Bishop Ireton in the early 2000s was “an answer to a prayer.” In 2002, the school was looking for a full time teacher to teach both physics for upperclassmen and an integrated science class for 9th graders. It just so happened that another teacher, Mrs. Janine England, was also looking for part time science work. Sonia and Janine were both hired and split that role into two part time teaching positions. After finishing her masters degree from the University of Virginia in physics education in 2013, she returned to full-time teaching at BI where she has remained since.

Beyond the hundreds upon hundreds of students that she has impacted in her more than 25 years at Bishop Ireton, Sonia is also responsible for bringing the Project Lead the Way program to Bishop Ireton in 2017. The partnership with Project Lead the Way enabled BI to offer its first-ever engineering class–Introduction to Engineering Design, which was taught by Sonia. The seed of an engineering program that she started has blossomed into multiple engineering offerings and a state-of-the-art engineering classroom and workspace in the basement of the new building on campus.

In her time at Bishop Ireton, she originated and organized annual physics trips to Six Flags and Kings Dominion (to see science in action!), had her students construct catapults and trebuchets, which launched tennis balls on Fannon Field, was the moderator of the Gamer Club for the past decade and founded both the Maker Club and the Robotics Club. Hands on science was and remains one of the key tenets of her teaching philosophy.

Sitting in on any of the classes she teaches, you’d be hard pressed to find any indication that Sonia has lost a step after 25 years in the classroom. Her enthusiasm, engagement and passion for both the subject matter and her students hasn’t wavered one bit even with retirement just around the corner.

Of her last year at Bishop Ireton with retirement on the horizon in June 2023, Sonia said, “I want to make this the best year ever. I want to go out strong. I continue to learn and use new ideas. I will miss the students. I will miss my colleagues. I will miss the community. But I’m excited to have time to relax and time to travel.” She also noted that she won’t be able to leave teaching behind entirely. As she puts it, she may just go up to random people on the street and talk shop.

So after 25 years in the halls at BI, many students will remember that “Physics is Phun” when they think about Sonia. But after examining the summation of a career joyfully and selflessly dedicated to instructing the next generation of scientists, physicists and engineers, perhaps remembering that “Sonia Is Super” is more apt.

40

IT’S GREAT TO BE A CARDINAL Take a look back at the successful 2022 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend.

Bishop Ireton hosted more than 260 alumni and friends on campus on Friday evening, October 14 where we celebrated the classes of 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017.

Festivities continued Saturday with a big crowd for the Homecoming Football game on Fannon Field, which was lively and energetic despite a tough Cardinals loss to Bishop O’Connell. Saturday closed out with several alumni classes hosting reunion events off campus to keep the weekend celebration going.

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend officially wrapped up with the last Homecoming Mass held in the current iteration of the St. Francis de Sales Chapel on Sunday morning.

We look forward to seeing our alumni back on campus this October for Homecoming 2023! Mark your calendars for October 20-21.

41

Mark Your Calendar!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 SOCIAL

All-Classes Friday Night Social in Murphy Hall from 7-9 pm (21+ to attend) with special emphasis on the classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008 2013 and 2018.

Make sure to register early by scanning the QR Code below. The early bird price to attend the Friday evening festivities is $30 until September 14. The cost includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2023 GAME Home Football Game vs. Paul VI (Time: TBD) Be on the lookout for more information in News from the Nest and through your Class Agent. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Gilliland or Ryan Fannon in the Advancement Office at: advancement@bishopireton.org.

OBITUARIE We pray for the repose of the souls of all those lost in the Bishop Ireton and St. Mary’s Academy communities.

Beverly Favrot Himel Rafferty (Parent of Charlotte ‘09 and Beverly ‘10) April 27, 2019

Richard Thomas Russo (BI ‘74) March 15, 2022

Robert Michael (BI ‘72) December 2020

Fred Kuss (Former Dean of Men, Parent of Alumni) March 17, 2022

John McCallum (BI ‘68) December 31, 2020

Dorothy (Szczerba) Jacquelin Cover (SMA ‘54) March 21, 2022

Mark Davenport (Parent of Samantha ‘13) April 17, 2021 Mary Ellen Daniels (SMA ‘80) October 24, 2021

Mary F. Davis (SMA ‘52, mother of Patricia (Davis) Horowitz SMA ‘82 and Lucy (Davis) Skalsky SMA ‘81, grandmother of Samantha ‘10, Sean Scalsky ‘11, Seth Scalsky ‘14, and Samuel Skalsky ‘17) April 12, 2022

Stephen Sheehy (BI ‘70) December 26, 2021

Kevin Gaghan (BI ‘74) April 13, 2022

Janet Marmura (Mother of Michael ‘91 and Matthew ‘92) January 20, 2022

Jacqueline Gil (BI ‘14) April 24, 2022 Mary Sister M. Augustin Honan (Former principal at St. Mary’s Academy 19641969) April 24, 2022

Jerome L. Knittle (Father of Christine K. Willis (SMA ‘70), John Knittle (BI ‘73), Joseph Knittle (BI ‘74), James Knittle (BI ‘76), Patrick Knittle (BI ‘79), Paul Knittle (BI ‘81), and Mariam K. Virag (SMA ‘89)) January 21, 2022

Jean Davenport Moretti (SMA ‘45, mother of Rosemary SMA ‘78 and Fr. Mark Moretti ‘76) April 25, 2022

Jon Louis Sastri (BI ‘71) January 21, 2022

Joyce Gallagher Martin (SMA ‘61) May 15,2022

Frances Marie Watts (Nee Wagner) (SMA ‘49) February 11, 2022

Edward Healey (BI ‘80) May 22, 2022

Mary Ryan (Mother of Steve Ryan ‘75) February 11, 2022

Lewis Dellarco (BI ‘76) May 29, 2022

Mary Ellen Dwyer (SMA ‘50) February 14, 2022

Cindy Lucille Nolan Walnetski (SMA ‘81) May 30, 2022

William “Bill” Foley (BI ‘76) February 25, 2022

Carol Ann Downey Dienes (SMA ‘49) May 31, 2022

Cliff Louison (BI ‘12) March 6, 2022

Jane Fisher Kelly (SMA ‘72) June 4, 2022

Raymond Labas (Parent of Stephen ‘78, Julie Maldonado SMA ‘79, Raymond ‘82, Christopher ‘83, and John ‘84) March 6, 2022

Kathryn Reilly (Parent of Kathy Reilly Druckman (SMA ‘70), Robert Reilly, Jr. (BI ‘73), Peter Reilly (BI ‘74), Joann Reilly Hughes (SMA ‘76) and grandmother to Brendan Reilly (BI ‘08), Bridget Reilly (‘11), Conor Reilly (‘14), and Reilly Hughes (‘17)) June 5, 2022

Dr. Harry Kerasidis (BI ‘77) March 7, 2022

43

ES

Robert Miller (Former Faculty) June 20, 2022 Rev. John M. O’Neill (OSFS Former Faculty 1970 - 1983) July 9, 2022 Kerry J Donley, Jr. (BI ‘74) July 13, 2022 Dan Smith (BI ‘72) July 16, 2022 David W. Schuster (BI ‘71) July 19, 2022 Susan Cogut Mankad (BI ‘99) July 22, 2022 Paula Ann Cerami (SMA ‘72) July 25, 2022 Linda Hemphill (Mother of Lindsay Hemphill ‘97) July 31, 2022 Felicite Macfarlane (SMA ‘62) August 10, 2022 Frank W. Paciolla (BI ‘82) August 20, 2022 Kitty Ray (Mother to Megan ‘98 and Colleen ‘05) August 20, 2022 John Glennon, Sr. (Parent of John ‘83, Ed ‘86, and Bob ‘87) August 22, 2022 Aldina Maestri (Parent of Bruno ‘71 and John ‘77) August 29, 2022 Stephanie Dingbaum (BI ‘03) September 3, 2022 Joe Hribar (Former Student) September 4, 2022 Mary Ann Bordley (Parent of Robert ‘73, Thomas ‘74, Paul ‘76 and grandparent to Eileen ‘14) September 5, 2022 Larry Williams (BI Band Director 1966-1971) September 16, 2022

Captain Owen L. Cedarburg (Parent of Leslie SMA ‘77 and Tracey ‘79) October 4, 2022 Dr. Lester M. Haddad, Jr. (Parent of Matthew Haddad ‘85) October 10, 2022 Shannon Flynn (SMA ‘86) October 17, 2022 Sean Coughlin (BI ‘78) November 1, 2022 Katie Santos (BI ‘07) November 9, 2022 Pamela Marie Higgins (SMA ‘71) November 9, 2022 Michael Tiberio (Parent of Robin ‘10 and Dominic ‘15) November 12, 2022 Kimberly Doering (Mother of Samantha ‘17 and Patrick ‘19) November 16, 2022 Alex Beiro (BI ‘76) November 19, 2022 Priscilla Anne Johnson (Conklin) (SMA ‘55) November 19, 2022 June Grimm (Wife of former coach Norm Grimm and mother of Ed Grimm ‘70) November 25, 2022 Frances “Fran” Planning (Mother to Mark ‘79 and Stephen ‘84) November 30, 2022 Dr. Richard Ryan (Father of Steve Ryan ‘75) December 2, 2022 Ryan Dennis (BI ‘92) December 2, 2022 Stephen William McCarthy (BI ‘68) December 3, 2022 Vincent McGlone (BI ‘75) December 22, 2022 Kimberlee Phass (Wife of Dean ‘77 and mother to Alexandra Mandarino ‘06 and Dean Phass Jr. ‘11) January 3, 2023

44

Bishop Ireton High School 201 Cambridge Road Alexandria, VA 22314

www.bishopireton.org Follow us on social media @bishopiretonhs

Bishop Ireton Day of Giving

April 25-26 | Give to Bishop Ireton and Make a Difference