CM Magazine | Spring/Summer 2019

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

M A G A Z I N E

A farewell to CM Principal and legend Mr. Thomas Beatty ’68 The Class of 2019: Being more and doing more A conversation with Kevin ’63 and Mike Costello ’67

SPRING/SUMMER 2019

CONTENTS

See CM

02

Student Pulse

04

Baker Street News

05

Student Canvas

06

Off the Deep End

18

Roundtable Student Discussion

22

New Computers for Old

24

Pomp and Circumstance

26

Catching Up With the Costellos

32

Alumni Notes

38

In Memoriam

40

Head of School Reflection

44

Take a look at CM’s life in photos.

How well do you know our boys? Listen to what they have to say in our latest schoolwide survey.

Student and faculty short news items from the winter and spring.

Read a senior’s college Discernment Paper and check out our collection of student artwork.

How does Mr. Matthew Carroll ’04 educate the minds, and hearts, of his students? It begins with an urban plunge…dozens of miles away from his classroom.

We asked three students to think about their favorite instructors and what makes them great.

Meet Mr. Fremont “Freebie” Basset ’65: A engineer who is educating disadvantaged Floridians with a high-tech vocation.

Senior awards, college placement, and insight on this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian.

The brother-board member duo discuss the impression that CM left on their lives.

Notes, honors, and events from our strong alumni network.

We honor the alumni who we lost this winter and spring.

Dr. Peter Folan reflects on the role of an educator in today’s world.

President

Dr. Peter F. Folan Principal

Mr. Thomas P. Beatty ’68 Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Mr. Jack Moynihan ’81 P’18

Director of Institutional Advancement

Mrs. Tonya Kalmes

Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management

Mr. Michael Schell

Catholic Memorial, the Christian Brothers School of Boston, prepares boys for college, manhood, and a world full of unknown challenges, ambiguity, and complex problems.

34

Welcome to the Board Meet our two newest members of the Board of Directors, Mr. Paul Rogers ’79 and Mr. Ronald Perry ’76.

38

Galligan Scholarship Learn about one family’s generosity and the legacy behind it.

EDITORIAL STAFF Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

Mr. Dan Chisholm ’03

Assistant Director of Communications

Mr. Michael Kotsopoulos Digital Media Strategist

Mr. Alec Greaney

Design John Emmert, Greater Than Creative Photo Credits Alec Greaney, Michael Kotsopoulos, Lifetouch, and Paul Cheveette P’21 ’23 On the cover Mr. Beatty ’68 teaches AP Calculus during one of his final classes of his career.

28

CM Athletics Highlights from our winter and spring seasons.

35

Meet the New Principal Read our profile on Mr. Andrew O’Brien, our school’s next principal.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE I still remember my geometry class with Mr. Beatty like it was yesterday. Each day started with a simple, “Let’s see some homework.”

From that point, planes and two-column proofs became the focus with detours to the Cape, Jimmy Buffett, and Prefontaine.

There were no days off in geometry. Each

12

day you worked bell to bell, but you could count on Mr. Beatty lightening the mood with his dry wit. As a cross country runner, I experienced a much more vocal and intense

Teacher, Coach, Principal: 45 Years of Excellence as an Educator

Mr. Beatty on my way up Bear Cage Hill.

Paying tribute to a CM legend after a 45-year career in education.

students and athletes and also for himself.

Whether it was in the classroom or Franklin Park, Mr. Beatty set high expectations for his His high expectations, ease connecting with kids, and carefully chosen words are still remembered by the thousands of students he has mentored over the course of 45

42

years. His impact became evident earlier this month when hundreds of current and former students honored his retirement in a celebration held on campus. Many educators can be counted among the alumni he has

Senior Service

mentored at CM. Several of them like Mr.

Find out what Michael Martins ’19 learned from his senior service project.

Michael Dermody ’07, Mr. John Finn ’89,

John Antoni ’05, Mr. Harold Carey ’95, Mr. and Mr. Brad O’Brien ’06 have returned to Baker Street. Others like Mr. Matthew Carroll ’04 have taken the lessons learned from Mr. Beatty and other CM faculty to schools on

8

the opposite coast. CM has a rich legacy of producing educators. Mr. Fremont Bassett has become an educator, but in a different sense. His non-profit, Computers Advancing Education, not only provides students with needed technology, but also offers classes for adult learners to enter or advance their careers. This issue focuses on excellence

Student, Faculty, and Alumni Profiles

in teaching. Enjoy learning about these

Mr. John Costello ’19, Mr. John Aversa ’78, and Mr. James Catano ’01 step into the spotlight.

students and faculty.

three outstanding CM alumni as well as the accomplishments and successes of our

Dan Chisholm ’03 Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications

SEE CM CM’s Model UN competed at Boston College’s EagleMUNC. Senior Alex Masferrer (third from right) won the Best Delegate award.

CM’s speech and debate team finished 2nd at the state tournament held at Acton-Boxborough High School in April.

The campus ministry program held CM’s first Kairos Retreat this past spring.

Over February break, a group of CM students traveled to Peru as part of the BERSI program. The trip was coordinated

by Brother Stephen Casey, CFC. Adam Foss, a former assistant district attorney in Suffolk County, spoke to juniors and seniors about criminal justice reform.

Ms. Leslye Porter and the Writing Club hosted the spring edition of the Poetry Slam in April.

Fifteen students and faculty entered this spring’s contest, the most participants ever.

CM held a funeral service for U.S. army veteran Timothy Fowl in January. Fowl had no known next of kin. Mr. Denis Tobin and the varsity basketball team served as pallbearers at the funeral.

CM MAGAZINE

2

The theater program hosted three performances of the spring musical, Oliver!

Mr. Sean Kyne, the former chief government whip in Ireland, visited CM to meet with Ms. Mary Concannon and students in the Irish Studies program.

Sixty juniors and seniors studying U.S. History and U.S. Government visited the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. They engaged in a senate simulation that discussed immigration reform.

CM celebrated its 59th Commencement Exercises on May 23rd.

Mrs. Maura Messinger and 8th grade students wove blankets and delivered them to the Fisher House at the VA Medical Center in West Roxbury.

CM MAGAZINE

3

Student Pulse

32% NO

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO STUDY ON CAMPUS? 41% 30% 15%

SHOULD STUDENTS BE ALLOWED TO PICK THEIR OWN SUMMER READING BOOKS?

68% YES

CMARC

41% NO

KENNEDY COMMONS

59% YES

STUDENT/ TEACHER HUB

DO YOU WANT TO STUDY ABROAD IN COLLEGE?

10% FRONT LOBBY

4% OTHER

IF YOU COULD INVENT ANYTHING IN THE INNOVATION LAB, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

“I love skiing in the winter, but sometimes it’s just too cold. Putting hand and foot warmers inside your gloves and boots kind of works. But, first you have to dig them out of your pockets and then you have to remove your boots and gloves and put them in. Sometimes, they just land in the wrong spot and it doesn’t work out. I would love to invent heated ski boots and gloves for the coldest of days.” - Ryan Horrigan ’21

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER HERE AT CM? WHY?

“Mr. Palm. I worked with him in the biotech club and took his AP Environmental Science class. From both experiences, I can say that he’s been the best teacher that I’ve had over the past four years. Mr. Palm understands his students so well that he’s able to connect with each on a one-on-one basis.

This helped us understand all the complex topics in his AP class. Since he’s graded AP tests before, he has more knowledge of the test than most other teachers. He teaches us how the AP test is laid out and the best strategies to approach it. Not only is he the best teacher, but the best mentor too. He’ll meet with students on an individual basis if someone doesn’t understand the subject fully.” - Matt Cunningham ’19

IF YOU WROTE A BOOK, WHAT WOULD IT BE CALLED AND WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?

G H O S T B OY

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE

An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

BRAVE NEW WORLD

The Rep ubli c

HERE ARE A LIST OF BOOKS THAT OUR STUDENTS PLAN TO READ THIS SUMMER

TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA

“I would write a book called Building Up. The book would be about my desire to start my own business while growing up.” - Thomas Dunn ’20 “I would write a book called Look! What a Large Field of Chives. It would be about utilizing personified figures to illustrate something happening in the real world.” - Martin Xiao ’20 “I have dozens of ideas for books, more than I’ll probably ever be able to write.

I want to write a series of short stories about college and college students called The Haverford Stories. They would be based on my future school, Haverford College.” - Michael McCarthy ’19

CM MAGAZINE

4

B A K E R

S T R E E T

NEWS

Professor Moon Duchin, associate City of Boston Archaeologist Joseph Harlem Hellfighters, an African-American professor at Tufts University, presented a Bagley visited CM to speak with 8th infantry unit who faced more combat lecture entitled Geometry vs. Gerryman- graders about recent archaeological than any other unit in World War I.

dering, during which she discussed the surveys conducted in Roxbury and the work of the Metric Geometry and Ger- North End. Students, who study the Boston College Professor Stephen rymandering Group (MGGG). Duchin is history of Boston in their social studies Pope spoke to the seniors prior to their a co-founder of the working group; the course, examined artifacts found during Senior Service Experience. Each CM MGGG applies mathematics and comput- the digs and learned about the history of senior devotes 60 hours of service to a er applications to political redistricting. these two neighborhoods.

local charity or organization as a capstone

The Scholars Program and Social Studies

to their CM experience. The service

Department co-sponsored the event.

Mr. Peter Hill, CM’s International Student project is interwoven into the senior Coordinator, and Mr. P.J. Rufo, a member theology curriculum.

Students in Mr. Brian Mulcahey’s and Mr. of the World Languages Department, Brian Palm’s AP Environmental Science organized a Spring Festival to celebrate The College and Academic Advising classes learned about The Great Barrier the Chinese New Year. In recognition of team hosted its annual spring luncheon Reef Marine Park Authority through the Year of the Pig, students learned about for admissions representatives from a video conference with Julie Spencer the culture surrounding the celebration, Catholic Colleges who were in Boston and Craig McGrogan, senior education listened to Chinese music, and ate an for the National Association for College Admission Counseling fair. The event officers at the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium authentic Chinese meal. was held in early April at the UMass Club.

in Queensland, Australia. The video

conference was held on Monday, March Junior Weiyu “Peter” Xiao received a Thirty percent of graduating seniors have 25 at 6 pm (EST), which was Tuesday, national Gold Medal from the Alliance chosen to attend a Catholic college.

March 26 at 8 am in Queensland.

for Young Artists & Writers for his

work Santa Maria. More than 340,000 Seniors in the Scholars Program Nineteen CM students received honors submissions were entered. As a gold med- presented their senior capstone projects in the annual Will McDonough Writing alist, Peter placed among the top one per- in early April. The students spent the Contest. The contest is named for the leg- cent of all submissions.

year conducting their own independent

endary Boston sports writer and sponsored

research projects under the guidance of a

by the Boston Sports Museum. Winners are Logan Roberts, an 8th grader, earned faculty member. Each student completed selected by editors of The Boston Globe. a spot in the National History Day a 45-minute explanation and defense of Seventh grader Conor Lawler and 10th competition held earlier this month at the his research. Topics included the ethics grader Zachary Smart earned second place University of Maryland. Logan finished in of virality, cynicism in politics, activism in awards in their respective age groups.

first place at the Massachusetts National sports, young adult literature, brutalism, History Day competition held in April. His megacities, and the ethics of gene editing. research paper and project focused on the CM MAGAZINE

5

STUDENT CANVAS

BRENDAN JULIAN: DISCERNMENT PAPER In the third year of the Beyond CM college counseling program, all juniors must write their own Discernment Paper. The paper allows each student to identify the connections between his faith, aspirations, and achievements. Each student’s college counselor reads his paper and tailors his college search to the discerning needs of the individual.

Below, senior Brendan Julian shares an excerpt from his own Discernment Paper: Let me be honest: I do not know what I want to do with my life at this moment. I want to say I will be a great lawyer, but I do not know how fulfilling that will be. I want to say that I am going to become a doctor, but I get squeamish around blood. There are so many career paths to choose from and yet so many questions ahead of me.

At the very core, I know that I am Brendan Julian: a child of God. The Christian understanding of a human person is that all are equal; so I am equal with all of humanity. However, all humans possess unique, God-given gifts that make us distinct. How we share our lives with others leads us to discover our true vocation in life.

Last year, with AP exams looming and preparation for speech nationals ramping up, I learned this lesson head-on. My Nana had been sick for the past couple of years and suddenly caught pneumonia. She passed away on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, with her children and grandchildren around her. I had never lost anyone that close to me before.

As expected, this death did not settle well. I knew I had a lot to get done before the school year ended, so I kept my emotions to myself. The only person I told was my girlfriend, as she noticed how odd I acted one day. Some of my other friends at CM noticed the same thing and began to reach out.

On the day of my Nana’s funeral, I drove an hour and a half to a church in Brewster, where I sat in a pew before Mass. I was quiet and tried to keep myself composed. Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my girlfriend, my friend Mike, and my friend Jacob. All three of them got dismissed from school and drove to Cape Cod to be there for me. I was not expecting this at all. In that moment, I wanted to cry.

After Mass, they hugged me and stood by my side. When I asked, “Why did you guys come all the way down here,” one of them responded with, “We had to do this. You mean so much to us and we are always here for you.” My friends went out of their way to be with me during one of the lowest moments of my life.

This taught me the importance of true friends—people who I can cry in front of and not feel insecure.

They are people who I can be my true self around.

After the funeral, I began to discern what it meant to be a disciple for others. Being a disciple, to me, means being selfless. When my friends cancelled their plans to be with me at the funeral, they exemplified pure selflessness. While it is easy to conform and become motivated by money and status, I want to use my gifts to be there for others just as my friends were for me. Whether it be in business, medicine, or social work, there is an opportunity to improve the well-being in the lives of others. Being selfless and not greedy is something that can get me far in life, and by always being there for people, I believe that I can become an even better person.

Brendan will attend Boston College next year.

CM MAGAZINE

6

ANTHONY MOUSSALLI ’21 Anthony used a still life, or a collection of objects, to create this painting. He observed forms, shapes, and the value of color to render this artwork.

CALEB MCFARLANE DE CORDOVA ’20 For this drawing, Caleb was tasked to simply tell a story through a drawing. He chose to depict the idea that though we may feel the world is small and finite, in reality, we are part of a vast universe with a size we cannot fathom.

8TH GRADERS These little figures were inspired by Alberto Giacometti, who makes large abstracted human forms out of bronze. Eighth graders practiced drawing people in motion before making their own active poses out of wire, tape, and metallic paint.

GIUSEPPE PRESTI ’21 As part of his independent study, Giuseppe focused a series of his artworks on emotions. This one represents jealousy. The crying, tormented eye reflects a dancing duo that the viewer can deduce is the cause of jealousy for the character drawn.

CM MAGAZINE

7

THE FACE BEHIND THE VOICE JOHN COSTELLO ’19 Looking at the clock above Mrs. Liz O’Connell’s front office desk, senior John Costello clears his throat and pauses for a moment. He scans through the announcement folder and jots down a few notes before picking up the office phone. At around 1:55 in the afternoon, John begins his daily ritual with his voice, crisp and smooth, projecting over the school intercom.

On paper, the afternoon announcements look mundane. But, to John, who took over the role during his senior year, they present enough room for his own flair of creativity.

“I remembered seeing the announcements and thinking, ‘Well, I need to give this my own little twist,’” says John, a Milton resident.

So, at the end of each announcement, John signs off with his own three-word reminder for the entire Baker Street community, “Love you, boys.”

“And it’s true, I love everyone in this community,” he says, with a smile.

Nicknamed “The Voice of CM,” John remembers a time not so long ago when few ever considered him the voice of anything—let alone the one to express such affirmation over the loud speaker.

During his freshman year, John played on the freshman basketball and cross country teams. But, he felt lost when he left both during his sophomore year. Despite participating in speech and debate, John kept a quiet profile. Deep down, he longed for his own niche on campus. His freshman basketball coach, Mr. Mike Slonina ’11, noticed this and invited him to volunteer at his non-profit group A Shot for Life (ASFL).

“For ASFL, you need to talk to people,” said John.

“You need to engage with others so that they come out and support the ASFL community. This really brought me out of my comfort zone and made me into a better public speaker.”

CM’s faculty soon took notice. One fall afternoon during John’s junior year, a faculty member asked him to announce a football game due to a conflict in his schedule. Excited by the opportunity, John seized the moment.

“During my first game, it was a mess,” said John, laughing at the memory.

“I could hardly see any of the players’ numbers. But, it really allowed me to put my voice out there. Once I got comfortable doing that and making the small mistakes, I got hooked to it.”

From that moment on, John announced every home football and basketball game for the remainder of his junior year. Kids took a liking to his candid, colorful commentary, encouraging him to take on the role on a full-time basis during his senior year. John still remembers his final call at the Quincy-CM playoff basketball game this past winter.

“I remember Brendan Noonan coming down and hitting a shot in front of the crowd late in the game,” said John.

“I instantly said, ‘Oh it’s noon-time!’ Then he came back down and hit another one. Hearing the crowd go wild, I knew I had to have my energy match the level of competition for the playoff game.”

John leaves Baker Street with not just a diploma. He leaves with a sincere passion for a field he never thought twice about as a freshman.

Now, when he enrolls at Clemson University, John plans to take courses in broadcast journalism—the latest page of his next unwritten script.

CM MAGAZINE

8

BRINGING THE MODERN MAN TO BAKER STREET MR. JOHN AVERSA ’78 In the fall of 1978, Mr. John Aversa ’78 sat in the office of his Boston College professor, Mr. Mark O’Connor, ready to plead his case.

Serving as his Modern European History instructor at the time, Mr. O’Connor agreed to meet with Mr. Aversa after handing back his first exam of the semester. A freshman in the BC Arts & Science Honors Program at the time, Mr. Aversa arrived with plenty of questions about his low grade.

“I was always a really good student in high school,” says Mr. Aversa, who had graduated from CM a few months prior.

Ready for this reaction, Mr. O’Connor offered a simple yet unsettling answer.

“He just told me, ‘This isn’t good enough,’” says Mr. Aversa.

“We both agreed that I understood the material. But, he believed that I was capable of demonstrating it at a much higher level.”

Now the Math and Computer Science Chair at CM, Mr. Aversa understands how Mr. O’Connor’s critique allowed him to explore the subject matter that he felt most passionate about at a deeper level. A math major in college, Mr. Aversa applied his math expertise to his interest in computer science, which he later earned a master’s degree in.

In the 25 years he spent working in the IT field after graduating from BC Summa Cum Laude, Mr. Aversa taught college courses on a part-time basis.

He wanted students to realize their own untapped potential, keeping Mr. O’Connor’s critique in the back of his mind.

With each student he worked with, the more inspired he felt to leave the same impression that Mr. O’Connor left on him. In 2010, he left his position as vice president of IT and facilities at Emmanuel College for a math teacher position at his alma mater on Baker Street.

“I wanted to come back to the classroom on a much more substantial basis,” he says.

“There were opportunities here for our best students to excel beyond what they were getting in their regular classes.”

Despite already teaching four Advanced Placement courses, Mr. Aversa envisioned his own high school program in the likeness of the BC Arts and Sciences Honors Program. He wanted to model one Honors course in particular.

Known as Modern Man, the Honors course integrated the Honors Program’s English, Theology, Philosophy, and Sociology requirements into a single foursemester seminar. Mr. O’Connor, who directed the BC Arts and Sciences Honors program long after Mr. Aversa graduated, consulted Mr. Aversa on how to implement a scaled-down version of the seminar at CM. So, after mentor met with student one summer, Mr. Aversa launched the CM Scholars Program in the fall of 2016.

Students accepted into the program take a Scholars Seminar. Scheduled once a week for an hour in the morning before school, each seminar ends with an assigned writing prompt that reflects on the material covered.

“We never give them a question to write about,” says Mr. Aversa.

“We want to know what they think, so we expect them to come up with the question. That’s what’s really hard for them.”

Over the course of the school year, the CM Scholars must attend specific weekend and evening events that reinforce the specific yearlong themes taught in the program. At the end of the year, each student presents an indepth research paper on an interdisciplinary academic focus that they discuss with an assigned advisor.

Designed to model a college dissertation, the program prepares each student for life after high school.

“A third year in, kids know what they’re getting themselves into,” says Mr. Aversa, pausing to admire the progress made.

While the future looks bright for Mr. Aversa and his CM Scholars Program, he refuses to rest on his laurels. After all, if Mr. O’Connor taught him anything, Mr. Aversa knows better than to give anything but his best.

CM MAGAZINE

9

RECORD TIMING JAMES CATANO ’01 James Catano ’01 keeps a tight schedule.

On some mornings, he rushes out the door to catch an Amtrak train from Washington, D.C. to New York City. On others, he fits in a lastsecond flight to Minneapolis where he watches his Virginia Cavaliers play in the Final Four. Oh, and a birthday party for his 5-year-old son Luca back home in Arlington, Va., sits somewhere in between.

A senior associate at Dechert LLP in Washington, D.C., Mr. Catano knows how fast life moves in the world of business law. But, through it all, he never loses sight of his roots. Even with those roots 400 miles away in Pembroke.

“I remember waking up on cold fall mornings and heading out to Franklin Park on the day of the Catholic Memorial Invitational,” says Mr. Catano, the son of CM varsity cross country coach and faculty member Mr. Vin Catano.

“Riding in the back of the cross country van as a 5-year-old, the runners would toss me around aisle to aisle. I really felt like a part of the team and the CM community at such a young age.”

The middle of Vin’s three kids, Mr. Catano grew up by his dad’s side in Pembroke. Summer mornings meant following the cross country team along the South Shore coast during preseason runs. The occasional team dinner gave him a seat next to Mr. Thomas Beatty ’68 at the family dinner table. He even remembers where he stood when he saw Mr. John Finn ’89 break the 2-mile state record in the late 1980s.

So, to the surprise of nobody, Mr. Catano blazed his own trail on the varsity cross country, indoor track and field, and outdoor track and field teams when he enrolled at CM in the 1990s. In 2001, he won an individual state championship in the 2-mile, earned All-Scholastic honors from The Boston Globe, and committed to run at the University of Virginia.

At UVA, he found a way to keep his dad close by in the form of a simple mantra.

“Find something that you’re passionate about achieving and have the drive and determination to pursue that goal daily,” said Mr. Catano, remembering his dad’s advice.

“I kept that with me during my time in college and still do today.

It provides me with a reminder to keep my eyes set on life goals­— whether personal, academic, athletic, or professional.”

His dad’s advice gave Mr. Catano a sense of comfort—as if his CM family never left him. In 2005, Mr. Catano graduated from UVA with a BA in History and International Affairs and worked as a paralegal at a large law firm in Washington, D.C. The paralegal profession piqued his interest in law, encouraging him to enroll at Catholic University’s law school in 2008. There he studied corporate law during the financial crisis that started that same year. Upon graduation, he began practicing financial services law in Washington, DC. Today, he lives in Arlington, with his wife, Meagan; two kids, Luca and Olivia; and a third child on the way. Despite the full house, he still makes time to preserve this keen sense of family within the CM community. This past December, he took the time to plan a CM alumni reception with his dad, Mr. Beatty, and Mr. Jack Moynihan ’81.

“What was really interesting was seeing the breadth of alumni who joined us for the event,” said Mr. Catano.

“We had guys who graduated from CM recently and some that graduated decades ago. When an email goes out to alumni to let them know that teachers who had an impression on them while at 235 Baker Street will be in town, many will find a way to make time for it. And, to me, that lasting impression and sense of community is one of the many things that makes this CM family special.”

CM MAGAZINE

10

2019-20

Save the Dates!

SEP 13

Friday Night Lights After reaching the MIAA Division 1 State Championship at Gillette Stadium last fall, CM football is gearing up for an even stronger 2019 season! Join us at O’Connor Stadium for the pregame festivities, including a reception for President’s Society members and the Class of 2003 for winning the March Madness Challenge this spring.

Class Agent / Reunion Committee Meeting Interested in getting more involved at CM? Come back to Baker St. to learn more about these opportunities!

Open House Check out what makes CM so special.

Take a campus tour, hear from President Dr. Peter Folan and other faculty members, and chat with current students about their experience!

SEP 18 SEP 30 OCT 20

Join us for a round of 18 and dinner at the Woodland Country Club in Newton. All of the proceeds from this annual event go to benefit the CM Scholarship Fund. Last year, we raised $239,000 — help us surpass that mark this fall!

Inaugural Spring Gala We will host the first-ever Spring Gala for CM Alumni, parents, and friends. The event will include an auction, dinner/ dance, and celebration of the Vince in Bono Malum award winners.

APR 04 MAY 01

All-Class Reunion All CM alumni — yes, ALL of you — are invited to join us at CM next June for the annual All-Class Reunion, especially all classes ending in 0s and 5s. Catch up with classmates and reunite with your favorite faculty on Baker Street.

Golf Tournament

JUN 05

50th Reunion On the first Friday of May, we celebrate Founder’s Day in honor of Br. Edmund Rice. That day, we also invite CM’s 50th Reunion class back for a special celebration — Class of 1970, you’re up next! Come home to CM to see what’s changed around our campus (and rediscover how the best of what you remember hasn’t changed a bit!)

Find more events and information at www.catholicmemorial.org /calendar

Mr. Beatty congratulates a student at Academic Awards.

CM MAGAZINE

12

TEACHER, COACH, PRINCIPAL:

45 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AS AN EDUCATOR

I

By Dan Chisholm ’03

t is nearing the end of CM’s third quarter. Mr. Thomas Beatty ’68 pushes open the door to room 15 with a determined look on his face.

He arranges a textbook and a stack of notes on the front table and begins chatting with the students already in the room. With some students, he answers a math question, but with others he chats about what is on the students’ minds – spring sports, the Red Sox, the AP exam.

Then, the bell sounds.

“All right, all set?” he asks the class.

And he’s off, like the track star he once was.

The class begins with a review of a test Mr. Beatty returns. He asks which problems the class wants to review. After a student requests to review the second problem, he copies the question onto the board.

“Ok. You’re going to have to break this down into two parts,” says Mr. Beatty.

Over the course of four decades, he has taught thousands of students. When former students discuss his teaching ability, the most common sentiment is that he makes even the most complex mathematical concepts seem simple. Before returning to the problem, a student raises his hand.

“Why did you put this one on the test?” the student asks.

“Why not?” Mr. Beatty replies.

“It’s difficult,” the student says sarcastically.

“I know you want a challenge.”

Therein lies the next most common description of his teaching style. He has high expectations for his students – he challenges them, but he also inspires them to overcome the challenge. He is there to offer help outside class whether it is before school, after school, or during lunch.

Whenever a student asks for help, Mr. Beatty stops what he is doing to offer it.

The class continues working through problems, and he continues encouraging students to be confident. Along the way, he offers minor admonitions such as, “Let’s speak mathematically.”

Mr. Beatty constantly stops to check for understanding after every step of every problem with a simple, “Good?”

The students sometimes nod in affirmation and other times hands go up. However, their responses are unnecessary. As soon as the question leaves his mouth, Mr. Beatty scans the classroom with a keen awareness. He knows the moments when everyone understands and pushes forward. He also knows just by the looks on their faces when they have questions and he stops to reiterate a point.

Throughout the class, his primary concern is that students develop a firm understanding of the mathematical concepts.

Since this is an AP Calculus course, Mr. Beatty is also preparing them for the upcoming exam.

After completing a problem and finding the whole class ready to move on, Mr. Beatty asks, “Now what if they asked the question this way?”

Mr. Beatty’s question is interrupted by a cell phone ringing.

“Anything important?” asks Mr. Beatty, displaying the dry wit for which he is known.

He then deftly transitions back to the math concept at hand.

The students are relaxed and enjoy moments of laughter.

However, they are all clear on the primary purpose – to leave this course prepared for their next level of math with a thorough understanding of calculus.

The bell rings to end the period. If not for that, they might have sat there all day working through calculus problems and exchanging occasional banter. Despite the class’ end, no one rushes toward the door. Neither does Mr. Beatty. While other matters might call, he lingers, chatting with students.

Mr. Beatty has been a math teacher for 45 years. The nuisance of a student’s cell phone ring is relatively new. Over his career as a teacher, he has always pushed himself to improve and has honed his craft as a math instructor by reflecting on his own practice and observing his colleagues.

As the class continues to work through the problem, Mr. Beatty calls on a student to help the class take the next step. After a short pause, the student loses confidence and suggests someone else should take over.

His class is held in CM’s new Math Lab. Flexible furniture has replaced rows of desks and Smart Boards have replaced chalk ones, but Mr. Beatty’s focus on developing a rapport with his students hasn’t changed a bit.

“You can do it,” Mr. Beatty encourages him.

“To me, it’s all about the relationships,” said Mr. Beatty.

And with a hint here and there, the student does.

To someone who doesn’t know him, Mr. Beatty might seem

CM MAGAZINE

13

reserved. But to his students, he is a mentor, one who inspires by example, but more importantly, through conversations before or after school or following a track meet.

Mr. Beatty knows the power of inspirational teachers. He learned that lesson himself on Baker Street.

WALKING UP THE STEPS OF DONAHUE HALL Mr. Beatty vividly recalls the moment when he decided to attend CM. During his days at Holy Name Parish School, a Catholic elementary school in West Roxbury, he often thought about following some of the older kids in his neighborhood to CM. He knew some CM students, including Ron Coyne ’65, Rick Dunn ’63, and Jim O’Brien ’65, who he watched play basketball at West Roxbury’s Hynes Field.

However, it was in March of 1964 when he decided for sure he wanted to be a CM Knight. The CM varsity basketball team, led by Ron Teixeira ’65, earned a spot in the championship of the Tech Tournament. The squad, under the direction of legendary coach Ron Perry, went undefeated. The championship game was set to be broadcast on the radio.

As he listened to the game on the radio, the excitement and energy of the broadcast convinced him CM was the place for him.

“I don’t know how I even got the station. I was in bed. It was late. I knew my mother didn’t want me up so I had the earphone in. I can still remember it. They went into overtime and they lost the game. But it was something that just sparked something in me, and I said that’s where I’m going,” said Mr. Beatty.

In September 1964, he walked from the 36 bus stop at the corner of Spring and Gardner streets and up the stairs into Donahue Hall with the other freshmen. It was only his second time on campus. Some of the students he knew from his days at Holy Name. But,

now he was walking among kids from all over the city of Boston.

and every day after that for four years,” said Mr. Beatty.

Starting high school, he felt the same anxiety teenagers typically do. However, the faculty quickly quelled any uncertainty he had.

The fall of 1964 sparked an interest in and passion for track that would continue through every season for his four years. While he always enjoyed track and found success with it, a coach changed the trajectory of his life. In 1967, Mr. Thomas Meagher joined the CM faculty as a member of the history department and the head indoor and outdoor track coach.

“I can still remember getting off the bus and it was so many kids – from everywhere.

Freshman year we were all over in Donahue Hall. It was just a special feeling. All the teachers were fantastic. Teachers like Jim O’Connor and Ron Perry, and Br. Feerick, one of the founders,” said Mr. Beatty.

Mr. Beatty was fortunate to have excellent teachers who provided an excellent education and inspired his interest in math and history.

However, it was the personal connections and the conversations that transcended subjectmatter that had the most important impact.

Whether it was Mr. O’Connor encouraging his uncertain freshman to attend a dance or Br. William Murphy taking a group of students to play with kids at the Home for Little Wanderers, Mr. Beatty developed confidence and learned the importance of giving back.

Reflecting on the CM faculty, Mr. Beatty said, “They educated me, they guided me, they mentored me, and they listened to me like no one else had ever done before.”

The impact of his teachers is something that would motivate him for the rest of his life, but he didn’t know it at the time.

It wasn’t only in the classroom where his teachers inspired him. On one of his first days, he heard an announcement over the loudspeaker that freshman cross country would practice after school. He hadn’t planned on running cross country, but that didn’t stop him from attending the first day of practice.

He didn’t have a change of clothes so he ran in his khakis and loafers.

“I didn’t even know why I went. I didn’t even know what cross country was. The first time I went out they had us run a mile and a half.

It was so much fun. I came back the next day

“I only had one year to work with Tom. I recognized instantly that he had tremendous potential,” said Mr. Meagher.

While Mr. Beatty enjoyed a strong senior season, Mr. Meagher wished he had more time with him. He saw something in the senior runner.

“I happened to know the head track coach at Boston University. I said to him, ‘This kid’s got talent. He is going to be really good. I know you can make him into a great runner,’” said Mr. Meagher.

Mr. Meagher’s recommendation worked. Mr. Beatty was offered a scholarship to Boston University. He enjoyed a stellar track career and still holds BU’s record in the 1,000-yard run.

At BU, Mr. Beatty decided to major in math; it was difficult for him to choose between math and history; his two favorite subjects. While at BU, Mr. Beatty was uncertain of his future career. Given his math major, a role in banking was a possibility. However, a conversation in Franklin Park changed that.

AN UNEXPECTED OPENING After graduating from BU, Mr. Beatty began coaching cross country at Archbishop Williams High School. Archbishop Willams had a meet scheduled versus CM in early October 1974.

Mr. Catano, a friend of Mr. Beatty’s since high school, had joined CM’s English Department two years earlier and was an assistant cross country coach. At the meet, he and Br. Garrett McGibney, the head coach, told Mr. Beatty that a math position had opened unexpectedly and asked if he was interested. After Mr. Beatty indicated he was, Br. McGibney told him to come to CM the next day for an interview.

The next day, Mr. Beatty entered Vice Principal Mr. Christopher Jackson’s office. The

CM MAGAZINE

14

conversation went well, but Mr. Jackson wanted to see a little more. He handed Mr. Beatty an algebra book and asked him to return the next day to teach the five classes that he would inherit if hired. After working tirelessly to prepare, Mr. Beatty returned and entered the classroom as a teacher for the very first time.

“In the back of each room, the person who was covering the class sat and observed. So I had the principal, the vice principal, the science department chair, the math chair, and the religion department chair,” said Mr. Beatty, recalling the interview as if it were yesterday.

“I thought it went ok, but I didn’t have anything to base it on.”

At the end of the day, Mr. Jackson told Mr. Beatty to return on Monday and he would have a homeroom in Donahue Hall.

Mr. Beatty discusses a Scholars Program Colloquium project with Garrett Smith ’22.

Mr. Catano.

“I found out later that they actually took a poll of the classes. [Mr. Jackson] said, ‘The kids really liked you and the teachers liked you, so let’s start on Monday.’”

As Mr. Beatty began his career as a CM teacher, he tried to do what Mr. O’Connor, Mr. Perry, Br. Murphy, and Mr. Meagher had done for him.

This initial popularity would only grow throughout the years. After being hired, CM was the only place Mr. Beatty would ever work.

“When I first began teaching, I devised my own mission statement even though I didn’t formalize it at the time. I wanted every student I taught at CM to leave CM with the same sense of fulfillment, enjoyment, and belonging that filled me when I graduated. I still think that’s a pretty good way to approach every day, said Mr. Beatty.

“It was almost destined to happen. What is better for a CM grad than to come back to a place he loves?” said Mr. Catano P’01, CM’s longtime English Department Chair.

A YOUNG TEACHER The next Monday, Mr. Beatty made the short drive from his home in West Roxbury to Baker Street. For the next four decades, this would become his daily routine.

“It was really weird; I just couldn’t believe it.

I knew all the rooms, and I knew where I sat in all the rooms, and it really wasn’t that long ago that I was there.”

Despite the unique circumstances that led to his hiring, Mr. Beatty quickly felt at ease in the classroom.

“Tom adapted to the [challenge] quickly.

He knew the school and he was ready,” said

Even though he now stood at the front of the room rather than sitting at one of the desks, he still had some learning to do. He didn’t have prior teaching experience, so he had to learn to plan, manage a classroom, and assess his students on the job. Luckily, he could count on the advice of two colleagues and mentors: Mr. Joseph Perfetti and Br. Robert Durning.

“I liked teaching right away, because it was new and different. The kids were great, but they kept you on your toes. The two [colleagues] who helped me greatly were Joe Perfetti and Br. Durning,” said Mr. Beatty.

Mr. Perfetti’s counsel and guidance extended beyond how to teach algebra and geometry effectively to freshmen and sophomores.

CM MAGAZINE

15

“He had a competent mastery of the subject matter coupled with a caring teaching style.

He highly motivated his students to develop an appreciation for mathematics,” said Mr. Perfetti.

His calm demeanor and friendliness made him friends among his colleagues. His near sprint down the hallways earned him the affectionate nickname “Speedy Beatty” among the students. His quick pace was just a manifestation of his determination; striving for excellence, there was no time to waste.

Setting lofty goals and continuously setting new personal goals would define his career.

After several years of teaching, Mr. Beatty decided to enter a graduate program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. There he was met with one of the biggest challenges of his life.

The program held classes on Tuesday evenings from 4 pm until 8:30 pm. After teaching five classes, Mr. Beatty would make the hourlong drive to Worcester for class. This was his Tuesday routine for four years.

Luckily, he had Mr. Perfetti. “[At WPI], they would give you homework – serious homework and a lot of the grade was based on homework. So pretty much every Friday, I would go to Joe Perfetti’s, bring a pizza, and we’d go over all the math,” recalled

“Education isn’t just in the classroom.

It’s all over. It is every moment. Whether it is in the classroom, on the track, or in the hallway. He can connect with kids,” said Mr. Connor Muldoon ’12 who had Mr. Beatty as both a teacher and coach.

His high expectations were not only reserved for math. Cross country and track runners knew Mr. Beatty would push them to improve. Much like he did with calculus problems, he would break their performance down step by step and challenge them with workouts, which the athletes might have dreaded in the moment, but appreciated when they found success.

Mr. Beatty performs a duet with Rory Redmond ’20 at the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony.

“These were high level math classes. He was dealing with complex theoretical math and he did very well,” said Mr. Perfetti.

it wasn’t like he was out of touch with what we were into. He could use whatever was going on. He could use athletics or music. He could make references and tie it into math to make it accessible and interesting,” said Mr. Eric Levie ’90 now a teacher himself at Bishop Stang in Fall River.

His high expectations for himself and his determination helped him to quickly develop into one of CM’s most popular teachers.

Throughout his career, he pushed himself to be better and to continue to grow.

Math was only the beginning of the education in his classroom. When thinking back to their time in his class, alumni describe him as caring, sensitive, and genuine. They found great inspiration in their connections with him.

EPITOME OF A TEACHER AND COACH

“Every morning, he’d come around to see if we did our homework, but I think that was really just a chance for him to check in with each student to see how they were doing more than how they did on their homework.

I always looked forward to that part,” said Mr. Donovan Henry ’12.

Mr. Beatty.

With the guidance and friendship of colleagues and his work ethic, Mr. Beatty developed into one of CM’s iconic teachers. He devoted himself to helping each student succeed.

“He’s a big believer in no man left behind. So even if one person in class is struggling with a topic and we need to move on to stay on course for the AP exam, he’ll stay after school or offer morning sessions to make sure every person understands the concept,” said Matt Freitas, who graduated this spring and was a part of Mr. Beatty’s last class.

Mr. Beatty didn’t just want his students to understand the material – he wanted to make them interested in it, and he took great care in crafting lessons to weave together math and topics of interest to students.

Just like the teachers he had at CM, the education he offered his students transcended subject matter.

“He was available. He developed a level of trust. You felt he was someone you could ask for advice. He was non-judgmental, and he would always steer you back to what you knew to be the right thing,” said Mr. Levie.

Joining longtime friend and colleague Mr. Catano as a cross country and track coach, Mr. Beatty became the epitome of a great teacher and coach.

“He was funny, engaging, and topical;

CM MAGAZINE

16

“He wanted everyone to succeed. I was a decent runner, but he took the time to let me know what I could do better to excel. Before every race, he would review what my splits should be to set a new personal record,” said Mr. Muldoon.

“I always looked to him for feedback. Based off his demeanor and his approach to the sport, I realized he had valuable insight I wanted to get. After races, I’d always chat with him to see if he had feedback because I knew it would make me better,” said Mr. Henry.

GIVING BACK TO A PLACE HE LOVES Mr. Beatty continued his career teaching five math courses and coaching three seasons of track until 2015. He was perfectly content to continue in this role. However, in the spring of 2015, CM President Dr. Peter Folan asked Mr. Beatty to join the principal search committee.

As the committee discussed the position and CM, Dr. Folan and the other committee members recognized that the best candidate was sitting at the table.

“I told them ‘no’ five times,” said Mr. Beatty, recalling the moment when Dr. Folan and the rest of the committee asked him if he would take the position.

Following this meeting, Mr. Beatty sought the counsel of three people: his wife Anne and longtime colleagues Mr. Catano and Ms. Mary Concannon.

After Mr. Catano and Ms. Concannon agreed that he was the best person for the job and with the blessing of his wife, he accepted the

new role.

“I think the job found him. He wasn’t searching for the job. He didn’t have to take it on.

Instead, he took on a big job during a time of transition. He was the right man to be at the helm at the time,” said Ms. Concannon.

Taking on this new role, he had the opportunity to extend his personal mission statement to the entire student body.

“As you know, our Principal, Mr. Beatty, is retiring at the end of the year. I know he likes James Taylor, so I’d like to sing a James Taylor song tonight. And… I’d like to invite Mr. Beatty up to sing with me,” announces Rory.

At that moment, hundreds of heads turn awaiting Mr. Beatty’s response. They don’t have to wait long for a response. Mr. Beatty rises and walks quickly to the podium while donning his academic robe.

“Sometimes you’re intimidated by the principal as that far-off person that you don’t see that much. He’s always out there in the cafeteria and hallways. Being a teacher, it added this sense of transparency you don’t get with a traditional principal,” said Mr. Matt McCarthy ’16.

The collective faces of the audience reveal one question on everyone’s mind: Can he sing?

As Principal, Mr. Beatty shared not only his high expectations, but his skills as a writer and speaker. And he has shared many talents some of which were hidden even from longtime colleagues and friends.

Question answered.

“As some people become older, they get stale. That is not the case with Tom. He has expanded his repertoire of skills and talents that he is willing to share with the community,” said Ms. Ellen Eberly P’99 ’05, a longtime faculty member.

Mr. Beatty has shared his acting skills through a cameo in this spring’s musical, Oliver!.

Through his weekly newsletter and addresses to the student body, he displayed his thoughtfulness, scholarship, and love of CM with the entire school.

A LIFELONG LEARNER It is March during his fourth and final year as principal. In the Ronald S. Perry Gymnasium, 44 juniors and seniors hold candles and recite the National Honor Society (NHS) pledge in front of parents and guests as part of the induction ceremony for the Monsignor Donahue Chapter of the NHS. It is a rite of passage and a tradition that has carried on at Baker Street for decades.

As Rory strums the guitar, Mr. Beatty belts out, “In my mind I’m gone to Carolina. Can’t you just see the sunshine?”

As Rory and Mr. Beatty sing the verses, heads start nodding, hands start clapping, and feet start tapping. When the final note is played, Mr. Beatty and Rory hug and, then he gives a simple nod to the audience and walks back to his seat among the faculty.

“Mr. Beatty has dedicated his life to serving the young men of Catholic Memorial. His impact on the lives of two generations is immeasurable. As a teacher, he built strong relationships and inspired growth in his students.

As a coach, he dedicated his time and energy to motivating his athletes to achieve their potential,” said Dr. Folan.

Mr. Beatty’s commitment and dedication are admired by his colleagues.

“He has held every role here. His legacy is held by the alumni. The way they respect him and seek him out at events is evidence of the impact he’s had,” said Mr. Catano.

“As an alumnus, teacher, coach, and principal, Tom has maintained an unwavering bond to CM. His commitment and love of the school is evident. Most teachers at his age would be considering retirement. But he accepted the role of principal with the many tasks and long hours involved,” said Mr. Perfetti.

Reflecting on his tenure at CM, he is grateful and unassuming. Not surprisingly, he focuses on that role in the classroom and turns the spotlight on his students.

The students cheer, “Beatty. Beatty. Beatty.”

Reflecting on both his tenure as Principal and singing in front of the school community, Mr. Beatty said, “I tell the kids. You need to step outside your comfort zone.”

Beginning as a student and continuing through his tenure as principal, Mr. Beatty has made an indelible mark on CM. He has broken CM records, was inducted into the CM Athletic Hall of Fame, became CM’s first alumni Principal, was honored with a Vince in Bono Malum Award, and taught thousands of students about the subject he loves. More importantly, he has inspired them all to learn and to pursue excellence even if it means stepping out of their comfort zones.

Then, junior Rory Redmond takes the stage.

To the audience, this is expected. Rory is a talented musician and a frequent performer at CM events.

But this is where the night’s program takes an unexpected turn.

“Tonight, I thought I would do something different,” Rory begins.

CM MAGAZINE

17

“Honestly, the bottom line is I just loved it. It was fun. You get in front of a bunch of kids and you can feel the camaraderie among them and it’s just so much fun. I always think of what the brothers and teachers did for me and I want to impart that, so students leave with the same feeling for the place I have,” said Mr. Beatty.

And thanks to that chance encounter in Franklin Park, thousands of students have graduated with that sense of camaraderie and pride in CM.

OFF THE DEEP END Teachers know how to educate the mind. But, what about the heart? For Mr. Matt Carroll ’04, this requires taking a plunge outside the classroom. An Urban Plunge that is.

By Michael Kotsopoulos A tenth-of-a-mile separates O’Farrell Street from Geary Street in the heart of San Francisco. In the few minutes it takes to walk from one end to another, those who pass by know better than to expect the San Francisco seen on postcards and re-runs of Full House.

Instead, they witness an urban underbelly.

Used needles left in sewers. Empty sleeping bags underneath store façades. Trash heaps left in alleyways. With each step down this stretch, an already crumbling aesthetic culminates into a dark narrative.

Some locals call this side of town “Little Saigon” or “The L’s.” Kids who grow up in the neighboring suburbs of San Mateo know it as where not to go during trips to the downtown theater district.

But, to just about everyone in the Bay Area, it goes by one name: The Tenderloin District.

Standing at the mouth of Tenderloin, Catholic Memorial alumnus Mr. Matt Carroll ’04 gathers his group of 20 high school juniors from nearby Sacred Heart Schools Atherton on a nearby sidewalk. Mr. Carroll, the Service Learning Coordinator at Sacred Heart, pauses before leading their walk across its concrete expanse. Looking left to right, he scans the crowd to make sure none of his students wander out of sight.

Then, reaching into his pocket, he hands each student two dollars and a simple set of instructions.

“Go find dinner,” he says.

“But, be sure to pay attention with your eyes, ears, and nose along the way.”

The students nod their heads, naïve of what

to expect next. After all, most of them grew up in homogenous communities where their biggest worry meant what was for dinner. Few, if any, questioned if there would be dinner.

For Mr. Carroll, whether his students ask this question proves the difference between success and failure in his Urban Plunge excursion. To him, it proves the ultimate lesson in his innovative service-learning classroom model.

Scheduled once in the fall and once in the spring since its inception in 2015, the Urban

CM MAGAZINE

18

Plunge program sends Mr. Carroll and his students deep into Atherton’s neighboring urban communities. There, students spend their morning serving the community at needbased agencies and then switching roles with those who they served in the afternoon.

A typical plunge begins at the crack of dawn for Mr. Carroll and his students. The day starts with a 6 am wake-up, a short prayer service, and a 7 am bus ride from Atherton into either San Francisco or San Jose.

Before noontime, they travel to two service sites in the middle of the city.

The service sites vary year after year. One site, St. Anthony Foundation, sees students serve meals to hundreds of homeless men and women.

Another, Project Open Hand, exposes students to homebound hospice patients in need of a meal and some company. At both sites, the students sit and interact with those they serve. They hear stories of broken homes, mental illness, and the lingering effects of the 1980s AIDS epidemic.

The first half of the Urban Plunge experience proves no different than any other service opportunity at Sacred Heart Athertonan independent Catholic School located in one of the nation’s most affluent zip codes.

Before graduating, students at Sacred Heart must fulfill four service requirements over

the course of their four years. For example, freshmen participate in a Class Service Day and sophomores commit 25 hours of service work at a community partnership. The partnerships, coordinated through individual school advisors, expose sophomores to food and homeless shelters, low-income schools, and subsidized government programs. Regardless of the site students choose, all students must keep a journal.

The journals encourage students to reflect on the sights, scenes, and interactions that they encounter. Some journals tell stories of students from low-income families playing basketball while they wait for their parents to pick them up after school. Others capture the process of preparing a meal for recovering drug addicts who also need a place to sleep for the night.

But, few journal submissions demonstrate students pausing and wondering why they see the same scenes unfolding week-after-week.

Seeing this, Mr. Carroll dedicated the second half of his Urban Plunge program to guide his students into this deeper reflection. In 2017, this began when he altered the school’s curriculum and made the Urban Plunge mandatory for every member of his Social Ethics course. The class, designed to put students’ initial reflections within the context of Catholic Social Teaching, empowers students to question the circumstances surrounding those who they serve.

“As an educator, we’re trying to draw out wisdom,” said Mr. Carroll.

“It’s my job as a religion teacher to take my students to see where God exists among the poor and marginalized.”

So, how does one show another where “God” exists on the margins? Simply put, Mr. Carroll decided to take them there.

“The majority of the kids at our school don’t think twice about where their next meal comes from, or how they get home from school every day,” he said.

“How do we get them to put these issues on their radar? How do we make them see eye-to-eye with the people at the homeless shelter? Well, for starters, we put them in their shoes.”

By the end of their experience, Mr. Carroll wanted his students to take the elements of compassion and social justice that they read in the Gospel and apply it to everyday life.

Mr. Matt Carroll (right) worked with Fr. Greg Boyle (center) When discerning how to at Homeboy Industries as part of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. best put his students in the shoes of the marginalized, of God in a vengeful manner. It’s much harder Mr. Carroll looked back at his to give a person a second chance. But when roots on Baker Street. He grew up in we imagine them as a brother, mother, sister, it Roslindale and attended CM from 2000 to becomes a lot easier.”

2004. During his junior year at CM, his theology teacher, Mr. William Hahn, bridged his understanding of Christian Ethics with the service work he performed in the Greater Boston community.

The way in which Mr. Hahn presented the material left a lasting impression on him.

“I remember there was a bluntness from Mr. Hahn’s class that I loved,” said Mr. Carroll.

“He was not afraid to call out or highlight, in a compassionate or concerning way, the hypocrisy that we might have in our thinking. At the end of the day, the compassion that we have for one group shouldn’t be exclusive to others.”

Mr. Carroll held on to this newfound social consciousness when he left CM for Boston College in 2004. It led him to join countless groups committed to social justice and service work. After his senior year at BC, he committed himself to the Jesuit Volunteer Core (JVC) in Los Angeles where he worked as a Case Manager for Fr. Greg Boyle S.J. at Homeboy Industries.

At Homeboy Industries, Mr. Carroll worked one-on-one with former gang members and recovering addicts. He assessed their needs and worked to provide each person with sufficient employment opportunities. Along the way, he learned what it meant to serve without judgment.

“As soon as we put a qualifier on the situation of those we serve by saying, ‘Well they did this, well they committed this crime,’ then it takes away that element of compassion,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s tempting to paint an image

CM MAGAZINE

19

After earning his Master of Divinity from Santa Clara University in 2012, Mr. Carroll sought to instill this same mindset in the hearts and minds of those he taught. He joined the theology faculty at Sacred Heart that August with this mission in mind. Five years later, upon integrating the Urban Plunge program into his Social Ethics course, he designed the latter half of the program in the likeness of this mission. Above all else, he wanted his students to tear down the power dynamic between the “server” and “served.”

To accomplish this, Mr. Carroll decided to flip their roles.

When his students finish working in the urban food kitchens and homeless shelters during the first half of an Urban Plunge, he designed the second half of the program so that his students depend upon the same resources provided by the government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

How do we get them to put these issues on their radar? How do we make them see eye-to-eye with the people at the homeless shelter?

Well, for starters, we put them in their shoes.”

problem. If the people in front of you are ignoring you, it makes those who already feel marginalized think that they are even more disconnected from reality.”

Mr. Carroll wants his students to smile and say hello with each interaction. He wants them to recognize the hunger of those they serve as their own hunger too. Only then can they serve with compassion and not judgment—just as he himself learned on Baker Street and in Divinity School years ago.

“We want our kids to see them as the victims of crimes and not as the ones committing the crimes,” said Mr. Carroll.

“The Tenderloin District is a community, not a prison.”

At 3 pm, Mr. Carroll gathers his students one last time. He brings them back to their parked van where they travel to a local parish. Dead silence fills the vehicle. Nobody says a word.

In a given week, low-income individuals receive $40 from SNAP to last over the course of 21 meals according to Mr. Carroll. So, handing each student two dollars, he instructs the students to spend the afternoon finding a single meal for dinner.

Under the supervision of a chaperone, the students then wander the urban markets and experience life through the eyes of someone looking to survive below the poverty line. That way, the next time a student prepares a meal or works in a homeless shelter, they identify with the circumstances of those they serve.

Midway through their quest for food in the Tenderloin District, the shopping lists of Mr. Carroll’s students look underwhelming at best.

A few students find packs of Ramen Noodles that cost under a dollar at a local convenience store. Others have less luck. They wander from store to store in hope of finding a cheap pack of cereal or some cold cut meats. In a city where a loaf of bread, on average, costs over $3.50, this proves no easy task. Disappointed, they arrive back to their chaperone with a small bag of potato chips.

The reality of going to bed hungry creeps up behind them after every store visit. As their hunger mounts, students start to notice the sights and sounds of those who walk beside them.

They see homeless men and women smoking from makeshift pipes. A few amputees sit behind dumpsters, vomiting, and speaking to air. The glazed faces of addicts crashing from their morning high stare at them from afar.

“It’s all about what they see in between stops to the stores,” said Mr. Carroll.

“They see the realities of the opioid crisis. They may see people defecating or vomiting. With withdrawal it’s incredibly difficult to witness.

Kids are in shock.”

Of course, those who they walk with often try to interact with them. In these instances, Mr. Carroll instructs his students on how to respond with respect and dignity.

“If they ask for money, I have them say, ‘my chaperone won’t let me give’ and then have them point to me,” he said.

“By ignoring them, we can exacerbate the

CM MAGAZINE 20

Mr. Carroll sits in the silence and prepares for the reflection ahead. He recognizes that many, still in shock, need his ministry to fully grasp the wide-scale issues of addiction and homelessness experienced in a 12-hour span.

At the parish, he instructs his students to share whatever food they bought with the two dollars. He sees students passing around sealed wrappers of pringles, pretzels, and candy.

The nutrition facts on their back labels prove unfit for an adult dinner, let alone that of a teenager.

But, if anything, the snacks provide each student with food for thought. Together, they reflect on the prevalence of diabetes and eating disorders among homeless populations. They wonder how the homeless afford to pay for treatment when they struggle to pay for a healthy meal in the first place.

These questions alone deepen each student’s newfound social consciousness. But, Mr. Carroll knows that, with his student’s heightened awareness, he needs to instruct them on how to best advocate for change on a macro and micro scale. Of course, this takes weeks of class

SERVICE 101 At CM, students must complete four sets of service requirements before graduation. During their senior year, they fulfill their own capstone service project. The project requires a 60-hour commitment to serving a marginalized community.

Our Campus Ministry office facilitates the partnership of students with hospitals, food pantries, youth services, and other non-profits across the Greater Boston Metro West region.

See below for a list of some notable senior service sites in recent years:

planning for Mr. Carroll. He wants to see his students engage in case studies of how homelessness and addiction occur in the first place.

Compartmentalizing the challenges of these lessons in the weeks ahead, Mr. Carroll takes a deep breath. He also takes solace in the impression left on his students. He believes that, at the end of the day, his students arrive back home in Atherton with a new perspective on their tiny bubble of a world.

That, to him, makes his job as an educator all the more worthwhile.

Sometimes it’s tempting to paint an image of God in a vengeful manner. It’s much harder to give a person a second chance. But when we imagine them as a brother, mother, sister, it becomes a lot easier.”

Animal Rescue League Arabic Evangelical Baptist Church A Shot For Life The Boys and Girls Club of America Cradles to Crayons Habitat for Humanity Haley House Hebrew Senior Life Holliston Food Pantry Knights of Columbus My Brother’s Keeper Newton-Wellesley Hospital Pine Street Inn Sherrill House Sunshine The Dedham Food Pantry The Fisher House Veteran Affairs Hospital

WHAT THEY LEARN Daniel Habermas ’19 will attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) this fall. He plans to join the ROTC program at RPI. His senior service project at the VA Hospital in West Roxbury validated his understanding of what it means to serve something greater than himself. Just see for yourself:

“I got a lot of perspective on the hardships that veterans face when they come back from combat and their active line of duty.

Issues such as PTSD and depression are serious and constantly came up. One of the patients I talked to, his son died in the Pentagon on 9/11. Being able to hear what he had to say about protecting and defending our country really left me inspired.

I had already planned on going into the military after college before starting my senior service project. But, it really allowed me to understand what the sacrifice meant from a whole new perspective.”

CM MAGAZINE

21

-Daniel Habermas

5

5 QUESTIONS WITH STUDENTS ON EXCELLENT TEACHING CM Magazine asked 8th grader Michael Schwerdt, 9th grader Jouvenson Romulus, and 11th grader Andrew Fitzgerald to think about their favorite instructors and which specific attributes and practices make them good teachers. Their responses have been edited and condensed for clarity and length, and style added for emphasis.

1

What is one word you would use to

Steichen, he’s enthusiastic. It’s all in

subjects and he talks about the

describe your favorite teacher?

his lesson. He tries to make every-

lesson, so that probably takes three

thing fun every day. I look forward to

hours out of his day. He has funny

going to his class.

images, and the way that he talks to

Andrew Fitzgerald (AF): The word

dedicated. If they’re dedicated and

the students is pretty funny. He finds

know what they’re talking about, it

Michael Schwerdt (MS): [For] Mrs.

ways for students to stay engaged,

can make the class fun. Fun could

Ellen Eberly, she’s the 8th grade

even connecting the material to

be another one. We’ll do interesting

English teacher, I’d say what makes

things like Fortnite.

things like debates or watch inter-

her a good teacher is she’s energetic

esting documentaries. I’ve definitely

with her class. If you’re tired or

seen that a lot.

having a bad day and go into that class, she’s there, energetic and

Jouvenson Romulus (JR): I would

ready to teach. It brings the class up,

say I’ve had two great teachers —

makes everyone excited to be there.

Ms. Messinger and Mr. Steichen. [Ms.

2

Andrew Fitzgerald

Messinger is] determined. She wants

How do you know a teacher is

you to get that good grade. She

passionate about his/her subject?

gives you tips and helps you study for the test. Doing those little things can really help a student. For Mr.

MS: They know a lot about their subject. In science, with Ms.

JR: Mr. Steichen has slides for his

McGauley, we were doing something

class every day. It’s all different

on climate change. You could tell she

CM MAGAZINE

22

cared about that subject really per-

really made the class interesting,

you and the teacher, so you can just

sonally because she says she went

because we did a lot of labs and

backtrack if the teacher is going too

to a seminar in Boston where she

crime scene sketches, setting up

fast and go to the points that you

learned with other science teachers

crime scenes, police sketches of

don’t understand.

more about climate change, and that

suspects. I learned a lot.

helped the class.

5

How do you know a teacher cares

JR: Math was typically my favorite subject and English was always my hardest subject, but Ms. Messinger

Jouvenson Romulus

AF: If they’re just reading all lessons off the textbook, then that’s just not that interesting. But if they can make their own thing and do interesting

JR: For Ms. Messinger, she’s really

makes it fun. In class, we’re watch-

patient and she prepares the lesson

ing the To Kill a Mockingbird trial. It

really well. I would describe her as

helps us to show how serious it was,

a motivator. One time, I had a good

their facial expressions and how they

speech [I performed in class]. I didn’t

bring the case to life, things like that.

want to go to semifinals [of the Fresh-

I actually like going to English now.

man Declamation Contest] because I

4

didn’t want to speak, I just wanted to

How does a good teacher help

get my grade. But she pushed me and

you understand a confusing topic?

told me to go to semifinals because I

things like debates, and you’re not just sitting there taking notes all day, then

about you?

would do well at it. I ended up doing

MS: Some teachers, they’ll kind

that really differentiates between two

of get a sense when you don’t

different types of classes. An example

understand something. What really

this year would be Mr. Callahan’s class

helps me when I don’t understand

for history. Recently, we had one on

something is to go right after class

whether the U.S. was justified in

and ask them a clarifying question

dropping the atomic bomb. It was

or two, one-on-one.

well and made it to the finals.

Michael Schwerdt

really interesting to hear what everyAF: If a teacher can take time out of

MS: You can tell [Mrs. Eberly] is

their day and help you individually

putting in a lot of effort. She’s always

How has a teacher helped you enjoy

with any questions you might have,

there after school for a while, ready

a subject that you did not think you

or if they see you after school or

to answer questions from anyone.

would like heading into the class?

after class for extra help, that can

She sees and knows everything that’s

definitely show how a teacher can

going on in the class. Some teachers,

care about the grades of their

maybe they don’t see if you’re goof-

one else was thinking about that.

3

AF: There’s a CSI Class I’m taking. It’s

an elective. [During] the first semester students. I think almost every teacher ing off, but she’ll always catch it. of the year I’d taken Robotics, which

I’ve had here has been available for

I really liked. The second semester

extra help at some time.

AF: If they actually get to know you

I wasn’t sure, and I ended up just

really well. If they ask about your day

having to take CSI because it was the

JR: One-on-one interaction helps a

or anything like that. If they ask how

only one I could take that fit with my

lot. Usually, when you’re in a class,

your day is going. That really helps.

schedule. I wasn’t really thrilled about

people are scared to raise their hand

It shows they really care about their

it, since I didn’t know much about it.

or ask a question if you’re moving

students and not just the number in

Mr. [Brad] O’Brien was the teacher. He

too fast. That one-on-one is just

the gradebook.

CM MAGAZINE

23

NEW COMPUTERS FOR OLD

By Alec Greaney

It’s no trick – Mr. Fremont “Freebie” Bassett ’65 has simply taken a unique approach toward helping educate disadvantaged Floridians in a highly technological society.

When Vick Patel arrived on campus as a freshman at Eastern Florida State College, he had a plan for his degree in place. He had always enjoyed playing around with computers when he was younger, dating back to the first Dell desktop he got in 2008.

It wasn’t a powerful machine by today’s standards, but he thought it was cool, and it helped convince him to study computer science. It just made sense.

As he took classes, however, he found himself struggling at times with the coursework. Vick put in extra time studying and seeking help from tutors, but each coding class proved a challenge. He began to question this calling until one of his professors this spring semester introduced him to a policy: If Vick volunteered in the community, he could be eligible to receive extra credit in the course.

That’s when Vick discovered Computers Advancing Education, Inc. (CAEI), a small but growing non-profit based in the same Florida county as his college. The organization receives donations of old, even broken computer systems. Its members repair the computers and give them to people who cannot afford one themselves.

That sounded great to Vick, who happened to be enrolled in a computer repair class, as well.

He started showing up to the program’s Tuesday afternoon work sessions, where experienced technician-volunteers restore life to broken hard drives, spoiled memory, and unresponsive screens. Vick found he appreciated the practical restoration that so nearly paralleled his in-class studies, learning from and getting to know his fellow volunteers. At the center of the volunteer operation is Mr. Fremont Bassett ’65 — the organization’s noble leader, who everyone simply calls “Freebie.”

“He’s a saint, he really is,” said Tony Zelisko, an active volunteer with CAEI since the early 2000s. “He recognized long ago that this was a good thing to do, that I can help somebody by putting this computer together. So he did that.”

In the three decades after he graduated from Catholic Memorial, Mr. Bassett never considered becoming an expert in computers. He went to school to become an aircraft mechanic, used those skills for 12 years in the Air Force, and returned to get a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arizona.

After a brief time at a Miami airline, he earned a position at Cape Canaveral as a project manager and engineer with the Space Shuttle Program in 1982, less than a year after its first launch.

But then, in the late 1990s, he underwent open heart surgery. The successful operation wouldn’t prevent Mr. Bassett from stepping away from his career, but it did require a good six months at home to rest. For a man who had always kept busy with work, the sudden change in pace was noticeable — to one of his kids, at least.

Mr. Bassett’s eldest son, John, decided his father would benefit from a project to keep him active.

He was looking to fix up a machine he had, so John decided he and his father would learn to

CM MAGAZINE 24

rebuild the computer together. That’s what they did, right there on Freebie’s kitchen table.

The first one was slow work. John held a job in computer retail, but Freebie had never been a computer geek. He was a builder, a troubleshooter, and a fixer — as it turns out, the perfect combination for the project. With some extra time and persistence, they got it up and running. But this effort went beyond keeping busy. The pair knew of a young man whose father was a contractor in Egypt and couldn’t afford a way to communicate with him. Now they’d found a way, and the Bassetts delivered the restored computer to the boy by Christmas. Today, Freebie says, that boy works in Silicon Valley.

The story might have stopped there. Freebie didn’t let it. The yet-unnamed operation transitioned from his garage to a small space NASA let them use and became “Computers for Education.” As the name indicated from the very beginning, the Bassetts — Freebie’s wife and other son also joined in — weren’t merely interested in fixing up computers as a hobby or additional source of income. It was all about who and how they could help.

“The goal is education,” Mr. Bassett said.

“Education is the one thing that makes you marketable, gives you self-esteem, and no one can take it away from you. Absolutely no one.”

The demand for access to computers may not have been as prevalent in the late 1990s and early 2000s as today, but the machines were already becoming a key tool for students, young and old. While the small group, with a couple other volunteers, gave some of the computers they refurbished to private individuals with a demonstrated need, many more went to schools that struggled to squeeze any new technology into thin budgets.

Mr. Fremont Bassett ’65 (second from right) officially registered CAEI as a non-profit in 2005.

“I didn’t know much about computers back then … but I’m mechanically inclined, so I [thought I] probably can do that,” Mr. Zelisko said. “I think it’s great. I’ve always thought if you’re inclined to become college-bound or have a great education, this is a good start.”

By 2005, more than a dozen volunteers regularly worked for Computers Advancing Education — the new name solidified when Mr. Bassett filed for the organization to become a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit. They had already connected with the Brevard County School System, which includes Cape Canaveral and had been an early and consistent beneficiary of the computers. In return, and to help the organization grow, Brevard gave a couple rooms for CAEI to use for work and storage — another growing need for the group, which no longer received just private, donated equipment.

Several organizations had begun to support the effort. They receive their primary operating revenue from United Way, Rockwell Green Community, and the Titusville Pilots Association. CAEI has also touted partnerships with companies like AAR Airlift Group, Lockheed Martin, Artemis, and Ensco. Earlier this year, Bassett says a local employment group named CareerSource Brevard donated 97 systems, and The Boeing Company donated about 200 systems, while more still have given financial grants.

All this adds up to a lot of systems. In March, Mr. Bassett estimated they had a backlog of about 3,000 systems in their facility — a number that pales in comparison to the staggering 8,700 systems and 30,000 peripheral hardware pieces he says they’ve given away since they started the initiative. And all of it for free.

be a multi-million dollar business with the background and technology we have,” he says.

Of course, these computer systems — which may include consoles, monitors, and other accessories, like a keyboard and mouse — come in varying degrees of quality. Some are still relatively functional and need just a simple tune-up and hard drive wipe before they can be sent back out the door. Others take more intensive time and care and may require parts from other systems to get them to work. The ones in the worst shape are broken down for those parts, and a group of six volunteers will recycle what they can.

Besides the recycling team, Mr. Bassett also has a team of network and software engineers, along with a committee that weighs each applicant who asks for a computer. They aspire to connect as many people as possible with a computer, but with such high demand, CAEI has created a set of qualifications that aims to prioritize students and schools – usually in nearby Florida where shipping is cheapest, but as far as Washington State if they feel the situation merits it.

“All the folks who come to see us are disadvantaged in one way or another,” said Mr. Dan Bulkowski, another CAEI volunteer who started last year. “The computer opens a wide world of information out there, and a lot of the schools now require one to do some of the lessons.”

The time and talent to put life back into old computers comes from the organization’s volunteer base, which Mr. Bassett has gradually shored up over the years to a team of about 40 regulars today — many of which happen to be quite good at what they do.

Mr. Bulkowski, a longtime computer repairer who recently retired, is on tap to lead the other arm of CAEI’s operations: computer classes. The organization has offered three different programs. The first is basic computing, an introductory course that teaches students the essentials of how to operate the machine and get online.

Then, there’s an intermediary repair class, where computer owners learn how to diagnose and resolve issues themselves rather than having to pay for expensive repairs. Finally, the “Make It, Take It” class teaches users to fully assemble a system. Once it’s up and running, it’s theirs to bring home.

“If we were a business out in the real world, where we were charging for things, we’d

“You really learn how to feel, touch, and smell computers and what to do,” Mr. Bassett says.

CM MAGAZINE

25

“Some people can’t learn from the books [alone].”

This isn’t the traditional classroom education in which many programmers or technicians learn to handle computers, but they provide valuable hands-on experience, of which even volunteers like Vick have reaped the benefits. Joining CAEI’s team helped him decide to change his major to computer management specialization.

He plans to enter the Air Force when he graduates, but he’ll still have the tangible skills of computer repair with him.

Mr. Bassett believes working hard, and even struggling in the process to learn such skills, is invaluable. He distinctly remembers one defining message from his favorite faculty at CM: it’s okay to fail. It’s okay to go back and try again if you don’t get it the first time, or the second, or the fifth. They never forced him into anything, but more “cajoled” their students into giving their all.

“They all instilled in you, you’ve got to try your best,” Mr. Bassett says. “You can’t just walk through life and say it’s going to happen. You’ve got to work at it.”

Mr. Bassett has taken on every role he can to help expand CAEI’s reach as far as he can. He’s not just the president and founder of CAEI, but also the receptionist — the organization’s primary phone number connects to his personal cell, which will ring anytime from 6:30 in the morning to 11 at night. He also plays the invaluable role of fundraiser and hopes to open the facility more than the current practice of once a week and serve more clients.

And, of course, he’s got his own machines to work on. In mid-March, it was an HP 2000 with an I3 processor — a “nice machine” that he reloaded with a new hard drive and Windows 10.

After that? Who knows what might come his way next. Whatever it is, he’ll make sure it goes to someone who needs it.

VALEDICTORIAN

GRADU SENIOR AWARDS

ANTHONY CONSIGLI Boston University

Anthony, a Medfield resident, will matriculate to Boston University’s Kilachand Honors Program this fall.

BU awarded Anthony their full-tuition, four-year Cardinal Medeiros Scholarship this past April. During his time at CM, Anthony received the Brown Book Award, the Excellence in Historical Writing and Research Award, and, for four straight years, the General Excellence President’s Award. Anthony values his service work above all else.

He participated in CM’s Blessed Edmund Rice Solidarity Initiative (BERSI) to Wyoming and Peru. Later, he volunteered at his dad’s non-profit Medals for Angels and assisted The Santa Foundation at St. Jude’s Parish during their Holiday season donation program. He co-founded the Baker Street Boys a capella group and served as the inaugural rector of CM’s Kairos retreat program. A member of CM’s Peer Ministry and Scholars programs, Anthony graduates with a desire to conduct interdisciplinary research on human health and environmental studies while at BU.

EDMUND IGNATIUS RICE FOUNDER’S AWARD MATTHEW FREITAS

BROTHER PATRICK FLEMING, CFC ADMINISTRATORS AWARD JOHN COSTELLO

Williams College

Clemson University

BROTHER E. JOHN SHEEHAN, CFC STEWARDSHIP AWARD OMARI COKER

STEPHEN R. POWER ’72 SERVICE AWARD BRENDAN BARRIE

Suffolk University

University of Massachusetts, Amherst

BROTHER ARTHUR AUSTIN LOFTUS, CFC LEADERSHIP AWARD THOMAS FISHER Bentley University

BEYOND CM “But, despite everything we’ve accomplished, what I am most proud of is the type of people we are.

As Mr. Ryan said to the senior class on Founder’s Day, ‘It’s not about what we the students have done. It’s about what CM has done to make us who we are.’

It’s not about the awards and acclamations we’ve received, but the people we’ve grown to be.” ~Valedictory Address

Known as Beyond CM, CM’s college counseling program fosters a strong relationship between student and counselor. The student writes their own Discernment Paper during their junior year theology class, giving the counselor insight into how the student connects his faith, aspirations, and achievements into long-term academic goals. The counselor then determines a best college fit and offers personalized instruction on how to arrive at their ideal match. This year, the Beyond CM program continued to impress.

CLASS OF 2019 BY THE NUMBERS 50% will attend America’s Most Highly Competitive Ranked Colleges (Barron’s) third of the class will attend a top 100 National University (US News) •Over 30% will attend a top Catholic college • 200+ colleges and universities from around the country and around the world came •Over

•Over a

to visit with and recruit Catholic Memorial students during this academic year.

•Over $13

MILLION awarded in scholarships and financial aid awarded

CM MAGAZINE 26

U AT I O N

SALUTATORIAN

SENIOR SUBJECT AWARD

BEN CHIPMAN ART TEDDY GRIFFITH-GROOME

COMPUTER SCIENCE MICHAEL CURTIN

ENGLISH MICHAEL MCCARTHY

Providence College

Haverford College

MATH ZHICHENG XUE

MUSIC DANIEL HABERMAS

SCIENCE OLIVER HVIDSTEN

Tufts University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Georgia Institute of Technology

SOCIAL STUDIES BRENDAN JULIAN

THEOLOGY PAUL FANTOZZI

WORLD LANGUAGE KEITH TANNER

Boston College

Tufts University

Trinity College

Fordham University

Duke University

Ben, a Norfolk resident, will matriculate to Duke University this fall. During his time at CM, Ben received the Harvard Book Prize, the Presidential Volunteer Gold Level Service Award, and the Excellence in Historical Writing and Research Award.

The College Board recognized Ben as a National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Student at the beginning of his senior year. A captain of the CM swimming team, he earned Catholic Conference All-Star honors in the pool during his junior and senior seasons. Outside the pool and the classroom, Ben captained the speech and debate team and won the 2019 State Championship in Children’s Literature. He committed himself to serving others while on Baker Street, made evident by his participation in four Blessed Edmund Rice Solidarity Initiatives (BERSI) to Peru, Wyoming, Jamaica, and China along with his status as an Eagle Scout. Ben participated in CM’s Peer Ministry and Scholars programs while serving as a co-founder of the Baker Street Boys a capella group. He plans to pursue his interests in marine biology and environmental studies while at Duke.

CLASS OF 2019 MATRICULATION LIST In addition to the schools listed above, college destinations include: Babson College

Providence College

Case Western Reserve University

Syracuse University

Clarkson University

The George Washington University

Clemson University

The Ohio State University

College of the Holy Cross

The University of Iowa

Fairfield University

University of Maryland, College Park

Fordham University

University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Iona College

University of Vermont

Lehigh University

University of Washington

Marquette University

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Morehouse College

Villanova University

Northeastern University

Xavier University CM MAGAZINE

27

“And that is exactly what CM has prepared us to do. We know how to make change. We did it every year by raising thousands of dollars for the Breast Cancer Walk, we each did it individually at our senior service sites, we did it by fundraising through Mission Madness, and in so many other meaningful ways.

It has been made clear that each and every one of us possesses the skills necessary to make an incredible change in the world. We have the tools and we have the potential; there are no excuses.” ~Salutatory Address

WINTER SEASON

CM

AT H L

THE PERFECT RETURN Former All-American Mr. Fran Costello, coaching legend Mr. Ronald Perry Sr., and fellow members of the 1969 State Championship basketball team returned to campus for the 50th anniversary of their perfect 29-0 season. Following a reception, the team attended the Malden Catholic-CM basketball game where they watched CM win 75-54. Boston Globe sports columnist Mr. Dan Shaughnessy greeted the team with a special video message at halftime.

DON’T BLINK Charlie Nascimben earned Catholic Conference Championship Meet MVP honors for his first place finishes in the 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke races in February. He later broke the school record for the 100 freestyle (48.35), the 100 breaststroke (59.74), and the 50 freestyle (22.97) races at the South Sectional Championships.

ICING THE COMPETITION Senior hockey captain Jack Curran won the 2019 Boston Bruins-MIAA Sportsmanship Award for exemplifying the highest level of fair play and sportsmanship on the ice this winter. Fellow seniors Henry O’Brien and Chris Rooney received recognition for their performance on the ice too.

Both played for the North All-Stars during the 10th annual Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association High School All-Star Game in March.

BIG AND SMALL Wrestling in the 106 lb. weight class, sophomore Luke Orup packs a lot of fight with each pound. He finished his season as the sectional runner up and qualified for the state tournament. Fellow underclassmen Kyle King finished in seventh place at the state tournament for the 220 lb. weight class.

NEW HEIGHTS Senior Brian Stubbs Jr. won the boys long jump at the MSTCA Winter Festival in December. He finished his season with Tri-County All-Star Honors and committed to run at UMass Amherst’s Division 1 program.

CM MAGAZINE

28

ETICS

SPRING SEASON

BETWEEN THE PIPES The Positive Coaching Alliance named lacrosse goalkeeper Matthew Freitas, a Weymouth resident, one of its six New England recipients for the 2019 Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their ability to improve themselves, their teammates, and the sport they play. Selected from a pool of over 1,500 applicants, Matthew will play lacrosse at Williams College next year.

BEYOND THE SCRUM From his adoption in Kazakhstan to his commitment to Fairfield University’s rugby program, senior captain Sam Lindemann inspired his fellow CM rugby teammates when The Boston Globe featured his Division 1 signing in April. His teammates responded by going undefeated in league play during the regular season.

A STRONG SERVE Led by senior captain Brendan Julian and junior captain Reid Gutz, the varsity tennis team went 3-2 in their Division II matches. The team’s three victories, all against Catholic Conference rival Malden Catholic, gave the team’s seniors a chance to qualify for the state championship tournament.

GAME, SET, MATCH The volleyball team finished its season on a three-game winning streak.

They defeated Beaver Country Day 3-0 before earning back-to-back 3-1 and 3-0 victories against Bellingham. The strong end to the season gives the up-and-coming program plenty of hope for next season.

SWING AND A MISS Junior Michael Gemma struck out 15 batters in his complete-game, 2-0 shutout over Catholic Conference rival Saint John’s Prep in May. The ace’s stellar performance kept the team’s playoff hopes alive late in the season.

SPRINT TO THE FINISH Junior Dylan Revasz placed twice in events at the Catholic Conference Championship Meet in May. He finished in second place during the 200 meter dash (22.37) and in third place during the 100 meter dash (11.62).

CM MAGAZINE 29

AT H L E T I C S AWARDS

ALL-STARS SWIMMING Marcus Gadsden (Junior) Howard Phu (Senior) Charlie Nascimben (Junior) Ben Chipman (Senior)

JACK CURRAN JOHN J. DAILEY AWARD

LUCAS FOLAN OUTSTANDING SENIOR ATHLETE

Boston College

Trinity College

WRESTLING Michael Curtin (Senior) Kyle King (Freshman) Luke Orup (Junior) Matthew Wing (Senior)

BASKETBALL PATRICK MANNING BR. JAKE CROWLEY AND BR. JEFFREY OXX AWARD Babson College

MATTHEW MCLAUGHLIN EDWARD MCELANEY AWARD University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Spencer Aronson (Junior) Brendan Ryan (Senior) Kurtis Henderson (Sophomore)

HOCKEY Jack Curran (Senior) Will MacNeil (Sophomore) Kevin McCarthy (Junior) Henry O’Brien (Senior) J.P. OLSON RONALD S. PERRY SR. SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD

CHRISTOPHER ROONEY JAMES J. O’CONNOR AWARD

Tommy Rooney (Sophomore)

Northeastern University

Babson College

INDOOR TRACK (Tri-County)

Brian Stubbs Jr. (Senior)

Visit our website at www.catholicmemorial.org to see our full list of spring sport Catholic Conference All-Stars when the league announces its full list at the end of June.

BRIAN STUBBS LEO “FLASH” HURLEY AWARD University of Massachusetts, Amherst

CM MAGAZINE 30

SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE 1

1

2

1 TRACK

3

HOCKEY

BASEBALL

4

GOLF

6

LACROSSE

That’s 15% of the senior class

FOOTBALL

15%

RUGBY

18 MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2019 WILL PLAY AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL NEXT YEAR

Lucas Folan (left) signed a letter of intent to play football at Trinity College while J.P. Olson signed to play baseball at Northeastern (right).

5 DIVISION 1 ATHLETES

ELITE CONFERENCES

OVER 20+

15/18 KIDS will be competing across New England

THIS CLASS WILL JOIN A LIST OF CM ALUMNI CURRENTLY PLAYING AT THE FOLLOWING DIVISION 1 PROGRAMS

:

Catholic Conference All-Stars between Class of 2019 Commits

CM MAGAZINE

31

C AT C H I N G U P W I T H...

THE COSTELLOS

Board of Directors Chairman Mr. Michael J. Costello ’67 and his brother, fellow Board Member Mr. Kevin Costello ’63, joined CM Magazine for a discussion on why they continue to return to Baker Street and support CM’s mission. Michael, who lives in Naples, Florida, served as the Managing Director of PricewaterhouseCoopers-Northeast before his retirement. His brother Kevin lives in downtown Boston and serves as Executive Vice President and Partner at Boston Capital.

Both made time in their busy schedules to speak over the phone. Collectively, the brothers have donated over $500,000 in support of our mission here at CM.

What was your fondest memory of your time at CM?

MC: One faculty member was Mr. John Chisholm, who taught English. Frankly, I was not a very motivated student when I first arrived at CM. But, his English and literature classes really spoke to me. They got me engaged for the first time and turned me into an avid reader. Today, I read two newspapers every day and always have a few books on my reading list thanks to Mr. Chisholm.

KC: Coach Jim O’Connor was the most instrumental person during my time at CM if not over the course of my entire life. When I first went out for the football team, I quit immediately. I was a pretty good player, but thought I wasn’t sticking out the way I should have been.

But, Coach O’Connor sat me down and

Kevin Costello (KC): It had to have been the spirited gatherings of the students. I remember each basketball, hockey, and football game having this great sense of camaraderie.

MC: CM stands for character development. It did then and it still does now. It stands for working hard and grinding it out. It stands for not giving up on any challenge, whether academic or athletic.

KC: For me, CM stands for accountability.

When I had a job, I knew that I needed to do it to the best of my ability and, if I couldn’t, then own it and improve upon it.

As brothers, Michael and I knew from our family that we needed to trust the hard work ethic that CM preached.

How did you see that hard work pay off?

MC: That’s easy for me. Back in our day, you were assigned into freshmen classes based on your perceived potential. A1 and A2 classes were for the honors students. I was planted in the lower A7 classes.

The kids in my class weren’t expected to excel. But, I went from A7 to National Honor Society as a junior. Somewhere between my freshman and junior year, the light switch turned on.

Michael Costello (MC): For me, it would be hard to think of CM without mentioning discipline and accountability. Those were KC: I think it paid off on the hallmarks of the school. In athletic field. Athletics were addition to that, the school had Michael Kevin good for me. I played on both an incredible legacy surrounding the baseball and football its athletic teams, which every teams. In 1962, we won student rallied around. Each a football State Championship. team was recognized as high performing. persuaded me to return. He was a leader Accomplishment wise, I went to CM of men, after all. He’d tell us that he’d Teams in our conferences expected a needing discipline. Looking back at drive through West Roxbury on Friday battle each time they played us. when I graduated from CM, I feel like nights to make sure none of his players the coaches and faculty taught me KC: I remember Michael coming to watch were out and about and that they were to be much more responsible for my getting ready for games on Saturday football practices and watching me play behavior in every aspect of my life. morning. He was a great mentor for me when he was in the seventh and eighth grade at Holy Name. He was a team man- as a young, strong-willed boy in need of ager my junior and senior seasons at CM. direction. I still see him from time to time. After graduating from CM, how He hasn’t changed a lick.

Because of this, many upperclassmen have you stayed in touch with your knew him by the time he arrived at CM. classmates?

MC: Mr. O’Connor’s relationship with Kevin and our family has extended over 57 MC: I remember Kevin being a part of MC: We both stayed close to those who years. Such a relationship isn’t exclusive the 1961 football team and earning grew up in the West Roxbury-Roslindale to our family either. Mr. O’Connor has Catholic Conference All-Star honors. area. Over 50 years later, 20 plus of my been there for so many others too.

When I came to CM, I played a year on classmates from the Class of 1967 still get the freshman team but thereafter had together for a golf tournament on the KC: A man like Jim O’Connor is what a job after school. second Saturday of September.

CM stands for.

KC: I was very fortunate to stay in touch During your time at CM, who left with my classmates and teammates after And what does CM stand for? the most profound impact on you?

CM MAGAZINE

32

graduating. Many of them happened to be childhood friends from my hometown, West Roxbury. The numerous events I attended at CM helped keep me in touch with them over the years. This meant catching up at class reunions, Hall of Fame dinners, Thanksgiving football games, and golf tournaments. Each experience kept me connected to my past.

It all meant so much to me that, in 1988, Jack Cleary ’64 and I started the Board of Directors. I served as the Board’s Vice President that year, serving alongside Jack until 1990.

the time, such as the new Center for Integrated and Applied Learning.

creates the opportunities needed for a meaningful life.

KC: I was very interested for three reasons. One, I wanted to work with my brother because Michael is a great leader.

Two, I was motivated by Peter, who has an inspirational vision. And three, I love CM. I love what it stands for. I wanted to help play a role in assisting future generations go to CM and receive the same education and direction that I received. I was one of those young men a long time ago.

KC: It’s a lot more expensive to go to CM today than it was back when Mike and I went. Our parents had limited education and were immigrants from Ireland. When they came to this country, the one thing they knew was that their children needed an education to get ahead. CM has done a great job at sending young men into the world with great success. I believe we have an obligation to give back and allow CM to keep producing success stories.

Why do you both give back to CM year-after-year?

Michael, when you became Chairman of the Board in 2017, how did you convince your brother to rejoin?

MC: Not everyone has the opportunity to go to a school like CM. CM has impacted our lives. Even back then, it was a stretch for our family to afford sending us to CM. Kevin and I worked jobs whenever we weren’t playing a sport or in the classroom. The fact we’ve been fortunate enough in our lives and in business makes us able to pay it forward.

Our parents taught us that an education

MC: My pitch to him was reminding him of our collective impression of CM’s new President Dr. Peter Folan. Kevin and I both admired him and the work he had been doing at the school. Kevin and I had also talked about different ways to fundraise and pull off the projects that Peter was envisioning for the school at

MC: I remember our parents, who were immigrants from Ireland, telling us how they immediately knew they’d send us to CM when the Christian Brothers of Ireland first opened the school. They were so proud of their heritage and it makes us proud to be able to keep that Christian Brothers mission alive.

Thank you for your time, gentlemen!

We look forward to seeing you both on Baker Street.

A ME SSAG E FR O M JAC K M OY N I H A N As another school year winds down, I am grateful for the opportunity to see what CM teachers and students accomplish each day. This year, our football team made its first trip to the Super Bowl in 40 years. Our students walked together as a brotherhood at the annual Walk for Breast Cancer. And the Class of 2019 is headed off to outstanding colleges. CM continues to impact the lives of each boy on Baker Street, and we thank you for supporting this effort. Giving matters. Your generosity is at work every day. If you have not had the chance to make your gift, I encourage you to make it before June 30th.

The CM Fund is the school’s most important fundraising priority. Each year it provides critical funds that enrich our student’s academic, athletic and artistic experience. Your support of the CM Fund offers a unique opportunity to help shape the experience of every student at Catholic Memorial.

WAYS TO GIVE

1. MAIL

Check payable to: “Catholic Memorial School” Catholic Memorial School, 235 Baker Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132

Visit www.catholicmemorial.org/give 2. ONLINE

3. PHONE

Contact the Advancement Office at 617.469.8039

TUITION COVERS 72% OF ACTUAL COST. GIFTS TO THE CM FUND HELP BRIDGE THE “GAP” CM MAGAZINE

33

BOARD PROFILES Read why the two newest members of our Board of Directors, Mr. Paul Rogers ’79 and Mr. Ronald Perry Jr. ’76, decided to join our team in overseeing the growth of CM’s mission into a brighter future.

Paul Rogers ’79 Pushing CM into Tomorrow When Paul Rogers ’79 first met CM Head of School Dr. Peter Folan, the two men bonded over a book. Not just any book, however. Titled, A Whole New Mind, the book challenges the perception of what skills people need to succeed in the 21st century world economy.

Mr. Rogers, then President and COO of Pacific Resources, enjoyed the message of the book’s author, Daniel H. Pink, in particular. In the book, Pink calls to action an emphasis for a more creative, left-brain driven skillset. This skillset best combats a volatile technological landscape where artificial and augmented intelligence sets to detour tomorrow’s workforce. Of course, this left Mr. Rogers, a businessman, wondering what next?

So, when Dr. Folan mentioned CM’s mission to create a flexible curriculum that equips CM’s next generation of Knights with the active skillset to navigate that landscape, he caught Mr. Rogers’ attention.

“I had just stepped away from another board position in the private sector when Dr. Folan approached me about some of the changes he was making at CM,” says Mr. Rogers.

“I loved the fact that [Dr. Folan] is transforming CM into a school that’s ready for the 21st

century.”

The two men talked at length about CM’s hydroponic freight farm, its service immersion programs, and the capital campaign for a Center for Integrated and Applied Learning. In the face of much change and growth, Mr. Rogers still saw the mission of a CM education—the same one that he experienced over 40 years ago—alive and well today.

To him, CM means instilling boys with the Christian values needed to grow into thoughtful, empathetic men. He knew no better role model for such values than late assistant head football coach, Mr. Jack Dahlstrom ’63. The coach left quite an impression on Mr. Rogers that remains visible 40 years later.

“You only had to meet him once for him to leave an impression on you,” remembers Mr. Rogers, who played tight end on the legendary 1978 CM Super Bowl Championship team.

“He always told us, ‘Never say never.’ His positive persona got you to convince yourself that you could go and get the job done. When he looked you in the eye, you just knew that you could take on any challenge.”

From Coach Dahlstrom, Mr. Rogers learned what it means to set a goal and work hard for it. The

third child of a family of seven living in Norwood, Mr. Rogers worked night shifts at restaurants to pay for his tuition instead of playing a winter sport.

He stayed true to this work ethic at Saint Francis Xavier University, where he studied Business Administration and Management. And today, after selling his business to Brown and Brown Insurance where he serves as its Senior Vice President, Mr. Rogers remains committed to this sentiment—with larger goals in mind.

“I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to give back,” says Mr. Rogers.

“My Catholic foundation encourages me to always see where I can help and give back to those who supported me when I was younger.”

So, when Dr. Folan approached Mr. Rogers ’79 about an open position on the board, Mr. Rogers found it impossible to turn down.

“I want to help the CM community in any way possible,” he says.

“All of my resources will be at their disposal. I trust Peter to take CM to a whole new level. His work is spectacular and I want to be a part of it.”

Ronald Perry Jr. ’76 Protecting the Fundamentals Ronald Perry Jr. ’76 remembers coaching his 10-year-old son’s basketball practice late one afternoon a few decades ago. Gathering the team around a white-board, he sketched a few plays at half-court. Mr. Perry, long removed from his playing days, wanted to install the same collegiate offense from his time on the Holy Cross basketball team.

To him, it looked easy enough. But, the confused face of each 10-year-old said otherwise. Turnovers—not baskets—ensued.

“I used to come home at night and complain to my wife about how they just don’t get it,” says Mr. Perry, smiling at the absurdity.

“She would always respond, “They’re 10 years old, not college kids. What do you expect!’”

In that moment, he paused. Her comment reminded him of a lesson from his senior year at Catholic Memorial. He remembered Mr. Joseph Perfetti—his calculus teacher—drawing derivatives on the chalkboard. Sitting in his desk, Mr. Perry had no idea what the numbers meant.

“Mr. Perfetti would say to us, ‘I know this looks complicated, but if you follow the sequence of the problem, then it should be fairly easy,’” says Mr. Perry.

“He would tell us that, if we do all the fundamental steps, then it will make the problem smaller.

So, if you ever feel overwhelmed by a task or problem, just break it into smaller steps.”

Remembering his advice, Mr. Perry decided to follow suit at his son’s next practice. Instead of trying to run a complex college offense, he broke it into bite-sized pieces. Sure enough, the kids listened and the offense clicked into gear.

To this day, Mr. Perry swears by Mr. Perfetti’s

advice. In hindsight, he knows it followed him at every stage of his career. At the College of the Holy Cross, he used it to re-enforce the advice his father Mr. Ronald S. Perry Sr., CM’s first Athletic Director, gave him as a kid.

Growing up, his dad refused to let him shoot long-distance shots until he perfected his stroke from underneath the basketball hoop. Mr. Perry, practice-after-practice, spent hours in the batting cage, adjusting his grip on the bat.

Again, the fundamentals. The small things.

Remembering Mr. Perfetti and his dad’s advice, Mr. Perry sought to execute every small facet of his game to the highest level. It translated into three first team Academic All-American honors and an ECAC North Co-Player of the Year award between 1978 to 1980.

While playing in the White Sox minor league system and trying out for the Boston Celtics, the advice kept him focused on the small things he controlled—not an insurmountable task ahead of him.

“With any situation, the importance of breaking things down helps people understand something so much better,” says Mr. Perry.

“If you focus on the fundamentals, you’ll do fantastic in whatever you’re trying to succeed in.”

After his playing career ended, Mr. Perry never lost focus of the fundamentals when he entered the world of commercial real estate. Now a principal at Avison Young, Mr. Perry owes his success to this work ethic born in Mr. Perfetti’s classroom over 40 years ago.

That work ethic returned to Baker Street this past winter when Mr. Perry announced his return CM MAGAZINE 34

to CM’s Board of Directors. A former Board Member in the 1990s, Mr. Perry returns to the board with some high aspirations.

“To me CM is people,” says Mr. Perry.

“CM is the students, the faculty, the coaches, the administration. I want CM to be in a position that’s a viable, long term, first class, and Catholic all-boys school in the city of Boston. It’s got a great mission.

Who better to help sustain this mission than a man who practically grew up at CM? His father, Mr. Perry Sr., not only served as CM’s first Athletic Director, but he coached the school’s basketball team from 1957 to 1972. His mother, Patricia, taught English at the high school. Even the Christian Brothers, who use to buy Mr. Perry pizza from Tony’s while waiting for his dad’s games to end, paved the way for Mr. Perry’s path to success on Baker Street.

Needless to say, Mr. Perry remembers the CM of old. But, he also knows what to look for in the CM of tomorrow.

“As a board member, you’re in a position to be a steward for the school,” he says.

“I think the role of a board member is to be an advisor and work together on setting a direction for the future of CM.” Whether it means engaging alumni at sporting events or hosting a fundraiser, Mr. Perry promises to take any action needed to see CM succeed—even if it starts with advice from a former mentor.

MEET THE NEW PRINCIPAL When Mr. Beatty announced his retirement this past winter, the CM community conducted a nationwide search for the school’s next Principal. A unanimous decision from the interview committee gave Dr. Folan the privilege of naming Mr. Andrew O’Brien, the current Vice Principal of Student Affairs at CM, the successor to Mr. Beatty. In our feature, we explore the 14 years of leadership experience that Mr. O’Brien brings to the Principal’s Office from his time at several single-sex schools and Catholic institutions across New England. Mr. O’Brien’s father, Gus O’Brien, is a 1971 graduate of CM.

Mr. Andrew O’Brien It took one interaction for Mr. Andrew O’Brien, CM’s incoming Principal, to consider a career in secondary education.

It happened in the fall of 2006. That fall, Mr. O’Brien’s served as the associate director of admission and financial aid during his second year at the Salisbury School in Connecticut. He also coached, taught, and advised his own cohort of students.

Just a year removed from graduating from Bowdoin College with a BA in economics, he remembers feeling too young and inexperienced to leave an impression on the minds of his students. This changed when, at the beginning of the first semester, the school administration assigned him a new advisee. The student struggled with classes throughout his freshman year and left past advisors frustrated. While some wrote him off as just another “goofball,” Mr. O’Brien took the time to look beyond the surface.

“What really became apparent was that this kid struggled with learning differences that had beaten him down over the years,” said Mr. O’Brien, who grew up in Allston.

So, twice a week, Mr. O’Brien ate dinner with the student. During their meals together, conversations evolved beyond sports, classes, and extracurriculars. The student opened-up about his struggles with ADHD and dyslexia. In the eyes of Mr. O’Brien, the student no longer resembled the “lost cause” that so many administrators warned him of.

“He just didn’t have a great view of himself,” he said.

“When we started talking and got past the façade of a goofball, he started to open-up and be honest. We looked at the challenges he faced and talked about the things that he could own. Together, we realized that there were some things he could have been doing to put himself in a better position to succeed.”

Mr. O’Brien introduced a strategy that required the student to seek extra help and arrive to class on time. He noticed substantial growth within a month. Later that semester, the student earned a spot on the honor roll for the first time. Within two years, he graduated and earned a college book prize.

“Sometimes, all a kid needs is someone to listen,” he said.

“That was powerful for me to understand and experience.”

When he left Salisbury College to work as the assistant director of undergraduate financial aid at Boston College in 2008, Mr. O’Brien kept this lesson in the back of his mind. Over time, he realized how much he missed his previous one-on-one interactions with students. Once a coach, teacher, and a mentor, his new role left him emotionally drained amidst the Great Recession that year.

“I was talking to one father who had owned 12 homes that he was renting out in Detroit,” said Mr. O’Brien.

“The homes had lost all of their value. He was bankrupt and needed to tell his daughter that he couldn’t make her college dream, the one that he had promised years ago, a reality. There was only so much I could do to help.”

It hurt Mr. O’Brien to stand on the sidelines.

He felt powerless to fix the circumstances of those he worked for. So, after earning his Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2011, Mr. O’Brien left BC to serve as the Director of Admissions at Xaverian

CM MAGAZINE

35

Brothers High School. Then, in 2014, when the Vice Principal role opened at CM, he saw his chance to shape the lives of students on a much broader level. At CM, this meant prioritizing the wide-scale experience of the student body and faculty.

“If you look at our mission statement here at CM, the ‘what’ is that we’re a college preparatory school for boys and the ‘how’ is us, as educators, shaping students through campus ministry, academics, arts, and athletics,” said Mr. O’Brien.

“But, for me, what’s important is our ‘why,’ which is the development of young men.”

While teaching courses in the math, theology, and social studies departments, he played a crucial role in overseeing student discipline and developing student programming. Through his work with the faculty, he spearheaded administrative efforts to develop faculty observation protocols and direct faculty professional development.

Now, as he prepares to take on his new role as Principal, he wants to enhance the inclusive, open community of CM so that its students further grow and flourish into men of character.

“We live in difficult times for young people,” said Mr. O’Brien.

“What they go through, what they are exposed to, and how quickly they are forced to take on things that are far beyond their maturity can be dangerous for any adolescent.

You need a place like CM that will work and develop young men in ways that will value the impact that they can make on society.”

FOUNDER’S DAY On May 3rd, CM celebrated Founder’s Day in honor of the feast day of Edmund Ignatius Rice.

CM honored the Christian Brothers during the All-School Mass. That evening, CM welcomed back the Class of 1969 for its 50th Reunion and also held its annual All-Class Reunion.

We asked our alumni to submit their favorite memories of faculty members

Mr. Michael Swiatkowski ’69

and classes from their time on Baker Street.

Although I have countless memories from my four years at CM, my favorite one happened decades later. I graduated in 1969. In 1995, my oldest son was contemplating where to attend high school, and as expected, I took him to the open house for that year’s enrolling class. However, I made a silly error and we visited the school on the wrong weekend.

One week early.

As we entered the school lobby, the only person present was a single Christian Brother, who was engaged in cleaning the trophy case and polishing the many awards. I asked where everyone was, and he informed me of my obvious error. That’s when I explained that I was a graduate and had meant to bring my son to the open house, hoping to share my experience with him and encourage him to apply.

This brother, whom I regretfully am unable to identify, reached in his pocket, gave me a bundle of keys, selected the master key, and told me that I could give my son a personal tour of the whole school, which I proudly did. The unquestioned trust.

I felt like I had been welcomed back into my home. That is why, to me, CM will always feel like home.

CM MAGAZINE 36

Here are a few notes that we’ve received.

Mr. Kevin Malone ’63 I remember a home basketball game in 1961 when the opponent went to the foul line in a tightly contested game. Our fan section began to boo, cheer, and jeer. Suddenly Brother McKenna (Big Joe as we called him) stepped onto the court and took the ball from the referee. DEAD SILENCE! In a strong yet clear voice he declared: “Gentlemen, we only cheer for a team never against a team. If you are unable to do that I will end the game right now.”

Lesson learned. It spoke so much about character, sportsmanship, respect, and values. Nearly 60 years later it still resonates and has become a hallmark of how I strive to comport myself.

Mr. Jack Cahill ’73 Brother Bob Durning, who was 20 years old when he came to CM in 1969, learned quickly how to manage a classroom full of boys. Slight, young, and highly intelligent, he seemed easy to mess with – until you tried to test his patience. Brother Durning taught French and religion and made you feel his passion for both subjects, even leading a trip to Paris. Athletics was not his interest. So, when CM was asked to assemble a team to compete in Boston’s weekly high school “Jeopardy” quiz show called “It’s Academic”, Brother Durning threw himself into the task with zeal and determination.

He tested seniors and juniors, assembled a team of six, which included backups, and ran us through daily training sessions – often using the school’s enormous reel-to-reel videotape recorder to replay episodes of Jeopardy (pre-Alex Trebek!).

We trained for three months and won our first and second appearances on WCVB easily. The championship round was in May of 1973 and we lost by one question to Framingham South. The school was riding a wave of success in both football and basketball and were state champions in baseball that year. So, competing academically at a high level made us really invested in our 1973 graduating class. We could really feel the pride that Brother Durning had for us afterwards.

He left CM to resume his studies at Iona and taught at several other Christian Brothers schools until his health deteriorated. He spent the first four years of his teaching career with us, so all of us felt both his cutting sarcasm and total love. We all remember his investment in us to this day.

Following tradition, the senior class exited the All-School Mass to a standing ovation.

CM MAGAZINE

37

ALUMNI IN THE NEWS Stephen Azums ’16 scored his 1,000th career point for the Wentworth men’s basketball team... Steve Berte ’98 competed in the Haymakers for Hope charity boxing tournament in honor of his father, Al ’71. Steve surpassed his fundraising goal, collecting more than $58,000 in donations to support cancer research. He won his match by TKO in the third round...

John Gorman ’11 is pitching for the Midland RockHounds, an affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. He is 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA and three saves. He has 27 strikeouts in 18.2 innings... Mike Rush ’92 was named the senate majority whip in the Massachusetts Senate by Senate President Karen Spilka... The NHL selected Chris Rooney ’93 as one of the referees for the Stanley Cup Finals. This is the fourth time he has worked a final series... Brian Shuman ’98 was named the ALL-USA Boys Hockey Coach of the Year after he led the Canton High School boys’ hockey team to a 25-0-1 record and a state title... Mike Slonina ’11 and A Shot for Life, the non-profit he founded, hosted the fourth annual Battle of the Badges charity basketball game in March featuring teams from the Boston Fire Department and Boston Police Department. The charity event raises money for cancer research... Denis Tobin ’15 has joined Suffolk University men’s basketball as an assistant coach. He will pursue his master’s degree in higher education...

Wes Woodson ’16, a junior at Babson College, delivered a Ted Talk entitled, “What Do We Do When Faced With Change?” as part of an independent

ALUMNI 1961

Gordon Castanza has been involved in editing Tinian and the Bomb: Project Alberta and Operation Centerboard, a novel written by Don Farrell. He has taken historical trips to Iwo Jima and the Normandy beaches and “The Bridge Too Far.” Rev. Richard Kelley was installed as chaplain to his Holiness and given the title of monsignor in ceremonies held at St. Joseph Cathedral in Manchester, N.H. Most Rev. Peter Anthony Libasci, Bishop of Manchester, officiated.

Rev. Kelley was honored alongside his brother, Rev. Edward Kelley.

1964

Paul Schmid is retired and enjoying life with his service dog, Ralphie. He is living a quiet life in the Midwest while doing volunteer work.

1965

In April at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund Banquet, Thomas Riordan was honored with the Richard F. Connolly, Jr. Distinguished Service Award. Tom is a proud Ouimet alumnus and has been one of The Fund’s strongest advocates for many years.

Tom’s contributions to The Fund have impacted thousands of scholars and come in many forms. He has also been an instrumental part of the Ouimet board.

1969

Thomas Grandy announced the birth of his ninth grandchild. Mathew Thomas Bissonnette was born on March 2, 2019.

who taught history and Brother Reilly who helped me with my French.”

1971

William Walsh Jr. has worked for the last 44 years as an advanced aircraft engine mechanic at General Electric.

He is 65 years old and still working in a job he loves. He offers his thanks to Ron Paulus, his guidance counselor at CM who helped him find his calling.

1972

Steve Mutascio recently retired from Entenmann’s from his role as a sales manager after 37 years with the company. He is a recent inductee to the CM Hall of Fame 2016. He is living with his wife Patti in West Bridgewater.

He and his wife have seven kids, seven grandkids, and one great-granddaughter.

1973

Thomas Travers is currently living in Honolulu. He is working as the general manager at Kalakaua Gardens operated

by Avalon Health Care.

1979

Peter DiMarzio is currently working for the Department of Homeland Security in Boston, and he is assigned to the Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Groups. He is responsible for the entire New England area, which covers approximately 63,000 square miles. Recently, he addressed the United Nations on the topic of human trafficking, its prevalence, and its effects.

According to Peter, CM gave him the foundation he needed to go on and make a difference in the lives of others.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley announced that Rev. Kevin O’Leary has been given the title of Monsignor. Fr. O’Leary serves as the rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

1982

Joseph Szymkowski sends his regards from Killeen, Texas. He writes, “I enjoyed my time at CM. I remembered Ron Perry

William “Bill” Gormley is a senior operations and intelligence analyst at the U.S. Central Command at MacDill

Ted Talks event at Babson.

CM MAGAZINE 38

John Doris received his master’s degree in public administration from Suffolk University last May.

N OT E S Air Force Base in Florida. He has authored many in-depth reports on Middle Eastern and Central Asian issues and frequently lectures at the intelligence and security schools of partner nations across the region. Bill is a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan and retired from the Army Reserve as a colonel in 2016.

Boston. NBP is a non-profit braille publisher and producer of braille products. The organization also promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. For more information visit www.nbp.org.

Fr. E. Joseph O’Keefe, SJ, has recently been appointed an associate pastor at Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Phoenix. A Jesuit parish, it is the largest in the Southwest with more than 6,000 registered families and includes a parish elementary school. Ordained a Jesuit priest in 2013, Fr. Joe had several assignments in California and Massachusetts between 2013-2018.

1989

1983

Paul Brooks and his wife Tammy are excited to announce that they became grandparents to a beautiful baby boy!

Colton Anthony Lane was born February 28, 2019. Paul was also recently hired as the director of facilities and real estate for the Diocese of Fall River.

1984

Christopher Major is currently the chief of operations for the Somerville Fire Department and started his 25th year in May.

1985

Arthur Pantelides says hello from Eastern Europe. He established his own consulting company after getting his Ph.D. at George Washington University in D.C. He consults with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on optimizing value chain and operations as a result of Brexit. He also teaches at the American University in Bulgaria.

Larry McNeilly has been working for the last three years as a customer service supervisor at the National Braille Press (NBP) in

Michael Leary sends his best wishes to his brothers in the Class of ’89, especially to those that are gone but not forgotten: Shawn Curran, Rocco Depace, and Jim Bickerton.

1997

Br. Jason Ford, CFC was awarded an Educational Specialist Degree from Seton Hall University last May. He is continuing course work towards a doctorate in education at Seton Hall University.

2003

Dan Chisholm and his wife, Amanda, celebrated the birth of their third child, Ryan Matthew, in May. He joins older brothers Dylan, 5, and Patrick, 3.

2005

Eugene Lyons recently received a promotion to become the director of sports medicine and clinical manager of the Mass Sport and Spine in Walpole.

2018

Deven Patel completed his first collegiate lacrosse season at Ursinus College. He and Kevin McCarthy ’17 found themselves on opposing sidelines for the first time. Kevin is a sophomore at the Stevens Institute of Technology.

FACULTY AND STAFF NOTES The Archdiocese of Boston honored Mr. Vincent Bradley, Social Studies Department Chair, with the Excellence in Education Award. Mr. Bradley was one of 10 recipients of the award in the archdiocese. He attended a recognition ceremony in May with Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Mr. Thomas Carroll, Superintendent of Catholic Schools.

Mr. Brian Mulcahey and his wife celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Eliza Jean, who was born in March.

CM’s head hockey coach Mr. Larry Rooney P’19 ’21 was selected to coach in the Massachusetts CCM High Performance Festival sponsored by USA Hockey.

Mr. Michael Fess, a member of the Social Studies Department, received the Swensrud Teacher Fellowship from the Massachusetts Historical Society. Over the summer, Mr. Fess will design a curriculum unit on the history of non-violent protest.

At the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held last month, Mr. Steve Goode, varsity wrestling coach, had the honor of introducing inductee Carl Adams, the longtime wrestling coach at Boston University. Mr. Goode served as Adams’ assistant coach at BU. Together, they have produced a series of instructional wrestling videos.

Former faculty member Rev. Christopher Boyle was ordained at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in May. Rev. Boyle taught theology and served as the varsity swim coach for 10 years before entering the seminary.

Former varsity wrestling coach, Mr. Keith Durham, was inducted into the Massachusetts chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

CM MAGAZINE 39

IN MEMORIAM Charles E. Sullivan ’61

Richard J. Dunn ’63

of Hedgesville, W.Va.

of Walpole

on January 9, 2019

on March 17, 2019

John T. Gillis ’63

Thomas J. Slattery ’85

of Chatham

of Roslindale

on April 2, 2019

on April 8, 2019

Michael G. Conway ’61

William J. Hartigan ’62

of Needham

of Park Ridge, N.J.

on February 14, 2019

on March 29, 2019

Michael T. McCarthy ’64

Michael G. Winbourne ’72

of Portland, Ore.

of Middletown, Conn.

on April 18, 2019

on March 22, 2019

CM MAGAZINE 40

A FAMILY’S TRIBUTE TO THEIR PARENTS AND A COMMITMENT TO CM’S MISSION The Joseph and Sheila Galligan Scholarship Reaches $1 Million Mark Joseph Galligan valued Catholic education. This appreciation began during his days at Boston College High School and continued through his time at the College of the Holy Cross. After graduating from Holy Cross, he served as a lieutenant commander in the navy during World War II. After serving his country, Galligan enrolled at Boston College’s Law School. From his days at BC High, Holy Cross, and BC, he developed a profound appreciation for Catholic education. It is a sentiment he shared with his wife, Sheila, herself a graduate of Regis College.

Their fondness for Catholic education is something they passed on to their five children: Marianne, Kathleen, Joseph ’77, Sheila, and Charlie ’80. For the five siblings, their parents’ example of love, hard work, and faith served as the foundation for all of them.

When Joseph passed away, the siblings sought a way to honor their father – a scholarship to a Catholic school seemed to be a fitting choice. Having sent two sons to CM, the family had strong ties to Baker Street. Those ties were also shared by their daughters. Their daughter Sheila married a CM alumnus, Ronald Perry ’76, and their daughter Kathleen raised one. Her son, Conor McWain, is a 2008 graduate, so a scholarship at CM seemed a fitting tribute.

In 1999, the siblings established the Joseph Galligan Scholarship which helped deserving students attend CM where they would not only receive a great education, but also learn the value of faith and service. The Joseph Galligan Scholarship started as the siblings’ tribute to their dad. After their mother passed in July 2018, the scholarship was renamed to the Joseph and Sheila Galligan Scholarship to honor the legacy of both of their parents.

“We are honored to be in a position to recognize our mom and dad. We recognize their commitment to instilling Christian values in us and we want to give back to the next generation,” said Charlie on the family’s behalf.

Since its inception, the fund has grown to more than $1 million thanks to the generosity of the siblings and their families. The scholarship annually provides five students the financial assistance they need to attend CM. In total, more than 50 students have earned CM diplomas thanks to the Galligan Scholarship.

“The Galligan family has long epitomized a commitment to philanthropy here at Catholic Memorial.

They honor their parents each and every day by providing students in need with access to a world-class education.

They continue to open their hearts to our efforts and our community is eternally grateful,” said Jack Moynihan ’81 P’18, Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

The Galligan scholars have excelled academically; competed as part of the hockey, baseball, lacrosse, swimming, and basketball teams; and contributed to programs like CMTV, speech and debate, and student government. They have left their mark on CM and many have continued their education at Catholic schools like Holy Cross, Providence College, and Merrimack College.

“Catholic Memorial is a school with real need. We are the smallest of our peer schools and the most diverse school in the Catholic Conference. We are so deeply grateful for the Galligan family’s incredible financial support in helping us to enroll outstanding young men in need of financial assistance who have a deep impact on CM,” said Dr. Peter Folan, President.

As an endowed fund, the Joseph and Sheila Galligan Scholarship will help generations of students enroll at CM and receive an outstanding education while developing into value-driven young men who recognize the importance of education, family, and faith.

CM MAGAZINE

41

CM MAGAZINE 42

STUDENT REFLECTION

60 Hours to Gain New Perspective When the time arrived to complete my

church leaders who otherwise would need

senior service, I felt anxious. The prospect

to do these tasks themselves.

of completing 60 hours of service on top of my regular workload seemed daunting.

Perhaps the most fulfilling aspect of my

And, I was skeptical of the impact I could

service was the time we spent helping the

have. My idea of service has always been

church plan a festival they are hosting this

defined by my BERSI trip to Peru during

summer. When Kika brought this idea to us,

freshman year in which I was able to serve

we immediately were excited to help. With

some of the poorest and most marginalized

the help of the church, we put together a

people in the world. I wondered if the work

plan to get food, live music, and activities

I would be able to do at the Arabic Evange-

for children for this special event. We also

lical Baptist Church in West Roxbury would

were entrusted to use the church’s camera

truly make a difference. However, after our

equipment to film promotional videos for

first meeting with our project supervisor,

the upcoming festival this summer. By hel-

Kika, who assured us we would be able to

ping plan this event, we hope we have made

make a substantial impact, my worries were

a welcoming space for people of different

quickly put to rest. I realized that, while this

cultures, ethnicities, and religions to come

may not have been the most traditional ser-

to the Arabic Evangelical Baptist Church

vice, the opportunity to engage with and

and witness the work it does for its com-

serve a community that is different from

munity.

mine culturally, yet intertwined by a shared faith, would be an incredible opportunity.

Although I do not attend the Arabic Evangelical Church and did not grow up in the

Kika, the youth pastor at the church, helped

same culture, I felt welcomed from the very

a group of friends and I narrow down our

second I walked through the doors. While I

project to four main aspects: cleaning,

did not build houses for the poor like I did in

childcare, making promotional videos, and

Peru as a freshman, I was able to meet new

planning a festival. We would find time

people, experience a different culture, and

after school or during study periods to stop

hopefully make a change for the better. But

by the church and do whatever tasks were

most of all, I was able to realize that you do

needed of us. Whether it was sorting pa-

not have to go across the world to make a

perwork, cleaning the Sunday school class-

positive impact. Sometimes you can make a

rooms, or playing games with the kids in the

difference right down the street.

daycare, our efforts were valuable for the

CM MAGAZINE 43

BY MICHAEL MARTINS ’19

REFLECTION FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL When you are in the presence of a great teacher, you can feel it. You just know it.

When you meet great teachers for the first time, their solid resolve and dedication to the community are self-evident. You know right away when you come across a person of conviction, a person of character, a person that relates to students.

Great schools are filled with these kinds of people. They are the faculty members who get offered jobs before their interview has concluded. They have a real presence and make great connections.

I believe that a school for boys is built around these kinds of leaders. It has been my singular focus to support,

promote, hire, and retain these special educators. Schools need to feel like a family; they cannot be academic factories. Boys need a close-knit community where teachers have a true impact. Young men excel when they have role models who guide, engage, and hold them accountable.

Great facilities are important, but committed, innovative, and dedicated faculty must bring them to life. The best teachers are in the right place at the right time. They know what to say and how to act. These things don’t happen by accident.

The best faculty know that they need to be present for their students. They know it matters when they watch their students at an athletic practice. They

know it matters when they attend the play. They ask students about the weekend speech tournament, they attend the Model UN conference, and applaud students in the art show.

Great CM teachers are relational in their approach. They have big hearts.

They make true connections between themselves, their students, and their content area. This triatic connection leads to transformational learning and true student formation.

Dr. Mickey Corso chairs our theology department, directs our play and musical, and sells tickets at the football games. He leads retreats and international service trips. He does all of this without thinking twice.

Mr. Brian Mulcahey teaches biotechnology, AP Environmental Science, biology, and Critical Making.

In his free time, he works at the New England Aquarium. A National Geographic certified educator, Mr. Mulcahey has swum with Beluga whales, and last summer discovered a new bird species in the Amazon. His passion for science is infused in his DNA. Mr. Mulcahey, and great teachers like him, share their passion and joys here each day.

Transformational faculty members lead service trips to Peru, travel to China, and feed the homeless in the city. They teach our boys to express their faith through service and stand as positive role models for them. We encourage our faculty to talk openly to our students about men’s health issues. We think it is important to also teach boys how to properly bunt, long-snap a football, build a boat, sing a middle-C, and confidently recite a Shakespearian soliloquy. A holistic approach to the education of young men matters and has an impact.

For over 60 years, dedicated teachers have inspired young men here at CM. The legacy of Br. McKenna has been carried forward by dedicated faculty and staff who have impacted the lives of CM graduates. We can still feel

CM MAGAZINE 44

the impact of many legendary CM educators even though their teaching days have finished: Br. William Murphy, Mr. Ron Perry, Br. Al Heeran, Mr. Jim O’Connor, Mr. Joe Perfetti, Mr. Rich Chisholm, Br. Jake Crowley, Mr. Joe Hurley ‘61, Mr. Bob Tegan, Mr. Ed McElaney ‘62, and Br. Jeff Oxx. And now, we add one more name to that list – Mr. Thomas Beatty ‘68.

It has been an honor to serve each day alongside such a great educator like Mr. Beatty. The legacy of a great educator like Mr. Beatty, lasts forever. His dedication to CM for the past 45 years is a model in great teaching, a mission-driven approach, and in impact. Mr. Beatty is part of a generation of Catholic educators who have assumed the mantle of leadership, lay leadership, that will define the future of Catholic education.

Great men like Mr. Beatty have a real impact that is paid forward in the lives of the students they have taught, mentored, and inspired. There are certain faculty that students remember for their entire lives. Mr. Beatty’s poise, determination, and ability to foster and develop the moral and intellectual lives of his students place him in a rare category of legendary educators.

Versatile and relational teachers that commit to teaching, coaching, and serving others create learning environments in which every young man feels valued, safe, and appreciated. We are a school that does amazing things for and with our students. The good work continues each day here on Baker Street.

I invite and welcome our alumni to come experience the vitality and energy of our community for yourself.

We are proud of the work that we do today and the work that has been done here.

As always, I ask that you live, Jesus, in your hearts, forever

T H E C E N T E R F O R I N T E G R AT E D A N D A P P L I E D L E A R N I N G

This past year, we set forth on our most ambitious response yet to tomorrow’s uncertain horizon.”

THE CENTER WILL INCLUDE: BUILD AND CREATE STUDIO WET/ART/LAB STUDIO DIGITAL STUDIO COLLABORATE STUDIO PERFORMANCE AND PRESENTATION STUDIO IDEATE AND REFLECT STUDIOS

THE FUTURE for CM To support this project or learn more contact,

$9.7M Cost

-

$6.8M Raised

=

$2.9M Remain

Mr. Jack Moynihan ‘81 P’18, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at

JackMoynihan@CatholicMemorial.org or 617.469.8017.

C AT H O LIC M E M OR IAL SC H OOL 235 BAKER STREET WEST ROXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS 02132

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit 215

Mailed from 01889

Parents of Alumni: If this magazine is addressed to a son who no longer resides in your home, please email changes to: BrendaCampbell@CatholicMemorial.org. Thank you.

On June 5th, CM broke ground on the $9.7 million Center for Integrated and Applied Learning.