Peter B. LaMontagne ’84, P’14, ’17, ’21, ’25 & ’25 Chair
Nathan M. Brawn ’02, Vice Chair
Rev. John T. “Jack” Butler, S.J.
Michael J. Cianchette ’02
Amber R. Collins ’04
Rev. Brian J. Conley, S.J., Superior of the Jesuits of Maine
Margaret Florentine
Marco Giancotti P’16, ’18, ’21
James Hanley P’19, ’21, ’24
Shawn Hawthorne ’02, Treasurer
Catherine Hyde P’20, Secretary
Carl J. “CJ” LeFevre ’89, P’20, P’23
Timothy J. McGonagle ’92
Heather T. MacGillivray ’08
Rev. John Mulreany, S.J.
Rev. Cyril P. Opeil, S.J.
Rev. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J., President
John Richardson ’09
Jonathan E. Smith ’86, P’10, ’12, ’14
Scott Smith ’90
Stephen Train ’86, P’16, ’19
James A. Ward ’63
Rev. John C. Wronski, S.J.
ADMINISTRATION
Rev. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J., President
Michael S. Komich, Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations
John J. Moran, Ed.D., Principal
Randolph H. Shaw, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
CHEVERUS TODAY
Published by The Office of Institutional Advancement
Editor: Jeannette N. Wycoff, Director of Communications wycoff@cheverus.org
Cheverus High School
267 Ocean Avenue
Portland, ME 04103-5707
207.774.6238 www.cheverus.org
Readers, please direct all correspondence or address changes to: alumni@cheverus.org
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Rev. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J.
Jeannette N. Wycoff
PHOTOGRAPHY
Sean Baker
Dave Bates
Ram McDonough
Cindy Russell
Thom Scheele
Jeannette N. Wycoff
DESIGN AND LAYOUT
Think Design
In an effort to care for our common home: If you receive a magazine for a family member no longer living at this address, please help us update our records. Contact advancement@cheverus.org.
On the cover: On June 15, with a 3-1 win over Oxford Hills, the Cheverus softball team clinched the first state championship in team history.
Inside cover: This spring the Cheverus Drama Society performed The Wizard of Oz.
Dear Members of the Cheverus Community,
Every summer, I take time to reflect on the school year. This year was certainly one to remember, with six state championships. When I ask the students what they remember about the championships – the thrill of victory is quickly followed by comments about how committed their teammates are to one another and the strong sense of belonging they feel, not only with their team or cast, but with the entire Cheverus community.
In April, the Magis Award recipients spoke of the impact Cheverus had on them, be it four years of high school or four decades of service to the school. The common thread was the commitment to service – to one another and the larger community.
Seeing alumni from different eras serve shoulder to shoulder at St. Vincent de Paul soup kitchen for Cheverus Cares or the joy and laughter at the reunions and the annual Cheverus Golf Classic further illustrates the kinship that starts at Cheverus and continues for a lifetime.
The bonds that are nurtured on Ocean Avenue proclaim the Gospel.
These connections and the relationships that flow from them are the lifeblood of the school. May these bonds be a source of creativity and renewal for everyone in our community, and may they bring us closer to our God.
For Cheverus,
Fr. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J. President
class of 2024
The graduation of the Class of 2024 on Monday, June 3 marked the 106th Cheverus commencement ceremony. Eighty-one students received their diplomas from Bishop James Ruggieri, who was installed as the new bishop of Portland just one month prior.
Valedictorian Daniel McCartney addressed the audience at Merrill Auditorium as well as his classmates saying, “If there’s anything I can identify that I’ve been missing from moments these past four years it would be…presence – a full awareness and embrace of the moment.” He continued, “I’ve learned though, that true joy is found in embracing what’s around you –in every one of those small moments.” Then he offered this advice to his classmates: “Now, the future is full of time, but only if you make the most of it. So start here. Enjoy this moment, soak in our last day together as a class, enjoy tomorrow and every day, and find joy in every moment you can.”
Madigan Fitzpatrick, named the Outstanding Senior and All-Around Student, also spoke of the power of the ordinary moments strengthening relationships:
laughing in class or saying hi to each other while passing in the hallway are the moments that have linked us together.”
President of the senior class Peter Wycoff said, “when we’re old, we will not be nearly as satisfied by the things we have, as we will by the people who surround us –those we can count on, those who show up.” He then called on his classmates to prioritize meaningful relationships when they leave Cheverus,” If each one of us can cultivate meaningful relationships, we will live richer, more joyful, and satisfying lives.”
Graduation speaker Theresa Hendrix Arsenault ’10 illustrated the power of consequential relationships when she asked anyone in the audience who was positively impacted by a member of the Class of 2024 to rise. The class received a standing ovation. She hen challenged the class to,
“take with you everything you learned from Cheverus and continue to flourish.”
50 y ears g olden graduat e s
1974–2024
The Class of 1974 Golden Grad Reunion
The Golden Graduate weekend of festivities for the Class of 1974 began on Saturday, June 1 with a reception at Bruno's. On Sunday, Fr. Robert Pecoraro, S.J. said a memorial Mass at the school chapel for class members who have passed away. That evening, a dinner was held at the Elk's Club, which included both Cheverus and McAuley graduates celebrating 50 years since their respective graduations.
At graduation on Monday, June 3, 18 alumni received
their golden diploma from Madame Campbell on stage at Merrill Auditorium.
The class raised $50,000 to establish the Class of 1974 Scholarship, which will provide financial assistance to Cheverus students for years to come. Special thanks to the members of the reunion committee: Billy Childs, Arthur Gilbert, Jim Thomas, Stephen Pochebit, John Logan, Steve McCarthy, Doug Norton, and representing the McAuley Class of 1974, Mindy Barra-Miccile.
The 2023–2024 school year was a banner year for Cheverus. Actually, it was a six-banner year. Cheverus won six state championships in field hockey, girls ice hockey, boys ice hockey, girls basketball, and two first-time state titles in softball and in drama, for the one-act play.
A Year
“T
his year has been an incredible year for Cheverus,” said Amy Ashley, the director of athletics and activities. “As the smallest school in the SMAA (the next-largest school has over 300 more students than we do) I am in awe of what our school has been able to accomplish,” she said.
Girls ice hockey won back-to-back championships and field hockey and girls basketball had undefeated seasons. Collectively, the state championship teams went 95-4-2. I know this is a year that will go down in the books and I’m so proud to be a part of it,” said Ashley.
The excellence that fueled this remarkable postseason was not limited to one sport. Two Cheverus athletes were named Gatorade Player of the Year, freshman Addison DeRoche for softball and senior Maddie Fitzpatrick for basketball. Fitzpatrick was also awarded Miss Maine Basketball, and her classmate Lily Johnson ’24 was awarded Miss Maine Field Hockey, recognizing them as the top seniors in the state in their respective sports. This marked the first time these state recognitions were awarded to Cheverus student-athletes. The talent was deep on these teams, too, with many studentathletes receiving All-State recognition.
For the Cheverus Drama Society, this was a first-time win in a state competition. In addition to the Class B state title, the performance of Hucklebee and Rhyming Mountain received numerous accolades including All-Festival cast awards, a lighting award, a costume design award, an ensemble award, and an overall visual effects award.
to Remember
It was an extra special senior year for Mikayla Talbot ’24 and Brynn McKenney ’24, each three-sport athletes who were members of three state championship teams their senior year – field hockey, ice hockey, and softball. Talbot reminisced, “I’m so blessed I was able to go to Cheverus and be a part of the amazing community.” Both Talbot and McKenney recognized the strong bonds that were cultivated on each championship team and the importance of prioritizing the success of the team over individual victories. Talbot said,
there was so much talent on all three teams, but we played for each other and we played for the name on the front of our jerseys.”
McKenney said, “I feel extremely grateful to have been on such amazing teams with a strong competitive drive (and) also have each other’s backs no matter what.”
Ashley said, “There are so many important lessons that coaches can teach our kids before they go off on their own.” The deep sense of community is one of those lessons. The coaches and director cultivated a strong culture of belonging and teamwork over the course of each season. Moreover, the entire school community came out to support these teams in the run-up to the state titles, on the sidelines, in the stands, and in the audience. Ashley summed it up, “Winning doesn’t always define a successful season, but these championships have inspired our programs and school.”
2024 State Championship Teams
Boys Ice Hockey - Head Coach David St. Pierre
Drama One-Act Play - Director Sean Sova
Field Hockey - Head Coach Theresa Hendrix Arsenault ’10
Girls Basketball - Head Coach Bill Goodman
Girls Ice Hockey - Head Coach Scott Rousseau
Softball - Head Coach John Eisenhart
2024 Magis Award
On Wednesday, April 16, 2024, the Cheverus community gathered at Hannaford Hall on the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus to celebrate the 2024 Magis Award recipients.
Every two years, Cheverus recognizes those in the community who live according to the imperative represented by the word Magis, Latin for the more.” The award is the highest honor bestowed by Cheverus.
This year’s recipients were:
Susan Van Wyck
Cheverus Educator 1996–2022
Parent ’o1, ’03, ’05
Peter Millard, MD, PhD
Class of 1972
Gary G. Hoyt
Director of Athletics and Educator
1975–2017
Parent ’99
Greg Szkarlat
Campus Minister 2004–2022
Gary Hoyt, introduced by Dean of Students Dan Costigan ’82, told stories from his 42-year career at Cheverus. He concluded that, “The experience, the memories, the people – the process of Cheverus – comes with a lifetime warranty. It does not wear out… It’s about the process, not the result.”
Introduced by 2022 Magis Award recipient Jerry Conley ’72, Peter Millard, a remarkable humanitarian who embodied care and compassion for all of his patients, both in Maine and abroad, noted that “Cheverus instilled in me the spirit of service,” and that “has made all the difference to the Class of ’72 and I thank you for all you bestowed on generations of Cheverus alumni.”
Mr. Bill Burke ’82 introduced Susan Van Wyck, who recalled, “I’ve worked with so many amazing young men and women who showed me the Magis every day. I am so proud of the outstanding ‘men and women for others’ they became.”
2020 Magis Award recipient Maryellen Fitzpatrick P’07, ’08, ’10, ’13 introduced Greg Szkarlat who began his acceptance speech by asking Fitizpatrick to help him lead the audience in the Examen, a familiar prayer they led countless times when they worked together in campus ministries. Szkarlat said, “to do the more –is awe, wonder, love, acceptance, and joy. The power of the resurrection allows me and you to go beyond what is possible –the Magis, the more – all for the greater glory of God.”
2022
Magis Award Recipients
Gerard “Jerry” P. Conley, Class of 1972, Parent ’12, ’14, ’17
Jane Elizabeth Glass, Librarian & Teacher
John H. R. Mullen, Principal, Parent ’01, ’08, ’12
Michael S. Komich, Parent ’05, ’07, Sr. VP for Finance and Operations
Fr. Robert D. Farrell, S.J., Faculty Member
2018
William G. Downes, Class of 1947
Kyle J. Milliken,* Class of 1998
David D. Pearce, Class of 1968
Peggy A. Cianchette, Parent ’02, ’06, ’07, ’10, Trustee
Richard “Dickie” M. Nee,* Class of 1976 , Parent ’02, ’04, ’07, ’09, ’11
2016
Dr. Leo J. McDermott, Class of 1925
Dr. Stanley R. Liberty, Class of 1961
James A. Ward, Class of 1963
2014
Mary T. Honan, Former Board of Trustees
Mark D. LaPointe, Class of 1959
Maj. Charles J. Loring*, Class of 1937
2012
Kevin J. Haley, Class of 1987
2009
John M. Kerry, Class of 1962
John E. Marston, Class of 1965
Dr. Patrick H. Rombalski, Class of 1982
2007
Stephen D. Goudey* , Class of 1970
Earle E. Hannigan, Class of 1953
Daniel J. Honan, Class of 1978
Arthur B. Ledue, Class of 1950
2006
Timothy E. Burton, Class of 1977
Richard M. Charette, Class of 1965
Francis E. Myatt, Class of 1953
Robert S. Nanovic, Board of Trustees
2005
John J. O'Leary* , Class of 1965
Kevin W. Concannon, Class of 1959
Joseph F. Boulos, Class of 1964
Stephen A. Barber, Class of 1973
2004
Mary E. Campbell, Teacher
Anthony “Pat” Carey, Class of 1966
Steve Jerome, Class of 1967
Edward Leo Manning, Class of 1941
Michael J. Tarpinian, Class of 1969
* deceased
Cheverus Cares
Cheverus Cares is an a day dedicated to service for Cheverus alumni. On Friday, April 26, alumni prepared meals at the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen in Portland. If you are interested in participating in Cheverus Cares next year or in bringing Cheverus Cares to your own community, joining forces with fellow area alumni to give back, please reach out to Will Tuttle, director of alumni relations at tuttle@cheverus.org. Left to right, Amber Collins ’04, Brian Dudley ’72, John McNaughton ’69, Marty Ashley ’83, Matt Rogers ’87, and Alana Barrera '04
On April 8, the sun, moon, and earth were aligned, or in syzygy (a great Scrabble word!), creating the first total solar eclipse in the U.S. in seven years. The Cheverus Outing Club was fortunate enough to experience totality on the shore of Moosehead Lake. The excursion included snowshoeing as well three-plus minutes of extraordinary darkness in the middle of the afternoon. Mark your calendars, the next total solar eclipse for the contiguous U.S. is in 2044!
2024 CHEVERUS GALA
On Saturday, May 4, Cheverus celebrated the arts at the annual gala. Guests were greeted at the atrium, which had been transformed into a gallery of student artwork including photography, ceramics, and stained glass. President Fr. Robert J. Pecoraro, S.J. welcomed guests and spoke of the importance of the arts in a Jesuit education. The evening featured selected student performances from William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the spring musical The Wizard of Oz, as well as performances from student musicians.
New Alumni Council Members
At the June Alumni Council meeting, Jason Jendrasko ’02 was appointed incoming president and Joey Smith ’14 was appointed incoming vice president.
2024–2025 Alumni Council
President: Jason Jendrasko ’02
Vice President: Joey Smith ’14
Secretary: Kate O'Brion ’01
Alana Barrera ’04
Mary Baskerville ’05
George Burns ’65
Amelia Burnes ’12
Mary Kelly ’11
Julia Lambert ’14
Anya McCarthy ’11
Peter Molloy ’91
Stephen Pochebit ’74
Michael Turner ’87
Josh Veroneau ’16
Alumni Connections
This spring, students in Mr. Hornor’s English III class were given a career-search assignment. Students were asked to develop an opinionated thesis on why the career they wrote about would be a fitting career for them and they were required to conduct at least two interviews with people in the chosen field.
The class worked with Alumni Director Will Tuttle to connect with alumni who worked in fields such as real estate, finance, engineering, health care, and law.
Hornor tasked students with exploring how their career choices complemented and developed the
characteristics of the Graduate at Graduation: open to growth, intellectually competent, religious, loving, and committed to justice.
Alumni who participated in this special project were thrilled to connect with Cheverus students in such a meaningful way.
If you are an alumnus/a who is passionate about your field of work and are interested in connecting with students about your profession, please reach out to Alumni Director Will Tuttle at tuttle@cheverus.org.
Jason Jendrasko
The 41st annual Cheverus Golf Classic was held at the Woodlands Country Club on June 24. The new venue shined on a spectacular early summer day. Twenty-nine teams competed and for the first time, two junior golfers played – and were members of the third place team! It was a high-energy event that is always a favorite for alumni and friends. If you are interested in playing next year, mark your calendars for Monday, June 23, 2025.
Thank you to our generous sponsors: Cloutier, Conley and Duffett, P.A.; Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home; M. W. Hoss Construction; Zoom Drain and Fontus Water Treatment; Gorham Savings Bank; Maria's Restaurant; Casco Bay Ford; Porta & Co. Commercial Real Estate; Capozza Floor Covering Center; D. Cole Jewelers; Portland North Dental; Cross Insurance; Great Falls Construction; Play It Again Sports; IIS Financial; Lebel & Harriman Financial Advisors; Androscoggin Bank; Coca-Cola of New England; Geary Brewing Company; Bruno's Pasta Company; and National Distributors
To see photos from the Cheverus Golf Classic, please scan this QR code.
