SPIRIT Saint Columbkille Alumni News Winter 2022 Issue
Spirit – Winter 2022
Message from the Head of School Happy New Year! This school year marks a few special anniversaries for our school and parish, including the 1500th birthday of St. Columba, for whom St. Columbkille Church is named, and the 500th anniversary of St. Ignatius’ conversion, from whom the school’s Jesuit-influenced pedagogy is grounded. In addition, the parish itself celebrated its 150th anniversary, and Saint Columbkille honors its 120th year as a school. The past two years have been challenging, and I am grateful for the generosity of our alumni in particular. You all know firsthand how important it is to receive a high-quality Catholic education and how blessed we are to be able to continue providing our students and staff with a safe and welcoming environment for learning. The pandemic has made all of us more appreciative of the things we took for granted prior to March 2020. The joy on students’, parents’, and teachers’ faces each day remind us that we are stronger together than apart. Through our faith and the continuous support of our community, Saint Columbkille Partnership School has thrived under the immense pressure and uncertainty of this pandemic.
Many thanks to all of you who donated over the past year. Your financial support, coupled with your prayers, impact each of us every day. Please know that you are in our prayers as well. In gratitude,
Jennifer Kowieski
Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – Winter 2022
Saint Columbkille celebrates 120 Years of High-quality education On September 11, 1901, Saint Columbkille Parish School opened its doors to students in the Allston-Brighton community for the first time. And on September 1, 2021, Saint Columbkille Partnership School (STCPS) started its 120th school year with an enrollment of 408 students. A pre-K through Grade 8 Roman Catholic lab school located in Brighton, STCPS has been a mainstay within its surrounding community and has educated children for many generations. In conjunction with the school’s 120th anniversary celebration, the St. Columbkille parish is marking its sesquicentennial, 150th anniversary. In 1871, St. Columbkille was designated its own parish and was no longer considered a mission territory of St. Mary’s in Brookline. The church building on Market Street in Brighton was completed in 1880. The parish was named for St. Columba, an Irish abbot and missionary evangelist who is credited with spreading Christianity in what is today Scotland. He was born in 521 AD and 2021 marks his 1500th birthday. Columba translates to “dove” symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit, and Columbkille translates to “dove of the church.” The dove is ever present in the school’s logo, serving as a reminder to build a community of peace. St. Columbkille parish celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday, October 2, 2021 with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Séan O’Malley and a reception on the school plaza (see photo at right). Cardinal O’Malley, Father Fitzgerald of the parish, and Head of School Jen Kowieski spoke and a group of Saint Columbkille Partnership School Grade 2 students in performed We Celebrate With Joy, the school’s first live performance in 18 months.
STCPS utilizes the newest and best practices in education while teaching prospective teachers and future Catholic school administrators. Teachers strive to develop the whole child: intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically. Employing Jesuit pedagogy, the school has prepared children to live lives of faith, service, and leadership for the greater glory of God and the betterment of society for 12 decades. Saint Columbkille Parish School started in 1901 offering a Catholic education to students in Grades 1-8 and a four-year high school was added in 1932. Additional classrooms were added over the years and in 1955 a third floor was built on the existing school building and was named Saint Columbkille Junior High School. The high school was closed in 1992 and the entire school was reestablished as Saint Columbkille Partnership School in 2006 through a combination of the resources of the Archdiocese of Boston, Boston College and St. Columbkille Parish. Then in 2018, STCPS was designated as a laboratory school of Boston College's Lynch School of Education and Human Development. The laboratory school designation—the only such arrangement between a university and an elementary school in the city of Boston— enhances opportunities for teacher training, educational research and professional development. Saint Columbkille Partnership School is blessed with a rich and diverse history. Together with alumni and current families, the school’s faculty, staff and administration aim to continue the longstanding traditions and excellent Catholic education that has been a central part of the Brighton community for 120 years. Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – Winter 2022
Come home to columb 2022: Save the date Our annual Come Home to Columb event has been scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2022. Join fellow alumni from all class years to honor the Class of 1972 as they celebrate their 50th reunion. For event updates, please click here.
Class of 1970 Reunion The Class of 1970 invites former classmates to join them in celebrating their 50th reunion on Saturday, June 4, 2022. For more information, please click here or contact the planning committee below: Patrick Stack, stackpa@webster.edu Kathy Crowley Zieja, kmzieja@charter.net John Noonan, jnoonan950@aol.com Pierrette Perella MacGregor, bostonmom53@yahoo.com Joe Collins, bcjc75@gmail.com
Class of 1972 Reunion The Class of 1972 invites former classmates to join them in celebrating their 50th reunion. More information is forthcoming. If you would like to help plan this reunion, please contact Christine McCarthy at cmccarthy@stcps.org or Kate Ward at 617254-3110 x. 147.
Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – WINTER 2022
2021 is 30th Anniversary of Winningest Saint Cols Girls’ Softball Team The 30th anniversary of the 1991 Saint Columbkille girls’ softball team North State Championship was in 2021. The team was the most successful and dominant in the history of the school, winning four consecutive Catholic Suburban League titles from 1988 – 1991, three Catholic Tournament titles and four consecutive state tournament appearances (124) in state games. Overall, the team was 84-11 in those four years!
email exchange, she shared that Saint Cols was her second home. “I feel I was not just part of a team with success through teamwork, but an amazing family who would fight to the end for each other,” says McCarthy. “The best part is, every win made us become closer. To this day when we see each other it brings me back to my happy place.”
Coach John Hoffman, a 1979 Saint Columbkille alumnus, fondly remembers those years. He now owns and runs The Fishing Academy, a nonprofit in Brighton that aims to provide young people in the Boston area with the opportunity to experience the outdoors through fishing. Hoffman began coaching the girls’ softball team in 1988 until 1992 when the high school closed. One of the most impressive things about the team, Hoffman recalls, is that Saint Columbkille was a much smaller school than many of their competitors in their league, so their success was even more impressive. Hoffman played center field for Saint Columbkille for three years in high school. He turned around the girls’ softball team in 1992 with more aggressive coaching, he says, encouraging the players to steal bases, minimize errors and make the play. He took the skillsets of the students on his team and inspired confidence and teamwork. With Hudson Catholic and Newton Catholic as the team’s biggest rivals, Saint Columbkille worked hard to improve and utilize their speed, determination and heart. Dianna McCarthy (’91) was a pitcher on the team. In a recent
Dawn MacMillan (’91), above and daughter of assistant coach Dave MacMillan, played shortstop, held a school record for RBIs and played softball at Boston University. She was voted Most Athletic in high school. She also was selected as an All-Star Catholic softball player. Tricia Eurglunes (’90) played catcher and was selected as the Most Consistent Batter her senior year with a batting average of .500 and 27 stolen bases. She also threw out 15 baserunners attempting to steal in 1990. She was voted Most School Spirit in high school, as well as Biggest Attitude. Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Softball pitcher Dianna McCarthy ‘91 and catcher Tricia Eurglunes ‘90
Jim Coffey ’62 (second from right) and his Vietnam Army unit at a reunion in September 2021 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Spirit – Winter 2022
Jim Coffey ‘62 Reunites with Vietnam army unit more than 50 years later After he graduated from Saint Columbkille in 1962, Jim Coffey enrolled at Bentley College and graduated in 1966. In 1967, he joined the Army and was stationed at the Infantry school in Fort Benning, Georgia with fellow classmate Roger McGovern (‘58E). Jim and Roger were assigned different units and Jim was then stationed in Vietnam. Coffey was seriously wounded in 1968, with wounds to the head and arm. A friend and fellow soldier helped get Jim to safety on a helicopter, but was told he likely wouldn’t survive. Following two years of rehabilitation, Coffey settled down outside of Boston with his wife and raised four children. He had a 38-year career with the IRS.
the soldier who saved him (Woody), which was a very emotional experience. This past September, he attended the annual reunion of his unit in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to meet with 20 other soldiers after 54 years. Another emotional gathering, Coffey was able to compose himself and enjoy the reunion with his fellow soldiers. "Both the reunion with Don Woodruff (Woody) in Florida and my platoon buddies in Myrtle Beach brought closure to events that happened 52 years ago," said Coffey of the experience. "I am grateful they found me and we reunited as brothers forever." Thank you, Jim Coffey, for your service to our country. Read more about Jim Coffey’s reunion with his unit on our website here.
Coffey’s army unit began hosting annual reunions 16 years ago. They assumed he had not survived his injuries, but contacted him two years ago when they found out he was still alive. In 2019, Coffey was able to reunite with Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – Winter 2022
Class of 1971 Celebrates 50th Reunion The class of 1971 gathered at the Stockyard in Brighton to celebrate their 50th class reunion on Saturday, September 18, 2021. In attendance were 35 classmates, five friends of the class and one teacher, along with a number of spouses and significant others. The night was a great walk down memory lane and renewing old acquaintances
from the days of walking the halls of Columb. Many had not seen each other in 50 years. While COVID had postponed the event from last June, and impacted this fall’s attendance numbers, the gathering was a success and plans are already being made for the 55th and 60th reunion in 2026 and 2031.
SAINT COLS COMMUNITY GATHERS TO CELEBRATE VETERANS Day Parents, teachers and staff, students and alumni gathered for a Veterans Day ceremony to honor the school’s current military members and veterans for their service to our country. The ceremony honored Vietnam veteran and Class of 1962 alumnus James Coffey, who recently reunited with his Army unit after more than 50 years apart. Active and retired military whose children attend Saint Cols also participated in raising the flag, their children
shared poems and welcomed services members from each branch of the military, and Saint Cols leadership spoke. Students raised $750 for Brighton Marine, a local nonprofit that helps veterans and their families, and wrote letters to active and retired military service members that were delivered to local Boston VA hospitals. READ MORE HERE Donate today at stcps.org/donate
From left: Bryan Hilton, retired U.S. Army and STCPS parent; Thomas Obaseki, retired U.S. Army and STCPS parent; William McClellan, U.S. Navy SEAL and STCPS parent; Jim McGourty, Vietnam Army Veteran and uncle of an STCPS student; Tyler Oates, U.S. Army and STCPS parent; Matthew Hartsog, U.S. Navy SEAL and STCPS parent; and Reverend James M. Hairston, Chaplin Major U.S. Army and STCPS parent.
Spirit – Winter 2022
Saint cols and BC Team up for Collaborative Social Justice Research Saint Columbkille Partnership School (STCPS) has a more than 15-year relationship with Boston College (BC) and is now into its fourth year as a lab school with the Lynch School of Education and Human Development. With this partnership comes mutually beneficial research to strengthen Saint Columbkille’s curriculum and the professional development opportunities for teachers, thus creating more robust learning opportunities for students. Dr. Jon Wargo, Assistant Professor, Teaching, Curriculum and Society, Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College, is a veteran researcher and a familiar visitor to Saint Columbkille. Through consultation with Head of School, Ms. Jennifer Kowieski, Dr. Wargo developed a research study for the 2021-2022 school year to study and support anti-bias education. Five Saint Columbkille teachers of various grades are partnered with a Lynch School doctoral student for mentorship and guidance surrounding social justice and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Each pair meets once a month together, as well as each month in the larger group with Dr. Wargo. “As our school’s mission states, our school community is committed to the education of children of all backgrounds in an environment that cultivates respect, mutuality, and care,” says Ms. Kowieski. “We saw a need to provide additional support for our teachers in how to address issues of justice and equity, and the work of Dr. Wargo and his doctoral students at BC advances our school’s mission.”
“It’s important to cultivate rich conversations about race, power and opportunity,” says Dr. Wargo. “Teachers and students are developing a similar, shared language to talk across and about difference. It’s important to start early, for children to be able to see something unjust on the playground, for example, and name it as such.” Each of the doctoral students is also a former teacher, and can provide practical and applicable suggestions, such as responses to classroom questions, age-appropriate books for the new English/Language Arts (ELA) curriculum, and how to think broadly about the teachers’ own experiences in relation to a student’s experience. The five teachers in the study are able to share and help guide their fellow teachers on their social justice journey, personally and in the classroom. “My overall goal is to have more resources to help me lead conversations about DEI in my classroom and throughout my grade level,” says Ms. Carly Hoyer, a Grade 1 teacher at Saint Cols. I want to help others feel empowered to teach for justice and have tough conversations in their classrooms, too.” During the fall semester, the group focused on developing a shared vocabulary to teach towards justice and promote anti-racist thinking. For younger grades, this can mean talking about being a supportive community member. For older grades, it’s much deeper, including a scaffolded reading experience with questions and student-teacher interaction and meaningful participation before, during and after reading a passage, story or novel. Read the rest of the article here Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Saint Columbkille Partnership School teachers and Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development doctoral students participate in Dr. Wargo’s learning for justice and anti-bias education study. Back row: Kyle Smith, Kierstin Giunco, Jordan Henry, Erin Flanagan, Stephanie Yandow, Jon Wargo and Carly Hoyer. Front row: Siubhan Foley, Jen Kowieski, Marisa Segel and Maggie VanSlochem.
Spirit – Winter 2022
In Memoriam Below are alumni who the Alumni Association has learned have recently passed away. We apologize for any duplications/omissions. Please contact Mary Earls at mary.earls@yahoo.com if you would like to include a name in the next issue. 1937 1944 1945E 1949 1950 1952 1953 1954 1955 1957 1959 1960 1960 1961 1962 1962 1962 1962 1965 1966 1968E 1969 1978
Gerard Joseph Quin Mary Theresa (O’Kane) Connolly Richard Alexander Montgomery, Jr. Marjorie (Donovan) Rufo Mary (Henneberry) Bennett Shirley (Keenan) Carr-Donovan Stephen Dorsey June (Keenan) Kielty Dennis McKenna Kathleen (Coughlan) Cloonan David Henshon Thomas Kershaw Kevin Doherty Edward W. Campbell Michelle (Gill) Tycz Gerald “Jerry” McMahon John “Ace” McCarthy John “Jack” Campbell Gail A. Douglas Paul “Coop” Copithorne Paul Dargin Annmarie McManus Carol A. Montgomery
Friends of Saint Columbkille Paula Bletzer Marilyn Hartford Jean Mooney Rose Salvucci Gifts were made to STCPS in memory of: Marilyn Hartford Annmarie McManus Jean Mooney (continued in the next column)
Gerard Quin Alfred Roncarati Martha Roseman
Class notes Below is a collection of class notes submitted by fellow alumni. To submit a class note for inclusion in the next newsletter, click here. Frank Simonetti ‘52 Frank is looking to connect with classmates from the class of 1952. Feel free to call him at 781-665-1818. John Reino ‘55 I retired from teaching at Greenfield Community College and from the USMCR and Navy Reserve. My wife, a retired Mount Auburn nurse, and I have four children and live in South Deerfield. I would like to hear from any members of the class of 1955. johnreino@verizon.net or 413-665-3934 Paul Cotter ‘62 I had a great day 10/11/20. Got to go to Mass for the first time since the pandemic and saw the film by Jim Downey ('62) and Bob Greim ('73). Stay safe everyone! Teri (Kupris) Deodato ‘78 I keep in touch with a few of my classmates in person and a few on Facebook. We had a really nice and fun class! I wish you all the best in health, success and happiness! Timothy Doyle ‘80 Welcomed two grandchildren in July, 2021; Lars Harrison and Adelynn Rose. Currently living in Annapolis, Maryland and working as President & COO of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF International). Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – Winter 2022
Upcoming events For up-to-date event information, please click here. •
Special Elder & Grandparent Day – Friday, May 13, 2022 Details to follow. Please save the date!
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12th Annual BC Race to Educate - date TBD Once confirmed, the date and additional information will be added to bcracetoeducate.com.
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Come Home to Columb - Saturday, June 4, 2022 Our annual reunion event at Saint Columbkille plaza. More information can be found here.
2020-2021 Digital Impact report is now available online Please read the digital edition of our first-ever Impact Report that chronicles the 2020-2021 school year, a most challenging and impressive year for Saint Columbkille Partnership School. The report includes quotes from and interviews with teachers, administrators, students, alumni and parents, as well as a full list of donors. To read the full report, please click here.
Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Current Head of School Jennifer Kowieski, former Head of School Mary Battles ‘66 and former Head of School William Gartside attend a small gathering at Boston College in December 2021.
Spirit – Winter 2022
Support Saint Columbkille Alumni support is a key ingredient of our success. Your gift demonstrates appreciation for your Saint Cols experience and ensures that the same high-quality Catholic education in a caring community is available to a new generation. Each year, alumni support the Alumni Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid to students who need it most. Please show your support and donate online at www.stcps.org/donate.
Memorial & Legacy Gifts Memorial gifts made in honor of a loved one are gratefully accepted and thoughtfully acknowledged to families of the deceased. Legacy gifts leave a lasting legacy to Saint Columbkille as part of estate planning. For more information, please contact Kate Ward (info below).
Make a qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Make a gift and avoid taxes with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your traditional or Roth IRA. If you are 70.5 years of age or older, you can direct your traditional or Roth IRA distribution directly to Saint Columbkille Partnership School without paying taxes. The school will receive the distribution directly from the IRA custodian tax free. The donor (you) benefits from not having to pay income tax on the distribution.
For more information on donations, please contact Kate Ward at kward@stcps.org or 617-254-3110 x.147. Donate today at stcps.org/donate
Spirit – Winter 2022
Alumni Association Board 2021-2022 Academic Year Many thanks to the following alumni who have contributed to our alumni board. We haven’t been able to meet in more than a year. We plan to reignite our board over the next few months. If you are interested in serving, please let us know by sending an email to Christine McCarthy at cmccarthy@stcps.org. John Noonan ‘70 Jack Keating ‘63 Mary Battles ‘66 jnoonan950@aol.com jkpk@comcast.net marybattles@comcast.net Kelly McGrath ‘89 kelly9175@gmail.com Mary Earls ‘65 Dan Cence ‘68 mary.earls@yahoo.com cence76@comcast.net Jen Geaney Lynch ‘90E jlynch@stcps.org
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Spirit is a publication of Saint Columbkille Partnership School. Please contact Kate Ward at 617-254-3110 x.147 or kward@stcps.org if you wish to get involved, submit news or simply reconnect with former classmates. We apologize for any errors included in this newsletter, and encourage you to let us know if you spot any incorrect information. Donate today at stcps.org/donate
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