Forward!
As we pursue the Austin Prep journey as a community following in the footsteps of St. Augustine, I’m pleased with both the progress we are making, and excited about the road ahead.
I’d like to highlight some of our accomplishments and update you on a number of initiatives that will enhance the Austin Prep experience in the years to come.
The Strategic Plan the Board of Trustees approved in December 2013 keeps Austin Prep moving forward on a path of growth and excellence. To date, nearly 85% of the strategic initiatives outlined in the document are complete or underway. From expanding the arts curriculum to the opening of the new athletic stadium to renovating classrooms and administrative space, we have made remarkable progress in the last 2 ½ years.
Progress continues. This past summer, we remodeled much of the first floor of McLaughlin Hall, modified the campus ministry office and the MPF and renovated the health office. With each upgrade, we also become more “green” - advancing a key value of the Austin Prep community.
Also during summer several faculty pursued activities to advance their professional growth as educators – activities that were funded by new summer sabbatical awards that the Board of Trustees approved to support teachers. Stephanie Grace, who teaches British Literature, attended an international conference on Shakespeare and several productions of his work in London. Jessica Foster and Nicole Putney, both English faculty, attended the Boston EdTech summer session to learn how to integrate technology into the English curriculum in a meaningful way. Lori Lambert-Osburn of the Science Faculty attended a 10-day intensive training program for yoga to enrich the lives of high school students.
Thankfully, gifts to Austin Prep’s Annual Fund support initiatives like these. The faculty summer sabbatical program is a tangible example of how your ongoing financial support directly benefits instruction.
We continue to nurture the intellectual life at Austin Prep and bring renowned leaders to interact with our students. Last March, we welcomed Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr. as the 2016 St. Augustine Lecturer. Maj. Gen. Whittington is the Deputy Commanding General of Operations for the U.S. First Army and he spoke about the importance of leadership. And in May, we hosted Dr. William C. Campbell, the man who received the 2015 Nobel Prize in Medicine for developing a class of drugs called “avermectins” whose derivatives have shown to have extraordinary efficacy in treating river blindness.
I am also pleased to report that we have recruited Brian Ford to lead our college counseling department as the new Director of College Counseling. Brian comes to Austin Prep after working seven years in
college admissions, most recently as Assistant Director of Admissions at Boston University. He recently earned his Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston University.
We continue to make progress upgrading our data systems. Beginning this academic year, we will transition to a new comprehensive information system that will allow us to better manage academics, admissions, development, alumni relations, event management, and enrollment.
Last year Austin Prep had a banner year in enrollment. I’m pleased to report we are at capacity and began the 2016-2017 academic year with a waiting list. We also experienced the lowest attrition rate in years. Both of these indicators attest that an Austin Prep education is in demand. And, as always, accomplish are signs of health and continued attractiveness of Austin Prep we remain committed to providing a quality education at an affordable price in a cost-containment environment.
In May, we administered a parent survey through the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) to assist the Board of Trustees in its strategic and generative work in charting a path forward for Austin Prep. I’m pleased to report that, overwhelmingly, parents provided a very favorable assessment of the Austin Prep experience.
In the spring, I announced that we completed phase one of the Igniting Hearts, Transforming Lives Campaign with $1 million committed.
We are now moving on to phase two – an ambitious goal to raise $2.75 million to fund student-centered enhancements to our infrastructure. Enhancements will include remodeling the dining hall and kitchen, retrofitting space in Meelia Hall (formerly the “MPF”) for the drama program and athletics, and upgrading campus energy efficiency.
The numerous achievements and abundant momentum of the last three years will keep Austin Prep on an accelerating trajectory of excellence in the years ahead. Our community is vibrant and our future is bright. We travel on a journey of transformation knowing that transformation has no end point.
I look forward to our continued work together to make Austin Prep the place we all want it to be. As always, please be in touch with me directly if I can be helpful to you in any way.
Sincerely,
James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22. ‘23 Headmaster
50 YEAR GRADUATION THE
Commencement last June was remarkable. Not only did Austin Prep celebrate the wonderful class of 2016, it also recognized several graduates from 1966, the very first class.
First class would actually be an apt description for both groups.
Perhaps Brown University-bound valedictorian Emma Tilley put it best when she asked 140 classmates to reflect on the Austin journey each has taken and suggested “We cannot create Unitas - unity - without the recognition that each one of us comes from a different place, had different experiences while here, and seeks a different path in the future.”
More than 25% of the class earned membership in the National Honor Society. Others were athletes, actors, and community volunteers. All made their mark. And more great things are yet to come.
Salutatorian Victoria McDermott is heading to the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering. Recalling many of the things the class accomplished that seemed impossible only a short time ago she predicted “After all the lessons we have learned at Austin Prep, I am certain we will all become very successful at our new schools and in our new lives. I can’t wait to hear about all the amazing things you all do in college and beyond.”
Five men in attendance could attest to that.
In 1962, seventeen boys were admitted to Austin Prep. One, Paul Healy, went on to earn degrees from Cal Berkeley and Harvard and enjoyed teaching at several leading Canadian universities. Mike O’Malley served in Viet Nam before returning to college and a fulfilling career in the transportation industry. He credits the school with instilling family values and faith that continue today.
So does his best friend and classmate Jim McGuire, who returned with the Intramural Golf Championship trophy he had been carefully guarding for 50 years since winning it his senior year. Also a Viet Nam vet, one of four in the founding class, Jim spent a career in the U.S. Postal Service. Now living in Tempe, AZ, he still speaks with O’Malley once a week.
Along with classmate Phil Mothon, Art Ford recalls rigorous classes conducted mostly by Augustinian priests, and a strong bond that created enduring friendships, although all applaud the successful move to co-education after they graduated!
June 4 marked a half-century of excellence and memories. It truly was a commencement of more bright futures just starting their journeys. One can only imagine the stories to come from last year’s class when they celebrate their 50th reunion in 2066!
“ LIFERS ”
While most of the Class of 2016 were completing four years at Austin Prep, 51 graduates marked another milestone.
They were completing seven years at the school. Starting in the sixth grade, this qualified them to be known by the endearing term “Lifers.”
The middle school at Austin Prep is a ‘school within a school,’ and gives some students a leg up taking classes in a prep school environment a few years early, including an opportunity to take language courses like Latin or Chinese.
Along with fellow lifer Victoria McDermott, Lena Syed started at Austin as a wide-eyed six grader who immediately appreciated the close bonds she had with teachers who were “always there to provide extra help and really knew us as individuals.”
Syed is heading to Simmons College in Boston where she plans on majoring in the sciences, continuing an interest that started in the 7 th grade.
Jaimee Cooke recalls the close friendships she was able to build with both classmates and teammates at Austin. She commuted 45 minutes from home in Pelham N.H. but was able to combine school and a serious youth hockey commitment.
That allowed Jaimee to develop the skills needed to play a leading role on Austin Prep’s state champion girls team by the time she was a senior. It also helped her take the first steps toward earning a hockey scholarship to St. Lawrence University.
“Everyone at Austin encouraged me to be my best and dream big,” says Jaimee.
Austin Prep believes in offering students options that will let them reach their potential. For many, starting their journeys a few years earlier as a “Lifer” has been a productive path.
College Matriculation 2016
American University
Anna Maria College
Assumption College
Becker College
Bentley University
Boston College
Boston University
Bryant University
Champlain College
Chapman University
Clarkson University
College of the Holy Cross
Colorado State University
Cornell University
Curry College
Douglas Education Center
Elon University
Emerson College
Endicott College
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering
Georgetown University
Hamilton College - NY
Ithaca College
Johnson & Wales University (Providence)
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Maryland
Lynn University
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MCPHS - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Merrimack College
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Northfield Mount Hermon
Providence College
Quinnipiac University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Roanoke College
Roger Williams University
Saint Anselm College
Saint Joseph’s University
Salem State University
Sarah Lawrence College
Simmons College
Southern New Hampshire University
St. Bonaventure University
St. Lawrence University
Stonehill College
Suffolk University
Syracuse University
The University of Tampa
Trinity College
United States Military Academy - Army
University of Connecticut
University of Denver
University of Maine
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Massachusetts, Boston
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
University of New England
University of New Hampshire at Durham
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Rochester
University of Tampa
Villanova University
Wagner College
Western New England University
Westfield State University
Wheaton College MA
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Xavier University
TRANSIT UMBRA, LUX PERMANET
Roger Stone has served Austin Prep as a teacher and advisor since 1969. In this conversation, we asked him to share his thoughts and feelings with total candor. He was glad to comply.
JOURNEY: You’ve taught Boomers, GenXers, Millennials, and now Gen Z. How have kids changed over your career?
ROGER STONE: In some ways, they haven’t changed at all. But technology has had an impact. Knowing they can access any information they need through their phones has rewired kids’ brains. They don’t retain as much. Technology has transformed the way they learn and we’ve had to adapt.
J: How does AP differ from public schools?
RS: Students here can think and say whatever is on their minds. That’s not always the case in public schools. And I believe that makes for a richer educational experience.
J: Could you give us an example of what you mean?
RS: In fourth-year Latin, students prepare and deliver a persuasive speech on a subject of their choosing. No holds barred—as long as they incorporate Ciceronian structure, figures of speech, and oratorical techniques. At AP, kids are given academic freedom, and they learn to use that freedom intelligently.
J: Tell us about AP’s academic rigor and the “no excuses” philosophy.
RS: Any teacher can make a class difficult. The first challenge is to turn kids into real students. We teach them how to take notes, study, organize their time, think critically, work. Do that and rigor comes naturally. Preparing kids for college is what we’re all about. Building resilience in the individual is part of that. In college, only two or three hours a week are organized for you. You’ve got to be able to manage on your own. And Austin graduates are ready for that. They come back and tell us they were better prepared than anyone else.
J: What role do parents play?
RS: In years past, parents had more faith in the process. They supported us in every way, including financially when we needed something extra for the class. The great majority of parents are still dependable and generous allies. But, recently, a different kind of parent has emerged, intent on removing every obstacle from their child’s path. Does the kid have a problem with a teacher? Get rid of the teacher! Was he caught cheating on a test? Get rid of the test! Despite all their efforts, they are not helping their children. Just the opposite.
J: What advice would you give a new teacher?
RS: I’d say: you’re going to walk into that first class with the assumption that it’s all about you. It’s not. Prepare, but be ready to drop everything and go where you need to go with those kids. Good teachers always find ways to make it about their students. When kids are engaged, they drive things.
J: What was it like when Austin Prep began to accept female students?
RS: A major social/psychological change. All-male Austin used to be like a locker room with chairs. With the arrival of female students, we became more human and humane. Less stoicism, more feeling. They upped our academic game too. Many guys don’t start thinking about college until the end of sophomore year or later. Girls are working toward college from ninth grade on. They set high standards and they’re competitive. They make up the majority of students in our AP classes.
J: What’s your most vivid memory of Austin Prep?
RS: It’s been 47 years. I’ve got lots of them.
A Man For Others
When Jay Dowd entered the doors of Austin Prep in 1965 he was a student expecting it to be a four-year stop on the way to somewhere else.
Little did he imagine that, with the exception of four years of college at Holy Cross, he would return and spend 43 years enriching the lives of students, parents, colleagues and alumni
The Jesuits in Worcester built upon the strong Augustinian values Jay learned at Austin, among them, taking on the responsibility of being a man for others, and spending a career and living a life of service.
Whether teaching, coaching, or working for a decade as the school’s Director of Development, Jay continues to give it everything he has.
Nowhere gives him more satisfaction than the classroom, where he has witnessed and taken part in an evolution that turns out leaders ready to face the challenges of a changing world.
“Like many in my generation, I started out as the ‘sage on the stage,’ lecturing to students on literature. I hope I did not sound like a tape recorder.”
But with curriculum improvements and longer classes it was no longer possible to get by with a lecture. So Jay developed cooperative learning skills, engaging students in conversation with one another, and encouraging them to think, converse and problem solve.
One of his most memorable classes was a joint Literature and History project he and Brian Chenery designed and taught for seniors. The English class was called American Social Issues. The second semester’s focus was the war in Vietnam. The course evolved from his own experience.
Debates over race, war and the draft followed Dowd through his senior year at Austin and his first year in college, a year marked by great turmoil in the nation.
His Austin classroom became the place where his students put Army Lt. William Calley on trial and learned about the horror or war and events MyLai in the process. The experience not only got them thinking, it allowed many of the students to go home and discuss the war with their parents, some of whom were veterans.
“That was a memorable class, and very rewarding for me, Brian and the kids.” It has all the marks of a great Dowd class where he says, “The students do all of the reading and analysis. I serve as coach.”
Jay Dowd appreciates the evolution of Austin Prep. “This is a school where it’s OK to succeed. The students are very focused and committed in school. They play lots of sports and win their fair share. They excel in their community service.”
“Last year on the St. Augustine’s birthday, the whole school headed out to clean up Revere Beach. It was quite a site to see all our students make a collective effort to benefit others.”
Dowd believes in the value of Austin so much that his two children are graduates. Elizabeth ’01 is married with two beautiful children. She runs a wedding planning company. Philip ’05 is a United States Army officer. He currently serves as company commander. They are proof of the value of an Austin education.
Educated at Austin Prep. Taught at Austin Prep. In some ways it may seem like a short trip, but in all the ways that matter, it has been the journey of a lifetime.
Grit &Grace
In the last issue we addressed some four-letter words important to the Austin Prep Journey, among them Love, Hope and Grit.
Grit, or resilience, is an important part of character development these days, and crucial for students preparing for a successful college experience.
In a recent speech the actress and Vassar College trustee, Meryl Streep, talked about traits shared in common by important public servants in history. The key was having a passion for their cause along with a combination of grit and grace.
A character mixture of focus, strength and toughness along with generosity and kindness are vital.
In a similar vein, Angela Duckworth, the University of Pennsylvania psychology professor and 2013 MacArthur “genius” grant winner, recently wrote ‘Grit, The Power of Passion and Perseverance” that examines grit, which she defines as the ability to develop and sustain passion and commitment to achieving long-term goals.
Finally, NY Times columnist David Brooks applauds the stick-to-it spirit of grit, but adds that it must be combined with genuine love. Getting perfect SATs shouldn’t be the goal, loving your subject and working as hard as possible should be.
Austin Prep is committed to developing habits of grit in our students as well as a spirit of joy.
In class, on the playing field, in serving others, we aim at inculcating both grit and grace in our students.
The college preparatory curriculum Austin Prep offers in class and in extracurricular activities, is based on the traditional liberal arts approach of leading American schools and universities.
In the United States, it’s important to remember that the origin of the term is Liberal derives from the Latin ‘Libre,’ meaning to be Free. Thus the content of one’s education is designed to provide students with the essentials needed to be contributing, positive, responsible free citizens in our Democracy.
At Austin Prep we aspire to develop people for others. We hope they will learn to be good students because they love their subjects, and work hard as a result. We want them to be tough enough to deal with challenges and determined to overcome them.
By the time they graduate we hope Austin Prep alumni will be prepared to keep learning over their entire lifetimes, and contribute with grit and grace to whatever communities fortunate enough to count them as members.
The college preparatory curriculum Austin Prep offers in class and in extracurricular activities, is based on the traditional liberal arts approach of leading American schools and universities.
Not just a game, a culture.
Austin Prep sports are not just fun and games. Cougar athletes are part of a mindful, focused program with clear goals and objectives.
Surprisingly winning is not one of them.
When Director of Athletics Jonathan Pollard ‘97 took the helm a few years ago, after enjoying a successful high school and college baseball career, he had a clear idea of where teams should fit into the Austin community.
Both veteran and new coaches are committed to developing true student-athletes who learn teamwork, integrity and responsibility. Selfless, with an unparalleled work ethic, Cougars also must display the highest levels of sportsmanship. AP teams train and compete based on a college model that preps athletes to play at the next level.
When you have clear goals like that, winning is a natural by-product and one only has to look at last years record for evidence.
Girls’ hockey, softball and and indoor track teams highlighted the year with the Cougar skaters taking home the State Championship, track winning its first TCL title and softball making it to the State final game.
Of special note, goalie Caty Flagg was named ESPN’s Best Female Hockey Player in the State of Massachusetts, while Head Coach Stephanie Wood was named D1 Massachusetts Coach of the Year.
And not only did softball advance to the state Finals, but Logan MacDonald was named D3 Player of the Year and Head Coach Frank Sorrenti was named D3 Coach of the Year.
And that’s not all.
Girl’s volleyball advanced to the D3 North Finals. Coach Mayo’s golf team finished the season with a perfect 18-0 record while also advancing to the D3 North Finals.
Boy’s soccer advanced to the second round of the State Tournament under first year Head Coach Gary Munsen and Girl’s soccer completed the regular season 16-4, second-best record in school history under second year Head Coach, Tim Phelan.
Coach Maradei’s football team was recognized on field a Gillette Stadium as recipients of the 2015 MIAA Sportsmanship Award. Coach Robertson was able to once again elevate the cheer program as our girls won both the CCL Championship and the D4 North State Championship.
Girl’s basketball also qualified for the state playoffs under first year Head Coach, Maggie Reedy. And Boy’s hoops made the state tournament for the first time since 2008 under first year Head Coach, Eric Polli.
Coach Finocciaro’s Boy’s hockey continued their tradition of being one of the top teams in the state as they advanced to the Super 8 tournament for the 4th year in a row!
Our swim team once again won the CCL tournament, completing the three-peat! For second year Head Coach Lianne Nihan it’s a perfect 2 for 2 in the CCL under her guidance.
Under the leadership of Coach Busby and Coach Richards, baseball and Girl’s lacrosse were able to compile matching 17-3 regular season records while both also secured back-to-back CCL Championships.
Boys and Girls Tennis continued to be perennial powerhouses here on campus as both team were able to once again secure CCL Titles, highlighted by boys tennis finishing the regular season 18-2 under first year Head Coach Matt Tiberii.
Finally, in outdoor track, the Boy’s 800 m medley team travelled to North Carolina’s AT&T Stadium with Coach Harkins to compete in the New Balance Nationals!
Clearly the year would be considered a success by anyone’s standards. Though all-star selections, MVPs, and championships are great, what matters most is community.
Our teams are playing in front of packed stands filled with supporting peers, friends, alums and parents.
There has been a cultural change at Austin. The entire school has bought in to what being part of the Austin Athletic Community is all about.
It’s not just a game. It’s part of the educational journey for everyone.
Maureen DiPerna, Foreign Language Faculty, administers a test.
JOURNEYS OF SERVICE
At Austin Prep, “…lives of service to others in the spirit of Jesus Christ” is more than a phrase from our mission statement.
In the last year and a half, Austin students have traveled at their own expense to help villagers in Peru and the homeless in Toronto.
Both trips had an additional objective: to strengthen Austin’s focus on its Augustinian ethos. The group that went to Toronto was our delegation to a meeting of the Student Augustinian Values Institute. The group that went to Peru was eager to apply their Augustinian values in a place where it really counted.
According to Mike McLaughlin, head of the Middle School and leader of the Peru trip, “Preparing kids for life in a global society means giving them experience of the world. And to us, that means hearts engaged, hands engaged.”
Engaged they were. Remembering a moment at one of the group’s service sites, Kate Horgan, ’19 wrote:
When painting a mural on the walls of the Sacred Heart School, I was closely watched by a young girl who attended school there. I attempted to introduce myself and greet her in my weak Spanish, but received no response. She remained an emotionless face as she watched me intently with each stroke of my brush. Without warning, the girl touched my shoulder and proceeded to take the brush from my hand. She dipped it in the black paint and touched
up a spot on the soccer ball I had missed while painting. With that, a huge smile spread across her face. She placed the brush on the group, and gives me a slight hug before skipping off.
For 10 days, the students rebuilt walls, painted classrooms, and distributed food to homeless families. The plan was to “open eyes and hearts to those around us” and the Austin group succeeded brilliantly, demonstrating the highest levels of Caritas. For more on the service trip to Peru, we urge you to read the detailed notes, including videos, that students posted to our website, www.austinprep.org/blog throughout their stay.
Augustinian Education
The Student Augustinian Values Institute brings students, faculty, and administrators together to build common purpose and explore the meaning and application of Augustinian values.
In October, 2015, Austin Prep was one of 10 schools that sent delegations to a SAVI meeting hosted by Villanova College outside Toronto.
Upper School head, Deborah Gray, described the event as an intense four-day program of lectures, group activities, masses, and service with the objective of imparting techniques for living the Augustinian ethos in the 21st century.
The six Austin participants came away with insights and experiences they were eager to share with classmates and teachers.
Joshua Bartnicki, ‘18: SAVI changed the way I live my life by showing me how the Church and learning are universal. I was blessed with the opportunity to see people from across the US and Canada come together through Catholic education.
Rachel Dumond, ‘18: SAVI was one of the best experiences I’ve had and it’s going to impact our school in the most positive way. The introduction of Austin Talks during Community Meetings is something I greatly admire after listening to faculty members giving similar presentations at Villanova College.
One experience all participants enjoyed was Sandwich Patrol. This is a service project run by Villanova in which kids and teachers prepare brown bag lunches and then roam the streets of Toronto, passing them out to the needy.
Deborah Gray said that Austin faculty attended an AVI session last winter and that another delegation of students would attend a SAVI event later in the year.
AP Hits the Beach.
More than 500 students and teachers from Austin Preparatory Upper School in Reading took to area beaches on Friday, November 13 to help collect trash and debris as part of the school’s Day of Service.
Students and teachers traveled from the school to Revere Beach in the morning for training by the Department of Conservation & Recreation and Coastal Zone Management. From there, students supported beach cleanup and management on Revere Beach, Nahant Beach and Winthrop Beach.
Austin Preparatory Middle School students (grades 6-8) remained on campus and made Thanksgiving cards, placemats and rosary beads for the homebound and infirm. They also worked on campus beautification.
Austin Prep selected the date because it is the birthday of its patron, St. Augustine of Hippo.
For more photos of the Upper School beach cleanup and Middle School projects, go to www.austinprep.org/communityservice.
Global AP goes
This past summer students from Austin Prep traveled to England and Greece. As part of a liberal arts education we believe that experiences like visiting Winchester Cathedral, walking the steps of a Greek amphitheater, or learning first hand about local culture by cooking a meal together are essential to understanding the world beyond our campus.
L to R: Paul Scola ’05; Doug Bouvier ’05; Joe Pino, III ’05; and Joe Carregal ’05.
@ Austin SUMMER PROGRAMS
Who you gonna call? Toastbusters!
That’s not a typo – Toastbusters is the name of a short movie, just one of many produced by students in Austin Prep’s Filmmaking Summer Program.
The four students who created the film were responsible for all stages of production – they wrote the script, built the props, acted the roles, filmed the scenes and edited all of it into a 5-minute film, complete with a custom soundtrack.
“I like to tell stories and I like making movies in general,” said Alyssa Cross, 14, an eighth-grader at Austin Prep. “This is really fun.”
There are not many summer filmmaking courses available to middle and high school students that provide the opportunity to work with professional equipment.
“I think the beauty of it is they get to work with the advanced tools even at the middle school level,” said Rob Taylor, the technology teacher who runs the summer filmmaking course. “They are usually relegated to using basic video tools.”
This summer’s Spielbergs-in-training worked with six professional cameras, two GoPro cameras, shoulder rigs, sliders, and dollies to make their short films. They also learned how to use the Adobe Creative Suite professional editing software. At their disposal was the media lab with a green screen and 12 editing computers.
The other summer programs organized by Austin Prep are equally as unique for middle and high school students. The courses teach the skills needed to work in the professional world and provide opportunities to work one-on-one with students. They also attract teens who are not Austin Prep students.
Graphic Design participants created their own characters by learning the basics of Adobe Illustrator. They discussed design and its real-world relevance in everyday life, including logos, business cards and invitations, said Heather Jones, the art teacher who taught the summer course.
For Spanish: Tacos and Tenses, Foreign Language teacher Lisa Theriault was able to tailor the course to each student’s ability. One teen’s family was from Spain and his speaking skills were superior, but he wanted to work on his written grammar skills. While the other students worked on tenses, he was working on more advanced lessons. He then showed classmates family photos from Spain. The class analyzed artwork and photos in Spanish, and discussed cooking and food. The group used the school’s media green screen to create some videos. The course culminated with a trip to a Spanish restaurant.
“We get to do things during the summer that we don’t get to do during the school year,” Lisa said. “It’s nice to be able to work with each student individually.”
If you would like to view Toastbusters, and many of the other short films and music videos created by our budding directors, click on the QR code.
The Austin Prep SPEAKER SERIES
Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, Operations, First Army
Major General Charles W. Whittington, Jr., Deputy Commanding General, Operations, First Army visited campus last March as part of the St. Augustine Lecture Series. Addressing an audience of 800 on the subjects of leadership and service, he stressed the importance of putting the needs of others before your own and sharing the hardships of those you lead. “Carry the spirit of self-
Brian Montgomery, partner at the Collingwood Group, LLC
As former White House Cabinet Secretary to President George W. Bush, Brian Montgomery has witnessed many key moments in recent American history. He shared his memories of September 11 with the AP community in a St. Augustine Lecture in May. Speaking of the first responders he met at the World Trade Center, he said, “These are our true heroes. I think we ought to reserve that title for people who head up a staircase with 50 pounds of gear strapped to their backs to potentially save someone they have never met.”
Class Notes
A classic education and the big outdoors – Austin Prep in 1971
As Michael poured another sampling of local microbrews from Rhode Island, we reminisced about Austin Prep in the late 1960s and early ‘70s. Michael White ’71 and I (Dave Galvin ’71) agreed that we got a solid education from Austin, and were especially appreciative of our schooling in English grammar and writing, backed up by the requirement of two full years of Latin as well as the attitude of teachers across the spectrum to teach critical thinking. Michael teaches at Brown University, so he sees the challenges many of today’s undergraduates have with clear writing. I have seen similar challenges after hiring more than 100 employees over a 40+ year career in environmental management out West. It pays to pay attention to the basics, and it pays off in the ability to think critically, write well, and synthesize information in these ever-changing times. We got our foundation for these skills at Austin Prep.
We had an active outdoor club at Austin when we were there in the dark ages – it was called Explorer Post 706. We hiked, we camped in all seasons, we canoed, we SCUBA-dived, we even organized a three-week camping trip through Europe in 1970. This focus on the outdoors was a key experience for me, and led to my vocation (environmental protection) and avocation (being outdoors in all seasons, skiing, climbing, snowshoeing, backpacking, kayaking, birdwatching – the reasons why I ended up in Seattle).
After retiring this past spring, I rode my bicycle across the country: 5,000 miles over three months. I stopped to visit Michael White ’71 in Providence, RI, as well as Bob Brennan ’71 in Danvers, MA. Bob fit me for a new suit (his business at the high-end men’s clothing store he manages, Giblees Menswear in Danvers) to wear at my son’s upcoming wedding in Seattle.
We passed the time as if we’d never been separated by thousands of miles and these many years – one of the best things about old, lasting friendships.
Austin Prep gave me the basics of a good, liberal, in many ways today, traditional, education across many disciplines, that has served me well over these past 45 years. I particularly appreciate the focus on basic grammar and writing well, on critical analysis and the synthesis of disparate information – these are key skills in todays world as well as the fast-changing world of tomorrow. Whatever the technology, you have to be able to assess new data, synthesize, and communicate well. All are fundamental skills taught at Austin Prep!
It is a big country out there, which I have just experienced bicycling west to east, coast to coast. Michael and I remembered fondly the admonition of Fr. Smith during our time at Austin: “There’s a big world west of Framingham,” he used to regularly say. Get out and experience places beyond your immediate locale. Be open to new ideas and new perspectives. Ride your bike across America. I credit Fr. Smith and Austin Prep with the genesis of this crazy idea. Think big. Grab for all the gusto. Get out there and do things to stretch your horizons. Austin Prep is the perfect place to build the skills as well as the attitudes to do so. The world is shrinking fast – time for all Austin students to think as world citizens, not just provincially as we used to, limited to the greater Boston orbit. I can attest that there is a big world out there,
Dave Galvin, class of 1971
For more information about my bike trip, check out http://galvindbiketrip.org . Contact me at galvind53@gmail.com .
Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement,
The Austin Prep Annual Fund
Austin Prep’s Annual Fund supports many aspects of our school, including academics, student life, arts, athletics, tuition assistance and many other areas. The Annual Fund is crucial to our growth and is pivotal to our success.
Here are specific items the Annual Fund supported last academic year:
ATHLETICS:
The Girls Ice Hockey Team learned it takes 334 hours of blood, sweat and tears (and rented ice time) to become State Champions.
GENERAL SUPPORT:
On their field trip to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, seventh-graders learned about the leadership qualities needed to become President of the United States.
TUITION ASSISTANCE:
30% of families received some form of tuition assistance.
STUDENT LIFE:
Our 709 students took part in more than 60 clubs and activities in 2015-2016.
ATHLETICS:
The Boys Baseball Team used 367 practice balls on the way to earning the 2016 Catholic Central League Championship.
ACADEMICS:
There are more than 60 Apple TVs in use every day in our classrooms.
ACADEMICS:
Upper School students in AP English classes celebrated William Shakespeare’s 400th birthday with college students at St. Anselm College by reading the bard’s poetry and performing his plays.
Alumni Networking Events
February 9, 2017 (Thursday): New York, NY
February 28, 2017 (Tuesday): Washington, D.C.
March 29, 2017 (Wednesday): Manchester, N.H.
April 26, 2017 (Wednesday): Boston, MA
Annual Austin Golf Outing
May 22, 2017 (Monday) Indian Ridge Country Club, Andover, MA
Calling all alumni - do you live or work near Austin Prep and have a career you are passionate about? We’d love to have you attend and represent your field and company at Austin Prep’s Career Fair on April 4, 2017! Interested? Intrigued? Love the idea? Contact Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement at cakennedy@austinprep.org to learn more!
AUSTIN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
101 Willow Street
Reading, MA 01867-1599
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Stay CONNECTED
Austin Prep has many ways for you to help you network, maintain friendships, and keep in touch with the school where your journey started.
Keep us posted. Help us communicate with you by updating your contact information. You’ll receive the alumni magazine, updates and news on what is going on at Austin Prep. Update your information.
Share your Journey. During your time at Austin you met many people who would love to know what you are up to now. Whether it’s an academic or sports honor, career milestone, marriage, birth of a child, or any of life’s other big announcements, share the news Austin classmates. Send a class note now.
Facebook. Check out the Austin Preparatory School Facebook fan page. You’ll find news on alumni and current students, archival photos, announcements about the school, and much more. Become a fan.
LinkedIn. The connections you make at Austin Prep will serve you well as you navigate your way in the professional world. The Austin Prep Alumni LinkedIn Group allows alumni to share job postings, hold discussions and stay professionally connected to one another. You never know where a connection may take you. Join now!
Twitter. Follow Austin Prep for up-to-the-minute news and updates. Follow us.
Get INVOLVED
Become a class agent. Every class needs champions to spearhead reunions, share news, and keep everyone in touch. This can be as simple as arranging a small dinner with old friends, or working directly with the Office of External Affairs to plan reunions and events. Want to learn more? Contact Cara Kennedy, Coordinator of Alumni Engagement & Giving at cakennedy@ austinprep.org.
Host an Alumni Gathering. Staying connected with your classmates and other Austin Prep graduates is difficult with everyone spread out around the country. Work with the Office of External Affairs to host an Alumni Event in your city. Even small gatherings make a big difference. Interested in hosting? Contact Maureen Crowley, Coordinator of Special Events at mcrowley@austinprep.org.