Dr. AJ HighBallouSchool Division Assistant Principal
Notes from the in the
Mr. John FinanceFuloneCommittee Chair
Mr. Christopher Keavy
Mr. Christopher Keavy, ex officio (P ‘16, ‘18)
Mrs. Beth Kelley, ex officio
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
The Hon. Therese Wright (P ‘20)
Dr. Pat Dillon (P ‘22, ‘23)
Ms. Betsy O’Brien Esq. (P ‘25)
Board Development Committee Chair
Contents
Advancement Committee Chair
Dr. Peter Ubertaccio (P ’20, ‘21)
Mr. Mike Doyle ‘13
Mrs.PresidentElizabethPreparatoryKelleyDivision Principal Mrs. Deborah PreparatoryWarmsDivision Assistant Principal
Ms. Kathleen Mason ‘14
Mrs. Courtney Bridge (P ‘20, ‘22)
Admissions & Enrollment Committee Chair
St. John Paul II School is a Cape Cod Catholic school that welcomes students and families from diverse faiths and backgrounds who desire a college preparatory, Catholic education. The school’s academic, artistic, athletic, and co-curricular programs cultivate strong relationships and empower students to recognize their gifts, develop their potential, and communicate Christ in word and deed. Emulating their patron St. John Paul II, students pursue truth through faith and reason, preparing them to lead lives of continuous learning, respect, and community leadership.
Mr. Paul Birmingham (emeritus)
Dr. James Boyle (P ‘20, ‘25, ‘27)
staff lounge....7 Around campus....8
Mrs. Denise Barker (P ‘16, ‘18, ‘22)
alumnicommunity....9updates....10
The Big lion.....4 Lions in the world....6
MissionUpdatedStatementAnnounced
Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick
Mr. David Holt
Mr. Brian Hyde (P ’19, ‘20, ‘21, ‘23, ‘24, ‘28) Facilities Committee Chair
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino, ex officio (P ‘11)
Mr. Dan Hughes (P ‘15)
Mr. Larry McGrath Esq. (P ‘25)
Mr. Rich Sullivan (GP ‘24) Board Chair
ADVISORY BOARD
Ms. Mona Lisa Valentino High School Division Principal
JPII: The Magazine of St. John Paul II School is published by the St. John Paul II Advancement Office. For questions or comments, contact Advancement Director Jenn Canzano at jcanzano@jpiihyannis.org.
• Distinguished Alum
• Kyle Frattasio ‘16 taught SFXP social studies in 2020
It is gratifying to see such significant contributions from alums, and as the school grows, we expect many more. Who knows, perhaps God will lead you back home to your alma mater someday.
3
Along these same lines, I am happy to introduce the JPII Hall of Honors, established to recognize and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and legacy of JPII alumni, faculty/staff members, donors, and friends. You are invited to make nominations to the inaugural class under the following categories:
• Nicole Voci SFXP ‘04 earned the distinction of being the first alumnus teacher when hired to teach History in the High School Division in 2015
• Difference Maker
• Emily Canzano ‘18 directs the school’s athletics social media efforts
• Mike ‘13 and Rachael (Marz) Doyle ‘12 serve as this year’s Annual Fund Chairpersons.
lions give back
Thank you for staying connected and for all you do for the present and future of St. John Paul II School.
Dear JPII Friends and Alumni,
• Outstanding Lion
In the early years, JPII alums were too young to “come back” and make significant contributions as they were still making their way through their early post-secondary years. Not anymore. In recent years, alums have taken active and meaningful roles in the school’s daily activities. For example:
• Dedicated Teacher/Staff Member
We hope you enjoyed the first-ever edition of JPII: The Magazine of St. John Paul II School. All of us–teachers past and present, staff members, and administrators–take joy in your successes. Check out our alumni page and let us know how you’re doing!
• Kathleen Mason ‘14 and Mike Doyle ‘13 were seated on the school’s Advisory Board in 2021
• Collin Russell ‘14 was brought on in 2019 to teach SFXP Physical Education and serve as Assistant Athletic Director
• ‘Salt of the Earth’
Roar ChristopherLions, Keavy President
• Mike Young ‘14 takes the helm as Head Coach of Lions Baseball
More than “just” a football coach, John Muldoon touched the lives of JPII students across the
A staple of Leadership Studies is the weekly reflection talks given by community leaders. So when the program’s regular speaker from Massachusetts Maritime Academy could not make it, Program Director Karen Godfrey knew exactly what to do.
long for the football program to meet with success. Dozens of student-athletes in summertime 6 AM workouts showed Muldoon that the plan was working. Football’s first varsity win against Upper Cape Tech in 2011 led to an
By JPII Staff and Lucy Barker, ‘22
4
Itremembers.didn’ttake
8-3 season, and it was clear that Lions Football was off and running. During Muldoon’s tenure, the Lions posted a record of 37-18 in six varsity seasons. The team qualified for the MIAA Tournament in 2014 and 2015 and earned Central Catholic League Titles in 2014 and 2015. While hard to pick a favorite, Muldoon recalls the 2015 Thanksgiving Day game vs. Bishop Connolly as among his fondest memories. Senior QB Johnny Warden ‘16 led the team in erasing a 21-7 halftime deficit against a tough opponent. “The kids believed in one another and the coaches. They did what we asked, and we (the coaches) fed off of their energy,” Muldoon recalls.
The Big Lion
John Muldoon arrived for his 2010 interview at Pope John Paul II High School with an overflowing binder of plans for the football program and athletic department. With personality to match, Coach Muldoon made a strong impression on Athletic Director Al Catelli and Principal Chris Keavy and was soon hired as the school’s Athletic Director, Football Head Coach, and Health Sciences Teacher. As Athletic Director, Muldoon oversaw the establishment of JPII’s first varsity sports teams and took the lead in building a culture of excitement around sports. “A lot of people doubted us at the start, but I loved it. We had ten students in that first football meeting. I put the vision out there, and they responded like I could not have imagined. We may have been one of the smaller schools in the state at the time, but the community and excitement felt like one of the biggest,” Muldoon
Muldoon served as a “roadie” for the Choir Tour to NYC for three consecutive years. Few could say that they didn’t have a positive, personal experience with Coach Muldoon. For his part, Muldoon is quick to cite JPII culture as the reason. “We have the most amazing people in our school. Everybody pulls for each other, supports each
In 2016, Muldoon left JPII to take a full-time position at his alma mater, the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. At MMA, he keeps a special eye out; “When I see a Lion come through, I pull them aside and tell them, ‘You’re one of mine.’”
board. “He was a really passionate man who truly cares about the students and athletes as if they were his own family. Coach Muldoon did a great job launching the athletics program from ground zero,” said Peter Barker ‘16. His sister Lila ‘18 agrees. “Coach Muldoon always had a positive attitude as well as a big heart. He influenced all of us to be the same way. He was a welcoming presence as soon as we entered the school.”
5
More than football or anything else, family is central in Coach Muldoon’s life. He was married in 2017, and he and his wife Jessica welcomed Huck in 2018 and Lea Marie this past November. “When I was at JPII, I always felt that the students were like family to me -- and I didn’t know if I would have kids. I was blessed to be part of the JPII community and JPII will always have a special place in my heart. Now, I’m blessed with a beautiful family. Family is my ‘Why.’”
Lt. John Muldoon, 1st Company Officer and Administrative Watch Officer, returned to JPII in November to address the Leadership Studies program. In hearing from Coach Muldoon, today’s Lions got a taste of what many alums know. One senior noted, “He was engaging, had great energy, was easy to relate to, and very funny. Coach Muldoon stressed the importance of family, and his love for JPII students and how because he believed in them, they believed in him. It was a great talk.”
other, and at the end of the day, does what is best for each other. Even now, some of the best connections I have at MMA or in the community revolve around JPII,” he said.
It’s not every day that one has a “worldchanging idea.” For Caroline Cotto SFXP ‘06, and co-founder of Renewal Mill, an upcycled food company that fights climate change and global food loss, her work with Renewal Mill has earned just such a distinction; recently, Renewal Mill was named a World Changing Idea by Fast Company magazine, and this year, Caroline was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for “Food +RenewalDrink.” Mill turns the byproducts from food manufacturing into ingredients for staples like flours, baking mixes, and ready-to-eat cookies Specifically, Caroline’s company takes the pulps leftover from making plant-based milks and turns them into high fiber and protein gluten-free flours. To date, Renewal Mill has diverted more than 350,000 lbs. of food waste, prevented over 1 million lbs. of carbon emissions, and their products are sold at Whole Foods, Kroger, World Market, Thrive Market, Imperfect Foods, Anthropologie, and more.
inLIONSthe world
Actionarts,performingHonorNationalCouncil,inparticipating2002-2006,SFXPattendedCarolinework.”fromStudentJuniorSociety,andSocialClub. 6
Caroline, who now resides in Oakland, CA, reflected on her SFXP experience. “SFXP was instrumental in setting me up to succeed in college and in my career. My fifthgrade teacher, Ms. Ferullo, taught me that ‘presentation is everything.’ I use this principle every day in my work at Renewal Mill, whether it’s pitching investors for fundraising, giving a sales presentation, or deciding how to design our product packaging. SFXP also taught me how to problem-solve, and, working at a startup, all I do is problem-solve. I’m grateful to SFXP for teaching me how to find creative solutions, rather than just memorizing and regurgitating information. Lastly, SFXP taught me the value of investing in the community. The first community I really ever felt a part of was the SFXP family. It was so clear that all the teachers were invested in students’ personal and academic growth, and I apply a lot of the lessons I learned about kindness and inclusivity to building my own team and my own community, inside and outside of
Geoff Converse is the only varsity Golf Head Coach that JPII has ever known. In his first ten varsity seasons, Coach Converse led the Lions to five 2nd-place finishes and one 1st-place finish in the Cape & Islands League. More recently, in 2020 and 2021, Lions golf notched two consecutive C&I titles and a 21-3 league record. Congratulations, Coach. Keep it up!
Business Manager Margaret Keras was awarded the Al Makkay, Sr. Award in August, given annually in recognition of meritorious service to Cape Catholic schools. Bishop da Cunha made the presentation at the FACE Summer Gala held at the Coonamessett Inn. As Mr. Keavy wrote: “In a year marked by successful yet challenging school operations, it is all-purpose, can-do, no job too big/no job too small workers that have made the difference. Margaret Keras is a shining example of service and selflessness.”
“The most remarkable thing about 50 years of teaching is that it doesn’t seem like 50 years at all,” said Alan Lynch, long-time Theology and Spanish teacher who celebrates his semicentennial anniversary of teaching this year. Alan remembers the early 1970s as a great time to start in Catholic education. Vatican II was still new and its documents were read, studied, and discussed. In 2010, he came to the High School Division and hasn’t left. “I missed the school’s first year, but I had been following its development, and who wouldn’t want to be a part of something new and dynamic. There was such excitement in those early days. I always referred to JPII as the happiest school I had ever worked in. My career has taken me to a lot of different places. I have taught in Catholic schools in greater Boston, Ecuador, and now on Cape Cod. I continue to teach because Catholic schools give me hope.”
7
Have you seen the cheesy cell division movie? Remind you of Grade 5 Science? Since 1997, Jackie Battles has brought her energy and flair to generations of SFXP/JPII science students. This year, she celebrates her 25th year at SFXP/JPII, and has seen the school grow from the ground up. “Those early years were adventurous. We had to build everything up,” she recalls. “I had the first SFXP baby (Andrew ‘12). Looking back, I’m proud that many students have entered sciences and remember what we did in their early middle years.”
Notes from the staff lounge
Senior Standout Commits to D1 Maryland
While challenged by COVID-restrictions, Lions athletics netted five Cape & Islands League Titles in 2020-2021. This Fall, JPII picked up where they left off, capturing the first-ever C&I League title in Girls Soccer and the second consecutive title in Golf. Girls Soccer netted an overall record of 16-4 (11-1 in the C&I League), advancing to the second round of the MIAA Tournament. The 2021 edition’s .800 winning percentage is the best in program history, eclipsing the mark set by the 2014 Lions (13-4-1, .750). Golf finished 12-8 overall (10-2 in the C&I League) and was led by Jack Carstensen ‘24, who came in 2nd in league MVP voting.
New Visual Arts Teacher Wows
New Preparatory Division art teacher, Susan Bivona, has made quite a splash, showcasing student art in new and creative ways. Mrs. Bivona recently relocated to the Cape, bringing with her many accolades and accomplishments, including the National Art Education Association’s Elementary Art Educator of the Year award. Mrs. Bivona’s creativity and enthusiastic instruction inspire her students to shine. For example, students have crafted pop art candy grid drawings, celebration cakes, gargoyles & grotesque, and watercolor landscapes. Scan the QR code to view student artwork at the JPII Preparatory Division Gallery.
Captain Jake Walman ‘22 signed a National Letter of Intent to play D1 baseball at the University of Maryland. In addition, having started with SFXP in Grade 5, Jake has grown to become a top student, NHS President, Reach-Out Leader, and parish lector. Congratulations, Jake, and Go Terps!
CampusAround
The school’s newly renovated Fitness Center and Academic Resource Center are open for business. The Fitness Center features new weights, TRX systems, and free-motion trainers in a beautiful, airy new space. Student-athletes can be seen hard at work, getting bigger, faster, and stronger. The Academic Resource Center provides students with comfortable discussion areas, charging stations, and a growing library of resources. Students appreciate the new look and the ability to have a comfortable academic space right in the heart of the High School Division building.
C&I League Titles Keep Coming
8
Live Performance is Back
Some things can be achieved remotely, but nothing replaces live music. Gratefully, after a sixteenmonth absence, Preparatory Division and High School Division performers are back. In December, Preparatory Division strings, band, dance, and chorus provided the school’s annual Christmas Concert and Art Show. More recently, Willy Wonka, Jr. featured a talented cast and knockout staging. At the High School Division level, the celebrated JPII Concert Choir and Festival Orchestra renewed its proud “A Concert for Advent and Christmas” tradition. Next up, Bye Bye Birdie in May.
Fitness Center and ARC Open for Business
JPII staff member and technology teacher, Elizabeth McDonough, married Jeff Harkey on October 9, 2021.
Former Science teacher, Joanna Scimeca, married Andrew Bradley on November 13, 2021.
Mr. & Mrs. Bentley & family
We regret to inform you of the passing of these beloved friends and family members.
Michele King (Mapes), former JPII teacher December 30, 2021.
Stephanie Cocola (Sollars), former Science teacher and Cross-Country Coach, welcomed her first baby, Jaxson Bailey Cocola, on September 15, 2021.
Gerrard Kelley, husband of former SFXP teacher Eileen Kelley January 24, 2022.
Sean Connolly, father of Patrick ‘17 August 25, 2021.
Former JPII English teacher, Laila Ettefagh, welcomed her first baby, Jack, on January 24, 2022.
John Beatey, father of Erica ‘17, Jenna ’19, and Jack ‘23 December 31, 2021.
9 inCongratulations!memoriam
Former Religion teacher, Laurie Bentley, and Assistant AD, Joe Bentley, welcomed their 4th child, Grace Marie, on November 22, 2021.
Lora Malerbi (Kelley), former Spanish teacher, welcomed her second child, Dominic Joseph, on September 14, 2021.
Mr. & Mrs. Harkey
Mrs. Laila Kimball & son
Mr. & Mrs. Malerbi & family
2013
MulhearnBrendan and
as a deacon in May. Chris serves in the Diocese of Fall River.
2011updatesAlumni
Jenna Cornwall were married on December 31, 2021 at St. havedatingsincehaveBrendanLongmeadow.ParishMichael’sinEastandJennabeenfriendsSFXP,beganatJPII,andbeentogether
at Station Ave. Elementary School.
Lexi Cornwall received both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Masters of Science in Nursing from TuftspractitionerworksCollege.BostonSheasanurseforandloves
pediatricManagerDepartmentthenowUniversityfromandSpeech-LanguageagraduatedMedicine.EmergencyRachaelwithMastersinPathologyLongwoodandservesasFeedingforaoutpatient rehabilitation clinic in southern New Hampshire.
The couple feels blessed to have been surrounded by their wonderful family and friends, many of whom they met at SFXP and JPII.
2014
HughesChristophergraduated from St. Joseph College of Maine.
in
10
Michael Doyle ‘13 married Rachael Marz ’12 in June 2020. Mike graduated from Assumption University and will be graduating from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine in May and will start a residency
Kat Kent graduated from the University of INCremotelyworkinginaofpursuingAmherst,Massachusetts,andisaMastersAccountingwithconcentrationtaxation.Katisfull-timeatFTSUSandtraveling.
Leticia Malta graduated from Bryant University with a degree in Management with a double minor in Marketing/Communications. Leticia is a Regional Sales Manager at Zscaler. She relocated to DC in 2019 and is engaged to be married in 2022.
Timothy J (TJ) Pagliaro graduated from St. Leo University. He started his career at the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office House of Corrections. He moved to Florida in 2020 to continue his law enforcement career as a Deputy Sheriff with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in Tampa, Florida. HCSO is the 2nd largest sheriff’s office in the country with 4000 employees.
Taylor O’Brien graduated from High Point University and is pursuing a Master Educationof& Doctor of Education in third-gradeworkingTaylorandLesleyandTeaching,Curriculum,Learning,LeadershipatUniversityNortheastern.willbeasateacher
2012
Chris is in his fifth year of studies for the priesthood at anticipatesGod-willing,HallSeminary,ConceptionImmaculateSetonUniversity.heordination
ever since!
Rebecca Rengucci-Cully graduated from Assumption University and received a Masters in Special Education Severe Learning Disabilities from Bridgewater State University. Rebecca is employed by the Barnstable Public Schools.
Chloe LeBoeuf graduated from Lewis and Clark College, majoring in Sociology and Economics. She is currently the head of recruitment at a senior living management company, Seasons Living. This entails assisting 25 different senior
2016
WojciechowiczCaroline is currently employed by South VeterinaryCapeClinic.
Meghan Powell graduated from Duquesne University in 2020 with a BS in Health Sciences. Meghan is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology at Duquesne University.
Kristen Hayes received her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree from Roger Williams University in Education, Middle School Education, and Special Education. Kristen works for The Hope Academy.
2015
Ashley Montero graduated from the College of Charleston and will be attending the Medical University of South Carolina, Physician Assistant Program. Ashley is currently working at Cape Cod Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
Palma Foschi-Walko graduated from Bucknell University with a double major in Italian and Biology. Palma is a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy student at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI.
Peter Barker graduated from Elon University with a finance degree and is currently employed by Baystate Financial.
Lila Barker is a second-semester senior at the University of Vermont. She is a Pre-Veterinary Science major with a minor in Studio Art.
Vanessa Townsend is a senior at Florida Polytechnic University studying Mechanical EngineeringAerospace. Vanessa participated in NASA SpaceTrek Academy, Force Fellow at NSIN, and is a published author in soft robotics through the Army Research Laboratory. Vanessa serves as the Northeast President of Rotaract, the college chapter of Rotary International, Vice President of Campus Activities Board, Peer learning strategist, and a peer health educator. She is currently building a Marsupial Planetary Rover completely funded by NASA.
switched her career to being a paraprofessional at Upper Cape Tech.
Mikayla Barreiro graduated from Tufts University and is currently a graduate student at Yale University, focusing on Medeival Studies.
Chris Kennedy recently joined the Lobbying Staff at the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) in Quincy, MA.
2018
Kathleen Mason graduated from Colby College and recently received her NicholasDukedegreeMaster’sfromUniversity,School of the CommissiontheemployedKathleenEnvironment.isbyCapeCodand serves on the Advisory Board at St. John Paul II School.
Genny Paige graduated from Bridgewater State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She is Gennyinterpreter.becomeLanguageAmericanonlineWashingtonUniversity,attendingcurrentlyGallaudetD.C.learningSigntoanrecently
Shannon Keavy graduated from the University of New England in 2020 and is near completion of a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) program, also from UNE. Currently, she is working clinical rotations at Mondanock Community Hospital (NH) and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (MA).
2020
living in Boston. Lexi still keeps in touch with many of her friends from SFXP/JPII!
Lucas Boyle is currently studying biology at The Catholic University of America.
2017
11
living communities all over the United States. She currently resides in Portland with her loving partner and their adorable cat and dog.
invited!You’re JPIIHyannis.org@JPIIHyannis Visit www.jpiihyannis.org or scan the QR code below to tell us what’s new with Communityyou. Mass Annual Spring Gala Spring Musical Commencement Exercises Grade 8 Graduation Mass Hall of Honors Induction/FallFest April 24, 2022 May 7, 2022 May 20-21, 2022 June 2, 2022 June 10, 2022 October 2022 Alumni, update your info and share your story
