now& then CONNOR ALEXANDER WILLIAMS ’15
STEVEN M. JAVIE ’72
ABINGTON, PA
RETIRED NBA REFEREE
ABINGTON FRIENDS SCHOOL
BLUE BELL, PA
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY (PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT) VALEDICTORIAN, KAIROS LEADER, FRESHMAN MENTOR, STUDENT AMBASSADOR, LA SALLE ACADEMY TUTORING, BASEBALL, SPEECH AND DEBATE, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Steve Javie’s time at La Salle was marked primarily by his athletic accomplishments. In many ways, his athletic experiences mirrored his faith journey. Growing up, Javie could be seen overpowering hitters with a formidable fastball that earned him a spot on the Temple
During my time at La Salle I have been
of success on the baseball field, and that I needed
able to see firsthand the power of an
to open my eyes to all of the truly life changing
all-male Catholic education. However,
opportunities that La Salle offers. My parents
more importantly I have been able to
convinced me to join the Speech and Debate team as
developmental league, Javie earned a chance to officiate at the
see the importance of an authentic
a sophomore. Speech and debate would prove to be
highest level in 1986.
Lasallian education. Over the past four
one of the defining activities of my high school years.
years, I have been able to not only
I got to travel to places like Chicago, Atlanta, and
mature into a young man eager to
Florida. It was an opportunity to compete in
continue the work that I have started in
an entirely new setting.
high school, both as a scholar and as a
Baseball team as a pitcher. Yet, Javie’s involvement in refereeing amateur games would ultimately lead him to pursue a career as an NBA referee. After five years of working in what is now the NBA’s
As a referee, Javie was responsible for making important decisions in pressure situations, but always remained accountable for the calls that he made. He credits La Salle College High School as a guiding influence that led him to be the responsible man he is today. Javie says what makes La Salle an exceptional high school is that
leader. My journey from freshman year
Perhaps what I have relished even more than
to senior year was rather circuitous, but
exploring new opportunities at La Salle, are all of
they comport themselves. Javie describes attending La Salle as a
I feel that it has only strengthened my
the leadership experiences that I have had. La Salle
transformative experience. It was at La Salle that Javie learned the
understanding of who I am.
College High School is truly a place that meets
importance of surrounding himself with not only intelligent
it gives young men a sense of pride and accountability in the way
achievement with responsibility. As I handled larger
individuals to learn from, but people of upstanding character;
Coming into La Salle as a freshman, I may have
tasks and roles as a leader at school, I was given
people like his wife Mary Ellen. Steve Javie attributes the strength
come into La Salle knowing fewer than ten students’
increasing responsibility; not only to uphold the
of his faith to his wife, whom he says has brought him closer to
names. During my first few months at La Salle,
values our patron saint held dear, but to be an
God since they first met.
I noticed that my new school was very different from
example of courage and love for all of my peers
my grade school of 48 eighth graders. Suddenly,
as well. At school I felt trusted by students
I was surrounded by great athletes, great students,
and faculty alike. It is that trust that made me
and great musicians; all in large unfamiliar numbers.
feel respected and valued, and gave me the
When I tried out for freshman baseball I was excited
confidence to flourish, and comport myself as
to find out that I had made the team. However,
a Lasallian gentleman.
when the season started I realized that I was no longer a standout player on the team as I had been in 8th grade. Instead I found myself frequently sitting on the bench. I realized that I had been expecting my happiness at La Salle to be a result
EXPLORER SUMMER 2015 14
Throughout his life Javie has learned the importance of giving back to the community in every way he can. It began at La Salle and is now pursuing a new chapter of his life, as he is currently in the process of becoming a deacon.