The Counselor A XAVERIAN BROTHERS SPONSORED SCHOOL | OLGCHS.ORG | 2019
Alumni Support Is at the Heart of Our Success
Billy Kappaz ’89
Section Headiing
GrillMarX Restaurant Serves Up Delicious Dishes, Community Support “It’s important for us to give back to a place aligned with our goals and our beliefs.”
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Billy Kappaz
“Every individual is capable of achieving great results through hard work, teamwork, and unwavering faith.”
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Pat Bates Retires
“Good Counsel will not see such a Renaissance man again.”
The COUNSELOR | 2019
Ana Medina
“Even a week of service can make a huge difference in someone’s life.”
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Carl’s Corner: A Legacy
“It’s a part-time job 70 hours a week, but it’s been a long, fun ride.”
President’s Message
a message from our president
facilities that meet the needs of today’s learners. On campus, we are looking at specific projects like expansion of our small weight room, which sees heavy use from the more than 1,000 athletic participants over the course of a school year. More broadly, we are looking at student health – physical, social, emotional, and spiritual. What sorts of structures and programs address the needs of all students? Related to this attention to the wellness of students is what the research shows about environments where students learn best. In addition to well-equipped classrooms, today’s Good Counsel students will benefit from the creation of collaborative and independent study spaces.
Dear Friends:
Our year-long celebration of turning 60 has come to an end. From the first full day of school in August when students formed a human “60” on the stadium field to a joyous graduation at the Basilica in May, we sought to give life to our theme, One Community: One Home, and find new ways to bond students, graduates, and families to Good Counsel. At our opening whole-school Mass, we were honored to have seven alumni priests concelebrate with Chaplain Fr. Tom Lavin. At our closing whole-school Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel, we presented a replica of our grotto to 2019 Distinguished Alumnus Billy Kappaz ’89.
The future of our school is, of course, about more than facilities. From our earliest days, the Xaverian Brothers responded to families struggling to afford Good Counsel. Tuition increases each year. Without help, our school is beyond the reach of many families. Our plans must include a focus on raising support for needbased financial aid, helping deserving students today, and, through the building of an endowment, providing stability and access for future Falcons. This edition of The Counselor serves as a reminder that our Falcons are making a mark. Take a look at the “30 Under 30” feature. These stellar alumni graduated so recently that I recall handing them diplomas. The extraordinary accomplishments of these young men and women should be a source of immense pride for all in the Falcon family. St. Ignatius Loyola sent forth his protégé St Francis Xavier, patron saint of the Brothers, with these words: “Go, set the world on fire.” Today’s Good Counsel graduates are taking that command to heart. Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.
Now, as we turn 61, what lies ahead for Good Counsel? We need to be responsive to the times. After more than a dozen years in Olney, we understand that the private school landscape has changed, both in terms of affordability and
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
President
Contents
A publication of OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School 17301 Old Vic Boulevard, Olney, MD 20832 240.283.3200 | olgchs.org PRESIDENT Paul G. Barker, Ed.D. PRINCIPAL Tom Campbell ’93 2019-20 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR | Mr. Philip J. Mantua ’76 VICE CHAIR | Dr. Luther Ampey, III PRESIDENT | Paul G. Barker, Ed. D. Mr. Ralph Boyd, Jr Mr. Patrick Caulfield Mrs. Christina Cocozzella Br. Stephen Comeau, CFX Mr. Victor Del Pino ’94 Dr. Nancy DeNicola Mr. Thomas Fay Eileen Haase, Ph.D. Edward Hardiman, Ph.D. Dr. David L. Higgins ’75 Dr. Ronald Hill ’72 Rev. Robert Lawton, S.J. ’65 Br. Richard Lunny, CFX Mr. Roger Mason, Jr. ’99 Mr. Kevin McCormack ’86 Mrs. Rebecca Neff Mr. Robert Ramin Mr. Steve E. Richter ’75 Mr. William Riley, Jr. ’68 Ms. Michelle Rubie-Smith Dr. Lori Scialabba, JD Mrs. Margaret Selwood Lynch ’01 Mrs. Cynthia Van Horn EDITOR Jane Bornhorst GRAPHIC DESIGN Lori Fields ADVANCEMENT OFFICE STAFF: Chief Advancement Officer Julie Potter Director of Alumni Engagement Collin DeWitt Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Donor Relations Savannah Renehan Chief Marketing Officer Cheryl Plainte Director of Annual Giving Melissa Moynahan Digital Content and Social Media Coordinator Paul Kennedy Advancement Manager Debbie McKinney President’s Assistant Jeanette McCarthy Digital Design and Web Manager Erica Tituana Campaign Manager Catie Brown ’13 Contributing Photographer Lisa Helfert Submit comments, contributions, and address updates to etituana@olgchs.org.
FEATURES 4 6 8 10 12
Pat Bates Retires Ana Medina, the Giver Carl Leverenz’s Corner GrillMarX Community Partner Billy Kappaz, Distinguished Alumnus
SPecial 14 30 Under 30
Advancement 22 23 24 25
Graduation Awards GC By the Numbers Financial Aid and Scholarships Community Partners
Events Recap 26 27 28 30 31 32 33 34 35
60th Anniversary Celebration Steve Dean Golf Classic Reunion Weekend 2018 50th Reunion SFX Society Dinner Grand Celebration 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame Class 2019 Day of Giving Spotlight: New Faces of GC
36 Class Notes 43 Important Dates 44 Bookstore 45 In Memoriam
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Feature
Retirement
Pat Bates
Ends Decades-Long Career at Good Counsel Pat Bates is more than a Good Counsel alumnus, a champion wrestling coach, a teacher and mentor, a past principal, and the school’s long-standing athletic director. He represents a legacy of service to the school community that Good Counsel has been blessed with for 45 years. As he embarks on the journey of retirement, Bates reflects upon the memories, friendships, and connections he has at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
my students were doing 125 sit-ups in each class. They were in good shape,” Bates says. “Seeing them progress was very satisfying.” Many students then embraced the lifelong lesson of fitness, which was another victory for the educator.
Bates influenced students in other ways, as well. He was a major catalyst for positive change during his time in the school’s administration. Along with President When he graduated in 1970, Bates received the Art Raimo, Bates served on the school’s highest honor, the Brother Mark Award. committee that brought the Four years later, he began his career at Good Counsel International Baccalaureate as a member of the then-small lay faculty. (IB) Diploma Program, an internationally renowned “In 1974, my first year as a teacher, I was one of college preparatory course of 15 newly hired teachers, and we formed a great study, to Good Counsel. bond. Four of us had a gourmet dinner group. Former President Art Raimo was one of those. In the 1990s, Bates served as Lifelong friendships like that one have been an administrator, including extremely rewarding,” Bates says. principal, which he became again in the 2010s. “I have One of his favorite roles at Good Counsel was been fortunate to have held a teaching freshmen physical education. “I enjoyed different role every four or five the relationships I built with the students and seeing years, to keep me fresh,” he says. them progress from being not so fit in September to very fit in May or June,” he says. The freshman “The first year I was principal, PE program includes running, conditioning with I worked along with Art weights, and core exercises. “By the end of the year, Raimo to really change the
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educational program,” he says. In addition to the development of the IB Program was the shift to a block schedule. “It was a real change for Good Counsel at the time.” Bates is also proud to have been part of the administration when the Blue Ribbon Commission recognized the school twice. He credits the people in the Good Counsel community with making it a wonderfully unique school. In 1982 (and again in 2008), Bates became athletic director. In that role, he has led Good Counsel to 49 WCAC championships. He has been intertwined with the football program at Good Counsel throughout his career. “In fact, he was my freshman football coach back in 1979,” Head Football Coach Andy Stefanelli ’83 says. “Pat was responsible for hiring Bob Milloy and had the vision to see the positive impact a top-notch football program could bring to the Good Counsel community. Under Pat’s direction, the program was able to reach new heights and has maintained continued success to this day.” Stefanelli adds, “The Good Counsel football program is in a better place today because of Pat’s dedication and leadership during his tenure.” “His true legacy at Good Counsel is the impact he had on so many young people over the years,” Stefanelli says. “He has been a positive role model to young people for over four decades.” Bates promises he won’t be a stranger to campus after retirement. “I’ll come back for some football games and our Athletic Hall of Fame event, and any time I can be of service to the school,” he says. In his newly gained free time, Bates plans to do plenty of kayaking at his beach home in North Ocean City. “I’m also an avid reader and I love cooking, so I’ll catch up on that and do some entertaining,” he says. Bates and his wife, Maureen, are relocating to Dover,
Bob Milloy, Pat Bates ’70, Carl Leverenz, and Paul Barker
“What has made Good Counsel most special for me is the people.” Delaware to be centrally located between their children. He looks forward to following his five grandchildren’s sporting events and other activities, traveling with Maureen, and spending more time with his entire family. His daughter, Elizabeth Curtin, graduated from Good Counsel in ’97 and teaches PE part-time at St. Patrick’s School in Rockville, and his son Vincent Bates graduated in ’99. “One of the things I love to hear is when our alumni have become teachers and are in education, but especially my own daughter, Elizabeth Curtin,” he says. As he leaves his role in academia and moves forward into his new life, Bates can’t help but look back. “I was greatly influenced by a number of people when I was a student, such as Brother Charles Romeo, Brother Gavin, Brother Giles, Brother Ivo, Mr. Guida, and Barry Trick. Even when I was a beginning teacher, Guida and Trick were instrumental in fostering my development,” he reflects.
“It’s the people that work here. It has always been the staff, the teachers, and the administrators that I have been privileged to work with over the years,” Bates says. “Those relationships and my connections with students have been very rewarding.” His decades-long presence at the school will be missed. “Pat Bates has devoted his working life to Good Counsel,” says Paul Barker. “He started doing odd jobs for the Xaverian Brothers even before he began high school. I am inspired by the breadth of service he has given our school as teacher, coach, mentor, athletic director, and principal. Good Counsel will not see such a Renaissance man again.” Working at Good Counsel for 45 years has been a blessing because of the wonderful people in the community, Bates says. “What has made Good Counsel most special for me is the dedication of the faculty and staff. Interacting with my co-workers and the students each day is what I will miss the most.”
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ANA the Giver
Art Raimo Scholarship Winner Loves the Community The only thing better than being recognized for your kindness, enthusiasm, and school spirit is getting a scholarship on your birthday. Ana Medina was thrilled to receive the Art Raimo Scholarship at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School’s Junior Leadership Mass on April 9. “It was a really nice birthday present,” laughs the incoming senior. The award, which honors Good Counsel’s former president and long-term faculty member, is awarded each year to a rising senior who has done significant, meaningful community service during the previous three years, is in the top 20 percent of his/her class, and has good character, as attested to by teachers, coaches, and administrators. Medina is thankful to have received this honor. “Character is important to me and so is being nice to others, and it was really nice to be recognized for that.” The summer after her freshman year, Medina volunteered with Camp Good Counsel, through which dozens of Good Counsel students volunteer each summer to work with young people from low-income families. The children are able to take part in traditional camp activities like swimming, crafts, sports, music and more, thanks to the service of students like Medina. Last summer, Medina went on a mission trip to Billings, Montana with a group of
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
600 students through the Catholic HEART Workcamp, along with her cousins. There, she and other young people landscaped the front of a crisis pregnancy center that offers free ultrasounds, prenatal care, and supplies. The volunteers also worked in a food pantry. “These places are trying to improve their community,” Medina says. Her cousins were part of another group that helped an elderly woman with landscaping and home repairs. “Even a week of service can make a huge difference in someone’s life,” Medina says. In January, she will continue giving back in El Salvador, where she will help a community along with about 50 other Good Counsel seniors and a group of teachers. “We will help build houses for single moms in need who have experienced adversity. Also we’ll be volunteering with kids, which I’m really excited about,” she says. Medina enjoys trying new things and seeing diverse places. This summer, she will go to Spain for two months to study, travel, and practice her Spanish. (Medina, whose father is from the Dominican Republic, is fluent in Spanish, but she isn’t able to use the language much.) In Spain, she will stay with an exchange student, also named Ana, who lived with Medina’s family in Maryland and attended Good Counsel for two months last fall. Medina will travel with Ana’s family and
with fellow Good Counsel student Avery Pilot, along with Pilot’s Spanish host family. Personal connections are important to Medina, who is also involved in choir and is a National Honor Society Member. When she started attending Good Counsel, her first experience at a Catholic school, being part of cheer team helped her to meet people and make friends. “The team made me feel accepted,” she says. The young women on the team practice together five or six days a week from August-February, so they grow close very quickly, Medina says. “I had never done cheerleading before Good Counsel, but I always loved to dance and perform through theater, so I tried out for cheer team and made it freshman year,” Medina says. “Pretty much all of my best friends are on the team and I’ve learned a lot.” She had decided to attend Good Counsel because of the Ryken Program for students with learning differences, and she was initially worried about making friends. “I was afraid I wouldn’t have anyone to sit with at lunch. But I made a big group of friends through cheer. It was really nice because I felt really accepted,” she says. Medina says that while there can be bad connotations around cheerleading, the team is made up of a great group of nice girls that is very diverse. “A lot of us do a lot of
Feature different activities as well, and they are so smart. We were able to mix regardless of year in school or anything,” she adds. “I love cheer; it has changed my life. It’s fun exercise, and it’s the definition of a team sport because we can’t do a stunt unless everyone is doing their part 100 percent.” “Also I’m an only child, and now it’s like I have big sisters who can give me advice about life and my future,” Medina says. Two of her cheer team friends recently graduated, and she watched them navigate the college application and acceptance process. “I feel like I’m pretty well prepared for that as a result,” she says. Medina wants to eventually be a counselor or psychologist because she enjoys helping people to talk and work through their problems. She wants to make a difference. “I would like to help kids especially,” Medina says. “I have a learning disability and so many people have helped me along the way, so I want to do that for others.” She is thankful for the opportunity she has had to attend Good Counsel, thanks in part to scholarships she has had since her freshman year, including theater and voice. “When I walked into Good Counsel for the first time, I was impressed by the beauty of the school,” she says. “The teachers and staff are amazing, and I feel very accepted at Good Counsel more than at any school. The teachers really care about what you do in life and not just what you do for your grades; they look at you holistically,” Medina says. “I’ve met so many great classmates, and I like how religion is tied into the education. I’m Catholic, and Good Counsel has really helped me along my faith journey.” She says she feels that she is lucky to attend Good Counsel because not everyone has the opportunity. “Our school’s unofficial motto is, ‘In today’s world, the loving, good person - even alone can make a difference’,” Medina says. “This is the best piece of advice I’ve been given at Good Counsel. Every day I strive to live out these words by helping others.”
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Carl’s Any recent graduate of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School has probably enjoyed a snack at Carl’s Corner, the ubiquitous concession stand and after-school hangout. Carl Leverenz ran the stand for nearly three decades, retiring last spring. The story of Carl’s Corner stretches back to 1990 on the Wheaton Campus. The legacy began when Carl’s son, Willie, started attending Good Counsel 29 years ago. Varsity Football Coach Steve Ghent recognized the name Leverenz and asked Willie if his father was Carl Leverenz, the Frostburg State University football star. (Leverenz is considered the most outstanding running back in FSC history.) Introductions were made and Ghent asked Leverenz if he would set up a sound system for Good Counsel. Leverenz, who had also sold concessions at St. Bernadette’s Elementary School, was happy to bring in his equipment for Good Counsel. “We ran extension cords through puddles and so on; it was a sight to behold,” he says. “There was no concession stand at that time, so I also brought in portable coolers to serve refreshments.” With that, Carl’s Corner was born.
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In the beginning, Carl’s was only open for home varsity football games. “Then we thought, why not be open for other sports as well? And then we opened every day after school even if there were not any games,” Leverenz remembers. After retiring from 36 years of teaching physical education for Montgomery County Public Schools, he began working parttime on the Olney Campus with Carl’s Corner. Over the years, Leverenz worked with many volunteers, students, and parents, including some he taught in elementary school. “Those parents call me Mr. Leverenz,” he laughs. “I couldn’t do the job by myself. It grew too much. We were open every day after school. I was charged with scheduling volunteers to work with me, and it was dependent on the weather and different team schedules,” he says. In the afternoons, Carl’s Corner opened at 2:45 during dismissal. “Then there was a mad rush until the buses left.” During the fall and spring sports schedules, Carl’s was located outside, and he transitioned into the gallery area of the school during the winter. “I followed the athletic
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He is grateful for the parent volunteers who helped raised funds. “We’ve raised thousands of dollars for things like the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams, post-prom, and at least 50 different clubs,” he says. Leverenz is also proud Good Counsel became known to visiting athletes as “the school with the concession stand.” “I want to thank a fellow who’s an alum, Andy McAleer ’74, who comes in and volunteers with me every day. I am part-time, and I could not have done his job without his assistance,” Leverenz says. “He was recognized as volunteer of the year several years ago, he loyally helps me every day, and I can’t thank him enough.” “The more I give here at Good Counsel, the more I get back. It’s a part-time job 70 hours a week, but it’s been a long, fun ride,” he says. “I love Good Counsel and I know I’m going to miss this place. I really appreciate the opportunity I have had to give back to my school and to my community.”
There was no concession stand at that time…I also brought in portable coolers to serve refreshments. schedule primarily.” Leverenz enjoyed making the rounds during sporting events and visiting with old friends.
had the tradition of giving the marching band Tootsie Pops after every home game, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
After decades of athletic events, fundraisers, parties and tight-knit relationships with volunteers, Leverenz may have left Good Counsel, but his memories include much more than afterschool snacks and sporting events, and they will remain etched in his mind.
Leverenz credits Art Raimo and Pat Bates with giving him the opportunity to work in this capacity at Good Counsel. “I wish to thank Pat and Art for creating this job for me when I retired from teaching,” he says.
Students have always appreciated having the snack spot on campus. “Even when times got super busy, I could find time to get a snack at Carl’s!” says Dulce Diaz Alver-Anga ’19. “He’s always radiating positivity, no matter what time of day. Ever since my freshman year he’s
Some relationships remind him of how many years have passed. Suzanne Crowell, director of technology, attended kindergarten with Leverenz’s son. “There’s one parent here who has a daughter who is a senior, he’s 58 years old, and I taught him in elementary school. So, I knew it was time for me to go,” Leverenz laughs.
Leverenz will enjoy retirement in a newly built home in Bethany Beach with his wife, Suzi, who he says has been extremely supportive over the years, and his Boston Terrier Ladybug. “I plan to take my puppy and walk along the boardwalk in the off-season, and hopefully see some former students,” he says. Leverenz has become close with Pat Bates and Bob Milloy, who also have places at the beach. “We’re all going to connect down there in our next lives,” he says, emphasizing how grateful he is to the two for their ongoing support. “I have also been blessed by the support and understanding of our Chief Financial Officer Stephanie Morgan Davis, who has always been there for me,” Leverenz says. School Receptionist Beatrice Hanson keeps a quote by Pablo Picasso on her desk, something Leverenz always keeps in mind: “The purpose of life is finding your gift and the meaning of life is giving it away,” he says. “I really didn’t think I could find a job more fulfilling than teaching elementary physical education, but then I came to Good Counsel.”
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STEAKHOUSE & RAW BAR
GrillMarX Restaurant Serves Up Delicious Dishes, Community Support
Community is crucial to the owners of GrillMarX Steakhouse and Raw Bar in Olney who support many local schools and other groups and organizations through fundraisers and donations. “With Good Counsel, it’s been a great partnership,” says co-owner Jackie Leach. “They’re so involved in the community, it extends from the school; it’s one of their principles. They create that atmosphere of giving back and they really think about people in the area and alumni who are part of their community even if they live elsewhere,” she says, adding, “We are fortunate to have Good Counsel in our backyard and to be a part of the Falcon community.” GrillMarX is a Diamond Falcon Community Partner. Co-owners Andy and Jackie Leach’s daughter, Casey Leach ’18, is a Good Counsel alumna and their daughter, Taylor Leach ’20, is a current student, and they are happy to support the school philanthropically. Aside from giving to the school, GrillMarX offers alumni and students special discounts and promotions through the Blue and Gold Card Community Discount Program. Jackie, the restaurant’s manager, feels Good Counsel is unique in part because of the wide array of programming it offers for students. “When people ask about the school for their own kids, I say that there’s something for everybody,” she says. Whether a student struggles or excels academically or if they want to be challenged, the school has something
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appropriate. “There are many levels of learning - the Ryken Program, Honors, AP, IB, STEM - and amazing teachers,” Leach adds. “We had a Chinese exchange student attending Good Counsel who stayed with us for two years, and he excelled in physics and took advanced levels in that subject area, and even if the class only had a small number of students, it was still available to him,” she says. Leach also points to the many extracurricular opportunities: sports, service clubs, academic clubs, and the performing arts. “My daughter did extracurricular activities that I wouldn’t have expected because staff encouraged her to try them based on qualities they saw in her,” Leach says. Her daughters have both played lacrosse, and Casey now plays at Kenyon College in Ohio. Leach’s background in and love for education also contributed to her choice to support Good Counsel. “Education is a huge driver for me,” she says. “Up until we opened the restaurant, that’s where I spent my time – the development of young people. It was important for us to give back to a place aligned with our goals and our beliefs, so we’re happy to support GC.” GrillMarX opened in Olney in 2011, immediately becoming a favorite local spot for seafood, steaks, sandwiches and much more. “Andy owned a couple restaurants in Bethesda, and we wanted to open a restaurant in Olney to be part of the community where we work and had
Aside from giving to the school, GrillMarX offers alumni and students special discounts and promotions through the Blue and Gold Card Community Discount Program. Find out more about the Blue and Gold program on page 25.
kids growing up,” Leach says. The upscale yet comfortable atmosphere draws crowds interested in brunch, happy hour cocktails and appetizers, or fine dining for special occasions.
and realize what we need – whether it’s a local butcher offering certain cuts of meat, or a farm suggesting an heirloom tomato for a specific recipe, or selling us new spices.”
fresh in-house. Our fish is hand-filleted, meats are hand-cut, fries are hand-cut, all sauces and dressings are made daily, desserts…everything!”
“When we got the space, it was a good time and after a while, it was apparent I needed to put all of my time into the restaurant, and it was great because I wanted to be close to the community for my kids,” Leach adds.
An acquaintance of theirs recently started a farm and asked Leach, “What do you want me to grow and what time of year? How much?”
The restaurant also does a lot of catering. “We take a big grill with us so you can get great GrillMarX food that tastes like GrillMarX anywhere.”
“She’s a frequent guest. It’s a neat partnership,” Leach says.
“People who work here are part of the community,” Leach says. “We’re lucky because Olney is such a great neighborhood. It’s a real family feeling when you come into the restaurant, with both the staff and the guests.”
The restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients whenever it can in an effort to help small local businesses and to maintain quality, fresh ingredients. “Often it’s a better product,” Leach says. “They care, too. They’ll come look at our food and our menu
“GrillMarX is also unique because we make everything in-house. It’s more expensive, but it’s fresher,” she says. “We put a lot of resources and pride into making everything
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Distinguished Alumnus Helps Bring Infrastructure to Emerging Market
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Feature William Kappaz ’89 is the chairman and chief executive officer of The Dorado Group LLC, a private company that has advised or led the structuring and financing of nearly $50 billion in power generating assets in over 70 countries around the world. Dorado previously owned and operated a few power projects for its own account in Latin America. Through its wholly owned subsidiary K&M Advisors, Dorado continues to advise dozens of countries today on the most effective way to attract and build critical infrastructure. Dorado also makes investments in a wide variety of fields including carbon offsets, data analytics and even a new professional lacrosse league.
“We can see the positive impact of this work on mass amounts of people, which is so rewarding,” Kappaz says. These countries were thirsty for new investment, and growth in their economies could not have happened without the support of companies like Dorado and K&M.
Kappaz was recognized in April with Our Lady of Good Counsel High School’s Distinguished Alumnus award, which honors a person who demonstrates a commitment to faith, service, and the school; who has achieved professional success; and who has made significant contributions to society through leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy.
Currently, Kappaz is working on investments in clean energy projects, forestry projects in Latin America, and he is consulting in various countries. He has also invested in the new Premier Lacrosse League along with Montgomery County’s own Paul Rabil, serving as one of the founding investors in the league. It will include 170 of the top lacrosse players in the world playing professionally. “I’m very excited about the launch this summer,” Kappaz says.
Kappaz says he is deeply honored to have received the award and believes anyone can achieve it. “Any student from Good Counsel is capable of winning this and being recognized for achievements. The important thing is what you do with the gift of a Good Counsel degree and a college degree because there are so many opportunities,” he says. “Good Counsel gave me a tremendous appreciation that every individual is capable of achieving great results through hard work, teamwork, and unwavering faith,” Kappaz says. Working in emerging markets has allowed him to witness the benefits of investment in infrastructure and new projects being built. “You witness the long-term effects on an entire nation. In numerous countries in Africa and Asia, the benefit of building a power plant or water treatment plant is extraordinary,” Kappaz says. “In most of those countries, basic public services like keeping the lights on or having reliable power necessary to build a factory were anything but ordinary.” In the United States, we take it for granted that the infrastructure exists and will work, he says.
Nations that have benefitted from American investments are flourishing now, Kappaz says. “The people have power, they have basic home products like refrigerators and TVs. Crime is down, education is up, the workforce is more qualified, the people are traveling outside of their countries. The impact of companies like ours is huge.”
He also donates his time volunteering with Catholic Charities, providing a particular focus on workforce development and job training. “We’re teaching them how to fish rather than simply giving them fish,” he says. “It’s very gratifying.” The people in need who participate gain pride in themselves and self-confidence as they learn ways to improve their lives. The importance of individuals and relationships is something that was instilled in Kappaz at Good Counsel. His best memories from school are of people being there for one another, he says. In particular, he recalls emotional moments at Junior and Senior Retreat, leaning on one another and treating each other with respect. “We are better off from the shared experiences at retreats,” he says. Kappaz appreciates the fact that many faculty and staff have been there for decades and are so dedicated to their vocation and the students whose lives they affect. “It’s not just a job for
them, it’s a significant part of their overall lives. If you ask them to express who they are in a sentence, they can’t do it without mentioning Good Counsel,” he says. “I think it’s really a testament to the school.” Kappaz remembers faculty members being very approachable. “We could walk into Brother Bill’s or Mr. Miles’ office to talk, and just chatting and having these men talking to us boys – as respected peers – was amazing. It was the first time I remember being respected as a young adult. It was a wonderful and warm experience I remember to this day,” he says. During his time at Good Counsel, Kappaz enjoyed taking part in extracurricular activities like the political science club, which he ultimately headed; the model UN; Apostleship of the Sea; and the booster club. “That club was full of great guys. There was a good spirit around Good Counsel within football and other athletics, too,” he says. In his award acceptance speech at April’s ceremony, Kappaz advised current GC students about being cautious when using social media. He warned that it is easy for a reputation to be tarnished, so one has to be careful. Treating others with respect and striving for achievements helps you to build a good reputation, which in turn opens doors to limitless opportunities, he said. “If you’re courageous enough and take new challenges and try new things, it’s a beautiful thing. Wonderful things happen,” Kappaz says. Kappaz calls the award, which is a replica of the Grotto on campus, a reflection point for him. He says he is grateful for the Catholic education he received at Good Counsel. Even though not every student is Catholic, he values the Catholic program and the fact that it serves so many students and their families. “To have a Catholic, private, coed school in Montgomery County, Maryland, that is great academically and spiritually is a game changer,” he says. “It’s clear in its mission and serving other people. That gift will continue to serve every graduate of Good Counsel forever.”
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30 UN
THIR
THIRTY
30 UNDER
››
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School’s 30 under 30 recognizes outstanding alumni who are making an impact in their profession and/or the community while embodying Falcon pride. Friends, family, peers, and community members nominated alumni for this
Mark Salvador
Mark Salvador Mark SalvadorSnyder ’08 is vice president and Kyle
The COUNSELOR | 2019
Jenn Ampey
Kyle Snyder
Kyle Snyder
Jenn Ampey ’15 graduated in 2019 from Stanford Kyle Snyder ’14 is the youngest Olympic
general manager of 2U, an education
University with a degree in International Relations
gold medalist and the youngest World
technology company that partners with
and a minor in Human Rights. She received the
Champion in American wrestling history.
top colleges and universities to bring their
Haas Center for Public Service’s Walk the Talk
He is also the youngest wrestler ever
degree programs and credit-bearing courses
Award, given to graduating seniors who display
to win the World, NCAA, and Olympic
honor. The Good Counsel faculty and staff considered all of the
online, providing quality digital educational
the Principles of Ethical and Effective Service
championships in the same year, a
nominations and voted to select Our Lady of Good Counsel High
opportunities. Salvador manages 2U’s
and a long-term commitment to service at
feat he accomplished at the 2016 Rio
Texas partnerships from his Houston office
Stanford. She is working for a startup in California
Olympics. He competes for Team USA at
and manages functional teams in Denver,
that collects unused medical equipment and
international events and at the world and
Maryland, and New York City.
distributes it to disadvantaged communities.
Olympic Championships.
School’s 30 under 30. The entire GC community is proud of all of Good Counsel’s talented young alumni and we extend to those featured congratulations and thanks for making a difference. We recognize these 30 Falcons in no particular order.
Christopher Bing
Faith Randolph
Christopher Bing ’09 is an investigative
Faith Randolph ’12 played professional
reporter with Reuters, where he covers the
basketball in Finland, Lebanon, and Greece, and
intersection between cyber and national
she founded and directs Faith Randolph Girls
security. In 2019, he helped to expose former
Basketball Camps, aimed at building confidence
U.S. intelligence officials who were helping
and character in young female athletes. In 2008
the United Arab Emirates government hunt
and 2012, Randolph helped the Lady Falcons
down human rights activists, journalists and
win two WCAC basketball championships. She
other dissidents. Bing also plays soccer for a
played for four years at the University of Virginia.
competitive sports league in D.C.
Randolph also trains high level girls and boys basketball players in the DMV area.
Jack Conger
Erik Simmons
Erik Simmons
who competed in the 2016 Olympics as part
Margaret “Midge” Purce
of a gold medal-winning relay team. At the
Margaret “Midge” Purce ’13 is an American
scientist and postdoctoral research
2017 NCAA Championships, he helped lead
soccer player who plays as a forward for the
fellow in a partnership between research
the University of Texas Longhorns to their
Portland Thorns in the NWSL and who made
startup Behavior Innovation and
third-straight team title and set an American
the U.S. Women’s National team. She played
Queensland University of Technology in
record in the 200 butterfly. Conger has also
with the Boston Breakers in 2017. In college,
Australia. He innovates scientific solutions
taught swimming to hearing impaired youth
she played for Harvard University and in 2016
for society’s most pressing problems.
and gives motivational speeches to young
earned first team All-America honors, was a
He also coordinated a multimillion dollar
swimmers.
semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, and
project to help East Asian countries
was named Ivy League Player of the Year.
work towards sustainability.
Jack Conger ’13 is a professional swimmer
15
Jenn Ampey
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
Erik Simmons ’11 is a senior behavioral
Christopher Bing
Margaret “Midge” Purce
Jack Conger
Lauren Filocco
Faith Randolph
Sarah Haase
Erik Bustamante
Niew Bharyaguntra
Mary Caitlin King
Matthew Hollister
Erik Bustamante
Matthew Hollister
Erik Bustamante ’16 works at Children
Matthew Hollister ’14 is co-founder
Achieving Maximum Potential (ChAMP) with
and CEO of The James Hollister
children experiencing autism spectrum
Wellness Foundation, serving the health
disorder. Bustamante loves being able to
care needs of over 40,000 low-income
positively affect children. He volunteers
citizens in developing countries. In
with Camp Opportunity, an organization
2017, the foundation won first place
dedicated to helping children from abusive
and the audience choice award for the
and neglected households, and is vice
6th annual Do Good Challenge at the
president of the S.T.A.R. Program (STEM
University of Maryland. Hollister is a
Through Achievement and Recognition), a
4th degree member of the Knights of
Lauren Filocco
Sarah Haase
Niew Bharyaguntra
Lauren Filocco ’08 founded, owns,
Sarah Haase ’12 is a graduate student
Niew Bharyaguntra ’10 is stage manager
mentorship program that teaches children
Columbus and a board member for St.
and operates OpenBarre, a gym which
at the Stanford University School of
and production assistant with Ford’s Theatre
in the inner city of Baltimore about the
Paul’s Clinic in Honduras.
has been named Best Fitness Studio,
Medicine, pursuing a master’s degree
in Washington, D.C. She won the 2017 Thomas
major fields in STEM.
Best Women-Owned Business, and
in Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to
Award for special ability in stage management and
Best Hidden Gem by the Hyattsville
this role she was a Clinical Research
exceptional promise and leadership in the not-for-
Wire. She launched the business in
Assistant in Stanford’s Department
profit theater, and received a competitive fellowship
College Park, Md., in 2017. Filocco,
of Cardiovascular Medicine and an
for the 2016-17 season at Arena Stage. Bharyaguntra
who has a business degree from the
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
helped raise over $95,000 in 2017 for the charity
University of Maryland and an MBA
in San Francisco. Haase is also a
House of Ruth, and over $100,000 in 2018 for The
from the University of Florida, also
championship swimmer; she was an
Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, alongside the
volunteers for DogsXL Rescue and
Olympic trial qualifier in 2012 and a
cast and company of Ford’s Theatre’s A Christmas
hosts fundraisers for the organization
finalist in the 100 Meter Breaststroke
Carol. She has also coordinated Camp Arena Stage,
at OpenBarre.
event at the 2016 Olympic Trials.
a children’s art program, for the past six years.
Eric Schultz Eric Schultz ’10 is a lighting technical director for Double Negative, a film production company. He was part of the team that won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2018 for the movie Blade Runner 2049.
James Michael Kazunas
Alexandra (Lexi) Thomas
Alexandra (Lexi) Thomas Alexandra (Lexi) Thomas ’10 is a young
Mary Caitlin King
James Michael Kazunas
Mary Caitlin King ’11 works at Mercy
James Michael Kazunas ’11 serves
organization Stupid Cancer. A cancer survivor
Medical Center in Baltimore in the
in the U.S. Army. He advises his
who is actively battling the disease today,
department of surgical oncology to raise
Battalion Commander on all aspects of
Thomas wants to provide resources for
awareness of treatment options for
communication and electronic operations
young people when they are first diagnosed
advanced abdominal cancers. She helps
for a 700-person unit. Kazunas graduated
with cancer. She shares her experiences on
patients navigate their diagnoses and
from U.S. Army Ranger School and
her blog, lexthomas11.wordpress.com, and
understand the role of clinical trials. King
performed in the top 20% of his Infantry
at many speaking engagements. In 2017, she
also writes grants and new clinical trial
Officer Leader Course. He attended
received the Young Adult of Great Influence
protocols, handles regulatory aspects
Gonzaga University where he studied
Award from the Gabrielle Foundation.
of clinical research, performs surgical
education in sport management. Kazunas
research, and manages clinical study
ran track and cross country at Good
patients. King volunteers at cancer support
Counsel; he ran in the WCAC Cross Country
events and at a veterinary clinic, and
Championships in 2011. That year, he
she also helps to plan the annual cancer
met President Barack Obama through his
research fundraiser, Heat It or Beat It.
American Legion junior baseball team.
adult cancer advocacy director at The Cancer Institute and works with the non-profit
A cancer survivor who is actively battling the disease today, Thomas wants to provide resources for young people when they are first diagnosed with cancer. 18
NDER
RTY
Abbey Bennett Abbey Bennett ’13 researches cancer treatments at the University of Cambridge, where she is earning an advanced postgraduate degree. As an undergraduate at Franklin and Marshall College, Bennett helped Craig Vincent
Stefano Brugnerotto
Gabriela Rosazza
start and run a program providing alternative, sober nightlife events on campus. She has also
Craig Vincent
Gabriela Rosazza
Craig Vincent ’12 is the Lead
Gabriela Rosazza ’12 is a campaigner
Technologist for State and Local
for the International Labor Rights Forum
Government, Education, and Academic
(ILRF). She coordinates ILRF’s work in Latin
Healthcare (SLED) markets at Splunk,
America, advocating for the rights of Central
Zachary Joyner
Inc. Vincent has a background in
American farm workers who are cultivating
Zachary Joyner ’15 was chosen to be a
computer engineering and serves as a
and exporting the food that reaches U.S.
LinkedIn Global Sales Organization Intern in
technical advisor to sales leadership
supermarkets. She designs campaigns
a very competitive process: He was one of only
and is responsible for the technical
targeting companies guilty of labor rights
10 selected from 3000 applicants. He recently
elements of sales strategy. Recently, he
abuses and engages Congress to support
gave a motivational speech through the San
launched “Getting Smart about Artificial
labor rights abroad. Rosazza credits her high
Francisco Youth Safety Initiative to 80 high
Intelligence,” a YouTube video series
school trip to El Salvador with opening her
school and college students about building a
designed to teach people with limited
eyes to U.S. foreign policy and leading her to
professional brand through adversity. Joyner
technical experience about the topic.
her current vocation.
is a past recipient of a Good Counsel award for
worked as an enrichment leader for capuchin monkeys and other animals, providing toys and fun activities for them.
outstanding sportsmanship and leadership.
Vincent also volunteers inspiring youth to pursue STEM careers.
Dorian O’Daniel
Stefano Brugnerotto
Dorian O’Daniel ’13 is a linebacker in the
Kendall Fuller
NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. He played
Kendall Fuller ’13 is a cornerback for the
college football at Clemson University and
Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football
Stefano Brugnerotto ’14 is the
was a 2016 National Championship winner
League (NFL). Fuller played college football
CEO of Save, Inc., which he founded
with that team. In 2017, he was a finalist
at Virginia Tech, and was drafted by the
to lower healthcare costs by fixing
for the Butkus Award, which goes to the
Washington Redskins in the third round in
inefficiencies in the distribution of
best linebacker in college football. Dorian
the 2016 NFL Draft. Kendall recently came
medications. He has worked hard
recently came back to Good Counsel to
back to Good Counsel to help lead the
at raising capital for Save at an
help lead the inaugural Pro Day Camp for
inaugural Pro Day Camp for aspiring middle
8-figure valuation.
aspiring middle school football players.
school football players.
Dorian O’Daniel
Abbey Bennett
Zachary Joyner
Kendall Fuller
Jelani Jenkins
Molly Shawhan Molly Shawhan ’10 is a chemistry and physics teacher at Our Lady Francesca Emanuele Lapoint
of Good Counsel High James Fangmeyer
Hugh Roberts
Molly Shawhan
School. While studying at the University of
Notre Dame, she was the women’s lacrosse
Jelani Jenkins
James Fangmeyer
Jelani Jenkins ’09 played football for the
James Fangmeyer ’11 is a Seminarian
National Football League (NFL) for five years,
with the Archdiocese of Washington. He also
after playing for the University of Florida
advises NaviMinistry, a software company
under Coach Urban Meyer. In his first NFL
that he helped create in 2017 to connect
season in 2013, he led the Miami Dolphins
Christians with relevant spiritual resources
Stefon Diggs
in tackles with 110 on the season. Today,
online and real Church communities offline.
Stefon Diggs ’12 is a wide receiver for the
he is the founder and CEO of the non-profit
Fangmeyer also advises Profesor Avatar, a
Minnesota Vikings of the National Football
organization Mind Body Sports. Currently, he
holographic video conferencing company
League (NFL). He was drafted by the Vikings
is pursuing a career in film production as a
that he helped expand from Latin America
in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He
filmmaker and producer.
to the U.S. in 2016, focused on serving
played college football at the University of
world-class education to remote and
Maryland. Diggs has 302 receptions, 3,493
dangerous places.
receiving yards, and 24 touchdowns with
Francesca Emanuele Lapoint
captain, a 2013 Knute Rockne Award winner, a 2013 Christopher Zorich Award winner, and a two-time Yeardley Reynolds Love Unsung Hero Award finalist.
the NFL. In the 2018 NFC divisional round
Francesca Emanuele Lapoint ’11 is
Hugh Roberts
a flight officer in the U.S. Navy. During
Hugh Roberts ’10 plays professional
flights, she sits in the back of the aircraft
soccer for the Charlotte Independence. It
analyzing data and tactically coordinating
is Roberts’ sixth year playing for the United
the mission to track submarines or
Soccer League; he plays back center. He
gather intelligence. She graduated with
was a finalist for USL 1st Team Defender
an Oceanic Engineering degree from the
of the Year in 2016. Roberts also hosts a
U.S. Naval Academy. There, she sailed on
podcast called Backyardfooty, available
the Offshore Sailing Team, winning the
on all platforms, and coaches an under 13
Annapolis to Bermuda, Around Martha’s
boys soccer team. He played soccer and
Vineyard, and Around Long Island Races.
basketball for the Falcons.
against the New Orleans Saints, Diggs scored a 61-yard touchdown with only 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, giving the Vikings a dramatic 29–24 win, dubbed the “Minneapolis Miracle.”
While at Good Counsel, Stefon Diggs also competed as a sprinter for the track team. A consensus five-star recruit in football, Diggs was rated as the No. 1 recruit in the state of Maryland by Rivals.com. Stefon Diggs
21
Talented Students Recognized with Graduation Awards
Each year at Graduation, we present special awards of recognition to members of the graduating class.
1 John Jayarajah Award
A special award with a focus on academics is the John Jayarajah Award, which is awarded to the most improved student over four years. This year we present the award to Melisse George.
2 Student Activities Award
The Student Activities Award is given in recognition of outstanding extracurricular achievement. This year we present the award to Caleigh O’Connor and Spencer Morgan.
4 Achievement
The following awards will recognize the students that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in these areas. a. The Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools Citizenship Award is presented to the graduating senior who best shows the qualities of good American citizenship. This year we present the award to Shayna Smith and Jacob Taylor. b. The Cardinal Award is presented in recognition of outstanding religious dedication and achievement over four years. This year we present the award to Faith Flaherty. c. The Father Barry Gross Award is presented in recognition of outstanding servant leadership in school and community. This year we present the award to Jillian Brown and Chad Frick.
5 Xaverian Brothers Awards Our final awards are named for Xaverian Brothers who have made significant contributions to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
a. The first of these awards is named for Brother Gregory Turlik, who helped make Our Lady of Good Counsel what it is today. The Brother Gregory Turlik Alumni Award is presented to a graduating senior for outstanding volunteer service to school and community. This year we present the award to Rachel Castle.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
b. Brother Bonaventure Scully was Our Lady of Good Counsel’s longest serving Principal. The Brother Bonaventure Scully Award is presented to the graduate with the highest academic standing in the class. This year we present the award to Wesley Rhodes. c. Brother Gerald Edward was a dedicated English teacher and a founding member of the school. The Brother Gerald Edward Award recognizes Our Lady of Good Counsel’s outstanding Catholic graduating senior. This year we present the award to Olivia Orr and Edward Aragon. d. Our Lady of Good Counsel’s founding Principal was Brother Mark McCarthy. The Brother Mark Award is presented to the graduating senior who has given the most of himself or herself to make Our Lady of Good Counsel an exceptional school. The members of the Class of 2019 identified the following eight students as the finalists for the award, the highest award the school bestows:
Edward Aragon Alexia Ayuk Jillian Brown Amanda Evans
Chad Frick Spencer Morgan Sara Robb Jacob Taylor
This year, we proudly present the Brother Mark Award to Amanda Evans.
Blue&Gold Community Discount Program
Card
Please find enclosed your Blue & Gold Card, which provides your family with access to annual discounts and offers at a number of local Community Partner organizations. Please note that this card does not expire and will be valid for the foreseeable future.
How it works STEP 1
Check the website, www.olgchs.org/blueandgoldcard, regularly for a comprehensive list of annual deals from our Community Partners.
STEP 2
Share the GC love by prioritizing business with our Community Partners whenever possible! Show (or mention) your Blue & Gold Card at participating locations and SAVE!
If you have a business or organization that you think would be a good fit for this program, please contact Savannah Renehan, Director of Corporate Relations, at srenehan@olgchs.org or (240)283-3384 for more information. Thank you in advance for supporting our students by patronizing our Community Partners!
Enjoy exclusive discounts and offers from GC’s Community Partners
By the Numbers
GC By the Numbers Acceptance rate to four-year institution
100%
members of the class of 2019
43%
will attend one of US News’ Top 100 Colleges and Universities
Performed over
30,000 hours of service
Scholarships total in excess of
$34.7 million
71% 27
NCAA have been offered a college scholarship student-athletes
67%
will study out of state
Attending
121 colleges and universities in
33
states, the District of Columbia, Hong Kong and Canada
35% will attend private schools
2019 Financial Aid and Scholarship
Leave A Legacy: One Scholarship, Unlimited Potential 2019-20 Financial Aid and Scholarship Recipients Each year Good Counsel celebrates the incredible generosity of the donors who provide the gift of an education to deserving students. The annual Scholarship Appreciation Event provides a memorable chance for donors and recipients to meet each other, often the most rewarding part of creating an endowed scholarship. Often this event marks the beginning of lifelong relationships between the donor and recipient. In some cases, the scholarship is given in honor or memory of a loved one, and is an impactful way to continue their legacy. Endowing a scholarship is often the start of a ripple effect of philanthropy, as recipients are very likely to ‘pay it forward’ in their futures. This list includes scholarship winners from last year as well as current recipients. Arthur Raimo Scholarship
Joseph N. Brewer III ’84 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Edward Aragon ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Stephen Cyrus ’20
Joseph Reed Canavin ’63 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Bridgette Kim ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Yasmin Graham ’20
Michael Anthony Rosick ’67 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Lauren Kiss ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Oliver Wolcott ’20
Patrick Bates ’70 Endowed Scholarship
2019-2020 Inaugural Recipient - Layla Abudayeh ’20
Peggy Ghent Memorial Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Summer Loftus ’19 and Maeve Stickell ’22 2019-2020 Recipient - Maeve Stickell ’22
Rafael J. Dominguez ’84 Memorial Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Fiorella Cardozo Flores ’19 and Gabrielle Hernandez ’19 2019-2020 Recipients - Ademitunde Adenuga ’20 and Cattleya Nora ’20
2018-2019 Recipient - Clara Griffin ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Ana Medina ’20
Richard Burns Endowed Scholarship
Branagan Band Scholarship
Richard M. Burns Social Studies Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipient - Jacqueline Hritzo ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Mackenzie LaMotteo ’20
Caitlyn O’Bannon Fitzgerald ’00 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Samuel Geneti ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Rachel Collazo ’20
Cashen Bohlander ’18 Memorial Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Nicoletta Sideris ’21 and Sara Fritschi ’22 2019-2020 Recipients - Nicoletta Sideris ’21, Sara Fritschi ’22, and Erin O’Keefe ’23
Daniel J. McGivern Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Taylor McLaughlin ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Hannah Owings ’20
Dennis Essig Endowed Scholarship
2019-2020 Inaugural Recipient - Sydney Pulliam ’20
Dr. Richard Slocum Music Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipient - Catherina Samson ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Eliza Henne ’20
Elizabeth (Beth) Polletto ’03 Memorial Music Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Dylan Snow ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Jalen Ferris ’21
Frank L. (Jim) Hewitt, III Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Jameese Joseph ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Uzoma Elekwachi ’20
James T. McKenna Memorial Scholarship
2019-2020 Recipients - Jalen Curtis ’21 and Kadida Toure ’22
John E. Doyle ’76 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Josephine Wu ’22 2019-2020 Recipient - Briana Battle ’23
2019-2020 Inaugural Recipient - Kristina Bustamente ’20 2018-2019 Recipients - Alexandre Brun ’19, Spencer Morgan ’19, and Olivia Orr ’19 2019-2020 Recipients - Andrew-Maynard Goutier ’20, Bea Ieronimo ’20, and Lucie Powers ’20
Richard Seel Endowed Scholarship
2019-2020 Inaugural Recipient - George Wolo ’20
Rick Miller STEM Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Caroline Spencer ’20 and William Potter ’22 2019-2020 Recipients - Caroline Spencer ’20 and William Potter ’22
St. Francis Xavier Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Nicole Romo Reyes ’20, Dulce Maria Diaz-Alvarenga ’20, Lorna Strazz ’20, Edward Aragon ’20, Nicole Fernandez ’21, Juan David Silva Guerra ’21, Alejandro Tovar ’21, Miguelangel Kery ’22, Anthony Ramos-Cruz ’22, Rebeca Rivera ’22, and Walther Diaz Alvarenga ’22 2019-2020 Recipients - Nicole Romo Reyes ’20, Dulce Maria Diaz-Alvarenga ’20, Lorna Strazz ’20, Edward Aragon ’20, Nicole Fernandez ’21, Juan David Silva Guerra ’21, Alejandro Tovar ’21, Miguelangel Kery ’22, Anthony Ramos-Cruz ’22, Rebeca Rivera ’22, and Walther Diaz Alvarenga ’22, Elijah Arevalo ’23, and Valeria Morales ’23, and Danilo Zukic ’23
Steve Dean ’67 Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Faith Flaherty ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Jordan Ray ’20
The Knights of Columbus Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Isaac Balladares ’19 2019-2020 Recipient - Emily Velez ’20
Thomas R. Murphy Memorial Scholarship 2018-2019 Recipient - Jordan Ray ’20 2019-2020 Recipient - Love Guillette ’21
Xaverian Brothers Legacy Endowed Scholarship (X-BLES) 2018-2019 Recipient - Ryan Butcher ’19
Joseph J. Scully & Family Memorial Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipient - Andrew Gload ’22 2019-2020 Recipients - Andrew Gload ’22 and Ajani Knorr ’23
Joseph M. Cardaci, Jr. ’84 Memorial Scholarship
2018-2019 Recipients - Kristen Gload ’19 and Cameron Hart ’19 2019-2020 Recipients - Felixander Kerry ’20 and Tiffany Ahianor ’20
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
If you would like to learn more about providing scholarship support to a deserving student, contact Savannah Renehan at srenehan@olgchs.org or 240.283.3384.
Community Partners
2018-2019 Community Partners Program DIAMOND FALCON
PLATINUM FALCON
STEAKHOUSE & RAW BAR Leach Family
George Glekas ’91 & Family
Jonathan Calure, M.D. ’85 & Family
GOLD FALCON
Michael J. McCartin, CPCU & Family
Givens Family
Steve E. Richter ’75
David L. Higgins, M.D., P.C. ’75 & Family
Gorman Family
Flood Family
Sardelis Family
BLUE FALCON Potter Family
River Hill & Olney Wilhelm Family
Maryland-Sandy Spring
Lanning Family Chris Corcoran ’83 & James Fangmeyer ’83
Shioutakon Family
Rockville-Olney & Silver Spring North • Gutierrez Family debbieva
m
Schilling Family
Vazzana-Dooley Insurance
Marty Murphy, Representative
25
Events Recap Our Lady of Good Counsel High School alumni, staff, faculty, students, community members, and businesses kicked off the school year with a celebration of Good Counsel’s 60th birthday. The celebration began with an all-school mass concelebrated with alumni clergy including: Rev. James Boccabella ’71, Rev. Ronald Carrillo ’67, Rev. Ramon Dominguez ’79, Rev. Kevin Fields ’04, Rev. Robert Lawton, S.J. ’65, Rev. Patrick Lewis ’00, Rev. Kevin O’Reilly ’77, Rev. Mark Smith ’83, and Deacon Daniel Kostka ’72. Immediately following the mass, guests gathered in the Litton Gym for a light brunch.
60th Anniversary Celebration
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
That evening GC hosted a pre-football game tailgate for over 300 alumni, parents, and friends, including a performance by the Marching Falcons. In spite of the thunderstorms that cancelled the game, the Bull Roast moved indoors, bringing back a 5th quarter tradition. The event featured a historical GC slideshow celebrating memorable moments from 60 years, an appearance by Vic, the new Falcon mascot, yearbooks, historical posters, remarks by Andy Stefanelli, and a toast to GC by Dr. Paul Barker, president. All in attendance were proud to celebrate GC’s 60-year history of success.
26
Events Recap
It was a little wet, but the greens were rolling and the beverages were flowing on September 10th as many celebrated the 36th Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic. Alumni, parents, and friends gathered to play at Manor Country Club in honor of Steve Dean ’67. This year each participant received an Under Armour golf polo as a gift, although they might have preferred an umbrella for this year’s soggy outing. After the tournament, golfers enjoyed a delicious post-round reception in the Manor clubhouse featuring silent-auction items. With numerous sponsors and individuals in support, the tournament successfully raised over $32,000 for the endowed Steve Dean Scholarship Fund. At the Junior Leadership Mass, Good Counsel awarded Jordan Ray ’20 with the Steve Dean Scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year. The fund was created 36 years ago in honor of Steve Dean ’67, who passed in 1976 due to complications related to cerebral palsy. The recipient is someone who is involved in academic, social, and athletic programs and, much like Steve, exemplifies a love of Good Counsel. The Advancement Office would like to give a special thanks to the sponsors, participants, and volunteers who continue to make this event a GC tradition. Mark your calendar for the 37th Annual Steve Dean Golf Tournament, to be held on September 23, 2019.
27
Events Recap
Reunion Weekend 2018
Our Lady of Good Counsel High School alumni from the classes ending “3” and “8” gathered to reconnect during Reunion Weekend in October 2018. The weekend kicked off with the Falcon Fest tailgate with brews and barbecue for all alumni and their families, while younger “future Falcons” enjoyed inflatable games, face painting, coloring, bracelet making, and lawn games. Falcon attendees also enjoyed a performance by the Marching Falcons and the GC Majorettes! Saturday was a fun-filled day that kicked off with the Jabari Outtz Memorial Alumni Basketball Game. GC ballers enjoyed breakfast in the Gallery and friendly competition in the Kane Center. The Golden Falcon Club enjoyed the inaugural Golden Falcon Club Mass & Brunch to celebrate the class of 1968 to the ranks of 50th-anniversary Falcons. The evening brought the party to the Alumni Gallery. Dr. Paul Barker, President, welcomed the members of the reunion classes in a pre-celebration toast. Laughter could be heard well into the night as alumni met up for class dinners and nightcaps. The Alumni office would like to offer a huge thank you to all of our class chairs and volunteers who helped make Reunion Weekend such a success.
Classes ending in “4” and “9” - it’s your year. Save the weekend of October 18-19, 2019, and plan to join us to reconnect with your classmates and former teachers. For more information or to help with the outreach, email Collin DeWitt at cdewitt@olgchs.org.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
Section Headiing
29
Events Recap
50th
REUNION The Class of 1969 kicked off its 50th reunion year by welcoming the Class of 2019 to the alumni community at the 2019 Commencement at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. The new Golden Falcons processed in with the students, faculty, and staff in their golden robes and sat upon the altar. During the ceremony, Dr. Paul Barker, President, acknowledged the class and congratulated them on their 50th reunion, reminding the Class of 2019 that they will be Falcons forever and that they will be up on the altar in 50 years. After graduation, the group headed over to a local DC restaurant, where they enjoyed a private luncheon. It was a day full of laughs, celebration, and fellowship. We look forward to officially inducting the Class of 1969 into the Golden Falcon Club this fall during Reunion Weekend, October 18-19, 2019.
30
The COUNSELOR | 2019
Events Recap
Saint Francis Xavier
Society Dinner At the 2018 dinner, over 150 of Good Counsel’s most generous supporters dined in the Gallery to highlight the power of investing in the school. Each year, alumni, parents, and friends who contribute $1,000 or more annually to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School are invited to attend the annual celebration of philanthropy at the Saint Francis Xavier Society Dinner. At the 2018 dinner, over 150 of Good Counsel’s most generous supporters dined in the Gallery to highlight the power of investing in the school.
as a class agent for 27 years and as an assistant football coach for 18 years, Bob credits Good Counsel with laying a strong foundation for his values and his success. Bob says the Xaverian values “permeate everything - personal growth and maturity, fine arts, athletics and thus make Good Counsel very unique in building lifelong character.”
The 1958 Cornerstone Award celebrates an individual or couple As Dr. Paul Barker, President, noted who have given outstanding to begin the evening, “Because of philanthropic support to Our Lady you and your continued investment of Good Counsel High School. in our school, we can truly make Brad Bolino ’71 is not only an a difference in the life of this alum, but a proud dad to two Good community and help foster the core Counsel graduates. Together with Xaverian values in the hearts of his wife, Debbie, Brad’s unwavering our students.” support for the Fund for Good Counsel, the Performing Arts The night included special Center, the building campaign, recognitions to leaders in our scholarships, the baseball program, community with presentations of and Grand Celebration has left an the Our Lady Award, the 1958 indelible mark on our school. Brad Cornerstone Award, and the recently completed his third term Concordia Award. on the Board of Directors, where he says his greatest impact was The Our Lady Award recognizes spending “nine years questioning an individual or family within the status quo” to do what’s best for the school community who has the school. provided outstanding volunteer work and tremendous commitment The Concordia Award honors to the school. Bob Clark ’66, a foundation or corporation that better known as “Falcon Bob,” has had a significant impact on was the 2018 recipient. Those who Good Counsel students. The 2018 know Bob recognize that he is a recipient was Mark Matan and tireless and dedicated volunteer. the Matan Foundation. Mark’s From helping with phonathons to two daughters are proud Good coordinating reunions to serving Counsel graduates, and, through
his Foundation, the family has generously supported the Fund for Good Counsel, the Performing Arts Center and scholarships. Perhaps the project that stands out the most for the family is the El Salvador service trip. Both of Mark’s daughters, Maria ’12 and Ana ’14, participated in the annual trip to San Salvador and Mark says, while he doesn’t know all that happens during the experience, when he picked up his daughters from the airport after the trip, the impact came “oozing” out of them, signifying their exponential growth. During the evening, supporters enjoyed a performance led by Stan Spottswood ’81 and his talented chamber choir. Guests also heard from Alexia Ayuk ’19, who gave a moving speech about the impact of her time at Good Counsel, where she and two other students founded a nonprofit, A Book for My Birthday, that has donated over 19,000 books to students in need. Growing up, Alexia had a love for reading and learning that couldn’t be quelled, and it was the one thing to which her mother could never say no. The 2019 SFX Society Dinner is scheduled for Thursday, November 14. Invitations will be mailed to eligible donors in the fall. We thank you again for your generous support of our talented students.
Save the Date: SFX Society Dinner Thursday, November 14, 2019 (Invitation only)
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Section Heading
Diamond Anniversary Grand Celebration
On Saturday, March 2, 2019, Our Lady of Good Counsel hosted the 31st annual Grand Celebration, a wonderful evening of philanthropy celebrating the school’s diamond anniversary year. The sold-out event featured a cocktail hour, whiskey-tasting speakeasy, dinner, dancing, and record-breaking fundraising. The Funds For Our Falcons Live Appeal raised over $151,000 to endow four need-based scholarships named for Pat Bates ’70, Dick Burns, Dennis Essig, and Rich Seel four distinguished GC faculty who have served Good Counsel students for over 40 years. Other highlights from the night included raffle prizes like an all-inclusive gold trip to Ireland for four, a diamond sapphire ring, and incredible live and silent auction packages. The evening’s net profit of $227,420 was another record for Good Counsel. The Advancement Office would like to give a special thanks to the sponsors, participants, and dedicated volunteers, especially co-chairs, Amy Lewerenz and Annie Senatore, for ensuring the success of this longstanding GC tradition.
Mark your calendar and plan to join next year’s fun at the 32nd Grand Celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2020.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
2019
Events Recap
Athletic Hall of Fame Class On March 23, seven new members were inducted as part of the Hall of Fame’s 2019 induction class. The Class of 2019 includes: Jelani Jenkins ’09 (Football), Sarah Chapman ’08 (Soccer), Mary Swarthout ’08 (Lacrosse/Field Hockey), Katrell Mendenhall ’95 (Track), Frank James ’62 (Football, Basketball, Track), Joseph Cardaci, Sr. (Football Coach), and Karen Kart (Volleyball Coach). The Hall of Fame was created to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of individuals whose participation in Falcon athletics has brought distinction and honor to the program. Of the thousands of student-athletes and coaches who have participated in athletics at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, 105 individuals and three teams have been inducted into the prestigious GC Athletic Hall of Fame since it was created in 1989. This year’s keynote speaker was Board Member Ralph Boyd, Good Counsel past parent and chief executive officer of The Urban Land Institute. All in attendance enjoyed a cocktail hour before the induction ceremony with a delicious spread. It was an emotional evening as we celebrated all of the inductees as well as the last induction ceremony of Director of Athletics Pat Bates ’70, before he retires. Congratulations to the 2019 Good Counsel Hall of Fame inductees.
Events Recap
2019 Day of Giving In April, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School held its 3rd Annual 24-hour Day of Giving. The school community came together and exemplified the difference one day can make, raising $163,500 in support of the arts, athletics, faculty development, financial aid, and service opportunities at Good Counsel. Good Counsel’s 60th Anniversary was also celebrated as part of the event. Day of Giving gifts mean more than just dollars raised: they are a celebration of the Falcon spirit. Gifts given this day and every day throughout the year illustrate the commitment parents, alumni and friends have to providing students and faculty with an opportunity to excel, serve and love. A record total of 545 donors, including 239 alumni, 104 faculty and staff, and 205 parents gave generously on the Day of Giving.
$163,500 Raised
545 Donors
Mark your calendar for the 4th Annual Day of Giving, April 23, 2020.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
Spotlight
New Faces of Good Counsel We are pleased to announce the following talented individuals have joined the staff of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
Campus Ministry Kevin Abdo has been hired as Director of Campus Ministry for the 2019-20 school year. Abdo has deep Xaverian roots. He is a graduate of one of our network schools, Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore, where he was involved in the XBSS Team during both junior and senior years of high school. His mother, Mary Abdo, is a teacher in the Religion department at MSJ. Abdo attended Mount St. Mary’s in Emmitsburg, majoring in Political Science and founding a community service leadership program. After graduation, he joined the Augustinian Volunteers and lived in South Africa for a year, teaching, tutoring, and serving in an AIDS Hospice. Upon his return, Abdo taught Theology at Mount Saint Joseph. In 2016, Kevin moved to another XBSS school, Saint John’s High School in Shrewsbury, Mass., to take on the role of Director of Campus Ministry. Abdo is finishing his Master’s degree in Theology and Ministry at Boston College. He enjoys distance running; he has qualified for the Boston Marathon for the last four years.
Director of Technology Our new Director of Technology is Matthew CastaneraBartoszek. He comes to us from Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School, where he was Director of Information Technology. Prior
Athletic Director In August 2019, Steve Howes ’91 became Athletic Director (AD) at Good Counsel, taking the reins from Pat Bates ’70, who is retiring after a 45-year career at Good Counsel (see page 4). Howes has most recently served for 15 years as the men’s head basketball coach at The Catholic University of America. Howes qualified for postseason play in 13 out of 15 seasons, including five NCAA Tournament appearances, four league championships, and three regular conference championships. Additionally, Howes is a sports analyst for ABC-TV 24/7 News. Howes has previous experience at the school, having served as a Social Studies and Religion teacher from 1997-2004. Howes, in accepting his new role, said, “Being named Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Athletic Director is a dream come true for me. I’m coming home – not just to my alma mater – but to the school where I began my career as a teacher and coach.” He added, “Our goal will be to make sure our student athletes are having a positive experience, fueled by Xaverian values, as we pursue excellence and championships in the Good Counsel tradition.”
to that he had been a Solutions Engineer in the private sector and previously served for 13 years as Director of Technology at Beauvoir, The National Cathedral Elementary School. Castanera-Bartoszek has extensive experience in both 1:1 iPad and Bring Your Own Device school environments. He is
Director of Annual Giving This spring, Melissa Moynahan joined the advancement team as our Director of Annual Giving. Moynahan brings to Good Counsel an 11-year career in fundraising and marketing, including time with the Boys and Girls Club of America, AARP, and Points of Light. She served as the Executive Director of the Mountain View Educational Foundation in Mountain View, Calif., where she managed a $750,000 fundraising goal for art, music, STEM enrichment, and leadership classes for the Mountain View Whiseman School District. Most recently, Moynahan served as Assistant Director of Corporate and External Relations at the University of Maryland supporting fundraising for various cybersecurity initiatives. In her role as Director of Annual Giving, Moynahan oversees annual fundraising efforts for the Fund for Good Counsel and restricted giving to artistic fields(s), academic subject area(s), sports team(s) and other areas to support the school. She also managed our very successful Day of Giving (see page 34). Moynahan, who has family ties to Good Counsel, is pleased to be part of our community.
particularly skillful in promoting a growth mindset, being responsive, and helping colleagues adjust to change. In addition, Castanera-Bartoszek served in the United States Marine Corps. He is a wrestling coach, having served as Varsity Assistant at St. Alban’s, St. Andrew’s, and Charles E. Smith. He also teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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Class Notes
Class Notes
After Life-Altering Surgery,
Alumnus Spreads Positivity
Colin Potts ’85 is a former high school and college club team lacrosse player, Maryland Terrapin Club past president, and now an author with an important message he wishes to spread: Positivity is key to overcoming adversity and loss. Two and a half years ago, Potts had amputation surgery on his left leg below the knee. He had sustained damage after a fall down a staircase 18 years ago in which he tore a tendon. After more than 20 surgeries to try to correct mounting problems, his leg suffered nerve damage that couldn’t be corrected. After the final surgery in December 2016, which relieved Potts of severe pain he had suffered for years, his life improved dramatically, especially after he received his first prosthesis in March 2017. The prosthesis enabled him to enjoy sports and life again. “In one year, I was walking running, swimming, and training,” he says. In fact, Potts hopes to qualify for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo. The key to getting through his recovery, in addition to hard work, physical therapy,
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exercise, and yoga, was staying positive. “I love life every day,” Potts says. “When we face adversity, we close our eyes because we get so fixated on a problem or a situation that we close out everything around us,” he says. “The best thing people can do is keep their eyes open. Don’t abandon the activities you enjoyed before. Get back to what feeds your soul.” This is the advice Potts gives in his new book, “Woe Is Not Me,” which talks about his experiences and offers advice to people dealing with amputations or other types of traumatic, life-changing loss. “It’s all about how to maintain ourselves when we face adversity and the power of positivity throughout, and how you rebound and build yourself after any kind of loss,” he says. When Potts was relearning how to walk, he was surrounded by stroke and spinal cord patients. “I was shocked by how many broken people there were. I stopped and thanked God for the ability and mindset to get through this, and promised as soon as I was better, I would help people,” he says. Last spring, WJLA, a television station in D.C., featured Potts in their Rising Star segment. Soon, he will attend qualifiers for the Paralympics. Some people laugh at the thought of someone Potts’ age participating in the games, he says. “But I’ve been told, ‘You’ll never walk again, you’ll never run again,’ and throughout the whole process, I’ve smiled and said, ‘You just watch.’” Potts says his journey has made him a better person. He experienced discrimination for the first time, which gave him new insight into others’ experiences. “When you look at life through a different lens, you learn. And I want to help people. If I make someone’s life 1/1,000 better from anything I say or write, that’s worthwhile for me,” he says. Potts spends his spare time visiting hospital patients and speaking motivationally. “I feel like I crossed the river many times in life, and now I’m wading back in to pull as many people across as I can.”
Class Notes
2015 Meghan Lemmo just accepted a position with The Walt Disney Company as a Disneyland Disney University Professional Intern. Post-graduation from High Point University in May, she will be moving to Anaheim, Calif., to work with the team that creates and delivers all training programs Disney offers. This has always been her dream job. Spencer Magladry will be graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University in May. He has accepted a job with Mueller Water Products in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he will be doing rotational projects in design and manufacturing engineering.
2014 Haley Giraldi graduated from Princeton University in June 2018 and is working for Deloitte in Arlington, Va.
2013 Alex Prunka became engaged to Kelsie Clifton of Cary, NC in 2018. Prunka will graduate from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2020.
2012
Chris Brown ’08
2009 Santiza Mayhall Frutrell and husband, Tyler, were married at Mother Seton Parish in Germantown Md., on October 13, 2018. Danielle Lozupone married Ben Leonhardt on November 2, 2018. There were 26 Good Counsel alumni in attendance, including one future graduate. Alumni graduation years ranged from 1970-2014, including Danielle’s father Michael F. Lozupone ’76, brother Michael Lozupone ’03, and sister Ashley Lozupone ’06.
2008 On Friday, April 5, GC’s class of 2008 Alums attended the Catholic Charities Gala downtown at the Marriott Marquis in support of Catholic Charities, DC and its young professional volunteer organization,
The Enzler Society. It was a great event with live music by DC’s ’90s cover band, White Ford Bronco, and fun times all around! These alums are grateful for the faith and sense of giving back that Good Counsel instilled in them and are thankful for organizations like Catholic Charities and the Enzler Society for providing opportunities to continue on this path. Pictured from left to right: Emily Tolson, Sara Costello, Mary Swarthout, Peggy Ramin. Chris Brown married Katelyn Stevens on November 11, 2018. Many Good Counsel friends and family surrounded them as they celebrated, including wedding party members Mary Bartlett ’09, Catie Brown ’13, Joe Hernandez ’08, Matt Obordo ’07, and Matt Eckert ’08.
Alexandra Apgar-Arpin was recently inducted into the Society of Phi Zeta (the honors society of Veterinary Medicine) for being in the top 10% of the 3rd year veterinary class at Kansas State University.
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Class Notes
2007 After teaching English for two years in Spain, Joseph Meringolo moved home briefly before he moved to Madrid to gain a Masters in Spanish from the University of Acalá. Once Joseph finished his two-year stint in Madrid, he moved for five months in Lima, Peru where he taught English at a school in the city. In December 2016, Joseph decided to move home and teach Spanish in Baltimore City for a semester before he transitioned into working in travel and international education. Since December 2018, he has been working in a small start-up company called EdOdyssey that creates customizable immersion programs abroad for high school students and faculty (high school and university) in Peru, China, Spain, Italy, and Canada. In March, he led a trip of 27 students from Worcester, Mass. through Spain for a week and a half Spanish immersion program that took them through both Madrid, Cordoba and a day trip to Sevilla. In April, Joseph assisted in leading a trip of 27 students from Cambridge, Mass. for a week with a volunteer-focused program during Holy Week through Lima and Cusco.
Joseph Meringolo ’07
In February, Emily (Evans) and Kevin Brady welcomed their first child, Dean Thomas Brady.
’09, Matt Augustyn ’02 (groomsman), Mary Batto ’06, Melissa Greene ’07 (bridesmaid), Catherine Augustyn ’10 (maid of honor), Jeanette McCarthy (GC staff) and Georgia Chaconas ’03.
2006
Marie Steinbraker Sessums and husband, Ken, welcomed their first child, Nora Rose, into the world on October 12, 2018. Vicki Anagnostopoulos has recently become engaged to Andrew Papanastasiou and the couple has plans for a “big, fat, Greek wedding” later this year in Bethesda, Md.
Monica Augustyn married Lucas Buck on June 16, 2018, at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington, D.C. The wedding reception was held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Monica and Lucas reside in Los Angeles, Calif. The following members of the Good Counsel community attended the wedding: Christopher Gardner ’06, Kevin Eckert ’06, Lauren Minite Eckert ’06, Charlotte Higgins ’06, Jack Higgins
2005 Matt Sinkiat married his college girlfriend, Lorelie Diestro, on October 20, 2018, at Saint Peter’s Parish in Olney, Md. His brother, Mark Sinkiat ’99, was the best man and a few classmates from the Good Counsel class of 2005 - Erica Alfeche, Ceci Majors, and Russell Songco - attended the wedding. Lorelie and Matt moved and live in Clarksburg, Md., now. Tommy Galt married Alisa Petercuskie on June 8, 2019 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Mass. His twin brother, Deege Galt, served as his best man, and sisters Teri Gosine ’02 and Angie Lavezzo ’00 served as bridesmaids. Tommy and Alisa live in Worcester, Mass.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
Class Notes
2004
2002
In January Luke Rosiak published a book, “Obstruction of Justice: How the Deep State Risked National Security to Protect the Democrats.” Newt Gingrich calls this hard-hitting investigative journalism that reads like a novel about “possibly the largest scandal and coverup in the history of the United States House of Representatives.” During the 2016 election, a computer administrator with a predilection for extortion was caught wrongfully accessing congressional data, while cultivating relationships with foreign officials. What happened next was even more frightening, the author asserts: Congress and the DOJ covered up the politicallyinconvenient case with Machiavellian manipulation and banana republic tactics. (obstructionofjusticebook.com)
1999
Mario Gallareta and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their first child, daughter Nora Emily, on September 19, 2018. Mary Teresa Reardon is currently working as a Catholic Lay Missionary with Family Missions Company.
Lauren Sullivan Rapp and husband, Michael, were married November 3, 2018 in Myrtle Beach where they currently live after graduating coastal Carolina University in 2008. Logan Alexander Demeo was born on June 27, 2018. Alex and Katie Demeo are happy and he is an absolute joy.
2003 Robert and Sophia Whitney welcomed their second child, Risa Marie Whitney born on January 9, 2019. Their son, Domini Whitney, is enjoying his baby sister.
Erich and Kelly Imphong welcomed their third child, Patrick, on March 20, 2019. He joins big siblings Andrew, 7, and Ella, 4.
2001 Claire Steinbraker DiPippo and her husband, David, welcomed their third child, son William Robert DiPippo, on December 24, 2017. He joins his big brother, Tommy (4), and sister Evelyn (2).
Shauna (Martino) Powers ’99 and husband Eric Powers are excited to announce the birth of their third child, Vera Kinsey Powers, on January 22, 2019. Lila, 9, and Reeve, 6, are enjoying their new sister.
Since August 2018, Hilary Stauffer has been working for the United Nations in the Green Zone, in Baghdad, Iraq. Hilary has worked for the UN’s humanitarian agency, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) since March 2016, after previously living and working as a human rights lawyer in Geneva, London, and Singapore. Hilary is the Head of Reporting, Policy and Strategy with the OCHA office in Iraq, helping to shape the UN’s humanitarian response to the millions of Iraqis who remain displaced from their homes after the armed conflict against ISIS.
39
Class Notes
1996 Chris Junium and his wife, Susan, live in Syracuse, N.Y., with their spirited sevenyear-old son, Charlie. Chris is a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Syracuse University, where he was recently granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor. He received the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) Award in 2016 from the US National Science Foundation in support of his research into Earth’s climate. Over the last several years his research has taken him to Tasmania, China, the high Arctic, Rwanda, and several months at sea on research ships.
1995 William Walker is living in Enoree, S.C. and working for G4S Secure Securities. Cara Hewitt Grant established a partnership between the Washington Capitals and Montgomery County Public Schools for the NHL’s Caps to provide street hockey equipment for 135 elementary and 40 middle school physical education programs for over 110,000 students.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
Keith Maynard ’93
1994
1993
Michael Auger is a full-time freelance artist based in Rockville, Md. In addition to providing illustration and graphic design services, he also creates custom paintings with an offbeat style. His pet portraits are especially popular, and he is currently accepting new commissions.
Keith Maynard graduated from Good Counsel in 1993 and attended the University of Delaware. After college, he completed a Master’s degree in Business and a Law degree at the University of Baltimore School of Law. While there he clerked at the Securities Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C., where he worked on investigations and prosecutions involving insider trading, securities fraud, and other violations of securities laws. He has been a trial attorney since 2003 and is admitted to practice in Maryland and Florida. He is currently a partner at Spohrer & Dodd, P.A. in Jacksonville, Fla., where he represents victims of catastrophic events. In his senior year of high school, Keith enlisted in the Army National Guard as an Infantry soldier. He spent over twenty years in the service in both the Infantry and Aviation branches. During that time he spent over
Class Notes six years on active duty and attended numerous military schools including the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Army Airborne School, Army Flight School and Army High-Altitude Aviation Training (HAATS) in Colorado. During his third year of law school, Keith was activated after the World Trade Center and Pentagon were attacked on 9-11. He subsequently served as part of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation New Dawn, where he was deployed to Iraq, Kuwait, and Jordan in 2011 and 2012. He flew Blackhawks for the 29th Combat Aviation Brigade and recently retired as a Major with over 23 years of service. Keith is married to Jennifer Roth Maynard, M.D. of Ashton, Md. She is an associate professor at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., where she practices family and sports medicine. Together, they have two beautiful children, Marley, 4, and Cash, 15 months. They live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and enjoy travel, surfing, and spending as much time at the beach as possible with the kids. Christina McGinley Paul, J.D. is now an equity member in the global law firm of K&L Gates, LLP. K&L Gates has offices located across five continents and has been consistently recognized as one of the top tier law firms.
1986
Robert Merlini researched at the National Archives that his last name had been changed by U.S. Census takers in the early 1900s from “Merlini” to “Merlene.” Authentic ship’s manifests from Italy showed the original spelling. Robert decided to go with the original spelling of “Merlini.” Robert is a retired professional pilot and now lives with his two beautiful children on Kent Island, Md. (Adriana, 11 and Gino, 10).
1985
Mike Reyes and wife, Tracy, recently visited his daughter in Oklahoma City to celebrate his grandson’s first birthday. His son also came for the celebration.
1983 John Hodor was recently promoted from Statewide Director of Sales to Vice President of Sales by the Northstar New Jersey Corporation. Northstar is under contract to Manage Sales and Marketing for the New Jersey lottery. John moved to New Jersey from Augusta, Ga., where he held various positions with the Georgia lottery. He has three children and one grandchild. Dennis Kane, former GC board member, wrote a book about his father, a former GC Board member whose name is on the side of the building. “Man On The Move: The Story of Eugene I. Kane and His Miracle” rated at #1 on the new release list on Amazon (Business & Ethics).
1982 Ed Schreier, a Lieutenant with the Worcester County Sheriff ’s Office, has been named interim Chief of Police for the town of Snow Hill, Md. Lt. Schreier has served the Worcester County community for 30 years as a law enforcement officer. Rising through the ranks to become a division commander and now Chief of Police., Lt. Schreier’s career has allowed him to create and lead a special operations motorcycle unit and collision reconstruction unit. Lt. Schreier has been instrumental in helping develop law enforcement leaders around the state. Bruce Alan Scudder, 55, of North Andover, passed away on April 14, 2019, at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born on December 1, 1963, Bruce was the son of Donald and Lynn (Pike) Scudder. Bruce demonstrated remarkable courage and determination in his brave 14 month battle with brain cancer. Despite the odds, Bruce put everything he had in seeking a solution to his medical challenges while his passion for living was unrelenting. He is predeceased by his father Donald, and is survived by his mother Lynn, his brother Kevin and his wife Kerin, all of Rockville Md., his daughters Paige and Camille and their mother, Lisa, of North Andover, and his girlfriend Jennifer Shaheen of Andover. Bruce’s teenage daughters were the pride of his life. He relished his role as a father. He loved teaching his girls how to ski and coaching their town soccer and basketball teams. Any time he spoke of his daughters, his face lit up. He was an avid golfer and skier enjoyed running and spending time with his many close friends. Bruce joined Miniter Group in 2014 having more than 20 years of professional experience in the bank insurance market. He was awarded Miniter’s Salesman of the Year in 2017. He was known to his colleagues as a wonderful person – principled, practical, and passionate.
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Section Heading William Chambers is currently the President/CEO of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Salisbury, Md. He retired as General Manager of the Show Place Arena and Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Md. after 32 years.
1971 1981
1976
GC Alums enjoying a September day of fishing and friendship on the Chesapeake Bay. They are from left: Rick Miller ’81, Tony Rogers ’81, Tom Griffin ’81, Patrick Reynolds ’81, Bill Serra ’81, Mike Giampetroni ’81, and John Singleton ’82.
It is with sad news and a heavy heart, that we inform you of the passing of Rolando King’s mother Lucille King. She was a special gift to all and a Good and Faithful Servant. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for the grace of Divine Peace for all those she loved.
1977
1975
Rick Ellrod was delighted to have his novella “The World Around the Corner,” a romantic comedy, published as an e-book in August 2018.
1970
Mark Rodney moved back to Minnesota, the land of sky blue waters, after four years back east due to a family health situation.
Mark Amberg recently retired from teaching elementary vocal/general music in Montgomery County Public Schools. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass. and received his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Hood College in Frederick, Md. Mark has performed throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic areas with several bands over the past 35 years. He resides in Frederick, Md. with his wife, Marisa, and their two cats, Romeo and Mia. Mark credits Mr. Jim Shaw, Good Counsel staff, for inspiring his love of music, performing, and teaching.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
1967 Jim Poulos’s horse, Sweet Walela of Sweet Spirits Stables, has finished first twice and second once in her last four starts at Laurel Park. Her three-year-old half sister Redeemed Spirit is to make her racing debut in early 2019.
Roland Sorensen celebrated his first anniversary on January 8, 2019 working as a Production Supervisor at Volvo Group Trucks in Hagerstown, Md.
1966 George Melchor is retired and has been blissfully married for 21 years.
i n m Alu E e t V a d A e S th
i n m u l A E V A S the date September 13
Good Counsel Tailgate @ St. John Bosco (California)
September 23
Calendar 2019-2020
January 2
Alumni Career Fair
February 6
Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic
Good Counsel Business Networking Happy Hour
October 18
March 7
October 19
March 21
Falcon Fest Tailgate Good Counsel Reunions (classes ending in 4 and 9), Alumni Basketball Game, Golden Falcon Club Mass & Brunch
November 1
Alumni Memorial Mass
November 14
Saint Francis Xavier Society Dinner
December 8
Cookies and Cocoa with Santa
Grand Celebration Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony & Reception
April 23
Day of Giving
April 26-27
Distinguished Alumnus Award Celebration and Feast of Our Lady Mass
May 23
Class of 1970 Graduation and 50th Reunion Luncheon
We are looking for members of classes ending in 4 and 9 to join the 2019 Reunion Committee. Contact Collin DeWitt at cdewitt@olgchs.org or (240) 283-3214 if you are interested.
Good Counsel’s Community Partners
Please find in this issue your Blue & Gold Card, which will provide your family with access to annual discounts and offers at a number of local Community Partner organizations. Some of the deals available are listed below:
›› Allstate Vazzana-dooley Insurance Free insurance quotes for the Good Counsel Community.
›› C2 Education-Olney 5% off any tuition (tuition must be paid in full at time of enrollment).
›› FlynnO’Hara Uniforms Rebates 10% of OLGCHS uniform purchases back to Good Counsel.
›› Gaithersburg Garage Door, Inc. $25 off full tune-up and inspection.* * Limitations: Offer valid only for service areas of Montgomery County,
Howard County, Northwest D.C., and Northern Virginia. Excludes parts.
›› Gorman’s Garments and Gear Gorman’s welcomes alumni in the shop! Add personalized class year (embroidered) to in-store purchase at no cost.
›› GPN Title, Inc. $250 off settlement costs with mention of Good Counsel Blue and Gold Card.
›› J&G Landscape Design Complimentary landscape consultation and 50% off design services.
›› Maryland Vein Professionals Free Screening Evaluation for Vein Disease and a 30% discount on Sclerotherapy for Spider Veins and Laser Skin Services.
›› Sardi’s 10% discount to all customers with the Blue & Gold Card (not valid with any other offer or promotion, excludes alcohol).
›› The House of Gbomai
Flower Boutique
10% discount on all orders with Blue & Gold Card.
›› Uneeda Plumbing &
Bath Remodeling
10% discount on all services.
›› Victor O’Neill Studios Donates a portion of all Good Counsel proceeds back to the school.
Thank you in advance for supporting our students by patronizing our Community Partners! Please note that deals are regularly updated/added on our website. For a complete list of Community Partner promotions, please visit www.olgchs.org/blueandgoldcard.
Important Dates
Important Dates 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame ALUMNI – Submit nominations for your fellow classmates and former teammates to be considered for the 2020 Athletic Hall of Fame. To submit a nomination, please fill out a nomination form by going to www.olgchs.org/HallofFame.
Have you moved or changed your mailing/email address? Keep us up to date! Please visit olgchs.org/classnotes to update all contact information to ensure you receive invitations for your class gatherings and other pertinent alumni information.
Nominations are due by September 30.
Good Counsel Business Network: Are you looking Classes ending in 4 and 9: for a career change? Your Reunion Celebration Are you looking to hire new personnel? Are will be in October you looking for new selling prospects? Do We invite you to GC this fall to reunite with classmates during Reunion Weekend 2019! It’s sure to be a great weekend re-connecting with friends and faculty and remembering all of your fondest memories of being a Falcon! Classes 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014 – We need Reunion Captains to help plan the weekend of events and to reach out to classmates.
you want to connect with strong and loyal referral sources? Tap into the vast and rich network of professionals within the Good Counsel Business Network! The GCBN provides events and programming as an opportunity for our alumni, current parents, past parents, grandparents, and community partners to make career and business connections with fellow members of the Good Counsel community. All alumni from various industries and levels of career experience are encouraged to get involved.
GC Network on LinkedIn: Be sure to list Our Lady of Good Counsel High School under “education” on your LinkedIn profile and join the GC alumni-only group. To search for the alumni group, please type in “Our Lady of Good Counsel Alumni”. It’s a great outlet to exchange ideas, knowledge, and opportunities. Join GC alumni today!
Help Us Stay Connected Do you like to stay connected to your GC friends? Would you like more opportunities to catch up with classmates and other GC alumni? Consider being a Class Agent for your class. Good Counsel is looking for alumni who want to connect with classmates, keep them in touch with GC, encourage them to attend reunions and other events, and share ways to support our alma mater.
For more information on these activities and events, contact Collin DeWitt, director of alumni engagement, at cdewitt@olgchs.org or (240) 283-3214.
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Bookstore
Visit the Falcon’s Nest, our newly renovated bookstore, for all your apparel, school supplies, gifts and spiritwear needs. Stop by and meet our new Store Manager, Jennifer Reed and Store Associate, Maureen Myers.
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The COUNSELOR | 2019
In
In Memoriam
Memoriam
We remember those Falcons who passed over the past year. May their spirit soar high. Mary Anne Brothers, school nurse (1976-87) Charles J. Clarke, III ’70 Thomas Dickerson ’66 Loretta Favret, religion teacher (1980-83 and 1985-86) Robert Gaffney ’68 Charles Hill ’62 Royal Dean Hutchinson ’63 John Joseph Leber ’67 Wayne Miller ’91 John Nalls ’83 Rev. Msgr. Maurice V. O’Connell, chaplain (1980-1989) Matthew Paidakovich ’63 Cesar Perdomo ’00 Deanna Perucci ’12 Bruce Alan Scudder ’82 Kevin Sheahin ’88 John “Jack” Stubbs, IV ’16 Daniel Walsh ’12 Brandy Williams ’93 Jeff Widmayer ’73 Rebecca Vincent Witzell ’99
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A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School 17301 Old Vic Boulevard | Olney, Maryland 20832 PARENTS OF ALUMNI If this issue is addressed to a son or a daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please notify Collin Dewitt, director of alumni engagement, at cdewitt@olgchs.org. Learn About Us at OLGCHS.org
COMMENCEMENT 2019 Falcons Forever