The Counselor Magazine | 2024

Falcons to Follow

"Through mentoring, networking, and staying connected, we have the power to drive meaningful change together."

DEAR FELLOW FALCONS,

In this issue of the Counselor, you'll delve into a collection of articles and features that celebrate the achievements and triumphs of our alumni and Good Counsel as a whole.

Each year at graduation, a member of the senior class is awarded the Brother Mark, Good Counsel’s highest honor given to the graduating senior who has given the most of himself or herself to make Good Counsel an exceptional school. This year we take a look at where some of our past Brother Mark award winners are now (see page 6).

Twenty years ago, Brett Taylor ’93 formed the WCAC’s only Marching Band and today, Tom Kramer ’07 leads the “Pride of GC.” Read more about our incredible Marching Band on page 17.

Service and mission trips are an integral part of Good Counsel. Fifteen years ago, the El Salvador mission trip was created and quickly transformed many student and alumni lives. We hear from Patti Perfetto and Sean Hanel about the impact of the El Salvador mission trips on page 20.

I want to extend my gratitude to all our alumni who have contributed to this year's Counselor. Your stories and perspectives truly make this magazine special, and we're grateful for your ongoing support.

Looking ahead, I'm excited about our ongoing collaboration with the alumni community as we work towards creating a brighter future. Through mentoring, networking, and staying connected, we have the power to drive meaningful change together.

Thank you once again for your continued support and participation in our alumni community. I'm eager to stay connected and witness the incredible things we'll accomplish together in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Catie Brown ’13 Director of Alumni Engagement

A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored

17301 Old Vic Boulevard, Olney,

PRESIDENT

John Ciccone

PRINCIPAL

Tom Campbell ’93

2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR | William Riley, Jr. ’68

Hollie Bodiford-Taylor

Ralph Boyd, Jr.

Patrick Caulfield

Trista Colbert

Dr. Nancy DeNicola

Denny Goforth

Claire Wheeler Desmond ’07

Eileen Haase, Ph.D.

Patrick Howley ’87

Consuelo Kendall ’99

Margaret Kim

Leah Kramer ’90

Matthew McCormack M.D. ’89

Dan Murphy ’84

Rebecca Neff

Robert Ramin

Michelle Rubie-Smith

Amy Sample

Maggie Lynch Selwood ’01

Jennifer Smith

Robert Smith, Jr.

Craig Vincent ’12

EDITOR

Jane Bornhorst

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lori Fields

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTOR

Joey Cabigas ’82

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE:

Chief Advancement Officer

Julie Potter

Executive Director of Advancement

Jessica Laird

Director of Alumni Engagement

Catie Brown ’13

Director of Annual Giving

Jane Bornhorst

Director of Advancement Services

Karin Boteler

Events Manager

Amanda Evans ’19

President’s Assistant

Jeanette McCarthy

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE:

Chief Communications and Enrollment Management Officer

Cheryl Plainte

Director of Creative Strategies

Erica Tituana

Assistant Director of Digital Media

Paul Kennedy

Submit comments, contributions and address updates to cbrown@olgchs.org.

A CONVERSATION WITH…

Dr. Patricia Thomas ’93

2024 recipient of the Brother Robert Arrowsmith ’63

Distinguished Alumni Award

Last spring, we talked with the 2024 recipient of the Brother Robert Arrowsmith ’63 Distinguished Alumni Award, Dr. Patricia Thomas ’93

GC: You have held a wide variety of positions in education. What is unique about your current role at the School for Ethics and Global Leadership in DC?

PT: The residential aspect of our school – a boarding school – and the holistic nature of our educational approach are unique. I see the students in the classroom during the day and then I go to the dorm on evenings and weekends and see them there. We talk about school and life and everything in between. I get to see multiple sides of the students. Because my role is partly advising and wellness and partly teaching foreign language and wellness, I am able to use all of the different parts of my background and my professional experiences, so it is a lot of fun.

Location: Northwest Washington, DC

GC: Your work in advising and wellness gives you a unique look into the challenges today’s students face. What are some common themes of the challenges and opportunities today’s youth encounter?

PT: There is generally more anxiety and depression and that is hard on kids and on the adults in their lives. Also, students feel tremendous pressure to make the most of their time in high school and

figure out everything they need to do to set themselves up for an amazing future. It feels to me that there is a lot more that young people are expected to do than in the past. It feels like high school is what college used to be, and that can weigh on kids.

Students also feel responsible for caring for their friends that are going through difficult times.

There’s a perennial issue of isolation and loneliness unless they can find their own people. Good Counsel is really good about making sure there are smaller communities in the school in which students can find their niche.

There are opportunities, as well. Students these days have a lot of good skills and ways of connecting with each other that we didn’t have a generation ago. They’re also really creative in new ways, which can bring them a lot of jobs and fulfillment. I look at teenagers today and I feel hopeful.

GC: For nine years, you served on Good Counsel’s Board of Directors and chaired the Diversity Committee. What inspired you to serve the school in these ways?

PT: I have always wanted to stay connected to the school because I really love the community. My twin sister [Dr. Elizabeth Reeves ’93] attended GC with me, and I met my closest friend from adolescence there, so I have very positive associations.

Former GC President Art Raimo invited me to apply for the Board. It was really great way to have somebody help me find my way back into the school in that way. I found it fulfilling see the inner workings of a place I admired so much and to ask good questions to help a group come up with ideas about moving forward. I felt very motivated to help preserve this really wonderful community.

GC: Our country and communities are growing ever more diverse. How would you characterize the role of diversity programs in education?

PT: It is important for everyone to feel seen and heard. Sometimes a community is able to achieve that on its own, but many times you need a person or initiative that will make a point of figuring out who is in the community, what their needs are, and what each member of the community would benefit from as far as support, awareness and connection to others.

GC: Your niece begins as a freshman at Good Counsel this fall. What have you shared with her about the traditions and values of the school that you hope she will embrace?

PT: I know that she is a student who has lots of different kinds of interests and I have encouraged her to pursue those at GC. I am also looking forward to her continuing her spiritual development at GC.

GC: You recently returned to campus to accept your award and spent time speaking with several groups of students. What struck you about how our school and students have changed since you graduated in 1993?

PT: One thing that stood out in a lovely way was how freely students spoke about their faith development and how many different catchpoints they could refer to that helped them in that.

What is most significant in my mind from high school are the retreats, and junior retreat in particular. It was great to hear those are still really important and transformative experience for the students. They also talked about their appreciation of mass, service and mission trips, and relationships with faculty and staff.

GC: Is there anything you would like to add?

PT: I feel very honored to have received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and to be all the more drawn into this community.

▲ Dr. Thomas spoke with students on campus in April 2024.

NOW? are they WHERE

We reconnected with some past winners of the Brother Mark Award to find out what they are doing today. These are their stories.

Good Counsel’s top senior award recognizes hard work and a commitment to service. When Brother Mark Award recipients leave Good Counsel, they take on worthwhile pursuits and achieve great things.

“I have owned an independent construction company for 50 years. Even though I’m 75 years old, I’m still working full-time,”

Joe Tumulty ’67 says proudly. He is the proprietor of Tumulty Contracting in Westminster, Md.

Tumulty was one of the first GC graduates and the third recipient of the Brother Mark Award.

“I knew Brother Mark. I can still picture him walking in the halls of school. I remember him being tall and lean, and he always had a very nice, Godly expression on his face. He had a great countenance,” Tumulty says.

“I remember him so well; he was a striking figure. He had such a kind face. I have good memories of Brother Mark.”

Tumulty is married with five children and eight grandchildren. His youngest son, Paul, interned with Senator Joe Lieberman in the Senate. “He was a good friend and one of my customers,” Tumulty says.

“When Paul applied for law school, Senator Lieberman gave him a recommendation,” he adds. Today, Paul is an assistant state’s attorney for Frederick County, Md.

In his spare time, Joe Tumulty runs a Bible study group. “I am a lay minister of the Gospel. When you’re my age, the most important thing on your agenda is your relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Conrad Grant ’74 is Chief Engineer at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) at Johns Hopkins University.

“I have had the good fortune to work at APL for the past 46 years,” Grant says. “I spent the first 35 years developing air and missile defense systems for the US Navy and led the Air and Missile Defense Sector, comprising about 1000 engineers, scientists, and staff, for a decade.”

Grant spent much of his early career riding cruisers, destroyers and aircraft carriers, developing the Aegis Weapon System and various American-made shipborne guided missiles.

“I have had the chance to launch hundreds of missiles over that time against very challenging threats. It was very gratifying to see much of that capability used recently to successfully defeat missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen.”

At the lab, Grant focuses primarily on innovation, which he loves. “I get to work with dozens of teams working on breakthrough capabilities (to name a few) in space exploration, cyber protection, missile defense, undersea warfare, use of genomics to diagnose pathogens, undersea

robotics, and the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning across many of these areas.”

“The Xaverian Brothers and other faculty contributed a big part of my personal, spiritual, and academic formation,” he says. “I found a sense of who I was and where I was going in life. This set the stage for my path to become a physicist and engineer, and to have a family and enjoy a life in the community and Church.”

“Service became a big part of my life because of the teachings of the Xaverian Brothers,” he adds. As an adult, Grant spent 20 years leading a youth group and teaching Confirmation classes at St. Michael’s Church in Poplar Springs, performing service in the inner city of Baltimore with high school youth, and with Boy Scouts and kids’ sports teams.

“Very much in line with the Xaverian mission, my focus at this point in my career is on enabling the development of APL’s early career staff, helping them to create new capabilities, and achieve great things.” Grant enjoys traveling with his wife, MJ, and spending time with their six children and 10 grandchildren.

As the chief financial officer at COPT Defense Properties, a $5 billion defenseoriented Real Estate Investment Trust, Anthony Mifsud ’82 leads the company’s capital markets, finance and accounting teams.

COPT focuses on owning, operating and developing properties for the U.S. government and its contractors, specifically those focused on national security.

Mifsud has a degree in Accounting from Loyola University of Maryland and has spent most of his career working in real estate accounting and finance. He also serves on Good Counsel’s Plant Committee.

Mifsud is thankful for the excellent college preparation he received at GC. “Being required to organize your work and meet the required deadlines at GC equipped me with the experience to manage the less structured world of college, and helped develop the discipline to complete projects and transactions in college or at work,” he says.

“I was also the cage manager (for sports equipment) for GC athletics for two years and worked with some tremendously dedicated coaches and teachers,” Mifsud says. “Pat Bates, Andy Guida, Tom Hilton and many others taught me that no task is too small when you are contributing to the benefit of the team.”

Mifsud says he has kept the Xaverian Brothers’ motto close to his heart throughout his life. “Helping to create an environment in which those closest to me can experience empathy, love and harmony to create a pathway for them to grow has been very central and important to me and, selfishly, has helped me continue to grow,” he says.

Matt McCormack ’89 is a board-certified urologist and a partner at Urology Nevada in Reno, Nevada. He began his career there after completing medical school and residency training at Stanford University.

“I gain great satisfaction from helping individuals who are facing significant health issues,” McCormack says. “I have the opportunity, through a wide array of medical and surgical techniques to impact people's lives, often in profound ways.

While a career in medicine was not on my radar then, my time at Good Counsel allowed me to develop the confidence to ultimately pursue my passion after college,” says McCormack, who sits on GC’s Board of Directors along with his sister, Leah (McCormack) Kramer ’90

He adds that he is thankful for the Xaverian values, which informs his work every day. “Naturally, ‘compassion’ and ‘zeal’ come to mind, given what is necessary to be the best I can for my patients,” he says. “Further, I am humbled by the courage and tenacity with which I see patients face and overcome health-related obstacles.”

In his free time, McCormack enjoys swimming, hiking, and reading, “I mostly read books related to astronomy, cosmology and emerging space-related technologies,” he says.

“I credit my GC experience with preparing me academically for the rigors that would come. In high school, I was surrounded by some pretty amazing students who have gone on to do extraordinary things in many realms.”

Matt Zarcufsky ’94 resides in Los Angeles and is the National CEO of Assistance League, an organization of 22,000 member volunteers with chapters in 26 states. The volunteers manage the day-today operations of nonprofits committed to helping others. Assistance League provides education and guidance for them.

Most of the volunteers are over retirement age. “Loneliness is a big problem in this demographic, so we work to get people together, to volunteer,” Zarcufsky says.

“We have an opportunity to reinvigorate the system of volunteerism in our country,” he says.

“The power of a human being to change another human being’s life is amazing, but in order to do that, we need to be present for them for a long time,” he adds.

To this day, he remains friends with many of his GC classmates, including Principal Tom Campbell ’93. Zarcufsky says he still follows a Xaverian saying he learned at GC: “The loving, good person alone can make a difference.”

Kristin Twiford ’08 runs brand and content marketing for a New Yorkbased tech company, a household management platform called Nines. “In my role, I get to share the stories of interesting people through podcasts, written content, and videos — all to help others learn something new,” Over the past decade and a half, she has worked in daily news, nonprofits and tech companies, always in a storytelling role.

“It has taken me to the most unexpected places. I shot an episode of MTV’s MADE with David Hasselhoff, created a behind-the-scenes video story on the field at Fenway with the photographer for the Boston Red Sox, and recently interviewed a former footman for Queen Elizabeth. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to interview fascinating people and share their stories,” she says.

“I also have my own video production business, Keeping Time, where I help families capture their stories. I interview the same kids once every year, tracking them as they grow up and creating time capsules of their childhood.” Twiford also interviews older people about their life stories, including a friend’s 94 year-old grandmother who is a Holocaust survivor. “It’s incredibly meaningful, heartfelt work, and I’m so grateful people trust me to tell their stories.”

Sarah Siegle ’24 received this year’s Brother Mark Award (see page 24).

Falcons to Follow

Good Counsel alumni make their mark on the world in so many ways. Here are just some of the accomplished individuals who are doing great things, and whose names you are likely to hear again.

Hugh Roberts II ’10

Hugh Roberts II ’10 doesn't believe in down time. He is in his 11th year playing professional soccer and traveling the U.S. and is COO of BackYardFooty, a podcast providing a behind-the-scenes look into professional athletes’ lives on and off the field.

Roberts, who first played for the Charlotte Independence from 2019-2021, returns to the team this year. He owns a home in Charlotte with his wife, Jasmine, whom he married in January 2024, so he was excited to settle there again.

“It means a lot to me at this point in my career to be back,” Roberts says.

“Hugh was a mainstay of our back line for some of our best seasons – he not only brings athleticism and strong defensive qualities to the group but his experience will bolster our defensive organization and his composure in possession will aid in our build up play,” Head Coach Mike Jeffries said earlier this year.

Roberts rejoins the team from the United Soccer League Championship (USLC) team Monterey Bay FC. There, he served as team captain. He started and played in 62 games across two seasons. He scored four goals for the club, including the game-winning

goal in Monterey Bay’s first-ever win in the final minute of regulation. In 2023, Roberts ranked seventh in USL Championship in clearances with 144. He led his side in clearances, blocks, interceptions and aerial duels won.

Roberts plays at that center back position, and was recruited to attend George Mason University as a center back. He played the role of striker on the Good Counsel soccer team.

His time on the field hasn’t always been easy. In 2022, when was team captain for Monterrey, one of his teammates was called a racial slur on the field.

“It was the first time in league history this had ever happened; they postponed the next game,” Roberts says. “As captain, I dealt with my emotions and my teammates’ emotions, as well as talking with the league and the front office about how to handle it.

But a lot of positive things came out of that incident,” he adds.

The USL’s United Against Racism campaign was created, and the first Black employee was hired at the league’s headquarters in Tampa, Fla.

“It is not always easy, but you have to have confidence in yourself and take the time to work extra on your training, have confidence in your game and stay humble. I have tried to do that throughout my career,” Roberts says.

“Have the confidence to take a leap of faith even if it’s scary,” he adds. “Don’t be afraid to try.”

Roberts is determined to bring a championship to the Queen City. “This is going to be an exciting year,” he says. “I can’t wait!”

It

is not easy, but you have to have confidence in yourself and take the time to work extra on your training, have confidence in your game and stay humble.

— Hugh Roberts II

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi ’11

Shining on the Silver Screen

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi ’11 achieved her longtime dream of playing Celie in “The Color Purple” when she starred in the new film version of the story produced by Oprah Winfrey in 2023. The musical is based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker.

Acting and singing in a movie alongside Hollywood greats like Whoopi Goldberg, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, and Louis Gossett Jr. was a dream come true for Mpasi, who started her career on Broadway in Disney's "The Lion King." During the pandemic, she created original content for YouTube. Next, she started writing and producing for the television show “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies,” featured on Paramount+.

Mpasi had always loved the stage show version of “The Color Purple” and had her heart set on playing Celie. Although she read for the part of the older version of Celie, the film’s producers cast her as young Celie, which was fortuitous, as she received many accolades for her performance.

When she learned she had been chosen for the part, she was working in the writers room for “Grease.” Her agent texted her and asked if she could take a call, so she excused herself to receive the news.

“They told me they’d love to have me play young Celie,” Mpasi says. After she hung up, she says, “I ran outside and took off down the street screaming and yelling. Then I called my friend, Ashley, who is my acting coach, told her the good news, and then I went back to work.”

Next came preparation for playing the part. Mpasi did extensive research on the time period (1909-47), reading books and watching documentaries. “Fantasia and I had the same acting coach, and watching her act was the best research I did,” she adds.

Before filming, she rehearsed for a month to get comfortable with everyone and the material. The song she leads in the movie, “She Be Mine,” is a soulful number that incorporates foot stomping and slide guitar. It required a style of singing that was new to Mpasi. But the result was a success, with Winfrey calling her performance “a knockout.”

When filming began, Mpasi felt a bit nervous about being listed first on the filming schedule along with Fantasia; the first actors in front of the camera on any given day of a shoot set the tone for the rest of the day.

“Also, it was tricky to remember not to look at the camera, think about where to look, and do take after take of the same thing,” Mpasi says.

The first scene she filmed was the movie’s opening number, “Huckleberry Pie,” sung along with Halle as “Young Nettie” They sang as they played together on a beach. The shoot took play on Jekyll Island, Ga.

“We had spent so much time together that we already felt like sisters,” Mpasi says. “Our happiness was real because we were happy to be together on the beach.” The first take was so good that it ended up being used in the movie.

▲ Mpasi starred as Young Celie in “The Color Purple.”

As a first-time film actor, Mpasi was surprised by the amount of time it took for scenes to be set up as opposed to her time actually spent on camera, which was much less.

“I was also in awe of how kind everyone was,” she says. Whoopi Goldberg was on set on the day Mpasi was being visited by her mother, Therese, who enjoyed the thrill.

“Before she left, Whoopi said, ‘You are so adorable and I hope you do great things in this industry,” Mpasi says. “On set, she was making us all laugh and bringing us joy.”

The two actors connected about their common experience with Disney's “The Lion King.” “I understudied for the character of Shenzi on the stage, and Whoopi did her voice in the movie,” she says. The last thing Goldberg told her was, “You’re going to soar, this piece is so anointed; keep your head up.”

Other highlights of the experience included meeting Viola Davis, whom she hopes to act with one day, becoming friends with Brooks, known for her role as Tasty in “Orange is the New Black,” and getting pampered every day in the makeup chair on set.

“Now I’m working on my own material. I’m putting together pitch packages to put together my own show. I hope to find a home for it quickly,” Mpasi says.

She dreams of being the first black woman to play the role of Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway full-time. She wrote a college essay on the role and loves the show, Mpasi says.

“I’m grateful to be in this place because I can choose the lane I want to be in and the types of projects I want to do.”

Nick Nataliccho ’05

Nick Natalicchio ’05, assistant professor of film and television at Drexel University, is an award-winning filmmaker with over a decade of hands-on experience across multiple industries. He has produced and edited videos for clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Quaker Oats, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, and the James A. Michener Art Museum.

He also received an Award of Excellence from the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts for a video he produced for the National Football League (NFL) about their healthy eating program.

Natalicchio directed his first film in 2019, a short documentary called “The Tides that Bind,” which has screened at over 25 festivals around the world and has won numerous awards. The film follows a man whose hobby is finding messages in bottles on beaches and tracks down their authors to connect with them and their stories. The short film also examines the problem of plastic in the seas and humanity’s relationship with the ocean.

His second short documentary film, “Watching the Wilds,” explores the use of fire towers in Philadelphia. The awardwinning project enjoyed an equally successful festival run. Natalicchio is currently working on a third documentary.

At Drexel, he teaches film and television studies, manages post-production, and is executive producer of the studentstaffed video production organization, Dragon Productions.

Natalicchio recently published a book, “Television Show Trends, 2016-2020: Authenticity, Diversity, Sexual Candor, and Retrospection,” with colleague Yvonne Leach. The book, published in 2023 by McFarland & Company, explores themes prevalent in eight contemporary television series, such as “Stranger Things,” “Euphoria,” and “Atlanta.” It grew out of a course the two professors codesigned.

For the first half of the course, the professors lead discussions of shows that premiered within the same 5-year period and why they are culturally relevant, such as positive and negative aspects of the 1980s that are portrayed in “Stranger Things.”

“The second half of the course is led by students and focuses on what they watch, what they think is working and what they think is important,” Natalicchio says. “Then we tease out industry trends that emerge from that.”

His newest film will be about Villanova University’s Martian garden project, in which students and faculty are experimenting with growing vegetables in Martian-like soil.

“I love that it’s a window into somebody else’s life, work and career,” he says. “I can’t be a marine biologist, but I can make a film about it. I think the greatest tool you have as a filmmaker and even a person with empathy is sharing stories from other worlds.”

Ryan Salah ’11

Ryan Salah ’11 is a financial advisor and partner with Capital Financial Partners, where he has worked for nine years.

“I enjoy the daily interaction with our clients and helping them plan for retirement,” Salah says.

“No two situations are the same, so I get a lot of enjoyment from learning about people’s unique circumstances, what their goals are and putting a plan in place for them.”

Salah started with his firm after he graduated from Stevenson University with a degree in business administration in 2015.

“My role at the firm continued to expand as I took on more and more responsibility. I became a Certified Financial Planner in 2020 after attending the American College of Financial Services and a Certified Private Wealth Advisor in 2022 through Yale School of Management,” Salah says. “Also in 2022, I became a partner at the firm.”

“In addition to providing wealth management and retirement planning advice to clients, I now manage day-to-day operations of the firm while overseeing ongoing strategic initiatives.”

He encourages recent college graduates to continue their education beyond the basic requirements for their fields. “Try to connect with one or several mentors both within and outside of their field of study,” he advises.

Salah, who played boys lacrosse at Good Counsel, still enjoys rooting for the Falcons and has fond memories of his time at GC.

“Attending GC helped me establish good habits and a strong work ethic,” he says, encouraging current GC students to use the resources offered by the school to their advantage. “Don't wait to explore a subject or industry you might currently have interest in,” he says.

Megan Descalzi ’13

Megan Descalzi ’13 is a civilian crime scene tech with the Baltimore Police Department’s crime scene unit. She specializes in operating and directing the use of drones to obtain unique photographs and accurate 3D models of crime scenes.

This evidence can later be used by law enforcement as they try to solve crimes or prosecute criminals. The photos and models are also used by attorneys, sometimes in court.

Descalzi, who has a master’s degree in forensic science, started with the crime scene unit in 2019. Her graduate thesis had incorporated drones, so the unit tapped her to help lead the implementation of drones for scene documentation.

Along with her unit, Descalzi is called to crime scenes to gather evidence. “We respond to every kind of call, from burglaries and homicides to police-involved shootings. Then we document the crime scenes, kind of like on TV,” she says.

Descalzi implemented the drone technology into the crime scene unit after drafting policies and procedures for its use, and

thorough researching on which drones would be useful for documentation purposes. “It has been a four-year journey, and we are just now getting the drones onto crime scenes,” Descalzi adds. “We can create 2d maps and 3d models and take aerial photos. The drones are helpful because they can be deployed easily and quickly.”

Her unit works with approval from the Department of Justice, which approves and monitors all technology that the Baltimore PD uses. Descalzi must also verify the cameras on the drones and validate the mapping procedures before they are used.

Using drones eliminates the need for photos to be taken by people from helicopters, which is expensive and can be dangerous, she says. In the past, a photographer would often be strapped to the inside of the helicopter and hang out of the door to take shots of what is below.

Google Maps essentially ended that practice, but photos from the web service are often old and inaccurate, Descalzi says.

“Drones can also be used by SWAT teams for tactical situations. They can be used for overwatch of large-scaled events and can be ‘eyes in the sky’ for 911 calls before the police even get there,” Descalzi says.

Drones used by Baltimore PD and their operation are heavily regulated by Federal Aviation Administration. Descalzi and the other pilots are licensed by the agency.

She also works part-time as a drone pilot for George Mason University’s Police Department. Her work doesn’t end there; she teaches a crime scene class at Towson University. “I like to stay busy,” she says.

“I believe in what I do and I love what I do, so that makes it a lot easier.”

“Becoming a forensic anthropologist was my dream when I was a student at GC. A lot of classmates probably remember that about me.”

“All the AP and IB classes were worth it because I love my job,” she laughs.

Uche Eke ’15 and Mike (Wallace)Wallz ’09

Uche Eke ’15 and Mike (Wallace) Wallz ’09 never would have met unless they connected at a 2023 GC Falcons Flock event in Los Angeles. Now they are collaborators on the BRiDGE App, which helps people, "Connect and stay connected.

“Our mission is to help you maximize your social and professional interactions,” the app’s website states. BRiDGE helps to capture contextual details about how you meet people when you create contact entries for them on a smartphone, allowing for more meaningful connections later.

Wallz cofounded the app with his college friend, Aiden Gravern, in 2023, although the original idea occurred to them eleven years ago. One day in a college class, Wallz saw but couldn’t remember the name of a woman he had met out one night. “I thought, another missed opportunity. This happens so much. I need to reinvent the contact book.”

The idea was put on hold until recently, when the friends had more time to dedicate to building the tech.

Wallz, a Big Ten Academic All-American athlete in football at Penn State, turned musician who often meets producers, agents and other artists at industry events, was finding that important interactions tended to slip through the cracks. So, after he finished his MBA program, he called Gravern to get started.

They enlisted Eke, a computer scientist and the first Nigerian Olympic gymnast, to be the lead software developer for BRiDGE.

With Eke’s programming talents and Wallz’s proven success in developing and implementing communications strategies for business, the partnership is taking off.

app is in the Beta testing phase, but the duo is already building buzz about BRiDGE.

Sharing stories from his Olympic journey, Eke has been speaking to students and athletes about the importance of confidence when interacting, and infuses excitement about the app into these appearances.

The pair are beyond grateful for being introduced by Director of Alumni Engagement Catie Brown ’13 at the alumni Falcons Flock event in L.A. in the fall of 2023.

“Uche has been a game changer when it comes to what we have the capacity to do and build,” Wallz says. “Not just with what he can do technically, but watching him interact with students and teach, and be in a startup setting.”

“We teach him about business and marketing. He fits in like a glove with me and Aiden. It feels like we have known each other since high school, even though we weren’t in the same class. It has been mutually beneficial for everybody involved.”

BRiDGE helps to capture contextual details about how you meet people when you create contact entries for them on a smartphone, allowing for more meaningful connections later.

The

▲ Left to right: Mike Wallz ’09, Aidan Graven and Uche Eke ’15

▲ Elizabeth (O’Connell) Stanislav ’90 serves on the Women’s Leadership Circle Planning Committee.

▲ Clara Stroude-Vazquez ’96 gave the evening's keynote address and facilitated a discussion workshop.

Good Counsel Women’s Leadership Circle Kicks Off

To help commemorate the 35th school year in which women have attended Good Counsel, the school launched its GC Women’s Leadership Circle with a summit in early June. There, a group of alumnae who are leaders in their fields and communities, gathered to brainstorm and envision a future for the Leadership Circle.

The group’s purpose is to facilitate GC women helping other GC women, including current students, and determine ways its members can help GC move successfully into the future.

mentorship and support of current female GC students and women just starting out in their careers, as well as growing connections with each other.

The alumnae were delighted to see old friends, former teachers and current staff at the event, including Dean of Students Ana Lopez, Chief of Mission and Identity Limnyuy Konglim ’99 and Director of Alumni Engagement Catie Brown ’13

If you are interested in getting involved with the Women's Leadership Circle, please contact Jessica Laird, executive director of advancement, at jlaird@olgchs.org

The summit featured a keynote address by Clara Stroude-Vazquez ’96, Chief of Culture and Inclusion for the Miami Heat basketball team. Vasquez spoke about women’s empowerment and her positive experiences at GC. She said she credits GC with priming her for success throughout her life and helping her form lasting relationships.

Attendees then broke into groups to generate ideas for the Women’s Circle’s mission, such as facilitating alumnae

The Circle’s initial planning committee comprised members of the class of 1990, the first class to graduate women from GC, including Stefanie Generao, GC Board member Leah (McKormack) Kramer and Elizabeth (O’Connell) Stanislav. Other alumnae have since joined in the effort.

The group will plan additional gatherings this year to further conceptualize all they can do for the GC community and for each other moving forward.

Under Friday night lights before Falcon football games begin, the Pride of GC Marching Band enters the stadium, leading students and other spectators to their seats in a spectacular parade of music and blue and gold.

Brass and woodwind players lead the way as the drumline pounds out contagious beats that get the crowd cheering and moving. Even before the game has begun, the only marching band in the WCAC has set the tone.

During halftime, the band’s performances are a work of art, the preparation for which begins in August during two weeks of band camp. Instrumentalists and majorettes sweat it out in the summer heat, giving up their last bit of summer to ensure the show is perfected well before the first home game.

Tom Kramer ’07 has directed GC’s bands and taught music at the school for seven years. As a GC student, he played trombone and was the drum major in the band under the first director, Brett Taylor ’93, during his senior year. The drum major is the student leader of the band - someone who is loud, outgoing, and directs the rest of the musicians on the field.

The band is now in its 20th year at GC and has 70 members. But it wasn’t always so large.

Back in 2002, when Taylor returned to GC to teach, former President Art Raimo expressed interest in having a GC marching band. To generate student interest in participating, Taylor started a pep band that started out small and slowly grew.

“My goal was to make it fun, engaging, educational and part of the fabric of the

community, just like the cheerleaders and the poms,” Taylor says.

He remembers finding a place to practice was a challenge because the school was still located in Wheaton when things got started.

Liz Sheil ’03 was one of the first members of the pep band. She remembers it as a thrilling time that helped grow her love for music.

“The excitement of playing at school events and rallying the community around our teams was truly special. The camaraderie and sense of pride that came from being a part of the pep band is something I will always cherish,” she says.

Two years after the pep band started at GC, there were enough students to start a marching band. They went out onto the field for the first time in the fall of 2004 in new uniforms purchased from money raised at Grand Celebration.

Taylor says the next step was figuring out where the marching band would sit in the stands and where the band would practice. Those details eventually worked themselves out.

“In the earlier years, we were small, which limited what you're able to do on the field,” Kramer says. But the band’s numbers grew steadily, and Kramer eventually implemented marching routines that made small bands look bigger.

“I also focused on updating our repertoire and shifting to build a better bridge

The “Pride of GC” Marching Band Celebrates Two Decades of Performance

between the boosters club and the football team,” he says.

Today, as director of the Pride of GC, a name he coined, Kramer eschews traditional marching band music for more contemporary hits, creating special arrangements of songs by artists like Beyonce or using hits from the year the senior class was born.

Three students, Olivia Booth ’20, Maato-Kona Max-Kyne ’20 and Madison Monroe ’20, helped start the majorettes. Once the group was formed, Kramer worked with them to integrate their choreography into the band’s formations and they joined the show.

“One thing that has been phenomenal over the years is the support from Coach Andy Stefanelli,” Kramer says. “He's really appreciative of what we do. He understands the work we put in and the impact that we have on the game.”

The Pride of GC performs at every home football game, where they play music and cheer for the team from their seats next to the student section, as well as on the field.

During the Falcons’ 2023 season, Stefanelli invited the band to the WCAC championship game against Dematha Catholic, which GC won.

“We had an adventure in the rain,” Kramer said, recalling the stormy evening in Annapolis. In high spirits, fans stuck it out to see the win, shoulder to shoulder in the stands with the Pride of GC.

By the Numbers GOOD COUNSEL

Graduating class of students attending 47% will attend US News Top 100 Colleges and Universities received scholarship awards totaling a school record $45.7 million class of

colleges and universities in states and D.C.

Boston College

Boston University

Brown University

Carnegie Mellon University

Clemson University

Colgate University

Cornell University

Drexel University

Emory University

Florida State University

Fordham University

Franklin and Marshall College

Georgetown University

Gettysburg College

Indiana University-Bloomington

Lehigh University

Marquette University

New York University

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Main Campus

Purdue University-Main Campus

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Spelman College

St. Mary's College of Maryland

Stony Brook University

Syracuse University

Temple University

The George Washington University

The University of Texas at Austin

Tulane University of Louisiana

Union College (NY)

United States Naval Academy

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Maryland-College Park

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

University of Miami

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus

University of Southern California

University of Washington-Seattle Campus

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Virginia Tech

Washington College

Williams College

67 scholarships earned by the Ryken Studies Program students totaling $3.9 million

3 National Merit Finalists

1 7

39% will attend private schools 70%

32,000

National African American Recognition Program Scholars reported acceptance to a four-year college or university

45%

have been accepted into honors programs across 26 colleges and universities

28 students in our STEM Program offered 99 scholarships totaling $5.95 million

National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar

46 student athletes offered scholarships totaling $6.69 million

31 students in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program awarded 108 scholarships totaling over $7 million

attending a college outside of Maryland

community service hours completed 2024-2025

White: 45%

African-American: 25%

Hispanic: 10%

Asian-American: 5%

Mixed: 12%

Other: 3%

Service Trips to EL SALVADOR

Leave a Lasting Impression

For the past 15 years, Good Counsel campus ministry teams have traveled with groups of seniors and alumni to El Salvador for annual international service trips that are impactful for all involved.

“It is life changing. There is there's nothing quite like it,” says Patti Perfetto, one of the trip’s leaders and assistant to Principal Tom Campbell ’93

Students and staff volunteer in the impoverished neighborhoods of San Salvador, the nation’s capital, and provide much-needed assistance to the community. GC alumni also take a trip to the country each summer.

Perfetto says the personal relationships that form and the lasting impact the trips have on the students are the most vital outcomes of the program.

“It's not just the work that you're doing that is important, but it's the people. They let us into their homes and they treat us like family,” Perfetto says. That leaves a mark on the GC students who attend. “It's just incredible.”

Sean Hanel, former GC social studies teacher who was also previously a campus minister, agrees. He and Perfetto say they

have witnessed students change their career plans after going on the El Salvador trip, often deciding to pursue humanitarian work.

“It's not just the work that you're doing that is important, but it's the people. They let us into their homes and they treat us like family,”

— Patti Perfetto

Hanel started going to El Salvador with GC groups in 2011. The school has made over 33 trips to the country with about 600 students.

“It has been my personal legacy in a way,” Hanel says. “I’ve seen El Salvador change a lot.”

Over the years, GC groups have constructed 10 houses, day care facilities, classroom additions and more.

“More importantly, the emotional connection with the people has grown,” says Hanel, who has had connections with some individuals in El Salvador for 14 years and talks to them regularly.

GC alumni who have gone to El Salvador as students tend to go back because they are profoundly moved by the experience. “We have some alumni who have gone on the trip six or seven times,” Perfetto says.

Project Fiat, the charitable organization that GC previously worked with to facilitate the service trips, closed in 2023. Moving forward, Hanel will continue to collaborate with the school on trips to El Salvador as executive director of the newly created Building Futures

Project, which has been established to continue the work.

One of the project’s goals is to have GC and other Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools do service together in El Salvador. In the summer of 2024, Perfetto and Hanel went with teachers from Mt. St. Joseph High School and Malden Catholic High School to collaborate on future trips.

“I am hoping to replicate some of the success we have had at Good Counsel at other schools,” Hanel says. “The goal is to give as many U.S. students as we can the opportunity to go to El Salvador and have a meaningful experience,” he says. “With the post-COVID generation, it has never been more important to do face-toface service and work toward empathy and understanding.”

In the first year of his presidency at GC, President John Ciccone went on two trips to El Salvador and says they were wonderful experiences.

Hanel says while it is bittersweet to leave GC, he is happy to be able to continue the relationships he has built there as well as on the service trips. “We have been very blessed with the continuing relationships that we’ve built in El Salvador,” he says.

TIME WELL SPENT:

Faculty and Staff Move on to New Chapters

Laura Squirlock taught math at Good Counsel for 12 years until she left her position last spring. In that time, she says, she met truly remarkable people.

“It’s those students and colleagues I’ll miss the most. I’ve particularly enjoyed visits from alumni who return to campus and tell me about their post-GC adventures,” she says. “I’ll miss hearing from the class of 2024 and beyond on life after GC.”

Squirlock returned to civil service, working as an operations researcher for the Department of Defense. Years ago before her children were born, she worked with the DOD as an engineer.

Over the years, Squirlock and her husband, John, have been generous benefactors of GC. They are members of the St. Francis Xavier Circle, the school’s leadership level giving society, giving to multiple programs and teams at GC, in addition to greatest need.

Squirlock is also a past parent (2022 and 2024) and has served as moderator for the baking club, STEM Club, and the academic competitions club.

“I have done my best to challenge my students in ways that prepared them for advanced studies at even the most elite colleges,” she says.

Jennifer Smith retired from her longtime role as school counselor at GC in Spring 2024. She had been in the role for 35 years.

“Working with the students as a counselor has been a highlight of my life,” she says.

“The students have given me as much as I have given them.” Smith says. “Being a counselor has always reminded me of Maya Angelou’s saying, ‘People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’”

Smith says she is particularly touched when she hears from former students. “A memorable moment for me was when Rudy Cline Thomas ’96, gave $25,000 to the school for a scholarship in my name in 2022,” she says.

She looks forward to spending time visiting family and friends, traveling and volunteering with the Presidential campaign. “No matter what I end up doing, Good Counsel will always be a part of me.”

“Teaching religion for 34 years here at GC has been a gift, one that both naturally fit who I am and challenged me to grow with each new year of students and colleagues,” says Peg Weidner, who retired from teaching at GC at the end of the last school year.

“I had the privilege of building community here while enjoying the benefits of it,” she says. “I feel as if I am leaving home and family, even knowing that those things can never really be left behind.”

After serving on GC’s Campus Ministry team for 15 years, Sean Hanel left this summer to lead Building Futures Project, Inc., a new non-profit that is focused on taking American students to El Salvador to carry out service projects. At GC, Hanel went on 33 similar trips (see page 20).

Hanel says it was a tough decision to leave GC and that he was torn, but in the end he feels the project will do a large amount of good for young people from many different schools.

“I will also get to come back to Good Counsel for meetings with students leading up to the trips,” he says. Hanel will also go along on most if not all of GC’s El Salvador trips.

“I think we’re going to do a really good amount of work in El Salvador, and it will have a large impact on students and their ability to have empathy for others,” he says.

Laura Squirlock

Peg Weidner

Jennifer Smith

Sean Hanel

RIDE WHAT A

A reflection on a year at Good Counsel

By Bill Mooney ’68

All Aboard!

The great steam engine is puffing and snorting, and the coal car is fully loaded.

Each year summer ends in the business office and summer camp and Camp Good Counsel wrap things up for the season. That is when I picture a large old-fashioned passenger train pulling into the GC Station. The great steam engine is puffing and snorting, and the coal car is fully loaded.

Soon, a thousand-plus eager passengers climb aboard for a ride not to be missed. As they pull out of the station, the beginning of the trip is quiet, almost serene, and everyone finds their seat and settles in for a year’s journey of learning. All too soon, things pick up with games to be played, retreats, clubs to be joined, concerts, shows to be presented, and raffle tickets to be sold. Suddenly, the train is running at full speed, careening down the track and climbing to an unseen peak.

Before you know it, the train comes to a stop. Everyone gets off for a brief week of rest and family time. Then it is back on the train for a mad dash to an even higher peak, where the train comes to a second stop in a picturesque village full of decorations and a beautiful snowfall. Once again, everyone departs for home – some travel great distances, some vacation in the south others are off to ski. But all get a much-needed rest.

And then we hear, “All aboard!” The train pulls out of the station and begins its trip back down the mountain with only one weeklong stop before the ride is over. Picking up speed and seeming almost out of control down the mountain we go. So many things going on it is hard to keep track. But old hands are on board and have traveled this route many times. Everyone

is doing their part, and what can appear to the casual observer as chaos is a wellorchestrated dash to the finish line.

Soon, the campus comes back to life with spring blooms, and life starts to slow down a bit. Before you know it, the year end traditions are happening; caps and gowns appear on the seniors, and all too soon, the train pulls back into the station where it all began. As the train lurches to a stop, belongings are gathered, and goodbyes are shared. Some depart the train for the last time – heading off wellprepared for a new adventure. Most will be back – just in time for the next ride.

Bill retired at the end of June 2024 from his position as school accountant after 16 years of service.

Sarah Siegle ’24 Brother Mark Award Winner

When Sarah Siegle ’24 was a freshman at Good Counsel, she imagined possibly winning the Brother Mark Award one day. That dream became a reality at her graduation when her name was called for the school’s top award for seniors.

“I was shocked because there are so many wonderful people in my class that deserved this award. I was incredibly grateful and humbled because it is such a great honor, and means a lot to know that I made an impact on other people in the GC Community,” Siegle says.

The Brother Mark Award isn’t the only honor she has received lately. In the fall of 2024, Siegle will attend North Carolina State University as a Park Scholar, a competitive honors designation selected based on leadership, service, character and scholarship.

“I plan on double majoring in Agroecology and Marine Science and hope to get involved in various clubs like club running, agronomy club, and bird club. My goal is to be a PhD scientific researcher and make a positive impact on the world,” Siegle says.

“Outside of academics, I've learned that it’s important to take a chance in trying new things and getting to know people with different interests and backgrounds.”

At GC, Siegle was involved with cross country (captain), track (captain for two years), the swim and dive team, sustainability club, peer education, XBSS, campus ministry, National Honor Society and Saint Mary's Scholars.

“My favorite memories are from Saint Mary's Scholars, where I had the chance to learn outside the classroom with some of my closest friends. The Williamsburg trip was particularly memorable,” she says.

Siegle loved competing in cross country and track because of her love of running and being connected to a group of people she might not have otherwise.

"My goal is to be a PhD scientific researcher and make a positive impact on the world,"

—Sarah Siegle

She enjoyed her GC experience thanks to enthusiastic teachers, numerous clubs and activities she joined, and the kindness of other students. In particular, she was pleasantly surprised by how welcoming older students were when she was an underclassman.

Siegle also enjoyed her courses, especially AP chemistry, literature and Latin. “I loved my classes because they both challenged me and taught me so much substance as well as how to study. My teachers also made class so much fun! All of the teachers I had at GC were exceptional,” she says.

“I also enjoyed leading the Sustainability Club, as it is rewarding when other people are impacted by a guest speaker I brought in,” she says. “And it was fun and rewarding to see the native garden that I worked on creating with now retired Director of Grounds John Poulos ’77 flourish outside the senior patio.”

An avid gardener and birdwatcher, Siegle also enjoys cooking, reading, playing the piano, hiking, conservation and restoring native ecosystems.

“I'm going to miss the supportive community and amazing people at GC,” Siegle says. “I formed great relationships with a number of teachers and have made many genuine, kind friends. Though I will definitely stay in touch with these people, I will miss seeing and talking to them every day.”

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School’s Community Partners Program offers a comprehensive way for local and affiliated businesses to support our students and our school community. A portion of the membership fees help build the school’s endowment, securing the future of Good Counsel and establishing an enduring legacy that will benefit students in perpetuity.

The Community Partners Program offers four sponsorship levels that deliver broad-based marketing and networking opportunities for alumni, current parents, past parents and local businesses. Our partners are integral members of the Good Counsel community. If you are interested in joining the for the 2024-25 year, please contact Jessica Laird at jlaird@olgchs.org

DIAMOND FALCONS $20,000

BLUE & GOLD BENEFITS

to Good Counsel parents, alumni, and supporters Enjoy annual discounts at a number of local Community Partner organizations

Visit www.olgchs.org/blueandgoldcard regularly for the up-to-date list of annual deals from our Community Partners. Share the GC love by prioritizing business with our Community Partners whenever possible! Mention your Blue & Gold membership at participating locations and SAVE!

If you have a business or organization that you think would be a good fit for our Community Partner program, please contact Jessica Laird, Executive Director of Advancement, at jlaird@olgchs.org or (240) 283-3384 for more information.

Thank you for supporting our students by patronizing our Community Partners!

Celtnieks Family Worch Family

Triumph Development, Triumph Custom Homes, Triumph Mountain Properties

James Fangmeyer ’83 & Chris Corcoran ’83

Rockville-Olney, Silver Spring North, Laurel, & Greenbelt NE Beltsville E Michelle Gutierrez ’98 & Family

Family

Potter Family

Celtnieks

Phil Mantua ’76

Joe Garrison, CFP®, AIF®

McCartin Family

George Glekas ’91 & Family

Dickerson Family Saiz Family

Shioutakon Family

Schilling Family

Marty Murphy

Olney, Burtonsville, & Laurel

Aimee Loebs-Davis & Family

Olney Studio of Dance, Damascus Studio of Dance, & Wheaton Studio of Dance

Celebratory Lawn Greetings O’Brien Family

O’Connell Family

Snyder Family

Carlos Covarrubias

Fairfax, Reston, Potomac, Kensington & Olney

Kristi Weaver ’96 & Dave Eynon ’97

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center

Good Counsel Connect makes it easier than ever for our alumni to connect in meaningful ways. Looking for an internship, first job, next job, career advice, or industry contacts? Good Counsel alumni can be your best connections!

JOIN TODAY

Beloved Former Faculty HONORED WITH NAMED SCHOLARSHIP

The Boteler and Grabenstein Scholarship established by the estate of Stan Boteler, members of the class of 1972 and others, honors two beloved former Good Counsel teachers. Boteler, who passed away in September 2023, taught English, religion and Latin from 1966-1973. He also served as a moderator for the Falcon newsletter.

Larry Grabenstein, who taught political science at Good Counsel from 1968-1973, passed away from cancer in June 2017. He was known as someone who upheld the values of trust, integrity and honor.

Donald V. Miller ’72 recruited donors from the class of 1972 to start the scholarship because he and his classmates wanted to honor Grabenstein, who was a beloved GC teacher and had a lasting impact on his students.

Robert “Bobby” McAleer ’78 was Boteler’s nephew and executor of his estate, which included provisions to give back to GC in the form of a scholarship.

“He was a thoughtful, well-educated and kind man,” McAleer says. Trained as a

counselor, Boteler was a natural and empathetic listener.

Boteler also had a lasting relationship with his former students due to the profound positive impact he had. “He was the godparent to at least six of his former students’ children, and he had students who would reach out to him to see how he was doing until the end,” McAleer adds.

The scholarship, which will be available to be awarded for the first time in the 2025-26 school year, will support a rising junior with demonstrated financial need who has an interest and aptitude for pursuing a career in political science or education.

▲ The Class of 1972 led the effort to fund the scholarship.

To find out more about how to support this or another scholarship, please contact Julie Potter, Chief Advancement Officer, at jpotter@olgchs.org

PLANNED GIVING

The vision of a vibrant future for Good Counsel is made possible through support from donors like you.

A planned gift can open doors to student successes, healthy and spirited communities, and personal discoveries. Opportunity is knocking for generations of Falcons. Which door will you open today?

Consider leaving a lasting legacy through a planned gift, which allows you to thoughtfully invest in the future of the school while continuing to meet your financial goals and provide for your family.

Have you already included GC in your estate plans? By notifying us of your intentions you become a member of the 1958 Legacy Society where we can celebrate your generosity and hope that it inspires others.

Find out more by contacting Jessica Laird, jlaird@olgchs.org or (240) 283-3384

CLASS NOTES

2024

The Class of 2024 graduated 25 legacy students.

Alphabetically: Ella Burch ’24, Noreen Butler ’92, Andrew Bykowski ’24, Daniel Bykowski ’95, Cecilia Cantarilho ’24, Richard Cantarilho ’90, Sebastian Cantarilho ’24, Jennifer Corsini ’24, Steven Corsini ’97, Annabella Crowell ’24, Suzanne (Magnolia) Crowell ’95, Charles Davis ’24, Matthew Davis ’90, Karen (Beane) Egan ’94, Katherine Egan ’24, Katherine Ferat ’24, Patrick Ferat ’87, Glenn Flick ’90, Jason Flick ’24, Craig Frick ’89, Reed Frick ’24, John Gallagher ’88, John Gallagher ’24, Gabriella Gilpin ’24, George Glekas ’91, Peter Glekas ’24, Edward Howard ’24, Kevin Howard ’86, Derek Inman ’95, Jackson Inman ’24, Alfred Key ’88, Courtney Key ’24, Alexander Krimigis ’24, John Krimigis ’88, Cristina Maduro ’91, Tatiana Maduro-Garcia ’24, June Ottley ’96, Naiya Pearce ’24, Sandy (Nicopoulos) Pearce ’92, Ronald Perrell ’94, Trey Perrell ’24, Jeffrey Popera ’86, Kathryn Popera ’24, Kristin Schuma-Inman ’95, Elizabeth (O'Connell) Stanislav ’90, Michael Stanislav ’89, Patrick Stanislav ’24, James Troy ’76, James Troy ’24, Jennifer (Mariani) Whitman ’92, Luke Whitman ’24

Congratulations to Yousef Yaqub ’24 on his first Emmy Nomination!

The PBS and KCET produced film, “Angel City Press: L.A. through the Pages,” has been nominated for two Emmy awards in the categories of L.A. Local Color and Best Original Score. Yousef was involved with this project as a composer; crafting an original score that helped tell the story of a small but powerful publishing company that has been creating visually stunning nonfiction books about every imaginable corner of L.A. history for over 30 years.

Yousef has been composing for just 4 years, which makes this Emmy nomination all the more impressive. While attending Syracuse University next year studying Political Science and Law, Yousef plans to continue collaborating with filmmakers on projects, and will continue composing on the side. He is currently working with PBS and KCET again, on a documentary focusing on NASA and JPL’s Mars Rover Missions. Another notable film that Yousef worked on called ‘In the Garden of Tulips’ has recently qualified for next year’s Oscars.

2023

Members of the Class of 2023 returned to campus in May for their Reunion One.

Elle Kristo is currently at the United States Military Academy and competed with her team in the annual Sandhurst Military Skills Competition, a grueling two-day test of grit and strength against teams from all over the world.

Over summer 2023, Maura Martin served as a Congressional Aide for Harriet Hageman, one of Wyoming's U.S. House Representatives, through Girl Scouts. There is a competitive application process, and the opportunity is only available to Girl Scouts that are part of the National Capital Area Council. She commuted daily to DC and had the opportunity to work in the representative's office, attend meetings with her, and received a pass to sit in on any sessions of Congress until January 2025.

2022

Kyle Pulliam led the St. Thomas Aquinas College basketball team to the East Coast Conference tournament championship with 21 points in the championship game.

2021

Bez Mbeng plays on Yale University’s basketball team and was named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year for the second year in a row. He was also named 2nd team All-Ivy League. Mbeng helped his team win the Ivy League Tournament Championship. Yale went on to win their first round matchup against Auburn before falling to San Diego State in the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

2020

Montell Cooper led his Marymount University basketball team to the Atlantic East Conference championship with 19 points and advanced to the NCAA Division 3 tournament. Montell earned 1st Team All Atlantic East Conference.

Kris Jenkins and the Michigan Wolverines won the College Football National Title on January 8. Kris was then selected the 49th pick in the NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Mensah was called up to the Jamaican National Soccer Team.

2019

Serena

Julio Ayamel authored his first book on financial literacy.

Cam Hart was the 140th overall pick in the NFL draft, selected by the Los Angeles Chargers.

▲ Heather Hinz was selected 38th by the Houston Dash in the National Women’s Soccer League Draft.

▲ Jameese Joseph was selected 15th by the Chicago Red Stars in the National Women’s Soccer League Draft.

Taylor McLaughlin moved to Atlanta to start a position as a Live Editor and Digital Asset Coordinator for AMB Sports and Entertainment working with the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and Mercedes Benz Stadium. Her photography career began at Good Counsel while she was a student. Back then, she never would have imagined the places that hobby could take her in the future and she is so thankful for the opportunities and people that supported her at GC.

Matthew Spear began his professional career in August 2023 at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in the Applied Chemistry and Physics Group.

2018

Members of the Class of 2018

October 2023.

2016

Keandre Jones signed with the Washington Commanders.

2015

Uche Eke is the lead software developer for the new BRiDGE App. Read more about his journey working with fellow falcon, Mike Wallz ’09 in our Falcons to Follow article on page 8.

2014

Suzi Blake continues her comic artist career with multiple books set to be published this year for Rick & Morty and with Jacksepticeye. She is also credited for storyboards in the official Skullgirls Webtoon series and backgrounds for five best-selling Batman books published in the last year.

Sam Mustipher signed with the Denver Broncos.

Juliana Prezelski was named Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations at University at Buffalo. Photo courtesy of @UBFootball X

Kyle Snyder qualified for and participated in his third straight Olympics.

Taylor Warner moved abroad to Amsterdam, Netherlands working as a freelance project manager and marketing specialist.

2013

Members of the Class of 2013 at their reunion in October 2023.

Megan Descalzi works for the Baltimore Police Department with the crime scene unit. Read more about how she is working to implement drones for crime scene documentation in our Falcons to Follow article on page 14.

Kendall Fuller, a Super Bowl champion with the Kansas City Chiefs, was signed to a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins.

at their reunion in

Good Counsel

Midge Purce and NJ/NY Gotham FC won the NWSL Championship. Midge was also named MVP. Midge is also working with Alexis Ohanian on a reality show starring professional women soccer players called “The Offseason.”

2012

Stefon Diggs signed on to play professional football with the Houston Texans.

2011

Phylicia Pearl Mpasi has had one incredible year, including starring in the motion picture “The Color Purple”. Read about in our Falcons to Follow article on page 8.

◀ Kelly (Lechner) Perraut was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

Ryan Salah is a financial advisor and partner with Capital Financial Partners. Read more about his work in our Falcons to Follow article on page 8.

2009

◀ Brighid Casey was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

Katherine (Bergmann) Christenson ’13 and her husband, Peter, welcomed a baby girl, Katherine (Kat), in May 2023.

Mike Wallz is the co-founder of the new BRiDGE App. Read more about his journey working with fellow falcon, Uche Eke ’15 in our Falcons to Follow article on page 8.

2008

Members of the Class of 2008 at their reunion in October 2023.

Read about Kristin Twiford in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

Victoria (Seng) Nelson '06 and her husband, Hunter, recently relocated to Frederick, Md., from Texas and welcomed their third child, Oliver, in December 2023. Oliver joins big siblings Evelyn and Julian. Several GC alumni from the class of 2006 celebrated Oliver's baptism, including Abena Oteng-Agipong, Kristin (Schwab) Borowski, Clare Whittaker, and Vicki (Anagnostopoulos) Papanastasiou. His godparents are Bobby Seng '08 and his wife, Kaitlin.

Stephanie Matousek ’07 & Stephen Kushlis ’07 married on June 8, 2024 in Maryland.

Good Counsel

Weddings

▲ Charlotte (Higgins) Austin ’06 married Tyler Austin on September 9, 2023 at the Chevy Chase Club. Several GC grads attended. Left to right is Monica (Augustyn) Buck '06, Steve Richter '75, Todd Dickerson ’89, Dave Higgins '75, Pete Kotz (head athletic trainer at GC), Charlotte (Higgins) Austin ’06, David Higgins '04, Casey Keesling '06, Jack Higgins '09, John Witte '09, Freddy Forman '09, Lexi Miller '06, Bridget (Feuerherd) Sutton '06 and Mike Burgess ’87

▲ Katherine (Bergmann) Christenson ’13 married Peter Christenson in Washington, D.C., in 2022 with six fellow 2013 alumnae as bridesmaids.

▲ Tyler Post ’13 married Geanna in Winterthur, Del. on June 3, 2023.

2007

Brendan Hughes published his second book, Markets in Chaos: A History of Market Crises Around the World, in November 2023.

Stephanie Matousek was promoted to Senior Management Analyst at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in March 2024.

Photo Courtesy of The PIE News/@rogerharrisphoto.

Joseph Meringolo was a part of “New destinations and frontiers in Education Abroad” panel discussion in Boston at The PIE Live - one of the biggest events and celebrations during International Education Week. Also, Joseph was featured in May 2024 on the WorldStrides "Changing Lives through Education Abroad" podcast in the episode "Study Abroad & Artificial Intelligence: Meaningful Background for Transformative Practices". In March 2024, prior to the podcast, Joe led a virtual presentation "Study Abroad & ChatGPT: Meaningful Background for Transformative Practices" as a part of the 20th annual Forum on Education Abroad Study Abroad & Chat GPT. The purpose of the presentation and the podcast have been to provide education abroad administrators with knowledge, background and tools to help understand key points about artificial intelligence and background to help support the work of study abroad offices and organizations.

2005

Nick Natalicchio recently had his first book, "Recent TV Trends," published. Read more about Nick in our Falcons to Follow article on page 8.

Lauren (Fenlon) Zumbahlen was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

2004

Fr. Kevin Fields was appointed Administrator of Holy Angels Parish in Avenue, Md., and Sacred Heart Parish in Bushwood, Md. He was previously Parochial Vicar of St. Elizabeth Parish in Rockville, Md.

2003

Members of the Class of 2003 at their reunion in October 2023.

Matt Flaherty recently finished his 16th year as an impactful educator teaching Physical Education in Prince George's County Public Schools. He has just as many years dedicated to his business as a Wedding and Event DJ, serving Maryland, D.C. and Virginia, including being wedding DJ to many Good Counsel alumni weddings.

2001

Chris Prangley published his second book, "The Art of the Sales Meeting." The book quickly climbed to Amazon #1 best seller status in three categories. The book shares techniques from the performing arts to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in sales meetings for higher conversion rates.

2000

Rod Dwyer was promoted to Colonel in the U.S. Army.

1998

Members of the Class of 1998 at their reunion in October 2023.

1997

Kenney Gaskins was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

1996

Rudy Cline-Thomas joined the board of Leeds United soccer team as co-owner and vice-chairman.

1994

Karen Egan received Good Counsel’s Magnificat award at the 2024 Grand celebration, which is presented to a member of the Good Counsel faculty or staff who enthusiastically “answers the call” to inspire our students to excel, serve, and love.

Read about Matt Zarcufsky in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

1993

Members of the Class of 1993 at their reunion in October 2023.

Dr. Patricia Thomas received the 2024 Br. Bob Arrowsmith ’63 Distinguished Alumnus Award, which recognizes an alumnus who demonstrates a commitment to faith, service, and Good Counsel; who has achieved professional success; and who has made significant contributions to society through leadership, volunteerism, and philanthropy. Add read article on page 4.

1988

Members of the Class of 1988 at their reunion in October 2023.

Chris Heck was named President of Business Operations of Aston Villa F.C.

1983

Members of the Class of 1983 at their reunion in October 2023.

Chuck Morton was named managing partner of Venable's Baltimore office.

1982

Read about Anthony Mifsud in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

1981

Daniel Gresh was appointed as Chairman and Chief Administrative Appeals Judge of the United States Department of Labor’s Benefits Review Board.

1989

Read about Matt McCormack in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

Stan Spottswood was named the My Score September Composer of the Month in September 2023. In December 2023, Stan received Good Counsel’s Theodore James Ryken Award, which is presented to an adult member of the school community who by their commitment and dedication strives to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to participate in the

school’s community of faith and to nurture members of the community, to be committed to academic excellence and to recognize the talents of individuals, to recognize the importance of educating the whole person, to fulfill the Gospel call to peace and justice.

1978

Members of the Class of 1978 at their reunion in October 2023.

1977

Kevin Blackistone was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

1976

Phil Mantua and Sandy Spring Bank received Good Counsel’s Concordia award at the 2024 Grand Celebration. The Concordia Award recognizes a foundation or corporation that has had significant philanthropic impact on our students and school community.

The Class of 1976 at their annual Christmas party in Silver Spring.

1975

Classmates, family, and friends of the late David O’Connor gathered at Good Counsel to dedicate the bench and memorial stone named in David’s honor that sits on the Kane Center side of the Good Counsel grounds. The bench was funded thanks to donations raised through a memorial gift fund established for David.

1974

Members of the Class of 1974 Golden Falcons at the 2024 Graduation in May.

Charlie DeSando was featured in an article in Milwaukee Magazine's May 2023 edition, called Civic Gastronomy. He was also discussed on the radio. He has an ongoing YouTube series, Cooking with Milwaukee Community Leaders. Guests have includes the Mayor of Milwaukee, The Milwaukee County Executive, University of Wisconsin/Milwaukee Chancellor, leaders in Education, and philanthropy, CEOs of Foundations, Charities, and nonprofits, and other community leaders.

Read about Conrad Grant in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

Tim Mulligan received the Newcomer Network Volunteer of the Year award from Catholic Charities

1973

Members of the Class of 1973 at their reunion in October 2023.

1968

Members of the Class of 1968 at their reunion in October 2023.

Alumni

Affinity Networks

1967

Read about Joe Tumulty in our article “Where Are They Now?” on page 6.

1963

Members of the Class of 1963 at their reunion in October 2023.

1962

Philippe Hebert wrote a book of poetry about the Vietnam War “Elephant Ears & Bamboo Sticks”.

Falcons Flocked across the country during the 2023-24 school year. Gathering from Boston to Los Angeles, and Boca Raton to Cleveland. Enjoy a few photos from our Falcons Flock events. Read about the business connection made at the Falcons Flock Los Angeles event between Mike Wallz ’09 and Uche Eke ’15 in the Falcons to Follow article on page 8. Check out our 2024-25 Falcons Flock schedule on page 39 and make plans to join us.

Marching band alumni played with our current students on the field and in the stands during the Homecoming game in September 2023.

Poms alumni performed a routine during halftime of the Homecoming football game in September 2023.

Jabari Outtz ’95 Alumni Basketball Game played in October 2023.

The day after Thanksgiving, alumni of our girls and boys soccer teams gathered on campus for games.

Alumni gathered at Hampshire Greens: Dan Cerullo ’18, Drew Ardizzone ’18, Meggie Burgess ’18, Nico Montero ’21, and Pat Taylor ’77

The 2011 Football Team was inducted into the Good Counsel Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2024.

Boys lacrosse alumni played against our current team in May 2024.

3rd Annual Matt Loudon ’18 Alumni Hockey Game was played in May 2024, with alumni playing against our current team. This game raises money for the Matt Loudon ’18 Memorial Endowed Scholarship.

In June 2024, Good Counsel hosted our Inaugural Women’s Leadership Summit. Read more on page 16.

Annual Alumni El Salvador Trip in Summer 2024.

Classes of 1969 and 1977 played golf after Falcons Flock Ocean City.

41st Annual Steve Dean

GOLF CLASSIC

Nets Over $20,000

The Steve Dean Golf Classic brought generous sponsors, community partners, alumni and friends to Manor Country Club on September 18, 2023, and netted over $20,000 for the Steve Dean ’67 Memorial Scholarship. This year’s Classic will be held on September 16.

Over 200 members of our giving societies attended the Society Celebration dinner on November 30, 2023. The evening celebrates the philanthropic impact our donors make on the GC students.

The next Society Celebration dinner is scheduled for December 3, 2024

SOCIETY Celebration FALCON Fest

Alumni flocked to campus for Falcon Fest, held during the 2023 Homecoming football game, with band and cheer among the groups bringing back alumni to participate in game day festivities. Join us this year on September 13 as we change Falcon Fest to “Mario Fest,” a celebration of Mario Gonzalez’s 70th birthday!

REUNION One

Class of 2023 Falcons visited with each other to share stories of their first year post graduation with their favorite faculty and staff on May 30, 2024.

Glitz, Glam, and

GRAND Celebration

More than 400 alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends celebrated an evening of philanthropy at the 36th Annual Grand Celebration on April 27, 2024. Over $139,000 was raised during the live appeal in support of the endowment and the net profit from the evening was nearly $226,000.

Also featured during the evening were the 2024 Visionary Award Winners, celebrating eight distinguished members of our community. We are grateful to Dr. Patricia Thomas ’93, our Brother Robert Arrowsmith

’63 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year; Denny ’66 and Mary Roderick, our 1958 Cornerstone Award recipients; Jeffery Davis and Aimee Loebs-Davis, the Our Lady Award recipients; Karen Egan ’94, the Magnificat Award recipient and Sandy Spring Bank with Phil Mantua ’76 and Erika Clore, the Concordia Award recipients.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 3, 2025 , and plan to join us for what promises to be an unforgettable 37th Annual Grand Celebration.

COOKIES & COCOA

Future Falcons flocked to campus for our 6th annual Cookies & Cocoa with Santa event, which offers fun and photo opportunities for alumni and their families.

See you at our next event with Santa on December 8, 2024.

REUNION Weekend

Reunion Weekend welcomed back alumni from the Classes of 3 & 8 for a weekend full of activities culminating with the Saturday evening reunion parties.

Classes ending in 4 and 9 are encouraged to join us for Reunion Weekend 2024 from October 11-12; for more information visit www.olgchs.org/reunions

2024 HALL OF FAME Induction

On April 14, 2024, we inducted the 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class: Kevin Blackistone ’77, Brighid Casey ’09, Kenney Gaskins ’97, Kelly (Lechner) Perraut ’11, Lauren (Fenlon) Zumbahlen ’07, and the 2011 Football Team.

Athletic Hall of Fame inductions are take place every other school year. This fall, nominations for the 2025-26 Athletic Hall of Fame class will be accepted.

Connect with other Good Counsel Alumni in your area. Read about the professional connection created at the 2023 Falcons Flock Los Angeles Alumni Mixer between Mike Wallz ’09 and Uche Eke ’15 on page 15.

August 29-31 - Miami

September 5-6 - New Jersey

October 22-23 - Philadelphia

January 27 - Washington, D.C.

February 6 - Northern Virginia

April 7-11 - California

May 14 - Ocean City, MD

*All dates subject to change

▲ Attendees had a "roaring" good time at the 2024 Grand Celebration.

save the date admissions deadlines and activities

Upcoming Events 2024-2025

2024

August 29-31

Falcons Flock: Miami

September 4–6 Founder's Day

September 5-6 Falcons Flock: New Jersey

September 13 Mario Fest (celebrating Mario's 70th birthday)

September 16 42nd Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic

October 4 Legacy Admissions Breakfast

October 4 Homecoming Football Game

October 11 & 12 Reunion Weekend (Classes Ending in 4 & 9)

October 22-23 Falcons Flock: Philadelphia

November 1 Alumni Memorial Mass

December 3 Good Counsel Giving Society Celebration

December 8 Cookies and Cocoa with Santa

2025

January 27

Falcons Flock: Washington, D.C.

February 6 Falcons Flock: Northern Virginia

March 12 Day of Giving

April 3 Celebration of Scholarships

April 7-11 Falcons Flock: California

April 25 Distinguished Alumnus Award and Mass

May 3 37th Annual Grand Celebration

May 14 Falcons Flock: Ocean City, MD

May 22 Graduation

June 5 Reunion One for the Class of 2024

2024

September 17–

December 5 8th Grade Shadow Visits

September 24 Parent Information Night

October 4 Sibling and Legacy Day

October 20 Open House

November 1 8th Grade Invitation to Football Game

December 6 Application and Need-based Tuition Assistance (FACTS) application deadline

December 7 HSPT Exam

2025

Month of January

Campus Tours led by the Parents Association

January 11 Interviews

February 27 Admissions Decisions Mailed

February 28 Admissions Decisions Emailed

March 4 Accepted Students Event

March 7 Freshman Registration

Dates are subject to change.

IN MEMORIAM

We remember the following Falcons that have passed away.

May their spirits soar high.

Steve Aud ’80

Stan Boteler

Phillip Chung ’83

James Church ’82

Bob Clark ’66

James Edwards ’73

Walter Ewing ’83

Akeem Hebron ’06

Toluwani Jemisin ’22

James Jost ’63

Bart Key ’62

Jay Kuhn ’72

Thom Manco ’67

George Martin ’88

Martin McGuire ’70

Robert McKenna ’64

Brother Thomas Murphy, C.F.X.

Alexandra Naleszkiewicz ’03

Timothy O’Reilly ’78

Rick Rice ’65

Norman Saunders ’66

Thomas Seibel ’65

Madison Smith ’25

Greg Sweet ’79

Patrick Weisgerber ’69

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this list based on notifications received of alumni who passed between June 2023–May 2024.

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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 Catie Brown ’13, director of alumni engagement, at cbrown@olgchs.org or use the below QR code to update their contact information.. Learn About Us at OLGCHS.org

FOREVER A FALCON