The Counselor | 2016

Steve Katsouros, S.J. ’77 Empowering Education, Transforming Lives A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School l olgchs.org l 2016

“The opening performances marked the culmination of many years of planning to create this beautiful space for our community.”

“I urge you to keep in mind the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who suggested, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’”

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“Father Arrupe is quoted as saying, ‘What you fall in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.’”

“I explained that I could not speak, read, or write Hebrew or Arabic, but that didn’t seem to be of concern.”

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“I was amazed to see first hand that turning a light switch on upon entering a room was actually a luxury in most of the world.”

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Members of GC’s Theatre Company performed a rousing rendition of Cole Porter’s “Another Openin’, Another Show” at the opening night celebration of the Performing Arts Center on Saturday evening, May 14. The piece was directed and choreographed by Kristina Friedgen, and the students were beaming as they showcased their talents on their very own stage.

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“I explained that I could not speak, read, or write Hebrew or Arabic, but that didn’t seem to be of concern.”

P40

“I was amazed to see first hand that turning a light switch on upon entering a room was actually a luxury in most of the world.”

P52

Members of GC’s Theatre Company performed a rousing rendition of Cole Porter’s “Another Openin’, Another Show” at the opening night celebration of the Performing Arts Center on Saturday evening, May 14. The piece was directed and choreographed by Kristina Friedgen, and the students were beaming as they showcased their talents on their very own stage.

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Dear Friends: A blue bracelet has been on my wrist all year. It says: SIMPLICITY. In a year when the community of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School has sought to reflect and act on this bedrock spiritual value of the Xaverian Brothers, it’s startling to look back on the remarkable accomplishments of the past twelve months. Few are matters of Simplicity.

We have completed construction of the Performing Arts Center. After 58 years and going into our tenth year in Olney, we now have a state-of-the-art space in which to cultivate and celebrate the talents of singers, dancers, musicians, and actors. We looked to our past to inspire our campaign. The Brothers’ motto, In harmony, small things grow, now appears over the entrance to the performance chamber, part of a beautiful mural depicting the values of Simplicity, Humility, Compassion, Zeal, and Trust.

At the governance level, the Board completed a compelling strategic plan that is helping Good Counsel address the challenges of shifting Montgomery County demographics and mounting economic pressures felt by our families.

Students signed up for 1,087 Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, the most of any year in school history.

The amazing capstone projects of our inaugural cohort of students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program (now in its fourth year) included black ice detectors and a device for keeping sharks away from surfers.

Almost three years of planning and reporting culminated in our first accreditation by the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools (AIMS) and co-accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

In our first year of reaching out to establish Good Counsel as a school with a global footprint, we enrolled 15 students from China.

That footprint is growing. For 2016-17, we welcome students from Central America, Europe, the Middle East, and India.

Looking outward, Good Counsel students have seized opportunities to travel to El Salvador, Spain, Belize, and Australia.

That’s a lot of complexity for a year of simplicity.

We did end the school year on a note of simplicity. At its May 2016 meeting, the Board approved a new mission statement.

The previous 70-word mission statement has been replaced with: We inspire our students to excel, serve, and love.

Simple.

Warmly,

Paul G. Barker, Ed.D. President

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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

A publication of

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School

17301 Old Vic Boulevard, Olney, MD 20832

IN THIS ISSUE

240.283.3200 I olgchs.org

The Curtain Rises

PRESIDENT Paul G. Barker, Ed.D.

GC Opens Doors to Performing Arts Center

PRINCIPAL Tom Campbell ’93

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR | Ms. Rita M. O’Donnell VICE CHAIR | Mrs. Anne Marie “Nancy” Wheeler PRESIDENT | Dr. Paul G. Barker Mr. Erich E. Baumgartner, Jr. Mr. Bradlee A. Bolino ’71 Br. Stephen P. Comeau, CFX Mr. Victor M. Del Pino ’94 Mr. Michael R. Devlin ’77 Mr. Robert C. Dickman Ms. Leeanne J. Dunsmore Dr. Edward P. Hardiman Mr. Robert J. Hass Dr. David L. Higgins ’75 Mr. Matthew J. Jeanneret ’85 Rev. Robert B. Lawton, S.J. ’65 Ms. M. Katherine Liola ’97 Mr. Philip J. Mantua ’76 Mr. Roger P. Mason, Jr. ’99 Mr. Kevin J. McCormack ’86 Mr. Charles J. Morton, Jr. ’83 Mr. Stephen E. Richter ’75 Dr. Lori L. Scialabba Dr. Patricia A. Thomas ’93 Mrs. Cynthia M. Van Horn Mr. Michael W. Welch ADVANCEMENT OFFICE STAFF: Editor, Director of Marketing & PR Stephanie Wilson Chief Advancement Officer Jane DiGirolamo Director Of Alumni Relations Collin Dewitt Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Donor Relations Chad Sillery Director of the Fund for Good Counsel Katie Rictor Digital Content and Social Media Coordinator David Radford Advancement Manager Debbie McKinney President’s Assistant Jeanette McCarthy Campaign Assistant Erica Tituana Contributing Photographers Joe Cabigas ’82 I David Radford Submit comments, contributions, and address updates to swilson@olgchs.org.

Commencement

The Class of 2016 Graduates in Record Fashion

14 Steve Katsouros, S.J. ’77

Empowering Education, Transforming Lives

36 Mark Povinelli ’89 “All the World’s a Stage”

42 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Richard M. Jeanneret ’79

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IN THIS ISSUE

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Two GC Religion Teachers become Certified Catechists GC Religion teachers, Lauretta Ruppert ’09 and Caitlin Atkins, became Certified Catechists for the Archdiocese of Washington (ADW). The word catechist comes from the Greek word “echo,” and catechists are meant to echo the Word of God. The process of certification allows catechists to become formed in their own adult faith, giving them the opportunity to update and renew their understanding of Catholic teachings. The methods they learn through certification, provides catechists with concrete, practical information and strategies to be effective teachers. In a ceremony held April 5, Cardinal Wuerl celebrated Mass and offered congratulations to all new Certified Catechists in the ADW.

Model UN Returns to GC GC’s first model UN team in over a decade, performed very well this year despite their limited experience. Moderated

by Yihung Mohs, GC’s Director of Global Programs, the team consists of Venessa Nyambi ’17, McNeil Allo ’17, Meghan Deist ’16, Alison McLure ’18, Betty Tasong ’16, Talia Skyles ’17, Caterina Ieronimo ’18, Naria White ’18, Christina Luke ’18, Frank Huang ’18, and Alexis Sahady ’17.

On November 17, 2015, the team traveled to DC to give presentations for the first time at a Model UN Conference. Hosted by the Pan American Health Organization, the conference addressed the topic of “Access to Vaccine.” Responsible for representing Georgia, Colombia, Costa Rica, and Belize, GC’s eight students presented resolutions to the conference and listened to more than 100 students participating from other schools. After all the resolutions had been presented, Allison McLure and Naria White were awarded Honorable Mentions for their efforts.

On April 8, 2016, the team participated in its second conference.

This time, Alison McLure earned the Best Position Paper Award for her work as the Delegation of the Russian Federation in High School USNESCO. Christina Luke earned an Honorable Mention for her work on the Delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea for Performance in High School DISEC.

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NEWS FROM GC

Cosette Ralowicz ’16 Earns Spot at NSO Summer Music Institute French horn player, Cosette Ralowicz ’16, has been accepted to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) “Summer Music Institute” at the Kennedy Center. The Institute, a four-week session from June 27 through July 25, accepts approximately 60 student musicians from all over the world. This program provides Cosette with the opportunity to learn from NSO musicians, take master classes and seminars, and rehearse alongside the NSO. Cosette will be performing in two free concerts this summer: Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and R. Strauss Der Rosenkavalier Suite (1945) on Sunday, July 10 at 6pm, and Overture (TBA), Concerto Concert Winner (TBA), Shostakovich Symphony No. 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 70 on Sunday, July 24 at 6pm.

Kyle Snyder Awarded Honorary Diploma For his first three years of high school, Kyle Snyder attended Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity changed his graduation plans. Before his senior year, Kyle earned the chance to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado, and therefore, had to forgo his last year at GC. In September, fresh off of becoming the youngest world champion in US men’s freestyle wrestling history following his gold medal at the 2015 World Wrestling Championships, Kyle came back to GC to address our current students. He gave an inspiring speech, in which he reinforced the idea that there is no shortcut to greatness. Kyle trained tirelessly and made many sacrifices to become the champion he is today. He discussed his growing relationship with Jesus and reminded students to look for opportunities to strengthen their faith while at GC. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, at the end of Kyle’s speech, Assistant Principal Chuck Ehrman presented him with an honorary diploma from Good Counsel. Kyle has earned a spot on the U.S. Men's Olympic Wrestling Team and will compete in Brazil this summer.

Five GC Athletes Earn the 2016 Scholar-Athlete Award from the NFF Good Counsel seniors, Michael Briggs, Devin Judd, Tim Morris, Owen Peters, and Ike Schurman received the 2016 National High School Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation. The award honors students who excel not only on the field, but also in the classroom, in extra-curricular activities, and in service to their school and community. The NFF “recognizes leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal, and the drive for academic excellence.”

Forty-five seniors from 25 area high schools were honored at the April 10 banquet held at the Army-Navy Country Club.

Army Head Football Coach, Jeff Monken, gave the keynote address and encouraged the seniors to continue striving for excellence. Ike Schurman received one of the seven $1,000 scholarships given to the scholar-athletes.

NEWS FROM GC

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Students Earn First Chair in Orchestra Several Good Counsel musicians auditioned for the 2016 Washington Archdiocesan Music Teachers Council Honors Orchestra held on February 6-7.

They were competing for seats with musicians from Archbishop Carroll, Bishop McNamara, DeMatha, Elizabeth Seton, Gonzaga, Holy Cross, St. John’s, St. Mary’s Ryken, and St. Vincent Pallotti. For this elite ensemble, only a small number of wind players were selected in each section. Congratulations to Jamie Nam ’18 who earned first chair flute and Jacqueline Hritzo ’19 who earned first chair trumpet.

Students Help Paint Mural for Pope’s Visit Every summer, groups of Good Counsel students travel to Camden, New Jersey to help a neighborhood that is very much in need. The week-long service trip gives the students a glimpse into a world vastly different than their own and is filled with service opportunities that provide them with a chance to impact the lives of others. Normally, serving others is its own reward, but this past summer, one group of GC students got an extra treat.

While at the Romero Center, and serving alongside GC Faculty members, Tony Tamberino and Eleanor Donaghue, ten GC students contributed to the creation of a giant mural that was constructed to honor Pope Francis, who visited Philadelphia while attending the World Meeting of Families. On June 23, 2015, Nicole Ballenger ’17, Nathalie Chavez ’17, Cara Dec ’16, Jamie Denton ’17, Hannah Jamison ’16, Maggie Lang ’16, Sam Liggett ’17, Katie Phelan ’17, Helene Mbonda ’17, and Chizoba Nnadike ’17 were invited to take part in “Paint Day”—a day in which five different churches helped with the art project.

The students traveled to St. Joseph Pro-Cathedral in New Jersey to work on the mural. They were thrilled to meet Cesar Viveros, the artist behind the project. Viveros sketched several five by five-foot panels, and the students went to work filling in his drawing with vibrant hues. The mural, titled “The Sacred Now: Faith and Family in the 21st Century,” is a collection of 153 individual panels that encompassed 4,239 square feet. It was installed on the future location of the Saint Malachy School in North Philadelphia.

GC Junior, Chizoba Nnadike, was quoted by NJ.com saying, “I think it’s really great that I can contribute this much. Traveling here, with all my friends, I think it’s really fun to do, and it’s a really great experience, memories, and everything. I really like this type of service.”

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NEWS FROM GC

GC Speech and Debate Earns Ninth Consecutive Title On February 27, 2016, 40 members of the Speech and Debate team competed in the DC/Virginia State Championship tournament. Against a 31-team field, Good Counsel captured its 9th consecutive state title, besting along the way the top Montgomery County public school, Walt Whitman High School, and the top team in Virginia, Lake Braddock High School.

At the tournament, the top six speakers in each of the six competitive events are recognized as State Finalists. Good Counsel alone captured 13 of the 36 finalist spots. The other 30 schools took the remaining 23 spots.

Below is a list of those who were recognized as state finalists and how they finished: Oratorical Declamation (deliver from memory someone else’s speech): Schuylar Johns ’18 4th place I Carolyn Conron ’18 5th place Dramatic Performance (deliver from memory a scene from a play): Jack Elmendorf ‘16 1st place I Alison Jackson ’17 2nd place I Mary Kilgallon ’18 6th place Duo Interpretation (two partners perform a scene from a play): Brianco Obiakor ’16 and Katia Nguyen ‘16 2nd place Joanna Levantis ’16 and Abigail Werner ’16 3rd place I Lora Metrey ’17 and Mahlet Traore ’17 4th place Oral Interpretation (a reading of prose and poetry): Valerie Odonkor ’18 1st place I Kennedy Buck ’18 2nd place I Patrick Ehrman ’17 3rd place Original Oratory (deliver from memory an original speech): Colleen Tracy ’16 5th place I Emily Hall ’17 6th place The above students have qualified for the National Tournament which was held Memorial Day Weekend in California.

Additionally, the following students also qualified for the Nationals: Nora Gannon ’17, Luke Amato ’18, Nick Pascale ’17, Tali Skyles ’17, Will Burke ’17, Thomas Evers ’17, Jordan DiJulio ’16, Aaron Leonard ’17

Student-Athlete Spotlight Chloe LaRochelle’16 Presents Findings at National Institute for Health Over the summer, Chloe LaRochelle ’16 interned at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) research and treatment facility at Walter Reed. While there, she conducted data collection, data analysis, and a literary review for a project researching the differences in the autonomic dysregulation (stress response) of Special Forces military personnel with a history of MTBI compared to non-Special Forces military personnel with a history of MTBI. On April 4-5, Chloe presented the findings of her research at the National Capital Area TBI Research Symposium held at the National Institute for Health.

On November 13, 2016, representatives from Under Armour visited Good Counsel to present Keandre Jones ’16 with an honorary game jersey for the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game.

Keandre is one of 90 premier high school football players in the nation who were selected

by ESPN recruiting to participate in the game.

This year’s game was played on January 2, 2016, and was broadcast live on ESPN2. In the nine years that the Under Armour AllAmerica Games have been played, Keandre is the fifth Good Counsel student to be selected to participate.

Keandre also participated in the American Family Insurance Skills Challenge during the lead up to the game and won the Linebacker Skills Challenge.

NEWS FROM GC

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What a

Success!

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STUDENT CALLERS

Falcons Calling Falcons Program This year, Good Counsel was pleased to have a dedicated group of young Falcons offer their time to help raise money for the Fund for Good Counsel through several phonathons. After extensive training and enjoying a chance to role play, students spent several hours over numerous evenings calling alumni, parents, and friends to share with them how they could make a difference by donating to the Fund for Good Counsel.

The goal was to raise $55,000 through our Falcons Calling Falcons Program. Our students proudly outpaced our expectations. Eighteen student callers raised $57,219 from 418 donors in just 33 days of calling.

The student callers are incredible ambassadors of the school’s mission and have the unique opportunity to personally thank donors for enabling them to experience their rewarding Good Counsel education.

Thank you to all the donors who took time to speak with our students this year. Your support means the world to them—and your gifts are vital to their growth at Good Counsel.

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NEWS FROM GC

132 HOURS

$57,219 RAISED

130 NEW DONORS

The Curtain Rises!

GOOD COUNSEL OPENS DOORS TO PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

"There she is ...Towering high... Broad and grand... Stage of dreams!"* The Good Counsel Theatre Company sang out the slightly rewritten lyrics to Maury Yeston’s song “There she is” from Titanic, the musical. More than 275 students were on stage for the four performances that began on Wednesday afternoon, May 11 for Juniors and Seniors, followed by the opening event for Freshmen and Sophomores on Thursday, May 12.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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Before the ribbon cutting, Dr. Paul Barker stands with Campaign Co-Chairs, Al '66 and Kathy Checchi and Lisa and Dave '75 Higgins.

On Saturday evening, May 14, approximately 250 invited guests joined together in the Alumni Gallery for an elegant cocktail reception. Backstage tours were offered during the reception, and guests also were treated to an extensive student art show in the Litton Gym. Student Government President, Patrick Winch ’16 spoke about what the Performing Arts Center means to the students and what it will mean to future generations of Falcons. Fr. Tom Lavin, Chaplain, offered the blessing, and Dr. Paul Barker, President, acknowledged many of the people in the audience who helped to create this beautiful facility. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting in front of the ceramic tile donor wall, the doors were opened and guests took their seats in the beautiful, state-of-the-art theatre. Opening remarks were shared by Dr. Barker; Al ’66 and Kathy Checchi and David ’75 and Lisa Higgins, Campaign Co-Chairs; and Board Vice Chair, Nancy Wheeler.

The Checchis and the Higgins families made the two largest gifts in school history – $2M each – and graciously gave not only their treasure, but also their time to lead this effort to create a home for the arts.

Al talked about how his sister, Anne Marie, performed on the make-shift stage on the Wheaton campus back in his days at GC when it was all boys. The school needed girls

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PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

in the cast, so Anne Marie starred in many performances.

The Checchis chose to name the stage in her honor.

Dave and Lisa named the theatre in memory of Ellen C. Ervin, the former administrator for Dave’s orthopedic practice, who died after suffering breast cancer. He shared that Ellen Ervin and her family became their dearest friends and how much Ellen meant to them.

The curtain rose, and guests were then treated to an opening musical performance, “A Festival Prelude,” by the GC Festival Orchestra, conducted enthusiastically

by Dr. Richard Slocum. Under the direction of Brett Taylor ’93, the GC Wind Ensemble performed, “Bloom,” that also showcased a stirring video of the construction of the Performing Arts Center from groundbreaking to completion, created by GC’s David Radford, Digital Content and Social Media Coordinator.

There were two speech selections by members of the GC Speech Team, directed by Maggie Bykowski ’08, “Theatres are Magicians’ Trick Boxes” and “The Republic of Artists.”

Stan Spotswood ’81 conducted the GC Massed Choir with captivating performances of “Hallelujah from The Mount of Olives” and “My Soul Glorified the Lord.”

Under the supervision of Laura Fess ’04, the Lyrical Ensemble of the GC Poms Squad performed a choreographed dance to “Addicted to Love,” which was followed by the GC Theatre Company’s lively performance of “Another Openin’, Another Show,” directed and choreographed by Kristina Friedgen.

Donor and VIP names were inserted into the lyrics of “Here She Is,” directed by Rosemary Slocum, which paid tribute to the many, many people who had a role in creating this “stage of dreams.”

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Barker announced that the Orchestra Pit would be named for Dr. Richard and Mrs. Rosemary Slocum for their combined 69 years of service to the Good Counsel music and performing arts programs.

In the final piece, all members of the GC Choirs shared a moving performance of “May the Lord Bless You and Keep You,” conducted by Mr. Spottswood.

On Sunday, May 15, more than 1,500 guests attended the Performing Arts Center Open House from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Alumni, parents, grandparents, politicians, neighboring clergy, local school administrators, and friends, were among the guests who enjoyed an afternoon of backstage tours, performances in the Ellen C. Ervin Memorial Theatre, a student art show, and light refreshments.

“The opening performances marked the culmination of many years of planning to create this beautiful space for our community,” explained Dr. Barker. “We could not be more grateful to those who have given so generously to create this center. And we also want to pay special tribute to the faculty, staff, and volunteer mentors who work with our students in the arts, and who for many, many years have gone the extra mile to ensure that the performances in gymnasiums, rented facilities, and churches, were never lacking in extraordinary quality.”

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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A Brief History IN HARMONY, SMALL THINGS GROW When Our Lady of Good Counsel High School moved to Olney and created a new campus nearly 10 years ago, the school leadership and community were taking a bold step toward realizing and sustaining the vision for the school – a vision stretching back to its founding in 1958. The new campus provided the infrastructure for academic attainment, athletic achievement, and dedication to faith and service. Thousands of graduates have been beneficiaries of the extraordinary impact made possible by this move.

In 2007, we built the school we could afford, yet something was still missing. We continued to lack the proper facilities to support our burgeoning and award-winning program in the performing arts.

A small, tenacious group of supporters, headed by David and Phyllis Bottegal P’04, ’06, formed a committee and began to raise funds to build a theatre at our new school.

However, with the school’s financial resources stretched, the decision was made to postpone the project.

"To those who have given so generously to create this home for the arts, you have our deepest gratitude and the gratitude of all current students, and those yet to come, whose lives will be made richer for their time and experiences in this wonderful place."

—Dr. Paul Barker

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PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

When Dr. Paul Barker arrived as Good Counsel’s President in July 2011, he saw the completion of the Performing Arts Center as a major priority for the school. The funds originally raised under the leadership of the Bottegals provided the seed money for a campaign to create this center.

In May 2016, we celebrated the completion of the dream and the addition of that missing piece – a true home for the arts. We express our sincere gratitude to Ralph and Gloria Friedgen, who agreed to come on board to serve as our Honorary Chairs even before we had conducted a feasibility study. David ’75 and Lisa Higgins P ’04, ’06, ’09 made the largest gift in the school’s history in June 2013 and agreed to serve as co-chairs of the campaign. Then Dave encouraged Al ’66 and Kathy Checchi to join him and Lisa and match their leadership commitment to the project as well as serve as co-chairs.

Many hours were spent in navigating the approval process through Montgomery County. A Campaign Cabinet was formed to lead the fundraising efforts. Under the direction of Board Director, Brad Bolino ’71, a Building Committee was tasked with oversight from design through construction. All along the way, our community began to believe and stepped up with their financial support in remarkable ways.

As we now watch the first groups of students take their places on the stage and fill the theatre with joyful voice, music, acting, dancing, speaking, debating it is clear that our campaign theme truly expresses the culmination of time, treasure, and talent to create this remarkable home for the arts.

Interested in Supporting Good Counsel’s Performing Arts Center?

There are many naming opportunities still available throughout the facility including the opportunity to name a seat in the theatre for $2,500 each.

This is a wonderful way to leave a legacy or honor/memorialize a friend or family member.

For more information, please contact Jane DiGirolamo, Chief Advancement Officer, at (240) 283-3234 or jdigirolamo@olgchs.org.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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God Speed,

CLASS OF 2016

298 Graduates

FACTS

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COMMENCEMENT

213 members awarded a four-year scholarship total of over $33 MILLION — the average award per graduate is the highest in school history

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Largest number of IB diploma candidates since starting the program in 1995

• • •

First four-year STEM cohort

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99.3% of those who applied were accepted to a four-year college

Accepted into 111 Honors Programs Attending 113 colleges and universities in 30 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada

33% will attend private schools I 66% will attend an out-of-state college Of those accepted to national or regional universities:

32% 44% 72%

were accepted to the top 30 were accepted to the top 50 were accepted to the top 100

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Speech Team members won Metro championships every year of their high school career

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Theatre company members participated in multiple award-winning productions

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“

It is clear from the respect and kindness with which we regard one another that the Class of 2016 has worked to embody the Xaverian values and make the most of our time at Good Counsel. And now that we are armed with these values and the wisdom we have acquired, we are ready to go into the world and continue to learn, work, and achieve. This may be the end of high school, a huge and formative chapter, but looking at all of you and thinking about what is still to come, it is clear that this is just the beginning.

In the coming years you will be confronted with many questions regarding what to study, what career to pursue, who to allow into your life, and what your priorities are. As you consider each and every one of these questions, I urge you to keep in mind the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who suggested, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’ This is the mission passed on to us by the Xaverian Brothers, and this is the challenge we pass on to you. Doing for others is the true measure of success in life.

—Fara Clarke ’16, Class Speaker

—Mr. Tom Campbell ’93, Principal

”

”

“

You have shown us a remarkable appetite for service, a desire to lead, a commitment to excel. As you move to the next phase of life, may you learn to see Christ in others. Look up to see the faces of the poor. Look up that you might not miss those in need. Look up to be enlightened, encouraged, enlivened, inspired, and sometimes disturbed by what you see the world beyond yourself.

Stay connected. Treasure the faceto-face.

Find a place for God. Look up!

”

—Dr. Paul Barker, President COMMENCEMENT

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OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL HIGH SCHOOL’S 2016 ACADEMIC SCHOLARS

Class of 2016 Awards STUDENT ACTIVITIES AWARD Outstanding Extracurricular Achievement I

Patrick Winch

XAVERIAN BROTHERS SPONSORED SCHOOL AWARD Student Best Showing the Qualities of Good American Citizenship I

Nolan Collins

THE CARDINAL’S AWARD Outstanding Religious Dedication and Achievement Over the Last Four Years I Maribel Cruz

THE BROTHER MARK AWARD

THE JOHN JAYARAJAH AWARD Most Improved Student Over the Four Years I

Maribel Cruz

THE FATHER BARRY GROSS AWARD Outstanding Leadership in School and Community I

Darien Williams

Outstanding Senior Who Has Given the Most to Make Our Lady of Good Counsel an Exceptional School

Megan George

BROTHER GREGORY TURLIK ALUMNI AWARD Outstanding Volunteer Service to School and Community I

Bianca Obiakor

BROTHER GERALD EDWARD AWARD Outstanding Catholic Student I

Carter Griffin

BROTHER BONAVENTURE SCULLY AWARD Seniors with the Highest Academic Rank in the Class I

Mary Struble, Maggie Lang, Raul Largaespada 16

COMMENCEMENT

Congratulations to two students recognized as among the top 2.5% of Hispanic/Latino students in our region who took the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of 2014:

Kailey Caceres I Raul Largaespada

Class of 2016 Department Awards Recognizing Excellence in Each Academic Subject

I Mary Struble

Donald J. Dalphonse Award for Religion Barry J. Trick Award for English

I Raul Largaespada

Gregory A. Wood Award for Foreign Language Sylvia M. Serafino Award for Mathematics Science

I Jacob Tasto

I Maggie Lang

Thomas Kolar Award for Social Studies Visual Arts Theater

I Iman Schurman

I Rianna Jha

I Hailey Giddings

I Katia Nguyen

Bradlee A. Bolino ’71 Award for Technical Theater Instrumental Music

I Adam Russell

I Cosette Ralowicz

Vocal Music

I Nicholas DeGraba

Technology

I Nikolaos Skiadopoulos

Thomas Hilton ’64 Award for Physical Education

I Katherine Kolberg

National Merit Scholars The state of Maryland recognizes the top 5% of a school’s graduating class as determined by grade point average with the Maryland Merit Scholastic award. The following students have been recognized with this honor: Raul Largaespada Fara Clarke Bianca Obiakor Mikaela Glass Katia Nguyen Brenna Hohl Mary Struble

Sarah Vellanikaren Avery Lacey Jordan Sweeney Taylor Reed Emily Boyle Nicholas DeGraba William Haller

Ariana Phillips Maggie Lang Troy Closson Camille Ampey Christopher French Melissa Rallo

National Merit Scholarship Commended Students Fara Clarke Nicholas DeGraba Erin Hurley Maggie Lang

Chloe LaRochelle Katia Nguyen Allison Stafford Jordan Sweeney

Sarah Vellanikaren John Wavering

Semi-finalist for the National Merit Scholarship Program: Raul Largaespada Finalist and scholarship winner for the National Merit Scholarship Program: Jacob Tasto

COMMENCEMENT

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Several of the 59 International Baccalaureate Diploma candidates gather for a photo after graduation.

As a tradition that started last year, the Class of 2016 had over 50 students paint the logos of the colleges they will be attending on their skirts (and pants!)

GC’s first class of four-year STEM students with current STEM Coordinator, Bill Jones (l) and former Coordinator, Rick Miller (r).

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COMMENCEMENT

LegacyMembers

THE CLASS OF 2016

The Good Counsel Legacy photo recognizes families for making a Good Counsel education part of their family tradition and encouraging the GC spirit in students who are children of Good Counsel graduates. We hope that generations of families will continue to pass on the GC tradition. Congratulations to 16 graduates from the Class of 2016 and their alumni family members.

Pictured from left to right: Front row: Kevin ’84 and Catie Collins, Tom ’77 and Nick DeGraba, Megan and Brian ’86 Crilly Second row: Todd ’80 and Connor Higgins, Jennifer and Thomas ’77 McMullen, David ’82 and Jaclyn Troutner, Colleen and Kevin ’11 Tracy (honoring the legacy of their father, Tom ’76) Third row: Thomas and David ’75 O’Connor, Tim and Jim ’68 Griffin, Joey and Jim ’79 Norris Last row: Kevin ’82 and Ian McCann, Jeff ’84 and Tori Yeakle, Abby and Pete ’83 Wilson, Xavier and James ’83 Fangmeyer Not pictured: Tim ’76 and Cara Dec, Dennis ’83 and Owen Kane

COMMENCEMENT

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2016 NCAA STUDENT-ATHLETES

The Robert L. Windlan Outstanding Male and Female Athlete Awards

The Brother Remigius Trophy Student-athletes who best exhibit the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity:

Megan Crilly and David Powell

JACK WAVERING 20

COMMENCEMENT

LEXI RIEU

Joey Norris A Senior’s Perspective For Senior Joey Norris, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School was in his blood. “Every one of my uncles went here, and my dad did too, so it’s just kind of a family thing,” Joey said as he explained why coming to GC was an easy choice for him. “I’m a big sports guy, so the football team didn’t hurt either,” he added with a playful smile.

Joey didn’t come to GC the same way his classmates did, as a wide-eyed ninth grader whose greatest concerns were making new friends and keeping up with an increased homework load. Having been diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in August of 2008, when he was only ten-years-old, Joey had already fought and won a battle that had forced him to mature beyond his years.

In 2010, still two years before he entered GC, Joey relapsed and had to begin the fight all over. This time, he remained in treatment until January of his sophomore year, meaning he carried a heavier burden than the average freshman. “I had to grow up a little sooner,” he reflected,

ber, ulty mem with fac g aved. u h h s s a res ead wa h r e h Joey sha r e tkins, aft Caitlin A

Joey and his family (pictured above) visited his medical team at Children's National Medical Center immediately after graduation.

“but everything happens for a reason. That’s what I believe.

I love the life I have now, so I have no regrets.”

It is easy to see why Joey has no regrets. Despite an experience that could leave someone his age justifiably bitter, full of self-pity, or at the very least extremely cautious and closed off, Joey refused to let it take him off course.

He jumped into his freshman year with both feet, becoming involved in the life of the school and garnering friends along the way. He didn’t keep his condition a secret from his friends, but he didn’t allow it to be his defining narrative either. Although his treatment prevented him from engaging in contact, Joey joined the Freshman Football team. He became the manager and, even though it isn’t in the manager’s job description, he participated in every non-contact drill they completed in practice. “A month before school even started, I really cemented myself with the guys in the football program,” Joey reminisced, looking proud of the person he had been four years ago, before adding “and I also ran for SGA in my freshman year.”

Of all the things that Joey became involved in that first year, the most important to him is the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.

A family friend, Cassidy Williams ’15, introduced GC to ON CAMPUS

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St. Baldrick’s during Joey’s freshman year. St. Baldrick’s is a childhood cancer charity that funds the most promising research to find cures. Each year, they hold head-shaving events to help raise both awareness and funds for their efforts. Cassidy encouraged Joey to join her in getting the head-shaving event at GC off the ground. In his freshman and sophomore years, Joey helped Cassidy raise awareness for the event and encouraged his friends and other classmates to participate.

Joey addressed the student body during the first Shave for the Brave event, with fellow student and cancer survivor, Kyle Fritsche.

After Cassidy graduated, Joey took on the program himself. He continued to share his story with his classmates, hoping to inspire them to participate in the event. He encouraged faculty and staff to lead by example by getting their heads shaved as well. When a fellow Falcon, Kyle Fritsche '18, was diagnosed with cancer in his freshman year, Joey brought him into the program. “Hopefully, Kyle will take it over next year. I want it to be a Good Counsel tradition,” Joey said emphatically.

When asked about his favorite memories at GC, Joey went right back to the St. Baldrick’s events. “It is a great organization,” he explained, “It is a great thing for young cancer patients, who feel like they’re the only ones. It just gives them the sense that they are not alone.” It is obvious

from the passion with which he talks about it, that as long as Joey Norris is in the world, those young cancer patients will never be alone. Then, with the sly smile returning to his face, Joey added, “Whenever we beat DeMatha in football were pretty good memories, too.”

An Honored

HERO Kyle Fritschi ’18 was named the Leukemia

and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) 2016 Student of the Year Honored Hero. The Student of the Year campaign is a six-week initiative in which nominated high school students participate in a fundraising competition to benefit the LLS. Four Good Counsel students, Jacob Wright, Abby Neff, Tyler Goehrung, and Kyle Mitchell, helped raise over $77,000 for the campaign. Kyle and his battle with cancer served as their inspiration.

For his part, Kyle gave several speeches to the Student of the Year candidates at events hosted by the LLS. Many of the candidates then invited Kyle to their schools or

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fundraising events to speak. In all, he spoke at assemblies at Walt Whitman H.S., Bethesda Chevy Chase H.S., and the Academy of the Holy Cross, as well as at a fundraising event for the candidates from Flint Hill School in Virginia. Finally, Kyle gave a speech at the Student of the Year gala, where he also had the honor of announcing the grand total of funds raised.

Our Lady of Good Counsel High School is extremely proud of Kyle and the incredible courage he displayed while receiving treatment. The fact that he has now taken up the fight to try and better the lives of those who may one day find themselves in his shoes is truly an inspiration to everyone in the GC community.

The first class of international students enrolled in Good Counsel’s Global Program.

Going Global A YEAR LATER "Four years ago, my family was searching for a perfect high school for our daughter. We fell in love with Good Counsel the moment we set foot in the bright, friendly, and welcoming halls. Fast forward to today. Our daughter is well prepared for her choice of colleges, our son has been accepted into the popular STEM program, and I am helping kids around the world find their places at Good Counsel.

Talk about 'all in!'

Global Programs was established to increase the international mindedness at Good Counsel. We do this by enrolling degree seeking, like-minded, international students; by establishing a Global Buddies Club to encourage extracurricular activities; and by orchestrating cultural exchange opportunities in the larger community.

Fifteen students from China entered the Global Programs in the summer of 2015, and what an amazing group they are! From swim team to cross country to theater, from making the Principal’s List to Science Student of the Month, they have brought fresh perspectives and new energy to the school community. More than 25 Good Counsel students signed up to be their 'buddies.' The buddies met via Chat Room months before the international students

set foot in the United States. Through fun tours around Washington, DC; 'Lunch Around the World' projects; and weekend outings to bowling alleys and movies — friendships blossomed.

Beyond the Global Buddies Club, Good Counsel participated for the first time in the International Education Week, a nationwide effort by the State Department and Education Department. Students learned about study-abroad opportunities, international career choices, and what it might be like to host international students in their homes.

Model UN was also relaunched at GC to enable students to consider global issues from other countries’ perspectives.

Looking ahead, we have already received applications from Iran, France, Nigeria, Colombia, Uganda and beyond. While we carefully consider our growth potential, there is little wonder why Good Counsel is so well received beyond the US. Good Counsel students are poised to make the world a better place, and our family is so honored to be part of the effort."

Yihung Mohs Global Programs Director

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“Good Counsel lets you know how talented you are,” Frank Huang ’18 said.“The moment I was accepted, I thought ‘I want to make something out of myself.’ Now, I have already accomplished many of my goals including making friends with American students, finishing my first swimming competition, creating the Chinese Culture Club, making an amazing video about GC, and attending the Model UN conference at the US State Department. I ran for the SGA class representative, and I was elected!”

Global Program students celebrating the Chinese New Year with GC faculty members

The Cambridge Institute of International Education, an educational consulting firm that strengthens the ability of American private high schools to educate international students, recently began the “I Love My School” video contest. First-year GC International student, Frank Huang, took third place in the competition.

“I was passionate about the video contest as soon as I saw it,” Frank explained. “I wanted to show people our unique and diverse IB World School and the amazing campus.”

Frank put a lot of time into making his video, which was one of the first film projects he produced. He admits that he couldn’t have done it alone. “I asked a lot of students and teachers for help. The process of making this video helped me meet many people in our school and make many friends.”

Global Buddies Christmas Party

Frank already loves his new community and is excited about returning next year. Smiling from ear to ear, he said, “I want people all over the world to know how special this place is.”

Frank Huang (center), along with other international students, speak to Dr. Barker after meeting their host families and visiting the GC campus for the first time.

For our upcoming school year, we look forward to welcoming students from China, Taiwan, Iran, France, Mexico, India, Austria, and Germany.

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#YILOVEGC There are so many reasons to LOVE GC. Tell us yours on:

Just search for OLGCHS ON CAMPUS

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The Heart of the Lesson Based on the college course offerings that combine community service with classroom instruction, Good Counsel started service learning as a senior-only religion class six years ago. The objective of the course is for students to learn about social issues, identify some of the needs of our society, and determine what they can do to make a difference. The course emphasizes critical thinking and personal reflection while encouraging a heightened sense of community, civic engagement, and personal responsibility. Unfortunately, leaving the building during the school day made it difficult to continue the class, so it was revamped as a thriving summer course.

The service learning class at Good Counsel is the only summer service-learning program for an academic credit in the area. The course lasts for two, 40-hour weeks of study split between classroom work, independent work, and community service. Service projects are tied into the lessons in the class. “It’s a lot of work,” said Jen Cabigas, one of the service learning teachers. Catholic social teachings are put into the forefront of the class. “Enrolling in this type of class in the summer says a lot about the kids,” she adds.

“Demonstrating this type of passion for community service shows the type of students we have at GC.” The food drive is one of the first projects offered in the summer. Good Counsel partnered with Shoppers Food Warehouse and Safeway to collect food; however, the student experience goes beyond simply gathering cans of corn or boxes of pasta. “It’s extremely educational, since they learn to interact with and explain to the customers what food is needed and why. Students do a lot of research

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and gather real statistics of those most in need—the elderly, children, students that participate in the free lunch programs, and more,” said Jen. “They become advocates for those in need and create posters with data on their research findings. The students prepare themselves for what to say, how to say it, and how to respond to shoppers.”

Service learning students also look at issues related to immigrants and refugees. They learn about their impact coming into Montgomery County and how our community is helping to serve that population. The students work with St. Maria’s Meals, an organization through Catholic Charities

that serves breakfast, literally on the street in Langley Park, MD. “Most of the people they serve are immigrants and day laborers, so the students learn the dynamics that exists between those who come well-intentioned to serve meals and the people they serve,” Jen explained. “There are people who may be afraid to trust the servers or approach them for their breakfast. There’s a fear of deportation. Our students learn to have a disarming presence and to look at these issues without judgment. The experience helps to break down stereotypes.”

With Pope Francis’s encyclical focusing on the environment, the service learning class also works with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to learn how the bay plays a role in the ecosystem in our area. Afterwards, the class visits the Chesapeake Bay for a service project.

“The goal of the course is to give our students a variety of experiences over the two weeks, so hopefully, everyone in

that class is inspired by one of those encounters,” Jen said.

“We want them to find something so interesting, that maybe from it, they will find an issue worth pursuing in college.”

Jen believes that the beauty of the class is that it allows the students to process a meaningful experience together and reflect on it—not in isolation, and not done hastily just to complete the yearly required service hours.

Senior, Darien Williams, participated in the class last summer. “You don’t need to do a big service project to make a difference. It’s the little things that matter,” he said.

“Go to a food bank, visit the elderly, or visit an animal rescue center. I learned about privilege and that some people are guaranteed an unsuccessful path based on their social background, ethnicity, and such. The community service at GC, and the experiences in this class, made a huge impact on me. I will be attending Rutgers University in the fall as a recipient of a scholarship to participate in a service program.”

Student Observations...The Service Learning Experience Excerpts from a Journal by Jen Cabigas, Service Learning Teacher Students had tremendous energy and courage during the food drive. They approached customers warmly asking for donations, and they enthusiastically cheered each time they received one. There were occasions when a customer declined to donate. One student commented that a customer said, “I didn’t think there were any poor people in Olney.” This reflects a myth about our local demographics.

Two of the four local elementary schools have a high percentage of students participating in free or reduced lunches. Many customers donated child-friendly drinks and snacks in light of that information.

Another student observed, “Our team worked together and our energy bounced off each other. All of us took turns approaching people. I would definitely do it again.”

Students also had the opportunity to speak to people in need. In one case, students put a man on the phone with Olney HELP so he could request financial assistance. He had been out of work since moving to the area four years ago and has been living without electricity since December. We keep him in our prayers, and we give thanks for the work that Olney HELP does for our local community.

In a conversation with another man in need, a student recounted, “He couldn’t afford to buy items for Olney HELP, but he said the organization was supporting him and providing him with food.”

These interactions are a testament to the impact that our food pantry has on our local community.

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EVA PEARSON ’16

CAROLINE TIPPETT ’17 MAX ALLEN ’16

A PIXELATED VIEW Longtime, semi-retired teacher and professional photographer, Tom Hilton ’64, offered a digital photography class as an elective credit this year. Here are several beautiful images created by our talented students.

SPENCER PEDERSON ’16 28

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GC Boys Cross Country 2015 Season Good Counsel Cross Country Coach Tom Arnold is the very definition of the word "demanding." Before the summer begins, the time when most high schoolers look to unwind and unburden themselves of the demands of a school as rigorous as GC, Coach Arnold emails each of his runners a training schedule. He sets time and distance targets for them hit. For team captain Jack Wavering, it required waking up at 4:45 AM every weekday morning over the summer to be able to hit those targets. That is the type of dedication that Coach Arnold demands, and gets, out of his athletes.

It takes a special kind of coach to ask so much of their athletes. As senior Kevin McGivern said at the beginning of the season, “Coach Arnold is a better leader than most.

Running for him is hard work, but it definitely has its payoffs.”

The payoff for Kevin, Jack, and the other seniors on the Boys Cross Country Team has been three consecutive WCAC championship titles as well as three consecutive Maryland state titles. Jack Wavering was also selected as a 2015 First Team All-Met, and as Coach Arnold describes him is “the top individual in the state of Maryland.” In this year’s WCAC championship meet, the boys placed first, second, third, fourth and eighth, scoring 18 points, which is only three points away from a perfect score. “That’s not easy to do,” Coach Arnold points out, “Our guys ran spectacularly well.”

For Jack Wavering it wasn’t the accolades or the championships that pushed him. “My teammates are my most important source of motivation,” he said, “I can see that we are all working towards the same goal.

Whenever I am around them, I can see all the hard work that we are putting in together, and it helps me want to be better, for them.”

Head Coach: Tom Arnold Assistant Coach: Kara Riely Captain: Jack Wavering Individual achievements: Jack Wavering ’16 1st Team All Met

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GC GIRLS SOCCER

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Nia Dorsey ’16, 1st team and POY in the WCAC, 1st team All State, MVP Mandi Wilson ’16, 1st team WCAC, 1st team All State, Coaches Award Heather Hinz ’19, 1st Team WCAC, 2nd team All State Chloe Chapman ’19, 2nd team WCAC, HM All State Jenna Beck ’16, HM WCAC Johanna Dunkers ’19, HM WCAC Keelin Ferris ’18, HM WCAC Head Coach: Jim Bruno Assistants: Kevin Layton, Fred Tamayo, Walter Tombini Captains: Julia Abbott, Nia Dorsey, Dana Reed, Mandi Wilson Record: 12-1-4 WCAC Champions

2015 Season

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Good Counsel Girls Soccer won its fourth consecutive WCAC championship this year, which is their sixth in the last seven years, and their eleventh all time. Suffice it to say; they have a history of excellence, so the fact that this was the best defensive team ever to take the field for GC says something.

The Falcons only allowed their opponents five goals all season. Nearly all of those goals came during games early in the schedule while the team was still attempting to gel. A rash of injuries to several of last year’s key starters forced new players to step up. It took some time for them to learn how to play together, to become accustomed to each other’s style.

After a tough 0-1 mid-season loss against the Academy of the Holy Cross, they went on a six-game winning streak, scoring 13 goals and allowing only one to close out the season.

An unprecedented seven freshmen made the varsity team this year. Even more astonishing is that five of those freshmen started in the championship game. Freshmen Heather Hinz and Chloe Chapman proved to be standout players, with Heather being named 1st Team WCAC and Chloe being named 2nd Team WCAC. The influx of freshmen talent helped keep the team playing at a high level while they dealt with injury, but they still couldn’t have done it without the leadership of their senior players. Captains Julia Abbott ’16, Nia Dorsey ’16, Dana Reed ’17, and Mandi Wilson’16 lent invaluable experience and mentorship to the young team.

Nia Dorsey and Mandi Wilson were both named 1st Team WCAC, with Nia earning WCAC Player of the Year Honors as well. While they will be losing nine seniors next year, with such a young, talented roster, GC Girls Soccer should remain at the top of the WCAC for the foreseeable future.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Kevin Budock ’16 1st Team All Met Paul Hutton ’16 1st Team All Met Brady Daniel ’17 1st Team All Met Kevin Snyder ’16 2nd Team All Met

2015-2016 SEASON

WRESTLING

Garrett Neff ’16 All Met HM Paul Purkey ’18 All Met HM

In a year that saw former GC wrestler, Kyle Snyder ’14 become the youngest U.S. World Wrestling Champion and qualify for the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, the bar was set pretty high for GC Wrestling. Although they routinely win the WCAC Championship, the team had not won the State Championship since Kyle left to begin training at the Olympic Training Center in 2014. Led by a stable of seniors, which included Kyle’s brother Kevin, the team was confident that they had the talent to once again claim the State Title.

As they have every year for the last four years, the team won all of their dual meets, extending their win streak to 62. They spent most of December on the road, grinding out tournaments in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Delaware where they took on some of the nation’s top talent. They won their first tournament, the Skyline Elite Opener, in Virginia. With four of their wrestlers placing, they took eighth place at the highly competitive Beast of the East Tournament, their best finish to date at that event. At the War on the Shore tournament, which pitted them against local talent, they dominated and easily took first place. That finish made it seem likely that another WCAC championship was in the cards. “Winning the conference is always big.

You don’t want to take it for granted, but I knew it wasn’t going to be a big challenge for us to do that,” Coach Skylar Saar ’98 said. The Falcons proved Saar right as they rolled through the tournament, collected their fourth straight WCAC title, and then focused on States.

“We wrestled well on the first day of the State Tournament, but at the end of the day we looked up at the boards, and we were only ten points ahead of McDonogh,” Coach Saar remembered. “On the second day, we opened up,” Saar said beaming with pride for his team. “We ended up winning by 67.5 points and went six for seven in the finals.”

Head Coach: Skylar Saar ’98 Assistants: Phil Brown, Kevin Phelps, Edwin Holandez Captains: Kevin Budock, Garrett Neff, Kevin Snyder, Paul Hutton, Bailey Thomas

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GC BOYS TRACK AND FIELD 2015 SEASON

For the Good Counsel Boys Track and Field team, competition wasn’t just something they faced in their meets against other schools, it had a daily presence in their practices as well. “We had some healthy competition in each one of our groups (sprinters, long distance runners, and hurdlers) that pushed each athlete to his limits, and I think this made the team that much better,” Coach Gene Neal said.

Long distance events were the team’s foundation. The top three long distance runners, Jack Wavering ’16, Kevin McGivern ’16, and Jimmy Vazzana ’17 scored 82 of Good Counsel’s 173 points in the WCAC Championship meet. They placed first, second, and third in the 800, 1,600, and 3,200 meter races. Wavering placed first in the 3,200 as well as the 1,600, where he broke the meet record with a time of 4:17.65. McGivern finished second in both the 1,600 and 3,200, with times of 4:19.20 and 9:34.75, respectively.

He took the top spot in the 800, setting a meet record of his own with a time of 1:56.69. George Drewyer ’17 joined the trio in the boys’ 4x800, where they earned first place with a time of 8:04.26.

While the long distance team put GC into a prime position to win the championship, sprinters and hurdlers helped push them over the top. Darnell Pratt ’17 earned gold medals

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in the 100 in 10.85 and the 400 in 48.46. His teammate, Jonathan Imes ’17 followed closely in the 400 with a second place finish of 49.51. Pratt earned a second place finish of his own in the 200. Pratt and Imes joined forces on the 4x200 relay team that won gold in 1:27.98.

Ian Davis ’16 picked up a third place finish in the 300 hurdles, but it was his 14.70 first place finish in the 110 hurdles that helped solidify the Falcons’ championship win.

With many of GC’s top runners moving on to college, the Boys Track and Field team will need to rebuild in 2017, but Coach Neal is still optimistic. “I’m feeling good about next year, too. We have some good kids here, and I think the rivalry and drive among them really helps.”

Head Coach: Gene Neal Assistants: Tom Arnold, John Fletemeyer, Rita Williams Captains: Jack Wavering, Ian Davis, Jonathan Imes

Welcome

G.J. Kissal ’91

GC’s New Boys Basketball Head Coach

Good Counsel welcomes G.J. Kissal ’91 as the new Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. Kissal played basketball during the 1990-91 season and served as an assistant from 1995-2000. From 2002 to 2004, G.J. gained additional WCAC coaching experience when he served on the coaching staff at McNamara High School. Both factors played a large role in his decision to apply for the position.

After learning about the vision of our school and the basketball program, it was evident to G.J. that Good Counsel was a good fit.

Coach Kissal spent the last four seasons as the head coach at Clarksburg High School, where he led the team to their first two Maryland 4A region finals over the last three seasons. As G.J. moves forward into his coaching position at Good Counsel, he hopes to continue the momentum set in place by this year’s Falcons, who had their best season in six years. His goal is to build on that success and make the Falcons a consistent competitor within the WCAC.

Salute Military Golf Association Good Counsel Golf coach Jim Estes has led the Falcons to four impressive seasons. It isn’t surprising that Jim is so adept at coaching because his strengths lie in helping others. A former PGA Tour Player, Jim is also the co-founder of the Salute Military Golf Association (SMGA). Jim and his childhood friend, Jamie Winslow, both saw first-hand the positive force the game of golf could play in the recovery process for our nation’s wounded veterans. SMGA began with the purpose of creating a therapeutic outlet for post-9/11 veterans undergoing prolonged medical treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland.

Jim was awarded the prestigious (2010) PGA Patriot Award for his contributions to the recovery of wounded veterans. The SMGA’s mission is to provide rehabilitative golf programs, experiences, and family inclusive golf opportunities for post-9/11 wounded war veterans in an effort to improve the quality of life for these American heroes. To date, SMGA has served well over 2,000 wounded veterans, with 93% of them saying that SMGA clinics have helped with improving their mobility, range of motion, flexibility, and/or level of pain. Ninety-two percent have also credited SMGA with helping with their PTS/PTSD and with helping to improve family life or other relationships.

“The biggest change in my life has been learning that being selfless and sacrificing your time and talents to improve the quality of life for those who have given us our freedom is a more rewarding feeling than any personal accomplishments I had playing the game,” Jim said about his experience with SMGA. “Finding your God-given calling is about finding out what you're passionate about and pursuing it vigorously. Embrace and love learning with a growth mindset, and you will make a difference in the lives of others.”

For more information about the Salute Military Golf Association, please visit their website at SMGA.org.

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PRO ATHLETES

GIVE BACK

After graduating from Good Counsel, Jelani Jenkins ’09 accepted an athletic scholarship to attend the University of Florida where he played football for coach Urban Meyer’s and Coach Will Muschamp’s Florida Gators from 2009 to 2012. In 2013, the Miami Dolphins selected Jenkins in the fourth round of the NFL Draft (104th pick overall). Jenkins led the team in tackles, with 110 on the season. He remains with the Miami Dolphins and is poised for another stellar season with the team in 2016.

Counselor: Why did you choose to offer a football camp at Good Counsel?

Jenkins: I chose to offer a football camp at Good Counsel because of how important this school was for my growth. Good Counsel challenged me to not be complacent, it showed me how to love unconditionally, and taught me how to serve. My camp is based primarily around football, but it will contain these three traits as well. For me, it was a perfect fit.

Counselor: Who are you trying to serve?

Jenkins: The campers are rising 5th-10th graders, boys and girls, who just want to come out and play football and have a good time. There is also a parent seminar for the adults that discusses important concepts and tips for helping a child maximize his/her Godgiven potential. That being said, I want to create an environment where everyone that is associated with this camp (campers, parents, volunteers, coaches) will truly feel and experience God’s work being put into action. So in a way, I want to serve every single person involved.

Counselor: What is the purpose of the camp?

Jenkins: The purpose of this camp is ultimately to have FUN. In the process, we will be teaching campers the importance of hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, teamwork, and competing in life.

Counselor: What is your favorite part of the camp or a favorite memory from the camp?

Jenkins: My favorite part of the camp is when the guest speakers share with the campers.

A lot of these speakers are current players in the NFL, and the campers hang on their every word. My teammates, all professional athletes, have been in those same seats as campers and understand the importance of giving back knowledge. Knowledge is POWER. That same knowledge helped them get to where they are today. Those moments are probably the most special for me because it allows us to dive more into “off the field” advice that each camper should definitely hear.

Counselor: What does your Good Counsel education mean to you?

Jenkins: My Good Counsel education means the world to me. It made my transition into college so much easier, and I could tell when I stepped onto University of Florida’s campus that I was well prepared. I cherish the Xaverian values that I still try to implement in my life every day. Simplicity, humility, compassion, zeal, and trust are values that will live with me long after I am finished playing football.

Counselor: Why are you choosing to give back to the school?

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Jenkins: I understand that God has given me a gift and has allowed me an opportunity where I can help change the lives of many people. If I can make a positive difference in just one of those campers’ lives, then I am truly fulfilled. And that is what I believe we are put on this earth to do—to love and to show God’s loving energy through service to one another.

For alumni athletes, Roger Mason, Jr. ’99 and Jelani Jenkins ’09, Good Counsel had an enormous impact in helping to shape their careers and their future. We caught up with them recently to ask about what they are doing and why they have chosen to give back to the school.

Following a 13 year career in the NBA, Roger Mason, Jr. ’99 announced his retirement as a professional basketball player at an event at GC in January 2015 at which the school retired his Falcons basketball jersey – No. 21. Roger is now the Deputy Executive Director for Player Relations for the National Basketball Players Association.

Counselor: Why did you choose to offer a basketball camp at Good Counsel and when did you begin the camp?

Mason: I wanted to offer a basketball camp at Good Counsel to give back to the community and to help mentor and teach kids the fundamentals of the game. The school had a major influence on my life, and this was a great way for me to give back. I have been offering the camp since my rookie season in the NBA, more than 13 years ago.

Counselor: Who are you trying to serve?

Mason: The camp is for boys and girls, ages 5-16, at all skill levels.

Counselor: What is the purpose of the camp?

Mason: The main purpose is for kids to enjoy themselves while learning the fundamentals of basketball, skill development, and competition. The camp also allows me to mentor these youngsters on the fundamentals of life, discipline, and work ethic.

Counselor: What is your favorite part of the camp?

Mason: I love interacting with the kids and speaking about my experiences in college and the NBA. The question and answer part of the camp is always a favorite. I also enjoy the games we play, including H.O.R.S.E. Counselor: What does your Good Counsel education mean to you?

Mason: Good Counsel helped me to get into the University of Virginia and also provided the foundation for my career as an executive for the Players Association. Good Counsel served as an integral part of my personal development as a student-athlete, and I want to ensure that others have similar opportunities.

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Steve Katsouros, S.J. ’77 Empowering Education, Transforming Lives

Alumnus and Jesuit Priest Leads Charge to Provide Higher Educational Opportunities for Poor and Marginalized

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“I didn’t know where life would lead when I graduated from Good Counsel in 1977,” explained Fr. Steve Katsouros, S.J. “I headed off to the University of Maryland to major in English, and my father remarked, ‘You already speak English. Why do you need to major in it?’”

Now some 39 years later, Fr. Katsouros reflects back on the influence that Br. Greg Turlik, Br. Bonaventure Scully, Barry Trick, Cissy Glading, and a number of the other Xaverian Brothers and lay faculty at Good Counsel had on his career choice. “The emphasis on service and compassion that I learned at Good Counsel provided a strong foundation for my life’s work,” he shared. “Experiences like Camp Good Counsel and the Higher Achievement Program opened my eyes to opportunities that impacted my life.” Today he is the Dean and Executive Director of Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago. Arrupe is named after the Jesuits’ 28th superior general, Father Pedro Arrupe, who challenged society to think of new ways to educate young people.

Arrupe College offers a unique, two-year program for motivated students with limited financial resources and an interest in transferring to a four-year institution after graduation. But it’s more than a junior college. “We seek not only to offer the educational foundation that students need to be successful, but we also provide the financial, social, and community support to ensure that our students will graduate with little or no debt and have the tools they need to continue their education,” Katsouros said.

It’s easy to see how this articulate, charismatic, faithful, and tenacious man was selected to lead this educational experiment. Following graduation from the University of Maryland, Steve was recruited by the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Washington, DC (JVC) to work as a child care supervisor at Covenant House in New York City. He went on to be a teacher and administrator for Nativity Mission School, a school focused on educating poor and underserved middle school boys on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

Katsouros was a co-founder, teacher, and administrator for the Gonzaga Program, St. Aloysius School (NYC), a school in Harlem for inner-city youth. He served as Dean of Student Affairs, a faculty member in the Religious Studies Department, Director of Development, and Assistant to the President for St. Peter’s Preparatory School in Jersey City (NJ). Steve served as President of Loyola School in New York City, a post he held for nine years. Among his many achievements, he tripled the school’s endowment and fundraising, led a capital campaign to refurbish the school’s campus, and increased faculty and staff salaries.

In 2011, Father Katsouros was asked to direct the Institute of Catholic Educational Leadership for the University of San Francisco, School of Education. He served as a member of the President’s Cabinet and Leadership Team and went on to become the Associate Dean of Strategic Projects.

“

Our primary focus is to help each student succeed.

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Deeply committed to educational leadership and teaching, Father Katsouros holds a master’s in reading education from Fordham University, a master’s in philosophy from Loyola University of Chicago, a master’s in education from Harvard University, and a doctorate in educational administration from Columbia University. He attended Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry) and was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1998.

In 2014, Katsouros was approached by Father Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., President of Loyola University Chicago, who shared his vision to create a two-year college which would offer educational opportunities to students with challenged economic backgrounds. Research shows that there are broad gaps in college completion rates for low-income, first-generation, and minority students. (Lumina Foundation, 2014). When children born into the bottom fifth of the income distribution get a college degree, their chances of making it to the top nearly quadruple, and their chances of making it out of the bottom increase by more than 50 percent. (Getting Ahead or Losing Ground: Economic Mobility in America, 2008).

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“

We want our students to fall in love with learning and discover who they are.

Stephen Katsouros, S.J. Ed.D. Board of Directors for Our Lady of Good Counsel High School – 2006-2011 Board of Directors, Regis University (CO) Board of Trustees, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (IL) Invited participant, Board of Trustees, Loyola University Chicago Consultant to Boards and Presidents of: Saint Meinrad Seminary (IN) Edmund Rice Christian Brothers Schools (CA) Saint Catharine College (KY) Carondelet High School (CA) Provincial Assistants for Education (MD) St. Vincent DePaul School (CA) Frequent keynote speaker and presenter on topics including: “Our Mission: to be Priests, Prophets, and Leaders” “Best Practices of Governing Boards and Metrics of Performance” “Influencing Those Who Will Influence Others: Catholic Educational Leadership” “Making Decisions to Sustain Your Mission”

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”

Embarking on the creation of Arrupe College was a leap of faith. It turned the traditional, educational model on its head. “Students attend classes 40 weeks out of the year, three to four days a week, and each class is eight weeks in duration, followed by a two-week break,” explained Katsouros. In addition, class sizes are small, fewer than 25 students, with faculty members focused not only on teaching, but also on advising and mentoring. “Each faculty member serves as an advisor to 20 students and sets aside at least 10 hours a week for office hours,” he continued.

“Our primary focus is to help each student succeed,” Katsouros said.

“There is opportunity for lots of individual attention from faculty members, an associate dean for student success, a licensed social worker, and a career coordinator. Loyola’s School of Social Work occupies the two floors above us in our building. We are able to provide our students, and even their families, with additional support while providing master’s of social work students with the in-service training they require.

“Our approach must be holistic. For example, some of our students face challenges of homelessness or a daunting commute to get to campus or a lack of mastery of the English language. Each applicant meets with a faculty member during the admissions process. It’s here that we begin to understand a prospective student’s needs beyond the classroom.”

Each student is required to complete the two-week Summer Enrichment Program, with courses in digital media, math, and decision-making. This program also includes a two-day retreat where students participate in team-building activities, develop some reflection skills, share their hopes and fears, and begin to build community.

Now finishing its first year in operation, Katsouros and his team can feel proud and empowered by their students’ successes. Arrupe has retained 91% of its inaugural class. These students will continue into their second year, and more than 1000 applicants have applied for the 180 available slots for the Class of 2019. The goal is to grow enrollment to 400, and the college is committed to helping 2,275 students earn associate’s degrees by 2025.

“We want our students to fall in love with learning and discover who they are,” Katsouros concludes. “Father Arrupe is quoted as saying, ‘What you fall in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.’ I do spend a lot of my time fundraising and sharing our mission throughout Chicago and across the nation, but I can speak with real authenticity about knowing our students. This is the best gig in higher education!”

“

I didn’t know where life would lead when I graduated from Good Counsel in 1977,” explained Fr. Steve Katsouros, S.J. “I headed off to the University of Maryland to major in English, and my father remarked, ‘You already speak English. Why do you need to major in it?’

”

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Hilary B. Stauffer ’95 The quote under her photo in the Good Counsel Class of 1995 yearbook reads,

“Life is what happens while you are making other plans.”

—John Lennon

This summarizes the whirlwind adventure Hilary Stauffer ’95 has had on her path to become a human rights lawyer. “Sitting in Mr. [Richard] Burns’ social studies class exposed me to a wider world and experiences beyond Good Counsel and my community,” shared Hilary. “It sparked an interest in global issues.”

After receiving her bachelor’s degree in international affairs from James Madison University, Hilary went on to pursue a law degree at the University of San Diego School of Law (CA). One evening she attended a lecture given by one of her professors on women and human trafficking. She was one of a handful of students in the audience, but when the lecture ended, she approached the professor and said, “This is what I want to do. I want to help people like this.” He eventually became her mentor, and with his guidance, she began to do pro bono legal work with women who suffered from domestic violence.

During her third year of law school, she joined a group of students traveling to Geneva, Switzerland to visit the U.N. This led to a serendipitous exchange with a woman who ran a small human rights non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Geneva, and a job offer to come join them after graduation and work on legal reform in China in anticipation of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Hilary notes that, “I was paid next to nothing and living off Ramen noodles in shared housing, but I loved it.”

That position also led to bigger and better things, as a chance dinner party conversation led to her being offered a posting as an advisor on human rights and humanitarian affairs for the Permanent

Mission of Israel to the United Nations. “I explained that I could not speak, read, or write Hebrew or Arabic, but that didn’t seem to be of concern,” she shared. “What they were really looking for was an Anglophone lawyer with an understanding of international law.” Her primary responsibility was advising the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs on issues relating to Israel’s legal obligations to the U.N. and other international organizations.

After two years, Hilary was offered an opportunity through her mentor to serve as a legal consultant for the Transnational Law Institute/American Bar Association in Liberia. She was part of a team that was reforming and building capacity in the Liberian judicial sector after that country’s devastating civil war. Her responsibilities included teaching legal practitioners appropriate interviewing techniques for victims of sexual violence and drafting training materials for magistrate education.

She also wrote grants to secure funding to relieve prison overcrowding and prolonged pre-trial detention. “I learned so much, but the job was isolating because every night we needed to be inside the compound for our own safety.”

Next stop – Singapore, where Hilary worked for International Bridges to Justice as the program manager. She was entrusted with the establishment and development of the Singapore Justice Training Center.

Hilary explains, “The Center’s main goal was to improve legal training for defense lawyers in Southeast Asia, so their clients would have a better chance of having a fair trial.

The work was interesting, and because of budget airlines, I was able to travel all over Southeast Asia on the cheap.”

After about 18 months, Hilary was ready to return to Europe. Calling in favors from her extensive network, she was eventually offered a job at the International Labour Organization, the United Nations (U.N.) agency tasked with ensuring safe and equitable working conditions around the world. “I returned to Geneva in July 2011 as a legal officer for the International Labour Organization.”

She divided her work between the International Labour Standards Organization and the Ethics Office. She helped to draft and edit policy papers on labor law and assisted in addressing confidential requests regarding complex ethical challenges.

Wanting to move to the United Kingdom for personal reasons, in 2012 Hilary was recruited to be Deputy Director of Reprieve, a legal charity based in London, a post she held for a year. “I oversaw Reprieve’s relationship with clients in Guantanamo Bay and also helped craft strategy and direction for the human rights implications for the use of drones in combat.” On Reprieve’s behalf, she was a panelist and guest lecturer for various media outlets, speaking about human rights issues and international humanitarian law as related to the war on terror. This post led to a six-month stint as a consultant for the Geneva Academy for International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights, where she was involved in numerous research and writing projects.

In April 2014, Hilary was named a Visiting Fellow to the Centre for Women, Peace and Security at the London School of Economics (LSE) and Political Science. She helped shape the Centre’s agenda to promote justice, human rights, and increased participation for women in conflict-afflicted situations around the world. In this role, she co-authored policy reports, conducted research, wrote columns and blog posts on current affairs, and guestlectured at LSE, University College London, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College on various topics pertaining to human rights.

In April 2016, Hilary returned to the United States to work again for the U.N., this time as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of the Coordination and Response Division (CRD) at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York City. OCHA is the U.N. agency responsible for coordinating aid around the world in the event of either natural disasters or complex, manmade emergencies. “The CRD has three major responsibilities: provide director support to the UnderSecretary General in his role as principal advisor to the Secretary-General on humanitarian issues and coordinator of international humanitarian response; provide guidance to U.N. coordinators in the field on all matters pertaining to complex emergencies and natural disasters; and manage and support the field in areas such as personnel and emergency funding.

“I’m as surprised as anyone at how fortunate I’ve been, to be able to live and work around the world and the vast experiences I have had. I was a ‘homebody’ growing up and never thought I would leave the Maryland/DC area.

But my life has taken me in so many different directions.”

What’s the next stop for this globe-trotting “expat?”

Who knows? “One day I plan to write a book entitled, ‘Things you don’t know until you get there…’ and share my experiences with others who may have the same interests and passions and are willing to take chances on the next opportunity.” Hilary hopes that her passion for social justice and human rights will inspire others to work towards creating social change.

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Mark Povinelli ’89

“All the World’s a Stage” A stage is defined as a place for actors, entertainers, or speakers to perform, and is a focal point for the members of the audience. Standing only 3ft, 9in tall, successful stage and screen actor, Mark Povinelli ’89, knows he’s on stage all the time because he is profoundly different, physically.

Born with dwarfism, he grew up in the Washington, DC area constantly aware of the stares and looks of intrigue or confusion due to his physical presence. But when Mark walked into Good Counsel, with eyes wide open and terrified, he didn’t know that his four years there would become one of his favorite periods in his life. “I had a great time in high school. Everyone is at such an awkward age, and being so dramatically different, it could have been really rough for me,” said Mark. “My experience at Good Counsel had a large part of making me into who I am today.”

Early on, Mark confessed that he always wanted to be a rock star or singer/songwriter like John Denver. It was at Good Counsel, though, where he discovered the stage and knew that theatre was his true passion. “When I got on stage I realized, ‘Wait…I can control you looking at me and how you feel about me?’ That was a very empowering thing.”

Mark’s first production at Good Counsel, Frank Loesser’s musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, was followed by many other productions, including A Chorus Line in his senior year. “Dr. McDonald and Mr. Slocum ambitiously decided to take on the musical. Rehearsals and performances were held in the school gym. We would tie together cafeteria tables with bungee

Mark, his wife, Heather, and their children, Keaton (13) and Piper (9).

cords, and that was our stage. No curtains…no nothing,” Mark explained. “There was no way to cordon off an area, so we would rehearse at the same time as basketball practice. The acoustics were horrible.”

In the production, Mark played Zack, the grizzled veteran director who used to be a star choreographer. “It was hysterical, because at the time I was like three feet tall, and my character is supposed to be an amazing Broadway choreographer,” he said. “The whole point of the show was that the characters were all great dancers trying to get a job. We had no vocal or dance programs at GC at the time, so here we were, doing a musical with heavy dance routines being performed on cafeteria tables tied together.”

He added, “It was like [the mockumentary comedy film] Waiting for Guffman. The whole thing was insane; yet, it was kind of charming. I’m sure it was jaw-droppingly painful for the audience. It wasn’t necessarily conducive to cultivating great theatre artists!”

No matter, he loved it, and he liked being around theatre people. It was during his first performance that he realized there was a structure to performing—that a person could be in front of people and express himself or herself. “Who doesn’t like having an audience laugh after a joke or clap after a song?”

Mark was involved in drama all four years at GC. He was also in the Speech and Debate Club and was a writer and editor for the Falcon Newspaper. “To find the niches was so wonderful. I got along with everybody, and I didn’t want to leave Good Counsel,” he said.

Mark recounted a time when he and Bill Eisele ’89 were the editors of the newspaper. Trying to meet a deadline, they had space in the edition and needed to quickly write a story. “We were up around midnight, and literally in five minutes, wrote an op-ed piece about how the school paid too much attention to sports and not enough on the arts.

We signed it with an alias.” Mark enthusiastically added, “I’m a huge sports fan, loved the sports at school, and went to all the games. But the next day, people were apoplectic.

Teachers pulled us aside and told us how disappointed they were. The football coach wouldn’t talk to us.

“Looking back, it’s amazing realizing that a hastily written piece created such an uproar. Not to say, it wasn’t deserved—it wasn’t a well thought-out piece and made very little sense,” said Mark. Even though he laughs about that experience, he noted that those were the things that were so special about his high school years. “The autonomy of the students was what made Good Counsel great. I was a really independent person who was able to do so many different things, voice my opinion, and challenge authority in a correct manner. It was good stuff.”

Being involved in the Speech and Debate team under the guidance of Mr. Durkin and Mr. Kiely was a defining moment for Mark. “We were getting attention winning all over the city tackling subjects like AIDs and racism—topics that were edgy and made people think. We didn’t do the safe and ordinary—we were challenged to push ourselves and make people think.”

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Mark matured quite a bit while at Good Counsel. He believes it had a lot to do with the fact that students were allowed to express themselves and their opinions. While he was in Father Gross’ ethics religion class, Mark felt he could challenge the norms that were taught in a Catholic school environment. “We were allowed to ask questions in a dignified and respectful manner, while grappling with pretty big ethical issues,” he said.

After high school, Mark went to the Miami University of Ohio. With advice from his parents and a lack of confidence as a legitimate actor, he received his degree in mass communications with a minor in theatre. “My parents wanted me to have a fallback. Theatre was supposed to be a side endeavor, not the one-and-only career,” he explained while confessing to spending all of his time in the theatre department. He has no regrets. “To this day I have made zero dollars and zero cents with my major degree and have made a living with my minor.”

Mark met his wife, Heather, at the end of college through the National Conference of Little People of America. She lived in California and he lived in Ohio. They began dating, and eventually, Heather attended graduate school in Minneapolis, MN. After applying for a position in advertising, Mark knew that he truly did not want the job. A friend in Minneapolis suggested that he move to his city since it was a great theatre town. His friend recommended that he try working as an actor for six months, and if it didn’t work out, then at least he can say he tried. “I didn’t have a good reason to say no,” said Mark.

Starting with the typical jobs like working retail or at a restaurant and bar, Mark did theatre at night for six years in Minneapolis. Heather went to graduate school in Minneapolis, and they later married. Once Mark got enough confidence and experience, he realized that he needed to try his craft on a bigger stage. “I was either going to New York or Los Angeles, and we decided to move to LA.” After his move to the west coast, Mark started all over by auditioning for small roles and then slowly building his way up to bigger ones. “There certainly is no defined path that makes sense that you can tell anyone ‘this is how it’s going to be.’ I had a slow arc, and I kept working, getting enough to keep me going for another six months. Then I would get another role, and another. Before I knew it, I was five years in LA doing commercials and small TV shows.”

Being a little person, there were advantages. Mark had opportunities that were unique to his size. However, he spent many years during college and afterwards having people tell him that although he was very good, he shouldn’t make acting a career. Others told him that he couldn’t make a living being so different in the acting

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business. “These opinions have certainly been proven wrong by me and others, but it’s a daunting thing. You’re entering a business where the only product you have is yourself and your body. It’s an open allowance for people to make a judgment about you based on your physical appearance.

So when you’re so physically different, you’re really putting yourself out there to be rejected and judged,” said Mark.

“It’s a business full of rejection anyway, and then to be immediately excluded from 95% of that business is insanity.

I have so many friends who are little people—they are lawyers, doctors, businessmen, and teachers, yet the roles that I’m most up for are fantastical characters or they’re outrageous. They’re not the guy who works in the office, or the attorney or doctor, even though that’s how we really are in society. We are not reflected that way in the media.”

began in New York City. It was a big hit, and they toured the world, performing at approximately 35 different venues—20 outside of the country, in places like Moscow, Oslo, Bogotá, Brisbane, Madrid, and Paris. “Theatre is my love and I was trying to establish myself in LA as a theatre/film actor. To go off to do this show for 10 years, really made the Hollywood part of me go in fits and starts, but I couldn’t say no to this show.”

The last place Mark performed his role in Dollhouse was at the Kennedy Center. It was the ultimate experience,” said Mark. “Walking down the Hall of States with all the flags, not going to sit in the audience, but going two doors down to the backstage entrance. Knowing I was going to stand on that stage to perform an amazing piece of theatre was one of the highlights of my career.”

Although Mark agrees that incrementally the stereotyping improves, it is still prevalent. “We’re still a long way from having a colorblind world.”

When asked about his defining moment—when he realized that he was successful as a legitimate actor—Mark said that there were many. One event was when he worked at the Shakespeare Theatre in DC. Although his resume and training at the time did not totally line him up to work at the theatre, a few years out of college he tried out for a role in a play called Volpone. They were expanding that part of the show and were making it a big, hilarious musical production that included a little person character. Mark was cast in the role. “I came to DC, was paid an equity wage, and was working with amazing talent.” It was incredibly gratifying for Mark, because it was his hometown. “This is the place where I would go see theatre when I was a kid, and now I was on the stage,” said Mark.

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Mark admits that his career was about making it up as he went along. No one in his family was in the arts. His father worked for NASA. His mother was a stay-at-home mom for several years, and then she was an occupational therapist.

“They were great about exposing me to the arts, but it was nothing that was ever expected by my parents to do as a profession,” he explained. As a kid, he had a feeling inside of him that acting was something he wanted to do, and felt like he had to do. “To see Billy Barty, Michael Dunn, and David Rappaport—actors who were little people—just seeing them do legitimate work as real characters instead of the stereotypical little person role, was inspiring,” said Mark.

It made him realize that there is room for talented actors; however, until more recently with actors such as Peter Dinklage, there was a void of legitimate roles offered to little people.

For his first television show, Mark got a part on Darma and Greg, playing Greg’s college roommate. It was Mark’s first time on TV, and they filmed in front of a live audience.

“We rehearsed all week and performed in front of 300 adoring people. It was exciting. Suddenly I’m there with Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson, being accepted as a real actor—it was a thrill.”

Mark continued to do sitcoms, but the role that put him on the map was as the character, Kinko, the reluctant roommate of Robert Pattinson’s character Jacob in the movie, Water for Elephants. Based on the historic novel by Sara Gruen, Mark’s role in the old-time classic film is a rather unfriendly individual who ends up becoming one of Jacob’s biggest allies.

He worked alongside Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon on a set filled with many exotic animals. “You would be talking to somebody, and Rosie the elephant would be sniffing you with her trunk. Along with the animals and a train, all the sets were real and incredibly authentic, including their wardrobe. Mark’s pants were 1920 genuine jeans from the Levi vintage collection. “It was really a beautiful experience, and I just loved being a part of that.”

Most recently, Mark played the part of the Cat, a hit man on Amazon’s Mad Dogs. A departure of what he normally plays, this character is dark. He’s a guy that seems as though he shouldn’t be a hit man, but who is the scariest character on the show, which really makes his role unnerving. “It was a fun, yet challenging experience,” said Mark. “I have a normal life, and I got a chance to play a hit man—a dark and awful character who murders people. When I get to live in that, it is so fun and challenging. Then I go back home and I watch Netflix like everybody else, with my dog sitting on my lap while yelling at my kids to go to bed.”

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Today, Mark has his irons in the fire, and is now performing in a Clive Barker short story play in LA, and is in a recurring role as a sleazy talent manager on Still the King on CMT this summer. He feels more comfortable doing theatre, but he admits that the exposure, the pay, and the challenge of doing film and television are why he’s in LA. “I’m a big self-editor, so when you perform in theatre, it’s over and disappears out into the ether. It is embedded in your head the way you remember it.

“If you were to tell me this is where I would be when I was 18-20 years old, I wouldn’t have believed you. I feel so fortunate that I have this career. It’s a challenge and often infuriating, but I can’t do anything else anymore, nor do I want to. At the same time, I have a wonderful family—a wife and two kids (12 and eight years old) whom I love dearly, a house, a dog and a cat. It just feels like an ordinary life,” he said. Mark’s schedule allows him a good amount of down

time that he uses to spend with his kids. “I always want to be more successful and famous, but I wouldn’t trade any of it if it meant being busier than I have been.”

Mark shares that what keeps him going is the love of the work and the process. “Some of the things I’m most proud of, only a few people have seen and I made virtually no money on, but the work was so enriching and challenging it actually made other aspects of my life better. Other times, I was in a movie that 20 million people saw, and I essentially did nothing.

“They always say, ‘if you can do anything else, do it, because this is a really brutal business.’ However,” Mark adds, “if you can’t, make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons, you love it, and you have a need to do it, and everything else will take care of itself.”

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David Cahoon ’74

A Work of Faith The St. Joseph Carpentry Shop, owned by Deacon Dave Cahoon ’74, is set up along a quiet road in Poolesville, MD. This past fall, for the second time in seven years, the carpenter had a second “once-in-a-lifetime” experience. In 2008, he built the altar Pope Benedict XVI used for his Papal Mass at Nationals Park, along with his former classmate, Greg Campbell ’75, who was the artist and blacksmith who oversaw the production and completion of the altar's ornate metal framework. Then last summer, Dave began to build the altar that Pope Francis used on September 23 at his Mass on the east steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

“It was all by God,” said Deacon Cahoon, describing the honor and the blessing of building two papal altars.

The first altar that Dave built was made with a faux finish and had wheels to make it transportable.

Surprisingly, he noted that the Basilica never had an altar, but instead, used a foldable table that could be removed for events such as graduation ceremonies. Today, the National Shrine uses the original altar design for all their Masses.

For Pope Francis’s Mass last fall, Deacon Cahoon worked as part of a team of 12 craftsmen, preparing 14 pieces of furniture for the Papal Mass, including the altar, chair, ambo, and side chairs. Catholic University architecture students designed the altar.

Dave was inspired by Pope Francis’s encyclical on ecology, and used materials for the altar that did not involve any exploitation of the environment or of native workers. The altar included a colonnade of 10 individual columns crafted from poplar, and to offer stability, its main structure was made of medium density fiberboard. The altar top was made with Italian marble. Artists at the National Shrine applied a faux finish to it to match the color of the columns around the shrine’s main altar. Measuring 8 feet wide by 4 feet, 4 inches deep, the altar is also now being used at the Basilica.

Dave began his career in carpentry after many summers doing woodworking to help pay for his education, starting in his early years while attending Good Counsel. After high school, he attended college at Holy Cross, and in 1979, Dave was offered a job at the National Institutes of Health after doing graduate work in physics at Catholic University.

“I realized that I didn’t want to continue the job,” said Dave.

“I enjoyed studying physics, but I didn’t want to teach it.

"I left the program and discovered my love of carpentry," he said of the profession he finally chose. Growing up in St. Mary's Parish in Rockville, he had taken the Confirmation name of Joseph, and when he opened a carpentry shop in 1988, he named it after St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. “Looking back, I realized that St. Joseph called me to become a carpenter,” said Deacon Dave. “I established a relationship with St. Joseph, and he became the model of a husband and father to me. He led me to my relationship with the Blessed Mother. I will always be

thankful that Jesus introduced me to His family.” Ordained a deacon in 1991, Dave serves at St. Mary's Church in Barnesville.

After several years as a carpenter and upon leaving a job at a house in Potomac, Dave had a watershed moment that led him to change the customer base of his carpentry business. He shared, “The house had a railing that cost more than my house, a Mercedes in the driveway, and I lost money on the job.” Dave admits that he never was a fantastic businessman, but that particular experience directed him to ecclesial woodworking and to focus on carpentry for the churches in the archdiocese. “I figured, if I lost money on a job again, then I did it for God.” Dave knows there is relevance to his work. “Carpentry is an anisotropic medium, meaning that every board is different,” he said. “Yet, each piece has a higher purpose—such as its placement and how it’s utilized.” Dave equates the wood to life’s journey, explaining, “There are seeds that are planted as you go along. God called me to be a deacon, although I really wasn’t sure why or what would happen. I was then called to became a carpenter and then later to be the carpenter for the Pope. At this point of my life, I can say that God put me in these places, and now I’m at the point where it all came together.”

For Deacon Cahoon, working on the Papal Mass furniture project was a work of faith. “The faith journey is the big thing,” he said. “You go along for the ride, and all along the way, you see the work of the Holy Spirit.”

Deacon Dave Cahoon building the papal chair used for Pope Benedict XVI’s April 17, 2008 Mass at National’s Park.

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Beth Scott ’93

GC alumna, Beth Scott’s story is the type of inspirational tale we tell our children to remind them that with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude anything is possible. Born with a very rare condition that led doctors to initially believe she was totally blind, Beth didn’t allow her disability to prevent her from becoming a world-class swimmer. In the Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney Paralympic games, Beth medaled 17 times, bringing home 10 gold, two silver and five bronze. She also set seven world records and was named the United States Olympic Committee’s Blind Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1996. Then, just after she made the decision to retire from swimming, Beth was diagnosed with cancer. After extensive treatment, which included a thyroidectomy and radiation therapy, she made a full recovery. Continually overcoming adversity the way Beth has, especially while maintaining such a positive, optimistic outlook, is certainly inspirational. The truly inspiring part of Beth’s story however, is that through every turn she was always thinking of others and trying to find ways to help those who needed it the most.

While doctors originally thought Beth would be totally blind, she did have a higher visual acuity than expected. Considered legally blind, Beth has 20-200 vision, which means she is able to see about two inches in front of her face. Being visually impaired in such a way can be limiting with certain sports like tennis, soccer, or softball where you have to track a ball, but it never held her back in the pool. She took to the water naturally, learning to swim at the age of five. “As a really young child I always loved the water,” Beth remembers. “My parents always said it was harder to get me out of the water than it was to get me in.”

By the time she swam for Good Counsel, Beth was already an impressive athlete. “It was really awesome to be on the team,” Beth explained about her days competing for GC. “There were four really dominant swimmers, and I was among them.” While being one of four girls that led GC to a Metro Championship in her freshman year could have gone to Beth’s head, she remained grounded by supporting her other teammates. Slower swimmers tend to be forgotten by those on the sidelines while they prepare for their own events, but when she wasn’t swimming, Beth made a point of cheering them on. “I remember one of my friends getting out of the pool and telling me no one had ever cheered for her before,” Beth said, “I figured I could cheer for the fastest swimmer in the pool, but they most likely didn’t need my help. I just felt it was important to cheer for the underdogs.”

After she retired from swimming, Beth came back to GC to help coach from 2001-2011, and she continued pulling for the underdogs. Noticing that the top swimmers already garnered the most attention from coaches, Beth spent her time with those she felt needed it more. She remembers one male swimmer in particular. He was a senior, and he really wanted to qualify for a big meet at Villanova, but he needed to trim four seconds off his time, which in the swimming world is an eternity. When he revealed to Beth that he didn’t know how to do a flip turn she made it her mission to teach him. With her help, he got the maneuver down, trimmed the necessary seconds off of his time, and qualified for the meet. “He gave me a hug, and he said ‘thank you.’ It was a big accomplishment for him, and he’ll always have that memory from Good Counsel. I am so glad I could help him so he could make that happen.”

Even from her own prodigious swimming career, Beth’s favorite memory comes from a time she was helping someone else achieve her goal. When asked if a particular medal meant more to her than the others, Beth didn’t recount one of her gold medal performances, or even a silver for that matter. She remembered, in great detail, a bronze that she picked up in her second Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Beth was the anchor in a 4 X 100 Freestyle Relay. Her team got out to a great start, but after the second swimmer came out of the pool, they were in last place. “And when I say last,” Beth explains, “I mean we were probably at least 40 meters behind the next position.”

In a 100 Freestyle, the swimmers only have to swim two lengths of the pool, so regaining 40 meters was a daunting challenge. Beth had extra motivation however. “One of my teammates had been to two other Paralympic Games, but she had never won a medal. This was her last race, and we all wanted her to leave with a medal.” Beth dove into the pool and gave everything. Somehow she managed to make up the distance and move into third place by smallest of fractions. She was exhausted and elated. Her friend was finally going to have a medal. “It is one of those moments, you know,” Beth paused in reflection. “I am just really honored to be a part of that relay.”

It is easy to understand why all of Beth’s memories involve helping others. It is because she genuinely loves people.

“Now that I don’t swim on a team anymore, what I miss is the camaraderie. I miss the energy behind the exciting moments that I shared with my teammates.” In a long list of positive attributes, Beth’s commitment to others, something highly valued in the Good Counsel community, is by far the most inspiring.

“

My parents always said it was harder to get me out of the water than it was to get me in.

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Billy Kappaz ’89 INVESTING IN ECONOMIC CHANGE When Billy Kappaz ’89 was a junior at Good Counsel, his father started K&M Engineering and Consulting Corp., a global engineering company in the power industry. After high school, Billy attended Tulane University, then transferred to the University of Maryland to study accounting and finance in the evenings and began working with his father during the day. For the next ten years, Billy explained, “I had a front row seat to really spectacular and pioneering work that my father was leading to bring project finance and private investment to countries that desperately needed new infrastructure and power to help grow their economies.”

Today, as the CEO of The Dorado Group, Kappaz has structured and promoted more than $10 Billion in infrastructure projects around the world including the first ever private power projects in Colombia, Jordan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

Though they had early success in the late 80’s and 90’s, Billy and his father faced some very challenging years when the global power industry fell on hard times in early 2000. After overcoming several challenging years and getting K&M on solid footing again, Billy branched out and started a company on his own in 2007, where he had an opportunity to take over and restructure a power plant in South America. The acquisition was the foundation that created The Dorado Group.

While working with his father, Billy advised foreign governments, utilities, bankers, and investors on how they could best accomplish and get infrastructure projects financed and built. It was this work

with his father that gave him the experience to create The Dorado Group—a company that focuses on investing and operating power projects, including gas-fired, small hydro, and more recently, renewable power plants. All of the investments of Billy’s company to date have been located in South America.

The success of both K&M and the Dorado Group came from focused perseverance. “We endured some really tough times,” Billy said. “I look back at those challenging moments and realize that’s what defined us. It made us smarter, gave us more experience, and ultimately made us better businessmen. We were capable of dealing with the inevitable problems that we often faced.”

Those experiences prepared him to work with companies that had problems and projects that were deemed to be in distress by their lenders and investors. He worked with them to successfully turn them around creating significant value for all stakeholders involved.

“The most rewarding part of my job is helping to bring much needed investment that literally changed the way of life in developing countries. I was amazed to see first hand that turning a light switch on upon entering a room was actually a luxury in most of the world.” said Kappaz.

Financing new power projects was essential to allowing countries and their economies to grow in a sustainable way. So much of a country’s growth is based on industry and factories, which are big job producers and big energy consumers. “Seeing these countries evolve over the last 25 years has been amazing. We advised or led the investment

on the first privately financed power plant in 20-25 different countries over the past two and a half decades, and most of them have had many subsequent investors come through after K&M or The Dorado Group helped to create a framework for sustainable investments.”

The positive results of the work that Kappaz has been involved in have been evident and rewarding. Colombia is a great example of the success of their investment efforts.

“In the early nineties, we were the first private investor in the power sector in Colombia,” Billy explained. “As a result, the rules were changed to better promote foreign investment, and the country experienced tremendous growth economically as a result of new investments.

Over the past 20 years, the country, once known for narco-trafficking and violence, has had tremendous economic growth, and a significant reduction in poverty.

Consequently, there was a major decline of violence and guerilla warfare.” Today, Colombia has one of the strongest economies in the hemisphere, violence is down 95%, and tourists are traveling safely around the country. Billy added, “It’s amazing to witness the change of a country in less than a generation.”

Billy credits his faith and strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues as the primary tools for dealing with adversity and the driving forces behind his success in business. Much of this foundation dates back to his days at Good Counsel where he fondly recalls starting lifelong friendships and building upon his Catholic upbringing during the powerful retreat programs.

Billy with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters, Ava (9), Julia (8), and Sophia (2 ½).

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Stephen Spottswood ’10

Urban Strings

Building for the future of music

The name “Spottswood” undoubtedly grabs the attention of most anyone in the Good Counsel community. Mr. Stan Spottswood ’82 has been GC’s choir director for the past ten years, although, Stan is not the only Spottswood leading young musicians to excellence. Stephen Spottswood ’10, Stan’s son, is the Director of the Urban Strings program in Columbus, Ohio and has been making a lasting impression on the surrounding community.

Urban Strings is a community youth orchestra program designed to attract serious, young, talented musicians from various schools throughout the metropolitan Columbus area. The program was co-founded by Catherine T. Willis and Friends of Art for Community Enrichment (FACE) in 2007.

“There are three reasons why Urban Strings is different from any other youth orchestra in the country,” explains Stephen. “First, it provides a place where underprivileged children can come together, feel like they belong, and not feel ostracized. Second, it offers our mainly African-American based community a place to have a sense of pride in the youth. Third, I help the students reach the excellence they achieve through stubborn repetition in rehearsal.”

Just 23 years old, Stephen has a full plate for someone his age. In 2013, he was hired as the Director of Urban Strings. Over the past three years, he has directed all three strings groups, majored in music education at Capital University, taught private lessons, auditioned new students, and played the bass at a church on Sundays.

As Director, he conducts the orchestra, sets the programs, selects the music, and speaks with parents, donors, and the audience. Urban Strings enjoys performing collective art, which asks the audience to participate in the performance and the musical experience. Stephen likes to select popular music and weave it into their classical performances.

“I like to pick music people will recognize and dance to,” Spottswood said. “We have played the Temptations, James Brown, Pharrell’s, ‘Happy,’ along with classical selections, of course. “ Though Stephen is more than 300 miles away, he still cherishes everything he learned at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. He shares his education and values with his students every day, “While at GC, I was known as ‘one of the Spottswood twins,’ but I was able to have an experience beyond that label. The Xaverian values are very real—they have stuck with me and are a part of my daily life through my work with children.”

"The Xaverian values are very real– they have stuck with me and are a part of my daily life through my work with children."

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Phylicia Mpasi ’11

“It began with laughter.” Phylicia Mpasi ’11 knew at a young age that she wanted to make people laugh. She recalls sitting in the living room with her mother and her sisters, Priscilla ’00 and Patricia ’06, watching everyone laugh as if they were taking their last breath. At that moment, she realized that no matter what hardships she was facing in life, laughter would always be a way to escape.

Phylicia’s mother did whatever she could to help make her daughter’s dreams of performing a reality.

She was with Phylicia every step of the way -- looking up local theatres in the community, traveling to auditions, and sitting in the front row at every performance.

During her senior year at Good Counsel, Phylicia was voted “Most likely to be a Movie Star” by her peers and is still pursuing that dream today. Her education at GC provided her with the tools she needed to succeed in the world, and she was able to face adversity head on. “I learned how to embrace the diversity of others and myself. I learned the importance of finding a community.”

Every teacher she had at GC made an impact on her life. Phylicia’s counselor, or as she says “friend,” Mr. Todd Handelman, gave her the strength and courage to succeed as a Junior Retreat leader.

Her favorite teacher, Mr. Mike Curtin, taught her about the beauty and power of language.

“Mr. Curtin taught us to fall in love with stories and the importance of telling them and that’s a big part of why I enjoy performing,” she explained. Now as an alumna, she watches student and teacher shout-outs on Good Counsel’s Facebook page and appreciates that there is still a special bond between teachers and students.

Phylicia attended Elon University and continued her passion in theatre. During the Elon Music Theatre Senior Casting Director Series, Phylicia auditioned for casting director, Jay Binder, President and CEO of Binder Casting who is involved in numerous shows on Broadway and national tours. In the last week of her senior year, she flew to New York City for callbacks. She was offered the vocal swing role and Shenzi understudy in the award-winning musical, Disney’s The Lion King as part of the North American tour. Phylicia is responsible for knowing the entire show from a female perspective and stepping into different roles at the last minute. She is touring and performing around the country with the cast of The Lion King until next summer. From a young age, she dreamed about working with Disney. She still can’t believe she is part of the highest grossing musical of all time.

Phylicia is overjoyed about the opening of the new Performing Arts Center. “The resources that will be accessible to the current students now will only help them hone their skills and talents.” She is grateful knowing that the Performing Arts Center will now be a part of the school’s core and looks forward to returning to GC to watch the students perform in a space they deserve.

The future opportunities for Phylicia are endless and The Lion King is just the start of her career. After her tour with The Lion King, she hopes to be a part of the Broadway musical, Hamilton. Right now, she’s working on a full-length screenplay for her sitcom, The Key to Phy, which she dreams of producing and starring in one day. “I want to be remembered as someone who was inspiring, who worked hard, who achieved my goals, but was still true to my core.” She concludes, “Never lose faith in the power of your dreams, but don’t just dream—do.”

The Lion King Swing

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Good Counsel’s First Home In 1958, Our Lady of Good Counsel was built on the corner of Arcola and Georgia Avenues in Wheaton, Maryland. At the time, Wheaton had one shopping center which was two blocks long, the Elbe Market, and the Country Boy. Prior to the school’s construction, the property was a wooded area that sat next to a farm.

The woods ran unobstructed all the way from Good Counsel to Arcola and University Avenues. Years later, the farm would be gone, and Equitable Bank would be built at the corner of Georgia and Blue Ridge Avenues.

The “newness” of the town was a reflection of rapidly growing suburbs outside of Washington D.C. With the “Baby Boom,” Wheaton was soon inhabited with young (and big) Catholic families. The founding of a new Catholic high school was exciting for all, but most especially for the kids that lived in the surrounding neighborhoods. Good Counsel was much more than a school.

As time went on, many of the neighborhood boys would become Good Counsel students, but their relationship with the school started earlier and on different terms. It was a place where childhood memories were formed.

Well-known GC fathers, Jack McAleer, Joe Hickson, and Bill Mogus were always ready and willing to support the school.

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In the spring and summer, the kids played baseball on the ball field. During football season, they had a favorite spot in the fence to sneak into the games.

Coach Andy Guida and the guys on the field were legends in their eyes. In the winter, kids would sleigh ride down the hill above the football field. The hill ran in two sections that was divided by a ditch, which served as a jump sending a sled high into the air. Admission to a basketball game was 25 cents, and a Coke or a bag of peanuts was five cents. For a kid, it didn’t get much better than watching Coach Jay Manning lead exciting basketball teams in a sold-out, standing-roomonly gym. And for all of their mischief, the kids could find absolution at the beginning of each week in Good Counsel’s chapel and cafeteria, which hosted confessions and Sunday Mass.

For as much as Good Counsel provided for the kids, the parents offered willing hands to help the Xaverian Brothers firmly establish the school as the academic institution that would continue to help their boys grow in Catholic faith and values. The post-World War II “we can do anything” attitude fueled projects such as erecting lights on the field. The hard work of parents, Jack McAleer, Joe Hickson, and Bill Mogus, brought a new and exciting tradition to Wheaton – night football games under the lights. And with just a little help from others, Bro. Ivo cleared more wooded area on the campus to create the practice field, adding much needed space for the school.

The mothers also held a strong presence on campus, making significant contributions to the school’s daily operation. Ginger Burch, Florence Brosnan, Roselyn Clancy, Lucy Tana, Dot Tucker, and many other mothers worked full-time in the offices and cafeteria, providing needed disciplinary support as well as motherly guidance for growing boys. It was said that Mrs. Clancy easily detected a voice on the phone that was claiming to be the mother of a student who was sick. She would tell the young woman that she knew the boy’s mother and that he should get to school immediately. The mothers who helped Bro. Charles in the cafeteria always made sure that the boys didn’t walk away hungry. Students were happy when Mrs. Tucker served them lunch, as she was known to have a generous hand with meal portions. Mrs. Burch’s care for Good Counsel’s students and faculty went beyond the kitchen, and her service to the school lasted well into the early 2000s. It was clear to see that parent contributions of support came to define Good Counsel for its commitment to serving others.

In 1958, the suburbs ended just beyond Wheaton’s borders where Georgia Avenue turned into one-lane road. Olney seemed like the other end of the earth.

Over the decades, the suburbs grew. As Good Counsel flourished, the need for a new home was evident. Fittingly, there was a wooded area of land next to a farm. The farm was owned by a Good Counsel family – the Hydes. Good Counsel set down new roots, but they brought with them the heart of the school. After 50 years, Tom Kolar is still teaching and coaching. Mr. Hickson’s daughter-inlaw, Maureen (wife of Dan Hickson ’73), serves as the Registrar. Janet Weschler (wife of Tom Weschler ’72), greets guests at the Front Desk. Pat Bates ’70 is the Athletic Director, John Poulos ’77 is the Grounds Director, Bill Mooney ’68 serves in the Business Office, and McAleer brothers, Andy ’74 and Bobby ’78, collect tickets at all the games. The faculty and staff are filled with alumni from Wheaton and Olney. Kids throw the football in the grassy area just outside of the fence during football games, and there’s always a line for a hot dog and Coke at the concessions stand. As is the long-standing tradition, moms and dads willingly fill dozens of volunteer positions to serve the students and the school. It is easy to see that the spirit and mission of Good Counsel is alive and well.

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Glory Days...

In 1988, Joe McCall ’79 was hired as Good Counsel’s Varsity Boys Basketball Head Coach. It was there that the story began. Reminiscing on those years, Coach McCall remarked, “We certainly had quite a run during the 90’s when it came to basketball, both the men’s and women’s teams.” For the boys, it was the 1991 team led by Nii Nelson-Richards ’91 that first put us on the map as they set a school record for most wins in a season (24-8 record) and had us in the thick of the conference title race right up until the end.

Beginning in the early 1990s, there was a major cultural shift in the world of sports. Michael Jordan. Larry Bird.

Duke and the Fab Five. Across the nation, basketball became the “it” sport as spectators watched players and coaches dramatically change the way the game was played. Washington, DC, with its love of basketball, was on board for the wild ride, and the talent did not stop at the NBA or college level. Some people were lucky enough to walk into their own high school gyms and witness this new energy take place.

Good Counsel was one of those special places.

Both the ’93 (Sammy Briggs ’93 and Thomas Treadwell ’93) and ’94 (Kevin Thompson ’94, Adrian Muys ’94, and Vic Del Pino ’94) teams set new records with 28 wins and brought us #1 rankings in the Washington Post and appearances in the league championship title games.

Perhaps the highlight of those two years was beating DeMatha in the championship game at the Alhambra Tournament with Jabari Outtz ’95 taking the MVP honors.

We continued to field winning teams throughout the decade and capped it off with our #5 nationally ranked 1999 squad, led by Roger Mason, Jr. ’99, Chris Monroe ’99, Earl Hunt ’99, AJ Harris ’99 and Joe Truhe ’99. That team set a new school record for wins at 29 and was in the USA Today Top 25 rankings for the entire season.

My fondest memory of that time was the quality of the young men who I had the honor to coach. We built something very special during the 90’s, and it was exciting to see how the school really came together to support some great teams. Those are times that I will always remember and memories I will always cherish.”

GC alumnus, Victor Del Pino, agreed.

“We respected the guys who came before us, and we wanted success for those after us. I think those of us from the 90’s know we built one of the best programs in the area and the country.”

And as Coach McCall noted, the talent was not limited to the boys. In the fall of 1991, three freshman girls, Kari Gaskins ’95, Corey Hewitt ’95, and Suzie Miller ’95, made the Varsity Girls Basketball team. That moment set the stage for the first-ever Good

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Counsel Girls WCAC Basketball Championship and City Title victories in 1995. The talent on the GC Girls Basketball Team was so powerful that it started to fill the stands with many more spectators than the usual loyal fans. The Good Counsel girls’ team was just as well known as the boys’ team, and it was an exciting time to be a GC student.

In back-to-back years (1992 and 1993), the Good Counsel boys’ and girls’ teams swept the Bullis Holiday Tournament.

Thinking back on their success, Corey Hewitt ’95 said, “There was a unique blending of friendships between the girls and boys teams that was based on a mutual respect.

We supported each other from the stands and cared about each other off the court. One of the best feelings was when both teams won the Bullis tournament as underdogs.

It was an honor and a privilege to bring success and attention to the school we were so proud to represent.”

Victor acknowledged that their success was attributed to much more than the talented players. “We were a family.

We came from different backgrounds and neighborhoods, but we all cared about each other on and off the court.

That’s why we could compete with anyone. We weren’t afraid of other teams. We knew we were special from the coach all the way down to the last [player] on the bench.

That bond isn’t found everywhere.”

One of the greatest examples of team unity was shown when the girls’ coach, Tom Eastman, passed away after a difficult struggle with cancer in the summer of 1994. Kari Gaskins ’95 remarked, “The loss of our coach, Tom Eastman, motivated us to ‘go all the way,’ which was part of his final goodbye letter to the team. He believed in us, and we wanted to prove him right. We dedicated the ’94-’95 season to him and were triumphant! It was an incredible feeling to be a part of something so special and meaningful.”

Although the school has moved to Olney, memories of Georgia Avenue linger. Hanging on a wall in Alumni Gallery is the center court from Wheaton, which symbolizes the commitment of so many of our coaches, teachers, administrators, student athletes, fans, and Athletic Director, Bob Windlan. Each decade in Good Counsel’s 58-year journey holds treasures that remain with our alumni long after their high school days have passed. Basketball, along with many other stories of success during the 1990s, is something that decorates our history with pride.

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&

DENNIS ESSIG Sheepshead Bay

Many alumni know Dennis Essig as an excellent foreign language teacher who made class interesting and fun with storytelling and occasional sing-a-longs to Guantanamera. What you may not know is that this beloved teacher would leave Good Counsel after school and head to Cleveland Park, where he wore a different hat. It was there that he and his two band members, Bob Ortiz and Tom Scullen ’62, would sing the night away to packed houses at Gallagher’s (now known as Nanny O’Brien’s).

Earning the headliner band spot came somewhat by chance.

The trio, known as Sheepshead Bay, played at an open mic night, after which the owner offered them the weekend gig.

There was one problem. They only had seven songs. He told them to come back in a month. They did, and they remained the weekend band for the next seven years.

It was the band that originally brought Dennis to Good Counsel. Educated by the Christian Brothers in Greenwich Village, New York, he graduated in 1965 and made his way south in search of a teaching position. While working at the former Academy of the Holy Names Catholic High School in Silver Spring, MD, he met fellow teacher, Bob Ortiz, who shared his love of music. Bob connected him with Good Counsel alumnus, Tom Scullen ’62, and the band was formed.

In September 1978, Tom got them a gig playing at Good Counsel’s opening school assembly for juniors and seniors.

As was his practice, Dennis brought copies of his resume in his guitar case. After the concert was over, he gave a copy to Principal Brother Bonaventure. Since the school year had already begun, he wasn’t expecting anything to come of it. Much to his surprise, Dennis received a phone call on Monday morning notifying him of a recent vacancy. After an

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interview, he was hired and told to report for duty the next morning. Thus began a 38-year career teaching Spanish and joining students in song at Good Counsel’s “open mic” coffeehouses, school assemblies, retreats, and Masses.

Sheepshead Bay was very successful, even opening for Don McLean at Catholic University. But its members did not have aspirations to “make it big.” Life started getting in the way with growing families and other opportunities. Dennis has fond memories of his life on stage at Gallagher’s. Some include evenings where Good Counsel faculty and alumni were in the audience cheering him on and dancing the night away. But the fun could never be traded for his life with his wife, Tonia; sons, Andrew ’94, Nicholas ’98, and Daniel ’00; and six grandchildren. And as many students, alumni, faculty, and staff would attest, Good Counsel will never be the same without him.

The weather on September 10, 2015, was not as pleasant as we had hoped for, but we were still able to celebrate the 33rd Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic. Through tumultuous downpours, the alumni, parents, and friends gathered to play through Blue Mash Golf Course and Manor Country Club in honor of Steve Dean ’67. The tournament was created 33 years ago in honor of Steve, who passed due to complications related to cerebral palsy.

This year, each participant received a golf towel and divot tool styled with the logo and colors of Good Counsel. After the tournament, Outback Steakhouse catered the awards banquet at Good Counsel.

The Advancement Office would like to give very special thanks to the sponsors, participants, and volunteers who continue to make this event a GC tradition.

Save the date—September 8, 2016, when the 34th annual Steve Dean Golf Classic will be played at Manor and Argyle Country Clubs. To register, or for more information, visit www.olgchs.org/stevedean.

Tournament winners: from the Class of 2004, Matthew Bottegal, David Stablein, Jason Seney, and Charles D’Arco.

With numerous sponsors and individuals in support, the golf tournament successfully raised more than $30,000 for the Steve Dean Memorial Scholarship Fund. In the spring of 2016, Good Counsel was able to provide two rising seniors with $5,000 scholarships from the Steve Dean Memorial Scholarship Fund and also build the scholarship endowment. James Biggins ’17 and Madilyn Hamill ’17 were selected based upon their involvement in academic, social, and athletic programs and who, much like Steve, exemplify a love of Good Counsel.

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Our Lady of Good Counsel High School alumni from the classes ending “0” and “5” gathered to reconnect during Reunion Weekend this past October. Reunion Weekend 2015 kicked off with the annual alumni tailgate with brews and barbecue for all alumni and their families, while younger “future Falcons” enjoyed a moon bounce, face painting, coloring, bracelet making, and lawn games. Photos and mementos were shared – like Jack Salerno’s ’80 letterman jacket, which still fits great!

For some alumni, it was their first time on the Olney campus, and their enthusiasm for GC showed through.

Saturday evening brought the party to the Alumni Gallery.

Good Counsel President, Dr. Paul Barker, 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 “1” and “6”—it’s your year. Save the weekend of November 4 - 5, 2016, and plan to join us to reconnect with your classmates and former teachers. For more information, email Collin DeWitt at cdewitt@olgchs.org.

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REUNION WEEKEND

2015

50th Reunion Class Makes a Big Return to GC Under the leadership of Bob Clark, Tony Tanzi, and Joe Theis, the Class of 1966 celebrated its 50th reunion on May 25, with the largest attendance for the event in school history. The evening started off in the school's Alumni Gallery with a cocktail reception featuring a slideshow of yearbook pictures, printed copies of the front pages of the Washington Post from key dates in 1966, and a memorabilia table.

The fun continued as class members and their spouses and guests gathered for a dinner while they continued to reminisce.

The evening concluded with guided tours by Dr. Barker, where the attendees reveled in the brand new performing arts center. After the conclusion of the evening on campus, the Class of 1966 continued the celebration at a local Olney restaurant.

On May 26, the 50th reunion members joined the Class of 2016 at the commencement ceremony at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Following graduation, the class of 1966 gathered at Manor Country Club for a luncheon and shared stories about their GC experience and the Xaverian Brothers.

The Class of 1966 hopes to keep the party going for Reunion Weekend on November 4-5 and challenges the class of 1967 to top their attendance next May.

s r a e Y 50

Thank you to the Class of 1966 and congratulations on your 50th reunion!

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2016 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS Richard M. Jeanneret ’79 named GC’s 2016 Distinguished Alumnus On April 26, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School recognized Richard M. Jeanneret ’79 as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus. Mr. Jeanneret celebrated the day by speaking to the student body following the Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel Mass; enjoying a luncheon in his honor at Manor Country Club with classmates, family, and friends; and chatting with GC’s senior accounting students about their futures in the profession.

A son of a diplomat, Mr. Jeanneret grew up in several different countries including Iraq, Yemen, Iran, Turkey, and Jordan before attending St. Elizabeth’s School. During his time at Good Counsel, Rich was involved in Yearbook and served as the editor in his junior and senior years. He also was a member of the National Honor Society, played soccer, and enjoyed the Spanish Club. He remembers a great sense of community among the students and how the Xaverian Brothers made an extra effort to connect and motivate him to excel in every facet of life.

After graduation, Rich went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in economics from Boston College. He currently works at Ernst & Young (EY), as the Americas Vice Chair of Transaction Advisory Services and is a member of the Americas Operating Executive based out of EY’s New York office. He leads over 3,600 colleagues in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Israel.

Rich Jeanneret (center) with classmates Thomas Noël (left) and Jim Selvaggi (right).

Richard has more than 30 years of experience with mergers and acquisitions, public company spinoffs, initial public offerings, and securities offerings. He is recognized as a thought leader, is regularly quoted in top-tier media, and frequently appears on television and radio including Fox Business, Bloomberg TV, and NPR. “I’m a huge believer in building a brand. Social media is an outlet for building a brand for myself and for EY as thought leaders in the market. We are continuously innovating to make sure we are the market leaders—once you are successful is the minute you start over again and get to work,” he shared.

Jeanneret is active with many charitable and civic organizations. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington and a member of the audit committee. He was on the original Olympic committee trying to bring the games to D.C. in 2012. He has also coached youth sports. He currently sits on the National Board of Directors of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and he serves on the Board of the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, working on the Finance Committee.

An avid supporter of the arts, Mr. Jeanneret has been generous during Good Counsel’s campaign to build the Performing Arts Center.

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ALUMNI

We are proud to recognize Mr. Richard Jeanneret ’79 as the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus.

“I believe that the arts are an incredible way to stimulate creativity and social justice,” he explained. “With the Performing Arts Center on campus, I saw that it was a great change for Good Counsel. It will support the needs of the student community.”

The Jeannerets reside in Great Falls, Virginia, and they have four children: Katie, Tim, Amy, and Henry. When Rich isn’t working, he enjoys skiing, golfing, hiking, and reading, but most importantly, he spends his leisure time with his family. Rich attributes a big part of his success to his supportive wife, Lisa.

He said, “There is no way I could have the personal success without my wife. She is my partner throughout everything.

She has made me a better person both personally and professionally—she is my super weapon.”

“Dream big, and embrace the mystery of where your life will go. Yes, you will plan some of your greatest accomplishments in life—where you go to college, your field of study, or maybe your first job. And then, some of the greatest things that happen to you will take a form you never could have imagined. Those moments—moments like this one—are the ones I cherish most of all. So imagine your future, and have faith that you can create it! Faith is the daring of the soul to go farther than it can see.”

—Excerpt from Rich Jeanneret’s remarks to the Good Counsel student body

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A

The Hall of Fame was created to recognize accomplishments and

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contributions of individuals whose participation in Falcon athletics has brought distinction and honor to the program.

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Of the thousands of student athletes and coaches who have participated in athletics at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, just 95 individuals and two teams have been inducted into the prestigious GC Athletic Hall of Fame since it was created in 1989.

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On September 30, four new members were inducted as part of the Hall of Fame’s 2015 induction class. The “Class of 2015” includes: Lauren Gamble ’04 (girls’ soccer), Anna (Quezada) Moriarty ’96 (cross country and track), Daniel Kolar ’73 (baseball and football), and Tom Splaine (girls’ basketball coach).

Nearly 50 guests joined them for a special reception in the Dining Hall. The newest inductees were recognized on the 50-yard line at the GC Homecoming football game later that night.

The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee has voted to change the format of the event, so keep your eyes on GC’s website for more information on the exciting changes coming in 2017.

The 2015 Good Counsel Hall of Fame inductees: Daniel Kolar ’73, Lauren Gamble ’04, Anna (Quezada) Moriarty ’96, and Tom Splaine.

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ALUMNI

The 28th annual Grand Celebration was another grand night for Good Counsel. Themed “A Night at the Oscars” and under the leadership of Sandra Boissonniere P’17, more than 225 guests joined the celebration.

The “Funds for Our Falcons” live appeal was once again a success, raising $65,325 to “Help Us Get the Students Off the Floor” and create a student commons. Once again, Sandra will lead the Grand Celebration committee for 2016-17. Mark your calendars and plan to join us on Saturday evening, March 4, 2017. You won’t want to miss it!

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An Informal Introduction….

My name is Katie Rictor. In January, I joined the Good Counsel community as the new Director of the Fund for Good Counsel.

I grew up in the farmlands of Southcentral Pennsylvania. I was fortunate to attend the private school in the area – a Mennonite school called Shalom Christian Academy. When walking the halls of Good Counsel, I often wish I could repeat my high school experience here! The annual DutchFest held every year at Shalom wasn’t nearly as fun as the Good Counsel Senior-Faculty Basketball game, or cheering on the football team, or seeing the spring musical! Alas, I had to make do with the yearly harvest festivals and hay-bailing hoedowns.

College is where I got to spread my wings. At Messiah College, I decided that I’d make my education meaningful and walk out with a degree that would really put me ahead of the crowd. So, I chose to pursue a degree in opera performance. That would certainly serve me down the road, right?

While my aspirations of standing on stage belting out “O Mio Bambino Caro” to an adoring crowd never came to fruition, I ended up falling in love with something even more rewarding. When endless auditioning didn’t quite pay the rent, I took a position at the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) in Philadelphia. It was there I stumbled upon fundraising and development. Suddenly, I felt this whole new calling.

At Shalom and Messiah, I was taught so much about serving those less fortunate than me, but it never really clicked until I worked with DVAEYC and the inner-city preschool children they served. I discovered a new passion for helping donors make a difference in the causes they truly believed in. It was my little way of having an impact on my world and my community.

From that point on, I knew I had found the purpose for which God had called me. After DVAEYC, as a pale, red-headed Irish lass, I somehow landed a position as Development Director for the National Italian American Foundation in Washington, DC. There, I got to champion Italian culture and provide scholarships to students looking to discover more about their heritage. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to serve many different organizations with a variety of compelling needs. One of my favorite parts has been building relationships and working together with communities to make the impossible, possible.

My journey has culminated here at Good Counsel. Not only do I get to live vicariously through the students, but I also get to be a part of this caring and supportive community. I feel so lucky to be here, and can’t wait to help our parents and alumni make great things happen for our students through the Fund for Good Counsel.

If you’re on campus, please stop by. I’d love to meet you and talk about how we can continue to make this a special place for our students.

Go Falcons!

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Creating the Legacy: What Does it Mean to Be a Falcon?

Service is at the core of a Good Counsel education. From mission trips to El Salvador to senior service projects, students are taught the importance of giving back to those in need. Alumni Matt Jeanneret and Mike Reyes, both from the Class of 1985, learned much about service during their time here. Today, Matt and Mike are encouraging other alums to continue this tradition of service and community by giving back to the school that gave them so much.

In the 1980s, it was a “band of brothers” who roamed the halls of the Wheaton Campus. Like today, service was taught through class retreats and senior year service projects. Matt pauses to think back on those who influenced him, “Perhaps the greatest way we learned about service was through the leadership and example of people like Dennis Essig, Dick Burns, Don Dalphonse, Kevin Gunning, Denise McDermott, Tom Kolar, and Barry Fitzpatrick.”

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“The foundation of any school success is from the alumni support,” Matt says. “We hope what we are doing will spread and build enthusiasm.” Matt and Mike’s model is one that is being introduced to the newest alumni classes through the Forever A Falcon program.

Mike saw the importance of giving back demonstrated in his home. “Coming from a single-parent home, I knew we didn’t have a lot of money to tithe, but we always offered what we could each week.” It wasn’t until later that he realized what Good Counsel had done for him. “When I told my mom what I was doing with Matt and my alumni class, she said ‘you know, you received financial aid from Good Counsel.' I was dumbfounded. I had no idea! It took me 26 years to realize how truly blessed I was to have her example and to be additionally shaped by my Good Counsel education.”

At their 25th reunion, Matt and Mike saw an opportunity to continue a tradition of philanthropy that had started for them, as students, so long ago. For four years in a row, Matt and Mike have helped their class win the Alumni Class Competition through enthusiasm, frequent communication, and a deep love for this community. Last year, their class reached 42% participation, the highest in school history.

The evidence of their accomplishment, a street sign entitled “Class of 1985 Way,” is in its proper place at the front of the school. Matt and Mike hope their class will be the example for future alumni. They are also quick to note that the continued generosity of their classmates and the words of encouragement they receive from them are the biggest reasons why they continue to serve as Class Agents. One of their classmates recently thanked Matt and Mike for the efforts with the Fund for Good Counsel, saying, “You two guys really help keep us all together.”

The Forever A Falcon program engages students in the spring of their senior year in conversations around service and what that looks like, as they become leaders in their own communities. For four years, students have learned the importance of the Xaverian values. They experienced different cultures and communities. They have been shaped by their teachers and leaders. As they join the illustrious ranks of Good Counsel alumni, they will forever be a Falcon.

But what does that mean for each of them? Seniors are asked to think about how they will carry the values they have learned out into the world and to remember that they will always be a part of this growing community. They are encouraged to give back in gratitude for what they received to help those who follow them.

For Matt and Mike, it was their future experiences and further success that would remind them of all they had received from Good Counsel and inspire them to give back.

“Good Counsel was critical in shaping who I am,” Matt says.

“I hope that our example will encourage other alumni to give back and do their part to ensure future students have the same formative experiences we did.”

Please join Matt and Mike in ensuring that Good Counsel continues to provide the mission-centered, rigorous, formative education to develop leaders for good. Your gift will help us shape these young Falcons into Good Counsel alumni—people of integrity and immense moral fortitude— graduates who realize that it is only through helping each other that we can truly shape and improve the world around us.

Make your gift to the Fund for Good Counsel today and continue the legacy of being Forever a Falcon.

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ADVANCEMENT

In November 2015, Good Counsel welcomed nearly 200 members of the Saint Francis Xavier Society to a special dinner to celebrate their outstanding, financial support of our students and our mission.

The night included special recognitions to leaders in our community. Debbie Gargan received the Our Lady Award, which recognizes an individual or family within our school community who has provided outstanding volunteer work and tremendous commitment to the school. A parent of two GC graduates, Scott ’11 and Anthony ’15, Debbie has been a member of the Parents’ Association for the past nine years and served as treasurer as well as recording secretary. She volunteered for post prom and the used GC uniform sale, organized numerous athletic team parties and trips, and spent countless hours volunteering and manning GC’s Concessions stand.

The 1958 Cornerstone Award recognizes outstanding philanthropy and volunteer support to Good Counsel.

This award was presented to Angela and Ralph Boyd, Jr. Ralph and Angela, parents of Maggie ’13, always made sure that volunteerism and service were central features of their family ethos. Ralph is a charter member of the President’s Council of Advisors and served on the Campaign Cabinet for the Performing Arts Center campaign. An avid soccer fan, Ralph was the public voice of the Lady Falcons during Maggie’s time at Good Counsel and is a highly respected referee.

In addition to supporting the annual and capital fundraising, for many years, Angela and Ralph have provided financial assistance to girls’ soccer players who have demonstrated need. The quiet and faithful generosity of Angela and Ralph to Good Counsel has been nothing short of amazing.

We are extremely grateful to parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who faithfully make leadership gifts to support the school. We are honored to recognize the growing number in our community who are members of the Saint Francis Xavier Society.

ADVANCEMENT

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CLASS NOTES at ’s Wh ?

New

1962

John Beall welcomed his first grandchild in December 2015. His other son will celebrate his upcoming wedding in 2016.

Dr. Jerry Krause and his wife, Joan, celebrated 47 years of marriage this past December. They love having grandchildren nearby and traveling the world. He will continue to practice pediatric dentistry until the end of 2016. He has already turned his Salisbury practice over to their son, Mark.

1963 Jim Arnaiz is 14 years retired and currently living the life in Naples, FL. He sends his best with a toast from one of his award winning Blood Orange Martinis.

Bro. Bob Arrowsmith is working part-time as a counselor for Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

Mike Moore was appointed

by Governor Larry Hogan as a commissioner on the Maryland Veterans Commission. He has served as the commander of Greenbelt American Legion Post 136 for the past four years and is the chairman

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CLASS NOTES

Tell us your latest accomplishments and milestones by submitting your news to Class Notes. Please note, Class Notes may take up to 12 months to appear as a result of the publication schedule. Photo submissions are welcome and are published as space permits. Please submit original, high-resolution photos (300 dpi or approximately 1MB). Submit your class note online at olgchs.org/classnotes or e-mail information to cdewitt@olgchs.org. We can’t wait to hear from you!

of the American Legion Department of Maryland’s Veterans Education and Employment Committee.

1964 Charles Nalen is working for Crowley Maritime in Jacksonville, FL. He continues to commute between Florida and his home on the Hood Canal, outside of Seattle, WA. He has been with the company for the last 35 years in marine operations, working most recently as team lead for corporate safety, quality, and environmental stewardship. He and his wife, Kathy, are refurbishing their Hood Canal cottage for retirement.

1965 Thomas Schnaubelt is a retired US Army chief warrant officer, and helicopter pilot. Thomas also retired as a civilian from the pharmaceutical industry as a computer database administrator.

1966 Craig Farr and his wife, Pat, are moving to the island of Sanibel in May 2016. Craig retired from the Department of Defense and then later retired from SAIC as a test and evaluation engineer. Pat and Craig have two children and three

grandchildren. Craig races his sports racer with the Sports Car Club of America. He has won two class championships in the southeast division of the SCCA.

Stephen Harstack retired in 2010 as a counselor with the City of Falls Church Public Schools system.

George Simko moved to Grass Valley, CA, in April 2015 to be closer to his grandchildren.

1967 John Romero is semi-retired and spending time with his grandson and family in Washington, DC and Naples, FL. His physical therapy practice is doing well in Kensington, MD.

1969 Tony Chite and his wife, Debbie, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2016. Tony was a pharmacist for many years before retiring. They enjoy spending time with their three grown children.

1977 Pat McAuliffe has a new job as the Director of Planned Giving at Mount St. Mary’s University, MD. He moved to Waynesboro, PA, in December 2015. He also rescued a shepherd/ mastiff mix, Riggo. Pat’s daughter, Faith, teaches first grade in Dorchester, MA. His daughter, Maureen, lives in Sarasota, FL, and is training for the US Olympic Trials in rowing.

1978 Mark Davis and wife, Joan, celebrated their daughter’s wedding on October 3, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Annapolis, MD.

“Breaking into Banking: Cracking the Code on Launching a Successful Career in Commercial Banking.” He, his wife, and their nine children live in Orient, OH (south of Columbus).

Mike Murtaugh accepted a position with KANE Construction, Inc. as Vice President of Marketing and Communications. KANE Construction is owned by Dennis Kane ’83 and is a leading commercial interior construction company in both the Washington, DC metro and Baltimore markets. A past member of the Board of Directors for Good Counsel, Mike lives in Darnestown with his wife, Ann, sister of JT Triandafilou ’81. The picture is Mike with the Honorable Judge John Maloney ’81 and Brian Graham ’81.

1979 Thomas Noël is working as a federal employee and lives in Brookville, MD. He still enjoys running.

1984

1981 Andy Keusal recently left an 18-year corporate banking career to start a bank consulting and training company, Keusal Learning LLC. He also wrote,

Tim Russell and son, Brendan - class of 2020, holding their acceptance letters. Tim is holding his letter from March 1980 with tuition at $1,550 for the 1980-81 school year.

Matt Alion is celebrating 25 years as President and Owner at Database Marketing, Inc. DBM is a direct mail and creative boutique firm, located in Bethesda, MD.

1988 Felipe Cofiño is the Vice President of Human Resources at Signal Financial Federal Credit Union in Kensington, MD.

Edward (EJ) Wojtowicz was recently named Vice President of Sales for Greyson Technologies, Inc., in Fort Lauderdale, FL. EJ visited GC with his children last summer when he was in the area and was impressed by the Olney campus.

1990 Kristin Richards Lauricella recently launched a new website (www. lauricelladesign.com) for her graphic design business, Lauricella Design.

The site showcases a wide range of branding and marketing materials for local businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations as well as national clients such as Sesame Street, Showtime, and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Kathleen (Kolar) Quinn is currently working as the Acting Associate Commissioner for External Affairs for the Food and Drug Administration.

Peter Torti is the Senior Managing Director at Berkeley Point Capital, LLC. He and his family live in Bethesda, MD.

1991 Nic Molinara and his wife, Erika, welcomed a beautiful baby girl this past August, Gabriella Siena Molinara.

1986 Rob O’Donnell is married with two daughters, one stepdaughter, and five step-grandchildren. He is a master plumber/gas fitter currently working for himself, O’Donnell Plumbing.

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1995 Kari McDonough Gaskins and her husband welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl, Elle Alessandra McDonough, on March, 15, 2016.

She was 7 lbs. 4.5 oz., and 19.5 in. long.

“defenders,” and is currently working on his first solo record.

1999 1997

After years of living and working abroad, Hillary Stauffer is now living in New York City and serving as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Director of the Coordination and Response Division of the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs at the United Nations (see related article, page 40).

1996 George Gouin moved to Herndon, VA, in July 2015 for a new job at The Mason Companies.

Katie Donohue Ferrell and Chuck ’92 have lived in Delaware for the past 11 years with their three children Brandon, 18; Kailey, 15; and Connor, 12. Brandon plays rugby for Salesianum School and recently played against Good Counsel—the only time Katie and Chuck were not rooting for GC. Steven Sladki is currently living in Baltimore, MD. He volunteers with various dog rescue and advocacy groups, most notably the Baltimore Bully Crew and Pet-U-Cation Training and Rehabilitation. He has been working on training and rescuing dogs, mostly pit bulls and pit mixes for just over six years. He has two dogs of his own and one or two foster dogs at any given time. He is still playing music, most recently with a project called

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CLASS NOTES

Jennifer Conversano and her husband, Andy, welcomed their daughter, Peyton Olivia, to the world on September 18, 2015. The Conversanos currently reside in Mt. Airy, MD.

Katherine (Prangley) Liola, CFP®, AIF®, CRPC®, Founder and President of Concentric Private Wealth was named one of the Top Financial Advisers in the Greater Washington area by Washingtonian magazine. To put together this list of top money advisers, Washingtonian magazine sent surveys to financial professionals in the region asking: Whom would you trust with your money? They also did their research, interviewing experts in the field and consulting industry publications. The advisors selected for the list received the most nominations from all sources. The list contained tax professionals, estate planning attorneys, and wealth managers.

Katherine was selected as one of only 33 Fee-Based Advisers to make the list. The top advisers were listed in the April 2016 issue of Washingtonian magazine and on their website washingtonian.com.

Kellie Plucinski was recognized in the May addition of the Washingtonian magazine and chosen as a recipient of the 2016 Five Star Real Estate Agent award. The award recognizes Five Star agents in the Washingtonian area and a very select group of professionals who excel in client satisfaction.

Less than 7% of professionals in the Washington, D.C. area receive this award.

2000 Natalie (Blandon) Lamb is an active duty Marine Corps communications officer. She is currently stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, HI.

2003 Eddie Ghent and wife, Katie, live in Fairfax, VA. Katie is an English teacher at Chantilly High School, and Eddie is a commercial account manager with W.W. Grainger.

Robert Silk and wife, Katie, welcomed their baby girl, Cassidy, in May 2016.

1998 Josh Alexander and his wife, Diana, welcomed their daughter, Claire, to the world on September 17, 2015. Their first daughter, Emma, loves her little sister.

Stephen Wheeler is the business development manager at XOOM Energy. He and his wife, Dana, reside in Huntersville, NC.

2004

2006

Michelle McAlarnen, Ph.D., recently accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Sport and Exercise Psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the Department of Human Performance in the College of Allied Health and Nursing. She will be teaching undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to conducting research in the areas of supervision, graduate training, and mindfulness. She will also supervise graduate students’ capstone projects, internships, and applied sport psychology services to the local community.

Roman Dobczansky currently plays for the Washington/Baltimore Eagles, an Australian Rules Football Team, as a full forward.

He enjoys an active lifestyle traveling to Nordic lands and playing plenty of tennis. He publishes novels at Politics and Prose Bookstore in Woodley Park, Washington, DC. He is a certified and licensed massage therapist in Maryland, Washington, and Virginia.

Roman is also a Certified Myofascial Release Practitioner. Kinesiology and physical therapy are his areas of research and interest.

2005 David Christopher graduated from University of Delaware, Class of 2009.

He married Jessica Hewins Kelly on September 21, 2013. Their daughter, Whitney Claire Christopher, was born April 5, 2016. David works as a CPA in public accounting at Santos, Postal & Company in Rockville, MD. David and his family live in the Woodley Gardens neighborhood of Rockville, MD. Kaitlynn (Riely) Copinger married Thomas Copinger on July 4, 2014, in Butler, PA. All five of her GC siblings were in the wedding party - Kara ’09, Jack ’12, Kelly ’07, Cosette ’15 and Kevin ’17.

Mackenzie Green is studying to become a member of the 2017 MBA graduating class at Columbia University, in New York City.

She was named a Columbia Fellow.

Thomas Palmer married his wife, Zoe, in April 2016.

Ben Schaefer is currently in his first year in the Boston College Carroll School of Management MBA program.

2007 Amanda (Davis) Becraft ’07 married Christopher Becraft ’07 on October 3, 2015. Amanda and Christopher have been together since GC’s 2004 Homecoming. The GC graduates in their wedding party were best man, Michael Becraft ’13, maids of honor/ bride’s sisters, Brittany (Davis) Bafitis ’03 and Kristian Davis ’05, and bridesmaid, Courtney Hendon Hartman ’07.

Heather Meinhardt graduated with a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Arizona State University in May 2016.

Brett Moore is serving as an administrative intern for Adventist HealthCare. This is part of his requirements toward his MBA degree from Mount St. Mary’s University, which he expects to complete in the fall of 2016. He plans to focus on process improvement to make health care more efficient and less expensive.

Eileen Ghent was hired as the Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Monmouth University. Monmouth is a Division I program, and Eileen has been an assistant on the coaching staff for the past four years. Since Eileen has started, the Monmouth women’s lacrosse team has made the NCAA tournament twice.

2008 Steven Crane is currently working as a senior consultant for IBM Global Business Services in Arlington, VA.

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2008

2010

Rebekah Sewell is currently engaged to David Alcalde ’08. She works as the Director of Social Media for CarePatrol of Mid-Maryland.

She is also the Editorial Assistant and Staff Writer at The Beacon Newspapers.

Rebekah was the first and second place winner (twice) of The North American Mature Publishers Association awards for writing, 2013, 2014, 2015. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Catholic University of America in 2012.

Charles “Hank” Bay worked as an assistant editor on, “We are Blood,” a film celebrating the universal bond created by the simple act of skateboarding.

2009 Danielle (Callanan) Barba married Christopher ’07 on August 15, 2015.

Caroline Richter, daughter of Steve ’75, was married to Leonard Kidwell in 2015 and celebrated with several GC alumni.

Beth Conlon recently ran the 120th Boston Marathon in a time of 2:59:03.

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) women’s lacrosse club hired Katelyn McAleer as an assistant lacrosse coach. Katelyn earned her B.S. in early childhood education and special education, Cum Laude, at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. Recruited to play attack and midfield for the Colonials, her playing career was cut short due to injury. The 2014 RMU graduate transitioned by working for Head Coach Katy Phillips for her Pittsburgh Premiere Lacrosse Club 2012 through 2014. This was an early introduction to coaching while still a college student. She is heading to UCSB after coaching for the Coast to Coast Lacrosse Club in Los Angeles and the LA Wave.

2011 TJ Brockway graduated in May 2015 from Concord University with a degree in recreation/tourism and a concentration in sports management.

He played four years of baseball for the Mountain Lions.

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CLASS NOTES

Caitlyn Diaz graduated with honors from UNCW with a degree in special education in May 2015. Caitlyn is currently working as a sixth grade special education teacher at Leland Middle School in Brunswick County, NC. She was named Leland’s “Rookie Teacher of the Year” for 2015-2016.

Morgan Stephens joined the UMBC women’s lacrosse coaching staff as an assistant in July of 2015. Stephens was a four-year letter winner and defender with the University of Virginia women’s lacrosse team and has been a member of the U.S. Women’s National Lacrosse Team since 2014. Morgan was recently drafted by the Baltimore Ride in the United Women’s Lacrosse League inaugural draft—the first ever, women’s pro lacrosse league.

Victoria Dec is currently attending Howard University in Washington, DC and obtaining her master’s degree in occupational therapy, class of 2017.

Matthew Fichter graduated from University of Maryland, College Park this past fall with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Blake Lipton won the University of South Carolina Journalism School “Reporter of the Year Award” in April 2016. He works at WVII/WFVX (Fox ABC Maine) in Bangor, ME as a morning anchor/reporter.

Katie McCartin, Jessica Daly, Kelsey Smith, Becca Rachefsky, Molly Rosenbaum, Kelly Lechner, Hartley Erickson, John Connelly ’12, Ciara Kavanagh, Scott Gargan, Jack Kearney, Rick Saway, Brian Saway and Jon Howard celebrated the 4th of July, 2015, together in Ocean City, MD.

Michael Mitrione is now an associate at EisnerAmper, LLP. He received his bachelor’s in business administration in accounting and finance from Drexel University in 2015.

Ryan Salah recently accepted a job as a financial advisor with AspireWealth Planners in Hunt Valley, MD.

2012 Kevin Doherty and the University of Virginia baseball team played Appalachian State University, team of Stephen Schoch ’15, in Myrtle Beach, SC. Kevin is a pitcher/ outfielder for UVA, and his team won the NCAA National Championship in June 2015. Stephen is a pitcher in his first season for App State. Both players made the Dean’s List, and Kevin was named to the ACC Honor

Roll. Last season, Kevin was named to the John Olerud Watch List of the nation’s best two-way players.

Alexis Rudolph was named the Head Soccer coach at Towson University United Soccer Club in February 2016.

2013 Maria DeGraba, a junior at UNCW, made the Dean’s List Fall 2015 for the College of Arts and Sciences. Maria is majoring in psychology and minoring in neuroscience.

2014 Vincent Troutner is a current student at UNCW earning a double major in film and marketing.

2015 Alex Honsberger works as a residence director at Shippensburg University.

Zach Joyner is a rising sophomore, majoring in finance with a minor in technology entrepreneurship, at the University of Maryland, College Park.

He is also a member of the Hinman CEO Entrepreneurship Living and Learning Program and is in the process of developing a personal startup.

Eric Kaufman competed in the National Forensics Tournament in Gainesville, FL, as a freshman at James Madison University. He is serving as an intern in the Alumni Relations Office at GC for the summer.

Brett Weidemeyer interned for Congressman Steny Hoyer, the highest ranking Congress member from Maryland in the history of Congress.

He finished his freshman year at University of Maryland with a 4.0 and on the Dean’s List both semesters.

THROW BACK TO

1981 CLASS NOTES

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In Memoriam Michael N. Barnett ’71

Joseph Hickson I father of Joseph ’68 and Daniel ’73

Cashen Bohlander ’18

James Hollister ’77 I father of Erin ’10, Megan ’11, Matt ’14, brother of John ’75 and Thomas ’81

David M. Boone ’75 Margaret Davis Boteler I wife of Bernie Boteler ’73

Patricia Iciek I mother of James ’73

Carm-Idrelle Casseus ’06

Joseph Charles Johnson ’99

Jack Coliano I grandfather of Nicholas Masters ’10, Benjamin Masters ’13, Mackenzie Masters ’15, and Christopher Masters ’18

Bernadine Kmetz I mother of James ’77 and John ’82

Maurice Conley ’65

Sean Patrick Mayhew ’06

Frank W. Connolly I father of Frank ’83, Kevin ’85, Tim ’86, and Sean ’89

Neville K. McLaren, Sr. I father of Christopher ’89 and Neville, Jr. ’92

Daniel Connors I grandfather of Caroline Laguna ’15

Shakunita Medina I mother of Shaun ’11 and Nikhil ’15

Anthony Czajkowski I father of Greg ’75

Teresa Osborne ’06 I sister of Kevin ’01 and Stephanie ’04

Daniel Gurgen Davidson ’93

James L. Outtz I father of Hasina ’00

Kevin Downing ’65

Mark Russell I father of Stephanie ’10 and Michael ’13

John A. Ey, III ’70

Erin McCauley Tervo I sister of Patrick McCauley ’91, Jennifer McCauley ’93, Kevin McCauley ’97, and Tim McCauley ’00

Joe Fortuna ’61 Francis Gilmore ’80 Francis F. Grambo, Jr. ’62 I brother of Michael ’69 and Geoffrey ’74, uncle of Caroline ’99

Eric Luzzatto ’83 I brother of Joseph ’68 and Daniel ’73 Troy Marshall ’06

Jack Thomas I father of Greg ’70 and Mark ’73 Edward Wisniewski ’77 I brother of Peter ’81

Eternal rest, grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. Amen.

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BETTYE FOLZ

FRANCES HIGGINS

Bettye was at Good Counsel for more than 25 years—a majority of them working alongside Peg Barbera and the late Candy Horman. The finances of the school were in the hands of three great women. Tucked away in our Business Office, Bettye was probably not often seen or well known by most of the student body, but anyone who ever bought a bus pass or prom ticket, deposited cash from a fundraising event, or dropped off a tuition payment, had an interaction with Bettye. Bettye especially loved her connections with students. Just days before her death, Bettye had a visit from a senior who wanted to meet her before graduation came around; that made her day. She is greatly missed.

Frances started at Good Counsel in 1989 in the English Department, eventually moving to World Languages to teach Latin. She was passionate in her teaching of Latin and even more passionate in her dedication to her students and in her love and commitment to Good Counsel. Frances’ and John’s two sons, current board member, David ’75, and John ’92 are graduates of Good Counsel as are their grandchildren David ’04, Charlotte ’06, and John ’09. Her husband John accompanied Frances to many GC events and is a beloved member of our school as well.

Frances retired at the end of the 2013-14 school year after 25 years of service to our school. We will miss Frances.

IN MEMORIAM

CHAD SILLERY DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, AND DONOR RELATIONS Some of you may recognize my name, as I have been the coaching director for the Good Counsel Ice Hockey program since 2012. During my time with the ice hockey program, we have been able to achieve some success winning the MAPHL A Division Championship in both the 2012-2013 and the 2014-2015 seasons. In January, I came on board as the new Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Donor Relations. I’m very excited about this opportunity and look forward to bringing some of the success from the ice to the Advancement Department.

I grew up locally in Gaithersburg and played for a youth ice hockey program called Montgomery Youth Hockey Association. It’s there that my love for the sport and a dream of playing at the highest level grew. I followed that dream north to a small New England town in Meriden, New Hampshire where I attended Kimball Union Academy. At KUA, I was exposed to an environment similar to Good Counsel where students were given the opportunity to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, and physically. I knew after experiencing an environment like that I needed to find a way to get back to a similar community.

I continued to pursue hockey collegiately at Towson University and received a Bachelor's of Science in Sports Management and Marketing from Towson University.

I landed a job in recruiting, growing from entry level positions into my most recent position as a Senior Recruiter for Adams Communication and Engineering Technology, Inc. When I found out that Good Counsel was looking for a Director of Corporate, Foundation, and Donor Relations, I jumped at the opportunity to become more involved at Good Counsel and use my professional skills to help grow the Corporate Partner Program as well as help to meet other philanthropic needs.

I am very excited to be part of the Good Counsel community and look forward to making an impact both in Advancement and Athletics.

Chad Sillery

CORPORATE PARTNERS PROGRAM 2015-2016 We would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations that support Our Lady of Good Counsel High School through our Corporate Partners Program. We’re so grateful for their support and hope you will let these organizations know you’re part of the Good Counsel Community when you patronize their businesses.

Interested in joining the Corporate Partner Program? Please contact Chad Sillery at 240-283-3384 or csillery@olgchs.org

PLATINUM Falcon Partners

David L. Higgins '75

Dr. Jonathan Calure '85

Leach Family

Saturni Family

Michael J. McCartin, CPCU

Carter Family CORPORATE PARTNERS

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GOLD Falcon Partners

Givens Family

Georgakopoulos Family

Gorman Family

Calloway Family

Wilhelm Family

BLUE Falcon Partners

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Matt and Lauren (Perfetto ’03) Wickard Debbie Vazzana & Kelly Dooley

Rockville, MD Pope Family

Michelle Thompson Gutierrez ’98

David O'Connor '75

Marty Murphy, Representative Snider Family

James Fangmeyer ’83

Chris Corcoran ’83

MEDIA Falcon Partners

Suhr Family

Katie (Prangley) Liola ’97

Szot Family Brian Grimes

Ellington Family

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Larry Pendleton CORPORATE PARTNERS

Kansal Family

LE JO IN A RN US I BU ! S IL UM D SK ME IL R LS 20 16 I M I A KE O N LG EW C HS FR .

IE OR N DS G/ C A I HA M VE PS FU N !

ADULT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

For more information visit

olgchs.org/enrichment

All classes held at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School

EVENTS CALENDAR

2016-2017 AUGUST 17 18 23 26 31

Incoming Parents Reception Freshman Convocation First Day of Classes Opening School Mass Freshman Parents Back-to-School Night

SEPTEMBER 7 8 24

Sophomore, Junior, Senior Parents Back-to-School Night 34th Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic Men’s Chorus Festival

OCTOBER 5 6 16 21-23 29

Fall Choir Concert Corporate Partners Coffee & Conversation Admissions Open House Fall Theatre Production, Noises Off Homecoming

NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4-5 11-12 23-25

Alumni Memorial Mass Instrumental Music Concert National Honor Society Induction Reunion Weekend Black Box Theatre One Act Play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER 1 Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast 9 Admissions Application Deadline 19-1/2 Christmas Break

CALENDAR

2016-2017 JANUARY Class of 2016 IB Diploma Ceremony Young Alumni Speed Networking Event Gospel Concert El Salvador Mission Trip March for Life Dads, Daughters, and Desserts

FEBRUARY 15 22 24 26

Percussion Concert Jazz Ensemble Concert Culture Day Students for Life Conference

MARCH 4 10 22 24-26 25 31-4/1 29

Grand Celebration Incoming Freshmen Registration Senior Dinner Spring Musical, Titanic Athletic Hall of Fame Spring Musical, Titanic Junior Leadership Mass

APRIL 10-17 22 26

Easter Break Prom Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel Mass & Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

SEPT 8

34th Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic

NOV 1

Alumni Memorial Mass

NOV 4 & 5

Reunion Weekend and Alumni Tailgate (ESPN Game vs. DeMatha) for classes ending in “1” and “6.”

We are looking for members of the Class of 1967 to join the Reunion Committee to prepare for your 50th to be held May 24-25, 2017.

Contact Collin DeWitt at cdewitt@olgchs.org or 240-283-3214, if you are interested.

The 34th Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic Join Our Lady of Good Counsel High School on Thursday, September 8, 2016, for the Steve Dean Golf Classic. This year’s tournament will be played at two of the area’s premier courses, Manor Country Club and Argyle Country Club. Registration and additional information are available at olgchs.org/stevedean.

Be sure to register early to ensure your course selection as well as your spot. We expect both courses to sell out quickly!

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? It’s a great way to get involved and market your business. Contact Collin DeWitt, Director of Alumni Relations, at cdewitt@olgchs.org or 240-283-3214.

MAY 2 9 12 13 17 21 24 24 25

Corporate Partners Reception Senior Parents Farewell Reception Spring Choir Concert Arts Evening Incoming Freshman Mothers’ Breakfast Senior Mothers’ Mass and Brunch Class of 1967 50th Reunion Senior Awards Assembly Graduation at the Basilica of the National Shrine

Calendar subject to change.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT

OLGCHS.ORG

Thursday

Sept. 8, 2016

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3 5 13 14-21 27 28

ALUMNI SAVE THE DATE!

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EVENTS

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ALUMNI...

Submit nominations for your fellow classmates and former teammates to be considered for the 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame.

To submit a nomination, please fill out a nomination form by going to olgchs.org/HallofFame.

Nominations are due by April 1, 2017.

CLASSES ENDING IN

Your Reunion will be in November

6 &1

We invite you to GC this fall to reunite with classmates during Reunion Weekend 2016.

It’s sure to be a fun-filled weekend reconnecting with friends and faculty and remembering all of your fondest memories of being a Falcon.

Classes 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006 and 2011 – we need Reunion Captains to reach out to classmates. If you’re interested in serving as a Reunion Captain, in any capacity, please contact Collin DeWitt in the Alumni Office at cdewitt@olgchs.org or (240) 283-3214.

Have you moved or changed your mailing/email address?

Keep us up-to-date! Please visit olgchs.org/classnotes or contact the Alumni Office (cdewitt@olgchs.org) to update all contact information to ensure you receive invitations for your class gatherings and alumni events, The Counselor magazine, and other pertinent alumni information. Be sure to include the following: First Name

Address, City, State, Zip

Last Name

Mobile Number

Maiden Name (If applicable)

Email Address

Class Year

Work Phone Number/Address (If applicable)

GC Network on LinkedIn: Be sure to follow Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Company page as well as join the GC alumni-only group on LinkedIn. To search for the alumni group, please type in Our Lady of Good Counsel Alumni. It’s a great way to exchange ideas, network, and share opportunities.

Join GC alumni today!

t n s e g A ss

GRANDPARENTS...

Interested in keeping up with all the great things happening at GC? Want to receive an invitation to Grandparents’ Day?

Visit olgchs.org/grandparents Fill out the form to receive The Counselor, event information, and other news related to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

a l C 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?

“The opening performances marked the culmination of many years of planning to create this beautiful space for our community.”

“I urge you to keep in mind the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who suggested, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’”

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“Father Arrupe is quoted as saying, ‘What you fall in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything.’”

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Consider volunteering as a Class Agent. 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.

Contact Collin DeWitt, Director of Alumni Relations, 240-283-3214, to learn more.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR

THE BIG GAME! Good Counsel vs. DeMatha November 4 I 7:00 pm Kline Stadium BROADCAST LIVE ON

EVENTS CALENDAR 2016-2017 AUGUST

JANUARY

17 18 23 26 31

3 5 13 14-21 27 28

Incoming Parents Reception Freshman Convocation First Day of Classes Opening School Mass Freshman Parents Back-to-School Night

Class of 2016 IB Diploma Ceremony Young Alumni Speed Networking Event Gospel Concert El Salvador Mission Trip March for Life Dads, Daughters, and Desserts

SEPTEMBER

FEBRUARY

7

15 22 24 26

8 24

Sophomore, Junior, Senior Parents Back-to-School Night 34th Annual Steve Dean Golf Classic Men’s Chorus Festival

OCTOBER 5 6 16 21-23 29

Fall Choir Concert Corporate Partners Coffee & Conversation Admissions Open House Fall Theatre Production, Noises Off Homecoming

NOVEMBER 1 2 3 4-5 11-12 23-25

Alumni Memorial Mass Instrumental Music Concert National Honor Society Induction Reunion Weekend Black Box Theatre One Act Play, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) Thanksgiving Break

DECEMBER 1 Scholarship Appreciation Breakfast 9 Admissions Application Deadline 19-1/2 Christmas Break

Percussion Concert Jazz Ensemble Concert Culture Day Students for Life Conference

MARCH 4 10 22 24-26 25 31-4/1 29

Grand Celebration Incoming Freshmen Registration Senior Dinner Spring Musical, Titanic Athletic Hall of Fame Spring Musical, Titanic Junior Leadership Mass

APRIL 10-17 22 26

Easter Break Prom Feast of Our Lady of Good Counsel Mass & Distinguished Alumnus/a Award

MAY 2 9 12 13 17 21 24 24 25

Calendar subject to change.

For further information visit OLGCHS.ORG

Corporate Partners Reception Senior Parents Farewell Reception Spring Choir Concert Arts Evening Incoming Freshman Mothers’ Breakfast Senior Mothers’ Mass and Brunch Class of 1967 50th Reunion Senior Awards Assembly Graduation at the Basilica of the National Shrine

NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 1400 SUBURBAN, MD

A Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School 17301 Old Vic Boulevard I Olney, Maryland 20832

Change Service Requested

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 Relations at cdewitt@olgchs.org.

Learn About Us at OLGCHS.ORG

COMMENCEMENT 2016

Steve Katsouros, S.J. ’77 Empowering Education, Transforming Lives “Who we were four years ago is drastically different from who we are now because of how we have grown emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually over these past four years. The fact that we made it here, decorated with awards and accomplishments, is a testament to our perseverance and commitment to a life of faith, service, and excellence.”

—Excerpt from the Senior Awards Assembly Class Speaker, Bianca Obiakor ’16