Alumni Bulletin Summer/Fall 2022

PORTSMOUTH ABBEY

SUMMER / FALL BULLETIN 2022

Cover:

MISSION STATEMENT

Portsmouth Abbey School helps young men and women grow in knowledge and grace. As a Benedictine boarding and day school committed to excellence, we embrace the Catholic faith while nurturing reverence for God and the human person, love of learning, and commitment to community life.

Abbot Michael Brunner O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Mr. W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P’12 ’15 ’19 Chairman Chicago, IL

Mr. Christopher Abbate ’88 P’20 ‘23 New York, NY

Ms. Abby Benson ’92 Middletown, RI

Mr. John Bohan P’20 ’22 ‘26 Newport, RI

Dom Joseph Byron O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Mr. Creighton O. Condon ’74 P’07 ’10 Jamestown, RI

Mr. Gang (Jason) Ding P’18 Qingdao, China

Dr. Debra Falvey P’18 ’20 Plaistow, NH

Dr. Timothy P. Flanigan ’75 P’06 ’09 ’11 ’19 Tiverton, RI

Mrs. Margaret S. Healey P’91 GP ’19 ’21 ‘24 New Vernon, NJ

Mr. Denis Hector ’70 Miami, FL

BOARD OF REGENTS

Mr. Thomas Hopkins ’85 Brooklyn, NY

Mrs. Cara Gontarz Hume ’99 Hingham, MA

Mr. Peter M. Kennedy III ’64 P’07 ’08 ’15 Big Horn, WY

Mr. William M. Keogh ’78 P’13 Jamestown, RI

Dr. Mary Beth Klee P’04 Hanover, NH

Mr. James Knight ’87 Greenwich, CT

Ms. Anne-Marie Law P’19 ’21 ’24 Duxbury, MA

Father Edward Mazuski O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Ms. Devin McShane P’09 ’11 Providence, RI

Abbot Gregory Mohrman O.S.B. St. Louis, MO

Mr. Philip V. Moyles, Jr. ’82 P ’22 Rye, NY

Mr. Emmett O’Connell P ’16 ’17 Stowe, VT

Mrs. Mary Beth O’Connor-Lohuis P’10 ’10 ’21 Quogue, NY

Dom Sixtus Roslevich O.S.B. Portsmouth, RI

Mr. Michael Scanlan ’82 South Orange, NJ

Mr. Felipe Vicini ’79 Miami, FL

Mr. William Winterer ’87 Boston, MA

EMERITUS

Mr. Thomas Healey ’60 P’91 GP’19 ‘21 ‘24 New Vernon, NJ

Mr. Barnet Phillips, IV ’66 Greenwich, CT

EX-OFFICIO

Frank and Rhonda Landers P’20 ’24 Parents’ Association Chairs

Head of School Matt Walter and Abbot Michael Brunner, O.S.B. with Form VI students on the steps of St. Gregory the Great at the opening of school. (Photo: Andrea Hansen)

Stay Connected

To keep up with general news and information about Portsmouth Abbey School, we encourage you to bookmark www.portsmouthabbey.org. View our listing of upcoming alumni events on campus and around the world, and learn more about Reunion 2023 and our Annual Golf Scholarship Tournament.

If you would like to receive our e-newsletter, Musings, please make sure we have your email address (send to: alumni@portsmouthabbey.org).

To submit class notes and photos (photos must be original high-resolution jpegs), please email to: alumni@portsmouthabbey.org or mail to Portsmouth Abbey O ce of Development and Alumni A airs, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, Rhode Island 02871.

Portsmouth Abbey’s Alumni Bulletin is published bi-annually for alumni, parents and friends by Portsmouth Abbey School, a Catholic Benedictine preparatory school for young men and women in Forms III-VI (grades 9-12) in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

If you have opinions or comments on the articles contained in our Bulletin, please email:communications@portsmouthabbey.org or write to the O ce of Communications, Portsmouth Abbey School, 285 Cory’s Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871. Please include your name and phone number. The editors reserve the right to edit articles for content, length, grammar, magazine style, and suitabilty to the mission of Portsmouth Abbey School.

Head of School: Matthew Walter

Director of Advancement: Patty Gibbons

Editor/Director of Marketing and Communications: Kristine Hendrickson

Photography: Katie Blais, George Corrigan, Jez Coulson, Andrea Hansen, David Hansen, Kristine Hendrickson and Louis Walker III

Individual photos found in alumni profiles have been supplied courtesy of the respective alumni.

NEW REGENTS

Mary Beth O’Connor-Lohuis is a film, television and theater producer, and an executive with experience in development, acquisitions, distribution, and production. Mary Beth is a founding member and managing partner of Lucky VIII, an independent film, television, and theatre production company. In the Fall of 2015 Mary Beth joined RKO Pictures under its chairman, Ted Hartley. RKO Pictures includes the company’s legendary library, as well as new film, TV, stage and new media projects.

Along with Robert Cole, Mary Beth launched LUCKYGODOT to develop a slate of projects for Broadway. Mary Beth was an early investor and is a current managing member of Ironbound Film and Television Studios (IFTS) located in the Ironbound District of Newark, New Jersey. IFTS is a state-of-the-art production studio offering short-term residential accommodations. Ironbound was financed in partnership with Prudential Financial Social investments as well as private investors.

Mary Beth is a graduate of Fordham University where she majored in English and theatre, and together with her husband David is blessed with six children, three of whom (Ryan ’10, Patrick ’10 and Martha ’21) are Portsmouth Abbey alumni.

BOARD AFFILIATIONS:

FUNOOGLRS,LLC

University of Notre Dame

Performing Arts Council

NY/NJ 2014 Super Bowl Host Committee (February 2014)

Newark Boys and Girls Club

NJPAC LifeCamp

Harvard Women’s Leadership Board

The Broadway League Member

National Police Foundation

Michael Scanlan ’82 is a long-standing educator and school administrator at St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. As the current dean of administration, Michael’s responsibilities include managing a $14M budget with a $30M endowment while overseeing the daily operations of 560 seventh-12th grade students. He successfully established the MBNA Career Development Center, created and oversaw the student housing boarding program for 60 at-risk students who required stable housing. Additionally, Michael started a student-managed company (520 Corp) which offers paid employment to students on a competitive basis to maintain the school facilities in concert with his role as the physical plant manager of a 12-acre urban campus.

Prior to his current job, Michael was the Senior Vice President of MBNA America Bank in Wilmington, Delaware specializing in directing a $40M annual charitable giving program for a Fortune 500 company. He also established the MBNA Education Foundation which provided $3M annually to teachers for innovative classroom projects.

Michael is a graduate of Georgetown University where he was the recipient of the George F. Baker Scholarship and a member of the varsity swim team. Michael is a native of Bristol, Rhode Island and visits as often as he can.

MARY BETH O’CONNOR-LOHUIS, P’10 ’10 ’21

MICHAEL R. SCANLAN ’82

message from the board of regents

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL’S STRATEGIC PLAN

The Portsmouth Abbey School Board of Regents embarked on the generation of a new strategic plan in the summer of 2021. The Board had just completed a sixteen-month review of the School’s mission and vision statements, its guiding documents. Were our strategic goals aligned with that mission? As we approached our centennial, how could we ensure that a Portsmouth Abbey School education remained true to its Catholic and Benedictine roots, but allowed our School and students to flourish well into the twenty-first century?

The Board was privileged to have among our ranks Anne-Marie Law, a human resources executive with twenty-five years of experience, who had been instrumental in strategic planning at both the Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Under her direction, a subcommittee of members met regularly through the summer of 2021 to plot key objectives and direction. They then involved the full Board for a September 2021 workshop. The uniqueness of the independent school strategic planning process (involving not just board members, but administration, staff, key faculty, and parents) led Anne-Marie’s team to make a recommendation: hire the consulting team of Independent School Management Services to consolidate, advance, and formalize our work.

In the winter of 2022, the consulting team undertook surveys, interviews, and data collection on the School’s “stability markers” (variables that ensure excellence) to do just that. They reached out to the Board of Regents, administrators, faculty, and parents. In May 2022, an intensive, two-day workshop (including key faculty and administrators) analyzed their findings and Board goals. The workshop was both a consolidating and culminating activity. The process generated the main lines of a Strategic Plan, which was honed over the summer and approved at our September 2022 meeting.

Strategic plans are iterative documents and this one also will evolve over time. But in conjunction with our new Head of School, Matt Walter, we have already embarked on realizing many of these goals. Our plan starts with people – ensuring a mission-driven faculty, staff and student body. It turns a spotlight on program – calling for a comprehensive strategic review of our offerings, given our mission of excellence and helping students grow in knowledge and grace. It addresses funding: securing needed resources by strengthening and expanding our networks of philanthropic support. And it defines key, ongoing strategic objectives for the Board of Regents. As fiduciaries for Portsmouth Abbey School, the Board’s goal is the long-term health and life of the School. Here is an overview of our new Strategic Plan, and we pray that this plan contributes mightily to that end.

Dr. Mary Beth Klee, P’04 chair, board of regents

W. Christopher Behnke, ’81, P’12 ’15 ’19

As we approach our centennial, we at Portsmouth Abbey School celebrate the richness of our Benedictine founding and affirm the transformative power of a Portsmouth Abbey School education for the twentyfirst century. Our mission of helping students grow in knowledge and grace is a timeless one but must be realized in new ways for each generation. This Strategic Plan seeks to ensure that our “school of the Lord’s service” will be true to its Catholic roots, and flourish well into the next century.

Strategic Goal #1: Recruit, retain, and cultivate mission-aligned and missionenthusiastic faculty and sta .

As a Catholic boarding school committed to helping students grow in knowledge and grace, we have a special responsibility for cultivating academic excellence and for embodying the fullness of the Catholic faith to our students through our faculty. Faculty, administrators, coaches, and staff serve as role models. We pledge ourselves to the ongoing cultivation of a faculty, which itself strives to grow in knowledge and grace — pursuing excellence in teaching, growth in their profession and in their understanding of Benedictine education, fruitful collaboration with their colleagues, care for the institution, and overriding concern for the welfare of their students. To that end, we shall create mission-driven Characteristics of Professional Excellence (CPE) to serve as an aspirational set of standards for teachers as well as a critical part of the hiring process, ensure professional development and annual goals to support CPE, monitor faculty culture and the faculty evaluation process for growth, health, and enthusiasm.

Strategic Goal #2: Review the academic, spiritual, and student life programs to ensure that we provide an integral, mission-driven experience that resonates with our students.

We recognize that mission alignment and student experience ultimately drive long-term

enrollment demand. Hence, we seek to ensure that the core principles of Benedictine education are integrated into all aspects of school life in ways that spark student enthusiasm and create community. To that end we will formulate an Academic Strategic Plan, focusing not just on program but also pedagogy to maximize learning and student well-being. We will review and enhance the Spiritual Life Program to ensure student growth in knowledge and grace. We will review and enhance the Athletic Program, the Advisory program, and the College Placement process.

Strategic Goal #3: Build strong networks of philanthropic support.

A strong culture of giving springs from our mission and directly supports Portsmouth Abbey students. As we approach our 100th anniversary, our goal is to build upon our established networks and to cultivate new donors whose experience with the School will enrich them, and whose gifts will directly improve the experience and outcomes of the next generation of Portsmouth Abbey students. To that end we will continue to cultivate strong relationships with current supporters, expand that network, and undertake all planning necessary for a fruitful Centennial Capital Campaign.

Strategic Goal #4: Meet enrollment targets with mission-aligned students and families.

To achieve our mission and financial goals we aim to make our school and work more widely known to those who seek us, but do not know

that we exist. We are not trying to get bigger, we are trying to get better. To that end, we will develop, fund and implement an institution-wide communication and marketing plan that consistently conveys the School’s mission, areas of excellence and differentiators. We will seek to increase recruitment in Catholic markets, both national and international. We plan to reimagine the Summer Program to fuel mission-driven student recruitment with a target date of Summer 2024. And we will continue to monitor student and parent enthusiasm for the School and its efforts.

Strategic Goal #5: Maintain Board focus on strategic concerns, and on retaining/ building a high functioning Board.

Great boards act strategically and continuously recruit talented board members. They also engage in an ongoing process of selfimprovement and renewal. To that end we will continue to formulate Board agendas with an eye toward mission and strategic goals, continue our recruitment of mission-aligned Board members from diverse backgrounds, renew our focus on long-term plant facilities, continue oversight of the strategic financial plan, continue our annual board self-evaluations, and re-commit ourselves to ongoing Board professional development.

COMMENCEMENT 2022

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: The Class of 2022. Martha Wilson and Hannah Best smile during Mass. Graduates are led into the tent by Assistant Head of School for Student Life Mrs. Paula Walter. Our graduates stand tall for the camera.

Portsmouth Abbey School’s 92nd Commencement weekend began

Students and families were welcomed by Head of School Matt Walter, who also presented the Portsmouth Abbey Character, Service and Leadership Awards. Academic awards were presented by faculty members Mrs. Susan McCarthy and Dr. Katie Zins ’04, of the science and humanities departments. Athletic awards were presented by retiring Athletic Director Al Brown. A ceremonial groundbreaking of the new student center (see pages 50-51) followed the Prize Day awards, along with a reception for prize recipients and their guests in the auditorium.

Members of the Class of 2022 and their families gathered in the Church of St. Gregory the Great for a concelebrated Mass before heading into the tent on Sunday, May 29. Led by former Music Director and bagpiper, Jeff Kerr, and Assistant Head of School for Student Life Paula Walter, the graduates were escorted into the tent for a welcome and benediction

by Abbot Michael Brunner,

O.S.B., who set the tone for the day by congratulating the graduates on their perseverance through the coronavirus pandemic. He reminded the audience that the need for “reverence, respect and responsibility, never expires” and that they are in fact, “the marks of a real man or woman.” Drawing inspiration from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address, he reflected on the value of a Portsmouth Abbey education, and the connection to serving the greater good through the quotation: “The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our Country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world… With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

Acknowledging the inaugural Commencement of Portsmouth Abbey School’s new leadership, Chairman of the Board of Regents W. Christopher Behnke ’81 P’12 ’15 ’19 touched upon the work of the Board of Regents to preserve the School’s strength and vitality for years to come. Behnke cited the importance of connection and maintaining human relationships within each class, as well as the rich tradition of graduates coming back to share their time, talent and treasure as teachers or administrators. He light-heartedly also shared an informal poll identifying which members of the class were most likely to return to replace current personnel.

In his first Commencement address as Head of School, Matt Walter took a moment to recognize Mrs. Roberta Stevens, who retired after serving the School for more than 50 years, as well as Athletic Director Al Brown, Athletic Coordinator Linda Brown and Kathy Heydt, director of communications, who retired after serving more than 20 years.

with Prize Day on Saturday, May 28, under the Holy Lawn tent.

Former Music Director and bagpiper, Jeff Kerr (above) leads the Commencement procession.

(Left) Dean of Faculty Mrs. Aileen Baker, gives a thumbs up to parents and family members gathered along the procession route.

Walter thanked the class of 2022 for making his time as both interim and current head of school memorable, and spoke of the year’s theme of friendship and joy. He suggested that the shared experiences among the class provided opportunities for individual growth as well as advancing the common good. He offered that both would produce a glimpse of one’s own development of character, and expressed his confidence in each student having at least one experience of friendship and joy that would sustain them when needed in the future.

“Your time at the Abbey has filled you with a reservoir of lessons and experiences that will be invaluable to you in countless ways in the days and years ahead, including when you least expect them and especially when you need them most. And if you draw upon them, they will help you find God’s grace, love, meaning, and purpose in every aspect, every phase, and every step of your life.”

Elected by their classmates to deliver Commencement speeches, Catherine “Lisie” O’Hara of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and Parker Polgar of Westport, Massachusetts, referenced the strength and perseverance of the Abbey community and the bonds formed among the graduates.

O’Hara, a Red Key Head, framed her words around why she would always tell prospective families that she chose the Abbey because of its community. “When you mix in our rigorous academic environment with sports, extracurriculars and living away from family, life can get overwhelming. On this high-pressure campus, all we have is each other. We depend on each other in this community for happiness. Together, we overcome the struggles of the Abbey, and as a community, we grow – together.”

She also spoke of learning to grow from disappointment, recognizing that leadership opportunities arise through more than a single position, and that a community doesn’t grow when people are focused on themselves. “It may feel like community, when we spend the sunniest days on the Quad together, but those days are sweet only because we have spent the winters together. Broken down by all that we’ve experienced in the last four years, we have built each other back up. It all began with one of the first things we learned at the Abbey: respect for God and the human person. We are all equal in God’s eyes. We each, regardless of our backgrounds, have worth and we look for that worth in others. This is the foundation of our community.”

Polgar also spoke of dealing with challenges, and advised classmates to remember what was learned through their Abbey experiences, including failure. “Everyone sitting here, at some point in their career as a Raven, has failed at something, whether that be a test, or an assignment, or an obligation or moral responsibility as a leader. We all learned from our failures, and persevered through unforeseen challenges, like the COVID pandemic, and emerged triumphant, and stronger-willed than we were before.”

Acknowledging the hard work of classmates, and the journey undertaken, he continued to illustrate how failure could be instrumental to success.

“You all tried again, you all prepared for the next time you were faced with a challenge, and based on where you are now, you have succeeded. The best part about all of this, is that we have been on this journey together. It will be hard to separate from you all next year, and that is yet another challenge that I know I will have to face, but I am thankful to say that

I could reach out to any one of you and immediately feel better. I don’t know where else you could find that sense of community and camaraderie. If I had any parting words for you all, I would say that I am proud that I am a part of such a hardworking and motivated group.”

Motivation toward finding purpose in life was also key to the message given by guest Commencement Speaker and Raven alum, Thomas J. Healey ’60, P’91, GP’19,’21,’24 who encouraged students to consider their future according to three phases: learning, earning and returning.

“Each of these words represents a chapter in your lives, and within those chapters are embedded the values that will determine how fulfilling your lives become.”

As students transition out of their learning phase to the world of work, Healey offered some sage advice on the power of time management and pursuing what you love. “The field you settle into doesn’t have to be fancy or flashy. More important is that you find a field where you can work enthusiastically. Keep in mind that as your career unfolds, your success as an earner will not always follow a linear path.” He concluded by reminding students that through their Abbey education and community service initiatives, they already had the foundation for recognizing the value of returning to the world, some of what they have received.

“It’s a day of celebration with your families and friends and giving thanks to those who have made your journey to date possible. Yes, you can and should be proud of yourselves as you conclude and look back on the extraordinary opportunities Portsmouth Abbey has given you to learn in a rich intellectual and spiritual environment. To build long-lasting friendships. And to prepare you for the next chapters of your lives.”

Mass in The Church of St. Gregory the Great. Parker Polgar, elected class speaker.

Lisie O’Hara, elected class speaker.

Head of School Matt Walter awarding Head Girl Marron Gibbons her prize. Zina Onwudiwe and Darrell Opoku-Kwateng and classmates proudly show their diplomas.

Girls from the Class of 2022 taking their official graduate photo.

Jenny Yu, Bryan Shin, Kimi Zhang, David Shon, Eric Zhao. David Yang and Caroline Yao.

American University

Babson College (3)

Bentley University

Boston University (3)

Bryant University

Claremont McKenna College

Connecticut College

Cornell University

Davidson College

Denison University (2)

Dickinson College

Emory University

Fairfield University (3)

Fordham University

Franklin and Marshall College

Franklin University Switzerland

George Mason University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Hobart William Smith Colleges

80

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2022 ACCEPTED TO OVER

Indiana University Bloomington

Johns Hopkins University

Kents Hill School (PG)

Macalester College

Manhattanville College

McGill University

Philips Andover (PG)

Pitzer College

Plymouth State University

Providence College

Purdue University Northwest

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (2)

Rhodes College

Roanoke College

Saint Anselm College

Saint Edward’s University

Southern Methodist University

St. Catherine University

St. Lawrence University

St. Mary’s College of Maryland

CLASS OF 2022 by the numbers

Su olk University

Swarthmore College

Syracuse University (2)

The University of Alabama

United States Coast Guard Academy

United States Naval Academy (2)

University of California Irvine

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Massachusetts Amherst

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

University of New Hampshire

University of New Haven

University of Pennsylvania

University of Puget Sound

University of Rhode Island (2)

University of Southern California (2)

University of Toronto

Washington University in St. Louis

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Yale University

90%

OF THE GRADUATING CLASS SENT OUT AT LEAST ONE EARLY APPLICATION

3

DIFFERENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

more than 50%

HAD AT LEAST ONE BARRON’S TIER 1 ACCEPTANCE

STUDENT RECEIVED A FULL NROTC SCHOLARSHIP TO STUDY AT YALE UNIVERSITY

10 7 12+

GRADUATES ARE MATRICULATING TO...

DIFFERENT CATHOLIC COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2022 ARE MATRICULATING TO A SERVICE ACADEMY: COAST GUARD ACADEMY AND NAVAL ACADEMY (2)

PORTSMOUTH ABBEY SCHOOL COLLEGE COUNSELING PROCESS INCLUDES

GRADUATES GOING ON TO PLAY COLLEGIATE LEVEL ATHLETICS

245 1 10 2

PROGRAMS AND MEETINGS, PLUS INDIVIDUAL STUDENT MEETINGS

ARE GOING ON TO COMPLETE AN ATHLETIC-FOCUSED PG YEAR

Portsmouth Abbey Commencement Address

THOMAS J. HEALEY ’60 P’91 GP’19’21’24

“Good morning Father Abbot, Mr. Walter, faculty, parents and, most importantly, graduates. It’s a sincere honor to be with all of you today. It was 62 years ago that I sat in your chair. Remarkably, the diploma you’ll soon be handed is virtually identical to the one I received, [and to the one received by four of my brothers, one of my children, two of my grandchildren (and counting!) and many, many cousins and relations]. Clearly, Portsmouth Abbey has some very strong, and proud, traditions.

I’d like to start my talk by posing a question to the adults in our audience. How many of you can remember the address given at your own graduation – or any graduation? I can tell you without hesitation, though, that I remember the commencement speech at my graduation from Georgetown University, word for word. The graduation ceremony was outside, in keeping with Georgetown tradition, and since nature saw fit to hand us a rainy day, the speech consisted of the following five words: IT’S POURING! RUN FOR IT!

Fortunately, we’ve been blessed with a beautiful day and spacious tent — so I don’t have to repeat those memorable words. But they stick with me because of their brevity. My brother Joe, another Portsmouth alumnus and a priest for 55 years, has a rule for both homilies and graduation speeches: they’re either brief…or they’re boring.

With that in mind, I’d like to offer a few thoughts on giving purpose to your lives. My core message is even shorter than my Georgetown graduation speaker’s, at just three words: LEARNING, EARNING, and RETURNING. If they sound rather vague, they’re not. Each of these words represents a chapter in your lives, and within those chapters are embedded the values that will determine how fulfilling your lives become. Learning, earning, and returning have certainly been my mantra throughout life, and from that personal reservoir of experience I’d like to briefly discuss each with you today.

Let’s start with LEARNING. Yesterday, each of you received a little graduation gift, a book entitled How to Make the Most Out of College, written by a Harvard professor and good friend of mine, Richard Light –himself a prior Portsmouth graduation speaker. Dick is a remarkable thinker – his book, having sold more than a million copies, is the highest-selling book ever published by Harvard Press.

More importantly, it’s the book I wish I had read before heading off to college. Think of it this way: a full-time student taking four courses spends between 12 and 18 hours sitting in the classroom each week. After sleeping, there are at roughly 100 hours left in the week. How to fill those hours will be the single greatest challenge in your college experience.

I can speak from experience. After Portsmouth Abbey, I began my college career at Cornell, where I joined a fraternity, played a lot of bridge, and had a girlfriend. Suddenly my learning was not going so well, so I returned home and got a job. I had learned firsthand it wasn’t enough to be academically ready — I had to use my available hours differently. So I began my college career again, this time at Georgetown. And used my time much more wisely…with much better results.

Setting priorities is what Dick Light’s book is all about, and I believe all of you can profit from its wisdom. As Benjamin Franklin aptly put it, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Perhaps the book’s most important message is that those of you who think hardest about — and actively practice — time management will be the most successful.

Once you’ve completed the ‘learning chapter’ of your life, you’ll be turning the page to EARNING. This may mean starting your first job; it will certainly mean learning something new. An example: my first job was the summer before college, working at Pimlico Race Track, mucking horse stalls. For those of you unfamiliar with the jargon, “mucking” is removing the horse manure. The best thing about the experience was my certainty that every job I’d hold after that would be an improvement.

When it comes to EARNING, though, let me be perfectly clear. Earning doesn’t mean beating a path to Wall Street or Silicon Valley and becoming the next Elon Musk or Jeffrey Bezos. The most important thing? Finding a job that makes you proud. A job that gives you satisfaction day after day. As the poet Maya Angelou said, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”

Indeed, the field you settle into doesn’t have to be fancy or flashy. More important is that you find a field where you can work enthusiastically. Keep in mind that as your career unfolds, your success as an earner will not always follow a linear path. I began my career on Wall Street, left to work for a hedge fund which cratered

when a recession hit, and struggled to get back to Wall Street. Finally, I landed a good-paying job, when an opportunity arose to go to Washington, D.C., as the assistant secretary of the treasury under Ronald Reagan. I took it, even though I’d be earning less than my personal secretary. It proved to be a fabulous opportunity. What I sacrificed in earnings, I more than made up for in experience and reputation.

As I reflect at this stage of my life, I’m well aware of how blessed I’ve been. I have a wonderful wife and family, and I’ve loved my work…even though I’ve always known I had something more to contribute. That’s why I still maintain an office and go to work every day, even at an age when most of my peers have retired. Let me be clear, though: the focus of much of my current work has shifted. Which brings us to our third and final chapter of my talk: RETURNING.

Simply put, returning is giving back to the world some of what you’ve received. It’s applying your Godgiven talents to making a difference in the lives of others. And you don’t have to control a multi-billiondollar foundation to accomplish that. In fact, you don’t have to be wealthy. The RETURNING PHASE of your life simply requires your time and imagination — and those are things that all of us can certainly offer.

When friends ask for my advice on returning, I suggest they read Matthew 25 in the Bible…“I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me.” Indeed, as students at Portsmouth Abbey, you’re no strangers to giving back to the community. Whether it’s walking for cancer, participating in “My Brother’s Keeper” food pantries, giving to charities or dress down days, you’re already helping others in the spirit of St. Matthew.

When it comes to returning, my own inspiration for working as hard today as I ever have in my business career are two things, both familiar to the Portsmouth community: education and the Catholic Church. My lifelong love for education has translated into a current part-time teaching job at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, where I’m fortunate to be able to impart to this country’s future leaders some of what I’ve learned over the years about effective leadership.

Even more important, though, has been Meg’s and my involvement in improving education for disadvantaged students. To that end, our focus has widened over the past thirty years from New Jersey and New York to schools across the country through programs like Christo Rey. Christo Rey is a truly innovative network of Catholic schools helping students from families of limited economic means get ahead in life by requiring both academics and professional internships.

My point is to demonstrate what you too can achieve if you put your hearts and souls into making a difference for others. When I think about what should be important in our lives, I recall an essay I recently read by another Harvard professor, Arthur C. Brooks. He said, and I quote… “No one sighs regretfully on his deathbed and says, ‘I can’t believe I wasted all that time with my wife and kids, or volunteering at the soup kitchen, or growing in my spirituality.’ No one ever says, ‘I should have spent more time watching TV and playing Angry Birds on my phone.’ In my own life, nothing has given my life more meaning and satisfaction than my Catholic faith and the love of my family.”

In a few minutes, each of you will soon receive your own diploma from Portsmouth Abbey. Let me be

the first to congratulate you on this very significant achievement and stepping-stone on the pathway to productive, meaningful and, I’m sure, exemplary lives. It’s a day of celebration with your families and friends and giving thanks to those who have made your journey to date possible. Yes, you can and should be proud of yourselves as you conclude and look back on the extraordinary opportunities Portsmouth Abbey has given you to learn in a rich intellectual and spiritual environment. To build long-lasting friendships. And to prepare you for the next chapters of your lives.

Amid today’s jubilation, don’t lose sight of the fact you’re still in the ‘learning stage.’ As I’ve tried to set forth for you today, once complete, two more important chapters still lie ahead. My fervent hope is that when you reach my age and look back with a discerning eye on how far you’ve come, you’ll be perfectly comfortable citing the words of Winston Churchill when he said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

In that spirit, I hope the three words at the heart of my talk today — learning, earning, and returning — will stick with you for many years to come. Congratulations to you all. Thank you.”

Members of the Class of 2022 proudly display their college choice.

Why Not Apply?

by corie mcdermott-fazzino

I once had a counselee tell me that his neighbor’s friend’s cousin’s whatever (I forgot the specific relation) told him that if he applies to one Ivy League college, he might as well apply to all of them. Ivy League colleges are “all the same.” Plus, he will “never know unless he applies!”

I liked this kid. He was smart, clever, grounded, and hardworking. I tried to conceal my eye-roll at the naïve advice he received, likely unsolicited, from some adult in his orbit. The Ivy League could not be made up of more distinct institutions. And while he was an otherwise impressive young man, his transcript and test scores did not make him Ivy-eligible. To be even considered in the Ivy League pool, this young man would have had to rewrite his entire academic record, earning higher grades in more honors and AP classes. I was excited to work with him and recommend him (in my counselor letter) to colleges for the person he was, not the person he was not.

I didn’t tell him this. Doing so would have iced our relationship before it even started. Instead, we danced around the point a bit and squinted at the telling admission graphs. I told him to “throw them on the ‘considering’ list.” And then I redirected the conversation: “What is it you like about some of the Ivy League schools? Size? Campus culture? Academic programs? Location?” “What are you looking for?”

There are indeed Portsmouth Abbey School students in each graduating class who are Ivy-eligible and even Ivy-admitted, but that’s not the case for everyone. Each year we monitor nearly 1,000 unique application decisions for the graduating class. And then, we compare notes with our friends at peer schools. Then we attend conferences and connect with our colleagues on the college side to better understand that year’s landscape. Such insight doesn’t make us clairvoyant, but it does make us wellinformed about what it takes to be competitive at uber-selective colleges. We also take the time to know our students.

Well-meaning adults who are far removed from the acute elation/pain associated with college acceptance/rejection often forget that applying to college asks students to do more than just click ‘send.’ It demands that students spend, in great quantity, three finite resources: time, emotion, and

money. It takes real time to write essay after essay, and most selective colleges require one or two or more supplemental writing assignments. That writing process is intense. It asks students to plumb the depths of their being to figure out what they really want. It asks them to research each college deeply to state exactly why they want to attend that particular place. As any decent writer knows, the first draft is hardly the final copy; revision takes forever. As Stephen King reminds us in his memoir “On Writing”: “To write is human. To edit is divine.”

Then there is the emotional piece. This exists no matter what school the student is applying to, but it becomes intensified when there is a perceived pressure to apply only to Ivy League institutions. The moment a student hits submit, he is thinking, “well, maybe there’s a chance…?”

He imagines the feeling of opening the happy email, of the hugs and high fives, of moving into that dorm, of walking across the stage to receive his Ivy League degree. Even if the student’s logical brain knows there is a 3% chance of acceptance (looking at you, Harvard), he still thinks, “well, maybe…” And that magical thinking makes a negative outcome on decision day (which the Ivy League has done all on the same day, historically) particularly devastating…especially if the student applied to every Ivy.

Finally, there is the sheer cost of it all. Each application costs between $50-$100 to send. Submitting test scores costs $12 per school. If a student applies to all eight Ivy League colleges, it would cost them close to $700, at a minimum.

As a policy, the Abbey College Counseling Office never tells students they cannot apply to a particular college. But it is also our policy to traffic in reality and be honest with our counselees. One size does not fit all, and students should think about what they want to study prior to deciding where they want to study. As we have noted before, there are great colleges, fantastic professors, and smart kids everywhere.

As for my counselee, he made it through just fine. He did his research, built a college list, wrote several essays, spent valuable hours in my office, and applied to multiple schools, but not to any Ivies. He received both positive and negative decisions and was correspondingly happy and sad. He deposited to the school of his choice and was excited to start his new academic journey.

“Well-meaning adults who are far removed from the acute elation/pain associated with college acceptance/rejection often forget that applying to college asks students to do more than click send.”

meet kristine hendrickson

Portsmouth Abbey School’s New Director of Marketing and Communications

Kristine Hendrickson has joined Portsmouth Abbey School as the director of marketing and communications, a newly expanded position within the senior administration. Previously, Hendrickson served as the senior associate vice president and chief communications officer at Salve Regina University in Newport, providing strategic leadership for the institution’s internal and external communication functions, including print, public relations, community and government relations, constituent marketing, digital media and university special events. During her tenure, she was also the primary spokesperson for the university, steering crisis communication efforts.

Hendrickson has experience with enhancing brand and institutional identity and has worked to promote faculty achievement and garner recognition for academic success through various public relations and marketing efforts. Her professional background also includes work in broadcast production and reporting, conferences and special events, sponsorships, and exposition management. She has handled national and international publicity for events including His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s first visit to Rhode Island.

She received a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree from Universiteit van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at both Salve Regina University and the University of Rhode Island and was the advisor to Salve Regina’s student dance organization. She is a member of the Public Relations Society of America and PRSA Southeastern New England, and holds the distinction of being the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Newport Gulls, a member of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL).

When asked to reflect on her transition from Salve Regina to Portsmouth Abbey, Hendrickson said “I am fortunate to be transitioning from an academic community with a mission rooted in mercy, to one inspired by grace. This is a rare gift. I look forward to building upon local partnerships that have been established during my time at Salve Regina, and to forging new relationships that will benefit the Portsmouth Abbey community. There is a rich history here, as well as a vibrancy that resonates throughout the School. I am excited to share in this experience and to help others witness it as well.”

“The addition of Kristine Hendrickson to our leadership team brings another dimension of expertise in terms of how we communicate with alumni, parents, students and friends, as well as with how we present Portsmouth Abbey to a broader range of families looking for the educational opportunities that evolve from a strong Benedictine mission,” said Head of School Matt Walter. “As the director of marketing and communications, she will play an important role in the evolution of our outreach efforts leading to our 100th Anniversary. We are happy she has joined us.”

Michael Carnaroli is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received his Master of

Music in Choral Conducting. While at UMass, he served as a graduate teaching assistant, voice teacher, conductor with the University Chorale, and founder of the UMass Madrigal Singers. He also graduated cum laude with a B.S in Music Education and Voice from Western Connecticut State University.

Carnaroli has been a high school music teacher for over a decade and continues this work at Portsmouth Abbey where he teaches courses in music, directs the choirs, and directs the music in the wonderful winter musicals. He has regularly appeared as a guest conductor at music

festivals and various professional organizations. Most recently, he was the conductor of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association’s Middle School Honors Choir. In addition to being an active musician himself, Carnaroli will also be serving as the founding director of “In Harmony”, a new afterschool program o ering high quality music education in underserved Rhode Island communities. He and his wife, Meg, live on campus with their two children, Natalie and Raymond, and their adorable “pandemic puppy” Rosie.

window seat at the children’s library in the tiny Pennsylvania town where she partly grew up. Though she has lived in several states and regions and travelled to a couple of other continents, it has been in books that she has dwelt and gotten to know her neighbors and herself. Her greatest objective as an English educator is to inspire students to undertake similar literary journeys and to commit themselves to lifetimes of learning.

Anne De Marzio brings to the Abbey more than fifteen years of experience in secondary and post-secondary education as well as the conviction that good literature orients minds toward the True, the Beautiful, and the Good and hearts toward others. She began her study of literature in a

Before arriving at Portsmouth Abbey, De Marzio taught at Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania for eight years. She developed a wide variety of elective courses, including Environmental Literature, Literature of Women, The Tragic Muse, and writing courses. She served as houseparent, writing center director, assistant cross-country coach, and yearbook advisor. Before that, she taught

composition and rhetoric courses at the University of Scranton for six years while she also studied for her master’s in education and had her three babies, Dino, Iris and Romola.

After earning her B.A. in English and Women’s Studies from Montclair State University, De Marzio worked for a few years in midtown Manhattan for Southern Living magazine, and then returned to the wonderful English faculty at Montclair for her M.A. in English Literature before moving to Scranton in 2007. Her interests are wide-ranging, but her expertise lies in tragedy and in Victorian and modern literature. If she could have tea with just one author, it would be a toss-up among Virginia Woolf, George Eliot) or Marilynne Robinson.

She resides at St. Mary’s House with her husband Darryl and their children.

MICHAEL CARNAROLI Performing Arts, Music

ANNE DE MARZIO English, Student Life

New Faculty

Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Dr. Darryl De Marzio attended Blair Academy as a boarding student where he played varsity baseball, junior varsity basketball, and performed in several theatre productions. It was at Blair that he developed a genuine passion for learning and critical thinking, and a true appreciation for the boarding school experience. He graduated from Drew University, having majored in philosophy with a minor in religion. After graduating from Drew, he completed an M.A. in Elementary Education at Montclair State University and began working at the Institute for the Advancement of

Philosophy for Children at Montclair as their director of field services, helping to develop and implement philosophy programming in K-12 schools throughout the United States. These formative experiences led Dr. De Marzio to pursue graduate research that connected the academic discipline of philosophy with educational practice. He completed his M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees at Columbia University with a scholarly focus on the role that the study of philosophy plays in the formation and training of teachers. He was awarded the Merryman Prize for excellence in the graduate study of philosophy and education and his dissertation, “The Teacher as Ethical Subject,” was awarded distinction by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University. Since graduating in 2007, he has returned to Columbia every summer to teach a graduate seminar on vocation and professional ethics.

Dr. De Marzio joined the faculty of the University of Scranton as Professor of the Foundations of Education, where he taught courses in philosophy and educational theory for fifteen years.

He also served terms as chair of the education department and as director of undergraduate programs. During his time at Scranton, he published dozens of articles in leading academic journals of philosophy and educational research, edited two books, and served as president of the Middle Atlantic States Philosophy of Education Society. For several years, he was also the host and producer of a popular radio show in Scranton which highlighted the musical legacy of the Grateful Dead.

Prior to arriving at Portsmouth Abbey School, Dr. De Marzio lived with his wife, Anne, and three children on the campus of Wyoming Seminary, the boarding school where Anne taught English for eight years. This time rekindled his love for boarding school life, and he could not be more excited and honored to join the missiondriven community here at Portsmouth Abbey School. For him, the study of the great works in the humanities is an invitation for students to become fullfledged participants in the ongoing conversation about the human condition and the human prospect, and to explore what it means to be made in the image of God.

Lisa DeSousa has been a registered nurse specializing in Pediatrics for 16 years. She has spent her entire nursing career working at Hasbro Children’s Hospital specializing in the treatment and care of children and adolescents. DeSousa has worked both in the inpatient medical/surgical

setting as well as in the behavioral health setting. She is a Certified Pediatric Nurse as well as Pediatric Advanced Life Support certified. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, DIY projects and going to the beach.

DR. DARRYL DE MARZIO Humanities, History, Student Life

LISA DESOUSA, RN, CPN Director of Medical Services

mathematics. While at Florida State, he was a member of SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) and a four-year starter on the university club soccer team. He also coached his team during his final year. After graduating from college, he played soccer at the semi-pro level in Tampa, Florida for two years while also trying out for the opportunity at a professional contract. Additionally, while continuing to play at a high level, he was employed in the field of athletic training and served as a local soccer trainer focused on the development of athletes from various ages and backgrounds.

Gonzalez moved to Rhode Island in 2020 and began working in the school systems helping students with autism spectrum disorder be successful in the classroom. His experience as a behavior technician influenced his decision to transition into the teaching field, where he felt his passion for aiding in the development of students both academically and athletically, would have a lasting impact.

At Portsmouth Abbey, he is teaching Algebra 2 and Spanish 2. He also enjoys coaching varsity boys’ soccer. Additionally, he is an assistant house parent in St. Hugh’s.

Mary Catherine Pietropaoli graduated from Providence College with an undergraduate degree in English and also completed her master’s degree in English at the University of Rochester. Her graduate work concentrated on modernism, and her thesis explored constructs of masculinity in WWI literature.

Between earning her degrees, Pietropaoli taught a wide array of humanities classes at a liberal arts school in western New York. In addition to her teaching, she coordinated high school student life, including student

honors physics at an international school in Guangdong Province, China. During her three years in China, she also taught mathematics and middle school science, served as the physics department chair, and coached volleyball. Prior to that, she was a founding teacher at BASIS Independent Manhattan, in New York City.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Samuel completed her undergraduate degree in physics, with a minor in chemistry, from Messiah College in 2013. After graduating, she began her teaching career at a charter school in Newark, where she taught physics to

government and the service program. She also directed the school’s drama program through seven production seasons. At Portsmouth Abbey School, she teaches humanities and English and is an assistant houseparent for St. Benet’s.

An avid fiddler and violinist, Pietropaoli has participated in orchestras and folk groups since high school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, naturewalks, kayaking, and spending time in the peaceful quiet of the Adirondack mountains.

Between 2015 and 2017, she continued her education at Teachers College, Columbia University, receiving a Master of Arts in Teaching. While in graduate school, she also worked as a resident director at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. In addition to teaching, Samuel is an assistant houseparent in Manor House and coaches JV girls’ volleyball. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing the piano, taking long road trips and learning trivia.

Sebastian Gonzalez graduated from Florida State University in 2017 after majoring in statistics, with a minor in

Sheba Samuel comes to Portsmouth Abbey School as a conceptual physics teacher. Most recently, she taught

ninth-graders.

SEBASTIAN GONZALEZ Math, Spanish, Student Life

MARY CATHERINE PIETROPAOLI Humanities, English, Student Life

SHEBA SAMUEL Science, Student Life

After graduating from Portsmouth Abbey in 2012, Stephanie Waterman attended the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She continued

A lifelong Rhode Island resident, Ben graduated from The Wheeler School in 2016 and continued his academic journey at Connecticut College as a member of the class of 2020. He majored in history with a global concentration and served as the film coordinator for the men’s basketball program. After graduating, Ben returned to Wheeler as a substitute teacher, covering any and all subjects for teachers absent during the pandemic. In addition,

he coached girls varsity soccer and boys JV basketball. As a member of the O ce of Admissions, Ben is excited to showcase all of the amazing things that make the Abbey a top independent school in New England. When he is not in the o ce he can be found connecting with friends or family, cooking, playing basketball, or watching some of his favorite shows and movies such as Seinfeld or Ocean’s Eleven. Ben currently lives in his hometown of Bristol, Rhode Island.

Mary Fran Vesey was the assistant librarian at Portsmouth Abbey for four years prior to serving in her current role as director. As an undergraduate at West Virginia University, she earned her degree in English, and was selected to the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She earned her M.A.T. from Rhode Island College and served as an English/Language Arts teacher in two Providence Catholic

schools. Vesey began her library work at Barrington Middle School Library as a volunteer, and soon found her true calling. She also enjoys working with students as the yearbook advisor and assisting in the bookstore during the summer months.

her studies in French, while also completing a concentration in public relations. She developed a passion for architecture and hand drafting while studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark.

While still in college, Waterman began to spend her summers at Middlebury, to experience their immersive program. After graduating in 2016, she moved from Charleston to Paris, where she received a Master’s degree from Middlebury Language Schools through the Université Sorbonne Paris 3 in 2017.

Upon her return from France, Waterman sought out a teaching fellowship to be mentored by experts

in the field of education. She chose a fellowship linked with the University of Pennsylvania called the Independent School Teaching Residency. She taught French to middle school and high school students at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka, Illinois while receiving constant mentorship and guidance as she completed her Master of Science degree in Education, graduating in 2020. She moved back to New England and landed at The Park School in Brookline, Massachusetts, where she taught French to students in fifth, seventh and eighth grade.

At Portsmouth Abbey, she teaches introductory level French classes.

BEN SPRAGUE Admissions

MARY FRAN VESEY Director of School Library

STEPHANIE WATERMAN ’12 Modern Language

Having Faith in Your Future

Dr. Gabrielle Fontes ’12 shares what she has learned about her Abbey experience over the past decade.

Alumna Profi le

Studies have shown that only a small percentage of people achieve their childhood dreams.

Dr. Gabrielle Fontes ’12 is one of them.

As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. In fact, it was one of the first things she told her best friend Andrew Godfrey ’12, when she met him during the opening BBQ as they were starting Portsmouth Abbey together. Even then, Fontes was quite clear with her expectation that every class meant an opportunity for her to achieve what she needed to move one step closer toward her goal of attending Tufts Veterinary School.

As she would come to learn, achieving one’s dream does not come without overcoming obstacles. Some missteps along the way of her journey, including struggles with chemistry and personal issues, impacted her grades and her confidence.

“Fortunately for me, the Abbey has employed some incredible educators, and my biology teacher was one of them,” said Fontes, who credits her Fifth-Form biology teacher, Robert Sahms, with helping her regain the confidence she needed to excel in the subject, despite difficulties with chemistry the previous year.

“When I entered biology, I was trepidatious due to my struggles in chemistry,” Fontes continued. “But biology, and becoming a veterinarian, was my dream. I wanted to excel in it so badly. Mr. Sahms knew this. He was there for extra help and there to lift my spirits when grades didn’t go my way.”

After graduating from the Abbey, Fontes went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in biology at Northeastern University. Her co-op program enabled her to hone her skills as a veterinary nurse, working with cats, dogs, and other small animals. She even overcame a fear of birds. One of her favorite experiences

included working in the sea turtle rehabilitation center at the New England Aquarium. After rescuing turtles off the coast of Cape Cod, she provided medical treatment and rehabilitation services through the winter months to prepare them for release in the spring.

Fontes kept in touch with Mr. Sahms over the years, because she had never forgotten his faith in her, despite the lack of faith she had in herself. After successfully completing biochemistry at Northeastern, he was one of the first people she reached out to. Similarly, when she was accepted into veterinary school, he was one of the first people to know. His congratulatory message was simple. “I never doubted you, Dr. Fontes. You can now start calling me Robert.”

Fontes began her veterinary school career at Tufts University in 2017. It was there that she

discovered a love for surgery. She graduated in 2021, and spent her first clinical year as a practicing doctor at Tufts. In July 2022, she began a surgical oncology internship at the Ohio State University, the first step in her surgical residency.

When offering advice to Class of 2022 graduates in May, Fontes shared that while a student at the Abbey, she often felt as though she had never truly found her niche. Despite participation in the arts and varsity letters in softball, and managing boys’ lacrosse and football, she felt as though she had missed opportunities to shine.

“I didn’t feel accomplished enough, or that I had hit my stride,” she reflected.

Fontes admitted that it has taken her the past 10 years to appreciate everything the School offered, and she has learned that self-advocacy is critical to achieving success – no matter what that success may look like.

“Take what you experience at the Abbey, both good and bad, and use it to support your future, and to make your life,” she said. “I had a lot of supporters who had faith in my abilities, when I often had none. I can truthfully credit my Abbey experience for helping me be who I am today.”

The late Brother Francis or “Bro Fro,” as he was commonly called by students, was another influential figure in Fontes’ life. In addition to teaching her the principles of physics, he helped to foster her faith.

One day, Fontes was stopped by Brother Francis next to the Holy Lawn on her walk to class. He had noticed she was crying. Fontes explained that she had woken up to the news that her beloved family cat, Tara, had passed away. As an only child, she had an extremely special bond with Tara, and it was the first significant loss due to death that she had experienced. She told Brother Francis that she could not imagine what it would be like without Tara around, and she asked him if animals went to Heaven. He responded by saying that he believed that anything with the capacity to love goes to Heaven. If Fontes believed that Tara loved her, then they would reunite together one day.

This doctrine is one that she has held onto throughout her life, and one that she now uses as a practicing veterinarian when striving to comfort others on their worst day. When she has to euthanize someone’s pet, she tells the owners that while she does not know what they believe in, she herself believes, and knows, that one day we will all reunite with the ones we have loved and who have loved us, pets included.

“Brother Francis helped me become an empathetic veterinarian,” said Fontes.

As she moves forward with her career and creates new experiences for herself, Fontes knows that she will never forget where she came from or those who helped her discover her faith in herself along the way.

“It really is a dream come true, and my dreams started at Portsmouth Abbey.”

Adapted from the May 26 address to the Class of 2022, welcoming them to the Portsmouth Abbey alumni community during their Sixth Form Alumni Dinner.

Andrew Godfrey ’12 and Dr. Gabrielle Fontes ’12.

Through your generosity, this event raised more than $87,000 toward scholarships that help provide a Catholic Benedictine education to students for whom this opportunity would otherwise be out of reach.

THANK YOU!

SAVE THE DATE FOR 2023: FRIDAY, JUNE 2

With appreciation to our 2022 Tournament Sponsors

portsmouth abbey school

Touch Lives of Others

The Haney Fellowship provides selected Fifth-Form students with a unique educational experience during the summer before their Sixth-Form year.

Seven students were chosen during 2022, after submitting proposals focused on a course of study, travel or work experience that significantly furthered an existing academic interest or allowed for the pursuit of a specialized opportunity. Whether through research, outreach or physical activities, this year’s Haney Fellowship recipients all played a larger role in learning about and assisting others. Several projects were inspired by personal experiences.

The Haney Fellowship was established in 1998 by William “Bill” Haney III ’80 in honor of his father, the late William Haney, Jr., who lived and worked at Portsmouth Abbey School from 1968 to 1991 as a chemistry teacher, houseparent and golf coach. Haney Fellows are chosen on the basis of their submitted proposals and interviews in the winter of their Fifth-Form year. Bill and his mother, Irene, herself a longtime Portsmouth houseparent and valued community member, personally evaluate each proposal and select fellowship recipients.

2022 haney fellowship recipients

q Alexis Buwembo ’23 travelled to Uganda as an intern at the Uganda Virus Research Institute to learn first-hand about the developments in HIV research for Uganda along with learning research laboratory protocol.

w Cheonyung (Kent) Kim ’23 worked in coordination with the Sullivan Center for the Blind, creating a four-week writing program for students. He named his program, “Waiting for Homer” because of the poet’s visual impairment, and his own desire to help nurture the creative aspirations of children. At the end of the program, the student works were published in a book for the visually impaired.

e Harrison Lunden ’23 created a customizable soundboard for a family friend who has Ponto Cerebellar Hypoplasia, a rare heterogeneous group of neurodegenerative disorders. Using a purple box (his friend’s favorite color), a 3D printer, and large buttons to represent the responses of Yes, No and More, Lunden constructed a device containing an FX soundboard with a built-in amplifier, speakers and a rechargeable power supply to aid with daily communication.

r Marina McKeating ’23 taught Irish step dance to the youth of St. Agatha’s Catholic Church in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. With students varied in age, attention and skill-sets, she used her creative talents in ways beyond the stage to incorporate various themes in her teaching. Several students were inspired to continue with the art form.

t Tracey Mirembe ’23 cited an increase in domestic violence across the nation due to the pandemic, as one reason why she chose to work with Voices Against Violence in the MetroWest region of Massachusetts. With this organization, she helped spread information about sexual and domestic violence through community education and increased public awareness. She also took on multiple assignments associated with the organization of the Purple Passion 5K. The race serves as a fundraiser to aid in the re-opening of a shelter that had been closed since the onset of the pandemic.

y Oluwadamilola Opawumi ’23 designed a summer STEM program at St. Clements Parish School in El Paso, Texas for children in grades three–five. This program increased interest in STEM-based careers through an educational partnership that allowed students hands-on experience in science labs, while also receiving mentorship from professionals that serve as minority representatives. Opawumi continues to be inspired to help increase the number of women and people of color in STEM fields.

u Fletcher Reilly ’23 partnered with Family Behavior Solutions and the Newport County YMCA to conduct a study on the effects of aqua-therapy on children on the autism spectrum. Reilly noted that the stimulating sensory experience offered through contact with water was appealing to children on the autism spectrum. Therapy sessions centered around socialization and interactions with participant families reporting positive outcomes for better sleep, flexibility and a greater sense of happiness overall.

Meaning and Purpose

Leading in a new century of Catholic education at Portsmouth Abbey School

BY MICHAEL ST . THOMAS

Michael St. Thomas is the chair of the English department at Portsmouth Abbey School.

Visitors to the Abbey this summer were treated to the typical sights and sounds of the quietest months of the year: sailboats on Narragansett Bay, sunsets over Prudence Island, the occasional osprey or bald eagle soaring overhead. One can imagine similar scenes from any point in the Abbey’s history. The natural beauty of the campus still commands the power to stop visitors — and residents — in their tracks.

Alongside these natural vistas, however, were more mechanical ones. Scaffolding enwrapped Manor House as it underwent an historic renovation. Crews began work on the new Student Center, situated below the Kennedy Classroom Building on the site of the old St. Bede’s House. At the top of Cory’s Lane, bulldozers cleared and prepped several acres for attractive landscaping. These bold construction projects suggest that despite all that remains the same about the Abbey, changes are afoot.

ircular saws buzzed and pneumatic nailers popped in the distance as Head of School Matt Walter sat in his office one August morning. He grew excited as he spoke about the beautification of campus: “We value this place and we want visitors to campus to value it too.” The landscaping at the top of Cory’s Lane is intended to bolster the visibility of the School beyond the state-issued green directional sign on West Main Road. “So many people don’t know we’re back here,” Walter remarked. “We want people to know that when they turn off West Main Road they are entering a special place of meaning and purpose.” He views the work as a commitment to the long-term health of the institution, and pointed to the importance of the Manor House renovation specifically. The building, officially known as the Amos Smith House, was erected in 1864 by the original owner of the monastery property. This summer, crews dismantled its fire escape and returned the exterior to its original white with black shutters. Copper flashing and gutters put the finishing touches on the restoration. Noting that the building was as identifiable with the School as any on campus, Walter declared that its renovation “makes a statement that this institution will be here for another one hundred years.”

He was quick to point out that the improvements were not window dressing so much as a way to

facilitate a wider understanding of our Mission. Make the campus a more inviting place to visit, his thinking goes, and then the School can sell itself. “Once they’re here,” Walter explains, “then we can tell them why we’re here. And then we point to the church at the top of the hill.”

To understand the current moment at the Abbey, and the relationship between that church at the top of the hill and the School, it is helpful to consider the trajectory of the institution in its first century. Several moments serve to demark the major eras of the Abbey’s history. The first is the School’s founding, in 1926, by Father John Hugh Diman.

September 26, 1926 opening of school with 16 boys under Prior Wulstan Knowles and Headmaster Dom Hugh Diman.

Not long before, as an Episcopalian minister, Fr. Diman had started St. George’s in Middletown, Rhode Island, and after converting to Catholicism and entering the English Benedictine order, he returned to Aquidneck Island to establish a school on the grounds of a newly formed monastery. Portsmouth Priory School, as it was then called, rapidly expanded in size, and in a short time came to rival its Middletown neighbor in reputation. The School’s status ascended along with that of Catholics in American life, and it is no coincidence that America’s most prominent Catholic family, the Kennedys, sent two of their sons to Portsmouth.

The second phase of the Abbey’s history is best embodied by the Pietro Belluschidesigned buildings constructed in the midtwentieth century, starting with the Abbey

Church of St. Gregory the Great (dedicated in 1960) and expanding around the Holy Lawn to comprise most of the current campus. Belluschi’s “conservative modernist” style — natural materials, sleek, unadorned structures — starkly contrasted with traditional institutional architecture (St. Benet’s House, for example) and was a fitting example of the Second Vatican Council’s call for the Church to open its doors to the world. Sixty years on, Belluschi’s design still captures the spirit of a monastery where holiness and erudition go hand in hand, and of a school where students are called to be in the world but not of it.

As was the case in many other Catholic schools, as the twentieth century progressed, the all-boys model that had sustained the Abbey since its inception no longer proved tenable.

Enrollment declined, as well as the size of the monastery. A third distinct era of the school, then, might be charted from its 1991 decision to go co-educational. Admitting women was the most significant of many ways in which the Abbey has adapted in recent decades in order to continue to thrive in the competitive world of elite boarding schools. While some of those adaptations have embraced what is novel, such as the wind turbine (2006) and Science Building (2019), others, such as the return of the Latin requirement (1997) and the humanities program (1999) have reaffirmed the School’s connection to tradition. This balancing of past and present has reinvigorated the Abbey in recent years, allowing it to remain competitive with its peer institutions while also distinguishing itself from them. By all accounts, families have seen the attraction of this balancing act—in recent years the School has enrolled a record number of boarding students. Foundation, expansion, and adaptation: each of these eras of the School’s first century lasted thirtyodd years. Which brings us to the present moment and the flurry of construction and landscaping on campus this past summer. As the School prepares for its upcoming centennial in 2026, by all indications it is poised to write what may well be the most successful chapter in its history.

In its opening months, two new leaders were appointed to the Abbey’s head positions. Matt Walter was officially named head of school on February 14, after serving as acting headmaster since the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Prior to that, Walter had been the school’s development director and assistant head for advancement since his arrival in 2014. On January 17, 2022, Fr. Michael Brunner, O.S.B., was elected Abbot after serving for a period as Prior Administrator. He was officially installed on May 7, as the fourth Abbot of the monastery during a school Mass celebrated by Bishop Thomas J. Tobin of Providence.

Either appointment would have been a major event in its own right; naming two new leaders in such a short span is certainly a milestone. Walter and Abbot Michael both are, relatively speaking, recent arrivals to the Abbey — the two have been here for a dozen years combined. And so there are unknowns. What vision do they have for the School? What kind of chapter will they attempt to write as the School embarks on its second century? Their own pasts will help us understand how they will lead. Walter credits his own background in Catholic education as deeply formative. He grew up around and attended another Catholic high school attached to a monastery, Cistercian Preparatory in Texas, where his father taught for 46 years. “I received an education very similar to that offered at Portsmouth Abbey,” he remarked, noting its integration of faith and reason and its focus on the classics. Cistercian’s influence on him, however, extends well beyond the classroom. “There is not a day that goes by that I don’t draw upon the experience I had there,” he insisted, citing the relationships he still maintains with his former teachers and classmates. His form-master (a kind of homeroom teacher and advisor) Fr. Julius, who greeted him every morning from fifth grade to 12th, ended up marrying Walter and his wife Paula (the Abbey’s assistant dead of school for student life) and baptizing their children. He has remained close

with him ever since. “I know many Abbey alumni feel the same way about their teachers and monks,” he reflected. “I want our graduates to continue to feel that way.”

Walter is no stranger to working in Catholic schools — after receiving a B.A. in history from Princeton and a J.D. from the University of Texas, and then practicing law in Texas, he has spent the last 24 years in Catholic education, first at Cistercian, then at St. Mary’s in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and finally at the Abbey. His experience revealed to him the essential value of a Catholic education: its ability to show us “that we are each a child of God born into His unconditional love and called to use our talents, our gifts, and our abilities in service to His Church, our fellow man and the common good.”

Abbot Michael holds a similar view, though his route to Catholic education was a more circuitous one. Growing up in Rochester, New York, he attended Catholic schools from K–12, including a high school whose curriculum was designed by Bishop Fulton Sheen to foster Christian leaders. However, Abbot Michael did not start teaching in Catholic schools until he was in his forties. He spent a career in hotel management, then reverted to the Catholic faith and joined St. Louis Abbey as a Benedictine

The year 2022 will loom large in the telling of that next chapter.

Head of School Matt Walter and his wife Paula, assistant head of school for student life.

monk in the late 1990s. He taught theology there for nearly two decades and served as the school’s headmaster from 2005 to 2012. Currently he teaches moral theology (Form V) and world religion (Form VI) at the Abbey. Like Walter, he places the value of Catholic education not just in what it teaches but in how it educates. “What draws me to it,” he claimed, “is the ability to help young people grow not just in knowledge but in relationship with God.”

These two men take the helm at a time of monastic revival at Portsmouth Abbey. Though the sheer number of monks has dropped off from its mid-century high, the monastery still remains the heart and soul of the institution at large. As recently as a half-decade ago, the Abbey had only four monks in full-time residence, but a 2016 partnership with St. Louis Abbey paved the way for an influx of new members. In the fall of 2021, Brother Sixtus Roslevich, Fr. Edward Mazuski and Abbot Michael made official transfers of their vows of stability from St. Louis to Portsmouth. Now, with the addition of other members in various stages of discernment (including Brother Benedict Maria, who made his simple vows last fall) there are ten monks who currently call Portsmouth home. Three — Abbot Michael, Fr. Edward, and Fr. Paschal Scotti — are classroom teachers.

“The increase in numbers is good for the community in its common life and prayer,” Abbot Michael noted. “The cooperation [with St. Louis] through the Portsmouth Institute has benefited both schools and communities. We have the same objective in authentically living the Benedictine way of life in the 21st century.” Walter stressed the importance of the monastic partnership to the institution as a whole. “It’s an affirmation that Portsmouth plays an

important role in the life of the Church as a member of the English Benedictine Congregation, one that is not just of historical interest, but one that is worth preserving, cultivating and growing.” That growth extends beyond the walls of the monastery. As its numbers grow, the students’ awareness of and connection to the monks increases, strengthening the ever-present bond between the Abbey and School.

One of the most challenging issues facing Catholic educators today lies at the intersection of religious faith and the larger culture. What does it mean for a school to be Catholic in 2023? For Portsmouth Abbey in 1926, the answer was fairly straightforward: the School was almost entirely staffed by monks, and the student body was overwhelmingly Catholic. In 2023, on the other hand, the faculty and staff consist almost exclusively of lay men and women, and around half of the students are baptized Catholics.

To resolve the tension of sacred and secular, religious schools are tempted to move toward one of two extremes: an institution can wall itself off from the influences of the surrounding world, aiming to be a school run by and for members of its own faith tradition exclusively, or it can embrace the world and its values wholeheartedly, ignoring the ways its faith challenges the larger culture. One need not dig too deeply to find examples of Catholic schools that have taken one or the other route.

In talking with Matt Walter and Abbot Michael, it is clear that they reject both extremes. Rather than viewing the choice between faith and the world as an either/or, they aim to integrate the two at the Abbey. Tension will often result, but that is not something to be feared, in their eyes. “We bring faith and reason into conversation daily, sometimes easily and other times with great discomfort, but always in search of the Truth,” Walter said. “And we do so sincerely and humbly, always in search of God’s will and Christ’s love for us.”

Abbot Michael Brunner O.S.B.

What might searching for God’s will look like for a student who is not Catholic? Both Walter and Abbot Michael hoped that being in a Catholic environment would cause all students to think more deeply about their own spiritual journeys. “NonCatholic students can better define their own spiritual life through learning about the Catholic faith and observing its practice around them,” Abbot Michael noted, pointing out that the voluntary Lectio Divina program (an ancient, prayerful practice of reading scripture) is filled with students of varying faith traditions, including none at all. Walter similarly hoped that the faith life at the Abbey provides nonCatholic students a way of “strengthening their own faith tradition” and invites “those unsure about the status of their faith…to explore or encounter our triune God in a way that opens their hearts to faith.”

The Catholic nature of a school, as both Walter and Abbott Michael understand it, is something that goes beyond Theology class and Sunday Mass to affect everything that a school does — in all classrooms, residence halls, and playing fields. For both leaders, the way that the students and faculty of the Abbey live in community with one another is the most powerful witness of the school’s faith.

Given the importance of relationships to Catholic identity, every attempt must be made to understand the population that defines the Abbey as a school: its students. “They have the same needs that every human being has…to be loved and to be accompanied in their development as young adults,” Walter claimed. At his urging, the Abbey adopted “friendship and joy” as the unofficial motto of the 2021-2022 school year. He emphasized the importance of the Golden Rule: “We see Christ in others when we do unto him or her as we would have done to ourselves. We learn about the communion of saints and the forgiveness of sins, those we commit against ourselves and others, through the daily living of student life. We bump into each other, hurt each other, learn from each other, find friendship and joy in each other, all as we seek to find Christ in each other.”

Academics play a key role in this seeking. The curriculum at the Abbey is well known for its rigor across the board, and its deliberate engagement with the classics, especially in the Fourth Form Humanities Program, which distinguishes it among other prep schools. “Our students are challenged to think critically, write persuasively, and dig deeply into life’s biggest questions,” Walter said. At the Abbey, he added, “Truth is still the object of learning and Love is the product of that effort.”

“Our students are challenged to think critically, write persuasively, and dig deeply into life’s biggest questions. Truth is still the object of learning and Love is the product of that effort.”

— Matt Walter

That effort, undertaken in humility and inquiry, is at the root of the Abbey’s Catholic identity. In all things, in the classroom, on the stage, in the dorm, students are called to venture outside of themselves, to encounter the world on its terms, not their own. Abbot Michael identifies this calling as a fundamentally spiritual one. “Through the teaching and practice of the faith around them, the liturgy and the very beauty of our surroundings, students are encouraged to see the world as a sacred space, created by God for spiritual beings like them.”

Likewise, students are encouraged to seek the divine image in each other. The Abbey privileges the face-to-face encounter, both in the classroom and outside of it. The weekly horarium revolves around all-school assemblies, Church talks, advisory meetings, and conference periods — so many gatherings whose purpose is to bring people together to listen to and learn from each other. Such everyday occasions, when seen in the light of the Abbey’s mission, constitute the Christian fabric of its community.

For both new leaders, that community is the Abbey’s distinguishing feature. Abbot Michael drew upon the monastery’s 1500-year-old Benedictine heritage to emphasize its role. “An aggregation of strong individuals who do not pursue the common good is just anarchy,” he claims. “We Benedictines educate and develop strong individuals, but those who can effectively live and work in community.” Walter concurred: “My hope for Portsmouth Abbey School moving forward is that we continue to develop a deep understanding of God’s love…and that, as a result,

our students find themselves compelled to develop strong and meaningful friendships with one another and with our faculty that sustain all involved for a lifetime.”

Students will come and go, at first with each term, then later, when they and their families gather on the Holy Lawn under a pointed white tent. It is Abbot Michael’s hope that they will then go out into the world to “offer an example of what living the truth in love looks like.”

Foundation, expansion, and adaptation defined the School’s first century; evangelization, then, might be the best term for the next chapter of the Abbey’s story. To evangelize, or spread the Gospel, in its purest sense implies an outward movement, impelled by the need to share the good news of Christ. This evangelizing spirit colors the way both Walter and Abbot Michael speak about the Abbey. As the School looks toward its second century, they are not content for it to remain a curiosity, its mission cloistered behind the woods and stone walls of Cory’s Lane. Walter called the Abbey a “beacon” as “one of the few independent, Catholic, co-educational boarding schools run by an order of monks in the Western Hemisphere.” Beacons are meant to be seen, and he hoped that Abbey graduates would stand out in their desire to devote themselves to the common good. “An Abbey student should be well-educated, wellprepared for the rigor and challenge of college, but also for the rigor and challenge of living in community.”

Christians should be known by their love, the old hymn goes, and Walter and Abbot Michael want to cultivate that love in all its forms during their tenure here: Love of learning, love of God, love of one another. These kinds of love, lived out are attractive by nature. They will draw prospective students and families regardless of affiliation, and distinguish our alumni, in Abbot Michael’s eyes, as men and women whose purpose is “not just to gain control and wealth” but to “demonstrate what genuine happiness looks like.”

With God’s grace, the School’s next century will be as successful as its first, if not more so. It is a remarkable time to be connected to Portsmouth Abbey.

The Portsmouth Institute for Faith and Culture invited students, teachers, and lifelong learners to experience the transformational power of the Catholic intellectual and spiritual life during a series of joyful and faith-filled programs over the summer.

Humanitas Summer Symposium

Beginning with the Humanitas Summer Symposium last June, lifelong learners were invited to experience the humanities at beautiful Portsmouth Abbey as we explored “The Blessings of Liberty.” In addition to keynote lectures and panel discussions featuring leading Catholic thinkers, participants examined important texts in the Catholic tradition during small-group seminars with expert teachers from Portsmouth Abbey School and Providence College, which co-sponsored the event. Sessions were grounded in a rich experience of the Benedictine liturgies, including Vespers and Holy Mass. This dynamic environment allowed participants to ”grow in knowledge and grace.”

Highlights of the program include:

k A rousing opening lecture by Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, on the importance of Catholic education in pursuing freedom through the Christian life

k A stunning sacred music concert by the St. Paul’s Choir School

k A beautiful Vigil Mass celebrated by Bishop Conley and the monastic community, with sacred music provided by the St. Paul’s Choir School

k Intimate seminar discussions on texts read at Portsmouth Abbey School, led by dedicated Abbey and PC teachers

k A stimulating panel discussion on freedom in the Church, society, and the law by leading Catholic voices Fr. Paul Clarke, O.P., Sohrab Ahmari, and Erika Bachiochi

k Plentiful opportunities to build friendship and community in an environment of rich Benedictine hospitality among parents, alumni, religious brothers and sisters, oblates, friends, and the many clergy who attended the symposium

Participants in conversation at the Portsmouth Institute’s summer symposium.

PIETAS and Teacher Formation

The Portsmouth Institute’s flagship teacher formation summer seminar, called PIETAS, drew together teachers from across the country for an in-depth discussion of the Catholic intellectual tradition and Catholic education today. Led by Portsmouth Institute Executive Director Chris Fisher and University of Dallas Professor Je Lehman, PIETAS rejuvenated teachers in their vocations during the weeklong seminar, and continues to provide a network of support for mission-oriented Catholic teachers from across the U.S. In addition to spiritual and intellectual formation, the University of Dallas o ers graduate credit for PIETAS participants through their unique Classical Education Graduate Program, the fruit of an innovative partnership with the Portsmouth Institute.

Due to the success and reputation of PIETAS, the Portsmouth Institute was asked to host a two-day intensive seminar on Catholic education for 20 new teachers in the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools. The new teachers are equipped to begin their teaching vocation because of their experience of learning and prayer at the Abbey.

In addition to seminar discussions, teachers participated in the Divine O ce and Daily Mass — in addition to an excursion to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, leisure time on the Abbey’s campus, and plentiful hospitality.

Portsmouth Institute Executive Director Chris Fisher leads professional development for new teachers from the Archdiocese of Boston.

Oxford Summer Programme

Fifth and Sixth Form students from Portsmouth Abbey embarked on a pilgrimage of learning and adventure in the “city of dreaming spires”— Oxford, in the heart of England. In addition to participating in seminars on Catholic literature with teachers from Portsmouth Abbey, students had the opportunity to experience guest lectures from University of Oxford professors, giving them a taste of academic life at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. In addition to intellectual growth, students pursued greatness of soul through experiences including:

k A private, behind-the-scenes pilgrimage at Westminster Abbey, including an opportunity to pray at the Tomb of St. Edward the Confessor with Fr. Andrew Senay, O.S.B. of Saint Louis Abbey, followed by an enchanted experience of evensong in the Abbey’s famed Choir Stalls

k Strolling on Addison’s Walk, where J.R.R. Tolkien converted C.S. Lewis to Christianity over countless conversations

k Pilgrimages to the great chapels of Oxford, including at Christ Church, Magdalen, Keble, and Exeter Colleges, home to some of the most significant sacred sites in the U.K.

k Punting on the River Cherwell, and of course a croquet tournament on the lawn of St. Benet’s Hall

Portsmouth Abbey students were among the select participants invited to sit in Westminster Abbey’s choir stalls during evensong during the 2022 Oxford Summer Programme, hosted by the Portsmouth Institute.

Abbey students play croquet at St. Benet’s Hall, Oxford, during the 2022 Oxford Summer Programme, hosted by the Portsmouth Institute.

From the Office of Parent Relations

As director of parent relations at the Abbey, I am delighted to partner with our families as we return to a slate of annual in-person events. Whether this is your first child to attend, or your last, each student and family’s experience will be filled with new beginnings, rich traditions, valuable lessons learned, and memories and connections that will last a lifetime. Each student will identify with their form defining their Abbey experience, and each parent, as a member of the Parents’ Association, has the opportunity to create an amazing experience alongside their child and with fellow parents. I hope you have experienced some of what has been offered thus far.

I am fortunate to work with a dedicated parent leadership cohort of the Parents’ Association and together our goal is to fulfill the mission of the Association and provide purposeful engagement for our parents. This year the Chairs of the Parents’ Association are Frank and Rhonda Landers, parents of Nathaniel ’20 and Reagan ’24. Rhonda and Frank previously served as Form Chairs and this year have graciously committed their time to be a resource for all families, while offering guidance and support to others in that role. Together, we will work alongside our parents to enrich connections with each other and the School.

Communication with parents is paramount at a boarding school. We understand that having your son or daughter at a new school, especially a boarding school, brings about many more questions and the need for consistent and shared information. The parent portal serves as a host of general information from the school while the parent e-newsletter, Communitas, is issued by the Parents’ Association. Each month you should be receiving correspondence with details on upcoming events, form specific information, and pictures and stories capturing campus activities. Our chairs take pleasure writing each month offering tidbits of information that you might otherwise not hear about from your child. And, should there be something that you think would be valuable as a post on either platform, please share with your form chairs; most likely someone else is thinking it too!

In closing, it is my privilege to work alongside our parents, and I look forward to connecting and reconnecting with our families in the coming year. The Abbey’s vibrant community of students, faculty, and monks is only made stronger as it welcomes its families to embrace our mission guided by our Benedictine values of love of God and the human person, love of learning and commitment to community life.

Sincerely,

Meghan M. Fonts P’14 ’17 ’21

MISSION

The mission of the Portsmouth Abbey School’s Parents’ Association is to serve and support the School’s mission. The Association engages parents to share their talents and resources to enhance the goals of the School while strengthening the experience of the students.

PURPOSE

In concert with School personnel, members of the Association will create a strong, cooperative, and friendly relationship between its members and the entire School community. The Association seeks to encourage and enhance engagement between parents and the School through volunteering at events and fundraising for the School.

ORGANIZATION/ LEADERSHIP

The Parents’ Association shall work closely with Portsmouth Abbey School’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, particularly the School’s director of advancement, director of parent relations, and director of the annual fund, and shall be subject to oversight, partnership, and direction of the School. All current parents are members of the Association. The leadership of the Association is determined by the School and will consist of a Chairs and Form Chairs. The Chairs of the Parents’ Association serve as ex-officio, non-voting members of the Board of Regents.

Q&A

WITH THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIRS

What does leading the Parents’ Association mean to you?

Leading the Parents’ Association is an opportunity to give back to the Abbey which has played such an important and formative role with our children. We are excited to partner with the Abbey, alongside our Form Chairs to harness the strength of our parents and families to foster engagement and enhance support to strengthen the student experience. We so look forward to sharing the journey alongside your child as they grow in knowledge and grace.

What helped you the most when you were first-year parents?

While the entire Abbey community has always been a source of support, the initial outreach from parents as our first child was attending was warm, supportive and constant. The topics ranged from dress code and faculty to organizational changes, and parent community was authentic and helpful.

What are your favorite Abbey events and why?

While there are many favorite events and ‘moments’ we have experienced and cherish with each of our children, attending class on Parents’ Weekend and observing our children in their ‘natural habitat’ is a consistent favorite. We were able to view firsthand the extraordinary talented faculty and gain a glimpse of the impact of the enriching curriculum. Another highlight is having the opportunity to celebrate with our monastic community at Mass or other events such the Advent Blessing with dessert hosted by our monastic community.

PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION CHAIRS

Chairs

& FORM CHAIRS

Frank and Rhonda Landers P’20 ’24 fml1122@cox.net

rlanders1@cox.net

Form VI Chairs

Al Dahlberg and Hilary Fagan P’23 albert_a_dahlberg@brown.edu hddfagan@yahoo.com

Form V Chair

Jennifer Collesano P’22 ’24 jrca72@gmail.com

Form IV Chairs

Matthew ’97 and Ann Marie ’96 Forbes, P’25 ’26

annmarieforbes@gmail.com

matthew.forbes@gmail.com

Form III Chairs

Adam ’94 and Beth Conway, P’24 ’26

adamkconway@yahoo.com

bmurt@yahoo.com

Frank and Rhonda Landers P’20 ’24

Representing a few of our legacy familes are (l-r) Jack Conway ’24, Rebecca Healey ’24, Bo Howenstein ’24, and Bruce Taylor ’24.

NEW STUDENT OVERVIEW

RECRUITING RAVENS

Dr. Brendan McGrail

Takes the Helm as Director of Enrollment Management

By: Emma Stenberg

As part of several exciting appointments this year, Portsmouth Abbey welcomes Dr. Brendan McGrail as the School’s first director of enrollment management. Just after his arrival on Cory’s Lane, we met to talk about his new role, the experience he brings to it, and what drew him to this Benedictine school by the bay.

My first question was about his title: How is leading enrollment management different from directing admissions? “The role,” he says, “broadens the work, and makes it both operational and strategic.” Admissions is the primary component of the work, and it extends from there to retention, tuition setting, and other functions that help build a cohesive effort to attract and retain students for a thriving school community. At this juncture, the Abbey’s revision to the role brings together departments to ensure this common effort. As Dr. McGrail sees it, “Ultimately, it’s to make the student experience better.” This idea

would turn out to be a touchstone of our conversation, an important part of his philosophy of teaching and schoolkeeping.

Speaking of the philosophical, the “Why Portsmouth Abbey?” question was on the heels of my first. Those familiar with the community won’t be surprised to hear that the two commitments that most clearly define the School are what appealed to Dr. McGrail. For many of us, the last several years have prompted reflection and a search for clarity; for Dr. McGrail, this came in the form of the desire for a new challenge. It is the Abbey’s not-so-new — in fact, its longstanding — tradition of educating students as both a Catholic and an independent school that made this the right move for him. A commitment to these ways of educating has characterized Dr. McGrail’s career — at DeMatha Catholic High School, Phillips Academy Andover, Polytechnic School, and most recently, DwightEnglewood School in New Jersey. As he puts it, “From independent schools, you can expect academic rigor, innovation, and a unique curriculum. A Catholic school teaches character, values, faith, decision-making. At the Abbey, you get both.”

In conversation with him, it doesn’t take long to get the distinct sense that Dr. McGrail knows schools. His career and postgraduate education alike have been devoted to them. This started in an admissions office, and has continued in others like it, and eventually found him in the dean’s chair and the history classroom, as well. This breadth of experience will no doubt inform Dr. McGrail’s approach to leading the admissions team, so I asked him what he expects to borrow from these various roles. He describes his experience in schools as founded in admissions, and his time in student-facing roles has given him an appreciation for the student experience. This is the focus of retention and, ultimately, the mission of a school, and classroom teaching and student life work have only bolstered his commitment to this. At lunch, we spent considerable time talking about the classroom – especially about the unique history courses he has taught in recent years, including a senior elective on conspiracy theories in American history!

As a scholar of the past, Dr. McGrail is in for a treat with Portsmouth Abbey’s rich history. In fact, his first priority and, he expects, the eventual metric of a successful first year, will be to get to know the School and its stories. As an ambassador, he knows that individual stories of the Abbey and its impact on students, are the best way to communicate what it offers to future Ravens and their families. He plans to mine as many of these stories as he can in order to get to know the Abbey in an authentic way, by attending classes, games, and plays, serving as an advisor, and being present on campus. “Schools are about relationships,” he related. He is already at work developing his own story of the School: “There’s no

shortcut to that.” By all accounts, he is off to a promising start; he has already connected with folks on campus. He reports that Shane McCarthy and his facilities team, for instance, have gone above and beyond to welcome him. The beautiful Abbey campus and its location also have him feeling at home. Dr. McGrail is happy to return to New England, where he lived and worked for many years, and where he follows teams like the Patriots, the Red Sox and the Celtics. The sports are a draw, to be sure, but even more important is that his mother lives in the Boston area, and he’s looking forward to being closer to her. She has already visited the campus, and they have spent time with Dr. McGrail’s family, including two nephews and two nieces, on Cape Cod last summer.

When asked about the best part of boarding school, Dr. McGrail cites his experience as a student at Phillips Academy Andover and the people who made it memorable. He remembers deeply respecting the “triplethreat” folks who taught, coached, and lived in the dorms, and who were “excellent at all three things.” For schools like Andover and the Abbey, the sense of community is important to him. “I look at schools like Portsmouth Abbey as intentional communities. All students and faculty could be somewhere else, but they come together because they believe in the mission.”

At the helm of enrollment management, Dr. McGrail and his team will set out to share the story of the Abbey with more students and families: “There is a great story to tell here, and we want to make sure more people get to hear it.” They hope to welcome “young people of character and purpose who are engaged in the learning process and excited about being a part of this dynamic community.” If readers know of potential students and families, they can refer them to the School through the admission page on the Portsmouth Abbey website, and encourage them to visit campus.

When asked how the Raven matches up against mascots that have represented him at former schools — the Panther, the Bulldog, and Big Blue — he declared, without prompting from this writer, “The raven is the coolest of the mascots at the schools where I’ve worked.” Now he’ll have to stop by the bookstore to get something in Abbey red!

It’s a Great Day to be a Raven!

After a nationwide search to replace retired Athletics Director Alfred Brown, Portsmouth Abbey School is pleased to share that Chris Milmoe has successfully completed his first season as a Raven.

Milmoe’s athletic career began in high school at Lawrence Academy where he was a 12-season varsity letter winner. After graduating from East Carolina University with a bachelor’s degree in history, he proceeded to work as a coach and athletics administrator at the independent school and collegiate level, including stops at Choate, Rosemary Hall and Holderness School. He received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Plymouth State University.

In addition to his signature greeting of “It’s a great day to be a Raven!” Milmoe brings a wealth of experience to his new position at Portsmouth Abbey. His achievements include managing an interscholastic athletics program with 22 sports and over 50 teams, serving as president of an athletics conference, and developing health and wellness programs. Some of the major projects he has undertaken include writing an interscholastic coaching handbook, designing a standard hiring and evaluation process for coaches and spearheading a $15M athletics facility renovation. In addition, Chris also has extensive experience in coaching lacrosse, football, wrestling, softball and volleyball. “Throughout my career as an educator,” he notes, “I have seen the transformative power of athletics. Collaborating with teammates and engaging in healthy competition are learning tools as powerful as term papers and tests. A vibrant athletic program is crucial for a successful independent school.”

Prior to joining Portsmouth Abbey, Milmoe spent two years at Drew School, an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory high school located in San Francisco,

California. There he led the athletics department, and developed programming during remote and hybrid learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, he built the livestreaming program and created the sports broadcasting club for students to announce play-by-play. He also coached golf, volleyball and girls’ lacrosse, while increasing student participation in athletics from 72-85 percent. Milmoe also previously served as the director of athletics at Cincinnati Country Day School, where he developed a program that was inclusive across all three divisions and led to two team state championships, twelve individual state championships and numerous regional and district championships.

Milmoe says he feels drawn to Portsmouth Abbey due to his alignment with the mission and vision statements. He looks forward to working “at a place where spirituality and empathy are celebrated.”

Dean of Faculty Aileen Baker commented, “It was abundantly clear from my first phone call with Chris that his enthusiasm for athletics as an extension of the classroom was second to none. His joy, positive energy and dedication to our Benedictine mission will be felt throughout our entire campus. We are honored and blessed to welcome Chris to our Raven community.”

Head of School Matt Walter followed, “Chris comes to Portsmouth Abbey at an important juncture. Thanks to the solid foundation established by predecessors such as John McCauley and Al Brown, Chris will have the opportunity to raise our athletic profile in New England while ensuring that we remain true to the multi-sport scholar-athlete and to the reputation of good sportsmanship for which we are known. We look forward to his leadership on and off the field.”

ATHLETICS

WINTER 2021-2022 VARSITY AWARDS

Boys’ Basketball

Coach’s Trophy: Lucas Pagliarulo ’22

MIP: Mason Holling ’22

Captains-Elect: Aiden Du y ’23, Bernard Dushie ’23

Overall Record: 11-9 EIL Record: 8-3, 4th Place EIL

Girls’ Basketball

The Pfe er Cup: Maggie Abbruzzi ’22

MIP: Dami Opawumi ’23

Captains-Elect: Sarah Edwards ’23, Kristina Greim ’23, Dami Opawumi ’23

Overall Record: 6-12 EIL Record: 3-8

Boys’ Ice Hockey

The Andrew M. Hunt and Carol Meehan Hunt Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey Trophy: Jacob Ierfino ’22

MIP: Logan Furlong ’22

Travis Roy Award: Perseverance, Achievement and Sportsmanship: Luke Stock ’24

Captains-Elect: Jack Baird ’23, Jack Lucey ’23, Michael Patko ’23, Joe Verderber ’23

Overall Record: 17-9-3 Holt Record :11-3-1, 2nd Place Holt, NEPSAC Small School Tournament

Quarterfinals

Girls’ Ice Hockey

The Andrew M. Hunt and Carol Meehan Hunt Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey Trophy: Lillee Dougherty ’22

MIP: Mila Smith ’24

Captain-Elect: Isabella Direda ’23

Assistant Captain-Elect: Ashtyn Bringardner ’23

Overall Record: 10-11-1 EIL Record:6-1-1, 2nd Place EIL

Boys’ Squash

Carlos Xavier Araujo ’96 Memorial Squash

Trophy: Felix Cutler ’22

MIP: Quinn Brighton ’23

Captains-Elect: Quinn Brighton ’23, William Hurlbutt ’23

Overall Record: 6-4

photos

1 Bernard Dushie’23

2 The Andrew M. Hunt and Carol Meehan Hunt Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey Trophy recipient: Jacob Ierfino ’22 and family

3 Carlos Xavier Araujo ’96 Memorial Squash Trophy: Felix Cutler ’22

4 Varsity Girls’ Hockey Captains, (l-r) Lilee Dougherty ’22, Isabella DiReda ’23 and Jacqueline Martin ’22

Girls’ Squash

Coach’s Trophy: Hannah Best ’22

MIP: Alessandra Cristiani ’24

Girls’ Soccer

EIL All-League: Martha Wilson ’22

Captains-Elect: Alexis Dahlberg ’23, Georgia Sones ’23

Overall Record: 8-3 EIL Record: 5-1 2nd Place EIL

Wrestling

Coach’s Trophy: Blake Rossiter ’22

MIP: Duke Fagan ’22

Captains-Elect: Jermaine Anson ’23, Merritt Coward ’23, Garrett Roskelly ’23

Overall Record: 11-6 EIL Record:7-2 2nd Place EIL

WINTER 2021-2022 JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS

The Portsmouth Abbey Junior Varsity Award is given to the athlete who best demonstrates the spirit of Abbey Athletics. The award recognizes hard work, individual improvement, sportsmanship, and a willingness to do what is best for the team.

Boys’ JV A Basketball: Nate Gonzalez ’22

Boys’ JV B Basketball: Aidan Surber ’24

Girls’ JV Basketball: Alexis Buwembo ’23

Girls’ JV Squash: Teghan Torrey ’23

Boys’ JV Squash: Jimmy Wang ’23

Boys’ JVB Squash: Hans Yuan ’25

Girls’ JVB Squash: Jennifer Shon ’25

Boys’ JV Ice Hockey: Osi Onwudiwe ’25

Girls’ JV Ice Hockey: Lisie O’Hara ’22

Wrestling: Sean Brennan ’24

Garrett Roskelly ’23 Hits Milestone of 100 Wins in Wrestling

Portsmouth Abbey Wrestler and Co-Captain Garrett Roskelly recorded a career combined high school and club milestone of 100 wins on December 10.

The competition stopped briefly to recognize Roskelly’s accomplishment in an announcement by Portsmouth Abbey Director of Athletics Chris Milmoe. Roskelly is a fourth-year wrestler from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and competes in the 165-pound weight class this season. “Roskelly breaking the 100-win barrier is a great accomplishment in normal times,” said Milmoe, “but Garrett didn’t wrestle for Portsmouth Abbey during normal times. He overcame the challenges presented by the pandemic, stayed on course, and had a remarkable high school career. That is an extraordinary accomplishment, in addition to this 100th win.”

He started the evening quad match with a pin against Lucas Ng from Lexington Christian Academy. Then with a forfeit win against Marianapolis Prep, Garrett achieved his career 100-win. He then went on to garner win 101, ending the day with another pin against the wrestler Joel Lahore from St. Mark’s School.

“Roskelly’s accomplishments have gained notice beyond the Ocean State. He was recruited by several collegiate programs and recently committed to Elmira College. “More importantly, he is a leader on the Raven team. He never settles and works to improve constantly. He always treats his opponents with great respect. Roskelly is a good example of the values we hold high here at Portsmouth Abbey. We are certain that he will be a positive reflection on our institution in college and beyond,” said Milmoe.

In addition to wrestling for the Ravens, Roskelly has competed year-round with Iron Faith Wrestling Club since 2019. From June through August of 2022, he wrestled 59 matches, competing all over New England and the mid-Atlantic (New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania). Roskelly finished by thanking his teammates for their support and recognizing their collective accomplishments, “Portsmouth Abbeys 2022-23 team is coming together perfectly. We’re better than ever. We have 29 wrestlers filling the roster, and the girls’ side is growing yearly. We’re looking good, and I am happy to be a member of this team.”

Garrett Roskelly with Chris Milmoe, Director of Athletics

ATHLETICS

SPRING 2022 VARSITY AWARDS

Baseball

Baseball Coach’s Trophy: The Coach’s Trophy is presented to the player who best combines the highest level of leadership, skill, and commitment: JJ Humenay ’22

MIP: Pedro Vales ’23

Captains Elect: Michael Abbate ’23, Matt Parella ’23

Overall Record: 8-8 EIL Record: 6-5, 2nd Place in the EIL

Girls’ Golf

The Dorment Family Golf Trophy: A gift of the Dorment family, the Trophy recognizes a member of the golf team who best exhibits leadership, skill, humility, and passion for golf: Marron Gibbons ’22

MIP: Charlotte Colby ’25, Alana Collins ’25

Captains Elect: Carly Costaregini ’23, Kristina Greim ’23

Overall Record: 2-2 1st in Portsmouth Abbey Invitational

Boys’ Lacrosse

The Frost Family Boys’ Lacrosse Trophy: This trophy has been given to Portsmouth Abbey to recognize a member of the boys’ lacrosse team who has contributed in significant ways to the school’s lacrosse program and whose passion for the game is best exemplified by his leadership, fair play, and gentlemanly conduct: Charlie Baughan ’22, Toby Oliveira ’22

MIP: Frankie Sanchez ’22

Captains Elect: Ethan Berry ’24, Jack Lucey ’23, Angus Oliveira ’24, Joe Verderber ’23

Overall Record: 14-5 EIL Record: 7-1, 2nd Place in the EIL

Girls’ Lacrosse

The Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Trophy: A gift to Portsmouth Abbey by the Hannaford family, the girls’ lacrosse trophy is presented each year to the player who best exhibits a strong desire to compete, a positive attitude, and humility both on and o the field, thus making her a natural and dependable leader: Martha Wilson ’22

MIP: Layla Grilli ’25

Captains Elect: Sofia Cebrero ’23, Alexis Dahlberg ’23, Bella Di Reda ’23

Overall Record: 19-7 EIL Record: 4-5

Sailing

The Robert Price Sailing Trophy: This trophy has been given by the family of Robert Price, Class of 1971, to the sailor whose skill, leadership and love of sailing have been of the greatest value to the members of the team: Alex Adams ’22, Felix Cutler ’22

MIP: Liam Barry ’23

Captains Elect: Ben Bredin ’23, Mary Davidson ’24, Luke Kenahan ’23, Charlotte West ’24

Overall Record: 17-2, Placed 3rd in NE Fleet Racing and Qualified For the Fleet Racing HS Nationals, San Diego, California

Softball

The Softball Coach’s Trophy: Dani Longuemare ’23

MIP: Abigail Lawler ’24

Captains Elect: Ashtyn Bringardner ’23, Sarah Edwards ’23, Dani Longuemare ’23, Erin McNamara ’23

Overall Record: 14-2 EIL Record: 10-0, EIL Champions

Boys’ Tennis

The Boys’ Tennis Coach’s Trophy: Flynn O’Connell ’22

MIP: Duke Fagan ’22

Captains Elect: Will Hurlbutt ’23, Fletcher Reilly ’23

Overall Record: 9-4 EIL Record: 4-2

Girls’ Tennis

The Girls’ Tennis Coach’s Trophy: Alessandra Cristiani ’24

MIP: Teghan Torrey ’23

Captains Elect: Ryon Black ’23, Alessandra Cristiani ’24, Teghan Torrey ’23

Overall Record: 8-6 EIL Record: 5-3

Boys’ Track

The Boys’ Track Coach’s Trophy: Brogan Murphy ’22

MIP: Peter Scartozzi ’22

Captains Elect: Obi Onwudiwe ’23, Dahmaux Kouassi-Brou ’23, Sawyer Robinson ’23

Overall Record: 12-1 EIL Record: 7-1 EIL Champions

Girls’ Track

The Girls’ Track Coach’s Trophy: Lisie O’Hara ’22

MIP: Sophia Capone ’24

Captains Elect: Meritt Coward ’23, Caroline McLaughlin ’23, Bridget Sachs ’23

Overall Record: 0-5 EIL Record: 4-5, 4th Place in EIL

SPRING 2022 JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS

The Portsmouth Abbey Junior Varsity Award is presented to the team member who best exemplifies the spirit of Abbey Athletics. The award recognizes hard work, individual improvement, sportsmanship and a willingness to do what is best for the team.

Boys’ JV Lacrosse: Chris DeSantis ’24

Girls’ JV Lacrosse: Niamh Whelan ’24

JV Sailing: Quinn Brighton ’23

Boys’ JV Tennis: Chris Waldorf ’23

Girls’ JV Tennis: Piper Torrey ’24

Boys’ JV Track: Jose De Moya ’23

Girls’ JV Track: Waverly Compagnone ’24

photos

1 JJ Humenay ’22

2 Marron Gibbons ’22, recipient of The Dorment Family Golf Trophy

3 Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse celebrates after a goal

4 Toby Oliveira ’22

5 Abbey Sailing

6 The Softball Coach’s Trophy recipient and Captain elect for ’23: Dani Longuemare ’23

7 The Girls’ Varsity Softball team celebrates!

8 The Girls’ Track Coach’s Trophy recipient: Lisie O’Hara ’22

9 Will Hurlbut, Captain Elect for ’23

10 MIP and Captain Elect for ’23: Teghan Torrey ’23

9 10

ATHLETICS

FALL 2022 VARSITY AWARDS

Boys’ Cross Country

Coach’s Award: Sean Brennan ’24

MIP: Liam Barry ’23

Captains Elect: Sean Brennan ’24 and Nate Lee ’24

Overall Record: 11-1 EIL Record: 6-1, 1st overall in EIL

EIL All League: Liam Barry ’23, Sean Brennan ’24, Quinn Brighton ’23, and Jack Kelley ’23,

EIL All League HM: Nate Lee ’24 and Jonathan Kamdani ’23

EIL Boys XC Coach of the Year: Nick Micheletti

Girls’ Cross Country

Coach’s Award: Charlotte Hudson ’23

MIP: Mary Powell ’23

Captains Elect: Alessandra Cristiani ’24 and Mary Davidson ’24

Overall Record: 5-8 EIL Record: 4-6, 6th overall in EIL

EIL All League Honorable Mention: Alessandra Cristiani ’24

Field Hockey

Gontarz Girls’ Field Hockey Trophy: Sara DeSousa ’23

MIP: Layla Grilli ’25

Captains Elect: Mila Smith ’24, Lucy Verderber ’24, and Charlotte West ’24

Overall Record: 10-8-1

EIL Record: 7-4-0 Qualified for EIL Tournament 4th place in EIL

EIL All-League: Ashtyn Bringardner ’23, Sara DeSousa ’23, and Bella DiReda ’23

EIL All League HM: Erin McNamara ’23 and Lucy Verderber ’24

NEPSAC All Team: Sara DeSousa ’23

NEPSAC HM: Ashtyn Bringardner ’23

Football

John M. Hogan Football Trophy: Michael Abbate ’23

Coen MIP Award: Kian Murphy ’25

Captains Elect: Chris Barnes ’24, Angus Oliveira ’24, Luca Sanders ’24, Bruce Taylor ’24, Charlie Townsend ’24

Evergreen Record: 2-6

Boys’ Soccer

Williams Franklin Sands Memorial Soccer Trophy:

Joseph Verderber ’23

MIP: Sergio Ley ’23

Overall Record: 7-8-2 EIL Record: 6-4-1 (4th place-qualified for EIL Tournament)

EIL All League: Bernard Dushie’23, Osi Onwudiwe ’25, and Joseph Verderber ’23

EIL HM: Josh Bonrouhi ’23 and Sean Oh ’24

Girls’ Soccer

Hannaford Girls Soccer Trophy: Ryon Black ’23

MIP: Niamh Whelan ’24

Captains Elect: Lily Atwell ’24, Abigail Lawler ’24, Maggie Whelan ’24, Niamh Whelan ’24

Overall Record: 6-14-0 EIL Record: 4-8-0

EIL All League: Abigail Lawler ’24

EIL All League HM: Jenny Rivera ’26

NEPSAC Jr. All Star: Abigail Lawler ’24

ALL-NEPSAC HM: Abigail Lawler ’24

Boys’ Golf

Coach’s Award: Chris Waldorf ’23

MIP: Kyle Ames ’25

Captain elect: Jack Beauchamp ’24 and Oliver Ramee ’25

Overall Record 7-3, EIL Record: 2nd place tie

Volleyball

Coach’s Award: Merritt Coward ’23

MIP: Dakota Ormiston ’24

Captains Elect: Grace Connaughton ’24, Bailey Howell ’24, Dakota Ormiston ’24

Overall Record: 16-7 EIL Record: 8-2

EIL All League: Maria Amain Parames ’25 and Sarah Edwards ’23

EIL All League HM: Grace Connaughton ’24 and Lila Bragan ’25

FALL 2022 JUNIOR VARSITY AWARDS

The Portsmouth Abbey Junior Varsity Award is given to the athlete who best demonstrates the spirit of Abbey Athletics. The award recognizes hard work, individual improvement, sportsmanship, and a willingness to do what is best for the team.

Boys’ JV Cross Country: Jack Smith ’26

Girls’ JV Cross Country: Lucy Wang ’26

JV Football: Max Varteresian ’25

Boys’ JVA Soccer: Liam Caldwell ’26

Boys’ JV B Soccer: Cole Davis ’26

Girls’ JV Soccer: Ekaterina Skinner ’24

JV Volleyball: Lorna Liu ’24

photos

1 Cross Country Coach’s Award recipient: Sean Brennan ’24 (r) Junior Varsity Award recipient: Jack Smith ’26 (l)

2 The Girls’ Cross Country Team

3 Gontarz Girls’ Field Hockey Trophy recipient: Sara DeSousa ’23

4 MIP recipient: Layla Grilli ’25

5 MIP Award recipient: Kian Murphy ’25 (l) and John M. Hogan Football Trophy recipient: Michael Abbate ’23 (r)

6 Osi Onwudiwe ’25 (l) and Bernard Dushie’23 (r) were named to the EIL All League along with teammate Joe Verderber’23.

7 Hannaford Girls Soccer Trophy recipient: Ryon Black ’23

8 Captain Elect, Jack Beauchamp ’24 (l) and Coach’s Award recipient, Chris Waldorf ’23

9 The Girls’ Volleyball team made it to the NEPSAC Volleyball Class C Championship and lost to Cushing Academy 3-1. It is the first time the program has ever made it to the New England Championship.

10 Max Varteresian ’25

11 Liam Caldwell ’26

12 Cole Davis ’26

13 Katya Skinner ’24

14 Lorna Liu ’24

new student center

On Saturday, May 28, 2022, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new Student Center, a stunning 8,000 square foot structure to be constructed on the western side of campus, perched behind the Kennedy Classroom Building and facing Narragansett Bay. Completion of the project is expected in the fall of 2023.

Conceived as a ‘student porch’ from which members of the Abbey community can gaze out on the world, the elegant, one-story structure will house a host of spaces designed to support student needs and inspired by expressed student desires. Among the new Center’s features are individual group study rooms, a comfort food grille to enhance late night and weekend dining options, and a flexible common space to accommodate meetings, dances, student presentations and casual socializing. To further heighten the building’s utility, the common space extends visually to an outdoor

covered terrace overlooking Narragansett Bay where students may convene to study or socialize. Beyond that, the terraced landscape cradles an amphitheater with granite stone seat walls that offer students seating from which to view activities on Raven’s Quad and the Bay.

In keeping with the Benedictine philosophy of environmental responsibility, the entire structure is conceived with an eye toward sustainability. Copper-colored aluminum screen covers the terrace, providing shade and allowing diffused sunlight into the commons. Additionally, a copper solar screen and pergola reduce heat gain on the facility and enable efficient operation of the mechanical systems.

On May 28, alumnus Jeremy Healey ’91, P ’21,’24 whose family’s donation marks the largest single donation in the School’s history, addressed Abbey community members and shared a bit of background on the guiding inspiration for this important addition to campus. He noted that the Student Center was

Reflections

thoughtfully sited on campus to pay homage to two essential elements: the distinctive profiles of the various dormitories and the dramatic landscape of Narragansett Bay. He also reflected on the influence of the region’s historic residents, the Narragansett, in the conception of the structure.

Healey closed his remarks by challenging the audience to consider what it means to be a monastery and school on the shores of Narragansett Bay. “It means being both truly universal and truly local,” he observed.

“It means having an anchor to the east, rooted in Benedictine tradition, looking upward to heaven, and an anchor to the west, rooted in the history of this place, looking outward, towards your peers, for warmth and fellowship. May the two ever support one another,” he concluded.

Appropriately, the Algonquin-speaking Narragansett people built two types of homes.

In the summertime, individual families lived separately, in wigwams, or wetus, from which they fished and farmed. But in the wintertime, they would come together and move into longhouses—low, wide structures designed to hold many families, with central firepits and communal cooking.

As the winters on Narragansett Bay have changed little in the past 400 years, we realized over time that the students of Portsmouth Abbey, like the Narragansett people, also needed a second home, particularly in the long, dark months of the year.

A place where the many families of the Abbey houses can come together, outside of their individual homes. A place to share food, fire and friendship.

A place, in the spirit of the Quonset and the longhouses, oriented horizontally, emphasizing the bonds among all the students of the school.

A place inspired by the monastery, but distinct from it, where students can come together as their own, unique community.

from Jeremy Healey ’91 on the influence of the region’s historic residents, the Narragansett, in the conception of the structure.

BY SAMUEL G . WHITE ’ 64, FAIA

More than a Coat of Paint

For one hundred years Manor House was THE major event at the end of Cory’s Lane, initially a regal country seat overlooking Narragansett Bay, and later the first and, for a while, just about the only building seen when arriving at Portsmouth. First impressions count for a lot, and the recently completed exterior rehabilitation of Manor House invites celebration. That building sure ‘cleaned up nice,’ but what a history.

As a work of architecture, Manor House speaks to the era when Portsmouth was a fashionable destination as a summer colony and the setting for substantial estates owned by the likes of the Vanderbilts. It was built in 1864 by Amos Smith to the designs of Richard Upjohn, then the most important architect in America, whose local portfolio includes St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Portsmouth and the Abbey’s own boathouse. Upjohn’s design reflected the prosperity of his client’s textile business — it is not a small house — as well as the latest styles including a mansard roof inspired by the buildings of the French Second Empire, a porte cochere for foul weather arrivals by carriage, and a generous wrap-around porch, an element that we take for granted today but, was just emerging as a feature of summer resort architecture on the Atlantic coast. Smith eventually sold the house to George Gardner Hall, whose widow Catherine sold it to Dom Leonard Sargent. The building’s service to vacationing capitalists came to an end in 1918, and its history from that point is the history of Portsmouth Priory (now Abbey) and School.

More than any other building on the Portsmouth campus, Manor House has meant different things to alumni of different eras. Over the past one hundred years it has at various times accommodated a monastery, a dormitory, a dining hall, the library,

the faculty lounge, and even the infirmary. Until the 1970s it was the administrative heart of the school, where Fr. Leo occupied the headmaster’s office and Fr. Peter kept the books, as well as the place where your parents dropped you off in September and picked you up in June. The institutional image of the building made such an impression on me that when I imagine the English boarding school setting for John LeCarre’s Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, I see Manor House at the end of a long driveway.

Last fall the building started to leak. The problem was quickly traced to flashing around the chimneys but, after almost 140 years of exposure to rough weather, it was time to take a more comprehensive look. NewPort Architecture, an offshoot of the firm that designed the McGuire Fine Arts Center, was retained to perform a comprehensive exterior envelope evaluation and document necessary repairs. Keough Construction was brought on as construction manager (which was also their role on the recently completed science building), while Tavares Construction was hired as general contractor.

At the Abbey’s request, the architects specified materials that would meet an appropriate budget, require little maintenance, and have a long service life. Fully depreciated asphalt shingles were replaced with a higher grade of a similar product (the original slate had

been abandoned long ago), but inorganic, cement-based material was substituted for the painted wood clapboard and trim that had weathered so badly. Flashing and gutters are copper and decorative profiles are mahogany. Work started last spring with removal of the roofing, but what the team quickly discovered was that while it is one thing to define the starting point for the rehabilitation of a 140-year-old building, it is entirely another to anticipate — or even control — where you are going to stop. Every time they removed a deteriorated layer they exposed a concealed layer that was even more deteriorated. The progress photographs are alarming, suggesting that the building was being held together by the (benevolent) ghosts of Dom Leo and Dom Peter until help could arrive. The final scope included rebuilt chimneys, new shingles and roof sheathing, new gutters and flashing, and new cornices, brackets, siding, window casings, decorative moldings, porch framing and decking. In the course of the project, the School asked for removal of the fire escapes. Because Manor House had been fully sprinkled for years that intervention was allowed, but only after extensive negotiations with the Portsmouth Fire Chief and the application of fire-retardant paint to the interior.

The exterior paint was a trickier problem, at least conceptually. Historically, buildings of that era employed a palette of multiple contrasting colors to articulate the

individual components. In recent years Manor House had been painted a light gray/brown with red trim, a more modest — but not ill-considered alternative to the extremes of Victorian polychrome. The architects removed multiple layers of paint, but they were never able to discover the original color scheme. In the end, the School asked for the entire envelope — siding and trim — to be painted white, a scheme honoring the emergence of the Colonial Revival in the early twentieth century. That was probably how the building was painted when the Benedictines took over, so while Dom Leonard Sargent would feel right at home, Richard Upjohn might not immediately recognize his handiwork. But both priest and architect would be amazed at how Manor House, even after 140 years of exposure, did not seem to have aged at all!

Today Manor House is home to the Office of Admissions, although in acknowledgement of its residential DNA, most of the space is allocated to guest and faculty apartments plus a dormitory for 22 girls. Its robust interiors have accommodated an exceptional variety of uses over the past 140 years, so who can predict what will be there fifty years from now? Probably not indoor pickleball, but we can be confident that Manor House — always handsome and now weathertight — is ready for the next chapters in its remarkable history at the end of Cory’s Lane.

E'2+C($#012$%0"C344+5C 67"$$)C'1C'C4+*+/.7.'#5C$/ 'C#+0.#+2+*0C:)'*8C)./+C .*1%#'*7+C:$).75C$#C,$*$# ',;.1+,C/%*,<

D>154$"56:8$E5=/8;?

!"+ G'*$# H$%1+ 6$7.+05 #+7$&*.I+1 0"+ &+*+#$%1 /$#A'#, 0".*9.*& .*,.;.,%')1 A"$ :'#0*+# A.0" ($#012$%0" 344+5 67"$$) 0$ 2'9+ ' )'10.*& .2:'70 4+5$*, 0"+.# )./+0.2+1< J0 "$*$#1 ')) A"$ "';+

!#'*1/+##.*&C$A*+#1".: $/C#+')C+10'0+C$#C0'*&.4)+C :+#1$*')C:#$:+#05C2'5C4+C 'C2+'*.*&/%)CA'5C0$C 1%::$#0C($#012$%0"C 344+5C67"$$)<

.*7)%,+, 0"+ 67"$$) .* 0"+.# +10'0+ :)'*18 2',+ ' :)'**+, &./08 $# +10'4).1"+, '* +*,$A+, /%*,< !$C)+'#*C2$#+8C;.1.0CFFFGC54;:H56;3>II8?G542J:6CC54;JCA>118K$2/0/12

K//.7+C$/CB+;+)$:2+*0CLC3)%2*.C3//'.#1CC! :&.44$*1M:$#012$%0"'44+5<$#& ! NOP<QNR<PSTP

1987

A boy, Rowan Daniel Riordan, to Cindy and Michael Riordan

November 5, 2021

1992

A boy, Thomas Tiller Zader Benson, to Abby Benson and Dave Zader

June 18, 2022

2002

A girl, Eleanor Rose Lindh, to Kaitlin and Timothy Lindh

May 19, 2022

2006

BIRTHS

Twin boys, Coen John Mathieu and Miles Charles Mathieu, to Allison Chaplin Mathieu and Jeff Mathieu

July 6, 2022

2007

A boy, Arthur Steven Koenig, to Katie Coaty Koenig and Max Koenig

February 24, 2022

A girl, Alice O’Reilly, to Kassia and Christopher M. O’Reilly

July 2022

2010

A boy, Kaique Makoa-Brooks Dos Santos, to Charlotte Papp and Samuel Dos Santos

November 9, 2021

A boy, Charles Edward Hunter Weeden IV, to Sheena and Charles Weeden

February 8, 2022

2013

A boy, Thomas Gregory McGlone, to Ann Gallagher

McGlone and James McGlone

May 23, 2022

Faculty/Staff

A boy, John Benedict Foote, to Katherine and R. Thomas Foote IV

August 4, 2022

’87 | Michael Riordan’s son Rowan and dog Nova

’10

| Charles Weeden’s new son Hunter and daughter Sophia

’13 | Ann Gallagher McGlone with husband James, Owen and baby Thomas

’07 | Christopher O’Reilly with wife Kassia and daughter Alice

’10 | Charlotte Papp, Samuel Dos Santos and son, Kaique

1996

Kate Wallace to Scott K. Lelieur

April 17, 2022

1998

Janine Graebe to Nicholson Willard

August 6, 2022

2000

Sonia Gnamien to Joseph D. Ortiz

April 23, 2022

2006

Christina Leon to Luke A. Issa

July 22, 2022

WEDDINGS

Rachel Johnstone to Matthew Kirby

May 13, 2022

2007

Cornelia G. Vaillancourt to Paul O’Reilly

August 27, 2022

2008

Elizabeth B. Childs to Daniel P. Weidman

September 17, 2022

2009

Susan Skakel to Lucile Lempérière

September 3, 2022

2010

Robert A. Savoie to Amber Heikens

August 6, 2022

2011

Tina Prifti to Garrett C. Behan

September 4, 2022

Gabrielle Rossi to Doug Colson

March 25, 2022

Abigail Shea to Jack Even

May 13, 2022

Sara Stratobërdha to Robert Stiefler

August 27, 2022

2013

Shiloh V. Barry to Dakoda Riddle

November 6, 2021

Kelley N. Oliveira to Joseph Giannini

September 3, 2022

Sarah Sienkiewicz to Timothy Carroll

June 25, 2022

Faculty/Staff

Ryan Walker to Mary Kate Reynolds

August 13, 2022

’11 | Gabrielle Rossi and husband Doug Colson

’96 | Kate Wallace and new husband Scott Lelieu ’10 | Robert Savoie wedding with Class of 2010

’13 | Shiloh Barry and husband, Dakoda Riddle

’13 | Sarah Sienkiewicz with Abbey group at wedding

NECROLOGY

Thomas R. Baird ’47

July 5, 2022

Francis Barbato ’51

September 25, 2022

Isabelle “Betty” Barreto

Former Portsmouth Abbey Dining Hall Staff

August 24, 2022

Erling J. Bligard

Grandfather of Daniel J. Rodden ’18

April 13, 2022

Kevin J. Breen

Brother of M. Heather Breen ’96

April 5, 2022

Stanley J. Collesano

Grandfather of Alexander J. Adams ’22 and Mary D. Adams ’24

January 15, 2022

John M. Conaty ’69

Brother of the late Paul M. Conaty ’76

February 13, 2022

Michael D. Cummings

Father-in-law of Matthew J. Cunningham ’85

June 29, 2022

James J. Dealy ’53

Brother of the late John T. Dealy ’56

September 18, 2022

Marion C. Donahue

Mother of the late

Theodore P. Donahue, Jr. ’67 and J. Barry Donahue ’68 and grandmother of Lillian C. Donahue ’09

May 15, 2022

Theodore P. Donahue, Jr. ’67 Father of Lillian C. Donahue ’09 and brother of J. Barry Donahue ’68

September 1, 2022

Peter Downey ’49 Brother of Michael J. Downey ’48

April 25, 2017

Ruth M. FitzGerald

Mother of the late William F. FitzGerald ’76 and the late James M. FitzGerald ’80

May 25, 2022

Thomas L. Flynn ’52

January 9, 2022

Michael O. Garvey ’70

Cousin of the late H. James McGinness ’50, the late Neil M. McGinness ’58 and Henry J. McGinness ’90

February 13, 2022

Dorothy G. Goodwin Grandmother of Rosaria P. Munda ’10 September 9, 2022

Theodore J. Harless Grandfather of Sara E. Bertuccio ’16

May 27, 2022

John G. Hedstrom

Father of John E. Hedstrom ’89, Mark D. Hedstrom ’91, and Kristian L. Hedstrom ’94

June 28, 2022

Carol M. Hunt

Mother of Kevin M. Hunt ’70, Peter M. Hunt ’71, James G. Hunt ’83 and sister of the late David J. Meehan ’43

September 9, 2022

Robert A. Indeglia

Father of Marc A. Indeglia ’88 and grandfather of Lucas V. Indeglia ’12

March 2, 2022

Catherine H. Jacobus Sister of Christian C. Hohenlohe ’62 and aunt of Manuela I. Downey ’12

December 21, 2022

William J. Kent III ’56 Brother of John P. Kent ’58 February 17, 2019

Anne S. Klemmer Mother of Timothy J. Klemmer ’71 and Anthony L. Klemmer ’73 and grandmother of Jack T. Klemmer ’04, Charles F. Klemmer ’06, Raymond J. Klemmer ’08, and Kerry S. Klemmer ’09 June 15, 2022

Patricia K. Leonard Widow of the late Francis G. Leonard ’59, sister-in-law of the late Robert J. Leonard III ’57 and Peter T. Leonard ’62

July 24, 2022

Robert J. Leonard III ’57

Brother of the late Francis G. Leonard ’59 and Peter T. Leonard ’62

December 22, 2021

Clare M. Lyne

Widow of Kerry R. Lyne ’48

August 28, 2021

John F. Millard ’68

Brother of Charles E. Millard ’63, the late Vincent J. Millard ’64, Daniel J. Millard ’69, and James M. Millard ’78 and the great-uncle of Nicholas D. Nadalin ’17

May 24, 2022

James M. Murphy ’52

October 12, 2021

Christopher B. Ogden ’62

August 27, 2022

Babatunde A. Ogunnaike

Father-in-law of Naseemah Y. Mohamed ’08

February 20, 2022

John C. Plummer

Father of John D. Plummer ’95

August 11, 2021

Mary K. Porter

Mother of Philip K. Porter ’87

December 4, 2020

Sheila D. Potter

Sister of the late Theodore P. Donahue, Jr. ’67 and J. Barry Donahue ’68 and aunt of Lillian C. Donahue ’09

May 2, 2022

Daniel P. Quigley ’41

December 28, 2021

Paul L. Ramee, Jr.

Father of Oliver C. Ramee ’25

June 12, 2022

Marielle P. Reilly

Mother of Shannon P. Senise ’98 June 25, 2022

Charles F. Reusch

Friend of Portsmouth Abbey School April 8, 2022

Caridad M. Rivas

Mother of Joseph J. Miranda ’06 December 21, 2021

F. Lee Robinson ’67

Brother of the late Frederick F. Robinson, Jr. ’63 August 4, 2021

Angel A. Schmitt

Mother of Henry L. Schmitt ’76 August 1, 2022

Tia G. Scigulinsky

Grandmother of Matthew K. Plumb ’17 and Joshua M. Plumb ’20 May 22, 2022

Edward R. Seth ’50 January 13, 2022

Kendrick M. Snyder

Father of Lucille W. Snyder ’08 October 1, 2020

Francis I. Spagnoletti ’00 May 29, 2022

Severin G. St. Claire ’13 March 28, 2022

Janet R. Sullivan Mother of James P. Sullivan ’83 January 24, 2022

Mortimer A. Sullivan ’47 March 2, 2020

John W. Wagner Brother of Peter W. Wagner ’77 August 15, 2021

Kenneth W. Washburn

Father of E. Paul Grimm ’97, stepfather of the late William J. Foxley ’79, stepbrother of the late Kevin H. Cassedy ’51 and the late Sean Cassedy ’53, and step-grandfather of Nicole A. Kerno ’14 and Caroline M. Kerno ’17 March 15, 2022

Joseph A. Williamson, Jr. ’53 Brother of James R. Williamson ’54 July 30, 2019

1943

Washington, D.C. community members broke ground on the Stead Park Recreation Center in the Dupont Circle Historic District on June 16, 2022. The $15.4 million project will preserve the history of Stead Park, established by the grandfather of Dom Julian Stead O.S.B. ’43 in 2003, while also modernizing the grounds and expanding the facility to create more accessible, integrated spaces for exercise, play, and community engagement.

CLASS NOTES

https://www.smallchristiancommunities. org and the Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Facebook Page https://www. facebook.com/www.smallchristiancommunities.org. I wrote a helpful free eBook which you can find on our website titled Building the Church as Family of God: Evaluation of Small Christian Communities in Eastern Africa. You can find it online at https:// smallchristiancommunities.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Build_new.pdf.

1958

1950

Fred Fisher salutes the Class of 1950 and is wishing “all in the modern world, ‘CHEERS!’”

1956

Fr. Joe Healey has returned to Nairobi, Kenya after the Covid-19 lockdown. “My main ministry is animating Small Christian Communities (SCCs) that are a key pastoral priority in the Catholic Church in Eastern Africa. I moderate the: Small Christian Communities (SCCs) Global Collaborative Website

John Tepper Marlin spoke in May 2022 at the unveiling of a marker at Vassar College constructed by the National Collaborative for Women’s History Sites (NCWHS) which commemorates the “Suffrage in the Cemetery” rally in 1908. John spoke as a representative of his great-aunt Inez Milholland who would later become a major player in the national women’s suffrage movement. In 1908, as president of the Vassar junior class, Inez confronted Vassar’s president, Rev. James Monroe Taylor, who said: “no suffrage politics on campus, or no diploma.” In a brief playlet he wrote for the occasion, John played the part of Dr. Taylor, and his wife Alice played Inez, who shifted the protest to a public cemetery opposite the college. “Wonderful girl, Inez,” said Dr. Taylor after she graduated. “I’m glad she’s gone.”

1962

Class Agent Geza Serenyi writes “In preparation for our 60th Reunion and as an antidote for Covid lockdowns, I have been conducting monthly mini-reunions for our class via Zoom. For each Zoom meeting, I have asked a

classmate to make a brief presentation to the rest of us. We have had topics such as teaching in Vietnam, conducting improv sessions for audiences in Hartford, building a community-based co-op garden to raise vegetables, challenges of downsizing and moving from a wonderful large house to a much smaller easy to maintain place, issues to consider when creating an estate plan, benefits of making a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA if you are over 72. At our most recent Zoom meeting, we had nine participants including Rick Doherty, Eddy Giegengack, Jack Gri n, Conn Hickey, Rusty MacMullan, Chris Ogden, John Reid, Gene Renz, and me. At earlier meetings, we also had Vinny Buonanno, Peter Leonard, and Dave Panciera attending some of the Zoom sessions. These sessions have been a wonderful opportunity for us to reconnect with each other even though we are scattered over five different time zones. As your Class Agent, I want to share my heartfelt thanks to all of you who participated and helped us to reach phenomenal results for the Annual Fund. We achieved a participation rate of 69 percent, putting us in second place for the 72 classes being tracked by the School. The median participation rate for all classes is only 22 percent, so I challenge all of the younger classes to work hard at improving their participation rate for the Annual Fund. Whether you are making a large or small contribution, you need to demonstrate that you are a loyal Raven.”

’43 | Groundbreaking of Stead Park Recreation Center. The park was established by the grandfather of Dom Julian Stead O.S.B.

1963

Leslie and Curtiss Roach celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on April 8, 2022 and hosted a family gathering on the North Fork of Long Island with their four children and ten grandchildren this summer. He was also re-elected to a third term on the Gulf Stream, FL Architectural Review and Planning Board as well as elected to the Presidency of the Gulf Stream Civic Association.

Sam White is excited to announce that his firm’s “residential restoration project at 1 West 123rd Street has won a 2022 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from the New York Landmarks Conservancy! We are honored to be recognized for our restoration work and we congratulate all the winners.” The Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards are the Conservancy’s highest honors for excellence in preservation. The New York Landmarks Conservancy preserves and protects the unique architectural heritage that define the character, heart, and soul of New York City.

John Lamenzo shares, “A reminder to all Ravens and their keepers: all life, and what it brings, is in divine order…”

1964

Peter Kennedy is a new grandfather to Peter M. Kennedy, his son Matthew’s baby who was born in December 2021.

1965

Matt Flynn just released his third novel, Milwaukee Jihad, published by Speaking Volumes Publishing. He held a book launch and signing at Boswell Books in Milwaukee, attended by more than a hundred people. The novel follows CIA agent Audrey Knapp as she tries to stop a 9/11 style attack

on the U.S. Capitol during the State of the Union Address with her brains, a gun, and a knife. Audrey is assigned to protect math genius Bernie Weber who is charged with breaking the quantum encryption used by the assassins. To quote a recent review, “In the vein of satirists like Jonathan Swift in ‘A Modest Proposal’, MILWAUKEE JIHAD, will make you laugh (a lot), cringe and shake your head in disbelief. But just like ‘A Modest Proposal’, the topic is extremely serious.” Milwaukee Jihad, is the first of a three-part series by Matt Flynn bought by Speaking Volumes entitled “Bernie Weber: Math Genius”. The next book, China Code, is set for release this fall. Matt is appreciating retirement in Milwaukee with his wife Mary following forty-one years of practicing law at Quarles and Brady, and is really enjoying writing these books.

Pat Rooney is proud to announce that his grandson, Jack Sams, son of his daughter Kate Rooney-Sams ’98, began his Third Form year as a Portsmouth Abbey student in September.

1966

After reading an article about the history of the Singing Walshes in Newport This Week, Jon Gilloon reminisced, “Many Priory/Abbey graduates will remember this Newport family — they have spanned our generation — the (Singing) Walshes. My mother (Shirley Ann FitzGerald Gilloon) met Mary Walsh at The College of New Rochelle and it was my privilege

’63 | John Lamenzo

‘64 | Peter Kennedy with his grandson Peter and son Matthew ‘08 — three generations of Kennedy men

’65 | Matt Flynn Matt released his third novel Milwaukee Jihad

’64 | Sam White’s firm won a Preservation Award From the New York Landmarks Conservancy for their restoration of 1 W 123rd Street in New York City

to stay with them just before landing at Portsmouth from schools in England, before my Third Form year in 1962, at their Gibbs Street home. Peter Walsh was in my class, and we tossed around the football a bit before catching a tug to watch the America’s Cup Races, pitting the Australian Gretel and the New York Yacht Club’s Weatherly, off Block Island — quite a warm welcome for me back to our shores! After our four years at Priory, Peter and I met again, with another ’66 classmate, Paul Schofield, at the Jesuit Loyola University Rome Center, for our junior year abroad. Sending ‘an Extra Supply of Good Wishes’ to this Portsmouth family for so many blessings and memories.”

“All four of us are grateful for our good genes — and our Priory friendships! Walsh, Kennedy and Danaher — sounds like a Dublin accounting firm!”

1969

In the past year Jim Danaher and Carolyn McKeon enjoyed spending time with Peter Walsh in Newport, Rhode Island and Paul Kennedy in Key Biscayne, Florida. Jim shares,

Francis McQuade writes, “Over half a century ago, I was at Portsmouth and held the top throws in hammer, shot and discus. We had no throws coach or YouTube videos, so the marks were not that good. Upon retirement, I took up tennis. When the courts shut down due to Covid, I had to find a solitary form of exercise. Track field events seemed safe and I still have a knack for it: Current worldwide rank per the “World Masters Rankings” website for men age 70-74: #1 super-weight throw, #1 ultra-weight pentathlon, #2 weight throw, #6 hammer throw, #27 discus. We are all good at something and are (almost) never too old!” Frank is also happy to share that his grandson Eli Burke passed his five-year cancer remission threshold. He will go to Michigan State this fall. His father, aunt and both paternal grandparents graduated from MSU.

In keeping with Portsmouth’s proud tradition of writing, JJ Johnson’s book, Ready, Mindset, Grow recently took the Gold Medal at the Midwest Book Awards in the Non-Fiction, Business Category. He credits Dom Damian and Dom Alban with helping him shape his early writing. His second book will be out in early 2023.

1970

Jamie MacGuire joined the Catholic Herald-sponsored Camino de Santiago de Compestela, which trekked the last 100 km of the Portuguese Route and arrived enriched spiritually and not too much the worse for wear otherwise!

After a long career in Maine aquaculture and writing three books about the Camino de Santiago, Terence Callery released his first science-fiction novel, Pandemic - Escape From Maine which is available on Amazon/Kindle. The novel is set in Maine where Terry worked for Great Eastern Mussel Farms, ran Village Farm Alpacas, shot skeet, and sailed a Cape Dory Typhoon.

’66 | Peter Walsh and the Walsh Family of Newport

’66 | Jim Danaher on right with Peter Walsh ’66 and Carolyn McKeon in Newport

’66 | Paul Kennedy ’66 with Jim Danaher ’66 in Key Biscayne

’70 | Jamie MacGuire with Catholic Herald Chairman William Cash outside the Cathedral of St. James in Santiago de Compestela before entering the pilgrims’ Mass

’69 | JJ Johnson with his book that won the Gold Medal at the Midwest Book Award.

He describes it as Robinson Caruso meets Stephen King’s The Stand. Terry’s old track teammate, Mark Anderton, was kind enough to proof the manuscript.

1972

Michael “Shorty” Long wanted to share the great news about his daughter, Meg Long’s, new two book publishing deal with Wednesday Books. Her debut Young Adult sci-fi novel, Cold the Night, Fast the Wolves is a fast-paced twist on classic survival stories and frontier myths.

“We have the January Freeze Fest and the February Farm Toy Show, which are great. It turns out there are a lot of cool things in this country…but you’ve got to travel beyond the western border of New York to find some of them.”

1977

Eduardo Llach has joined the club of grandparents with Lucy Roque (7 months). He has been living in Palo Alto for the last 20 years. His family of five is doing well with all of them residing in California. “My company (Krome Image Labs) is growing and with it come growing pains but I look forward to the next chapter in a few years. Call if you are in the San Francisco Bay Area (650-678-1406). We’ll catch up over wine, bike riding or walking through the Stanford campus next door.”

1979

John Robinson and Tim Walsh met Kara Malkovich (sister of Mark ’78, Erik ’79 and the late Kent ’85) for dinner in Newport.

1980/1984

Mark and Andrew Godfrey’s film, 3 Days 2 Nights has been released and is now available on Apple, Amazon, Google, and Peacock. This documentary follows the two brothers as they finally attempt to come to grips with the tragic private plane crash in 1974 that left them as the only survivors in the Colorado mountains.

1974

Rob Risko has relocated from Missoula, Montana to Whitewater, Wisconsin where he is an officer with the budget planning and analysis division at the University of Wisconsin. Rob boasts,

’70 | Terence Callery released his new book, a science-fiction novel. ’77 | Eduardo Llach with granddaughter Lucy.

’80/84 | Mark and Andy Godfrey released their documentary film

’79 | John Robinson and Tim Walsh ’79 with Kara Malkovich and John’s daughter Anne Robinson

‘74 | Rob Risko has relocated to Whitewater, Wisconson

1984

Andrew Godfrey happened to be sharing dinner with Greg Sullivan (once in the Class of ’85) in Edgartown, Massachusetts this summer when they bumped into Rich McCauley ’84 and had a great time catching up.

1982

Anthony Rondeau wrote his first book, What I Know (so far). This collection of opinions, observations, and perspectives shared initially to his children, is now preserved for future generations and is available online at Amazon and Barnes & Noble or through his website www.anthonyrondeau.com.

1985

Sean Driscoll was recognized by Forbes as “Best in-State Wealth Advisors” for 2022 in Massachusetts. Sean is a Senior Vice President and Senior Financial Advisor for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Sean shares that “the world will always be changing around us, but I believe the value of personalized advice and guidance never changes. I’ll always be committed to helping you address your specific needs and priorities.”

1987

Bill Brazell introduced his wife Victoria and daughters Penelope, Josephine, and Genevieve to the Abbey this summer. They also enjoyed a fine dinner with Cliff and Nancy Hobbins at the Clarke Cooke House.

Mike Riordan and his wife Cindy (and their dog Nova) welcomed a baby son, Rowan Daniel Riordan, to the world on November 5, 2021.

1983

Bill McCann wrote, directed, and starred in the independent film, The Liberator. This full-length film is based on the life of Irish champion Daniel O’Connell who, as the acknowledged leader of the Roman Catholic majority in Ireland, leads a peaceful rebellion while a member of the English Parliament. His film’s premiere took place on August 24 in Marlborough, Massachusetts. You can view the trailer at: www.TheLiberatorMovie.com and can purchase a DVD of the movie through this website.

1992

Bernardo Bichara was featured on the cover of the April 2022 edition of Players of Life Monterrey Magazine. In this spotlight, Bernardo talked about the plans to strengthen the social fabric and citizen participation in Nuevo León as the President of the Fundidora Park Council.

’82 | Anthony Rondeau wrote his first book

’83 | William McCann wrote, directed and starred in the film The Libertor

’84 | Andrew Godfrey (c), Rich McCauley ’84 (l), and Greg Sullivan ’85 (r), in Edgartown, Massachusetts

’85 | Sean Driscoll was recognized in 2022 as the “Best-in-State” Wealth Advisor.

’87 | Bill Brazell with his daughters and Cliff Hobbins outside the Clarke Cooke House ’92 | Bernardo Bichara was featured in the magazine, Players of Life Monterrey

1993

Carlton Curry shares from the Baltimore area, “In March, I was appointed an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Maryland. After two decades of state and federal public service, this is definitely a highlight of my career. In May, I was able to celebrate with Kai W. Smith ’15 at his college graduation from Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio. Kai has relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pursue a career related to his degree in social work.”

such a unique and joyful occasion! Siena then participated in the world premiere of “The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us” by Tom Kendzia with the St. Rose of Lima Choir at the Rhode Island Catholic School Arts Festival at St. Philomena School on May 21, 2022!

1996

Katharine Wallace married Scott Kendall Lelieur on April 17, 2022 in Dripping Springs, Texas. Their families and children, Ruby, Penny, Natali, and Ross were all in attendance.

Ann Marie Forbes ’96, her husband Matt ’97, and their sons Jack ’25 and Patrick ’26 enjoyed a round of golf this summer at the Aquidneck Club.

1995

John Plummer and his daughter, Siena Plummer, attended the Abbatial Blessing of Dom Michael Brunner on May 7, 2022 at the Church of St. Gregory the Great at Portsmouth Abbey. “We were honored to witness

1997

Michael Anselmi ran into classmate Mike Kowalchick in the mountains this winter. Michael states, “nothing has changed.”

1998

In June 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appointed Jason Weida to the Board of Directors of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation. Jason is the assistant deputy secretary for medicaid policy and quality at the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida with his wife Kyley and their four children.

2005

Andrew Coombs was named as #10 on the “most influential men and women in the profession New Jersey businesses count on for guidance during good times and bad” NJBIZ 2022 Accounting Power 50 List.

2006

Zack McCune is currently living in San Francisco, California and recently premiered a short film about the extinction of the Barbary Lion at the Green Film Festival in San Francisco. The film was a collaboration with his fiancée

’93 | Carlton Curry with Kai W. Smith ’15 at Kai’s college graduation

’96 | The Forbes Family at the Aquidneck Club

’97 | Michael Anselmi and Mike Kowalchick ’97 ran into each other last winter

’98 | Jason Weida was appointed to the Board of the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation

’95 | John Plummer’s daughter Siena after the Abbatial Blessing of Dom Michael Brunner

’06 | Zack McCune and fiancée Larisa Berger, recently premiered their film, The Last Lion

Larisa Berger who composed the soundtrack. Fellow Abbey alumnus and classmate, Thomas Rodelli led translations for the project which featured French and Moroccan subjects. The Last Lion will play next at the Wildlife Conversation Film Festival in New York in October.

2007

Mike Reilly recently finished up his Associate’s Degree from MassBay Community College in Biotechnology Manufacturing focusing on Lab Automation. He moved out to San Diego and is currently seeking the best taco stands, dog beaches, and surf spots in Southern California. Reach out if you are in the area!

2008

The Newport Gulls, members of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL), tapped Middletown native Frank Holbrook as manager for the 2022 season. As he took the helm at the beginning of the season, Frank said, “I look forward to putting a product on the field that competes at a championship level and makes everyone here in Newport proud.” Frank led the Gulls to their first division title since 2015 and the NECBL Wild Card round.

2009

Kara O’Hearn got engaged Easter Weekend of 2022 at the historic Marshall House in Savannah, Georgia.

Kara met her fiancée Kieran Murray in 2017 while he was on a J1 visa in Boston from his home in Donegal, Ireland. They live in Boston, Massachusetts where Kara is a graphic designer for MFS Investment Management and Kieran is a copywriter at MullenLowe advertising agency. They will be married at Barberstown Castle in Ireland in July 2023.

2010

Rosaria Munda’s third book Furysong was released in August 2022. This is the final book in the Fireborne trilogy. Booklist’s review raves, “Munda establishes herself as a master storyteller with this stunning finale to her Aurelian Cycle…a bold conclusion to one of fantasy’s best series.”

Charlotte Papp’s son, Kaique Makoa-Brooks Dos Santos was born this winter in Honolulu, Hawaii. She and her husband, Samuel now reside on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Cat Caplin and Laura Medeiros traveled to Beaufort, South Carolina to celebrate Grace Popham’s 30th birthday together.

Chuck Weeden and his wife Sheena left family teaching at Boys Town last April. “We had our son Charles Edward Hunter Weeden IV on February 8, 2022. We bought our first home and moved to East Providence, Rhode Island last November, and I began my new career as a state social worker in May 2022. Our children Hunter and Sophia were baptized August 21, 2022. We are also about to become foster parents.

2011

On March 25, 2022 Gabrielle Rossi married Doug Colson in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kate Skakel, Kelly Buckley, and Sam Theriault were in attendance.

Science Fiction novel, find it online as an eBook or paperback.

’07 | Mike Reilly received his Associate’s Degree in Biotechnology Manufacturing

’09 | Kara O’Hearn and fiancée Kieran Murray

’10 | Cat Caplin, Grace Popham and Laura Medeiros on Grace’s 30th birthday

’10 | Chuck Weeden with wife Sheena, daughter Sophia and son Hunter

’11 | Gabrielle Rossi with Kelly Buckley, Sam Theriault and Kate Skakel

2015

Frank Loughran shares a chance meeting in Kuwait, “I was sitting in a meeting today when I heard the name “Seamus Standish” mentioned on a conference call and immediately recognized the strong Irish (and Abbey) name. As it turns out, CPT Standish, Abbey Class of ’11, and I are working together at the Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTFOIR). We connected on our shared experiences in the military and at Portsmouth Abbey and enjoyed our connection.” Loughran and Standish were also the featured guests during the School’s Veteran’s Day assembly in November, engaging students remotely by answering questions and sharing their experiences as Ravens.

2016

Jimmy Murphy writes from NYC, “In my effort to reconnect and maintain lifelong friendships with Ravens in Manhattan, I threw a 25th birthday cocktail party in Hudson Yards at Electric Lemon. There were even some Abbey classmates in attendance. I am always happy to give back and reconnect with the Abbey community.”

Paulina Power graduated from the College of Nursing at Montana State University last May. She accepted her first job and will be moving to Alaska.

Sydney Welch and Doug Lebo ’15 just finished their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes with Ampleforth Abbey. This was Doug’s 8th pilgrimage and Sydney’s 6th. They were lucky enough to have Sydney’s mom join them as well!

2017

Mary Lena Taylor graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) cum laude with her B.S. in history and studio art. She was also selected for the RIT Outstanding Graduating Woman Award for the Class of 2022 by the RIT Women’s Council. This award is presented to a graduating woman student who has been nominated by members of the faculty and staff and who has demonstrated extraordinary effort and outstanding achievement.

’15 | Frank Loughran and Seamus Standish ’11 in Kuwait

’16 | John Power ’80 with Paulina Power after her May 2022 graduation from the College of Nursing at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana

’16 | Sydney Welch and Doug Lebo ’15 finished their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes

’16 | Jimmy Murphy with Abbey classmates, Jon Campau, Brandt Matthews, Maddy O’Shea, Rory O’Connor, Anjli Patel, Lucy Ferry and Susan Wu

2021

Davis Mattaliano was a featured extra in HBO’s The Gilded Age, season 1, episode 8 “Tucked up in Newport.” Davis was featured as the footman at Mrs. Astor’s House. The episode was filmed over two days and in three separate Newport mansions.

2018

Abbey Luth and Lulu LePage ’21, both former Raven ice hockey players, were rivals in the NCAA Division III Hockey Quarterfinals last winter.

2020

Ken Zheng met fellow Abbey alumnus Peter Ferry ’75 for lunch in Philadelphia. He shared a photo of the two of them in front of the Benjamin Franklin Statue with the University of Pennsylvania Alumni House in the background.

Margot Appleton continues to excel in running and academics at the University of Virginia. She was the top finisher, and 26th place overall, for the Cavaliers at the NCAA South East Regional meet in November 2021. This winter, her distance medley relay (DMR) time placed second at the ACC Indoor Track and Field Championships and broke the UVA DMR indoor record, earning her All-American status. She was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll for the 2022 Outdoor Track and Field season. So far, in her second cross-country season, she has already been named the season’s first “Women’s ACC Performer of the Week” after leading her UVA team to a first-place finish in their season-opening meet.

Diego Sanabria finished third in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championships in the javelin as a freshman for Northeastern University, and helped to lead the Huskies men’s team to win the track and field championship. He was also one of four finalists for the Male Rising Star award, given annually to the top freshman student-

athlete for outstanding academic and athletic performance at Northeastern University. Diego met up with classmate Marcos Navarro in London this summer where Marcos attends University.

’20 | Ken Zheng and Peter Ferry ’75 met for lunch in Philadelphia

’21 | Diego Sanabria and Marcos Navarro met in London this summer

’21 | Davis Mattaliano was a featured extra in HBO’s The Gilded Age

’18 | Abbey Luth and Lulu LePage ’21 are rivals in the NCAA