Today Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

School Leadership

6 Top of the Class: The 2023 Co-Valedictorians

Meet the Co-Valedictorians for the Class of 2023: Matthew Imhoff and Alejandro Ruiz.

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A Desire to Serve

Two seniors continue the Saint Joe’s committment to service next year at U.S. military academies.

Office of Advancement

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12

No One Left to Beat

The

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A Letter from John G. Nolan, Jr. President

I hope this message finds you happy, healthy and enjoying the start of summer.

Over the past year, we have taken the Saint Joseph Community along for the ride on the “journey to excellence” that each of our students experiences when they step onto campus. The journey concluded for the Class of 2023 on May 18 when they received their precious Saint Joseph diplomas. I am happy to say that 100 percent of our graduates were accepted to college.

The Class of 2023 earned over $36 million in scholarships, with an average scholarship of $93,637 over four years. More than 75 percent of the class earned a scholarship in excess of their four-year Saint Joseph High School tuition.

I would like to congratulate our co-valedictorians, Alejandro Ruiz and Matthew Imhoff, who delivered impactful messages to their classmates during the graduation ceremony.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Charles Algier and Michael Alvarez who will continue the Saint Joseph tradition of service at the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy in the Fall. We are so proud of Charlie and Michael, along with Luke Malin, who will be enlisting in the United States Air Force, for their commitment to serve our country.

In a special way, I would like to acknowledge two longtime Partners in Mission who are leaving us this year: Linda Muratore P’00 and Brian Jenkins ‘98. Both have played major roles in defining the Saint Joseph experience for our students and we wish them the very best going forward. God bless you and your families.

Since my last message, the tradition of excellence within our Athletics program is thriving. Our bowling team won the program’s first ever state championship, Giovanni Alejandro became the first wrestling state finalist in Saint Joe’s history, and the basketball team reached the NJSIAA Non-Public A, South championship game. Earlier this Spring, the baseball team won their 8th Greater Middlesex Conference championship, the Crew team’s JV Quad boat finished No. 25 in the country at the Youth National Championships in Florida and the volleyball team won their fourth NJSIAA State Title.

Saint Joseph Giving Day 2023 was a tremendous success, raising over $220,000 - a new Giving Day record. A special shout out to the Class of 1976 for contributing over $18,000 and to the 34 members of the Class of 1985 who led the way on Giving Day.

Our Mothers Club excelled in organizing Pocketbook Bingo and the 48th Annual Basket Raffle. Thank you to moderator Danielle Scalabrini, and all who were involved in making these special nights huge successes.

Finally, I would like to congratulate the Chadwick Family for being the honorees at this year’s Falcon Golf Classic. The Chadwick family’s dedication to formation is showcased by the talented and exceptional men they have produced across two generations at Saint Joseph.

As we close the books on the 2022/2023 school year, plans are already underway for next year’s events, including the Green Tie Gala on November 11. This year we will be honoring John Shibles ‘65. A formal invitation will be delivered later this summer. We hope that you join us in celebrating Saint Joseph High School this Fall.

Once again, thank you for your continued support of Saint Joe’s. We are extremely grateful and our school wouldn’t be the same without you.

Gratefully,

John G. Nolan, Jr. President

I can’t believe how quickly this school year has gone. In my last message to you in the Fall we had just opened the school year by welcoming the 132 members of the Class of 2026. Now, nine months later, we are ushering out the next graduating class of seniors.

The Class of 2023 has been challenged in more ways than we could have ever imagined, but they rose to the occasion each and every time, creating their own journey to excellence.

We are very excited that 82 percent of this year’s graduating class earned a college scholarship averaging $93,637 over four years. This would not have been possible without the hard work from our Guidance Department, led by Mark Southern. The Guidance team is making a tremendous impact on our students’ achievement during their four years at Saint Joe’s which is translating to success when applying to colleges.

With all of the excitement during the end of the school year, it also brings a bittersweet feeling as we say goodbye and thank you to two of our beloved Partners in Mission, Linda Muratore P’00 and Brian Jenkins ‘98. The impact that Brian and Linda have on our students can not be measured and they will be deeply missed by the entire school community.

As we celebrate another successful school year, I’d like to call to your attention a few highlights from the last 10 months:

The Model United Nations and Youth & Government Clubs continued to impress on the national stage, taking home several team and individual awards at their annual competitions this year. Because of their hard work, Saint Joe’s will be sending seven delegates to the Conference on National Affairs this summer.

Jason Magistre ‘24 was selected to attend the New Jersey Scholars Program this summer. He is the first Saint Joe’s student chosen for the highly competitive summer learning program since 2016.

The World Languages Department launched a “Seal of Biliteracy” program which will allow our students to be formally recognized for their language proficiency skills. This year, three of our students received the “Working Fluency” seal, which is the highest rating that you can receive. In addition, 17 other students “demonstrated language proficiency.”

For the 2023-2024 school year, we are introducing the Falcon Bridge Program which will allow students who graduated eighth grade the opportunity to take a bridge year prior to transitioning to high school. We believe the program will provide students the ability to improve both developmentally and academically without the pressures of high school while continuing the learning process.

In a few months we will welcome the Class of 2027. To date, we are expecting to welcome close to 170 students to our campus, which is the largest incoming class in many years. I look forward to sharing more information with you about the entire student body in the Fall.

Thank you for your continued support of Saint Joseph High School and the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Your support allows us to provide our students with an environment rooted in religious values and academic success.

Your Partner in Mission,

Anne Rivera Principal

A Letter from Anne Rivera Principal

Linda Muratore’s teaching career has always been connected to Saint Joseph. She first taught at Bishop Kearney High School in Brooklyn, NY, an all-girls school owned by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, from the fall of 1988 to the spring of 1994. In the fall of 1994, she was hired by then-principal, Br. Ronald Cairns, SC, and began teaching at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, NJ.

Her early years at Saint Joe’s were memorable. “There were 800 plus students” in the school, she recalled. “No electronics. Seven periods a day. I was busy, worked hard, and enjoyed every minute of it!”

Throughout her 29 years at Saint Joe’s, Muratore has taught all levels of mathematics, from Algebra 1 to AP Calculus AB. During her tenure as Mathematics Department Chair from 2000-2023, she added AP Calculus BC and AP Statistics to the already robust math courses.

“I am very proud of the rigorous curriculum of the Math Department,” she noted. “Since 2000, 464 students have scored a 5 on the AP Calculus exam.”

After teaching at Saint Joe’s for a few years and seeing firsthand how students evolve as scholars and young men of

Mrs. Linda Muratore: Mathematics Department Chair & Math League Coach

By: Dr. Martine Gubernat

faith, Muratore knew that the school would be a perfect fit for her son, Stephen. “I loved the four years that Stephen was at Saint Joe’s,” she said. Following in his mother’s footsteps, Stephen, SJHS Class of 2000, has taught math and computer science at Mount Saint Mary Academy for the last 17 years; his wife Jacqueline is the Assistant Directress at the school.

In 2000, Muratore took on the role of Math League moderator, a position she held until 2022. The competitive math contests both reinforced and augmented skills that Saint Joe’s students learned in their math classes, resulting in numerous titles of National Champions in the Catholic Math League. There are several current Partners in Mission who Muratore has had the pleasure of teaching when they were students: Brian Jenkins ’98, Nicholas Romanak ’98, Christopher Harring ’05, Roel Mercado ‘07, David Arva ‘08, Luis DeJesus ’16 and Dylan Hollender ‘17. She is now proud to call them colleagues and friends.

“Interacting and engaging with my students has been my greatest joy,” Muratore said. “I have also enjoyed the camaraderie among the faculty

and staff. The members of the Math Department, past and present, have been a joy to work with.” She added, “there is no better high school to attend or work at than Saint Joe’s. I was blessed to be here.”

“It’s never easy when a valued work colleague retires,” longtime colleague Michael O’Boyle said. “But Linda is also a good friend. From our days out in Woodburn Hall to our new home in the Math Wing of the Main Building, Linda has been a very steady influence on the Mathematics Department. I know I speak for other department members when I say she will be greatly missed. I wish her all the best.”

Muratore’s retirement plans include traveling with her husband, Jack, and spending time with her children and five grandchildren. “Most of the time I will be playing pickle ball and mahjong,” she said.

Mr. Brian Jenkins: Teacher, Coach, Dean of Students

By: Dr. Martine Gubernat

Brian Jenkins ‘98 has spent more than half his life at Saint Joe’s — four years attending the school and 21 years as a Partner in Mission.

As a student, he was the oldest of three Jenkins brothers who attended this Brothers of the Sacred Heart school, graduating with the Class of ’98. “There were a lot more Brothers back then and they lived on campus,” Jenkins recalled. “I remember the seniors being very intimidating when I was a freshman, and they set high expectations for the underclassmen.” His mother, Theresa Jenkins, worked for 17 years in the Finance Office. For the Jenkins family, Saint Joe’s was their home away from home.

A psychology major at Loyola, Maryland, Jenkins was hired by thenprincipal, Lawrence Walsh ‘68 to teach Scripture and Morality in the Theology Department. Over the years, Jenkins taught Physical Education and also wrote the curriculum for a popular and successful Psychology course that he taught for many years, including at the AP-level.

Always an athlete, Jenkins coached freshmen soccer when he first joined the faculty at Saint Joe’s and after several seasons, he moved up to the junior varsity and then varsity level. Because his athletic expertise was not limited to soccer, he also coached freshmen baseball for a few years.

Jenkins was moderator of the Saint Joe’s Student Council from 2007-2015, initiating several activities including the St. Baldrick’s event, where students shaved their heads to raise money for childhood cancer research. Additionally, he reintroduced the annual blood drive that students organized and participated in.

“Saint Joe’s made me the person I am,” Jenkins said, “so I wanted to give back to the school and help young men become the best version of themselves.”

In 2018, Jenkins accepted the role of Dean of Students, a position that he held until June of 2023 when he announced that he, his wife, and his two sons would be moving to the Monterey peninsula in California.

When asked what was most satisfying about teaching at Saint Joe’s, Jenkins replied that “seeing or hearing about the positive impacts that I have had on students” made his job as a teacher, coach, moderator, and Dean fulfilling.

Being invited to attend the Coindre Leadership Program and visiting Lyon, France, where the Brothers of the Sacred Heart were first founded, as well as traveling to Amatongas, Mozambique are two of Jenkins’s most amazing memories of his years at Saint Joe’s.

“Brian will be greatly missed, from his contributions in the classroom to his energy on the school leadership team! We wish him the absolute best over on the west coast,” said Jessa Bergin, Dean of Studies.

Longtime colleague and fellow alum, Miguel Cabrita ‘91 said, “it has been a pleasure working with Brian through all these years.”

“From being a classroom teacher to head soccer coach to closing out his time at Saint Joe’s as the Dean of Students, Brian has always shown what it means to be a Saint Joe’s Man,” Cabrita said. “As an alumnus, Brian helped contribute to an environment where our young men learned the value of a Brothers of the Sacred Heart Education and fostered relationships with students that helped continue the traditions of the Brotherhood at Saint Joe’s. Brian will be missed but never forgotten as he leaves a lasting legacy at Saint Joe’s.”

Imhoff & Ruiz: Presenting the 2023

By: Chris Harring ‘05

Class of 2023

143 Graduates

82% Received a Scholarship

100% College Acceptance

There are many honors that a person can achieve at Saint Joe’s that do not require a concerted effort over one’s entire high school career. An athlete can join a sport late and still earn a varsity letter, a student can score a 5 on an AP exam after being in a college prep class as a freshman, and earning an honor at the Senior Awards night might be due to a terrific effort late in one’s time on campus. Achieving the honor of valedictorian, however, is something that requires near, or in the case of the class of 2023, actual perfection.

Matthew Imhoff and Alejandro Ruiz have been named Co-Valedictorians of the Saint Joseph High School Class of 2023 after posting mirror image A+ grades in an equally rigorous system of coursework over their time as Falcons. Even one A on either’s transcript during their tenures would have been the difference, but with both achieving nothing less than the absolute best, these two young men have the honor of standing side-by-side in attaining Saint Joseph’s highest student honor.

“We are very proud of Alejandro and Matthew’s accomplishments over the past four years,” Principal Anne Rivera said. “They have been challenged each and every day of their Saint Joe’s career

and have more than earned the honor of co-valedictorians. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two tried-and-true Falcons.”

The irony of their combined achievement is in how different the two are in their personalities, especially in the classroom setting where they both thrive. Matthew is intuitive and reserved, saving his insight for moments of deeper discussion, while Alejandro is more open and interested in discussion and debate on topics, inspiring his peers. The fact that both of these learning styles have reached this level of academic success highlights their individuality and how there is no one particular way to pursue excellence.

“Both of these young men are excellent young men and tremendously hard workers,” Mr. Michael O’Boyle said of his two AP Calculus BC students. “Even though they are different, they are equally outstanding students.”

Despite their unique personalities, both have received nothing but glowing endorsements from their teachers and other Partners in Mission who have been lucky enough to be a part of their paths to graduation.

Matthew will be attending Rutgers University in the fall with a plan on studying Computer Science. Some of his best work came in the classroom of another Saint Joseph Valedictorian, Roel Mercado ‘07, Science Department Chair.

“He is an extremely intelligent and dedicated scholar, and, for those that know him, he has a witty sense of humor,” Mercado said. “Teachers have had such joy having him in the classroom.”

Alejandro will be attending Brown University and will be a student in their Pre-Med program. His diligent work as a student at Saint Joe’s has made an impact on every Partner in Mission he interacted with.

“He’s kind, polite, and a perfect gentleman,” Math Department Chair Linda Muratore P’00 said. “He is a wonderful math student and it was a pleasure to have been his teacher.”

While both will continue to do great things in the future, the CoValedictorian honor is a fitting way to celebrate what these two great Falcons have done over the last four years.

By the Numbers

$36 Million Total Scholarships

Average Total Scholarship Awarded Per Student: $93,637

75% Received Scholarships in Excess of Saint Joe’s Tuition

A Desire to Serve

ARMY

By: Tim LeCras

When Charles Algier ‘23 and Michael Alvarez ‘23 walked on campus and became friends during their freshman year at Saint Joe’s back in 2019, little did they know how much their paths would cross because of their desire to serve.

Now four years later, with Alvarez heading to the United States Military Academy at West Point and Algier to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, the two will forever be entwined as the latest Saint Joe’s graduates to formally commit their lives to protecting our country.

Alvarez’s Story

he was sitting in his US History 1 Honors class, learning about Civil War Generals.

As discussions formed about William Sherman, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant, Alvarez pivoted his attention to their West Point backgrounds.

He spent hours that day researching West Point, its notable alumni and what the future holds for men and women who attend the prestigious military academy. The feeling he describes from that day is one very few get to experience.

“I got goosebumps and butterflies in my stomach,” Alvarez said. “That’s

something I’ve never felt before in any aspect of my life. I couldn’t get it out of my head the rest of the day.”

While the application process is daunting for many, Alvarez was able to use another skill he learned in high school to his advantage. The Saint Joe’s running star had the qualifying times to compete for a spot on the Black Knights cross-country team.

Still, the process took about a year, including several unofficial visits to the school, as well as an NCAA Official Visit late last Summer. After working hard to lower his running times and build the best application possible, Alvarez’s dream came true in the Fall when he

over the years and Charles was set on applying to Notre Dame’s Chemical Engineering and ROTC program, just like his dad. But, one, simple question sparked over two years worth of excitement and sometimes agonizing patience.

Algier said: “We were driving home and my dad just asked, ‘Hey, have you ever thought about going into the military?’”

Algier did research on a lot of schools, but felt connected to the United States Naval Academy. Through the Academy’s application process, Algier attended Summer Seminar, a weeklong bootcamp of sorts for students interested

nomination. Then, the waiting game started. Months of waiting, in fact, until one day this past January. An innocent check of his phone during lunch in The Perch revealed an email from Congressman Pallone’s office with the news that he would be heading to the Naval Academy.

“I was actually really scared because I could have been waiting until April or June [for my official appointment]- that’s the latest I could have heard,” Algier said. “It was painful, but it just came out of the blue one day. When I heard about it in January, I was ecstatic.”

his appointment wouldn’t have been possible.

“There’s so many opportunities present at Saint Joe’s to lead or serve and I feel like that really elevated my application,” Algier said. “I was captain of the soccer team and was on the Campus Ministry Council. That really elevated my application. I had good academics, but the extracurriculars at Saint Joe’s really elevated my application.”

Alvarez made it even more simple: “If you have five people in an academy from the same school in the last four years, the school must be doing something right.”

JV Crew Places No. 25 at Youth National Regatta

The JV Quad team placed No, 25 in the U.S. and No. 3 in the Mid-East Region at the US Rowing Youth National Regatta in Sarasota, Florida. The team members were Dylan Boguszewski ‘25, Owen Crum ‘25, Benjamin Backiel ‘26, and Bobby Canada ’25.

Christopher Feliks ‘23 was named the Edison Rotary Senior of the Year for the Saint Joseph Class of 2023. Chris is a member of the golf team and recently earned his Eagle Scout award. His service project involved building wooden trash bin holders on campus.

September

Christian Cuccia

Liam Kelly

October

Michael Alvarez

Robert Ilcyn

November

Jayden Hunter

William Sullivan

December

Daniel Bachenski

Caden Miller

January

Christian Foster

Joshua Oliveira

Club

Joshua Ingram ‘23 joined the exclusive 1,000 Point Club during Saint Joe’s victory over Spotswood in the first round of the GMC Tournament.

The newly formed Falcon Bridge Program allows eighth grade graduates the opportunity to take a bridge year prior to transitioning into high school.

February

Jeremy Mellyn

Jeremiah Fairman

March

Tyler Anderson

Aidan Dul

April

Christopher Feliks

Jack Pallotta

May

Charles Algier

Alexander Canada

Seven Falcons were selected for the 2023 Conference on National Affairs this summer based on their performance at the Model UN and Youth & Government Conferences.

June

Owen Blake

Timothy Haklar

2023 Seniors of the Month

Saint Joe’s Sends Seven to Conference on National Affairs this Summer

Ingram Joins Basketball’s 1,000 Point

Saint Joe’s Launches Falcon Bridge Program

Christopher Feliks ‘23 Named Senior of the Year

Jason was one of 39 New Jersey Scholars selected to attend the revered academic program at The Lawrenceville a this summer.

Jason Magistre ‘24 Selected to Attend Prestigious New Jersey Scholars Program

Ready to Soar

By: Tanner Tighelaar ‘23

Attending high school is inevitable, but the doors in which one passes through makes the difference. “Amateur Cor Jesu, Amateur Cor Mariae. Saint Joseph, pray for us. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen,” echoes throughout Saint Joseph High School’s student body before every class, every event, and every day. The freedom to pray is the one unmatched gift that Catholic School grants. We are reminded that God is our center and that we are never alone. Attending Saint Joe’s not only provided me the opportunity to grow spiritually, but also afforded me the opportunity to excel academically and athletically, along with the ability to serve willingly.

Academic excellence is at the forefront of a Saint Joseph High School education. Students are viewed and treated as individuals who have something unique to offer during their high school experience. Within our classroom, our diverse population allows us to be open and welcoming to others. Although we are like-minded, we bring diverse races, religions, and cultures to the table. Friends with varying traditions and lifestyles foreign to my own foster respect for one another and broaden minds to adopt different perspectives leading to more effective problemsolving and understanding. With God’s guidance throughout my academic journey, I am confident I will succeed having the foundation of my Catholic education.

The importance of brotherhood is strengthened through our athletics

program. Our school is rich in tradition. Our brotherhood lifts and supports one another through competitions. I earned varsity letters in two sports: Swim and Crew. In Crew, I won at the Garden States Championships and a cup at The Stotesbury Cup Regatta in the Junior Boys Double in Sculling, the world’s largest high school Regatta. While maintaining a high GPA and excelling athletically, I have developed the innate ability to balance school work and sports within a very competitive and rigorous framework within my Catholic education.

Without Campus Ministry, I may have never fully understood my call to serve. I realize now, once I join a cause, my entire being becomes committed to the responsibility. After joining Campus Ministry, my inbox was flooded with opportunities for service that I was so eager to volunteer. I was lucky enough to experience deep connections with classmates on the same mission by attending service trips in Dunlow, West Virginia and Klagetoh, Arizona to work on a Navajo reservation and learn the culture of the Indigenous people.

Each year, I was given the opportunity to participate in a Covenant House challenge to spend a night sleeping outdoors to raise awareness for homeless teens. Not only is it an act of solidarity with the millions of young people who experience homelessness each year, but it gives a new perspective on life and how lucky I am, and how necessary it is for me to carry my awareness into the future. Without these experiences, I would never know the grand size of this world and have had the chance to embrace the multitude of problems that affect others day to day.

From four years of working in Campus Ministry, my call to become a leader became apparent. After participating in Kairos, a spiritual retreat for young men during my junior year, I vowed to spread the same sense of fellowship as a Senior the following year. Although my experience as a Kairos Leader was different, my connections with my peers were just as important. My love for fellowship only deepens. I realize the importance of young men needing a brotherhood with God at the center of it.

Now with college around the corner, I look forward to my next challenge. With projects waiting to be enhanced, problems waiting to be solved, mistakes waiting to be altered, I will be called upon for the next greatest discovery to better society and the people within it because of the lessons and traditions I learned at Saint Joe’s. By upholding the level of excellence fostered, I will be turning my tassel as a better man and thanking God for the gifts that I have received. As a man of integrity, I will continue to blaze my path at Bucknell University, standing upon the foundation set forth by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.

Tanner Tighelaar ‘23 is a recent graduate from Saint Joseph High School. In the fall, he will be continuing his academic and rowing career at Bucknell University.

No One Left to Beat: The Falcon Bowling Dynasty

The Saint Joseph Bowling team was nothing but pure perfection in their 2022-2023 campaign. The Falcons hoisted multiple trophies, including the Greater Middlesex Conference Championship, the NJSIAA Group One Championship, an unofficial Tournament of Champions Title, as well as being home to the Top 2 bowlers in New Jersey. This is the story of how one of the most dominant teams in school and state history came to be.

Building a Powerhouse

During their 2021/2022 campaign, Saint Joe’s went an impressive 16-3 and won their sixth straight NJSIAA Section Championship. Despite the success, head coach Russel Thomsen knew the potential for the team would be much higher in 2022/2023.

“I was really proud of our 2021/2022 team,” Thomsen said. “But with how young they were, I knew that they would be even better for this year.”

Saint Joe’s returned four varsity starters, including Tim Haklar ‘23, Alexander Kozak ‘24, E.J. Chin ‘24 and Devon Kiessling ‘24. Needing to add two bowlers to the starting lineup, Thomsen didn’t need to look far.

Kai Strothers ‘26 and William Cunningham ‘26 have known each other for many years, bowling with and against each other for as long as they can remember. Their connection to Thomsen, built on the local bowling

By: Ben Chadwick ‘23

league circuit, led them to Saint Joe’s and put the Falcons in the driver’s seat for the most memorable season in school and state history.

“Will is like a brother to me,” Strothers said. “We have known each other for about six years. We’ve competed in many matches with and against each other, but we always have fun because, at the end of the day, we are family.”

Strothers is used to dealing with the spotlight. At just 10 years old, he became the youngest bowler in New Jersey history to bowl a perfect 300 game. The record-breaking performance

even earned him an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

A Team Effort

After starting the season unranked, the Falcons proved the media wrong with a remarkable 16-0 regular season. Playing top teams such as Colonia, Woodbridge, and East Brunswick, Saint Joe’s didn’t lose a single game, let alone a match.

In regular season tournament play, the Falcons took home precious hardware from the Baker Challenge, Central Jersey Winter Classic, and Romer Memorial Tournament. But their trophy case still had plenty of room for what was to come in the postseason.

Similar to the regular season, Saint Joe’s made quick work of their competition in the GMC Team Tournament, taking home their first GMC Championship since 2004. Their success continued in the NJSIAA Team Tournament, winning their seventh consecutive section championship. One week later, with the entire state watching at Bowlero in North Brunswick, the Falcons dominated the Group 2 field to win the program’s first state title.

While a new rule prevented a formal Tournament of Champions, Thomsen convinced the other three group champions to bowl to an unofficial state winner. In what had become tradition throughout the season, Saint Joe’s dominated the event and finished as the No. 1 boys bowling team in New Jersey.

Individual Success

It goes without saying that there were stellar individual performances that led to the overall success of the team.

Kiessling, Cunningham and Strothers each rolled “300” games throughout the season. Kiessling’s occurred in a dual match against Monroe, while Cunningham and Strothers threw a perfect round in the GMC Individual Tournament.

“I was really proud of Devon that day,” Thomsen said. “I know how hard he’s worked to get that perfect game and to see him achieve that was really great to watch.”

Once the regular season had wrapped up, Strothers and Cunningham held the two highest averages in the entire state.

In postseason individual play, Strothers finished second overall in the GMC Individual Championship, while Cunningham carded an 849 in the preliminary round, the highest series for any New Jersey bowler this season. When Strothers was asked if the GMC Championship loss motivated him for the Individual State Tournament, he simply replied, “Yes it did.”

Saint Joe’s had multiple contenders for the NJSIAA Individual Bowling title, as four Falcons qualified for the tournament: Chin, Cunningham, Kiessling and Strothers.

Chin finished in the Top 40 in all of New Jersey, while Cunningham closed his season at No. 18 in the state. By the time the championship matchup rolled around, the Falcons faced a problemonly one Saint Joe’s Bowler could take home the title, as Kiessling and Strothers battled for the state title.

The matchup was a spectacle to watch as the teammates traded off strikes and spares, but in the end, Strothers came out victorious, leading to being named the NJ.com Bowler of the Year.

“It was my main goal at Saint Joe’s,” Strothers said. “But in no way did I expect to win States and Bowler of the Year as a freshman.”

The Falcons only graduate a single varsity bowler after this historic season. One of the most dominant teams in New Jersey sports history is only getting better. A dynasty has begun. There was no one left to beat.

Ben Chadwick ‘23 was a member of the Advanced Journalism class and will be majoring in broadcasting at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

“I feel blessed,” Strothers said. “God gifted me with my left arm to bowl and I want to make history with it.”

King of the Ring

Giovanni Alejandro was Destined to be a Star

By: Ben Chadwick ‘23

From his never quit mentality to his tireless work ethic and competitive attitude, it was only a matter of time before Giovanni Alejandro ‘23 found greatness. From student life to an up-and-coming wrestling program, Alejandro was hooked on being a Falcon at Saint Joseph High School.

Unlike many other incoming wrestlers, he already had a long-standing relationship with Falcons head coach Michael Carbone, who was heading into his second season with the newly reinstated wrestling program.

The two had known each other for years from the youth wrestling circuit dating back to Carbone’s time at Woodbridge

Wrestling. When Alejandro decided to make Saint Joe’s his high school home, Carbone was excited because he knew what the future had in store with some hard work.

“As a kid, he was never the bigger kid on the mat but he made sure that no one he faced ever worked harder than him,” Carbone said. “His competitiveness and drive are what made him into the wrestler he is today.”

Alejandro racked up 32 wins during his freshman year in the 106-pound weight class. Though his season ended

one victory shy of an appearance in the NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championship tournament, his close friend and teammate Vincent Genna ‘23 knew there were bright lights ahead.

“I was there that day when Gio lost,” Genna said. “Not only did I see the match, I saw the heartbreak. In a way, I think that was a good thing for Gio because it only pushed him to work harder to reach a goal that he has always dreamed of”.

Following a sophomore campaign that saw a jump up to the 113-pound weight

class, Alejandro dominated his junior season at Saint Joe’s, earning a careerhigh 36 victories, including three at the NJSIAA Individual State Championship tournament in Atlantic City. However, after leaving without a medal, Alejandro wasn’t happy.

matches in NJSIAA Region 5 to secure the No. 3 seed in the 138-pound bracket of the NJSIAA Individual Wrestling Championship tournament.

Giordano, scoring two nearfall points, as well as a final takedown to bring a win home from the match, 5-2.

For the first time in school history, Saint Joe’s had itself a wrestling state championship finalist. Alejandro’s 124th victory in the semifinals also set the school record for most wins for a 4-year wrestler.

Alejandro’s motivation was on full display this past season. Serving as a captain, Alejandro led Saint Joe’s to a dominating 17-5 record and the Greater Middlesex Conference Team Championship title. As an individual wrestler, Alejandro went an astonishing 30-2 and took home the 138-pound GMC Individual Championship en route to being named the GMC Wrestler of the Year. But, he wanted more. Alejandro won every match in NJSIAA District 19, as well as two out of his three

Damage would be an understatement for what Alejandro achieved. After two hard-fought matches to open the tournament, including a pin in the final 30 seconds of his preliminary round bout, Alejandro found himself on the brink of a guaranteed medal.

In a standoff against Camden Catholic’s Wayne Rold, Alejandro broke a 1-1 tie in overtime with a 2-point takedown, pushing him to the state semifinals.

What followed put Alejandro into the Saint Joseph High School history books. Leading 1-0 after two periods, Alejandro dominated against Long Branch’s Joey

Despite losing the championship bout, 1-0, Alejandro did more than enough to prove that he is among the best to ever touch the Saint Joe’s mat. The senior will continue his athletic and academic career at Rider University in the fall, one of the state’s best college wrestling programs.

“When it comes to New Jersey wrestling there’s Rutgers, Princeton, and Rider,” Carbone said. “And to have a guy go to one of the ‘Big Three’ is really exciting. I also think it’s great that he’s wrestling close to home which makes seeing his matches more accessible.”

Although he put everything he had into this past season, Gio isn’t done with causing “damage” just yet.

Ben Chadwick ‘23 was a member of the Advanced Journalism class and will be majoring in broadcasting at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

“I wasn’t satisfied,” Alejandro said. “I knew I was one of the best wrestlers in the state and making it to the tournament wasn’t enough. I wanted to ‘place.’ I needed to prove to everyone that I was good enough to be up there with the best.”

“I always knew that I deserved to be recognized among the best in the state,” Alejandro said. “But around halfway through the season is when I knew I was going to cause major damage in the state tournament.”

The Ace Heard Around the World

Scott Schmitt ‘23 lined up for a service point like he has done a thousand times since stepping foot on the Saint Joseph High School volleyball court.

While lifting the ball with his right hand straight up in front of his eyes, seemingly visualizing his next serve, Schmitt had the weight of his team and the entire Falcons community on his shoulders.

What happened next will forever be known as “the Ace heard around the world.”

He tossed the ball to the ceiling, leaped into the air and ripped the ball towards the middle of the Summit defense, only it kept going. Past the front line of Hilltoppers. Past the middle and back defenders as well and sinking fast. All eyes on the end line and the corner official who emphatically pointed his flag towards the court, indicating the serve inbounds.

Point Saint Joe’s. Set Saint Joe’s. Match Saint Joe’s. Championship Saint Joe’s.

For the fourth time in school history, the volleyball team was officially crowned State Champions.

By: Tim LeCras

court. Those last six points were an amazing thing to watch with the whole team contributing to the victory. This team deserves to be champions.”

The sheer fact that there was a match point in Saint Joe’s favor was shocking for many.

Trailing 24-21, the Falcons were on the verge of losing until Aarav Zutshi ‘23 led a 4-point streak to give Saint Joe’s the 25-24 advantage. During the momentum swing, Nick Drake ‘24 faked a pass and instead pushed the ball over the net to cut the deficit to two.

After cutting the Summit lead to one, Sam Contursi ‘25 dove to the ground to keep the match alive. Schmitt tied the score immediately after to send the Saint Joe’s contingency into a frenzy

Zutshi gave the Falcons the lead with an ace, before Summit tied the score, 25-25. Saint Joe’s won the next point on a kill by Robert Ilcyn ‘23 to set up Schmitt’s match-winning ace.

“I could tell something was brewing from the 24-21 comeback,” Schmitt said. “To get all the way back to extra points, I knew when it was 26-25 and I had the serve in my hands, I could feel that I

could hit something special. I went out there to serve as hard as I could and it landed in.”

Schmitt’s ace capped an incredible comeback that for many thought was not possible, but, like so often this season, the Falcons found a way. Saint Joe’s won a thrilling first game, 2523, that featured eight ties in the final 16 service points.

Summit put up the equalizer in the second set, ending the frame on an 11-4 run.

“This was an unbelievable match,” head coach Miguel Cabrita ‘91 said. “Our guys played their hearts out and I am so proud of them. Win or lose, they left it all on the

The dramatic conclusion to the 2023 season is emblematic of the first 28

matches of the year. Both Schmitt and Cabrita credited the title-winning comeback to the constant practice of being mentally centered during a match.

Cabrita said the team never got down on themselves at any point during the match and even took over the last timeout all on their own.

“Most teams pack it in at that point,” he said. “They quit and shut down. Our guys went in there and said one point at a time. We’ve been working on mental fortitude all year. I am proud that the team came through strongly when it counted.”

Saint Joseph High School head volleyball coach Miguel Cabrita ‘91 celebrated his 500th career win following the Falcons’ victory over East Brunswick on April 21, 2023.

“It caused people to reflect and think about what happened on September 11, 2001. It gave us a great learning opportunity, where 9/11 is a page in a book for them. This fundraiser brought it to life.”

- Coach Ryan Carter ‘91

The Ice Hockey team presents a check to Tunnel to Towers representative John Martorano.

Tunnel to Towers represntative John Martorano gives a history lesson to the Falcons through his recollection of the tragic events of 9/11.

Skating for a Cause

By: Tim LeCras

The Saint Joseph Ice Hockey program is one filled with tradition. Perhaps there is no greater one than the team’s annual fundraiser to support a local charity.

The 2022/2023 fundraiser took the culture of service and formation to new heights.

In support of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the Saint Joe’s hockey team raised $21,185 over the course of the season, exceeding all goals and previous donations combined.

“Tunnel to Towers is such a worthy cause,” Saint Joseph ice hockey coach and Director of Athletics Ryan Carter ‘91 said. “That’s more money than we’ve ever raised in one shot. I think there is some self satisfaction because a lot of people said we couldn’t raise $10,000, but we doubled it.”

A retired New York/New Jersey Port Authority police officer, Carter saw the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as an opportunity to support an organization that many people can relate to.

“Tunnel to Towers is an organization that anyone can get behind,” Carter said. “They’ve proven that the money they take in, the vast majority, if not all of it, goes to people that served this country and paid the ultimate sacrifice for. It’s just a cause that everyone can get behind.”

Throughout the 2022-2023 season, the team hosted three charity hockey games, with teams from across the New York/ New Jersey area that were impacted in some way by the 9/11 tragedy. Saint Joe’s hosted the Port Authority Police Department and Edison Fire Department game in the Fall, followed by a Falcons Alumni Team taking on the New Jersey State Police and New Jersey Devils Alumni. The final game took place in early February when the Saint Joe’s varsity squad took on the Xavier High School Knights, who come from a Manhattan prep school that sits less than three miles from the World Trade Center.

“I was proud of what we did because what we were able to do was mobilize a lot of people - people that I knew, people that I didn’t know, people that the kids and the school know,” Carter said. “It caused people to reflect and think about what happened on September 11, 2001. It gave us a great learning

opportunity, where 9/11 is a page in a book for them. This fundraiser brought it to life.”

On April 26, Carter took the hockey team and their families on an excursion, reminiscent of the one that many people took for the final time on September 11, 2001.

With views of Lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower in the background as the bus approached the Holland Tunnel, Carter reminded his team of the historical context of their bus ride and how the day will be filled with many emotions.

“On that day, we went into Manhattan to the World Trade Center by bus,” Carter said. “We sat in traffic. We were running late to get there. So much of that correlates to September 11, 2001. I think the message was, ‘You took the path that so many people took that day that never came back.’ That was a moment where they could look at that, think about that, reflect on that and start to understand the moment in time that it was.”

Once the bus arrived at the World Trade Center, the team presented a check to retired FDNY Captain John Martorano, a representative of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Martorano spent his career as a New York City firefighter and was a part of the 9/11 rescue team before retiring and becoming a volunteer for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Following the check presentation and a tour around the grounds, the team headed down to the 9/11 Memorial Museum where they experienced recollections of the tragedy that occurred throughout New York City, Washington D.C. and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

As Carter watched his team take in the sights and sounds of the museum, he couldn’t help but think about the lifelong impact this fundraiser will have on his program.

“We have a better program when we have better people,” Carter said. “I think that this exercise, this fundraiser made everybody involved, everybody that donated a better person. It caused them to think about something so tragic and it was a great lesson for them. It made all of us better people, therefore we have a better program because of it.”

$200,000 GOAL

767 Total Gifts GivingDay2022raised$180,000 GivingDay2023raised$220,000

612 Alumni Donors

More than 760 alumni, friends and families participated in Saint Joseph Giving Day 2023. Collectively, more than $220,000 was raised for the Saint Joseph Annual Fund.

Each year, the Saint Joseph Annual Fund provides direct assistance to the school by funding scholarships, clubs & activities and athletics, as well as need-based financial aid to our students.

20 | TODAY SPRING 2023

Who Will Write Your Life Story?

Your life’s work deserves a fitting tribute.

We spend our lives working hard, building relationships and leaving a legacy worthy of the lives we lived. Whatever your estate includes, everyone needs a plan. But nearly two-thirds of American adults do not have a will or a trusted place to start. Here at Saint Joe’s, we can help you make it easy to create your plan in a simple way.

Most people think a will is about things we have and where we want them to go. Those who have a plan will tell you it was less about what they owned and more about what impact they wanted to have on others’ lives.

No matter your age or wealth, it is important to consider this now. Here are three reasons why giving from your will is a good idea:

It can lend perspective. Taking stock of what is important can help you focus your goals and be more aware of how you want to impact the world. It is versatile. Through your will, you can give a specific item, an amount of money, a gift contingent upon certain events or a percentage of your estate. You can balance your generosity to us with an assurance that loved ones are taken care of first.

It can be adjusted. A gift in your will can be changed at any time - that includes the amount, the assets, and the area of purpose you are supporting. You are free to alter your plans as needed to reflect life’s changes.

Of course, loved ones are the first people to consider when drafting your will. Then think about the nonprofit causes you care about, such as Saint Joseph High School, as an excellent way to demonstrate your values and the formation you received early in life.

MOM POWER

The Behind the Brotherhood

“The Mom-Power Behind the Brotherhood”, also known as the Mothers Club, hit the ground running in 2022 fueled by enthusiasm and love for their sons and their school.

Led by new moderator Danielle Scalabrini, the Mothers Club is an opportunity for Falcon moms to “harness their talents, ideas and their dedication to the school.”

Scalabrini brings prior experience with fundraising to the role, as well as a driven mindset to honor the successes of the Mothers Club from the past by marrying them with innovative ideas for the future.

“The Mothers Club is more than a school and more than a Club, but rather a Family that is grounded in tradition and values,” Scalabrini said. “The Club is bound together with the united goal of helping these young men to achieve greatness.”

An Advisory Board of Alumni Moms, headed by Esther Kuchipudi P ‘21,

Connie Harbison P ‘21, and Donna Walsh P ‘20/P’22, assisted in the transition of the Mothers Club, navigating two major fundraising events for 2022-2023. The Advisory Board Members were instrumental in the immense success of this year’s Pocketbook Bingo and the 48th Annual Basket Raffle.

The Advisory Board set the tone early on that Mothers Club is a place where Falcon Moms can come together to build a strong kinship, just as their sons do through the Brotherhood of Saint Joseph High School.

“Saint Joe’s is where your sons build friendships for life, Mothers Club is an opportunity for you to do the same,” Kuchipudi said.

With the end of the school year comes a new Leadership Team instilled by fellow Mothers Club members. Dynamic, dedicated, and team-oriented, this Leadership Team of current Moms is ready to make a difference.

Scalabrini sees a bright future and continued success for The Mothers Club, as they embark on creating new opportunities next year.

“I am very excited to see what the next generation of Falcon Moms can do to better the school,” Scalabrini said. “We have a lot of ideas on how we can bring together the entire community to benefit Saint Joe’s.”

The Mothers Club is part of the Saint Joseph Parents Club, which also includes the Fathers Club. Over the years, the Parents Club’s initiatives funded school buses, advanced technology for instruction and learning, additional seating for classrooms and community spaces, and yearly donations toward need-based scholarships for our young men.

Learn more about the Parents Club at Saint Joe’s:

Saint Joe’s Strengthens Alumni Network With Regional Chapter Events

Saint Joseph High School continues to foster a strong bond among its esteemed alumni through a series of regional alumni events. The spirited gatherings are becoming a tradition that brings together graduates from different eras, reconnecting them with their alma mater and reigniting cherished memories.

“These events provide school leadership an opportunity to meet and connect with our alumni on a more personal level,” Saint Joe’s Director of Alumni Relations John Eppensteiner ‘02 said. “It is important for us to hear the individual stories of our alumni on how Saint Joe’s had an impact on their lives so that we can continue the good work of the school and of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.”

Over the past year, the Saint Joseph Office of Advancement has hosted numerous events on campus, in New York City and Washington D.C. These highly anticipated events, organized in collaboration with dedicated alumni committees, serve as a testament to the enduring camaraderie

By: Tim LeCras

and lifelong connections forged within the halls of Saint Joseph High School. Whether it be sharing tales of triumph, reminiscing about unforgettable experiences, or networking for professional endeavors, these reunions provide a platform for alumni to reconnect and celebrate their shared history.

“It’s been great reconnecting with old friends and being reminded of the bond we all share as alumni,” Phil Thomas ‘09 said. “Having lived in New York City for over 10 years now, I want to continue to build a community in the city that other alumni can join and feel at home.”

Eppensteiner said the best part of each event is seeing relationships being built between younger and older alumni.

“Many Falcons are in similar career fields, so connecting like this may be beneficial in developing job contacts or professional mentoring,” Eppensteiner said. “One of the most impressive aspects of the Falcons Alumni Network is the great lengths at which Saint Joe’s alumni will go to help a classmate.”

Christopher Santoro ‘99 said he was excited to help plan the New York City Regional Alumni events because “meeting other alumni and making new connections” is what will grow the Falcon Network.

“I decided to help plan a Saint Joe’s Regional Alumni event as I thought it was a good opportunity to offer up new/fresh ideas to drive more alumni participation,” Santoro said. “Additionally, it was also a good chance for me to reconnect with friends from my own class for this event.”

According to Eppensteiner, the school’s plans include more regional events in New York City and Washington D.C., with the hopes of adding additional stops in Philadelphia and Boston in the near future.

If you are interested in bringing a regional event to your city, or would be willing to host an event, please contact John Eppensteiner ‘02 by email at jeppensteiner@stjoes.org.

Share Your News

A New Release

Richard Kelly ‘75 has a book coming out: Rancho to Ranch Homes Mapping the Evolution of Castro Valley, California.

Aiding Nonprofits

Off to the Press

After 14 years at Cornell University Press, Michael J. McGandy ‘86 has moved to Columbia, SC to pursue a new career endeavor as Director of the University of South Carolina Press.

Shooting for the Stars

Wes Kelly ‘66 has published a series of articles in the online magazine, Centauri Dreams, which looks at peer-reviewed research on deep space exploration.

Preparing to Race

Alex Popovics ‘66 completed the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon on October 9, 2022. His time qualified him for the 2024 Boston Marathon by 3 minutes 39 seconds!

A Falcon of All Trades

Gerard E. Mayers ‘70 received approval and assignment as a Certified Lay Minister in the Greater New Jersey Conference of The United Methodist Church. Recently, he also published three books dealing with the Civil War.

Mike Marsh ‘76 was recruited by Bank of America/Merrill Lynch’s Global Institutional Group as Senior Vice President to assemble a team of experienced investment professionals to exclusively focus on servicing the investment, banking and planned giving requisites of nonprofit institutions.

A Lifetime of Achievement

Andy Andres ‘78, a professor at Boston University, was celebrated with the SABR Analytics Conference Lifetime Achievement Award for his many accomplishments in mathematics, science, and anayltics. He is well known at the university for designing the course “Sabermetrics 101: Introduction to Baseball Analytics.”

Patenting New Fruits

Peter Nitzsche ’83 works for Rutgers Cooperative Extension. His team patented a new breed of strawberry last year.

Peter Lombardi ‘02 is opening a second location of Lombardi Pizza Co. in Charleston, SC in August of 2023. The new restaurant will be called “LPC Kitchen.” The original location is in Martinsville, NJ.

A New Year’s Wedding

John Nolan III ‘09 married his sweetheart, Nicole Fowler, on New Year’s Eve. John’s father, John Nolan, Jr. is President of Saint Joe’s, while Nicole’s father is recently retired Partner in Mission Patrick Fowler. Numerous Saint Joe’s alumni attended the wedding.

A Slice of the Pie

Forecast for the Evening

Joe Martucci ‘09 is a meterologist who has filled in for News 12, and also runs the popular “Gameday Forecast” series for Rutgers University athletics.

Do YOU have news?

New to the Nest

Daniel Chedid ‘11 and his wife Lizaine celebrated the birth of their second child, Isabel Marie, on May 17, 2023.

Did you land your dream job? Get together with your fellow Falcons? Get married? We want to hear about it!

Please email your story to alumni@ stjoes.org and you might be featured in the next edition of the TODAY Magazine!

Mentors for Life

Christopher Karanievski ‘11 celebrated a wedding where some of our Partners in Mission were in attendance. Pete Miniscalco was even asked to say a few words at the reception.

Newly Weds in Metuchen

Francis Shammo ‘12 and his wife Ally Howie celebrated the beginning of their marriage at the Cathedral of Saint Francis of Assisi in Metuchen on April 29, 2023.

On a Mission to Aid

In March 2023, Gabriel Suero Diaz ‘21 participated in a BLUE Missions Group trip to build latrines for impoverished families in the Dominican Republic.

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Destined for Stardom

Saint Joe’s wrestling coach

Michael Carbone knew Giovanni Alejandro ‘23 was going to be a star. Just how far Giovanni could go was up to his competitiveness and his drive.

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