2024...a new year for... creating memories
and Building Leaders Through
Talumni, parents and friends of Saint Joseph High School.
School Leadership
John G. Nolan, Jr. P’09 - President
Anne Rivera - Principal
Miguel Cabrita ‘91 - Asst. Principal/ Director of Admissions
Jessamyn Bergin - Dean of Studies
Ryan Carter ‘91/P’19 - Dean of Students
4 Impacting Generations of Falcons
After 46 years as a Partner in Mission, Wayne Fischer has retired from a career spent influencing the lives of students and colleagues alike.
A Summer Break for the Falcons
Nancy Alfano - Director of Advancement
John Eppensteiner ‘02 - Director of Alumni Relations
Stephen Brandenburg ‘08 - Advancement Database & Special Events Manager
Tim LeCras - Director of Communications and Marketing/Editor of TODAY
Dylan Hollender ‘17 - Communications and Marketing Coordinator/Designer of TODAY
From traveling the world to participating in service trips, Saint Joe’s students, alumni and Partners in Mission made the most of their summer vacation.
Inducting the Hall of Distinction
Saint Joseph High School inducted eight notable alumni and Partners in Mission into the inaugural class of the Hall of Distinction.
A Letter from the President
Dear Saint Joseph High School Community,
I hope this message finds you happy, safe and enjoying this beautiful season.
This is a time of fresh starts, boundless energy, and limitless potential. We are now just over two months into the new school year at Saint Joseph High School and our campus is buzzing with excitement. This year we are focused on showcasing how Saint Joe’s builds leadership through service, an important aspect of our value and foundation-based learning environment.
Throughout the summer, Falcons past and present were very busy immersing themselves in academic enrichment programs, leadership seminars and nationally-recognized conferences. By using the skills learned in the classroom and through extracurricular activities, our students continue to impress their peers at the national level. I’d like to extend a special congratulations to Gurkerat Singh ‘25, Giovanni Oliveti ‘24, and Saahir Vazirani ‘26 for representing Saint Joe’s at the prestigious YMCA Conference on National Affairs. Following the success of our Model UN and Youth & Government teams last year, these Falcons made us all proud on the national stage.
I also recognize that many of our alumni, Partners in Mission and friends have had a profound impact on campus, in the community, and in the professional world. Since joining Saint Joe’s as president in 2020, I wanted to establish a program that recognizes these successes. I am ecstatic to share that on October 5, we hosted the inaugural Saint Joseph High School Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony and Dinner. The six alumni and two Partners in Mission honored as a part of the first class of inductees are a source of immense pride for our entire community. Congratulations to all!
In early October we hosted our second football and soccer games under the lights on Brenner Family Field. The results on the field matched the intensity off the field as the Falcons gave The Flock a lot to cheer about. We are eager to host more of these “Under the Lights” games in the future. I would like to specifically thank Steve Brenner ‘82 and Ed Lubowicki ‘12 for making the special games a reality.
Speaking of athletics, a huge shoutout to our soccer team for winning their first GMC title since 2010. The Falcons are one of the best teams in New Jersey with a 13-1-2 record and are gearing up for a run in the Non-Public state tournament. Additionally, the football program won their first division title under head coach Bill Tracy. The team was ranked in the Top 20 across New Jersey for much of the season thanks to strong play on both sides of the ball.
As you can see, Saint Joseph High School is truly a place where amazing things happen both inside and outside the classroom. The dedication of our students and Partners in Mission continues to inspire me every day. We would not be able to provide this experience without your support. Thank you for helping create these moments for us.
With Falcon Pride,
John G. Nolan, Jr. P’09 President, Saint Joseph High School
A Letter from the Principal
Dear Saint Joseph Faith Community,
Following an exhilarating summer on campus that included our largest Summer Institute and Early Action Programs to date, the Saint Joseph High School community is back in the swing of a new school year.
We are particularly excited to welcome a new wave of Falcons to our campus. The Class of 2028, composed of 162 exceptional young men, joined us in August, along with 11 Bridge program students and over a dozen transfers. These students come to Saint Joe’s from across central and northern New Jersey, and even Staten Island, New York, drawn by our formative, holistic approach to education. They are ready to learn, forge new friendships, and contribute to a vibrant community committed to their success.
We also welcomed six new Partners in Mission to the Saint Joseph family. We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Adele Ellis P’02, who returns to Saint Joe’s as a science teacher and robotics team moderator, as well as Brendan Blake ‘17, who will take on the role of Assistant Director of Athletics. Our Partners in Mission are the backbone of this school and we are excited to have such a diverse group of teachers, faculty and administrative staff to carry on the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
The past few months have seen significant improvements to our campus infrastructure. The gymnasium floor boasts a fresh design, the baseball field has been revitalized, and campus roads have been resurfaced to ensure a safe and welcoming environment. Additionally, classrooms have been equipped with upgraded technology, providing our Partners in Mission the tools they need to foster optimal learning experiences.
During the summer, President John Nolan and I participated in a transformative pilgrimage to Rome, Italy, as the final step of the Coindre Leadership Program. This three-week retreat delved into the rich history of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and how the educational philosophy of Fr. André Coindre shapes our school’s mission. The experience reaffirmed the importance of our foundational work with young men, who will carry the lessons learned at Saint Joseph High School into their futures.
One of the programs I am most proud of is SJ Outreach, which sent over 40 Saint Joseph students and a dozen chaperones on service trips this summer. From Dunlow, West Virginia and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to the St. Anne’s Mission in Klagetoh, Arizona, these young men volunteered their time and talent, echoing the spirit of service championed by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Their commitment is truly inspiring, and my hope is that we can expand our summer service trips to ensure more students experience these life changing moments in the future.
As we embark on this new academic year, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire Saint Joseph High School community. Together, students, parents, Partners in Mission, alumni and friends create a nurturing and supportive environment where young men can thrive. Thank you for being a vital part of our journey.
Ametur Cor Jesu! Ametur Cor Mariae! Saint Joseph, Pray for Us.
Sincerely,
Anne Rivera Principal, Saint Joseph High School
Wayne Fischer: Impacting GENERATIONS OF FALCONS
By: Dylan Hollender ‘17
Wayne Fischer is a name known far and wide throughout the history of Saint Joseph High School, but at one time he was a young man fresh out of college, seeking his calling in the world. He found himself unsure of where life would take him, until he arrived at a place of sanctuary where he could work to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. After 46 years of impact in this sanctuary, he retired from the classroom in June.
Fischer graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1973 with a degree in pure mathematics, a subject he was always extremely passionate about. From there, he decided to join the ranks of educators in the Peace Corps and was stationed in the Fiji Islands. Through this opportunity, he experienced the joys of teaching mathematics, and even met his future wife.
Upon returning to the United States, Fischer saw an advertisement for a math teacher position at a local allboys, private Catholic high school in Metuchen. Here at Saint Joseph High School, he found a haven and a sense of
true community that he helped shape for the next 46 years.
“They say Saint Joe’s is a sanctuary for the kids, it’s a sanctuary for the teachers, adults, and everyone else too,” Fischer said. “That’s why I stayed all these years.”
In this newfound sanctuary, Fischer’s career saw him wear many hats, including Mathematic Department Chair, bowling team coach, chess club moderator, and Dean of Studies. No matter what venture he found himself in, he remained focused on putting the school’s mission first.
“He was very progressive in his thinking,” Michael O’Boyle, a longtime colleague and friend of Fischer, said. “He wasn’t just concerned with the kids being good at mathematics, but also concerned with their mental health, their personal wellbeing, and self esteem. I really respected that with Wayne.”
Fischer always found the time to expand on the camaraderie between himself and fellow Partners in Mission, citing
how meaningful these relationships are to him. Whether it was eating lunch together in the faculty room, or meeting up with fellow PIM at a New Jersey Devils Game, Wayne was an integral part of the life and culture of Saint Joseph High School that made a career here more than just a job.
“There’s a lovely sense of community,” current Dean of Studies Jessamyn Bergin said. “The teachers who have been here a long time such as Wayne have had the benefit of expanding their practice here, while finding that sense of family and community that has been so beneficial to the students and adults we administer to.”
While he will always be a part of this community, Fischer looks to move back to Fiji, the place where he started this journey after retiring from his illustrious educational career at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.
“I’ve been telling the kids all these years, I always tell them my Fiji stories,” Fischer said. “Maybe I’ll go back to where I was before I came to Saint Joe’s and make it a full circle.”
Partners in Mission: Carrying Out the Mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart
By: Giacomo Imperiale ‘25
Science teacher Dr. Adele Ellis P’02 called Saint Joseph High School home for six years. Dating back to the time when her son was a student, Ellis felt comfortable within the community. Those feelings only grew stronger when she became a Partner in Mission.
When Ellis was appointed principal of Holy Trinity School in Westfield in 2018, she always believed that her path would bring her back to a place she thought was special.
Six years later, Ellis is finally back home at Saint Joe’s, helping build men of the future as one of six new Partners in Mission this school year.
the fact that we are a community, more so than just a teacher in a classroom,” Rivera said. “We want every person that comes onto our campus whether it’s a student or a faculty member to be a contributing member of our community.”
The strength of Blake’s relationships from his time on campus is a testament to the strong connections formed at Saint Joe’s.
Our new PIM include
“I love the community, the camaraderie of the students, and I love being able to practice my faith in a variety of different ways,” Ellis said. “I also love watching the students grow from being a little curious about the school to being confident young men who I know will do wonderful things in the future.”
Ellis believes that Saint Joe’s has excelled in forming an inclusive school community, setting itself apart from the rest. According to Principal Anne Rivera, Saint Joe’s “allows teachers to provide a lot of personal attention to our students.”
“What makes Saint Joe’s such a unique environment is that we focus more on
This environment defines the strong bond that is built through the tight-knit community created by the faculty and students. Brendan Blake ‘17, the new Assistant Director of Athletics, returned to his alma mater because of the strong relationships he forged during his time as a student.
“For me honestly, it was all the friendships I have made here, I still talk to a lot of people I graduated with,” Blake said. “I see them at least twice a week usually, so it’s probably the best friends that I have are the people I have met here.”
For many Partners in Mission, a sense of family is developed in the community. Despite only being on campus for a short amount of time, new guidance counselor and NCAA Coordinator Donte Dennis has quickly realized the unprecedented atmosphere he gets to work in on a daily basis.
“I feel like I’m a part of a family, and everyone is very kind and welcoming,” Dennis said. “I feel like I’m in the right place, I feel like I need to be here.”
Students can indulge in a great school community anywhere but at Saint Joe’s, students and Partners in Mission are working in conjunction to create a unique “brotherhood of Saint Joe’s.”
“Being a female educator, I still feel the sense of brotherhood within the entire community,” Ellis said. “This is definitely something that is worthwhile to be a part of.”
Giacomo Imperiale is a current senior at Saint Joseph High School and is a member of the Advanced Digital Media & Communications class.
Aileen McGuire (Latin), Amy Giglio (English), Brendan Blake ‘17 (Athletics), Youmna Elsayed (Math), Dr. Adele Ellis P’02 (Science), Donte Dennis (Guidance), Liam Harding ‘21 (Substitute), and Ian Weisinger ‘19 (Substitute).
NEWS AROUND CAMPUS
Elikem Amenuvor ‘25 and Ronan Pell ‘25 were recognized as semifinalists in the 2024-2025 National Merit Scholarship program, while Michael Armao ‘25, Stephen Horan ‘25, Devraj Patel ‘25 and Gurkeerat Singh ‘25 were honored as National Merit commended students. The awards are based on PSAT/NMSQT testing, with roughly 16,000 students annually receiving the semifinalist designation.
Outstanding Educator
Science Department Chair Roel Mercado ‘07 was named an Outstanding Educator by the University of Chicago. Mercado was nominated by Oluwanidamei Ogundana ‘24, who is a current freshman at UChicago. The “Outstanding Educator Award” is given annually to teachers from around the globe who were influential in the lives of UChicago students.
CONA National Merit
Coca-Cola Scholarship
Ronan Pell ‘25 and Brandon Trivino ‘25 were selected as Semifinalists in the 2024-2025 CocaCola Scholars Program. Pell and Trivino join the elite ranks of 1,336 out of over 105,000 applicants to the program, and stood out to the committee for their excellence in academics, leadership, and extracurricular achievement.
Gurkeerat Singh ‘25, Giovanni Oliveti ‘24, and Saahir Vazirani ‘26 from last year’s Model United Nations Saint Joe’s delegation were selected to attend the prestigious YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) in Black Mountain, NC. Singh drafted a proposal that addressed the national issue of food quality through stricter food dye and additive regulation.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON: The Arts at Saint Joe’s
The Saint Joseph Theatre Company is a creative cornerstone where students tap into their artistic talents and come together as a community to produce multiple performances throughout the year.
Following a successful run of productions during the 2023-2024 school year, the program is poised for growth, with big plans for the future. Last school year marked a pivotal point for the program, one that would reinvigorate the arts around Saint Joe’s. Elizabeth Thorsen, one of the moderators of the Theatre department, is excited for what the future holds within the theatre company.
“Last year was the first time we had full productions since the pandemic,” Thorsen said. “It was a good starting point to get us all back into that mix, and we’re hoping to continue that momentum.”
Elikem Amenuvor ‘25, who has been an active member in the theatre program throughout his high school career, said the Saint Joseph Theatre Company provides “character to the school through comedic or thought-provoking experiences.”
“The arts provide an excellent opportunity to express yourself and showcase your creativity,” Amenuvor said. “You gain important life skills like communication—being able to think in a perspective other than your own and express that aptly to someone listening.”
All students and Partners in Mission involved were excited to finally take the stage for a full year of productions, including a play in the fall and a musical in the spring. Roel Mercado ‘07, the other moderator of the company, said last spring’s production of Young Frankenstein is a building block for future productions.
“Last year’s production of Young Frankenstein was more of a modern musical,” Mercado said. “It was a little bit of a risk because we were unsure if the show fit with the culture of our school, but it was actually a big hit. It
By: Matthew Friedman ‘25
was probably one of our most successful and popular shows in the last decade or so. We hope to do more modern musicals—the kinds that you see on broadway—as opposed to productions we’ve done in the past that would get more members involved.”
In addition to the traditional two shows each school year, Thorsen and Mercado are working on expanding the company’s offerings, with the main goal of reviving the tradition of an annual Christmas concert. In previous years prior to the pandemic, the Saint Joseph Theatre Company collaborated with the New Jersey Institute for Disabilities and another Saint Joe’s club, Falcons and Friends, on an event for those with special needs.
As the program moves forward, Thorsen said a major focus is department expansion.
“We’re hoping to expand and get more students from Saint Joe’s,” Thorsen said. “We had a lot of seniors graduate last year so we are looking to get more students, especially in the Saint Joe’s community”
Matthew Friedman is a current senior at Saint Joseph High School and is a member of the Advanced Digital Media & Communications class.
Class of 2024 graduates Jason Magistre and Ryan Xavier take on the lead roles in Young Frankenstein
UNDER THE LIGHTS
The lights returned to Brenner Family Field for a two-night athletic showcase featuring the Saint Joseph football and soccer teams.
Brenner Family Field was filled with fans rallying for the Falcons, which ignited a camaraderie amongst the community.
The soccer team hosted Saint Thomas Aquinas High School on October 1 in the first round of the new GMC Cup tournament. Goals from Noah Charnecky ‘27, Xavier Welbeck-Taveras ‘27, and Giovani Amores ‘25 led the Falcons to a 3-1 victory over the Trojans.
Three days later, Saint Joseph Football hosted their second “Friday Night Lights” game against North Brunswick. In front of a standing room only crowd, that included a sold out student section and a pregame alumni tailgate, the Falcons throttled North Brunswick, 40-14. Quarterback Justin Scaramuzzo ‘26 had three touchdowns, including two in the air to lead Saint Joe’s to their fifth victory of the season.
An aerial view of the lit up Brenner Family Field was provided by the Drone Club.
Troy Boucher ‘25 leads the Falcons soccer team in the net.
The football team had the Flock on their feet after winning the big Under the Lights game.
BASKETBALL
Led by new head coach Karl Towns, Sr. P’14, the Saint Joe’s basketball team played in several summer league tournaments. NBA superstar Karl-Anthony Towns ‘14 made a surprise visit for one game, cheering on the Falcons from the sideline. KAT was recently traded to the New York Knicks, so we hope to see him at more games this season!
BASEBALL SOCCER CREW FOOTBALL
Under head coach Bill Tracy, the Falcons are off to an electric football season. After winning the first five games of the season, Saint Joe’s took home the Big Central Conference’s American Gold Division crown. Ashton Irving ‘25 is one of the best defensive backs in the state, securing six interceptions on the season. Quarterback Justin Scaramuzzo ‘26 has accounted for 15 passing touchdowns and six rushing scores.
The Saint Joseph Soccer team is once again champions. For the first time since 2010, the Falcons won the Greater Middlesex Conference World Cup, defeating South Brunswick, 2-1, on penalty kicks. Ranked No. 1 in the Greater Middlesex Conference, Saint Joe’s finished the regular season 13-1-2 and were co-Red Division Champions. Saint Joe’s has conceded only nine goals on the season (as of October 30), which leads all teams across New Jersey. Goalkeeper Troy Boucher ‘25, forward Joseph Marinello ‘26 and defenseman Zachary Smith ‘26 were named to the AllGreater Middlesex Conference team.
Former Saint Joseph High School starting pitcher Donovan Zsak ‘22’s dreams of becoming a professional baseball pitcher came true during the 2024 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. The Scotch Plains native, who pitched for the Falcons from 2018 to 2022, was drafted in the eighth round by the Cleveland Guardians.
Saint Joe’s rower Dylan Boguszewski ‘25 was selected to participate in the Olympic Development Program over the summer. While training with some of the best rowers in the country, Boguszewski earned medals by placing second on the double boat, second in the 8-man boat and third in the single boat.
A SUMMER TO SEE THE WORLD A SUMMER TO SERVE OTHERS A SUMMER TO GROW & LEARN
The Falcons took full advantage of the summer season, using the time to grow, develop new skills, and experience what the broader world has to offer. Here are a few glimpses into what Saint Joe’s students and Partners in Mission did with their break:
ARJUN SUDHAKAR ‘28
Arjun Sudhakar ‘28 attended the Future Business Leaders of America’s national leadership conference in Orlando, Florida. Competing in the most competitive event of the conference, the Marketing Mix Challenge, Arjun placed sixth in the nation, after taking home first place in the statelevel of the competition. In July, Arjun competed in several swimming events at the Junior Olympics, earning several gold medals.
PHILIP FRANGIE ‘24
Philip Frangie ‘24 delivered an intercession request in Lebanon during a celebration to mark a significant step toward Vatican endorsement of a Lebanese religious leader and pioneer historian Patriarch Estephan Douaihy.
OLUWANIADEMI OGUNDANA ‘24
Oluwanidamei Ogundana ‘24 traveled to San Francisco, California for the Buildspace IRL event, a developmental and educational event with a focus on networking. He received a $2,000 grant to help build a mental health platform for teenagers called Safe Space. He met with TikTok engineers, a Taiwanese legislator, and other attendees from over 10 different countries.
ANNE RIVERA & JOHN NOLAN
Principal Anne Rivera and President John Nolan attended the final step of their Coindre Leadership Program experience in Rome, Italy. During the three week retreat, Mrs. Rivera and Mr. Nolan learned about Father Coindre’s charism and the intricacies of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart mission. During a visit to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, Mr. Nolan had a chance meeting with Tom O’Brien ‘69.
ELIKEM AMENUVOR ‘25
Elikem Amenuvor ‘25 participated in the Rutgers Honors Engineering Experience hosted by the Rutgers School of Engineering. Elikem and other aspiring students from across New Jersey were exposed to advanced educational opportunities in the engineering field, ranging from material science to chemical engineering.
JOSEPH KICKEY ‘26
Joseph Kickey ‘26 volunteered at the PALS Summer Camp held at Cabrini University in Philadelphia. During the week, Joseph spent time working alongside people with down syndrome. He described the week as a “life changing experience” for him and everyone involved and he can’t wait to return next year.
BUILDING A LIFE OF SERVICE
By: Avery Stetz ’25
During a hot and dry week last year at the Saint Anne’s Mission in Klagetoh, Arizona, Ethan St. Louis ‘25 had an experience that changed his life forever. Along with a dozen of his peers, St. Louis learned the true meaning of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart mission: to serve others who cannot serve themselves.
Klagetoh introduced a new meaning of gratitude, and forced St. Louis to see the world differently.
“The mission they’re doing is really helping out the community because they don’t have as much as we do. Their way of life is a lot different than ours,” St. Louis said.
On average 40 students attend service trips each year, offering a new perspective on life.
Director of Campus Ministry Tracey Coudriet P’14/16 organizes trips to Klagetoh, Dunlow, West Virginia and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Trip through the SJ Outreach program, with plans to include a service trip to PALs, a summer camp for people with down syndrome, in the future.
“We are always giving back, we’re helping those in need,” Coudriet said.
“It’s part of who we are as a Brothers of the Sacred Heart School school and it helps a lot when (our students) understand that the world’s a lot bigger than just themselves.”
A Mission Beyond Graduation
As a student, John Risley ‘24, was connected to Saint Joe’s in many ways during his four year career. He served the school as a eucharistic minister and a retreat leader. After attending two trips to Dunlow, West Virginia as a student, Risley returned to campus a changed man.
“I originally went on the Dunlow trip to serve as many people as possible,” Risley, a current freshman at the University of Notre Dame, said. “We’re going not for ourselves but to serve the people there. Serving other people is what’s going to bring you the most joy.”
The Klagetoh trip provides students with the opportunity to serve the Navajo Nation.
The SJ Outreach trip to Dunlow, WV is one of the most popular options for service trips at Saint Joe’s.
Risley was moved so much during his first trip to Dunlow, he organized a return trip with several members of the Class of 2024, creating new memories that will last a lifetime.
“It really did change our lives so it was a no-brainer that my friends and I wanted to go back,” he said.
From Coudriet’s perspective, Risley and the rest of the Class of 2024 students who volunteered their time and resources after graduation are living models of how Fr. André Coindre and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart established their mission in 1821.
“We preach day in and day out about the importance of service and giving back to the community,” Coudriet said. “I can’t tell you how many alumni leave here and build a life of service because of their experiences here.”
A Greater Need Calling
As participation numbers increase for SJ Outreach trips, so does the need for financial support. Service trips cost between $500 and $1,300 per student. To offset these out-of-pocket expenses, the Office of Advancement
raised $55,982 for service trips during the school’s Giving Tuesday fundraiser in November 2021 to create a Service Trip Grant Program. To date, the fund has awarded 67 experiences since its inception in the spring of 2022.
“Many Saint Joseph families make a big financial sacrifice to send their sons to Saint Joe’s,” Director of Alumni Relations John Eppensteiner ‘02 said. “The service trips can cost upward of $1,000 per student, which some of our young men don’t even consider participating in because of the additional financial burden it would impose on their family.”
Community service is a major part of Giacomo Imperiale ‘25’s Saint Joe’s experience. Imperiale is a dedicated member of the Campus Ministry Council, where he helps run the Falcons & Friends program and serves as a Kairos leader. Without the grant fund, Imperiale would not have had the life changing experience in Klagetoh.
“Receiving that grant meant a great deal to me,” Imperiale said. “I was able to meet new people and broaden my horizons in the aspect of service. It was truly a one of a kind experience.”
stjoes.org/givingtuesday
SJ Outreach Service Trips will once again be the focus of Saint Joe’s Giving Tuesday 2024 campaign, with the school hoping to offer even more service trip grant opportunities in the future.
“Participating in a service trip, especially as a young person, is both a humbling and an inspirational experience,” Eppensteiner said. “You begin to realize just how lucky you are to be in a position to serve others. When I donate to Saint Joe’s to help support something like service trips I feel like I am helping to perpetuate a cycle of good.”
Avery Stetz is a current senior at Saint Joseph High School and is a member of the Advanced Digital Media & Communications class.
Six students and two Partners in Mission traveled to Baton Rogue, LA, making a pit stop in New Orleans along the way.
A 27-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps and member of the Saint Joseph Athletics Hall of Fame was honored at the Fifth Annual Green Tie Gala.
Lieutenant Colonel John M. Chacko, Jr. ‘91, whose military career spanned three decades and included multiple tours of duty, received the Father André Coindre Service Award at the Gala on Friday, November 15, 2024 at Liberty House in Jersey City, New Jersey.
“We are very proud to call Lt. Col. Chacko an alumnus of Saint Joseph High School,” President John G. Nolan, Jr., P’09 said. “As a 27-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, John embodies the definition of servant leadership and is a true role model for current and future Falcons.”
John was a gifted athlete at Saint Joe’s, participating in soccer, track & field, cross country and water polo. In 2002, his exceptional achievements in Track & Field led to his induction into the Saint Joseph Athletics Hall of Fame, where he was celebrated for winning the National
Lt. Col. John M. Chacko, Jr. ‘91 Honored at Fifth Annual Green Tie Gala
Junior Olympics Decathlon and setting numerous records at various levels.
Following his high school years, John attended Rutgers University on a decathlon scholarship, maintaining his success as a member of the U.S. Junior National Team before embarking on his journey as a U.S. Marine. During his military career, John earned a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology.
“My time at Saint Joe’s was a journey of growth and self-discovery,” Chacko said. “Each challenge transformed into an opportunity, every teacher, coach, and Brother emerged as a mentor, and all acquaintances turned into lifelong friends. Without a doubt, my tenure at Saint Joe’s laid the robust groundwork that has been instrumental in shaping my collegiate studies and professional pursuits.”
As a career Marine, John garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as the honor graduate from the U.S. Army Ranger Course and graduate from the U.S. Army Basic Parachutist Course. John was deployed to the Persian Gulf, Kosovo and Iraq,
By: Tim LeCras
while also supporting humanitarian assistance operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. As John approached the end of his military career, which concluded with his retirement in 2019, he took on several leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, where he spearheaded the creation and implementation of enterprise-wide crisis response teams. He now serves as the Business Risk Management & Crisis Management Lead at Johnson & Johnson.
“Throughout my military career and beyond, I’ve discovered that leadership is a service, not a rank,” he said. “It’s about putting the team before oneself, guiding, supporting, and inspiring. Above all, it’s about resilience - the ability to weather storms, adapt, and emerge stronger, turning trials into triumphs for the collective good.”
In his spare time, John sits on the advisory boards for the Rutgers University Business School, Stevens Institute of Technology, and participates in various veteran organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Making a Difference Through Donor Advised Funds
teams during his junior year and never looked back.
“I have a lot of fond memories,” Dewelde said. “The chess team, especially my senior year. We had five seniors and really bonded. As coach of the chess team now, I see how special my particular group was that year. One of my teammates is still a great friend and was in my wedding party.”
Jarrett Dewelde ‘96 is leaving a lasting impact on his alma mater through a generous planned gift. Dewelde has established a Donor Advised Fund to benefit future generations of Falcons.
During his time as a student on campus, Dewelde was involved in many different clubs and activities that created a lasting impact on his life. After playing soccer and running track early in his high school career, he joined the chess and tennis
Dewelde’s passion for chess grew because of the camaraderie with his teammates and coach, Mr. Wayne Fischer. So much so, he returned to coach tennis in 2007 and later joined Fischer as an assistant coach of the chess team, becoming head coach in 2018.
“I’m glad I was able to make a tremendous impact,” Dewelde said. “The tennis and chess teams are the mechanisms for teaching important life skills. Of course, these young men don’t necessarily know that. But I’ve had kids come back and thank me through the years, telling me the lessons learned that they’ve implemented.”
Outside of Saint Joe’s, Dewelde has had a successful career in the financial industry and owns a financial planning business. As a philanthropist, Dewelde believes in supporting causes that are inline with his personal viewpoints.
It’s a privilege to support the school,” he said. “My personal philanthropy is influenced by the Bible and Jesus Christ. I believe in a Christ-centered education. My own kids also attend Catholic school.”
Dewelde’s decision to establish a Donor Advised Fund reflects his commitment to strategic and efficient charitable giving. A Donor Advised Fund allows individuals to make tax-deductible contributions and invest the funds for growth. This flexibility enables Dewelde to support Saint Joseph and other charitable causes over time.
By establishing a Donor Advised Fund, Dewelde is not only providing a lasting legacy for Saint Joseph High School but also inspiring others to consider the impact of planned giving. His generosity and commitment to his alma mater will benefit countless students for years to come.
What is a Donor Advised Fund? And how do you create one?
A donor-advised fund is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity created to manage charitable donations on behalf of organizations, families, or individuals. You create one by providing your information to your firm that administers them and then you fund it, generally with cash or appreciated stock.
What is the benefit of using a Donor Advised Fund?
A donor-advised fund allows for the “bunching of donations.” This gives the donor the freedom to give more as a result of tax breaks. Additionally, DAFs are easy to administer. You don’t have to keep track of where your gifts are given and collect receipts. You also have the ability to invest the funds for tax free growth.
If you would like to learn more about Donor-Advised Funds, please contact your financial planner.
Interested in learning more about ways to give to Saint Joe’s? Visit www.StJoes.org/Support for more information.
ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2023
By: Ryan DiGraci
‘25
Becoming a successful student-athlete requires more than just natural talent and determination. Student-athletes need a support team around them. Parents take them to practices and games. Siblings and other family members cheer from the stands. And, after a playing career has ended, children and grandchildren help rekindle their memories of the greatest times in their lives.
When Chris Bielak ‘09 (Baseball), Matt Doherty ‘91 (Track & Field), and Kevin McEvoy ‘72 (Track & Field) received word that they would be inducted into the Saint Joseph Athletics Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2023, their immediate reaction was to share the moment with those closest to them.
Being inducted was a surreal moment for the Bielak family. After all, the Saint
Joe’s Hall of Fame is a family affair, as his brother Brandon ‘14 was inducted in the Hall in 2021.
“Having our names next to each other in the history books is honestly everything that we could have dreamed of and wanted,” Chris Bielak said. “I mean, being next to him there, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
One of the best all around baseball players in school history, Chris Bielak led the Falcons to back-to-back Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament championships in 2007-08 and 200809. He emphasizes the crucial role that Saint Joe’s played in shaping his future.
“Saint Joe’s grew me academically and athletically, and it prepared me for what was next to come. It was a stepping stone throughout my life, and it shaped
me into the man I am today, and I take what I learned back then and still use it day to day, continuing to strive to be the best,” Bielak said. “If you don’t succeed in the classroom you’re not going to be able to take that onto the field, or basketball court, or hockey rink, whatever sport you’re playing, it all starts in the classroom.”
Matt Doherty’s Saint Joe’s experience was also a family affair. His two older brothers, Thomas ‘85 and John ‘86, along with the rest of his family played a significant role in his education and athletic success.
“My nana, my aunts, my uncles all chipped in because of how much they valued an education at Saint Joe’s,” Doherty said.
The 2013-2014 Basketball Team joins the elite ranks of teams inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame.
Doherty was a Track & Field and Cross Country star during his time at Saint Joe’s. On top of being named first-team all-state in cross country as a senior, Doherty won the 3,200-meter race at the state’s Meet of Champions in both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
“I had a great career at Saint Joe’s,” Doherty said, “I was lucky to have an amazing coach like Gary Trojanowski, and also had the opportunity to compete with some really great athletes.”
After an outstanding Saint Joe’s career, he received an athletic scholarship to Georgetown University, where he won an IC4A Indoor Championship in 1993.
Kevin McEvoy was thrilled to share his Hall of Fame induction with his family, specifically his son. Despite graduating
53 years ago, the memories are still fresh in his mind. This achievement allowed him to rekindle the special moments of his high school career.
“The recognition was a way in which my son could see the stuff that I had talked about really come to fruition with regard to being nominated and voted into the Hall,” McEvoy said.
As a senior, McEvoy contributed to an outdoor Track & Field team state title, by winning the 120-yard hurdles. He individually claimed a gold medal in the 1972 indoor 60-high hurdles. McEvoy continued his running career at Seton Hall University, as a member of IC4A
championship-winning teams and captain of the program as a senior.
“More than half of the faculty were Brothers of the Sacred heart, and that played a role in who I’d become as a young man when I left Saint Joe’s,” McEvoy said.
Congratulations to the entire Saint Joseph Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2023!
Ryan DiGraci is a current senior at Saint Joseph High School and is a member of the Advanced Digital Media & Communications class.
Chris Bielak ‘09 (Baseball) becomes the second Bielak brother to be inducted, following Brandon ‘14 (Baseball) who joined in 2021.
Matthew Doherty ‘91 (Track & Field) credits Saint Joe’s for his success in life, citing attending with his brothers as a “family affair.”
Kevin McEvoy ‘72 (Track & Field) accepts his award and prepares to give his remarks to the audience.
INDUCTING THE SAINT JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF DISTINCTION
By: Tim LeCras
Michael Mulqueen ‘72 stood behind a podium at Metuchen Golf & Country Club in silence for just a second or two. Memories from the past five decades running through his mind. He cleared his throat, looked up and smiled, with a look of pleasant surprise across his face.
the mission of Saint Joseph High School on campus, in the community and the professional world.
The inaugural class of inductees included: Mulqueen (Career Achievement), Peter A. Zaccagnino ‘87
In front of him, a room full of family, close friends, and members of the Saint Joseph community watched silently as a man who easily strikes up conversation with anyone was speechless.
This scene was repeated several times throughout the Saint Joseph High School Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony and Dinner on October 5.
Originally announced in the fall of 2022, the Saint Joseph Hall of Distinction was launched as an opportunity to honor and recognize alumni, friends and Partners in Mission who represent
(Career Achievement), Kevin M. Ryan ‘85 (Humanitarian), John P. Shibles ‘65 (Humanitarian), Vice Admiral George M. Wikoff ‘86 (Military Service), Monsignor Charles Cicerale ‘65 (FaithBased Vocation), Brother Ronald Cairns, S.C. (Partners in Mission), and Brother Richard Leven, S.C. (Partners in Mission).
“I was very, very surprised,” Mulqueen said. “The amount of people and credentials that Saint Joe’s alumni have are phenomenal. When I got the call from (Selection Committee Chairman) Greg Tufaro ‘85, I was shocked and surprised. I was flattered and honored. I wasn’t expecting this at all.”
The Inaugural Class and those accepting on behalf of inductees assemble for a group photo.
Through the pomp and circumstance of celebrating the class’s post-high school successes, one truth remained constant throughout the night: none of the inductees would be the men they are today without the foundational support of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
“The Brothers of the Sacred Heart deeply believed in a gospel that goes out to the margins, that extends this idea of kingdom into the shadows where so many folks are struggling and suffering, bringing them back into the center and creating something beautiful,” Ryan, the retired CEO of Covenant House - a worldwide non-profit focused on curbing teen and youth homelessness, said. “This idea of noticing, of seeing folks who are struggling, really struck a chord with me back in high school. It’s essentially the work that is my bliss and passion.”
In a video message from the Kingdom of Bahrain, home to the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, Vice Admiral Wikoff said his success in the Navy “traces back to the core values reinforced during my journey in Metuchen.”
“Saint Joe’s emphasis in developing character, encouraging critical thought, building a sense of community and the value of service have been guiding
principles throughout my 34 years in the Navy,” he said. “While I may not have appreciated those lessons at the time, a more seasoned reflective adult recognizes the profound influence Saint Joe’s had on this kid from New Brunswick. I thank Saint Joe’s for forcing me out of my comfort zone and applying those core values throughout my life. I hope that in some ways I have been able to convey these same values I am privileged to lead.”
The inaugural class of inductees were selected by a 12-member committee representing each generation of Saint Joseph alumni. Chaired by Greg Tufaro ‘85, the committee built the Hall of Distinction program from the ground up.
“After painstakingly reviewing the credentials of dozens of exceptional individuals whose time at Saint Joseph spanned the school’s 63-year history, we presented eight remarkable men for the Saint Joseph Hall of Distinction,” Tufaro said. “They are role models for future and current Saint Joseph students. All have made a profound impact on the lives of others and epitomize the spirit of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. We thank them for their contributions and for setting the standard for future induction classes.”
Kevin M. Ryan ‘85 receives his Hall of Distinction plaque for his impactful career in Humanitarian service.
Alumni News
1. The Class of 1974 held their 50th reunion at the Metuchen Golf and Country Club. The brotherhood goes strong to this day!
2. The Class of 1979 celebrated their 45th reunion with a gathering of Falcons at the Dunellen Hotel.
3. Bernard Lee ‘98 received the prestigious American College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Pediatric Practice and Research Network’s Award.
4. Jed Castillo ‘04 was inducted into the American College of Surgeons as a Fellow last fall.
5. Daniel Harris ‘04 was named the recipient of the 2024 Citizen of the Year Award by the Woodbridge Metro Chamber of Commerce.
6. Joseph Martucci ‘09 received the American Meteorological Society’s first ever Certified Digital Meteorologist seal for his work in the field.
7. Charles Neri ‘11 and his wife welcomed their first child, Theo Neri, into the world this June.
8. Brendan J. Bucciarelli ‘13 was promoted to Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force.
9. Thomas Bauer ‘16 was sworn in as a police officer for the Woodbridge Police Department’s Radio Patrol Division.
10. Varad Donwad ‘22 has committed to seven years of service in the US Military; 2 years in the Naval Academy as a Midshipman, and 5 years as an officer in the US Navy or Marine Corps
11. Christian Solino ‘22 has been selected as the Starting QB at Bluefield State’s Division II football team. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
145 Plainfield Avenue Metuchen, NJ 08840
Return Service Requested
Saint Joe’s Parents
If your son no longer lives at home, please send us his new address. Thank you! alumni@stjoes.org
