St. Joseph High School Fall Communique

COMMUNIQUÉ T H E M A G A Z I N E O F S T. J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

Fall 2021

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St. Joseph High School is an independent Catholic college preparatory community that educates and motivates young women and men to live purposeful lives as ethical leaders committed to the common good of all.

Board Members St. Joseph High School is a selfgoverning institution within the Diocese of Bridgeport.

CHAIRPERSON Christopher Wilson P ’08, ’10, ’14 Stonehill Capital Management, LLC Dr. Steven Cheeseman P ’23 Superintendent of Schools, ex officio Diocese of Bridgeport John Fahey P ’20, ’22, ’25 United Rentals, Inc. John Gschwind P ’14 Rexel USA Andrea Maldon ’89 P ’19 Lone Pine Capital, retired Kenneth Martin ’95 P ’21, ’23, ’24 Co-Owner, Colony Grill Deacon Patrick Toole P ’14 Episcopal Delegate for Administration Diocese of Bridgeport James Woods P ’96, ’98, ’00 Venman & Co. LLC David J. Klein President, ex officio

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Growth Comes From Above: Dr. Peter Umoh, SJ Faculty, Speaks on His Experiences as a Theologian

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Educational Empowerment: The Student Academic Center Promotes Learning Success

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Creating Character: Jim Ferris ’84 Shares His Experiences in Theatre and Performing Arts

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Leadership Defined: Joseph Dzurenda ’80 Relies on SJ History to Envision its Future

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Unparalleled School Spirit: Cadet Fans are Back in the Stands

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A Celebration of Champions: Honoring our 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees

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An Authentic SJ Experience: A Pandemic Pivot Elevates the High School Search Process

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On the Road Again: Advancement Offers Regional & Networking Alumni Events

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Class Notes

ADMINISTRATION & STAFF President David J. Klein Principal Nancy DiBuono Assistant Principal, Curriculum & Instruction Scott Clough Director of Athletics Kevin Butler P ’25 Chief Financial Officer Linda Batten P ’10, ’13

Director of College & School Counseling Tim Nash P ’23 Dean of Student Life Matthew Kavulich Director of Advancement Aimee Marcella Director of Marketing & Enrollment Management Jessica Costa

Associate Director, Advancement Security & Facilities Director Sasha Davila Russell ’01 Joseph Dzurenda ’80 P ’15, ’17, ’20 Associate Director, Marketing/Communications Episcopal Chaplain Maria Martinez P ’25 Father Eric Silva ’08

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CONTINUED MOMENTUM FOR OUR COMMUNITY Dear Friends, Greetings from St. Joes. I am pleased to report that this new academic year is off to a strong start. SJ adults and students returned to campus with renewed enthusiasm, focus, and great purpose. On Tuesday, September 7, I stepped out into the hallway at dismissal time to thank the students for a great day and to wish them farewell after our first official school day. The youthful exuberance associated with being together at SJ, the promise of a new year, and successfully navigating Day 1 was palpable. Students were talking about their courses and their favorite teachers; skillfully balancing their books, backpacks, and athletic gear while highfiving and fist bumping down the hall; Mr. Klein speaks with Cadets on a beautiful day in our Marian Courtyard. and simply sharing the highlights of their day - they were happy and our Cadets were back. The genuine enthusiasm of our students inspires confidence for our school community and reaffirms our bright future.

Anchored in the SJ Mission and our strong catholic identity, the 2021-2023 Strategic Priorities are guiding the important work of continuous improvement in all programmatic areas and academic departments. Our students’ diverse talents, strong character, and daily accomplishments remain the focal point and motivation for each strategic objective. The authentic stories included in these pages detail a community committed to growth, empowerment, innovation, and the essential work of uplifting others.

The energy and camaraderie on campus is invigorating and we are poised for an outstanding school year ahead. The generosity of our donors, engagement of our alumni, determination of our Cadets and parents, and the dedication of our faculty and staff only forecast continued momentum for our school community. Thank you for the confidence and trust you place in us each day and your resolute commitment to our forward progress. We are St. Joes – always Stronger Together!

In Faith & Fellowship,

David J. Klein President

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Scan the QR Code Below to View Our Srategic Priorities.

WHY I CHOSE ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL SJ Parent, Pam DeAngelo P ’21, ’22, Shares Her Love for St. Joes and Her Decision to Ensure Her Children Became Cadets.

So many people have asked us, “Why St. Joes?” Initially one might think that our decision was solely academic-related. But as educators ourselves, we understand the importance of a school experience that goes beyond academics - one that encompasses the entire student.

While academics are absolutely important, we felt that having our children attend a school that embodies a sense of community and a shared belief in strong moral values was equally important to a robust, rigorous curriculum. Thankfully, St. Joseph High School possesses both.

From the moment we entered St. Joes, we were embraced by a kind, caring environment. It was a place where both the student and the parents immediately felt welcomed and were given a sense of belonging.

My husband and I make it a priority to support our children and the educational institution in which they are a part. While it may be cliché to say, “it takes a village to raise a child,” this idea resonates through every facet of St. Joes, where they embrace “the village”. St. Joes values the importance of the family component in each student’s life.

The community extends itself to welcome parents with open arms and encourages each of us to also become an integral part of our child’s school community.

LtR: Steven, Madison, and Pamela DeAngelo

LtR: Pamela, Madison, Morgan, Steven DeAngelo

Here, parents are given the opportunity to work alongside administrators, teachers, and students as a part of the SJ family, all working toward a common goal of building a strong, supportive school environment for our children. Our voices are considered a valued part of the school. We collectively band together with a variety of resources, personal skills and talents, brain power, and most importantly, HEART, to support one another as one St. Joseph High School unit. From football games, the Maroon and Gold Gala, Vine & Steins, the Ladies Luncheon, Teacher Appreciation Week, Drama performances, band and choir concerts, and much more, there are countless ways parents become a part of that team.

This past spring, as the pandemic continued to inhibit life as we all knew it, Cadets truly carried on! Together with an army of parents, St. Joes came through with unwavering dedication and determination to hold those events deeply rooted in SJ tradition. Those special events such as Prom, Post Prom, Junior Ring Dance, Spring Fling, Baccalaureate Mass, and an outdoor graduation ceremony were all celebrated. In the blink of an eye, Zoom groups were formed and set into action. Groups composed of parents, faculty, and staff set to work to create special formal evenings under the tent for our Cadets. While slightly resembling the usual events the students were accustomed to, each event was unique in its own way. A thank you note from students to the parent/teacher group who gave their time and energy represented exactly what St. Joseph High School is all about... a community with an immense appreciation of and desire to take care of one another.

It is always our hope as parents that with each opportunity to become involved, we are contributing to the high standards and values that the students at St. Joseph High School will learn and live by. Together we are creating memories that our students will take with them beyond their days at St. Joes.

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Dr. Peter Umoh has taught at St. Joseph University, Yale University, and the University of Bridgeport. He is an award-winning educator and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Ati Annang, USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to community development.

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

GROWTH COMES FROM ABOVE

Dr. Peter Umoh, a professional moral philosopher, began teaching Theology at St. Joes in 2020.

He shares his insight on education, theology, and his hope for our SJ Cadets.

On Becoming a Teacher...

I come from a family of teachers - my aunts, uncles, siblings were teachers - and my father was a Principal. I didn’t seek to become a teacher, it comes naturally to me. I have taught at different levels, including higher education, and the experience of life-long learning and sharing knowledge is as important, no matter the level.

As a student myself, I desired excellence in knowledge and sought to acquire as much information as I could, to understand the nature of reality. This led me to a study of Philosophy and Theology and then Educational Leadership and Administration. I am a curious person and I spent years seeking a deeper understanding of the nature of things, of the universe, of God, of humans and of my place in God’s earth.

compassion or forgiving or repenting ever really change?

This is what the systematic approach to and study of theology does. It leads you to a deeper examination of the universal questions of life and existence. Who am I? Where did I come from? Why does suffering and evil exist? What happens after death? By working on answers to these universal questions, I seek to make theology make sense to the students in front of me.

I do not approach teaching with a presuppositional defense of assumptions and presumptions. I take on the issues, cut them up critically and systematically as necessary, back it up with researched evidence, and allow the students to follow the logic on why the church takes the positions it takes. Also, we cannot discount the work of the Holy Spirit that blows where it wills.

The Epistle says, Paul plants, Apollos waters, but the growth My father taught me that there is a separation between a vocation and a career. A vocation is far more than a career, it is comes from God (1Cor 3:6-8). a calling. It is a mindset that requires sacrifices. Teaching at St. Joes is a continuation of my realization of this mindset. Some On Teaching Freshmen and Seniors... call this mindset a ministry – sharing of your gifts and talents I have the unique opportunity teaching classes to freshmen for the welfare of the church in mission with the church. I and seniors. Scaffolding is the operative word here. Freshmen have come to see teaching as a ministry indeed. need a base understanding of the tools for analysis and the roadmap of beliefs, to gain the foundation for their higher courses. Seniors, having gained the benefit of years studying On Teaching Theology...

I come to class with the assumption that every student desires theology, are in a position to broaden their questions and are offered electives to seek further exploration of religions. The to learn. Not to dismiss the exigencies of the age we live growth of our students over four years is impressive. Our in or what is on television or YouTube or TikTok, I believe students are well positioned to thrive in a world that is starving nonetheless, that seeking knowledge is natural to the human condition. So, I teach theology like any other academic subject for ethical leaders.

- without apology or excuse.

The mission is not to “force” religion, nor should that be the goal of any theology course. The goal is to share the truths that religion affirms and the church teaches. These are often universal truths, immutable and timeless. I do not teach theology the way it was taught to my grandparents or to my parents or to me; I seek to teach this new generation of students in a language that makes sense to them without compromising the veracity of the subject matter nor watering down the power of meaning buried in the wisdom of the ancients. I see it as repackaging the old-time message of Jesus in a 21st century foil. After all, does showing love or having

On Education and Mission...

When students leave my classroom, I hope to have answered their questions straightforwardly and honestly, I hope to have inspired them and turned them on to the life long search for truth and meaning as interpreted by our faith. Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?” I am but a guide in the search for truth and I am committed to it. Only a free person can make a free choice. Knowledge is liberating as Epictetus the Roman philosopher said, “Tantum eruditi sunt liberi” – only the educated are free. Parents plant, I water, but the growth comes from above.

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ACADEMIC SPOTLIGHT

EDUCATIONAL EMPOWERMENT

Launched in 2019, the Student Academic Center has grown to become a signature program at St. Joes - offering students the opportunity to take charge of their academic success.

On October 3, 2019, St. Joes officially opened The Student Academic Center (SAC) in our student commons.

With the Guitar Club playing music and students socializing over refreshments, it was a small celebration of a new service at our school - one that would offer our students study and presentation skills, time management, and individual tutoring​. It is meant to be a sanctuary for learning, where you could find a quiet place to read or finish your assignments after a busy day. Most importantly, The Center was built to empower self-advocacy and the soft skills students need for academic success now and in college.

Fast forward to September 2021, and The Student Academic Center has become one of St. Joe’s signature programs. This year, while the Center has moved to a new location within the O’Keefe Media Center, it remains the safe haven our students need to learn and grow.

“The SAC is truly meant to be a sanctuary for educational empowerment,” remarks Lori Conetta, the SAC’s Director and SJ English Teacher. “We want to give the students a chance to understand themselves as learners and figure out their strengths and weaknesses so that they can become advocates for their own academic success.”

The SAC offers a variety of services that are open to all students - including individual academic tutoring and coaching as well as daily group sessions and workshops.

For example, Monday workshops focus on organizing your schedule for the week; while Wednesday’s specialized programming focuses on strategies to ace Advancement Placement Exams and tips to succeed in challenging Honors Classes.

“Our workshops will reflect the diverse needs of all of our students,” says Mrs. Conetta. “From those who might need additional help getting their thoughts together to those who might want to practice for their AP Exams.

These workshops will equip our student with the skills they’ll need to be successful in college and the real-world - skills that drive academic promise, encourage problem-

solving, self-advocacy, and self-confidence.”

While the SAC is directed by Mrs. Conetta, many of the individual coaching and tutoring sessions are handled by our National Honor Society students. This is a great opportunity for juniors and seniors to assist their peers in a comfortable environment while gaining experience in patience and knowledge sharing. For those of our students who strive to become educators, this experience is invaluable.

At the SAC’s opening in 2019, Eilis Monahan ’22 wrote of the event, “The Student Academic Center provides a peaceful environment for students to work productively. It also gives students the opportunity to get tutoring and extra help from warm-hearted, helpful, faculty, and NHS tutors.”

In addition to academic skills, The Student Academic Center offers a serene location within the school that is quiet and uplifting, filled with motivational posters, and comfortable seating. On Fridays, the SAC offers workshops on mindfulness, reflection, and meditation that help students wind down from their busy week so that they may go home relaxed and at ease.

This year, as though there weren’t enough activities, the SAC will also provide workshops for St. Joes parents. In this first semester alone, the SAC is offering two breakfasts for parents. The first offers tips and tricks on Google Classroom and PlusPortals while the second will teach families the best way to have an organized family calendar so that everyone is on the same page. A win-win for all those involved.

We look forward to seeing what the future holds for the Student Academic Center and its programming.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Jim Ferris ’84 performs as Captain Spaulding (Groucho) in the Denver Center Theatre Company’s revival of The Marx Brother’s Animal Crackers.

CREATING CHARACTER

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Ms. Scully was the one who changed my life when she said to me, ‘I think you could do this for a living. I don’t see you doing anything else.’ Performing has been my passion ever since.

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Jim Ferris ’84 speaks about his time at St. Joes, his career as an actor, and advice for future theatre students.

In a year of incredible hardship, it’s more important than ever to find the laughter and joy in every moment - something that Jim Ferris knows so well. After his father passed away during the early months of the pandemic, Ferris didn’t even have the time to focus on what was happening in the theatre world: Broadway would not reopen until late 2021. “Once I saw the scope of how long this was going to be, it just hit me: my time was now my own.” For the last 15 years, Ferris has been performing in The Lion King on Broadway, as well as film and television roles every day of the week. “And what I realized was that I would never have this free time to myself again. I didn’t want to look back and realize that I wasted it.”

Inspired by a friend, Ferris and his wife, stand-up comedian Erin Maguire, launched the comedy podcast Dear Pod, through their home-based Pineapple Ranch Productions. The podcast, hosted by Maguire and actor Patrick O’Brien, looks back at the bygone era of write-in advice columns like Dear Abby and Ann Landers to see if their wisdom still holds up in modern culture. With the perfect mix of nostalgia and comedy, it’s no surprise the podcast ranked in the Top 100 nationwide.

Comedy and performing have been a part of Ferris’ life from the get-go. Growing up in Fairfield County, Ferris attended catholic school straight through college, beginning with St. Ann Academy in Bridgeport followed by Holy Trinity (formerly St. Lawrence) in Shelton. It was at that young age that he discovered his passion for entertaining. “I loved watching movies and musicals, and I thought to myself, I think I can do that. Then in middle school, we did this school play - in which I barely had a role - and I decided to learn everybody else’s part. One of the kids who played a lead role got sick at the last minute and I was ready to step in - I knew I could do it!

Because I knew his part, I got my first laughs ever and I remember thinking, Oh, I like that.”

As Ferris’ interest in performing became obvious to those around him, his cousin, a professional clown, helped him to learn the tricks of the trade. Ferris joined a local clown alley out of Stratford and eventually became part of the Clowns of America, through which he competed nationally for prizes. He even presented, “How To Be a Clown”, in Mrs. Betsy Sorrentino’s communications class! “I actually put on full makeup and I performed for them. It was an hour-long presentation. I took up the entire class!”

Looking back on his time at St. Joes, Ferris regrets not trying out for the school play, Oklahoma, during his freshman year. After watching and supporting his classmates, he knew he’d never miss out on an opportunity like that again. The following year, the school announced their production of Hello Dolly, which pushed Ferris to jump out of his comedic comfort zone by auditioning with a musical number. He remembers how passionate and supportive the faculty, staff, and students were. “We had one teacher, her name was Penelope Schuler. She was an English teacher with a theater background, and she helped us perform The Crucible. We didn’t even do it on the stage; they actually built out a thrust to make the audience smaller and keep it more intimate. I’d never seen anything like that before. Ms Schuler was introducing new ideas into the school and I loved that.”

What a transformation! Left: Jim Ferris’ professional headshot.

Right: As Timon in the Broadway Production of The Lion King

Ferris continually found support in all of his SJ teachers. “One of the algebra teachers, Helen Scully, became like a second mom to me. She was the head of the Drama Club and Thespian Society. She was the one who changed my life when she said to me, ‘I think you could do this for a living. I don’t see you doing anything else.’ My favorite memories of St. Joes are those of my teachers: it’s the people like Helen Scully and Norm DeTullio… it’s the teachers who supported my passion and encourage me even to this day. They’ll tell stories about me on stage and they tell me, ‘You had such an impact back then that we still talk about it.’”

During his high school years, a beloved troop, Theater Works USA would often perform at St. Joes and Ferris’ teachers knowing he was destined for big things - would allow him to go backstage to watch the show. Shortly after graduation, Ferris received his actor’s equity card through that very same company.

“I will always remember hanging out in that little closet backstage and telling the actors, Hi, I go here, and I want to do what you do!”

To future Theatre Majors, Ferris offers these “cliché” words of advice: “You have to want to perform with all your heart. Yes, it is super competitive and there is a lot of rejection. But rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good enough. It just means it’s not your time. The best advice I ever got from someone is to keep doing what you’re doing, because at some point, someone will have to pay attention. It took a long time for me to get my break on Broadway, and that’s because I kept at it. So many people in this business quit because they expect opportunities or fame to come quickly. It doesn’t happen right away for everybody.

So perform for the passion and desire that this is all you want to do - and there’s nothing else. For me, there’s nothing else that I’d rather do. It is still all I want to do.”

Ferris poses with Christine Baranski on set of The Good Fight

Jim Ferris’ Professional Credits Include: • Broadway: The Lion King • National Tours: The Lion King; Hello Dolly; Around the World in 80 Days • Regional: Animal Crackers (Denver Center Theatre Company); Into the Woods (Signature Theatre); Privates on Parade (Studio Theatre).

• Film/TV: The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel; The Crew; The Bridge of Spies; Jessica Jones; Orange is the New Black; The Leftovers; The Other Two; Broad City; Alpha House.

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Joseph Dzurenda poses with his wife, AnneMarie (Melissano) Dzurenda. Joseph is an SJ staff member, alumnus, and he and his wife are parents to three SJ graduates.

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ALUMNI/PARENT/STAFF SPOTLIGHT

LEADERSHIP DEFINED

Joseph Dzurenda ’80 shares his journey as SJ’s Facilities & Security Director, a Trumbull Police Officer, an Alumnus, and a Father.

There are few people you could name who would be more synonymous with St. Joseph High School than Joseph Dzurenda or Joe D as he is known in these halls. As an alumnus, a parent, and a staff member, Joe D has watched, assisted, and led St. Joes from a single building surrounded by forest and swampland to the college preparatory campus it is today.

There was no way Joe D wouldn’t end up in a Catholic high school - his mother insisted on it.

After his father passed away when Joe was in the second grade, his mother became the sole family provider.

Lorraine Dzurenda worked 16-hour shifts as a Nurse at Park City Hospital in Bridgeport to ensure her four boys would have the education she desired for them.

All four (Joe D, Tom Dzurenda ’81, Robert Dzurenda ’83, and James Dzurenda ’84) attended St. Catherine of Siena School in Trumbull before moving to Fairfield and attending Fairfield Ward High School until the 10th grade.

The Dzurendas then moved back to Trumbull, where the boys enrolled at St. Joes – Joe D being a junior, and future member of the Class of 1980.

“It was rough transferring with only two years left, but I ended up meeting a lot of kids that I knew from St. Catherine’s, so it all worked out well.”

In 1978, Monsignor Shea was the Principal and Sister Catherine was Vice Principal. Joe D remembers them fondly, checking in on him and making sure he felt comfortable at the school. “I enjoyed SJ because it was a smaller school. Even to this day, I still know and keep in touch with a lot of the people I went to school with here. Back then, I was friends with the older kids, like Jimmy O’Book ’78 and Cam Farrar ’78. They were on the basketball team and my brother Tom and I would play with them.”

After graduating, Joe D attended Sacred Heart University, and his mother made it clear that it was now on him to pay his own way through college. As it so happened, he was planning to visit with Msgr. Shea around the same time he began attending SHU. Msgr. Shea asked Joe whether he’d

like to pick up work here and there at SJ. “And that’s how I got kind of roped into working here. At first, I was just doing facilities stuff with Frank Czarnecki, but I kept racking up those hours. Sometimes I would go to college, come to St. Joes, go back to college, and come back here again. I never stopped working so that I could graduate having paid my way through college. St. Joes gave me that gift.”

Joe D’s work ethic also translated into his studies. His father had been an aeronautical engineer and initially, Joe had planned on following in his father’s mathematical footsteps – graduating in 1984 with a degree in business and a concentration in finance. But during his senior year, his basketball buddies, who happened to be Connecticut Police Officers convinced him otherwise.

“They kept asking me what I planned to do when I graduated and I told them that I’d probably go and work in an office somewhere. They immediately told me that there was no way that would happen. They just couldn’t see me spending my time behind a desk.”

His friends were right. After two attempts to be admitted into the Police Academy (there were hundreds of applicants for two spots) followed by two years of hard work, Joe D graduated from the Academy in 1987. He was soon hired by the Trumbull Police Department – all while continuing to work at St. Joes.

“At the Police Department, I was the young guy - the new guy - so of course, they stuck me on the midnight shifts.

That’s where all the new recruits were placed. So, I used it to my advantage. I worked midnights for the PD and I worked days at St. Joes.”

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Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. on a School Facilities Plan for the future of St. Joes.

“I’m excited about this. It is a collaborative effort, all of the ideas and planning - that requires the whole community – it’s exciting. The Board, students, parents, faculty, staff. and coaches are all involved. We all get to think about what the school needs and will look like in the future.”

As an SJ Parent himself, Joe can speak first-hand about what he thinks the school might benefit from. His three sons, Joseph ’15, Jordan ’17, and Noah ’20 are all SJ graduates.

“They absolutely loved St. Joes. They have nothing but great things to say about their time here and how the school prepared them for college, and for life too. When you ask me to think of my favorite memories at St. Joes, I always think of my children being here.”

LtR: Robert Cleek, Joe Regina, Alan Massage, Michael McCurry, Joe Dzurenda, and Harold Beattle (1980 SJ Yearbook) And St. Joes couldn’t get enough of Joe. In 2000, Dick Bishop, Principal of St. Joseph High School, offered Joe the position of Director of Facilities. Since then, Joe has overseen a number of large projects that have transformed our campus to serve our growing school, which is now the largest, co-ed, catholic high school in the state. From moving the guidance office (“can you believe SJ only had one or two counselors at the time?”) to adding a technology space (“everyone thought typewriters would be here forever”), Joe D’s expertise and direction had only just begun.

“My first big project had to do with athletics. Back then, the school was surrounded by woods, with one field up on top – one field that didn’t even have grass on it! We played everything on that one field. So my project with Msgr. Shea was to partner with Dick Dalling and clear space and to fill in the wetlands. Literally, if you walked out the back door at that time, all you’d see were trees. We cleared 30 acres and developed the baseball field, softball field, the practice field, and the lower field, which at that time was still just grass.”

In addition to these projects, under his tenure as Director, Joe D has overseen the installation of the science labs; the construction of the O’Keefe Media Center, as well as the Health & Wellness Center; the renovation of the gymnasium, and the wetlands boardwalk…just to name a few. And now, with President Klein at the helm, Joe is a critical member of the team working with consultants, 14

Joe’s wife felt the same way. It was 1990 when Joe was set up on a dinner date with AnneMarie (Melissano) Dzurenda, also a Sacred Heart grad. They were introduced by mutual friends and during that date, things “just clicked” between them. They were married in 1993 and have been going strong since. “She was always supportive of sending our boys to St. Joes. I think she always wished she had attended a school like this one. A school where the parents are so close and where everyone just becomes involved.”

Currently, Joe D remains the school’s Director of Facilities & Security. In his role, he has led our school during many unforseen circumstances - such as revamping security LtR: Jordan Dzurenda ’20, Tom Dzurenda ’81, Joe D., and his wife, Anne Marie, at Homecoming 2019

measures after the Sandy Hook tragedy, and using his EMT skills to inform school safety in the midst of a pandemic.

Joe D’s leadership and dedication to St. Joes at such important times in our history cannot be overrstated. And now, as the new School Facilities Plan moves forward, his leadership skills are more important than ever as we plan for the future of our school.

“We are in a great position now. I remember back in the late ’60s, early ’70s. people were still talking about that time when the school had nearly closed. But it’s been turned around since. We’ve definitely put an anchor in the ground here. St. Joes is known and respected throughout the state and even beyond.”

And that is in no small part to Joe D as a respected officer of the Trumbull Police Department, a crucial member of the St. Joes staff, as an alumnus, and a parent, he is a significant part of St. Joe’s history and its future.

“I love my job. Even when I retire from the Police Department, I’ll still be here at St. Joes. I enjoy being here.

The people are a family and we’re very close and it’s…it’s hard to describe – it’s a family thing.”

CREATING AN EXEMPLARY CAMPUS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT As part of our larger 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, St. Joseph High School will begin the process of a long-range School Facility Assessment Plan.

This Plan will determine our school’s current and future needs and guide investment.

This School Facility Assessment Plan will include evaluation of the condition of our facilities, capacity of our school, and construction projections within our boundaries. In addition, in collaboration with our Information Technology Department, an IT framework will be determined to promote the technological advancement of our school.

St. Joseph High School has chosen to partner with Drummey Rosane Anderson, Inc. to evaluate our school in the coming months.

Additional information will be provided to our community as the evaluation begins.

Thank you, Joe D, for being part of our family.

LtR: The Dzurenda Family: Noah ’20, AnneMarie, Jordan ’17, Joe D., and Joseph ’15

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Unparalleled School Spirit Cadet Fans Are Back in the Stands “It’s just not the same without your friends, your family, the SJ Bomb Squad, everybody cheering you on,” remarked Matthew Morrissey ’22. “There’s nothing like the roar of the crowd when St. Joes is playing a game. It’s unbelievable.”

Whenever prospective families visit our gymnasium, their first remark, without fail, is something in awe of the sheer number of athletic banners lining the walls. From individual wins to championship teams, the Maroon & Gold testaments to our athletic prowess simply cannot compare. But as most of our athletes will attest, it is not just about being an all-star on the field, it’s about the support in the stands, in the bleachers, and on the field. It’s about the cheers from the crowd. It’s about the spirit of our SJ community.

This year, we are thrilled to be able to have our fans back where they belong – rocking the bleachers with cheers.

Whether they are wearing masks while indoors or they’re unmasked on the fields, we know that St. Joes fans will be the loudest at the game.

“There are a few parents and students that you will see at every single game,” remarked Stacey Nasser, SJ’s Associate Athletics Director. “Whether rain or shine or even snow, they 16

show up. And the athletes see them and its like this personal boost of support that pushes them further than even they thought they could go.”

That same energy is present at St. Joe’s Pep Rallies as well - another tradition that will be restarted this year on October 22 - albeit outdoors. The cheerleaders will prompt our Cadets with a “How do you feel?”, and the students will respond with their “We feel good, oh, we feel so good!” A chant that unites the entire community as one, promoting comradery, joy, and school spirit.

This year, students will also be greeted by our irreplaceable Maroon & Gold People: Maddigan Leifer, Josh Newall, Lily Mattison, Izzy Casucci, and Vincent Pavese, who lead the charge when it comes to ramping up student energy and getting the crowd pumped at games.

When it comes to athletic spirit at St. Joes, students know that they don’t necessarily have to be on the field to be a part of the game. The hallways are often filled with posters and flyers in support of our teams, the home and away games are filled with Maroon & Gold attire, and wherever we go, people always know that the W comes not just from our athletes, but from the entire SJ community.

Cadet Spotlight: Maddie Fried ’21 In August 2021, Maddie Fried ’21 was nominated for Female Soccer Player of the Year for USA Today’s High School Sports Award!

Among her many accolades, Fried was also named the 2021 Gatorade CT Girls Soccer Player of the Year earlier this summer.

As part of her award, Maddie was given the opportunity to donate $1,000 to the charity of her choice that offers sport related programs. She was introduced to the Bridgeport Caribe Youth Leaders (BCYL), an organization that helps over 350 families in Bridgeport. BCYL will be the recipients of Maddie’s approved grant for $1,000.

BCYL’s mission is to provide Bridgeport, Connecticut area youth with sports, educational and civic direction, helping them build the character and self-esteem they need to reach their full potential and value in society. In 2021, they celebrate 17 years of serving and empowering families to strive for excellence. We are so proud of Fried’s choice of non-profit.

Fried has also accumulated the following accolades over her career: • • • • •

Two-time GameTimeCT State Player of the Year Four-time All-FCIAC and All-State selection United Soccer Coaches All-American Two-time All-New England selection CT Girls Soccer Coaches Association Player of the Year

Celebrating Our College Athletes During the 2020-2021 school year, St. Joes honored 23 studentathletes who are continuing their athletic careers at the Division I, II, or III collegiate level! At two ceremonies (in January and June), the student-athletes were surrounded by friends, family, teammates, and coaches as they signed their respective letters of intent.

Division I

Andriana Cabral – Soccer – American University Nia Christie – Track & Field – Clemson University Jack Fearnley – Lacrosse – Binghamton University Madison Fitzgerald – Softball – Bryant University Madeline Fried – Soccer – Villanova University Preston Kral – Lacrosse – Stonybrook University Laci Lewis – Soccer – University of Connecticut Caitlin Vozzella – Acro-Tumbling – Quinnipiac University

Division II

Mia Alicea – Softball – American International College Carson Arkay Leliever – Football – University of New Haven Rafael Masbad – Swimming – Southern CT State University

Division III

Michael Brown – Baseball – Norwich University Eric Burbank – Lacrosse – York College Hailey Cocca – Soccer – Eastern CT State University Andrew Eisenman – Lacrosse – Lake Forest College Grace Hickey – Soccer – Ithaca College Justin Keeler – Baseball – Brandeis University Max Kimmel – Lacrosse – Roger Williams University Sydney Leifer – Soccer – St. Andrew’s University (Scotland) Kyle Marcinko – Lacrosse – Johnson & Wales University Samantha Miller – Lacrosse – Hartwick College Brian Robertson – Football – Endicott College Joseph Snyder – Football – Curry College 17

A Celebration of Champions On October 15, 2021, St. Joseph High School inducted seven individuals and one team into the Athletics Hall of Fame. Hall of Fame Ceremony recognizes those who have been instrumental in the overall development and success of athletics at the school. Learn more at sjcadets.org/halloffame.

Walt Trojanowski ’72

ATHLETE

Marty Dempsey ’73

ATHLETE

ATHLETE

ATHLETE

ATHLETE

ATHLETE

JoElle LePardo Anderson ’85

Jennifer (Luzietti) Spana ’87

Bruce Perry ’84

Jessica (Schloth) Sgalardi ’10

TEAM

1980s Baseball Team

FRIEND

Craig Avery

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Read the inductee’s full bios at sjcadets.org/halloffame

Honoring a Legacy of Dedication On Friday, June 11, St. Joseph High School hosted a special year-end celebration for all faculty and staff during which, we honored those retiring from our community, including five wonderful faculty members whom, combined, have dedicated 207 years to St. Joes.

Our current faculty members share a few words on our retirees. From left to right: James “Jim” Luchansky ’75, Physical Education Teacher. “Luch has always stood by us, in the happy and the difficult times, and his presence has made all the difference. We are very blessed to have had Luch at St. Joes.” ~ Betsy Sorrentino, English Teacher Angelica Abelson, Technology & Business Department Chair. “Angelica truly embodies what SJ is about. Always the understanding friend, always the helpful colleague, always the consummate professional, and forever a valuable member of the community. It has been a privilege to have worked with her.” ~ Lisa Cellini, Science Teacher Cynthia “Cindy” Richter, Art Teacher. “Cindy has spread her love for art throughout SJ. Even after she departs, her art will live on, in and around the building, always reminding us of her love of the SJ community.” ~ Colleen Piatak, Business Teacher Maureen Anderson, Theology Teacher, Director of Co-Curricular Activities, Director of the Francix Xavier Baccalaureate Program. “Maureen has planted so many seeds within the community to her students, their parents, her colleagues and the administration, that I have no doubt everyone will continue to grow in their love of God and Saint Joseph even after she retires.” ~ Colleen Piatak, Business Teacher Dr. Karl Valois, Social Studies Department Chair. “For over 35 years I have looked up to Karl as a mentor of what an excellent teacher should be. I will miss him greatly as a colleague and a friend.” ~ Dan Walsh, Science Teacher 19

ADMISSIONS SPOTLIGHT

AN AUTHENTIC SJ EXPERIENCE

When the pandemic forced our Admissions Team to have to rethink our iconic popular “Shadow Days,” something even greater was formed.

“I still remember my first shadow day,” says Vinny Pavese ’22. “It was like it was yesterday; I instantly felt like I was home.”

For years, St. Joes Shadow Days were a staple of the school’s admission process. Seventh and eighth grade students from towns all over Fairfield and New Haven counties would spend a day shadowing a current student, attending classes and lunch, and spending time getting to know our faculty and staff. Typically, 90% of the students who would spend just one day at St. Joes, would submit an application to our school. That is the effect of our community.

That is, until the global pandemic struck. As St. Joes entered into a hybrid model of educational learning, gone was the possibility of allowing students from different schools to enter our classrooms; it was simply a matter of safety. But just as our Cadets “carried on”, so did our Admissions Team, pivoting toward a new initiative that is just as popular, if not more so, than our Shadow Days.

They introduced the concept of “Cadet for a Day” visits - inviting multiple middle school students onto campus for an unforgettable three-hour morning event. Each Cadet for a Day visit features a variety of activities including: breakfast with administrators and ambassadors; faculty presented workshops in Health & Wellness, Engineering, World Language, and more; and a tour of campus led by Student Ambassadors. During each event, current St. Joes students work alongside our prospective students to ensure they receive the authentic SJ experience. Without the pressure of a one-to-one visit, future Cadets have the opportunity to experience the day together and make friends with their future classmates.

Newsletters, billboards, and postcards can never fully capture the experiences that our students get to enjoy each day - in the classroom, on the field, in their clubs, and alongside our faculty and staff. There’s something intangible and special at St. Joes that can only be felt within our walls. There is something incredible about taking a class in Health & Wellness with Mrs.

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Thresher, as she explains that an SJ athlete is not just a great sportsman, but rather someone who has a handle on their all-around fitness and nutritional education. Visitors can get their hands dirty and work in teams to explore the ins-and-outs of creating your own drone in our Engineering workshop or learning how to use a flight simulator. Future Cadets can even work in teams to explore ethical dilemmas and global issues with upperclassmen. These are the experiences we want to share with our future Cadets, because these are the experiences they’ll come to know and love once they enroll in our school.

“When I walked into the school for my 8th grade shadow visit,” says Anthony Fiatarone ’22, “it just felt like family. The ambassadors made me feel like I was a part of the community.

I am really excited to pass that legacy on to the future Class of 2026 because I want them to understand how special this community is.”

In September 2021, St. Joes welcomed more than 190 incoming students into the Class of 2025. After a year of hybrid or virtual learning, we are prepared to give our freshmen a year of traditional events socials, retreats, and rallies - that will ensure they have memories to last them a lifetime.

Our new freshmen class, the Class of 2025 - borne from a year of virtual learning, Zoom meetings, and mask-wearing - are the first class to experience our Cadet for a Day visits (97% of which submitted an application). Boasting impressive statistics, they hail from 33 towns throughout Connecticut and 65 different middle schools. There are 23 Valedictorians and Student Council Presidents in the Class of 2025 along with academic award winners, performers, inventors, and athletes who are responsible for countless hours of community service.

These students are simply put, extraordinary, and we are so glad that their Cadet for a Day visits showed them exactly how their talents would be celebrated, encouraged, and enhanced at St. Joes. We are on a mission to do more for our Cadets, each and every day, and we can’t wait to see how they strive for greatness in the future.

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Regional & Networking Events Connect SJ Alumni

After a year of Zoom “Socials,” the summer of 2021 opened new opportunities for alumni to meet in person and learn about what was happening at their alma mater. For many, it was an opportunity to meet Mr. David Klein, who was completing his first year as President of St. Joes; and due to the pandemic had not met many alumni face to face as traditional in-person events were postponed for safety.

Summer 2021 kicked off with a lively networking happy hour event at BAD SONS Beer Co. in Derby, where alumni paired fantastic weather with the latest and greatest creations of the da Silva (Bill ’86, Mark ’87) brothers and Roseland Pizza. Alumni laughed and reminisced with each other, finally, in person. Newly retired Coach Jim Luchansky ’75 mingled with the more than thirty alumni (some former students) in attendance, where all decades of graduates were represented. Coach Luch was congratulated on his retirement and his Alumni Recognition Award presented during the 2021 Baccalaureate Mass, for his years of service and devotion to St. Joes.

We simply couldn’t let the summer go by without swinging up north to visit our alumni in Boston for an evening of great conversation and connection. Alumni gathered on August 26 at the scenic Harpoon Brewery, located in the seaport district. SJ’s newly minted Strategic Plan was shared with those in attendance. Alumni had the opportunity to chat with Mr. Klein about his first year at St. Joes, while he learned of their journeys since graduation.

We can’t wait to meet up at our next event as the SJ Alumni network is as strong as ever! For more information about upcoming events or to share your news, contact alumni@sjcadets.org

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

A LUNCHEON FOR OUR ST. JOES LADIES The annual Parent Association sponsored Ladies Luncheon kicked off our busy spring 2021 social calendar on Sunday, April 25, Celebrating the Women of St. Joes. This Luncheon was unlike any other. While hosting in a tent on a rainy day was more of a necessity than an innovative spin on the tradition, the addition of current SJ students will be an update to continue!

Thanks to our incredible community, this event was sold out with more than 200 ladies attending in two sessions.

We were delighted to see many mother-daughter (and grandmother) duos, including some incoming freshmen as well as alumni. These family connections truly define our SJ community!

Please save the date for our next Ladies Luncheon event on Sunday, May 1, 2022!

TEEING OFF FOR SJ’s ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT After a rainy start, the St. Joseph High School Athletic Association hosted our traditional golf outing on Monday, June 14 at the newly renovated Mill River Country Club.

This year’s tournament hosted 128 golfers and raised close to $30,000 - with the proceeds from the day directly benefitting student athletes and the programs they participate in.

Support of our exceptional athletic programs offer students the opportunity to develop physical and athletic skills to compete in interscholastic sports, participate in the tradition of athletic excellence at St. Joseph High School, and to proudly represent our school community.

Thanks to all the golfers and generous sponsors that help Cadets win every day!

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CLASS NOTES

1960s

1990s

Jayne O’Brien ’71 married Bill O’Brien in July 2019 in Cape Cod, where they live together. Pictured with them is Jayne’s son, David, and Bill’s daughter, Erin.

Congratulations to Stephen Tavares ’91 who has been named the chief of police at Eastern CT State University!

Stephen has recently retired from the Bristol police department to accept this new position.

Patrick Alarcon ’67, a US Coast Guard Representative, presented Marcella Silberger ’21 with an appointment to the newest US Coast Guard class at the Senior Class Day Awards Ceremony in June.

1970s Lynn Dalton Mallon ’75 welcomed her new grandson, Lincoln James Mallon, born on April 17, 2021.

1980s

Kevin Gleason ’97, Kyle Vere ’97, Kevin Routhier ’97, Jeannette (Caulfield) Routhier ’97, Erica Wabno ’97, Sarah Rosado ’97, Anne “Wenis” Werner ’97 at the wedding of Jeannette Caulfield and Kevin Routhier (see pic below!)

Marianne Scippa ’70 became a grandmother last year!

Share Your News! Be sure to email Danielle Ferranti in our Advancement Office with updates to share with your fellow alumni! dferranti@sjcadets.org 24

Michele Krasznai ’89 and husband, Zoltan Krasznai ’87 enjoy Happy Hour at BAD SONS Beer Co. with fellow SJ Alumni, Cara Kacin ’89, Mary Callahan Kelleher ’89, Elaina Campopiano ’87, Michael dePascale ’87, Maura Weiler ’87, and Steven Casey ’79.

On July 31, 2021, Jeannette Caulfield ’97 married Kevin Routhier ’97.The couple was married by Kevin’s uncle, Kenneth Graham ’66.

CLASS NOTES

2000s

2010s

In August, Katie Tripp ’08 married Justin Gomes (non-alum but huge SJ supporter).

The wedding was attended by a large number of SJ alumni, including from left to right: Thomas Baik ’11, Margaret Baik ’16, Andrew Baik ’09, Eric Hann ’09, Sean Upton ’08, Bryan Pollack ’08, Bernadette Rafferty ’92, Maureen Spellman ’08, Beth (Freer) Frazza ’82, Christina (Sorrentino) Martin ’08, Fran Freer ’75, Fr. Eric Silva ’08, Justin Gomes, John O’Neil ’77, Susan (Freer) O’Neil ’76, Liz Guggenheim ’85, Spencer Tripp ’12, Patrick Freer ’85, Jeremy Tripp ’96, Patricia Rafferty ’83, Edward Rafferty ’97, and James Rafferty ’89.

Jessica Mazal Lapadula ’10 had her first child with husband, Andrés, on June 7, 2021, Sebastián Pio Lapadula.

He was baptized on July 10, 2021

by Father Sam Kachuba ’01 who married them last August.

Not pictured: former SJ employees: Frances H. Freer, mother to all the Freer alumni and grandmother to all Tripp and Baik alumni as well as Doreen Rafferty, mother to Rafferty alumni.

Lauren Melkus ’11 got engaged to Tim Boyle in Newport, RI on July 1, 2021.

Congratulations to Stephanie Borer ’01 who recently opened a private therapy practice in Decatur, GA, Turning Tides Psychotherapy.

Katie O’Neall ’08 got engaged to Patrick Sullivan on July 31. They have been together for 7 years and currently reside in Astoria, NY.

Congratulations to Whitney Wildman '06 who started a new position as Therapy Program Director at Ridgebury Farm & Stables in Ridgefield, CT. They offer Hippotherapy and Equine Assisted Therapy.

Margo Foley ’11 and Kevin Rooney ’11 are engaged. Margo shares, “10 years and forever to go! On July 23, 2021, I said yes to marrying my high school sweetheart. We could not be happier.” A wedding is being planned for Fall 2022.

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CLASS NOTES

Congratulations to Tyler Matakevich '11 who was named as one of eight captains on the Buffalo Bills!

Tony Ramos ’11 married his college sweetheart, Mia Alicata, on July 10, 2021, at his alma mater Manhattanville College in Westchester, NY. His best men were Joseph DoCarmo ’11 and Joseph Della Vecchia ’11 and his groomsmen included Thomas Tarczali ’11. Tony is now a Connecticut Firefighter and his wife works for BuzzFeed; together they have a wedding coordination business, Merry.

Class of 2011 Alumni in photo above: Thomas DiSalvo, Brendan Donegan, Nicholas Adzima, Connor Donegan, Eric Morrissey, Thomas Tarczali, Vanessa Pappagallo, Matthew Pavia, Jack Lockwood, Jerry Kramer, Tony Ramos, Joseph Della Vecchia and Joseph DoCarmo. Also shown: Brittany Batten ’10.

Photo Credit: Frame Your Love Photography.

Congratulations to Rick Dowling '11 who earned a historic win at the 34th Connecticut Mid-Amateur hosted by The Farms Country Club!

After graduating from UConn in 2016, Alec O'Brien '11 went on to receive his MA in Film Production from Full Sail University and was Valedictorian of his class. He also received the Course Director Award for Script Production and Analysis. He currently resides in Boston, MA as a freelance photographer and videographer, with a dream of working for a film production company in the future.

View some of Alec's work by visiting his YouTube channel or following him on Instagram: @itsjustalec.videography 26

Nancy Stablein ’12 got engaged to Danny Pierro, of Stratford, CT, on July 3, 2021 after a wet, rainy round of golf! They have plans to be married locally in CT in summer 2022.

Marissa Roballey ’12 married Sean Collins of Manhasset, NY on September 5, 2021. They met at Fairfield University and got married in New York City at The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola. The reception was at the New York Athletic Club. Also in attendance were Caroline Kennedy ’12 and Allie Gribok ’12.

CLASS NOTES Congratulations to Taylor Begly ’13 who accepted a new position with the News 12 Sports team in Providence, RI. You can catch Taylor anchoring the weekend sportscasts on Friday and Saturday nights.

Congratulations to Isabel Andrzejewski ’17 who recently graduated from UMass Amherst with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and just passed the NCLEX. Next month, she will be starting at Yale New Haven Hospital on the Heart and Vascular Care Unit as an RN.

Michael Rosati ’17 was named the Director of Youth Development at Sterling House Community Center on June 1, 2021.

IN MEMORIAM The following alumni passed away between July 1, 2020– June 30, 2021.

We ask that you keep their families in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass is held daily in the alumni chapel at 9:15am. To schedule a mass, contact the Alumni Office at alumni@sjcadets.org.

Patricia Eng ’66 Barbara Gabianelli ’68 Michelle Reichert ’69 Frank Falanga ’73 Timothy Morrissey ’74 John Murphy ’75 James Murphy ’77 Daryl Donnelly ’80 Brian Vogel ’03

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ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL 2320 Huntington Turnpike Trumbull, Connecticut 06611

Follow @SJCadets! www.sjcadets.org

Maroon & Gold Gala Honorary Chairs Stacey ’89 & Christian Wymbs P ’18, ’22 Cordially Invite You To St. Joseph High School’s

A Night of Inspiration

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SATURDAY | | NOVEMBER 6:30 IN THE EVENING

The Patterson Club | 1118 Cross Highway | Fairfield, CT 06824

Proceeds Benefit the St Joseph High School Scholarship Fund SJCADETS.ORG/GALA 28