Prep News - May 2021

May 2021

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www.hermits.com

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The Student Newspaper of St. Augustine Preparatory School |

Est. 1962

Prep News

Live from Richland

Hermits Broadcasting Channel Seeks to Expand Coverage

By Oscar Catanese ’22 staff writer

As a Hermits sports fan, you regularly watch the games through a livestream.

You can hear the announcers, see the game, and even see a virtual scoreboard on your livestream. But who is behind the scenes of the production?

The Hermits Broadcasting Channel (HBC) has quickly evolved into one of the top programs at St. Augustine Prep. Ranging from camera work and graphics to excellent play-by-play announcing, the HBC is a well-oiled machine that provides high quality, live broadcasting for Hermits Athletics.

The club was started by Mr. Tom Broomell ’08, Assistant Athletic Director and Soccer Coach, who wanted to run a live broadcast for soccer games so coaches and players could watch it post-game. The soccer team had been using a company to do this; however, by having the soccer managers stream the games, Mr. Broomell was able to bring this service in-house. From that moment, the Hermits Broadcasting Channel took off and hasn’t looked back. It has grown to include student produced

IN THIS EDITION

commercials, replays, and pregame shows. The HBC now streams every varsity sport that competes on campus and has become a favorite student program that includes enthusiastic members from all grades.

The channel can attribute much of its success to student leadership. Club members have taken an active role in participating and are committed to building a great program for years to come. On of these student leaders, Robert Holland ’23, spoke about his goals as a member of the club, “I think it’s important that, as a leader, I pave the way for others looking to join, and get involved in the club.”

Other leaders have shared the same sentiment, they are committed to the club not just in the present, but are working to make sure this club lasts for future Hermits.

Many of the students also look to pursue careers in the broadcasting field, and this club is a perfect introduction. Mr. Broomell knows how serious and committed the members of the HBC are mentioning that he “sees a bright future for a lot of these students and is excited to see some of these guys continue this kind of work into college.” A great example is Brody Eccles who graduated from the Prep in 2017 and has gone on to announce basketball and volleyball games at Arcadia University.

CAMPUS HOSTS UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND FOR THE PREP COMMUNITY

The HBC has big plans to build upon their success. According to Mr. Broomell, the club is looking to expand to cover off-campus sports and away games. These could include hockey and even golf! The club is also looking towards getting their own studio space as it will allow the club to expand the number of pre-game shows and pre-taped segments.

This program has been more than just a way for students to get involved in Prep sports. For announcers, it has helped them build public speaking skills and improve their impromptu speech. For the cameramen and producers, it has provided a better understanding of what goes on behind the scenes in production of visual media. For all Prep students, it offers an opportunity to get out of the classroom and learn unique skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

The campus has undergone many changes due to the pandemic resulting in a very different campus reality this year; however, the faculty and staff have been working to keep us safe and make our on-campus lives as normal and fun as possible. The Hermits Broadcasting Channel has helped throughout this challenging time and we can only hope that next year will provide even more events for the HBC to deliver to the masses!

A MEANINGFUL PIECE OF PREP HISTORY RETURNS TO RICHLAND

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PREP NEWS

MAY 2021

The Long Road to Richland Ryder Fuscellaro ’22 staff writer

One of the many unique aspects of the Prep is the distance covered from the schools’ bussing. The Prep pulls students from many different counties, and even has students from other states. For some of these students the commute to school involves a lot of sacrifices, most notably...sleep.

For instance, my day starts at 5:40 in the morning when my alarm goes off. I usually skip breakfast because, for me, it is too early to eat. I get on the bus at around 6:20, and the bus leaves at 6:30. I almost always fall back asleep on the bus and wake up right when I get to school. I go about my school day as everyone else, and when school is over I get back on the bus. My bus ride is about an hour long, so I usually get home somewhere between 4:15 and 4:30. The first thing I do when I get home is my homework. After that, the rest of my night involves studying and winding down until I go to sleep.

My schedule for school is a bit easier than other students who live farther away. Many of my classmates have a practice, or some other activity at the school that they have to attend. For those students that do have an activity, the school day can feel even longer as they may not get home until later in the evening..

I am both happy and lucky that St. Augustine Prep takes into consideration the distance that some students travel to attend school. It is nice to know that I am not the only student who travels from more than an hour away.

I live in Wildwood Crest, but some students live an hour in the complete opposite direction, or even another state, which makes it all the more impressive that the Prep can account for all of these different areas. This makes for a logistical challenge that calls for daily awareness and decision making. For instance, something like a snow day, which is obviously hard to predict, must take into account all possible conditions. Being a student from far away can be difficult, but it is worth it in order to be a part of the Hermit Brotherhood!

A Fragment Of The Past Returns

The Chalice of Former School President Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa, O.S.A. returns to Richland

By Connor Bogan ’24 staff writer

there was something missing from the Prep for the longest time that would bring a piece of Fr. LaRosa back forever. This “something” was used by Fr. Steve many times over and was greatly connected to his life as a priest and friar. That item is Father’s chalice; given to him when ordained as a priest, which has been recently returned to the Prep after years at Villanova following his death. Mr. Brendan Towell, Associate Director of Admissions and Alumni Leadership led the charge in bringing this beloved item back to St. Augustine Prep. “We believe it is important to remember and treasure our school’s history”, said Mr. Towell. “We wished to have something at the Prep in memory of Fr. LaRosa’s life as a priest and not just as the school’s Headmaster. We felt that his chalice was the perfect item to fill that gap. I proposed the idea to Fr. Murray immediately and Villanova was absolutely willing.”

Fr. Stephen LaRosa, O.S.A (May 23, 1933 – October 12, 2006) was a key influence in how St. Augustine Prep operates and prospers today. Fr. LaRosa was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and baptized on October 10, 1933 at Saint Nicholas of Tolentine Church in Philadelphia.

He graduated from public high school in 1951, served in the military for four years, and left to attend St. Joseph’s College (now St. Joseph’s University). He graduated in 1959 with a B.S. in Psychology, and attended Villanova University and Augustinian College to pursue studies in Philosophy and Theology. On Fr. Steve’s chalice will be used on special occasions and at Alumni Masses in the future.

January 30, 1965, he was ordained to the priesthood at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. The collaboration of the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, From there, he was assigned to St. Augustine Prep as a teacher. the Very Rev. Michael Di Gregorio, O.S.A., as well as former Headmaster and current Province Treasurer, Rev. Francis Horn, O.S.A., helped secure the return of this treasured Fr. LaRosa was appointed Headmaster in 1967, a position he would hold for 15 years, piece of St. Augustine Prep history. Gratitude is also deserving to our Head of School, until 1982 and then again from 1990 through 1998. During this period, the school would Rev. Robert J. Murray, O.S.A., for approving the project seeking the chalice’s return drastically evolve through the addition of a sports complex, a chapel, more classrooms, in the first place. Another piece of our past, as well as a piece of Fr. LaRosa, now lives and expanded sports programs and academic courses. Most importantly, the enrollment here at St. Augustine Prep in the form of his chalice. His presence now resonates with of the school grew from 90 to 230. “Fr. Steve” is remembered at today as a foundational current and future Hermits and will continue to act as a magnet to the countless Hermits figure that helped the school reach new heights it had never reached before. However, Alumni and faculty alike who share in his memory.

Prep Senior Earns National Merit Award Jake Caselli ’21 leads the way as the Class of 2021 eyes success at the next level staff reports

Senior Jake Caselli has been selected as a National Merit Scholarship winner.

Jake joins a long list of Hermits who have been finalists for the award but he is the first student to win the award. Even more impressive is the fact that he was chosen from approximately 1.6 million students who entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Nominees were designated on a state representational basis in proportion to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors.

In order to advance in the competition and even be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a Semifinalist had to become a Finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of very high academic performance. The process to reach the level of the 15,000 distinguished Finalists was a grueling process in itself.

Jake has been an exemplary leader in the school and embodies what it means to be ready to exit as a Christian Gentleman to serve. His classmates from the Class of 2021 share in this landmark accomplishment as acceptances continue to arrive into the College Guidance department. This year’s senior leaders have continued the tradition of academic excellence as they have been offered admittance to some of the most prestigious, competitive and selective schools in the country.

Some of these competitive and selective schools include the following: Harvard University Princeton University Villanova University Georgetown University Tufts University Carnegie Mellon University Northeastern University Boston College University of Virginia

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PREP NEWS

MAY 2021

Overcoming FEAR

Navy Seal Shares Valuable Experience with the Student Body

By Luke Grippo ’24 staff writer

How do you overcome fear? How do you overcome the difficulties of homework, sports, and life? Well, the answer might lie with the Navy Seals. Mr. Jon Cleck, a former Navy Seal, came to the Prep to give a speech on how to overcome whatever life throws at us. He communicated three easy steps to apply to our lives: 1) Stay positive, 2) Ignore distractions, and 3) Put yourself out 20 miles. When he was in the Navy, the rigorous training exercises they went through demanded only the most optimistic thinking. Mr. Cleck explained how he continues to use that optimistic thinking today and further, showed us how to face our fears, how to overcome our fears, and how to surpass our fears.

Staying positive is the first step. When faced with adversity, pain, and torture, think of the good that will come out of your ability to withstand these unpleasant conditions. Look at the glass half-full, not half-empty. Ignoring distractions is the second step. Stay focused and concentrated on what you’re doing, don’t let people or things distract you. Mr. Cleck used an example of his pool training where he was pushed into the water and then completely tortured and messed with. Yet he pulled through because he focused on not drowning and staying dedicated to everything that was put before him. Putting yourself out 20 miles is the third step. Mr. Cleck told us to envision ourselves swimming close and parallel to the beach for 20 miles. Then, he told us to envision ourselves 20 miles off shore and we need to swim back. “What’s the difference?” he asked. “Perspective.” If we put ourselves parallel to the beach, then we can quit when we want to. When we are put 20 miles out, it’s life or death whether we swim or back.

The Freshmen class is in a position to benefit from this advice. Because of Covid-19, our start to high school has been somewhat a bumpy one. But we’ve got to remember to stay positive through it all and continue to work hard. We’ve got to ignore distractions such as the facemasks and distancing at school, and the lure of video games and goofing off when we’re virtual. Finally, Mr. Cleck’s overall message was to overcome the distractions that might keep you from your ultimate goal, and rely on your team; a message the Augustinian campus can take to heart.

Author Dale Carnegie once said, “Do the things you fear to do and keep on doing it… That is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear.” Carnegie’s idea of fear is the things we don’t want to do, and the things that might make us seem different; not just the things that frighten us. Mr. Cleck encouraged us to stay firm and strong and put ourselves to the test; see what we can really do. If this Freshmen class can survive this year, there’s nothing that can stop us in the next three years.

Taking STEM and the Humanities to New Heights Veteran Prep Educators Take On New Positions in Key Academic Concentrations staff reports

Nancy McHugh P’08 ’11 ’15 and Caroline Chapman P’15 ’18 have been appointed as STEM Division Head and Humanities Division Head respectively. Both will continue to teach within their own departments, as well as enhancing their programs through collaborative leadership.

With these appointments, these outstanding faculty members are renewing their commitment to the school’s mission.

Nancy McHugh P’08 ’11 ’15 – STEM Division Head Prior to motherhood, the proud alumni mother of Brendan ’08, Dillon ’11 and Colin ’15 worked at the Rohm and Haas Company in research and development as a Senior Research Scientist and, later, as a Corporate New Ventures Specialist. Along with a B.S. in Chemistry and an M.B.A. in Finance, Mrs. McHugh brings great passion and commitment to this new role. Teaching nearly every class in the science curriculum and more, she has been a member of the Science Department since 2004. Most recently she served as the Program Coordinator for the school’s Unitas Advisory Program and also as Chairwoman of the school’s Science Department.

2015 and 2016 served as banner years for the veteran educator as she was named Princeton University’s Distinguished Secondary Teacher of the Year and St. Augustine Prep’s Augustinian Educator of the Year in 2015. The following year placed her at the pinnacle of her profession in the state as she was presented with the honor of Non-Public Teacher of the Year for both the Camden Diocese and the entire state of New Jersey. Currently holding membership within the American Chemical Society and American Association of Chemistry Teachers, Mrs. McHugh has served a variety of leadership roles at St. Augustine, her latest as STEM Division Head will find her impacting the future of the Brotherhood in yet another critical position.

In an interview with Prep News, Mrs. McHugh mentioned “Working closely with the STEM faculty (science, math, computer science, and business), my goal is to design curriculum (and its subsequent lesson planning) that reaches our students’ diversity of learning styles and taps into their creativity by focusing on more real world and more co-curricular connections to course content and emphasizing student skill development.”

Caroline Chapman P’15 ’18 – Humanities Division Head

S U D O K U

Mrs. Chapman shares, “If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that the world is increasingly complex, interconnected, and unpredictable. Working with this very talented Humanities faculty to update curriculum, create innovative courses and incorporate new methods of instruction is an honor, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together on behalf of our students.”

Caroline comes to this position very qualified. She has a B.A. in History from Hood College, a graduate degree in Reading Education from Rowan University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. She has served as a faculty member at St. Augustine Prep since 2014 and most recently as Chair of the English Department. Caroline holds several State of New Jersey instructional and administrative certifications. Her leadership roles at St. Augustine Prep include Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Assistant Academic Coordinator for the BEACH Program.

Caroline served as Head of School at The Ellison School in Vineland, NJ for five years.

Congratulations to Mrs. McHugh and Mrs. Chapman!

Visit hermits.com/sudoku for this edition’s solution.

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PREP NEWS

MAY 2021

An Unforgettable Weekend in Richland

The first weekend of May brought the school community together for a pair of memorable events held in the heart of campus. Richland’s Proud and Peaceful Glen served as the picturesque backdrop for the grand return of the Run for the Roses and the Prom. The Derby Day was the hottest ticket in town as the overwhelming response placed the event at capacity in record time. The Senior Prom would follow less than 24 hours later as the Class of 2021 and their beautiful dates danced the night away under the stars, outdoors at the “Glen.”

The smiles, fellowship, and - of course - the fashion were back in full force thanks to the work of many hands as well as the blessing of perfect weather.

Most importantly, both events served to benefit the Hermit Brotherhood in a variety of ways. From the generosity of the school’s most ardent supporters at the Prep’s signature fundraiser to the countless faculty, staff, and volunteers who worked to provide the seniors with a Prom to remember – the unforgettable weekend in Richland signaled the return of the famed Prep experience. (Photos by Liam Shurman ’22 and Mrs. Karrie Davis P’22 ’23 ’25)

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PREP NEWS

MAY 2021

BE A PART OF HISTORY JOIN THE PREP NEWS STAFF! Work for South Jersey’s #1 Student-Produced Newspaper!

We accept applications for our editorial and business staffs throughout the academic year.

Located on the first floor of the Vincent L. Buondonno Center (known as ‘The Vincent’), The Prep News office constantly buzzes with reporters typing stories, business staff selling advertisements, photographers editing shots and editors providing guidance and banter. As South Jersey’s #1 Student-Produced Newspaper (founded in 1962), we have undergone several changes over the past 60 years, and we continue to iterate upon and improve our practices every day. Prep News aims to print bi-monthly editions, produce short videos, run a recurring blog, and post regularly to social media accounts – we have recently taken ownership of @hermitleaders on Twitter!

With over two dozen Hermits on staff, Prep News is one of the fastest growing clubs on campus.

We pride ourselves on maintaining a learning environment as many members of our staff are navigating their way through their first experience in journalism. In the process, they are working to continue developing real-world skills in communication, management, digital media, editing, and so much more.

Whether you have an interest in copywriting, photography, or graphic design, Prep News has a place for you.

Contact Editor-In-Chief, Tyler Ward at ward.tyler@hermits.com to join the staff today!

FIRST EDITION OF PREP NEWS – APRIL 25, 1962

Prep News Tyler Ward ’22 editor in chief

Matt Adams ’23 Connor Bogan ’24 Oscar Catanese ’22 Joseph Cortese ’23 Holden DeJong ’22 John DeVito ’22 Valle Edgar ’21 Matthew Flanigan ’24

Ryder Fuscellaro ’22 Luke Grippo ’24 Gary Mazza ’21 Rob Papadeas ’22 Alex Petitt ’22 Ayden Pulman ’22 John Sooy ’22 Jimmy Waddell ’23

Liam Shurman ’22

Karrie Davis P’22 ’23 ’25

photography

photography

Manny Dijamco ’99

Thomas Hewitt

issue layout

issue copy editor

SUBMISSIONS: We welcome letters and guest columns. All submissions must include the author’s name and affiliation with St. Augustine Prep, and should not exceed 250 words for letters or 700 words for columns. Prep News reserves the right to edit all material before publication. All material submitted becomes property of St. Augustine Prep.

Please email submissions to communications@hermits.com.