ECHS - The Eagle - Fall 2017

Eagle T H E

FALL 2017

SPOTLIGHT: New Administrative Team

East Catholic High School Alumni Magazine

Vol. 28 Issue 2

ATHLETICS: Championship Teams

FAITH & SERVICE: Prom of Dreams

SPECIAL REPORT: Graduation 2017 featuring Sheleen Quish Anstandig ’66

Inspiring Excellence for more than years!

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East Catholic’s rigorous college preparatory program has stood the test of time. East graduates are well prepared for college and for life. If you know someone who is seeking a great high school experience, one filled with challenge, achievement and friendships that last a lifetime, invite them to become a part of our community!

Entrance Exams: December 2, 2017 & January 6, 2018 (8:30 am at the school; $25 test fee; pre-registration not required) Those interested in applying to East Catholic High School should contact the Admissions Office 860-649-5336 x6238 or x6456.

East Catholic accepts applications on a rolling basis.

Prospective parents, families and friends can reach us at 860-649-5336 ext. 6238 to arrange a family tour or to learn about our “Eagle For a Day” program for students.

For more information visit us online at www.echs.com

Congratulations, Class of 2017!

We are very proud of your success!

• 97% are advancing to college this fall; 96% to a four year college • Over 93 students took an AP test and 79% of those students received a 3 or higher 2

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Jillian Strandberg ‘17

CONTENTS

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22

FAITH & SERVICE

GRADUATION 2017

Last summer’s reading by the entire ECHS School community was A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman.

This story is about a grumpy yet loveable man who finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

The Eagle Staff Sarah Adanti - Director of Advancement & Editor Heidi Carlson - Advancement Assistant Liz Griffin - Advancement Assistant Lisa Putnam Kirsche ‘86 - English Teacher & Writer Steve Raccagni - Graphic Design

The Eagle is published twice a year by East Catholic High School. News and alumni notes

17 Remembering Sr. Marion Raymond Hurley, SND

13 ALUMNI NEWS

should be sent to:

East Catholic High School

115 New State Road

Manchester, CT 06042

echseagle@echs.com 860-649-5336 East Catholic High School Administration Thomas E. Maynard - Head of School

DEPARTMENTS Letter from the Head of School.................................................2 East Academics....................................................................... 4 East Arts.................................................................................. 6 East Athletics.......................................................................... 10 Alumni News...........................................................................13 In Memory.............................................................................. 16 New Administrative Team.......................................................21 East Community.....................................................................28 On the cover: Senior Class President Amelia Ockert giving the Senior Farewell at commencement.

Ryan Hinton - Principal Susan Perillo - Vice Principal

East Catholic High School www.echs.com THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Family and Friends,

Thomas Maynard

Most recently in my travels to meet alumni, I have been struck by the personal commitment to excellence begun during their days at East Catholic, which has served them so well during their successful careers. Pope Francis so frequently talks about the transformative quality of Catholic education. I witnessed this through my many encounters and conversations with our outstanding alumni. These exemplary personal characteristics are sparked by competence, curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning.

It’s fall in Manchester, Connecticut, and East Catholic High School students continue to take advantage of the wide-ranging program available to them, engaging fully in discovering and nurturing the special talents that the Lord has created in each of them.

Whether in the arts, or academics, sports, games, races, or faith-formation service projects, ECHS students fill their days with an amazing number of activities while continuing to excel in a rigorous college preparatory education. Thank goodness for the many parents, guardians, grandparents, and others who spend a great deal of time driving their ECHS students to their various commitments, while listening and talking to them about their day.

Members of the Class of 1965 enjoying an annual gathering this past summer.

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Our goals for this year consist of 1. Full implementation of the iPad and eBook program initiated three years ago, and 2. Preparation for the visit next October of the reaccreditation team from New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEAS&C).

The iPad program was improved this year through the addition of software and leased devices which allow the school to focus student use of the device more fully on academics. The NEAS&C reaccreditation requires the school to complete a self-study prior to the visit, which in many ways resembles an audit of our programs and business operations. All our faculty and staff are engaged in creating this self-study which will help us in our continuous efforts to improve upon our already excellent programs.

Sophomore Hugh Tyrell competing on the ECHS IEA Equestrian Team in Coventry this past fall.

In the photo are ECHS Seniors who have been named as National Merit Commended Students for 2017 - Anna Morson, Nicholas Villandry, Victoria Leger and Zoe Sessions.

Regarding school service, we continue to require that each student completes 10 service hours per year; additionally we have adopted Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si as the inspirational theme. Laudato Si in part encourages us to make wise use of the earth’s resources.

We are working on some initial projects that will result in ECHS evolving into a “Green” school. Some examples are the energy saving windows, our ongoing recycling program, and a more extensive use of our electronic portal to minimize paper use.

We are very pleased to announce that Lisa Steimer (‘83) was selected as school board chair succeeding Ted Horan, who served so capably for the past seven years.

Last year the board completed a Financial Procedures manual, and this year the school board is engaged in updating our Strategic Plan for the NEAS&C reaccreditation as well as launching a subcommittee working on security issues at ECHS.

This year East Catholic adopted a slightly different administrative structure to better address the needs of the school in today’s business and social environment. I was named Head of School, which replaces the position of Principal/Chief Administrative Officer. Mr. Ryan Hinton was named principal, and Ms. Susan Perillo remains Vice Principal in the new organizational structure.

East Catholic remains a Catholic high school where students receive a rigorous college preparatory education in a disciplined, safe, and secure environment. We embrace the future enthusiastically, confident in our faith, assured that Jesus loves each and every one of us, convinced that East is best!

Sincerely,

Thomas E. Maynard Head of School

Left: Carol Ingallinera Kunze ‘82 and former ECHS Math Teacher, Anne Mannion from our ECHS Alumni Reception in the DC area this past October

Above: Charlie Greenbacker ‘00 and ECHS Social Studies Chair, Ann Marie Ward from our ECHS Alumni Reception in the DC area this past October Above: Custom ECHS cupcakes from DC Cupcake (aka Georgetown Cupcake!)

Special thanks to Stephen LaMontagne ‘96

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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eastacademics

East Catholic High School Names Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien Scholars for 2017

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

In the photo from left to right are East Catholic High School 2017 O’Brien Scholars: Audrey Pion, Amelia Ockert, Longxu-Derek Pan, Madison DiBella, Hannah Faulkner, Jillian Ferrigno, Shannon Leary, Anthony Ragazzi, Stephanie Lewis, Peter Crowley, Mollie Fleming and David Mantese.

East Catholic High School has announced the Archbishop Henry J. O’Brien Scholars for 2017. This is the highest honor a graduating senior can receive from the school.

This recognition is unique to East Catholic High School. The Reverend Charles E. Shaw, East Catholic’s first principal, instituted the O’Brien Scholars, which began a tradition of honoring a group of top graduates rather than only one or two. The O’Brien Scholars represent the highest in academic achievement and exemplify outstanding qualities of leadership and integrity. Fr. Shaw chose the name to honor the Hartford archbishop who established East Catholic High School in 1961.

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Peter Crowley is attending the University of Connecticut. While at East Catholic, Peter was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Peter was a member of the Cross Country Team, Indoor and Outdoor Track teams at the school.

He also was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society and participated in the Jazz East Big Band and Jazz East Combo Band. In his free time, Peter volunteered at Manchester Manor Nursing Home as a recreational therapist.

Madison DiBella is attending Northeastern University. At East Catholic, Madison was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having

achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was also designated a National Merit Commended Student and inducted into the National Honor Society.

Madison was captain of the school’s IEA Equestrian Team as well as the Cheer Team. She helped to schedule, organize and prepare meals for the Immaculate Conception Shelter in Hartford.

Hannah Faulkner is attending Wake Forest University. Hannah was inducted into the National Honor Society and was a member of East Catholic’s Culture and Language Club as well as the Apologetics Club. She also participated in Field Hockey and Volleyball. Hannah served as a Student Ambassador. She volunteered at St. Rose of Lima Parish in New Haven as a camp counselor during Bible Camp.

Jillian Ferrigno is attending Providence College. While at East Catholic, Jillian was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society as well as the National Art Honor Society. Jillian was a member of Stage East and performed in various musical and dramatic productions at the school. She was a member of the Jazz Choir, Women’s Choir, and Concert Choir. Jillian was also a member of the East Cathlolic Girls Tennis Team.

She helped plan and serve meals to the less fortunate at the Immaculate Conception Shelter in Hartford.

Mollie Fleming is attending the University of Connecticut. At East Catholic, Mollie was inducted into the National Honor Society and was a member of the Engineering Club, Rubik’s Club, the Classic’s Club (Latin), and Lego’s Robotics Club.

She volunteered with the Ladies Guild at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Church in Hartford.

Shannon Leary is attending Connecticut College. Shannon was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. She was a member of the East Catholic Swim and Dive team and also USA Swimming.

Shannon was a member of the ARK and Social Action clubs and helped to prepare and serve meals at the South Park Inn in Hartford.

Stephanie Lewis is attending the Connecticut College. She was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and

was inducted into the National Honor Society and into the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Stephanie was a member of the Chamber Choir and Stage East and performed in various school musical productions. Stephanie was also a member of the East Catholic High School Swim and Dive Team. In her free time, she volunteered preparing and serving meals at the South Park Inn in Hartford, CT. David Mantese is attending the University of Connecticut. While at East Catholic, David was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. David was a member of the Cross Country Team and the Indoor and Outdoor Track teams. He was also a member of the Newspaper, Apologetics, and Rosary Clubs and represented East Catholic at the Chemistry Olympiad his sophomore and senior years. David helped to tutor students at the school and volunteered his time at Foodshare.

Amelia Ockert is attending Dartmouth College. Amelia was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Amelia was a member of the East Catholic High School Swim and Dive Team and participated in Track and Field. She was also a member of the Math Club, Culture and Language Club, Debate Team, Mock Trial Team, and Latin Club at the school. Sophomore year she represented the school at the Chemistry Olympiad. Amelia was also Class President for Student Government and was a Peer Minister.

She helped to teach physically and

mentally challenged people how to swim.

Longxu – Derek Pan is attending Purdue University. While at East Catholic, Longxu-Derek was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. He was a member of the Engineering Team at the school and represented East Catholic at the Chemistry Olympiad his sophomore year. In his free time, Longxu-Derek helped to prepare and serve meals to the less fortunate at MACC in Manchester.

Audrey Pion is attending the University of Connecticut. Audrey was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Audrey was also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She was a member of the Choir, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Concert Band and Stage Band. Audrey was also a writer for the ECHO and a member of the Apologetics Club. She also volunteered with Foodshare.

Anthony Ragazzi is attending Trinity College. While at East Catholic, Anthony was named a Superintendent’s Summa Scholar having achieved a GPA of 4.3 or higher and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Anthony was a member of the ECHS Boys Soccer Team and served as a Peer Minister at the school. He was also a member of the Math Team. Anthony volunteered his time to help prepare and serve meals to the less fortunate at the Immaculate Conception Shelter in Hartford, CT.

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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eastarts

ECHS Spring Musical

The Music Man

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

Nathan Bell ’17

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On the weekend of March 10-11th, Stage East took its audience all the way to River City, Iowa, in its impressive production of The Music Man. The iconic musical tells the story of Harold Hill, a con artist who sells the town on the creation (and cost) of a musical band for the children, redefining his own life as he invigorates the town with his fabricated promises. While the talent of River City’s musicians may be in question, no such question exists regarding the talent of the Stage East performers. Once again, our dramatic artists excelled not only as actors, but as singers, dancers, and, as seen in the opening number “Rock Island,” rhythmic experts in speech and physically synchronized movements. If there’s “Trouble” in River City, Stage East had no trouble bringing it to life.

As in previous Stage East productions, this one featured particularly sharp casting. Senior Nathan Bell’s engaging performance vivified Harold Hill’s charm and craftiness in the first act, and Hill’s openness to love and the commitments that come with it in the second act. Sophomore Victoria Zacharski gave a remarkable

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

performance as Marian “the Librarian” Paroo, and senior Elise Moreau proved ideal for the role of Mrs. Paroo, Marian’s mother, complete with her unwavering Irish brogue. With The Music Man’s extensive cast list, other Stage East members took full advantage of the chance to excel onstage, including senior Ethan Denton as Marcellus Washburn, senior Maribeth Falusi as Mrs. Squires, and seniors Will Palauskas and Audrey Pion, who infused a delightful hilarity into their roles as Mayor and Mrs. Shinn. Freshmen Valentin Sandoval, Danielle Savino and Nick Walsh also turned in great performances, and even aspiring ECHS Eagles enhanced the show, with Mary Poirier shining in the role of Amaryllis, and Maria Jose and Francesca Aedo-Marcucio gracing the stage as the Shinn girls.

With such talent on hand, it is no wonder Music Director Ms. Jennifer Moros chose The Music Man, as it features some of the most familiar songs in Broadway’s entire musical repertoire.

Fully aware of her performers’ musical dexterity, Ms. Moros showcased her own skill in casting with each duet, quartet and full company musi-

cal number. Whether in the lilting harmony of seniors Gavin Dias, Grant Evans, Kevin Insignares and junior Christian Winicki in “Lida Rose,” the frenetic energy of the “Pickalittle” ladies, or the exuberance of the company in “Wells Fargo Wagon,” the Stage East Players proved masterful in their musical interpretations. Victoria Zacharski’s luminous solo performances especially stood out, even in such a strong production. With the expertise of Choreographer Alida Lamagna and Dance Captain Victoria Leger ’18, the dance numbers, including “Seventy-Six Trombones” and “Shipoopi,” were executed beautifully each night.

With the outstanding contributions of the Pit Orchestra, directed by Mr. David Brudz, the quality of music matched the caliber of performances onstage. These elements, together with combined successes of Costumer Sarah Poirier, Production Manager Patrick McLaughlin, the “Super Dads” set designers and many volunteers, made for “nothin’ halfway” about the Stage East way of performing The Music Man.

Audrey Pion ’17 & Will Palauskas ’17

Valentin Sandoval ’20 & Danielle Savino ’20

Victoria Zacharski ’19

Stephanie Lewis ’17, Audrey Pion ’17, Nathan Bell ’17 & Kaitlin Brosnan ‘19

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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From the Music Department: The ECHS Music Department, featuring the Concert Band, Chamber Choir and ECCE, participated in the Fantastic Festivals which took place over seven weeks and included over 250 performing groups this past spring. The ECHS Concert Band was awarded third place; the ECHS Chamber Choir and ECCE were both awarded first place. ECCE received a platinum rating for their near perfect score during the festivals. This was a great accomplishment for all the groups involved.

Members of ECCE (East Catholic Choral Ensemble) at 2017 ECHS Winter Concert and bottom photo ECCE at Sacred Works at Holy Family Retreat Center, West Hartford, CT Sopranos – Maribeth Falusi ’17, Elise Moreau ’17, Anya Kriak ’19, Victoria Zacharski ’19, Altos – Megan Le ’17, Stephanie Lewis ’17, Ashley Soucie ’17, Kelly Blecker ‘18 Tenors – Ethan Denton, 17, Grant Evans ’17, Kevin Insignares ’17 Bass – Nathan Bell ’17, Gavis Dias ’17, Michael Soper ‘17

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

eastcommunity

ECHS Annual Walkathon Raises over $60,000!

The annual ECHS WalkEast Walkathon took place at the school on Friday, October 6th. This is the largest student driven fundraiser of the year and helps raise funds for important programs at the school. The Walkathon wrapped up “Spirit Week.” Students received pledges from family, friends and neighbors to support them as they walked a 1.2 mile loop around the campus. Class competitions took place on Penders Field behind the school. All students were treated to a lunch provided

by Highland Park Market, and the day ended with a pep rally as students were gearing up for “Homecoming Weekend” which included a football game and dance.

The grand prize of the Walkathon was a 2006 Toyota Matrix which was awarded to freshman, Jenna Swist.

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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eastathletics

ECHS Class S State Champions 2017 In the early 1980s, the ECHS Girls Cross Country runners were state champions for three consecutive seasons. In the early 2000’s, the Boys Golf team accomplished the same feat. In the spring of 2017, the ECHS Boys Tennis team won the Class S State Championship for East Catholic’s third-ever “three-peat.”

The victory marked the fourth state championship for the Boys Tennis team in the past five years.

In a season that Coach Ryan Healey expected to be “a rebuilding year,” his players overcame an unusually high level of competition in the state tournament, winning the title by a total of 13 points.

Led by senior tri-captains Ben Adams, Sam Dorman and Troy Romano, the team went into the third round of the tournament with ten other teams within three points of each other, a situation Healey described as “unique to this year.” Dorman entered the tournament as the 14th seed in singles, and Healey was quick to point out that “Sam played number one all year and had the hardest schedule” throughout the season.

“He stepped up in tournament play,” said Healey, and his victories in the first two rounds of the state championship “were

Tyler Andrade 10

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

Back Row: Coach Ryan Healey, Patrick Roth, Chase Jagel, Robert Costello, Victor Alessi, Tyler Andrade, Nicholas Hess, Assistant Coach Tyler Skrzypiec Front Row: Alec Van Slooten, Sam Dorman, Matt Trymbulak, Troy Romano, Ben Adams, James Skahan

crucial points for our team.”

In doubles matches as well, Healey said, “any point we didn’t get, we would’ve tied or lost” the state title. For example, senior James Skahan and junior Nicholas Hess “won their first round match and almost upset the #12 seed in the tournament,” earning a “critical point.” Similarly, junior Victor Alessi and freshman Robert Costello “won two key matches and upset the #16 seed in their second match to make it” to the third round. Ben Adams and Troy

Chase Jagel

Victor Alessi

Romano, seeded #2, advanced all the way to the finals in the Class S doubles championship, competing against Westbrook just hours before their own high school graduation. Though Healey initially paired

Robert Costello

Athletics – 2016/2017 Year in Review Adams and Romano with other players, “I knew if I wanted a shot” at the title, “I had to put them together.” Calling Adams a “steady Eddie on the court,” Healey said, “Ben would get so many balls back; he’d be the one to find a way.” Describing Romano as the “X factor that elevated them to another level,” Healey stated, “Troy’s athleticism would take him 15 feet across the court to poach a volley.” Healey also noted Romano’s outstanding career doubles record of 76-7, with finishes as doubles state runner-up in 2017 and doubles state champion in 2016. Though they did not win the 2017 finals match, Adams and Romano clearly played an indispensable role in the team’s championship victory.

Healey has proven quite indispensable himself as coach. As ECHS Athletic Director Mike Mooney stated, “Coach Healey continues to demonstrate his unique ability to assemble all the best combinations of doubles and singles players together in order to generate the highest possible level of team scoring.

This includes motivating very good singles players to play doubles to best support the team, and working hard to improve every participant’s skill level.” Adams said that Healey “does a really good job of planning.

He’s excellent at organization, and he keeps us in line,” while Romano complimented his coach’s strong motivational skills. This year, Healey was excited to add Tyler Skrzypiec ’08 to the coaching staff.

The former ECHS player “allowed us to be more hands-on this year with coaching individual players,” and it “was great to have him back, as he did a great job with the players,” Healey said. As the state championship attests, “great job” is a given for the ECHS Boys Tennis team.

OVERALL SUMMARY • Athletic Department: Michael’s Cup Recipient (fourth year in a row) • 1 State Championship Team – Boys Tennis (Class S) • 2 State Runner-up Teams - Girls Swimming (Class S) and Boys Cross Country (Class M) • 5 Conference Championship Teams • 24 CIAC All-State Honorees • 78 CCC All-Conference Honorees • 263 CCC Academic All-Conference Honorees • 81% of our students participated in a Varsity sport (517), and @50% of these athletes played two or more sports (258).

• Football – Marc Zazzaro ‘17, Josh Mendoza ‘17, Jake Sylvester ‘17, Connor Hills ‘17, Enrique Claudio ‘17 • Cross Country (Girls) – Molly Brown ‘19, Fiona Crowley ‘20 • Cross Country (Boys) – Peter Crowley ‘17, Evan Kennedy ‘18, Heath Olivieri ‘19, Cooper Shifrin ‘18 • Field Hockey - Chelsea Braz ‘17, Natalie Heaney ‘17, Alexa Weber ‘18 CCC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE (TEAM TOTALS):

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Volleyball (10), Girls Soccer (20), Boys Soccer (22), Girls Swimming and Diving (21), Football (12), Boys Cross Country (6), Girls Cross Country (8), Field Hockey (12)

Overview:

Additional Highlights:

• 2 State Runner-up Teams - Girls Swimming (Class S) and Boys Cross Country (Class M)

• Abby Stern ‘17 selected to play in the Connecticut Senior All-Star Volleyball Game

• 1 CCC North Conference Championship Team Boys Cross Country (10-0 overall record)

• Nicole Garfield ’17 chosen to play in the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Senior Soccer Bowl

• 4 CIAC All-State Honorees • 32 CCC All-Conference Honorees • 111 CCC Academic All-Conference Honorees CIAC All-State: • Soccer (Girls) – Nicole Garfield ‘17 • Cross Country (Girls) – Fiona Crowley ‘20

• Connecticut High School Coaches Association Scholar Athletes: David Mantese ‘17 and Amelia Ockert ‘17 WINTER Overview:

• Volleyball - Abigail Stern ‘17

• 1 CCC North Conference Championship Team Boys Basketball; 1 SCC Conference Championship Team – Girls Ice Hockey

All-Conference:

• 7 CIAC All-State Honorees

• Volleyball – Jennie Fetzer ‘17, Nicole Poulin ‘17, Abigail Stern ‘17

• 15 CCC All-Conference Honorees

• Cross Country (Boys) – Evan Kennedy ‘18

• Soccer (Girls) – Alexandra Ansaldi ‘18, Olivia Fiori ‘19, Nicole Garfield ‘17, Haley Zalcman ‘18 • Soccer (Boys) - Tyler Andrade ‘18, Matthew Trymbulak ‘17 • Swimming and Diving (Girls) - Gabrielle Caron ‘18, Madisen Crowley 18, Samantha Dickinson ‘17, Amelia Martin ‘17, Amelia Ockert ‘17, Tess Penders ‘19, Lauren Roth ‘18, Delia Topitzer ‘18, Alexia Weir ‘19

• 60 CCC Academic All-Conference Honorees CIAC All-State: • Basketball (Boys) - Michael McGuirl ‘17 • Ice Hockey (Girls) - Madeleine Gervais ‘17 • Ice Hockey (Boys) – Joseph Sitarz ‘17 • Track (Boys) – Cooper Shifrin ‘18, Heath Olivieri ‘19, Peter Crowley ‘17, Evan Kennedy ‘18

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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All-Conference: • Basketball (Boys) Mike McGuril ‘17, Matthew Veretto ‘18 • Basketball (Girls) Anielia Piel ‘18 • Ice Hockey (Boys) Joe Sitarz ‘17, Columbo DiSalvatore ‘17, Brady Batman ‘17 • Ice Hockey (Girls) Madeleine Gervais ‘17, Sarah Manner ‘17, Morgan Peters ‘17 (Honorable Mention) • Outdoor Track (Boys) Kevin Lanciano ‘17, Evan Kennedy ‘18, Patrick Regan ‘17, Peter Crowley ‘17 • Wrestling Jacob Marselli ‘19, Zack Pragosa ‘17

• Baseball – Danny Glendon ‘17 • Outdoor Track (Boys 4x800): Evan Kennedy ‘18, Heath Olivieri ‘18, Peter Crowley ‘17, Cooper Shifrin ‘18 • Tennis – Troy Romano ‘17 and Ben Adams ‘17 • Lacrosse (Boys) – Jake Tellers ‘19, Dante Pasqualoni ‘17, Michael Bazzano ‘18 (Second Team) • Lacrosse (Girls) – Alexa Weber ‘18 All-Conference:

Seniors Planning to Compete in College: • Chelsea Braz - field hockey and lacrosse – Mount Holyoke College (D3) • Ryan Burkhardt – baseball – Keene State College (D3) • Cricket Cavar - swimming - Elms College (D3) • Tyler Capen – football – University of New England (D3) • Samantha Dickinson – swimming – Marist College (D1) • Thane Dudzinski – football – Alfred University (D3)

• Cheerleading Kyra Rice ‘19

• Baseball – Danny Glendon ‘17, Matthew Smith ‘18, Vincent Caccavale ‘19, Zachary Simone ‘18

CCC ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE (TEAM TOTALS):

• Softball – Jenny Titus ‘18, Farrell Gothers ‘18

• Dylan Fournier – baseball – Saint Joseph’s College (D3)

Boys Basketball (7), Girls Basketball (11), Boys Ice Hockey (7), Girls Ice Hockey (4), Boys Indoor Track (11), Girls Indoor Track (7), Boys Swimming and Diving (6), Wrestling (7)

• Golf (Boys) – Colin Luca ‘19, Brady Batman ‘17

• Nicole Garfield – soccer – Stonehill College (D2)

• Golf (Girls) – Katelyn Jylkka ‘17, Meghan Faulkner ‘19

• Madeleine Gervais – ice hockey – St. Michael’s College (D3)

• Lacrosse (Boys) – Jake Tellers ‘19, Michael Bazzano ‘18, Dante Pasqualoni ‘17, Timothy Carlson ‘18, Aric Graves ‘17, Caleb Daly ‘19

• Danny Glendon – baseball – Sacred Heart University (D1)

• Lacrosse (Girls) – Natalie Heaney ‘17, Alexa Weber ‘18, Kiely Callahan ‘18, Macy Wilcox ‘19

• Mickey Howe – baseball – Elms College (D3)

• Tennis (Boys) – Sam Dorman ‘17, Benjamin Adams ‘17, Tory Romano ‘17

• Kevin Lanciano – track – Assumption College (D2)

• Tennis (Girls) – Madison Blazejowski ‘19, Caroline Dorman ‘20, Brittany Leonard ‘18, Samantha Meyer ‘17, Debbie Jeong ‘17

• Shannon Leary – swimming – Sienna College (D1)

Additional Highlights: • Madeleine Gervais ‘17 chosen SCC Division I Girls’ Ice Hockey Player of the Year • Sarah Manner ‘19 chosen SCC Division I Girls’ Ice Hockey Tournament Most Outstanding Player • Michael McGuirl ‘17 and Joey Reilly ‘19 selected for All-Courant Team • Basketball team had a 24 game winning streak entering the state semi-finals.

• End of Season Hartford Courant Poll: Boys Basketball was ranked 3rd in the State and 1st in the Area • Central CT Board 6 selected the East Catholic Boys Basketball team as the 2017 recipient of their Boys Sportsmanship Award.

• Outdoor Track (Boys) – Evan Kennedy ‘18, Peter Crowley ‘17 • Outdoor Track (Girls) – Amanda Duvall ‘17

SPRING

CCC Academic All-Conference (team totals): Baseball (13), Boys Golf (4), Girls Golf (5), Boys Lacrosse (11), Girls Lacrosse (17), Softball (8), Boys Tennis (8), Girls Tennis (11), Boys Track (11), Girls Track (4)

Overview:

Additional Highlights:

• 1 State Championship Team – Boys Tennis (Class S)

• Reina Willhide ‘19 qualified and competed for the ECHS IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) Team at the Regionals

• 2 CCC North Conference Championship Teams Baseball and Boys Golf • 14 CIAC All-State Honorees • 31 CCC All-Conference Honorees • 92 CCC Academic All-Conference Honorees CIAC All-State: • Golf (Girls) – Katelyn Jylkka ‘17

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• Golf (Boys) – Colin Luca ‘19 and Brady Batman ‘17

COLLEG

East Athletics continued

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

• Boys 4x800 meter relay team State Champions and 7th in New England Championships • Matt Smith ‘18 selected to participate in the Connecticut Junior Select All-Star Baseball game.

• Danny Glendon ‘17 selected to participate in the Connecticut District IV Senior All-Star Baseball game.

• Natalie Heaney – lacrosse – Merrimack College (D2) • Katelyn Jylkka – golf – Stonehill College (D2)

• Sarah Manner – ice hockey – St. Michael’s College (D3) • Michael McGuirl – basketball - Kansas State University (D1) • Brandon Narciso – football – University of New England (D3) • Dante Pasqualoni – lacrosse – Bryant University (D1)(redshirt) • Jeffrey Walsh – baseball – Southern Connecticut State University (D2) • Connor Williams – baseball – Stonehill College (D2) • Halle Usseglio - ice hockey – Suffolk University (D3) • Marc Zazzaro – football - Union College (D3)

ALUMNI NEWS

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LILLIAN PALMIERI GREENWOOD sends greetings to her classmates from 1978 and is looking forward to the 40th Class Reunion in 2018! She lives in Cheshire, CT with her husband, Peter. Lillian is currently employed at Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and is a clinical research pharmacist in Immuno-oncology. She has three children, Victoria and Matthew both attending the UCONN School of Medicine 4th year and 3rd year respectively, and Justin, an undergraduate at UCONN with a double major in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.

CAROLINE BASS and her husband Michael Sorrentino welcomed their first child, Amelia Christine Sorrentino on June 13, 2017 at 3:07 a.m. Amelia was born at Mt. Sinai West Hospital in Manhattan and weighed 6 lbs. 9 ounces at birth.

Caroline is an Associate Broker at Citi Habitats Residential Brokerage Firm, and Michael is a Senior Managing Director at the Corcoran Group. The family resides in New York City.

1995

ANN MARIE CHAPMAN resides and works in Long Island for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In the photo she is seining the Carmans River on the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. They use a net to sweep the water column and bring in a variety of aquatic creatures for local school children to see and touch which are mostly fish, crabs, eels and macroinvertebrates. The program is meant to show kids the incredible diversity of creatures that live in an estuary.

In the photo: Kathryn LaFontana, Ph.D.

1987

KATHRYN LAFONTANA, PH.D. has been named Vice President for Academic Affairs at Ursuline College in Pepper Pike, OH where she assumed her new role on July 5th. Prior to this, Kathryn served in academic leadership at The College of New Rochelle and at Sacred Heart University. Kathryn earned her doctorate degree at the University of Connecticut.

1999

JOHN GIARD recently became engaged to Victoria Klemonsky, and they are planning to be married in April 2018.

They both currently reside in West Hartford, CT. John is a graduate of Manchester Community College and is employed at United Healthcare in Hartford as an underwriter.

2002

PATRICK GREENE and his wife Jenna welcomed their first child. Brady Michael Greene was born on May 6, 2017, weighing 10 pounds 3 ounces and measuring 22.5 inches long.

2003

GREG GIARD married Anne Newton in April 2016. They are both employed at Norwich University and reside in Northfield, VT. Greg received his Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Connecticut State University.

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ALUMNI NEWS

In the photo from left to right in back row: Tom Wholley ’07, Tyler Ptachcinski ’17, Deb Ovian Hopper ’80, Mark Hopper ’78, Karin McCaffrey Smith ’80, Carole Enderlin Holmes ’74, Matt Holmes ’07, William Dailey ’67, Kathleen Dailey Mirek ’69, Sue Dailey Malanga ’80 (mother of the bride), Bryan Chervenak ’90, Martin Fiori ’90, Matt Le ’07, Jack Casey ’07 and R.J. Brownell ’07. In the photo from left to right front row: Alyssa Fiori ’17, Olivia Fiori ’19, Chris Tarantino ’09, Christine Smith ’09, Christie Malanga Cram ’09, Michael Cram ’07, Debbie Fiori (ECHS Guidance Counselor), Laura Fiori St. Jean ’91. Alumni present but not pictured included Therese Reynolds Gauthier ’80 and John Dailey ’74.

Christie Malanga Cram ’09 and Michael Cram ’07

2007 & 2009

MICHAEL CRAM and CHRISTIE MALANGA were married on July 3, 2016 in Madison, CT. Michael graduated from East in 2007 and went on to Assumption College and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011. He is currently employed with Amazon.com as a Strategic Customer Engagement Specialist. Christie graduated from East in 2009 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCONN in 2013 and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education from the University of St. Joseph in 2016.

The couple currently resides in Seattle, WA. Many ECHS alumni attended the wedding!

2009

THERESA GIARD recently completed her Masters of Science degree in Student Affairs Counseling at Central Connecticut State University. She is employed in the Student Housing Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA.

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2011

JULIE BOGLISCH has had her first novel published, THE ELIFER CHRONICLES: EPIDEMIC. She graduated in 2015 from Gordon College with a double major in Music and Communication Arts. THE ELIFER CHRONICLES is the first book in a series that has achieved four 5-star reviews on Amazon shortly after its release. Her book can be found on amazon.com.

KEITH NIELSEN is currently residing in New York City. He continues to freelance in costume departments for various film and television projects. He finished 2016 designing an upcoming short film called, “The Mustard Seed.”

He has also worked with Justin Long’s web series, “The Real Stephen Blatt.” This past year he served as costume coordinator on an upcoming Ethan Hawke and Amanda Seyfried film. In his spare time, Keith enjoys the hidden treasures and the cultural Keith Nielsen ‘11 experiences of New York City.

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

2012

SARAH LEONARD received her Masters degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics this past May from the University of Hartford.

With her skills, knowledge, and experience, she will be assisting with post-op care, building and fitting limbs, and programming microprocessor joints for amputee patients. While completing her degree, Sarah also served as the coach of the Girls Golf Team at East Catholic. As a former player and captain, she felt this was an extremely rewarding experience to give back to a team that had such a profound effect on her life. She will now serve for 18 months as a Resident with the New England Orthotics and Prosthetics Systems (NEOPS) rotating through offices in New London, Hartford, East Hartford and New Haven.

Sarah Leonard ‘12

ALUMNI NEWS

2014

MATTHEW BELL is attending Ohio State University majoring in Earth Sciences, Ecology and Organismal Biology.

While participating in AP Biology at East Catholic in 2013, Matt developed a love of birding and has been studying species throughout the United States and Costa Rica. Recently he was made a guide for one of the largest birdwatching festivals in the United States, “The Biggest Week in American Birding,” which took place near Oregon, Ohio at the world-renowned Magee Marsh. Presently he has seen over 521 species and has been dabbling in photography as well. He thanks ECHS Science Teacher Lesa Milas for challenging him back in 2013 with an attempt to see 50 species of birds!

2013

STEPHANE FORTIN graduated in May 2017 from the University of Maine at Machias Summa Cum Laude with a B.S. in Environmental Recreation Tourism Management with a Concentration in Natural Resources. She has accepted a Park Ranger Interpreter/Naturalist job in Georgia.

Lesa Milas and Ben Schwendy ’15

2015

BEN SCHWENDY is majoring in Civil Engineering at Clemson University in South Carolina. This summer he did an engineering internship with Pitt & Sherry in Melbourne, Australia. Ben spent his time doing design work and inspecting bridges while shadowing an engineering professional.

2016

CAMERON TORRES is attending Franklin Pierce University in the Honors Program. His major is Sports Management.

He made the Dean’s List at the school and the Conference Commissioner’s Academic List for athletes. He is on the track and field team, specializing in javelin.

Lesa Milas and Matthew Bell ’14

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

15

IN MEMORY ALUMNI **ANDRE BESSETTE ‘86; died 9/17/16

JEFFREY HEIM ‘77, brother of Ronald Heim ’79 and Katherine Heim Berlin ‘72 (deceased); died 1/3/17

STEVEN CONTI ’78, brother of Philip Conti ’71; died 2/24/17 DONNA SAWTELLE LIS ‘73; died 3/25/17

MARY JANE CERSOSIMO PESATURO ‘65, sister of Catherine

FRANCES “FRAN” MORIN, wife of Gary Morin ’67; mother of Michele Morin Zern ’94 and Brian Morin ’97; died 1/13/17 JO-ANNE LOUISE LAIBLE, grandmother of Daniel Hughes ’14; died 1/18/17

MARY WERTENBACH, mother of Mary Jane Wertenbach Plante ’84, John Wertenbach ’88; grandmother of James Plante ’17; died 1/25/17

MARY RIZZUTO, mother of

SALVATORE INGALLINERA,

Douglas Rizzuto ’88; died 3/25/17

father of Carole Ingallinera Kunze ’82 and Catherine Ingallinera McDermott ’83; died 5/31/17

EDWARD BURKE, husband of Susan Pawloski-Burke ’75; died 3/27/17

ANNIE NOLEN, mother of Cephus Nolen, Jr ’76, Yvonne Nolen ’80, Karen Nolen ‘83 and Michael Nolen ’76 (deceased); died 3/27/17

JOHN BIENKOWSKI, father of Janet Bienkowski ’86 and brother of Paul Bienkowski ‘77; died 3/31/17

HENRY J. CULLINANE, father of Loretta Cullinane Gallegos’ 82, Henry T. Cullinane ’83, Brian Cullinane ’86; grandfather of Erin Cullinane ’19; died 1/26/17

grandfather of Kelly Blecker ’18; died 4/1/17

Martha Furlong Morelli ’73, James Furlong ’79, John Furlong ’80 and Robert Furlong ’81; died 6/18/17

DAVID FITTON, grandfather of

of Richard Lautenbach ’76; died 4/4/17

SANDRA SACCOCCIA AUGELLO

of Diane Keeney Caron ’73, Theresa Keeney ’75, Joan Keeney Mikolowsky ’76, Sandra Keeney Hoyt ’81; grandfather of Erica Hoyt ’19; died 2/6/17.

Cersosimo Gelineau ’67; died 6/16/17

SUSAN FURLONG ’74, sister of

‘68; died 7/16/17 FACULTY & STAFF

ROSALEEN SULLIVAN, mother of Eileen Sullivan Brozna ’68, James K. Sullivan ’70 and Rosemary Sullivan-DeCesare ’75; died 1/30/17 SUSAN CAREY TROVARELLI; died 3/11/17

ELIZABETH TUCKER “BETTY” BARCOMB; died 3/17/17 SR. MARION RAYMOND HURLEY, SND; died 4/7/17 JOANNE PETRO HOFFMAN; died 7/12/17 FAMILY OF ALUMNI & CURRENT STUDENTS

RICHARD W. KELLER, grandfather of Daniel Glendon ’17; died 1/6/17

FRANCIS “FRANK” BURNS, father of Ellen Burns Johndrow ’75, Francis “Frank” W. Burns ’77, Robert J. Burns ’82, Richard M. Burns ’84; grandfather of Matthew F. Burns, ’04, Meghan K. Burns ’06, Thomas A. Landers ’08, Erin Burns Zimei ’09 and Caitlin A. Landers ’10; died 1/7/17

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Eagle Deceased 1/1/17-7/27/17 ** Previously missed

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Emily Grant ’17; died 2/1/17

ALFRED W. KEENEY, father

ELAINE SMITH, grandmother of Michael Adanti ’15; died 2/9/17

VIRGINIA ROSE MEYER DODD, grandmother of Kelley Meyer ’99, Sean Meyer ’01, Edwin J. Meyer ’02, Kevin Meyer ’04 and Taylor Meyer ’06; died 2/18/17

VIRGINIA LESSARD, mother of Angela Lessard Mac ’66, Patricia Lessard Gerrity ’69, Lionel Lessard, Jr. ’80 and Robert Lessard ’74 (deceased); died 2/19/17

MARY MCCAFFREY, mother of Karin McCaffrey Smith ’80, Patrick McCaffrey ’81, Michael McCaffrey ’85; grandmother of Thomas Smith ’07 and William Smith ’12; died 2/20/17 MARY PUTNAM, stepmother of Lisa Putnam Kirsche ’86; stepgrandmother of Jenny Kirsche ’20; died 3/2/17 WILLIAM MENNER, grandfather of Mary Grace Menner ’12 and Molly Menner ’16; died 3/16/17 STANLEY OZIMEK , father of David Ozimek ’71, Thomas Ozimek ’82 and Philip Ozimek ‘86; died 3/24/17

HERMAN BLECKER III,

PAULINE LAUTENBACH, mother

BIRUTE ZABULIS, mother of Raymond Zabulis ’81 and Regina Zabulis Miltenberger ’85; died 4/18/17

DONALD FENTON, grandfather of Mary Grace Menner ‘12 and Molly Menner ‘16; died 4/25/17 SARAH “SALLY” HOWAT, grandmother of Elizabeth Sakowski ’07 and Eric Sakowski ’09; died 5/9/17

DOLORES T. SUPINO, mother of Joseph Supino ’74, Eileen Supino Shea ’76, Gerard Supino ’80; grandmother of Kelly Shea ’08 and Emily Shea ’10; died 6/12/17 SUSAN BOROFSKY, mother of Peter Borofsky ’92 and Adam Borofsky ’96; died 6/15/17 DONALD BURKE, father of Paul Burke ’84 and Joyce Burke McCarthy ’88; died 6/19/17

RUTHANNE HADLEY, grandmother of Alexia Weir ’19; died 6/20/17 MARY BOTTARO, mother of Richard Bottaro ’67, Brian Bottaro ’72; grandmother of Michael Bottaro ’93, David Bottaro ’96, Gregory Bottaro ’99, Christopher Bottaro ’00, Eric Bottaro ’01 and Nicholas Bottaro ’05; died 6/24/17

LYGIA MATTA, grandmother of Antonio Matta ‘05, Veronica Matta ’08 and Catherine Matta ’09; died 6/25/17

of Jessica Strano-Rex ’00; died 5/18/17

ANTHONY ROBERTO, SR., grandfather of Nicholas Roberto ’06 and Melissa Roberto ’08; died 7/10/17

RENE LAROSE, grandfather of

THOMAS FUREY, father of John

Jack Larose ’18; died 5/21/17

Furey ’85; died 7/11/17

WILLIAM “BILL” HOCH, father of William Hoch ’77, Gregory Hoch ’81, Arlette Hoch Cassidy ’83; grandfather of Alexandra Cassidy ’09, Ealish Cassidy ’10 and Taj Hoch ’17; died 5/25/17

MARCIA KIMBALL HORAN; grandmother of Liam HoranPortelance ’18 and Maeve HoranPortelance ’21; died 7/22/17

JEAN STRANO, grandmother

ALEXANDER LAFFERTY, father of Andrew Lafferty ’89; died 5/28/17 FLORIAN DUFRESNE, grandfather of Justin Dufresne ’10 and Emilie Dufresne ’16; died 5/29/17

EILEEN MCGUINNESS, mother of Joseph McGuinness ’87 and Tricia McGuinness Laubscher ’89; died 5/29/17

Celebrating the Life of

Sr. Marion Raymond Hurley, SNDdeN

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

ECHS Campus Minister John Urbanski once told me he does not use the phrase “passed away” when someone leaves this life; rather, he says “passed on,” because the person we’ve lost is never truly away from us.

In that spirit, then, I share that Sister Marion Raymond Hurley, SNDdeN, passed on from this life on April 7, 2017.

A beloved member of the East Catholic community for 44 years, Sister Marion is surely one who will always be with us at ECHS. A teacher in the Religion and Math departments, Sister Marion had a powerful bond with many ECHS faculty members and students, including close friend Sister Peggy Evans, SNDdeN. As Sister Peggy recalled, “I first met Sister Marion when she arrived at East Catholic in 1970, and I had the privilege of living in community with her for the next 44 years.” As an ECHS guidance counselor and past administrator herself, Sister Peggy saw first-hand how students thrived under Sister Marion’s tutelage: “Sister Marion was that teacher who was always available for extra help,” as “her abiding respect and care for her students were boundless.” World Languages department chair Jan Reilly, who worked with Sister Marion for decades, also noted “her unbelievable patience with students. She used to have a little table in the Xerox room for extra help, and she would stay there with her students until they got it.” Many colleagues praised Sister Marion for her consistency and sense of fairness; she “always, always lived out her principles” through her teach-

ing, Sister Peggy said, and “everyone was treated lovingly and equally” in her classroom.

Sister Marion not only taught in the Religion and Math departments, but spearheaded numerous service projects every year without fail. As Sister Peggy noted, “She organized blood drives and clothing drives; sent out platoons of her students with food and gift baskets at Christmas and Thanksgiving; initiated a still-existing East Catholic tradition of Christmas giving trees,” and coordinated countless acts of service through the ECHS Social Action Club. Sister Marion “loved the giving trees and the holiday baskets,” Mrs. Reilly stated. “Anyone who delivered with her could see in her face what it meant to her” to serve others. Sister Marion has created a legacy of service that continues to inspire the East Catholic community.

A Mass of Christian Burial, preceded by a lovely prayer service, was celebrated for Sister Marion on April 18th at St. Isaac Jogues Church in East Hartford, CT. Many people from the communities of the Sisters of Notre Dame and East Catholic took the opportunity to pay their respects and remember Sister Marion with great affection; Sister Peggy noted “there were colleagues from 40 years ago as well as students from three years ago” who attended. The woman who held pride in her Irish heritage and loved her trips to Ireland, who was playful, even mischievous at times, who found joy in her faith and in her life’s work, was, in Sister Peggy’s words, “an exceptional woman who lived her life with a singular focus: to enhance the spiritual and physical lives of others.” The ECHS community remains grateful for Sister Marion’s lasting gifts.

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FAITH & SERVICE

PROM ofDREAMS

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

“

Over 100 guests attended the event, which featured a DJ, a photo booth, catered food, take-home gift bags and other keepsakes…

“

18

The red carpet that night added a touch of glamour to the festivities; more importantly, it signaled a spirit of welcome and celebration as guests arrived at the inaugural MARC, Inc. Prom of Dreams. Held on May 6th in the East Catholic cafeteria, which volunteers had transformed with decorations earlier in the day, the Prom of Dreams brought to life a vision shared by Kevin Zingler, Executive Director of MARC, Inc., ECHS senior and MARC STRETCH leader Lillie Doherty, and other volunteers. Over 100 guests attended the event,

T

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

which featured a DJ, a photo booth, catered food, take-home gift bags and other keepsakes for each guest. The MARC clients, caregivers and family members hit the dance floor with volunteers and chaperones, creating a sense of contagious enthusiasm and open appreciation for all the hard work that went into the event.

The Prom of Dreams came together through months of planning. Sister Barbara-Jean Kubik, SNDdeN, Coordinator of Student Service in ECHS Campus Ministry, stated that Mr. Zingler “has been wanting to have a prom” for MARC

clients for years. As East Catholic has “a longstanding connection with MARC in terms of community service,” the school is a natural fit for the prom, Sister Barbara-Jean said. Ms. Doherty, who served as the STRETCH (Service That Requires Engaging The Compassionate Heart) leader for MARC for almost three years, “took the idea and ran with it” this year, Sister Barbara-Jean said. She emphasized that “Lillie really knew the clients,” and that fact, coupled with Lillie’s extraordinary initiative, made every stage of planning effective.

Ms. Doherty said she knew early on that “I wanted to make [the annual MARC spring dance]

a prom this year,” and “I was lucky to receive so much support from Mr. Zingler and everyone at MARC.” Ms. Doherty checked in with MARC staff and volunteers once every two weeks to stay on track with her tasks. She credits the many volunteers who helped her as she coordinated donations of prom dresses and tuxedo vests and ties from local shops, set up a dress /tuxedo vest and tie giveaway for MARC clients, created an ad calling for volunteers published in The Hartford Courant and posted on social media, and arranged for many behind-the-scenes details that drove the success of the event. One MARC volunteer,

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PROMofDREAMS

FAITH & SERVICE

20

“a woman named Marcia, who was amazing,” did all the dress alterations for free, Ms. Doherty said. Other volunteers did hair and make-up on the night itself, and Ms. Doherty and her mother made the corsages and boutonnieres on display as guests signed in to the event. As they picked up their flowers, female guests had a tiara waiting for them, and male guests received a pair of sunglasses. Ms. Doherty also put together the gift bags, which included a T-shirt, inspirational wristbands, and personal notes written in gold marker by Ms. Doherty: “just writing them all out was one of my favorite parts,” she said. Sister Barbara-Jean attributed the night’s success to “all Lillie’s planning,” and also to “a great coming together of other volunteers – friends, faculty, students and people

I can’t express strongly enough the joy I felt watching our guests enter on the red carpet. The pride they felt in their appearance, their eagerness to enjoy the party was such a pleasure to see. from the larger community” who helped out in the weeks leading up to the event.

No wonder, then, that in Ms. Doherty’s words, “everything came together so well” on the night itself. After arrival, guests filed down the red carpet and posed for photos taken by ECHS

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

seniors Alyssa Fiori and Gianna Margaglione; their smiles and compliments set the tone as guests moved into the cafeteria. Faculty chaperone Tom Menner commented, “I can’t express strongly enough the joy I felt watching our guests enter on the red carpet. The pride they felt in their appearance, their eagerness to enjoy the party was such a pleasure to see.” Sister Barbara-Jean echoed Mr. Menner’s sentiments, saying “The joy and the excitement in the room, the energy, the chemistry were palpable” throughout the evening. Having attended the Prom of Dreams myself, I spoke with dozens of MARC clients and volunteers as we ate, danced and celebrated together, and I’m delighted to confirm how much we all loved it as well. The night did, in fact, fulfill many dreams, just as it revealed the very best of the true spirit of East Catholic.

ECHS New Administrative Team

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

“Coming together is a beginning; keepsportsmanship and character. Mr. Maynard “Working together,” as Ford undering together is progress; working together embraces the opportunity to serve as head scores, also ensures that success, and with is success.” When Henry Ford first made of school, a role that lets him “remain emMs. Perillo maintaining her role as vice this observation, East Catholic did not bedded and engaged in the school commuprincipal, the new administration is sure exist as a school. If Ford were around today nity” as much as it allows him “to concento work together most effectively. Now to observe the East Catholic community trate on the institutional planning of the in her third year as ECHS vice principal, and its new administration, perhaps he’d school” and “to expand our base fiscally.” she values this position because she can add, “And sometimes, when you “still mentor students and be an have the right people in place, advocate for faculty” while tendyou get to experience all three ing to curriculum development, at once.” Newly appointed Head academic scheduling and other of School Thomas Maynard, new administrative duties. In fact, when appointed Principal Ryan Hinton, the new governance structure was and Vice Principal Susan Perillo announced, the classroom teacher came together officially on July 1, of 34 years “made it very clear that 2017. Superintendent of Catholic I’d never lose my faculty lens.” She Schools Dr. Michael Griffin first also stated how much she enjoyed announced the new leadership sharing the vice principal position team on April 7th. As he explained with Mr. Maynard in 2015-16 and to the Catholic Transcript, the head with Mr. James Roberts in 2016of school engages with the school 2017. With Mr. Roberts shifting In the photo from left to right: ECHS Head of School, Tom Maynard; community and oversees all aspects The Most Reverend Leonard P. Blair, STD, Archbishop of Hartford; professional duties back to the of the school, devoting “more classroom this year, both Mr. Mayand ECHS Principal Ryan Hinton time and efforts to institutional nard and Ms. Perillo praised how functions, such as finances, advancement, He added, “I’m excited about the new well Mr. Roberts worked in administraalumni strategic planning, board initiatives model [of governance],” and “the synergy tion: “We established an excellent working and marketing.” The principal maintains of our personalities and skills,” especially team,” Ms. Perillo said. As she undertakes “a primary role in leading the day-to-day as Mr. Hinton and Ms. Perillo already know her responsibilities as the sole vice princifunctions of the school.” This transition in and love the school as well. pal for the first time, Ms. Perillo is eager governance structure from principal/chief Mr. Hinton, too, values how each to support Mr. Maynard and Mr. Hinton in administrator and two vice principals “is administrator already has experience with their new roles. more suited to the needs of East Cathothe culture of East Catholic, not to menMuch has changed in the time since lic at this time,” Dr. Griffin stated to the tion deep respect and affection for it. “We Henry Ford first stated his famous Catholic Transcript. are already so invested in and familiar with aphorism, and much has changed at East As each of the three ECHS administrathis community,” stated the former ECHS Catholic as our new administration takes tors has already served the school in past Religion teacher and department chair, the helm. What remains constant, however, years, they are able not only to “come who previously worked at East Catholic are the values that have always held our together,” but to “keep together” and from 2007-2013. “It feels like I’m coming community together. As Mr. Maynard comachieve “progress” as Ford describes. Mr. home,” he stated. Like Mr. Maynard and mented, “There are increasingly fewer and Maynard has proven his dedication to East Ms. Perillo, “I know the good work that fewer places like East, a place where we do Catholic in multiple ways, having served as we’ve done.” He continued, “I’ve stayed in not take for granted the beliefs and values” vice principal (2015-16), interim principal contact with alumni I’ve taught; I’m watchthat drive our culture, a place where “genand chief administrator (2016-17) and head ing them grow, and I know what they did erations of ECHS families” make the comof school. In that time, he said, he has at East Catholic has shaped them now. It mitment to the “education for the whole “fallen in love with the school,” noting how fills me with hope for our students who are person” that our school provides. With at East Catholic, “we’re about bringing in our charge now.” The ability to look to core values and inspired administrators in out all the talents that God has put within a shared past, he emphasized, ensures the place, the East Catholic legacy continues us,” talents that carry over into academics, future success of the school. to flourish.

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SPECIAL REPORT

GRADUATIO

BY LISA PUTNAM KIRSCHE ’86

22

EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

ON2017 On June 1, 2017, the ECHS senior class lined up outside the entrance of St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hartford in early evening sunlight. As they filed in wearing blue and white caps and gowns, the graduates became part of the tradition that links all ECHS alumni who have walked down the same aisle to receive their diplomas. Wearing special robes for their “second” ECHS graduation, members of the Class of 1967 processed in as well, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of their first cathedral walk. This year, Interim Principal Thomas E. Maynard and Bishop Peter A. Rosazza presided over the graduation ceremony, which featured beautifully delivered readings and speeches from senior class officers: president Amelia Ockert, Sheleen Quish Anstandig ’66 vice president Lindsey Sullivan, treasurer Chase Large and secretary Elise Moreau.

The commencement speaker, Ms. Sheleen Quish Anstandig ’66, shared many highlights from her expansive career and many insights gleaned from her experiences.

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Graduation 2017 continued

Madeleine Gervais & Michael McGuirl

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

Ms. Anstandig has had a strong family connection with East Catholic for decades. Her family created the Quish Family Scholarship in memory of her two brothers, Michael ’68 and Tim ’72; her brother Peter ’69 and sister-in-law Meg Malone Quish ’69 attended East Catholic as well. Not surprisingly, then, when she visited earlier in the school year, it “felt like I came home again.” A resident of Las Vegas, NV, she enjoyed the chance to award the family scholarship in person this year. “To meet the young lady [Amanda Duvall ‘17] who received it myself,” she said, “was amazing.” She considered the opportunity to speak at graduation “a huge honor,” and crafted her remarks to focus “not so much on what others think of as success,” but on “creating your own definition of success” and embracing “how to become your own best self.”

Addressing the graduates in her remarks, Ms. Anstandig emphasized the importance of staying open, paying attention and being flexible in an ever-changing society. As “the road today does not go straight up to your dreams,” she noted, people need to know how to “fall forward” as they strive for success. She discussed how she has navigated her career through “13 companies, seven different industries, and five economic downturns, in addition to mergers and acquisitions,” and she identified resilience, innovation, optimism and gratitude as essential traits for moving forward. Ms.Anstandig not only shared career highlights, but personal details as she reminded her audience how important it is to focus on making good choices and persevering through life’s challenges.

For Ms. Anstandig, former ECHS

Elise Moreau

Principal Father Shaw still stands out as a revered role model. “His leadership of excellence, love and caring was evident in everything he did,” she said. Under his guidance, ECHS students “acted on a higher plane of respect for others,” and thus our community was known not only for academics, but for sportsmanship and character. However times have changed since then, we still aspire to embody these same values, and our graduates are clearly fortunate to have both Father Shaw and Ms. Anstandig as examples as they transition to life beyond East Catholic.

Dante Pasqualoni & Delaney Mullen

Deb Fiori, Tyler Ptachcinski & Lee Ptachcinski

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Graduation 2017 continued

In the photo from left to right: Top row – Bob Huntington, Tony Foran, Gary Shea.

Middle row – Ed Giard and Dan Larson.

Bottom row – Margaret Haugh Steele Kaczorowski, Mary Pat Welch Sullivan and Peg Fagan Donnelly.

Class of 1967 Graduates Members of the Class of 1967 processed with the Class of 2017 at graduation marking 50 years since they graduated!

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East Catholic 2017 Graduates Benjamin Stanley Adams Jiayi (Francesca) Bai Alexis Lee Barselau Brady Andrew Batman Sophia Wasco Becker Nathan James Bell Jack Thomas Blanco Ryan Patrick Brady Chelsea Marie Braz Domenic James Burby Ryan John Burkhardt Tyler Jeffrey Capen Benjamin Robert Carter Ashley Cricket Cavar Tamara Cheriha Kelly Moran Chmielewski Diego Luis Claudio Enrique Luis Claudio Natasha Lee Claudio Meaghan Nicole Conforto Allison Rose Connolly Antonio Francis Cosme-Plein Peter Thomas Crowley Samson Joseph Dancosse Ethan Edward Denton Gavin Michael Dias Ceanna Alysha Diaz Madison Nevruze DiBella Samantha Anders Dickinson Colombo DiSalvatore IV Lillian Ruth Doherty Brandon David Donnelly Samuel John Dorman Erienne Patricia Dowe Paige Elizabeth Driscoll Thane Scott Dudzinski LaShawn Michael Dunn Amanda Lynn Duvall Bailie Catherine Evans Grant Edward Evans Maribeth Serra Falusi Sarah Nellie Fasano Hannah Catherine Faulkner Jillian Irma Ferrigno Jennie Frances Fetzer Alyssa Marie Fiori Alexander Richard Fitzgerald Sean Michael Fitzgerald Tyler Paul Flanigan Mollie Christen Fleming Hannah Rose Foley Dylan Albert Fournier Jordan Kaitlyn French Joshua Allan Fritsch Megan Lynn Gager Anthony John Gagne Nicole Lee Garfield Madeleine Noelle Gervais Meghan Elisabeth Given Daniel Michael Glendon Ryan Daniel Glenney Brendan John Gondarowski Emily Allen Grant Aric Scott Graves

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Vincenzo Albert Graziano Jacob Riley Greene Andrew Joseph Guardino Jiahuan (Ocean) He Natalie Grace Heaney Nicholas Stephen Henkin Connor Donald Hills Taj Monroe Hoch Sara Anne Hohenthal Gillian Grace Horan Mickey Jonathon Howe Brenna Rae Hutt Kevin Eduardo Insignares Deborah Jeong Evelyn Rose Johnson Katelyn Albina Jylkka Joseph Henry Kehoe Jenna Paige Kelly Andrew Robert Kinney Byunghoon (Eddie) Kwon Brandon Peter Lachapelle Brianna Marie Lachapelle Ashley Katherine LaFargue-Soucie Kevin Patrick Lanciano Chase Hanson Large Brandon Joseph Lariviere Megan Thanh Le Shannon Bridget Leary Danielle Lauren LeBlanc Austine Lentini Stephanie Claire Lewis Lei (Raymond) Li Xiaoxuan (Elena) Li Yiming (Billy) Li Lilyanna Marie Lingua-Cutler Ryan James Luca Ian Thomas Macala Tyler James Machowski Joseph Robert Mannarino Sarah Isabel Manner David James Mantese Gianna Marie Margaglione Michelle Martinez Andrew John Martone Joseph Christian Mascaro Gabrielle Xiang Mazzarella Mackenzie Leanna McGee Coehl James McGillivray Michael Joseph McGuirl Kadeem Malike McKoy Nicholas Ryan Medeiros Joshua Michael Mendoza Samantha Jo Meyer Joseph Peter Milazzo Matthew Alexander Miller Catherine Grace Moore Elise Marie Moreau Justin Patvong Moreau Delaney Sue Mullen Trevor James Murray Rachel Leeann Nadeau Brandon Dante Narciso Paola Nicole Ocasio-LaBoy Amelia Paige Ockert

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Christopher Aiden O’Connor Bridget Marie Pajot William Thomas Palauskas Longxu (Derek) Pan Dante Paul Pasqualoni Morgan Elizabeth Peters Matthew Anthony Peterson Audrey Rose Pion James William Plante Olivia Marie Platanitis Nicole André Poulin Zackary Ryan Pragosa Jeffrey Carlton Procaccini Tyler James Ptachcinski Anthony Patrick Ragazzi Theodore Patrick Rainville Jamie Lynn Reale Kyle Patrick Regan Erik Andrew Renner Trent Thomas Riewe Troy James Romano Hannah Elizabeth Rumley Gina Marie Savino Joseph Michael Serignese Jr. Joseph Charles Sitarz James Paul Skahan Michael Anthony Soper Kayla Eileen Stalph Abigail Theresa Stern Sarah Ann Stevenson Jillian Rose Strandberg Hamza Suede Lindsey Morgan Sullivan Zikai (Kelvin) Sun Jacob Richard Sylvester Samuel Steven Teerlinck Colin Douglas Terra Matthew Robert Trymbulak Halle Caroline Usseglio Hannah Morgan Vail Alec John Van Slooten Matthew Stephen Vandenburgh Olivia Grace Varga Kathryn Constance Vassilopoulos Alexa Priscilla Walcher Jeffrey David Walsh Dan (Alice) Wang Xinxin (Stella) Wang Connor Ryan Williams Jessica Nicole Williams Matthew Randall Wing Adam Steven Wolejko Connor Jake Wolpert Hannah Allie Yarum Junyao (Julianna) Yu Marc Bernard Zazzaro

S Summa Scholar ◊ Henry J. O’Brien Scholar ‡ National Merit Commended Ω AP Scholar * National Honor Society

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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eastcommunity

School News Fall 2017

In the photo from left to right: Jonathan Ockert ’14 and Benjamin Ockert ‘18

Benjamin Ockert ’18 was presented with the rank of Eagle Scout in South Windsor last year. He is a member of BSA Troop 880.

Ben has been active in scouting since the fifth grade and moved swiftly through the ranks. He earned 33 merit badges, served as Senior Patrol Leader and accumulated over 100 hours of community service. Ben is an honors student and is on both the varsity boys swim and golf teams at East Catholic.

He is also a participant in student government and is co-founder of the school’s media club. In addition, Ben is a member of the Jazz East Big Band and keeps busy running his own DJ business, Jamin Productions.

In the photo from left to right: Ian Hills from the Manchester Stop & Shop, East Catholic Parent Association Vice President, Beth Holcomb; East Catholic Parent Association Treasurer, Cindy Beaulieu and ECHS Head of School, Tom Maynard

The East Catholic High School Parents Association was presented with a check for $3129.20 from Stop & Shop! East Catholic High School has been part of the A+ for Education program at Stop & Shop for a number of years now and has consistently come in first place locally. Families register their cards during the start of the school year, and a portion of the sales from shopping at Stop & Shop throughout the year gets rewarded back to the school at the end of the year.

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

In the photo from left to right: Cherish the Children Board Member, Debbie Stauble, LaShawn Dunn ’17 and Cherish the Children Board Member, Gail Hughes

Senior LaShawn Dunn received recognition from Catholic Charities this past May by being named a recipient and graduate of their Matthew 25 Scholarship program.

LaShawn will be attending UCONN majoring in Business and Marketing. The Cherish the Children Foundation sponsored LaShawn while he attended East Catholic.

The annual “Taste of East Catholic” spring fundraising social took place at the school on April 1st. Guests enjoyed sumptuous food tastings from local favorite restaurants and food service providers: A Villa Louisa, Highland Park Market, Tomato Joe’s, Manchester Country Club, City Steam Brewery, Shady Glen Dairy Stores, The Nutmeg Restaurant, Mulberry Street, The Hilton Hartford, The Main Pub, Elmo’s Dockside, Navin Brothers Food Service, Munson’s Chocolates and Hartford Road Pizza. Auction prizes included an African Safari for two, trips to Las Vegas and San Antonio, a cruise to the Bahamas along with other fabulous prizes. Monies raised from this event directly benefit tuition assistance, academic programming, athletics, fine arts and technology upgrades at the school.

The 27th Annual Tom Malin Eagle Invitational Golf Tournament The 27th Annual Tom Malin Eagle Invitational Golf Tournament to benefit East Catholic High School took place on Friday, June 9th, at Blackledge Country Club in Hebron, CT! At the event, 176 golfers participated in 18 holes of golf. This year’s honoree was two-time state champion basketball coach, Luke Reilly, who was presented with an Eagle trophy to commemorate this honor. (photo) In the photo from left to right: ECHS Retired Athletic Director, Tom Malin ‘65; ECHS Head of School, Tom Maynard; ECHS Basketball Coach, Luke Reilly; ECHS Athletic Director, Mike Mooney

Sara Hohenthal ’17 was presented with an award from MACC for her service over the last 13 years. MACC (Manchester Area Conference of Churches) assists with emergencies in the Manchester community, including helping to feed those in need.

Sara was an integral part of MACC’s food drives over the years. While attending East Catholic, Sara was involved in mock trial, volleyball, basketball, softball and track.

Sarah will be attending the University of Hartford this fall. (Photo) In the photo from left to right: Dale Doll from MACC, Sarah Hohenthal ’17 and Tom Maynard, ECHS Head of School

THE EAGLE FALL 2017

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East Catholic High School

115 New State Road Manchester, CT 06042-1820 www.echs.com

Change Service Requested

EAGLE LATE FALL/WINTER CALENDAR December 14

Donor Recognition Reception Holly Social Christmas Concert and Art Show

December 25 - January 1

Christmas Break

January 15

No School

February 3

Snow Ball Dance

February 19-23

Winter Break

March 9 -10

Spring Musical

March 14

No School

March 18

Spring Event: Saint Patrick’s Day Brunch

March 22

Sophomore Ring Ceremony

March 23

Sophomore Outing

March 30

No School

For a complete calendar listing including times and locations of events, visit www.echs.com/calendar

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EAST CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARTFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 5224