St. Sebastian's Magazine, Spring/Summer 2023

S T. S EBASTIAN’S SPRING / SUMMER 2023

MAGAZINE

2022-2023 Board of Trustees Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Chairman William L. Burke, III P’95,’97,’00,’04, GP’23 Executive Officer, Headmaster James L. Elcock ’77, P’08 President James F. Mooney, III P’18 Vice President Barbara E. Connolly P’10,’12,’17 Secretary David M. Calabro ’78, P’16 Treasurer Members: Rev. John M. Borders III P’03 Tara B. Ciongoli P’25,’25,’27 Casey M. Condron ’94, P’23,’24,’28 Devin C. Condron ’92 Timothy J. Connelly P’17,’19 Catherine C. Daniel P’15,’18,’20 Timothy P. Doherty ’87, P’17 Stephen M. DuFour P’14,’18,’21 William B. Evans ’77, P’17 Michael R. Frisoli P’17,’19,’21,’22,’26 Dana W. Fulham P’14,’24 Dr. Chris Hahm P’22,’26 John W. Hueber ’71 Kathleen F. Ix P’22 Susanne C. Joyce P’20,’26 Carolyn M. Lemone P’16,’18 Michael J. Maguire ’91, P’22,’25 Shawn D. Martin P’17,’18,’19 Peter J. McLaughlin ’55, GP’13,’19,’24,’24 John E. McNamara ’81, P’14,’18 John A. Piccione ’76 Dr. Edward T. Ryan P’23 Randall P. Seidl P’17,’19 Troy L. Stanfield P’21 Kurt R. Steinkrauss ’91, P’19 Brian S. Strachan P’11,’14 Robert V. Wallace, Jr. ’89, P’25 Stephen P. Ward ’96, P’24,’25,’27 Andrew A. Wasynczuk P’14,’17,’27 Kristen D. Maxwell P’25 President, Guild of St. Irene Richard C. Walsh P’22,’24 President, Men’s Association Peter A. Galligan ’74 President, Alumni Association Trustees Emeriti: David F. Gately ’73 J. Brad Griffith ’58, GP’19,’23

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S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE

Assistant Headmaster Michael P. Nerbonne

FEATURES

IN EVERY ISSUE

16 79th Commencement

2

Headmaster’s Letter

3

Around Campus

36

Event Highlights

38

Campaign Updates

46

Winter Sports

52

Spring Sports

57

Fine Arts

66

Alumni Gatherings

69

Class Notes

77

In Memoriam

St. Sebastian’s presents diplomas and awards to 73 members of the Class of 2023 on June 8

40 Always a Journalist

Ned Desmond ’76 adapts his journalistic skills to roles in tech media and venture capital

44 From Blazers to Scrubs

Members of the Life Sciences Club receive hands-on experience in Harvard Medical School’s state-of-the-art simulation lab

60 Reunion 2023

Alumni from the classes of 3’s and 8’s come back to campus to celebrate Reunion

Headmaster William L. Burke, III P’95,’97,’00,’04, GP’23

Director of Advancement Richard F. Arms P’14

Editor & Designer Christine Y. Robertson, Director of Communications Contributors Allie Colgan, Communications Associate Lesley Day, Advancement Associate Micheal Melley P’18,’22, Director of Alumni & Development Principal Photographer Brett Crawford, Visual Media Coordinator Editorial Advisor Michael Deschenes P’28, Director of Library & Information Services

St. Sebastian’s Magazine is published twice a year by the Communications Office.

Correspondence concerning the magazine should be sent to: communications@stsebs.org

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Always a Journalist

60

St. Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, MA 02492 781.449.5200 www.stsebs.org Reunion 2023

St. Sebastian’s School Mission Statement A Catholic independent school, St. Sebastian’s seeks to engage young men in the pursuit of truth through faith and reason. By embracing Gospel values in an inclusive, nurturing community and by inspiring intellectual excellence in a structured liberal arts curriculum, St. Sebastian’s strives to empower students for success in college and in life. The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a life-long learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.

COVER: Lars Gubitosi ’23 and his classmates express their gratitude to their families during the Commencement ceremony.

INSIDE COVER: Liam Gavin ’24 works on adjustments to the Robotics team’s robot to get it ready for competition.

From the desk of the headmaster Wi llia m L . Bu r k e III

The best is yet to come!

This issue of our St. Sebastian’s Magazine was just about ready to be sent off to the printer when we received the great news that Brendan Sullivan had been named Head of St. Sebastian’s School, effective July 1, 2024! Please join me in congratulating my outstanding and beloved colleague of 29 years along with his wonderful wife, Rebecca, and their awesome children: Eliza, Joseph ’25, and Patrick ’29.

In 1994, when Brendan interviewed for a teaching and coaching position, he told Mike Nerbonne and me that he would very likely be with us for just one year, as he planned to attend medical school. A fabulous biology instructor and a born-to-mentor coach of football, basketball, and baseball, Brendan soon earned the respect, admiration, and affection of his students and players, their parents, and his colleagues.

Way led on to way, and Brendan decided to drop anchor at 1191 Greendale Avenue— much to the benefit and delight of all! In the spring of 2006, when Morris Kittler, our iconic, long-serving Dean of Students announced his impending retirement, Brendan threw his hat in the ring and won the job.

In the early days of Brendan’s service as Dean of Students, I ran into his BC High football coach, Jim Cotter GP ’09, and informed his mentor that we were surprised about how extraordinarily well Brendan was performing his duties as Dean so very early on. Jim, the wise and loyal old coach, responded in these or similar words: “I’m not surprised. People don’t change. He was always a great person.”

As many of you know, when the pandemic swept through our world, Brendan rose to the challenge, and helped lead us through the darkness, his strong Catholic faith and his solid grounding in science conspiring powerfully.

We all look back on the 2022-2023 year with great pride and joy, and we look forward to the upcoming year, firmly believing that the best is yet to come!

I thank every student, parent, family member, colleague, alumnus, trustee, and friend for giving so freely and fully from the core of your pure, pure heart. In countless ways, you make St. Sebastian’s a stronger, better, more joyful place, and I love you for it.

May God continue to bless you all every sacred step of the way.

With love and gratitude,

William L. Burke III Headmaster

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News & Notes from Our School Community SPRING / SUMMER 2023 | 3

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Building a Better Brotherhood

Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne, Dr. Malick W. Ghachem, Associate Professor of History at MIT, Headmaster Bill Burke, Meyer Chambers, Director of Music Ministry, and Men with Positive Attitudes President Alex Yang ’23 at the Black History Month Assembly.

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t. Sebastian’s community gathered in Ward Hall for the annual Black History Month Assembly, “Building a Better Brotherhood,” on February 6. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s Speech on the Centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation was read by members of Men with Positive Attitudes. During a round table discussion moderated by faculty members Thomas Moriarty and Trevor McLean, students who attended the NAIS People of Color Conference / Student Diversity Leadership Conference shared their experiences and what they learned. Throughout the assembly, music was performed by Meyer Chambers on piano, along with Boston College graduates Joseph Penny on drums, Lauren Warner on bass guitar, and Byron Wratee on vocals.

The highlight of the assembly was an eloquent keynote address delivered

by Dr. Malick W. Ghachem, Associate Professor of History at MIT. He quoted Dr. Martin Luther King throughout his presentation, referencing text from King’s final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? In his powerful message, Dr. Ghachem called on students to get out of their comfort zone to fulfill the mission of “building a better brotherhood.”

On January 26, 40 Arrows competed in the annual Poetry Out Loud competition.

Students in grades 7-12 recited from memory a wide variety of poems. Faculty judges had a tough task choosing a winner from so many quality recitations. In the end, Charlie Bacon ’23 was crowned school champion for his recitation of “X”. Charlie went on to represent St. Sebastian’s at the regional competition on March 4 and the Massachusetts state finals on March 12.

Charlie Bacon ’23 recites his poem during round one of the Poetry Out Loud competition.

Harvard Model Congress Offers Students a Glimpse of Government A delegation of 16 St. Sebastian’s students attended the annual Harvard Model Congress at the Sheraton Boston from February 24-27. Known as the nation’s premier government simulation, Arrows assumed the role of a senator, representative, or emissary to an international organization such as the G20 and United Nations. During the conference, delegates debated current events, proposed and passed pieces of legislation. Raif Boit ’24 won a gavel as Best Delegate in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

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Fifteen Arrows Inducted into the Cum Laude Society Fifteen members of the Class of 2023 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society during a ceremony held on March 31. Keynote speaker Dan Daly ’61, P’88,’92, GP’23 shared how three important memories tied to the School carried him forward in life and encouraged the inductees to make the most of their opportunities at St. Sebastian’s. Dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools, the Cum Laude Society has grown to over 350 Chapters located in public and independent schools in the United States, Canada, England, France, Spain, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines.

Class of 2023 Inductees include (from left to right): Alexander J. Baynes, Joshua A. Corbett, John Q. Daly, Matthew P. DeAnzeris, John D. Heeney, Peter J. Hunt, Michael J. Kalinichenko, John R. Lordi, Alexander G. Maalouf (not pictured), Andrew B. McNeill, Ehtan L. Merithew, Matthew R. Rohatgi, Patrick R. Sliz, Caspar T. Touloukian, Alex W. Yang

Robotics Team Recognized for Design & Innovation

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he St. Sebastian’s School FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Robotics teams traveled to Needham High School on February 4 to compete in a FIRST Robotics Massachusetts Qualifying tournament against 16 other teams from the area. Each Arrows team competed in six Team 133 seniors Brian Grande, Alexander Maalouf, Caspar preliminary-round matches Touloukian, and Noah Janchar with their robot. and both finished with a 3—3 record. Team 19556 placed 9th and was just two points away from finishing in the top four. Team 133 placed 7th and received the Design Award for a robot that “implemented strong industrial design principles, striking a balance between form, function, and aesthetics.”

After a short turnaround time to make improvements, the teams competed in their second Qualifier against 18 other teams at Canton High School on February 18. The six preliminary-round matches included one match in which the two teams were allies and another in which they were opponents! Team 133 fired on all cylinders, finishing third in the qualifying matches at a perfect 6—0 and competing in two close semi-final matches as an Alliance Partner. Team 133 also walked away at the end of the day as winners of the Innovate Award, recognized for their creative, effective system for gathering, transferring, and scoring cones.

Finance Academy

Speaker Series Through fantastic presentations using real-world examples, the Speaker Series gives club members insight into the complex world of finance, from investing to accounting.

On February 14, in the first of two presentations, Keith Anderson P’27 discussed how companies raise money to fund their operations and the steps involved in launching an IPO (initial public offering). Anderson provided a case study of taking a company public, using his own experience at Amwell, where he was most recently CFO and Head of M&A. On February 21, he returned to talk about the vast number of professions involved in the finance industry and their respective roles, as well as the intricacies of investment banking. Anderson closed with advice on finding a job after college and using finance as a way to work in a sector that truly excites you.

On May 2, Will Porter P’23 and Carol Palmer Winig discussed the many types of opportunities for those who choose to major in accounting.

Porter and Winig each used their own career paths to demonstrate the fun and exciting possibilities. Both started out at Arthur Andersen, with Porter ultimately serving as the CFO of several companies, primarily software, and Winig currently working as a Forensic Accountant at Ernst & Young. They emphasized the usefulness and value of an accounting degree, as well as the importance of forming strong relationships within the business and the accounting community.

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Grandparents & Special Friends Day On April 25, students hosted over 260 grandparents and special friends on campus to experience a day at St. Sebastian’s.

The esteemed guests began their day with a luncheon in Ward Hall where they were welcomed by event Co-Chairs Meredith Shachoy P’21,’25 and Darice Merageas P’21,’24. During the program, President of the Guild of St. Irene, Kristen Maxwell P’25, said a few words and student speaker James Joyce ’24 spoke about the St. Sebastian’s experience, the Arrow brotherhood, and how much he has grown during his time here.

Grandparents were then treated to a fun video capturing the spirit of the school and a musical performance of “Don’t Stop Me Now” performed by students Ben Goffredo ’24, Dylan Lipof ’24, Ethan Merithew ’23, and Music Director, Karl Grohmann. Headmaster Burke thanked the grandparents and special friends for their support and for being part of the St. Sebastian’s community. Everyone then headed to class before celebrating Mass with Fr. John Arens. The afternoon concluded with a dessert reception in the Burke Family Center.

A special thank you to the mothers of the Guild of St. Irene, who worked tirelessly to make the entire day, from registration to dessert, run smoothly.

Science & Christianity Professor Karin Öberg, a Swedish astrochemist and Professor of Astronomy at Harvard University, addressed students and faculty on April 3 as part of the Birmingham Lecture Series.

TOP: Chandler McClements ’25 (left) and his grandfather Robert McAlear GP’25, and Kaelan Chudzinski ’25 and his grandfather David Danker GP’25,’27 go over a science experiment. BOTTOM LEFT: Grandparents join students in their classes. BOTTOM RIGHT: Event Co-Chairs Darice Merageas P’21,’24, (left) and Meredith Shachoy P’21,’25, (right) with Guild of St. Irene President Kristin Maxwell P’25 (center).

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In an eye-opening presentation about “Science and Christianity,” Öberg discussed her own journey to the Catholic faith through her studies of the universe and its creation. Öberg spoke of how science reveals the beauty and truths of the universe. She found the more she studied the universe, the more it pointed to a divine creator. For example, when Öberg considered the genetic code, she realized that it tells a story and forms its own language. “The universe did not have to be so ordered and beautiful,” Öberg professed. “We shouldn’t take it for granted.” Öberg also stressed the importance of using science in conjunction with philosophy and ethics to understand the world more fully.

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Debate Team Masters the Art of Persuasion

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uring the second half of the academic year, St. Sebastian’s Debate Team participated in six tournaments hosted by Kingswood Oxford School, St. Sebastian’s, the Winsor School, Deerfield Academy, Loomis Chaffee, and Hopkins School. Arrows debaters delivered excellent individual and team performances in both the Novice and Advanced Divisions at these competitions as they sought to argue, inform and entertain the judges. Categories ranged from After Dinner Speaking to Ethical Dilemmas and Extemporaneous. The following Arrows earned Individual Speaking Prizes and/or Team Prizes: Eddie Ryan ’23, Raif Boit ’24, Jonathan Demosthene ’24, Andrew MacDougall ’27, Seth Janchar ’26, Jeffrey Welham ’26, Cesar Hernandez ’26, and Andrew Zhang ’26. Congratulations to these Arrows and the entire team for an impressive debate season.

Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne with Eddie Ryan ’23 after his 2nd Place win at a tournament hosted by St. Sebastian’s.

2nd Act Performs “I’ll Never Do That”

Freshmen (from left) Cameron Steele, Eamon McCarthy, Seth Janchar, John Grimes, Dominic Funke, Gavin Joyce, and sophomore Ace Ciongoli at Freshman Writing Night.

On March 30, a powerful message was delivered to our school community by 2nd Act—a collective of artists in recovery, which uses theater, film, and drama therapy to address the impact of substance abuse.

Through their live performance of “I’ll Never Do That,” members of the group demonstrated the dynamics of a family coping as the mother struggles with an addiction to alcohol. Afterwards, the members shared their own personal stories and answered students’ questions, all with the purpose of leaving the audience with a deeper understanding of and compassion for Substance Use Disorder and those affected by it.

22nd Annual Freshman Writing Night Members of the Class of 2026 and their families gathered on May 9 to celebrate the 22nd Annual Freshman Writing Night. Begun in 2002, the event marks the publication of “Freshman Voices,” a collection of written work done in the Freshman Writing classes, and honors Jack Birmingham ’59, P’84, GP’14,’17 former Board President and inspiration for the Writing Program at St. Sebastian’s. Freshman Writing is taken in addition to the Freshman English class, giving the 9th graders an in-depth opportunity to develop as writers. During the event, a representative from each section of the course, including Ace Ciongoli, Dominic Funke, John Grimes, Seth Janchar, Gavin Joyce, Eamon McCarthy, and Cameron Steele, shared a piece of their work with all those in attendance. The John P. Birmingham Freshman Writing Award was presented to Dominic Funke for his exceptional submission for the Freshman Voices anthology.

One of the 2nd Act performers receives a round of applause after sharing his personal story.

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Class of 2023 Welcomed into Alumni Ranks at Annual Breakfast

TOP: Seniors receive gifts at the Alumni-Senior Breakfast.

BOTTOM: Jason Spiegel ’96 chats with Landon Bailey ’23 (left) and Troy McCall ’23 (right).

The Class of 2023 gathered on the Class of 2007 Terrace at the Griffith Headmaster’s House on May 31 to celebrate the annual Alumni-Senior Breakfast. The seniors were joined by members of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Board, as well as alumni fathers.

Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08, Alumni Association President Peter Galligan ’74, and guest speaker Thomas Proia ’22 each addressed the soon-to-be graduates, welcoming the Arrows to the alumni ranks, encouraging them to hold close the relationships they’ve made here, and offering advice for the future. Elcock presented each of the graduates with a copy of The Immortal Irishman, a biography of Thomas Francis Meagher—one of Headmaster Burke’s favorite books.

The 2023 Class Agents—Jack Daly, Ben Garrity, Peter Hunt, and Tommy McAuliffe—were also recognized for their leadership as they step into this new role.

In his closing remarks, Headmaster Burke urged the seniors to slow down during their final week at St. Sebastian’s, to savor each moment and remember every detail of this special time.

Men with Positive Attitudes Celebrates Its Senior Members

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amily and friends of Men with Positive Attitudes gathered in Ward Hall to share a wonderful meal and celebrate senior members at the annual MPA Banquet on May 25. The program included musical performances, recited poems, reflections by senior members, and tributes to the graduates by underclassmen.

The keynote speaker, Christian Walkes, a doctoral student at Harvard School of Education, gave an insightful speech titled, “Building a Better Brotherhood: Lessons from the Life and Times of James Weldon Johnson (18711938).” Johnson was an American writer and civil rights activist and a leader of the NAACP and notably wrote the lyrics for “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which later became known as the Black National Anthem.

Following the evening’s address, a video introducing each of the new MPA officers was shown. Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne gave 8 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

Travis Hodge ’25 presents Connor Bragdon ’23 with his stole as part of the banquet’s traditions to recognize the senior members of MPA.

senior recognitions and notes from each senior’s memory box were read out loud by faculty members. The evening closed with Fr. John Arens offering a traditional blessing upon the seniors.

The members of MPA, past and present, congregated at the front of Ward

Hall and joined together to sing, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” It was a special night for the seniors, their families, underclassmen and alumni who came back to campus for the event.

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DART Wins National Award

Undergraduate & College Book Awards The following students were presented with awards recognizing their academic achievements during the Undergraduate Awards Assembly on May 24, 2023.

COLLEGE BOOK AWARDS Boston College

St. Lawrence University

Deven S. Carkner

Benjamin L. Scemama

Brown University

St. Michael’s College

Neal R. Carlson

Quinn B. Feyler, Michael A. Spalla

Dartmouth College

Suffolk University

Gianluca Centola

Aiden J. Barclay

Harvard Club of Boston

Trinity College Dublin

Rui S. do Rosario, Chase W. McCann

Brendan T. Fulham

College of the Holy Cross

University of Virginia

Kamden S. Carkner, Liam V. Gavin

Cormac A. Walsh

Honoring Our Veterans

University of Notre Dame

Williams College

Jonathan J. Demosthene

Brendan M. Schmidt

At the Needham Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, Jack McHugh ’24 gave a wonderful speech in honor of those who have bravely served our country, especially our fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend freedom. Inspired to pursue a career in the military by his grandfather, who was a Marine, McHugh shared, “Words cannot and will never be able to describe the immeasurable debt that our country owes to every soldier past and present.”

Ben Goffredo ’24 was once again invited to sing the National Anthem after delivering a beautiful performance at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony in the fall.

St. Anselm College

Yale University

Hugh H. MacArthur, Jr.

Raif S. Boit

Congratulations to the DART staff, including Editor in Chiefs Carter Rich ’27 and Jack McRoskey ’27, for finishing second place in the nationwide American Scholastic Press Association newspaper competition! The DART is produced by our 7th and 8th graders.

MEMORIAL & SCHOOL AWARDS Alizadeh Most Improved Student Award

William P. Judge Award

Robert A. Brady III

Ryan M. Connolly, Nolan W. Wishart

Bausch and Lomb Science Award

William P. Judge Scholarship

Gianluca Centola

Rui S. do Rosario, Dylan M. Lipof

John P. Birmingham, Jr. Writing Award

Jason Keating Award

Dominic D. Funke

Joseph P. Dunn III

Catholic Citizenship Award

James P.B. McDonough Award

Daniel E. Gillis

Ronan I. Massenburg, Brendan M. Schmidt

Joseph Compagnone Memorial Award

Men with Positive Attitudes Award

Liam J. Barbosa, Benjamin C. Goffredo, Sebu P. Najarian

Jonathan J. Demosthene, Rui S. do Rosario

Gandolfo Language Award

Matthew P. Cataldo, Edward B. Zhang

Liam N. Cunjak, Jonathan J. Demosthene, Chase W. McCann, Benjamin E. Stuart

Kevin Ghelli Award Jack A. Mulka, Luke R. Ward Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne, Brendan McHugh ’26, James Joyce ’24, Jack McHugh ’24, Kellan Kilmartin ’24, Cormac Walsh ’24, and Ben Goffredo ’24 at the annual Needham Memorial Day Ceremony.

Frank J. Hennessey, Jr. Award Deven S. Carkner, Benjamin C. Goffredo, Dylan M. Lipof

Robert J. Joyce, Jr. Award Brendan T. Fulham, James R. Joyce

Kevin T. Mutch Award Grace S. & Raymond M. Vorce, Sr. Award Gianluca Centola, James R. Joyce, Derron J. St. Marie

Chapel Speech Awards

Grade 11: Deven S. Carkner, Lochlan C. Chisholm, Jonathan J. Demosthene, Brendan T. Fulham; Grade 10: Thomas D. MacArthur, Colby W. Nash; Grade 9: Jared E. Hughes; Grade 8: Rian R. Chudzinski, John B. McRoskey; Grade 7: Richard C. Joyce, Peter J. Lipscomb, Brendan T. Palm SPRING / SUMMER 2023

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Excelling in The Classics St. Sebastian’s students had the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of Latin and Greek literature at various events this spring.

Members of the Latin Club had a very successful CLASSICS DAY AT HOLY CROSS on March 31. In Certamen, the Lower Division team (JJ Bachiochi ’27, Nolan Dunphy ’26, Anthony Marcucci ’27, Antonio Petruzziello ’26 and Nolan Wishart ’27) won 1st place and the Upper Division team (Raif Boit ’24, Deven Carkner ’24, Rui Do Rosario ’24, Chase McCann ’24, and Caspar Touloukian ’23) came away with third place. Eddie Ryan ’23 earned an Honorable Mention in the Art Contest for his ceramic piece, “Cicero’s Hand.”

On May 9, students in the Latin IV Advanced Placement class demonstrated their mastery of Latin in the annual VERGILIAN ACTUS. Timothy Joseph, Professor of Classics at the College of the Holy Cross, engaged the students in a “conversation” about significant passages from Vergil’s Aeneid. Each student read a passage from the poem, answered grammatical questions, translated the lines, and offered reflections on Vergil’s themes. Professor Joseph also asked group questions centered upon Fate, character portrayal, and single words in the poem which students found impactful and memorable.

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CANE’s Annual Meeting Hosted by St. Sebastian’s On March 17 and 18, St. Sebastian’s Classics Department hosted the Annual Meeting of the Classical Association of New England (CANE) —the first in-person gathering in four years. Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne opened this 117th Annual Meeting with an address, providing an overview of St. Sebastian’s mission and the school’s strength in the study of Latin and Greek. The two-day event consisted of workshops, lectures (one, Performance and Authenticity in Horace, Epistles 1.1, delivered

by Andrew Horne ’07), a theater performance by The Call of Kinnaru, and a reception and dinner held in Martin Hall.

A Special Surprise

Upon learning about Headmaster Burke’s retirement in June 2024, the Class of 2023 decided they wanted to do something to show their love for him before graduating from St. Sebastian’s.

They decided imitation was the sincerest form of flattery and distributed red and black bow ties to every student as part of their last senior class meeting on April 4. Headmaster Burke received a wonderful surprise when he walked into Ward Hall to find the entire student body wearing his favorite accessory!

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Serving Our Neighbors

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ntegral to the St. Sebastian’s mission, our Service Program lives the order of the day of loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. Below are just a few of the many ways our students have served our neighbors recently.

Lacrosse Players Pack 20,000 Meals Over the course of one afternoon, the freshmen and JV lacrosse teams prepared 20,000 meals to benefit The CRUDEM Foundation, a community center and hospital in Haiti. This is the third year St. Sebastian’s has taken part in the packathon, resulting in over 100,000 meals packed by St. Sebastian’s students!

Supporting the Pine Street Inn

10 Years of Volunteering for the Miracle League

Continuing a long-standing tradition that began in 2012 with our first annual Chop-A-Thon, St. Sebastian’s families donated much-needed food items to benefit the Pine Street Inn. The items collected were delivered to the non-profit by a group of juniors and seniors on March 8.

The evening before, students, parents and faculty had the opportunity to hear a presentation from the non-profit about their mission and the challenges they face each day as the largest homeless services provider in New England.

A record number of freshman and sophomore Arrows headed to Acton, MA, on June 3 to help out at the Miracle League of Massachusetts’ final game of the season. This is the 10th year our students have volunteered for the non-profit, which gives children with disabilities a chance to play baseball as part of a team in an organized league at no cost to the child’s family.

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Seniors (from left) Patrick Sliz, Jack Lordi and Caspar Touloukian wear St. Sebastian’s shirts handed out at the “100 Days to Graduation” Breakfast.

Art students have some fun with chalk outside of the Arts Building.

A GLIMPSE

along Greendale Avenue

Jack Foreman ’24 makes his move during a game of Chess in the library.

The jazz band entertains the crowd at the 9th & 10th Grade Semi-Formal in April.

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Juniors Jack Mulka, Brendan Schmidt, and Liam Field enjoy the competition of Red & Black Day.

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A CANE FOR THE BLIND

Arrows at work in the

INNOVATION LAB

Arrows have been taking full advantage of all the Innovation Lab has to offer, including donations of new equipment and tools. Whether it’s classwork for Calculus, Fine Arts, Physics or Religion, the Robotics team building new parts, or students pursuing personal passions, the possibilities seem to be endless. Here are some of the exciting projects created in the Lab over the past academic year.

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Noah Janchar ’23 created an electronic cane for the blind that vibrates when it detects an impeding object is close by. He used CAD software and the 3D printers to design and manufacture brackets and connectors to attach electronic sensors to the cane and one of the Lab’s Arduino boards to program and control the sensors.

3D CATHEDRALS 8th graders were tasked with making a gothic cathedral inspired by one of the cathedrals they had learned about in Religion class.

This 3D printed cathedral of Notre Dame was designed from scratch by a student using CAD software and Adobe Illustrator and then brought to life with paint.

HANDS-ON CALCULUS Students in AP Calculus have used the Lab to model and print 3-dimension math concepts that can be difficult to visualize from looking at them in two dimensions, whether it be in a textbook or on the whiteboard in class.

CUSTOM CLAMP FOR ROBOT

PATTERNED STENCILS Fine Arts students designed and created laser cut stencils in the Lab. They then used the stencils for a portrait painting project, spray painting their pattern onto a canvas to create a unique background texture.

To help the Robotics team accomplish the task for this year’s competition, team members used our new 3D scanner to create a digital model of a cone and then designed a clamp in CAD that perfectly fit the contours of the cone.

TIE-MAKING CONTEST A school-wide innovation competition challenged students to design and build a tie using the tools and materials available in the Lab. Three Arrows received awards for achievements in Form, Function, and Fun. Every student was able to keep and wear their creations!

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Arrows

ABROAD This past March break, St. Sebastian’s students traveled to Dublin, Ireland, and Camino de Santiago, Spain. Although the two trips were very different, both adventures gave students the opportunity to experience another culture and return to campus with a new perspective.

LEFT: The group of Arrows, along with faculty chaperones Matt Willey and Paul Keady ’16, make it to their final destination of the Cathedral of Santiago. RIGHT: Brothers Seth ’26 and Noah ’23 Janchar pose for a photo as they hike across the historic route in Northern Spain.

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Camino de Santiago, Spain Thirteen Arrows took a pilgrimage across the historic “El Camino de Santiago” in northern Spain, a route walked by millions of pilgrims over centuries. The 115km hike took the boys through woods, over hills, and across rivers to many different small villages as they journeyed to their final destination of Santiago de Compostela.

After taking a plane, train and bus to their launching point of Sarria, the boys set out to the beautiful walled city of Portomarín, followed by Palas de Rei (Palace of the King), Melide, Arzúa and Amenal. Along the way, the Arrows enjoyed refueling at the local cafés where they tried Spanish cuisine, from traditional Gallego soup and octopus to steak, pasta, pizza and bocadillos!

The final day of the pilgramage was bittersweet as the boys were tired from all the walking, but also proud of their accomplishment. With blistered feet and wet from an hour of drizzle, they finally reached the steps of the Cathedral of Santiago. The highlights of the trip included spending time with each other, two boys doing readings in Spanish at Mass, sharing meals every morning and evening, exploring cities, and creating new friendships.

AROUND CAMPUS

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

From left: Davis Ellis, Middlebury’s Alumni Association President, Headmaster Bill Burke, Middlebury President Dr. Laurie Payton, and Meg Groves, Associate Vice President for Alumni & Parent Programs.

Arrows check out Dublin while in Ireland for the exchange program with St. Michael’s College.

Headmaster Bill Burke was presented with the 2023 Alumni Plaque Award at his 50th Middlebury College Reunion in June. The award recognizes his loyalty and many contributions to his alma mater. In addition to volunteering as an Alumni Admissions interviewer, serving on his reunion committee, and keeping his classmates connected, Headmaster Burke has frequently returned to Middlebury to share his belief in the power of sports and sportsmanship during J-Term classes, helping student athletes see how they can incorporate lessons learned as athletes at Middlebury into their lives as alumni.

Dublin, Ireland Eight St. Sebastian’s students participated in the annual Ireland Exchange program with St. Michael’s College, an all-boys’ Catholic high school in Dublin. Sophomores Joseph Sullivan, Brian Keene, Kevin Bresnahan and Luc Olivier, along with junior Danny Gillis, and freshmen JP Martin and Jared Hughes enjoyed hosting and developing strong bonds with their host families and each other. A highlight of the exchange was when the boys from Dublin led a rugby match on our football field during their visit to St. Sebastian’s and many of our sophomores joined the action.

While in Dublin, the boys attended classes at St. Michael’s and explored Dublin and other parts of the country, bonding with their host brothers.

This is the 9th year St. Sebastian’s has participated in this exchange with St. Michael’s College, but the first time back since 2019. Both schools were thrilled to get the exchange going again. The first Irish Exchange in 2012 has blossomed into a fantastic opportunity for Arrows to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Meyer Chambers, St. Sebastian’s Director of Music Ministry, made his Carnegie Hall debut during the Voices in the Hall concert on February 19. Chambers conducted two pieces during the concert, including the world premiere of “When I Am Still.” Members of the Liturgy Arts Group of Boston College, which he has directed for the past 20 years, were among the 200 other musicians from across the country performing under his baton.

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COMMENCEMENT 2023

Congratulations, Class of 2023!

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COMMENCEMENT 2023

St. Sebastian’s School graduated 73 students at its 79TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES on Thursday, June 8, 2023, in a ceremony on the West Campus fields. The morning’s celebrations included awards, speeches and the conferral of diplomas to the outstanding Class of 2023.

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CLASS OF 2023 MATRICULATION Jordan J. Atkinson

Trinity College

Charles A. Bacon

College of the Holy Cross

Noah C. Janchar Michael J. Kalinichenko

University of Notre Dame Dartmouth College

Landon J. Bailey

Middlebury College

John R. Lordi

Alexander J. Baynes

Fordham University

Alexander J. Lysko

Kyle M. Bilezerian

Syracuse University

Alexander G. Maalouf

College of the Holy Cross

Matthew R. Malloy

University of Wisconsin

Thomas D. McAuliffe

College of the Holy Cross

John A. Boyle Connor D. Bragdon

Bates College Villanova University

Wake Forest University Tufts University

Luke G. Brassard

College of the Holy Cross

William L. Burke

Emerson College

James X. McGuire

College of the Holy Cross

Matthew N. Choumenkovitch

Tufts University

Reid M. McInerney

Wake Forest University

Troy N. McCall

Catholic University of America

Georgetown University

Andrew B. McNeill

University of Virginia

Joshua A. Corbett

Tufts University

Ethan L. Merithew

Fordham University

Robert T. Craven

Babson College

Trevor S. Mullin

Yale University

Georgetown University

Harrison W. Nash

Bates College

Boston College

Oliver F. O’Donnell

University of Wisconsin

Christopher M. Condron

John Q. Daly Matthew P. DeAnzeris Jahki K. Deloach

Gordon State College

Thomas E. Devlin Scott G. Doherty

Quincy O. Pickett

Bentley University

Villanova University

Brett E. Porter

Clemson University

Tulane University

Dhaniel A. Ramos

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Kellen P. Donovan

Providence College

Matthew R. Rohatgi

Catholic University of America

Ryan P. Donovan

St. Lawrence University

Colin J. Dowdle

Northwestern University

Connor R. Dumouchel John D. Faggiano Ryan J. Fay Albis M. Felix

Alexander R. Roth

Villanova University

Edward T. Ryan

Georgetown University

University of Southern California

Mark E. Saradjian

Fordham University

College of the Holy Cross

Zion R. Simmons

PG year—Phillips Exeter Academy

Indiana University American International College

Patrick R. Sliz

Harvard College

Ryan D. Steele

University of Maryland

George G. Flatley

Boston College

Matthew J. Swirbalus

Villanova University

Benjamin N. Garrity

Vassar College

Caspar T. Touloukian

University of Michigan

Theodore H. Gleba

University of Vermont

P. William Tryder

Trinity College

Brian M. Grande

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Jeffrey M. Valdez

Siena College

Lars R. Gubitosi

Villanova University

John M. Volo

Georgetown University

John P. Hamilton

Providence College

Hagan W. Ward

University of Notre Dame

William S. Hansen

College of the Holy Cross

Edward T. Weiss

Syracuse University

John K. Hayes

College of the Holy Cross

Ryan S. Williamson

Dartmouth College

John D. Heeney

Tufts University

Cooper W. Wright

Colgate University

Alex W. Yang

Brown University

Samuel B. Hinman

Colby College

Charles H. Hoffman

Georgetown University

Peter J. Hunt

Northeastern University

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Jeffrey A. Young

Union College

COMMENCEMENT 2023

FIVE-YEAR

Matriculation #’s

Colleges to which 5 or more students have matriculated over the past 5 years Boston College ..............................31 College of the Holy Cross .............. 27 LEFT: Zion Simmons ’23 receives an ISL Award of Excellence from Headmaster Bill Burke.

RIGHT: Andrew McNeill ’23 receives a Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award.

Baccalaureate Mass & Dinner On June 7, 2023, the eve of St. Sebastian’s Commencement, the Class of 2023 and their parents, along with members of the administration and faculty, gathered in St. Bartholomew Church for the Baccalaureate Mass, followed by dinner in Ward Hall. In addition to receiving the traditional school tie and pen and the St. Sebastian’s Book of Prayer, seniors were presented with the awards recognizing their talents and contributions to the School.

Some of the awards presented include: Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award

Landon J. Bailey, Zion R. Simmons

Alexander J. Baynes, Edward T. Weiss

Athletic Commitment Award

Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence

Letterman Award Samuel B. Hinman

Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award Peter J. Hunt, Andrew B. McNeill

Villanova University .....................15 Northeastern University ...............11 University of Notre Dame .............11 Georgetown University ................10 Harvard University .......................10 Colby College ..................................9 Duke University ...............................7 Tufts University................................7

ISL Award of Excellence

William S. Hansen

Providence College .......................15

Alexander G. Maalouf, Ethan L. Merithew

Mothers Medals Kate Flatley: John ’15, Thomas ’20, George ’23 Kristin Hunt: James ’15, Joseph ’17, Peter ’23

Fordham University........................6 Trinity College................................6 Univ. of Wisconsin (Madison) .......6 Wake Forest University ..................6 Babson College ...............................5

The Bowtie Tradition Continues During Commencement rehearsal, the Class of 2023 received a lesson from Headmaster Burke on how to tie a bow tie. Continuing a tradition that began in 2006, the seniors then wore the bowties to the Baccalaureate Mass & Dinner and their fathers were invited to wear them to the ceremony the next morning.

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COMMENCEMENT 2023

Commencement Awards Pursuit of Excellence in the Discipline Awards

Photography

Presented to individuals selected by the faculty

Ceramic Arts

English Literature

Music

John R. Lordi, Ethan L. Merithew, Brett E. Porter

Latin Alex W. Yang

History

Alexander G. Maalouf Samuel B. Hinman Joshua A. Corbett, Alexander G. Maalouf, Ethan L. Merithew

Mathematics Michael J. Kalinichenko, John R. Lordi, Patrick R. Sliz

John Q. Daly, Peter J. Hunt, Ryan D. Steele

Physics

Religion

Chemistry

Alex W. Yang

Special Medals Awarded to individuals who, during their high school years, have achieved the highest grade point average in required and advanced courses in the respective disciplines Humberto Cardinal Medeiros Memorial Medal for Modern Languages Matthew R. Rohatgi

Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Beatty Memorial Medal for English Ethan L. Merithew

Michael J. Kalinichenko, Matthew R. Rohatgi

Joshua A. Corbett

English Writing

Matthew R. Rohatgi

Patrick R. Sliz

Harrison W. Nash, Matthew R. Rohatgi

Greek

Rev. Msgr. Charles D. McInnis Memorial Medal for History

Spanish Matthew R. Rohatgi

Drama Robert T. Craven, Ethan L. Merithew

Biology

Michael J. Kalinichenko, John R. Lordi

Computer Science Noah C. Janchar, Cooper W. Wright

Rev. Msgr. John F.X. Harney Memorial Medal for Religion

John Q. Daly

Paul A. Ablondi ’57 Memorial Medal for Mathematics Michael J. Kalinichenko

John A. and Kathleen T. Nerbonne Memorial Medal for Classics Lars R. Gubitosi, Samuel B. Hinman

St. Sebastian Medal for Science Michael J. Kalinichenko

St. Sebastian Medal for Fine Arts Alexander G. Maalouf

The Headmaster’s Award Presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average Matthew Rohatgi receives an award during Commencement.

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Patrick R. Sliz

The St. Sebastian’s Scholar with Distinction Award Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of A- or higher in every course every year John Q. Daly, Matthew P. DeAnzeris, Michael J. Kalinichenko, Alexander G. Maalouf, Ethan L. Merithew, Matthew R. Rohatgi, Patrick R. Sliz

The St. Sebastian’s Scholar Award Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of B or higher in every course every year Charles A. Bacon, Landon J. Bailey, Alexander J. Baynes, Connor D. Bragdon, Matthew N. Choumenkovitch, Joshua A. Corbett, Benjamin N. Garrity, Lars R. Gubitosi, John K. Hayes, John D. Heeney, Samuel B. Hinman, Peter J. Hunt, Noah C. Janchar, John R. Lordi, Alexander J. Lysko, Thomas D. McAuliffe, James X. McGuire, Reid M. McInerney, Andrew B. McNeill, Trevor S. Mullin, Harrison W. Nash, Brett E. Porter, Alexander R. Roth, Ryan D. Steele, Caspar T. Touloukian, Hagan W. Ward, Edward T. Weiss, Ryan S. Williamson, Alex W. Yang

The Sr. Evelyn C. Barrett, O.P. Scholarship Award Presented to that senior who, in the opinion of the Faculty, most exemplifies in body, mind, and soul the spirit of St. Sebastian’s School Quincy O. Pickett

The Robert S. Gilligan Award Presented to a senior who best exemplifies the qualities of courage, determination, and perseverance Connor D. Bragdon, Kellen P. Donovan, Troy N. McCall, Jr.

The Cardinal Cushing Memorial Medal for Student Service Presented to a senior for exemplary service to the School John Q. Daly

COMMENCEMENT 2023

The Joseph P. MacDonald Award Presented each year by the Student Council, in conjunction with the School community, to a member of the St. Sebastian’s family for outstanding service to the School Meyer J. Chambers

The Reverend Charles K. Riepe Medallion Presented by the Assistant Headmaster, in consultation with the administration and faculty, to the members of the graduating class who have shown true leadership in exemplifying the virtues of faith and honor for which the School stands Benjamin N. Garrity, Matthew R. Rohatgi

The Founder’s Medal Presented to the member of the Senior Class whose character, leadership, and fortitude most closely reflect the ideals that inspired William Cardinal O’Connell to found this School in the name of St. Sebastian Trevor S. Mullin, Edward T. Ryan

The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Medal Presented each year to a senior for exemplary initiative, creativity, and perseverance in advancing the mission of the School Ethan L. Merithew

The Alumni Award Presented to a senior, selected by the faculty, who possesses strength of mind, body, and character; who displays outstanding attitude, effort, and achievement; has innate commitment to excellence in all endeavors; and who has made many and varied contributions to St. Sebastian’s School Landon J. Bailey

TOP ROW: Graduates shake hands, give thanks and say their good-byes to faculty at the end of Commencement; Harrison Nash after receiving an award. MIDDLE ROW: Michael Kalinichenko receives a congratulatory fist bump from Jordan Atkinson; Meyer Chambers embraces Headmaster Burke after he is honored with the Joseph P. MacDonald Award. BOTTOM ROW: Ben Garrity receives the Rev. Charles K. Riepe Medallion.

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HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS

Always, Ever Just Beginning

BY WILLIAM L. BURKE III

C

ongratulations, graduates. Please know that we are all so very, very proud of, happy for, and grateful to you and your wonderful parents, your primary educators, with whom we engage in sacred partnership focused on the same goal. How do we work together to help you become all God wants you to be in body, mind, and spirit and all the world needs you to be in body, mind, and spirit?

Your parents have held you and bathed you and fed you and clothed you and taught you and guided you and supported you and loved, loved, loved you every step of the way. They have prayed for you and paid for you, showering countless blessings upon you, including your prized St. Sebastian’s education. And how freely you express your appreciation in public! Here are excerpts from three of your Corporate Chapel speeches:

Please stand, face these great women and men, and express your gratitude.

Here are 14 more truths you gentlemen have expressed in Chapel this year. Each is brief. Let us savor: Seeing friends succeed inspires me to work harder.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for sending me to a place where we can fully be ourselves.

Life is precious…God is always by your side.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for sending me to the best place on earth.

God will be with you wherever you go.

Mom and Dad, thank you! You will never know how much this School means to me.

One of you thanked your father of blessed memory, referring to him as your Guardian Angel.

Yes, you owe so very much to your parents, and to your grandparents and siblings and aunts and uncles and cousins as well. This is your big day, but it’s your family’s big day, too.

Please rise, turn, face your parents and families, and express your gratitude.

Two of you have uttered these truths in your speeches: We have a great faculty and a great brotherhood.

The teachers want us to succeed.

You have been guided and supported, inspired, and enlightened by educators who, as it’s already been established today—arrive well before dawn and by teachers who stay long after dark. You know that your kind and selfless, gifted and committed teachers, mentors, coaches, advisors, moderators, and staff members love you and throw their hearts and souls into the great work of calling you to ever rising peaks of excellence in body, mind, and spirit.

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We all fail; what happens next is what matters.

We Arrows will adapt—guided by values and habits we will employ in college.

My character has grown tremendously.

We study, pray, win, and lose together.

Kids here really do care about each other.

Christ comes first.

My faith grew in seeing other people live their faith.

My faith deepened—I came to accept and adore the Real Presence of Christ.

The seniors made me feel I belonged.

I could remain steady in the flux because I have been endowed with faith, family, and St. Sebastian’s School.

And finally: Your only fear should be the fear of regret…don’t hold back… be strong…have passion…laugh until you can’t breathe.

Every student in every grade level every year writes and delivers a Chapel Speech. All are free to write and speak on any topic of their choice, and the sentiments you just heard and so many other inspirational pearls of wisdom are the

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daily fare. Just imagine how the orations of these Seniors have landed on our younger students! Talk about peer education!

Talk about building culture! Right here in America in 2023!

Now, there may well be people who worry about the future of our country and of our world, but those people aren’t members of the St. Sebastian’s School family. Because here, every day, we receive pain-free booster shots of faith, hope, love, and boundless joy.

We hold these truths to be self-evident: every person wants to be part of something great, wants to be as wise, as just, as balanced, and as brave as possible, and wants to fall ever more deeply in love with learning.

Our job has been to call out, evoke, stoke, fan into the flame the beauty and truth of each one of you 73 scholars who have been made—as we all are—in the image and likeness of God, and how magnificently you have responded! How blessed we all are to be members of this inclusive, nurturing, united, truly great God-centered, student-centered family!

I recently received this beautiful message from one of your mothers: Dear Bill, With graduation approaching plus empty nesting, I am reflecting often. I think of the career that I gave up, scrutinizing bits of information to make decisions. And I realize the obvious. Of all life’s decisions, the single best was made by my heart in sending my boys to Sebs.

It has changed the trajectory of their lives and ours for the best. The love and guidance you have all given them in their best and worst times has helped to make them who they are. For me, the Guild event last night was a room full of love and friendship and women supporting women. It was wonderful—my heart is full.

With love and gratitude.

In November, when we honored our lovable Dining Hall Maestro, Rafi DeJesus, for his 25 years of devoted service, he stood at the podium and asserted: “St. Sebastian’s is my School, too, my university.”

It has been said that no matter how old or experienced one may be, each of us is always, ever just beginning. You’re going to hear some consonance this morning between what I’m sharing, what Dr. Ryan shared, what Mr. Elcock shared, Jack Daly and Patrick Sliz shared, and you ought to hear consonance in a mission-driven school. Indeed, then, it is most appropriate that we refer to graduation day as commencement day.

In September, as my opening address on our year’s theme of Wisdom drew to a close, I cited Abraham Lincoln who proclaimed: “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” And I added: “Gentlemen, if I stop you and ask how you’re doing, may I hear: ‘I’m wiser today than I was yesterday, but I have a long way to go.’”

A few months later, when passing through Arrows Hall, I encountered a ninth grader studying at one of the tables outside the basketball court and asked how he was doing.

With a twinkle in his eye, he responded: “I’m wiser today than I was yesterday, but I have a long way to go.” I smiled, delighted to know that at least one person had been listening, and, of course, I repeated the mantra for him: “I’m wiser today than I was yesterday, but I have a long way to go.” We are always ever just beginning.

Wendell Berry writes: There are no unsacred places.

There are only sacred places.

And desecrated places.

What Berry writes of space I believe is true of time.

There are no unsacred moments.

There are only sacred moments.

And desecrated moments.

Every moment of every day is a new beginning, one that presents an opportunity to grow in wisdom.

Clearly, some sacred moments are especially poignant, pregnant with meaning.

Headmaster Bill Burke stands with his son Will ’95 and grandson Liam ’23 outside of the Burke Family Center.

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COMMENCEMENT 2023

Headmaster Bill Burke leads the way ahead of the graduating seniors on the Headmaster’s Walk during Commencement.

Let me tell you a story of one such moment that I lived last week, when I spoke to a man on his way to heaven.

As I entered my office early Friday morning, I caught sight of a red light on my phone informing me of a voice message.

It was from Maureen Zock, wife of Bob Zock. Maureen wanted me to know that Bob was not doing well, that he was confined to his bed in their New Hampshire home, that he was no longer eating, and that he, in her words, “Remains the Saint that he always was.” I called her right away. She picked up, and, to my surprise and great honor, she put Bob on the phone.

His voice was not as weak as I had feared it may be; I could hear and understand him perfectly, and his spirit was, as ever, super strong. I told Bob that I’ll never forget that June afternoon so many years ago, when he shook my hand and said: “St. Sebastian’s—the best School I ever attended.”

Light-hearted and upbeat, he acknowledged that pleasant memory and went on to tell me how happy he is with all that we have accomplished at St. Sebastian’s.

I had come to know Bob and Maureen Zock through their children who I was privileged to teach and coach at Holderness School in New Hampshire, where I began my career. The Zocks were the most wonderful parents, and Bob is one of the happiest, most faith-filled, most brilliant, 24 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

most successful people you could ever hope to meet. I hadn’t known that he was an alumnus of St. Sebastian’s until that moment outside a church in Vermont where we had attended a Holderness wedding in 1990, just a few short weeks before I would begin my tenure as Headmaster of St. Sebastian’s.

That day, 33 years ago, after Bob shared that ours is indeed the best school he ever attended, Maureen chimed in: “It’s true. He says it all the time, and he went to Harvard and then on to Columbia Law School.” Bob, a member of our Arrow Class of 1950, later joined our St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees and served with tremendous distinction.

Back to last Friday’s telephone conversation: I told Bob that a few years back, his 1950 St. Sebastian’s School classmate and friend, Bill Maguire, knowing that he was near the end of his life, called me to say good-bye. Bob said: I’m saying good-bye as well. I told him that if ever there was a person who deserved to be on the express train to heaven, it was Bob Zock.

I could almost see and feel his smile. He lay in peace and I sat in awe—so proud of my friend and mentor, so inspired by his faith, his hope, his love, by the race he had run so well, by his readiness for eternal bliss in his true home, the home to which we are all called.

Why am I sharing this story? For more reasons than I can count: to highlight the truth that our School has been a truly great place with truly great people for a long, long time, that we are all of us Arrows Forever, that the essence of life truly is in relationships, that our relationships with God and one another are eternal, that if we strive to live our lives as Bob Zock and Bill Maguire lived theirs, we will see them and all deceased loved ones again.

These graced words of the poet Robert Southey come to mind: …Love is indestructible.

Its holy flame for ever burneth, From Heaven it came, to Heaven returneth.

I look out at you Arrows and I see so clearly and I feel so deeply all that we so devoutly wish for you: We want you, our beloved grandchild, Liam, and each of your 72 classmates to live long, happy, healthy, holy lives of love and service in this world and eternal joy in the next.

Every year at our Admissions Open House program, I close with these words: There aren’t many guarantees in life, but we have three: your son will be known and loved and called to greatness by great people. He will be engaged in the pursuit of truth through faith and reason. He will be prepared for admission to and success in the most excellent, most appropriate college for him. It is our hope and expectation that he will continue to pursue the truth through faith and reason in college and beyond, that he will find himself working in the world in such

COMMENCEMENT 2023

a way that he helps shift the core of the moral universe more toward the good, the true, and the beautiful, that he will take his vocation very seriously, and for most it will be as husbands and fathers, and we want him to go to heaven. And everything we do at this School is done with that sense of ultimate purpose ever before us.

“Every moment of every day is a new beginning, one that presents an opportunity to grow in wisdom.”

When I first started talking this way—30 years or so ago—a prospective father introduced himself and said: “I’ve been to lots of Open Houses and no one else is talking about heaven.” And I said: “Well, we don’t guarantee that one.”

But we do keep it in front of us every step of the way.

Every good business plan begins with the end in mind.

What are the company’s goals? What does the company hope to achieve? What is the endgame?

We are always, ever just beginning, and our endgame is always heaven.

C.S. Lewis observes: If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought the most of the next…It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. Aim at heaven you will get earth ‘thrown in’: Aim at earth and you will get neither.

Adored or ignored is our Lord.

May we choose the better part.

As you settle in at college in September, you will receive a letter from me offering advice, closing with: Go to Church.

You gentlemen may remember this email message from Jeff Serowik ’20, which I read to our community when you were Juniors: It’s dated March 22, 2022, and it’s addressed to:

I handed her a rosary ring and told her that it was blessed by our Chaplain, Father John Arens, so it’s not like a cell phone. There’s no need to plug it in because it’s all powered up eternally. She accepted the gift, smiled, and explained that her husband carries one of these as well and that when he puts it in his pocket, he tells her that he’s packing heat. I said: “Hey, that’s way better than my line!”

So take your faith lives to college with you and let them grow, and take our culture, too.

One member of this awesome class makes appointments to meet with me in my office to engage in deep philosophical discussions, and I have learned a ton from him. I have to keep my journal open and my pen poised to capture the wisdom he spouts. One day he said: St. Sebastian’s exists almost outside the space and time the rest of the country and world are subject to. And I thought, that’s so true.

Compare our mission statement to the mission statements of the other schools in our league and in our country. We are decidedly different. I don’t know of a School that is so filled with students who love one another and love just about everything about their School. All the adults feel the same way. Take a look at the number of portraits on the wall of the math center corridor honoring faculty and staff for 25 or more years of service. How blessed are we all!

And this gem of our philosopher has already been shared today by Patrick Sliz: Not everyone can come to St. Sebastian’s, but St. Sebastian’s can come to everyone.

So, my friends, we send you off with this charge: Take the best parts of our culture to college with you, model the pursuit of truth through faith and reason even if no one else is, live the order of the day: Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another. You have all been given a gift of community. May you give what we have been given.

Make good friends in college, stay close to your St. Sebastian’s brothers, graduate, then live with your St. Sebastian’s brothers in South Boston apartments, for that appears to be a well-worn path.

Now it’s time to send you off. Good-bye our brave and beautiful Arrows. Return to us often in sorrow or in joy and we’ll be right here waiting for you with hearts and arms wide open. Know that we love you, and that we will forever.

May God continue to bless you every sacred step of the way Saecula Saeculorum!

Go now in peace.

Shalom!

Mr. Burke and Mr. Nerbonne, I wanted to reach out because on Ash Wednesday, I saw so many fellow Arrows at the 12:00 Mass at St. Paul’s in Cambridge. Without planning it, I arrived at Church with Dylan Crandall and my other roommates to see Patrick MacDonald to my left, Thaddeus Kennedy to my right, Alessandro Barbiellini behind me, and Gabe Twohig in front of me. It made me happy to see all my fellow Arrows show up for Mass together.

There were not many other familiar faces in terms of Harvard students there, but I can say Sebs guys are keeping the Catholic faith alive at Harvard.

So, you see, gentlemen, it can be and should be done.

May all of you attend the Church or worship center of your choice in college.

Speaking of Harvard, we were blessed to hear from Harvard Astronomy Professor Karin Oberg, on April 3, when she delivered the Birmingham Lecture in Ward Hall.

Professor Oberg spoke most eloquently about the origins of the universe and about her strong Catholic faith. Afterward,

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COMMENCEMENT 2023

BOARD PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Ready to Launch

BY JAMES L. ELCOCK ’77, P’08

G

ood morning to the great Class of 2023. On behalf of my fellow trustees, I would like to congratulate you on this most welcome and deserved accomplishment. From my perspective as Board President, two of the best days at St. Sebastian’s are the November Faculty-Trustee Dinner, where we can honor the faculty, and today, where we can honor and celebrate you.

This is a great day, not only for the trustees, but for your faculty, your families, and all the others who cheered for you and supported you to the finish line. This day validates all of the hard work that you have put in throughout your time here at St. Sebastian’s. It also gives your faculty and family a great sense of pride and accomplishment that they have contributed to your formation and that you are now ready to launch.

What’s extraordinary about this commencement exercise are three things.

1.

2.

3.

With today’s ceremony, St. Sebastian’s School will have now spent more time on the Needham Greendale Avenue campus than the Newton Nonantum Hill campus where the school was founded in 1941.

51% of all St. Sebastian’s graduates will have now received a diploma from Headmaster Burke.

We have never had a graduation where eight fathers and five grandfathers gave their sons and grandsons their diploma.

As I mentioned last week at the Alumni-Senior Breakfast, St. Sebastian’s has many wonderful traditions, but this tradition truly amplifies the real sense of family and brotherhood that we have always had at St. Sebastian’s from the very beginning.

I would like to recognize a few of my fellow alumni.

• •

•

The dads: John McAuliffe ’78, Brian Devlin ’81, Stephen Grande ’84, Stephen Mullin ’84, Chris Baynes ’89, Mark Daly ’92, Casey Condron ’94, and Will Burke ’95.

The grandfathers: Joseph Ferrone ’54, Dan Daly ’61, David Barlow ’60, and two of our oldest and most loyal alums in the history of the school: Andy McAuliffe and Jack Boyle from the great Class of 1948.

Trustee Emeritus and great uncle David Gately ’73

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What’s important today is that you take time to slow down and to say thanks and to absorb this wonderful ceremony.

Please remember the weather; your commencement speaker, Dr. Ed Ryan; your class valedictorian, Patrick Sliz; your salutatorian, Jack Daly; and who you sat next to for that final class picture only thirty minutes ago, along with other wonderful memories that are your own to cherish for a lifetime.

I promise that St. Sebastian’s will always be here for you.

Though you will transition from an undergraduate to an alum, the alumni family is strong, vibrant, and it is ready to have 73 of you join our ranks. You all represent 34 cities and towns. Fifteen of you have older Arrow brothers, and 19 of you have younger Arrow brothers, but all of you—the Class of 2023—have each other for a lifetime.

As you look around and see your closest and dearest friends… who would have thought that classmate who was your lacrosse teammate or that lab partner or debate team member would one day become your doctor, your attorney, your venture capitalist, or even your brother-in-law. The brotherhood that you have experienced here continues and it will never let you down.

St. Sebastian’s has prepared you better than you could ever imagine. You have a well-deserved competitive edge in an uber competitive marketplace. You will quickly realize this edge a few months from now when you engage with your new professors and your new fellow students as you absorb readings, writings, labs, etc., knowing that this was the order of the day here at St. Sebastian’s.

However, if there’s ever any doubt and you are looking for a quick assist or a conversation with a simple question or advice needed… whether it’s nine months or even six years from now… you need to know that your classmates and your teachers are always here for you. As you have heard from Mr. Burke, the essence of life is in relationships…

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these relationships have no geographical boundary. These relationships carry on long after you leave today. Though these relationships may have been formed on the Needham campus, they become further curated with each passing year.

Thank you so much for making this such a wonderful year for the school and for being such a wonderful example to all the underclassmen who saw you accomplish so much. Whether you knew it or not, these young Arrows looked up to you and always appreciated that nod, that wink, that pat on the back, or just a simple high five. Go forth and share that St. Sebastian’s spirit with all the new friends you are soon to make and let them understand why being an Arrow is the real deal.

As I look to conclude my remarks, I think about a remarkable young lady who performed three sold-out shows in Foxborough a few weeks ago. She is an amazing singersongwriter with a tremendous business acumen who will clearly leave her mark on the music industry for years to come.

I leave with you a few of her lyrics that resonated with me as I thought about this graduation and my brief comments.

From the song “Change” by Taylor Swift: But I believe in whatever you do And I’ll do anything to see it through You can walk away, say we don’t need this But there’s something in your eyes Says we can beat this Tonight we’ll stand, get off our knees Fight for what we’ve worked for all these years And the battle was long, it’s the fight of our lives But we’ll stand up champions tonight To the great Class of 2023, go forth and God bless.

Members of the Class of 2023 were joined by their eight alumni fathers and five grandfathers on this momentous day. Front Row: Jack Boyle ’48, Andy McAuliffe ’48, Joe Ferrone ’54, David Barlow ’60, Dan Daly ’61. Middle Row: Headmaster Burke, Matthew Devlin ’23, Christopher Condron ’23, Jack Boyle ’23, Liam Burke ’23, Thomas McAuliffe ’23, Trevor Mullin ’23, Alex Baynes ’23, Harrison Nash ’23, Brian Grande ’23, Jack Daly ’23, Board of Trustees President Jim Elcock ’77. Back Row: Brian Devlin ’81, Casey Condron ’94, Will Burke ’95, Stephen Mullin ’84, Chris Baynes ’89, Stephen Grande ’84, Mark Daly ’92, John McAuliffe ’78.

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INTRODUCTION OF Dr. Edward T. Ryan P’23

by Headmaster William L. Burke III It is now my great privilege and honor to introduce our commencement speaker, Dr. Ryan.

Edward T. Ryan, M.D. is Director of Global Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and Professor of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Dr. Ryan received a bachelor’s degree in Biochemical Sciences from Princeton University and a Doctorate in Medicine from Harvard University. He performed medical residency and fellowship training in infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and received additional training in tropical medicine and infectious diseases at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He was a Fellow in Human Rights & Medicine at Columbia University, and was an International Fellow at the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Dr. Ryan has served as an expert on advisory committees for the Institute of Medicine-National Academy of Sciences, U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, chaired the Clinical Research and Field Studies of Infectious Diseases Study section of the US NIH from 2006-2008, currently chairs the Standards and Treatment Guidelines Committee of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH), and served as ASTMH President from 20092010. Dr. Ryan has been elected to Fellowship of the American College of Physicians, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and the American Academy of Microbiology. Dr. Ryan has published over 350 peerreviewed journal articles and book chapters on global infectious diseases, enteric infections, vaccines, and tropical medicine. He is a Senior Editor of Hunter’s Tropical Medicine, and a Medical Editor of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Yellow Book.

In other words, as they say in Boston, he’s wicked smaht and supah accomplished.

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We know Ed best as the loving father of Eddie Ryan, who will receive his St. Sebastian’s diploma today, as the loving father of Eddie’s two older sisters, Grace and Hana, and as the loving husband of Krista. We also know him as an outstanding trustee of St. Sebastian’s School, and as the man who saved our bacon during the COVID years.

As you may know, we went remote in the spring of 2020 when the world shut down, but we have been essentially open for in-person classes and activities ever since, when most of the other schools in the country and in the world were either completely closed to in-person education or in hybrid mode.

If it’s true that the most valuable ability is availability, then Ed has to be the Most Valuable Player in the history of the world, as he responded to Brendan Sullivan, Mike Nerbonne, and me whenever we called, and because we wouldn’t be able to make a move without him, we called him all the time.

And what a gifted teacher. Superior intelligence and off the charts teaching chops conspire in this man. Knowledge is power and Ed empowered us by so eloquently and effectively sharing the nature and likely movement of COVID-19 and by offering advice on how best to stay both safe and open. At a moment’s notice, he would connect with our community via Zoom. As President of the ISL, I asked Ed to Zoom with my 15 fellow heads and me from time to time, and he always did so to very good effect. Last spring, we ISL Heads expressed our tremendous appreciation and eternal gratitude by presenting Dr. Ryan with a plaque.

The Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and countless other organizations draw all of their information and guidance from Dr. Ryan.

We think a lot about the truth. This school exists for the glory of God, and for our students, and their families, and the rest of us are here to serve. And we pursue truth through faith and reason. We had the faith.

We prayed to our Lord, “How do we stay open? How do we continue to do our job and serve these young men and their families?” So, we had the faith, but because of Dr. Ryan, we had the faith and the reason. He really knew the science. Not only was he an expert on the pandemic in the country, but also in the whole world.

We are so blessed to have him with us today. Please help me welcome Dr. Ryan.

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Nine Life Lessons

BY EDWARD T. RYAN, M.D., P’23 Director of Global Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital

H

eadmaster and Mrs. Burke, Assistant Headmaster Nerbonne and Mr. Sullivan, Fr. Arens, Fr. Gignac, Fr. Paris (in absentia), Mr. James Elcock and Board of Trustees members, dedicated faculty and staff, benefactors, parents, friends, community members, and most importantly graduating seniors of St. Sebastian’s School, it is my honor and privilege to be with you today, both in the capacity as your commencement speaker, but more importantly as a proud father of Edward Thaire Eustace Ryan who is a member of your Great Graduating Class of ’23.

I recognize that perhaps a reason I was asked to join today’s event as a speaker reflects all that has transpired since the winter of 2019/2020. It was not humanity’s first pandemic, nor will it be our last. But it did remind us how fragile existence is, our interconnectedness, the limitations of our bodies and our knowledge, and our biologic place in the universe. It is estimated that over 20 million humans died from the pandemic, including loved ones of those with us here today. We honor their memory. But the pandemic also showed our resilience as a species and as individuals, our ability to work together for a common good, and our ability to innovate under stress. Much went wrong, but much went right. Lessons have and are being learned, and we will do better next time; and there will be a next time. It was an honor working with Mr. Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Sullivan and Nurse Jen Joyce during these difficult days. We were stronger and better for working together. I also recognize that the men we are here to celebrate today were born in the wake of 9/11, have lived through the war on terror, the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, US political turmoil, and a pandemic. I am sorry that we did not have a better reality when you joined us, but we are doing our best, and now that you are adults, feel free to roll up your sleeves and help out.

Although we are here to mark your successful completion of your secondary education and your graduation, it is important to note that we call this event a Commencement.

A commencement is a beginning, it is not an ending, although it is right at the beginning of every journey to take stock of what has brought you to the current time and to look forward to all that may lie ahead. As a commencement speaker I will try to do just that; to recognize all that you have accomplished, but also to pass on and reflect upon some life lessons that I hope

you may find helpful as you go forth. In so doing, I will try to mirror some of the amazing eloquence that I have heard in your Chapel Speeches, including those of my own son, Ed. But first, let us consider what we are here today to mark, which is your graduation from St. Sebastian’s School. You as a class and as individuals have thrived here. Using an imperfect metric, a list of schools, colleges and universities to which you will matriculate in the fall is a litany of top-notch institutions; and you are well prepared to join these academic communities with the skills and knowledge you have developed here. St. Sebastian’s will always be an integral part of who you are, what you will do, and who you will become, even if you do not fully comprehend its contribution. It will play that role because St. Sebastian’s has it right. It is a community of individuals working to become better in mind, in body and in spirit.

Unfortunately, we live in a society where the last component is often ignored, but it is not ignored here, and that will give you an irresistible strength in the future. The school is laserfocused on its mission of being an educational community based upon loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. Indeed, that mission is a distillation of the two great commandments: to know, love and serve God, and to love your neighbor as yourself. Just remember those rules, and I promise you, when faced with difficult decisions—and you will face difficult decisions—you will know what to do. All institutions, however, at the end of the day are embodiments of the efforts and planning and hard work of human beings.

So let us begin as we should all things, with thanksgiving and deep appreciation, first for all here on the faculty, staff and leadership who have made this outstanding reality possible.

Here you have been known and loved and called to greatness in every sense of the word, and that is precious.

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Second, let us recognize and applaud your parents, your special others, your grandparents, your family and friends and mentors and teachers and all those who have invested and supported you, both before and during your time here at St. Sebastian’s. Parents, well done. I think I speak for all when I say the most precious things entrusted to parents are our children. We only want the best for them, for them to live righteously, and for them to be happy. Class of ’23, we are so proud of all you have accomplished and the wonderful young men you have become.

Third, let us recognize all that YOU have done here. You have studied hard, and tested yourself in the humanities, sciences, languages, and arts. You are facile at putting your thoughts together and delivering them both in written form, and eloquently through the art of public speaking. You have expressed yourself in vocal and instrumental music, in theater, poetry and prose, and in the visual arts. You have also excelled on the playing fields, courts, diamonds, greens, rinks, and mats. Sometimes you have won, and sometimes you have lost. And that sums up life. More important than any final score, however, was your ability to never surrender, to practice-practice-practice, to strive till the clock ran out, and you learned the lessons and the importance of teamwork, of leadership, that you are stronger together, and you learned to be gracious in defeat, and humble in victory. Well done. Those skills will serve you well.

And now, let us turn to the future. In doing so, please allow me to reflect upon nine life lessons that you may or may not find helpful in the future. My family rolls their eyes when I spout my maxims. They may be a bit hokey, but I ask you to bear with me, since I believe they reflect important truths.

Eddie Ryan ’23 stands with his mother Krista and father Dr. Ed Ryan.

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“Recognize your potential to impact all who come after you. Indeed, you are already changing the future.

Your actions are having ripple effects that we cannot even imagine.

Use this immense power well.”

First, never go to battle against a mountain tribe. Besides the practical implications of this sound tactical policy, it is a metaphor. Life is difficult enough. Recognize the wars against mountain tribes in your life, and choose your battles carefully.

Second, recognize that you have won the cosmic lottery.

YOU exist. You represent the culmination of literally zillions of unlikely events over the last 13.7 billion years since the Big Bang. Despite this highly improbable outcome, you—with all your strengths and faults and hopes and dreams— exist.

To bring this home, if even one of your ancestors had turned left on some road instead of right, it is quite possible that you would not be graduating today. See yourself in this long chain since the first cell formed. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for all who have gone before you, your parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and ancestors. They have often made deep sacrifices in ways you cannot fathom. They are so proud of you, and through you their lives have taken on deeper meaning. Also, see yourself in this chain going forward.

Recognize your potential to impact all who come after you.

Indeed, you are already changing the future. Your actions are having ripple effects that we cannot even imagine. Use this immense power well.

Third, recognize that you cannot teach a dog calculus.

Dogs might have some quantitative sense: they might go to the corner of the room with three pieces of meat as opposed to the corner with one piece, but no matter what you do, you cannot teach a dog calculus. Once again, this is a metaphor.

We as humans are very solipsistic and prideful; we seem to think that everything is within our comprehension. Reason and faith can complement each other and guide us to deeper insights, but even those two wonderful gifts only get us so far. At the end of the day, in many ways we are dogs unable to grasp calculus. There are things we cannot fathom; there are deep mysteries. Now do not let this bother you, but do take some lessons from this. One, recognize the reality. Two, cut other people slack. They are also trying to make sense of the shadows on the wall. Three, do not be a zealot. No one likes a zealot, and zealots often pursue imperfect canine-level logic to imperfect conclusions.

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Fourth, love. Not only do you exist, you are an individual and you are sentient; you are conscious of your existence.

Wow, what a truly precious gift that is. Now this is a doubleedged sword. By recognizing that you exist, it means that you recognize that at some level you are an individual, you are therefore “separate,” you are cut off or disconnected from the greater whole. But here is the hidden gem. This is not some cruel cosmic joke, but it is God’s way of allowing you to love.

Only by being outside, do you see the other. Only by being separate, can we see the likeness of God in others and can we love. Revel in that essence.

This leads us to our fifth life lesson. Be thankful to live in America and for many of us to be American. As already alluded to, none of us truly knows what is going on and once we recognize that there is a piece of God in others, we are left with only one logical conclusion. Treat others with respect and love and recognize their individuality. Their thoughts and opinions are as valuable as yours. As such, democracy is the only logical best way to organize. The modern media would have us believe that we are coming apart at the seams.

In reality, America has always been coming apart at the seams, and that is our strength. We are constantly evolving, changing, maturing, innovating. So live free and allow others to live free, and engage in the process, do not critique from the outside. And recall that your freedom comes with responsibility. Vote and serve. There are many who would prefer that you not be free; many indeed. Preserve your freedom, promote it, fight for it. It is your life blood and your birth right no matter where you were born.

Our sixth lesson is that God has no hands or feet on earth but yours. It is up to you to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, visit the imprisoned, care for the sick. Take this lesson well. You already live in the Kingdom of God. Our seventh lesson is that you live in wondrous times.

You happen to be joining humanity at a time of great change whose effects and transformative implications will be the focus of future historians. We have entered the third stage of the industrial revolution. First came mechanization and the use of machines, then came our ability to control the flow of electrons and electrification, and now we are firmly into bytelevel flow of electrons in machines and the digital age. Who knows where this will go. But you are in the vanguard. In what may be the first affront to your age, you are older than iPhones. The pace of change is picking up, and the ability of humans to use computing machines to extend ourselves will be transformative in your life time. Enjoy the ride; contribute to the transformation.

Our eighth lesson is that you are modern day knights.

You will live at the interface of the material, secular and spiritual worlds. You have been instructed in a code to live by: to help and protect and to be loyal and true and to live with honor and to do your duty, whether that is to your family, community, country or global family. Live righteously.

Our ninth and final lesson is that life is a prayer. Live it as such. Prayers can be those of praise, of thankfulness, or of beseeching. As so, make your thoughts and actions those of praise and thankfulness and hope. Talk to God: everyday, and everywhere. Prayer does not have to be formal. Literally talk to God in your head a couple of times a day. Such prayer can be transformative. Live your life as a prayer.

As we wrap up, please allow me to take one personal moment to say what all of us want to voice to our sons today.

To my son Ed, I do not mean to embarrass you, but I do need to speak the truth. Know how much you are loved and how proud we are of you. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your great journey. You are a miracle.

And to the Great Class of 2023, as you commence your next journey, allow me to paraphrase the poet Constantine Cavafy who was building upon perhaps the greatest poet of all time—Homer: we pray that your road to Ithaka be long, full of adventure and fascinating harbors and ports, may you weather storms and temptations and trials righteously. We pray that you pass your tests and challenges, that you stay true to course, but most importantly we pray that you make it home, where you are—and always will be—known and loved.

To the Great Class of ’23, God-speed on the next stage of your wonderful journeys!

Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne congratulates Jahki Deloach ’23 at the end of the ceremony.

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VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

Bring Seb’s to Everyone

BY PATRICK R. SLIZ ’23

M

r. Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Elcock, Dr. Ryan, Fr. Arens, Fr. Gignac, trustees, parents, faculty, invited guests, fellow graduates…

Five classmates and I recently attended the Golden Arrow Luncheon, a celebration of alumni who graduated over fifty years ago. Mr. Burke began his remarks with this quotation: “Not everyone can come to Seb’s. But Seb’s can come to everyone.” What first struck me about this quote is that Headmaster Burke was quoting Jack Lordi. Who knew Jack was such a philosopher? But his statement is true.

Let’s first look at the former half of this quote and reflect on St. Sebastian’s impact on our lives. “Not everyone can come to Seb’s.” We are lucky to be here. We are lucky that we have parents who supported us and allowed us to attend this school. We are lucky that the admissions team offered us a chance to join this community. We are lucky to have incredible faculty, staff, and administration who put the students first, every step of the way.

But what does it mean to be at Seb’s? It means that when you decide to play a sport, each of your teammates cares for you. They all become your brothers—even if you’re a senior and they’re a seventh grader, you’re giving that kid a fist bump in the hallway. He’s your teammate, and, more importantly, an Arrow. Being an Arrow means that when you mess up, you get called out. You hold each other accountable. If someone keeps showing up late, you pester him about it until he comes in on time. If someone doesn’t do his homework, he can’t hide too easily when everyone else has done theirs.

Keeping one another in check leads to a growth and a strengthening of the community. It’s difficult to stay in your own lane here. Arrows don’t walk to their next class with their heads down—they get sidetracked in conversations with their friends and their teachers. Being at Seb’s means that when the bell rings at 2:30, you stay at school for athletics, or you do homework with your friends. Even if you have no obligations, you stay at school until our great security guard, Rob, kicks you out at 10:00.

When you’re a Seb’s student, you enjoy challenges. At the beginning of this school year, my calculus teacher, Mr. Palmaccio, gave Peter Hunt and me a tough challenge. He said that no student has ever beat him to school—he arrives around two o’clock in the morning, each day. So, about a month ago, we took on this challenge. When we got to school

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at 1:45am, sustained by caffeine and chips, we didn’t see a single car in the upper lot. Surely, we had beaten him. We then drove past the teachers’ parking lot—there sat Mr. Palmaccio’s silver Prius.

The community at Seb’s is so robust that I feel bad. After all, not everyone can come to Seb’s. I wish they could. Some people might just live too far, and some have to go to Belmont Hill instead. At the Golden Arrow Luncheon, every single alumnus had the same message: St. Sebastian’s impacted them far more than any university that they attended. They are closer to their fellow Arrows than they are to their college friends. This is clear evidence of the definitively exceptional community at Seb’s.

With this truth in mind, it’s disappointing that our time here has come to an end. In a few short months, we will be at new schools, surrounded by new communities. We will make new friends, we will pursue different majors, and we will live in different parts of the country. The one constant connection for all of us will be St. Sebastian’s. Seb’s will not have left our hearts. The values that our friends, our coaches, our teachers, and the school taught us are inscribed on our hearts. Those will never leave us.

Clearly, we each have a calling. We must bring Seb’s to everyone. St. Sebastian’s needs to be evident in our words, in our actions, and in our thoughts every day, for the rest of our lives. We need to exhibit everything that St. Sebastian’s stands for when we split paths to new schools. We need to be Arrows when we see people left out or struggling. It’s our goal to build tight knit and inclusive communities with those who surround us in the future. If we don’t bring Seb’s to everyone, then why attend Seb’s? The invaluable community here will go to waste if we fail to spread it to the world. While it’s sad that we are moving on, it’s reassuring to know that each of us will carry St. Sebastian’s on to wherever we go in life.

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The other week, at our class Red Sox game, we started the wave.

It went around the stadium multiple times. It was cool to see how we, the Seb’s seniors, influenced the entirety of the crowd at Fenway.

This is how I imagine our class as we head into the world. Our actions alone as Arrows can have a ripple effect on our new communities.

If each of us does our best to bring St. Sebastian’s to everyone, I’m confident that we will do it. We already saw it throughout our Senior Service, where we split up and brought Seb’s to many different organizations.

I am so proud of this class. Seb’s has brought me the best years of my life so far. I am confident that everyone in the Class of 2023 can say the same. It’s just going to continue getting better from here. Let’s savor our memories together. Let’s savor this last summer together.

Let’s go out into the world, and let’s be Arrows forever. Thank you.

“Clearly, we each have a calling. We must bring Seb’s to everyone. St. Sebastian’s needs to be evident in our words, in our actions, and in our thoughts every day, for the rest of our lives.”

TOP: A bird’s-eye view of the graduates as they process onto the West Campus fields for the Commencement ceremony. BOTTOM: Headmaster Burke delivers words of wisdom to the Class of 2023 as they gather at the Oratory prior to lining up for the Headmaster’s Walk.

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SALUTATORY ADDRESS

Friendship, Fidelity & Faith

BY JOHN Q. DALY ’23

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r. Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Elcock, Dr. Ryan, Fr. Arens, Fr. Gignac, trustees, parents, faculty, invited guests, and fellow graduates...

First, I want to congratulate my fellow classmates on reaching this moment. Before I get into my speech, I would like to recognize a few people in my life without whom I would surely not be standing before you today. To my grandfather, Pa, thank you for coming to this amazing school all those years ago, setting all of this in motion. To my siblings, Lily and Charlie, I may not show it all the time, but I love you both more than anything. Life is going to be weird without you guys in it every day, but when I get back home you can team up against me. To my parents, Mom and Dad, you both are my everything. There are no two people I would rather be like than you. If I am half as kind, loving, empathetic, joyful, and faithful as you both then I know that I am doing something right. Finally, to Brendan, Ryan, and Timmy, you are truly the greatest friends anyone could ask for. You guys are brothers to me, and I mean that wholeheartedly. I am honored to call you three my friends.

Growing up, I was privileged to be surrounded by a deep network of St. Sebastian’s graduates in my family. For those who do not know, I am the seventh member of my family to attend this school. The first was my grandfather, Pa. From there followed my father, all of my uncles, and me. Thankfully, there is always something to talk about at the Daly/Heffernan table at major holidays. From being baptized by Fr. Arens to attending homecomings, I was aware of the influence this school had on my family at a young age. I would tell my friends that I would be an Arrow someday. I wanted nothing more than to go to St. Sebastian’s.

What these family members gave me that you may not have been provided with is an earlier exposure to the school.

That is it. This school does not provide you with a cookie cutter model of how to accomplish its mission of making you a man who loves God, works hard, and takes good care of one another.

Because of this, we must define our own path in order to achieve this objective. Before coming to St. Sebastian’s, I thought that, because of my familial ties to the school, I knew everything there was to know about St. Sebastian’s. Looking back on it now, I realize I did not have a single clue of what it truly means to be an Arrow. It is only through my five years here that I have begun to grasp what being an Arrow means.

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In order to illustrate that, I want to feature the following three topics: friendship, fidelity, and faith.

I would like to start with friendship. Of all the topics that I will discuss, this has been with us the longest. Before any of us stepped foot on campus, we were told about the brotherhood of St. Sebastian’s and how the friends you make here will remain with you forever. While we all have formed incredibly tight friendships here at St. Sebastian’s, we have yet to understand the full scope of the Sebs brotherhood. If you express any doubt about the strength of the bonds you form at St. Sebastian’s, let my family serve as an example of what the Sebs brotherhood really means. Last year, after coming from Timmy Weiss’s tennis match, I heard someone call my name as I was walking back to my car. It was my dad. He wanted to introduce me to his old classmates. After meeting them, I was struck by the way that they conversed with one another.

Despite the time between their last meet-up, they spoke as if they were just like us, classmates who see each other every single day. That is what the Sebs brotherhood is. No matter where you go to high school, you will form bonds with the people there. It is only after you depart from St. Sebastian’s that the brotherhood is really put on full display.

Do not think of this day as the end of our time as Arrows, but rather the beginning of being life-long Arrows.

The second is fidelity. What I mean by fidelity is that of the student-teacher relationship. I think that it is fair to say that we all have been blessed by the many amazing teachers this school has to offer. Unlike the friendship aspect of Sebs, this seemingly unbreakable bond between students and teachers is less visible to the outside person. While I have countless stories of how great the teachers are, there is one that stands out to me in particular. This year in my advanced topics class, which is only a four-man class, we were discussing American

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foreign policy during WWII. While talking with Mr. Cleary, I decided to ask him a question regarding the Soviet Union and the origins of communism. While the answer was brief, at least by Mr. Cleary’s standards, his answer piqued my interest.

So, after class I decided to stay and follow up on my question.

We dove into a deep conversation regarding how communism started. While the conversation itself was fascinating, that is not what I took away from it. Instead, I was shown the true fidelity these teachers at St. Sebastian’s have to their students.

I’m sure that not many schools can say that they have teachers that will give up a free period to simply talk with their student after class. Sometimes my conversations with Mr. Cleary would not even revolve around history. I only use Mr. Cleary as an example, but I have had experiences like these with dozens of teachers at St. Sebastian’s. We have been so lucky these past few years to have had such a loving and dedicated group of teachers that so badly want us to become the best versions of ourselves. The teacher’s fidelity to the students does not end here though. It may take on a new shape, but we have gained mentors that will last us a lifetime.

My third and final topic is faith. Of the topics that I have discussed thus far, this one took me the longest to understand.

There are a good number of stories I could tell regarding faith at Sebs, but there is one that stands among the rest.

Last summer, I went on a pilgrimage to Lourdes, France. A common activity while we were there was to make chaplets and give them to people. While we were helping to transport some of the people into one of the churches, I spotted a lady in a wheelchair. Using the little French I knew, I tried to explain that I was giving a chaplet to her.

Because of the language barrier and my poor Frenchspeaking skills, she didn’t quite understand what I was trying to say. So, I enlisted the help of one of the leaders I was working with who spoke much better French than I did.

When she understood that I was trying to give her the chaplet, her face lit up and she gave me a hug. In all my life, I struggle to find another moment that struck me more profoundly than that. It may sound cliché, but that small exchange between two strangers, who will probably never meet again, changed my life. That is faith to me at Sebs. It is these soul-touching moments that this school has provided to so many of us. It is the fact that a high school can provide you with a life-changing experience at only 18 years old. I did not fully understand what the idea of being a man for others truly meant until my trip to Lourdes, but I am so incredibly grateful that I did.

We have all come to St. Sebastian’s for different reasons.

There are so many amazing things that this school has to offer, but I don’t need to tell you that because you all have experienced that firsthand. What I’m trying to say is that Sebs isn’t simply a place that if you go there you will go on to a great college, get a great job, and so on and so forth. I think by now you could have realized that there are plenty of schools that do just that. So why even be here in the first place? Is it the

friendships that you build here that will last forever? Is it the fidelity that the teachers have towards their students? Is it the education wrapped in a faith-based environment?

While all these topics that I mentioned are wonderful on their own, it is only together that the picture becomes a little clearer. While we have all been called to Sebs for various reasons, we all understand the true reason as to why this school is so special to so many. This is a place whose main goal is not only to get you into a prestigious institution, but to get you into heaven. Looking at this class now, I can say that we have all gone down very different paths in life, but for some equally mysterious and beautiful reason we find that our paths have converged at this very point at which we find ourselves today.

We may not have all the answers at this moment, but we must always keep the gifts this school has given us close to our hearts. All of our paths may vary as we depart from here, but I pray that we may all find one another at the same destination: in an embrace of infinite love with our Lord in heaven for all eternity. Thank you and may God bless you all.

Graduates (from left) Brett Porter, Alex Yang, Teddy Gleba, Peter Hunt, James McGuire, and Dhaniel Ramos stand outside of the Burke Family Center before commencement begins.

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EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

HEADMASTER SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT

LEFT: Steve Burton, Sports Director for WBZ-TV, delivers the keynote speech; RIGHT: Seton Spagnuolo P’25, Marie Carroll P’25,’28, Samantha and Mark Carter P’28, and Noel Stavaridis P’24,’25,’27.

A Night of Appreciation for Our Leadership Donors The President’s Society Reception on May 11 welcomed leadership donors, trustees, and friends to the Burke Family Center to celebrate their tremendous dedication to the School. Featured speaker Steve Burton, Sports Director for WBZ-TV, spoke about the influence of his father, former Patriots player Ron Burton. During his speech, he commended the St. Sebastian’s community for its unwavering commitment to its mission.

The reception provided an opportunity to acknowledge retiring trustees for their service to St. Sebastian’s and several of them shared a few words, including John Hueber ’71, Kurt Steinkrauss ’91, P’19, Brian Strachan P’11,’14 and Kristen Maxwell P’25. Headmaster Bill Burke wrapped up the beautiful evening of celebration and gratitude with closing remarks.

The Guild Closes the Year in Style Mothers from across the grades gathered in the Burke Family Center’s Wrestling Room for the Guild of St. Irene Closing Event & Fashion Show on May 18. The evening included shopping, dinner and a fashion show, with senior moms making their way down the catwalk dressed in the latest fashion trends. Special thanks to our fabulous Fashion Show Chairs— Staci Bailey P’23, Elizabeth Derenzo P’20,’22,’24,’27, Shu Li P’25, and Paula Lordi P’18,’23—for organizing a fun evening to close out the year.

36 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

The Headmaster Scholarship Golf Tournament at the Charles River Country Club on May 15 brought together one hundred golfers, including St. Sebastian’s parents, grandparents, parents of alumni, alumni and friends. Golf Committee members Richard Walsh P’22,’24, Mike Frisoli P’17,’19,’21,’22,’26, Anton Melchionda P’27, and Rick Sutphin P’26 did a fabulous planning this event. Thanks to all of our sponsors and participants, the outing successfully raised funds for the St. Sebastian’s Headmaster Scholarship which provides financial aid to St. Sebastian’s students.

Blessed with a beautiful day, the golfers enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on the course. During a reception, participants heard from our Men’s Association President Richard Walsh and Headmaster Bill Burke, and with help from Marty Kane ’84 P’22, we auctioned off some fantastic golf items, concert tickets and getaways. Champions of the tournament were Jim Donovan P’19, ’23, Jon Bartlett, Dan Burke ’97 and Brendan Sullivan P’25.

Fr. John Arens blesses the plaques that will be placed at the entrance to the Stations of the Cross Pathway, one recognizing the 2023 Senior Class Gift and the other dedicated to Fr. Arens.

A Special Celebration for the Class of 2023 Parents

P

arents of the Class of 2023 gathered on the evening of Sunday, June 4, to celebrate their sons and kick off graduation week with the Senior Parent Dinner. Due to inclement weather, both the reception and dinner were held in Ward Hall. At the conclusion of the cocktail hour, the 2023 Senior Class Gift dedication plaque for the Stations of the Cross Pathway was formally blessed. As a surprise to Fr. Arens, a second plaque honoring his dedication to the community and this project was revealed and blessed. Both plaques will be placed at the entrance to the Stations of the Cross behind the Oratory.

This tight knit group of parents reveled in each other’s company while enjoying a delicious dinner. Bill and Patty Burke welcomed everyone and shared advice on savoring each moment of the coming week. Headmaster Burke recognized the Class of 2023’s distinction of having the largest number of alumni dads (8) as well as alumni grandfathers (5). He then thanked the Senior Class Gift Committee and concluded by sharing a moving poem written by Cecil Day-Lewis. The evening was capped off when parents collected a specially framed photograph of their son and a commemorative Class of 2023 St. Sebastian’s hat.

A Reunion for Parents of Alumni Parents of alumni returned to St. Sebastian’s on April 27 to gather for a reception in Martin Hall. This event truly captures the phrase “Once in, never out. Arrows forever.”

In speaking to the crowd, Lucy Kapples P’16,’18 reminded us how wonderful the Parents of Alumni Reception is as it serves as a reunion for parents to come together. Fr. Arens and Headmaster Burke also delivered remarks and a warm welcome to those assembled.

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Arrows

RISE

I

n the Fall of 2022, we embarked on the planning of our athletic field viewing project—Arrows Rise. The new viewing space will greatly enhance spectator safety and elevate the experience for Arrows football and lacrosse fans and the St. Sebastian’s community through the installation of seven viewing platforms blended naturally into the hill abutting Greendale Avenue. Campaign Co-chairs Tara Ciongoli P’25,’25,’27,’29 and Mike Frisoli P’17,’19,’21,’22,’26, worked quickly and tirelessly to raise the funds for this project.

M.J. Cataldo, Inc. was awarded the project and began construction on May 25, just days after the last lacrosse game of the season.

Construction is on schedule and set to be completed by early September, in time for the kickoff of our football season. We are thrilled about the significant impact the project will have for our loyal fans and for our community. The seating area will allow us to host over 470 spectators and features a handicap accessible viewing space, improving the game day experience for all our fans. The terraces will also lend themselves to outdoor learning, student gatherings, and a location for our athletic team pictures.

We are so grateful for the generous supporters of the Arrows Rise project and the unwavering support of our community. We look forward to standing with you proudly as we cheer on our Arrows!

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TOP: Artist rendering of the Arrows Rise athletic field viewing project; BOTTOM: Headmaster Bill Burke, Campaign Co-Chairs Tara Ciongoli P’25,’25,’27,’29 and Mike Frisoli P’17,’19,’21,’22,’26, and Board President Jim Elcock ’77, P’08 break ground on the project.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The viewing platforms in various phases of construction as they begin to take shape.

— DEDICATION OF —

Lemone Family Golf Room

Members of the Lemone Family with Headmaster Bill Burke and former head coach of the varsity golf team, Jim Sullivan (far right).

On June 15, members of the St. Sebastian’s faculty and staff gathered with the Lemone Family for the dedication of the golf simulator room in the Burke Family Center. Trustee Carolyn and Scott Lemone P’16,’18 were joined by their extended family including their sons, former varsity golf captain, Robert ’16, and varsity golfer, Jack ’18. Following the dedication blessing

by Fr. Arens, Headmaster Burke, Board President Jim Elcock, and Athletic Director Jon Bartlett all offered remarks of appreciation for the Lemone Family’s support of St. Sebastian’s over the years. Current Head Coach, Paul Keady ’16, and past Head Coach, Jim Sullivan, along with the current varsity captain, Ronan Massenburg ’24, were in attendance to celebrate this event.

Carolyn’s beautiful comments spoke to the strong family ties between the Lemones and the St. Sebastian’s Golf Program: “This dedication is so meaningful because it encompasses several things that are truly special to us. Friends, Family, Faith, Golf and St. Sebastian’s School.” In recognizing the Lemone Family, Headmaster Burke shared,“How blessed we are that Scott and Carolyn came back home to Massachusetts in time to have their sons educated at St. Sebastian’s. And how appropriate it is that our new Golf Room has been dedicated in their honor. Bright, talented, energetic, generous, kind and giving, truly great people of faith and honor, the Lemones exemplify the spirit of St. Sebastian’s at our very best.”

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Always

a Journalist

BY CHRISTINE Y. ROBERTSON

Curiosity: This is the thread that has run through the colorful career of Ned Desmond ’76, weaving his varied jobs in journalism, tech media and venture capital into a cohesive tapestry. From covering the front lines of war-torn countries to distilling the deep-tech innovations of Silicon Valley, Desmond learned early on how to ask challenging questions and how to articulate what he discovered with compelling narratives. He’s been asking questions ever since.

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TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Ned Desmond’s senior photo in the 1976 Arrow Yearbook. n July 1989 TIME cover story features Desmond’s exclusive reporting from both the Indian and Pakistani front lines in the Siachen glacier border conflict. n Desmond on the front lines while covering the Eritrean Civil War in 1985. n A letter from the publisher of TIME highlights Desmond’s coverage of the war in Afghanistan as New Delhi Bureau Chief. n Mother Teresa sends a letter to Desmond granting a rare interview with her. n A coveted interview with the Dalai Lama.

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D

esmond’s gift for cultivating knowledge began while he was an Arrow on Nonantum Hill. Several of his teachers at St. Sebastian’s had a significant impact on him, including Fr. Flagg, Morris Kittler, Fr. McAuliffe, and Msgr. Forrester.

Whether it was chemistry, math or Latin, these mentors successfully encouraged him to push his boundaries. “If you can get through high school with a strongly improved sense of what you’re capable of, then you’ve really got something,” shared Desmond. “St. Sebastian’s was great for me in that regard.”

Desmond’s interest in journalism took shape at Amherst College and really ignited during the summer of ’79, when he spent two months on his own in Belfast before his senior year. His reporting and photography from that city’s violent neighborhoods culminated in a cover story for the Boston Sunday Globe Magazine and cemented his interest in conflict coverage. With several local journalism jobs under his belt, as well as a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, he landed at TIME magazine in New York, writing about international affairs.

One of his most exciting assignments was in the Horn of Africa, where he was embedded with rebels fighting the Ethiopian military during the Eritrean Civil War. Four years later, he became TIME’s Bureau Chief in New Delhi, India, covering events that took him from Afghanistan to Kashmir, to Iraq and Sri Lanka. According to Desmond, “This was the assignment of a lifetime.

Every few weeks or so, I was writing from a different conflict zone. It was a tremendous education.”

After four years of constant immersion in war zones far from his wife and growing family, Desmond needed a change of pace. He accepted an invitation from Oxford University to spend a school year lecturing on his work in the subcontinent and preparing for his next assignment, TIME’s Tokyo Bureau Chief. Topics he covered over the following four years ranged from the North-South Korea military tensions to Japan’s economic decline and the rise of the Internet.

In 1996, an opportunity came Desmond’s way that brought him to Silicon Valley. He joined his first start-up, Infoseek, where he launched the company’s search engine technology in Japan. “It was such a radical departure from what I’d been doing,” observed

Ned Desmond takes the stage at a TechCrunch event.

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Desmond, “that I resorted to literally interviewing my colleagues in legal and business development to educate myself on how to get things done.”

Over the next several years, Desmond went back and forth between journalism, media, business and startups, serving as head of digital at Time Inc. for six years, founder of the publication eCompany Now (later merged with Business 2.0), and a senior stint in Disney’s digital business.

The juxtaposition of Desmond’s experience in journalism and start-ups led to another important moment in his career. In 2012, he assumed the leadership of TechCrunch—an online media company that specializes in news coverage of startups and venture capital in Silicon Valley and beyond.

As part of running the overall business, he led a global event business that attracted as many as 10,000 people in person, another 100,000 online, and every tech titan you can name. “I built a great team that became a major force in the world of digital media and startups,” shared Desmond. “I never imagined that TechCrunch events would take us to cities like Lagos, Sao Paulo, Shenzhen, Berlin and Beirut, but the aspirational nature of TechCrunch’s startup focus really made it a global brand.”

One of those venture capitalists recognized Desmond’s background as an ideal fit for his company—someone who could surface the stories behind founders’ big dreams and bring them to life. Looking for a new challenge after eight years at TechCrunch, Desmond joined the global venture capital firm SOSV as a Senior Operating Partner.

With a vast portfolio of companies focused on climate and health, SOSV invests in breakthrough technologies that range from the exotic to more straightforward and consumer-oriented.

Desmond’s job is to figure out how the founders of early-stage startups

“I believe that all of us, if we’re lucky, learn how to do one thing really well and then we adapt those skills to different roles over time. For me, it’s definitely the journalistic mindset.”

—Ned Desmond ’76

are going to market and position their products to the media and investors. Many of them are scientists and engineers working on complex technologies that are very hard to understand. This is where Desmond’s journalism skills kick in; he interviews the founders thoroughly and then helps the founders tell their story in ways that the non-specialist can get excited about. “As a journalist, you are schooled to learn fast and find the story,” shared Desmond. “That’s the superpower that journalists have—they’re curious and they love to discover what will get people’s attention.”

That superpower has helped Desmond work with companies like UpSide Foods– the first company to produce real chicken without the chicken by using cell-cultured protein to grow poultry in a lab.

Recently approved by the USDA and FDA, the chicken is on the menu of a meat-free restaurant in San Francisco. Another example is Novoloop, the first company to upcycle waste polyethylene (think plastic bags) into high-value plastics, including the soles of Swiss-made On sneakers.

And then there’s Neptune—an underwater robot that cleans the hulls of giant, ocean-going ships, which reduces their fuel consumption by 20%. These are just a few of the dozens of startups Desmond has helped to launch. “For someone who likes to constantly learn new stuff, life at SOSV is like watching the creation of an encyclopedia of amazing new technologies. The risk for these companies is very high; most of them will not succeed. But when they do, they will be incredible stories.”

In reality, Desmond never stopped being a journalist. It’s the lens through which he views the world, always asking questions to come up with a better story. “I believe that all of us, if we’re lucky, learn how to do one thing really well and then we adapt those skills to different roles over time,” he reflected. “For me, it’s definitely the journalistic mindset.” His advice for Arrows thinking about their next career move is the same guidance he’s given to his three children: “Always be learning, always be meeting new people, and always be getting stuff done. It’s not what you’re planning for, it’s what you’re preparing for— and you never know what opportunities are around the corner.”

A

s part of the Alumni Office’s ongoing efforts to keep the alumni community and our families professionally engaged, we have hosted several networking events focused on specific industries. On April 19, technology industry participants and investors gathered at the Cambridge Innovation Center in Boston for this spring’s installation of the ongoing series.

We were honored to feature Ned Desmond ’76, Senior Operating Partner at multi-stage, deep tech venture capital firm, SOSV, as our keynote speaker.

Desmond’s commentary covered the state of the technology industry following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. While tech startup valuations are experiencing a sharp decline, Desmond expects that the depth of talent in the Silicon Valley will recover with an emphasis on different metrics: ARR, IP and profitability versus growth at any cost. Addressing topics including Deep Tech, ChatGPT, and the future direction of venture capital funding, Desmond covered a wide range of subjects and addressed numerous questions from the assembled audience.

Based on the interest in the event, there is no shortage of tech industry expertise in the St. Sebastian’s community. We are all grateful for Ned’s contributions to an exciting evening!

STAY TUNED for more details on our next networking event addressing the law profession, currently scheduled for November 2, 2023!

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From Blazers to Scrubs

T

BY ALLIE COLGAN

rading their ties for stethoscopes, Arrows went beyond the classroom and shed their textbooks to gain real-world, hands-on medical skills. As part of St. Sebastian’s Life Sciences Club, students took weekly field trips this past winter to Harvard Medical School’s state-of-the-art simulation lab run by trained MEDscience educators. HMS’s MEDscience Modules Program is a STEM initiative with a mission to inspire the next generation of scientists. During their weekly visits, Arrows engaged with life-like mannequins designed to simulate an array of symptoms that the boys were responsible for diagnosing and treating as if they were real doctors treating patients.

These modules, in addition to HMS’s teleMED anatomy program, 44 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

were brought to St. Sebastian’s in large part by the McNeill family. Over the course of three summers, their son, Andrew ’23, participated in the program as a student and then as an intern.

His positive and fulfilling experiences inspired the McNeills to reach out to Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne and offer their support to make the program a reality for Arrows. “We believe that bringing the MEDscience program to St. Sebastian’s will spark excitement, pique interests, and hopefully encourage future doctors, scientists, biotech innovators, etc.,” reflected Margaret McNeill.

For the past two years, Arrows have been lucky enough to partake in the teleMED program as a supplement to St. Sebastian’s anatomy curriculum.

This past year, the stars truly aligned for an in-person opportunity when Julia Burnet joined the Science Department.

Her strong background in medical sciences made her the perfect fit to coordinate the hands-on module, integrating lessons taught in the classroom with the weekly field trips to HMS’s lab. During the one and half hour sessions, Arrows engaged in realistic medical emergency simulations and learned how to question a patient, gather information, make proper diagnoses, and deduce proper interventions. “They also learned clinical skills like how to intubate and insert an IV,” recalled Burnet. “More than diagnosing patients, they were doing hands-on intervention care on the spot.”

Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback from the club members, it appears the McNeills’ hopes for this program came true.

Josh Corbett ’23 remarked, “I am considering a biomed route, and this program allowed me to see if these

topics and activities would interest me in the long run.” Even for students who are not considering a medical profession, like Yoyo Tian ’24, the modules proved to be valuable. Tian shared, “Getting hands-on experience outside of the classroom was unquestionably a unique opportunity for me. I also gained more medical knowledge and skills, which is applicable to all aspects of life.” Andrew McNeill ’23 echoed these sentiments, observing, “For anyone interested in the medical fields, this program is extremely beneficial and can open eyes to other career paths as well as instill a passion for helping others.”

Not only does this experience relate to individual career path discernment, but it also emphasizes teamwork, a valued component of a St. Sebastian’s education. According to the Chair of the Science Department, David Wilbur, “Students learned how to work together and delegate tasks and responsibilities.

Unlike being in a classroom where a teacher gives instructions, the boys had to figure it out for themselves, step up to the plate, and assume responsibility.”

Under the pressure of emergency-like simulations, the Arrows had to work as a unit and quickly decide who would communicate directly with the patient, generate possible diagnoses, perform tests, and keep an eye on the patient’s stats. “You have to be a leader and a detective in these cases,” said Burnet.

“You must think critically and problem solve. I noticed a huge contrast between the first and last session in the kind of questions the boys asked. Their questions became much more deliberate and pointed, enabling them to reach correct conclusions much faster.”

The boys also gained valuable interpersonal skills through the modules. “Communicating with a patient is very different than communicating with anyone else because patients are often in pain, discomfort, or scared. The boys aren’t necessarily used to going into a nurturing mode and they learned to lead with empathy and develop bedside manner,” recalled Wilbur.

The boys also had to navigate being compassionate while still conveying the gravity of a diagnosis, in some cases with life-long implications.

Through this program, students gained valuable knowledge and experience ranging from professional skills to expressing empathy in difficult situations. This perfectly captures two pillars of St. Sebastian’s School: building intellectual skills and fostering relationships. Students from this

program will have a better grasp of emergency medical situations and how to handle them, in addition to a foundation for how to treat family, friends, or patients during times of need. The modules were a great addition to the Life Sciences Club and will serve as another resource to transform the young men of St. Sebastian’s into wellrounded individuals professionally and personally.

“For anyone interested in the medical fields, this program is extremely beneficial and can open eyes to other career paths as well as instill a passion for helping others.”—Andrew McNeill ’23

OPPOSITE PAGE: Arrows engage with the life-like mannequin in the simulation lab and check the patient’s heartbeat using a stethoscope. TOP LEFT: Colby Nash ’25 intubates the patient. TOP RIGHT: Yoyo Tian ’24 practices inserting a needle on HMS state-of-the-art equipment. BOTTOM LEFT: Arrows pose with their HMS MEDscience instructors. BOTTOM RIGHT: Donal O’Connor ’26 inserts an IV into the mannequin.

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WINTER SPORTS ISL CHAMPIONS

Varsity Basketball

BY COACH DAVID HINMAN

The St. Sebastian’s varsity basketball team completed a historic season that will be remembered for a long time. The Arrows finished with a 26-2 record that included many firsts: the first time the basketball program won 26 games, the first time the team made it to the Class A championship game, and the first backto-back ISL league titles since 1984. The team competed at a high level from our opening tip against Tabor to our final contest at the NEPSAC championship

46 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

game. As disappointing as it was to see the season come to an end, this group will be remembered for helping change the trajectory of St. Sebastian’s basketball.

Over the past two seasons, the Arrows compiled a 49-5 record and established themselves not only as a two-time league champion, but also as one of the very best teams in high school basketball.

There were many great moments this year, but the night that will be remembered most was our game against Belmont Hill at the TD Garden.

The team showed up at school in their finest attire and immediately set the tone for what would be a great evening.

The true joy of being together as a team, the excitement of playing on the parquet, and the thrill of defeating rival Belmont Hill in front of a large crowd made for an evening that the School will remember forever. That night was

a great reminder of what being part of a team is all about and why St. Sebastian’s athletics continues to impact so many people in positive ways.

Another highlight of the season occurred when Trevor Mullin ’23 became the School’s all-time leading scorer at home in front of a packed gym that included alumni from five decades.

Mullin would punctuate his five-year varsity career by being awarded the Most Valuable Player of both the ISL and NEPSAC Class A. In addition, AJ Dybantsa ’26 became the first St. Sebastian’s athlete to be named the Massachusetts Gatorade Player of the Year. Dybantsa and Jaylen Harrell ’25 were both named All-League All-stars in both the ISL and NEPSAC. In addition to Mullin, the senior class was one of the deepest and most talented the school has seen. An early

WINTER

WINTER SPORTS

ATHLETIC AWARDS January foot injury cost tri-captain Cooper Wright ’23 two months of his season and left a huge void. Tri-captain Zion Simmons, a five-year member of the team, served as the team’s defensive stopper and added great leadership to the program. Shooting guard Sam Hinman ’23 was awarded the Father Gilmartin Award, which is given annually to the player who shows the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of basketball. Alex Baynes ’23, Jahki Deloach ’23, and Troy McCall ’23 rounded out the senior class. This group of seniors combined to play a total of 22 seasons of varsity basketball and will be remembered as back-toback ISL champions.

It has been an honor to work beside my assistant coaches, Sam Doner and Trevor McLean, and I look forward to seeing St. Sebastian’s basketball continue to grow and prosper in future years. Next year’s team will be led by co-captains Jack Williams ’24 and Timmy Bollin ’25.

The following student-athletes were recognized for their performance during the winter season at an Athletic Awards Assembly on March 7.

BASKETBALL ISL Basketball MVP: Trevor Mullin ’23 ISL All-League: AJ Dybantsa ’26, Jaylen Harrell ’25, Trevor Mullin ’23 ISL Honorable Mention: Cooper Wright ’23 Fr. Daniel J. Gilmartin Award: Given by the coaches to the St. Sebastian’s basketball player who possesses the qualities of commitment, teamwork and outstanding attitude.

Sam Hinman ’23

HOCKEY ISL All-League: Matt Cataldo ’24, Aidan Connors ’24, Teddy Mutryn ’25 ISL Honorable Mention: Isaac Mitchell ’24, Pelle Russo ’24 All NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Matt Cataldo ’24, Teddy Mutryn ’25 Jack Doherty Award: This award is presented to the member of the St. Sebastian’s varsity hockey team whose commitment to excellence and devotion to the game has repeatedly been evidenced by aggressive and spirited play and selfless contribution to the total team effort.

Aidan Connors ’24

WRESTLING ISL Most Outstanding Wrestler: Landon Bailey ’23 ISL All-League: Landon Bailey ’23 ISL Honorable Mention: Eddie Zhang ’24 O’Malley Family Award: Given by the coaches to the wrestler who most exemplifies commitment, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for the sport of wrestling.

OPPOSITE PAGE: The varsity basketball team at the TD Garden for their game against Belmont Hill in the Andrew James Lawson Foundation Invitational on January 21, 2023. TOP: Sam Hinman ’23 takes a jump shot during the Silent Night game against Taft. MIDDLE: Trevor Mullin ’23 lays up the ball during a game against Nobles. BOTTOM: AJ Dybantsa ’26 makes a dunk.

Kyle Bilezerian ’23

SKIING ISL All-League: Bobby Keller ’25

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WINTER SPORTS

Varsity Hockey

BY COACH SEAN MCCANN

The 2022-23 edition of Arrows hockey was unlike any other. Without a single senior on the team and only three players entering their third season at the varsity level, this young squad exuded confidence and energy. Juniors Matt Cataldo, Aidan Connors and Charlie Leverone were tasked with leading this group through a long and challenging season in a very competitive ISL. An extensive tryout process cemented a small but highly competitive team as preparation was underway for Rivers and Milton Academy. A young but aggressive Rivers team surprised the Arrows, but an outstanding 34-save performance from junior goaltender Pelle Russo and sophomore Brendan Keaveney’s first varsity goal secured a 1-0 victory. Isaac Mitchell ’24 opened the scoring against Milton in the first period, but every time the Arrows scored, Milton responded until pulling away and winning 4-2 with an empty net goal.

Over the course of the next eight days, Portsmouth Abbey, Exeter, and Brooks provided an opportunity for this team to grow together and hopefully find its chemistry. Sixteen goals for and only two against during this span solidified three straight wins with the Mitchell, Cataldo and Teddy Mutryn ’25 line firing on all cylinders as they combined for 25 points in the three games.

The extremely competitive Mutch Cup Tournament and the Prep Showcase rounded out the December schedule.

At the Mutch Cup, Casey Mutryn ’26 opened the scoring for Seb’s in the second period to spark a 4-1 win over Albany and on the second day of the tournament, Cataldo notched a hat trick to lead the Arrows past Williston 4-1. On the final day, Seb’s found themselves facing off against an always formidable Brunswick squad. An early goal in the first half put the Arrows on their heels, but the 48 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

TOP LEFT: Aidan Connors ’24 fires a shot. TOP RIGHT: Isaac Mitchell ’24 controls possession of the puck. BOTTOM: Nolan Flynn ’24 tries to maintain possession as defensemen give pressure while bringing the puck down ice.

team continued to apply pressure and create scoring opportunities without the desired outcome. Brunswick added to their lead in the second half, winning an outstanding game 2-0. However, this was the Arrows’ best game to date and a great opportunity for this team to gain playoff caliber experience. At the Prep Showcase, a well-coached Berkshire team fought back from a 0-3 deficit to get within one with 12 minutes to go. However, solid defensive play by Aidan Barclay ’24 and Jack Harney ’24 combined with a great offensive performance by Nolan Flynn ’24 allowed the Arrows to escape with a win. The following day, a second meeting with Williston posed a difficult challenge, but a four-goal outburst by

Cataldo secured a 4-2 victory to sweep the Prep Showcase.

The first week in January brought two well-known opponents to the Henry T. Lane Rink. Nobles exposed some flaws enroute to a 5-2 victory, but the following game versus Belmont Hill was another classic in a long history between these two schools. Belmont Hill jumped out to a 3-1 lead going into the third period, but key plays by Ben Merrill ’25 resulted in two power play goals and an even strength goal as Seb’s rallied for a crucial 4-3 victory.

The following week, two competitive games versus Tabor and Andover ended in 3-3 ties. Jack Connors ’24 scored his first varsity goal in the Travis Roy Cup at BU while Kam Carkner ’24 earned

WINTER SPORTS

his initial varsity start which resulted in 27 saves against Andover. Two days later, Middlesex came to Seb’s and fought extremely hard as the game was 2-1 Arrows after the second. But an offensive explosion in the third and a great effort by Chase McCann ’24 in the third kept Middlesex to only one goal as the Arrows won 8-1.

The following five games were somewhat of a mixed bag as the team went 1-2-2. Every game was a hard-fought match as four of the five opponents would eventually make the playoffs. Governor’s was able to break a 2-2 tie late in the third with a power play goal, but the team rebounded a few days later. A great game by junior Brian Hall, especially on the penalty

kill, and junior Ben Stavaridis’ first varsity goal secured a 4-3 win against Thayer. Some miscues in the first period resulted in a loss against Nobles and two very strong games against Milton and St. Mark’s earned the team two ties.

During the last few weeks of the season, Seb’s was to meet most of its ISL opponents for the second time.

Difficult losses against Belmont Hill and Tabor were surrounded by victories versus Governor’s and Lawrence.

Strong performances were seen by Owen Lynch ’24 as he scored his first varsity goal and the team’s only goal in a 1-1 tie at Lawrence while Colin Gorman ’24 emerged offensively with nine points in the last seven games.

Squash

victory over Middlesex before the first loss of the season against a strong team from Tabor, in which the Arrows lost two heartbreakers in the fifth game, leading to a 3-4 loss overall.

The team bounced back with a 7-5 victory over Fessenden, bringing their record to 6-1, but that was to be the last win of the season. The final matches were against some of the perennially toughest competition in the ISL: Belmont Hill, Groton, and Nobles. Although the Arrows lost those matches, the team battled hard in each one, losing several important individual matches in five games and losing two overall matches by scores of 3-4 again. Those matches could have been won by either team, and unfortunately it seemed that Seb’s kept coming up on the losing side. Despite the tough ending to the season, all in all it was very successful. The team finished .500, and the program and individual players made tremendous strides forward. St. Sebastian’s squash certainly has a bright future due to the efforts of all the players and coaches throughout the season.

BY COACH BEN BROWN

The squash program at St. Sebastian’s continued to grow this year, once again fielding two high school teams and a middle school team. The top 18 players practiced or played every day of the week, which was not something the team was able to do in the past. As a result, the coaches saw tremendous improvement from all those players throughout the season. The schedule was more difficult than in previous years, but the teams held their own and were very competitive in most of their matches.

Faculty members Ben Brown and Paul Keady ’16 reprised their coaching roles from last year, and the program also welcomed Nick Taylor, a highly decorated professional player and coach, to the staff. The 2022-2023 Arrows squash team started out 4-0 in December, including a sweep of the opening tri-match against Nobles and Phillips Academy. After the break, the team tallied one more win with a

After a long and demanding season, Seb’s was able to secure a spot in the playoffs for the eighth year in a row as we were scheduled to play Tabor for the third time this season. Every match had been extremely close, but Tabor jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after one period. The team competed and fought back to bring the game within two points but could not close the gap.

The lessons learned this season will only help elevate the performance for next. We will no longer be a young team, as every player will return. Yet, we must not be a team that will expect improvement, but one that will earn it by having a growth mindset and lead because of our commitment, experience, and teamwork.

TOP: Dhaniel Ramos ’23 serves the ball during a match. BOTTOM: Ryan Pat ’25 hits a back hand shot.

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WINTER SPORTS

Henry duBose ’24 (left) and Teddy Gleba ’23 (right) compete in the first ISL race of the season on February 1, 2023.

Varsity Skiing

BY COACH DEIRDRE RYNNE ANNAN

Warm temperatures reduced our ability to train and compete this season and while our skiers had their patience tested, Arrows Skiing prevailed. Our first ISL race was held on February 1 at Wachusett—the latest start in the history of the team. Racers competed having held only four on-snow practices and no gate training due to our biggest competitor: uncooperative weather.

Heavy rain, one arctic blast and poor driving conditions restricted hill-time.

Only 9” of snow fell during our season.

What the boys did not get to experience in gate training, they made up for in working on patience, teamwork and developing leadership skills.

Led by co-captains Ted Gleba ’23 and Patrick Sliz ’23, the small squad of nine competed in four ISL races placing seventh overall. Gleba and Sliz came to the program with a passion for skiing, but no formal racing experience.

Gleba improved steadily in the league standings and was our number three skier this season. Sliz worked hard each practice and improved his form throughout his tenure. Coach Uhlman and I remarked often that the boys were always game for another run, 50 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

even on what we would consider golf ball sized ice cubes just because they love the sport and being together so much. Approachable and enthusiastic, this attitude helped shape the season.

Both end their careers as racers who competed at the highest level at the NEPSAC Class B Championships.

Held at Proctor Academy, Gleba and Sliz led the team to a 12th place finish in the Giant Slalom and seventh place in Slalom. It was also a first appearance for Scott Doherty ’23 who joined the team midway through his time here and transitioned from a recreation skier to a racer competing in the Giant Slalom. Co-Captain elects Raif Boit ’24 and Henry duBose ’24 demonstrated leadership skills at NEPSACs and throughout the season with commitment to the program, putting the team first. Top-seeded skier Bobby Keller ’25 was in fourth in the Giant Slalom after the first run, but hit a patch of ice which caused him to skid out and hike. While this would rattle most skiers, Keller refocused for the afternoon and podiumed, tying for second in the slalom after two smooth runs. Keller did so as he did all season, without ego. He was awarded All-NEPSAC for his performance and ended his season placing 12th overall, earning ISL All-League. A sign of a good leader, Keller is dedicated to helping

each teammate improve at practice and pre-race course inspection.

Working to put your own personal expectations aside to put the team first while rolling with the frustrating conditions was something the boys worked on down to the last race. The squad did not hesitate when asked to represent the team, even though they justifiably felt underprepared, and the conditions were subpar. They went for it and did their best. It was never about the optics or the overall placement, it was about simply pushing themselves to find the edge and improve as individual skiers and a team. Most importantly, they had fun while they competed.

These life lessons will serve our team well should they ever find themselves in a challenging quagmire of proverbial mud. Already they have demonstrated character and wisdom by fully enjoying the present opportunity, regardless of the conditions. We hope that more skiers will join the team next season.

And while we cannot promise snow, we can help you develop your skiing skills, a sport that you can participate in for the rest of your life.

Thank you to all who helped support the program with patience and perseverance as we navigated unprecedented challenging conditions.

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Wrestling

BY COACH MATT WILLEY

The 2022-23 wrestling team had its best season since the program’s inception.

Our record finished at 16 wins and two losses, while placing third in the ISL and eighth in all New England. Notable wins against strong teams like St. Paul’s, Philips Andover and nearby rival Nobles showed the wrestling world that the Arrows are a force to be reckoned with.

We proved to be a deep team, with over 20 wrestlers competing against other varsity opponents. The team consisted of strong senior leadership from captains Landon Bailey and Eddie Ryan. In addition to the captains, seniors Quincy Pickett and Will Hansen were also consistent positive contributors to the team. Every other grade level was represented including four 8th graders. In addition to holding the most successful record in terms of wins and losses, this team ballooned up to 37 wrestlers, by far the largest team ever assembled at Seb’s.

The team’s match of the year came at home against Nobles. The meet was expected to be very close given that Nobles has beaten the Arrows in most of the match-ups over the last several years. It began at 165 lbs with Eamon McCarthy ’26 taking on a very skilled and an experienced Nobles wrestler. McCarthy was losing 7-0 late into the third period when he stood up and performed a lateral drop on the Nobles opponent, throwing him to his back. McCarthy pinned his opponent and set a clear tone from there. After that, first year wrestler James Joyce ’24, who is a Michigan lacrosse commit, overpowered his opponent. With a swift takedown and pin, Joyce has shown clearly that he is a real contender in the ISL next year. Following back-to-back pins from Bailey and Pickett, the Arrows’

confidence in the match grew, and after Hansen’s dominant performance at 113 lbs, it was just a few points from a guaranteed victory. Once 8th grader Jack Usechek pinned Nobles’ senior captain with just 30 seconds left in the match, the Arrows put the score out of reach and won the match.

At the Graves Kelsey Tournament, the team placed third behind Belmont Hill and Roxbury Latin. Twelve of our 14 wrestlers placed in the top six, including one champion in Bailey at 215 lbs, one second place finisher in Zhang at 126 lbs, and six wrestlers placing third in their respective weight classes. Bailey was also voted by the head coaches to receive the ISL Most Outstanding Wrestler, a first for St. Sebastian’s.

The following week, the Arrows traveled to Philips Andover to compete in the New England Prep School

Tournament. Twelve Arrows once again qualified, and they all performed admirably. The best wrestlers in New England compete in this tournament, and some are the best in the country.

In order to make it to the National Prep tournament, wrestlers must place in the top six at the New England Tournament. Three Arrows competed well enough to qualify. At 106 lbs, Sawyer Bean ’26 placed fifth; at 126 lbs, Zhang also placed fifth, and at 144 lbs, Ryan placed sixth. All three wrestled well at the Nationals, but none were able to place this year.

Although the wrestling team is losing extremely valuable senior members, we look to reload with tough underclassmen that are committed and excited for another chance at success next year.

TOP LEFT: Landon Bailey ’23 cheers on a teammate during a match. TOP RIGHT: Quincy Pickett ’23 works to gain control of his opponent. BOTTOM: Eddie Ryan ’23 gets into position over an opponent.

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SPRING SPORTS Varsity Baseball

BY COACH MICHAEL CALABRO

The St. Sebastian’s Varsity Baseball Team entered the 2023 season with high aspirations. The Arrows were coming off a 10-5 record in the previous year and returned many starting players.

Among these returning players were seven seniors, each of whom played a significant role on the team. Jack Volo, Hagan Ward, and Colin Dowdle made up the foundation of the pitching staff, with each of the three seniors committed to pitch at Division I colleges next year (Georgetown, Notre Dame, and Northwestern, respectively). In addition to the three arms, Jeff Valdez, Luke Brassard, and Albis Felix were all experienced infielders, and senior centerfielder AJ Lysko was poised for a big year at the plate.

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The Arrows began their season with a trip to Washington, D.C. to scrimmage two powerhouse programs in the region, Calvert Hall and Georgetown Prep. Volo set the tone for the season with a dominant performance on the mound, as did Lysko with a triple off the wall in his first at-bat to go along with a go-ahead homerun in the top of the seventh inning. The Arrows went on to beat Calvert Hall 9-4, and although they lost two close contests to a very strong Georgetown Prep team the following day, the trip was a huge success in many ways.

After a few more scrimmages, the Arrows were ready for ISL play.

The ISL Baseball season is currently comprised of 15 games—one against every other team in the league. The boys began the year by hosting Nobles, a long-time baseball rival. A 3-1 victory was cemented by Volo, who pitched all seven innings and only allowed one

hit throughout the entire game. The Arrows followed up this performance with a 12-2 mercy-rule victory over the reigning ISL champions at Lawrence Academy. Over the next few weeks, the team stayed hot, competing their way to a 7-0 record to start the season.

As May came around, the team entered a cold stretch, struggling to finish out baseball games. Although frustration grew, the players continued to trust that if you play the right way, the results will come in time. After a heartbreaking walk-off defeat to St. Mark’s, the Arrows travelled to Thayer where Ward put in a dominant effort, pitching all seven innings and allowing zero earned runs, propelling the Arrows to a 2-1 victory in their penultimate game. The team was relieved to be back in the win column, but not satisfied. In the final game of the ISL season, the Arrows travelled to Brooks and earned an 8-0 victory.

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Ultimate

BY COACH BEN BROWN

OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT TO RIGHT: Hagan Ward ’23, Colin Dowdle ’23, and Jack Volo ’23 in action on the pitcher’s mound. (Photos: Mary Dowdle P’23) TOP: AJ Lysko ’23 at the plate. BOTTOM: Jeff Valdez ’23 fields a ground ball during a game.

While Lysko’s 4-for-4 performance (including his sixth homerun of the year) was incredible, the storyline of the game was Volo’s No-Hitter—a fitting end for the senior in his last high school start.

When all was said and done, the Arrows ended the ISL Season 9-6, finishing fifth place in the highly competitive league. While the talent and leadership of the senior class will be greatly missed, the impact that they leave on the St. Sebastian’s baseball program will be felt for years to come, as the team continues their hunt for another ISL Championship.

The 2022 Seb’s ultimate team was one of the best in program history, so it was going to be tough to improve on last year, especially after graduating six of our seven starting players. However, a strong core of talented players were waiting in the wings to lead the team, and thanks to them as well as our new players, the 2023 ultimate campaign was the program’s most successful yet.

Regardless of previous experience, each of the 20 players on the roster made significant improvements to his individual skills. Thank you to all the players for their dedication to the team and for serving as great examples of how hard work pays off.

We finished the regular season with 14 wins and only two losses—a record that earned us second place in Division II of the Massachusetts High School Ultimate League, and seventh place overall in the New England Prep School Ultimate League.

Our first loss of the season came in the first game against an athletic team from Scituate. But after that, the team went on a tear—notching ten wins in a row, capped off by a 16-14 overtime win in a rematch with Scituate. Our

record was strong enough to put us in the upper bracket of the NEPSUL championship tournament, where we faced some of the best prep schools in New England. We ended up holding seed and finishing seventh, a huge accomplishment for our first time in a tournament of that high level.

Although there was one more loss against a strong Xaverian team following the NEPSUL tournament, the Arrows finished the season with four more wins, including likely the biggest win in program history against Sharon High School, the fifth-ranked Division I team in Massachusetts. To close out the season, the team played in the Division II Massachusetts State Championship Tournament in Northhampton, where they placed second overall.

We are graduating seven seniors this year: Ted Gleba, Captain Peter Hunt, James McGuire, Harrison Nash, Captain Brett Porter, Dhaniel Ramos, and Alex Yang. These guys were truly the heart and soul of the team, and we will sorely miss their presence on and off the field next year, not only for their playing skills, but also for their character and integrity.

Captains-elect Cooper Bolton ’25, Rui do Rosario ’24, and Seamus McDonough ’24 will lead the team next year. Go Arrows!

The Ultimate team celebrates a point scored by Brett Porter ’23.

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Varsity Lacrosse

BY COACH ADAM WHITE

The varsity lacrosse team had a very successful spring season, going 12-5, finishing third in the ISL and making it to the ISL semi-finals before losing to the eventual champs, Nobles.

The Arrows were young this year, especially on the defensive end, but they were anchored by senior co-captain Ryan Williamson, on his way to Dartmouth College, who kept the Arrows in every game. For his outstanding work in the classroom and on the field, Ryan was named Academic All-American. Ryan’s co-captains, Matt Swirbalus ’23 (Villanova) and Charlie Hoffman ’23 (Georgetown) fueled the offense and were both

named first-team All-ISL. Charlie was also voted All-NESCAC. Their leadership was instrumental in guiding the well-balanced, potent scoring attack.

At the beginning of the year, the Arrows took on several fierce competitors, facing top-ten nationally ranked opponents in Lawrenceville, Brunswick, and Taft. Though there was a steep learning curve in that opening week, the Arrows returned home and beat Dexter before earning a 15-11 win over #5 Taft. This win launched them into the ISL regular season, where they earned huge victories over stout ISL opponents, including Tabor, Milton, Thayer, and Governor’s. In the first round of the ISL playoffs, the Arrows were down 8-4 at halftime to Thayer, but stormed back to win 13-9.

The team stayed positive all year long, refusing to quit, always smiling.

LEFT: Charlie Hoffman ’23 is recognized during the team’s Senior Night. TOP RIGHT: Michael Quinn ’24 takes a shot during a game against Rivers. BOTTOM RIGHT: Goalie Ryan Williamson ’23 passes the ball after making a save.

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Many of the games were close through the first three quarters, but then the Arrows pulled away down the home stretch, using the team’s depth, grit, and mental toughness to great advantage. There were only eight seniors on the team, two of whom were injured all year long, but they all made huge impacts on the program, and the younger players will be forever grateful for their tutelage.

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LEFT: Timmy Weiss ’23 returns with a strong forehand shot. RIGHT: Ye Tian ’24 makes a play at the net.

Varsity Tennis

BY COACH BRIAN RICHTER

The varsity tennis team won five of its final six matches, ended the year with a 9-6 record in the ISL and 10-6 overall, and finished sixth in the ISL. This was a good year, one in which we were one win away from an invitation to the New England tournament. A close loss to Milton (we were two tie breaks away from the “W”) was the difference.

In many ways, the team’s match with Middlesex encapsulates our season as well as the spirit of this team.

This was a match we knew would be close and one we needed to win. As the opening doubles round progressed, all three teams were down early in their eight-game pro-sets, and for a while it looked like we’d go into the singles round down 0-1. But midway, momentum shifted our way. CoCaptain Johnny Hayes ’23 and Yoyo Tian ’24 were able to come from behind to win 8-5 at #1. Also coming back from a big deficit were Co-Captain Timmy Weiss ’23 and Charlie Bacon ’23 playing at #2, but they fell just short of bringing the set to a 7-all tie break and lost 6-8.

With the coveted doubles point still available, it was up to Reid McInerney ’23 and Colby Nash ’25 at #3. These two found themselves behind several times, fought back each time to even the score, and finally brought the set to a 7-all tiebreaker. Once again, the team found themselves behind early in the tiebreaker, but found a way to turn the momentum and won the tiebreaker 8-6. Seb’s went into the singles round needing to take just three matches.

As this round progressed, only Weiss, playing #2, seemed to have matters handily under control. He was the first off the courts with a 6-1, 6-2 win, giving us our second point.

But the five other players faced strong opponents, and early on it looked like we could go down 2-5. Once again, though, momentum shifted. Playing #1 and losing his first set 4-6, Hayes took the second in a tiebreaker, forcing the match to a 10-point super tiebreaker.

At #3, Tian was locked in a close match, dropping his first set 5-7. McInerney (#4), meanwhile, changed the outlook of his match after losing his first set 1-6 and brought his second set to a tiebreaker. Bacon won his match 5-7, 6-2, 10-7 (tiebreaker), for the team’s third match point. As McInerney

started his tiebreaker, though, Hayes dropped his 6-10, Tian lost his second set, and Nash, battling valiantly at #6, lost 3-6, 2-6. Unfortunately, McInerney dropped his second set tiebreaker, and the team fell short 3-4.

The team had several close matches like this one, but more often than not, we were on the preferred side of things.

These wins showed the kind of team the 2023 group was: one that never gave in, one that refused to give an opponent an easy point, one that competed to the end. It was a team also marked by strong senior leadership. We will miss Johnny Hayes, Timmy Weiss, Reid McInerney, and Charlie Bacon next year.

Two team members earned ISL honors. Co-Captain Johnny Hayes earned All-League honors, and CoCaptain Timmy Weiss earned Honorable Mention for All-League selection. These two were also this year’s recipients of the Henry T. Lane Varsity Tennis Award. For the past four years, Johnny and Timmy have epitomized the characteristics noted on the award: “Love for Tennis, Commitment to Sportsmanship, and Dedication to Team.” Lastly, Yoyo Tian was selected as Captain for the 2024 team.

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Varsity Golf

BY COACH PAUL KEADY

The varsity golf team started off shaky with an 0-3-1 record, but ended up going on a bit of a tear in the second half of the season to finish at 8-4-3.

This late season push earned us fifth place in the ISL, in front of two of the three teams we lost to at the beginning of the year. We are a great match play team, full of guys who know how to compete and do what they have to in order to win. A number of our matches were nail biters that came down to the last hole. The Arrows always proved to have it in them such as when Ronan Massenburg ’24 drained a 30-footer on 9 to tie our match against Lawrence or when Jack Heeney ’23 got up and down for birdie on 9 to win our Rivers match. Belmont Hill won the ISL this year by a wide margin. Their record was a commanding 18-0-1, but their one tie was at the hands of the Arrows. The team struggled at the Kingman Cup this

SPRING

year, finishing in ninth place behind a number of teams we beat in match play. But we jumped right back after the Kingman to beat a strong Brooks team in our last match to earn our way to solo fifth in the league.

There were a number of new faces on the team this year, including two 7th graders, Liam Reed and Brooks Carter.

We’re looking forward to cultivating their already impressive talents.

Freshman John Grimes stepped up in a big way this year, and we’ll lean on him a lot next year as his game continues to make huge strides. Junior Brendan Schmidt was another helpful addition as a tenacious competitor and good teammate. Next year, the team will be in the capable and passionate hands of co-captains Ronan Massenburg ’24 and Charlie Hinman ’25. We’re graduating four seniors, Ryan Fay, Jack Heeney, Sam Hinman, and Alex Roth. They’ll be a big loss to the team, but we look forward to seeing what new talent comes up through the Arrows golf program next year.

Ryan Fay ’23 tees off during a match.

GOLF

All-NEPSAC: Charlie Hoffman ’23

ATHLETIC AWARDS

ISL Honorable Mention: Ryan Fay ’23

All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention: Ryan Williamson ’23

The following student-athletes were recognized for their performance during the spring season at an Athletic Awards Assembly on May 31.

Presented to a golfer who exemplifies sacrifice for the good of the team, team spirit, and a most positive attitude in the face of disappointment.

BASEBALL ISL All-League: AJ Lysko ’23, Jack Volo ’23, Hagan Ward ’23 ISL Honorable Mention: Colin Dowdle ’23, Aiden Barclay ’24, Luke Ward ’24 Paul Lepley Award: Presented by the coaches to the players who show the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of baseball at St. Sebastian’s School.

Colin Dowdle ’23

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James D. Sullivan Award:

TENNIS ISL All-League: John Hayes ’23

Ryan Fay ’23

All-League Honorable Mention: Timmy Weiss ’23

LACROSSE

Henry T. Lane Award:

ISL All-League: Charlie Hoffman ’23, Matt Swirbalus ’23 ISL Honorable Mention: Chris Merageas ’24, Tedy Frisoli ’26, Cormac Walsh ’24, George Flatley ’23, Brendan Fulham ’24, Ryan Williamson ’23 USA Lacrosse All-Academic: Ryan Williamson ’23

Given by the Coaches to the St. Sebastian’s tennis player whose love for tennis, commitment to sportsmanship, and dedication to team best contributes to the success of the Varsity Tennis Program.

John Hayes ’23, Timmy Weiss ’23

FINE ARTS

Culturally Enriching Field Trips SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS Three students were recognized by the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards: Gianluca Centola ’24, Honorable Mention (Ceramics); James Joyce ’24, Gold Key and Honorable Mention (Ceramics); and Alex Maalouf ’23, Silver Key and three Honorable Mentions (Photography). Nice work, Arrows!

The Fine Arts Department expanded Arrows’ horizons this spring with several field trips to local museums, including: a private tour of the Armenian Museum of America; a visit to see MFA exhibits, “Hokusai: Inspiration and Influence” and “Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Edgefield, South Carolina;” and the 8th grade class trip to the MFA to view works from their Art History Curriculum (field trip pictured above).

Photography students each brought their own style into their portfolios, Unique Angles AP creating images as unique as the artists who captured them.

From the city at night, to railway bridges and quiet corners of the library, photographs by (from left) Cooper Wright ’23, Jac Young ’23, and Ryan Donovan ’23.

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FINE ARTS

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REVUE

The annual Spring Revue on May 1 provided our artists, actors and musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents for parents, peers, faculty, and friends. In Martin Hall, attendees were able to view student photography, ceramics, paintings and more. Performing arts were highlighted in the West Campus theater. The Slings & Arrows Players presented three comedic skits, written and directed by students. The Jazz Pop Ensemble performed a number of songs, from “As It Was” to “Don’t Stop Me Now.”

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FINE ARTS

The Slings & Arrows Players delivered a wonderful performance of this year’s winter play, Grim Tidings, on February 24 and 25.

Written and directed by Ethan Merithew ’23, Grim Tidings is a story about an empathetic Grim Reaper who is tasked with sending people to the afterlife. After allowing a recently deceased man to postpone his journey to the afterlife, the Grim Reaper finds himself in all sorts of trouble. From writing and directing, to acting, lighting and sound, all the Arrows worked well together to put on a great show!

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REUNION 2023

REUNION

2023

BY THE NUMBERS Two 75th Reunion Alumni For the first time ever, we had two alumni on campus to celebrate their 75th Reunion: Jack Boyle ’48 and Andy McAuliffe ’48.

Class of 1973 The class with the largest Reunion gift—setting a new Reunion giving record at $342,000.

3,000+ miles The furthest distance traveled to get to Reunion by four of our alumni, coming from California (Elliott Otto ’98 & Joey Guarino ’13) and Oregon (Mark Cousins ’73 & Chris Riley ’13).

Class of 2018 The class with the highest percentage of participation in the Alumni Fund out of all the Reunion classes, with 60% of its members making a gift.

200 Lobsters The approximate number of lobsters consumed by alumni and guests at the clambake.

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A Weekend to Remember Alumni from the classes of 3’s and 8’s came back to campus to relive their days as students and reminisce with their Arrow brothers.

N

early 250 alumni participated in events over the course of Reunion Weekend on May 12 and 13, with attendees spanning eight decades, from 1948 through 2018. On Friday evening, the Class of 1973 celebrated its 50th Reunion in Ward Hall, and the Classes of 1968 and 1983 gathered for dinners to mark their 55th and 40th Reunions in the Burke Family Center.

The festivities on Saturday began with the Golden Arrow Luncheon, bringing together members of the Classes of 1948 through 1973 in Martin Hall. Reunion events continued with the Alumni Memorial Mass, followed by the Cocktail Reception and Clambake on Saturday night. Before dinner, alumni, friends, and family gathered on the Class of 2017 Courtyard for a reception and class photos.

The attendees enjoyed catching up over a dinner of clam chowder, lobster and steak tips in the Burke Family Center’s wrestling room. The program included remarks from Headmaster Burke, welcoming alumni back to campus, and a video presentation featuring photos from the archives of each Reunion class.

In a testament to the family atmosphere that exists at St. Sebastian’s, the following family members all share the 3’s & 8’s Reunion cycle, David Calabro ’78 & Alex Calabro ’13 (uncle-nephew), John DeSisto ’88 & Matt DeSisto ’18 (unclenephew), Ryan Kennedy ’93 & Bob Kennedy ’98 (brothers), John Lawler ’78 & Matt Lawler ’83 (brothers), Tom Looney ’78 & Kevin Looney ’13 (father-son), Ed McCarthy ’78 & Ed McCarthy ’13 (father-son). It was great to see so many alumni back on campus.

To all 4’s & 9’s, make your plans for next year’s Reunion on May 11!

REUNION 2023

Cocktail Reception &

CLAMBAKE Alumni, family and friends had the opportunity to reconnect at the Cocktail Reception & Clambake, held at the Burke Family Center on a beautiful Saturday evening.

TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT: Soree Kaba ’18 waits in line for his lobster; n Alumni mingle on the Class of 2017 Courtyard during the reception; n Dean of Students Brendan Sullivan (far right) catches up with recent alumni; n Arrows from the Class of 2003 gather for a candid shot; n Headmaster Bill Burke addresses the assembled alumni during dinner.

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REUNION 2023

Golden Arrow LUNCHEON Spanning 30 years of Arrows graduates, alumni from the Classes of 1948 through 1978 gathered in Martin Hall for the Golden Arrow Luncheon on May 13.

In recognition of the “giants whose shoulders we stand on,” Golden Arrow membership is reserved for alumni who have achieved their 50th Reunion and beyond. For the first time ever, we had not just one, but two 75th Reunion celebrants on campus! Jack Boyle ’48 and Andy McAuliffe ’48 shared this distinction together and additionally, both have grandsons in the Class of 2023, Jack Boyle and Tommy McAuliffe!

Continuing a tradition that was launched last year, Kevin Daly ’61 was honored as the second recipient of the Order of the Day Award (see sidebar). Alumni also had the opportunity to hear from six members of the Class of 2023: Landon Bailey, Lars Gubitosi, Jack Heeney, Tommy McAuliffe, Eddie Ryan, and Patrick Sliz. The seniors shared their experiences at St. Sebastian’s as well as their plans for the future, and spent time with our alumni, highlighting the timeless Brotherhood that prevails at St. Sebastian’s.

TOP: Arrows who graduated in the 1970’s, including members of the 1973 50th Reunion Class, gather for a photo; n BOTTOM LEFT: Dan Daly ’61, P’88,’92, GP’23 reminisces with Trustee Emeritus, Brad Griffith ’58, GP’19,’23; n BOTTOM RIGHT: Jack Heeney ’23 shares his student experience at the luncheon.

Kevin Daley ’61 Receives the Order of the Day Award Now in its second year, the Order of the Day Award was presented to a member of the Golden Arrow Society who has exhibited a lifetime of dedication to the service of his fellow man. His selfless commitment to others is the fulfillment of the St. Sebastian’s Order of the Day, “Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another.” This year’s recipient was Kevin Daley ’61 in recognition of his lifetime of service dating back to his time in the Peace Corps and his leadership in the Austin Smiles Plastic Surgery Foundation serving cleft lip and cleft palate patients in Latin America.

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REUNION 2023

LEFT: Ed O’Donoghue ’57, Phil Donahue ’57, Corky Cronin ’59, Peter Volante ’54, and Joe Ferrone ’54, GP’23,’23 represent the 1950’s Golden Arrows; n RIGHT: The 1960’s Golden Arrows come out in force for the annual luncheon.

A Touching Gift In a Reunion Weekend highlight, the Class of 1978 honored their classmate, Sengil “Inky” Inkiala, for his inspirational life story. Inky came to St. Sebastian’s from the Congo, having lost his sight at 10 years of age, and did all his studies in Braille! This remarkable alumnus set an example in “toughness” to all his classmates. Inky was truly touched when presented with a “Once in, never out. Arrows forever!” plaque including a Braille translation.

Headmaster Burke presents “Inky” Inkiala ’78 with a Braille engraved plaque given to him by the Class of 1978.

The Class of 1973 marked its milestone 50th Reunion with a special reception and dinner in Ward Hall on May 12. The strong leadership of Reunion Committee members— Vin Gandolfo, David Gately, Bob Lawler, Bob Maguire, Andrew Maloney, and Jay McInerney—drew 29 enthusiastic members of the class back to St. Sebastian’s. In honor of their Reunion, the Class of 1973 set a new record, raising $342,000.

The class named the language lab in honor of their French teacher and track coach, Daniel F. McNeil, and established the Daniel F. McNeil Class of 1973 Scholarship Fund.

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REUNION 2023

Reunion CLASS PHOTOS Members of each Reunion class in attendance gathered for an official class photo.

Andy McAuliffe and Jack Boyle

John McKinney

Tim Ready and Tom Godino

50th

REUNION

Front Row: Jim Dunn, Paul Maloof, Ronald Rich, Peter Lyons, Dan Broderick; Middle Row: John Morin, Gavin Viano, Dave Barry; Top Row: Ed Sullivan, Jack Murphy, Jay Carlson, Paul True, David Leahy, Kevin Cronin

Front Row: Larry Kirk, Tom Hurley, Bill Ablondi, Fred Carnes, Bob Maguire, Richard Mulroy, Terry Grant, Jay McInerney, Bob Lawler, David Gately, Marty Galligan, Tim Clapp, Tom Feeney; Back Row: Mark Cousins, Alan Comeau, Kevin Flynn, Doug Shaw, Tom Cook, Vin Gandolfo, Andrew Maloney, Phil Coleman, Dan May, Richard Chipman, Peter Flynn, Mark Canavan, Paul Arnot, Joe White, Joe DeRoche, Tom McCue

Front Row: John McAuliffe, Peter Arnold, Sengil Inkiala, Howie Sylvester, John Lawler, Tom Looney; Back Row: Marc Manzelli, Brian Gilbert, Kevin McCarthy, Jim Giblin, Ted Burke, Michael O’ Friel, Steve Burke

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Front Row: Brian Hunter, Allen McCarthy, Dan Gilbert, Randy Lui; Middle Row: Nat Ladd, Chris Shachoy, Tim Foley, Tim Foley, George Georgenes; Back Row: Rip Cail, Gerry Gardetto, Jim Lynch, Dan Barton, Tim Greeley

REUNION 2023

25th

REUNION

Dan Daly, Mike Daoust, Tom McCormick, Jim Redmond, John DeSisto, Tim Cronin, Alec Orr, Tim Day, Mike Stanton

Front Row: Patrick O’Reilly, T. Ryan Kennedy; Middle Row: Rabih Shanshiry, Brian Denning, Mark Brown, Jon Kean; Back Row: Peter Sinis, Andrew Kara

Front Row: Ryan McLean, Brendan O’Reilly, Andrew Bartlett, Will Hayes, Wes Mateo, Bob Cintolo; Second Row: Joe Gillis, Matt Moran, Conor Moran, Kevin Leonard, Joe Scardino, Matt Borders; Third Row: Mike Gusella, John Suliman, Jay Tansey, Mike Bresnahan; Back Row: Brady Fitzgerald, Alex DiPietro, Leo Corcoran, John Shalbey, Pat O’Connell

Front to Back: Cole Eden, Henry Kennedy, James O’Leary, Joe Coughlin, Eddie McCarthy, Joe Tamburello, Alex Calabro, Teddy O’Hara, Joey Guarino, Billy Behman, Mickey Adams, Matt Fachetti, Conor Hilton, Ryan Schnoor, Anthony McIntyre, Kevin Looney, Chris Riley, Kevin Patterson, Mike Kavolius, Michael Hoff, Brian Wolpe

Front Row: Andy Dell Orto, Elliott Otto, Mike Flaherty, Sean Moran; Back Row: Bob Kennedy, Matt Ryan, John Sheehan, Mike Higgins, John Cooper, Nick Soivilien, John Ryan

Front Row: Jordan Fine, Zachary Mykulak, Charlie Tangerini, Daniel Driscoll, Billy Donovan, Xave Jacoby, Rob Brooks; Back Row: Jared Prince, Christopher Homsy, Bill Elcock, Brendan Murray, Michael Garland, Charlie Jacob, Ryan McCaffrey

Front to Back: Soree Kaba, Vaughn St. Marie, Peter Kilmartin, Marty White, Matt Wolpe, Wilson MacPherson, Ruben Shapiro, Jack Browne, James Mooney, Mario Oliva, Jack Leetch, David Labow, Harry Carlson, Billy Daniel, Tim Kiley, Neil Melley, Reid Walsh, Michael Bollas, Kyle Licameli, Thomas Olson, Peter Julien, Orvin Pierre, Robert Lordi, Paul Scemama de Gialuly, Will Forman, Will Plansky, Blake Colman

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ALUMNI UPDATES

ALUMNI GATHERINGS

1,000+ Scorers

Cheer on New Record Holder In front of a packed crowd on January 26, Trevor Mullin ’23 broke the 38-year-old all-time scoring record for the Arrows varsity basketball team, surpassing John Bean ’85 who totaled 1,769 points. Bean was in attendance for the game against Nobles, along with fellow Arrows 1000+ points scorers Kevin O’Malley ’74, Gene Clerkin ’77, Pat Hegarty ’89, Mike Smith ’96, Jason Spiegel ’96, and Daryl Green ’97. Other 1000+ points scorers not in attendance were there in spirit, including Charles Crawford ’94, Andrew Leichtman ’00, Tony Barros ’03, Greg Jacques ’09 and Matt Karpowicz ’16.

Trevor Mullin ’23 (3rd from left) celebrates with some of the varsity basketball alumni who achieved the 1,000 point milestone while playing for the Arrows.

Alumni Luncheons at Local Universities In February, the Alumni Office hosted four alumni lunches for Arrows studying at: Boston College, Boston University & Northeastern; Providence College & Brown; Holy Cross & WPI; and Harvard & Tufts. The lunches provided a great opportunity for our graduates to get together and get caught up on news from Greendale Avenue with Director of Alumni Programs Mike Melley. It was a nice reminder that St. Sebastian’s connections don’t end at Commencement. Once in, never out. Arrows forever!

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Bill and Patty Burke with Florida reception hosts Craig & Nancy Gibson P`05 (left) and Brian & Aleece Strachan P`11,`14 (right).

Florida Receptions During the first week of March break, Headmaster Bill Burke and his wife, Patty, Rich Arms, Director of Advancement, and Mike Melley, Director of Leadership Gifts & Alumni Programs, made the trip south for St. Sebastian’s annual Florida receptions. Connecting with over 100 alumni, parents, and grandparents throughout the week is proof that Arrows are everywhere! Craig & Nancy Gibson P`05 warmly welcomed the extended St. Sebastian’s family to the Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach. Heading west, Brian and Aleece Strachan P’11,’14 graciously hosted another large crowd at the Naples Yacht Club. At both receptions, Headmaster Burke updated the groups on the latest St. Sebastian’s news and projects.

With every passing year, more members of the St. Sebastian’s community are relocating to Florida. If you are now spending all or part of your time in Florida, let us know and we will make sure you are invited to future events in your area.

ALUMNI UPDATES

Alumni vs. Varsity Arrows

A Glimpse at Sports Broadcasting St. Sebastian’s welcomed back two of their own—David Korzeniowski ’16 and Will Hentschel ’19—to address the Athletics Media Club on May 25. The alumni shared their ongoing pursuits of a career in sports broadcasting and offered advice on how to tackle this exciting and challenging industry.

A lively Q&A session from the assembled audience followed.

David, a Notre Dame grad with a master’s in journalism from Northwestern, is the radio play-by-play voice of Brown University football and basketball, and is also a contracted broadcaster for Boston University, Harvard, Holy Cross, Northeastern, and Providence College.

Will graduated this spring with a degree in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from Syracuse’s SI Newhouse School of Public Communications. While at Syracuse, he was part of WAER Radio, Citrus TV, Z 89 Radio, and the ACC Network and has called basketball, volleyball, and hockey games.

More than twenty alumni showed up to play against the varsity lacrosse team for the annual Alumni Lacrosse Game on May 22. It was a spirited, back-and-forth game, with the Alumni squeaking out a 12-11 victory.

YOUNG ALUMNI SOCIAL On June 22, Alumni from 2003-2018 came together for the 2nd Annual Summer Kickoff at Castle Island Brewery in South Boston. Arrows were joined by alumni from Brooks, Governor’s, St. Mark’s, and Thayer. This event was a great opportunity for alumni to reconnect with their St. Sebastian’s classmates and relive the glory days with ISL rivals, many of whom have become college friends and professional colleagues over time.

David Korzeniowski ’16 and Will Hentschel ’19 share their insights with Athletics Media Club about the sports broadcasting industry.

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ALUMNI UPDATES

CAMARADERIE

on the course

The Alumni Golf Outing brought together Arrows from the classes of 1969 through 2020 at South Shore Country Club on May 12.

For those celebrating a Reunion year, it provided a great way to launch the weekend’s celebrations, and for others, it was simply a fantastic excuse to spend the day on the course. The nice weather and good golf were exceeded only by the camaraderie among the Arrows.

Rick Baker ’02, Andrew Baker ’04, Anthony Laham ’04 and Robbie Donahoe ’10 took home first place with a score of -15. A special thank you to our Platinum Sponsor, Stephen Ward ’96, P’24,’25,’27,’29 and our Hole Sponsors: Brian Campbell ’71, Class of ’78, Mike Stanton ’88, P’20, and Mike MacKintire ’16.

Save the date and line up your foursomes for

next year’s Alumni Golf Outing on May 10, 2024.

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Tournament Champions

CLASS NOTES

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Fr. Contons gives guidance on the courts to Chip O’Hare ’67.

CLASS NOTES

WHAT’S

NEW?

Keep your classmates up to date on your accomplishments, family members, travels, or anything else new in your life. Send us photos, too!

Submit class notes and photos online at:

stsebs.org/classnotes Deadline for next issue:

DECEMBER 1, 2023

Photos will be published based on quality and available space. Please be sure to send the highest quality image possible and identify everyone in the photo.

1960

David Barlow is delighted to report that he had the pleasure of handing a St. Sebastian’s diploma to his grandson Harrison Nash ’23 at Commencement. Harrison will be attending Bates College next year.

photo). I also spent 4 years with the Bronx DA office from 1973-1976.

After 50 years as a prosecutor, I look forward to the absence of the incredible stress that high-end litigation imposes. Sitting on the porch in Colorado looking out at the Rockies will be welcomed.”

1965

1968

The Notre Dame Alumni Association honored John Hickey, ND Class of 1969, as its 2023 Volunteer of the Year in April for his work on the Notre Dame Class of 1969 Blog and his service on the Notre Dame Senior Alumni board. His blog, with over 1,600 stories and 1.1 million page views since January 2017, contains stories of his classmates’ campus experiences in the late 1960s, their journeys since graduation, and histories of university events, sports, student activities, and buildings.

Grady O’Malley writes, “After 47 years with the DOJ as a supervisor and litigator, I finally retired (see

Doug Arnot sends his best to all and is sorry that he couldn’t attend the recent 55th Reunion. He continues to work for the department and delivery of the Olympic Games, which he has been involved in for the past 35 years.

Doug resides in California. His three children, one daughter and two sons, Kaitrin, Connor, and Mac all live in Vermont.

It’s only fitting that an Arrow would be a master at archery! Paul Harrison reports, “I am the ’2023 Indoor Shooter of the Year’ at the Maine Archery Association in the fiercely competitive Master Senior Male Traditional Archery Division.

’60

’59 LEFT: 1959 classmates gather for lunch on Cape Cod. From left to right: Bob Terry, Tom O’Donnell, Corky Cronin, Gerry Healy, Paul Henneberry, and John McDonald. n RIGHT: David Barlow ’60 hands diploma to his grandson, Harrison Nash ’23 at St. Sebastian’s 79th Commencement on June 8.

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CLASS NOTES

Master Senior archers are over 70 when the season begins and still alive when it ends. Arrows forever!”

Paul True shares that he and his wife, Elaine McCarthy, have lived in Cambridge for over 25 years and recently built a second home in Sandwich. Paul is the owner of True Home Improvements LLC and is the sales manager for Berkshire Hathaway in Cambridge. He and Elaine have three children. Maren lives in Arizona, Vincent lives in New Mexico, and Ted lives in Boston.

1973

Gregory Fulham writes, “I retired from my second tour as a Wine Consultant at Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago after 23 years on April 7, 2023—my 68th Birthday.

In honor of my retirement, Binny’s made an episode on their podcast, Barrel to Bottle, about my career.

The episode is called ‘Binny’s Wine Legend Gregory Fulham.’”

Tom Harkins shares, “I recently retired from structural steel inspection in the Boston area, and I’m moving to Virginia. I got a look at the Henry T. Lane Rink—great campus.”

1975

Donald Maloney reports, “On June 4, 2023, I was inducted into the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree. This is the highest degree in the KOC and is known as ‘the Patriotic Degree.’ Fourth Degree Knights serve as Honor Guards at important Catholic Ceremonies and Events and take a special pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.”

1982

Chris Kennedy shares,“Congratulations to Elizabeth Kennedy who graduated from Latin School and is joining her sister Grace at UMass Lowell. Shout out to the Class of ’82 and see you at Newport Polo!”

ALUMNI EVENTS October 14 Homecoming 26 Alumni Reception November 1 Faculty Zoom Seminar 2 Law Industry Networking Event

13 Washington, D.C. Reception

14 New York Reception 21 Boston Business Breakfast

22 Class of 2023

Yearbook Reception

22 Thanksgiving Eve Social 25 Alumni Sports Day For more information, visit:

stsebs.org/alumnievents

Share your IDEAS for Alumni Profiles Do you know an alumnus you would like to see profiled in an issue of St. Sebastian’s Magazine?

Several of the O’Malley brothers gathered to celebrate the occasion of Grady O’Malley’s retirement following a 47-year career at the Department of Justice. Pictured with former New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, are Mark ’72, Kevin ’74, Grady ’65 and Drew.

Tell us about it! Send an email with your suggestions to our Communications Office at communications@stsebs.org.

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CLASS NOTES

ARROWS

CONNECT Looking for an internship, industry contacts, first job, next job, or career advice?

The Arrows Connect network is the place to start.

Arrows Connect is our own networking directory connecting members of the St. Sebastian’s community to each other. Your profile has already been set up by the Alumni Office. Just upload your LinkedIn profile to the site, answer a few short questions and your profile will be complete.

As a member of Arrows Connect, you can access an extensive directory of professionals, find qualified candidates to hire, post job offerings, volunteer to be a mentor, and more.

’92

’89

Register today to make the most of your St. Sebastian’s network!

arrowsconnect.org

’06 On May 12, Marty ’73 and Peter’ 74 Galligan invited classmates to Brae Burn Country Club for a round of golf and lunch. A great time was had by all. Around the table clockwise: Steve Maskell ’74, Peter Galligan ’74, David Gately ’73, Michael McManama ’74, Andrew Maloney ’73, Tim Clapp ’73, Larry Kirk ’73, Marty Galligan ’73, Bob Maguire ’73, Jay McInerney ’73, Peter Flynn ’73 and Kevin White ’74. n From left to right: 1989 classmates Jeff Korzon, Craig Collins, and Brian Connelly at Craig’s wedding to Andrea Magalhaes in Rio de Janeiro on March 4. n Bill Fletcher ’92 at his restaurant, Fletchers BBQ Shop & Steakhouse in Longmeadow, MA. n Gary and Karen MacKenzie P’06, Scott MacKenzie ’06, Hayley MacKenzie, and her parents, Lenore & Frank Smith ’77.

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CLASS NOTES

(1982 continued) Kevin Hanrahan shares, “Chris Walsh ’91, Mark Macomber ’82, and I have all found residence in Venice, FL. If anyone finds themselves down here let’s get together. GO ARROWS!!”

1983

Timothy Foley shares, “At a young age St. Sebastian’s School gave me the tools and ability to forgive, and to look out for those that are in need of help.” Over the last several years, working with three students from Northeastern School of Law, Timothy navigated the Massachusetts clemency appeals process on behalf of Thomas Koonce, convicted of murder in 1987 while home on leave from the US Marines and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On April 19, 2022, Thomas Koonce was released on parole from MCI Norfolk. He is the first Massachusetts petitioner since 1997 to receive a first degree to second degree commutation. “The four-step commutation process and vetting of the petition was thorough- but Thomas Koonce was prepared—and to me the experience was priceless,” noted Timothy.

wedding customs differ from the US in that there is not one best man but multiple best men, who are called ‘padrinhos.’ I was honored to have Brian and Jeff serve as my padrinhos, while their wives, Ann Connelly and Andrea Korzon, acted as ‘madrinhas,’ or maids of honor. My padrinhos and I took a photo in front of a St. Sebastian’s banner at the reception!” (see photo)

1992

Mark Daly writes, “I am very honored to say that my oldest son, Jack, just graduated from Sebs this spring. He is the fourth Daly and 3rd generation to graduate from St. Sebastian’s. It has been a lot of fun being part of the Sebs community again for the last five years.”

Brian Faherty portrays a Cambridge cop in the film, Boston Strangler, which is currently streaming on Hulu. He can also be seen playing a firefighter next February in the Sony Marvel movie, Madame Web, which was also shot here in Boston.

Bill Fletcher reports, “After two decades in NYC, I’m back in Massachusetts and it feels great.

I recently opened a new iteration of my barbecue business in Longmeadow MA, called Fletchers BBQ Shop & Steakhouse. I’m the owner and Pitmaster, and I’m calling all Arrows near and far to come on over for some steaks! Last year I married a Longmeadow gal, which is why I ditched Gotham and headed up north. Everything is better when you leave NYC. Trust me.” (see photo)

2006

Scott MacKenzie ended 2022/started 2023 with an employment and industry change and finds himself collaborating regularly with Arrow alumni, Jim Boynton ’03 and Vinny DiMento ’04. More recently (and more exciting), Scott married Hayley Smith, daughter of alum Frank Smith ’77 on June 3, 2023. Fortune seems to find Scott when Arrows are nearby. (see photo)

’84

1989

Craig Collins shares, “I am delighted to report that I married the love of my life, Andrea Magalhaes, on March 4, 2023, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Andrea is an internationally acclaimed journalist who specializes in the issues of architecture and sustainable design. We met on Catholic Match in 2020. The wedding was made even more special by the fact that two of my friends from the Class of ’89, Brian Connelly and Jeff Korzon, were able to come to Rio for the wedding, along with their wives and some of their children. Brazilian

On July 27, 2023, Marty Kane hosted the Class of 1984 at the Agawam Hunt Club for the 3rd Annual Dougie Fresh Open. Coach Souza joined his former players and a great time was had by all. From left to right: Dan Sullivan, Coach Souza, John O’Hearn, Joe Noone, Marty Kane, Steve Grande, Devin Birmingham, Doug Angelone, Brian Murphy, John McCallum, Joe Dunn, and Craig Bourassa. Bill Meagher and Justin Kennedy golfed but missed the photo.

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CLASS NOTES

2013

Michael Petro S.J. reports, “I just finished my second Jesuit assignment, philosophy studies at Loyola Chicago, and am moving on in my formation.

In the fall, I’ll be heading to Beirut, Lebanon to begin a 2-3 year posting there with the Jesuit Refugee Service, working to establish a center for migrant workers. Over the summer, I’ll be based in Cambridge, MA, enjoying some time near home. Feel free to reach out!”

’13

Thayer Wade was blessed to marry the beautiful Emily Horton on January 7, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, in Dallas, Texas. (see photo) Emily graduated from Harvard Business School in May, and they are enjoying their last few months in Boston before moving to Texas at the end of the summer. Thayer is currently working on a startup, Vestria Capital, and Emily is returning to Boston Consulting Group in Dallas.

2014

Luke Murphy married Caitlin Hagan on December 11, 2022 at Rosecliff Mansion in Newport, Rhode Island. Alumni in attendance included best man, Tucker McLoughlin ’14, Matthew Barletta ’14, and Matthew Ouellette ’14.

2020

Drew Commesso was named to Team USA’s Men’s National Hockey Team for the World Championship in Finland.

Jayden Struble signed a two-year NHL contract with the Montreal Canadiens. During his senior season at Northeastern University, Jayden posted 1-11-12 totals in 31 games this season. He was chosen by the Canadiens as the 46th pick in the 2019 NHL Draft.

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’14 Thayer Wade ’13 and his bride, Emily Horton, at their wedding on January 7, 2023, in Dallas, TX. n Luke ’14 and Caitlin Murphy celebrated their wedding at Newport’s Rosecliff Mansion in December 2022. n Four of the five Frisoli brothers competed in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championships in Philadelphia. Jack ’17 and Will ’19 played for Duke in D1 and Sam ’21 and Ben ’22 for Tufts in D3. Younger brother Tedy ’26, who plays lacrosse for the Arrows, watched the games proudly from the sidelines!

STAY CONNECTED Follow us on Instagram @StSebastiansSchool Like us on Facebook /Stsebs Follow us on Twitter @StSebsNeedham Connect with us on LinkedIn St. Sebastian’s School

CLASS NOTES

Enhancing Boston on the Local and Global Stage John Matthew Borders IV ’03 is giving

back to the city he loves as Boston’s new Director of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment.

Since taking on the position in February, Borders has been exploring ways to make Boston more interesting for out-of-towners as well as for people who already live there. “I am excited to position Boston in the market and attract large scale opportunities to benefit the city that we haven’t had before,” shared Borders. In drawing local, national and international events, conventions, festivals and meetings to the city, he plans to go after everything from the NBA All-Star Weekend to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Borders’ focus goes far beyond approving concerts and sporting events. With an eye on equity, his goal is to uplift not only the big businesses, but also the small ones on Main Street and off the beaten path. Borders wants the city to play a role in building new relationships, creating new job opportunities, increasing support for community events and so much more. A mixtape highlighting local artists; a digital passport that incentivizes diners to move around the city; a partnership with Boston University to increase opportunities in the hospitality industry for underserved populations—these are just some of the many ideas in the works.

Leading the office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment is a great fit for Borders’ skillset and expertise. From relationship management and community engagement to sports and entertainment, Borders has previously served in a range of jobs across the city (including working for the Celtics, the Deval Patrick administration, and a consulting firm that focused on expanding and growing businesses owned

by people of color) where he’s worked to serve all and create lasting impact.

“I want to give everything I can to the city that has shaped me,” reflected Borders. “I am passionate about being born and raised here and it’s a place that I am raising my family. It couldn’t be a better opportunity.”

Borders’ first job out of college brought him back to St. Sebastian’s to work in Admissions after graduating from Morehouse College with a B.A. in Religion. While he was a student, the Dorchester native was already actively recruiting new Arrows, encouraging friends from his church and neighborhood to apply. His passion for St. Sebastian’s has remained strong. Borders’ father, Bp. John Borders III, served on the Board of Trustees, while Borders stays in close touch with his classmates, and this past fall, served as a volunteer coach for the varsity football team.

“St. Sebastian’s is an extremely unique place. The combination of academic rigor, spiritual emphasis and character development is a rarity,” shared Borders.

“There’s just a great sense of pride in being an Arrow.”

Boston and St. Sebastian’s—two places that hold a very special place in Borders’ heart. We can’t wait to see all this Arrow has in store for the City on a Hill.

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CLASS NOTES

HOMECOMING

10.14.23

Bring the entire family to cheer on the Arrows varsity football and soccer teams!

stsebs.org/homecoming

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IN MEMORIAM

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the graduates and friends of St. Sebastian’s School whose deaths are reported with sorrow.

PAST TRUSTEES Edward J. Hoff P’11,’13 Ted passed away on June 26, 2023. He was a graduate of Bergen Catholic High School and Georgetown University.

Later, he earned his MBA from Harvard Business School as a Baker Scholar. After teaching at HBS and studying for a Ph.D. at Harvard, Ted founded his own consulting firm before joining IBM as Vice President and Chief Learning Officer. His awardwinning work centered on leadership development.

Guided by his deep Catholic faith and unyielding belief in the power of one person to effect positive change, Ted energetically engaged in communities whose values he and his family shared. As the proud father of two Arrows, Tommy ’11 and Michael ’13, Ted served on the Board of Trustees at St. Sebastian’s from 2009-2014 and was President of the Men’s Association from 2009-2011.

Ted played a pivotal role on several committees from Senior Class Gift to Long Range Planning. In addition to St. Sebastian’s, Ted served on the boards of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service and was an avid supporter of Saint Peter School and Saint Peter Church in Cambridge.

As a family-oriented man with a love of sports, Ted coached his sons’ teams, served on the Cambridge Youth Hockey board, and for two decades ran the West Cambridge Farm League, where many young ballplayers developed their passion for the game. “A brilliant, humble, generous man of faith and honor, Ted lived a happy, holy life of love and service. A tireless worker, he threw his heart and soul into his many duties. Ted exemplifies the spirit of St. Sebastian’s at our very best!” shared Headmaster Burke.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his two sons Tommy ’11 and Michael ’13; his siblings; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins across America and Ireland.

Robert A. Zock ’50 Bob passed away peacefully on July 1, 2023, at the age of 90. While at St. Sebastian’s, Bob excelled in tennis and debate, and wrote for The Walrus. Upon graduating, Bob received his undergraduate degree from Harvard College, where he was a member of the varsity tennis team, and his law degree from Columbia Law School. He began his professional career at Hale & Dorr in Boston, where he remained for 20 years and ultimately headed the Trust Department. He continued this work when in 1976, he formed Robert A. Zock, Co & Inc., an investment advisory.

Bob married Maureen McGreal in 1961 and together they shared 62 years of devotion and love to their family and their faith. Bob generously committed himself to selected educational institutions throughout his life, including his beloved alma mater, St. Sebastian’s. From 1993-2002, Bob served as an invaluable trustee, playing an integral role on several board committees and the New Century Fund Campaign Committee. He stayed connected to the school as an active alumnus and member of the Board of Visitors. Bob also served on the boards of the Holderness School and Bishop Brady High School.

Later in life, Bob enjoyed traveling with his wife Maureen and their children. He also was an avid reader and a lover of nature and animals. “A man of tremendous faith, hope, and love, forever exuding and inspiring the good, the true, and the beautiful, Bob cooperated with the grace of God to make his life a true work of art,” reflected Headmaster Burke.

Bob is survived by his wife, Maureen; his five children, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Robert, Katherine, and Margaret; eleven grandchildren; and many cousins from the Zock family. Bob was predeceased by his sister Marie and a grandson, Matthias.

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IN MEMORIAM

FACULTY & STAFF Jeane Ann Bowers Former Academic Secretary Jeane Ann passed away on January 26, 2023. She was a dedicated Academic Secretary and assisted with college counseling at St. Sebastian’s from 1989-2002. An exceptional wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, she was always there for friends and family. Jeane Ann overflowed with love for her new great granddaughter, Brooklyn. A proud Regis graduate, she was the ultimate homemaker and enjoyed raising a family in Needham. Jeane Ann adored several collie dogs over many years, beach days in Green Harbor, and hosting splashy dinner parties. She was predeceased by her husband, William, and her siblings Mary, James, and Thomas. She is survived by her children and their spouses William & Nancy, Robert, Matthew & Lisa, and Garrett & Jennifer; her loving sister Elinor; and her sister-in-law Molly; 8 grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

Rev. Monsignor Albert J. Contons French Teacher, Tennis Coach Msgr. Contons passed away at the age of 98 on March 1, 2023.

A native of South Boston, Msgr.

Contons graduated from St. John’s Seminary and began his first assignment in his home parish, St. Peter Lithuanian Parish. He worked at St. Sebastian’s from 1953-1973, his single longest assignment. While at St. Sebastian’s, Msgr.

Contons instilled a love of God and knowledge of the Catholic faith in his students. Fluent in seven different languages, Msgr. Contons was a beloved French teacher.

He also had a passion for tennis and coached the varsity tennis team from 1953-1970.

For over ten years, Msgr. Contons served as the chaplain for the nearby Cenacle Convent. In 1973, he received his furthest assignment from South Boston and became pastor of St Margaret Parish in Beverly. In 1985, he was called back home and became pastor of St. Peter’s.

He served as the director of the Archdiocesan Lithuanian 78 | ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

Apostolate and was later named a Prelate of Honor with the title of Reverend Monsignor by Pope St. John Paul II in 1998. Following the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination, Msgr. Contons was granted senior priest status.

In retirement, he lived in Humarock before moving to Regina Cleri in Boston’s West End in 2013. Although retired, he would say Mass every Sunday at St. Peter’s.

Msgr. Contons always remained connected to St. Sebastian’s, returning to campus whenever he could for events like Reunion and Founder’s Day. He made sure to stay in touch with Arrows alumni, his beloved students whom he inspired for many years. Msgr. Contons is preceded in death by brothers, Stephen and John; and sister, Ruth Slanina. He is survived by ten nieces and nephews.

ARROWS ALUMNI Roger V. Allen ’56

Roger passed away on June 13, 2023, at the age of 85. During his time on Nonantum Hill, Roger was a talented member of the golf team his junior and senior years alongside his twin brother, Peter ’56. Roger was also an active member of intramural basketball, playing all four years on the “Hill.” Upon graduating from St. Sebastian’s, Roger attended Villanova University and went on to work at Nashua Public Library. He will be profoundly missed by his devoted wife of 53 years, Diane; his five children, Stacey, Scott, Patricia, Michael, and Matthew; his two brothers, James ’50 and Rev. J. Peter ’56 Allen; and seven grandchildren.

Dr. Allen R. Cail ’56

Allen passed away on January 22, 2023, at the age of 84. While at St. Sebastian’s, Allen played football, hockey, and intramural basketball. After high school, Allen attended Boston College and completed his medical and dental studies at Tufts Dental School. Throughout his life, Allen was known to be an amazing husband, father, surgeon, and yachtsman. He was a sports fanatic who loved watching his sons play hockey and watching his daughter and wife at their many equestrian events. Allen is survived by his devoted wife, Maryalice; his children, Rip ’83 and Caitlin; his brother Harold ’61; and six grandchildren. Allen is predeceased by his son Allen Jr. ’80 and his brothers Thomas ’54 and John ’72.

IN MEMORIAM

Peter Chaet ’80

Peter passed away on January 31, 2023. During his time at St. Sebastian’s, Peter excelled on the hockey rink, baseball diamond, and football field and was a member of the 1977 football championship team. Peter was predeceased by his mother, Carole; and his son, Joshua. He is survived by his longtime partner, Debbi; his father, Matthew; his siblings: Sandy, Marcy, Paul, and Suzanne; his children Sarah, Matthew, and Jonathan; eight grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Louis R. Colitti ’62

Lou passed away on January 12, 2023, at the age of 78. While at St. Sebastian’s, Lou played baseball and basketball and was affectionately named “the Bronx bomber” and “leaping Lou” by his teammates. He went on to study at Stonehill College where he played baseball and basketball. Upon graduating, Lou began his career as a history teacher at Brockton High School where he coached baseball, basketball, and cross country. From 1974-1994, Lou was the head baseball coach at Stonehill, and after winning the championship in 1980, he was named New England coach of the year. He continued coaching baseball for years as an assistant coach at Bridgewater State. Lou is survived by his four children, John, Robert, Matthew, and Leanna; and his three grandchildren and great-grandson. He is predeceased by his brother Paul ’64.

John F. “Jackie” Davenport III ’84

Jackie passed away at the age of 57 on May 23, 2023.

Jackie attended St. Sebastian’s until tenth grade. For several years, Jackie owned and operated an office petition company. He was an avid hockey player, a talented mechanic, a loyal friend, and a big Bruins fan. He will be remembered for his intelligence, compassionate heart, and sense of humor. Jackie is survived by his daughters, Rachelle and Hannah; and his sisters, Kathleen and Denise.

John W. McAuliffe ’47

John passed away on February 28, 2023, at the age of 95. After serving as a junior officer in the U.S. Navy at the end of World War II, John attended St. Sebastian’s for a year before receiving his undergraduate degree from Boston

College and his master’s from Trinity College. At St. Sebastian’s, John was well-known for his musical talents, serving as an organist in the choir. He also showed an aptitude for the languages and devoted his entire career to teaching Latin and Greek at prominent preparatory schools in the Northeast, most notably at the Hackley School in NY, where he headed the Classics Department for 38 years. John is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and was preceded in death by his brothers the Rev. Robert McAuliffe, Eugene ’48, and Francis.

Matthew A. McNally III ’70

Matthew passed on June 11, 2023, at the age of 72. At St. Sebastian’s, Matthew showcased his many athletic talents on the football field, basketball court, and track. In 1976, he joined the Army and began 40 years of dedicated service to his country. He was commissioned as an Armor Officer, and after various postings stateside, transitioned to the US Army Reserve and entered civil service. Matthew attended Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri, and was later selected to attend the Naval War College. A highlight of his career, Matthew earned a Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Matthew is survived by his wife, Debra; his two sisters, Penney and Susan; and two brothers, Mark and Michael.

Morris G. Nicholson ’60

Morris passed away on November 21, 2022, at the age of 80. While at St. Sebastian’s, Morris was known as a talented athlete with much success in football, basketball, and baseball. Off the field, he excelled in physics and wrote for The Walrus. He was a two-time grad of Notre Dame where he earned his bachelors and Juris Doctor Degrees. After Notre Dame, he began his career as an attorney. Morris was an avid skier, volunteering for many years for the ski patrol of Pat’s Peak in NH. He also loved running and finished a number of marathons including the Boston Marathon. Morris is survived by his wife Karen; his children John, Mark, Kelly, and Matt; and his beloved grandchildren.

SPRING / SUMMER 2023

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IN MEMORIAM

Richard W. Scully ’66

Richard passed away at the age of 74 on May 11, 2023. During his days at St. Sebastian’s, Richard was referred to as a gentleman, scholar, and good friend. He participated in dramatics and enjoyed intramural football and basketball. After graduating from the College of the Holy Cross, Richard went on a European backpacking trip that sparked his lifelong love of cooking. For three decades, he worked as the executive chef at the Woodway Country Club in Darien, CT. Richard is survived by his wife Beverly; his children, Nicholas and Kathleen; his four siblings; and two grandchildren.

Richard Tierney ’72

Richard Tierney died peacefully on June 22, 2023.

While at St. Sebastian’s, Richard was an avid athlete, playing football and hockey all four years. After graduating from Harvard University, he went to work for WSBK-TV in Boston, producing and directing the Boston Bruins telecast. Later, he enrolled at Yale University School of Medicine, where he met his future wife, Marian. Richard completed his anesthesia residency at Tufts University and remained on the faculty there until he moved to Maine and began working at Eastern Maine Medical Center. Richard spent the last years of his career working at the Marshfield Clinic in Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Marian Greenburg; his daughters Charlotte and Olivia; his brother Philip; and six nieces and nephews.

ALUMNI RELATIVES & FRIENDS Joan Arms May 9, 2023 Grandmother of Richard ’14 and mother of Rich, Director of Advancement Bridget Barry April 18, 2023 Daughter of David ’68 Barbara Bonica December 7, 2022 Wife of Fil ’58 Barbara Cusack January 4, 2023 Grandmother of Andrew ’06, Harry ’08, Cole ’09, and Gabe Maxwell ’15, and mother of Helen Maxwell, Admissions Coordinator Anthony D’Jamoos February 4, 2023 Grandfather of Tommy ’21 and Paul ’25 Armstrong Mary Gorman February 12, 2023 Grandmother of Liam ’19, Brendan ’22, and Colin ’24 Gorman and Jack Flynn ’22 Anne Healy February 22, 2023 Wife of Dr. Gerry Burke Healy ’59 Andrea C. Kara June 30, 2023 Mother of Andrew ’93

This listing contains deaths reported before July 2 , 2023. To see a complete listing of alumni who have passed away within the past 12 months please go to www.stsebs.org/inmemoriam.

Bill Kennedy January 16, 2023 Father of Patrick ’73, Peter ’79, Chris ’82, and Justin ’84, and step-grandfather of Robert ’28

To report a death of a St. Sebastian’s alumnus or relative to the Advancement Office, please contact Kelsey Kane at kelsey_kane@stsebs.org.

Gordon Kingsley January 9, 2023 Grandfather of Ned ’10, Max ’10, Doug II ’12, and Scott ’13

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MaryEllen Lawler March 18, 2023 Grandmother of Andrew ’22 and Derek ’27 Hassey Louise Lemone January 2, 2023 Mother-in-law of trustee Carolyn Lemone and grandmother of Robert ’16 and Jack ’18 Madeline Lynch January 20, 2023 Mother of past trustee Mary Supple and grandmother of Ned ’09, Jack ’10, and Will ’15 Supple Scott Oglevee March 14, 2023 Father of Andrew ’06 Elinor O’Neil December 25, 2022 Grandmother of Ethan Merithew ’23 Elaine O’Reilly March 29, 2023 Mother of Patrick ’93 Catherine Scott January 23, 2023 Mother of Stefan ’88, Jared ’90, Caleb ’93, and Soren ’96 Anne F. Tierney January 21, 2023 Mother of Jack ’77 and James ’79 Anthony Vallace April 3, 2023 Past trustee, father of Christopher ’88, and grandfather of Kenneth ’15, Christopher ’17, Paul ’21 and Nicholas ’21 Henry Vara April 18, 2023 Father of Henry III ’81 and Christian ’85

1955, Dining Hall on Nonantum Hill campus

Leaving a

Lasting Legacy St. Sebastian’s planned giving society was founded in the late 1990s and named in honor of the School’s first headmaster, Monsignor Charles D. McInnis, a devoted and beloved leader. The purpose of the Society is to recognize and honor the individuals and families who support St. Sebastian’s by making a gift by will (bequest) or other legacy gift to support the School.

There are many reasons members of our community choose to remember St. Sebastian’s in their estate plans. Some remember our School to say thank you for the education, athletics, and friendships they experienced here, while others are touched by the inclusive, nurturing community that strives to empower students for success in college and in life.

Please consider joining a growing number of alumni, parents and friends who haven chosen to remember St. Sebastian’s with a legacy gift, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of our students, teachers, and alumni community.

For more information about gift planning and including St. Sebastian’s in your estate plans, contact Rich Arms, Director of Advancement, at 781.247.0116 or richard_arms@stsebs.org or visit plannedgiving.stsebs.org.

Monsignor Charles D. McInnis Society

1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, Massachusetts 02492

Nonprofit Org. US Postage PAID Boston, MA Permit No. 19943

During their last senior class meeting, the Class of 2023 surprised Headmaster Burke by distributing red and black bow ties to the entire student body.