St. Sebastian's Magazine, Winter/Spring 2020

S T. S EBASTIAN’S WINTER / SPRING 2020

M AGAZINE

2019-2020 Board of Trustees Seán Cardinal O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap. Chairman William L. Burke, III P’95,’97,’00,’04 Executive Officer, Headmaster James L. Elcock ’77, P’08 President Patrick J. Hegarty ’89, P’23 Vice President Kathleen A. Murphy P’21 Secretary David M. Calabro ’78, P’16 Treasurer Members: Timothy J. Connelly P’17,’19 Barbara E. Connolly P’10,’12,’17 John G. Cox P’22,’25 Timothy P. Doherty ‘87, P’17 Rev. Michael E. Drea Stephen DuFour P’14,’18,’21 William B. Evans ‘77, P’17 Dana W. Fulham P’14,’23 John W. Hueber ‘71 Kathleen F. Ix P’22 Susanne C. Joyce P’20,’23 Carolyn M. Lemone P’16,’18 Shawn D. Martin P’17,’18,’19 Wesley D. Mateo ‘03 Peter J. McLaughlin ‘55, GP’13,’19 John E. McNamara ‘81, P’14,’18 James F. Mooney, III P’18 Michael P. Muldowney P’12,’16,’22 Mark L. O’Friel ‘79 John A. Piccione ‘76 Robert M. Reardon P’15 Randall P. Seidl P’17,’19 Rev. Kenneth R. Sicard, O.P. Troy L. Stanfield P’21 Kurt R. Steinkrauss ‘91, P’19 Mary L. Supple P’09,’10,’15 Stephen Ward ‘96, P’24,’25 Andrew Wasynczuk P’14,’17 Catherine C. Daniel P’15,’18,’20 President, Guild of St. Irene Samuel Hodgson P’12,’20 President, Men’s Association Charles Haley ’92 President, Alumni Association Trustees Emeriti: James A. Cotter, Jr. ’57 David F. Gately ’73 J. Brad Griffith ’58, GP’19,’23

WINTER / SPRING 2020

S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE

FEATURES

Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne gives a virtual speech to the senior class

16 Commencement 2020

St. Sebastian’s graduates 68 students

34 Remembering the

Legendary Henry T. Lane

The legacy of Henry Lane '49, P'77, former teacher, coach and Athletic Director, will forever be part of St. Sebastian's

42 Teaching & Learning

Assistant Headmaster Michael P. Nerbonne

IN EVERY ISSUE

12 Doing Good & Doing More

Together from a Distance Members of the School community share their thoughts on distance learning

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

2

Headmaster’s Letter

3

Around Campus

10

Serving Our Neighbors

40

Spirit & People Campaign

50

Virtual Events

52

Fine Arts

56

Winter Sports

62

Alumni Events

63

Class Notes

62

In Memoriam

Director of Development Richard F. Arms P’14

Editor & Designer Christine Y. Robertson, Director of Communications Principal Photographer Brett Crawford, Visual Media Coordinator Contributor Michaela Chapman, Communications Associate Editorial Advisor Michael Deschenes, Director of Library & Information Services

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

Correspondence concerning the magazine should be sent to: communications@stsebs.org St. Sebastian’s School 1191 Greendale Avenue Needham, MA 02492 781.449.5200 www.stsebs.org

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Commencement 2020

34

Henry T. Lane '49

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.

ON THE COVER: Henry T. Lane '49, P'77, former teacher, coach and Athletic Director, worked at St. Sebastian's for 42 years.

From the desk of the headmaster W illia m L . Bu r k e III

Love will find a way.

Our outstanding teachers and fabulous department heads; Assistant Headmaster and Dean of Studies, Michael Nerbonne; Dean of Students, Brendan Sullivan; Director of Library and Information Services, Michael Deschenes; our IT staff, Ed Donovan and Paul Rossini; Director of Communications, Christine Robertson; and so many others worked selflessly and tirelessly—over their scheduled spring break—to build and roll out our truly excellent distance teaching and learning program. Love will find a way.

Though physically apart, we continued to love God, work hard, and take good care of one another this spring, and we certainly suffered no lapse in the advancement of our most important mission, which, among other things, impels us to inspire intellectual excellence in a structured liberal arts curriculum. Structure we promise and structure we deliver. Our classes ran daily, attendance was mandatory, and work was graded. The only difference from the traditional method of education was that our students and teachers were physically separated and connected through technology. Feedback from students and families is that we never missed a beat.

We pursued and achieved ever rising peaks of excellence. Love will find a way.

We were able to celebrate Mass and Chapel, to record and post Chapel speeches and to host many receptions online. We lost sports, but teams managed to stay connected online and our boys continued to train. In the face of considerable challenges, we were able to gather the Class of 2020 and their families for a beautiful Baccalaureate Mass and a fabulous on campus Commencement celebration this summer. Love will find a way.

We are greatly saddened by the passing of our larger than life hero, Henry Lane, whose photo graces the cover of this issue, and by the deaths of so many other devoted men and women in the St. Sebastian’s family. Their positive contributions will be felt forever. Love will find a way.

Let us pray that our beloved deceased rest in heaven and that their families and friends will be comforted by the Lord’s peace, the peace that surpasses all human understanding. Let us pray and work for the eradication of deadly diseases, especially the diseases of racism and COVID-19. Let us pray and work for a safe and speedy return to lives of love and service lived together. Love will find a way.

I thank you for your prayers and for your many other gifts of love. May we meet soon and often, and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones every sacred step of the way.

With love and gratitude,

William L. Burke III Headmaster

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AROUND CAMPUS

News & Notes from Our School Community

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Harvard Model Congress Encourages Civic Engagement

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ine juniors participated in Harvard Model Congress at the end of February, spending four days in Boston immersed in this realistic and comprehensive conference. Founded in 1986, Harvard Model Congress is the nation’s largest and oldest government simulation for high school students. Each St. Sebastian’s student was assigned to represent a member of Congress or another federal office. Students had the opportunity to debate pressing and timely issues; craft effective, thoughtful, and bipartisan solutions; and connect with fellow students from around the country. The experience gave them a deeper understanding of American democracy and the challenges that it faces.

Harvard Model Congress participants, all from the Class of 2021, included: Patrick Wade, Ryan DuFour, Jack Mahoney, Colm Kearney, Brett Hogan, Daniel Ko, Alessandro Barbiellini, T.J. Ragnoni and Max Samulka.

Engineering Club Hosts MIT Professor James Collins At its inaugural meeting on March 5, the St. Sebastian’s Engineering Club had the opportunity to hear from James Collins, a professor of Biological Engineering at MIT and one of the founders of the field of synthetic biology. Collins spoke about how he found his passion for biomedical engineering as a result of his intense desire to help others and his love for math and science. He also gave insight into the numerous projects he and his research team have been pursuing, for example therapeutics to help elderly people losing their nerve responses and computer programmed designs capable of building the strongest antibodies to combat a specific disease. His informative talk left students feeling inspired to pursue the field of engineering.

Class of 2020 Celebrates

100 Days to Graduation The St. Sebastian’s Senior Class congregated in Ward Hall on February 25 for the annual “100 Days to Graduation” Breakfast. During breakfast, the students were addressed by Michael Melley P’18,’22, Director of Alumni Programs, and Headmaster Burke. The Class of 2020 selected Class Agents, who will assist with coordinating class events for years to come, and received a t-shirt marking the milestone.

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Men with Positive Attitudes members Kristian Rosario ’20, Cedrick Rene ’20, Carlos Garcia-Marxuach ’21, Jonathan Jones-Booker ’21, and Scott Behman ’21, pose with keynote speaker Caroline Hunter, Headmaster Bill Burke, and Fr. John Arens during the annual Black History Month Assembly.

One Love: Black History Month Assembly

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n recognition of Black History Month, the St. Sebastian’s Community gathered in Ward Hall on February 10. The assembly, themed “One Love,” was filled with powerful words and music. Following welcome remarks from Men with Positive Attitudes President Kristian Rosario ’20 and an opening prayer from Fr. John Arens, students shared the stories of slaves, reciting slave narratives by John Fields and Sallie Crane, as well as an excerpt of the West India Emancipation speech by Frederick Douglass.

The program was further enriched by musical performances from violinist Christian Casiano ’21 and the Dana Hall Gospel Choir, led by David Coleman.

The highlight of the assembly was hearing from the keynote speaker Caroline Hunter, an anti-apartheid activist and history maker, as well as a longtime educator, workshop presenter and storyteller. Hunter has received several honors and awards for her exceptional commitment to ensuring equity for minorities, as well as her community service efforts.

A native of New Orleans, Hunter spoke about her upbringing during segregation, graduating from high school in 1964 as the Civil Rights Act was passed, and getting her bachelor’s degree in chemistry at the only historically Black Catholic College in the US, Xavier University, before beginning her first job at Polaroid Corporation. Impacted by her childhood, including lessons learned from Cry the Beloved Country—a book that had a powerful influence on her—Hunter made an unwavering commitment to help free Black South Africans through boycotting Polaroid when she learned the company was supporting apartheid in South Africa. She told St. Sebastian’s students, “My story is an example of how ordinary people can change history and make a difference in the quality of life for others.”

Hunter left the students with this challenge: “Will you make the world a better place? Will you stand with those who suffer? Will you be the one to outreach when a hand is needed? Will you speak up against injustice? Will you act when leadership and compassion is needed?” She concluded with the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “The time is always right to do what is right.”

The Poetry Out Loud competition at St. Sebastian’s started out with 200 competing students. After two rounds, six Arrows—Patrick McDonald ’20, Austin Persons ’20, Nate Kelly ’20, Liam Muldowney ’22, Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, and Connor Dumouchel ’23—were selected to advance to the finals, delivering powerful performances in the Video Classroom on February 10.

Patrick came away with the top spot, earning the title of school champion, with Austin finishing in second place.

Patrick went on to represent St. Sebastian’s at the regional competition on February 29.

Run by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, this national competition encourages a mastery of public speaking skills while cultivating self-confidence and an appreciation of literary history as they take poetry from the page to the stage.

Patrick McDonald ’20, winner of this year’s Poetry Out Loud competition, performs for the panel of faculty judges.

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Trading Places during Catholic Schools Week St. Sebastian’s celebrated Independent Catholic Schools Week in early February with a reversal of roles between students and faculty. On Student Appreciation Day, faculty and staff completed daily work duty typically performed by students. The following day, National Honor Society student volunteers led lessons in Math, Science, English, Religion, and Classics, as well as covered a few basketball and hockey practices, giving them a greater appreciation for the wonderful job our faculty and coaches do each day. The week concluded with First Friday Mass for the entire School community.

The Value of Studying Foreign Languages

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he International Club kicked off National Foreign Language Week on March 2 by hosting Dr. Régine JeanCharles, a feminist literary scholar and activist who is currently Associate Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures and African and African Diaspora Studies at Boston College.

In her presentation, “Sacred Learning: Doing Language as Vocation and Action,” Dr. Jean-Charles, a child of Haitian immigrants, shared how her Guest speaker Dr. Régine Michelle Jean-Charles study abroad experience in addresses the St. Sebastian’s community in Ward Hall during National Foreign Language Week.

Paris as a college student, and again as a graduate student, shaped the trajectory of her entire career and vocation. She highlighted the importance of complementing her formal education with informal experiences, immersing herself in the vibrant Afro-Parisian culture.

Dr. Jean-Charles strives to show her students how studying languages can expand their worldview in unexpected ways and teach them to think differently. “When I do language with my students, I do so knowing that it is about more than learning to conjugate or memorizing vocabulary,” shared Dr. Jean-Charles. “It is about sacred learning, understanding that languages hold the keys to unlocking the doors of the world in its multitude and diversity.” Dr. Jean-Charles’ scholarship and teaching on world literatures in French includes work on Black France, Sub-Saharan Africa, Haiti and the Haitian diaspora. She also teaches classes on race and gender like “Where #blacklivesmatter Meets #metoo” and “Black Feminisms 101.”

Taking Action through Writing

TOP: Lyndel Erold ’21, Ryan MacDermott ’20, and Harry Karavolas ’20 serve ice cream in Ward Hall. BOTTOM: Teddy Daniel ’20 gives help to Travis Engel (left) and Eric Saradjian while teaching a 7th grade science class.

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Maxwell Surprenant ’22 was selected as one of 21 teen writers from around the globe for the inaugural 2020 Civics in Action Write the World Fellowship. He will cover current events and write about pressing issues around the world. “I write from a youth’s perspective for my generation and my community,” said Maxwell. “I know my words have power, and I aim to use my platform to make a difference.”

In May, Maxwell’s essay, “Gen Z and Elders: Finding Common Ground: Evie and Me: A Special Grandmother,” was selected for a broadcast, which reaches more than 120 countries. In partnership with Facing History and Ourselves and The National Children’s Campaign, Civics In Action Fellows’ writing will be published in a future book.

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Fourteen Seniors Inducted into Cum Laude Society Fourteen members of the senior class have been inducted into the Cum Laude Society. The Cum Laude Society is dedicated to honoring scholastic achievement in secondary schools. Modeled after Phi Beta Kappa, the 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.

Congratulations to the Class of 2020 Inductees: Michael Colgan, Dylan Crandall, Jake Cusack, Michael Farinacci, Luke Garrity, Patrick McDonald, Evan Nordby, Nathan Piecyk, Evan Prince, Jeffrey Serowik, Wesley Stanton, Michael Treseler, Timothy Williams, Dennis Yandow

Finance Academy Speaker Series Finance Academy club members had the opportunity to hear from parents and an alumnus about their experiences in the world of finance.

On February 4, Willie Yandow P’20,’17,’12 spoke to the club about his role as a portfolio manager for Monadnock Capital Partners. After sharing his career background, Yandow gave an overview of different types of investments, focusing on stocks. Among the many lessons he shared, he explained reasons why someone buys or sells a stock and emphasized the importance of both supply and demand.

On March 9, the club hosted Garin Arevian P’20 and Colin Connolly ’15—both employees at Piper Sandler, an investment banking firm in Boston. Arevian gave insight into what investment bankers do, including aiding in company mergers and acquisitions and helping companies go from private to public. Connolly spoke about his journey from St. Sebastian’s to Piper Sandler, describing the daily life of an investment banking analyst.

Members of the Finance Academy and Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne with Garin Arevian P’20 and Colin Connolly ’15.

Latin Students Receive

National

Recognition St. Sebastian’s students demonstrated their knowledge of Latin through exceptional performances on national exams.

Alessandro Barbiellini ’21 and Max Samulka ’21 have been commended by the Vergilian Society for their performances on the annual VERGIL TRANSLATION CONTEST. Only thirty students nationwide received such recognition. On the exam, Max and Alessandro translated a passage from Book XII of The Aeneid, identified grammar and poetic devices, and composed an essay on the theme of promises and pledges in the poem.

Alessandro’s and Max’s performances represented the style of work accomplished well throughout the year in Latin IV Advanced Placement.

Deven Carkner ’24, Liam Cunjak ’25, Maxim Kalinichenko ’25, Michael Kalinichenko ’23, Chase McCann ’24, and Cormac Walsh ’24 received perfect scores on the 2020 NATIONAL LATIN EXAM. The exam challenges students with questions focused on translation, Latin grammar, English derivatives, and Roman culture and history. While St. Sebastian’s students have received perfect scores in the past, this marks the first time that six students have accomplished the feat in the same year. Their performances place them among the top 1% of all the Latin students taking the National Latin Exam throughout the world!

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Robotics Team Awarded for Innovation Members of the St. Sebastian’s Robotics Team traveled to Andover High School on January 11 to compete in a FIRST Robotics Massachusetts Qualifying Tournament against eighteen other teams from the area. Although the Arrows ended the preliminary matches with a 2-3 record, the team was invited to compete as an Alliance partner in the semi-finals thanks to the quality and relative consistency of its robot.

The new Alliance fought valiantly but lost in the third match by a score of 64—58! The Arrows placed 2nd in the innovation category, awarded for their creative robot design.

With only a few weeks to make improvements, the team competed against 22 other schools in their second Qualifier competition at Canton High School on February 1. Performing with consistency in the preliminary-round

St. Sebastian’s Robotics Team poses with its robot at the FIRST Robotics Massachusetts qualifying tournament held at Canton High School.

matches, the Arrows 4-1 record put them in third place and earned them the right to be an Alliance Captain entering the semifinal stage. After winning the semifinal bouts, the team moved into the finals where they fell valiantly to the alliance captained by team Evolution.

As a result of the Arrows’ strong performance, the team qualified to attend the FTC State Championships at Natick High School on March 7 for another fun, but intense day of competition.

A Memorable Debate Season

O TOP: Colin Dowdle ’23 and Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, holding their Speaker’s Prizes, pose with Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne. BOTTOM:Patrick McDonald ’20 competes in a virtual debate tournament.

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n February 9, the St. Sebastian’s Debate Team traveled to Kingswood Oxford School for their Annual Invitational Public Speaking Competition, sponsored by the Debating Association of New England Independent Schools (DANEIS). Alessandro Barbiellini ’21 placed first in the Impromptu Speaking Competition in a field of over 50 speakers from nine independent schools.

The following Sunday, February 16, St. Sebastian’s hosted its Annual Parliamentary Extemporaneous Invitational Debate Tournament for students in both the Novice and Advanced Divisions. Alessandro and Colin Dowdle ’23 won Speaker’s Prizes for their individual performance in the Tournament. Over 150 students and faculty from 16 Independent Schools participated.

On May 17, Alessandro, along with Patrick McDonald ’20 and Maxwell Surprenant ’22—participated in the first Virtual Tournament in our League’s history. A very special and unique feature of this Tournament, hosted by The Hotchkiss School, was the participation of students from DANEIS member schools from their homes in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul. Special thanks to Patrick who had to debate solo in order to make the schedule work. Alessandro and Maxwell won two out of their three advanced rounds, with Alessandro placing 6th out of 24 debaters in the Advanced Division.

Eight members of the Debate Team had the opportunity to participate in a second Virtual Tournament on June 17, along with debaters from Choate Rosemary Hall, Deerfield Academy and St. Paul’s School. The novice tournament, sponsored by DANEIS, was entirely organized, run and judged by students.

AROUND CAMPUS

Will McGovern ’20 tries a sample of chili dished out by Jim Rest and Carla Callini during the annual chili contest.

Annual JV vs. Faculty hockey game.

A GLIMPSE

along Greendale Avenue

Guild of St. Irene President Cathy Daniel P’15,'18,'20 visits a math classroom during Trustee Class Visits in March.

Students enjoy some pie after competing the in the Pi Day Math Competition.

An Arrow studies in a window in the academic building.

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Serving Our Neighbors In Person & Virtually Integral 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. Even from a distance, our students and families found ways to serve our neighbors!

Innovation Lab Used to Make PPE St. Sebastian’s Innovation Lab was put to good use this spring, making face shields and ear-savers for essential workers. The idea was the brainchild of seniors Aidan Garrity and Luke McKenzie who, independently of each other, reached out to Matt Burke, Director of the Innovation Lab, to see if the Lab could be used to make PPE. Although Aidan and Luke were unable to come to campus to do the work themselves, Burke took on the project for them and executed their vision.

Using the Lab’s 3D printers and laser cutter, he produced 25 face shields, along with the ear-savers.

With the help of John Eaton, Director of St. Sebastian’s Service Program, the team decided to donate these safety devices to supermarket workers—unsung heroes leaving the safety of their home to provide our communities with necessary access to groceries. On May 19, Eaton and Burke delivered the face shields and ear-savers to the Sudbury Farms branch of Roche Bros. in Needham. Thank you to Jay Roche ’77, P’17 and the Roche family for helping to coordinate this delivery!

9th Annual Chop-A-Thon St. Sebastian’s fathers and sons spent Sunday morning, January 26, serving together at the Pine Street Inn—the largest homeless services provider in New England—as part of our 9th annual Chop-A-Thon. The Arrows donated close to 1,500 pounds of produce and proceeded to slice, dice, and chop the food for later use. The donations of carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, and assorted fruits will be used by the shelter, which prepares close to 2,700 meals a day. The event, organized by Men’s Association President Sam Hodgson P’12,’20 and our Director of Service Programs, John Eaton, provides a tangible way for students and their dads to make a difference together.

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Juniors Serve Breakfast at the Paulist Center On the third Saturday of each month, until March when the pandemic hit, members of the Class of 2021 volunteered at the Paulist Center Community Breakfast in Boston. The Arrows assisted with serving meals to the homeless, as well as helping with set-up and clean-up. This is the 9th consecutive year that St. Sebastian’s has been a part of this project.

Our Families Thank COVID-19 Frontliners St. Sebastian’s families participated in writing thank you notes as part of an effort to support the men and women serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The families offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff members who bravely go into work each day risking their own well-being to care for the sick. The notes were assembled into posters for four hospitals in Boston. A special thanks to St. Sebastian’s mothers, Dr. Eileen Lynch P’15 (Director of Surgical Oncology Anesthesia Service at Brigham and Women’s Hospital) and Meg Grande P’23 (Assistant Chief Nursing Information Officer at Boston Medical Center) who helped to deliver two of the posters.

Class of 2020 Reimagines Senior Service The Class of 2020 did not let social distancing disrupt its plan to serve our neighbors through St. Sebastian’s Senior Service Program, focusing efforts on helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two letter writing projects called for each senior to write letters to residents at NewBridge on the Charles, a nearby senior and assisted living community, and to veterans through our local V.A. The goal was to bring some comfort to the members of these communities who were restricted from seeing their loved ones. The program concluded with a food drive to benefit Catholic Charities of Boston. Seniors, wearing gloves and face masks, drove to the homes of over 90 St. Sebastian’s families to collect food donations and deliver them to campus. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, two buses were filled with food to be distributed to families in need.

Lacrosse Players Mentor At-Risk Youth Each spring since 2017, the varsity lacrosse team has hosted a middle school team from Harlem Lacrosse at one of its practices, always a highlight of the season. The non-profit empowers children who are most at risk for academic decline and dropout to rise above their challenges and reach their full potential, on the field and in the classroom.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Arrows were unable to host the Harlem Lacrosse team this season and plans to start a nutrition project were also put on hold. Instead, all eight senior players and a junior served as mentors to youth in the Harlem Lacrosse program, meeting virtually each week through Zoom to talk about academics and everything else going on in their lives. The Arrows guided the players in making schedules to structure their time, shared weekly goals, and gave advice on working out at home. The St. Sebastian’s lacrosse program also supported the 1st Annual Harlem Lacrosse Classic, a virtual fundraising tournament that challenges the lacrosse community to make a difference for Harlem Lacrosse student-athletes.

Memory Project Portraits for Refugees Students created portraits for Rohingya refugee orphans that are currently living in a refugee camp in Malaysia.

Through this wonderful organization, St. Sebastian’s artists create portraits for youth around the world who are neglected, orphaned or disadvantaged.

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Doing Good & Doing More Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne delivered the following speech to the Class of 2020 during the virtual Senior Class Dinner on June 3, 2020.

I

n the winter of 431 BC, the Athenian leader Pericles delivered the most famous speech to come down to us from the ancient world. Known as his funeral oration, this was a speech written and delivered not only in the midst of war but also coincidentally during a terrible pandemic that had befallen Athens. What he says about his fellow citizens could be said about this class as well: We are lovers of nobility of character and lovers of wisdom without any softening of character….we are opposite to most in matters of virtue: we win our friends by doing them favors, rather than by accepting favors from them. A person who does a good turn is a more faithful friend: his good will towards the recipient preserves his feeling that he should do more…so that we alone do good to others not after calculating the profit, but fearlessly and in confidence of our freedom.

I would like to focus for a moment on that concept of “doing good” and “doing more.” In one of our Zoom class meetings a few weeks ago, I mentioned St. Ignatius Loyola and his conversion experience after his leg had been shattered in battle by a cannonball. We mused that BC, Holy Cross and Georgetown literally would not exist today were it not for that blessed cannonball. In addition to his obvious focus on doing good, Ignatius also embraced and advanced the concept of doing more, in Latin, the magis, more for others and more for our Lord.

All of which brings me to you guys: you, too, embraced and advanced the notion of doing good and doing more in some very challenging days. You did this by embracing our Distance Learning Program, leading the way for our underclassmen who always look to you for guidance, in order to help us make this Program, which one parent described as the industry standard, by all measures an enormous success. That success would never have been realized without your talent,

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dedication, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.

And another way in which you were focused on doing good and doing more was in all of your efforts in the senior service initiatives. One of these involved the Dear Soldier campaign, writing letters to active duty soldiers, many of whom are hospitalized at the VA Hospital just down the road in West Roxbury. (Remember that most famous oration of Pericles I just mentioned: his goal, too, was to honor soldiers both living and dead.)

One of you wrote: “Recently our country has experienced something new: a restriction on our personal freedoms that we hold so dear. This makes me appreciate them more, and those who sacrificed themselves to secure that freedom. I am extremely grateful for your service, and I hope you know that this whole country is extremely proud of you.”

Another senior shared: “I’m writing to thank you for your service, especially considering the times we’re living in now.

The pandemic has clearly called for people everywhere to forego certain freedoms in the name of a healthier future, which has given me even more appreciation for the freedoms themselves as well as the men and women who have devoted their time and energy to defending them. Thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made on behalf of the country.”

In another generous and inspired project, you collected money to purchase lunch for some front-line workers in a long-term care facility in Natick. The Facility Director, Carol Kapolka shared the following with Mr. Eaton: “I wanted to take a moment to send a special thank you to you and the entire class of 2020 for the beautiful Olive Garden lunch you

COMMENCEMENT 2020

“The loss for you this spring has been real, but you turned it into something so positive, so meaningful, so beautiful.” provided for our staff. It was fabulous and thoroughly enjoyed by all. At a time like this, the kindness and generosity shown by our neighbors has really touched our hearts and lifted our spirits.” Remember the words of Pericles 2400 years ago: “We are lovers of nobility of character…we do good to others not after calculating the profit, but fearlessly and in confidence of our freedom.”

In 2013, an interviewer asked Malcom Gladwell, “What’s the one thing you’d like us to take away from your book?” In this case the book was David and Goliath. Here’s Gladwell’s response: “The greatest things in the world come from suffering. It ought to give us solace. A lot of what is most beautiful about the world arises from struggle.”

And you have certainly had losses and struggles this spring.

I do not have to mention all of them, the entire spring athletic season, the final meetings and events of all of your clubs and activities, finishing out your classes together on campus, your prom and the list goes on. In his book In Search of Lost Time, Marcel Proust, in the voice of the narrator, writes, “The lives that you admire, the attitudes that seem noble to you, have not been shaped by a father or a schoolmaster, they have sprung from very different beginnings…they represent a struggle and a victory.” Your victory could not take place on the lacrosse and baseball field or tennis court or golf course this spring, but it clearly was a victory in the very best sense. A victory born from loss and struggle, likely the very best kind.

The loss for you this spring has been real, but you turned it into something so positive, so meaningful, so beautiful. You did this because of your love for one another, for our younger students, for your parents and siblings, for your teachers and for your beloved School. In Good Will Hunting, a film better known to your parents’ generation than your own, the psychologist, played by Robin Williams, says to the Matt Damon character, “Real loss is only possible when you love something more than you love yourself.”

Thank you for loving all of those around you more than you love yourself. And thanks to your parents who have modeled the very best virtues throughout your lives. We look forward to enjoying a blessed Baccalaureate and Commencement together next month.

Thank you and God bless.

Senior Class-Alumni Breakfast Continuing the tradition of the Senior Class-Alumni Breakfast, alumni members of the Board of Trustees and the Alumni Board gathered with the seniors on May 28—only this time, it was not in Ward Hall but rather a Zoom call! Board President Jim Elcock ’77 welcomed the Class of 2020 to the alumni ranks; Tim Doherty ’87 encouraged the seniors to remember their great mentors, sharing memories of Henry Lane ’49; Peter Blake ’19 gave his fellow Arrows confidence that they have what it takes to perform on the college stage; and Headmaster Burke concluded by congratulating the seniors on overcoming the adversity that they have faced in their senior year.

Faculty member and lacrosse coach Adam White shares a message with the seniors in the Senior Class Video.

Senior Class Dinner During the virtual Senior Class Dinner on June 3, Assistant Headmaster Michael Nerbonne delivered a speech (see opposite page) and Headmaster Burke gave his famous bow tie lesson. The highlight of the night was a special video tribute to the Class of 2020, including memories of their years at St. Sebastian’s and inspiring (and entertaining) messages from the administration and faculty.

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Honoring OUR

Graduates Members of our School community found creative ways to celebrate our seniors and spread joy in the midst of a pandemic.

CLASS OF 2020 YARD SIGNS The first weekend of May, seniors received a special surprise when faculty members delivered “Class of 2020” yard signs and St. Sebastian’s baseball hats to their homes.

PIZZA PARTY WITH 7TH GRADERS Our seniors received an unexpected delivery—a pizza—from their 7th grade Arrows brothers. Each 7th grade family arranged the surprise to a designated senior and then the two classes got together for a virtual pizza party. It was an awesome demonstration of brotherhood as the youngest class gave a final nod to the outgoing class!

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A TRIBUTE ALONG GREENDALE AVE. A headshot of every member of the Class of 2020 lined Greendale Avenue. Thank you to Jason Spiegel ’96 and Advanced Graphics Inc. for helping us honor our senior class in this special way.

Book of Prayer JUNIORS DELIVER GIFT BAGS The members of our junior class delivered Arrows graduation gift bags to their “brothers” in the Class of 2020, along with a handwritten, personalized note from the junior to the senior and a Brotherhood poem written by St. Sebastian’s mom Julie Mulvey P’17,’21. Thank you to the Class of 2021 moms who helped to assemble the gifts bags and coordinate their delivery!

Each member of the Class of 2020 received a copy of the newly published St. Sebastian’s Book of Prayer. This special book was made possible by the generous parents of our 2020 graduates as part of their Senior Class Gift. Bringing to birth a wonderful new tradition, the book will be presented to the members of each senior class upon their graduation from St. Sebastian’s with the hope that they will turn to it often as a source of joy, strength and comfort. This meaningful gift was delivered to graduates’ homes on June 3—what should have been the eve of Commencement, if not for the pandemic—as part of a graduation gift box that included other special items.

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COMMENCEMENT 2020

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

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COMMENCEMENT 2020

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St. Sebastian’s School graduated 68 students at its 76TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES on Thursday, July 30, 2020, 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 2020.

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Commencement Awards Pursuit of Excellence in the Discipline Awards Presented to individuals selected by the faculty

English Literature Patrick W. McDonald

Latin Thomas J. McCarthy

History Thomas J. McCarthy, Austin J. Persons

Religion Raymond J. Hilvert, Evan T. Nordby

English Writing Nathaniel T. Kelly, Dennis M. Yandow

Spanish Austin J. Persons

Drama Aidan T. Garrity

Art History Martin W. Morris

Music Jared G. Arevian, Thomas A. Flatley, Raymond J. Hilvert, Connor J. McKay, Dominic T. Scordino

Photography Luke D. McKenzie

Mathematics Michael P. Farinacci, Thomas A. Flatley, Patrick W. McDonald, Evan T. Nordby

Physics Patrick W. McDonald

Chemistry Raymond J. Hilvert

Biology Aidan T. Garrity

Greek Timothy A. Williams

Computer Science

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 Austin J. Persons

Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Beatty Memorial Medal for English Patrick W. McDonald

Rev. Msgr. John F.X. Harney Memorial Medal for Religion Patrick W. McDonald

Rev. Msgr. Charles D. McInnis Memorial Medal for History Edward T. Murphy, Wesley J. Stanton

Paul A. Ablondi ’57 Memorial Medal for Mathematics Patrick W. McDonald

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 Jose Maria Castelo, Dylan J. Crandall, Jake W. Cusack, Michael P. Farinacci, John P. Feeney, Aidan T. Garrity, Raymond J. Hilvert, John A. Hodgson, Timothy M. Malloy, Thomas J. McCarthy, Evan T. Nordby, Nathan J. Piecyk, Evan G. Prince, Kristian A. Rosario, Patrick J. Rourke, Dominic T. Scordino, Jeffrey M. Serowik, Wesley J. Stanton, Timothy A. Williams, Dennis M. Yandow

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 Thomas J. McCarthy

St. Sebastian Medal for Science Patrick W. McDonald

St. Sebastian Medal for Fine Arts Martin W. Morris, Liam B. Murphy

St. Sebastian Medal for Classics Jeffrey M. Serowik

The Headmaster’s Award Presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative grade point average Patrick W. McDonald

The Robert S. Gilligan Award Presented to a senior who best exemplifies the qualities of courage, determination, and perseverance Thomas A. Flatley, Owen J. Smyth

The Cardinal Cushing Memorial Medal for Student Service Presented to a senior for exemplary service to the School Jeffrey M. Serowik

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 Michael J. Colgan, Patrick W. McDonald, Michael A. Treseler

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 Jennifer L. Joyce

The Reverend Charles K. Riepe Medallion Presented by the Assistant Headmaster, in consultation with the administration and faculty, to the member of the graduating class who have shown true leadership in exemplifying the virtues of faith and honor for which the School stands Luke D. McKenzie

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 Ryan J. MacDermott

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 Patrick W. McDonald

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 Michael P. Farinacci

Nathan J. Piecyk

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CLASS OF 2020 MATRICULATION Jared G. Arevian Jacob M. Babigian John R. Beam Christopher J. Canavan Jose Maria Castelo Christopher J. Cataldo Michael J. Colgan Liam P. Connors

Bucknell University

Timothy M. Malloy

Boston College

Texas Christian University

Thomas J. McCarthy

Boston University

Boston College

Patrick W. McDonald

Harvard College

Fairfield University

William H. McGovern

Bentley University

IE University—Madrid New York University University of Notre Dame Boston University Commit 2021

Connor J. McKay Luke D. McKenzie Michael P. McLoughlin Martin W. Morris

Boston College Northeastern University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Skidmore College

Dylan J. Crandall

Harvard College

Edward T. Murphy

Jake W. Cusack

Bowdoin College

Liam B. Murphy

Merrimack College

Middlebury College

Evan T. Nordby

College of the Holy Cross

Edward R. Daniel

Trinity College

Providence College

Austin J. Persons

Wake Forest University

Nicolas P. Derrien

Columbia College Chicago

Nathan J. Piecyk

University of Notre Dame

Andy-Tinh Duong

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Michael J. Derenzo

Michael P. Farinacci

University of Notre Dame

Joseph D. Pimlott Michael J. Pond

John P. Feeney

Boston College

Evan G. Prince

Thomas A. Flatley

Boston College

William D. Queally

William P. Ford

Phillips Exeter Academy

Aidan T. Garrity

Emory University

Luke P. Garrity

Gap Year

Trace R. Gotham

Bates College

Miles H. Graham

University of Massachusetts-Boston

Cole R. Hanifin

Boston College

Cedrick R. Rene Kristian A. Rosario Patrick J. Rourke Dominic T. Scordino Jeffrey M. Serowik Owen J. Smyth

Connecticut College Saint Anselm College University of Notre Dame Washington and Lee University MA College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Tufts University University of Richmond College of the Holy Cross Harvard College Worcester Academy

Christopher N. Hatem

College of the Holy Cross

Wesley J. Stanton

Colby College

Raymond J. Hilvert

Northeastern University

Krishna F. Thach

Boston College

John A. Hodgson James C. Hunnewell Connor S. Joyce Matthew C. Joyce

Wake Forest University Fairfield University Boston College Coastal Carolina University

Harry J. Karavolas

College of the Holy Cross

Nathaniel T. Kelly

Wake Forest University

Joseph M. Lawler

Providence College

Ryan J. MacDermott Declan E. Maguire

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ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

David Thai Jack M. Torrence William H. Torrence Michael T. Treseler Nicholas J. Urban Michael C. Van Flandern Michael R. Walsh Timothy A. Williams Dennis M. Yandow

Northeastern University—Foundation Year Southern Methodist University Providence College Boston College Santa Clara University College of the Holy Cross Boston College University of Notre Dame University of Wisconsin-Madison

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Baccalaureate Mass On July 29, 2020, the eve of St. Sebastian's postponed Commencement, graduates and their parents, along with members of the administration and faculty, gathered on the West Campus field for a special Baccalaureate Mass. It was a beautiful celebration in honor of our graduates.

In addition to Commencement Awards, each year seniors are presented with awards recognizing their talents and contributions to St. Sebastian’s. Some of these awards were acknowledged during the Baccalaureate Mass. Class of 2020 mothers with three or more sons who have graduated from St. Sebastian's were also recognized.

Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award Michael P. McLoughlin, Patrick J. Rourke

Chapel Speech Award Andy-Tinh Duong, Raymond J. Hilvert, Austin J. Persons

ISL Award of Excellence Ryan J. MacDermott

Athletic Commitment Award William D. Queally

Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award Michael J. Colgan, Dylan J. Crandall

Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award Edward R. Daniel, Matthew C. Joyce

Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence Connor J. McKay, Dominic T. Scordino

Mother's Medals Christine Canavan P’15,’16,’20 Cathy Daniel P’15,’18,’20 Donna McLoughlin P’09,’14,’20 Julie Yandow P’12,’17,’20

LEFT: Seniors gather on the West Campus field with their parents and faculty. RIGHT: Fr. John Arens says a prayer as John Eaton and Trustee Fr. Michael Drea look on.

FIVE-YEAR Matriculation #’s 5

Colleges to which or more students have matriculated over the past years

5

Boston College ..............................40 College of the Holy Cross ............. 24 Providence College .......................20 University of Notre Dame .. ..........17 Harvard College ............................13 Villanova University .....................11 Wake Forest University .................11 Northeastern University ................9 Duke University ...............................7 Middlebury College .......................7 Dartmouth College .........................6 Georgetown University ..................6 Lehigh University............................6 Trinity College ...............................6 Boston University...........................5 Northwestern University ...............5

LEFT: Graduates sit with their parents during the Baccalaureate Mass. RIGHT: Sgt. Brandon Dockrell from the Marine Corps presents awards to students.

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HEADMASTER’S ADDRESS

Claim Your Freedom

BY WILLIAM L. BURKE III

L

et us pray one more time together as a class: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

You gentlemen are forever extolling your parents, grandparents, siblings, and extended family members and well you should, for they have loved you and nurtured you from the moment they first laid eyes upon you and even before that. They have prayed for you and paid for you, making untold sacrifices, and you know that they would do it all over again and again and again, and you love them for it, and so do we.

In your Corporate Chapel addresses, you have made these and other loving assertions: my mother lives to care for others...my dad gave me the courage...all my mother cares about is my well-being. This is your day, but it’s your family’s day, too. Please rise. Face your families and express your gratitude.

On Saturday morning, I awakened to a stirring email message from a truly beautiful person: your classmate, Jose Castelo, who is back home in Spain and sadly unable to be with us in person today. Here is an excerpt from the letter: St. Sebastian’s has been like a second home to me.

Since the first day I walked through the doors I felt welcomed, and now that I am embarking into another journey I know that this family will always be with me. When I first came to Seb’s all I heard about was the “brotherhood,” which was something I could not believe; who likes going to school and finds classes enjoyable? But four years later I understand why.

Teachers love their job — they are always willing to help you, listen to ideas and are your friends.

Students want to learn — they are always ready to discuss things in class and find a positive way to confront any challenges.

I believe that every one of you scholars could have written these words: Teachers love their job — they are always willing to help you, listen to ideas and are your friends.

You know that you have been known and loved and called to greatness by great people. Please rise, face your “friends” who have taught and coached and advised and mentored you so lovingly well, and express your gratitude.

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I look upon you, gentlemen, and I see and I can almost hear musicians, innovators, engineers, programmers, builders, poets, song writers, athletes, Henry’s Corner zealots, scientists, mathematicians, deep-thinking, deepfeeling imaginative readers, writers, editors, philosophers, debaters, orators, playwrights, actors, directors, singers, dancers, painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, videographers, comedians, social servants, energy infusers, positive force multipliers, community building dynamos, loyal friends, great teammates, loving brothers, selfless leaders, prayer warriors, truly good men of respect, dignity, honor, integrity, courage, humility, confidence, empathy, faith, hope, and love. What gifts you have been to us! What gifts you will be to your college communities, and then watch out world: here come the Arrows!

We thank God for you and for your families. We are so very grateful to you for all that you have done to strengthen the positive culture of your School. And we are filled with hope for all that you promise to do with the great chance at life unfolding before you.

We wish for each of you and for each member of your family a happy, healthy, holy life of love and service in this world and eternal joy in the next.

A few thoughts about identity: When I taught writing, after the opening prayer, I began the first class of the year by asking students to raise their hands if they were writers. Almost no hands went up. Then I asked how many had ever written a word. Of course, every hand

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went up. I told them that they were indeed writers, that I was willing to bet that they were pretty good writers, and that I guaranteed that they would soon become much better writers, for we were going to achieve our goal, and the goal of the course was to help them become better writers, better readers, better speakers, better thinkers, better people. I asked that each young man go home and proudly proclaim his new identity to his parents: I’m a writer. I also suggested that the identity could pay big dividends in the future, as there may come a time after college and before entering the work force when a parent’s friend might ask what you do. No cause for embarrassment. You can answer confidently: I’m a writer.

If asked to elaborate, you can respond honestly: mostly freelance stuff, which could quite possibly mean letters to your girlfriend, but writing is writing.

And the more we practice the better we get, for, as Aristotle reminds us: We are what repeatedly do.

I’m a writer. And so are you.

Well, gentlemen of the great Class of 2020, I am about to reveal to you another aspect of your identity. Each of you has been, is now, and forever shall be a free agent. Even if you’re fortunate enough to sign a huge Mooky Betts-like contract, you’ll still be a free agent.

I’m a writer.

I’m a free agent.

And so are you.

A past parent from yesteryear recently sent me a video featuring a conversation with a retired Episcopalian priest named Andrew Mead, who asserts that there is trouble in the

world, that evil exists, because God is Love Almighty. That is to say that God, Who is love, creates us out of love and endows us with free will, which makes us capable of love, for love requires freedom. We must be free to receive love and return love or reject love for love to be love.

Our order of the day—Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another—is not a guarantee; it is an aspiration.

We don’t have to do any of those things. We can turn away from God. We can succumb to laziness. We can do harm to others. The choice is ours because we are free agents, free to love and free to hate, a truth Leo Tolstoy evinces, asserting: Everything is in heaven’s power except our choice of whether to serve God or ourselves.

May we all claim our freedom and choose to grow ever more fully into the good, true, and beautiful people God has made us to be.

Some concluding thoughts on our year’s theme: Faith.

Racism is a social and spiritual disease that kills people.

These are the words of Cardinal Sean O’Malley, Archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and Chairman of the St Sebastian’s School Board of Trustees. Cardinal Sean gets to the heart of the matter in just 10 words. He’s a writer, too.

Racism is a social and spiritual disease that kills people.

If racism is a social and spiritual disease, as I believe it is, a social and a spiritual cure is needed. We need active spiritual lives. We need God. We need faith. We need to cooperate with grace.

LEFT: Cedrick Rene ’20 stands with his diploma. RIGHT: Graduates exchanged a bow with Headmaster Burke in place of a handshake after receiving their diplomas.

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“Keep the faith. Help it grow as you have helped this faith community grow. It’s a total win/win. Good for you and for everyone around you, for the more we practice our faith, the more our faith increases, and the better able we are to accomplish our life’s mission.”

People in the recovery community have long understood that addiction, too, is a social and spiritual disease and those who battle it successfully do so by claiming their freedom to surrender to a power greater than human power. In the words of Alcoholics Anonymous founding father, Bill Wilson: Faith did for us what we could not do for ourselves.

As shared in our opening Corporate Chapel in September, Reverend Thomas Keating offers this very helpful definition: Faith is opening and surrendering to God. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew 5:3) I think that I finally understand the meaning of this passage from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. The poor in spirit are the humble servants of the truth. They rely on God and not on themselves alone. They are people of faith, people who have surrendered, people who live the mantra: I can’t. God can. So I’ll let Him. And when they are met with success, they humbly proclaim the truth: It’s the Lord’s work.

I’m a writer.

I’m a free agent.

It’s the Lord’s work.

But we have a problem, a big problem. As you will no doubt note when you get to college, our country and our world are becoming more and more aggressively secular places.

A growing number of people appear to be quite hostile to the faith, while hosts of others sit on the sidelines. Too often do we hear many a person—many a truly good person— comfortably make this claim: I’m spiritual but I’m not religious. To grow in spirit, we need to engage our spiritual lives. We need to practice. We need to pray. We need to 24 |

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worship, to glorify God, to praise God for His goodness, to thank God for his gifts, to beg God for His mercy, and we need to do so both in solitude and in community. We need liturgy.

We need sacraments, for what is religion but the engagement, the practice of the spiritual life?

Saying “I’m spiritual but I’m not religious” is like saying, I’m a musician, but I don’t play music, I’m an athlete, but I don’t train, I’m a poet, but I don’t write poetry. I’m an actor, but I don’t try out for a part in the play. We are what we repeatedly do.

Gentlemen, please continue to practice your faith. Double down on the pursuit of truth through faith and reason in college and beyond. Go to Church and bring some of your new

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LEFT: Graduates stand six feet apart; ABOVE: Health Director Jen Joyce (2nd from right)—recipient of this year’s Joseph P. MacDonald Award— exits the ceremony along with other members of the faculty.

Good will. Way back in the 13th Century, St. Albert the Great proclaimed: Nothing richer can be offered to God than a good will, for good will is the originator of all good and the mother of all virtues. Whoever begins to have that good will has secured all the help needed for living well.

And his star pupil, St. Thomas Aquinas, asserts: To love is to will the good of another. As has been acknowledged by today’s speakers, your families have certainly willed your good and our faculty and staff have done so as well.

When we will ourselves to surrender to God and fully embrace God’s command to love one another, there will be no room for racism. We will see and accept and honor and delight in the truth that we of many colors and a panoply of differences are one human family, one in the Lord.

And Longfellow’s verse shall be our anthem: Being all fashioned of this self-same dust Let us be merciful as well as just. friends along with you. Keep the faith. Help it grow as you have helped this faith community grow. It’s a total win/win.

Good for you and for everyone around you, for the more we practice our faith, the more our faith increases, and the better able we are to accomplish our life’s mission.

Love God, work hard, and take good care of one another.

We are what we repeatedly do, and do we ever need young people of strong faith to lead us forward!

We have told you that the essence of life is truly in relationships and that no matter how dire the straits in which we find ourselves we always and forever have access to the two most powerful forces in the universe: God and people of good will through whom our Lord works.

And so it is that each of you shall become—ever more fully—the ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate, a moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a life-long learner who continues to grow in capacity to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.

Know that we love you and that we will forever. Know that your School will always be here for you and will always need you. Please return to us often—in sorrow or in joy—and we’ll be right here waiting for you with hearts and arms wide open.

May God continue to bless you and your loved ones every sacred step of the way. Saecula saeculorum.

Go now in peace. Shalom!

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BOARD PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Find the Silver Lining

BY JAMES L. ELCOCK ’77, P’08

I

t’s Friday May 15th. It’s 10:20 in the morning and I’m sitting in my office at my house on Squam Lake. My cell phone rings. I look down and see immediately that it’s our esteemed Headmaster, Mr. Burke, calling. Now you need to understand that when Mr. Burke calls at a random time on a random day that I immediately think something “challenging” has presented itself at St. Sebastian’s and he is calling to inform me.

My mind starts to race. Could it be: A) Senior skip day has backfired and all of you have shown up on campus and are occupying Ward Hall reciting your chapel speeches? Or B) Mr. Eaton, Mr. Ferguson and Mr. Dan Burke coached

by Mr. Mike Nerbonne had qualified for the America Ninja Warrior upcoming tournament and they were asking Bill for a sabbatical this fall? Or, finally, C) That school that sits on a hill had abducted our valedictorian, Patrick McDonald, because they had no seniors in their class with Patrick’s academic achievement and once again needed an Arrow?

So after the third ring, I answer the phone. Mr. Burke tells me he has two pieces of good news he wants to share with me:

1. We have a graduation date of Thursday, July 30th; and, 2. After years of constant conversation and debate, I was finally getting my wish as President of the Board to move graduation outside and that this year we will be under the tent on the football field.

I was thrilled beyond belief; but I now realized that there was another piece of good news. I now have another two months to prepare my remarks and for the first time since my own graduation in 1977 on Nonantum Hill in Newton, I would be attending a St. Sebastian’s graduation outside.

Good morning to the great Class of 2020. I truly want to thank all of you for being here today and acknowledge the extraordinary challenges that you have faced and conquered this past spring of your senior year. It has not been easy for anyone—your parents, your teachers, your family. No one was unaffected. But I must share the feeling that universally everyone found themselves reflecting on you, the graduating seniors, and how different things were going to be.

With great confidence, as I address my fellow Arrows this morning, I know that you have embraced your situation. You have acknowledged our circumstance and you are ready to reflect and retell this story—your story. In every situation there is a silver lining and this pandemic was no exception.

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I ask that, at some point over the next day, you share with a fellow classmate or your parents or your grandparents or your brothers or sisters one or two silver linings that you have experienced.

Life is messy—nobody would have wished this on anyone—but as Vince Lombardi said, “It’s not how you fall down, it's how you pick yourself up.”

The great Class of 2020. You will be remembered for many things:

• • •

68 fellow classmates from 35 different towns heading off to 15 different states to some of the best colleges and universities in the country.

18 of you have 22 older brothers who have graduated before you and 15 of you are leaving behind 19 younger brothers.

Three of you have followed in your father’s footsteps: Jake Cusack following his dad, Joe, Class of ’88; Joe Lawler following, Joe, Class of ’81; and, Wesley Stanton following his dad, Michael, also from the class of ’88.

Patrick Rourke followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, John O’Hearn, Class of ’57.

St. Sebastian’s will always be here for you. The school is stronger and better positioned today than it’s ever been.

Your Commencement exercises bring our total alumni to over 3,000. A group of well-connected, successful, generous, highly educated doctors, teachers, software engineers, musicians, actors, priests, and first responders. We are family.

We are Arrows!

What we all have in common are the wonderful memories and the great friendships that we have all forged with

COMMENCEMENT 2020

classmates, teachers and coaches during our time at St. Sebastian’s. These relationships will last a lifetime—trust me.

As you look to your left and you look to your right, you are surrounded by your fellow classmates and you all know where they will be heading off this fall. St. Sebastian’s will always be your foundation. You came in as wet cement and the concrete has cured nicely. Who knows? As you look around at your fellow Arrows, maybe they’re that next teacher, lawyer, real estate executive or even brother-in-law.

Stay healthy, stay safe, embrace the future. We are incredibly proud of you. This is the best day of our school year. You will be missed by all of us as students, but embraced by your advisors, teachers, coaches, and underclassmen as alumni who have made the 2020 Commencement one that will go down in history.

Finally, I try most years to find a quote from a country artist that helps capture the moment, but this year, given all that is going on in the world, not only the pandemic but the political landscape, I thought of a quote in a movie I watched this past April while home in quarantine. I’d never seen this movie before. I’m sure most of you have. But this was one of my silver linings. I’d like to share with you a quote from Lord of the Rings. It’s a dialogue between Sam and Frodo.

Sam: It’s all wrong.

By rights we shouldn’t even be here.

But we are.

It’s like in the great stories, Mr. Frodo.

The ones that really mattered.

Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end.

Because how could the end be happy?

How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad happened?

But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow.

Even darkness must pass.

A new day will come.

And when the sun shines, it will shine out the clearer.

Those were the stories that stayed with you.

That meant something.

Even if you were too small to understand why.

But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand.

I know now.

Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back, only they didn’t.

Because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam? Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo.

And it’s worth fighting for.

To the great Class of 2020, as President of the Board of Trustees and on behalf of all the Trustees, I congratulate you and wish you great things. God Bless.

LEFT: The Arrows legacy continues as proud alumni join their sons prior to Commencement (from left): Wesley ’20 and Michael ’88 Stanton, Joe Lawler ’20 with his dad, Joe ’81, and Jake ’20 and Joe ’88 Cusack. RIGHT: Patrick Rourke ’20 becomes an Arrow graduate 63 years after his grandfather, John O’Hearn ’57.

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KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Where You Are & Where You’re Going

BY NICK SOIVILIEN '98

G

ood morning everybody. My name is Nick Soivilien, and I won’t lie to you, you’re about to witness something that has rarely ever happened.

A lawyer, standing before a microphone and a captive audience, is going to give a short speech.

This is a great day, and I’m honored to be here. There is so much I’d like to say to you, but given the time constraints, I only want to discuss two points. Where you are right now, and where you’re going.

Thinking about where you are right now, it’s a very different place than where I was. I graduated from St. Seb’s in June 1998. Like all the classes before us, we’d been out of school since April and had completed our senior service projects. I spent two months witnessing second graders play some of the most intense games of dodge ball I had ever seen. And then we all came back together for graduation and ended one of the most important phases of our lives.

The day of graduation, there were lots of handshakes, lots of hugs; it was a great day. And it turned into a great weekend with graduation parties—good ones during the day with our parents, and better ones at night without them. And then we had the whole summer to hang out and look forward to starting college in the fall.

It’s been a little different for you guys.

Look fellas, I won’t sugarcoat it; this year has been rough.

We’ve all had to endure a lot. Maybe you’ve lost people. And at the very least, you’ve missed out on some stuff. Sports, proms, senior trips; experiences you’ve been looking forward to; experiences you should’ve had, but you didn’t get to.

And here’s some more truth: it’s not over yet. No one knows what’s coming. I can’t tell you what it will be like when you start college in a few weeks. No one knows when things will get back to normal.

But two things I do know. First, we will persevere through this. I know this because when I was in college, September 11th happened. Now I know 9/11 is like Pearl Harbor to you; something that happened in the past that you’ve grown up knowing about. But for us, it was happening in real time, and for a while, things were really scary. We didn’t know if we were safe, and there were a lot of adjustments we had to make to our daily lives. Also, there was a lot of hate and division that came in the aftermath about who’s to blame and how to solve the problem. Sound familiar?

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But we persevered. We remembered something. It’s a cliché, but it’s absolutely true; we remembered that there is far more that unites us than divides us, and eventually we found a sense of normalcy. We will again. I promise you guys, you won’t spend the rest of your lives behind those masks.

We will eventually find a sense of normalcy again.

And that brings me to the second thing I know. Each of you is now a St. Sebastian’s man, and absolutely nothing about what has happened this year changes your responsibility as St. Sebastian’s men.

Being a St. Sebastian’s man, is more than just where you went to high school. This school has given us so much, that when we leave it we take on a responsibility.

Learning and sharing. That’s your responsibility as a St. Sebastian’s man. Each of us has a never-ending responsibility to continue learning, and equally as important to share what we’ve learned.

Now, there’s so much advice to give about what you need to learn. Ask any 40-year-old, and they’ll talk your ear off about what you need to know about the next 20 years.

But most of it won’t be important to you right now. What’s important is the next phase in your life; the next five or so years. After that, you’ll enter a new phase, and need new advice. So let’s spend a minute talking about what your responsibility is over the next few years.

When college starts in a few weeks, you’re going to meet kids from other schools, other states, probably other countries; you’re even going to be in a classroom with girls again; try to be cool.

A lot of these classmates will have completely different life experiences and views than you. This is an amazing opportunity for you to learn. It will be so easy to surround yourself with those who grew up similar to you, who think

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and believe as you do. But I can’t encourage you enough to go outside your comfort zone. Seek out people; smart people who disagree with you, and learn why they think and believe the way they do. Engage with them, throw ideas back and forth with them, and try to change their minds, or be open to changing yours. I can’t promise that either of you will change your minds, but in the very act of listening to those you disagree with, you will learn something. And this is important, because for most of your life your teachers and parents have forced you to learn. As you get older, people stop forcing you; it falls to you to seek out opportunities to learn.

And with all this newfound knowledge comes your responsibility to share. And I don’t mean just sharing your opinions with your teachers and classmates. You need to share your life experiences, and what you’ve learned with those who come after you. Seeking out opportunities to mentor, to teach, to guide those younger than you through the same questions you had when you were their age. That’s a huge part of being a man, fellas. One of the best parts.

And don’t mistake me; these responsibilities that I’m talking about are incredible things. You should all be very excited, because this is an exciting time for you. Forget about the things you weren’t able to do this year. Over the next few years you’re going to have opportunities and experiences and meet people that will shape your life far more than any senior trip ever could.

Childhood is pretty much over, fellas. What you do over the next few years will lay the foundation for the man you will become.

I’ll close by giving you one more piece of advice. As you go through this new phase of your lives, don’t ever forget this place. This day is about you, because you’ve accomplished a lot to get to this point, but I can’t talk about this school without talking about what it’s done for me. Mr. Burke listed all my jobs and titles and I’ve worked hard to get them. But I wouldn’t have achieved anything without this place, and the men and women who make it up. People like Brendan Sullivan, Coach Souza, Father Arens, Mr. Burke helped make me who I am, and twenty years later they’re still here; still preparing young men for everything that’s to come. I’ve been coming back here since the day I graduated for advice, for support. I keep coming back here because this place is home.

It’s your home too; no matter how long it’s been, don’t think you ever can’t come home.

I have a two-year-old son. The greatest compliment I can give this place is that I hope sixteen years from now he is sitting where you are; that he, too, will become a St. Sebastian’s man because I know what it’s done for me.

Congratulations, Class of 2020. You’ve been through a senior year like no other class before you. It’s up to you to learn from it, and it’s up to you to decide how you’re going to share what you’ve learned.

Good luck.

Introduction of Nicholas Soivilien

by Headmaster William Burke III It is my great pleasure to introduce our Commencement Speaker, Nicholas Soivilien. Nick grew up in Boston and was graduated from St. Sebastian’s in 1998. Then it was off to the College of the Holy Cross, where he double majored in History and Philosophy and served as captain of the football team in his senior year.

After graduating from Holy Cross in 2002, Nick went to work for the Boston Public Health Commission, where he was part of a team that trained the city of Boston's Police officers, Firefighters, and EMTs how to respond to a large scale disaster or a terrorist attack.

He then moved on to Boston College Law School and was graduated in 2009. He spent the next several years working in a large international law firm as a corporate litigation associate. For the past four years, Nick has been working as an Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts in the Organized Crime and Gang Unit. He has prosecuted some of the state’s most dangerous gang members and narcotics traffickers.

Nick resides in Needham with his wife, Jennifer, their five-year-old daughter, Quinn, and two-year-old twins, Jackson and Lachlan.

Through it all, Nick has maintained a most excellent relationship with his beloved St. Sebastian’s School family, and most especially with his mentor and great friend, our outstanding Dean of Students, Mr. Brendan Sullivan.

Three brief memories—In the Fall of 1996, Nick’s junior year, we were engaged in battle with a strong, undefeated Roxbury Latin football team on their campus. Pinned in his own endzone, the Roxbury Latin quarterback holds the ball a little too long, and here comes Big Nick. 24 years have elapsed, and I can still feel the impact of that hit. And, yes, we won the game. The second memory is of a hockey game at Boston College against an ISL foe. The other team’s fans made a rush toward our fan section. It could have gotten ugly, but Nick, who was much bigger then, anticipating the swarm, had positioned himself strategically in a seat in the demilitarized zone, where he sat calm and cool. One look at our one-man homeland security team stopped the mob dead in its tracks, peace reigned supreme, and all was right with the world. The third memory I take directly from the letter I wrote to Nick upon his graduation from St. Sebastian’s. I quote: “When I saw you over the summer, just after my father died, you expressed such warm condolences. You always seem to say the right thing, so strong is your penchant for kindness.”

Please help me welcome your brother Arrow and my good friend, Nick Soivilien.

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COMMENCEMENT 2020

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS

The Importance of Ceremony

BY PATRICK W. MCDONALD '20

W

ell, good morning everybody. One thing I came to understand during my time at Sebs is how valuable an opportunity it is to write and speak your mind, especially with an audience like this one. So, Mr. Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Elcock, Fr. Arens, Mr. Sullivan, Faculty, Parents, Trustees, Invited Guests, and Fellow Graduates: even if we are here in late July as opposed to early June, even if half of each person’s face is concealed, and even if we are spaced apart more like telephone poles than people, I’m thankful that we have the chance to come together for a ceremony to bring an end to our careers as students here. And I really mean that, because the pandemic had me thinking hard about the value of ceremony to begin with.

My occasional pessimism was quick to manifest when this misfortune suddenly befell a sizable chunk of the planet and ceremonies as we knew them were jeopardized, whether that could mean a reduction in the number of people present or even relocation to a video conferencing platform. The cynical me almost savored the irony of really important rituals being reduced to the same venue, say, that a sales team might use to present their quarterly figures in a teleconference; there was a deconstruction to it which kind of suggested that a ceremony is little more than a sentimentally-timed sequence of gestures.

The pandemic dragged on, though, and my experience began to resemble that of so many others: the days started to melt into one another, the anxiety became far more prominent than I was comfortable with, I was more inclined to argue, it was difficult to stay motivated, and I grew this really repulsive beard more out of negligence than anything else. (And I’m not saying everyone’s pandemic beard was bad; it’s just that mine was downright horrifying.) So, all told, external forces that lend structure to my experience, like school, were disrupted, and the result was feeling frustrated and directionless.

This slump reminded me of how valuable structure is, and with its importance in mind I realized it was pretty harsh to conclude that ceremonies were generally empty—I finally came to the brilliant realization that there was a very, very real sense of loss to missing out on ceremonies as we knew them. I saw that we use ceremonies to kind of subdivide our vast experience into more digestible episodes of meaning. If we didn’t have ceremonies to put a beginning and an end to

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those episodes, each of us would be tasked with individually unpacking this giant, lifelong narrative that’s so emotionally and thematically complex that we may very well just shrug our shoulders and deem it meaningless when we can’t make sense of it on our own.

And I include this observation on ceremony for a couple reasons. First, it is necessary context for when I say that this episode we’re putting an end to today has been a tremendously meaningful one. There’s a sincerity about this place which has given me the latitude to explore what it is I love and how I fit into a larger community—not in the sense that I feel pigeonholed, but so that I feel freer to be myself. Exchanges with classmates like Marty Morris further developed my music taste, which is saying something considering that I used to be so painfully private with my choice of music that I hardly found joy in it whatsoever. If it weren’t for my ability to invest myself in new pursuits here free of judgement, I would’ve probably never tried the winter play, let alone realized how happy it made me to bring everyone together with one that I co-created. And I’m far more open on topics like my own mental health having shared in candid discussions with my classmates on similarly personal matters. So thank you all—my classmates, my teachers, and everyone else who made that environment possible—because a huge piece of who I am will always be rooted in learning more from what my classmates have to share in their Chapel Speeches, watching the sun come up as I’m racing to complete physics homework in the Science Wing, and donning an ugly sweater to the hockey game on the last day before Christmas Break.

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“There’s a sincerity about this place which has given me the latitude to explore what it is I love and how I fit into a larger community—not in the sense that I feel pigeonholed, but so that I feel freer to be myself.”

There’s another reason I include that take on the importance of ceremony, though. As we know, the pandemic offered a glimpse at life when the structure of external ceremony is either absent or very altered—whether that’s the ritual of arriving at school each morning or the milestone of senior service projects. From that point, deriving meaning from our experience becomes a question of defining our own sorts of ceremonies. I think of classmates like Aidan Garrity and Luke McKenzie, who thought to use the school’s Innovation Lab to produce PPE for supermarket workers on the front lines of the pandemic, and in doing so defined part of their senior service experience on their own terms.

I think of the spring athletes, especially the seniors, who, despite cancellation of interscholastic competition, had team activities to preserve that sense of togetherness. And I think of the school’s musicians, who assembled a virtual performance of “You Can Call Me Al” by Paul Simon, which, as the video description put it, was “offered as a gift to the community.”

And I’m fortunate to have been surrounded by this community, which sets that sort of example, and it’s something I’ll strive to do going forward. Sure, it’s a community that’s given us a respect for the greater, super meaningful narratives that might soar over our heads if we’re not patient and attentive enough, from readings in Chapel to discussions in English class. But when those high-flying themes feel out of reach—as they may have over these last few months—people around here have shown that meaning can still exist, and that finding it starts with defining those smaller ceremonies and sticking to them. And it’s with that ethic—more so than any academic knowledge or even the lasting sense of belonging within the St. Sebastian’s community itself—that we can carry on from here and do our thing with confidence.

So once again, thank you all for your time—if not just for these last few minutes, then for these last six years. Mom, Dad, and Mary Kate: there is both comfort and strength in knowing that you three have been shaping who I am for so many years and counting. Thank you especially for your love, your wisdom, and your support.

Goodbye for now, everybody.

TOP & BOTTOM: Graduates process to the stage one by one in alphabetical order to pick up their diplomas.

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COMMENCEMENT 2020

SALUTATORY ADDRESS

Stronger Together

BY MICHAEL J. COLGAN ’20

G

ood Morning. Mr. Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Elcock, Fr. Arens, Mr. Soivilien, Faculty, Parents, Trustees, Invited Guests, and Fellow Graduates: It was a warm afternoon in mid-March. The library was buzzing as all the seniors discussed impending trips to Aruba and other March break plans. However, that night as our minds moved at the speed of Chestnut’s black Toyota Highlander in the Needham train parking lot on Halloween, a brick wall was dropped from the sky, causing us to drop to a dead halt in a split second. Suddenly, our senior year was ending and we weren’t together for it. Spring break trips turned to all day and night gaming sessions and late night zoom calls. Our final months in classes together were now held in our rooms at home. Things changed; as they did for the rest of the world. Our final memories of St. Sebastian’s were distorted by unforeseen circumstances. However, this unfortunate experience made me realize how lucky we all are to have been a part of the St. Sebastian’s community.

When I entered St. Sebastian’s, I was 4 foot 8 and I weighed 80 pounds. I trekked the halls with a bedhead and a backpack that nearly pulled me to the ground. During orientation, I was forced to change my locker because I literally could not see high enough to read the code on the top lockers. I was coming to Sebs from a small Catholic elementary and middle school in Walpole with no more than 40 students per grade. So luckily, St. Sebastian’s was a small school in total enrollment, but I was still nervous due to the size of the students themselves at the school. On my first day, I walked by countless students who had at least a foot on me and were about two to three times my weight. Keep in mind, this was not just high schoolers, but other seventh graders as well. However, as the days passed, I saw my nerves diminish thanks to consistent outreach from my older brother and his friends. Small things, like walking through the hall and getting a fist bump from Austin O’Shea, who could have passed as my dad at the time, made the transition to the school much easier for me. Soon, Sebs started to feel like a second home to me and did so for the next six years.

As my time here continued, I found myself facing these common challenges. Walking a mile to Dunks after classes in middle school in pouring rain to buy a bag of candy or a bacon egg and cheese. Trekking up from lower lot in 10 degree weather after a sleepless night at 7:48 AM with my blazer still in my locker to squeeze into a 7:50 AM class meeting and avoid another late pass. Using just one day to study for 32 |

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both finals taking place the next morning. Coming home late at night with an essay due and two tests to study for. I was also fortunate enough to experience these great moments.

Packing a car and heading to Chick-fil-A before countless football or hockey games. Storming the field at BH after Joycey kicked the game winning field goal. Erupting after the tenth point scored on Silent Night. Scoring my first varsity basket at home against Bel Hill and hearing my name chanted from a packed Henry’s.

Throughout these highs and lows, there is always one common theme. On those walks to Dunks, there would always be a pack of kids trudging through the rain together. While skating through freezing weather to avoid a late pass, there would always be another kid to talk with while rushing to my locker. Instead of being isolated on those study days, I could always find kids studying together in the library. Or, if I stayed home, I was guaranteed a facetime call from Dennis Yandow with questions on exams, even if he was not in any of my classes. On those late nights with impossible assignments, I could always text a friend and get help immediately to make my night much easier. At sporting events, I would see hundreds of kids packed in the stands, fully invested in the game. In all these moments, you can find students doing whatever they possibly can to be together. It seems like St. Sebastian’s students will do just about anything to spend more time together. We embody the motto: Time wasted with the boys is time well wasted. I honestly believe this extreme level of camaraderie simply cannot be repeated at any other school. I mean think about it for a second. How many non-boarding high schools have kids hanging out in the library and around the school until late in the night with no extracurricular commitments forcing them to be there?

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“The tight-knit aspect of our community not only allows for close relationships, but it also creates a more successful whole.”

With that being said, I want to leave you all with two things to remember from my speech. One: don’t let your connections with St. Sebastian’s end after this ceremony.

After witnessing the academic and athletic success displayed by members of our class, it is clear that there is a much greater strength in numbers than just the individual. The tight-knit aspect of our community not only allows for close relationships, but it also creates a more successful whole.

So please keep in touch with each other while off at college.

Email a favorite teacher or coach to fill them in on how things are going. When you return from school, see your friends as often as possible and visit the school from time to time. Sebs

is not just a high school. It’s a lifelong community that we are fortunate to share in. And two: Although the final months of our senior year had a very unfortunate ending, we should always look back on our time at Sebs and remember the six great years we shared together and be grateful that we were a part of this special community.

Finally, I would like to thank all the faculty and students that have been so good to me these past six years. I’d also like to thank my family for sending me to Sebs and being the best friends and role models I could ever ask for. Mom, I can’t thank you enough for being so caring and always putting me, Ryan, and Allie first. I couldn’t ask for a better mother. Dad, thank you for teaching me the value of hard work and always pushing me to succeed in all aspects of life. Ryan, the first day I tried in school was when Dad told me you got straight A’s so thank you for setting the perfect example for me to follow.

Allie, thank you for being my best friend all these years. I’ll miss joking around with you this fall. Lastly, boys, I’m going to miss you guys and I wish you all the best as we move onto the next phase in our lives. Love you all.

Faculty members flank both sides of the path to congratulate members of the Class of 2020 at the end of the ceremony.

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Remembering The Legendary

Henry T. Lane

When Henry T. Lane ’49 passed away on April 23, 2020, St. Sebastian’s lost a beloved teacher and coach, a visionary Athletic Director, a mentor and friend to countless Arrows, and a devoted alumnus. Brimming with wit and wisdom, and blessed with an incredible memory, Lane was the quintessential storyteller and a walking encyclopedia of St. Sebastian’s history. There will never be another Henry Lane. He is— and always will be—a St. Sebastian’s legend.

AN ALL-STAR ARROW A resident of Newton Centre and a volunteer bat boy, Lane was a fixture on Nonantum Hill, St. Sebastian’s original campus, even before 1945, when he entered the School as a freshman.

Although St. Sebastian’s had already built a reputation with families looking to provide a good education for their sons in its first four years of existence, the enrollment was still small, with 140 boys in grades nine through twelve.

According to Lane, “Everybody knew everybody.

There were almost no class distinctions, ninth graders hung out with juniors and seniors.”

Still, Lane stood out amongst the pack, earning the title “Mr. Baseball” for his top-notch performance on the diamond and serving as hockey captain his senior year. Also a fantastic tennis player, he reveled in tennis duels with

members of the all-priest faculty, and was known for his comedic personality.

Upon graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 1949, Lane matriculated at Boston College on a baseball scholarship. He played third base on the baseball team for two years, along with good friend and former Red Sox manager Joe Morgan, before being drafted into the Marine Corps at the time of the Korean War. After completing a two-year stint in the Marines, Lane returned to BC, finishing his degree in 1955 with a major in history and government. Around the same time, he met Pat, his future wife, during a summer job at the employment office in Hyannis. Pat also attended BC, graduating in 1956 as a member of the first women’s class at the Boston College School of Education.

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“I had some good teachers, but of all the teachers I had, Henry was the one that stood out.”

—David Gately ’73

LEFT: Henry teaches a lesson on ancient Rome in 1970. RIGHT: With intense focus, Henry coaches the Arrows from the sidelines during a 1965 game.

A BRILLIANT TEACHER & COACH In the fall of 1955, Lane joined the St. Sebastian’s faculty as a history teacher and hockey coach. “Fr. Gilmartin called me after I graduated and suggested that I try teaching at St. Sebastian’s for one year,” recalled Lane. “I hung around more than one year.” In fact, it was the beginning of a tenure that would last 42 years. In the six years since Lane graduated, St. Sebastian’s had grown considerably with the addition of seventh and eighth grades. The faculty still primarily consisted of priests, many of whom had taught when Lane was a student, and they influenced him greatly, especially Fr. Gilmartin.

Although Lane never had Fr. Gilmartin as a teacher, the beloved priest served as Lane’s mentor, exemplifying the teacher-coach model.

Blending religion, philosophy, politics, and sports into his math classes, Fr. Gilmartin kept students engaged and motivated. As a basketball coach, he believed in brainpower over great natural talent. His formula for success was hard work, thorough preparation and, above all, teamwork. Lane greatly admired the way Fr. Gilmartin connected with the students. “He 36 |

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influenced me more than any other person with the exception of my own father,” said Lane.

Following in his mentor’s footsteps, Lane was a terrific teacher. Always very active, he would talk as he walked up and down the aisles of his classroom and called on students. “You couldn’t hide in the corner!” noted Jack Doherty ’62.

“Everybody participated and you had to have your work done.” David Gately ’73 recalls how Lane would make even the most boring subjects, like medieval history, interesting: “It was just wonderful, the way he led the class. He was always entertaining and humorous.”

Lane regularly brought the real world into the classroom. From almost the beginning, he would have his students watch Howard K. Smith on the nightly ABC news for government homework and would use what was going on in the country as a way to teach lessons about the Constitution, freedom of liberty and freedom of speech.

Doherty recalls having Lane as a teacher when John F. Kennedy was running for president. “It was a very, very exciting year to take U.S. Government. Lane brought all the people involved to life and the fact that JFK won that year was

just over the top.” Gately remembers discussions about the Vietnam War and the demonstrations happening on college campuses across the country.

“He would stop class to let us discuss our feelings about the Vietnam War and the importance of being able to protest.

Fifty years later, I think about that now with all of the demonstrations we have about police brutality and racism.”

Lane was not only a great teacher, but a truly brilliant coach. By 1955, St. Sebastian’s had established a strong athletic program, then under the leadership of Athletic Director Vin Murphy. The Arrows were especially competitive in hockey, despite their lack of a home rink until 1958. In his first season as hockey coach, Lane led the team to a win over the West Point Plebes and Trinity Pawling School to capture a holiday tournament in New York. He guided the Arrows to one victory after another, completing each season throughout the decade with a winning record. By the early 1960s, the hockey team was considered a powerhouse, completing a remarkable run of 36-straight schoolboy victories over two seasons in 1960–61 and 196162. Several remarkable teams followed

and by the start of the next decade, Lane had achieved his 200th victory as coach of the hockey team.

In 1963, Lane also took over coaching the varsity baseball team, previously helping to coach the JV squad with Fr. Barrett. As much as Lane loved hockey, baseball was his favorite sport and throughout the decade he coached the team, he was blessed with outstanding players.

“Probably some of the greatest thrills I ever had were coaching the baseball team,” recalled Lane. In 1965, the Arrows not only finished the season unbeaten, but presented many impressive individual statistics. Lane later went on to coach tennis, another sport he loved, from 1973 to 1996.

A master at getting more out of a high school athlete than should be possible, Lane sought to instill confidence in his players. Jack Sullivan ’66, captain of the 1965-66 hockey team, remembers how Lane kept him on his toes, but always put it in positive terms, even if the team lost.

“He would elevate you, elevate your thoughts in a way that motivated you to do better, to improve.” Lane loved to win, but he wanted to do it the right way. He had many players go on to play in college and beyond, but that wasn’t his objective. “My goal was to make sure that my players got that discipline and they enjoyed themselves playing,” stated Lane.

A father figure to many, Lane really cared about the boys, not just on the hockey rink or the baseball diamond, but in the classroom as well. The positive impact of these connections was reflected in the success of his teams, which were consistently among the best in the state. “He was the epitome of the teacher-coach model,” said Doherty. “I don’t think there’s anybody better than he was at both jobs.” Gately, captain of the 1972-73 hockey team, shared, “I had some good teachers. But of all the teachers I had,

Henry was the one that stood out. I’m sure in every single class there were a lot of kids who had strong feelings that Mr. Lane was the most important guy that they knew on campus and one of the most important people in their lives in terms of guiding, teaching, supporting, and at the same time keeping you on the right path.”

A VISIONARY ATHLETIC DIRECTOR In the fall of 1973, Lane was named Athletic Director upon Vin Murphy’s retirement. As one of the senior administrators of the School, he now had a lot more voice in what was going on at St. Sebastian’s. Among his many accomplishments, Lane’s truly great legacy was leading St. Sebastian’s into the Independent School League (ISL) shortly after he assumed his new role.

Lane knew that aligning St. Sebastian’s with the best private schools in the area would enhance the School’s reputation and stature. His mentor, Fr. Gilmartin, had always insisted that the School compete against like-minded prep schools during its first few decades of existence—a philosophy that had a profound impact on Lane.

The process of being welcomed into the ISL wasn’t easy, and it didn’t happen overnight. “A lot of people— faculty and parents—thought we had trouble getting into the ISL because we were Catholic,” Henry recalled.

“That had nothing to do with it. It was our crowded facilities, especially compared to the other prep schools.”

St. Sebastian’s had just one field, and the gymnasium had just one basketball court. Despite these limitations, Lane persevered, one sport at a time, over several years until they were all playing in the ISL. Thanks to Lane’s hard work, the Arrows landed in the right league at the right time, on target with the School’s original mission. “We were fulfilling the vision of Cardinal O’Connell and

TOP: Henry sits with his colleague and mentor, Fr. Gilmartin, on Nonantum Hill. BOTTOM: Coach Lane poses with John Ready '66 (left) and captain Jack Sullivan '66 (right).

Msgr. McInnis—not as a parochial school but as an independent day school, giving boys an alternative to a boarding school. I knew the ISL was the road we had to be on,” said Lane.

The benefits of joining the ISL would become evident in the years to follow, as membership in the new league played a crucial role in solidifying St. Sebastian’s position among the best prep schools in Greater Boston.

The strength of the athletic program in the 1970’s was indeed a blessing for St. Sebastian’s during a time when it was facing so many other challenges,

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from sweeping changes in the Catholic Church to a recession and frequent changes in leadership. Many of the School’s devoted priestly educators moved on to serve as pastors in local parishes. Lane was among several lay teachers who remained to help the School through what was proven to be a period of transition. He also proudly added another title— father of an Arrow—with his son, Mark, graduating from St. Sebastian’s in 1977.

Lane’s enduring relationships with some of his former students, including Jack Birmingham ’59 and Tom Swan ’60, inspired these alumni to come back and help St. Sebastian’s when it became evident that their School was in a precarious position. While other Catholic and private schools were closing their doors, Birmingham and Swan played a key role in the creation of St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees, reshaping and strengthening their Alma Mater. “Henry got several alumni involved in the Board during those crucial and difficult years and a lot of them would tell you they did it for the love of the school, but they also did it for Henry,” remarked Gately.

After a phenomenally successful 33-year tenure, Lane retired as hockey coach in 1987. Under his guidance, the Arrow skaters achieved 443 victories and a handful of championship banners.

Lane handed over the reins to Danny Williams ’64 and Jack Doherty ’62, two men who were not only colleagues and close friends, but also his former players. Williams had coached alongside Lane for 20 years and Doherty had often helped out with the team and he watched his two sons, Jed ’86 and Tim ’87, play under the same coach he had. Lane’s retirement as hockey coach prompted a fabulous Testimonial Dinner, bringing together a huge number of old teammates, former players and many friends.

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TOP LEFT: Henry proudy poses with his son, Mark '77, on the Nonantum Hill rink. TOP RIGHT: Coach Lane with Kevin Mutch '80 and Coach Dan Williams '64. BOTTOM: During the dedication of the Henry T. Lane Hockey Rink on January 11, 1997, Henry shares a story, as Board President Jack Birmingham ’59, Headmaster Burke and former faculty member Fr. Gilmartin look on.

exceptional coaches and mentors, the athletic program stayed strong while the School continued to advance on other fronts. In 1990, when Bill Burke became St. Sebastian’s first lay headmaster, Lane and his many connections proved invaluable to the new leader. “He guided me through countless St. Sebastian’s gatherings and introduced me to everyone,” recalled Burke. “We attended many wakes and funerals together. He could walk into an overcrowded funeral home, make a significant connection with every man and woman in the place, make sure that I met all of them, and he’d have us out in 15 minutes. He just had such a great human touch.”

“With the new headmaster firmly in place, the Board set new goals to

position St. Sebastian’s for the 21st Century, including a major capital campaign to improve the School’s facilities. Just as the Trustees had launched the Campaign, the hockey rink collapsed from heavy snow on January 3, 1996. Lane called it, “The luckiest day of my life—after my wedding day— because no one was hurt.” Earlier in the day, he had cancelled home games with Andover and Nobles. Equally fortunate was the timing of the roof’s collapse. The son of long-time rink manager, Mickey Bell Isle, was laying a new sheet of ice when he drove the Zamboni past center ice toward the blue line and the roof gave way behind him, dumping its wreckage in his wake.

In response to this catastrophe, the Trustees and Headmaster Burke divided up a list of those who had already committed to the Campaign and made calls to ask these supporters if they would contribute even more, now that the School also needed a new rink. The response was overwhelmingly positive and just a year later, on January 11, 1997, the new hockey rink was dedicated as the Henry T. Lane ’49 P’77 Rink. “When I got to the rink that day I just couldn’t believe the turnout. I just couldn’t believe the people that I saw, former players, former students. It was a once in a lifetime experience,” shared Lane when recalling that glorious occasion. Over 500 people turned out to witness the dedication of the rink, which was fittingly blessed by his mentor and close friend, Fr. Gilmartin.

The aptly named rink served as the perfect tribute to Lane during his final season as Athletic Director.

Lane retired after working at St. Sebastian’s for 42 years, 24 of those as Athletic Director. After living in Sherborn for many years, where he and Pat raised their two children, Mark and Jennifer, they moved to Osterville and were winter residents of Vero Beach, FL. Lane especially enjoyed having more time to play tennis with Pat and Jennifer, who was a phenomenal tennis player, inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at both Boston College and Noble & Greenough School.

A LOYAL ALUMNUS & FRIEND Although Lane had officially hung up his hat, he remained actively involved with St. Sebastian’s, serving as a most effective member of the Alumni/ Development team, traveling with them and connecting with alumni and families in New York, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Lane never forgot a name of one of his students and would share memories in remarkable detail.

“He could recall games we played,

who pitched, and what happened in those games, who scored, who played on the other team, how each player handled the puck. It was fantastic,” said Sullivan. A loyal alumnus to the end, Lane gave back to the School in any way he could.

As Headmaster Burke noted in a tribute to Lane during Corporate Chapel on April 27, “Henry had vision and more friends than anyone could count, and he kept them all.” Indeed, Lane himself would boast: “Most of my friends are former students. I bet I have more friends from St. Sebastian’s than any other coach that ever lived!”

In reflecting on Lane, Gately shared: “I can say without a doubt, Henry is one of the most important figures in my life, in terms of making me who I was, helping me be successful in business, helping me be successful as a person, as a husband, as a father. All of that guidance came from him.” Sullivan, who asked Lane to serve as his best man, recalled: “Henry taught me to see the positives in people and to never give up.” Doherty remembered fondly his sense of humor: “Henry was as quick and funny as anybody around. You think you got one past him and he hit it out of the park.” They all noted that their fellow Arrows, some of whom never even had him as a coach, had great things to say about Lane and what he meant to them.

Every Arrow, including the youngest generation, knows the name Henry Lane. The hockey rink will forever bear his name and the Arrows' fanbase is nicknamed “Henry’s Corner”—a nod to the spot where he stood to watch every home hockey game after his retirement and a fitting tribute to one of St. Sebastian’s biggest fans. There’s no doubt, were it not for Lane’s influence, St. Sebastian’s would not be the school it is today. Henry may be gone, but the man and his legacy will always be with us in spirit.

“Henry had vision and more friends than anyone could count, and he kept them all.”

—Headmaster Bill Burke

TOP: Henry with Jack Doherty '62 at the inaugural Founder's Day in 2016. MIDDLE: Headmaster Bill Burke and David Gately' 73 pose with Henry at a Florida reception in 2018. BOTTOM: Jack Sullivan ’66 and Henry, holding the plaque commemorating the initiation of the “Henry T. Lane and Class of 1966” Scholarship Fund, at the Headmaster's Luncheon during Reunion 2016.

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SPIRIT & PEOPLE CAMPAIGN As of June 30, 2020

$60,000,000

$55,000,000

94.6% of campaign goal

$52,000,006

$50,000,000

$880,609

C

ommencing in 2016, the Spirit & People Campaign is our ongoing capital campaign with an ultimate goal of $55 million.

Under the steadfast leadership of our Campaign Committee, led by Jack Connors GP'20,'23,'24,'24,'26 and Bill O’Malley P'09,'10,'13, the Committee has raised $52 million in total gifts and pledges through June 30, 2020. Of the total funds raised, $32.4 million has been raised for the West Campus Center project, with the balance being earmarked for our endowment.

The West Campus Center is home to our winter sports programming which includes a dedicated wrestling room, two competition-sized basketball courts with a viewing area for fans and six squash courts in the lower level. A multi-purpose theater and video conference room is well used by athletics, college counseling and the arts programs.

In addition, the entrance to the West Campus Center, “Martin Hall,” named in honor of Meghan Ann Martin, wife of Patrick Martin '99, P'26, serves as a beautiful location for gatherings of students, alumni, parents, grandparents and faculty. Expanded office space for Administration, Admissions and Advancement are also part of the West Campus Center project.

Our goal is to conclude the Campaign before the end of the year, and we are within eyesight of this ambitious endeavor! In March, a generous donor offered $1 million in challenge funds if the Campaign could reach $54 million— thereby providing the last $1 million to complete the $55 million fundraising effort. With less than $2 million needed to complete the drive and all of the remaining capital raised going toward our important endowment initiative, we need the support of our St. Sebastian’s family now more than ever!

We plan to continue working in the months ahead to complete this important milestone in St. Sebastian’s history and with the leadership of our Campaign Chairs, focus of our Campaign Committee and your prayers and support, we know we will achieve this important milestone for the School.

$40,000,000

86.8% of endowment goal

$30,000,000

$19,568,758

$20,000,000

$10,000,000

Campaign Goal

Total Gifts & Pledges

Current Parents—130

$26,260,186

5.1%

Alumni—82

6.5%

$11,917,408 50.5%

15%

Parents of Alumni—50

$7,817,089

Grandparents—12 22.9%

$3,344,600

Foundations, Friends & Faculty—18

$2,660,724

$52M Total gifts & pledges

parents of alumni

Total Donors— 292

$55M

current parents alumni

ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

Total Cash In

As of June 30, 2020

grandparents

As of June 30, 2020

Total Restricted to Endowmnt

TOTAL GIFTS & PLEDGES

friends

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$34,265,844

Campaign Goal

Dedication of

MARTIN HALL THE MAGNIFICENT ROTUNDA that serves as the main entrance to the West Campus Center will forever more be known as Martin Hall. Shawn and Susan Martin, parents of Ryan ’17, Cam ’18, Owen ’19 and Emma, dedicated Martin Hall in loving memory of Meghan (Faria) Martin, their sister-inlaw and wife of Shawn’s brother, Patrick ’99.

The Martin Family’s history with St. Sebastian’s began in the 1990’s when Patrick, the youngest of seven, attended the School. Shawn, a current trustee, recalled, “My father had a great fondness for St. Sebastian’s and for Bill Burke and a true recognition of the importance of Catholic education.”

When Shawn and Susan’s first son Ryan was old enough to attend St. Sebastian’s, there was no question where he would apply, with Cam and Owen following in his footsteps to become Arrows. The Martins were grateful for the entire experience, from academics to athletics and the community.

“The teachers and coaches care so much about these kids and help to guide them through their adolescent years and to develop into strong, confident, moral and faithful young men.

In today’s world, those attributes are ever more important,” noted Shawn. His brother, Chris, also had two sons, C.J. ’17 and Trevor ’19, who attended St. Sebastian’s, increasing the Martin Family’s bonds to the School.

In 2016, Shawn and Susan pledged to support the Spirit & People Campaign, thrilled by the opportunity to give back to the school that had become such a special place for the entire Martin family. “I give my parents a lot of credit for always instilling in us the importance of giving back to others and to help support things that are good in our community,” shared Shawn.

When Meghan passed away in the summer of 2019, following a courageous seven-year battle with breast cancer, the decision of how to name the rotunda became clear.

Meghan, Patrick’s high school sweetheart and mother of three young sons—JP (who will be a member of the Class of

“Meghan was so friendly and had the brightest personality. She always lit up a room. It feels so appropriate and symbolic that this big space that’s welcoming and bright is named after her.”

—Susan Martin P’17,’18,’19

2026 this coming fall), Connor and Gavin—was a huge fan of St. Sebastian’s and this felt like the perfect way for Shawn and Susan to pay tribute to her life. “Meghan was so friendly and had the brightest personality. She always lit up a room,” said Susan. “It feels so appropriate and symbolic that this big space that’s welcoming and bright is named after her.”

On December 23, the Martin and Faria Families gathered in the rotunda to celebrate the dedication of the space in Meghan’s name. Following the official blessing by Fr. Arens, Headmaster Burke shared these words in his remarks about Meghan: “She was and is a force—a preternaturally powerful force for the good, the true, and the beautiful... Her spirit beams brightly in and through her parents, her sister, her husband, her sons, and in all of us who have come to know and so love her. And we will honor her by loving God, working hard, and taking good care of one another. She’ll be with us in this great hall and everywhere we go in spirit.”

TOP: Headmaster Bill Burke with Patrick Martin ’99, his sons JP ’26, Gavin and Connor, and Susan and Shawn Martin P’17,’18,’19. BOTTOM: Fr. John Arens blesses Martin Hall as members of the Martin Family gather around the plaque.

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Teaching & Learning

TOGETHER FROM A DISTANCE

I

n mid-March, the steady and predictable rhythm of the school year was suddenly thrown out of sync by COVID-19. As the pandemic loomed, students and faculty began their two-week break thinking it might be an extra week or two before they’d be together on campus again. Instead, when school resumed at the end of March, our classrooms and church pews sat empty. Still, our teachers continued to teach, our students continued to learn and Headmaster Burke continued to lead, serving as a calming and comforting voice in a time of crisis. The ability of our faculty to migrate so rapidly to a virtual environment and our students to adapt to distance learning is a testament to the strength of our school community.

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“When I talk about why distance learning worked for St. Sebastian’s, I use the words dedication and talent.”

Michael Nerbonne

ASSISTANT HEADMASTER & DEAN OF STUDIES

Early on, when we started talking about distance learning, Bill Burke and I recognized that departments were going to play a key role. The curriculum is delivered in a departmental way for a reason. Faculty in each department collaborated, with the help of our IT staff, to figure out the best way to teach their discipline in a distance format, sharing ideas and learning from each other’s expertise.

There was an “all hands on deck” attitude as faculty worked through March break. This speaks to Bill’s leadership and our school culture that was already there—we’re here to serve our students and their families.

Nobody knew if this was going to work, even just technologically; there was a fear of the unknown for all of us.

Yet, there was this feeling that we’re all in this together and pulling in the same direction.

There were several broad administrative decisions we had to make, from the schedule to grades. We started out strong with classes five days a week, knowing that it’s better and easier to back off from something than to try to add it later. After hearing feedback that it was too much screen time for both students and faculty, we ratcheted classes back to four days and held advisor and class meetings on the fifth day. We also kept Corporate Chapel going each morning, with Bill delivering remarks and critiques of the chapel speeches each Monday. We continued to give grades, which turned out to be a good decision. Our students really care about their own achievement.

When I talk about why distance learning worked for St. Sebastian’s, I use the words dedication and talent.

Sometimes a school can have one and not the other. I feel we have both. If you’re a really good teacher, and you care about teaching, this distance thing is a hurdle, but it’s not a wall. You’re not going to give up on teaching because you’re faced with this challenge. You’re going to find a way. That’s at the core of what happened here.

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Brendan Sullivan DEAN OF STUDENTS

In the days leading up to March break, colleges had started to send kids home and there was a growing sense that something was going to happen. We told students to grab all their textbooks and be ready to learn from home after break. It was incredible timing that we went on vacation as all this unfolded.

Our faculty embraced the adversity and were ready to go on March 30. There’s a lot of teachers that have been here for a long time and because they love it, they committed themselves to making distance learning work. I expected them to rise to the challenge, but they exceeded my expectations.

The curriculum mostly stayed the same, but the 40-minute lessons took a lot of preparation to make sure students stayed engaged and had a chance to interact. The faculty also tried to find the right balance between assignments that required screen time and those that didn’t. I heard feedback from students that although the amount of homework was less,

being in one room and one space and then having assignments to do after classes made it more difficult to accomplish.

Knowing that they were going to be graded helped motivate students and also brought a sense of normalcy, that this is still school. Those assessments were important in terms of continuing a strong curriculum, helping the students see where they stood and giving faculty a sense of where to adjust.

The boys didn’t want to let their teachers or their parents down. The parents also had a huge part to play in the success of distance learning by making sure the students had a space to work and were on time to classes and the Wi-Fi was working.

The biggest challenge for me was not being able to sit down and talk to a student to understand why something’s not going well. Those reasons often come out in a face-to-face conversation and that was a piece I really missed and believe is so important. We develop deep relationships here, and distance learning does not lend itself as well to deepening those connections. That’s why we really want to be back together and building on those relationships in September.

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David Cornish DIRECTOR OF GRADES 7 & 8, ENGLISH & CLASSICS FACULTY During the 46 years I’ve been teaching, I’ve become used to using the blackboard, distributing much of my instruction on paper and editing hard copies of students’ work. Switching to distance learning was a major effort and I could not have done it without the support of my colleagues. During March break, the IT Team provided individual support, English and Classics Department chairmen Chris Lynch and Sean Albertson generously spent hours showing me how to manage my classes through the Teams platform, Ed McCarthy and I exchanged ideas on ways to virtually teach Romeo and Juliet, and my son taught me how to edit a paper online.

I was initially skeptical about how successful video conferencing classes would run and if our younger students could remain attentive over the course of the school day. I was immediately impressed with how cooperative my students were.

We had perfect attendance on the first day and nearly every

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day afterward. Some 7th and 8th graders, who had struggled earlier in the year, thrived on the technological challenges of the program, giving them an extra boost of confidence and motivation.

I kept to the same classroom routine I established throughout the first three quarters of the year, frequently sharing my screen with the students to review assignments and informational documents. Although I could not see all the boys on my screen at once and impromptu discussions were more challenging, I felt that I was ultimately able to deliver instruction as clearly as I would in class. Reading students’ papers online allowed me to give more final feedback because the space to do so was infinite, not limited by the length of a piece of lined paper!

One of the best parts about distance learning was the ability to call up a student online and meet with him “face to face” to review his work or prepare for a test. Although I enjoyed these individual online meetings, being in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the playing fields with my students every day is and always will be the best and most rewarding part of my vocation.

Ryan DuFour ’21 In sort of a weird way, I was a little bit excited to see what distance learning would be like. I thought that there would be many problems right off the bat, however my teachers were incredibly prepared and spent their March break making sure that they were fully ready.

In the beginning, the hardest part of distance learning was the workload. However, once my teachers learned that we were a little overwhelmed, they dialed back the homework and better communicated with each other to avoid scheduling projects and quizzes on the same day. After only a week or two, I found myself very comfortable with the routine and thinking about it as “normal.” I had adapted to the situation and had begun to forget how very strange and unprecedented the times were and still are.

At no point did I feel like I was all alone and had to figure out a new system all by myself. Collaboration with my classmates was one of the most important aspects during distance learning.

I would consistently text or facetime with them, either to ask small questions or to work together on assignments. My teachers made very conscious efforts every day to check in and see how everything was going and did an amazing job of allowing all of us to talk for a little bit at the beginning of class before we jumped into a lesson. They were always accessible for extra time on Zoom calls. I was also able to stay in contact with my advisor, Headmaster Burke. We had a great facetime call where he made sure I was doing all right with distance learning and was very supportive.

It was incredible to me that the situation was so different than our normal school day, but it still felt the same in that I could feel the support and love of St. Sebastian’s community behind me even though we weren’t physically together.

“I could feel the support and love of the St. Sebastian’s community behind me even though we weren’t physically together. “

NURTURING BODY, MIND & SPIRIT During the challenging “stay-at-home” chapter this spring, St. Sebastian’s not only focused on making the distance learning experience the best it could be, but also sought ways to support the mental, emotional and physical health of our students and families. Dr. Dale Dillavou, the School’s consulting psychologist, and Health Director Jen Joyce RN offered guidance and support. Our athletic trainers created workouts and an Athletic Training Journal to help our students to stay physically active. The Guild of St. Irene organized a weekly speaker series, with parents tuning in to hear about relevant topics: Patty Burke, a practicing psychologist offered professional advice on “remaining centered and being positive during tough times”; Dr. Edward Ryan P’23, Director of Global Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, gave an intimate account of his experience on the frontline; and Marcie Behman P’13,’16,’19,’21, a financial services expert, gave an update on the state of the stock market.

And Fr. John led us in prayer and offered words of comfort and faith during virtual Mass.

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Mark Nelson MATH FACULTY

When I first heard I would have to teach my classes from home, I thought “oh boy, time to put the thinking cap on and figure this out!” I kept coming back to the thought of how fortunate we are to be a part of a school with great resources and such a tight knit community. Those two things helped immensely.

I spent March break talking with advisees, colleagues, friends, and family to get their take on how to best proceed with teaching from a distance and plugging away at a different style of lesson planning. There were a lot of “going back to the drawing board” moments. It is hard to communicate how grateful I am to be working with such talented and dedicated colleagues, from the leadership of Jim Rest to the hard work of Carla Callini, the assistance of Paul Rossini, and the willingness to learn of Tommy Moriarty. Phone calls, video calls, sharing resources, testing resources... you name it. When someone needed help, there was always another teacher there to lend a hand or an ear—day or night.

Distance learning felt anything but typical at first, but things eventually settled into a rhythm. A couple hours of emails and grading, then chapel, then classes and extra help, then back to emails, grading, lesson planning, and brainstorming with colleagues. Though the experience inevitably felt different, the boys’ personalities were still able to shine through on Zoom. We tried to humanize the experience as much as possible and talk openly about the struggles and successes along the way. Anytime there was a shared “aha” moment, laugh, or thought-provoking question, it almost felt like we were back in the classroom.

I was inspired by how well the boys adjusted to the new demands of their altered learning experience. Though no one would have chosen to have their spring unfold as it did, I believe that overcoming this strange challenge has ultimately helped our boys become more adaptable, creative and resilient.

“I believe that overcoming this strange challenge has ultimately helped our students become more adaptable, creative and resilient.”

MORNING CHAPEL From the very first day of distance learning on March 30 to the last on May 29, there remained one constant that kept our community tied together: Morning Chapel. Every morning at 9 am, students and faculty tuned in, often joined by family members and alumni, to watch Morning Chapel streamed live on our website. Headmaster Burke gave his “Corporate Chapel” remarks on Mondays, summarizing Chapel Speeches given the previous week, and sharing his thoughts about what was happening in the world and our community, from the pandemic to racism. His remarks served as a guiding light, setting the tone for the week ahead. The other mornings of the week, 18 seniors and five juniors gave their Chapel Speeches from home, sharing a piece of themselves and providing a meaningful way to start the day.

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Luis Sosa Espinal ’25 When we heard we had to clean out our lockers before March break, a lot of seniors, including my brother, Kristian, told me not to worry because we’d be coming back in a pretty short time. I decided to bring all my supplies home that day anyway. Nobody really thought it would be a pandemic.

The first week after March break felt a bit like the first week of school all over again because the teachers had to explain to us how the grades would work.

Getting online for classes was easier than I expected; I was actually very surprised at how well it went.

On a typical day, I would wake up around 8 am and watch Mr. Burke or the seniors give their speeches during Morning Chapel at 9 am. I was surprised to see Mr. Burke in the same clothes that he normally would wear and still in his bow tie. During the lunch period, I would try to get the hardest homework done and then finish my homework after classes were over so I could just relax.

The teachers did what they would do if they were in class, but it was harder to stay engaged sitting in front of a computer. We still had class discussions, did presentations, and had a lot of quizzes and tests.

I emailed my teachers quite a lot during distance learning, since I couldn’t just talk to them in person.

Distance learning was definitely a new experience.

The biggest thing I learned was the value of the time I had in school and in the classroom. I really missed the camaraderie and feeling of being together.

Tina Souza P’22 In a nutshell, St. Sebastian’s was not caught flat-footed. The switch to distance learning right after break felt incredibly seamless, like they didn’t miss a beat. It was truly exceptional.

The faculty and staff seemed to go above and beyond over and over. My son, Tim, looks up to each and every one of his teachers and he kept saying how incredible they were to be able to move into this new platform and just keep moving forward while continuning to make it interesting. He was all set up in his room and when I’d walk by in the hallway, I would hear him laughing, but also having serious discussions. It was active learning, he wasn’t just sitting there passively listening.

With the consistent schedule, Tim knew what he needed to do and when he needed to do it—and it was very doable.

There were four days of Zoom classes and that fifth day they had class meetings. He still did work on those days, but it was more of a relaxed day and gave him more time to connect with his teachers outside of class. Of course, Tim missed the dynamic of being with his friends and being in class, as well as the spring lacrosse season and robotics. Those are his things that he really loves. But he took it all in stride. He knew it wasn’t just him missing it; everyone had to miss it.

There was just an overarching sense of support throughout the school that we were all in this together. In listening to Bill Burke each Monday morning, and his amazing combination of empathy and strength, you could feel the sense of community and that it was all going to be ok, despite the uncertainty. As president of the Guild, Cathy Daniel kept the parents engaged as much as possible in creative ways. She started weekly Zoom meetings and brought in relevant guest speakers to support parents.

I know as parents, my husband, Rob, and I felt Tim was thriving and even more so than we would have expected under the situation. It went just as smooth and as effective as anyone could have hoped for and I guess we shouldn’t be surprised.

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VIRTUAL EVENTS

Our school year would not be complete without Grandparents & Special Friends Day! On April 28, more than 300 Arrows grandparents and family members tuned in from afar for our virtual program. Thank you to our co-chairs, Colleen Phelps P’21 and Darice Merageas P’21,’24, for their participation and all the St. Sebastian’s moms who donned their aprons in spirit. During the program, Fr. John Arens and Headmaster Bill Burke shared messages of hope and encouragement, our student speaker Michael McLoughlin ’20 spoke about his grandparents, and resident musicians, Eddie Zhang ’24, Gianluca Centola ’24 and Derron St. Marie ’24, entertained us with their performances. Participants also had the opportunity to join Fr. Arens for a virtual Grandparents & Special Friends Day Mass, continuing the tradition of attending Mass with their grandsons when they visit campus each spring.

PARENTS OF ALUMNI RECEPTION We missed seeing our parents of Arrows alumni on campus, but felt their presence in spirit as we hosted a virtual Parents of Alumni Reception on April 30. Thank you to Fr. Arens, Headmaster Burke and Parents of Alumni Co-chair Mary Supple P’09,’10,’15 for their thoughtful words and messages of hope.

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Guild of St. Irene CLOSING EVENT & Fashion Show St. Sebastian’s mothers gathered virtually on the evening of May 12 for the Guild of St. Irene’s annual Closing Event & Fashion Show. The fun and light-hearted event, held via Zoom, provided a great opportunity to thank this year’s Guild President, Cathy Daniel P’15,’18,’20, for all her hard work over the course of the year and to hand over the reins to incoming President Laurel Mullen P’19,’21. During the event, those mothers whose youngest Arrows graduated this year were honored with a St. Sebastian’s necklace. Over 40 senior moms, dressed in their St. Sebastian’s swag, sashayed down their home “runway” with special appearances from their senior boys, for the virtual fashion show. As part of participating in the event, St. Sebastian’s mothers were invited to purchase Shaw’s gift cards for the San Miguel School to help families who are struggling to put food on the table during the pandemic.

Reunion 2020

On May 16, St. Sebastian’s alumni from the classes ending in 5 and 0 reunited for the first, and hopefully last, Virtual Reunion in our School’s history. To begin the evening, Fr. Arens celebrated the Memorial Mass which was streamed to all attendees. Fred Daly ’70, P’05 read the list of Arrows in Heaven, honoring all alumni from reunion classes who have passed away. Headmaster Burke then delivered welcome remarks and spoke to the strong family bonds that exist in our alumni ranks. A short slideshow was shown featuring all father-son and brother-brother pairs of alumni who were celebrating their reunions together. Another video, featuring photos from all reunion years, brought back great memories. Following the prepared program, alumni then joined Zoom breakout sessions by class. While gathering virtually was no substitute for a true reunion, St. Sebastian’s Members of the Class of 1970 connected over Zoom with Headmaster alumni made the best of it!

Bill Burke during a breakout session at Reunion 2020.

FACULTY

ZOOM Seminars

On May 5, History Department Chair Denis Cleary led a discussion titled, “Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin.” Cleary regaled the group with an analysis of the character and motivation of the three leading participants at the Yalta Conference of 1945.

An estimated 300 members of the St. Sebastian’s community joined the call to be inspired by Cleary’s informative and charismatic lecturing style.

u

As a way of keeping our St. Sebastian’s family connected and engaged while we were all “staying at home” during the pandemic, Mike Melley, Director of Alumni Programs, hosted a series of Faculty Zoom Seminars.

Each Tuesday evening during the month of May, a faculty member shared his expertise or perspective on a topic, providing members of our community a unique opportunity to hear from our beloved teachers and go “back to school” for a night!

On May 12, English Department Chair Chris Lynch, hosted a broad discussion on Fyodor Dostoyevsky and the Brothers Karamazov. In his seminar, “The Speech at the Stone: Childhood Memory and the Moral Life,” Lynch engaged his audience with the thoughtprovoking and engaging style that is the hallmark of his classroom.

On May 19, Science Department Chair Dave Wilbur presented on “The Wave-Particle Duality of Light,” a discussion on how our understanding of the nature of light broke physics and brought it back stronger. Throughout the seminar, it became obvious why Mr. Wilbur’s passion for physics and his enthusiastic lecturing style has sparked so much interest in the sciences in alumni over the years.

On May 26, Dr. Ryan Patrico, religion teacher, presented “Aquinas on Morality and Happiness.”

In his speech, Dr. Patrico drew from the thoughts and traditions of great theologians and philosophers to lead a discussion on the human desire for happiness and how it is fulfilled. An active and insightful Q&A session followed Ryan’s prepared remarks.

Recordings of the Faculty Zoom Seminars can be accessed at: www.stsebs.org/seminars

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FINE ARTS Capturing Beauty and Decay at Medfield State Hospital

A Creative Virtual Performance During the spring of 2020, our Arrows musicians came together—from a distance—to create a fun virtual performance of the Paul Simon classic, “Call Me Al.” The song was meant to be played during their spring concert series. With all concerts cancelled as a result of the “stay at home” order, this was a great way to finish the year strong. The video even included some special, and entertaining, appearances from some of our alumni musicians. Shared via our social media channels, the performance was enjoyed by our entire school community.

ART AT HOME

AP Photography students visited the grounds of Medfield State Hospital on March 5 to photograph the decay and architecture of the buildings. Victor Cevoli, an award-winning graphic designer and photographer, met with the students to talk about photographing onsite and the history of the hospital. Cevoli is the husband of art teacher Patricia Cevoli and father of Michael Cevoli ’00.

During the distance learning period, art students were given various Art Challenges to accomplish using materials in their home environment.

From left to right: Alex Purpura ’22 used old jelly beans to create artwork by Andy Goldsworthy; Travis Hodge’25 recreated a famous work of art, inspired by the Getty Museum challenge; Nolan McGovern created a pottery frame and used it to capture different textures and surface decorations; Andrew Hahm ’22 made coils out of magazine pages to make a bowl.

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FINE ARTS

Exploring Emotions through Images These photographs were taken by AP Photography students as part of their concentrated projects for their final AP portfolios.

Luke McKenzie ’20

David Thai ’20

“When I wander through the streets at night, the burden of being watched disappears. All the expectations and worries vanish and a new sense of feeling arises, freedom.”

“I set out to show through my photographs how it would feel to deal with depression on a daily basis.”

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FINE ARTS

THE DOOR When seniors Patrick McDonald, Aidan Garrity and Nate Kelly joined forces to produce an original play, “The Door,” they each brought something different to the table. Patrick, the actor, Aidan, the tech expert, and Nate, the comedian, worked together to write and direct a show that was both entertaining and thought-provoking, involving a corn chip, a near-death experience, a Socrates quote and an all-important chess match.

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FINE ARTS

M

cDonald’s journey with the drama club began his freshman year with “Slactivist,” written and directed by Andrew Elcock ’17, and he’s played a role in the winter play ever since. Garrity, president of the drama club, has been part of the tech team in nine different shows at St. Sebastian’s and took on an acting role for the first time this fall in “Robinhood.” Kelly, an aspiring screenwriter, was excited by the opportunity to be a part of the winter play tradition and learn everything he could as a newcomer to the club.

The three seniors applied their shared passion for writing to creating the script for “The Door.” Inspired by a 1950’s movie in which a knight challenges Death to a chess game for his life, and the Socrates quote, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” McDonald started forming an idea for a play during the summer before his junior year.

The following summer, the trio collaborated to build a script based on this concept, finalizing the plot and divvying up the writing of the scenes and combining their strengths and experience to hammer out the details. “I often found myself looking at it through a technical lens—how the lighting should look, the sound effects—to make a dramatic scene,” shared Garrity.

“The Door” follows two mirroring plot lines that both start with Dante, a young man played by Cam Howell ’21, who chokes on a corn chip and has a resulting neardeath experience after his incompetent friends fail at their attempts to administer first aid. In fact, he finds himself in the waiting room of the Department of NearDeath Experiences (DNDE). He ultimately meets Death, a surprisingly affable character played by Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, with whom he must play an all-important chess match. Meanwhile, back in the apartment, Dante’s friends are arguing about what happens when you die.

Throughout his time at the DNDE, there is a literal door, and he asks the receptionist, the consultant and eventually Death, “what’s behind that door?” The irony is that Death himself admits he has no idea, citing the quote from Socrates.

A quiet, reserved friend mirrors this sentiment, stepping into the argument taking place in the apartment to point out “neither of you can possibly know.”

While McDonald, Garrity and Kelly were all comfortable with writing and had fun casting their fellow Arrows into the various roles, directing proved to be the most challenging part. They each grew as a result of the experience, learning to manage a large group, to be assertive and to compromise.

“Some of my favorite moments were in the early runthroughs. We had known this thing confined only to paper for so long, and the actors took their characters in their own direction and brought the play to life,” said McDonald. One

OPPOSITE: Death, played by Alessandro Barbiellini ’21 (left), contemplates what happens after you die with Dante, played by Cam Howell ’21 (right); TOP: Seniors Patrick McDonald, Aidan Garrity and Nate Kelly collaborate to write and produce an original play. BOTTOM: Dante’s friends discuss how to save him with two EMTs after he chokes on a corn chip.

actor added a Russian accent to his character, another elected to wear a wetsuit instead of just using a snorkel as a prop, and a student playing an EMT contributed a saxophone solo.

When the cast performed “The Door” on February 14 and 15, they were pleased with the reaction they got from the audience. “So much work went into this since we started last summer and it was cool to see it all come together and be well-received,” shared Kelly. On February 29, the cast had the opportunity to perform the play again in front of a high energy crowd of their peers at the Massachusetts High School Theater Celebration. During the awards ceremony, the three Arrows were recognized with playwriting awards.

With the help of a talented cast, these writer-directors clearly succeeded in taking a relatively complicated concept and packaging it in a way that made people both laugh and think.

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WINTER SPORTS Varsity Hockey

BY COACH SEAN MCCANN

After nine months of waiting, 22 Arrows took to the ice in their first game of the season against Rivers.

Line combinations and defensive pairs were all up in the air, but this group was eager to establish themselves. Yet, seven minutes into the first period, the team was down 2-0 and wondering what had happened and how they were going to change their trajectory. A minute later Timmy Delay ’22 weaved his way up the right boards into the offensive zone before finding Brendan Gorman for a cross crease pass and the first goal. Thirty seconds later, Brendan Dumas ’21 ripped a shot off the goalie before Connor Joyce ’20 deposited the rebound en route to a 5-2 victory.

During the next four games, the Arrows scored 25 goals to improve their record to 5-0. Luke Garrity ’20 and Chris Cataldo ’20 led the way by sharing the net and yielding only four goals. Jake 56 |

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Lavoie ’21 contributed two goals against Milton including a crucial one in the 3rd period. Joey Harney ’21 (2 goals), Declan Maguire ’20 (1 goal, 1 assist) and Gavin Walsh ’22 (1 assist) all had outstanding games as the Arrows overpowered BB&N. Liam Connors ’20 scored mid 3rd period with a bullet to the top left corner to defeat Exeter 1-0 and Dumas scored an incredible five goals to lead Seb’s to a 9-1 victory over Brooks.

The St. Sebastian’s Tournament and Prep Showcase were up next, and the team continued to surge. Jayden Grier ’22 scored the first goal of his career and Mike Cataldo ’22 added his 3rd goal in four games as Albany Academy fell 4-2.

Brunswick handed St. Seb’s its first loss of the season in an outstanding back and forth affair. The Arrows lost the lead late in the game and weren’t able to score in the waning moments. In the final game of the tournament and the two games during the Showcase, Will Elias ’22 played extremely well, contributing five points to help claim two victories over Williston and a 7-0 win against Berkshire.

After the break, the team embarked on the main portion of the ISL schedule. A talented Nobles team was first and although St. Seb’s outshot them by a 2-1 margin, they couldn’t find the back of the net and lost 2-1.

Belmont Hill was next, and this heated contest started off poorly as St. Seb’s was down by two early in the game.

Seb’s fought back on three occasions, but could never get the equalizer.

However, over the next two weeks the team focused more on the defensive side of the puck. Wins against Tabor (53), Andover (3-1) and Governor’s (7-1) showcased the improved play as Ryan MacDermott ’20, Liam Murphy ’20 and Jack Toomey ’22 did an excellent job shutting down other teams’ offenses.

A rematch against Nobles loomed large and the Arrows were ready from the beginning. Three goals in the first period, two by Gorman, gave the team a tremendous amount of confidence, but Nobles started to mount a comeback and expose a recurring weakness.

Unable to hold on to the lead, Nobles tied the game with 2 goals in the final

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3 minutes. Deflated, the team headed to Thayer and was handed their first discouraging loss of the season. A much-improved Milton squad lay wait and gave St. Seb’s significant trouble, but an outstanding goal by Mike Callow ’22 and a last minute one by Liam Connors provided a win.

The next three games were going to be very difficult. A strong St. Mark’s team, a rematch with Belmont Hill and a dangerous Lawrence Academy were scheduled over the next 10 days.

The St. Mark’s game couldn’t have started any better as the Arrows held a commanding 3-0 lead midway through the first. However, defensive lapses proved to be damaging as St. Mark’s scored six unanswered goals. Belmont Hill was the right opponent at the right time as the Arrows controlled the game from beginning to end, scoring four goals in the second period with Nolan Joyce ’23 assisting on the 3rd goal and scoring the 4th. The Lawrence Academy game was fast and exciting from the very beginning. Lawrence jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but Seb’s tied it in the 3rd before losing with 1 second left in the game.

After a 10-2 win versus Hoosac, Seb’s struggled to find a consistent level of play as Tabor, Governor’s and

Lawrence all defeated the Arrows.

Tabor was outshot badly, but scored in overtime to win 3-2. Against Gov’s, Ted Harrington ’21 scored his first goal of the season to give St. Seb’s a 2-0 lead but Gov’s battled back to win 4-3.

After two very close periods, Lawrence scored two power play goals in the 3rd period to pull away.

With only one game left in the season against Thayer—a team who was on a hot streak—the players proved very resilient. As Henry Ford once stated, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” The team certainly learned from their earlier encounter and played an outstanding game to solidify a playoff spot and claim home ice in the first round of the playoffs.

Ironically, the first game in the playoffs was against Thayer and as everyone knows it’s extremely difficult to beat the same team twice in a row.

Thomas Messineo ’21, who had played incredibly well all season long, raised his game to another level and he not only contributed offensively but was amazing in the defensive zone blocking 8 shots. Garrity proved to be up to the task, and he shut out a Thayer squad for the first time this season en route to a 2-0 win.

In the second round of the playoffs, the Arrows had to travel to Cushing Academy. Connor Joyce opened the scoring on the first shift of the game with a nifty move. Cushing responded, but Cam Collins ’21 scored a highlight goal late in the first to take a 2-1 lead. After the second period, the game was tied at 2 and Cushing took the lead in the 3rd. A late push by the Arrows was effective but St. Seb’s was unable to prevail. Although the year ended one game short, the team had a tremendous season reaching the playoffs for the 6th year in a row.

Captains Liam Connors, Connor Joyce and Ryan MacDermott did an excellent job leading this team while establishing a culture of perseverance.

Seniors Chris Cataldo, Luke Garrity, Declan Maguire and Liam Murphy provided support and set an example for the younger players to follow. This class will leave a large void, but they leave knowing that they have continued a tradition of excellence. Thank you to the Class of 2020 for their blood, sweat and tears. Arrows Forever!

OPPOSITE: Connor Joyce ’20 controls the puck along the boards during a game against Albany Academy. LEFT: Defenseman Ryan MacDermott ’20 deflects a shot clear of the net during a playoff game against Thayer Academy. RIGHT: Liam Connors ’20 prepares to make a move.

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Varsity Basketball

BY COACH DAVID HINMAN

The 2019-20 basketball season will be remembered for many spectacular performances and a few the Arrows wish they could have back. No week was more representative of the season than the two-game stretch following exams in mid-January. After losing to Groton on the road, St. Sebastian’s was given the daunting task of facing Brooks—a team that had won the last six ISL titles, owned a remarkable 95-game ISL winning streak, and ultimately secured a seventh consecutive championship season. Not only did the Arrows take Brooks down, they dominated the game from the opening tip. On that day, cocaptain Trace Gotham ’20 dominated at both ends of the court. Fellow cocaptain Ben Kaczmarek ’21, playing on an injured knee, battled Brooks’ 6’9” D1 commit and kept him from ever impacting the game. Lyndel Erold ’21 could not be stopped, scoring 22 points; Zion Simmons ’23 shut down their leading scorer; and Trevor Mullin ’23 made it clear he was not going to be intimidated by the Brooks mystique, finishing with a game high of 23 points.

The grit and perseverance that the basketball team showed against Brooks would appear many times throughout the season. The Arrows earned thrilling wins at home against Class A teams St. Paul’s School (64-63 OT), Thayer Academy (62-60), and Phillips Andover (67-66). These victories allowed the Arrows to finish the regular season with a most impressive 9-3 Class A record. As great as these wins were, the two-game sweep of rival Belmont Hill proved also to be a defining moment for this group. After beating Belmont Hill earlier in the year, a packed West Campus Center witnessed another 58 |

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TOP LEFT: Zion Simmons ’23 brings the ball down the court during the “Silent Night” game against Taft. TOP RIGHT: Captain Trace Gotham ’20 takes a leaning jump shot. BOTTOM: Coach David Hinman and players celebrate after defeating Brooks and ending their 95-game ISL winning streak.

great effort as Mullin hit nine 3’s en route to a 76-55 win.

Finally, on senior day, the Arrows once again took down St. Paul’s to finish the year with a 13-12 record. It was great to see the four seniors—Mikey Colgan, Trace Gotham, Cedrick Rene, and Wes Stanton—all impact the final game. More importantly, these four always represented St. Sebastian’s by playing the game the right way.

Although only Gotham saw significant minutes throughout the season, it was an honor for the team to be led by these outstanding young men. Gotham was selected by the ISL coaching group as the winner of the Andrew N. Navoni Sportsmanship Award. In a

league of over 200 players, Trace was rewarded for his demeanor on and off the court. Colgan and Gotham were given The Father Gilmartin Award for showing the qualities of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of basketball.

With nine players returning, the outlook for the 2020-21 campaign is bright. That team will be led by captains-elect Kaczmarek, Lolo Garcia ’21, and Louis Hansen ’21.

Three underclassmen were awarded all-league, with Kaczmarek and Erold gathering Honorable Mention and Mullin earning first team.

WINTER SPORTS

Varsity Wrestling

BY COACH MATT WILLEY

The St. Sebastian’s wrestling team had one of its best seasons in the program’s history, finishing with an 11-4 record and ranked 5th in the ISL standings.

The Arrows had signature wins against St. Mark’s, Tabor, Middlesex and Brooks. Led by junior captains, Scott Behman and Nick Vallace, the Arrows were competitive in every dual meet in which they participated.

During the Middlesex match, the Arrows won the first nine matches in a row. Of those nine victories, six were by pin or forfeit, quickly putting the match out of reach for Middlesex, a team that had beaten the Arrows last year. However, the biggest match of the year came against St. Mark’s. The day started out slow for St. Seb’s, losing the first two matches against very good opponents. Seamus McDonough ’24 and Ben Frisoli ’22 kept their matches close, but were unable to score enough points to earn victories.

It looked as though we would lose our first three matches until Eddie Ryan ’23 came back from a 6-1 deficit in the third period to pin his opponent.

Paul Vallace ’21, in his varsity debut, put on a clinic of wrestling quick, tough and smooth, dominating his opponent 8-0 until an inevitable pin in the 2nd period. The Arrows then lost three tough matches in a row to fall behind in team points 24-12. Besides a forfeit in the final bout of 113 lbs, the Arrows wouldn’t lose another match. Behman controlled his match and nearly pinned his opponent twice. Quinn Feeney ’20 was welcomed back into the line-up and secured his victory with a third period takedown. Nick Merageas ’21 secured the victory by pinning his opponent and putting the Arrows up by 7, which made it mathematically impossible for St. Mark’s to win. A first period “head and arm,” throw and pin by Eddie Zhang ’24 was icing on the cake! Final score: St. Seb’s—43; St. Mark’s—30.

At the ISL tournament towards the end of the season, the Arrows had nine medal winners, including three finalists and one champion. Behman was the ISL champion at 170 lbs. Although the team was strong throughout

the line-up, six wrestlers—Seamus McDonough, Ben Frisoli, Nick Vallace, Scott Behman, Nick Merageas, and Landon Bailey ’23—stood out at the end of the season by qualifying for the New England tournament in Hartford, CT. Of those six, Merageas and Behman placed 5th and 6th respectively, enough to qualify for the National Prep tournament where they wrestled admirably and both secured victories.

The Arrows look forward to next season with 11 starters returning to the line-up.

TOP: Quinn Feeney ’20 wraps up an opponent. BOTTOM LEFT: Juniors Nick Merageas and Scott Behman with Coaches Matt Willey and John Ryan at the National Prep Wrestling Championships at Lehigh University. BOTTOM RIGHT: Jack Mahoney ’21 tries to pin his opponent.

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WINTER SPORTS

Co-captains Billy Queally ’20 (left) and Evan Prince ’20 (right) race at the NEPSAC Championships at Sunday River on February 12, 2020.

Varsity Skiing

BY COACH DEIRDRE RYNNE ANNAN

Arrows Skiing had a challenging season competing in what was one of the warmest winters on record in history. Remarkably, the ISL only cancelled one race due to weather despite the unseasonably high temperatures and a record breaking 74 degrees in January. With no accumulative snowfall occurring in season, Blue Hills and Nashoba Valley remarkably held their own with snowmaking despite the temperatures and rain. The composition of competing on man-made snow makes for wetter and denser snow and resulted in punishing conditions all season. As a result, courses were generally heavily groomed ice with a thick crushed ice cover making for large ruts and pot holes on course.

Sadly, this might be the new normal and fortunately the conditions

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have not dampened the spirit and enthusiasm of our Arrows skiers.

Led by co-captains Billy Queally ’20 and Evan Prince ’20, Arrows skiing finished in 7th place in the ISL. Prince has been on the team since middle school and also made a strong transition over his tenure from a JV skier to a top varsity finisher and co-captain of the squad.

Prince’s leadership and dedication to the team has been admirable and his determination to improve and push himself on and off the hill has resulted in a considerable performance leap. He has served as a great example of what it means to be a good teammate and his positivity and quiet competitiveness will be missed. Queally arrived as a freshman and contributed to our team success.

He earned his third ISL All-League honor, this year finishing 9th for the season. For the majority of his career races, Queally consistently finished in the top 10. His consistency as a skier over his tenure is remarkable and his

leadership with course inspections, equipment advice and overall “send it” attitude will be missed. This year in a competitive NEPSAC A league, Queally medaled in the Giant Slalom in 10th place.

The two captains helped the coaches lead the squad of sixteen with a heavier focus on dry land agility, yoga and plyometric training to improve speed, response and balance on the hill. A highlight of the season was senior Nathan Piecyk competing in his first varsity race. Piecyk came to the team as a recreational skier and through devotion in the gym and focus as practice, he transitioned into a racer.

Coach Annan and Coach Uhlman are especially grateful for the increased space for dry land training and equipment storage in our new athletic facility and for all of our parent support. We will hope for more snow next season and encourage all fast skiers to consider joining our squad.

WINTER SPORTS

Varsity Swimming

BY COACH ELISE SIEVERT & COACH CARLA CALLINI

We had an enjoyable season with our group of Arrow swimmers. Every day at Dana Hall, our boys worked hard to improve during practice, often swimming over a mile a day and concentrating on many different drills to better their strokes and improve their times. Though we often swam against schools with much larger and more experienced teams, we were fortunate to count many personal bests and improved times as successes from this season. A highlight for this particular group was beating a team in a meet for the first and second times in five years.

Captain Tim Williams ’20 started the season ready to go. We asked him to compete in a wide variety of events, and he was prepared to put his head down and try new races to score points for the team. In his last race as an Arrow, Williams beat Milton’s best breaststroker by .01 seconds.

Alessandro Barbiellini ’21, a returning member of the team, continued to work on his 500 freestyle, which is the longest possible race at the high school level. He also regularly competed in the 200 freestyle, which is the second longest race. Barbiellini was able to be a competitor in both of these events, improving his times across the season.

Evan Nordby ’20 joined our group this year as a senior, having never swum competitively before. He put in the miles at practice and made enormous improvements to his times by working on his technique and gaining strength and speed in the water.

The team was excited to welcome two other newcomers, James Joyce ’24 and Michael Kalinichenko ’23. Joyce was a dependable addition to our squad.

He elected to spend his President’s Day at a turns clinic, and the extra effort he put in paid off in several of his races throughout the season. He consistently swam the breaststroke and took five seconds off his 200 freestyle time across the season. Kalinichenko swam shorter distances freestyle for us, and worked on his breathing technique to improve his sprint times. He had both of his best swims of the season in individual events at our EIL/ISL championship meet in February. When Kalinichenko wasn’t in the water, he could be found cheering on his teammates.

Thank you to everyone at Dana Hall for allowing our program to exist and run alongside theirs and thank you to everyone here at St. Sebastian’s for all of your support this season. Go Arrows!

James Joyce ’24, Evan Nordby ’20, Tim Williams ’20, Michael Kalinichenko ’23 and Alessandro Barbiellini ’21 gather for a team photo.

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Members of the swim team race for St. Sebastian’s during a meet against Pingree School, Landmark School, Beaver Country Day, and Bancroft School on February 12, 2020.

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WINTER SPORTS

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Squash

BY COACH BEN BROWN

The St. Sebastian’s squash team had a great second season in its new facility. Thanks to the new squash courts in the West Campus Center, the program was once again able to field two high school teams, and also added a full middle school schedule of matches. The top 18 players continued to practice or play 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 of 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 coaches Ben Brown, Andrew Conway ’06, and Matt Donovan ’13 reprised their roles from last year. The squash program lost over half of the top seven players from last season, but fortunately, there was a strong core of juniors who were ready to take the helm.

Led by captains Aidan Mulvey ’21 and Juan Oliva ’21, juniors Daniel Ko, Nolan McGovern, Conor Mynahan, T.J. Ragnoni, and Max Samulka regularly competed in the top seven roster spots. Dylan Knightly ’22 and Gianluca Centola ’24 rounded out the scoring positions for the team this past season.

With such a young squad, the future of the team looks bright as it continues the next chapter of St. Sebastian’s squash in the new facility.

The following student-athletes were recognized for their performance during the winter season.

BASKETBALL All-League ISL: Trevor Mullin ’23 Honorable Mention All-League ISL: Ben Kaczmarek ’21, Lyndel Erold ’21 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.

Mikey Colgan ’20, Trace Gotham ’20 Navoni Sportsmanship Award: Trace Gotham ’20

HOCKEY All-League ISL: Liam Connors ’20, Connor Joyce ’20, Tom Messineo ’21 Honorable Mention All-League ISL: Brendan Dumas ’21, Ryan MacDermott ’20, Brendan Gorman ’22, Timmy Delay ’22 Jack Doherty Award: 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.

Liam Connors ’20, Ryan MacDermott ’20, Connor Joyce ’20 ISL Flood Shield Award: Given to the player whose enthusiasm for hockey and true devotion to the game is marked by his playing ability and physical toughness, yet whose competitive spirit is balanced by emotional control and a desire to play within the rules of the game.

Liam Connors ’20

SKIING All-League ISL: Billy Queally ’20 LEFT: Juan Oliva ’21 lines up to hit a backhand shot. RIGHT: T.J. Ragnoni ’21 hits a forehand shot.

WRESTLING All-League ISL: Nick Vallace ’21, Nick Merageas ’21, Scott Behman ’21 Honorable Mention All-League ISL: Landon Bailey ’23, Ben Frisoli ’22 WINTER / SPRING 2020

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Class of 2016 Career Seminar

Alumni panelists Jordan Perry ’11, Matt Perry ’06, Ted Dillon ’06, Ryan McCaffrey ’08, and Brian Strachan ’11 share their career experiences with recent alumni.

Arrows Connect Career Night The 2020 installment of Arrows Connect Career Night, sponsored by the Alumni Board, brought nearly 30 Arrows from the Classes of 2011-2019 together for a wide-ranging panel discussion on career opportunities and networking advice on January 7. Alex Cook ’91, Chairman of the Alumni Board’s Professional Networking Committee, led the conversation with five outstanding alumni panelists. A common thread throughout the night was the impact that the St. Sebastian’s Chapel Speaking program has had on the panelists’ careers. Ted Dillon ’06 shared his interesting and varied path en route to his current position in marketing. Architect Ryan McCaffrey ’08 encouraged alumni to seek the path less traveled throughout his presentation based on his time in China and France.

Jordan Perry ’11 extolled the virtues of collaborating with peers and mentors and shared the demands of both a traditional and entrepreneurial career. Matt Perry ’06 emphasized the importance of matching your personal attributes with your career goals as he transitioned from professional athlete to the commercial real estate industry. Brian Strachan ’11 epitomized the hard work needed to pursue your career goals in detailing his career path from intern to launching his own private equity enterprise. Overall, it was an insightful night for all who attended.

ARROWS

CONNECT

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

Arrows Connect is the place to start.

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On May 27, Tim Sullivan ’65, President at Wellesley Partners, and Alex Cook ’91, Partner at Seaview Global Advisors, hosted a Zoom seminar for the Class of 2016. Both Tim and Alex have extensive experience in executive coaching and placement and volunteered to help these recent college graduates as they face the uncertainty of the current job market. Tim advised his fellow Arrows to know their strengths and expand their networks through a variety of tools that he has developed in his experience as an executive coach. Based on his background in executive placement, Alex walked the new grads through the steps of the job search process and emphasized the use of Arrows Connect, our own networking directory connecting members of the St. Sebastian’s community to each other. Thanks to Tim and Alex for looking out for the St. Sebastian’s Class of 2016!

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.

Register today: arrowsconnect.org

CLASS NOTES

CLASS NOTES

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1970 Commencement Ceremony on Nonantum Hill

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, 2020 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.

1951

Gerrald Giblin reports: “I was very honored by being selected as the recipient of the annual ‘Christifedeles Laici’ Award for devotion and service to the Church by the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C.”

1952

Dr. James Fay shares: “I am presently in lock down in Thailand.

Normally I spend six months in Thailand, Bangkok mostly, and six months in the US, Maine mostly, but international flights have been suspended for the last four months. However, lock down is hardly a hardship as it is in a 5-star resort owned by a Thai friend. It is expected that the ban will be lifted shortly but there is still the issue of quarantine should I eventually get back to the US. In any event I wish my classmates and any other St. Seb’s alumni a pleasant summer and a healthy future.”

STAY CONNECTED

1960

Richard Nelson writes that he and Annabelle have relocated to Bradenton, Florida and that he had been looking forward to his 60th Reunion in May.

1961

Al Byrne shares: “My wife, Mary Lynn Mathre RN, and I have relocated to NW Florida for our retirement years. Sort of. ML still runs Patients Out of Time Inc., a 501(c)3 educational charity we founded in 1995 to educate, by professional accreditation, health care professionals and the US public about the therapeutic uses of cannabis. Twenty-five years later we feel our mission was a success.

I also founded in 2007 Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, 501(c)24 Veteran service, which was responsible for the VHA allowing the use of medicinal cannabis to be involved in the treatment protocol for Veterans within the VA system in

’61

Follow us on Instagram @StSebastiansSchool Like us on Facebook /Stsebs Follow us on Twitter @StSebsNeedham Connect with us on LinkedIn St. Sebastian’s School Alumni, join our Facebook Group!

Search “St. Sebastian’s School Alumni” or use the url www.facebook.com/groups/stsebastiansschoolalumni

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Al Byrne ’61 co-hosts an iHeart Radio Network program, “Veterans Voices.”

CLASS NOTES

2010. For the fifth year, I co-hosted an iHeart Radio Network program, “Veterans Voices,” which interviews Vets, caregivers and friends of Vets who after injury in service have used cannabis to eliminate or reduce opioids and other damaging pharmaceuticals, greatly reducing suicide in that population. We have a 2.5 million listening audience.” (see photo)

1962

Frederick Corcoran reports: “Keeping up a lively email banter with classmates Ed Kirk and Tom Galligan, a lot of it about our happy days on the old campus at Nonantum Hill. Our 501(c)3 non-profit, Golf for All (www.golfforall.org), conducted over 150 free clinics in 2019, but has been shut down for this year because of COVID-19. We miss working with our veteran, autistic, Special Olympic and special-needs golfers, and are looking for new volunteers and sources of funding for the 2021 season. I sincerely hope that my ’62 classmates, and indeed ALL Arrows and their families are staying safe and healthy from this terrible Coronavirus pandemic.”

19. Just celebrated the birth of my second grandson, Oliver, to my daughter, Nora, in Seattle. Currently at three grandkids and one granddog and counting.”

1974

Frank Harrington writes: “In 2017, I relocated to Miami to run Crystal & Company’s Florida operation and in 2018 the company was sold to Alliant Insurances. I am now a national sales leader for Alliant Private Client. We decided to put down roots and recently purchased a home in Pinecrest, a suburb of Miami.

We love living in this dynamic and diverse city. Most importantly I still root hard for the Red Sox.”

1975

Donald Maloney reports: “I am in my third year at Hale House which is a rest home in the Back Bay neighborhood of Boston. To supplement my master’s degree in Public Administration, I have recently completed a Grant Writing Certificate at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. I am a lifelong learner, as it keeps me challenged and engaged. I am hoping (if my health allows) to enroll in some more classes.

I have always been interested in history and politics and am considering applying to law school! There are several nearby. Many of them offer part-time and flexible schedules which would be a helpful accommodation at this point in my life.”

1970 Arrows Reunite While Serving Others

1967

James Freedman shares: “I retired from working in global healthcare administration and teaching organizational behavior the last two summers at the International University of Business and Economics in Beijing. China. Still keeping in the game with a few consulting projects with healthcare organizations coping with COVID-

As part of their 50th Reunion Celebration, members of the Class of 1970 visited the Pine Street Inn on February 8, 2020, to assist in meal preparation. The group chopped onions, celery, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes. Happily, no fingers were lost during this process!

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CLASS NOTES

2020 ALUMNI GOLF OUTING October 9, 2020 9AM | Shotgun Start South Shore Country Club Hingham, MA

’90

Open to all St. Sebastian’s Alumni

$140 per player: includes, golf, cart, range balls, boxed lunch, gift bag and prizes Please note: due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we are limited to 72 players.

Register as an individual or foursome at:

www.stsebs.org/alumnigolf

’12

REUNION

2021

MAY 21 & 22 Members of St. Sebastian’s classes ending in 1 or 6—along with the 0’s and 5’s who missed their Reunion in May due to the pandemic—are invited to join us for Reunion weekend.

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Winshell Laguerre, Brian Lopez, Peter Capodilupo, Gerry Collins, Brendan Carty and Matt Forde, all members of the Class of 1990, kicked off their 30th reunion celebration by participating in a local trivia event. Their St. Sebastian’s education served them well as the team took home the first place prize (the fact that Fordo was the host had nothing to do with the outcome). n During the “stay-at-home” period this spring, Mark Warner ’84 and Andrew Warner ’14 pulled out their St. Sebastian’s chessboard to play the classic game of strategy, an Arrows favorite! n Doug Kingsley ’12 begins his career as an Officer with the Sherborn, MA Police Office. n While attending the 127th Annual Meeting of the Headmasters Association, held at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC, from February 5-7, Headmaster Burke connected with current Duke University students Luke Jones ’17, Andrew Elcock ’17, Nolan Prince ’19, Robert Lordi ’18, and Billy Seidl ’19. (Missing: Will Frisoli ’19, and Michael Swirbalus ’19)

CLASS NOTES

2002

Brett Maloley joined BRIO, a diagnostic and outpatient testing business, as their Chief Strategy Officer as the company refocused their efforts on creating and managing COVID-19 solutions. Brett reports: “Having stepped down from the day to day of the company that I founded 5 years ago, in December, to start a new company, my wife and I were in the process of relocating back to Boston from Austin, TX, and awaiting the construction of our new offices to be completed.

I was working out of the BRIO headquarters (inside of the Techstars incubator) a couple of days per week.

Suddenly, the world changed, and coronavirus became a reality. Fast forward a few days — I had been inserted into the BRIO team to lead strategy and distribution. When BRIO’s Founder and CEO asked me to step in, I was immediately happy to help... When I joined the BRIO team, we were definitely more of a concept than anything else and essentially everything needed to be created...

After 3 weeks of 20 hour days, 7 days a week, we had the system built—a full-stack testing solution enabling our partners to proactively deliver both serological lab-backed analysis as well as active infection RT-PCR testing, fully supported by the state, Fed, FDA, etc. We had put all the pieces together, all logistics, testing, EMT and phlebotomist supervision,

lab requisitions, medical supervision —everything, soup to nuts. After building the system, the past couple of weeks have been spent working with partners across the country, first responders, states and more recently private companies. It’s been a wild ride so far and I’m sure it will continue to be...”

2006

Matt Perry and his wife, Katie, welcomed the arrival of their daughter, Olivia Grace, on June 15, 2020. Her big brother, Matty, is thrilled!

2012

Doug Kingsley reports: “I finally finished up my training at the Massachusetts Municipal Police Academy. I am scheduled to graduate on July 1, 2020. So excited to start the new career as an Officer with the Sherborn, MA Police Office. Couldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my family and friends and the amazing life lessons, values, and ethics that I learned while at Seb’s. I plan on carrying the ‘order of the day’ with me as I take this big step. I intend to always Love God, work hard and take good care of one another in every aspect of my work.

Thank you Seb’s for everything. God bless and Go Arrows.”

View St. Sebastian’s Magazine online Did you know that St. Sebastian’s Magazine is available online?

View the publication, including recent back issues, in a flipbook format on our website at: www.stsebs.org/magazine

Jimmy Elcock ’08 Visits Music Classes Alumnus Jimmy Elcock ’08 stopped

by Karl Grohmann’s music classes on Friday, March 6, to talk with students about his career as a professional touring musician. Jimmy, who lives in Nashville, spends 220 days a year on the road touring with the likes of country music star Logan Mize and other artists. He shared stories of what it takes to be a musician in the country scene, what a typical week looks like as a touring professional, and how St. Sebastian’s supported his journey into making the decision to make it in the industry. Students asked Jimmy thoughtful questions, demonstrating great curiosity about the inner workings of his career, and showed him some of the performing skills they are learning in class.

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CLASS NOTES

’07

’06

’09

Joe Clark ’07 married Kelly Galligan on June 20, 2020. n Jon DeFalco ’06 married Courtney Hart on December 21, 2019, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. n Tyler Smith ’09 married Annie Poe on May 16, 2020, at St. Luke’s Church in Belmont, followed by a small dinner with their families. The couple met at Lincoln Tavern in South Boston in 2016.

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?

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

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ZOOM BACKGROUNDS Whether you’re meeting with colleagues, attending a class, or enjoying a social virtual visit with family or friends, use a St. Sebastian’s School Zoom backgrounds to show your Arrows pride.

View all the image options and download at: stsebs.org/zoom

CLASS NOTES

Matt Guarino ’15 Learns Valuable Lessons as an EMT during the Pandemic After graduating from UCLA in May of 2019, Matt Guarino ’15 spent the last year as an EMT in Los Angeles. This experience will serve him well when he arrives at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the fall of 2020.

His service on the frontlines of medicine in a pandemic not only prepared him for a career in medicine, but most importantly reshaped his view of the human side of patient care in the future. Read more below about Matt’s experiences…

A

s an EMT in Los Angeles, the past few months have been far from normal. The pandemic inundated us with new policies, PPE, and a sense of unrest amongst both ourselves and our patients.

EMTs are at a higher risk for exposure simply due to the nature of the job. I’m fortunate enough not to have any risk factors, nor do the people I live with, so my personal fear of the virus is relatively low, but others aren’t as lucky. I have co-workers who had to move out of their homes because they can’t put their families at risk, and some who took time off because of their own pre-existing conditions.

While I agree that flattening the curve and protecting at-risk populations from the virus is important, I can’t ignore the spreading fear and the effect it has on general health. What happens when people are afraid to see their physician, refill a prescription, go out to exercise, and are filled with anxiety about the pandemic, losing their jobs, or losing loved ones? Overall health deteriorates, and problems that may have been easily fixed become major medical concerns, which caused our number of cardiac arrests to rise substantially during this time. Even more alarming, the Journal of Emergency Medical Services reported that call volume across the nation is down about 34%, leaving the emergency rooms around us looking like ghost towns with screening tents pitched at the entrances, ready to protect the hospital from infection.

It’s disheartening to respond to patients with accumulated issues due to months in quarantine. Even worse, when they call for help, they aren’t greeted by friendly EMTs eager to help, rather by faces hidden behind masks bombarding them with questions about their travel history and potential exposure. The general rule in healthcare right now is to assume everyone has the virus. We’re required to screen every patient before even beginning an assessment related to their complaint, wear stuffy masks and fogged-up goggles, and thoroughly disinfect every surface after each call before lathering on hand sanitizer, leaving us feeling more like a cleaning crew than EMTs. Before, the best part of my job was seeing the look of relief on the patient’s face when help arrived and providing support however needed.

Now, we’re all too focused on donning the proper PPE and keeping 6 feet away to make any sort of personal connection.

During this pandemic, I’ve realized that, as a medical worker, I can’t let my own fear dictate how I treat patients.

At first, when every call felt as if I

“The idea of treating every patient like a human, instead of an object needing repair or a virus to eradicate, will stay with me.”

were preparing for a hazmat spill, the patient didn’t look like a person to me.

They represented the virus, and I only thought about following the new policies, keeping my distance, and dreading the paperwork and disinfecting that would follow. I recognized that my fear is probably a fraction of what the patient feels. Not only are they in the same pandemic, but they are dealing with a medical complaint that warranted a 911 call, and they deserve a provider that cares enough to treat them like a human instead of an infection to contain.

As I finish up my time as an EMT and enter medical school, I hope to remember my experiences during these past few months for the rest of my career. Although I still need to choose a specialty, and may not even stay in the field of emergency medicine, the idea of treating every patient like a human, instead of an object needing repair or a virus to eradicate, will stay with me.

Even outside of the medical field, it’s important to be aware that everyone is living through the same reality, yet still need to be cared for. For me, this involves trusting my protective equipment to do its job, and doing what I can to provide the support that my patients need. Taking care of your neighbor and treating others with respect, patience, and kindness is more important now than ever before.

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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.

FACULTY, STAFF & TRUSTEES Stephen H. Brady ’60

First President of the Alumni Association Steve passed away on May 5, 2020, at the age of 78. While at St. Sebastian’s, Steve wrote for The Walrus, participated in the Debating Society, sang with the Glee Club, was stage manager for the Dramatics Society and played for the baseball and hockey teams. After graduating, he went on to Georgetown University and Boston College. Steve had a very successful career as an institutional broker at Merill Lynch.

In 1974, a group of alumni, led by Steve, petitioned the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to incorporate the St. Sebastian’s Alumni Association, with an independent charter patterned after college alumni associations. A set of officers and a board of directors were elected, with Steve serving as the Association’s first president. He was honored at an Alumni Dinner in the 1990s for his instrumental role as an alumnus and remained an active member of the Arrows alumni community to the end.

Steve is survived by his wife, Gail; children Sheila, Stephen, Jr., and Sean; grandchild Stephen; and sister Jane.

His late brothers, William ’55 and John ’57, also attended St. Sebastian’s.

James A. Cotter Jr. ’57

Trustee Emeritus

Jim passed away on April 9, 2020, at the age of 80. While at St. Sebastian’s, he played for the varsity hockey team, was a hard-working member of the Dramatic Society, contributed to the yearbook and school newspaper and was a member of the Science Club.

After graduating, Jim attended Harvard University and served in the US Marine Corps Reserves. A raconteur who easily made friends wherever he went, he had a long career in the financial services industry and served on the board of several companies and non-profit institutions, including a special devotion to St. Sebastian’s School.

A long-time invaluable trustee, from 1982-2007, Jim is a true hero in the St. Sebastian’s story. He chaired the Finance Committee with tremendous distinction for decades, and also served on several other committees of the Board, including Endowment, Long Range Planning, Executive and Fund Inc. “I came to know and love Jim right away, as he served on the Headmaster’s Search Committee in 1989-90,” shared Headmaster Bill Burke.

“Intelligence, energy, integrity, wit, wisdom, courage, loyalty, devotion, and ten thousand other gifts were his in abundance, and he shared them so freely and fully. We are forever in his debt.” In recognition of his exemplary service and dedication to St. Sebastian’s, Jim was appointed a Trustee Emeritus, joining only a handful of alumni who’ve received this distinction, and was also a member of the Board of Visitors.

Jim is survived by his wife, Marsha; children Michele and Karin; grandchildren Lane and Kate; and siblings Mary, Eileen, William, Robert and Sheila.

“Intelligence, energy, integrity, wit, wisdom, courage, loyalty, devotion, and ten thousand other gifts were Jim’s in abundance, and he shared them so freely and fully. We are forever in his debt.”

—Headmaster Bill Burke

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IN MEMORIAM

Thomas Green ’49

Former Head Football Coach Tom passed away on May 21, 2020. While at St. Sebastian’s, Tom was described as the “personality kid” and was everyone’s friend. He was voted as Class President year after year, and especially loved History and Latin. According to the 1949 edition of The Arrow yearbook, he was also “one of the finest football players ever to wear the Red and Black” and received the Class Athletic Award.

In the fall of 1954, the former captain of the Arrows, and a widely acclaimed player at Villanova, returned to campus as head football coach. In his first season, Coach Green’s team posted a notable record of 5-1-1. Called away by “Uncle Sam” for three years, he returned in September 1958 and led another team of skilled Arrows to a record of 5-1-1. Kicking off a trend of triumphs in the 1960s, Coach Green led the 1960 Arrows into the annals of St. Sebastian’s, becoming the first undefeated football team in the School’s history.

Henry T. Lane Jr. ’49

Former Athletic Director, Coach & Faculty Member Henry passed away peacefully on April 23, 2020, in Vero Beach, FL. While a student at St. Sebastian’s, he earned the title “Mr. Baseball” for his performance on the diamond. He also shined as a member of the hockey team and informally on the tennis court.

Henry served in the Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict.

Upon his return, he resumed his studies at Boston College and graduated in 1955. He returned to St. Sebastian’s as a teacher and hockey coach in 1955. Henry would spend his entire career at St. Sebastian’s teaching various courses, as well as coaching hockey, baseball and tennis. He was appointed Athletic Director in 1973, a position he would hold until his retirement in 1997. The Henry T. Lane Rink, at the school’s new location in Needham, was named in his honor.

Henry married Patricia A. Burns on August 20, 1958.

Both avid tennis enthusiasts, Henry and Pat spent many happy years playing tennis with family and friends.

He continued to play tennis competitively throughout his life, winning the Father Daughter Ultra Senior Grass Court Championship in 2010 with his daughter Jennifer. A life-long sports fan, he loved watching sports, especially baseball, with his son and grandchildren.

A devout Catholic, Henry was a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach, FL. He was predeceased by Patricia in 2015 and is survived by his children Mark ’77 and Jennifer, grandchildren Lily and Graham; and many nieces and nephews.

(See feature story, “The Legendary Henry Lane,” on pg. 34)

William A. “Bill” Maguire ’50 Former Trustee

Bill passed away on April 1, 2020.

While at St. Sebastian’s, he excelled in baseball and hockey, as well as academics. St. Sebastian’s would become a pillar in his life. Bill was a successful fundraiser and eventual trustee at St. Sebastian’s, which led to many wonderful friendships, outings, and athletic events. He served as the Alumni Association President from 1996 to 1999, as well as a class agent for the Class of 1950.

Not following in the footsteps of his famous father Freddie Maguire, a Holy Cross star baseball player, MLB second baseman for the Braves, Cubs, and Giants, and Red Sox Scout, Bill made waves by choosing to attend Boston College where he would play hockey. After returning from the service in 1956, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Burke. His career started with Westinghouse as a Sales Representative and would branch out into the battery industry working in sales for both Ray-O-Vac and Duracell Corporation. He would rise to Regional Sales Manager, Director of Sales, and then establish a distribution company called Caldor Associates. While easing into retirement, Bill worked for John Hancock selling annuities.

An avid sports fan, Bill could be found attending any and all sporting events involving his children, grandchildren, St. Sebastian’s, Babson, and Boston College. When he was not watching sports, he was a devoted Jeopardy watcher. It was a rare event when he didn’t know the answers, eventually turning the show into an entire family event. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn; children Deborah, Carolyn and Frederick; eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and brother Frederick.

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IN MEMORIAM

Jeffrey T. McGowan

Mary Louise Mulvey P’90

Jeffrey passed away on March 19, 2020. He worked at St. Sebastian’s from the late 1970s to early 1980s on the Nonantum Hill campus. Jeffrey taught history and coached the soccer team. He was also a close friend with many members of the St. Sebastian’s community—most especially the Class of 1974. He is survived by several St. Sebastian’s alumni, including his brothers Bill ’71, Christopher ’77 and Kenneth ’79, and nephews Eric ’07 and Patrick ’15.

Mary Louise passed away on December 25, 2019, at the age of 88. She attended Ascension High School in Worcester and graduated from Emmanuel College in 1952. As a newlywed in 1955, she moved to Buffalo, NY, with her husband, Philip, where she learned to put snow chains on her VW to get across the snowcovered roads to teach. In the mid 1960’s, they settled in Needham, MA, where she raised her four boys, which later in life she referred to as her main career. She did return to teaching and obtained her MS in Education from Emmanuel College.

Mary Louise was an active member of St. Sebastian’s Board of Trustees from 1988-1992. She was the Guild of St. Irene President in 1988-1989, served as Chair of the Student Affairs Committee and also served on the Buildings & Grounds Committee.

Mary Louise cherished the lifelong friendships she established in Needham, on the Cape, and in Sanibel while raising her family, and playing cards, tennis and golf. She is survived by her brother, Henry; sons Brian, Kevin and Sean ’90; 12 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip F. Mulvey, Jr. and her son Philip F. Mulvey III.

Former Faculty Member & Coach

Former Trustee

Antonetta “Nina” (Cedrone) Salvucci P’80

Former Staff Member

Nina passed away on March 7, 2020, at the age of 90. She was a beloved member of the dining hall staff at St. Sebastian’s for more than 30 years. Every day, she served lunch to the students on Nonantum Hill and then Greendale Avenue. She acted as the right hand of Ruth Bergin, manager of the dining hall, and together, the two dining staff legends provided a nurturing presence for many decades.

Nina is survived by her children, John, Maddalena, Anthony and Carmine ’80; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; and siblings Joe and Danny. She is predeceased by her husband, Tony.

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IN MEMORIAM

ARROWS ALUMNI Thomas F. Donahue ’72 Tom passed away on April 16, 2020, at the age of 65. While at St. Sebastian’s, he played hockey and intramural soccer and contributed to The Walrus newspaper. After graduating, Tom received his bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 1976, followed by his master’s degree from Babson College.

For over 30 years, he developed long-term relationships and built new business in the produce industry from Maine to Florida. A rabid Georgetown Hoya Basketball fan, Tom also enjoyed golf, hockey, and was a football enthusiast. He was a devoted follower and self-proclaimed mentor of his children’s, nieces’ and nephews’ athletic endeavors.

His great devotion for his family and friends, immense love of life, and knowledge of and passion for every conversation topic on earth will be his legacy. He is survived by his wife, Anne; daughters Casey and Haley; siblings Patricia, Nancy, Katherine and John; and 20 nieces and nephews.

Dr. John “Jack” Drinkwater ’56 Jack passed away on February 28, 2020, at the age of 82. While at St. Sebastian’s, Jack made outstanding contributions to the yearbook and school newspaper and played varsity baseball, basketball and hockey.

Jack went on to receive a Doctorate

in Education from Boston College and served as Superintendent of Schools in four communities in Maine and Massachusetts, dedicating himself to a lifelong career in public education. During his retirement, he volunteered his time at the Life Ministries Food Pantry, Medication Bridge at Huggins Hospital, Holy Rosary Parish in Rochester, NH, and St Katharine Drexel Parish in Alton, NH. Jack is survived by his wife, Margot; five children, Brian, David, Susan, Beth and Matthew; nine grandchildren; and cousin Robert Logan ’56. He was predeceased by his brother, Edward Drinkwater ’54.

Christopher E. “Kip” Dugan ’83 Kip passed away on June 7, 2020, at the age of 58.

During his days as an Arrow, Kip was popular among his classmates due to his avid and outgoing personality. He was a talented athlete who was cocaptain of the varsity hockey team.

Although Kip was a very successful medical sales representative during his lifetime, it was the love for his wife and children, his love of sports and music, and his zest for life and people that was most important to him. Nobody was ever a stranger to Kip…just a friend he hadn’t met yet.

Anyone who has ever known Kip knows his wit and sense of humor were innate. Kip’s fondest memories were of his time spent with family and friends at his summer home in Kennebunkport, ME, and on the shore of Lake Champlain, VT. Kip is survived by his wife, Leigh; children Abigail and John; parents Owen ’51 and Elizabeth; and brothers Owen ’79 and Barry.

Joseph R. Crowley Gannon ’60 Joe passed away on February 22, 2020, at the age of 77. While at St. Sebastian’s, Joe was described as “one of the most talented and most versatile personalities” in his class.

He was a part of the Dramatics Club all throughout high school and served as class vice president for three years, an indication of the high esteem in which he was held by his classmates.

After graduating, Joe attended Babson College and served in the Army National Guard. He was a selfemployed computer programmer for many years. He is survived by his wife A. Joyce Crowley Gannon; six children Mary, Kate, Michael, Jessica, Blake and Samantha; four sisters, Betsy, Barbara, Mia and Jan; and six grandchildren.

Richard B. Griffin ’47 Richard passed away on January 20, 2020, at the age of 91. While at St. Sebastian’s, he combined the best qualities of scholar and sportsman. He was a staff writer and editor of The Walrus and played for the baseball team. After attending Harvard College for two years, he left to enter the Society of Jesus. Richard was ordained to the priesthood in 1962 and served as Catholic chaplain at Harvard from 1968 to 1975. After questioning his vocation to the priesthood, Richard was released from his vows and left the Jesuits, while retaining lifelong ties of friendship to the Jesuit community.

The rest of his career was marked by profound engagement in the field of aging: first as the director of the WINTER / SPRING 2020

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IN MEMORIAM

Richard Griifin ’47 continued...

Cambridge Council on Aging, and then as a journalist, producing weekly columns for the Cambridge Chronicle.

Marriage and fatherhood brought him great joy, and he loved nothing better than conversations with new and old friends. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter Emily; and siblings Maureen, Kevin, Carol and Gerald. He was predeceased by his late brother, John ’51.

Leo V. Hand, Jr. ’57 Leo passed away on May 30, 2020, at the age of 80. While at St. Sebastian’s, Leo’s scholastic abilities were well-known to his teachers and classmates. He was a member of the Alpine Club and tennis team. After graduating, Leo proudly served on the Sharon Police Department as well as the Boston College Security Unit. He worked as a customs broker and retired in 2008 after 44 years of dedicated service to Intercontinental Air Freight and C.H. Powell Company.

Leo is survived by his wife, Marion; daughters Catherine and Theresa; grandchildren Ashley, Olivia, Kelsey and Casey; sister Rose Marie Gaffey; and several nieces and nephews.

James G. “Jim” Harnedy Jr. ’50 Jim passed away on April 9, 2020, at age 87. While at St. Sebastian’s, Jim was a member of the choir as well as the football team. After graduating, he received his bachelor’s degree in History from 74 |

ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

Boston College and did post graduate studies at Georgetown University, Framingham State College, and MIT’s Sloan School. He started his professional life as an analyst with the National Security Agency in Washington, D.C. He finished his industrial career with Digital Equipment Corporation as Strategic Planning Manager at the firm’s plant in Augusta, ME. He and his late wife, Jane, loved dogs, and they raised and showed Kerry Blue terriers for several years, as well as operated a small exclusive boarding kennel in Boothbay, ME. Jim, in his third professional career, was the author of several books and magazine articles, as well as an editor and co-publisher of several Maine magazines. Jim is survived by his daughters, Susan and Sandra; four grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

John “Jack” McCarthy ’50 Jack passed away on January 7, 2020, at the age of 86.

During his days on Nonantum Hill, Jack was a member of the debate team, choir and enjoyed science and French. After graduating, he attended Boston College and Boston College Law School. Jack was Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1957-1960. He returned to practice law as a partner at Warner & Stackpole and a partner at K&L Gates, LLP. Jack served as the Chairman of The Carroll Center for the Blind and was committed to its mission of providing independence of the blind and visually impaired. He is survived by his wife, Joanne; children Francis, Joan, Kathleen, John, Ellen and Paul; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Vincent P. McCarthy ’58 Vincent passed away on January 29, 2020, at the age of 79. While at St. Sebastian’s, he was a member of the Debate Society and editor of The Walrus newspaper. Vincent managed Bobby Kennedy’s Massachusetts presidential campaign in 1968 and co-founded the Robert F. Kennedy Children’s Action Corps shortly after Kennedy’s assassination. A senior partner at Wilmer Hale for over four decades, Vincent came out as one of the first openly gay partners in a major U.S. law firm. He co-founded several organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign, the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Gay and Lesbian Youth—the first of its kind in the nation. His 1985 run for Congress encouraged other gay candidates, who went on to hold national office. In 1987, he received the American Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award for his work with the homeless. He is survived by his children, Vince, Sybil and Hope; nine grandchildren; brother Tom; and former wife and long-time friend Mary.

Francis R. Murphy Jr. ’50 Fran passed away on March 14, 2020, at the age of 87. A great competitor, Fran’s main interest while at St. Sebastian’s was football. After graduating, he attended Tufts University. He was a Navy veteran and a lifelong hotel and restaurant owner, originally operating under the Howard Johnson’s banner.

He loved the sun, boating, beaches and hosting his many good friends and family. Fran is survived by his

IN MEMORIAM

wife, Sally; children Francis, Gregory, Brian, Dean, Virginia, Richard and Derek; 24 grandchildren; and 9 greatgrandchildren. He is predeceased by his wife, Virginia.

Joseph P. Norton ’57 Joe passed away on March 17, 2020, at the age of 79. While at St. Sebastian’s, he played winter and spring sports and sang in the chorus in the Dramatic Society. A graduate of Boston College, he taught in Jamaica Plain, and went on to work at Rorer Pharmaceuticals and then for the State of Massachusetts, Abandoned Property Division. He committed much of his career to Rockland Trust Company as First Vice President of Municipal and Government Affairs. He finished his banking career at HarborOne Bank in Brockton, MA. Joe was a Selectman in Scituate for 30 years.

He was recognized as a community activist and awarded the Scituate Mariner Citizen of the Year Award in 2005. In 2017, the Town dedicated and named the Scituate Public Safety Community Emergency Operations Center after him. He is survived by his wife, Anne; children Kimberly and Joseph; four grandchildren, including Patrick Peters ’16; and siblings Mary and Kevin.

Mark J. O’Connor ’71 Mark passed away on April 30, 2020, at the age of 66. While at St. Sebastian’s, Mark participated in hockey, football, track and cross country, as well as the dramatic club. After graduating, he

went on to Georgetown University and Suffolk Law School. For many years, he practiced law as a Suffolk County public defender, along with maintaining his own private law practice. He was a real Hoya and proud member of the Chimes, a very popular Georgetown University a cappella singing group; he was also an avid Patriots fan. Mark’s greatest legacy was his son whom he loved dearly and was enormously proud of. Mark was a hockey player in his youth, so he was delighted later to attend Christopher’s many hockey games. Mark had a big heart and volunteered at the Pine Street Inn. He is survived by his son, Christopher, and siblings Carole, Kimberly and Craig.

Elvin L. “Al” Semrad ’60 Elvin passed away on March 22, 2020, at the age of 77.

During his days as an Arrow, he had an interest in physics and debate and his easy-going approach to life won him a multitude of friends. After graduating, Al attended the University of Notre Dame where he received his bachelor’s degree and went on to obtain his MBA from Northeastern University. Al served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, from 1967 to 1973, and achieved the rank of Captain. He was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device and the National Defense Service Medal.

Al was employed as a Supervisor at Fernald School in Waltham for over 30 years and also worked in the Customer Service Department of the IRS helping customers resolve their tax problems. He is survived

by his wife Ellen (Lil); sisters Henrietta and Susan; step-children Rosemarie, Lisa, Jennifer and James; eight grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.

Kevin M. Thornton ’53 Kevin passed away on March 1, 2020. While at St. Sebastian’s, he played for the football, basketball and baseball teams.

After graduating, Kevin served in the U.S. Army. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Colette; children Christine, Dennis ’89 and Erin; grandchildren William, Kendall, Jack, and Aidan; sister Lenore; and many nieces and nephews.

Robert L. Vignaux ’63 Robert passed away on January 31, 2020, at the age of 73. While at St. Sebastian’s, he earned honors in French and enjoyed intramural sports, especially football.

Following graduation, he went on to Tufts University. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After visiting Kibbutz K’far Hanassi in Upper Galilee, Israel, he fell in love with the people and the land and lived and worked on the Kibbutz for the rest of his life. He was buried on the Kibbutz. He is survived by his siblings Claire and Richard.

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IN MEMORIAM

ALUMNI RELATIVES & FRIENDS William Barrack December 24, 2019 Father of Bill ’09 and John ’11

Elsie Louise Gray April 6, 2020 Grandmother of Alex Cherry ’19

Finn Boudreau November 4, 2019 Son of Evan ’92

Therese Grojean March 27, 2020 Grandmother of Tommy Seidl ’17 and Billy Seidl ’19, mother-in-law of Trustee Randy Seidl

Patricia Burke December 25, 2019 Sister of Headmaster Bill Burke, aunt of Will ’95, Dan ’97, Matt ’00, Sam ’04 Richard Callanan February 27, 2020 Father of Charlie ’11

Roberta Gulick May 7, 2020 Grandmother of Cameron Aldrich ’16

Mary “Betsy” Coakley February 17, 2020 Mother of Gael Coakley ’70

Eileen Blaisdell Harrington June 5, 2020 Sister of Patty Burke and sister-in-law of Headmaster Bill Burke, aunt of Will ’95, Dan ’97, Matt ’00, Sam ’04

Colleen Donahue February 11, 2020 Daughter of Phil Donahue ’57

Alice M. (Hoar) Harrison February 20, 2020 Mother of Paul ’68

Thomas Dunlap May 26, 2020 Grandfather of Joseph Maxwell ’24

Mary Virginia Hickey May 23, 2020 Mother of John ’65, Kevin ’69 and Brian ’71

Constance Eagan April 26, 2020 Mother of Bill ’73 and Chris ’76 Louise Elias March 23, 2020 Grandmother of William ’22

John Hodgson April 28, 2020 Father of Trustee Sam Hodgson, grandfather of Sam ’12 and John ’20 Philip Hulbig June 14, 2020 Father of Joe ’92

Peggy Lynch July 6, 2020 Grandmother of Jay Tansey ’03, mother-in-law of Joe Tansey ’69, P’03 Ann Marie (Whalen) McCann June 21, 2020 Sister of Thomas Whalen ’71 Geddy McCarthy May 16, 2020 Sister of Tim Sullivan ’65 Constance McManmon March 7, 2020 Grandmother of John ’16, Harrison Carlson ’18, Neal Carlson ’24 Robert McNamara June 25, 2020 Father of John ’81 Trustee, the late Greg ’84, grandfather of Johnny ’14 and Billy ’18 Timothy O’Connell April 12, 2020 Father of Timothy ’91 Joyce Marie Ward February 29, 2020 Grandmother of Hagan Ward ’23 Agnes Neill Williams March 4, 2020 Mother of Trustee Dana Fulham and grandmother of Dan ’14 and Brendan ’24

This listing contains deaths reported before July 15 , 2020. To see a complete listing of alumni who have passed away within the past twelve months please go to www.stsebs.org/inmemoriam. 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.

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ST. SEBASTIAN’S MAGAZINE

Creating a Lasting Legacy for Future Arrows Randy and Janet Seidl, proud parents of two

Arrows graduates—Tommy ‘17 and Billy ‘19—are forever grateful to St. Sebastian’s School for providing their sons with a life-changing experience that impacted them in so many positive ways. “The great teachers and loving and thoughtful learning environment helped Tommy and Billy to reach their full potential,” shared Randy. Both Tommy and Billy played football and baseball for the Arrows and Tommy also played basketball. The Seidls credit the teacher-coach model with helping their sons to excel in both the classroom and on the fields. “The motto ‘Love God, work hard and take good care of one another’ couldn’t be more true. Everybody wants the best for each other,” noted Randy. “Bill Burke and his team have built a culture that permeates down to every person that works at the school.”

This fall, Tommy will be a senior at Harvard College and Billy will be a sophomore at Duke University. Randy, a current Trustee, and Janet want to give back to the institution which prepared their sons so well for college and life. In addition to their support of the Annual Fund each year, as well as the Spirit & People Campaign, the Seidls took out a Life Insurance policy for $1 million with St. Sebastian’s as the beneficiary. Each year, they make a gift to the School to cover the premium for a period of ten years. “The School gets the benefit of a million dollars, when we pass away,” said Randy. “It’s a great way to leverage a smaller gift now with a much bigger impact later.”

The Seidls hope others will consider a life insurance policy or other forms of planned gifts as part of their portfolio of giving to St. Sebastian’s. As Randy noted, “This kind of investment ensures a good long-term plan for the School and provides for future Arrows.”

Thank you, Randy and Janet, for leading by example and your continued support of St. Sebastian’s and its mission.

For more information about gift planning and including St. Sebastian’s in your estate plans, contact James Barron P’16,’19 in the Office of Planned Giving at 781.247.0158 or james_barron@stsebs.org or visit plannedgiving.stsebs.org.

Monsignor Charles D. McInnis Society

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Members of the Class of 2020 exit St. Sebastian’s 76th Commencement held on the West Campus field July 30, 2020 (see pgs. 16-33).