higher - La Salle College High School

Transcription

summer 2009
E X PLORE R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
higher
education
E X PLORE R
page 7
E X PLORE R
Features
Higher Education
Page 7
Brains & Brawn
Page 10
Learning to Learn
Page 13
what’s
Stories
Energizers
Page 15
Speaking Their Minds
Page 18
Music in the Air
Page 19
State of the Art
Page 20
International Affairs
Page 21
Trophy Town
Highlights
Snapshots
Pages 4 – 6
Page 22
Class of 2009
From Vatican City
to Steel City
Photo Gallery
Page 32
Brother René Sterner, FSC
Page 34
Pages 16 – 17
Pages 24 – 28
Departments
From The Hip
Page 2
Letter From The President
Page 3
Births, Deaths, and Honorees
inside
Page 36
2 Explorer Summer 2009
From The Hip
The Broadway musical Rent features a song,
Seasons of Love, which ponders the countless number
of ways that one can measure a year. “In daylights,
in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee. In inches, in
miles, in laughter, in strife. In 525,600 minutes,
how do you measure a year?”
The 2008-2009 year, which aptly marked the 150th Anniversary
of the school, likewise poses a number of ways that one can measure
a year. New construction, academic awards, athletic championships,
and accomplishments in music and the arts are but a few of
the many ways that one can use to measure what was truly an
exceptional year.
E X PLORE R
President
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60
Principal
Joseph L. Marchese
Vice President of
Institutional Advancement
Daniel L. McGowan
Publisher
Christopher M. Carabello ’82
Editor
Brendan E. Cummings ’09
The year began with the opening of a four-story, 40,000 square foot
academic expansion along with renovations to the original building.
The expansion was not limited to bricks and mortar, but also included
the opening of Ward Field, an athletic complex and baseball stadium
that rivals some minor league ballparks.
Academic excellence took center stage when the National Merit
Scholarship Corporation announced that ten La Salle seniors had
been named as National Merit Finalists, which was the most among
catholic and private schools in the Delaware Valley. A few months
later, La Salle received the prestigious Siemens Award for Advanced
Placement from the Siemens Foundation and the College Board.
La Salle was the only high school in the State of Pennsylvania and
one of only two Catholic high schools in the country to be recognized
for their AP programs as well as exceptional achievement in science,
math, and technology.
La Salle continued to excel outside of the classroom as over 150 athletes received All-Catholic recognition and the Explorers finished first
or second in eleven of fourteen sports – winning eight league championships, two state championships, and establishing themselves as
the “team to beat” at every level. Couple that with first-class facilities
and outstanding coaching and one would be hard-pressed to find a
more successful high school athletic program.
Perhaps the simplest way to measure the 2008-2009 year is using
the Class of 2009, a group of young men who took ownership in
the school and are clearly responsible for much of its success. I had
the pleasure of working first-hand with many of these students and
found them to be nothing short of remarkable. I was so impressed
with the Class of 2009 that not only did I dedicate this issue of the
Explorer to them and their achievements, but I let them tell their own
story as the publication is written by students and about students.
I sincerely hope that you can feel their pride as it has permeated well
beyond the La Salle community.
The Class of 2009 has undoubtedly left their mark on the long and
storied history of La Salle College High School. Although they will
be sorely missed, I have little doubt that we have not heard the last
from them. Personally, I can’t wait to see the outcome of the next
525,600 minutes. The only upside in their graduation is the thought
that the next class could be even better, which is just one of the
many things that makes La Salle a truly extraordinary place.
Publisher
Photography
Greg Bobowski
John J. Burns
David DeBalko
Herff Jones Photography
Mary Frances Kelly
Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57
Artwork and Design
John Burns Graphic Design
Contributing Writers
Nicholas J. Coggins
Brendan E. Cummings ’09
Brendan A. FitzPatrick ’09 Patrick J. Gavin, Jr. ’09 John A. Keenan ’09
Robert F. Long ’09
Gregory J. Morozzi ’09
Matthew C. Murtha ’09 Paul A. Nucero ’09
Justin M. O’Hara ’09
Ryan M. Patrick ’09
Address
Explorer
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
Nicholas C. Rizzuto ’09 Jonathan Williams Walsh ’09
Jonathan C. Wilt ’09
The Explorer is published by
La Salle College High School.
The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning
alumni, school, and topics
published in the magazine.
The Editor of the Explorer
reserves the right to make
all decisions regarding the
content and information
published in the magazine.
215 233 2350 Phone
215 836 4502 Fax
[email protected]
Letter From The President
Dear Fellow Alums and Friends,
The 2008 – 2009 academic year was both exciting and successful. Some of the highlights included our 150th Anniversary celebration and the dedication of several new fields and facilities.
The Class of 2009 ended their La Salle experience and took with them over $26 million in scholarships and grants. They will
attend nearly one hundred colleges and universities across our land and one will continue his studies at the University of
Scotland. The class has ten National Merit Finalists and has been recognized with many academic and athletic achievements.
They have raised the bar and we wish them much success in the future.
Mission Statement
adopted by the
Middle States Evaluation Team
March 2006
La Salle College High School,
a Catholic independent, college
preparatory school for young
men of varied backgrounds, is
conducted in the tradition of
St. John Baptist de La Salle.
Through a broad and balanced,
human and Christian education,
guides each student in the
development of his unique
God-given talents and fosters
a commitment to academic
excellence, service, and
leadership.
Special congratulations are likewise in order to the Class of 1959 on their Golden Anniversary. The things that we celebrate
about the Class of 2009 were certainly true for the Class of 1959 when they departed 20th and Olney fifty years ago and
placed La Salle on a trajectory toward today’s excellence.
This year has been a year of construction and achievement. Our 84-acre campus has never looked better and our new
academic and athletic facilities have positioned La Salle as one of the premier schools of the Delaware Valley. All of this has
been accomplished while maintaining the mission of our founder, Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Interest in our school is
strong and our enrollment projects growth for the fall term, which is extraordinary in this economic climate. The Class of
2013 will come from 96 different schools across five counties and over 75% of the class will come from parish schools and
catholic academies.
None of this could have been possible without the tremendous support of so many. First and foremost, allow me to thank
Al Gabriele, our retiring Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who for the past five years has provided insightful leadership.
From the development of a strategic plan to the implementation of almost every aspect of this very plan, few individuals have
been more dedicated to La Salle College High School.
I would also like to thank Tony Gillespie’68 and the Alumni Association. The Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame
Induction along with the Grand Reunion were among our most well attended. It has been my privilege to serve as the
Association’s moderator and I am certain Andy Malone’78 will continue to build upon this year’s programs and be an
effective force for good amongst our alumni.
The entire La Salle community has enjoyed a truly outstanding year. Our parent organizations and booster clubs have all
been supportive of the school and instrumental in its vision. The awarding of the Siemens Award for excellence in Advanced
Placement programs attests to the quality and commitment of our faculty. Finally, our students have shared their many
talents and reached beyond our expectations.
We ended our dedication and 150th anniversary celebration in October with a fireworks display that celebrated past achievements and marked brighter futures. I hope that you join me in taking a great sense of pride in all that has taken place this
year. La Salle has always moved with the times and finds itself today in the unique position of being among the very best.
Sincerely yours,
President
congratulates Student Council
President Michael Cassidy ’09
snap shots
by Ryan M. Patrick ’09
March for Life
This year, twenty-five La Salle students traveled on a bus to Washington, DC for a very
important cause. These students, along with Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 and some
members of the faculty, participated in the annual March for Life on Thursday, January 22,
2009 in an effort to provide a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Secret Santa and Operation Santa Claus
In the true spirit of the holidays, on Christmas Eve, over one hundred La Salle students
(11% of the school population) brought Christmas to those who otherwise would not have
enjoyed it. Through participation in either Secret Santa, a Lasallian Service Corps program,
or Operation Santa Claus, a program created by the Office for Youth and Young Adults of
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, these students collected, wrapped, and distributed toys to
less fortunate families. Students dressed as either Santa or one of his elves visited houses
in the Philadelphia Area to distribute the toys. During a time where many people are “too
busy” for anything else but themselves, these students gave up their own time to make
sure that hundreds of families in Philadelphia had a Christmas.
Mock Trial
The Mock Trial Team advanced to the Montgomery County finals. After months of
dedicated work, the team came in second place to Haverford School by a heartbreaking
6-5 decision. The Montgomery County President Judge and the distinguished panel of
eleven jurors, all practicing attorneys, had high praise for our team’s professionalism
and courtroom demeanor. The senior members of the Mock Trial team are Patrick Gavin,
Jonathan Wilt, Nicholas Rizzutto, Robert Long, Mark Kinslow, and Matthew Schmitz.
Scholarship Reception
La Salle College High School awarded Presidential Scholarships to fifty-one 8th Grade Boys
based on their scores from the Scholarship and Entrance Exam administered on Saturday,
December 6, 2008. On Thursday, January 15, 2009, thirty-eight of those boys, along
with their parents, attended a reception. The guests that evening were addressed by
T.J. McCarrick ’08 and James Catalino ’09 and were hosted at their table by a student
ambassador along with a member of the faculty/staff.
Mother/Son Communion Brunch
Every year, the Mother’s Club organizes a Mother/Son Communion Brunch. On Sunday,
February 22, 2009, La Salle students and their mothers enjoyed a delicious brunch at
Williamson’s Restaurant in Horsham, PA and had the honor of listening to a speech
given by Bob Kelly of CBS3 News. Thanks to the President of the Mother’s Club,
Mrs. Trish Sinnott, along with the numerous other mothers who volunteer their time
to make the event a a memorable morning.
NHS Induction
Sophomore Branch-Out Day
The La Salle College High School Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 109 new
members at an induction Mass and ceremony held on Sunday, March 8, 2009 in the school
auditorium. Father Anthony Janton ’69 presided and personal reflections on the characteristics of scholarship, service, leadership, and character were presented by the society’s
senior officers: Neil Hubbert, Thomas Corr, Zachary Good, and Michael Tubolino.
On March 24, 2009, the entire sophomore class and their fathers set out on a day of
service. The class was separated into numerous groups and each went to a different
area to perform their day of service. Sophomore Branch-Out Day is important because
it strengthens the bonds between students and their fathers and because it instills in
the sophomores the importance of serving others.
How To Succeed In Business
Mothers’ Club Fashion Show
The spring musical, How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, played to
four sell-out audiences March 19-22, 2009. With a star-studded cast that included seniors
Steve Stanton, Rory McDonald, Patrick Dohony, John Borrell, Drew Needham, and Bill
Torres, the show was an immense success and a true testament to La Salle’s exemplary
Theater program.
The Mothers’ Club, one of the many driving forces behind the things that happen at
La Salle, hosted their annual Fashion Show on Thursday, March 26, 2009. Various La Salle
students were chosen to “strut their stuff up and down the runway” and the event is a great
success because it is not only a time for mothers to become acquainted, but it also raises
a lot of money for the various projects funded by the Mothers’ Club. At the Spring Buffet
on Thursday, May 14, 2009, Mrs. Trish Sinnott, President of the Mothers’ Club presented
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 a check in the amount of $125,000.
Ward Field
History was made on Monday, March 23, 2009 when the first baseball game was played
on Ward Field, the new baseball stadium developed as part of the current capital campaign, Fulfilling The Promise. La Salle defeated Cardinal O’Hara by a score of 6-0. The field
was made possible through the generosity of George and Cathy Ward. George Ward is a
graduate of the Class of 1958 and was a catcher on the 1956, 1957, and 1958 baseball
teams. He is a retired businessman who currently resides in Southern California.
Human Rights Forum
The La Salle College High School Human Rights Forum raised $1,000.00 through various
fundraising activities this year to benefit Juet Community Rehabilitation Services (JCRS).
JCRS is a 503c non-profit organization established and administered by some of the “Lost
Boys of Sudan,” including La Salle graduates Isaiah Kuch ’03, Michael Kuch ’04, James
Ayuen ’04, and David Kuch ’05. JCRS was formed to create opportunities that will restore
hope to war-affected families and children in Southern Sudan especially the boys’ hometown of Jalle Village in Bor County.
snap shotscontinued
Fran Johnson Field Day
Every year, La Salle students participate in one of the school’s greatest traditions. In an
effort to honor the late Fran Johnson, Field Day pits homerooms in each grade level against
one another in an epic daylong battle to be crowned the Field Day Champion. This year’s
Field Day, which was held on Friday, April 24, 2009, was rife with intense competition, and
ensured that this tradition will be carried on for many years to come.
Band and Choral Concerts
Two of La Salle’s greatest traditions are the Band and Choral Concerts that are held each
spring. These concerts feature musicians and singers who are not only outstanding in
La Salle’s programs, but also are some of the best in the Philadelphia Area. Each concert is
a true treat for those in the audience, who have the rare opportunity to hear some of the
best music and voices in the area. The Band Concert played to a packed house on Monday,
May 11, 2008, while the Choral Concert was held on Monday, May 18, 2009.
Lenten Prayer Services
La Salle seniors, along with the Campus Ministry Department, began a new and hopefully
long-lasting tradition. Every Friday morning during Lent, La Salle seniors would organize
and run a prayer service, which was usually centered around a theme. The services enjoyed
regular attendance and were a huge success, which should ensure their place as a new
La Salle tradition.
Senior Prom
On Friday, May 8, 2009, over 200 sharp-dressed La Salle seniors and their dates were
present at the Senior Prom, which was held at Presidential Caterers in Norristown, PA.
The night included delicious food and great music, and all who attended declared it a
night to remember.
Arts Festival
The annual Arts Festival ran May 11-15, 2009 and showcased artwork created by students.
On every available space in the school, the faculty of the Art Department, Mr. Hearn and
Mrs. Miller, managed to display various pieces of art. The Arts Festival was a large success
and showed the true magnificence of the Art Department and its students for all to see.
higher
education
O
by Robert F. Long ’09 and Nicholas J. Coggins
ver four years ago,
thirty-five excited and nervous eighth graders,
along with their parents brimming with pride,
congregated in La Salle’s auditorium to
celebrate their recognition as La Salle Presidential
Scholarship Awardees. I was fortunate enough to be one of them.
That night, it was only natural that we sized each other up and wondered, “Who are these
other kids? How smart are they?” And perhaps most curiously, “Will we, as a group of young
’scholars’, live up to the expectations set by our scholarship offers?”
continued
education
higher
I
t’s late spring in my senior year and
the accolades for the accomplishments of my class continue to flood
in. The most recent one is that my
classmates and I have earned in excess
of $26.5 million in documented scholarships
and grants. Success, particularly academic,
permeates this campus. As a senior who
is just about to exit La Salle’s portals for
the last time as a student, I have a unique
vantage point from which to reflect on this
success. The conclusions arrive effortlessly.
The teachers are caring, generous and exceptionally competent. The academic program
is rigorous and provides the students with
unmatched opportunities for learning.
Students’ dedication to their studies and
intellectual discussions abound at La Salle,
making for a stimulating environment
for learning.
The La Salle faculty members pride themselves on forming relationships with their
students, a hallmark of Lasallian education
worldwide. The teachers genuinely care
about the students and generously give
their time and effort to ensure that all students – not just the brightest – can access
their instruction, learn and grow. Students
get extra help from teachers before school,
confirm their comprehension during a free
period, grab time for make-up instruction
from their teachers during their lunch break,
or follow up after school to prepare for an
upcoming assessment. The approachability
of the teachers is built on a high level of
mutual respect between teachers and students, one that I can’t imagine is found
at many other schools.
Mr. Michael Ponisciak, a teacher of
Advanced Placement (AP) Statistics and
AP Calculus AB, exemplifies an accessible
teacher. Not only is he extremely intelligent
(He actually used to work for the College
Board constructing AP Statistics exams!),
but he also is friendly and available for help.
I took advantage of Mr. Ponisciak’s offer for
help at virtually any time of the school day,
and his tutelage helped clarify rather difficult
subject material, keeping me on track for
the end-of-the-year AP exam.
The teachers are academic role models and
motivators, pushing and probing until the
learning, sometimes quite miraculously, happens. Mr. Colistra is one who forces you to
perform at your best. My classmates and I in
AP European History as sophomores didn’t
dare come to class unprepared. Mr. Colistra,
functioning more as a facilitator than a traditional instructor, demanded fast-paced,
intense, and intellectually-challenging discussions. His assignments helped forge our
writing skills through the regular practice of
writing critically. This class gave me my first
taste of what I suspect a college-level course
will be like. My classmates and I survived
the class, and I can say now that we’re better
for it. We join a long litany of past students
who have benefitted from Mr. Colistra’s
high expectations and excellent training
for the AP exams in European History,
AP Economics, as well as in past years,
AP U.S. History.
Mr. Bloh, who has a law degree among
other degrees, is another instrumental teacher of mine. In his AP English Language and
Composition class my junior year, we were
taught to formulate our opinions, to defend
them, and to debate them with our classmates. We sharpened our critical thinking
skills on our feet during classroom discussions and in our journals and essays. I have
applied the lessons taken away from that
class to all my other academic endeavors.
A rigorous academic program can’t exist
without a supremely qualified, dedicated
and accomplished faculty. They are what
enable La Salle to offer sixteen AP courses
with twenty-nine sections. Over 550 AP
exams were taken this May by over 275
different students. These figures are even
more impressive when one considers that
freshmen do not take AP courses, and only a
few dozen sophomores earn an opportunity
to take AP World History or AP European
History. So, roughly half of all juniors and
seniors combined this year took at least
one AP exam, while dozens of others took
multiple exams.
This isn’t a case of quantity in lieu of quality, however. It’s quite the contrary; recent
AP results are staggering. Not only have the
doors to AP classes been opened to more
students over recent years, as additional sections and teachers have been added, but also
the number of qualifying scores of three or
higher on an AP exam has risen to amazing
heights. The average of all exams taken over
the past three years that earned a qualifying
grade or higher is eighty-eight percent, with
sixty-one percent achieving a four or higher.
When that many students are succeeding
at that level, people take notice. Last year,
the College Board named nine La Salle
students as “AP National Scholars”. These
are students who earned an average grade
of at least four on all AP exams taken and
grades of four or higher in eight or more of
these exams. Beyond that, another twentythree were designated as “AP Scholars with
Distinction”, seventeen as “AP Scholars with
Honor”, and twenty-five as “AP Scholars”.
Add all these up, and last year alone
La Salle produced eighty students who
earned grades of three or higher on three
or more AP exams.
Such notable results undoubtedly played a
major factor in the Siemens Foundation’s
decision to name La Salle as Pennsylvania’s
sole recipient of the 2009 award for excellence in AP science, math and technology. The Siemens Foundation showcased
La Salle, along with the forty-nine other
outstanding high schools, in a full-page ad
in the national newspaper USA Today in
February.
A
s so many
students
prepare to
perform at
the highest
levels, the entire student
body benefits. Some
people might expect a
harsh competitiveness at
a flourishing school like
La Salle, but that doesn’t
exist. Rather, peers push
each other to reach their
individual potential,
even in out-of-classroom
academic activities.
Allow me to highlight a
few classmates and some
achievements to illustrate this.
Ryan Patrick is an example of the faithful
National Honors Society tutors. The other
eighty-seven members and I provide struggling students with tutoring in just about
any subject. Ryan often met before school
with his tutee, a young man who was very
eager to be trained by Ryan, according
to the N.H.S. moderator, Mrs. Diccicco.
This service is especially effective because it
fortifies the teacher’s efforts through peer
F
inally, it should be no surprise
that our academic extra-curricular activities have also thrived.
This year alone, the Academic
Decathlon won the Southeastern
Pennsylvania championship for the second
straight year, the Mathletes won the division
again and the Philadelphia Catholic League
championship (Incidentally, my classmate
Will Dearden never made an error in a
competition the entire
year!), and the Mock
La Salle College High School was selected by
Trial Team was runnerthe Siemens Foundation and the College Board to receive up in the Montgomery
County competition.
the 2008-2009 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement.
Academic success,
La Salle is one of fifty high schools nationally to
indeed, permeates this
campus, and this fact
receive the distinction and the only high school in the state
doesn’t escape any stuof Pennsylvania. Only one other Catholic high school in the nation
dent.
received the honor. The College Board – the governing body of
the SAT and AP – along with the Siemens Foundation annually
bestow the award.
Revisiting that special
scholarship reception
over four years ago,
I’m now prepared to
The award is based on student participation and performance
answer those inevitable
questions that surfaced.
in Advanced Placement math, science, and technology courses.
“Who are they?” They
La Salle College High School was chosen for its “commitment to providing
are my brothers. “How
students with opportunities to explore the AP Program” and for
smart are they?” They
the faculty’s “dedication to student success.” La Salle received a $1,000 grant are at times brilliant,
clever, creative, articuto support science and math education.
Jim Catalino by his
late, sedulous, and much
sheer example of tireless
more. They are some of
commitment to his
the
smartest
people
perhaps
I’ll be around
instruction. Upper classmen can often relate
academic load inspires others to work
in
my
life.
And,
“Will
we
will
live up to
to a student’s tribulations and offer support
harder. Jim’s senior schedule included four
the
expectations?”
We
surely
have.
We, the
like a big brother. The students receiving
AP classes, an Honors class, and other
class
of
2009,
are
proud
to
uphold
the acaelectives. It is remarkable that he maintained the attention profit from the supplemental
demic
standards
and
traditions
of
La
Salle.
work as well as the example these fine young
a 4.00+ grade point average over his four
The
baton
of
excellence,
for
which
La
Salle
men are of academic success, coupled with a
years while balancing football, duties as
stands,
is
now
held
out
for
the
next
class
to
desire to serve.
a student council executive officer, lacrosse
grab hold.
manager, and community service.
The bottom line is the admiration for a
classmate’s work ethic, like Jim’s, very
often translates into motivation, and there
are countless examples of these types
of peer motivators.
brains
& brawn
by Brendan E. Cummings ’09
Throughout the region La Salle is renowned for its excellent Athletic
programs. With nearly 170 championships since the league’s inception,
almost seventy league championships in the last ten years, and thirtysix league championships in just the last four years, La Salle is clearly
a dominant force in Delaware Valley high school athletics. During the
2008-2009 school year, La Salle won seven Philadelphia Catholic
League championships and earned three second place finishes.
In addition, La Salle’s sports teams won five District 12 championships
during the school’s inaugural year in the PIAA. On top of the Explorer’s
Catholic League success, the La Salle Hockey team won their second
Flyers Cup in a row and brought home their second consecutive
State Championship. The Lacrosse team played one of the most difficult
schedules in the nation and likewise repeated as State Champions. All
These astounding athletic accomplishments are the result of the hard
work and determination of the La Salle athletes who make up over 40%
of the student body.
brains
& brawn
continued
As a result of La Salle’s athletic accomplishments, some people view
La Salle as a “jock school.” However, many of the students who excel
athletically and help achieve the many La Salle victories year after
year are the same students that work tirelessly to achieve high marks
in the classroom. These student athletes balance a busy schedule
consisting of school, homework, extracurricular activities, community
service, practices, and games, while still managing to find the time to
sleep and eat on occasion. The fact that these students constitute a
large component of the student body, further demonstrates
La Salle’s success in molding well-rounded students that are truly
devoted to the success of their Alma Mater.
While there are many students at La Salle who fit the description of student
athlete, the eight La Salle student athletes featured are at the top of their
game both scholastically and athletically. These students stand out from their
fellow student athletes at La Salle because they not only excel on the playing
field and in the classroom, but they lead the school in both areas of
achievement and set an example for the rest of the student body. Each of
these students has maintained a high GPA, while being named to multiple
All-Catholic and/or All-League teams. Because of their active involvement
in several aspects of the La Salle community and their outstanding
achievement in the areas of academics and athletics, they truly embody
the values of Christian Brothers and their philosophy of developing the
entire student.
Ryan Patrick
Soccer/Track and Field
Tom O’Kane
Cross-Country/Track and Field
Kevin Seybert
Golf/Hockey
Year
GPA
College
Academic
Achievements
Athletic Accomplishments
Role Mode Ideal Prom Date
What’s On His iPod
Year
GPA
College Choices
Academic Achievements
Athletic Accomplishments Role Models
Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod Year
GPA
College Academic Achievements Athletic Accomplishments
Role Model
Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod 2009
4.20
Penn State – University Park
National Merit Commended Student, National Honor Society,
AP Scholar, First Honors
Two-Time First Team
All-Catholic (Soccer),
All-Catholic Track and Field (Long Jump), Captain of the
Soccer Team
My Mother
Taylor Swift
MGMT
Steven Szostak
Football
Year
GPA
College Choices
Academic
Achievements
Athletic Accomplishments Role Model Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod 2010
4.30
Harvard, Penn, Brown
National Honor Society,
First Honors
First Team All-Catholic
(in two different positions), All-City, Two Way Starter on the Catholic League Championship Team,
Protector of All-State Quarterback Drew Loughery ’10
My Father
Jessica Alba
Dr. Dre
Rhoades Worster
Swimming
Year GPA College Choices
Academic Achievements Athletic Accomplishments Role Models Ideal Prom Date
What’s On His iPod
2010
4.30
Princeton, Penn, Johns Hopkins
National Merit Semifinalist,
First Honors
Five-Time All-Catholic,
Five-Time All-American,
Swam on Three Catholic League Championship Teams
My Parents
Jessica Alba
Cold Play
2010
3.80
Villanova, Saint Joseph’s,
Lehigh, Lafayette
First Honors
Three-Time First Team All-Catholic,
All-State, Ran on Two Catholic League Championship Teams
Mr. Devine and Mr Bielecki
Carrie Underwood
Dave Matthews Band
Ross Denczi
Hockey
Year
GPA
College
Academic Achievements Athletic Accomplishments Role Model Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod
Peter Schwartz
Lacrosse
2009
3.80
Drexel University
First Honors
First Team (AAA), Played on Two
Flyers Cup Championship Teams, Winger on Two State Championship Hockey Teams
My Father
Jessica Alba
Lil Wayne
Tyler Nase
Rowing
Year GPA College Academic Achievements Athletic Accomplishments Role Model Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod 2009
4.40
Duke University
National Merit Finalist,
First Honors
Three-Time All-Catholic (Golf),
Center on the State Championship Hockey Team
Tiger Woods
Jessica Simpson
Dave Matthews Band
2009
3.80
Princeton University
First Honors
Member of the U.S National
Rowing Team, Recipient of the
Ken Shaw Leadership Award, Three-Time All-Catholic
Lance Armstrong
Taylor Swift
Eminem
Year GPA
College
Academic Achievements Athletic Accomplishments
Role Model Ideal Prom Date What’s On His iPod 2009
4.20
Harvard University
First Honors
Two-Time All-American,
Two-Time All-State,
Three-Time All-Catholic,
Midfielder on Two State Championship Lacrosse Teams
My Father
Meagan Good
Charles Hamilton
Learning to
learn
By Brendan A. FitzPatrick ’09 and John A. Keenan ’80
I know that I am grateful for the opportunities I have had as a student at La Salle
College High School. St. La Salle, the founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers,
believed in the intellectual and gentlemanly potential of boys of all classes and
backgrounds. St. La Salle believed a man should always be growing, maturing and
developing. He looked into the core of an individual. He listened to people, saw
needs, felt compassion, and prayed to the Spirit for guidance. La Salle is founded
on these principals. The La Salle College High School motto is “Enter to learn…
Leave to serve.” La Salle has taken extraordinary measures to allow students from
a variety of ethnic backgrounds and races the opportunity to attend.
Following the footsteps of St. La Salle, Brother Rene Sterner, FSC, President Emeritus wanted to introduce
a program to enhance the academic support given to students with documented learning differences. Through
his vision, in September 2002, a program to meet the needs of students with mild learning disabilities
called the David Program was launched. Named after two motivational educators, Brother David Albert, FSC
and Mr. David Diehl ’55, the Program embodies the heart and soul of Saint John Baptist De La Salle,
the patron saint of teachers – to touch the hearts and minds of young men.
continued
learn
Learning to
Brother Rene knew there are lots of
individuals who are very intelligent,
creative and industrious but who learn
differently. He wanted capable, young
men with problems like dyslexia and
other learning disabilities to know that
they could succeed. He noted that all colleges and universities, even Ivy League
schools, provide accommodations for
students with learning disabilities. Since
La Salle College High School is a college
preparatory school, he believed it was
appropriate that La Salle provide a similar program. In the fall of 2002, the class
of 2006 including twelve students in the
David Program embarked on the next
phase of their academic journey. The
David Program students had an academic
support period that met each day with
either Mr. John Keenan or Mr. Joseph
Glacken. Much of what happened that
first year continues today, except that
students range from freshmen to seniors
and the staff has grown to five learning
specialists. May of 2009 will mark the
fourth year seniors who began as freshmen in the David Program have graduated from La Salle College High School.
The David Program which operates in the
David Center is dedicated to helping young
men with learning differences succeed in
school and in life. Students are encouraged
to use technology to enhance their learning
repertoire. The Program provides support
to enable students to compete academically and occupationally using very unusual
methods. The approach is upbeat, optimistic,
challenging, supportive, and realistic. I know,
because I was lucky enough to be one of the
students to take advantage of the Program.
When I met Mr. Glacken in my sophomore
year, he told me, “Having a problem doesn’t
mean you have an excuse.” “G”, as we call
him, was one of the first people to actually
believe that I could succeed academically. He
helped me develop study skills that would
suit my learning style. He collaborated with
me to identify my strengths and to use them
to overcome my academic weaknesses,
much like a coach and world class athlete
would map out their sports strategy. And
then we trained together… long hours…
perseverance… disappointments and with a
lofty goal to achieve. Because of the guidance of the David Program faculty and the
support and camaraderie of guys with similar
academic challenges, I have become a con-
fident and competitive student and attained
my goals. As a member of the 2009 David
Center graduating class, I have been accepted at my top three college choices, and have
been offered a scholarship to one. I will be
attending St Joseph’s University in the fall.
The example of fine coaching and encouragement shown to me by “G” also enabled
me to accept a position as a Novice crew
(rowing) coach and help train and motivate
my boat (crew) to a gold medal in the city
championships. For the last few years, I have
been a computer lab manager. Selection for
being a manager is competitive and is based
on knowledge, experience, and integrity.
Being a manager takes a lot of dedication,
because you have to balance helping to
maintain the school network with classes
and homework.
The David Program is more than an academic program. It gave me a new way to
approach problems every day. It has changed
my attitude. Today, I approach situations I
encounter with more openness and enthusiasm. Life no longer looks like a struggle
to me. It looks like a challenge. The David
Program is difficult to define. It is an academic program and yet in the four years I
have been a participant the Program did not
teach me a single subject. It did, however,
teach me how to live, how to approach
life’s problems, and how to succeed.
Understanding how to adjust to learning
differences is critically important to anyone
diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD. When a
diagnosis is made while a student is in grade
school, as it was with me, the focus seems
to be on what the student can’t do. I can’t
read and understand material easily; I can’t
pay attention when there are distractions; I
can’t follow a conversation if there are other
things happening in a room. Today, I concentrate on what I can do. I can find ways to
focus my attention; I can allow my intelligence to shine through by using techniques that make a difference. I’ve learned
I can make an impact on my family, myself,
and maybe even on the world. My world has
grown larger and my limitations more manageable. I now realize that life is an amazing journey. Every day, I have read the sign
“Enter to learn”… and now it is my time to
“Leave to Serve.”
La Salle College High School graduates who
participated in the David Program continue
to succeed academically in post secondary
education. David Program students have
been accepted to over fifty colleges and
universities including Rochester Institute
of Technology, Marist College, University
of Kentucky, Penn State University, Lehigh
University, Duquesne and Catholic University
of America. Since the class of 2006, graduates have earned over one million dollars in
documented scholarships and grants. David
Program students have developed confidence in their academic skills and an understanding of their learning styles. They realize
if they focus and stay on course nothing is
beyond their capacity.
A David Program candidate follows the
La Salle College High School admission
application process with a few additions.
David Program candidates provide a
current (completed in 7th or 8th grade)
psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation and an interview with
the Director of the David Program by
Thanksgiving. All La Salle College High
School candidates must submit a written essay, take the scholarship/entrance
exam and have academic records and
teacher recommendations forwarded to
La Salle by Mid-December. After a full
review by the admissions committee,
notifications are sent out.
energizers
by Gregory J. Morozzi ’09
Since ancient times, innovation has been an invaluable piece of human
capital. And since those times, there has been a limited amount of people
who have attained that capital. However, there is no shortage of innovation
at LaSalle College High School, especially with the establishment of the
new Engineering Club. Many people think that engineering is some sort of
blend of math and science, and engineers are those nerdy guys that wear
plaid short-sleeve shirts and pocket protectors. Well, in some cases this may
be true, but it is important to recognize that engineering is a way of thinking and not simply a blend of math and science.
Upon recognition of the importance of engineering, and it’s applicability within La Salle College
High School, Mr. Cipolla and Mrs. Minton, both
engineering graduates, decided to introduce the
Engineering Club. The main objective of the club
was to address the issue of the cost of energy
at La Salle, as a result of the new construction.
Without hesitation, about forty juniors and seniors
singed up for the club, exuberant about the work
it would entail. Within the first month Mr. Cipolla
had given us the “run-down” on PECO’s pricing
strategy, and we were already speculating about
ways we could save money. About a month later
we took a trip to PJM Interconnections, a firm that
controls wholesale electricity in thirteen nearby
states, to learn about load management, power
supply, and the power grid. Then, it was off to
work. Using the blue prints to the school, each
student in the club helped calculate the total energy used in the school. And with the help of Ryan
McDevitt, who wrote a computer program to
compute the bill, we estimated November’s electricity bill within twelve dollars on a ten thousand
dollar scale. We had the problem as well as the
tools to solve it. All that was left was finding the
solution.
After a few months of acquiring data and reviewing bills from PECO, it became very evident to
the club that we should not be concerned with
the amount of energy we use; rather, we should
be concerned with when we use it. This is the
difference between energy and demand. PECO
is more concerned about how many customers
want energy at one time as opposed to how much
energy is being used. After all, the power needs to
be available come rain or shine. The cost per kilowatt hour of usage is only a fraction of the cost of
the demand during peak hours, so the solution to
the problem of high energy bills lies in the idea of
timing. If La Salle can shift its load profile so that
it is not using as much energy (mostly as a result
of air conditioning) during peak hours
and more energy during non-peak hours, La Salle
can essentially get more usage for less cost. Still,
another problem arose. How can the school not
use air conditioning during peak hours that are
the very same hours that students are in school?
Can the school say just let them sweat? Well,
despite some uncomfortable conditions, some
portions of our school cannot handle the extreme
heats incurred by a lack of air conditioning. For
example, if St. Michael’s hall were to be left un-air
conditioned, all of the computers in the computer
lab would malfunction as the extreme heat would
destroy the equipment. Once again, our club put
their heads together and presented a solution. In a
thorough presentation to Brother Richard Kestler,
Mr. Joseph Marchese, Mr. Mark Gibbons, and
some members of the Board of Trustees, several
representatives of the club mapped out a plan to
minimize air conditioning use and energy consumption in the period from June to September.
Our expectation is that the implementation of this
plan, which is based on a careful definition of the
times and places air conditioning should be used,
will demonstrate a capability for a significant long
term optimization in energy consumption and cost
at La Salle. Who ever though that a bunch of high
school “kids” could produce and implement an
idea that has the potential to provide a major cost
savings?
It all comes back to a thirst for innovation and
problem-solving. Thankfully at La Salle there is no
shortage of either. The world has enough problems as it is, and all too often, problem solving
skills are lacked. But with future leaders such as
these juniors and seniors in La Salle’s engineering
club, who are on their way to mastering this way
of thinking, I would venture to say that the future
still looks pretty bright.
speaking
minds
their
by Jonathan C. Wilt ’09
The La Salle Speech and Debate team is among the most dominant in the nation. With a storied history
stretching back through the decades it has seen champions at the City, State, and National level. Many of
the finest students who have passed through La Salle have been members of the team. Formally known
as “The Forum”, it is comprised of young men from all walks who share a common love for public speaking.
These participants are able to express themselves in a variety of events broadly grouped into the
categories of ’speech’ and ’debate’.
This continuing history immortalizes a great
personality and a good man, Brother Rene
Sterner, FSC,who recently passed away after
a long and valiant battle with cancer. Since
Brother Rene gave up the reins of the La
Salle team in 2004 it has been led by Mr.
Raymond Shay ’00. In that relatively short
time period he has proven himself to be
exceptional as both coach and substitute parent for team members. Everyone involved in
the team is grateful to Mr. Shay’s long hours
of hard work to make every tournament a
great success. His abilities and devotion are
clearly evident from the team’s numerous victories under his auspices.
The team’s most recent victories came over the
Memorial Day weekend when the team sent
fourteen individuals to the National Catholic
Tournament held this year in Albany, NY.
Although the whole team did quite well in the
competition, the successes of Sean Janda, Frank
Nekrasz, Will Marble, and Nick Frazzette brought
the team a place in the Top Five Debate Schools In
The Nation. This is the second year in a row that
La Salle has received this honor. These national
victories came in the aftermath of domination
by the La Salle team at the City level where they
won in debate for the third consecutive year and
sophomore Eric Stone brought the speech team a
third place.
Throughout the year the team travels to numerous tournaments in three distinct leagues. These
organizations are the Pennsylvania High School
Speech League, the National Forensics League and
the National Catholic Forensics League. The sizes
of the competitions range from local tournaments
at area high schools to massive ’circuit’ tournaments across the nation. Many of the latter group
occurs at some of the world’s finest universities.
This year alone the team was able to compete at
The University of Pennsylvania, Princeton, Harvard,
Yale, La Salle University and Emory. In every one
of these distinguished competitions Lasallians
advanced to elimination rounds.
The team is quite short on out-going seniors,
but possesses two that have achieved success
this year. The first, Frank Nekrasz, is a relative
new-comer who only joined the team in his junior
year. In his two years, he has been especially
proficient in student congress where he placed
third in the state. He has also won two bids to the
elite ’Tournament of Champions’ (TOC) and most
advance far and get to go to a fancy dinner held
for finalists. The other senior, Jonathan Wilt, has
been involved in forensics since elementary school
and has competed in a variety of events. He has
attained three bids to the TOC in three different
events and helped the team to win the Valley
Forge District this year by again placing in the top
three in three separate events. He will be joining
Frank in Birmingham and also hopes to make his
last tournament memorable.
Despite the competitive excellence of these seniors
it would be remiss to not mention the younger
students who truly form the heart of the team.
Executive President Jim Beneischeck along with
Vice President Sean Janda, both juniors, are often
integral in helping the coaches to organize tournaments. These two, along with fellow juniors Brian
Higgins, Josh Thorn, and Greg Porter also help out
by running practices for junior varsity competitors.
It was these five individuals who brought LaSalle
its first quarterfinals finish in an international
debate competition known as the National Public
Policy Forum.
La Salle College High School will be sending one
of its largest contingents ever to the national debate
tournament in Birmingham this year including
the seniors already mentioned, all of the juniors
mentioned, and sophomore Eric Stone.
recently advanced to the octo-finals at the NCFL
tournament only losing to the national champion.
He will be competing in the National Forensics
Tournament in Birmingham in June and hopes to
music
intheair
by Patrick J. Gavin, Jr. ’09
La Salle’s Music Department had an impressive year – the long standing tradition that has defined Lasallian
music over the years was continued in a very definite way. From Pep Band in the fall to Competition Jazz band in the
spring, the music department reached, again, the high levels of success to which it has been accustomed in
the past. Highlights such as this year’s production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying marked
an outstanding combination of La Salle’s instrumental and vocal musical programs. Such achievements are reflections
of certain characteristics of the music department to which only La Salle College High School can lay claim.
The La Salle Competition Jazz Band is among
the best in the region. This year, after qualifying over the course of a three month long
season of jazz festivals, the band, which is
chosen by auditions and represents the best
La Salle musicians, were given the distinction
of Superior with Honors at the Cavalcade of
Bands championship. Throughout the season, the band attained the highest ranking
at each individual festival. Led by Mr. Joseph
Vettori, the band experienced this success
as a result of hours upon hours of dedicated
practice and rehearsal by the students as
well as assistance from La Salle’s esteemed
staff of professional musicians – renowned
in the Philadelphia area and throughout
the East Coast. Surely, the success of the
Competition Jazz band reflects the success
of the entire department.
Another important outlet for La Salle’s musical pursuits is the Pep Band. In attendance
at every single football game this year, the
Pep Band provided constant support for the
football team as they marched to a Catholic
League Championship. Playing through
pouring rain and freezing temperatures over
the course of the season, the Pep Band’s
success reflects the dedication of La Salle’s
music students.
This year, the two yearly concerts were met
with great success. The diverse selection of
music programs at La Salle – the jazz performance bands, guitar ensemble, strings
ensemble, percussion ensemble, saxophone
ensemble, and concert band – were well
represented and the concerts were great.
On a similar note, the Choral concerts went
well and the skills of La Salle’s voices were
displayed in stunning fashion.
The chorus, La Salle’s vocal music outlet,
had a great year as well. With many of the
students participating in this year’s production of How to Succeed in Business without
Really Trying, the La Salle chorus, led by Mr.
Mark Norman, played a big role in the success of the musical. The chorus also provided
La Salle liturgies with great accompaniment.
The chorus’s success added much to La Salle
in 2009.
and other intensive extracurricular activities
experience very few scheduling conflicts and
their participation in several activities is made
easy. Also, the availability of technology –
specifically with a Midi Lab and recording
technology – allow students and teachers to
get the most out of their musical abilities.
Available at before the end of the summer
will be a CD with recordings of this year’s
competition jazz band and bands of the
past. Finally, as has already been mentioned,
the expertise of the Music Department’s
faculty is an integral part of its success. With
professional jazz musicians giving advice and
guidance at rehearsals and at private lessons
provided throughout the school day, the students’ potential was met to its fullest. That
is perhaps the greatest achievement of the
band this year – each student’s ability to play
and love music was given the opportunity to
grow and develop.
La Salle’s Music Department has been able to reach
such high levels of success because of the distinctive
opportunities given to students.
The Pit Orchestra provided great music for
this year’s musical theatre production, How
To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying.
Led by Tom Maher, the Band President, this
group of musicians practiced long and hard
to make sure that the music for the play was
perfect. Their final product was a seemingly
professional performance of this play’s score
and a great production in general.
La Salle’s Music Department has been able
to reach such high levels of success because
of the distinctive opportunities given to students. With music classes scheduled during
the day, students who participate in sports
La Salle’s music department had a great
year. The importance of music to each student’s education at La Salle was reflected by
accomplishments at the school, local, and
regional level, from both individuals and the
department’s many groups. From Pep Band
in the fall to Competition Jazz Band
in the spring, La Salle students developed
and displayed their musical talents, adding a
rich layer of intellectual achievement to the
La Salle environment – as well as some
great music.
2008–2009
Siemens Award
for Advanced
Placement
from the College Board
Men of Tomorrow
Congratulations and Best of Luck to the Class of 2009
Sean Edward Abbott
Victor Paolo Allegretti
Joseph Roland Aloia, Jr.
Nicholas Robert Amato
Erik Joseph Anderson
Ryan Anthony Anella
Eugene William Angeloni
Michael Paul Antoni
Timothy Michael Asztalos
Christopher Michael Becker
Paul Thomas Belcher
Daniel Edward Berger
John Bernhardt
Anatoly Bitny
Derek James Bogorowski
Michael Alexander Bonavitacola
Bryan Anthony Bonder
John Stephen Borrell
Connor Robert Bracken
William P. Brennan
Sean Kaseem Brooks
Christopher Joseph Brown
Todd Hunter Brown
Brian Joseph Callahan
Gianni Alfredo Campellone
Colin Gilmartin Canny
Nicholas John Carboni
Sean Patrick Carlin
Christopher Michael Carlone
Matthew David Carmody
Michael W. Cassidy
James P. Catalino
Christopher J. Cawley
Michael Douglas Cline
Patrick Francis Coleman
Ronald J. Comber
Thomas Christopher Cooney
Ryan W. Corkery
Thomas F. Corr
Ryan Daniel Counihan
Brendan F. Craig
William L. Crooks
Christian A. Cruz
Brendan Eamon Cummings
Christopher P. Curran
Erik Frank Cwik
Andrew J. D’Addona
Michael Joseph Dagit
Timothy P. Daly
Anthony John Daly-Leonard
William Griffith Dearden
Brian M. Delaney
Ross Edward Denczi
David J. Dickson, IV
Mark Ryan Dieckman
Joseph William DiFurio
Kyle Dominic DiGiacobbe
Louis David DiGiacomo
Anthony Joseph DiNardo
Sean Patrick Doherty
D. Patrick Dohony
Patrick Michael Donnelly
Michael Paul Donohoe
Andrew Philip Dowds
John F. Drain
Alexander E. Dreher
Patrick O’Neill Driscoll
Alexander James Drost
Brendan Patrick Duffy
Tucker Durkin
Ryan Charles Eidenshink
Matthew Stephen Engle
Kevin Francis Farrington
Jesse Alexander Ferrino
Kyle Martin Finlay
Sean P. Fisher
Brendan Aloysius FitzPatrick
Brendan E. Fitzpatrick
Cole Fletcher Fitzpatrick
Ryan Kenny Fitzpatrick
Samuel Peter Flashner
Anthony Thomas Foell
Christopher Dillon Foley
Randall Ambler Forster
William C. Franks
Daniel M. Fratamico
Tyler Freeman
Daniel David Galante
Patrick James Gallagher
Patrick J. Gavin
Kevin Michael Genuardi
Stefan Gigliotti
Robert M. Gill, Jr.
Sean Timothy Gillespie
Jay A. Giunta
Zachary Joseph Good
Seth J. Gorman
Timothy Joseph Gottschalk
Stephen A. Grasso
Christopher Michael Groff
Michael Joseph Hagan
Christopher Charles Harvey
Brendan Michael Hilsey
Douglas Weston Hopkins
Phillip J. Hopkins
Jake Alphonse Hostrander
Tyler James Houchins
Joshua R. Houser
Neil Patrick Hubbert
Matthew Anthony Jannetti
Dylan Patrick Johnson
Kevin George Johnson
Roy Kaiser, III
Daniel John Kane
Brendan Michael Kearney
Kevin Vincent Kelley, Jr.
Robert A. Kelly
John Joseph Kerrigan
Sean F. Kiely
Mark R. Kinslow
Andrew William Kittka
Tyler Jacob Knarr
Christopher Ryan Kraeher
Thomas Michael Krulikowski
James M. Lagreca
John Austin Lamprecht
Robert W. Law
Michael Henry Lees
Michael Guy Leigh
Joseph Lenox Leinhauser
Xavier V. Lofton
Ryan Lonergan
Robert F. Long
Brian Joseph Lotkowski
Edward R. Lubienski, Jr.
Thomas Michael Lyons, III
Patrick Anthony Maginnis
Thomas E. Maher, Jr.
James Joseph Mahoney, III
Jordan Michael Malpass
Ryan Marcante
Thomas J. McAloon
Aaron Lloyd McCoy
Brendan Edward McCoy
Matthew Philip McCullough
Sean Gordon McCullough
Ryan Matthew McDevitt
Daniel John McDonald
Rory Austin McDonald
Matthew Dalton McDowell
Patrick McElroy
Michael J. McGee, Jr.
Paul Patrick McGee, III
John Christopher McGinley
Matthew J. McGovern
Joseph Michael S. McKeehen
William E. McKenney
Michael Paul McKibbin
Kyle Devon McMahon
Matthew Gibson Merenich
Kevin Wall Merlini, Jr.
Matthew T. Miller
James D. Mirynowski
Dennis John Mizzoni
Patrick D. Monteith
Patrick Moran
Gregory J. Morozzi
Matthew C. Murtha
Tyler Aloysius Nase
Robert L. Nave, Jr.
Drew Murphy Needham
Frank Nekrasz, IV
Jared A. Neri
Paul David Nixon
James Edward Noll
Michael Patrick Noone
Christopher Mark Nucero
Paul Anthony Nucero
Matthew Francis O’Brien
Patrick Treacy O’Donnell
Justin Michael O’Hara
G. Kellen O’Neill
Shawn Patrick O’Neill
Thomas Bryan O’Neill
Gregory James Oakley
Kyle O’Donnell Olejniczak
David Olawale Omojogunra
James Brendan Osborne
Gregory B. Palko
Michael F. Patchak, Jr.
Maulik Patel
Ryan Patrick
20
Acceptances and Destinations
for the Class of 2009
Daniel Thomas Paul
Martin Joseph Payton, IV
James D. Pecora
Joseph Anthony Petrellis, Jr.
Michael Joseph Phillips
Carl M. Plummer
Raymond John Polcino, II
Philip James Posen, Jr.
Alexander A. Prendergast
Mark M. Pyrih, Jr.
Joseph J. Radaszewski, III
Eric Christopher Reale
John Charles Redmond
Andrew Gordon Reynolds
Joseph Francis Rizzo
Nicholas Carl Rizzuto
Matthew E. Roland
Thomas Joseph Rose
Alexander Robert Rotzal
John J. Rush
Patrick John Samanns
Michael Cameron Schaeffer
Ian M. Schieve
Jeffrey Evan Schill
Matthew Francis Schluckebier
Matthew Joseph Schmitz
Peter James Schwartz
Kane Thomas Sebesky
Ryan Sukumar Sen
Kevin Thomas Seybert
Thomas M. Shiels
Robert Dominick Siess
Ryan Richard Smalley
Joseph Michael Smart, Jr.
Konrad P. Sobilo
Andrew Paul Speese
Stephen Peter Stanton
Matthew Craig Stewart
Todd J. Stokley
John E. Stumpo
Paul Blase Szyszko
Christopher Andrew Thiers
Thomas Nathaniel Vida Timbol
William Joseph Torres
Michael Peter Tubolino
Steven Michael Tucker
Joseph Robert Tull
Frederick Walker, IV
Collin Walsh
Daniel John Walsh, III
Jonathan Williams Walsh
Michael Barrett Walsh
Christopher Webb
Gordon Mark Wells
Matthew C. White
Bryan P. Williams
Jonathan Campbell Hare Wilt
Brian B. Winning
Paul Wisniowski
Christopher Read Wolf
Andrew Nicholas Zbikowski
Albright College
American University
Arcadia University
Arizona State University
The Art Institute of California –
Los Angeles
Ave Maria University
Bard College
Binghamton University
Bloomsburg University
of Pennsylvania
Boston College
Boston University
Bridgewater College
Bryant University
Bucknell University
Bucks County Community College
Cabrini College
Carnegie Mellon University
The Catholic University of America
Chestnut Hill College
The Citadel
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
College of Charleston
College of New Jersey
Community College
of Philadelphia
Concordia University
The Culinary Institute of America
Delaware Valley College
DePaul University
DeSales University
Dickinson College
Drew University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
East Stroudsburg University
of Pennsylvania
Eckerd College
Elizabethtown College
Fairfield University
Florida Culinary Institute
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida State University
Fordham University
Franklin and Marshall College
Gannon University
The George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Gettysburg College
Grove City College
Gwynedd Mercy College
Harvard University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Holy Family University
Immaculata University
Indian River Community College
Indiana University
of Pennsylvania
Iona College
Ithaca College
James Madison University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the
CUNY
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson and Wales University
Juniata College
Kansas State University
King’s College
Kutztown University
of Pennsylvania
La Salle University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Lock Haven University
of Pennsylvania
Loyola College – Maryland
Loyola University – Chicago
Loyola University – New Orleans
Lycoming College
Lynn University
Maine Maritime Academy
Manhattan College
Marietta College
Marist College
Marquette University
Marymount University
McDaniel College
Mercyhurst College
Millersville University
of Pennsylvania
Monmouth University
Montgomery County
Community College
Moravian College
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Muhlenberg College
Neumann College
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Institute of Technology
New York University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Norwich University
NROTC
Old Dominion University
Pennsylvania College
of Technology
Pennsylvania State University System and
Honors College
Philadelphia University
Polytechnic Institute
of Technology of NYU
Princeton University
Providence College
Purdue University
Quinnipiac University
Randolph-Macon College
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Richard Stockton College
of New Jersey
Rider University
Roanoke College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Roehampton University – UK
Roger Williams University
ROTC (Army)
Rowan University
Royal Holloway,
University of London – UK
Rutgers University
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Leo University
Saint Michael’s College
Saint Vincent College
Salisbury University
Seton Hall University
Shippensburg University
of Pennsylvania
Slippery Rock University
of Pennsylvania
Southern Methodist University
St. John’s University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Suffolk University
SUNY Maritime College
Susquehanna University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A & M University
Thiel College
Towson University
Tulane University
United States Naval Academy
University at Buffalo SUNY
University of Colorado – Boulder
University of Connecticut
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Edinburgh – UK
University of Essex – UK
University of Hartford
University of Hawaii – Manoa
University of Illinois – Chicago
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland –
College Park
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Missouri – Columbia
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina – Charlotte
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh System and Honors College
University of Rhode Island
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of Scranton
University of South Carolina
University of Surrey – UK
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee –
Knoxville
University of Texas – Austin
University of the Sciences – Philadelphia
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
Ursinus College
Villanova University
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
Washington and Jefferson College
Washington and Lee University
Washington College
West Chester University
of Pennsylvania
West Virginia University
Western New England College
Wheeling Jesuit University
Widener University
Wilkes University
York College of Pennsylvania
The Class of 2009 was accepted to 195 colleges and universities in 34 different states and
five universities in the United Kingdom. 76% of the Class of 2009 earned documented scholarships and grants, which totaled over $26 million.
Continuing A Tradition
La Salle graduates are…
009
Men of Intellect and Accomplishment
Men of Faith and Compassion
Men of Service and Justice
Men of Integrity and Respect
La Salle College High School, a Catholic, independent, college
preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is
conducted in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through
a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College
Academics
National Merit Finalists (left to right) James Catalino, David Dickson, John Stumpo,
Timothy Asztalos, Nicholas Rizzuto,
Matthew White, Kevin Seybert, Jonathan Walsh, Patrick Gavin, and William Dearden.
High School guides each student in the development of his unique
253 Seniors from 90 Grade Schools and 66 Zip Codes
God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence,
17 National Merit Commended Students
service, and leadership.
88 Seniors Members of the National Honor Society (Minimum GPA of 3.50)
10 National Merit Finalists
2 National Achievement Scholars
83 AP Scholars (a score of 3 or higher on three of more AP exams in tests taken during the 2007-2008 academic year)
99% of the Class of 2009 has Enrolled in 92 Colleges and Universities in 22 Different States and the United Kingdom
Earned over $26 million in Documented Scholarships and Grants
Academic Decathlon – Eastern State Champions
Mathletes – Philadelphia Catholic League Champions
Service and Ministry
Top Row (left to right) Chris Foley,
Brendan Cummings, Sam Flashner, Kevin
Johnson, and David Omojogunra
Bottom Row (left to right) Ryan Patrick,
Mike Walsh, Neil Hubbert, and Tucker Corr
21 Voluntary Service Projects Heed the Call to
Daily Community Service
Two Branch-Out Days Featuring Single-Day Service at
20 Different Sites
Kairos Retreat for Seniors – Overnight Student-Led Spiritual
Retreats Focusing on Relationships
Student Organized School Liturgies and Prayer Services
100% Participation by the Class of 2009 in Voluntary
Community Service
Music and the Arts
Top Row (left to right) Ryan Marcante,
William Torres, Jonathan Wilt, Bryan Williams,
and Zach Good
Middle Row (left to right) Ryan Lonergan,
Tom Maher, Matt Rowland, and Joe Petrellis
Bottom Row (left to right) Pat Gavin
and Mike Tubolino
Cavalcade Association of Bands Competition
Four Superior Ratings
One Superior with Honors Rating
(Highest Possible Rating/Honor)
First Place Award for Trombone Section
First Place Award for Saxophone Section
Three Outstanding Soloist Awards
56 Seniors Actively Participating in the Music Program
Pennsylvania State Speech Championships
Policy Debate Champions
Lincoln-Douglas Debate Champions
Student Congress Senate Champions
PHSSL State District 11 Champions
Athletics
Top Row (left to right) Connor Bracken (Water Polo), Tyler Nase (Rowing), Joe Aloia (Baseball),
Pat Donnelly (Cross Country), Kevin Genuardi (Golf), Bob Law (Tennis), Sean Brooks (Track and Field),
Kyle Finlay (Swimming), and Dan Galante (Bowling)
Bottom Row (left to right) Kyle DiGiacobbe (Wrestling), Ross Denczi (Hockey), Ryan Patrick (Soccer),
Ryan Eidenshink (Football), Tucker Durkin (Lacrosse), and Todd Stokley (Basketball)
Cross Country
Philadelphia Catholic League Champions
PIAA District 12 Champions (City Champions)
Second in the Pennsylvania State Championships
Lacrosse
Pennsylvania State Champions
Football
Swimming
Philadelphia Catholic League Champions (21st Consecutive)
Golf
Hockey
Pennsylvania AAA State Champions
Flyers Cup AAA Champions
Tennis
Wrestling
Baseball, Crew, and Soccer
Second in the Philadelphia Catholic League Championships
of
theArt
State
by Jonathan Williams Walsh ’09
Looking back on this year, there can be no doubt that the arts at La Salle are going as strong
as ever. Under the leadership of Michael Hearn and Barbara Miller, La Salle students have been
offered classes ranging from the introductory level, such as Foundations Art, to independent
study, such as Advanced Sculpture. With a dedicated, talented faculty, and outstanding facilities
and equipment, any La Salle student who so wishes can fully pursue the visual arts during
his high school career.
But La Salle’s greatest artistic asset lies in the talent of its
students. At La Salle’s annual spring art show, the amount of
talent that is to be found at this school has never been anything short of amazing. The work of La Salle’s student artists
was showcased, and won prizes at the 2009 Archdiocesan art
show. In addition, the work can also be seen decorating the
halls of La Salle.
The excellence of its art program is a crucial part of what
makes La Salle such a great school. While many public school
districts, and even some private schools, have greatly scaled
back their art programs or even eliminated art from the curriculum altogether, La Salle recognizes the importance of educating all of its students in the arts. True, the academic core
prepares students for “the real world.” However, without an
appreciation for art, be it visual, performing, literary, or in any
other form, it would be impossible to fully enjoy that world.
Furthermore, La Salle’s art programs are integrated
seamlessly with the rest of the school. There is no divide
that one might find at some schools between a group of
“art kids” and the rest of the student body. The student artists
are also musicians, actors, athletetes, and service volunteers,
united by the Lasallian community and a passion for art.
This serves to embody La Salle’s commitment to educating
the whole student – intellectually, emotionally, spiritually,
and culturally.
Looking back at La Salle’s art programs, I believe that
everyone, student and teacher alike, who has been involved
with La Salle’s art program over the years deserves special
thanks. Because of their hard work, vast talent, and staunch
dedication, the arts at La Salle continue to thrive. Their
presence has always been, and will continue to be, a vital
part of La Salle’s rich identity.
International Affairs
by Nicholas C. Rizzuto ’09
This school year, La Salle began a partnership that may
very well prove to be an integral part of the school’s
academic future. Mr. Dennis Bloh, introduced the La Salle community to West
Catholic’s Mr. Joseph Selfridge, a man who is over-abundantly about one driving issue that
affects us all – the world. Mr. Selfridge is no less than a world affairs expert who focuses
his time and energy on global occurrences regarding international business, civil rights, and
international political relations, and, this September, he brought his expertise in full force
to La Salle through the International Studies Club. Throughout the school year, members of this club
experienced speeches by experts on global occurrences, lectures by best-selling authors and political pundits, and live
webcasts of international conferences. La
Salle students were given the opportunity to view and
participate in these important colloquia firsthand and learned about their global environment from events ranging from, colloquia on nuclear arms webcasted to four different
countries, to, nationally organized mock United Nations summits to discuss global issues.
The program has been a dream of Mr. Selfridge’s for a number of years. He believes that diversity is achieved not
only by admitting students of color, but more importantly involving students from all ethnic backgrounds in a celebration of their commonality. This year’s initial effort combined students from West Catholic High School (city),
La Salle College High School (suburban), La Salle Academy (city), and St. Gabriel’s in Norwood (suburban). Each
school had the opportunity to share experiences and then discuss their common experience. It helped make students
aware of just how much we all have in common and the amount we can learn about each other through dialogue.
Mr. Selfridge also realizes that much of our best learning can take place outside of the classroom. He empowers
students to make the world their classroom. By making students more aware of the pressing issues of the world’s
societies, he helps La Salle students become better world citizens. He also gets students in touch with global
opportunities to serve the greater community.
The fact of the matter is that no outlook can simply be focused on the United States in our world today. The world
has changed from a national to a global playing field and students must become aware of our world’s political,
economic, and social climate. This club was La Salle’s first exposure to these events for the students
who participated but as early as next year students will have the opportunity to immerse
themselves in seminar classes regarding this area of International Studies. So, in the future,
La Salle students will be given the opportunity to not only become more knowledgeable in global
affairs, but more aware of the diversity of peoples and opportunities in our own area.
town
trophy
Explorers Capture Eight League Championships
by Matthew C. Murtha ’09
With some of the most remarkable performances in the history of
Philadelphia high school sports, La Salle teams combined to win eight league
championships, five City titles, and two state championships to complete
one of the most memorable athletic years in school history. In addition,
they finished second in the Philadelphia Catholic league Championship in three other
sports – Baseball, Crew, and Soccer. In all, over 150 athletes received All-Catholic
recognition and the Explorers finished first or second in eleven of fourteen sports
and established themselves as the “team to beat” at every level.
Cross Country
Hockey
The Cross Country Team stepped up
once again to win their sixth consecutive
Philadelphia Catholic League Championship.
Nick Molloy, Pat Donnelly, Tom O’Kane,
Sean McCullough, Tom Trainer, Sean Quinn,
and James Stevenson led the team to a PIAA
District 12 Championship and into the State
championship, where they finished second.
The Hockey Team defeated Father Judge on
March 21, 2009 to win its second consecutive Flyer’s Cup. The following week, the
Explorers won the Pennsylvania AAA State
Championship by defeating Shaler Area High
School, the Penguin’s Cup Champions. Ross
Denczi, Mark Schnupp, Gabe Antoni, Matt
O’Brien, Matt Merenich, Dan Merenich, Pat
Gallagher, and Mike Antoni led the Explorers
in defense of the State title.
Football
The Football Team was crowned Philadelphia
Catholic League Champions on November
15, 2009 after defeating Father Judge 28-20
in a hard-fought contest. The Explorers
advanced into the city title game against
George Washington and had a very successful season. The team was led by sixteen
All-Catholic selections, including quarterback
Drew Loughery and wide receiver who also
received All-State recognition.
Golf
In the fall, the Golf Team posted a 493 to
capture the Philadelphia Catholic League
Golf Championship. The 2008-2009 title is
the eleventh championship the Golf program
in the last thirteen years. The Golf team
was led by seniors Tucker Durkin, Kevin
Genuardi, Kevin Seybert, and junior
Mark Schnupp.
Lacrosse
On May 21, 2009 the Lacrosse Team defeated St. Joseph’s Prep for the Philadelphia
Catholic League (PCL) Championship and
the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic
Association (PIAA) District 12 Title. La Salle
took their No. 1 ranking in the state into the
PIAA state tournament, where they defeated
Conestoga High School to win the State
Championship. The team was led by
All-American selections Niko Amato
(Maryland), Tyler Knarr (Georgetown),
Peter Schwartz (Harvard), and Tucker
Durkin (Johns Hopkins). Other standouts
include Randy Forester (Penn State), Derek
Bogorowski (Lehigh), Gordie Wells (Fairfield),
and Mike Noone (Lehigh).
Swimming
The Swim Team continued its dominance
in the winter when they captured their first
PIAA District 12 Class AAA Swimming Title
and their 21st consecutive Philadelphia
Catholic League Swimming Title. The team
then advanced to the State championship
where they placed third. The team was led
by a solid group of seniors including Ted
Walker, James Mahoney, Andrew Speese,
Kyle Finlay, Blase Szyszko, Connor Bracken,
Chris Foley, Mike McGee, Paul McGee, and
Tom O’Neill.
Tennis
The Tennis Team won its third consecutive
Philadelphia Catholic League Championship
on April 27, 2009 by defeating Roman
Catholic High school at La Salle University.
The Explorers advanced to the city championship against Central High School and had
a very successful year. The team was led by
freshman Brian Stefanowicz, who was the
league MVP, along with seniors John Austin
Lamprecht, Bob Law, Ryan Marcante, and
Joe Smart.
Wrestling
The Wrestling Team defeated the reigning
champions from Northeast Catholic High
School to capture the Philadelphia Catholic
League Championship. The Explorers then
shutout the public league champions,
Northeast High School, to win the PIAA
District 12 Championship and the first true
City title since 1980. The Explorers were led
by C.J. Burns, Ryan Ginsburg, Matt Cimato,
Joey Mazzi, Kyle DiGiacobbe, and John
McGinley.
photogallery
Baccalaureate Mass – Class 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ryan Marcante ’09, Matt McDowell ’09, and Kevin Merlini ‘09
Principal Celebrant Reverend Anthony Janton, AFSC ‘69
Principal Joseph Marchese Welcomes the Graduates
Faculty and Administration Participating in the Ceremony
Sam Flashner ‘09
The Duffy Family – Lynn, Brendan ’09, and Fred
View from the Balcony of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
James Catalino ‘09 Delivers the Baccalaureate Address
Commencement Exercises – Class of 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ‘60, Kyle Finlay ‘09, Martin Pendergast ‘45,
and Principal Joseph Marchese
Tim Daly ‘09, Ryan McDevitt ‘09, Rory McDonald ‘09,
and Bryan Bonder ‘09
Andrew Kittka ’09, Chris Nucero ’09, Bob Law ’09, Greg Morozzi ’09,
Ryan Patrick ’09, Matt McGovern ’09, and Sean Fisher ‘09
Nick Rizzuto ’09, Kyle Olejniczak ’09. Matt Schmitz ’09, Xavier Lofton ’09,
Sean Brooks ’09, and Louis DiGiacomo ‘09
Dan Cipolla and Steve Stanton ‘09
Joe Aloia ‘09, Mike Cassidy ‘09, and Jim Catalino ‘09
Commencement Speakers – Ryan Patrick ‘09 and David Omojogunra ‘09
Rita Cooney, Christopher Nucero ’09, Carol Haggerty, and Tucker Corr ‘09
photogallerycontinued
50-Year Reunion – Class of 1959
May 29–30, 2009
Gene Park ’59 and Phil Sullivan ‘59
Richard Miehle ‘59 and Reverend Msgr. Thomas Murray ‘59
Bill Cashin ‘59, Suzanne Cashin, Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ‘60,
and George Koenig ‘59
Frank McFadden ‘59, Mike Connelly ’59, Bob Brinker ‘59,
and Gerald Henderson ‘59
Newest Golden Explorers
Class of 1959
Grand Reunion
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Class of 1964
Class of 1968
Class of 1979
Class of 1979
Class of 1984
Class of 1994
Class of 1999
Class of 1999
photogallerycontinued
Hall of Fame Induction
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Inductee William Whiteside, Esq. ‘46
Family of William Whiteside ‘46
Alumni Service Award Recipient Tim Foley ‘66 and
Members of the Class of 1966
Family of Tim Foley ‘66
Inductee George Hines ‘46 Toasts La Salle
George Hines ’46 and Rowing Alumni
Family of Inductee Joe Slabinski ‘67
Class of 1955 and the Wentz Family Receive the Alumni Service Award on
Behalf of Larry Wentz ‘55
De La Salle Christian Brothers
www.brothersvocation.org
www.lasallianvolunteers.org
Golden Explorers
1940’s and 1950’s
Nick Marino ’47 is homebound and would appreciate receiving emails from
his classmates at [email protected]
Dick Shelton ’51 is now living at the Dresher Nursing Home due to his
prolonged battle with Parkinson Disease.
Joseph Koch ’53 is proud that his grandson, Brenden Koch, a swimmer, will
be a member of the Class of 2013.
Jim Collins ’54 published his first novel Nuclear Nightmare, an espionage
thriller, late last year. Jim lives with his wife, Rebecca McDiarmid, on the Intra
Coastal Waterway in North Carolina.
Joseph Capozzoli ’57 won a gold medal at the 2009 National Doubles
Racquetball Championships – Senior Division in Tempe, AZ.
Tom Elsasser ’59 joined Mayor Nutter’s administration a Legislative
Assistant in the Office of Public Safety.
classnotes
1960’s
Reverend Joseph Mulligan ’64 writes that he is Priest/Pastor in the Diocese
of Charlotte, NC since 1975. He is presently in high country of the Blue Ridge
Mountains at Saint Ellizabeth in Boone, NC and the Church of the Epiphany
in Blowing Rock, NC as well as Chaplain to Appalachian State University in
Boone.
Paul Partyka ’66 is President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in
Winter Springs, FL.
Patrick Becher, DO ’69 is now in practice with John Deeney, MD ’71 in
Meadowbrook, PA.
Gerry Binder ’69 recently joined Janney Montgomery Scott in Wyncote, PA.
Bill Fox ’69 is the proud first-time grandfather of William Brendan Fox.
Dennis Lehman ’69 has just started his 40th year in Major League Baseball.
William Maher ’69 moved into his new home in April 2008 and promptly
discovered that his neighbor, Joe Gerngross ’43, was a fellow alum and a
classmate of his father’s.
Geoff Meyer ’69 says working on the 40th Reunion for the Class of 1969
was one of the most enjoyable experiences in his life and thanks everyone in
his class.
Dan Morehouse ’69 recently retired from teaching in Neshaminy School
District after thirty-one years.
Mike Sheehan ’69 recently celebrated thirty-five years with General Electric
in February 2009.
Class of 1964 – 45-Year Reunion
1970’s
1980’s
Vince Hee ’73, after twenty-six years in the roofing industry, the past six
years as Sales Manager for Russell Roofing, has started his own roofing,
siding, solar, and gutter business.
Steve Hladczuk ’84 writes that his son, Steven, received a Presidential
Scholarship to La Salle College High School and will be a member of the
Class of 2013.
Michael A. Becker, DO ’76 has returned to the Philadelphia College of
Osteopathic Medicine as the newly appointed Vice Chair of the Family
Medicine Department. Mike has also been promoted to Associate Professor of
Family Medicine.
Matthew Collins, MD ’89 became board certified in cardiology in November
2008 and nuclear cardiology in December 2008. Matthew joined Cardiology
Consultants of Montgomery County in August 2008.
Chris Durkin ’78 is serving his first full term as a Jenkintown Borough
Councilman.
Paul Cervone ’79 is serving his country in Iraq with the 20th Combat
Aviation Brigade in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
John Crumlish ’79 served as a Sports Specialist for the Olympic News
Service at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic
Games, and the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Tom Hibbs ’89 is the owner of Ace Fence and Gates, which serves southeastern PA along with central and southern NJ, providing all types of fence,
security gates, and access controls.
Ed Lynch ’89 married Jessica Marie Cuda on November 21, 2008.
Orlando Torres ’89 is a Humanities Teacher at Vanguard High School in
NYC and the membership coordinator of Red Shed Community Garden.
classnotescontinued
1990’s
2000’s
Matt Booth ’90 writes that after running track all four years at La Salle,
he is still competing and has completed in four marathons.
Tom McAllister ’00 received his Masters in Fine Arts from the writing school
at the University of Iowa. He teaches English at Temple University and has a
contract to write his memoirs for Random House.
Michael Dell’Angelo ’90 was named as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer
“Rising Star” in 2008 for the second consecutive year. The designation is
an honor conferred upon the top 2.5% of attorneys in the state who are
forty or younger. Dell’Angelo, a shareholder at Berger & Montague, PC, in
Philadelphia specializes in antitrust, securities, and complex litigation.
Gary Lelli, MD ’94 runs the oculoplastic division at NY Presbyterian
Hospital’s Weill Cornell campus, where he treats eyelid, orbital, and lachrymal
disorders. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Manhattan.
Jim Watson ’94 has is getting his MBA and living in Chicago with his wife,
Katie, whom he met while living in London.
Brett Kochanowicz ’01 is a Customer Relations Manager for Premier
Pool Renovations Company in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
John Michael Straub ’05 graduated from Villanova University in
May 2009 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Joseph Winning ’05 graduated Summa Cum Laude from the
University of Delaware in May of 2009 and was the commencement
speaker for the School of Communications.
Mike Haas ’06 is playing Lacrosse as a midshipman at the
U.S. Naval Academy.
Ryan Cohen ’99 is studying Nurse Anesthesia.
Matthew Krol ’99 was honorably discharged from the United States Marine
Corps on May 12, 2008 after eight years of military service.
Matthew Lendzinski ’99 finished his MBA at Drexel University in December
of 2008.
Lt. Scott Miller ’99 returned from a seven month deployment – conducting counter piracy operations off Somalia – in March of 2009. Scott will be
deploying to Afghanistan for seven months in July of 2009.
The Baseball Team held their annual Alumni Baseball Game on Saturday,
May 16, 2009. Over forty alumni returned to campus for a baseball
game and reception. The day began with the formal dedication of
Ward Field by Athletic Director Tony Resch, Head Baseball Coach Joe Parisi,
Principal Joe Marchese, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Ben Ventresca ’70.
From Vatican City
to Steel City
by Paul Nucero ’09
L
a Salle is more than a high
school with classrooms, fields,
students, teachers, and books,
La Salle and its legacy extend
beyond all of the physical attributes of the campus and can be seen in
the Lasallian spirit throughout world. The
Legacy of La Salle is easily seen in Brother
Robert Schaefer, FSC ’85, a man who
defines the values of La Salle College
High School.
Brother Bob is a man of hard work, dedication, love for knowledge, and service to
others. Brother has no regrets at all from his
four years at La Salle College High School.
“My four years at La Salle were great! It
was a perfect place to go to high school.”
Brother thrived off of the challenging academic courses as well. “The Brothers and
teachers were challenging, yet approachable.
The education I received was top notch and
I have relied on that education in all of my
studies since then.” More than the solid
education, however, Brother Bob found that
La Salle provided an environment that made
everyone feel comfortable at school – there
was a strong sense of community and,
in a real way, a brotherhood among the
student body.
Among the Brothers that influenced him
in a unique way were the “all star cast of
Brother Linus, Brother Aloysius Lumley,
Brother William Quaintance and Brother
Hilary McGovern.” Brother recollects that
as a freshman, “this group of Brothers was
quite interesting. And it just got better
each year. Brother John D’Alfonso was a
great influence on my own vocation to the
Brothers. He loved the students and also
clearly loved his daily work in the school.”
After four years
at La Salle,
Brother Bob took
the “Leave to
Serve” motto
one step further
as he joined
the Christian
Brothers’
Vocation
Program and
headed off
to La Salle
University where he
majored in English and Communications.
At La Salle University, he once again had
excellent teachers, especially the Brothers
on campus. During his summers, Brother
Bob was motivated to “serve” and worked
with the Brothers at St. Gabriel’s Hall in
Audubon, a school for court adjudicated
boys. He was inspired by the great love and
dedication the Brothers had for students
who were really in need. “I was able to live
in community with the Brothers during
those summers and got to experience first
hand the life of community, prayer and service to young people. I really loved it!”
Upon graduation from La Salle University
in 1989, he formally entered the Christian
Brothers and since then has been a teacher,
campus minister, vocation director, and
assistant principal.
Brother Bob has been in Rome since
October of 2008 participating in an international sabbatical program with thirty-two
other Christian Brothers from twenty different countries: Spain, France, Italy, Greece,
Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Kenya,
Mozambique, Cameroon, Congo, Burkina
Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico,
Costa Rica, Bolivia,
Colombia, Canada and the USA. Their
focus has been on the Brothers’ vocation in
the world today and the Lasallian mission,
which is to bring the Gospel to the world
of Education.
In June, Brother Bob will become the principal of Central Catholic High School in
Pittsburgh, where he has been for the last
five years. Central Catholic is a diocesan allboys school with 850 students from all over
the Pittsburgh region. The school is 82 years
old – the oldest diocesan high school in the
diocese.
Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC is a prime
example of how La Salle creates men of
service and dedication. He is a true symbol
of how La Salle is more than the sum of its
parts because of his continued service and
dedication throughout his life. He continues
to live out the Lasallian legacy and tradition
rooted from the excellent education and
morals taught to him during his time at
Brother René Sterner, FSC
1937 to 2009
President Emeritus of La Salle College High School
Brother René Sterner, FSC, died peacefully on Monday, May 11, 2009 at St. Catherine’s Infirmary in Philadelphia
after a battle with cancer.
He was born Frederick Stephen Sterner in Hanover, PA on June 8, 1937. He graduated
from Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, PA and was Valedictorian for
the Class of 1955. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from La Salle College in 1959 and
received Masters Degrees from La Salle College and Dusquene University. He entered
the Ammendale Novitiate for the Brothers of the Christian Schools in June of 1955,
received the Religious Habit and Name Gregory René in September of 1955,
and pronounced perpetual vows in 1962.
H
e spent the early part of his
45-year teaching career at
Central Catholic High School
in Pittsburgh, PA (1960-1977),
where he served as both Vice-Principal and
a member of the faculty. He was Principal
of Calvert Hall College High School in
Towson, MD for ten years (1980-1990) and
the Director of Public Relations at Delone
Catholic High School in Hanover, PA
from 2006 to 2008.
Brother René spent eighteen years as a
member of the faculty and administration
of La Salle College High School, serving as
President for fourteen of those years (19912005). During his tenure at La Salle, he
energized the school community and was
responsible for two major capital campaigns
that significantly increased the school’s
facilities and transformed the face of La
Salle. The construction of St. Michael Hall
in 1993 and the West Wing in 2001 added
over 100,000 square feet of academic and
extra-curricular space to the original building. He expanded the role of the Board of
Trustees and developed a strategic plan that
serves as the foundation for the school’s current capital campaign and new four-level
40,000 square foot academic building that
opened in September.
College High School – a program that has
won consecutive State Championships and
has grown to become a national powerhouse.
In the late 1990’s, he spread the Lasallian
mission to far reaches of the world when he
took boys from the turmoil of Bosnia and
Michael O’Toole ’68, the Principal of Holy Ghost Preparatory School in
Bensalem and a thirty-five year member of the faculty and administration
at La Salle, remembered his colleague. “What would easily strike you about
Brother René was his intelligence and love of learning. He was a constant
reader with global tastes and always the teacher. But he was a teacher who
had a passion for expanding access to traditional schools – for the young
men from Bosnia and the Sudan as well as the young men from suburban
America who had different learning styles.”
Brother René was a patron of the Arts.
He was a benefactor of the Susquehanna
University Choir and his love for music
spurred him to establish a highly-successful
Choral program at La Salle. He is also
responsible for bringing Lacrosse to La Salle
the Sudan and brought them to La Salle,
where each of them graduated and went on
to college. Brother René also served as moderator for the Mothers’ Club and was fixture
at school activities.
In 2003, Brother René Sterner co-founded
La Salle Academy in North Philadelphia – a
partnership between the Christian Brothers
and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The school,
modeled after the San Miguel Schools conducted by the Christian Brothers, is located
at St. Michael Parish, where La Salle College
High School first opened its doors in 1858.
The school was established to educate
children in grades 3-8 whose parents and
guardians desire, but cannot afford a quality Catholic education. Brother René was
instrumental in establishing a lay Board of
Trustees to help fund and guide the
independent school.
For nearly fifty years Brother René Sterner
transformed the lives of hundreds of young
people through the interscholastic activity of
high school speech and debate, or forensics. From his first year as a teacher in 1960 until
his retirement 49 years later, Brother René
organized and led programs in four schools
each of which attained an outstanding level
of excellence and, in some cases, national
prominence. Brother René uniquely combined a value-driven approach to coaching
with unfailing common sense, and his reputation for integrity led to his frequent election to leadership positions among his peers
and membership in several halls of fame.
founded and took yet another program to
prominence, including coaching a national
champion in Extemporaneous Speaking.
Brother René’s return to La Salle College
High School in 1990 marked the beginning
of another period of notable achievement,
this one lasting fifteen years and including
numerous City and State Championships
in both speech and debate events. During
the twilight years of Brother René’s amazing
career, while caring for his elderly father,
he came home to his alma mater Delone
Catholic High School and for one last
time infused a program with his vitality
and vigor.
Brother René was dedicated to the efforts
of the Christian Brothers and believed that
the need for education based on the vision
and mission of St. John Baptist De La Salle
is greater today than ever before. He retired
in 2008 and was living at the Christian
Brothers’ Community at La Salle College
High School.
rother René’s storied forensics career began with his
first teaching assignment as a
Christian Brother at Central
Catholic High School. Over the
course of seventeen years, Central’s speakers
and debaters attained national distinction
and solidified Brother René’s reputation
for excellence. During these years, Central
Catholic hosted over the Thanksgiving
Weekend one of the largest and most prestigious speech and debate tournaments,
drawing scores of schools and hundreds
of students from all over the country. In
1977, when Brother René moved to La
Salle College High School, his students
quickly captured debate championships,
including two Pennsylvania High School
Speech League (PHSSL) championships, one
National Catholic Forensics League (NCFL)
championship and one National Forensic
League (NFL) championship. During the
1980s, the decade when Brother René served
as Principal at Calvert Hall College, he
A survey of Brother René’s forensics resume
would be incomplete without reference
to the leadership role he exercised among
his colleagues throughout the country, or
of the acclaim given him by his peers. For
most of his career, he served on numerous
councils and committees on the local, state
and national levels. In the National Catholic
Forensics League, Brother René held the
positions of Treasurer, Publicity Director,
Vice President, President, and National
Tournament Director; in the National
Forensic League, he served a remarkable
thirty-one year term on the Executive
Council. To honor him for his years of service and commitment to the forensics art,
Brother René was elected to the PHSSL Hall
of Fame in 1986 and the NFL Hall of Fame
in 1987. Just this past year, the NFL further
recognized him as the first recipient of the
Alumni Lifetime Service Award, and the
NCFL announced it will bestow a similar
lifetime achievement award at its National
Tournament later this month.
For his work with youth, he was honored by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the
Archdiocese of Baltimore, both the State
Houses of Maryland and Pennsylvania, the
National Catholic Education Association,
and the National American Legion. For
his services of behalf of Christian education and the larger community, Pope John
Paul II conferred on him the Pro Ecclesia
et Pontifice Medal in 1990. He served on
numerous diocesan commissions, task forces
and numerous Boards of Trustees including
La Salle College High School, the Hannah
More Center School, Roman Catholic High
School, and St. John’s College High School.
B
“We shall not cease
from exploration and the end
of all our exploring will be to arrive
where we started and
know the place for the first time.”
T.S. Eliot, “Four Quartets“,
Little Gidding, Quartet No. 4
Births
Deaths
Tom Barna, and his wife Susan, a boy,
Kevin Charles, on May 20, 2009.
John J. “Jack” Adair, Sr. ’48
Ernest F. Atella, DO ’48
Matthew A. Best ’84
Honorable Gus Cifelli ’43
William J. Cronin, III, Esq. ’63
John J. Deasy ’45
Charles Dranginis ’50
Nicholas E. Dunphy ’56
John J. Flannery ’52
Francis V. Griffin ’46
John E. Hellmann ’55
Christian “Chris” Hilty ’91
John J. “Jack” Kelly ’57
Joseph J. Lombardi, DDS ’47
Joseph J. Maher ’40
Malcolm C. Macklin ’87
Charles M. “Chick” McDonald ’43
Joseph D. McGeary ’41
James D. McGlinn ’73
John J. McGrath ’45
Charles L. McLaughlin ’43
Anthony J. Mele ’49
John J. Mullahy, Jr. ’47
John J. “Jack” Murray ’57
Harry A. Newnam, Jr. ’36
Brother William J. Quaintance, FSC ’50
Richard J. Riccio ’54
Joseph J. Staudt ’67
Frank J. Valenti ’42
William Sullivan ’37
Charles A. Syms, Jr. MD ’45
Robert P. Vogt ’67
Jeremy Butt, and his wife, Anna, a son,
Julian Christian, on May 19, 2009.
John Frey ’92, and his wife, Amy, a
daughter, Kaitlyn, on July 20, 2008.
Mark Gibbons ’92, and his wife,
Jessica, a boy, Patrick Brady, born on
January 23, 2009.
Tom Hibbs ’89, and his wife, Leanne,
a daughter, Lindsay Angeline, on
August 27, 2008.
Matthew Lendzinski ’99, and his
wife, Amy, their second child, Adam, on
September 9, 2008.
John Loftus ’66, and his wife, Sherry,
a daughter, Keira, on June 11, 2008.
Chris Magarity ’96, and his wife Sarah,
a boy, Jack Christopher, on May 21, 2009.
Stephen Matthews ’91, and his wife,
Maura, a daughter, Eleanor Rose,
on July 22, 2008.
Tim McMahon ’89, and his wife, Joanne,
a girl, Kate Olivia, on January 9, 2009.
Mike Stoughton ’83, and his wife,
Diana, their third son, Eric, on
November 14, 2008
Honorees
Vision For The Future
by Justin M. O’Hara ’09
When walking the halls of La Salle,
it is nearly impossible for one not
notice the seemingly endless array
of faces on the walls. These faces
are of men and women who have
been responsible for giving La Salle
College High School its rich heritage.
One of those faces belongs to a man
who, for the last five years, has transformed La Salle for the better and truly
helped make it become a school of the
21st century. That man is Mr. Al Gabriele.
In the fall of 1980, Al Gabriele’s son John
enrolled as a freshman. When their son
John was enrolled, followed by their son
Jim three years later, Al and his wife
Barbara knew very little about La Salle,
outside of common knowledge. Al and
Barbara Gabriele started as ordinary
La Salle parents, but as the years progressed, Al and Barbara became active
and staunch supporters of the La Salle
community. Little did they know, their
involvement would play an intrinsic role
in the future of the institution they so
fervently supported.
Bernard J. Bonner, father of Bradley ’81;
grandfather of Braden ’07
John Jeffers, father of Christopher ’02
and Brian ’07
John N. Braca, father of John ’76,
James ’77, Joseph ’80, and Anthony ’84;
grandfather of John ’05
Gertrude A. Hogan, mother of
Richard ’72; grandmother of Brian ’04
Amelia Caruso, grandmother of
Christopher Garges ’95 Peter Cilio, father of Peter ’76,
Anthony ’79, and Joseph ’84
William A. Clark, Jr., father of
Michael ’78 and William ’76
Robert J. Cody, father of Robert ’66
Nancy Curry, mother of Patrick ’03
Edward A. Dachowski, DMD, father of
Michael ’77, Edward ’78, Damian ’80,
John ’81, Christopher ’83, and Stephen ’88
Caroline D’Emilio, mother of Thomas ’77
Eileen Devery, mother of James ’71,
Daniel ’74, and Richard ’77; grandmother
of James ’02, Gregory Dusing ’07, and
Joseph Dusing ’11
Richard L. Duszak, father of Richard ’81
and Robert ’94
LTC Robert W. Filosa, USMC ’39, father
of Eugene ’69
Mary Heleniak, mother of Richard ’73
and Stanley ’77; grandmother of
Gregory ’03 and Christopher ’12
Paul M. Henkels, father of
Andrew Henkels ’80
Mr. Gabriele is no stranger to boards of
trustees. In fact, Mr. Gabriele was on the
Board of Trustees at Roman Catholic High
School when met Brother Rene Sterner,
FSC. Brother Rene was so impressed by
Al’s strong leadership and management
skills that, in 1998, he invited Al to join
La Salle’s Board of Trustees. Al’s reception into La Salle’s Board of Trustees
signified the beginning of a new era at La
Salle College High School.
It seemed as though, immediately after
Mr. Gabriele’s induction onto the Board,
his impact was palpable. His aforementioned leadership and management skills
were put to the test during two capital
campaigns, both of which increased La
Salle’s facilities and enrollment. As if
two capital campaigns were not enough,
Al and several other key members of
the Board developed a strategic plan
for the future of La Salle College High
School. This plan laid the groundwork
for the current capital campaign which
again aims to increase the structural size
and amenities of La Salle. In 2004, Mr.
Gabriele became the first layperson to
be elected as Chairman of the Board.
Under his careful guidance, La Salle grew
in more ways than one. From increasing
Board participation to capital campaigns,
Mr. Gabriele’s vision forged a new direction for La Salle. Thanks to Mr. Gabriele’s
vision, La Salle boasts several magnificent
additions as well as the new Ward Field.
Nearly thirty years ago, Al Gabriele
enrolled his sons at La Salle, unaware
that he would eventually leave an everlasting mark on La Salle thanks to his
insight and unparalleled leadership. One
of Al’s favorite quotes is from the Book
of Proverbs, and is fitting to the La Salle
community: “Where there is no vision,
people will perish.” Al Gabriele not only
had the vision, but also the foresight
and capacity to see his grand visions to
fruition. His legacy will forever leave an
indelible mark on the La Salle community,
and live on throughout the years.
After five years as Chairman of the Board
of Trustees, Al Gabriele stepped aside.
La Salle will continue to benefit from
Al Gabriel’s presence as he will carry
on his work as Chairman of the Capital
Campaign. During the graduation ceremony on May 30, 2009, Al received the
President’s Medal in recognition of his
service and leadership.
Dolores Loftus, mother of John ’79,
William ’81, and Daniel ’93
William J. Loughery ’45, father of
William ’70 and Robert ’71; grandfather of
William Loughery ’03, Drew Loughery ’10,
and Kevin McBride ’12
John Mezzanotte, MD, father of John
’72, William ’76, Gerald ’81, and James ’83
William R. McShane ’65, father of
Dan ’03 and Kevin ’05
Lorraine B. Mohr, wife of Charles ’50
John P. Rice, father of John ’05
Cornelia P. Rothwell, mother of
John ’75 and Dan ’77
Sigmond S. Rutkowski, Sr., father of
Sigmond ’61
Margaret Schmitt, wife of John ’58;
mother of John ’80 and Brian ’81
Anna Stonis, mother of Tony ’64 and
Paul ’67
Norene Talecki, mother of Stephen ’71,
Robert ’72, Brian ’74, John ’75, and
Joseph ’77
Edward C. Yuengling, Jr., father
of Michael ’79 and Carl ’83
thank you
investing
IN THE FUTURE
One out of every
three students has
you to thank…
Over 33% of the students at La Salle College
High School receive financial aid made possible
through contributions to the De La Salle
Annual Fund and/or named Endowment Funds.
Together, your efforts provided almost $2 million
is scholarships and grants. Thank you for your
generosity, which made these educations a reality.
thank you
thank you
Please continue to support these funds in the future
as you help to make a La Salle education affordable to
students who otherwise might not be able to attend
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
215 233 2350 phone
215 836 4502 fax
[email protected]
www.lschs.org
E X PLORE R
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lansdale, PA
Permit No. 93
Change Service Requested
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The Golden
Age of T V:
A Really
Big Show
THE 2009 LA SALLE AUCTION
N O V E M B E R 7, 2 0 0 9
Auction Co-Chairs: Joe Karoly & Karen Guerra
Auction Director: Lisa Henrich
For more information please contact the auction office
at 215.402.4915 or [email protected]
LaSalle Auction Save Date AD.indd 1
5/20/09 12:05:06 PM

higher - La Salle College High School

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