June 2012 - St. Aloysius Academy

June 2012
JUNE, 2012
Dear Friends,
Every day is a great day to be a Wildcat! This school spirit motto succinctly sums up
our exciting and engaging school year as it comes to a close. Most recently, the Academy
community completed its Middle States Association reaccreditation self-study and strategic plan. While embracing our unique foundational traditions, this affiliation status keeps
us committed to program and facility improvements in this 21st century. One of the most
compelling comments made by the Middle States visiting team of experienced educators
highlighted the consistency of the St. Aloysius Academy mission and spirit lived out in the
daily life of the school by faculty, staff, students and parents.
The vibrancy of the St. Aloysius Academy legacy and the devotion to the IHM Sisters’
charism of love, creative hope and fidelity continue to be robust in part due to the supportive prayers and financial generosity of our families and friends, especially our alumni, all
of whom hold a treasured place in our hearts!
During the weeks of summer, please consider visiting the campus to see how we are
sustaining its beauty and working on capital improvements to upgrade and enhance our
programs and facilities. We continue to strive for the very best for our students!
Thanking God for your loyalty to the St. Aloysius Academy legacy and
remembering you and yours in our prayers, with gratitude and love,
Sister Stephen Anne Roderiguez IHM Ed.D.
Principal
Sisters Remember St. A. A.
My memories of St. AA are
right at the top of my
“wonderful” list! As a
young sister, and oldest of
three girls, I arrived in September 1978 with no idea of
what boys contribute to the
fabric of life!
I met wonderful families whose sons were a
real delight! I worked with students who
had genuine interest in everything in their
environment and surrounding world! Together, we explored many things and shared
many wonderful times!
One outstanding event was the election of
Pope John Paul II! I can still see the
TVscreen in our sixth grade classroom as the
world was told for the first time that a nonItalian pope had been elected! I hope that
some of our young men may yet have the
scrapbooks that they so lovingly assembled!
Our IHM Community was quite large during
my years at St. AA and the Sisters were a
great group of people as well as educators! I
have always been grateful that the Lord
placed me at the Academy. I send my love
and best wishes to all former students of
mine!
Sister Shaun Thomas
The wonderful C. S. Lewis once
stated: “A
pleasure is only
full grown
when it is remembered.”
And indeed I
know that
“remembering”
so many of the
people, experiences and events of God’s gift of
eight years at St. Aloysius brings
“miles of smiles”! What comes to
mind? I think, of course, of the
crowd of lively IHM’s (young Sisters!) and all the awesome adventures with my wiggling, wriggling
first grade boys! Our three reading
groups were: Cap’n Crunch, AlphaBits and Frosted Flakes! Caring for
the “boarders” was like running a
cross country race—every day!
Memories of my years at St. AA are
treasured because the “boys” were
my reason to get out of bed each
morning—to live with passion and
purpose.
S. Sheila Galligan.IHM
When asked to share my
feelings about the nine
wonderful years I spent at St.
Aloysius Academy, I really did
not know where to begin. So, to
“package” my heartfelt feelings
I resorted to music and I am
being presumptuous in using
some words from the song “For
Good” from “Wicked” to
express myself. “It well may be
that we will never meet again in
this lifetime so let me say...so
much of me is made from what I
learned from you. You’ll be
with me like a handprint on my
heart...because I knew you, I
have been changed for good!” I
will be forever grateful to God,
to my Community, and to all at
St. A.A. for the influence they
have had on my
life. It is that
influence that
has fortified
and enriched
the gift of my
life to God.
Friends, I say:
“Thank You!”
to each of you.
Sister Hannah
My teaching years at St. Aloysius Academy hold very fond
memories in my mind and in my heart. The years from 19731978 were very enjoyable ones for me as a teaching Sister beginning in 5th grade and then moving up to 7th and 8th grade
departmental. The Academy in those days was also a boarding
school and there were about 50 plus boarders when I first arrived on that beautiful campus at 401 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue.
Needless to say, we were mother and teacher to many of those
students and even did our best to entertain them on the weekends with all sorts of activities … and oh yes, we were chauffeurs too as a few of us
drove the van/bus routes every day. There was a wonderful supportive spirit among
the Sisters, lay faculty, staff and students. We attended sports events, band concerts,
shows, parades and many other school related events. You could sense a special
bond of the school community and the religious community of the IHM’s . And I
pray for God’s continued blessings upon all those young boys who receive an excellent Catholic Education there and for their teachers.
Sister Dolores Joseph
Happy Jubilee,
Sister Marita
My years at St. Aloysius were very
happy ones. I taught there twice. I
enjoyed it so much my first time that I
had to come back to enjoy it again.
The first years from 1972 to 1975 I
had a seventh grade Homeroom, when
I returned in l978 to 1981 I was a 6th
grade Homeroom teacher plus departmental in grades 6-7 and 8.
I have many pleasant
memories of the students and faculty
when at St. AA especially the Faculty/
Student basketball games during
Catholic Schools Week. Most of the
faculty at that time were sisters so we
needed to pull a few clever tricks to
beat the 7th and 8th grade Varsity team.
One time we blocked their basket net
with clear fishing line so the ball
would not drop down and show a
score. It didn’t take them long to realize what we had done and of course
we lost. It was all in good plain fun
and we carry with us many happy
memories.
I now
work at the Motherhouse and see some of
the boys I taught who
are fathers of the girls
at VMA Lower
School. They remark
what a gift their time
at St. Aloysius was for
them and I must agree since it was a
gift for me to teach there also.
It It was with great joy that I recall my years at St. A.A. I truly
enjoyed every day with the boys both inside and outside the
classroom. The bomb shelter, built at the height of the Cuban
missile crisis, was converted to a then state of the art science
lab. Together the boys and I set up the lab and experienced
“experimenting” with excitement.
Even though the classroom was a wonderful place to enjoy
learning, I had my most memorable moments outdoors with
the students. Baseball, basketball, tag-you name it-we played
it. The thirteen year olds had a hard time outscoring or catching me. Today, I still hear from some of the students and we
recall with fondness that special time in our lives.
It would be remiss if I did not mention the wonderful Sisters I
lived with at St. A.A. Then it was a boarding school and we
were on the job twenty-four/seven. The community of caring
and sharing among the sisters was Godfilled in every way every day. I thank
God for my days at St. A.A.
Sister Robert Therese
aka Sister Arlene McCann
In my to years as an IHM Sister, my 5 years at St. AA hold a
very special place in my heart. I taught 7th and 8th grades and
also cared for the boarders. They certainly helped develop many
hidden talents which I did not know I had—such as: being a
nurse when they were sick, washing and ironing their shirts and
trousers, and serving their meals and making sure they ate all
their vegetables...including peas!!! Our days were full but very
happy. We had a great community of
teachers and Sisters at St. Aloysius. May
God continue to bless the efforts of all
who work there in spreading God’s good
news.
Sister Jude Mary O’Donnell, IHM
Sister John Dolores
In Memoriam
Mr. William Reilley father of Mr. Andrew Rilley ‘81 and grandfather of Andrew
Reilly ‘16’
Timothy Calnan ‘00 who died of brain cancer.
Mrs. Kane mother-in-law of Mrs. Stephanie Kane.
Wild Cat Chat
Former Principals
been very elusive to
doctors. Dr. Carl has
James Kralik works for an
come up with a process
investment company in
to diagnose these infecChina. He has been living
tions. The best of evein China with his wife and
rything in your new
children for 20 years. What
venture.
a great opportunity for his
1992
children. If you are ever in
China, look up James. I’m
Michael Canone ’92
sure he would be glad to be a
is now living and worktour guide for you. Best
ing in California. He
wishes to James and his
will be married around
family.
Labor Day. The Timby
1970
Sister Laetitia
Richard Martinez ’70 is
now living in Falls Church,
Sister Mary Burke Virginia after 21 + years in
Chicago.
That must be quite a change.
God bless you all.
1987
Sister Carolyn
The Duet
Robert Orlando ’87 is an
elementary school principal
in Easthampton, MA. Rob
graduated from Boston College. (The good Jesuit education) He and his wife
Karen have a 19 month old
baby. Rob loves to hear
about St. Aloysius and remembers his teachers with
fondness. I hope you do visit
sometime when you are in
Pennsylvania. I would love
to meet you. I love to hear
about what the alumni are
doing since they left St. AA.
1988
Principal and Vice
Principal for the Day.
Carl Deirmengian, M. D.
’88 is an orthopedic surgeon
with the Rothman Institute.
Dr. Carl is now starting his
own company, C1 Diagnostics which will specialize in
detecting infections of the
knee. These infections have
Christopher Timby
’96 is now living in
Jersey City, NJ. He is
working for Airgas in
the industrial division. Please send us
your address so we can
keep you up to date on
what is going on at St.
AA.
1997
Jamie Kelly ’97
graduated from St.
Joseph Prep in 2001,
clan is excited about
the University of
going to the wedding
Pennsylvania in 2005,
and also visiting
David Timby’93 who and received his JDalso lives in California. MBA from the University of Miami in 2009.
Best of everything to
Jamie is now a transthe newlyweds. We
actional lawyer movhope everyone has a
ing from Miami to
great time in sunny
New York City where
California.
he will be looking for a
1995
job and all that goes
Robert Quadagnini with it. Jamie, we
’95 was recently mar- will keep you in our
ried. Robert owns the prayers. Let us know
your address when you
Teca Restaurant on
get settled.
Gay Street in West
Chester. Stop by and 1999
have a wonderful meal
sometime. Robert, we Christopher Fonwish you and your wife tanot ’99 just celebrated his engagethe best of everything.
May God bless you al- ment with a wonderful
party. He will be marways in all ways.
ried this summer.
1996
. Chris is now workDaniel Kane ’96 was ing for Ernst and
Young. I’m sure you
recently married by
are very busy these
Father McLaughlin.
Our best wishes go out days. We all wish you
your fiancée the best of
to Dan and his wife.
Dan, please let us know everything.
your address so we can
keep in touch.
Spring Show
Baseball is hard work!
Using time wisely
while waiting for
brothers!!!
2000
Good luck in all you do.
William Kiniry ’00 Bill graduated from the University of Baltimore Law School. His father,
who is also a graduate from the
University of Baltimore Law
School gave the Commencement
Address. What a great happening that was!!! Bill is now preparing to take the Bar Exam.
Good luck, Bill. I don’t know,
but I think I feel sorry for Mrs.
Kiniry with three lawyers in the
house!!!!!
2003
Alex Belfi who is a graduate of
Williamson Trade School and now
a member of the United States
Marines. Alex is a member of the
very special group called
“HOG” (Hunter Of Guns). He has
spent time in Afghanistan and is
now stationed at Camp Lejeune,
South Carolina. His grandfather,
Mr. Skinner, has conquered a serious illness and is now teaching at
William Penn School. Alex, thanks
Patrick O’Rourke ’00 is living for your service to our country.
in New York. He is working on Thanks almost doesn’t seem
Wall Street. If I remember corenough. Know you and your famrectly, that is a good job for him. ily are in our prayers.
I pray you are doing well. If you
2004
ever get to Pennsylvania, stop
Michael Kiniry ’04 graduated
and say hello.
Cum Laude from Villanova Uni2006
versity with a double major in PoJoseph Nassib ’06 finished his litical Science and History and a
sophomore year at Syracuse Uni- double minor in Criminal Justice
versity where he is a member of and the Classics. Mike has now
been accepted into Villanova’s
the football team. This year he
played in all 12 games. While at school of law. Congratulations,
The Haverford
Mike, on all your accomplishments.
School, Joe was
Good luck in Law School!!!
one of the Phila2005
delphia Inquirer
Joseph O’Rourke ’05 is studytop defensive
ing at Mt. St. Mary’s University in
backs in SouthEmmitsburg, Maryland. Joe is
eastern Pennsylplaying Rugby and intramural
vania. He was two
basketball. I would say you are
-time All-Inter-Ac Team seleckeeping yourself quite busy. Good
tion.
luck in all you do.
Brian Taylor ’06
attends Ursinus
College. Besides
studying, Brian playsfootball for the college.
Class of 2018
2007
Kevin Melone ‘07 is attending
Lehigh University where he is a
member of the Club Ice Hockey
Team. How do you ice skate and
play hockey???
Marcus DeMarici ‘07 has
finished his first year at
Drexel University where he
was on the rowing team. His
team captured a runner-up
medal in the final at the Dad
Vail Regatta and won first
place at the Kerr Cup. His
boat also
captured
first place
against LaSalle and
Villanova.
Marcus enjoyed his
first year
and is looking forward to year
2. He hopes to keep in shape
over the summer.
Colin Farrell ’07 finished his
first year at Dickinson College
where he is on the lacrosse
team. Colin has been a vital
part of the team this year. I’m
sure he will be keeping in good
shape over the
summer and
into the fall.
Great job, Colin.
When is Caitlin
coming to make
it a triple threat
– Justin in football, you in lacrosse and Caitlin?????
Timothy O’Rourke ‘07 is attending The University of
Scranton where he is a member of the lacrosse team. Tim
was a vital part of the St. Joseph Prep lacrosse team
which won the
Philadelphia
Catholic
League. I
think Tim
caught the
Lacrosse bug from his brothers
Pat and Joe.
2008
Dominic Gentile ’08 graduated from Bishop Shanahan
and is headed to Ithaca University.
Dominic
took time
out of his
busy schedule to be the
lead man in
the play at
Sacred
Heart Country Day School. He did a
great job. I can’t wait to see
him on American Idol!!!
Principal for a Day
Parent as Principal for a Day
2009
Connor Monigal ‘09 is attending the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar Program this summer
from June 2 to June 7. He is
one of the special ones that
have been accepted to this
program. Congratulations,
Connor. We hope it is all you
want it to be. Let us know
about it.
2011
Chief Bingo Caller
Vincent Martino ‘11 finished his first year at St. Joseph Prep where he did very
well. He enjoyed his year very
much. He is a member of the
football team. Go Hawks!!!
Vince is taking a college credit
course at the University of
Maryland this summer. What
a great way to spend some
time this summer. Enjoy your
course
Sports Awards
St. Aloysius Academy of the
1990s
I spent eight great years at St. Aloysius Academy, from 1989 to 1997.
For me, St. Aloysius Academy provided a strong Catholic education to
our students. They were encouraged
to deepen their relationship with God,
to value their Catholic faith, and to
become the best Christian gentlemen
that God called them to be.
Class of 2012
May Procession
What was life like during my time at
St. Aloysius Academy? There was a
good spirit at St. AA when I was
there. We had a good group of IHM
Sisters who lived in the convent and
worked with our boarding students
from Mexico. You really had to
work together and support each other
because when you left school for the
day, you might have a lot do in the
evening, if you were responsible for
the boys. As with any middle school
age student, there were good days
and challenging days, but it was still
a happy place for me to be!
Snow days were fun at St. Aloysius!
During the winter of 1993, we missed
a week of school at one time. At
times, the boarders would be able to
go to the homes of their classmates
and have a great time. During one
snow storm, some of the boys were
home. The snow on the van almost
reached the roof of the back porch.
The boys had to climb up on the van
to shovel the snow off. They loved
the snow and it was fun to watch!
The spirit in school was very good,
too! The faculty and staff enjoyed
being at St. AA. They enjoyed working with all boys and with each other.
The faculty and staff were actively
involved in the school and
they would be present at the many
activities of the Academy. Everyone was committed to make St.
Aloysius Academy a place where
the boys would learn and enjoy
the learning in the process.
During my time at St. Aloysius
Academy, there were a lot of
good sports teams. For a stretch,
the soccer teams were in the Regional and Archdiocesan playoffs.
We got to see a lot of the games,
home and away, because the boys
from Mexico played soccer and
we had to transport them to their
games. The varsity basketball
team was often in the playoffs or
in the finals of tournaments. Students also excelled in cross country, football, track and baseball.
(There were no lacrosse teams
when I was at St. AA!)
Music was, and still is, very
strong at St. Aloysius. We could
be found lining the streets of
Philadelphia to watch the band
pass by for the Columbus Day or
St. Patrick’s Day parades. We
travelled to Harrisburg and Washington, DC with the band. I got to
see Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and
the U.S. Capitol when I travelled
with the band for some of their
performances. Our students were
very prominent at the Archdiocesan Music Festivals and it was
great to see them in action at the
at the Academy of Music, local
high schools or at the Exton Mall
at Christmas! It still amazes me how a
school of boys could produce a wonderful
Spring Show to packed houses every year!
My time at St. Aloysius Academy was a true
gift. I got to meet wonderful Sisters, teachers, students, and parents. Next year, the son
of one of my first students, Chris Bruno, will
be in Kindergarten at St. Joseph School in
Downingtown where I currently serve. It
makes me feel a little old,
but it mostly makes me feel
proud that our graduates of
St. Aloysius Academy continue to value the Catholic
education as they pass it on
to their children!
Sister Catherine Irene
Mansion Madness
Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends,
Good afternoon!
Please help us to get the information below out to family and
friends!
Many Thanks!
Sister Stephen Anne IHM
Principal
Businesses can contribute to St. Aloysius and get a state tax
credit! (Wow!)
PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program or EITC
Here are some of the details:
Are you an owner or an employee of a business authorized to do
business in Pennsylvania that is subject to one or more of the
following taxes: Corporate Net Income Tax, Capital Stock Franchise Tax, Personal Income Tax of S Corporation shareholders or
Partnership partners, Band and Trust Company Shares Tax, Title
Insurance Companies Shares Tax, Insurance Premiums Tax, or Mutual Thrift Institution Tax?
Did you know that tax credits equal to 75% of your business contribution to SAA up to a maximum of $300,000 per taxable year
are available?
Did you know that if your business agrees to contribute the same
amount two years in a row to SAA, this credit can be increased
to 90% of the contribution?
It is easy to support SAA but like everything else, there are a
few rules and deadlines that we don’t want you to miss.
Whether you are the decision maker or you want to understand how
to pitch this idea to your company leadership, learn about this
exciting opportunity by contacting Matt Sarkees at
[email protected].
Matt is a current St. AA parent!
The St. Aloysius Academy MagisSociety
This Society is comprised of lead benefactors to the St. Aloysius Academy Fund who, through their generosity,
make a gift of $1,000 or more. Membership in this society is open to all individuals, companies, and foundations. Annually, members are invited each fall to a reception hosted by the St. Aloysius Academy School Community. We remain grateful for the leadership support offered by all who are members of The St. Alo-
ysius Academy Magis Society.
Please save the date for the next reception
September 21, 2013
Leave your mark at St. Aloysius
$50 for a brick
brings you priceless moments of memories.
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St. Aloysius Academy reserves the right to refuse any message deemed inappropriate.
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Check one for brick placement: Courtyard _____________ Walkway ___________
W
E
Wouldn’t I make a great entrance to the school!!!
D
We would have a 21st Century look
R
I would add space for offices!!!
to go with the 21st Century learning!
Step to the music
E
done over and made easier for the little ones to climb!!
I’m probably older than the “little gym”
How about a face lift for me!!
M
F
Step in time!
It would be a lot easier if these steps were
A
O
Step in Time Step in Time
Here I sit—an empty field —
Wondering how I could best serve St. Aloysius Academy.
I Know!!!!! Someone could build a practice gym on me.
What a great addition that would be to St. AA!!
More Basketball practices
Mr. Wallace would have a “gym spot”
T
even during the Spring Show and Band Concert.
H
additional funds to St. AA for even more great things.
Teams could rent it and bring
Wouldn’t a nice Wildcat\Snack Shack look good here?
It would contain restrooms and a catering kitchen
for all the avid outdoor sports fans.
E
F
U
T
U
R
E
How about raising the roof!!! - Literally!!!!!!!
If you were 120 years old, you’d want a face lift!!!
Look at my floor!!!!!!!!
I would be a great place for the “little” ones to
Sounds life fun!!!!
It would give space for an improved
Music center and an art center.
practice basketball!!
Wildcat silhouettes would look good on newly
painted walls, don’t you think!!!!
Dream it—they will come to help!!!
(Know anyone who won the lottery lately????)
All Alumni
Special Homecoming
October 20, 2012
Alumni Tent – for
gathering
10 AM – 3PM
DON’T MISS IT!!!!
Call your classmates!!
It is such a fun day!!!!!
Bring your family!!!
You’ll be
glad You
came!!
St. Aloysius Academy
401 S. Bryn Mawr Ave.
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
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