Issue III - St. Sebastian`s School

Transcription

VOLUME VIII, ISSUE III
2012-2013
S T. SMEBASTIAN’S
AG A Z I N E
The Science Issue
Story Title
Story Title
Story Title
p 12
p 33
p 35
Commencement 2013
Reunion 2013
Senior Class Gift
2012-2013
Board of Trustees
Seán Cardinal O’Malley, OFM. Cap.
Chairman
James L. Elcock ’77, P’08
President
William L. Burke III P’95,’97,’00,’04
Executive Officer, Headmaster
Douglas A. Kingsley, P’10,’10,’12,’13
Secretary
4
Timothy J. McCarthy, Jr. ’81, P’10
Treasurer
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
2Commencement
24
Arrows in the News
20 Senior Class Gift
35
Class Notes
22
38
Fine Arts
A Collective Impact
28 Reunion 2013
40Athletics
48 In Memoriam
Arlene F. Marano P’13
President, Guild of St. Irene
St. Sebastian’s School Mission Statement
A Catholic independent school, St. Sebastian’s seeks to engage young men in the pursuit
of truth through faith and reason. By embracing Gospel values in an inclusive, nurturing
community and by inspiring intellectual excellence in a structured liberal arts curriculum,
St. Sebastian’s strives to empower students for success in college and in life. The ideal St.
Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and
wisdom, a life-long learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know, to love, and to
serve God and neighbor.
Credits
St. Sebastian’s Magazine publishes 3 times a year.
Photos by Marshall Goldin and Christine Robertson.
2 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume V, Issue I
J. Devin Birmingham ’84, P’14
David M. Calabro ’78, P’16
Devin C. Condron ’92
William T. Connolly, Jr. P’10,’12
John DeMatteo II P’11,’13,’16,’18
John P. DiGiovanni ’84, P’14
Mark E. Donovan P’07,’09
Kevin F. Driscoll ’72, P’05,’09
Sr. Janet Eisner, SND
Patrick J. Hegarty ’89
Jane M. Hoch P’07
Edward J. Hoff P’11,’13
Wayne M. Kennard P’08
Rev. Brian R. Kiely
John A. Mannix ’74
Mark L. O’Friel ’79
William A. O’Malley P’09,’10,’13
Stuart D. Porter
Kristin E. Reed P’15,’17
Robert M. Wadsworth P’10,’15
Stephen P. Ward ’96
Celeste E. Wolfe P’09,’12
St Sebastian’s School
1191 Greendale Ave
Needham, MA 02492
Brian S. Strachan P’11,’14
President, Men’s Association
John E. McNamara ’81, P’14,’18
President, Alumni Association
Most Reverend John P. Boles ’47
James A. Cotter, Jr. ’57
J. Brad Griffith ’58
Frank M. Ward P’96
Trustee Emeriti
From the desk
of the headmaster
Wil l ia m L . Bu rk e I I I
…spreading the St. Sebastian’s spirit wherever I go.
N
ikhil Basavappa ’13 shot these words through my heart in a powerfully beautiful
letter he sent to me in the afterglow of his glorious Commencement:
I am determined to impact whatever communities I become part of in such a way that
you can see me, however many years from now, and feel proud of giving me a chance to
become a part of the 8th grade class so many years ago. Yet, the most impressive thing to
me is how St. Sebastian’s created such a genuine sense of brotherhood that it would make
me even happier to see my fellow Arrows do St. Sebastian’s proud…I will continue thanking
you throughout my life, maybe not through words or letters, but in the way I will carry
myself and the way I intend on spreading the St. Sebastian’s spirit wherever I go.
In expressing his firm commitment to a purpose driven life and his profound love and admiration of his fellow sojourners, Nikhil celebrates the essence of our St. Sebastian’s School
culture. Nikhil’s message, the valedictory and salutatory speeches of Thayer Wade ’13 and
Kenny Chen ’13, and at least ten thousand other pieces of evidence presented over the years
conspire to justify our highest hopes that our students will forever seek to follow the plan
laid out in the last sentence of our Mission Statement:
The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a gentleman of
courage, honor and wisdom, a life-long learner who continues to grow in his capacity
to know, to love, and to serve God and neighbor.
I hope that you will enjoy perusing this issue which seeks to honor the spirit and people of
St. Sebastian’s with a focus on our newest graduates and our reunion classes.
Once again, I thank our students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, siblings, trustees,
alumni, spouses, and friends for your prayers, and for all that you do to advance our most
important mission of pursuing truth through faith and reason.
I encourage all of you to visit your School whenever you can. It will be my great pleasure
and distinct honor to give you the grand tour.
Thanks again for everything. May God continue to bless you every graced step of the way.
Sincerely,
William L. Burke III
Headmaster
WWW. S T S EBASTIANS S CHOOL.ORG
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COMMENCEMENT
Count Your Blessings
An excerpt from a speech given by Senator Paul G. Kirk, Jr. ’56
at St. Sebastian’s Senior Class Breakfast
As you clean out your desk and locker in the next few
days and prepare yourselves for the fall, let me leave you
with a few simple thoughts. I believe they will serve you
well in preparing you for the freshman jitters in the fall
of 2013, but also in all the changing and challenging
seasons of your life that will follow.
Here are the headlines...
Take the time to count your blessings; thank God for each of them;
take none for granted. And in return for your blessings, remember
this — there is nothing for nothing. With each blessing comes a
responsibility.
The formula I suggest is not complicated. I mentioned earlier
that this is your time, and that time is on your side.
So, to begin let’s count the blessing of TIME: we cannot turn
back time; it moves constantly and steadily forward; we cannot
control it, but we must not waste it, nor take it for granted; TIME is
God’s gift to us; the best way to thank Him is by making the most of
it—every day of our lives.
Count the blessing of FAITH: if, in return, you embrace
it and thank God for it, FAITH will anchor you to your conscience;
it will inspire you to live a Christian way of life every day, and it
will sustain you with the spiritual strength you will need to face the
adversities, the challenges, the uncertainties and the disappointments
that life, inevitably, will throw your way.
Count the blessing of FAMILY, FRIENDS &
CLASSMATES: in return, stay close to them; hold them
near; listen to them with an open ear and an understanding mind
and heart; be there to help them through their struggles and to
rejoice with them in their successes. FAMILY & FRIENDS are our
blessing to be sure and, just as surely, they are our responsibility.
Count the blessing of CITIZENSHIP: during the next four
years you’ll elect a major field of study that may narrow the focus
on the important question “what will I do with my college degree?”
But as I contemplate the future that now belongs to YOU, I hope
you’ll remember to ask an equally important question: “What will
I do with my citizenship?” I salute Matt McGuire who asked and
answered that question earlier than most, and he did so in a special
way by applying to and being admitted to the USMA.
In your time, responsible citizenship will require something
more than voting and paying taxes; citizenship is not a spectator
2 | S T. S EBASTIAN’S M AGAZINE Volume VIII, Issue III
sport; so, in some chapter of your lives, consider active engagement
in the civic life of your community or nation; be a part of something
larger than yourselves.
Any Country Music fans in the Class of ’13? Do any of you
remember Lee Ann Womack? The most important message of her
inspirational song “If you get the choice to sit it out—or dance,—I
hope you dance.”
Count the blessing of THIS SCHOOL: in return, do not
regard Graduation from St. Seb’s as a day of departure, as a chapter
in your life story that ends in 2013; stay true to this school as an
institution; give back in ways that you can: class gifts, the annual
funds, reunions, the alumni association, etc. But more importantly,
in a figurative sense, take St. Sebastian’s with you; live by its values
and its ideals; don’t file them away as an experience of your past;
ingrain them in your future; practice and perpetuate them by
example and by your way of life.
In my view, it was no accident that when Cardinal O’Connell
founded this school, he named it for the patron of soldiers and
athletes. I believe he envisioned St. Sebastian’s as a school from
which its graduates would go on to contribute to society, not
necessarily as soldiers or athletes per se, but by living by their ethic.
The soldier and the athlete understand better than most that: “we are
all in this together.” Their ethic is one of service and teamwork and
honor and playing by the rules. It’s not about self or selfishness; it’s
about contribution and shared sacrifice and shared responsibilities;
and it’s also about defying geometry.
Remember the geometric axiom “The whole is equal to the sum
of its parts”? Soldiers-in-combat, wounded warriors and athletesin-competition strive to exceed “the sum of the parts”—by reaching
beyond themselves, by tapping into that exceptional capacity of the
human spirit, becoming better than the ordinary, exceeding even
their own expectations to become an “impact player” for the team,
to provide cover for the unit and to make a difference for a worthy
cause that is larger than themselves.
Finally, take the time to count the blessing of LIFE itself:
and never forget that the purpose of life is to live a life of purpose;
in return for that blessing, accept your responsibility to decide and
define for yourself what that purpose will be.
And once you make your choice, I can promise you that your
greatest personal satisfaction will come—not from what you attain
for yourself—but from what you contribute to others.
I congratulate you. I envy you. And I wish you well.
Count your blessings; Have fun; and Godspeed.
Scott Kingsley ’13 (3rd from left) with his brothers, Doug ’12, Max ’10 and Ned ’10.
Michael Adams ’13 gets a hug from
his mother, Margaret.
Jake McLaughlin ’13 with his grandfather Peter ’55.
Julian Matra ’13 receives The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Award during the
ceremony.
Ikechukwu Okwerekwu ’13 heads into the Church with his classmates.
Ryan McGuirk ’15 congratulates
Matthew Digan ’13.
Class of 2013 moms: Kim Mullin, Michelle Wolpe, Janis Daly, Mary
Larkin and Arlene Marano.
| 3
COMMENCEMENT
Congratulations, Class of 2013!
S
t. Sebastian’s School graduated 67 students at its sixty-ninth
Commencement Exercises on Thursday, June 6, 2013.
Douglas A. Kingsley P’10’10’12’13, Member of the Board
of Trustees, delivered the Commencement Address. Kenneth S.
Chen was this year’s Salutatorian and Thayer D. Wade was the
Valedictorian.
Awards presented during the ceremony include:
Pursuit of Excellence in the Discipline Awards
Presented to individuals selected by the faculty
English Literature – Michael S. Petro, Christopher J. Riley
Latin – Christopher J. Riley
History – Matthew M. Digan, Michael A.O. Hoff,
Thayer D. Wade
Religion – Michael S. Petro, Christopher J. Riley
Chemistry – Thayer D. Wade
English Writing – Kenneth S. Chen
Biology – Ryan M. Schnoor
Spanish – Matthew J. Donovan, Michael S. Petro
Music – Kenneth S. Chen, Patrick G. Clark
Drama – Julian Q. Matra
Mathematics – Kenneth S. Chen
Greek – Connor P. Chabot, Brian J. O’Malley
Physics – Kenneth S. Chen
Computer Science – Peter J. Breslin
Special Medals
The following Medals are awarded to individuals who, during their
high school years, have achieved the highest grade point average in
required and advanced courses in the respective disciplines:
Humberto Cardinal Medeiros Memorial Medal for Modern
Languages – Michael S. Petro
Rev. Msgr. Joseph A. Beatty Memorial Medal for English – Thayer D. Wade
Rev. Msgr. John F.X. Harney Memorial Medal for Religion – Thayer D. Wade
Rev. Msgr. Charles D. McInnis Memorial Medal for History – Edward F. O’Hara, Chistopher J. Riley
The Paul A. Ablondi ’ 57Memorial Medal for Mathematics Kevin M. Patterson
The St. Sebastian Medal for Science - Peter C. DeMatteo
The St. Sebastian Medal for Fine Arts – Kenneth S. Chen
The St. Sebastian Medal for Classics – Peter C. DeMatteo,
Kevin M. Patterson
The Headmaster’s Award
Presented to the graduate who has achieved the highest cumulative
grade point average
Thayer D. Wade
The St. Sebastian’s Scholar With Distinction Award
Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of Aor higher in every course every year
Michael S. Petro, Thayer D. Wade
The St. Sebastian’s Scholar Award
Presented to the graduates who have received a yearly average of B or
higher in every course every year
Michael R. Adams, Nikhil V. Basavappa, Kenneth S. Chen, Peter
C. DeMatteo, Matthew J. Donovan, Michael P. Haley, Kevin J.
Looney, James L. McLaughlin, Alexander J. Moore, Edward F.
O’Hara, Kevin M. Patterson, George D. Price, Christopher J.
Riley, Christopher D. Rodowicz, Ryan M. Schnoor, Andrew J.
Sullivan, Matthew B. Vandini, Ryan J. Wolfsberg
The Sr. Evelyn C. Barrett, O.P. Scholarship
Presented to the senior who, in the opinion of the Faculty, most
exemplifies in body, mind, and soul the spirit of St. Sebastian’s School
Kenneth S. Chen, Michael S. Petro
The Robert S. Gilligan ’65 Award
Presented to the senior who best exemplifies the qualities of courage,
determination, and perseverance
Ramy Andil, Luke E. Packenham
Benjamin Piersiak ’13 during the procession with Headmaster Burke.
The Cardinal Cushing Memorial Medal for Student Service
Presented to a senior for exemplary service to the School
Michael P. Haley
The Joseph P. MacDonald Award
Presented each year by the Student Council, in conjunction with
the School community, to a member of the St. Sebastian’s family for
outstanding service to the School
Joseph P. Craven
The Reverend Charles K. Riepe Medallion
Presented by the Assistant Headmaster, in consultation with the
administration and faculty, to the member of the graduating class
who has shown true leadership in exemplifying the virtues of faith
and honor for which the School stands
Thayer D. Wade
The Founder’s Medal
Presented to the member of the Senior Class whose character, leadership,
and fortitude most closely reflects the ideals that inspired William
Cardinal O’Connell to found this School in the name of St. Sebastian
Andrew J. Sullivan
The Leslie C. Quick, Jr. Award
Presented each year to a senior for exemplary initiative, creativity,
and perseverance in advancing the mission of the School
Julian Q. Matra
The Alumni Award
Presented to the senior, selected by the faculty, who possesses strength
of mind, body, and character; who displays outstanding attitude,
effort, and achievement; has innate commitment to excellence in all
endeavors; and who has made many and varied contributions to St.
Sebastian’s School
Brian D. O’Malley
On the eve of Commencement, students attempt to tie their bowties
after receiving a lesson from Headmaster Burke. In keeping with
Commencement tradition, the bowties are given before the Baccalaureate
Mass and Dinner.
| 5
COMMENCEMENT
Class of 2013 Matriculation
Michael R. Adams
Ramy D. Andil
Nikhil V. Basavappa
William S. Behman
Peter J. Breslin
Alex J. Calabro
Connor P. Chabot
Kenneth S. Chen
Ikenna Chukwu
Patrick G. Clark
Joseph W. Coughlin
John P.T. Dacier
Brendan M. Daly
Peter C. DeMatteo
Matthew M. Digan
John D. Doherty
Matthew J. Donovan
Coleman T. Eden
Matthew P. Fachetti
Joseph J. Guarino
Michael P. Haley
Patrick J. Healy
Conor D. Hilton
Michael A.O. Hoff
Brandon J. Jones
William G. Jundanian
Michael P. Kavolius
Thomas M. Kelley, Jr.
Henry W. Kennedy
Gordon P. Kingsley
Kevin J. Looney
Dalton A. MacAfee
Christopher J. Marano
Sorin T. Marinescu
Vassar College
Georgetown University
Boston College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
University of San Diego
Connecticut College
Colgate University
Harvard University
Boston College
Tulane University
Trinity College
Boston College
Franklin and Marshall College
Princeton University
University of Richmond
Saint Anselm College
College of Charleston
Wake Forest University
Fordham University
Harvard University
University of Notre Dame
Providence College
Boston College
Morehouse College
Colgate University
Stonehill College
Boston University
Union College
University of Notre Dame
Boston College
Boston University
Colby College
Boston College
Julian Q. Matra
Northwestern University
Thomas J. McCabe
Boston College
Edward V. McCarthy III
Providence College
Matthew J. McGuire
United States Military Academy
Connor J. McGuirk
College of the Holy Cross
Anthony M. McIntyre
James L. McLaughlin
Boston College
Alexander J. Moore
Boston College
Brian J. Mullin
Bowdoin College
Edward F. O’Hara
Colgate University
James J. O’Leary IV
Trinity College
Brian D. O’Malley
Amherst College
Ikechukwu W. Okwerekwu
Northeastern University
Luke E. Packenham
Fairfield University
Kevin M. Patterson
Dartmouth College
Michael S. Petro
Brown University
Benjamin P. Piersiak
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
George D. Price
Boston College
John R. Real
Boston College
Christopher J. Riley
Harvard University
Christopher D. Rodowicz
Harvard University
Ryan M. Schnoor
Boston College
Luke B. Scotten
Davidson College
Anders M. Slicklen
Trinity College
Andrew J. Sullivan
Joseph C. Tamburello
Fairfield University
Sergio P. Tavares
Bridgewater State University
Conor L. Thomson
Boston College
James Tran
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
Matthew B. Vandini
University of Richmond
Thayer D. Wade
Harvard University
Ryan J. Wolfsberg
Brian R. Wolpe
Franklin and Marshall College
| 7
COMMENCEMENT
Headmaster’s
Address
“Go your way.”
Let us pray together one more time as a class:
Glory be to the Father,
To the Son
And to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
World without end. Amen
T
his is your day, gentlemen—the culmination of hours and
days and weeks and years of focused study, of quizzes,
tests, papers, art work, rehearsals, concerts, performances,
practices, games, Chapel speeches, mousetrap cars, SAT’s, ACT’s,
college applications, and this list goes on. You have struggled
mightily, and you have succeeded. You have won the crown. This
is your day, and we are all so very proud of you and so very happy
for you. Congratulations!
As you know, you haven’t arrived at this moment through your
efforts alone, but, rather, you have arrived having opened yourselves
to and having cooperated with the two most powerful forces in the
universe: God and people of good will through whom our Lord
works. And chief among these people are your primary educators,
your parents, who, together with your grandparents and your other
family members, have loved you well before you drew your first
breath and far, far beyond all telling. They have held you, fed you,
bathed you, clothed you, nurtured you and made untold sacrifices
for you, including your prized St. Sebastian’s education. They have
prayed for you, and they have paid for you.
This is your day, but it’s their day, too. Please rise, as a class,
turn to face your families, find them with your eyes, and express
your gratitude.
One of you, in delivering your Corporate Chapel address, had
this to say about your School: Everyone is there to help and wants you
to succeed. Another of you shared with your mother early in your
7th grade year: Mom, they won’t let you fail there. Another of you
shared this thought with me: The St. Sebastian’s teachers love us more
than I see at other schools.
Yes, your teachers have made good on our promise that you
would be known and loved and that you would be called to greatness
in body, mind, and spirit. You can’t fake love. Please, rise, face these
extraordinarily talented and devoted men and women, who have
taught you and coached you and advised you and mentored you and
loved you completely, and express your gratitude to them.
~~~
Go your way. My three parting words: Go your way.
My message, but not my choice. If I could choose my own words,
instead of Go your way, I’d be tempted to say: Stay right here.
It pains us to say good-bye to you. Such a huge part of us would
love to do it all again. But that’s just the heart speaking. Go you must.
So here’s how the command—Go your way—came to me. Last
week, when preparing for this graced moment of farewell to you 67
young men of ever growing integrity, I turned to the Gospel of the
day (Mark 10:46-52):
As Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a sizable crowd,
Bartimaeus, a blind man, the son of Timaeus, sat by the roadside
begging. On hearing that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out
and say, “Jesus, son of David, have pity on me.” And many rebuked
him, telling him to be silent.
But he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on
me.” Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called the blind man,
saying to him, “Take courage; get up, Jesus is calling you.”
He threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus. Jesus said
to him in reply, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind
man replied to him, “Master, I want to see.” Jesus told him, “Go your
way; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he received his sight and
followed him on the way.
“Become ever more fully—from the inside
out—the man you are called to be, the unique
man only you can be. Plumb the depths of
soul to discover your passion and summon the
courage to develop it and live it fully.”
So powerfully stirring, these simple words, this deep message!
I speak for your St. Sebastian’s family, for your families at home,
for the country, and for the world, as I urge you, in the words of our
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: Go your way.
Go your way down the aisle, through the honor guard of
beloved mentors, out of the Church, and into the open air of your
lives as Alumni. Go from St. Sebastian’s School, this place which
you love and which one of you, speaking for all, celebrated in your
Corporate Chapel address: I am lucky to have been a member of such
a supportive and unified School community. One of you said: St.
Sebastian’s pushes you so hard academically but it’s more than just
a school. It’s so deep and it’s not just for the students. Even my sister
loves the culture of the place. And another proclaimed from this spot
where I stand: St. Sebastian’s is the best thing that ever happened
to me, the best decision I ever made…I want my son to have this
experience, and if I have a daughter, she’s coming here, too!
Go your way. Break the three word sentence down, focus on
each word, and you discover deeper and deeper levels of meaning.
Look up the two letter word “go” in a dictionary, and you’ll
find more than thirty definitions. The first of which, in Merriam
Webster, is: To move on a course.
Which course?
Go your way.
Which way? In this Gospel story, and in our lives, “way,” I
believe, means more than the avenue and more than the journey.
The command suggests to me a manner of going, a demeanor, an
attitude, a character. How you go as well as where you go.
And Jesus doesn’t say Go the way, or Go this way. He says
Go Your Way, which I believe means: claim your freedom as a
genetically unrepeatable gift of God made in His image. Become
ever more fully—from the inside out—the man you are called to
be, the unique man only you can be. Plumb the depths of soul to
discover your passion and summon the courage to develop it and
live it fully.
A few years ago, on the morning of his college commencement,
one of my sons joined his classmates in the college chapel, where
the chaplain promised them that they would find success when
their great passion met the world’s great need.
Nurture and develop the passion that will produce gifts that
only you can give. Go your way. In the words of Father John at
your Senior Service Mission Mass: Give what you have been given.
Be who you are. And then watch out, planet earth! As St.
Catherine of Siena tells us:
If you are what you should be, you will set the world ablaze.
And here, I believe, is where our year’s theme of integrity
comes in. In the fall, I shared these definitions of integrity:
Adherence to moral and ethical principles, honesty…the state of
being whole, entire, or undiminished.
| 9
COMMENCEMENT
“We love each of you for the man you are, and ever more
for the man you promise to become.”
If I had to select just one definition of integrity, I’d go with
wholeness.
Thomas Merton asserts:
There is in all things a hidden wholeness.
I agree. We are made to be people of integrity—whole,
complete, undiminished, good. We are not made for disunity,
deception, Marathon Day bombing cowardice. We are made for
faith, hope, and love. We are made to be wise, just, balanced, and
brave, and to keep getting better, to evolve into what Australian
Catholic evangelist Matthew Kelly proclaims God wants us to
become: the best versions of ourselves.
Evincing your firm grasp of the essence of integrity, one
of you wrote and recorded these lyrics in a song you titled
“Becoming a Man”:
A man is measured by integrity
If you do not have integrity what are you?
Who are you?
You’re less than what God has planned for you to be.
Amen. Go your way.
Brandon, be more Brandon. Jake, be more Jake. Thayer, be
more Thayer. Kenny, be more Kenny. Sergio, Tiki Tiki Tah Tah
yourself into being ever more Sergio. We love each of you for the
man you are, and ever more for the man you promise to become.
Go your way, we say with confidence because we like the way
you have gone thus far. You haven’t been perfect. No one is. And
you’ll make your share of mistakes going forward. We all will.
Perhaps you’ve heard the old riddle: What’s the difference between
you and God? God never thinks He’s you. We are human, eminently
capable of and perpetually prone to error. God made us that way.
St. Julian of Norwich writes:
First there is the fall, and then we recover from the fall. Both are the mercy of God.
Mysteriously, it may be the acceptance and full integration
of our errors and weaknesses that play the most essential roles in
strengthening our integrity. And no matter how far you think you
have fallen, may you forever hold onto the truth amplified by Miriam
Pollard: There is nothing we can do that God is not eager to forgive.
So when you stumble, never lose hope and remember that
you’re never alone, that God is with you forever. Ask for mercy,
resolve to atone, strive to integrate, and know in every fibre of
your being that if you respond positively, you will become an even
stronger man of humility and integrity than you had been before.
We have seen your excellence on campus through the years,
and we have heard you extolled by your service supervisors this
spring, when you connected soul to soul with the young, the old,
and the disabled, many of whom cried when you left.
We know how they feel.
When Bartimaeus cried out to Jesus, he was scolded and told
to be silent. When your heart is aflame with passionate pursuit
of truth through faith and reason as you go your way through
college and beyond, you, too, may be rebuked and told to be silent.
Legions of naysayers may strive in earnest to discourage your
ambition. Many may tell you that you’ll never make it, that you’re
not good enough. Go your way anyway. Be like Bartimaeus, who
“kept calling out all the more.”
Be like Louie Zamperini, the hero of our All School read,
Unbroken, whose resilient optimism rendered him almost
incapable of discouragement. And embrace the truth of the
Chinese proverb: Man who says it can’t be done shouldn’t interrupt
man doing it.
So despite the discouraging throng, Bartimaeus prays on most
passionately: Son of David, have pity on me. Jesus responds by
stopping and commanding his followers to “call him.”
When Bartimaeus was called, he didn’t meekly creep forward;
he threw aside his cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.
We can’t sit back, merely pray, and expect that all shall be
well without our stir. We, too, have to throw our cloaks aside, and
spring into action. Pray big and play big.
When Jesus asks him what he wants, Bartimaeus replies:
Master, I want to see.
Go your way; your faith has saved you. Immediately he received
his sight and followed Him on the way.
Note “your” way becomes “the” way. Once he sees Truth, he
pursues Truth: Jesus Christ, the way, and the truth, and the life.
In gaining sight, he comes to know more intimately our nature
expressed by St. Augustine sometime around the year 400: You
have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it
rests in you. And asserted some 15 centuries later by C.S. Lewis: I
was not born free. I was born to adore and obey.
And it’s all really a matter of integrity, wholeness. Listen to
what St. Irenaeus has to say about all of this:
God did not tell us to follow Him because He needed our help,
but because He knew that loving Him would make us whole.
Love God. Work Hard. And Take Good Care of One Another.
We come from God, we go to God—in this world and the next.
Body, mind, spirit, a unified whole. Irony? Paradox? Call it
what you will, this mystery of life that I can see only darkly, is such
that we lose nothing of our individual integrity when we surrender
our will to God. Somehow we really can have it all. In fact, to be
whole, we truly must have it all: I did it my way and I did it thy way
are really one and the same.
The essence of life is in relationships, and ours are eternal. Go
your way but return to us often in sorrow, in shame, in joy, in any
way at all, and we’ll be here ready to greet you with hearts and
arms wide open.
Know that we love you and that we will forever. Go your way
—follow the way—Go in peace, our noble sons of integrity, and
glorify God with your lives.
Shalom!
Henry Kennedy ’13 (top), Christopher Marano ’13 (bottom left) and
Michael Petro ’13 (bottom right) receive congratulations and well
wishes from mentors Brendan Sullivan, Michael Nerbonne and Elaine
Schwimmer respectively.
| 11
COMMENCEMENT
James L. Elcock ’77
Board President’s
Address
“You’ve got a friend.”
H
eadmaster Burke, Father Arens, Alumni President
McNamara, Commencement Speaker Kingsley, Faculty,
Administrators, Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, Friends,
and most of all, the Class of 2013, good morning and welcome.
Graduation Day is our most important day in the school
year. Sixty-eight graduating classes all have gone before you.
You join the ranks of our 2,600 Alumni. During your time at
St. Sebastian’s, your teachers, coaches, advisors, and your fellow
classmates have challenged you, nurtured you and prepared you
for this day. Gentlemen, this is your school. I know our school
is a better, stronger, and more vibrant institution with today’s
commencement exercise.
We are incredibly proud of you. Though your days of sitting in
classrooms, competing on an athletic field, or having given your
last Chapel speech are over, your relationship with this school will
last forever.
Perhaps you should think of our school as that lighthouse
overlooking the ocean and you are the ships, of all sizes and shapes
on journeys both near and far. Some of you will use the lighthouse
quite often for much of your life’s navigation and others, more
infrequently, but rest assure, your lighthouse, St Sebastian’s, is
going nowhere. You need to know that we are always here for you
and we will lead you to safe harbors.
“Though your days of sitting in classrooms,
competing on an athletic field, or having
given your last Chapel speech are over,
your relationship with this school will
last forever.”
In my regatta, the Class of 1977, you will find the likes of Abely,
Carroll, Clerkin, Connors, Conway, Delmonte, Doherty, Donovan,
Elcock, Feeney, Foyer, and the list would carry on for another fiftyeight boys. What you do not realize today is how close you are and
how your fellow classmates and even their families will be such
a large part of your life moving forward. Look to your left, your
right, behind you and in front of you—You, are the class of 2013!
Your class of 2013 excelled in so many ways:
• 13 members of the class were inductees into the St. Sebastian’s
Chapter of the prestigious Cum Laude Society.
• 7 members of the class were Commended Students in the
2013 National Merit Scholarship Program; 4 members went
on to be named Finalists and 2 of you won National Merit
Scholarships.
• 2 members of this class have already been designated as AP
National Scholars.
Outside the classroom:
• Your class gave over 5,000 hours of service to local
organizations through the Senior Service Program.
• Varsity Football had an undefeated season capped off by a
victory in the Arthur Valicenti Bowl, the first ever NEPSAC
championship for football.
• Varsity Baseball earned the John “Jack” Etter Trophy,
awarded by vote of coaches to the team demonstrating the
greatest sportsmanship during the season.
Finally, your extraordinary list of college acceptances. It is in
all of your accomplishments, your character, your charisma, and
your love for one another that you have made us a better school.
You have been wonderful role models (most of the time) for young
Arrows to follow in your footsteps.
As President of the Board of Trustees, it is my responsibility
to encourage each member of the Class of 2013 to continue to live
the mission of St Sebastian’s no matter where the future takes you
and live by the words, “The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a
moral and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor and wisdom,
a lifelong learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know, to
love and to serve God and neighbor.”
As I conclude my remarks today and extend my best wishes
to you all for continued success, I think back to my seventh grade
at St Sebastian’s when my English teacher, Mr. Woods, brought
in Carole King’s album “Tapestry.” Perhaps best known to your
parents—she was and still is a wonderful singer/songwriter, but
it is our own native of Massachusetts, James Taylor, who perhaps
“sang” it best. As I think of these lyrics, I imagine that these words
are words any one of you could say now and/or fifty years from
now to one another.
“When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping
hand and nothing, nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights.
You just call out my name, and you know where ever I am,
I’ll come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall, all you have to do is call and
I’ll be there.
You’ve got a friend.”
Gentlemen, may God bless you. We will miss you as students,
but we welcome you as alumni. Class of 2013 “Arrows Strong —
Arrows Forever.”
Alex Calabro ’13 and Peter Breslin ’13.
Seniors Ikechukwe Okwerekwu, James Tran, Patrick Clark, Sergio Tavares and Luke Packenham gather outside Arrows Hall before the ceremony.
| 13
COMMENCEMENT
Doug Kingsley P’10,’10,’12,’13
Keynote
Address
“Be the man God
wants you to be.”
I
was reminded last night that the graduation speaker is a little
like the corpse at an Irish wake. He is expected to wear a suit
and tie, briefly be the center of attention, but not say much.
So I promise to be brief.
Gentlemen…you have no idea how blessed you are to have
a St. Sebastian’s education. I would have given anything to be in
your shoes as an 18 year old. Only when you leave this great School
and see the world will you begin to truly understand the power of
what you have learned here. Few people you will ever meet in your
entire life will have spent 4-6 years pursuing truth through faith and
reason, surrounded by and loved by some of the best role models
imaginable. In fact, most people live their entire lives and never
meet a man like Bill Burke, or Mike Nerbonne, or Father Arens,
or any of the 100 men and women who make this the best school
in the world. As Mike Nerbonne so aptly put it, “if the world had
a St. Sebastian’s for every child, it would be a better world.”
So today you need to think about how you can honor your
parents, your teachers, and coaches by living a life that truly embodies
the values and lessons you learned at this great School. Because as you
leave St. Sebastian’s School, you enter a world that in many ways does
not share our values. In fact, you will find that much of our society is
openly hostile to the core beliefs of this School; that God exists, that
each person is a unique and irreproducible gift of God, and that there
are objective truths in the world.
At St. Sebastian’s you were armed with the lessons, the tools,
and the moral foundation to make a difference in the world. In the
classrooms, on those athletic fields, and in this church you have
learned from scores of men and women who are shining examples
of how to live your life.
Think about Army Major Chris Conley, St. Sebastian’s Class of
1994, whom you met in this church two years ago. A West Point
grad, and veteran of the war in Iraq, Chris told you that every day
he carries with him the Aeneid. Not the book itself, but the timeless
lessons embodied in Virgil’s tale of courage, honor, duty, devotion,
and brotherhood. When he visited Mr. Albertson’s Latin class a
student asked him to describe a mission. Major Conley quickly
went to the board, picked a date, and diagrammed the details
of a firefight he led in Iraq. He named every soldier under his
command, and described their actions in detail, including one
who was badly wounded, and the heroic efforts to rescue him.
Chris Conley is an Arrow who lives the lessons he learned at
St. Sebastian’s. Just as Virgil knew that Rome had a cost, and told
the Romans the names and stories of the men who paid that cost,
so too did Chris Conley. So as he carries with him the Aeneid, you
need to think about what you will carry with you as you leave this
great School.
So my message to you gentlemen today is simple. You have
been given an extraordinary gift in your years at St. Sebastian’s.
Don’t waste it. Everyone in this church is expecting great things
from you. God has a plan for each of you, and you need to be the
man that God wants you to be.
As you leave for college, you need to think hard about the
choices you make, and the responsibilities you have as a St.
Sebastian’s graduate. College can be a doorway to a happy and
productive life, or it can be a colossal waste of your time and your
parents’ money. It’s your choice. Take the hardest courses you
can possibly handle, work your tail off, be serious, because you will
never get a chance like this again.
They say there are two types of pain in this world—the
temporary pain of discipline and hard work, and the permanent
pain of regret. Don’t ever regret what you could have accomplished
at college.
College also presents countless idiotic distractions. And like
Odysseus and his men, you too will hear the sirens’ song, luring
you onto the shoals of perpetual adolescence, the hookup culture,
and self indulgence at the expense of the values that will lead you
“Only when you leave this great School
and see the world will you begin to truly
understand the power of what you have
learned here.”
to God’s purpose for your life and ultimately to heaven. So keep
your eyes on the prize, and be the man God wants you to be.
Be humble and selfless, and find ways to live your life for
others. Because you will find that the greatest rewards in life come
not from fortune or fame, but from serving others. And while the
world will tell you that humility is somehow a weakness, you all
read The Confessions of St. Augustine, who said “humility is the
foundation of all other virtues.”
You all just finished great service work. Make service work a
part of your college career from the very start.
Thirty three years ago this week, I sat at my own high school
graduation and the Commencement speaker was none other than
St. Sebastian’s own and much beloved math teacher, Mr. Richard
Palmaccio, St. Sebastian’s class of 1962. Now, for those of you who
don’t know Mr. Palmaccio, he is an actual genius. He is literally
a rocket scientist, who has consulted to NASA, he has written
math books, and his investing acumen and his quantitative and
analytical skills could have him running any hedge fund on Wall
Street, but he is here, teaching and serving you young men and
your fellow Arrows, and by the way, he is also single handedly
sponsoring an entire school in Liberia, Africa. That is a life of
service. That is a humble man to emulate. So be humble. Be the
man God wants you to be.
Be courageous and speak the Truth. In college you will be
confronted by dictatorship of relativism which says that there is
no such thing as objective truth in the world. But you know that
there is right and wrong, that good and evil do exist. Resist the
temptation to keep quiet, to get along when the time comes to seek
and speak the truth. It is not easy to tell a professor, an employer,
or a friend or even a family member that he is wrong, and that
perhaps the truth lies elsewhere, but you all studied Edmund Burke
who said “the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good
men to do nothing.”
So stand firm in values you have been taught here and at home
and don’t be afraid to stand alone. Because in reality, you are never
alone. There are good men and women who believe what you do,
and you just need to lead. Be a beacon of light in the dark parts of
our world. Be counter cultural. Gospel values have always been
counter to the general culture, it just takes courage to live them. So
be not afraid. Be the man God wants you to be.
I can see from here that our Valedictorian, Thayer Wade, wears
the pro-life pin he has worn on his lapel for the last six years. I have
no doubt he will have the courage to wear it at Harvard for the next
four years.
You all read The Power of the Powerless, so you understand
that a life, even one that much of our society would not deem to be
worth living, is in fact sacred and has the power to affect the lives of
millions, just as Oliver did. You all met Travis Roy in this church,
paralyzed from the neck down. Travis is a powerful witness to a life
with meaning and purpose.
In his first homily as Pope, Benedict XVI said “we are not some
casual and meaningless product of evolution. Each of us is the
result of a thought of God. Each of us is willed, each of us is loved,
and each of us is necessary.” So defend life as is if it were your very
own, because someday we will all be helpless and need others to
defend us. Be the man God wants you to be.
So that’s it fellas. Carry with you the countless lessons you have
learned here. Be serious, work hard, be humble, serve others, be
courageous, live Gospel values, and defend life.
In closing I will leave you with some of the very first words you
heard in this church when you applied to this great School. The
ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral and just person, a
gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a life-long learner who
continues to grow in his capacity to know, to love, and to serve
God and neighbor.
That is your mission gentlemen. Don’t let us down.
Congratulations and God bless you.
Headmaster William Burke’s
Introduction of Doug Kingsley
These are the words I received from my good friend,
St. Sebastian’s parent and Board of Trustees member,
Doug Kingsley:
I don’t need a fancy intro. My bio is that God
blessed me with parents who taught me the value of a
great education. I have been married to my high school
sweetheart for 27 years, and God gave us four great sons
who were blessed to go to St. Sebastian’s School.
I studied Engineering at Dartmouth, got an MBA
from Harvard, built my career in private equity, 16 years
at Advent International, then I co-founded North Bridge
Growth Equity.
Being a part of St. Sebastian’s School has been one of
the greatest blessings of my entire life.
Doug is an exceptionally bright, extraordinarily
generous, passionately eloquent, truly humble gentleman
of faith, honor, and integrity, who lives the creed: Let me
serve them all my days and never count the cost.
Doug and his wonderful wife Joanie tirelessly seek
and perpetually find ways to advance our School’s most
important mission, and we love them for it.
Their sons, Ned and Max, Dartmouth College
Class of 2014, Doug, Providence College Class of 2016,
and Scott, who graduates today and then is off to the
University of Notre Dame, have enjoyed an aggregate of
24 years of St. Sebastian’s schooling.
Please help me welcome our esteemed
Commencement Speaker: Mr. Doug Kingsley.
| 15
COMMENCEMENT
Thayer Wade ’13
Valedictory
Address
“A man of integrity is a
man destined for greatness.”
B
efore I begin, I would like to thank especially Mr. Kingsley
for his endless kindness and amazing leadership at this
school. I cannot recall the countless number of times I have
been so graciously hosted at the Kingsley home by Mr. and Mrs.
Kingsley, but I remember most especially the time when I was still
suffering symptoms of my concussion and the Kingsleys created an
opportunity for me to meet Mr. John Judge, the father of our fellow Arrow forever, Will Judge. Mr. Judge told me to pray to Will
for healing because he knew Will was in heaven. I did; Will is. Mr.
Kingsley, your kindness, leadership, and generosity mean so much
to everyone at this school and to me. On behalf of all of the Class
of 2013, thank you.
Mr. Burke, Fr. Arens, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Elcock,
Mr. Kingsley, members of the Board of Trustees, members of the
faculty, parents, guests, and brothers of the Class of 2013:
It is only appropriate to begin by expressing my gratitude,
first and foremost for the chance to speak to all of you today.
Thank you to my teachers, and to the entire faculty here at St.
Sebastian’s, for your selfless dedication as you invest countless
hours in our education and well being. Thank you especially to
the St. Sebastian’s “Big Three,” the pillars of our beloved Sebs: Mr.
Burke, Mr. Nerbonne, and Mr. Sullivan. It is your leadership and
love that make this school the amazing place that it is. I would like
to express my gratitude to my family, especially my Mom and Dad,
my brothers Geoff and Patrick, and my sister Elizabeth, for their
never-ending love and support. And I would like to thank God
for the tremendous blessing of this school and community, the
brotherhood of Arrows.
Now, to my classmates, members of the Class of 2013, thank
you. Each of you has in some way or another made the past six
years amazing. As a whole, the Class of 2013 is one of outstanding
character and talent. You have shared your God given talents,
excelling on the fields, on the stage, in competition, and in the
classroom. Upon reflection, I have come to realize Mr. Burke is
correct when he states that every boy desires to do something
great with his life. I know that each and every one of us is destined
for greatness. Most, if not all of us, have yet to discover what this
greatness may specifically entail, but nonetheless, greatness is our
calling. Eric Liddell, a Christian missionary and athlete who ran
track in the 1924 Olympics, and on whom the movie Chariots of
Fire is based, was, no doubt, great. In the movie, Liddell states, “I
believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And
when I run, I feel his pleasure.” Clearly, as an Olympic runner,
Liddell was destined for greatness. However, it was not always
easy for Liddell to pursue running while keeping his belief in and
love of God first. As the movie depicts, Liddell declined to run his
best event, the 100m, at the Olympics, because it fell on a Sunday,
the Sabbath. Instead, he was forced to run the much longer 400m,
a significant challenge to the 100m sprinter. The movie, like so
many other stories of great men and women, demonstrates that
no matter how much we are destined for greatness, it is inevitable
that we will face adversity during life’s journey. However, it is
in our response to adversity that we can have the opportunity to
become more patient, more compassionate, more courageous,
and more human. In essence, in courageously overcoming the
adversity we face, we will find true joy and happiness in our lives.
As Christ stated, and Pope John Paul II emphasized so often, “Be
Not Afraid.”
The significance of suffering and adversity has been recognized
at this school since its founding, when the school was named
after a great martyr, St. Sebastian. Beyond just the naming of the
school, the significance of suffering was further recognized in the
motto on the school shield: “Semen Est Sanguis Christianorum”
—“The blood of the Christian martyrs is the seed,” the seed of the
Church. Suffering has always been a given. However, suffering
is not meaningless or without purpose. The blood of the martyrs
“Take St. Sebastian’s with you, men of courage, honor, and wisdom,
and do not compromise your values. You will truly be men of
greatness, beacons in a world in desperate need of you.”
becomes the seed—it is not solely a tragic loss of life, but a nutrient
that enables faith to grow and flourish. There is, however, a certain
responsibility that comes with suffering in order for it to have
meaning. In our suffering, we must not turn inward and pity
ourselves. We must get up when we are knocked down, and if we
cannot get up in the moment, rather than allowing our suffering
to crush us, we must trust in God that soon we will be able to rise
again. In choosing to face adversity with courage, we are set on
the path to greatness. When you are presented with a tragedy, it
can be described as a cross like Christ’s cross. Embrace it, carry
it, and with the cross’s redemptive power, carry on. So many of
you, my brothers, as well as faculty, have faced dire situations—
loss of loved ones, your grandparents, your mother, your father,
even both parents, and children not yet born. You have endured
great suffering in illness and injury. Your courage has not gone
unnoticed. In fact, it inspires me. When we stay true to our
character and face adversity, we will find that we truly live lives of
integrity. Not only will we triumph over our challenges, but we will
find grace and even joy in the battle. We will stay whole, and not
fall apart, so to speak. We will maintain our integrity.
Integrity, this year’s theme, is such a tremendous word. It is
not as easy a word to immediately define as the themes we saw
in preceding years: gratitude, freedom, trust, unity, and courage.
It includes honesty, but there is something more to it, such as
wholeness or the state of being undiminished. I could not help
but notice that integrity seems to include in some way or another
each of the preceding themes. When thinking about the integrity
of an individual, of a person, I think of the ideal St. Sebastian’s
graduate, as summarized in the last sentence of the Mission
Statement: “The ideal St. Sebastian’s graduate will be a moral
and just person, a gentleman of courage, honor, and wisdom, a
life-long learner who continues to grow in his capacity to know,
to love, and to serve God and neighbor.” My fellow Arrows, in a
few minutes, we will be St. Sebastian’s graduates. And as we head
off to college, I challenge you to strive for the ideal, to maintain
your integrity as men of courage, honor, and wisdom. We will
doubtlessly face temptation, but we must remember who we are.
Men of God, Arrows forever. In the First Book of Samuel, God
says, “I will honor those who honor me” (1 Samuel 2:30). Fellow
classmates, I urge you to maintain your integrity as you uphold
your morality. There is a strong connection between integrity and
morality. Even the meaning of the words sound similar: there is a
closeness between whole and holiness. We have learned from our
various math classes that the whole is equal to the sum of its parts.
However, when we maintain integrity in our lives, we will find a
not so clear truth: for a man of integrity, the whole is greater than
the sum of its parts.
A man of integrity is a man destined for greatness. Two
novels that we have read here at St. Sebastian’s depict men on
life’s journey. In the last sentence of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott
Fitzgerald states, “So we beat on, boats against the current,
borne back ceaselessly into the past.” In this ominous existential
conclusion, Fitzgerald examines Gatsby’s failure to be a man of
greatness, to be the great Gatsby, because he was never able to
move beyond his past. In contrast, the last sentence of Charles
Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities reads, “It is a far, far better thing
that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go
to, than I have ever known.” Dickens presents Sydney Carton’s
triumph over his deviant past and his success in finding meaning
and purpose in his life. He becomes, dare I say, great by laying
down his life for his friend. Fellow Arrows, our time here at St.
Sebastian’s as students is over, but we will remain Arrows forever.
In a certain sense, we must reconcile The Great Gatsby and A Tale
of Two Cities: we must never truly leave St. Sebastian’s but take it
and each other with us on our journey beyond. As Mr. Burke says,
“relationships are forever.” In this sense, however, we must take
what we learned and lived here at St. Sebastian’s, and carry these
values into the world at large, a challenging task on our college
campuses. Yet, we must never back down, never let the Order of
the Day to “Love God, Work Hard, and Take Good Care of One
Another” fade from our hearts. Alfred Lord Tennyson concludes
his poem Ulysses, “Though we are not now that strength which in
old days moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are; one
equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but
strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.” Take St.
Sebastian’s with you, men of courage, honor, and wisdom, and do
not compromise your values. You will truly be men of greatness,
beacons in a world in desperate need of you.
There is a great scene in the movie Chariots of Fire when,
in the middle of a race, an opposing runner knocks down Eric
Liddell. It reminded me when Louie Zamperini of our favorite
book, Unbroken, was spiked when he was about to break the fiveminute mile. How does Eric Liddell face adversity? He is down on
the ground briefly as the other runners sprint ahead, but he gets
back up, and not only completes the race, but sprints, and wins
it. Fellow Arrows, sometimes you will get knocked down, spiked,
head-butt, betrayed. But when you do, get back up with fortitude
and fight on. Win. For the boys. “I believe God made me for a
purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His
pleasure.” Fellow members of the Class of 2013, God has made
each and every one of you for a purpose. You have so many talents,
skills, and blessings that you will use to find your purpose, to come
to know, to love, and to serve God and one another. You are each
destined for greatness in this way. In the pursuit of this greatness,
when you run the race and fight the good fight, when you embrace
your duty to strive to be men of integrity and men of greatness, I
guarantee that you will not only feel God’s pleasure but you will
live God’s pleasure. Arrows forever. Thank you and God bless.
| 17
COMMENCEMENT
Kenneth Chen ’13
Salutatory
Address
“Let us bring our very
best as Arrows men.”
M
r. Burke, Fr. Arens, Mr. Nerbonne, Mr. Elcock, Mr.
Kingsley, members of the Board of Trustees, members
of the faculty, parents, guests, and most of all, members
of the Class of 2013:
It is only appropriate to begin by expressing my deep gratitude
to the St. Sebastian’s community. You all have tremendously
contributed to each graduate’s growth. Mr. Burke, I doubt there is
another headmaster on Earth who can remember the name of every
enrolled student and hand out each certificate to the right student
at academic award assemblies. You care for every student like a
father for his own son. You imbue us with truths—a healthy balance
between body, mind, and spirit, and never meeting a happy, lazy
person, to name a few. The Class of 2013 is extraordinarily fortunate
and blessed to have had you as our leader and our mentor.
To the faculty: on behalf of my classmates, I can say that we are
extremely grateful for the hours before and after school sacrificed,
the minutes of lunch taken, and the patience exerted to make
sure that every student wanting extra help gets extra help. Here,
teachers want their students to succeed, and they feel an obligation
to support them all the way through, not just for national tests,
but also for the sake of knowledge. To illustrate, I took some tricky
problems to Mr. Wilbur, who helped me for two hours even though
the AP Physics C exam already had taken place earlier that week.
We did not stop because two hours for one student was more than
enough sacrifice on Mr. Wilbur’s part. We stopped because we ran
out of questions. There is no denying Mr. Burke’s saying that this
school exists for us—the students—and we owe much of that to
the faculty, who have given us care and nurturing beyond what is
expected of them both in the classroom and on the field. Special
thanks to Raphie and the kitchen staff for making me taller than my
parents. But with all sincerity, Mom and Dad, thank you for giving
me much support in the hard times and for having the courage to
remind me of my limitations. Thank you for giving me the freedom
to pursue all my desires. And thank you, thank you so much for
keeping me at St. Sebastian’s.
To the parents: you have our sincere gratitude for sending your
sons here to St. Sebastian’s—and this is why, the Class of 2013, my
friends, thank you. We all are so fortunate to have had each other as
role models. Thank you all for being greater than me in something,
in skill or character. As I am sure you feel the same way toward the
other sixty-six Arrows in this Church, I have learned something
from each of you and have come a long way from the small 7th
grader who could not smile at a light joke or who cried when his
hockey puck was jokingly taken away in practice.
What is St. Sebastian’s? That is, what makes our school
distinctive, and more specifically, what kind of young men are we,
the Class of 2013? I am grateful to have the opportunity to share
my thoughts, but I first quote the Dutch Renaissance humanist
Desiderius Erasmus, who claimed, “Reflection is a flower of the
mind, giving out wholesome fragrance; but revelry is the same
flower, when rank and running to seed.” In compact terms,
reflection is good, but pure celebration is not. In a few moments,
each young man will each receive his diploma, which signals the
end of his St. Sebastian’s career; however, let us not just reflect on
the end goal of graduation. Let us not reflect merely on who we
have become today; instead, let us remember our past for the sake
of realizing what we need to bring with us into the world outside
the St. Sebastian’s bubble.
First, we are men of scholarship. In the most literal
interpretation, we can look to Peter DeMatteo, Kevin Patterson,
Michael Petro, and Thayer Wade—our four National Merit
Scholarship Finalists. We can look to the classroom, where
“What appear on the surface to be just our daily acts of kindness
and brotherhood have enormously shaped us into the young men
of integrity and honor we are today.”
we gain extensive and exhaustive knowledge. We build direct
current motors, we analyze recent controversial issues, and we
write argumentative papers on Physician Assisted Suicide and on
Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment. More importantly, we learn
to think for ourselves—a crucial ability, as American educationalist
John Dewey best puts: “The aim of education should be to teach
us rather how to think, than what to think—rather to improve our
minds, so as to enable us to think for ourselves, than to load the
memory with the thoughts of other men.” That is why we spend
entire classes self-deriving physics equations instead of repetitive
test prep. That is why we not only analyze our Bedford Reader
assignments, but also write in response to open-ended prompts after
each reading.
Second, we are men of balance. We excel not only in the
classroom, but also in extracurricular endeavors despite our small
class size. This spring, Brian O’Malley received a Scholar-Athlete
Award from the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame;
last spring, Julian Matra won the Massachusetts Shakespeare
Competition; on this July 2nd, our very own Patrick Clark will
sing the national anthem at Fenway Park before the Sox/Padres
game. The greatest benefit, however, of a rich balance of strong
extracurricular opportunities is, again, not the actual skills gained;
rather, it is the social skills acquired. This is why we are men of
balance. We learn how to communicate with different personalities
associated with each activity. We are not confined to one social
stereotype; for example, I am not the antisocial chess geek, I am not
the shy violist, and I am not the party-hard hip-hop dancer.
Third, we are men of character. At St. Sebastian’s, where we have
the luxury of placing emphasis on character, we receive an education
far more valuable than academics. We learn how to be good people,
to care for each other not as teachers and students, classmates and
peers, but as close friends and brothers. I can think of no other place
with as large and loud a crowd at high school sporting events and
with teachers accepting nicknames like Colonel, Jedi, or GMO. The
most powerful manifestation of our character is this very support
for each other. I have three brief accounts that I would like to share.
Last December, seeing the 5pm stillness in the lower library, I signed
into my email, only to learn that my admission decision had not
come out on time. What was originally isolation became a crowd
of mainly seniors around my chair and a tense wait that involved
Connor Chabot destroying me in slime soccer. At 5:31, I clicked
on the white tab, and the crowd burst into heartfelt, sport-like
cheering, with Michael Petro singing, “We are the champions.” A
few moments later, Chris Riley opened his acceptance in the upper
library, and we seniors charged together to the science wing. When
school got out for winter break a few days later, Peter DeMatteo
faced a similar wait for his acceptance notification and had to shield
himself from the cheering seniors shaking him with congratulations.
We share more than classrooms and fields. We share a
brotherhood and a family, and our greatest moments have come
together as a group. Fr. Arens professes, “Grief shared is divided.
Joy shared is multiplied.” We beamed with pride when we became
the first football team in school history to claim both the ISL and
NEPSAC titles. We rushed the hallways in Spiderman suits with silly
string and charged many fields after the final buzzer. What appear
on the surface to be just our daily acts of kindness and brotherhood
have enormously shaped us into the young men of integrity and
honor we are today.
What will others on the road think upon glimpsing the “Arrows”
bumper sticker? In most cases, it will mean little to others, many of
whom will not recognize us. To us, however, those six letters mean
everything. They mean who we have become and therefore what will
be for the rest of our lives. Coming into St. Sebastian’s with a stellar
48 on Mr. Dagdigian’s monster test on Canoeing with the Cree,
my 7th grade self would have never imagined coming out of these
hallways the person he is today—not just from the two red digits
on that test, but also from his shy personality. We all entered here
with different qualities, and we all leave now with different qualities.
Though our individuality inherently dictates that we are different,
there is no denying the fact that we all have experienced tremendous
growth as a result of St. Sebastian’s nurturing environment.
I leave you with the words of Luke 12:48: “For unto whomsoever
much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men
have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” We indeed
have been given much, and what a great chance for us to take what
we have learned and gained into the world. Though we are small in
the world, I am reminded of Gordon B. Hinkly’s assertion that “I
believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. It
may be ever so small, but it will count for the greater good.” Let us
not disappoint those who have given so freely of themselves for our
development and let us radiate the spirit of God wherever we go.
As we cross into college life with fewer constraints and are forced to
make our own decisions, let us bring our very best as Arrows men.
It was a privilege to be among you all for the past six years. Arrows
forever, brothers forever. Thank you, and God bless.
| 19
SENIOR CLASS GIFT
Class of 2013 Courtyard
Senior Class Gift creates a beautiful new
space that will leave a lasting legacy
Marking the beginning of Commencement Week, parents of the
Class of 2013 gathered to dedicate the courtyard on June 2, 2013.
T
he Headmaster’s Reception and
Dinner appropriately began on this
beautiful new brick patio with stone
and granite walls. Thanks to the generosity
of the parents who contributed to this year’s
Senior Class Gift, this new patio creates a
welcoming entrance and gathering space to
the Science, Math and Library Center.
The weather provided a particularly warm
and windy backdrop for the reception where
parents had the opportunity to reminisce
under a tent on the courtyard they helped to
create. Fr. John Arens offered the blessing for
the courtyard which is a permanent legacy
to the Class of 2013. Headmaster Bill Burke
spoke next, thanking the parents for making
this year’s Class Gift possible. Headmaster
Burke said, in part, “I often say and the
students frequently repeat: The essence of
life is in relationships. That this Courtyard
provides us with a beautiful space for building
and deepening relationships is a powerfully
beautiful self-evident truth. Thanks to the
tremendous generosity of our loyal and loving
parents, our community has taken another
major leap forward, and I am so much more
grateful than I could ever say.”
Following the dedication, the parents
headed across the street to the Class of
2007 Terrace at the Headmaster’s House
for dinner. It was a wonderful evening
enjoyed by all!
Fr. John Arens and Headmaster Bill Burke
Members of the Senior Class Gift Committee with Headmaster Bill Burke (far left).
| 21
SENIOR CLASS GIFT
A Collective Impact
Looking back at how senior class gifts have transformed
St. Sebastian’s campus over the past two decades
T
he Senior Class Gift concept was conceived and launched
in autumn of 1993, when then-trustee and current parent,
Kip Condron, suggested that the Senior parents collaborate
on a special gift to St. Sebastian’s during the year of their sons’
graduation. Thanks to the generosity of our Senior Parents in that
inaugural year, and in every subsequent year, our School has been
blessed with tremendous capital improvements!
The first eight years of the program brought us the following
enhancements:
1994: Refurbished Admissions reception area
1995: New soccer and baseball scoreboards
1996: Computers for the writing lab and gymnasium improvements
1997: Stained glass window in the Chapel
1998: Custom podium with School seal
1999: Stained glass School seal over the main entrance to the Birmingham Building
2000: Trophy case in the main lobby of the Birmingham Building
2001: Multiple items to complete the Chapel
The 2002 Class Gift gave birth to Alumni Hall in the Arts Center,
where the photo of every alumnus can be found in composite
beneath a timeline of the year’s most significant achievements. The
Class of 2003 Gift gave us the clocks installed on the towers of the
Arts Center. The Class of 2004 produced a host of beautiful new
signs throughout the campus. In 2005, we were honored with the
Headmaster portraits on display in Ward Hall.
In 2006, recognizing the need for greater online presence, the
Senior Class Parents helped us launch the School’s new website,
which has become so vitally important to the advancement of
our most important mission. The Class of 2007 funded the brick
terrace behind the Griffith House. The 2008 Gift, our stunning St.
Sebastian’s wall and three flag poles on the corner of Great Plain
and Greendale Avenues, provides a most gracious welcome. Thanks
to the 2009 Gift, Ward Hall has been tremendously upgraded with
a wood paneled wall and School Seal. In addition to helping us fund
needed improvements to the locker rooms and lobby of the gym, the
Class of 2010 donated Arrows Hall, where we display photos and
rosters of every varsity team in history and perpetuity.
The 2011 Gift funded the stone walls and granite pillars on
either side of our footpath. Last year, the Class of 2012 honored
the extraordinary service of Mr. Michael Nerbonne, Assistant
Headmaster, with a gorgeous study space in the new library. Most
recently, the Class of 2013 gave us the courtyard in front of the new
Science, Math and Library Center, which now serves as the main
entrance and gathering space.
The School’s twentieth Senior Class Gift, now in its initial stages
of concept and design, is certain to follow tradition and add to the
transformation of our Campus and to the positive experience of
future Arrows.
Class of 2002: Alumni Hall
Class of 2007: Terrace at the Headmaster’s House
“Our School exists for our students and their families.
That each young man and parent weaves his and her
unique and everlasting threads into the fabric of our
community is a truth to which the Senior Class Gift so
palpably and gloriously attests.”
—Headmaster Bill Burke
Class of 2010: Arrows Hall
“When one looks at the totality of the Senior Class
Gift Program—both in funds raised and participation
levels—and its impact on the School, you’d have to
conclude that it’s been a major part of our campus
transformation.” —Michael Nerbonne, Assistant Headmaster
Class of 2008: Entrance wall
Class of 2011: Stone walls and pillars, with a memorial to William P.
Judge ’11.
Class of 2009: Wood-paneled wall with School seal in Ward Hall with a
memorial to Erik Ward ’09.
“The Senior Class Gift Program has been, and
continues to be, one of the most rewarding and
positive aspects of our fundraising and advancement
initiatives. Its collective impact on the campus
experience has been tremendous.”
—Rich Arms, Director of Alumni & Development
Class of 2012: Nerbonne Study
| 23
ARROWS IN THE NEWS
Undergraduate & College Book Awards
S
t. Sebastian’s School is proud to recognize the following students who were
presented with College Book and Memorial Awards for their achievements
during the Undergraduate Awards Assembly held on Wednesday, May 29, 2013.
Students receiving College Book Awards:
Caleb F. Aldrich, Jr. ’14 (Harvard University)
John F. Bartlett, Jr. ’14 (Yale University)
Zachary C. Chambers ’14 (College of the Holy Cross)
Conor E. Craven ’14 (Williams College)
William M. DuFour ’14 (University of Virginia)
Daniel W. Fulham ’14 (Trinity College-Dublin)
Joseph M. Kearney ’14 (Middlebury College)
Cameron J. Kelly ’14 (Regis College)
Christian X. Kelly ’14 (St. Lawrence University)
William J. Kenney ’14 (Harvard University)
Connor S. Murray ’14 (Villanova University)
John H. O’Leary ’14 (Bryant University)
Matthew R. Ouellette ’14 (St. Anselm College)
Alexander C. Pappas ’14 (Wheeling Jesuit University)
Brandon G. Sweeney ’14 (St. Michael’s College)
Luke J. Wasynczuk ’14 (Merrimack College)
Dr. James & Margaret McDonough with James P.B.
McDonough Award recipient Patrick Rivard ’14.
Students receiving Undergraduate Awards:
Caleb F. Aldrich, Jr. ’14 (Gandolfo Award)
Weston R. Brach ’16 (John P. Birmingham, Jr. Writing Award)
William G. Daniel ’18 (Jason Keating Award)
Timothy M. DiFiore ’17 (William P. Judge Award)
Desmond T. DiGiovanni ’14 (Frank J. Hennessey, Jr. Award)
Henry J. Finnegan ’14 (William P. Judge Scholarship)
Daniel W. Fulham ’14 (Robert J. Joyce, Jr. Award)
John L. Glynn ’16 (John P. Birmingham, Jr. Writing Award)
Jack F. Goldman ’14 (Frank J. Hennessey, Jr. Award)
Matthew G. Guarino ’15 (Gandolfo Award)
Austin R. Lewis ’14 (Kevin T. Mutch Award)
Marlon D. Matthews ’14 (Gandolfo Award)
Marlon D. Matthews ’14 (Grace S. and Raymond M. Vorce, Sr. Award)
John E. McNamara, Jr. ’14 (Joseph Compagnone Memorial Award)
John H. O’Leary ’14 (Kevin Ghelli Award)
Patrick J. Rivard ’14 (James P.B. McDonough Award)
Corey K. Ronan ’14 (Kevin T. Mutch Award)
Tyler C. Wiik ’15 (Gandolfo Award)
Lynn and J.P. ’09 Judge with William P. Judge Award
recipient Timothy DiFiore ’17 and and Assistant
Headmaster Michael Nerbonne.
Tom Mutch (center) with Kevin T. Mutch Award
recipients Corey Ronan ’14 and Austin Lewis ’14.
ARROWS IN THE NEWS
Around Campus
A brief look at the people and events that have helped to shape
the St. Sebastian’s School community.
STUDENT NEWS
Eighth Grade Vists the MFA
On Thursday, May 16, the eighth grade
traveled to the Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston with Ms. Deirdre Rynne. This
annual field trip enables students to see the
work they have studied over the course of
two years as part of their Middle School
curriculum. This year, 56 eighth graders
were also able to visit the outstanding
Samurai exhibit. A special thank you to
chaperones: Mr. Mark Rogers, Mr. Karl
Grohmann, Mr. David Cornish, Mrs.
Patricia Colton, Mr. Steve Dagdigian, Mr.
James Tull and Mr. Michael Lawler for
their help.
Moot Court Finals Results
The finals of the Sixth Annual Moot Court
Competition took place on Wednesday,
May 22, in the McCulloch Room at St.
Sebastian’s. The Competition, sponsored by
the History Department, was moderated by
Denis Cleary, Chairperson of the History
Department. Seniors Julian Matra ’13
and Michael Petro ’13 took on classmates
Matthew Donovan ’13 and Edward
O’Hara ‘13 in a court presided over by four
members of the Boston Municipal Court:
Judges Coyne, Flaherty, Horgan, and
Leary. All four student “lawyers” acquitted
themselves splendidly and the Judges
declared Julian Matra and Michael Petro
the winners.
Barron ’16 Organizes Equipment Drive
Freshman Matt Barron organized a baseball
equipment drive to support the Fundacion
Leones JP baseball club in Caracas,
Venezuela. Carmen Mier y Teran, Vice
Principal of the Colegio Integral El Avila,
sent this wonderful note to St. Sebastian’s:
On behalf of our School, I would like
to thank you for the generous donation
from your school community and
especially for supporting Matthew
Barron with his social work project
of helping the Venezuelan youngsters
and children of low social status. Your
support truly makes a difference in
the lives of our children whose only
recreational and safe moments are when
they are playing baseball.
Patrick Clark ’13 Sings National
Anthem at Fenway Park
On Tuesday, July 2, Patrick
Clark ‘13 realized a dream when
he had the honor of singing the
National Anthem at Fenway
Park. With the guidance, patience
and perseverance of Headmaster
Burke, Patrick was able to earn the
coveted solo spot for a Red Sox
home game. Before the Red Sox
beat the San Diego Padres, Patrick
delivered a flawless performance
that was enthusiastically received
by more than 30,000 Red Sox fans.
Congratulations, Patrick!
Watch the video:
www.stsebs.org/clarkatfenway
Eighth graders gather for a photo at the Museum of Fine Arts during the annual field trip.
| 25
ARROWS IN THE NEWS
Brian O’Malley ’13 and Patrick Healy ’13 at
Boston LAX All-American Game.
Brian Mullin ’13 and Brian O’Malley ’13 play
together in the Shriners All-Star Game.
Healy ’13 and O’Malley ’13 Play in
Boston Lax All-American Game
Patrick Healy ’13 and Brian O’Malley ’13
represented St. Sebastian’s on Monday,
June 17, in the the First Annual Boston
Lax All-American Game, featuring top
public and private school players from
across the state. Held at Harvard Stadium,
the game found Healy and O’Malley as
foes for the first time. Healy suited up
for the squad honoring the Wounded
Warrior Project while O’Malley’s jersey
read Boston Strong on behalf of the One
Fund. Proceeds from the evening were
directed to each organization and the
Wounded Warrior squad prevailed in a
well-played 13-12 game.
Mullin ’13 and O’Malley ’13 Play in
Shriners All-Star Game
On Saturday, June 22, Brian Mullin ’13 and
Brian O’Malley ’13 played football for the
Shriners North Team in the Shriners AllStar Football Game at Bentley University.
They were chosen as two of the best High
School Senior football players throughout
Eastern Massachusetts by the Mass High
School Football Coaches Association. It
is an honor to be selected to play in this
annual game that pits Northern Mass High
School All-Stars against Southern Mass
High School All-Stars with the ultimate
purpose of raising money for the Shriners
Hospitals for Children. Coach Souza was
there to cheer the boys on!
Pope John Paul II Field Days
During a rainy second week in June,
St. Sebastian’s hosted four days of field
day activities for students from all four
campuses of Pope John Paul II Academy in
Dorchester and Mattapan. St. Sebastian’s
students, along with Montrose students,
helped the teachers from Pope John Paul II
run the activities, ranging from basketball
to “capture the flag,” and kickball. Despite
the challenges presented by Mother Nature,
everyone had a great time. Thank you to
Dean of Students Brendan Sullivan for
coordinating this great event for the kids.
San Miguel Field Day
On Thursday, July 18, St. Sebastian’s School
students hosted a field day for the students
from the San Miguel School of Providence.
With temperatures pushing 100 degrees,
the group tried to stay cool between games
of soccer, flag football, and basketball with
frequent water breaks and runs through the
sprinkler. Later in the day the group hit the
air-conditioned comfort of Ward Hall for
some indoor activities and lunch. Thanks
go to Lindsey Allen, Sue O’Malley, Barb
Connolly, John Eaton, Patty Lutch and Eric
Ludwig for a successful and fun day.
ALUMNI NEWS
St. Sebastian’s students play football with boys from the San Miguel School during a field day.
Pitino ’01 Named as the Gophers’
New Coach
Richard Pitino ’01 was selected as the
University of Minnesota’s head basketball
coach in April. The son of NCAA coaching
legend Rick Pitino, Richard most recently
coached the Golden Panthers at Florida
International University, guiding them to
10 more wins than the previous year and
the most since 1997-98, resulting in the
first winning season in 13 years. Pitino
was chosen for his recruiting skills, ability
to develop student-athletes on and off the
court and ability to manage and build the
basketball program to the highest level.
ARROWS IN THE NEWS
Venditti ’12 Takes Home NEWMAC
Baseball Rookie of the Year Award
Alex Venditti ’12, a freshman at WPI, was
named NEWMAC Rookie of the Year in
May, receiving top billing from the league
for his performance on the Engineers.
The first baseman hit five home runs this
spring, second most in the conference,
and also finished among the league
leaders in slugging percentage, total
bases, runs batted in, doubles and hit by
pitches. He was second on the team with a
.333 batting average with 41 hits, 22 runs
scored and 11 walks.
Regan ‘09 Receives Dane
Baseball Trophy
Luke Regan ‘09 received the Francis S.
Dane Baseball Trophy during the 2013
Bowdoin Commencement. The award
was given to Luke as the member of the
varsity baseball team who best exemplifies
“character, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm
for the game of baseball.”
Lalor ’09 Recognized as ScholarAthlete by Atlantic Hockey Association
Mac Lalor ’09 was one of 17 Army hockey
players named to the 2012-13 Atlantic
Hockey Academic Team, topping off a
successful sophomore year at the United
States Military Academy. This academic
honor is given to players who earned at
least a 3.2 grade-point average in each
semester. During this past season, Lalor was
second on the team in points with 6 goals
and 12 assists for a total of 18 points.
Grandparents’ Day
More than 300 grandparents came from around the country to
spend the day with their grandsons on Tuesday, April 30.
Our grandparents enjoyed a luncheon including
entertainment provided by students and speeches
from Headmaster Bill Burke and Andy ’48 and
Claire McAuliffe P’72,’75,’78,’79,’81 GP ’15,’16.
Following the formal program, grandparents
and their grandsons attended two class periods
together before heading into the Church to
celebrate Mass with Fr. John Arens. The event
ended with a dessert reception in Ward Hall. It
was a wonderful day for everyone in attendance.
Paul Canavan ’14 shows his
grandmother around the school.
James Fiore ’14 during a math class
with his grandmother.
James Mooney ’18 with his grandfather.
Arrows Baseball Alums Reunite
Four 2012 graduates of St. Sebastian’s
reunited after a recent Bowdoin/Bates
baseball game: Peter Cimini, Conor
Reenstierna, Chris Nadeau, and Mark
Cunningham Thanks in part to the strong
play of another Arrows alum—Luke Regan
‘09—Bowdoin won all three games of the
series between the two teams.
Ken Vallace ’15 with his grandparents.
| 27
REUNION
Reunion 2013
Arrows Alumni Come to Together to Celebrate and Remember
O
ver 250 alumni from reunion years 1948-2008, their
spouses, faculty, and friends attended Reunion 2013 on
Friday and Saturday, May 17-18.
The festivities began on Friday, when the Classes of 1988
and 1963, celebrating their twenty-fifth and fiftieth reunions
respectively, assembled for a joint reception and private dinners
in the Birmingham Academic Building. On Saturday, the Classes
of 1945-63 kicked-off the celebration by attending a luncheon
hosted by Headmaster Bill and Patty Burke on the Class of 2007
Terrace. Tours of the campus, an opportunity to hear about life at St.
Sebastian’s today from current seniors, the chance to watch varsity
lacrosse and JV baseball, and a special Memorial Mass concelebrated
by Fr. John Arens filled the afternoon.
The event concluded with the annual Headmaster’s Cocktail
Reception and Clambake. The weather was perfect as the group
gathered outside Arrows Hall for the reception and Class pictures,
before proceeding to Ward Hall for the Clambake, which featured a
brief speaking program and an opportunity to tour the School’s new
Science, Math & Library Center. Special guests Bishop Boles ’47 and
Monsignor Contons respectively opened and closed the Clambake
with a few words honoring St. Sebastian’s School.
Awards given during the speaking presentation included...
Alumni who traveled the farthest:
Vincent Greene ’48 (Naples, Florida)
Edward Goggin ‘53 (Park Ridge, Illinois)
Stephen Smith ’63 (Ukiah, California)
John Stelzer ’63 (Houston, Texas)
Robert Peirce ’68 (Belvedere, California)
John Fish ’73 (Burbank, California)
Mark Cousin ’73 (Portland, Oregon)
George Quinn ’78 (Big Lake, Minnesota)
Martin Clapton ’93 (Jackson, Mississippi)
Elliott Otto ’98 (Berkeley, California)
The classes with the two largest gifts: 1963 and 1988
The class with the greatest number in attendance: 2008
The class with the greatest percentage in attendance: 1948
1963
50th Class Reunion
Back row, from left: Tom Godino, Bob Spenlinhauer,
Jack O’ Dea, John Reintjes, Fran Blouin, Gerry May,
Jack Stelzer
Front row: Steve Smith, Richard Dugan, John Hoare,
Tim Ready, Don McCulloch, Andy Nemethy, Neil Rossi
25TH & 50TH RECEPTIONS
Tim Ready ’63 holding court with classmates Bob Spenlinhauer ’63 and
Jack O’Dea ’63.
Classmates Bill Ablondi ’73 and Vin Gandolfo ’73 check out their
class timeline in Alumni Hall.
Doris Lanigan, former School Secretary, mother of David
Barlow ‘60, with husband Bob Lanigan.
Classmates Gene McDonough ’88, Dan Daly ’88, and Joe Cusack ’88 catching up
at the 25th Reunion Dinner.
HEADMASTER’S LUNCHEON
Classmates Jack O’Leary ’53 and Jack McKinney ’53, with wives Margaret and
Jean, enjoying a wonderful lunch on the Headmaster’s Terrace.
Jim Grogan ’48 sharing some laughs with his classmates.
| 29
REUNION
HEADMASTER’S RECEPTION
AND CLAMBAKE
Mark Hunter ’83, George Georgenes ’83 and Tim Greeley ’83.
Faculty member Dan Burke ’97 (center) catching up with Mike Garland ’08 and
Peter O’Neil ’08.
2003 classmates Jay Tansey, Brady Fitzgerald, Brendan Boyce, Joe Scardino
and Will Hayes.
Eric Sauliner ’93, George Benzie ’93 and Brian Denning ’93.
Morris Kittler catching up with former faculty members Msgr.
Contons and Bishop Boles ’47.
2008 classmates Dan Driscoll, Tucker Donahoe, Sean Flaherty, and Colin
Packenham dig into their lobsters.
1948
Standing: Rosemary Ryan (Spouse of Jim
Ryan ’48), Tom Hartnett, Andy McAuliffe, Jim
Grogan, Vincent Greene
Sitting: Gene Pierotti, Gene McAuliffe, Jack Boyle
1953
From left: Lou Russell, Ed Goggin, Owen Todd,
John McKinney, Jack O’Leary, Kevin Thornton
1958
From left: Tom Smith, Carl Sundstrom, Jim
Coleman
| 31
REUNION
1968
Back row, from left: Gerry Dahlstrom, Paul True,
John Goodfellow
Middle row: Bob Peirce, Ron Rich, Paul Costello,
David Leahy
Front row: Jim Dunn, Bill Sullivan, John Morin,
Paul Maloof, Gavin Viano
1973
Back row, from left: Jay McInerney, Alan
Comeau
Middle row: Mark Canavan, Andrew Maloney,
John Fish
Front row: Mark Cousins, Bill Ablondi, Vin
Gandolfo, Tom Cook, Kevin Flynn
1978
Back row, from left: Tom Looney, Howie
Sylvester, Michael Murray
Front row: George Quinn, Jay Mullen, Steve
Burke, Ned Callanan
1983
Back row, from left: Tim Foley, Al Cedrone, Tim
Greeley, Dan Gilbert
Front row: Tim Foley, George Georgenes, Mark
Hunter, Allen McCarthy
1988
Back row, from left: Mike Stanton, Joe Cusack, Bill
Cahill, Gene McDonough, Chris Tosi
Front row: Tim Day, Alec Orr, Tim Cronin, Dan Daly
1993
Back row, from left: Andrew Kara, Mark Brown,
Scott Esselman
Middle row: Marty Clapton, George Benzie,
Michael Pergola, Ryan Kennedy, Brian Denning
Front row: Eric Sauliner, Matt Souza, W.T. Rich,
Ben Heller, Marc Rosenfeld
| 33
REUNION
1998
Back row, from left: Andrew Dell Orto, Elliott Otto,
Kevin Faherty
Middle row: Paul Nahigian, Nick Soivilien, Tim
Sullivan, Mike Higgins, Bobby Kennedy
Front row: Peter Malaspina, Matt Ryan, Michael
Flaherty
2003
Back row, from left: Will Hayes, Matt Moran, Greg
Clark, Tom Digan, Kevin Leonard, Joe Scardino,
Pat O’Connell
Middle row: Andy Clark, Brendan Boyce, Brady
Fitzgerald, Jay Tansey, Tom McManmon, Ryan
McLean, Leo Corcoran
Front row: Bob Cintolo, Andy Bartlett, Conor Moran,
Michael Bresnahan, Will Bacic, David Sears
2008
Back row, from left: Colin Packenham, Brendan
Murray, Lucas Tsanotelis, Peter O’Neil, Jimmy
Mulroy, Dan Driscoll
Middle row: Ryan Lynch, Brendan McPartland,
Giovanni LoRusso, Matt Chabot, Michael Garland,
Conor Chrisom, Sean Flaherty
Front row: Chris Homsy, Billy Donovan, Xave
Jacoby, Steve Graziano, Charlie Tangerini, Tucker
Donahoe, Jordan Fine, Matt Butler
CLASS NOTES
Updates From Arrows Alumni
The Class Notes printed here have been submitted to St. Sebastian’s
over the course of the past year.
1948
1956
1961
1973
Eugene Pierotti stays busy
with his six grandchildren.
His three grandsons are
young athletes—especially
in hockey—and they hope to
attend St. Sebastian’s one day.
Peter Ablondi has been
continuing his work as Chair
of a Habitat for Humanity
affiliate in the Springfield,
MA area called the Monson
Circle of Faith. During the
past several years, the Circle
has built three new houses.
They ran out of available
land, but a June tornado hit
the town, and their services
as remodelers were acutely
needed. Working only on
Saturdays, their efforts include
house painting, rebuilding
fences, reconstructing a shed,
installing a metal roof, and
even replacing a pool cabana.
John Kennedy and his wife
were lucky enough to spend
most of the summer in
Lanesville, MA. They drove
across the U.S. through the
Poconos, Blue Ridge Parkway,
Nashville (Grand Old Opry),
Little Rock, Sallisaw, Sante
Fe and Phoenix. John is
fortunate to be in good spirits
and good health.
Mark Canavan, having
successfully recovered from
a battle with oral cancer, has
resumed his responsibilities
as National Accounts Sales
Manager for Packaging
Corporation of America.
1965
1974
John McCarthy had a chance
to get together with Ed
Davis in Washington, D.C.
recently. It was great to catch
up on news about the School
and classmates from the
Class of ’65.
Kevin O’Malley recently
returned to Massachusetts
after seven years in Illinois.
1950
William Maguire just turned
80—years of age, not IQ—
and he would like to thank
everyone at St. Sebastian’s for
a great start to what has been
(Thank God!) a wonderful life!!
1952
Joseph Higgins, Jr., still living
in Vero Beach, Florida, tries to
go fishing every day. He and
his wife have seven children
and 22 grandchildren. He
enjoys visiting Marion, MA in
the summer.
1953
Owen Todd still practices
law at the Boston litigation
firm of Todd & Weld LLP. He
takes time off in the winter
to visit Florida and time off
in the summer to visit New
Hampshire.
1955
Philip Brian, Jr. is retired
with three daughters and
seven grandchildren. He and
his family still enjoy summers
at Humarock Beach.
Timothy Daly enjoyed
meeting with schoolmates at
the Headmaster’s Reception
in Jupiter, Florida in
March. He and his wife are
celebrating the birth of their
19th grandchild.
1959
James Daly, Jr. and his wife
Ursula spend 6-8 months per
year in Stuart, Florida. Their
seven grandchildren are God’s
message that there are so many
free blessings. Keep up the
good work at St. Sebastian’s!
1971
Brian Campbell retired from
the Army Reserves as a full
Colonel, and he still lives in
Malden with his wife, Sharon,
and son, Joseph. His son,
Matthew, is on his second
deployment to Afghanistan
with the Massachusetts
National Guard. Brian’s
daughter, Kathleen, will be
attending UMASS-Lowell
to attain a graduate degree
in Physical Therapy. Brian
enjoyed a nice “mini-reunion”
in May 2012 with classmates
John Harney, George
Morrissey and Mark Bergin.
Laurence Packenham is still
at Boston Private Bank as a
Senior Vice President.
1976
Edward Desmond, II
moved back to Menlo Park,
California to take a new job
as COO of TechCrunch
and Engadget, two AOL
properties.
1984
Tim Callahan and his wife
are enjoying spending time
with their five children—
four girls and one son, aged
6-14—at their home in
Venice, Texas. Tim is the
National Director of Ideal
Protein. He enjoyed seeing
the improvements to St.
Sebastian’s on a recent visit.
| 35
CLASS NOTES
1984 continued...
1997
Joseph Dunn II is living
on Cape Cod with his wife
and three-year-old son. He
owns three restaurants and a
catering business on the Cape.
Matthew Callahan and his
wife, Katie, are enjoying their
daughter, Maeve. Matt would
like to congratulate Varsity
Football on a great 2012
season.
1985
Hunter Cavan and his wife,
Julia, welcomed their first
child in November 2012.
1988
Ean Callanan is the M.D. in
charge of critical care patients
at Cape Cod Hospital.
Timothy Day and his wife,
Deirdre, settled in Winchester
after their nuptials in July
2010. They have a beautiful
daughter, Megan, who is
19 months old. Tim works
for Garrett Nagle and Co,
Inc., a small broker/dealer in
Woburn, MA.
1994
Neil Callanan is the Hospital
Director of the Massachusetts
Animal Medical Center in
Watertown, MA.
1998
Michael Johnson and his
wife, Jorie, welcomed their
son, Samuel, on July 14, 2012.
1999
Chris Marich and his wife,
Erin, welcomed their second
child, daughter Hadley, into
the world.
2002
Kyle Hauseman married
Eliza Horning on June 8, 2013
in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Brendan O’Reilly recently
accepted a position at St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital.
Greg Kelly was married on
May 11, 2013.
Sedale Threatt currently lives
in L.A., where he is earning his
MFA in Acting at USC.
Patrick Murphy has joined
his father to form the Murphy
Dental Group, PLLC, a family
dental practice in Milton,
MA. Pat and his wife, Jess,
welcomed their baby girl,
Audrey Grace Murphy, into
the world on June 10, 2013.
2003
Bobby Cintolo is engaged
to Becky Crane and will be
married on August 10, 2013 in
Weston.
Chris Averill served for seven
years with Maine Senator
Olympia Snowe prior to
her retirement. He is now
Communications Director for
Missouri Congressman Sam
Graves.
Andy Clark is engaged to
Marissa Tringali and will be
married on August 3, 2013 in
New Jersey.
Richard Faro is going on
seven years strong working as
a Sales Manager for EMC in
the Ohio Valley. Engaged in
October, he will be married in
the Fall of 2013.
Tom Digan married his wife,
Braiden, on September 19,
2012.
Greg Clark recently became
engaged to Jessica Swantko.
Joe Gillis married Allison
Koentje in Chatham on
September 14, 2012.
Conor Moran had a great time
at his 10 year reunion. He
especially loved reminiscing
about his senior chapel speech
which prominently featured
former-Red Sox great John
Burkett. Conor can’t believe
it’s been ten years!
Patrick O’Connell married
Christina Conrad on May 2,
2013.
From left: Host Bill Driscoll ’68 enjoys an evening with Paul Maloof ’68,
Henry Lane ’49, Ed Davis ’65 and Dave Gorman ’54 at the Vero Beach
Reception.
2004
Sam Burke graduated from
Harvard Business School in
June 2013. He also recently
became engaged to Sophie
Fitzgerald.
Ryan Murphy is in his final
year at Syracuse Law School.
2006
Ted Dillon was recently
promoted to Managing
Producer at the Bostonbased content marketing
firm Captains of Industry.
In his new role, Ted oversees
the account management
department, helping to grow
key accounts and ensuring
that all work meets Captains’
high standards. This past
spring Ted was on the
dinner board for the Boston
Chapter of Ducks Unlimited,
providing his knowledge in
digital and event marketing to
help ensure a very successful
dinner at the Fairmont Copley
Plaza in support of wetlands
conservation throughout
North America. He has also
recently returned to sailing
in Boston Harbor through
Courageous Sailing after some
great experiences with Father
Arens and Ms. Rynne on the
Sebs sailing team in 2006.
Bill Eichhold recently
accepted a position with
Dow Jones as a member of
its institutional sales team in
New York City.
CLASS NOTES
Matt Spencer lives in New
York City and works at
Bloomberg LP.
Upcoming Alumni Events
2008
Arrows Networking Breakfast
September 26, 2013
7:15 - 9:00 am | Mintz Levin, Boston
Lindsey Kennard graduated
from Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute with a major in
Computer Science and a
minor in Art. He works as
a software engineer in the
Boston area.
Matthew Lutch captained
the Navy Hockey Team
during his senior year before
graduating in May.
Zach Mykulak is working
with 8th graders at Orchard
Gardens School in Roxbury
as part of a two-year teaching
fellowship program called
Citizen’s School. Zach teaches
writing for the school’s
Writing Academy.
Patrick Stoddard began his
studies in the Biochemistry
and Molecular Biology
PhD Program at Harvard
University in Fall 2012.
He loves Cambridge and
Harvard.
2009
Michael Foley just graduated
from Boston College and has
accepted a position teaching
Religion at St. Sebastian’s for
the fall of 2013.
Daniel Shapiro just
graduated from the University
of Notre Dame with a degree
in Civil Engineering.
October 10, 2013
Alumni Dinner
6:00 pm | Ward Hall, St. Sebastian’s School
October 12, 2013
Homecoming, St. Sebastian’s vs. Belmont Hill
’58 Classmates Dr. Richard Bond
and Jim Coleman at the Naples
Reception.
2011
Lucas Mykulak is working
very hard at Davidson
College.
Corey Peters is playing
football at St. Lawrence
University. He is a Dean’s
List student majoring in
Economics with a minor in
Math.
Timothy Stoddard is
attending Virginia Tech,
majoring in Engineering
Science and Mechanics. He
was recognized for making
Dean’s List with distinction
for the Fall semester.
Connor Wiik is studying
Chemical Engineering
and playing Rugby at Yale
University.
2012
Kevin Martin, III loves WPI
and has decided to double
major in Computer Science
and Interactive Media-Game
Design.
10:30 am | St. Sebastian’s School
November 11, 2013
Washington, D.C. Reception
6:00 - 8:00 pm | Key Bridge Marriott, Arlington, VA
November 12, 2013
New York Reception
6:00 - 8:00 pm | Yale Club, New York, NY
November 26, 2013
Boston Business Breakfast
7:30 am | Boston College Club, Boston, MA
November 27, 2013
Class of 2013 Yearkbook Reception
12:00 pm | McCulloch Room, St. Sebastian’s School
November 30, 2013
Alumni Sports Day
St. Sebastian’s School
For more information on these events, please contact
the Alumni office at 781-247-0121.
Save the Date
REUNION 2014 | May 16 & 17
If you are a member of a St. Sebastian’s class
ending in 4 or 9, it’s time to start planning
your reunion. We can’t wait to see you!
| 37
FINE ARTS
The Memory Project
Students create portaits of kindness and hope
I
n Spring 2012, St. Sebastian’s artists began participating in a
moving endeavor called The Memory Project. For the past year,
students have been painting portraits, not of themselves, but of
children around the world living in disadvantaged circumstances
in an effort to bring them hope. Many of the children receiving the
portraits live in orphanages. Some have lost one or both parents, but
many are there for reasons of abuse, neglect, or simply because one
or both parents are living in extreme poverty and not able to properly feed and care for them.
This unique initiative was developed by Ben Schumaker in 2004
as a social work grad student at the University of Wisconsin. Ben
came up with the idea while volunteering at an orphanage in
Guatemala, realizing that the children had few special belongings,
including photos that would someday serve as keepsakes of their
childhood. By getting art students involved in creating portraits,
it would provide these children with something tangible that
would capture a piece of their childhood. Hence, the Memory
Project was born and to date, nearly 50,000 portraits have been
created for kids in 34 countries.
In one year, St. Sebastian’s artists have sent 37 portraits to
orphans in Afghanistan, Honduras, Vietnam, Rwanda and most
recently, Haiti. As part of the participation, a donation fee is
made to cover the expense of the transportation to give the child
their portrait as well as to improve the quality of the orphanages.
In many cases, St. Sebastian’s students were so moved by the
project they raised money to help contribute to these expenses.
The majority of participants are not currently enrolled in an Art
class, but are inspired by the humanitarian initiative and the
challenge of creating a portrait.
Art teacher Deidre Rynne would like thank to all of the boys
who participated in The Memory Project. Special thanks to Cole
Eden ’13 and James Tran ’13 for their leadership and commitment;
each completed three portraits in their tenure as artists at St.
Sebastian’s School. Ethan Fidalgo ’17 was recently recognized for
his independence and initiative as a young participant on this
project at the Undergraduate Awards. Ms. Rynne would also like to
acknowledge Marlon Matthews ’14 for his dedication, completing his
third and fourth portraits at the end of May which were sent to Haiti.
Jackson McKeigue ’16, Ethan Fidalgo ’16, Patrick Muldowney ’15 and Sam
Gordon ’16 with portraits they created for children in Haiti.
FINE ARTS
Exploring Asian Art
Art lessons inspired by a life-changing journey
by Deidre Rynne, Art Teacher
I
nspired by an outstanding school-sponsored sabbatical journey through Japan, China,
Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia in the summer of 2012, I shared my experiences
through art with St. Sebastian’s students.
This past School year, students in both my upper school Art History and Studio Art
courses were able to learn from my travels through Asia. Studio students worked on creating
meditative Japanese ukiyo-e “floating world” compositions in ink and block-print after
studying Japanese post-cards. We completed portraits of Vietnamese children based on my
photographs visiting the Hoi An Orphanage. Ms. Allison Carroll guest lectured on Chinese
Northern and Southern Song landscape paintings. As a photography student, Ms.Carroll was
greatly inspired by the compositional and spiritual elements in these paintings. Her thesis on
black and white landscapes was inspired in part by her study of Chinese Art History.
In Art Club, artists worked on creating their own seal of their name in Chinese Mandarin
and sumi-ink Japanese plum blossom paintings on rice paper. Most recently, students
worked with me and Mrs. Patricia Cevoli to make their own Japanese koinbori carp
streamers. In Japan, koi wind streamers are hung in early May to celebrate Tango no Sekku
or “Children’s Day” on May 5. The symbolism of the fish is inspired by the Chinese legend
of a carp fish that swims upstream to become a dragon.
I remain energized by the life-changing trip and encourage any student who is interested
in creating art to join Mrs. Cevoli, Mrs. Ellis, Ms. Carroll and me in the studios to pursue
creative endeavors!
| 39
ATHLETICSSPRING SPORTS
Arrows in Action
A complete review of the 2012-13 spring sports season.
Coach Mike Schell
Varsity Baseball
W
ith a varsity record of 10 – 8 and an
outstanding combined freshman
and junior varsity record of 18 – 8, the St.
Sebastian’s campus was once again one
of the best places to visit this spring to see
baseball played well at each high school
level. The success of this year’s sub-varsity
teams is a testament to the hard work and
commitment put forth by the program’s
younger players, and by their devoted and
talented coaching staff.
A year after graduating nine seniors,
eight of whom held starting positions,
the 2013 varsity baseball team featured
a talented and committed group of
newcomers. Despite their youth, the
Arrows showed maturity and resiliency in
competition. As a result, exciting comefrom-behind wins against non-league
opponent Dexter and ISL foes Lawrence
Academy, Governor’s Academy and Brooks
School highlighted the winning season.
St. Sebastian’s received valuable
offensive and defensive contributions from
all players who sprinted across the white
lines. Juniors Richard Arms and Andrew
Corcoran were key starting pitchers called
on to lead during ISL contests. Both
hurlers competed fiercely every time
they toed the rubber, always positioning
their club for victory. Sophomore Patrick
McGowan also turned in a great year on
the mound. The promising right-hander
filled the pivotal reliever role with success,
compiling an impressive strike-out
total and preserving many crucial wins.
Rounding out the talented pitching crew
was junior Alex Walsh, who will be looked
to for the strong pitching he can provide
next spring.
Behind the plate was junior Justin
Nicklas, who met the challenge of being a
first-year starting catcher with solid play
throughout the spring, and freshman Sean
Harrington, who when not working as
the team’s second batterymate provided
a strong left-handed bat in the DH spot.
Defensively, junior Conor Duffy and
fellow first-year starting infielder Christian
Reenstierna ’15 combined to create a fine
middle infield that was complemented
well by senior Teddy O’Hara. Infielders
Justin Bellinger ‘14, Andrew Corcoran ‘14
and Blake Gallagher ‘18 were impressive
at the corners, showing strong defense
from the first to last pitches of the season.
Anchoring the Arrows’ sharp defense with
their excellent outfield play were seniors
Ryan Wolfsberg, Brendan Daly and Joey
Guarino, and sophomore Matt Doherty.
For their accomplishments on the
field, Ryan Wolfsberg and Justin Bellinger
were honored with All-ISL positions,
while pitcher Richard Arms and Andrew
Corcoran, who was an offensive leader off
the mound, received Honorable Mention
All-ISL recognition. In addition, each year,
the baseball program awards one player
with our most special award, the Paul
Lepley Award, which is named in honor of
current assistant coach Paul Lepley, who
just completed his 18th year as an Arrow.
Coach Lepley’s keen and deep knowledge
of baseball is trumped only by his humility
and genuine devotion to the wellbeing of
each player. It is an honor to serve with
him. This year’s recipient of the Paul
Lepley Award, given to a player for his
commitment to the sport of baseball and
the strengthening of the St. Sebastian’s
baseball program, is Ryan Wolfsberg, who
finished the season only percentage points
away from holding the league’s highest
batting average and was once again one
of the team’s most consistent and clutch
performers.
At the ISL post-season coaches
meeting, St. Sebastian’s was selected for
the second time in three years as the
recipient of the Etter Trophy, which is
awarded by vote of the ISL’s coaches to
the team demonstrating the greatest level
of sportsmanship during the season. I
hope each player is as proud of this honor
as the coaches. The coaching staff hopes
that each returning player, and all those
striving to make next year’s varsity club,
will prepare himself to contribute not
only to a winning season, but also to our
repeating as Etter winners.
Special thanks is owed to the varsity
staff consisting of Paul Lepley, JP Craven,
Richard Connolly and alumnus Matt
Perry ’06, who returned to St. Sebastian’s
mid-season and immediately made
invaluable contributions, for the sincerity,
passion and insights they brought to the
field each day. Among the many reasons
why I am already looking forward to next
spring is the learning and developing that
it will allow us to continue together.
At the ISL post-season coaches meeting, St. Sebastian’s was selected
for the second time in three years as the recipient of the Etter
Trophy, which is awarded by vote of the ISL’s coaches to the team
demonstrating the greatest level of sportsmanship during the season.
Coach Zach McArthur
Varsity Golf
T
he Arrows golf team fought back
from a brutal 7-day stretch at the
beginning of their campaign to end the
year on a 9-match winning streak and
post the most points in school history.
The Arrows came into the year with high
hopes, returning nearly the whole starting
lineup from last year’s 4th place ISL and
2nd place Kingman tournament team, and
the first match of the year at Kittansett
lived up to those lofty expectations.
Having been crushed by Tabor in 2012,
this match seemed like a good measuring
stick for how improved our squad would
be in 2013. It was a perfect day for golf,
with uncommonly light winds and bright
blue sky in all directions. On the long
ride down, one of the final topics of
conversation was that a Tabor player had
said last year that no opponent had broken
40 strokes for 9 holes in the previous four
years. A couple hours later, the Arrows
had a 5.5 - 1.5 win in their pocket and the
“40” barrier had been broken - not once,
but twice! Freshman #1 player Alejo
Soto shot 39, and sophomore #6 Ryan
| 41
McGuirk put on a putting display to go
even lower. Freshmen Paul Keady and
Michael Mullowney both pounded drives
down the middle of the first hole and
won their matches at #7 and #5 handily.
The older Arrows fared just as well, with
captain Connor McGuirk winning at #2
with a solid 41 despite two “bad innings”,
Kevin Looney capping off a win at #4 with
a 30-foot putt at the last, and Matt Barletta
almost birdieing the infamous par three
3rd hole.
Unfortunately, that was the last win
the Arrows would have for two full weeks,
though there was some fine playing in
a tie with Nobles at Dedham Polo Club
sandwiched between losses to Nobles,
St. Mark’s, and rival Belmont Hill. This
rough 0-3-1 stretch proved too difficult
to overcome to compete for the league
championship in the end, and in part can
be attributed to the loss of experienced
junior Kevin Ginns to a freak weightroom injury. The team did get back on
the winning track before Kevin’s return
in early May, running off a string of
victories against BB&N, Milton, Governors,
Lawrence, and Thayer with only a sole loss
to the Hill. The Milton and Governor’s
victories at Milton-Hoosic Club were
especially exciting. Five of the Arrows
broke 40 in this match led by sophomore
Ryan McGuirk with an excellent 37 for
the nine holes. He was followed closely by
Mike Mullowney at 38, and Alejandro Soto,
Connor McGuirk and Kevin Looney all
with scores of 39. The Milton match was
in doubt until Paul Keady, on the last putt,
drew even with his opponent to secure the
4-3 win.
From there, the Arrows ran the table,
not losing a match in May and gathering
great momentum toward the end of the
season. Coach Sullivan cannily scheduled
the Middlesex dual match at Concord
Country Club the day before the ISL
Kingman tournament was to be held there,
so the Arrows got an excellent preview of
the course. Even better, the team pulled
out a 4-3 road victory at a course that
Middlesex plays every day. Two of the best
shots of the day were #1 Alejo Soto’s first
tee shot, pounded right down the middle,
and #8 Will DuFour’s spinning approach
to the 7th hole, which finished only inches
from the cup. #4 Michael Mullowney
fought back to win a close match against
a tenacious opponent prone to miracle up
and downs early in their nine holes. #3
Kevin Looney tied his match and looked
in fine form heading into Tuesday’s
tournament, as did #5 Ryan McGuirk. #2
Connor McGuirk has been an up-anddown machine lately, showcasing all the
hard work he’s put into his short game.
When all was said and done, the match was
again in the hands of #7 Paul Keady, as he
strode up the 8th fairway with the score
Sebs 3.5, Middlesex 2.5. With his opponent
short left of the green on the par four, Paul
threaded a shot between trees and to just
a few feet from the cup in the rear of the
green. He was eventually conceded his
birdie, which put him 1-up and clinched
the match for the Arrows.
So the Arrows came into the 18-hole
ISL Kingman Cup riding a wave of victories
and confidence, but a few rough patches
for each of the five St. Sebastian’s golfers
spoiled any chance of being in the mix
for the championship. The format of the
The Arrows Varsity Golf team ended the year on a 9-match
winning streak and posted the most points in school history.
18-hole event is to sum the top 4 scores
out of 5 golfers for each ISL school. One
of the best things about our team this year
has been its evenness of skill level and
depth, so this figured to be a great format
for the Arrows. Alas! Alejandro Soto, one
of the best #1 players in the league - as a
freshman, no less - endured a sextuplebogey 10 on the 13th hole when his first
tee ball was deemed to be slightly out of
bounds. He shot 89 for the day. Captain
and steady #2 player Connor McGuirk
recovered from a mysteriously lost ball
on the par three 6th hole to post a double
bogey there, and ended up with a 79.
Connor’s younger brother Ryan, playing
#5, also shot 79 despite a four-putt early in
his round. Kevin Looney could not match
his all-ISL performance of 76 at Wianno
last year, as he started the back nine with
a lost ball and carded a 9 on a par four.
Finally, rookie #4 player Mike Mullowney
was a bit steadier, but couldn’t get going to
his tremendous potential on this sweltering
day, and posted a slightly disappointing 83.
All together, the Arrows shot 330, well off
the pace of champion Nobles, who shot an
impressive 299.
The sting of the poor performance at
the Kingman was muted by a glorious final
match at Newport Country Club against
St. George’s just the next day. All Arrows
golfers were praying the thunderstorms
would stay away, which they did... but the
fog did not! First tee shots were something
to watch, as they soared off into fog,
disappearing after 100 yards down toward
the unseen ocean. Victories were had by
#1 Alejo Soto, #3 Kevin Looney, #4 Paul
Keady, and #6 Alex Moore. #2 Michael
Mullowney lost a tight match to a long putt
on the 9th green, and #5 Luke Wasynczuk
also went down despite a beautiful putt on
the last hole. The victory was the 10th in
a row for St. Sebastian’s to end the year,
and one of a number of close 4-3 victories
throughout the season. Many Arrows
proved clutch to win matches, and the team
showed great character in the last month of
the season.
It was really nice to see seniors Looney
and Moore end their varsity careers on
such a positive note in such a magical
environment. Kevin has been a great
leader all year for this team, and there is no
question the team would have struggled
without both his excellent golf and even
better demeanor. Alex shot an impressive
1-over par in his final match, and is a
wonderful role model for the younger
Arrows he plays with. Both Kevin and
Alex will be missed next year, as they are
gentlemen on and off the golf course.
Finally, the last shot of the Arrows golf
season was struck by #7 Michael Haley,
a senior who, while he lost his match,
is one of the best young men to come
through St. Sebastian’s in a long time. It
was fitting that these three seniors made
it to the final match, though it would have
been even better to have fellow class of
2013 golfers Chris Rodowicz and Connor
McGuirk along too! Chris has put in so
much time into the golf program in his
high school career and is one of the guys
everyone wants to be paired up with each
day on the course. As for Connor, the
most accomplished player in his class, the
leadership he displayed was even beyond
his skill level and he has a bright golf future
playing at Holy Cross. It is wonderful that
none of the seniors are going off too far
to college, with Haley joining McGuirk at
Holy Cross, Looney and Moore heading to
Boston College, and Rodowicz nearby at
Harvard University. We will miss these five
dearly next spring, and wish them the best
in the classroom and on the links in the
years to come.
The team ended the year at 13-4-1, and
earned 18.5 ISL points for 3rd place in the
league. The JV squad ended the year once
again undefeated at 7-0.
Spring Athletic Awards
The following students were recognized
for their performance on either the Arrows
varsity baseball, golf, lacrosse, or tennis teams
during an Athletic Awards Assembly on
Tuesday, May 28, 2013:
All-American Lacrosse: Patrick Healy ’13
All-League ISL
Baseball: Justin Bellinger ’14, Ryan
Wolfsberg ’13
Lacrosse: Patrick Healy ’13, Dalton MacAfee
’13, Brian O’Malley ’13, Conor Hilton ’13
Honorable Mention All-League
Baseball: Richard Arms ’14, Andrew
Corcoran ’14
Lacrosse: Alex Calabro ’13, Joe Kearney ’14,
John O’Leary ’14
James D. Sullivan Award (Golf) Presented to
the student athlete who possesses the qualities
of commitment, teamwork, and outstanding
attitude in the sport of golf:
Kevin Looney ’13
Paul Lepley Award (Baseball) Presented by
the coaches to the player who shows the qualities
of commitment, teamwork, and dedication to
the sport of baseball:
Ryan Wolfsberg ’13
Scholar Athlete Award Presented to members
of the Senior Class who have participated in
athletics each season from their sophomore
through senior years:
Ben Piersiak ’13
Vincent C. Murphy Letterman Award
Presented to members of the Senior class who
have earned a Varsity letter in each season
from their sophomore through senior years:
Brian O’Malley ’13
The baseball team and Head Coach Michael
Schell received two additional awards from
the ISL:
John “Jack” Etter Trophy presented by vote of
ISL coaches to the team demonstrating greatest
sportsmanship during the season.
Thomas John Flaherty Plaque presented to the
coach of the team winning the Etter Trophy.
| 43
Coach Ted Weihman
Varsity Lacrosse
A
fter graduating many talented seniors
from the first St. Sebastian’s Lacrosse
ISL Championship team in 2012, the 2013
season kicked off with some young players
getting their first playing opportunity
at the Varsity level. In pre-season, it
was clear that the Arrows had a lot of
talent, but also had some learning to do.
A disappointing loss to Nobles kicked
off league play, followed by 4 straight
wins: 15-4 over Lawrence Academy, 15-5
over Groton, 9-4 over St. George’s, and
a 7-3 victory over St. Paul’s. The Arrows
next foe was rival Belmont Hill. It was
a fantastic effort by both sides, battling
from whistle to horn, but in the end,
Belmont prevailed 10-8. In that loss, the
team learned a lot about themselves, they
pulled closer together, and they refused to
lose again. An easy win against BB&N was
followed by two very close games against
league contenders, Middlesex and Rivers.
The 11-9 and 10-6 wins, respectively,
were highlighted by some great defensive
play, particularly on the man down from
Captains Brian O’Malley and Patrick
Healy. After defeating Milton Academy
14-3, the Arrows had to prepare for
perennial league champions, Governors
Academy. Goalie James O’Leary played
his finest game of the season, holding the
Govs to just six goals, enough to force
overtime. Captain Dalton MacAfee scored
twice and also had two assists, including
one on the winning goal with two minutes
left to play. The crowd erupted on the
final goal, the first win over Governors in
eleven years. A 14-4 win over St. Mark’s
was next, followed by a 13-0 trouncing
against Brooks. Thayer Academy was
having an excellent season until they
met up with the Arrows and lost 10-8, in
tightly contested fierce battle. The final
game of the season was against Roxbury
Latin, another team having a very good
season. Alex Calabro and Conor Hilton
led the offense and the team to a 12-9 final
victory. A 13-2 finish in the league was
good for second place, one game behind
the champions. The team is very grateful
to Coach Kittler, Coach Weihman, and
especially to Coach Stanton for his 28
years of leadership as the head coach of
the Varsity Lacrosse team at St. Sebastian’s
School.
O’Malley ’13 Recognized as
Exceptional Student-Athlete
Coach Deidre Rynne
Varsity Sailing
Arrows Sailing adapts to winds
of change
S
ailing is a sport which adapts to everchanging conditions. On the water
sailors learn early on that they must react to
shifts and keep way of other competitors.
This season Arrows Sailing experienced
a fair share of off-water changes as well.
Arrows Sailing was fortunate to find
sanctuary at Courageous Sailing in
Charlestown when a new initiative limiting
the numbers of high school teams sailing
at Community Boating caused the team to
change their homeport after over 15 years.
The unforeseen change also forced a switch
in divisions to the B team-racing division
south as part of the Massachusetts Bay
League of Sailing.
Team racing consists of a race pairing
three boats vs. three boats. The team
with the lowest combined score wins. A
contest (or finished team race) consists of
anywhere from three to five races. Arrows
Sailing competed against seven teams
with a total of 25 individual races. Heavy
winds, inclement weather and the tragic
events in Boston, hindered our ability
to practice and race as much as we had
scheduled in April. Nonetheless, we were
able to make up all but one of our team
races. Additionally, Arrows Sailing was
able to enjoy participating in fleet races at
Lake Massapoag. In fleet racing sailors sail
individually for themselves much like a
road race. Captain Michael Petro ’13 had
strong finishes on these race days leading
Arrows Sailing with an overall second and
third place finish respectively during our
two days of competition. Petro, a 4 year
member of Arrows Sailing, has stood out
as an enthusiastic, friendly and committed
member of the team. His devotion helping
inexperienced sailors and range competing
in different classes of boats (420s, Cape Cod
Mercury, Flying Juniors, MIT Tech Dinghy,
and R19s) made him an invaluable resource
on the team. Petro had the challenging task
of leading the team as our top team racer.
This anticipated “transition year” following
the graduation of many veteran sailors last
season, was challenged further when cocaptain Andrew Warner ’14 had a season
ending knee injury in hockey. With a small
team largely comprised of undergraduates,
Brian O’Malley ’13 was recently
recognized for his impressive
accomplishments on and off the field
with two special awards. In May,
he was honored with a prestigious
Scholar-Athlete Award by the National
Football Foundation and Hall of Fame.
The award was presented to O’Malley
for “outstanding football ability and
performance, outstanding academic
application and achievement, and
outstanding school leadership and
example.” The Boston Globe also
recognized O’Malley during a ceremony
in June as the 2012-2013 New England
Prep School Male Athlete of the Year.
As a senior at St. Sebastian’s School,
O’Malley was All-ISL in football,
wrestling and lacrosse. In his ten varsity
seasons at the School, he was All-ISL or
All-ISL Honorable Mention eight times.
O’Malley looks forward to playing both
football and lacrosse while studying at
Amherst College.
Brian O’Malley ’13 (center) with
Headmaster Burke and Couch Souza.
| 45
Petro rose to the challenge and always
engaged fellow sailors in discussing racing
tactics and strategies. On a three boat team,
Petro moved from the third or auxiliary
fourth position to the first position this
season. Our young team moved up in the
ranks and we had new members, Finn
Mulligan and Matt Ouellette who quickly
learned the ropes. The season concluded
on May 29 during the MIT State Open
Championship. Next season Arrows
Sailing will rely heavily on the leadership of
Andrew Warner ’14, Jay Daukas ’14, Alex
Pappas ’14, Morgan Rockett ’14, James
Hunt ’15, John Flatley ’15, Shawn Lynch
’15 and John Petro ‘17. The team will
greatly miss the enthusiasm and cheer of
Ian Kelly as he departs to Roxbury Latin.
If any student is interested in sailing
please seek out Coach Fr. John Arens
or Coach Deirdre Rynne. No previous
experience is necessary and we are always
looking for sailors with experience to join
the team. It is a unique sport which offers
opportunities to race across New England.
Highlights from the season can be seen
on our YouTube page shared with our
Winter Alpine Ski team: “Arrows Skiing.”
A special thank you to those who helped
make our season run smoothly: Mrs.
Nancy Sanderson & Mrs. Penny Reilly
(for their exceptional work in the front
office), Mr. Brendan Sullivan, Mr. Bob
Souza, Mr. Jack Doherty, Mrs. Maryellen
Driscoll, Mrs. Patty Lutch and the entire
Maintenance crew for making sure our
bus ran smoothly. Thank you especially to
the parents for their unending support of
Arrows Sailing.
Caleb Aldrich ‘14
Varisty Tennis
After reaching the New England
Semifinals for the first time in the
program’s history in 2012, the Arrows
tennis squad lost four of their six starters.
What was expected to be a difficult
rebuilding year turned out to be a very
successful season. Under the stewardship
of Coaches Brian Richter and David
Thomas, returning 2012 teammates
Caleb Aldrich ’14 , Weston Brach ‘16 ,
Peter DeMatteo ’13 and Luke Scotten ’13
welcomed five new players to the squad;
Sorin Marinescu ‘13, Michael Wadsworth
’15, Sonny Huang ’16, Erik Jones ‘16
and Christian Locurto ’16. All these new
players had an immediate positive impact
and made meaningful contributions
during the season.
Throughout the season, Erik Jones and
Christian Locurto provided big wins for
the team rotating at the #5 and #6 singles
positions. Both players won matches that
helped the team win narrow victories.
Against Lawrence Academy, with the
match tied at 7-7 Locurto was the last one
on the court in a difficult contest. Under
immense pressure, the freshman pulled out
a hard-fought set 6-4 to give the Arrows an
8-7 win. Likewise, Jones won two crucial
sets against Groton to help the Arrows
squeak out a 9-6 victory.
Sonny Huang, Sorin Marinescu, and
Michael Wadsworth provided strong
doubles match play during the season.
Marinescu and Wadsworth made a fine
doubles tandem and they worked hard
to edge out their opponents in crucial
matches. Unfortunately, Marinescu’s
season was cut short due to an injury.
Nonetheless, Huang joined Wadsworth
and immediately had an impact.
Returning seniors Peter DeMatteo
and Luke Scotten enjoyed successful
seasons as well. Having never started
before, Peter DeMatteo and Luke Scotten
jumped right into the #3 and #4 spots,
respectively. While the competition was
tough, they fought hard all season and
won many crucial matches for the Arrows.
As a doubles tandem at the #2 spot, they
responded just as well. A perfect example of
this was their doubles performance against
Tabor. DeMatteo and Scotten came back
from 7-5 to force a tiebreaker at 8-8. In
the tiebreaker, they saved multiple match
points to win the set 9-8. This set was
crucial as it helped the Arrows edge Tabor
in a close 8-7 victory.
Finally, Weston Brach and Caleb
Aldrich teamed up at #1 doubles while
playing #1 and #2 singles, respectively. They
both won many singles sets for the Arrows
and compiled a solid record in doubles.
One big win for the tandem came against
St. Mark’s. Down 7-5 and 4 match points,
Brach and Aldrich won four straight points
to make it 7-6. They then carried their
momentum and took the match 9-7.
All in all, the Arrows had a very
successful season. With an overall record
7-10 and 6-9 in the ISL, the Arrows fell
just short of returning to the New England
Tournament. In fact the Arrows lost four
heartbreaking matches all within 1 or 2
sets that landed them in the middle of
the pack in the ISL and just edged them
from the tournament. However, the
Arrows are hungry to turn those close
loses to wins next year and to make a
run in the New England Tournament.
Unfortunately, the Arrows will be losing
seniors Peter DeMatteo, Luke Scotten,
and Sorin Marinescu who all made great
contributions this year. However, Coach
Richter, Coach Thomas, and the rest of the
team are already looking forward to a great
season in 2014.
| 47
ARROWS IN MEMORIAM
In Memoriam
We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of the graduates
and friends of St. Sebastian’s School. June E. Arnold (Gubana)
— June 22, 2013
Mother of Peter Arnold ’78
Susan W. Callahan
— June 20, 2013
Mother of Joseph D. Callahan ’01, aunt of
Trustee Stephen P. Ward ’96 and sister of
Trustee Emeritus Frank M. Ward P’96
Deanne (Lennon) Kurriss
— June 2, 2013
Wife of E. David Kurriss ’54 for 51 years
William J. Roe, Jr.
— May 9, 2013
Father of Phillip Roe ’86 and Stephen
Roe ‘89
William P. Brooks ’49
Mr. Brooks passed away on May 21,
2013. While at St. Sebastian’s, Brooks
played basketball and baseball and led
the basketball team in scoring during his
junior and senior years. After attending
the New York School of Design, Brooks
became a restaurant designer/consultant,
opening several night clubs and westernthemed restaurants in the New York area.
Brooks eventually settled on beloved
Cape Cod where he taught restaurant
management and Mixology at Cape
Cod Community College. Brooks will be
greatly missed by his daughter, Kerry,
grandchildren, Zak, Grayce, Jake, Ellie and
Ethan, his great-grandchildren, Wiley and
Kailan, and his ex-wife, Diane.
“Happy are those who have died in the Lord!
Happy indeed the Spirit says;
Now they can rest forever after their work,
Since their good deeds go with them.”
—Revelation 14:13
ARROWS IN MEMORIAM
Patrick S. Daley ’02
Mr. Daley passed away on May 24, 2013.
While at St. Sebastian’s, Daley starred on
the 2001 ISL Champion Football team.
He also excelled at lacrosse. Daley lived in
Boston and Nantucket, formerly Waban.
He was the beloved son of Paul P. ’59
and Barbara S. (Sabin) Daley of Boston
and the fiancee of Kathryn O’Connor
of Boston, formerly of Manhassett, NY.
Daley attended Duke University and
Boston Architectural College.
Henry J. Downes, Jr. ’59, P’87
Mr. Downes passed away on June 20,
2013. He was the father of Henry ’87 and
the brother of Edward ’61. While at St.
Sebastian’s, Downes excelled at football
and hockey. He was a Latin Scholar and a
member of the Dramatic Society. Downes
attended Boston College. He is survived by
his three children, Maura Downes, Henry
“Jay” Downes III, and Kathryn Downes
Dennis. He was the loving grandfather
of Shaun, Zachary, Savannah, Eloise, and
Quinn and is also survived by his former
wife, Barbara C. Downes.
Rev. Msgr. Robert Fichtner ’47
Msgr. Fichtner passed away on June 7,
2013. While at St. Sebastian’s, he fittingly
attended daily Mass and was a four year
member of the Altar Society, as well as a
member of the “Arrow” staff. Fichtner
attended St. John Seminary, graduating in
1951. He was a senior Priest and retired
Pastor of Saint Patrick Parish. During the
58 years of his priestly ministry he also
served as the Pastor of St. Joseph Parish,
Holbrook, and as Assistant Pastor at Our
Lady Help of Christians Parish, Newton,
Saints Peter and Paul, South Boston, and
St. Peter Parish, Plymouth. He was also
a Member K of C, Council, Newton. He
was the beloved son of the late Carl R.
and Rose (Conlin) Fichtner, the devoted
brother of Mary E. O’Connell, and the
late Paul E. and Edward J. Fichtner and
the beloved uncle of several nieces and
nephews, as well as many grandnieces and
grandnephews.
William R. Reagan ’53
Mr. Reagan died surrounded by his family
after a courageous battle with Alzhieimer’s
Disease on July 1, 2013. Reagan grew up
in Dorchester and was a standout hockey
player at St. Sebastian’s. He was a member
of the Class of 1957 at The University of
Notre Dame. He became a Naval aviator
and served until 1963. Reagan had many
business ventures, including Reagan
Associates, a small M&A firm which he
founded in 1972. In the late 1970’s, he
founded Lo-Jack Corporation and served
as Chairman and CEO until 1986. Reagan
was a cofounder of Medfield Youth
Hockey where he coached for many years.
He served as a Medfield Selectman from
1976-1981. Reagan is survived by his wife
of 52 years, Genevieve (Kelleher), their
children, Maryalice Reagan Whalen and
husband James, Lisa Reagan Hendrix and
husband Todd, William H. Reagan and
Michael Reagan and wife Jane. He leaves
behind 11 beloved grandchildren.
| 49
Nonprofit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Boston, MA
Permit No. 19943
1191 Greendale Avenue
Needham, Massachusetts 02492
Headmaster
Richard F. Arms
Director of Alumni & Development
Christine Y. Robertson
Director of Communications
Phone: 781.449.5200
Reunion 2013
See page 28 for complete coverage.
www.stsebastiansschool.org
Fax: 781.449.5630

Issue III - St. Sebastian`s School

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