sign in sign up
<<
Home , Cabrini University

westcatholic.org WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

WESTNOTESA PUBLICATION FOR OUR ALUMS AND FRIENDS FALL/WINTER EDITION 2020

MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER KEEPING OUR MISSION CENTER IN A COVID-19 WORLD

WestNotes-August2020.indd 1 9/1/20 8:04 AM Congratulations! CLASS OF 2020

GRADUATING DURING A MOST UNPRECEDENTED TIME IN THE SCHOOL’S 104 YEAR HISTORY COLLEGE 100% ACCEPTANCE 5TH YEAR IN A ROW

57 SCHOOLS STUDENTS ARE LEARNING AT THIS FALL

ARCADIA UNIVERSITY ITHACA COLLEGE SAINT JOSEPH’S UNIVERSITY BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY THE JUILLIARD SCHOOL SAN FRANCISCO CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY SETON HALL UNIVERSITY CHEYNEY UNIVERSITY SHAW UNIVERSITY CLARK ATLANTA LEBANON SHIPPENSBURG UNIVERSITY VALLEY COLLEGE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE LINCOLN UNIVERSITY SLIPPERY ROCK OF UNIVERSITY MILLERSVILLE COUNTY UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY COLLEGE MORGAN STATE THADDEUS STEVENS DELAWARE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY VALLEY UNIVERSITY UNION BROTHERHOOD DEVRY UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRICAL WORKERS NEUMANN UNIVERSITY UNITED STATE AIR FORCE NORFOLK STATE EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MAINE UNIVERSITY NORTH CAROLINA UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN UNIVERSITY A&T UNIVERSITY THE SCIENCES EMPIRE BEAUTY SCHOOL STATE VIRGINIA MILITARY FULL SAIL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY (ABINGTON) INSTITUTE

GETTYSBURG COLLEGE PENNSYLVANIA STATE VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC Grants & Scholarships UNIVERSITY (MAIN) INSTITUTE AND HAMPTON UNIVERSITY STATE UNIVERSITY PENNSYLVANIA STATE $ UNIVERSITY (MAIN) WEST CHESTER 24,605,904 INDIANA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

XAVIER UNIVERSITY

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jessica Wolf Dasher, Francis Crowley, Esq. ‘77* Br. Ed Koronkiewicz, FSC ‘72 Ronald J. Patterson ‘78 Chairwoman Eleanor Dezzi, ‘65 James Logue Tia Noelle Pratt, ‘95 Andrew Brady ‘02* Duane Glover, ‘81 William F. Lynch, PhD Joseph R. Richardson ‘62 Emily Branch-Okala Jeanie Ward Heffernan ‘80 James F. McManus, ‘65 Patricia McLaughlin ’61*

*Service Members

WestNotes-August2020.indd 2 9/1/20 8:04 AM MEET OUR NEW PRESIDENT

I am honored to be writing my first letter to you as the Interim President of my alma mater, West Catholic Preparatory High School. I am fortunate and grateful that I have been able to serve this school and its students in a multitude of different roles for almost 12 years. Like many before and after me, my experience here as a student changed the course of my life. While attending West Catholic, I wasn’t what you would call a model student. I had not yet learned the focus and discipline necessary to do well in the classroom. By the time I reached my senior year, I was coasting through life. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to attend college, and I had no idea what I wanted to do for a career. One day, a young Christian Brother I had gotten to know, Brother Brad Flint, pulled me out of class to talk. He asked me about my plans after college. I told him I wasn’t sure what I would do. He responded by saying, “You should consider being a teacher . . . I think you would be good at it.” I always felt like becoming a teacher was for students who got better grades than I did, or followed the rules more closely than I had. But in the weeks and months following, I couldn’t shake what Brother Brad had said to me. He must have seen something in me that I had yet to see in myself—and that I couldn’t see on my own. I started to kick around the idea of going to college and coming back to teach at West Catholic. A year later, Brother Brad died in a tragic accident. I remember how much that news affected me, and it made me realize the impact educators can have on students. It was in that moment that I decided I needed to follow Brother Brad’s advice. Three months after I graduated from college I walked into the halls of West Catholic as a member of the school’s faculty. In that 45 second conversation with Brother Brad he was able to make me see something in myself that led me to become a teacher. That is the power of education—it provides the opportunity to build bonds and connections with young people and to encourage them along their path. As I contemplate the upcoming school year as president of West Catholic Prep, I recognize the year ahead will present a unique set of challenges. The stress and anxiety our students are dealing with as a result of the pandemic are at the forefront of my mind. I’m also concerned for our families, many of whom are dealing with financial difficulties as a result of COVID-19. The Lasallian mission of our school becomes even more critical during times like this. We must provide our students and families with the love and support they need during such a difficult and uncertain period. In a world that is filled with uncertainty, one thing that I know will remain constant is this incredible community of alums and supporters who are the foundation of West Catholic Prep. While Brother Brad started me on this path, I have stayed on this path because of people like you who love and support West Catholic Preparatory High School. The continued loyalty and dedication of this community provides an opportunity for the next generation of students here to have a spark ignited in them that will change the course of their life. Thank you for your continued support. I look forward to serving this incredible institution alongside all of you.

Gratefully,

ANDREW BRADY, ‘02 INTERIM PRESIDENT 3 WESTNOTES

WestNotes-August2020.indd 3 9/1/20 8:04 AM WELCOME BRIDGING OUR NEW THE PRINCIPAL MRS. GENEVIEVE TORRES ‘02 “Example makes a much greater impression on GAPAs is core to our Lasallian mission, the mind and heart than words.” West Catholic has always been a school — SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE in and for the community. This is one of Genevieve Torres’ favorite quotes by One of our great strengths is that the founder of the Christian Brothers. Gen arrived a West Catholic student is never on at West Catholic Preparatory High School this their own—they have a community summer as our new principal, and she has already standing with them that is comprised made an impression—through her words and of their family, teachers, coaches, living out this Lasallian quote by leading with her administrators, and fellow students. own example first. Our tuition is $9,250, and the families During her time at West Catholic, Gen says she of our students make the sacrifice of was encouraged to try many different clubs, paying an average of $4,500 of their activities, and school subjects. She credits that child’s tuition on a $32,000 median guidance with helping her to grow into someone family income. We are blessed to who could relate to many different kinds of have alums and partners who give people—someone who isn’t afraid to try new things. generously to West Catholic and partner with our families to make Gen knows that part of what she learned at West Catholic is how to build a team a West Catholic education a reality in an intentional way that allows all members to thrive. As a principal, she has for the children of West and translated what she learned about community and connecting with others into Southwest Philadelphia. an open and humble management style. She has a collaborative and thoughtful leadership style that embodies the Lasallian tenant of inclusive community. PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING When asked about Gen, Interim President Andrew Brady said, “It was clear to me TO THE INVEST IN WEST FUND during the interview process that Gen possesses all of the skills and experience to AS AN ACT OF LOVE AND excel at West Catholic Prep. What set her apart was her commitment to providing PARTNERSHIP FOR THIS COMMUNITY. a quality education for every child, regardless of their circumstances.” Gen knows that in order to provide that quality education, inclusiveness and WestCatholic.org/Give intentionality are key. Gen is excited to be at her alma mater that has already accomplished so much and with such a rich history. She is looking forward to making her own mark now. When asked about what she wants people to think about West Catholic Preparatory High School as a result of her leadership, INVEST Gen had this perspective for her role: inWEST “I want students to say, ‘I can go to Mrs. Torres with suggestions and/or a problem and I can see something change as a result, that instruction has improved FUND and that I am ready for my next steps after graduation.’ I want parents to say, 2020-2021 ‘We feel in the loop and heard, we know what is going on at school, my children say they look forward to going to school, and my child has never learned more at West Catholic than they are now.’ I want other alums to say, ‘Gen represents what a West Catholic graduate should be, the students are happy to go to school, and the students are globally aware and committed to service, as well as compassionate, persevering, resourceful, well-disciplined, generous and helpful.’” Please join us in welcoming Gen to our school and praying for her continued success at West 4 WESTNOTES Catholic Preparatory High School.

WestNotes-August2020.indd 4 9/1/20 8:04 AM SCHOOL IN A COVID-19 WORLD BEING A LASALLIAN SCHOOL HAS MADE WEST MORE PREPARED

spring without missing even a day of instruction before transitioning to a fully Staff and students participating in a Zoom class virtual schedule. Eventually we would have to finish the school year fully virtual, and we quickly added more than just academics to the list of what we were offering COVID-19 our students. During quarantine, we had a virtual dance party with our students, hosted by PLAN Chantal, who works in our cafeteria and is an assistant coach of our volleyball team. Our Director of Community Partnerships West Catholic has been an anchor in West Raushanah Deen-Hargrove planned a Philadelphia since its inception. We have always smattering of virtual classes with the Netter remained committed to this community, Center at University of Pennsylvania and others. SOCIAL DISTANCING and this commitment is informed by our Many classes and activities were offered, but REQUIRED Lasallian charism. some of the highlights include line dancing, Being a Lasallian school means we are rooted painting at home, and karate class. We finished in the mission of St. John Baptist de La Salle, off the year with a patron saint of teachers. The five core principles virtual graduation of a Lasallian school are: faith in the presence ceremony with the MASKS REQUIRED of God; respect for all persons; inclusive class of 2020, and community; quality education; and concern for a simultaneous the poor and social justice. Our teachers and zoom call with staff touch hearts, stimulate minds, and cultivate their families to Amber teaches a cooking class leadership to prepare students for life, work, celebrate together. ADDITIONAL STAFF and service in an everchanging global society. This upcoming school year, we plan to have half FOR DISINFECTING Our Lasallian charism means that we understand of our students in each day, and they will switch that the most important thing about all of us is back and forth between in-person and at-home our humanness. We are people first—students, virtual schooling. A pandemic team, comprised teachers, and administrators second. of teachers and administrators here at West Catholic, has organized a comprehensive plan HYBRID MODEL When other schools were struggling to adjust to to keep our students as safe and healthy as educate their students in the face of COVID-19, possible, both mentally and physically. we found that we only needed to reaffirm our There will also be a fully virtual option. commitment to our Lasallian values, and the rest fell into place. That is not to say that it The COVID-19 situation is ever-evolving, and STUDENT/STAFF was easy, but West we will remain flexible with our plans as SCREENINGS EACH DAY Catholic is a place circumstances change. We hope you will take that always serves a moment to look at the information provided the whole student. here about our COVID-19 plan. As a Lasallian This allowed us school, the well-being of our students is always to rise quickly to at the front of our mind, and no matter what FULLY VIRTUAL the challenge of happens with COVID-19 we will continue to OPTION AVAILABLE COVID-19. care for the whole student as we start this school year. West Catholic was

able to spring into action this past Å FOR OUR FULL COVID-19 PLAN WESTNOTES 5 visit WestCatholic.org/COVID

WestNotes-August2020.indd 5 9/1/20 8:04 AM SUPERIOR FROM SOUTHWEST PHILLY TO ROME, 1968 WEST CATHOLIC ALUM SERVING GENERAL HIS FIFTH YEAR AS THE CHRISTIAN ROBERT BROTHERS’ SUPERIOR GENERAL SCHIELER VISITS

The Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools— “When I first met him, commonly referred to as Christian Brothers—were founded I was happy to hear in 1680 by St. John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of all he was an alum,” said teachers. The Christian Brothers are called to faith, service, and Cashana Cooper ‘20. community, and that has been on full display at West Catholic “He was very caring since the Brothers arrived at West Catholic in the 1920s. and serious about supporting the community. He clearly understood the struggles that this The current Superior General of the Christian Brothers is West community faces and wants to do all he can to help.” Catholic alum Brother Robert Schieler ‘68. Elected in 2014, Brother Bob is the 27th successor of De La Salle and is the During his visit, Brother Bob spoke about the importance of worldwide leader of the Christian Brothers. missions like that of West Catholic Prep, and how the work happening here greatly impacts the young men and women When he is not traveling, Brother Bob spends much of his we are entrusted to serve. He also spoke about his experience time in Rome, providing leadership to Lasallian schools and at the school and how it helped to shape his life’s path. organizations in over eighty countries. This past November, Brother Bob left Rome where he currently resides, and visited Before Brother Bob departed, he was presented gifts by the the Lasallian ministries along the east coast. Of course, students, including a framed photo, West Catholic apparel, Brother Bob was sure to stop by his alma mater at 45th and of course a basket of Tastykakes for him to bring and Chestnut Street! back to Rome. Raised in Southwest Philadelphia on Yocum Street, Brother Bob We are thankful attended the Most Blessed to have one of Sacrament Elementary School our own leading followed by West Catholic before matriculating to La Salle the Christian University. Brothers! While visiting West Catholic, Brother Bob met with students, school administrators, teachers, Bishop Michael Fitzgerald from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Irene Horstmann Hannan WESTNOTES 6 from the Faith in the Future Foundation.

WestNotes-August2020.indd 6 9/1/20 8:04 AM “This is the time to # make history and LADY BURRS 1 say you were here in a very big way.”

— Rashana Barnes-Miller ‘98

Before Rashana spoke to the team 2019-2020 PHILADELPHIA she wanted to make sure they knew how special a moment they were CATHOLIC LEAGUE about to experience. According to Rashana, she wanted them to know CHAMPIONS that, “Life is about moments and As the final buzzer sounded on February 24, 2020, fans and they have the opportunity, privilege, students rushed the court at the Palestra to celebrate the girls and obligation to make this moment basketball team upsetting Archbishop Wood by a score one that sets its mark in their of 65-60 in overtime. For a small group of people in personal story and that of West attendance, that feeling of joy and happiness on the Catholic Prep. This is the time to court was a familiar feeling. make history and say you were Rashana Barnes-Miller ‘98 In the buildup to the game, Rashana Barnes-Miller ‘98, here in a very big way.” and Allison Trapp ‘98 Allison Trapp ‘98, and Maureen Buckley Ward ‘86 were invited by the team’s coach Beulah Osueke (Coach B) to speak with the Lady Burrs. Maureen had coached the last group of PCL champions and Rashana and Allison were that year’s star players. For Coach Beulah, inviting back alums gave the girls the full picture they needed to see. “Our recent success did not start with this batch of kids alone,” said Coach B. “We were able to build on the successes of Rashana, Coach Ward, Allison, and many others to do our part in propelling the girls basketball program, the athletic department, and the collective school community forward.”

7 WESTNOTES

WestNotes-August2020.indd 7 9/1/20 8:04 AM FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN COACH TO WIN A CATHOLIC LEAGUE BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP COACH B Photo: CHARLES MOSTOLLER

As the final buzzer sounded, fans, cheerleaders, and students rushed the court to celebrate with the Lady Burrs. Off to the side of the court, Rashana Barnes, Maureen Ward, and Allison Trapp all shared in the celebration, with hugs and tears in no short supply amongst the three members of the 1998 team. For With the victory over Archbishop Wood, Coach Beulah Osueke them, it was a chance to see this come full circle. (Coach B) didn’t just make history for West Catholic Prep— she made history for becoming the First African American “When I first walked to my seat, I saw the President Coach to win a Catholic League Basketball Championship. and Vice Principal who served at West when I attended,” said Rashana Barnes. “I look across and When Coach B took over the program, the team had a winless see the amazing student section with my former season. The process to build a winning team didn’t just happen English teacher, Sr. Ave, sitting in the middle. overnight — Coach B had to convince players and their families Then there’s the last few seconds when you know of the direction the program was heading, and get the team’s that your Alma Mater just made history. Maureen, total commitment to becoming champions. With everyone on Allison, and I felt that magic . . . all over again.” board, the Lady Burrs improved game by game, year by year. Here were three people whose lives have taken According to Coach B, this championship is more than just an them in different directions, coming back together athletic accomplishment: “Our Catholic League championship is 22 years later and celebrating this next generation a clear message to the student body that anything is possible. of Lady Burrs who have followed in their footsteps. Our story is one of overcoming; we’ve been delayed by challenges but didn’t let them disallow our overall mission. West Catholic Here’s hoping they won’t have to wait Prep is a school worth supporting. These kids have a wealth of 22 more years to watch the next Lady Burrs potential, talent, and skills that are overshadowed if they don’t PCL Championship. have the appropriate resources and access to opportunities that will allow them to properly develop as young people.”

WESTNOTES 8

WestNotes-August2020.indd 8 9/1/20 8:04 AM THE MAGUIRE FOUNDATION cost for families; and the creation of the Marc Nicoletti Jr. Scholarship, which awards emergency funding to West Catholic families dealing with difficult situations LIVING AS MEN AND such as a recent death or a loss of employment. According to Interim President Andrew Brady, the WOMEN FOR OTHERS Maguires are a living embodiment of being men and women for others: “They are fully invested in the mission of the schools they support and don’t Nyesha Cole get involved from afar. Jim and Megan know the class of 2020, a Maguire Scholars and, most importantly, the Maguire Maguire scholar, is inducted into Scholars know them. They get involved with a level of the National commitment and authenticity that is truly inspiring.” Honor Society.

PROFILE OF A Since its inception, the Maguire Foundation has been incredibly supportive of West Catholic and hundreds of MAGUIRE other schools and organizations throughout the region. SCHOLAR In recent years, the Foundation has continued to grow NASIR GRIFFIN ‘22 that support and today is one of the most generous supporters of the school.

The Maguire Foundation was founded by James J. Maguire First Honors “West Catholic is about and the late Frances M. Maguire, with a mission to improve GPA 4.44 culture, tradition, family, the quality of life for people, and educating the next pride and purpose. You can generation of leaders. It is grounded in the teaching of Grade School feel it the first time you St. Ignatius Loyola with the belief that we are men and Attended enter the school. My biggest women for others. Today, the Maguire Foundation is led by DePaul Catholic takeaways from my time here Megan Maguire Nicoletti, who serves as President and CEO. Favorite Class so far have been that the The Maguire Scholar program is one of the Foundation’s Theology school has helped to make largest. Currently, 40 students per year at West Catholic are Favorite Teacher me a more disciplined person, Maguire Scholars, which means they receive a four year Brother David and has helped me to be scholarship of $3,000 each year, provided they continue to Deradorrian, FSC more respectful of others.” meet the criteria. For most foundations, providing the school with 40 scholarships a year would be more than enough, but for Maguire Foundation at West Catholic it has just been the start. “Every time we’ve ever approached Megan or Jim, they’ve been supportive, and have always asked tough questions,” said Interim President Andrew Brady. “As soon as they felt comfortable with the project and that we had a strong plan in place, they’ve always been willing to get behind it in a Nasir Griffin ‘22 significant way.” Just a few of those projects include: the creation of Maguire Field, a $1,500,000 state-of-the-art athletic field; WESTNOTES 9 underwriting a portion of a grant that renovated the school’s academic programming; funding Summer Slam, a camp for 5th-8th graders that is offered at no or limited

WestNotes-August2020.indd 9 9/1/20 8:04 AM SCHOOL LEAVE RECEIVES YOUR $1 MILLION A GIFT FROM THE ESTATE LEGACY OF PASQUALE FRATTURA ’52 AND WIFE BARBARA

West Catholic Preparatory High School has received a $1,000,000 gift from the Estate of Pasquale and Barbara Frattura. Mr. Frattura is a

1952 alumnus of the school. The gift will establish the Pasquale R. and BROTHER RICHARD KESTLER Barbara A. Frattura Scholarship Fund that will be endowed and provide scholarships to students with financial need. LEGACY “The gift that the Frattura family has left to West Catholic Preparatory SOCIETY High School is a great example of the legacy of the impact that this school made on so many of its loyal graduates. This momentous One of the most impactful gift will allow us to continue to live our mission of delivering quality ways you can support the school Catholic education to the young people of Philadelphia and beyond,” is through making said Andrew Brady, Interim President of West Catholic a planned gift. Donors who Preparatory High School. include the school in their estate “The Frattura family, and the many other alums and friends who have planning are honored been so generous to this institution, continue to lead the way in as members of the West Catholic Prep’s efforts to be amongst the finest urban, Brother Richard Kestler Catholic high schools in the country.” Legacy Society. By becoming With the belief that all children should have the opportunity to receive a member, you can a quality education no matter make a meaningful gift their zip code, the school strives without impacting to ensure that income is never a your quality of life now. barrier to a student’s potential attendance. To get more information, contact This year, 95% of West Catholic Lauren Stager Prep students will receive financial aid or scholarships, amounting Director of Institutional Advancement to over $2,000,000 in tuition assistance. This gift from the (215) 386.2244 x106 Frattura family, which is the third [email protected] largest in school history will allow the school to continue to make tuition even more affordable. WestCatholic.org/Planned The gift will establish the Pasquale R. and Barbara A. Frattura Scholarship Fund that will provide scholarships to students with financial need. WESTNOTES 10

WestNotes-August2020.indd 10 9/1/20 8:04 AM FINANCIAL BREAKDOWN 2019-2020 DONATIONS

ANNUAL FUND $705,570 ENDOWMENT ANNUAL 12% FUND RESTRICTED SCHOLARSHIPS $125,000 26% COVID-19 EMERGENCY FUND $110,209 RESTRICTED GIFTS EITC/ COVID-19 RESTRICTED GIFTS $714,339 26% OSTC .5%

EITC/OSTC $958,974 35%

ENDOWMENT GIFTS $107,206 RESTRICTED SCHOLARSHIPS .5% TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED $2,721,298

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER WAY TO GIVE?

Planned giving or EITC/OSTC may be for you!

CONTACT LAUREN STAGER [email protected] 215-386-2244 ext. 106 INVEST IN THE FUTURE.

11 WESTNOTES *Financials currently being audited for FY 19.20

WestNotes-August2020.indd 11 9/1/20 8:04 AM NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID WESTNOTES PERMIT NO. 138 4501 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19139 www.westcatholic.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

WANT TO SEE MORE? CONNECT WITH US TODAY

WESTCATHOLICPREP WCPREP WEST_CATHOLIC

REST IN PEACE For a full listing of those we lost in 2019-2020, please visit WestCatholic.org/RIP.

MISSION STATEMENT WEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL is a Catholic community of academic excellence in an urban environment that is open to an interdenominational population. The school’s rigorous spiritual, academic, technological, and extracurricular programs develop our ethnically and religiously diverse student body into young men and women of strong moral and ethical character. West Catholic prepares each student to face the challenges of everyday life, embrace leadership positions in society, and value service in an ever-changing global society.

WestNotes-August2020.indd 12 9/1/20 8:04 AM