ST. ANTHONY’S VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2 lue& SUMMER 2011 BNEWSLETTER FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDSGold OF ST. ANTHONY CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
From the Pastor Dear Alumni and Friends,
June is the month of commencements. We think first of our 2011 graduates, all of whom have been admitted to Catholic High Schools! Congratulations to all of you! We are very proud of you, and are sure that for you “the past is prologue.” But I am also thinking of Blue & Gold Astronaut B. Alvin Drew returns to alumni and friends now graduating from Colleges St. Anthony School and Graduate Schools of many kinds; and about others about to commence matrimony, the reli- hen Col. B. Alvin Drew G.S. '76 came back gious life or the priesthood. June is the month of to his alma mater, St. Anthony Catholic School in Brookland on Thursday May 12, commencements! he encountered two excited audiences. June 2011 marks the commencement of our WDressed in his NASA astronaut jumpsuit, Col. Drew first annual “On-line” Silent Auction and Gala. saw upraised hands from dozens of students during his More a celebration and “fun” raiser than “fund” early afternoon session with elementary St. Anthony raiser, it is our first sustained attempt to build School students. “Is there life in outer space?” “What on the feast day of our patron, Saint Anthony of did you eat in space?” “How big is the sun?” The Padua. St. Anthony is truly the Saint of the whole middle school session was similarly well-received. world. More places on this earth are named for During the sessions at the Margot Hall at St. Saint Anthony than any other Saint, and truth be Anthony Catholic School, Col. Drew patiently answered his audiences' questions one by one. He told, everyone loves him, because at some time recalled his excitement in second grade at St. Anthony everyone has asked his help in finding something! when Apollo 11 became the first humans on earth's Everyone therefore owes him big time! As our moon in July 20, 1969. At an early age, he had found school commences its 90th year of service to the an occupation that engaged his interests. Church and the world, we want to ground our Col. Drew told his audience that of the three Apollo work in a better appreciation of our patron. Ac- 11 astronauts, he liked Michael Collins the most cordingly we have scheduled a spaghetti dinner because he didn't seek attention and did outstand- on Friday June 10th; our auction and gala on June ing work. Col. Drew has been a member of NASA's 11th at St. Francis Hall of the Franciscan Monas- Astronaut Group since July 2000. He retired from the Air Force in September 2010, after more than 25 years tery; a concert on Pentecost Sunday, the day we of service and more than 3,000 hours of flying time. also celebrate the final vows of Brother Venance, After watching Apollo 11 on television and accom- continued on page 2 continued on page 7 2
From the Pastor Class of 2011 High School Plans continued from front page he following students have successfully completed the a Brother of Charity and parishioner; and academic requirements for graduation in the Archdiocese of Washington. Confirmation on St. Anthony’s feast day, T June 13th. We celebrate commencements! Jasmine Artis Elizabeth Seton High School June 30th marks the commencement Elijah Belardo St. John’s College High School of the next phase of life for Mr. Bill Eager, Akira Belton-Edwards Duke Ellington School of the Arts our long term principal. After 14 years at Ayanna Braswell Bishop McNamara High School the helm, Bill is retiring as Principal, but Alex Butler DeMatha Catholic High School we know his heart will always be with us, Maleek Caraway DeMatha Catholic High School and we expect him to be our permanent Kendra Childs McKinley Technology High School auctioneer! Bill’s upcoming commence- Reginald Enwere DeMatha Catholic High School ment made me think that all of our com- Victor Hall DeMatha Catholic High School mencements are an exchange of gifts. Bill Elissa Hipolito St. John’s College High School shared generously of himself as Principal, Brandon Jackson DeMatha Catholic High School and a whole generation of students is richer because of the time he spent on them, the Kenneth Jackson McKinley Technology High School love he lavished on them. But he would be Charlotte Koi-Larbi Elizabeth Seton High School the first to say that he received much more Ashton Leo Archbishop Carroll High School from this school community in return. Marcus Lewis Gonzaga College High School Precisely in giving himself away he became Samaya Mack Archbishop Carroll High School rich in what matters, a community of col- Obiora Mbanefo Gonzaga College High School leagues and graduates who call him friend. Endia Owens Archbishop Carroll High School This is the reason why we want to continue Janai Price St. John’s College High School improving St. Anthony Catholic School, Clark Scott St. John’s College High School that generations yet unborn may appreciate William Spiegel St. John’s College High School the great and mysterious gift of being fully Isaiah Taylor DeMatha Catholic High School human, fully alive. As Alumni and Friends Courtney Thompson Georgetown Visitation we are spread all over this earth, but for all Yasmine Thornton Archbishop Carroll High School of us St. Anthony Parish, High School and Lindsay Washington Elizabeth Seton High School Grade School are really places in the heart, Sydnee Williams Elizabeth Seton High School special places where St. Anthony shared Janell Wood Archbishop Carroll High School something of himself with us, and we were never the same again. Please pray for your school, and complete the exchange, ac- cording to your means. “The gift you have received, give as a gift!” As Blessed John Paul II said: “The future for us remains an unknown quantity, which we now accept without anxiety. Love has overcome anxiety. The future depends on love.” Enjoy summer’s commencement! Peace and Love,
Fr. Fred 3
From the Principal’s Desk Dear Alumni and Friends, for lives of service and leadership rooted in the Catholic values of faith, hope, and love. As we look toward the They say that time goes fast when you’re having celebration of the Feast of Pentecost, I want to remind fun. We must have had fun because this year flew! you that there is a cost in Pentecost. In order for Catholic There are twenty-seven students in the graduating education to thrive, the entire body of Christ must par- class. I am thrilled to share with you that 100% of ticipate. I believe that Catholic education is that “pearl of the graduates were accepted at our very competitive great price” and worth supporting with our time, talent, Catholic high schools. The acceptances they received and treasure. I thank you for your support. were from Archbishop Carroll High School, St. John’s, As our 89th school year DeMatha, Gonzaga, winds down, my time here is Georgetown Visitation, coming to an end. June 30, and Elizabeth Seton High 2011 will be my last day. I School. have loved my fourteen years Thank you to their here. It has been an honor teachers for great instruc- and a privilege to say that I am tion throughout their the principal of St. Anthony academic careers. Special Catholic School. thanks to their home- We have wonderful stu- room teacher, Mr. Michael dents, great parents, and excel- Thomasian, who is a lent teachers. I thank Father strong advocate for each Fred for his total support of of his students. the school. I hope to give my We continue to of- Principal Bill Eager with kindergarten class support and to be helpful to fer algebra, a high school and Ms. Margie Bacon, teacher. St. Anthony’s in the future. course. This year thirteen Thank you again – it has been a real joy. of our eighth graders are taking the course and are We are preparing for our summer program and plan- doing very well. We are in the process of installing ning for the kickoff of the school’s 90th year. I hope to Smartboards in three of our classrooms, one on each see you at the Auction Dinner and Dance Saturday, June floor. These are a tremendous asset to learning, and we 11th. hope to continue to add more boards each year. God Bless you and continue to pray for and support St. We recently received the results of the Terra Nova Anthony Catholic School. Standardized testing that our students took in March. Once again our students did well and the results con- Sincerely, tinue to provide us with important data to improve instruction. Our goal is constant improvement and to continue the school mission which is to prepare our students Bill Eager, Principal
Fr. Fred with Bill.
Assistant Principal Michael Thomasian and Bill. 4
ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS
JOHN T. BUTLER G.S. ‘66/H.S. ‘70 is associate vice president ANNETTE (ABIERA) KEMPISTY G.S. ‘74/H.S. ‘78 for advancement at the University System of the District of and her husband Raymond’s older son Mitchell Columbia. He is also program co-leader at Leadership Greater Kempisty has completed his first year at the Naval Washington. Academy in Annapolis. Mitchell Kempisty is a 2010 graduate of Eleanor LARRY D. ABLES H.S. ‘73 is director of the Employee Relations Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, where he and Performance Management Service for the Veterans Affairs served as Student Government Association presi- Department in Washington. dent. He is a wide receiver on the Naval Academy Midshipmen football team. FELIX YEOMAN H.S. ‘74 is a financial recruiter at The Corvus Group, LLC. He holds an MBA with a concentration in CHERYL (PHILLIPS) ARCENEAUX G.S. ‘77 is a finance from the American University Kogod School of loan specialist at the Export-Import Bank of Business. Washington.
EILEEN CORBOY G.S. ‘76 is a licensed realtor with Dillon Crew LORY IVEY-ALEXANDER ‘93 is a 2008 graduate of of Washington, D.C. She lives in University Park, Md., after Howard Law School. She is also an alumna of Tufts moving from Keller Williams Capitol Properties in April 2010. University.
Career Day Pictorial May 19, 2011 – nearly 30 speakers Sr. Helen of the Little Works of the Sacred Heart congregation Chip Armstrong with Assistant Principal Michael G.S. ‘73 speaking Thomasian. She is a pediatrician to a class. focusing on cancer patients. Sr. Dede Byrne, fellow sister and doctor, also presented.
Dr. Richardson (dentist) and Ms. Jones (Human Resources).
Charles Iweanogi, parent, speaking to a class. 5
REUNION CORNER ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS ALUMNI NEWS Former Basketball ST. ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL 1954 AND Player Allan Baker GRADE SCHOOL 1950 REUNION llan Baker H.S. ‘70 of When: Weekend of October 15-16, 2011. Glastonbury, Conn., hus- Place: Herrington on the Bay, band of Laura J. (Young) near North Beach, MD Baker, died July 28, 2010 at ASt. Francis Hospital. He was 58 years Note: The class invites other St. Anthony classes of the 1950's to join them. old. Contact: Pat Keegan Grigsby: 301-627-2957 Born February 28, 1952 in Washington, he was the or [email protected] son of the late Jesse M. Baker Sr. and Cora E. (Blackwell) Baker. His wife Laura J. (Young) Baker survives him. ST. ANTHONY GRADE SCHOOL 1957 Allan played basketball for Coach John Thompson II at St. Anthony High School. He then attended AND HIGH SCHOOL 1961 REUNION Providence College in 1971, where he played basketball Contacts: Michael J. Armelin for Coach Dave Gavitt. H.S. '61 at 202-355-4185, [email protected] Allan was a member of the first Providence College or Joe Shehade G.S./H.S.’61 [email protected] team to reach the NCAA Final Four in 1973. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology in 1974. He ST. ANTHONY HIGH SCHOOL 1971 served Providence College as a member of the Board 40-YEAR REUNION of Trustees, President’s Council, Student Affairs and Varsity Athletic committees for several years. He also Date: October 8, 2011 received an Honorary Doctor of Law from Elizabeth Location: to be determined City State University, Honorary Doctor of Humane Contact: Mary LaFranchise Lewis Letters from Kentucky State University and Mississippi H.S. '71 at [email protected] for more information. Valley State University and earned a Degree from Hartford Seminary School’s Black Ministers Program in 2008. Allan retired in 2004 from ING U.S. Financial PLANNED Services of Hartford and became president of Innovative Marketing and Branding Solutions LLC. He GIVING served his community on the Board of Directors for CORNER the Connecticut Community for Addictions Recovery, The Recovery Club of Windsor, The Urban League of After you take care Greater Hartford, Hartford Symphony Orchestra, The of your family and Old State House, University of Connecticut Graduate loved ones, please School of Business, and the Thurgood Marshall consider naming St. Anthony Catholic School of Washington, D.C. Scholarship Fund. He received a Commendation from President Jimmy in your will. Carter “... For outstanding service to others in the finest American tradition.” In addition to his wife, Allan is survived by two In Memorium daughters, Jennifer L. Baker of Charlotte, N.C., and Allison N. Baker of Glastonbury; his brother, Jesse M. Charles “Bim” Barrett H.S. '71 Baker Jr. and his wife Mary of Laurel, Md.; and four Rosemary Kenny H.S. '71 sisters, Barbara Ann Savoy and her husband Joseph of Oakland, Calif., Diane Baker of Washington D.C., Celeste Lewis MacMillian H.S. '69 Lucy A. Berry of White Plains, Md., Pauline M. Baker of Brenda Smith H.S. '71 Washington D.C. Allan was predeceased by a brother Debra Sullivan Newman H.S. '71 Earl E. Baker, and a sister Paulette Crawford. Allan’s Please pray for the deceased. remains lie at Holy Cross Cemetery in Glastonbury. 6
Opportunity Scholarship Program reauthorized
hanks to the leadership shown by House Speaker John Boehner (R.-Ohio), the Opportunity Scholarship Program has received five full years funding to allow low income students from the District of Columbia to attend private Congressional Federal = Tand parochial schools for up to $8,000 (elementary) and $12,000 Financial Wellness (high school) through the Scholarship for Opportunity and Results Act (SOAR). id you know that St. Anthony A majority of the D.C. City Council members signed a letter in Catholic School has partnered support of the Opportunity Scholarship Program, including all but with Congressional Federal one African-American member. Through SOAR, DC Public Schools, Credit Union to offer its past charter schools and the Opportunity Scholarship Program are all Dand present students the opportunity to receiving additional federal funding. Kevin B. Chavous of Black become members of this credit union? Alliance for Educational Options (BAEO) pointed out that all city As a member of our credit union you’ll council members from less affluent wards supported OSP. enjoy the benefits of: BAEO is a non-profit organization that advocates for increased access to high quality educational options for low-income and • Free Checking – No minimum working class minority families. balance to open or monthly balance requirements. • Competitive loan rates – Relax and enjoy potential savings over the life of loan. • 24 hour account access with FREE BillPay – Gives you the freedom to man- May age your account anytime, along with paying bills or making your “dollar a Crowning day” donation to St. Anthony Catholic School without the hassle of writing checks. • Convenient access to over 37,000 ATMs and over 3,700 branch locations – Allows you to access your money any- where in the country. Special Offer: Any new account opened Attention Alumni & Friends: by a St. Anthony Catholic School employee, student, or alumnus will be Please help us to update your contact credited the initial $5 deposit and a dol- information so we can better comply with lar donation will be made to the school complements of the Credit Union. U.S. Postal Service mailing regulations. Take advantage of this great offer by Please complete a contact form at our opening your account today to experience the “Congressional” difference. Please website at www.stanthonyschooldc.org by visit www.CongressionalFCU.org and visiting our Alumni page if you are not open an account online or contact us at currently receiving the Blue & Gold. BusinessDevelopment@CongressionalFCU. org or 703-261-2730 to get started! THANK YOU! 7
Astronaut B. Alvin Drew Bill Eager Farewell Party continued from front page St. Anthony School Principal (1997-2011) panying his father to the airport and learn- Thirty years in Catholic education ing about what airline pilots do, young May 19, 2011 Farewell Party – more than 75 attended Alvin decided he wanted to be both a pilot and an astronaut. His father gave him the astonishing news that he could be both an astronaut and an Air Force pilot. From that time, Alvin decided that he would work hard to earn whatever grades he needed Thanks to receive to become an astronaut and a pilot, and that he would stay out of trouble. for the He attended St. Anthony Catholic School from first through eighth grade, when the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, N.J., admin- memories! istered the school. Influenced by his late eighth grade English teacher Ms. Lorraine Ferris, Col. Mrs. Kathleen Downey, Pre-K Drew decided to attend Gonzaga College teacher (left) with Ms. Lynne Gray, music minister for St. High School, N.W., even though his best Anthony Catholic Church. friend at the time was planning to enter another all-boys Catholic school. He had to get outside his comfort zone. Ms. Michelle Nolley Col. Drew then worked hard to gain (center), middle admission to the Air Force Academy in school science and Colorado Springs, Col., leading later to math teacher with Ms. his flying combat missions for the U.S. Air Neslyn Moore (right), seventh grade home- Force. He received his commission as a sec- room teacher and ond lieutenant in the Air Force in May 1984. middle school science A veteran of two spaceflights – most teacher, and Mrs. recently the STS-133 to the International Alicia Wrenn (left), Space Flight in March 2011 – Drew demon- middle school lan- strated an encyclopedic knowledge of space. guage arts. He will go down in history as the final African-American to board a Space Shuttle, since the final two Space Shuttle missions, STS-134 and STS-135, featured no African- American astronauts. He also spent time during his May 12 visit with two of his St. Anthony Catholic School teachers, now-retired Wayne Straight, and John Devereaux.
Bill Eager (second to right) with his wife, Carol, and John Eager, the ninth of their 11 children (far right), a St. Anthony Catholic School alumnus. Mr. John Devereaux, middle school social studies teacher, stands to the left. St. Anthony Catholic School Office of Development/Alumni Relations Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage 1029 Monroe St., N.E. PAID Washington, D.C. 20017-1793 Permit No. 9862 Washington DC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
ST. ANTHONY’S BLUE & GOLD • VOLUME 11, ISSUE 2 • SUMMER 2011
St. Anthony Catholic School (Pre-K-8) Fr. Fred Close, Pastor 12th & Lawrence Streets [email protected] Washington, D.C. 20017 202-526-8822 (parish office) 202-526-4657 www.stanthonyschooldc.org Mr. William Eager, principal [email protected] Interested in serving as a Class Agent? 202-526-4657 Address updates for alumni and friends? Please contact Bill Murray at Please visit our website at www.stanthonyschooldc.org [email protected] or to update your address to receive this newsletter on the 301-881-8180 Alumni and Friends page.
Visit St. Anthony Catholic School’s website: www.stanthonyschooldc.org A school you can believe in.