HOLY GHOST PREP Information Supplement Holy Ghost Preparatory School, founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost, the Spiritans, is a private Catholic school dedicated to the quality education of college-bound young men.
With Christ at the center, Holy Ghost Preparatory School aspires to form young men morally, intellectually, and spiritually in the Spiritan tradition.
This tradition fosters the development of community in “one heart and one mind,” the cultivation of each student’s unique gifts, academic excellence, and generous service to the poor. A History ...... 3 HOLY GHOST PREP by the Numbers Faculty & Administration ...... 5 Students ...... 515 Academic Philosophy ...... 6 Total Faculty ...... 50 The School Day ...... 6 Average Class Size ...... 18 Curriculum ...... 7 Student to Teacher Ratio ...... 10:1 Teachers with Advanced Degrees ...... 80% College Preparation ...... 9 Athletic League Championships 07-08 ...... 7 Most Popular Schools ...... 9 Bands (Full, Jazz) ...... 3 Advanced Placement Courses...... 11 Annual Drama Productions ...... 2 Extra-Curricular Activities ...... 26 Technology ...... 13 Interscholastic Teams ...... 26 Computer Science Department...... 13 Acre Campus ...... 50 Spiritual Formation...... 15
Service and Mission ...... 15
Class of 2008 Leadership ...... 17 Members ...... 115 The National Honor Society ...... 17 National Merit Recognized Students ...... 11 National Merit Finalists ...... 3 The Student Government ...... 19 Average SAT Score ...... 1240 Forensics ...... 20 Accepted to College ...... 100% Fine Arts ...... 23 Attending One of Top 2 Choices ...... 90% Offered College Scholarship or Grant ...... 90% Tuition/Scholarships/ Financial Aid ...... 24 Total Scholarships ...... $11 Million Average Scholarship or Grant per Student ...... $10,000 per year Admissions Procedures...... 25
Important Dates ...... Back Cover
Contact Information ...... Back Cover
1 RESOURCES During Open Study periods, students can be found throughout the academic walk of the Holy Ghost Prep campus. Many students choose to study in the library, research projects in one of the computer labs, or meet with study groups in the cafeteria. Additionally, students often work on projects in the art studio, practice for upcoming performances in the music room or quietly spend time reflecting in the chapel.
2 A History of Holy Ghost Prep
Holy Ghost Preparatory School was In the late 1950’s, the Holy Ghost The campus presently consists of founded in 1897 as a preparatory Fathers undertook a major four buildings: Cornwells Hall, school and junior college seminary revamping of their educational constructed in phases between 1897 for young men who were studying to program. At this time, all the first and 1923 is the oldest building on become members of the religious and second-year college seminarians campus. It houses the science congregation of the Holy Ghost were moved from Holy Ghost and laboratories, a computer center, Fathers and Brothers. At that time, sent to Duquesne University in classrooms, the art studio, the school was called Holy Ghost Pittsburgh. For the first time in its administrative offices and the Chapel Apostolic College and educated history, the school would open its of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. seminarians from first-year high doors to a high school student who The Fieldhouse was built in 1962 and school through second-year college. was interested in preparing himself is home to the athletic program. In Each student lived at the seminary in for college without entering the 2003, the Fieldhouse underwent a $3 areas that today have been made seminary program. It was at this million renovation. This project into classrooms. time that the name became Holy includes the construction of a new Ghost Preparatory School. In 1968, lobby, new locker facilities, new the Holy Ghost Fathers discontinued weight room, and a new gymnasium the seminary program so that, at floor. Spiritan Hall, built in the present, the entire enrollment of 1980’s, is the home of the Holy Holy Ghost Prep consists of Ghost Fathers who teach and work nonresident, college-bound students. on campus. It also houses the President’s office, the Business office, and the Development Office. Finally, Founders’ Hall was completed in the fall of 1999. This state-of-the-art facility houses the library, classrooms, and a computer center.
3 25
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE 20
Holy Ghost Prep has made a firm 15 commitment to a small school enrollment and small class sizes. 10 Here are the average class sizes 5 for each academic area. 17.3 17.2 20.2 17.3 12.9 18.2 12 14.3 0 MATH ENGLISH RELIGION SCIENCE COMPUTER HISTORY ARTS FOREIGN 4 SCIENCE LANGUAGE Faculty & Administration
Mr. Ryan Abramson, ’94 Rev. Jeffrey T. Duaime, C.S.Sp., ‘76 Mr. Francis Klose Mrs. Kathleen Walsh Posey Director of Admissions President B.A. LaSalle University B.A. George Mason University B.A. Catholic University B.A. Duquesne University M.A. LaSalle University M.A. Old Dominion University M.A. LaSalle University M. Div. Catholic Theological Union M.Ed. Cabrini College Dr. Vincent Profy, ’65 Rev. Philip Agber, C.S.Sp. Mr. Thomas Eckerle Mr. William Lambert B.A. Boston College B.A. Ecole Theologique B.A. Holy Family University B.S. West Chester University M.A. Temple University Saint-Cyprian M.A. Holy Family University M.Ed. West Chester University Ed.D. Temple University Mrs. Marie Bliss Mr. Kenneth Ferrara ‘89 Mr. James McCullough Mr. Peter Puleo, ‘98 B.A. Holy Family College Executive Director of B.A. LaSalle University B.S. Saint Joseph’s University Institutional Advancement M.Ed. College of New Jersey M.A. Holy Family University Ms. Elizabeth Bruno B.A. Loyola College (Md.) B.S. Chesnut Hill College M.B.A. Loyola College (Md.) Rev. Christopher McDermott, C.S.Sp. Mr. Daniel Ryan M.Ed. Temple University B.A. Duquesne University Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Anthony Figliola M. Div. Catholic Theological Union B.A. Duquesne University Mr. John Buettler, ’64 B.A. St. Joseph’s University M.Ed. Iowa State University B.A. Duquesne University M.A. Villanova University Mr. Michael M. Meistering M.A. Duquesne University M.A. St. Charles Borromeo Seminary B.A. Haverford College M.A. LaSalle University Mr. Jason Fisher, ’95 Mr. Michael Seminack B.A. University of Scranton Mrs. Margaret Anne Newman B.A. Villanova University Mrs. Geraldine Carmine M.A. La Salle University B.A. University of Pennsylvania M.A. St. Joseph’s University B.S. St. Joseph’s University M.S. Chestnut Hill College M.S. St. Joseph’s University M.A. Arcadia University Mr. John Fitzpatrick, ’89 B.A. Duquesne University Mrs. Claudine Nicolay Mr. Alex Shvartsberg Mr. Justin Cercone M.A. LaSalle University B.A. University of Metz, France B.S. Lock Haven University B.A. SUNY Buffalo State College M.A. University of Metz, France Mrs. Margaret Flynn Mrs. Carol Signore Mr. Tony Chapman, ’71 B.A. Holy Family College Mr. Gary Nolan, ’95 Director of Guidance Dean of Students B.A. Catholic University B.A. Seton Hall B.A. LaSalle University Mr. Justin Goulet, ‘99 M.Ed. Cabrini College B.A. Villanova University M.A.T. University of Pittsburgh Mr. Jerry Colapinto M.A. Villanova University Dr. Patricia O’Connor M.S. Chestnut Hill College B.A. LaSalle University B.A. Saint Mary’s College Mr. Ted Grabowksi Mrs. Karen O’Brien Smallen M.A. Villanova University M.A. Villanova University B.S. Nazareth College of Rochester Director of College Guidance Ph.D. Indiana University of PA Mr. Thomas Croskey B.A LaSalle University M.S. SUNY Buffalo State College B.A. Loyola College M.Ed. Rider University Mrs. Maryann O’Connor Mr. James Stewart B.A. Chestnut Hill College Director of Athletics Mr. Michael Culnan ‘95 Mr. Michael Griffin, ’96 M.A. Temple University B.A. Fordham University B.A. Marywood University B.A. Shippensburg University Mrs. Eleanor Osborne M.A. Cabrini University Mr. Jeffrey Danilak Mr. John Paul Iaconianni B.A. St. Francis University Dean of Studies B.A. LaSalle University Mr. Stephen Tomshaw M.A. Assumption College Diplome B.S. Drexel University B.A. LaSalle University d'Etudes Superieures Sorbonne M.A George Washington University Mrs. Karen Iuliano M.S.(Physics) Drexel University B.S. Villanova University Mr. Michael A. O’Toole M.S. Drexel University Mr. Gregory Dennison Principal Ph.D. Drexel University Director of Finance Mr. Michael Jacobs, ‘01 B.S.E. Drexel University A.B. University of Pennsylvania Mrs. Beth Vilsmeier B.B.A. University of Wisconsin M.A. University of Pennsylvania M.B.A. University of Wisconsin B.A. Philadelphia College of Music & Mr. Matthew Jordan M.A. Columbia University Performing Arts A.B. Albright College Mr. John DiGiesi Mr. Michael Pappadakis B.A. LaSalle University M.A. Rutgers University M.Ed. University of Pennsylvania B.A. Temple University M.A. Holy Family University M.S. Drexel University
5 Academic Philosophy Holy Ghost Prep students are exposed to challenging students to strive to reach challenge themselves and one another a rigorous liberal arts and sciences core- their maximum level of academic ability. through a variety of activities both curriculum which teaches critical HGP students are expected to think academic and extracurricular. As true thinking skills, life values and motivates rationally, to compute patiently and education requires interaction, teachers the spirit to serve. In keeping with our accurately and to reason creatively. Holy and students thrive in the atmosphere of mission statement, Holy Ghost Prep Ghost Prep provides an environment communication and mutual respect seeks academic excellence by whereby students and teachers positively cultivated at Holy Ghost Prep.
The School Day The daily schedule is composed of moves to each time of the day. In time during the course of each day. seven academic periods, a break, an effort to foster independence It is the student’s responsibility to and a lunch. Each academic period and to better simulate the college make the best use of his free time meets seven of eight days of a experience, Holy Ghost Prep by studying, meeting with a teacher rotating cycle, in which every class provides students with Open Study or utilizing various student resource centers.
6 ELECTIVES English Cinematography Curriculum Dramatic Performance (S,3,4) Journalism (S,4) FRESHMAN YEAR SOPHOMORE YEAR JUNIOR YEAR SENIOR YEAR Yearbook (2,3,4) English English English English Short Story (S,4) Introduction to Literature Academic Writing (S, H), American Literature (H) English Literature (AP), and Composition (H) Communications Skills (S, H) English Language (AP) World Literature (H) Science AP Biology Foreign Language Foreign Language Foreign Language Foreign Language AP Chemistry French I, Latin I, Spanish I French II (H), Latin II, French III (H), Latin III (H), French IV (AP), Spanish II (H) Spanish III (H) Latin IV (AP), AP Physics Math Spanish IV (AP) Astronomy Algebra I, Intermediate Math Math Ecology Algebra, Algebra II (H) Geometry (H) Algebra II, Math Analysis (H), Math Electric Circuits Geometry/Algebra II Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Religion Religion Calculus AB (AP), Social Studies Fundamentals of Religion Morality (S), Calculus BC (AP) Economics Catholicism (S), Bible (S), Social Justice (S) Church History (S) Sexuality and Dating (S) World Religions Religion AP European History Peer Ministry Senior Seminar (S) Middle East Science Science Morality Psychology Biology (H) Chemistry (H) Science Question of God US Government Physics (H) Spiritual Psychology AP World History Social Studies Social Studies World History I World History II Social Studies Science Multicultural Studies European History (AP) United States History (AP), See Electives-Science International Relations Co-Curricular United States History All (S), All (3,4) Guidance, Co-Curricular Social Studies Introduction to Guidance Co-Curricular See Electives-Social Studies Co-Curricular Studio Art, College Guidance for Juniors 2D & 3D Design (3,4) Instrumental Music, Co-Curricular Information Literacy College Guidance for Seniors Music Theory (1,2,3,4) Advanced Drawing (3,4) Drawing (2,3,4) (AP)= Advanced Placement Course Studio Art (2,3,4) (H) = Also offered as Honors Course Painting & Printmaking (2,3,4) (S) = Semester Course Guitar (1,2,3,4)
Other Courses AP Computer Science (S,3,4) Chorus & Music Theory (1,2,3,4) The academic committee of Holy Ghost Prep Foreign Languages (2,3,4) Instrumental Music (1,2,3,4) recognizes that each student has unique Peer Ministry Portfolio Art (4) academic needs. It is not unusual for a Statistics (3,4) Computer Science student’s schedule to include a mixture of Numerical Politics classes from different grade levels to meet See also AP on Page 11 his particular strengths and interests. 7 CRITICAL READING 637 640 633 630 630 630 MATH 627 620 620 620 613 615 612 610 610 E 605
R 603 599 600 600 O 600 C S
T 580 A S E
G 560 A R
E 540 V A 520
500 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ACADEMIC YEAR Average SAT Verbal and Math Scores 2000-2008. 8 – 07-08 HOLY GHOST PREP COLLEGE ACCEPTANCE RATES
College or University % HGP Acc. + % National Acc. * American University 75% 51% College Preparation Amhearst College 40% 18% Bentley College 67% 43% Boston College 46% 31% Juniors and Seniors must take a College Guidance Boston University 77% 57% Brown University 14% 15% class to prepare them for selecting colleges, filling Bucknell University 40% 34% Carnegie Mellon University 50% 39% out applications and participating in interviews. Catholic University of America 92% 75% College of Charleston 75% 65% College of New Jersey 67% 48% •College days during the year bring college College of Holy Cross 39% 42% College of William and Mary 56% 31% representatives to HGP to meet students. Columbia University 35% 11% Cornell University 20% 27% •Evening information sessions provide parents Dartmouth College 25% 17% with helpful information regarding college Dayton University 100% 80% DeSales University 100% 79% applications and financial aid. Dickinson College 67% 49% Drexel University 91% 82% •School days are set aside for seniors to visit Duke University 25% 22% colleges. Duquesne University 99% 80% Elizabethtown College 100% 63% •An alumni network is available to help students Elon University 56% 41% Fordham University 80% 54% find the right colleges and provide them with on George Washington University 56% 37% Georgetown University 36% 21% and off campus opportunities. Gettysburg College 75% 43% •Two college guidance counselors guide students Hamilton College 29% 33% Haverford College 67% 27% through the application process. Johns Hopkins University 40% 35% King’s College 100% 80% Lafayette College 53% 37% LaSalle University 97% 76% Loyola College 71% 64% Marist College 75% 50% Millersville University 83% 56% 30 Moravian College 100% 65% SEMIFINALISTS Northeastern University 57% 47% 19 Northwestern University 67% 30% COMMENDED Princeton University 8% 10% 25 Quinnipiac University 56% 53%
S 17 Rider University 90% 81% T St. Joseph’s University 74% 47% N 13 E 20 Savannah College of Art and Design 75% 68%
D Stevens Institute of Technology 67% 47%
U 14 16 Swarthmore College 33% 22% T 15 Syracuse University 78% 62% S 15
F Temple University 81% 63%
O 3 United States Military Academy 33% 11% 9
R at West Point E 10 United States Naval Academy 100% 10% B University of Notre Dame 37% 29% M University of Richmond 83% 42% U Vassar College 100% 30% N 5 Villanova University 60% 51% Wake Forest University 89% 47% 4 8 7 2 2 9 10 4 West Chester University 80% 49% 0 Williams College 100% 21% 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 ACADEMIC YEAR + Acceptance rates at Holy Ghost Prep National Merit Semifinalists and Commended * National acceptance rates based on U.S. News and Students – 2001-2008. World Report on Colleges 9 70 66 65 61 61 60 55
S 50 R A
L 45 43
O 40 H 40 C
S 35
P 35 A
F 30 O
R 25 E B 20 M U
N 15 10 5 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ACADEMIC YEAR
Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars – 2001-2007 10 Advanced Placement Courses In 2008, 175 Holy Ghost Prep students took 358 Advanced Placement Examinations. 82% scored a college qualifying grade of “3” or better.
As each course in our curriculum Current AP classes at Holy Ghost Prep: % SCORING A COLLEGE would be considered an honors •Biology CERTIFYING GRADE course at many other schools and as •Calculus AB 100 many academically talented students •Calculus BC attend Holy Ghost Prep, honors and •Chemistry 80
advanced placement classes are for •Computer Science A E G those students who are exceptionally •Computer Science AB A 60 T talented. For incoming students, •Economics N E C enrollment in honors classes is •English Language & Composition 40 R E
limited to those who have performed •English Literature P well on our placement test, our •European History 20 entrance examination, on other •French Language 91% 95% 93% 90% 88% 82% standardized tests, and in grade •Latin 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 school. Incoming freshman may not •Music Theory ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR take AP classes. All decisions about •Physics placement are made by the Advanced •Spanish Language Placement Committee and the •Studio Art AP exams are scored Principal in consultation with •U.S. Government & Politics between a 1 and a 5. Scoring teachers, counselors and parents. •U.S. History a 5 is the highest and a 1 is •World History the lowest.
AP STATISTICS 2001-2008 Number of Students Number of % Scoring a Average % of Taking AP Exams Exams Taken College Certifying Grade Score Scores of 4 or 5 2001 118 230 85% 3.8 64% 2002 121 253 89% 3.9 69% 2003 137 249 91% 3.9 63% 2004 154 299 95% 4.1 77% 2005 150 308 93% 4.0 74% 2006 149 288 90% 3.8 61% 2007 155 298 88% 3.8 60% 2008 175 358 82% 3.6 50% 11 The foreign language classrooms are equipped with Smartboards, video, DVD and CD players and frequently use the Internet and a wireless portable language lab to expose students to authentic materials and immerse them in a foreign culture and language.
12 USING TECHNOLOGY Holy Ghost Prep integrates the latest technology into the classroom. Technology The HGP faculty has designed the curriculum to include a meaningful •Four Computer Labs with •Academic resources for teachers engagement of the latest software Pentium based workstations. and students supporting the use of and hardware and to master the •Individual student accounts with computers and computer based techniques of using them. Holy Ghost regularly updates e-mail and personal network information in every subject. technology each year. These disk space. •An endowment fund which computers are used to update one of •200 computer workstations supports ongoing faculty our three computer labs or they are throughout the school for professional development to assist dispersed throughout the school. student use. in the implementation of Mrs. Kathy Posey uses a wireless •All computers connected to the computers in the classroom. classroom writing lab, equipped with 25 networked laptop computers, a Internet via a Full T2 Line. •Tuned-In is a student coordinated Smartpanel, video and DVD players •3:1 student to computer ratio. activity in which HGP students can to teach sophomore academic •Every classroom has a desktop get assistance with programs to writing and Advanced Placement computer, large screen television help them implement technology English classes. Students are able to a DVD player and a video cassette in their assignments. share their work with one another recorder to allow multimedia •Smartboards and Starpanels allow and use the resources of the internet presentations. students and teachers to use the to research and strengthen their assignments. •A mobile writing lab with 24 latest presentation technology in Mr. Steve Tomshaw designed a laptop computers for use in a the classroom. wireless network for the Physics Lab variety of classes. that allows students to chart the progress of their experiments on computers at each lab station. Computer Science Department Information can be transmitted from Holy Ghost Prep offers a series of Courses offered are: each station to the StarPanel at the front of the room, allowing Mr. computer classes through our •Web Page Design with Tomshaw to interact with each Computer Science department. Java Scripting experiment as it happens. •Introduction to Programming in Throughout every department at Visual Basic Holy Ghost Prep, students are having •AP Computer Science A hands-on experiences with the best •AP Computer Science AB technology in the best academic setting. With teachers committed to •Intro to Computer Science bringing computers into the classroom, students learn how to be creative and analytic thinkers, while not losing sight of the basic skills Visit the website to learn more about they will need to be successful Holy Ghost Prep at www.holyghostprep.org professionals. 13 Spiritan Fathers & Brothers of the United States Province serve in parishes, schools, and a variety of international missions. Their work is as varied as the possibilities and the many cultures in which they serve. They work with whole communities in need. The Spiritans educate men and women in high schools, universities and seminaries around the world in the skills they will need to further their efforts in serving humanity.
14 Spiritual Formation Along with classes in religion, program. This unique experience is FRESHMAN TRIP TO ST. JOHN religious history and religious designed to introduce your son, THE DIVINE CATHEDRAL IN diversity, Holy Ghost Prep students perhaps in a deeper way, to the NY CITY are encouraged and exposed to person of Jesus the Christ and to All freshman take a day trip to this many experiences to strengthen suggest ways in which he can more magnificent church to see their moral character and spiritual deeply live out his faith representations of architecture and identity. commitment. symbols of religions from all over the world. H.G.P.A.C.T. LITURGIES (Holy Ghost Prep Adolescents and The school community gathers THE CAMPUS MINISTRY Christ Together) is a three-day once a month for a whole school ADVISORY BOARD retreat program for the seniors and Mass. Daily mass is also said most Students help to plan and selected juniors of Holy Ghost mornings in the school chapel. coordinate all the school liturgies. Preparatory School. The ideas and principles of the retreat are based PEER MINISTRY upon the Cursillo adult retreat Juniors can elect to take Peer Ministry class their Junior Year. Peer Ministers coordinate the Christmas Semi-Formal for Charity, are leaders on retreats, and work to strengthen spiritual growth throughout the school. Service and Mission The founders of the Congregation of Holy Ghost Prep is committed to •Relay for Life the Holy Ghost, Claude DesPlaces Community Service. As a result •Saint Francis Inn (Soup Kitchen) and Francis Libermann, dedicated freshman and sophomores must •Spring Fling their lives and the Order they complete 10 hours of service, •Taste of Mission (Trips to Harlem, founded to serving the “poorest of annually. Juniors and Seniors must New York and Appalachia, West the poor” and the “weak and most complete 20 hours of service, Virginia) abandoned” people. Educating annually. •Elementary School Tutoring students in this tradition, as described •Band Concerts at local nursing in the school’s mission statement, Some of the opportunities students homes necessarily requires that students are involved in include: •Mission Trip to San Juan de la experience ways in which they can •AARP Maguana, Dominican Republic use their “unique gifts” in the •Blood Drives “generous service of the poor” in the •Community Service Corps. spirit of DesPlaces and Libermann. •Hand-In-Hand •Operation Santa Clause 15 Each year, Holy Ghost Prep students have a chance to travel around the world. Over the last few years, Holy Ghost Prep students, teachers, and alumni traveled to France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, England, Scotland, Egypt and Holland. These summer trips allow students to share their memories with their classmates throughout the year.
16 CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
AARP Service Club Leadership Admissions Ambassadors Art Club Campus Ministers The National Honor Society Chorus Christian Service The National Honor Society is beginning of the sophomore year is Cinematography based on character, scholarship, a requirement, as well as Community Service Corps leadership, and service. Holy Ghost satisfactory participation in the Computer Network Club Prep’s charter is the Venerable Christian Service Program. CAFE (Cultural Awareness for Francis J. Libermann Chapter. Everyone) Those students who, at the end of The NHS sponsors several Electronic Gaming the first or second semester of their programs during the year, including Drama junior year, have at least a a three-on-three basketball First Thursday cumulative Grade Point Average of tournament, hot dog and soda sales Forensics 3.6 are academically eligible for at basketball games, and peer French Club membership. Quality participation tutoring in every academic subject. Improv Club in at least one activity from the Intramurals Jazz Band Kendo Club Literary Magazine Math Modeling Team Mathletes Musical Theater Mock Trial Movie Club National Honor Society Newspaper Outdoor Club Peer Counselors Peer Ministers Poetry Club Respect Life Club Risky Business Science Club Ski/Snowboard Club Student Government TEAMS TUNED IN Ultimate Frisbee World Affairs Club World War II Club Yearbook 17 One of the highlights of the school year is the Junior-Senior Prom. The student government works to make the night unique, including cruising down the Delaware River on the Spirit of Philadelphia, a twenty-five minute fireworks spectacular at Penns Landing, and a ballroom dancing instructor to teach the Waltz, Tango and Salsa.
18 Leadership Scholarships Awarded To Upperclassmen
The National Honor Society to use personal resources for Ghost Prep who best exemplifies Scholarship is a monetary others, and a desire to bring others the following characteristics: a scholarship awarded to that member into the body of Christ; a faithful restlessness, a sense of of the Freshman Class of Holy Ghost regard of religious obligations; a independence; an adventurous Prep who best exemplifies the four diligence toward school work; spirit; a sense of service to others; qualities of a National Honor Society assumption of family sound academic ability; financial Member: scholarship, leadership, responsibilities; reaching out to need; a sense of service to school service, and character. people different from himself; community; and a sense of The Clare McGovern Warning embracing all members of the physical and athletic rigor. Scholarship in honor of Saint school community; garnering the The Leona E. Downey Katherine Drexel is a $500 respect of peers; and a rejection of Scholarship is a half tuition scholarship awarded to that member prejudicial thinking and action. scholarship awarded to the of the Sophomore Class of Holy The Thomas F. Flynn student who best exhibits a blend Ghost Prep who best exemplifies the Memorial Scholarship is a $500 of excellent academic ability, a following characteristics: a love of scholarship awarded to that sound work ethic and strong God, demonstrated by a willingness member of the Junior Class of Holy school spirit; and who fully supports and practices the Catholic beliefs and values of Holy Ghost Prep. Special consideration is given to a student who has financial need. The Francis X. Marx V ‘00 Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a rising senior at Holy Ghost Prep with demonstrated financial need who exudes leadership and a record of service to the school, following the example of Francis Marx who said, "Do not live passively, but be extraordinary."
19 Forensics
National Award in Speech Excellence – National Forensic League – National Speech Tournament
WHAT OTHER SCHOOLS Holy Ghost Prep has been recognized as one of the top schools in COMPETE AGAINST the United States at both the National Catholic Forensics League and the National Forensics League HOLY GHOST PREP? High school speech and Here is a Listing of the other Top Schools in the United States: debate is different than athletics because the teams HOLY GHOST PREP, Pennsylvania compete against schools Apple Valley High School, Minnesota from around the country. Eagan High School, Minnesota Holy Ghost Prep participates Glenbrook South High School, Illinois in invitational tournaments James Logan High School, California all over the United States Kent-Denver High School, Colorado including Harvard University, Yale University, Lincoln-Sioux Falls High School, South Dakota the University of Nova High School, Florida Pennsylvania, Saint Joseph’s Roseville Area High School, Minnesota University and Emory Stuyvesant High School, New York University. Thousands of participants come from hundreds of different schools from all fifty states CHAMPIONSHIP YEARS and some foreign countries. STATE CHAMPIONS 1981, 1982, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 PHILADELPHIA SPEECH CHAMPIONS 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
20 Forensics
Competitive Speech, Debate and Drama
Forensics is competitive speech, debate and drama. Students ’64 are members of the Pennsylvania High School Speech can choose from several different events including: League Hall of Fame. • Head Coach Tony Figliola has been invited all over the United Duo Interp, Dramatic Interp, and Humorous Interp: States to teach and coach techniques of public speaking to A contestant or two contestants choose a ten minute students and coaches. cutting from a serious or humorous play and memorize it. • HGP has been recognized over ten times as one of the top five The student, or students, recreate the scene using appropriate schools in the United States at the National Championships. gestures and voices. • Students can travel all over the country competing in tournaments. Students have attended tournaments in Prose and Poetry Readings: Baltimore, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, Fort A contestant interprets, with script in hand, a cutting from a Lauderdale, Arlington, Charlotte, Washington, DC, Milwaukee, short story, novel or poem. Houston, Lexington, Dallas, Appleton and Las Vegas.
Original Oratory and Extemporaneous Speaking: A student prepares original speeches to deliver in front of an audience.
Student Congress: A group of students participate in a mock-congress, debating legislation.
Debate: Individuals or a team debate issues of policy or values.
Our Nationally Recognized Forensics Team is a popular activity. • 28 Consecutive Philadelphia City Championships • 12 Pennsylvania State Championships • 95 Individual Pennsylvania State Champions • 20 Individual National Champions • Hundreds of National Invitational Award Winners • Head Coach Tony Figliola and Assistant Coach John Buettler,
21 Holy Ghost Prep Art and Music students have been recognized throughout the area for their outstanding accomplishments. Three times over the last five years, art students participated in the ART FUTURES PROGRAM sponsored by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Part of the program included having a professional artist in residence at HGP as well as visiting her professional studio in Philadelphia. Students works were also on display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Archdiocesan Student Exhibit and at Bucks County Community College. The Holy Ghost Prep music program celebrated a great year in 2007. Students were selected to participate in the Archdiocesan All Catholic Chorus, Band and Orchestra, as well as the Bucks County Band.
22 Fine Arts
Studio Art Music Drama Our art studio and gallery are 80 Member Full Band 2 Dramatic Productions Annually located in the historic Cornwells 20 Member Jazz Band (9 shows) Hall. Students work and exhibit in Chorus this one-hundred year old great In the fall students perform a room filled with memories of days Musicians perform at events dramatic or humorous play. The past. Throughout the year, music throughout the school year spring production is a musical. students perform to large crowds in including two annual concerts, the gallery during lunch period monthly masses, dramatic In 2008, the drama club presented: concerts. productions and commencement. The Man of LaMancha. Students may select courses in Students can select numerous theory and performance including: Female actresses are recruited from classes, including: surrounding girls’ schools, such as •Introduction to Studio Art •Music Theory Villa Joseph Marie, Nazareth •Painting and Printmaking •Chorus and Music Theory Academy and Mount Saint Joseph •2D and 3D Design •Jazz Band Academy. •Drawing •String Ensemble •Advanced Drawing •Guitar Ensemble •Portfolio Art •Instrumental Music Literary Clubs •Seniors may select an Advanced •Seniors may select an Advanced Placement Sequence Placement Sequence Numerous opportunities for writers, including: HGP Musicians travel to Virginia Embers – literary magazine Beach, VA, Wilkes-Barre, PA and Flame – school newspaper Orlando, FL during the year for Firebird – Yearbook ensemble and choral competitions. Poetry Club
Many students are selected each year for the All Catholic Chorus, Band, and Orchestra sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. 23 Tuition, Scholarships, Financial Aid
Tuition Scholarships Spiritan Scholarships $14,100 for 2008-2009 School Holy Ghost Prep provides incoming These scholarships are available to up to Year – 1, 2, 4, or 10 payment plans students with different scholarship two students each year that are from an 20% Multiple Student Discount opportunities. All are renewable under-represented social group. (applied to 2nd and 3rd son) annually provided that the student Candidates for these scholarships will pursues a challenging academic roster, exhibit excellence in academics, maintains high academic standards and exceptional potential for growth and Financial Aid exemplifies the highest standards of the demonstrate a spirit of service. The school through personal behavior and amount of these scholarships will be Financial Aid Awards (based on the performance of service to the greater substantial and may cover up to the full financial need) can be up to school community. cost of Holy Ghost Prep’s tuition. $4,000 per year. A Financial Aid Form can be Presidential Scholarships Marchione Music Scholarship obtained from the Admissions Each year, up to 15 students are given One annual scholarship in the amount of Office or by checking the these academic scholarships in the $1000 per year is given to an incoming appropriate box on the application. amount of $4,500. Students who score freshman based on an audition with our The completed form for the Class in the 97, 98 or 99th percentile on the Music Director and some site reading. of 2013 must be received by the entrance exam are considered for these Auditions are scheduled in March. School & Student Service for scholarships. To distinguish the winners, Financial Aid (SSSFA) in Princeton, the admissions committee looks at the Fr. Patrick McNally Fund New Jersey by December 1, 2008 applicant’s transcript, teacher Father Patrick McNally, a former Awards are announced in February recommendations, essay, entrance exam headmaster, is remembered for his only after a student has enrolled in score and interview. unyielding commitment to bring the HGP. mission of the Holy Ghost Fathers’ to the Libermann Scholarships students of Holy Ghost Prep. One part of 30% of the Class of 2012 received a These $2000 scholarships are awarded by this goal was to provide opportunities for scholarship or financial aid grant. the admissions committee to students students of color to attend HGP. As a who have demonstrated exceptional tribute and celebration of the life work of Financial Aid is awarded in potential during the admissions process. Fr. McNally, a fund is established in his February, only after a student has These applicants will have been involved name to provide financial assistance to registered at HGP. A financial aid in a variety of outside of school activities qualified students of color who wish to committee meets to determine including groups like athletics, academic attend Holy Ghost Prep. Qualified award amounts activities and clubs, forensics, Boy applicants should contact the admissions Scouts, community service, drama, office to learn about more specific details religious ministry, tutoring, art and regarding HGP scholarship programs. music. At the same time, these students Call (215) 639-0811. will have maintained the highest 24 standards in academics and character. Admissions Procedures
Research HGP The Application Process
• Call the admissions office to receive • Students apply for admission in their • Seventh grade students may take a mailings about Holy Ghost Prep eighth grade year. practice entrance examination in throughout the year. • Send in the Application and register to February of their seventh grade year. • Attend High School Nights at local take the entrance examination on grade schools. November 1, 2008. Prospective students are strongly • All eighth grade applicants are • Ask teachers or guidance counselors encouraged to attend Holy Ghost Prep welcome to spend a day of classes at to fill out the Evaluation and activities, games and events. The school Holy Ghost Prep. Each visitor is Recommendation. year is filled with opportunities to see paired with a current freshman for a • Using the Request for Transcript, ask and meet current students, faculty and normal academic day. Visitations are your grade school to send your most families. If your are interested in going scheduled Monday through Thursday current grades. to an athletic event, dramatic play, on- beginning in the middle of September. • Write the Essay for Admission and campus mass, forensics tournament, or In order not to disrupt the academic send it to Holy Ghost Prep. any other event, please contact the classroom environment, only a limited • After the admissions office has admissions office for more information. number of students may visit on any received all forms and the entrance particular day, so please have a few exam scores have been reported, days in mind when making an students will be informed about appointment. Visitation days can be an interview. scheduled by calling the admissions office at (215) 639-0811. • All students are encouraged to visit Holy Ghost Prep during our Open House on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. This Transportation afternoon will give prospective students and families an overview of School District Busing provided Holy Ghost Prep provided what happens at Holy Ghost Prep. Free of Cost by: Transportation with an Many current students will be Abington, Bensalem, Bristol Additional Fee: on-hand to give tours and talk about Township, Centennial, Limited areas of Central Bucks their school. Teachers, Coaches and Cheltenham, Council Rock, Lower County, Hatboro, Montgomery Administrators will also be available to Moreland, Neshaminy, Pennsbury County, and Philadelphia answer questions and provide and Upper Moreland information. Limited New Jersey Transportation Available
25 OPEN HOUSE October 2360,, 20085
ENTRANCE EXAMIINATIION NSaotv.eumpabteer: 1D,e2c0em08 ber 10, 2005
PRACTIICE ENTRANCE EXAMIINATIION February 28,, 2009
SUMMER ACADEMIIC ENRIICHMENT PROGRAM 7th and 8th grade students,, boys and giirlls wellcome
Cllasses iin:: Math,, Englliish,, Laboratory Sciience,, and Computers Hands--On Learniing!! Entrance Exam Preparatiion!! IInclludes Daiilly Actiiviity Periiod,, and Fiielld Triips Brochures are sent iin March.. Callll ((215)) 639--0811 wiith questiions..
SUMMER SPORTS CAMPS ((Ages 6--15)) Basketballll Baseballll Track and Fiielld Soccer
Brochures are sent iin March..
Callll ((215)) 639--2102 wiith questiions..
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