HOLY GHOST PREPARATORY SCHOOL
A Newsletter for Alumni, Parents, & Friends of Holy Ghost Prep
VOL. 16 • SPRING 2012
W HAT ’ S I NSIDE
President’s Letter...... 2
Principal’s Message...... 3
School News...... 4
Strategic Plan ...... 6
Advancement...... 7
Alumni Profiles ...... 8
Mothers’ Guild and Fathers’ Association ...... 11
Athletics...... 12
Alumni News ...... 14 President’s Message
Looking Ahead:
Planning our Future
Dear HGP Community, catch myself filled with wonderment when its inception, the Strategic Plan has culled its It is certainly an exciting time to be at imagining what Holy Ghost will be a few focus and substance from these different Holy Ghost Prep. Of course, looking out at years from now. groups. the grounds as I am right now, I could This is why our Strategic Plan is so And, as far as that substance and focus are understand how someone might fail to share important to me. In a few years, everyone concerned, there are twelve areas that our my excitement. will be able to see the fruit of its labor when Strategic Plan focuses on: Catholic/Spiritan After all, we are at the seemingly most the Plan comes to fruition – from the aca- Identity, Governance, School and Commu- prosaic point of the winter – the long, cold demically competitive and diverse student nity, Administration/Staffing, Enrollment months of February and March. The fellow- body that will be enrolled, to the renovations Management, Curriculum, Student Life, ship that warms us through the Christmas and expansions that will improve the Guidance and Counseling, Facilities, season and the hope that energizes us at the buildings on campus. That will certainly be Financial Management, Advancement, and start of a new year, have both fully passed our “spring” – a time to celebrate and enjoy Technology. By addressing each of these into memory. And the hope of Easter and areas individually – first by assessing where Holy Ghost currently is in regards to each, the awakening of spring seem so distant “In a few years, everyone will when confronted as we are now with bare then by determining where we wa nt to go – tree branches and icy car windshields. be able to see the fruit of its it is our hope that the Holy Ghost community will continue to thrive well into It is very much the same here on the Holy labor when the Strategic Plan the future. Ghost campus. Our Winter Sports season is comes to fruition – from the This is the second Strategic Plan in the coming to a close, but the Spring Sports have academically competitive and yet to begin. While we are thankful for an- school’s history. The first, conceived and other successful Christmas Charity Ball, we diverse student body that will implemented in the 1990s, brought great realize the Junior/Senior Prom and Fresh- be enrolled, to the renova- growth to Holy Ghost Prep – most man/Sophomore Date Dance are still tions and expansions that noticeably in the renovation of the Firebird Fieldhouse and the building of Founders’ months away. And while we are always will improve the buildings on happy for the occasional and unexpected Hall. We hope that our current Strategic snow holiday, nothing compares to the first campus.” Plan has the same great impact on our school day our boys are permitted to shed their as our first one had. sports coats for the year. This is very much And, as we continue with this Plan, I ask what we have accomplished. But, in order the time of year when the mood of the all of you to pray for our community – that to get there, we must first go through this school can sometimes mirror the weather we might make wise choices that strengthen “winter” – a time to do the hard work outside – uninspired. Holy Ghost and that each decision we make of self-examination and future-planning. Still, the excitement fills me – perhaps moves us ever closer to living truly in “One because I know it is because the seeds that The Strategic Plan is a five-year endeavor Heart and One Mind.” that officially began in the spring of 2011 are dormant now will be cultivated into With One Heart and One Mind, bloom in the future. Or perhaps it is simply and is now fully underway. It encompasses because I am blessed to work at Holy Ghost the views of all of the stakeholders in the and see our students every day. In the same Holy Ghost community: faculty, staff, and way that I have to smile at their grumbling administration, members of our Board of Rev. Jeffrey Duaime, C.S.Sp. ’76 over homework and tests – knowing their Trustees, current students, parents of current President hard work now will benefit them in ways students, members of the surrounding they cannot even imagine in the future – I community and, of course, alumni. From
2 PrinciPal’s Message
Becoming our Best:
Learning from Others Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends, involvement of more specialized social in the Spiritan At Holy Ghost Prep, we set ambitious service agencies and Tom Eckerle worked Seminar to pro- goals for ourselves. Our students come from with the local agency supervisors to alert mote deeper engagement with the basic those other agencies. What started out as a issues of tolerance and respect for all a variety of schools both public and private simple after school work project led to members of the community through a and, under the direction of a hard-working deeper involvement, more substantial help, provocative film series this winter. and talented faculty, they achieve some and some true insights into the nature of remarkable transformations. We almost In this newsletter, we read of the great real service and how to help people in need. take as a matter of routine the academic talents of our students in the arts. There is accolades and scholarships that our seniors Francis Libermann, second founder of the another side to the arts happening right now regularly produce. But under the surfac e of Spiritans, promoted missionary outreach to at HGP that is also inspiring. Our National our newsletters, web announcements, Africa; at the same time, Libermann em- Art Honor Society (NAHS) holds an event Facebook postings and tweets, there is phasized the need to learn from others. The each month called “First Thursday,” a kind something even more remarkable going on SAIVE students experienced that need first of open mike event at break for writers, within our school community. hand. On an ongoing basis, one of our long- poets, singers, and comedians to share their standing and most basic service activities on talents. NAHS also takes to heart the most There’s a new group on campus, SAIVE campus is the weekly discussion between basic kind of service: they collect socks for (Students Against Injustice & Violence HGP students and some local members of the homeless and indigent men and women Everywhere). A group of juniors AARP, under the watchful eye of John Fitz- of the Face to Face agency in Germantown. approached Religion teacher and Assistant patrick ’89. Each Tuesday, the AARP visi- Through their own commitment and that Service Director Tom Eckerle early in the tors enjoy the ability to connect with of their faculty sponsor, Mrs. Karen Smallen, fall and proposed a student-led set of students two or three generations younger they have learned to respond to one of the initiatives that would involve the entire than themselves. More importantly, the stu- most basic of human needs. junior class in service to the HGP and larger dents who initially come just to spend some We are always proud of the way HGP communities. They proposed to set up and time and hear some stories come away with students represent themselves and the arrange their own monthly service projects rewards far beyond their own contributions. school. It is routine to hear from other or to give a boost to the service projects of Another important organization with a coaches, teachers and moderators how other groups at school. We have been distinctive acronym is CAFÉ (Cultural decent and gentlemanly our students emphasizing at HGP that having a service Awareness for Everyone), a long-standing behave, win or lose. We see it as central to requirement is great; going beyond the discussion group at HGP. In past years, our mission as a community. Punctuating number of required service hours is under the direction of Jim McCullough and our day to day mission with the transforma- admirable; and having students take charge Mike Griffin ‘96, CAFÉ sponsored weekly tive experiences of our SAIVE juniors, our of service can be extraordinary, making them student discussions, Diversity Day, and AARP devotees, and our CAFÉ ambassa- into true service leaders. other activities designed to promote respect dors means that our students and our faculty This is a great development in the lives of for everyone within the school community. keep finding new ways to make a good our students, but great things happen in or- The legend of CAFÉ lives on this year, but community even better. dinary ways. The juniors in the SAIVE now with double the number of faculty And that means they are taking to heart group discovered that for themselves this involved and a re-energization of its mission. Fr. Libermann’s 1845 injunction to “always past November. They went after school one Mike Griffin has been joined by Brother Joe use gentleness, charity, (kindness) with rainy day to help the families under the care Cannon, C.S.Sp., Dr. Patricia O’Connor of everybody, act with politeness, with of the Bucks County Housing Group, our English and Social Studies Depart- goodwill, with consideration.” bringing gifts and energy. They spent some ments, and Tom Murtaugh, also of Social time doing the usual kinds of service Studies. These four faculty and more and With One Heart and One Mind, clean-ups and providing food, but in their more student leaders are promoting HGP work, they discovered even deeper needs of involvement in the No Place for Hate pro- Michael A. O’Toole the children. Those needs required the gram and have joined forces with students Principal
HGP NEWS, SPRING 2012 3 school news
Extreme Makeover–
he locker room in the basement of Locker Roomtheir whole backpackStyle and other essentials T Co rnwells Hall received an exten- in them instead of having to leave their sive facelift over the summer. Gone are bags laying about. the old, slim lockers and tile flooring – And Tyler Downing, for one, is they’ve been replaced by wider, more spa- impressed by the new storage size. “I fit cious personal compartments and a box of 45 tee shirts, all of my textbooks, wall-to-wall carpeting. Along with the and three suit coats in there,” the senior new ceiling and padded benches placed said. “And I still had room to fit in my between pillars, and the new locker room lunch bag!” looks far more like a lounge than it does the stark basement many alumni might Improving student life in this way – remember. And it has been a welcome knocking down walls to incorporate areas along with offering more of an aesthetic change for the current student body. that had been used for storage – giving appeal to incoming students – were two of students just under 300 more square feet the main reasons that Holy Ghost’s “The old locker room felt small and to call their own. As well, the lockers Executive Administrators, Facilities Com- compact,” says sophomore Zahir themselves have grown. While the mittee, and Financial Committee decided Watkins. “The new one is open and height of each new locker is similar to its to include the redesigning of the locker relaxing. You can really spread out.” old counterpart, both the width and the room in their 2011 renovation project – a It’s no wonder Zahir feels this way. depth of each have grown dramatically – project which also included revamping the The locker room expansion involved making it possible for students to store first floor hallway of Cornwells. 2012 Holy Ghost Prep
n January 6th, the College Coun- Alumni Program O seling Department sponsored Alumni attending this years’ program were: their Bi-Annual Holy Ghost Prep John Nachtman ’08 West Virginia Univ. Criminology/ROTC Alumni Program. Since 2000 Mr. Ted Frank Carmine ’09 Philadelphia Univ. Graphic Design Grabowski and Mrs. Karen Iuliano have Nick Covone ’09 Thomas Jefferson Univ. Nursing/EMT invited Holy Ghost Prep Alumni, who Brian Hediger ’08 Gettysburg College History/Political Science are currently attending College, to return Evan Faughnan ’09 Loyola/Virginia Tech History/ROTC and address the present Junior and Mike Tantum ’10 Wake Forest Univ. Biology/Chemistry Senior classes. These Alumni relate their Taylor Standiford ’09 Lehigh Univ. Biochemistry experiences in making a college choice as Matt How land ’08 Lehigh Univ. Civil Engineering well as what it is like attending college. Joe Knowles ’09 Georgetown Univ. Government/History After a brief introduction, the current Mark Paleafico ’09 Bucknell Univ. Chemical Engineering Juniors and Seniors have the option of Steve Berardi ’10 Ursinus College Business/Economics listening to and speaking with the Mike Faber ’08 Drexel Univ. Business Alumnus of their choice in “break-out Ryan Montgomery ’09 Boston Univ. Economics/Spanish sessions” of approximately 15 minutes Andrew Joachim ’09 Boston Univ. Finance each. These sessions provide the stu- Anthony Francomacaro ’08 Univ. of Pennsylvania English dents with the opportunity of obtaining James Phillips ’09 Villanova Univ. Mathematics/Com p. Sci. Mike Dahlgren ’10 Fordham Univ. English/Theater much needed, first hand information Alex Iuliano ’10 Temple Univ. Business about life and studies at various colleges Mike Gabrieli ’10 St. Joseph’s Univ. Accounting and in a variety of Majors.
4 school news
Hall of Dear Friends, One of my favorite Scripture passages is Paul’s letter to the Fame Hebrews where he uses the image of “running the race.” Eugene Peterson’s contemporary translation captures the image in contemporary language. He says: “With all these pioneers cheering us on, we’d better get on with it.” “Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus who began and finished the race we’re in—study how he did it.” “He never lost sight of where he was headed—what- ever.” “When you find yourselves flagging, go over his story again—that will shoot adrenaline into your souls.”
On January 28, the Athletic Department hosted it’s annual So much of Paul’s image speaks to me of Holy Ghost Prep— Hall of Fame program. especially as we work together to give life to the Strategic Plan, quite literally our plan for the future. We too can look back with Standing Left to Right: Vince Trentalange, Mike Barrett, Class of pride and gratitude to the pioneers who saw the need to provide 1974; Mike Meistering, Doug Heulitt, Class of 1997; Dave McKenna, an education for young men in the Spiritan tradition. It is our task Class of 1976; Jim Stewart, Tom Kaczor, Fran Nick, Ted Grabowski, to savor that rich history and tradition even as we “get on with it” Ed Roussell in the 21st century. Kneeling: Tom Holt, Class of 2002; Brandon Jones, Class of 2005; the sPiritan Mission Brian Deeney, Class of 2004; Terrence Visconto, Class of 1993; Joseph Spinelli, Class of 1987; Christopher Millen, Class of 2004 With the Spiritan mission as our foundation and guide, we face the challenge of maintaining the excellence that is “Ghost” in the years ahead. The Strategic Plan attempts to focus on the four Annual Fund strands of student life, (community, individual gifts, academic excellence and service to the poor) while providing and utilizing current technology; maintaining and updating the campus master plan; and laying out a comprehensive financial and advancement Participation plan to support the whole. Did you know the overall participation rate of HGP alumni who The original planning group was composed of students; teachers, support the annual fund is just 7.5%? staff and administrators; parents; alumni; and board members. As specific committees work on the objectives and strategies that Annual giving Participation of HGP Alumni by Decade for Fiscal flow from the 18 goals, we are called to “go over the story” of year 2010-2011 (based on total active alumni for each class excluding Ghost again and again. But in this aspect we are lucky because any deceased or lost alumni): our story is not static. In fact, it unfolds before our very eyes in 1960-1969 26 gifts/223 alumni = 11.7% the current students who populate our classrooms, field our teams, 1970-1979 51 gifts/515 alumni = 9.9% serve the poor and distinguish themselves in obvious and hidden 1980-1989 62 gifts/606 alumni = 10.2% ways. They provide the adrenaline rush that keeps us fixed on the 1990-1999 66 gifts/782 alumni = 8.4% goal—in this case, the fullness of the Spiritan mission. 2000-2011 56 gifts/1360 alumni = 4.1% We will continue to communicate our progress as objectives and Annual Giving Dollars by HGP Alumni by decade for Fiscal year strategies for each of the goals are realized. In the meantime, we ask for your prayer and your support. At this time of uncertainty 2010-2011: for Catholic education in the Delaware Valley, we realize as never 1960-1969 $5,265 before the value of a Holy Ghost educat ion. 1970-1979 $21,525 1980-1989 $28,725 Gratefully, 1990-1999 $10,940 Sister Mary Dacey SSJ 2000-2011 $6,050 Chair 5 strategic Plan
The Holy Ghost Prep Strategic Plan
for 2011 – 2016
“A large number of individuals representing the many constituencies of Holy Ghost Prep have given much time and thought to create a plan that will take HGP from an excellent to an extraordinary institution of learning. The plan is bold and forward-looking. It is intended to clarify and elevate expectations and performance. It is meant to challenge us and to serve as a catalyst for planning and action. It is transformational by nature.” – Rev. Jeffrey T. Duaime
The Strategic Plan has 12 component parts, each tasked with unique goals to help HGP grow:
Spiritan Identity: Student Life: Communicating the Spiritan identity to the school and Fostering a caring and supportive environment for all community. students that cultivates academic excellence, development of community, cultivation of a student’s unique gifts, and Governance: service to the poor. Communicating the role played by the Congregation of the Holy Spirit and the Board of Trustees in the school Guidance and Counseling: community. Fostering students’ social and emotional skills, as well as establishing more effective academic advising and college School and Community: placement. Engaging the wider community and local organizations to broaden support for the school. Facilities: Reviewing, updating, and communica ting the Campus Administration/Staffing: Master Plan (which will include updating and Renovating Cornwells and completing Phase 2 of the Fieldhouse Evaluating modes of communication among faculty, staff, Project), and improving the ordinary maintenance of all and administration to promote internal collaboration. campus buildings and grounds.
Enrollment Management: Financial Management: Enhancing the school’s marketing to maintain students Developing a 3 – 5 year Financial Forecast and investment whose backgrounds reflect the economic, ethnic, social, strategy, as well as communicating with the broader school and intellectual diversity contained in the Spiritan community. philosophy of education.
Advancement: Curriculum: Creating and implementing a compre hensive Advancement Plan. Researching, revising and designing the school’s curriculum in various ways to meet the expectations of students, parents, and college s. Technology: Designing and implementing a Comprehensive Technology Plan.
6 advanceMent
Thank You Advancement
Parents! Corner Parents of our students are in integral part of the Holy Ghost Prep his year our primary fundraising theme is about community through their involvement in the Mothers' Guild, the T participation. In a close-knit community such as Holy Fathers’ Association, and many other aspects of the school. Ghost Prep, participation is vital to its success. As students, At this time, we’d like to extend a very special thank you to the young men participate in the classroom, on the playing fields, parents who have made gifts in support of Holy Ghost Prep in performing and visual arts, and in service to the greater this academic year 2011-2012 as of February 7th. community. Parents are asked to participate in their son’s Thanks for your continued generous s upport of HGP! experiences as well, supporting their academic and spir itual journey at Holy Ghost Prep. We need our alumni and parents to participate in giving back to the school as well through the Dr. and Mrs. Alfred B. Amendolara Mr. Thomas Mahoney and Ms. annual fund and in special campaign projects. Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Babst Kathleen Meriwether Mr. Walter Beer Dr. and Mrs. Gerard A. Margiotti, Jr. Last year saw the community come together to successfully Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Blackwell, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Marlin finish the needed fundraising for the Chapel campaign, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Martin Mr. and Mrs. Piotr M. Bryla exceeding its goal to raise $520,000 in total. In 2012, we Mr. Francis Marx Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Clark will look to complete the ongoing campaign for endowment Mr. and Mrs. Patrick G. McCormick as well as the major renovations to vital spaces in Cornwells Mr. & Mrs. Jay Creekmore Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. McEntee Hall completed this summer. Both of these priorities are Mr. Lance DeVaul Ms. and Mrs. Jeffrey McMullen nearing completion in their fundraising, but we need your Mr. and Mrs. Louis J. DiBonaventura Sr. Mr. and Mrs. William J. help to get us there. Please consider your own participation Mr. and Mrs. Albert M. DiGregorio, Jr. Montemarano to help us close out the $2 million for the endowment as well Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. DiYeso Dr. and Mrs. Brett Moses as the $300,000 needed for the renovations to the locker Mr. & Mrs. Charles Dolce Mr. PaulMostinski & Dr. Lana Ankin room and first floor. Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Donahue Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Richard Mshomba Lastly, we continue to grow our annual fund as well. The Mr. & Mrs. John Donohue Mr. and Mrs. John R. Nachtman Sr. annual fund provides vital resources that tuition alone does Mr. & Mrs. Michael Elliott Mr. & Mrs. Damian Nicastro not cover. To date, we have raised $160,000 towards our Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Fernandez Mr. and Mrs. Anthony A. Nocco III annual fund goal of $250,000. In addition, we hope to raise Mr. & Mrs. William Frazier Dr. Nancy Komada & Mr. Chester $100,000 at the annual Auction on March 24th and at least Mr. & Mrs. William Gibson Olbrish $35,000 at our scholarship golf outing on June 4th. These Ms. Sally Parker Mr. & Mrs. Francisco J. Gil goals will only be attained through greater participation of Mr. Stanley Parker the entire HGP community. Your support at any level has a Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gorecki Mr. & Mrs. Rui Pereira direct impact on our students and our ability to serve the Mr. & Mrs. David Gorrell Mr. and Mrs. James V. Piotti current needs of the school. Please join your fellow alumni Mr. & Mrs. Brian Hessenthaler Mr. and Mrs. Carmen J. Pirritano and parents to make these goals a reality. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Horan Mr. & Mrs. Karl Prior Mr. and Mrs. Paul Horgan if you have any questions or need further information about Mr. and Mrs. Mark Purcell Mr. and Mrs. Donald F. Johnson these initiatives or ways in which you can support the school, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Salamone please contact me at 215-639-2102 x203 or at Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Kardish ’79 Mr. and Mrs. James Skelly [email protected]. Mr. and Mrs. David E. Kasperowicz Mr. and Mrs. Christopher M. Szal Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Kovacevich Mr. and Mrs. Matthew T. Tretter Thanks very much for all your continued generous support. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Kowzun Dr. and Mrs. Daniel Tuccillo In One Heart and One Mind, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kraus Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Wetzel Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Kummer Mr. & Mrs. Michael Young Chris Steger Director, Institutional Advancement 7 aluMni Profiles
Talented Alumni
in the Arts s many would attest, Steve Carrell is A a funny guy. But the former start of The Office had a bit of help with his “ha-ha’s” from HGP class of 2002 grad Rand Geiger on one of his recent films. “Listening to Steve Carrell recite a cou- ple of lines I wrote for Date Night – that was definitely a thrill,” Rand remembered recently. Rand – the 2000 Duo state champion in forensics – has spent the last few years working his way up the ranks of Holly- wood’s film community. Having paid his dues early on as an intern, then as an assistant to the Head of Feature Post Production for Twentieth Century Fox Television Studios, Rand now works as a Creative Executive for 21 Laps Entertain- ment – the film production studio run by Date Night’s director, Shawn Levy. manners of public speaking. My boss once involvement in several other projects that “It’s not always easy to swallow your told me he thought I wrote like I went to have not yet gone into production. But, pride and be a gopher for several years – Yale — in reality, it was my Holy Ghost regardless of where his success takes him, rounding up meals for the crew or coffee education that gave him that impression.” a part of Rand will forever remain in the for the director,” said Rand. “It takes focus halls of Holy Ghost. and discipline to put your time in, learn all “My boss once told me he “I will always share a connection with you can, and impress the people above you thought I wrote like I went to those who pass through Ghost’s halls,” so that they help lift you up in your career.” Yale — in reality, it was my Rand said. “It was a supremely formative But it wasn’t just Rand’s work ethic and Holy Ghost education that experience at a time when my life could humility that helped him in his career. It have went in a lot of different directions. gave him that impression.” was also the education he received at Holy My pride in Ghost will never fade. It’s tied Ghost. in with communal pride we all share.”
“Holy Ghost’s strong emphasis on com- Rand’s roll in Hollywood will continue To read the full interview with Rand, munications, both written and oral, gave this summer with his work on the please check out the “Newsletter” page me a huge leg-up on the competition,” upcoming film Neighborhood Watch – a under the “Support HGP” tab at Rand said. “Forensics imbued a self- comedy starring Vince Vaughn, Jonah www.holyghostprep.org. confidence in me that has aided me in all Hill, and Ben Stiller – and with his
8 J im McTague has had his eye on This former track-and-field and cross financial issues and his hands on a country letterman credits Holy Ghost’s keyboard since he was the editor of HGP’s challenging curriculum for preparing him then newspaper, The Firebird – and while for both his studies at St. Joseph’s Univer- these complementary interests may have sity, and for the long career in journalism lead to his current career, they have also and finance that followed – a career that gotten him into some trouble. has seen him employed by American Banker Newspaper, USA Today, The Dallas Times “I was fired as the newspaper editor! I Herald, Merill Lynch, The Philadelphia Daily published an op-ed by another student News, The Asbury Park Press, the Somerset criticizing [HGP’s Headmaster] Father Messenger-Gazette TV Guide, and – Marshall’s use of funds raised for bleachers currently – Baron’s Weekly. to purchase stage curtains instead,” Jim More specifically, Jim offers praise to the says. “The parents who had raised the very man who unseated him as editor of funds were angry with Father Marshall, The Firebird all those years ago. and he was none too pleased with me!” So far, the response has been quite good. “We had fabulous training in literature The book has not only been well received But there was a silver lining in the long- because Fr. Marshall had a Ph.D. in in the U.S., but both Chinese and Indian run. “I always felt like a newspaper man English and he emphasized the subject,” publishers have purchased the printing after that.” And it was this feeling that Jim reflects. “We covered the entire high- rights for their respective countries. But, started Jim in the journalistic career that school syllabus by the end of our sopho- that’s not all. ultimately lead him to write his first book, more year and went on to college-level Crapshoot Inv esting (How Tech-Savvy “To prove that I am not over-the-hill in literature during junior and senior year.” Traders and Clueless regulators Turned the the electronic age, I have also become a To read the full interview, please check Stock market into a Casino), which was frequent guest of national radio and out the “Newsletter” page under the “Sup- published in May 2011. television news programs,” Jim jokes. port HGP” tab at www.holyghostprep.org.
ndrew Romano (’99) future as a develop a new mobile technology that Andrew says. “I A children’s author may have seemed should be market-ready in early 2012.” am working on sealed when Santa brought him both a the next ‘The And while Andrew also uses his degrees Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and a type- Most Well-Trav- in Computer Science and Finance as a writer for Christmas when he was nine elled Squirrel’ Private Wealth Manager for the Strategies years old, but his side-job as a voice actor title, which is For Wealth company, this Loyola College was certainly less predictable during his currently slated graduate’s most recent professional success years at HGP. for release some- is a bit more – well, squirre lly. time in April, “Seeing success in voice-overs is a pro- Andrew released The Most Well-Traveled May, or June 2012.” fessional highlight – despite Forensics Squirrel in the Whole Wide World in 2011. It being my worst class at Holy Ghost” Andrew credits Holy Ghost with is the first in a series of educational Andrew muses. “I am currently being helping turn that nine-year-old with a children’s books that follows the travels and pitched to be the voice of Comcast NJ. I typewriter from years ago into the antics of Tommy, a squirrel who wakes one am also working with some partners to published author he is today. morning to find himself a stranger in a strange land – the tree he has always called “The school had a strong impact on my home has been chopped down and writing capabilities, but not just in the relocated as the famous Rockefeller traditional way,” he says. “Holy Ghost Christmas Tree. With that, Tommy mu st provided me with a confidence in writing tackle his fears and face a new world he’s that encouraged me to casually write never known. And it seems that Tommy’s outside the classroom.” tale has resonated. To read the full interview, please check “After only six weeks we had sold over out the “Newsletter” page under the “Sup- 650 books and read to over 2,000 children,” port HGP” tab at www.holyghostp rep.org.
HGP NEWS, SPRING 2012 9 aluMni Profiles
hat activities does class of W 1965’s Ronald Sosinski recall taking part in during his years at Holy Ghost? “Endless studying,” says the co-owner and director of New York City’s The Proposition Gallery. And while countless former (and current) HGP students could probably commiserate with Ronald’s remembered academic endeav- ors, they would most likely also agree with Ronald about the role such a chal- lenging environment played in his future success. “Holy Ghosts’ extensive curriculum of four years of Latin and French plus the sciences, math and philosophy gave me an incredible academic background to build upon” Ronald says. “A tremendous respect for discipline and the courage to be free of limitations were basic teaching moved to New York City and developed a larger scale exhibition that branched out to principles instilled in us which guide me to working relationship with Edie Vonnegut Miami, Los Angeles and London, and his this day.” (daughter of the famous author Kurt discovery of artist Mickalene Thomas. Vonnegut) while working on his Masters After graduating from Holy Ghost and And while Ronald has certainly attained Degree in Linguistics at the University of receiving a degree in Creative Writing professional success, retaining can certainly Bidgeport. from the University of Pittsburgh, Ronald be a challenge. “Together we re-designed [her] sumptu- “Owning your own business is a constant ous Central Part West apartment into an struggle since you are totally responsible for active artist salon and gathering spot for every aspect of the operation, financial as artists of many genres,” Ronald remembers, well as personal relationships,” he says. “which placed me at the center of the New Fortunately, he feels that Holy Ghost York art world of the moment.” prepared him well for potential setbacks, But Ronald’s foray into the art world teaching him an important lesson that has didn’t stop there. Over the years, he has remained with him through his successes. remained embedded in the New York – “All struggles and setbacks are challenges and international – art scene. His career on the road to success,” he says. “They are has seen the relocating of The Proposition to be handled with honor and grace.” Gallery to Chelsea, his co-founding the SCOPE International Art Fair with Alexis To read the full interview, please check Haubsman and Robert Curcio, his out the “Newsletter” page under the “Sup- participation in developing SCOPE into a port HGP” tab at www.holyghostprep.org.
10 Mothers’ guild and fathers’ association
20th Annual Firebird Auction F.E.S.T.
Friends Enriching Spiritan Tradition
The 2012 Auction F.E.S.T. will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 6pm. This year’s event will be held at the Pen Ryn Mansion in the Belle Voir Manor.
For information on F.E.S.T. please go to www.holyghostprep.org and click on Support HGP. There will be a tab for all information pertaining to the 2012 Auction F.E.S.T.
Any questions, please contact Shannon Perkins at [email protected] or 215-639-2102 ext. 204. Thank you!
Mothers’ guild fathers’ association
Join us at these exciting events for the Mothers’ Guild: Join us at these exciting events for the Fathers’ Association: March 10, 2012 The Annual Mother/Son Dance: “A Night at April 28, 2012 PHILLIES GAME & TAILGATE the Museum” For the entire family – start the baseball season with HGP April 2, 2012 Celebration for the Alumni Moms 3 Hour Tailgate including great food, soft beverages & t-shirt • Followed by 7:05 p.m. Phillies Game May 14, 2012 Honor the Senior Moms with a wine and (against the Cubs) cheese party June 2, 2012 Reception following Graduation in the Field House May 6, 2012 ANNUAL FATHER-SON COMMUNION BREAKFAST As always–thank you everyone, for all of your help in making each BILL CLEMENT is the Featured Guest Speaker. He is the one of these events a success! Philadelphia Flyers Analyst & Announcer & Two-time Stanley Cup Champion. Mass in the Chapel followed by Heidi Bryk Buffet Breakfast in the Field House. Presentation of the Mothers’ Guild President Annual Father Brown Award and the Fathers’ Association Hall of Fame Awards
HGP NEWS, SPRING 2012 11 a t h l e t i c s Excellence in our
Athletic Programs
Bicentennial athletic league amazing fall run for our teams all-league teams The Fall of 2011 will be remembered as one of the most successful in the history of our golf school. For the first time ever, all of our fall teams (Golf, Cross-Country and Soccer) 2nd Team: Reilly Erhardt, ’15; advanced to the PIAA State Tournament. Another 1st, multiple PIAA District One Justin Conway, ‘13 Champions in one season (Golf and Soccer). We are truly proud of our student-athletes, 1st Team: Chris Szal, ’12; fans and coaches for this outsta nding run. We look forward to more success stories in Hank Kovalcik, ‘12 the winter and spring seasons to come. Player of the Year: Chris Crawford, ‘12
cross-country
2nd Team: Dan Connell, ‘14 1st Team: Vince Flood, ’12; Christian Kardish, ’14; Ryan Horgan, ’12; Zach Israel, ‘12 BAL Individual Champion: Zach Israel BAL Coach of the Year: HG Coach Mike Meistering
HG Student Section at Council Rock North in the PIAA Playoffs, a f irst round 5-0 soccer shutout over Conwell-Egan Catholic. HM: Ryan Roth, ’13; Matt Crawford, ’14; Cass DiYeso, ‘13 all-state, all-american 2nd Team: Tim French, ’14; Trey Grupp, ’13; Nick DiGregorio, ‘12 Congratulations to HG Senior Cross-Coun- 1st Team: Jim Gavaghan, ’12; try standout, Zach Israel, who made the Brennan Oakes, ’12; Kyle Klein, ’12; Pennsylvania Track & Field Coaches Colin O’Neill, ’13; Tim Lazorko, ‘12 Association All-State Cross-Country 2nd Team. Zach was the overall BAL Champion and was our top finisher in the PIAA District BAL MVP (2nd Year in a Row): One Championships and State Champi- Tim Lazorko onships. Zach will continue to be a key leader BAL Coach of the Year: for the indoor and outdoor track and field HG Coach Ken Lawson distance events.
Junior Colin O’Neill and senior Tim Lazorko were recently named to the
12 Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area First can purchase items for donation Team. This tandem put up incredible (memory cards, lanyards, t-shirts) and numbers over the past two season and participate in the Dress Down Day were catalysts to our Eastern State on Friday, December 9th. Final run. The week will culminate in a basket- More congrats to Tim Lazorko, who ball triple-header featuring our JV vs. has been selected to the Regional Neshaminy at 4:00 pm, St. Basil All-American Team. Tim will be Academy vs. Nazareth Academy at taking his soccer talents to St. Josephs’ 6:00 pm, and our Varsity vs. University in the Fall of 2012. Tim Neshaminy at 7:30 pm. All proceeds is also a 3-sport athlete (soccer, from that game will benefit Coaches basketball, lacrosse). Well deserved. vs. Cancer. 2012 ifl champions: HGP is annually recognized as one of coach eck’s ramblin wreck Kneeling: Nick Chingas, Jake Connor the leading sponsors of this program. We Left to Right: Mystery Coach, Steve look forward to your continued Congratulations to Coach Eck’s Ramblin’ support in the fight against Cancer. Wreck, the 2012 IFL Champion. Coach Elliott, Andrew O’Donnell, Mark Burton, Eck’s team was late bloomer, and gained Alec Pirritano, John McClernand, Ryan momentum as the season went on. Their Malloy, Greg Price, Liam Schmidt, most successful victory was a playoff semi- Connor Carpani, Coach Eckerle final drubbing of the previously undefeated (and unheralded) Dalai Llamas. coaches vs. cancer week In a mud-filled final with heavy down- december 6-13 pours, Eck’s Ramblin’ Wreck trounced the Our annual Coaches vs. Cancer Week will young upstarts of team Moise HEEET, kick off on Tuesday, December 6th with a 21-12. Coach Eck vowed, “We will repeat Check Presentation at our AM Assembly. in 2012, and I plan to actively aid the Throughout the week, students and faculty demise of the Dalai Llamas.”
SPIRITAN SCHO THE LARS ING PR FIT OG NE RA BE M
The 8th Annual Holy Ghost Prep
scholarshiP golf classic Tournament Schedule 10 am – 11 am Registration & Use of Driving Range O L F O H O H O 11 am – 12 pm LY G S C H O S T P R E PA R AT O R Y Buffet Lunch 12:15 pm Shotgun Start (soft spikes only) Manufacturers’ golf and country club 5:30 pm Monday, June 4, 2012 Cocktail Reception followed by Dinner and Awards
Please consider suPPorting this iMPortant fundraising event!
HGP NEWS, SPRING 2012 13 aluMni news
What’s Happening
with our Alumni class of 1963 class of 1975 Steve Bogle is a Controller for U.S. Steel. With his wife, Shelly, and two children he Rich Geruson and his wife, Nanette, live Tom Flynn retired from Federal Service recently was transferred to Chesterton, IN. on January 31, 2012 with a total of 42 years in Los Gatos, CA. Rich is CEO & Presi- military and civil service. Tom and his wife dent of PHOENIX Technologies in Mil- class of 1986 Mary live in Chesapeake, VA. pitas, CA. Chris Campbell lives in Newtown Square class of 1964 class of 1976 with his wife, Gina, and their three sons (8, Mike Kahrimanian is a Regional Account 5.5 & 2). Rev. Edward Vilkauskas, C.S.Sp. is in Manager for GE. He currently lives in Detroit, MI at Old St. Mary’s Church. Dr. Peter Cridge and his wife Jennifer are East Amherst, NY. with his wife, Sheila. living in Hillsborough, NJ with their two class of 1969 class of 1977 children, daughter Jamie, 6yrs. and son Joseph, 15 months. Bob Jeral lives in Wallingford, PA and Rev. Thomas Dailey, works for Swiss Farms. He recently mar- O.S.F.S is a professor at class of 1987 ried Barbara Duncan, a retired NYC DeSales University. school teacher on 8-13-11 at St. Colman’s Chris Nick was promoted to in Ardmore, PA. class of 1979 Colonel in the United States Air Force on November 26, John Selsky is an Associate Professor at John McGranaghan is a School Coun- 2011. He is assigned to the the University of South Florida. He is selor in Montgomery County. He recently Pentagon in Arlington, VA. living in Lakeland, FL. had his 2nd children’s book published, call ed Meet The Planets. He and his wife, class of 1988 class of 1971 Dina, are the proud parents of John Russel Sacco is an Attorney with Kwasny Matthew and Kyle. Charles Gindele and his wife, Connie, live Reilly Haft & Sacco in Yardley, PA. He in Monarch Beach, CA. Charles is President class of 1981 lives in Chalfont, PA with his wife, Maria. of DIAL ONE a window replacement company with office in Laguna Hills, CA. Stephen McGill and his wife, Theresa, Chris May and his wife, Lauren live in live in Westlake Village, CA. Steve is the Chester Springs, PA. Chris is a partner Peter Davies is the Parish Financial Man- president of CATLIN, Inc. with PWC. ager for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. class of 1982 class of 1989 class of 1972 Marty Connor is the CFO Tony Nucera is the VP of sales for Office of Toll Brothers. He and Joe Mark ey is President & Max. He and his wife, Sara recently wife Regina live in Bryn CEO of Integrated welcomed their 2nd daughter, Brooke Mawr, PA. Resource Recovery, a waste Ann. She joins her sister, Eva who is 2 ½. management company in class of 1983 San Mateo, CA. He lives class of 1993 with his wife, Edie, in Burlingame, CA. Chris Potter is an Insurance agent for The Toner Organization in Newtown, PA. He Richard Adamo, MS is currently a class of 1974 was a recent guest speaker for Junior Research Associate at the Children’s Career Day at Holy Ghost. Hospital of Philadelphia. Rich has a B.S. Drew Knasiak lives in Glenside, PA. He from Delaware Valley College and an M.S. is a teacher/AD for the Philadelphia class of 1985 from Rutgers University in Cell and School District. Shawn Needham is a State trooper for the Developmental Biology. He is working at Rev. Thomas Nasta is the Pastor of St. Maryland State Police. With his wife, CHOP in cardiology research. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church Janine, he lives in Elkton, MD. in Stowe, PA. 14 Chris Riccio and his wife, Lisa, are living John Stasny maintains residence in Sean Maloney is working at Societe in Bensalem, PA. They recently open the Feasterville, PA. John is a special Agent for Generale, a financial-Investment banking Riccio Family Pharmacy on Bristol Pike the DEA , Los Angelos Field Division, firm in New York. just down the road from HGP. Southwest Border Group 1. Nick McKee is with the US Army as a class of 1995 Jim Britt is the Video Coach for the 2LT in the Intelligence Office. He will be Jim Whalen is the Vice President of Pittsburgh Penguins of the NHL and deployed sometime in the Fall. Business Initiatives for ARBITECH of living in Pittsburgh, PA. Steve Sable is an Account Executive for Irvine, CA. With his wife, Jocelyn, he lives Mike Altmeier is a Veterinarian for VCA PCA industrial & Paper Supplies. He lives in Incline Village, NV. Old Marple. He married his Vet school in Ivyland, PA. class of 1996 sweetheart and lives in Philadelphia, PA. Joseph Pargola received a Law Degree class of 2001 from Duquesne University and is currently working for New Jersey Department of Jay Bischof is the Regional Sales Director Health and Senior services. for MASHABLE in Rockville Center, NY.
class of 1997 class of 2003 Henry Bernacki, III is an Mike Jelen works for F T I Consulting a Associate VP Wealth multi-national firm based in London. He Mike Reily is an analyst for SEI Advisor with Morgan lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Katherine. Investments a Financial service. He is Stanley. He and his wife, living in Yardley, PA. Anne welcomed their first class of 2004 child, Isabella Grace on Christopher Lucarini is a Special Educa- Chris Millen graduated from Williams 10-25-11. tion Teacher at Bucks County Technical College and earned a law degree from Pitt High School. class of 1998 Law school in 2011. He is working for FTI Consulting in Philadelphia, PA. Sean Dowd is pursuing a Master of Sci- Anthony DiGirolamo is living and ence in Materials management and Engi- working in Delray Beach, FL. He works for Larry Dooling is a Ph.D student at neering Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Best Securities Industries. Caltech in Pasadena, CA. Engineering, Science and Health Systems. He is attending Drexel University. James Braunstein is the Director, Small class of 2005 projects Delivery for GSI Commerce Solutions, Inc in King of Prussia, PA. Matt Ahearn is a Health benefits Analyst Daniel Connor is studying International with The Segal Company in New York. and the Chinese language while working at Matt McAllister is a Foreign service Apple. He has a bachelors degree from Officer for the U.S., Department of State. class of 2007 Duquesne in International Relations with He is the Political Officer at the U. a focus on east Asian studies. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. Matt will be transferred to Shanghai, China in 2013 Seun Abegunde is a Navy Ensign studying after a year of training in the Mandarin to be a pilot at Corpus Christi, TX. Chinese dialect. class of 2010 Gerard McGeever is the business devel- opment Manager for Credit Union of NJ. Nate Lorence, a student at Catholic Uni- He and his wife, Dr. Lisa McGeever and versity was recently inducted into PHI daughter, Ava, welcomed son Patrick on ETA SIGMA Honor Society in October. 11-1-11. They live in Bordentown, NJ. Greg D’Antonio is living in Pittsburgh and working for Chemistry Communica- class of 2011 class of 2000 tions, an advertising agency. He is pursuing Shawn Briggs is studying Secondary Ed a degree as a Creative Assistant and Social Steve Sawka is currently working for the and biology at Lebanon Valley College. US Department of State and living in Media writer. Centreville, VA.
HGP NEWS, SPRING 2012 15 Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 63 Langhorne, PA Holy Ghost Preparatory School 2429 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA 19020
reconnect reminisce share n ’12 W laugh io eek un e e n R d
SAVE THE DATE! June 2–4, 2012
J U N E 2 N D Commencement Reunion Cocktail Reception 25th Reunion Dinner for Class of 1987
J U N E 3 RD Reunion Classes Mass and BBQ
J U N E 4 TH Scholarship Golf Outing
More details on Reunion ’12 to follow soon! www.holyghostprep.org