Summer 2008 The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School Making A Splash Page 11 Sesquicentennial Celebration and Dedication Sunday, October 5, 2008 3:00 pm Mass Celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Justin Rigali Dedication of New Academic Wing and Athletic Fields Reception and Guided Tours A Light Fare of Food and Drinks Entertainment and Fireworks To ensure that you receive an invitation to this milestone event, please register at www.lschs.org/dedication The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School WHAT’S INSIDE Features A Title Wave Of Champions Page 7 Departments Making A Splash From The Hip Photo Gallery Page 11 Page 2 Pages 18-25 Class of 2008 Letter From The President Class Notes Page 3 Pages 26-31 Page 14-17 Happenings At La Salle Announcements Pages 4-6 Page 32 2 Explorer Summer 2008 From The Hip EX P LO R E R Recently, I overheard someone bragging about their “alumni network.” Being so connected to The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School La Salle College High School, I often take for granted the vast network that continues to thrive within our community. As a Past President of the Alumni Association, I was fortunate to have experienced the interaction between our alumni and I am always amazed by the openness and receptiveness of our alumni; particularly, in regard to assisting a fellow alum. The common President bond that we share transcends beyond graduation and creates life-long opportunities. Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 Principal In March, I joined forty-eight juniors as they converged upon New York City to meet with Joseph L. Marchese members of La Salle College High School’s New York Regional Roundtable in an effort to gain insight into various fields. Six of our prominent New York alums led a panel discussion that Vice President of Institutional Advancement Daniel L. McGowan focused on career opportunities as well as the importance of perseverance and hard work. The students split into groups and the alums literally “took the boys to work” with tours of Alumni Association President the New York Stock Exchange, United States District Court, and Time, Inc. (and its various Anthony J. Gillespie ’68 publications). The day was an introduction to not only La Salle’s well established alumni Editor network, but to life in the “city that never sleeps.” Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Career Day has become an established opportunity for our alumni to interact with students. Editorial and Production Assistance Barbara Franks In April, over fifty alums returned to their Alma Mater to talk about their experiences, explain Andrew M. Gill ’05 the educational paths they took, and share insight on the present and future state of their Cathleen P. Winning profession. The freshman and juniors that participated in the presentations learned first-hand of the opportunities that await them and the keynote address by Drew Morrisroe ’92 spoke Contributing Writers to the true power of the La Salle Network. Dennis M. Bloh Christopher M. Carabello ’82 In June, the Alumni Association held the 48th Annual Alumni Golf Outing. Over 160 golfers Patrick J Gallagher ’70 representing seven different decades of Explorers came out to play. As I looked out across Gayle Ronan Sims the porch of the Philadelphia Cricket Club, I couldn’t help but notice the interaction between Photography these men. Many comprised foursomes of the same class year, while others played together Greg Bobowski in corporate foursomes because they worked for the same company. The perfect weather John J. Burns and two fabulous golf courses where surpassed only by the camaraderie and communication Christopher M. Carabello ’82 of the participants. Davor Photography Michael Maicher When Florence Ward was inducted into the Hall of Fame in March, she referred to her Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57 “boys” – a group of men who worked with Florence and served as President of an association Raymond T. Shay ’00 that she and so many hold dear to their heart. I am honored to be one of Florence’s “boys,” UGA Sports Communications but even more grateful to be a “Brother’s Boy” and part of a global network of Lasallian University of Georgia educated men (and women) who have been instilled with the teachings of St. John Baptist Artwork and Design de La Salle. It is a network that doesn’t require boasting as it travels with me wherever John Burns Graphic Design I go and sets a shining example for everyone with whom I interact. Like Jesus, it lives in our hearts forever. Address Explorer La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham Avenue Christopher M. Carabello ’82 Wyndmoor, PA 19038 Editor 215 233 2350 Phone 215 836 4502 Fax [email protected] The Explorer is published by La Salle College High School. The Explorer welcomes letters to the Editor concerning alumni, school, and topics published in the magazine. The Editor of the Explorer reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the content and information published in the magazine. Florence Ward and “Her Boys” (Presidents of the Alumni Association) Standing (left to right): Bob Szostak ’72, Tim Foley ’66, John Wozniak ’77, Jim McLaughlin ’57, Bob Moran ’69, Lloyd Beck ’74, Gerry Lowery ’78, Tom O’Keefe ’63, Bob McAnespey ’66, and Chris Carabello ’82 Seated (left to right): Scott Wolpert ’84, Dave Cattie ’68, Gerry Binder ’69, Connie Miller ’50, Florence Ward, Jim Donahue ’86, Bob McCreight ’71, and John Fenningham ’68 3 Explorer Summer 2008 Letter from the President Dear Fellow Alums and Friends, As our 150th academic year comes to a conclusion, I am pleased to report that La Salle College High School finds itself in a very strong position to face the future. This year, the 248 members of the Class of 2008 were accepted at 254 colleges and universities across our nation and, after much decision making, have accepted appointments at 83 universities in 22 states. Almost 80% of the Class received merit-based and/or athletic scholarships and the Class leaves La Salle having earned in excess of $22.5 million in documented scholarships and grants. There can be no doubt that our graduates have widened their pursuits and world view. Congratulations to their teachers, coaches, and families who encouraged them throughout these four years. The Explorers of 2007-2008 celebrated five Philadelphia Catholic League Championships – Cross Country, Golf, Lacrosse, Swimming, and Tennis – as well as two state championships (Ice Hockey and Lacrosse). Our Speech and Debate team proved their mettle by taking first place at the district championships and winning the State Championship in Policy Debate as well as Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Our Jazz Band again represented our students’ talents by achieving five “superior” ratings at the Cavalcade of Bands Competition. This year has truly been one of celebration. For the past 150 years, over 20,000 young men from the Delaware Valley have called themselves Explorers. Their efforts have not only advanced the name of La Salle, but their personal careers as well. Our social calendar was enhanced by three major events: the Founder’s Gala in April, which celebrated our birth in 1858 and the 150 years that followed; our annual Auction in November, which marked its 25th anniversary with yet another tremendous success; and in May, when our Mothers’ Club commemorated their 70th anniversary with over 250 “past” moms. I am especially pleased to recognize Jack Bauerle ’70, who was selected as the Head Coach for the USA Swim Team at this summer’s Olympic Games in Beijing. In the coming weeks, I am certain you will hear much of the accomplishments of Jack and his teams. Jack was a former standout swimmer here at La Salle and you will be happy to know that La Salle continued its winning ways with its 20th consecutive Swimming Championship under the leadership of Coach Frank Lichtner. We continue to benefit from your legacy and look forward to creating a brighter future for our students. On Sunday, October 5, 2008, Justin Cardinal Rigali will visit La Salle to celebrate our Sesquicentennial Anniversary as a school and dedicate our 40,000 square foot academic addition and new athletic fields. La Salle has positioned itself as among the best with these improvements. I hope you will take the occasion to visit us on this date or in the near future at a time of your convenience. Sincerely, Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 Mission Statement adopted by the President Middle States Evaluation Team March 2006 La Salle College High School, a Catholic independent, college preparatory school for young men of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in the Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 presents the development of his unique President’s Medal to Brother Dennis Malloy, FSC, God-given talents and fosters Provincial of the Baltimore Province of a commitment to academic the Christian Brothers, on behalf of all of the excellence, service, and Christian Brothers in the Province. leadership. 4 Explorer Summer 2008 Happenings At La Salle Arts Festival The Fourth On Monday, May 19, 2008, the Art Department officially opened the annual The final Kairos retreat of the year took place April 8-11, 2008 at Diamond showcase of student artwork with a reception for students, families, faculty, Ridge in Jamison, PA. Thirty seniors and nine juniors made the four day, three and staff. The artwork displayed ranged from drawings and paintings to pottery night retreat in which the retreatants examine their lives.