Class of 2013 Pages 2–11
Growing a Small Business Inside Back Cover
Tennis Champs Page 30
50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
“When we began
our high school
careers as students
at Xavier we each
made the decision
to be more than
average.”
Mario Chris `13
June 2013
Dear Members of the Xavier Community,
When Xavier’s doors first opened in September of 1963 each new student was given a very small student handbook in which you would have found such regulations as “pants so tight that a golf ball cannot pass through the legs of them from waist to floor may not be worn,” “Walk on the right side of the corridor. Faculty members only walk in the middle of the corridors.” Also, “use the public telephone across from the bookstore with permission for necessary calls home.” Some of you reading this letter may remember those rules, and how things have changed over our first fifty years.
And then there are things which have remained steady over those years. That first handbook also stated that “Xavier holds that the primary function of education is the formation in each pupil of a Christian character.” And of course our motto of “Be A Man” with all the depth that implies has been another constant that no doubt every graduate long remembers. All of us at Xavier remain committed to those core values that go back to the first principal, Brother Robert Sullivan, C.F.X, and we hope our graduates continue in their lives to live out “Be A Man.”
Another year at Xavier has just come to a close. School will be quiet for at least a few days before summer classes and camps begin. As always we look back thankful to God for the many ways Xavier has been blessed. We can look back with grateful pride on the fine work of our administrators, faculty, staff and coaches over the year, striving to bring out the best in each young man entrusted to their care. We look back with pride on the outstanding college acceptances of our new graduates and the numerous scholarships and awards they earned. In addition to their academic work, we can be grateful for the accomplishments of our athletic teams and numerous extracurricular activities that keep the school humming long after the last bell at 2:26. I believe we can be especially proud of the countless hours of service our students have offered throughout the year, service not only to our local communities, but also on our service trips to Guatemala and to Camden, New Jersey.
As Mario Chris said in his valedictory address last month “When we began our high school careers as students at Xavier we each made the decision to be more than average.” I hope that rings true to all of our graduates from the first class of 1967 down to our newest alumni of 2013. As you read on further in this issue you will see fine examples of alumni and members of the Xavier community who embody what Mario spoke about.
All of us at Xavier remain grateful to those of you who support us through your involvement in the Alumni and Home and School Associations, your contributions to our annual fund, membership in the St. Francis Xavier Society, and support of our Auction and Golf Tournament. Xavier would not be the same without you.
God bless each of you for all you do for Xavier.
Sincerely in Christ,
Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X.Headmaster
eadmaster
a message from the
H
What’s Inside
Board of Directors 2012-2013Dr. Perry Sangalli, Chair
Attorney Christopher Smith `76, Vice Chair
Chief J. Edward Brymer (Ret.)
Mr. Carl Bulgini III `84
Attorney Christopher Carrozzella
Mr. Michael D’Aquila `83
Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Headmaster
Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal
Sr. Patricia Ells, C.N.D.
Mr. Peter Etzel `71
Rev. Gregoire Fluet
Mr. Robert Guere `81
Dr. Edward Hardiman
Mr. Brian Hetherington `81
Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X.
Mrs. Rosemary Kilpatrick
Mr. Dennis LaVette
Mr. David Leone `73
Mr. Neil Mitchill `93
Brother Timothy Paul, C.F.X.
Dr. Edward Shine
Mrs. Robin Taillie
Mrs. Susan Tarrant
Mr. Guy Tommasi `75
Mr. William Wrang III `75
Mr. James Parmelee `84, Advisor
Mr. Michael Picard `83, Advisor
Mr. Christopher Shane, Advisor
AdministrationBrother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Headmaster
Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal
Mr. Nicholas Cerreta, Dean of Students
Mr. Andrew T. Gargano, Academic Dean (Grades 10-12)
Mr. David Sizemore, Academic Dean (Grade 9)
Page 22
Page 31 Page 14
Page 2-11
The Magazine for Xavier High School
Summer, 2013
John GuerinEditor, “Xavier Today”
Director of Communications
Margaret GaleanoDesigner
Office Of AdvAnceMent
Matthew Strekel ’99Director of Advancement
Greg BrinnAssistant Director of
Annual and Planned Giving
erin BysiewiczAssistant Director for Alumni Relations
Meredith dreskoAdvancement Associate
Xavier Today,the Xavier High School magazine,
is published three times a year by Xavier High School.
Editorial offices are located in:
Xavier High SchoolOffice of Advancement
181 Randolph RoadMiddletown, CT 06457
(860) 347-6079www.xavierhighschool.org
LetterS tO the editOr:
Send to above address or by email to:
or by fax: (860) 346-6859
PhOtO creditS:
Karen Brown
Eric Elligers
John Guerin
Matthew Haywood `04
Nick Iott `13
Shannon Kief
Kathryn Lee
Middletown Press
New Haven Register
Bill O’Brien
James Royce `99
David Sizemore `86
Snapshot Photography
Br. John Sullivan
Xavier Yearbooks
Others as available and noted
Xavier Today
Check the Xavier calendar regularly at:
www.xavierhighschool.org
2 Xavier Today
Matthew Albanese East Haddam
William Andrews Clinton
Elliott Antler Hebron
Eric Aresco Higganum
Ronald Bair Newington
Shane Baker Southington
Shane Baldwin Southington
Spencer Beaulieu Portland
Kevin Beeman Meriden
Alexander Benevelli Killingworth
DeAngelo Berry Windsor
Joseph Bibisi Cromwell
James Biega Middletown
Joseph Biegaj East Hampton
Casey Blank North Haven
Adam Boyington Haddam
Timothy Boyle Middlefield
Harrison Bradley Wallingford
Mark Breault Ivoryton
Mark Broderick Middletown
Jonathan Brodeur Old Saybrook
Mitchell Brown Durham
Mark Bucior Glastonbury
Ryan Buckley Wallingford
Zachary Camner Hamden
Christian Cannata Cromwell
Brian Canney Rocky Hill
Dominic Carlone Kensington
William Carrion Middletown
Michael Carta Middletown
John Cerrotti Wallingford
Mohammad Chater Northford
CLASS OF 2013
On the morning of May 19th we were blessed with a cloud cover that kept temperatures comfortable as the 192 members
of the Class of 2013 became the newest group to call themselves Xavier Alumni. These young men hailed from 45 cities and towns in Connecticut.
Brother Thomas Ryan, C.F.X. acted as our Master of Ceremonies. Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X., Xavier’s Director of Admissions, offered the invocation and his Excellency, Bishop Michael Cote, the spiritual leader of the Norwich Diocese joined the Class of 2013, their parents, guardians, relatives, friends, teachers, counselors, and staff at Xavier High School’s forty-seventh commencement exercise.
In opening remarks, Brother Ryan said, “In the Scripture readings for today, Pentecost Sunday, are found the following words: ‘When the time of Pentecost was fulfilled, the disciples were all in one place together. Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit.’” This morning’s commencement ceremony will be the last time that these 192 young men, our graduates, will be in this one place together. Not a time for regret but a time of anticipation. Like the disciples who received God’s Spirit, they are ready to disperse, to go into the world and follow their destinies. If our graduates continue to welcome the Spirit in their lives, to live out the faith Xavier has tried to instill, then no matter where their future may take them, they will always remain in this one place, the Class of 2013. As the sequence for the Mass of Pentecost proclaims: ‘O most blessed Light divine, shine within these hearts of yours, and their inmost being fill.’”
Salutatorian Mark K. Breault Salutatorian for the Class of 2013
formally welcomed all to this forty-seventh commencement. Brother Ryan introduced, “Mark K. Breault, the son of Robert and Doreen of Ivoryton, is ranked number two in his graduating class. I’d like the words of Mark’s own teachers and counselor this year to help explain why he enjoys this singular distinction. ‘Mark’s dedication and hard work is evident in everything he undertakes. He gives nothing less than 110%.’ ‘He has matured from a quiet, shy freshman to an outgoing, warm, kind-hearted person. He has proven to be a leader both inside and outside of school.’ ‘Mark is well-mannered, respectful, has boundless intellectual curiosity and is a unique and extraordinary student in terms of his attitude, intelligence and performance.’ And finally, ‘He has always been a joy to work with. He has outstanding native ability, maturity beyond his years, and a desire to learn. His fellow students admire and respect him.’
Prior to his arrival at Xavier in September of 2009, Mark had already been designated the Bishop Hines Scholarship winner based on the 8th grade entrance exam. As an 8th grader he also won the Knights of Columbus free-throw contest
L-r: Bishop Michael Cote with Mark Breault
Commencement 2013
Xavier Today 3
RELIGION AWARD
Mario J. Chris
BROTHER JOHN COLLINS
CAMPUS MINISTRY AWARD
Jay J. Schaff
ENGLISH AWARD
John P. Reidy
MATHEMATICS AWARD
Mario J. Chris
CHINESE AWARD
John P. Reidy
FRENCH AWARD
Edouard H. Nicaise
SPANISH AWARD
Christian J. Cannata
LATIN AWARD
Mark K. Breault
SCIENCE AWARD
Jonathan P. Woods
SOCIAL STUDIES AWARD
Nathaniel M. Clark
VISUAL ARTS AWARD
Neal E. Krupa
MUSIC AWARD
Joshua P. Gosselin
VALEDICTORIAN
Mario J. Chris
SALUTATORIAN
Mark K. Breault
CLASS OF 2013
Anthony Chiozzi Guilford
Mario Chris Storrs
Michael Cimino Prospect
John Clark Killingworth
Nathaniel Clark Plainville
Gavin Clemmey Middletown
Andrew Coburn Middletown
Robert Coleman Southington
Benjamin Collison Old Saybrook
John Corraccio Wethersfield
Emmett Coughlin Portland
Zackery Creeron Higganum
Benjamin Criscuolo East Haven
Dylan Cronin Higganum
Tyler Crowl Rocky Hill
Tyler Cusack Clinton
Jonathan Cyr Middletown
Justin Cyr Middletown
Ethan Damuck East Haddam
Christopher Danby Old Saybrook
Corey Danko Middletown
Kevin Dean Ivoryton
Max DellaGrotte Middletown
Jordan DelSesto Colchester
Jake DeMonte Wethersfield
Joseph DiBella Old Saybrook
Jeremy Dilzer Berlin
Macken Dobbin Killingworth
Daniel Dobler Rocky Hill
Rider Doolittle Wallingford
Jonah Dorsey Newington
Miguel dos Santos Wallingford
which was held at the school. From this auspicious beginning, the rest is history: Brother Celestine medalist, the highest academic recognition Xavier bestows; induction into the National Honor Society as well as the Mathematics Honor Society where he served as Treasurer and the Latin Honor Society where he served as President. Mark is also an AP Scholar and a National Merit Commended Student. His report card grades never dropped below the first letter of the alphabet. He was a member of the engineering team’s Real World Design Challenge that won the National Championship in 2012. Outside of the classroom, Mark has shared his gifts and talents as a member of the Ryken Service Society and the Ambassadors Club. At the opening of school Mass in September, he was presented with both the Harvard Book Prize and the Xaverian Brothers Scholarship, the latter being given to a young man who exemplifies and lives the Xaverian charisms of humility, trust, compassion, simplicity, and zeal. And at last evening’s awards ceremony at the conclusion of the Baccalaureate Mass, Mark was presented with the Maureen O’Donnell Memorial
Award in recognition of his gold medal status on the National Latin Exam for the past four consecutive years.
Accepted at UCONN, Georgia Tech, Villanova, Penn State, Rensselaer Polytechnic and Worcester Polytechnic, Mark will major in chemical engineering at Villanova in the fall.”
Mr. Brendan Donohue, Xavier’s Principal, called forward the members of the Class of 2013 for the conferring of diplomas by Bishop Cote. Brother Brian then presented special awards to those students who have distinguished themselves in academic and co-curricular areas (see box below).
The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich and Brother Brian both offered their congratulations and best wishes to the graduates and challenged them to use what they have learned as they continue into their futures.
Commencement Honors 2013
Continued on page 4 >
4 Xavier Today
Daniel Drabinski Madison
Spencer Duclos Portland
Daniel Dupont Wallingford
John Dziedzic Middletown
Benjamin Emory Portland
Braxton Etuka Middletown
Jordan Facin Killingworth
Marcus Fazzino Middletown
Michael Fetera Wallingford
McNeill Finnegan Old Saybrook
Matthew Fishkind Chester
Benjamin Fitzpatrick Haddam
Justin Fitzpatrick Wallingford
Dominic Fogarasi Middletown
Mitchell Frauendorf Portland
Michael Fredericks Portland
Derrick Frink Newington
Christopher Fusco Durham
Matthew Gajowiak Newington
Joshua Gosselin Wethersfield
Jordan Greenhalgh Northford
Jonathan Grzeszczyk Middletown
Austin Guptel Coventry
Justin Hall Wallingford
Lucas Hannen Killingworth
Alan Harrington East Hampton
Alexander Harris Wethersfield
Matthew Henzy Middletown
Sabastion Herrera Ivoryton
Shane Highter Killingworth
Warren Howe Wallingford
Anthony Iorio Guilford
CLASS OF 2013 Commencement 2013Continued from page 3
M r. Donohue said “The Falcon Achievement
Award has been created to recognize a senior
who has represented the very best that athletics
stand for at Xavier. In the opinion of his coaches, the
administration, and the faculty and staff, this year’s
recipient is a young man who embodies those qualities
of loyalty, commitment, sportsmanship and hard work
which characterize our fine scholar-athletes.
This year’s recipient is the epitome of what it
means to be a scholar-athlete. His tremendous work
ethic has led him to great success both on the field
and in the classroom. He is a natural leader who is both well-liked and respected by his peers. His loyalty
and commitment to his team and school are great examples not only to his teammates and classmates,
but to our entire community. As team captain, he led his teammates through the highs and lows of an
at-times difficult, but ultimately successful season. Due to his work ethic, spirit, sportsmanship and calm
demeanor, his teammates responded to his example and the team rallied as a cohesive unit. In the words
of his coach, he exemplifies “all that a Xavier man should be.” He will be taking his academic and soccer
talents to Ithaca College next fall. Please join me in congratulating the 2013 Falcon Achievement Award
winner, the son of Daniel and Mary Coburn, Andrew J. Coburn.” X
Falcon Achievement Award Winner
Valedictorian Mario J. Chris Continuing with the ceremony, Brother
Ryan said, “It is the custom to invite the highest ranking member of the graduating class to give the valedictory address — the formal farewell to the school on behalf of his classmates. The Valedictorian for the Class of 2013 is Mario J. Chris.
As one would expect, Mario’s academic credentials as the number-one ranked senior in his class are extraordinary. Even prior to his arrival as a freshman, Mario was the recipient of the Brother Robert Scholarship for the highest score on the 8th grade entrance exam.
That distinction was the first in a long litany of academic achievements and recognitions these past four years: Brother Celestine medalist, Xavier’s highest scholastic honor; induction into the National, Math, and French Honor Societies where he served as Treasurer, President and Vice-President respectively; the Yale Book Award; Varsity Math Team Captain and team high scorer; a perfect SAT score of 2400 and a National Merit Semi-Finalist and then Finalist. At last evening’s award’s ceremony it was announced that Mario had been presented with a $2500 National Merit Scholarship and that the Department of Education had recognized him for his selection as one of approximately 550 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Competition.
Outside the classroom Mario was a member of the school’s Engineering Team which in the past three years won the Real World Design Challenge State Championship three times and the National Championship in 2012. He has received multiple honors from his participation in the CT Science Fair and was a member, along with classmates John Reidy and Jeff Witz, of one of the top five aviation project teams in the entire world that presented its research findings on fuel consumption and savings to NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
A concert piano medalist and soon-to-be Eagle Scout in no way conclude this list. No wonder his teachers have had this to say about him: ‘Mario’s intelligence and dedication are second to none, but he is more than just another good student. He is a likeable, sincere person who cares about his
L-r: Bishop Michael Cote with Mario Chris
Xavier Today 5
Nicholas Iott North Haven
Nathaniel Kahn Cromwell
Alexander Kelly Cheshire
Mark Kennedy North Haven
Frank Kronenberger Middletown
Neal Krupa Essex
Victor Lagana Middletown
Christopher Laggis Guilford
Michael Lanza Newington
Dalton Lavoie Meriden
Jacob Lensing-Sharp Middletown
Benjamin Lisle Old Saybrook
Sean Lowe Moodus
Kristopher Luster Meriden
Matthew Lyons Old Saybrook
Ethan Manuel Chester
Matthew Manzione Middletown
Michael Marenna Old Saybrook
Aidan Marino Killingworth
Theodore Marrinan Oakdale
Michael Massaro East Haddam
Andrew Masse Cromwell
Alex Matunas Westbrook
John McCall Clinton
Ryan McLellan Wallingford
Wallace Meadows Middlefield
Carlos Mesquita Wallingford
Christopher Misenti Middletown
Brennan Moore Meriden
Matthew Moore Old Lyme
John-Paul Morello Middletown
Anthony Morse Portland
CLASS OF 2013The Xavier Loyalty and Service Award
M r. Donohue said “The Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the most prestigious award
that the school confers, is presented to a member of the graduating class who is chosen upon the recommendation of the faculty and staff. Loyalty and service are qualities that Xavier High School strives to teach all its young men as they are crucial to the fulfillment of the school’s mission. The choice is based on the consistency and quality of the student’s service to the Xavier community and the passion and perseverance he has displayed in his commitment to all aspects that make up the experience of a Xavier High School student.
Needless to say, such a student is one of the
school’s most valuable assets.
This morning’s recipient of the Loyalty and Service Award exemplifies everything for which this
award stands. Many students come to understand and appreciate what loyalty and service are only after
spending some time here at Xavier. For some it clicks at some point during freshman year. For others it
happens sometime in the years that follow. This year’s recipient got it from Day One and has continued
to grow and mature with each passing year. He was involved with multiple activities and service clubs,
but never seemed to be stretched too thin. He engaged in these activities because he wanted to and he
knew it was the right thing to do, he did it for others, not for himself. He was an active member of the
Columbian Squires, the Ambassadors Club and the Ryken Service Society. He was a Peer Minister and a
member of the Principal’s Advisory Council. He attended junior retreat, XLI and the XBSS retreat. He was
instrumental in inaugurating Falconspire which is a student-directed group which meets monthly to pray,
meditate, socialize and to discuss key issues affecting the lives of teens. He did all this while maintaining
the highest of academic standards. He is a Brother Celestine award winner, a National Merit Commended
student and a member of both the Spanish and National Honor Societies. He has taken five Advanced
Placement courses and is a key member of our nationally recognized Jazz Band. However, none of these
accolades tell the true story of why this young man is receiving this award. Above all, he strives to live
each day for others and to model his life after the life of Christ, always acting selflessly for the greater
good. Xavier will be sorry to see him go, but we look forward to seeing him thrive at Fordham University.
It is my pleasure to announce the 2013 recipient of the Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the son of Jon
and Lucy Massaro of East Haddam — Michael J. Massaro, of the Ryken Service Society.” X
community and understands what leadership is all about.’ ‘Mario knows that the amount of service he has given to his community is more than just a number on a college application; his service is a channel of God’s love for humanity.’
Mario also bears another singular distinction. Certainly among his classmates and perhaps among any and all students who have attended Xavier, Mario has traveled the farthest. Living in Storrs, it is a two-hour, 90-mile round trip. Or, 1250 hours and 56,250 miles commuting by car these past four years. That’s 90 round trips to the West Coast. And money spent on gasoline? Let’s turn to the American Express response for this — ‘priceless.’ Since Mario will not obtain his driver’s license until next month, it is his parents, Ramesh and Mary, who have been the prime movers in his four-year, educational odyssey.
Accepted at Brown, Cal Tech, Catholic University, UCONN, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech,
Stanford, UPENN and Yale, Mario will study aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Stanford University in the fall.”
Two impressive statistics about the Class of 2013: As of May 17th, its members have collectively received $67,375 in local scholarships and $4.5 million in college grants and scholarships for the next four years.
Brother Fahey led all in the Xavier High School prayer, after which Brother Ryan concluded the ceremony by saying, “And finally, a few minutes ago you heard Brother Brian end his remarks to the graduates with a sentence he uses every Monday at the close of the school-wide morning prayer — ‘God bless your day.’ To the graduates, and speaking for everyone else on this stage, I would simply add: “God bless your lives, each and every day.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2013! X
6 Xavier Today
Miles Mortali Old Saybrook
Ryan Moynihan Middletown
Alexander Muir Haddam
Liam Murphy Northford
Andrew Murrone Middletown
Michael Nadeau Middletown
Vincent Nettis Middletown
Edouard Nicaise Hamden
Anthony Nicholson Colchester
Callan Noone Guilford
Jonathan O’Brien East Hampton
Thomas O’Rourke Wethersfield
Samuel Oeschger Middletown
Amar Ojha Rocky Hill
Stephen Olis New Britain
Charlton Ortega North Haven
Mario Panaccione Old Saybrook
N. Connor Payne Madison
Raymond Peach Durham
Jonathan Penepent Middletown
Matthew Pias Higganum
Michael Purcell Cheshire
Steven Radomski Wallingford
John Reidy Northford
Jordan Resnisky Middletown
Jake Rocamora Rocky Hill
Trevor Root Middlefield
Joshua Santiago Hamden
Jason Schaff Cheshire
Kolin Schafrick Portland
Kyle Schroeder Madison
James Schumann Old Saybrook
CLASS OF 2013
On the evening of May 18th at the Baccalaureate Mass, our Graduation Liturgy, Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue
shared publicly some of the honors awarded to the members of our graduating class and Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented the awards on behalf of the donors.
This year, two of our seniors have been named NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS. In addition, eleven of our seniors have been named NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS.
2013 Baccalaureate MassPRESENTATION OF AWARDS
NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS:Mark Breault, Christian Cannata, Nathaniel Clark, Daniel
Drabinski, Michael Lanza, Michael Massaro, Matthew
Pias, Michael Purcell, John Reidy, Daniel Tomanelli,
Zachary Ziobrowski.
NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS:Mario Chris and Jacob Lensing-Sharp.
The NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION has awarded a NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP to Mario Chris. In addition, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has recognized Mario for his selection as one of approximately 550 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2013 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS COMPETITION.
The BROTHER CELESTINE MEDAL is awarded each year to students who, upon the completion of the academic year, have an overall final average of A with no final average grade less than an A- in their major subjects. This prestigious award, which a student can be given only once during his four years at Xavier, is the highest academic tribute that the school bestows. The award is named after Brother Celestine Killigrew who taught history and Religion at Xavier in the early 1960s and died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. In the previous three years, 22 members Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Gregory
P. Galvin was the celebrant for the Mass
Xavier Today 7
Zachary Sgro Bristol
Brian Sheehy Middletown
Jordan Shropshire Westbrook
Zachary Skiptunas Newington
Ellis Snyder Old Saybrook
Ryan Sowa Middletown
Charles Spellman Rocky Hill
William Stanton West Hartford
Ryan Staron Cromwell
Peter Strom Portland
James Sullivan Wethersfield
Bryan Szewczyk Cromwell
Ryan Szozdowski New Britain
Bryce Telford Wallingford
Brandon Tierney Portland
Daniel Tomanelli Cheshire
Aaron Tonks Ivoryton
Victor Triay Middletown
Nicolas Turner Newington
Max Tylki Wethersfield
Matthew Verselli Wallingford
Tushar Vig Durham
Joseph Violette Wallingford
Elliot Whitney Middletown
Justin Williams Wallingford
Jeffrey Witz New Britain
Jonathan Woods Essex
Garrett Yantosh Higganum
Matthew Yudkin Clinton
Peter Zablocki Essex
Zachary Ziobrowski Cheshire
Nicholas Zoccoli Berlin
CLASS OF 2013
of the class of 2013 have earned this honor. Mark
Breault, Christian Cannata, Mario Chris, Nathaniel Clark,
Gavin Clemmey, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Jeremy Dilzer,
Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Dominic Fogarasi,
Alan Harrington, Anthony Iorio, Michael Lanza, Michael
Massaro, Carlos Mesquita, Ryan Moynihan, Samuel
Oeschger, Stephen Olis, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Jeffrey
Witz.
THE THOMAS A. CLOUTIER, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established by the friends and family of Thomas A. Cloutier, Jr. of Westbrook, a member of the class of 1992. This scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated the qualities of hard work and determination, and who has served as an example of dedication to his classmates. This year’s recipient is Kristopher Luster.
THE PETER DALTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is endowed by the parents of Peter, who was a member of the Xavier class of 1987. It is awarded to a senior who best exemplifies the characteristics that we all hope to find in a Xavier Man. This year the recipient is Carlos Mesquita.
THE GEORGE V. KEITHAN, SR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established by Mr. and Mrs. George V. Keithan, Jr. of the class of 1981. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who has been accepted into an engineering program at an accredited college or university. The recipient of this scholarship is Stephen Olis.
THE THOMAS KILLEN SCHOLARSHIP was established in memory of Thomas, a member of the Class of 1973, a newspaper columnist and theatre critic for The New Haven Register, who died suddenly at the age of 33. This scholarship, sponsored by Tom’s friends, co-workers at the Register, and the Class of 1973, is awarded to a deserving senior who has shown commitment to the Xavier drama program either in acting or in stage crew. The recipient of this scholarship is Nathaniel Clark.
THE MARK SCHAEFER SCHOLARSHIP is given in memory of Mark Erwin Schaeffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. Otto E. Schaefer of North Branford, who was a member of Xavier’s class of 1979. The intent of this scholarship is “to reward an all-around Xavier MAN, a scholar and an athlete who has actively demonstrated that he has realized that a Xavier education is a Christian education, one that requires Continued on page 9 >
service and dedication to one’s fellow human beings.” This year’s recipient is Emmett Coughlin.
THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD is presented to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.” This year’s recipient is Emmett
Coughlin.
THE MICHAEL D. SCHILKE MATHEMATICS AWARD has been established by Barbara and David Schilke in memory of their son, Michael, a gifted and popular member of the class of 1985. This award is presented to an outstanding senior mathematics student. The recipient of the 27th MICHAEL D. SCHILKE AWARD is Nicholas Zoccoli.
THE JAMES V. TILLONA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established in loving memory of Jamie Tillona, a proud member of the Xavier High School Class of 1996. Jamie was a loving son and brother who through his loyal and sincere friendships brought happiness to those whom he encountered. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who, through his academic success, and his commitment to the Xavier community, best exemplifies the hopes and aspirations, which were held for Jamie. This year’s recipient is Robert Coleman.
THE FOREST CITY COUNCIL NO. 3, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, annually presents an award to a senior who has achieved excellence in the area of religion and its’ practice as exemplified through Campus Ministry Service. This year’s recipient is Robert
Coleman.
THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in the Xavier Business curriculum. This year’s recipient is Max Tylki.
THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ARTS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in Xavier’s Drama program. This year’s recipient is Ryan Moynihan.
It is unusual for a young man not to miss a day of school during an academic year. This year we have two members of the senior class who had perfect attendance for their four years here at Xavier. The
8 Xavier Today
Senior PromApril 27, 2013 Glastonbury Hills Country Club
The 2013 Class Gift made its debut appearance on May 16th at the
first-ever Senior Breakfast. Our old Falcon mascot costume had fallen
into disrepair. The Senior Class Gift Committee raised the funds for a new
costume for the school. With everyone’s contribution, they have helped
our falcon to “fly” at future Xavier events!
Each year the Xavier Alumni Association has held a picnic following
graduation rehearsal as a send off for seniors and to welcome them as
the newest members of the Alumni Association. This year a new tradition
started as the alumni offered a breakfast before the second morning
graduation rehearsal. Director of Advancement Matt Strekel
`99 recognized Ms. Erin Bysiewicz the Assistant Director for
Alumni Relations for her work in arranging the event. He
also introduced Mr. James Royce, President of the Alumni
Association, who welcomed the soon-to-be members and
encouraged them to stay involved with the school as their
lives continue to unfold. The final speaker was former
Mayor of Middletown Sebastian Giuliano `70 who offered
encouragement and congratulations.
Several donated items were given out in a free raffle that
also garnered applause and approval from the crowd. X
SENIOR BREAKFAST
A New Tradition
Xavier Today 9
recipients of the XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD are John Cerrotti and Carlos Mesquita.
THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given to a graduating senior in the College Prep or Accelerated program who has consistently worked to his potential for four years, has steadily improved his GPA over four years and has exemplified what we always demand of each of our students — to simply do his best day-in and day-out. This year’s recipient is Victor Triay.
The American Classical League/National Junior Classical League’s NATIONAL LATIN EXAM COMMITTEE has awarded the MAUREEN O’DONNELL MEMORIAL AWARD in recognition for winning a Gold Medal in the Latin National Latin Exam for the past four consecutive years to Mark Breault.
St. Mary’s Parish of Portland sponsors THE ANNUAL REVEREND JAMES T. BUTLER SCHOLARSHIP, which is awarded to the graduating parishioner who best exemplifies the ideals of Xavier High School. This year’s recipient is Michael Fredericks.
THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS award is presented to Daniel Dobler.
THE MIDDLETOWN LODGE NO. 771 BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS has awarded the 2013 Elk’s Most Valuable Student Award to Gavin Clemmey.
THE CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS has awarded a CERTIFICATE FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP to two of our seniors. The recipients are Alan Harrington and Amar Ojha.
THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY DENTAL SOCIETY has awarded its DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD in recognition of Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Community Involvement to Dominic
Fogarasi and Matthew Pias.
THE CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE recognizes student-athletes for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. This year’s recipients are Shane Baldwin and James
Sullivan.
The 13th recipient of the MIDDLETOWN SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD is Corey Danko.
THE JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA BAND AWARD is an award given to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and
Continued on page 10 >
for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.” The recipient is Jordan Shropshire.
Each year a number of our young men are selected through an interview process to serve the Xavier community as PEER MINISTERS under the leadership and guidance of our Director of Campus Ministry, Mrs. Hoisl. These young men play an integral part in our freshman and sophomore retreat programs, our prayer services and liturgies. We would like to recognize our peer ministers for all they have done in our peer ministry program to better the Xavier community. Shane Baker,
James Biega, Michael Carta, Zachary Camner, Gavin Clemmey, Andrew Coburn,
Robert Coleman, Emmett Coughlin, Corey Danko, Michael Fredericks, Alan
Harrington, Matthew Henzy, Shane Highter, Anthony Iorio, Matthew Manzione,
Michael Massaro, Carlos Mesquita, Liam Murphy, Jay Schaff, Peter Strom,
Daniel Tomanelli.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDSContinued from page 7
10 Xavier Today
PRESENTATION OF AWARDSContinued from page 9
A special award was presented the eighteen alumni fathers of the graduating seniors. Brother Brian presented to the younger of the two graduates a ribbon
on which hangs a medal of the Xavier seal. He asked the son to place the medal on the shoulders of his father. Engraved on the back of the medal are the
names of both father and son as well as their years of graduation. They are:
Eric S. Aresco II
Eric S. Aresco `88
James M. Biega
Joseph E. Biega III
Christian J. Cannata
Joseph A. Cannata `75
Michael A. Carta
Carl A. Carta `70
Emmett J. Coughlin
James R. Coughlin `84
Corey J. Danko
Mark A. Danko `78
Daniel M. Dobler
Mark S. Dobler `81
Michael P. Fredericks
Henry E. Fredericks `82
Lucas J. Hannen
John W. Hannen Jr. `74
Frank T. Kronenberger
Brian T. Kronenberger Sr. `75
Victor A. Lagana
Vincent M. Lagana `83
Matthew L. Lyons
Anthony Lyons `77
John-Paul M. Morello
Paul A. Morello Jr. `72
Vincent P. Nettis
Philip M. Nettis `80
Kyle J. Schroeder
Jeffrey R. Schroeder `84
Brian P. Sheehy
Kevin P. Sheehy `82
Ryan L. Sowa
Marc L. Sowa `81
Bryan A. Szewczyk
Gary A. Szewczyk `77
THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE is presented each year to seniors in recognition of excellent academic achievement. President Obama has asked that we offer his congratulations upon presentation of the certificates. Shane
Baldwin, Mark Breault, Zachary Camner, Christian Cannata, Mario Chris,
Nathaniel Clark, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Joseph DiBella, Jeremy Dilzer,
Rider Doolittle, Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Michael Fetera, Dominic
Fogarasi, Joshua Gosselin, Alan Harrington, Alexander Harris, Anthony Iorio,
Michael Lanza, Jacob Lensing-Sharp, Matthew Manzione, Michael Massaro,
Alex Matunas, Carlos Mesquita, Anthony Morse, Ryan Moynihan, Edouard
Nicaise, Jonathan O’Brien, Samuel Oeschger, Amar Ojha, Stephen Olis, Connor
Payne, Jonathan Penepent, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Daniel Tomanelli,
Tushar Vig, Elliot Whitney, Jeffrey Witz, Jonathan Woods, Garrett Yantosh,
Peter Zablocki, Nicholas Zoccoli.
THE CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS has awarded a certificate in recognition of the demonstration of those qualities of SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND CHARACTER which earned these students election to the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS. Matthew Albanese, Shane Baker,
Shane Baldwin, Joseph Bibisi, Joseph Biegaj, Mark Breault, Zachary Camner,
Christian Cannata, William Carrion, Mario Chris, Nathaniel Clark, Gavin
Clemmey, Andrew Coburn, Robert Coleman, Benjamin Collison, Emmett
Coughlin, Tyler Cusack, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Jordan DelSesto, Joseph
DiBella, Jeremy Dilzer, Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Michael Fetera,
Dominic Fogarasi, Joshua Gosselin, Alan Harrington, Alexander Harris,
Anthony Iorio, Michael Lanza, Jacob Lensing-Sharp, Kristopher Luster,
Matthew Manzione, Theodore Marrinan, Michael Massaro, Alex Matunas,
Carlos Mesquita, Anthony Morse, Ryan Moynihan, Edouard Nicaise, Jonathan
O’Brien, Samuel Oeschger, Amar Ojha, Stephen Olis, Connor Payne, Jonathan
Penepent, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Trevor Root, Jordan Shropshire, William
Stanton, Bryan Szewczyk, Daniel Tomanelli, Max Tylki, Tushar Vig, Elliot
Whitney, Justin Williams, Jeffrey Witz, Jonathan Woods, Garrett Yantosh,
Peter Zablocki, Nicholas Zoccoli.
2013 Xavier Legacy – Sons of Alumni
Xavier Today 11
SPECIAL RECOGNITIONOver the past few months, several of our seniors have received special recognition and we would like recognize their accomplishments.
Carlos Mesquita and Michael Massaro received the SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SCHOLAR LEADER AWARD.
Joshua Gosselin and Neal Krupa received the CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS ART AWARDS: Josh for Performing Arts, Neal for Visual Arts.
Matthew Pias received the CIAC SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD.
Kevin Dean received the GENE CASEY SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD presented by the NEW HAVEN COUNTY CHAPTER NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION and COLLEGE HALL OF FAME.
Anthony Iorio has been selected as the recipient of the NEW HAVEN REGISTER “YOUTH OF THE YEAR” AWARD.
Brian Canney received the ADMINISTRATIVE AND RESIDUAL EMPLOYEES UNION SCHOLARSHIP.
John Reidy has been awarded a scholarship through AON.
Zachary Camner received a scholarship through the BEST BUY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
Mario Chris has been awarded scholarships through BIG Y and IBM WATSON.
Jonathan Grzeszczyk received the ANGELO V. ARESCO SCHOLARSHIP.
Jeffrey Witz received a BIG Y SCHOLARSHIP.
Brian Sheehy was awarded the BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP.
Michael Purcell was awarded the EPIPHANY SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2013 through the CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY IN CHESHIRE.
Dominic Fogarasi received the SAINT MARY’S LADIES GUILD SCHOLARSHIP.
Andrew Coburn has been awarded the COMCAST LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP for exemplary academic achievement, community service, and leadership.
Gavin Clemmey and Andrew Murrone received the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER NEW HAVEN WILLIAM AND MARION TITTEL FUND scholarship in recognition of their academic success.
Elliott Antler received the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY 2013 COLTER ABELY ACHIEVEMENT FUND-EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD and the CONNECTICUT HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION ABMA SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD FOR WRESTLING.
James Schumann received the GE STAR SCHOLARSHIP through the GE–REAGAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
Jonathan Cyr has been awarded a scholarship through the KIWANIS FOUNDATION OF MIDDLETOWN.
Shane Highter received a scholarship through MIDDLESEX FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.
Tushar Vig has been awarded the BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP through the NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION.
Stephen Olis received the NEW BRITAIN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP.
Alan Harrington was awarded the SOUTHINGTON GRANGE SCHOLARSHIP.
Daniel Drabinski received the WADSWORTH CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION “GOOD CITIZEN AWARD” which recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen — dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.
Carlos Mesquita and Ryan Buckley received the WALLINGFORD
INVITATIONAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT (TWIST) SCHOLARSHIP. X
Jonathan Grzeszczyk `13
(Middletown) is Xavier’s first
Shepherds Program graduate.
Norma K. Darragh, Executive
Director of Shepherds, Inc.,
was present at commencement
exercises to offer her
congratulations along with Jon’s
mentor Mike D’Aquila `83 (photo
right). In a note to Jon’s sponsor
Brian Hetherington `81, Mrs.
Darragh wrote, “Your dedication
and support made a marked
difference in Jonathan’s life. He
has matured into a fine young gentleman and I have every confidence
that he will succeed as he takes his next step at Sacred Heart University
next fall!”
Sponsors/Mentors serve as role models, working one-on-one
with their students, providing direction and encouragement as they
Xavier’s First Shepherds Program Graduate“takes his next step at Sacred Heart University...”
strive toward three goals: earning
a high diploma, earning college
acceptances and accessing ample
financial aid/scholarship support to
be able to pursue a college degree.
During the Baccalaureate
Mass Awards ceremmony it
was announced that Jonathan
Grzeszczyk received the Angelo V.
Aresco Scholarship. Earlier this year
Jon was recognized as Student of
the Month by the Middletown Rotary
Club and dressed the part during a
firefighter’s presentation (photo left).
Shepherds partners with parochial schools which feature cost-
effective college preparatory academics and personal attention in
disciplined and structured environments critical for student success.
Xavier is one of three Catholic High Schools in Connecticut that
partnered with Shepherds, Inc. in the past school year. X
12 Xavier Today
Seniors’ College Apparel Day
The theme for May 8, 2013,
was College Apparel Day.
Seniors were given the opportunity
to wear sweatshirts or t-shirts of
the colleges that they are planning
to attend or have considered. We
captured a sampling of the attire
during the third lunch wave. X
S tewards of Creation President C.J. Spellman `13 and Vice President
Jon Penepent `13 were at Xavier during Spring Break preparing for
Earth Day 2013.
In the courtyard just off the school gym, there was a lilac that was
past its prime and the Stewards of Creation felt that replacing it with
something new would be an excellent way to spruce up the area. So
C.J. and Jon were at Xavier digging out the old tree, preparing the soil
and planting new forsythia.
The new plantings and a plaque, that is on order and will be
displayed, were paid for with funds raised through the recycling efforts
of the club.
Stewards of Creation meets after school once a week on Thursdays
during the school year to focus on recycling and environmental issues
that immediately affect our community. The club focuses on raising
awareness that we are all called to care for creation as God gifted it
to us. X
President and VP Get Their Hands Dirty
Junior PromMay 4, 2013 at Xavier in St. Joseph Hall
Xavier Today 13
Jon O’Brien `13 (East Hampton), of
Troop 8 in East Hampton attained the
rank of Eagle Scout on December 31,
2012. His Eagle Project consisted of
145 hours of trail restoration to repair
a section of the historic Airline Trail in
East Hampton. After collaboration with
the town and the DEEP, Jon, together
with his troop, cleared a landslide,
repaired and cleaned trenches on
the sides of the trail and laid down new gravel and stone dust. He joins his
brother, Chris O’Brien `09 in the prestigious ranks of Eagle Scouts.
C.J. Spellman `13 (Rocky Hill) became an Eagle Scout
in November 2012 as a member of Troop 121, Rocky
Hill. His Eagle Scout Project was rejuvenating the
outdoor amphitheater at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky
Hill, which included cutting back overgrown brush and
constructing a new stage.
Matthew Yudkin `13 (Clinton) Troop 55, Clinton - Matthew’s Eagle Scout
Project was Hydrant and Water Source Marking. All 300 fire hydrants and 20
water sources in the town of Clinton have been tagged and cataloged. The
tags that are on the hydrants are 3 feet tall and have
reflectors on the top of them. Placing the markers on
the hydrants will decrease the time it takes to identify
them. Cataloging the hydrants after tagging them
will allow the drivers to know where the hydrants
are located. All fire vehicles will have a copy of the
catalog at all times. This project will enhance the
safety and efficiency of the Clinton Fire Department,
therefore benefiting everyone in the community.
Nicholas Vincent Zoccoli `13 (Berlin) and member of Boy Scout Troop 44
in Berlin earned his Eagle Scout in October 2012. Nick has been involved
with scouting for 12 years. He has earned 69 Merit Badges, Roman Catholic
religious awards, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII, and the BSA 100 Nights
and Days National Camping Award.
Nicholas’s Eagle Project entailed
clearing and blazing a 1/2-mile hiking
trail at Timberlin Golf Course, serving
as a connector trail for the Metacomet
Loop. More than 300 man-hours were
required to clear the trail and build
corduroy bridges necessary to navigate
the numerous wetland sections,
including site visits with Town Officials
and the Connecticut Forest & Park
Association.
John Cerrotti `13
(Wallingford) Troop 2 in
Wallingford - The Wallingford
Conservation Committee
requested John to build a
fence around a vernal pool
located in a wooded area off
Woodhouse Avenue. All the
materials used for the fence
were found on the property.
For years, the committee
was concerned because bikers were consistently driving through the
pool, causing harm to the wildlife. Upon completion of the fence,
monitoring of the vernal pool has proven that the wildlife will now be
able to survive and prosper. Many town officials including the mayor
have visited the property since the completion of the project, and have
noted its success.
Kevin Dean `13 (Ivoryton) Troop 471
Guilford - Kevin’s Eagle Project involved
building a boat rack at Jacobs Beach. The
rack has three tiers and holds 15 kayaks.
The rack was built using pressure-treated
wood. He circulated information on a
material list and blueprint to the local
Parks and Recreation Commission and
raise funds for the necessary hardware. He
requested that the Commission pay for the
lumber. The boat rack was completed for
the summer season of 2012.We are again proud to recognize
those students who have joined
the ranks of Eagle Scouts.
Sal Nesci `14 (Middletown) Troop 41, Middletown erected a monument
to St. Sebastian where a prayer written by a former pastor of St. Sebastian
Church was inscribed on it. Within four months, he raised over $8000
in cash and donations from parishioners, businesses, community and
contractors. Together with his fellow scouts they applied the physical
labor over several evenings to prepare the area and provided landscaping
for the area around the monument on the east side of the church rectory
directly opposite the side door of the church. The monument and prayer
will remind people for generations of Sal’s devotion, and dedication to
not only scouting but to his church as well. A Court of Honor was held in
his honor, at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown, CT., on April 14, 2013.
14 Xavier Today
Irish Eyes Are Smiling
Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy spoke
at the John F. Kennedy Div #1 of the Ancient
Order of Hibernian’s 63rd Annual Communion
Breakfast in Bridgeport in March. Director of
Admissions Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X. served
as Chaplain for the day, filling in for Fr. Brian Shaw
the chapter’s regular Chaplain. Brother Fahey is a
member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and has
served in many capacities over the years. X
Lenten Prayer Service
M arch 28, 2013 — The Xavier community
gathered this Holy Thursday in the Kohs
Gymnasium for a Lenten Prayer Service prepared
by the Peer Ministers.
We watched and listened as the Peer Ministers
reminded us of the meaning of Holy Week —
those days before Easter Sunday when Jesus
suffered and died for our sins. On Holy Thursday
Jesus celebrated the last supper with his friends
the apostles. He washed their feet, sat at the table
and broke bread with them. This was the first
Eucharistic Celebration — we know it as the first
Mass. After this Passover supper Jesus went to the
garden to pray for He knew what was coming. He
was going to be betrayed, beaten, and die on a
cross for all our sins.
At the conclusion of the Lenten Prayer Service,
everyone exited the gymnasium in silence to
reflect on everything they had seen and heard. X
Joseph A. La Bella, Esq.
`79 told us about one of
the programs that his sons,
freshmen Michael and James,
are involved in outside of
Xavier. “The boys attended
the Future Problem Solving Program State
Conference held at North Haven High School.”
This was part of the larger Future Problem
Solving Program International (FPSPI). “The
topic for this year’s State Conference was
“Ocean Soup,” focusing on plastic pollution
in the world’s oceans. Mike was part of a
team of four, two from RHAM High School,
and one from the Connecticut International
Baccalaureate Academy. James is an alumnus
of the team, but did not compete in the GIPS
this year. He did write a scenario. Teams
are coached on the process and study the
topics throughout the school year and
attempt to qualify for the State Conference
in a qualifying booklet. Each
of the competitions is judged
by evaluators trained in the
FPSP process. Mike’s team
placed first in their division
(7th, 8th and 9th grade) in
the Global Issues Problem Solving portion
of the competition. As a result, they have
been invited to attend the International
Conference in Indiana in June. Joined by
James on Saturday, the team also placed first
in their division in the Presentation of Action
Plan with a skit entitled “Plastic Days of Our
Lives.”
Mr. Labella concluded, “the school has
always been supportive of the students’
endeavors both at and beyond XHS, that
I wanted you to know something of the
program, about the boys’ successes and their
dedication and commitment that led them to
that success.” X
Freshmen James and Michael La Bella Participate in Problem Solving ProgramOcean Soup focusing on plastic pollution in the world’s oceans
Michael La BellaJames La Bella
Xavier Today 15
S even Xavier juniors
participated in the Connecticut
Junior Science and Humanities
Symposium on the Storrs campus
of the University of Connecticut
earlier this year. At the end of May,
“2013 Principal for the Day”*
Nicolas Favale `16 (Portland) and
Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue
presented them with certificates
acknowledging their participation.
The seven juniors are:
Jonah Cremin-Endes (Guilford)
Ruban Hussain (Higganum)
John Kessler (Killingworth)
David Piekut (Cromwell)
Alexander Prete (North Branford)
William Selleck (East Hampton)
Brian Wilcox (Marlborough)
Almost 220 students and
teachers spent two days hearing
lectures, touring laboratories,
discussing topics of interest, and
attending student presentations on
the results of their own research
efforts. Director of the Symposium
Joy Erickson said, “We felt that
it was a valuable experience for
students and teachers alike.”
Juniors Receive Certificates from “Principal for the Day”
* “Principal for the Day” is an
honorary one-day appointment
that is awarded each year as an
item in the Annual Xavier Auction
sponsored by the Xavier Home and
School Association. Pictured here
are Nicolas Favale `16 (Portland)
and Principal Donohue in “their”
office as Mr. Donohue explained
some of the duties he was to
perform including the presentation
of these certificates.
Congratulations to all the
juniors for their participation in the
Connecticut Junior Science and
Humanities Symposium in March;
and to “Principal Favale” as he ably
carried out his duties.
We also wanted to
acknowledge our “2013
Headmaster for the Day” Jack
Deyo `16 (Northford) who we
found with Headmaster Brother
Brian Davis, C.F.X. at the assembly
for Student Activities Council
election speeches. “Headmaster
Deyo” had granted the school
a “dress-down” day in his first
executive decision, a perk
which he personally did not
take advantage of. Well done
Headmaster! X
Principal Donohue with Nicolas Favale `16 Jack Deyo `16 and Headmaster Brother BrianJosh Gosselin ‘13 and Mr.
Erik Elligers hold their
awards after Berklee’s 45th
Annual High School Jazz
Festival. Josh is holding his
Outstanding Musicianship
Award for Large Jazz Ensembles
(Class L4), and Mr. Elligers is
holding the 2nd place award
that the Jazz Band received
for their performances of Big
Dipper, Cerulean Sky, and
Sing Sing Sing. The photo was
submitted by Miles Mortali `13.
On March 2nd, more than 200
high school jazz ensembles
were watched by more than
5,000 attendees. X
Gosselin and Jazz Ensemble Shine at Berklee Festival
Music teacher Mr. Erik Elligers told us “This is a picture from
Sunday, April 14th, right after our award ceremony and trip to the
Prudential Center. This was right before heading to Fenway Park to watch
the Red Sox play the Rays.” The picture was taken by John Indorf, P`15.
Reporting on the main activities, he said “All of our groups, String
Ensemble, Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Band, played at the
Duxbury Performing Arts Center outside of Boston for the “Festivals of
Boston Music Trip April 13 & 14 SuccessfulMusic” on Saturday and did a great job. Each ensemble performed two
songs, had an opportunity to get feedback from professional clinicians,
and was given a score for their performance. The String Ensemble
and Chorus both received “Good” ratings and the Jazz Ensemble and
Concert Band received “Excellent” ratings. Overall, the ensembles did an
outstanding job and our students did a great job representing Xavier High
School over the course of the two-day trip.” X
16 Xavier Today
Was it Colonel Mustard in the Parlor?Scientific investigation is called for...
Do you think you could get your lunch table classmates to all dress
alike one day? That was the theme behind Lunchtable Lookalikes, a
friendly competition during Mission and Spirit week this year. The faculty/
staff moderators who were on lunch duty acted as judges during each of
the three lunch waves. The prize at stake was a lunch with Headmaster
Brother Brian served by Navin Brothers for the winner of each lunch wave.
The winners in some close competition were:
3RD LuNCH
Myles Mortali `13, Mike Massaro `13, Link Gleeton `14, Mike Lanza
`13, Justin Hall `13, Elliott Whitney `13
2ND LuNCH
Will Garrity `14, Quintin Kolstad `14, Rider Doolittle `13, Kevin Dean
`13, Ricky Verre `14, Bobby Rose `14
1ST LuNCH
Zak Gardiner `16, Anthony Morico `16, Aidan McCormack `16,
Cameron Dechalus `16, Armando Dechalus `16, Nick Galasso `16
Lunchtable Lookalikes!!
The winning lookalike teams each had their day with their tables set
with tablecloths and menus. The winners were allowed to come to the
dining hall five minutes before lunch started to place their orders, and to
sit and converse with Brother Brian. X
1st Lunch 2nd Lunch
3rd Lunch
The area was marked off with yellow crime scene tape. There
was a body on the floor. What happened? Who did it? It will
take some serious scientific investigation on the part of our crime
scene investigators to determine whether a criminal act had been
committed, who was the victim and how did it all happen.
The two visitors’ parlors in the Brothers residence were utilized for
these mock crime scene investigations. Mr. Joe Montini and Mr. Dave
Oravetz, teachers of Law Enforcement and Basic Forensics arranged
the “crime scenes” and cordoned off the area. Then members of
their class were brought in to investigate the scene. Law Enforcement
and Basic Forensics is a one semester, Social Studies/Science course
offered to seniors. A similar investigation took place at the beginning
of the first semester. Obviously we are dealing with a high crime area!
Well, “Was it Colonel Mustard in the Parlor with a candlestick?”
We may never know... X
Xavier Today 17
The Xavier Community gathered in the Kohs Gymnasium to celebrate an Ascension Thursday
Liturgy. Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Gregory P. Galvin was the
celebrant for the Mass assisted by Deacon James Tanguay.
Xavier seniors who are members of the Peer Ministry Team performed a number of key roles:
• CalltoWorship:PeterStrom
• Readers:EmmettCoughlin,LiamMurphy,ShaneBaker,AnthonyIorio
• Servers:JamesBiega,MichaelCarta,CarlosMesquita
• BannerCarriers:ZacCamner,CoreyDanko,GavinClemmey,MichaelMassaro,MatthewHenzy
Music was provided by the Xavier Community Chorus under the direction of Mr. Erik Elligers.
Members of the senior class brought up the gifts during the Offertory Procession. X
Ascension Thursday Liturgy
M ay 2, 2013: The Fine Arts Department presents prizes each
spring to several art students for special recognition of their
work. At the close of school on Tuesday prizes were awarded to the
following:
• ToBrendanCutuli`15(Guilford)ofBasicDrawingforexpertiseon
the beginning level.
• ToJayBoyington`15(Haddam)ofFoundationsofArtformastery
in graphite drawing.
• ToEthanPitney`15(Moodus)ofFoundationsofArtfortechnical
skill in painting.
• ToEthanManuel`13(Chester)ofthePhotographyClubforhis
artistic vision in working with the camera’s lens.
• ToNealKrupa`13(Essex)ofAPStudioArtforhisworkwith
portraiture throughout the year.
Ms. Jayne Vitale, Fine Arts Chair, said, “Thank you to all the
students whose work was on display in our foyer.” X
2013 Fine Arts Awards
18 Xavier Today
Renovated Weight Room Dedicated Wrestler Colter Abely `10 Remembered
On May 31st the Colter Abely
Achievement Fund Educational
Assistance Award was awarded to
Elliott Antler `13. Colter’s parents Brian Abely
and Chaleen Bloethe Abely P`10 and his sister
Sasha came to Xavier to deliver the award to
Elliott and his father Efrem Antler (photo above).
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal
Brendan Donohue and Wrestling Coach Mike
Cunningham joined them.
Colter’s passion for wrestling inspired the
Abelys to support the sport in his memory so
that other wrestlers would be able to enjoy
At noon on April 5th, Xavier Alumnus
Colter Abely (Class of 2010) was
remembered with the official dedication
of the Weight Room where he spent many hours
as a four-year Xavier wrestler. Brian Abely and
Chaleen Bloethe Abely P`10 have made a gift
for new weight room equipment in memory of
their son, Colter `10. Colter passed away in an
auto accident in Massachusetts on his way to a
motocross race last August.
Guest were welcomed by Headmaster
Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Director of Vocations
for the Norwich Diocese, Father Greg Galvin,
Elliott Antler `13 Receives Colter Abely Achievement Awardthe benefits of the program. Working with
the Community Foundation of Middlesex
County, the Abelys established the Colter Abely
Achievement Fund to support the wrestling
programs at Middletown High School and Xavier
High School, enhancing and supplementing the
efforts of the wrestlers and coaches. The Fund
will also provide an educational assistance award
to a wrestler at each school for study at a college
or university.
Elliott Antler will be attending West Virginia
University in the fall and the Colter Abely
Achievement Fund Educational Assistance
offered an opening prayer.
Remembrances of Colter were offered by
Principal Brendan Donohue, Wrestling Coach
Mike Cunningham and Mr. Brian Abely P`10,
Colter’s father. Father Greg blessed the weight
room followed by the dedication ceremony
and unveiling of the plaque at the locker room
entrance.
Guests included family, friends, wrestling
team members, Xavier faculty and staff. A
luncheon was served in the Galluzzo Media
Center where all could mingle and continue
sharing their remembrances of Colter. X
Award will help with the cost of tuition. Elliott
had an outstanding wrestling career at Xavier
culminating with winning the New England
Championship, being named a 2013 Dave Schultz
High School Excellence Winner by the National
Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Hartford Courant
Wrestler of the Year, MVP of the New Haven
Register’s All-Area Wrestling Team, in addition to
the titles he won at the State Open and in Class
LL at 170 pounds. Antler finished at 46-0 in his
senior year.
A special thank you to Mrs. Donna Jaskot who
coordinated this presentation. X
Xavier Today 19
NHS Officers Elected
P rincipal Mr. Brendan Donohue and Moderator of
Xavier’s National Honor Society Ms. Jayne Vitale
offered congratulations to the newly elected officers
of the National Honor Society for 2013-2014.
President: Charles Papagiannopoulos `14
(East Haddam)
1st Vice President: Joseph Braun `14 (Durham)
2nd Vice President: Ruban Hussain `14 (Higganum)
Secretary: Eman Cheema `14 (Rocky Hill)
Treasurer: Alexander Prete `14 (North Branford)
Archivist: William Selleck `14 (East Hampton)
Archivist: Ryan Gadea `14 (Berlin)
Congratulations gentlemen on being elected by
your peers! X
F rom March 7–9th, 2013 the FullMetal Falcons, Xavier’s robotics
team number 4557, competed at WPI’s FIRST Regional Tournament
featuring 40 teams from all over the world! The event took place at
Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA.
Competing at the event were Alan Harrington `13 (East Hampton):
Project Manager, Tushar Vig `13 (Durham): Assoc. Project Manager,
Nick Iott `13 (North Haven), Miles Mortali `13 (Old Saybrook), Christian
Cannata `13 (Cromwell), Stephen Olis `13 (New Britain), Ethan Damuck
`13 (East Haddam), Jonathan O’Brien `13 (East Hampton), Daniel
Colavecchio `14 (Colchester), Zach Radel `15 (Middletown) – Safety
Officer, Liam Iorio `15 (East Hampton), Jameson Kief `16 (Plantsville),
Kevin Iott `16 (North Haven), Sean Morrissey `16 (Southington), Connor
LoPresti `16 (Middletown) and Abhishek Gupta `16 (Rocky Hill).
Teams from Great Britain, Washington, D.C., Connecticut,
Robotics Club Receives Rookie AwardsClub Participates in Regional and National Competitions
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
competed at the WPI Regional.
THE FuLLMETAL FALCONS WON FOuR AWARDS:
• #1forPitSafety
• Underwriters’Laboratory“StaroftheDay”
• HighestRookieSeedAwardcelebratingthehighest-seededrookie
team at the conclusion of the qualifying rounds
• RookieAllStarAwardcelebratingtherookieteamexemplifyinga
young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the
mission of FIRST: To inspire students to learn more about science and
technology.
The Rookie All Star Award came with an invitation to the
Championships at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri April
24–27 where qualifiers from all over the World came together to compete
one more time.
On April 27, 2013 the team captured another Rookie Award at the
Galileo Division of the National Championships in St. Louis.
With the recent success of our new Robotics team, as evidenced
by three new trophies, the team has been given display space in the
main hallway next to the music room right next to our highly successful
Engineering Team. X
20 Xavier Today
Class of `99 Back in Jeopardy
A s classes came to a close, Academic Dean and Social Studies
teacher David Sizemore `86 wanted to find a creative way to
provide an alternate assessment for his remaining student in U.S. History
(1945-Present). He challenged Taras Romaniv `14 to develop a review
game in the Jeopardy format based on what was covered in the course.
To make his questions come alive, Mr. Sizemore again reached out to
four members from the Class of `99 to compete against each other as
contestants.
Brian Fitzgerald (Spanish), James Markham (Science) and Matthew
Strekel (Director of Advancement) agreed, but Mr. James Royce (Social
Studies), last year’s champion, decided not to defend his title. Mr. David
Applegate `98 (Science/Mathematics) took his place.
They went through the two regular rounds in which all seemed to be
chasing Mr. Markham with Mr. Strekel taking the lead once or twice and
Mr. Fitzgerald staging a monumental comeback at the end of the second
round looking like he might take it all. In the final question of the day
Mr. Fitzgerald answered correctly and took the lead, but only briefly. Mr.
Markham also provided the correct answer and had wagered enough of
his points to come away as the winning contestant. X
Freshman Leadership Day
April 2nd our freshman class was led through its second Leadership Day of the year.
Freshmen were organized in small groups with a senior acting as mentor and facilitator for
the group. Freshman Leadership Day is an expansion of the Leadership Program for students
in partnership with the Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center. Empower general
manager Dan Jaskot `98 encouraged the students to be actively involved in the days program
and then introduced a number of speakers who added personal perspectives on the meaning
of and need for leadership.
The students heard from Principal Brendan Donohue, Guidance Counselor and Trinity
college interim head baseball coach Mark Lambert, senior Liam Murphy and Empower owner
Joe DeRing `96 who was also a past Dean of Students here at Xavier. The students then began
to go through a series of exercises helping them build an appreciation for the importance of
setting goals, working through and shaping expectations as well as the ever present need for
hard work and personal effort. XJoe DeRing `96
In-Depth Three-Day Drug Awareness Program
The Middletown Police came to Xavier and presented two three-
day Drug Awareness Programs. The sessions were presented to
religion classes that are required academic classes for all students.
In the first week the police presented informational sessions to
sophomores. In the second week a three-day program was given to
Xavier freshmen.
The photo is of one of the sessions by Officer Hertler and Officer
Clark focusing on teen driving. X
Xavier Today 21
SAC Officers
F reshmen and sophomores elected their class president
and vice-president who will represent them as 2013-2014 Student Activities Council (SAC) officers. The newly elected join junior (class of 2014) officers who were unopposed in this year’s election. Class of 2014: President Collin McLaughlin, Vice-President Ryan Gadea, Secretary Connor Millone and Treasurer Sal Nesci. Class of 2015: President Matt Daigle and Vice-President Tom Fredericks. Class of 2016: President Connor Flynn and Vice-President Jameson Kief X
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Class of 2014
Class of 2016
New Social Studies Department Chair
Bill BraychackRobert King
P rincipal Donohue announced that, “Mr.
Robert King has accepted a three-year
appointment as Social Studies Department
Chair effective July 1, 2013. Thank you to
Mr. Bill Braychak who will be completing
his service as chair effective June 30. Mr.
Braychak will have completed two three-year
terms as chair and I am very appreciative of
his service over the past six years. Both Mr.
King and Mr. Braychak are great Xaverian
educators and supporters of the school’s
mission to educate the whole man.” X
M arch 18-22 was Xaverian Missions/Spirit Week. It culminated on
Friday morning with a school-wide assembly for our intramural
basketball championship game. Xavier’s Faculty/Staff team earned
the right to face the top student team “Victorious Secrets.” That game
provided perhaps the most exciting finish we’ve ever had in this annual
event. As the clock ticked down to 0:0 Principal Donohue launched the
final shot of the game and scored, giving the Faculty/Staff a 28-27 victory
and the crowd went wild!
MC for the basketball game, Brother Thomas Fahey, entered the gym
to thunderous applause. The Victorious Secrets scored first and led for
most of the game. But the Faculty/Staff team kept things close. At the half
Victorious Secrets led 14-10. The Faculty/Staff wouldn’t go away and kept
pulling within a point or a basket through the 2nd half leading up to the
final exciting shot.
Student Activities Council (SAC) Moderator Brendan Bell `05
introduced the students who participated in a half-court shooting
2013 Mission/Spirit Week Finalecompetition at half time.
Mike Massaro `13 of the Ryken
Service Society announced that the winning homeroom for this year’s
“March Can Madness” competition was Mr. Kirshmann’s homeroom,
which boasted 191 cases of Ramen Noodles. This year’s March Can
Madness brought in Xavier’s largest total ever — 7,157 canned goods —
to benefit the Amazing Grace food pantry.
Mission/Spirit week at Xavier also included special days like “Hat Day”
and “Xavier Apparel Day.” Ryken Service Society, SAC, and other school
groups all helped out in an effort to raise money that will benefit the
Xaverian Missions. Among their activities: the “Change Wars” between
the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes, selling chances for
the half-court competition and providing a PowerPoint presentation in the
Chapel for Mission Week. Thanks to all who helped make this a “spirited”
and successful event! X
22 Xavier Today
On March 16th—not to be deterred by the blizzard of 2013—
Xavier’s Auction was filled to capacity five weeks after its
originally scheduled date. Over 400 attended the affair
and all seemed to be enjoying the evening of refreshment,
revelry, and raucous bidding in support of the advancement of Xavier
High School. The 2013 Auction was the most successful in recent memory
bringing in over $66,000 to benefit Xavier and Xavier students.
Entertainment was provided by the Xavier Jazz Band and the dining
hall was converted into the Silent Auction room with hundreds of donated
items up for bid. Auction goers enjoyed the more than 20 Food Stations
that were in both the silent auction room and in the main Live Auction
area, the Xavier Gymnasium. In another new offering this year, patrons
Auction and Celebration — A Great Eveningcould partake of an Onyx Moonshine Signature Cocktail Tasting hosted by
Adam von Gootkin `01 (see inside back cover) of Onyx Spirits Company.
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. welcomed the crowd
and Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X, Honorary Chair, was once again a
commanding presence. This year Xavier welcomed back alumnus David
Fisch `96, Radio 104.1 Personality, in the role of Celebrity Emcee. He was
joined by Eric Hummel, Auctioneer.
In a letter to all in the event program, Mrs. Amy Brough P`15, General
Chair, Xavier Auction 2013 and Mr. Anthony Grasso P`15, President of
the Xavier Home & School Association wrote: “It is with great pride that
we welcome you to our Twenty-First Annual Auction. The Home and
School Association Auction Committee has spent months planning and
M rs. Dora Braun P`06, `09, `14 (Durham) received the Volunteer
Recognition Award March 12th at the Connecticut Association of
Schools (CAS) Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Aqua Turf Club
in Southington. The event was co-sponsored by CAS and the Horace Mann
Insurance Company.
In a letter to Xavier, CAS wrote, “This program is intended to give
public recognition to those who have made major contributions to your
school. Contributions may include volunteering, tutoring, organizing
events, serving as PTO/PTA officers, supporting fundraising, etc. In short,
we want to provide an opportunity for you to say Thank You in a very
special way in a very special place.”
In the event program, it read: “Dora Braun is a present parent and
parent of two graduates at Xavier High School who so willingly devotes
hours of her time to our Home & School Association, annual auction, as
well as other Home & School functions. Dora also serves as a substitute
nurse. Dora is a kind, compassionate person who shares her gifts and
talents with the Xavier community always with a smile. And to top it all,
she provides home baked goods to the faculty and staff on a regular basis
throughout the school year. Dora is truly deserving of this recognition.”
She has led the team that decorates around the school to mark the
various seasons, spruce up events like the Annual Auction, Open House
for prospective families and many other occasions.
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented Mrs. Braun with a
certificate acknowledging her award and the school received a plaque.
Dora Braun Receives Volunteer Recognition AwardTruly deserving of this recognition...
Mrs. Braun is the first volunteer to be recognized by Xavier in this CAS
program. She said, “I am flattered to have been chosen for such an award.
It has been my pleasure to do volunteer work for Xavier High School.”
Also present were Dora’s husband Dr. Thomas Braun, Xavier’s 21st
Annual Auction Chairperson Mrs. Amy Brough P`15, Home & School
Association Liaison and Administrative Assistant Ms. Linda Scott and
Director of Communications John Guerin P`91, `93.
Congratulations Dora! X
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. with Mrs. Dora Braun
Xavier Today 23
Mr. Cerreta `01 Serves Lunch!
A t the Annual Xavier Auction this year there was a new item
offered: “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your son and
his lunch table to “give a little back” to Mr. Cerreta who will be their
personal waiter for lunch! Navin Brothers will provide lunch for the
group and Mr. Cerreta, bow-tie and all, will serve with a smile!”
On May 30th we captured the above picture of our Dean of
Students Mr. Cerreta `01 carrying out his duties. (We’ll give him a
pass on the bow-tie.)
Thanks to Mr. Cerreta, Navin Brothers and the Home & School
Association for including this item in the Auction! X
Share the Good News
W e are expanding the use of social networking sites to make
the Xavier website more interactive and easily accessible to
everyone. We have concentrated on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,
YouTube, Flickr and Pinterest. The icons on our banner will take you to
our pages on all of these sites. We post news and announcements to
Mohegan Chief Visits Xavier
In April the Chief of the Mohegan tribe (Lynn Malerba) visited and spoke to Mr.
Royce’s Native American Studies class.
Mr. James Royce `99 captured this photo and told us, “The presentation focused
on the Mohegan’s history with the Connecticut colony and the state in regards to
their participation in Native American/Euro American conflicts such as the Pequot
War and King Philip’s War. She also spoke about the Mohegan’s fight for federal
recognition as a means of supporting the tribe in the modern day with the right to
build and operate their current casino. Prominent figures from past generations of
the tribe and how they are related to many of the Mohegan people running the tribe
today were also discussed.”
Lynn Malerba is the 17th Chief in the tribe’s history. She is known by the
Mohegan name “Mutawi Mutahash” which translates as “Many Hearts.” X
Facebook and Twitter, videos on our YouTube channel, and photos on
Flickr and Pinterest.
We’ve added sharing buttons to virtually every page, news story,
event or campaign. Click on the appropriate button to Tweet, Share
or Like what you see and it will appear on your account page for your
friends and followers to see. It’s easier than ever for all of us to us help
spread the word about what’s happening at Xavier High School. X
organizing this event. Through their efforts and the efforts of many other
members of the Xavier Community, this auction promises to be another
memorable event.
The proceeds from tonight’s auction are for the benefit of Xavier
and Xavier students. We are confident that those dollars, in conjunction
with the funds raised from other projects, will continue to enhance
the quality of a Xavier education. Special thanks to the individuals and
businesses who have contributed gifts for this auction. Please give them
consideration when purchasing the goods or services that they supply.
Thank you for your continued support of Xavier High School. Thank
you to everyone who helped in any way: at meetings, contacting
donors, calling, emailing, advising, working quietly behind the scenes,
or volunteering; and to all the generous donors for the wonderful items
that are offered in our 21st Annual Auction. Your efforts and generosity
helped make this evening possible.” X
Eric Hummel
David Fisch `96
24 Xavier Today
Latin Scholars Applauded
On March 14th the Class of
2017 Class Night/Parent
Program was held at the school.
This was the third year that Xavier
hosted the event. 8th Graders
were treated to an evening that
resembled the “Class Nights”
that are organized each year
for students at Xavier. The 8th
Graders mingled with Ambassador
Club students in the gym and
other areas where they had the
opportunity to play basketball,
air hockey, foosball, and video
games among other activities.
The students were given t-shirts
designed for the class of 2017.
The pizza and cake seemed to be
pretty well received, too, while
Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue
and other administrators, faculty
and staff mingled with the new
students.
Parents gathered in the Dining
Hall where they were welcomed
by Director of Admissions Brother
Class of 2017 Class Night/Parent ProgramThomas Fahey, C.F.X., and
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,
C.F.X. offered an opening prayer.
Academic Dean for freshmen Mr.
David Sizemore then introduced
other faculty, present parents and a
group of students for informational
sessions that were presented to
parents to familiarize them with
Xavier and what their sons could
expect over the next four years.
Pictures of the event are courtesy
of Brother John Sullivan, C.F.X. and
Ms. Kathryn Lee. X
LATIN I:
• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:
Jamieson Kief `16 (Plantsville),
Connor Frauendorf `16 (Portland),
Brian Fallenstein `16 (Hebron),
James La Bella `16 (Marlborough)
• Magna Cum Laude:
John Frechette `16 (Branford),
Tyler Wheatley `16 (Amston),
Jonathan Galati `16 (Berlin),
Benjamin Nolan `16 (Middletown),
Jack Dobson `16 (Madison), Sean
Neary `16 (Marlborough)
Latin Scholars are pictured with Mr. Donohue, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. and their Latin teacher Brother John Sullivan, C.F.X.
• Cum Laude: Luke Malcynsky `16
(Chester), Richard Pye `16 (Chester),
Liam Coughlin `16 (Portland)
LATIN II:
• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:
Timothy Morris `15 (Durham)
• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:
Scott Mason `15 (Wallingford),
Gregson Curtin `15 (Rocky Hill),
Ethan Rodrigues `15 (Middletown)
• Cum Laude: Timothy Brough `15
(Wethersfield), Anthony Magdzik `15
(Middletown), Christopher LoBianco `15
(Hebron), Rory Noone `15 (Guilford)
LATIN III:
• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:
John Kessler `14 (Killingworth)
• Magna Cum Laude: Mark Capel `14
(East Haddam), Colin Brady `14
(Wallingford), Peter Finnegan `14
(Old Saybrook)
• Cum Laude: Miles Mortali `13
(Old Saybrook), Angus Lamont `14
(Hamden), Owen Kosmaczewski `14
(Hamden), Joseph Braun `14 (Durham)
LATIN IV/AP
• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:
Mark Breault `13 (Ivoryton)
• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:
Mark Bucior `13 (Glastonbury),
Emmett Coughlin `13 (Portland)
• Magna Cum Laude:
Trevor Root `13 (Middlefield)
• Cum Laude: Matthew Manzione `13
(Middletown) X
Xavier Today 25
National Spanish Examination Recognition
NATIONAL RECOGNITION Students with outstanding scores on
the National Spanish Examinations are
recognized as follows:
ORO (GOLD) (higher than 95th percentile)
LEVEL 2
Seamus Dwyer `16 (Glastonbury)
John Oliveira `16 (Wallingford)
PLATA (SILVER) (85th - 94th percentile)
LEVEL 1
Jake Alonzo `16 (Haddam)
Frederick Augur `16 (Northford)
Joey Zacchia `16 (Southington)
Zachary Braun `16 (Haddam)
Karl Douglass Mueller `16 (Cromwell)
LEVEL 2
Kevin O’Brien `15 (Guilford)
Gregory Pollard `15 (Middletown)
Alex Demeo `16 (Guilford)
Abhishek Gupta `16 (Rocky Hill)
Dan Herlihy `16 (Wallingford)
Griffin Yantosh `16 (Higganum)
Jonathan Iannucci-Berger `15 (Oakville)
Michael Mallon `15 (East Hampton)
P rincipal Brendan Donohue
congratulated the certificate
winners in the National Spanish
Exam and called them to the front
foyer for the photos.The mission of
the National Spanish Examination
(NSE) is to recognize student
achievement and to promote
language proficiency in the study
of Spanish.
Noah Goff `16, Michael La Bella `16,
Regis O’Neill `14 and Edouard Nicaise `13
all scored in the top 10 ranks statewide
for the National French Grand Concours
2013. They were honored at a statewide
ceremony on May 14th at Southington
High School.
French Scholars Score in State’s Top Ten
STATE NATIONAL LEVEL NAME HOMETOWN RANK RANK
1 Noah Goff East Haddam 10 10
2 Michael LaBella Marlborough 6 6
3 Regis O’Neill Middletown 8 11
4 Edouard Nicaise Hamden 3 9French Scholars are pictured with Mr. Donohue, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,
C.F.X. and their French teacher (Language Department Chair) Mr. Ryan Brodeur.
BRONCE (BRONZE) (75th - 84th percentile)
LEVEL 1
Luke Bourne `16 (Middletown)
Ben Costello `16 (Glastonbury)
Timothy Hoang `16 (Newington)
Varun Jayaram `16 (Middletown)
Clayton Moore `16 (Killingworth)
Nicholas Cumello `16 (Durham)
Jack Kane `16 (Berlin)
Evan Rigsby `16 (Kensington)
Nicholas Rotatori `16 (Wethersfield)
LEVEL 2
Jeffrey Champagne `16 (Portland)
Peter Drabinski `15 (Madison)
Brendan Buckley `15 (Wallingford)
Trent Nobile `15 (Old Saybrook)
Colin Wrinn `15 (Colchester) X
The National French Contest/Le Grand
Concours is a competition sponsored by
the American Association of Teachers
of French. Students of French in grades
1-12, in all 50 states and abroad, take
a written test and compete against
students with similar educational
background. X
26 Xavier Today
Freshmen/Sophomore Semi-FormalMay 11, 2013 at Xavier in Kohs Gymnasium
The ballroom at the Crowne
Plaza in Cromwell was
filled with over 500 guests
on June 5th as the Middlesex
County Chamber of Commerce
(MCCC) held its Annual Awards
Dinner. One of the three 2013
Distinguished Citizen honorees
was Xavier alumnus William E.
Wrang III `75. The other two
Distinguised Citizens were Edwin
“Ted” H. May III and George
“Sonny” W. Whelen IV.
William E. Wrang III `75 Honored
Brian Davis, C.F.X., Director of
Admissions Brother Thomas
Fahey, C.F.X., Assistant Director
of Advancement for Annual and
Planned Giving Mr. Gregory Brinn,
Xavier Board of Directors member
Chief Ed Brymer (Ret) GP`11 and
Director of Communications John
Guerin P`91,`93 represented
Xavier along with many other
alumni and past faculty and staff
who were present.
The biography in the program
is a good summary of the reasons
why Bill was chosen as a MCCC
Distinguished Citizen.
William E. Wrang III has been
a lifelong resident of Middletown,
and a champion in many Middlesex
County organizations.
A graduate of Xavier High
School, Bill served for over ten
years on the Xavier Alumni
Association Board of Directors
where he held various positions
including Secretary, Vice President
and President. He has been
inducted into the Xavier Hall
of Honors and has endowed a
perpetual scholarship in memory
of his grandfather, Dr. William E.
Wrang. Bill currently serves on the
school’s Board of Directors and
Finance Committee and has been
an active member of the Saint
Francis Xavier Society which is
dedicated to fundraising for the
institution.
Bill is also very active in St.
Mary’s Church where he has
served as a Lector and a Eucharistic
Minister. For over ten years, he sat
on both the Parish Council and the
St. Mary’s School Board, serving
three years as Chairman of each.
He has also served as Chairman of
the school’s Development Fund.
Bill has a passion for supporting
the Middlesex United Way.
Since 1998, he has held various
leadership positions including
Campaign Chair in 2005, and
President from 2006 to 2008.
Bill has been a member of The
United Way Tocqueville Society
which was formed in 1984 to
deepen individual commitment
to supporting the organization’s
work. He received the Community
Service Award in 2011, the
highest honor bestowed upon
a volunteer, and continues to sit
on the Middlesex United Way
Board of Directors. Bill served as
Treasurer of Aetna’s 1997 United
Way campaign and Chairman
of Webster Bank’s United Way
campaigns in 2000 and 2001.
Bill has been an active member
of the Middlesex County Chamber
of Commerce since 2000. He
currently sits on the Chamber’s
Board of Directors and has
contributed to the work of the
Affordable Housing Committee
and the Legislative Committee.
Bill has coordinated Webster
Bank’s support of the Chamber
and was instrumental in securing
Boston Red Sox President &
CEO Larry Lucchino as keynote
speaker at a Member Breakfast
meeting following the 2004 World
Championship season.
Bill was active in coaching at
the Little League level for both his
son and his daughter and served as
an Assistant Coach for Middlesex
Youth Hockey.
Professionally, Bill was
recently promoted to Executive
Vice President at Webster Bank
where he has worked for 15 years
leading the bank’s commercial real
estate business. Prior to joining
Webster, he spent 17 years at
Aetna working with the company’s
commercial real estate group. Bill
began his career at Liberty Bank as
a management trainee.
Bill received a Bachelor of
Science from Merrimack College in
North Andover, MA, and a Master
of Business Administration from
the University of Hartford. He and
his wife Heidi have been married
for 29 years and they have two
children, Billy IV and Catharine.
Congratulations 2013
Distinguished Citizen William E.
Wrang III `75! X
Among the photos from the
evening Bill is shown with his
father and son (above), and a
group picture (top right) of Bill
and his wife Heidi, Jim Mahoney
`75 and Debra Mahoney, Phil
Franklin `75 and Sue Franklin,
Alan Schumann `78 and Marisa
Schumann. Headmaster Brother
Xavier Today 27
Dear friends,
Being connected to Xavier on a daily basis as a
teacher, I have found that our school community
moves with the seasons. With that said, this is a
season of both endings and new beginnings. As
another graduating class joins the ranks of Xavier’s
alumni, preparations are well underway to welcome the newest
generation of the Xavier community, the class of 2017, in the fall.
Keeping in mind Xavier’s ongoing transformation of boys
into young men, I urge you to spend some time over this
summer considering your own transformative role in our school
community as well. As many of you reading this have watched
yourself change over the years from Xavier student to Xavier
alumnus and possibly even Xavier parent, please consider what
our school community has given you over the years and what
your role in giving back might be at this stage in your life. While
financial donations are important and always appreciated, the
giving of your time and personal talents to the Xavier community
is equally important.
Please reach out to me or the Office of Advancement if you
feel that now is the time for you to learn more about how you can
share your gifts and talents as a member of the Xavier community.
Enjoy the summer and I look forward to seeing all of you
throughout the upcoming school year.
Best wishes to the class of 2013,
James Royce `99, President Xavier Alumni Association
For the first time in recent
years, Mother Nature made
it impossible to play golf at the
Annual Alumni Golf Tournament
June 7th. The Portland Golf Course
and the Golf Committee held off on
making the final call until 8am, but
the wet course and, in hindsight,
the record setting rainfall that
soaked the area from Thursday
thru early Saturday made the
decision inevitable.
But for the majority of the
registered players it was still a
day of celebration and support
for the event. The dinner that was
planned for the late afternoon
became the major event of the
day. Over 100 came to the Portland
Golf Course and enjoyed a few
hours of comraderie, refreshment
and a raincheck for a future round
of golf as well as the t-shirt that
had been set aside for them. The
And the Rains Came...
Dan DeConti `01 New Hockey Coach
D irector of Athletics Anthony Jaskot `69 announced that Dan
DeConti `01, Mathematics teacher and Assistant Director of
Athletics has been appointed as Xavier’s Head Hockey Coach. “
DeConti was a senior captain on Xavier’s 1st hockey team
and after graduating from Central Connecticut State University
was hired as JV coach in 2004. Dan is currently working on his
Masters in Sports Administration. Outgoing Coach Scott Gainey
wished DeConti well in the new position saying “there is a great
atmosphere at Xavier. I always felt I had the support of players,
parents and administration.”
Team members pictured with Coach DeConti are senior captains
Shane Baldwin `13 and Dan DuPont `13; and juniors John
Burkinshaw `14 and Bryan Stanton `14. X
libations flowed and the food
was delicious. Raffle prizes were
won by those present. And to the
delight of the Golf Committee one
of the most financially successful
tournaments went into the record
books as the Alumni Association
again supported Xavier with the
proceeds of the tournament.
Alumni Asssociation president
James Royce `99 thanked
everyone for coming out and
supporting the event as did
Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,
C.F.X. before he said grace to open
the buffet lines.
Thank you Xavier Alumni and
we’ll say an extra prayer for good
weather for the 32nd Annual Golf
Classic in 2014. X
28 Xavier Today
It’s June, which means so much here
at Xavier. It’s the end of classes for
underclassmen and the end of the fiscal
year (get those Xavier Annual Fund
pledges in as soon as you can!). It also means
the beginning of a summer full of scrubbing,
cleaning, refurbishing, and enhancing our
facility for the next school year. I am always
astounded at how our physical plant team is so
hard at work on big projects in just hours after the last student leaves the
building. It goes without saying, but none of this work is possible without
your philanthropic support of our school.
During the second week of June I traveled to Los Angeles to meet with
some of our alumni out on the west coast. It was great to bring Xavier
to them and news of all the exciting things that are happening back in
Middletown. I was able to share with them, as we are with you on the
back cover of this edition of the magazine, that plans are underway for
our 50th Anniversary Gala on September 14. I hope that you will be able
to join us at what is sure to be a spectacular event honoring the past and
planning for the future here at Xavier.
I am amazed at the stories that come from our alumni about how
much Xavier shaped who they are and how much they attribute their
successes to Xavier. Adam Von Gootkin `01 is a testament to the
ingenuity and determination that is instilled in young men while at Xavier.
Adam, Pete, and everyone at Onyx Spirits (www.onyxspirits.com) have
been great supporters of Xavier as well. Giving back through the Xaverian
values of zeal and compassion is something that every Xavier student learns
the importance of during their time here.
And Adam’s story is one of many! Greg Santos `02 created an app to
order handcrafted premium pizza in major cities (SpeedSlice). Mike Nichols
`01 is in the middle of running for Boston City Council (www.facebook.com/
nichols2013). Christopher Gavigan `92 co-founded The Honest Company
(www.honest.com), a company that focuses on healthy, sustainable, non-
toxic products for children and the home. All of this is in the tradition of
compassion, zeal, and excellence started by the members of the Class of
1967, the first graduating class, who went on to start their own financial,
communications, sports, and consulting firms and companies. It is a tradition
of excellence that is sustained for every Xavier student to take advantage
of and one that is only sustained by your continued support of our fine
institution.
Finally, we are always in need of volunteers, both alumni and parent, for
next year. If you are interested in joining the Alumni Board or the Home and
School Association to work hard, dig in, and give back to Xavier, please be
in touch.
Have a wonderful summer!
Matt Strekel `99
Director of Advancement
A Message from the Director of Advancement
The Rotary Club of Middletown has presented
their “Paul Harris Community Service Fellowship
Award” to the Honorable Joseph D. Marino, Probate
Judge, District of Middletown.
The Rotary’s Program Book listed a brief biography:
Judge Joseph D. Marino has served as Judge of Probate for the
District of Middletown since January, 1987. He is a 1973 graduate of
Xavier High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from
John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and his Law degree from
Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He is a past president of the
Connecticut Probate Assembly and has been a member of numerous
committees within the probate system and is currently serving on the
Joseph D. Marino `73 Honored by RotariansBudget Committee.
Judge Marino maintains a law practice in Portland. He is the
founder of a holiday gift drive for residents of local skilled nursing
facilities. He has also coached youth soccer, basketball and softball
and is a member of the Middletown Rotary Club, the Middlesex County
NAACP, the Italian Society of Middletown, the Riverview Hospital
Advisory Group, the Italian-American Civic Order and is on the Board
of Directors of the Middlesex County Bar Association. In 2007, he
received the Community Service Award from the NAACP.
He and his wife Donna, the Partnership Coordinator for Middletown
Public Schools, have been married for 34 years and have three children.
Congratulations! X
Members of the Ryken Service Society have met to
elect their officers for the next school year.
President - Jason Corriveau `14 (Berlin)
Vice-President - Matt Massaro `15 (East Haddam)
Secretary - Pete Drabinski `15 (Madison)
Treasurer - Jeff Place `14 (Southington)
Membership Recruitment Leader - Ethan Pitney `15
(Moodus)
Archivist - Connor Milone `14 (Portland)
Can Drive Organizer - Sunjay Pai `14 (Rocky Hill) X
RyKEN SERVICE SOCIETy ELECTS OFFICERS
Xavier Today 29
Basketball
Ice Hockey
Indoor Track
Riflery
Swimming & Diving
Wrestling
Winter Sports Awards Night
I n March, Director of Athletics Mr. Tony Jaskot `69 welcomed players,
family and friends to the Winter Sports Awards program in the Kohs
Gymnasium on Tuesday evening. He introduced Headmaster Brother
Brian Davis, C.F.X. for an opening prayer and welcoming remarks. Tony then
continued “We are here to honor our players from Basketball, Ice Hockey,
Indoor Track, Riflery, Swimming and Wrestling. I want to honor our Coaches
as well. These sports provide an after school classroom with lots of learning,
including morals, values, work ethic, and discipline.” Tony then announced
each individual Head Coach who presented the Team Special Awards.
Recipients were photographed with their coach, Headmaster Brother Brian
Davis, C.F.X. and Principal Brendan Donohue.
COACH MICHAEL KOHS: BASKETBALL SPECIAL AWARDS:
• RookieOfTheYearAward:Thomas Jackson `16 (Middletown)
• MostImprovedPlayerAward: Elijah Pemberton `15 (Middletown)
• SeniorAward:Lucas Hannen `13 (Killingworth)
• MostValuablePlayerAward:James Sullivan `13 (Wethersfield)
COACH SCOTT GAINEY: ICE HOCKEY SPECIAL AWARDS:
• MostImprovedPlayerAward:Connor Payne `13 (Madison)
• CoachesAward:Warren Howe `13 (Wallingford)
• MostValuablePlayerAward:Daniel Dupont `13 (Wallingford)
• SeniorAward:Ryan McLellan `13 (Wallingford)
COACH CHRIS STONIER: INDOOR TRACK SPECIAL AWARDS:
• FreshmanOfTheYearAward:Jason Hoops `16 (East Hampton)
• MostImprovedRunner:Luke Velez `14 (Killingworth)
• CoachesAward:Zachary Williams `14 (North Branford)
• MostValuableTrack:Peter Strom `13 (Portland)
• MostValuableField:Matt Manzione `13 (Middletown)
• SeniorAward:Casey Blank `13 (North Haven)
COACH AARON KING: RIFLERY SPECIAL AWARDS:
• MostImprovedShooterAward:Riley Lyke `16 (Higganum)
• CoachesAward:Rider Doolittle `13 (Wallingford)
• GeorgeMccleanAward:Alec Gilarde `14 (Cobalt)
• MostValuableShooterAward:Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden)
• SeniorAward:Will Andrews `13 (Clinton)
COACH CHRIS HAINES: SWIM & DIVING SPECIAL AWARDS:
• MostImprovedSwimmerAward:Chris Yerxa `16 (Guilford)
• CoachesAward:Dan Herlihy `16 (Wallingford)
• MostValuableAward:Spencer Beaulieu `13 (Portland)
• SeniorAward:Dominic Fogarasi `13 (Middletown)
COACH MIKE CuNNINGHAM: WRESTLING SPECIAL AWARDS:
• MostImprovedWrestlerAward:Chidi Broderick `15 (East Hampton)
• TeamManAward:Spencer Duclos `13 (Portland)
• IronmanAward:Colin Cunningham `14 (East Berlin)
• CoachesAward:Andrew Murrone `13 (Middletown)
• SeniorAward:Jeremy Dilzer `13 (Berlin)
• MostValuableWrestler:Elliott Antler `13 (Hebron)
• NickCiarciaCareerAchievementAward:Elliott Antler `13 (Hebron)
Concluding the general portion of the evening, Principal Brendan Donohue
asked the student athletes to reflect on their past season and to thank their
coaches, teammates and families for all that they have done to help make
each athlete’s accomplishments possible.
The teams then proceeded to separate areas in the school where they,
their families and friends were able to socialize and enjoy refreshments and
the coaches offered remarks as they presented end of season letters and
certificates to all team members. X
30 Xavier Today
Our Tennis Team is the 2013 Southern Connecticut Conference
Division II Champion. To take the title, the team defeated East
Haven by a score of 5-2 at Yale. Xavier junior John Borea `14
was named Most Outstanding Player for the Tournament. This is Xavier’s
second Tennis Conference title. The first was in 1981 in the old HCC.
SINGLES
Varun Jayaram (X) def. PJ Warrick (EH) — 6-0, 6-0
Max Schumann (X) def. Steve Carafano (EH) — 6-1, 6-1
Evan Schneer (EH) def. James Rosbrough (X) — 6-1, 2-6, 6-2
Chris Hayes (X) def. Sean Dugan (EH) — 6-1, 6-4
DOuBLES
Dylan Amble–Rob Borea (X) def.
Jake Fetzner–Mike Dessareau (EH) — 6-2, 6-2
John Borea/Sam Sokolowski (X) def.
Joseph Haesche/Josh Levine (EH) — 6-0, 6-4
Kirk So/Jonathan Gioia (EH) def.
Peter Barriga/Matt Ferris (X) — 6-1, 6-3
Congratulations to our Tennis falcons and Coach Matt Haywood `04!
Thanks to Bill O’Brien for these photos! The team record was 14-6 as
the team entered the CIAC Tournament. X
DII SCC Tennis Conference Champions
John Borea `14 and Coach Haywood `04
Xavier Today 31
Congratulations to these and to all
our Spring sports athletes who have
have given us an amazing season
and have had their efforts recognized
by being named to the Southern
Connecticut Conference “All-SCC
Teams.”
BASEBALL
DIVISION - QUINNIPIAC
Infielder: Mike Purcell `13 (Cheshire)
Infielder: Jack Gethings `14
(Wallingford)
Outfielder: Matt Albanese `13
(East Haddam)
Pitcher: Jon Signore `15
(Wallingford)
GOLF
Bryan Stanton `14 (West Hartford)
LACROSSE
ATTACK
Brennan Moore `13 (Meriden):
1st team
MIDFIELD
Wesley Reid `15 (Clinton): 2nd team
Bob Coleman `13 (Southington):
2nd team
DEFENSE
John Burkinshaw `14 (Madison):
1st team LSM (long stick midfielder)
Greg Onofri `14 (Hebron): 1st team
TENNIS
DIVISION II SINGLES:
Varun Jayaram `16 (Middletown)
Max Schumann `13 (Old Saybrook)
DIVISION II DOUBLES:
Rob Borea `15 (Wethersfield)
TRACK & FIELD
100 AND 200 METERS:
DeAngelo Berry `13 (Windsor)
4 X 100 METER RELAY:
DeAngelo Berry `13 (Windsor)
Kris Luster `12 (Clinton)
Jacob Dobos `15 (Northford)
Cole Thorburn `15 (Northford)
VOLLEYBALL
BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL SCC 2013
Jack Dziedzic `13 (Middletown):
1st Team
Kevin Berger `14 (Glastonbury):
1st Team
Jon Grzeszczyk `13 (Middletown):
2nd Team
Aidan Marino `13 (Killingworth):
2nd Team X
SpRing 2013 All-SCC Selections
At the annual “There’s No I
In Team Dinner” on June
9th at the Monticello
Restaurant in Meriden the Southern
Connecticut Diamond Club
presented three of its key awards to
Xavier baseball senior captain Jay
Schaff, Coach Rich Magner `69 and
the 2013 varsity baseball team.
In 2005, the club’s first major
event was the Whitey Piurek “No
I in Team” awards for area high
school baseball players. The
Southern Connecticut Diamond
Club, Inc. has and will continue in
its efforts to spread the goodwill of
baseball to those fortunate enough
to be associated with it. And it will
continue in its efforts to recognize
and award those who have given
so much to so many through this
great game.
Southern Connecticut Diamond Club Awards
Jason “Jay” Schaff `13
Rich Magner `69
No I in Team Award: Jason Schaff `13
Jason “Jay” Schaff `13
(Cheshire), one of the team’s
senior captains, is the Xavier
recipient.
Athletic Directors and coaches
jointly make the decision for their
recipient. While it is recommended
they choose a senior, they are
free to select any player they feel
gave the most unselfishly to their
program.
Team of the year Award: Xavier High School
Xavier baseball had an
outstanding season posting a
19-1 regular season record in the
extremely competitive Southern
Connecticut Conference. The team
won 14 games in a row compiling
the best record at the school since
the mid 1970’s. The team had a
great group of young men led
by captains Matt Albanese, Mike
Purcell and Jay Schaff. Coach
Magner also had a competent
group of assistants who played an
integral role in the team’s success -
Dean Fredericks, Tony Franco, Nick
Cerreta `01 and Greg Jaskot `00.
Coach of the year Award: Rich Magner, XHS
Rich graduated from Xavier
High School in 1969 and attended
Rollins College on a baseball
scholarship. Rich was signed by
the Los Angeles Dodgers and
caught for Waterbury in the
Eastern League. Rich finalized his
minor league career playing and
managing in Triple A Albuquerque.
Rich started at Xavier in the
fall of 1979 as an English teacher
and as a Varsity Basketball Coach
and Assistant Baseball Coach.
Rich became the Head Baseball
Coach in 1995 and is presently the
Director of Guidance at Xavier.
Congratulations gentlemen
for this recognition and your
achievements on and off the
diamond!
The Southern Connecticut
Diamond Club, Inc. was formally
organized in 2011. It started in
2005 as an informal group of
baseball enthusiasts, its motto is
“to foster and promote the game
of baseball.” X
32 Xavier Today
James Sullivan `13 Will Play Basketball for Emmanuel College
S enior James Sullivan (Wethersfield) has committed to Emmanuel
College in Boston, MA to play basketball. Joining James for the
announcement were his parents Jim and Michele Sullivan, his brother
John `15, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal Mr. Brendan
Donohue, Xavier Head Basketball Coach Mr. Mike Kohs `84 and Director of
Athletics Mr. Tony Jaskot `69.
A four-year member of the Xavier Basketball team, three-year Varsity
player, two-year Starter and Senior Captain, James led the Falcons to
one of their best finishes in recent years by reaching the Class LL State
Championship Semi-Finals, losing to eventual Champion Hillhouse. James
had one of the more memorable games in Xavier history with a 36-point
performance vs. Windsor in the Class LL Quarterfinals. James was named
to the All-SCC Basketball Team, received the New Haven Tap-Off Club
Award, named Honorable Mention in the Hartford Courant’s All-Fab 15
team and received the team’s Most Valuable Player award.
James played baseball and football at Xavier, culminating in a 94-yard
touchdown reception in the State Championship game vs. NFA. James has
been Home Room Rep for the last three years, participated in the Junior
Retreat, and has been a consistent member of the Honor Roll with a 3.3
GPA including both the Headmaster’s & Principal’s List.
Zac Camner `13 Commits to UCONN Ultimate
S enior Zac Camner from Hamden was joined by his parents and Xavier
administrators in April as he announced his intention to join UConn’s
Ultimate Frisbee Club in the Fall.
Present for the announcement were Zac’s parents Mark and Deborah
Camner, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal Brendan Donohue,
Director of Athletics Tony Jaskot `69, Ultimate Frisbee Head Coach David
Applegate `98 and Guidance Counselor James Collins.
Zac is a senior captain of Xavier’s Ultimate Frisbee team and has started
for the varsity all four years. Getting over 100 pass blocks (leading the team)
and over 70 points a season, Zac helped the team as they won State and
New England Championships in 2011 and the New England Championships
in 2012. He also won six Individual Spirit Awards at the New England’s (2011)
and Northeastern’s (2012) and made All-State Connecticut Constitution
team. As a two-sport athlete, Zac was captain of the Varsity Soccer team
and was presented with the Defensive MVP Award in recognition of his
accomplishments during his senior soccer season.
Zac is an Honor Roll student and was inducted into the National and
Spanish Honor Societies. He has also been a Homeroom Rep with the Student
Activities Council, a member of the Ambassadors Club and a Peer Minister.
Senior Student Athletes Commit to College Teams
The New Haven Register published its “BOYS INDOOR TRACK:
2012-13 All-Area team.” Xavier was represented on this year’s team by
DeAngelo Berry, Xavier senior.
Stats: Class LL Champion in the 55 dash and took third at both the
State Open and SCC meets.
Honors: All-State Selection.
At the 68th New England Interscholastic Track & Field Championship
Meet at Veterans’ Stadium in New Britain on June 8th, DeAngelo came
in 3rd in the 100m and 6th in the 200m, earning All-New England
honors for both events!
Congratulations DeAngelo! X
DeAngelo Berry `13 Indoor Track All-Area and Outdoor All New England
Photo by the New Haven Register
Xavier Today 33
Kyle Schroeder `13 Receives Scholarship for Golf Management Program
H eadmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented Senior Kyle
Schroeder a certificate announcing a scholarship award from Ferris
State University in their four-and-a-half-year Professional Golf Management
Program. Kyle is planning to enter the PGM program at the Big Rapids,
Michigan school.
Kyle, who is from Madison, is one of our top varsity golfers and also
played soccer as a freshman at Xavier.
The Professional Golf Management Program (PGM) at Ferris State
University was established in 1975. The program
is best described as a joint venture with the
Professional Golfers Association of America
(PGA) and designed for the student interested in
a career in the golf industry as a PGA member.
Students enrolled in the PGM program gain
both a B.S. degree in business from Ferris and
experience credits toward membership in the
PGA.
Congratulations Kyle! X
Jonathan Brodeur `13 Will Swim For Bryant University
S enior Jonathan Brodeur has committed to Bryant University in Smithfield,
RI. The Bryant Bulldogs are members of the Northeast Conference (NEC)
and a Division I NCAA school. Joining Jonathan for the announcement were
his parents Jonathan and Susan Brodeur, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,
C.F.X., Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue, Xavier Head Swim Coach Mr. Chris
Haines and Guidance Counselor Mrs. Joan Tomasiello.
Coming to Xavier in his senior year, Jonathan made an impact on the team
in just one year. Head Swim Coach Mr. Chris Haines said, “Jonathan certainly
has the talent and the work ethic to do well at Bryant.” He was named to
the All SCC Swimming Team for the 100 yard Breaststroke and qualified to
represent Xavier in the State Open Championship in three events: 100 Yard
Breaststroke, 200 Yard Medley Relay and 200 Yard Freestyle Relay.
Jonathan started swimming competitively in 7th grade. He reached his
stride at Union High School in Washington winning the Varsity High Point
award in his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years. He was named Swimmer
of the Year for the Greater St. Helen’s League 4A district in his Junior Year.
Jonathan said he is looking forward to attending Bryant University this
September and plans to major in Computer Sciences.
Students Noted at All-State Banquet
Three Xavier students were given Honorable Mention at the
All State Rifle Banquet in April. The event was sponsored
by the Connecticut State Rifle and Revolver Association (CSRRA).
Rider Doolittle `13 (Wallingford), Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden),
and William Andrews `13 (Clinton) were all recognized for their
accomplishments this year. The picture shows Stephen Lonczak,
William Andrews and Coach Aaron King. Rider Doolittle could not be
present for the event.
Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden) competed in the Nutmeg
State Games for riflery and received a gold medal in the 3-Position
competition among 17+ Males and a Silver Medal in the Prone
Competition. X
Kevin Dean `13 Honored for Academic Excellence and Citizenship
Congratulations to Kevin Dean `13 (Ivoryton) who
was honored at the 53rd Anniversary of the Gene
Casey New Haven County Chapter of the National Football
Foundation and College Hall of Fame scholar athlete
dinner on Friday April 12th at Fantasia Banquet Facility in
North Haven.
Kevin Dean, who played both as
a Guard and Defensive End for Xavier,
is one of only twenty-six high school
and prep school scholar athletes who
were honored for academic excellence
and citizenship. In addition to his
accomplishments as a four-year Falcon
football player, Kevin has been a
regular member of the Honor Roll, a
member of the French and National
Honor Societies, and has earned the
prestigious Brother Celestine Award for
academic excellence. X
34 Xavier Today
1960s
1970sBen (Bernard) Cicitto `73 shared the culinary demonstration theater at New York International Food Show with chefs celebrated for their work on television’s Big Brother, Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen programs in March in NYC at an industry-only event that drew restaurant owners and food
More Alumni News…authorities from the world over. Ben is the Northeast Regional Chef for Phillips Foods Inc. and a lifelong student of the culinary world. He is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, a 1980 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a 1985 graduate of the University of New Haven’s School of Hotel, Restaurant Management. His goal is matching people with products for every type of food operation. “I learned in culinary school and over the years that a chef’s job is to influence. The foods you cook, your patrons, your staff and the world around you.”
1980s
1990sJason Ruimerman `90 recently moved back to CT to continue to work in the financial industry. He tells us “I am a financial planner at RBC Wealth Management and would be happy to help you in solve your retirement goals and challenges life is presenting you.”
Patrick J. Slattery `91 tells us, “I was recently appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of
Omaha. The position starts July 1. The Archdiocesan school system has 73 schools and nearly 20,000 students. Hope all is well with Xavier. I made it onto campus two summers ago and bumped into Brother Houlihan...he did not look a day older than he did when I was there. My kids got a kick out of the stories about him.”
2000sJoe Branciforte `00 has the distinction of becoming the first men’s lacrosse player to be inducted in the Keene State Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe was a three-time All-Little East Conference (LEC) forward, culminating his career by being named the LEC offensive player of the year as a senior. Joe concluded his career Keene State first in assists (74) and second in goals (125) and points (199) on KSC’s all-time list.
PFC Chad Ward `05 has graduated Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Chad is currently stationed at Fort Sam
Houston, San Antonio, Texas where he is studying Combat Medic and Medical Specialist School 68W-M6. U.S. Army Reserve.
The Connecticut State Golf Association has named Christopher Austin `08 of Cheshire, Connecticut as their USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern for 2013. In this position Austin will assist with a wide range of CSGA operations, both in the office and at golf courses during tournaments. Austin graduated from the University of Scranton in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Administration, and a minor in Business. Upon graduation, he was employed at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford where he was involved in the management of outside events and club tournaments, as well as day-to-day operations of the course and pro shop. “It’s exciting to be part of a great organization like the CSGA, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Austin, “I know the Boatwright Internship is prestigious and important, and I hope to learn as much as I can, and contribute to the CSGA in any way that I can.”
Xavier basketball coach Michael Kohs `84 told us “Interesting note about the NCAA tournament this year — Brian Fitzpatrick `08 played basketball for Bucknell. Brian is one of just two or three Alumni to ever play key minutes in the Div 1 NCAA tournament*. Brian comes off the bench and averages about 10 minutes per game. After a great high school career and graduating from Xavier, he attended Northfield Mount Hermon for one year, then went to University of Penn. Brian transferred to Bucknell after his freshman year and due to NCAA transfer rules had to sit out one season.” *Richard Magner `69 reminded us that grad Tim Murphy `83 also played in the tournament for Marist and Jeff DelFavero `06 was a walk-on at GW and played the last minute of a NCAA game.
In a note to Dr. Paul Bischoff, Evan M. Bonney `09 wrote “Still can’t believe it has been four years since I graduated from Xavier. I’m off to Oxford University next year for my Masters of Philosophy in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology. My dissertation will be concerning Natural Theology, the Bridgewater Treatises, and the development of Medicine in England between 1800 and 1850. I give you a lot of credit for sparking my interests in history and pursuing it as a degree here at Elon University.”
You may email your news to [email protected] or use
the online form http://www.xavierhighschool.org/whatsnew. Visit our
Alumni Class Contacts page on the website under Advancement & Alumni
if you would like to be a Class Contact for your graduating class or email
to your Class Contact as listed there.
James Mahoney `75 to Lead Hospital for Special Care Board of Directors
J ames Mahoney, CPA (Xavier class of 1975) and managing partner of
Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP, has been elected the new Chairman of
the Board of Directors for the Hospital for Special Care (HSC) in New Britain.
He will also serve as Vice Chair for Center of Special Care, Inc., and its parent
corporation.
As Chairman of the Board, Mahoney will be responsible for overall
governance and oversight of the affairs of HSC and navigating the changing
landscape of healthcare with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and
quality of patient care.
“The time I’ve spent working with the dedicated people at Hospital for Special Care has been
enormously rewarding and educational for me,” says Mahoney.
Mahoney is the co-founder of Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP which has grown during the past 23
years from a two-person practice into a highly regarded regional accounting firm of 40 professionals and
administrative staff serving clients throughout the Northeast. X
Xavier Today 35
2010sSean Grasso `10 was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society in March. This is the highest recognition a business student in an undergraduate or master’s program at a school accredited by AACSB International can achieve. Sean is majoring in Accounting at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
We recently heard that two of our past football stars are together again at Stony Brook University on Long Island. Quarterback Pat D’Amato `12 (Wethersfield) and tight end Will Tye (member of the Class of 2010 from Middletown) were both participating in the recent Spring Football game.
Guy Russo `73 Named President of CWA
In a Middletown Press article by Michael
T. Lyle Jr. we learned that “long-time
city resident and current Water and Sewer
Department Director Guy Russo (Xavier
Class of 1973) was recently named the new president of the
Connecticut Waterworks Association.”
The article went on to say “Guy Russo said he remembers a
saying from Brother John Joseph Stern during his freshman year at
Xavier High School, “The reward for your hard work will always be
more hard work.”
In Russo’s case, Stern was absolutely right.
Russo is no stranger to the Connecticut Waterworks
Association. He served with the group for 15 years. Now he will
tackle a bevy of tasks such as making, changing and proposing
new legislation related to water and sewer issues in the state. The
association services about 2.5 million people per day, so Russo
will be quite busy in his new role — even if it’s just for a couple of
hours a month.
“I’m just honored to have my turn to lead this great
organization and the professionals that are involved in it,” said
Russo. X
Setting the Record Straight
G ary Garofalo `72 pointed out to us “The Xavier Today article
in March regarding the 1st undefeated Hall of Fame 1971
Xavier High School football team omitted the name of tri-captain
John Shukis. The late great John Shukis was a tri-captain and a two
way starter...tight end on offense and defensive end on defense.
Shukis was also named to the all-state team and was responsible
for one of the most memorable plays in Xavier’s storied history! In
the last game of the season against Southington, Shukis leapt in the
air with three Southington defenders draped all over him and made
an outstanding one handed catch for a touchdown! The touchdown
helped Xavier continue the state record 34 game win streak which
today still stands as the school record!” Thanks for helping keep the
records straight, Gary!
...and also to Jim Hurley `70 who told us “The first undefeated
football team in Xavier High School history was the 1969 team, as
indicated in the 1970 yearbook on pages 88 and 89. While it’s true
that team was 8-0-1 (tying Notre Dame 0 to 0 that year at Palmer
Field), there is not a team in the state that can claim a victory over
that team. The 1969 football team was also the first undefeated
team of any kind at Xavier, edging out the track team (that same
school year) by a few months. I am proud to have been a member
of both teams and to have had the privilege of being coached by
both Larry McHugh and Bob Michalski.
I know 1969 was a long time ago and Xavier has produced
many outstanding teams since then. Every time Xavier is crowned
champion, I’m sure all my former team mates smile and press their
chests out an extra inch or two, like I do. Those teams deserve to
be recognized for their accomplishments. They earned it, and I hope
the trend continues. Keep grinding out championships and build the
legend.” X
Sam Magaziner `12 was elected as the Philanthropy Chair of the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Johns Hopkins University. The fraternity recently sponsored the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. As Philanthropy Chair, Sam is in charge of all fundraising events such as the Relay for Life and outreach in assisting the surrounding community. Pictured (seated, wearing hat) he proudly still wears his X lacrosse t-shirt. He endearingly wrote to his family, “I am still Xavier.” Sam has earned his place on the Dean’s List of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins because of his strong grades during the Fall 2012 semester. This also earned him membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Sam is a Pre-Med and Neuroscience major at JHU pursuing his dream to become a neurosurgeon. X
As a follow-up to our item in the Winter Edition of the Xavier Today magazine, we have learned that Cheshire resident Douglas McNeil `12 has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study two semesters at University in Beijing, China. Doug will begin his studies in China in June 2013.
Greg Woods `12 will have the opportunity to travel to Russia this summer and participate in the World University Games to be held in Kazan, Russia July 6-17, 2013. Greg is listed as one of the members of the Springfield College “Pride” volleyball team. As a freshman, Greg had the chance to play for Springfield as it repeated as NCAA Division III National Champions. X
Dr. Pepper highlighted Xavier grad Michael Buckley `93 in their new web feature “Always One of a Kind.” He was their “#1” for the month of May. The video is on their website dr.pepper.com.
36 Xavier Today
Ann Stookey, 60, of Los Angeles, CA, died November 6, 2012, in Paris, France, following a brief illness. Ann was the wife of Joe Waz `71.
Salvatore “Santino “Bafumi, 69, of Middletown passed away March 24, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Salvatore was the father of Sebastian Bafumi `89, Salvatore Bafumi `90 and Stephen Bafumi `93.
Marion H. Biega, 96, of Port Charlotte, FL, Middletown and Westbrook, CT, wife of the late Joseph E. Biega, Sr., passed away June 4, 2013 in Port Charlotte. Marion and her husband, Joe founded and operated together, Biega Funeral Home in Middletown for forty two years. She was the grandmother of Joseph Biega, III `83, Kenneth Biega `84, Mark Biega `89; and great-grandmother of Joseph Biega IV `08 and James Biega `13.
William M. Blodgett, Jr., 89, of East Hampton died April 4, 2013 at Middlesex Hospital. Bill was predeceased by his son, William M. Blodgett III `77.
Carmen Carl DelVecchio, Sr., 77, of Madison, died May 2, 2013 at the St. Raphael Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the grandfather of Mark J. DelVecchio, Jr. `15.
Robert (“Bob”) Henry Fagan, 71, of Middletown passed away in Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, April, 2nd, 2013, after a brief illness. Bob was the father of James Fagan `83, Kevin Fagan `85, Michael Fagan `86, Daniel Fagan `88 and William Fagan `00. He was also the grandfather of Cory Fagan `07 and Timothy Fagan `12.
Stephanie Luci “Step” Faraci, 21, of Middletown died peacefully in her sleep on February 20, 2013 at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain after a prolonged illness. Stephanie was the daughter of David A. Faraci `80 and sister of Nathaniel A. Faraci `14.
J. Thomas Gavigan, 65, of Long Island, NY, died unexpectedly of complications from a broken femur, in La Quinta, CA, on October 23, 2012. Tom was the father of Mark-Thomas Gavigan `89, Matthew Gavigan `90 and Christopher Gavigan `92.
Richard Robert Guere, age 82, of Berlin, VT. died peacefully at Fletcher Allen Hospital Hospice, Burlington, VT, on June 7th, 2013. Richard was the father of Xavier Board of Directors member Bob Guere `81. At Richard’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers please consider volunteering or donating blood to your local blood drive.
Mary Lou Phelan, 85, died April 22, 2013, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach. She was the grandmother of Dan Colavecchio `14 and Patrick Colavecchio `12.
Stanley G. Warzecha, Jr., 86, of East Hampton died April 2, 2013, at Middlesex Hospital. He was the father of Kenneth Warzecha `71 and Stanley Warzecha III `73.
Honoring Marine Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith `76
Ed Haydon `75 asks all... “On October 23, 2013 please take a moment to remember and honor
USMC Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith `76 on the 30th anniversary of Tom’s loyalty and bravery.”
Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith of Footit Drive, is one of six
Connecticut Marines reported killed in the attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut.
A 1976 graduate of Xavier High School, he was active in sports, including three years on the
track team. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and was a member of Charlie Company
Second Reconnaissance Battalion, Second Marine Division.” “He was a member of the Xavier Alumni
Association.”
On May 7th 1994 Thomas G. Smith Park in Middletown was dedicated. The 80-acre park cost
$2 million to build. Marine, Staff Sergeant Smith, died on October 23rd, 1983 when a terrorist
truck bomb exploded at a barracks occupied by the Marines on a peacekeeping mission in Beirut,
Lebanon. Smith was one of 240 who lost their lives in the bombing. X
Growing a Small Business
“I wasn’t the best student Xavier has ever seen, but Xavier gave me exactly what I needed: structure, self-discipline and help making ideas grow.” Those were some early thoughts as we sat down with Adam Von Gootkin `01
in his office at the East Hartford facility that his business moved into earlier this year. “College was not my thing. I’m inspired by the idea of creating solutions in the marketplace, and being an entrepreneur allows me to accomplish that.” After a brief stint in higher education, Adam dropped out of school and was looking to get into business. He began working as a music promoter, enjoying some of the challenges and independence that it gave him. He and business partner Peter Kowalczyk founded the Onyx Soundlab Recording Studio and ended up producing music for many major recording artists.
“One night” he recalled, “Peter and I were going to a party and we wanted to bring a gift, so we stopped in a liquor store and were looking for something made in Connecticut. There were beers and wines, but we couldn’t find any spirits that were locally made. That gave us the idea. If we were interested in buying locally made spirits, then others might be too.”
The pair began to do some research and found that really the only two truly American spirits are bourbon and moonshine. Moonshine has never been legally made in New England. But there was a history of it going back for hundreds of years. Adam recounted how they came across a family recipe for moonshine and its connection to the Chafee family and Chafee’s Hotel that was located on Court Street in Middletown (the Chafee family is on the maternal side of Adam’s family tree). Adam is pointing out the original location of the hotel on a map of Middletown (below).
Adam and Pete spent three years getting the recipe just right and went through all the necessary permitting to set up their business the Onyx Spirits Company in Manchester, CT. They do everything in small batches and by hand, but quickly found that
c o n c o r d i a r e s pa r v a e c r e s c u n t — i n H a r m o n y, s m a l l t H i n g s g r o w
the business and its product were well received. This year they moved to an 11,000 square foot factory in East Hartford, and they hope to open a museum and tasting room to host tours for the general public to see how the moonshine is made. In 2012 Onyx Moonshine was selected to be the official spirit of the Celebrity Gift Bags at the Grammy Awards, which was a tremendous boost for national name recognition and acceptance.
Onyx Moonshine is distributed in Connecticut, Mass, and Rhode Island with distribution deals in the works for New York and Washington, D.C. as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, and markets in Latin America. This year, they are releasing an exclusive barrel-aged version of Onyx Moonshine as well as a higher proof moonshine, Onyx 111.
Adam told us that he would like to do more for students who have the inclination to get involved in business; encouraging them to take an idea and make it grow. “Growing a small business takes a lot of work but can be extremely rewarding personally.” I’d really like to help students at Xavier who might have those kinds of ideas and we are actively pursuing the idea of starting a scholarship or fund to assist young Xavier entrepreneurs.”
In March, Adam provided a featured tasting station at the Home and School sponsored Annual Auction demonstrating various recipe ideas for his product. Standing with Adam and assisting at the very popular station is Quin Howe (formerly Parkhurst), also Xavier class of 2001. Adam told us, “Quin is a business partner of ours in a technology venture.” X
Onyx Spirits Co. co-founder Adam von Gootkin, left, and business partner Peter Kowalczyk
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013
5:30 pm Cocktails & Conversation 6:30 pm Dinner
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