Cougar Courier
The Cougar Courier is the official news source for Austin Prep, sharing stories that capture the energy and achievements of our students and community. From campus events and service opportunities to athletics and the arts, it offers a window into the vibrant life of the school throughout the year.
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February 7, 2026
Next Community Mass is Tomorrow
The next Monthly Community Mass will be held tomorrow, Sunday, February 8 at 9:00 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Augustine. We encourage our school families who regularly attend Sunday Mass at their local parish to consider joining us for this monthly Sunday Mass. The Mass will give us an opportunity to meet each other and pray together, at least occasionally. We will join for a time of fellowship in the Dining Hall after Mass. To help us with our planning, we would ask families to RSVP so we can take an appropriate count for the Coffee and Donut Hour.
Students are required to attend with their parents. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
Winter Spirit Week Raises Funds For St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Austin Prep celebrated Spirit Week February 2-5 in a week that included fun events and charitable efforts in support of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The week was highlighted by the student dodgeball game on Thursday morning, as well as the Thursday afternoon winter pep rally. You can view photos from the Thursday events here.
Spirit Weeks at Austin Prep continue to be a philanthropic partnership between Student Government and the Office of Development benefitting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude is to advance cures, prevention, research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases. Last year, Austin Prep raised over $37,000 for St. Jude and we appreciate the generosity of our students and parents in supporting St. Jude for their continued efforts in treating the toughest childhood diseases.
We hope everyone had a great week!
Summer Programs Registration Now Open
College Counselor Erik Sullivan will teach the College TestPlan’s Signature Series Test Prep Course as part of Austin Prep's Summer Programs.
Our Summer Programs at Austin Prep are designed to engage, educate, and inspire students in a supportive and dynamic learning environment. Programs are open to both Austin Prep students and students from the wider community, welcoming participants from beyond our campus to join us. Led by experienced educators and coaches, each program focuses on building core skills, confidence, and academic growth while fostering connection and community. Summer sessions run from late June through mid-August, with limited space available. Explore the current offerings to learn more and register!
With any questions, email Ms. Ushearnda Stroud, Interim Assistant Director of Admissions and Head Girls Basketball Coach. She’ll be thrilled to help you get started.
Austin Prep to Host Second Catholic and Christian Colleges Fair on March 3
On Tuesday, March 3 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., The Office of College Counseling is pleased to announce our second annual college fair exclusively for Catholic and Christian Colleges. All freshmen, sophomores, and juniors and their families are cordially invited to attend this exciting event. By bringing together top Catholic and Christian colleges and universities from around the country, we can offer our students a unique platform to explore the rich traditions and academic excellence these institutions offer. This is particularly valuable since many of our students express an interest in attending mission-aligned colleges and universities.
This year, we are also excited to invite back Austin Prep alumni who attend or have attended a Catholic College or University. Our alumni will be available in the Dining Hall to engage in informal, personal conversations with families. This relaxed setting provides a wonderful opportunity for our students and parents to hear firsthand about the alumni's positive experiences and gain valuable perspectives from those who have made the journey from Austin Prep to Catholic higher education. We encourage you to stop by, ask questions, and connect with our graduates in a comfortable, conversational atmosphere.
The College Fair will take place in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall and the Alumni Gathering will take place in the Dining Hall. Students and families are encouraged to visit both locations.
Model UN Team Participates in Harvard Model United Nations Conference
Austin Prep's Model UN Team at the Harvard Model United Nations Conference.
Fifteen Austin Prep students spent four days in Boston participating in the Harvard Model United Nations Conference, one of the largest and most rigorous simulations of global diplomacy for high school students. Representing countries across a wide range of committees, our delegates engaged in complex debate, drafted resolutions, collaborated with peers from around the world, and demonstrated the poise and preparation that define Austin Prep’s approach to inquiry‑driven learning.
Throughout the conference, students navigated topics ranging from international security to sustainable development, bringing thoughtful research and confident public speaking to each session. Whether negotiating in small working groups or addressing hundreds of delegates in formal debate, our students consistently modeled respect, leadership, and intellectual curiosity.
We are proud of the way our delegation represented Austin Prep and grateful for the commitment they brought to every aspect of the conference. Their work at HMUN reflects the best of our school’s mission: young people engaging the world with courage, compassion, and a readiness to lead.
Students who attended include Madeleine Alves '28, James Aprahamian '27, Griffin Betts '28, Douglas Brindle '26, Jonathan Esolen '27, Olivia Franjul-Soto '27, Maddie Fisher '26, Ella Gill '28, Daisy McLaughlin '27, Aanya Metpelly '28, Zach Oliver '28, Brady Payne '28, Arianna Serrano '26, Mark Sprow '27 and Kim Tauro '28.
Learn more about the Harvard Model United Nations Conference experience here.
Meet our Champions of Giving
Generosity is more than philanthropy – it is a legacy of faith, community, and hope for the next generation. We are pleased to present Champions of Giving, a series that shines a spotlight on the donors of Austin Prep, celebrating the individuals and families whose contributions have strengthened the school, enriched student experiences, and ensured that the values of truth, unity, and love continue to thrive.
This series shares their stories: who they are, why they were inspired to give, and how their generosity has made a lasting difference. From new facilities to scholarships, from leadership to community service, each Champion of Giving demonstrates the power of supporting Austin Prep. As you explore their journeys, we invite you to be inspired by their impact and consider how you, too, can shape the future of our students.
We invite you to learn more about Thomas Flynn ’83, a proud alumnus, longtime supporter, and Vice Chairman of the Austin Prep Board of Trustees whose relationship with the School spans more than four decades. His Austin Prep experience was helped shaped by longtime faculty members Roger Stone, Bob Hennessy, and Gary Mackiewicz. Learn more about why he chooses to support Austin Prep, or learn how you can support Austin Prep.
Celebrating Austin Prep's Girls and Women in Sports
Wednesday, February 4 was National Girls & Women in Sports Day. We are so proud of all our female student-athletes and coaches and are grateful for all you contribute to the Austin Prep community! There are just a few weeks left in the winter season, be sure to get out to a game or contest before it is too late!
Dr. Hickey Honored by Andover Knights of Columbus
Dr. Hickey with Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A.
At its 23rd Annual Winter Warmup Gala Dinner and Dance, the Andover Knights of Columbus - Council 1078 honored Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D. with a Torchbearer Award. Torchbearer Awards are presented to honorees who "serve as symbols of service and hope in our local community." The award was presented to Dr. Hickey by Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A., one of Austin Prep's founding fathers. Austin Prep's ties with the Andover Knights of Columbus are strong: Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, serves as the Council Chaplain, and Augustinian Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Joseph Kelley received the Torchbearer Award in 2023.
Robotics Team Fares Well in Second Event of Season
Pierce Kelesoglu '27, Aidan O'Neill '26, Aanya Metpelly '28, Elliot Albrecht '27, Paul Dundin '26, Grant Michel '28 and Nico Fenn '27, left to right, at the Brookline Robo Rally 2.
On February 1 the Robotics Team competed at the Brookline Robo Rally 2, hosted by Brookline High School. The team took part in the FIRST Tech Challenge: Decode, a competition in which teams design, build, and program robots to complete a series of complex tasks on the field, earning points through strategy, precision, and teamwork. After a strong showing in the qualification matches, the team advanced into the playoff rounds, highlighting their preparation and technical skill. The team's overall performance was impressive and a testament to their hard work and perseverance. The competition provided valuable experience and momentum as the team continues to refine their robot and strategies.
What Makes Austin Prep Great?
"What differentiates Austin Prep is that Augustinian education, that Augustinian way of life.
There is something about the life of Augustine that resonates with everyone."
- James Hickey, Ph.D. | Head of School