May 2023
5.6.2023
May 6, 2023
National Honor Society Students Inducted
On Thursday, 65 students were inducted into Austin Prep's Chapter of the National Honor Society. Inductees were joined by family in the Chapel of St. Augustine. The program for the evening can be viewed here.
National Honor Society member Jackie Brand '23 welcomed fellow members Christian Alfieri '23, Valeria Centinaro '23, Jonathan Brand '23 and Alison Perault '23, who reflected on the four pillars of NHS: character, service, scholarship, and leadership.
The evening closed with remarks from Meaghen Hamill '06, who is the Senior Director of External Relations and Strategic Communication for Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC), where she is responsible for building relationships between the LCHC and community and government partners while elevating LCHC's mission, values and goals within the Lynn community. Prior to joining the LCHC, her career focused on policy and community relations in the public sector.
Photos from the induction can be viewed here.
Austin Prep Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Austin Prep promotes and recognizes the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made on our history, society, culture, and sciences in our world. Additionally, there are many Asian Catholic saints and missionaries who served in Asian countries whose lives have been essential in promoting our universal church. Keep an eye out for posts on the school social media pages highlighting activities on campus to celebrate the month.
Last Opportunity to Sponsor the Annual Golf Tournament
This week is the last opportunity to support the Austin Prep Annual Golf Tournament with your company or family sponsorship or silent auction item donation. The tournament's continued success is due in large part to the generosity of our sponsors! Information about supporting the event can be found here.
This year, your participation will support the heating system upgrades and the addition of air conditioning that will take place this summer in McLaughlin Hall to provide a comfortable learning environment in the classroom for our students and faculty.
Please contact Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head for Administration and Special Projects with any questions about the event.
Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Set for May 19th
We are excited to celebrate the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023 on Friday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m. on Austin Prep’s Father Seymour Field. Ticket information has been sent to families of the Class of 2023. For those not able to attend, the event will be livestreamed. Livestream information will be sent to the community the morning of the event.
Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Arthur L. Kennedy, former Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. Bishop Kennedy was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston on December 17, 1966 in St. Peter’s Basilica, and earned his doctorate in Systematic Theology/Philosophy of Religion in 1978 from Boston College. He served at St. Monica Parish in Methuen from 1967-1969 and St. Joseph Parish in East Boston from 1969-1974. Bishop Kennedy served in several teaching and administrative roles before serving as Rector of Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts from July 2007 until July 2012. On June 14, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Kennedy as an auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Boston. His consecration was September 14, 2010 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He chose as his episcopal motto: Ut cognoscant te, meaning, “so that they may know you.” This phrase from Saint John’s Gospel (John 17:3).
We look forward to welcoming Bishop Kennedy to campus.
Join Us Mother's Day for our Next Sunday Community Mass
We look forward to hosting our next monthly Sunday Community Mass on May 14th at 10:00 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. 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 by clicking here 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 on Sunday as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
Austin Prep Inducts Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023
Mr. Bill Maradei P'11, '12 was inducted into the Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame last Saturday night. He was introduced by Mr. Tony Biscardi '88.
The Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals and teams who have made significant and lasting contributions to Austin Prep athletics and have achieved a high standard of athletic success.
The Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Committee is proud to honor the athletes and coaches selected for the Austin Prep Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2023:
The Class was inducted on Saturday, April 29th at a ceremony on campus. Photos from the ceremony can be viewed here.
Relive Your Prom Memories With Photos From the Evening Celebration
Prom Photos!
Promenade Photos!
We had a great time celebrating the Austin Prep prom April 27th, both at the promenade on campus before the event as well as with dinner and dancing at the Andover Country Club. All the photos are now available. Check out the promenade photos and the prom photos!
Live From London | Coronation Celebration
Mr. McLaughlin is in the United Kingdom for the Coronation of King Charles III.
In nine weeks, a delegation of Middle School students and faculty will travel to the United Kingdom to take part in the Independent Schools Cultural Alliance Summer program. The three-week program is part of Austin Prep's international travel offerings for students.
Many eyes are turned toward London this weekend with the Coronation of King Charles III. This past weekend, Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School and ISCA's International Faculty Director, and Luke Liddle, Managing Director of ISCA, hosted a webinar with an overview of the Coronation. You are invited to view a recording of the webinar here. Mr. McLaughlin also published an article on a royal-themed visit to London accessible here and is on site in London for the celebration. He looks forward to bringing this story to life with students this summer.
College Athletics Commitments Continue
Dan Cory '23 with parents David and Annemarie.
On Monday, Dan Cory '23 made his commitment to continue his swimming career at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Congrats, Dan!
Phil Renzullo '23 with sister Bianca '25 and father Phillip.
On Thursday, Phil Renzullo '23 made his commitment to continue his soccer career at Endicott College. Congrats, Phil!
2023-2024 Schoolwide Government Officers Announced
At Thursday's Community Meeting, the students elected to serve on Austin Prep's Schoolwide Government for the 2023-2024 school year were introduced, then closed the meeting with a prayer. We look forward to their leadership! Congrats to (left to right above): Ryan O'Malley '24, Class Representative; Lauren Neal '24, Class Representative; Lily Caron '24, Public Relations; Jared Hickey '24, Secretary; Preet Patel '24, Vice President; Jaya Gupta '24, Vice President and Ava Intoppa '24, President.
5.13.2023
May 13, 2023
Join Us Tomorrow for a Special Mother's Day Community Mass
We look forward to hosting our next monthly Sunday Community Mass on May 14th at 10:00 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. 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 by clicking here 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 on Sunday as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement Set for May 19th
We are excited to celebrate the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023 on Friday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m. on Austin Prep’s Father Seymour Field. Ticket information has been sent to families of the Class of 2023. For those not able to attend, the event will be livestreamed. Livestream information will be sent to the community the morning of the event.
Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Arthur L. Kennedy, former Auxiliary Bishop of Boston. Bishop Kennedy was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Boston on December 17, 1966 in St. Peter’s Basilica, and earned his doctorate in Systematic Theology/Philosophy of Religion in 1978 from Boston College. He served at St. Monica Parish in Methuen from 1967-1969 and St. Joseph Parish in East Boston from 1969-1974. Bishop Kennedy served in several teaching and administrative roles before serving as Rector of Saint John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts from July 2007 until July 2012. On June 14, 2010, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Bishop Kennedy as an auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Boston. His consecration was September 14, 2010 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. He chose as his episcopal motto: Ut cognoscant te, meaning, “so that they may know you.” This phrase from Saint John’s Gospel (John 17:3).
We look forward to welcoming Bishop Kennedy to campus.
Seniors and Parents Welcomed to Campus for Head of School Reception
With Commencement just around the corner this week began the celebration of the Class of 2023! On Tuesday Austin Prep hosted the Head of School Class of 2023 Parent and Senior Reception. It was a wonderful evening with so many members of the Class celebrating their Journey together. View photos from the evening here.
Class of 2023 Enjoy Fun Filled Senior Week
Friday was the last day of classes for our seniors, and this past week was Senior Week for the Class of 2023! Seniors dyed shirts, decorated parking spots, held a Super Soaker battle, and enjoyed class favorites from Sage Dining. We hope it was a great week and that you found time to enjoy your friends, classmates, and faculty members who have walked with you on your journey. We look forward to seeing you again at Commencement!
You can view photos from Friday here.
Cullen '23 Presented with Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy
On Tuesday, Fiona Cullen ’23, was presented with an offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 2027. Mr. Pat Taylor, a 2014 U.S. Naval Academy graduate and current Blue and Gold Officer who supports admissions efforts in this area, was on hand for the presentation. Fiona was also joined in the Chapel of St. Augustine by the entire Class of 2023 and 2024, select faculty and staff, and family. Congrats, Fiona, and best of luck at the Naval Academy! You can view photos from the presentation here.
Athletic Commitments Continue
McKenzie Cerrato '23 with parents James and Christine.
On Wednesday, McKenzie Cerrato '23 made her commitment to continue her ice hockey career at the University of Vermont. Congrats, McKenzie!
Delaney McNinch '23 with parents Shawn and Bethanie.
On Thursday, Delaney McNinch '23 made her commitment to continue her soccer career at Union College. Congrats, Delaney!
Thank You Green Key Ambassadors
Green Key Ambassadors are an invaluable connection between our admissions office & prospective families, interacting with families at events, serving as tour guides, & hosting students for shadow days. Thank you, 2022-2023, Green Keys for a great year!
Year of Performing Arts Events Comes to a Close
Austin Prep hosted the annual, year-end Band and Choir Concert on Thursday night in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. With it came to an end another amazing year for Austin Prep's Performing Arts. From the Nutcracker, to Lessons to Carols, to Chicago, to the Spring Dance Show and finally the Band and Choir Concert, our students always put on a great show.
You can view photos and the program from the Band and Choir concert here.
Order Your 2023 Omega Yearbook Today
Yearbook students are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the 2022-23 yearbook. Get yours today!
The 2022-2023 Austin Prep Yearbook is now available for sale! Don't miss this opportunity to document the memories of this past year. As a reminder, all Sub-Varsity sports team photos are included. Click here to purchase.
You may order your copy now for $60 by clicking on the button below, which brings you to the website of our yearbook company, Yearbook Innovation, and Austin Prep's personal yearbook section. Orders must be placed no later than May 21st.
Books will be shipped to your home in the late July / early August timeframe.
Please note: The Class of 2023 will have a complimentary book shipped to their homes and do not need to order unless you'd like an extra copy.
Memorial Scholarship Recipients to be Notified on Monday, May 15th
Memorial Scholarships are available to our students due to the generosity of Austin Prep families and friends who have created funds in memory of a loved one. Thank you to all those who applied for a Memorial Scholarship for the 2023-2024 academic year. Memorial Scholarship notifications will be made on Monday, May 15th.
Formal presentations of the Memorial Scholarships will be made at a special breakfast for recipients and families on Wednesday, May 25th at 8:30 a.m. Please direct all questions via email to Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School for Administration and Special Projects at sbelanger@austinprep.org.
Celebrating our Mothers During the Month of Mary
Happy Mother's Day to all those in the Austin Prep Community.
May is a special month for mothers, and that is especially the case at Austin Prep. On Wednesday, the 7th grade will celebrate their annual May Crowning Prayer Service and May Tea, followed by the praying of the rosary by the entire school community.
Is Mother's Day and the Month of Mary a coincidence or is there greater purpose? Just a few weeks ago on Good Friday we heard in the Holy Week Liturgy that Jesus entrusted his Mother to us as he told the disciples whom he loved "Son, behold your Mother," and to Mary, "Woman, behold your Son." Now, here we are, ready to celebrate Mother's Day. Can we separate Mother Mary's Motherhood from that of our own mothers? They both serve as our role models. As we think of the gifts for our mothers let us not forget the most precious gift of saying the Rosary or a Hail Mary Sunday and every day for our mothers.
Happy Mother's Day. 🌷
5.20.2023
May 20, 2023
Class of 2027 Middle School Journey Concludes with Final Assembly
Class of 2027 members (l to r) Hadley D’Agostino, Kayla Onorato, Alex Vigorito, Katarina Burke, Conor Lynch, Sydney Rech, and Celia Sensale were among the speakers at Wednesday's 8th Grade Final Assembly.
On Wednesday Austin Prep eighth graders celebrated the conclusion of their Middle School Journey with the Class of 2027 Final Middle School Assembly. Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D. and Head of Middle School Mr. Michael McLaughlin offered remarks, and those in attendance had an opportunity to hear the national anthem performed by Hunter Peabody '27 and Tasha Lawson's '27 rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing." Members of the Class of 2027 also offered reflections on their Middle School experience.
Sydney Rech '27, whose Middle School journey actually began remotely in the final weeks of her 5th grade year as schools closed as a result of the emerging COVID-19 pandemic, reflected on her Journey. "For all of us completing grade 8 this spring, despite when we started at Austin Prep, our fifth grade year ended early for us, without a real close to our elementary school years, without being able to say goodbye to our old friends and teachers in person," Sydney said.
"We have grown so much as individuals and so much together. Our journey has made us grateful and hopefully reminded us to appreciate the memorable activities we shared and the opportunity to come together as a community," Sydney added.
A full program from the ceremony can be found here, and photos can be viewed here.
Seventh Graders Welcome Guests to Campus for May Tea
On Wednesday Austin Prep seventh graders participated in the May Crowning Prayer Service and May Tea. This annual event is an opportunity for students to invite one special guest - a mother, grandmother, aunt, or neighbor - to join them in the Chapel of Saint Augustine for prayers followed by a small reception in the Dining Hall to celebrate Mary and motherhood in all its forms. Students and their guest are invited to bring flowers or a small plant to place around the Statue of Mary as a part of the celebration. Photos from the event can be viewed here.
Austin Open Golf Tournament is Monday
We look forward to hosting our 35th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament Monday morning at Indian Ridge Country Club! This event could not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We appreciate your support! View all our Title, Lunch, Breakfast, Player Gift and Cart Sponsors here.
Ninth Graders Perform and Analyze Scenes from Romeo and Juliet
Freshman students have been reading Romeo and Juliet this quarter. They were grouped and tasked with performing a scene from the play. Each group identified a director while the rest of the students filled the role of actors. They all had to create a staging notebook that included their marked up scripts. Actors needed costume choices, character analysis, scene analysis, and a reflection after their performance. Directors wrote an introduction, set diagram, list of props, sound and lighting, scene analysis, and a reflection of the process.
#AustinAlways
Six of our graduating seniors are part of Austin Prep legacy families. Check out these pictures of Class of 2023 graduates and their parents who are Austin Prep Alums. We are excited to have welcomed the Class of 2023 to the ranks of Austin Prep Alumni, and congratulations to the Bartley, Buonapane, Carr, Filadoro, O'Connor and Smith families!
Latest Group of Lifers Complete Their Journey
The Class of 2023 Lifers.
Being an Austin Prep "Lifer" is a special recognition within our School community. Lifers are individuals who have been students at Austin Prep from 6th through 12th grade. We would like to recognize the 27 students from the Class of 2023 who are part of this unique group. #AustinAlways
Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023
Friday was a beautiful day on the campus of Austin Prep as the community came together to celebrate the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023. In case you missed it, all the details from the day can be found here.
Austin Prep Celebrates Ascension Thursday Mass
With a special announcement from Dr. Hickey!
Fr. Dennis M. Gallagher, A.A., center, was the celebrant for Ascension Thursday Mass.
On Thursday, Austin Prep came together for the final all-school Mass for the 2022-2023 academic year. The Ascension Thursday Mass was celebrated by Fr. Dennis M. Gallagher, A.A., Province Superior for the North American Province of the Augustinians of the Assumption. Upon conclusion of the Mass, Dr. Hickey addressed the school community.
"St. Ambrose, who baptized St. Augustine, said 'No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.' I thank you for all that you have done this year for Austin Prep and for those who are in need. That includes our teachers who went above and beyond to help their students, students raising money to support St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and everyone working together to support families in need with annual Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter baskets," Dr. Hickey said.
"As a gesture of my gratitude, next Friday, May 26th will be a Head of School Holiday," Dr. Hickey concluded.
Austin Prep will be closed on Friday, May 26th and on Monday, May 29th for Memorial Day. School will reopen on Tuesday, May 31st. Enjoy the extra long Memorial Day Weekend!
5.27.2023
May 27, 2023
The Final Week of the 2022-2023 Academic Year is Upon Us
It is hard to believe that next week is the final week of the 2022-2023 academic year. Please refer to emails sent this past week from Mrs. Michelle Connor, P'25, '28, Interim Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School and Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, for important details for the week. Also, please refer to an email from the Austin Prep Health Office regarding important medical information for both the close of this year and the start of next year.
35th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament a Success
We were blessed with a beautiful day on Monday for the 35th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament, held at Indian Ridge Country Club. The event was a great success with a full-flight of golfers! You can view photos from the day here.
The Annual Golf Tournament is vital in our efforts to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for all our students. A special thank you to alumni families for their 2023 Title Sponsorships: Pimentel Construction and Quirk Construction Corp. This year, proceeds from the golf tournament will help support the new heating system upgrades and the addition of air conditioning in McLaughlin Hall to provide a comfortable learning environment in the classroom for our students and faculty.
View all our Title, Lunch, Breakfast, Player Gift and Cart Sponsors here.
If you have questions about future golf sponsorships and events, please contact Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head for Administration at sbelanger@austinprep.org.
Benefactors and Students Recognized at Memorial Scholarship Ceremony
We were honored to announce Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2023-2024 academic year at a special breakfast and ceremony on Thursday. A program for the event can be found here. Students in Grades 9-11 were eligible to apply for the awards and recipients demonstrated significant academic achievement and service contributions to the Austin Prep community, among other qualities. Memorial Scholarships are available to our students due to the generosity of Austin Prep families and friends who have created funds in memory of a loved one. We are proud of our students and grateful for the support of those who make these scholarships possible. You can view photos from the event here. Thank you to all who make these scholarships possible. #Caritas
Class of 1973 Celebrates 50th Reunion
As a part of Commencement Weekend, we welcomed back the Class of 1973 for their 50th Austin Prep Reunion, as well as the Classes of 1966-1972. It was great to welcome them back to campus! #AustinAlways Photos from the reunion can be found here.
2024 International Travel Opportunity Announced
Visit Prague next April vacation with Austin Prep classmates.
Over the 2024 April Break, Austin Prep will facilitate a week-long trip to Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Travelers will explore sites around Berlin, Prague, and Krakow, including the concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau, as they confront the evils of the Holocaust and the theme of remembrance. There will be opportunities throughout the tour for small-group facilitated discussion, private reflection, and prayer. A complete program itinerary will be shared in the days ahead.
Ordinarily, school-sponsored travel abroad opportunities are available for all students. Given the mature content of this program, at this time, we have made the decision that this trip will be available only to students in the rising freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior classes - the classes of 2027, 2026, 2025, and 2024, who are in good academic and behavioral standing.
Registration and a $1,000 deposit will be due in the Academic Office by July 1. Please contact Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, with any questions.
Sixth and Seventh Graders Excel on National Mythology Exam
The National Mythology Exam is an annual assessment administered by the American Classical League to students in the United States and abroad who are studying classical mythology. Each year, 6th and 7th grade Latin students at Austin Prep have the opportunity to take the exam at the end of a unit on Greek and Roman mythology. This year, 40 students from Austin Prep won an award of some kind on the exam, with 11 students winning silver medals (maxima cum laude), and 5 students winning gold (summa cum laude). Congratulations!
Book Award Recipients Recognized
Each spring, members of the junior class are awarded books and prizes for their scholastic, extracurricular, and community efforts. These awards are sponsored by college and university local alumni chapters, offices of admissions, faculty, and community members. Congratulations to all those who received an award!
Austin Prep Freshmen Participate in Model UN Conference
The Class of 2026 simulated debates on Cold War crises during Austin Prep's second annual Model UN conference. Led by History Faculty Member Mr. Jon Whalen, this event was planned by the History Faculty to engage students in several weeks of extensive research and analysis of global issues. Students were tasked with solving a global issue through drafting, lobbying and debating to pass a suitable ‘resolution’. Students were engrossed in playing the roles of delegates, speakers, and chairs, representing different countries and working together to reach a solution for the agenda they were assigned. This year students participated in ten crisis committees, focusing on current events, including the Ukraine Crisis, refugees, pollution caused by thermoplastics, and more. Student-led debates were lively and the students worked hard to represent the perspective of their assigned nation and gained valuable global perspective.
Mandarin Program Highlights Asian American Heritage Month
One of the ways in which Austin Prep promotes and recognizes the impact that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made on our world is through the Mandarin program. This month students enrolled in the Mandarin 5 class spoke about the importance of their research by learning more about the history, science, arts, culture, language of China, Japan, and the Philippines. Their inquiry into Asian American Heritage helped them to cultivate a deeper understanding of others and promote the importance of belonging, especially in an Augustinian school. Maddox Amadin '24 spoke about how much he enjoyed learning about food and culture, while Parker Vanegas '24 was amazed in the way education differed from the United States, especially because of the standardized test known as the gāokǎo. Fischer Niehaus '24 and David VanderZouwen '24 expressed how they learned to dispel misconceptions that countries are all the same because they discovered there are so many rich cultures within the Asian diaspora. Lauren Costa '24 celebrated the fact that her classmates had been in the Mandarin program since Middle School so she appreciated how much they had gained in insight over the years. Collectively they shared that their favorite project of the year was making traditional ceremonial Japanese masks featured in this photo provided above.
Class of 2023 | A Final Farewell
It has been a little over a week since the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2023 and we miss the Class already! During Senior Week, the Senior Class gathered for a class photo, shown above with seniors in sweatshirts representing their college or university of choice. We wish them the best of luck as their Journey continues. #AustinAlways.
Happy Memorial Day
As you enjoy the (extra) long weekend celebrating the start of summer with family and friends, take a moment to remember and honor all the brave men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our wonderful country. To our entire Austin Prep community, we wish you a very Happy Memorial Day.