April 2024

Austin Prep's spring musical Grease was performed March 22nd-24th for three sold out audiences at the Greater Boston Stage Company. You can view photos from opening night here, and a video recap from the Sunday show here. A special thank you goes out to Art and Design Chair Ms. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26, '30 and Math Faculty Mr. Stephen Williams for their direction of the show, as well as to the student cast and crew for the outstanding performance. The program for the show can be found here. Bravo! 

The Monthly Community Mass for April will be held tomorrow, April 7th at 9:30 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 gives 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 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 April 7th as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.

The New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS) held their 43rd annual conference March 18th-19th in Springfield, MA, and Austin Prep was well represented. Mr. Cori Russo, World Language Faculty, presented on World Language teaching strategies, Mr. Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School led a workshop on AI in Education, and Ms. Aprille Hibbard, Science Faculty Ms. Alicia Varraso, Assistant Dean of Students, and Mr. McLaughlin facilitated a session on Advisory.

The conference was highlighted by Mr. Ian Williamson, Math Faculty, being honored as a recipient of the Promising Practitioner Award recognizing his work and trajectory as a Middle School Educator. Congrats, Mr. Williamson!

On Wednesday the World Languages department hosted an induction ceremony and reception for those students inducted into their respective world language honor societies. Austin Prep is proud of these students' accomplishments in learning world languages and gaining a greater appreciation of the varied cultures of the world. The full program from the evening can be found here.

Katherine Millet '24 delivered the Latin address, noting that in Latin "we break down Latin passages and stories and look to not only understand the words, but to comprehend the context of those words.  As the courses progress, the translations get more complex and six years of practicing Latin translations has taught me how to take something foreign, translate it, and then look beyond the words into the deeper meaning behind them.  In other words, studying Latin has opened a window in my brain, so that whenever I look at anything – writing, world events, or even complex math problems – I find myself asking: Why?"

Lily Amari '25 delivered the French address, noting in French that "since starting in French classes, I have been able to grow my knowledge in the language. I have been able to connect with my classmates in my French classroom and make lasting memories with them. Throughout the years, though our French classes have always been fairly small, I have enjoyed that so much because it has allowed me to get to know my classmates profoundly. Now that we’re juniors, I find we’re often reminiscing about past French classes, and I always find myself so grateful that I decided to take this class and be able to look back on my French journey with no regrets."

Anna Ferranti '24 delivered the Spanish address in Spanish, noting that "language can be a gateway in which we can find common ground and build connection. Its importance far transcends the classroom. To step out of our comfort zones and become vulnerable in another language is a beautiful gift. To conclude, learning Spanish is something much more than just academic; it creates understanding, communion, humility, and curiosity about the world around us."

Lauren Costa '24 delivered the Mandarin address in Chinese noting, "everyone who studies Chinese at Austin Prep should feel a sense of accomplishment and capability. It is an extremely difficult process, as is learning any language."

"To be inducted into Austin Prep’s Chapter of the language society is no easy task," World Languages Department Chair Linda Sherry P'24, '27 noted. "It is one to be truly celebrated. To be considered for induction, a student must have earned an A- or higher for three consecutive semesters, actively participate in their respective language peer tutoring program, intend to study at the highest level possible – for most of the students that will be the fourth year of the chosen language – and most importantly they must receive the recommendation of their current teacher with regard to character."

Austin Prep's Scientist Seminar Series continues next week. To celebrate the upcoming solar eclipse, during Cougar Block on Monday we welcome Dr. Avi Shporer, an esteemed Research Scientist at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. Shporer did his Postdoctoral research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech, and Las Cumbres Observatory. In 2022, he was part of a team that discovered a nearby multi-planet system 33 light-years from Earth. His current research is with TESS, an MIT-led NASA mission to discover transiting exoplanets.  He will address the interface of historical legends and the emergence of modern astronomy. He will also discuss the physics and geometry of an eclipse, his research, and his career path. 

Tuesday during Cougar Block we welcome Dr. Anthony De Tomaso, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. De Tomaso trained at Stanford University and Washington University School of Medicine. He will present his research on discovering novel mechanisms and therapies within the fields of immunity, development, and regeneration. He will also discuss the importance of model organisms and the intricacies of selecting an appropriate species.   

Finally, on Thursday morning a group of upper school students will attend a half-day, hands-on workshop at Harvard Medical School. This immersive program will involve the students participating in a simulated medical emergency and learning a clinical technique under the instruction of HMS faculty and medical students. 

The goal of the Scientist Seminar Series is to build connections between students’ classroom learning and real-world applications by showcasing how scientists from various fields are applying content and skills to explore and understand our world. This series aims to provide students with a broader perspective on the practical implications of their academic studies and inspire them to see the relevance and impact of scientific research.

This academic initiative has been developed over the past year to enhance the student experience in the sciences. We are grateful to the many scientists at esteemed universities and research facilities who have contributed their time and expertise in guiding Austin Prep in creating this experience for our students.

Claire Harrington '26 recently placed 20th overall at the Irish Dance World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.  She also qualified for a World Medal and qualification to the 2025 World Championships in Dublin.

Claire attends the Brady Academy of Irish Dance and is the 3-time reigning New England Champion.  She has achieved top five placements in many international competitions including 4th and 5th at the All Irelands and Great British Championships. This upcoming July Claire is attending the North American Nationals held in Texas. In prior years she has placed 4th, 2nd, and 1st.

As a member of the Augustinian Secondary Educational Association (ASEA), Austin Prep shares a common heritage with nine other schools in North America. Recently, four of our students (Derek Langenau ’26, Shane Miller ’26, Mark-Henry Novas ’26, and Colin Walsh ’25) hosted three students from Malvern Prep (Austin Trout ’25, Andrew Davis ’25, and Jack Hechler ’26) our fellow school located in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The visit was from April 1st-5th and featured several opportunities for both schools to learn from each other.  

The purpose of student exchange was to deepen Augustinian connections. As an all-boys school, Malvern Prep emphasizes the bonds of brotherhood, so their students were intrigued by how our coeducation environment enacts the message of St. Augustine's teachings and lives out the commitment to the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. Our students were excited to show them how much we have in common.

The Malvern delegation was welcomed with a tour of campus, attended a week’s worth of classes, shadowed their host students, and engaged with the entire student body during Community Meeting.  The Malvern Boys shared that our students helped make them feel like Austin Prep was their home away from Philadelphia. A highlight was watching our baseball team play on Tuesday afternoon and discovering North End pizza. In addition to spending time at Austin Prep, they visited some area colleges, completed a tour of Fenway Park, and embarked on the View Boston 360 Tour at the top of the Prudential Tower. They also appreciated that we provided them with a service project to assist the Benedictine monks at a local abbey.

When asked what they will remember about the trip, Jack stated that he “loved hearing prayers each day through announcements and that there are Sisters and a Father on campus." Andrew expressed that he was  “thankful for the reflection that he heard during Adeodatus." Finally, Austin related that he was both “saddened that the trip came to an end, but grateful for the amazing opportunity he had to visit Austin Prep."

This week continues our programming within the Augustinian network to deepen learning opportunities that promote our values through the friendships that form during student exchanges. We are deeply grateful for the service our exchange students provided for the school and for proudly representing our community. 

English Faculty Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26, '28, Mrs. Cassandra Thompson, and members of the Austin Authors club recently made a trip to WCVB Channel 5 to experience a day in the life of local news people. Before they left they had an opportunity to make an appearance on Channel 5's Eye Opener Wake Up Call.  A special thank you to Mrs. Lisa Simmons, P'24, '25, '27, '30, Assistant Director of Admissions, for making it happen.

Austin Prep will once again be represented in Monday's Boston Marathon, the 128th edition of the iconic race.  Mr. Tyler Fleming P'28, '30, Director of Communications, and Mrs. Lisa Simmons P'24, '25, '27, '30, Assistant Director of Admissions, are both slated to make the 26.2 mile journey from Hopkinton, MA to the finish line on Boylston Street in Boston. It will be the sixth Boston Marathon for Mr. Fleming and the fifth for Mrs. Simmons. Want to follow along? Mr. Fleming (Bib #8792) starts at 10:25 a.m.; Mrs. Simmons (Bib #27725) begins at 11:15 a.m. Mrs. Simmons is running in support of the Last Call Foundation.

(Design Credit: Katie Young '24)

Austin Prep was honored to host the Most Reverend Severus Jjumba, Bishop of Masaka, Uganda on campus on Thursday. Bishop Jjumba traveled to visit with the Daughters of Mary, whose Mother House is located in his diocese. "We were so excited to see him again, as we had a chance to tell him more about our Mission," Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Director of Campus Ministry said.  "It was a joy for us to show him around and for him to see some of the work we are doing here at Austin Prep."

Austin Prep was honored to welcome the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to campus on Thursday. Representatives from the FBI spent several hours with Unitas Leadership Academy (ULA) students discussing hiring requirements, cyber and social media safety, and gang and terrorism prevention. This memorable opportunity provided Austin Prep students a brief glimpse into a unique career field which requires a broad range of education, experiences and skills.

On Tuesday the Austin Prep Mentoring Program (formerly Cubby Cares) celebrated their last meeting of the year.  The Austin Prep Mentoring program was initially developed by the Office of Admissions as a way to help students connect during the school years directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  It has since transformed into a peer-mentoring program facilitated by our Health and Wellness staff.  The Mentoring program pairs upper school students with 6th grade and 9th grade students.  Mentors and Mentees meet once a month and engage in activities that reflect our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas and caritas. This year student activities included Austin Prep themed Kahoot, writing thank you notes to family, faculty and staff, making Valentine's Day cards, playing the Human Knot, and learning Irish Step Dancing and hot potato for St. Patrick's Day.

At the final meeting four mentors were awarded Mentor of the Year award. Awards winners were nominated by mentees.  Emerson Byrne '26 and Derek Langenau '26 were recognized as the top Middle School mentors, while Grace Kanayan '25 and Colin Walsh '25 were recognized as the top Upper School mentors. We are so fortunate to have so many positive role models at Austin Prep who help lead the way for our younger students. 

Austin Prep's Scientist Seminar Series continued this week, which aligned perfectly with Monday's total solar eclipse. On Monday we welcomed via Zoom Dr. Avi Shporer, an esteemed Research Scientist at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. Shporer did his Postdoctoral research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Caltech and Las Cumbres Observatory. He addressed the interface of historical legends and the emergence of modern astronomy. He also discussed the physics and geometry of an eclipse, his research, and his career path.

Tuesday during Cougar Block we welcomed Dr. Anthony De Tomaso, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. De Tomaso, who trained at Stanford University and Washington University School of Medicine presented his research on discovering novel mechanisms and therapies within the fields of immunity, development, and regeneration. He also discussed the importance of model organisms.

On Thursday morning a group of upper school students attended a half-day, hands-on workshop at Harvard Medical School. This immersive program involved the students participating in a simulated medical emergency and learning a clinical technique under the instruction of HMS faculty and medical students. 

The goal of the Scientist Seminar Series is to build connections between students’ classroom learning and real-world applications by showcasing how scientists from various fields are applying content and skills to explore and understand our world. This series aims to provide students with a broader perspective on the practical implications of their academic studies and inspire them to see the relevance and impact of scientific research.

This academic initiative has been developed over the past year to enhance the student experience in the sciences. We are grateful to the many scientists at esteemed universities and research facilities who have contributed their time and expertise in guiding Austin Prep in creating this experience for our students.

Students in Art and Design Faculty Ms. Nicolle Renick's yearbook class have completed the first edition of their online magazine entitled "Willow 101." All writing and design was completed by students, as well as some of the photos. Willow 101 will be published twice a year. Take a look here.

The Austin Prep Upper School math team competed in the Massachusetts Association of Mathematics Leagues (MAML) state final on April 4th at Winchester High, and received the 2nd place in our division. As a result, the team has qualified for the  New England Association of Mathematics Leagues (NEAML) regional final on April 26th. Those participating include Hayden Bai, Nick Kuntz, Matthew O’Malley, Dilan Patel, Celina Hwang, Arushi Gangwani, and Isabella Eisenhauer. Good luck and congratulations!

At Austin Prep, we constantly seek ways to deepen our students' understanding of history, especially moments that shape our world today. Recently, our school had the profound opportunity to visit the "Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away." exhibit in Boston, an experience that left an indelible mark on all who attended.

The exhibit, meticulously curated with artifacts, testimonies, and immersive displays, transported us back to one of the darkest chapters in human history. Walking through the replica barracks, seeing the personal belongings of those who perished, and listening to survivor accounts brought the enormity of the Holocaust into stark reality.

For our students enrolled in the Holocaust Examined course, this trip was a powerful exercise in empathy and historical empathy before many of them travel to Berlin, Krakow, and Prague this week. The design of the course is to immerse students in a study of the dignity of all human beings and connect students with the deepest human dimensions of history. 

One of the most impactful aspects of the exhibit was its emphasis on resilience and remembrance. Through interactive exhibits and educational workshops, our students gained a deeper appreciation for the importance of preserving memory and standing against hatred and prejudice. Moreover, the trip to this exhibit and our remembrance trip to Europe generate meaningful discussions about becoming global citizens. By engaging with history in a tangible and empathetic way, our students are not just learning about the past; they are actively shaping a more just and compassionate future.

On Wednesday Austin Prep hosted its annual St. Augustine Lecture and welcomed Sister Tracey Matthia Dugas, F.S.P. to campus for this community event. You can view photos from the event here, and her entire lecture here.

The Lecture Series began in 2015 and is considered one of the signature events to enrich the intellectual life of Austin Prep by introducing students to accomplished individuals who share their lived experiences and life lessons.

Known as a “media nun,” Sister Tracey is a Daughter of St. Paul, an international community of women religious who preach the Gospel through all forms of media.

The basis of Sister Tracey’s lecture was the year’s school theme from the Book of Psalms (7:8): “Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to the integrity that is in me.” Through this theme, Sister Tracey focused her remarks and advice on the inseparable connection of integrity to veritas, unitas, and caritas. Ultimately, personifying Augustinian virtues of truth, unity, and love in our lives is about integrity.

The Austin Prep Band and Choir students will be performing on Wednesday, May 22nd at 7:00 p.m. at the Greater Boston Stage Company in Stoneham. Come and see the creative efforts of our music program! Tickets are $5 and are available here.

At the April 5th Spring Pep Rally it was announced that collectively Austin Prep raised $45,124 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during the three Spirit Weeks this academic year.  At Monday's Community Meeting members of Austin Prep Student Government and James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School, presented a check to Sarah Potter of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The mission of St. Jude is to advance cures, prevention, research and treatment for pediatric catastrophic diseases, and the Hospital has been the beneficiary of Austin Prep's charitable efforts in recent years. Collectively, this year Austin Prep raised over $40,000 for St. Jude! We appreciate the generosity of our families, and thank St. Jude for their continued efforts in treating the toughest childhood diseases.

Last Friday, April 19th, Lukasz Rondeau '24 started off a notable week for Austin Prep lefthanded pitchers, past and present. Lukasz threw a perfect game, leading Austin Prep to a 5-0 win over Belmont Hill. The 71 pitch, 8 strikeout effort improved his record to 3-0, and upped the baseball team’s win streak to 20.

Then this past Thursday, Austin Prep alum Evan Blanco ’22 was the starting pitcher in the University of Virginia’s series opener against Boston College at iconic Fenway Park. A native of Woburn, MA, Blanco returned to his hometown ballpark in front of family and friends for Boston College’s 12th Annual ALS Awareness Game. Virginia fell to BC, but despite the loss, Blanco was left with fond memories of his Fenway experience. You can hear his post-game interview here.

On Tuesday, sixth-grade students had the incredible opportunity to be one of the first groups to experience the newly renovated Christa McAuliffe Challenger Learning Center at Framingham State University. McAuliffe was an American Teacher and Astronaut from Concord, New Hampshire. The world watched in 1986 as Christa and the six other crewmembers tragically died shortly after the launch of the Challenger Space Shuttle. Christa is an alumna of FSU, making this Space Center incredibly special and personal in her honor.

As part of their excursion, students experienced a Mars Simulation and the Planetarium. 

For the Mars Simulation, students were paired between “Mission Control” and the “Spacecraft Crew”. They were assigned different roles to play in their mission to find proof of water and the possibility of life on Mars. Some of the roles included Navigation, which had to safely land the spacecraft on the surface of Mars, Medical, which checked on the vitals of all crew members, and Geology, which had to identify any samples found on Mars. The students had to solve complex problems, rely on their teammates, practice communication skills, and rely on previous experiences covered in their Earth and Space Science Class.

The second part of the trip involved a state-of-the-art Planetarium. Students practiced identifying constellations and other celestial objects that they recognized. They even “traveled” into the Constellation Orion to look at the Orion Nebula, the closest star-forming region to Earth! They viewed a mini-documentary on Astronomers in Chile. Finally, students participated in a mini-lab where they worked as teams to explore different exoplanets and then shared their research with their classmates as their “discovery” was projected above.