June 2024
6.1.2024
June 1, 2024
Newly Enrolled Students and Parents Welcomed at BBQs
Newly enrolled Middle School Students at Wednesday night's BBQ.
Despite there still being six days left in the academic year (but who is counting?), we are already excited for 2024-2025! This past week we hosted BBQs with carnival style games and great food for newly enrolled Austin Prep Middle School students and parents, as well as for new and returning members of the Class of 2028. It was a great opportunity to meet new classmates and families before we break for summer. Photos from the Middle School BBQ can be viewed here.
Memorial Day Sale on Uniforms Ends Tomorrow, June 2nd
Don't wait! Take advantage of this Lands' End school uniform sale and be prepared for next year with plenty of time to spare. Please refer here for all school uniform requirements.
Summer Programming Announced
Art and Design Faculty Member Ms. Katie Clark will be teaching the "Arts & Stages: Intro to Musical Theatre" class this summer.
Austin Prep is excited to offer summer programming designed to engage, educate and inspire students of all ages. Running from June through August, our summer programs offer a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, sports, arts and technology workshops. Whether your child is looking to sharpen math skills, explore artistic talents or develop new athletic abilities, our summer program provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. With experienced educators and coaches leading each session, students will not only enhance knowledge and skills but also build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories. Join us for a summer of fun and learning. Click here to explore options and register.
2024-2025 School-Wide Student Government Officers Announced
Austin Prep recently held an election for 2024-2025 School-Wide Student Government Officers. All Middle School and Upper School Students were eligible to vote in the School-Wide Student Government Election. Your 2024-2025 School-Wide Student Government Officers are noted above. We look forward to a great year next year under their leadership!
Office of College Counseling Joins Select Network
Mrs. Cyndy Pitta P'28, '30 and colleagues in the Office of College Counseling will have new networking and professional development opportunities with BISCCA affiliation.
The Office of College Counseling is pleased to announce their acceptance into the Boston Independent School College Counselors Association (BISCCA). A select network of 40 private schools in the area, benefits of BISCCA include participation in a members only college fair and college counselor professional development and networking opportunities with other independent high schools, colleges, and universities. BISCCA member schools include: Austin Prep, Bancroft School, Beaver Country Day School, Belmont Hill School, Boston Trinity Academy, Boston University Academy, Brimmer & May School, Brooks School, Buckingham Browne & Nichols School, Cambridge School of Weston, Chapel Hill-Chauncy Hall School, Commonwealth School, Concord Academy, Cushing Academy, Dana Hall School, Dexter Southfield School, GANN Academy, German International School, The Governor’s Academy, Groton School, International School Of Boston, Lawrence Academy, Maimonides School, Middlesex School, Milton Academy, Montrose School, Newman School, Newton Country Day School, Noble & Greenough School, Pingree School, Rivers School, Roxbury Latin School, St. Mark’s School, St. Sebastian’s School, Tabor Academy, Thayer Academy, Ursuline Academy, Walnut Hill School, Winsor School and Worcester Academy.
Spring Sport All NEPSAC Honorees Announced
Landon Bentley '26 earned All NEPSAC Honorable Mention recognition for Boys Lacrosse.
The New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) released its Spring Sport All-NEPSAC selections on Friday, and Austin Prep received a slew of nominations. Spring award winners include:
Track & Field
Baseball
Softball
Boys Lacrosse
Girls Lacrosse
Boys Tennis
Girls Tennis
Students Living our Mission
A monthly recognition of students demonstrating our values on campus.
Aiden Richard ‘29 and Sean Dolan '28 were recognized by the Office of Student Life for their contributions to the school community in May.
As the school year comes to an end, we continue to work with one another to strengthen our community. Through our core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, we look to build upon the strong character of our students.
As we do so, the Office of Student Life aims to recognize those who display exemplary behavior on campus. Students who best exhibited the values that are distinctive to the Austin Prep experience were acknowledged monthly here in the Cougar Courier.
This month, we would like to highlight the work of Aiden Richard ‘29, and Sean Dolan '28. Our middle school students have shown great growth throughout the year and these students are an example of unitas at work. Aiden and Sean went out of their way to make another student feel comfortable in the Dining Hall. After joining for lunch, the duo continued to make the student feel welcomed and discussed after school plans. This type of leadership and integrity are qualities we look for in our students. Great job Aiden and Sean!
Celebrating Marian Imagery Across Cultures
In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the month of Mary, students in Brother Blair Nuyda’s Middle School art classes embarked on a creative adventure to explore and honor Marian imagery from the Philippines, Korea, and Vietnam. This project was designed to blend traditional art with personal expression, fostering both cultural appreciation and individual creativity. You can view the artwork here.
Mary, revered as the mother of Jesus, holds profound religious significance across various cultures and traditions. Her universal presence in Christian devotion is beautifully expressed through diverse artistic depictions worldwide. In this project, students explored how Marian imagery is uniquely portrayed in Asian cultures, reflecting local traditions, symbols, and aesthetics.
Under the guidance of Br. Blair, students began by learning about the significance and symbolism of Marian images in different Asian cultures. Equipped with this knowledge, they used provided templates as a foundation, carefully applying traditional color schemes and incorporating culturally significant symbols and botanical designs.
The students' artworks reflect a harmonious blend of respect for tradition and unique personal interpretation. Each piece is adorned with thoughtful additions of personal and cultural symbols, showcasing their understanding and appreciation of the diverse ways Mary is venerated across these cultures.
We invite you to explore these artworks and appreciate the unique stories and cultural narratives they represent, celebrating the profound religious significance of Mary and the beautiful diversity of her depictions in Asian cultures.
Middle Schoolers Participate in Hands-On Learning at MIT Museum
The Middle School Robotics and Topics in Technology classes enjoyed an immersive educational experience at the MIT Museum. The field trip took the students behind the scenes to explore robotics and technology in engaging, hands-on ways.
The highlight was participating in the museum’s interactive robotics workshop. Students got to build and program small robots, applying coding and engineering principles they have been learning in class. Working in teams, they designed robots with their own creative approaches. Students’ imaginations shined; whether it be adding voice-activated sensors, composing original music for the robots to play, or coming up with unique occupations for their robots. In addition to the workshop, the museum’s exhibits provided students with a chance to see cutting-edge robotics, AI, and engineering projects up close. They marveled at the solar-powered vehicle, social interacting robots, and AI designed to write poetry.
The field trip reinforced key concepts that students learned throughout the year, including collaboration and the iterative design process. Students gained memorable insights into robotics and deepened their understanding of how technology can be applied across several fields. This opportunity underscores Austin Prep’s continuing partnerships with prestigious universities and strengthens our commitment to cultivating a learning environment that enriches student curiosity.
Enjoy the Head of School Holiday!
"Sister Maria, what do you think about a Head of School Holiday on Monday, June 3rd?"
The recent Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2024 was one of the many signs that the 2023-2024 academic year is rapidly coming to a close. It was another engaging year full of teaching and learning, arts events, athletic contests, countless new initiatives, and the building of new and existing relationships which, when put together, strengthens unitas.
It has been a busy end to the school year and everyone has been working hard to do their best. To celebrate making it to the near completion of the year, and to provide an extended weekend for everyone to rest and recharge, James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School, has designated Monday, June 3rd as a Head of School Holiday for Austin Prep. There will be no classes that day and all administrative offices will close.
Dr. Hickey is grateful to everyone -- staff, students, and parents -- for the countless ways we continue to make the Austin Prep Journey a meaningful one for those in our School community. The extra day added to the upcoming weekend will allow you to complete any final assignments, prepare for quizzes or final exams, or simply allow for some additional quality time with friends and family.
School will reopen on Tuesday, June 4. The Office of Academic Affairs will share important details shortly for the final week of the academic year. Best wishes for a terrific end to the 2023-2024 academic year!
6.8.2024
June 8, 2024
Baseball Seniors Celebrated During Group Signing Day
Members of the Baseball Class of 2024.
This week, Austin Prep senior baseball players and their families gathered to celebrate their commitment to continue their baseball careers at the collegiate level. Congratulations to the following nine Austin Prep Baseball seniors who will go on to play collegiate baseball next year: Byron Woodman '24 (Salve Regina), Jack Sweeney '24 (Brandies University), Matt Doherty '24 (Trinity College), Jay Voica '24 (Hobart and William Smith Colleges), Roberts Galvis '24 (Clark University), Lukasz Rondeau '24 (Dayton University), Evan Ventura '24 (Army West Point), Cameron Flaherty '24 (Gordon College), and Will Cacciatore '24 (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University). The group was joined by Jake Zawatsky '24 (UMass Lowell), David VanderZouwen '24 (Bentley University), Jake Harring '24 (Hofstra University) and Jordan Barthel '24 (Utah Valley University). who signed their National Letters of Intent (NLI) back on National Signing Day on Wednesday, November 8th. Congrats to all!
You can read more about the impact of the Austin Prep Baseball Class of 2024 here.
Still Looking for Something to do This Summer?
There is still time to register for our Summer Programs
Austin Prep is excited to offer summer programming designed to engage, educate and inspire students of all ages. Running from June through August, our summer programs offer a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, sports, arts and technology workshops. Whether your child is looking to sharpen math skills, explore artistic talents or develop new athletic abilities, our summer program provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. With experienced educators and coaches leading each session, students will not only enhance knowledge and skills but also build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories. Join us for a summer of fun and learning. Click here to explore options and register.
Too Soon?
The 2024-2025 Academic Calendar can be Found Below
A few reminders as we look ahead to the start of the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This year, we return to our traditional start date with our first day of classes (Tuesday, August 27th) occurring the week before Labor Day. Schoolwide orientations take place on Monday, August 26th. More details regarding the upcoming year will be sent by the Office of Academic Affairs in early summer. The full academic calendar can be found here. This calendar contains information pertinent to key dates in the academic calendar as well as holidays and vacations.
Also, don't forget, this is the year that Austin Prep transitions to the two week March break. Additionally, you can review modifications to the 2024-2025 Academic Schedule here.
Art Students Participate in Reality Show Inspired Contest
Students in Art and Design Faculty member Ms. Lena Caruso's Creativity Lab classes participated in a "reality show" style art competition called "Last Artist Standing". The finalists from each class had 45 minutes and limited art supplies to design the box for a brand new cereal. The winners are shown with their artwork and their Golden Arty Award. From left to right, Caleigh Murphy, Kaitlyn Riordan, and Emmett Surowiec.
Ayo '26 Cracks ESPNW Class of 2026 Rankings
Make Your Fiscal Year End Gift by June 30
The Austin Prep Fund is the cornerstone of fundraising at Austin Prep, and provides annual, flexible dollars for key programs and priorities, as well as the funding to address unforeseen needs throughout the year. Your generosity helps ensure Austin Prep students have an extraordinary experience rooted in our Augustinian traditions – rich in academic excellence, extracurriculars, community and faith. Gifts to the Austin Prep Fund impact every area of campus life, including technology upgrades, student programming and co-curricular opportunities, tuition assistance, athletic facilities, teaching innovation, and faculty professional development. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact!
With the end of the school year is upon us, this is a reminder that the Austin Prep 2023-2024 fiscal year closes June 30. Make your gift by June 30 by clicking here: rb.gy/1jn4n5
6.15.2024
June 15, 2024
The 2023-2024 Academic Year Comes to a Close with Field Day
Sixth graders no more! These guys are now ready for the 7th Grade.
That’s a wrap for the 2023-2024 Academic Year! Austin Prep celebrated the last day of the academic calendar on Tuesday with a special field day for Austin Prep Middle School students. At the end of the day, students wished Mr. Joe Leary well, as he is retiring from teaching. Thank you, Mr. Leary, for your guidance of our band and music programs. View photos here.
Summer Assignments and All School Read
A Chance in the World (Upper School) and A Wish in the Dark (Middle School) are this summer's all school summer read.
Despite school just letting out for summer, it is never too early to start thinking about summer assignments. Last week, Upper School summer assignments and Middle School summer assignments were sent to returning students, and new students will receive similar information very soon. In the meantime, we would like to share with you that the all school summer read for the Upper School is A Chance in the World by Steve Pemberton, while the Middle School summer read is A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat. Enjoy the summer reading!
Still Looking for Something to do This Summer?
There is still time to register for our Summer Programs
Austin Prep is excited to offer summer programming designed to engage, educate and inspire students of all ages. Running from June through August, our summer programs offer a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, sports, arts and technology workshops. Whether your child is looking to sharpen math skills, explore artistic talents or develop new athletic abilities, our summer program provides a safe, supportive and stimulating environment. With experienced educators and coaches leading each session, students will not only enhance knowledge and skills but also build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories. Join us for a summer of fun and learning. Click here to explore options and register.
Latin Students Recognized
Mr. Cori Russo, World Languages Faculty, presents Sofia Kiaer '30 with a National Mythology Exam Award.
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, 57 students from Austin Prep won an award of some kind on the exam, with 21 students winning silver medals (maxima cum laude), 12 students winning gold (summa cum laude), and 5 students achieving a perfect score! Congratulations!
French Students Enjoy Enrichment Activities
During the final week of classes, French students participated in an enrichment activity where students learned to make traditional crepes. It was fun to prepare ingredients and enjoy them together. A tasty cultural experience!
The Impact of Giving at Austin Prep
The Austin Prep Fund is the cornerstone of fundraising at Austin Prep, and provides annual, flexible dollars for key programs and priorities, as well as the funding to address unforeseen needs throughout the year. Your generosity helps ensure Austin Prep students have an extraordinary experience rooted in our Augustinian traditions – rich in academic excellence, extracurriculars, community and faith. Gifts to the Austin Prep Fund impact every area of campus life, including technology upgrades, student programming and co-curricular opportunities, tuition assistance, athletic facilities, teaching innovation, and faculty professional development. Every gift, no matter the size, makes an impact!
With the end of the school year upon us, this is a reminder that the Austin Prep 2023-2024 fiscal year closes June 30. Make your gift by June 30 by clicking here.
Vol.2... Willow 101
Students in Art and Design Faculty Ms. Nicolle Renick's yearbook class have completed the second 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.
Class of 2024 College Decisions | The Final List
The Class of 2024 will matriculate to some of the finest colleges and universities across the country and beyond. Here is the final list:
Stay Connected with us this Summer on Social Media
Be sure to keep up to date with all the current events at Austin Prep this summer by following us on our official social media accounts below:
Have a Great Summer!
As we come to the end of the Academic year, we are very grateful to God for all the graces bestowed on us. We express our gratitude in the following words. Thank you to Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Directory of Campus Ministry, for leading us in this end of academic year prayer:
Almighty God and father. As we come to the end of this school year, we offer our thanks and praise to you for the dedication and commitment of the Austin Prep administration, teachers, staff, alumni, parents and students. We thank you for the sacrifices made, the encouragement they provided, and the passion they brought to their work each day.
We pray that the summer break will be a time of renewal and refreshment for the administration, teachers, staff, and students. May they return in the fall with renewed energy, passion, and enthusiasm. We ask for your blessings upon parents and benefactors of the Austin Prep Community.
We pray for the successful completion of summer projects, and bless the workers with wisdom and energy. Amen