February 2025
2.1.25
February 1, 2025
Winter Spirit Week is Here!
James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School, discussing Austin Prep's support of St. Jude Children's Hospital and L.A. Charities.
In coordination with Student Government, Winter Spirit Week will kick off on Monday, February 3rd and will conclude on Friday, February 7th with our Winter Pep Rally!
Spirit Weeks at Austin Prep continue to be a philanthropic partnership 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 $40,000 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.
At Tuesday's Community Meeting, James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School, reintroduced the efforts of St. Jude and the great work the organization does to support families impacted my pediatric diseases. He also described visits he has made to the Memphis, Tennessee hospital where he was able to witness firsthand the benefits of worldwide philanthropic support.
Dr. Hickey also referenced a new twist for Winter Spirit Week: this year, half of the money raised in support of next week's activities will be donated to LA Charities to help support those impacted by the tragic wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.
As a reminder, a donation of $20 is required to participate in Spirit Week, which can be given to your advisor. Let's have a great, spirited week!
Ice Hockey Open House Today at MPG Arena
The Austin Prep Hockey program and Office of Admissions are welcoming all prospective Cougar Ice Hockey players for an open house at MPG Arena (formerly known as Ristuccia) in Wilmington today, February 1st. Do you know prospective Austin Prep families and potential members of the ice hockey programs? Invite them for a tour of our home facilities and stay for the girls and boys varsity hockey games. Or do you just want to see the facilities yourself and watch a game? Come join us!
Schedule of the day:
1:15 p.m. - Check in for Boys Hockey players and families
1:30 p.m. - Tour of MPG Arena (updated locker rooms, weight room, film room)
2:00 p.m. - Boys Varsity vs. Vermont Academy
3:15 p.m. - Check in for Girls Hockey players and families
3:30 p.m. - Tour of MPG Arena (updated locker rooms, weight room, film room)
4:00 p.m. - Girls Varsity vs. Mount Saint Charles
If you are not able to make the boys or girls specific tour, you can attend either tour. If you have any questions, please contact admissions@austinprep.
Next Community Mass is February 9th
The Monthly Community Mass for February will be held on Sunday, February 9th 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 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, February 9th as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
First Enrolled Students for the 2025-2026 Academic Year
On Friday morning, Austin Prep sent via email admissions decisions to applicants who completed their applications by the December priority deadline.
Oliver Albrecht '29 (Upper School) and Addison Gill '32 (Middle School) were the first to enroll for the 2025-2026 academic year. Welcome Oliver and Addison, we can’t wait for you to start your #AustinPrepJourney!
Additionally, Amelia Condon ‘26 and Julian Blais ‘31 were the first Austin Prep students to re-enroll for the Upper and Middle School, respectively. Welcome back, Amelia and Julian!
In just the day since admissions decisions were released, we have been overwhelmed by the response from those families who have already enrolled. We are grateful for those in our community and beyond who believe in and support our mission on a daily basis, and we can’t wait to welcome our newly enrolled students in person in the very near future.
Austin Prep Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
This past week, Austin Prep celebrated National Catholic Schools Week (CSW), an annual celebration of Catholic education in the United States. CSW has traditionally been held the last week in January. Take a look below at some photos from the week:
Celebrating Faculty, Staff, and Volunteers
A special thank you to Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry, and everyone who helped put together the Catholic School Week programming!
Special Events Accompany Lunar New Year
Victoria '25 and EJ Liwanag '27 at the Lunar New Year event after school on Wednesday.
The Lunar New Year began Wednesday, January 29th and we wish a Happy Lunar New Year to all those who celebrate. It's the Year of the Snake! Over the past week, students have been preparing for the occasion, emphasizing food, stories, and traditions. Activities have included the introduction of Lunar New Year at Community Meeting, the making of dumplings in the dining hall, and a special party after school Wednesday. A special thank you goes to World Language Faculty Mrs. Daisy Tian and Dr. Fei Wang for helping guide our students during the celebrations. You can view photos and video from the week here.
Summer Programs Registration is Now Open
We are excited to announce registration is open for Summer at Austin Prep 2025. All of our programs have been designed to engage, educate, and inspire students of all ages. Summer programs will be offered from June through August with a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, sports, arts, and technology.
Whether your child is looking to sharpen their math skills, prepare for the SAT/ACT exams, explore their artistic talents, learn more about Esports and game artistry, or develop new athletic abilities our summer programs provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. Students will not only enhance their skills but also build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories on our beautiful Austin Prep campus and lunch will be provided daily by our exceptional Sage dining staff.
Summer Programs run on the following dates:
Session 1 | June 23 - July 4 (No programs July 4th)
Session 2 | July 7th - July 18th
Session 3 | July 21st - August 2nd
Session 4 | August 4th - August 15th
Please review our Summer offerings and register by clicking here.
Biscardi '88 Honored for Football Officiating
The NFL should consider assigning an officiating crew with integrity and impartiality to next week's Super Bowl, much like this crew featuring Mr. Tony Biscardi (third from the left).
Mr. Tony Biscardi '88, History Faculty, was recently honored by the Association of New England Football Officials with the Paul Tighe Award. The Paul Tighe Award is presented annually to the ANEFO member who best displays qualities of integrity, professionalism, and tactfulness in dealings with players, coaches, and fellow officials; who comports himself in a manner consistent with the high standards of the officiating profession; and who exercises his authority in an impartial, firm, and controlled manner. You can learn more about Mr. Biscardi's officiating career here.
Unitas Leadership Academy Visits JFK Library and Museum
Students in the Unitas Leadership Academy at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum on Thursday.
Austin Prep's Unitas Leadership Academy visited the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston's Columbia Point this week. The students took part in a guided tour with a focus on the leadership legacy of our nation's 35th president. In their post-trip discussion, students shared their thoughts on how President Kennedy listened and communicated with integrity, confidence, and conviction, learned from his mistakes, overcame obstacles with resilience, and inspired the American people with a bold vision. Also noted was the critical leadership role that Jacqueline Kennedy played on the campaign trail, in the White House, and with various humanitarian causes.
Anderson '25 to Continue Career at Wesleyan
Wesleyan bound Bree Anderson '25 with mother Jill and father Mark.
Austin Prep hosted a college athletics signing on Monday with Bree Anderson '25 committing to continuing her ice hockey career at NCAA Division III and NESCAC member Wesleyan College. As with teammate Faith Steiner '25, who made her college commitment a week prior, Bree was a freshman member of the Austin Prep Girls Ice Hockey team that won the 2022 MIAA Division I State Championship. More college athletics signings of Austin Prep student-athletes to come!
2.8.25
February 8, 2025
Snow Day Doesn't Dampen Winter Spirit
Austin Prep celebrated Spirit Week February 4th -7th 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 Friday during Cougar Block (won by the juniors and 8th grade), as well as the Friday afternoon winter pep rally.
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 $40,000 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. This year, half of the money raised in support of the week's activities will be donated to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to help support those impacted by the recent tragic wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area.
We hope everyone had a great week!
Tomorrow's Community Mass Postponed
Father Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, and members of the School's religious community look forward to seeing you at the next Community Mass.
The Monthly Community Mass for February scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to the anticipated winter weather. Be on the lookout here in the Cougar Courier for a rescheduled date soon.
Big Saturday in Athletics
While most of the country may be turning their attention to Super Sunday, let's not overlook the big home Saturday today for Austin Prep Athletics, including the "Game of the Week" featuring Boys Basketball vs. Middlesex at 2:00 p.m. We hope to see you there!
Summer Programs Registration is Now Open
Early Registration rates end on Monday, February 10th
We are excited to announce registration is open for Summer at Austin Prep 2025. All of our programs have been designed to engage, educate, and inspire students of all ages. Summer programs will be offered from June through August with a diverse range of activities including academic enrichment, sports, arts, and technology.
Whether your child is looking to sharpen their math skills, prepare for the SAT/ACT exams, explore their artistic talents, learn more about Esports and game artistry, or develop new athletic abilities our summer programs provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment. Students will not only enhance their skills but also build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories on our beautiful Austin Prep campus and lunch will be provided daily by our exceptional Sage dining staff.
Summer Programs run on the following dates:
Session 1 | June 23 - July 4 (No programs July 4th)
Session 2 | July 7th - July 18th
Session 3 | July 21st - August 2nd
Session 4 | August 4th - August 15th
Please review our Summer offerings and register by clicking here.
Join Us February 25th for Health and Wellness Presentation
The Health and Wellness Office is excited to host Dr. Michael G. Thompson for a parent presentation on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. at Austin Prep. Michael Thompson, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, author and school consultant. He has worked in schools for fifty years, starting out as a middle school teacher, later training as a counselor and psychologist.
In the presentation, Dr. Thompson describes the psychological journey that children experience during their thirteen years in school. He reminds parents that children are almost never judging themselves by grades: they are always monitoring their own development and constantly searching for three things: connection, recognition and a sense of power.
Please RSVP for the presentation by February 14th, and reach out to Middle School Health and Wellness Counselor Julie Rankin with any questions in the interim.
Sixth Grade Students Present the Egyptian Museum
Zayaan Sheikh '31, Broderick Tasto '31 and Luke Sgro '31 at Tuesday's Egyptian Museum.
The Class of 2031 welcomed family and friends on Tuesday evening to the Ninth Annual Sixth Grade Egyptian Museum. This past semester, our sixth grade scholars worked towards this annual interdisciplinary and experiential capstone in their English, History and Theology courses. This year’s scholarly symposium was an opportunity for sixth graders to showcase their work and that of their peers. The Egyptian Museum is an important mile marker on the Austin Prep Middle School Journey. View photos from the Museum here.
Annual NaNoWriMo Writers Celebrated
The Class of 2030 wrote a grand total of 876,237 words!
Emma Hale '30 with her NaNoWriMo raffle prizes. Emma wrote 50,171 words!
The NaNoWriMo Project is a capstone experience in seventh grade English. During the month of November, students are challenged to compose a minimum 10,000-word novel. Students are supported in this endeavor with an extensive planning period in the fall and incentives throughout November. English teacher Mrs. Leeann Blais joined Head of Middle School Mr. Michael McLaughlin to celebrate the students' work as descriptions of each novel were read for the class. Well done, seventh grade! Top writers included:
10. (14,103) Sophia Doucette
Thank you to Mrs. Blais, for her work on this annual initiative. We have no doubt you'll be finding many Austin Prep authors' work on the shelves of a bookstore near you in the future!
Tokarev '28 Wins Top Honors at Carnegie Hall Competition
Mark Tokarev '28 performing at Carnegie Hall.
Mark Tokarev '28 recently competed at the Crescendo International Competition at iconic Carnegie Hall in New York City, where he captivated audiences and took home First Prize honors. Established in 2007, this esteemed competition has grown into one of the largest and competitive music contests in the United States, attracting thousands of talented musicians each year. As a distinguished winner, Mark had the honor of performing "Op. 16, No. 4 from Six Moments Musicaux" by Sergey Rachmaninoff at the January 18th event. This virtuosic masterpiece, renowned for its blistering tempo and intricate left-hand passagework, showcased Mark’s technical skills and artistic depth. Aside from his recognition outside of school, Austin Prep is grateful to have Mark involved with various musical initiatives on campus. Congratulations, Mark!
College Counseling Resources Available in New Portal
Portal includes comprehensive list of summer enrichment programs for upper school students
The Office of College Counseling is pleased to present families a new College Counseling page on the Veracross Parent Portal and the Veracross Student Portal. This one stop area provides families valuable information on the college admissions process, including financial aid and scholarship information, guidance on visiting colleges, NCAA eligibility information, and more.
One section of particular note is the comprehensive list of summer enrichment programs for upper school students. These valuable opportunities at colleges and companies provide hands-on experience that extends beyond our campus walls. Such experiences strengthen college applications and build meaningful connections with professionals and peers, helping students stand out in an increasingly competitive admissions landscape. Many programs have deadlines approaching, so now is the time to start!
Please contact the Office of College Counseling with any questions about information in the portal.
Celebrating Austin Prep's Girls and Women in Sports
Wednesday, February 5th 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 its too late!
Baseball Once Again Leads the Way in Massachusetts
Perfect Game USA recently released its annual top high school baseball team from each state list, and for 2025 Austin Prep Baseball once again topped the list for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In a remarkable string of consistency and success, Austin Prep also topped the list in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the list compiled by MaxPreps in 2020. Learn more about the list here.
Second Quarter Honor Roll Announced
The list of students who earned honors in the second quarter of Austin Prep's 2024-2025 academic year has been released. Congratulations to the students who earned this prestigious recognition in their pursuit of truth. #Veritas
2.15.25
February 15, 2025
Benefactors and Students Recognized at Memorial Scholarship Ceremony
Memorial Scholarship recipients after Wednesday's breakfast.
We were honored to announce Memorial Scholarship recipients for the 2025-2026 academic year at a special breakfast and ceremony on Wednesday. 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. Students were presented with certificates by James Hickey, Ph.D., Head of School, and Jonathan Pollard, Associate Head of School. We are proud of our students and grateful for the support of those who make these scholarships possible. #Caritas
View photos from the ceremony here.
Class of 2025 Baby Photos Due February 24th
Can you name this member of the Class of 2025?
Answer below...
As part of the annual tradition, we would like for parents of the Class of 2025 to submit a baby photo of their senior to be included in the yearbook. Photos are due by Monday, February 24th. Important: Please include your child's first and last name so we can identify who they are. We will not be able to include them otherwise. The Baby Photos page will be built around the submissions sent on time. Any photos sent beyond the due date of February 24th are not guaranteed to be included in the yearbook.
You can email a photo to Ms. Nicolle Renick, Art & Design Faculty at nrenick@austinprep.org.
Next Community Mass is March 2nd
The next Monthly Community Mass will be held on Sunday, March 2nd 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 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, March 2nd as we strengthen each other through this act of celebrating Mass together.
Newly Accepted Parents Welcomed at Dinner Events
Students at the Middle School Accepted Parents Event.
Students at the Upper School Accepted Parents Event.
On Monday, Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D. hosted a dinner event at the Andover Country Club for the parents of newly accepted Middle School students, with a similar event held on Thursday for parents of newly accepted Upper School students. At this annual event, parents had the opportunity to meet fellow parents and interact and ask questions of the school leadership faculty in attendance. Parents heard remarks from Jonathan Pollard ’97, Associate Head of School, and Lisa Simmons, Director of Admissions. The highlight of the night followed dinner when parents were provided with the forum to ask questions of our student panel, which was moderated by Dr. Hickey. Our students represented Austin Prep well and provided prospective parents an authentic glimpse into the Austin Prep experience.
Guest Speaker Shares Insights During Black History Month
Marcus Watson, with Dr. William Driscoll, Dean of Faculty, during a campus visit Monday.
In celebration of Black History Month, Sociology students and Psychology Club members had the privilege of hosting Marcus Watson, a distinguished professional whose diverse career path in social services has positively impacted countless lives.
Mr. Watson brought a wealth of experience to the discussion, drawing from his roles as a social worker with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), an international student director, and a school counselor. His multifaceted background provided students with valuable insights into the various ways social service professionals can make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Throughout his presentation, Watson shared personal experiences and professional wisdom, offering students a realistic view of the challenges and rewards that come with a career in social services. His journey from DCF social worker to international student director and eventually school counselor demonstrated the versatility and growth opportunities within the field.
As part of our Black History Month programming, Watson's presentation highlighted the significant contributions of Black professionals in social services and education. His story served as an inspiring example of how dedicated individuals can create positive change through various roles in the helping professions.
Students particularly benefited from hearing about the day-to-day realities of working in different social service settings, as well as the educational pathways and skills needed to succeed in these careers. Watson's presentation not only informed students about potential career paths but also emphasized the importance of diversity and representation in social services.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to delve deeper into specific aspects of Watson's career journey and gather practical advice for their own professional development.
Austin Prep Welcomes Hip Hop Dance Crew
Tron from the Floor Lords Crew teaches Austin Prep Students how to do the robot.
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing students with guest speakers who are leaders in their respective fields, and in celebration of Black History Month, dance students had the opportunity to learn new styles from an award winning Boston-based dance crew, The Floor Lords. This organization seeks to use the positive aspect of hip hop dance to reach and empower youth worldwide, and share our perspective that education can cultivate global citizenship. The focal point of their visit was to share the history of hip hop dance and how dance can have a positive impact on the community. The Floor Lords taught students the elements of hip-hop through a blend of performance, a tutorial in how to do the robot, and an introduction to breakdancing. See photos of The Floor Lords with our students here.
College Counseling Hosts Kick-Off Events For Freshmen and Sophomores
Mrs. Cyndy Pitta welcomes families of the Class of 2028.
The Office of College Counseling recently hosted “Introduction to the College Process” events for students and parents in the Classes of 2027 and 2028. Families had the opportunity to learn more from Mrs. Cynthia Pitta, P'28, '30 Director of College Counseling, and members of the College Counseling staff about what to expect and how to prepare for the college admissions process. The college process begins for our freshman and sophomores!
Faculty Connect During Professional Development Day
Dr. Beth Weeks of Seacoast Literacy.
Our faculty embraced a rich day of professional development on Friday, exploring global perspectives on collaboration through diverse case studies of schools in Ontario, Hong Kong, and Colombia. The day included an illuminating presentation by Beth Weeks of Seacoast Literacy, whose mission aligns perfectly with our Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. Drawing from her extensive experience as an educator, curriculum director, and reading specialist, Weeks guided our faculty through the intricate science of reading and learning differences. Her comprehensive approach to diagnosing and supporting students with reading-based learning challenges reflects our Augustinian commitment to unity and ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. By sharing practical, cross-curricular applications, Weeks empowered our teachers to draw upon the science when creating their learning environments. This professional development opportunity exemplifies our Augustinian dedication to transformative education and our belief that every student's journey to understanding deserves our utmost attention and care.
Mrs. Kerianne Barry, Mr. Nate Piccini and Mrs. Nicole Putney, left to right.
The day also featured inspiring presentations from our 2024 summer sabbatical recipients English Faculty Mrs. Nicole Putney P'26, '28, World Languages Faculty Mrs. Kerianne Barry P'29, '30, and History Faculty Mr. Nate Piccini '93. The Austin Prep Summer Sabbatical program was established in 2016 by the Board of Trustees and funds proposals allowing faculty members to pursue their passions while making important advancements in their areas of study, thus reinvigorating their future classroom instruction with new findings and ideas.
Mrs. Putney went on a three-week road trip from the Florida Keys to Maine, focusing on exploring the lives and writings of prominent American authors. The trip was an educational exploration into the rich tapestry of American literary history by visiting museums, universities, libraries, and authors’ homes, and networking with literary critics, authors, and writers-in-residence.
Mrs. Barry attended the American Association of Teachers of French Convention in San Diego to network with French teachers from across the country, which is followed by a language immersion program run by the French Embassy. The focus on Francophone culture was invaluable in preparing students for the Quebec trip during in November, 2024.
Mr. Piccini’s sabbatical focused on deepening student understanding of Roman culture in Britain. Mr. Piccini traveled throughout Britain from London to Bath, including stops at museums and ruins, and Hadrian’s Wall. These locations were key components of the Roman occupation of Brittania in the first century AD.
Professional development opportunities are heavily supported by gifts to the Austin Prep fund, and we are grateful for the community’s commitment to advancing teaching and learning excellence at Austin Prep.
Austin Prep Astronomers Past and Present Visit Museum of Science
Dr. Ric Vanegas with Austin Prep students past and present, as well as lecturer Dr. Jackie Faherty.
Students in Science Faculty Dr. Ric Vanegas' P'21, 24 Astronomy Honors class, as well as some Austin Prep alums recently visited the Museum of Science for a lecture on exoplanets. The lecture, entitled "Earth the Transiting Exoplanet," was led by Dr. Jackie Faherty. A Senior Scientist and Senior Education Manager jointly in the Department of Astrophysics and the Department of Education at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, Dr. Faherty is working at the forefront of brown dwarf and exoplanet atmosphere detection and characterization, while strving to create more opportunities for underrepresented minorities to enter STEM fields through unique outreach endeavors. She presented her research on how exoplanets are discovered and how we could be discovered by other civilizations. You can learn more here.
Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament is May 19th
Austin Prep's Annual Golf Tournament registration is now open and we are excited to invite you to support the tournament. This is a fantastic way to show your school spirit while helping raise funds for STEM Innovation. Starting at just $300, your family name can be proudly displayed on the course, showing your commitment to our school community. In addition, if you own or manage a business, this is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your company's visibility while demonstrating your support and commitment to ensuring an extraordinary experience for the students of Austin Prep. Click here to check out all the opportunities to support the 37th Annual Austin Open! If you are a golfer don't wait too long to register, the flight fills fast!
Student Musicians Perform at Winter Warmer
Mark-Henry Novas '26 at the Winter Warmer.
"Winter Warmer" was hosted by Camerata on Wednesday, February 12th in the Gathering Room during afterschool enrichment time. Over a dozen acts performed at the open mic and cocoa and cookies were served. Have some musical talent that you'd like to share with classmates? Please join us for "Spring Blossom" in May. A sign-up form will be shared during the morning announcements after March break.
Baby Photo Answer
Lauren Shaffer '25
Happy Valentine's Day!
We hope everyone at Austin Prep had a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
God loves each of us as if there were only one of us. ~ St. Augustine