October 2023

Thank You for a Tremendous Open House

Thank you to everyone in the Austin Prep community who helped make Sunday’s Fall Open House a success. Nearly 300 families and an estimated 800 people visited campus to learn more about the Austin Prep journey.

Watch an Instagram recap of Open House or View a Facebook video recap of Open House.

Students Placed Their Orders for Reading Projects at “Starbooks”

The excitement and enthusiasm eighth-grade students displayed during the “Starbooks” book talk experience offered a fun way to close out the first quarter. Inspired by the ambiance of Starbucks, the event provided readers with an opportunity to showcase their independent reading projects in a creative and engaging way. View photos from Starbooks.

Students arrived in class equipped with detailed one-pagers about their selected books. They used these prompts to convey essential details about theme, plot, and characters to classmates. The aroma of hot cocoa and fall-themed treats created a warm atmosphere that made the exchange of ideas and stories all the more engaging.

One of the highlights of “Starbooks” was the gallery walk. Students had the chance to explore their peers’ posters more deeply, which allowed them to encounter a wide range of books, sparked curiosity, and helped them make informed decisions about their next independent reading selections.

“Starbooks” not only celebrated students’ interest in reading and exploring new stories, but also reinforced unitas through the sharing of knowledge and experience. Special thanks went to the creativity of Ms. Alexandra Dell'Anno '12 and Mrs. Kate Cavanaugh, P'28, '30 for bringing the event to life.

Math Team Competed at the WPI Invitational

The Austin Prep Math Team attended the 33rd annual WPI Invitational Mathematics Meet on October 20 at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The team included Hayden Bai ’25 (Captain), Isabella Eisenhauer ’25 (Captain), Dilan Patel ’25, Celina Hwang ’26, and math faculty member Mr. Sun as advisor.

After two rounds of competition, individual and team, against approximately 30 schools, Austin Prep finished in 12th place. Hayden, the team’s top scorer, also earned a $1,000 scholarship to WPI. Congratulations to the team on a strong performance.

Austin Prep Faculty Attended the Augustinian Values Institute

Austin Prep sent a delegation to the 20th gathering of the Augustinian Values Institute, held October 19-23 and hosted by Austin Catholic High School in Detroit, Michigan. Sponsored by the Augustinian Secondary Education Association, the conference brought together educators from Augustinian schools across North America to deepen their understanding of the Augustinian mission and return to their schools energized and with their “hearts on fire.” Schools from Austria and England also attended this year.

Teachers, faculty, and administrators gathered to share their experiences, reflect on how they apply the mission in their schools, and explore how the core values of the Augustinian Order take shape in daily practice. The conference included prayer, liturgy, lectures, breakout sessions, reflection, and guest speakers. Reflecting on the experience, English faculty member Cassandra Thompson said, “I am thankful for an amazing weekend and sharing in a faith-filled experience with the Austin Prep delegation. I feel so blessed to work at such a compassionate school with a supportive community of people.” Humanities teacher Trevor Jones added, “I learned so much that will shape how I go about teaching and knowing that I am connected to a greater purpose.”

The host school, Austin Catholic, founded in 2011, is the youngest school in the network and offered another reminder that the message of Augustinian education continues to resonate with educators, students, and families around the country.

Local Rabbi Visited with Austin Prep Students

Austin Prep hosted Rabbi Jessica Lowenthal of Temple Beth Shalom of Melrose to discuss the history of the Jewish people and their religion. During her visit with Mr. Raymond Kabunga and Mrs. Stephanie Choate’s Religion & Literature classes, as well as Mrs. Jess Swindell’s Research Methods and Holocaust Examined classes, she held question-and-answer sessions with more than 100 students.

Rabbi Jessica was ordained at Hebrew College in Newton and worked at the Anti-Defamation League in Boston as Assistant Regional Director. She has been influential in advocating for legislation intended to help communities live in a safer and more equitable world. She is also widely regarded as a leading educator on Jewish services and Torah study and has been trained in multiple Holocaust curricula, including Facing History and Ourselves and Echoes and Reflections.

Her session deepened students’ understanding of their studies, Jewish literature, and the roots of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Students were especially engaged by discussions of the synagogue, Torah, Talmud, and the process by which scrolls are written. The opportunity reflected Austin Prep’s ongoing mission to inspire students with hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.

Austin Prep Welcomed Auggie and a New Cougar Mascot Logo

Thursday’s Pep Rally marked a turning point in Austin Prep history. View photos from the Pep Rally.

As Austin Prep’s 60th anniversary year came to a close, the school introduced Auggie as its new cougar mascot. The name, inspired by St. Augustine, connected the reimagined mascot to Austin Prep’s Augustinian heritage while also embracing the school’s cougar identity for the years ahead.

See the new cougar logo, designed by Art and Design faculty member Nicolle Renick. Students also left the rally with towels featuring the new logo.

The rest of the Pep Rally featured a performance by the competitive cheer team and spirited skits from fall athletic teams. The event opened with Hunter Soep '24, who delivered a Watch Hunter Soep’s guitar rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Students Had a Blast During Fall Spirit Week

Students enjoyed a spirited first Spirit Week of the year, featuring themed dress-down days, Watch highlights from the faculty-versus-students volleyball match, the Pep Rally, and plenty of school spirit.

In the spirit of caritas, the community also collected donations for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The student-driven initiative promoted unitas and caritas by building community while supporting children and families in need.

Holocaust Survivor Kati Preston Returned to Campus

Austin Prep was honored to welcome Holocaust survivor Kati Preston back to campus. Her powerful message to staff, middle school students, Research Methods students, previous Holocaust Examined students, and students participating in the Remembrance Journey resonated across the school community and helped ensure that the atrocities of the Holocaust are not forgotten.

Preston, who came from an interfaith family, detailed her experiences during the Holocaust, including hiding in a barn for months to avoid discovery and losing the entire Jewish side of her family, including her father. “I am often asked what my religion is now,” Preston said. “And I answer that my religion is love.” This marked her third visit to Austin Prep in recent years.

Her visit reflected Austin Prep’s continued effort to offer students new perspectives on the wider world and to deepen their understanding of remembrance, resilience, and tolerance.

Corbin Martin '24 Participated with the USA Lacrosse U18 Select Team

Last weekend, Corbin Martin '24 competed with the U18 USA Select Lacrosse Team at the Read the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic program at USA Lacrosse headquarters in Sparks, Maryland. One of 22 players selected after an extensive regional tryout process through the National Team Development Program, Corbin helped Team USA to a tournament title against the Canadian National Team and the Haudenosaunee National Team.

To cap the weekend, Corbin was also featured prominently in a USA Lacrosse social media post. See Corbin Martin’s social media highlight.

Addison Slye '29 Emerged Victorious at the Pennsylvania Horse Show

Addison Slye '29 and her horse Conrido recently competed in the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. They took first place in the View Addison Slye’s winning division result.

Established in 1946, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show hosts many of the world’s top riders over 11 days of competition. Addison’s participation alone was an honor, and winning a division made the achievement even more impressive. Congratulations to Addison and Conrido.

Boston College Educator and Leader Spoke to Austin Prep Faculty

Dr. Melodie Wyttenback, Executive Director of the Roche Center at Boston College, visited campus Friday as keynote speaker during Austin Prep’s professional development day. She shared her research on Catholic education and Hispanic culture, encouraging faculty to think about how Austin Prep’s Catholic and Augustinian identity positions the school to extend outreach to the Hispanic community.

Before coming to Boston College, Dr. Wyttenback served as an assistant professor and academic director at the Alliance for Catholic Education at the University of Notre Dame. She also served as president of Nativity Jesuit Academy in Milwaukee and as director of mission effectiveness for the Nativity Miguel Network of Schools in Washington, D.C.

During the professional development day, faculty also connected with colleagues through departmental meetings and prepared for Open House.

Austin Prep Hosted World-Renowned Sculptor Pablo Eduardo

Austin Prep hosted world-renowned sculptor Pablo Eduardo on Wednesday. A guiding principle of the Art & Design program is to encourage students to think creatively by analyzing, studying, and expressing themselves through the visual arts, and Mr. Eduardo’s visit supported that mission in a meaningful way.

He met with Art and Design faculty member Br. Blair Nuyda’s Art 101 students to discuss his journey in the arts. Eduardo explained that his favorite sculptures are of saints because of the inspiration he draws from their lives and the challenge of expressing their spirit in bronze. He shared that his pieces often take two to three years to complete, which fascinated the seventh- and eighth-grade students in attendance.

When students asked about his most challenging project, Eduardo pointed to the Boston Marathon memorial because of the pain and anguish people shared with him during the design process. He also discussed other notable works, including St. Thomas More and St. Ignatius of Loyola at Boston College, Kevin White in the City of Boston, Henri A. Termeer Square in Cambridge, Archangel St. Michael in Paris, and Iglesia de Nuestro Señor de la Exaltación in La Paz, Bolivia.

Austin Prep Community Recognized First Responders at Blue Mass

Representatives from the Reading Police and Fire Departments, the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums, and first responder parents from the Austin Prep community attended Austin Prep’s 7th Annual Blue Mass for First Responders on Tuesday, October 10. The Mass is held annually in gratitude for all those who put their lives on the line for others. View photos from Blue Mass.

Ava Intoppa '24, School-Wide President, welcomed classmates to the Mass and reflected on the importance of showing gratitude to those who put the well-being of others before their own every day.

The Mass was celebrated by Austin Prep alumnus Fr. Peter Gori '70, O.S.A., who recalled a traffic stop from his youth and remembered the respect shown to him by the officer involved. He used that story to reflect on the dignity and humanity shown by first responders in their daily work.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. spoke about gratitude, referencing a recent address by Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, at the U.S. Naval Academy. Dr. Hickey extended the Austin Prep community’s gratitude to all first responders for their quiet but deeply meaningful lives of service.

After Mass, Fr. Gori blessed emergency vehicles in the school parking lot and offered a special blessing to the first responders. The day also featured the debut of the sixth-grade choir, which had been added to the middle school art and design curriculum that fall. The Class of 2030 Choir performed “America the Beautiful” for the entire school community. Listen to the sixth-grade choir’s performance.

Austin Prep Concluded Hispanic Heritage Month

Austin Prep continued to prioritize justice and inclusion in the classroom and beyond. The work of the Office of Mission and Inclusion remained animated by the life and teaching of St. Augustine and the Augustinians. Drawing on the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, the school marked Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, which ran from September 15 to October 15, Austin Prep recognized the contributions, achievements, and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. On the final school day of the observance, Ella Gould '25, Bianca Renzullo '25, and Hailey Grohe '26 recited the morning prayer in Spanish. Watch the Spanish morning prayer.

Kerry Brennan Was Named Head Varsity Girls Hockey Coach

Austin Prep announced the appointment of Kerry Brennan as the school’s next Head Varsity Girls Hockey Coach. Coach Brennan took the helm of the program after building a strong record of playing, coaching, and administrative success in age-based hockey.

A Charlestown native, Coach Brennan came to Austin Prep from the North Shore Vipers Hockey Program, where she served as Program Director with a focus on player development and college placement. She also served as Director of the Wilmington Youth Lacrosse girls program. Before that, she held the position of Assistant Director and Youth Counselor for the Gavin Foundation’s Speakers of Hope program.

Before beginning her coaching career, Coach Brennan played collegiate ice hockey at Southern Maine and UMass Boston after a standout high school career at Boston Latin School, where she earned Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors, as well as the Boston Globe Female Ice Hockey Player of the Year and Samuel Morse Leadership Awards.

In addition to her coaching duties, Coach Brennan also served as Administrative Assistant in the Office of College Counseling at Austin Prep.

Grade 6 and 7 Students Participated in Campus Ministry Retreats

During the past week, the Campus Ministry Office provided middle school students in grades 6 and 7 with an opportunity for deeper reflection and connection with classmates through an on-campus retreat. Throughout the day’s activities, students reflected on the core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, while also considering Christ’s love for them.

Grade 8 Students Experienced the Upper School

Grade 8 students received a glimpse of Upper School life on Wednesday. Members of the Class of 2028 heard from school leadership and Upper School administrators and experienced mini-class sessions with Upper School faculty. The program gave eighth graders an early sense of the opportunities awaiting them in grade 9 and beyond.

Community Spotlight: Eric Smith

Note: Our vibrant campus comes to life as a result of the talented students and faculty who make up the Austin Prep community. The Cougar Courier periodically highlighted those individuals here.

Hometown: Westford, Massachusetts

Education/Degrees: B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts and anticipated M.A. in Dogmatic Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary

Years at Austin Prep: First year

Years working in education: Three years

Department/Area of Subject: Middle School Theology, teaching Living as Disciples of Christ and Living as Members of the Church

Describe a teacher who inspired you growing up: “I am blessed to have had so many impactful teachers in my life. My formative years were definitely shaped by my faith and my parents. I remember many individuals who contributed to who I have become, but one of the most influential came from a priest who taught courses in philosophy and faith and revelation. Father Brian Mullady, O.P., was my first theology professor. It was not his lessons or lectures that captivated me, but rather the manner in which he prioritized all things. Another teacher just as inspiring as Father Mullady is Father Tom Macdonald, a priest teaching at Saint John’s Seminary who also holds the office of Vice Rector. He guided me in my own discernment, but ultimately inspired me to take action because of his conviction and determination.”

Do you have a motto you teach by or an expression you try to instill in your classroom? “My students would probably laugh and say that I frequently said, ‘I have faith in you.’ In a real sense, I thought of myself as an adopted Augustinian. The words of St. Augustine, ‘Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you,’ remained an important guide.”

If you weren’t a teacher, what career would you have pursued? “My wife might say that I could have been a professional talker. I have always been drawn to working with people, so I think I would have worked in social work.”

Favorite Quote: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” - Edmund Burke

Fun fact: “I am a proud father. My son was born on April Fool’s Day last year. He is my little buddy. I am also an avid football fan and a fantasy football failure.”

Favorite Saint: “My favorite saint and hero is Our Lady of Guadalupe.”

Any other information you would like to share? “Austin Prep is an incredible school and I am proud and excited to be a part of the faculty.”

Austin Prep Recognized Hispanic Heritage Month

Austin Prep continued to prioritize justice and inclusion in the classroom and beyond. The work of the Office of Mission and Inclusion remained animated by the life and teaching of St. Augustine and the Augustinians. Drawing on the values of veritas, unitas, and caritas, the school marked Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.

Austin Prep celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month through activities across multiple disciplines. History classes examined the life of Dominican friar Bartolomé de las Casas, who worked from 1502 to 1547 as a missionary in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Peru. Spanish classes completed projects on popular Venezuelan dishes that also appeared on the menu at La Qchara.

“En el Nombre del Padre, del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. Amén.”

On Wednesday, Austin Prep welcomed Fr. Agustín Anda of St. Theresa’s North Reading to celebrate Mass in Spanish for Spanish classes during E Block. The liturgy gave students an opportunity to apply their language learning in a meaningful setting, and Spanish student lectors also participated. At the conclusion of Mass, Fr. Anda encouraged students to continue developing their Spanish-speaking skills.

The Entire Community Came Together for the Rosary

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a particular devotion, and October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. The Office of Campus Ministry prepared an all-school Rosary for the entire Austin Prep community on Monday, and students in the Campus Ministry Club led the prayer.

The Class of 2026 Visited Boundless Adventures

The Class of 2026 enjoyed a class trip to Boundless Adventures. It was a great day for sophomores to spend time together and create memories with friends and classmates. The Office of Student Life continued planning more class-based trips as the year progressed.

Merrimack Engineering Professor Spent Time with Students and the Robotics Club

Rickey Caldwell, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering at Merrimack College, visited the Topics in Technology Middle School class to discuss the all-school summer read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind. As the class explored inventing and renewable energy, Dr. Caldwell explained how he applies engineering to special projects in the military, automotive industry, and commercial development. He also spoke about the joy he finds in teaching, especially through his summer service work with disadvantaged elementary school students.

Students generated thoughtful questions about innovation and design while Dr. Caldwell encouraged them to pursue math and science by believing in themselves, stepping outside their comfort zones, and recognizing that failure is part of learning.

Dr. Caldwell also met with members of the Robotics Club and Robotics Team to discuss circuits, power sources, sensors, programming, and applied mathematics. The highlight of the visit came when students, faculty, staff, and school leadership were introduced to Spot, the Boston Dynamics robot featured in Dr. Caldwell’s robotics class at Merrimack. Students took turns “driving” Spot as he walked, danced, and climbed stairs, sparking excitement throughout campus.