October 2025

 

 

Tuesday, October 7 is picture retake and make up day. Seniors who did not get their headshots taken for the yearbook over the summer should plan to have those photos taken as well. Retakes and make-up photos begin at 8:00 a.m. in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall and Senior headshots begin at 9:00 a.m. in Meelia Hall. If you plan to have your picture taken on Tuesday, please be in chapel dress. 

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On Wednesday, October 15 all students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m. Each grade will receive detailed information, but here's what's happening:

• Grade 12: College essay/application work or campus visits
• Grades 9-11: PSAT
• Grade 8: Upper School Experience
• Grades 6-7: Class Retreat

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In 2015, the Parents Association was created with a dual mission: to build a strong sense of community among parents and to support the school’s development efforts through hospitality, appreciation, and volunteer events. This year, to better reflect that mission and spirit of collaboration, we’re reintroducing ourselves with a fresh new name: the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors.

Our goal is simple but powerful—to create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, while also contributing to the vibrant life and mission of Austin Prep. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of the community for years, there’s a place for you to get involved, make new friendships, and support our shared purpose.

A highlight of the year is our Annual Parent Social, taking place this year on Saturday, November 15 at Austin Prep. This fun and festive themed event brings parents together to enjoy a night out while raising critical support for the Annual Fund. It’s a celebration of community with a meaningful impact and one you won’t want to miss! More details will be shared soon!
 

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On Monday Austin Prep recognized ten Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious annual competition that recognizes outstanding academic achievement among high school students nationwide. Recognition was based on exceptional performance on the 2024 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Of the 1.5 million students who took the test nationally, approximately 34,000 students across the nation receive Commended Student recognition. Congratulations to Jared Cruz, Sydney Danese, Madeleine Fisher, Cecilia Goldsmith, Celina Hwang, Evan Jimenez, Elena Klimashova, Tyler Mathew, Steven Reyes, and Danielle Zaza. 

 

 

 

 

 

The calendar just turned to October, but Austin Prep always has its eye on Christmas! This week, members of Austin Prep's Interact Club partnered with the Office of Development to package Christmas ornaments for a mailing to Austin Prep's Champions of Giving. We appreciate the continued philanthropic support of those in the Austin Prep community. On the Christmas front, the Austin Prep Christmas Tree has been identified! Be on the lookout for tree lighting information later this fall. You can view photos from the day here.

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Our varsity golf team is grateful for the recent support of an anonymous donor whose gift resulted in new golf bags to start the season. Gifts such as this one help build camaraderie and provide a memorable experience for our student-athletes. We appreciate the generous support! #unitas

 

 

 

 

On Wednesday, October 15 all students will be dismissed at 11:00 a.m. Families received an email on Tuesday from the Office of Academic Affairs with additional details, but here's what's happening:

• Grade 12: College essay/application work or campus visits
• Grades 9-11: PSAT
• Grade 8: Upper School Experience
• Grades 6-7: Class Retreat

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In coordination with Student Government, Fall Spirit Week will kick off on Monday, October 20 and will conclude on Friday, October 24 with our first Pep Rally of the year! 

Spirit Weeks at Austin Prep will continue to benefit 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 $37,000 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. On Friday, students learned more about the important work St. Jude does for children and families.

A donation of $20 to St. Jude is required to participate in Spirit Week, and is due to your advisor by Monday, October 20. Let's have a great, spirited week!

 

 

The Austin Prep Trunk-or-Treat event is back! Gather your classmates, friends, and family for an evening of Halloween fun at Austin Prep on Friday, October 24! From 4:30–6:00 p.m., “trunkers” will deck out their trunks, tailgates, or hatchbacks in festive, family-friendly themes and hand out candy to our excited “treaters.” Costumes are encouraged, and kids of all ages are welcome to join in the safe, spooky fun (no scary, violent, demonic decorations or costumes, please).

 

 

Generosity is more than philanthropy – it is a legacy of faith, community, and hope for the next generation. We are pleased to present Champions of Giving, a series that shines a spotlight on the donors of Austin Prep, celebrating the individuals and families whose contributions have strengthened the school, enriched student experiences, and ensured that the values of truth, unity, and love continue to thrive.

This series shares their stories: who they are, why they were inspired to give, and how their generosity has made a lasting difference. From new facilities to scholarships, from leadership to community service, each Champion of Giving demonstrates the power of supporting Austin Prep. As you explore their journeys, we invite you to be inspired by their impact and consider how you, too, can shape the future of our students.

 

We invite you to learn more about Dan Bouchard, P'10, '14, '15, Austin Prep past parent and current Chair of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Bouchard has been part of the Austin Prep community for nearly two decades and has witnessed firsthand the transformation of students into confident, accomplished young adults. Learn more about why he chooses to support Austin Prep, or learn how you can support Austin Prep.

 

 

 

 

Austin Prep’s 7th grade life science students recently participated in their first ecology research experience at Maillet, Sommes, and Morgan Conservation Land. Led by an education specialist from the Mystic River Watershed Association, students walked just a short distance from campus to engage in hands-on environmental science.

During the field trip, students learned about the critical role that conservation land plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems, particularly how these natural areas function to purify road runoff before it enters the Aberjona River. The experiential learning continued as students collected water samples from the ponds, prepared their own microscope slides, and examined the diverse array of microorganisms present in the local wetlands—essential components of ecological research.

This experience represents the first collaboration between the Mystic River Watershed Association and Austin Prep’s middle school program. The organization has previously worked with our upper school chemistry and environmental science classes on water quality testing through chemical analysis.

We are grateful to the Mystic River Watershed Association for providing this valuable educational opportunity to our faculty and students. Austin Prep looks forward to continuing this partnership and conducting additional ecology research and field investigations to monitor the health of our neighborhood wetlands in the years to come.​​

 

 

Members of the Class of 2032 spent the morning getting to know one another as they played miniature golf and enjoyed ice cream at Richardson's Farm. Students were placed in foursomes to play their 18 holes of golf and were prompted to dialogue with each other with conversation starters provided by faculty members at different holes on the course. An ice cream treat capped off the day. This class activity was planned by the Office of Student Life as part of a series of programs designed to build community among students. You can view photos from the day here.

 

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By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to a certain devotion. The month of 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 Friday. Students were encouraged to bring their own Rosary, which often has special meaning for the student.

 

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Austin Prep Closed Monday

 

In accordance with the school calendar, Austin Prep will be closed on Monday, October 13. We look forward to welcoming everyone back when we reopen on Tuesday, October 14. Enjoy the long weekend! 

 

 

 

In coordination with Student Government, Fall Spirit Week will kick off on Monday, October 20 and will conclude on Friday, October 24 with our first Pep Rally of the year! 

Spirit Weeks at Austin Prep will continue to benefit 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 $37,000 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. 

A donation of $20 to St. Jude is required to participate in Spirit Week, and is due to your advisor by Monday, October 20. Let's have a great, spirited week!

 

 

The Austin Prep Trunk-or-Treat event is back! Gather your classmates, friends, and family for an evening of Halloween fun at Austin Prep on Friday, October 24! From 4:30–6:00 p.m., “trunkers” will deck out their trunks, tailgates, or hatchbacks in festive, family-friendly themes and hand out candy to our excited “treaters.” Costumes are encouraged, and kids of all ages are welcome to join in the safe, spooky fun (no scary, violent, demonic decorations or costumes, please).

Registration Deadline for International March Break Trip is October 24

 

Over the 2026 March Break, Austin Prep will facilitate a 10-day international trip for Upper School students to Spain, Portugal, and France. Participants will follow in the footsteps of countless travelers—from the pilgrims on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela to the faithful who seek the healing waters of Lourdes. Along the way, travelers will explore Fátima, Montserrat, and Gaudí’s breathtaking Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, each place offering a unique window into art, faith, and the human search for meaning.

This Journey is rooted in the Augustinian spirit of exploration: of the world, of community, and of the heart. It will be a chance to experience history, language, and culture; to learn about culinary traditions; to stand before works of art and architecture that have inspired generations; and to discover how athletics, service, and community life take shape in different places. Whether drawn to faith, history, service, culture, or creativity, each traveler will find something that speaks to them on the path.

This program is available to freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors—the classes of 2029, 2028, 2027, and 2026. The enrollment deadline is October 24. Space is limited to forty students and will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The dates of the trip are March 9-19, 2026. Aside from the Celtic Christmas Trip this December, this Journey will be the only international travel opportunity for the 2025–2026 school year.

To be considered for a space on this trip, the traveler must email Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School, at mmclaughlin@austinprep.org. From there, Mr. McLaughlin will be in touch with the official registration paperwork. Austin Prep is pleased to once again be partnering with Peter’s Way Tours. This will be the School's fifth trip with Peter’s Way.

The cost of the trip is $4,995 and is inclusive of flights, accommodations at double-occupancy, breakfast and dinner daily, entrance to all sites noted in the itinerary, coach transportation, a full-time tour manager/guide, and tips. Students will be responsible for snacks, souvenirs, lunch, and any activity in the structured independent time.

Austin Prep is honored to offer this opportunity, confident that it will provide students with a rich encounter of veritas, unitas, and caritas, and remind us that a journey is always more than reaching a destination—it is about discovering meaning along the way.

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Save the Date! Celebrate St. Augustine's Birthday and our Day of Giving on November 13

 

Save the date! On November 13 — and in honor of St. Augustine’s 1,671st birthday, we will be celebrating with our Annual Day of Giving. Each year, Giving Day supports the Austin Prep Fund. The Austin Prep Fund is the primary way for alumni, parents, and friends to support the school and directly impact a student's current Austin Prep experience. Annual support through the Austin Prep Fund empowers the School to annually invest in modern classroom technology, improve campus facilities, provide tuition assistance, develop enriching student programming and co-curricular activities, and enables teaching innovation through multi-dimensional faculty professional development opportunities. 

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Keep an eye on the mailbox, invitations for the Parent Ambassadors Parent Social have been sent! This year's event takes place Saturday, November 15 at Austin Prep. This fun and festive themed event brings parents together to enjoy a night out while raising critical support for the Annual Fund. It’s a celebration of community with a meaningful impact and one you won’t want to miss! 

In 2015, the Parents Association was created with a dual mission: to build a strong sense of community among parents and to support the school’s development efforts through hospitality, appreciation, and volunteer events. This year, to better reflect that mission and spirit of collaboration, we’re reintroducing ourselves with a fresh new name: the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors.

Our goal is simple but powerful—to create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, while also contributing to the vibrant life and mission of Austin Prep. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of the community for years, there’s a place for you to get involved, make new friendships, and support our shared purpose. We can't wait to celebrate with you at our event!
 

 

 

Austin Prep is blessed with a Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff who not only live our mission but also advance it through their generosity. For years, 100% of our faculty have contributed to the Austin Prep Fund, enhancing each student’s Austin Prep journey.

As we approach our Day of Giving on St. Augustine’s birthday (November 13), faculty and staff were introduced to a new and creative way to direct their generosity: this year, individual gifts to the Austin Prep Fund will be combined into one collective contribution. To ensure the gift reflects the personality and creativity of our faculty, all staff members were invited to submit proposals for unique ideas to be funded through their collective giving.

After receiving and compiling the submissions, 20 distinctive proposals were presented for a community-wide vote.

Please read the Unique and inspiring Faculty proposals here

We are excited to announce the winning proposal below:

Classroom Furniture and Collaborative Learning Spaces

Description: This proposal focuses on enhancing selected classrooms across the Middle and Upper Schools through updated tables, chairs, and modular furniture that promote collaboration, comfort, and flexibility. The goal is to replace individual desks with larger tables and ergonomic seating that allow for movement and group learning. Modern classrooms thrive when students can easily shift between discussion, project work, and independent study.

By investing in new classroom furniture, we can create spaces that mirror our unitas directive—bringing students and teachers together in a more dynamic, engaging environment. Flexible layouts would encourage creativity, communication, and focus while supporting differentiated learning approaches. 

In the spirit of this proposal, this year’s faculty and staff giving will be dedicated to remodeling as many classrooms as funding will allow. Each remodel will feature upgraded modular furniture designed to enhance collaboration, comfort, and flexibility. To make this initiative—and our inaugural staff gift—even more meaningful, the first remodeled classroom will be named in memory of our beloved colleague, Mr. Stephen Williams.

We are grateful for the continued faculty and staff support of the Austin Prep Fund, and appreciate their enthusiasm and thoughtfulness during the proposal and voting process. We look forward to the implementation of the winning proposal!

 

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Balfour is offering a three week ring sale for you to purchase a class ring. The sale is running from October 17 through November 7.

This flyer will provide all the necessary information to purchase your Official Class Ring. You may scan the QR Code or click on the link provided on the Flyer and either one will bring you right to our school’s website on Balfour.com.
 
Also on the Flyer is a link to the Balfour brochure so that you may look through it beforehand to see all of the different options Balfour has to offer.
 
Balfour has also provided you with a Finger Sizer. Please print it out and follow the instructions on how to size your finger. You can always stop by a local jewelry store to get your finger sized as well. 

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We are excited to present the next episode of The Restless Journey Podcast! Austin Prep's official podcast provides a closer look at the people, programs, and initiatives that exemplify our core values, and we look forward to periodically welcoming members of the Austin Prep community to share their insights on a wide range of topics, reflecting on who we are today and where we are heading tomorrow.

Austin Prep's Director of Communications, Tyler Fleming P'28, '30, is joined by Todd Moriarty, Director of Dining Services for SAGE Dining Services, who discusses the robust, all-inclusive dining experience at Austin Prep, and more! The episode can be found on YouTube by clicking the video above.

You can also find the podcast on all these major podcast streaming platforms: Podbean, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon.

 

 

 

Generosity is more than philanthropy – it is a legacy of faith, community, and hope for the next generation. Champions of Giving shines a spotlight on the donors of Austin Prep, celebrating the individuals and families whose contributions have strengthened the school, enriched student experiences, and ensured that the values of truth, unity, and love continue to thrive.

 

This series shares their stories: who they are, why they were inspired to give, and how their generosity has made a lasting difference. From new facilities to scholarships, from leadership to community service, each Champion of Giving demonstrates the power of supporting Austin Prep. As you explore their journeys, we invite you to be inspired by their impact and consider how you, too, can shape the future of our students.

For Mike and Karen Bravo, P'18, '20, giving is both gratitude for what Austin Prep has meant to their children, Logan '18 and Cat '20, and a promise to the students yet to come. Their story reflects how generosity can honor the past, sustain the present, and inspire the future. Learn more about why they support Austin Prep, and learn how you can support Austin Prep.

 

 

 

Our 6th and 7th graders had an inspiring retreat focused on “Called to the Covenant: Walking with God.” The retreat was facilitated by Rev. Andrew Beauregard, FPC, of the Franciscans of the Poor of Christ, and concluded with a beautiful Mass he also celebrated. Students explored God’s covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David through small group activities led by their theology teachers. It was a joyful day of prayer, reflection, and community!

 

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The Austin Prep Math Team attended the 35th annual WPI Invitational Mathematics Meet on Friday. The team included Danielle Zaza ’25, Jaden Cruz ‘25, Connor Lynch ’26, Mark Tokarev ’27, and Math Faculty Mr. Jason Sun as the team advisor. After two rounds (individual and team) of competitions with 44 schools, they received 15th place as a team. Mark, as the top scorer on the team, earned a $1,000 scholarship to WPI. Congratulations to the team!

 

 

 

Invitations for the Parent Ambassadors Parent Social should have arrived at homes this past week! This year's event takes place Saturday, November 15 at Austin Prep. This fun and festive themed event brings parents together to enjoy a night out while raising critical support for the Annual Fund. It’s a celebration of community with a meaningful impact and one you won’t want to miss! Early Bird pricing for the event ends on October 27.

In 2015, the Parents Association was created with a dual mission: to build a strong sense of community among parents and to support the school’s development efforts through hospitality, appreciation, and volunteer events. This year, to better reflect that mission and spirit of collaboration, we’re reintroducing ourselves with a fresh new name: the Austin Prep Parent Ambassadors.

Our goal is simple but powerful—to create opportunities for parents to connect with one another, while also contributing to the vibrant life and mission of Austin Prep. Whether you’re new to the school or have been part of the community for years, there’s a place for you to get involved, make new friendships, and support our shared purpose. We can't wait to celebrate with you at our event!

 

 

Each year, Austin Prep hosts the Blue Mass to express our deep gratitude to the first responders who sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe. This meaningful celebration offers our students, faculty, staff, and guests the opportunity to honor and pray for these everyday heroes.

This year, Blue Mass will take place Friday, October 31 and will be celebrated by The Most Reverend Richard G. Henning, Archbishop of Boston. Archbishop Henning celebrated an all-school Mass in February, and we look forward to welcoming him back to campus next week.

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On Monday, Pope Leo XIV, announced that he named Bishop Mark O’Connell, JCD, as the 11^th Bishop of the Albany Diocese. Bishop O’Connell has been serving as an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Boston since June of 2016. He has most recently been serving as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of Boston. After his ordination to the episcopacy on August 24, 2016, he served as pastor of Saint Theresa Parish in North Reading, MA and as the Regional Bishop of the North Region of the Archdiocese of Boston covering 60 parishes. He became the Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese in 2023.

“Bishop Mark,” as he prefers to be called, stated: “I am delighted and deeply grateful to God and the Holy Father, Pope Leo, for calling me to serve as the 11th Bishop of Albany. I am truly honored to be your bishop and embrace this role with great joy. Wherever this journey leads, I will walk with you, guided by the hope and peace of the Risen Lord. I ask for your prayers and goodwill, and I pledge the same to you.”

Bishop Mark has been a great friend to Austin Prep, having joined our community on our biggest days. In recent years, Bishop Mark has served as the celebrant at our First Responder Blue Mass, Convocation and Baccalaureate Masses, and perhaps most notably, Austin Prep's Baccalaureate Liturgy for the Class of 2020, which was our first opportunity to come together as a community after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools across the Commonwealth in March 2020. "You have had the strangest Senior Year of any class at Austin Prep in its history," Bishop Mark told the Class of 2020.

Congratulations, Bishop Mark! You’ll be missed in Boston and at 101 Willow Street. Peace and prayers as you continue your pastoral journey to the Diocese of Albany.

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Austin Prep’s annual Trunk or Treat on Friday night was "spook-tacular." This year, 22 decorated cars — representing various school offices, clubs, organizations, and families — lined up to welcome a couple hundred enthusiastic visitors. You can view photos from the event here.

Students, siblings, and parents came dressed in their Halloween best to take in the imaginative themes on display and enjoy some candy and conversation. This year, the crowd was invited to submit nominations for Most Original Theme, Most Spirited, and Judge's Choice. Congratulations to these honorees: 

Most Original

1. Clue (Girls Basketball)
2. Austin Acres (Interact Club)
3. Masters Tournament (Sophomore Student Council)

Most Spirited

1. Hawaiian (Game Day Cheer)
2. Monsters, Inc. (Middle School Student Council)
3. Dunkin' Donuts (Softball)

Judges’ Choice

1. Addams Family (Bratton Family ’32)
2. Firefighters (Senior Student Council)
3. Space Jam (English Department)

Special Shout-Out: Bus Ride to Candy Land (Middle School Cross Country)

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Save the Date! Celebrate St. Augustine's Birthday and our Day of Giving on November 13

 

Save the date! On November 13 — and in honor of St. Augustine’s 1,671st birthday, we will be celebrating with our Annual Day of Giving. Each year, Giving Day supports the Austin Prep Fund. The Austin Prep Fund is the primary way for alumni, parents, and friends to support the school and directly impact a student's current Austin Prep experience. Annual support through the Austin Prep Fund empowers the School to annually invest in modern classroom technology, improve campus facilities, provide tuition assistance, develop enriching student programming and co-curricular activities, and enables teaching innovation through multi-dimensional faculty professional development opportunities. 

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Thank you to everyone in the Austin Prep community who helped make Sunday's Fall Open House a huge success. Hundreds of families visited campus to learn more about the Austin Prep journey. Visit us on Instagram for a recap of Open House, or watch the video above to hear from visitors about what makes the Austin Prep Fall Open House great.

As a reminder for those interested, the Priority Application Deadline is December 15. All applications submitted by this deadline will be reviewed in our priority decision period. To learn more about the application process, or to schedule a tour or Journey Day, please reach out to the Office of Admissions at admissions@austinprep.org.

 

 

 

Students from our 3D Design & Engineering and Women in History classes recently embarked on a collaborative field trip to the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham. This joint excursion provided a unique interdisciplinary learning experience that brought together technology and history.

The Women in History class explored the compelling story of the mill girls—young women who were among America's first female factory workers in the early 19th century. Students examined primary sources, photographs, and artifacts that documented these women's experiences, working conditions, and significant contributions to American industrial development. The museum's location in one of the original factory buildings where mill girls actually worked added an authentic dimension to the trip.

Meanwhile, the 3D Design & Engineering class traced the evolution of local industry and manufacturing technology. Students observed how early American innovations laid the groundwork for modern engineering, tried their hand at old fashioned print making, and visited the museum's makerspace where they connected historical industrial tools with today's advanced technology.

Working in small teams, students selected inventions to research, considering not only their historical significance but also how these technologies have evolved and what role artificial intelligence might play in their future development.

 

 

Generosity is more than philanthropy – it is a legacy of faith, community, and hope for the next generation. Champions of Giving shines a spotlight on the donors of Austin Prep, celebrating the individuals and families whose contributions have strengthened the school, enriched student experiences, and ensured that the values of truth, unity, and love continue to thrive.

 

This series shares their stories: who they are, why they were inspired to give, and how their generosity has made a lasting difference. From new facilities to scholarships, from leadership to community service, each Champion of Giving demonstrates the power of supporting Austin Prep. As you explore their journeys, we invite you to be inspired by their impact and consider how you, too, can shape the future of our students.

Discover how Austin Prep parent and donor Dan Little, P'20, '22, '23, '25, '29 helped create Regis Paul Little Field, transforming the school’s baseball program and honoring his father’s legacy through generosity and community. Learn more about why Dan supports Austin Prep, and learn how you can support Austin Prep.