May 2022
5.7.22
May 7, 2022
Arts Events Return This Week
The Band and Choir Concert took place Thursday, while the spring dance show is tonight.
Students perform at Thursday's Band and Choir Concert.
Austin Prep hosted the Band and Choir Concert on Thursday night in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. Did you miss it? No problem, because a second arts event, the spring dance show, "Red Carpet Ready" takes place tonight, Saturday, May 7th at 7:00 p.m. in Meelia Hall. Admission is $5.00. We hope to see you there!
You can view photos and the program from the Band and Choir concert here.
Delegation Returns from Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI)
An Austin Prep delegation spent last weekend at Villanova Prep in Ojai, California, for the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI). While there, students examined our core values with students from other Augustinian schools. Our students returned home with an even greater understanding of our shared Augustinian values and a stronger appreciation of our school’s mission. Following community Mass on Wednesday, the students received a certificate and cross from Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain. Jared Hickey '24, Ava Intoppa '24, Will Cacciatore '24, Ally Fanuele '24, Katelin Farris '24, and Lexi Sherry '24 were accompanied on the trip by Dr. Bill Driscoll, Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School, and Mrs. Michelle Connor, Dean of Academic Affairs.
More Connections Made with our Augustinian Heritage
While our students spent a few days examining our Augustinian values in California, Fr. Patrick Armano, Sr. Paskazia and Sr. Justine journeyed to the mid-Atlantic in the name of truth, unity, and love. Fr. Patrick celebrated Mass at Malvern Prep, a fellow Augustinian school in Malvern, Pennsylvania, while the sisters visited Villanova University.
Coaches Featured on New England Hockey and Baseball Journal Podcasts
Stephanie Wood, Austin Prep’s Girls Ice Hockey Coach, and Jonathan Pollard ’97, Austin Prep’s Baseball Coach, were recently featured guests on podcasts sponsored by the New England Hockey Journal and New England Baseball, respectively. You can listen to Coach Wood’s podcast here, and Coach Pollard’s podcast here.
Wood led Austin Prep to the Division 1 MIAA championship at TD Garden on March 20. With a 4-1 win over Arlington, Wood’s team clinched a perfect record of 27-0 during which they outscored their opponents by a 156-11 margin. With the win, it also marked the program's third state title, adding to the 2016 championship and the 2020 co-championship which was awarded to the team after the state final was halted as a result of the emerging Covid-19 pandemic. A native of New Brunswick, Wood played hockey at Northeastern. Wood also serves as the women’s director at the Islanders Hockey Organization.
Pollard guides Austin Prep’s No. 1 ranked baseball team in Massachusetts. A traditional MIAA Division 3 powerhouse, the baseball team is currently 11-0. A 1997 graduate of Austin Prep, Pollard played college baseball at Salem State University where he was a two-time all-conference selection. Pollard has served as a coach with USA Baseball, where he led teams around the globe, collecting two silver medals, and a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games. In 2014, Pollard was named USA Baseball Developmental Coach of the Year. Pollard also serves as Austin Prep’s Assistant Head of School for Enrollment and Athletics.
The New England Hockey and Baseball Journals are the premier regional hockey and baseball magazines, covering everything from professional sports to colleges to prep and high schools.
This is Algebra II Honors!
Students in Ms. Alison Fish’s Honors Algebra II class played a version of Jeopardy to review for their test on Rational Functions. Categories included simplifying, multiplying and dividing, and adding and subtracting rational expressions; complex fractions; solving rational equations; and real life applications such as solving work problems. Teams competed for bonus points on their test. The winning team consisted of Meredith Rhodes, Hunter Soep, Madison Vittands, and Bernice Yu.
Memorable Boys Lacrosse Triple Overtime Thriller
Dante Filadoro '22 tallied the triple overtime game winner on Monday.
It's playoff hockey season and tight NHL games are occurring nightly, but maybe the best finish of the week was the Austin Prep Boys Lacrosse team's triple overtime victory over Bishop Feehan on Monday. Dante Filadoro '22 scored in the third overtime to lead Austin Prep to the 10-9 victory. To view the game winning goal, click here.
Class of 2024 Enjoys Year End Trip
The Class of 2024 enjoyed an end of year trip to Boundless Adventures in Berlin, MA on Tuesday. Sophomore classmates bonded while challenging themselves both mentally and physically on the high ropes course. The trip was an opportunity to bond more closely with classmates and foster meaningful connections and provided lasting memories of times well spent with friends and classmates! You can view photos from the trip here.
College Athletics Commitments Continue
Colby Medeiros '22 and family at Thursday's celebratory signing.
This past week, Colby Medeiros '22 made his commitment to continue his track and field career at Assumption University. Congrats, Colby!
Students Learn More About Cinco de Mayo
Mrs. Linda Filadoro’s classes are learning about Mexican heritage and the meaning of Cinco de Mayo in Mexico which commemorates Mexico’s victory over France in The Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Students prepared Mexican culinary delights like Tres Leches, Quesadillas and Churros as an appreciation fiesta for her Spanish I and II classes.
Winter Sports Student-Athletes Garner Boston Globe, Herald Honors
Carey, Cerrato, Hanafin, Hulse, Karo and Beaulieu honored for their work on the ice.
The Boston Globe and Boston Herald recently recognized the region's top student-athletes and coaches for the 2021-22 winter sports season. Austin Prep student-athletes were well represented!
We Had a Coach Honored, as Well!
Congrats to Austin Prep Swim Coach, Lianne Bradley
Middle School Science Trips Continue
Middle School students took part in several Science-based field trips this week to extend their classroom lessons.
Sixth graders culminated their study of space with a visit to the McAuliffe Shepard Discovery Center in Concord, New Hampshire. Students attended a Planetarium show on Mars, the next frontier in space exploration, before completing a lab sheet as they explored a number of different exhibits about the solar system.
Eighth-grade students spent Thursday morning at Fenway Park as part of the Red Sox's STEM Day. The visit included a keynote from Massachusetts Native Astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson who shared her experience of being a part of NASA. Throughout the rest of the week, eighth graders have been visiting Upper School Chemistry labs to explore concepts like metals in ionic compounds and electrical currents passing through aqueous solutions to further inspire their curiosity about science and review material from their Chemistry units earlier in the year. Next week, the students will visit Gillette Stadium's STEM day to explore the forces of weather through fun, hands-on experiences.
AP Exams Hit Midway Point
Mr. Tony Biscardi '88 hosted an AP European History review session earlier this week.
One week of AP exams down, one week to go! Students have worked incredibly hard this year managing rigorous course requirements. While the exams are difficult, the hours of effort exerted to prepare will leave students well prepared for college and beyond. We wish you continued good luck!
Celebrating our Mothers During the Month of Mary
Happy Mother's Day to all those in the Austin Prep Community.
Is Mother's Day and the Month of Mary a coincidence or is there greater purpose? Just a few weeks ago on Good Friday we heard in the Holy Week Liturgy that Jesus entrusted his Mother to us as he told the disciples whom he loved "Son, behold your Mother," and to Mary, "Woman, behold your Son." Now, here we are, ready to celebrate Mother's Day. Can we separate Mother Mary's Motherhood from that of our own mothers? They both serve as our role models. As we think of the gifts for our mothers let us not forget the most precious gift of saying the Rosary or a Hail Mary Sunday and every day for our mothers.
Happy Mother's Day. 🌷
5.14.22
May 14, 2022
Guys and Dolls Premieres
There are two additional performances of Guys and Dolls this weekend. The event poster was designed by Graphic Design student Jordan Kim '24.
Austin Prep's spring musical, Guys and Dolls, premiered last night in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. Photos from opening night can be viewed here. Did you miss it? Additional performances take place tonight, Saturday, May 14th (7:00 p.m.), and tomorrow, Sunday, May 15th (2:00 p.m.). Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. We look forward to seeing you at the show!
Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2022 is Friday
We are very excited to celebrate the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2022 on Friday, May 20th at 4:00 p.m. on Austin Prep’s Father Seymour Field. As was the case the past two years, this event will continue to be held outside, but this year we are pleased to be able to welcome additional guests. Ticket information has been sent to families of the Class of 2022. For those not able to attend, the event will be livestreamed. Livestream information will be sent to the community on Friday morning.
Austin Prep’s Class of 2022 brought personality, energy, optimism, and spirit to our campus community, and set a high standard for future generations of Austin Prep students. We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the Class on Friday, May 20th.
Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A. Awarded Head of School Medallion
On Thursday, Austin Prep participated in a special event celebrating the Augustinians. Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, delivered the keynote address on Augustinian leadership and later presented the Head of School Medallion to Fr. Arthur Johnson, O.S.A. for his abiding presence at Austin Prep for 60 years.
The tradition of the Head of School Medallion began in 2018. To date, Head of School Medallions have been awarded to the following: The 2018 Baseball State Championship team, the 2019 Softball State Championship Team, former Parents Association President Susan Ardizzoni P'19, the 2020 Girls Ice Hockey co-State Championship Team and the 2020 Girls Indoor Track and Field State Championship Team.
Austin Prep Dancers Prove to be "Red Carpet Ready"
Our student dancers stole the show at the spring show "Red Carpet Ready," which took place last Saturday night in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall. A special congratulations goes out to the dancers from the Class of 2022 who performed in their final spring show. Thank you for all that you have done for the Austin Prep dance program! That group includes Jenna Nadeau '22, Arianna Shalhoub '24, Meredith McDonough '22, Olivia McDonald '22, Annie Hamilton '22, and Madeline Hickey '22. The full program for the show can be viewed here.
Class of 2022 Enjoy Fun Filled Senior Week
The Class of 2022 participated in a Super Soaker battle on Friday. Rumor is that Mr. Colin Kiley took the brunt of it.
Friday was the last day of classes for our seniors, and this past week was Senior Week for the Class of 2022! Seniors dyed shirts, decorated parking spots, played flag football against the junior class, held a Super Soaker battle, and enjoyed Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and class favorites from Sage Dining. We hope it was a great week and that you found time to enjoy your friends, classmates, and faculty members who have walked with you on your journey.
Guest Speaker Addresses Internet Safety
On Tuesday, Katie Greer, an internet safety expert, served as a keynote speaker to help promote digital citizenship. Ms. Greer has created a balanced approach to internet safety that considers the appeal of technology while helping to reinforce our efforts to educate students about appropriate use of technology. Students in Grade 6 - 10 attended the presentation.
Pitching Duel Goes to Blanco
Evan Blanco '22 pitched a complete game shutout against St. Mary's on Monday.
All eyes were on Regis Paul Little Memorial Field on Monday as two of the region's top pitchers, Evan Blanco '22 of Austin Prep and Aiven Cabral of St. Mary's of Lynn squared off in a matchup between CCL rivals. The Virginia-bound Blanco got the best of St. Mary's and the Northeastern commit Cabral, leading Austin Prep to a complete game 5-0 victory. Will Burns '22 and Jake Zawatsky '24 contributed keys hits in the win. To view the game's final out, click here.
College Athletics Commitments Continue
Nico Fanuele '22 with his parents Anthony and Paul and siblings Ally '24 and Sophia '26.
This past week, Nico Fanuele '22 made his commitment to continue his track and field career at Providence College. Congrats, Nico!
Relive Your Prom Memories With Photos from the Evening
We had a great time celebrating the Austin Prep prom April 28th, both at the promenade on campus before the event as well as with dinner and dancing at the Andover Country Club. All the photos are now available. Check out the promenade photos and the prom photos!
5.21.22
May 21, 2022
May Tea Returns for First Time Since 2019
On Wednesday Austin Prep seventh graders participated in the May Crowning Prayer Service and May Tea. This annual event (although held for the first time since 2019) is an opportunity for students to invite one special guest - a mother, grandmother, aunt, or neighbor - to join them in the Chapel of Saint Augustine for prayers followed by a small reception in the Dining Hall to celebrate Mary and motherhood in all its forms. Students and their guest are invited to bring flowers or a small plant to place around the Statue of Mary as a part of the celebration. Photos from the event can be viewed here.
Spring Teams Compete in CCL Cup Tournaments
Austin Prep spring sports teams have been competing in CCL Cup tournament play. Congratulations to the Austin Prep Baseball Team for capturing the CCL Cup on Wednesday with a 12-0 victory over Bishop Stang. Jack Iannibelli '22 let the way with a complete game shutout while Dom Gabardi '23 set the offensive tone with a first inning grand slam.
The Austin Prep Boys and Girls Tennis Teams compete in their respective CCL Cup matches this upcoming Wednesday. Good luck!
Austin Open Golf Tournament is Monday
We look forward to hosting our 34th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament Monday morning at Indian Ridge Country Club! This event could not be possible without the generosity of our sponsors. We appreciate your support! View all our Title, Lunch, Breakfast, Player Gift and Cart Sponsors here.
Guys and Dolls Concludes with Three Shows
Austin Prep's spring musical, Guys and Dolls, came to Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall for three performances May 13th - 15th. It was another display for the singing, acting, and dancing talents of our Art and Design students. Photos from the show can be viewed here. Thank you to everyone who came to a show!
Middle School Science Labs Continue
Middle School students applied lab skills and knowledge in a series of experiences on campus this week. Forensics teacher Ms. Kerry Barrett facilitated a microscope lab for eighth-graders to solve the "Case of the Chocolate Caper." Students examined clues under a microscope and compared their samples against the evidence to crack the case. Ms. Aprille Hibbard, Science Faculty, organized a field lab to collect data on the Aberjona River that runs through campus. Students extracted water samples and then evaluated them for factors like temperature, phosphate, iron, salinity, and pH levels.
College Athletics Commitments Continue
Steven Galatis '22 with his parents Paul and Christine at Tuesday's signing.
James Mahoney '22 with his parents James and Andrea, and sister Brianna.
The steady stream of Austin Prep student athletes committing to Northeast-10 Conference schools continues. This past week, Steven Galatis '22 made his commitment to continue his track and field and cross county career at Stonehill College. James Mahoney '22 made his commitment to continue his baseball career at Assumption University. Congrats, Steven and James!
#AustinAlways
Two of our graduating seniors are part of Austin Prep legacy families. Check out these pictures of Class of 2022 graduates and their parents who are Austin Prep Alums. We are excited to have welcomed the Class of 2022 to the ranks of Austin Prep Alumni, and congratulations to the Filadoro and Caruso families!
Latest Group of Lifers Complete Their Journey
Being an Austin Prep "Lifer" is a special recognition within our School community. Lifers are individuals who have been students at Austin Prep from 6th through 12th grade. We would like to recognize the 20 students from the Class of 2022 who are part of this unique group. #AustinAlways
Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2022
Friday was a beautiful day on the campus of Austin Prep as the community came together to celebrate the Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement for the Class of 2022. In case you missed it, all the details from the day can be found here.