December 2022
In This Issue
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Celebrating 60 Years
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Austin Prep Holiday Traditions Continue
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Campus Renovations
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Girls Cross Country Claims Austin Prep's First NEPSAC Title
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Dr. Hickey Leadership Medal Established in Honor of 10th Year of Service
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Ms. Doreen Fuller P’09, ’13 Honored with St. Augustine Lumen Award
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Epic Thanksgiving Eve for the Athletic Department
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Reunion Recap: 2017 and 2022
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"In the Classroom & Beyond"
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Austin Prep Fund
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Alumni Events & Happenings
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Stay Connected
Austin Prep Celebrates 60th anniversary
Help us celebrate Austin Prep and our 60th anniversary! We have new 60th anniversary Austin Prep magnets for your car or home. You can pick them up in the Main Office while supplies last, or email jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org! Save the Date: 60th anniversary Celebration, Friday, September 15, 2023. More details to follow.
Austin Prep Holiday Traditions Continue
The Austin Prep Band and Choir after Monday's Lessons and Carols performance at the Greater Boston Stage Company.
The Austin Prep community gathered for two showings of the annual Christmas tradition of Lessons and Carols, first with a performance for parents at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theatre on Monday, December 5, followed by a performance for students and staff on campus on Tuesday, December 6. The shows included traditional Christmas hymns and carols by the Austin Prep Choir and Austin Prep Band, as well as scripture readings and short passages about the true meaning of the season. The performances showcased the talents of Austin Prep students, who were led throughout the shows by Art and Design Faculty Mr. Joe Leary and Mr. Stephen Williams. Photos from the Monday show can be viewed here. Photos from the Tuesday show can be viewed here.
Students Impress With Two Performances of The Nutcracker
Austin Prep then continued its nearly 30-year Christmas tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with performances at the Collins Center at Andover High School on Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13. Over 150 students participated in the shows, which were widely received as perhaps Austin Prep's best performances to date. You can view photos from the Monday night performance here. You can watch the performance of the Tuesday's first act finale, "Waltz of the Snowflakes," by clicking above. A special thank you to Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26 and the Austin Prep Facilities team and Event Crew for managing the details of taking our arts performance on the road.
Campus Renovations Support Faith and Reason Initiative
As with every summer, Austin Prep is committed to the improvement of physical space on campus to enhance the student experience. This past summer, a desire to expand science teaching and learning intersected with Austin Prep’s Catholic identity and Augustinian heritage, supporting the School’s Faith and Reason Initiative.
Late last academic year, following brainstorming sessions with science faculty and parents with professional backgrounds in STEM, Austin Prep committed to investing greater resources to expanding the footprint of our science labs. The resulting summer work involved converting instructional space that was not previously a science lab into space that is now a state-of-the-art classroom. Based on current best practices, this first lab is modular and flexible to support teaching and learning in the life, chemical, and physical sciences in both the Upper and Middle Schools. Ready for students when they returned this fall, this renovation was a first step in a multi-year plan to upgrade science facilities to ensure that Austin Prep students will be well prepared for college and beyond.
The highlight of the new science lab is a new Anatomage Table, which is a 3D anatomy and virtual dissection table used in colleges and medical schools. From the beginning of the academic year, Austin Prep students in freshman biology and forensics classes have explored various lessons including a case study involving a tibial fracture. Features of the table not only allow for faculty and students to explore gross anatomy, or those organs and tissues visible to the naked eye, but to dissect and study into the deepest systems including the nervous system and the brain.
During discussions with parents about the importance of science, conversations organically expanded to include the importance of Austin Prep’s Catholic identity and Augustinian heritage. Many parents stated they invest in an Austin Prep education because it is a faith-based education – a compelling message that faith and reason are inseparable. As a result, Austin Prep committed to renovating the Chapel of St. Augustine, the center of spiritual life on campus.
Chapel renovations included a special twist: new seating that included a center aisle, something the Chapel has never had before. The Chapel's new pews were obtained through a partnership with the Sisters of Divine Providence who closed their high school, Sacred Heart High School in Kingston, MA. Once the school closed, an arrangement was made for the pews to be repurposed in the Chapel of St. Augustine at Austin Prep.
The Chapel renovation also included restoration of the original Austin Prep altar, including the marble predella. The Chapel’s predella was previously covered by a platform, which was installed in the early 1970’s to serve as a stage for Austin Prep’s student theater group, which was no longer needed as other performing arts areas have been developed on campus. The Chapel’s tabernacle now sits on the restored predella.
Furthermore, upgrades to the Chapel also include banners representing the other Augustinian secondary schools in North America, and the St. Augustine quote which is the center of the daily prayer at Austin Prep: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
The construction of the first science lab and the renovation of the Chapel of St. Augustine was completely funded by the generosity of current parents. Projects such as these are funded by philanthropy, and in order to expand programming, launch new initiatives, or build new science labs we rely on the generosity of parents and benefactors to support these endeavors. The exploration of faith and reason in the years ahead at Austin Prep is the outgrowth of the generosity of parents, and we are grateful for those who made gifts to advance the growth of teaching and learning and the commitment to our Catholic heritage.
Girls Cross Country Claims Austin Prep's First NEPSAC Title
The NEPSAC-winning Austin Prep Girls Cross Country Team (left to right): Anya Budzinski, Cailin Fennessy, Victoria Tenreiro, Sophia DiNanno, Sydney Pilla, Colleen Simmons, Madi Valade.
The Austin Prep Girls Cross Country Team captured the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) Division 2 Championship at St. Mark's School in dominating fashion, placing three runners in the top 10 and four runners in the top 15 in the team's first appearance in the championship event. With the transition of Austin Prep's athletics program to the NEPSAC to start the 2022-2023 academic year, the cross country victory brings Austin Prep its first NEPSAC title.
"It was an honor to be the first team to win a NEPSAC championship and hopefully it sets a trend for more to come," Head Cross Country Coach Nicolle Renick said."It was a historical moment that we probably won't realize the magnitude of until many years down the road."
Renick, a faculty member in Austin Prep's Department of Art and Design, is assisted by Austin Prep's Director of Communications Tyler Fleming P'28 and World Language Faculty Member Mrs. Kerianne Barry P'28.
Click here to read complete details of this NEPSAC title.
Dr. James Hickey Leadership Medal Established in Honor of 10th Year
The 2022-2023 academic year marks Dr. James Hickey's 10th year as Head of School at Austin Prep. To commemorate this occasion, at the December 3 Signature Event, the Austin Prep Board of Trustees commissioned a new award, the Dr. James Hickey Leadership Medal. Announced by Trustee Mr. Joey Carregal '05 on behalf of Board Chair Mr. Dan Bouchard P'10, '14, '15, this medal will be awarded annually at commencement to the student who best exemplifies the following characteristics: ambition, integrity, and service before self. The award will honor a graduating senior who has exhibited the capacity to lead and serve, demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mission, and has had a significant impact on the Austin Prep community.
Deeply committed to the mission of Austin Prep, over the last decade Dr. Hickey has led the school through successful transformation, innovation and growth, and his leadership has contributed to the overall success, strength, and stability that Austin Prep maintains today. At the Signature Event, a video was played which reflected on Dr. Hickey's tenure at Austin Prep. The video can be viewed above. Austin Prep continues on the upward trajectory of excellence and we are grateful for Dr. Hickey's leadership.
Ms. Doreen Fuller P’09, ’13 Honored with St. Augustine Lumen Award
The annual St. Augustine Lumen Award recognizes exemplary teachers who embody the mission of Austin Prep. In early December, Dr. Hickey was joined by Dan Bouchard P’10, ’14, ’15, Board Chair, and members of the Board of Trustees including alumni Kate McHugh ’99, Joey Carregal ’05, Jennifer (Thorp) Fantozzi ’97, Mike Barry ’79, and Mark Duggan ’72 as they presented the 2022 St. Augustine Lumen Award to Mathematics faculty member Ms. Doreen Fuller. Congratulations to Ms. Fuller and thank you for all that you do for our students.
Epic Thanksgiving Eve for the Athletic Department
State Champion Girls Ice Hockey and Baseball Teams Honored; Football Visits Fenway
The 2022 MIAA Division I State Champion Austin Prep Girls Ice Hockey Team.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, members of the 2022 MIAA Division I State Champion Austin Prep Girls Ice Hockey Team received their State Championship Rings and the Head of School Medallions. The Head of School Medallion is reserved for distinct occasions and rare moments to salute those who unquestionably exemplify Austin Prep's Augustinian values of veritas, unitas and caritas. You can view photos from the ceremony here.
The Austin Prep Girls Ice Hockey Team captured the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 1 State Championship with a 4-1 victory over Arlington High School on Sunday, March 20 at TD Garden. The win capped a historic season for the Cougars, finishing a perfect 27-0-0. Additionally, it 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.
The 2022 MIAA Division 3 State Champion Austin Prep Baseball Team.
Not to be outdone, members of the 2022 MIAA Division 3 State Champion Austin Prep Baseball Team received their State Championship Rings and the Head of School Medallions. Additionally, Associate Head of School and Head Varsity Baseball Coach Jonathan Pollard '97 was inducted into the Head of School Medallion Fellowship after his near decade of service to Austin Prep and achievements as Athletic Director, Head Baseball Coach, and Associate Head of School. You can view photos from the ceremony here.
The Austin Prep Baseball Team captured the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 3 State Championship with a 2-1 victory over Newburyport High School on Saturday, June 18 at LeLacheur Park on the campus of UMass Lowell. The win capped a historic season for the team, finishing a perfect 25-0 which included a No. 24 national ranking by the National High School Baseball Coaches Association (NHSBCA) and an overall No. 1 ranking in the state by the Boston Globe. Additionally, it marked the program's second MIAA state title, adding to the 2018 championship.
The Austin Prep Football Team at Fenway Park.
Finally, the Austin Prep Football Team had the opportunity to kick off Thanksgiving weekend with a Wednesday afternoon game against St. Mary's at historic Fenway Park, providing memories to last a lifetime. You can view photos from the game here.
Reunion Recap: 2017 and 2022
Also on Wednesday, November 23, the Class of 2022 returned to Austin Prep for their Alumni Breakfast. Eighty-two alumni reunited for a delicious breakfast and the chance to catch up with faculty and staff.
The Class of 2017 celebrated their 5-year Reunion on the Friday after Thanksgiving at Sissy K’s in Boston. A special thank you to ’17 alumni Caroline Benson, Sara Bray and Louis Finocchiaro for organizing the lively night!
Looking Forward
The Class of 2012 will gather for their 10-year Reunion on Thursday, December 22 at Kowloon Restaurant.
The 50th Reunion for the Class of 1973 will be held on May 18 and 19, 2023 at Austin Prep. More information will follow in February.
We look forward to celebrating the reunion classes ending in 3 and 8 in 2023! Contact Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving, at jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org if you would like to be part of the planning process.
In the Classroom and Beyond
Mrs. Choate Contributes Book Review for MiddleWeb
Austin Prep Faculty continue their professional development outside of the classroom. In recent years, several faculty members have served as book reviewers for MiddleWeb, a website that provides resources for teachers, school leaders, parents, and others interested in the success of young adolescents. English Faculty Ms. Stephanie Choate recently had her first book review published. Her review of Get Organized Digitally! The Educator’s Guide to Time Management, can be read here. We can expect to see additional Austin Prep MiddleWeb book reviews published over the course of the school year.
Middle School students participate in Campus Ministry Retreat
In October, the Campus Ministry Office provided middle school students with an opportunity for deeper reflection and for connecting with classmates through an on-campus retreat. The Campus Ministry Office partnered with NET Ministries to deliver this retreat for our students. NET Ministries is a Catholic ministry made up of university-aged missionaries who devote a year of their lives to bring Christ to today’s youth. Students in the 6th and 7th grades participated in their retreat on Wednesday. The theme of their retreat was Love One Another. Students in the 8th grade participated in their retreat on Thursday. The theme of their retreat was True Presence (Eucharist). Throughout the activities of the day, students had the opportunity to reflect on our core values of veritas, unitas and caritas and reflect on Christ’s love for us.
Ms. Alex Dell'Anno’12 Acknowledged in Community-Based Program
Thank you to Reading Orthodontics for sponsoring their Teacher Recognition Program acknowledging the great work of teachers in our community. Avery Balfe '29 nominated her English teacher and alumna Ms. Alex Dell'Anno '12!
Students Living Our Mission
Unitas is a key component of what distinguishes an Augustinian education from all others. We continue to look forward to working together to strengthen our community in a way that is reflective of our core values of veritas, unitas, and caritas. As we do so, the Office of Student Life aims to build students of strong character while recognizing exemplary behavior on campus. We recognize the work of Ryleigh Vadala ’27 and Alex Fernandes ’25. During orientation, Ryleigh welcomed new students into her advisory and made everyone feel part of the community. Alex earned the most merits of any student on campus during the first month of classes by helping teachers and athletic staff, and by working to keep our community clean. Their leadership and integrity are qualities we look for in our students.
Faculty Members Attend Women's Leadership Conference in Philadelphia
Austin Prep faculty including Mrs. Michelle Connor P'25 '28, Interim Assistant Head of School, Head of Upper School, Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne P'26, Art and Design Department Chair, and Ms. Alicia Varraso, Assistant Dean of Students, attended the 2022 Heads Network Fall Women's Leadership Seminar at the William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia. This seminar, taught by a faculty of female heads of school from across the country, was designed to both equip and inspire independent school leaders. Seminar topics included: Women’s Ways of Leading; School Culture: Balancing Multiple Constituencies; Finance/Reading & Building Budgets; Organizing the Board and Your Team; Interviewing and The Search Process; Mentor Paths to Leadership among other topics. This is another professional development opportunity made available to our faculty as a result of generous support of the Austin Prep Fund. We thank our loyal supporters for their part in making experiences such as this one possible.
Support the Austin Prep Fund This Holiday Season
In celebration of Austin Prep’s 60th anniversary, please consider making a gift to the Austin Prep Fund this Christmas.
Your participation will support professional development opportunities for faculty members, tuition assistance, and provide the programs and resources students need to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
We deeply appreciate all alumni who have already contributed to the Austin Prep Fund this year. Your gift helps make extraordinary possible at Austin Prep.
Alumni Events and Happenings
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Women’s Alumnae Hockey at Merrimack College, December 23
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Basketball at TD Garden, January 21
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Athletic Hall of Fame at Austin Prep, April 29
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Class of 1973: 50th Reunion at Austin Prep, May 18 and 19
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Austin Open Golf Tournament at Indian Ridge Country Club, May 22
For up-to-date information and registration links for events and happenings, please visit the Alumni page of our website and social media.
Stay Connected
We want to follow your journey beyond Austin Prep. Please share updates including academic and sports honors, career milestones, marriages, births, or any of life’s other big announcements. Send a Class Note or update your contact information to stay connected to Austin Prep.
If you are getting married, we invite you to borrow our Austin Prep Alumni banner for the big celebration!
If you are expecting or recently welcomed a new Austin Prep Cougar into your family, let us know so we can send along an AP baby onesie.
Keep up to date with all the current events at Austin Prep by following us on our official social media accounts below:
Alumni group is “Austin Preparatory School Alumni”
Each Austin Prep Reunion Class has a Facebook group: “Austin Prep Class of XXXX.”
