December 2024
In This Issue
- Austin Prep Celebrates Christmas Holiday Traditions in Style
- School Community Demonstrates Caritas this Holiday Season
- The Class of 2024 Returns for Alumni Breakfast
- Dr. & Mrs. James Hickey Receive Special Augustinian Honor
- St. Augustine Lumen Award is Presented to Faculty and Staff
- Unitas Leadership Academy Visits WCVB Channel 5 Boston
- International Travel Program Kicks Off with Trip to Québec City
- Thank You for a Successful Day of Giving
- Support the Austin Prep Fund Before December 31
- Austin Prep Strategic Planning Updates
- Austin Prep Reunion Updates
- Alumni Career Day April 3
- 2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Class Announced in January
- Stay Connected
Austin Prep Celebrates Christmas Holiday Traditions in Style
The past few weeks at Austin Prep have been filled with many traditions of the Advent and Christmas season. Unitas has been expressed in unmistakable ways – in community masses, shared holiday experiences and celebrations, student performances, and many social interactions bound by faith and reason.
The Austin Prep community gathered for two showings of the annual Christmas tradition of Lessons and Carols, first with a performance for students and staff in Richard J. Meelia '67 Hall on Wednesday, December 4, followed by a performance for parents of choir and band members in the Chapel of St. Augustine on Monday, December 9. 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. Photos from the Meelia Hall show can be viewed here. Photos from the Chapel of St. Augustine show can be viewed here.
Students Impress With Two Performances of The Nutcracker
Austin Prep then continued its over 30-year Christmas tradition of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, with performances at the Collins Center in Andover on Monday, December 16 and Tuesday, December 17. Nearly 200 students participated in the shows. You can view photos from the Monday night performance here and the Tuesday night performance here. You can watch the performance of Monday's first act finale, "Waltz of the Snowflakes," by clicking above. A special thank you to all those in the School community who help take the show on the road.
Austin Prep Community Celebrates Lighting of Christmas Tree
Santa Claus with students after the Christmas Tree lighting.
On Thursday, December 6, the community embraced the festive spirit as Austin Prep celebrated its newest school Christmas tradition – the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Led by prayers read by Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, and Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry, and a welcome from Head of School, James Hickey, Ph.D., the community gathered in front of the Dining Hall Patio to witness the magic unfold as we illuminated our magnificent tree. Following the lighting we continued the celebration with hot cocoa and Christmas cookies in the Dining Hall, with an appearance from Santa Claus. It was a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season together in a spirit of unity and joy.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, and for the generous support of Alex and Janine Martinelli P'28, '29 who sponsored the Christmas Tree this year. View photos from the night here.
School Community Demonstrates Caritas This Holiday Season
Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Community Engagement and Inclusion, and Sr. Maria Nassali, Assistant Head of School for Mission and Ministry, help to organize gifts for the Christmas Gift Drive.
This Thanksgiving season Austin Prep students and staff assembled and donated over 80 Thanksgiving baskets to families from St. Mary the Assumption Parish in Lawrence, a parish with deep ties to the Augustinian Friars who founded Austin Prep in 1961. Austin Prep collected food and supplies to provide Thanksgiving dinners for 80 families totaling more than $15,000. Students delivered the baskets two days before Thanksgiving. Shortly after that, during this Christmas season student advisory groups assembled gift packages which were also delivered to St. Mary of the Assumption parish right before Christmas. Austin Prep is grateful to all our families for supporting this important holiday initiative. Their generosity reflects the words of Jesus: “Whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me” (Matthew 25:40). Each donation, no matter how small, has made a significant impact on the lives of the families we supported.
The Class of 2024 Returns for Traditional Alumni Breakfast
The Class of 2024 on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
Austin Prep continued the tradition of welcoming back the past year's graduating class for an alumni breakfast the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 27, members of the Class of 2024 gathered in the Dining Hall to connect with classmates, faculty and staff as a kick-off to the holiday weekend. Thank you to all who returned back to campus!
Dr. & Mrs. James Hickey Receive Special Augustinian Honor
On Monday, December 9, Austin Prep welcomed Fr. Art Johnson, O.S.A., to campus to celebrate the Mass of the Immaculate Conception. This Mass was extra special as Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, and his wife, Mrs. Cindy Hickey P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27, became affiliated to the Order of St. Augustine, Province of St. Thomas of Villanova.
Friars can nominate individuals for affiliation because of their exemplary service to the Order. The community of friars at St. Augustine Church in Andover, including Fr. Art, Fr. Peter Gori, O.S.A., Austin Prep Class of 1970, and Fr. John Dello Russo, O.S.A., where Dr. and Mrs. Hickey are parishioners, nominated them for their commitment to Augustinian education and the Augustinian way of life.
Affiliation is the highest honor that the Order can bestow on a lay person. According to the Constitutions of the Order of St. Augustine, “The Order has the faculty of affiliating to itself the faithful who merit special recognition because of their distinguished cooperation for the good of the Order. By reason of this affiliation, they belong to the Augustinian Family and share in all of the spiritual benefits of the Order.” After their nomination was approved by the Provincial Council in Villanova, PA, the affiliation of Dr. and Mrs. Hickey was approved in Rome by the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine.
Through her own vocation as an educator and steadfast mom, Cindy Hickey has supported the work of her husband, volunteered countless hours for Austin Prep, and been a quiet source of inspiration for many, especially the staff at St. Augustine School where she worked for many years.
It was a milestone event for Austin Prep, and many members of the school community offered congratulatory words to the Hickeys, which you can view above.
We are grateful for the spiritual bond that the Hickey’s will share with the Augustinians and we were honored to celebrate with them.
St. Augustine Lumen Awards Presented to Faculty and Staff
Kasey Field, Leeann Blais, and Lisa Simmons (left to right) are the 2024 recipients of the St. Augustine Lumen Award.
The annual St. Augustine Lumen Award recognizes exemplary faculty and staff who embody the mission of Austin Prep. Dr. James Hickey, Head of School, was joined by Mr. Thomas Flynn '83, Board Vice Chair, Mrs. Barbara Marchetti P’17, and other members of the Board of Trustees as they presented the 2024 St. Augustine Lumen Awards to English faculty member Mrs. Leeann Blais, Director of Admissions Mrs. Lisa Simmons P’24, ’25, ’27, '30, and Admissions Administrative Assistant Mrs. Kasey Field P’29. Congratulations to Mrs. Blais, Mrs. Simmons, and Mrs. Field, and thank you for all that you do for our students and school community.
The award was presented Tuesday, December 3 in front of faculty, staff, and members of the Austin Prep Board of Trustees.
Unitas Leadership Academy Visits WCVB Channel 5 Boston
ULA students in the WCVB Studio on Thursday.
On Thursday, December 12, Austin Prep’s Unitas Leadership Academy (ULA) visited WCVB Channel 5 Boston for a behind-the-scenes look at the television news operation. A special thank you goes to investigative reporter Karen Anderson for speaking to our students about the search for truth and integrity in the news industry. You can view photos from the day here.
International Travel Program Kicks Off with Trip to Québec City
Austin Prep Students in Québec City in November.
As a part of the twenty-second annual National French Week from November 6-12, Austin Prep took its first international trip of the 2024-2025 academic year. 40 students and 15 adults visited Québec over the Veterans Day holiday weekend. Click here to learn more about what students loved about Québec. You can view photos from the trip here.
The Québec trip provided students with a rich immersion in French culture and cuisine. The trip itinerary included visits to historical and cultural sites like the Huron-Wendat Museum, the Citadel, and the Montmorency Falls. A favorite stop for many students was the beautiful Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré on the Saint Lawrence River. The students had fun practicing their French vocabulary during a scavenger hunt at the local market and flexed their acting skills at an Improv show and a theatrical workshop. The walking tour of Vieux Québec, the old walled section of the city, gave the group a firsthand view of Québec's rich history.
Truly the trip was a gastronomic experience. Students started each morning with delectable pastries like croissants at Café Paillard or brunch at the iconic Château Frontenac hotel. Meals highlighted the region's culinary specialties, including a traditional indigenous-inspired feast at Restaurant La Traite, savory burgers and poutine at Chez Victor, and a maple syrup-themed dinner complete with music and dance.
The Québec adventure provided students with a well-rounded immersion in the area's rich heritage and vibrant contemporary culture -, and students returned to campus excited to share their tales from the trails with classmates and teachers.
The Austin Prep International Student Travel Program continues in March with trips to Japan and Bermuda.
Thank You for a Successful Day of Giving
We are thrilled to share that our 7th annual Day of Giving was a tremendous success! Your generous support and enthusiasm have made a powerful impact on our students, faculty, and staff. Thanks to you, our community has come together once again to advance the mission of Austin Prep and strengthen the educational experience we provide.
Our students are excited to share their gratitude with you as well — please enjoy this special video as a token of our appreciation for your leadership and participation. Thank you again for your partnership and support. We couldn’t do this without you!
Miss Day of Giving? Support the Austin Prep Fund Before December 31!
Thank you to everyone who has generously supported the Austin Prep Fund in 2024. If you haven’t yet made a gift, there’s still time before the clock strikes midnight on December 31! You can make your gift click here, or for gifts of stock, please email John Weber, Chief Financial Officer at jweber@austinprep.org or contact the Development Office at (781) 944-4900.
Please note: Gifts must be postmarked, or shares received in our Vanguard account, by midnight on December 31 to qualify for 2024 tax benefits.
Austin Prep Strategic Planning Updates
In the spring of 2024, the Board of Trustees commenced a strategic planning process. This initiative was part of a seamless transition from the last five-year strategic plan, which was launched in 2019 and completed in 2024. In the early fall of this year, the Board of Trustees approved Austin Prep’s next five-year Strategic Plan, 2024-2029. The new plan was developed to lead Austin Prep into another decade of continuous achievement, fueling the school’s long-term, sustained commitment to remain in the vanguard of Catholic education. In Austin Prep’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, Austin Prep will continue to chase excellence in the footsteps of St. Augustine and advance our unwavering commitment to Catholic education and Catholic teaching.
The central aspect of strategic planning is to assist our students in reaching their full potential through the mission-promise of Austin Prep. In recent years, Austin Prep has made wide-ranging financial investments totaling more than $22 million that has impacted every aspect of the School community, including a comprehensive campus modernization program, a competitive faculty compensation model, an expansion of student life and athletic programs, and the construction of newly designed science facilities supporting the growth of STEM education.
The accelerating growth of the School over the last several years through community-based strategic planning has united preparation with opportunity, generating transformative educational opportunities. The 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, which includes long-term goals and action plans, will build on our strengths, and express our aspirations in innovative and exciting ways. The plan is rooted in mission, continuing the trajectory of growth, and expanding Austin Prep’s coveted value proposition.
With a new strategic vision of the future, Austin Prep is well positioned to accelerate our evolution as a leading Catholic institution. The new strategic plan will help elevate academic experience, expand educational opportunity, enhance our campus infrastructure, and fortify Austin Prep as a leading influence in secondary education. We will be in touch in the New Year with additional strategic planning updates.
Austin Prep Class Reunion Updates
Class of 1975 to Celebrate 50th Reunion during Commencement Weekend
Welcoming alumni back to campus for the 50th Reunion is always a highlight of the year-end Baccalaureate Liturgy and Commencement.
We look forward to celebrating the 50th Reunion for the class of 1975 this coming May. Activities are being planned for May 15-16, 2025. Save the dates and invitations will follow in the new year. If you would like to help find missing classmates or have any questions please contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving, Darren Stewart, darren.stewart@austinprep.org, or 781.944.4900 x4862.
The Class of 2019 Celebrates 5-year Reunion
The Class of 2019 celebrated their 5-year Reunion on Friday, November 29 at Sissy K’s in Boston. A special thank you to Tara King '19 and Gianna Corrente '19 for helping to organize this fun night!
The Class of 2014 Celebrates 10-year Reunion
The Class of 2014 celebrated their 10-year Reunion on Saturday, December 17 at Great American Beer Hall in Medford. A special thank you to Jonathan Saurman '14 for helping to coordinate the event!
Save the Date: Alumni Career Day is April 3
The Office of Alumni Engagement is excited for the return of Alumni Career Day on April 3, 2025. Career Day is a terrific opportunity for our alumni to share their professional experiences with our current Austin Prep students. We will have panel discussions based on vocation/industry followed by a career fair with opportunities to speak with students one-on-one. This is one of the most notable events for students and alumni to connect, it can be a life-changing experience. If you would like to participate in Career
Day, please contact Director of Alumni Engagement and Giving, Darren Stewart, darren.stewart@austinprep.org, or 781.944.4900 x4862.
2025 Athletic Hall of Fame Class to be Announced in January
The Athletic Hall of Fame Committee will announce the 2025 inductees in January of 2025 and on Saturday, April 26, they will be inducted during a dinner ceremony at Austin Prep. Tickets for this event will go on sale in January 2025, and there will be opportunities to send the honorees a congratulatory note, or purchase an advertisement in the commemorative program book. Should you have any questions, please be in touch with Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head of School - Administration & Special Projects at sbelanger@austinprep.org.
Alumni Winter Gathering at Bunratty Tavern
We are excited to begin a series of local alumni gatherings! Please join us on Thursday, January 30 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bunratty Tavern in Reading Center. It will be a great time to connect with fellow Austin Prep alums. Please register in advance; there is no cost to attend.
Stay Connected
The Office of Alumni Engagement wants to stay in touch with you and let you know what is happening at Austin Prep, as well as share your personal updates with fellow alumni. Please share updates including academic and sports honors, career milestones, marriages, births/adoptions, or any of life’s other big announcements.
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Alumni group is “Austin Preparatory School Alumni”
