Fall 2020
ALUMNI COURIER
Fall 2020
Celebrating Our Retirees with Quotes from Alumni and Friends
As the 2019–2020 academic year came to a close, we said farewell to five members of the Austin Prep community. Collectively, Mr. Bill Maradei P'11, '12; Mr. Gary Mackiewicz; Mr. Bob Hennessy; Mrs. Maureen DiPerna P'08; and Mrs. Teresa Wallace P'93, '96 retired with 171 years of combined service. We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary dedication and lasting impact on Austin Prep.
We look forward to honoring their legacies with a campus celebration when it is safe to gather students, families, alumni, and colleagues. In the meantime, those wishing to honor the retirees are invited to support the Austin Scholars Program (formerly the Inner City Scholarship Fund), which provides scholarships for students who otherwise would not have access to an Austin Prep education.
Learn more about the Austin Scholars Program and other scholarship opportunities, or make a donation here .
We recently recognized the retirees on social media, and below is a selection of messages shared by the community:
Maureen DiPerna P'08 — 19 years in Theology and World Languages: “Your warmth and compassion were a steady presence at Austin.”
Teresa Wallace P'93, '96 — 31 years in the library: “The most kindhearted and honest woman. Honored to have worked with you.”
William “Coach” Maradei P'11, '12 — 27 years in Science and coaching: “A coach who never missed an arts event and always showed up for students.”
Gary Mackiewicz — 47 years in World Languages: “An incredible educator who taught life lessons as much as language.”
Robert “Bob” Hennessy — 47 years in World Languages: “You helped students understand the world and one another.”
Austin Prep Continues to Advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
In their Pastoral Letter on Racism, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops wrote: “Racism is not merely one sin among many; it is a radical evil that divides the human family.” Austin Prep condemns racism, bigotry, and intolerance in any form and is committed to fostering a community rooted in respect, dignity, and justice.
Dr. Crystal Kuykendall led professional development sessions with faculty and staff on August 27.
As part of its commitment to equity and inclusion, Austin Prep expanded resources dedicated to DEI initiatives and training. This year, the school partnered with Dr. Crystal Kuykendall—educator, attorney, author, and keynote speaker—to support faculty development and address the impact of implicit bias.
Fr. Patrick Armano, Fr. Jorge Reyes, and Mr. Jaycob Morales will support efforts to advance inclusion and mission at Austin Prep.
Austin Prep also expanded its team to strengthen inclusion efforts. The school welcomed Mr. Jaycob Morales as Coordinator of Community and Inclusion and appointed Fr. Jorge Reyes, O.S.A. as Director of Mission and Inclusion. Together with Fr. Patrick Armano, they will support the continued growth of an inclusive and mission-driven community.
The 2020–2021 Academic Year Is Underway at Austin Prep
Cohort A students returned to campus on September 8.
After nearly six months away from campus, Austin Prep welcomed students back on September 8 for the start of the academic year. Students participated in a hybrid learning model with alternating cohorts on campus and remotely. To view photos from opening week, view the photo gallery .
Cohort B students returned to campus on September 10.
Extensive planning was undertaken to ensure a safe return to campus, including redesigned schedules, health protocols, dining procedures, and classroom configurations. Investments in technology, HVAC systems, and health infrastructure supported a safe and flexible learning environment.
Remote teaching and learning was first introduced by Austin Prep in March after the school closure mandate in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and was well regarded across the school community, creating a standard of best practices and an educational model that many schools replicated. With an already existing 1:1 iPad program for students – which provides each student their own iPad – remote learning will be bolstered this year with improved network capabilities and new equipment in each classroom, allowing students and faculty to interact with even greater ease.
"The significant investment that we have made in technology will provide students with the opportunity to engage with their classmates and teachers in real time. This technology includes upgrades in cameras and microphones that will enhance the remote learning experience,” Assistant Head of School and Head of Upper School William Driscoll, Ed.D. said.
Parents, who were invited to participate in a communitywide webinar shortly after the release of the reopening plan in August, were excited to have their children return to campus.
“In such an unsettling time, it gives us great comfort to know that our children were able to return to the Austin Prep campus this fall and have a sense of normalcy,” Amy Sperling, P’22, ‘25 said. “It is very clear to us that the School has put a lot of time, effort and resources into a very thorough and safe reopening plan. We are confident that our children are in the hands of caring and capable professionals.”
Class of 2020 College Journeys During a Pandemic
We are following the journeys of our most recent graduates as they navigate their future and their education during this pandemic. While many of our youngest alumni have moved on to their college campuses to attend in-person classes, a large percentage are learning remotely. This year, we are seeing the graduates making the difficult choice to take a gap year, with some alums taking on internships, entering the workforce, or volunteering with local organizations. Read about how the Class of 2020 continues to show their resiliency, using the foundation of veritas, unitas and caritas to define their unique journeys:
Lauren Sablone '20, with sister Caroline '18, will take a gap year this year in advance of her enrolling at Princeton.
Lauren Sablone '20, Princeton University, “After finding out that Princeton would be remote this fall, I decided to take a gap year in order to get the most out of my four-year college experience. In an effort to feel connected to campus still, I decided to move into an apartment just outside of Princeton for the fall season. I'm currently living with 4 of my teammates who are taking online classes as I begin a volunteer internship. We are all able to practice softball together on our Princeton field, and we are able to do our workouts together as if we were living on campus. In a few days, I will be volunteering for a professor at Jefferson University in Philadelphia as she begins a research project in the public health field.”
Meghan Anderson '20, College of the Holy Cross, “After I found out I couldn’t move onto campus, I decided that I would take a gap year. I am nannying and washing dogs at a dog groomer. I wish I was at school but I’m having the best time! Best jobs ever!”
Josh Azor '20 is learning remotely at The College of the Holy Cross.
Josh Azor '20, College of the Holy Cross, "When Holy Cross initially decided to go fully remote, I was definitely frustrated. After contemplating my options, I reluctantly decided to take online classes, and looking back on it, it was the best decision I could have made. I am not only enjoying my classes and making new friends, but being home allows me to determine my own schedule when I am not in class. Outside of the Zoom classroom, I can be found working long shifts at Jos.A Bank or Angelo's Ristorante and if not there then definitely at the gym. I am taking everything day by day, and although I can not wait to get on campus to get involved and meet everyone, I have also begun to see the silver lining amongst all the chaos in today's world."
"Being off-campus so far this semester has allowed me to spend so much more time with my younger sister, in turn improving our relationship ten-fold. I have also taken the time at home to help several friends learn the ways of nutrition and working out... socially distanced of course. Although with all this going on, and with managing work and classes as well, I feel as if my work ethic has vastly improved along with my time management, although it is cliché, I truly do think everything happens for a reason."
Abigail Brown '20, University of Vermont “Since May 29th, a lot has happened. The summer flew by, and I now find myself up in Vermont at UVM. I’ve settled into dorm life and made friends while balancing classes and exploring the area, and while I’ve been embracing change with open arms, I sometimes think back to my time at Austin. I can’t help missing the days of spending time with friends after school in the library, dropping by Mrs. P’s room just to have a chat, attending dances at Meelia, or even just the feeling of the last class on a Friday afternoon, when everyone was so ready to head home and enjoy the weekend. I can confidently say that Austin prepared me for the workload and effort expected of me in college, and that the transition was so seamless due in part to the rigorous material and strong academic atmosphere. Although I sometimes wish to go back to freshman year, when I was a fresh-faced 14-year-old taking on the world, I feel so lucky to have received such a memorable education, and I will never quite forget my time at Austin Prep.”
Jonathan Whooley '20 in learning on campus at WPI.
Jonathan Whooley '20, WPI “This fall my college, WPI, has offered classes in a hybrid fashion. I have chosen to take my classes in person on campus. The transition to college was easier than I thought. Having successfully traversed through high school both academically, socially, and athletically all helped me get to where I am now. College is rigorous, especially when you only have seven-week terms, which is how WPI does it, unlike most. Nevertheless, my love for the small school atmosphere of Austin Prep is what led me to choose a college of similar caliber.”
Austin Prep Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
Austin Prep is celebrating diverse cultures, starting with Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15. During this time, we are recognizing the contributions, achievements and influence of Hispanic Americans on the history and culture of the United States. This month is significant as it includes the date of independence for many Hispanic countries.
As a community we are committed to providing Latinx identifying individuals the opportunity to reflect on their cultural roots and help other students who are unfamiliar with the culture to learn more about what Latinx individuals have contributed to our society.
Throughout the month we will provide students with opportunities to embrace and celebrate Hispanic culture. In the coming weeks, students will be able to indulge in different Spanish cuisine at lunch in the dining hall. Meals will include dishes from various Hispanic countries including Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, and Cuba, and fun facts about each country will be found around the dining hall. Additionally, each week we will highlight an individual person who has made an impact within the Hispanic community.
Field Hockey Added as a Varsity Sport
When athletics makes its long-awaited return to Austin Prep, there will be a new sport offering for the fall. Girls Field Hockey will begin its inaugural season this year, with the first game on October 12. To date, 34 students have registered for tryouts, which begin September 29, and it is anticipated that Austin Prep will carry both a varsity and developmental sub-varsity program. Girls Field Hockey was a club sport during the 2019-2020 academic year.
The team will be coached by Ms. Brianna Robbins, a former collegiate field hockey player who also serves as the Executive Assistant and Events Coordinator in the Office of External Affairs. The team has a 10 game schedule with 6 home games scheduled to take place on Father Seymour Field. "What I am most excited for this season is seeing our team grow, and for us to finally play as Austin Prep’s first varsity field hockey team," Patricia Bibeau '22 said. "As our program numbers continue to grow, the more our team comes together."
SAVE THE DATE
Autumn at Austin: A Virtual Homecoming Experience for Alumni
We look forward to seeing our alumni throughout the weekend of October 23-25 for our Autumn at Austin Virtual Homecoming Experience! There is something for everyone! Autumn at Austin highlights include:
From Willow Street to the World ~ Michael McLaughlin, Head of Middle School will take you on a journey recapping the travels of Austin Prep students through service trips and study abroad programs. Hosted by alum Matthew Deeble ’20 and Pedro Castro '17.
Mass with Fr. Patrick Armano and Fr. Jorge Reyes in the Chapel of St. Augustine
More information to follow at austinprep.org and on Facebook.
Reunion for Classes Ending in 0 and 5
Class Representatives Needed
The pandemic has altered the way Austin Prep traditionally celebrates reunion milestones with our alumni. We look forward to hosting virtual reunions for the classes ending in 0 and 5 in November. But to host these events, generate excitement and capture outstanding levels of participation, we need help from representatives from each of the classes. If you would like to be part of the planning for your class reunion, please contact Jennifer Hodgdon, Director of Alumni Relations and Giving by October 1, jennifer.hodgdon@austinprep.org. We look forward to celebrating YOU this reunion year!
Upcoming Virtual Admissions Events
The Office of Admissions had their first training call this week with Head Green Keys Ambassadors for the Austin Prep Student Ambassador Program.
We are approaching the Open House season at Austin Prep, and we will be offering virtual admissions events in the coming weeks. On Monday, September 28 at 9:00 a.m. we hosted a Middle School event, and on Tuesday, September 29 at 9:00 a.m. we will host an Upper School event. If you or a friend have a child interested in attending Austin Prep, start your legacy journey today and contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@austinprep.org for more information about upcoming events.
Class of 2020 Reflects on Their Experience
As we embark on a new academic year, we can't help but remember the impact of our most recent graduating class, the Class of 2020. In this video, several members of the class speak to what made their Austin Prep experience special to them. #Veritas #Unitas #Caritas #AustinAlways.