February 2024
In This Issue
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Join us for an Austin Prep Alumni Celebration
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New Ice Hockey Locker Rooms Unveiled
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Austin Prep Welcomes New Ice Hockey Coaches
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Faculty and Staff Attend Augustinian Values Institute
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Hall of Heroes Honors Veterans
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Science Seminar Series Introduced
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Students Attend Race Amity Conference
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Class of 2023 Returns to Campus for Thanksgiving
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Thank You for Your Day of Giving Support
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Mrs. Dell'Anno '12 and Mrs. Colannino Receive Lumen Awards
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Students Take Part in Malvern Prep Exchange
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Austin Prep Celebrates New Christmas Tradition
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Let’s Stay Connected
Calling Austin Prep Alumni | Join us April 27
Over the past six decades, Austin Prep has witnessed incredible growth, achievements, and transformative experiences for countless individuals, and we believe it's only fitting to commemorate this extraordinary journey with our alumni community.
As part of the grand celebrations for Austin Prep's 60th Anniversary, we invite Austin Prep alums to "Save the Date" to come back to campus and see how your school has evolved over the last 60 years. This is not a fundraiser; it's an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, relive your school memories and celebrate the vibrant community that has been an integral part of the Austin Prep journey. More details coming soon!
Ice Hockey Locker Rooms Unveiled at Home Rink Ristuccia Arena
The Austin Prep Girls Ice Hockey Locker Room at Ristuccia Arena.
On the eve of their 2023-2024 season openers, the new Austin Prep boys and girls ice hockey locker and training room facilities at their home facility Ristuccia Arena in Wilmington were unveiled to the teams. It was a great way to start the year! Take a look at the new Austin Prep boys and girls ice hockey locker room facilities here, with some comments from team captains Kylie McDonald ‘24 and Derek Daley ‘24.
Austin Prep Welcomes New Ice Hockey Coaches for 2023-24 Season
This year, Austin Prep announced new head coaches for both the boys and girls ice hockey teams. Kerry Brennan was named Austin Prep’s Head Varsity Girls Hockey Coach in October. Coach Brennan took the helm of the program after achieving considerable playing and coaching success, and administrative experience in age-based hockey.
A Charlestown native, Coach Brennan comes to Austin Prep from the North Shore Vipers Hockey Program, where she serves as the Program Director focusing on player development and the college placement of her athletes. Additionally, she serves as the Director of the Wilmington Youth Lacrosse Girls program.
Before her time at the North Shore Vipers Program, Coach Brennan held the position of Assistant Director and Youth Counselor for the Gavin Foundation: Speakers of Hope Program.
Prior to beginning her coaching career, Coach Brennan played ice hockey collegiately at Southern Maine and UMass Boston after a stellar high school career at Boston Latin School, where she earned Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic honors, in addition to the Boston Globe Female Ice Hockey Player of the Year and Samuel Morse Leadership Awards.
In addition to her coaching duties, Coach Brennan serves as the Administrative Assistant in the Office of College Counseling at Austin Prep.
In November, Austin Prep announced the appointment of Mr. Patrick Driscoll '97 as Austin Prep’s Head Varsity Boys Hockey Coach. Also Austin Prep Director of Athletics, Driscoll served as an assistant coach with the program during the 2022-2023 season.
Driscoll began his tenure at Austin Prep in 2019 as Assistant Director of Athletics before being promoted to Director of Athletics later that year. During that time, Austin Prep has achieved great success, capturing five MIAA state titles and two NEPSAC titles. Most notably, Driscoll successfully guided Austin Prep's transition to the New England Preparatory School Council (NEPSAC) in 2022 while also being named the Massachusetts Secondary School Athletic Directors Association (MSSADA) District 6 Athletic Director of the Year.
In line with his administrative accomplishments, Driscoll has amassed significant coaching experience and success during his career in athletics. Prior to arriving at Austin Prep, Driscoll spent 18 years at Malden Catholic where he served as the Lancer’s Head Baseball Coach and as the Associate Head Varsity Hockey Coach. As a coach at Malden Catholic, he was a part of eight MIAA State Championship games, winning six, and also captured six Catholic Conference Championships.
Driscoll earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption College and holds two master’s degrees, one from Boston College and one from Lasell College.
Hear from both coaches, and learn a little more about the new ice hockey facility, in the video here.
Austin Prep Faculty and Staff Attend Augustinian Values Institute
Austin Prep was represented at the Augustinian Values Institute by (standing left to right): Trustee Anthony Zizza P'26, '29; Carly Cavanagh, Science; Sr. Immaculate Kyampeire; Dr. Bill Driscoll '89, Dean of Faculty; Chris Capone, Science; Eric Smith, Theology; Cassandra Thompson, English; and Trevor Jones, Humanities.
Austin Prep sent a delegation to the 20th gathering of the Augustinian Values Institute on October 19-23 hosted by Austin Catholic High School in Detroit, Michigan. The Augustinian Secondary Education Association sponsors the conference with the purpose of bringing together educators from all of the Augustinian Schools in North America. The conference creates clarity and fosters a deeper understanding of the Augustinian mission for its educators so they can return to their schools energized and with their “hearts on fire." This year schools from Austria and England were also in attendance.
Teachers, faculty, and administrators join together to share their experiences and explain how they apply the mission in their respective schools and to learn how others apply the core values of the Augustinian Order. The conference includes prayer, liturgy, lecture, breakout sessions, reflection, and guest speakers to develop educators in focusing on how they might live their vocations in an Augustinian way. Upon reflection from the weekend, English faculty member Cassandra Thompson shared “I am thankful for an amazing weekend and sharing in a faith-filled experience with the Austin Prep delegation. I feel so blessed to work at such a compassionate school with a supportive community of people.” Humanities faculty member Trevor Jones added, “I learned so much that will shape how I go about teaching and knowing that I am connected to a greater purpose.”
The host school Austin Catholic, founded in 2011, is the youngest school in the network and demonstrates that the message of Augustinian education continues to resonate with educators, students, and parents around the country. The school is located in a suburb outside of Detroit and the Austin Prep delegation was treated to a visit to a car museum filled with antique vehicles as pictured above.
Austin Prep Celebrates Veterans Day Through Hall of Heroes
Students in the eighth-grade class of 2028 contributed to an installation called "The Hallway of Heroes" in the middle school wing to celebrate Veterans' Day. As part of their civics class, students interviewed family members or researched local community members, and compiled tributes that recognized and commemorated the service of these veterans. This project was both a meaningful homage to veterans and an opportunity for students to practice research skills. The gallery was on display all week and remained up during our Parent-Teacher Conferences the following week to allow students and community members to reflect on the heroism of these men and women and the stories of sacrifice that underpin the freedoms we cherish each day. A special thanks to Mr. Jack Brady, History Faculty, for coordinating this year's installation.
Austin Prep Introduces the Science Seminar Series
Austin Prep was proud to introduce our Scientist Seminar Series this semester. The goal of the program is to build connections between students’ classroom learning and real-world applications by showcasing how scientists from various fields are applying content and skills to explore and understand our world. This series aims to provide students with a broader perspective on the practical implications of their academic studies and inspire them to see the relevance and impact of scientific research.
This academic initiative has been developed over the past year to enhance the student experience in the sciences. We are grateful to the many scientists at esteemed universities and research facilities who have contributed their time and expertise in guiding Austin Prep in creating this experience for our students.
Over the next few months, every Austin Prep student will have the opportunity to hear from a practicing scientist about their professional Journey and current research. Our esteemed guests are on the faculty at some of the world’s top-flight hospitals and universities that are at the vanguard of research on a variety of topics. Among our guests are members of the faculty at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Duke University, and the University of California at Santa Barbara.
The inaugural lecture in the Scientist Seminar Series occurred on January 11. We were pleased to welcome Dr. Conor Evans, associate professor at the Harvard Medical School and head of the laboratory for the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Evans is a world-recognized leader in "smart” wearable sensing technologies for wound healing and drug delivery. His lab research is focused on the development and clinical translation of microscopy.
Dr. Evans presented to our sophomore Chemistry and Advanced Placement Chemistry students about his research and the applicability of students’ classroom lessons to the medical research that he leads at Massachusetts General Hospital.
Students Attend Race Amity Conference
Austin Prep Race Amity Conference Delegates from left to right: Aidan O’Neill '26, Jay Voica '24, Amelia Amadin '26, Grace Ditchfield '26, Jack Sweeney '24, and George Mamakos '24.
Austin Prep sent a delegation of students to the National Center for Race Amity Conference in Atlanta, Georgia during Veterans Day weekend. NCRA is an organization dedicated to promoting racial unity and friendships to move the public discourse on race from the “blame/grievance/rejection” cycle to one of “amity/collaboration/access and equity.” Convention organizers invited Austin Prep because students have dedicated hours of service throughout the past few years.
The conference featured leaders of industry, education, athletics, art, and business who are renowned for their impact on our communities. Our students engaged with University of Kentucky Men's Basketball Coach John Calipari, best-selling author Debby Irving, Dr. Bob Johnson, best known for his consultative work with Wegmans, and philanthropist and entrepreneur Steve Sarowitz, the founder of Paylocity. These keynote speakers and presenters provided outstanding examples of how our students can make a difference and move from theory to action. George Mamakos '26 explained that he enjoyed a reenactment of Frederick Douglass because “it was so real that it gave me chills.” Amelia Amadin '26 reported that she appreciated “the opportunity for an experience I will never forget.”
A highlight of the trip was a tour of Atlanta which provided students with the opportunity to visit the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr., the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, the King Center for Nonviolent Social Change, and the historic Atlanta Fire Department Building No. 6 that housed the first integrated fire company in the city. Our delegation was also amazed to see the Nobel Peace Prize 1964 at the King Center. The delegation ended their visit solemnly at the resting place of Coretta Scott King and Martin Luther King, Jr. Hear from our students and learn more about the trip and the continued legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in this video.
The Class of 2023 Returns for Thanksgiving Eve Breakfast
The Class of 2023 at their Thanksgiving Eve Breakfast.
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 23, members of the Class of 2023 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 to campus!
Thank You for Your Day of Giving Support
On behalf of the Austin Prep community, we are so grateful for all the support during our Annual Day of Giving, which took place November 13-14. It was truly inspirational to have a community rally behind us in raising funds to provide resources for our students, faculty, and staff upholding our mission of inspiring hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve.
Austin Prep is a special place. The opportunities here are boundless. Our patron, St. Augustine, embarked on a journey of truth. At our core is an institution on the same journey, committed to exemplary teaching and learning. We celebrated St. Augustine’s birthday with an investment in his teachings –and with an investment in the hearts and minds of all our students.
In sincere appreciation, we thank you for contributing to this year’s Day of Giving!
Ms. Dell'Anno '12, Mrs. Colannino Receive Lumen Awards
Claudia Colannino and Alexandra Dell'Anno are the 2023 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. Hickey was joined by Mr. Thomas Flynn ‘83, Board Vice Chair, and members of the Board of Trustees as they presented the 2023 St. Augustine Lumen Award to English faculty member Ms. Alexandra Dell'Anno '12. New this year, Austin Prep also presented a St. Augustine Lumen Award to a member of the administrative staff. This year’s recipient was registrar Mrs. Claudia Colannino. Congratulations were in order to Ms. Dell’Anno and Mrs. Colannino. We appreciate all that they do for our students and school community.
The award was presented in front of faculty, staff, and members of the Austin Prep Board of Trustees.
Students Take Part in Exchange With Malvern Prep
Mark-Henry Novas ’26, Derek Langenau ’26, Shane Miller ’26, and Colin Walsh ’25 with Malvern Prep students.
As a member of the Augustinian Secondary Educational Association (ASEA), Austin Prep shares a common heritage with nine other schools in North America. Recently, four of our students, Derek Langenau ’26, Shane Miller ’26, Mark-Henry Novas ’26, and Colin Walsh ’25, visited Malvern Prep, our fellow school located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and spent time attending classes with host students. The visit was from December 5-9 and featured several opportunities to learn from one another.
The purpose of the student exchange was to deepen Augustinian connections. As an all-boys school, Malvern Prep emphasizes the bonds of brotherhood and relies heavily on the prevailing message of St. Augustine's teachings that education is about relationships. The bonds that were forged throughout this week solidified and amplified our commitment to the Augustinian values of veritas, unitas, and caritas.
The delegation began with a tour of the campus of Villanova University where they cheered the Women’s Basketball team on to a victory over the University of Pennsylvania. The students completed a few days' worth of classes, shadowing their host students and engaging with the 600 students who make Malvern their home. Our students were warmly welcomed and embraced by the student body and teachers alike who were hungry to learn about the Boston area and Austin Prep. The students also worked on a service project by visiting an early childhood center for preschool children who are underserved.
On Friday, December 8 students joined together as an entire community to share in worship and to express our Catholic heritage in the celebration of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Before it began, Mark-Henry Novas shared an Adeodatus reflection. The Mass was celebrated by the Head of School Emeritus Fr. Donald Reilly, O.S.A. His homily focused on the year's theme set by Malvern Prep: "Become What You Are Not Yet." His poignant remarks focused on the challenge inherent in that quote from Augustine because it calls upon us to live our ideals and move ever closer to fulfilling our promise as children of God.
As the week ended, our students were revered as celebrities by the Middle School students. A class of 8th graders passed by our group as they were doing a final tour and shouted out "Hey it is the Austin Prep kids!" It was an amazing week that we will replicate when we host Malvern Prep students in April.
We concluded the visit with a Boys Basketball game on the campus of West Chester University. A raucous Malvern crowd cheered the team on to a convincing 20-point victory. Our ambassadors led the first exchange in our Augustinian network and we hope that this week will become a framework for our other affiliates to engage in promoting our values through the friendships that form during student exchanges. We are deeply grateful for their service to the school and for proudly representing our community.
Austin Prep Celebrates Christmas Traditions and Introduces Another
This December the school community embraced the festive spirit as Austin Prep inaugurated a new school tradition – the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Led by prayers read by Fr. Patrick Armano, School Chaplain, and Sr. Maria Gorreth Nassali, Director of Campus 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. Alumni are welcome to join us next year! You can view photos from the event here, and a video of the installation of the tree here.
The month of December at Austin Prep is always filled with activities grounded in faith, fellowship, and some holiday fun, bringing to life the Augustinian keystones of veritas, unitas, and caritas. What is your favorite Austin Prep Christmas tradition? Take a look at this video to learn what members of our community value most at Austin Prep during the Christmas season.
Let's Stay Connected
Time to update your emails! The Office of Alumni Affairs wants to stay in touch with you and share exciting updates! Please take a moment to update your email address with our office. Please email Kasey Field at kasey.field@austinprep.org.
Never a dull moment on our social media accounts! Be sure you follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Alumni group is “Austin Preparatory School Alumni”
Each Austin Prep Reunion Class has a Facebook group: “Austin Prep Class of XXXX.”
