June 2026

We invite you to explore past issues of the Alumni Courier.

In This Issue

1. From the Office of Development
2. Alumni Spotlight | Jenna Cobb ’20
3. Honoring Those Who Inspire: Austin Prep's First Teacher Appreciation Month
4. Leave Your Mark on Austin Prep - Reserve Your Brick in the Alumni Walkway
5. Support Austin Prep's Record-Breaking Year
6. Alumni Spotlight | Ernie Little ’22
7. 38th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament: Another Huge Success
8. Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Austin Prep Alumni Red Sox Night
9. Save the Date: Back Where It Started | The Alumni Baseball Game
10. Class of 2026 Alumni Breakfast-Save the Date
11. Stay Connected 

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From the Office of Development

What a year it has been. 

As we close out the 2025–2026 school year, we find ourselves genuinely moved by the generosity, loyalty, and love that the Austin Prep community has shown, and that very much includes you, our alumni.

This year, something shifted. The conversations got warmer. The responses got more enthusiastic. People who hadn't heard from us in years started reaching out, not because we asked, but because something we were doing made them feel seen and remembered. That means everything to us.

One of the most beautiful moments of the year came during Teacher Appreciation Month this spring. We invited our alumni community to honor the teachers who had shaped them, and the response was overwhelming. Messages poured in. Stories were shared. Teachers and coaches were moved to tears. It was a powerful reminder that the relationships formed in these classrooms don't end at graduation. They last a lifetime. If a teacher or coach at Austin Prep made a difference in your life, know that your words of gratitude this year meant more than you may ever realize.

We also had the joy of connecting with so many of you through new events and old traditions alike, including a baseball game, a Red Sox outing, and a Classic Car Display. The response reminded us just how alive the Austin Prep spirit is, no matter how many years have passed since you walked these halls. We loved celebrating so many of you through our Alumni Spotlights as well, and we're grateful to those who shared their stories with the broader community.

The support we received this year from alumni, alumni families, current families, faculty, staff, and friends of the school was genuinely extraordinary. Austin Prep is in a remarkable moment, and it's happening because of you.

We are also so proud to share that the Richard J. Meelia ’67 Center for Integrated Learning has officially launched, a transformational new home for learning that is taking shape right here on our campus. To see this vision becoming a reality is something truly special, and we are so grateful to everyone who has been a part of making it possible. What an exciting time to be a Cougar.

To every alumnus who gave, attended an event, shared a story, referred a student, or simply cheered us on from afar, thank you. Truly. Your connection to this place is not just appreciated; it is the very thing that makes Austin Prep Austin Prep.

We can't wait to see what next year holds. As always, our door is open. 

With gratitude,  

The Office of Development  

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Alumni Spotlight: Jenna Cobb ’20

 

Jenna Cobb ’20 helped launch the incredibly successful Baseball Operations program at Austin Prep, serving as its first program lead, an experience that ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in sports. She has already worked for not one, but two historic Boston sports franchises, beginning with the Boston Red Sox, where she served as Alumni Assistant in the Alumni Relations Department. Jenna is now a Member Experience Executive with the Boston Celtics. Jenna credits the guidance of many mentors who have helped shape her personal and professional growth. Jenna said, “Early on, Associate Head of School Jonathan Pollard ’97, P’32 and Athletic Director Pat Driscoll ’97 at Austin Prep were among the first to believe in me and provide opportunities in the sports world. I am also deeply grateful to the professors and alumni who generously shared their time, offering guidance and encouragement as I navigated internships and career decisions.” Jenna, we are proud of all you have accomplished in your young career so far. Keep up the good work!  

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Honoring Those Who Inspire: Austin Prep's First Teacher Appreciation Month

 

As you saw throughout the month of May, Austin Prep dedicated the entire month to celebrating our teachers and coaches. From current faculty to alumni, parents, and friends, we made every effort to honor as many educators as possible — and the response was nothing short of extraordinary. 

We are deeply grateful for the profound impact our teachers and coaches have on students every single day. They are changing lives, and that work does not go unnoticed. 

One of the most meaningful highlights of the month was our community coming together to name seven classrooms in honor of current Austin Prep teachers and coaches. Here are the educators who were honored: Ms. Celia Barletta, World Languages Faculty; Mrs. Michele Brewer, P’30, ’32, Mathematics Faculty and Head Softball Coach; Mrs. Marla Pascucci-Byrne, P’30, Art and Design Chair; Mr. Jonathan Pollard ’97, P’32, Associate Head of School and Head Baseball Coach; Mr. Sean Ryan, P’29, ’30, Assistant Dean of Students and Head Boys Basketball Coach; Mrs. Tasha Scaplen, St. Ambrose Fellow and Instructional Assistant; and Mr. Eric Smith, Theology Faculty. 

Our alumni played an especially significant role, contributing a record number of gifts to ensure that some very deserving educators were recognized in this lasting way. The passion and heartfelt generosity so many of you showed were truly inspiring. Thank you for making this Teacher Appreciation Month one to remember! 

To give or learn more about this special giving initiative, contact Georgina D’Cruz, Assistant Director of Development, at georgina.dcruz@austinprep.org, (781) 944-4900 x4955. 

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Leave Your Mark on Austin Prep - Reserve Your Brick in the Alumni Walkway

 

Hundreds of families and alumni have literally etched their names permanently into Austin Prep’s history with an engraved brick in the Alumni Walkway. Located from the main entrance doors down to and around Richard J. Meelia ’67 Hall, the walkway connects Austin Prep’s past to its promising future. The walkway contains bricks with the names of alumni from the six decades of our history.  

It’s never too late to add a brick from any class year! Bricks are $500 and can be reserved with a gift to the Austin Prep Fund. Purchase Your Brick Today! 

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Support Austin Prep's Record-Breaking Year

Make Your Gift to Austin Prep Before June 30

The strength of Austin Prep lies in our supportive community. This year, the community of Austin Prep alumni has shown up in record numbers. Join the record number of alumni who have already supported the Austin Prep Fund this year and make a gift before June 30.  Gifts to the Austin Prep Fund help to sustain the impactful programs and opportunities that keep Austin Prep at the forefront of educational excellence, both inside and outside the classroom. If you have yet to make your tax-deductible donation, please join the alumni community and make a gift today!  

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Alumni Spotlight: Ernie Little ’22

 

Ernie Little ’22 has started his own company, WELD. It is the first-ever protein energy drink. The drink combines 18g of protein and 200mg of caffeine per can, giving an athlete everything they need in one beverage. Here is why Ernie decided to start his own business. “At 21, I was a student-athlete who was always on the go – buying a protein shake and an energy drink separately to power my body. It cost too much and made no sense. So, I created WELD: the first drink that fuses protein and caffeine together. Built for athletes, students, and anyone chasing more out of every day.” WELD officially launched at the beginning of 2026 and has been a great success so far! Ernie started building WELD while still in school and playing Division 1 baseball at the same time. Congrats on your success so far. With your hard work and determination, the sky’s the limit. 

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38th Annual Austin Prep Golf Tournament: Another Huge Success  

Austin Prep hosted the 38th Annual Austin Open Golf Tournament on May 18 at Indian Ridge Country Club in Andover. The golf tournament was a great success, raising over $96,000! View photos from the day here. 

The Annual Golf Tournament is vital in our efforts to continue to provide exceptional educational experiences for all our students. A special thank you to alumni families for their 2026 Title Sponsorships: Pimentel Construction and Quirk Construction Corp. The proceeds from the Austin Prep Open have always helped ensure that Austin Prep students are provided an extraordinary experience rich in academics, extra-curricular activities, community, and faith.

If you have questions about future golf sponsorships and events, please contact Ms. Susan Belanger, Assistant Head for Administration at sbelanger@austinprep.org. 

 

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Austin Prep Alumni Red Sox Night

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Save the Date: Back Where It Started | The Alumni Baseball Game 

 

Austin Prep will be hosting the 2nd Annual Alumni Baseball Game on Saturday, October 10. If you are a former Austin Prep baseball player, we invite you and a guest to join us. Please register today to let us know that you’re able to attend. Whether you're dusting off your cleats or just coming out to cheer from the stands, this is a day you won't want to miss. We look forward to seeing you back on campus this October. Please reach out to Darren Stewart, Director of Alumni Engagement & Giving, at darren.stewart@austinprep.org, (781)944-4900 x4862. Thank you for being an integral part of the Austin Prep Baseball legacy!  

Tentative Schedule for the Day 
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Welcome and Networking 
1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Luncheon 
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Warm-up 
3:00 p.m. Game Begins 

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Class of 2026 Alumni Breakfast - Save the Date

The tradition continues of inviting our most recent alumni back to campus for the Annual Alumni Breakfast the day before Thanksgiving. Members of the Class of 2026, please save the date, Wednesday, November 25, from 10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. Please look for an invitation in the fall. We can't wait to see you all back at Austin Prep!

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Stay Connected & Schedule a Tour of Campus