®Getty Images, 2015
Join us as we celebrate the heritage of
Cardinal Spellman High School and pay tribute to four individuals
that have shaped the school’s proud legacy at the
Program
6:00 p.m.
Entertainment
Brian Buckley ’86
and John Balutis ’87
Cocktails &
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Hors D’oeuvres
Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy, MA
Granite Links
Golf Club
100 Quarry Hill Drive
Quincy, MA 02169
(617) 689-1900
6:00 – 7:15 p.m.
honoring
Sr. Thomasine Knowlton, CSJ,
Ms. Jane Connor ‘65,
Ms. Gail Douglas
Sequere Deum Award
Senator Thomas Kennedy (1951-2015)
Peter J. Ambrose Legacy Award
Silent Auction
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Dinner & Program
8:30 p.m.
Live Auction
Locket photo – ®Shutterstock.com / 2015
Table of Contents
Editorial Staff
2 letter from the president
Julian T. Peebles,
3 letter from the chairman
Ellen Morrissey Rota,
President
Director of Advancement, Managing Editor
4 happening on the hill
Kathryn Dunford,
Editor
7 student spotlight
16 cover story: The Gala Honorees
23 class notes
Joanna McCarthy,
Manager of Research & Data,
Contributing Author
Jane Westerlund ’63,
Advancement Staff
31 in memoriam
Susan Ashton ’73,
32 perspective
Advancement Assistant
Layout & Design by Brian Beck,
Studio Cobalt, LLC
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and friends to support the development of each student’s
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others. It starts with you, and the impact is limitless. Thank you
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tradition • Cardinal Spellman
1
president’s letter
Spring 2016
Dear Spellman family and friends,
Spellman continues to work diligently to challenge every student to reach his or her God-given potential. We face unprecedented challenges
in meeting the needs of today’s twenty-first century learners. The academic leadership of Spellman has come to understand that we must adapt
our teaching and instructional methods to this changing environment. Much has been done in recent years to upgrade critical learning spaces
throughout our building. Remodeled science labs and significant investment in infrastructure and technological
advances have made a dramatic impact on the learning culture that our students experience. This year, we
opened a Library Learning Commons, which has added 5,000 square feet of high tech, state-of-the-art
learning opportunities for current and future students.
With the introduction of a newly constructed SAT exam and ever-changing entrance requirements from
colleges and universities, we are continued to be challenged. Under the leadership of Principal Paul Kelly
and Assistant Principal Christine Evans and in concert with our Department Chairs, a great deal of effort
has been made during this current school year to refine and expand our curriculum to continue to meet
the evolving needs of our students.
We have seen a noticeable increase in our PSAT scores of our current student body and continue to be
encouraged that our ongoing efforts are making a real difference in the learning taking place at Spellman.
Spellman has long been known for its excellence in athletics, music and the arts, and service to our community and those in need, as well as
an ongoing commitment to the Catholic nature of our institution. As important as these elements are, without academic excellence we would
fail to meet the Spellman mission. Each year, many members of our teaching faculty attend seminars, college classes and other professional
development opportunities to continue to hone their teaching skills.
In addition, Cardinal Spellman provides a learning environment which encourages students’ exploration into the various disciplines offered in
our expanded curriculum, and does so in a structured, disciplined environment that is conducive to academic excellence. We are exceptionally
proud of the fact that every Spellman graduate moves on to higher education or military service.
As President, I am honored to pay a special tribute to our extraordinary faculty and staff for the differences they make daily in the lives of
Spellman students.
Julian Peebles
For Spellman, I am,
Julian Peebles, President
2
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
chairman’s letter
Spring 2016
Dear Members of the Spellman Community,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to inform you that we have successfully completed this year’s facilities projects which enhance
the student educational experience at Spellman. The newly opened Library Learning Commons referred to as the LLC, is redesigned space on
the top floor of the former convent. At the October Open House, I was very fortunate to observe both current and prospective students’ reactions
to the design and flexibility of this space and the state of the art technology that provides for exciting collaborative learning opportunities. The
LLC together with the upgrades made to the performing arts technology and drama equipment offer students,
faculty and staff the unique opportunities to have hands on experience with innovative technology equipment and
programs. In addition, the renovated Auditorium foyer, recently dedicated to Robert J. McEwan, enables us to
preserve our outstanding drama program’s history and tradition.
In early November, the Board of Trustees engaged in a successful retreat held at Stonehill College. A board retreat
is considered a best practice among businesses and organizations as it is an opportunity to reinforce current board
members’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities in carrying out the mission and strategic plan of their
respective institutions. Our meeting’s outcome reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to the strategic, fiduciary and
generative governance of Spellman.
As we look forward to the spring activities, we invite you to join us at Spellman’s Masses, drama performances,
athletic events, the Legacy Gala, class reunions and golf tournaments. These events provide a wonderful way to connect and reconnect with those
who have had the opportunity of a Spellman education and the Spellman experience. Your participation in these activities and your support of
Spellman are greatly appreciated.
As always, Sequere Deum!
Geradine A. Mahoney
For the Board of Trustees,
Geradine A. Mahoney ’84
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
3
happening on the hill
“a little bit of physics ... a little bit of life”
Physics and engineering at Spellman have grown and developed into
courses essential for students wishing to pursue collegiate study
To say the applied mathematics
classes at Spellman have grown in the past
year would be an understatement. The physics
program more than doubled, with 125 students this
year compared to last year’s 50. Engineering, as a
course, has completely developed, growing from a
semester course to a full year. Engineering in high
schools is still relatively new, with limited textbooks
and proposed lesson plans. Enter Jacqui Vincent,
Spellman’s physics and engineering teacher. Mrs.
Vincent works diligently to provide her classes
with unique, hands-on experiences to apply what
they learn in their text. Some of her engineering
projects have included gingerbread architecture and
pasta bridges, and the physics classes have fueled
excitement with their bottle rocket launch on the
football field. The Pixar project showed students
how physics and engineering come into play with
animation, and as prep for this project, they
visited the Pixar exhibit at the Museum of
Science in Boston.
A collision test lab in physics helped to
demonstrate the conservation of kinetic
energy using wooden cars, ramps, and
dolls. Students tested different ramp
materials and incline angles to see the
differences in the conserved kinetic
energy. Each group had a doll
sitting atop their wooden car and
watched the distance she travelled
it helps me to learn
if I can do something
myself
4
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
after colliding with an obstacle, which showed not
only the power of momentum, but the power of
seatbelts. “It’s like a little bit of physics with a little
bit of life tied in,” said Mrs. Vincent. Physics student
Emma Sexton ’16, who is planning to pursue applied
mathematics in college, felt that the collision test lab
helped to supplement the unit exam, and said “being
able to see what we learned in class made it easier
to understand.” For Nick George ’16, who takes
both physics and engineering with Ms. Vincent,
these classes have helped to narrow down his college
search. “There is nothing that hasn’t been hands on,
whether it’s a lab or a project. I think it really helps
me learn if I can do something myself.” For students
looking to pursue these fields in their collegiate
studies like Sexton and George, these practical
portions of the lessons are imperative.
LLC
happening on the hill
introducing the brand new
Library
Learning
Commons
Spellman students returned from
Kerrin Connolly ’18 and Lauryn Depina
Of course, this space is still a library,
So what’s up next for the LLC?
a restful Christmas break ready for
’18 signed up for study hall in the LLC
so bookshelves live throughout,
According to Linda St. Laurent
the second half of the year – with
as soon as they could. “I think I’ll work
housing Spellman’s literary collection.
of Instructional Technology, the
brand new tools to supplement
better up here; it’s a great set up to
Librarian Erin Keane is getting used to
technology in the space should
their curriculum. The state of the art
help me be more productive,” Depina
the new space in her office behind the
lend itself well to many enrichment
Library Learning Commons, or “LLC”
explained. Connolly is looking forward
circulation desk. “It is so much more
opportunities, including book clubs,
as it is known as in the community,
to group work in the new space, and
conducive to what we need to do. It’s
film screenings, and the ability
is now open for business on the third
thinks, “The interactive classroom will
like a college environment, from a
to Skype in guest speakers. “The
floor of the convent building. Before
help get us more involved…it’s really
social and cultural hub to individual
integrated technology provides
the holidays, teachers and students
a lot like a college.” The after school
and classroom needs.”
students with a place where they
underwent training for the space,
option is also something that will
can showcase their work. When they
which boasts an interactive TV in a
benefit the students in the long run.
are creating for an audience, they
glass classroom, smart TV, individual
The LLC is open until 4 p.m. for student
are inspired to create differently,”
study corrals, iMacs for virtual high
use, and some students may take
explained Mrs. St. Laurent. These
school use, and a break out study
advantage of one of Spellman’s newest
enrichment programs will be designed
room. Students are encouraged to
additions, Ms. Melissa Brown, who
with input from students, to cater to
sign up to use the space for study
provides academic support to students
what they want to see and learn. “The
periods, and teachers are already
who seek it. For her, the space has
students are just really excited about
taking advantage of the capabilities
really helped to define her role. “I can
the space.”
available.
have students come after school to
work in an academic environment, and
having the quiet study rooms really
helps with that.”
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
5
happening on the hill
E
very year, Spellman participates in national Catholic Schools Week. This year,
senior ministry Prayer Posse chose to focus on the theme, “Get the Door: It’s
Jesus!” Students spent the week exploring the different doors through which
Jesus presents Himself to us. “My Vocation Monday” encouraged students to
dress as their dream career. The hallways were crowded with nurses, doctors,
first responders and teachers. The prayer service to kick off the week featured
the lighting of three candles, one for faith, knowledge, and service in
Get the Door:
It’s Jesus
keeping with the national theme
of Catholic Schools Week. The
community was encouraged to
serve in our own school, with the
official kickoff to the Ad Drive for
the musical, and locally, with the
start of “Souper Bowl”, an annual
can drive competition to benefit Catholic Charities of Brockton. “Totally
Tourist Tuesday” brought travelers from around the world, and introduced
the discussion of the distance our Catholic faith can travel. The school spirit
was only warming up for “Wicked Crazies Wednesday”, where the students
(once again) beat the faculty in the annual “Student Faculty Basketball
Game”. Jonathan Sullivan took home the MVP trophy for the students, and
Mrs. Katie O’Brien for the faculty. With the great performances by the dance,
step, and cheerleading teams as well as a dunk contest, the Spellman spirit
was everywhere!
That spirit continued into Thursday’s liturgy with Bishop Dooher. The
congregation was reminded of the importance of small miracles, including
the impact of simple canned food donations. Heidi Bessette Garcia ’97,
Director of Development of Catholic Charities explained where
donations actually go, and the communities in need are our
own homes and churches. Wrapping up
Catholic Schools Week in this thankful
and prayerful way reinforced
what Bishop Dooher said
in his homily: “[People]
recognize you. You are
a Spellman student.”
6
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
student spotlight
The Universe Before Him
From a nightly children’s book to a career in astrophysics, Spellman’s
Fred Dauphin is letting his imagination carry him to new heights
C
aptain of the winter and spring
track teams, football player, tutor
and National Honor Society Vice
President, Fred Dauphin ’16 is
one very busy Cardinal. Fred,
the younger brother of Dr. Greg
Dauphin ’06 and Chris Dauphin
’11, who recently graduated from
Virginia Tech with a degree in
engineering, is looking ahead
to his own future in the field of
astrophysics.
As a child, each night, Fred’s
father read him a book about the
universe. Fred’s imagination was
sparked as he began to watch and
study television shows on the
Science Channel on the topic of
outer space. As his curiosity about
space grew, he set his sights on
the field of astrophysics. Through
nightly reading of books based on
space, Fred and his father formed
a strong bond. Through the
encouragement of Fred’s mother
and brothers, he was motivated to
follow his dreams.
Prior to enrolling at Cardinal
Spellman, Fred attended Pope
John Paul Catholic Academy in
Mattapan where he graduated
with a class of 13 students. Fred
has really enjoyed meeting so
many new and different students
throughout his years at Spellman
and has enjoyed Ms. Connor’s
calculus class and Mrs. Vincent’s
physics class very much.
Fred also had the opportunity
attend MIT’s Lincoln Laboratory
Last Spring, an interesting black
Radar Introduction for Student
envelope arrived at the Brockton
Engineers program. The Lincoln
home of Elizabeth and Daniel
Laboratory at MIT conducts
Dauphin, addressed to their
research and development aimed
son Fred. The envelope’s return
at solutions to problems critical
address was from astronaut
to national security. Fred and
Buzz Aldren. Upon opening the
17 other students were
envelope Fred discovered he had
chosen from a pool
been invited to join The National
Academy for Future Scientists and of 200 students from
Technologists at UMASS Lowell. around the country.
Selected from a group of students Fred and the students
with a high grade point average
in the sciences, Fred spent several
days on the university campus
with fellow student scientists at
the Congress of Future Science
and Technology Leaders event.
spent two weeks learning and
discussing radar technology, using
hands on engineering and finally
testing the radar they had created.
Now with plenty
of on campus
experience, Fred
has aspirations to
apply to CalTech,
UMASS Amherst
and Boston University. His biggest
dream is to expand the field of
astrophysics and see his name in
a book…maybe even to inspire
others about the universe in a
book just as his father
read to him.
The delegates, as they were called,
were mentored by highly revered
inventors, prodigies and founding
experts in the fields of science and
technology. Fred was taken aback
by the great number of students he
met who shared his same interests.
Fred Dauphin with David Granchelli,
Communications and Outreach Manager at MIT
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
7
happening on the hill
Spellman’s in the
Christmas Spirit!
Two weeks before Christmas, Spellman opened our doors
to families, friends, and alumni to celebrate the holiday season.
“We Need a Little CHRISTmas!”, under the direction of Dorrie Delano
Bessette ’69, ran for three performances on December 11, 12, and 13,
combining a love for Christmas characters and carols with the reason
for the season. Nearly 75 students were involved in the production, either onstage
or behind the scenes. This Christmas spectacular featured the Spellman Rockettes,
choreographed by Suzanne Cassidy Neuman ’86 and led by dance captains Laura
Gunning ’17 and Cassandra Barry ‘17, as dancing reindeer and wooden soldiers.
New characters joined the toys this year, as the Elf on the Shelf (Chloe Paoletta ’16)
was sent on a mission by the one and only Santa Claus. Several princesses made
appearances, dressed in gowns designed and created by Matthew Freeman ’16. After
spending time with minions, Legos, rag dolls, and an Etch-a-Sketch, the younger
audience was invited to meet their favorite characters and pose for pictures. To
appropriately pay tribute to the reason for the season, the program ended with the
live Nativity, set to a soundtrack of Christmas music performed by the Spellman choir.
Spellman was definitely in the Christmas spirit this year!
8
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
alumni profile
Anthony O’Brien ’77, U.S. Navy Seal Veteran
T
he cornerstones of Navy SEAL and decorated Gulf War Veteran Lt.
Commander (Ret.) “Tony” O’Brien’s life are faith, family, service to his
country and service to Spellman. Tony’s presence at Spellman is hard
to miss. You will find him supporting Spellman at our Annual Legacy
Gala and Auction, at the Joey Glynn Memorial Golf Tournament
(his foursome won last year) and at other special events.
Demolition/SEAL Training where he received the Top Shooter Award
and his Navy SEAL qualification. He has served with the ceremonial
dive team who still dive remains of WWII “Pearl Harbor survivors”
to their final resting place alongside the hull of the USS Arizona.
At one time, his SEAL platoon’s exercise with Korean SEALs in a
high-altitude remote area of South Korea was suspended so they could
provide critical support in the medevac of a pregnant local citizen with
serious complications via helicopter during a snow storm.
While attending Spellman, Tony was selected to the National Honor
Society and he was co-captain of the cross-country/
track teams. He ran three 26.2 mile marathons
“The service lessons that
in his senior year and finished 2nd in the New
England Jr. AAU marathon. It is hard to believe
I learned at Spellman
Tony when he tells you that he is a self-proclaimed
have always been woven
high school “runt” who tried many sports at
Spellman but never with much success. Later in
throughout my career.”
life he became a top ranked tri-athlete, finishing
15 marathons including the Ironman.
- Tony O”Brien
camouflage – ®Shutterstock.com / 2016
While at Spellman, the late Bob McEwan,
knowing that Tony was in the choir recruited him for the Spellman
stage. “Bob was a hero of mine and wouldn’t put up with any guff. I
remember his lessons to this day. Bob told me to do my best, never quit
and to always to do the right thing. It seems like everyone at Spellman
is a natural mentor in one capacity or another. I told Bob that I could
not hit a high note and he coached me to do the thing I absolutely
thought I could not. He told me to challenge myself every day, and
eventually I hit that note. It was a great lesson.” Tony later went on to
receive the Robert J. McEwan Drama Hall of Fame award.
Tony is a veteran of the Persian Gulf War and
received the Southwest Asia Medal and Kuwait
Liberation Medal. He is a veteran of disaster
relief operations including the 1991 Bangladesh
cyclone disaster receiving the Humanitarian
Service Medal for his leadership with the firstresponder task force that provided critical response
to the overnight destruction of the coast including
thousands of deaths of humans and livestock. He
is a veteran of several other operations as well as Secret Service details
for three U.S. Presidents.
Tony has been of long-time servant for
several non-profit boards. He has been
the chairman of the board for the
(Continued on page 10)
Inspired by his father, Deacon Don O’Brien and family members
who served, Tony joined the military in 1981 after graduating from
Stonehill College with a degree in Business Management. Tony’s
strong faith grounded him through training in 25 states and 8
deployments in 30 countries. In the Marines, Tony served as an
infantry platoon commander with the 1st Battalion, 5th Regiment,
then the 1st Recon Battalion at Camp Pendleton, California, receiving
the French Fourragere Award & Navy Achievement Medal for his
leadership of combat units that were deployed throughout Asia on
contingency operations working closely with foreign military units.
He attended the Mountain Leaders Course at Pickle Meadows, Navy
Diver School, Army Airborne Course & Army Jumpmaster School
and Submarine Diver Operations Supervisor course trained by the
Navy SEALs. His infantry battalion was also a quick-reaction unit for
Middle East operations.
The Secretary of the Navy selected Tony for transfer to the Navy.
Tony attended basic training for Navy SEALs or Basic Underwater
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
9
student profile
Chess on Ice
In addition to taking honors classes, working as a tutor for National
Honor Society hours, and applying to colleges, senior Evan Mullaney
has something else on his plate. Mullaney takes part in the Scottish
sport curling. Multiple times a week, Mullaney and his mother drive
to Wayland, MA, so that he can join his friends and teammates to
practice. The game, which consists of throwing polished, granite,
concave stones called “rocks” across textured ice, is played with four
players on a team. Mullaney was introduced to the sport by his father
at age three, and has loved it ever since. “There’s really a
science behind it…you have to throw it a certain way to
curl just right,” explained Mullaney. The team sport aspect is also
attractive to the high school senior. “It’s nice to know that someone
will help you – you can contribute, but not be the be-all and end-all.”
Mullaney does not take the sport lightly: he traveled to Minnesota this
January, to compete in the Junior Nationals with his team. He is also
hoping to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in the fall to study
Biology – and continue curling.
Anthony O’Brien ’77, U.S. Navy Seal Veteran (continued)
10
United Way Emergency Food and Shelter Program of Greater
Plymouth County, chairman of the Human Right Committee (for
mental disabilities) of southeastern Massachusetts, member of the
Board of Trustees for DFW District 12 of Plymouth County and
member of the Advisory (Finance) Committee for the town of
Pembroke.
mentoring highlighted the family values and discipline I learned at
home as the son of a Deacon. I am proud promoter and supporter of
Spellman and parochial school as a whole. Spellman is a family where
everyone is connected. There’s not just a push on the importance of
academics but on goodness, politeness and faith formation. Spellman
has the intrinsic quality to push students to greatness.”
Tony is currently employed as the DAV Hospital Service Coordinator
for the Boston V.A. Health Care System. “What is the difference
between you and me but for the grace of God? That is why I love
serving. It is true and real. I could work for any company, but I choose
to work in the Veteran’s Hospital to continue to serve. I love to be of
service to others. The service lessons that I learned at Spellman have
always been woven throughout my career. Spellman‘s academics and
Tony and his wife Staci live in Pembroke and are the proud parents of
two young boys and future Cardinals, Anthony Jr. and James Donald.
Tony also has an extended family of Cardinal Spellman High School
alumni. The Spellman community remains proud and appreciative of
the amazing accomplishments and sacrifices of Navy Veteran Tony
O’Brien’s lifetime of service for our country and school.
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
Left: Class of 1980 | Below: Class of 1965
Reunions
Spellman alumni were very busy this fall, with
six reunions taking place across the South Shore.
The Class of 1965 attended their Golden Diploma celebration on
September 25, 2015, with over 80 present. They followed that with
their reunion at the Plymouth Yacht Club on September 26, where
they enjoyed a buffet dinner, music, and reminiscing. Additionally, they
used some of the money from the reunion as a donation to Spellman in
memory of their deceased classmates.
name a few! The class held a raffle to help defray the cost of the reunion
and, most generously make a donation back to Spellman. Special
thanks to Christine Neil Klaver, Kate Kelley Naples, Paula Purcell, and
Carolan Sampson for helping make sure everything ran smoothly!
The Class of 1990 25th reunion took place on November 28 at the
Renaissance Hotel in Foxboro, with about 60 classmates present. Shout
The Class of 1975 started their 40th reunion on November 28, 2015 with a out to the planning committee Lynne Mills, Jen Morrison, Alicia
cocktail hour at the John Carver Inn and Spa in Plymouth. Dinner and Creedon, and Scott Trinque.
socializing followed, with many laughs and memories! Special thanks to
The Class of 2010 held their 5th reunion on December 18 at Tommy
Eileen Krause for organizing this event.
Doyle’s at Sidelines. It was great to have more than half the class
The Class of 1980 opted for a reunion weekend in Plymouth, MA in
reconnect around the holidays.
August 2015. A crowd of about 45 started the weekend at Cabby Shack
on the Plymouth waterfront, then went on to enjoy shopping and lunch
the next day. The big event was a private party at New World Tavern on Upcoming Reunions
Main St. in Plymouth. There were lots of laughs and memories shared!
• Class of 1981 | Sunday August 21, 2015 | 1 – 5 PM
The Class of 1985 held their 30th reunion at The Chateau in Stoughton
Tavern on the Wharf 6 Town Wharf, Plymouth, MA 02360
on November 14th, with a crowd of 55 people. Classmates travelled
• Class of 2011 | If you are interested in helping to plan our 5th reunion,
from all over – Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Illinois to
please contact [email protected].
Spellman wants to help you plan your reunion! For mailings and online
payment services for your class, please contact Ellen Morrissey Rota at
[email protected].
Above: Class of 1990 | Right: Class of 1985
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
11
alumni profile
Alumnae Karen Contador ’10
continuing her advocacy for health as
a human right and not a privilege
Through campus ministry
at Spellman, I was taught
the power of vulnerability
and compassion. I carried
these ideologies throughout my
Top of Villarrica
Volcano in Chile with
Amy Gleason ‘10
education at Boston University,
and will continue to do so as I
begin my career. I currently work
as a program assistant in the
The founding team of The Tunaweza
Children’s Center, Kampala, Uganda
from developing countries around
Kampala. I moved to Kampala for
current health systems to improve
of the Center. As I advocated
the world how to refine their
health and living standards for
the poor and disadvantaged
The power of vulnerability and
compassion drove me to take big
risks, which in turn, led to big
rewards.
3 months to lead the operations
for the human rights of this
often tortured and ostracized
population, my passion for
fighting injustice came to fruition,
as did my passion for learning in a
nontraditional way, through travel.
International Health Systems
My interest in public health
Living in East Africa taught me
Chan School of Public Health.
establish as the Program Director
had, so, I decided to learn about
teach policy makers and leaders
quite vulnerable to failure. I had
Program at the Harvard T.H
grew out of a project I helped
Our program aims at helping
when I was 20 years old and
done work for months during my
spring semester drawing
up organizational plans and
clinical processes and protocols
for the operations of The
more about life than any book
the world as much as I could. I
learned about the tribulations
each country was facing, as well
as their culture and their people.
More often than not, I left each
country enamored. I’ve traveled
to 21 countries, held residence on
four continents, and have fallen
in love with the world and its
people countless times. I have
committed myself to my passion
for knowledge and justice for as
long as I live by pursuing a career
Laguna Colorada in Bolivan Altiplano
Tunaweza Children’s Center,
one of Uganda’s first clinics for
children with special needs in
12
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
be a world leader of public health
and women’s rights at the United
Nations, continuing my advocacy
for health as a human right and
not a privilege.
stehoscope image – ®Shutterstock.com / 2016
in global health. I hope to one day
happening on the hill
2015 Robert J. McEwan
Drama Hall of Fame Induction
O
Bob McEwan’s wisdom and love lives on at Spellman
n Saturday, November 7th, alumni and faculty of all ages prepared for a trip down memory lane at the
2015 Robert J. McEwan Drama Hall of Fame Induction. The evening began with a champagne toast and
blessing over the newly renovated and rededicated Robert J. McEwan foyer. The space welcomes guests with
a plaque honoring the late Mr. McEwan, telling of his time at Spellman as Director of the drama program
and beloved English teacher. A timeline of his productions hangs outside the auditorium door, a true tribute
to history. Photos from musicals throughout the years evoked nostalgia in the crowd, and the night had
just begun. Following a cocktail reception, the induction commenced, with introductory remarks by Gerrie
Mahoney ’82, Chair of the Board of Trustees, and Heather McEwan Mandosa ’94, member of the Board
of Trustees, daughter of the late John McEwan, and Mr. McEwan’s niece. Mr. McEwan’s incredible
impact and influence on the drama program was acknowledged and appreciated by all. Emcee
Dorrie Delano Bessette ’69 went on to introduce the 2015 inductees: Jane Westerlund ’63,
Chris Ernest ’01, Aisha Losche ’03, Julie Parcels ’03, Pat Madigan III ’04, Breandan
Carter ’05, Shane Donovan ’05, and Damon Warnock ’05. The presentation of the awards was enhanced by
Spellman’s Showcase Singers, performing medleys from My Fair Lady, Camelot, Fiddler on the Roof, and
Hello Dolly to pay tribute to the honorees and the musicals in which they participated. As Mandosa said in
her remembrance of her uncle, “the wisdom and love that Bob shared with each of us will continue to live on
as his legacy through our memories and the school on the hill in Brockton.”
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
stage light image – ®Shutterstock.com / 2016
13
alumni profile
Stephen Cassiani ‘63
A
Spellman education quite likely gave me a jumpstart
to what has been an exciting and rewarding life.
S
tephen Cassiani ’63 retired in 2009 as the
President of Exxon Mobil’s research company. He
and his wife established the Stephen and Carol
Cassiani Scholarship at Spellman. Reflecting
back on his time on campus as a member of the
school’s second freshman class, Steve remembered
experiencing the newness of the chapel, the gym,
the auditorium and cafeteria. Spellman sparked
Steve’s interest in the sciences and he went on to
graduate from with a bachelor’s degree in geology
and masters in geophysics from Boston College. He
began his career at Exxon Mobil in 1969.
“Experiencing the dedication of the Spellman
faculty, mostly the Sisters at the time, to learning
as well as to the growth of the individual as an
experience has served me well to this day. There is
no doubt in my mind that the four years of Catholic
school education at Spellman instilled in me values
that are as true today as they were then. It starts
with dedication towards doing the best you can with
everything you do.
The importance of respecting others and their
A Spellman education quite likely gave me a
jumpstart to what has been an exciting and
rewarding life. I know there are many Spellman
students who have the potential to have a similar
outcome. That said, it is also likely a fact that
many of those students may be from hard working
families who despite their efforts may
have difficulty meeting the
financial demands of the quality
education that Spellman
provides. My wife Carol and
I wanted to help academically
capable students who otherwise might not be able to
experience what Spellman has
to offer, stay at Spellman and be
inspired to be all they can be. We
are quite impressed by the young
men and women who have received
support from the scholarship and we
are hopeful that they will go on
to inspire others. “
opinions was part of the school culture and you
can only imagine how important that became in
my work in a major corporation. But paramount
is personal integrity or as one of my early career
mentors would say – doing the right thing even
when no one is watching. Without appearing to
sermonize it, this value is sadly missing in too many
segments of society today. It is my hope, and belief,
that the importance of personal integrity is still
being emphasized today in both the formal and
informal curricula at Cardinal Spellman.
“My wife Carol and I wanted to help
academically capable students who otherwise might not
be able to experience what Spellman has to offer ...”
14
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
“Nobody Does ‘Em Like Bailey’s”
Jack Bailey ’64, owner of the iconic Eddie
an important piece of Spellman’s history – a 1972
taught years of Spellman students the importance
now-iconic “Cardinal Car”. Most recently, the
little soap and water. “I had the ability, I had the
by President Peebles to welcome prospective
washes have served countless area causes, from high
to make appearances at pep rallies. In the 2014 St.
Spellman, the car washes started at Court Street,
the Boys Basketball State Champions. Bailey is
traffic. “I have trouble saying no, especially to the
in the football rallies during his time as a student.
work together.” Despite Bailey’s retirement this year,
whether the outcome was good, bad, or indifferent.
students. “Mike Gerrish and I have already worked
enjoyed Spellman; I enjoyed being on the Board
Jack’s son Tim ‘89 taking over the space for his
worked with.”
Bailey’s Garage in St. Patrick Square, Abington, has
Volkswagen Beetle, from which he created the
of teamwork and giving back – with the help of a
Cardinal Car was driven out onto the front lawn
location,” explained Bailey. The famous Bailey’s car
students to Open House, and has also been known
schools to individual community members. For
Patrick’s Day Parade, the Cardinal Car preceded
but soon moved to Eddie Bailey’s Garage for more
no stranger to school spirit, having participated
kids. They have all learned how to wash a car – and
“Sister Vera always had a pep rally after the game,
that lesson will continue to live on for Spellman’s
She wanted to celebrate it,” remembered Bailey. “I
out the first two weekends in May,” explained Bailey. [of Trustees]. I think the world of the teachers, and
I’ve never had a problem with any of the kids I’ve
The garage will remain in the family, however, with
carpentry workshop. “I will still come in to collect
cans, and the car washes will continue. The annual
St. Patrick’s Day Parade is scheduled for March
20th. My son will continue to let me enjoy my
The Spellman family wishes to thank Jack Bailey
for his continued service to Spellman and to
congratulate him on his retirement.
coffee with my friends at the garage.”
In addition to his contributions as a parent, alum,
and member of the Spellman Board of
Trustees, Jack Bailey contributed
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
15
Sr. Thomasine Knowlon, CSJ
It is impossible to think of the influence the
Sisters of St. Joseph had on our school on
the hill without thinking of Sr. Thomasine
Knowlton, CSJ. Sr. Thomasine began her
career at Spellman in 1974. “From the
moment I stepped into homeroom 103, I knew
these Spellman young people were special…
[they] really were extraordinary in their friendliness and warmth.”
Sr. Thomasine was born and raised in Framingham, the younger of
two children. She spent her first twelve years of education in Catholic
schools, and continued onto Framingham State College upon
graduation. However, after only one semester, Sr. Thomasine entered
the order of the Sisters of St. Joseph and continued her education at
Regis College in Weston. She obtained a degree in Latin and Greek.
Her teaching career began at St. Catherine’s in Somerville, where she
taught the eighth grade for several years. Sister was then missioned
to Matignon High School. During her time in Matignon, Sister was
assigned by the community to study Russian at Fordham University.
She graduated with a Master’s degree in Russian Language and
Literature, and brought those talents back to Matignon. She taught
Russian not only there but at Marian High School as well. For the
next few years, Sr. Thomasine worked at Marian and Matignon
alternately. Little did she know, her next step was going to be far
more permanent.
Sr. Thomasine was invited to teach Latin and Religion at Spellman
by Sr. Jamesine, Spellman’s fourth principal. Sr. Thomasine served
the Spellman community as a teacher and Assistant
Principal to Sr. Ursula. In that role, she was primarily
responsible for scheduling, grade reporting, setting
up school programs, and managing the school’s
fundraising programs. In 1985, Sr. Thomasine was
urged to apply for the position of principal after Sr.
Ursula’s term. After much contemplation and many
prayers, Sister went through with the application
process, and went on to become Spellman’s sixth
Principal. As Principal, Sister still managed to make
16
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
happening on the hill
time to manifest her active support of the students in their many
the roles of educator, coach and Dean are smoothly intertwined in Gail
the Cardinals at home games.
students through the challenge of being a teenager, Ms. Douglas, or
activities. She was an avid athletics fan, and made a point to cheer on
This love of the school and passion for the students was only enhanced
when Sr. Thomasine took on the role of the very first President of
Cardinal Spellman High School in 2009. This step to a President-
Principal model was a big one for Spellman, and many would agree
there is no one they would have rather had leading the charge than
Sr. Thomasine. Many of Spellman’s most notable and highlighted
attributes can be credited to Sr. Thomasine’s constant forward
thinking and devotion to the
betterment of the school,
including the campus ministry
program, the music program,
and the Garden of Reflection.
She worked to encourage a
sense of school spirit, while
complimenting academics with the necessary current technology.
Under her guidance, Cardinal Spellman High School had continually
adapted its academics and programs to maintain its stance as a premier
provider of Catholic college-preparatory education in the community.
Douglas. Whether explaining the intricacies of Geometry or guiding
“Dougie” as she is affectionately known by her students, is a constant
and accessible
presence to all at
Spellman. Her
life long love of
sports dates back
to her college
experience as
Captain of her
Boston State
College volleyball, basketball and softball teams. She has coached all
three of these sports intermittently over the years at various locations
including Spellman. Gail continues to share her enthusiasm and
expertise with our Spellman athletes from the stands in the role of
“Super Fan”. Her many roles of educator, coach and Dean during her
time at Cardinal Spellman High School and her special friendship and
loyalty to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph have provided
many blessings to the entire Spellman family.
She has personified wisdom and vision in her role as leader, and has
blessed the Spellman family as a gracious
and astute teacher, Principal, President
and friend.
Jane Connor
Jane Connor epitomizes the spirit of the unsung hero, a behindthe-scenes cog in the Spellman wheel who
Gail Douglas
Among today’s Cardinals, Gail Douglas
is primarily known as their beloved math
teacher and senior homeroom moderator.
However, her many roles at
truly keeps our school going. Ms. Connor
graduated from Spellman in 1965.
She continued her education at
Regis College, but found herself
coming back to her alma mater.
Generations of
Spellman over the years
truly speak to her
personality. At Cardinal
Spellman High School,
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
17
happening on the hill
Jane Connor has been known to equip her students with navigational tools
of logic, reasoning, deduction, and perseverance ... her commitment to decipher
the mysteries of mathematics and physics is unparalleled at Spellman.
Spellman students have been impacted by Ms. Connor’s knowledge
and gift for Analysis, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Physics, and their
hard work in her class is often partially their reasoning for success and
readiness in college studies. She has been known to equip her students
with navigational tools of logic, reasoning, deduction, and perseverance,
and her commitment to decipher the mysteries of mathematics and
physics is unparalleled at Spellman. However, Jane’s involvement far
exceeded the classroom. During her time at Spellman, Jane served as
the girls softball coach, promoting hard work and discipline just as she
does in the classroom. She worked for countless years with the drama
program, managing ticket sales to the sold out productions. In 1997,
she was inducted into the Robert J. McEwan Drama Hall of Fame
for “unparalleled support.” Today, Ms. Connor can be found operating
the clock at home basketball games, a consistent reminder of her
Spellman spirit.
Senator Thomas Kennedy (1951-2015)
the prayers from his Spellman family helped to make all the difference.
Tom used the leadership and determination instilled in him by God
and encouraged by Cardinal Spellman to answer the call to public
service. From his first position as the City of Brockton’s Ombudsman
to his ultimate role as State Senator, he worked to combine constituent
service with his spiritual qualities. Throughout his work, health
Throughout his work, health issues and
personal life, Tom Kennedy made a point
to stay connected to his Spellman roots.
Tom Kennedy arrived at Spellman in
as a member of student council, class office,
and the ski club. His classmates fondly
remember him as incredibly social and
strong in his faith. He graduated Spellman
in spring of 1969 with plans to join the
priesthood. As so often happens, God’s plan
for Tom was different than Tom initially
thought. During his second year of study,
Tom was in an accident that left him a
quadriplegic. After the accident, Tom faced
a poor prognosis, but his perseverance and
18
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
issues, and personal life, Tom made a point to stay connected to his
Spellman roots. He donated a personal tour of the State House every
year including dinner to the Spellman Legacy Gala and Auction.
He remembered Spellman with a most generous bequest, and the
Spellman community is lucky to count both Tom and his widow,
Clare Holmgren ’69, among our family.
math formula image – ®Shutterstock.com / 2016
September 1965, and went on to participate
The
Mark Creedon
Memorial Run
and Walk
Saturday, April 9, 2016
D.W. Field Park at 10:00 a.m.
www.markcreedonmemorialrace.org
On Saturday, April 9, 2016, join the Spellman family as we honor and
remember Mark Creedon ’95 at the Creedon family’s sixth annual
Mark R. Creedon Memorial Road Race. The race will be held at 10 a.m.
at D.W. Field Park in Brockton, with a 3.5 mile run and 2.2 mile walk.
Registration is $25 or $10 with a Spellman student ID. Proceeds from
the race directly benefits a need-based, full scholarship for a deserving
Spellman senior. This year, the Creedon family not only presented
Richard O’Leary ’16 with the scholarship, but presented Ashley Glynn
’17 with a scholarship in Mark’s name. Last year, 553 participants
from eight states and 73 cities and towns in Massachusetts took part
in the event. Be a part of this event this year! All of the details about
race day and how to register are available online at
www.markcreedonmemorialrace.org.
The Office of Advancement would like to sincerely thank all of our Giving Tuesday 2015 donors.
With your generosity, we raised $12,945. That amount was matched dollar for dollar, thanks
to an anonymous donor, taking us to $25,890 – nearly doubling our Giving Tuesday Challenge
from the year before. None of this would be possible without your help.
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
19
2015 Fall Sports Recap
Cross-Country
The Boys Cross Country team finished 7 – 2. The Girls Cross Country team
battled in some close meets and finished the season with a 4 – 4 record.
Football
The Football team were Co-Champions the CCL with a 4 – 1 record. In
the football tournament, Spellman defeated Archies in the first round
and defeated Ashland in the semi-finals. A South Final matchup with East
Bridgewater proved to be a great high school football game with East
Bridgewater winning in the final minute 29-21. In the season finale Spellman
lost to Archies on Thanksgiving Day.
Golf
The Golf team finished with 6 wins this season and many close matches.
They finished strong winning 4 of their last 5. Sophomore James Tyer was
Co-Champion of the South Sectional Individual Tournament.
Boy’s Soccer
The Boys soccer team finished the season with a 6 – 12 – 2 record.
Girl’s Soccer
The Girls soccer team finished second in the Catholic Central League with
a 12 – 4 – 2 record. They defeated Hanover in the first round of the state
tournament 3 – 1, then lost to Bishop Stang in the quarterfinals 3 – 2 in PK’s .
Volleyball
The Volleyball team finished the season 17 - 5 qualifying for the state
tournament for the first time in 3 years. They defeated Stoughton in the first
round 3 – 0 and lost to Dartmouth 3 – 0 in the quarterfinals.
Cheerleading
The Cheerleaders entered 2 competitions and had success qualifying for the
regionals. They have done an outstanding job at our football games.
All-Scholastic Athletes
Football - Mike Reale, Cam Sass, Alex Tynan, Ralph Grillone
Boys Soccer - Tyler Haynes
Girls Soccer - Lisa Evans, Adrianna Forcucci, Emily Roan, Faith Montgomery
Volleyball - Kat Carrell, Abbie Cooke, Emma Sexton
Boys Cross Country - Joseph Concannon, Tim Ryan
Golf - James Tyer
20
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
happening on the hill
S
it down with the football captains from the 2015 team and they will
tell you right off the bat, “Every senior on that team led like a captain”.
That sense of equality and camaraderie brought this team together
this year, earning the title of Catholic Central
League Champions. “We knew we’d be good…
but we didn’t know we’d be that good. The
seniors were definitely serious during practice,
responsibility,” said Reale, who is in the middle of an exciting varsity
basketball season. “We were underestimated a lot, because of our size…
but by the third or fourth quarter, we knew we would figure it out.”
Reale was not alone in his decision to come
“I am so lucky to have had the brotherhood
of guys I spent three years with.”
so I think that helped,” explained captain Cam
Declan Ware ’16 and Jake O’Kelly ’16 both
became Cardinals as sophomores – and never
looked back. “I am so lucky to have had the
Sass ’16 of Randolph. Sass was named both an
brotherhood of guys I spent three years with.
Enterprise and Boston Globe All-Scholastic
Even though I was hurt for part of the season,
team member for the 2015 season, his first
I was still a part of the family,” said Ware.
season as running back. Sass looks back on
O’Kelly will remember this season as his best
his four years as a Cardinal and points to his
freshman year as being “the best”. “But,” says
to Spellman as a transfer: fellow captains
so far: “I’ve been playing since I was seven, but
being with this group of guys has been the
Sass, “the Fox25 Game of the Week was very cool [this year]. The
best.” His Spellman pride also translates off the field. “My decision to
everyone vote at the beginning of class.” Captain Ralph Grillone III
The class sizes are smaller, and the teachers really want to help students
whole school was involved, and our teachers supported us by letting
’16, and Enterprise All-Scholastic team member and captain of the
lacrosse team, can’t look back at his football career at Spellman without
mentioning “family”. “We had big shoes to fill. But I think lifting and
the pasta parties brought us together. We had fun, which helped us be
confident. We built a family.”
For Boston Herald All-Scholastic quarterback and captain Michael
Reale ’16, his Spellman story is a little bit different. Reale transferred
into Spellman as a sophomore, and found himself fitting right in with
his new team. “Coming to Spellman taught me to take on a lot of
come to Spellman has improved my personal life and my academic life.
reach their goals.”
Looking at the four months remaining in their senior year, the captains
know that a lot of factors played into their successful season, from their
teammates to their fellow captains to Coach Ron St. George to the
Cardinal Crazies. When asked about one thing they learned at Spellman,
Sass responded, “you want me to choose ONE thing?!” All five young
men are looking to pursue athletics in college, with Grillone already
committed to St. Michael’s College in Vermont. After a few moments
of silence, Sass spoke up saying, “It’s a family. It’s one big family.”
“It’s a family ... one big family.”
Five senior football captains reflect on the 2016 Season ... and Spellman
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
21
annual fund appeal
Keyana Adarkwah –
“My life’s lesson at Spellman
is always be a helper”
Keyana Adarkwah ’16 was just six years old when she set her sights
Volunteerism is important to Keyana. When her sister Keisha needed to complete
on Spellman. Attending St. Joseph School, Keyana was involved in
hours for The National Honor Society, Keyana pitched in and helped out at The
her school’s plays and musicals which took place in their small gym
Randolph Food Pantry. In January, Keyana was nominated for The Voice of The Youth
space. To Keyana, entering the Spellman auditorium for the first time,
Award at the 10th Annual Martin Luther King celebration event in Randolph. She
the space was expansive and the Spellman Masses amazed her. She
was honored for contributions she has made at several Randolph establishments
couldn’t wait to become part of the Spellman family.
including The Turner Free Library, The Chamber of Commerce and The Food Pantry. She
By the time Keyana got to eighth grade, the majority of her St. Joseph School
classmates had enrolled at Spellman. The students were well prepared academically
for the journey they had ahead of them but coming from a small school they did have
some trepidation about the size of the campus, how they would find their classrooms
and the new challenge of having their own lockers. Keyana did have an advantage
because her older sister, Keisha ’13 showed her the ropes. Keyana in fact admits that
Keisha came to her rescue many times to get her locker open.
Intervention in Dorchester.
“My biggest dream for myself is to help
my family and set an example for others.”
Going into her senior year, Keyana’s family faced some financial difficulties when
her mother was no longer able to work. With Keisha at UMASS Boston studying
Through her years at Spellman, Keyana thrived. She became a Catholic School
Psychology and Biology, the challenge of paying for Keyana’s senior year at Spellman
Foundation Scholar, a Big Sister for incoming freshmen, a member of the tennis team,
became almost insurmountable. Keyana faced the realization that she may not be
an a capella & choir member, a member of student council and executive board, a
able to finish her education at the school she loved so much. Through funds raised
volunteer for The Office of Admissions and The Office of Advancement and a regular in
by our donors, Keyana’s family was able to secure emergency scholarship assistance.
our musicals including “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, “Mary Poppins” and the upcoming
Keyana now has the opportunity to successfully graduate with The Class of 2016.
“Bye Bye Birdie”.
22
also volunteered on Junior Service Day at The Yawkey Konbit Kreyold Center for Early
“I really want to express my appreciation to the donors of Spellman’s Annual Fund, Mr.
Last fall, Keyana was crowned as the Class of 2016 Homecoming Queen alongside
Kelly and Ms. Lynch for their support. I also want to thank my sister for her guidance
her St. Joe’s classmate, Homecoming King Cam Sass ‘16. She was then selected by
and my parent’s support. My mother beams with pride,”
America’s Homecoming Queen Association to represent Massachusetts on a float in the
said Keyana, “My biggest dream for myself is to help
Autozone Liberty Bowl Football Classic. The Liberty Bowl officials stated that Keyana
my family and set an example for others. My life’s
was selected based on her academic achievements, her community activities and
lesson at Spellman is always be a helper. Always
her all-around status as an outstanding
find a way to show people that you care.”
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
individual.
class notes
1962
Karen Routh Kelley
[email protected]
Hello My Friends.....Here we are
again, it’s January...You want to
know how I know that...Rita and
David Maynard have left for the
sunny days in Florida...Debbie
Robbins has gone to Florida for
the winter as well...Elaine Belocas
is going south first to visit her
daughter and grands in North
Carolina...then to visit Debbie for
a week I think...I went to Florida
also but for 4 days ...a Wedding, a
Christening and dancing for the
first time in many years...great time.
Thought I would tell you what I
did for once...Bucky Butkevich
has moved to Cotuit for good...
new telephone as well...if anyone
wants to get in touch with him,
call me and I will call him and
get permission... By the way, FYI
that’s the procedure easy peasy...
again I say I am so sorry for all
of you grieving for a loved one....
George Khoury, my daughter Kim,
the Sullivan’s, the Adams’ just to
name a few...if anyone is interested
in an excellent musical “Bye Bye
Birdie”, as always come back to your
alma mater and also I understand
that Hamilton in New York City is
awesome...well. One more thing...
if you want me to plan a 55 thing
then you need to email me ....
[email protected]
year in 2017 in June or September...
if I don’t hear from some of you out
there then I will wait until 2022 .....
ok....love you all ...kk
1963
Mary Ann Raynard Albert
[email protected]
Jane Deslaurier Westerlund
[email protected]
Joseph Yezukevich
[email protected]
Our sympathies and prayers go
out to the family of Rick Looney.
Rick passed away on November 25,
2015. Congratulations to Jack Lally
’15, grandson of Ellen Kelleher
LaVersa. He is the new Brockton
Ward 6 city councilor, the youngest
member ever on the council. After
Mary Duggan Watson retired, she
didn’t stay still. Is anyone surprised?
She began touring Massachusetts,
holding basketball camps to raise
money for cystic fibrosis research.
This cause is very close to Mary’s
heart. In 2010, she found out that
her granddaughter, Campbell, had
been born with CF. Mary’s goal is
to find a cure so that Campbell will
have a long and healthy life. The
money Mary raises goes directly to
the Massachusetts/Rhode Island
Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation.
1964
Cheryl Mendosa Wong
[email protected]
Paula Steptoe
[email protected]
Hello classmates! I hope everyone
has made it through the winter
months without too many
weather related problems. Here
in the Baltimore/DC area we had
“Snowzilla,” a season’s worth of
snow in one weather event. I know
several classmates are making their
way south to get away from the
snow and cold. We are getting ready
to leave for Florida as I write these
notes. We are planning to meet up
with Susan Dunphy Lawlor and
Joe. If you see us on Facebook, give
us a “like”. Please be reminded
that the Class of ’64 is planning a
birthday luncheon on the Cape in
September. Give us a shout out by
email or on Facebook if you want to
be included, just want to see who is
coming: Cheryl A. Wong or @Susan
Dunphy Lawlor. We have a date
of September 15, 2016 and a venue
– the Daniel Webster Inn. You will
be receiving detailed information
in an email from Spellman in the
near future. Congratulations on
a well-deserved retirement for
Jack Bailey. As many of you know,
Jack became very involved in his
family’s business, Bailey’s Garage,
after graduating from Stonehill in
1968. The business was founded by
Jack’s father in 1938, and now Jack
is closing it. It has been a fixture
in Abington all these years. Being
very civic minded, Jack has a long
history of volunteering in Abington.
He founded the St. Patrick’s Day
Parade, which will continue. Jack is
a well-known booster of all things
Spellman, Abington Music Parents,
Appalachian Service Project,
and sports and music projects at
Spellman and Abington High
Schools. Like so many of us, Jack is
looking forward to spending more
time with his three grandchildren.
All the best to you Jack! Congrats
also go out to Mary Andriacchi
Janiscek on her recent move, with
her husband Paul and daughter,
Susan, from the Asheville area
to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Now they are closer to daughter
Katie and her family. Katie and her
husband have three little girls that
are doted on by their grandmother.
So tell us Mary, are things really
better at the beach? Please let us
know what is going on in your life.
Now that most of us are retired,
there should be time to drop a line
or two to your class reps. We want
to hear from you!
1965 50th Reunion
Suzanne Carr O’Donnell
[email protected]
Many emotions involved previous
to attending our 50th reunion…
questions… will people recognize
me? Will I recognize them? What
about names? (There were name
tags) What will we talk about? All
was answered within five minutes of
our arrival….the emotions…warm
comforability..like no time had past.
Conversations fast and furious.
Everyone was so happy to see each
other !
Friday night was a surprise to me. I
couldn’t imagine what a tour of the
school and Mass would really add…
It was great ! We were greeted
by young (very young) Spellman
students ready and even happy
to guide us. After a short intro
in the old convent by President
Peebles and Principal Kelly (no
nuns anymore) where they gave us
insight into the present changes
and future plans, we were wisked
away by our enthusiastic tour guides
– just good kids like us ! Lots of
new additions in technology, the
gym, the auditorium, …the caf was
state of the art ! We returned to the
chapel for an intimate mass with
readings done by Noreen Lowndes
Nickerson and Donna Connolly
Parish. Following which….off
to party and play at Jamie’s Place
in Whitman. A great warm up !
Saturday Night – the Plymouth
Yacht Club. Cocktails into dinner…
Charlie King welcomes everyone..
then some Spellman trivia. (The
name of the Cafeteria nun ? (Sr.
Augustine)…Anyone remember
honor cards ??? Then music and
dancing (Music – our music –
compliments of Joan Doyle and
also beautiful centerpieces) It
flew ! Unwilling to let the evening
end some gathered at the hotel to
extend and play some more ! News
? I couldn’t tell you…just general
sometimes hilarious reminiscing…
enjoying those who were there…
and missing those who weren’t.
Noreen Lowndes Nickerson with
the help of Anne Adams donated
and put together a basket with
responses to questions. Contact
Noreen at 2629 S Seamans Nk
Road, Seaford, NY 11783 if you
would like a booklet. At our age it
was determined that more frequent
mini reunions would be great.
Joanie Doyle mentioned maybe
the fall on the Cape? Sound good?
Let us know. Oh, I forgot…I’m in
Naples Florida for 4 or 5 months,
so get in touch if you are too ! Also,
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
23
class notes
our thanks to our esteemed Class
Secretary, Jean Derito Bessette for
keeping the committee on task…It
wasn’t easy.
1966 50th Reunion
Maryellen Mather
[email protected]
We are having a reunion for our
(gasp!) 50th and we have a group
on Facebook if anyone would like to
help? Please contact Diane Buckley
Joy or Sue Wetterholm Creedon if
you would like to get involved. We’ll
be in touch. After the plans are
together Spellman will send out an
email blast. Let the Alumni office
[email protected] know
your updated email.
1967
Tom Frizzell
[email protected]
meeting at the Brookside Club
in Bourne, Massachusetts. The
group included Paul and Diane
(Gay) Lowndes, Craig and Peggy
(Urbano) Clarkson, MaryAnne
(O’Leary) Sergio, Alice ( Jones)
Aron, Michael, Colombo, Gerard
Carney, David Smith, Stephen
Murphy, Ray Richard and yours
truly. This past September, Paul and
Diane hosted a gathering of Suanne
(Clark) O’Brien and her husband
Kevin, Jane (Richardson) Otis and
Richard Baher. I was invited to join
the festivities in my official capacity
as Class Correspondent. Diane has
done a lot to make sure many of
us stay in touch on a regular basis.
The ultimate meeting of the minds
for the class of 1967, is coordinated
by former Spellman and eventual
Xaverian Grad, Tom Gately.
Tom organizes a get together
several times a year in Plymouth,
Massachusetts. This group includes
our life with one another, I always
find seeing my former classmates in
person, puts a smile on my face and
provides more than a few laughs.
If you have any information, life
changes, etc. please contact me at
the above e-mail address, I will be
happy to share them in this space.
Class correspondent is not an easy
job, but as we all know, heavy is the
head that wears the crown!
1968
Linda Amaral Kelly
[email protected]
Mary Burke Morris
[email protected]
Our thoughts and prayers go out
to Linda and George Kelly who
recently lost their son, Jonathan.
1969
Joan Iacovone Kenney
[email protected]
Suzanne Hassett Martin
[email protected]
Gerry McLaughlin Osborne
[email protected]
Class of 1967 Get-together
As I see former classmates, they
inevitably ask me, “Why is there
no information regarding the
Class of 1967 in the Spellman
Tradition?” I usually reply, “Because
no one contacts me with anything
they want to share.” I felt it was
important to stop this cycle of noncommunication. So let me begin:
I am still teaching at Massasoit
Community College (my 44th year
teaching) and coaching the Warrior
Baseball Team (26th year). I recently
welcomed my sixth grandchild,
Thomas F. III, this past September
8th, 2016. I still see many members
of our class over the course of the
year. For a while a group of us were
24
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
the previously mentioned Gerard
Carney, Mike Colombo and
David Jeffrey Smith, as well as
Mike LaFrance and Paul Murphy.
But wait there’s more! Former
classmates, Mike Smith, Jay Coyne
and Gerry Gallant are also part of
this raucous group. This gathering
feature a variety of discussion topics
like ridiculously low golf scores,
stories of youthful shenanigans, and
the inevitable breakup sometime
between 8:00-8:30 (the approximate
times we used to begin going
out, not going home!) While
Facebook and the internet may
now be the most convenient way
of communicating special events in
Many Spellman ‘69ers go to Freda’s
Restaurant in West Bridgewater
on the first Thursday night of
every month in order to listen to
their very talented classmate Bob
Bousquet perform on stage. Bob
has been a fixture at Freda’s and
other local establishments as he
plays the guitar and sings the songs
that will bring us down “Memory
Lane”. It is always a fun night and
it’s nice to see each other in such
a warm and relaxed atmosphere.
There were lots of holiday and
winter doldrums parties hosted by
our classmates this season. Jimmy
Henderson and his lovely wife
Elaine put on a fabulous night
at their new condo in Plymouth.
The fun, the laughter and the
camaraderie were just what we
needed to kick off a wonderful
Christmas experience. Not to
be out done in the enjoyment
categories, Patty O’Leary Lawton
and her husband Mark and Eileen
Biagini and her husband Bob each
threw outstanding Christmas bashes
at their beautiful homes. As always,
these social devils gave us so much
to celebrate. Good friends, good
times and good memories. Thank
you all. You guys make it wonderful
to be a ‘69er! And speaking of
social events....how about that
lovely luncheon that Ellen Levangie
Amantea had at her home in
February? We think you had to be
“MEDI-CARE ELIGIBLE” to be
in attendance and boy were there
lots of them olduns! The stories
that Patty Long Jeannette, Beth
Asci Hayes and Frances King Jones
told of the processes of turning
65 had us rolling on the floor in
hysterics. Of course, we always
listen to our elders! Have any news
to share? Please contact Gerry,
Joan or Suzanne and we will print
all that is fit to print! Before we
leave, congrats to Tom Kenney and
Suzanne Hassett Martin for joining
in the ranks of the retired. We are
glad to see that Clare Holmgren
Kennedy is fully recuperated from
her recent surgery
1970
James Kimball
[email protected]
Rosemary Sheehan
[email protected]
1971 45th Reunion
Janet Vacca Perry
[email protected]
If anyone would like to help plan
our 45th reunion, please get in
touch with the Alumni office at
Spellman - jwesterlund@spellman.
com
class notes
1972
Susan McConnell Henderson
[email protected]
Well hopefully everyone had a great
Christmas and Happy New Year.
Haven’t got too much to report. I
guess no one wants to share what’s
going on in their lives. I know Sue
Berretta Johnson’s daughter, Lauren
recently got married. Congrats to
the newlyweds. Mother Nature is
being extremely nice to us so far this
winter. So much better than what
we had last year. If you have any
news to share, send me an email or
give me a call. Enjoy the rest of the
winter and catch you next edition.
Susan McConnell Henderson.
[email protected]. or
781-344-1516
1973
Trish Conley Cirillo
[email protected]
Tom Gorman
[email protected]
Greetings classmates! I hope
all is well with everyone. I had
the pleasure of hearing from
Steve Horsman at Christmas
time. His son Joe is finishing up
his biochemistry research and
PhD program at the University
of Washington . Joe enjoys
backcountry adventures and
traveling. He went to Vietnam
this year and thoroughly enjoyed
the local culture food and drink.
Steve and Pat’s daughter Christine
is living in San Francisco where
she was promoted to Oracle Sales
Manager. She too, likes to travel. In
June she traveled to Prague, Croatia,
and Bosnia. Steve and Pat met up
with her in Croatia. Sounds like
fun,Steve! Good for you! I was
also delighted to hear from Diane
Faherty Garofalo. Their youngest
daughter Meaghan just graduated
and got to be in Notre Dame’s
Band this fall. They had a wonderful
family time at the BC/Notre Dame
game at Fenway Park. A little family
rivalry as Kelly, Lindsay, Brett and
Diane are BC grads and husband
Chris and Meaghan from Notre
Dame!! Diane was excited to meet
up with John Kearney and Andy
Clancy mid game. I’m glad to hear
classmates keeping in touch! Diane
is still teaching. She moved up to
4th grade this year after 19 years of
teaching 1st grade. Good luck with
the new curriculum! Please let us
know of any news that you would
like to share. I love to hear what
everyone has been up to! Sadly, we
offer our condolences to the family
of Rocco Fijumara.
1974
Joanne Hanson
[email protected]
Greg Hart
[email protected]
1975
Eileen Murphy Krouse
E
[email protected]
Our thoughts and prayers are with
the family of Michael Corbett. He
passed away on January 8, 2016.
1976 40th Reunion
Is there anyone in the class who
would like to help with putting
together a 40th reunion this year?
Get in touch with the Alumni office
– [email protected]
1977
Anthony O’Brien
A
nthonyThomasOBrien
@yahoo.com
Next year is our 40th, if anyone
wants to help organize a get
together then let me know. All’s
good with our kids ages 2 & 4, love
being Daddy! Check out Andrew
Botieri’s news & book tour about
his amazing life journey on his
website and Facebook page.
1978
downtown Plymouth. We watched
the beautiful sunset, lots of laughs,
rekindled friendships, then the
pouring rain, we got soaked but
continued to laugh and catch up on
the many events in our lives! Day
Ernest Talpey
2 we spent shopping, meeting for
[email protected]
lunch (unfortunately the rain kept
With the speed limit of 55 coming
us from heading to the beaches &
in view for many of us, we wanted to
fishing) and then our big event was
reflect on where we have been and
Saturday evening at the Old World
where we’re headed! Denise O’Brien
Tavern in the historical district
has started a furniture rehab
downtown Plymouth where were
business called Rehabbed to Fab by
had a buffet, private bar then came
Denise. Chris Waugh continues to
the band and lots of dancing to the
be “the Mayor on the Amtrak trains,
80’s music until well after midmeeting people, making friends,
night!! On day 3, Sunday midand shaking hands!” - At least that’s
morning we were invited to Eileen
how Deb McGrath thinks of him!
Andruck’s apartment for a lovely
Jaryl Sciarappa writes she’s busy as
coffee, juices, homemade muffins
always as a Speech and Language
and hospitality. From there we
Pathologist for Kindred Healthcare
traveled the town again heading to
for the past 20 years, including the
the Waterfront Grille for lunch and
mentoring of URI graduate interns.
drinks. Lots surprised at the casual
Ernie Talpey has embarked on a
yet friendly greetings! The following
new career as a REALTOR with
people attended and shared in great
Keller Williams after working in the
times! Eileen Andruck, Gigi Zubeldefense industry for 25 years and
Kerrigan, Mark Boone, Linda
several other smaller stints in the
Mahanna-Casey, Dianna (Tanner)
late ‘90s in the commercial sector.
Christopoulos, Tom Courtney,
Regina Colvin Garceau continues
Bob Dauwer, Margaret Egan,
to be a High School Teacher o
Brian Feeney, Maureen (Stoodard)
business, finance and computers
Folly, Peter and Tricia Hinkley,
in Houston TX and volunteers
Charlie Holmes, Jill (Bernardo)
for Houston livestock show and
Hubbard, Eleanor Hughes, Roberta
Rodeo with her church. Finally,
Gaura, Mark Kowalski, Debbie
Doug Schofield will be retiring this
(Nasuti) Leavitt, Dean Lundgren,
spring from the USPS and thinking
Mary (Nelson) O’Connell, Kathy
about the rest of us still working!
Pagnini, Marianne Petrocelli, Joe
We’ve got a Facebook page to keep
Pistorio, Tom Raynard, Donna
together and post photos - just
Ryan, Mary McDermott, Sharon
search for “Spellman 1979”.
(Buker) Tully, Linda (Smith) Vitt,
Theresa (McSweeney) Ward, Kathy
(Richard) Welch, Betsy West,
Cheryl (Wright) Cadmus (I hope
I didn’t miss anyone) Many of us
Dianna Tanner Christopoulos
have reached that time in our lives
[email protected]
where those who have children
We had a class reunion
are now welcoming grandchildren,
WEEKEND in Plymouth, MA
planning weddings or believe it or
this past August. There were lots
not retiring! Yes, there are a few
of things to do and people to see!
Approximately 45 people attended. classmates that have made the BIG
LEAP to retirement! I would like
We started Friday night meeting
to extend the invitation for any of
for drinks and appetizers at the
you who would like to share your
Cabby Shack on the waterfront
1979
1980
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
25
class notes
news to email the information to
CSHS Alumni office. This way
your information goes directly into
the newsletters/magazine. I do
occasionally plan nights out with
classmates and invite all of you !
Any time you have an idea or wish
to plan something please don’t
hesitate to email me.
1981 35th Reunion
Dan Ring
[email protected]
Greetings, once again, from New
Orleans. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras,
or Fat Tuesday, here in New Orleans
and that leads to Ash Wednesday
and the start of the Lenten season.
May we all be resolute in our
sacrifice during the season. Not
much personal news to report. I did
hear from Pauline Colley-Powers.
She was in Hawaii visiting with one
of her grandchildren. She has five
grandkids with two more expected
in the coming months. As far as
class news, we are in the midst of
planning our 35th (yes, kids, we are
not getting any younger) reunion.
Here is what we have in the works.
Looks like it will be an afternoon
soiree on Sunday August 21st from
1-5PM. The location is Tavern on
the Wharf in Plymouth. We are
thinking light appetizers, finger
food type of stuff. Dress will be
casual as it will be Sunday and late
August. Price will be in the $45
range. There is a local guitarist that
plays on Sundays and there is an
outdoor patio as well. Once Mardi
Gras is over, I am thinking about
inquiring at a couple of local hotels
about a small block of rooms for
those that are either coming from
out of town or just want to spend
the night locally. Johnna Lambert,
Patti Sullivan Lucini and Lisa
Fortune Creeden (my apologies if
I left anyone else involved in the
planning out) have been working
hard to get this set up so if you are
local and want to lend a hand I am
sure they won’t say no. Message
26
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
Johnna at Johnnalambert65@gmail.
com if interested in helping or have
any additional ideas. You can also
email or message myself or Johnna
on Facebook. As this will be the last
class update prior to the reunion,
please check the Cardinal Spellman
Class of 1981 page or message or
email me or Johnna if you want an
update.
1982
Kathy Malloy Golden
[email protected]
Laureen ‘Laurie’ Josselyn-Clancy
sent an update from Orlando,
Florida where she is working as
an Accounting & Administrative
Staff Supervisor at The Douglas
Company: “A couple of years with
an empty nest and the honeymoon
phase with a new hubby have
come to an end as we welcome
my mother to Florida to live with
us. She is sad to leave her life on
Cape Cod but has acquiesced due
to health reasons. It is interesting
now to be a full-time working
daughter, planning social events, dr.
appointments and care for her while
we work. My ‘daughter-in-love’ and
my granddaughter come to sit with
Great Grandma for a few hours
each weekday, so it’s a wonderful
opportunity for Great grandmother
and Great granddaughter to get to
know each other. My four children
are all out in the world making their
way as an RN, an Environmental
Scientist, a Horticulturist and a
college student about to embark
on a mission trip. My acquired
children also are successfully making
their way, two in TN and one
here in Florida. Together we have
three grandchildren and another
expected in June, a wonderful
reward! My husband Al Clancy
and I have traveled to Ireland,
northern Europe and the West
Coast and plan to explore Germany
on our next adventure. I really enjoy
the Facebook connections with
classmates. I often wish as I glimpse
their lives through photos, sayings,
and funny videos, that I had gotten
to know the ‘kids’ better during our
school years because I can see how
much fun I missed. I look forward
to reading about other classmate’s
“golden years” through the class of
‘82 page too.” Greetings Class of
1982! Join us on our Facebook
page: “Cardinal Spellman High
School Class of 82 - Brockton,
MA”. It’s a great way to catch up
with old friends and to re-connect!
There have been some rumblings
about a possible 35 year reunion
in 2017. Anyone interested? Class
of 1982 is proud to congratulate
our classmate Kevin Crane who is
now a Board of Trustees member at
Cardinal Spellman!
1983
Lisa Coletti Hokanson
[email protected]
1984
Regina Albanys Patrick
[email protected]
Kathleen Hayward Hatfield
[email protected]
1985
Katie Kelley Naples
[email protected]
Christine Neil Klaver
[email protected]
The Class of 1985 held our 30
Year Reunion at The Chateau in
Stoughton on November 14th.
We had approximately 55 people
attend in all. A round of applause
goes to Tom Clougherty, who was
in Dublin, Ireland the morning of
the 14th and still made it to the
reunion! Some classmates travelled
quite a distance to attend: David
Colarusso came from Ormond
Beach, Florida; Maureen O’Leary
made the trip from Narberth,
Pennsylvania; Sheila Sullivan
hiked her way up from Charlotte,
North Carolina and Chris Wood
booked a flight just a couple days
beforehand… coming all the way
from Chicago, Illinois. David
came the furthest and earned
himself a $25 gas card! Everyone
who travelled from out of state to
attend was rewarded with a Door
Prize. We had several other Door
Prizes that were given away…
Kevin Dineen won a Spellman long
sleeve shirt, Michelle Fiorentino
Uzzo won a t-shirt for her generous
donation of $100 in Uno gift
cards for our raffle prizes, Steve
Schaeffer was the winner of a signed
and framed Vince Wilfork photo
and Keith Meal went home with
a Spellman golf shirt. We had a
number of raffle prizes including
gift baskets filled with wine, Red
Sox memorabilia, Patriots Gear
and even baskets for the coffee
lover and golf enthusiast. We
even raffled off a pair of Patriots
V. Buffalo game tickets… Jim
Smith was the lucky winner of that
prize! Chris Sheppard did try to
convince me that his ticket was
the winning number, but my eyes
aren’t that old yet! Janice & Beth
Donahoe won the Red Sox Gift
Basket, Carolan Sampson won
the Golf Gift Basket, but Jewel
Royster-Bratton was the biggest
raffle winner… winning three out
of ten baskets! Jessie Beaubrun
won the Spellman Quilt, which
was handmade and donated by
Kate Kelley Naples! Everyone who
attended the reunion signed the
quilt, it was a great keepsake. Raffle
tickets were sold to help defray
the cost of the reunion as well as
raise money for a donation back to
Cardinal Spellman. After the last
bill was paid and everything tallied
up, a check was sent to Spellman
for $300 as a gift from the Class
of 1985. Due to the timing of our
gift.. during the #GivingTuesday
week… an anonymous sponsor
matched our donation bringing
the total amount to $600! It was
class notes
a great night and everyone looked
amazing! Sheila Curnow Whitaker,
David Colaruso, Mike and Jen
Roan, Lori Smith DiMartino,
Donna Hughes McNutt, Kathy
Palaza Keyes, Carolan Sampson,
Chris Sheppard, Jim Smith, Lenore
Tobin Micciche, Jen Kaiser Shields,
Jim Wilder… I don’t think any of
you have aged since 1985! Steve
Callahan, Jim Sheridan, Andrea
Somers Bosse, Harry McDonald,
Mary Mullaney Lee, Christine
Maher Gangi, Lynne Semmler, Lisa
Analoro Karantonakis all attended
and looked fabulous as well! The
after-party was held across the
street at Mickey Malones and we
ended up closing the place (go
figure). There was a good crowd
of us there and Brian Malloy, who
was unable to attend the reunion
because of a work commitment,
joined us. It was great to see you
Brian and you’re taking the group
photos at the next reunion. For
those of you who were unable to
attend the reunion… you were
missed. We especially missed some
of “the regulars”: Monique Bourget,
Billy and Clair DeLuca, Beth
Devine Tuell, Cathy HarringtonDemanche, Joe and Kelly Reilly…
just to name a few. I’ve been
harassing Mike Dominici to attend
the last few reunions, but he hasn’t
been able to make the trip up for
the last couple of reunions because
of work commitments… he’s quite
the “big wig” at his company! He
did promise to make the 35 year
though…I’m taking bets on that
one! If anyone can get Joe DeGrace
to make an appearance at the next
reunion... you will be my personal
Hero and rewarded generously! I’d
like to thank Kate Kelly Naples for
her assistance with the planning of
the reunion, updating the mailing
list and donating the Spellman
Quilt for our raffle. Thanks to
Paula Purcell for reaching out to
classmates and providing contact
information for people on the
“lost” list. Carolan Sampson also
gets a big “Thank You” and hug for
helping with the decorations, last
minute details and her support as
well. The 35 Year Reunion will be
here before you know it, and we’ll
be sure to reach out to everyone
as soon as the planning begins.
Your input is helpful and necessary
when the planning starts so we
can get the best turnout possible.
Congratulations to Jack Lally ’15,
son of Stephanie LaVersa Lally. He
is the new Brockton Ward 6 city
councilor, the youngest member ever
on the council. Our thoughts and
prayers go out to Mike Campbell
and his family. Mike’s father,
Daniel Campbell, passed away on
November 13th 2015. Wishing
Everyone a Happy & Healthy
2016!!
1986 30th Reunion
Jennifer Locchi Roan
[email protected]
Hello Class of 1986! Can you
believe we graduated 30 years ago!
WOW! Please reach out to me if
you are interested in participating
in the planning of our 30th reunion.
We will have our first planning
meeting in March. Dena Buckman
was recently married to Dave Barr
from Liverpool. Congratulations
Dena! Kristin (Galligan) Seaver
is living in Maryland and still
working for the postal service.
Sean Leonard is Retired USAF
(THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SERVICE) and considers himself
a semi-professional whiskey taster,
amateur fisherman and freelance
political analyst (see Facebook).
Debbie (Lorgeree) Melo has been
a teacher in the Brockton Public
school system for 20 years. She still
loves her job in the classroom and
her students. Debbie’s two children,
Olivia and Rion are her life! Bill
Cook just returned from a relaxing
vacation in Puerto Rico with his
three daughters (loved all the
pictures on Facebook) and is living
in Annapolis and is planning to
attend the reunion. He has been in
touch with Dr. Chris (Clougherty)
Genick who is living in Switzerland.
Jena (Fee) Piekarski is living in
Kentucky and will be bringing
the bourbon to the reunion. Kim
(D’Arpino) Smith and I had the
chance to catch up during soccer
season since Tessa Smith (19) and
Emily Roan (16) represented!
Both girls are third generation
Spellmanites! Kristin (Cummings)
Norton is making the daily ride
from Bridgewater to Spellman since
her son is a freshman ad playing
hockey for CSHS. The Spellman
Gala is April 2nd at Granite Links,
honoring Sister Thomasine, Ms.
Connor and Ms. Douglas. Our
very own Brian Buckley and John
Balutis (1987) will be entertaining
the crowd that evening. This is
great evening and a fantastic way
to support CSHS. Hope to see you
there!
1987
Noreen Kelliher
[email protected]
Our thoughts and prayers go out to
the family of Terri Mathews-Bryan.
Terri passed away on January 9,
2016. Terri was one of Spellman’s
Class agents for many years.
1988
Patricia MacIntyre Boutiette
[email protected]
Congratulations to Jack Lally ’15,
nephew of Dennis LaVersa. He
is the new Brockton Ward 6 city
councilor, the youngest member ever
on the council.
1989
Amy Harper Flynn
[email protected]
Karyn Lane Thompson
[email protected]
1990
Steve Owen
[email protected]
Vanessa Taylor Lobe
[email protected]
Traci Wilson Pozerski
[email protected]
Our 25th reunion was held
on November 28, 2015 at the
Renaissance Hotel in Foxboro…
there was a great turnout – about
60 classmates and some significant
others. I heard a lot of positive
feedback – I think everyone had
a great time! Thank you to the
committee that planned it (Lynne
Mills, Jen Morrison, Alicia Creedon
and Scott Trinque). Ayanna
(Yancey) Cato is the mother of two
alums and two present students at
Spellman. Her daughter, AjaMonet, graduated from Spellman
last year and is in her second year
at Suffolk. Her son, Xavier, is
currently a Junior at Spellman and
on the football and winter track
teams and her youngest son, Israel,
is a sophomore. John Costello’s son,
Aidan, is a Corporal in the USMC
stationed at Camp Lejeune. He
spends 6 months out of each year
in Romania as part of a Black Sea
Rotational Force training armies
from different nations while being
on alert for dangers in the Ukraine,
Africa and the Middle East. Thank
you Aidan for your service! John has
his own radio show on WROL 950
AM. His show is called “The Feast
of Irish Music” and is on Sunday’s
from 11-2. Be sure to tune in… and
give him a call… I’m sure he would
love to hear from any of us!
1991 25th Reunion
Kevin Miller
[email protected]
Beth O’Neill Hawley
[email protected]
Save the date! Our 25th reunion
will be Friday, November 25th,
location TBD. More information
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
27
class notes
the Massachusetts Department
of Children and Families despite
the agency’s recent problems.
Congratulations, Akins family!
You can watch video with their
heartwarming story at tinyurl.com/
Jillsadoptionstory. Shannon Kearney
MacCormack is running her first
Boston Marathon in April to raise
money for DREAMFAR High
School Marathon, an organization
Cathy Doyle Zinck
she has supported as a volunteer
catherine@amazinggracegolf.
for the past five years. According
com
to Shannon’s donation website,
Susan Iacono Polidori
“DREAMFAR challenges high
[email protected]
school students to reach their
full potential - physically, socially,
emotionally and academically
- through a mentor-supported
marathon-training program.
Lisa Joyce Covino
The marathon course is a way to
[email protected]
strengthen our students’ physical,
emotional and mental fortitude, and
encourage them to see this as one
of many trails they will blaze.” Best
Darcy Campbell Lamond
of luck, Shannon! To learn more or
[email protected]
to donate, visit Shannon’s website
Amy Lekberg Ouellette
at tinyurl.com/Shannonsmarathon
[email protected]
Congratulations are also in order
for Dina Canducci and her partner
Maria Rowan Malenfant
Brian, who welcomed son Mylo
[email protected]
Hello, classmates, and Happy 2016! London into the world on January
4. Big sister Madalyn is loving her
On National Adoption Day in
new brother. Heather McEwan
November, Jill Bessette Akins and
Mandosa is an assistant principal
her husband Bill adopted Lillie
at Medfield High School. She
Marie Joy Atkins, an adorable
lives with her husband Frank
baby they had been fostering since
January 2015. Lillie was 17 months and two children in Stoughton.
old when the adoption was finalized. Heather serves as a member of the
She and Bill shared their story with Cardinal Spellman High School
Board of Trustees. I began a new
NECN in December when the
cable news station did a story about job in December as the Sales
and Marketing Communications
an increase in adoptions through
Coordinator at Amergent, a
fundraising marketing and database
company based in Peabody. As we
celebrate our 40th birthdays this
year, I wish you all happiness and
peace in this upcoming decade. My
husband and I have declared this
our “fun 40s” and we are going to
embrace it with good times with
our boys, extended family and
friends! Let’s all make the most of
Lillie Marie Joy, daughter of Jill Bessette Atkins ‘94
this decade and enjoy! If you have
will be emailed, so please be sure the
Spellman Alumni office has your
current email address. Also, if you
are on facebook, join the Cardinal
Spellman Class of 1991 group for
reunion information. See you in
November!
1992
1993
1994
28
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
any notes for an upcoming issue of
Tradition, please email me at amy.
[email protected].
1995
Emily Pelton Baird
[email protected]
Maura Roan Davis
[email protected]
LaTisha Stewart Silvera
[email protected]
1996 20th Reunion
Melinda Ciampa Ferreira
[email protected]
Luke LaCroix
[email protected]
Adriann Lipper Fonstein
[email protected]
Natish Lawson Coulson
[email protected]
Melinda is now working at
Medtronic as a Strategic Account
Specialist in the Neuromodulation
Division. She also is an Executive
Skincare Consultant with Rodan
+ Fields...always looking for great
people to join her consultant team
and/or who are looking to keep
their skin young and healthy. Keep
an eye out on Facebook for the 20
year reunion. We will create a page
shortly for it.
1997
Jennifer MacLean Furbino
[email protected]
1998
Kathryn Chiros Jarett
[email protected]
1999
Melissa Coughlin
[email protected]
Shannon Oriola Boulanger
[email protected]
2000
Keara Kelley
[email protected]
Congratulations goes out to
Michael Ashton who got married
on Saturday, October 24th to
Kristina McElroy in D.C. Our
thoughts and prayers go out to
Angela Kelly. Angela’s brother
Jonathan passed away in February.
2001 15th Reunion
Katie Cronin
[email protected]
Jessica Williamson
[email protected]
Congratulations to Chris Ernest
on his induction into The Robert J.
McEwan Drama Hall of Fame on
November 7th.
2002
Samantha Ford
[email protected]
Kim Parr
[email protected]
Erica Prance
[email protected]
Nichole Whalen
nichole@fredriksenphotography.
com
Amy Spaulding Woodfell married
Cody Woodfell on December 5,
2015 in warm South Florida. Amy
has been living her dream as a
dolphin and sea lion trainer at the
Miami Seaquarium for the past 10
years. Her husband also owns an
all-star cheerleading gym which is
a huge part of their daily lives. In
the wedding party were Amy’s sister
and maid of honor Kelly Hagerty
(2006), her brother in law Tim
Hagerty (2004) and longtime best
friend Alicia Fortin Gillooly (2002).
Several other Spellman alums took
the trip down to Florida to attend
the celebration! Shelby Silas, now
living in Roslindale Massachusetts,
welcomed a baby girl, Kayla,
class notes
this past July. Shelby graduated
2008 with her Doctorate from
Northeastern Univ. She is currently
the Director of Rehab at Manuel
Grell Home Care Division of
Chelsea Jewish Foundation. A note
from Bianca Gay: “While helping
immigrants in law school, I realized
there is a great need for immigration
lawyers in my community, especially
those who speak Haitian Creole.
And while pursuing my MBA I fell
Mason David, son of Kristen Owings (Burns) ‘02 and
in love with the idea of having my
Matthew Owings ‘97
own business and helping others
become successful entrepreneurs.
So after I passed the bar I started
the Law Office of Bianca Gay. I
Colleen Kelly
primarily handle immigration
[email protected]
and business law cases. As the
Aisha
Lubin
daughter of Haitian immigrants, I
[email protected]
understand firsthand the emotional
Happy New Year 2003! It is great
and complicated journey through
to hear from so many of you! Glad
the U.S. immigration system. And
to see that you are all doing well.
as an entrepreneur, I understand
Here are some updates from our
the challenges facing those who
classmates. Annemarie Littlefield
are brave enough to take the
Foster got married to her long time
leap. I help clients from Boston
love, West Bridgewater Firefighter,
to the South Coast; and I provide
Kevin Foster Jr on February
Spanish and Cape Verdean Creole
20th! She had her same Cardinal
interpreters for those who don’t
Crazies in her wedding party
speak English. Feel free to reach
as well (Caitlin Shores, Vanessa
out to me at bianca@bgaylaw.
Grzybinski , Julie Bersani and Aisha
Lubin Losche). It was a beautiful
wedding at Larz Anderson Auto
Museum. Congrats!!! Ryan Sullivan
is continuing his great career
with Whole Foods as a Graphic
Designer. Celebrating his 7th
year there. Who says Millennials
job hop?? He will be celebrating
his 5 year wedding anniversary
in March. He recently got a new
Lauren Franco ‘02 and Jonathan Jansky ‘98
puppy, Stella, after the passing of
com”. Best wishes to Lauren Franco his beloved dog, Nickles. Ryan
still enjoys drawing, cartoons and
and Jonathan Jansky ‘98 on their
playing video games! Some things
October 3, 2015 nuptuals. Kristen
never change! Kingsley Osias
Owings (Burns) and Matthew
is working in financial services,
Owings ‘97 welcomed their baby
managing part of a multi-billion
boy, Mason David Owings, 8 lbs
10oz. 21 in. on November 10, 2015. dollar commercial loan portfolio. He
is doing well and looking forward
Jennifer Roscoe welcomed her son,
to taking his daughter to Disney
Cameron Francis Andrews, on
for the 1st time!! If you have any
March 10th, 2015 and is preparing
“must dos” while they are there,
to celebrate his first birthday.
2003
send him a note!! Annie Vandiver
Cicero welcomed her second son,
Jack, in July of 2015. He’s been
keeping mom busy while she keeps
up with her older son Billy! Rick
Beebe will also be celebrating his
5 year anniversary to his wife in
September. Their daughter Luci,
is doing well each day and will be
turning 2 in April! Happy birthday
Luci!! Gabrielle Almeida Boynton is
inching closer to her 5 year wedding
anniversary as well!! 2011 was a
busy year for weddings!! Congrats
you crazy kids! Her son Charlie is
almost 3 even though he thinks he
is 13! She has been dabbling into
home remodeling as she and Jeff,
her husband, complete construction
on their home’s 2nd floor. She is
currently working as a Marketing
Coordinator at Ivie, where she is
responsible for Shaws/Star Market
digital and print circulars. She will
be looking to start volunteering
this spring at the West Bridgewater
Library or Fuller Art Museum. Two
of our classmates were inducted into
The Robert J. McEwan Drama Hall
of Fame on November 7th. Kudos
to Aisha Lubin and Julie Parcels.
Seems like the class continues to do
great things and it’s great to hear
from you all!! To Colleen Kelly and
her family we send our thoughts and
prayers. Colleen lost her brother,
Jonathan, in February. Have
more news for the next edition of
tradition? Find Aisha on Facebook
or email her at aisha.lubin@gmail.
com. Thanks!
2005
Breandan Carter
[email protected]
Congratulations to Christina Sokol
Vargas on the birth of her son
Owen on October 11, 2015. Three
of our classmates were inducted into
The Robert J. McEwan Drama Hall
of Fame on November 7th. Kudos
to Breandan Carter, Shane Donovan
and Damon Warnock.
2006 10th Reunion
Lauren Fahey
[email protected]
2007
Barbara Pierre
[email protected]
Nicole Collins
[email protected]
Justin Hannan
[email protected]
2008
Chris Horne
[email protected]
Cassie Stickney
[email protected]
Congratulations and best wished to
Anna Christie. She married Conor
Higgins on January 1, 2016!
2004
Kathleen Clifford
[email protected]
Matthew Powers
[email protected]
Kudos to Pat Madigan on his
induction into The Robert J.
McEwan Drama Hall of Fame on
November 7th.
Anna Christie ‘08 and Conor Higgins wed
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
29
class notes
2009
Mark Hylander
[email protected]
2010
Meredith McManus
[email protected]
2011 5th Reunion
Kathryn Dunford
[email protected]
James Leonard
Jeleonard36@ yahoo.com
Renee Davis graduated from Toni
and Guy Hairdressing Academy
and is working at Zona Hair
Salon. Lindsey Furfari is a dental
hygienist at Blue Hills Dental.
Colin Sullivan is still in our class
Facebook group. Chris Dauphin
graduated from Virginia Tech and is
now an assistant project manager for
JK Scanlan Construction. Morgan
Mansfield is a RN at Carney
Hospital. Shannon Galambos is
pregnant with a baby boy and is due
on May 29th. Jack DePalma passed
his CDL and Hazmat endorsing
permit and is hitting tractor trailer
school this spring and getting his
CDL license so he can take over the
family oil company. Kyle White is
in sales and leasing. Jullie Sullivan
will be graduating from UMass
Amherst (again) in May with a
master’s degree in sustainability
science. Sarah Sidlauskas is an
RN at Mass General in the burn
and plastic unit. Sarah Tenore is
currently working on her master’s
degree in special education at BSU
and she has her very own classroom
piloting a new program at South
Shore Educational Collaborative.
Jennifer Crea has graduated from
Assumption College and is working
as a Market Development Manager
for Coca-Cola. Steph Churchill is
an 11th grade English teacher at
Coyle and Cassidy High School and
is also working towards her master’s
30
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
degree. Chelsea Crane graduated
from Villanova in May and is
working as a Support Engineer
for HubSpot in Portsmouth, NH.
Jessica Hamelburg graduated from
Suffolk in May, and is currently
working as a marketing content
coordinator at EquipNet in Canton.
Nick Viola is one class away from an
associate’s degree from Masassoit in
general business and then finding a
four year school for his bachelor’s in
human resources while he continues
to work Newbury Comics. Nick
once sold a batman comic and he
has been happily engaged for close
to two years now. Emily Griffin
is a 4th grade Special Ed. teacher
in Fall River. Avery “Humbeats”
Humber produced a song on an
album that made it to #8 on the
iTunes Charts. Check out Avery’s
website www.IAmHumbeats.com.
Melody Lovell graduated from
Bridgewater State in May, and is
currently working as an athletic
trainer at Bryant University, as
well as going to graduate school
at Providence College. Julia
White graduated from BSU in
December with her bachelor’s
degree in history. Julia is currently
working as a substitute teacher
while trying to actively find a grad
school to get her masters of Ed.
Sam Sergio is the assistant brand
manager of Coors Light and the
Coors Legacy brands in the South
Shore and Cape Cod area. Kelsey
Kourafas graduated from BSU
in December with a bachelor’s in
English. Jackie Gorman graduated
Loyola Chicago in May with two
degrees - B.A. Communication,
Advocacy, and Social Change,
B.A. in Environmental Studies.
She landed a few jobs in Martha’s
Vineyard doing farming, culinary
tourism, catering and private
chef gigs. Now Jackie is training
under Darina and Rachel Allen,
celebrity chef ’s in Europe at their
Farm to Table Cooking School,
Ballymaloe Cookery School (Cork,
Ireland). Lyssa McEachern got a
cool, Viking dog. Lindsey Yanow
is currently working towards
her master’s degree at Emerson
in Publishing and Writing and
working a few publishing jobs:
Marketing Assistant at Barefoot
Books, Editorial Researcher for The
Pohly Company, and Fiction Reader
for Redivider Literary Journal. Julia
Kreitman graduated from Emerson
in May with a BFA in Theatre
Design and Technology and have
been working full time freelancing
as a scenic artist and makeup artist
in NYC for the past 7 months, and
she got to work on off-Broadway
shows, the 2015 CMAs, the One
World Freedom Tower, some
things for fashion week, David
Bowie’s musical “Lazarus”, and a
body paint promotional ad for a
new high-end camera premiere.
Julia is also working part time as
an Art Instructor. Stephanie Aryee
graduated with her Bachelors in
Pharmacy Studies at UConn last
May and is currently in grad school
at UConn where she will get her
Doctorate in Pharmacy Spring of
2017. Katie Dunford is back at
Spellman as the communications
manager.
2012
Katelyn Rota
[email protected]
Nick Keddie of Abington was one
of the top men’s soccer defenders in
the Massachusetts State Collegiate
Athletic Conference the past two
seasons. The Bridgewater State
University senior earned allconference second team honors
in 2013 and was on the first team
last season. Three games into the
2015 season, Keddie has picked up
where he left off a year ago. He was
named the most valuable player of
the Husky Fall Classic, hosted by
the University of Southern Maine
in September.
Last year, Mikaela Sakach spent a
month in San Diego training with
each community in the Navy. She
flew in helicopters and in twoseater glass planes called the T-34,
spent a night on a submarine,
spent a week being Marines at
Camp Pendelton (getting cs gassed,
shooting M16 sim rounds in a
fake town, shooting tons of real
guns, watching mortar demos-lots
of awesome stuff ), did the SEAL
obstacle course in Coronado.
Mikaela said, “It’s the best training
ever!” Next year she will graduate a
commissioned Officer.
After graduating from Stonehill,
Dan Johnson plans to continue
his education in Law School.
Currently Dan has been accepted
to the following Schools of Law:
Northeastern University, American
University, Penn State, Suffolk and
New England.
Since graduating, Anthony Greene
has been professionally wrestling
throughout the United States.
Anthony has had the opportunity
of working for 2 of the largest
wrestling organizations in the
world, and currently travels to Las
Vegas monthly to film National TV
tapings for Paragon Pro Wrestling.
The 3rd Annual Joey Glynn Golf
Tournament will be held on
Monday, June 20 at WIllowbend
in Mashpee, MA. The proceeds of
the tournament benefit Spellman
Athletics as well as a scholarship in
Joey’s memory. If you would like to
golf, please contact Ellen Rota at
erota@ Spellman.com to reserve
your spot. If you are not a golfer but
would like to come for the dinner
only you may register online at
www.spellman.com/golf2016.
This golf tournament is a great way
to celebrate Joey and all that he
means to us.
2013
Chris Palluccio
[email protected]
Congrats to Daniel Guenet on
being named to the President’s list
for last spring semester at Drake
University in des Moines, Iowa.
in memoriam
2014
Caitlin Kingston
[email protected]
It’s official . . . Jenna Lehan will
be spending her fall semester in
Bangkok, Thailand and spring
semester in Alcala, Spain!
Congrats on your acceptance
into BOTH programs.
2015
Currently look for some to serve
as Class Reporter for 2015
Congratulations to Jack Lally.
He is the new Brockton Ward
6 city councilor, the youngest
member ever on the council.
Richard G. “Rick” Looney ‘63
Nancy Cruise Cashel ‘66
• sister of Kathleen Cruise Danielson
‘64
Rocco Fiumara ‘73
Michael J. Corbett ‘75
• brother of Margaret Corbett Dame
’76, Patrick ’77, John ’81 and the late
Mary Corbett McDonough ‘83
Mary “Maureen” Corbett
McDonough ‘83
• sister of Michael ’75, Margaret
Corbett Dame ’76, Patrick ’77, and
John ’81
Theresa A. “Terri” Bryan ‘87
• sister of Richard Mathews, Jr. ‘91and
Timothy Mathews ‘95
Kathlynne M. Colleary ‘89
Patricia L. Barnes
• wife of Francis “Chip” Barnes ‘71
Richard M. Cannon
• father of Amanda ’04 and Caitlin ‘06
Stanley W. Chapin
• father of Kelli Chapin Kennedy ’93
and Timothy Chapin ‘97
• father-in-law of Meaghan Flaherty
Chapin ‘00
Perspective - (continued from page 32)
of a Spellman education that can influence us for a lifetime. Prayer,
academic excellence, or understanding ourselves sacramentally as a
family intended to care for one another all help shape who we become.
How can we measure this education? Our evidence is in people.
Spellman alumni have come back to visit this place and to give back
to our community over and over again. Senator Tom Kennedy ’69
was a frequent visitor to his alma Mater, his legacy of service and
commitment and loyalty to Spellman will forever shine. Ms. Suzanne
Bump ‘73 chose to come back to Spellman to be sworn in as the
25th Auditor of Massachusetts and the first woman to hold that seat.
Mrs. Heidi Bessette Garcia ’97 past Director of Advancement and
current Director of Development for Catholic Charities of Boston
came to a recent Mass to talk to the students about the clients her
agency serves and their desperate needs, particularly for the local food
pantries. Some Alumni serve on our Board of Trustees volunteering
hundreds of hours to assure that we remain a strong institution. Many
former students stop in to visit a teacher or connect on Facebook.
So many support, volunteer and enjoy the annual musical, gala, golf
tournament or our Christmas Mass. Several Spellman alumni have
Yves Dambreville
• f ather of Khalil ‘16
Frederick E. Davis III
• f ather of Fred E. Davis IV ‘82
• g randfather of Daniel Morano ’15
and Matthew Morano ‘14
• u ncle of the late Donald Smith ’76,
Robert E. Smith ’78 and Linda
Smith Vitt ‘80
Donald V. DiFazio
• b rother-in-law of Margaret DiFazio, former staff member
• u ncle of Rob DiFazio ’87 and Nicole
DiFazio Brown ‘91
Kevin M. Ennis
• b rother of John ’65 and Robert ‘72
John F. “Jack” Gilpin
• f ather of Michael ’78 and Dennis ‘79
J. Michael Janelli
• h usband of Barbara Sullivan Janelli
‘68
Jonathan G. Kelly
• s on of George and Linda (Amaral)
Kelly ‘68
• b rother of Angela Kelly ’00 and Colleen Kelly ‘03
Concetta A. Langway
•m
other of Donna Langway Thoreson
’66 and Deborah Langway Chappelle ‘71
Gerald Morrell, Jr.
• s on of Pamela Holmes Morrell ‘65
• b rother of Laura-Jean MorrellGodfrey ‘90
Donald A. Pelletier
• f ormer faculty member
sRae R. Powers
• mother of the late Richard Powers ‘64
•m
other-in-law of Carol Powderly
Powers ‘67
Vincent J. Stratoti, Sr.
• g randfather of Tiara Papadopoulos
Dowd ’08 and Themio Papadopoulos
‘10
Brenda M. Wiksten
•m
other of Eric Wiksten ‘94
Dolores C. Yanni
• s ister of Pauline Brien Lindstrom
’62, Donna Brien Sullivan ’63 and
the late Leo Brien ‘64
• s ister-in-law of Stephen Sullivan ‘63
chosen the vocation of education and more than a few teach or work
here. Catholic Schools Week began with a whole school prayer service.
As choir director, Mrs. Dorrie Delano Bessette ‘69 thought it would be
a great idea to end our service with the Alma Mater. Before we began
to sing, Mrs. Bessette invited all alumni employees of Spellman to
come to the front of the auditorium and lead the students in the alma
mater. They then watched their choir director feed the student body
the words (some were singing it for the first time) the freshmen class
didn’t know at that point that they will repeat it many times before and
after graduation night (on the bus to away games, during a long late
night play practice, and at their 5th, 25th and 50th reunions).
Something so big happened that morning. Our new students got a
look into the heart of Spellman. Not only did they see their chaplain,
faculty and staff proudly and humbly represent Spellman. But also,
our students saw what God sees every day. Joe, Sue and Dorrie, Jane,
Sue and Lisa, Caitlin and Kelli, Jane and Susan, Aimee, Marianne and
Lauren, Michelle, Dan and Katie, alumni from 1962 to 2013 standing
proud and honorable, promising fealty. True to the red and gold, they
were shining hosts for all, following God. Our God sees all Spellman
alumni that way. SEQUERE DEUM.
tradition • Cardinal Spellman
31
perspective
A Spellman Education is an
Education For Life -A Perspective
by Cathy Demers
“Follow our Lord, and King, Oh youth be a shining host.” This is
the first verse from the Spellman Alma Mater. Written by Sister
Etheldrita Shay C.S.J., these words remind us to follow God as we go
forth from our beloved high school. We are asked to let our light shine
and to live out our vocation; the life God has called us to live. How
does a Spellman education prepare us for life? How is it any different
from any other high school or any other Catholic school for that
matter? What lessons are learned while here that will be beneficial for
a lifetime?
I think answers to these questions can be found simply in the
language of our daily schedule. We begin each day in homeroom
where attendance is taken and announcements are read. The first
announcement we hear over the public address system is “Good
morning faculty and students, please stand for prayers.” For four
years, a student begins every single morning by standing and praying
and then reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The routine, though quite
normal for all Catholic high schools, does however, begin to shape
us. Following homeroom students move to classes and begin with a
prayer before each class. Some classes recite a Hail Mary, for others,
students are asked to lead prayer. The Foreign Language department
might begin with the Our Father in Spanish or French. Many of
our Sisters began their classes with The Morning Offering. Mr. Bob
McEwan always began with “Direct we beseech thee Oh Lord…” Ms.
Judy Connelly taught her students the Prayer of St Francis. Recent
educational research suggests that teachers who begin their classes
with a few minutes of breathing exercises or (meditation) actually
helps their students release anxiety about learning. Brain patterns
have been seen to change to the extent that the focus on learning is
clear. We have been doing just that by praying before class since the
Holy Spirit inspired St Elizabeth Ann Seton to open the first Catholic
school in America. Quieting down for a few minutes to remember
what is important, to breathe, to let go of anxiety, to pray.
Besides the daily language of prayer in the building and in the hearts
of our young people, there is the language of encouragement. Cardinal
Spellman High School has been a college preparatory school since the
doors were opened. It continues today to be the same kind of school.
Whether a student decides to follow God by choosing college, work
or the military, the faculty and administration have always focused
on educating the whole person. The CSJ’S and lay faculty have made
students feel like they could excel at learning even when faced with a
challenge. Emphasis is placed on encouraging students to be leaders
on the field, in the classroom, and on the stage. Sister Thomasine
Knowlton, CSJ, past principal and first president of Spellman coined
32
Cardinal Spellman • tradition
the phrase IALAC, (I Am Lovable And Capable). She would ask
the freshmen to repeat it back to her at the first assembly of the year
and would remind them of it until the evening of graduation. Aiden
Staunton ‘19 stated in a presentation for Catholic Schools Week that
for the first time in his education, his teachers here encourage him,
saying, “You’ve got this, Aiden. Don’t give up.” Our Faculty and Staff
are passionate about what they do and this language translates to each
of our students whether they are learning right angles in Geometry,
dissecting a sheep’s heart in Anatomy or launching a rocket in Physics.
Again, educational research suggests that there is more success in
learning if students adopt a Growth Mindset rather than a Fixed
Mindset. Basically with a growth mindset a student believes that his/
her intelligence can develop and that obstacles are just challenges
along the journey. A student with a fixed mindset believes that if
mathematics was not his/her best subject in 4th grade that it never will
be in 10th grade. Catholic education in this country has historically
surpassed other educational models when it comes to standardized
testing scores, rates of graduation and percentage of graduates going
on to college. I believe when the everyday language about learning
inherently values every human as a gift from God with the potential
to learn and grow and succeed than a Spellman “growth mindset” has
been going on for decades.
Lastly, Spellman gives students the mandate to go serve our
community, Church and world. The language of the Gospel is heard
everywhere from Religion classes daily, the Big Brother/ Big Sister
program, to the calls from Christ Crew for “food Friday”. Parker
J. Palmer in his book, The Courage To Teach: Exploring the Inner
Landscape of a Teacher’s Life states “we cannot see what is “out there”
merely by looking around. Everything depends on the lenses through
which we view the world. By putting on new lenses, we can see things
that would otherwise remain invisible.” Catholic Schools and Spellman
in particular asks you to put on “sacramental lenses”. To live life seeing
the dignity of each individual, knowing God created us and that God
has a plan for each of us. One filled with grace, love and His mercy.
It is in this language of prayer, encouragement, passion for learning,
and our view of the world that helps a Spellman student remember
where he/she started. Several years ago there was a movie made
called Freedom Writers based on a book by Erin Gruwell, a young
teacher in California who taught at risk kids in a recently integrated
school. Her success in the classroom led to a foundation and a
movement in public education because of her success rate. She taught
tolerance, empowerment, dignity, in a community environment
where she followed through with her students from freshmen year
until graduation. The CSJ’s and many other religious orders have
been doing this in catholic education for over a century. We have
to recognize that there is something different about what Catholic
schools do. These examples from academic research have been based
on my own learning and are not intended for scholarly interpretation
but to make us generally aware that it is precisely the daily habits
(continued on page 31)
Calendar of Events
Having a reunion this year?
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
2 Legacy Gala and Auction
23 Senior Baccalaureate Mass
20 J oey Glynn Memorial Golf Tournament
Willowbend Country Club
Granite Links Golf Club, Quincy
26 Class of 2016 Commencement
9 M ark R. Creedon Memorial Road Race
D.W. Field Park, 10 a.m.
14 Liturgy
Joey Glynn Memorial Golf Tournament
June 20, 2016 | Willowbend Country Club | Mashpee, MA
The third annual Joey Glynn Memorial Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 20th at Willowbend Country Club
in Mashpee, MA. Don’t miss out on this memorable event to honor our friend, Joey Glynn ’12. The event includes lunch,
a cocktail hour, dinner, and live and silent auction, all on the picturesque
Willowbend golf course. Not a golfer? Join us for dinner!
Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s golf tournament,
and in anticipation of another sell out, we urge you to make
your reservation soon to secure your spot. Get ready to play
the links with your friends and the members of the
Spellman family. Foursomes are filling up fast!
Registration for the tournament can be completed online at www.spellman.com/golf2016.
For additional information or for questions about becoming a tournament sponsor please call Ellen Rota at (508)-584-3004.
Cardinal Spellman
HIGH SCHOOL
Office of Advancement
738 Court Street
Brockton- MA 02302-2898
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Our Mission at Cardinal Spellman High School
Excellence in Catholic Education
Offering young men and women opportunities
To maximize their potential;
To respect themselves and others;
To serve their community, their Church and the world
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U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT NO. 247