Class of 2013 Pages 2–11

Growing a Small Business Inside Back Cover

Tennis Champs Page 30

50 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

“When we began

our high school

careers as students

at Xavier we each

made the decision

to be more than

average.”

Mario Chris `13

June 2013

Dear Members of the Xavier Community,

When Xavier’s doors first opened in September of 1963 each new student was given a very small student handbook in which you would have found such regulations as “pants so tight that a golf ball cannot pass through the legs of them from waist to floor may not be worn,” “Walk on the right side of the corridor. Faculty members only walk in the middle of the corridors.” Also, “use the public telephone across from the bookstore with permission for necessary calls home.” Some of you reading this letter may remember those rules, and how things have changed over our first fifty years.

And then there are things which have remained steady over those years. That first handbook also stated that “Xavier holds that the primary function of education is the formation in each pupil of a Christian character.” And of course our motto of “Be A Man” with all the depth that implies has been another constant that no doubt every graduate long remembers. All of us at Xavier remain committed to those core values that go back to the first principal, Brother Robert Sullivan, C.F.X, and we hope our graduates continue in their lives to live out “Be A Man.”

Another year at Xavier has just come to a close. School will be quiet for at least a few days before summer classes and camps begin. As always we look back thankful to God for the many ways Xavier has been blessed. We can look back with grateful pride on the fine work of our administrators, faculty, staff and coaches over the year, striving to bring out the best in each young man entrusted to their care. We look back with pride on the outstanding college acceptances of our new graduates and the numerous scholarships and awards they earned. In addition to their academic work, we can be grateful for the accomplishments of our athletic teams and numerous extracurricular activities that keep the school humming long after the last bell at 2:26. I believe we can be especially proud of the countless hours of service our students have offered throughout the year, service not only to our local communities, but also on our service trips to Guatemala and to Camden, New Jersey.

As Mario Chris said in his valedictory address last month “When we began our high school careers as students at Xavier we each made the decision to be more than average.” I hope that rings true to all of our graduates from the first class of 1967 down to our newest alumni of 2013. As you read on further in this issue you will see fine examples of alumni and members of the Xavier community who embody what Mario spoke about.

All of us at Xavier remain grateful to those of you who support us through your involvement in the Alumni and Home and School Associations, your contributions to our annual fund, membership in the St. Francis Xavier Society, and support of our Auction and Golf Tournament. Xavier would not be the same without you.

God bless each of you for all you do for Xavier.

Sincerely in Christ,

Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X.Headmaster

eadmaster

a message from the

H

What’s Inside

Board of Directors 2012-2013Dr. Perry Sangalli, Chair

Attorney Christopher Smith `76, Vice Chair

Chief J. Edward Brymer (Ret.)

Mr. Carl Bulgini III `84

Attorney Christopher Carrozzella

Mr. Michael D’Aquila `83

Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Headmaster

Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal

Sr. Patricia Ells, C.N.D.

Mr. Peter Etzel `71

Rev. Gregoire Fluet

Mr. Robert Guere `81

Dr. Edward Hardiman

Mr. Brian Hetherington `81

Brother Raymond Hoyt, C.F.X.

Mrs. Rosemary Kilpatrick

Mr. Dennis LaVette

Mr. David Leone `73

Mr. Neil Mitchill `93

Brother Timothy Paul, C.F.X.

Dr. Edward Shine

Mrs. Robin Taillie

Mrs. Susan Tarrant

Mr. Guy Tommasi `75

Mr. William Wrang III `75

Mr. James Parmelee `84, Advisor

Mr. Michael Picard `83, Advisor

Mr. Christopher Shane, Advisor

AdministrationBrother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Headmaster

Mr. Brendan Donohue, Principal

Mr. Nicholas Cerreta, Dean of Students

Mr. Andrew T. Gargano, Academic Dean (Grades 10-12)

Mr. David Sizemore, Academic Dean (Grade 9)

Page 22

Page 31 Page 14

Page 2-11

The Magazine for Xavier High School

Summer, 2013

John GuerinEditor, “Xavier Today”

Director of Communications

Margaret GaleanoDesigner

Office Of AdvAnceMent

Matthew Strekel ’99Director of Advancement

Greg BrinnAssistant Director of

Annual and Planned Giving

erin BysiewiczAssistant Director for Alumni Relations

Meredith dreskoAdvancement Associate

Xavier Today,the Xavier High School magazine,

is published three times a year by Xavier High School.

Editorial offices are located in:

Xavier High SchoolOffice of Advancement

181 Randolph RoadMiddletown, CT 06457

(860) 347-6079www.xavierhighschool.org

LetterS tO the editOr:

Send to above address or by email to:

jguerin@xavierhighschool.org

or by fax: (860) 346-6859

PhOtO creditS:

Karen Brown

Eric Elligers

John Guerin

Matthew Haywood `04

Nick Iott `13

Shannon Kief

Kathryn Lee

Middletown Press

New Haven Register

Bill O’Brien

James Royce `99

David Sizemore `86

Snapshot Photography

Br. John Sullivan

Xavier Yearbooks

Others as available and noted

Xavier Today

Check the Xavier calendar regularly at:

www.xavierhighschool.org

2 Xavier Today

Matthew Albanese East Haddam

William Andrews Clinton

Elliott Antler Hebron

Eric Aresco Higganum

Ronald Bair Newington

Shane Baker Southington

Shane Baldwin Southington

Spencer Beaulieu Portland

Kevin Beeman Meriden

Alexander Benevelli Killingworth

DeAngelo Berry Windsor

Joseph Bibisi Cromwell

James Biega Middletown

Joseph Biegaj East Hampton

Casey Blank North Haven

Adam Boyington Haddam

Timothy Boyle Middlefield

Harrison Bradley Wallingford

Mark Breault Ivoryton

Mark Broderick Middletown

Jonathan Brodeur Old Saybrook

Mitchell Brown Durham

Mark Bucior Glastonbury

Ryan Buckley Wallingford

Zachary Camner Hamden

Christian Cannata Cromwell

Brian Canney Rocky Hill

Dominic Carlone Kensington

William Carrion Middletown

Michael Carta Middletown

John Cerrotti Wallingford

Mohammad Chater Northford

CLASS OF 2013

On the morning of May 19th we were blessed with a cloud cover that kept temperatures comfortable as the 192 members

of the Class of 2013 became the newest group to call themselves Xavier Alumni. These young men hailed from 45 cities and towns in Connecticut.

Brother Thomas Ryan, C.F.X. acted as our Master of Ceremonies. Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X., Xavier’s Director of Admissions, offered the invocation and his Excellency, Bishop Michael Cote, the spiritual leader of the Norwich Diocese joined the Class of 2013, their parents, guardians, relatives, friends, teachers, counselors, and staff at Xavier High School’s forty-seventh commencement exercise.

In opening remarks, Brother Ryan said, “In the Scripture readings for today, Pentecost Sunday, are found the following words: ‘When the time of Pentecost was fulfilled, the disciples were all in one place together. Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Receive the Holy Spirit.’” This morning’s commencement ceremony will be the last time that these 192 young men, our graduates, will be in this one place together. Not a time for regret but a time of anticipation. Like the disciples who received God’s Spirit, they are ready to disperse, to go into the world and follow their destinies. If our graduates continue to welcome the Spirit in their lives, to live out the faith Xavier has tried to instill, then no matter where their future may take them, they will always remain in this one place, the Class of 2013. As the sequence for the Mass of Pentecost proclaims: ‘O most blessed Light divine, shine within these hearts of yours, and their inmost being fill.’”

Salutatorian Mark K. Breault Salutatorian for the Class of 2013

formally welcomed all to this forty-seventh commencement. Brother Ryan introduced, “Mark K. Breault, the son of Robert and Doreen of Ivoryton, is ranked number two in his graduating class. I’d like the words of Mark’s own teachers and counselor this year to help explain why he enjoys this singular distinction. ‘Mark’s dedication and hard work is evident in everything he undertakes. He gives nothing less than 110%.’ ‘He has matured from a quiet, shy freshman to an outgoing, warm, kind-hearted person. He has proven to be a leader both inside and outside of school.’ ‘Mark is well-mannered, respectful, has boundless intellectual curiosity and is a unique and extraordinary student in terms of his attitude, intelligence and performance.’ And finally, ‘He has always been a joy to work with. He has outstanding native ability, maturity beyond his years, and a desire to learn. His fellow students admire and respect him.’

Prior to his arrival at Xavier in September of 2009, Mark had already been designated the Bishop Hines Scholarship winner based on the 8th grade entrance exam. As an 8th grader he also won the Knights of Columbus free-throw contest

L-r: Bishop Michael Cote with Mark Breault

Commencement 2013

Xavier Today 3

RELIGION AWARD

Mario J. Chris

BROTHER JOHN COLLINS

CAMPUS MINISTRY AWARD

Jay J. Schaff

ENGLISH AWARD

John P. Reidy

MATHEMATICS AWARD

Mario J. Chris

CHINESE AWARD

John P. Reidy

FRENCH AWARD

Edouard H. Nicaise

SPANISH AWARD

Christian J. Cannata

LATIN AWARD

Mark K. Breault

SCIENCE AWARD

Jonathan P. Woods

SOCIAL STUDIES AWARD

Nathaniel M. Clark

VISUAL ARTS AWARD

Neal E. Krupa

MUSIC AWARD

Joshua P. Gosselin

VALEDICTORIAN

Mario J. Chris

SALUTATORIAN

Mark K. Breault

CLASS OF 2013

Anthony Chiozzi Guilford

Mario Chris Storrs

Michael Cimino Prospect

John Clark Killingworth

Nathaniel Clark Plainville

Gavin Clemmey Middletown

Andrew Coburn Middletown

Robert Coleman Southington

Benjamin Collison Old Saybrook

John Corraccio Wethersfield

Emmett Coughlin Portland

Zackery Creeron Higganum

Benjamin Criscuolo East Haven

Dylan Cronin Higganum

Tyler Crowl Rocky Hill

Tyler Cusack Clinton

Jonathan Cyr Middletown

Justin Cyr Middletown

Ethan Damuck East Haddam

Christopher Danby Old Saybrook

Corey Danko Middletown

Kevin Dean Ivoryton

Max DellaGrotte Middletown

Jordan DelSesto Colchester

Jake DeMonte Wethersfield

Joseph DiBella Old Saybrook

Jeremy Dilzer Berlin

Macken Dobbin Killingworth

Daniel Dobler Rocky Hill

Rider Doolittle Wallingford

Jonah Dorsey Newington

Miguel dos Santos Wallingford

which was held at the school. From this auspicious beginning, the rest is history: Brother Celestine medalist, the highest academic recognition Xavier bestows; induction into the National Honor Society as well as the Mathematics Honor Society where he served as Treasurer and the Latin Honor Society where he served as President. Mark is also an AP Scholar and a National Merit Commended Student. His report card grades never dropped below the first letter of the alphabet. He was a member of the engineering team’s Real World Design Challenge that won the National Championship in 2012. Outside of the classroom, Mark has shared his gifts and talents as a member of the Ryken Service Society and the Ambassadors Club. At the opening of school Mass in September, he was presented with both the Harvard Book Prize and the Xaverian Brothers Scholarship, the latter being given to a young man who exemplifies and lives the Xaverian charisms of humility, trust, compassion, simplicity, and zeal. And at last evening’s awards ceremony at the conclusion of the Baccalaureate Mass, Mark was presented with the Maureen O’Donnell Memorial

Award in recognition of his gold medal status on the National Latin Exam for the past four consecutive years.

Accepted at UCONN, Georgia Tech, Villanova, Penn State, Rensselaer Polytechnic and Worcester Polytechnic, Mark will major in chemical engineering at Villanova in the fall.”

Mr. Brendan Donohue, Xavier’s Principal, called forward the members of the Class of 2013 for the conferring of diplomas by Bishop Cote. Brother Brian then presented special awards to those students who have distinguished themselves in academic and co-curricular areas (see box below).

The Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich and Brother Brian both offered their congratulations and best wishes to the graduates and challenged them to use what they have learned as they continue into their futures.

Commencement Honors 2013

Continued on page 4 >

4 Xavier Today

Daniel Drabinski Madison

Spencer Duclos Portland

Daniel Dupont Wallingford

John Dziedzic Middletown

Benjamin Emory Portland

Braxton Etuka Middletown

Jordan Facin Killingworth

Marcus Fazzino Middletown

Michael Fetera Wallingford

McNeill Finnegan Old Saybrook

Matthew Fishkind Chester

Benjamin Fitzpatrick Haddam

Justin Fitzpatrick Wallingford

Dominic Fogarasi Middletown

Mitchell Frauendorf Portland

Michael Fredericks Portland

Derrick Frink Newington

Christopher Fusco Durham

Matthew Gajowiak Newington

Joshua Gosselin Wethersfield

Jordan Greenhalgh Northford

Jonathan Grzeszczyk Middletown

Austin Guptel Coventry

Justin Hall Wallingford

Lucas Hannen Killingworth

Alan Harrington East Hampton

Alexander Harris Wethersfield

Matthew Henzy Middletown

Sabastion Herrera Ivoryton

Shane Highter Killingworth

Warren Howe Wallingford

Anthony Iorio Guilford

CLASS OF 2013 Commencement 2013Continued from page 3

M r. Donohue said “The Falcon Achievement

Award has been created to recognize a senior

who has represented the very best that athletics

stand for at Xavier. In the opinion of his coaches, the

administration, and the faculty and staff, this year’s

recipient is a young man who embodies those qualities

of loyalty, commitment, sportsmanship and hard work

which characterize our fine scholar-athletes.

This year’s recipient is the epitome of what it

means to be a scholar-athlete. His tremendous work

ethic has led him to great success both on the field

and in the classroom. He is a natural leader who is both well-liked and respected by his peers. His loyalty

and commitment to his team and school are great examples not only to his teammates and classmates,

but to our entire community. As team captain, he led his teammates through the highs and lows of an

at-times difficult, but ultimately successful season. Due to his work ethic, spirit, sportsmanship and calm

demeanor, his teammates responded to his example and the team rallied as a cohesive unit. In the words

of his coach, he exemplifies “all that a Xavier man should be.” He will be taking his academic and soccer

talents to Ithaca College next fall. Please join me in congratulating the 2013 Falcon Achievement Award

winner, the son of Daniel and Mary Coburn, Andrew J. Coburn.” X

Falcon Achievement Award Winner

Valedictorian Mario J. Chris Continuing with the ceremony, Brother

Ryan said, “It is the custom to invite the highest ranking member of the graduating class to give the valedictory address — the formal farewell to the school on behalf of his classmates. The Valedictorian for the Class of 2013 is Mario J. Chris.

As one would expect, Mario’s academic credentials as the number-one ranked senior in his class are extraordinary. Even prior to his arrival as a freshman, Mario was the recipient of the Brother Robert Scholarship for the highest score on the 8th grade entrance exam.

That distinction was the first in a long litany of academic achievements and recognitions these past four years: Brother Celestine medalist, Xavier’s highest scholastic honor; induction into the National, Math, and French Honor Societies where he served as Treasurer, President and Vice-President respectively; the Yale Book Award; Varsity Math Team Captain and team high scorer; a perfect SAT score of 2400 and a National Merit Semi-Finalist and then Finalist. At last evening’s award’s ceremony it was announced that Mario had been presented with a $2500 National Merit Scholarship and that the Department of Education had recognized him for his selection as one of approximately 550 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2013 U.S. Presidential Scholars Competition.

Outside the classroom Mario was a member of the school’s Engineering Team which in the past three years won the Real World Design Challenge State Championship three times and the National Championship in 2012. He has received multiple honors from his participation in the CT Science Fair and was a member, along with classmates John Reidy and Jeff Witz, of one of the top five aviation project teams in the entire world that presented its research findings on fuel consumption and savings to NASA at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

A concert piano medalist and soon-to-be Eagle Scout in no way conclude this list. No wonder his teachers have had this to say about him: ‘Mario’s intelligence and dedication are second to none, but he is more than just another good student. He is a likeable, sincere person who cares about his

L-r: Bishop Michael Cote with Mario Chris

Xavier Today 5

Nicholas Iott North Haven

Nathaniel Kahn Cromwell

Alexander Kelly Cheshire

Mark Kennedy North Haven

Frank Kronenberger Middletown

Neal Krupa Essex

Victor Lagana Middletown

Christopher Laggis Guilford

Michael Lanza Newington

Dalton Lavoie Meriden

Jacob Lensing-Sharp Middletown

Benjamin Lisle Old Saybrook

Sean Lowe Moodus

Kristopher Luster Meriden

Matthew Lyons Old Saybrook

Ethan Manuel Chester

Matthew Manzione Middletown

Michael Marenna Old Saybrook

Aidan Marino Killingworth

Theodore Marrinan Oakdale

Michael Massaro East Haddam

Andrew Masse Cromwell

Alex Matunas Westbrook

John McCall Clinton

Ryan McLellan Wallingford

Wallace Meadows Middlefield

Carlos Mesquita Wallingford

Christopher Misenti Middletown

Brennan Moore Meriden

Matthew Moore Old Lyme

John-Paul Morello Middletown

Anthony Morse Portland

CLASS OF 2013The Xavier Loyalty and Service Award

M r. Donohue said “The Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the most prestigious award

that the school confers, is presented to a member of the graduating class who is chosen upon the recommendation of the faculty and staff. Loyalty and service are qualities that Xavier High School strives to teach all its young men as they are crucial to the fulfillment of the school’s mission. The choice is based on the consistency and quality of the student’s service to the Xavier community and the passion and perseverance he has displayed in his commitment to all aspects that make up the experience of a Xavier High School student.

Needless to say, such a student is one of the

school’s most valuable assets.

This morning’s recipient of the Loyalty and Service Award exemplifies everything for which this

award stands. Many students come to understand and appreciate what loyalty and service are only after

spending some time here at Xavier. For some it clicks at some point during freshman year. For others it

happens sometime in the years that follow. This year’s recipient got it from Day One and has continued

to grow and mature with each passing year. He was involved with multiple activities and service clubs,

but never seemed to be stretched too thin. He engaged in these activities because he wanted to and he

knew it was the right thing to do, he did it for others, not for himself. He was an active member of the

Columbian Squires, the Ambassadors Club and the Ryken Service Society. He was a Peer Minister and a

member of the Principal’s Advisory Council. He attended junior retreat, XLI and the XBSS retreat. He was

instrumental in inaugurating Falconspire which is a student-directed group which meets monthly to pray,

meditate, socialize and to discuss key issues affecting the lives of teens. He did all this while maintaining

the highest of academic standards. He is a Brother Celestine award winner, a National Merit Commended

student and a member of both the Spanish and National Honor Societies. He has taken five Advanced

Placement courses and is a key member of our nationally recognized Jazz Band. However, none of these

accolades tell the true story of why this young man is receiving this award. Above all, he strives to live

each day for others and to model his life after the life of Christ, always acting selflessly for the greater

good. Xavier will be sorry to see him go, but we look forward to seeing him thrive at Fordham University.

It is my pleasure to announce the 2013 recipient of the Xavier Loyalty and Service Award, the son of Jon

and Lucy Massaro of East Haddam — Michael J. Massaro, of the Ryken Service Society.” X

community and understands what leadership is all about.’ ‘Mario knows that the amount of service he has given to his community is more than just a number on a college application; his service is a channel of God’s love for humanity.’

Mario also bears another singular distinction. Certainly among his classmates and perhaps among any and all students who have attended Xavier, Mario has traveled the farthest. Living in Storrs, it is a two-hour, 90-mile round trip. Or, 1250 hours and 56,250 miles commuting by car these past four years. That’s 90 round trips to the West Coast. And money spent on gasoline? Let’s turn to the American Express response for this — ‘priceless.’ Since Mario will not obtain his driver’s license until next month, it is his parents, Ramesh and Mary, who have been the prime movers in his four-year, educational odyssey.

Accepted at Brown, Cal Tech, Catholic University, UCONN, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech,

Stanford, UPENN and Yale, Mario will study aeronautical and astronautical engineering at Stanford University in the fall.”

Two impressive statistics about the Class of 2013: As of May 17th, its members have collectively received $67,375 in local scholarships and $4.5 million in college grants and scholarships for the next four years.

Brother Fahey led all in the Xavier High School prayer, after which Brother Ryan concluded the ceremony by saying, “And finally, a few minutes ago you heard Brother Brian end his remarks to the graduates with a sentence he uses every Monday at the close of the school-wide morning prayer — ‘God bless your day.’ To the graduates, and speaking for everyone else on this stage, I would simply add: “God bless your lives, each and every day.”

Congratulations to the Class of 2013! X

6 Xavier Today

Miles Mortali Old Saybrook

Ryan Moynihan Middletown

Alexander Muir Haddam

Liam Murphy Northford

Andrew Murrone Middletown

Michael Nadeau Middletown

Vincent Nettis Middletown

Edouard Nicaise Hamden

Anthony Nicholson Colchester

Callan Noone Guilford

Jonathan O’Brien East Hampton

Thomas O’Rourke Wethersfield

Samuel Oeschger Middletown

Amar Ojha Rocky Hill

Stephen Olis New Britain

Charlton Ortega North Haven

Mario Panaccione Old Saybrook

N. Connor Payne Madison

Raymond Peach Durham

Jonathan Penepent Middletown

Matthew Pias Higganum

Michael Purcell Cheshire

Steven Radomski Wallingford

John Reidy Northford

Jordan Resnisky Middletown

Jake Rocamora Rocky Hill

Trevor Root Middlefield

Joshua Santiago Hamden

Jason Schaff Cheshire

Kolin Schafrick Portland

Kyle Schroeder Madison

James Schumann Old Saybrook

CLASS OF 2013

On the evening of May 18th at the Baccalaureate Mass, our Graduation Liturgy, Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue

shared publicly some of the honors awarded to the members of our graduating class and Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented the awards on behalf of the donors.

This year, two of our seniors have been named NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS. In addition, eleven of our seniors have been named NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS.

2013 Baccalaureate MassPRESENTATION OF AWARDS

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS:Mark Breault, Christian Cannata, Nathaniel Clark, Daniel

Drabinski, Michael Lanza, Michael Massaro, Matthew

Pias, Michael Purcell, John Reidy, Daniel Tomanelli,

Zachary Ziobrowski.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS:Mario Chris and Jacob Lensing-Sharp.

The NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION has awarded a NATIONAL MERIT $2500 SCHOLARSHIP to Mario Chris. In addition, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION has recognized Mario for his selection as one of approximately 550 semifinalists to advance to the final round of the 2013 U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARS COMPETITION.

The BROTHER CELESTINE MEDAL is awarded each year to students who, upon the completion of the academic year, have an overall final average of A with no final average grade less than an A- in their major subjects. This prestigious award, which a student can be given only once during his four years at Xavier, is the highest academic tribute that the school bestows. The award is named after Brother Celestine Killigrew who taught history and Religion at Xavier in the early 1960s and died as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. In the previous three years, 22 members Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Gregory

P. Galvin was the celebrant for the Mass

Xavier Today 7

Zachary Sgro Bristol

Brian Sheehy Middletown

Jordan Shropshire Westbrook

Zachary Skiptunas Newington

Ellis Snyder Old Saybrook

Ryan Sowa Middletown

Charles Spellman Rocky Hill

William Stanton West Hartford

Ryan Staron Cromwell

Peter Strom Portland

James Sullivan Wethersfield

Bryan Szewczyk Cromwell

Ryan Szozdowski New Britain

Bryce Telford Wallingford

Brandon Tierney Portland

Daniel Tomanelli Cheshire

Aaron Tonks Ivoryton

Victor Triay Middletown

Nicolas Turner Newington

Max Tylki Wethersfield

Matthew Verselli Wallingford

Tushar Vig Durham

Joseph Violette Wallingford

Elliot Whitney Middletown

Justin Williams Wallingford

Jeffrey Witz New Britain

Jonathan Woods Essex

Garrett Yantosh Higganum

Matthew Yudkin Clinton

Peter Zablocki Essex

Zachary Ziobrowski Cheshire

Nicholas Zoccoli Berlin

CLASS OF 2013

of the class of 2013 have earned this honor. Mark

Breault, Christian Cannata, Mario Chris, Nathaniel Clark,

Gavin Clemmey, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Jeremy Dilzer,

Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Dominic Fogarasi,

Alan Harrington, Anthony Iorio, Michael Lanza, Michael

Massaro, Carlos Mesquita, Ryan Moynihan, Samuel

Oeschger, Stephen Olis, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Jeffrey

Witz.

THE THOMAS A. CLOUTIER, JR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established by the friends and family of Thomas A. Cloutier, Jr. of Westbrook, a member of the class of 1992. This scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated the qualities of hard work and determination, and who has served as an example of dedication to his classmates. This year’s recipient is Kristopher Luster.

THE PETER DALTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is endowed by the parents of Peter, who was a member of the Xavier class of 1987. It is awarded to a senior who best exemplifies the characteristics that we all hope to find in a Xavier Man. This year the recipient is Carlos Mesquita.

THE GEORGE V. KEITHAN, SR. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established by Mr. and Mrs. George V. Keithan, Jr. of the class of 1981. The scholarship is awarded to a senior who has been accepted into an engineering program at an accredited college or university. The recipient of this scholarship is Stephen Olis.

THE THOMAS KILLEN SCHOLARSHIP was established in memory of Thomas, a member of the Class of 1973, a newspaper columnist and theatre critic for The New Haven Register, who died suddenly at the age of 33. This scholarship, sponsored by Tom’s friends, co-workers at the Register, and the Class of 1973, is awarded to a deserving senior who has shown commitment to the Xavier drama program either in acting or in stage crew. The recipient of this scholarship is Nathaniel Clark.

THE MARK SCHAEFER SCHOLARSHIP is given in memory of Mark Erwin Schaeffer, son of Mr. & Mrs. Otto E. Schaefer of North Branford, who was a member of Xavier’s class of 1979. The intent of this scholarship is “to reward an all-around Xavier MAN, a scholar and an athlete who has actively demonstrated that he has realized that a Xavier education is a Christian education, one that requires Continued on page 9 >

service and dedication to one’s fellow human beings.” This year’s recipient is Emmett Coughlin.

THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ AWARD is presented to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of jazz as demonstrated through superior musicianship, character, and individual creativity.” This year’s recipient is Emmett

Coughlin.

THE MICHAEL D. SCHILKE MATHEMATICS AWARD has been established by Barbara and David Schilke in memory of their son, Michael, a gifted and popular member of the class of 1985. This award is presented to an outstanding senior mathematics student. The recipient of the 27th MICHAEL D. SCHILKE AWARD is Nicholas Zoccoli.

THE JAMES V. TILLONA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP has been established in loving memory of Jamie Tillona, a proud member of the Xavier High School Class of 1996. Jamie was a loving son and brother who through his loyal and sincere friendships brought happiness to those whom he encountered. This scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating senior who, through his academic success, and his commitment to the Xavier community, best exemplifies the hopes and aspirations, which were held for Jamie. This year’s recipient is Robert Coleman.

THE FOREST CITY COUNCIL NO. 3, KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, annually presents an award to a senior who has achieved excellence in the area of religion and its’ practice as exemplified through Campus Ministry Service. This year’s recipient is Robert

Coleman.

THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL BUSINESS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in the Xavier Business curriculum. This year’s recipient is Max Tylki.

THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMANCE ARTS AWARD is presented to the senior who has excelled in Xavier’s Drama program. This year’s recipient is Ryan Moynihan.

It is unusual for a young man not to miss a day of school during an academic year. This year we have two members of the senior class who had perfect attendance for their four years here at Xavier. The

8 Xavier Today

Senior PromApril 27, 2013 Glastonbury Hills Country Club

The 2013 Class Gift made its debut appearance on May 16th at the

first-ever Senior Breakfast. Our old Falcon mascot costume had fallen

into disrepair. The Senior Class Gift Committee raised the funds for a new

costume for the school. With everyone’s contribution, they have helped

our falcon to “fly” at future Xavier events!

Each year the Xavier Alumni Association has held a picnic following

graduation rehearsal as a send off for seniors and to welcome them as

the newest members of the Alumni Association. This year a new tradition

started as the alumni offered a breakfast before the second morning

graduation rehearsal. Director of Advancement Matt Strekel

`99 recognized Ms. Erin Bysiewicz the Assistant Director for

Alumni Relations for her work in arranging the event. He

also introduced Mr. James Royce, President of the Alumni

Association, who welcomed the soon-to-be members and

encouraged them to stay involved with the school as their

lives continue to unfold. The final speaker was former

Mayor of Middletown Sebastian Giuliano `70 who offered

encouragement and congratulations.

Several donated items were given out in a free raffle that

also garnered applause and approval from the crowd. X

SENIOR BREAKFAST

A New Tradition

Xavier Today 9

recipients of the XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD are John Cerrotti and Carlos Mesquita.

THE XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is given to a graduating senior in the College Prep or Accelerated program who has consistently worked to his potential for four years, has steadily improved his GPA over four years and has exemplified what we always demand of each of our students — to simply do his best day-in and day-out. This year’s recipient is Victor Triay.

The American Classical League/National Junior Classical League’s NATIONAL LATIN EXAM COMMITTEE has awarded the MAUREEN O’DONNELL MEMORIAL AWARD in recognition for winning a Gold Medal in the Latin National Latin Exam for the past four consecutive years to Mark Breault.

St. Mary’s Parish of Portland sponsors THE ANNUAL REVEREND JAMES T. BUTLER SCHOLARSHIP, which is awarded to the graduating parishioner who best exemplifies the ideals of Xavier High School. This year’s recipient is Michael Fredericks.

THE CONNECTICUT SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS award is presented to Daniel Dobler.

THE MIDDLETOWN LODGE NO. 771 BENEVOLENT AND PROTECTIVE ORDER OF ELKS has awarded the 2013 Elk’s Most Valuable Student Award to Gavin Clemmey.

THE CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS has awarded a CERTIFICATE FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP to two of our seniors. The recipients are Alan Harrington and Amar Ojha.

THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY DENTAL SOCIETY has awarded its DISTINGUISHED SCHOLAR AWARD in recognition of Leadership, Academic Achievement, and Community Involvement to Dominic

Fogarasi and Matthew Pias.

THE CONNECTICUT INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE recognizes student-athletes for exemplary display of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity. This year’s recipients are Shane Baldwin and James

Sullivan.

The 13th recipient of the MIDDLETOWN SPORTS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD is Corey Danko.

THE JOHN PHILLIP SOUSA BAND AWARD is an award given to a senior “in recognition of outstanding achievement and interest in instrumental music, for singular merit in loyalty and cooperation, and

Continued on page 10 >

for displaying those high qualities of conduct that school instrumental music requires.” The recipient is Jordan Shropshire.

Each year a number of our young men are selected through an interview process to serve the Xavier community as PEER MINISTERS under the leadership and guidance of our Director of Campus Ministry, Mrs. Hoisl. These young men play an integral part in our freshman and sophomore retreat programs, our prayer services and liturgies. We would like to recognize our peer ministers for all they have done in our peer ministry program to better the Xavier community. Shane Baker,

James Biega, Michael Carta, Zachary Camner, Gavin Clemmey, Andrew Coburn,

Robert Coleman, Emmett Coughlin, Corey Danko, Michael Fredericks, Alan

Harrington, Matthew Henzy, Shane Highter, Anthony Iorio, Matthew Manzione,

Michael Massaro, Carlos Mesquita, Liam Murphy, Jay Schaff, Peter Strom,

Daniel Tomanelli.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDSContinued from page 7

10 Xavier Today

PRESENTATION OF AWARDSContinued from page 9

A special award was presented the eighteen alumni fathers of the graduating seniors. Brother Brian presented to the younger of the two graduates a ribbon

on which hangs a medal of the Xavier seal. He asked the son to place the medal on the shoulders of his father. Engraved on the back of the medal are the

names of both father and son as well as their years of graduation. They are:

Eric S. Aresco II

Eric S. Aresco `88

James M. Biega

Joseph E. Biega III

Christian J. Cannata

Joseph A. Cannata `75

Michael A. Carta

Carl A. Carta `70

Emmett J. Coughlin

James R. Coughlin `84

Corey J. Danko

Mark A. Danko `78

Daniel M. Dobler

Mark S. Dobler `81

Michael P. Fredericks

Henry E. Fredericks `82

Lucas J. Hannen

John W. Hannen Jr. `74

Frank T. Kronenberger

Brian T. Kronenberger Sr. `75

Victor A. Lagana

Vincent M. Lagana `83

Matthew L. Lyons

Anthony Lyons `77

John-Paul M. Morello

Paul A. Morello Jr. `72

Vincent P. Nettis

Philip M. Nettis `80

Kyle J. Schroeder

Jeffrey R. Schroeder `84

Brian P. Sheehy

Kevin P. Sheehy `82

Ryan L. Sowa

Marc L. Sowa `81

Bryan A. Szewczyk

Gary A. Szewczyk `77

THE PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE is presented each year to seniors in recognition of excellent academic achievement. President Obama has asked that we offer his congratulations upon presentation of the certificates. Shane

Baldwin, Mark Breault, Zachary Camner, Christian Cannata, Mario Chris,

Nathaniel Clark, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Joseph DiBella, Jeremy Dilzer,

Rider Doolittle, Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Michael Fetera, Dominic

Fogarasi, Joshua Gosselin, Alan Harrington, Alexander Harris, Anthony Iorio,

Michael Lanza, Jacob Lensing-Sharp, Matthew Manzione, Michael Massaro,

Alex Matunas, Carlos Mesquita, Anthony Morse, Ryan Moynihan, Edouard

Nicaise, Jonathan O’Brien, Samuel Oeschger, Amar Ojha, Stephen Olis, Connor

Payne, Jonathan Penepent, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Daniel Tomanelli,

Tushar Vig, Elliot Whitney, Jeffrey Witz, Jonathan Woods, Garrett Yantosh,

Peter Zablocki, Nicholas Zoccoli.

THE CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS has awarded a certificate in recognition of the demonstration of those qualities of SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE AND CHARACTER which earned these students election to the NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS. Matthew Albanese, Shane Baker,

Shane Baldwin, Joseph Bibisi, Joseph Biegaj, Mark Breault, Zachary Camner,

Christian Cannata, William Carrion, Mario Chris, Nathaniel Clark, Gavin

Clemmey, Andrew Coburn, Robert Coleman, Benjamin Collison, Emmett

Coughlin, Tyler Cusack, Corey Danko, Kevin Dean, Jordan DelSesto, Joseph

DiBella, Jeremy Dilzer, Daniel Drabinski, Daniel Dupont, Michael Fetera,

Dominic Fogarasi, Joshua Gosselin, Alan Harrington, Alexander Harris,

Anthony Iorio, Michael Lanza, Jacob Lensing-Sharp, Kristopher Luster,

Matthew Manzione, Theodore Marrinan, Michael Massaro, Alex Matunas,

Carlos Mesquita, Anthony Morse, Ryan Moynihan, Edouard Nicaise, Jonathan

O’Brien, Samuel Oeschger, Amar Ojha, Stephen Olis, Connor Payne, Jonathan

Penepent, Matthew Pias, John Reidy, Trevor Root, Jordan Shropshire, William

Stanton, Bryan Szewczyk, Daniel Tomanelli, Max Tylki, Tushar Vig, Elliot

Whitney, Justin Williams, Jeffrey Witz, Jonathan Woods, Garrett Yantosh,

Peter Zablocki, Nicholas Zoccoli.

2013 Xavier Legacy – Sons of Alumni

Xavier Today 11

SPECIAL RECOGNITIONOver the past few months, several of our seniors have received special recognition and we would like recognize their accomplishments.

Carlos Mesquita and Michael Massaro received the SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT ATHLETIC CONFERENCE SCHOLAR LEADER AWARD.

Joshua Gosselin and Neal Krupa received the CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS ART AWARDS: Josh for Performing Arts, Neal for Visual Arts.

Matthew Pias received the CIAC SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD.

Kevin Dean received the GENE CASEY SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD presented by the NEW HAVEN COUNTY CHAPTER NATIONAL FOOTBALL FOUNDATION and COLLEGE HALL OF FAME.

Anthony Iorio has been selected as the recipient of the NEW HAVEN REGISTER “YOUTH OF THE YEAR” AWARD.

Brian Canney received the ADMINISTRATIVE AND RESIDUAL EMPLOYEES UNION SCHOLARSHIP.

John Reidy has been awarded a scholarship through AON.

Zachary Camner received a scholarship through the BEST BUY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.

Mario Chris has been awarded scholarships through BIG Y and IBM WATSON.

Jonathan Grzeszczyk received the ANGELO V. ARESCO SCHOLARSHIP.

Jeffrey Witz received a BIG Y SCHOLARSHIP.

Brian Sheehy was awarded the BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA SCHOLARSHIP.

Michael Purcell was awarded the EPIPHANY SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2013 through the CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY IN CHESHIRE.

Dominic Fogarasi received the SAINT MARY’S LADIES GUILD SCHOLARSHIP.

Andrew Coburn has been awarded the COMCAST LEADERS AND ACHIEVERS SCHOLARSHIP for exemplary academic achievement, community service, and leadership.

Gavin Clemmey and Andrew Murrone received the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR GREATER NEW HAVEN WILLIAM AND MARION TITTEL FUND scholarship in recognition of their academic success.

Elliott Antler received the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY 2013 COLTER ABELY ACHIEVEMENT FUND-EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE AWARD and the CONNECTICUT HIGH SCHOOL COACHES ASSOCIATION ABMA SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD FOR WRESTLING.

James Schumann received the GE STAR SCHOLARSHIP through the GE–REAGAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

Jonathan Cyr has been awarded a scholarship through the KIWANIS FOUNDATION OF MIDDLETOWN.

Shane Highter received a scholarship through MIDDLESEX FEDERAL CREDIT UNION.

Tushar Vig has been awarded the BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB COMPANY SCHOLARSHIP through the NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION.

Stephen Olis received the NEW BRITAIN COUNCIL OF CATHOLIC WOMEN SCHOLARSHIP.

Alan Harrington was awarded the SOUTHINGTON GRANGE SCHOLARSHIP.

Daniel Drabinski received the WADSWORTH CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION “GOOD CITIZEN AWARD” which recognizes high school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen — dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

Carlos Mesquita and Ryan Buckley received the WALLINGFORD

INVITATIONAL SOCCER TOURNAMENT (TWIST) SCHOLARSHIP. X

Jonathan Grzeszczyk `13

(Middletown) is Xavier’s first

Shepherds Program graduate.

Norma K. Darragh, Executive

Director of Shepherds, Inc.,

was present at commencement

exercises to offer her

congratulations along with Jon’s

mentor Mike D’Aquila `83 (photo

right). In a note to Jon’s sponsor

Brian Hetherington `81, Mrs.

Darragh wrote, “Your dedication

and support made a marked

difference in Jonathan’s life. He

has matured into a fine young gentleman and I have every confidence

that he will succeed as he takes his next step at Sacred Heart University

next fall!”

Sponsors/Mentors serve as role models, working one-on-one

with their students, providing direction and encouragement as they

Xavier’s First Shepherds Program Graduate“takes his next step at Sacred Heart University...”

strive toward three goals: earning

a high diploma, earning college

acceptances and accessing ample

financial aid/scholarship support to

be able to pursue a college degree.

During the Baccalaureate

Mass Awards ceremmony it

was announced that Jonathan

Grzeszczyk received the Angelo V.

Aresco Scholarship. Earlier this year

Jon was recognized as Student of

the Month by the Middletown Rotary

Club and dressed the part during a

firefighter’s presentation (photo left).

Shepherds partners with parochial schools which feature cost-

effective college preparatory academics and personal attention in

disciplined and structured environments critical for student success.

Xavier is one of three Catholic High Schools in Connecticut that

partnered with Shepherds, Inc. in the past school year. X

12 Xavier Today

Seniors’ College Apparel Day

The theme for May 8, 2013,

was College Apparel Day.

Seniors were given the opportunity

to wear sweatshirts or t-shirts of

the colleges that they are planning

to attend or have considered. We

captured a sampling of the attire

during the third lunch wave. X

S tewards of Creation President C.J. Spellman `13 and Vice President

Jon Penepent `13 were at Xavier during Spring Break preparing for

Earth Day 2013.

In the courtyard just off the school gym, there was a lilac that was

past its prime and the Stewards of Creation felt that replacing it with

something new would be an excellent way to spruce up the area. So

C.J. and Jon were at Xavier digging out the old tree, preparing the soil

and planting new forsythia.

The new plantings and a plaque, that is on order and will be

displayed, were paid for with funds raised through the recycling efforts

of the club.

Stewards of Creation meets after school once a week on Thursdays

during the school year to focus on recycling and environmental issues

that immediately affect our community. The club focuses on raising

awareness that we are all called to care for creation as God gifted it

to us. X

President and VP Get Their Hands Dirty

Junior PromMay 4, 2013 at Xavier in St. Joseph Hall

Xavier Today 13

Jon O’Brien `13 (East Hampton), of

Troop 8 in East Hampton attained the

rank of Eagle Scout on December 31,

2012. His Eagle Project consisted of

145 hours of trail restoration to repair

a section of the historic Airline Trail in

East Hampton. After collaboration with

the town and the DEEP, Jon, together

with his troop, cleared a landslide,

repaired and cleaned trenches on

the sides of the trail and laid down new gravel and stone dust. He joins his

brother, Chris O’Brien `09 in the prestigious ranks of Eagle Scouts.

C.J. Spellman `13 (Rocky Hill) became an Eagle Scout

in November 2012 as a member of Troop 121, Rocky

Hill. His Eagle Scout Project was rejuvenating the

outdoor amphitheater at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky

Hill, which included cutting back overgrown brush and

constructing a new stage.

Matthew Yudkin `13 (Clinton) Troop 55, Clinton - Matthew’s Eagle Scout

Project was Hydrant and Water Source Marking. All 300 fire hydrants and 20

water sources in the town of Clinton have been tagged and cataloged. The

tags that are on the hydrants are 3 feet tall and have

reflectors on the top of them. Placing the markers on

the hydrants will decrease the time it takes to identify

them. Cataloging the hydrants after tagging them

will allow the drivers to know where the hydrants

are located. All fire vehicles will have a copy of the

catalog at all times. This project will enhance the

safety and efficiency of the Clinton Fire Department,

therefore benefiting everyone in the community.

Nicholas Vincent Zoccoli `13 (Berlin) and member of Boy Scout Troop 44

in Berlin earned his Eagle Scout in October 2012. Nick has been involved

with scouting for 12 years. He has earned 69 Merit Badges, Roman Catholic

religious awards, Ad Altare Dei and Pope Pius XII, and the BSA 100 Nights

and Days National Camping Award.

Nicholas’s Eagle Project entailed

clearing and blazing a 1/2-mile hiking

trail at Timberlin Golf Course, serving

as a connector trail for the Metacomet

Loop. More than 300 man-hours were

required to clear the trail and build

corduroy bridges necessary to navigate

the numerous wetland sections,

including site visits with Town Officials

and the Connecticut Forest & Park

Association.

John Cerrotti `13

(Wallingford) Troop 2 in

Wallingford - The Wallingford

Conservation Committee

requested John to build a

fence around a vernal pool

located in a wooded area off

Woodhouse Avenue. All the

materials used for the fence

were found on the property.

For years, the committee

was concerned because bikers were consistently driving through the

pool, causing harm to the wildlife. Upon completion of the fence,

monitoring of the vernal pool has proven that the wildlife will now be

able to survive and prosper. Many town officials including the mayor

have visited the property since the completion of the project, and have

noted its success.

Kevin Dean `13 (Ivoryton) Troop 471

Guilford - Kevin’s Eagle Project involved

building a boat rack at Jacobs Beach. The

rack has three tiers and holds 15 kayaks.

The rack was built using pressure-treated

wood. He circulated information on a

material list and blueprint to the local

Parks and Recreation Commission and

raise funds for the necessary hardware. He

requested that the Commission pay for the

lumber. The boat rack was completed for

the summer season of 2012.We are again proud to recognize

those students who have joined

the ranks of Eagle Scouts.

Sal Nesci `14 (Middletown) Troop 41, Middletown erected a monument

to St. Sebastian where a prayer written by a former pastor of St. Sebastian

Church was inscribed on it. Within four months, he raised over $8000

in cash and donations from parishioners, businesses, community and

contractors. Together with his fellow scouts they applied the physical

labor over several evenings to prepare the area and provided landscaping

for the area around the monument on the east side of the church rectory

directly opposite the side door of the church. The monument and prayer

will remind people for generations of Sal’s devotion, and dedication to

not only scouting but to his church as well. A Court of Honor was held in

his honor, at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown, CT., on April 14, 2013.

14 Xavier Today

Irish Eyes Are Smiling

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy spoke

at the John F. Kennedy Div #1 of the Ancient

Order of Hibernian’s 63rd Annual Communion

Breakfast in Bridgeport in March. Director of

Admissions Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X. served

as Chaplain for the day, filling in for Fr. Brian Shaw

the chapter’s regular Chaplain. Brother Fahey is a

member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and has

served in many capacities over the years. X

Lenten Prayer Service

M arch 28, 2013 — The Xavier community

gathered this Holy Thursday in the Kohs

Gymnasium for a Lenten Prayer Service prepared

by the Peer Ministers.

We watched and listened as the Peer Ministers

reminded us of the meaning of Holy Week —

those days before Easter Sunday when Jesus

suffered and died for our sins. On Holy Thursday

Jesus celebrated the last supper with his friends

the apostles. He washed their feet, sat at the table

and broke bread with them. This was the first

Eucharistic Celebration — we know it as the first

Mass. After this Passover supper Jesus went to the

garden to pray for He knew what was coming. He

was going to be betrayed, beaten, and die on a

cross for all our sins.

At the conclusion of the Lenten Prayer Service,

everyone exited the gymnasium in silence to

reflect on everything they had seen and heard. X

Joseph A. La Bella, Esq.

`79 told us about one of

the programs that his sons,

freshmen Michael and James,

are involved in outside of

Xavier. “The boys attended

the Future Problem Solving Program State

Conference held at North Haven High School.”

This was part of the larger Future Problem

Solving Program International (FPSPI). “The

topic for this year’s State Conference was

“Ocean Soup,” focusing on plastic pollution

in the world’s oceans. Mike was part of a

team of four, two from RHAM High School,

and one from the Connecticut International

Baccalaureate Academy. James is an alumnus

of the team, but did not compete in the GIPS

this year. He did write a scenario. Teams

are coached on the process and study the

topics throughout the school year and

attempt to qualify for the State Conference

in a qualifying booklet. Each

of the competitions is judged

by evaluators trained in the

FPSP process. Mike’s team

placed first in their division

(7th, 8th and 9th grade) in

the Global Issues Problem Solving portion

of the competition. As a result, they have

been invited to attend the International

Conference in Indiana in June. Joined by

James on Saturday, the team also placed first

in their division in the Presentation of Action

Plan with a skit entitled “Plastic Days of Our

Lives.”

Mr. Labella concluded, “the school has

always been supportive of the students’

endeavors both at and beyond XHS, that

I wanted you to know something of the

program, about the boys’ successes and their

dedication and commitment that led them to

that success.” X

Freshmen James and Michael La Bella Participate in Problem Solving ProgramOcean Soup focusing on plastic pollution in the world’s oceans

Michael La BellaJames La Bella

Xavier Today 15

S even Xavier juniors

participated in the Connecticut

Junior Science and Humanities

Symposium on the Storrs campus

of the University of Connecticut

earlier this year. At the end of May,

“2013 Principal for the Day”*

Nicolas Favale `16 (Portland) and

Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue

presented them with certificates

acknowledging their participation.

The seven juniors are:

Jonah Cremin-Endes (Guilford)

Ruban Hussain (Higganum)

John Kessler (Killingworth)

David Piekut (Cromwell)

Alexander Prete (North Branford)

William Selleck (East Hampton)

Brian Wilcox (Marlborough)

Almost 220 students and

teachers spent two days hearing

lectures, touring laboratories,

discussing topics of interest, and

attending student presentations on

the results of their own research

efforts. Director of the Symposium

Joy Erickson said, “We felt that

it was a valuable experience for

students and teachers alike.”

Juniors Receive Certificates from “Principal for the Day”

* “Principal for the Day” is an

honorary one-day appointment

that is awarded each year as an

item in the Annual Xavier Auction

sponsored by the Xavier Home and

School Association. Pictured here

are Nicolas Favale `16 (Portland)

and Principal Donohue in “their”

office as Mr. Donohue explained

some of the duties he was to

perform including the presentation

of these certificates.

Congratulations to all the

juniors for their participation in the

Connecticut Junior Science and

Humanities Symposium in March;

and to “Principal Favale” as he ably

carried out his duties.

We also wanted to

acknowledge our “2013

Headmaster for the Day” Jack

Deyo `16 (Northford) who we

found with Headmaster Brother

Brian Davis, C.F.X. at the assembly

for Student Activities Council

election speeches. “Headmaster

Deyo” had granted the school

a “dress-down” day in his first

executive decision, a perk

which he personally did not

take advantage of. Well done

Headmaster! X

Principal Donohue with Nicolas Favale `16 Jack Deyo `16 and Headmaster Brother BrianJosh Gosselin ‘13 and Mr.

Erik Elligers hold their

awards after Berklee’s 45th

Annual High School Jazz

Festival. Josh is holding his

Outstanding Musicianship

Award for Large Jazz Ensembles

(Class L4), and Mr. Elligers is

holding the 2nd place award

that the Jazz Band received

for their performances of Big

Dipper, Cerulean Sky, and

Sing Sing Sing. The photo was

submitted by Miles Mortali `13.

On March 2nd, more than 200

high school jazz ensembles

were watched by more than

5,000 attendees. X

Gosselin and Jazz Ensemble Shine at Berklee Festival

Music teacher Mr. Erik Elligers told us “This is a picture from

Sunday, April 14th, right after our award ceremony and trip to the

Prudential Center. This was right before heading to Fenway Park to watch

the Red Sox play the Rays.” The picture was taken by John Indorf, P`15.

Reporting on the main activities, he said “All of our groups, String

Ensemble, Chorus, Jazz Ensemble, and Concert Band, played at the

Duxbury Performing Arts Center outside of Boston for the “Festivals of

Boston Music Trip April 13 & 14 SuccessfulMusic” on Saturday and did a great job. Each ensemble performed two

songs, had an opportunity to get feedback from professional clinicians,

and was given a score for their performance. The String Ensemble

and Chorus both received “Good” ratings and the Jazz Ensemble and

Concert Band received “Excellent” ratings. Overall, the ensembles did an

outstanding job and our students did a great job representing Xavier High

School over the course of the two-day trip.” X

16 Xavier Today

Was it Colonel Mustard in the Parlor?Scientific investigation is called for...

Do you think you could get your lunch table classmates to all dress

alike one day? That was the theme behind Lunchtable Lookalikes, a

friendly competition during Mission and Spirit week this year. The faculty/

staff moderators who were on lunch duty acted as judges during each of

the three lunch waves. The prize at stake was a lunch with Headmaster

Brother Brian served by Navin Brothers for the winner of each lunch wave.

The winners in some close competition were:

3RD LuNCH

Myles Mortali `13, Mike Massaro `13, Link Gleeton `14, Mike Lanza

`13, Justin Hall `13, Elliott Whitney `13

2ND LuNCH

Will Garrity `14, Quintin Kolstad `14, Rider Doolittle `13, Kevin Dean

`13, Ricky Verre `14, Bobby Rose `14

1ST LuNCH

Zak Gardiner `16, Anthony Morico `16, Aidan McCormack `16,

Cameron Dechalus `16, Armando Dechalus `16, Nick Galasso `16

Lunchtable Lookalikes!!

The winning lookalike teams each had their day with their tables set

with tablecloths and menus. The winners were allowed to come to the

dining hall five minutes before lunch started to place their orders, and to

sit and converse with Brother Brian. X

1st Lunch 2nd Lunch

3rd Lunch

The area was marked off with yellow crime scene tape. There

was a body on the floor. What happened? Who did it? It will

take some serious scientific investigation on the part of our crime

scene investigators to determine whether a criminal act had been

committed, who was the victim and how did it all happen.

The two visitors’ parlors in the Brothers residence were utilized for

these mock crime scene investigations. Mr. Joe Montini and Mr. Dave

Oravetz, teachers of Law Enforcement and Basic Forensics arranged

the “crime scenes” and cordoned off the area. Then members of

their class were brought in to investigate the scene. Law Enforcement

and Basic Forensics is a one semester, Social Studies/Science course

offered to seniors. A similar investigation took place at the beginning

of the first semester. Obviously we are dealing with a high crime area!

Well, “Was it Colonel Mustard in the Parlor with a candlestick?”

We may never know... X

Xavier Today 17

The Xavier Community gathered in the Kohs Gymnasium to celebrate an Ascension Thursday

Liturgy. Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Gregory P. Galvin was the

celebrant for the Mass assisted by Deacon James Tanguay.

Xavier seniors who are members of the Peer Ministry Team performed a number of key roles:

• CalltoWorship:PeterStrom

• Readers:EmmettCoughlin,LiamMurphy,ShaneBaker,AnthonyIorio

• Servers:JamesBiega,MichaelCarta,CarlosMesquita

• BannerCarriers:ZacCamner,CoreyDanko,GavinClemmey,MichaelMassaro,MatthewHenzy

Music was provided by the Xavier Community Chorus under the direction of Mr. Erik Elligers.

Members of the senior class brought up the gifts during the Offertory Procession. X

Ascension Thursday Liturgy

M ay 2, 2013: The Fine Arts Department presents prizes each

spring to several art students for special recognition of their

work. At the close of school on Tuesday prizes were awarded to the

following:

• ToBrendanCutuli`15(Guilford)ofBasicDrawingforexpertiseon

the beginning level.

• ToJayBoyington`15(Haddam)ofFoundationsofArtformastery

in graphite drawing.

• ToEthanPitney`15(Moodus)ofFoundationsofArtfortechnical

skill in painting.

• ToEthanManuel`13(Chester)ofthePhotographyClubforhis

artistic vision in working with the camera’s lens.

• ToNealKrupa`13(Essex)ofAPStudioArtforhisworkwith

portraiture throughout the year.

Ms. Jayne Vitale, Fine Arts Chair, said, “Thank you to all the

students whose work was on display in our foyer.” X

2013 Fine Arts Awards

18 Xavier Today

Renovated Weight Room Dedicated Wrestler Colter Abely `10 Remembered

On May 31st the Colter Abely

Achievement Fund Educational

Assistance Award was awarded to

Elliott Antler `13. Colter’s parents Brian Abely

and Chaleen Bloethe Abely P`10 and his sister

Sasha came to Xavier to deliver the award to

Elliott and his father Efrem Antler (photo above).

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal

Brendan Donohue and Wrestling Coach Mike

Cunningham joined them.

Colter’s passion for wrestling inspired the

Abelys to support the sport in his memory so

that other wrestlers would be able to enjoy

At noon on April 5th, Xavier Alumnus

Colter Abely (Class of 2010) was

remembered with the official dedication

of the Weight Room where he spent many hours

as a four-year Xavier wrestler. Brian Abely and

Chaleen Bloethe Abely P`10 have made a gift

for new weight room equipment in memory of

their son, Colter `10. Colter passed away in an

auto accident in Massachusetts on his way to a

motocross race last August.

Guest were welcomed by Headmaster

Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Director of Vocations

for the Norwich Diocese, Father Greg Galvin,

Elliott Antler `13 Receives Colter Abely Achievement Awardthe benefits of the program. Working with

the Community Foundation of Middlesex

County, the Abelys established the Colter Abely

Achievement Fund to support the wrestling

programs at Middletown High School and Xavier

High School, enhancing and supplementing the

efforts of the wrestlers and coaches. The Fund

will also provide an educational assistance award

to a wrestler at each school for study at a college

or university.

Elliott Antler will be attending West Virginia

University in the fall and the Colter Abely

Achievement Fund Educational Assistance

offered an opening prayer.

Remembrances of Colter were offered by

Principal Brendan Donohue, Wrestling Coach

Mike Cunningham and Mr. Brian Abely P`10,

Colter’s father. Father Greg blessed the weight

room followed by the dedication ceremony

and unveiling of the plaque at the locker room

entrance.

Guests included family, friends, wrestling

team members, Xavier faculty and staff. A

luncheon was served in the Galluzzo Media

Center where all could mingle and continue

sharing their remembrances of Colter. X

Award will help with the cost of tuition. Elliott

had an outstanding wrestling career at Xavier

culminating with winning the New England

Championship, being named a 2013 Dave Schultz

High School Excellence Winner by the National

Wrestling Hall of Fame, the Hartford Courant

Wrestler of the Year, MVP of the New Haven

Register’s All-Area Wrestling Team, in addition to

the titles he won at the State Open and in Class

LL at 170 pounds. Antler finished at 46-0 in his

senior year.

A special thank you to Mrs. Donna Jaskot who

coordinated this presentation. X

Xavier Today 19

NHS Officers Elected

P rincipal Mr. Brendan Donohue and Moderator of

Xavier’s National Honor Society Ms. Jayne Vitale

offered congratulations to the newly elected officers

of the National Honor Society for 2013-2014.

President: Charles Papagiannopoulos `14

(East Haddam)

1st Vice President: Joseph Braun `14 (Durham)

2nd Vice President: Ruban Hussain `14 (Higganum)

Secretary: Eman Cheema `14 (Rocky Hill)

Treasurer: Alexander Prete `14 (North Branford)

Archivist: William Selleck `14 (East Hampton)

Archivist: Ryan Gadea `14 (Berlin)

Congratulations gentlemen on being elected by

your peers! X

F rom March 7–9th, 2013 the FullMetal Falcons, Xavier’s robotics

team number 4557, competed at WPI’s FIRST Regional Tournament

featuring 40 teams from all over the world! The event took place at

Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, MA.

Competing at the event were Alan Harrington `13 (East Hampton):

Project Manager, Tushar Vig `13 (Durham): Assoc. Project Manager,

Nick Iott `13 (North Haven), Miles Mortali `13 (Old Saybrook), Christian

Cannata `13 (Cromwell), Stephen Olis `13 (New Britain), Ethan Damuck

`13 (East Haddam), Jonathan O’Brien `13 (East Hampton), Daniel

Colavecchio `14 (Colchester), Zach Radel `15 (Middletown) – Safety

Officer, Liam Iorio `15 (East Hampton), Jameson Kief `16 (Plantsville),

Kevin Iott `16 (North Haven), Sean Morrissey `16 (Southington), Connor

LoPresti `16 (Middletown) and Abhishek Gupta `16 (Rocky Hill).

Teams from Great Britain, Washington, D.C., Connecticut,

Robotics Club Receives Rookie AwardsClub Participates in Regional and National Competitions

Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine

competed at the WPI Regional.

THE FuLLMETAL FALCONS WON FOuR AWARDS:

• #1forPitSafety

• Underwriters’Laboratory“StaroftheDay”

• HighestRookieSeedAwardcelebratingthehighest-seededrookie

team at the conclusion of the qualifying rounds

• RookieAllStarAwardcelebratingtherookieteamexemplifyinga

young but strong partnership effort, as well as implementing the

mission of FIRST: To inspire students to learn more about science and

technology.

The Rookie All Star Award came with an invitation to the

Championships at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, Missouri April

24–27 where qualifiers from all over the World came together to compete

one more time.

On April 27, 2013 the team captured another Rookie Award at the

Galileo Division of the National Championships in St. Louis.

With the recent success of our new Robotics team, as evidenced

by three new trophies, the team has been given display space in the

main hallway next to the music room right next to our highly successful

Engineering Team. X

20 Xavier Today

Class of `99 Back in Jeopardy

A s classes came to a close, Academic Dean and Social Studies

teacher David Sizemore `86 wanted to find a creative way to

provide an alternate assessment for his remaining student in U.S. History

(1945-Present). He challenged Taras Romaniv `14 to develop a review

game in the Jeopardy format based on what was covered in the course.

To make his questions come alive, Mr. Sizemore again reached out to

four members from the Class of `99 to compete against each other as

contestants.

Brian Fitzgerald (Spanish), James Markham (Science) and Matthew

Strekel (Director of Advancement) agreed, but Mr. James Royce (Social

Studies), last year’s champion, decided not to defend his title. Mr. David

Applegate `98 (Science/Mathematics) took his place.

They went through the two regular rounds in which all seemed to be

chasing Mr. Markham with Mr. Strekel taking the lead once or twice and

Mr. Fitzgerald staging a monumental comeback at the end of the second

round looking like he might take it all. In the final question of the day

Mr. Fitzgerald answered correctly and took the lead, but only briefly. Mr.

Markham also provided the correct answer and had wagered enough of

his points to come away as the winning contestant. X

Freshman Leadership Day

April 2nd our freshman class was led through its second Leadership Day of the year.

Freshmen were organized in small groups with a senior acting as mentor and facilitator for

the group. Freshman Leadership Day is an expansion of the Leadership Program for students

in partnership with the Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center. Empower general

manager Dan Jaskot `98 encouraged the students to be actively involved in the days program

and then introduced a number of speakers who added personal perspectives on the meaning

of and need for leadership.

The students heard from Principal Brendan Donohue, Guidance Counselor and Trinity

college interim head baseball coach Mark Lambert, senior Liam Murphy and Empower owner

Joe DeRing `96 who was also a past Dean of Students here at Xavier. The students then began

to go through a series of exercises helping them build an appreciation for the importance of

setting goals, working through and shaping expectations as well as the ever present need for

hard work and personal effort. XJoe DeRing `96

In-Depth Three-Day Drug Awareness Program

The Middletown Police came to Xavier and presented two three-

day Drug Awareness Programs. The sessions were presented to

religion classes that are required academic classes for all students.

In the first week the police presented informational sessions to

sophomores. In the second week a three-day program was given to

Xavier freshmen.

The photo is of one of the sessions by Officer Hertler and Officer

Clark focusing on teen driving. X

Xavier Today 21

SAC Officers

F reshmen and sophomores elected their class president

and vice-president who will represent them as 2013-2014 Student Activities Council (SAC) officers. The newly elected join junior (class of 2014) officers who were unopposed in this year’s election. Class of 2014: President Collin McLaughlin, Vice-President Ryan Gadea, Secretary Connor Millone and Treasurer Sal Nesci. Class of 2015: President Matt Daigle and Vice-President Tom Fredericks. Class of 2016: President Connor Flynn and Vice-President Jameson Kief X

Class of 2014

Class of 2015

Class of 2014

Class of 2016

New Social Studies Department Chair

Bill BraychackRobert King

P rincipal Donohue announced that, “Mr.

Robert King has accepted a three-year

appointment as Social Studies Department

Chair effective July 1, 2013. Thank you to

Mr. Bill Braychak who will be completing

his service as chair effective June 30. Mr.

Braychak will have completed two three-year

terms as chair and I am very appreciative of

his service over the past six years. Both Mr.

King and Mr. Braychak are great Xaverian

educators and supporters of the school’s

mission to educate the whole man.” X

M arch 18-22 was Xaverian Missions/Spirit Week. It culminated on

Friday morning with a school-wide assembly for our intramural

basketball championship game. Xavier’s Faculty/Staff team earned

the right to face the top student team “Victorious Secrets.” That game

provided perhaps the most exciting finish we’ve ever had in this annual

event. As the clock ticked down to 0:0 Principal Donohue launched the

final shot of the game and scored, giving the Faculty/Staff a 28-27 victory

and the crowd went wild!

MC for the basketball game, Brother Thomas Fahey, entered the gym

to thunderous applause. The Victorious Secrets scored first and led for

most of the game. But the Faculty/Staff team kept things close. At the half

Victorious Secrets led 14-10. The Faculty/Staff wouldn’t go away and kept

pulling within a point or a basket through the 2nd half leading up to the

final exciting shot.

Student Activities Council (SAC) Moderator Brendan Bell `05

introduced the students who participated in a half-court shooting

2013 Mission/Spirit Week Finalecompetition at half time.

Mike Massaro `13 of the Ryken

Service Society announced that the winning homeroom for this year’s

“March Can Madness” competition was Mr. Kirshmann’s homeroom,

which boasted 191 cases of Ramen Noodles. This year’s March Can

Madness brought in Xavier’s largest total ever — 7,157 canned goods —

to benefit the Amazing Grace food pantry.

Mission/Spirit week at Xavier also included special days like “Hat Day”

and “Xavier Apparel Day.” Ryken Service Society, SAC, and other school

groups all helped out in an effort to raise money that will benefit the

Xaverian Missions. Among their activities: the “Change Wars” between

the freshman, sophomore, junior and senior classes, selling chances for

the half-court competition and providing a PowerPoint presentation in the

Chapel for Mission Week. Thanks to all who helped make this a “spirited”

and successful event! X

22 Xavier Today

On March 16th—not to be deterred by the blizzard of 2013—

Xavier’s Auction was filled to capacity five weeks after its

originally scheduled date. Over 400 attended the affair

and all seemed to be enjoying the evening of refreshment,

revelry, and raucous bidding in support of the advancement of Xavier

High School. The 2013 Auction was the most successful in recent memory

bringing in over $66,000 to benefit Xavier and Xavier students.

Entertainment was provided by the Xavier Jazz Band and the dining

hall was converted into the Silent Auction room with hundreds of donated

items up for bid. Auction goers enjoyed the more than 20 Food Stations

that were in both the silent auction room and in the main Live Auction

area, the Xavier Gymnasium. In another new offering this year, patrons

Auction and Celebration — A Great Eveningcould partake of an Onyx Moonshine Signature Cocktail Tasting hosted by

Adam von Gootkin `01 (see inside back cover) of Onyx Spirits Company.

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. welcomed the crowd

and Brother Thomas Fahey, C.F.X, Honorary Chair, was once again a

commanding presence. This year Xavier welcomed back alumnus David

Fisch `96, Radio 104.1 Personality, in the role of Celebrity Emcee. He was

joined by Eric Hummel, Auctioneer.

In a letter to all in the event program, Mrs. Amy Brough P`15, General

Chair, Xavier Auction 2013 and Mr. Anthony Grasso P`15, President of

the Xavier Home & School Association wrote: “It is with great pride that

we welcome you to our Twenty-First Annual Auction. The Home and

School Association Auction Committee has spent months planning and

M rs. Dora Braun P`06, `09, `14 (Durham) received the Volunteer

Recognition Award March 12th at the Connecticut Association of

Schools (CAS) Volunteer Recognition Banquet held at the Aqua Turf Club

in Southington. The event was co-sponsored by CAS and the Horace Mann

Insurance Company.

In a letter to Xavier, CAS wrote, “This program is intended to give

public recognition to those who have made major contributions to your

school. Contributions may include volunteering, tutoring, organizing

events, serving as PTO/PTA officers, supporting fundraising, etc. In short,

we want to provide an opportunity for you to say Thank You in a very

special way in a very special place.”

In the event program, it read: “Dora Braun is a present parent and

parent of two graduates at Xavier High School who so willingly devotes

hours of her time to our Home & School Association, annual auction, as

well as other Home & School functions. Dora also serves as a substitute

nurse. Dora is a kind, compassionate person who shares her gifts and

talents with the Xavier community always with a smile. And to top it all,

she provides home baked goods to the faculty and staff on a regular basis

throughout the school year. Dora is truly deserving of this recognition.”

She has led the team that decorates around the school to mark the

various seasons, spruce up events like the Annual Auction, Open House

for prospective families and many other occasions.

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented Mrs. Braun with a

certificate acknowledging her award and the school received a plaque.

Dora Braun Receives Volunteer Recognition AwardTruly deserving of this recognition...

Mrs. Braun is the first volunteer to be recognized by Xavier in this CAS

program. She said, “I am flattered to have been chosen for such an award.

It has been my pleasure to do volunteer work for Xavier High School.”

Also present were Dora’s husband Dr. Thomas Braun, Xavier’s 21st

Annual Auction Chairperson Mrs. Amy Brough P`15, Home & School

Association Liaison and Administrative Assistant Ms. Linda Scott and

Director of Communications John Guerin P`91, `93.

Congratulations Dora! X

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. with Mrs. Dora Braun

Xavier Today 23

Mr. Cerreta `01 Serves Lunch!

A t the Annual Xavier Auction this year there was a new item

offered: “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your son and

his lunch table to “give a little back” to Mr. Cerreta who will be their

personal waiter for lunch! Navin Brothers will provide lunch for the

group and Mr. Cerreta, bow-tie and all, will serve with a smile!”

On May 30th we captured the above picture of our Dean of

Students Mr. Cerreta `01 carrying out his duties. (We’ll give him a

pass on the bow-tie.)

Thanks to Mr. Cerreta, Navin Brothers and the Home & School

Association for including this item in the Auction! X

Share the Good News

W e are expanding the use of social networking sites to make

the Xavier website more interactive and easily accessible to

everyone. We have concentrated on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,

YouTube, Flickr and Pinterest. The icons on our banner will take you to

our pages on all of these sites. We post news and announcements to

Mohegan Chief Visits Xavier

In April the Chief of the Mohegan tribe (Lynn Malerba) visited and spoke to Mr.

Royce’s Native American Studies class.

Mr. James Royce `99 captured this photo and told us, “The presentation focused

on the Mohegan’s history with the Connecticut colony and the state in regards to

their participation in Native American/Euro American conflicts such as the Pequot

War and King Philip’s War. She also spoke about the Mohegan’s fight for federal

recognition as a means of supporting the tribe in the modern day with the right to

build and operate their current casino. Prominent figures from past generations of

the tribe and how they are related to many of the Mohegan people running the tribe

today were also discussed.”

Lynn Malerba is the 17th Chief in the tribe’s history. She is known by the

Mohegan name “Mutawi Mutahash” which translates as “Many Hearts.” X

Facebook and Twitter, videos on our YouTube channel, and photos on

Flickr and Pinterest.

We’ve added sharing buttons to virtually every page, news story,

event or campaign. Click on the appropriate button to Tweet, Share

or Like what you see and it will appear on your account page for your

friends and followers to see. It’s easier than ever for all of us to us help

spread the word about what’s happening at Xavier High School. X

organizing this event. Through their efforts and the efforts of many other

members of the Xavier Community, this auction promises to be another

memorable event.

The proceeds from tonight’s auction are for the benefit of Xavier

and Xavier students. We are confident that those dollars, in conjunction

with the funds raised from other projects, will continue to enhance

the quality of a Xavier education. Special thanks to the individuals and

businesses who have contributed gifts for this auction. Please give them

consideration when purchasing the goods or services that they supply.

Thank you for your continued support of Xavier High School. Thank

you to everyone who helped in any way: at meetings, contacting

donors, calling, emailing, advising, working quietly behind the scenes,

or volunteering; and to all the generous donors for the wonderful items

that are offered in our 21st Annual Auction. Your efforts and generosity

helped make this evening possible.” X

Eric Hummel

David Fisch `96

24 Xavier Today

Latin Scholars Applauded

On March 14th the Class of

2017 Class Night/Parent

Program was held at the school.

This was the third year that Xavier

hosted the event. 8th Graders

were treated to an evening that

resembled the “Class Nights”

that are organized each year

for students at Xavier. The 8th

Graders mingled with Ambassador

Club students in the gym and

other areas where they had the

opportunity to play basketball,

air hockey, foosball, and video

games among other activities.

The students were given t-shirts

designed for the class of 2017.

The pizza and cake seemed to be

pretty well received, too, while

Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue

and other administrators, faculty

and staff mingled with the new

students.

Parents gathered in the Dining

Hall where they were welcomed

by Director of Admissions Brother

Class of 2017 Class Night/Parent ProgramThomas Fahey, C.F.X., and

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,

C.F.X. offered an opening prayer.

Academic Dean for freshmen Mr.

David Sizemore then introduced

other faculty, present parents and a

group of students for informational

sessions that were presented to

parents to familiarize them with

Xavier and what their sons could

expect over the next four years.

Pictures of the event are courtesy

of Brother John Sullivan, C.F.X. and

Ms. Kathryn Lee. X

LATIN I:

• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:

Jamieson Kief `16 (Plantsville),

Connor Frauendorf `16 (Portland),

Brian Fallenstein `16 (Hebron),

James La Bella `16 (Marlborough)

• Magna Cum Laude:

John Frechette `16 (Branford),

Tyler Wheatley `16 (Amston),

Jonathan Galati `16 (Berlin),

Benjamin Nolan `16 (Middletown),

Jack Dobson `16 (Madison), Sean

Neary `16 (Marlborough)

Latin Scholars are pictured with Mr. Donohue, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. and their Latin teacher Brother John Sullivan, C.F.X.

• Cum Laude: Luke Malcynsky `16

(Chester), Richard Pye `16 (Chester),

Liam Coughlin `16 (Portland)

LATIN II:

• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:

Timothy Morris `15 (Durham)

• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:

Scott Mason `15 (Wallingford),

Gregson Curtin `15 (Rocky Hill),

Ethan Rodrigues `15 (Middletown)

• Cum Laude: Timothy Brough `15

(Wethersfield), Anthony Magdzik `15

(Middletown), Christopher LoBianco `15

(Hebron), Rory Noone `15 (Guilford)

LATIN III:

• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:

John Kessler `14 (Killingworth)

• Magna Cum Laude: Mark Capel `14

(East Haddam), Colin Brady `14

(Wallingford), Peter Finnegan `14

(Old Saybrook)

• Cum Laude: Miles Mortali `13

(Old Saybrook), Angus Lamont `14

(Hamden), Owen Kosmaczewski `14

(Hamden), Joseph Braun `14 (Durham)

LATIN IV/AP

• Gold: Summa Cum Laude:

Mark Breault `13 (Ivoryton)

• Silver: Maxima Cum Laude:

Mark Bucior `13 (Glastonbury),

Emmett Coughlin `13 (Portland)

• Magna Cum Laude:

Trevor Root `13 (Middlefield)

• Cum Laude: Matthew Manzione `13

(Middletown) X

Xavier Today 25

National Spanish Examination Recognition

NATIONAL RECOGNITION Students with outstanding scores on

the National Spanish Examinations are

recognized as follows:

ORO (GOLD) (higher than 95th percentile)

LEVEL 2

Seamus Dwyer `16 (Glastonbury)

John Oliveira `16 (Wallingford)

PLATA (SILVER) (85th - 94th percentile)

LEVEL 1

Jake Alonzo `16 (Haddam)

Frederick Augur `16 (Northford)

Joey Zacchia `16 (Southington)

Zachary Braun `16 (Haddam)

Karl Douglass Mueller `16 (Cromwell)

LEVEL 2

Kevin O’Brien `15 (Guilford)

Gregory Pollard `15 (Middletown)

Alex Demeo `16 (Guilford)

Abhishek Gupta `16 (Rocky Hill)

Dan Herlihy `16 (Wallingford)

Griffin Yantosh `16 (Higganum)

Jonathan Iannucci-Berger `15 (Oakville)

Michael Mallon `15 (East Hampton)

P rincipal Brendan Donohue

congratulated the certificate

winners in the National Spanish

Exam and called them to the front

foyer for the photos.The mission of

the National Spanish Examination

(NSE) is to recognize student

achievement and to promote

language proficiency in the study

of Spanish.

Noah Goff `16, Michael La Bella `16,

Regis O’Neill `14 and Edouard Nicaise `13

all scored in the top 10 ranks statewide

for the National French Grand Concours

2013. They were honored at a statewide

ceremony on May 14th at Southington

High School.

French Scholars Score in State’s Top Ten

STATE NATIONAL LEVEL NAME HOMETOWN RANK RANK

1 Noah Goff East Haddam 10 10

2 Michael LaBella Marlborough 6 6

3 Regis O’Neill Middletown 8 11

4 Edouard Nicaise Hamden 3 9French Scholars are pictured with Mr. Donohue, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,

C.F.X. and their French teacher (Language Department Chair) Mr. Ryan Brodeur.

BRONCE (BRONZE) (75th - 84th percentile)

LEVEL 1

Luke Bourne `16 (Middletown)

Ben Costello `16 (Glastonbury)

Timothy Hoang `16 (Newington)

Varun Jayaram `16 (Middletown)

Clayton Moore `16 (Killingworth)

Nicholas Cumello `16 (Durham)

Jack Kane `16 (Berlin)

Evan Rigsby `16 (Kensington)

Nicholas Rotatori `16 (Wethersfield)

LEVEL 2

Jeffrey Champagne `16 (Portland)

Peter Drabinski `15 (Madison)

Brendan Buckley `15 (Wallingford)

Trent Nobile `15 (Old Saybrook)

Colin Wrinn `15 (Colchester) X

The National French Contest/Le Grand

Concours is a competition sponsored by

the American Association of Teachers

of French. Students of French in grades

1-12, in all 50 states and abroad, take

a written test and compete against

students with similar educational

background. X

26 Xavier Today

Freshmen/Sophomore Semi-FormalMay 11, 2013 at Xavier in Kohs Gymnasium

The ballroom at the Crowne

Plaza in Cromwell was

filled with over 500 guests

on June 5th as the Middlesex

County Chamber of Commerce

(MCCC) held its Annual Awards

Dinner. One of the three 2013

Distinguished Citizen honorees

was Xavier alumnus William E.

Wrang III `75. The other two

Distinguised Citizens were Edwin

“Ted” H. May III and George

“Sonny” W. Whelen IV.

William E. Wrang III `75 Honored

Brian Davis, C.F.X., Director of

Admissions Brother Thomas

Fahey, C.F.X., Assistant Director

of Advancement for Annual and

Planned Giving Mr. Gregory Brinn,

Xavier Board of Directors member

Chief Ed Brymer (Ret) GP`11 and

Director of Communications John

Guerin P`91,`93 represented

Xavier along with many other

alumni and past faculty and staff

who were present.

The biography in the program

is a good summary of the reasons

why Bill was chosen as a MCCC

Distinguished Citizen.

William E. Wrang III has been

a lifelong resident of Middletown,

and a champion in many Middlesex

County organizations.

A graduate of Xavier High

School, Bill served for over ten

years on the Xavier Alumni

Association Board of Directors

where he held various positions

including Secretary, Vice President

and President. He has been

inducted into the Xavier Hall

of Honors and has endowed a

perpetual scholarship in memory

of his grandfather, Dr. William E.

Wrang. Bill currently serves on the

school’s Board of Directors and

Finance Committee and has been

an active member of the Saint

Francis Xavier Society which is

dedicated to fundraising for the

institution.

Bill is also very active in St.

Mary’s Church where he has

served as a Lector and a Eucharistic

Minister. For over ten years, he sat

on both the Parish Council and the

St. Mary’s School Board, serving

three years as Chairman of each.

He has also served as Chairman of

the school’s Development Fund.

Bill has a passion for supporting

the Middlesex United Way.

Since 1998, he has held various

leadership positions including

Campaign Chair in 2005, and

President from 2006 to 2008.

Bill has been a member of The

United Way Tocqueville Society

which was formed in 1984 to

deepen individual commitment

to supporting the organization’s

work. He received the Community

Service Award in 2011, the

highest honor bestowed upon

a volunteer, and continues to sit

on the Middlesex United Way

Board of Directors. Bill served as

Treasurer of Aetna’s 1997 United

Way campaign and Chairman

of Webster Bank’s United Way

campaigns in 2000 and 2001.

Bill has been an active member

of the Middlesex County Chamber

of Commerce since 2000. He

currently sits on the Chamber’s

Board of Directors and has

contributed to the work of the

Affordable Housing Committee

and the Legislative Committee.

Bill has coordinated Webster

Bank’s support of the Chamber

and was instrumental in securing

Boston Red Sox President &

CEO Larry Lucchino as keynote

speaker at a Member Breakfast

meeting following the 2004 World

Championship season.

Bill was active in coaching at

the Little League level for both his

son and his daughter and served as

an Assistant Coach for Middlesex

Youth Hockey.

Professionally, Bill was

recently promoted to Executive

Vice President at Webster Bank

where he has worked for 15 years

leading the bank’s commercial real

estate business. Prior to joining

Webster, he spent 17 years at

Aetna working with the company’s

commercial real estate group. Bill

began his career at Liberty Bank as

a management trainee.

Bill received a Bachelor of

Science from Merrimack College in

North Andover, MA, and a Master

of Business Administration from

the University of Hartford. He and

his wife Heidi have been married

for 29 years and they have two

children, Billy IV and Catharine.

Congratulations 2013

Distinguished Citizen William E.

Wrang III `75! X

Among the photos from the

evening Bill is shown with his

father and son (above), and a

group picture (top right) of Bill

and his wife Heidi, Jim Mahoney

`75 and Debra Mahoney, Phil

Franklin `75 and Sue Franklin,

Alan Schumann `78 and Marisa

Schumann. Headmaster Brother

Xavier Today 27

Dear friends,

Being connected to Xavier on a daily basis as a

teacher, I have found that our school community

moves with the seasons. With that said, this is a

season of both endings and new beginnings. As

another graduating class joins the ranks of Xavier’s

alumni, preparations are well underway to welcome the newest

generation of the Xavier community, the class of 2017, in the fall.

Keeping in mind Xavier’s ongoing transformation of boys

into young men, I urge you to spend some time over this

summer considering your own transformative role in our school

community as well. As many of you reading this have watched

yourself change over the years from Xavier student to Xavier

alumnus and possibly even Xavier parent, please consider what

our school community has given you over the years and what

your role in giving back might be at this stage in your life. While

financial donations are important and always appreciated, the

giving of your time and personal talents to the Xavier community

is equally important.

Please reach out to me or the Office of Advancement if you

feel that now is the time for you to learn more about how you can

share your gifts and talents as a member of the Xavier community.

Enjoy the summer and I look forward to seeing all of you

throughout the upcoming school year.

Best wishes to the class of 2013,

James Royce `99, President Xavier Alumni Association

For the first time in recent

years, Mother Nature made

it impossible to play golf at the

Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

June 7th. The Portland Golf Course

and the Golf Committee held off on

making the final call until 8am, but

the wet course and, in hindsight,

the record setting rainfall that

soaked the area from Thursday

thru early Saturday made the

decision inevitable.

But for the majority of the

registered players it was still a

day of celebration and support

for the event. The dinner that was

planned for the late afternoon

became the major event of the

day. Over 100 came to the Portland

Golf Course and enjoyed a few

hours of comraderie, refreshment

and a raincheck for a future round

of golf as well as the t-shirt that

had been set aside for them. The

And the Rains Came...

Dan DeConti `01 New Hockey Coach

D irector of Athletics Anthony Jaskot `69 announced that Dan

DeConti `01, Mathematics teacher and Assistant Director of

Athletics has been appointed as Xavier’s Head Hockey Coach. “

DeConti was a senior captain on Xavier’s 1st hockey team

and after graduating from Central Connecticut State University

was hired as JV coach in 2004. Dan is currently working on his

Masters in Sports Administration. Outgoing Coach Scott Gainey

wished DeConti well in the new position saying “there is a great

atmosphere at Xavier. I always felt I had the support of players,

parents and administration.”

Team members pictured with Coach DeConti are senior captains

Shane Baldwin `13 and Dan DuPont `13; and juniors John

Burkinshaw `14 and Bryan Stanton `14. X

libations flowed and the food

was delicious. Raffle prizes were

won by those present. And to the

delight of the Golf Committee one

of the most financially successful

tournaments went into the record

books as the Alumni Association

again supported Xavier with the

proceeds of the tournament.

Alumni Asssociation president

James Royce `99 thanked

everyone for coming out and

supporting the event as did

Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,

C.F.X. before he said grace to open

the buffet lines.

Thank you Xavier Alumni and

we’ll say an extra prayer for good

weather for the 32nd Annual Golf

Classic in 2014. X

28 Xavier Today

It’s June, which means so much here

at Xavier. It’s the end of classes for

underclassmen and the end of the fiscal

year (get those Xavier Annual Fund

pledges in as soon as you can!). It also means

the beginning of a summer full of scrubbing,

cleaning, refurbishing, and enhancing our

facility for the next school year. I am always

astounded at how our physical plant team is so

hard at work on big projects in just hours after the last student leaves the

building. It goes without saying, but none of this work is possible without

your philanthropic support of our school.

During the second week of June I traveled to Los Angeles to meet with

some of our alumni out on the west coast. It was great to bring Xavier

to them and news of all the exciting things that are happening back in

Middletown. I was able to share with them, as we are with you on the

back cover of this edition of the magazine, that plans are underway for

our 50th Anniversary Gala on September 14. I hope that you will be able

to join us at what is sure to be a spectacular event honoring the past and

planning for the future here at Xavier.

I am amazed at the stories that come from our alumni about how

much Xavier shaped who they are and how much they attribute their

successes to Xavier. Adam Von Gootkin `01 is a testament to the

ingenuity and determination that is instilled in young men while at Xavier.

Adam, Pete, and everyone at Onyx Spirits (www.onyxspirits.com) have

been great supporters of Xavier as well. Giving back through the Xaverian

values of zeal and compassion is something that every Xavier student learns

the importance of during their time here.

And Adam’s story is one of many! Greg Santos `02 created an app to

order handcrafted premium pizza in major cities (SpeedSlice). Mike Nichols

`01 is in the middle of running for Boston City Council (www.facebook.com/

nichols2013). Christopher Gavigan `92 co-founded The Honest Company

(www.honest.com), a company that focuses on healthy, sustainable, non-

toxic products for children and the home. All of this is in the tradition of

compassion, zeal, and excellence started by the members of the Class of

1967, the first graduating class, who went on to start their own financial,

communications, sports, and consulting firms and companies. It is a tradition

of excellence that is sustained for every Xavier student to take advantage

of and one that is only sustained by your continued support of our fine

institution.

Finally, we are always in need of volunteers, both alumni and parent, for

next year. If you are interested in joining the Alumni Board or the Home and

School Association to work hard, dig in, and give back to Xavier, please be

in touch.

Have a wonderful summer!

Matt Strekel `99

Director of Advancement

A Message from the Director of Advancement

The Rotary Club of Middletown has presented

their “Paul Harris Community Service Fellowship

Award” to the Honorable Joseph D. Marino, Probate

Judge, District of Middletown.

The Rotary’s Program Book listed a brief biography:

Judge Joseph D. Marino has served as Judge of Probate for the

District of Middletown since January, 1987. He is a 1973 graduate of

Xavier High School and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from

John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, and his Law degree from

Catholic University in Washington, D.C. He is a past president of the

Connecticut Probate Assembly and has been a member of numerous

committees within the probate system and is currently serving on the

Joseph D. Marino `73 Honored by RotariansBudget Committee.

Judge Marino maintains a law practice in Portland. He is the

founder of a holiday gift drive for residents of local skilled nursing

facilities. He has also coached youth soccer, basketball and softball

and is a member of the Middletown Rotary Club, the Middlesex County

NAACP, the Italian Society of Middletown, the Riverview Hospital

Advisory Group, the Italian-American Civic Order and is on the Board

of Directors of the Middlesex County Bar Association. In 2007, he

received the Community Service Award from the NAACP.

He and his wife Donna, the Partnership Coordinator for Middletown

Public Schools, have been married for 34 years and have three children.

Congratulations! X

Members of the Ryken Service Society have met to

elect their officers for the next school year.

President - Jason Corriveau `14 (Berlin)

Vice-President - Matt Massaro `15 (East Haddam)

Secretary - Pete Drabinski `15 (Madison)

Treasurer - Jeff Place `14 (Southington)

Membership Recruitment Leader - Ethan Pitney `15

(Moodus)

Archivist - Connor Milone `14 (Portland)

Can Drive Organizer - Sunjay Pai `14 (Rocky Hill) X

RyKEN SERVICE SOCIETy ELECTS OFFICERS

Xavier Today 29

Basketball

Ice Hockey

Indoor Track

Riflery

Swimming & Diving

Wrestling

Winter Sports Awards Night

I n March, Director of Athletics Mr. Tony Jaskot `69 welcomed players,

family and friends to the Winter Sports Awards program in the Kohs

Gymnasium on Tuesday evening. He introduced Headmaster Brother

Brian Davis, C.F.X. for an opening prayer and welcoming remarks. Tony then

continued “We are here to honor our players from Basketball, Ice Hockey,

Indoor Track, Riflery, Swimming and Wrestling. I want to honor our Coaches

as well. These sports provide an after school classroom with lots of learning,

including morals, values, work ethic, and discipline.” Tony then announced

each individual Head Coach who presented the Team Special Awards.

Recipients were photographed with their coach, Headmaster Brother Brian

Davis, C.F.X. and Principal Brendan Donohue.

COACH MICHAEL KOHS: BASKETBALL SPECIAL AWARDS:

• RookieOfTheYearAward:Thomas Jackson `16 (Middletown)

• MostImprovedPlayerAward: Elijah Pemberton `15 (Middletown)

• SeniorAward:Lucas Hannen `13 (Killingworth)

• MostValuablePlayerAward:James Sullivan `13 (Wethersfield)

COACH SCOTT GAINEY: ICE HOCKEY SPECIAL AWARDS:

• MostImprovedPlayerAward:Connor Payne `13 (Madison)

• CoachesAward:Warren Howe `13 (Wallingford)

• MostValuablePlayerAward:Daniel Dupont `13 (Wallingford)

• SeniorAward:Ryan McLellan `13 (Wallingford)

COACH CHRIS STONIER: INDOOR TRACK SPECIAL AWARDS:

• FreshmanOfTheYearAward:Jason Hoops `16 (East Hampton)

• MostImprovedRunner:Luke Velez `14 (Killingworth)

• CoachesAward:Zachary Williams `14 (North Branford)

• MostValuableTrack:Peter Strom `13 (Portland)

• MostValuableField:Matt Manzione `13 (Middletown)

• SeniorAward:Casey Blank `13 (North Haven)

COACH AARON KING: RIFLERY SPECIAL AWARDS:

• MostImprovedShooterAward:Riley Lyke `16 (Higganum)

• CoachesAward:Rider Doolittle `13 (Wallingford)

• GeorgeMccleanAward:Alec Gilarde `14 (Cobalt)

• MostValuableShooterAward:Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden)

• SeniorAward:Will Andrews `13 (Clinton)

COACH CHRIS HAINES: SWIM & DIVING SPECIAL AWARDS:

• MostImprovedSwimmerAward:Chris Yerxa `16 (Guilford)

• CoachesAward:Dan Herlihy `16 (Wallingford)

• MostValuableAward:Spencer Beaulieu `13 (Portland)

• SeniorAward:Dominic Fogarasi `13 (Middletown)

COACH MIKE CuNNINGHAM: WRESTLING SPECIAL AWARDS:

• MostImprovedWrestlerAward:Chidi Broderick `15 (East Hampton)

• TeamManAward:Spencer Duclos `13 (Portland)

• IronmanAward:Colin Cunningham `14 (East Berlin)

• CoachesAward:Andrew Murrone `13 (Middletown)

• SeniorAward:Jeremy Dilzer `13 (Berlin)

• MostValuableWrestler:Elliott Antler `13 (Hebron)

• NickCiarciaCareerAchievementAward:Elliott Antler `13 (Hebron)

Concluding the general portion of the evening, Principal Brendan Donohue

asked the student athletes to reflect on their past season and to thank their

coaches, teammates and families for all that they have done to help make

each athlete’s accomplishments possible.

The teams then proceeded to separate areas in the school where they,

their families and friends were able to socialize and enjoy refreshments and

the coaches offered remarks as they presented end of season letters and

certificates to all team members. X

30 Xavier Today

Our Tennis Team is the 2013 Southern Connecticut Conference

Division II Champion. To take the title, the team defeated East

Haven by a score of 5-2 at Yale. Xavier junior John Borea `14

was named Most Outstanding Player for the Tournament. This is Xavier’s

second Tennis Conference title. The first was in 1981 in the old HCC.

SINGLES

Varun Jayaram (X) def. PJ Warrick (EH) — 6-0, 6-0

Max Schumann (X) def. Steve Carafano (EH) — 6-1, 6-1

Evan Schneer (EH) def. James Rosbrough (X) — 6-1, 2-6, 6-2

Chris Hayes (X) def. Sean Dugan (EH) — 6-1, 6-4

DOuBLES

Dylan Amble–Rob Borea (X) def.

Jake Fetzner–Mike Dessareau (EH) — 6-2, 6-2

John Borea/Sam Sokolowski (X) def.

Joseph Haesche/Josh Levine (EH) — 6-0, 6-4

Kirk So/Jonathan Gioia (EH) def.

Peter Barriga/Matt Ferris (X) — 6-1, 6-3

Congratulations to our Tennis falcons and Coach Matt Haywood `04!

Thanks to Bill O’Brien for these photos! The team record was 14-6 as

the team entered the CIAC Tournament. X

DII SCC Tennis Conference Champions

John Borea `14 and Coach Haywood `04

Xavier Today 31

Congratulations to these and to all

our Spring sports athletes who have

have given us an amazing season

and have had their efforts recognized

by being named to the Southern

Connecticut Conference “All-SCC

Teams.”

BASEBALL

DIVISION - QUINNIPIAC

Infielder: Mike Purcell `13 (Cheshire)

Infielder: Jack Gethings `14

(Wallingford)

Outfielder: Matt Albanese `13

(East Haddam)

Pitcher: Jon Signore `15

(Wallingford)

GOLF

Bryan Stanton `14 (West Hartford)

LACROSSE

ATTACK

Brennan Moore `13 (Meriden):

1st team

MIDFIELD

Wesley Reid `15 (Clinton): 2nd team

Bob Coleman `13 (Southington):

2nd team

DEFENSE

John Burkinshaw `14 (Madison):

1st team LSM (long stick midfielder)

Greg Onofri `14 (Hebron): 1st team

TENNIS

DIVISION II SINGLES:

Varun Jayaram `16 (Middletown)

Max Schumann `13 (Old Saybrook)

DIVISION II DOUBLES:

Rob Borea `15 (Wethersfield)

TRACK & FIELD

100 AND 200 METERS:

DeAngelo Berry `13 (Windsor)

4 X 100 METER RELAY:

DeAngelo Berry `13 (Windsor)

Kris Luster `12 (Clinton)

Jacob Dobos `15 (Northford)

Cole Thorburn `15 (Northford)

VOLLEYBALL

BOYS VOLLEYBALL ALL SCC 2013

Jack Dziedzic `13 (Middletown):

1st Team

Kevin Berger `14 (Glastonbury):

1st Team

Jon Grzeszczyk `13 (Middletown):

2nd Team

Aidan Marino `13 (Killingworth):

2nd Team X

SpRing 2013 All-SCC Selections

At the annual “There’s No I

In Team Dinner” on June

9th at the Monticello

Restaurant in Meriden the Southern

Connecticut Diamond Club

presented three of its key awards to

Xavier baseball senior captain Jay

Schaff, Coach Rich Magner `69 and

the 2013 varsity baseball team.

In 2005, the club’s first major

event was the Whitey Piurek “No

I in Team” awards for area high

school baseball players. The

Southern Connecticut Diamond

Club, Inc. has and will continue in

its efforts to spread the goodwill of

baseball to those fortunate enough

to be associated with it. And it will

continue in its efforts to recognize

and award those who have given

so much to so many through this

great game.

Southern Connecticut Diamond Club Awards

Jason “Jay” Schaff `13

Rich Magner `69

No I in Team Award: Jason Schaff `13

Jason “Jay” Schaff `13

(Cheshire), one of the team’s

senior captains, is the Xavier

recipient.

Athletic Directors and coaches

jointly make the decision for their

recipient. While it is recommended

they choose a senior, they are

free to select any player they feel

gave the most unselfishly to their

program.

Team of the year Award: Xavier High School

Xavier baseball had an

outstanding season posting a

19-1 regular season record in the

extremely competitive Southern

Connecticut Conference. The team

won 14 games in a row compiling

the best record at the school since

the mid 1970’s. The team had a

great group of young men led

by captains Matt Albanese, Mike

Purcell and Jay Schaff. Coach

Magner also had a competent

group of assistants who played an

integral role in the team’s success -

Dean Fredericks, Tony Franco, Nick

Cerreta `01 and Greg Jaskot `00.

Coach of the year Award: Rich Magner, XHS

Rich graduated from Xavier

High School in 1969 and attended

Rollins College on a baseball

scholarship. Rich was signed by

the Los Angeles Dodgers and

caught for Waterbury in the

Eastern League. Rich finalized his

minor league career playing and

managing in Triple A Albuquerque.

Rich started at Xavier in the

fall of 1979 as an English teacher

and as a Varsity Basketball Coach

and Assistant Baseball Coach.

Rich became the Head Baseball

Coach in 1995 and is presently the

Director of Guidance at Xavier.

Congratulations gentlemen

for this recognition and your

achievements on and off the

diamond!

The Southern Connecticut

Diamond Club, Inc. was formally

organized in 2011. It started in

2005 as an informal group of

baseball enthusiasts, its motto is

“to foster and promote the game

of baseball.” X

32 Xavier Today

James Sullivan `13 Will Play Basketball for Emmanuel College

S enior James Sullivan (Wethersfield) has committed to Emmanuel

College in Boston, MA to play basketball. Joining James for the

announcement were his parents Jim and Michele Sullivan, his brother

John `15, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal Mr. Brendan

Donohue, Xavier Head Basketball Coach Mr. Mike Kohs `84 and Director of

Athletics Mr. Tony Jaskot `69.

A four-year member of the Xavier Basketball team, three-year Varsity

player, two-year Starter and Senior Captain, James led the Falcons to

one of their best finishes in recent years by reaching the Class LL State

Championship Semi-Finals, losing to eventual Champion Hillhouse. James

had one of the more memorable games in Xavier history with a 36-point

performance vs. Windsor in the Class LL Quarterfinals. James was named

to the All-SCC Basketball Team, received the New Haven Tap-Off Club

Award, named Honorable Mention in the Hartford Courant’s All-Fab 15

team and received the team’s Most Valuable Player award.

James played baseball and football at Xavier, culminating in a 94-yard

touchdown reception in the State Championship game vs. NFA. James has

been Home Room Rep for the last three years, participated in the Junior

Retreat, and has been a consistent member of the Honor Roll with a 3.3

GPA including both the Headmaster’s & Principal’s List.

Zac Camner `13 Commits to UCONN Ultimate

S enior Zac Camner from Hamden was joined by his parents and Xavier

administrators in April as he announced his intention to join UConn’s

Ultimate Frisbee Club in the Fall.

Present for the announcement were Zac’s parents Mark and Deborah

Camner, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X., Principal Brendan Donohue,

Director of Athletics Tony Jaskot `69, Ultimate Frisbee Head Coach David

Applegate `98 and Guidance Counselor James Collins.

Zac is a senior captain of Xavier’s Ultimate Frisbee team and has started

for the varsity all four years. Getting over 100 pass blocks (leading the team)

and over 70 points a season, Zac helped the team as they won State and

New England Championships in 2011 and the New England Championships

in 2012. He also won six Individual Spirit Awards at the New England’s (2011)

and Northeastern’s (2012) and made All-State Connecticut Constitution

team. As a two-sport athlete, Zac was captain of the Varsity Soccer team

and was presented with the Defensive MVP Award in recognition of his

accomplishments during his senior soccer season.

Zac is an Honor Roll student and was inducted into the National and

Spanish Honor Societies. He has also been a Homeroom Rep with the Student

Activities Council, a member of the Ambassadors Club and a Peer Minister.

Senior Student Athletes Commit to College Teams

The New Haven Register published its “BOYS INDOOR TRACK:

2012-13 All-Area team.” Xavier was represented on this year’s team by

DeAngelo Berry, Xavier senior.

Stats: Class LL Champion in the 55 dash and took third at both the

State Open and SCC meets.

Honors: All-State Selection.

At the 68th New England Interscholastic Track & Field Championship

Meet at Veterans’ Stadium in New Britain on June 8th, DeAngelo came

in 3rd in the 100m and 6th in the 200m, earning All-New England

honors for both events!

Congratulations DeAngelo! X

DeAngelo Berry `13 Indoor Track All-Area and Outdoor All New England

Photo by the New Haven Register

Xavier Today 33

Kyle Schroeder `13 Receives Scholarship for Golf Management Program

H eadmaster Brother Brian Davis, C.F.X. presented Senior Kyle

Schroeder a certificate announcing a scholarship award from Ferris

State University in their four-and-a-half-year Professional Golf Management

Program. Kyle is planning to enter the PGM program at the Big Rapids,

Michigan school.

Kyle, who is from Madison, is one of our top varsity golfers and also

played soccer as a freshman at Xavier.

The Professional Golf Management Program (PGM) at Ferris State

University was established in 1975. The program

is best described as a joint venture with the

Professional Golfers Association of America

(PGA) and designed for the student interested in

a career in the golf industry as a PGA member.

Students enrolled in the PGM program gain

both a B.S. degree in business from Ferris and

experience credits toward membership in the

PGA.

Congratulations Kyle! X

Jonathan Brodeur `13 Will Swim For Bryant University

S enior Jonathan Brodeur has committed to Bryant University in Smithfield,

RI. The Bryant Bulldogs are members of the Northeast Conference (NEC)

and a Division I NCAA school. Joining Jonathan for the announcement were

his parents Jonathan and Susan Brodeur, Headmaster Brother Brian Davis,

C.F.X., Principal Mr. Brendan Donohue, Xavier Head Swim Coach Mr. Chris

Haines and Guidance Counselor Mrs. Joan Tomasiello.

Coming to Xavier in his senior year, Jonathan made an impact on the team

in just one year. Head Swim Coach Mr. Chris Haines said, “Jonathan certainly

has the talent and the work ethic to do well at Bryant.” He was named to

the All SCC Swimming Team for the 100 yard Breaststroke and qualified to

represent Xavier in the State Open Championship in three events: 100 Yard

Breaststroke, 200 Yard Medley Relay and 200 Yard Freestyle Relay.

Jonathan started swimming competitively in 7th grade. He reached his

stride at Union High School in Washington winning the Varsity High Point

award in his Freshman, Sophomore and Junior years. He was named Swimmer

of the Year for the Greater St. Helen’s League 4A district in his Junior Year.

Jonathan said he is looking forward to attending Bryant University this

September and plans to major in Computer Sciences.

Students Noted at All-State Banquet

Three Xavier students were given Honorable Mention at the

All State Rifle Banquet in April. The event was sponsored

by the Connecticut State Rifle and Revolver Association (CSRRA).

Rider Doolittle `13 (Wallingford), Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden),

and William Andrews `13 (Clinton) were all recognized for their

accomplishments this year. The picture shows Stephen Lonczak,

William Andrews and Coach Aaron King. Rider Doolittle could not be

present for the event.

Stephen Lonczak `14 (Meriden) competed in the Nutmeg

State Games for riflery and received a gold medal in the 3-Position

competition among 17+ Males and a Silver Medal in the Prone

Competition. X

Kevin Dean `13 Honored for Academic Excellence and Citizenship

Congratulations to Kevin Dean `13 (Ivoryton) who

was honored at the 53rd Anniversary of the Gene

Casey New Haven County Chapter of the National Football

Foundation and College Hall of Fame scholar athlete

dinner on Friday April 12th at Fantasia Banquet Facility in

North Haven.

Kevin Dean, who played both as

a Guard and Defensive End for Xavier,

is one of only twenty-six high school

and prep school scholar athletes who

were honored for academic excellence

and citizenship. In addition to his

accomplishments as a four-year Falcon

football player, Kevin has been a

regular member of the Honor Roll, a

member of the French and National

Honor Societies, and has earned the

prestigious Brother Celestine Award for

academic excellence. X

34 Xavier Today

1960s

1970sBen (Bernard) Cicitto `73 shared the culinary demonstration theater at New York International Food Show with chefs celebrated for their work on television’s Big Brother, Master Chef and Hell’s Kitchen programs in March in NYC at an industry-only event that drew restaurant owners and food

More Alumni News…authorities from the world over. Ben is the Northeast Regional Chef for Phillips Foods Inc. and a lifelong student of the culinary world. He is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, a 1980 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and a 1985 graduate of the University of New Haven’s School of Hotel, Restaurant Management. His goal is matching people with products for every type of food operation. “I learned in culinary school and over the years that a chef’s job is to influence. The foods you cook, your patrons, your staff and the world around you.”

1980s

1990sJason Ruimerman `90 recently moved back to CT to continue to work in the financial industry. He tells us “I am a financial planner at RBC Wealth Management and would be happy to help you in solve your retirement goals and challenges life is presenting you.”

Patrick J. Slattery `91 tells us, “I was recently appointed Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of

Omaha. The position starts July 1. The Archdiocesan school system has 73 schools and nearly 20,000 students. Hope all is well with Xavier. I made it onto campus two summers ago and bumped into Brother Houlihan...he did not look a day older than he did when I was there. My kids got a kick out of the stories about him.”

2000sJoe Branciforte `00 has the distinction of becoming the first men’s lacrosse player to be inducted in the Keene State Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame. Joe was a three-time All-Little East Conference (LEC) forward, culminating his career by being named the LEC offensive player of the year as a senior. Joe concluded his career Keene State first in assists (74) and second in goals (125) and points (199) on KSC’s all-time list.

PFC Chad Ward `05 has graduated Basic Combat Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Chad is currently stationed at Fort Sam

Houston, San Antonio, Texas where he is studying Combat Medic and Medical Specialist School 68W-M6. U.S. Army Reserve.

The Connecticut State Golf Association has named Christopher Austin `08 of Cheshire, Connecticut as their USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern for 2013. In this position Austin will assist with a wide range of CSGA operations, both in the office and at golf courses during tournaments. Austin graduated from the University of Scranton in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Administration, and a minor in Business. Upon graduation, he was employed at the Tradition Golf Club in Wallingford where he was involved in the management of outside events and club tournaments, as well as day-to-day operations of the course and pro shop. “It’s exciting to be part of a great organization like the CSGA, and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Austin, “I know the Boatwright Internship is prestigious and important, and I hope to learn as much as I can, and contribute to the CSGA in any way that I can.”

Xavier basketball coach Michael Kohs `84 told us “Interesting note about the NCAA tournament this year — Brian Fitzpatrick `08 played basketball for Bucknell. Brian is one of just two or three Alumni to ever play key minutes in the Div 1 NCAA tournament*. Brian comes off the bench and averages about 10 minutes per game. After a great high school career and graduating from Xavier, he attended Northfield Mount Hermon for one year, then went to University of Penn. Brian transferred to Bucknell after his freshman year and due to NCAA transfer rules had to sit out one season.” *Richard Magner `69 reminded us that grad Tim Murphy `83 also played in the tournament for Marist and Jeff DelFavero `06 was a walk-on at GW and played the last minute of a NCAA game.

In a note to Dr. Paul Bischoff, Evan M. Bonney `09 wrote “Still can’t believe it has been four years since I graduated from Xavier. I’m off to Oxford University next year for my Masters of Philosophy in the History of Science, Medicine, and Technology. My dissertation will be concerning Natural Theology, the Bridgewater Treatises, and the development of Medicine in England between 1800 and 1850. I give you a lot of credit for sparking my interests in history and pursuing it as a degree here at Elon University.”

You may email your news to webmaster@xavierhighschool.org or use

the online form http://www.xavierhighschool.org/whatsnew. Visit our

Alumni Class Contacts page on the website under Advancement & Alumni

if you would like to be a Class Contact for your graduating class or email

to your Class Contact as listed there.

James Mahoney `75 to Lead Hospital for Special Care Board of Directors

J ames Mahoney, CPA (Xavier class of 1975) and managing partner of

Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP, has been elected the new Chairman of

the Board of Directors for the Hospital for Special Care (HSC) in New Britain.

He will also serve as Vice Chair for Center of Special Care, Inc., and its parent

corporation.

As Chairman of the Board, Mahoney will be responsible for overall

governance and oversight of the affairs of HSC and navigating the changing

landscape of healthcare with a commitment to fiscal responsibility and

quality of patient care.

“The time I’ve spent working with the dedicated people at Hospital for Special Care has been

enormously rewarding and educational for me,” says Mahoney.

Mahoney is the co-founder of Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP which has grown during the past 23

years from a two-person practice into a highly regarded regional accounting firm of 40 professionals and

administrative staff serving clients throughout the Northeast. X

Xavier Today 35

2010sSean Grasso `10 was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma International Honor Society in March. This is the highest recognition a business student in an undergraduate or master’s program at a school accredited by AACSB International can achieve. Sean is majoring in Accounting at Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

We recently heard that two of our past football stars are together again at Stony Brook University on Long Island. Quarterback Pat D’Amato `12 (Wethersfield) and tight end Will Tye (member of the Class of 2010 from Middletown) were both participating in the recent Spring Football game.

Guy Russo `73 Named President of CWA

In a Middletown Press article by Michael

T. Lyle Jr. we learned that “long-time

city resident and current Water and Sewer

Department Director Guy Russo (Xavier

Class of 1973) was recently named the new president of the

Connecticut Waterworks Association.”

The article went on to say “Guy Russo said he remembers a

saying from Brother John Joseph Stern during his freshman year at

Xavier High School, “The reward for your hard work will always be

more hard work.”

In Russo’s case, Stern was absolutely right.

Russo is no stranger to the Connecticut Waterworks

Association. He served with the group for 15 years. Now he will

tackle a bevy of tasks such as making, changing and proposing

new legislation related to water and sewer issues in the state. The

association services about 2.5 million people per day, so Russo

will be quite busy in his new role — even if it’s just for a couple of

hours a month.

“I’m just honored to have my turn to lead this great

organization and the professionals that are involved in it,” said

Russo. X

Setting the Record Straight

G ary Garofalo `72 pointed out to us “The Xavier Today article

in March regarding the 1st undefeated Hall of Fame 1971

Xavier High School football team omitted the name of tri-captain

John Shukis. The late great John Shukis was a tri-captain and a two

way starter...tight end on offense and defensive end on defense.

Shukis was also named to the all-state team and was responsible

for one of the most memorable plays in Xavier’s storied history! In

the last game of the season against Southington, Shukis leapt in the

air with three Southington defenders draped all over him and made

an outstanding one handed catch for a touchdown! The touchdown

helped Xavier continue the state record 34 game win streak which

today still stands as the school record!” Thanks for helping keep the

records straight, Gary!

...and also to Jim Hurley `70 who told us “The first undefeated

football team in Xavier High School history was the 1969 team, as

indicated in the 1970 yearbook on pages 88 and 89. While it’s true

that team was 8-0-1 (tying Notre Dame 0 to 0 that year at Palmer

Field), there is not a team in the state that can claim a victory over

that team. The 1969 football team was also the first undefeated

team of any kind at Xavier, edging out the track team (that same

school year) by a few months. I am proud to have been a member

of both teams and to have had the privilege of being coached by

both Larry McHugh and Bob Michalski.

I know 1969 was a long time ago and Xavier has produced

many outstanding teams since then. Every time Xavier is crowned

champion, I’m sure all my former team mates smile and press their

chests out an extra inch or two, like I do. Those teams deserve to

be recognized for their accomplishments. They earned it, and I hope

the trend continues. Keep grinding out championships and build the

legend.” X

Sam Magaziner `12 was elected as the Philanthropy Chair of the Kappa Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Chi Fraternity at Johns Hopkins University. The fraternity recently sponsored the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. As Philanthropy Chair, Sam is in charge of all fundraising events such as the Relay for Life and outreach in assisting the surrounding community. Pictured (seated, wearing hat) he proudly still wears his X lacrosse t-shirt. He endearingly wrote to his family, “I am still Xavier.” Sam has earned his place on the Dean’s List of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins because of his strong grades during the Fall 2012 semester. This also earned him membership in The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). Sam is a Pre-Med and Neuroscience major at JHU pursuing his dream to become a neurosurgeon. X

As a follow-up to our item in the Winter Edition of the Xavier Today magazine, we have learned that Cheshire resident Douglas McNeil `12 has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study two semesters at University in Beijing, China. Doug will begin his studies in China in June 2013.

Greg Woods `12 will have the opportunity to travel to Russia this summer and participate in the World University Games to be held in Kazan, Russia July 6-17, 2013. Greg is listed as one of the members of the Springfield College “Pride” volleyball team. As a freshman, Greg had the chance to play for Springfield as it repeated as NCAA Division III National Champions. X

Dr. Pepper highlighted Xavier grad Michael Buckley `93 in their new web feature “Always One of a Kind.” He was their “#1” for the month of May. The video is on their website dr.pepper.com.

36 Xavier Today

Ann Stookey, 60, of Los Angeles, CA, died November 6, 2012, in Paris, France, following a brief illness. Ann was the wife of Joe Waz `71.

Salvatore “Santino “Bafumi, 69, of Middletown passed away March 24, 2013 surrounded by his loving family. Salvatore was the father of Sebastian Bafumi `89, Salvatore Bafumi `90 and Stephen Bafumi `93.

Marion H. Biega, 96, of Port Charlotte, FL, Middletown and Westbrook, CT, wife of the late Joseph E. Biega, Sr., passed away June 4, 2013 in Port Charlotte. Marion and her husband, Joe founded and operated together, Biega Funeral Home in Middletown for forty two years. She was the grandmother of Joseph Biega, III `83, Kenneth Biega `84, Mark Biega `89; and great-grandmother of Joseph Biega IV `08 and James Biega `13.

William M. Blodgett, Jr., 89, of East Hampton died April 4, 2013 at Middlesex Hospital. Bill was predeceased by his son, William M. Blodgett III `77.

Carmen Carl DelVecchio, Sr., 77, of Madison, died May 2, 2013 at the St. Raphael Campus of Yale-New Haven Hospital. He was the grandfather of Mark J. DelVecchio, Jr. `15.

Robert (“Bob”) Henry Fagan, 71, of Middletown passed away in Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday, April, 2nd, 2013, after a brief illness. Bob was the father of James Fagan `83, Kevin Fagan `85, Michael Fagan `86, Daniel Fagan `88 and William Fagan `00. He was also the grandfather of Cory Fagan `07 and Timothy Fagan `12.

Stephanie Luci “Step” Faraci, 21, of Middletown died peacefully in her sleep on February 20, 2013 at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain after a prolonged illness. Stephanie was the daughter of David A. Faraci `80 and sister of Nathaniel A. Faraci `14.

J. Thomas Gavigan, 65, of Long Island, NY, died unexpectedly of complications from a broken femur, in La Quinta, CA, on October 23, 2012. Tom was the father of Mark-Thomas Gavigan `89, Matthew Gavigan `90 and Christopher Gavigan `92.

Richard Robert Guere, age 82, of Berlin, VT. died peacefully at Fletcher Allen Hospital Hospice, Burlington, VT, on June 7th, 2013. Richard was the father of Xavier Board of Directors member Bob Guere `81. At Richard’s request there will be no services. In lieu of flowers please consider volunteering or donating blood to your local blood drive.

Mary Lou Phelan, 85, died April 22, 2013, at Palm Garden of Vero Beach. She was the grandmother of Dan Colavecchio `14 and Patrick Colavecchio `12.

Stanley G. Warzecha, Jr., 86, of East Hampton died April 2, 2013, at Middlesex Hospital. He was the father of Kenneth Warzecha `71 and Stanley Warzecha III `73.

Honoring Marine Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith `76

Ed Haydon `75 asks all... “On October 23, 2013 please take a moment to remember and honor

USMC Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith `76 on the 30th anniversary of Tom’s loyalty and bravery.”

Staff Sgt. Thomas G. Smith, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Smith of Footit Drive, is one of six

Connecticut Marines reported killed in the attack on the Marine barracks in Beirut.

A 1976 graduate of Xavier High School, he was active in sports, including three years on the

track team. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps after graduation and was a member of Charlie Company

Second Reconnaissance Battalion, Second Marine Division.” “He was a member of the Xavier Alumni

Association.”

On May 7th 1994 Thomas G. Smith Park in Middletown was dedicated. The 80-acre park cost

$2 million to build. Marine, Staff Sergeant Smith, died on October 23rd, 1983 when a terrorist

truck bomb exploded at a barracks occupied by the Marines on a peacekeeping mission in Beirut,

Lebanon. Smith was one of 240 who lost their lives in the bombing. X

Growing a Small Business

“I wasn’t the best student Xavier has ever seen, but Xavier gave me exactly what I needed: structure, self-discipline and help making ideas grow.” Those were some early thoughts as we sat down with Adam Von Gootkin `01

in his office at the East Hartford facility that his business moved into earlier this year. “College was not my thing. I’m inspired by the idea of creating solutions in the marketplace, and being an entrepreneur allows me to accomplish that.” After a brief stint in higher education, Adam dropped out of school and was looking to get into business. He began working as a music promoter, enjoying some of the challenges and independence that it gave him. He and business partner Peter Kowalczyk founded the Onyx Soundlab Recording Studio and ended up producing music for many major recording artists.

“One night” he recalled, “Peter and I were going to a party and we wanted to bring a gift, so we stopped in a liquor store and were looking for something made in Connecticut. There were beers and wines, but we couldn’t find any spirits that were locally made. That gave us the idea. If we were interested in buying locally made spirits, then others might be too.”

The pair began to do some research and found that really the only two truly American spirits are bourbon and moonshine. Moonshine has never been legally made in New England. But there was a history of it going back for hundreds of years. Adam recounted how they came across a family recipe for moonshine and its connection to the Chafee family and Chafee’s Hotel that was located on Court Street in Middletown (the Chafee family is on the maternal side of Adam’s family tree). Adam is pointing out the original location of the hotel on a map of Middletown (below).

Adam and Pete spent three years getting the recipe just right and went through all the necessary permitting to set up their business the Onyx Spirits Company in Manchester, CT. They do everything in small batches and by hand, but quickly found that

c o n c o r d i a r e s pa r v a e c r e s c u n t — i n H a r m o n y, s m a l l t H i n g s g r o w

the business and its product were well received. This year they moved to an 11,000 square foot factory in East Hartford, and they hope to open a museum and tasting room to host tours for the general public to see how the moonshine is made. In 2012 Onyx Moonshine was selected to be the official spirit of the Celebrity Gift Bags at the Grammy Awards, which was a tremendous boost for national name recognition and acceptance.

Onyx Moonshine is distributed in Connecticut, Mass, and Rhode Island with distribution deals in the works for New York and Washington, D.C. as well as Canada, the United Kingdom, and markets in Latin America. This year, they are releasing an exclusive barrel-aged version of Onyx Moonshine as well as a higher proof moonshine, Onyx 111.

Adam told us that he would like to do more for students who have the inclination to get involved in business; encouraging them to take an idea and make it grow. “Growing a small business takes a lot of work but can be extremely rewarding personally.” I’d really like to help students at Xavier who might have those kinds of ideas and we are actively pursuing the idea of starting a scholarship or fund to assist young Xavier entrepreneurs.”

In March, Adam provided a featured tasting station at the Home and School sponsored Annual Auction demonstrating various recipe ideas for his product. Standing with Adam and assisting at the very popular station is Quin Howe (formerly Parkhurst), also Xavier class of 2001. Adam told us, “Quin is a business partner of ours in a technology venture.” X

Onyx Spirits Co. co-founder Adam von Gootkin, left, and business partner Peter Kowalczyk

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2013

5:30 pm Cocktails & Conversation 6:30 pm Dinner

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