Xavier and Mercy students during the 2022 Walkathon held on the Xavier campus and Larry McHugh Field, October 21.
A WORD FROM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, BRIAN FARRELL '86
The close of October ends the first marking period at Xavier, while I always loved the beginning of the school year, I do not recall rejoicing about the close of a marking period. That said, there is much to rejoice, the Walk-A-Thon was a huge success, and 91% of students are engaging in their Xavier experience beyond the classroom. Many students rejoice in the simple fact that they are able to attend Xavier. Xavier awarded $1.82 million dollars in financial aid and scholarships last year. Your Alumni Association Scholarships, with your support, contributed to our future fellow alumni in a meaningful way. Here is what they say:
“I really cannot thank you enough for this wonderful opportunity. I plan to really excel and make the most of the opportunities Xavier has to offer. Once again, thank you for the gift and I plan on making the most of it." Class of 2025
“I want to thank you for your continued support of Xavier High School and your support for students like myself. I hope to make you proud too!” Class of 2024
“I am fortunate to be able to attend Xavier this year because it is the right school where I can get involved in and out of the classroom. One of my favorite things about Xavier is that it gives me the opportunity to grow as a man. Xavier will also better prepare me for college. Without you my future at Xavier would not be possible.” Class of 2024
Your engagement makes a difference. Become an active member of the Xavier Alumni Association, support our students, support each other. Look for future socials and Career Night coming in the next few months, join us, you are already invited.
AROUND & ABOUT
2022 Walkathon brought in $119,000 for Xavier, and $131,000 for Mercy on October 21. It is the largest student fundraiser of the year. Students engaged families and friends in support of their schools and of each other. These charitable gifts lift each student and each school department.
Home and School Association President, Sue Houle, P '19, '22, '23, announced that members of the group will now be acting as Xavier Ambassadors. You will see them at events, receptions, and others community activities throughout school extracurricular life. The Xavier Ambassadors will be active as way-finders, greeters and spokespeople for the entire school community.
Open House on October 23, saw record numbers of families and prospective students getting to know Xavier and the Xavier family. It was an all hands on deck event with student tour guides, faculty and staff representing every aspect of academic, athletics, clubs and school life. The advancement office hosted a Mercy and Xavier Legacy Family reception. Home and School prepared a festive Fall feast in the dining hall hosted by Xavier Ambassadors who shared their own Xavier stories with prospective families.
Rich and Lauralane Feitel, were honored with the 2021 - 2022 Volunteers of the Year Award by the Association of Catholic Admissions and Advancement Professionals at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester on October 15. The Feitels' have supported the students, alumni and families of Xavier since Rich became a faculty member in the 1960's. The rest is history.
Over $300,000 Planned Gift from the Margaret Patricia Eagan Trust, for the Eagan Endowed Scholarship for a student or students from Saint Joseph Church, Chester, or Parishes within the the Old Saybrook Deanery of the Diocese of Norwich.
Xavier Sports News: Tristan Schemmerling '23, and Zach Potter '23 represented Xavier and Hartford's Riverfront Recapture at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Alex Ushchak '23 took 1st Place in the Southern Connecticut Cross Country Championship.
More Wisdom from Brother James M. Kelly C.F.X., former Principal, Xavier High School, "Adolescents have an uncanny knack for backing adults into corners. Try as we might, it is rather difficult to be reasonable from a corner. If you find at times (maybe more times than you'd like), there is a dichotomy between your theory and your practice when you are dealing with your son, I wouldn't worry too much about it. Look upon these occasions as a chance to practice humility. Above all, keep in mind the words of St. Francis de Sales: 'Be patient with all things, but first of all with yourself'".
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Fall is here. Keep these dates in mind as you plan for the end of the year.
November 27, Sunday: Thanksgiving Family Mass - all faith traditions are invited to celebrate mass together during this uniquely American season.
December 1, Thursday: Saint Francis Xavier Society & Heritage Society Donor Reception at Griswold Inn, Essex. Invitations are out.
December 2, Friday: 2nd Annual Falcon Giving Day for Student Financial Aid (online event)
December 27, Tuesday, & 28, Wednesday: Arthur M. Kohs Christmas Basketball Tournament and basketball player reunion.
ALUMNI UPDATES
Share Your News: jobs, graduations, accomplishments, weddings, births, retirements, and certainly if there are deaths in our Xavier community please let us know.
Alumni: Remember to follow us Linked In to share your career news, and to strengthen networking opportunities for all alumni, recent graduates, and current students. If classmates are not receiving this e-newsletter, send it to them.
IN MEMORIUM
Timothy William Biskupiak, Class of '84. To read the obituary click HERE.
Carolyn Ann Garofoli, mother of Michael '91 and David '84, and Mercy High faculty. To read the obituary click HERE.
Joan Ryan, mother of Pat Ryan Boothroyd, Mercy '72 and Ed Boothroyd '72, and grandmother of Ryan '00 and Jason '02. To read the obituary click HERE.
John Paardenkooper Sr., father of John '86, and Erana, Jayn and Jackie of Mercy. To read the obituary click HERE.
David M. Cekala, Class of '67. To read the obituary click HERE.
Each month we remember those who have died recently or those who are called to our attention. Please keep them, their families and friends in your prayers.
ALUMNI & COMMUNITY REMINDERS
Stay in Touch: Thank you alumni, parents, family and neighbors for sending postal address and email updates. Use [email protected] to update contact information.
For general information and news on the school go to xavierhighschool.org and Xavier High School on Facebook. If you are looking for sports news, please go to our athletic website, xavierfalcons.com. E-Newsletters are archived on the website, xavierhighschool.org, under the Alumni & Giving tab.
XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL PRAYER
- read at the close of school each day
Loving Father,
We ask you to protect the students, faculty and staff at Xavier High School.
Guide us to salvation by following the example of Jesus Christ, your Son.
Inspire us with your grace, to seek both academic success and spiritual wisdom as we use your gifts and talents in service to others.
Help us to find the strength and passion to be leaders and pioneers like Theodore James Ryken, the Xaverian Brothers and those who founded our school.
May we, in turn, accept the challenge to spread the Word of God and make the world a better place for all people.
We ask this, through Christ, our Lord. Amen
Saint Francis Xavier pray for us.
- Chris Danko ’11 and Francis Rowland ‘11
Xavier High School is part of the Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools (XBSS) network of thirteen high and middle schools in the United States. To learn more about the XBSS Network go to xbss.org.
