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Dear Xavier Families,
The stage lights glowed brightly in the Mercy Auditorium last weekend, and the Xavier/Mercy Drama Club delivered a performance that reminded everyone in attendance just how special our community can be. Congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors for an outstanding production.
Sebi Palombizio '28, Mike Palowski '29, and Charlie Madeux '29 helped lead a tremendous cast alongside their talented partners from Mercy High School. From the opening number to the final curtain, the stage was alive with energy, creativity, and the kind of collaboration that makes the Xavier and Mercy partnership so meaningful. Bravo to everyone involved for a weekend of unforgettable performances. I enjoyed Saturday night's performance and seeing the joy it brought our students to perform.
Meanwhile, our wrestling program continues to establish itself among the very best in the region. Last weekend, Xavier finished second in New England for the third consecutive year, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. Congratulations to Zack Dixon '27, who captured a New England championship, an incredible achievement on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Coach Mike Cunningham has built a program defined by discipline, toughness, and pride in representing Xavier. Under his leadership, our wrestlers continue to compete at the highest level while embodying the values that define our school. On Wednesday evening, the wrestling team was also named the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Team of the Year!
Our School Counseling Office has also been busy preparing our juniors for an important milestone next week as they take the SAT. On Tuesday, the Class of 2027 participated in a digital readiness check to ensure students are fully prepared for the exam's online format. At Xavier, we take great pride in preparing our students not only for tests, but for the opportunities that follow. Our faculty and counselors work closely with each student to make sure they approach moments like this with confidence and preparation.
This afternoon, members of the Class of 2027 will depart for their Junior Retreat, one of the most meaningful experiences in the Xavier journey. The Junior Retreat is more than a weekend away from campus. It is an integral part of our students' spiritual journey at Xavier and a moment for reflection, growth, and a deeper understanding of who they are becoming.
It is also a powerful leadership experience and a class-bonding opportunity that strengthens the brotherhood beyond the classroom and athletic fields. The conversations that happen during retreat often stay with our students long after graduation. It is one of the offerings that truly sets Xavier apart and a reminder that we are committed not only to academic excellence, but to forming young men of faith, integrity, and purpose.
On Tuesday, our freshmen participated in Spring Freshmen Leadership Day, an afternoon dedicated to reflection, goal-setting, and personal growth. Led by Dan Jaskot '98 of Empower Leadership, the Class of 2029 took time to look back on their first year at Xavier while setting goals for their sophomore year. The afternoon featured hands-on activities and inspiring talks from Caden McNamara '26 and Greg Jaskot '00, emphasizing the importance of leadership and self-improvement. Xavier takes great pride in providing opportunities beyond the classroom for our Falcons to develop into young men of character, faith, and leadership.
Finally, a reminder about upcoming days off for our students. There will be no school on Friday, March 13, and Friday, March 20. These days were earned as a reward for our students' record-breaking fundraising efforts during this year's Mercy/Xavier Walk-A-Thon. Their generosity and commitment to supporting the community are a source of great pride for all of us.
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of Xavier High School.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I wanted to share an excerpt Sunday's Gospel from John 9: 30-33.
The man answered and said to them, "This is what is so amazing, that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him. It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he would not be able to do anything."
In this passage from the Gospel of John, the man who had been born blind speaks with a clarity that surprises everyone around him. The religious leaders question Jesus' authority, but the man points to something simple and undeniable. He was blind, and now he can see. To him, the miracle itself is proof that God is at work. His words reveal a powerful truth. When people act with faith, integrity, and devotion to God's will, their actions bear fruit that cannot easily be dismissed.
At Xavier, this passage reminds us that faith is often revealed through what we do for others. Each day in our classrooms, on our athletic fields, and through service to the community, our students are encouraged to open their eyes to the needs of the world around them. Like the man in the Gospel, we are called to recognize the good that God is doing and respond with courage and conviction.
A Xavier education seeks to help young men see clearly, not only academically but also morally and spiritually. When our students grow in character, leadership, and compassion, the results speak for themselves. In those moments, just like in the Gospel, the work being done points beyond ourselves and toward something greater.
Mr. Cerreta '01
President, Xavier High School
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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
- Friday, Mar. 13: Student AP Acceptances Posted
- Friday, Mar. 13: School / Offices Closed
- Saturday, Mar. 14: Junior Retreat Ends
- Sunday, Mar. 15: Fourth Sunday of Lent
- Tuesday, Mar. 17: American Red Cross Blood Drive
- Wednesday, Mar. 18: Early Dismissal (12:30 PM)
- Wednesday, Mar. 18: SAT Testing for Juniors (8:15 AM)
- Thursday, Mar. 19: Feast of St. Joseph Mass (9:10 AM)
- Thursday, Mar. 19: Class of 2030 Class Night (5:30 PM)
- Friday, Mar. 20: School / Offices Closed
- Saturday, Mar. 21: 34th Annual Black & White Auction (6:00 PM)
- Sunday, Mar. 22: Fifth Sunday of Lent
- Monday, Mar. 23: Spirit Week Begins
- Monday, Mar. 23: Start of College Essay Week for Juniors
- Friday, Mar. 27: End of the Third Marking Period
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FROM THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
- The 34th Annual Black and White Auction is ONLY 10 days away. This year's event, presented in partnership with the Atlas Outdoor Living Company and the beautiful Woodwinds in Branford, CT will offer 6 hours of good food and beverages, exciting prizes and prize drawings and of course time for dancing! Invite your friends, family members and let's have A LOT of fun together!
ONLY 3 days left to purchase your tickets!!! Deadline to purchase tickets is March 14th - please visit the Auction website and join us! http://bit.ly/2026StayingAlive.
We would like to express our sincerest appreciation to all Xavier families, donors, sponsors, advertisers... your support continues to show what makes our Xavier community so special. We truly could not do this without you!
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FROM THE FINANCIAL AID COMMITTEE
- Financial Aid applications for the 2026-27 academic year are still being accepted. For those seeking financial aid for the 2026-2027 academic year, we invite you to complete the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. The application can be accessed at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3CHKL. Financial aid at Xavier is awarded to families with demonstrated need, ensuring resources are thoughtfully allocated to those who require assistance. Families facing temporary financial hardships are encouraged to contact the Head of School to discuss special arrangements. CONTRACTS FOR NEXT YEAR ARE BEING SENT OUT ON MONDAY, MARCH 16. ______________________________________________________
FROM THE DEAN OF STUDENTS
- The 2026-27 one-page school calendar is available HERE. A full calendar will be made available later this spring.
- The Middletown PAL will be hosting a 3-point shoot-out contest for Xavier students on Tuesday, March 17 at 2:45. Please encourage your sons to participate! Students can sign up outside of Mr. DeConti's office.
- Please note that the third marking period closes on Friday, March 27th. Parents are strongly encouraged to check in on your sons' progress through the OnCampus portal. If you have any questions about your son's progress in any class, please reach out directly to your son's teachers or his school counselor.
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FROM THE BOOK STORE
FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
- Spring Sports Registration is still open! THIS IS THE LAST WEEKEND TO REGISTER YOUR SON FOR SPRING SPORTS. If your son plans on playing a sport this spring, he must be registered through Arbiter Registration, even if he has already played a sport this school year. As a reminder, please make sure the nurse has a copy of your son's most recent physical. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the date of the exam. You can register your son here.
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FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE
- Senior Parents - Please remind your sons to update their college outcomes in Naviance. A step-by-step guide can be found in OnCampus under School & College Counseling.
- Parents of Juniors - Please complete your Parent Brag sheet and turn in to the School Counseling Office.
- Parents of Juniors - College Essay Writing Week has been moved and will now take place March 23-27.
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FROM THE ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
- Tickets are $100 each. Only 800 will be sold and the winner takes home 25,000 dollars.
- Ticket numbers will be sent via email. When purchasing a ticket, you must provide an email address. Ticket numbers will not be sent out in the mail.
- The drawing will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at Xavier High School. You do not need to be present to win, but you must be at least 18 years old to purchase.
- Purchaser of the winning ticket is responsible for all taxes. In accordance with IRS regulations, all state and federal taxes will be withheld by Xavier High School.
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Lino's Lunch Next Week
MONDAY
Quesadillas: Southwest Chicken, Steak, and Cheese
Pasta w/ Meatballs
TUESDAY
Chipotle Chicken & Rice Bowls
Penne Vodka
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast Only
THURSDAY
Chicken & Waffles
Stuffed Shells w/ Garlic Knots
FRIDAY
NO SCHOOL!
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