Alumni Newsletters
July 2023 Newsletter
PHILANTHROPY ADVISOR
Your Xavier High School philanthropy advisors have a new name. We are now the Alumni & Development team. We will offer you monthly ideas and suggestions on ways you can make tax-wise, and thoughtful investment choices in your Xavier High School. If you have specific questions be in touch directly. Our contact information in at the bottom of ENEWS.
When considering how you can influence your favorite causes there are two directions you can consider. Current use charitable gifts are donations that organizations can use right away to support their immediate needs and ongoing programs. When you make a current use gift, the organization can use the money or resources to make an impact now. These gifts are like a helping hand right when it is needed the most.
Planned gifts, on the other hand, are donations that are arranged to benefit the organization in the future. Instead of providing immediate support, these gifts are like a thoughtful investment in the organization’s long-term success. People often plan these gifts to make sure their support and their legacy continues even after they are no longer around. Long-term support is commonly made through a donor’s bequest or trust.
During these challenging times, Xavier High School needs your helping hand more than ever. Please consider making an immediate use gift to the Annual Fund by clicking HERE. Thank you.
AROUND & ABOUT
Xaverian Mission Emersion. The school is being readied for a new school year with Xaverian mission and values propositions posted through the hallways. A deeper focus on Xavier High School’s spiritual framework will be more evident this Fall. Come back for a tour of this and other improvements.
Xavier Alumni, Family & Friends Cluster Meetings. Starting in September, CT Alumni, Family & Friends will be invited to a cluster meeting of the Xavier community to hear about current news from our new President Rick Misenti, Xavier Class of ’72. Please watch for your invitation, and ask others to join you when attending these important gatherings to discuss the future of the school.
Two NFL Quarterbacks at Xavier in July. Tim Boyle ’13, and Will Levis ’18, worked with campers at the Tim Boyle Football Camp in July. For photos go to Xavier High School on Facebook.
Xavier Leadership Institute (XLI) for seniors is the week of Aug 6-9. Alumni please let us know if you would like to join in on alumni day by contacting the Alumni & Development team at 860 346 7735 x737.
2023 Alumni Golf Classic is Friday, September 8, 2023, at Portland Golf Course. See you in September.
Class of '68 55th Reunion is on Sat, Sept 9, 2023 at 5pm at Cafe Luna, Cromwell CT. For more information contact Rusty Larson, Bill Huff, Paul Ulatowski or Ed Burke at [email protected]rg.
Annual Grandparent Mass for all Xavier families at the start of school is Sunday, Sept 10, at 10am in the Arthur Kohs Gymnasium. Light refreshments will follow along with information for a new season. The entire Xavier High School community is invited to come back to celebrate Mass together.
Class of ’83 40th Reunion is Fri, Sept 15, and Sat, Sept 16. For more information contact Greg Jaskot at [email protected].
ALUMNI UPDATES
Matt Borowitz ’21 is a licensed financial representative with Northwest Mutual in Albany NY. With an anticipated college graduation of May 2025, Matt plans to pursue his graduate degree immediately afterward. While at Xavier, Matt was on the freshman lacrosse team. He participated in the Empower Leadership program and was active in National Honor Society, and the Spanish and Social Studies Honor Societies.
Alumni Directory: Update your information for the Alumni Directory by contacting the Alumni & Development team at [email protected]. If you wish to be included in ENEWS with an alumni update send your contact information, and a brief message regarding your current activities.
IN MEMORIUM
Benjamin Hallums, father of Bernie ’81. To read the click HERE.
Judith Misenti, mother of James ’81, Joseph ’83, and Jeffrey ’86, and grandmother of Dylan ’22, and Spencer ’23. To read the obituary click HERE.
Jean Genovesio, mother of Mark ’75. To read the obituary click HERE.
Nicolo “Nicholas” Saraceno, grandfather of David ’22. To read the obituary click HERE.
Joan Donohue (McGovern), mother of former Principal Brendan Donohue, and grandmother of Brendan ’19. To read the obituary click HERE.
Mark Katuzney ’67. To read the obituary click HERE.
Xavier recently learned of the passing of the following alumni:
Richard D. Doyle ’71 in 2020. To read the obituary click HERE.
Kevin Wall ’83 in 2021. To read the obituary click HERE.
Brian Cushing '83 in 2015. To read the obituary click HERE.
Colin Maroney ’83 in 2014. To read the obituary click HERE.
Kenneth Babbitt ’83, brother of Mark ’81, in 2022. To read the obituary click HERE.
Each month we remember those who have died recently and those who are called to our attention. Please keep them, their families, and friends in your prayers. The full list of alumni faculty and staff memorials is on the webpage at MEMORIALS.
MORE XAVIER NEWS & CONNECTIONS
Go to xavierhighschool.org, and Xavier High School on Linked In, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For sports news, go to xavierfalcons.com.
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.
CONTACT US
Xavier High School Alumni & Development 181 Randolph Road Middletown CT 06457
Liz Whitty M’75, Director, 860 346 7735 x732, [email protected]
Greg Jaskot ’00, Associate Director, 860 346 7735 x733, [email protected]
Suzanne Berry M’83, Office Manager, 860 346 7735 x737 [email protected]
July 2022 Newsletter
|
XAVIER ALUMNI GOLF CLASSIC - September 9, 2022 Jaskot & Raffele Sponsorships The 2022 Alumni Golf Classic at Portland Golf Course is sold out to players, but sponsorships to support student financial aid are still an option for anyone who is able to help young men benefit from the Xavier experience. Consider a special honorary sponsorship in the name of retired Coach Tony Jaskot ’69, and / or a memorial sponsorship for Alumni Golf Classic committee member, Ron Raffele ‘70, who died in November of 2021. Both of these men are beloved members of the Xavier community. The Alumni Golf Classic has become the largest single donor to Xavier High School. With your help, it can become even more impactful. Let’s make the transformational Xavier experience an option for even more students in 2022. Contact Greg Jaskot at [email protected] or 860-346-7735, ex-733. All sponsors will be featured on the course and in published materials.
|
June 2022 Newsletter
Dates To Keep In Mind
From all of us at Xavier, we hope you are enjoying your summer. We wish you happy and healthy times ahead. A few dates to keep in mind through the end of the calendar year:
Sept. 11: Grandparent's Mass at Xavier
Oct. 15: Homecoming Reception and Football Game at Xavier
Oct. 21: Mercy-Xavier Walk-A-Thon
Oct. 28-29: Class of 1972 50th Reunion (more information below)
Nov. 27: Thanksgiving Mass at Xavier
Dec. 1: SFX & Heritage Society Reception at Griswold Inn, Essex
Dec. 2: Falcon Giving Day (online event)
Dec. 27-28: Arthur M. Kohs Christmas Tournament at Xavier
Alumni Updates
Jason "Jake" Edwards '90 is Director of the Honors Program at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, GA, as well as an Assistant Professor of English. He and his wife Michelle live in Suwanee, GA.
Zachary Flynn '07 graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Masters of Social Work from Fordham University on May 24. He is employed with the State of New York.
Patrick Renstrom '10 is a 2014 Bentley graduate now a manager with PwC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers) in its national finance transformation management consulting.
Collin Malloy '18 of Middletown, a finance major, was awarded a bachelor's degree from Providence College. Malloy was awarded the Col. J. Gardner Conway ’36 Alumni Sabre Award. The Providence College Alumni Association, on behalf of the graduates who have been commissioned through ROTC and in memory of Col. J. Gardner Conway ’36, presents a ceremonial military sabre to the cadet who achieves the highest standing in the cadet corps in terms of military aptitude, moral character, scholastic achievement, and leadership potential.
Malloy was also the ROTC Battalion Commander as well as a member of the Rugby Club and Friars Club. Malloy will be commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army Active Duty.
Marty Wall '18 will be a senior at Marquette. He is majoring in Mechanical Engineering and has a summer internship at Waukesha Gas Engines as a Performance Engineer. "It's been very busy, but I'm learning a lot," he reports.
Giulio Giuffrida '19 has won a prize for outstanding work in the humanities at Boston University. He was awarded the Edwin S. and Ruth M. White Prize from the school's Center for the Humanities.
$10,000 Donation In Memory Of Kleinhen
A total of $10,000 from the Eluned and Edward Russell Charitable Foundation is being given to Xavier, $5,000 to the Brother J. Robert Houlihan, C.F.X., Endowed Scholarship Fund, and $5,000 for what will become the Houlihan Innovation Science Lab here at Xavier. Brother Houlihan died in July of 2021. The gift is in memory of Brian M. Kleinhen, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2018 at the age of 47.
Class of '72 Reunion
To sign up for the Class of 1972 50th reunion, please click HERE. There also is a 50th Reunion Facebook page.
Around The Campus
Once the school year was done, the chapel started to receive a facelift that includes new lighting and two coats of a brighter white paint. Also, new air conditioning units were installed, another part of being more energy sufficient.
Sam Enes ‘23 and Gavin Dow ’23 were selected to participate in the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar, a six-day program that gives high school students a taste of what it’s like to be a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Thirteen students left on the morning of June 20 for a service trip to Camden, N.J. The trip brings students to the Romero Center, whose ministries serve the poor and vulnerable members of the Camden community.
The Red Cross blood drive at Xavier on June 27, led by Allen Vidallion '23, was a success. The drive surpassed the goal of 39 units with a total of 46 units collected. Vidallion was assisted by Vincent Salamone '23 and Cormac Burke '24.
Xavier had a total of 417 students make the Headmaster's and Principal's List for the 2021-2022 school year. To view the full set of names from both lists as well as the honor roll from each quarter, click HERE.
In honor of Memorial Day, the Xavier Cycling Club hosted a fundraiser ride and run to raise funds for the Wounded Warrior Project. Tristan Schemmerling '23, who aspires to attend one of the military academies, is the co-founder of the cycling club. He currently is a Cadet Master Sergeant in the Royal Charter Composite Squadron of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol. About $1,200 was raised.
GameTimeCT compiled the list of state championships by school for the 2021-2022 academic year. Xavier was in a six-way tie for second most with four (Class L cross country, Class L indoor track, Class L and State Open wrestling). Only one of those six schools besides Xavier had four boys titles, though. Of the three schools that won five titles, none had more than three boys titles. The list can be found HERE.
Drew Kron ‘22 and Tyler Hartley ‘22, each of whom will play college baseball next season, wrapped up their high school careers at Xavier by making the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Class LL All-State team. They also were named to the Academic All-State team. Kron, headed for UConn, hit .400, scored a school-record 38 runs, had 30 hits, walked 27 times, and stole 20 bases. He had three home runs, drove in 19 runs and also made the GameTimeCT All-State first team and the New Haven Register All-Area Team. This summer Kron is playing for the Norwich Sea Unicorns of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England. In a June 12 game, he stole three bases. On June 18, he had three hits. Information on Norwich can be found HERE.
Hartley (Marist) was 5-1 with a save, a 1.70 ERA, and 69 strikeouts for the Falcons. A number of Xavier athletes from spring sports made the All-SCC teams, which can be found HERE.
Eamon Burke '22 made the GameTimeCT All-State second team in boys outdoor track and field. Burke capped off his Xavier career by finishing 11th in the 5000 at the New Balance Nationals June 16 at historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia. In his four years as a Falcon runner for the cross country, and indoor and outdoor track programs, he was part of five state team championships, and goes down in history as one of the best distance runners at Xavier.
Nick Cerreta '01, the Dean of Students and baseball coach, was named the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club Coach of the Year. Xavier had a 22-4 record this season, reaching the Class LL quarterfinals.
Stefanie Reay was named boys volleyball coach of the year in the SCC. Xavier reached the semifinals of the Class M tournament and finished 16-7, winning nine of 10 in the Xavier gym.
Rory McCormack '22 was named to the GameTimeCT first team in boys volleyball. He led the Falcons with 282 kills, 61 aces and 269 digs. Peter O'Brien '23 made the second team.
Remembering Our Brothers
Bother James L. Sullivan (Brother Valerius)
Born: Roxbury, Mass., Nov. 8, 1930. Died: Milton, Mass., June 10, 1988
From the Xaverian Menology: "In 1965 he became the first Director of Guidance at the newly founded Xavier High School in Middletown. By his own admission he left a part of his heart in Middletown, and, fittingly, the guidance suite at Xavier is named in his memory. After leaving Xavier in 1969, he became the Superior at Notre Dame, Utica. After Utica he began a long career in provincial administration serving as Vicar Provincial, Provincial, and Provincial Treasurer. As a Superior and Provincial, Brother James was a 'no nonsense' kind of man, but he never let that get in the way of his heart. He knew when a Brother needed a gentle and listening heart or when a Brother needed a good kick."
In Memoriam
Each month we remember those who have died recently or those who have been called to our attention.
Michael Papallo, Class of 1969: To view the obituary, click HERE.
Bob Chapman, Class of 1977: To view his obituary, click HERE.
Carl R. Erlacher Jr., father of Carl Jr. '84 and grandfather of Nicholas '12: To view the obituary, click HERE.
Bart Bozzi, Class of 1972: To view the obituary of Mr. Bozzi, who died in 2019, click HERE.
A Few Reminders
If you are looking for general information and news on the school, go to xavierhighschool.org. If you are looking for sports news, please go to our athletic website, xavierfalcons.com.
Alumni newsletters are archived on our website, xavierhighschool.org, under the Alumni & Giving section.
If you know of an alumni who is not getting the newsletter, please have them email [email protected] with their name, address, email address & phone number.
May 2022 Newsletter
Xavier Graduates 182 In Class of 2022
Xavier graduated 182 at its 56th commencement exercises on Saturday, May 21. A few highlights from that and the Baccalaureate Mass on Friday evening, May 20. Two members of the 2022 graduating class were twins Benjamin and Michael Pitruzzello; they were the fourth Pitruzzello brothers to come here. Their father Carl is the Class of 1986. Xavier presented an award to the 19 alumni fathers, grandfathers, and guardians of Saturday’s graduating seniors. They each received a special engraved medal. Pitruzzello was one. So, too, was Hans Fjellman, Class of 1967, whose grandson Matthew Stevens is in the Class of 2022. That drew a loud roar from the crowd. As did the recognition of Brother Thomas Ryan, C.F.X., for his 25 years at Xavier, and all the major award winners.
Valedictorian: Aidan Higgins of Rockfall, who will attend Harvard and major in English Literature.
Salutatorian: Matthew O’Connor of Cromwell, who will attend UConn as the recipient of the STEM Presidential Scholarship to study Actuarial Science.
Loyalty & Service Award: Mitchell Wollen of Wallingford, who will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Falcon Achievement Award: Drew Kron of Hebron, who will attend UConn as a Division I scholarship baseball player.
Principal's Academic Achievement Award: Dylan Misenti. He will attend Bryant University and is the son of Jeff Misenti, Class of 1986. This was awarded at the close of the Baccalaureate Mass.
A few numbers from graduation:
$2.2 million: What the Class of '22 earned in scholarships next year.
$8.5 million: What the Class of '22 earned over the next four years.
25: Number of students attending UConn
2: Number of students going to both Harvard and Yale. Also, number of students going to a military academy (U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy).
Alumni President's Message
Congratulations to the class of 2022 and welcome to the Alumni Association! Your Alumni Association is developing our schedule for next year, including a volunteer sign-up to facilitate your opportunity to be involved next year. If you would like to be involved, we will make room for you at an event or on a committee to help drive the engagement of your Xavier Alumni Community. On behalf of the Alumni Association, have a safe and blessed summer. Should you need anything, you are always welcome to connect with us through our alumni email.
Alumni Association President Brian Farrell '86
College Networking
The 2022 graduates received lists from the previous three graduating classes so that when they get to their particular college they can network with other Xavier grads attending the same school. If you'd like to network with those from your college, please let us know what college you attended or are attending, and your email address.
View Artie Kohs Video Tribute
The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honors induction dinner for the Class of 2019-2020, delayed due to COVID, was held May 26 with one of the inductees being the late Artie Kohs, the father of Xavier athletics. He started the program in 1963 and here we are nearly 60 years later with 98 state and New England championships. Thanks to all who contributed to this video tribute of Mr. Kohs and to John Holt of CAS-CIAC for putting this together. It is fit for a King, and that was one of Artie’s nicknames. View the video.
Ciamarra Is NCAA Doubles Champion
Richard Ciamarra '17, a graduate transfer from Notre Dame, and sophomore Cleeve Harper won the men's NCAA Doubles National Championship for Texas with a 5-7, 6-4, 1-0 (7) victory over No. 2 Matej Vocel and Robert Cash of Ohio State on Saturday at the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex in Champaign, Ill. Ciamarra and Harper were seeded fourth. The match was decided in a third-set super tiebreaker. Read the story here.
Support Xavier At Panizzo in Rocky Hill
Xavier is proud to partner with Panizzo in Rocky Hill, owned and operated by Fran DelMastro, Class of 1979. Through the end of June, 10 percent of gross sales to any Xavier alumni, current Xavier family or family of Xavier alumni who mention the DINE TO DONATE program will be donated to Xavier. That includes dining in, taking out, delivery, or catering. Join us for terrific Italian Street Food at Panizzo and help support Xavier! Here is the outstanding MENU.
Alumni Updates/Milestones
Brian O’Neill ’74 worked for Pfizer for 35 years as a medicinal chemist before retiring five years ago, and now he consults for smaller companies.
David Boraks '77 is a climate reporter the National Public Radio affiliate WFAE in Charlotte.
Boraks also has worked for many newspapers, including the Middletown Press, Waterbury Republic-American, the Hartford Courant, and the Charlotte Observer.
Brian Devins '93 lives in Weston, Fla.. He is a Supervisory Border Patrol Agent, Dania Beach Station, Miami Sector. His previous stations were Yuma, AZ, and Nogales, AZ. "I was detailed to the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. I was also a Federal Air Marshall from 2002-2006."
Nick Finnell '03 is Senior Manager, Sales Special Projects, for JA Solar USA, which sells solar panels.
Joe Perrelli '11 is a project manager for Martel Construction Inc., in Bozeman, MT. "My first project with this company was building a large lodge in Yellowstone National Park ... I had grizzly bears, elk, moose, deer, bison, etc., outside my cabin most days!"
Gavin O’Connell '18 graduated May 22 Magna Cum Laude from the University of Rhode Island with a double major in International Relations and French. Gavin was also recognized before graduation with an Academic Excellence Award, which is presented each year to fewer than 80 graduating seniors who have proven to be exceptional students. These students have been selected by their respective departments as the most outstanding in their chosen fields. Gavin plans to complete his post-graduate studies at URI to obtain an MA in International Relations with a concentration in Diplomacy and Statecraft.
Colby Dahl ‘21 earned his private pilot’s license and is continuing his education at Liberty University toward a degree in Aeronautics. He was recently inducted into the Tao Sigma Honor Society.
Sam Baker '21 received the Joseph E. Sheerin Merit Prize in the Study of Classical Languages and Literatures as Assumption University honored 84 students with academic awards at the annual spring Honors Convocation on April 11.
Steven Berry '83 and his wife Suzanne, Mercy '83, celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Tim Boyle QB/WR One-Day Camp June 25
The Tim Boyle QB/WR one-day camp will be held at Xavier on June 25 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The costs is $60; the camp is open to those in grades 5-12. A T-shirt is included in the fee. Boyle is the former Xavier quarterback now playing for the Detroit Lions in the National Football League. Register here.
Class of 1972 50th Reunion
To register for the Class of 1972 50th reunion, click here.
Around The Campus
- New lights will be installed in the chapel in June.
- On Thursday night, April 28, Xavier held its Academic Achievement Night in which more than 70 awards were handed out. The master of ceremonies was National Honor Society President Selorm Dogbey '22, an example of a Xaveir student who has melded athletics, extracurriculars and academics seamlessly. Principal Brendan Donohue told those students gathered: "The fact that you are here tonight means that God has given you a great gift. With that gift comes the responsibility to use it wisely. Congratulations to all of you, and keep using your gifts to make yourself and the world a better place."
- Noah Howell '22 earned Eagle Scout status. His Eagle Scout project was raising funds, planning, and constructing improvements to the East Hampton Food Bank vegetable garden, which is maintained by the Belltown Gardening Club. The food bank helps those in need in East Hampton.
- The EJK Car Show, which benefits the Eric J. Kalber Scholarship Fund, once again attracted cars of all makes and years as the front parking lot was filled on May 8. The event honors the memory of Kalber '04, who was killed in an automobile accident in 2005. There were some real classics at the show, even one that is closing in on being 100 years old, a 1925 Ford dump truck. Then, to name just a few more, a 1965 red Pontiac GTO, a ‘49 Chevy, a ‘33 Plymouth Coup, a 2007 Ford Roush Mustang, a 2013 Chevy Corvette 60th anniversary, and a 1987 Jaguar XJS. The show raised about $3,700 for the scholarship fund.
- Sophomore Kyle Levesque received the first Joseph W. Morelli '02 Memorial Scholarship for excellence on the Xavier wrestling team. Joe was an outstanding wrestler who died from a rare form of cancer in 2018. A Facebook page can be found here.
What's New With You?
We are interested in any and all news of our alumni, from milestones to personal and career achievements. You can email [email protected] with alumni news.
In Memoriam
Gerald J. Harvey, father of former Xavier Principal Brother Lawrence Harvey, C.F.X.: For Gerald's obituary please click here.
John P. Bozzi Jr, Class of 1967: For John's obituary please click here.
A Few Reminders
If you are looking for general information and news on the school, go to xavierhighschool.org. If you are looking for sports news, please go to our athletic website, xavierfalcons.com.
Alumni newsletters are archived on our website, xavierhighschool.org, under the Alumni & Giving section.
If you're a published author, we'd like to hear about it. We have a number of books on our shelves from Xavier graduates, but would love to showcase more.
If you know of an alumni who is not getting the newsletter, please have them email [email protected] with their name, address, email address & phone number.
April 2022 Newsletter
Message From Our Alumni President
Join Webinar Featuring Headmaster Dave Eustis
I hope that everyone had a joyous Easter. Please register for the Alumni Association Webinar Series featuring Headmaster Dave Eustis on May 11 at 7 p.m. Dave will discuss the state of the school and provide insight into future plans and highlight the Class of 2022. Next month features the graduation of a very large and successful Xavier class. Find out more about them on May 11. Xavier is working hard to fill the class of 2026, so please recruit future alumni and connect with the Admissions Director. You will be doing someone a life-changing favor.
According to the Alumni Survey results, we perceive the Xavier brand as incredibly positive. Your fellow alumni say they are, “Proud to be an alumni,” that “stories of academics, sports, extracurriculars, and civic engagement make Xavier’s image an incredibly positive one,” and that Xavier carries a “powerful sense of community and brotherhood.”
We are all in a position to enhance the Xavier brand by our actions, so please be active in the spirit of Xavier in everything that is important to you! If you want to be involved at Xavier, you are already invited!
Please CLICK HERE to register for the virtual event. If you have any questions, contact Associate Director of Advancement Greg Jaskot '00 at [email protected].
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association PresidentSupport Xavier At Panizzo Restaurant
EJK Car Show At Xavier On May 7
Alumni Updates
Sean Mahon ‘20 will be a sports photography intern with the New Britain Bees for the 2022 season, which starts May 26 with a home game vs. Norwich. Mahon is a sports management and marketing major at Merrimack College.
Shane Wilcox ’12 has joined Terran Orbital as “the company’s first Manufacturing Engineer to help build out a revolutionary SmallSat [small satellites] production operation from the ground up.” Terran Orbital can be found at https://terranorbital.com. Wilcox previously worked at SpaceX, where he most recently was the supervisor for Falcon 9 Stage 2 Integration & Testing. "Getting to have a hand in and be there for the first Falcon 9 landing, the first Falcon 9 re-flight mission, the initial flight of Falcon Heavy, the first Crew mission, the ramp up and deployment of Starlink, and many more milestones, was unbelievable," Wilcox posted on LinkedIn.
Neil Mitchill ’93 was part of the team from Raytheon Technologies that rang the closing bell on Wall Street April 4. He is the Chief Financial Officer and an Executive Vice President at Raytheon.
Brendan Donohue Jr. '19 was part of the University of Notre Dame Gaelic football team that won the title in the National Collegiate Gaelic Athletic Association Hurling and Football Nationals in Orlando, Fla. He is the son of Xavier Principal Brendan Donohue. Donohue Jr. is majoring in Political Science with a minor in Irish Studies. He studied abroad at UCD in Dublin last semester.
Connor Milone '14 has accepted an anesthesia residency at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire beginning this summer.
Artie Kohs In CIAC Hall of Honor
The late Artie Kohs is a member of the CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor Class of 2019-2020. The honoring of that class was delayed by COVID but will now take place May 26.The CAS-CIAC Hall of Honor was founded in 2015 to honor individuals who made significant and outstanding contributions to the organization over the course of their careers. Kohs died March 20, just short of his 85th birthday. Kohs built the athletic program from scratch when the doors opened in 1963. He was the longtime basketball coach and athletic director and served on many CIAC committees as well as being highly involved in state associations for coaches and athletic directors. He also was a longtime soccer official in the state. His sons Mike (Xavier basketball and golf coach) and Tim (Mercy athletic director and basketball coach) will be among the family members present to accept the award on behalf of their father.
What's New With You?
We'd love to hear from you. Tell us about a new job, awards and recognition, an engagement, wedding, retirement, a new baby in the family, a gathering with your classmates, a new hobby. Send photos, too, to [email protected].
Around the Campus
We Thank You
In Memoriam
Michael Kowalski, Class of 1982: For his obituary click here.
Robert A. Russo, Class of 1985: For his obituary click here.
Anthony Cretella, Class of 1990: For his obituary click here.
Harriet Levin, mother of Marc Levin '80: For her obituary click here.
Marilyn J. Braychak, mother of Xavier teacher Bill Braychak and mother-in-law of Xavier administrative assistant Marie Braychak: For her obituary click here.
Remembering Our Brothers
Brother Francis De Sales, C.F.X. (Thomas B. Rynne)
Born: Sept. 5, 1914, Somerville, Massachusetts. Died: April 8, 1996, Beverly Hospital, Beverly, Mass.
As things moved toward the opening of Xavier High School in 1963 Bro. Robert Sullivan, C.F.X., the first principal, sent a newsletter to parents announcing the first members of the faculty had been named. One of the seven Brothers was Bro. De Sales. The total number of faculty members was nine, with Artie Kohs and Larry McHugh being the lay members.
The Offertory Song at Bro. De Sale's funeral was “I Call You to My Father’s House.” The last stanza reads: "I call you to my Father’s house, a lovely dwelling place. Be not afraid to travel there and meet God face to face." Those who had the privilege to know Brother Francis de Sales, notes the Xaverian Menology, would have no difficulty in picturing the joy of this scene.
A Few Reminders
March 2022 Newsletter
Message From Our Alumni President
Welcome to spring; what happened to out like a lamb? Thank you to those who responded to the alumni survey as Xavier undertakes its strategic plan. Your feedback is critical as we support Xavier in delivering on its promise to make the best of each man. Your feedback demonstrated the importance of community, the call to support each other and the students, your interest in helping Xavier maintain its brand, and the importance of staying connected through communication about Xavier.
Thank you to Fran DelMastro ’97, who is contributing 10 percent of each bill for every alumni who dines at his Italian restaurant, Panizzo, in Rocky Hill. I have been there, and it is great for a family or for a date. Stay tuned for the state of the school provided by our Headmaster, Dave Eustis, in April; and Houli Day in May. Through the alumni survey, several folks offered to be involved with Alumni Association activities, and you can expect a call from the Alumni Association Resource Committee in response to your interest. For those who want to be involved, you are already invited, please email us.
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President
Artie Kohs: One Of A Kind
We could go on and on. The tributes to Artie Kohs, who died Sunday, March 19, have been unending. As a coach, a teacher, an athletic director, a family man, a parishioner, a mentor, a friend, you name it. The school's first hire, first athletic director, first coach in multiple sports, impacted thousands of lives. Here are just a few of the hundreds of tributes from social media posts and stories.
Middletown Sports Hall Of Fame
Around The Campus
Wollen West Point Bound: Mitchell Wollen '22 earned an appointment to West Point. Wollen will attend the U.S. Military Academy in the fall. "Serving my country is a great opportunity," Wollen said. “Another big factor was my uncle Joe. He was a brigadier general in the Army who recently passed away. He always had a big impact on me from a young age, and I always wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Wollen, who has led numerous service initiatives of his own accord, also is a talented swimmer.
Simko Headed To Air Force Academy: Lukas Simko '22 will attend the United States Air Force Academy. His father Stephen graduated from Xavier in 1991 and from the Air Force Academy in 1995. His mother, Colonel (Ret) Gigi Simko, graduated from the Air Force Academy. “I’ve never been able to picture myself going anywhere else for college."
2,450 Items Collected: Xavier students brought in 2,450 toiletries that will be distributed by St. Vincent De Paul. The Outreach Program at St. Sebastian Church in Middletown came up with the idea and enlisted Xavier to help in the month of March. The freshman class brought in the most items, 1,031.
Junior Retreat: Sixty juniors attended the Junior Retreat March 17-19 at the aptly named Wisdom House in Litchfield. It is yet another step on the way to becoming senior leaders.
SCC Scholar Leaders: Adam Chasse and Aidan Pesce are Xavier's SCC Scholar Leaders for the 2021-2022 school year. Chasse is a National Merit Commended student, and a member of six honor societies. He is a valued member of both the hockey and baseball programs. He was chosen as captain of this year’s hockey team. Pesce has a GPA above 4.00, is a member of six honor societies, editor of the school newspaper, part of the state championship Robotics and indoor track and field teams, and is captain of the sailing team.
Xavier Earns Multiple SCC Honors: Xavier had one SCC Player of the Year and four SCC Coaches of the Year in a highly successful winter season. Dylan Reynolds '22 was the SCC Division I Player of the Year in hockey. The Coaches of the Year from Xavier: Mike Cunningham (wrestling), Bill Evison (Division I swimming), Chris Stonier (boys indoor track), and Karl Sundquist (boys hockey).
Volleyball Recognition: Brady Higgins and Rory McCormack were selected for the 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Boys High School All-America Watch List.
Alumni Updates
Joe Witkowski '06 was an All-State baseball player at Xavier for coach Rich Magner, a three-time Big East champion at St. John’s, and a minor league player. Today he leads a band, Joey Wit and the Destination. He's headed to perform some shows in England in April before stops in Boston, New York and New Haven later in the month. For more on Witkowski’s music, click here.
Timothy Brough '15 received his B.S in Chemistry, with Merit, from the United States Naval Academy in 2020. He has since graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, S.C., and has been assigned as a Naval Officer to serve on the Nuclear Ballistic Submarine USS Maine out of Bremerton, Wash. Separately, he earned his Wilderness EMT and Wilderness First Responder Certification from the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) in Lander, WY, and spent two summers mountaineering and climbing Mt. Denali in Alaska.
Class of 1972 50th Reunion Dates Set
The 50th reunion for the Class of 1972 will be Oct. 28 and Oct. 29. More details to come, but the evening of Oct. 28 will involve getting together for food and drink and a Xavier football game. Stay tuned for more emails and visit the Class of 1972 Facebook page.
Remembering Our Xaverian Brothers
In Memoriam
David Pasquale, Class of 1968: For his obituary, please click here.
A Few Reminders
February 2022 Newsletter
Xavier Career Night A Success
As we approach the Lenten season, consider committing to a behavior, rather than abstention. Perhaps become more involved with an organization that can benefit from your skill set. Reach out to someone with whom you have lost touch. We more effectively grow and find meaning with people than without.
Some of our fellow alumni have done just that in participating in a revived and successful Career Night. We engaged nearly the entire junior class on Feb. 10 with career breakout sessions followed by a time of networking in the gym. It was a great success because of the efforts of the Alumni Board, with support from our fellow alumni whose engagement made the event fantastic: Jeff Misenti ’86 and Dana Wilson ’86 (Finance and Accounting), Chris Dibble ’12 and Andrew Gonzalez ‘12 (Finance and Investing), Matt DeKoeyer ’12 and Alex Thongsythavong ’12 (IT and Computer Programming), Troy DeLeon ’12, Michel Edelson ’12, and Vincent Cervoni ’86 (Law), Karl Van Bibber ’68 (Science/Tech/Engineering), Tom Hutton “83 (Business Leadership and Entrepreneurship), Joe Delaney ’86 (Arts and AV), Michael Spada ’97 (Health Services), Derek Puorro ’91 (Public Sector and Law Enforcement), Brian O’Looney ’86 (Architecture and Construction).
We accommodated “virtual volunteers” for the event, so wherever you are, you are never too far removed to provide or feel the support of your fellow alumni family. Thank you to Greg Jaskot '00 of the Advancement Office who carried the logistics and oversight, making the event happen. Thanks to Associate Communications Director Jeff Otterbein '72 for his involvement and coverage of the event and to Director of Guidance Nick Grasso '05 and his department for their assistance.
Coming up in March we have the Virtual College Fair on March 14-16 where our young alumni provide insight to Xavier students making their final decisions for college. Also, on March 23, please join the Xavier Alumni Speaker Series featuring Headmaster Dave Eustis for the “State of School Discussion.”
Get involved; you are already invited.
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President
Raffle Tickets Remain But Selling Fast
Support Xavier, Get A Great Meal At Panizzo
Campus News
- The Xavier Engineering Team came in second in the state in the Real World Design Challenge and received a wild card slot to the national competition to be held virtually on April 23. The team members: Henry Stearns ‘23, Rithik Kurup ‘23, Jiahao Chen ‘23, Darren Sengphachanh ‘24, Patrick Clements-Dolan ‘25, Oliver Snow ‘25, and Joshua Raj ‘25.
- The Xavier robotics team won a state title with the FullMetal Peregrines getting the victory in the finals. The FullMetal Kestrels made it to the finals and the Full-Metal Merlins reached the semifinals. At the awards ceremony, the Peregrines were winners of the Motivate Award, recognizing the team's great outreach. The Kestrels were recognized as Innovate Award finalists for their outside-of-the-box robot design.
- Nearly 40 seniors were honored during Catholic Schools Week for 100 or more hours of community service. The required amount is 65. Those in triple digits: Andre Abarientos, Christopher Beaudoin, Damien Bianchi, Marcelo Burno, Nolan Burn, John Carrozzella, Adam Chasse, Nate Correia, Nick Cusano, Ryan Gerry, Kevin Gilhuly, Isaac Gonzalez, Chris Jacy, Stephen King, Tristan Kolb, Shea Krassner, Liam Lawler, Andrew Liptak, Nate Lowry, Michael McCauley, Aidan Muldoon, Jack Nowosad, Matt O’Connor, Justin Patenaude, Aiden Pesce, Andrew Quintana, Matthew Reardon, Patrick Rigg, Jack Roy, Liam Sheeley, Spencer Thompson, Matthew Tracy, Sheel Vallam, Steve Wohlmuth, Mitchell Wollen, Nikita Zuev.
- Liam Sheeley ’22 is an All-State vocalist with the Xavier Chorus, but that's not the half of it. He has learned to sing in different languages, and was one of 200 U.S. students selected for the All-National Honors Ensemble for Mixed Choir. The event, typically in San Diego every year, was held virtually from Jan. 22-24. Sheeley also was named the CAS Performing Arts winner from Xavier. Classmate Nicholas Cusano was named the CAS Visual Arts recipient. CAS (Connecticut Association of Schools) annually honors two outstanding seniors from each of the member schools in the state who excel in the performing or visual arts.
- Aidan Higgins '22 has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began more than 75 years ago. About 1.5 million high school students enter the program each year. Of those only about 15,000 are named finalists. That represents 1 percent. Higgins is the editor-in-chief of The Kestrel, Xavier’s online newspaper. He is a member of the National Honor Society as well as four other honor societies and multiple clubs, including the Ryken Service Society. Higgins helped start a chapter of the Surfrider Foundation at Xavier. That organization works to protect and preserve the world's oceans, waves, and beaches.
- Ten Xavier students participated in a service trip to Camden, N.J., Feb. 17-20. About one of every three people in Camden live in poverty, and the unemployment rate is about 15 percent. Students on the trip: Dario Adanti '23, Tyler Ferguson '23, Brian Malicki '22, Zach Myrick '23, Hunter Peckham '22, Mike Pitruzzello '22, Braden Pollack '22, Mario Pugliese '22, Jack Spilka '23, Jack Susca '22.
Campus Sports
- SCC record-setting performances: On Saturday, Feb. 5, Xavier won the SCC Wrestling Championships in its home gym with some mind-numbing numbers. Xavier had 264 points as a team, breaking the SCC record by 31 points, a record the Falcons set in 2015. The Falcons have won five consecutive SCC titles and nine of the past 10. And amazingly, Xavier sent 10 wrestlers to the championship matches and won all 10. Then on Sunday, Feb. 6, the indoor track team won the SCC Championship in New Haven, breaking a 13-year-old record for total points with 104.
- Add three more state titles the banners in the gym: Then came three state titles: the indoor track team won the Class L title on Feb. 12, finishing with 86.5 points and easily outdistancing Hillhouse by more than 30 points. The Falcons now have 14 indoor track titles. The Xavier contingent of Owen Pestka '22, Owen Miller '22, Eamon Conneely '22, and Chase Vitale '22 won the 4x200 relay in 1:33.32 for a school record. On Feb. 19, the wrestling team won the Class L title with a record-setting 318.5 points. Simsbury was a distant second at 234.5. Xavier sent nine wrestlers to the finals and five won Class L titles: Raekwon Shabazz '24, Max Morse '25, Jackson Heslin '25, Dylan Levesque '22, and Thomas Lunt '22. GameTimeCT reported that the 318.5 points breaks the state tournament record of 311.5, set by Danbury in Class LL in 2005, according to the Connecticut High School Wrestling Record Book. The wrestling team then easily won the the State Open last weekend with Heslin and Lunt winning titles and nine wrestlers overall finishing in the top five in their weight classes..
- Swimmers unbeaten: The swimming team is unbeaten as it heads into the SCC Championships on Wednesday (March 2). The Falcons have won the SCC team title two years in a row. ... The basketball team (12-8) awaits the Division II state tournament next week. ... The hockey team (13-6-1) plays for the SCC Division I championships vs. Notre Dame Friday (March 4) at Bennett Rink. ... The rifle team finished fourth in the state high school championships at Blue Trail Range in Wallingford.
Class Of 1972 Reunion
Alumni Updates
- Ryan Curley '04 is First Selectman in Portland. He was elected in November and had been the town clerk. In January, another Xavier grad and lifelong Portland resident, Michael Tierney '01, was appointed town clerk by the Board of Selectmen.
- Ryan Walker ’05, who grew up in Higganum, is the founder of R.J. Walker & Co., a public relations firm. To see his interview with Authority Magazine, click HERE.
Remembering Our Brothers
Each month we remember a Brother who passed away that month and served at Xavier. The following is compiled from the Xaverian Menology.
A Few Reminders
January 2022 Newsletter
Career Fair, Headmaster Address,
Houli Day Are On The Horizon
Happy New Year. Xavier meets the new year live and in-person and feeling positive about academics, athletics, and the admissions process. Please recommend Xavier to your friends and family, it is truly the ideal place young men can grow and explore their potential.
Many of your will remember the Career Fair, where as juniors we met with alumni to learn about different careers. The Alumni Association, in partnership with Guidance and Advancement, is bringing the tradition back. On Feb. 10 from 6 p.m.–8 p.m. alumni will lead breakout sessions followed by a networking activity to participate in the stewardship of our future alumni. Please be part of the event; it is as simple as sending us an email.
In addition, keep an eye out for a “State of the School” address with Headmaster Dave Eustis in March. Remember Houli Day? Keep a lookout for an opportunity to celebrate the late Brother Robert Houlihan, C.F.X., as we reconstitute Houli Day in late spring. As always, you are already invited!
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President, [email protected]
Your Chance To Cash In!
- Tickets are $100 each. Of the 800 tickets to be sold, about 500 remain. It is winner takes all. The proceeds benefit the Annual Fund, which supports all aspects of the school.
- The drawing will be at 11 a.m. on April 1 at Xavier High School. You do not need to be present to win, but you must be at least 18 years old to purchase. All tax liabilities are borne solely by the purchaser.
- Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check (no cash) to Xavier High School, 181 Randolph Road, Middletown CT 06457. They also can be purchased HERE.
For more information, contact the advancement office at 860-346-7735. Good Luck!
Black & White Auction March 26
The Xavier High School Home & School Association is pleased to announce the 30th annual "Black & White Auction," which will be held on Saturday, March 26. Donations are being accepted through March 4. With your support, the auction will help make a positive difference in the education of the young gentlemen and the future leaders of our community. We have various ways to receive your donation:
- Arrange a pick-up of any item you wish to donate.
- Mail your contribution directly to the school: 181 Randolph Road, Middletown, CT 06457 Attn: Auction Committee.
- Email us at [email protected]
Around The Campus
- Six Xavier juniors were selected to represent the school at the XBSS Junior Retreat in March. Luke Anderson, Dominic Cusano, Sam Enes, Nick Miano, Patrick Mitchill, and Brendan Peary were commissioned during a brief ceremony after a Mass in January. Colin Loria, who had a role in the commissioning of the juniors, will be the senior leader. Mr. John Guinan, the assistant Director of Campus Ministry, will be the adult leader.
- Xavier High School has been named a Top 10 high school for total number of students enrolled as well as most credit hours taken in the UConn Early College Experience program for the 2021-2022 academic year. The program started with two courses and about 10 students 14 years ago. Today Xavier is No. 7 with 220 students enrolled and No. 4 with 1,710 UConn credit hours taken through the UConn ECE program. Xavier offers 14 UConn ECE courses, equaling a total of 45 credits. The credits not only are transferable to UConn but to more than 80 percent of colleges across the country.
- After Xavier defeated No. 1 Danbury in wrestling in early January, it became the No. 1 ranked team in the state wrestling poll. Last Saturday the top-ranked Falcons hosted and won the Colter Abely Midseason Classic at Xavier. The Falcons are getting ready for the SCC Championships at Xavier on Feb. 5. There were 16 teams in the day-long Colter Abely tournament. Meanwhile in New Haven, the indoor track team prepared for what comes next by finishing first over Amity in the SCC Coaches Invitational by 24.5 points. Xavier was in the SCC West Sectional Championship Thursday and the SCC Championships will be Friday, Feb. 4. The team had numerous individuals personal bests in the SCC Coaches Invitational, including the fastest 1000 meters run this season by any Connecticut high school runner (Eamon Burke '22). For those stories and more, visit our athletic site, xavierfalcons.com.
- The swim team remains unbeaten at 6-0. Last season the Falcons won the SCC Championships for the second year in a row.
- The hockey team beat rival Fairfield Prep Jan. 26 and has not lost to an in-state team in more than a month. The Falcons are 9-3-0.
- On Nov. 13, 1970, Xavier cross country not only won the first title in program history, but the first in school history. Last fall, the Falcons won the Class L title, the 40th New England or Connecticut championship in program history. Each team was honored at a banquet on Jan. 23. Five members of that 1970 team were present: Bob "Rootie" Brown '72, Brian Curtis '72, Mike Marino '72, Frank Marsilli '72, and Bob Barry '72.
How Xavier Changed My Life
Alumni Updates
- Ben Howell (Hamilton), Sam Baker (Assumption), Will Lallier and Marcus Williams (Holy Cross), Spencer Higgs (Stonehill), and Evan St. Arnauld, Ethan Powers and Erik Fellenstein (Nichols) each made the honor roll in the fall semester.
- Carmine Grippo ‘19 was president of his freshman and sophomore classes at Quinnipiac, and this year as a junior is president of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity on campus.
- Jaycen Carroll ’15 is a conductor for TransitAmerica Services on the CTrail Hartford Line operation.
Remembering Our Brothers
In Memoriam
Matthew Brown, Class of 1987: For his obituary please click HERE.
Mathew Donarumo, Class of 2003: For his obituary, please click HERE.
A Few Reminders
December 2021 Newsletter
Falcon Giving Day Raises Almost $38,000
Thank you to all who participated and donated to empower the Xavier High Falcons on Dec. 3, Falcon Giving Day. On that day 135 people donated almost $38,000. Your gifts of support lift each and every young man enrolled here. No matter what a student studies, or what sport or club he enjoys, your gifts make it happen every day. Thank you for being a part of this extraordinary community of alumni and family. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyful New Year.
Liz Whitty, Mercy '75, Director of Advancement
Message From Our Alumni President
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President
Artie Kohs Classic: 2 Nights Of Hoop
$25,000 Cash Raffle Coming Soon
Around The Campus
Alumni Updates
Remembering Our Brothers
In Memoriam
Mark Hetzel, Class of 1974: For his obituary, please click HERE.
Derek Lee LaPlante, Class of 2014: For his obituary, please click HERE.
November 2021 Newsletter
Falcon Giving Day Is Friday
Alumni President's Message
Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President
Around The Campus
Cross Country Champions Yet Again
Alumni Updates
Upcoming Events
Class of 1972 Reunion
Remembering Our Brothers
In Memoriam
In Search Of ...
October 2021 Newsletter
Walk-A-Thon Far Exceeds Goal Of $100,000
The Mercy-Xavier Walk-A-Thon on Oct. 22 was a huge success.
Both schools far exceeded their goals of raising at least $100,000, with Xavier coming in at $120,058.
The money goes to the Xavier Annual Fund, which supports all clubs and activities, academic programs, athletic programs, and the arts.
For 25 years the Mercy/Xavier Walk-A-Thon was a spirited and competitive student fundraiser. This year the tradition was renewed. The campaign kicked off Oct. 1, and culminated with walks around the track by each class on Oct. 22.
“It was just a great day here at Xavier,” Headmaster Dave Eustis said. “After 23 years it was great to be back with Mercy in this event. A huge thanks goes out to all the donors, whether they are alums, parents, students, staff, faculty, people who just want to support Xavier and Mercy. We look forward to next year.”
It was a walk-a-thon and a game-a-thon and an eat-a-thon all rolled into one. Xavier and Mercy students were having a blast, whether they were walking on the track, playing games on the football field, taking advantage of the inflatables out front or taking their best shot at dunking someone in the dunk tank. Not to mention plenty of food vendors.
“Mercy High School was thrilled to welcome Xavier High School back to the Walk-a-Thon this year,” Mercy President Alissa DeJonge ‘95 said. “It is a wonderful event that showcases the collaboration and camaraderie between the two schools. We are blessed to have the support of both communities in making the fundraiser such a success.”
Two schools. One family.
Around The Campus
Helping babies and parents: Recently the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center had a campaign to collect books for parents of babies in the NICU. Enter Aedan Frazer, Xavier Class of 2023, who was an avid reader growing up, and his mother Milena, a NICU nurse at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Aedan led a book drive at Xavier in late September, during which about 430 books were brought in by students, faculty and staff. Aedan also had collected a few hundred outside of Xavier. “It was a good opportunity to help,” Aedan said. Said Milena: "Wow. Aedan and I are overwhelmed with appreciation and we are so proud to be a part of the amazing Xavier family."
National Honor Society Induction: On Thursday night, Oct. 7, 87 students were inducted into the National Honor Society. Along with current students previously inducted the total of NHS students is 188 this year.
Kunzelman An Eagle Scout: In mid-October Kyle Kunzelman ’24 officially became an Eagle Scout. His project at the1960 Reservoir in Wethersfield involved clearing the land, mulching the area and putting out two picnic tables at the recreation area.
Upcoming Events
Homecoming Football Reception & Game, Nov. 6: Please join us for Homecoming 2021 on Nov. 6. The game is at 6 p.m. at Larry McHugh Field vs. Notre Dame-West Haven. There is a reception in the Xavier Dining Hall at 4 p.m., with some COVID restrictions. The number of guests in the room will be limited but there are plenty of spots available. Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking. There will be hors d'oeuvres plus beer and wine, making it an adult-only occasion. Please RSVP to 860-346-7735, Ext. 737, or to [email protected].
Thanksgiving Family Mass, Sunday, Nov. 28: Join us at Xavier for a 10 a.m. Mass as we give thanks for who we are and all we have been given. Families of all faith traditions are welcome. Please RSVP to Suzanne Berry at 860-346-7735, Ext. 727, or to [email protected].
The 18th Arthur M. Kohs Christmas Tournament, Dec. 27-28: The yearly event is back after last year’s tournament was canceled because of COVID. The schedule -- Monday, Dec. 27: Waterford-Glastonbury, 5:30 p.m.; Valley Regional-Xavier, 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28: Consolation game, 5:30 p.m.; championship game, 7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, will be used as a snow date if necessary.
Alumni Updates
Jim Cannata '85 works in Marketing in Charlotte, N.C. After Xavier he majored in Art at Jacksonville University in Florida. Upon graduation he landed in Atlanta and worked for a few ad agencies before moving to Charlotte in 2009. Back in 1974, after Xavier beat Mercy, raising more money in the Walk-A-Thon, Cannata and classmates Mark Catania and Jim Connolly rigged up Cannata's 1974 Chrysler with a cardboard Falcon head, tail and articulating wings. They drove over to Mercy to gloat.
Scott McGuinness '05 recently walked the stage for commencement exercises at the University of Rochester. He earned a PhD in counseling and counselor education in 2020. Ceremonies were delayed for close to a year and a half by COVID. He is an assistant professor at the school and the son of Bob McGuinness ’73.
Ben Chase '06 will have his first book of poetry, "Here To See It," published this summer. Chase said it has been a goal of his for about 15 years. He has a Masters of Fine Art and is the English Department chair at Christian Heritage School in Trumbull and a Seton Hall adjunct in American Literature.
Greg Marino ’10 works for iCapital Network in a finance merger and acquisition function. Marino also worked at Cantor Fitzgerald for a while. That organization lost 658 employees in the 9/11 attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City, one of those lives being Peter Gelinas ’86. “Cantor always was a somber place on 9/11, and all the lives lost was always hard to wrap your head around,” Marino said. “I have a lot of friends who have a deep connection to Cantor and it'll be one of those things that sticks with me forever.” Recently, on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, he went to the site and paid his respects.
Calvin Platt '14 is a Senior Account Sales Executive with the 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks had not won the title in 50 years. They were the 1971 NBA champs, led that year by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.
Join Our LinkedIn Page
Follow and join us on the Xavier LinkedIn page. It is one more way to network and find out what is happening at Xavier High School.
From The Archives
Soccer then ... The newspaper clipping has the date – 9/28/63 – written in the left corner. The headline: Xavier Wins First Soccer Contest, 5-1. Since this was the first year of the school, there were only freshmen on the team. The Falcons beat the Valley Regional junior varsity team. The coach was Artie Kohs. Seb Emanuele had three goals for Xavier, and Gerry Kosicki and Mike DeBaise had one each.
And soccer now ... Xavier just completed an unbeaten season at 14-0-2 and is the top seed in the SCC playoffs, which start Saturday. The Falcons are ranked No. 1 in the CSCA large school poll and are the top-rated team by the CIAC in Class LL.
SCC Champs Yet Again!
Different year, same results: For the sixth straight year and the 14th time overall, the Xavier varsity runners brought home the SCC title on Oct. 20. In the day's championship race, Eamon Burke '22 led the way with an individual title in a blazing 15:35.20 to pace the team to a 21-point victory over Daniel Hand. Burke's time was a personal best. Fittingly, in a season in which he continues to make his presence felt, he was named the SCC Cross Country Runner of the Year.
Brody Santagata '22 also had a big race, finishing in 16:19 for fourth place. Other top finishers for Xavier, which placed six runners in the top 18 on its way to scoring 52 points, were Josh Lesniak (14th, 16:50); Jacob Kirejczyk (16th, 17:02); Alex Ushchak (17th, 17:05); and Sam Simko (18th, 17:08). Next up: the Class L Championship on Saturday.
In Memoriam
Lost And Not Yet Found
September 2021 Newsletter
Another Successful Alumni Golf Event
The Mercy-Xavier Walk-A-Thon Is Back!
The Mercy-Xavier Walk-A-Thon is back on the calendar after a long hiatus. For 25 years, starting in 1974, the walk-a-thon was a competitive schoolwide fundraising event that helped both schools. This year at Xavier, instead of the Ad Drive, we renew this tradition. The goal at Xavier is to raise at least $100,000. The money supports all of Xavier's clubs and activities, academic programs, athletic events, and the arts. The 2021 campaign culminates with a walk on the Xavier track, activities, food trucks, music and much more. If you are interested in a sponsorship, please contact Associate Director of Advancement Greg Jaskot at [email protected]. You can also visit https://tinyurl.com/4z8nt68y to support Xavier for this year’s Walk-A-Thon.
Message From Alumni Association President
Your Alumni Association kicked off the year with our first meeting that included three new Board members. We are proud to welcome Mike Edelson '08, Sal Nesci '14 and Troy DeLeon '16 to the Board and look forward to their contribution to our membership, with a focus on developing the Young Alumni Committee. Our first Xavier Motorcycle Ride provided great weather, excellent roads, and great company, ending in everyone arriving safely for a warm cup of coffee at Perkatory, a Xavier/Mercy-owned business. We have exciting programing this year to support fellow alumni and current students. Consider yourself invited to be a part of this year’s socials, Speaker Series, Career and College Fairs, and much more. We hope this year provides opportunities to get our membership together.
-- Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President, [email protected]
Open House On Oct. 17
Xavier is having an Open House from 1-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 17. If you know of any families that might be interested, please pass on the word. Registration is at xavierhighschool.org.
Around The Campus
- The Opening Of School Mass celebrated by the Most Rev. Michael Cote, Bishop of the Norwich Diocese, was on Tuesday, Sept. 7. Bishop Cote reminded the students that the start of the new school year is a time to come with “expectant faith. We come with open minds and hearts to learn and grow. We are an ordinary people chosen by God to do extraordinary things. Because of God’s grace all things are possible for us.”
- Aidan Higgins ’22 has been named a National Merit semifinalist. Each year, approximately 1.5 million students entered the National Merit Scholarship program by taking the PSAT in their junior year. Of those students, approximately 16,000 were recognized nationally as semifinalists for their outstanding performance. Higgins is now eligible to become a finalist.
- Seven named Commended Students: Andrei Abarientos, Adam Chasse, Stephen King, Matt O’Connor, Mario Pugliese, Will Schneider, and Liam Sheeley, each a member of the Class of 2022, have been named Commended Students in the National Merit Scholarship Program.
- Xavier opened the school day on Friday, Sept. 10, by remembering all who died in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Included among those was Peter Gelinas '86. It was the 20th anniversary of that horrible day.
- The Grandparents Mass was celebrated on Sunday, Sept. 12 in the gymnasium with many families attending. The family Mass is one of the most popular events on the calendar.
- The Xavier cross country team's opening meet on Friday, Sept. 10, was extra special as the Falcons kicked off the 2021 season with their 50th consecutive victory, a streak that started on Oct. 19, 2015. That streak hit 56 as the Falcons headed into Saturday's SCC Divisional Championships.
- The Xavier soccer team is unbeaten at 5-0-1 after knocking off Fairfield Prep 3-1 on Tuesday. Prep entered the game 7-0 and ranked first in the GameTimeCT boys soccer poll. Xavier was ranked sixth. The Falcons play Friday night at 7 on the road against Shelton.
- The Xavier football team was ranked No. 8 in the GameTimeCT preseason high school football poll and won its first two games by a combined score of 87-31. The Falcons are now 2-1 with a big game Saturday night at home at 7 p.m. vs. St. Joseph.
Upcoming Alumni Events
Nov. 6: Homecoming Football Game vs. Notre Dame-West Haven, 6 p.m. There is a reception in the Dining Hall at 4 p.m., but due to COVID that part of the event is restricted to the first 100 who reply with an RSVP to a recent invitation by email. Masks are required at the reception. Hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer are served, which makes it an adult-only event.
Nov. 28: The next Mass for the extended community is the Thanksgiving Family Mass. RSVP's will be requested. Watch for an invitation by email.
Dec. 2: SFX and Heritage Society Reception, Griswold Inn, by invitation only. Watch for an invitation by email.
Class of 1976 Reunion Postponed
The Class of 1976 Reunion has been postponed until summer 2022.
Alumni News
Preston Zdrojeski '17 graduated from the Connecticut State Police Academy in ceremonies held at Dunkin Donuts Park in Hartford in late August. Preston is a member of Troop C in Tolland. His father Rob also is a State Trooper and pinned the badge on his son at the graduation ceremonies.
Corey Fagan '07 is a civil engineer for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
Connor Dwyer ’19 is a junior at Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business. He is the Director of Analytics for the Fordham baseball team and in March was chosen to be part of the first analytics and player development department in Independent Professional Baseball. He spent the summer working in Florence, KY, for the Florence Y’alls.
In Memoriam
In each monthly newsletter we will remember those in the Xavier community that have passed away that month and others that have come to our attention. We remember:
Stephen G. Cobb, Class of 1967: For the obituary please click HERE.
Robert Tringali, Class of 1974: For the obituary please click HERE.
John D. McKeown, Class of 1978: For the obituary please click HERE.
Richard Michael Shafrick, Class of 1980: For the obituary please click HERE.
Lost And Not Yet Found
In each month's newsletter we will list some alumni for whom we do not have contact information. If you know how to reach them, please have them email [email protected] one or more of the following: phone number, email, address. Thank you. This month's names: Sean Zisk '81, Richard Zipoli '68, Ryan Ziolkowski '91, Joseph Zinkiewicz '82, Michael Zinkiewicz '80, Richard Zawisa '83, Anthony Zasciurinkas '82, Jason Wyer '90, Brendan Wood '78.
Alumni newsletters are archived on our website, xavierhighschool.org, under the Alumni & Giving section. If you know of an alumni who is not getting the newsletter, please have them email [email protected] with their name, address, email address and phone number. You also can email [email protected] with any alumni news or news tips.
Xavier has two websites, xavierhighschool.org, for general school news and content, and xavierfalcons.com for sports content, from schedules and results to team rosters and news.
August 2021 Newsletter
A Message From Our Alumni President
I hope you enjoyed a safe and happy few months as the beginning of the school year closes the summer of 2021. Your alumni committee remained active and sponsored an alumni social on July 18, and as a true mark of success, we had nearly all decades of Xavier alumni represented, and everyone stayed until the end of the event.
We have a great year ahead and I hope you will take an active part. As we commit to bringing alumni together this year, we will sponsor social events and reach as many interests as possible. To that end, on Sunday, Sept. 19, we will have a motorcycle tour beginning and ending at Perkatory Coffee Roasters in Middletown (alumni-owned business). We will meet at 7:30 a.m. for a 50-mile ride, arriving back for coffee at around 9 a.m. You are welcome to ride or join us for coffee. We are open to your ideas and energy, and you are always welcome to let us know your thoughts at [email protected].
-- Brian Farrell '86, Alumni Association President
Our Simplicity Prayer
The Xaverian value for this school year will be “simplicity,” and Brother Philip Revell, C.F.X., has written a prayer to be utilized throughout the 2021-2022 academic year:
“Loving God, look upon us with kindness and draw our hearts to you, that we may treasure your love and goodness above all else. In simplicity of heart and mind keep us in the way of your beloved Son who taught us to seek your Kingdom above all created things. Fill us with the generosity that sees the face of Jesus in all whom we meet. Give us a spirit of generosity to respond to the needs of the poor and afflicted and help us to live simply so that all people may share in the bounty of your creation. Amen.”
Thirty-Eight Years Later ...
Two 1983 grads recently caught up with each other: Paul Kostacopoulos and Michael Lombardo. Kostacopoulos is the head baseball coach at the U.S. Naval Academy and Lombardo is a 1987 Naval Academy graduate. Kostacopoulos will begin his 17th season as the Navy coach in 2022; he is the program’s second-winningest head coach with 481 victories. In 30-plus years as a head coach at the college level he has a record of 985-652-7 (.601). Lombardo's son, who is in high school, was playing in a travel baseball tournament and had games at Navy. Lombardo is an Assistant Vice President at Valkyrie Enterprises, in the Washington, D.C., area.
Around The Campus
More than 100 incoming seniors attended the The 50th Xavier Leadership Institute (XLI). The banners they built to welcome the freshman class hang in the gym. Last week, our freshmen came here for the annual Falcon Blast in which seniors participated. This week orientation for sophomores was Monday, for juniors on Tuesday. Tomorrow (Sept. 1) freshmen and seniors are here. First day of classes for everyone is Thursday (Sept. 2).
Xavier senior Drew Kron represented high school students and student-athletes by speaking at a recent joint press conference between the CIAC, the state's high school sports governing body; and the Connecticut Department of Health. The press conference was to promote vaccinations for all high school students and was attended by many dignitaries who also spoke, including Gov. Ned Lamont and Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz. Part of Kron's message: "To all my fellow student-athletes out there who have not been activated yet, I encourage you to sign up and stay in the game." Kron, 17, who plays football and baseball at Xavier, has already accepted a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Connecticut.
Gabe Chavez '23 has made the U-17 Peru National Soccer Team. Chavez played at Oakwood in Glastonbury and then for an NYCFC program. NYCFC is New York City Football Club, a pro team in MLS (Major League Soccer), which has various youth programs and academies. From there he caught the eye of the soccer federation in Peru and made their U-17 National Team.
After one year of “retirement,” Ms. Jayne Vitale is back. She will be teaching art classes in a part-time roll and moderating the art club. She retired after the 2019-2020 school year after 34 years at Xavier but has returned, a benefit to the school and its students. She impacted a lot of lives in those 34 years. Wrote one person on Facebook after we had written a story in 2020 on her retirement: “Hands down, one of the best souls I have ever encountered!” Always present and always involved in all things Xavier. She has shaped many young men over the years and each of us is better for having her as a teacher and mentor.”
Calendar
Sept. 10: Alumni Golf Classic, Portland Golf Course. ... First football game, vs. Norwich Free Academy, 7 p.m., Larry McHugh Field, Xavier.
Sept. 12: Grandparent's Mass, 10 a.m., reception, 11 a.m., at Xavier (all are welcome; please RSVP to Suzanne Berry at 860-346-7735, Ext. 737, or to [email protected].
In Memoriam
A Few Reminders
July 2021 Newsletter
Remembering Brother Houlihan
This is from a eulogy by Brother Robert J. Green, C.F.X., who was at Xavier from 1979-1985 and is the Director of Xaverian House in Danvers, Mass., where many Xaverian Brothers now reside. "Living with Bob Houlihan was as you'd imagine it to be: not particularly quiet and monastic, but welcoming, and marked by energy and laughter and disagreements and discussions. Houli was never unkind nor a man of few words, and he would have us believe his opinions were most often correct. He loved being with the Brothers, and relished times at home on Orchard Street and at other North Shore sites with family members, neighbors and friends."
Click HERE for Brother Houlihan's obituary.
Walk-A-Thon & Other Campus Happenings
Upgraded Furniture, Thanks To Class Of '21
Each year senior class representatives reach a consensus on a senior gift idea that will help students for years to come. A letter is then sent to all seniors and their parents. Since this was the Class of 2021, the request was for each student to contribute $20.21.
This year the money went toward new furniture to replace the existing furniture that needed upgrading. Due to the generosity of the senior class and the students' parents, there are 17 new chairs in the front foyer and outside the Dining Hall to serve students as a place to study and socialize before and after school. The furniture has power outlets and USB ports.