celebrating 150 years - La Salle College High School

March 2008
Volume Seventeen
Number 7
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
www.lschs.org
Dear Parents and Guardians,
The ides of March are upon us! With almost two months of winter behind us, we can begin to think
about spring. This March is unique because of the early Easter. Our students will celebrate a special Lenten
liturgy before departing for the break and I encourage you and your family to celebrate the many services
surrounding Holy Week and Easter. Such a family celebration will be a great example to our young men.
On March 2, 2008, the Alumni Association will induct two members into our Hall of Fame and recognize
two dedicated individuals with the William J. Whelan ’55 Service Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame
will be A. Edward Allinson ’52 and Florence Ward. Our Allinson House is named in honor of Ed, who is a
major contributor to our school’s success as well as a former member of our Board of Trustees. Florence
will be the first woman awarded with this honor and she richly deserves it. She has served La Salle as
both a long-time employee of our Development Office, a hostess for so many Alumni events, and is the
mother of one of our grads – Jim Ward ‘72. At the ceremony, we will also honor William Regli ’58 and
John Steinmetz ’77 for their dedicated service to La Salle and its alumni.
I wish to congratulate the more than eighty young men who will be
inducted into our National Honor Society this month. These boys
represent the four qualities of Character, Knowledge, Leadership, and
Service that are so essential to a Lasallian education. They are to be
congratulated on their hard work and many talents.
Our winter sports season will soon come to an end. I want to
congratulate our student athletes and their coaches for representing
La Salle so well. Our spring teams are running right on their heels with
Lacrosse, Crew, and Tennis having their first competitions. Other spring
season teams will follow in April. Your support and presence at meets
and games is always most welcome.
C E L E B R AT I N G
15 0 Y E A R S
Our students are to be commended for their support of our annual
Mission Appeal. This year’s support will be directed to the Brothers’
works in Africa. Our twin school in Africa is the Bishop Ndingi Center
for Skills Formation located in Nakuru, Kenya. Special thanks to Brother
William DiPasquale, FSC for his leadership of this drive.
You can’t visit campus without noticing the progress on our new
building addition and athletic fields. Activity at both sites is in full gear
with delivery of both projects planned for early August. Please mark
your calendar for Sunday, October 5, 2008 for the dedication of these
facilities and celebration of our Sesquicentennial Anniversary – 150
years of Lasallian education in the Delaware Valley. Cardinal Justin
Regali is planning to join us for this joyous occasion.
Enjoy the warming days of an early spring.
Sincerely yours,
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60
President
The Sesquicentennial Celebration
includes banners throughout our
campus that depict the people and
places that are La Salle College High
School. One such banner depicts
1240 North Broad Street. In 1882, the
Christian Brothers acquired the mansion
of Michael Bouvier – a prominent
Philadelphia banker – located on Broad
Street near Girard Avenue. The site,
commonly referred to as ‘1240,” was
the home of La Salle College High
School until the 1920’s when the school
relocated to the Wister Woods section
of Philadelphia and the campus of
La Salle College.
What A Glorious Feeling!
Singin’ In The Rain
Based on the 1952 MGM musical/film starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and
Debbie Reynolds, Singin’ in the Rain is the story of the making of the first Hollywood musical.
It features all the style and spectacle of a golden age and a succession of unforgettable songs,
including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make ‘em Laugh’, ‘Moses Supposes’ and,
of course, ‘Singin’ in the Rain’.
Thursday, April 3, 2008 – 7:30 pm
Friday, April 4, 2008 – 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 5, 2008 – 7:30 pm
Sunday, April 6, 2008 – 2:00 pm
3
Office of the Principal
Joseph L. Marchese
Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Easter will be here shortly – the holiest time in the Church’s calendar. We must always remember the great sacrifice that
Jesus made because of his love for us – and the promise that lives on for us as a result of his glorious resurrection. Our
Easter Recess this year begins on Thursday, March 20, 2008. Please take time during the Easter Break to celebrate the
promise of Easter! Classes will resume on Monday, March 31, 2008.
I am pleased to announce that over 265 members of the Class of 2012 have registered for next year’s freshman
class. That being said, we already have begun recruiting the Class of 2013! Our Seventh Grade Practice Test will be
administered on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 8:30 am. If you know of any worthy candidates please encourage them to
consider La Salle and take our practice test or contact the Admissions Office.
Please take note of three important dates in March. The National Honor Society Induction will occur on Sunday, March
9, 2008 at 10:00 AM. The Third Quarter Marking Period ends on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 and report cards will be
distributed after Easter Recess on Wednesday, April 2, 2008.
This spring, La Salle will undergo for the first time a Lasallian Assessment, organized by the Office of Education of the
Baltimore District of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. This collegial review and reflection will assess the Catholic
and Lasallian character of our school. The assessment process essentially has two components: a self-study and a oneday collegial visit. During the month of February the Lasallian Ministry Council conducted a self-study – reflecting on
five Lasallian goals and preparing a state of the school in these areas. On Monday, March 10, 2008, four visitors with
experience in Lasallian schools will conduct numerous interviews with all representatives of the school community.
The visiting team will be charged with reporting back to the La Salle administration about what their interviews and
observations told them about the Catholic and Lasallian nature of our school. As with last year’s Middle States visit,
La Salle will take advantage of this opportunity to engage the school community in meaningful reflection and strategic
planning about our core Lasallian values. Ultimately, this type of review will deepen La Salle’s understanding of and
commitment to these values, contributing to the wider educational community of the Baltimore District.
Finally, I would like to congratulate all eight of our National Merit Semifinalists for attaining Finalist standing. Seniors
Kevin Hughes, David Loughery, Gerard Lutes, William Maslin, Michael Mele, Paul Orner, Andrew Palazzo, and John
Sperger are now in a group of just 15,000 students nationwide who will compete for 8,200 National Merit Scholarships.
Please join me in congratulating these fine young men for their wonderful academic achievement.
Happy Easter!
Sincerely yours,
Joseph L. Marchese
Principal
Semester Honor Role Announced
This issue of The Belcroft proudly lists our
honor students who have worked long and
hard to attain their exemplary academic status.
Congratulations to them for attaining such a
high academic distinction. There an inspiration
to our school and Lasallian community.
4 The Belcroft March
Office of Student Affairs
Julia K. Maher
Assistant Principal for Student Affairs
School Sponsored Busing
Microsoft Professionals
Information on private transportation to La Salle from
Bucks County and Philadelphia will be mailed to families
who are already using this service by the middle of April.
Anyone else who would be interested in more information,
please contact the Student Affairs Office (215) 233-2911.
Please congratulate Kyle Leprevost, John Madrak, Joe
Petrellis, and John Stumpo for becoming our newest
Microsoft Certified Professionals in Managing and
Maintaining a Windows 2003 Server system. Most schools
in the Delaware Valley do not even have one person that
is certified by Microsoft to run a Server 2003 network.
Currently, La Salle College High School has five students,
with several more taking the exams shortly. We are in
good hands!
Battle Of The Bands
The 4th Battle of the Bands will be held on Friday,
February 22, 2008 from 6:30 to 10:00 pm. Student
interest in this event has grown since its beginnings with
many more groups of La Salle students planning
to audition in order to compete. More information and
results will be published in the next issue of The Belcroft.
100 Day Celebration
A new event has been added to the La Salle schedule –
100 Days to Graduation - a celebration for the seniors.
On Thursday, February 28, 2008, the students were treated
to a Pasta Dinner and entertainment by hypnotist Kevin
Hurley compliments of the Mothers Club Fran Johnson
Mini Grant.
Student Council Mixer
The last mixer of the school year is scheduled for Friday,
March 14, 2008. The dance will feature the music of
Solid Ground. Remind your sons that only males from La
Salle are eligible to attend. Some girl tickets will again be
available through La Salle.
Campus Store
Barbara Wisotzkey
Gerry Clark
The School Store attempts to meet the needs of all
students, so we carry all required paperbacks for English,
Social Studies, and Religion.
March brings a hint of spring and our shelves still hold
a nice selection of old favorites. The Nicole Miller ties,
boxers, and scarves are now a steal at $5.00 each. The
store is open daily from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.
Lost and found is located in the school store and has an
assortment of shoes, coats, and sweatshirts. Please ask
your son(s) to check for lost items.
Pope Pius Award
Congratulations to Patrick Cero, Will Fisco, and Matt
McGovern who received the Pope Pius Award from
Cardinal Justin Regali on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the
Basillica in Center City. The award is presented to Boy
Scouts are requires that the boys attend special classes for
a period of consecutive Sundays.
Academic Decathalon
La Salle College High School won the Eastern Regional
Academic Decathalon Competition held at Montgomery
County Community College on Monday, February 4,
2008. La Salle won the championship for the first time
by dethroning North Penn High School. Congratulations
to Moderators Joe Lynch ’61 and Rob Russell along with
their team of Champions: John Corr, Will Dearden, John
DeLucca, Brendan Fitzpatrick, Kelvin Lam, Dave Dougherty,
Pat Monahan, Pat White, and Lance Fagan. Next stop
is Penn State University on March 8-9, 2008 for the
State Championship.
5
Office of Academic Affairs Office
Thomas R. Barna
Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs
2008-2009 Registration
Classical Languages At La Salle
By now each family should have received a registration
letter from Academic Affairs announcing that course
selection for the 2008-2009 school year is about to begin.
As explained in the mailing, this requires a $50 annual
fee due Friday, February 29, 2008. A student will not be
allowed to participate in the process unless this financial
obligation is complete. Additionally, a second letter
was mailed providing parents with password and log-in
information relative to using the Naviance course selection
software. We hope you have found both communiqués
helpful. As mentioned above, registration for the
2008-2009 school year is taking place at this moment.
Historically, Academic Affairs sets aside the month of
March for this purpose. Students will finish submitting
their requests in late March and early April. As soon as
a student’s selections are approved by their appropriate
counselor, a “parent sign-off sheet” will show up in your
son’s Naviance account under “course requests”. This
form will serve as a verification of his course requests. The
student and his parents should review this document to
make sure that the courses listed are those he needs and/
or requested for next year. Alternates are not listed.
If there are any problems or errors, the student should see
his counselor as soon as possible. After Thursday,
May 1, 2008, all course selections will be final. It is during
the month of May that resources are secured, the school’s
master schedule created, and the rostering of students
for classes begins. Please respect this deadline. If you
have questions or concerns about placements in World
Language (Mrs. Donahue or Mrs. Zoeltsch), Math (Mr.
Ponisciak), or Science (Mr. Gillespie), please contact the
appropriate department chair in these areas. Other, more
specific concerns in placement should be forwarded to the
appropriate department chairperson or A.P. teacher.
by William A. Geiger ’72
Latin and Greek Instructor
The scheduling of students at La Salle takes a number of
months to complete and is an arduous task since we are
attempting to build individualized rosters for nearly 1,100
students. Thus, once a roster is complete and the school
year begins, that is the student’s roster. We are unable and
cannot honor requests for specific teachers, lunch periods,
or early dismissals (unless supported by compelling
educational reasons). Please respect this request.
Remember that the start of school is not the time to create
or recreate a roster. We simply do not have the manpower
to schedule our students at their leisure. Your support of
our efforts here is greatly appreciated.
Graduation
As is the custom at La Salle, we would like to know if there
are any graduates of the Class of 2008 who have members
of the clergy in their families who would like to participate
in the Baccalaureate Mass. If you have a family member
who is a priest, and he would like to concelebrate the
Mass at graduation, please contact Mrs. Suzanne Russo
(ext. 3035) by Friday, May 2, 2008 at (215) 233-2911.
In addition to the exciting and varied course offerings
in La Salle’s World Language Department, two ancient
languages are well represented. Latin, which has had a
long history at La Salle, is covered by a three-year course
sequence, possibly beginning in a student’s sophomore
year with Latin I. Students can elect to take Latin in any of
their sophomore, junior or senior years, but students tend
to get the best background with more than one year.
The Latin classes at La Salle use the Ecce Romani text to
bring the ancient language to life, along with cultural
discussions and demonstrations of Roman history and
culture. Latin I looks at the everyday life of the Romans by
way of studying the family of Cornelius, a wealthy Roman
senator. Latin II continues the story, emphasizing new
vocabulary and grammar, and Latin III begins a survey of
Roman authors like Caesar, Cicero, Horace, Catullus,
and Vergil.
Since March is registration time at La Salle, freshmen
are urged to look at Latin as their sophomore elective,
but whether for one year or three, Latin provides a solid
background in vocabulary and grammar for students to
sharpen their own language skills. Emphasis in Latin I and II
is placed on the language itself, and each chapter features
a unit on English vocabulary building. From the Latin verb
scrībere, for example, which has the bases scrīb-, script-,
students would learn words such as inscribe, conscript,
conscription, inscription, describe, indescribable, prescribe,
proscribe, etc. In class we often use the metaphor of a
tree with the Latin word bases as the “trunk” and the
derivatives as the “branches.” However it is viewed, Latin
can give a firm base for students wishing to increase their
knowledge of English vocabulary and English grammar and
the culture of the Romans is always interesting to view.
In addition to Latin, La Salle also offers Greek I, a course
emphasizing grammar, vocabulary, history and culture.
In the same way Latin can help build a student’s English
vocabulary, Greek can likewise help. And it’s always fun to
study a whole new alphabet.
6 The Belcroft March
Men of Intellect
Class of 2008
First Honors
Matthew K. Abel
Robert C. Abramo
MatthewJ. Antonello
Eric F. Au
Raymond J. Barker, Jr.
James F. Behr
Thomas S. Bender
Victor Benvenuto
Mario J. Bianchini
Christopher C. Birzes
John J. Blanke
Joshua A. Brooks
Daniel Buesking
Christian S. Carey
Alexander T. Ciliberto
Nathan C. Clapper
Stanley E. Cooper
Joseph T. Corcoran
Thomas J. Cosella
Michael A. Curley
Brendan M. DaCosta
John F. DeLucca
Anthony J. DePaul, Jr.
John P. DiIulio
Stephen P. Dolan III
Thomas R. Dougherty
James C. Driscoll, Jr.
John M. Dronson
Kyle L. Dufresne
John T. Duke
Evan A. Dysart
Michael S. Erickson
Lance J. Fagan
Mark A. Franzen
Andrew D. Galbally
George J. Gresko
Matthew M. Gulkis
Brett G. Haenn
James L. Hagerty
John Harrison V
Eric R. Heisner
Kevin M. Hughes
Anthony P. Kent
Stephen P. Kernytsky
Thomas C. Kerr
Thomas J. Laessig, Jr.
Brian J. Ledder
Matthew R. Lees
Anthony D. Liberato
Ryan M. Lindsay
Ryan M. Logan
David R. Loughery
Daniel P. Lowry
Gerard T. Lutes
Matthew J. Lynch
Remy D. Lynn
Ira Edward Manalo
Michael T. Marra-Powers
Robert F. Marzullo
William W. Maslin III
Michael V. McCabe
Terence J. McCarrick
Joseph P. McCollum
Michael F. Mele
Patrick R. Melvin
Shaun J. Menkhaus
Nathan D. Meyers
Sean M. Moffa
Sean E. Montgomery
Matthew P. Mooney
Patrick M. Moran
Patrick J. Morrow
Daniel A. Murphy
Jeffrey K. Murtha
Brent H. Nesbitt
Nicholas T. Nocero
Matthew E. Okerson
Michael C. Oliver
Paul S. Orner
Andrew M. Palazzo
Robert J. Powers
Louis J. Raieta
Michael R. Rajnherc
Ben T. Ramapuram
Jason M. Raschiatore
Matthew J. Razzano
Conrad T. Ridgway
Jason K. Rivkin
Michael V. Rongione
Thomas M. Smart
John H. Sperger
Brian R. Splane
Devon N. Teichman
Julian J. Tucker
Frank V. Wallace
Ryan M. Warrender
George R. Weber
Ryan P. White
Gregory T. Woods
Kyle J. Zoldy
Second Honors
Brendan S. Ahern
Ian G. Barnett
Thomas S. Barr
Christopher M. Becher
Paul M. Benyovszky, Jr.
Dean L. Buonomo
Tyler J. Caracausa
Richard F. Chiodo
Brian P. Collins
Brendan M. Dalton
Matthew T. Day
Matthew C. Dwyer
Christopher J. Fasy
Michael D. Ferrino
John J. Fischer
Bernard J. Fitzgerald
Michael J. Furlong
Shane M. Hoffman
Joseph J. Houldin III
Matthew J. Inglese
Shawn R. Jacobsen
Christopher J. Johnson
Matthew J. Kohler
Kelvin Lam
Matthew D. Lamson
Daniel J. Luque
Patrick X. McGann
Steven J. Modres
Timothy F. Mondimore
Samuel A. Morgan
Francis J. Pierson
William J. Rooney
Matthew H. Schelkun
Kevin M. Shields
Matthew W. Smeltzer
David M. Szekeres
Tristan R. Tschoepe
Anthony K. Witkowski
Stephen A. Zegalia
Class of 2009
First Honors
Erik J. Anderson
Ryan A. Anella
Timothy M. Asztalos
Paul T. Belcher
Michael A. Bonavitacola
William P. Brennan
Michael W. Cassidy
James P. Catalino
Michael D. Cline
Thomas F. Corr
Christian A. Cruz
Brendan E. Cummings
William G. Dearden
Brian M. Delaney
Ross E. Denczi
David J. Dickson
Louis D. DiGiacomo
Patrick D. Dohony
Alexander J. Drost
Kyle M. Finlay
Sean P. Fisher
Patrick J. Gallagher
Patrick J. Gavin, Jr.
Sean T. Gillespie
Zachary J. Good
Douglas W. Hopkins
Neil P. Hubbert
Matthew A. Jannetti
Dylan P. Johnson
Kevin G. Johnson
Daniel J. Kane
Brendan M. Kearney
Robert A. Kelly
Mark R. Kinslow
Andrew W. Kittka
Tyler Knarr
Christopher R. Kraeher
James M. Lagreca
Ryan R. Lonergan
Robert F. Long
Thomas E. Maher, Jr.
Ryan N. Marcante
Matthew P. McCullough
Daniel J. McDonald
Michael P. McKibbin
Kyle D. McMahon
Gregory J. Morozzi
Matthew C. Murtha
Tyler A. Nase
Drew M. Needham
Jared A. Neri
Michael P. Noone
Christopher M. Nucero
Paul A. Nucero
Kellen G. O’Neill
Shawn P. O’Neill
Gregory B. Palko
Ryan M. Patrick
James D. Pecora
Philip J. Posen, Jr.
Eric C. Reale
Andrew G. Reynolds
Nicholas C. Rizzuto
Matthew E. Roland
Thomas J. Rose
Alexander R. Rotzal
Patrick J. Samanns
Jeffrey E. Schill
Matthew J. Schmitz
Peter J. Schwartz
Ryan S. Sen
Kevin T. Seybert
Andrew P. Speese
Matthew C. Stewart
John E. Stumpo
William J. Torres
Michael P. Tubolino
Steven M. Tucker
Jonathan W. Walsh
Matthew C. White
Bryan P. Williams
Jonathan C. Wilt
Second Honors
Sean E. Abbott
Christopher M. Becker
Daniel Berger
Derek J. Bogorowski
John S. Borrell
Brian J. Callahan
Colin G. Canny
Nicholas J. Carboni
Sean P. Carlin
Ronald J. Comber
William L. Crooks
Timothy P. Daly
Mark R. Dieckman
Anthony J. DiNardo
Tucker Durkin
Matthew S. Engle
Jesse A. Ferrino
Brendan E. Fitzpatrick
Ryan K. Fitzpatrick
Michael J. Hagan
Joshua R. Houser
Sean F. Kiely
John A. Lamprecht
Robert W. Law
Thomas M. Lyons III
Jordan M. Malpass
Aaron L. McCoy
Michael J. McGee, Jr.
Paul P. McGee III
William E. McKenney
Matthew G. Merenich
Kevin W. Merlini, Jr.
Matthew Miller
Dennis J. Mizzoni
Patrick D. Monteith
Robert L. Nave, Jr.
Kyle O. Olejniczak
David O. Omojogunra
Maulik Patel
Martin J. Payton IV
Joseph A. Petrellis, Jr.
Joseph J. Radaszewski III
John C. Redmond
John J. Rush
Ian Schieve
Paul B. Szyszko
Brian B. Winning
Paul K. Wisniowski
7
Class of 2010
First Honors
Ryan G. Andris
Mark J. Angelone
Grant D. Atherholt
Christian T. Bach
David A. Beavers
William F. Begley IV
Zachary M. Belinsky
James R. Benischeck
Theodore P. Benner
Thomas J. Benz
Jean P. Bonny
Gregory R. Bono
Daniel M. Bowers
Michael E. Brady
Shane M. Brady
Kevin O. Breen
William K. Burke
Devlin E. Carey
Ryan J. Carlin
Sean P. Carr
Matthew J. Catanese
Patrick T. Cero
Anthony M. Cognetti
John A. Corr
Robert W. Costello
Sean M. Crane
Vincent J. Cuce
Brian D. Derr
Timothy P. Diasio
Christopher M. Edger
Colin A. Eisenschmid
John I. Ericsson
Michael W. Fasano
Kevin P. Foley
Michael R. Foley
Kevin B. Gatti
Dylan P. Gavin
Alexander D. Geck
Richard P. Getts
Matthew R. Grover
Cosmo A. Guerra
Kevin G. Harvey
Patrick E. Heck
Brian P. Higgins
Patrick J. Higgins
Matthew J. Holva
Derek M. Hunter
Sean R. Janda
William D. Kellogg
John P. Klusek
Thomas R. Knab
Peter J. Knowles
Robert J. Kowalski
Theodore C. Kradzinski III
Joseph H. Kwasizur
Patrick J. LaFata
Daniel A. LaMorte
Kyle S. LePrevost
Philip G. Letcavage
Michael E. Lindsay
Dale E. Lintner III
Daniel S. Losier
Brian H. Malone
James T. Markley
Francis M. Martino
Ryan P. McElroy
Matthew T. McGlynn
Brendan P. McGoldrick
Francis X. McGorry
William J. McHugh
Kevin G. Medved
James E. Mills
Nicholas P. Mindicino
Kevin P. Minton
Nicholas E. Molloy
Patrick J. Monahan
Ryan P. Moran
Joseph G. Moroney
Quinlan J. Mulholland
Thomas V. O’Kane, Jr.
Timothy A. Peifer
Robert S. Phillips
Whitney P. Prendergast
Matthew A. Quaglia
Lorenzo V. Quebral
Christopher M. Razzano
Patrick G. Resch
Warren M. Resnick
Dean T. Ripley
Isaac H. Roberts
Allen J. Rodriguez, Jr.
Ryan A. Saraceni
Michael J. Schoen
Nikolas J. Schreiber
Zachary K. Seigel
Andrew G. Sideras
Adam D. Souchik
Connor M. Spielman
Michael A. Stanowski
Andrew J. Staudt
Jeffrey R. Stern
James C. Stevenson
Steven J. Szostak
Heath C. Thomas, Jr.
Joshua O. Thorn
John P. Toner, Jr.
Brendan P. Turner
John B. Ulan
Nicholas J. Volpe, Jr.
Shawn J. Warrender
John A. Weinrich, Jr.
John Rhoads Worster
Brendan W. Zipfel
Logan E. Zysk
Second Honors
Michael J. Banecker
Anthony G. Bianchini
Michael R. Camusi
Christian L. Cardinal
David M. Cinque
Stephen E. Ciufo
Kevin W. Clark
Martin P. D’Amico
Christopher J. DiLaurenzo
James J. DiMezza
John P. Farris II
Laurence P. Finnegan IV
Gregory G. Foos
Michael H. Fox
Nolan A. Funchion
George J. Giovinazzo
Kevin P. Greenfield
Vincent M. Gryscavage III
Michael J. Holland
Nathan S. Kurylo
Stephen P. Mainardi
Daniel J. McBrien
Patrick G. Mellor
Maitland P. Minderjahn
Sean R. O’Connell
Samuel D. Pelone
Onix A. Perez-Mas
Nicholas I. Pilla
Joseph V. Piotrowski IV
Andrew M. Russin, Jr.
Francis J. Schuck, Jr.
Justin T. Trommello
Brian P. Ziff
Class of 2011
First Honors
Ryan E. Abbott
Michael J. Bell, Jr.
Andrew G. Biaesch
Andrew P. Bilotta
Andrew L. Blasek
John P. Bogorowski
Richard P. Brazukas, Jr.
Alexander R. Brecht
Robert Capece
Cameron M. Cappo
Alexander Ronald Carapellotti
Christopher J. Catalino
Steven Collins
John P. Corcoran
Connor J. Daly
Christopher J. Dearolf
Donald J. DeBrakeleer, Jr.
Timothy Diorio
Stefano P. DiPietro
Tyler J. Dunphy
Andrew C. Eckert
Matthew J. Fink
William P. Fisco
Nicholas J. Frazzette
Jeremy D. Fus
William N. Galbally
Matthew J. Gannon
Benedetto T. Giaimo
Kevin P. Gillespie
Alexander M. Holva
Samuel T. Hyder
Jeffrey T. Jaquay
Joshua M. Jaskowiak
Alexander J. Junod
Robert J. Kelly
Patrick C. Kerr
Neil P. Laessig
John R. Lawlor
Joseph M. Lukach
Charles J. Magee
William P. Marble
Charles Del Markward, Jr.
Brian R. McAloon
Timothy J. McCabe
Christopher M. McElroy
Michael H. McNally
Daniel G. Merenich
Dominic S. Mirabile
William F.Mitchell III
James T. Mooney III
Michael J. Mooney
Patrick J. Mulderig
James P. Mullen, Jr.
Conor F. Murphy
Joseph R. Naji
Jacob R. Naseef
Edward F. Nelling III
John P. Nicola
Brian T. O’Donnell
Kenneth J. Orlando, Jr.
Kevin M. Piotrowicz
Michael B. Poncia
John J. Quigley
Paul M. Quinn
Cody W. Ridgway
James W. Rose III
Matthew J. Rose
Adam G. Rotzal
Michael J. Sanders
John J. Santangelo
John R. Schatz
Robert H. Schrupp
Andrew F. Shafer
Nicholas L. Shafer
Michael D. Smith
Thomas R. Smith, Jr.
David P. Speese
Brendan P. Stone
Eric B. Stone
Sean M. Sweeney
Benjamin M. Thackray, Jr.
Thomas E. Trainer
Vincent J. Veneziano
Nicholas M. Walchonski
Andrew W. Wilt
Cole J. Wisdo
Brennan R. Woods
Second Honors
James B. Beerer
Ryan P. Belcher
Jeffery E. Biernat, Jr.
Brendan O. Boyle
Joseph C. Brown
William J. Burger
Nicholas A.Burns
Colin P. Bush
Craig A. Cabrey
Charles W. Cannon
Anthony A. Caporizzo
Nicholas X. Cruice
James N. DeCarlo
Robert J. DeSante
Charles J. Dunton
Joseph A. Dusing
Sean T. Dwyer
Anthony M. Esposito, Jr.
Ryan James Geiger
Stephen R.Gibbons
Casey T. Gillespie
Joseph F. Gottschalk
Joseph C. Harvey
Alexander N. Hicks
Andrew T. Holva
Michael T. Jacobsen
Alexander Jaconski
Jamison P. Kenney
Michael A. Kowalski
Brian J. Lynch
Matthew J. Mahoney
Clayton D. Melsheimer
Frederick A. Mischler
Malcolm H. Nichols
Timothy J. Nolan
Matthew T. Peters
William R. Rate
Daniel P. Schelkun
Brendan H. Schluth
Kieran J. Trainer
8 The Belcroft March
The David Program
John Keenan ’80
Director of The David Program
The David Program is named in honor
of two of La Salle’s most distinguished
educators – Brother David Albert, FSC
and Mr. David Diehl ’55.
Brother David Albert, FSC was a Guidance Counselor at
La Salle College High School from 1940 to 1973. His
persistence, gentleness, and positive encouragement
enabled many young men to continue their education at
La Salle in an era before dyslexia, ADHD, dysgraphia, and
many other learning differences were understood.
Mr. David Diehl ’55, a former Assistant Principal and
Principal, continues his career at La Salle as a counselor,
golf coach, teacher, and Director of Financial Aid.
His firm and steady hand has guided many young men
through troubled times, when their frustrations and
difficulties were not clearly understood by either teachers,
students, or parents.
About The David Program
The David Program at La Salle College High School is an
additional academic support service for students with
specific learning needs. The David Program serves a unique
group of college bound students with documented mild
learning differences in reading, writing, spelling, and/or
math skills, attention issues, organizational difficulties,
or memory processing problems. The students have
a scheduled period each day which empowers them to
develop strategies for academic success. The program does
not ensure success through the artificial manipulation of
grades. The empahasis is on raising the student’s skill levels
by focusing on problem solving, organization,
self-advocacy, and study skills. The goal of the program
is to provide remediation or compensatory strategies to
help each student become as independent a learner as
possible through increased knowledge of his strengths and
weaknesses, applications of appropriate study strategies,
and growth towards self-advocacy.
The David Program, inspired by the educational vision
of St. John Baptist de La Salle, provides a challenging and
nurturing environment for learning. In this tradition
and as part of the Lasallian community, the staff
of the David Program empowers each student to accept
responsibility and achieve his fullest potential. The students
are encouraged to contribute their unique talents and
perspectives to benefit the entire school community.
The David Program staff collaborates with the student,
his parents, other Lasallian faculty, and the school
administration for the student’s academic success.
The David Program is an academic support service that is
available for an additional fee with limited openings each
year. Financial aid is available for qualified families.
Requirements for Admission
In addition to the regular admissions process, the following is
required for admission into the David Program:
• Interview with the Director of the David Program, and a
• Recent psycho-educational or neuropsychological evaluation
David Program Staff
Mr. John Keenan ’80
Director
Ms. Lisa Agnew
Dr. JoAnn Cohen
Mr. Gerald Evans
Mr. Joseph Glacken
The ratio of students to educators in the David Program is 2:1.
Student Population
2007/2008
Total Number of Students
in the David Program 49
Class of 2008 8
Class of 2009 11
Class of 2010 15
Class of 2011 15
Statistics for Recent
Graduates
• The Salutatorian for the
Class of 2006 as well as
the Medalist for Technical
Drawing were students
in the David Program as
were a National Merit
Commended Student as well
as a member of the National
Honor Society.
• The Classes of 2006 and
2007 were accepted
at over forty different
colleges and universities
including:
Albright College
Alvernia College
American University
Arcadia University
Bloomsburg University
of Pennsylvania
Catholic University of America
Chestnut Hill College
Curry College
Duquesne University
De Salle’s University
Drexel University
Elizabethtown College
Hofstra University
Holy Cross College
Holy Family University
Immaculata University
Indiana University
of Pennsylvania
Iona College
Johnson and Wales University
Kings College
Kutztown University
La Salle University
Lock Haven University
Manor Junior College
Marist College
Merrimack College
Monmouth University
Montgomery County
Community College
Mount Saint Mary’s University
Neumann College
Northeastern University
Paul Smith’s College
Penn State University
Philadelphia University
Rider University
Rochester Institute
of Technology
Rutgers University
Slippery Rock College
St. Anselm College
St. Bonaventure University
St. Joseph’s University
Suffolk University
Temple University
West Chester University
Western New England College
Widener University
York College of Pennsylvania
9
College Counseling Center
Mary Kay Mullen
Director of College Counseling
Seniors
Seniors are reminded to be aware of the deadlines for
financial aid information applications (e.g. FAFSA, CSS
Profile, the college’s own financial aid form). A number of
websites including www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.finaid.com,
www.pheaa.org, www.fastweb.com, and www.lschs.org/
college are excellent references regarding financial aid and
scholarships. A list of available scholarships is posted at
www.lschs.org/college, in each senior homeroom, as well
as in the College Counseling Center.
Students who are planning to participate in Division I or
Division II athletics in college must complete the NCAA
Clearinghouse form (www.ncaaclearinghouse.net). NCAA
eligibility requirements can be found at www.lschs.org/
college and in the school calendar.
Seniors are asked to report ALL college acceptances and
scholarship awards to Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell in the
College Counseling Center.
Juniors
Junior Advisory classes are underway for the Class of 2009.
The college counselors will meet with the juniors once a
cycle to discuss the college search and application process.
Topics being discussed are self-discovery, college discovery,
and how to make a good match. A syllabus for the classes
for the semester is available in the “Handbook” section of
the college counseling website: www.lschs.org/college.
As part of the advisory classes, juniors will be required
to complete the Junior Questionnaire that includes the
Personal Data Information section from the Common
Application (www.commonapp.org), questions about their
academic experience, an Activities and Work Experience
Resume, an assessment of their personal characteristics,
and sample essay questions. If this work is thoughtfully
completed the student should be ready to successfully
complete college applications. The required workbook
used in this class is College Match and can be purchased in
the school bookstore.
Parents and students are invited to check out information
about the college search and application process at our
page of La Salle College High School’s website: www.
lschs.org/college. You will find our college counseling
handbook, college planning calendar for juniors,
scholarship information, pre-college summer programs,
NCAA eligibility information, links and resources, and a
syllabus for advisory classes. In addition each college and
university has their own web page which contains specific
information regarding their admission requirements.
According to our current seniors and recent graduates,
visiting college campuses is most important in making
a good decision. It is most informative if the visits occur
while college students are on campus. We strongly
encourage your son to visit during the second semester
and especially over the time provided during Easter Break.
Please encourage your son to make an appointment
with his college counselor as soon as possible. The
class is divided alphabetically by student’s last name:
Brother William DiPasquale A-F
Mr. Gerard M. Brett G-N
Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen O-Z
If you have not done so already, please return the
completed Permission to Release Academic Information
Forms, Criteria Forms, and Parent’s Section to the College
Counseling Center. These forms were sent to your homes
with the letter of invitation to the College Information
Night that was held in early February.
SAT/ACT
Each junior should have taken two of the same
standardized test – either SAT or ACT with writing
component – by the end of second semester junior
year. The complete schedule of test and registration
dates is available at our website, www.lschs.org/college,
www.collegeboard.com (SAT), and www.actstudent.
org (ACT). Those students thinking of applying to very
competitive and selective colleges need to be aware of the
requirements for taking SAT Subject Tests. A list of colleges
that require SAT Subject tests can be found at www.lschs.
org/college.
Registration
Registration for next year’s academic courses will take
place for juniors in March. Keep in mind the most
important criteria in the college selection process – GPA
in college preparatory courses (English, math, science,
social studies, world language). It is most important that
a student maintain the most challenging course load
according to his level of ability in senior year.
10 The Belcroft March
Summer Programs
Terence P. Gillespie ‘82
Director of Summer Program
Summer Session 2008
SAT Course
June 23, 2008 through July 25, 2008
Monday through Friday
8:30 am to 1:00 pm
Tuition: $890
Transportation: $240 additional
(Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays)
June 24, 2008 through July 24, 2008
Pre-7th Grade
Academic Enrichment Program
Open to Girls and Boys
Entering the 7th Grade
La Salle offers a program centering on reading and writing,
math, art, science and computer skills. Students attend
daily classes in reading, writing and math. The core classes
are supplemented by hands-on lab workshops in art,
science and computer education which meet on alternate
days throughout the program.
Pre-8th Grade
Academic Enrichment and Test Preparation
Open to Girls and Boys
Entering the Eighth Grade
La Salle offers a program centering on reading and writing,
math, art, science and computer skills and preparation for
high school entrance examinations. Students prepare for
high school entrance tests through one full-scale practice
test and through shorter, weekly practice units.
Summer Session Scholarship Exam
Saturday April 5, 2008
9:00 am
Scholarship Value
$395 for Pre 7th Grade Program
$445 for Pre 8th Grade Program
$35 fee (deductible from session tuition)
For further information, please contact us at
(215) 233-2911, ext. 4175 or summer@lschs.org
Visit us on the web at www.lschs.org
and choose Summer Programs tab.
SAT Math
8:30 to 10:30 am
Cost $300
This twenty hour course reviews the basic principles of
Arithmetic, Algebra, Probability, Statistics, Data Analysis,
Geometry and Trigonometry. Strategies are introduced for
handling the new SAT problems involving these principles.
Students will use ten SAT tests to learn principles and
strategies so that they will become comfortable with the
formatting and type of questions on the actual test.
SAT Critical Reading
10:30 to 11:30 am
Cost $150
This course will focus on reading comprehension, sentence
completion and paragraph length critical reading.
SAT Writing
11:30 to 1:00 pm
Cost $225
This course will be devoted to helping the student
organize and express his or her ideas more clearly. It will
also reinforce correct grammar, usage and word choice.
These twenty-five hour courses begin with a series of
diagnostic tests, which focus on sentence completions,
analogies, reading comprehension, and written English.
The new SAT requirements are stressed along with a
general review of test taking strategies. There are practice
tests given during the five weeks of the course and a
Review Class prior to the PSAT and October SAT. It is
strongly advised that a student enroll in both courses;
however, the option exists to take just one.
Enrollment in all Three Course
Cost $625
All courses are open to students – male or female – from
any area school.
To register for any course(s), please go to our website
www.lschs.org and click on the Summer Programs tab and
print out the registration form.
11
Men of Respect
Thank you to the committee members, volunteers, those who attended the event, donated a gift, made a
cash donation, purchased a raffle ticket, took an ad, or participated in any way. The evening was a huge
success due to the tremendous support received from the entire La Salle community. Over $300,000 was
raised and the proceeds will be used for a variety of needs, including facility and technology enhancements,
student service programs, faculty development programs, and financial aid.
March for Life
by Dan Murphy ’08
“HEY HEY…HO HO…ROE v. WADE HAS GOT TO GO!!”
This common chant, along with numerous others was
easily audible during this year’s 35th annual March For Life
in historical Washington, DC. On January 20, 2008 more
than forty La Salle students made the journey to the steps
of the Supreme Court to support the effort to overturn the
1973 abortion decisions.
It was only proper for the annual protest to commence
on the steps of the Supreme Court, where the 1973
court decision legalizing abortions was finalized. A couple
hundred thousand marchers were expected to make the
procession this year. The students were chaperoned by
Mr. Collins, Mr. Puntel, Brother Richard Kestler, and
Father Janton. Year after year, these dedicated adults voice
their adamant opinions in opposition to legalized abortion.
The day was kicked off with an amazing mass given
by Father Janton in a side chapel of the Basilica of
the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in
the heart of Washington, DC. And what an incredible
experience this was! The students were then given the
opportunity to explore the Basilica, a task that could
easily require several hours to complete. Once finished,
the students and teachers worked their way outside and
readied themselves for the actual march to commence.
Several interspersed speakers were addressing the crowds
with pro-life speeches and were rallying the supporters
to begin. The approximate one mile march was then
initiated, steadily moving forward at a slow pace. It
was blatantly obvious that many of the people present
traveled from distant states in opposition of senseless
abortion. Waving signs bearing their home parish or
pickets with inspirational sayings, these people kept the
crowd moving with conviction. During the march, many
students conversed with fellow pro-life supporters, who
were eager to share their stories with them. Perhaps they
had an abortion themselves, knew someone who did, or
were simply opposed to the law. Whatever the reason,
everyone present this day was working for one common
goal. Although these annual marches have not yet yielded
any change to legalized abortion, it is certain that this
continued opposition is not going unnoticed.
12 The Belcroft March
Lasallian Service Corps
Lew Clark and Thomas Devlin ’00
LSC Coordinators
Lasallian Service Corps
On-Going Service Opportunities
2006-2007
Sign-Up
with the
Mothers’ Club
Sunday
St. Francis Inn
Sunday Before the First Monday of the Month
10:00 am
Prepare sandwiches to be delivered to a soup kitchen
in inner city Philadelphia.
Contact: Mr. Chuck Cirelli
Tuesday
La Salle Academy Tutoring
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Tutor inner city children at La Salle Academy, the original
site of La Salle College High School.
Contact: Mr. Dan Cipolla and Mr. Micky Dominick
Human Rights Forum
2:15 pm
Meet and discuss justice issues, the release of political
prisoners, and reconciliation among people.
Contact: Mrs. Betty Field
Wednesday
Providence Center
3:00 to 6:00 pm
Tutor children in a center in Kensington run by the Sisters
of the Holy Child.
Contact: Mr. Tom Barna and Mrs. Cathy Winning
Thursday
Explorer Club
2:45 to 5:00 pm
Work with grade school children in a mentoring capacity
by assisting with homework and social activities.
Contacts: Mrs. Mary Jo Smith, Mr. Joe Radvansky,
Mr. Michael Ponisciak, and Mrs. Fran Diccicco
Triest House
4:30 to 5:30 pm
Assist mentally-challenged adults with physical therapy.
Contact: Mr. Al Puntel
Project Home
Twice A Month – Limited to Seniors
Prepare Food on Wednesdays – Serve Food
on Thursdays
3:30 to 6:00 pm
Contacts: Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen and
Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell
Thursday
Sarnelli House
5:00 to 9:00 pm
Serve a meal and friendship with the poor in Kensington.
Contacts: Mr. Lew Clark and Mrs. Carol Haggerty
Friday
Rosary For Life
2:20 pm
Pray the rosary in La Salle’s Chapel for the unborn and
those affected by abortion.
Contacts: Mr. Al Puntel and Mr. Mark Collins
Saturday and Sunday
Saint Vincent’s Soup Kitchen
Saturday and Sunday Morning
9:00 to 11:30 am
Last Sunday of the Month
12:30 to 2:30 pm
Prepare and serve meals to the poor of Germantown.
Contact: Men of La Salle – Visit www.lschs.org
Seasonal Opportunities
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Secret Santa and Operation Santa Claus
Mission Drive
Magazine Drive for San Miguel in Camden
Summer Opportunities
Appalachian Service Trip to Kentucky
Work with Habitat for Humanity rehabbing homes
for families.
Contact: Mr. Thomas Devlin
13
Men of Service
A Work In Progress
Thank you to the committee members, volunteers, those who attended the event, donated a gift, made a
bycash
Matt
Abelpurchased
’08
donation,
a raffle ticket, took an ad, or participated in any way. The evening was a huge
success due to the tremendous support received from the entire La Salle community. Over $300,000 was
Over
the past
years, Sarnelli
House
a
otherincluding
jobs that facility
are on Sarnelli’s
laundry list
of repairs for
raised
and eight
the proceeds
will be
usedhas
forbeen
a variety
of needs,
and technology
enhancements,
staple
project
in
the
Lasallian
Service
Corps
for
La
Salle’s
the
new
location.
Though
the
new
face
of
Sarnelli
House
student service programs, faculty development programs, and financial aid.
upperclassmen. Sarnelli House, previously located off
is in need of a home makeover, it is indeed a working
Diamond Street in Philadelphia’s Kensington section,
progress. With the help of La Salle’s seniors, Sarnelli House
played host every Thursday to upwards of one hundred
will once again be back to its normal self – its normal
of the impoverished and homeless. The nine seniors who
Thursday night meals and the unique, incomparable
would help at Sarnelli House that week were involved in
experience that is Sarnelli House.
serving meals, prayer, interacting, and forming bonds with
I’ve had the distinct honor and privilege to have
the guests of Sarnelli House.
participated in the Sarnelli House program over the past
The experience of volunteering at Sarnelli House is eye
two years. As previously stated, Sarnelli House is a service
opening to say the least. Students who have volunteered
opportunity unlike any other offered at La Salle. It is an
their time to the Sarnelli House will tell you of their
experience that truly shows the poverty and scarcity that
rewarding experiences and how truly blessed they are.
so many people live in; yet, at the same time, it shows
There are few experiences in life which enable someone
the immense faith that is common amongst almost all of
to have a grasp of the fortunes and blessings that are
the guests who come to Sarnelli House. Instead of being
apparent in their life. Sarnelli House is certainly one
thankful for a good week at school or work, or for a long
of them.
weekend, most of the guests are thankful for a roof over
their heads for however brief a time that night, a warm
However, since the closing of St. Boniface Parish, Sarnelli
meal to eat, or even just someone to talk to. Sarnelli
House has been forced to relocate. Now situated at Lehigh
House is an experience that I, personally, will carry with me
and Kensington, Sarnelli House finds itself unable to have
well beyond my time at La Salle.
the traditional Thursday night meals. Father Kevin Murray,
the faithful and dedicated (to say the least) head of Sarnelli
House, now greets La Salle’s handful of young men each
week with a handshake, the usual “hows it goin,” and
then a list of jobs for that night. Unlike the jobs at the old
Sarnelli House, students will not be fighting for “drinks”
or “garlic bread”; instead, La Salle’s young men are now
asked to take down dry wall, lay brick, paint, and several
14 The Belcroft March
15
Make communicating with your teen
more productive by listening.
For many parents, “communication” means “I talk; you
listen.” The truth is that the best way to communicate
with your teen is to listen more.
So try an experiment. On a sticky note, write just one
word: Listen. Put it on your mirror where you will see it in
the morning. Try to spend a whole day really listening to
your teen.
Sit down when your teen is watching TV. Ask your teen to
help you in the kitchen. Prepare a favorite snack when he
walks in the door from school.
If you make yourself available, your teen is likely to share
a worry, a concern or a thought. That’s when the real
challenge will start. You could hear some things that may
surprise or even shock you. As much as possible, try to
keep listening. Make eye contact with your teen. Nod your
head.
Remember, when it comes to questionable or risky
situations, you always have the option of saying no. Just
because your teen really wants to go to a party doesn’t
mean you have to say yes.
Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still Make The
Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a Division
of NIS, Inc.
Use the family car to teach your teen
lessons in responsibility.
It’s happened: Your teen finally got his driver’s license. If
he’s like most teens, he probably takes this for granted, as
a right more than a privilege. If you’re like most parents,
you disagree—driving is a privilege, dependent on many
factors, including responsibility.
This is a great time to teach your teen about responsibility,
by using:
Ask questions to keep your teen talking. “What happened
then?” Or just ask, “What do you think about this?”
• The car. Show him how to fill the gas tank, check the oil, check the tire pressure, and how to change a flat tire. Point out that a dirty car will eventually be a rusted car, which is an undriveable car. Make these chores
his responsibility.
Helen Keller said, “Deafness is darker by far than
blindness.” When you do all the talking, you might as well
be deaf – deaf because you aren’t hearing what’s on your
teen’s mind.
• Errands. Talk to your teen about how he can contribute
to the family with his driver’s license. He can run some of your errands, such as dropping by the grocery store on the way home from school.
Remember, when it comes to questionable or risky
situations, you always have the option of saying no. Just
because your teen really wants to go to a party doesn’t
mean you have to say yes.
• His friends. Many teens think of driving as “freedom.” They can finally go wherever they want with their friends! Make your teen responsible for replacing the
gas that he uses when driving the car. The price of gas
these days will drastically shorten any road trips he
wants to take.
Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still Make The
Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a
Division of NIS, Inc.
Prompt your teen to think about
consequences and consider risks.
New brain research confirms what parents have always
suspected: Even the brightest teen lacks a fully-developed
brain. The part of the brain that develops last (the frontal
lobes) governs decision-making. It’s also the part of the
brain that helps us think through the consequences of our
actions.
This knowledge may help you understand why your teen
answers the question, “How could you do that?” by
saying, “It seemed like a good idea at the time.” So your
task, right through the teen years, is to be your teen’s
brain.
You will need to draw your teen’s attention to the
consequences and possible risks of her actions. Prompt
him to think about situations by asking questions like, “If
you go out tonight, will you have enough time to finish
your history project?” “What will you do if there’s alcohol
at the party?”
Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still Make The
Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a Division
of NIS, Inc.
Talk with your teen about the purpose
and importance of tests.
Research shows that students are more likely to be
motivated to do their best on and study hard for tests
when they understand why they’re taking a test and why
it’s important. If you’re not sure, ask your teen’s teachers.
Then talk to your teen about the purpose of the test.
Standardized tests, for example, show students, parents
and teachers how well students are learning compared to
other students around the state or country.
Remind your teen that test-taking is a part of life. He’ll
have to pass a test to get a driver’s license and for some
careers, such as those in medicine and law.
Becoming comfortable with taking tests now will help your
teen succeed in school—and in life.
Reprinted with permission from the March 2008 issue of Parents Still Make The
Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a Division
of NIS, Inc.
16 The Belcroft March
Mothers’ Club
Barbara Grelis Houldin
President
Calendar of Events
Mother and Son Service Project
March 2, 2008
Mother and Son Service Project (Cafeteria)
March 9, 2008
National Honor Society Induction (Event Support)
March 6, 2008 Mothers’ Club Meeting (Dunleavy)
The La Salle Mothers’ Club is partnering with Mr. Chuck
Cirelli on a service project for mothers and their sons.
The project involves making “brown bag” meals for the
homeless and less fortunate served by St. Francis Inn in
Kensington. We meet on Sundays before the first Monday
of the month to prepare the meals.
March 13, 2008 Fashion Show (Presidential Caterers)
April 3, 2008 Meeting (Dunleavy)
April 3, 2008 Clean Closets Sale (Dunleavy)
April 6, 2008 Mother and Son Service Project (Cafeteria)
April 16, 2008 New York Trip (Montgomery Mall)
April 23, 2008 Senior Mother/Son Liturgy (Gymnasium)
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer help is welcome and appreciated at the
following upcoming Mothers’ Club events. Please e-mail
the contact listed for each event with your availability.
March 2, 2008 and April 6, 2008
Mother and Son Service Project
Cafeteria
10:00 am
Contact: Chris Letcavage
cletcavage@comcast.net
March 13, 2008
Fashion Show
10:00 am to 2:00 pm and 5:30 to 10:00 pm
Presidential Caterers
Contact: Trish Meehan
(215) 479-6487
We will be meeting on Sunday, March 2, 2008 and on
Sunday, April 6, 2008 at 10:00 am in the school cafeteria.
We should be finished in about an hour. All of the food
needed to make the meals will be provided. Refreshments
will be served. If you have brown paper grocery bags at
home please bring them along as we use them to pack the
bagged meals. If you and your son are able to participate
in this project, kindly contact:
Chris Letcavage (215) 368-2833 cletcavage@comcast.net Ellen Derr
(610) 584-1514
ederr1@comcast.net
Thank you to everyone who has participated thus far!
Spring Into Fashion
Annual Fashion Show and Dinner
Thursday, March 13, 2008
5:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Presidential Caterers
Norristown, PA
Please mark your calendars to “SPRING INTO FASHION” at
our annual fashion show!
This year’s fashions will come to us from Berta Sawyer
in Jenkintown, Pa. Models will feature casual, business,
wedding, cocktail and black-tie fashions. Just in time for
Prom season, our Senior Boys will strut their stuff in the
latest tuxedos.
We again will have our tables full of wonderful Tombola
gifts during our cocktail hour beginning at 5:30 pm and
dinner following at 7:00 pm. If you have any questions or
would like to donate an item please feel free to contact
a committee member.
April 16, 2008
New York Trip
Bus Captains
Invitations were mailed in early February. Please invite
your family members and friends and remember tickets
are limited so reserve your seat early! We look forward to
seeing you on March 13, 2008.
Contact: Miriam Ralston
(215) 884-8975
Trish Meehan (215) 479-6487
April 23, 2008
Senior Mother/Son Liturgy
7:00 pm
Meg Eisenschmid Donna Bennett
(215) 518-8572 (215) 669-4159
Contact: Martha Carlin
(484) 532-7875
Christine Funchion Ellen Derr
(215) 828-0482 (610) 417-3993
17
Mothers’ Club Opinion Survey
Thank you to those members of the Mothers’ Club who
took the time to complete our recent online survey. While
we received fewer responses than we would have liked
from the general membership, these responses tended
to corroborate the findings of a survey of Mothers’ Club
Board members completed at the end of last year.
For the most part, members agree, either strongly or
somewhat, that the Mothers’ Club offers activities in
which they enjoy participating and which they find
affordable. They are also either somewhat satisfied or very
satisfied with the number and variety of Mothers’ Club
events and activities, and agree that the Club publicizes
its events adequately. While respondents feel generally
that Mothers’ Club activities enhance their sons’ La Salle
experience, they also note that there are times when they
have to choose between supporting their sons’ activities
and supporting Mothers’ Club events.
The general membership and the Board members
alike seek a Mothers’ Club that is open, inclusive and
welcoming. Please be assured that the Board is working
diligently to ensure that our activities reflect these key
objectives. Both groups also note that holding seven of
eight of the Mothers’ Club monthly meetings during the
day precludes the attendance of women who work outside
the home, unless they have flexible work schedules. On
the other hand, respondents also note that they would
find attendance at nighttime meetings difficult. Clearly,
this issue merits discussion.
As a result of your responses, we are adding the Minutes
of the monthly meetings of the Mothers’ Club and the
Mothers’ Club Bylaws, to our area of La Salle’s web site.
We hope that you will find these additions useful and
informative. As always, I welcome hearing from members
with comments, questions, or concerns, and can be
reached via e-mail at bag553@aol.com.
For the Board,
Barbara Grelis Houldin
President
New York City Trip
April 16, 2008
Excitement is building as The La Salle Mothers’ Club
readies to enjoy the Broadway hit LEGALLY BLONDE.
We will meet between 8:00 and 8:15 am on Wednesday,
April 16, 2008 at the NW corner of Montgomery Mall
(Column 17 by Boscov’s). Buses depart promptly at 8:30
am. Hot coffee and tea will be available before you board
the bus and a “special” beverage awaits you once we’re
on our way! You will also enjoy a delicious box lunch
before our arrival.
Show time is at 2:00 pm at the Palace Theatre (1564
Broadway). The musical runs for 2 1/2 hours with a
fifteen minute intermission. The curtain will fall just in
time for dinner in the Big Apple, so don’t forget to make
your reservations ahead of time! Buses will be leaving
Manhattan at 8:00 pm with an expected arrival time of
10:30 pm back at Montgomery Mall. Snacks and drinks
will be served on the way home.
This event is SOLD OUT! Your cancelled check is your
confirmation to the show. If you are on the Waiting List
you will be contacted if space becomes available.
For more information, please contact:
Miriam Ralston
minin2@comcast.net
A Reminder to Parents of Seniors
Please send in your sons’ baby picture.
If you have not already done so, we are asking that you
send a baby picture of your son (the toddler years or
younger) no larger than 4"x 6", preferably by himself.
Please put your son’s name on the back of the picture.
We will match his baby picture with his graduation picture
from the photographer and display the pictures in the
main hallway of the school. The picture will be mailed
home after graduation.
Please mail back the picture in the pre-addressed envelope
you received recently. We ask that we receive your picture
no later than March 14, 2008. Thank you in advance for
your prompt cooperation.
Kathleen Smith smithk@lschs.org Trish Sinnott
tsinnott@comcast.net
Senior Mother/Son Liturgy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
7:00 pm
This is a special event for both seniors and their
Moms as you prepare for graduation. Please mark
your calendar and plan to attend this memorable evening
at LaSalle. There is no cost to attend this event, but it is
reserved for seniors and their Mothers/Special Persons.
Look for more information in the April issue of the
Belcroft. Your will receive your invitation in the mail.
For more information, please contact:
Martha Carlin Mary Farrington Pam Brecht
(484) 532-7875 (215) 885-9405
(215) 233-2205
Andrea Bracken Karen Guerra
(215) 591-3903 (610) 277-8644
18 The Belcroft March
Men of La Salle
Timothy J. Foley ’66
President
Upcoming Calendar of Events
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Monthly Meeting
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Father/Son Bowling
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Monthly Meeting
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Sophomore Branch-Out Day
6:30 pm
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
6:30 pm
Father/Son Baseball Outing
Branch-Out Day is a great way to learn more about your
son and to spend a day together helping others. Be sure to
mark your calendar and be a part of “Leave To Serve.”
Monday, April 21, 2008
Golf Outing
For additional information or questions, please contact:
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sophomore Brach-Out Day
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Final Meeting and Cookout 6:30 pm
Rob Bender
rbender@cciconsulting.com
Father/Son Bowling
Commitment For Next Year
March 15, 2008
2:00 to 5:00 pm
Thunderbird Lanes
1130 North York Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Commitment forms are included in this mailing and will be
distributed a the March meeting. All are welcome to take
part in the various events and become more involved in
the Men of La Salle. There are a lot of Senior Dads involved
now, and we need a lot of new faces to help. Consider
volunteering for a committee or chairing an event. You
will get more out of it than you realize. New officers are
needed for next year. Consider giving some time to plan
the events that you and your son can be involved together.
For additional information, please contact:
Tim Fagan
(215) 508-2615
tlfpro@msn.com
Father/Son Baseball Outing
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Watch the Baltimore Orioles battle the New York Yankees –
a great day to spend with your son! The day begins
with Mass at 9:00 am at the school and then the buses
depart for Camden Yards for the 1:00 pm game. Plan to
spend some time in the Inner Harbor before going back
to La Salle.
Men of La Salle Golf Outing
Monday, April 21, 2008
A day of good weather, good friends, great prizes, a good
golf course and maybe some good golf – plan on spending
it at the Men of La Salle Golf Outing. Make up your own
foursome or just sign up and the committee will put you in
a foursome. Consider sponsoring a tee or buying a flag.
For additional information, please contact:
Steve Young
sey@temple.edu
St. Vincent’s Soup Kitchen
Every weekend through the end of the school year,
the Men of La Salle continue our service to those less
fortunate in our community, by helping to prepare and
serve meals at St. Vincent’s. The Soup Kitchen is located
at 109 East Price Street, in the Germantown section of
Philadelphia. This is a great opportunity for fathers and
sons to spend some time together in service to the needy
in our community, and strengthen the bond of father and
son at the same time. We need volunteers to prepare food
every Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 to 11:30 am, and to
serve food the last Sunday of each month between 12:30
and 2:30 pm. No experience is necessary – just a desire
to spend some time together and help others. Please go
online to sign-up and make a difference.
Parent Annual Fund
The Parent Annual Fund is now in full-swing with
all the mailings at homes and our Parent Advisory
Council members following up with phone calls. Their
calling campaign will run through March 10, 2008, so
please take a minute to share your La Salle experience
with another parent. You can make your gift by:
• returning the reply envelope included
in the mailing,
• going online to www.lschs.org (Parents or Support
La Salle section) and making a gift through our
secure server, or
• calling Paul Colistra ‘00, Director of the
Annual Fund, at (215) 233-2350.
19
The Arts
Joe “Mr. C” Ciccimaro ‘57
Department Chair
Music Department
Archdiocesan Student Art Exhibit
Joe Vettori
Director
This year marks the first time in a number of years where
we have committed to participate in this event. The work
will be exhibited at a new location, La Salle University’s
Museum in the basement of Olney Hall. Delivery of the
work is February 22, 2008 and the exhibit opens February
23, 2008. For times and directions go to www.lasalle.edu/
museum
This is a very exciting time for La Salle’s Music Department!
The Competition Jazz Band is anticipating the start of its
2008 season, the pit orchestra is practicing diligently for
the spring musical, and the Digital Music Studio recently
received an extensive renovation!
The Competition Band’s first performance is February 23,
2008 at Saint Basil Academy’s Jazz Festival, followed by a
competition at North Penn High School February 29, 2008.
Mr. Joe Vettori and the band members have been working
very hard to prepare five difficult compositions of varying
style and instrumental emphasis, and are looking forward
to a great season! All interested are encouraged to come
and support the band. For more information, including the
competition schedule, visit the band’s website, at www.
lschs.org/band.
The pit orchestra, conducted by Band President Julian
Tucker, is working very hard to master the full Broadway
score for the spring musical Singin’ in the Rain. Through
rehearsals with the full cast and through ensemble playing,
the students are making fantastic progress! As always, the
Music Department is looking forward to a great show.
Recently, the Digital Music Studio was updated to include
the very latest in both musical teaching and presentation
technology. It is now a fully functional SMART room,
complete with an interactive white board which connects
to both a teacher’s laptop and the six Mac G5 desktop
computers in the room. A brand new top-of-the-line
stereo system also easily switches between computer
inputs at the press of a button, so students can share what
they are working on with the rest of the class. All of the
computers are loaded with the latest music-editing and
creation software and are fully compatible with digital
Midi keyboards. This means that faculty and students alike
have a full orchestra and more at their fingertips! This
fantastic renovation is just another way La Salle’s Music
Department is achieving its goal of affording its students
an unparalleled opportunity to explore their interests and
express themselves musically.
Art Department
Michael Hearn
Barabara Miller
Late winter and early spring is the busiest time for
exhibiting our student’s art work. It’s a great way to
acknowledge their hard work as they emerge from a
demanding schedule of practicing their skills to developing
their projects and creatively producing interesting
and engaging works of art. There are a number of
upcoming events.
Montgomery County Student Exhibit
In past years, our students have made a strong showing
and have been awarded honors for their work in this
venue. This year the work is due to be delivered on
February 25, 2008 and the show opens March 9, 2008.
A reception will be held in the Main Library of the
Montgomery County Community College campus on
Sunday March 9, 2008 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
Student Art Exhibit
Please circle the date of May 19, 2008 for our Annual
Student Art Exhibit held at La Salle College High School.
This year the art work will be displayed in the main floor
hallways, due to the construction of our new wing.
Everyone is welcome, so please circle the date for this
great event, to ensure that our students are recognized by
your support.
Poster Contests
Submissions for the Gift of Life Poster Contest, organized
at La Salle through the great efforts of Joe Radvansky, must
be turned in by March 3, 2008 as the posters are due on
March 7, 2008. Please see Mr. Radvansky, Mrs. Miller, or
Mr. Hearn f you have any questions or need contest details.
The 70th Annual Dad Vail Regatta Poster Contest offers
monetary awards for the top winners, and the absolute
deadline is April 2, 2008. See Mr. Hearn or Mrs. Miller for
details.
Joseph W. Wesner ’73 Scholarship
Recipients 2007/2008
This year, we would also like to announce recipients of the
Wesner Scholarship for the 2007/2008 school year. This
award is given to students who show excellence in the
art work they have made, their academic achievement,
and their continued dedication to the arts as students at
La Salle. This year’s recipients are Rick Chiodo ’08, Sean
Montgomery ’08, Nigel Gross ’08, and Alex Drost ‘09. We
wish them continued success in their creative endeavors.
In the near future, we will publish specific news about our
senior Art Portfolio students, their selected universities,
and any awards they may have received. We would like to
recognize the hard work and diligence our seniors have
undertaken in the additional steps in preparing a portfolio
in order to apply to art programs around the country.
20 The Belcroft March
Brother Aloysius Lumley
Memorial Golf Outing
Monday, April 14, 2008
Cedarbrook Country Club
180 Penllyn Pike
Blue Bell, PA 19422
11:30 am
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
Registration
Lunch
Shotgun Start
Dinner to Follow
Shamble Format
$175 per person
The price includes green fees,
lunch, and dinner.
Register as an individual golfer
or with additional players.
For additional information, please contact
Marty Jackson at (215) 233-2911,
ext. 3072 or jacksonm@lschs.org.
Number of Golfers at $175 each
$
Total for Golf
Hole Sponsor at $100 each
Lunch Sponsor for $500
Putting Green Sponsor for $500
Driving Range Sponsor for $500
Cart Sponsor for $500
Halfway House Sponsor for $500
Dinner Sponsor for $1,000
$
Total Sponsors
$
Total Enclosed
All sponsors will have their signs displayed
prominently on the golf course.
NAME
ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP CODE
DAYTIME PHONE NUMBER
EVENING PHONE NUMBER
PREFERRED E-MAIL
NAME(S) OF GOLFERS
Please include a business card or indicate below the
information that you would like included on the sign.
Please make all checks payable to the
La Salle College High School Golf Team.
Return registration form and check to:
Marty Jackson
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
21
Men of Accomplishment
Unfinished Business
by The Crease Club Info Guy
150 years, yowzer. Seems like just yesterday. What
was going on 150 years ago you may ask? Well,
La Salle College High School solicited the services of
Melville’s Moon Bounce and Tent Rental for their
grand opening, Branch Out Day was cleaning out
Thomas Edison’s basement, tailgates were sasparillas
off the back of a conestoga wagon, Brother Richard
gave his first capital campaign speech, and La Salle
won their very first Catholic League lacrosse title! OK,
it wasn’t that long ago but they have had a pretty
nice run.
After a comparatively paltry seventeen years now,
Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Bill Leahy
will again team up with Defensive Coordinator Tony
Resch, Box Coach Chuck Cirelli, and Assistant Coaches
Rob Herzog ’96 and new addition, Mike Koons ’95
for another run at the Catholic League and State
Championships. La Salle is defending Philadelphia
Catholic League Champions, having won fourteen
titles in the last sixteen years, and also an Eastern
Pennsylvania State Finalist last year losing to the
eventual State Champion, Downingtown East. This
year’s JV squad will look to best their terrific 22-2
record last year with returning Head Coach Kevin
Merlini ‘99 and Assistant Coach Paul Colistra ‘00.
Once again, La Salle has a terrific list of opponents.
They start the season with Hempfield on March 12,
2008 and then continue against nationally ranked
teams Haverford on March 18, 2008, St. Pauls (MD) on
March 20, 2008, McDonogh (MD) on March 26, 2008,
a re-match with Downingtown East on April 8, 2008,
and Malvern Prep on April 17, 2008. Please check the
website at www.lschs.org/lacrosse for information
and the complete schedule.
Although the team lost many great players last year
like Jack Forster (Penn State), Rob Saraceni (St. Joe’s),
Clay Wells (Fairfield), Andy Henrich (Villanova), Mike
Stahl (Franklin and Marshall), Mike Kelly (Catholic
University), JB Campanella (Lycoming), and Tim
Vogelbacker (Stony Brook); however, this year’s team
returns a terrific nucleus of senior players to pick up
where they left off. Returning is All-State Conrad
Ridgway, who leads this talented group that consists
of Matt Lynch, Eric Heisner, Pat Sinnott, and Ryan
Warrender. With these seniors, along with the talents
of a large class of excellent juniors, expectations are
very high.
So, if you have a little time between your four
teacher conferences, take a gander at the La Salle
history archives. You may come across a rather worn
group picture in your travels and though it might
look like the 1858 class of the 4H club….it’s really
Coach Leahy’s first recruiting class.
22 The Belcroft March
Varsity Sports Schedules
Tony Resch
Athletic Director
Baseball
Tennis
Joe Parisi
Head Coach
March
14
Chestnut Hill Academy 3:45 pm Home
24 Monsignor Bonner 26 Father Judge Rowing
Christopher Doyle ’69
Head Coach
March
16
30
Bill Leahy
Head Coach
Defending Catholic League Champions
March
12
18
19
20 26
28 Hempfield
Haverford School
Father Judge St. Pauls (MD)
McDonogh (MD)
Northeast Catholic 3:30 pm Home
3:30 pm Away
Swimmers Look for
20th Consecutive Title
1st Manny Flick Regatta
2nd Manny Flick Regatta
Lacrosse
Bill Geiger ‘72
Head Coach
Defending Catholic League Champions
March
3:45 pm Home
3:45 pm Home
La Salle’s swim team winds down the season with
the Eastern Swimming and Diving Championships on
February 21-22, 2008 at La Salle University followed the
next weekend with the Philadelphia Catholic League
Championships on March 1-2, 2008 at La Salle University.
Captains J.J. Houldin, Todd Domanski, and Greg Woods
will lead the team, as they participate in their last meets
for La Salle swimming. This will be the last swim at
Easterns for La Salle as the explorers move into PIAA State
Championship competition next year. Juniors Ted Walker,
Blasé Szyszko, Mike McGee, and Andrew Speese will look
to score big points for the team. Come watch the team try
to win its’ 20th consecutive Philadelphia Catholic League
Title on Sunday, March 2, 2008 in what could be an
historic moment in the school’s sports history. Good Luck
to all the swimmers!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
The Crystal Tea Room
The Wanamaker Building
Guest Speaker
Chris Matthews ’63
Celebrating 150 Years of
Teaching Minds and Touching Hearts
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
www.lschs.org
First Class Mail
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038
www.lschs.org
March 2008
Volume Seventeen
Number 7
The Official Newsletter of
La Salle College High School
President
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60
Principal
Joseph L. Marchese
Vice President of
Institutional Advancement
Daniel L. McGowan
Director of Communications
and Public Relations
Christopher M. Carabello ’82
The Belcroft
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
215 233 2911 phone
215 233 1418 fax
www.lschs.org
The Belcroft is published by
La Salle College High School
during the months of
September through September.
Calendar of Events
March 2008
1
7th Grade Practice Test
SAT I
The Belcroft welcomes articles
and submissions from the
entire La Salle Community.
The deadline for submissions is
the fifteenth day of the
month prior to the date of
publication. All submissions
received after the fifteenth of
the month will not be included
in the upcoming issue; rather,
will be considered for inclusion
in a future issue.
2
Communion Breakfast and Hall of Fame Induction
4
Kairos 37-61
6
Mothers’ Club Meeting Men of La Salle Meeting 9:15 am
6:30 pm
First Class Mail
The Editor of the The Belcroft
reserves the right to make all
decisions regarding the content
and layout of the newsletter.
10:00 am
9
National Honor Society Induction 10:00 am
11 Mission Drive Alumni Board Meeting
7:30 pm
12 Red Cross Blood Drive
13 Mothers’ Club Fashion Show 15 Father/Son Bowling
16 Palm Sunday
18 Lenten Liturgy
19 End of Third Marking Period
Easter Recess Begins
6:00 pm
20 Holy Thursday No Classes
21 Good Friday No Classes
23 Easter Sunday
31 Classes Resume