Prep Students featured in Gallery Show

CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW SHOW. Pictured above: Mrs. Dolores Tema, art teacher; Matthew Crowe; Connor Richardson; Julio Palencia; and Ms. Cherril Perrotta, art teacher. Missing from photo: Paschal Chukwu

Four Prep art students showcased their art pieces in multiple media on March 21 in downtown Fairfield at the Gallery Upstairs at 1506 Post Road. Fellow students, family and Prep staff attended to view the students' works. Mrs. Dolores Team, art teacher, honored the students with Prep medallions. The students displaying art were Paschal Chukwu '14, Matthew Crowe '15, Julio Palencia '16 and Connor Richardson '14.

Fairfield Prep response to media commentary regarding the state championship basketball game

Fairfield Prep is deeply affected by the negative press directed at our players concerning events immediately following the state championship basketball game on March 22. We have investigated and are addressing the show of unsportsmanlike conduct by some of our athletes. Where warranted, we have taken appropriate action with regard to behaviors that we consider contrary to our values as a Jesuit school of excellence. We take any criticism seriously and see it as an opportunity for self-reflection, improvement, and recommitment to our Catholic mission. Unfortunately, most of the negative comments against Fairfield Prep consist of gross exaggerations or are not based in fact. We invite you to read our student newspaper editor’s response, and to view the final minutes of the game video.

Dylan Hawkes & Nick Siveyer win Connecticut Science Fair Awards

Juniors Dylan Hawkes (left) and Nick Siveyer (right) both earned awards at the recent 66th Annual Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair held on March 11-15 at Quinnipiac University. The fair is a yearly, statewide event open to all 7th through 12th grade students residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut schools and several New York towns. An important objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science and engineering while developing skills essential to critical thinking. Through science fair participation, students are encouraged to pursue independent work using proper research methods. The Prep Science Department teachers supported the students in their independent work. Fairfield Prep congratulates the young men on their excellent achievements:

Dylan Hawkes

Project Name: Development of a Program Capable of Predicting Solar Energy Potential Through Artificial Neural Networks.

Preliminary Judging Results: 2nd Honors

Awards:

   First Place in Mathematics special category

   First Place in Computer Science special category

   University of New Haven Award in Engineering & Science

   Intel Excellence in Computer Science Award

   Leask/Francoeur Family Award for Excellence in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Nicholas Siveyer

Project Name: An Inquiry into the Capabilities of Graphene Double Layer Super-capacitors and their Manufacture through Direct Laser Reduction of Graphite Oxide

Preliminary Judging Results: 1st Honors

Awards:

     Medalist in the Physical Science main category

     Richard Hart Award for Excellence in Photonics

Jairo Martinez '14 & Andrew Ostrosky '14 are SCC Scholar Leaders

The SCC (Southern Connecticut Conference) hosted its 20th annual Scholar Leader Banquet on March 24 at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. Forty-four scholar leaders, chosen by their respective school principals, were recognized for outstanding scholarship and leadership in their respective schools and external communities. Jairo Martinez '14 (center left) and Andrew Ostrosky '14 (center right) were honored from Fairfield Prep, pictured with Principal Dr. Robert Perrotta and President Rev. John Hanwell, S.J.

Jairo Martinez '14

Jairo is a true scholar and leader. A summa cum laude student, Jairo is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar, and a National Hispanic Scholar. While at Prep, he has received the DAR Good Citizen Award and Brown University Book Award, and is a finalist as a Gates Millennium Scholar and for the Quest Bridge Program. Jairo is an active participant in the Concert Band, the Student Government, and the Squires. He is manager of the Wrestling Team, co-president of ASPIRA and captain of the Mock Trial Team. He is very active in numerous community service projects and has participated in a Kairos Retreat, an Urban Plunge, and two Global Immersion Trips to Ecuador, the last as group leader. In addition, Jairo is a published writer and editor of the school’s literary magazine. Jairo will continue his studies at Columbia University.

Andrew Ostrosky '14

Andrew excels in academics, athletics, leadership and a commitment to community service. A summa cum laude student, he is a member of the Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society. While at Prep, Andrew has been honored as a Governor's School and received the Harvard Club Book Award and the Silorsky Science Award, He is an active participant in the Colombian Squires, the History Club, and the Political Awareness Club. He is vice-president of the Student Government and Captain of the football team. He has actively participated in community service, including an El Salvador Immersion Trip, an Urban Plunge, and volunteering weekly at the Ridgefield Crossings Senior Living Community.

Prep Returns to Tierra Blanca in 2014

Since February 2010, Fairfield Prep has been bringing a group of students to Tierra Blanca, El Salvador, during February vacation week. Tierra Blanca is a small village, near Usulutan, located about 90 minutes from the country's capital city, San Salvador. While on this trip students, under the supervision of Prep faculty and administrators, live as the El Salvadoran people live. They eat like they eat, sleep like they sleep, and work like they work. Prep students also meet and hear the stories of a number of survivors from the country's civil war (1979-1992). A large part of this trip is visiting different villages, learning about the life of Archbishop Oscar Romero, visiting the University of Central America and other sights in San Salvador. There is a rich, Jesuit history in the country of El Salvador that Fairfield Prep's students who attend this trip learn.

Relection by Daniel De Andrade '15, February 2014 - The El Salvadorian Dream

Too many times in our lives we focus on what we don’t have instead of what we do have. This is a widely circulated fact, and is mostly shoved in our faces by our parents, but we never really grasp what it means. That fact never truly entered my heart, and wasn’t something I really understood before leaving to Fairfield Prep’s cultural immersion trip to El Salvador. While our group was there I felt the presence of a spiritual journey not going on only in me, but in all the Prep students during the trip. That spiritual journey could have been sparked by visiting Oscar Romero’s assassination site, or visiting the site of a massacre that took the lives of 600 civilians in one week, or maybe even visiting the site of the killing of four North-American women; whichever it was, it changed our lives. As we learned of the horrific past of the El Salvadorian civil war, and the persecution of the poor and their survival through the civil war up until now, we saw the will of the poor of El Salvador to fight for their rights and come together even in times of suffering. We saw the fruits of death and the ability for beautiful things to bloom from cruel and tragic circumstances. These people not only started their own local health fund to help those that cannot afford treatment for illnesses, but also a ride to the doctor’s office. They started land cooperatives where everyone works for the benefit of the community and breaks their backs dusk till dawn to provide education and food for their loved ones. The American dream is to rise financially and work your way up to the top individually, but the El Salvadorian dream is to live, let social justice thrive, and cooperate. After my trip to El Salvador I can honestly say that I would choose the El Salvadorian dream, because living altruistically and humbly is truly the life that God intended for all of us to live.

Christopher DuMont '14 commits to Kutztown University

Chris with Head Rugby Coach Frank Decker

Chris DuMont '14 signed an Athletic Letter of Intent with Kutztown University on March 21 at the school. Chris is co-captain of the 2014 Prep Rugby team, playing flanker position for the past two years. He was recognized on the Fairfield All-Stars Team in summer 2013. As a disciplined athlete, Chris has demonstrated the same dedication as a successful student who has managed Prep's rigorous college preparatory course of studies. He has contributed service in the local community by volunteering with youth programs at the Cardinal Shehan Center in Bridgeport and serving at the Kennedy Center in Trumbull, which offers a broad range of programs and services for children, adults, and the elderly with diverse disabilities. Chris looks forward to pursuing a degree in political science at Kutztown and playing on its Division IA team which is ranked #6 in the nation.

Kairos 52 strengthens Christian faith

CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW SLIDESHOW

Fairfield Prep’s 52nd Kairos Retreat took place April 1-4, 2014, at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, CT. Thirty two juniors and seniors took part in the retreat. They were accompanied by fourteen team members comprised of seniors and faculty/staff. The Kairos retreat provides a special time with the Lord- “The Lord’s time.” This Christian experience focuses on prayer, reflection, friendship and community. Student candidates gave of themselves generously and by the end of the retreat were certainly committed to the Kairos spirit. A big thank you goes out to the student leaders Rector Colin Lomnitzer, Assistant Rector AJ Coppotelli, Curry Bloom, Will Corona, Dan Donahue, Kevin Gillooly, Sam Gilmore and Tim Kiernan. Special thanks to the adult leaders Tom Cunningham, Tim Dee, Sandra Gizzi, Elliott Gualtiere, Fr. Ryan, S.J., and Tom Shea.

The Kairos Retreat Program began at Fairfield Prep in 1996. This retreat program has impacted hundreds of students over the years. If you are a junior or senior at Prep do not miss out on this special opportunity for prayer, reflection and community. There will be three Kairos Retreats next year (November 18-21, February 24-27 and March 24-27). Please plan ahead. See Mr. Gualtiere for details.

Sudden Passing of Dr. Brian Lewis, Prep Science Teacher

Dear Prep Community:

It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that Dr. Brian Lewis, a well-respected and dedicated member of our Science Department, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14, due to illness. As soon as we become aware of family arrangements, we will inform you.

RJ Quigley '14 commits to Water Polo at University of California at Davis

RJ Quigley with parents Patricia and Richard, and Greenwich Aquatics Coaches Jason Harris (left) and Ulmis Lordache (right) at Fairfield Prep

Although Water Polo is not a team sport offered at Fairfield Prep, Prep’s own Richard J. Quigley IV, known well as “RJ” has achieved in the sport with the best in the nation, and in doing so has earned the opportunity to study and to continue his water polo career at the University of California at Davis following graduation. RJ began playing year round and competing at the national level prior to coming to Fairfield Prep and has progressed well in the sport, having been recruited to play at UC Davis, a team which finished their recent season ranked 13th in the nation. As a goalie, his countless hours of practice and competitive play through the Greenwich Aquatics High School Water Polo Team earned RJ the respect of his coaches and teammates in being named captain of the team and awarded defensive MVP during his senior season. RJ competed in the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics for the past four summers and was voted a USA Water Polo All American in 2011.

On campus RJ has achieved well, progressing each year and balancing his busy athletic life of daily practice and tournament play with a strong course of study. He has embraced Prep’s call to serve in the community by committing his athletic talents to the service of others through the Greenwich YMCA and the Carver Community Center where he has taught swimming, and assisted with recreation and mentoring programs for children. RJ’s athletic achievements during his Prep years have contributed both to his strong work ethic and to his future opportunities in the sport of water polo in his college years ahead at UC Davis.

SEED celebrates at Diversity Dinner!

The annual SEED Diversity Dinner was held on April 9, 2014, in the Brissette Gymnasium. Approximately 400 guests attended, honoring the graduating seniors and welcoming the incoming freshmen. Families were asked to bring dishes that represented their culture or ethnic background, and with over 100 families, the food was plentiful! Speakers included seniors and freshmen, as well as parents, who gave testimony to the success of the SEED program.

SEED (Students for Educational Excellence through Diversity) celebrated its 25th Anniversary last year as an integral and important program in the Prep Community, promoting racial, socio-economic, and cultural diversity at Fairfield Prep. Dr. Donna Andrade, Academic Dean, was recognized for founding the Prep SEED program. Special thanks to Ms. Alecia Thomas, Director of the SEED program, her committee, Prep families, and Prep staff members for making this evening possible.

CLICK ON PHOTO BELOW TO ENJOY SLIDESHOW. See SEED Seniors Tony Rosa and Tony Fox on Prep You Tube!

Zach Hamar '16 selected for U.S. Junior National Crew Team Camp

Fairfield Prep Crew has been in existence for a little more than nine years. Over that time there have been some excellent rowers to come through the program, but none have made it to the national level until this year. Zach Hamar '16 has been selected to participate in the 2014 U.S. Junior National Team Development Camp. Zach started with the crew team as a freshman last year and was able to achieve immediate success as he and his crew finished 10th in the country at the Scholastic National Championships. As one of only three sophomores in the first Varsity eight for Prep, Zach is a leader among his peers and now finds himself on the path of representing the United States in international competition.

The Junior Development Camp will take place in Saratoga, N.Y. this summer. The goal of the camp is to identify and train young athletes for future international competition. Zach will be one of only 20 athletes selected from hundreds that tried this past winter. The next phase for Hamar is to continue improving his skill and strength in order to be chosen for the next level of the Junior National Team.

Zach is pictured with Varsity Head Coach Ed Feldheim.

Jairo Martinez '14 is Gates Millennium Scholar

For his strong leadership, community service and academic achievement, Jairo Martinez, Fairfield Prep Class of 2014, has been chosen as a Gates Millennium Scholar. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program is the nation’s largest minority scholarship program and is funded by a $1.6 billion grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. From one of the largest and most competitive group of candidates in the program’s history, Mark was one of 1,000 chosen from a nationwide pool of 52,000 applicants. GMS scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students of diversity across the country who demonstrate academic excellence and strong leadership skills. Scholarships assist students in meeting the cost of attendance at the college or university of their choice. GMS scholars who choose to pursue graduate studies in the areas of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health and science are eligible to receive continued funding. The program also provides leadership development opportunities to ensure that scholars graduate prepared to become strong leaders in their professions and in their communities.

Jairo is a true scholar and leader. A summa cum laude student, Jairo is a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar, and a National Hispanic Scholar. While at Prep, he has received the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Good Citizen Award and Brown University Book Award, and is a finalist for the Quest Bridge Program. Jairo is an active participant in the Concert Band, the Student Government, and the Squires. He is manager of the Wrestling Team, co-president of ASPIRA and captain of the Mock Trial Team. He is very active in numerous community service projects and has participated in a Kairos Retreat, an Urban Plunge, and two global immersion trips to Ecuador, the last as group leader. In addition, Jairo is a published writer and editor of the school’s literary magazine. Jairo plans to attend Columbia University and pursue studies in neuroscience and psychology.

Pictured from left: Theology teacher Mr. Corey Dennis; President Rev. John Hanwell, S.J.; Jairo Martinez; Principal Dr. Robert Perrotta; and Dean of Guidance & College Advising John Hanrahan.

Suzanne Whelan P '12, '14 wins $25,000 Tuition Raffle

Fairfield Prep is excited to announce that the winner of the 2014 $25,000 Tuition Raffle is Prep parent/alumni parent Mrs. Suzanne Whelan, who with her husband Michael have Prep sons Michael '12 and Brian '14. The winning ticket was pulled at 10:30 PM at the Spring Auction on May 3, 2014. Overall, 711 tickets were sold at $100 per ticket. Suzie's winning ticket number was #302. Congratulations to the Whelans!

Pictured: Suzie and Mike Whelan P '12, '14 with Fr. Jack Hanwell, S.J., at the President's Dinner in 2011.

Prep students experience Rostro de Cristo in Ecuador

Fairfield Prep students spent the April vacation week living with and serving the people of Ecuador. The purpose of the Rostro de Cristo retreat is to expose people from North America to the spiritual, physical and emotional realties of the people from Duran and Guayaquil, Ecuador. This is done through building relationships with the people of the neighborhood and from the surrounding communities. Each retreatant is expected to live his/her life as simply as possible while living in the retreat house. While each person takes something away from this experience, it is the sincere hope of the program that the retreatants are able to deepen their faith in God and their commitment to issues of poverty for all people. Attendees included: sophomore Julio Palencia;and juniors Omar Rodrigues; Daniel Colucci; Rahul Tasker; Andre Talavera; Connor Jamison; Matthew Moore; Alexander Dailey; Kevin Cardona; Alejandro Correa; and Alex Marchese. Mr. Elliott Gualtiere and Mr. Tony Canuel were trip moderators. Read Alejandro Correa's reflection below.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO VIEW SLIDESHOW

The Ecuador Immersion Trip, by Alejandro Correa '15

On April 11, 2014, my Prep classmates and I embarked on the Immersion trip to Ecuador. We stayed with an organization known as "Rostro De Cristo" which literally translates to "Face of Christ." Our goal was to establish the "seeds that will one day grow," as Bishop Oscar Romero termed it. We weren't there to build houses, but instead to immerse ourselves in the Ecuadorian culture and to find the face of Christ in the wonderful people there. In doing so we established relationships in the community of Monte Sinaí. Each day we visited a new home in the neighborhood to learn about their lives. During our time there we lived simply by minimizing our consumption of food and water. And at night we would reflect and journal about our experiences and encounters.

This trip really was an eye opening experience for all of us. Upon my return, the first thing I did was to thank my parents for everything they are able to provide me with. Despite the poverty that existed there, we found out that the people at Monte Sinaí were humble, loving, happy, hard working, and that they lived together as a community. Many of the habitants there struggled to feed their families which is something the majority of us do not have to worry about. We all saw the face of Christ in these individuals and it was a wonderful experience. They were all satisfied with what little they had which for me showed, that we don't need money to be happy. During the week that we were there we also visited a facility Padre Damian House that treated patients with Hansen's disease. There I met Manuel and he told me something that will probably stick with me for the rest of my life. He said that wealth can die out but love and relationships do not. I strongly recommend that every student at Fairfield Prep attends an immersion trip like this, because it is important to know how most of the world lives. Seeing all of this was shocking at first but it was also a life changing experience. I know that I cannot forget these people as I grow older, because there are many people that need our help.