WESTNOTESWEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL

A PUBLICATION FOR OUR ALUMS AND FRIENDS

westcatholic.org

SPRING EDITION 2019

CARING FOR THE WHOLE STUDENT

2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

*Service members

Mrs. Jessica Wolf Dasher

Mr. James T. Britt ’72

Mr. Paul Colistra*

Mr. Fran Crowley, Esq. ‘77

Mrs. Eleanor Fauls Dezzi ‘65

Brother Ed Koronkiewicz ‘72

Mr. Duane Glover ‘81

Mrs. Jeannie Ward Heffernan ‘80

Br. Brian Henderson, FSC ‘77

Mr. J. Michael Jenkins ‘72

Mrs. Kay Kidwell ‘02

Mr. James Logue

Dr. William F. Lynch, PhD

Mrs. Pat McLaughlin ‘61*

Mr. Leonard Mazur ’63

Sr. Marita Carmel McCarthy, I.H.M. ‘55

Mr. James F. McManus ‘65

Mr. Anthony Nichols ‘57

Mrs. Emily Okala

Dr. Tia N. Pratt PhD, ‘95

Mr. James Scanlan

Mr. Aaron Spence ‘03*

Ms. Liana Taylor ‘10

Mr. Stephen A. Tulli ‘84

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENTThis June, our school is sending forth its 100th class of graduates! I often tell our young people that they stand on the shoulders of the many West Catholic “giants” that have come before them.

I am very proud of our seniors for the contribution that they have made to the West Catholic legacy. In a recent visit with our seniors, I told them that only in the future will they begin to realize the foresight and wisdom of our school’s founders, the commitment and support of their teachers and coaches, the sacrifices of their parents, and the generosity of our alums, all of whom collectively are the foundation to their high school experience.

In preparation for graduation, I took a look back at the first yearbook for graduates of 1920. I came across a letter to the graduates from Rev. Walter C. Tredtin, S.M., the school’s principal. Our school at the time was brand new as was Catholic, parochial education. The reason Catholic schools like ours were founded is because Catholics, many of whom were immigrants, felt great inequity and injustice and therefore decided to go so far to protect their beliefs and norms as to begin their own school system separate from the public system. While Catholic schools like West Catholic were being erected in Philadelphia and across the country, many took aim at them (sometimes in the form of federal legislation) in an effort to destroy the movement.

Father Tredtin, S.M. wrote to his graduates:

“In some states, the forces of intolerance have organized and are making a united and

vigorous effort to destroy the parochial school system. The movement is gathering strength

and popularity among our purblind and benighted fellow-citizens, and threatens to sweep

like a hurricane through the country.”

He goes on to encourage the new West Catholic graduates that they are needed to combat the societal forces that threaten Catholic education.

“You shall live in those days and be a witness of her triumph. More than that, your love of

truth, justice, and liberty will prompt you to do battle for your (school).”

Times have changed. The 1920 message to the graduates was obviously relevant to that time in our school and societal history. But there’s a message here for our graduates today that “. . . your love of truth, justice, and liberty will prompt you to do battle for your (school).”

In June, I will share with our graduates that it is my hope as the 100th class of graduates of West Catholic Preparatory High School, above everything else, that they will bring their love of truth, justice, and liberty, to a world that needs it now more than ever. Should they do this, they will bring great pride to their alma mater, and for that I and all those who came before them are forever grateful.

PAUL COLISTRAPRESIDENT

3 WESTNOTES

CARING FOR THE WHOLE STUDENTCatholic Education, especially a Lasallian education, has always been focused on caring for the whole child. Providing students support outside of the classroom—helping them spiritually, socially, and emotionally— has been an integral component of a West Catholic education, and even more so today. When Principal Kelly Lanza thinks about students excelling in math or reading, she recognizes that many of them have obstacles that affect their academic journey.

“We recognize students come to us with a lot of things they are dealing with,” says Principal Lanza. “Before we as educators can begin to think about a student excelling in the classroom, we have to understand the things they are dealing with and provide them tools and strategies to overcome them.”

In 2016 the school administration began to see a trend: students at West Catholic Prep were dealing with more social and emotional issues than ever before. Knowing that those issues impacted a student’s ability to learn, the school set out to create a social work position focused on academic support and trauma-based intervention, titled Burr Academy Coordinator.

Daryl Blodgett became the school’s Burr Academy Coordinator during the summer of 2018, arriving at West Catholic with 20 years of experience in education spanning multiple roles.

According to Daryl, a lot of his work is helping students “fill in the gaps.”

His role includes everything from helping students who feel overwhelmed to coping with a sick family member. Once those gaps are identified, Daryl and other school staff can create a plan for a student and work with the family and other staff to ensure the student has the kind of support they need to find success both inside and outside the classroom.

Assistant Principal Jazz Williams ’97 believes the Burr Academy Coordinator helps “solve issues before they become a barrier to success.”

The Burr Academy Coordinator is not the only way the school has improved holistic education. The school currently offers a meditation and yoga program during the school day to help students manage stress, and also partners with the YMCA to provide access to personal trainers who offer their expertise to help students understand the importance of exercise and physical activity.

Students participate in a yoga program to calm the

mind and spirit

“solve issues before they become a

barrier to success.”

Burr Academy Coordinator Daryl Blodgett speaking with a prospective student and parent

4 WESTNOTES

THE GOAL OF ALL STUDENTS UPON GRADUATION FROM WEST CATHOLIC IS THAT THE SCHOOL HAS PREPARED THEM FOR THE ROAD THAT LIE AHEAD.

Love and care for others is always a consistent message delivered here, but sometimes we don’t quite know how that will manifest in our students lives upon graduation.

Jasmine Witherspoon, a graduate from the Class of 2009 shows us what that love and care for others looks like. Following her graduation, she decided to pursue a career in early childhood education. Her time at West Catholic showed her the impact an education could have on a child. She says West Catholic was more than just a school, “it taught me about family support, togetherness, and, most importantly, how to be a leader.”

She enrolled in college classes and eventually began her career as a preschool teacher.

At 25 and a parent of two children, Jasmine received a devastating diagnosis—she had stage 3 breast cancer.

“When I was diagnosed, the first thing I thought was about not wanting to die.”

But Jasmine soon began to think about others.

“I thought about my husband and wanting to see my two kids grow up—I knew I had to fight.”

She began chemotherapy, radiation and underwent numerous surgeries.

“Fighting cancer is hard,” says Jasmine. “Even though you are surrounded by loved ones, it can be a very lonely thing to do.”

While Jasmine was in the midst of her battle she learned about a non-profit called Cancer Who? that works with individuals battling cancer and provides them mentoring and support. She reached out to learn more and was paired with someone who supported her during treatment. Afterwards, Jasmine decided to pay that forward and was paired with a 5-year-old named Maddie who was fighting her own battle with cancer.

Jasmine, who at the time was in remission, could understand

what Maddie was going through and felt a reciprocal relationship with Maddie.

“It makes me feel good that I can make a difference for Maddie, and in a lot of ways it served as my therapy.”

When Jasmine was a student at West she was close with Sister Ave Armstrong, a longtime faculty member at the school. Jasmine believes Sister Ave helped her grow as both a person and a student, and “cared about me like I was one of her children.”

The hope for all students is that West Catholic has prepared them for the road that lies ahead upon graduation. Through Jasmine’s service to kids like Maddie, she is paying back some of the lessons she learned while she was here at West Catholic.

PREPARED FOR LIFE

WHILE FIGHTING HER OWN BATTLE, ALUM TAKES TIME

TO SUPPORT OTHERS

“When I was diagnosed, the first thing

I thought was about not wanting to die.”

WESTNOTES 5

In 1920, Robert Wright, soon to be a member of West Catholic’s first graduating class, wrote an editorial in the school newspaper titled “Commencement.”

In the editorial, Robert wrote that while he was confident his graduating classmates would face hardship and disappointment in career or college, “we feel confident that we will have a clear vision, rise above our difficulties, and attain success” because of their time at West Catholic.

According to West Catholic President Paul Colistra, Wright’s words still resonate today.

“Every year our seniors talk about their experience at West Catholic,” says Colistra. “It often matches the experience I hear from an alum that graduated in the 1950s or 1960s—West Catholic helped them prepare for the world ahead, and it had a real influence on who they became.”

When West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys opened in 1916, it was created to serve students who lived in West and Southwest Philadelphia, along with other surrounding communities. In 1927, West Catholic High School for Girls opened just four blocks away from the “boys school.” Since 1916, West Catholic has been in West Philadelphia and has lived its mission of serving local families from predominantly working-class households. Today, both histories have merged into the West Catholic Preparatory High School story.

Brother John McDonnell ‘67, who has served as both teacher and administrator and now works in the school’s Advancement Office, recognizes similarities between students of the past and students today.

“We’re educating the same student,” says McDonnell, “students from working class communities who seek a Catholic education because they know the impact it can have to improve their child’s life.”

According to Colistra, rising tuition costs throughout the Philadelphia area have had a huge impact on Catholic education. The parish would cover the entire cost of students to attend Catholic high school, but that policy ended as many parishes began to struggle financially. Tuition at West Catholic today is $8,900, which for most families the school serves is unaffordable. Because of the school’s generous supporters, the average family pays $4,200, with the balance subsidized by donations.

Colistra is proud of the school’s mission.

“It would have been easier financially for the school to turn its back on working class families at some point in its history,” says Colistra. “We’ve had to change in some ways so that we can stay the same for what matters most—commitment to the school’s mission. We’re here to serve families in West and Southwest Philadelphia who are desperate for a quality Catholic education, and we will continue to serve that mission.”

COMMITMENT TO MISSIONContinuing to provide a Catholic education to working-class families

SUPPORT OUR MISSION

The INVEST inWEST Annual Fund provides

operating support which allows the school to enhance

academic programming, offer quality extracurricular

programs, and provide scholarships to deserving

young men and women. Your gift will make an impact on

the mission of the school, and directly support our young

men and women.

CONSIDER TAKING A FEW MOMENTS TO

COMPLETE THE ATTACHED REMITTANCE ENVELOPE.

INVEST inWESTFUND 2019-2020

WESTNOTES 6

DONOR PROFILEJOANNE HARMELIN ’62Joanne Harmelin ‘62 attended West Catholic upon her graduation from Most Blessed Sacrament where she attended first through eighth grade. Joanne arrived at West Catholic with numerous family members having already attended, including her mother and father. Joanne’s fondest memory of the school is her time with Senior English Teacher Sister Anna Josephine.

“Sister Anna Josephine taught me the importance of discipline,” says Harmelin. “She was passionate about what she taught, and those traits have served me well in business.”

Following a successful career at numerous advertising agencies, Joanne founded Harmelin Media in 1982. What began as a company with three employees has since grown to almost 250. While the company has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, “I’m most proud of the fact that I started the company without borrowing a dime, and have maintained a culture that is both client and employee focused.”

Joanne was introduced to a program called the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) from a nonprofit she was involved in. The program is offered through the state of Pennsylvania and allows businesses and individuals to

redirect what they currently pay in PA state taxes directly to schools like West Catholic, which in turn must use the donation to award tuition assistance.

Harmelin was initially skeptical of the program as it almost seemed to good to be true. After participating, she saw the impact it had. According to School President Paul Colistra, support through EITC makes an incredible impact at the school.

“Unfortunately for families in our community, we are surrounded by some of the most underperforming high schools in the state,” says Colistra. “Because of EITC supporters like Joanne, we can offer students financial assistance that makes a quality Catholic education a reality.”

“When I attended West Catholic there was no tuition,” Harmelin recalls. “My family would have struggled to send me, my sister and my brother if there had been a tuition charged. My participation in the EITC program helps me repay the school for the education it provided to me and my siblings, and hopefully my example will inspire future graduates to give back to the school and pay it forward.“

DO YOU PAY PA STATE

TAXES? You can redirect

what you are currently paying in state tax to West Catholic through

the EITC Program.

This program is now available for businesses and individuals, and your support will provide scholarships for our students who live in underperforming

school districts.

OVER 95% OF WCP STUDENTS ARE FROM

FAILING PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

Your state tax dollars go directly towards taking young men and

women out of these failing schools and offering them a

chance to excel here at West Catholic Prep.

CONTACT US TODAY! LAUREN STAGER

lstager@westcatholic.org 215-386-2244 ext. 106

INVESTIN THE

FUTURE.7 WESTNOTES

STUDENT PROFILEDAJA HOSENDORFGRADE SCHOOL: ST. FRANCIS DE SALES

Before Daja Hosendorf ‘19 arrived at West Catholic Prep, she remembers hearing stories about the school from her mother and cousins who attended the school before her.

Daja was excited for the high school experience and the independence that comes with it, and it’s safe to say she was ready for that independence. She currently holds a 4.0 GPA

and is a four-year member of the basketball team. Plus, as a Diocesan Scholar, she attends two college classes a semester at Saint Joe’s University.

As a member of the basketball team Daja has seen the Lady Burrs accomplish incredible growth during her four years. During her freshmen year, the varsity team won just 5 games. Last year? The girl’s basketball team finished with 16 wins.

Daja believes the transformation began the summer after her freshman year, when former teammate Akyra Murray ‘16 (after recently graduating from West Catholic Prep) was killed in the Pulse Nightclub shooting.

“That sparked something in all of us and in the coaches, to make a change,” Daja recalls. “We needed to honor her and honor ourselves by committing ourselves to success.”

That commitment paid off on the court. The team won multiple city and district championships over the past three seasons. In 2018 they went to the state championship game in Hershey, but ultimately fell short of a final win.

“I just felt crushed when the buzzer sounded,” says Daja. “It’s hard because we were so close, and we didn’t get what we wanted out of it.”

This year the Lady Burrs finished fourth place in the Catholic League, their highest seeding in years. At the time of this writing, they are waiting to learn more about their state playoff matchup.

When asked about her four years at West Catholic Daja credits much of her experience to coaches and faculty. “They always demand the best from us, and that belief in us helps us have the confidence to do even better.”

Daja plans to become a veterinarian one day, and currently holds college acceptances to Penn State, Maryland, Arizona State, Temple and Delaware State, and is still waiting to receive word from University of Penn and Cornell.

“My time as a basketball player and student at West Catholic has helped me gain leadership skills,” Daja says. “It’s helped me learn about sacrificing for the betterment of a team, and it taught me how to be a leader and example for those around me.”

We’re excited to see all that Daja goes on to accomplish in the years to come.

Being part of a winning team “taught me how to be a leader and

example for those around me.”

WESTNOTES 8

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE ON AND OFF THE COURTMiguel Bocachica (aka Coach Boc) played both at the Division 1 level and professionally, and also spent two years at Imhotep Institute Charter High School as the Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach. He saw the posting for the West Catholic Prep Head Basketball position and was immediately interested.

“I saw an opportunity to build something new from the ground up and create a culture,” says Coach Boc. “The fact that it was an opportunity to compete in the Philadelphia Catholic League, one of the strongest leagues in the entire country, really excited me as well.”

Coach Boc’s first and most important task was building a strong culture in the program, knowing that culture is the foundation that will pay dividends in the future. Accountability is a word used often, and according to senior Sukky Nd-Ezuma, it’s made a lasting impression.

“I learned about a lot more than basketball,” says Sukky. “Coach Boc taught us about loving those around us, and sometimes that might mean we have to tell them when we think they are doing something wrong or can do better.”

As Coach Boc explains it, his work in creating the right culture isn’t about wins and losses, “it’s all about preparing them for what’s next—life after high school. As our culture continues to grow, the record will take care of itself.”

The season has been one filled with ups and downs. The team, with only a few players with significant varsity experience, upset perennial New Jersey powerhouse Trenton Catholic early in the season, and lost by just three points to current Catholic League leaders (and fellow Lasallians) La Salle College High School.

With so many young players, the upperclassmen are important leaders. Coach Boc credits his seniors for their commitment to helping mold the younger players on the team.

“In their final year, the seniors could have made this all about themselves,” says Boc. “It means a lot to me that they bought in and understand the bigger picture of building not only a team, but a program.”

While the team’s seniors might be disappointed in not making the playoffs this season, Coach Boc knows how important a role they have played in building the foundation.

“I want them all to look back on this season and know that when they see the team’s growth in future years, they can be proud of that growth and know that they helped get this program back to where it belongs.”

UPCOMING 2019 REUNIONSBOYS CLASS OF 195861st Anniversary

MAY 16, 2019

Contact Frank Adolf at fjapfa1539@comcast.net or call 610-761-4925

BOYS CLASS OF 195960th Reunion

APRIL 28, 2019

Contact Joe Looby at jtlooby@gmail.com

GIRLS CLASS OF 195960th Reunion

OCTOBER 20, 2019

Contact Joan O’Connor Mullarkey 610-356-2726 – hannaoc@aol.com

GIRLS CLASS OF 196950th Reunion

SEPTEMBER 15, 2019

Jeane Hugues Milligan wcgh1969_50th@yahoo.com

CLASS OF 198930th Reunion

MARCH 30, 2019

PLANNING A REUNION, CONTACT KIM MCBRIDE ’87 AT KMCBRIDE@WESTCATHOLIC.ORG OR 215-386-2244 TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL OR TO RECEIVE CLASS LISTS

COACH BOCCoach Boc (far right) with

the 2018 Varsity Boys Basketball Team

WESTNOTES 9

The Lincoln Foundation hosted students for a lecture series at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Catholic Schools Week ended with the community coming together for a school liturgy.

Freshmen Marcel Jackson took third place at the Philadelphia Catholic League Championships in the 60 meter dash, his first time ever running the event.

The Cheerleading team placed first in the Archbishop Ryan Cheer Challenge.

Students in the Engineering Technology Academy attended the DVIRC Manufacturing Summit where they met with business leaders and learned more about work in the engineering field.

Students collectively spent hundreds of hours volunteering at locations throughout the city during the holiday season.

A total of 73 college instant decision acceptances were awarded to 50 seniors, with participating schools including: Manor College, Cabrini, Immaculata, Holy Family and Shippensburg University.

Senior Volleyball players were honored at their final game of the season.

The school recognized recent retirees Mr. Bill Hoy and Mrs. Maureen Schlegel for their years of service to West Catholic Prep.

Seniors at West Catholic Prep received their class blazer, a tradition that began in 2017.

Happenings at West

AUMNI/ALUMNAE ASSOCIATIONSWe often receive questions about the relationship between the Alumni Association, Alumnae Association and the school.

The school works closely with both organizations, and both organizations are supportive of the school, but the organizations are separate and governed by their own bylaws and Board of Directors.

Below is information on both the Alumni and Alumnae association which we hope provides clarity.

WEST CATHOLIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to preserve the spirit and traditions of West Catholic High School by instilling fellowship

among the faculty, friends, former students and graduates of West Catholic High School and to provide support

to West Catholic High School and its students.

Largest Events Communion Breakfast, Burrs at the Beach, Veterans Day Mass, Sports Hall of Fame

Funding Sources Event proceeds, donations

Publications Emissary

WEST PHILADELPHIA CATHOLIC GIRLS ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

MISSION STATEMENT

The objectives of the association are to promote the spiritual and social welfare of the members

and to render financial aid to West Catholic education.

Largest Events Fall Communion Breakfast, Spring Luncheon

Funding Sources Event proceeds, chance drive, dues

Publications The Harvester

Mrs. Mae Cullen Moran ‘32Mrs. Mary Bonner Henderson ‘36Mrs. Grace Doherty Steck , RN ‘36Mrs. Helen McCunney Parsons ‘39Mrs. Lillian Drakeley Voigtsberger ‘39Mrs. Anne Kelly Boemer ‘44Mrs. Bernadette McCabe Kinosian ‘44Sister Alice Penrose, SHCJ ‘44Mrs. Dolores Flynn Yetter ‘44Mr. Philippe Girard ‘46Mrs. Grace Passer Jara ‘46Mrs. Cecelia Old Friel ‘47Mrs. Bernadette Brogan Sethman ‘47Mrs. Elizabeth Kreher Tryon ‘47Mr. Robert Williams ‘47Agnes DeLacy De Lacy ‘48Mrs. Virginia Ryan Lichtner ‘48Ms. Annetta Simon ‘48Reverend Joseph Turner , S.D.S. ‘48Mrs. Margaret Stanton Boylan ‘49Mrs. Mildred McMonagle Clark ‘49Mrs. Mary Curtin Burns ‘50

Mr. Vincent Cleary , Ph.D. ‘50Mr. Philip Sheridan ‘51Mr. John McLaughlin ‘52Colonel Edward DeBoeser ‘53Mr. James Feeney ‘53Mr. Albert Flanagan ‘53Mr. Robert Gibson ‘53Mr. Winfield Hudson ‘53Mr. Edward Killian ‘53Mr. Thomas Kuchma ‘53Mr. James McAlpin ‘53Mr. George Monahan ‘53Mr. Gerald Moyer ‘53Mr. Richard Reilly ‘53Mr. John Waller ‘53June Hicks ‘54Captain John McKechnie USN (Ret.) ‘55Mrs. Elizabeth Looby Vasturia ‘55Mrs. Mary Higgins Barras ‘56Mr. Eugene Buechele , Sr. ‘56Mr. John Kelly ‘56Eileen McNeill ‘56

Mrs. Susan Burrows Zukowski , RN ‘56Mrs. Barbara Marinelli Forte ‘57Mrs. Patricia Deutsch Gallagher ‘57Mr. James Shallow ‘57Mrs. Caroline Harvey Primus ‘58 Margaret Walsh Walsh ‘58Mr. George Bennett ‘59Mr. Robert Bryson ‘59Mr. Richard Fleming ‘59John Hasson ‘59Mr. Henry Hox ‘59Mr. Edward Killian ‘59Mr. Albert Lonergan ‘59Mr. William McFarland ‘59Mr. Francis McManus ‘59Mr. Leo Mulvihill ‘59Mrs. Joyce Waites Nutt ‘59Mr. David Young ‘59Mr. Joseph Rafferty ‘60Ms. Mary McElhare ‘61Mr. Thomas Sheridan ‘61Mr. Charles Wiseley ‘61

Mr. Richard Norton ‘64Ms. Marilyn Sweeney Pauly ‘64Mr. Edward Williames ‘64 Barbara DuBois ‘65Mr. John Peters ‘65Mrs. Janet Baltzell Austin ‘66Ms. Judith Herlihy ‘67Mrs. Marian Yanak McAndrews ‘67Ms. Margaret Palmer Penater ‘67Mr. John Fusaro ‘68Mr. James Kady ‘68Mr. James Bustard ‘69Mrs. Barbara Jessath Ament ‘70Ms. Joanne Poles ‘70Mr. Michael Kent ‘71Ms. Janetta Hardy ‘72Renee Morgan ‘74Karen Mezzoprete ‘84Mr. Darrell White ‘86Ms. Kelly Wiseley ‘01

REST IN PEACE 2018-2019

WESTNOTES 11

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MISSION STATEMENTWEST CATHOLIC PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOLis a Catholic community of academic excellence in an urban environment that is open to an interdenominational population. The school’s rigorous spiritual, academic, technological, and extracurricular programs develop our ethnically and religiously diverse student body into young men and women of strong moral and ethical character. West Catholic prepares each student to face the challenges of everyday life, embrace leadership positions in society, and value service in an ever-changing global society.

NIGHT AT THE

PHILLIESJULY 12 at 6:05PM

Citizens Bank ParkFor alumni, family, friends, students and school staff, the evening will provide a unique opportunity for the West Catholic community to get together while cheering on the Phillies as they take on the Washington Nationals.

Enjoy a 4th of July fireworks display following the game!

More information available at WestCatholic.org/Phillies