HAWKS LEND A HELPING HAND
GOING TO BAT FOR CANCER
RESEARCH
Written by Alexander Giannacopoulos ’23
Senior Cameron Grindle recently
stepped up to the plate to support cancer
research. He participated in the A Shot For
Life (ASFL) Pitcher’s Challenge where he
raised money for brain cancer research at
Massachusetts General Hospital. A selective
process, Cam was approached by a member
of the ASFL organization and asked to apply.
After interviewing with members of the ASFL
team, he was officially selected (alongside 15
other top pitchers in Massachusetts) to join
the 2022 Challenge.
A Shot for Life began in 2010 when
founder Mike Slonina’s mother was
diagnosed with a potentially malignant brain
tumor. Mike wanted to make a difference, so
he used his love for basketball as a vehicle
to raise money for the MGH Cancer Center
and to spread awareness for early detection.
Though ASFL started with a 24-hour
basketball fundraiser, it has since grown
to include a baseball /softball component,
which is how Cam became involved.
The ASFL Pitcher’s Challenge took place
at Austin Prep High School on September 3,
but Cam began his fundraising for the event
in early August. Through advertising on
social media and posting at local stores, he
was able to exceed his $1,000 goal to bring
in $4,400. In addition to the fundraising
component, the September 3 event consisted
of a home run derby followed by three
pitching challenges.
Cam says he was proud to be selected
to participate and happy to support a cause
he sees as much bigger than himself. He’s
looking forward to his senior baseball season
at Xaverian this spring. After that, Cam will
be competing in the NCAA as a Panther at
the D1 University of Pittsburgh next year.
NEW LIFE FOR THOSE
IN NEED
Written by Declan Little ’24
Each summer, Carter Delleo ’23
can be found volunteering for New Life
Furniture Bank of Massachusetts. New Life
is a nonprofit organization that collects
used furniture and other household items
in order to redistribute them to people in
need, typically those who are moving beyond
homelessness. Carter fell into the role at the
suggestion of his mother, a longtime New
Life volunteer. In the past, his volunteerism
was limited to moving furniture around the
warehouse as necessary, but last summer
he had bigger plans. He started his own
donation drive, complete with advertising
the need, arranging collection, and delivering
donations.
“I was able to fill my truck many times
over the course of the summer,” said Carter.
“Toasters, lamps, side tables, chairs, and many
other basic necessities were donated to the
furniture bank.”
His passion for the work is evident. “I
like the idea of helping the less fortunate
furnish their homes,” he said. “Many take
basic household items for granted, but this
organization opened my eyes to the many
families that are starting out with little to
nothing in their new space.”
SWINGING FOR A CAUSE
Written by Vincent Prezioso ’24
Avery Amato ’26 took on cancer this
summer, and he did it one swing at a time. He
participated in the One Mission Foundation’s
Golf Fights Cancer event, playing 100 holes as
a fundraiser to help children diagnosed with
cancer. Avery raised just over $4,000 for the
cause. The event took place at Juniper Hills
Golf Course in Northborough. According to
Avery, “It was a great day meeting new people
and getting to enjoy the beautiful course.”
Fundraisers like these are important to
Avery, as he’s been participating in various
efforts since he was five years old. Of Golf
Fights Cancer, he says, “I was able to do
something I really enjoy, while raising
awareness for children and their families
navigating their difficult journeys — each one
different, each one its own battle. I want them
to know that they are not alone in the fight
and are never forgotten.”
Avery Amato ’26
Cameron Grindle ’23
Carter Delleo ’23
At Xaverian Brothers High School, service is highly encouraged and it can be an impactful experience for the students
who choose it. Whether it is through programs offered by the school or an outside opportunity, Xaverian celebrates when
students give back to their communities, and we have much to celebrate. Here are seven examples, written by students in
Xaverian’s Communications Corps.
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SOPHOMORES ASSIST
“EXCEPTIONAL CITIZENS”
Written by Kieran Maguire ’24
Each summer, Camp Fatima in
Manchester, NH hosts “Exceptional Citizens’
Week.” It’s a camp for children and adults
with intellectual and physical disabilities that
allows them to participate in fun activities
with other campers, all while under the care
and supervision of medical professionals.
Activities include such summer-camp-staples
as horseback riding, swimming, boating,
and arts and crafts; they’re activities which
campers might not be able to do outside of
camp without the appropriate assistance. But
for one week each summer (thanks in large
part to volunteers), Camp Fatima is able to
offer the experience of being an “Exceptional
Citizen” totally free of charge for all attendees.
This past summer, three of the camp’s
volunteers were Xaverian’s own Eamon
Murphy ’25, Connor Follett ’25,
and Tommy Egan ’25. Together, they
volunteered as waiters, helping to create an
enjoyable environment for campers.
Tommy described this experience as
one of the highlights of his summer, calling
the camp a lively, fun, and most of all,
welcoming environment, for both counselors
and attendees alike. By helping the kitchen
staff to prepare food and organizing special
activities, these sophomores had a personal
impact on each camper. On a larger level,
their volunteerism also assisted the Diocese
of Manchester in moving toward its goals of
equality and inclusivity.
SOCCER FIGHTS CANCER
Written by James Killinger ’24
This fall, Xaverian’s varsity soccer
program teamed up with fellow Xaverian
Brothers Sponsored School, St. John’s Prep, in
a fundraising soccer game in honor of Breast
Cancer Awareness month. Named “Soccer
Fights Cancer,” Xaverian faced the Prep on
October 25 and all of the money raised was
donated to Runway for Recovery. According
to Head Coach Mr. Garrett Bowers
’87, P ’21, ’24, “Runway for Recovery is
an organization for people who have breast
cancer, their families, and anybody touched
by the experience. They help support them
through the whole process.” It all started
with captains Brendan Murphy ’23 and
Declan Stack ’23 who went to Coach
Eamon Murphy ’25, Connor
Follett ’25, and Tommy Egan ’25
Bowers during the summer to express their
idea for the fundraiser and it grew from there.
When the Hawks took the field on October
25, they did so in style. Senior Timmy
Apostolica designed game uniforms and
warm-up shirts for players to wear, careful
to select products that allowed for a profit
margin that could be donated to the cause.
In the end, they raised $7,000. “The process
overall was a team effort,” Timmy said. “After
all the talking among players and coaches, it
was clear that this was something we were
going to do.” Like so many, for Timmy this
fundraiser was personal. “Breast cancer has
significantly affected many people in my life
and in the lives of my teammates. Doing this,
personally, helps me think of my family friend
who I was extremely close to and looked upon
for advice.”
Winter 2023
Xaverian Magazine
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