2020 - Xaverian Winter Magazine
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The Magazine of Xaverian Brothers High School | Winter 2020
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
e Invited!
Xaverian Magazine
800 Clapboardtree Street
Westwood, MA 02090
781-326-6392
www.xbhs.com
ADMINISTRATION
Headmaster
Jacob A. Conca ’94, Ph.D.
Principal
Michael G. Nicholson, M.Ed.
Assistant Principals
Stephen W. Dacey ’95, M.Ed.
Teaching and Learning
Joseph D. McGilvray, M.Ed.
Francis Xavier Division
Joshua M. Tranfaglia, M.Ed.
Student Life
Christopher J. Vasta ’00, M.Ed.
Academics, Grades 9-12
OFFICE FOR SCHOOL
ADVANCEMENT
Assistant Headmaster for Advancement
Lawrence M. Furey, P ’21
lfurey@xbhs.com
Director of the Fund for Xaverian
and Leadership Giving
James J. Scholl ’03
jscholl@xbhs.com
Director of Stewardship and
Advancement Services
Pamela J. Fothergill, P ’07
pfothergill@xbhs.com
Advancement Services Manager
Linda M. Calabrese, P ’20
lcalabrese@xbhs.com
Administrative Assistant
and Copy Editor
Donna M. O’Connor, P ’01
doconnor@xbhs.com
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC
COMMUNICATIONS
Director of Strategic Communications
Ann E. Alsfeld
aalsfeld@xbhs.com
Assistant Director of
Strategic Communications
Kathryn E. Hickey
khickey@xbhs.com
Graphic Design
Margaret Galeano
galeano@optonline.net
© 2020 Xaverian Brothers High School.
All rights reserved.
averian
X THE MAGAZINE OF XAVERIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL
From the Headmaster
Photo Credit: Michael McMath ’69
Dear Friends of Xaverian,
hen I think about Xaverian Brothers
High School, I am so grateful for our
tremendous facilities and resources.
However, more importantly, I think about the people. In
the 56 years since Xaverian opened its doors, more than
10,000 young men have toiled in our department centers,
library, classrooms, and labs. Hundreds of teachers
have shown up early to help their students and stayed
late preparing upcoming lessons. Countless coaches
have poured over play books and given inspiring pep talks right before a big game. And
administrators have strained their eyes against long ledgers of figures, making sure that
the school stays on solid ground. Many names stand out in this history of educational zeal,
including our visionary leader of the past 29 years, Brother Daniel Skala, C.F.X.
Brother Dan transitioned from serving as our headmaster to the role of General
Superior of the Xaverian Brothers this fall. As Michael Nicholson (Xaverian’s newly-
appointed Principal) and I settle into our new roles and adjust to the absence of Brother,
some days it can feel that much has changed at Xaverian. But as I walk the halls and
visit our young men; as I pass our classrooms and see teachers working alongside their
students; as I stop in the music center and hear the awkward notes of an instrument
being played for the first time, and then witness the budding musician’s resulting grin;
and as I see our student athletes grinding out reps late in the evening in the Domenic
Lalli Strength and Conditioning Center, I know that the Xaverian we love continues
with the same vibrance and purpose that we have all come to appreciate. From sunrise
to sunset, Xaverian is home to an amazing community of students, faculty, staff,
coaches, and parents. It is a beacon of hope and opportunity. What binds us together
is our steadfast commitment to mission and to living the Xaverian values of humility,
compassion, simplicity, trust, and zeal.
As you will read on the following pages, we have much for which to be proud. Our
theater program set new records with sold out shows of their spectacular fall musical,
Newsies (pictured here and more on page 16). Our students are soaring to great heights in
our new aerospace club (page 12). In-class lessons have become real-life successes, such as
freshman Ben Buie’s efforts to make streets safer in West Roxbury (page 8). And perhaps
most notably, Xaverian soared through its 10-year accreditation process with glowing
reviews from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (page 6).
Thank you for being a part of the community we hold so dear. I am honored to write
Xaverian’s story with you. May God bless you and Xaverian.
Respectfully yours,
Jacob A. Conca ’94
Headmaster
P.S. I hope to see you at the Gala on March 14, as we honor Brother Dan and the
phenomenal leadership that has shaped Xaverian for the past 29 years.
THE LIFE OF A SCHOOL IS A STORY
that spans generations. The people
in the buildings change, the buildings
themselves change, but the mission
should be alive and tangible to all who
enter, across all chapters of that story.
This year, Xaverian is turning the page
to a new chapter with the conclusion
of an era of leadership marked by
Domenic Lalli, P ’98, who served as
principal from 1991 to 2016, and
Brother Daniel Skala, C.F.X. who
served as headmaster for 29 years
until his recent election to General
Superior of the Xaverian Brothers.
Now, meet the talented leaders who
will deftly guide Xaverian today and
for years to come.
Xaverian’s New Headmaster
don’t go to work every day —
I go to Xaverian,” says Dr. Jacob
Conca ’94, Xaverian’s newly-
appointed Headmaster. “It’s an
honor to serve here. I get to be
part of a team of people who are passing on
Xaverian identity, mission, and charism to
our young men.”
Dr. Conca is no stranger to that
Xaverian mission. He graduated
from the school in 1994, served as
Xaverian’s dean of students from
2003-2007, as principal of Saint
John’s High School in Shrewsbury (a
fellow Xaverian Brothers Sponsored
School) from 2007-2016, and as
principal of Xaverian from 2016-
2019. On November 12, 2019, Dr.
Conca officially began his new role as
Xaverian’s Headmaster.
John Murphy ’70, P ’03,
understanding of what is needed to
prepare our graduates to meet the
demands of higher education, to
contribute to society, and to answer the
call of Christian service.”
Dr. Conca is a graduate of Amherst
College with an M.Ed. from Providence
College and a Ph.D. from
Boston College. He and
his wife, Elizabeth, reside
with their three daughters,
Emma, Chloe, and Finley,
and their dog, Duncan,
in Medway. Dr. Conca is
the first layperson to lead
Xaverian Brothers High
School, another turning
point in this school’s story.
“The Xaverian Brothers,
in their wisdom, have seen
A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
“I
“is is not work for me, it’s a calling.”
DR. JACOB CONCA ’94
Chairperson of the Board of Trustees,
calls Dr. Conca “uniquely suited” for the
position. “It is fitting, after nearly three
decades of demonstrated commitment
to all aspects of Xaverian, that Dr. Conca
follow Brother Dan as Headmaster. He
is an accomplished leader with a firm
Dr. and Mrs. Conca with their
daughters (l to r), Chloe, Emma,
and Finley
2 www.xbhs.com
this day coming and have prepared for
it well,” says Dr. Conca. “Through the
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored Schools
network, they have equipped lay men
and women to continue the good work
of the Brothers, carrying the Xaverian
mission into the future. With a strong
commitment to faculty and staff
formation and a robust campus ministry
program, we ensure that our faculty,
staff, and students are more than just
familiar with the Xaverian values...they
embody them. Together, we continue
as the Brothers have begun, with an
emphasis on the Xaverian values of
humility, trust, simplicity, compassion,
and zeal.”
Dr. Conca is passionate about
Xaverian education, noting that it’s
about much more than good grades
and championships. “For me, Xaverian
education is really about the type
of men our students become,” says
Dr. Conca. “Our graduates take the
Xaverian values with them wherever
they go, whether it’s to a board room,
operating room, firehouse, stadium,
or stage, and especially to their own
families as they grow into strong and
compassionate husbands and fathers.”
with me. My faith life has been rich with
influences from Jesuit and Benedictine
institutions, but I found my home in
Xaverian education 13 years ago.”
His deep understanding of the
Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian
Brothers is so personal to him that he
refers to them as almost an old friend,
calling on them to explain his unique role
in the Xaverian story. He quotes, “You
were created by the God of love in God’s
image and according to God’s likeness, to
be a unique expression of that love. It is
through you that God desires to manifest
love to the peoples of the world in these
times…” He pauses, and then reiterates,
“in these times.” He explains, “The story
of Xaverian is much larger than any one
headmaster or principal. Dr. Conca and
I have been called to lead in these times,
and we have humbly answered that call.”
Mr. Nicholson is a graduate of Saint
Anselm’s College. He holds an M.Ed. from
Boston College and is currently a doctoral
candidate at Creighton University. Like
Dr. Conca, Mr. Nicholson brings a family
lens to his leadership at Xaverian. He and
his wife, Mandy, reside with their three
children, James, Sophia, and Elizabeth
in Norfolk. “My family is the foundation
that provides me with the energy, desire,
and enthusiasm to serve here every day,”
he says. “Family grounds you and keeps
you humble. It also gives you valuable
perspective when you are working with
students and parents. My perspective as
“My faith life
has been rich
with influences
from Jesuit and
Benedictine
institutions, but
I found my home
in Xaverian
education 13
years ago.”
MR. MICHAEL NICHOLSON
Continued on page 4
He adds, “This is not work for me, it’s a
calling. I believe the world needs more
Xaverian men.”
Xaverian’s New Principal
ichael Nicholson, Principal,
echoes that call in his
role. “The principalship
at Xaverian is a
position where you are
ultimately working in service to
something greater than yourself.
We are helping young men become
the people who God has called
them to be, and that motivates me
every day,” says Mr. Nicholson.
From the day that Mr.
Nicholson first set foot on campus
in 2018, it was clear that he, as he
says, “speaks Xaverian.” Prior to
Xaverian Brothers High School,
Mr. Nicholson served at Saint
John’s High School in Shrewsbury,
sharing the Xaverian mission as a
teacher, coach, campus minister,
and ultimately as the Assistant
Principal for Student Life. “There
is something unique about the
Xaverian charism that resonates
Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson with their
children (l to r), Sophia, Elizabeth,
and James
Winter 2020 Xaverian Magazine 3
a husband and father ultimately guides me in
my work with adolescent boys.”
With their first year of leadership
underway, Dr. Conca and Mr. Nicholson have
begun writing Xaverian’s next chapter. They
are bringing the vision of an X-Ploration
Center to life (turn to page 13 to learn
more), investing in fine and performing arts,
continuing to attract talented students and
faculty, and ensuring that Xaverian education
remains affordable for all qualified applicants,
all while staying true to the school’s Xaverian
and Catholic mission.
“As we have seen in our 56-year history, in
harmony small things do indeed grow,” says
Dr. Conca. “We seek God’s continued blessing
as we work together with the Xaverian
community to write the next chapter of this
story, while honoring the rich legacy of the
Xaverian Brothers.”
Xaverian’s New Assistant Principal
for Student Life
r. Joshua Tranfaglia was
recently appointed as Xaverian’s
Assistant Principal for Student
Life. A graduate of St. John’s
Prep in Danvers (a fellow
Xaverian Brothers Sponsored School), Mr.
Tranfaglia joined the Xaverian faculty as
a social studies teacher in the 2014-2015
school year. In addition to teaching, he has
Headmaster’s Leadership Council Established
he Headmaster’s Leadership Council was established in the spring of 2019 to serve an advisory role to Xaverian’s Headmaster. The group is
composed entirely of alumni. They meet with the Headmaster twice a year to provide the alumni perspective on issues and topics affecting the
school today. The newly formed Headmaster’s Leadership Council met for the first time in May to discuss tuition affordability, and met for the second
time in October to discuss diversity. Thank you to the following members of the Headmaster’s Leadership Council:
A NEW CHAPTER
BEGINS
been very active in the Xaverian community and
has served as a coach for golf, basketball, and
baseball at both the FXD and high school levels.
Prior to Xaverian, he taught social studies and
religion at St. Michael School in Fall River. He has
a Bachelor of Science in Business Management
and a Master of Secondary Education, both
from Providence College. At PC, Mr. Tranfaglia
completed the Providence Alliance for Catholic
Teachers program, which prepares teachers for life
in Catholic education.
Continued from page 3
Front row, l to r: Kevin Quigley ’05, Andrew J. Griffin ’11, Richard T. Oliver, Jr. ’79, Robert J. Fleming, Jr. ’86, P ’23, Karl E. Johnsen, Sr. ’87, P ’19,
’21, Christopher M. Kelley ’92, Benjamin F. Cavallo ’94, David Molinario ’91, P ’23; Back row, l to r: David C. Finn ’93, William E. Weber, Jr. ’92, Craig
MacDonald ’07, Jason A. Fannon ’01, Michael R. Malvesti ’01, Kevin M. Whelan ’87, Michael R. Weafer ’98, Michael J. Murphy ’75, Headmaster Jacob
A. Conca ’94. Council members not present: Andrew J. Brennan ’08, John F. Brennan, III ’06, Robert A. Brennan ’06, Richard J. Cantwell ’85, Michael
D. Cronin ’88, Daniel DiPlacido ’88, P ’19, John T. Golden, CFA ’86, Brendan J. Kennedy ’93, R. Michael Kerrigan ’85, Michael G. Libin ’06, Jonathan
M. Loiacono ’01, Stephen G. O’Neill ’92, P ’25, Dr. Neal R. Patel ’88, Josef F. Rettman ’90, Dr. Jason G. Touhey ’99, Paul J. Tryder ’89
4 www.xbhs.com
HAWK SPREADS WINGS AT
STATE HOUSE
Patrick “Finn” Mungovan ’22 was just
13 years old when he first knew he
wanted to work at the State House. He
had taken a tour with his family and had
been impressed by the building’s history.
At the time, he was just developing a
real interest in the world of politics. “My
family has always been political, so at
first I was following along with them,”
he said. “But the 2016 election got me
into the sphere; it was the first time I was
interested in pushing for a candidate.”
This budding interest led to an email to
State House staff. His parents admitted
that he was young but eager for the
position. All that stood between him
and his goal was a two-hour interview.
After answering question after question,
Finn walked out with an internship
traditionally held by students four or
five years his senior.
Over the next three summers,
Finn commuted to the Beacon Hill
neighborhood from his home in
Wellesley. He worked for Alice Peisch,
Representative for the 14th Norfolk
District in the state legislature. His
day-to-day schedule saw him at
hearings, working in the office, and
meeting speakers like former Governor
Dukakis. He has taken away some
valuable insight about working in the
field, noting, “I learned that you’re not
going to pass a bill by yourself. You’re
going to have to take criticism and
learn how to respond to that.”
In politics, Finn has found an avenue to
connect two important parts of his life—
service and faith—although he admits
he’s not sure if he wants to make a career
of it. “I’m torn about it. Part of me would
like it, but I’m leery about my personal
life being so on display all the time,” he
explained. “I could definitely see myself
as a political journalist or working on a
campaign.”
The future is yet to be determined, but
we have a feeling this won’t be the last we
hear about Finn Mungovan.
Winter 2020 Xaverian Magazine 5
averian Brothers High
School is celebrating the
results of its recent New
England Association of
Schools and Colleges (NEASC) re-
accreditation process. In the NEASC
Visiting Committee’s report, it says
that Xaverian “stands out as a model
Catholic school in its care for the
boys and depth of the academic
program.” Xaverian was awarded
the top rating in all 14 standards of
accreditation.
“The re-accreditation process
was a very rewarding undertaking
for Xaverian, allowing the school to
collaboratively assess our strengths
and identify opportunities for
growth,” according to Xaverian’s
Headmaster, Dr. Jacob Conca ’94.
He continues, “The Self-Study and
the Visiting Committee report
certainly affirm all that we know to
be good at our beloved school. We
feel particularly rewarded by the way
that the Visiting Committee affirmed
what we believe of our incredible
students and their experiences at
Xaverian.” The report reads…
The students describe an aura
of positivity and inclusivity that
pervades the school, such that they
want to come to school each day,
and they want to stay after school to
participate in clubs and activities.
The students are grateful for the
opportunities afforded to them,
they are ambitious while remaining
other-centered, and they are honest
and open in their dealings with each
other and their teachers...Overall,
the students beamed with pride in
speaking of their school and spoke
positively about how all religious
backgrounds are respected in the
Catholic traditions of the school.
NEASC, a nonprofit membership
organization, connects and serves
over 1,500 public, independent, and
international schools in the U.S. and
worldwide. Every 10 years, schools
undergo a rigorous re-accreditation
process ensuring that member
schools provide quality education for
their students. This process involves
a Self-Study written by the school
and a Visiting Committee report
that is written by representatives
from peer schools who conduct a
multi-day on-campus visit to verify
the claims in the Self-Study. For
Xaverian, the Visiting Committee’s
arrival was the culmination of
nearly two years of collaborative
work to produce a 109-page Self-
Study that closely examined the
school’s performance through the
lens of the 14 NEASC accreditation
standards, such as experience of
the student, health and safety, and
governance. Xaverian’s inclusive
self-study process involved every
member of the faculty and staff,
and incorporated feedback from
students, parents, alumni, and
trustees. After careful consideration,
Xaverian’s Self-Study concluded
that the school clearly meets
every requirement as set forth
by NEASC. This is glowingly
affirmed throughout the Visiting
Committee’s report, which highlights
a congruence between their findings
and the results of Xaverian’s Self-
Study:
Throughout the visit of the
Committee, the Self-Study was
affirmed as inclusive. All the staff,
faculty and administrators worked
assiduously to write a superb
document that reflects the voices
The students describe an aura of positivity
and inclusivity that pervades the school,
such that they want to come to school
each day, and they want to stay after school to
participate in clubs and activities.
John Roper ’20 at the Visiting Committee Welcome Reception
A MODEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Xaverian scores top ratings from NEASC
6 www.xbhs.com
Winter 2020 Xaverian Magazine 7
of the community. Thus, the Visiting
Committee offers commendations and
recommendations consistent with the plans
and hopes expressed in the Self-Study.
Major Commendations from the
Visiting Committee include the Xaverian
community’s clarity of mission, the
vibrant involvement of the administration
in the life of the school, the generous
commitment to professional development,
the commitment to and support of the
campus ministry program, and the
faculty evaluation and feedback process
which “empowers” faculty and “enables
them to model life-long learning.” Major
Recommendations from the Visiting
Committee corresponded directly with
those Xaverian identified in its Self-Study.
These include the school’s commitment to
continue to invest in its rapidly expanding
arts program, continue to devise a plan
to support mission-appropriate diversity
initiatives, and continue to build upon
the strength of the Board of Trustees by
recruiting and training the next generation
of mission-driven trustees.
“We are extremely grateful for
the work of the Visiting Committee,
particularly that of Sister Barbara Rogers
RSCJ, Headmistress of Newton Country
Day and Chair of the 10-person NEASC
Visiting Committee,” said Dr. Conca. “This
is certainly a proud day for Xaverian.”
Pictured here is the NEASC Visiting Committee at Xaverian: Visiting Committee Assistant Chair, Dr. Brian Modarelli, Head of School at Christian Heritage
School (CT); Elizabeth Farrell, Science Teacher at Austin Preparatory School (MA); Andrew Szilvasy, English Teacher at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred
Heart (MA); Visiting Committee Chair, Sister Barbara Rogers RSCJ, Headmistress at Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart (MA); Matthew Collins,
Principal at St. Mary’s Parish School - High School (MA); Alexandra McMullen, Director of Middle School at St. Andrew’s School (RI); Jeanne Townsend, Database
Manager at Tabor Academy (MA); Kimberly Porto, Academic Dean at Hamden Hall Country Day School (CT); Ronald Russo, Religious Studies Teacher at Central
Catholic High School of Lawrence (MA); Steven Suomi, English Teacher and Director of the Student Center at The Governor’s Academy (MA)
The Visiting Committee observed warm and mentoring relationships among the
faculty and students, and continually heard students describing their teachers as
living embodiments of the School’s mission.
The students are grateful for the opportunities afforded to them, they are ambitious
while remaining other-centered, and they are honest and open in their dealings with
each other and their teachers.
Overall, the students beamed with pride in speaking of their school and spoke
positively about how all religious backgrounds are respected in the Catholic traditions
of the school.
The Visiting Committee observed an outstanding program with talented and
dedicated teachers. As evidenced by the Visiting Committee’s observations, there is
a deep devotion to the school by both the faculty and students. In addition, a robust
academic program with a wide variety of classes being taught on several levels
meets the needs of all of their students.
The faculty feel valued and supported, especially given the ample opportunity for
professional development offered to them.
The Visiting Committee was impressed by the comprehensive qualifications,
expertise, and dedication of the administrative team at Xaverian Brothers High
School. Through our interactions with various stakeholders, as well as our
observations, it was evident that the administrative team creates a collegial,
collaborative atmosphere that assures that the Catholic faith is pervasive in all
aspects of the School.
Highlights from the NEASC Report
I learned how to talk to people.
I think it made me more comfortable
presenting myself, being able to talk
to officials who have big titles, and to
make a name for myself.
BEN BUIE ’23
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