CELEBR AT I NG150 YEARS

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

www.lschs.org

November 2007Volume Seventeen Number 3

The Sesquicentennial Celebration includes banners throughout the campus that depict the people and places that are La Salle College High School. One such banner features John F. “Tex” Flannery ’40 who was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 1988. Tex was a legendary “storyteller” who coached our football team for twenty-nine seasons and won three Philadelphia Catholic League Championships and two City Championships. In route to amassing a 147-115-3 record, he emphasized sound fundamentals, integrity, community, and discipline both on and off the field.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It seems that the holiday season is now upon us. With the stores all in holiday mood, one can forget to give thanks to the Lord for the goodness of his harvest and blessings upon our country. No matter the hardships of the past year each of us has reason to be thankful to the Creator who has blessed us in more ways than we can imagine. May you enjoy this special season with both family and friends. May this also be a time to share with your sons the family traditions that you have developed over the years so that he might one day bring a bit of his tradition to a new family.

May I remind you of a couple of special events here at La Salle during November. First is our annual Auction – this year marking its 25th anniversary. The enthusiasm of this year’s planning committee once again will guarantee our success. I hope you can be part of the evening activities. With the coming of November, the first marking period will end and you will get an indication of your son’s adjustment and success here at La Salle. This report may serve as an indicator of what is going well and what needs additional attention. Our Open House is always a success and so much of this is due to the cooperation of our many clubs and programs with the Admission Office. A highlight of the afternoon is always the opportunity to meet prospective Explorers. The Men of La Salle will continue the wonderful tradition of the Father/Son Banquet on Thursday, November 15, 2007 at Williamson’s restaurant. As part of our Sesquicentennial Celebration, we will hold our first Grandparents’ Day. In recognition of the significant role these special individuals play in our boys’ life, this day is dedicated to them and will allow them to see their grandsons in their school setting and meet school friends of their grandson. Please let your families know of this opportunity and inform the Institutional Advancement Office know of any attendees so we might properly welcome them. The end of the month will see the trimming of our school Christmas tree by the Mothers’ Club with special ornaments planned as gifts for our senior boys.

“In Lasallian schools persons must be the center of our educational system rather than the prestige of some academic curriculum.” This quote is taken from The Brothers of the Christian School: A Declaration, Article 31. The implications of this statement have far reaching impact upon all that we do for our boys be that in the classroom, on a field or through the religious and social life of the school. It is my hope that your son has experienced such a sense in all that he has engaged in during these opening months of school. If not there are many opportunities to dialogue with our teachers, school administrators and counselors to see how we might provide for this need.

May I extend the greetings of the school community to you and your family as the holiday season begins. One of the many blessings of the Lord is the gift of sons and daughter to brighten each of our days.

Sincerely yours,

Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President

Men of Tomorrow DatesToRemember

OpenHouse Sunday, November 11, 2007 12:00 to 3:00 pm

ScholarshipandEntranceExam (for Eighth Grade Students) Saturday, December 1, 2007

PracticeTest (for Seventh Grade Students) Saturday, March 1, 2008

AdmissionsDeadlines• Thursday, November 29, 2007 (for all applications)

• Friday, November 30, 2007 (for filing for Financial Aid)

• Friday, December 7, 2007 (for submission of academic records and teacher recommendations)

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 233 2911 phone215 233 0284 faxadmissions@lschs.org

www.lschs.org

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Accreditation for Growth UpdateNicholas J. CogginsDirector of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

It’s mid-October (when this edition of The Belcroft is going to print) and we still haven’t officially heard from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools about our reaccreditation status. Last year, as many of you probably recall, a great deal of time and effort were invested into preparing for our Middle States Validation Team Visit. In March, five objective educators scrutinized every aspect of our school during a four-day evaluation and left “enormously impressed”, to use the Chairperson’s words. Their recommendation for our reaccreditation was unanimous. Supposedly, we’ll receive the official word from Middle States any day now.

Enclosed with next month’s issue of The Belcroft, you will receive a summary document of our experience with the Accreditation for Growth protocol. It will include a review of the products of the process (Belief Statements, Graduate Profile and an updated Mission Statement) and details about each of the student performance goals we have set in our strategic plan. I plan to communicate with you annually about our progress as we attempt to achieve those goals over the next seven years.

An excellent 25-person Planning Team led our school through the almost two years of preparation prior to the visit and this team will continue to oversee the AFG process for the next seven years. The team will meet twice a year to ensure that our strategic plan is working effectively and specifically that we are making progress towards reaching our goals. Each year we will rotate about a third of the members off the team and bring on new members with fresh perspectives and different areas of expertise. The members of the Planning Team for 2007-08 include:

Administration Mr. Joseph Marchese, PrincipalMr. Thomas Barna, Assistant Principal for Academic AffairsMrs. Julia Maher, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs

Alumnus Mr. Brad Guidi ’97 Board of TrusteesBrother Timothy Ahern, FSC, Principal, West Philadelphia Catholic High School

Faculty Mr. Daniel Cipolla, ScienceMr. Lewis Clark, Campus Ministry/ReligionMr. Gerald Evans, ScienceMrs. Rosemary Gedeik, World LanguagesMr. John Janda, EnglishMr. Gerald Miller, Social StudiesMrs. Mary Kay Mullen, College CounselingBrother James Rieck, FSC, Religion, Director of AdmissionsMr. Raymond Shay, Computer Science, Web MasterMrs. Mary Jo Smith, Mathematics

Internal CoordinatorMr. Nicholas Coggins, Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Local Educational LeaderMs. Marian Dondero, Director, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy

ParentsMr. Thomas O’Keefe – son, Thomas ’01Mrs. Lori Murphy – sons, Dan ’08 and Kevin ’06

Staff Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell, College Counseling

Students Antoine Albert ’08Terence McCarrick ’08Michael Cassidy ’07Robert Long ’07

Financial AidFinancial Aid packets are now available. Please have your son stop by the Main Office to pick up a packet. La Salle offers merit-based (academic scholarships) and need-based grants (financial aid) on a year-to -year basis. You must reapply each year. Scholarship winners are also eligible for need-based grants. Documentation necessary for need-based grants includes: W-2 forms, tax records, and filing financial information through the School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS).

Deadlines for Financial Aid

Ninth Grade (Class of 2012) November 30, 2007: Financial Statements are due at SSS and 2006 tax return due at La Salle.

January 18, 2008: W-2 forms for 2007 due at La Salle.

Upper-Classmen December 30, 2007: Financial Statement due at SSS

January 18, 2008: W-2 forms for 2007 and 2006 tax return due at La Salle.

Note: Families with both an upper-classman and an incoming freshman should adhere to the November 30, 2007 deadline.

Men of Tomorrow

Office of the PrincipalJoseph L. MarchesePrincipal

4 The Belcroft November

Dear Parents and Guardians,

In this season of Thanksgiving, I would like to thank all of our students and faculty here at La Salle College High School who perform Christian service on a daily basis to the disadvantaged of the Philadelphia area. As participants in our Lasallian Service Corps, our students and faculty serve the poor at Triest House, Providence Center, Sarnelli House and Saint Vincent’s Soup Kitchen – just to mention a few. On Freshman Branch-Out Day, La Salle sent 275 freshmen (and many of their fathers) out into the greater Philadelphia area to many different service locations. Having participated on this Branch-Out Day, I know that both our freshmen and their fathers were touched by that experience. This is La Salle College High School at its very best – living the mission of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. As we approach the holiday season, let us all please remember to reach out to those in need.

Congratulations to our cast, crew, and the production company of The Odd Couple, for a wonderfully funny performance. Special thanks go to the director, Mr. Micky Dominick, and to Mr. Mark Norman who assisted him. Kudos to all for a job well done!

Congratulations also go to senior Julian Tucker who was named a National Achievement Commended Student. Julian received his certificate of achievement at our Honors Convocation in October.

The Fall Sports season is drawing to a rapid conclusion. I want to thank our student-athletes and their coaches for their hard work and success. At the time of this writing, I am happy to announce that the La Salle Golf Team has already earned the first of what I hope are many PCL Championships for the 2007-2008 school year. Congratulations to Coach Marty Jackson, his assistant Dave Diehl, and our wonderful golfers. Eight of those golfers were named to the All-Catholic Team: Anthony DePaul, Kyle DiGiacobbe, Tucker Durkin, Kevin Genuardi, Matt McGovern, Pat Melvin, Kevin Seybert, and Jack Ulan.

The month of November is a very busy month beginning with La Sale 2007 on Saturday, November 3, 2007. This is a spectacular event that should not be missed. Many thanks to all those involved – especially the Mothers Club and the Men of La Salle – for their hard work in planning this wonderful dinner and auction.

At this, the beginning of the holiday season, let us remember that Our Lord Jesus lives among us – and can particularly be found in the hearts of the poor. I wish you and your family a peaceful and restful Thanksgiving.

Live Jesus in our Hearts – Forever!

Sincerely yours,

Joseph L. Marchese Principal

President Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ‘60, Mr. Al Puntel, and Principal Joseph Marchese at the Honors Convocation on October 18, 2007 where Al Puntel was recognized, along with Mary Kay Mullen, for their twenty-five years of service on the faculty of La Salle College High School.

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Office of Student AffairsJulia K. MaherAssistant Principal for Student Affairs

Student Council Elections for Class of 2011The Class of 2011 elected officers and senators to the Student Council in the middle of October. The newly elected freshmen are:

President William Turner 8AVice President Ryan Kelly 9A

Homeroom Senators for the Class of 2011Nick Burns 1APatrick O’Donnell 1AJaylen Bond 2ACalvin Perlman 3AMichael Bell 4AWill Hanneke 5AStephen Duzinski 6ABrendan Stone 7AChristopher Dearolf 8AAndrew Eckert 9ASteve Collins 10A

Freshman Class Moderator Mr. Terrence Gillespie

November Student Council DanceThe 2nd dance of the year will be held on Friday, November 16, 2007 and is not a super mixer, so there will be less tickets available than the September Mixer. Remind your son to purchase early. Only male students from La Salle can attend our dances. A reminder to parents and students that it is illegal and immoral for any student to sell tickets for prices higher than the face value. Any student apprehended in this act will be subject to disciplinary consequences.

Magazine Drive ResultsOnce again thanks to all of the La Salle Community for selling or purchasing magazines during the annual drive. As of October 10, 2007 the total returns are $114,100. The students surpassed the goal of $114,000. Profits from the drive are to fulfill the first installment of the student pledge to the capital campaign, Fulfilling The Promise.

The following students sold fifteen or more subscriptions and were eligible for the drawing to win an all expense paid trip to Disney World in April:

Pete Henwood 1D Mike Hagan 1CMike McCabe 3D Erik Anderson 6CSteve Dolan 4D Joe Radaszewski 8CSteve Zegalia 5D Paul Wisniowski 10CDan Marazzo 8D Sean Montgomery 10D

Ryan Andris 2B Juliano Rodriguez 2AMatt McGlynn 4B Tyler Dunphy 3AMax Arizin 7B Del Markward 6AJames DiMezza 9B Brian Lynch 7A Chris Dearolf 8A John Lawlor 8A James DeCarlo 10A

These students were eligible to win an all-expense trip to Disney World this spring. The winner from the drawing was Drew Marazzo. The second drawing from the names of all students who sold their quota of five subscriptions gave another student the same trip and the winner was Sean Dickson.

Congratulations to the Senior Class for making their class quota. They have earned the privilege of wearing golf shirts for the spring. A special “thank you” to all of the teachers who encouraged the students to participate and to all those who assisted the Student Affairs Office during the drive.

The biggest “thank you” to the members of the Mothers’ Club who volunteered their time to count the returns each day, to give coupons, and to get the order and the cash to match up. We could never do the drive without your help.

Dean of StudentsMr. James E. Fyke

Public and Permanent Add La Salle College High School to the list of institutions that are being forced to deal with student conduct on the web. This year several students have been suspended because of a serious lack of judgment when it comes to posting information on Facebook and Myspace.

The school has taken necessary steps to educate the students about acceptable use of the World Wide Web. La Salle is also committed to informing our community members of the risks associated with social networking websites. Information put on the Internet should be considered public and permanent. Students have reported difficulty getting rid of information that they have personally posted. Text and pictures posted on the web are also open to interpretation. An observer can misinterpret those words or images, which can lead to consequences.

With the benefits of self-expression and increased networking comes the risk of information being deemed inappropriate, threatening, or illegal by parents, the authorities or the school administration. Parents are strongly advised to have a discussion with their sons regarding appropriate use of the Internet. Any picture or comment that is not in line with your family values or the values of La Salle College High School should be immediately removed. Advise your children to “clean it up and cut it out.” The administration at La Salle does not search the web for our students, but will fully investigate any situation that is brought to our attention.

A La Salle diploma stands for more than just academic accomplishment. It carries with it our institution’s belief that a graduate is a gentleman: a man of character, faith, and service. La Salle has a responsibility to foster these characteristics as well as keep its good name and reputation. The students have the same responsibility.

6 The Belcroft November

Academic IntegrityA number of Lasallian administrators recently attended a professional colloquium on character development within the academic setting. The weekend seminar, billed as Integrity Matters, was productive and gratifying. Much of the discussion mixed the philosophical and practical aspects of academic integrity, honor, and honor codes. As you would expect, every school represented reaffirmed the need to prioritize and develop this message more formally in their respective institutions. As a result, gatherings will be planned to discuss these important items at our own school at various levels. Officially, La Salle College High School will follow-up by reviewing its own Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy. Pending the analysis, modifications will be recommended.

Already this year, violations to La Salle’s Honor Code have occurred. As the Academic Dean, it concerns me that students who are found blatantly breeching the contract typically rationalize their behavior as justified, or minimize the action as inconsequential. Both of these concerns are worthy of mention and follow-up discussion with your sons. You should be aware that each year our grade-level counselors review the code and La Salle’s expectations in group advisory class. Classroom teachers also address the topic with their classes at the beginning of each year. Personally, as a classroom teacher, I spend considerable time attempting to make clear the expectations of each and every assignment and evaluation. All these experiences provide valuable opportunities to discuss with your sons the topics of academic morality, realistic expectations, practical responses, and consequences of such behavior as related to our school community. We are happy to use these occasions to raise everyone’s level of awareness regarding these issues of character development. Please consider continuing these conversations with your sons at home. If your son has misplaced or lost his copy of our honor code, or if you would like to better understand our commitment to academic integrity, consider reviewing it on line at the schools website found under the “Academic Integrity” subheading in the “Academic Life” tab.

Academic Announcements and GuidanceThe first marking period ends on Thursday, November 1, 2007. Teachers will be reporting grades on Tuesday, November 6, 2007, the first day of the second marking period. Report cards will be issued in homeroom on Friday, November 19, 2007. La Salle does not require the students to return a signed report card. It is the responsibility of each student to see that the report card goes home. If you have not seen your son’s report card by Monday, November 12, 2007, you should be suspicious.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday evening, November 14, 2007 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.

Office of Academic AffairsThomas R. BarnaAssistant Principal for Academic Affairs

If you would like to meet with your son’s teacher(s), please send word to the instructor through your son or contact him or her for an appointment. The teacher will give you an appointment time. Conferences are by appointment so that waiting is minimized. Individual conferences are planned to last ten minutes. This sign-up protocol has been explained to your son and includes the expectation of his direct involvement. Conference nights are primarily for students with D’s and F’s, but anyone may make an appointment or have a conference with a teacher via telephone which may prove to be more convenient. Parent conferences can be most helpful in dealing with any academic difficulties your son(s) may be experiencing. Bringing your son to the conference is a great idea.

With the first marking period ending, it is an opportune time to remind your son(s) that not handing in the required work and missing deadlines is unacceptable. A La Salle student is expected to do all assignments, both written and unwritten, and seek help from his teacher when he encounters difficulty. Preparation for class is viewed as important as class itself. Remember, having the proper attitude and behavior toward academics makes a big difference. The ideal is that as a student progresses through high school, he begins to take more ownership of his education and learn to better deal with problems he may encounter. Generally speaking, students who attend to these issues do well in their studies and enjoy school.

With so much of the focus on grades at this time of year, it is important to explain a few policies and review some academically related items.

Progress ReportsAs a general rule, progress reports are sent home by mail at about the mid-point of each marking period. Teachers are asked to send them to students with D’s or F’s or to those students who they feel need to modify their behavior or effort in class. Parents often express concern that their son got a D or F without their receiving the Progress Report or they got the Report later in the quarter. There are reasons this occurs. Occasionally, a student who is doing adequate work will fail to turn in a major assignment or report near the end of the quarter assuming they CANNOT fail if they have not received a Progress Report. This is not the case. Our faculty has been told that in such instances, they may still fail a student who does not do the work regardless of when he decides to stop working. Of course, parents always have the option of contacting the teacher to see how their son is doing (report on progress) no matter how their student is doing. Remember, Progress Reports can also be sent to congratulate a student on his effort or on how well he is doing; they are not necessarily negative. Certainly the best form of a Progress Report is to engage your son on a regular basis asking probing questions about the learning taking place.

7

Contacting TeachersOur faculty members know they are responsible for returning phone calls and e-mails; preferably within 48 hours of receiving them. La Salle provides each teacher with a voice mailbox and an e-mail address for getting messages. If your son is experiencing a problem, your first call should always be to the teacher. If it is a serious concern, consider contacting his grade-level guidance counselor as well. Additional subject area advice or middle level concerns can be adequately handled by the department chairperson in each curricular area.

Dos and Don’ts of Contacting a Teacher and Interpreting GradesWhen you contact a teacher, please keep the following points in mind:

a. Don’t assume that everything your adolescent son tells you is objectively accurate. They have a tendency, as we all do, to leave out details that do not support their arguments or to exaggerate those that do. When a student does not do well, in most cases the problem is usually either his level of effort (performance) or his level of ability (aptitude).

b. Don’t call the Department Chair or administration until AFTER you have spoken with the teacher and/or counselor.

c. Do remember that teaching and learning involve an exchange. For learning to take place, both the teacher and the student have to actively engage in the process. Successful students are generous, open, and trusting to working with all types of teachers in all types of subject areas. Successful students nurture academic relationships with their peers and teachers. Attendance and participation is compulsory.

d. Don’t expect high grades for average effort. Do not expect average grades for poor effort. Students who do all their work in a timely fashion and who seek help when it is needed and offered will generally achieve at the highest level to which they are capable.

e. Don’t make comments like “I expect A’s” or “I expect B’s.” Your expectations along with the expectations of the teacher has to be matched by the efforts AND talents of the student. What you and the teacher have a right to demand and expect is your son’s best effort.

f. Don’t be too quick to assume that a course is too difficult for your son. Students get frustrated easily because they are young and inexperienced. An avoidance response is often initiated for any uncomfortable situation. Discuss the matter with the teacher and together you can usually make a better decision as to how the student can handle the class and subject. These instances often provide a young man with an opportunity to grow and develop especially in a nurturing environment like ours.

g. Do encourage your son to advocate on his own behalf. This is part of the maturation process your son must undergo, and we want to assist you in teaching him how to handle that growth process. Sadly, there is a trend in American schools for parents to over-advocate for their children. It is not appropriate for parents to intervene for the student except as a last resort. It is never appropriate for a student or his parents to badger a teacher for grades. The student must learn to be his own best advocate in school and in life.

h. Do remember that the ONLY GRADE THAT GOES ON THE PERMANENT RECORD/TRANSCRIPT IS THE FINAL GRADE. Every other grade you see on a Grade Report is a report on the student’s progress so far. In essence, quarterly grade reports are nothing more than formalized progress reports. A courses final grade is the one that counts when contributing to a student’s official transcript.

Final Grades in One Semester CoursesAs we approach the Christmas holidays and the end of the first semester please keep in mind that some courses on your son’s roster may be one-semester, half-credit electives that end at the mid-year. For example, a freshman may be finishing Computer Applications or Health in semester one; thus, the final grade for these courses is the semester grade and that grade goes on his final transcript. Seniors typically have several one-semester courses on their rosters such as Vietnam or Creative Writing. Seniors who fail a semester course have to make it up during the second semester in order to receive their diplomas in June. Seniors with two final full-credit failing credits may not receive a La Salle diploma. Underclassmen with two final full-credit failures may not return to La Salle. This has been and continues to be our academic policy to which there are NO EXCEPTIONS.

Grade ChangesUnfortunately, we occasionally experience the need to change a grade because our teachers are now reporting grades electronically; alas, technology always comes with quirks. When a teacher changes a grade on a report card, he or she must also submit a written ’change of grade’ form to the office of Academic Affairs. It is only then that it is changed in the administrative system. Grade changes are especially important at the end of the year when we have Promotion Day in June. This day has been set aside to issue report cards and take care of any grade related issues. For this reason, all the teachers are present that day. This year, Promotion Day is in on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. All grades become final by Monday, June 16, 2008.

8 The Belcroft November

Men of Intellect

OfficersOfTheDeLaSalleChapterOfTheNationalHonorSociety2007–2008Matthew J. Razzano, PresidentMichael C. Oliver, Vice PresidentMichael V. Rongione, SecretaryAnthony P. Kent, Treasurer

Scholastic“L”Awards–2007ClassOf2008Matthew K. Abel Robert C. AbramoMatthew J. AntonelloEric F. Au Raymond J. Barker, Jr.Thomas S. Bender Victor BenvenutoMario J. Bianchini Christopher C. BirzesJohn J. BlankeDaniel Buesking Kevin J. Caldwell Christian S. CareyAlexander T. Ciliberto S. Evan Cooper Thomas J. Cosella Brendan M. DaCosta John F. DeLucca Anthony J. DePaul, Jr.John P. DiIulio John-Michael Dronson John T. DukeMatthew C. Dwyer Evan A. Dysart Francis J. Farrell Christopher J. Fasy Mark A. Franzen Michael J. FurlongAndrew D. GalballyGeorge J. Gresko Brett G. Haenn James L. Hagerty John Harrison,VEric R. Heisner Kevin M. Hughes Anthony P. Kent Stephen P. KernytskyThomas C. Kerr Brendan R. Kissman Thomas J. Laessig, Jr.Brian J. Ledder Matthew R. LeesPhilip M. LeNoir Ryan M. Lindsay David R. Loughery Daniel P. Lowry

Gerard T. Lutes Matthew J. LynchRemy D. LynnIra Edward Manalo Michael T. Marra-Powers Robert F. MarzulloWilliam W. Maslin, IIIMichael V. McCabe Terence J. McCarrick Joseph P. McCollum James P. McNally Michael F. Mele Patrick R. Melvin Shaun J. Menkhaus Nathan D. Meyers Sean M. MoffaMatthew P. MooneyPatrick M. Moran Samuel A. Morgan Daniel A. Murphy Jeffrey K. Murtha Matthew E. OkersonMichael C. Oliver Paul S. Orner Andrew M. Palazzo Robert J. PowersMichael R. Rajnherc Alexander J. Ralston Ben T. Ramapuram Jason M. Raschiatore Matthew J. Razzano Conrad T. Ridgway Jason K. Rivkin Michael V. RongioneDaniel T. SacchettaMatthew H. SchelkunKevin M. ShieldsJohn H. SpergerBrian R. SplaneDavid M. SzekeresJulian J. TuckerFrank V. WallaceRyan M. WarrenderGeorge R. WeberRyan P. WhiteGregory T. WoodsKyle J. Zoldy

Scholastic“L”Awards–2007ClassOf2009Joseph R. Aloia Erik J. Anderson Ryan A. AnellaTimothy M. Asztalos Derek J. BogorowskiMichael A. Bonavitacola William P. Brennan

Gianni A. CampelloneNicholas J. CarboniMichael W. Cassidy James P. Catalino Michael D. Cline Thomas F. Corr William L. Crooks Christian A. CruzBrendan E. CummingsTimothy P. Daly William G. Dearden David J. Dickson Louis D. DiGiacomoD. Patrick Dohony Alexander J. Drost Kyle M. Finlay Sean P. Fisher Ryan K. Fitzpatrick Patrick J. Gallagher Patrick J. Gavin Sean T. Gillespie Zachary J. Good Westy S. HopkinsNeil P. Hubbert Matthew A. Jannetti Dylan P. Johnson Robert A. Kelly Sean F. Kiely Mark R. Kinslow Andrew W. Kittka Tyler KnarrChristopher R. Kraeher James M. Lagreca Robert F. Long Thomas M. LyonsThomas E. Maher Ryan N. Marcante Matthew P. McCulloughRyan M. McDevitt Daniel J. McDonaldWilliam E. McKenney Michael P. McKibbin Kyle D. McMahon Matthew MillerPatrick D. MonteithPatrick H. Moran Gregory J. Morozzi Matthew C. Murtha Tyler A. Nase Drew M. NeedhamPaul D. Nixon Christopher M. NuceroPaul A. NuceroG. Kellen O’NeillGregory B. PalkoRyan M. PatrickJames D. Pecora

Nicholas C. RizzutoMatthew E. RolandThomas J. RosePatrick J. SamannsJeffrey E. SchillMatthew J. SchmitzPeter J. SchwartzKevin T. SeybertAndrew P. SpeeseMatthew C. StewartJohn E. StumpoWilliam J. TorresMichael P. TubolinoSteven M. TuckerJonathan Williams WalshMatthew WhiteBryan P. WilliamsJonathan C. WiltPaul K. Wisniowski

Scholastic“L”Awards–2007ClassOf2010Ryan G. AndrisMark J. AngeloneGrant AtherholtChristian T. BachDavid A. BeaversWilliam F. BegleyZachary M. BelinskyJames R. BenischeckJean-Paul BonnyDaniel M. BowersMichael E. BradyShane M. BradyKevin O. BreenWilliam K. BurkeMichael R. CamusiDevlin E. CareyRyan J. CarlinSean P. CarrMichael S. CaseyMatthew J. CatanesePatrick T. CeroAnthony M. CognettiJohn A. CorrRobert W. CostelloSean M. CraneVincent J. CuceBrian DerrChristopher M. EdgerJohn I. EricssonJohn FarrisMichael A. FasanoLaurence P. FinneganKevin P. FoleyMichael R. FoleyGregory G. Foos

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Kevin B. GattiDylan P. GavinAlexander D. GeckGeorge J. GiovinazzoMatthew GroverCosmo GuerraKevin HarveyPatrick E. HeckBrian P. HigginsPatrick J. HigginsDerek M. HunterSean R. JandaWilliam D. KelloggJohn P. KlusekThomas R. KnabPeter J. KnowlesTheodore C. KradzinskiNathan S. KuryloJoseph H. KwasizurPatrick J. LaFataDaniel A. LaMorteKyle S. LeprevostPhilip G. LetcavageMichael E. LindsayDale LintnerDaniel S. LosierJames T. MarkleyFrancis MartinoRyan P. McElroyMatthew T. McGlynnBrendan P. McGoldrickFrancis X. McGorryWilliam J. McHughKevin G. MedvedJames E. MillsNicholas P. MindicinoKevin MintonNicholas E. MolloyPatrick J. MonahanRyan P. MoranG. Joseph MoroneyQuinlan MulhollandThomas V. O’KaneTimothy A. PeiferRobert S. PhillipsNicholas I. PillaWhitney P. PrendergastMatthew A. QuagliaLorenzo V. QuebralChristopher M. RazzanoPatrick ReschWarren M. ResnickDean RipleyIsaac H. RobertsAllen J. RodriguezRyan A. SaraceniMichael Schoen

Nikolas J. SchreiberZachary K. SeigelAndrew G. SiderasAdam D. SouchikConnor M. SpielmanMichael A. StanowskiAndrew J. StaudtJeffrey R. SternSteven SzostakHeath C. ThomasJoshua O. ThornJohn TonerJustin T. TrommelloBrendan P. TurnerJohn B. UlanNicholas J. Volpe, Jr.Shawn J. WarrenderJohn A. WeinrichMatthew R. WielgusJohn Rhoads WorsterBrian P. ZiffBrendan W. Zipfel NationalMeritscholarshipCorporationSemifinalistsKevin M. HughesDavid R. LougheryGerard T. LutesWilliam W. Maslin, IIIMichael F. MelePaul S. OrnerAndrew M. PalazzoJohn H. Sperger

NationalMeritScholarshipCorporationCommendedStudentsRaymond J. BarkerThomas J. CosellaBrendan M. DaCostaJohn P. DiIulioFrancis J. FarrellMark A. FranzenJames L. HagertyEric R. HeisnerMichael P. HoffmanStephen P. KernytskyRyan M. LindsayMichael T. Marra-PowersTerence J. McCarrickPatrick M. MoranJason M. RaschiatoreMichael V. RongioneWilliam J. RooneyGeorge R. WeberGregory T. WoodsStephen A. Zegalia

OutstandingParticipantInThe2008NationalAchievementScholarshipProgramJulian J. Tucker

Perfect4.0GradePointAverageClassOf2008Matthew J. AntonelloRaymond J. Barker, Jr.Alexander T. CilibertoS. Evan CooperJohn P. DiIulioJames L. HagertyEric R. HeisnerKevin M. HughesAnthony P. KentThomas C. KerrStephen P. KernytskyDavid R. LougheryDaniel P. LowryGerard T. LutesIra E. ManaloMichael T. Marra-PowersWilliam W. Maslin, IIIMichael V. McCabeTerence J. McCarrickMichael F. MeleShaun J. MenkhausNathan D. MeyersPatrick M. MoranMichael C. OliverPaul S. OrnerAndrew M. PalazzoJason M. RasciatoreMatthew J. RazzanoMichael V. RongioneJohn H. SpergerGeorge R. WeberGregory T. Woods

Perfect4.0GradePointAverageClassOf2009Erik J. AndersonTimothy M. AsztalosJames P. CatalinoWilliam G. DeardenAlexander J. DrostSean P. FisherPatrick J. GavinZachary J. GoodWesty S. HopkinsAndrew W. KittkaJames M. LagrecaRyan N. MarcanteGregory J. MorozziKyle Devon McMahon

Matthew C. MurthaPaul A. NuceroGregory B. PalkoPeter J. SchwartzK evin T. SeybertAndrew P. SpeeseMatthew C. StewartMatthew WhiteBryan P. Williams

Perfect4.0GradePointAverageClassOf2010Ryan G. AndrisMark J. AngeloneDavid A. BeaversWilliam F. BegleyZachary M. BelinskyJames R. BenischeckMichael E. BradyKevin O. BreenWilliam K. BurkeDevlin E. CareySean P. CarrSean M. CraneChristopher M. EdgerKevin P. FoleyMichael R. FoleyMatthew GroverCosmo GuerraPatrick J. HigginsSean R. JandaJoseph H. KwasizurPatrick J. LaFataDaniel A. LaMorteKyle S. LeprevostMichael E. LindsayDale LintnerMatthew T. McGlynnKevin G. MedvedNicholas P. MindicinoG. Joseph MoroneyTimothy A. PeiferLorenzo V. QuebralChristopher M. RazzanoWarren M. ResnickAllen J. RodriguezNikolas J. SchreiberAndrew G. SiderasAdam D. SouchikConnor M. SpielmanMichael A. StanowskiSteven SzostakHeath C. ThomasJoshua O. ThornNicholas J. Volpe, Jr.John A. WeinrichJohn Rhoads Worster

10 The Belcroft November

College Counseling CenterMary Kay MullenDirector of College Counseling

Financial AidA Financial Aid Information Session, sponsored by La Salle College High School, Gywnedd Mercy Academy, and Mount St. Joseph Academy, will be held on Wednesday, November 28, 2007, at 7:15 pm at Mt. St. Joseph Academy, 120 Wissahickon Avenue, Flourtown, PA. See www.msjacad.org/pages/directions.cfm for directions. This night is for parents of Juniors and Seniors.

Information about financial aid – forms to be completed, deadlines, scholarships, loans, etc – can be found at our website, www.lschs.org/college under “Scholarships” and “Links and Resources”. Check out www.finaid.org, www.fastweb.com, www.fafsa.ed.gov, www.collegeboard.com, www.educationplanner.com, www.pheaa.org (PA State Grants) and www.aessuccess.org (PA State Loans).

Be aware of the financial aid forms needed for each college since each college has its own requirements. The possibilities are the FAFSA, CSS Profile, and the college’s own aid form. Be very aware of deadlines for these forms. Given the increasing costs of college, we urge our students to be diligent about filing the forms in a complete and timely manner and to take advantage of every scholarship opportunity.

Information about scholarships that come to the College Counseling Center will be posted on our Website. Seniors applying for scholarships from a college or university often need to meet an early deadline. Take note of the specific requirements.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) cannot be filed until January 1, 2007; however, students and parents should apply for Personal Identification Numbers (PINS) before beginning the process. This four-digit number will serve as your electronic signature and it also can be used whenever corrections need to be made to the FAFSA. The number remains the same throughout the student’s college years and should be kept in a secure place.

Additions to List of CollegesSeniors are reminded to inform the College Counseling Center by Monday, December 3, 2007, about any colleges they are adding to their original list. The counselors need time for processing these requests before the Christmas holidays. Copies of letters of acceptance or scholarship awards also need to be brought to the College Counseling Center.

JuniorsThe college counselors suggest that the Juniors make plans to take standardized tests in the second semester. Registration deadline for the SAT on January 26, 2008 is December 26, 2007. The registration deadline for the ACT on February 9, 2008 is January 4, 2007. Each Junior should have taken two of the same test – either ACT or SAT – 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 (SATs), and www.actstudent.org (ACTs).

Advisory classes for juniors regarding the college search and application process will begin second semester. Check out our Website for comprehensive information including the advisory class syllabus and the La Salle College High School College Counseling Handbook.

Important Reminder for Juniors and Seniors Keep in mind as you are preparing for semester exams that your GPA in College Preparatory Courses is the most important criteria in the college admission process. Keep up the good work!

Campus StoreBarbara Wisotzkey Gerry Clark

Presently we are fully stocked with a variety of items and sizes. There is something for everyone of all ages, even the difficult to shop for individuals on your gift list. Don’t wait until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping, our stock becomes limited. The Nicole Miller stock is now a steal at $5.00 each. For your holiday shopping convenience, the School Store will be open Sunday, November 11, 2007 for Open House and during the Christmas Concert on Monday, December 10, 2007. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call us during normal hours 8:00 am to 1:30 pm.

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Summer Session 2008June 23, 2008 through July 25, 2008Monday through Friday8:30 am to 1:00 pmTuition: $890Transportation: $240 additional

Pre-7th GradeAcademic Enrichment ProgramOpen to Girls and BoysEntering 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 GradeAcademic Enrichment and Test PreparationOpen to Girls and BoysEntering 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 ExamSaturday April 5, 20089:00 amScholarship 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.orgVisit us on the web at www.lschs.organd choose Summer Programs tab.

Winter SAT Preparation ProgramJanuary 2008 through March 2008Eight Saturdays8:30 am to 1:00 pmIncludes Two Practice Tests

For additional information, please call (215) 233-2911.

SAT Course(Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays)June 24, 2008 through July 24, 2008

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 Writing11:30 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.

12 The Belcroft November

Men of Service Once again, a group of young Explorers headed south to spread the Lasallian spirit to a far flung area of the world – building schools, spending time in solidarity with young children and burn victims at a public hospital, and providing food and clothing to the needy in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The students were recognized by the assembly of military police of Cochabamba for their selfless dedication and good works. Generous donations of food, clothing, and supplies were collected by the group, transported to Bolivia, and donated to public clinics, orphanages, and the villages of Vila-Vila, Zorochi, and Pirhuas.

Participating in this year’s project were:

Joseph Aloia, Christopher Birzes, Robert Bolger, Evan Cooper, Ryan Casey, Daniel Erhard, Eric Heisner, Dan Murphy, Sean Montgomery, Greg Morozzi, Colin Murray, Christopher Nucero, Paul Nucero, Drew Needham, Marty Payton, Kevin Shields, Paul Wisniowski, Ryan Lindsay.

The students were joined by Mrs. Barbara Miller, Mr. Mark Norman, and native Bolivian Senora Lastenia Breen.

12 The Belcroft November/December

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Mrs.BarbaraMillerThe trip gets better and better! Once again we set off to Bolivia with the support and backing from our families at LaSalle College High School. A special thank you goes to Senora Breen, a teacher at LaSalle and native Bolivian. Mrs. Breen’s hard work proves her dedication to her people and her love for her family. Senora, you are the spirit, the excitement and the wonderful experience of seeing Bolivia. Please let us not forget the young men of LaSalle who make the trip so memorable through their service. We traveled with eighteen students who were very capable of hard work and a lot of laughs.

Yes Senora, you did it again. You introduced Mr. Norman, the students, and myself to two weeks of hard work but wrapped in a whole lot of love. Thank you, it’s a great experience.

EvanCooperThey say Bolivia is a poor man sitting upon a chair of gold. This metaphor of just a few words adequately sums up the contrasting conditions of Bolivia. The beauty of the natural landscape and the general genial attitudes and abilities of the people have been perpetually juxtaposed against the quagmire of poverty in which many Bolivia people face every day. The paradox of the poor man in the wealthy chair depicts the abundance of exotic fruit and llama products combined with the many, who must rummage through the garbage, starve along the countryside and buy rotting food. It tells the story of a willing and able populace downtrodden by poor hospitals and schools. The beautiful culture full of elaborate clothing and costumes combines with a people who can hardly afford one pair of clothing a year. The awe of the enormous Andes that seem to surround you everywhere match the awe of seeing people live in some of the most downtrodden homes.

If it is true that God can be found in all that is beautiful as well as with the poor and humble. If so, he is doubly present in the land and people of Bolivia. I would recommend this service trip to anyone, no matter what language they take, what class they are in, or how traveled they are. I can’t wait until the reunion trip when I can go to Bolivia again. I never expected that I would fall in love with the country. On the countryside, we met a man from Germany who loved the country so much that he decided to stay. At the time, I could not understand why anyone would want to do so or why Senora would want to spend her retirement in Bolivia. Now I understand. I don’t know whether it is the people, the landscape, or the community, but whatever it is; Bolivia will always hold a place in my heart. Gracias Senora!

ColinMurrayMy visit to Bolivia was amazing. I made so many new friends and have become quite confident in myself and in Spanish. The trip also changed the way I would view things in the world. I decided I will continue my studies in Spanish and to learn more about the rest of the world and how I can help it. This trip changed me for the better. I will never forget my experiences or the people I traveled with.

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PaulNuceroMy visit to Bolivia was too grand to condense into words. Every day, every experience, every person, every hola and adios, every paintbrush, every bus ride, every unique taste of food, every friend I met, and every memory I made is too hard to sum up. I can reflect and say one true thing: “It is not the times a day you breathe, but the moments in life that take your breath away and I can honestly say I thank God and everyone I met on the trip for each and every one of those moments.”

14 The Belcroft November

Freshman Branch-Out DayTuesday, October 16, 2007Service LocationsSisters of St. JosephSaint Ignatius Nursing HomeSaint Mary’s Villa for ChildrenArtman HomeFood Bank/PhilabundanceSt. Charles Senior Community CenterSHAREOur Mother of Sorrows ParishProvidence CenterSaint Vincent’s ParishLa Salle Academy

San Miguel SchoolSiloamPhiladelphia VA Nursing HomeSt. Mary’s HospitalWest Philadelphia CorpsTemple CorpsPioneer CorpsSeasonal Service CorpsTabernacle CorpsOur Lady Help of Christians ParishSarnelli House

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Lasallian Service CorpsLew Clark and Thomas Devlin ’00LSC Coordinators

Lasallian Service CorpsOn-Going Service Opportunities2006-2007 SundaySt. Francis InnSunday Before the First Monday of the Month10:00 amPrepare sandwiches to be delivered to a soup kitchen in inner city Philadelphia. Contact: Mr. Chuck Cirelli TuesdayLa Salle Academy Tutoring3:00 to 6:00 pmTutor 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 Forum2:15 pmMeet and discuss justice issues, the release of political prisoners, and reconciliation among people.Contact: Mrs. Betty Field WednesdayProvidence Center3:00 to 6:00 pmTutor children in a center in Kensington run by the Sisters of the Holy Child.Contact: Mr. Tom Barna and Mrs. Cathy Winning

ThursdayExplorer Club2:45 to 5:00 pmWork 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 House4:30 to 5:30 pmAssist mentally-challenged adults with physical therapy.Contact: Mr. Al Puntel

ThursdayProject HomeTwice A Month – Limited to SeniorsPrepare Food on Wednesdays – Serve Food on Thursdays3:30 to 6:00 pmContacts: Mrs. Mary Kay Mullen and Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell Sarnelli House5:00 to 9:00 pmServe a meal and friendship with the poor in Kensington.Contacts: Mr. Lew Clark and Mrs. Carol Haggerty FridayRosary For Life2:20 pmPray 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 KitchenSaturday and Sunday Morning9:00 to 11:30 amLast Sunday of the Month12:30 to 2:30 pmPrepare and serve meals to the poor of Germantown.Contact: Men of La Salle – Visit www.lschs.org Seasonal Opportunities Thanksgiving Food DriveSecret Santa and Operation Santa ClausMission DriveMagazine Drive for San Miguel in Camden Summer OpportunitiesAppalachian Service Trip to KentuckyWork with Habitat for Humanity rehabbing homes for families. Contact: Mr. Thomas Devlin

Kairos Begins Its Eleventh Year The first of six Kairos retreats was once again held at Diamond Ridge Camp in Jamison, PA from Tuesday, October 2, 2007 through Friday, October 5, 2007. Forty-one seniors were part of Kairos 37-57. The four day retreat is an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their relationship with God, self, and others. The retreat was led by seniors Jim Behr, Dan Erhard, J.J. Houldin, Sam Morgan, Mike Rongione, John Shields, and Greg Woods. The adult leaders were Mr. Bloh, Mr. Clark, Mr. Devlin, Mrs. Haggerty, Fr. Janton, Mr. Norman, and Mr. Parisi. Thanks to all those who made the retreat a positive experience.

Sign-Up with the

Mothers’ Club

16 The Belcroft November

Mothers’ ClubBarbara Grelis HouldinPresident

November/December Calendar of EventsNovember 3 “LaSale” Auction

November 4 Mother/Son Service Project (Cafeteria)

November 8 Mothers’ Club Meeting (Auditorium)

November 11 Open House (Event Support)

November 19-21 Gift Wrap Pick-Up

November 29 Senior Mothers’ Tree Trimming Event (for mothers of seniors only)

Please note that there will NOT be a Sweater Drive/Collection on November 14, 15 and 16.

December 2 Christmas Shopping Spectacular

December 4 Mother/Son Service Project (Cafeteria)

December 5 Junior Ring Mass (Event Support)

December 6 Mothers’ Club Meeting (Dunleavy Center)

Upcoming Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteer help is welcome and appreciated at the following upcoming Mothers’ Club events. Please e-mail the contact listed for each event with your availability.

November 1-3, 2007 La Sale Auction Setup, Distribution Auditorium, Gym, Hallways, and Exterior

Contact: Mary Ann Bush travelquestinc@comcast.net

November 4, 2007Mother/Son Service Project for St. Francis Inn CafeteriaMake brown bag meals.

Contact: Chris Letcavage cletcavage@comcast.net

November 19-21, 2007Gift Wrap PickupAuditoriumProcess and distribute orders.

Contact: Krista McElroyKLMCE@comcast.net

December 1-2, 2007Christmas Shopping SpectacularAuditoriumSet-Up, Event Assistance

Contact:Kim Driscollksdriscoll@comcast.net

Mothers’ Club MeetingNovember 8, 20079:15 amSchool Auditorium

All mothers are cordially invited to attend the Mothers’ Club monthly meeting, which will be held on November 8, 2007 in the school auditorium. Coffee will be available at 9:15 am and the meeting will begin promptly at 9:30 am. Board members will report on recent and upcoming Mothers’ Club events, following which Nick Coggins, who served as Internal Coordinator for the recent Middle States evaluation and Reaccreditation Process, will present a report detailing the evaluators’ findings and recommendations.

Please e-mail Barbara Houldin at bag553@aol.com no later than November 6, 2007 if you are able to attend, so that we can plan appropriately for our meeting.

Sally Foster Gift Wrap Sale and Pick-UpNovember 19-21, 2007 After School in the Auditorium

Still need some gift wrap for those holiday gifts? La Salle will continue to receive full credit for all orders placed online until January 15, 2008. Go to www.sallyfoster.com, reference our Account No. 67725 and your order will be shipped promptly to your home address.

Any questions, contact: Krista McElroy Debbie Landregan(215) 643-3061 (267) 470-4349KLMCE@comcast.net deborahlandregan@comcast.net

Attention All Moms of SeniorsSenior Tree TrimmingThursday, November 29, 20077:30 pmAuditorium

Light refreshments will be served and Christmas music will fill the air. Every Senior receives an ornament, the tree is decorated in a beautiful yet simple fashion. Invitations will be mailed soon.

Please RSVP to:Pam Brecht Donnamaria Dolanpbrecht@comcast.net dmdocbeach@comcast.com

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Christmas Shopping SpectacularSunday December 2, 200712:00 to 5:00 pmAuditorium

Look for your invitation in the mail to this fabulous one-stop Christmas shopping bazaar! Over forty vendors will be at La Salle to sell their unique merchandise. So grab your mother, your daughter, your sister, or your friends and come “shop till you drop.”

A limited number of vendor spaces are still available (no jewelry). For information, please contact:

Kim Driscoll Eileen Maginnis (215) 542-2813 (215) 646-3795ksdriscoll@comcast.net etmpk@aol.com

Mother/Son Service ProjectThe LaSalle Mothers’ Club is partnering with Mr. Chuck Cirelli on a service project for mothers and their sons to participate in. 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.

We will be getting together on both Sunday, November 4, 2007 and Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 10:00 am in the school cafeteria. We should be finished in about an hour and a half. 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. To let us know if you and your son are able to participate in this project, kindly contact:

Chris Letcavage Ellen Derr(215)368-2833 (610) 584-1514cletcavage@comcast.net ederr1@comcast.net

SAVE THE DATE!Fashion ShowThursday, March 13, 2008Presidential CaterersNorristown, PA

New York City TripDepart Montgomery Mall April 16, 2008

The La Salle Mothers’ Club is headed for Broadway to see the matinee performance of Legally Blonde. Departure is set for 8:30 am from Montgomery Mall. Our event includes round trip transportation, theatre tickets, box lunch, and special drinks and goodies on the bus.

The musical runs for 2 1/2 hours with a 15 minute intermission. You will have plenty of time to enjoy dinner in New York City before we head home. Departure time is set for 8:00 pm with an expected arrival time of 10:30 pm back to Montgomery Mall.

Reservations for this wonderful event are made on a first come first served basis. If you want to enjoy a wonderful day in New York City this spring, send a check for $180 per person made out to La Salle Mothers’ Club including name, address, telephone number and email address to:

Miriam Ralston515 Edann RoadGlenside, PA 19038

For more information see our flyer on Mothers’ Club Web site.

Mothers’ Club Board Alumnae LuncheonThursday May 15, 2008

We hope all “alumnae” of the Mothers’ Club Board will join our honored guests, the Past Presidents and Moderators, for a special luncheon at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club on Thursday May 15, 2008, in honor of La Salle’s Sesquicentennial.

Our committee needs your help finding Board members. We do not want to miss anyone. Please contact Kathy Caramenico at (610) 631-5249 or kcaram@yahoo.com to share names and contact information of women with whom you served on the Board.

The Mothers’ Club Board strives to support La Salle by sponsoring events and activities that raise funds to enrich our sons’ educational experience. In addition, the Mothers’ Club seeks to enhance our members’ own experience of La Salle by offering opportunities throughout the year to get to know one another better.

How are we doing? We’d like to know what you think. So, please, take a few minutes to complete the Mothers’ Club survey, available online now in the Mothers’ Club area of the school website, www.lschs.org. The deadline for participating in the survey is November 21, 2007, and we expect the results to be available in January.

Many thanks.

Barbara Grelis Houldin President

18 The Belcroft November

Men of La SalleTimothy J. Foley ’66President

Upcoming Events Wednesday, October 31, 2007 Auction Set-Up

Thursday, November 1, 2007 Brief Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm

Friday, November 2, 2007 Auction Set-Up

Saturday, November 3, 2007 LaSale

Sunday, November 11, 2007 Open House

Thursday, November 15, 2007 Father/Son Banquet Guest Speaker: Joe Conklin

Thursday, December 6, 2007 Regular Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm

Father Son Golf Outing Thank you to all the dads and sons who played in the beautiful weather at Horsham Valley. The new date on a Sunday seemed to be favored over the usual Monday date. Hopefully without any mix up on the date we will have a great turnout next year on a weekend. We had 160 golfers who enjoyed the day. The winners for each session were as follows:

Morning Round 1st Place Gene Loughery and son John2nd Place Tom Shields and son Tom 3rd Place Kevin McDevitt and son Ryan4th Place Tony Giaimo and son Ben

Longest DriveFather Gene LougherySon John Weidner

Closest to PinFather Kurt EisenschmidSon Colin Eisenschmid

Afternoon Round1st Place Tom Craig and son Brendan2nd Place Mike LaGreca and Son Jim3rd Place Scott McIntosh and son Colin 4th Place Tom Lyons along with and sons Tom and Brendan

Longest DriveFather Bill MitchellSon Tucker Corr

Closest to PinFather Tom CraigSon Gregory Palko

La Salle’s First Grandparents’ DayAll grandparents are invited to attend La Salle’s Thanksgiving Prayer Service on Wednesday, November 21, 2007, beginning at 10:00 am in the Auditorium. Light refreshments will be served immediately following the service, and school tours will be available. If you would like to attend, please contact Barb Franks by November 16, 2007 at (215) 233-2350, so that arrangements can be made for students to join their grandparents for the reception.

58th Annual Father/Son BanquetThursday November 15, 2007

Williamson’s Restaurant5:45 pm Check-In and Reception6:30 pm Dinner $35 Fathers/$30 Sons

Guest Speaker: Joe Conklin

Each year, the Men of LaSalle sponsors a dinner that has become a long-standing tradition at La Salle. It is the perfect opportunity for you to spend an enjoyable evening with you and your son(s), meet his friends, their fathers, the Christian Brothers and the administration.

Plans are being made to ensure that this is a fine evening for you and your son(s), a time to share and grow together. The banquet will include an excellent dinner, door prizes for your sons, 50-50 raffles, and music by the entertaining Jazz Band.

The event has always been a quick sell-out, so please don’t hesitate. We will be limited to seating of approximately 600 in the main dinning room, with the overflow in an adjacent room.

If you have any question please e-mail me at tfoley@foleyinsurance.com. We look forward to seeing you at the banquet.

St. Vincent’s Soup KitchenEvery weekend through the end of the school year, the Men of La Salle will continue our service to those less fortunate in our community, by helping to prepare and serve meals to 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 on-line to sign up and make a difference!

On behalf of the Men of La Salle, I would like to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

Teach your teen how to disagree with people in a respectful way.There will always be times people disagree with each other. But sometimes, teens get so wrapped up in wanting to win that they become disrespectful and downright rude in the process.

Your teen can disagree, without being disagreeable. Suggest that he:

• Look at the other person. Don’t stare and don’t make faces. Looking at the person is one way to show you are listening.

• Use a pleasant voice. Every teenager in the world knows the other voice—the one that drips with sarcasm. That’s not the voice to use if you actually want to reach common ground.

• Find something to agree on. This is a great way to reach a solution you can both live with.

• Give reasons. Persuade others by backing up opinions with facts.

• Keep listening. Stay calm. Work to find some area of agreement with the other person.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2007 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2007 The Parent

Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.

Show respect when talking with your teen.Someone once said that in order to get respect, you have to give it. This is definitely true when it comes to dealing with teens. You should expect your teen to show you respect—through his words and his actions.

However, your teen has the right to be respected in turn. He’s no longer the naive little kid he once was; he’s almost grown up with his own opinions and views on the world. You can build an atmosphere of mutual respect with your teen by talking with him. Be sure to:

• Begin with a less personal topic, such as school. Ask your teen about what he did in school, who his favorite teacher is, etc. You’ll be able to tell when he feels comfortable, because his answers will be longer than one word.

• Avoid judging your teen. If you jump down his throat when he says he doesn’t like science, he’s unlikely to open up to you in the future. Instead, give him honest advice.

• Tackle more difficult subjects as your teen becomes more comfortable talking with you. Ask him about his views on peer pressure, sex, drugs and alcohol. Share your beliefs, as well. Since you have shown that you respect his decisions and beliefs, your teen is more likely to respect your views in turn.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2007 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.

Foster respect for others by volunteering with your teen.Even though your teen might resist spending “quality time” with you in public it’s important to do so. Your teen is “nearly an adult,” but he still has a lot to learn—and you’re the best teacher.

Consider volunteering with your teen—it’s a great way to spend time together and teach your teen about respecting others.

You’ll probably find many volunteer opportunities to choose from in your community, especially during the holiday season. You and your teen can:

• Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

• Work at a food pantry, sorting donated goods.

• Visit a nursing home.

• Help with a food or clothing drive.

• Collect items for a toy drive.

• Wrap gifts at a local mall.

Check at your local library or community center for volunteer opportunities in your area.

Reprinted with permission from the November 2007 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.

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20 The Belcroft November

Men of Accomplishment

La Salle Golfers Recapture the Catholic League ChampionshipBy Christopher M. Carabello ’82

People who describe golf as being “royal and ancient” have apparently never played some of the tracks successfully navigated by the 2007 Golf Team in route to the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. After going undefeated through the league schedule and conquering courses from Juniata Golf Club to Philadelphia Country Club, the Golf Team captured their eleventh Philadelphia Catholic League Championship in the last thirteen years at Center Square Golf Club on Monday, October 1, 2007. The Explorer’s team total of 456 was 34 strokes better than second place Monsignor Bonner and 41 strokes ahead of St. Joseph’s Prep. The victory was a redemption of sorts for the Explorers who lost by two strokes in last year’s championship.

In addition to the team title, all eight members of the La Salle team gained All-Catholic honors because of their spectacular individual performances. Kevin Genuardi finished first; Patrick Melvin, Tucker Durkin, and Jack Uland finished in a tie for fourth; Kyle DiGiacobbe, Anthony DePaul, and Kevin Seybert tied for eighth; and Matt McGovern finished in a tie for thirteenth. The eight All-Catholic golfers are the most that La Salle has ever had in a golf season.

The day belonged to junior Kevin Genuardi who shot a 3-under par 68, starting on the back nine with a 33 and finishing up on the front with a 35. Genuardi began his round by driving into the rough on the ninth, hitting a tree with his second shot, and then knocking the ball to five feet and sinking the putt for a par. What proceeded was nothing less than amazing. At one point, he was 5-under par until two consecutive bogeys brought him to where he would finish the round. Genuardi shot 73 and 71 in two practice rounds at Center Square prior to the championship and felt prepared as he was coming off of a personal best, 67, which he shot at his home course of Cedarbrook Country Club. He has been the number one golfer at La Salle since his freshman year when La Salle won the Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. He was determined to redeem himself after shooting a 75 in last year’s championship round, which included a double-bogey six on the 18th hole at Glen Mills.

Genuardi posted eight rounds of sub-40 golf during the season. His worse round came at Torresdale-Frankford Country Club where he shot a 40. Coach Marty Jackson describes him as “intense.” Genuardi hopes to attend college somewhere in the South and plans to pursue a career as a professional golfer.

Genuardi came to La Salle from Ancillae-Assumpta Academy where he was a well-rounded athlete. He was attracted to the Golf Program and the opportunities offered by the David Program. Coach Jackson sees him as a “hard worker in the classroom as well as on the course” and his 3.25 GPA is a testament to his efforts.

Genuardi starting playing golf at age 4 and has grown-up at Cedarbrook Country Club where he has won the Junior Golf Championship every year since he was 12. He often plays “family rounds” with his mom and dad and only recently starting beating his father who himself is a single-digit handicapper. In the summer, Genuardi plays with Jack Uland, a sophomore at La Salle and a fellow Cedarbrook member. Uland shot a 77 in the Catholic League Championship and Coach Jackson has noticed dramatic improvements in Uland’s game. “Jack is visibly more confident and some that can be attributed to playing regularly with Kevin.”

In June, Genuardi advanced to the Championship Flight of the Golf Association of Philadelphia (GAP) Junior Boys Championship losing to one of the eventual finalists (Robert Robertson of Philadelphia Cricket Club). A month later, he missed qualifying for the U.S. Amateur by one stroke after shooting 148 at a two-day local qualifying event played at Cedarbrook and Meadowlands Country Club.

Next year, La Salle will be in the PIAA and eligible for the State Championship. Genuardi will have the opportunity to contend for a state title and become the fifth Explorer to win consecutive individual Catholic League titles (Sean Seese ’02 – 2001/2002, Doug Gregor ’87 – 1986/1987, Brain Stefanowicz ’82 – 1981/1982, and Pat Ganley ’82 – 1979, 1980).

History of La SalleMr. Joe Lynch ’61, a member of the English Department, is writing an informal history of LaSalle College High School and would be interested in hearing from graduates and friends who have stories to tell. If your class was special (Whose wasn’t?) or historic in some way or just down-right memorable, please email Joe at lynch@lschs.org.

21

Men of Respect

ForumLast year was a terrific year for the La Salle Forum, the Speech and Debate Team of La Salle College High School. The team captured the Philadelphia Catholic Forensics League (PCFL) Championship and had a slew of terrific individual performances including a national finalist in Student Congress, a Policy Debate team finish 12th in the nation, and a national quarterfinalist in Dramatic Interpretation of Literature at the National Forensic League Finals (Wichita, KS).

This year’s focus so far, has been adding more national exposure for the team, earlier in the year. At the Wake Forest National Early Bird Tournament, T.J. McCarrick ’08 and Mike McCabe ’08 advanced to the Octofinals Round in Policy Debate while Antoine Albert ’08 reached the Final Round in Dramatic Interpretation. Sean Janda ’10 narrowly missed advancing with a 4-2 record.

Next, the team traveled to the Yale University Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament for the first time. Antoine Albert ’08 took 1ST Place in Dramatic Interpretation over some of the best competition on the East Coast! Josh Thorn ’10 and Jim Benischeck ’10 advanced to the Quarterfinal Round in Policy Debate and Eric Stone ’11 advanced to the Quarterfinal Round in Humorous Interpretation.

Back in Philadelphia, at the University of Pennsylvania Liberty Bell Classic, the sophomores on the team filled in well for the seniors taking the SAT and SAT II exams. Sean Janda ’10 advanced to the Quarterfinal Round in this year’s very large and talented Lincoln-Douglas Debate event. The team of Josh Thorn ’10 and Jim Benischeck ’10 advanced to the Semifinal Round in Policy Debate.

La Salle also returned this year to the New York Invitational Tournament at Bronx High School of Science. The Policy Debate team of T.J. McCarrick ’08 and Mike McCabe ’08 advanced to the Quarterfinal round losing to the eventual Tournament champions in a very close round. Sean Janda ’10 again just missed advancing with a 5-2 record in preliminary rounds and a rank of 34th out of 152 (the top 32 advance).

We hope that these early successes at tournaments of regional and national prominence will help in defense of our PCFL and State District championships as well as prepare the team for National Catholics (Green Bay, WI) and NFL Nationals (Las Vegas, NV) in May and June.

Our newest team members are preparing for the first Novice and JV competitions of the year. Whether students are interested in debating issues of Policy (Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its public health assistance to Sub-Saharan Africa.) or Values (Resolved: A just society ought not use the death penalty as a form of punishment.), reciting

humorous or dramatic works of literature, or speaking extemporaneously about current events, there is room on the team for different types of talents and interests. If you know anyone interested in joining the Speech and Debate team, please have them contact me at shay@lschs.org or (215) 233-2911, ext. 3042. Even with thirty-seven active students, there is always room for more!

Music Program In Full Swing! Under the leadership of Band President Julian Tucker, the pep band is performing exceptionally well at all the football games, keeping the crowd and the team pumped up! La Salle’s “Honors Advanced Band” has already performed several times at various functions, including Brother James Rieck’s 50th Anniversary and “Navy Day” at the Union League in Philadelphia.

The Competition Jazz Band and the Concert Band each recently began rehearsing. The Competition Band, which showcases twenty of La Salle’s most talented musicians, rehearses twice weekly in preparation for its Spring competition season and seems to be well on track to having a great season. The Concert Band, which comprises a large portion of the Music Department, has begun weekly rehearsals in preparation for its acclaimed Christmas Concert.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of all La Salle’s musicians and its music staff, especially Mr. Joseph Vettori, the Music Department looks forward to a great year!

22 The Belcroft October

Varsity Sports SchedulesTony ReschAthletic Director

FootballDrew GordonHead Coach

Defending Philadelphia Catholic League Champions

November

3 Cardinal O’Hara 1:00 pm Plymouth- Whitemarsh 22 Bishop McDevitt 10:30 am Plymouth- Whitemarsh

Water PoloSteve Duncheskie ’94Head Coach

November

3 Eastern Prep Championships 8:00 am The Lawrenceville School 4 Eastern Prep Championships 8:00 am The Lawrenceville School

Basketball NewsVarsity, Junior Varsity, and freshman Tryouts will be held beginning Monday, November 12, 2007. Tryouts will be held each day after school. Please check the school bulletin for specific tryout times.

The Varsity Basketball team will open up its season at home on Friday afternoon, November 30, 2007 against Roxborough High School. The team plays the next day at home vs. Immaculate-La Salle from Miami, FL. The December schedule also features the Second Annual Christian Brothers Classic held on December 14-15, 2007, the Jameer Nelson Classic on December 29, 2007, and the New Year’s Eve Clash with St. Joe’s Prep on December 31, 2007 at the Prep. Catholic League play begins in December on December 21, 2007 against Archbishop Ryan.

Swimming NewsThe 2007-2008, La Salle College High School swim season gets underway beginning November 12, 2007. A veteran team will try to defend the Philadelphia Catholic League Crown for a 20th consecutive season. Another difficult schedule awaits us this season including Loyola of Baltimore, Malvern Prep, North Penn, and St. Joseph Metuchen. The 2007 team finished seventh in the country in its division and 31st out of all of the boys team in the United States last season. Come out and see the team in its last National Catholics and Eastern States Championships as well the Philadelphia Catholic League schedule and rival St. Joseph’s Prep. The best of luck to all the athletes and coaches as this swim season gets underway his year.

Rowers Dominate at the Philadelphia Navy Day RegattaLa Salle rowers made an impressive showing in their first race of the Fall season, at the Philadelphia Navy Day Regatta on the Schuylkill River on Saturday, October 13, 2007. The first varsity eight, stroked by Tyler Nase, placed second out of twenty-two strong entries from Philadelphia, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York and Delaware. The second varsity eight, stroked by Steve Zegalia, finished eighth, well in the top half. The Lightweight Eight, stroked by Matt Gulkis, scored a convincing victory over nine other entrants, winning the gold medal by ten seconds over Monsignor Bonner and twenty seconds ahead of St. Joe’s Prep. The Junior Varsity boat finished second of twenty-four entrants, placing only ten seconds behind a composite crew from Greenwich, CT area high schools. The team’s combined performance was by far the strongest showing of any other school in the premiere eights category.

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

www.lschs.org

…a tradition thrives! Homecoming

Wednesday, November 21, 20077 – 11 pmLa Salle College High School Auditorium

$25 per person

5-Year Reunion for the Class of 2002

Dedication of Flannery Fieldand Tribute to CoachJohn “Tex” Flannery ’40

Price of admission includes a hot buffet, beer, wine, and soda.

Tickets can be purchased through the Alumni Office at 215 233 2350, on-line at www.lschs.org, or at the door.

All attendees must be twenty-one or older to attend.

The Official Newsletter of La Salle College High School

PresidentBrother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60

PrincipalJoseph L. Marchese

Vice President of Institutional AdvancementGail A. Evans, CFRE

Director of Communications and Public RelationsChristopher M. Carabello ’82

The BelcroftLa Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, PA 19038

215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 faxwww.lschs.org

La Salle College High School 8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

www.lschs.org

Return Service RequestedFirst Class Mail

First Class MailThe Belcroft is published by La Salle College High School during the months of September through September.

The Belcroft welcomes articles and submissions from the entire La Salle Community. The deadline for submissions is the fifteenth day of themonth 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.

The Editor of the The Belcroft reserves the right to make all decisions regarding the content and layout of the newsletter.

November 2007Volume SeventeenNumber 3

S a v e T h e D a t e

S a t u r d a y , A p r i l 2 6 , 2 0 0 8

T h e C r y s t a l T e a R o o m

T h e W a n a m a k e r B u i l d i n g

Calendar of Events November 2007 1 School Liturgy End of First Marking Period Men of La Salle Meeting 6:30 pm

2 Holiday No Classes

3 SAT I and II LaSale

5 Faculty In-Service Day No Classes

6 Second Marking Period Begins Kairos 37-58

8 Mothers’ Club Meeting 9:15 am

9 Report Cards Issued

11 Open House 12:00 pm

13 Thanksgiving Food Drive Begins Junior Urban Challenge Alumni Board Meeting 7:30 pm

14 Parent-Teacher Conferences 7:00 pm

15 Second Semester Tuition Due Father/Son Banquet 6:00 pm

16 Mixer 7:30 pm

21 Grandparents’ Day Homecoming 7:00 pm

22 Thanksgiving Day No Classes

23 Holiday No Classes

29 Senior Mothers’ Tree Trimming 7:00 pm

Honoring our past,Celebrating the future.