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The Class of 2021 officially joins the Alumni Brotherhood.
On behalf of the entire Hermits Alumni Brotherhood, we extend a warm welcome to the 59th graduating class in the history of St. Augustine Prep. This year’s Seniors continued the proud tradition of student leadership by carrying the fire and setting the tone throughout an unconventional academic year. These resilient young men led a collaborative, school-wide effort that kept the entire Hermit Brotherhood learning on-campus and in-person for over 90% of the academic year. In the process, these 148 Hermits were able to celebrate the culmination of their time at the Prep during another memorable Baccalaureate and Commencement Ceremony.
The Class of 2021 had some help in celebrating this day. They were joined by the Golden Hermits from the Class of 1971 who were honored on the 50th anniversary of their own graduation from the Prep. Only the ninth graduating class in the history of the school, the Class of 1971 was made up of 26 students, 8 of whom proudly shared the spotlight with their newest alumni brethren.
Hermits Hot Sauce officially hits the shelves
A life-changing educational experience, a brotherhood that lasts a lifetime, a picturesque 118-acre campus, and a branded bottle of Hermits Hot Sauce. Yes, hot sauce.
A collaboration with Hank Sauce co-founder Matt Pittaluga '05 brings Hermits Hot Sauce to Prep households across the country. The proud Prep alumnus has helped create one of the most sought-after Hermits-branded items ever produced.
This unique (and delicious) item is exclusively available to alumni through July 31. The bottles may not be purchased but are available by making a gift of at least $30 to the St. Augustine Fund.
Hermits Rugby Alumni Turns Back the Clock
Over 40 Hermits Alumni families descended upon Stone Harbor, NJ for the annual Surfside Sevens Rugby Tournament. Year in and year out, Head Coach Brendan Towell's group eagerly returns to pull on the Hermits kit to represent their alma mater on the rugby pitch.
The alumni donning the navy, gray, and white of the Prep weren't the only elements that returned – the tradition of success was also present. During their time as students, this year's alumni returnees all contributed to the program's seven overall state championships. This cohesiveness translated to this year's tournament as the Hermits Alumni U-23 team captured the Plate Championship with a 4-0-1 record on the day. This followed a strong showing by the U-19 alumni side who took 2nd overall in the Boys Elite HS division.
The success on the pitch is always enjoyable but the happiness of the alumni and their families reconnecting with one another is what makes this annual event a special one!
Gregor Mendel Award Dinner
Former New Jersey State Senator William Gormley '64 has been announced as the next recipient of St. Augustine Prep's prestigious Gregor Mendel Award. Senator Gormley will be honored on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at the Tropicana Hotel Resort & Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.
Further details regarding tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be sent in the weeks leading up to the event.
Stay Connected with St. Augustine Prep
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Senior Awards Ceremony
A number of alumni students and parents returned to Richland for the 2021 Senior Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. This annual tradition celebrates the accomplishments of the current graduating class and serves as a symbolic rite of passage for those seniors into the Alumni Brotherhood.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Barbara Hunt '18 '20 happily joined Cian Hughes '21 for a photo. Cian was announced as the inaugural recipient of the T.J. Hunt Memorial College Scholarship.
Run for the Roses
The Run for the Roses ~ Derby Day returned from a one-year hiatus with a little twist. The Campus Commons and the Anthony J. Spina Heritage Room at the Vincent Center served as the perfect backdrop for the event's grand return. The musical talents of Bill McMenamin '16 (pictured below) added to the festive atmosphere at the Prep's marquee fundraising event.
"After volunteering for the event during my time as a student, it was a special experience to attend the Run for the Roses as a guest and have a chance to give back to the school."
- John Farinelli '17
14th Annual Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa Golf Tournament
A yearly highlight for the Alumni Brotherhood, over 140 alumni, alumni parents, and friends of the Prep gathered for the 14th Annual Fr. Stephen J. LaRosa Golf Tournament. The event was generously hosted by the Ottinger Family P'15 '18 '20 '23 at Atlantic City Country Club in Northfield, NJ.
Hermits Rugby meets Hermits Hot Sauce
Hermits Rugby Head Coach and longtime faculty member, Brendan Towell, always makes time for his former players and students. This situation was no different as the DelleMonache Family celebrated the college graduation of A.J. (Class of 2017). A.J. recently graduated from Neumann University and will be working towards his Masters at Rowan University in the fall. Flanking Coach Towell in the photo from left to right are: Steven DelleMonache '20, A.J. DelleMonache '17, Steven and A.J.'s father, David DelleMonache P'17 '20, and cousin, Justin Mirenda '19.
Ryan Iaconelli '10 earns doctorate from Ohio State
The hard work of our Hermits in the classroom is rewarded with the ultimate prize, a degree. This experience is not reserved for our Hermits in Richland but also for our Hermit Brothers who have continued to further their education. Ryan Iaconelli '10, is one of these distinguished Hermits who recently graduated from The Ohio State University with a doctorate in Educational Studies. CLICK HERE to learn more about his accomplishment.
Josh Hood '18 selected by the Boston Red Sox in the MLB Draft
Josh Hood '18, a former Hermits Baseball star, was selected in the Major League Baseball Draft by the Boston Red Sox. CLICK HERE to read about how the former NJ Player of the Year's love for the game led to his draft day success.
John Huscher '85 P'18 named Dean of Student Leadership and Development at St. Augustine Prep
John Huscher ’85 P’18 has taken the helm of the Office of Student Leadership and Development at the Prep. A graduate of the Class of 1985, John has lived on the other side of the classroom as a business teacher at the Prep and has also experienced life as a Hermit Parent (Jack ’18). CLICK HERE to learn why this proud alumnus is uniquely qualified to uphold the mission of the school rooted in the core values of empathy, integrity, and global awareness.
Bryce Vaxman '17 leaves lasting legacy at Bellarmine University
Former Hermits Lacrosse standout Bryce Vaxman '17 led his Bellarmine Lacrosse team's community outreach efforts, most notably toward its contributions to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. CLICK HERE to learn what served as the motivation behind his service to the community.
Can't Stop, Won't Stop - The Prep Experience Goes On
From the chemistry lab to the baseball field to a prom held outdoors, the Brotherhood made this unique year one to remember. Most notably, in one of the most memorable games in the history of Hermits Athletics, Josiah Ragsdale '22 (son of Joseph Ragsdale '00) stole home plate with the Prep down a run with 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th to push the South Jersey Championship Game into extra innings. The Hermits, led by Head Coach Mike Bylone '86, completed the comeback in the 8th inning to secure their 5th consecutive South Jersey Championship!
Below are a few photos of how our alma mater exceeded the standard to remain on-campus thus maintaining an Augustinian Experience for the Christian Gentlemen of the Prep. The collaborative effort of the Students, Parents, Faculty, Staff, and Leadership Team was uplifted by the consistent support of the Alumni Brotherhood and Friends of the Prep. For your generosity, the current group of Hermit Brothers is appreciative for all you have done for St. Augustine Prep!
The Consalo Dining Hall Corner
Throughout the school year, Chef Vinnie Berti '95 and his talented staff have blessed the school community with a daily dose of delectable meals. Today we're giving him a well-deserved breather as the section below shares a recipe submitted from our alumni base.
Do you have a recipe to share? Submit your recipe, a photo of the finished product, your name, and your class year (if applicable) to alumni@hermits.com!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Recipe courtesy of Mrs. Katie Cloonan-Dijamco (wife of Jonathan Dijamco '05)
Ingredients
Turn the recipe vegan by substituting original ingredients with the ingredient options placed in bold!
- 1/2 C butter (*Vegan Substitute - earth balance butter works well)
- 3/4 C packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 1/4 C all-purpose flour
- 1/3 C chocolate chips + 2C for melting (*Vegan Substitute - enjoy life brand dairy-free chocolate chips)
Directions:
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
- Mix butter, brown sugar, salt, vanilla and water until well combined.
- Mix in flour.
- Fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Roll chilled dough into 1" balls and place on prepared parchment sheets.
- Melt remaining chocolate and let it cool to room temperature.
- Remove dough from freezer and dip dough into melted chocolate. Remove dough with a fork, and tap to remove excess chocolate.
- Place coated dough back onto baking sheets and refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes until chocolate is set.
Enjoy!
Words of Wisdom from St. Augustine
"God provides the wind, Man must raise the sail."
Thank you for reading the latest edition of "Brotherhood - The Hermits Alumni Newsletter." We are always gathering content for future editions. Whether it is news of a job promotion, an adorable newborn welcomed into the family, or anything else you would like to share, please send your content and photos to us at alumni@hermits.com.
Newsletter Design/Graphics/Copywriting - Manny Dijamco '99
Photography - Mrs. Karrie Davis P'22 '23 '26 & Liam Shurman '22
Credits:
Karrie Davis, Liam Shurman, St. Augustine Prep Archives