CM Life in Photos: NHS Blood Drive

Brandon Pierce '10 strikes a pose before signing up for the National Honor Society's annual Blood Drive at CM on December 11. At the registration desk are (l-r) Troy Starrett '10, Brian Besinger '10, Matthew Dalton '10 and Eric Anderson '10. In all, over forty individuals donated blood.

"We Saw His Star": Talents delight at annual Christmas Concert

CM's Kevin Beazley '11 has a voice most choruses long for. With deep baritone notes that can fill a cathedral space, Beazley showed hundreds of listeners why this week. That began for him in his own church--St. Theresa's in Dorchester, where Beazley performed portions of Handel's Messiah alongside Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians.

And on Wednesday evening, Beazley again brought a hush among several hundred listeners in the cavernous space of Holy Name Church. Singing "Have yourself a merry little Christmas," Beazler was one of many soloists who showcased their talents in the annual CM Christmas Concert.

Arranged and conducted by Music Director Craig Spaner, the annual concert featured the CM JazzMen, CM Chamber Ensemble, eighth grade chorus, and a variety of other talented musicians performing for parents, teachers, friends and the public at Holy Name Church, the annual venue for the concert.

Those assembled felt the advent of Christmas more fully thanks to Dan Masterson '08, who opened the evening with song and accompanied many of the younger performers on piano. Several selections by the eighth grade chorus set the stage for CM's finest performers in grades 7-12, like Seung Eun Park '10 on cello, Ethan Madden '11 on vocals, Brendan MacNabb '10 on guitar, Matthew Young '15 on flute, and Angelo Conto '15 on vocals.

"Having watched the annual Christmas Concert evolve over the past twelve years, it is a credit to Mr. Spaner the way he has inspired our students to showcase their varied talents," said Middle School Head Teacher Don Cormier. "CM is fortunate to have him leading our Fine Arts Department."

Mr. Paul Sheff closed the evening with brief remarks, thanking the faculty and staff involved in putting on the concert, applauding the student talents, and praising Mr. Spaner for his fine conducting.

Revved Up: CM Car Club heads to New England Auto Show

The CM Car Club’s first excursion of the year brought it to the New England Auto Show at the Boston Convention Center December 3. Moderator Mr. Tegan and a dozen students made the trip, one of at least four after-school trips they make through the year to area auto shows.

“Kids and cars, it’s a natural connection,” says Tegan. “Whether it be tinkering with them or admiring the worksmanship. The Car Club fills that need.”

With over twenty car aficionados in its ranks each year, the Car Club heads to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum and the Bayside Expo’s “World of Wheels Show.” On trips like these, members meet and talk with engineers and car manufacturers and see real-world applications of science and math skills.

The Club began ten years ago when Mr. Tegan noticed a freshman, Matthew McGonagle ’03, paging through Car and Driver during his study halls. Tegan and McGonagle struck up a conversation each week, and soon invited more and more students to join them in exploring the intricacies of automotive design each week. Matthew’s father, Ed McGonagle ’76, graciously continued to sponsor the Car Club’s outings well beyond Matthew’s graduation.

This past week, the Car Club’s acting president Tom Flaherty ‘10, a member since his freshman year, enjoyed seeing both mass-marketed and custom-built designs at the New England Auth Show. Flaherty thinks about studying diesel mechanics and design after CM.

Beside the newest Chevy Corvette (complete with GPS and DVD systems) was a custom-pinstripe airbrush paint job of ghostly figures on a 6-door pickup truck. Both caught his eye.

“I wanted to be able to get into the new models and see what new technology is coming out,” said Flaherty. “We all do. There’s definitely a bond between all of us who have the same passion for cars.”

Donnelly leads Speech and Debate to 1st Place Finish

Kevin Donnelly '12 took home three first place trophies in the categories of Declamation, Duo Interpreation, and Multiple Improv at the Lincoln Sudbury Showdown on December 5, leading the CM Forensics team to a 1st place team win. Laroy Streat '11 and Brendan Shea '11 were named finalists in two categories each, and the following students earned 1st place trophies as well:

Andrew Rogantino '11 (Duo Interpretation)
Nick Leney '10 (Radio)
Joe Kain '11 and Michael MacKenzie '11 (Public Forum Debate)
David Consigli '12, Ryan Lemoie '12, Andrew Rogantino '12, and Kevin Donnelly '12 (Multiple Improv)

"This was a record-breaking showing at the Showdown," said team coach Rob Croteau '93, "and the team's first Sweepstakes Championship of the year. We congratulate all the winners who made it possible, and thanks to all the parents who volunteered."

Studio Art coursework showcased at Wellesley's Davis Museum

Ms. Malachowski's Studio Art class saw their photography on display at Wellesley College's Davis Museum on December 2 as they visited "Cell Tango," an exhibition of creative photography taken by cell-phone cameras.

A project by artists George LeGrady and Angus Forbes, Cell Tangois an interactive installtion featuring a large-scale projection of phone images contributed by the public. The project intrigued Ms. Malachowski, who encourages her Studio Art students to think differently about their involvement in the art world and the broad definition of "the arts" each year.

"It's an experience for these boys to see their artwork in a museum," said Malachowski. "We decided that we would take pictures, contribute them to Cell Tango, visit and see their artwork live, and tour the museum and gardens."

In addition to seeing the art museum and meeting exhibit curator Jim Olson, students toured the campus, around which were installed serveral other larger pieces of scultpure.

Studio Art is an elective course at CM for students in grades 9-12.

BC High 28, CM 17

In the annual CM VS BC High Thanksgiving day game you could feel the tension in the air. CM came out emotionally charged and took a small lead into halftime, BC came out in the second half with no intention on conceding and that was evident when they outscored CM 14-0 in the second half to keep the Pumpkin Trophy in their possession.

Armani Reeves came out early and made a statement on a bone-crushing hit to force a fumble, which he also recovered. On CM’s first possession quarterback AJ Doyle hooked up with Donald Bland on a play action pass for a 20-yard gain. The Knights would get on the board first as Keshaudus Spence broke a 28 yard touchdown run on a well executed draw play. On the next BC High possession Cam Williams recovered a fumble on the Eagles’ one-yard line, an AJ Doyle run put CM ahead 14-0. The Eagles finally joined the party halfway through the second quarter when a 5-yard touchdown run put them down 14-6 after a failed two-point conversion. A costly pass interference call gave CM the ball on the Eagles’ 29-yard line, CM couldn’t force their way into the end zone and were forced to settle for a field goal. It looked as if the Knights were going to be able to enjoy a big halftime lead until the Eagles connected on a long touchdown pass to keep themselves in striking distance of the Knights. A successful two point conversion made the score CM 17- BC 14 heading into the break.

The Eagles came out and sent a message on their first drive in the second half when they immediately took the lead on a long touchdown pass. BC pulled away on a 58 yard run from Preston Cooper who then punched in a short touchdown run to put the Eagles up 28-17, which would hold up as the final score. CM still didn’t quit, Spence willed his way for a first down with about six minutes left in the game. The game wasn’t completely out of reach until miscommunication between Doyle and his receiver resulted in an ugly interception with just 3:46 left. The biggest reason why the Eagles were able to totally shut down the Knights’ offense was their relentless pressure on AJ Doyle. Play after play the Eagles busted through the Knights’ offensive line and put Doyle on his back.

It has been a long season for the Knights who have been plagued by injuries since day one. Right now the only good news is that the Knights have a long list of talented underclassmen including one captain from this year who will be returning next year.


Mike Slonina '11

Soccer wins State Championship

Congratulations to the CM soccer team, who won the MIAA Division I State Championship on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 win over Western Mass champion Ludlow. In leading the Knights through an impeccable six-game postseason win-streak, Coach John Finn earned his first state championship in his fifth season as head coach.

A solid all-around team, the Knights let in only one goal during regulation in the entire tournament. They fought against elimination in five sudden-death overtime periods and one penalty-kick showdown.

The team earned a berth in the title game by defeating Weymouth, Greater New Bedford, King Philip Regional, Brockton, an undefeated North champion Lexington squad. They defeated Lexington on Thursday night for the EMass Championship, 2-1 (OT) at Weymouth H.S.

Henri Jean-Claude '12 scored for CM to tie it in the 2nd half, and senior co-captain Will Donovan '10 netted the sudden-death overtime goal to give CM the win. Nick Leney '10 assisted on the winning goal. Connor Askins '10 was once again solid in goal. In five postseason games, the Knights' opponents have scored only twice against them.

NHS welcomes its newest members

CM inducted its newest class of National Honor Society members on November 19 in the Ronald Perry Gymnasium. To help inspire the newest inductees, Peter Trovato '00, who earlier in the month earned the first Vince in Bono Malum Award for Outstanding Young Alumnus, gave the keynote address.

Trovato, founder of the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund, spoke of his years at CM a decade earlier, and of his most poignant memories as a student.

"Congratulations to the juniors being inducted here tonight. You should be proud," said Trovato. "It's an honor and achievement. However, I want to stress that too many times achievements...are simply used as filler for your college application or resume. I urge you tonight to challenge yourself more as a member of the NHS."

After hearing Andrew Fanikos '10, Gjergji Evangjeli '10, Dominic Montalbano '11 and Chris Stathopoulos '11 each lit a candle in the induction ceremony speak on the NHS pillars of scholarship, leadership, service and character, Trovato further reflected on these characteristics of the NHS member and on the motto of his school.

"'Conquer evil by doing good.' Tonight the service, character and leadership and academics all come together for you to promote causes here, for you to be leaders, and for you to not forget of other people and their sacrifice," he said.

CM President Paul Sheff gave the closing remarks. "Congratulations to our newest inductees into the National Honor Society. I know how hard you worked to earn this recognition. You should be proud of yourselves and I know your parents are proud as well," said Sheff.

Sheff offered one model of an ideal scholar in discussing the famed 16th century writer Erasmus. After becoming the first writer to translate the New Testament into Greek, Erasmus became controversial in his refusal to support either the Protestant or Catholic cause in the Reformation, earning the scorn of both.

"Be honest and humble in your intellectual exploits, and keep your eyes and hear open to the great big world that beckons you. You would do well to be a disciple of Erasmus," said Sheff.

Mr. Malionek, advisor to the NHS, announced the following inductees from the Class of 2011:

Nelson Alvarez
Nicholas Barker
Joseph Botsch
Patrick Carney
Ryan Curley
Christian Durham
John Federico
John Gaffney
Michael Gallagher
James Golding
John Gorman
Aram Gurekian
Francis Hawley
Marc Hetnik, Jr.
SeungJin Hong (Philip)
Brendan Hughes
SungHo Jun
Nicholas Leney
Ryan Malone
Dominic Montalbano
Christopher Moriarty
Christian Mowles
Daniel O’Hear
Gwontaek Rho
Ryan Shanahan
Brendan Shea
Nicholas Sitar
Ryan Skiba
Christopher Stathopoulos
Sean Sweeney
Elliot Simmons-Uvin
Michael Techiera
Stephen Twerago
Jake Uminski
Sean Vitello
Peter White

Soccer team wins Eastern Mass Championship

After a third consecutive overtime win in three postseason games, the CM Varsity Soccer team will vie for a Division I State title this Sunday. They earned a berth in the title game by defeating North champion Lexington for the EMass Championship on Thursday night, 2-1 (OT) at Weymouth H.S.

Henri Jean-Claude '12 scored for CM to tie it in the 2nd half, and senior co-captain Will Donovan '10 netted the sudden-death overtime goal to give CM the win.

The Knights will face West champ Ludlow on 11/22 at 1:30pm at Worcester State College for the Division I State title.

CM Life in Photos: Thanksgiving Food Drive

After the Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 19, members of the Peer Ministry program at CM, accompanied by Director of Campus Ministry Mr. Brian Scott (right) packed up over one ton (2,000 lbs.) of Thanksgiving food donated by the CM community. The food will go to 200 needy families in Boston through St. Patrick's Parish in Roxbury. Below, (l-r) Christian Mowles '11, Nolan Schmidlein '11 and Andrew Rogantino '12 load the food onto a CM bus for delivery.