Belcroft Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The 153rd academic year got off to a smooth start once tropical storms Irene and Lee departed the area. The first day of classes saw 1,068 young Explorers take possession of the campus. The Class of 2015 was welcomed with a full afternoon of activities followed by an evening induction ceremony. This event was something new for La Salle and was well received by students and families alike. Special thanks go to Mr. Nick Coggins for all the planning and attention to detail.

La Salle was recently informed that twenty-seven members of the senior class had been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Thirteen boys were named as National Merit Semifinalists, which is the most among any private, Catholic, or independent school in the State of Pennsylvania. An additional fourteen boys were recognized as National Merit Commended Students. In total, 11% of the Class of 2012 was recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program.

These numbers clearly demonstrate the school’s commitment to academic excellence and position us as a leader among Catholic and independent schools in the State.

Over the summer, final details were completed on our Strategic Plan. This was the result of more than a year’s effort and collaboration by several groups. You will receive your copy of the Strategic Plan, which outlines our goals through 2016, with the Fall issue of the Explorer. I hope you will take a few moments to review the content of both publications.

One aspect of this plan calls for La Salle to offer a globalized education. A recent proposal to the school to engage ourselves with students from across Asia will help in this effort. Beginning in the Fall of 2012, La Salle will welcome seven to ten freshman from across Asia to a compliment of 30/40 students in four years. It is my hope that this experience will broaden our students’ world view and one day pay dividends as our boys assume leadership roles in companies with worldwide markets. You will learn more of this initiative as the year progresses.

I wish to remind you of two important upcoming events. First is the joint meeting of our parent groups on October 6, 2011 at 7:00 pm. We have invited Brother Kevin Delmasse, FSC to speak to our families about Saint John Baptist de La Salle and his vision for education into the 21st Century. I am hopeful that you will avail yourself of this opportunity to learn more of the philosophy that motivates a Lasallian education. The second is Freshmen Branch-Out Day for the Class of 2015 and their fathers set for Tuesday, October 18, 2011. This will be the first opportunity for the Freshmen Class to share their talents with the many service sights that La Salle supports.

Congratulations and best wishes to our fall sports teams and coaches. I am hopeful that your son has found something of interest amongst our many clubs and activities.

Sincerely yours,

Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60 President

October 2011Volume Twenty-One Number 2

For over 150 years, La Salle College High School has provided a college preparatory education for young men in the Philadelphia area. La Salle boys are taught to be critical thinkers who are well prepared academically, able to communicate effectively, and lead confidently.

…commitment to academic excellence and position us as a

leader among Catholic and independent schools in the State.

Dates to RememberSpend A Day At La Salle Starting September 19, 2011

Open House Sunday, November 13, 2011

Eighth Grade Scholarship and Entrance Exam Saturday, December 3, 2011

Seventh Grade Practice Test Saturday, March 3, 2012

Admissions DeadlinesFriday, November 25, 2011* (for all applications)

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 (for filing for Financial Aid)

La Salle College High School8605 Cheltenham AvenueWyndmoor, Pennsylvania 19038

215 402 4800 phone215 233 0284 [email protected]

www.lschs.org



www.lschs.org

* Applications will be accepted up until and including the day of the Scholarship/Entrance Exam.

Enter to Learn Leave to Serve

La Salle College High School – The Belcroft October 2011 3

Dear Parents and Guardians,

On behalf of the twenty-eight

elected and emeritus members of

the Board of Trustees , I thank you

for the tremendous commitment and

sacrifice that you make to send your

son(s) here and I hope that the first

month of school has reinforced the

soundness of your decision to do so.

It is amazing how quickly everyone

settles into the frenetic pace of life

at La Salle and how subliminally

the Lasallian spirit begins its

transformative process.

These transitions happen naturally but are the result of two equal forces. The first is the dedication and work invested during the months leading up to the start of school by our Administration and Faculty, and the second is the trust and willingness of our student body - both those who are new members embarking on a precarious journey and those who are returning to the nurturing but challenging environment that has become their second home. Once again, we commend and thank both groups for their immersion in La Salle.

Transition is also a good descriptor of the challenges that face the Board and Administration this coming year. Last May we adopted the Strategic Vision and Plan for La Salle. This is the culmination of over two years of work on the part of all constituents to discern the vision of what La Salle will be in 2016 and the path we are taking to get there. This plan will be formally announced in the upcoming fall edition of the Explorer, and will also be permanently available on the School’s website. This year, La Salle began the journey and the results of addressing some of the early objectives are already in evidence.

As parents and guardians, you may already realize that everything that is in place here is to help your sons to explore uncharted horizons and to realize their individual potential. At the same time, they are being challenged to cultivate their Christianity and understand the responsibility that personal achievement brings. La Salle is truly a place for learning and belonging and this is evidenced by the words and feelings of our graduates as they reflect on their accomplishments and sense of brotherhood as they prepare to move on to new experiences.

La Salle is also a place for parents and guardians to learn and belong. We appreciate the tremendous contribution to the fabric of La Salle that is made each year by the women and men of the Mothers’ Club and the Men of La Salle and the various booster clubs. Having been an active part of those organizations as our sons were here, I can attest that involvement in these organizations offers opportunities of a lifetime. Over the course of the year, there will be seminars and presentations planned for you that promise to be informative and enjoyable. In short, get involved and stay connected…without a doubt, it will be good for you, for your sons, and for La Salle.

Best wishes for an outstanding year.

Sincerely yours,

Benjamin J. Ventresca, Jr. ’70 Chairman of the Board of Trustees

Board RoomB E N j A m i N j . V E N T R E S C A , j R . ’ 7 0

C H A i R m A N O F T H E B O A R D O F T R u S T E E S

Activity FairThe annual Activities Fair was held on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 in the gym during all lunch periods. This was an opportunity for all students, particularly the Class of 2015 to learn about all the co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities that La Salle offers. Some new clubs have been added to our list of offering – Culinary Club, Robotics, and Rugby to name a few. Hopefully all of the students will experience La Salle totally by “getting involved”.

Student Council MixerThe first Mixer of the school year was held on Friday, September 30, 2011 with about 1,200 young people in attendance. Music was provided by Solid Ground Productions. Some of the profits from the dance will go toward fulfillment of the student pledge to the successful capital campaign.

Reminder To All Parents: Only La Salle young men are eligible to attend any La Salle dances! Girls’ tickets are now being sold on-line.

Magazine DriveThe annual magazine drive got underway on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 with special assemblies sponsored by Great American. Hopefully all those who subscribed last year were asked to renew their subscriptions. The goal for this year is $110,000. If the students reach it, there will be a school holiday. Seniors are once again are challenged to achieve their class goal in order to wear golf shirts in the spring. This year students are eligible to win one of two trips to Disney World in the spring. Anyone who sold their quota of five subscriptions were in the drawing for one lucky winner and the top ten salesmen were eligible again in a separate drawing. Next month’s issue of The Belcroft will have a list of the top salesmen and prize winners. This drive is very important for the La Salle community. Thank you for your support.

Attendance LineA reminder to parents that you must call your son out of school by 8:00 am. You can reach the attendance office by calling (215) 233-2911 and selecting Option No. 1 or dial (215) 402-4819, which sends you directly to the Dean’s Office attendance line. Thank you for your cooperation.

Fall Drama ProductionLend Me A TenorOctober 21-23, 2011 7:30 pm

In 1934, the renowned tenor Tito Merelli, known to his fans as “Il Stupendo,” is scheduled to sing the lead in Otello. The opera is being produced as a gala fundraiser for the Cleveland Opera Company. Unfortunately, even before the star leaves his hotel room, everything begins to unravel. Chaos ensues when Merelli’s wife, who has mistaken an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover, leaves him a “Dear John” letter. The distraught Merelli accidentally is given a double dose of tranquilizers to calm him and passes out. Saunders, the company’s General Manager, is determined that the show will go on (for his own financial sake), so he asks his assistant Max to impersonate the opera star. Max puts on the blackface makeup required for the role of Otello, and his disguise succeeds admirably – until Merelli, also in blackface, wakes up and heads for the stage. What follows is a chain-reaction of mistaken identity, farcical plot twists, double entendres, innuendoes, and constant entrances and exits through many doors.

EITCThe Pennsylvania Educational Improvement TaxCredit (EITC) provides businesses the opportunity to invest in the education of La Salle students. Companies who donate through the EITC program can contribute to the academic success of students and earn a substantial tax credit in the process.

Although several large companies participate, most EITC contributors are small businesses, donating smaller sums of money. The charitable contribution reduces the amount of a business’s taxable income as tax credits reduce tax bills dollar-for-dollar.

If you are interested in participating in this program or receiving additional information, please contact Paul Colistra ’00, Major Gifts Officer, at (215) 402-4811or [email protected]


Office of Student Affairsj u L i A K . m A H E R

A S S i S T A N T P R i N C i P A L F O R S T u D E N T A F F A i R S


diversity is alive and well at La Salle

by Joe Parisi

La Salle College High School aspires to be a

school rich in diversity where each member

of the community is valued and embraced.

Our goal is to create an educational

environment where differences in race,

culture, religion, socioeconomic status,

sexual orientation and learning style are

accepted and understood. In creating such

a welcoming environment, La Salle will be

a community serving the entire Greater

Philadelphia region, where the diversity of

thought and background will foster the

development of the whole person and

serve to best prepare its students for the

world beyond its walls.”

La Salle’s Diversity Vision Statement

Each new school year begins with much excitement and anticipation for all. For a freshman, this can be an exhilarating and somewhat intimidating experience. Certainly, there are a variety of questions that run through the minds of these freshmen. Will I fit in at La Salle? Will there be people of similar interests? What if I am somewhat different in my thoughts, the way I present myself or even in the way I look? Will I be accepted for who I am?

Recently, during their Orientation Day, freshman participated in an activity designed to illustrate both the similarities and differences in each student. From this exercise, the freshman could see that they have many things in common with one another. In the same way it was obvious that even though they share these many similarities, there are some differences.

This exercise was conducted with the hope that these young men would understand that throughout our lives we will deal with people who see differences as problems; people who assume that anyone who thinks, acts or looks different is wrong. Here at La Salle, we are working to embrace diversity and see it as a positive aspect of each student’s educational experience.

Diversity presents an awesome opportunity for our students to learn about themselves, to learn about their fellow classmates, and an opportunity

to share thoughts and ideas with people who are different in variety of ways. Students were encouraged to accept differences in order to make our community a better place, here at La Salle in our neighborhoods and in the world.

We know that learning about differences and accepting them as a positive can sometimes be difficult or confusing. This is where the role of the Diversity Office is best defined. Students who experience these challenges are encouraged to bring their concerns to the Diversity Office. If a student feels the need to talk about his differences, if he feels like he’s been offended or embarrassed because he is different in some way, if he has offended someone else, or even if he is just not sure how to handle a situation; there is always a place for him to discuss his concerns.

The Diversity portion of the Orientation concluded that: when it is all said and done, we will all have a very important thing in common… our VALUES… Respect for others is one of the core values that will be emphasized during a young man’s four years here at La Salle. We will be respectful of each other. We will be accepting of people for who they are.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced that thirteen seniors from La Salle College High School are semifinalists in the 2012 competition for National Merit Scholarship Awards. The thirteen students is the most among any private, Catholic, or independent school in the State of Pennsylvania.

An additional fourteen students from La Salle College High School were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program as Commended students. In total, 11% of the Class of 2012 at La Salle College High School was recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Founded in 1955, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation in Evanston, IL was established to reward academically talented high school seniors. Winners stand to receive 8,300 corporate-donated scholarships valued in excess of $34 million.

Approximately 1.5 million students from 22,000 high schools across America entered the 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program. About 16,000 students nationwide were named as Semifinalists and given the opportunity to compete for scholarships.

Back Row (left to right): Ryan Sosnader, Daniel O’Brien, Frank Worthington, Jack Fillenwarth, Matt Volpe, Shashidharre Masireddy, and Malcolm Flynn. Front Row (left to right): Daniel Finnegan, Daniel Lynch, Clifford Mars, Ryan Herbert, Anthony Buonomo, and Emre Karatas.


Men of AccomplishmentThirteen Students Named as National Merit Semifinalists


Advanced Placement ResultsOur Advanced Placement students continue to shine and make us very proud. In May of 2011, a total of 257 students took 560 exams, which is a record-number here at La Salle College High School. Of all the AP students, 87 percent of them earned at least one qualifying score of three or better on a five-point scale. In addition, 84 percent of all the tests taken were awarded a three or higher. These are extremely impressive numbers. Simply put, our students continue to take more tests with results well above regional, state, and national averages.

With results like this, our students deserve special attention. The College Board recognizes exceptional AP students with notable designations based on the total number of AP exams they take during high school. For last year, La Salle was blessed with 98 total AP Scholars.

• 8studentswerenamedas“NationalScholars”,havingearned an average of at least 4 on all AP exams taken and grades of 4 or higher in eight or more of these exams.

• 51studentswerenamedas“APScholarwithDistinction”, having earned an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. (“National Scholars” are also “Scholars with Distinction”.)

• 19studentswerenamedas“APScholarwithHonor”,having earned an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams,

• 28studentswerenamedas“APScholars”,havingearned grades of 3 or higher on 3 or more exams.

All these AP Scholars were honored at our Honors Assembly during school on September 23, 2011. Congratulations to our hard working students and teachers.

The challenging AP curriculum continues to attract a very large number of our students. This year, we are running 19 AP courses which are broken into thirty-six sections and taught by twenty-one different teachers, which is about one fifth of our faculty. We have full confidence that this year’s crop of students will continue the trend of such outstanding results.

Act II Playhouse Writing CompetitionCongratulations to Jonathan Roberts ’12, who was one of the winners in the Act II Playhouse Ruff Draft Writing Competition. Jonathan was one of ten winners selected amongst high school students. Jonathon’s monologue was read by a professional actor at the Act II Playhouse on September 17, 2011. Congratulations to all who helped Jonathan be recognized for his creative writing!

Academic ConvocationThe annual Academic Convocation, honoring last year’s first honors students, is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2011 at 7:15 pm. The faculty and administration are proud to honor these young men who have distinguished themselves by earning the Scholastic “L” by virtue of attaining a final grade point average of 3.75 or above with no grade below a “B-” based on final yearly grades. In addition, La Salle will honor its National Merit Semi-Finalists and National Merit Commended Students. La Salle will also recognize those members of its faculty who have distinguished themselves with twenty-five of completed service. They are Mrs. Janice Ciccimaro, Brother Kenneth Cook, FSC, Mr. Martin Jackson, and Mrs. Dorothy Ponisciak.

If a student had a late grade change or is uncertain whether or not he has the required GPA, he should see La Salle’s Registrar, Mrs. Russo, in Academic Affairs as soon as possible.

Invitations will be mailed to the families of qualifying students. Invited students and their families are encouraged to attend this special event. We look forward to seeing you on October 13, 2011.

Office of Academic AffairsT H O m A S R . B A R N A

A S S i S T A N T P R i N C i P A L F O R A C A D E m i C A F F A i R S


First HonorsClass of 2012Stephen Vincent AnellaMatthew James BasaraChristopher Appelt BellMax Ryan BreitmayerAnthony Robert BuonomoCraig V. Burdulis, Jr.Sean Frederick BurkeRonald A. Carapellotti, Jr.Alexander Stephen ChrostowskiKevin Joseph CiasulloAlexander Douglas CranchChristopher Andrew CurtisJon Michael DerewiczNicholas Drew DiGiacomoThomas Edward D’OrazioPatrick Joseph EbleCasey Robert EidenshinkSamuel J. FarrisJohn James FillenwarthDaniel Patrick FinneganMalcolm Ahern FlynnMatthew Alan FranzenStuart Matthew GibsonAndrew Thomas GlavinJoseph David GormanJames Alexander GreskoEmmett Karl GrossOscar Jefferson GrynAidan Thomas HamiltonChristopher Evan HeleniakRyan Patrick HerbertJames William HillScott Joseph JenkinsRyan Christopher KalkbrennerEmre Thomas KaratasCasey Steven KentTyler Wade KernAlexander David KochanaszMichael D. KoernerPatrick Joseph Lawn, Jr.Daniel James LynchMatthew Joseph MagarityKevin Brady MaginnisJohn Patrick MaloneyKevin Granger MarbleClifford Michael Mars

Kyle Alexander MartinDavid James MartosellaShashidharreddy MasireddyNicholas Christian MatherThomas Anthony Mazza, IIJonathan David McCarryMichael Patrick Meehan, Jr.Daniel Louis MercaderKegan Nathaniel MoestaMatthew Robert MurphyRyan Timothy MurthaDaniel Joseph O’BrienColin Kenney O’HaraFrancis Thomas PantanoJeremy James PlamondonHenry Joseph RyanAndrew George SabaJordan Thomas SantoraEric William SchultzNicholas Mark SeigelBrandon Antonio SinnottRyan Austin SosnaderAlexander Gabor SzokolyaiGerard Edward ThiersMichael Montgomery ThomasWilliam Flaherty TonerCharles James ViolaMatthew Robert VolpeRyan William WardAlexander Nicholas WeberAlexander E. WeinrichFrancis W. Worthington

First HonorsClass of 2013Peter D. AuteriJulian Spencer BasemanMichael E. BowenMatthew William BrechtEric W. BridgefordJohnray A. BrionesAndrew Gene CarloneMichael Anthony CaseyMatthew Mark ChadwickSean Thomas CincottaThomas McNichol CoyleMatthew Joseph DalyMichael Paul deLucaAnthony Michael DeSantisCarlos Martin DiazJoseph Thomas DooneyNicholas Umberto D’OrazioMichael Christian EifeChristopher Michael EspositoNathan Paul EzzoJonathan Raymond FabrizianiChristopher John FaganPatrick James FinlayMatthew Burton FitzPatrickJacob Michael FordCharles Anthony FormicaRobert Joseph GormiskyG. Matthew GrecoKevin David GroomeAndrew Patrick HaltonJoseph Jerome HeidtNicholas Alexander HigginsPeter Gregory HildebrandtPatrick Joseph Hoffman, Jr.Evan Ezekiel HolderNicholas Matthew HreshkoFrederick Joseph Ilsemann, IVBrendan Joseph KochBrian Robert LagrecaConor Elwin LavelleChristopher Allen LePrevostWilliam Christopher LucasChristian Gerard LutschaunigKurt Reed LutterMark Manjardi, Jr.Agustin Tomas Marty

Connor Thomas MastersonJohn Vincent MastronardoPatrick Edward MayLuke Edward McCannChad Michael McCutcheonBrendan Michael McGonigleAnthony Louis MercaderWilliam John MischlerPreston Michael MurrayRussell Tuseck NapolitanoJohnathan Michael NeufeldJames Michael O’Connor, IIIMichael James O’ConnorKevin Francis O’DonnellRyan Edward O’DonnellDominic Michael PadovaJohn Bradley ParkerLuke Louis PersichettiJoseph R. Podraza, IIIEvan Daniel QuainKevin J. ReedConor Anthony ReschGriffin James RipleyGregory Charles RogersMichael Steven Ryan, Jr.Zachary S. ScheierMatthew Richard ScottMichael Andrew SelnerRiley Dennis SlusarskiStephen S. Smith, Jr.Thomas Andrew SpiteriAndrew Joseph StoneRobert Vito StrattonJohn Thomas TyrrellEvan WalshRyan Henry WinslowJoon Hyuk YoonMartin Richard Zefelippo

Men of Intellect


First HonorsClass of 2014Ryan Thomas AbellMaxwell Hunter AlboneErik J. AzzaranoMichael Patrick BarrettKeith Joseph BasaraKevin Charles BradyGriffin Nemo BrownEric Claude BurgmannJohn Edward CarlidgeConnor James CaseyAnthony William CilibertoDavid Wayne CoxNicholas Anthony DermoHarrison Edward DittrichCharles Ambrose DonnellyJohn Halsey DurbinRobert Casey DwyerJohn Joseph Ernandez, Jr.Tyler Michael FallonJohn Jude Farris, Jr.Kevin Michael FinneganJoseph Alexander Frazer

Sean Matthew FurgiueleJohn Manus GallagherKevin James GayColin John HappThomas Joseph Herron, IIIConnor McKendrick HigginsStephen John HudakBrendan Robert KeenanHyeong Seok KimJacob Joseph KlemmerJoseph Edward KrolNicholas Daniel KushAdam David LagnerKeith Alan LeeKevin Patrick LindsayTyler Patrick LittleCharles Tiers Lloyd, Jr.Eric Christopher LoprestiMatthew Gregory LucasWilliam Robert MaguireStephen David MaloneyChristian Matthew ManciniAlexander Donato MarzulloChristopher Jordan Mather

Timothy McAuliffeMatthew Vincent McCarryShane Michael McDevittEvan Francis McDonnellPeter Christopher McDonnellTimothy David McElroyLiam J. F. McGrotherTrent Anthony MelsheimerMark Joseph MetzlerQuin R. MurphyCharles Greif NewellJames Harrison PalmerJordan Paul PetrellisJoseph Achille Pinnola-VizzaRyan Patrick PluckMark Andrew ReedMichael Alan RihmPatrick Francis RyanOscar Ricardo SanchezJohn O’Bryan ScheffeyThomas Andrew SchmitzJohn Francis Schoenewald, IIIAndrew John SchuttaAaron Paul Sosnader

Mitchell James SouflerisDaniel Anthony Spinelli, Jr.Daniel Jennings ThomasRyan Joseph WeathersReid Rothwell WorsterJames H. R. WorthingtonPhillip M. Zminda

Men of Intellect

College Counseling CenterMrs. Mary Kay Mullen Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4845 [email protected]

Mr. Gerard M. BrettAssociate Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4846 [email protected]

Brother William DiPasquale, FSCAssociate Director of College Counseling (215) 402-4852 [email protected]

Mrs. Kathleen O’ConnellAdministrative Assistant (215) 402-4849 [email protected]

The College Counselors have been meeting with seniors once a cycle in Senior Advisory Class. Topics covered have been an explanation of the college search and application process, updating of transcripts, Naviance, college visits, and interviews.

College Interview DayCollege Interview Day will take place at La Salle on October 4, 2011 during the school day for our seniors. Over sixty colleges and universities will be represented at this event. Seniors will have the opportunity to schedule at least two appointments with college admission officers. A list of schools attending is on our website. Feedback in previous years from our students and college admission officers clearly indicates the value of this event.

Visits by College Admissions OfficersSeniors will be notified about daily visits of college admission officers, Open Houses, competitions, and scholarships in the Daily Bulletin, our website, Naviance, WEXP, homeroom and college counseling bulletin boards and in advisory class. Please encourage your son to check these many sources for pertinent information to help navigate the college search and application process.

All seniors are encouraged to make individual appointments with their college counselor. The sign-up books are in the College Counseling Center.

Our website, www.lschs.org/college is filled with information helpful in understanding the college search and admission process and includes the link to Naviance, the Web based program accessible from our webpage. The scattergrams available on Naviance are particularly helpful in determining a “good match” college list. Information specific to La Salle as well as general information can be found in the sources listed above.

Deadlines for applications – both early and regular admission – vary with each college. The student is responsible for knowing and meeting the deadlines. The College Counseling Center must be notified about deadlines as soon as possible but at least three weeks prior to deadlines. October 7, 2011 is the notification deadline for Early Action/Early Decision applications. Counselors and teachers need sufficient time to write letters of recommendation.

NCAAAny senior who is considering playing Division I or Division II intercollegiate sports must make application for eligibility clearance through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Read the directions carefully. Inform Mrs. Kathleen O’Connell in the College Counseling Center when you register so transcripts can be sent to the Clearinghouse. NCAA information is explained on the last page of our school calendar and is on our webpage, www.lschs.org/college. Coaches and counselors are available to answer any questions.

Financial AidA number of sites dealing with financial aid are listed on our webpage. Go to Links and Resources on the college counseling website and look for the section on “Paying for College”. Also check out the latest newspaper articles regarding the current state of financial aid posted on our webpage. Understanding financial aid, especially current changes by lenders, is an important part of the college application process.

In order to qualify for Federal or State funds, parents and students need to complete the FAFSA. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov for information and the form. Online applications are preferred. The form may be filed beginning January 1, 2012. In order to have an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid, check out FAFSA4caster.

In addition to the FAFSA, some colleges require their own financial aid form or the CSS Profile. Information and Profile forms are available on the College Board site. Forms may be filed now.

Additional websites are listed at our site. Two particularly helpful ones are www.finaid.com for an excellent overview and www.fastweb.com for scholarships. Meeting requirements and deadlines for financial aid is crucial and is the student’s responsibility.

A Financial Aid Night for Parents of juniors and seniors will be held at La Salle High School in the auditorium on November 10, 2011 7:15 pm. Bonnie Lee Behm, Director of Financial Assistance at Villanova University, will present.


College Counseling Centerm A R Y K A Y m u L L E N

D i R E C T O R O F C O L L E G E C O u N S E L i N G

“Stephen and I just spent some time petting Bengal tiger cubs. Tonight we’re searching for alligators in one of the marshes,” I told a friend on the phone. I’d made a spontaneous visit to see my son in Florida, because he just returned from a military tour of Iraq. Stephen described his tour as his “most difficult.” Still, he seemed to have acquired a new appreciation for life. As the day progressed, I noticed that he delighted in teasing me with anxiety provoking experiences, yet he knew when to stop. When we got in the boat to search for alligators, Stephen warned me that hovercrafts do not have brakes. “The captain will spin us in tight circles to stop. The water might spray on you, but don’t worry about it.” Growing up, Stephen had been a real “boy.” He was a collection of spit fire and gentleness. His adult counterpart is less extreme, but he is still full of humor and adventure. Stephen is a text book example of how boys mature.

For years, I’ve been fascinated by how brain anatomy or cortical structures differ between genders, how variations change with maturity, and the effect cortical variations have on learning acquisition. Boys have more behavioral problems and more difficulty paying attention. Boys are more competitive, and have different interests than girls do. Most boys enjoy slimy worms, gory movies, horror stories, sports, math, history and science. What girls find provocative, boys often see as boring. In school, boredom can result in

noncompliance. Males enjoy gut wrenching experiences that send most females scurrying, or at least headed for the spectator benches.

With boys, practical learning is better. As we toured the brackish marshlands for alligators, Stephen was the only member of the group who opted to walk barefoot to explore a sand bar. “Come on, Mom! What is making you so squeamish?” he asked. “There are tons of poisonous water snakes in this region,” I retorted. Stephen looked at me with amusement. “Mom,” he said with obvious patience. “Brackish water rarely has snakes. Saltwater snakes think there’s not enough salt and freshwater snakes think there’s too much. They’re so uncomfortable; they just want to get over to the other side.” Stephen focused on what he had to know to survive. I’m sure he was right, but I stayed in the hovercraft anyway.

The government has spent an enormous amount of money to identify effective methods of teaching the mostly male military constituency. Government has many advantages. They can enforce “punishment.” When Steve came to visit after he enlisted, we went for a car ride. He immediately buckled his seatbelt. “Thanks, Steve,” I said. “Mom, if you got into an accident and I got hurt because I wasn’t wearing a seatbelt… Let’s just say I could be in lots of trouble.” (I refrained from asking why my concern for his safety was less persuasive.) The military is concerned about teaching a specific group of individuals; whereas in

most classrooms, students vary in gender, ability,

and desire to achieve. Research has shown reducing student variety helps identify effective teaching techniques. Some schools have entrance criteria, a single gender constituency, and other factors that allow teachers to focus on the best teaching techniques to use with a specific group.

In that respect, La Salle students have a distinct advantage. Teachers can use teaching methods and curriculum materials best suited to boys. Effective techniques create students who are more focused and more apt to understand what is presented. Boys are better able to pay attention when teachers employ visual and kinesthetic techniques. LaSalle teachers know that boys learn more easily in an activity oriented environment. Activity makes more oxygen available to the cortex which makes remembering and learning easier. Kinesthetic learning increases blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for attention and concentration. Since La Salle is an all-male school, teachers can focus on learning techniques more conducive to boys.

One of Stephen’s friends called that evening. Stephen explained that I was visiting, and we were searching for alligators. “Wow,” his friend retorted. “Your mom’s really lucky. When I came to visit, all we did was practice your jujitsu moves until you broke my ankle. Then we spent the rest of the time in the ER.”

Yep, boys will be boys.


BOYS WILL BE BOYSby Jo Ann Cohen, PhD


Freshmen Retreats (Theme: Lasallian identity)October 25, 2011 (1A-5A)October 26, 2011 (6A-10A)

Sophomore Retreats (Theme: The Road to Emmaus)December 6, 2011 (1B, 2B, ½ 3B)December 8, 2011 ( ½ 3B, 4B, 5B)December 13, 2011 (6B, 7B, ½ 8B)December 14, 2011 ( ½ 8B, 9B, 10B)

junior Retreats (Theme: Choices)February 9, 2012 (1C/2C), February 10, 2012 (3C/4C)February 14, 2012 (5C/6C), February 15, 2012 (7C/8C)February 23, 2012 (9C/10C)

Senior RetreatsKairos 37-81 October 4- 7, 2011Kairos 37-82 November 8- 11, 2011Kairos 37-83 December 13- 16, 2011Kairos 37-84 January 31- February 3, 2012Kairos 37-85 February 28- March 2, 2012Kaiors 37-86 April 24- 27, 2012One Day Retreat December 5, 2011

School Wide Liturgies and Prayer ServicesOpening of School Liturgy September 16, 2011All Saints Day Liturgy November 1, 2011Thanksgiving Prayer Service November 22, 2011Immaculate Conception Liturgy December 8, 2011Christmas Liturgy December 22, 2011Ash Wednesday Prayer Service February 22, 2012Lenten Liturgy April 3, 2012Founder’s Day Prayer Service May 10, 2012Ascension Thursday Liturgy May 17, 2012

Student Led Prayer Services (7:35 am in Marian Chapel)Peace.Light. Hope. Fridays During Adventin HIS footsteps Fridays During Lent

Sacrament of Reconciliation November 15, 2011 and February 28-29, 2012

Eucharistic Adoration and Daily mass Varies

On- Going Service ProjectsMonday Elder ShareTuesday La Salle Academy Tutoring, Triest House, and Human Rights ForumWednesday Providence Center TutoringThursday Street Outreach and Sarnelli HouseFriday Lasallian Service CorpsSaturday Saint Vincent’s Dining RoomSunday Saint Vincent’s Dining Room, Saint Francis Inn Sandwich Making

Seasonal DrivesMagazine Drive for Grade Schools September 26-30, 2011Thanksgiving Food Drive November 14-22, 2011Operation Santa Claus November 28, 2011 – December 24, 2011Secret Santa November 28, 2011 – December 24, 2011La Salle Responds Initiative Ongoing

Grade Level OpportunitiesFreshmen Branch Out-Day October 18, 2011Sophomore Branch Out-Day March 28, 2012Junior Urban Challenge October 26-27, 2011, December 6-7, 2011, and February 1-2, 2012

Summer Service OpportunitiesUrban Immersion (Philadelphia) June 3-8, 2012 and June 10-15, 2012Project Appalachia (Kentucky) June 3-9, 2012Navajo Experience (Arizona) June 17-23, 2012 and June 24-30, 2012Building Bridges of Solidarity (Bolivia) July 8-21, 2012Lasallian Youth Assembly July 2012Blackfeet Immersion (Montana) July 29-August 4, 2012 and August 5-11, 2012Gulf Coast Immersion June 3-9, 2012 and (Louisiana) August 5-11, 2012

For additional information, please contact Campus Ministry:Lew ClarkDirector of Campus Ministry [email protected]

Mark ChesnikAssistant Director of Campus Ministry [email protected]

Micky DominickAssistant Director of Campus Ministry [email protected]

www.lschs.org/ministry

Ministry and ServiceL E W i S C L A R K

D i R E C T O R O F C A m P u S m i N i S T R Y


Men of ServiceO P E R A T i O N G u L F C O A S T 2 0 1 1

A Storm, a Disaster, a Community Rebornby Matt Volpe ‘12

“This is what we need – Community. That’s the most important thing.”

These simple but lasting words still ring in my ears today. Perhaps the reason they have become so much a part of me is where they came from: a stranger named Chris who happened to walk by the house other La Salle seniors and I were painting one day while in New Orleans this past summer. He didn’t know who we were or even whose house it was, but he knew we were there to help and that was all he cared about. He was the first to thank us while we worked, but he would not be the last. Throughout the week we spent this August working with Operation Helping Hands, an agency of Catholic Social Services, countless people approached us, introduced themselves, and made us realize what a unique environment the city is. Chris was our first step on a journey of discovery that showed us a new city, a new people, and a new way of looking at the world.

When we first arrived at our home for the week, the Duchesne House, the Sisters who run this home for volunteers welcomed us to the city right off the bat with Mardi Gras beads and a traditional southern dinner, the kinds of things any visitor would expect from “N’awlins”. But as time went on, we learned that there is so much more to this city, good and bad, than what we had seen from outside. Sister Maureen took us on an eye-opening tour of the city after our first day of work and showed us neighborhoods of the city that have been rebuilt to near perfection since Hurricane Katrina, and others that have been literally untouched. More importantly, though, she told us stories of how it was not just buildings that desperately needed repair, it was the community. New Orleans was a city of almost half a million people until Katrina hit and the majority fled,

some never to return. The city regrew gradually, now at a population of just under 350,000. Some would say the city is thriving again, but it still bears many sobering signs of its past. On our tour, we saw scores of abandoned houses in many neighborhoods that still have spray painted messages on their doors and porches, messages left by search and rescue teams looking for survivors in the aftermath of the disaster.

Fortunately, groups like Operation Helping Hands have been working for years to rebuild both the buildings and the community that were lost and it was our privilege to spend the week working with them. We spent the week working on one home on Ursuline Avenue that was already near completion and the home of Miss Viola in the Lower Ninth Ward. Most of the work we did involved scraping off rotting paint, priming wood and painting the exterior of homes. We battled with the heat, humidity, and weather throughout the week and were delayed by rain twice. But as the week went by we could finally begin to see our progress, and understand the importance of why were there. Working hard every day for eight hours, and coming home only to collapse from a long day’s work, made us deeply appreciate many things that we take for granted like having a beautiful exterior on our own homes. Although many of our tasks were not flashy or seemingly of value, and while many of us experienced a level of hard work we never imagined, looking back we can see that no tasks are too small, and the value of our work was enormous in the eyes of those we served.

As the trip was also about cultural immersion, on Wednesday, we took a day off from working to see and experience the sights and sounds of New Orleans and the French Quarter. We started the day with a breakfast

of coffee and beignets at the famous Cafe du Monde, saw the New Orleans Hurricane Katrina Museum and the Mardis Gras Museum, and spent the afternoon exploring the French quarter in our own groups. We sampled many local specialties for lunch and had dinner as a group at Ralph and Kakoo’s, where even our server, Ryan, thanked us for the work we were doing for his city and his home. It seemed that the spirit and unity of New Orleans existed everywhere, even when we weren’t at work.

On our final day, the two groups reunited to begin a new project for OHH, and this was when the lessons of our trip at last came full circle. Before we left, we were given a picture of an old, flooded, rundown home in desperate need of repair. The photo was nothing special until we realized that it was the same home on Ursuline Avenue that our group had just finished restoring. In the photo was a group of volunteers much like us, who had begun working on the house weeks before. We had never met or worked with them, but seeing them scraping and repairing an almost unrecognizable house made us realize that we may as well have worked right alongside of them. The home never would have looked the way it does today without that group of students to start the work, ours to finish it, and the many that came in between. Much the same, we had taken the first steps on that final day to begin restoring another home that other groups and OHH volunteers would have to finish. We returned home with a new kind of respect for the community of New Orleans, the community of service, and the community we created amongst twelve students who forever have the bonds of these shared experiences.

Encourage your son to have a positive attitude.Mentioning words like “positive attitude” is a good way to make many teens roll their eyes. But having a positive attitude is a foundation in building character.

Many key elements of character, including kindness, empathy and leadership, are impossible to achieve if you only look at the dark side of life. Here are some positive traits to nurture in your son:

• Hopefulness. On most days, some things will go well and others won’t. Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Focus on what went well.

• certain team. The next chance to try out isn’t until next year. After some disappointment, encourage him to put it behind him for now.

• Laughter. Remember: Nothing is better than humor for getting rid of a negative attitude.

• Seeking opportunities. Say your son loves animals. Having a positive attitude will tell him that there may be a veterinarian in your area who could use some help. Encourage your son to call a few of them and a new world could open up for him.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2011 issue of Parents Still Make The Difference!® (High School Edition). Copyright © 2011 The Parent Institute®, a Division of NIS, Inc.

Keep tabs on your son’s computer and cell phone usage.A recent survey found that teens spend about two hours per day online – 80% of which is spent using a social networking site like Facebook. Another study found that half of teens send fifty or more text messages a day – roughly 1,500 each month!

With statistics like these, it’s a wonder that teens get any schoolwork completed at all. Make sure that your son’s grades don’t fall by setting limits on computer and cell phone use. Here’s how:

• Talk to your son about his computer and cell phone usage. Ask him how much time he thinks he spends on computer tasks that aren’t school related, and how many texts he sends a month.

• Check his estimates. You can get his cell phone usage from the phone company. For his computer use, ask him to keep a log of each site he visits, and how long he spends at each one. He might be surprised!.

• Be realistic. Your son really doesn’t need his phone while he’s sleeping. Consider having him “turn in” his phone at bedtime. That simple limit will decrease those texts while improving his quality of sleep. For the computer, think about a simple exchange: For every thirty minutes he reads, your son can have thirty minutes of computer time to do things not related to schoolwork.



Pa r e n t s S t i l l M a k e T h e D i f f e r e n c e P R A C T i C A L i D E A S F O R P A R E N T S T O H E L P T H E i R C H i L D R E N .

Avoid yelling to keep the lines of communication open with your son.If there’s one way to guarantee your on won’t listen to you, it’s to yell at him. When a parent yells at a teen, the conversation basically stops. The teen is no longer listening, and the parent is venting his frustration more than he is trying to make a point.

That said, boys occasionally do things that cause parents to yell. Whether it’s missing curfew or getting a lower-than-expected grade, your reaction may be to raise your voice. The key to keeping the lines of communication open--and keeping your son listening – is to not raise your voice. Here’s how:

• Respond, don’t react. Reacting – acting on your first impulse without thinking about it – often leads to yelling. It’s like when you stub your toe – your reaction may be to curse loudly. But if your son is watching, you may silently count to ten instead. Try to respond calmly in a similar way.

• Realize whose problem it is. If you lose your temper over a bad grade, your son becomes more concerned with hiding from your wrath than with determining how to raise that grade. Remain calm and ask your teen how she plans to deal with her problem.

• Take a break. If there is no way you can face your teen without screaming, leave the room. Come back when you feel less angry.


Quality time makes a difference in relationships with teenagers.A recent survey found that overall, 78% of teens rely on their parents for advice. In a time when teens seem to be facing more peer pressure than ever, that’s great news.

However, your son can’t ask your advice if you’re never around. It’s important to carve out some quality time to spend with your son. Even an hour per week can make a big difference in your relationship with your son – and yes, talking during family dinner counts as quality time.

Here are some other ideas:

• Set up a standing coffee date – either at the local shop or at your kitchen table. You don’t have to serve your teen coffee. Just enjoy some relaxing one-on-one time together to sit and talk.

• Schedule a monthly “Teen’s Choice Day”. Let your son choose his favorite meal and activity for the day. Maybe he’ll want pizza and take in a game. Or perhaps burgers on the grill and hanging out in the backyard is more his style.

• Start a project together. Repaint the living room – or redecorate your son’s room. Volunteer at a local charity together. Being asked to help make teens feel like you trust them and being active



Pa r e n t s S t i l l M a k e T h e D i f f e r e n c e P R A C T i C A L i D E A S F O R P A R E N T S T O H E L P T H E i R C H i L D R E N .


The Excitement is Building! Saturday, November 5, 2011

6:00 Pm Cocktails and Silent Auction

7:45 Pm Sit-Down Dinner, Live Auction and Entertainment

Mass and Continental Breakfast follow the conclusion of the Live Auction.

LaSalle Auction 2011

Hark Lords and Ladies! Please join the Men of La Salle and the Mothers’ Club for a festive night.

Saturday, November 5, 2011 • La Salle College High School

6:00 PM Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres and Silent Auction 7:45 PM Dinner • 9:00 PM Live Auction

Followed by Mass and Continental Breakfast

For more information please contact the auction office at 215.402.4915 or [email protected]


Co-ChairsSusan Dearolf and Gerard Plourde ’71

Send in your reservations today to make sure you’ll have a seat at this fabulous event! The auction is the largest fundraiser of the year. It also gives you a chance to relax and socialize with other La Salle parents, purchase some extraordinary items and enjoy a fun-filled evening! You and your friends can reserve a table for 10 or, if you’re new to La Salle, you can request to be seated with other parents from your son’s class.

Online Auction Visit the online auction website where you will find gift certificates to all of your favorite shops, restaurants and salons, golf outings, items for your home and all the very popular La Salle Auction Exclusives.

Bidding online is easy. Just go to the auction website, www.lschs.org/auction and click on the “BID” Logo. This will take you to the online auction website. Click on “Sign-In” and begin. If you used the online auction website last year, enter your last name and your password. If you have forgotten your password, click on “Find existing record” and enter the requested information. Your password will be emailed to you. Everyone needs a password to use the online auction website. First time on the online auction website? If this is your first time on the online auction website and you are a current or new parent, click on “Find existing record” and follow the directions on how to create a password.

Live Auction Preview GET YOUR GROUP TOGETHER NOW!•GourmetDinnerandWinePartyforEightwithBrother

Richard Kestler, FSC

•TwoGraduationPartiesonCampusforupto24Guests

•Parties,parties,parties…Dance,Casino,&PaddleBall

OTHER EXCITING ITEMS•U.S.OpenFinalRound

•FrontrowseatstoseeJerrySeinfeldattheAcademyofMusic

• WeekinAvalon,NJ

• TriptoLondon

• PhilliesSpringTrainingWeek

• LookforournewLaSalleExclusiveItems

Luxury Auction PreviewJewelry, Golf at Local Clubs, Day in Harrisburg with Kate Harper, Team Photos and more!

DonationsWe have received some great donations but we still need your support. We are looking for donations of golf outings, concert tickets, sports tickets, jewelry, iPods, Christmas items, and wine or liquor baskets, get away weekend packages, etc.

Super GiftsIf you are still not sure what to donate - send in cash to go towards an awesome Super Gift.• $50Donation–willgotowardsapieceofjewelry

• $100Donation–willgotowardselectronics

• $250Donation–willgotowardsafabuloustrip

• $500Donation–willgotowardsasurpriseliveitem

All donors will be recognized in the Program Book as the donor of the specific gift your donation was used to purchase. Visit our website to download a Gift form or Super Gift form - www.lschs.org/donations

Raffle Don’t miss your chance to win up to $30,000. Send in your tickets today!$100 each or three for $200 Only 1,500 tickets will be sold!

Sponsors/AdvertisingBecome a sponsor or place an ad in the Auction Catalog to promote your business, honor your graduating son or your favorite team or club. All sponsors receive a full page color ad and tickets to the auction. Visit our website, www.lschs.org/auction, to download a brochure. If you need help with your ad design, please contact Donna Bennett in the Auction Office at (215) 402-4915 or [email protected]

Volunteer OpportunitiesVolunteers are still needed for the auction. Please contact the Auction Office if you would like to volunteer for one the many committees that need help.

Decorating WorkshopsThe Decorating Committee will be meeting a few times each week to transform our school into a Renaissance Faire. Workshops will be held on Tuesday mornings starting at 8:00 am in the Dunleavy Center. Everyone is welcome. Please contact:

Kathy Kelley Anne [email protected] [email protected]

Questions If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the Auction Office:

Donna Bennett or Susan Bilotta (215) 402-4915 [email protected]

On behalf of the entire La Salle Community, we thank you for your generous support and participation!

Upcoming Calendar of EventsOctober 2, 2011 Mother-Son Service Project 10:00 am Cafeteria

October 4, 2011 Senior College Interview Day During School Gym Hours

October 6, 2011 Evening Meeting with Speaker 7:00 pm Auditorium

October 13, 2011 Honors Convocation Provide Assistance Before and After the Event

October 16, 2011 Fall Family Liturgy 10:30 am

Auction Decorating Needs Your HelpPlease join us for our decorating workshops every Tuesday morning from September 20, 2011 until November 1, 2011 from 8:00 to 11:00 am at the Dunleavy Center. We will also have two Thursday evening workshops, to be held on September 29, 2011 and October 13, 2011 from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Dunleavy Center. You don’t have to be crafty – we’ll show you what to do. All are welcome and it is the perfect opportunity to meet others within the La Salle Community.

If you are able to join us, please contact:

Kathy Clark [email protected]

Mother/Son Service ProjectSunday, October 2, 201110:00 am Cafeteria

The Mothers’ Club is partnering with Mr. Chuck Cirelli and Campus Ministry on a service project for mothers and their sons to make sandwiches for the homeless and poor served by Saint Francis Inn. We meet

on Sundays before the first Monday of the month to prepare the bagged meals.

If you and your son would like to participate in this project, please contact:

Maureen [email protected] (215) 997-2778

Other Volunteer OpportunitiesThe Mothers’ Club is in need of volunteers throughout the year to help before, during, and after our events. Please check The Belcroft and the website each month to see where help is needed and e-mail the volunteer coordinator or one of the committee chairs listed with each event below to let her know your availability. If the activity fits into your schedule, please join us as volunteering is a great way to get to know La Salle moms in a casual and fun environment.

Volunteer CoordinatorLaura O’[email protected]

Christmas Shopping SpectacularSunday, December 4, 201112:00 to 4:00 pm Auditorium

Preceded by an Advent Liturgy at 10:30 am in the Marion Chapel organized by the Mothers’ Club Alumnae Committee

This event is open to all shoppers, so call your girlfriends and have them mark the date on their calendars.

Come join the fun and catch the holiday spirit while helping to support La Salle College High School. Reserve a table to sell your merchandise or just come and shop. Approximately sixty spaces will be available for merchants on a first-come-first-served basis. Register early as these tables go quickly. Look for more information in the November issue of The Belcroft.

For table reservations, contact: Dana Worthington(215) 542-2139 [email protected]

For tickets, contact: Joanne Quinn(215) 793-9934 [email protected]


Mothers’ ClubS u E m i S C H L E R

P R E S i D E N T

eScripHelp La Salle earn thousands of dollars.It’s Easy! It’s Free! It’s Powerful!Please log onto www.escrip.com and register to do your on-line shopping with hundreds of merchants at the new “Online Mall”. The La Salle code is 6525176. In addition to regular shopping, you can even make purchases for travel, airlines and online services. In the event that you are already supporting another institution with eScrip, your contributions can be split. Local eScrip merchants will contribute up to 8% of the purchases you make to La Salle College High School.

1. Go to www.escrip.com

2. Click on “Sign-Up”

3. Follow the instructions

Register for Genuardi’s Cash Back Program with your Genuardi’s shopping card number. When you shop at any Genuardi’s store, a percentage of your bill will automatically be credited to La Salle. It’s that easy! Please register now so that La Salle can be a winner all year long.

For more information, please contact:

Mary Chandler(610) 287-3264 [email protected]

Request for BasketsWe are in need of some medium, large, and extra large sizes wicker baskets to package gift items for the auction. If you have baskets that you would like to donate, please drop them off at the Dunleavy Center. If no one is there to accept them, they may be left on the porch.

Alumnae Committee NewsThe Mothers’ Club Alumnae CommitteeKathy Caramenico, Donnamaria Dolan, Roseanne Duzinski, Lynn Gates, Karen Guerra, Pam Grady, Barbara Houldin, Janet McBride, Terry Millet

Fall In Love With Shared TreasuresFrom Halloween items for your home to navy blue blazers and khaki slacks for your La Salle gentleman, Shared Treasures thrift shop, located at Dunleavy Center, offers fabulous seasonal items at fantastic value pricing.

The proceeds from sales at Shared Treasures are used to help La Salle students whose financial situations make it difficult for them to purchase needed books and supplies or meals during the school day.

Shared Treasures is open on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and on the first Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to Noon and welcomes your donations of gently used items, especially home goods and the blazers and slacks your sons have outgrown. All donations are tax-deductible.

In the event that you have any questions, please contact:

Barbara Houldin(215) 990-2843 [email protected]

Ink Cartridge RecyclingDon’t throw those used ink cartridges away. The Alumnae Committee will earn cash for its support of students by recycling them. You can drop off cartridges in the recycling bins, which are located in the Main Office at school, as well as at Dunleavy Center.

In the event that you have any questions about the program, please contact:

Kathy Caramenico(610) 608-2950 [email protected]


Mothers’ Club( C O N T i N u E D )

Presentation by Brother Kevin Dalmasse, FSCFormer Director of Education Office of Lasallian Mission

Topic: The Lasallian MissionLeadership, vision, and a commitment to excellence are the hallmarks of Brother Kevin’s time as Director of Education. These qualities were particularly evident at the two major conferences that were part of his responsibilities, the Huether Conference and the Lasallian Association of Secondary School Chief Administrators. Under Brother Kevin’s leadership, the Huether Conference experienced unprecedented growth, annually welcoming 300 or more participants. Brother Kevin constantly stresses the need to make sure everyone has the opportunity to participate in the ‘initial’ Lasallian formation experience and will introduce the Lasallian Mission during his presentation.

Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:00 pm AuditoriumThere will be a brief business meeting followed by a presentation by Brother Kevin.

The Mothers’ Club cordially invites all mothers to the Fall General Meeting

Refreshments and a social hour will follow the presentation. There is no charge for this event, but, in order

to plan appropriately, we do need an accurate count

of those who will attend. Please let us know if

you’ll be able to join us on October 3, 2011, by

clicking on the “reservation” link of the “Mothers’

Club website, www.lschs.org, no later than October

3, 2011. If you encounter a problem in making a

reservation, please e-mail Sue Mischler, Mothers’ Club

President, at [email protected]


215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org

Check The Belcroft each month for

important dates and information on the

Mothers’ Club!

Please return the attached form with payment or register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org by October 7, 2011. Please note: we will be unable to accept online registration after October 7, 2011.

Please return registration form to: Maureen Fillenwarth 2070 Brentwood Drive Hatfield, PA 19440(215) 997-2778 phone [email protected]

Family Name

Address

City State Zip

Phone or Email

Number Attending at $10 per person or $25 per family

Amount Enclosed $

I am interested in serving as (La Salle College High School students): o Lector or Intercession Reader (4)

o Altar Server (2)

o Offertory Gift Bearer (2)

o I am interested in serving as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist (two parents needed).

Sunday, October 16, 2011 10:30 amCelebration of Mass in the Lourdes Grotto (weather permitting)

Continental Breakfast to Follow Auditorium

$10 per person $25 per family


215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org

Fall Family Liturgy

Mothers’ ClubNew York Trip Response Form

Please mail this form along with payment in full to:Mary ChandlerNew York City Trip970 Turnberry CircleSchwenksville, PA 19473

Name

Address

City State Zip

Telephone E-mail

Number Of Tickets At $175.00 Each Total Enclosed

Names Of Others In Your Party

O Yes, I Will Serve As A Bus Captain

O I want to be on the bus that will drop-off at Canal Street and understand that I will be responsible

for my own transportation to the Broadway Theatre.

Mothers’ Club New York Trip

Wednesday, April 18, 2012 2:00 pm (Matinee) Broadway Theatre 1681 Broadway New York, NY 10019

$175.00 per person

Includes:• BusTransportation• TickettotheShow• BoxLunch• Refreshments/GoodiesontheBus Make checks payable to: La Salle Mothers’ Club

Seating is limited! Tickets are first come, first serve!

Buses will depart from Montgomery Mall, Montgomeryville, PA promptly at 8:30 am.Box lunches will be provided. Dinner will be on your own. Buses will depart New York City at 8:00 pm and return to Montgomery Mall at approximately 10:30 pm. Everyone will be assigned to buses. We will do our best to accommodate your party (seating on the bus and in the theatre). Reservations accepted with payment only. Your cancelled check is your receipt. Please fill out the response form completely, detach, and return with payment (photocopies accepted). In the event you have any questions, please contact Mary Chandler at (610) 287-3264 or [email protected]


215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org

Upcoming Calendar of EventsThursday, October 6, 2011 Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm Study Commons – Open to All Fathers Guest Speaker: Brother Kevin Dalmasse, FSC The Lasallian Mission

Monday, October 10, 2011 19th Annual Golf Outing 9:00 am Centre Square Golf Club

Sunday, October 16, 2011 Fall Family Liturgy 10:30 am Lourdes Grotto

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 Freshmen Branch-Out Day 7:45 am

Thursday, November 3, 2011 Monthly Meeting 6:30 pm Study Commons – Open to All Fathers Auction Set-Up and Brief Meeting

Saturday, November 5, 2011 La Salle Auction

Thursday, November 17, 2010 Father/Son Banquet 5:45 pm Williamsons Restaurant

As you can see, the Events Calendar is full of several different events for you, you and your sons, and your entire family. We urge you to get involved and participate in as many as possible as they are what makes our family at La Salle worthwhile for all who make the effort to help.

New Fathers WelcomeThe Men of La Salle were not deterred by the threat of bad weather as they hosted the annual BBQ and welcome for all new fathers on Thursday, September 15, 2011. Over 110 fathers were treated to a very special evening full of speakers, raffles, and plenty of food and drink. Thank you to all the fathers who were able to attend. The camaraderie, enthusiasm and dedication of these new and returning dads made for a great evening. We look forward to everyone’s attendance at our monthly meetings. Kevin Connor spoke to the organization’s mission and also discussed upcoming events like the Golf Outing, Freshmen Branch-Out Day, and the Father/Son Banquet. Principal Joseph Marchese talked about the adjustment of the new boys to the school over the first few days and Brother Richard Kestler, FSC spoke about being involved with activities with the boys and sports at school. A special thanks to all who participated and made this a very successful evening. The Men of La Salle encourages each of you to become involved with your son as they become part of the La Salle community.

Father/Son Golf OutingMonday, October 10, 2010Center Square Golf Club Center Square, PA

Neither you nor your son needs to be scratch golfers. The scramble format (best ball) ensures that golfers at any level can compete. More importantly, we will always remember the opportunities we had to spend time with our sons during their La Salle years.

What’s included:18 Holes of Golf, Golf Cart, Range Balls, Lunch, Golf Prizes including Hole-in-One on a designated hole for free La Salle Tuition

In the event you have any questions, please visit the Men of La Salle website or contact:

Mike [email protected]

Freshman Branch-Out Day October 18, 2011

As you drive into La Salle you see “Enter to Learn” and as you exit “Leave to Serve”. This simple and profound philosophy is the essence of the Lasallian education our boys receive. As part of molding that philosophy into the hearts and minds of our young men, we recognize the responsibility we bear to teach them the many ways in which they can serve, the value of serving others, and the many gifts and talents that they already possess, that can make a profound difference in the lives of the less fortunate.

We want to encourage each and every dad of the freshman class to join us and to be a part of this day of service. Your presence will not only add to the value of your day as a result of the additional work that can be performed, but more importantly as a visible role model to our young men, your sons, regarding the value you place on serving others. And, while we recognize the challenges of taking a day off of work, we would ask you to consider this opportunity to spend a day with your son in such a powerful and rewarding manner. Last year, more than half of the freshman dads were able to join us for this worthwhile experience.

In order to ensure the best planning of work sites and work teams, it is important that we have an accurate count, at least one week prior to the day. We will meet at 7:45 am in the auditorium and end at approximately 2:10 pm. Dads should wear work clothes and bring in a brown-bag lunch. Based on past experience, we can promise you it will be a great day for you and yours sons and one which will serve to strengthen the bond and build lasting memories.

While you have this note in front of you, will you please register for this event by sending an email with your name and phone number to:

Don [email protected]


Men of La SalleK E V i N R . C O N N O R ’ 8 2

P R E S i D E N T

62nd Annual Father/Son Banquet

Thursday, November 17, 2011Williamson RestaurantEaston Road (Rt. 611) and Blair Mill RoadHorsham, PA 19044

5:45 pm – Check-In and Reception6:30 pm – Dinner

$35.00 per person

Guest SpeakerChris matthews ‘63Host of Hardball on mSNBC Host of The Chris matthews Show on NBCBest-Selling Author

Please list the names of all parties attending and the graduation year of the son(s) attending. All names must be listed on a single reservation form and payment for all persons must accompany the reservation if you want to sit together. Reservation forms received in whole or part without payment will not be accepted.

1. Name Circle One Father / Son Year










Reservation Contact Phone Number E-mail

Number Attending at $35.00 $

Total Enclosed $

Please return with your check made payable to “men of La Salle” no later than November 10, 2011.

Men of La Salle – Father/Son Banquetc/o Mr. Tim Corcoran324 Woods RoadGlenside, PA 19038

Payment must be made prior to the event. Please mail your check and form or register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org/mol

For internal use

Reservation Number

Table Number

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 Jazz Band.

The event has always been a quick sell-out, so please don’t hesitate. Seating is limited to approximately 600 in the main dining room, with the overflow in an adjacent room. Complete the reservation form and return it with your payment in the enclosed envelope by than November 10, 2011.

If you wish to be seated with a specific group, full payment for your entire group and all names must be included on one reservation form. Every attempt will be made to honor all requested seating arrangements on a first-come basis.

Payment must be made prior to the event. Please mail your check and form or register online via a secure server at www.lschs.org/mol

In you have any questions, please contact the Event Chairman:Tim [email protected]


215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org


215 233 2911 phone215 233 1418 fax

www.lschs.org

Guest SpeakerChris matthews ‘63Host of Hardball on MSNBC Host of The Chris Matthews Show on NBCBest-Selling Author

Chris Matthews ‘63 has been following American politics since the first Eisenhower campaign. As a teenager at La Salle College High School, he became enthralled with the historic rivalry of John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. It was a time of big downtown rallies and ticker tape parades on Wall Street, when supporters wore boater hats and bright campaign buttons. Hardly a decade later was he engaged in American politics professionally. Back home from the Peace Corps in Africa, he was working in the U.S. Senate. Then came his tour in the White House as a presidential speechwriter, followed by his front-row seat as top aide to the legendary Speaker of the House, Thomas P. “Tip” O’Neill, Jr. In the late 1980’s, Chris switched to full-time journalism, serving as Washington Bureau Chief for the San Francisco Examiner. In this capacity he covered some of the great historic events of the late 20th Century, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the first all-races election in South Africa. He began his career on television in 1994 as host of a two-hour nightly program on the NBC-owned America’s Talking network. Three year later, he launched Hardball, now on MSNBC, which was the title of his best-selling handbook on real-life politics published in 1988. He has been on the air every weekday night since. In 2002, NBC inaugurated The Chris Matthews Show on Sunday mornings. In all the years Chris has been involved in the country’s public life he’s kept an abiding faith in electoral politics, his quadrennial hope that the American people will make the best judgment on who should lead. He has kept that faith through war and peace, good times and bad, through great leaders and not-so-great. He has never lost his vigorous love of democracy and how it can serve to make this country, through all its challenges, a more perfect union.

He is the author of five best-selling books. They are, in addition to Hardball: How Politics is Played, Told by One Who Knows the Game; Kennedy & Nixon: The Rivalry that Shaped Postwar America; Now, Let Me Tell You What I Really Think; American: Beyond our Grandest Notions; and Life’s a Campaign.

His new book, jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, due for release in November 2011, brings to bear everything he has learned through a lifetime of watching American politics in action, all the love he has for this country, its history and its hopes.


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Varsity Sports SchedulesT O N Y R E S C H

A T H L E T i C D i R E C T O R

OctoberSoccerBob PeffleHead Coach

3 George School 3:45 pm Away 4 Neumann-Goretti 3:45 pm Home 7 Archbishop Wood 6:00 pm Lighthouse Fields 11 Bonner-Prendergast 6:30 pm Away 14 Roman Catholic 8:00 pm Lighthouse Fields 18 Archbishop Carroll 3:45 pm Home

Water PoloSteve Duncheskie ’94Head Coach

5 Springfield (Montco) 5:00 pm Away 6 William Penn Charter 3:45 pm Away 11 Pennridge 5:00 pm Away 12 Wissahickon 5:00 pm Away 15 Wyoming Valley West 11:00 am Away 19 Malvern Prep 3:45 pm Away 22 Conference Championships 4:00 pm Souderton 28 Germantown Academy 3:45 pm Away

Cross CountryGreg Bielecki ’99Head Coach

5 PCL Meet No. 5 4:15 pm Belmont Plateau 8 Manhattan Invitational Van Cortland Park 12 PCL Meet No. 6 4:30 pm Belmont Plateau 22 PCL Championship 1:30 pm Belmont Plateau 27 PIAA District XII Championship Belmont Plateau

FootballDrew GordonHead Coach

1 Roman Catholic 7:00 pm Northeast 7 Neumann-Goretti 7:00 pm Plymouth-Whitemarsh 14 Father Judge 7:00 pm Plymouth-Whitemarsh 21 Archbishop Ryan 7:00 pm Plymouth-Whitemarsh 28 Saint Joseph’s Prep 7:00 pm Plymouth-Whitemarsh

LA SALLE COLLEGE HiGH SCHOOL PRESENTS

KEN LuDWiG’S

FRiDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2011

SATuRDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011

SuNDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2011

7:30 Pm

TiCKETS ADULTS $10 STUDENTS $7

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.LSCHS.ORG/THEATRE

28 The Belcroft October 2011

The Official Newsletter of La Salle College High School

PresidentBrother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60

PrincipalJoseph L. Marchese

Vice President of Institutional AdvancementDaniel L. McGowan

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 May.

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.

October 2011 Volume Twenty-One Number 2

The Belcroft is named in honor of the mansion that first occupied the campus of La Salle College High School. Built in 1927, the home of Clarence M. Brown now serves as the residence of the Christian Brothers Community.

Calendar of EventsOctober 2011 1 SAT I and II

2 Mother/Son Service Project 10:00 am

4 College Interview Day 8:00 am

4-7 Kairos 37-81

5 Golden Explorers Luncheon 10:00 am

Early Dismissal 1:35 pm

6 Men of La Salle Meeting 6:30 pm

Mothers’ Club Meeting 7:00 pm

10 School Holiday No Classes

11 Alumni Board Meeting 7:30 pm

12 Testing Day *

Board of Trustees Meeting 2:30 pm

13 Honors Convocation 7:15 pm

16 Fall Family Liturgy 10:30 am

18 Freshman Branch-Out Day

Career Day *

19 Senior Class Photo

21-23 Drama Production – Lend Me A Tenor 7:30 pm

22 ACT

26-27 Junior Urban Challenge

* There will be no classes for Seniors on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 or Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

Enter to Learn Leave to Serve



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freshmen class

national merit semifinalists

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years effort

lasallian education

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