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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHANAHANCelebrating60 YearsContinued from page 3Shanahan community enjoyed a new stateof-the-art audio system beginning at thisMass. This asset was made possible throughthe support of many from Nick Smiles andBSHS, but most especially by Tom and DeeMullin, parents of Nick Mullin ’08. Duringhis junior year at Shanahan, Nick was diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer.Despite living with cancer for several years,he had an extremely positive attitude. MargeCampbell, the BSHS Choir Director, shareda few words about Nick: “I truly believe thatGod sends His guardian angels to show ushow to live. Nick was an angel loaned to usto do just that. He taught me so much andwanted so much to leave to others the wayto live and accept God’s will. He said to meduring a visit ‘I want to be remembered andcelebrated.’ Tom and Dee have done justthat - celebrate Angel Nick - through theircontinued goodness. We are all blessed to beable to call them friends and share in theirunselfish doing and giving.”Over the years Tom and Dee Mullin havealso generously raised funds to purchasemarching band uniforms, instruments forthe concert and marching bands, a newpiano for the choir room, refurbishing services for an older piano, and new microphones.Nick Mullin’s life has undoubtedlyinspired many in the Shanahan and ChesterCounty communities, and he continuesto be a beloved alumnus. Band DirectorMr. Chuck Keating shared, “Nick’s legacy4Shanahan Fall 2017will be forever remembered here at BishopShanahan. His approach to life was trulyinspiring. Everything Tom and Dee Mullinhave done in Nick’s honor will help me toteach the true meaning of life to my students. Nick lived each day to the fullest andmade sure that a smile was part of his dayand the people he was with.” Nick’s portraitcan be found somewhere on stage duringevery fall musical performance. Our studentscontinue to remember him, and we lovinglycover the Nick Mullin piano in the choirroom after every rehearsal. Nick’s life andlegacy were further remembered at this massthrough the dedication of a special bronzeplaque in the auditorium that was blessed byBishop Fitzgerald.A RICH HISTORY, AN EXCITINGPRESENT, AND A BRIGHT FUTURE!The Shanahan community commemorates its past, celebrates its present, andlooks forward to the years ahead as we continue to mark 60 years of Catholic Educationin Chester County. At Homecoming, theAlumni Tent was brought back, allowingalumni to catch up before the game. In theSpring, alumni and their families will beinvited to the school for a Mass and refreshments. Save the date for April 15, 2018 inwhich we will celebrate alumni memories, aswell as the memories of our beloved alumniwho have been called to heaven. May Godcontinue to bless all in our Shanahan community for another 60 years and more!Pictured next to the plaque in the auditorium honoring 2008 alumnus Nick Mullin and The NickSmiles on the Fine Arts Foundation for their generous gift to BSHS are (l to r): Sister Regina Plunkett,IHM ’64; Thomas and Dolores Mullin P ’04, ’08; The Most Rev. Michael J. Fitzgerald; Mr. ChristopherMominey, COO and Secretary for Catholic Education; Sister Maureen Lawrence McDermott, IHM,PhD, Superintendent of Secondary Schools.

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHANAHANChrist’s Love Abounds in the Class of 2017As Shanahan’s Class of 2017 approached graduation, theyreflected on the defining traits of their class. They consideredwhat qualities made their class notable and what their legacy tofuture students of BSHS would be. At their graduation ceremony,Salutatorian Kristin Loughlin and Valedictorian Anthony Fonashsaid it best when it came to defining the Class of 2017.In many ways, the part of Shanahan that weshould never forget is best summarized by thephrase that adorns this very podium: ‘People of God;People for Others.’ .In this six-word phrase is a callto action, a call to live a life for a Higher Power and acall to change the lives of others. It must now becomethe foundation of our life’s journey. . not only canyou be a Person of God and Person for Others, but thatin many ways, all of you already have been. You haveall in some way encouraged me to be the best versionof myself, while also teaching me the importance of myfaith. In many ways you have become like a family tome, and now I want to ask that you go outThe Class of 2017 Valedictorian Anthony Fonash and SalutatorianKristin Loughlin are pictured with The Most Reverend Bishop Michael J.Fitzgerald on Graduation Day.into the world and extend our family to all.– VALEDICTORIAN ANTHONY FONASH as we stand together facing the future, I ask one final question: going forward, how do we measure ourlives? We have learned at Bishop Shanahan that life is measured not in minutes, days or years, but in thelives we have touched with our love. We measure in the difference we make and the light we shed upon the world.In college, in our future careers, in the places we’ve yet to go in our lives, we are called to use our gifts, touse what we have learned during our high school experience and to change the world with our love.– SALUTATORIAN KRISTIN LOUGHLINCelebrating 472Combined Years of ServiceEach year at Shanahan we honor the BlessedMother at our May Liturgy through specialMarian hymns and a May Crowning. This yearwe also shared our gratitude for the nine SisterServants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary(IHM) who work at Shanahan as faculty, staffand administration, as well as Sr. MaureenMcDermott. Celebrating jubilee years thisyear were Sr. Regina Bernarda and Sr. ReginaPlunkett. All together, these 10 sisters picturedhave devotedly served 472 years in the consecrated life! We are so blessed at Shanahan tohave the IHM sisters serving our community.Pictured (l to r): Sr. Michael Raymond (48 yrs),Sr. Regina Bernarda (60 yrs), Sr. Maureen Peter(57 yrs), Sr. Anne Elise (47 yrs), Sr. Dorothy(56 yrs), Sr. Regina Plunkett (50 yrs), Sr.Janet (39 yrs), Sr. Kathleen (44 yrs), Sr. JaneMichael ( 36 yrs), and Sr. Maureen Lawrence –Superintendent of Secondary Schools (35 yrs).www.shanahan.org Shanahan5

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHANAHANChester County Voices Abroad Celebrates 25 YearsChester County Voices Abroad is an international performance ensemble featuring young adults from ages 16 to 21 from the greaterPhiladelphia area that travel each year through Europe as musical goodwill ambassadors. This year they celebrated their 25th anniversary. Over the summer, Mrs. Marge Campbell led the group of 16 Shanahan students, five Shanahan alumni, one Shanahan parent, and oneShanahan faculty member through an unforgettable tour of Italy. The following are some reflections of those who were on the tour.When I signed up for Mrs. Campbell’s trip towalks of life to tears by the gift of music and the GospelItaly with CCVA, I was told that this wouldthat we spread around Rome, Florence,be the trip of a lifetime. Little did I know, until I sat atthe first concert in Ognissanti Church in Florence, thatVenice, Assisi, Loreto, and Sorrento.MARIA SCARFO ’92it would be a spiritually moving experience that woulddraw me closer to God. Singing in front of me was aThroughout my experiences with Chesterchoir of angels. I literally felt my heart moveCounty Voices Abroad, I was taught many lifeand I started to cry; I was so deeply touched.lessons, and one that remains so profound is ‘Touch aNANCY POTTS, ’70Life,’ the motto by which we have lived.After being fortunate enough to travel to Spain andThis past June 2017, I had the amazing privi-Portugal in 2016, and Italy in 2017, I can honestly saylege to travel to Italy with Mrs. Campbellthat my life has been touched. Having experiencedin honor of the 25th Anniversary of the founding ofsights such as Fatima in Portugal, and Loreto in Italy,CCVA. This trip changed my life and the students atmy faith has been deepened and strengthened, and myBishop Shanahan with whom I traveled gave me a new-desire to continue to perform and travel has increased.found rekindling of faith and a joy that will live on inWe did God’s work through song, prayer, travel, and somy heart forever. Despite the fact that our 25 membermuch more. It was a beautiful sight for someone my agegroup had many young voices with developed talent,to see so many people, younger and older, ded-we brought men and women of all ages and faiths andicated to performance, but most of all, to God.MARY KATE SHIELDS ’186Shanahan Fall 2017

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHANAHANBusiness Students Win the Shanahan Shark Tank ChallengeLast spring, ShanahanBusiness students took part in theirown “shark tank” experience called theShanahan Tank Challenge. Chris Beringerand Brad Williams, president and vicepresident of The Beringer Group, anindependent advisory group, served asthe “sharks” along with BSHS AssistantPrincipal and former Business DepartmentChair Mr. Robert Seefeldt. Student groupshad to develop ideas, write business plansand present the plans to the sharks whoasked questions and offered advice. Thewinning group’s idea was “Breathe EasyBoxes,” a subscription service providingrelaxation items. Pictured (l to r) are: BradWilliams, Jen Adams ’18, Alyssa Lindley’18, Skyler Shields ’17, Mary Kate Lewis’18, Shelby Findley ’18, and Chris Beringer.JOSH HOEY – TRACKAND FIELD ATHLETESPRING 2017 ART AWARDSAt the 2017 Spring Art Show, five BSHS students, under the direction of Art teacher, Mrs.Mary Ann Thompson, were awarded plaques for their excellence in Art. Pictured left toright are: Matthew Medve ’18 (Art Service Award), Erin Layton ’18 (Excellence in Art Award),Kim Ward ’18 (Art Student of the Year), Caraline Grim ’17 (Art Club Award), and Megan St.Clair ’17 (Art Crew Award).Senior Josh Hoey was recently namedto the All-USA Boys’ Track and FieldTeam for Long Sprints and Middle Distances.Josh has broken several school records during his time at BSHS. He has committedto The University of Oregon where he willcontinue in Track and Field.HONORABLE MENTION AT 2017 TOSHIBA/NSTA EXPLORA VISION PROGRAMAnna Ebersole ’19 and Joseph Grabis ’19 partnered in their Science Fair Projectand won honorable mention in the 2017 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Program.This placed them in the top 10% of students nationwide who submitted projects. Intheir project, they presented technological changes they envisioned in bulletproofarmor over the next 20 years. Their chemistry teacher was Mrs. Andrea Gosselin.www.shanahan.org Shanahan7

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT SHANAHAN50 Years of Teachingand Still Going StrongThe close of the 2016 – 2017school year marked Mr. JamesHetherington’s 50th anniversary asa teacher at Bishop Shanahan HighSchool! Mr. H teaches Social Studies,and has had the opportunity to teachas many as three generations in somefamilies. He even attended BishopShanahan High School himself. As astudent, he served as the MarchingBand Drum Major, was the StudentCouncil Class President his senior yearand participated in many other extracurricular activities and sports.In 2004 he won the Citadel Heart of Learning Award for the NonPublic School District and in 2009 he received the Shanahan Medal.Greg Karabin – 25years as Rugby CoachGreg Karabin P ‘96, ‘98, ‘00, ‘03 was honored at the spring rugbybanquet for his 25 year tenure as the rugby coach at BishopShanahan. He started coachingat Bishop Shanahan in 1993 andhas placed or won championships in many league, county,state, and international competitions. Coach Karabin hasalready coached over 500 youngmen and continues to be guidedby the Shanahan Rugby Clubmotto, “Faith, Courage, Unity.”Congratulations Coach Karabinand best wishes for the RugbyClub’s continued success!Shanahan Medal WinnerIn 2002, the BSHS Administrationdevelopment opportunities forinitiated the conferring of theindividual teachers and faculShanahan Medal at graduation.ties, forming a strong partnerThis medal is awarded to a personship between the non-publicwhose commitment, dedication andschools and the Chester Countycontribution to Catholic EducationIntermediate Unit.deserves the recognition and gratiDr. Weaver serves as atude of the entire Bishop Shanahancurrent member of the Boardcommunity. The three wordsof Limited Jurisdiction ofengraved on the medal are: Service,Pope John Paull II RegionalCommitment and Dedication. AtElementary School. She alsothe 2017 Graduation, we were veryshares her expertise and dedihappy to honor with our Shanahancation to Catholic EducationMedal a graduate from the Class ofby serving on the StrategicDr. Eileen Helm Weaver ’74 (on right) celebrates the Shanahan1974; a truly generous, spirit-filled Medal with her mother, Jean Helm.Planning sub-committee ofand dedicated person, who has livedthe Foundation for Catholica life of service sharing the spirit of Bishop Shanahan High School Education. Her community outreach includes four years on thein Chester County and beyond—Dr. Eileen Helm Weaver.Board of Catholic Social Services and a very active participationSince 1988, Dr. Weaver has been involved in the administra- in the music ministries of St. Cecilia, Our Lady of the Rosary, andtion of the Non-Public School Services Program of the Chester St. Joseph/Coatesville Parishes.County Intermediate Unit. Over the past 29 years, she has workedFaith filled, passionate, other-centered, energetic, humble,with the principals and presidents supervising the Intermediate trustworthy, and straightforward are some of the characteristicsUnit specialists who have served our students at Bishop Shanahan. of Dr. Weaver. We were blessed and very happy to have bestowedIn consultation with the principals, various combinations of upon her the Shanahan Medal. Eileen has always followed ourspeech therapists, guidance counselors, and reading and math motto, “Seek The Things That Are Found Above,” and Bishopspecialists have been assigned to support the non-public schools. Shanahan is proud to call her an alumna!Dr. Weaver has also been able to coordinate and provide staff8Shanahan Fall 2017

A GLOBAL SHANAHANA Global ShanahanPEER LEADERS Four BSHS students were privileged to present at Catholic Relief Services’ Northeast Mid-Atlantic GlobalHigh School Gathering at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish on Monday, August 21, 2017. Seniors Abigail Bailey, Mark Gomba,Meghan Leinhauser, and Ryan Maguire shared with high school administrators and teachers practical ways to enable students tobe peer leaders in the Global High School Program.Where’s Shanahan?Many BSHS families enjoy spending timeat the beach during the summer-includinga member of the McAlee family whosported his Shanahan spirit wear whileappreciating a summer sunset in Sea IsleCity, NJ.WORLD AFFAIRS CLUB LEADERS AT LARGEMembers of the BSHS World Affairs Club traveled toPhiladelphia and took part in the conference Global Stability &Insecurity Series: Latin America’s Role in 2017 and Beyond.The keynote address was given by the former president ofMexico, Vicente Fox. World Affairs Club President, BrendanManning, participated in the Q & A portion of the conference.Pictured (l to r): World Affairs Club Moderator, Mrs. Joan Hayes;former Mexican President Vincente Fox; Brendan Manning ’18;and Erica Bader ’19.www.shanahan.org Shanahan9

ALUMNI NEWSFr. Connolly’s Call to Ministry was AlwaysThere, but a Response Took TimeReprinted from Catholicphilly.com(Lou Baldwin)Fr. Brian Connolly ’94, who was ordainedto the priesthood by Archbishop CharlesChaput on Saturday, May 20, 2017, could beconsidered a late vocation. He disagrees.“It wasn’t necessarily a late calling asmuch as a late responding to the call,” heexplains.The youngest of the six children of Jackand Connie Connolly and preceded in lifeby John, Rosemary, twin Colleen, Kathleenand Christine, he attended St. Joseph Schoolin Downingtown, and after the family movedto St. Philip Neri Parish in Lafayette Hill, atBishop Shanahan High School.“Without a doubt my parents raised usin the faith with Mass every Sunday,” heremembers. “They gave Christian witnessand are stalwart Catholics.”It was during his high school years thathe first thought about the priesthood, butput it off his mind for the time being. He wasway too shy and a priest has to be outgoing,he told himself, and besides, he just wasn’tworthy of so high a calling.At West Chester University, where heearned his degree in business management,he became active with the Newman Cluband through that became connected with thefaith in a positive way.“Father (Samuel) Verruni, who was theNewman chaplain, was a great influence onme,” Fr. Connolly recalls of the archdiocesanpriest who now is the chaplain at ImmaculataUniversity.After receiving his degree at WestChester, he opted to join the business worldin the field of workman’s compensation forthe next decade or so.Although he put the idea of the priesthood in the back of his mind, he remainedvery much a committed Catholic. “I seemedto believe God was calling me to be a layCatholic, perhaps in the married life,” hesaid. He nourished his faith through severalgroups including YASKI (Young Adults of St.10Shanahan Fall 2017Fr. Brian Connolly ’94 celebrates Holy Eucharist.Katherine’s and St. Isaac’s, in Wayne), theKing’s Men, and Our Lady’s Missionaries ofthe Rosary. He also dated a bit, because themarried life might still be God’s intent. Hisspiritual life was and remains really Marian,including daily Mass and the Divine Mercychaplet, and for relaxation there was runningand hiking. But it wasn’t enough.There was still that nagging idea of thepriesthood. He finally came to realize it isn’ta matter of being worthy. After all, wouldn’tit be presumptive for anyone just to assumethey are truly worthy to take on the awesometask of transforming ordinary bread and wineinto the body and blood of Christ?“I knew God was calling me and I had tosee His hand in it,” Fr. Connolly said. “I hadto give up my idea of what the priesthoodwould be and recognize God was calling meas I am. He doesn’t call the worthy; we haveto depend on his mercy.”He entered St. Charles BorromeoSeminary in 2011 and the past six years havebeen a time of continued growth. He had togive up any idealized notions he had and seethe human side of himself and others.“We are not perfect, we mess up,” he said.“God is love and mercy. We have to lovepeople where they are, not where we thinkthey should be. It’s a celebration of Godworking through his church and a manifestation of His saving grace.”About his ordination, Fr. Connolly commented, “It’s a very humbling experience. Itis a celebration of God working through hischurch. The Holy Spirit has been calling mewhere I am and who I am. God will directme.”Archbishop Chaput lays his hands on Fr.Connolly ’94.

ALUMNI NEWSMariners Promote Ian Miller to Triple-AReprinted from Hardball Scoop (Jamey Vinnick)It was a pretty crazy 24 hours on July 22ndfor Shanahan alumnus, Ian Miller ’10. Thespeedy outfielder started for the ArkansasTravelers of Double-A the night of June21st, collecting two hits, and after the gamewas immediately put on a pla

ecornell@shanahan.org; ext: 6219 Administrative Assistant Mrs. Theresa DiBello tdibello@shanahan.org; ext: 6244 Administrative Assistant Sister Dorothy Mayer IHM dmayer@shanahan.org; ext: 6223 Board of Directors 2017-2018 Members of our Board of Directors are volunteers that provide invaluable wisdom, expertise and guidance to the administration.