Student of the Week Archive 2008-2009

January 26-30: Ryan Ernst '09

Senior Ryan Ernst was named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending January 30.

Ryan, a member of the cross country and track teams, also serves as president of the Ski and Snowboard, Psychology, and Risk clubs and is secretary of PREParing a Cure. He is an Ixthus leader, and attended Kairos CI, and has served on the Gulf Coast Service Trip, and with the Homeroom Big Brothers. He is also a Model OAS delegate and a P.R.E.P. Leader. According to the teacher who nominated him, “In the classroom, Ryan asks many ingenious questions which imbue the class with erudite knowledge.”

January 20-23: Juan Castillo '09

Senior Juan Castillo, commonly known as "John" to his friends and teachers, has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending January 23.

John enjoys a respectable GPA with several challenging courses such as the Ignatian Way and A.P. European History, both in which he currently maintains an "A" average. In addition, he has been an active member of the Prep X-Country and Track teams for the past four years, serving as a Co-Captain this year.

His commitment, patience and hard work both in the classroom and on the track are noteworthy. Over the past three years, John has garnered All-Catholic honors and has gained both state and national recognition. This season, he has continued his success in Indoor Track and, after a Gold medal performance at Lehigh University on Saturday, he is currently ranked first in Pennsylvania and eighth in the nation in his premier event, the 800m dash.

Despite these impressive accolades, John is best known for his infectious smile and gentle nature. He is often the first to offer an optimistic view within trying circumstances, and his usual manner of "doing rather than saying" has made a strong impression on his teachers, coaches, and peers alike.

December 1-5: Joseph Farrell '09

Senior Joseph Farrell has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending December 5. Last year, as a junior, Joe and his friend Joe Boyle started the infamous Crimson Tide which encouraged students to attend any and all Prep sporting events. A manager for the basketball team, Joe also earned the ranking of Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts’ highest honor. His enthusiasm and willingness to support the Prep is really something special. Joe recently returned from leading Kairos 103 and what is especially impressive about Joe's nomination is that it came from those in his group, who nominated him to thank him for his enthusiasm, hard work, and the contribution of his talents to make everyone's experience a great one.

November 17-21: Ross Euteneuer '09

Senior Ross Euteneuer has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending November 21. This past summer, Euteneuer attended World Youth Day in Australia where he got to participate in Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. While in Australia he also volunteered his time in a soup kitchen.

Euteneuer is a member of the French Club and traveled with them to Montreal and Quebec. He is also involved the bowling team, intramural basketball and a member of his CYO basketball team. Prep assistant principal Mr. Joseph Nawn says Ross "is a team player, very dependable and a vital part of the bowling team. He never misses a practice and is always there supporting his teammates."

November 10-14: Robert Cellucci '10

Junior Robert Cellucci has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending November 14. Cellucci volunteers at Grand View Hospital every weekend and also helps out an elderly woman in his neighborhood. In addition, he is an A.S.S.T. tutor, striving for that coveted NHS nomination. Rob is also having a fantastic year in the classroom and currently has all A's in his classes.

Rob, an accomplished a capella rapper who plans to perfect this art for the Senior Talent Show next year, is also a manager of our basketball team. He personifies the Jesuit spirit, always striving for the magis in his daily life, and is truly a "man for and with others."

November 3-7: Kevin Rafferty '10

Junior Kevin Rafferty has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending November 7. Rafferty is involved in a number of activities including Cape and Sword, Yearbook, Prep Vision Club (TV), Spanish Club and Classics Club. Kevin was also generous with his time by helping out our admissions office on a number of visits.

In addition, Kevin is a stand-out student in the classroom, he currently has a 3.68 GPA with all A's in his 6 courses. He is a great example of a student who does his best in all areas: mind, heart, soul and character.

October 27-30: Nicholas Gatto '10

Junior Nicholas Gatto was named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending October 30.

Gatto is a talented musician who plays the piano and guitar in the jazz band and also sings in the Christus Choir. In addition, he is a Mathlete and writes for the Chronicle and Hawkeye publications. While holding a 3.96 GPA, he also works three jobs, including giving piano lessons and working in the rectory of his church. Last summer, he was one of 11 sophomores who went on a summer service project to Justice Works in Trenton, NJ. Freshman year, he was quoted in Time Magazine for a blog he writes on the TV show "Lost."

October 20-23: Michael Busza '10

Junior Michael Busza has been named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending October 23.

Busza, a co-founder and co-President of the new Prep club called PREParing a Cure, helped raised thousands of dollars for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation by selling paper sneakers at the Prep. The group also participated in the walk for diabetes awareness and plans to be active in many other charitable fundraisers. In addition, Michael is involved in the Ixthus retreat team, the Yearbook and the Chronicle literary magazine. He participated in Upper Darby Summer Stage's "Shooting Stars" and is in the Archdiocesan Scholar Program.

October 14-17: John Pickhaver '09

Senior John Pickhaver, a resident of Drexel Hill and a member of St. Dorothy's Parish, was named the Dugan Student of the Week as he won the Philadelphia Catholic League Varsity Cross Country race, making him the first Prep student to do so in 12 years and only the second ever to accomplish that feat. John is also a co-captain of the cross country team and a two-time Southern Division Champion.

This past summer John participated in a service project to Rural Retreat, VA, and helped deliver toys to needy families during last year's Operation Santa Claus. Besides cross country, John is also involved in Indoor and Outdoor Track, is Co-President of Society for Psychology and Neuroscience and a member of the Community Service Corps. In addition, John is a great student, currently holding a 3.58 GPA.

October 6-10: Anthony Parenti '10

Junior Anthony Parenti was named the Dugan Student of the Week for the week ending October 10.

According to Mr. Mark Halligan, Dean of Students, "Parenti, a resident of North Wales, put being a 'Man for Others' into practice last week by helping a classmate who was ouSQSt of school sick... he brought him his books, helped him get caught up in his classes, this after working a full day at a part-time job. Anthony has also been a very helpful volunteer in our ASSIST program, tutoring students after school."

September 29 - October 3: Teron Terrence Dow '11

Teron appreciates the opportunity to attend the Prep and he doesn't take this opportunity for granted. He is committed to making the most of the Prep experience with his academics and activities. He is diligent and hard working - he is someone who is open to new experiences whether it be attending a 6 week long camp in New England where he distinguished himself for his hard work and his team leadership or exploring other opportunities here at school.

As a sophomore, Teron demonstrates his commitment to the Grad and Grad as well as the qualities of persistence and hard work and he gives a great example of treating others with respect and friendship. This summer, Teron participated in a seven-week camp in New Hampshire and earned two awards - one for team work and his work ethic and the second for his accomplishments in basketball.

Teron's homeroom and English teacher Mr. Andrew Whelan says, "Teron is enthusiastic in class and always eager to raise his hand and participate, even when his opinions might go against the grain. Teron is always smiling, he is courteous and polite, and he always puts sincere effort into his school work."

Out of the classroom, Teron is involved in the Black and Latino Culture Club and recently this year joined the Cross Country team.

September 22-26: Christopher Poyatt '10

Senior Garrett Barker distinguished himself through a summer service trip to New Orleans he went on with seven of his classmates this past summer. He was the student who truly kept the group going, exhibiting positive energy, optimism and determination. When the group was tired, hot and challenged by the overwhelming amount of work; he would talk the group through it with his upbeat and positive personality. Garrett took a different perspective on things and always found the good in what he was doing. Many times he gently reminded the group why they were there. Garrett stood out as a "man for and with others."
Garrett excels in the classroom. He has a 3.72 GPA and is taking three AP courses this year. He is an outstanding member of our Crew team, forensics team and is a P.R.E.P. leader who was a big help at Freshmen Orientation.
During the last two football games, Garrett gave the traditional rendition of the "Braveheart" speech.

September 15-19: Garrett Barker '09

Senior Garrett Barker distinguished himself through a summer service trip to New Orleans he went on with seven of his classmates this past summer. He was the student who truly kept the group going, exhibiting positive energy, optimism and determination. When the group was tired, hot and challenged by the overwhelming amount of work; he would talk the group through it with his upbeat and positive personality. Garrett took a different perspective on things and always found the good in what he was doing. Many times he gently reminded the group why they were there. Garrett stood out as a "man for and with others."
Garrett excels in the classroom. He has a 3.72 GPA and is taking three AP courses this year. He is an outstanding member of our Crew team, forensics team and is a P.R.E.P. leader who was a big help at Freshmen Orientation.
During the last two football games, Garrett gave the traditional rendition of the "Braveheart" speech.

September 8-12: Matt Fanelli '09

Senior Matt Fanelli has distinguished himself through his leadership as Student Council Vice-President, getting the year started on a real positive note. He did a great job organizing a student bus trip to the first football game at Parkland High School and also played a big part in Freshman Orientation, organizing the a Powerpoint presentation and a session on Prep Pride. Matt also excels in the classroom with a 3.85 GPA.
A member of the Rugby team, last May Matt scored the game winning try on the last play of the game in B-Side National Championship Game vs. Jesuit of Sacramento, CA.