A YEAR OF SHARED WINS
2024–2025
How Austin Prep is shaping the future with faith, vision, and action.
Dear Austin Prep Community,
The Augustinian virtues of veritas, unitas, and caritas continue to win. At Austin Prep, wins are more than tallies on a scoreboard. They are the moments when our mission comes to life, when innovation meets tradition, and when progress is visible in the achievements of our students, faculty, and community.
The 2024–2025 year was rich with such wins. We deepened our connection to the Augustinian Order, welcomed scholars and leaders who challenged us to think more deeply, and celebrated milestones that confirmed our identity as a school rooted in truth, unity, and love. We reshaped classrooms with bold academic initiatives, gave our faculty opportunities to lead nationally, and built modern platforms to tell our story with clarity and pride. Each win reflected both our heritage and our horizon.
These wins matter because they chart the future we are building together. They show that Austin Prep is not standing still but moving forward with values at our core,
vision in our planning, and action in our daily life. They demonstrate that our students are being prepared not only for college, but for lives of meaning and leadership.
As you read through this book of wins, I hope you see your own role in shaping the Austin Prep future. Parents, alumni, faculty, and friends all contribute to these achievements. Together, we ensure that Austin Prep remains a place where faith, learning, and community grow stronger with each passing year.
James Hickey, Ph.D. P’22, ’23, ’24, ’27 Head of School
Augustinian Leader Visits Campus to Strengthen Spiritual Bonds
WIN #1: An Augustinian Year Like No Other
To open the 2024–2025 academic year, Austin Prep welcomed Father Robert Hagan, O.S.A., Augustinian Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He served as the principal celebrant and homilist for our annual Convocation Liturgy and Parade of Flags, a cherished tradition that sets the tone for the year.
In his homily, Father Hagan told the story of a basketball player who arrived at a game with two left sneakers. What might have been an embarrassing mistake became a lesson in perseverance, humor, and resilience. His words left a lasting impact on our students, reminding them that faith and humility often reveal themselves in life’s unexpected moments.
The Convocation was a joyful and unifying beginning to the school year – one that highlighted our Augustinian values and renewed our commitment to live them fully throughout the months ahead.
Scholar in Residence Brings Augustine’s Voice into the Classroom
Head of School, Dr. James Hickey, appointed Dr. Joseph Kelley, a world-renowned Augustinian scholar, as our Augustinian Scholar-in-Residence.
Dr. Kelley spent more than 50 years at Merrimack College as a faculty member and instructional leader before retiring from higher education. His wisdom, experience, and deep knowledge of Augustine now enrich the Austin Prep community.
In this role, he provides professional development for faculty and staff on the Augustinian way of life, ensuring our teaching and formation remain firmly grounded in tradition. He also served as the keynote speaker at our annual St. Augustine Lecture in May, inspiring students, faculty, and families alike.
In June, Dr. Kelley traveled to Vatican City, where he met Pope Leo XIV and joined Augustinian scholars on a project translating St. Augustine’s writings. His contributions reminded us that Austin Prep is part of a global network of scholarship and faith.
Dr. Kelley’s presence is both a gift and a bridge – connecting our students and faculty to Augustine’s timeless wisdom and the living tradition of the Augustinian family worldwide.
Austin Prep
Recognized with Augustinian Affiliation
In December, Dr. James Hickey and his wife Cindy, were formally affiliated to the Order of St. Augustine, the highest honor the Order can bestow.
According to Augustinian Constitutions, “The Order has the faculty of affiliating to itself the faithful who merit special recognition because of their distinguished cooperation for the good of the Order. By reason of this affiliation, they belong to the Augustinian Family and share in all of the spiritual benefits of the Order.”
The affiliation, approved by the Prior General in Rome, recognized Austin Prep for its commitment to the Augustinian way of life. To mark the occasion, Father Arthur Johnson, O.S.A., and Father Peter Gori, O.S.A. ’70, celebrated a Mass on campus for students and staff.
Affiliation to the Order of St. Augustine really belongs to the Austin Prep Family – including all who came before us and helped build our community.
Hosting the Augustinian Values Institute Draws National Attention
Austin Prep was honored to host the 21st annual Augustinian Values Institute (AVI) on campus from April 11–13, 2025.
Educators with a vocation in Augustinian schools traveled from across the globe – including from as far away as Australia – to deepen their understanding of the Augustinian charisms of veritas, unitas, caritas (truth, unity, love).
The AVI is a directed three-day exploration of the Augustinian core values. It advances solidarity among schools dedicated to the Augustinian mission while also expanding the professional networks of those who teach and lead in that tradition.
Looking ahead, Austin Prep is proud to announce that in April 2026 we will host the Student Augustinian Values Institute (SAVI), welcoming students from other Augustinian schools to our campus for their own immersive formation experience in the Augustinian way of life.
Graduation and Baccalaureate Liturgy Mark a Sacred Passage
The graduation Mass for the Class of 2025 marked a deeply special moment in Austin Prep history, one we celebrated with Father Arthur Johnson, O.S.A. who offered the baccalaureate mass.
Assigned as a newly ordained Friar, Fr. Art was a founding father of Austin Prep and welcomed our very first students to campus in September 1963. His faithful presence has been a constant for more than six decades, shaping the spiritual life of our community.
Remarkably, the Baccalaureate Liturgy for the Class of 2025 was the very first graduation Mass he celebrated in his over 60-year journey with us. For our students and families, this liturgy became a sacred milestone – a reminder that every graduate is part of a story much larger than themselves, carried forward by the faith and commitment of those who helped build Austin Prep from the beginning.
Election of Pope Leo XIV Brings
Inspiration
On May 8th, white smoke rose from the smokestack of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new Pope. Moments later, we learned that an Augustinian Friar had been chosen by the College of Cardinals as the successor to St. Peter.
Faculty, students, and staff across Austin Prep gathered in offices and classrooms, waiting together for the announcement. When the news was confirmed, our community erupted with excitement – Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, O.S.A., had emerged on the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.
For Austin Prep, the moment felt personal. As an Augustinian school, we share in the same spiritual family, and his election as Pope filled us with pride. It somehow felt like a member of the immediate family was elected to the chair of St. Peter. It reminded us that our Augustinian heritage is woven into the broader story of the Church and renewed our sense of belonging to a global mission.
WIN #2: Reimagining Tomorrow’s Classrooms
New Master Schedule Creates Balance for Learning and Growth
For years, Austin Prep recognized that students needed greater consistency in their daily routines and more time for deeper engagement – especially those with executive functioning challenges.
To solve this, the Master Schedule Committee, comprised of faculty and school leadership, spent two years exploring innovations in scheduling. Their work culminated in a plan that was unanimously approved by the faculty for implementation in the 2025–2026 academic year.
The redesigned schedule introduced extended Cougar Block periods, expanded advisory time, and a predictable bi-weekly rotation. These changes blend best practices in secondary education while balancing both the written and “unwritten” curriculum.
By placing student well-being at the center, the new schedule ensures that learning at Austin Prep remains rigorous, flexible, and responsive to the needs of tomorrow’s learners.
Center for Integrated Learning Expands Student Support
Nearly one in four students nationwide has a learning difference, and Austin Prep saw the need to provide stronger, more inclusive support for diverse learners seeking a Catholic Augustinian education.
With the generosity of donors, we launched the Center for Integrated Learning in the 2024–2025 school year.
The Center’s mission is to expand instructional support for students with learning differences. It reflects our Augustinian commitment to community while helping every student thrive.
Construction of the dedicated space – designed with the help of an architect specializing in instructional environments –was scheduled for completion in Fall 2025. The result will be a balance between academic support and community connection.
The Center for Integrated Learning is a tangible reminder of our promise to meet the needs of every student, honoring each unique journey and set of gifts.
Middle School Metropolis Project Turns Students into City Planners
Middle school students often learn about civics, economics, and sustainability in theory, but they rarely get the chance to solve real-world challenges firsthand.
To bridge that gap, Austin Prep launched the Middle School Metropolis course in 2024–2025 – a first-of-its-kind, handson program that turned students into city planners.
Using LEGO sets, students designed and built entire cities while wrestling with issues of sustainability, economic impact, emergency services, and quality of life.
Guest speakers from architecture, business, and government expanded the learning, connecting classroom design to realworld urban planning.
Through collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity, students discovered that building a city is more than construction – it’s about creating community.
College Counseling Initiatives Expand Personalized Guidance
The college admissions process is increasingly complex, and students need personalized guidance to navigate applications, essays, and the search for best-fit schools.
To further advance our support of students, the Austin Prep Office of College Counseling introduced several new initiatives in 2024–2025:
• Membership in BISCCA – Admission to the Boston Independent School College Counselors Association provided access to private college fairs, networking, and professional development.
• Essay Review Committee – A new faculty committee, created in collaboration with the English Department, offered students personalized feedback on their college essays.
• Catholic and Christian College Fair – Nearly 30 colleges and universities visited Meelia Hall for the Austin Prep first-ever faith-based fair, held exclusively for our students.
These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to college readiness – supporting students academically and personally as they discern the colleges where they will thrive.
Harvard Partnerships
Brought Students into Real Labs
High school students rarely get direct access to advanced research environments at the university level. To close that gap, Austin Prep strengthened its ties with Harvard University, giving students cutting edge opportunities to experience medicine and technology.
• Medical Robotics Workshop – At Harvard Medical School, students learned to use surgical robotics alongside HMS faculty and leaders in AI-enabled medical imaging. The program culminated in programming robots to perform mock surgeries targeting spinal tumors.
• Emergency Room Simulation – Juniors and seniors participated in a half-day simulation at Harvard Medical School, diagnosing and treating patients in a realistic ER setting.
These experiences gave Austin Prep students insights into careers in medicine, technology, and research – and showed them that the future is already within their reach.
Novel Physics Curriculum Linked Faith and Science
Physics can sometimes feel abstract, leaving students to wonder how formulas connect to real life. To bridge the gap, Austin Prep partnered with Harvard University to design a physics curriculum that put discovery at the center.
Led by STEM Innovation Specialist Amy Foley and Science Faculty Member Francesco Donati, the program integrated handson medical robotics into physics instruction, giving students a cutting-edge way to connect theory with application.
By pairing classroom knowledge with advanced tools and external expertise, this curriculum showed how faith and science inform each other – broadening the horizons of student learning.
STEM
Innovation Created HandsOn Learning Without Limits
Austin Prep gives students access to tools and experiences that make science real, tangible, and inspiring. In 2024–2025, several new initiatives expanded STEM technology and learning:
• Anatomage Table – A state-of-the-art 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool used in Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Placement Physics, and Middle School Life Science, supporting expanded professional development and classroom exploration of anatomy and science.
• 8th Grade Science Fair – The Class of 2029 completed a capstone science experiment, presenting research projects that mirrored the quality and rigor of professional conferences.
• 3D Printing Projects – Teachers integrated 3D printing across disciplines, blending STEM with the humanities for creative problem-solving.
These initiatives ensured that STEM was not confined to books but lived, built, and tested through dynamic, handson experiences.
Science Seminar Series Inspired with
World-Class Voices
Students often encounter science only through textbooks, but Austin Prep sought to connect them directly with leaders shaping scientific discovery today. The solution was the Science Seminar Series, which brought global experts to campus.
Some of our speakers included:
Dr. Anthony De Tomaso –
An expert in cellular and molecular biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, he presented research on regenerative medicine and immunity.
Dr. Alex Goldsmith, P’26, ’28, ’29 –A neurobiologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, he delivered a thought-provoking lecture on Faith and Reason.
Dr. Avi Shporer –
A research scientist at the MIT Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research, he lectured on eclipses and exoplanets, timed with the solar eclipse for maximum impact.
Dr. Ronak Gudhka –
A chemical engineer, he spoke with Advanced Placement science students about biomedical research at Amgen, focusing on biotechnology that addresses the world’s toughest diseases.
Through these seminars, students gained access to some of the brightest minds in science – seeing firsthand how cutting-edge research intersects with faith, ethics, and global responsibility.
STEM and Travel
Expanded Learning to Bermuda and Japan
High school students often learn science in the classroom but rarely get to see it play out in the field. To change that, Austin Prep introduced international STEM trips during the new two-week March Break.
• Bermuda – students and faculty studied marine science, engaging in hands-on fieldwork, water sampling, and laboratory analysis to better understand the impact of drought and changing ecosystems.
• Japan – A cohort of 40 students and faculty immersed themselves in robotics, aerospace, engineering, and technology while also exploring Japanese culture and history, including a trip to Tokyo Disney.
Both trips reminded students that science is a universal language, connecting people across borders to solve real-world challenges.
Partnerships Expanded Real-World Applications
Austin Prep also built new partnerships to show students how STEM intersects with society and industry.
• Girls in STEAM Workshop –Connected young women with leaders from architecture, construction, industrial design, biotechnology, medicine, and engineering, providing mentorship and inspiration.
• U-Turn Audio Partnership –Hosted Robert Hertig, Co-Founder and CEO of U-Turn Audio, who gave an interdisciplinary presentation linking music theory and physical science in the design of cutting-edge audio technology.
• Reading Police Department –Demonstrated infrared-sensing drone technology to Middle School Robotics students, illustrating how robotics can enhance public safety.
• Mystic River Watershed Association – Partnered with Austin Prep for a field study on water ecosystems. Students conducted water sampling and lab analysis, with findings to be posted at the school’s wetlands.
These experiences gave students a direct window into the breakthroughs shaping medicine, technology, and science, inspiring confidence that they, too, can contribute to the discoveries of tomorrow.
WIN #3: On the Front Lines of Faculty Excellence
Faculty Leaders Grew Through the Roche Center at Boston College
Austin Prep chairs participated in this professional development opportunity through the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education & Human Development.
The Roche Center equips educators to lead with vision through leadership programs, professional development, and collaborative networks rooted in Catholic mission and equity.
This experience sharpened our chairs’ ability to lead with faith and best practices, affirming that at Austin Prep, faculty growth is transformational.
Social-Emotional Learning Workshop Strengthened Student Support
The faculty of Austin Prep welcomed Phyllis Fagell, a nationally recognized counselor and author, for professional development focused on socialemotional learning and the integration of faith, leadership, and innovation.
Faculty learned practical strategies to help students build resilience, manage stress, and navigate the social challenges of adolescence. By applying these tools in classrooms and advisories, teachers foster a supportive environment that enhances student focus, learning, and growth.
Summer
Sabbaticals Sparked Fresh Ideas for the Classroom
Two Austin Prep faculty members were awarded summer sabbaticals to pursue projects that enrich their teaching and expand opportunities for students:
• Mr. Eric Smith traveled to Rome for a pilgrimage during the Jubilee year, visiting Augustinian churches and historic sites such as the Colosseum. His journey deepened his knowledge of Church history and St. Augustine’s legacy.
• Ms. Katie Clark participated in a Broadway intensive in New York City, attending workshops on choreography, staging, and acting, as well as performances and the Museum of Broadway. She returned with new inspiration for Austin Prep drama classes and productions.
When they returned in the fall, these teachers brought renewed energy and insights that immediately enriched classroom practice. Summer Sabbaticals are an investment in our faculty that always pay dividends in the quality of instruction our students receive.
MIT Partnership Delivered Discovery-Based Learning
STEM learning can feel abstract when confined to textbooks. To change that, Austin Prep partnered with Dr. Rohan Abeyaratne, a world-renowned professor of mechanical engineering at MIT, to bring discovery-based learning directly into our classrooms.
Through hands-on experiments, engineering design challenges, and problem-solving exercises that mirror real research, students learned how to think like scientists and innovators. This partnership strengthened the Austin Prep culture of inquiry and ensured that students use tools and methods aligned with the highest levels of academic study.
Middle School Faculty Showcased Innovation at AMLE Conference
Middle school educators often face the challenge of keeping young learners curious and engaged while helping them develop strong values. To share how Austin Prep meets that challenge, members of our Middle School Faculty presented at the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) Conference, the world’s largest gathering for middle-level educators.
Faculty led sessions on curriculum design, student engagement, and discovery-based learning that connects faith and reflection to academic growth. Their presentations elevated the Austin Prep national profile while modeling the lifelong learning we seek to inspire in every student—showing that great teaching evolves through collaboration and creativity.
Faculty Shared Innovation on the National Stage
From local collegiate partnerships to national conference presentations, Austin Prep faculty continue to advance innovative teaching and leadership, raising the bar for student learning and success.
• Boston College Collaboration – Partnered with the Roche Center for Catholic Education at Boston College’s Lynch School for a formation day on collaborative professionalism, part of ongoing professional development supporting Catholic school excellence across the region.
• National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) –The premier gathering for independent educators, where Austin Prep faculty shared approaches that integrate mission, leadership, and student well-being while learning best practices from peers nationwide.
• Thrive 2025 – Shared innovative approaches to student success and well-being through faith, leadership, and collaboration.
These experiences give teachers new insights to bring back to campus, ensuring that Austin Prep students benefit from both pioneering instruction and a culture that sees teaching as a vocation and learning as a lifelong pursuit.
Podcast Studio Amplified the Austin Prep Voice
WIN #4: A Timeless Message Through Modern Channels
The new Austin Prep podcast studio gives students and faculty a modern platform to share ideas, tell stories, and explore creative projects – while offering handson experience in media, communication, and production.
Launched at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year with state-of-the-art equipment, the studio debuted with the School’s official podcast, The Restless Journey. This program offers a closer look at the people, programs, and initiatives that reflect Augustinian values, while interviews with community members highlight who we are today and where the Austin Prep Journey is headed tomorrow.
The Restless Journey is just the beginning. The studio will also host faculty-led initiatives, student-driven productions, and cross-disciplinary projects – expanding how Austin Prep shares its mission and voice with the world.
Digital Advancements Strengthened Connection and Mission
Investing in new technology and storytelling platforms, from a redesigned website to emerging media like podcasts, strengthened how Austin Prep connects its community while sharing its timeless mission in modern ways.
The new Austin Prep website is more than a digital tool. It is a living portrait of the School that captures the spirit of community, learning, and faith that define us. With a vibrancy that reflects Austin Prep, the new website creates refreshed photography, streamlined navigation, and expanded resources. The site now makes it easier than ever to engage with campus life.
This progress shows that the values of Austin Prep, grounded in truth, unity, and love, are being lived on campus and shared with the world through modern communication. As new tools and opportunities emerge, the School will continue to expand how we communicate so that our mission is shared more widely and more powerfully than ever before.
Modern Tools, Timeless Mission
Behind every story is a team ensuring it is told well. This year, the Austin Prep Communications Office expanded its resources to better support the School’s mission and enhance every channel of outreach.
From digital updates and printed publications to video storytelling and social media engagement, the team worked to unify the School’s message with consistency, clarity, and care. The result is a stronger, more connected experience for current families, alumni, and the broader community, showing that great communication begins with collaboration and purpose.
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