Dear Members of the Georgetown Prep Community,

Monday, July 31, is the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus and the source of Georgetown Prep's animating spirit. On this feast day, I write to express my gratitude and to make a request.

First, I am grateful to each of you for the many ways you contribute to Prep's Jesuit and Catholic identity. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius asserts that love shows itself more in deeds than in words. I am grateful for your countless deeds, large and small, that make Prep an authentic and robust Ignatian apostolate.

Ultimately, all that we do shapes our remarkable students who will go out into the world and set it on fire with their passion for faith and service. It is a great grace to share this sacred work.

I also write today to ask for your continued prayers for Prep. Every year I become more convinced that the power of prayer sustains us in our work for the greater glory of God and the world's well-being.

Please keep Prep in your prayers on this feast of St. Ignatius and every day.

God bless you, and God bless Georgetown Prep. Happy feast day!

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President

Congratulations to the 112 members of the Class of 2017!

Congratulations to the Georgetown Prep Athletic Program on winning a share of the 2016-2017 Interstate Athletic Conference (I.A.C.) Founders Cup.

For the first time ever, there was a tie for first place. Prep and Landon both totaled 43 points, finishing one point ahead of second place Bullis (42). The Founders Cup victory is Prep's fourteenth win in the last 16 years.

Beginning in 1975, the Founders Cup points are determined by combining the regular season finish and tournament standings.

Congratulations to all the Prep athletes on a successful year!

Georgetown Prep celebrated its 218th Commencement Exercises on Sunday, May 21.

Baccalaureate Mass was held in the morning in the Hanley Center for Athletic Excellence. Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., president of Georgetown Prep, was the celebrant.

In the afternoon, over 1,000 family members, friends, and members of the Prep community gathered in the Yard outside of the George Center for Academic Excellence to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class. Prep's Headmaster, Mr. John Glennon Jr., served as the Master of Ceremonies at the Commencement Exercises.

John Rolle received the Hillenbrand Medal, which is awarded to the President-of-the-Yard. Fr. Pilarz also presented Caleb Wilson with the Jeffrey L. Jones award in honor of Prep's former Headmaster, Jeff Jones.

Ziyu He, who will attend Georgetown University, won the Hamilton Medal, Georgetown Prep's oldest graduation award.

David Malinak, who awarded the Georgetown Prep medal with eleven of his classmates, delivered the Commencement address.

Speaking to his classmates, David shared what Georgetown Prep has meant to him. The following is an excerpt:

But now, we have arrived at graduation, on a beautiful Sunday morning. Everyone, now, become present in this moment. Notice the sky above you, the buildings around you, and the clothes on your back. Look at the person to your left and to your right, and if you can, make eye contact with your family members. Don't think--just feel the gratitude that this moment deserves.

Gentlemen, we are all about to undergo a massive transition into another four years that could go by as quickly as our time at Prep. Given what I have learned, my advice is this:

First, as St. Ignatius would have wanted, look back, and be mindful of where you came from. Remember the deep bonds of friendship that we have formed here together, and be mindful of the privilege we've had to work and play at the best high school in the country.

Then, turn to the present. Hold on to every moment. Each is a gift from God. Each gift represents another blessing--family, health, shelter, education. You'll find that your worry, anxiety, and uncertainty will vanish in a flood of gratitude, even in times of trial. You'll make clearer, better decisions to steer yourself into an unknowable future, even when information is limited. I promise, you'll find God, gently but constantly tugging at your heart to bring you closer to him, and closer to others, even when you feel more distant than ever.

And then, turning to the future, we will go forth with hearts aflame with generosity, ready to embrace the homeless man on Democracy and Old Georgetown, ready to respond with love for family, and ready to give our gifts and talents back to the world.

Class of 2017, don't let the gift of time slip unnoticed through your fingers, for we have an unlimited potential for good. Let's go show the world what we can do. Let's "give and not count the cost." Let's go to work. Hoya Saxa.

View the Class of 2017 Commencement Awards

View the Class of 2017 Subject Awards

William Bidwill '49 visited Georgetown Prep's campus on May 31 to be inducted into the Georgetown Prep Athletic Hall of Fame. Bidwill, the chairman and owner of the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL), resides in the Phoenix, Arizona area and was unable to attend the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 7.

Bidwill was a two-sport athlete for Prep's varsity football and baseball teams. As a senior, he was a star fullback and kicker on the Hoyas' undefeated 1948 football team. He led the team in scoring in both his junior and senior seasons.

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Prep's president, presented Bidwill with his Hall of Fame medal in a private ceremony on campus. Fr. Pilarz noted on Bidwill's induction into the Prep Athletic Hall of Fame, "William Bidwill exemplifies in exceptional ways Georgetown Preparatory School's highest ideals and aspirations. On the playing field, he proved to be a fierce and humble competitor. We celebrate his accomplishments and contributions to Georgetown Prep's rich tradition of excellence."

Read The Arizona Republic for more on Bidwill's induction into the Prep Athletic Hall of Fame.

Today, June 9, 2017, marks the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Georgetown Prep's Main Building, now Boland Hall.

The following is a letter from Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., Prep's president, and a note from Dr. Stephen J. Ochs, Lawler Chair of History, on the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone.

A Message from Fr. Pilarz

Dear Members of the Georgetown Prep Community:

Today, June 9, 2017, marks the 100th Anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of Georgetown Preparatory School's Main Building - now Boland Hall.

Boland Hall has served as Prep's principal edifice for a century. Through all of the physical changes that have occurred on our campus over the past 100 years, the footprint of Boland Hall remains very much the same.

The Main Building has served as our primary academic building, housed many of our administrative and faculty offices, the Robert Southwell, S.J., Library and our South Room. Boland Hall has also served as "home" to thousands of students from across the world, many Jesuits, lay faculty and staff. For a century, this building has been the iconic representation of our great tradition.

The construction of the Main Building was made possible by the generosity of Henry Walters and the five other members of the Class of 1869. A plaque in the building's lobby memorializes their contribution and support of Georgetown Preparatory School: Walter R. Abell (Maryland), James B. Coleman (California), Sands W. Foreman (California), Stephen R. Mallory (Florida), Henry M. Russell (West Virginia), and Henry Walters (Maryland).

On this anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone, we remember the generosity of Henry Walters and all the benefactors who keep John Carroll's 228-year old dream alive today. These occasions can inspire us to cherish all that is happening here in the present and to provide well for Georgetown Prep's future.

God Bless,

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President

____________________________

A Note from Dr. Stephen J. Ochs, Lawler Chair of History, on the Laying of the Cornerstone of Prep's Main Building

On June 9, 1917, about two months after the United States formally entered World War I, the dedication of the new Main Building of Georgetown Preparatory School took place as part of Georgetown University's commencement week. A "small, distinguished gathering" including the Rev. Alphonsus J. Donlon, S.J., president of Georgetown University, and Henry Walters, railroad magnate, art collector and philanthropist, assembled for a ceremony that the Georgetown College Journal characterized as "democratic" because of the absence of pomp and the cheerful tone of the crowd. Some of those present climbed from floor to floor in the yet unfinished building that nevertheless boasted a roof and cupola and a nearly finished front portico. A procession, led by Gonzaga choristers, and including faculty, alumni, and officiating priests, moved from the south side of the school to its northeastern front. There, after several speeches, the recitation of an "Ode of Dedication to Maryland" by prep student George Abell, and the singing of "Maryland My Maryland," and "Veni, Creator Spiritus," the Rev. Anthony J. Maas, S.J., Provincial of the New York-Maryland Province, solemnly laid the cornerstone. A copper cask had been placed within the hollowed interior of the cornerstone. It contained a parchment listing the date and the names of current officials of both church and state, a collection of newspapers describing activities at both the College and the Preparatory School during the 1916-1917 academic year, some contemporary coins, Catholic and secular newspapers of Maryland, and a copy of the Jesuit weekly, America.

J. Harry Covington, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia emphasized in his concluding address that the Preparatory School was built on soil hallowed by the sacrifices and labors of early Jesuit missionaries and "was yet another gift of the immortal [John] Carroll to his native state and as such it was dedicated." The ceremony deeply moved Henry Walters, inspiring him to reaffirm to Donlon his belief "in the great need for this extension of the University" that would provide "for religious training in the development of youthful aims and ambitions." He then helped ease Donlon's worry over spiraling costs by increasing the amount of his gift from the original $80,000 to $130,000.

Congratulations to the members of Georgetown Prep's varsity baseball, golf, and lacrosse teams who earned All-Met honors from The Washington Post for their outstanding play this spring.

Five Prep student-athletes received All-Met honors:

• Evan Blum '17, honorable mention
• John Dempsey '18, honorable mention

Golf:

• Keegan Shreves '19, honorable mention

Lacrosse:

• Kaleb Fernandez '18, honorable mention
• Clay Lanham '19, honorable mention

Congratulations to the Georgetown Prep students who received academic honors for the 4th marking period of the 2016-17 academic year!

View the Dean's List, First Honors, and Southwell Scholars.

Dear Members of the Georgetown Prep Community,

It is with great gratitude that I announce the results of the 2016-17 Georgetown Prep Annual Fund. Thanks to the 2,516 generous alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends, we celebrate having generated over $2.14 million in gifts, a figure that far exceeds our goal of $1.7 million.

In addition, the annual Spring Gala raised $401,000 that directly supports the young men of Georgetown Prep. Thank you to our co-chairs, Robin and Chuck Hanley '81, P'17, 18, '21, and Maria and Tim Covell P'15, '17 for their extraordinary leadership. In sum, Prep raised over $2,543,000 during the 2016-17 fiscal year, the most recorded in School history.

I am especially pleased to report the success of the 30 Days to 30% Alumni Participation Challenge. Our passionate and dedicated alumni raised giving participation rates from 27% to 40% with over 1,800 alumni contributing. In just two years, our alumni participation has increased from 20% to 40%. Parent contributions remained very strong at 69%. These statistics are impressive and signify a most generous and energetic community of supporters. Thank you.

Your donations propel Georgetown Prep forward and ensure our success in educating our young men in the Catholic, Jesuit tradition that has been central to our School for 228 years.

On behalf of all of us at Georgetown Prep, I thank you for your continued support and I wish you and your family a relaxing summer.

God Bless and Hoya Saxa,

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President

Dear Members of the Georgetown Prep Community,

Monday, July 31, is the feast of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus and the source of Georgetown Prep's animating spirit. On this feast day, I write to express my gratitude and to make a request.

First, I am grateful to each of you for the many ways you contribute to Prep's Jesuit and Catholic identity. In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius asserts that love shows itself more in deeds than in words. I am grateful for your countless deeds, large and small, that make Prep an authentic and robust Ignatian apostolate.

Ultimately, all that we do shapes our remarkable students who will go out into the world and set it on fire with their passion for faith and service. It is a great grace to share this sacred work.

I also write today to ask for your continued prayers for Prep. Every year I become more convinced that the power of prayer sustains us in our work for the greater glory of God and the world's well-being.

Please keep Prep in your prayers on this feast of St. Ignatius and every day.

God bless you, and God bless Georgetown Prep. Happy feast day!

Scott R. Pilarz, S.J.
President

Mrs. Mary Elise Gribbin, a longtime faculty member and chair of the Classics Department, is featured in the September/October edition of Bethesda Magazine as an "extraordinary educator."

Mrs. Gribbin has taught Latin at Georgetown Prep since 1994. Her two sons, Billy '09 and Bobby '11, are Georgetown Prep alumni.

View Mrs. Gribbin's feature on page 158 of the electronic edition of Bethesda Magazine.

This Thursday, September 7, will be Georgetown Prep's annual "Back to School" night. Parents will have a chance to visit campus and meet their son's teachers as they follow a shortened version of his schedule.

The evening will begin in the Figge Theater in the Haas Humanities Building at 7:00 p.m., with "first period" beginning at 7:15 p.m.

A schedule can be downloaded here. Please have your son fill out the information for a Blue Week, Monday schedule.

Please contact Mr. Erik Maginnis, Academic Dean, with any questions.

Ms. Bai joined the Science Department in August. She first came to the United States as an 11th grade YFU exchange student during which she met students from around the world and spent the year translating between English and Chinese for AP Language & Composition. Her exchange year in the U.S. exposed her to many challenges and adventures as well as diverse knowledge and culture, and she decided to return to Maryland after completing high school in Tianjin, China. Ms. Bai attended University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where she received her Bachelors of Science in Biology, Minor in Chemistry and Master of Arts in Secondary Biology Education. During her stay at UMBC, she worked as a research assistant, teaching assistant, and an adjunct professor.

What do you love most about teaching?

I love seeing kids grow throughout the year. It is a privilege to be a part of their journeys and share my passion in science with them. I love that I can stand in front of kids and tell them how much I believe in their ability to succeed and to make a difference.

What were you like in high school?

I had a lot of friends for the most part. It was a slow process of building self-confidence and understanding the world. I spent a lot of time wishing that my society could judge a student more than just their test scores, which college they go to, and how much money they have.

If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live?

New Zealand. I heard many people were happy and friendly there, and I could live near the ocean.

If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?

I think I would like to be a potato. Most people like potatoes. Potatoes can be turned into all kinds of food that make people happy and different types of products that are beneficial. Potatoes have so much potential; they can even be used to study osmosis and diffusion!

If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why?

A dog. Dogs are the happiest animals who bring so much happiness to others. Their minds are simple; they are easily satisfied. Dogs have so much appreciation to everything around them, and they won't look at another dog with a better yard and feel bad about themselves. My goal in life is to be happy and be satisfied with my life wherever I am, and bring happiness to others. Dogs do exactly that.

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is coming to the United States. I came to Rockville for the first time as a high school exchange student, and my exchange year taught me more about myself than I could ever imagine. I got to meet and become friends with students from all over the world. You never truly understand how amazing the world is until you see it with your own eyes and learn about culture and customs that are completely different from yours. That year completely changed my life and gave me the chance to consciously improve and grow. I would love to share my experience as an exchange student with anyone, and I am forever thankful that I had the chance to live in a different country.

Mr. Danver joined the Classics Department in August and teaches Latin. He was born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area and is a graduate of St. Albans School and Washington College. While at WC, Mr. Danver lettered in soccer and tennis and captained both teams as a junior and senior. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa as a senior. Since graduating college, Mr. Danver has taught History and Latin at Mater Dei School and earned his Master's Degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University in 2015. Mr. Danver has served as Prep's head soccer coach since 2014 and head hockey coach since 2016.

What do you love most about teaching?

I enjoy interacting with the kids and helping them grow as students and people.

What has been your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement is helping student-athletes reach their academic and athletic goals.

The Board of Trustees of Georgetown Preparatory School is delighted to announce that Rev. James R. Van Dyke, S.J., has been named the next president of Georgetown Prep, effective July 1, 2018.

Fr. Van Dyke is a committed administrator, teacher, and leader. As the founding principal at Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School, Fr. Van Dyke created the curriculum and engaged a faculty and staff to set the school in motion. He was the rector of the Jesuit Community at St. Ignatius while serving as Director of Ignatian Programs and Faculty and Staff Faith Formation at Xavier High School in New York City. He currently serves as the Director of Ignatian Programs and Faculty Formation at Canisius High School in Buffalo, New York. In the classroom, Fr. Van Dyke has taught English and theology at Canisius, Xavier, Fordham Prep (Bronx, New York), McQuaid Jesuit High School (Rochester, New York), and Regis High School (New York City). At Regis, he also served as the school's chaplain. He has served on the Board of Trustees at Fordham Prep and Regis High School.

Denis Dwyer, Chair of Georgetown Prep's Board of Trustees and Chair of the Presidential Search Committee, stated, "Fr. Van Dyke has the vision and skills to lead Prep into exciting new opportunities in education and furthering the mission of the school, while honoring our rich Jesuit history and strong traditions and values. Fr. Van Dyke looks forward to working with our outstanding faculty and staff to challenge, support, and care for our students as they develop into accomplished scholars, athletes, artists and engaged citizens in their community; men of faith and men for others."

Fr. Van Dyke noted, "I am excited and eager to work with the entire Georgetown Prep community to ensure this great school's continued success as an outstanding Jesuit institution, enhance our Ignatian spirituality, and ensure a vibrant Prep for future generations."

Rev. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., current president of Georgetown Prep, said, "I could not be more thrilled for Fr. Van Dyke and Georgetown Prep. I've known Fr. Van Dyke for many years as we entered the Society of Jesus together in 1981. He is an excellent educator, talented administrator, and more importantly, a wonderful man and Jesuit."

Michael Bidwill '83, Vice-Chair of the Board of Trustees and member of the Presidential Search Committee, added, "This has been a careful and comprehensive process to identify the candidates best suited to lead this great Jesuit institution through the opportunities and challenges ahead. Although we considered many very qualified individuals, Fr. Van Dyke was the clear choice. He will be the next great leader for Georgetown Prep."

Twenty Georgetown Prep students were honored on Wednesday morning for their academic accomplishments during the 2016-17 school year.

The newly coined "Southwell Scholars" distinction is reserved for those students who earned "Dean's List", 90 or above in his classes, in each of the four academic marking periods.

Headmaster John Glennon Jr. and Erik Maginnis, Academic Dean, honored the students and their families at an awards breakfast.

The following students are the first installation of the Southwell Scholars:

Class of 2018

• William Boggs
• Chung-Kai Chen
• Kieran McKeon
• Runde Zhu

Class of 2019

• Ethan Cosgrove
• Yuki Cui
• Patrick Dolan
• Ryan Frant
• Charles Furlong
• Carlos Gonzalez-Ortiz
• Jonathan Jakobowski
• Conor Luck
• Mark Novikov
• Zhiyuan Ye
• Reagan Yeatman

Class of 2020

• Andrew Emerson
• Kyuchan Jeon
• Michael Landis
• Owen Rejevich
• Shaoming Zhai

In addition, the following graduated seniors earned the distinction in their final year:

Class of 2017

• Jacob Gerrish
• Ziyu He
• Matthew Hirschberger
• Joseph Jakobowski
• Joseph Keane
• Brian Leffew
• Matthew Libre
• David Malinak
• Yanliang Pan
• Zachary Wood
• Jihang Zhao

Congratulations to all Southwell Scholars!

The 15^th annual Jesuit Gridiron Classic will be held on Saturday, September 16 at Gonzaga College High School. Come support the Hoyas as we take on the Eagles! The varsity football game will begin at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket Information

Cost: $10 each

Method of Payment: Cash or checks only. Please make checks payable to "WJA".

Where: Tickets are available for sale at The Prep Store in the George Center. Click here to check The Prep Store hours or call 301-214-1206.

All proceeds benefit the Washington Jesuit Academy (WJA), which educates young boys from low-income families in Washington, D.C.

Ms. Bishop was born and raised in Hollis, New Hampshire. She spent a year studying at the University of Bologna, and ultimately graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington where she majored in French and Italian. She went on to spend two years in France, teaching English to high-schoolers. Afterward, Ms. Bishop obtained her Masters in French Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she also taught French for two years. Since graduating, Ms. Bishop has shared her passion for French by teaching two years at Olney Charter High School in Philadelphia.

What do you love most about teaching?

I find great joy in helping students find a connection to French. It is wonderful to see a student light up when they understand something new.

What were you like in high school?

I sported the unibrow and braces look and was really into French club and lit class.

If you could live anywhere on this planet and take everything that you love with you, where would you choose to live?

Saint Emilion, France. It is the prettiest place I've ever been.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?

I would meet Oscar Wilde. We share a love of French and snark.

If you were a vegetable, what vegetable would you be?

Garlic. It makes things better.

If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why?

A humming bird. I'd like to be able to fly and spend time in gardens.

What is your greatest achievement?

My greatest achievement was getting my Masters in French Language and Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.