Saints Supporting Our Community

During the Thanksgiving Season, our students, faculty, administration, and alumni family collected donations to make 45 food baskets as well as giving to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. We then partnered with Moses Brown at our annual Thanksgiving Football game to collect non-perishable food items in lieu of an admission fee and donated over 400 more items to the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Saints seniors Khamari Brown and Ken Jacques and Moses Brown senior, Trey McAuliffe took part in delivering the food to the Soup Kitchen in the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Our students continue to live our lessons of Faith, Service and Community every day and exemplify what makes Saint Raphael Academy such a wonderful, caring school.

Missy (Thurber) Pagios '98 & Kristen (Thurber) Cassisi '01 - JOJO LOVES YOU

Can you tell us about what you did after Saints and about JoJo Loves You?

Missy (98’) graduated with a degree in Biology from UMass Dartmouth, continued her cheer career, coaching Bay State All Stars in MA and working in sales for 12 years at Paychex. She married her fellow alumni at both Saints (91’) and UMass, Stefan Pagios. They live in Smithfield, RI with their 3 kids, Gianni, Niko & Sapphira. Kristen (01’) continued her education at RISD & BCC. She recently got married, resides in North Providence, RI and hopes to start a family soon. Full of creativity, she dabbled in design within a couple of industries, falling fast for the sparkly world of jewelry. She designed for fellow brands like Alex & Ani, Luca + Danni and JoJo Loves You, among others, until the opportunity arose to purchase the branded jewelry company that makes the most amazing earrings in the world. JoJo Loves You® is known for its gorgeous, yet low-profile design, available in over 150 colors and multiple styles. Made with the world’s highest quality, Austrian crystals and solid, sterling silver, they are nickel free, hypo-allergenic, sensible, sparkly, and addicting! It only takes 1 pair to start your addiction.

What specific skills or experiences from your time at Saints do you believe have been instrumental in your entrepreneurial success? Focusing on our natural talents first and providing the feeling of belonging and family whether you work for us, with us, or wear our jewelry. We make ongoing choices to work with other positive, like-minded people, and continue to create a place that everyone feels connected to. Our jewelry is all about quality and fun and its classic pieces are designed for all ages, whether you’re 1 or 101.

Are there particular classes, teachers, or experiences that stand out as influential in shaping your entrepreneurial mindset? Lin Enos Stahowiak coached both of us through our cheer careers at Saints. The discipline, drive, focus, determination, team bonds and winning mentality, has stayed with us in our everyday lives. We learned to celebrate wins as both State and National Champions and deal with losses as well. These skills and positive mindset are used daily, in all areas of life.

What advice would you give to current students or fellow alumni interested in pursuing entrepreneurship or starting their own business? Practice being the best version of yourself every day, learn and grow from the people and experiences around you. Do more of what you love, every chance you get. Make good decisions with the small things and you’ll also make good decisions with the big things too. Your reputation will always precede you and you can’t change it. Know your strengths, know your weaknesses and hire or collaborate with people whose strengths cancel out your weakness and you’ll never feel like you’re working a day in your life.

Use Code "SAINTSALUM" for 15% off your entire order at jojolovesyou.com

XOXO M & K

Korryn Cartwright '24

What is your favorite part of being a student at Saints? My favorite part of being a student at Saints is the Saints family. Being a transfer student my sophomore year I was very nervous at first, but everyone was very welcoming, and I felt right at home. I know I can count on anyone here, teacher, student, or faculty member to have my back or lend a helping hand if I ever needed it.

What is your favorite class at Saints and why? My favorite class at Saints was AP Psychology because the subject material was very interesting and unique from any other class I have taken. Ms. Heinrichs did an awesome job teaching the class, I learned so much and had fun doing so. I was very confident going into the AP test which was key to my success. 

What activities are you involved in at Saints? I am captain of our varsity swim team, and am involved in Lasallian youth, gardening club, spikeball club, bowling club, and formerly book club (it doesn't run anymore). My favorite activity is definitely Lasallian youth because of all the fun service opportunities we have, to get involved in the community.

How has your time at Saints prepared you for college and what are your plans for next year? My time has Saints has prepared me for college by helping me improve my time management skills to balance my schoolwork and extracurricular activities. The English and guidance departments have greatly helped me improve my writing skills especially for college applications, while the open campus of Saints has prepared me for what college life will be like. Next year I plan on swimming collegiately and studying physical therapy.

Benson You '24

What is your favorite part of being a student at Saints? My favorite part of being a student at Saints is the community. The camaraderie and friendliness of the people around me at Saints really creates a sense of family. Being in a community where I can interact and feel welcomed by everyone has really helped me as a person.

What is your favorite class at Saints and why? My favorite class at Saints is AP Calculus because even though it is a challenging class, our teacher, Dr. Costanzo is always willing to offer the help and resources for me to succeed.

What activities are you involved in at Saints? I am a part of the SRA Robotics team and I will also be in the running crew for the school musical, “Into The Woods”.

How has your time at Saints prepared you for college and what are your plans for next year? My time at Saints has given me the skills and foundation that have helped me in life and prepared me for my college journey. The environment at Saints has helped me develop my interests and talents that I hope I can continue in college. I plan on going into Electrical Engineering next year.

Rory Sullivan '24

What is your favorite part of being a student at Saints?

My favorite part about being a student at Saints is establishing personal relationships with my teachers and peers. The tight-knight community fosters an environment that allows me to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. The teachers truly want to see the students succeed which fuels my excitement to learn. I’m extremely grateful to have been welcomed with such open arms by the Saints family. 

What is your favorite class at Saints and why? My favorite class at Saints is Spanish. During the summer of 2019, I had the opportunity to travel to Spain with my family. Immersing myself in the culture, language and beauty of Spain fueled my passion to learn more about the language. The language department at Saints has provided me with the opportunity to advance my skills in the classroom, further setting me up for success when I begin to pursue job and business opportunities.  

What activities are you involved in at Saints? At Saints, I am involved in Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track, Lasallian Youth, Kindness Club, National Junior Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. 

You recently announced that you’ll be attending Furman University in the fall of 2024 - can you tell us why you chose Furman and what you’ll be majoring in? I chose Furman because it offers strong academic programs, a beautiful southern campus, and a vibrant community similar to Saints. The liberal arts education offers a wide range of opportunities for personal growth and career flexibility. Being a part of a nationally ranked running program, I know I will thrive in an environment that values a team first mindset. Being a part of the Furman family will allow me to have endless support and resources to help me succeed. I plan on majoring in Pre-Health with a minor in Spanish.  

Morgan Gallagher

How long have you been a teacher at Saints? I have been a teacher at Saints for 13 years. I began teaching here in 2010.

What classes do you teach? I teach English 12ACP and English 12HON.

Can you tell us a little bit about your involvement in the NEASC process? I am the co-chair of the Steering Committee for the NEASC accreditation process. The accreditation process occurs every ten years, with checkpoints at the two- and five-year marks. The process ensures that a school is mission-focused, fosters excellence in programs, and provides a high-quality education to students. The collective self-reflection and peer review process are vital because they help to identify significant strengths and challenges, and most importantly, outline aspirations to address areas that warrant attention. Ultimately, the purpose of NEASC is school improvement.

My responsibilities as co-chair of the Steering Committee include: the planning of meetings, the Foundation Visit, and the Program Visit; supporting the standard committees as they draft the self-study reports; synthesizing the information presented in the reports in the Overview of the Findings for the Foundation and Program Visits; and ensuring all constituents have a voice in the process.

What is your favorite thing about working at Saints? My favorite thing about Saints is the community. It is the students who get me out of bed every morning and put a smile on my face every day. I appreciate the diversity of the student body as they bring their own stories and unique perspectives to the classroom. I often tell my students I learn just as much from them as they learn from me.

I am blessed to be a member of the English department as my colleagues strive for excellence for their students and to have a wonderfully supportive administration. They have promoted my professional and personal growth, inside and outside the classroom.

Larry Valencia

How long have you been a teacher at Saints? I restarted my Saints career in October 2023; I previously taught here from 2001-2003.

What classes do you teach? Chemistry (HON), Chemistry (ACP), Biology (ACP)

What is your favorite thing about working at Saints?

I love the atmosphere and the culture at Saints. I’ve taught elsewhere and I’ve come to appreciate everything about Saint Raphael Academy. I really enjoy working with our wonderful students, and the faculty and administration are collaborative and great to work with as well. When I’m not teaching the sciences, I’m encouraging people to juggle. I’m happy to say we have four new jugglers already, with a few more in the pipeline!

Saints Class Reunions are back!

Below are a few photos from some of our class reunions and Meet & Greet Events.

2024 Class Reunions!

Let's make these reunions a blast by uniting once more as the extraordinary Saints community. Your presence is what will truly make these events shine!

• Reconnect with classmates.
• Share stories, laughter, and memories that time can't erase.
• Immerse yourself in nostalgia with photos and memorabilia displays.
• Make new memories and rekindle old friendships.

If your class year ends in 4 or 9, you will be up for a reunion in 2024! Let's start planning! Contact Mel Colvin-Johnson at alumni@saintrays.org

Ron St. Pierre '73

What did you do following your graduation from Saints? My four years at Saints taught me discipline and structure all while encouraging my creative juices to flow. I learned great interpersonal skills which I was able to cultivate and use toward my career goals. I support Saint Raphael Academy because I know what a great foundation it provides to its students as they blossom over four years.

Following graduation, I earned an Associate Degree from Grahm Jr College in Boston after which I attended Rhode Island College (didn’t graduate) during which I secured a Newsroom internship at WJAR TV 10 which started a four decade plus career in broadcasting. Things ramped up so quickly I never finished at RIC.

Are you still in contact with any of your former classmates? I am still in touch with many of my classmates of 1973 and have been lifelong friends. Many of us attended grammar school together too.

What is one of your fondest memories from your time here at Saints? I have too many fond memories of my time at Saints but if I have to choose one, it’s my junior year class on Mass Media with the late Brother Charles Kitson which peaked my interest in media particularly radio. Winning the newly created Intramural Team Handball Championship, serving as a Class Officer and doing a Groucho Marx impression on Class Day certainly were kind of cool too!



Why did you decide to create your legacy here at Saints? Why did I decide to create my legacy at Saints? For all the reasons above!

Frank Richard '66

Can you tell us some of your favorite memories from your time at Saints? Making new friends that I still spend time with 57 years later. The individual and honest attention that the brothers provided to assist us in developing some level of maturity. The Saturday night dances in the gym which provided a venue for the “cool” Saints guys to show their stuff. (At least we thought so)

How did your lessons learned at Saints prepare you for your time after Saints? A quote from Brother Peter that I still use “Foresight is better than hindsight by a damn sight." How true! Guidance provided to help us prepare for adulthood and clarification of Christian principles.

As a member of the Saint Raphael Society, why is it important to you to continue to support Saints? By offering financial assistance, I hope that talented potential students will not be hindered because of financial difficulties. Saints provided the most important and rewarding 3 years of my education. What Saints did in preparing me not just for college but also for having a fruitful and comfortable future cannot be put into simple words. By providing assistance, I hope that such opportunities will be available to future Saints students. 

What message do you have for members of your class and other alumni that might be considering a gift to Saints? As a school, Saints is small by design and therefore does not have an extensive alumni base. It is imperative that those of us who are able to appreciate what gifts that were bestowed on us at Saints should be used to pay it forward to those students and potential students that will carry forth the wonderful tradition that Saint Raphael Academy is identified with. 

United Way

Did you know that you can designate Saint Raphael Academy as the beneficiary of your United Way gifts? United Way brings people together to build strong, equitable communities where everyone can thrive. As one of the world's largest privately funded charities, United Way serves 95% of U.S. communities and 37 countries and territories -- making life better for 48 million people every year. Through United Way, communities tackle tough challenges and work with private, public, and nonprofit partners to boost education, economic mobility, and health resources. Your support empowers people across the world to succeed in school, get on solid financial ground and live healthier lives. United Way is the mission of choice for 1.5 million volunteers, 6.8 million donors, and 45,000 corporate partners in more than 1,100 communities worldwide.

What's New?

As Saints continues to build and strengthen our alumni network, we want to keep you updated with the latest news and events from our school. Equally, we are eager to hear from you and learn about your achievements, milestones, and life events such as weddings, new additions to your family, and career successes. Your stories inspire our current students and remind us of the incredible potential that lies within our alumni community.

You can update us by sending an email to alumni@saintrays.org. Feel free to include any photos or videos that you'd like to share, and we may feature your updates in a future alumni newsletter!

In addition to sharing your news, we also invite you to reconnect with your alma mater. You're always welcome to come take a tour of campus, attend alumni events, or even consider becoming a mentor to current students who can benefit from your wisdom and experience.