DePaul Catholic High School's quarterly electronic newsletter

Principal's Message

Mr. Russell D. Petrocelli

Dear Spartan Community: 

We have reached the end of the 2024-2025 School Year and preparation and planning has already started for the 2025-2026 School Year. We thank you for your support and the teachers for their dedication and commitment to the students and the school community.  

Graduation for the Class of 2025 was previously held on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The 123 members of the graduating class were honored for their academic achievements and presented with their diplomas by His Excellency, Bishop Kevin Sweeney. I am so very proud of this class and all that they accomplished. We celebrated their time in high school at the Senior Prom and now it’s time to say goodbye. I will continue to pray for them and their continued happiness and success and it is my hope, that we have prepared them for the challenges that face them as members of this global community. May Saint Vincent DePaul watch over them and intercede for them. 

Just a few reminders as we start the summer…summer office hours will be from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. 

All School Offices will be closed on Fridays starting on June 27. 

Important dates to remember: 

September 3, 2025 – First Day for 8th, 9th and Transfer Students – Full Day

(8:00 AM to 2:10 PM)  

September 4, 2025 – All Students – Full Day (8:00 AM to 2:10 PM) 

Please visit this newsletter on a regular basis to be brought up to speed on the happenings across the campus. If you are a graduate and are in the neighborhood, please stop in and say hello. 

Please enjoy the summer break and we will be in touch over the summer as we prepare for the opening of school for September, 2025. 

Saint Vincent DePaul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for Us!

Russell D. Petrocelli 

Principal

DePaul Catholic High School

President's Message

Mr. Theodore Gaffney

Dear DePaul Catholic Community,

I hope all of you are well. Our 66th commencement exercises were terrific. We are so proud of our Seniors and all that they have accomplished over these past four years. We congratulate all of them and their families on a job well done, and we wish them much success in the future.

It has been an amazing Spring and a terrific school year. We have accomplished a lot, both as individuals and as a community. Our Spring athletic teams have enjoyed enormous success, just like our fall and winter sports. We have won County Championships in softball and girls’ lacrosse and a Conference Championship in boys’ lacrosse. Our girls' softball team also won the North Non-Public B Sectional State Championship and the Non-Public B State Championship. Great job Spartans! Congratulations and thank you to all of our spring coaches.

Our Art and Music Department and the related clubs, as well as our Campus Ministry, have held several amazing events and Liturgies, and all our students have made us enormously proud.

Our Spring Day of Giving was a tremendous success, netting $95,000. The Spring Day of Giving marked the end of our Annual Appeal. I am happy to report that we came close to reaching our goal of raising $1,000,000 with net proceeds of $945,000 from our eight-month effort. We thank everyone for their support.

We are gearing up for more capital improvements and continue to need your support to fund these vital projects. We will be putting a new roof on the west wing of the school this summer and will continue to make improvements to our grounds and the Alumni Field area. Please consider supporting these projects by donating via our website through our capital investments portal.

Saint Vincent DePaul and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Pray for Us!

Ted Gaffney, ‘82

President

DePaul Catholic High School

DONATE NOW TO DE PAUL CATHOLIC

Admissions Corner

Mrs. Anna Terpilowski

What’s New at DePaul Catholic!

It’s an exciting time at DePaul Catholic, and the Admissions Team is already looking ahead! While we continue to welcome prospective families and support our incoming students, we’re also thrilled to announce that our 2025–2026 Admissions Calendar is officially set and ready to go! 

Go Spartans! 🎉

College Counseling

Mr. John Galka

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Joshua Addai: Montclair State University

Frank Alvarado: New Jersey Institute of Technology

Cody Aniche-Farrell: Kings College

Sean Ballesteros: Fairleigh Dickinson University

Luke Baron: University of Delaware

Angelou Barro: University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Gabriela Berrios: Seton Hall University

Gavin Bickford: Ithaca College

Caroline Biegel: Gannon University

Kaitlyn Blum: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Michelle Bodnar: Clemson University

Leah Bolson: Bucknell University

Alexander Boskovski: Stevens Institute of Technology

Ava Bower: Longwood University

Derek Brand: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Jared Brown: Montclair State University

Matteo Brown: Pennsylvania State University

Nicole Brown: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Anthony Bua: Kings College

Elijah Burress: University of Notre Dame

Angelina Caiazzo: Seton Hall University

Sophia Caiazzo: Florida Atlantic University

Tyson Caspers: Millersville University of Pennsylvania

Josias Carbon: University of Scranton

Matthew Cardenas: Seton Hall University

Sophia Carpel: The University of Tampa

Calvin Cherian: Montclair State University

Jada Chipoco: The University of Alabama

Ryan Chorba: Kean University

Olivia Ciampa: Lebanon Valley College

Sabrina Conte: Saint Joseph's University

Nicole Crane: Pennsylvania State University

Hillary Cubas: Undecided

Julian DeAngelus: Moravian University

Gabrielle DeLorenzo: Rutgers University

Brandon DelPiano: University of Connecticut

Rachael Dietzsch: St. John Fisher University

Marquet Dorsey: Northwestern University

Ava Drakakis: The University of Tampa

Lisamelia Espinal: Seton Hall University

Tyler Feather: Sacred Heart University

Zyon Ferguson: Virginia Wesleyan University

Steven Fiorendino: Endicott College

Madison Gajewski: Seton Hall University

Yaritza Garcia: Passaic County Community College

John Garrison: Trade School

Natalie Gelin: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Jose Gomez Santana: Seton Hall University

Natalia Gonzalez: Montclair State University

Katelyn Guinto: University of Rhode Island

Richard Hanle: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Quadir Harris: Moravian University

Abby Heffner: The University of Alabama

Arianna Hills: University of Cincinnati

Lauren Hollywood: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ya'sire Howell: Moravian University

Nolan James: University of Notre Dame

Breeanna Jarkas: William Paterson University

De'Zie Jones: The Ohio State University-Main Campus

Aomi Kissoon: Trinity College

Kayla Kosko: American University

Jacob Kruszewski: Montclair State University

Hunter Lavornia: Trade School

Allison Lenyk: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Taylor Levedag: Felician University

Ethan Lilley: Fordham University

Brianna Loaiza: Seton Hall University

Ashley LoMonaco: Dartmouth College

John Lucariello: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Vathsaal Madhusudan: Bates College

Vincent Maione: Mississippi State University

Santiago Maldonado: Stevens Institute of Technology

Leah Autumn Marain: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Jessica Martinez: Seton Hall University

Shayla Maurer: James Madison University

Joseph Micchio: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Justin Morel: Montclair State University

Aidan Murray: Indiana University

Gianna Nelson: Sacred Heart University

Emily Nicol: Centenary University

Lorenzo Nieves: Saint Anselm College

Anthony Nittoli: University of Chicago

Peter O'Keeffe: Pace University

Adrian Orbe: Brookdale Community College

Jasmine Ouatu: Coastal Carolina University

Ava Parisi: University of New England

Alexis Parra-Rotger: Stevens Institute of Technology

Shane Patten: Misericordia University

Eliana Pesantes: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Jasmin Quispe: California College of the Arts

Sean Raftery: Fordham University

Liam Riley: Rutgers University-Newark

Christian Rodriguez: Seton Hall University

Matthew Rojas: Rutgers University

Eryn Rubenacker: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Derek Ruffo: University of Delaware

Lucas Russmann: Montclair State University

Gavin Saal: Ramapo College of New Jersey

Yara Saba: The College of New Jersey

Christopher Saenz: Rutgers University

Mya Sampong: The Catholic University of America

Gabriella Sanchez: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Mia Sanchez: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Nicholas Sanchez United States Navy

Aylah Sanders: Caldwell University

Andrez Santana: Kean University

Gabriel Santiago: Bergen Community College

Giancarlo Scirocco: Marist University

Gianna Scrofani: University of Scranton

Hunter Sek: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Yudum Seker: Rutgers University-Newark

Caleb Stampul: Clarkson University

Deshawn Stewart: Ohio State University-Main Campus

Katerina Stojanov: Pennsylvania State University- Main Campus

Hope Sullivan: University of Alabama

Curt Thomas: Stevenson University

Michael Troutman: Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Hayden Tully: Boston College

Amber Velez: Bergen Community College

Amber Vizuete: University of Arizona

Vita Waddell: Salisbury College

Lea Woods: University of Mississippi

Ethan Zepeda: Passaic County Community College

Senior Prom

DePaul Catholic High School hosted its Annual Senior Prom on Wednesday, May 28th, at The Grand in Totowa, New Jersey and danced the nightaway, creating memories with their classmates that will last a lifetime!

Class Of 2025

66th Commencement

Congratulations to our Class of 2025 graduates, who became members of our Spartan network of exceptional alumni worldwide, on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2025. The day was full of celebrations after an incredible commencement ceremony with a message to the graduates delivered by Most Reverend Bishop Sweeney of the Diocese of Paterson. Our teachers, staff, and administration are delighted to have been a part of your journey and are extremely proud of the individuals you have become!

Valedictorian: Ashley LoMonaco

 Salutatorian: Aomi Kissoon

8th Grade Prep Graduation

Congratulations to our 8th Grade Prep Graduates on completing at Saint James of the Marches in Totowa. During an inspiring homily led by Father Joseph A. Mactal, every student was applauded for their middle school successes, achievements, and the endearing future that lies ahead. The Spartan community is so proud of you. We can’t wait to see you back at DePaul Catholic this fall as Freshmen!

Campus Ministry

A Season of Spiritual Growth and Celebration for Campus Ministry and the Theology Department.

This spring has been an extraordinary season of faith, fellowship, and spiritual enrichment for the Campus Ministry and Theology Department, as students from all grades have come together to grow in their relationship with God and each other through a series of special events and celebrations.

The sophomore class participated in a powerful and reflective retreat at Our Lady of Consolation in Wayne, NJ. The day offered time for prayer, a witness talk, personal reflection, and spiritual bonding. Students left renewed, inspired, and more deeply connected to their faith and one another.

Likewise, our 8th-grade students enjoyed a meaningful retreat at the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, NJ, where they explored their individual faith journeys and strengthened their spiritual foundations before entering high school. A special thank you to Father Steve for his witness talk to our Spartans!

Liturgical life continues to thrive in our school with frequent and thoughtfully prepared celebrations. A particularly moving moment was the Italian-language Mass in honor of Our Lady of Fatima, which beautifully honored our Catholic heritage and the universal nature of our faith. Thank you to Ms. Espinoza for her dedication in helping our students prepare for this celebration. Throughout the school year, we have also maintained our tradition of ongoing Reconciliation services, offering students and faculty the opportunity for healing and grace through the Sacrament of Confession. Additionally, the Rosary has been prayed regularly, bringing our school community together in meditative prayer and intercession for the needs of our world. Especially for newly elected Pope Leo XIV. May God Bless him on his papacy! 

Another highlight of the season was a Pro-Life Encounter hosted by our Bishop Kevin Sweeney. The campus ministry leaders enjoy a special day with the Bishop and other peer leaders from our diocese. The Pro-Life Encounter had an inspiring message which emphasized the dignity of every human life and encouraged students to be courageous witnesses for the voiceless. The event fostered deep conversations and a renewed commitment to pro-life values among our students.

To top off the season with some joy and community spirit, a group of students attended the NJ Catholic Youth Rally at Six Flags Great Adventure. It was a fun-filled day of rides, games, music, and Mass with thousands of other faith-filled young people from around the dioceses. The rally was a beautiful reminder that the Church is alive and vibrant in the hearts of its youth.

As the school year winds down, the Campus Ministry and Theology Department continue to provide meaningful opportunities for students to encounter Christ, serve others, and live their faith boldly. Whether through sacramental life, spiritual retreats, or shared moments of fun and fellowship, the message is clear: our community is growing closer to God, and each other every day. 

Blessings-

The Campus Ministry and Theology Department

SOPHOMORE RETREAT

8th GRADE RETREAT

OUR LADY OF FATIMA "ITALIAN MASS"

Music & Arts

SPRING FEST:

Clubs & Societies

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY:

This spring, the senior National Honor Society competed in their annual trivia contest against the other members. One session took place early in the morning before school, and the second session at dismissal. They each received sponsors who donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital prior to the contest. Contest winners were Natalia Gonzalez and Ashley LoMonaco tied for first place, and Hayden Tully in third place. The high donation total was submitted by Katelyn Guinto. However, the real winners were the children and families at St. Jude's as the group raised $3,100 from the event.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST NHS MEMBERS!

2026 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

PROGRAM QUALIFIER:

CASSANDRA JOURDAN

FORENSIC SPEAKING TEAM'S

GRAND NATIONAL COMPETITOR:

JAIDYN WATSON

YOUNG LAWYERS CLUB:

A Great Year for the Young Lawyers Club!

Our Young Lawyers Club has recently completed a very productive year. Moderated by Dr. Stickles and Mr. Goldfarb (both lawyers themselves), the YLC gives our students, from all grades, an opportunity to learn about the law, and careers in the law and affiliated occupations.

The highlight of this year's activities was a visit to the United States Courthouse in Newark, New Jersey on May 1st. Thirteen (13) Club members, together with Dr. Stickles and Mr. Goldfarb, visited the courtroom of Judge Leda Vettre, who explained the workings of the federal justice system, took our students' questions, and introduced them to her law clerks and a United States Marshall for more Q and A. The Club then moved to Judge Julien Neals' courtroom to watch a criminal guilty plea be entered, followed by a visit with a lawyer from the United States Public Defenders Office. The day ended with lunch hosted by the Rooney Law Firm in its Newark office (from which Dr. Stickles retired some years ago), with lawyers there sharing their thoughts with our students about a career in the law.

Pictured is the Young Lawyers Club with United States Judge Leda Vettre.

The Young Lawyers Club will be back in September for another productive year. All of our students will be welcome to join!

SPANISH CLUB

MEDICAL SCIENCE CLUB:

The DePaul Medical Science Club’s mission has been to inspire students to explore careers in medicine, nursing, therapy, research, and public health by providing hands-on experiences, real-world learning, and opportunities to engage with professionals in the field.

Throughout the year, members have participated in a wide range of activities, including: medical mystery case challenges, building DIY stethoscopes, learning and practicing vital sign measurements, and hosting a series of guest speakers from St. Joe’s Hospital of Wayne. Healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and nurses, shared their career journeys and answered student questions. During the nursing event, students even got hands-on experience setting an IV needle into a manikin arm!

In the upcoming year, the club hopes to launch a volunteer program partnered with St. Joe’s Hospital of Wayne, host more guest speakers, and partake in field trips to William Paterson University simulation labs. The club will continue expanding opportunities for students to learn and engage in the healthcare field. Special thanks to everyone who has shared their time and knowledge!

THE GREEN CLUB:

The DePaul Green Club has been hard at work this spring, turning the greenhouse back into a green space. In addition to the greenhouse, the garden area has been expanded, and flowers have been planted by the Grotto. Students of all grade levels here have gotten involved. Currently, the greenhouse is home to a wide variety of plants, including leafy greens like spinach and broccoli; herbs such as basil and sage; vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers; and flowers to enhance pollinator presence and aesthetic appeal.

The Green Club has been about far more than just plants — it's cultivating knowledge, responsibility, and a shared commitment to sustainable living. It has blossomed into a thriving hub of plant growth and student engagement. As the project continues to flourish, it promises to remain a powerful tool for hands-on education and environmental awareness. Special thanks to those faculty and staff who have assisted in any way.

If you have any empty plant pots at home not in use, please feel free to donate them to the Green Club!

Community Outreach

Thank you for supporting and attending the 19th Annual Kathleen Walsh Softball Classic held at Alumni Field!

The Kathleen Walsh Memorial Fund provides a college scholarship to a graduating senior who best embodies the spirit of Kathleen – the student, the athlete, the leader – just as the DePaul Catholic Community will always remember Kathleen.

Thank you for supporting and attending the Brian Buczek Fund's

Annual Dueling Pianos with the Flying Ivories!

The Brian Buczek Memorial Fund provides financial assistance for a student in each grade, for a total of four students annually. It honors a student who embodies Brian's attributes, including passion, humility, confidence, and his love for his family, teammates, and fellow students.

Upcoming Events

DePaul Catholic Golf Classic

Wednesday, June 18th, 2025

11:00 AM Registration

Crystal Springs Resort

1 Wild Turkey Way,

Hamburg, NJ 07419

9 & Dine

Tuesday, September 9th, 2025

4:00 PM

Preakness Valley Golf Course

209 Totowa Rd,

Wayne, NJ 07470

The Spartan Invitational

Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

11:30 PM

North Jersey Country Club

594 Hamburg Tpke,

Wayne, NJ 07470

Days of Giving

December 1st & December 2nd, 2025

12:00 AM

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni &

Hall of Fame Ceremony

The 2025 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Ceremony honored 12 inductees and the 2013 State Championship Football Team. All these honorees were nominated by classmates, teammates, parents, or teachers. Then they were selected by a Committee of Administrators, coaches, and alumni based upon their achievements, including classroom, athletics, and success after graduation. The night concluded by honoring our Apostle of Charity, Bob Niemiec, for all his service and time dedicated to DePaul Catholic High School.

Congratulations to all the 2025 Inductees!

In Memory Of

Thomas Vigorito

Class of 1991

Jon Robert Fontane

Class of 1990

Sandra Coyle

Class of 1962

Wayne Long

Beloved DePaul Catholic Theology Teacher

Spartan Nation

This spring, we recognized eleven of our student-athletes for their outstanding performance on the field, court, & mat and in the classroom. They were joined by their coaches, teammates, families, and the DePaul Catholic Administration to celebrate their commitment to continue their athletic careers at the intercollegiate level.

Congratulations to the following Spartans:

Caroline Biegel - Gannon University (Wrestling)

Josias Carbon - The University of Scranton (Basketball)

Leah Marain - Ramapo College (Basketball)

Taylor Levedag - Felician University (Softball)

Lorenzo Nieves - Saint Anselm College (Football)

Curt Thomas - Stevenson University (Football)

Ya’sire Howell - Moravian University (Football)

Anthony Bua - King’s College (Football)

Peter O’Keeffe - Pace University (Football)

Julian DeAngelus - Moravian University (Football)

Tyson Capers - Millersville University (Football)

Once a Spartan, Always a Spartan!

Congratulations to DePaul Catholic's Girls Soccer Team for being nationally ranked 7th for the Fall 2024 Season!

Spring Sports

SOFTBALL

Varsity: Arianna Avella, Kaelyn Brown, Nicole Brown, Isabel Carfairo, Jocelyn Cedeno, Emma Cifelli, Amanda Fasolino, Soraya Hassan, Abby Kiem, Taylor Levedag, Ava Melbourne, Alyssa Miline, Jenna Regan, Hope Sullivan, Vita Waddell

BASEBALL

Varsity: Jason Amalbert, Angelo Bellizzi, Derek Brand, Caelan Burchell, Jonah Carbon, Ryan Chorba, Hudson Clough, Chase Colaianni, Jaydyn Dowd, Brandon Del Piano, Bryan Gonzalez, Christopher Marano, Jayden Marte, Joseph Micchio, Frank Morano,Aiden Ogando, Adrian Orbe Jr., Juan Carlos Pacheco, Shane Patten, Erick Pinales, Aedan Riley, Liam Riley, Gavin Saal, Gabriel Santiago, Jackson Schessler

GIRLS LACROSSE

Varsity: Ava Baliman, Gianna Bentrovato, Leah Bolson, Ava Bower, Kaitlyn Bradley, Olivia Ciampa, Adrianna Dell Santi, Rachael Dietzsch, Gabby DeLorenzo, Katelyn Finlay, Ella Guarini, Cassidy Jacobs, Claire Link, Sam Marcus, Leila Mattar, Anya Mehta, Ashley LoMonaco, Izzy Najarsek, McKenna O’Connor, Ava Parisi, Alyssa Postiglione, Haley Santos, Kaya Suchcicki, Kaylin Terra, Talia Younes, Paige Wanamaker, Lea Woods

BOYS LACROSSE

Varsity: Matthew Anthony, Sean Ballesteros, Gavin Bayley, Derelle Berryman, Anthony Bua, Matt Cardenas, Aiden Davis, Luka Dobre, Nolan Escobar, Tyler Feather, John Paul Garrison, Joe Kiraly, Tommy Kivari, Justin Morel, Quinn O’Brien, Cole Roddy, Matt Salvatori, Cody Webster

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

Varsity: Brianna Almeida, Gabriela Berrios, Giovanna Burress, Olivia Cantara, Anabella Casillas, Kylie Creer, Ava Drakakis, Layla Edwards, Zyon Ferguson, Talia Ford, Kathya Franco, Julie Gharo, Nina Guttilla, Ella Juliano, Alexis Kochan, Breya LeTinnier, Olivia McHugh, Maya Morrison, Jasmine Ouatu, Jaelynn Perez, Isabella Ricca, Alessandra Reyes, Eryn Rubenaker, Veronica Rynowiecki, Daniela Scrofani, Gianna Scrofani, Gisela Tapia, Tommi Valente, Charli Valente

GOLF

Varsity: Vincent Maione, Matthew Mattingly, Ryan Sales, Ethan Streipikas, Thomas Struble

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

Sports Schedules

Don't miss out on all the Spartan action!

Click below to view all athletic team schedules.

2025 Summer Enrichment Courses

June 23rd to August 4th

DePaul Catholic will be offering the following

2025 Summer Enrichment Courses:

Algebra 1 (6-8)

Bible Study (2-12)

English (6-8)

Guitar (6-12)

HSPT Prep (6-8)

Jazz Ensemble (6-12)

PSAT/SAT Review (9-12)

Piano Intensive (6-12)

Strings &Woodwinds (6-12)

Vocals Intensive (6-12)

Visual Arts (6-12)

Veritas Essay Writing (12)

Visit our Summer Enrichment Programs Webpage for more information.

2025 Summer Sports Camps

REGISTER HERE!

The Spartan Shop

SPIRIT WEAR & UNIFORM-APPROVED QUARTER ZIPS

www.TheSpartanShop.com

DONATE NOW TO DE PAUL CATHOLIC

Thank you for your consistent support of DePaul Catholic High School.

GO SPARTANS!