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Why We GiveAl Bracht ’70AlumnusGoing all the way back to my days atSt. John’s Elementary, I can rememberthe CYO basketball games played in theO’Connell gym. Not only was the great biggym available to us CYO kids, there wasAl Burch refereeing the games. Not onlywas Al refereeing, he was teaching as well,something that would touch so many lives.In the spring of 1966 sitting in my homeroomclass in 8th grade, we listened tothe public announcement every day aboutwho had been admitted to the differenthigh schools. I can remember the reliefand excitement I felt when my name wasfinally announced for Bishop O’Connell.From the first day as a freshman in the“1-F Troop” homeroom under the guidanceof Brother Anselm Deegan, I wasready to roll. There was such a great senseof school spirit and camaraderie.Moving ahead four years to our senioryear, I can remember some of my friendswho couldn’t wait to graduate and moveon. It was just the opposite for me; I didn’twant to leave. High school had been ablast. I managed to learn a thing or twoand made some great friends that I stillmaintain contact with. The unknown ofcollege life was frightening compared tothe security blanket of O’Connell.Looking back on my high school years, Ican see the academic, religious, athleticand social development that has servedme very well since then. My measure oflife at O’Connell is that I would have lovedto have my three children go to O’Connellhad we lived nearby.Al Bracht, poses with his family (l to r): Al, daughter Sarah (21), son Jandro (17), wife Shannon,mother-in-law, Gretchen King, and son John (24).When the call came to support O’Connell’seffort to improve that physical plant of theschool, I was more than happy to help. Iasked some of those classmate friends ifthey would help me reach out to our classto raise funds prior to our 40-year reunionJune 2010.While we weren’t able to reach everyone,those who could support the effort weregenerous and we were able to deliver aTim and Lisa BennettParent of AlumnusHaving just dropped our son off at college,we find ourselves thinking abouthis future and reflecting on his timeat O’Connell. We have no doubt thatO’Connell has prepared him well for thenext four years—and beyond.We came to O’Connell after searching forthe right high school for our son. He wasa bright but shy kid, and we felt that thepublic schools were not bringing out hisfull potential. We were looking for a highschool that would challenge him academicallyand provide a welcoming, engagingenvironment. From day one, it was clearthat O’Connell was the right place. Theschool offers a lot of AP’s and interestingfinancial thank you to O’Connell. Maybewith this new year of 2012 coming intofocus and an improving economy on thehorizon, the class of 1970 can continue tosupport O’Connell.Thank you Bishop O’Connell for myeducation, my religious formation, theathletic training and the friends you providedme with.clubs and the student community has agreat vibe to it. Our son’s teachers wereinterested in him and they challenged himin a very supportive way. And he formedmany lasting and positive relationshipswith his classmates. His O’Connell experiencewas incredibly empowering. Histalents in science and math were nurturedand encourages and his faith grew. He isnow studying electrical engineering andat one of the leading science, math andengineering institutions in the world.We give to O’Connell so that other kidscan enjoy the same challenges and opportunitiesO’Connell afforded our son.14
Thomas H. Conaty ’64AlumnusWhen I heard about Mr. Al Burch’s deathand funeral last November, I felt I hadto see my friend and more importantly,my mentor one last time. Mr. Burch wasmy health science teacher and baseballcoach. As baseball coach of the Hall ofFame baseball team of the mid-1960’s, heinstilled the perseverance to succeed anddedication to others.But he was more than that. His traditionalvalues and his goal setting pointed me(and my teammates) in the right directionand has enabled me to carry on throughthe good times and the tough times.That training and perseverance inspiredme to “be on the first team,” so afterleaving O’Connell, I graduated from theUniversity of South Carolina and was simultaneouslycommissioned as a Lieutenantin the U.S. Marine Corps during theVietnam conflict.Not only was Mr. Burch instrumentalin molding my life but I must also includethose wonderful Christian Brothers.Initially intimidated by the Brothers,I grew to admire their dedication andskills.I think it’s important to “give back.” Asa means of giving back, I really enjoyedbeing on the committee and chairing theannual Connolly Golf Classic. What bet-Tom and Dianna Conatyter way to help raise money and see yourfriends futilely flail at a little white ball?Equally important is to put pen to paperand write a check to O’Connell. With somany Catholic schools closing because ofthe economy, we need to support this greatschool and continue the legacy of helpingO’Connell maintain its high standard ofeductation.After a career in federal law enforcement,I dove into full retirement and moved to St.James Plantation, Southport, N.C. with mywife Dianna, a Yorktown High School grad.We enjoy the amenities of St. James,especially playing the 81 holes of golf thatSt. James offers and communing with themany Northern Virginia retirees and otherO’Connell alums in southeastern North Carolina.It’s not all play though. Continuing theinspiration garnered at O’Connell, we enjoyvolunteering and helping local charities.Our three sons are also living in NorthCarolina.Always aspiring to be on the “first team,”I am forever grateful to be an O’Connellalum.The Bennett Family: Rebecca, Lisa ,Tim ’11, Ted, Elizabeth15
Page 2 and 3: Letter from the CHAIRMANBoard of Go
Page 4 and 5: RememberingAlward V. BurchTeacher,
Page 6 and 7: Over $4.5 Million Committed Through
Page 9 and 10: Dual Credit StudentsGet Orientation
Page 11 and 12: lieved in themselves, their talent,
Page 13: 11th AnnualGala & AuctionFlagship F
Page 17 and 18: Sister Maureen Christopher chats wi
Page 19: Over Christmas break, Katie Yohe
Page 23 and 24: Athletic Hall of Fame 2012 Inductee

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