EXPLORER - La Salle College High School

From The Hip!
Spring is often the season associated with renewal; however, it was this fall
that brought a sense of revitalization to the campus of La Salle College High
School. The four-level, 40,000 square foot addition that opened in conjunction
with the start of the 150th school year, enhanced the existing academic space
and the new Marian Chapel brought a bona fide place of worship to the school
community. The restoration of the center courtyard provided the perfect bridge
between the new and original structures. The energy generated from this new
construction is matched only by the splendor of the building itself as visitors
continually find themselves in awe of its beauty and features.
The renovations to the third floor of McClean Hall, which were completed
in November – new windows and doors, walls, ceilings, lighting, HVAC, and
lockers – have rejuvenated the once aging academic wing. The sequential
renovation of this building remains on schedule with the second floor due to
open in April and the first floor scheduled to be completed over the summer and
prior to the start of the 2009-2010 school year. The current construction projects
will continue to revitalize La Salle College High School well into next year.
Fall also saw the renewal of an old rivalry with La Salle (and the Philadelphia
Catholic League) entering play in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic
Association (PIAA). For the first time since 1980, the winners from the
Philadelphia Catholic League and Philadelphia Public League would meet to
crown a true “City” champion (PIAA District XII Champion). By winning Catholic
League Championships in Golf, Cross Country, and Football, the Explorers
played for the City Championship in three sports and won two – Golf
and Cross Country.
The September issue of Philadelphia Magazine featured La Salle College High
School as one of the top schools in the area for technology as well as service.
Only a handful of schools received recognition in more than one category and
the article spoke to the uniqueness of La Salle’s programs and offerings. The
National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of ten seniors from
La Salle College High School who are semifinalists in the 2009 competition for
Merit Scholarship Awards. With an additional twenty National Merit Commended
students, La Salle reemerged as the leader of National Merit recognized students
amongst Catholic and private secondary schools in the Delaware Valley.
I encourage you to renew your interest in La Salle College High School and, by
doing so, get to experience an institution that is growing, thriving, and gaining
attention across the state of Pennsylvania.
Christopher M. Carabello ’82
Editor
2 Explorer Autumn 2008
La Salle College High School, a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young men
of varied backgrounds, is conducted in the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle. Through a broad
and balanced, human and Christian education, La Salle College High School guides each student in
the development of his unique God-given talents and fosters a commitment to academic excellence,
service, and leadership.
Mission Statement
adopted by the Middle States Evaluation Team
March 2007
EXPLO R E R
The Official Magazine of La Salle College High School
President
Brother Richard Kestler, FSC ’60
Principal
Joseph L. Marchese
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
Daniel L. McGowan
Alumni Association President
Anthony J. Gillespie ’68
Editor
Christopher M. Carabello ’82
Editorial and Production Assistance
Barbara Franks
Cathleen P. Winning
Contributing Writers
Michael F. Donohoe, DC ’79
1 st Lt. Patrick T. McCarthy, USA ’02
Photography
Greg Bobowski
John J. Burns
Christopher M. Carabello ’82
Davor Studios
David DeBalko
Kerper Studios
Michael Maicher
Brother James Rieck, FSC ’57
United States Army
Artwork and Design
John Burns Graphic Design
Address
Explorer
La Salle College High School
8605 Cheltenham Avenue
Wyndmoor, PA 19038
215 233 2350 Phone
215 836 4502 Fax
alumni@lschs.org
The Explorer is published quarterly by
La Salle College High School.
The Explorer welcomes letters to
the Editor concerning alumni, school,
and topics published in the magazine.
The Editor of the Explorer reserves
the right to make all decisions regarding
the content and information published
in the magazine.