Honoring Excellence: Notable Alumni and Hall of Fame at Saint Raphael Academy

Saint Raphael Academy, a Catholic college preparatory school with a rich history, takes pride in its alumni and their accomplishments. Rooted in the traditions of Saint John Baptist de La Salle and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Academy cultivates a community where students are challenged, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. This article explores the Academy's commitment to recognizing outstanding individuals through its Hall of Fame and highlights notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields.

A Legacy of Lasallian Values

Saint Raphael Academy, often called Saint Ray's or simply Saints, emphasizes faith, service, and community, reflecting the Lasallian ideals. These principles are woven into the fabric of the school, shaping students into well-rounded individuals who are prepared to make a positive impact on the world. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 and a diverse student body, the Academy fosters a supportive environment where every student feels welcomed and known.

The Saint Raphael Academy Hall of Fame

The Saint Raphael Academy Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the Academy and have achieved exceptional accomplishments in their respective fields. Inductees are chosen based on their embodiment of the Lasallian ideals of faith, service, and community, as well as their dedication to living their faith as Catholics. The Hall of Fame serves as a permanent tribute to these individuals, with a display in Alumni Hall showcasing the accomplishments of its 19 members.

Hall of Fame Induction

Saint Raphael Academy periodically inducts new members into its Hall of Fame, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to the Academy and the wider community. The Hall of Fame honors those who have had a long association and outstanding record of service and loyalty to the Academy. The inductees exemplify the Academy's values and serve as role models for current students.

Hall of Fame Honorees: A Glimpse into Excellence

The Hall of Fame includes individuals who have excelled in various fields, including medicine, athletics, education, public service, and community leadership.

Dr. Paul J. Healey ’49 (posthumous): Valedictorian of his class and an avid athlete, Dr. Healey went on to become a surgeon at Memorial Hospital.
Dennis M. Lynch, Jr. ’74 (posthumous): An athlete, scholar, valedictorian and class president at Saints, Dennis returned years later to coach basketball.
Robert A. Magill ’29 (posthumous): A member of the first graduating class to attend Saint Raphael Academy for all four years, Robert was a lifelong resident of Pawtucket and an active and decorated public servant and community volunteer.
Br. Edmond P. Precourt, F.S.C. ’63 (posthumous): Brother Edmond dedicated his life to Lasallian education, serving as principal at The Prout School and Ocean Tides School.
Patrick J. Nassaney ’64: Patrick had a successful career in sales, marketing and management and honorably served his country, community and Saint Raphael Academy.
James J. Noonan ’54: Jim was a stellar high school athlete and golfer, which earned him a full-tuition golf scholarship to Brown University.
Martin J. Payton, Jr. ’54: Marty, a Pawtucket native, was a standout athlete at Saints. He earned an engineering degree from URI and learned several languages, shaping a successful international sales engineering career.
Dr. Dennis M. Tracey ’63: A one-time member of the Saints faculty, Dennis had a multifaceted and accomplished professional career in engineering and education. He was class salutatorian and president at Saints and was a decorated football team player.
Robert A. Weygand ’66: A landscape architect and planner by profession, Bob also has a lengthy career as a college educator and administrator, as well as an honored community and public servant.

These individuals represent the diverse talents and accomplishments of Saint Raphael Academy alumni. Their stories serve as an inspiration to current students and demonstrate the lasting impact of a Saint Raphael Academy education.

Notable Alumni Across Disciplines

Saint Raphael Academy has produced notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. These individuals exemplify the Academy's commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and service to others.

Arts and Culture

Tracey Rabar: Owner of Avenue N Restaurants and Avenue N Productions, Tracey received the Woman of the Year award from The Rhode Island Hospitality Association in 2016.

Business and Leadership

Cortney Nicolato: As President and CEO of United Way, Cortney advocates for community change and works to improve the lives of individuals and families in need.

Education

Marie Bernardo-Souza: Marie serves as the President of Johnson & Wales University, a leading institution in culinary arts, hospitality, and business education.

Public Service and Government

Robert A. Weygand ’66: A landscape architect and planner by profession, Bob also has a lengthy career as a college educator and administrator, as well as an honored community and public servant.

A Supportive and Welcoming Community

Saint Raphael Academy prides itself on its supportive and welcoming environment. Students and alumni consistently praise the Academy for its dedicated faculty, strong academics, and close-knit community. The Academy's emphasis on individual attention and personalized support helps students thrive and reach their full potential.

Student and Alumni Perspectives

Students and alumni describe Saint Raphael Academy as a place where they feel challenged, valued, and supported. They highlight the exceptional teaching, diverse learning opportunities, and strong sense of community. Many alumni credit the Academy with preparing them for college and future success.

Centennial Class

The Class of 2025 holds a special place in the Academy's history as the centennial class. This class is remembered not only for their graduation year but also for their resilience, spirit, and creativity. They have navigated a changing world with grace and determination, serving as a bridge between the Academy's past and its future. They were offered nearly $34 million in scholarship funds and donated more than 6,500 hours of community service. They started a Kindness Club and looked after one another’s mental health.

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Graduation and Commencement

Saint Raphael Academy's graduation ceremonies are a celebration of student achievement and a testament to the Academy's commitment to academic excellence. The ceremonies are filled with emotion, pride, and gratitude as students, faculty, and families come together to mark this important milestone.

Class of 2022

Amrit Kohli, the Class of 2022 valedictorian, spoke about the impact our school theme, “we rise by lifting others” had on him and how the class lived out that motto, through acts of kindness and service. He encouraged the class to continue these acts. Principal Dan Richard spoke next and noted that the class had been through some trials. “The pandemic abruptly altered our plans, but all of you persevered and made adjustments to become successful.

Class of 2025

Salutatorian Alexandre Ramos spoke of the care that his class received and gave to others. Class president Gabriell Leon then led the class in the traditional turning of their tassels, signifying their new status as alumni. Valedictorian Jules Costello was keenly aware of the people who helped him get to where he stood before the podium that day. He talked about how life is like walking down a dark hallway, looking for the doorway that leads to the right pathway. “Our friends, families, mentors, and teachers are the lights which line this passage. Principal Dan Richard summed up the afternoon by speaking of love-“We all seek to be loved, and as Jesus states we are called upon to love each other as he has us. So here is my final homework assignment to all our graduates. Sometime before this day is over, tell the people who matter to you that you love them.

A Bright Future for Saint Raphael Academy

Saint Raphael Academy remains committed to providing a challenging and supportive educational environment for its students. With its strong academics, dedicated faculty, and emphasis on Lasallian values, the Academy is well-positioned to continue its legacy of excellence and produce future generations of leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens. The Academy's focus on faith, service, and community ensures that its graduates are not only well-prepared for college and careers but also committed to making a positive impact on the world.

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