Celebrating Our Faculty & Staff

On Monday, April 27, the CCHS Community celebrated our five retiring faculty and staff members and those who have achieved milestones this academic year.

Thank you for your commitment to our students, to your profession, and to the mission of Central Catholic and the Marist Brothers!

A special congratulations to this year's five retirees - best wishes in your next life adventures! CCHS will always be a home for you.

Photo Album: Faculty & Staff Recognition Assembly

Monday, April 27 - Memorial Gymnasium

Click here to view and download photos on Raider SmugMug.

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Our Retirees

• Mrs. Laura (Baillargeon '81^SM) Jacques
  • Business Office
  • 22 Years of Service
• Mrs. Sharman (Walsh '87^SM) Merrill
  • English Faculty
  • 27 Years of Service
• Mr. Vin Pastore
  • Math Faculty
  • 30 Years of Service
• Ms. Jeanne Burns
  • Administration
  • 51 Years of Service
• Mr. David Defillippo '66
  • Advancement & Alumni
  • 56 Years of Service

"I've had the privilege of working alongside all of these retirees, states Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, President, "and it's hard to fully capture what they have meant to the Central Catholic community."

"They have given so much to our students and to this school over the years. Together, they represent an incredible 186 years of service to Central Catholic High School."

"Dave DeFillippo, Jeanne Burns, Vin Pastore, Sharman Merrill, and Laura Jacques, thank you for everything you have given to CCHS."

The testimonials that were read during the Faculty & Staff Recognition Assembly are included below.

 

Milestones

40+ Years of Service

• Mr. Charles Adamopoulos, Business & Technology Faculty
• Mr. Dan Cargill, Business Office
• Mr. Robert Jowett '80, Science Faculty
• Mr. Christopher Sullivan '81, Campus Ministry

30 Years of Service

• Mr. Robert Benedetto '89, Science Faculty
• Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, President
• Mr. Joseph Welch '90, English Faculty

25 - 29 Years of Service

• Mr. Michael Clements '94, English Faculty
• Mr. Ernie DiFiore, Faculty
• Mr. Sully Grella '92, Math Faculty
• Mr. Jeremy Hay, World Language Faculty
• Mr. Dennis King II, Science Faculty
• Mr. Michael Leal '94, Math Faculty
• Ms. Colette Madore, World Language Faculty
• Mr. Feliz Nunez, Buildings & Grounds
• Mr. Marc Pelletier '79, Physical Education & Health Faculty
• Mr. John Sears, Social Studies Faculty

20 - 24 Years of Service

• Mrs. Katelyn Andrade, English, Social Studies, and Business & Technology Faculty
• Mrs. Ashleigh (Ward '00) Brown, English Faculty
• Mr. Jarrod Brown '98, Math Faculty
• Mrs. Diana Chase, Religious Studies Faculty
• Mr. Shawn Chase, Science Faculty
• Ms. Stacy Ciccolo, Social Studies Faculty
• Mr. Timoth Hart '85, Campus Ministry
• Mr. Rafael Henriquez, Buildings & Grounds
• Mrs. Dawn Kelley, English Faculty
• Ms. Anne Martino, Religious Studies Faculty
• Mr. Kevin McCarthy, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Christopher Merrill, Strategic Communications
• Mrs. Tara Moreau, Physical Education & Health Faculty
• Mrs. Jennifer Plouffe, Advancement & Alumni
• Ms. Doreen Prisby, Social Studies Department
• Mr. Chuck Putney '94, Advancement & Alumni

15 - 19 Years of Service

• Mr. Eric Alaimo '02, Religious Studies Faculty
• Ms. Bridgette Bolduc, Science Faculty
• Mr. Eric Boucher '04, Math Faculty
• Mrs. Jennifer Chatigny, Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
• Ms. Theresa Homewood '02, English Faculty
• Mrs. Victoria Izzo Blaszak, Campus Ministry
• Ms. Kellie Leavitt, Social Studies Faculty
• Mr. Joseph Lynch, Social Studies Faculty
• Mr. Andrew Murray, Principal - Administration
• Mrs. Julie (Hillner '06) Parsons, Science Faculty
• Mr. Christopher Romero, World Language Faculty
• Mr. Thomas Sipsey '03, Administration
• Ms. Kristin (DeSantis '01) Tetreau, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Timothy Vaughan, Science Faculty

10 - 14 Years of Service

• Mr. Zachary Blaszak, Athletics & Activities
• Mrs. Maria Candiotti, World Language Faculty
• Mr. David Erwin, Advancement & Alumni
• Mrs. Lisa Finneran, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Brian Flaherty, Social Studies Faculty
• Mrs. Alyssa (Torres '05) Gowing, English Faculty
• Mr. Brian Griffin, Science Faculty
• Mr. Matthew Joyal '08, Social Studies, Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
• Mr. Matthew Sansoucie '06, Math, Business & Technology Faculty
• Mr. Niall Shanahan, Social Studies Faculty
• Mrs. Tammy Stott, Advancement & Alumni
• Ms. Cindy Sun, Math, World Language Faculty
• Mr. Mark Svendsen, Math Faculty
• Ms. Christine (Leonard '06) Thompson, English Faculty
• Mrs. Earline Tweedie, Religious Studies Department

5 - 9 Years of Service

• Mr. Zachary Adamopoulos '09, Math Faculty
• Ms. Jennifer Boles, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Marcelino Cairo, Buildings & Grounds
• Mrs. Clarisol DeMontero, World Language Faculty
• Mr. Shawn Dumas, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Joel Emerson '96, Religious Studies Faculty
• Mr. Hamid Faiz, Information Technology
• Mr. Troy Gabriele, Science Faculty
• Mrs. Lanie (Jowett '12) Given, Science Faculty
• Ms. Casey Grange '03, Athletics Department
• Dr. Evelyn Hidalgo, School & College Counseling
• Mr. Patrick Hashem '10, Math Faculty
• Mr. Andrew Joyal '11, Business & Technology Faculty
• Mrs. Jessica (Dick '09) LaBrie, English Faculty
• Ms. Kemnia Lantigua, Main Office
• Mrs. Kristin Nelson, Religious Studies Faculty
• Mrs. Karen (Salvo '00) Nigrelli, School Nurse
• Mrs. Laura O'Connor, World Language Faculty
• Mrs. Anne Parent, Math Department
• Mrs. Lauren Roeser, Fine & Performing Arts Faculty
• Mr. Marcello Rojas, Buildings & Grounds
• Mrs. Kathleen Smith, Math Faculty
• Mrs. Heather Torla Sousa, Advancement & Alumni
• Mrs. Kimberly Valente, Main Office
• Ms. Maria Vargas, Buildings & Grounds

 

About Central Catholic and Our Faculty & Staff

So much more than a college preparatory high school, Central Catholic is a connected community, a transformative opportunity, a beautiful legacy, and a forever family.

It’s where students and teachers alike love coming to school, and where success is what we achieve together.

It’s where students discover their best selves, challenge their abilities, lead with their hearts, strengthen their faith, and make lifelong friends. It’s where they are surrounded by excellence and rise to their highest level. Central is high school the way high school should be.

Central teachers go beyond to make this happen.

Students are shaped by the steady, trusted support of a team of people who understand them at their core, care deeply about their well-being, and are personally invested in their success.

This is the type of meaningful mentorship forged between Central students, faculty, and staff. Our talented, expert professionals not only share knowledge, but also act as guides, cheerleaders, and friends to students as they grow and evolve over the years.

Here, success is truly what we achieve together.

 

Thank you for your commitment to our students, to your profession, and to the mission of Central Catholic and the Marist Brothers!

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Recognizing Our Retirees

 

Mrs. Laura (Baillargeon '81^SM) Jacques

Business Office - 22 Years of Service

Presentation by Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, President

"One of the Marist pillars is simplicity, grounded in humility—doing good things quietly and without fanfare. Mrs. Laura Jacques has lived this every day for the past 22 years, working behind the scenes to make sure a Central Catholic education is accessible to as many young people as possible."

"Mrs. Jacques' work reflects the Marist pillar of simplicity in a very real way. She shows up each day, does her work well, and never looks for recognition. There is a steadiness to how she approaches everything, a quiet confidence and care that has supported so many people over the years. She handles so much with thoughtfulness and consistency, always focused on what matters most. That kind of quiet, faithful work has had a lasting impact on this community."

"As students, you are fortunate to experience firsthand the work of your teachers, moderators, and coaches. Those individuals, so central to your time at Central, rely on the steady support Mrs. Jacques has provided through the years.

"Hard-working, organized, and thoughtful in everything she does, she plays a critical role in the daily operation of this school. She manages the work behind the scenes with care and consistency, ensuring that things run as they should. She does all of this with a positive energy and always greets you with a smile."

"Soon to be a grandmother for the first time, her well-earned retirement comes at just the right moment to spend more time with her family, and of course, her dog, Carlin.

"Mrs. Jacques, thank you for the quiet, faithful way you have served this community. You have made a difference here in ways that will last."

"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you."

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Mrs. Sharman (Walsh '87^SM) Merrill

English Faculty - 27 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Andrew Murray, Principal

"For 27 years, Mrs. Sharman Merrill has been one of the most creative and positive life forces in the Central Catholic Family. Every student has a home in Room 204, where Mrs. Merrill has shared her passion for stories, words, images, and ideas with them. Her classroom is a place where students learn that literature is enriching and relevant, and they develop the skills to be life-long learners."

"Mrs. Merrill’s passion and creative vision led to the creation of innovative courses for seniors, such as Perspectives and Adaptations. Courses like these, created and guided by Mrs. Merrill, allow seniors to look at the world through a variety of different lenses and go deeper into the genres and themes that define their world. This work reflects the Marist pillar of a love of work, something she has lived fully throughout her career."

"Fortunately for hundreds of students and alums, Mrs. Merrill shared her passion and creativity in other areas as well. She will forever be remembered as one of the storied leaders of the Central Catholic Theatre Guild. She directed a total of 34 (I hope I am right) productions in all and was even the author of eight shows as well. I probably shouldn’t say this part out loud, but even if it was a show that had already been created by another playwright, she would often tweak and adjust the show to best utilize the talents of the Central students involved. She has even been known to add the occasional character just to feature a particular student and give them their moment in the spotlight."

"Mrs. Merrill, you have built community in so many corners of our school family. You have shared your gifts and talents with us all. You have earned your retirement, and we suspect that much of your free time will now be spent in a variety of Disney Hotels."

"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you."

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Mr. Vin Pastore

Mathematics Faculty - 30 Years of Service

Presentation by Mr. Andrew Murray, Principal

"Mr. Vin Pastore embodies the Marist pillar of love of work in the way Saint Marcellin Champagnat intended it to be lived. St. Champagnat reminded the early Marist Brothers, 'If you want to teach young people, then you must love them first.' For the past 30 years, Mr. Pastore has done exactly that, bringing both deep care for his students and a genuine passion for his work into Room 228 each day."

"In 1996, he made the bold decision to leave a successful career as an engineer to follow that calling. What followed has been three decades of commitment, energy, and purpose, where his work has never been just about teaching math, but about forming young people. That decision reflects not only courage, but a deep sense of vocation that has shaped the lives of countless students."

"His classroom is known for its enthusiasm and challenge. Students learn not only mathematical concepts, but how to think, to apply, and to push themselves further. Just as importantly, they learn to believe in their own abilities because Mr. Pastore believes in them. He meets students where they are and encourages them to grow with confidence and perseverance."

"Beyond the curriculum, his lessons often reach further. With a philosopher's perspective, he brings conversations about life, kindness, and purpose into the classroom, reminding students that learning is not confined to a textbook. Whether through a discussion, a story, or a shared moment, he helps students see the broader meaning behind their work and their lives.

"For 30 years, Mr. Pastore has approached his work with consistency, care, and heart. He has celebrated successes, guided students through challenges, and left a lasting impact on generations of Central Catholic students. His energy and enthusiasm have made Room 228 a place students remember long after they leave it."

"Mr. Pastore, your work has made a difference in ways that will continue well beyond the classroom. You will be missed."

"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you."

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Ms. Jeanne Burns

Administration - 51 Years of Service

Presentation by Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, President

"Fifty-one years seems like a long time, and it is. But it is still almost impossible to fully capture what Ms. Jeanne Burns has meant to Central Catholic over those years."

"In the Marist tradition, we speak about living in the way of Mary—with strength, faith, compassion, and a deep sense of purpose. That is who Ms. Burns has been in this community."

"Ms. Burns began her career here as a science teacher, spending several years in the classroom with a love for biology and a strong connection to her students."

"For decades, Ms. Burns has been a steady and trusted leader at Central Catholic, serving as Vice Principal before her current role as Academic Dean. She has shaped the academic experience of thousands of students over the years. She approaches her work with empathy and care, always focused on what is best for each individual student. She walks with students through challenges and celebrates their successes in a way that is personal, thoughtful, and genuine."

"Her leadership has always gone beyond her title. Ms. Burns played a central role in our transition to a coeducational school, helping to shape the direction of Central Catholic at a pivotal moment in its history. Who we are today reflects her vision, her commitment, and her belief in this community.

"There is a quiet strength in the way Ms. Burns leads. She is steady, compassionate, and deeply committed to the people around her. She listens, supports, and shows up for others in ways that often go unseen, but are felt by so many."

"Ms. Burns, we are so grateful for all you have given to this community. Central Catholic will carry your impact forward for years to come. While we are fortunate that you will remain with us in a part-time role during this transition, we also know you have more than earned this next chapter."

"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you."

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Mr. David Defillippo '66

Advancement & Alumni - 56 Years of Service

Presentation by Mrs. Jodi Linnehan Kriner, President

"As you all know, Central Catholic is celebrating our 90th year. This is also Mr. Dave DeFillippo’s 56th year serving this community—and more than 60 years as part of it, beginning with his time here as a student. The mission of this school has truly been his life’s work.
One of the Marist pillars is a love of work. And when you think about Mr. DeFillippo, that is what stands out. For decades, he has taken on whatever was needed and given his time and energy to this school with a deep sense of purpose.

"Over the years, Mr. DeFillippo has served in just about every role you can imagine. He taught English and math, worked as a guidance counselor, served as Director of School Counseling, stepped in as a de facto admissions director, and became the first principal of Central Catholic who was not a Marist Brother. During his time as principal, one of the longest in our school’s history, he oversaw significant growth in enrollment and the construction of the South Wing..
His personal history is so closely tied to this school that it is hard to remember a time when his impact was not present.

"Many of you still see Mr. DeFillippo around the building, but you may not realize how much he continues to do. As part of the Advancement & Alumni Team, he has written and secured thousands of grants, helping to make a Central Catholic education possible for countless students and families."

"His life and this school have been closely connected for decades. That pride, that passion, and that deep personal connection to Central Catholic are evident in everything he does, including the way he sings the alma mater."

"Mr. DeFillippo, thank you for your leadership and your deep and lasting commitment to this community."

"Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you."