The Bishop O'Connell community kicked off Homecoming weekend with an Alumni Awards Dinner at Marymount University in Arlington. For the first time, the event combined both the Alumni Achievement Awards with the Athletic Hall of Fame, and more than 140 alumni, family members and friends attended the celebration.
The first award of the evening was presented by English department chair, Diane Cerniglia. Kristin Hughes '00 was awarded the Young Alumni Award. Kristin is currently a senior manager for Global Community Health Programs at Special Olympics. She has previously held government positions focusing on public health policy. Cerniglia shared stories of Kristin's high school days, where she already showed a desire to work hard to make a difference.
The Knights Service Award was presented to Ray Zdancewicz '74 by his son, Kevin Zdancewicz '04. Ray has been involved in youth sports all his adult life, serving as the Northern Virginia CYO treasurer for over 30 years. He is a parishioner at Our Lady of Good Counsel, where he has also served on their pastoral council for many years. In 2011, Ray received the St. Thomas More Award for Youth Ministry from the Diocese of Arlington.
Head of School, Dr. Joseph Vorbach '83 presented the annual Distinguished Alumni Award to Kevin Callaghan '79. Kevin is a managing director at Berkshire Partners and continues to be active in a number of community and philanthropic efforts. "Kevin epitomizes the award," said Vorbach. "In whatever point or place in his life, he has been an active, engaged and creative force for good."
Athletic Director, Joe Wootten, introduced the next set of awards, where former O'Connell athletes were inducted into the school's Athletic Hall of Fame.
David Evans '69 was introduced by former teammate Bill Leib '69. David was the starting quarterback for the Knights football team, and Bill was his center. David went on to play college football at Missouri Southern State University, where he led the 1972 team to an undefeated season and the NAIA Division II national title.
Syd Albrittain '83 introduced the next Hall of Fame inductee, Mike Rickard '83. Syd shared the story of Mike's spirit and determination to return to football and wresting after breaking his back during the summer before his senior year. Mike was a two-time Washington Metropolitan Athletic Conference wrestling champion, as well as a state champion his senior year.
Sara Goode '94 was introduced by her former softball coach, Tommy Orndorff. She was a four-year varsity starter who still holds multiple records, including for single season base hits (108), runs scored (107) and many others. Tommy attributes Sara's love of the game and her competitive spirit for her success that led her to succeed on and off the field.
Soccer coach, Alberto Starace, introduced Katie Brodnik '95, who recognized by the awards committee for her achievements on the soccer field and on the basketball court. He called her both a scholar-athlete and a leader; in her senior year she was serving as team captain and class president. Katie went on to play basketball at Duke University.
Coach Starace also introduced this year's Hall of Fame team--the 1990-1991 girls soccer team. The team won three consecutive CGAA championships, finished this season with a 19-0 record, and had five players named to the All-Catholic first team. This team was coached by Starace and Kelly Cole Iacobucci. Several members of the team have already been inducted as individuals to the O'Connell Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Hall of Fame committee also recognized two other athletes who were not able to attend this year's ceremony; Andrew Cunningham '72 (soccer) and Stephanie Vance '94 (softball).
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