• Funeral Arrangements for Jim Hague, ’79

    Funeral Arrangements for Jim Hague, ’79

    Proud Prep alumnus and legendary Hudson County sportswriter Jim Hague, ’79, passed away on Sunday at age 62. Jim was an unforgettable character and a great friend of Prep Athletics—and high school athletics in North Jersey in general. Please read on for details on funeral arrangements.

    Prep’s VP for Planning and Principal Giving, Jim Horan, ’70, was Jim Hague’s journalism teacher at Prep. He offered the following tribute to his former student:

     Very few graduates of Saint Peter’s have been as passionately proud of their Prep diploma as Jim was, and through both his infectious personality and his prolific sports writing career he was both well known and admired by fellow alumni of many generations.  As we all know, Jim ‘lived’ in the world of sports, and he was as enthusiastic about a local freshman team’s winning season as he was about a stunning state championship game at MetLife Stadium. That said, especially in Hudson County, he was both a pundit and an everyman, seemingly always on the scene and quickly churning out compelling copy. His passing is not only a loss for Saint Peter’s Prep, but also for Hudson County’s many athletes who have lost their most reliable chronicler.

    Jim Horan, ’70

    Funeral Arrangements

    A wake will be held in Prep’s O’Keefe Commons on Wednesday, June 14, from 3-7 p.m.
    The entrance to the Commons is found at 236 Van Vorst Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
    As always, please note that parking in downtown Jersey City is limited on weekdays. Prep recommends arriving via  PATH at Grove Street or Exchange Place, or the Hudson Bergen Light Rail at Marin Boulevard or Exchange Place, which are all less than a 10-minute walk from campus. If you will be driving, there are numerous pay parking options nearby. For your convenience, here is a map of several nearby locations. Prep does not have a relationship with these facilities; please contact them directly for further information.

    A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Paul the Apostle Church on Thursday, June 15, at 10:30 a.m.
    Saint Paul’s is located at 14 Greenville Avenue (at Old Bergen Road), Jersey City, NJ 07305.


    Jim most recently wrote for the Observer of Kearny, where a fellow Prep alumnus, Kevin Canessa, ’92, is the editor. The Observer published this obituary over the weekend, which also includes tributes from a number of his many friends and colleagues.

  • Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J.

    Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J.

    As we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J., we can now share the details of Fr. Azzarto’s funeral arrangements:

    Visitation and Vigil Service: Thursday, April 20

    A wake will take place in the O’Keefe Commons at Saint Peter’s Prep, located at the corner of Grand and Van Vorst Streets in Jersey City, from 1-7 p.m. 

    The wake will conclude with a brief vigil service, beginning at 7 pm. The service will include a reflection by Prep President Michael Gomez, Ed.D., ’91, a Gospel reading with a homily by Rev. John Mullin, S.J., prayers of the faithful, music by Prep Vox, and a eulogy by John T.M. Chester, ’74, P’03,’05.

    Please Note:

    • Access to the Commons will be through the doors on Van Vorst Street only. 
    • In order to accommodate as many guests as possible, we respectfully request that you limit your time in the Commons.
    • Parking on campus is extremely limited, a condition exacerbated by ongoing utility work on York Street. Permit and alternate-side restrictions also apply for street parking. Therefore, we strongly suggest you plan to arrive via public transit. PATH at Grove Street or Exchange Place, or the Hudson Bergen Light Rail at Marin Boulevard or Exchange place, are all less than a 10-minute walk from campus. If you will be driving, there are numerous pay parking options nearby. For your convenience, here is a map of several nearby locations. Prep does not have a relationship with these facilities; please contact them directly for further information.

    Funeral Mass: Friday, April 21

    A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Aedan’s, the Saint Peter’s University Church (800 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City) at 7 p.m. 

    Please note:

    • Parking will be available in the Saint Aedan’s parking lot (entry on Tuers Avenue between Mercer and Vroom Streets), and in Saint Peter’s University Lot #1 (entry on Montgomery Street between Jordan and Tuers Avenues). 
    • Parking in these lots is also limited. We appreciate your understanding.
    • The doors to the church will open at 6 p.m.

    Live streams

    Live streams will be available for both the Thursday vigil service and the Friday funeral Mass. Full details here.


    Gifts in memory of Fr. Azzarto

    Per Fr. Azzarto’s wishes, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Saint Peter’s Prep (online at spprep.org/give or by mail at 144 Grand Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302). When donating, please indicate your gift is in memory of Fr. Azzarto. You can note this on your check, or check the “tribute gift” box on the online form.


    Share your memories of Fr. Azzarto

    As Dr. Gomez noted in his message Saturday, everyone with a connection to Saint Peter’s Prep has an “Azzarto story.” As a tribute to Fr. Azzarto, we have created a place to share memories, in words and pictures, of this Prep Legend. We welcome you to add yours as we celebrate a life well-lived, giving glory to God through tireless service to others.

    Share your memories here.

  • Rev. Anthony Azzarto, S.J. | 1938-2023

    Rev. Anthony Azzarto, S.J. | 1938-2023

    Dear Saint Peter’s Prep Family,

    I write this brief letter with profound sadness and profound gratitude.

    I am sorry to share that our friend, our colleague, our Prep brother, Rev. Tony Azzarto, S.J., passed away peacefully earlier today. He was 84. I had the opportunity to visit with Tony a few times over the past couple of weeks, and I reminded him, on behalf of the entire Prep community, how much we loved him and how transformative his time with us has been. Over a span of 60 years, Tony served Saint Peter’s Prep as teacher, counselor, chaplain, and retreat director. This is only scratching the surface of this extraordinary life, and does not include countless baptisms, weddings, funerals, handwritten notes, pictures, and so much more. 

    I can say, quite simply, that Tony walked the road with all of us. He walked with us on the road to Emmaus, he walked with us on the dark and lonely roads, and he walked with us on the roads to our greatest heights. And right now our hearts break at the thought of walking on without him. But our faith tells us Tony will walk on forever, in all the lives he shaped, and the lives we will go on to shape through all he has taught us. And what he has taught us is the very best of what it means to be Saint Peter’s Prep.

    When we know the dates and times of Fr. Azzarto’s funeral arrangements, we will be sure to let you know.

    I know that all of us have an “Azzarto story.” Most of us have many. I know we will be sharing them with much love and gratitude for years to come. While no one gesture can begin to capture what Tony has meant to Prep and to each of us, below is a link to a brief video tribute. There will be many more opportunities to celebrate his life and legacy in the days ahead.


    Prep for Life. Prep Forever.

    Michael Gomez, Ed.D, ’91
    President


  • Five Spirit Awards for Class of ’26

    Five Spirit Awards for Class of ’26
    • Ethan Seals, ’26
    • Liam O’Neill, ’26
    • Otavio Rubies, ’26
    • Timothy Fitzpatrick, ’26
    • Dmytrii Frenkel, ’26
  • Rich Hansen III, ’03 to Serve as Prep’s Next Athletic Director

    Rich Hansen III, ’03 to Serve as Prep’s Next Athletic Director
  • Prep and U. of Scranton Announce Course-Credit Agreement

    Prep and U. of Scranton Announce Course-Credit Agreement

    Following a visit this week to the University of Scranton, Prep Principal Chris Caulfield, ’03 announced an agreement with the Jesuit university that will allow Prep graduates who meet certain eligibility requirements to gain college credit at Scranton for courses taken in high school.

    To be eligible for the program, Saint Peter’s Prep students must have a final cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. They must attain a minimum SAT score of 530 in mathematics and 550 in evidence-based reading and mathematics or a minimum ACT composite score of 22. In addition to other requirements, students must also have a cumulative grade of 3.5 or higher in the individual courses transferred for credit. Students accepted into the University will receive academic credit for eligible courses taken through the program and will be considered for merit- and need-based financial aid.

    “In our visit to campus, I had the pleasure of meeting with several Saint Peter’s Prep graduates currently enrolled at Scranton,” Mr. Caulfield said. “Each and every student expressed the great joy he had being part of the Scranton community. This agreement gives Saint Peter’s Prep a great opportunity to continue to forge a strong relationship with the great Jesuit community at Scranton University. I am confident that the collaboration of these fine institutions in the shared mission of forming young people in mind, hearts, body, and character will benefit our graduates for years to come as they enter the world with the directive to advance the common good.”

  • First of Two “Prep Days” Invites Students Beyond the Classroom

    First of Two “Prep Days” Invites Students Beyond the Classroom

    Buses lined the Warren Street Plaza on the morning of March 25 as Prep students set off on various adventures for the first of two “Prep Days” this year. This annual tradition allows freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to explore beyond the classroom through trips, activities, retreats, and workshops.

    Taking advantage of Prep’s unique proximity to New York City, the Class of 2029 dove into Freshman Arts Day and traveled to museums and live performances. The Class of 2028 attended the Koinonia Retreat, and the Class of 2027 visited various college campuses for admissions essay workshops.

    As part of select offerings on-campus, some members of the Class of 2029 welcomed a jazz quartet featuring Tim Norton on bass, Greg Glassman on trumpet, Willerm Delisfort on piano, and Jesse Simpson on drums. They performed several styles of jazz songs, and our freshman had multiple opportunities to ask questions throughout the performance.

    We thank everyone who joined us and all the members of our faculty and staff who served as organizers and chaperones. The next “Prep Day” on April 29 will feature unique faculty-sponsored offerings, designed to broaden student interests and learning outside a typical school day. Past activities have included a one-day course on animation, an introduction to pickleball, a pizza making class, and more.

  • Middle Schoolers Visit Prep for Annual Leadership Workshop

    Middle Schoolers Visit Prep for Annual Leadership Workshop

    Seventy-four boys representing 27 middle schools and 21 different communities across New Jersey visited Grand & Warren on March 23 for an annual workshop on leadership led by Prep juniors and seniors and hosted in partnership with students from Saint Dominic Academy.

    Among the schools represented were Academy of Our Lady of Grace; All Saints Catholic Academy; All Saints Episcopal Day School; Corpus Christi School; Good Shepherd Academy; Hamilton Park Montessori; Hoboken Catholic; Hoboken Charter School; Hoboken Dual Language Charter School; Holy Trinity; Hudson Montessori School; Jersey City Global Charter School; Lacordaire Academy; Learning Community Charter School; Notre Dame Academy; OLC; Philip’s Academy Charter School; Primary Prep; Queen of Peace; Robert Treat Academy; Sacred Heart School; Saint Michael’s School; St. Francis Academy; St. Joseph School; St. Thomas the Apostle School; The Ethical Community Charter School; The Waterfront Schools; and Waterfront Montessori School.

    After a welcome in the library from Director of Admissions Mr. John Irvine, ’83, P’11, attendees forged new connections through icebreaker activities in our gym. They then took part in various activities throughout the day, including talks from Prep students, small group discussions, and reflections on themes like setting high standards, asking questions, and getting involved.

    A cohort of middle school girls then joined them in the Commons, led by students from Saint Dominic Academy in Jersey City.

    Keynote speeches followed from Henry Bastable, ’27 of Prep and Keira Barth, ’26 of SDA.

    “Wherever you do end up going to high school, you need to take the first step. You need to walk through the door and say ‘yes’ to opportunities,” Bastable said.

    “When I was presented with opportunities, I asked myself: why should I do this?…Imagine the better question: why shouldn’t I do this?”

    “A true leader is someone who takes responsibility for their actions, shows kindness even when it’s not easy, listens to others and values different perspectives, stays disciplined and focused on their goals, and most importantly, leads themselves before trying to lead others,” Barth offered.

    The day concluded with a prayer and remarks from Prep Principal Mr. Chris Caulfield, ’03, who drew analogies to works of literature from his tenure as a Prep English teacher, books like Beloved, To Kill a Mockingbird, and The Kite Runner.

    “Each and every one of you brings something unique and different to the table of leadership, so have the confidence to start today by committing yourself to being a leader in the novel of your life,” he said.

    We thank everyone who joined us that day.

  • HBCU Bus Tour on April 9th – Open to all High School Students

    HBCU Bus Tour on April 9th – Open to all High School Students

    The Ajeya Graduate Chapter of Swing Phi Swing Social Fellowship is heading to Delaware State University on April 9.

    If you are interested in joining them or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Shemika Austin, Chapter President, at (201) 232-0956 or via email at Ajeyagrad@gmail.com

    .

  • Environmental Club Hosts Cleanup Effort

    Environmental Club Hosts Cleanup Effort

    Members of Prep’s Environmental Club took advantage of the warm weather snow melt on March 10 by hosting an effort to collect litter from our plaza and surrounding streets in downtown Jersey City.

    According to their club statement, Prep’s Environmental Club “is dedicated to protecting and improving our environment through hands-on activities, education, and advocacy. We will organize events like environmental work days in the community and fundraisers such as dress-down days to support conservation causes.”

    Gathering in the courtyard after the day’s final bell, Prep students equipped themselves with disposable gloves and garbage bags and set to work helping beautify our neighborhood with guidance from moderators Ms. Carolyn Lieu and Mr. Mark Balthazar of the Science Department.

    At final weigh-in, twenty-two students collected 140 lbs. of litter that day. Due to strong interest, the Environmental Club hopes to conduct a similar effort next week as a potential service opportunity in partnership with the Office of Campus Ministry.

  • Prep Dramatics Presents: Pippin (March 12-15)

    Prep Dramatics Presents: Pippin (March 12-15)

    Don’t miss Prep Dramatics’ 2026 spring musical presentation of Pippin, this weekend in O’Keefe Commons!

    Tickets are available now at spprep.org/tix or at the door. Showtimes are Thursday through Sunday at 7pm.

    For even more from Prep Dramatics, follow @PrepDramatics on Instagram!

  • Prep Students Save Lives at Annual Blood Drive

    Prep Students Save Lives at Annual Blood Drive

    Prep hosted its annual blood drive in the gym on March 10 through Vitalant, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, which provides hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply. 

    Students aged 16 and older, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents were welcomed to take part in this important effort, which was organized, in part, by a student-led committee through the Office of Student Life.

    Committee members rallied their classmates and handed out permission slips at last week’s Performing Arts Assembly.

    Upon gathering in the English Building that morning, students, who were instructed to eat a hearty breakfast that day, checked in before proceeding to the donation site set up beneath the watchful eye of one of the Marauders adorning the walls of our gymnasium. Bottled water and an assortment of snacks were on-hand to keep donors’ energy up.

    We thank everyone who participated and made an impact.

  • Ebony Club Celebrates Black History Month with Panel Discussion on the Divine Nine

    Ebony Club Celebrates Black History Month with Panel Discussion on the Divine Nine

    Prep’s Ebony Club invited freshmen and seniors to celebrate Black History Month with a student-led panel discussion exploring the Divine Nine in Prep’s gymnasium on February 25.

    The Divine Nine, formally known as the National Pan-Hellenic Council, is composed of historically African American fraternities and sororities and was founded at a time when African American students were largely excluded from existing fraternities and sororities in the early part of the 20th century.

    “Beyond social connection, the Divine Nine organizations were established with a shared commitment to scholarship, civic engagement, and uplifting the Black community,” Ebony Club President Bryce Mays, ’26, said in his introductory remarks. “Members played significant roles in major moments of American history, including the Civil Rights Movement, voter registration efforts, educational advancement, and social justice initiatives. Each organization maintains its own unique mission, history, and traditions, but all are united by a dedication to service, academic excellence, and leadership.”

    We are thankful to the members of our Prep community who joined us as panelists to share their experiences.

    Mr. Johnnie Brooker III, ’21 is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., having pledged and crossed in Fall 2022 through the Epsilon Tau Chapter at Marquette University.

    After completing his studies, Johnnie returned to the East Coast, where he currently works at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A.—the largest minority—and women-owned law firm in the country. His professional journey reflects his strong commitment to leadership, service, and excellence. Johnnie now prepares to take the next step in his career as he plans to attend law school this fall.

    Mr. Stanley Dennis II, ’20 joined the Mu Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in Spring 2021 at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. During his time in the undergraduate chapter, he was voted President of the Year, received the Outstanding Leadership Award, and earned the Pillars Award—presented to the most outstanding member among all Greek organizations on campus. He also established the first official National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) on the Rutgers University campus.

    He graduated from Rutgers University in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a minor in Organizational Leadership. In August 2025, he earned his Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

    Currently, Stanley serves as the Defensive Line Coach at Saint Peter’s Prep. He is also a Teaching Assistant and Mentorship Program Lead at Dr. Lena Edwards’ Academic Charter School. In addition, he is the founder of an event curation business that has hosted events with over 1,500 attendees.

    Mr. Charles Mays Jr., P’25,’26 joined the Gamma Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. in the fall of 1988 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. During his undergraduate years, he served on the Pan-Hellenic Council and was the Student-Athlete/Greek representative to the University’s Student Activities Board. He also served the fraternity as Dean of Pledgees and Coordinator of Membership Intake.

    He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and, in 2017, completed a Master of Science in Management from Walden University. Mr. Mays is a track coach at Saint Peter’s Prep, where he previously coached from 1998 to 2001. He currently serves as the Director of Environmental Health for the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services. He resides in Springfield, New Jersey, with his wife, Anna, and their sons, Chas, ’25 and Bryce, ’26

    Mr. Keith Cummings, ’10 is a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. by way of the Illustrious Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter (Initiated 2019). He is currently Basileus of the Chapter, Scholarship Chair, Co Fundraising Chair & Co Social Action Chair. Keith is Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter’s 2025-26 Omega Man of the Year; for his extraordinary contributions to his chapter, district, and the international fraternity, as well as to their community. He received the Nu Lambda Lambda Chapter’s  2021-22 Darren K. Willoughby Superior Service Award; for his outstanding contributions to the forward progress and sustainability of the chapter. Keith was also a chartering Officer of the NPHC of Hudson County (chartered 2022), where he served as the Secretary.

    Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, Keith attended Saint Peter’s Prep, where he was a 3 sport student athlete (Football, Track & Field and Bowling). Keith was a proud member of the Ebony Club. He went on to pursue his education at The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina in Charleston, earning a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science (Class of 2014). Keith was a student athlete, participating in Track & Field. He was a Gold Star recipient (the highest academic honor at The Citadel) and also a Dean’s List student. He was a recipient of The Class of 1973 Scholarship and Class of 2014 recipient of the Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges.

    Keith still resides in New Jersey and is a proud father to his daughter, Tatum.

    Mr. Byron Anderson, P’23,’28  is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, the first Black fraternity, founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, on December 4, 1906, by seven men whom members honor as the “Jewels.” He crossed the burning sands and became a member in the Spring of 1992 at Florida A&M University alongside 17 line brothers, collectively known as the “Nomarchs of the Nu Umoja.” In the Spring of 2025, he welcomed his son, Bryce Anderson, ’23, into Alpha Phi Alpha when Bryce joined the Beta Chapter at Howard University.

    Byron L. Anderson serves as Managing Partner at BDL Partners (BDLP), where he oversees operations and leads client relationships. With more than 25 years of experience in retail design and branded environments, he helps brands connect with shoppers through insight-driven, commercially grounded programs.

    Prior to BDLP, Byron held senior leadership roles at CBX Design Agency and Miller Zell, partnering with major retail and consumer brands across North America and internationally. He earned an MBA in International Marketing from the University of Miami and a BS in Graphic Arts Technology (Cum Laude) from Florida A&M University.

    Byron resides in Jersey City, New Jersey, with his wife and three sons. He remains active in community initiatives, including supporting the development of the Alpha Community Center in Newark.