Donovan Catholic Strengthens Campus Safety with Acquisition of Avive Connect AED®s
Donovan Catholic High School is pleased to announce a significant enhancement to campus safety with the procurement of 19 Avive Connect AED® units which have been deployed throughout the campus, athletic facilities and highly populated student centers. The decision follows a series of demonstrations and conversations between school leadership and Avive representatives in late 2025.
Athletic Trainer Mr. Robert DeStefano first met with Avive at a conference last year and subsequently hosted an onsite demonstration in November 2025 alongside Interim Principal Mr. Darryl Heale and other school leaders. Impressed by the technology and usability of the Avive devices, the school finalized the purchase in January 2026.
“We were looking for the best possible automated external defibrillator solution for our entire campus, including athletic fields, academic spaces, and parish buildings, and Avive offered features that truly stood out,” said Mr. DeStefano. “The Avive Connect AED’s compact size, lighter weight, and intuitive design make it ideal for rapid response in emergency situations.”
Key factors in Donovan Catholic’s decision included:
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Ease of Use & Accessibility - The user-friendly design provides confidence in critical situations.
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Rechargeable Battery - Sustainable, cost-effective power support for each unit.
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REALConnect Remote Monitoring - A central benefit for school leadership, enabling remote oversight of AED operational readiness across all facilities from any desktop.
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Flexible Financing through Leasing - The five-year Lifesaver subscription provided a compelling alternative to a large upfront capital expense.
The Avive Connect AED is the first and only automated external defibrillator with built-in 911 integration, combining advanced technology with unmatched ease of use. Designed for rapid response and simple maintenance, it features remote monitoring, seamless incident data transfer, and an intuitive touchscreen that guides rescuers every step of the way. With real-time CPR coaching, clear visual and audio instructions, and no training required, the Avive Connect AED empowers anyone to act confidently in an emergency. A single set of electrode pads works for both adults and children and an in-rescue Español button instantly switches audio and visual instructions from English to Spanish, ensuring accessibility when it matters most. The device is also the first and only AED to include prompts instructing rescuers to remove a bra and to display a female body in both on-screen graphics and electrode pad illustrations - helping to reduce hesitation and support faster and more proper lifesaving response for women experiencing cardiac arrest.
“We are entrusted each day with the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and visitors across our entire campus, from our classrooms and athletic facilities to our parish buildings,” said Mr. Darryl Heale, Interim Principal of Donovan Catholic High School. “Investing in these Avive Connect AEDs is part of our broader commitment to campus safety and emergency preparedness. By equipping our school with reliable, easy-to-use technology and real-time monitoring capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to respond quickly and effectively in critical moments, ensuring a safer environment for our entire Donovan Catholic community.”
Donovan Catholic High School, accredited and committed to fostering excellence in academics, athletics, and community life, continues to prioritize student and staff well-being through innovative approaches in health, safety, and campus preparedness.
Coach Michael Kearney Earns 500th Career Victory
The milestone victory is not just a number. It represents years of commitment to developing student-athletes, building a culture rooted in discipline and teamwork, and fostering a program defined by integrity and competitive spirit. Under Coach Kearney’s leadership, Donovan Catholic Basketball has grown into a respected and successful program, known not only for winning games but for shaping young men of character.
Coach Kearney’s impact extends far beyond the scoreboard. His passion for the game is contagious, and his ability to mentor, motivate, and inspire has left a lasting impression on generations of Griffins. Former players often credit him not only for their athletic growth, but for the life lessons learned through his guidance.
In November 2025, Donovan Catholic proudly inducted Coach Kearney into the Griffin Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contributions to our school community. This latest achievement further solidifies his legacy and underscores the lasting influence he has had on Donovan Catholic Athletics.
The entire Donovan Catholic community celebrates this historic accomplishment and thanks Coach Kearney for his unwavering dedication to our students and program.
Congratulations on 500 career wins, Coach — and here’s to many more milestones ahead.
Donovan Catholic Welcomes Jay Coleman as New Head Wrestling Coach
A new era begins for Griffin Wrestling at Donovan Catholic High School. The school proudly announces the appointment of Jay Coleman as the new Head Wrestling Coach, beginning in the 2026–2027 school year.
A standout athlete at Toms River High School East, Coleman was a multiple region placer and state qualifier before continuing his competitive journey as a professional MMA fighter. Now retired from professional competition, he brings a wealth of high-level athletic experience and a deep understanding of the discipline, preparation, and resilience required to succeed at the highest levels.
Coleman’s coaching résumé is equally impressive. He has worked with several of the area’s most respected wrestling programs, including Toms River Wrestling Club and Shore Thing Wrestling Club, and currently serves as Head Coach at Top Dawg Academy. Throughout his coaching career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes — emphasizing technical excellence, mental toughness, and character development both on and off the mat.
Donovan Catholic Athletic Director Mr. Tom Moriau shared his enthusiasm about the appointment:
“I am very excited to have Jay as our next Head Wrestling Coach. He brings a wealth of experience to our team and school. His proven track record of developing student-athletes and his focus on fostering a championship culture will be an asset to Donovan Catholic. Jay will develop a strong commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and I look forward to watching him build upon our program’s foundation and have our kids perform at the highest level.”
With this new leadership, Griffin Wrestling is poised for continued growth and competitive success. The Donovan Catholic community looks forward to the energy, vision, and championship mindset Coach Coleman will bring as he leads the program into its next chapter.
The future of Griffin Wrestling is bright — and the climb to new heights begins now.
National School Counseling Week: Celebrating Our Donovan Catholic Counseling Team
This week, Donovan Catholic High School proudly celebrates National School Counseling Week by recognizing and thanking our dedicated School Counseling Department for the vital role they play in the life of our school community.
Our school counselors are an essential source of guidance and support for our students, walking alongside them through academic planning, personal development, and important life decisions. Each day, they help students navigate challenges, set goals, and prepare for their futures with clarity and confidence.
Rooted in our Catholic faith and values, the Donovan Catholic Counseling Team goes beyond academics—helping students identify and embrace their God-given gifts while encouraging growth in mind, heart, and spirit. Their commitment to compassion, service, and individualized care reflects the mission of Donovan Catholic and the belief that every student is called to a life of purpose.
We are deeply grateful for the time, dedication, and heart our counselors pour into our school community each and every day. Their work is a true reflection of faith in action, and we thank them for being a constant source of encouragement and support for our Griffins.
Donovan Catholic’s Young Track & Field Teams Make Waves This Winter — Featured in The Monitor
Donovan Catholic High School is proud to share that our winter track and field program was recently featured in The Monitor, recognizing the impressive performances, growth, and promise of our young Griffins this indoor season.
In the article, The Monitor spotlights how Donovan Catholic’s boys and girls indoor track and field teams are enjoying a successful winter despite competing with a relatively young roster. With a mix of returning athletes and newcomers experiencing their first winter season, the Griffins have demonstrated determination, teamwork, and a competitive edge at major meets throughout Ocean County and beyond.
One of the standout performances highlighted in the feature comes from junior transfer Jael Hester, who made an immediate impact by winning the 55-meter hurdles at the Ocean County Championships while setting a new school record. His versatility and leadership have helped elevate the program, while athletes across sprints, hurdles, distance events, jumps, and throws continue to contribute valuable points and personal bests.
The article also emphasizes the overall depth of the Donovan Catholic program, noting how athletes are steadily improving and gaining confidence as the season progresses. Head Coach Ken Oliver credits the team’s strong work ethic, positive chemistry, and commitment to training as key factors behind their winter success, setting the stage for continued growth heading into the spring season.
This recognition from The Monitor reflects the dedication of our student-athletes and coaching staff, as well as the supportive Donovan Catholic community that continues to foster excellence in both athletics and character.
Read the full feature from The Monitor here:
https://trentonmonitor.com/
Tony Melendez Inspires Our School Communities During Catholic Schools Week 2026
Born without arms due to thalidomide exposure before birth, Tony Melendez has spent his life transforming adversity into purpose. A gifted musician, speaker, and advocate for life, Tony is known worldwide for his remarkable ability to play the guitar with his feet and for his unwavering message of hope, resilience, and trust in God’s plan. His story captured international attention in 1987 when he performed for Pope Saint John Paul II, who famously told him, “You are an inspiration for all.”
Through music, storytelling, and heartfelt reflection, Tony reminded our students that every person is created with dignity, gifted with purpose, and called to share their talents in service of others. His performance beautifully reflected the spirit of Catholic Schools Week...celebrating faith, community, service, and the unique gifts God places within each of us.
This shared moment of worship and inspiration highlighted the strong bond between our elementary and high school communities and served as a powerful reminder of the mission of Catholic education: to form hearts, minds, and spirits rooted in faith and love.
Celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2026
Throughout the week, our community will come together in prayer, celebration, and gratitude as we honor the people who make Donovan Catholic a place where students are known, challenged, and inspired to grow. From meaningful moments of reflection to activities that highlight leadership, service, and school spirit, Catholic Schools Week reminds us why our mission matters.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our parents and families for their continued trust and partnership, to our faculty and staff for their dedication and commitment and to our alumni who remain an important part of our Griffin legacy. Most importantly, we celebrate our students, who live out our values each day through faith in action, academic achievement, and service to others.
This Catholic Schools Week, we give thanks for our Donovan community and look forward to a week rooted in faith, gratitude, and the shared mission that unites us all.
Something Rotten
Donovan Boys Basketball Captures Kevin Williams Classic Steve Gepp Bracket Title
After overcoming a slow start and a tough challenge from Toms River East in the final game, the Griffins secured a thrilling 56–54 victory to claim the title. Donovan Catholic defeated all three Toms River public schools entered in the bracket, showcasing resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament.
Leading the way was standout freshman Gerard Gallo, who earned tournament Most Valuable Player honors with 18 points and five assists in the championship game. Sophomore T.J. Hunter also made a significant impact, finishing with seven points, nine rebounds, and three steals and earning a spot on the all-tournament team alongside Gallo.
Senior Pat Gallo and junior Gabe Feliciano played key roles on both ends of the court, contributing to Donovan’s strong defensive effort that forced multiple turnovers and helped shift momentum in key moments.
This victory marks the first time Donovan Catholic has won the Kevin Williams Christmas Classic bracket named for legendary coach Steve Gepp, adding a special chapter to the program’s history.
Join us in congratulating the Griffins on a hard-fought championship run and celebrating the bright future ahead for this talented young team! Click here to read more from Shore Sports Insider: Run the River: Young Donovan Catholic Stars Shine in Kevin Williams Classic Final
Christopher Strippoli Named 92.7 WOBM Ocean County Student of the Week
Donovan Catholic is proud to announce that Christopher Strippoli has been recognized as this week’s Ocean County Student of the Week by 92.7 WOBM and Gateway Toyota.
92.7 WOBM writes, "Christopher is a well-rounded leader, scholar, and athlete. A member of the National Honor Society and International Thespian Society, he’s also active in band, theatre, student council, and numerous organizations, including Habitat for Humanity. A team captain in bowling and tennis, Christopher was named a Scholar Athlete for maintaining the highest GPA on the varsity soccer team."
We congratulate Christopher on this well-deserved recognition and are proud to celebrate his achievements as a representative of Donovan Catholic High School.
Coach Curcione Named A South Division Coach of the Year
Exemplar Yearbook Earns All New Jersey Platinum Award, Securing Second Place in the State
Congratulations to the editors and staff of the 2025 yearbook for this outstanding achievement.
Three Griffins Honored in International PSA Youth Showcase
The PSA Youth Showcase invites students ages 14–18 from high schools across the globe to submit their work through participating chapters, clubs, and councils. Designed to promote creativity and photographic education among young artists, the Showcase gives students a platform to share their talent and gain recognition for their artistic vision.
We congratulate Katelyn, Taylor, and Grace on this remarkable accomplishment and look forward to seeing their continued artistic growth.
Donovan Participates In Bloomberg Trading Challenge
Senior Citizen Prom is Back!
The Donovan Catholic High School Student Council and National Honor Society are pleased to announce their major service project of the school year – the “Senior Citizen Prom.” The “senior prom” is a free afternoon of dining and dancing for the senior citizens of Ocean County. It has been extremely successful in the past, with over 300 seniors attending! The planning for such an event takes many months, and while the prom isn’t until April 19th, 2026, we are reaching out to all of you to help with our Amazon Wish List. We are anticipating a large crowd, and anything you choose to buy will help us give our guests the party of a lifetime.
Donovan Catholic Football Makes History as A-South Champions
History has been made at Donovan Catholic! For the first time in school history, our Griffin Football Team has been named A-South Champions. This incredible achievement is a testament to the team’s hard work, discipline, and dedication — both on and off the field. Congratulations to our athletes, coaches, and the entire Donovan community for this milestone victory!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Robo Griffins Named 2025 Robocon Alliance Champions
Donovan Catholic is proud to announce that our Robo Griffins have been named the 2025 Robocon Alliance Champions! This remarkable accomplishment is a testament not only to their technical skill but also to the spirit of innovation and teamwork that defines our school community.
More than a victory, this achievement reflects how our Robotics Team is leading the way in STEM education at Donovan. Through creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving, our students embody perseverance and forward-thinking—skills that prepare them to make meaningful contributions in college, careers, and beyond.
Their success serves as an inspiration for the entire Griffin community and highlights the extraordinary opportunities available to our students. The Robo Griffins have shown that with dedication and innovation, the future truly belongs to Donovan.
Donovan Catholic Attends NJ Bishops’ Mass for Life and Rally
On Thursday September 25, 2025, members of Donovan Catholic’s faculty, staff, and student body came together in faith at the NJ Bishops’ Mass for Life and Rally. This special event highlighted our Catholic commitment to defending the dignity of all human life.
Each October, the Catholic Church celebrates Respect Life Month, a time dedicated to affirming that every life, at every stage, is precious in the eyes of God. As a Catholic school community, Donovan Catholic is proud to stand united in support of life, compassion, and faith-filled values that guide our mission.
Tennis News
Congratulations to our Girls Tennis team on a fantastic showing at the Ocean County Tournament! The team secured an impressive 2nd Place overall, with standout finishes across the board:
Steph Stulich – Overall Ocean County Champion 
Michelle Salvatore & Patty Hannon – 3rd Place, Second Doubles Annmarie Bologna & Layla Durazzo – 3rd Place, First Doubles Emma Cookson – 3rd Place, Second Singles Audrey Barrett – Ocean County Champion at Third Singles Way to represent, Griffins!