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!Academic Excellence Takes Flight: Two Griffins Named National Merit Commended Students
We are proud to share that two of our seniors, Sophia P. and Julian M., have been recognized as Commended Students in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Each year, more than 1.3 million juniors across the nation take the PSAT/NMSQT®. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise and two of our Griffins are included in that number. We are so proud!
Sophia and Julian's achievement showcases not only their dedication, but the spirit of excellence that shines throughout our Donovan community. Let’s cheer on these Griffins as they continue to soar toward bright and successful futures!
Donovan Catholic Welcomes a Brand-New Griffin Mascot
In 1967, Donovan Catholic’s Student Council sponsored a spirited contest to choose a school mascot. Students submitted a variety of ideas, and after careful consideration, the faculty narrowed the choices to five finalists. When it came time to vote, the Griffin secured the majority of the ballots...and a legend was born.
The Griffin, a mythical creature with the head, beak, and wings of an eagle and the body and legs of a lion, has represented Donovan Catholic for nearly six decades. Throughout history, the Griffin has symbolized vigilance, swiftness, loyalty, and strength. In the Christian tradition, it reflects Christ’s two-fold nature: divinity through the eagle, and humanity through the lion. For generations, this noble symbol has stood as a guardian of our school community, inspiring pride and tradition among our students, families, and alumni.
In 2025, the Donovan Catholic community once again rallied behind its beloved Griffin. Through our “SAVE THE GRIFFIN” campaign, faculty, students, staff, alumni, and friends of the school united in a heartfelt effort to raise funds for a brand-new mascot costume. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, the campaign was a resounding success.
Now, as we step into the 2025–2026 school year, we are proud to unveil our reimagined Griffin mascot. With renewed energy and spirit, the Griffin will take center stage at athletic games, school events, and community gatherings, ready to energize crowds, inspire school pride, and continue its role as a living symbol of Donovan Catholic’s legacy.
Our Griffin represents more than just a mascot. It embodies the enduring faith, loyalty, and strength of the Donovan Catholic family...past, present, and future. We are thrilled to welcome this new chapter in our history and look forward to seeing the Griffin soar for many years to come.
Donovan Students Recognized By College Board
Congratulations to...
Gabrielle Buzzerio Sophia Pasqua Julian Miles Panerio Nicolas Fiorella Robert Green Ashley Elias Flores Amelia Roche Christopher Strippoli Colin Johnson Riley O’Shea
The College Board’s National Recognition Program is designed to shine a light on high-achieving students nationwide across all backgrounds. By claiming a National Recognition Program award(s), eligible students have a tangible way to stand out to colleges and celebrate their academic achievements with their communities.
Congratulations, Griffins!
GriffinFest Returns August 14 - RSVP Today!
Join us in the quad for an unforgettable night of food, fun, and faith-filled community as we welcome Griffins of all kinds — alumni, friends, faculty, retired staff — to celebrate the spirit of Donovan! 
Delicious eats
Live music by Ballyhaunis Band
Beer Tent (Wristbands and ID check required for guests 21+)& More!
Each ticket is $25. Tickets will go up to $30 at the door and space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended! Link for tickets - Blackbaud