5K Brings Alumni, Students and Parents Together to Support Paul VI

Eighty two alumni, students, parents and coaches put their best foot forward in Paul VI’s Annual Blue and White Alumni Run and Walk. This 5k, sponsored by the Paul VI Alumni Association and the Boys Cross Country Team, was held at Pennypacker Park, Haddonfield on October 24th. The event supports student scholarships through Paul VI’s Annual Giving Campaign. It also provides a great opportunity for alumni to connect and enjoy a beautiful day in the park. This was the first year a walk component was added to the event.

As Paul VI celebrates its 50th year, it was fitting that participants included alumni from each decade of the school’s existence. John Tait, class of ’70 held the distinction of being the male runner from the earliest graduating year. “I started running six years ago for health reasons. It’s nice to come here and see alumni from all ages. Also, I know I can always receive a medal as one of the oldest runners!” he said.

Kristen Brogan, class of ’82, was Tait’s counterpart as the female from the earliest graduating class. Brogan also earned the Bronze Award for female alumni. She said, “I participated last year as a mom by bringing snacks. My son, Jack, is a current student on the cross country team. I thought it would be nice to run, so I started training in the summer. It was a great day!”

The Boys Cross Country Team’s parents generously provide a barbecue after the run and walk each year.

The medalists included:

1st Place Runner Overall – Coach Bretton Bonnette

Student Category
1st Place Male – Spencer Gopalan, ‘19
1st Place Female – 6-way tie, Klara Devos ’19,Annie Skiles ‘19, Amelia Smith ‘19, Sarah Schultes ‘19, Imogen Connelly ‘19,Miranda Zevallos ’19

2nd Place Male – Stephen Conte, ’17
2nd Place Female – Imogen Connelly, ‘19

3rd Place Male – Sean Bonner, ’17
3rd Place Female – Shara Schultes, ‘19

Alumni Category

1st Place Male – Coach Colin MacFarlane ’06
1st Place Female – Kristine Connelly ‘99

2nd Place Male – Jake Durante-Koller ’14
2nd Place Female – Rebecca Gilbert ‘12

3rd Place Male – Michael Paterson ‘13
3rd Place Female – Kristen Brogan ‘82

Earliest Grad Year Male – John Tait ’70

Earliest Grad Year Female – Kristen Brogan ‘82

Most Leisurely Paced – Judge Thomas Shusted, ‘73

“I’m happy to reclaim my title of Most Leisurely Paced. I think I’ve earned that more times than anyone,” said Judge Shusted. “I also come out to support the school. It’s been a glorious 50 years .”

For more information about Paul VI High School’s Alumni Association events, please contact Mary Anne Yeager, Director of Institutional Advancement, myeager@pvihs.org, or call (856) 858-4900, ext. 343.

Photo Caption: left to right: Kristen Brogan ’82, Judge Thomas Shusted ’73, John Tait ’70, Coach Colin MacFarlane ’06, Coach Bretten Bonnette, Michael Patterson ’13, Jake Durante-Koller ’14, and freshman Klara Devos, Annie Skiles, and Amelia Smith ’19.

Paul VI High School is a regional college-preparatory high school with 18 advanced placement courses, over 100 athletic conference championships, serving over 1100 students from throughout South Jersey. Paul VI is located on thirty-five acres in Haddonfield, New Jersey. The school has forty-five years of academic excellence grounded in Christian values and Catholic doctrine and educates for academic achievement and a total development of spiritual, moral, and social values. Paul VI is a vital presence in the educational community, helping to form young men and women capable of leading us in this century.