I am a 1985 graduate of Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA. (My brother was in the class of 1976). It is there where many Augustinians helped formulate not only my educational foundation but more importantly my spiritual values. All of the Augustinian priests and teachers at Bonner helped shape me (along with my parents and four siblings), however, my class moderators Father Joe Mostardi, O.S.A. and John Denny (now Father John Denny, O.S.A.) made an impact in my life that I will never be able to repay.
Also, being a football player allowed me to hear Father Bill Atkinson, O.S.A. (football moderator) give a homily before each and every Varsity game that I had the privilege to be a part of. Fr. Atkinson was also my 11th grade Theology teacher. In addition, Fr. Atkinson also gave me the privilege to drive him several times over to the Dairy Queen on Lansdowne Ave. where we enjoyed afternoon ice cream (something Father really enjoyed but probably should not have been eating). Father Atkinson’s courage, humor, and toughness carries with me throughout all the difficult circumstances that I have had to face in my life. After each and every homily Fr. Atkinson would say, “good luck men, play tough.” I owe a debt of gratitude to these great and inspiring men and that is why my wife and I give back.
—Thomas J. and Kathryn M. Colvin
