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On Friday, November 14, Lacordaire Academy honored the Chiaravalloti family at its annual gala, recognizing their long-standing commitment to the school and its mission. Nancy and Nicholas Chiaravalloti, married since 2000, have been steady advocates for the Academy. Nancy serves as Director of Neuroscience Research at Kessler Foundation, and Nicholas is Vice President at Essex Equity. As Head of School Megan Mannato noted, “Nicholas and Nancy knew that this education was what they wanted for their children. They made a choice to come to Lacordaire all the way from Bayonne.”

 

All three Chiaravalloti sons began their academic paths at Lacordaire. AJ, a 2018 graduate, went on to Saint Peter’s Prep and is now a Senior at Boston University majoring in Electrical Engineering. Nico, who graduated in 2019, is a Junior at Villanova University majoring in Civil Engineering. Joshua, the youngest, graduated in 2024 and is currently a Sophomore at Saint Peter’s Prep. Their parents viewed their time at the Academy as a partnership. Nancy explained, “We did not see it as we bring our kids to school, they learn, then we pick them up and go home. We saw it more as a partnership to achieve what we wanted to achieve, which was for the boys to be the best they can be.”

 

The family’s involvement was not limited to the classroom. Nancy volunteered as a class parent, served as Tricky Tray Co-Chair, and currently contributes on the Board Advancement Committee. Faculty members have long recognized the family’s commitment. “They welcome a challenge for their children,” said Mary Thornton, Director of Curriculum Enrichment, reflecting on the way the Chiaravallotis consistently engaged with academic and extracurricular programs. That sense of engagement shaped the boys’ experiences as well. Nico noted, “The beauty of Lacordaire for us was the community it built. My best friends today are still my Lacordaire friends,” a sentiment shared by AJ and Joshua.

 

Their continued ties were evident at the gala, which raised just over $100,000, providing strong early momentum toward this year’s $350,000 annual fundraising goal. The evening’s celebratory atmosphere extended to alumni from the Middle School class of 2024, including Zamir Boger, Brandon Matute, Nicholas De Sopo, and Quinn Beckler, who returned to celebrate with their classmate, Joshua Chiaravalloti. Former teachers who shaped the boys’ years at Lacordaire were also present, including those who received (and brought with them to the gala) the souvenir “We Survived the Chiaravallotis” mugs gifted at Joshua’s graduation. Humanities teacher John Eichmann said, “I miss them terribly because they were always kids I could rely on,” underscoring how strongly the family’s presence resonated with faculty.

 

Throughout the evening, school leaders emphasized the broader significance of the family’s influence on the Academy. Mannato shared, “The boys are perfect examples of everything we want a Lacordaire student to be. They are involved, respectful, and well-spoken.” She continued with a reflection on the collective strength of the community, noting, “Tonight, we honor the Chiaravalloti Family. They embody everything we treasure in a Lacordaire family, but the truth is, so do all of you. You are here tonight because you believe in this school. You understand the importance of giving back, and you want to be part of the legacy we are building together.”

 

Other educators highlighted the family’s alignment with Lacordaire’s values. “They represent our Dominican values of Truth,” said Margaret Melore, who taught all three boys in first grade. Suzanne Bilicska, Associate Head of School, added, “What is most special about them is how dedicated they were to Lacordaire and the importance of having families like this at the Academy.” For Nancy, the outcome of those years is unmistakable. “They would not be the same people they are without the experience they had here,” she said. Nicholas echoed her reflection, stating, “Lacordaire has been here for a long time, and we are going to continue to work to keep it around forever.”

 

Director of Advancement and Enrollment Management Saydi Callahan Keefe tied the evening’s celebration to the future of the school. “We are here tonight not just to celebrate a school, but a community, one that dares to believe education can be both rigorous and joyful, both faith filled and forward thinking. It is a rare balance, and it takes every person in this room to sustain it,” she said. She invited attendees to recognize their role in shaping the Academy’s next chapter. “So tonight, I invite you to lean in, to the laughter, the friendship, the purpose that brought you here. This evening is not about transactions, it is about transformation. Every bid, every paddle raise, every conversation tonight fuels the future of these students, young people who will go out into the world curious, confident, and kind.”

 

The Chiaravalloti family’s story reflects the strength of Lacordaire’s community and the lasting connections that define the Academy. Their involvement continues to shape the school and illustrates the impact of a shared commitment to education and values.