The Catholic Schools Foundation, a generous supporter and partner of Saint Joseph Prep Boston, held a Gala on April 7, 2022 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. Joadly "JoJo" Duplan, class of 2017, and the 1965 Firebirds robotics team
represented SJP at the event. 

Joadly Duplan was invited to address the audience about her experience as a Catholic Schools Foundation scholar. After graduating from Saint Joseph Prep Boston in 2017 and previously attending St. Theresa's Somerville, Duplan matriculated from Boston University. Duplan then began her professional career as a Clinical Research Coordinator at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The next step in her journey will be attending nursing school to become a pediatric oncological nurse practitioner. Duplan credits her passion for the pediatric population and desire to work in healthcare to her Catholic education. 

"Along with a stellar education, Catholic school taught me to ask 'How do I use my gifts to better the world around me?'" said Duplan in her speech to gala attendees.

Duplan is remembered at SJP as an excellent student and dedicated member of the community. 

Before Duplan's speech, the 1965 Firebirds wowed gala attendees with their latest engineering feat. Operated by a game controller, the SJP-engineered robot whizzed around guests, stopping them in their tracks to learn more. Fellow Catholic school students and experienced professionals alike were impressed by and curious about the robot. Owen Weitzler, '25, was the primary "driver" of the robot, working with wide-eyed young students who excitedly retrieved and passed a ball to and from the robot. Sister and brother duo Brigid Duffy, '22, and Patrick Duffy, '24, engaged with inquisitive Catholic Schools Foundation supporters, explaining their roles in building the robot and how their recent FIRST Robotics competition went. 

Catholic Schools Foundation helps kids receive high-quality Catholic education. Saint Joseph Prep is a proud partner of the Catholic Schools Foundation, and is grateful for their ongoing and generous support.