At the end of senior year, each graduating Ram is required to complete his Senior Project, giving students the opportunity to explore an area of personal interest through hands-on experience and independent learning.
Students must first submit and receive approval for their proposed project ideas, which over the years have ranged from internships and app design to painting portraits and other creative pursuits. For Joe DeMarco ’26, that project became a chance to learn more about the strength of the Oratory Brotherhood through an internship in the Office of Alumni Engagement.
Joe first came to know Ms. Finnen through Oratory Prep Track and Field, where she volunteered her time leading yoga and stretching sessions for the throwers both during and outside of the season. Her patience, positivity, and dedication left a lasting impression on him and inspired his interest in working alongside her in the alumni office.
During his internship, Joe gained valuable communication and organizational skills while helping with alumni outreach, correspondence, and office tasks. One of his duties was calling alumni to thank them for supporting Rally for the Rams Day of Giving & Gratitude. Through those calls, Joe listened to firsthand stories about alumni experiences at OP and learned about the different paths they took after graduation. He mentioned that every alumnus he talked to was welcoming, kind, and generous with their time, making each conversation special and memorable.
Joe also attended a meeting with an advancement leader at Seton Hall University, where he gained insight into fundraising, campaigns, and alumni relations at the university level.
Reflecting on the experience, Joe mentioned that the internship helped prepare him for a more professional and communicative world beyond high school while also deepening his appreciation for the OP community and its lifelong connections.
This article appeared in the May 2026 issue of Fidelitas: The Alumni Newsletter of Oratory Prep. To read the latest issue, visit www.oratoryprep.org/fidelitas.