WARWICK — Bishop Hendricken High School has announced that two members of the Class of 2023 earned United States service academy appointments. Christien Monello and Robert Connor Shao both earned appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy respectively.
Monello and Shao both earned their appointments through a rigorous application process that included nominations from Congress, preliminary applications, physical examinations, medical evaluations, and interviews. Upon graduation and receipt of a Bachelor of Science degree, both will be commissioned as officers in the Armed Forces.
“As a career Air Force serviceman with over 36 years of service as a chaplain, I am delighted that these two young men have answered the call to serve our nation,” said Father Robert L. Marciano, KHS ‘75, president. “An appointment to an academy is a high distinction and goes only to the best of the best. The Bishop Hendricken family is honored to send these two young men forward to begin their careers which we know will be as bright and distinguished as their years have been with us. Hendricken men, rooted in the Gospel, live to serve others, and both Christian and Connor live that ideal daily. Our prayers go with them.”
“Christien and Connor are quality young men who are rooted in their faith,” said Mark DeCiccio ‘03, principal. “Their service through the academies and beyond will undoubtedly make our country and our world a better place.”
Monello, a Cranston resident, has consistently been ranked in the top three students in the Class of 2023 throughout his career at Bishop Hendricken. As graduation nears, Monello carries a 3.97 GPA and has earned a President’s List distinction every quarter of high school. While taking a full honors and Advanced Placement course load, he has earned induction into the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematical Honors Society), National Italian Honor Society, and a Silver Medal on the National Italian Exam. A Life Scout in the Boy Scouts, Monello has been actively involved in tutoring, the Leadership Academy, writing club, Peer Mentors, Ambassadors Club, Youth Force, Italian Club, Academic Decathlon, and serving as a youth spiritual leader for Ocean State Baptist Church. Monello has also played soccer, track & field, futsal, and participated in weightlifting.
Shao, an Exeter resident, has earned a 3.69 GPA while taking a demanding honors and Advanced Placement course load. Over the course of his career, he has earned a President’s List distinction every quarter. Shao was a top-three finalist in the Bishop Hendricken Science Fair, winner of the Spanish Level 1 and 2 Culture Fair, a two-time Bronze Medalist on the National Spanish Exam, and multi-year participant in the U.S. Naval Academy’s summer programs. At Hendricken, Shao was extensively involved in lacrosse, drama, Ambassadors Club, Youth Force, and ski club. Outside of school, Shao is a Life Scout in the Boy Scouts, an avid sailor, and talented bagpiper.
