As the year goes on, with the celebration of Hoban's 50th anniversary, it will become very clear that things will never be the same.

On Wednesday, July 16, Brother Philip Alessandro, 74, died of cancer. At his wake the next day, hundreds of admirers spanning two generations came to pay their respects.

His larger-than-life personality was apparent every time he walked down the hall. Often clad in his tae kwon do gear, he was always doing something when in school. Whether he was passing out his homemade bread or pastries at lunch or giving square dance lessons to the physical education classes, all his activities defied his age and characterized him more as a vibrant young student than a wise old philosopher. He was more than just another teacher in the hall, he was a shining energy force with a zealous appetite for life and other people.

This love of life is what made him so special. It's easy to volunteer your time at a school after you've retired, but it's hard to do it the same way Brother Phil did. He possessed a sense of spirit and concern unrivaled by anyone else at Hoban. The smile he perpetually wore radiated to those around him. It was more than just a smile, it was a badge of his spirit that followed him everywhere and into every activity he performed. He had a personality that could only be understood if you knew him, but it wasn't hard to do this. Perhaps the friendliest man in school, he was one of those people even the shyest individual wouldn't hesitate to strike up a conversation with.

It is true Hoban was very important to Brother Phil, but he was even more important to the school. Without him, Hoban lacks more than just a person, it lacks an essential part of its spirit as a Catholic school. He was an example of Christian service and morals in action. We should all strive to adopt more of Brother Phil's characteristics to become better individuals and a better community.