Ed Alander

Each student has his or her own unique story about what led them to Roger Bacon. Many of these stories are unusual or even surprising, but Ed Alander’s path to RB was especially unique.

“You might not want to hear this,” Ed said, “but...I flipped a coin. I got accepted to two great schools, and I couldn’t choose. So yep. I flipped a coin, I got RB, and the rest is history!” For those who know Ed, this decision-making process may not come as a surprise. Ed is an easy-going guy who always has a smile on his face. He wasn’t afraid to leave his high school path up to a little chance. Looking back, though, that coin flip feels like more than chance—it led Ed to Roger Bacon for a reason, and he can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Since freshman year, Ed has been involved in many clubs and teams at Roger Bacon, including God Squad, Boys’ Volleyball, and Drama Guild. This weekend, he stars as Otto Frank in the Drama Guild’s production of The Diary of Anne Frank. Ed also had a role in last year’s fall play, Our Miss Brooks, and he has had positions in the crew on multiple other productions. Ed enjoys being part of Drama Guild because of the welcoming atmosphere. “I like acting, but most of all I enjoy working with such a good group of easygoing, welcoming people,” Ed said.

Choir and Drama Director Ms. Catie Murray praised the way Ed lives out many Franciscan Values, both in his work on stage and in the way he interacts with teachers and classmates. Ms. Murray said, “For the past three years, Ed has shown us time and again how adaptable he is to any role. Currently, as Mr. Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank, Ed holds true to Otto’s characteristics of humility, fraternity and compassion, three of our Franciscan Values. Taking on this large role with its emotional weight, Ed has put in the work to make it his own. His performance (and voice!) as Otto is something you won’t forget.”

As a member of God Squad, Ed also helps to plan school Masses and other worship opportunities. Theology teacher and God Squad advisor Mrs. Johanna Becker spoke about Ed’s contributions to the group. “Ed is awesome!!” said Mrs. Becker, “He is dependable, kind, and responsible. Ed is a role model for how to live out one’s faith. He is humble, and has an awesome sense of humor. I depend on him A LOT in God Squad.”

Academically, Ed has especially enjoyed the opportunity to take Philosophy this year. Philosophy is a new elective, taught by Mr. Michael Mason. “I got a little bit interested in philosophy over the summer,” Ed explained. “I was excited when I found out it would be offered as a class this fall. Mr. Mason has had a huge impact on me this year as my Philosophy teacher. He has opened my eyes to a bunch of new ideas. He poses questions and problems that really challenge me and make me think more deeply about so many things.”

In addition to being the Face of RB, Ed will soon be the voice of RB as well! He is involved in creating a brand-new podcast about Roger Bacon. The podcast, titled Hail Spartans, will cover a wide range of stories and aspects of life at RB. “I’m really excited about the podcast,” said Ed. “We have some creative ideas to make it entertaining and enlightening, sharing perspectives from current students, alumni, teachers, and staff.” The first episodes of Hail Spartans will be recorded and released soon - stay tuned!

Roger Bacon is made up of many faces, different faces. We hope to showcase as wide a range of our Spartans as possible. If you would like to nominate a Spartan, past or present, to be featured as a Face of RB, please click here.