New Faces, New Hopes, Same Villanova Spirit
Villanova Preparatory School joyfully opened the 2025–26 school year with a spirit of community, faith, and celebration. Seventy-two freshmen began their journey with a blessed retreat weekend on campus, where they spent time building friendships, reflecting on their hopes for high school, and experiencing the Augustinian values of unity, truth, and love in action. The celebration continued with our Week of Welcome (WOW), where seniors proudly led traditions and events to make the Class of 2029 feel at home in the Villanova community.
We are also excited to welcome Mr. Dan Annarelli as our new principal. With over 20 years of experience in Catholic education, most recently at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, Mr. Annarelli has taught, coached, and held key leadership roles. A graduate of Fordham and Villanova Universities, he brings a passion for combining academics, faith, and global awareness in the student experience.
Supporting him in leadership is Mr. Gabe Enriquez, Vice Principal, who has already made a strong impact in his three years at Villanova. With over two decades of teaching and leadership experience, he remains a guiding presence for students and faculty alike.
With fresh energy, beloved traditions, and a community rooted in Augustinian values, Villanova Prep begins this new school year with great excitement and hope.
EDWARD CAMPANA '12
"Firefighter. Paramedic. Innovator."
Edward Campana ’12 is making waves in emergency medicine as a firefighter-paramedic with the Ventura County Fire Department. A proud Villanova Prep graduate, Edward built a strong foundation of leadership and resilience on campus before earning a B.A. in Social Sciences/History with a minor in Religious Studies at Biola University, an A.A. in Paramedic Studies from Ventura College, and competing as a standout collegiate swimmer at both the University of Hawaii and Biola University.
Today, Edward is spearheading one of California’s most groundbreaking public safety initiatives: the launch of a prehospital whole blood transfusion program, already credited with saving lives in emergencies from roadside accidents to backcountry rescues. Adapted from military combat medicine, the program uses Low-Titer O Positive Whole Blood (LTOWB) and required extensive collaboration with Ventura County Medical Center, Vitalant Blood Bank, and the Ventura County EMS Agency. Edward led the charge, developing protocols for storage, transport, and administration, while also designing training and quality assurance systems for paramedics. His professional path has been equally dynamic—serving with multiple fire agencies, working as an Ocean Lifeguard for California State Parks, and contributing to specialized teams such as T.E.M.S./SWAT, Ocean Rescue, and helicopter emergency response. Alongside this demanding work, he also mentors the next generation of first responders through the Fire Explorer Program.
Within days of its launch, Ventura County firefighters administered California’s first prehospital transfusion by paramedics. Since then, at least 15 patients have received blood in the field, showing significant improvement before reaching the hospital. “The goal is to bring the emergency room to the patient,” Edward explained. “When every second counts, giving blood on-scene gives someone a fighting chance they wouldn’t otherwise have.”
The early success has fueled plans for expansion. Whole blood is now being deployed not only with ground units but also in air operations, urban search and rescue teams, and Tactical Emergency Medical Support units. Community support has been a driving force, with local blood drives, media outreach, and donor recognition events highlighting how local contributions are directly saving lives. “It all started with a passion for helping people and a desire to make things better,” Campana reflected. “It’s proof that with the right mindset, even local efforts can have statewide, even national impact.”
The program’s achievements have already earned Edward recognition, including a “40 Under 40” award from the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. With expansion well underway, the initiative is on track to become a model for agencies across California and beyond.
Edward credits his Villanova Prep education with instilling the values of service, perseverance, and leadership that continue to guide his life-saving work today. His story is a testament to the far-reaching impact of a Villanova education shaping graduates who not only excel professionally but also transform their communities through innovation and compassion.
ALUMNI EVENTS
Upcoming Mixer Events
Los Angeles (November 2025)
Registration coming soon!
Orange County
San Diego
San Francisco
Young Alumni Mixer (Class Years 2021-2025
)December 19, 2025 REGISTER HERESee you next year
!Alumni BBQ Reunion June 13, 2026
Sheep, Goats and Fire Safety
This summer, Villanova Prep partnered with the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council and the Ventura County Fire Department to reduce fire danger around our campus. The first phase of the project included removing hazardous trees and trimming vegetation across the property. With that work completed, the campus became more open, healthy, and safe for students.
In August, the next phase began with the arrival of more than 300 sheep and goats from Shepherdess Land and Livestock. Over several weeks, these natural “landscapers” grazed from the north end of campus near Ventura Avenue and Hermosa Road down past the baseball field and watershed, creating defensible space and reducing wildfire risk.
The animals were managed by a professional shepherd, who stayed on campus with his border collie to guide the flock. Using movable fencing, the sheep and goats rotated through areas until their work was complete.
The project was about more than fire prevention. It also served as a valuable educational experience. The Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council and Shepherdess Land and Livestock shared with students and faculty the benefits of holistic grazing, sustainable ranching practices, and wildfire mitigation techniques.
Thanks to the efforts of current parent Celine Moomey Ford P ’29, Villanova partnered with the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council, which secured the grant that brought the sheep and goats to campus for wildfire prevention. Celine is also pursuing a CALFire grant to support additional fire mitigation projects in the future.
We are deeply grateful to the Fire Safe Council, the Ventura County Fire Department, and Shepherdess Land and Livestock for helping us reduce fire hazards and for giving our community such an inspiring way to begin the school year.
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Would you like to inspire the next generation as a Career Day speaker?Please email Stella Day at sday@villanovaprep.org for more information.