English
The English Department at La Salle strives to inspire each student to develop a lifelong love of reading and to become a critical thinker and a skilled communicator. Students engage the full range of literature, from the culture and theater of the ancient Greeks to the philosophy and issues of contemporary times. The men and women in the English Department possess diverse points of view and wide-ranging interests and areas of academic expertise, from classic philosophies to modern crime fiction, from Renaissance classics to twenty-first century issues, but each is dedicated to sharing a passion for reading with a critical eye and writing with precision and authenticity.
Philosophy
Neil Gaiman, English author...
“A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.”
Our students learn close reading skills and develop an aesthetic appreciation of significant literature of various genres. Understanding the structural principles of literature, drama, and poetry is crucial to the development of organizational skills in composition, and the writing of both short informal pieces and longer formal essays further students’ critical analyses of the works. Our students grow into confident writers through a comprehensive editing process and targeted feedback from their teachers.
Class discussion and student presentations advance the understanding of the works, improve students’ communication skills, and enhance their analytical thinking. We help create well-rounded students who are capable of understanding and applying what they learn in class to other disciplines and to the outside world. Our students’ skills build upon one another each year, resulting in well-prepared, confident learners who are ready for the rigor of college courses and who have the skills necessary to excel at the university level – a “dream” come true.
Classes Offered
Faculty
English Faculty

Mr. Matthew Del Rio
Faculty Member, Head Coach: Water Polo, Assistant Coach: Swimming, Assistant Moderator: Yearbook, Rowing

Mr. Gerard Hartey
Faculty Member, Moderator: Gaming Club, Moderator: Intramurals, Lasallian Service Corps Assistant

Mr. Michael McCabe
Faculty Member, Department Chair: Religion, Head Coach: Speech & Debate, Co-Director: Fall Theater

Mr. John (Jack) Mills
Faculty Member, Assistant Coach: Speech & Debate, Moderator: Gazebo, Fall Theater Association