2026 Hall of Fame
The Wildwood Catholic Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Dr. Kelly Caruso
Class of 1984
Dr. Kelly Caruso, BSc, VMD, MANZCVs, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology (DACVO) graduated from Wildwood Catholic in 1984. Kelly and her siblings attended St. Raymond’s School before continuing their Catholic education at Wildwood Catholic Academy, a tradition rooted in their mother’s strong belief in the values, discipline, and opportunities provided by Catholic education.Kelly was actively involved in basketball and enjoyed being part of a team environment that emphasized hard work, discipline, and camaraderie. One of her favorite memories is winning the South Jersey Basketball Championship and advancing to the State Finals in 1984, a memorable experience that brought the team and school community together.
Kelly was also a member of the National Honor Society, a Science Fair participant, and the recipient of a Spanish Award. She is remembered by her peers and teachers as a kind, hardworking, enthusiastic student. Kelly enjoyed both the academic and social aspects of school, valued the friendships and mentorships she developed, and appreciated the opportunities Wildwood Catholic provided.
After graduating as the Salutatorian in her class, Kelly attended Saint Joseph’s University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Spanish. She then worked at The Wistar Institute in a genetics laboratory, which further strengthened her interest in science and medicine.
Kelly spent time traveling extensively throughout the world which broadened her perspective, strengthened her independence, and became an important part of her personal journey. She pursued veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (‘97) and ultimately specialized in veterinary ophthalmology.
Kelly currently resides in Sydney, Australia with her husband, Dr. Cameron Whittaker, son Henry Whittake (age 12), daughter Isla Whittaker (age 7), their three dogs and two cats. She is a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist and co-owner of the Eye Clinic for Animals.
Kelly’s words to current Wildwood Catholic students are: “Take chances, challenge yourself, and make thoughtful decisions. Both your successes and your setbacks will help shape who you become. Strive every day to grow into the best version of yourself, and never underestimate the impact of hard work, kindness, and perseverance.”
T-John Casiello
Class of 2012
T-John Casiello, class of 2012, currently resides in Wildwood with his wife, Reni, and his son, Stephen. T-John’s mother and both of his sisters, Chrissy and Kimmy, attended Wildwood Catholic as well. T-John’s legacy is that of a friendly, hardworking, personable student and a legendary basketball player.During his four years as a point guard for Wildwood Catholic, the team won its division and made state playoffs. T-John fondly remembers the big home games where the packed gym created an unforgettable energy. His name currently resides on a banner celebrating his achievement of scoring 1000 points during his time at Wildwood Catholic.
When T-John first started his basketball career at Wildwood Catholic, the team was very good but struggled for a couple of years. T-John was a huge component in helping build the program, and by the time he graduated, his class had recruited many talented younger players. The class behind him ended up winning the Cape Atlantic League.
Wildwood Catholic was just the beginning of T-John’s basketball career. Following graduation, he received a scholarship to the University of the Sciences (which merged with Saint Joseph’s University in 2022) to play basketball. During his four years there, he led the NCAA in assist-to-turnover ratio and received a plaque for his feat. His team also made it to the NCAA tournament and even beat Drexel University, a Division I school. After receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business, T-John had the opportunity to further his education and basketball career in Ireland. He played basketball for Letterkenny Institute of Technology and received a master’s degree in marketing. After graduation, he moved to Spain and played basketball for two years before returning to the United States.
Today, T-John shares his knowledge and love of the game with local kids in the community. Casiello Basketball hosts basketball training camps, teams, and leagues. T-John said it is great to help train the kids, a lot of whom currently attend Wildwood Catholic. He wants current students to know that Wildwood Catholic, even though it’s a small school, can set you up for what you want to do in life, as Wildwood Catholic helped him to be able to see the world. “Going to Wildwood Catholic, you can achieve anything. You can be anything you want to be.”
Amy (Pearson) Holmes
Class of 1999
Amy (Pearson) Holmes attended Wildwood Catholic for four years and graduated in 1999. She chose Wildwood Catholic because of its academics and athletics programs. During her time there, she was involved in a wide variety of activities. She participated in the school production of “The King and I,” was a member of the Yearbook Club, played centerfield for the softball team, played field hockey, and notably, Amy is most well known for her standout performance as a forward and center for the basketball team.She started practicing with the Wildwood Catholic team in 7th and 8th grade. Her basketball career was built on her hard work and passion for the sport. She said her coaches, Bob Matthews, Vicki Dilmore, and Erin Krauss, were instrumental and introduced her to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) for basketball. The Wildwood Catholic team had many successes during Amy’s high school years and Amy produced over 1000 points in her high school career, and her name currently resides on a banner at Wildwood Catholic.
She noted that her most cherished memory was getting to play basketball side by side with her sister Jamie for three years. Jamie passed away, and Amy shared that these are memories she will have with her forever.
Amy wants current Wildwood Catholic students to know that “being an athlete means being strong, determined, and resilient against anything. To always keep pushing yourself and believing in your dreams. And know that you’re opening the doors for the next generation.”
After graduation, Amy played basketball at Lackawanna College for two years and then transferred to Stockton University. She earned her undergraduate degree in marketing. Amy eventually returned to Wildwood Catholic in 2009 to coach basketball. Her husband, Kevin, proposed at halftime during one of these games. He stated he chose to do it then because he knew how much Wildwood Catholic basketball meant to Amy.
Amy currently works for the city of North Wildwood and lives in Lower Township with her husband Kevin, son Lincoln, and stepdaughter, Angie. She keeps in touch with many of her peers and past basketball students.
Andrew Morrison
Class of 2003
Andrew Morrison grew up in Sea Isle City and attended Wildwood Catholic High School for four years, graduating in 2003. Andrew chose Wildwood Catholic because of the importance of a Catholic school education and because his older brother Matt (‘02) attended the school as well.During Andrew’s time at Wildwood Catholic, he played defense for the soccer team for three years and played forward for the basketball team for four years. During his high school basketball career, Andrew was a recipient of the South Jersey Player of the Year award, the CAL Player of the Year award, and scored over 1000 points. The basketball team won the division every year Andrew played at Wildwood Catholic, the team made the South Jersey final twice, and they held a record against Wildwood High, 8-0.
Andrew loved attending Wildwood Catholic and the people there. Twenty-five years later, many of his closest friends are people he attended Wildwood Catholic with. “Whether it was playing sports or just being a student there, I thought it was a special place,” Andrew shared. He is remembered by his peers and teachers as being a good-hearted, competitive, down-to-earth person.
After graduation, Andrew played Division I basketball at Bucknell University and played in the NCAA tournament twice. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Business Management, he attended law school at Villanova University. He now works as a NBA agent, representing professional basketball players.
He currently lives in Narberth, Pennsylvania with his wife, Lexi, and three children, Hannah, Lily, and Theo. Andrew tells current Wildwood Catholic students to “be where your feet are” and “enjoy the school and everything that comes with it.”
Mary Theresa Vey
Coach
Mary Theresa Vey, lovingly known as MT, Mom, Coach Mary, or “Veyster,” devoted her life to her family, faith, and community. Raised in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, alongside her eight younger siblings, Mary spent her summers in Wildwood, where she would later build a life centered around love, service, and tradition.After graduating from Saint Joseph’s University, she settled in Cape May County with her husband, Michael (Class of ’69). Together they raised four children, Christine (’00), Michael (’02), Carin (’06), and Matthew.
Mary balanced a 30-year career as a tax preparer while continuously serving others. She volunteered at St. Ann’s School, where she began coaching cheerleading. She twice led the NJ National Guard Family Readiness Program during her husband’s overseas deployments (1990 & 2003). Her compassion and leadership earned recognition from both the state and Congress. She was involved in the Save Wildwood Catholic initiative as a member of the finance committee. She also volunteered for over a decade in the Boardwalk Basketball Classic kitchen, helping raise scholarship funds for students. She served as treasurer for the TJ Hunt Memorial Foundation in honor of her beloved nephew. Her energy and generosity knew no bounds.
In 2001, Mary became the head cheerleading coach at Wildwood Catholic, a role she passionately held for the remainder of her life. Through endless fundraising efforts, she created opportunities for her athletes to attend camps and compete nationally. More importantly, she mentored generations of students, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the sidelines.
Deeply devoted to her faith, Mary earned a master’s degree in Church Management from Villanova University and served faithfully at Notre Dame de la Mer Parish.
Mary’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched, the traditions she built, and the spirit of generosity, faith, and love she embodied every day.
Charlie Vogdes
Class of 1966
Charlie Vogdes’ time at Wildwood Catholic began during his junior year of high school. After completing his sophomore year at Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, Charlie and his family moved from Maple Shade to Cape May where he became the first in his family to attend and graduate from Wildwood Catholic and was followed by his four sisters: Betty Ann (‘71), Margie (‘79), Rose (‘81), and Maureen (‘85).
During his time at Wildwood Catholic, Charlie was a member of the varsity baseball team and basketball team. He was co-captain of the 1965-1966 basketball team and a First Team Cape May County All-Star basketball player that same year. He led Wildwood Catholic to the state championship game during his senior year playing against St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth.
Charlie studied business at Temple University for a year and then married his wife, Joanne (‘68). The two met while growing up in Cape May and together, they had two children: Charlie Jr. (‘86) and Brad (‘91). Charlie Jr. married Dr. Tara Vogdes, a 1990 Wildwood Catholic graduate. Charlie and Joanne now have six grandchildren, all WCA graduates: Blake (‘15), Patrick (‘16), Matthew (20), Ava (‘24), Cade (‘25), and foster grandchild, George Cook (‘14).
Charlie returned to Wildwood Catholic as the Varsity Golf Coach from 1983 to 1987, the Booster Club president from 1984 to 1987, and then became an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach from 1988 to 1990. Charlie was more than a mentor to students; he has been a role model in character, integrity, and faith guiding countless student athletes to discover their strength and potential and rise to challenges with courage and grace.
Charlie was a Wildwood Catholic Golf Tournament Chairman for more than twelve years with the golf committee raising over $360,000. He also served as an Advisory Board Member for over ten years and was instrumental in the Save Wildwood Catholic campaign.
Charlie is heavily involved in the community. He has served on the Church of Assumption’s Parish Committee, President of the Kiwanis Club of Cape May, President of the Cape May County Board of Realtors, President and 30 year Board Member of Wildwood Golf and Country Club, Charter Board Member of the Wildwood Boardwalk Special Improvement District and served on the Borough of Wildwood Crest’s Zoning Board. Charlie was honored with the inaugural Caritas Award for Selfless Leadership, Untiring Service, and Boundless Generosity at Wildwood Catholic Academy’s Bishops Lunch in December 2025. As one of only three recipients selected in the award’s first year, he received this prestigious recognition from Bishop Williams.
His leadership, service, his quiet acts of kindness and encouragement, and his impact on the heart of WCA carries over into his family and service to the community.
During his time at Wildwood Catholic, Charlie was a member of the varsity baseball team and basketball team. He was co-captain of the 1965-1966 basketball team and a First Team Cape May County All-Star basketball player that same year. He led Wildwood Catholic to the state championship game during his senior year playing against St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth.
Charlie studied business at Temple University for a year and then married his wife, Joanne (‘68). The two met while growing up in Cape May and together, they had two children: Charlie Jr. (‘86) and Brad (‘91). Charlie Jr. married Dr. Tara Vogdes, a 1990 Wildwood Catholic graduate. Charlie and Joanne now have six grandchildren, all WCA graduates: Blake (‘15), Patrick (‘16), Matthew (20), Ava (‘24), Cade (‘25), and foster grandchild, George Cook (‘14).
Charlie returned to Wildwood Catholic as the Varsity Golf Coach from 1983 to 1987, the Booster Club president from 1984 to 1987, and then became an Assistant Varsity Basketball Coach from 1988 to 1990. Charlie was more than a mentor to students; he has been a role model in character, integrity, and faith guiding countless student athletes to discover their strength and potential and rise to challenges with courage and grace.
Charlie was a Wildwood Catholic Golf Tournament Chairman for more than twelve years with the golf committee raising over $360,000. He also served as an Advisory Board Member for over ten years and was instrumental in the Save Wildwood Catholic campaign.
Charlie is heavily involved in the community. He has served on the Church of Assumption’s Parish Committee, President of the Kiwanis Club of Cape May, President of the Cape May County Board of Realtors, President and 30 year Board Member of Wildwood Golf and Country Club, Charter Board Member of the Wildwood Boardwalk Special Improvement District and served on the Borough of Wildwood Crest’s Zoning Board. Charlie was honored with the inaugural Caritas Award for Selfless Leadership, Untiring Service, and Boundless Generosity at Wildwood Catholic Academy’s Bishops Lunch in December 2025. As one of only three recipients selected in the award’s first year, he received this prestigious recognition from Bishop Williams.
His leadership, service, his quiet acts of kindness and encouragement, and his impact on the heart of WCA carries over into his family and service to the community.
Tara Wuko
Class of 2010
Tara Wuko attended Wildwood Catholic for all four years of high school and made headway as an athlete before graduating in 2010. Her sisters, Amy (‘05) and Rachel (‘12), attended the school as well.During her time at Wildwood Catholic, Tara was on the cross-country team, swim team, and the track and field team. In the fall of Tara’s first year at Wildwood Catholic, she was part of the cross-country team that won the State Non-Public B Championships for the first time in the school’s history. As the first sport season of her high school career, it became one of her most memorable experiences. Her accomplishments didn’t stop there. In 2009, during the winter of Tara’s junior year, she swam a 1:07:28, her best time and a school record, in the 100-yard breaststroke. In the spring of that year, she ran her best time and a school record in the 800-meter in track, running a 2:13:81 at the Meet of Champions. In the winter of that year, she ran a 1:07:28, her best time, in the 100-meter breaststroke relay. Tara’s legacy to her peers and teachers is that of someone who doesn’t quit. Being an athlete taught her to get back up no matter what and try to do better the next time.
After graduation, Tara attended Rutgers University and ran track and field for two years. She graduated in 2014 with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in psychology, sociology, and criminology. In June of 2015, Tara graduated from the Cape May County Police Academy for Special Law Enforcement Officers, Class II.
She was a summer cop for the Sea Isle City Police Department for two years. She was then hired by the Mullica Township Police Department in Atlantic County, where she worked as a full-time police officer while also attending the academy as a waiver to receive her regular Police Officer Certification. In 2019, Tara began working for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department before transitioning to NJ State Parole in 2020. Tara enjoys the mix of law enforcement and social work that being a parole officer offers. Tara currently resides in Egg Harbor Township with her cat, Logan, and works as a parole officer for Atlantic County. When not in uniform, Tara volunteers at Holisticare Hospice performing Reiki, which she started in 2024. Tara still visits Wildwood to spend time with family and to ride her waverunner in the summertime.