Class of 2026 Celebrates College Sweatshirt Day
To kick off the Class of 2026’s last week of school, seniors participated in College Sweatshirt Day on May 18th, celebrating the next chapter of their academic journeys! Our seniors wore sweatshirts and t-shirts representing the colleges and universities they will be attending in the fall, filling the hallways with excitement for their bright futures!
Some schools that were highlighted by the graduating class included Columbia University, Barnard College, St. John’s University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Purdue University, the University of Michigan, Hunter College, the University of Delaware, the United States Naval Academy, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Fordham University, Syracuse University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Scranton, Boston College, and many more!
The day was a special opportunity to recognize our students’ hard work and dedication to their studies. We are so proud of the Class of 2026 and can’t wait to see where the future takes them! First, Commencement Exercises this Sunday, May 31st at SJU. Good luck, Stanners!
Seniors and Their Families Celebrate Graduation Liturgy
On the evening of May 28th, seniors and their families attended Molloy’s Graduation Liturgy at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church. This annual Liturgy invites seniors and their families to gather and reflect on how far they have come, as well as the start of a new journey ahead.
During his homily, celebrant Fr. Nicholas Colalella acknowledged that leaving for college can be stressful, including for parents, but he encouraged our soon-to-be graduates to seek the presence of Jesus in those stressful times. Whether in a church, chapel, or wherever they might be, centering one’s self with Jesus will help them through any challenges ahead.
Several awards were presented during the Liturgy, including the St. Marcellin Champagnat Awards, recognizing outstanding service, and the Pillar Awards, representing each of the five Marist Pillars. Congratulations to the Champagnat Award winners (Pictured above left): Shane Campbell, Sofia Crino, William Fogarty, Bridget Guaman, Vanessa Guilfoyle, Aine Harkins, Jillian Kahn, Xavier Lopez, Elizabeth Meade, Kaylani Ramirez, Caterina Romano, Colin Sweeney, Edmundo Tochimani, and Olivia Ventura. Congratulations to the Pillar Award winners (pictured above right): Gabriel Gonzalez (Presence), Daniel Del Toro Devia (Simplicity), Giulian Della Pollo (Family Spirit), Rinat Moshel (Love of Work), and Alexander Lopez (In the Way of Mary).
Congratulations to all award recipients! Thank you to our Junior/Senior Chorus (joined by alumni and faculty!) for leading us in song, and thank you to all who attended the Liturgy!
Juniors Embrace Leadership at Class Liturgy
On Thursday, May 21st, Molloy’s junior class gathered for their Junior Leadership Liturgy & Ring Ceremony, marking an important milestone as the Class of 2027 officially stepped into their new role as leaders of the school community. Held in the Jack Curran Gymnasium, the event brought students together to celebrate Mass, reflect on the meaning of leadership, and receive their class rings and leadership pins.
Senior Edmundo Tochimani ’26 opened the ceremony by speaking to the juniors about the excitement and responsibility that come with senior year. Symbolically “passing the torch,” he reassured the Class of 2027 that the current seniors would continue to support and guide them along the way.
The liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Nicholas Colalella, who encouraged students to think deeply about what it truly means to lead. “Being a leader is about who you are deep down,” he shared. He continued, “Anyone can wear the mask of a superhero, but not everyone will actually take up the mantle and be one. Yes, any senior can don the senior polo, but real leadership is being faithful to who God has called you to be.” Junior Natalie Carrillo-Rojas ’27 also addressed her classmates, encouraging them to use all of “their gifts and talents to uplift themselves and others.”
Each junior received a leadership pin during the ceremony, while class rings were also distributed to members of the Class of 2027. Students were encouraged to wear their pins proudly on their lanyards as a symbol of their new role within the Molloy community. Principal Dr. Darius Penikas concluded the program by reminding students that they each possess “unique gifts given to them by God,” and that they are now called to “use them to serve others and make the world a better place.” Congratulations, Class of 2027!
Athletic Awards Night Honors Top Athletes
On May 19th, Molloy hosted its annual Athletic Awards, recognizing the accomplishments of our stellar student-athletes! Family and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of both individuals and teams throughout the 2025–2026 school year, highlighting the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that define Molloy Athletics.
During the event, Athletic Director Mr. Mike McCleary presented the Coaches and Team MVP Awards. Other awards presented throughout the night include the Senior Scholar Athletes Awards, which recognize seniors who excelled in the classroom and on the field of play, and the Firefighter Timothy Klein ‘08 Awards, which provides tuition assistance and to rising seniors who have played their respective sport for three years and are in good academic standing. The 2026 recipients of the Firefighter Timothy Klein ‘08 Award were Marcos Lopez ‘26 and Emma Palacio ‘26! Thank you to the Klein family for sponsoring this award.
A highlight of the night is the announcement of Molloy’s new CHSAA Captain’s Club members. The CHSAA Captain’s Club was created to help keep Catholic values within high school athletics. Eileen Henning ‘26 and Colin Sweeney ‘26, last year’s captains, were thanked for their service and then asked to pass the torch to our newly appointed representatives: Madde Sepe ‘27 and Nolan Gomez ‘27!
The night came to a close with the presentation of the Jack Curran Outstanding Senior Athlete Award, which is presented to the top male and female athlete in the graduating class. The 2026 recipients of this prestigious award are Christina Kyrou ‘26 and Ayden Roman ‘26!
Click Here or the button above to read the full story on our website. Congratulations to each and every one of our stellar athletes!
Congratulations to Tim Hider ’28, who recently ran 1:54.34 in the 800m. This qualified him for the NYS Federation Champs on June 13th in Rochester! Tim ranks #4 All-Time for Molloy Varsity in the 800m. He is the fastest sophomore in CHSAA league history!
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Memorial Day: Remembering Stanners and All Who Served
On Memorial Day, we remember the sacrifices of the many brave members of our armed forces. In a special way, we pray for our Stanners who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.
Each year, the Class of 1963 upholds a long-running tradition in observance of Memorial Day. Members of the class donate a floral wreath to honor their classmate, Private First Class Louis Willett ’63. PFC Willett was mortally wounded on February 15, 1967 in Kontum Province, Vietnam as he intentionally drew significant hostile fire away from the other members of his platoon. This enabled the platoon to safely retreat from the area, avoiding further casualties. PFC Willett and his selfless acts of courage would be formally recognized when he was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His citation states the medal was awarded “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” PFC Willett was also later inducted into the Stanner Hall of Fame. Thank you to the Class of 1963 for helping Molloy honor and share PFC Willett’s legacy and place in history.
We also pray for all our Stanners who gave their lives in the line of duty during the Vietnam War. A plaque in the halls of Molloy memorializes their names: Herbert H. Dilger ’60, Charles V. Donohue ’60, Cosmo F. Pacetta ’63, John T. Reilly ’63, Peter M. Roche ’63, Louis Willett ’63, Peter R. Martin ’64, Gerard F. Paulsen ’64, James E. Stolz ’64, John F. Downey ’65, Kevin R. Hoag ’65, and Bruce N. Sweeney ’66.
Recently Moved? Update Your Mailing Address
A new issue of Stanner Life magazine, annual print publication, is coming soon! If you or your child/children recently moved, please update Molloy with your new mailing address to receive the magazine, reunion invitations, and other important updates. Share your updates with the Stanner Alumni Center by phone at 718-441-9210 or email Mrs. Merl Doyle at mdoyle@molloyhs.org.
On Tuesday, May 19th, students in Ms. Kristine Woo’s AP Environmental Science and Chemistry honors classes heard from recurring guest speaker Dr. Damian Sciano ’85! With many years of experience electrical engineering at Con Edison and energy markets at ICF, Damian shared his extensive knowledge of clean energy innovation, energy infrastructure, and strategic planning.
We are incredibly grateful to Damian for taking the time to speak with our students and share his experiences! Throughout his presentation, he encouraged students to continue learning and growing both inside and outside the classroom, reminding them that they are the future. His message inspired Molloy students to think critically about the challenges and opportunities involved in building a more sustainable future. We look forward to welcoming him back again next year!
On May 1, 2026, classmates Jake Mella ’16, Amy Vesey ’16, and Jesse Rodrigues ’16 gathered in Denia, Spain to celebrate Amy’s wedding! Congratulations, Amy!
Recently, after the 5-Boro Bike Tour, Dr. James Lynch, MD, ’83 was spotted wearing Molloy gear by a group of fellow Stanners! Pictured left to right on the Staten Island Ferry are Daniel Dooley ’18, Brian Dooley ’86, David Luttinger ’84, Dr. Lynch, John Iraj ’84, and Gregory Chupa ’84. On another occasion, at an evening 5K in the pouring rain, Dr. James Lynch, MD, ’83 bumped into Bill Schroeder ’79 (pictured center), and later on bumped into a group of current Molloy students!
Congratulations to Phil McBride ’73, who was recently inducted into the St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy Hall of Fame. Phil is a longtime CYO and CHSAA basketball coach and official.
We are saddened to share the passing of Michael A. Kelly on May 19, 2026. Michael was the beloved husband of Maureen Kelly, a longtime faculty member at Molloy. Michael was also the devoted father of Steven Kelly ‘90, father-in-law of Allison Kelly, and grandfather of Margaret Kelly ‘22 and Aidan Kelly ‘24. He was a respected pillar in the Floral Park community and loved by all who knew him. Please keep Michael and the Kelly family in your prayers.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Daniel J. Quinn ’85, who passed away on May 6, 2026. Dan enjoyed a career in food and catering. He served as a chef at Ship Lantern Inn in Milton for many years, and later as a sous chef at Charlotte’s Restaurant and Catering in Millbrook, NY. He also loved animals, karate, motorcycles, and much more. We pray for Daniel and his loved ones in their time of mourning. | Click Here for Memorial Page
