Featured
Molloy Women’s Alumni Network Event
On April 27th the inaugural Molloy Women’s Alumni Network Event invited Stanner women, including spouses of alumni, to the Ralph DeChiaro theater for an evening of discussion, professional networking, and inspiration. President Richard Karsten ’81 greeted the women of Molloy by emphasizing their status as trailblazers in a school that only educated boys for over 100 years. “Our women have stepped it up in Academics, attending Universities such as Boston College, Columbia and Annapolis,” said Karsten. He continued, “Our women have stepped it up and proven themselves as Championship quality athletes with Varsity Championships in every major sport. Our women have stepped up the level of school spirit and service to others with a thriving Marist Youth Group and wonderful Campus ministry program. Our women have stepped up the level of professionalism working in the fields of medical research, healthcare, education, marketing, fashion, banking and financial services to name a few. Needless to say, our women have created a fantastic new energy at Molloy.” Alumni Development Director Craig Katinas introduced each discussion facilitator that would lead the evening. Highlighted panelists included Jackie Pizzo ’04 (J.P. Morgan), Kristen Classi ’04 (PoloRalphLauren), Marian Conway (NY Community Bank Foundation), Zahra Jafri (Lynx Mortgage Bank LLC), Denise Mazzaferro (Hunter College of CUNY), and Lori Katinas, MD (North Shore-LIJ, Hofstra North-Shore LIJ, School of Medicine). Questions were presented by moderator Carissa Peluso ’04 (Goldman Sachs & Co.) while panelists offered personal experiences, stories, and advice for those women in attendance looking for a bit of guidance in the professional world or perhaps in choosing a different field of study towards earning a new degree. “The panel represented a diverse group of professional women that we are so ever grateful to have hosted at our event,” said Peluso, one of the main organizers of the event.
Following the initial discussion segment, the audience was invited to participate in a Q&A session to touch on some additional points of interest. Everyone took away something different the panelist discussion, but the main theme was simple: there are many successful women doing amazing things in the professional world – with no shortage of Stanners making their mark in all areas of finance, law, medicine, education, business and much, much more. All those in attendance, who were admitted for free, mingled and exchanged information while enjoying light refreshments. “With a group of women that are used to being trailblazers, as Mr. Karsten said, the event was bound to be a success,” said Peluso. “We look forward to including Molloy Junior and Senior young women in future events.” We expect word to spread quickly through the Stanner alumni community, with our next women’s event growing to be bigger and better. Thank you to all that took part in this historic night.
Around the School
Jack Curran Honored with “metroBASEBALL” Ambassador Award
by Nick D’Arienzo
“metroBASEBALL” is a new organization designed to celebrate and commemorate class and integrity in the game of baseball. Each year, “metroBASEBALL” will honor an area baseball coach whose commitment to our community and to our kids makes him the quintessential role model for others. “Jack Curran is the top of the mountain when it comes to coaches,” said “metroBASEBALL” founder Nick D’Arienzo at the organization’s inaugural dinner, held at RED STAR in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. “Who better than Coach Curran (pictured with Nick D’Arienzo) to be honored with our first Ambassador Award, he embodies all of the values we are striving to uphold.”
Pat Gorman ’69 (star pitcher for Archbishop Molloy’s 1969 City Champs) presented Coach Curran’s award at the inaugural dinner, an evening which afforded several other former Stanner diamond greats the opportunity for a mini-reunion as well: Kevin Tennant ’69, Joseph Gallo ’70, Mike Sparacino ’70, and Thomas Hopke ’71.
Also on hand to fete Coach Curran and share in the celebration of Molloy’s concurrent success was 1969 NY METS World Champ Art Shamsky (pictured with Coach), who regaled all in attendance with a few of his own musings on the game of baseball then and now. “You should be so proud, Coach, really…” said Shamsky from the podium.
But it was Gorman who probably put it best, telling reporters afterwards, “The Archbishop Molloy High School motto is ‘Not for school, but for life.’ Jack Curran exemplifies that.”
Girls JV Softball Team – “Nothing but Class”
For the second time, Molloy’s JV softball team trekked up to Lawrence, Massachusetts to take on Central Catholic High School, a fellow Marist Brothers school, for a very competitive 3 game set. Showing true sportsmanship and school spirit, the Stanners presented the girls at Central Catholic t-shirts featuring both schools’ logos that read “Rivals for a Day, Friends for Life”. These words not only draw from “Not for School, But for Life”, but they put to practice the lessons of the Marist Brothers. Coach Lou Santos commented, “The JV team are a class act all the way, and that’s the only way our Molloy girls are. Interest in this trip was high – at least 18 families came up to watch the games and support the Stanner squad.” All those who made the trip also enjoyed an excursion to Boston, where team members and their families took part in a tour of Fenway Park, a major league game between the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners, and a personalized Duck Tour of Boston traveling a historic route around the Charles River. Perhaps it is true what they say that no good deed goes unrewarded!
Sports Update
Stanner athletes are giving their all this spring, posting excellent team records across the board. Track and Field leads the way in earning both a B/Q championship and a City Championship! Varsity Baseball is in second place with an outstanding 11-3 while the JV team is on top of the pack at 12-1. Both of Molloy’s softball teams have dominated the competition, with Varsity in first place at a 12-1 mark (10-0 in the league) JV also in first place at 10-2. The Boys’ tennis team has gotten off to a great 4-2 start while Golf “A” is undefeated at 9-0 and leading the Queens division. There’s no doubt all of Molloy’s athletes will maintain their hot streaks!
Student Spotlight
John Varsam is currently a junior at Molloy who is no stranger to the word “involved.” In the beginning of his Molloy career, John attended freshman camp with the hopes of making new friendships and making a connection with his new school. The experience stayed with him and inspired him to volunteer as a leader at future freshman camps. He attends many retreats to Esopus every year saying, “I want to go every time.” His experiences at Esopus helped him make new friends, including alumni who continue to volunteer at the Marist camp. He describes his work at Esopus as “spreading the joy” and “paying it forward.” John is also part of Marist Youth and the Eastern European Club.
After trying out for baseball and realizing it wasn’t his thing, John found his place as a pole vaulter. He is currently the only male on the junior team, but says he has been up to the challenge. “There are not many pole vaulters, but we practice all year, November to May” said John. He describes himself as a good student that is trying hard to impress as he is always trying to improve his academic performance. He is considering attending SUNY Cortland, Sacred Heart, or Marist College after Molloy in hopes of studying athletic training or masseuse therapy. John loves sports and wants to know how to heal injured athletes based on his instinct to help people. He would love to intern with a physical therapist. He also hopes to continue his time as a pole vaulter in college and is working hard to earn a scholarship. To push himself, John often refers to a famous quote by Confucius: “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but getting up every time we do.”
Upcoming Events
25th Anniversary Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic
Well this is it! The Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic is just around the corner. If you haven’t heard, the outing will take place this coming Monday, May 16th 2011 at North Hills Country Club and Plandome Country Club. While we’ve just about run out of time to register golfers, there is still time to make bids on auction items – even if you are not golfing or attending dinner (where the auction will take place). If you can’t make it and would like to make a bid, you can fill out a PROXY BID FORM and return it to mford@molloyhs.org or call Maria Ford (718) 943-3186 with any questions. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the courses!
Silent auction items and their starting bids include:
- Lunch for 6 with NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly at the Harvard Club $800
- Heisman football signed by 20 winners of the Heisman Trophy (roughly 25% of all winners ever) including Paul Hornung, the sole two-time winner in history Archie Griffin, Cam Newton, and George Rogers, $400
- Heisman football signed by Heisman winner and NFL MVP with the Green Bay Packers, Paul Hornung $200
- Two auctions for pairs of Yankee tickets $140
- Giants tickets with an autographed photo of Mithias Kiwanuka $250
- New York Jets team autographed football $150
- New York Red Bulls tickets, $65
- Marshall Faulk autographed football $150
- Eric Dickenson autographed football $200
- Drew Brees autographed football $200
- Heisman football signed by 20 winners of the Heisman Trophy $400
- Heisman football signed by Paul Hornung $200
- Hendrick Lundquist autographed hockey jersey $300
- A Woodloch Springs weekend in a three bedroom townhouse (with finished basement) on a golf course with a weekday round of golf for 4 $1,200
- Three day weekend at Catskill Mountain House (sleeps 20) $700
- 40″ Sharp HD Television $500
- Two auctions for Basket of Cheer/Basket of Red Wine/$75 Gift Certificate to Rosewood Inn Restaurant $350 each
As you can see, there are a ton of great auction items, and if you’re a big fan of college football in particular our Heisman footballs are no doubt enticing. Please consider filling out a Proxy Bid Form provided above and return to Maria Ford.
The live auction, held only at the event, includes:
- A glorious 7 day, 6 night trip to London, England and Dublin, Ireland
- A gourmet surf & turf dinner prepared by Molloy President Richard Karsten
John Mecca Memorial Mass 5/24/11
News of the January passing of Mr. John Mecca, distinguished educator at Molloy since 2001, significantly touched our Stanner community both on campus and around the world. Many students, faculty, and alumni paid their respects during wake and funeral services as many wonderful stories and thoughts were shared. In remembering the spirit of Mr. Mecca, a man who could sing with the best of them, who loved to teach, and who loved Stanner High, the school will hold a memorial mass in the Jack Curran Gymnasium to honor Mr. Mecca and the legacy he leaves behind at Archbishop Molloy High School. All of our Stanner alumni are invited to attend the Mass and join us in remembering Mr. Mecca, a truly amazing man whose spirit lives on in each and every one of us. The Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 and begin promptly at 8:00 AM. Please use the Manton Street entrance and sign in with the Main Office upon arrival. We look forward to having you back for this special tribute.
Online registration is now available! Come out on June 18th for a day of wine, food, music, and relaxation at the Diliberto Winery in Jamesport, New York as the event is fast approaching! Alum Salvatore Diliberto ‘63 and wife Maryann have been gracious enough to open their venue to fellow Stanners looking to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company as the summer commences. Guests will enjoy award winning wine, cheeses, lunch, and music provided by Molloy faculty members Frank Gambino ’74, Eric Stoltze ’86 and Jim Sheehan ’75. The mic will also be open to any guests interested in playing a few tunes of their own. A single admission ticket can be purchased $45 while a couple admission costs $80. For those looking for alternate transportation, the Hampton Jitney provides service in close proximity to the Diliberto Winery. For nearby hotels, in case you’d like to plan a weekend getaway, click here. If you have any additional questions about the Afternoon at the Vineyard, please contact Craig Katinas ’93 at ckatinas@molloyhs.org
Rosalyn Gold-Onwude ’05 Inducted Into The Girls’ CHSAA Hall Of Fame
by Nick D’Arienzo
For more than 50 years, the story of Stanner hoops – like all Stanner stories at the time – was a story for boys only. And then came Ros. Rosalyn Gold-Onwude, to be precise.
Just a year after Archbishop Molloy began to enroll girls into the school and its athletics programs, Gold-Onwude’s (pictured with President Richard Karsten) emerging leadership both on the court (as the new team’s point guard), and off the court (as the kind of solid citizen that is the hallmark of the Stanner community), helped to serve notice to rivals like Christ The King and The Mary Louis Academy that there were some new players in town, and that as far as area hoops was concerned, it was a whole new ballgame. The new breed of point guard – shooting, driving, rebounding, defending – Gold-Onwude helped lead the Stanners to the state Federation Class C title in 2003 and the Class A crown in 2004. True to her nature, Ros is quick to deflect the praise, and to share credit with teammates Jessica McEntee (now an assistant coach with the Stanner varsity squad) and Keri-Anne Jetter, who’d arrived at school the year before her. Their combined legacy: more than a decade of Stanner dominance on the hardwood that continues to this day.
On the evening of Thursday, April 14th, at a lavish ceremony at RUSSO’S ON THE BAY, the GCHSAA saw fit to honor Gold-Onwude’s achievements by inducting her into their Hall of Fame. Now 24, Ros (pictured right, her Varsity days at Molloy) is clearly one of the truly exceptional people to be accorded such an honor. Building on the promise she demonstrated at Molloy, Gold-Onwude earned a D1 scholarship to Stanford and made herself an impact player there from the get-go, helping to lead Stanford to three straight Final Four appearances. While many praised Ros’s fierce defense (she was the 2010 Pac-10 Co-Defender of the Year) and on-court leadership from the point, it may also be her resilience in rebounding from injury that served her best during her five years as a Cardinal. Of special significance, it was her Stanford squad that was the last to beat UCONN before the team’s legendary winning streak (ended, ironically enough, by Stanford as well). These days, Ros can be seen enjoying a burgeoning broadcasting career, as an analyst for NCAA women’s basketball with ESPN and FOX SPORTS. She is, to put it quite simply, one of the best ambassadors for Archbishop Molloy, for Stanford, and for women’s basketball in general, you are ever going to find, and we couldn’t be prouder of her.
And although Gold-Onwude took a bit of ribbing for attending the GCHSAA dinner decked out in Cardinal red (but who could blame her, she looked stunning!), the Bay Area resident couldn’t have been more grateful for the opportunity to re-connect with former coaches and teammates back East, as well as to celebrate the success of this year’s Amani Tatum-led A Varsity champs, success which might never have occurred had it not been for the Briarwood arrival of Ros and her cohorts back in the day.
Non scholae sed vitae
Michael Gray ’79 sent the following: “It brought a huge “smile” to my face when I read that Brother Leo Richard (pictured) was inducted into the Stanner Hall Of Fame last November. Brother Leo played a large role in my high school life after my mother and father passed away separately while I was attending Molloy. I am sure if it was not for Brother Leo, I would not have been able to achieve what I have done in life so far. He took me into the SMILE program with a huge hug and hearty laugh and told me I was there to help other Stanners who may also lose a parent. I worked with him to help students in the SMILE program for two years and it allowed me to give back and help. Thank you for bringing this smile to my face today.” Michael also informed us he and his wife JoAnne celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary in 2011 and have two children, Lauren and Michael. Michael is currently living on Long Island and is an editor for the New York Post.
Class Updates
In a follow up to our April 1st Beehive, Gene Logan ’58 is very excited about the release of his first novel Burning Hearts, a fictional story about young love and growing up in the 50’s and 60’s in Brooklyn that draws from his own life experiences. Gene now has a trailer for his book that he would like to share with the Stanner community, which you can view here. Gene is continuing to donate any proceeds from sales of his book that can be attributed to Stanner alumni to Archbishop Molloy High School. Please visit www.tatepublishing.com for more information. You can also purchase the book from Barnes & Noble or Amazon.
Danielle Nostramo ’08 stopped by the Stanner Alumni Center and talked about the influence Mr. Niklaus’ psychology class had on her. She is currently a psychology major at St. John’s University and is considering pursuits in abnormal psychology, counseling, mental health, and as a teacher. She already has experience as a counselor having worked with children in that capacity, which she describes as “totally worth it.” Danielle said working with the kids impacted her life, work, and school career tremendously. According to Danielle, “You have to care. If you care, the kids will care to learn. The interest goes both ways.” In her spare time Danielle teaches dance in Ozone Park.
Anniela Vaccaro ’09 received honors as the ECC (East Coast Conference) Softball Player of the Week two separate times this season. Anniela, a star shortstop with the Queens College Knights, led her team with 8 home runs, 80 total bases, a .579 SLG%, and 32 runs scored in 47 games. Anniela was a full scholarship player at Monmouth College in New Jersey before transferring to QC for the 2010-2011 year. As a player at Molloy she was a stellar four-year letterwinner, helping the Stanners earn an amazing 47-5 record across 4 seasons.
Cailin Chang ’09 is now in Beijing, China studying abroad through a program at Hamilton College in Clinton, NY. During her program she is tasked with speaking only Chinese as she studies the language’s vocabulary and history. She has been studying Chinese and theater at Hamilton. She was encouraged to participate in the program by her professor, who felt her Chinese vocabulary and conversational skills were advanced enough. Cailin credits her grandparents with helping her conversation skills, having talked to them at home in their native language. Before traveling to Beijing, Cailin had worked as a tour guide at her college in addition to working on a radio show. She has an interest in mass communications and even had an experience working with a VH1 production crew. She hopes to attend grad school in the future for hands on experience in the communications industry.
One of our students recently lost their mother. Please say a prayer for this entire Stanner family.