Upcoming Events
30th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic
The Stanner Golf Classic is sold out! Thank you to all golfers and sponsors who will join us on Monday, May 2nd, and to all in our community who purchased raffle tickets, sponsored journal ads, donated, or who have signed on to volunteer. Your participation in any capacity is deeply appreciated, and we are very much looking forward to a great day. Once again, thank you to all who have helped keep this important tradition for our school as strong as ever. We’ll see you out on the greens! A few important notes as we prepare for Monday:
- DOWNLOAD OUR 2016 GOLF JOURNAL
- The Stanner Golf Classic will take place rain or shine.
- Download your Plandome Schedule
- Download your North Hills Schedule
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast
- When: Sunday, June 5th, 2016 | 10:00am
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Who: St. Ann’s Alumni + Guest
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
On behalf of Archbishop Molloy High School and the Stanner Alumni Center, we extend an invitation to our St. Ann’s Alumni to attend the St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast on Sunday, June 5th here at Molloy. Those planning to attend are encouraged to arrive at Molloy at 10:00am. Mass will begin at 10:30am in our beautifully renovated first floor chapel. A buffet breakfast will be served following Mass. In gratitude for your leadership, admission to this year’s St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast is complimentary of President Karsten ‘81 and the Stanner Alumni Center. Please RSVP by Monday, May 30th to Mrs. Merl Doyle at (718) 441-9210 or via email at mdoyle@molloyhs.org.
Stanner Field hosts first Soccer Games, Molloy Celebrates 40 Years of Men’s Program
For 40 years, men’s soccer has been one of Molloy’s most successful, dynamic athletic programs. 15 City Championships, 14 B/Q Championships, 2 State Titles, and countless heroic moments have defined the program since it first began. All this, remarkably, under the tenure of one outstanding Coach: Andy Kostel. On Saturday, April 16th, representatives from championship teams spanning four decades joined Kostel and a number of assistant coaches through the years for a reunion in celebration of 40 years of excellence.
The day began with alumni games on Stanner Field, which was a history-making moment. Soccer has by and large never been played on Molloy’s home turf, as most practices and games were held off campus. Alumni relished the opportunity, banding together to take on the defending City Champs, Molloy’s 2015-16 Varsity squad. Coach Kostel oversaw a tournament style bracket that afternoon, which is right in his wheelhouse. All the while, Coach shouted words of encouragement, or sometimes just a few jokes, to his former players. The games were competitive, but they resulted in some truly wonderful memories. All players paused after the conclusion of the tournament for a huge group photo to commemorate the historic occasion.
Once the games wrapped up, players made their way to a formal reception. After grabbing a few refreshments, the program began with a welcome from Mike McGuire ’81, who has been a passionate member of Molloy’s soccer community for over 30 years. Mike thanked everyone for attending, and credited the community and the Stanner Alumni Center for making the reunion possible. Following Mike, several keynote speakers took to the podium. The first was Coach Kostel himself, who publicly commended his current team on their City Championship in the fall (watch the goal that delivered the trophy below). Coach also shared stories spanning four decades. From playing in below freezing conditions, to triumphant comebacks, to players picking each other up, each anecdote was as fresh in Kostel’s mind as the day he first witnessed them. (Pictured: Sean Whelan ’78, Andy Kostel, Mike McGuire ’81, and President Richard Karsten ’81)
Several of Coach Kostel’s former players also spoke, including Joe Purschke ’86 and Sean Whelen ’78. It was Sean who closed out the evening, thanking Coach Kostel for mentoring him and generations of players. “I think we’re here because we all know that we were part of, and still are part of something special. The championships and wins are a result, but not the real success,” Sean shared before the crowd of 150. “The success was playing in a great environment, being challenged, being asked to do our best, and doing it with the support and teaching from one guy. The one constant is you [Andy]. We are all here to say thank you, and to acknowledge your effort, your success, and your dedication to your players.” (Pictured: Coach Kostel’s sons presented him with a jersey featuring the signatures of many of his former players)
The Stanner Alumni Center and Archbishop Molloy High School congratulates Coach Kostel, the assistant coaches, all the alumni and players who attended the event, and all those who couldn’t make it. Your impact on Molloy’s men’s soccer program is still felt today, and will continue to inspire future players to match your success.
View full photo gallery from the Alumni Soccer Reunion
Angelina Waterman-Reinecker ’07 Inducted into GCHSAA Hall of Fame
Molloy is proud to congratulate Angelina Waterman-Reinecker ’07 on her induction into the Girls Catholic High School Athletic Association (GCHSAA) Hall of Fame. Angelina follows in the footsteps of Molloy’s other outstanding talents who have earned membership in this prestigious Hall of Fame, including Rosalyn Gold-Onwude ’05 and Jessica McEntee ’05. (Pictured: Catie Massowd ’07, Angelina Waterman-Rienecker ’07, President Richard Karsten ’81, and Athletic Director Mike McCleary)
Angelina was a four year Varsity athlete in both basketball and volleyball. She earned a number of accolades during her high school career including early on as a freshman as part of Molloy’s NYS Class “A” Championship basketball team. She was first team All-Queens as a junior and the following year as a senior in basketball. She was named to 15 All-Tournament Teams in basketball and volleyball and secured 5 tournament MVP awards. In addition, she boasted the right intangibles on the court. She was a leader, a selfless teammate, and an inspiration to teammates and coaches alike.
After graduating from Molloy, Angelina attended American University in Washington DC with a scholarship to her credit. While she remained an outstanding academic student, she also continued to hone her athletic skills. She was Second Team All Patriot League as a junior and First Team as a senior. She was also named Patriot League Tournament MVP as a senior and later named to the AVCA All-Northeast Region Team. She was an Honorable Mention All-American. (Pictured: Angelina and family with Molloy administrators at the GCHSAA Hall of Fame Induction)
Angelina wasn’t done with her playing career after college, as she took her skills overseas. She played professionally in Italy, Greece, and Spain where she represented CV Aguere Division 1 Superleague team for Tenerife, Spain. She returned to the United States in 2012 and began working as an assistant coach at Hofstra University. In 2013, Angelina made her home in California, where she married US Marine Corps active service member Kenneth Reinecker III. She is currently pursuing a doctorate at the American School of Psychology at Argosy University of Southern California.
While in town for her induction, Angelina visited Molloy to catch up with teachers and coaches. She also spent time with our female athletes and shared her wisdom and experience. “An important thing to remember as a high school student is if you enjoy what you do, and you enjoy playing, you can pursue it at any level. Everyone is unique and has their own path, but in order to pursue the highest levels of athletics you actually have to go out and get it,” said Angelina. She continued. “The biggest thing for me was thinking ‘I played basketball my whole life, but I really love volleyball and I’m getting good at it. Do I take the chance and make the full-time switch?’ That’s what I decided to do, and it worked out great. And that’s a decision I made on my own. No decision I’ve made was to please anyone else. Choose your own path.”
Around the School
Stanner Players Treat Molloy to Delightful Run of “Spelling Bee”
The Stanner Players production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee went off without a hitch earlier this April. From sound, lighting, make-up and costume crew to the talent on stage, each Player brought their own unique interpretation to the show. As a result, what transpired was three performances of Putnam County that were professional, uplifting, and simply a joy to watch.
Senior Nina Pesa ’16 (pictured), who has been singing her entire life, found a home with the Stanner Players last year when she joined the cast of Seussical the Musical. This year, Nina shined as Rona Lisa Peretti, former champion and returning moderator of the Putnam County Spelling Bee. Supporting Nina were many outstanding talents. Among them was junior David Kemp ’17, who has already established himself as a major up and coming vocal talent through his enrollment in the NYS Summer School of Arts and performances at numerous non-theater events around Molloy. David played several roles including an alternate speller and the father of contestant Olive. Fellow senior Matt Frenzel ’16, who follows in a long line of Frenzels at Molloy, played several roles of his own including an alternate speller and two different father roles. Matt has performed with The Stanner Players more than a handful of times, much like his brothers before him. This, however, would be his last Molloy show, which made the experience bittersweet. Paul Tibo ’17, who played Chip, first appeared with The Stanner Players last fall in Alice in Wonderland. This would be his first musical, and he was said to have relished the opportunity. Read more about the outstanding performers in the SHOW PROGRAM.
Ms. Shannon Winters ‘06, Director of The Stanner Players, explained a bit about how Putnam County made its way to Molloy. “This show holds a special place in my heart because it was my final college production, and the last I was part of as an actor. Choosing it for the high school level, however, was not automatic. My main concern was the show’s use of audience volunteers. The show requires quite a bit of improvisation, so while things can go very right, they can also go very wrong. But I decided that isn’t that the point of live theater? My decision was validated while watching the students work on the show for months.” Ms. Winters went on to thank and applaud the work of her cast, crew and all who played a role in supporting the show. She also left a note for her departing seniors. “I have known many of you since I started as director three years ago. I think together we built something truly spectacular, and I owe a huge debt of gratitude to you all.” (Pictured: Principal Mr. Darius Penikas participates as an audience volunteer)
Molloy Presents: Music & Arts Festival
Archbishop Molloy High School hosted its 2016 Music & Arts Festival on Sunday, April 24th. The student-driven festival is a wonderful opportunity for our school to shine the spotlight on its best musical, theatrical, and artistic talent through inspiring live performances and diverse gallery displays. The day began with the New York State School Music Association Showcase, which featured solo vocal and keyboard performances by several Stanners who are enrolled in the distinguished program. Later, in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater, representatives of The Stanner Players and the Theater Arts and Improv Club performed whimsical skits including acts from Alice in Wonderland, which The Stanner Players mastered last fall. In addition, solo vocal acts were inspired by well known Broadway shows like Wicked and Aladdin, which speaks to the confidence and overall skill level of the featured performers.
Next, Molloy’s Guitar and String Ensembles, moderated by art teacher Mr. Glenn DaGrossa, “let the Led out” with renditions of Led Zeppelin, Kansas, and other Hall of Fame Classic Rock bands. The Freshman/Sophomore and Junior/Senior Choruses rounded out the afternoon with a diverse musical set of popular music including Man in the Mirror and Linus and Lucy. Art galleries featuring spring themed artwork, character studies, micrography, and self-portraits brought a different kind of vibrancy to the halls of Molloy, drawing crowds throughout the day. The work was truly remarkable, and the proof is in the pictures below.
View the Event Program to Read the Names of all Performers
Principal Darius Penikas was in the audience throughout the day and shared his observations with The Beehive. “I thought it was a great showcase for the outstanding talent here at Molloy. The moderators of the clubs and the music and art teachers do a great job with the students. In turn they really grow and improve, and then are able to put on great performances, whether they are pieces of art or musical and vocal renditions. I enjoyed listening to everything, and I was struck by the variety, talent, and skill of Molloy students.” Congratulations to all students who performed, and thank you to our faculty and staff who contributed to the program. The Molloy community is invited to attend next year’s Music & Art Festival! Check www.molloyhs.org for news about this and other events throughout the year.
Sports Updates
Congratulations are in order for Varsity baseball player John Herring ’17, who was named NYC CHSAA Player of the Week. John delivered 9 hits in 16 at bats, smacked 2 homers, and drove in 10 runs. Included in these stats was a game winning 2 run homer versus St. Francis Prep.
The Varsity softball team enjoyed success this past weekend, winning their bracket in the Mudville Tournament. The standout was Victoria Brown ‘16, who was honored as tournament MVP. She hit two home runs, one in each game of the double header. “She did an outstanding job catching, especially her two diving catches at the plate,” said Coach Maureen Rosenbaum. “She’s had more responsibility this year working with two new pitchers. In general she’s done well as a senior leader.” The team is currently 3-2 in their league and tied for first with the second half of the season still to come.
Molloy’s JV Softball team, currently sporting a league record of 7-0, also enjoyed a good week, in particular two outstanding pitchers. Last Wednesday, freshman hurler Ashley Atwell ‘19 pitched an impressive no hit performance against St. Francis Prep in a 4-3 victory. Two days later, Nicole Werner ‘19 no hit The Mary Louis Academy behind a more lopsided score of 10-0. “One no hitter is special, but pitching two back to back in this league is amazing,” said Coach Lou Santos. The wins helped the team already secure the B/Q Division Championship.
Brian Benjamin ’94 has been named to Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 for 2016. 40 Under 40 is an annual list of people who have achieved success in the business world before age 40. Eligible candidates, chosen by a panel of Crain’s editors and reporters, are measured by their professional achievements as a whole as well as any community service, participation in trade groups, and other positive attributes or credits. Brian earned a spot on the list as a Managing Director of Business Development for Genesis Companies, a full-service real estate development and construction firm based in New York and New Jersey. According to their website, Genesis Companies, which was founded in 2004, “is staunchly committed to community engagement and disciplined analysis” while the firm also “enables governments, nonprofits, and landowners to optimize real estate through strategic ventures.” Read Brian’s comments and more information about 40 Under 40 through the following link: http://www.crainsnewyork.com/40under40/2016/Benjamin
Fitzgerald E. Andre ’15 completed all requirements to be elevated to the rank of Eagle Scout as bestowed by the Boy Scouts of America. Fitzgerald will be honored along with other new Eagle Scouts during a ceremony at Sacred Heart School in Cambria Heights on May 7th.
The Stanner Alumni Center was recently informed of the passing of Joseph Franki ’66 on August 20, 2015 after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Joseph is survived by his wife Madeline, their children Suzanne, Rebecca, and Andrew, their grandchildren, and his seven Stanner brothers-in-law all of the Farrell family: William, Gregory, Dennis, Philip, Kevin, Raymond, and Donald. Please remember Joseph in your prayers.