Mourning Mr. Mecca
Archbishop Molloy High School is saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. John Mecca, a distinguished educator at Molloy since 2001. John taught constitutional law, government, AP U.S. History, and Criminal Justice in addition to being involved with setting up school talent shows. John loved teaching as he taught throughout his career in addition to his commitment to Molloy’s students for over 8 years. John had a passion for music and brought that passion to the classroom everyday. With a radio prepared before class, and a particular fondness for Summer Wind by Frank Sinatra, John would play a mix of vintage music that he hoped would give students a little perspective amidst today’s music scene. When he turned off the radio, it was the signal that it was time to learn. John was a great man, and he will be sorely missed. We ask that you please pray for John and his family during this difficult time.
Featured
Students at Archbishop Molloy High School have always had a propensity to help others in need, a characteristic that stays with them well into adulthood. Class of 2008 graduates Melissa Buchan, Melissa Bhikham, and Stacy Lalman are prime examples of that Stanner spirit. The trio, founders of Operation Dreamcatchers, visited Molloy before Christmas break to receive a charitable donation of $2,000 from Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81 and Principal Brother Thomas Schady in support of their mission. Operation Dreamcatchers is the result of three women dedicated to giving back to people in need. During their years at Molloy they were influenced by activities such as Briarwood Shelter, after school tutoring, and Operation Christmas Child, the program which inspired the name of their foundation. The trio found more reasons to begin the foundation after beginning their journey through medical programs at Columbia and Fordham Universities and realizing the importance of helping the less fortunate. “Being first generation children of immigrant families is inspiring in itself as well,” said Stacy as she reflected on not taking for granted their position to give back.
Operation Dreamcatchers, which began in 2009, works to provide medical and health related supplies to underprivileged hospitals and other institutions. The goal is to alleviate “medical disparities” to help provide better care for more people. In summer 2010 the trio traveled with several other volunteers to aid the New Amsterdam Hospital in Guyana. Based on research conducted by Operation Dreamcatchers, the average life expectancy rate in Guyana is about 13.4 years less than that of America. In addition, Guyana’s infant mortality rate is 42.4 deaths per 1,000 births, a sharp comparison to the 5.9 deaths per 1,000 births estimated in America. This is a serious problem for a country with a population estimated at under a million people.
All three women are extremely grateful to Molloy. According to Melissa Buchan, “Supporters come and go, but Molloy has consistently stood by us. Mr. Germano, Mr. Santos, Mr. Kelly, and Molloy as a whole have helped us in our efforts to give back.” To date, Molloy has donated $7,000 to the cause. Operation Dreamcatchers is fortunate enough to have other supporters including Kevin Ramphal ’09, Kevin Remlinger ’14, and other members of their communities. They encourage others to support the cause as well. According to Melissa Bhikham, “We are trying to deliver people’s dreams of proper medical care. We are asking anyone interested to support in any way, even by just spreading the word.” Operation Dreamcatchers hopes to extend to other regions in the near future. A fundraiser is planned for Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at Majestic Marquise in Richmond Hill from 8pm to 1am. For more information on purchasing tickets to this event or how to make a charitable donation, visit Facebook and search “Operation Dreamcatchers” or call 347.644.0632.
Around the School
Mentoring / Internship Program
The Stanner Alumni Center is pioneering a mentoring program to link up graduates and students of Archbishop Molloy High School. The idea is simple: bridge the gap between Molloy students who are soon to graduate and alumni who are already in a job, and support people as they make the transition to life after Molloy.
The mentoring program is meant to make it easier for students to transition into work, by putting them in touch with Stanners who are already in a profession they are interested to pursue as a career after college. However, what makes this unique is the process – alumni are matched to one or more students and are in contact regularly over the space of one term.
The Alumni Center has worked with a select group of juniors and seniors to pilot this program who are interested in the following professional sectors:
- Legal
- Finance
- Engineering
- Architecture
- Public Relations
- Television / Broadcasting / Media
- Psychology
- Fashion
- Medicine (Pediatrics, Cardiology, Neurology)
In addition, be on the lookout for a series of upcoming Professional Networking for all alumni in Spring 2011. If you are interested in being involved as a mentor, please email Craig Katinas ‘93 (ckatinas@molloyhs.org) with your name, sector, college, matriculation year and what drew your interest to this. We look forward to hearing from you!
During the 2010 year end blizzard, Navy officer Andrew Lauda and his family, including an infant child, came to a standstill on the Long Island Expressway after their car could no longer conquer the snowy road. Maspeth residents Joseph Calderon ’08 and his father Carlos, having listened to a TV broadcast which Lauda had phoned into seeking assistance, decided to take action and set out to help the family in distress. The Laudas, having been trapped for 18 hours on the LIE, had holed up in a stalled, heated bus on a service road nearby. The Calderons braved the tough conditions in their SUV, and with shovels and other supplies helped to bring the family to safety. Carlos and Joseph commented that considering Lauda provides a great service to America as a naval officer it was only right they try to give back and help his family. The story was featured in Newsday on December 28th.
Jim Chase ’59 sent Christmas greetings to all Stanners over the break, especially members of the Class of 1959. On his illness, Jim said, “I can no longer drive having had 2 Grand Mal Seizures in 2010 with continued dizziness. The doctors also found an AVM in my brain. My wife,Veronica and I are retired and living with her twin sister and husband. Regards to all.” He asks that fellow Stanners looking to reconnect contact him at the following address: James W. Chase, 97-30 West Granada Drive, Sun City, Arizona 85373. Email Jim at: makuakane@cox.net
Mr. Ed Cameron sent us video from a recent concert he performed in with the NY Metro Pipe Band (pictured above). View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlEi1fzv_QA. According to Ed, it is one of the top pipes bands in the US. Also in the video are Brian McGuire ’97, Byrne O’Sullivan ’98, and Paul Boland ’99. McGuire and Boland were both Pipe Majors of the band. All learned to play in the Molloy pipes and drums band. Ed informed us they are going to Scotland in August, 2011 to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships. Before that, they look forward to performances in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
As stated in our introduction, we are saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. John Mecca on January 6th. John had been an educator at Archbishop Molloy High School since 2001. He was a great man, and he will be sorely missed. Please pray for John and his family during this difficult time.
The Stanner Alumni Center has learned that Michael Mangino ’61 passed away in December at the age of 67. After his passing, Michael was profiled in Newsday based on his exceptional work for the Nassau County Health Department and for his 20 years as a local football coach at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington, New York. Michael leaves behind his wife Emily of 45 years, children Michael, Debra, and Kerry, and five grandchildren. Please pray for Michael and his family.
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