Over 350 Golfers Tee Up For Molloy Scholarships
After nearly a year’s worth of planning, hundreds of hours of labor, and the volunteer efforts of many members of our community, the 28th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic proved to be nothing short of a historic day for Archbishop Molloy High School. In the months leading up to May 5th, 2014, we shared with you the great stories and traditions of the Stanner Golf Classic. We highlighted the students who benefit from the outstanding scholarships that grow each year because of this event’s success. We encouraged you to join us in extending congratulations to this year’s honorees, Golf Chairman Bob Metzger ’88 and Honorary Chairman Jack Conley. Fortunately, you responded in overwhelming fashion, as over 350 golfers teed up at Plandome Country Club and North Hills Country Club. This number represents over 80 more golfers than last year’s tournament, and even more than years prior to 2013. You enthusiastically and proudly answered our call.
This year’s tournament began with golfers reporting to their assigned courses and picking up their gear, including shirts, hats or visors, golf balls, tees, ball markers, and bags. A delicious buffet breakfast was served, featuring omelet and waffle stations, bacon, sausage, and spreads of cheese, muffins, pastries and fruits. Following breakfast, golfers moved outside to take some practice swings and chat up other foursomes before heading out to their first holes. The large number of golfers required an earlier tee-off than usual, about 10:15am, but everyone was in good spirits and played promptly, making for a nice pace of play. The temperature at tee-off was a comfortable 62 degrees, and skies were clear blue, providing absolutely perfect conditions for golf. In addition to the standard game, throughout the course golfers enjoyed perks such as food and beverages, cigar holes, and prize holes. Among the prizes up for grabs was a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee on behalf of Jim Ingenito ’86 and Central Avenue Chrysler Jeep Dodge, which could be won with a hole-in-one at its designated hole. Other contests included closest to the pin and longest drive.
As everyone’s games wrapped up, golfers proceeded to the cocktail hour at North Hills, where Alumni Relations Director Maria Ford and President Richard Karsten ’81 thanked all in attendance for their generosity and support. At this time, Mr. Karsten introduced Molloy’s latest scholarship winners.
There are a great many inspiring students that benefit from our Stanner Golf Classic scholarships. Students chosen for these scholarships are also often experiencing extraordinary circumstances that may otherwise keep them from attending Molloy, including family’s financial strain, living with a single parent, or loss of a parent. In need of scholarship support, and certainly deserving of a Molloy education, these outstanding students are blessed by the care shown by our alumni, parents, friends and corporate sponsors through the Stanner Golf Classic. Thanks to your generosity, Francesco Tullo, an 8th grader at St. Helen School in Howard Beach, will attend Molloy this fall and be awarded with the Jim Kinnier Scholarship. “I would like to thank all those involved in my selection,” said Francesco as he addressed golfers and guests. “This scholarship provides me with an opportunity to excel at the high school of my choice. Molloy has an excellent academic record, and I will be afforded the best education available. I will also be given a chance to become a well-rounded student with diverse interests.” Also to be awarded with a scholarship this fall is 8th grader Emily Olsen of Howard Beach, who will be the first student to receive the Joe Smith Needs Based Award. “After watching my two cousins journey through Molloy, I could picture myself attending there as well,” Emily shared with the crowd. “When I was officially welcomed to the Class of 2018 and awarded with this scholarship, words could not express my gratitude. With the passing of my father last fall, not only will it help my family financially, but it demonstrates Molloy’s commitment to its future students. Because of the generosity of Mr. Smith, and the Molloy alumni, students like me are afforded the opportunity for a Catholic Education.” We couldn’t have said it any better, Emily.
Following these presentations, golfers and guests moved into the main dining room, where a large media display scrolled this year’s Golf Journal. The journal featured over 100 ads representing many proud Stanner families and businesses. Hotly contested silent auction items were also on display at this time, including private golf foursomes at Plandome and North Hills Country Clubs, tickets to Nets, Yankees, and Giants games, assorted spirits baskets, premium Dewalt tool sets, and autographed sports memorabilia. These items were all generously donated to our auction by many dedicated alumni and friends, and everyone at Molloy could not be more grateful for their kindness.
Taking the podium next was Golf Chairman Bob Metzger ’88 (pictured above right center), who expressed his excitement for the great work that everyone had done in support of this year’s outing. “Your presence here today truly makes an impact on some great kids. That makes me very proud to be this year’s Chairman. Our Golf Board also did an outstanding job this year,” said Bob. The Chairman would then give way to Honorary Chairman Jack Conley (pictured above left), who received a standing ovation from a packed room. The Conley family has long been one of the Stanner Golf Classic’s staunchest supporters, and leading the way has been Jack – the family patriarch. Jack’s passion for Molloy and its students is unquestioned. For over 20 years, Jack has been among the first people to sign up to play golf. His infectious personality has endeared him to many in our community, but his main focus is always supporting Molloy and its mission to grow its scholarships. Speaking briefly, Jack thanked Molloy, his family, and in particular his wife for helping him through a recent health scare. Jack, however, was all smiles this evening.
Later, Molloy’s live auction offered guests the opportunity to bid on two great prizes. First, a weekend in a beautiful three bedroom townhouse on the golf course at Woodloch Springs, Pennsylvania. Courtesy of Dennis Lazarus ’71, this townhouse includes a weekend round of golf for four. Dennis has been very kind in donating this weekend package for several years, and we thank him once again for his generosity. Second, a freshly prepared four course, five star dinner for six to ten people courtesy of Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81. President Karsten has offered this delicious dinner for several years at the Stanner Golf Classic, and the winning bidders have always been extremely satisfied. Jerry Schumm ’68, who accepted bids during the live auction, was also kind enough to donate four bottles of premium wine from Jordan and Cayman vineyards for the winning bidders to enjoy during their Dinner by President. At the end of some intense bidding, it was decided that two winning bids would be accepted, which meant Mr. Karsten would be very busy in the kitchen this summer! (Pictured: a guest surveys the wide array of silent auction items up for bidding.)
As golfers and guests enjoyed their gourmet dinners, winning raffle tickets were drawn. The following are this year’s raffle winners:
- 1st Prize — 2 Tickets to the Super Bowl (Airfare & Hotel Incl.) — Ticket # 27675
- 2nd Prize — Trip to Las Vegas for 2 (Airfare & Hotel Incl.) — Ticket # 11765
- 3rd Prize — 40 Inch Sharp HDTV — Ticket # 47217
The program concluded with winning foursomes announced and smiles all around. It was a truly historic and memorable day, with so many golfers contributing to Molloy’s mission. “I think today’s event was particularly special because of the high number of new golfers,” said Jim Kinnier, the outing’s namesake. “I was also encouraged by how many young alumni we had here today. They can have a tremendous impact on what we do at this outing, and I hope they will continue to stay involved in the years to come.” While final fundraising numbers are still being crunched, we feel it’s safe to say that the 28th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic was a definite success and one of our best outings to date. Once again, thank you to each and every one of you who participated in this year’s outing. Your journal ads, sponsorships, and donations have made a difference in the lives of students here at Molloy. If you have questions or comments about the Stanner Golf Classic, please contact the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210. You can also view and share our 2014 Golf Journal, or view our full photo galleries in the links provided below (we’ve also thumbnailed some of our best shots below). Be sure to like the Stanner Golf Classic on Facebook too!
View or download this year’s Golf Journal in Digital Format.
View the full photo gallery from the Stanner Golf Classic.
Like the Stanner Golf Classic on Facebook!
Alumni Wine Tasting A Sellout Success
On Wednesday, May 14th, Molloy hosted another successful alumni wine tasting event in its William J. Murphy Library. Those in attendance represented several decades of alumni, as well as parents and friends. Leading the tasting was Molloy’s in-house sommelier, and faculty favorite, Mr. Jim Sheehan ’75. Jim’s knowledge of wine is vast, and his step by step process of identifying the characteristics of each wine’s color, aroma, texture and taste left each participant with a new perspective on how to enjoy their next pour. Joining Jim in leading the wine tasting session was friend and fellow Stanner Mike Garvey ’84 (pictured above left). Mike has built a career buying wine. Currently working with a portfolio of over 700 wines from six different continents, Garvey is a true connoisseur. Together, Mike and Jim selected a unique variety of wines for the tasting, all of which boasted different qualities and price points. Among those wines/vineyards featured were Quinta Da Raza (Portugal), Commanderie de la Bargemone (France), Le Cassematte ‘Figliodiennenne’ (Italy), Chakana ‘Maipe’ (Argentina), and Textbook (Napa Valley, CA). Also provided was a delicious spread of fruits, cheeses, BBQ sliders and other sides reflecting the upcoming summer season. It was a wonderful, intimate gathering of some enthusiastic alumni, parents, and friends, and we would like to thank everyone that made it out to Molloy that night. Our wine events have been growing in popularity in the past several years, and we look forward to the next installment in the months to come. Please take a few moments to browse our photo gallery below.
View full photo gallery for the Alumni Wine Tasting.
Around the School
Varsity Baseball Team Punches Ticket to City Championship Game
After a successful regular season and early playoff run, Head Coach Brad Lyons and the boys’ Varsity baseball team is headed to the CHSAA City Championship game for the first time since 2003. Molloy will face Xaverian on Monday, June 9th at St. John’s University. First pitch is scheduled for 4:00pm. This is a double elimination tournament, and since Molloy has no losses to this point, Xaverian will need to win the 4:00pm game and a potential 7:00pm game to capture the coveted championship. Molloy needs only one win Monday to become champions. The last time Molloy won the city crown for baseball was 2002, when eventual pros Mike Baxter ’02, Nick Derba ’03, and Matt Rizzotti ’04 played on the team. Now breakout stars like Anthony Catinella ’14 (7 wins, 0.71 ERA, 37K), Scott Hannan ’15 (5 wins, 1.48 ERA, 49K), Nick Morici ’14 (.347 AVG, .412 OBP, .493 SLG), and Liam Slattery ’14 (.470 AVG, .526 OBP, .576 SLG) are leading the charge (Morici and Catinella also have both been invited to represent Molloy in the Mayor’s Cup Game, which is a Catholic league vs. public schools all-star game). Together the team, 18-5 on the year including the playoffs, will look to secure win 19 and realize their ultimate goal this Monday. “I think we have a great shot,” said assistant coach Br. James Vagan. Tickets will be available at the gate. Come out to St. John’s and support our Stanners as they try to make history!
Prom Season Provides Memorable Moments
This May, our upperclassmen were excited to attend Molloy’s junior and senior proms. Prom is often one of the most memorable experiences from our high school years, and in turn it’s important to get these events just right. This year’s junior prom was mobile, as juniors embarked on a voyage up and down New York City’s East River. The evening provided some spectacular views of the city skyline and the Statue of Liberty, and our juniors were sure to take in the scenery. They didn’t forget, however, to dance! The following week, Molloy’s senior prom returned to Leonard’s of Great Neck for another memorable night. This lavish venue provided our seniors with the “grand experience” they were hoping for, and after four years of hard work they certainly earned it. Check out photo galleries from these events: Junior Prom | Senior Prom
John J. Sugrue ’53 will not be able to attend this year’s St. Ann’s Breakfast, however he sent us a wonderful note we would like to share: “I have received the invitation to the communion breakfast, but unfortunately will not be able to attend. I do wish to thank the alumni office and President Karsten for continuing to remember the St. Ann’s alumni. It is very much appreciated. The four years at St Ann’s have had a great effect on my life not only for the education that I received, but also and primarily the influence of the Marist Brothers. They are not only great educators, but men of great faith who taught us not only by words but by their example. I pray for God’s blessings on the administrators, faculty and staff at Archbishop Molloy as well as its alumni.”
Opal Vadhan ’11 continues to stay extremely busy! The third year student at PACE University has received some outstanding accolades in the past two years, including the New York Women In Communications, Inc. (NYWICI) WE TV scholarship in 2013, and the NYWICI Alumna of Excellence Award in 2014. The latter is awarded to a previous scholarship winner who is dedicated to strengthening NYWICI and has shown outstanding growth as a student since first becoming a recipient. This scholarship is supported by the fundraising efforts of previous scholarship winners. Opal has since made an appearance with the other scholarship winners on the Today Show on April 28th, and was honored at the annual Matrix Awards. Opal also continues her writing for The Huffington Post, and recently signed on to provide content for Thought Catalog. She acts as an on camera reporter for MTA’s New York City Transit, and was featured in 17 magazine’s May Issue in a column regarding internship advice. Outside of her professional endeavors, Opal still supports the Marist community as an enthusiastic volunteer. She has continued her work with the Marist Young Adult program by helping to raise money for the Marist Mission in Jamaica, where she has volunteered in the past. She also formed a connection with students at Christopher Columbus High School, a fellow Marist school in Miami. Opal shared a presentation on Marist Vocations to over 1,000 students at the school.
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Arthur J. Mastropietro, father of AJ Mastropietro ’95, Anthony Mastropietro ’96, and Douglas Mastropietro ’98. The following is an exerpt from an obituary provided by the family: “Arthur John died peacefully in his sleep after a long and arduous illness on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at his residence in Rockville Centre, NY. Beloved husband of Peggy (nee Hanley) for 38 years, dear father of A. J. Jr., Anthony E. and April (nee Ward), and Douglas P. and Elizabeth (nee Moss). Loving grandfather of Leona Belle. Devoted son of the late Michael and Ernestina (nee Gagliardino). Pre-deceased by his sisters Louisa and Jessica and his brother Eugene. A tremendously warm and caring man of great faith and integrity who held an unwavering commitment centered upon his family. A shining example of a person with an outstanding work ethic, he was also a dedicated insurance claims professional at AIG, Inc. for over 30 years, during which he became a recognized expert in his field of Workmen’s Compensation. Arthur was well respected and loved by all those whose lives he touched. His strong presence will be especially missed by his adoring family.”
The Funke family has asked that the Molloy community pray for the repose of the soul of Mark Funke, son of David Funke ’96 and grandson of Alfred Funke ’64. Mark lost a courageous battle against neuromuscular disease on January 26th. As the family continues to mourn this tragic event, please join us in prayers for Mark and the Funke family.
We are saddened to share the passing of Kenneth Allaire, brother of Jon Allaire ’87 and stepson of Raphael Agner ’43. Please keep Kenneth and his family in your prayers.
The Stanner Alumni Center received notice of the passing of two St. Ann’s graduates. Harold Finnegan ’42 passed away on September 14th, 2013. Robert Havens ’48 passed away on March 1st, 2014. Please keep these original Stanners and their families in your thoughts and prayers.
We received news of the passing of James R. Walsh ’52 on May 8th, 2014. Please keep Mr. Walsh in your prayers this week.
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