On December 2nd, which was known as #GivingTuesday across the nation, the Stanner community stepped up in a big way by donating over $15,000 to Molloy within just a few short hours. Further expanding the impact of your generosity, we announced that an anonymous benefactor has agreed to match every $2 donated to Molloy from Giving Tuesday through Christmas by $1. This means your $15,000 on December 2nd became over $22,500 that will directly impact Molloy students through crucial scholarship support. With 13 days left until Christmas, our community has an opportunity to make an even bigger difference in the lives of young Stanners. If you haven’t already made your gift this year, consider doing so today. Your charity keeps Molloy at the forefront of education in New York City. Everyone here at Molloy is grateful for your generosity.
Around the School
Molloy Raises Over 3,500 Food Items for Annual Hungerthon
In the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, students and faculty were hard at work gathering an assortment of non-perishable food items in support of Molloy’s annual Hungerthon. The efforts of our community led to over 3,500 food items collected for donation to local food pantries. “We far exceeded our original goal of 1,600 items, which would have been about one per student and faculty member,” said Principal Br. Thomas Schady. “Everyone responded wonderfully well, particularly the Class of 2016 as they brought in the most food. Special thanks are also in order for Ms. Liz Murdocca and our class spirit leaders for the remarkable job they did sharing their enthusiasm with the student body and coordinating the food collections.” The majority of the food items were donated to St. John’s Bread and Life, a local organization that addresses the daily fight against hunger and poverty in Queens and Brooklyn. A separate portion of the collection was donated to Our Lady of Mercy (OLM), a local parish church in Forest Hills. “The trucks that came to pick up the food were completely filled. Everyone really did a great job,” said Br. Thomas. President Richard Karsten ‘81, a parishioner of OLM, had the pleasure of informing Rev. Monsignor. John McGuirl ‘63, the church’s pastor, of the donation. “The young men and women at Molloy outdid themselves. We were literally overwhelmed by their response to hunger in our city,” remarked Msgr. McGuirl. “As a Stanner, I know that service always was a major characteristic of the Marist family founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat. These young Stanners have exhibited that same sense of care and concern for those less fortunate than themselves.”
Over 630 Students Take Scholarship Exam
Each year, Molloy offers a comprehensive Scholarship Exam featuring diverse, challenging subject matter to 8th grade students who have registered and qualified. In 2014, the most impressive candidates were represented by a record breaking 634 students from across the New York City metro area. To qualify for the exam, students had to have earned a 7th grade final average of at least 93% in core subjects and have submitted a scholarship application approved by their teacher or guidance counselor. The exam, offered in two parts, tasks students with answering 100 multiple choice questions covering math, science, English, history, and other subjects as well as an essay that focuses on any range of topics from current events to more personal commentaries. “During the exam, we welcomed over 250 parents who joined us in the cafeteria for coffee. This was a great opportunity for us to speak with them and answer their many questions about our school,” said Ms. Leslie Poole-Petit, Molloy’s Admissions Director. “The early exam results are good, and we look forward to the best and brightest becoming part of the Molloy family next year.”
Briarwood Subway’s Northern Entrance Reopens
Alumni, parents, and students who have traveled to Molloy via public transit in recent years have noticed the heavy construction occurring in numerous areas around Queens Boulevard and Main Street. The construction is part of the Kew Gardens Interchange project, a multiple phase effort to widen sections of the Van Wyck Expressway and create various new on and off ramps. The construction has caused some inconvenience for the Briarwood community, including Molloy students, who have been directed to use an auxiliary subway entrance on the south side of Queens Boulevard rather than the underground tunnel leading to the northern side. This has necessitated using temporary narrow pedestrian pathways and crossing the street above ground. Thankfully, the MTA announced the reopening of the Briarwood station’s northern entrance this past weekend. The entrance had been closed since December 2010. Students and pedestrians will now be able to cross Queens Boulevard underground via the renovated pre-existing tunnel. It is a relief for many in the community, and students are happy to have the opportunity to shed a few extra minutes off of their morning commute. While this is good news, estimates for the remaining length of the project have placed completion at least two years away. Thank you to all in our community for your patience during this ongoing construction project.
Upcoming Events
Christmas Concert & Christmas Liturgy
- Christmas Concert
- When: Tuesday, December 16th | 7:00 pm
- Where: Jack Curran Gymnasium
- Christmas Liturgy
- When: Friday, December 19th | 10:45 am
- Where: Jack Curran Gymnasium
Alumni, parents, and friends are invited to attend our upcoming Christmas Concert on Tuesday, December 16th as well as our Christmas Liturgy on Friday, December 19th. The concert will feature Molloy’s most talented musical performers representing each class year. They will present a variety of Christmas songs for your enjoyment. Tickets may be purchased for the concert at the door. On Friday, the Liturgy will begin promptly at 10:45 am so please plan to arrive shortly before the start. We look forward to sharing this Liturgy and praying with you this Christmas season.
St. John’s Mens Basketball Vs. Butler
- When: Sunday, January 3rd, 2015 | 3:00 pm
- Where: St. John’s Univ. | Carnesecca Arena
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
On Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, the alumni organizations of Archbishop Molloy High School and St. John’s University will be hosting a special gathering to watch the Red Storm take on Butler at the legendary Carnesecca Arena in Alumni Hall. There will be a light reception before and after the game, and children are welcome to attend. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm. More details will become available at www.molloyhs.org/events in the coming days.
Br. Ron Marcellin Scholarship Dinner & Raffle
- When: Sunday, January 18, 2015 | 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
- Where: Trinity Restaurant & Bar (190 Jericho Turnpike, Floral Park, NY)
- Admission: $40 (Open Bar & Food)
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Each year, Stanners gather for the Br. Ron Marcellin Scholarship Dinner & Raffle to pay tribute to the memory a great Marist Brother. Br. Ron Marcellin ‘52 was a kind, caring person who created his own style of teaching the Marist Charism. He dedicated his life to educating young people, in many instances lending special guidance to students most in need. Br. Ron instilled many fine qualities in his students including self-respect, confidence, and the power to be proactive in their community. Beyond the classroom, Br. Ron made a tremendous impact on the lives of young Stanners, particularly through his work in the SMILE program. Sadly, the Stanner community lost Br. Ron in 1993 after a brave fight against cancer. His spirit continues to live on in the hearts and minds everyone he inspired.
Money raised at this event will directly fund The Brother Ron Marcellin Memorial Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to deserving Molloy students and ensures funding for the mental health and well-being of a student in need. We anticipate there will be great auction prizes up for bidding as well as a 50/50 raffle that has seen winners take home $3,000 or more! Prizes will be announced in the coming weeks.
Financial Workshop
- When: Wednesday, January 14th, 2015
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School (Library) | 7:00 pm
- Admission: Free
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
In a recent roundtable discussion with Molloy’s Advisory Panel of professional wealth management advisors, discussed was what it means for parents to “be prepared” for the expense of college for their children, for possible long-term health care needs, and retirement. Our experienced panel offered the following “road map” for consideration:
- Set realistic goals: Establishing real goals, following them through, and tracking your progress are keys to success in achieving all of your financial goals.
- Create a balance: Finding the balance between what you can save for the future and what you need for today plays a key role in your ability to effectively invest in your long-term goals.
- Small investments over time add up: The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. Personal financial goals do not have to be overwhelming if you have patience, create a discipline of saving, and take it one step at a time.
- Be active in your goals: A critical action step is to prioritize each of your personal goals in order of importance, and then determine how long you have to save for each of them.
- When: March 21st, 2015 | 4:00 pm
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Admission: Free
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
SMILE is the longest standing non-athletic program in Molloy/St. Ann’s history. Founded by Br. Leo Richard and Mrs. Sheila Murphy in 1964, SMILE was designed to help young men – and today young men and women – build self-esteem, confront issues they are facing in their lives, and learn how to live life in a positive, responsible way.
We are looking forward to celebrating the milestone 50th anniversary of SMILE with many of the alumni who benefited from the program during their time at Stanner High, and in many cases throughout their lives. The celebration will feature group prayer and reflection, a formal program, reception, and a “SMILE Museum” including artifacts, articles, photos, and archival video footage that will help tell the SMILE story in great detail. We will also honor founders such as Br. Leo Richard, Br. Ron Marcellin, Br. Francis Regis, Dr. Patrick Murphy, Sheila Murphy, Dr. Robert Englert, Mary Michels, Mari Hart, and Fr. Edward Doran. More details will be shared in The Beehive in the coming weeks.
While visiting family in Newburgh, New York over Thanksgiving weekend, Don Eustace ’52 had the opportunity to meet up with two good friends from St. Ann’s: Jack Moran ’53, Ed Gaughran ’52. The three original Stanners met for lunch before Don headed back home to Georgia. “It was nice to reminisce about our days at the beehive on 76th Street,” said Don.
Earlier this year, Domenico Montanaro ’97 was announced as the new political editor/senior producer of PBS NewsHour. Previously, Domenico worked for NBC News Washington as a deputy political editor for seven years. During that time, he shared in NBC’s Emmy win for election night coverage in 2008 and was later nominated for another award in 2012. Upon his hiring, Linda Winslow, executive producer for PBS NewsHour, stated that “Domenico’s versatility with both television and digital reporting, and his experience supervising a staff of multimedia reporter producers make him a particularly good fit with NewsHour’s political unit.” PBS NewsHour has a regular weekly viewership of over 4 million, which includes TV and online, and is produced in association with WETA Washington, DC, and WNET.org. According to the show’s website, PBS NewsHour provides “analysis, background reports, and news updates to put the day’s news in context.” Domenico is also very active on Twitter.
Charlie Flood ’68 has launched Mouka Productions, LLC with his business partner, Harry B. Knights III. After a career in the publishing and entertainment industries, work as a trainer and previously in Alumni Development at Molloy, Charlie has set his sights on a new mission: to create an enduring entertainment franchise around the true meaning of Christmas. The entire Stanner family is invited to share Mouka Productions’ first feature – Nicholas, The Boy With A Wish – at http://www.moukaproductions.com. “We are encouraging Stanners to share this story with children, grandchildren and friends this Christmas season,” said Charlie. “These days, it is increasingly difficult to remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. By sharing this story about how a boy facing many challenges rises above it all to honor the Birth of Christ, we hope to help families to keep Christ in Christmas.”
In October, Dina Mangialino ’13 and Adam Poplawski ’13 volunteered at Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival. The duo helped out with the book signings for various famous chefs and Food Network personalities including Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, John Besh, Aarón Sanchez, and Michael Symon (the latter three are pictured above with Dina and Adam).
We are saddened to share the passing of Robert Audrin, father of Stephane Audrin ’85. Robert is being waked today, December 12th from 3:00 – 5:00 pm and 7:00 – 9:00 pm at Papavero Funeral Home, 72-27 Grand Ave, Maspeth, NY 11378. Please keep the Audrin family in your prayers.
We received the sad news that John Cervini ’96 passed away unexpectedly on November 7th, 2014. John was a very talented musician who is survived by his mother, his brother David Cervini ’92, and a seven year old daughter. Please pray for John and the Cervini family during this very difficult time.
We are saddened to share the December 8th passing of Edward W. Malin, Ph.D., ’63, brother of William Malin ’70 and brother-in-law of Roy Elberfeld ’60. In an obituary provided to the Stanner Alumni Center, his family writes, “He chose to reside in Trumbull, CT, and spent his time teaching and leading. He performed, acted, sang, devoured books and mentored colleagues. He embodied honesty, integrity, and humility. You trusted him, tried to walk his path and meet his expectations. When you stumbled, he comforted with unconditional positive regard. A huge man with an inspirational heart and amazing intellect.” Edward is survived by his wife, Judy, three sons, and nine grandchildren. For those in the area, the wake for Edward will take place at Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home at 399 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT, 06611 today from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13th at Chapel of the Holy Spirit – Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT 06825 at 10:30 am. Please keep Edward in your prayers.
We are saddened to share the passing of Patrick Keilty ’64 on Monday, November 24th. Please pray for Patrick and his wife Anne.
We were recently informed of the passing of John Sweitzer ’70 in June 2014. Please remember John in your prayers this week.
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