Register Online Now! All alumni, faculty, and Stanner friends are welcome to come out on June 18th (Rain Date June 19th) for an afternoon of wine, food, music, and relaxation at the Diliberto Winery in Jamesport, New York. 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 for $45 while a couple admission costs $80. Admission covers wine tasting, cheeses, lunch, and refreshments. The festivities begin at 12:00 PM and will end at 4:00 PM. All are welcome to stay as long as they wish for the day. 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.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 14th, online registration will close at that time.
Around the School
Exam Season
The seniors may be well on their way to graduation, but everyone else at Molloy is preparing to take their Regents exams. Always a stressful time of year, students can be seen walking the halls with their review books firmly in hand. While the exam period only occupies a week and a half, it can seem like an eternity when you’ve got multiple tests to prepare for. It’s never an easy task (it’s not supposed to be!), but Molloy students have always been up to the challenge. Review sessions have been underway for many weeks, and students are feeling confident they will “take care of business.” According to sophomore Cara Salvatore, “I’m confident. I think having practice Regents as our tests lately have helped a lot.” Her classmate Jennifer Foley feels the same way, but still a bit nervous about taking so many exams. “I think I’ll do fine. The teachers have done a good job preparing us.”
Sports Update
State Champs!
Congratulations to the Varsity softball team, who captured their first ever CHSAA State Championship after defeating Mt. Mercy Academy of Buffalo 7 – 1 last week. The Stanners (18 – 0) had been dominating all season, having captured the Brooklyn/Queens Division “A” title as well as the CHSAA City Championship along the way. Now the team, coached by Maureen Rosenbaum, are enjoying their biggest celebration yet. Shortstop Marissa Puzino was quoted in the New York Post as she talked about how hard they worked for four years just to get a city title – but now being able to boast a state championship for the first time in the school’s history is an “awesome feeling.” Congratulations again on this historic season!
Patrick Waters Courage Award
Following up on the JV softball team, coached by Mr. Lou Santos, their journey this year saw them win the Queens Division Championship over St. Francis Prep, the Brooklyn/Queens Championship, and the City Championship at this year’s Metro Bowl over the perennial champs St. Joseph by the Sea of Staten Island (the final score was 2 – 1 in 9 innings). “There were no errors, no walks, and on the JV level that’s unheard of,” said Coach Santos. There’s another story here as well. According to Coach Santos, team manager Gabrielle D’Angelo ’14 has done an outstanding job and is very conscientious. Gabrielle plays softball in the spring at the local RGMVM league (Ridgewood, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth) where she always shows up to compete at her highest level. Gabrielle was recently awarded the Patrick Waters Courage Award for outstanding spirit and dedication to the game. The award honors the legacy of Patrick Waters ’74, a firefighter who gave his life trying to save others on September 11th, 2001. Congratulations to Gabrielle. She is pictured along with Coach Santos and Stanner teammates Amber Emmino, Nicole Weber, Christy Simonelli, Katherine Lamberson, Kayla Murray, Sammantha Arena, Megan McNamara, and Kristen Candelara.
Step Teams Performing @ High Line Park
As mentioned several weeks ago, Molloy’s Step Teams will be participating in “Step to the High Line”, a week-long festival of step performances to help celebrate the newly opened section of High Line Park on the west side of Manhattan. According to a press release from the NYC Parks & Recreation, “Step is a form of creative expression that celebrates the power and energy of youth. We’re thrilled to showcase the talent and hard work of New York City’s best step teams in this exciting year for the High Line.” The press release describes the Molloy ladies step team: “One of the most diverse teams in New York City, with students of African, Asian, Latin American, and European descent, Archbishop Molloy High School Girls placed third in the 2010 Manhattan Borough Youth Step USA Championship.” (Molloy ladies to perform at the High Line at West 16th Street on Wednesday, June 15th.) Describing the Molloy boys: “Winners of the 2010 Youth Step USA National Championship, this step team is known for a step routine they call the “epic”, which incorporates the audience in a fun, welcoming, and engaging way.” (Molloy boys to perform at the High Line at West 23rd Street on Friday, June 17th.) If you’re in the neighborhood for the festivities, check out some of Molloy’s best talent in action!
Faculty Update
Br. Bob Featured in NY Daily News
Brother Bob Andrews, educator and track coach at Molloy for 31 years (46 years of coaching total), was recently featured in the NY Daily News in an article written by alum Brian Towey ’96. The article focuses on Br. Bob’s intensity over the years as a coach and highlights the level of success he, his teams, and Molloy’s track program overall have enjoyed over the course of the school’s history. The article quotes alumni including Artie Dohler ’82 and Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85 as well as Pat Cooney from the class of 2011. Pat was an exceptional runner under Br. Bob’s guidance and was mentioned previously in The Beehive for achieving the 3rd fastest 600M time in Molloy history at 1:23.27 at this year’s Stanner Games and later after running the 800M in 1:55.86 at the National Championships, earning him the second fastest time in school history behind the 1:56.2 in the 880Y recorded by Stanner Hall of Famer Tom Farrell ’61. Please click here for this must read. Photo courtesy NY Daily News.
Upcoming Events
Molloy Night at Citi Field
Attention students, families, faculty, & alumni! Come out for a fun Stanner gathering at Citi Field in Flushing as the New York Mets take on the Oakland A’s in interleague play on Tuesday, June 21st at 7:10 PM. Spearheading the event, Mr. Chris Dougherty ’91 (pictured at Molloy’s last visit to Citi Field in 2010) mentions, “Some of us remember that this is a rematch of the 1973 World Series!” Tickets are only $10 for the Promenade 500 section. Over 100 tickets have been sold so far and we’re welcoming more! Get some friends together and join us at the ballpark! Please contact Mr. Dougherty at cdougherty@molloyhs.org or direct at (718) 943-3162 to purchase tickets.
The Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft on June 8th saw Duke senior and Molloy grad Dennis O’Grady ’07 drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 34th round. O’Grady was previously mentioned in The Beehive in April. At 5-10 and 200 pounds, the right handed hurler led Duke’s pitching staff in wins, starts, and innings pitched. He put together a great season with a 6-3 win/loss, 3.65 ERA, and 75 K’s in 86.1 innings pitched. O’Grady also had an excellent offensive year, batting .275 with 20 RBI and 8 stolen bases. He will hope to sign soon and be assigned to a minor league affiliate of the Padres. O’Grady joins Mike Baxter ’02 in the Padres organization. Baxter made his major league debut in late 2010 as the Padres made a late push for a playoff spot. O’Grady will hope to do the same before all is said and done. Click here for more on O’Grady from the NY Post.
Leroy Herbert ’08 visited the Stanner Alumni Center and talked about his upcoming business venture. Leroy, along with partner Myron Jones-Roberson, are trying to revolutionize fitness with their own training program using ther trademarked “Triple Effect” – how we balance strength and flexibility simultaneously. “We’re a firm believer in not using weights, but having balance, using resistance training, and being able to stabilize your core as the best way to train,” said Leroy. He has worked with fellow classmates Robert Heinz ’08 and Sean Collins ’10 during the process while receiving much encouragement from his father Leroy Herbert ’81. Leroy ’08 ran track, played basketball, and swam at Molloy. According to coach Jeff Gallagher ’88, “he was one of the best quarter-milers we’ve ever had here.” Leroy had attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is now taking classes at Queensborough as he switches his major to athletic training. His goal is to graduate from Marist College with an athletic training degree. Leroy’s overall long-term goal is the success of his business. He hopes to be able to broadcast live training sessions on his website so people can work with him across the globe. Visit Leroy online at Core Focus for more info.
Dan Jagde ’81 and wife Irene recently returned from a trip to Ireland, a prize they won from a raffle ticket at the Brother Ron Marcellin Scholarship Dinner in January. Dan took the opportunity to celebrate Irene’s birthday in style as the two had a fantastic time. We wonder who will be the lucky winner at next year’s dinner event!
Non scholae sed vitae
A Second Chance
Gerard Marrone ’91 recently became an author as his first book, Unleash Your Amazing Potential, hit store shelves in February. The book is of personal measure to Gerard, who shares intimate details about the hardest experience of his life. In 1994 Gerard was the victim of a terrible crime – he was shot in the spine trying to defend his younger sister. Gerard was instantly paralyzed and told that he would never walk again. “I was on the ground and I couldn’t get up or move. The fear that came into my body sent me into a panic,” said Gerard. “The book is about how I overcame that ordeal mentally, physically, and spiritually.” It was when he was on the ground that he felt a divine connection, and that feeling gave him the power to get through the tough days ahead. It is a feeling that resonates with him to this day, and he encourages others to seek out this feeling to achieve their individual potential. “The book is generally a workbook on how the reader can take a spiritual journey and have a balance in his or her life.” Gerard wanted to write the book not only to share his experiences, but to leave a legacy for his 3 sons. “I wanted to put my thoughts and philosophies on paper. If I can help just one person, then what I went through was worth it.” Gerard is big on not identifying as a victim and staying in a positive state of mind. It took Gerard about a year to complete the book around his busy schedule as an attorney and father. “I put all my passion and energy into it,” said Gerard. “There was no quitting, just like when I knew I would walk again. We all have that adversity in life that gives you wisdom.” Gerard believes in gratitude and thanking God for what you have. He currently works on an e-magazine called “Synergy” where he writes about hope and triumph. Speaking about Molloy, Gerard boasted, “It’s the greatest learning institution that I ever attended. It was at Molloy that I learned to be the best I could be. I was never an A student, probably a C+ guy, but Molloy taught me to raise the bar for myself. It gave me the confidence to really achieve the things that I perhaps thought I could not. Most importantly, Molloy taught me how to persevere. Molloy is the people; it is individuals like Bill Niklaus, Joe Smith, John Diorio, and Br. Leo Richard. I took their lessons with me for the rest of my life, and it was a big part of me walking again. There’s a bond at Molloy that is very strong.” Gerard’s book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Class Updates
Tom Weinum ’68 shares his Stanner Story: “Hello Stanners! Tom Weinum here, class of ’68. Just read the article on Bro. Jogues and wanted to add my appreciation and admiration to the man and his accomplishments. Bro. Jogues was my Freshman Track Coach. He helped me a lot…a lot more than he might ever know. I wasn’t the best of students, but had potential. And I certainly wasn’t the best runner, but in those days no one was ever cut from the track team. I always felt comfortable on the track team…being a part of the team…running the workouts…competing. I was doing badly at school and Bro. Jogues took me aside and encouraged me to do better. He stopped me from running until my grades improved. I made the honor roll the next grading period and got the chance to run again. He kept an eye on me through my high school track career and was first to congratulate me when I won a race. Running got me to college – Kent State University, Ohio. I was right there on May 4, 1970…noon. So thank you Bro. Jogues. By the way, I’m retiring 6/17/2011 after 37 years of teaching Special Education at Huntington Beach High School in California. I’ve always enjoyed working with students that needed a little more help and encouragement…much like Bro. Jogues helped me. I can see and feel the satisfaction that can come from working with students. I also coached Soccer and Track for many years. Now I will enjoy my “Endless Summer”. AMHS is one of my fondest memories.”
After parting ways with Barr Pharmecuticals in 2009 after 8 years, Paul Galbraith ’74 decided to go back into “show biz” and he says things haven’t been better. Paul will be filming an independent film at the end of June in Rockland County, NY and later in the summer will be performing the role of Sir Danvers Carew in the musical Jekyll and Hyde, July 12-24 at the Forestburgh Playhouse in Forestburgh, NY. Paul encourages all Stanners to support the arts, and to come see him if you’re in the area. Click here for more info. That’s not all! Paul will be appearing in the Biography Channel’s “Celebrity Ghost Stories” in the upcoming episode featuring Nicole Eggert (airing sometime after June 18th), and he can also be seen later this year in the movie “The Broken Tower”, about poet Hart Crane (played by actor James Franco). In 2012 Paul is preparing to be a resident artist for Just Off-Broadway Inc. located in New Windsor, NY and looks forward to working on shows including, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Shenandoah”, An original play about “Judy Garland” and “the Pirates of Penzance”.
Ken Strohm ’98 (pictured), Steven Strohm ’99, Terrence Ford ’98, Gregg Daily ’98, Michael Daily ’96 and Daniel Portelli ’99 all participated in the Spartan Race on Saturday, June 4th in Tuxedo, NY. The obstacle race, which takes runners through mud, water, and fire among other elements, proved to be a challenge well worth the effort for these Stanners as all gained a special sense of accomplishment from conquering the course.
Kristina Obermeier ’06 was in attendance at Mr. Mecca’s Memorial Mass and later stopped into the Stanner Alumni Center. She remembered his class well including his “First Monday” movies (an hour show exploring court cases), and said she still has her “Mecca Pen”. Kristina attended Hunter College for nursing and later transferred to Queens College for a degree in Business. She has been working in a cardiology clinic for the past 9 years (she started way back as a freshman at Molloy). “I started helping out in the summer and it just kept going,” she said with a smile. Currently she is the Supervisor for Medical Records. She loves her job and would like to continue working there, but hopes her continued education will help her move up to a Managerial Outlook position. Kristina started running last August and said she enjoys training and participating in local races around the 5 boroughs and Long Island. She signed up for her first Duathlon (3 mile run, 16 mile bike route, 3 mile run) and went through a 3 week intensive training plan that helped her finish the race. She ran the Long Island Marathon this past May finishing 2:22:04 and plans to participate in the Tunnel to Towers 5K in Fort Lauderdale this fall. She has also set a goal to participate in a Triathalon. Kristina played volleyball at Molloy and was part of the 17 – 0 team that dominated the league in the 2005-2006 season. “I volunteered on the junior retreat last year and I wished I could come back here. I tell people all the time that going to Molloy opens doors for you that you otherwise wouldn’t have. You come back to your high school and people still know who you are. You’re not a number, you’re a person. I like that feeling. Mr. Niklaus told me ‘Welcome home.’ You don’t get that everywhere. Going to Molloy was the best decision I ever made.” Before she left, Kristina mentioned that her sister Melissa ’09 is doing well at Queensborough College and that she is lucky enough to work with fellow classmate Margaret Christy ’06.
the College University Cheerleaders team competition in Disneyworld. The team performed on ESPN2 and later celebrated their win in front of a national audience. Congratulations to Alexandra on her win!
Gerard Marrone ’91 recently became an author as his first book, Unleash Your Amazing Potential, was published by Outskirts Press and hit store shelves this past February. The book is of very personal measure to Gerard, who shares intimate details about the hardest experience of his life. In 1994 Gerard was the victim of a terrible crime – he was shot in the spine trying to defend his younger sister. Gerard was instantly paralyzed and told that he would never walk again. “I was on the ground paralyzed and I couldn’t get up or move. The horror and fear that came into my body sent me into a panic,” said Gerard. “The book is about how I overcame that ordeal mentally, physically, and spiritually.” It was at the moment he was on the ground that he felt a divine connection, and that feeling gave him the power to get through the tough days ahead. It is a feeling that resonates with him to this day, and he encourages others to seek out this feeling to achieve their individual potential. “The book is generally a workbook on how the reader can take a spiritual journey and have a balance in his or her life.” Gerard wanted to write the book not only to share his experiences, but to leave a legacy for his 3 sons. “I wanted to put my thoughts and philosophies on paper. If I can help just one person, then what I went through is worth it.” Gerard is big on not identifying as a victim and staying in a positive state of mind. It took Gerard about a year to complete the book around his busy schedule as an attorney and father. “When there’s a will, there’s a way,” said Gerard. “I put all my passion and energy into it. There was no quitting, just like when I knew I would walk again. We all have that adversity in life that gives you wisdom.” Gerard believes in gratitude and thanking God for what you have. Gerard currently works on an e-magazine called “Synergy” and where he writes about hope and triumph. Speaking about Molloy Gerard said, “It’s the greatest learning institution that I ever attended. It was at Molloy that I learned to be the best I could be. I was never an A student, probably a C+ guy, but Molloy taught me to raise the bar for myself. It gave me the confidence to really achieve the things that I perhaps could not. Most importantly, Molloy taught me how to persevere. Molloy is the people. It’s individuals like Bill Niklaus, Joe Smith, John Dioro, and Br. Leo Richard. I took that with me for the rest of my life, and it was a big part of me walking again. There’s a bond at Molloy that is very strong. Gerard’s book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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