Stanner Class Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction
Register Online Now! We have gotten a huge response from our alumni in anticipation of this year’s reunion, which is just 2 weeks away. We have a large number of Stanners registered to come, and we expect even more of you to sign up in the days leading up to the event. If you are interested in attending the reunion you should register as soon as possible. This year’s reunion will take place on Saturday, November 5th at Molloy and include the classes of 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006. There will also be a special reunion for the class of 1979, most of whom will be celebrating their 50th birthdays. We also welcome back all alumni that have ever run track and field for a very special reunion. We hope that you plan to attend and come out to reconnect with your classmates and your favorite faculty members, and also to see what will be the completely modernized William J. Murphy library! The day begins with registration at 4:30 PM and the annual Mass of Remembrance taking place at 5:00 PM in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater. After Mass at 6:00 PM there will be a very special Stanner Hall of Fame induction for legendary Molloy track coach Frank Rienzo. Mr. Rienzo will be in attendance to receive this honor, which has already drawn a big crowd (especially among our track alumni). If you were taught or coached by Mr. Rienzo he would be thrilled to see you at his Hall of Fame induction. The 50th and 25th anniversary medal presentations for the classes of 1961 and 1986 will take place immediately following Mr. Rienzo’s induction in the theater. At 6:45 PM alumni will enjoy their cocktail receptions in designated areas, followed by dinner, dancing, and open bar at 7:30 PM in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Click here to find your class’ registration page, or contact Maria Ford at 718.441.9210 or via email at mford@molloyhs.org to register or to find out more about the event. It really is going to be a great night, so we hope to share it with as many of you as possible.
Baseball-Alumni Softball Game
On Saturday, October 8th a large group of baseball-alumni, who once upon a time played under Coach Curran, reunited on Stanner Field to take part in an exciting and fun alumni softball game. Molloy baseball players spanning several decades arrived early to watch the Varsity team play Fordham Prep, although Fordham failed to show up! That’s okay though as it was a win for Molloy’s boys, who also got the opportunity to mingle with alumni in attendance. The softball game started around 1:30 PM and those who played left it all out on the field. There was some friendly ribbing, along with some dives, some spills, and definitely some long drives to center. There was some serious skill on display in the game, which was organized in large part due to the dedicated efforts of Steve Strohm ’99, James Arrante ’99, and Anthony Vicari Jr. ’88. Coach Curran, Athletic Director Mike McCleary, and other coaches Chris DeSarno and Brad Lyons were in the dugout to chat with alumni and watch the game unfold. Everyone came together after the end of the game to eat the delicious 6 foot heroes on hand as well as enjoy salads, beer, and other refreshments. It was a wonderful event that we hope will grow larger in the years to come. Thank you to everyone who came out for the game.
Around the School
Open House
On October 16th, prospective Stanners toured the Molloy campus during the school’s annual Open House event, which is heavily organized by Admissions Director Mrs. Joan Porcella. Molloy hosted over 5,000 visitors as they made their way through a large number of impressive exhibits emphasizing strong academics and a legendary athletics program. In addition, over 400 students and 20 parents volunteered to help Molloy boast over 60 afterschool clubs and activities, excellent facilities in the Chemistry and Biology labs, Jack Curran Gymnasium, Theater and Art Studio, and proudly show off the newly modernized William J. Murphy Library, which was definitely the highlight for many visitors. A number of families had toured Molloy during last year’s Open House, but few expected such a remarkable change in the library. It is truly a convincing new feature of our school. While the school step teams and band performed to rousing applause in the welcome room, visitors also had the opportunity to watch the school video, speak to teachers and coaches, learn more about college guidance and freshman camp, and see Molloy from every single angle. Judging from the response we received, there is no doubt Molloy has made the choice easy for many 8th graders across the boroughs. Thank you to all of the volunteers and Molloy faculty and staff for hosting another successful Open House.
Upcoming Events
MSG Metro Classic
Come out to Archbishop Molloy High School on Sunday, October 30th and root on the Boro’s vs. the Burb’s, in particular our Stanners selected to represent the Boro’s team – C.J. Davis, Amani Tatum, and Kamille Ejerta (pictured left). The Metro Classic is an annual All-Star Game of local high school level basketball talent, which will be filmed by the crew at MSG Varsity Network and aired later this year. At 1:00 PM the Girls Benefit Game will begin, followed by the Boys Benefit Game at 3:00 PM. General Admission is $10 in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Two awards will also be given out during the taping, including the Cecil Watkins Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Mel Goldstein (PSAL Boys Basketball Commissioner 1999-2011) and the Delores E. Brajevich Lifetime Achievement Award to recipient Nancy Motto (St. Margaret’s CYO in Middle Village, NY). The event is open to current students and families as well as alumni, so we hope to see many of you out for the games! You may also bump into Coach Jack Curran along the way. For more information please visit http://www.silverbullets.org/metroclassic/.
Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event
Attention all Molloy Lawyers, Attorneys, students of law and all those in law/legal services! Online registration is now available for our Inaugural Molloy Lawyers Alumni Event on Wednesday, November 9th at 6:30 PM at Archbishop Molloy High School. We’ve already received an excellent response from a diverse group of alumni looking to get involved with this event, which will give interested Stanners the opportunity to network and discuss the industry in a friendly and professional forum. The evening will include a panel of distinguished individuals working in law and discussions will be facilitated by The Honorable Henry B. Pitman ’71 (US Magistrate Judge / Southern District of NY) and moderated by Reaz Jafri ’83. The main topic of the evening will be “Making Your Mark”. Admission is free and attendees will enjoy light refreshments and hors’ d’oeuvres in addition to good company. Those interested should register online or RSVP to Craig Katinas ’93 at 718.441.9210 or email ckatinas@molloyhs.org.
In a follow-up to our recent coverage of Mike Baxter ’02 and his promotion to Major Leagues Baseball this past season, the New York Mets outfielder visited Molloy to have lunch with some of his former teachers and coaches including Jack Curran and Br. James Vagan. Baxter talked about his time with the Mets, including his first major league home run the previous day. The home run, which you can view here, not only was a bomb to right-center field, but it was the first home run ever hit by a Stanner in the major leagues; truly a historic achievement. Baxter hopes to be back with the Mets organization next season as he continues to work hard to be an impact player. Students at Molloy were certainly star struck as they tracked him down for his autograph. Baxter gladly obliged them. Asked how it feels to play for the Mets Baxter simply said, “It’s good to be home.”
Lawrence “Pop” Jennings ’86 recently paid a visit to the Stanner Alumni Center as well as his old Varsity basketball coach, Jack Curran. Pop is currently grant writing for local churches and businesses, but hopes to expand his professional network. He is very proud of his son, who graduated high school last spring. Pop is so proud in fact that he wants to continue being an example for his son by returning to St. John’s university to complete his undergraduate degree. “I thank God that I went to Molloy and have the opportunity to link up with classmates and other Stanners.” Pop said he always tries to find Molloy grads when seeking services including doctors, real estate, and dentists among others. Currently he is hoping to use his Molloy alumni directory as a networking tool. “Molloy was a challenging place for me. I didn’t come from an academically rich environment, but I loved the challenge and the support I received. The teachers served as a great instrument to help me grow and learn.” Some teachers that made the biggest impact on Pop include Mr. Diorio, Mrs. Lonergan, and Br. Terence. “I would have never gotten through math without Br. Terence.” Pop explained further, “Even after he retired, he heard I was struggling and came down every day after school to tutor me…against my will! He said ‘Sit down here, I’m going to teach you a quick and easy way to get through this.’ I believe Molloy produces that type of person in all us, one who is genuinely concerned for others.” Pop also talked about his Varsity days at Molloy where he played ball with Harvard great Ralph James ‘87, Keith Carpenter ‘86, and legendary point guard Kenny Anderson ’89. Varsity won city and state championships during the 1986 season while Pop played forward, center, and point guard – or wherever Coach needed him. Pop plans to attend his 1986 reunion on November 5th.
George Harmel ’62 sent us a brief yet impactful note. In his words, “Trained and coached by Brother Leo Richard. Still smiling.”
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. Andrew Quigley, a former faculty member here at Molloy. Mr. Quigley (pictured right) taught Social Studies and Economics to Stanners between 1987 and 1997. He is remembered as an exceptional man by all who knew him, and he will be sorely missed.
We received news that Louis Livet ’61 passed away in early 2010. Please say a prayer for Louis and his wife.
We have learned that Christopher Riggan ’78 has passed away after succumbing to complications from a stroke he suffered this past August. Please pray for Christopher and his family.
Leave A Reply