Stanner Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction
On Saturday November 5th Molloy welcomed over an incredible 575 alumni and guests to its annual Stanner Hall of Fame Induction and Class Reunion event. Class years including 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1979, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006 as well as Track & Field alumni returned to Molloy, some of them for the first time in many years, to roam the halls and reconnect with their roots. Many alumni arrived early to pay tribute to those in the Stanner Community who have been lost in the past year during the annual Mass of Remembrance in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater. Father John Serio ’71 concelebrated mass along with Ed Sheridan ’71 and James Burns ‘61 while Mr. Jim Sheehan ‘75 led the student chorus in song. After mass, legendary track Coach Frank Rienzo was recognized for his incredible impact on St. Ann’s Academy and Molloy with a very special induction into the Stanner Hall of Fame, an honor that has been 50 years in the making. Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81 presented an award to Frank, who graciously accepted the honor in front of many of his friends and family. In addressing the crowd, Frank spoke highly of all his fellow coaches, the students that made him great, and the Marist Brothers, who above all else provided the moral and scholastic foundations for Frank and his runners to succeed. You can read more about Coach Frank Rienzo in his hall of fame biography here.
Following Coach Rienzo’s induction, Mr. Karsten invited former President John Sherry ’61 to the stage to accept a plaque in recognition of his dedication to the Stanner community, particularly in leading the committee for the class of 1961’s 50th Anniversary Reunion. Mr. Sherry worked hard to gather over 60 of his classmates to attend the milestone reunion – truly a remarkable accomplishment. Mr. Sherry, along with Tim Healy ’61, then awarded 50th anniversary medals to their classmates, a moment the class of 1961 will surely never forget. Science teacher Eric Stolze ‘86 and Jim Kelly ’86 rounded out the ceremony by awarding 25th Anniversary medals to the extremely proud class of 1986, who began chanting in excitement as their classmates accepted each medal.
Alumni got started by reminiscing during class cocktail receptions throughout the building, although some experienced a late start after being drawn in by the brand new William J. Murphy Library – a sight which truly dropped their jaws to the ground. After walking through the new library and enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, alumni made their way to the Jack Curran Gymnasium where Mr. Karsten welcomed and thanked all in attendance, including those who traveled from as far as Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, California, and even Hawaii to attend their reunion and see their classmates and former teachers. Brother Pat Hogan provided an invocation for the evening and led everyone in prayer to Saint Marcellin Champagnat and Good Saint Ann. The night progressed with class photos, dinner, dancing, and dessert. Accommodating over 580 people is no easy task, Alumni Relations Director Maria Ford deserves much thanks for her tireless efforts in making this event succeed at its highest level. Thank you to all who attended this year’s reunion. It was a magical evening that will last a lifetime. You can view your group photos by clicking on the thumbnails below, or click the large link to access the full reunion photo gallery:
Homecoming Weekend
Thanksgiving Liturgy
Dear Friends,
The Thanksgiving homecoming weekend is a special time of the year at any high school, but perhaps even more so here at Molloy. Being part of a community that embraces the true meaning of Thanksgiving is one of the many aspects that makes Archbishop Molloy High School such a remarkable place.
It begins on November 23rd when the Stanner Family will once again come together on the eve of Thanksgiving for our annual Liturgy and celebrate in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. All alumni are welcome to join us and celebrate. The mass will begin at 8:00 am. Following the Mass there will be an opportunity to gather at a reception in the cafeteria, and to visit with administration, faculty, and staff throughout the building.
Homecoming events will continue on November 26th with the return of the Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament. It will be a terrific day for both alumni and current students to win bragging rights. It is going to be great to see the gymnasiums packed with competitive games and sportsmanship that is synonymous with Molloy Athletics.
The weekend is capped off with Stanners packing the Curran Gymnasium to cheer our Boys Basketball Varsity and Varsity B teams in their pursuit for another championship.
The spirit of the season moves Stanners to celebrate, reach out, to share blessings, and to give thanks. From the moment you walk into the main doors on Manton Street, the spirit of the holiday is evident. Individually, in small groups, and as a larger family of Marist Brothers, religious, students, alumni, parents, faculty, administration offer their prayers, and service in a variety of ways. Stanners do this with a joy that is contagious to those who surround them.
Molloy is a great home to all Stanners. I am thankful for all of the alumni who share their time, talent, and generosity ensuring the school mission remains alive and vibrant for the next 118 years. I am grateful to our outstanding students here with us now who are eager to make their mark on the world. I am also very thankful for the Marist Brothers, administrators, staff, faculty, and the team at the Stanner Alumni Center who bring to life our school motto “Non scholae sed viate” everyday. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve our alma mater and you, our alumni.
On behalf of the entire Stanner community here at Molloy, I extend our prayers that you and your family enjoy a blessed Thanksgiving.
Sincerely,
Craig M. Katinas ’93
Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
REGISTER ONLINE NOW! The 3 on 3 Tournament is next week! On Saturday, November 26th Molloy will host the Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Tournament during homecoming weekend for both current students and alumni in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. Check-in for the tournament will begin at 9:45 AM and the tournament’s length will depend on how many teams we have registered by the day of the event. Spots are very limited and there will be no guarantee of a spot if you do not register in advance online. There will also be a double-header including out Varsity A and Varsity B boys basketball teams later in the evening, which we invite all registered attendees to watch and cheer on our Stanners.
The alumni fee of $35 will include:
- Reversible Jersey (4 players per team MAX)
- Spot in 3 on 3 Tournament
- Ticket to Varsity double-header
- Pizza
- Soda / Water
Spread the word and help us make this event a mainstay for years to come. Once again we are expecting a large turnout for this event, so please register early. For more information please contact Craig Katinas ’93 at ckatinas@molloyhs.org or Chris X. Dougherty ’91 at cdougherty@molloyhs.org.
Around the School
Walk-A-Thon
Over 1,500 Molloy students recently journeyed through Briarwood during the school’s 18th Annual Walk-A-Thon. The entire faculty and staff, as well as local police, helped keep students safe and the atmosphere fun as the student population traversed the 10K route. Fruit, water and other refreshments greeted students upon their return from the morning workout. In anticipation of the fundraiser, students raised pledge money that will be contributed to the installment of new bleachers in the Jack Curran Gym as well as improved lighting and sound equipment in the Ralph DeChiaro Theater. This was no small task, but once again our Stanners proved to be on their game as each student met their pledge goals. In addition the I AM GREEN club took full advantage of the day outside the classroom as they helped to clean up Briarwood by collecting garbage strewn about along the route. As an added incentive, students will receive a Walk-A-Thon holiday in December – always a worthy cause for a high school student!
Stanners Volunteer at Soup Kitchen
A group of Stanners and faculty members, led by religion teacher Ms. Elizabeth Reichert, recently volunteered at the Xavier Mission soup kitchen in Manhattan. During November when we gather as families for Thanksgiving, it is important to not only thank God for what we have in our lives, but we must follow in the Marist Tradition by putting the needs of others before our own. In this way, our Stanners took part in an effort that helped serve a total of 1,193 hot meals to less fortunate individuals seeking the generosity of others this season. “I think one of the best things about these service trips is the chance to interact with those whom we are serving,” said Ms. Reichert. “It’s easy to have false assumptions and attitudes about the poor and the homeless. But, when you get the chance to interact with them, it breaks down a lot of the stereotypes. And, instead of seeing them as numbers and statistics, you see each of them as human beings. ” Our volunteers aided in serving meals, assembling pantry bags, pouring juice cups, sorting pantry items, washing trays and dishes, and cleaning the facility. These students made their mark by sacrificing their personal time to recognize and directly respond to the essential needs of others – a definitive sign that the mission of St. Marcellin Champagnat continues to resonate with Stanners as well as all Marist students. “I am always proud to take Molloy students with me on service trips,” said Ms. Reichert. “Volunteer coordinators praise our students – they work hard, follow directions, and always do so with a smile.”
AP Scholars Announced
15 current seniors and 41 Molloy 2010 graduates have earned AP Scholar Awards based on their outstanding achievement on AP Exams. The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) gives students a plethora of opportunities to take demanding college-level courses while still in high school, and to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both based on their AP exam results. The AP Scholar with Honor award is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exam taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. The AP Scholar with Distinction award is granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.
AP Scholars among current seniors from the Class of 2012 include: Wilfrido Castillo, Jonathan Cortez, Jackelyne Diaz, Myrna Hanna, Jennifer Hwu, Christina John, Lauren Kelly, Shannon Megale, Jessica Montes, Monika Nowak, Mia Polizzotto, Sergio Rodriguez, Michelle Rondon, Margaret Rooney, and Alexandra Woods.
AP Scholars among Class of 2011 alumni include: Thomas Bolan, Lianna Cocchi, Thomas Connolly, Louis Diab, Juan Gomez, Gabrielle Grancio, Navdep Kaur, Andrea Lai, Jessica Lebron, David Lozada, Christina Lucci, Kyle Mele, Brieanna Ngui, John Peniera, Stephanie Rey, Derek Sokolowski, Toni Tobias, Pooja Vyas, and Karen Zhou.
AP Scholars with Distinction among Class of 2011 alumni include: Arleen Aguasvivas, Melissa Evelyn, Kanad Ghosh, Evan Kearney, Judy Li, Derek Netto, Carolina Ortiz, Dhandevi Persand, Mary Rooney, Christopher Vasile, and Isobel Williams. Arleen, now at Harvard, and Carolina, the 2011 salutatorian, each had perfect 5 scores on all AP exams – truly a remarkable accomplishment.
AP Scholars with Honor among Class of 2011 alumni include: Lauren DeMarco, Marc Emos, Amanda Gonzalez, Lance Hipolito, Daniel Holowiak, Elizabeth Lynch, Agata Michalak, Daniel Moralez, Mark Puglia, Jacqueline Shay, and Robert Thomas.
Sports Update
Just as Molloy prepared to honor legendary coach Frank Rienzo, the Stanner Girls continued the same tradition of excellence that Frank established all those years ago. The Girls Varsity Cross Country Team as well as the Freshman Team won the CHSAA Brooklyn/Queens Sectional Championships. For the Varsity team it was their third straight title as they placed ahead St. Francis Prep and The Mary Louis Academy. Kathleen Woods ’12 won her third straight Varsity race, conquering the 4K race with a time for 16:18.59. Mary Ellen Woods ‘15 took the top spot in the freshman race.
Will “Power” Rosinsky ’02 was recently profiled in the Daily News because of his unusual skill set. Rosinsky is an EMT with the FDNY, and as the story goes he was part of a crew that helped revive a 46 year old woman suffering from an asthma attack during the month of October. The next day Rosinsky would report to his other job – continuing his training for a nationally televised boxing match on Showtime against Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez at Foxwoods Resort Casino on October 21st. Going into the match, the 171 pound Rosinsky had a perfect 14-0 record with eight KO decisions as a professional. He won 4 consecutive amateur titles between 2005 and 2008 in the Daily News Golden Gloves boxing tournament. In an extremely tough match, Rosinsky would lose to Rodriguez in 10 rounds. Rosinsky was humble after the fight, describing Rodriguez as a star in the making while he himself is still a “work in progress.” Still, the future is bright for young Rosinsky, who continues to work at an EMT station in East New York, Brooklyn around his training schedule. Keep your eyes open for Rosinsky as he is sure to make more news in the boxing world very soon.
Chris Dorgler ’11, the 6-3, 185 pound Guard/Forward at St. Rose College, played hard in a game against #5 ranked Syracuse – a performance that was televised by SportsNet New York (SNY). Dorgler had a 4 – 4 shooting night and one steal, helping St. Rose nearly overcome the Syracuse squad. Though the game was close at the half, Syracuse would eventually take the contest 87-69. Still, Dorgler’s skills were on full display and there’s no doubt his future is bright. Dorgler is currently majoring in Business Administration. At Molloy he was team captain and MVP for the Stanners as well as a CHSAA first-team All-Queens selection and an All-City Honorable Mention pick.
Michael Wilson ’85 wants to let the Stanner community know that after 26 years of service to the Coast Guard and CG Reserves he has officially retired as of November 1st, 2011. Michael received a letter of appreciation from President Obama in a very special ceremony. The following, titled “The Watch”, was part of the program for the evening: “For twenty-six years this Sailor has stood the watch. While some of us were in our bunks at night, this Sailor stood the watch. While some of us were in school learning our trade, this Shipmate stood the watch. Yes… even before some of us were born into this world, this Shipmate stood the watch. In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history, this Shipmate stood the watch. Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there needing his guidance and help, needing that hand to hold during those hard times, but he still stood the watch. He stood the watch for twenty-six years. He stood the watch so that we, our families and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety each and every night, knowing that a Sailor stood the watch. Today we are here to say ‘Shipmate, the watch stands relieved. Relieved by those you have trained, guided and lead. Shipmate, you stand relieved, we have the watch.’”
Chaplain (LTC) James Krische ’76 sent us the following: “Greetings from Afghanistan. I just arrived for a 1 year tour to offer the Catholic sacraments for the troops at various operating bases around the country. I encourage Stanners serving here of all military branches to say hi by way of my email address james.krische@us.army.mil so we might arrange a mini-reunion when I get to your location. Keep the faith.”
Following the New York City Marathon on November 6th, several alumni from the class of 1991 joined together in celebration at O’Neil’s in Manhattan. According to Chris Dougherty ’91 pictured far left, “This was probably 40 percent of the size of the reunion of ‘91 on Saturday night!” Alongside Chris are Pat Rohan, Joe Napolitano, and Joe O’Sullivan.
Devin Ting-Fung Chu ’05 was awarded a Baccalaureate Degree from Dowling College as well as the title of Summa Cum Laude. Dowling cited the preparation and guidance Devin received from Archbishop Molloy High School as playing a significant role in his wonderful achievement.
Cesare A. Taormina ’47 passed away on November 5th, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. He was 81 years old. Cesare was born in the Bronx, NY on July 22, 1930 to Giuseppe and Rose (nee Frisina) Taormina. Cesare was a veteran of the Marines during the Korean Conflict and later a real estate owner/developer and founder of Taormina Contracting Co. established in 1947. Cesare was a licensed real estate broker in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut for 55 years. He was also active in his community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW, and the New York Athletic Club for over 60 years and founding member of the Columbus Foundation on 8 East 69th St. in New York. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years and Chairman and founding member of Cav. of the Italian/American legions of Merit and proud member of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulchre where he was recipient of the Grand Cross. Cesare was a member of the Westchester Country Club and the Tiro A Segno Rifle Club. He was also devoted to his parish of St. Pius X in Scarsdale, NY where he was an usher. Beloved Husband for 55 years of Theresa (nee Caliendo), Devoted father of Joseph Cesar Taormina, Maria Elena Taormina and Elizabeth Ann (nee Taormina) Byrnes (husband James) and cherished grandfather of Joseph Cesar Taormina, Russell L. Taormina, Grace Elizabeth Byrnes and James Eugene Byrnes. Dear brother of Lee Galdi and the late Casamiro Taormina. Cesare loved St. Ann’s and Molloy, and was a dedicated Stanner through his life. He is a member of the Stanner Hall of Fame.
Please pray for soul of Michael Maroney ’79, who passed away in late October.
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Alice Schady, mother of Principal Brother Thomas Schady. Mrs. Schady passed away on the morning of November 10th. Please keep the Schady family in your prayers.
We are saddened to share that Mrs. Sheila M. Murphy, mother of the late Dr. Patrick Murphy ’60, passed away Sunday November 13, 2011. Mrs. Murphy was a volunteer counselor at Archbishop Molloy High School for over 25 years. During that time she worked extensively with Brother Leo Richard in the SMILE program, and in turn served as a positive influence for countless young Stanners – just as her son Dr. Pat Murphy did for over 3 decades here at Molloy. We ask that you please pray for the Murphy family during this difficult time, especially as we enter the holiday season. Donations in Sheila’s name can be made to the Dr. Patrick Murphy Memorial Fund.
Several weeks ago Maspeth and surrounding neighborhoods were shocked to hear news of the passing of George Gibbons, who was killed in a fatal car accident on the LIE after a man recklessly drove the wrong way on a one-way service road. George attended Molloy for several years, and although he is not an alumnus, he maintained a relationship with Molloy by working as a DJ at several school dances and through his brothers Brendan ’94 and Eamon ’99. After family, friends and volunteers sought justice for George by posting information about the crime all around Queens, an arrest was made on Tuesday, November 15th. We hope that this will help bring closure to the Gibbons family.
We are sorry to share news of the passing of the mother of Chuck Niebling ’80. Mrs. Niebling passed away peacefully at age 73. Please say a prayer for the Niebling family.
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