Confidence, critical thinking, opportunity. These are the gifts that Molloy entrusted to you as a student and as a Stanner alumnus – gifts that make up the foundation that empowers you to make your mark on the world. All Stanners are privileged enough to receive a strong education in faith, academics, athletics and service in the Marist Tradition, but it isn’t simply about excelling in school. Rather, the responsibility Stanners inherit is to engage the rest of their lives with the lessons Molloy has instilled in them. Reaz Jafri, Class of 1983, is just one of many Stanners who has made his mark.
Jafri is a graduate of NYU and also St. John’s University where he was a member of the SJU School of Law Review Board. He is currently a partner at Abrams, Fensterman, Fensterman, Eisman, Greenberg, Formato & Einiger, LLP and head of the Immigration & Nationality law practice. He has 20 years of experience advising health care providers, research foundations, American businesses, multi-national companies, and foreign investors to ensure immigration laws are followed. Jafri has successfully assisted clients in obtaining non-immigrant or temporary visas, and has also represented many families with immigration issues. “People often get caught in the crosshairs of the legal system, and their rights, their properties and freedoms are at stake,” says Jafri. “I’m most proud of the fact that I am in a position where people who are in difficulty come to me, and helping them can be very rewarding.” Jafri has also worked with parties overseas in establishing standard practices in foreign operations and in some cases aiding in the resolution of extreme circumstances. One particular instance Jafri recalls involves a suffering family during ethnic cleansing in the former Yugoslavia. He was contacted by a non-profit organization that sought help in freeing two medical students taken captive in concentration camps. Jafri was asked to assist in getting the captives brought to America on special Visas. He worked with elected officials to rescue these men along with their parents. “I took on this case pro bono because it was important to me. When the family was rescued they said they would pray for me for the rest of my life. It was the most moving and profound experience in my career.”
Jafri feels it is important to make his mark on Molloy because of what the school has done for him. “Some of my best friends today I met in my freshman year. This school provided me a tremendous foundation of learning.” He has been involved in numerous school endeavors including working with the Stanner Golf Classic committee and most recently serving as a committee member for the Molloy Lawyers Alumni Network (pictured speaking at the event) where he can help recent graduates build connections. “I’ve been involved with the Molloy for a long time, and now it is helping my children that are enrolled.” Jafri says he discusses his profession with his children and is amazed at how teenagers can see the world. “They understand what it means to make your mark – that if you’re fortunate enough to be in a position to help someone and show compassion, you should do it.” These values have been passed on not only through the Jafri family, but all Stanner families. This is the Marist Tradition. Make Your Mark – Donate To Molloy
Homecoming Weekend
There’s nothing like coming home. Part of the reason why students and alumni feel such a strong connection with Archbishop Molloy High School is the undeniable family atmosphere that exists on Manton Street. Just as it is second nature to return home for Thanksgiving, alumni return to Molloy to visit their classmates, their teachers – their family. Over 300 alumni attended our annual Thanksgiving Liturgy, which was celebrated by Fr. Frank Shannon ’76. The overriding theme during the liturgy was Making Your Mark, which was presented by several students, teachers, and alumni. Each speaker highlighted an individual that they have met through the Stanner community who touched their life or the lives of others around them. These individuals made their mark through kindness, compassion, and understanding amongst other Marist qualities. Students and alumni were asked to reflect on who has made a positive impact on their lives, and to remember how important each one of our roles are as we live together as one family. Following Mass, alumni were invited to walk the halls of their alma mater and visit with some of their favorite teachers before reconvening in the cafeteria for a reception including refreshments and the always popular chocolate chip cookie. It was a wonderful way to begin homecoming weekend for Molloy and for our alumni.
Just three days later, the Stanner Classic 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament was in full swing. With brand new, custom-made reversible jerseys in check, over 100 players consisting of current students and alumni battled it out in the Jack Curran Gym and Capt. Anthony Marsloe Gym until only one student team and one alumni team remained. In the end Paul Toumey ‘02, Chris Cavuto ‘02, and John Shipman ‘02 representing the alumni and team “Washed Up” took the tournament crown. All players were invited to watch the Boys Varsity double-header later that evening – never an easy ticket! Special thanks to all of our faculty, alumni, and student volunteers that helped make the return of the 3 on 3 Tournament a rousing success. It truly was a fantastic homecoming weekend. All of us here at Molloy are thankful that so many of you were able to visit and spend time with us this weekend as well as throughout the past year. We look forward to seeing you all again at the school soon.
Molloy Lawyers Alumni Network Event
Molloy recently hosted a large number of alumni during its inaugural Lawyer’s Alumni Network Event in the William J. Murphy Library. The event was designed to give Stanners in the law industry, both established and upcoming, an opportunity to learn from their peers, swap business cards, and create new professional relationships. Sometimes it’s all about who you know, and knowing a few Stanners in your field can definitely go a long way. Leading the evening’s program was moderator Reaz Jafri ’83 (for more on Reaz please read Fund For Molloy – Making Your Mark leading off the Beehive today). The theme for the evening was Making Your Mark, a concept truly exemplified by Jafri, who shared insights into experiences and challenges throughout his 20 year professional career. Jafri later introduced The Honorable Henry B. Pitman ’71, discussion facilitator for the remainder of the program. Judge Pitman, a United States Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of New York, also shared his insights into what it means to Make Your Mark in the law industry, particularly from his side of the gavel. All alumni in attendance were encouraged to join the Molloy Lawyers Alumni Network on LinkedIn (just login to LinkedIn and search “Molloy Lawyers” under groups), which provides our Stanners studying or working in law a specific online venue to communicate and build professional contacts. Following the presentation Stanners took full advantage of the event by networking with friends both new and old. Special thanks to the our Lawyers Committee including David Cardali ’84, Robert DeLay ’00, John Feeney ’87, Patrick Guy ’69, Mohammad Jafri ’80, Reaz Jafri ’83, Eugene Martin ’98, Matthew McLaughlin ’87, Christopher Mitchell ’93, and Devin Ryan ’93 for contributing to the success of this event. Keep reading the Beehive for information on future Lawyers Network events.
Around the School
Students Take Part In Climate Study
Science Olympiad and other qualified students are conducting climate research thanks to a partnership between Molloy, Dr. David R. Brooks PhD of the Institute for Earth Science Research and Education, professors Peter Schmidt and Mark Miksic of CUNY Queens College, and scientists at the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Students will be conducting experiments to measure solar insulation energy from the sun and how it is bounced off Earth’s surface. Senior Christina John ’12 has one method in mind: measuring the affects differing levels of urbanization can have on the process (less pollution in suburban areas can theoretically increase reflectivity). Beth Page High School, another partner in the 3 year grant study, is working with Molloy as a “suburban correspondent” of sorts while Molloy’s position in Queens provides the urban environment for experimentation. Stanners actually got the opportunity to visit NASA GISS in Manhattan to present their ideas during a conference consisting of a number of scientists on staff. The scientists provided constructive criticism and suggestions for the students to improve their research, and reassured them that NASA would continue to work with Molloy for the duration of the study. “Through this research the grant partners hope to mentor students in hopes that more kids in high school will become interested in climate study in the long-term,” says Ms. Mary Mallia, head of the Science Research Program at Molloy. “The scientists feel that climate study is underrepresented in their field, and given the environmental problems in the world today it is more important than ever to have people consider climate study as a career.” This partnership is a great opportunity for Molloy to build lasting relationships with these institutions for potential future studies. Students are already benefitting in the short-term having received data and intricate weather equipment from the scientists at NASA GISS.
New Track Uniforms
The track team is very happy to be showing off its brand new uniforms. The uniforms were designed with the teams’ and coaches’ performance squarely in mind as the improved visibility of Molloy runners is expected to help contribute to better overall results. The new garb also displays Molloy’s traditional blue and white colors more prominently than the previous design, making for an even better representation on the track of what Archbishop Molloy High School is all about. Click the photo to get a closer look.
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Upcoming Events
A Christmas Concert
‘Tis the season for Mr. Sheehan’s Junior-Senior Chorus and Mr. DaGrossa’s Guitar & String Ensembles to play to their heart’s content during Archbishop Molloy High School’s “A Christmas Concert.” Come let our Stanners bring you yuletide cheer as they sing some classic Christmas carols with some added pep. “A Christmas Concert” will be held on Thursday, December 15th at 7:00 PM in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. All alumni, families and friends are welcome to join in the fun.
Molloy vs. Hills West High School
Bill Mitaritonna ’90 has been the coach of the Hills West High School Varsity boys’ basketball team for the past 12 years, and he is excited to visit Molloy on Sunday, December 18th to face off against his alma mater. The Varsity game is scheduled to begin at 3:30pm in the Jack Curran Gymnasium. According to Bill this is not the first time Hills West has played Molloy – in fact they were Coach Jack Curran’s 800th win in 2001. “It is great to sit and speak with Coach Curran about basketball whenever I return,” said Bill. “He is a great resource for me as a coach and has been for many years. Our players appreciate the trip and we are looking forward to the game.” Bill invites interested alumni to come out to watch the game and reconnect with fellow Stanners before Christmas. Sorry Bill, but you know who we’ll be rooting for!
Allan Renz ’71 (left) was recently featured in a full New York Times article. The story focuses on Allan’s work at Chelsea Piers as a golf instructor and describes him as one of the “busiest golf teachers in the United States.” According to NYT research, Allan has taught more than 11,000 hour-long lessons since 2006, a number which would equate to “six hours a day if the 58-year-old worked 365 days a year.” Allan explains that it really isn’t work because he truly loves the art of the golf swing. To read the full article, please click here.
A large number of Stanners participated in a special CHSAA Cross Country Alumni Race as our current Molloy track stars strived for the CHSAA Varsity Cross Country City Championships. Among those who ran, making for the biggest turnouts for this event, include Thomas Harvey ‘94, Patrick Harvey ‘01, Edward Harvey ‘05, Devin Ryan ‘93, James Hoey ‘93, Sean McHugh ‘93, Mike McHugh ’77, Patrick Contino ‘01, Cesar Trelles ‘93, Gus Andrade ‘93, Mike Dawson ‘93, Craig Katinas ’93, Marcus Koelbl, Peter Kramer ‘10, Tyler Bay ‘11, and Joe Mayer ‘09. “We have the Stanners who run for Queens College to thank for us taking second place in the alumni division,” said Katinas, who himself medaled. Indeed the bonds formed on the track teams at Molloy last for life, and this event is a good example of Stanners continuing to represent the blue and white with pride. Great memories were shared amongst alumni about past experiences at Molloy on and off the track, as well with current students on the Molloy track team who are working hard every day to make Molloy the best in the city. We hope to have an even bigger turnout next year and also we hope to see a strong alumni presence volunteering for the upcoming Stanner Games this February.
Jim Cronin ’83 wanted to let the Stanner community know that Brian Hughes ’67 is running for Town Justice in Southhold, New York. Brian is a retired New York City Firefighter and an attorney in Suffolk County.
Rich Kisielewski ’70 is back with his third book da bug, follow up to last year’s effort da sticks (covered in this issue of the Beehive). According to Rich, “da bug, as seen through the eyes of Harry Mickey Shorts, street-smart private investigator, gives the reader a feel for what goes on in the world of thoroughbred horse racing, both upfront and behind the scenes. Elements of humor, suspense and surprise twist and turn throughout. Together they keep the pace fast and provide the main character, Harry Mickey Shorts, with a trip you will be glad you didn’t miss.” Rich is once again offering to donate $1 to Molloy for each copy purchased by current students, alumni, faculty members, Stanner family members or friends. The book is available for purchase at lulu.com, amazon.com, and richkisielewski.com, the latter of which contains details on all three of Rich’s books in addition to information about the other charities he donates to. Please let us know if you purchase Rich’s book!
Stephen Francks ’73 was a javelin thrower at Molloy and later at Princeton University. He was a Varsity and state record holder as a sophomore, junior and senior. He threw 218’ at Molloy and set the Varsity record as a freshman at Princeton. Stephen sent us the following update about his son: “My son Dominick just signed his official letter of intent to attend Stanford on a golf scholarship. He had a pretty good couple of years: He was the 2010 Washington State Golf Association Junior Boy’s Player of the Year when he won the Junior State Championship and the Junior Pacific Northwest Amateur. In 2011, he was named Player of the Year by the Washington Junior Golf Association, added an MVP honor at the Junior America’s Cup and won the WIAA 4A State High School Golf Championship. He also finished third at the Junior World Championship at Torrey Pines. More importantly, he’s a straight A student (3.92 GPA) who takes nothing but Honors courses and AP classes, and got 2300 on his SAT. Even more importantly, he’s a quality kid with a big heart who is a leader and a thoughtful, caring guy. Oh, and he’s also the best player on the basketball team (6′ 3″– 195 lbs), and was the only non-senior starter on last year’s team that finished 4th in the state. I guess I’m pretty proud of him.”
The Stanner Community mourns the passing of Joseph Cunneen ’95 (pictured right). Please refer to wake and funeral information posted below, and remember Joseph in your prayer
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mr. Edward McGuinness, father of Molloy Guidance Counselor Ted McGuinness ’81 and John McGuinness ‘87. Ted’s father passed away during Thanksgiving weekend. Please pray for the entire McGuinness family during this difficult time.
We were informed by Steve Bianco ‘70 that Frederick C. Carver, father of Bob ’68, Stephen ’72, Paul ’74, and Mark ’81, passed away over the weekend. Please join us in praying for Fred and his family.
We received a note from Mrs. Mary Conroy informing us that her husband Thomas V. Conroy ’37 passed away on August 16th. Mrs. Conroy said that her Thomas was very proud of his years at St. Ann’s Academy and in the U.S. Marines. Please say a special prayer for the Conroy family.
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