Justin Thompson Night – TONIGHT at Molloy
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to read a special message from Justin’s soccer coach, Andy Kostel.
Molloy students and alumni have always followed in the Marist tradition by helping one another – including people they may not know so well. In the past week the expression “Stanners Helping Stanners” has taken on a new meaning as our community has rallied together to support Molloy junior Justin Thompson. Justin is in a critical point in his recovery process after being the victim of a senseless shooting in October, 2011. The crime has left him in need of significant physical therapy and rehabilitation, which requires access to special exercise equipment and home modifications amongst other changes to Justin’s everyday life. Justin is determined to return to Molloy full-time, but he and his family face substantial hurdles along the way.
Now alumni, family and friends will come together tonight to support Justin and his family during Justin Thompson Night at Molloy. All money raised from admissions, concessions and donations during the triple-header basketball games between our freshman, JV and Varsity boys teams against Fordham Prep will be directly contributed to Justin’s recovery efforts. The freshmen tip off at 4:00pm followed by the JV game at 5:45pm and the Varsity contest at 7:30pm. Admission to the games in the Jack Curran Gymnasium will be $5. Donations for Justin can be made at any time online to the Donald Sweeney ’90 Guidance Fund Department Fund (please write Justin Thompson in the donor comments or memo line). Justin and his family will be in attendance, and the support he will receive is sure to boost his spirits. Please help spread the word about Justin Thompson Night and make some last minute plans to spend a portion of your Friday evening with us at Molloy in support of a courageous young Stanner in need. You can read more about Justin in this article published in the New York Daily News on February 2nd.
Make Your Mark — Fund For Molloy
Science Olympiad
Everyone makes their mark at Molloy in different ways. Some students pledge to help the environment, volunteer their time at Briarwood shelter, or facilitate coat, toy, and shoe donation drives. Others set the bar in athletics by missing bats with great pitching, utilizing great footwork on the soccer field, or hitting that three-pointer at the buzzer. Then there are those students that make their mark in academics; and afterschool in the biology lab almost everyday you will find a group of students that is no stranger to the idea of making an impact. After all, they may be testing gravity in any number of ways as you walk by. Not to worry – they believe in safety first. The Science Olympiad Team has existed at Molloy for 26 years, and represents the “cream of the cream of the crop” of students at Molloy. The team participates in roughly 25 events throughout the year that can best be described as “Mini Olympics” showcasing a full range of knowledge in chemistry, biology, physics, engineering, and all other scientific fields.
Since the beginning, each team has showcased different kinds of student talents. “We currently have Tom Hackimer ’12 our veteran builder, Alexandra Woods ’12 our biology specialist, and Shibin Matthews ’12, who was my first sophomore to win a medal at a state competition – just to name a few,” says team coach Mr. John Attard ’06. “We do still miss Serge though. He was our best electrician.” Mr. Attard was of course referring to Sergiusz Ostrowski ’11, who graduated last year and left a void that needed to be filled. The team also said farewell to Mary Rooney ’11, who was the valedictorian the team always tries to lure. Each year Science Olympiad must replace at least 7 departing seniors, which opens the door for new members and places more responsibility on other team veterans to step up their game. “We typically choose students based on regents scores, overall average, SAT II, and other statistics,” says Attard. “We also might choose a student based on their genes. If their brother or sister was on the team before, that’s usually a good reference.” One student that has truly surprised coaches Attard, Mr. Michael Nadeau and Mr. Mike DeMarco this year is freshman Hyunwoo Jeung. The team does not normally have many freshmen – least of all those that want to take the Physics placement test. Not wishing to discourage him, they administered the test only to find that he would place second in the entire school on the test. Hyunwoo studied Physics as an 8th grader in Korea.
Science Olympiad takes written tests as well as conducts lab experiments. Recently they have tested gravity by building a unique car and ramp, weight support through the construction towers to simulate buildings, magnetics through a levetation structure that can float and move, and a robot arm testing ingenuity in physics. Each experiment takes special care, attention to detail, and plenty of work afterschool. Their dedication pays off. Science Olympiad earned 2nd place in the city competition in 2011. They have placed in the top 5 in the regional competition 20 times, qualifying the team for the states an equal amount over the last 26 years. Their best effort placed them 12th out of 50 in the state finals, which is an extremely competitive event featuring schools all across New York.
“I think Science Olympiad makes its mark by boosting Molloy’s standards academically,” says Attard. “It’s good for the school when they do well, just like any sports team. They compete at a high level, and the more we stand out as a distinctive school when it comes to education, the better the reputation of the institution will be. The students’ work will look good on their transcripts too. I guess you could say they’re ‘Science Athletes.’”
Around the School
Mid-Year Math Regents
Students who are currently enrolled in advanced math classes got some last minute preparation in before the winter Regents exams, which were administered last week. According to math department chair Mrs. Jeanne Longerano, “This was a half year pre-calculus class, and they are taking this test after only 4 months of preparation.” Students taking the regents are not obligated to attend classes that day, however a large number of students arrived to school early to brush up on equations for as long as possible before the big test. Tables were overrun with notebooks, scientific calculators, and classmates helping each other out.
Molloy Night at Nassau Coliseum
The New York Islanders recently asked the Molloy Guitar and String Ensemble to perform on the ice at Nassau Coliseum between periods of their game on Thursday, February 9th. Stanners will have their own VIP section during the game for this very special “Molloy Night.” The performance has been promoted at New York Islanders home games on the scoreboards. The Guitar and String Ensemble performers will be treated to an assortment of perks before the game, including a tour of the locker rooms and of Nassau Coliseum, an opportunity to meet the players, a chance to take pictures on the ice as a group, zamboni rides, skating on the ice, and high-fiving the players as they come on and off the ice during the game. Of course their performances between periods will surely be the highlight of the night. Photo courtesy of Derek Sokolowski ’11.
Upcoming Events
Lawyers Alumni Network Event
Register Online Now! All Molloy alumni in the law profession are invited to attend the second event in our network series offering discussions, Q&A and of course opportunities to build contacts. This FREE event is being generously hosted by Matthew T. McLaughlin ’87 and the Lawyers Network Committee. Stanners working in or studying law are invited to Venable LLP at Rockefeller Center (1270 6th Ave, 24th Floor) on Wednesday, March 7th at 6:30pm to sit in on a discussion led by Stanner Hall of Famer Assistant Dean Robert J. Reilly ’68. Dean Reilly represents the Feerick Center for Social Justice at Fordham University School of Law and brings a lifetime of experience to the table for the benefit of the Stanner community. In addition, Mr. McLaughlin will moderate what we hope to be a spirited Q&A session following Dean Reilly’s presentation. Following the conclusion of the program all in attendance will enjoy light refreshments, hors’ d’oeuvres and adult beverages. Register online here or contact Craig Katinas ’93 at (718) 441-9210 or email ckatinas@molloyhs.org for more information.
Wine Tasting Event
Register Online Now! All Stanner alumni of LEGAL AGE are invited to attend a special wine tasting event at Molloy in the William J. Murphy Library. The event, taking place on Thursday, March 15th at 6:30pm, will be a “Wine 101” tasting class in the basics of wine conducted by none other than Mr. Jim Sheehan ’75, who of course has served Molloy as an English teacher and chorus leader for many years. According to Jim, “Novice or veteran, you’ll find something worth your while in this class.” Offerings from California, Washington, France, Portugal and more will be offered to all alumni anxious to learn about the often mysterious world of wine. Registration for this event will be $35 per person. Space is extremely limited, so if you would like to register click here or call the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210.
26th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic
Reservations are being taken right now! The 26th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic is set for Monday May 7, 2012 at two premiere golf courses on Long Island: Plandome Country Club and North Hills Country Club. The Classic is not only Molloy’s largest annual all class reunion – it is also an event that helps to perpetuate the Stanner spirit for present and future generations of students. The money raised at the Stanner Golf Classic each year is a powerful reminder of the great generosity and passion for excellence and tradition that exists among the Stanner Community. The Stanner Golf Classic begins with brunch at 9:30AM. Foursomes then commence their games and enjoy gourmet food, adult beverages, contests and prizes all throughout the courses. The cocktail hour begins at 5:00PM, leading to dinner, live and silent auctions and prizes of all shapes and sizes. Prizes include trips to the Super Bowl, Las Vegas, Ireland…you name it, you probably have an opportunity to win it at the Stanner Golf Classic. At just $395 per person this deal is tough to beat. As reservations always fill up early, we hope that you, your family and friends will register early to ensure that you will be a part of the Stanner Community’s biggest day of the year.
To make a golf reservation or purchase a sponsorship, journal ad, or raffle tickets, or for more information on auction prizes please contact alumni@molloyhs.org.
Some former dance team members have been continuing the great work they put in at Molloy under team coach Ms. Elizabeth Murdocca. Several alumni just returned from the UDA College Dance Nationals. Danielle Fabiilli ’11 competed with Hofstra University Dance Team Divison 1 and placed 1st place in the nation in hip hop. Alexandra Fabiilli ’10 competed with University of Delaware Dance Team and placed 2nd in the nation in hip hop. Alex Bello ’10 competed with Saint John’s Dance Team and placed 5th in the nation in hip hop. According to Ms. Sandy Fabilli, “The girls share this common bond and always seem to connect at UDA Nationals and share high school dance team memories.”
In September 11: A Memoir, William Groneman III ’70 describes the haunting events of 9/11/01 from his perspective as an FDNY Captain and a first responder to ground zero – despite being off-duty. Highlighted on NBC News in the days leading up to the 10th anniversary of the attacks, Groneman reads from his work, “We were still in the dark about what was going on in the rest of the city, the country, and the whole world in general,” a passage describing the initial panic. “It seems like it all just happened yesterday, and on the other hand it seems like it happened 1,000 years ago,” said Groneman, who is now retired from the FDNY, but continues to write as well as appear as a public speaker. His work that day contributed to the rescue of two Port Authority Officers, which moves him to this day. “I never felt prouder of New Yorkers, or being a New Yorker than at that moment.” Groneman has authored several other books since 1994, which touch on Davey Crockett, the Alamo, and other Texas themed topics. You can learn more about Groneman’s September 11th memoir as well as his other works at http://www.wgroneman.com/.
John Krupski ’67 recently reflected on his time at Molloy. John enjoyed his high school years, and believes that he had the most advanced education he could get at Molloy. John chose Molloy because he wanted to play baseball for Coach Jack Curran. As a freshman, after an intramural track meet, Coach Rienzo asked John to join the track team. John asked if he could run track and still play baseball. Coach Rienzo of course said no. “I said I wanted to play baseball. We sparred often over the years in Latin class, because I didn’t elect track,” says John. John would end up playing JV basketball and baseball. “I didn’t make varsity,” says John. “Thurston and Tom Neal were there at the time. I smoked Neal in practice, putting practice balls over the fence from the practice field.” John broke his arm in fall baseball in 1965. It was the end of his athletic endeavors at Molloy. That was ok, because John found plenty to occupy him as a member of the SAC committee. In John’s words, “I am proud to be a Stanner.”
Mike Dietz ‘04 has started his own company called OneBasketball, which is centered around a very handy Iphone application. This all-in-one program is designed to remove the guessing game from your workout program. Over 140 basketball drills are at a player’s disposal, each focused on a different aspect of improving shooting, ball handling and individual moves on the court. The Shot Tracker System challenges players both young and old to sharpen their skills by adhering to the basketball drills as well as accompanying videos for each one. The app, released a little over a month ago, has sold over 300 copies in 12 different countries. “I am very excited about what we have created,” says Mike. “There is nothing else like it on the market.” Mike plans to launch the same app for the Android phone market and OneBasketball hopes to plan camps for tutoring and mentoring players. For more information check out www.onebasketballapp.com or watch a promotional video here.
We received sad news from Thomas Finner ’61 that his life-long friend and classmate Basil Briguglio ‘61 passed away on Friday, January 20 in Florida. Please keep Basil in your prayers.
Leonard DeRoma ’71 asks the Stanner community to remember his mother-in-law, Victoria Mellinger. Victoria passed away very recently. According to Leonard, “She was a remarkable woman who embodied the Christian spirit as a mother, grandmother, and nurse.”
Tom Lynch ‘74 and Frank Gambino ’74 informed us of the sudden, tragic passing of Bill Goirn ’74. Bill was an active member of our alumni community, and just recently contacted the Stanner Alumni Center through The Beehive. We are very saddened by his passing. Please pray for Bill as well as his son Raymond ’07 during this difficult time.
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