Stanner Alumni Reunion – NEXT WEEK!
Register Online Now! The Stanner Alumni Reunion is next week! We will be accepting registrations through next week, and we hope that you will be one of them! Classes reuniting on Saturday, November 3rd include 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007. Those in attendance will enjoy a full evening program that includes dinner, dancing, cocktails and much more. The evening’s timeline is as follows:
- 5:00pm – Mass of Remembrance (Ralph DeChiaro Theater)
- 6:00pm – 25th, 50th & 60th Anniversary Medal Presentations for Classes of 1987, 1962 & 1952
- 6:30pm – Cocktails & Hor D’oeuvres
- 7:15pm – Dinner, Dancing & Open Bar
The Honorable Charles J. Hynes Speaks At Molloy
In the past year, the Stanner Alumni Center’s initiative to create professional alumni networks has led to several engaging events at Molloy and around the greater Metropolitan area for alumni working in different industries. The Molloy Lawyers Alumni Network has been one of the most successful, attracting both veterans of law practice as well as students looking to learn more about their career paths. The Lawyers Network boasted quite possibly its greatest achievement so far on Tuesday, October 23rd, when the Honorable Charles J. Hynes ’52, District Attorney of Kings County, came to Molloy to speak to Molloy alumni. Currently serving his 6th term since 1989, the Brooklyn DA has endured quite an inspiring journey that has led him to such a position of influence. Hynes readily admits that his childhood was not always a happy one, and having witnessed violent and abusive crimes as a young boy, he eventually sought a career in bringing criminals to justice. A graduate of St. John’s University, Hynes worked through the ranks of the legal system for nearly two decades serving in positions such as Associate Attorney for the Legal Aid Society, Assistant District Attorney, Chief of the Rackets Bureau, Special State Prosecutor investigating nursing home fraud, head of his own State Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and even NYC Fire Commissioner. Hynes’ greatest work, however, has come as District Attorney of Kings County. The District Attorney gained early notoriety as he investigated the death of Michael Griffith, an African-American teenager who was the victim of a violent crime in Howard Beach. Having ensured the three defendants in the case all received homicide convictions, Hynes’ reputation as a public servant with no tolerance for crime and an intense determination on seeking
justice spread throughout the city. Hynes would later write a book about this case called Triple Homicide.
Hynes spoke about some of his recent work in contributing to a turnaround in Brooklyn. As recent as the 1990’s and early 2000’s, many areas of Brooklyn were not considered “safe.” The DA even highlighted Red Hook as, “A place 15 years ago where you didn’t want to live.” However, by 2003 Money Magazine had named the borough one of the top 10 places to live. This includes neighborhoods like Red Hook, which is now considered prime real estate with breathtaking city views. While Hynes takes some credit for this dramatic shift, he readily reflects credit on the communities at large. “Community leaders have stepped up, working with the NYPD and the DA’s office to change their neighborhoods for the better,” said Hynes. Part of this upturn also involves Hynes’ Alternative Programs aimed at crime and drug prevention. Throughout his 6 terms, Hynes has been adamant about taking steps to prevent crime through these programs, which, while he acknowledges are not popular across the board, are hard to criticize given recent statistics. According to Hynes, since 2003 the number of serious crimes in NYC has dropped from 780 to 210. More recently, 2011 marked the first time since 1963 that there have been less than 200 murders in NYC. Hynes is truly proud of his contributions to his hometown, but he knows that his work is never done.
Speaking about his days at St. Ann’s Academy, Hynes described the Marist Brothers as “tough guys” who kept students disciplined. While the area surrounding Lexington Avenue and 76th Street was relatively affluent, the walls in the St. Ann’s courtyard were high, prompting DA Hynes to recall that they didn’t get many opportunities to loiter throughout the neighborhood. “The Brothers kept us inside,” said Hynes, which he believes was a good thing since keeping children safe is one of the main components of public safety as a whole.
Following the program, DA Hynes answered questions from alumni before moving into the William J. Murphy Library for a reception, which included hors d’oeuvres and other refreshments. While there, Hynes spoke candidly with several alumni who offered him further questions about the current landscape of legal services. Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81 was very pleased with the response DA Hynes received at Molloy. “With his history in public service, the Honorable Charles Hynes is arguably one of our most important alumni,” said Karsten. “His contributions to the greatest city in the world cannot be denied. He has served the public in a positive way for decades, bringing countless criminals to justice while keeping our neighborhoods safe.” Based on the great success of DA Hynes’ visit, the Stanner Alumni Center looks forward to hosting its next great Molloy Lawyers Alumni Network event. Thank you to the Lawyers Network Committee and to the Honorable Charles Hynes for making this event possible.
View a Photo Gallery from An Evening with The Honorable Charles J. Hynes ’52.
Baseball Alumni Reunion
Molloy’s Varsity Baseball squad has experienced many great moments since Stanner Field opened in 1957. The team has celebrated 28 trips to the City Championship game, 17 City Championships, a 68 game winning streak (good for second nationally) and countless other accolades – all under the guidance of coaching legend Jack Curran. Curran, as you know, is the winningest baseball (and basketball) coach in New York State history, and much of his success stems from the relationship he builds with his players. Stanners have always left it all on the field for Coach, and they never forget the lessons they learned from him as they journey well into adulthood. As a result, Curran’s players take any opportunity they can to return to Molloy and visit with him to share news of their latest experiences, to reminisce about their playing days, and to check up on the current teams here at Molloy – to make sure they are continuing the tradition of excellence.
On Saturday, October 6th, Molloy hosted its second Baseball Alumni Reunion in as many years, with many of Coach Curran’s former players returning for an opportunity to play on Stanner Field once again. Upon arrival, alumni received brand new Varsity baseball hats – just in case their originals are a little battered these days – as well as some Molloy Athletics shirts provided by Athletic Director Mike McCleary. Players then grabbed a few sandwiches and beverages before heading out to Stanner Field for a fun yet competitive game of softball. There were plenty of good swings, a few whiffs, some diving plays and even an outfield collision, and Coach Curran was sitting in the dugout critiquing many of the performances. In some instances, Coach remarked that their play had not really changed over the years – for better or for worse. However, at the end of the day everyone left it all out on the field just as they always had. The score was irrelevant as the guys simply just had a great time.
Following the game, alumni hung out a bit at Molloy before heading to the Copper Door Tavern in Manhattan for a Happy Hour sponsored by Nicholas McKeon ’96. Many attendees talked about future reunions for baseball alumni, and all look forward to their next opportunity to get together and play on Stanner Field. Keep reading The Beehive throughout the year for more information on future baseball reunions.
a View a full Photo Gallery from the Baseball Alumni Reunion.
Around the School
Open House
Beautiful weather and cheerful students greeted a constant flow of some 5,000 visitors on October 14th when Stanner High opened its doors to grammar school students and their parents. Open House is the best opportunity for families to come see what Archbishop Molloy High School is all about. Administration and Faculty work hard every year to showcase each academic department, sports team, and after school activity while speaking candidly with kids and their parents about what makes Molloy stand out from other options. Current students also do an amazing job in promoting their school, as many of them volunteer throughout the day to give tours, perform (band, chorus, step team), and to speak to families about why Molloy is a great high school. An education at Molloy in the Marist Tradition truly prepares young people for their eventual journeys through adulthood and the professional world. By working through rigorous courses and being a part of championship caliber teams, students establish themselves as leaders – as confident individuals who are willing to go the extra mile, particularly to help those in need. Coupled with the family atmosphere that is fostered through Freshman Camp, Campus Ministry, retreats to Esopus, and other extracurricular activities, Molloy indeed stands out as an exceptional institution – and families responded. The school received many emails, phone calls and letters from visitors expressing how impressed they were with the school, including its students and staff. We would like to thank Admissions Director Mrs. Joan Porcella, Molloy’s dedicated Administration, Faculty and Facilities staff, the over 500 student, parent and alumni volunteers that helped the day run smoothly, and all the visitors that came to Molloy. We look forward to seeing many of those visitors enrolled at Molloy next September!
A Tree Grows In Briarwood
The Class of 2013’s own Eddie Krische recently organized his Eagle Scout project to benefit his fellow students at Molloy. Eddie’s scout troop came to Manton Street prepared for a beautification project, including the removal of several overgrown shrubs and the planting of two brand new dogwood trees. The boys worked under the supervision of several parent and scout leaders, including Eddie’s father and School Director member Paul Krische ’81. Special thanks to Eddie (pictured with President Richard Karsten ’81) and his scout troop for their outstanding work!
Sports Update
Molloy athletics have been running on all cylinders this fall, with many teams performing exceptionally well. Boys Varsity soccer went a stunning 14-1 en route to the Brooklyn/Queens Championship. They also earned the #1 seed in the Citywide Playoffs beginning this weekend. Boys JV soccer went 12-3, finishing in second place and earning a playoff spot. Girls Varsity soccer finished the season in second place at 6-6-1 and unfortunately lost a hard fought semi-final match in the playoffs. The Girls JV soccer team put up a solid 9-3 record en route to earning regular season and league championships. Both Varsity and JV volleyball teams finished 9-3 and in second place in their divisions and both will begin the B/Q playoffs next week. The girls tennis team also put up a solid record at 8-2, finishing in second place and reaching the semi-finals of the B/Q playoffs. Finally, in swimming, the boys freshman team is currently 4-2 while the girls freshman team had a member celebrate an individual championship.
Former NBA star Kenny Anderson ’89 stopped by Molloy last week to check out the newly renovated Jack Curran Gymnasium. Kenny commented that “it’s been 23 years since I played on this court, and it’s never looked better. It feels great to be back.”
Last year, Jack Coulter ’53 paid us a visit at Molloy and enjoyed spending the afternoon reminiscing about his days at St. Ann’s. Recently, Jack sent us a new experience he will surely be talking about for years to come: “The Stanner baseball cap that you gave me when I visited Molloy in June 2011 as an alumnus of St. Ann’s Academy really paid off. Earlier this month, I was on a two-week river cruise on the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, and I chose to wear the Stanner cap whenever on shore. One of the other tourists, Frank Mugno, noticed the Stanner emblem and commented that two of his sons were graduates of Archbishop Molloy H.S. The sons’ names are Michael Mugno, Molloy class of ’91 and James Mugno, Molloy class of ’95. Frank said that the Molloy experience is what contributed to his sons’ great outlook on life after graduation and their successful careers. A long-time resident of Queens, Frank now lives in Middle Village, NY. He has retired from the New York City Police Department and now has time to travel.” (Jack and Clare pictured right)
This past January, Vincent Clausen ’70 and his wife Sonia were lucky enough to win the grand prize at the Br. Ron Marcellin Annual Event and Raffle at Trinity Bar & Restaurant in Floral Park – a trip to Ireland care of Aer Lingus, including a 5 night stay at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Dublin. Vincent and Sonia were able to take their trip over the summer and now have many stories and photos to share with their family and friends. According to Vincent, “We really had a great time. It was our first time in Europe, and the pubs outside the tourist areas were outstanding. Dublin is a great city to get your feet wet in the way of European tours. Our favorite stop was at St. Michael’s when the guide walked into the Church and asked ‘Who wants to see the mummies,’ a la Boris Karloff.” The Clausens also enjoyed the music and activities around town at night, which helped keep them busy well throughout the day. Congratulations to the Clausens on their great experience. We look forward to seeing them at next year’s Br. Ron event. You can some more photos from the Clausens’ trip below:
Aside from a thirty-year career at a well-regarded midtown Manhattan law firm, Mark Barbour ’78 founded what is now a twenty-team adult roller hockey league based in New York City, which received a nice write-up last year in the Wall Street Journal. At Molloy, Mark was a member of The Stanner newspaper staff. He still enjoys reading some of the issues he has kept in his personal archives, as well as some older issues that are currently on the Molloy website.
Please pray for Remo Del Maestro, grandfather of Christina DelMaestro ’04. Remo passed away earlier this week. A veteran of the US Army, Remo served his country during World War II. Visitation will take place today, October 26th, from 2-5pm and 7-9pm at Papavero Funeral Home (72-27 Grand Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378). The Funeral Mass will take place tomorrow, October 27th, at 9:45am at Our Lady of Hope Church (61-27 71st Street, Middle Village, NY 11379).
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