Molloy’s New Approach to Safety & Security
In recent months, Molloy’s administration has attended several conferences and spoken with many industry experts concerning school safety. These discussions eventually led to a plan that would markedly improve security around Molloy’s six acre campus. After extensive summer renovations, that plan has been fully realized as of September, which is great news for all Stanners.
When arriving at Molloy, the first upgrade you will see are the new exterior doors on Manton and Main Streets. The original metal doors have been replaced with modern doors with more glass. Many of the other exterior doors were upgraded and now utilize electronic keys that track those who come and go, while visitors are directed to buzz in at the Manton Street entrance only.
Inside, the newly renovated first floor lobby and Manton Street entrance, funded by our 2015 Walkathon and The Fund For Molloy, is the central point of Molloy’s improved approach to safety and security. In terms of visual aesthetics, new wall tiling, flooring, ceiling panels, and lighting create a brighter, more welcoming space. Wood accents match the look of other recently renovated areas such as the library and cafeteria. There is also a clear theme throughout the space. “The concept of the design is to tell the story of our Catholic and Marist identity,” explained President Richard Karsten ‘81. “When entering the front doors, visitors will see a statue of Mary with our daily prayer above her in metal lettering. The marble Champagnat statue now rests in a new wall niche, while the school crest is inlaid in the center of the floor. A crucifix, as well as our motto ’Non scholae sed vitae’ are also prominently featured.”
The most vibrant addition to the space is a multi-paneled wall mural, created by Nigerian born, Brooklyn-based artist Olalekan Jeyifous. You can see his murals in many venues around NYC including at MoMA, Centere de Cultura Contemporania de Barcelona, the Guggenheim Bilbao, and now at Molloy (learn more at http://vigilism.com/). The mural is comprised of stylized iconic images from Molloy’s history, including visuals of St. Marcellin Champagnat, Mary our Mother, the Marist Brothers, Esopus, coeducation, athletics, service, and our diverse Queens roots. “The mural is designed to depict the vibrant school life that Molloy has today and has had throughout the decades,” said Mr. Karsten. “I would like to thank Gino Fazio ’81, Anthony DiRusso ‘80, and Facilities Director Brian Yuska for their unwavering commitment to completing this project without disruption of student life.”
Perhaps the most important change to Molloy’s approach to safety and security is the addition of two new full-time Safety & Security Officers. Mr. Kevin Lavelle and Mr. Alex Colon, both retired NYPD officers, will manage a new welcome desk that has been incorporated into the lobby. From this vantage point they will have the ability to buzz in, greet, and direct all visitors as well as routinely monitor all security cameras around the building. They will make sure all perimeter doors are secure, and they will be visible at all school events, morning arrival, and daily dismissal. Mr. Lavelle and Mr. Colon both draw from impressive backgrounds in law enforcement. Mr. Colon is a 20 year veteran of the NYPD as a transit officer and has also worked in security in the North Babylon school district. Mr. Lavelle was stationed in the nearby 107th precinct for many years and previously acted as Molloy’s local police liaison. Molloy will be reimbursed for the majority of the labor costs associated with its new safety & security officers through a newly established city project – the NYC Non-Public School Reimbursement Program.
We would like to thank our students and their parents for supporting last year’s Walkathon, and our alumni community for your continued support of our annual fund, The Fund For Molloy. Your generosity makes it possible for Molloy to not only provide one of the best educational curriculums in New York City, but also to break ground on critical capital improvements around our campus such as these safety and security upgrades. View our photo gallery below, but we encourage you to attend events here at Molloy this fall to see all of these changes for yourself!
A Big Welcome to Our New Faculty & Staff
The start of a new school year always ushers in many changes. New classes. New Friends. New Teachers. This September, in addition to the arrival of our security personnel, Molloy welcomed many new teachers and staff members, which has made for quite a lengthy introduction article. We’d like to jump right in and introduce you to Molloy’s newest outstanding faculty and staff:
Ms. Edit Boral joins Molloy as its new AP Computer Science Principles and Computer Applications teacher. She will also moderate the Computer-STEAM Club. Ms. Boral holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science in Education from Long Island University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is also a Microsoft Office Master Instructor, as well as an Authorized Certiport Instructor for Computer Literacy. With over 25 years of experience, Ms. Boral has taught programming, AP Computer Science A, robotics, 3D design, computer graphics, and web design on the high school and college levels. Her paper “Promoting Robotics Education and Curricula” was presented at the International Conference on Applied Internet and Information Technologies.
Ms. Jennifer Morell joined Molloy’s English Department in 2015 as a replacement, but has returned to officially join Molloy’s faculty this year. Ms. Morell previously taught at The Mary Louis Academy and in the Riggio Honors Program at The New School. She received a BA in English from the Macaulay Honors College at Hunter, an MS in Education from St. John’s University, and an MFA in Fiction from The New School. Her writing has appeared in a variety of online and print publications. She is currently teaching English 9 Honors, English 11, and Creative Writing. She is also the moderator of the Book Club.
Ms. Tamanna Akter (pictured right) has been a member of the Molloy Guidance Department since spring of 2016. Ms. Akter holds a BA in Psychology from Hunter College and an MA in Counseling from Manhattan College. She currently works with our students as a personal and academic counselor.
Ms. Diana Rayappa ‘04 was part of Molloy’s first coed class. She received a BA in Political Science with minors in Criminal Justice and Pre-Law from Pace University, a Master of Studies in Criminal Law and Justice from the University of Pittsburgh, and a M.S. Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education. Ms. Rayappa previously taught high school Social Studies for four years in North Carolina. She currently teaches Stanners Global I and Global II. “It’s great to come back to Molloy,” said Diana. “I’m really enjoying it. The students are fabulous, and the staff has been very welcoming.” Diana plans many projects, activities, and review games throughout the year to keep everyone engaged.
Ms. Ashley Callagy ’05 is currently fulfilling a leave replacement position in Molloy’s Guidance Department. Ms. Callagy received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Iona College and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University’s Graduate School of Social Service. She then worked as a social worker in various settings, gaining experience in running groups and performing mental health counseling while earning a NYS license in clinical social work. She currently oversees Molloy’s Peer Groups and offers individual personal/academic counseling. Ms. Callagy enjoys being involved with retreats to Esopus, the Committee on Marist Life and Mission, the St. Marcellin Champagnat Society, the Open House Committee, and looks forward to participating in more aspects of the school life.
Ms. Kerry Henning previously worked at Molloy as a Guidance Counselor while filling in as a leave-replacement, and she has returned to Manton Street this fall in the same role. Ms. Henning holds a BS in Music Therapy and a MS in Counseling/Education, as well as an Advanced Degree Certification in Guidance Counseling. Ms. Henning previously served as part of the Administrative team at OWNCS Charter School as the Dean of School Culture. Ms. Henning was also a Guidance Counselor for the New York City Department of Education for over ten years. She currently works with peer groups, in addition to being a personal and academic counselor. Ms. Henning also moderates a SMILE group and participates in retreats in Esopus.
George Reed and Steven Gonzalez both join Molloy’s Religion department as leave-replacements. George previously taught Religion at The Mary Louis Academy, while Steven spent the last two years studying at the Seminary in Douglaston. Steven also attended Cristo Rey NYC and has worked for their orientation programs.
Baseball Reunion Welcomes Alumni & Families
The Stanner Alumni Center would like to thank everyone that attended this year’s Baseball Reunion. Those in attendance enjoyed a wonderful tailgate near Stanner Field, loaded up on new Molloy clothing and gear, and caught up on old times. Though the planned softball game was postponed due to the condition of the field after the previous night’s rain, our alumni took it in stride and still managed to have a great day. Browse our photos below or the full gallery on Facebook. In addition, we still have baseball clothing items for sale including our Jack Curran tribute hats. If you’d like more info about how to make a purchase please contact Matt Rizzotti ’04 or search for “Archbishop Molloy HS Baseball Alumni” on Facebook.
Around the School
A Record Breaking Day to Remember for the Class of 2020
Each fall, Molloy’s freshman class enjoys a long-standing tradition that builds class spirit and allows their inner talents to shine. On Freshman Field Day, each homeroom competes against one another for top scores in a number of athletic and critical thinking events. Freshmen participate in events such as basketball, soccer, relay races, potato sack and spoon races, or even chess and trivia. The last and arguably most popular event of the day is the high jump. Each participant does their best to leap higher each time to clear the bar and earn points for their homeroom. High jump usually creates a lot of buzz around the Jack Curran Gym, but 2016 may have been the most dramatic high jump contest in recent memory. That’s because Peter Meehan ’20 (pictured left) put on an unforgettable show. He cleared the bar time after time, with cheers from his classmates growing louder with each successful leap. Peter ultimately bested the annual event’s boys record by 7 inches with an amazing 6 foot jump! The previous record, held by Willie Hall ’58, stood for 62 years. It was a thrilling moment capped by the overall excitement of the freshman class, who came together to root for Peter and the other athletes. That’s what it’s all about. (Photos by Jennifer Marry ’19 & Isabella Fazio ’19)
Upcoming Events
Women’s Alumnae Private Rooftop Happy Hour
- When: October 21st, 2016 | 7:00-10:00pm
- Where: Il Bacco (253-24 Northern Blvd, Little Neck, NY 11362)
- Who: Molloy Alumnae (Ages 21+)
- Admission: $50 per person
- Contact: Matt Rizzotti ’04 | (718) 943-3186
Less than two weeks left to register! Molloy alumnae are invited to attend our Women’s Rooftop Happy Hour event on Friday, October 21st, 2016 at Il Bacco of Little Neck. Enjoy a buffet dinner, open bar, and a unique opportunity to connect with your fellow Stanner alumnae. The event will take place on Il Bacco’s private rooftop patio from 7pm-10pm. It’s already looking like a great turnout, so don’t wait to sign up!
Stanner Alumni Reunion – FOUR WEEKS AWAY!
- When: Saturday, November 5th, 2016
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Who: Classes of 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
The Stanner Alumni Reunion for class years ending in 1 and 6 (excluding 2016) will be hosted here at Molloy on Saturday, November 5th. Alumni should have already received their invitation in the mail. If you did not receive your invitation, please contact alumni@molloyhs.org and provide an updated mailing address. Your admission includes dinner, dancing, dessert, and open bar. More info about the evening’s program and online registration can be found on your class event page at www.molloyhs.org/events.
We are looking for class agents to act as representatives for each class celebrating their reunion. Class agents are volunteers that work with the Stanner Alumni Center to actively spread the word about the reunion in an organized effort to recruit classmates. We are not always able to reach every alumnus with an invitation, but you can help.
Alumni Race at Van Cortlandt Park 
- When: Saturday, November 12th | 12:15 pm
- Where: Van Cortlandt Park
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Molloy is looking for alumni to compete in this year’s Alumni Race at the CHSAA Intersectional Championship Meet on Saturday, Nov 12th at 2:15 pm in Van Cortlandt Park. Rumor has it that all-stars Tyler Bay ‘11, Michael Reddy ‘16, Alex Goldberg ‘16, and Jessica McEntee ‘05 will be running this year, but they need your help! The bigger Molloy’s entry, the better our chance at finishing in the top spot. Plus, Mr. Gambino and Mr. Dombrowski will be bringing up the rear to make sure everyone finishes.
Vincent Aliperti ’87 is a winemaker and co-owner of Billsboro Winery near Seneca Lake in upstate New York. Earlier this year, the 2016 Governor’s Cup was awarded to Billsboro’s 2013 Syrah wine. The award recognizes New York State’s “Wine of the Year”. In an interview with the Finger Lakes Times over the summer, Vincent cites the perfect grape-growing conditions in 2013 that helped produce the winning blend. “Winning the Governor’s Cup, which recognizes the best of some 900 New York wines, is a major accomplishment, but doing so with a Finger Lakes syrah is absolutely stunning,” said Vincent. You can read more of Vincent’s quotes in the full article: Read the Finger Lakes Times. More recently, Vincent caught up with Stanner classmates John Fazio ’87 and Gary Abruzzo ’87. John and Gary, who were traveling with their families, surprised Vincent at his Billsboro Vineyard. According to John, the group mostly talked about the good times at Molloy.
Jill Santos ’06 is a Sales Manager at Yelp.com. A graduate of Hunter College with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, Jill originally thought she would become a teacher, but ultimately decided to pursue a career in sales. “In 2012 a friend referred me to Yelp. I got hired and began as an entry level Account Executive. I made 80 to 100 cold calls per day to small businesses to set them up with Yelp search advertising,” explained Jill. Her days at Yelp turned into months and years, as Jill enjoyed great success and evolving responsibilities. As she grew with Yelp, so did the company itself. 90 employees in the New York City office in 2012 became over 800 strong by 2016. As a Sales Manager since 2014, Jill coaches Account Executives to be successful sales people, in turn driving revenue for the company. Most recently, Jill relocated to Yelp’s newest office in Chicago where she oversees a team of 14. “I would say moving to Chicago with the intention of being an integral part of growing an office was the most exciting thing that has happened to me at Yelp so far,” said Jill. Though she’s now in a different time zone, she still maintains many friendships back home in New York. “Some of my closest friends are the ones I met at Molloy. I’m still in touch with Laura Hackimer, Jacki Siino, Sarah Tansey, Lana Belasic, Alexis Galane, and Stephen Echeverri. All of them are incredibly successful in their respective fields and are great to hang out with when I’m in town.” Jill looks forward to seeing all of her classmates at their 10 year reunion on Saturday, November 5th, 2016.
We are saddened to share the passing of Daniel McCarthy ’60, brother in law of Edward McCloskey ’61. A resident of “The Villages”, Florida, Dan was an excellent track & field athlete at Molloy. Later in life he found great success as an FDNY Lieutenant. “He was a good man with a heart of gold,” said Ed of his late friend. Please keep Daniel McCarthy and his family in your prayers.
We ask the Stanner community to pray for the repose of Mrs. Colleen Nicholson, mother of sophomore Carolyn. Coleen, Carolyn, and the entire Nicholson family are in our thoughts at this difficult time.
We are saddened by the passing of William J. Sciales, MD, father of John Sciales, ’78, Chris Sciales ’80, and James Sciales ’83. Please pray for William and this wonderful Stanner family during their time of need.