Alum Robert Dittus ‘81 Establishes Award for Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy Graduates

Dedicated Stanner Robert (Bob) Dittus, Class of 1981, recently established a $100 graduation award for all Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy graduates who choose to attend Archbishop Molloy High School. The first recipient of The Dittus Family Molloy Award, and sole recipient this year, is Luigi Albano. In addition to the Molloy award, Luigi was a member of the Aquinas Society and received the Q of R General Excellence Award among other honors. He also delivered the graduation speech for his class and spoke of how their time at Q of R has prepared them for the challenges ahead in high school and in life. Molloy looks forward to welcoming Luigi to its Class of 2019 this fall.

Bob, who also sponsors the Jacqueline Dittus Award for school spirit and dedication at Q of R, provided the following description for The Dittus Family Molloy Award:

“Non scholae sed vitae” is a Latin phrase which means “Not for school but for life”. This is the motto of Archbishop Molloy High School. It means the lessons that we learn in school are the lessons that will lead us through life, and that our commitment to a school does not end at graduation, but is a bond that we will carry with us throughout our lives. The lessons learned at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy and at Archbishop Molloy High School both include these ideas:

• Learning is a lifelong journey that enriches the whole person.
• Hard work and determination are the foundations for success.
• Tolerance, social justice, integrity, and accountability are fundamental to a successful learning experience.
• Lifelong relationships are fostered through a strong community consisting of faculty, administration, students, family members, and alumni.
• Helping those who need it most is the most important lesson.

This is the first annual Dittus Family Molloy Award, which will be presented to any member of the Queen of the Rosary graduating class who will be attending Archbishop Molloy High School. It is presented by Robert Dittus, who graduated from St. Nicholas Elementary School in 1977 and Molloy in 1981. His daughter, Sharon Dittus, graduated from St. Nicholas Elementary in 2006 and Molloy in 2010. His son, Robert Dittus, was part of the first Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy graduating class in 2011 and graduated from Molloy in 2015.

“Congratulations to Bob Dittus on the establishment of this wonderful award,” said President Richard Karsten, a former classmate of Bob’s from the Class of 1981. “On behalf of everyone here at Molloy, I extend my thanks to Bob for his generosity, and for helping to share the kindness and compassion of the Molloy community with students and families at Queen of the Rosary Catholic Academy.”

Stanner Life Magazine is Out Now!

The latest edition of Stanner Life magazine has dropped in mailboxes everywhere! We’re very excited to share this summer’s issue with you. If you’ve recently moved or want to update your child’s address, please contact the Stanner Alumni Center at alumni@molloyhs.org or (718) 441-9210. We will be happy to mail a new copy or extra copies to you upon request. A digital edition of this year’s Stanner Life, as well as past issues, can be accessed at www.molloyhs.org/alumni. Let us know what you think of the magazine! Also, if you missed out on being included in this year’s Class Updates article, you still have the opportunity to be featured in an upcoming issue of The Beehive. Contact the email above for more information. Thanks to all of our alumni and friends that submitted content for this year’s issue. We’re never short on Stanner Stories, but make sure to keep the submissions coming!

Around the School

Looking Back at a Holocaust Survivor’s Visit to Molloy

Sometimes during the school year there are articles that we are (regrettably) unable to fit into The Beehive for one reason or another. One such article is a powerful story of survival, tolerance, and compassion for others that captivated a theater full of students and faculty members this past May. Holocaust survivor Celia Kenner visited Molloy to speak about her experiences during World War II and what she learned from the hardships she and her family faced. She was inspired to visit Molloy after connecting with social studies teacher Sabina Kobinski ’04, who participated in a professional development program earlier this year that coincided with the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. (Pictured above: Celia Kenner, front row center, sits with Molloy students during her visit)

Celia was a happy child, not yet in her teens, living in Poland. She had many friends in her neighborhood, a loving family, and a wonderful childhood. The course of her childhood, however, quickly changed as war erupted. Her father was drafted into the Russian army in 1939, and Celia and her mother were forced to move into a ghetto. Nazi soldiers started raiding the ghettos periodically, putting Jews and others onto trucks to be transported to concentration camps. Celia was forced into hiding around the ghetto, many times without her family (children were considered too easily detectable for groups in hiding). Some members of Celia’s family were eventually found during a raid and taken away, never to be seen again. Amidst hiding, Celia was also singled out as a Jew by the neighborhood children she once considered her friends. She was detained and put on a truck, but a compassionate soldier took pity on her and allowed her to escape. Celia’s mother had avoided captivity to that point, and she soon arranged for another Polish family outside the ghetto to adopt Celia and watch over her. Celia began hiding with this new family, but circumstances forced her to move several more times throughout the duration of the war, including living in an orphanage and later in a family barn. It was in the barn that she was reunited with her biological mother years after their last meeting. Her mother was also hiding in the barn albeit in extremely poor health. Celia and her mother remained together in the barn from that point on, Celia providing as much care as she could. When the concentration camps were finally liberated and the ghettos were freed of oppression, Celia and her mother escaped to safety at last. Her father, who had been drafted years ago, also returned home to Poland. They would emigrate to the United States together in 1949. (Pictured: Celia reveals a photo of herself as a young child before World War II)

Celia endured a very difficult journey. She was separated from her family, forced into hiding, and made many difficult decisions that children should not have to make. After landing in Boston Harbor, she decided that she would put the war years behind her and consider this moment her rebirth. She repressed the memories for many years, but was encouraged by family members later in life to share her story in order to help others understand this unfortunate time period. Celia began giving talks at schools and other institutions, which included her story of survival as well as the lessons she learned. “Never single anyone out. I was singled out by my ‘friends’ because I was different and it nearly cost me my life. Many kids single out or make fun of their classmates in school, but consider how deeply that can affect another person.” Celia continued. “And think about the power one act of kindness can have on someone else’s life. The Polish family that took me in risked their lives to keep me safe and healthy. Just one act of kindness can have a profound impact.” At the conclusion of her presentation, Celia took photos with and fielded impromptu questions from students and faculty who stayed late to learn more about her amazing life. It was an inspiring afternoon, and Molloy would like to thank Ms. Kenner again for visiting and sharing her story. (Pictured: Celia Kenner poses with social studies teacher Sabina Kobinski ’04)

Upcoming Events

Robert Scandole Scholarship Fundraiser

Click the flyer below for more information on the upcoming fundraiser for the Robert Scandole Scholarship at Archbishop Molloy High School.

Stanner Alumni Reunion

• When: Saturday, November 7, 2015
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: Classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 & 2010
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

We invite alumni from class years ending in 0 and 5 to join us on Saturday, November 7th, here at Molloy for our Stanner Alumni Reunion! A large crowd is expected. Space is ultimately limited, so don’t wait too long to register!

For those traveling from out of town, a discounted hotel rate is being offered by the Courtyard Marriott at Laguardia Airport. The discounted rate of $149 per night (November 6th and 7th only) can be accessed online at www.courtyard.com/lgaca under “special rates”. Under “group” enter BISBISA for King beds or BISBISB for 2 Double beds. Reservations can also be made by calling (800) 321-2211.

Please help us spread the word to your classmates so this can be a memorable, historic night. If you have any questions please contact the Stanner Alumni Center any time at (718) 441-9210.

Chicago Alumni Gathering feat. White Sox Game

• When: Tuesday, August 25, 2015
• Where: U.S. Cellular Field | Chicago, IL
• Gates Open: 5:40pm
• Admission: $50 for Adults, Kids (under 12) are Free
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

On behalf of President Karsten’81, you are invited to Molloy’s inaugural Chicago Alumni Chapter event. It will be a fun-packed night at U.S. Cellular Field as the Chicago White Sox take on the Boston Red Sox. This event has been made possible thanks to the generosity of the White Sox and Stanner alum Bob Grim ’75. Alumni and their families are invited to participate with priority given to those living in and around Chicago. Your ticket will grant admission to a private suite and will include food (hot dogs, sandwiches, salad, wings, etc.) and beverages (wine, beer, and soft drinks). This event is near capacity, so please contact Matt Rizzotti ’04 via the email above for more information.

Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run

• When: Sunday, October 4, 2015
• Mass Start: 8:00am
• 5K Race: 9:00am
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Join us on Sunday, October 4th as Molloy hosts its 28th Annual Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run here in Briarwood. This is a family friendly race that pays tribute to the memory of Andrew Harvey ‘98, a student who tragically passed away during his junior year. The event features a challenging 5K race and also includes a One Mile Race and “Little One’s Dash”, providing fun for the whole family and all types of runners. All participants will receive a 5K shirt (please include shirt size for ALL of your ticket holders when registering). Coffee, cake, rolls, juice and other refreshments will be provided following the conclusion of all races. In addition, medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group and race type.

Baseball Reunion

• When: Saturday, September 26, 2015
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: All Former Baseball Players
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Come out to Molloy on Saturday, September 26th as the Stanner Alumni Center hosts its latest Baseball Reunion event. Baseball alumni are invited to visit their alma mater and watch our Varsity boys baseball team take on Mount St. Michael at 10:00am. A tailgate will begin in the parking lot adjacent to Stanner Field at 11:00am. We encourage all attendees to bring a softball glove and bat too, as we plan to play a softball game during the afternoon. Admission of $50 per person includes:

• Lunch
• Beverages (soft drinks, water, beer for ages 21+)
• T-Shirt (If size larger than XL is needed please specify in comments during registration)

Stanner Studies in Japan

Samantha Morgan ’15, having fulfilled all graduation requirements, departed from the US during her last quarter of senior year to begin a year-long study abroad program in Japan. Samantha previously enjoyed a summer exchange in Japan with American Field Services (AFS) earlier in her high school career. While there, she stayed with a host family, learned a great deal about Japanese culture, and developed a love of the country and its people. She was beyond thrilled to join over 250 other international exchange students as they live and learn around Japan through AFS this year. “I live with a host family who volunteered to host me for my entire year here in Shizuoka, Japan,” said Samantha. “Everyday I bike 40 minutes to my Japanese high school, where I study alongside my Japanese classmates.” All of her current classes are taught in Japanese. These include: English, Music, Cooking, History, and Math. “I spend most of my time studying the Japanese language itself so that I can better understand everything about my classes.”

Samantha is learning about language development and how she can personally register language. “Is there some sort of threshold to understanding a language? Does a person suddenly find himself or herself thinking in another language? Would language abilities have to progress immensely before that happened, or would it happen little by little,” Samantha ponders. These are a few questions she intends to find the answers to. “Through monitoring my Japanese language progression, I can explore how language comprehension develops.”

Aside from her studies, Samantha is enjoying new daily experiences in the small fishing city she calls home. “I learn more about Japanese culture just by walking down the street than in any class. The way young people bow to their elders, or even the small and large sized drinks in the vending machines sharing equal pricing, these everyday experiences reveal so much about Japan: have respect for those above you, and only take what you need.” She hopes to climb Mt. Fuji before the end of her year of study too. Upon completion of her curriculum, Samantha plans to return to the US where she will apply to college. “For now I want to continue establishing connections here. My dream is to work in international business.” Pictured: Samantha recently enjoyed a visit from her friends Liana Liang ’15 and Josephine Kung ‘15, proving once again that Stanners will always find ways to connect – even on the other side of the world!

Class Updates

In June, Thomas Hackimer ’12, a submarine pitcher for St. John’s University enjoying a stellar college career, was selected in the MLB Amateur Players Draft in the 15th round by the New York Mets. Tom made headlines in his hometown and across New York City, as local kids drafted to local teams is a rare and exciting event. His skills on the mound are undeniable: a 1.92 ERA in 51.2 innings, 15 saves, 55 strikeouts, and a .177 batting average against. Tom, however, is also a whiz in the classroom. A former Science Olympiad standout at Molloy, Tom has continued his excellent academic standing at St. John’s in unison with his breakout athletic performance. After careful consideration, Tom decided to stick with his studies rather than sign with the Mets. Jim Mancari of The Tablet spoke with Tom regarding this important decision: Mets Draftee Decides to Stay in School

We pray for the repose of the soul of Antoinette Lash, mother of Jason Lash ’87. Antoinette lost a courageous battle with cancer. She is survived by her children, Jason and Robyn, her mother Francette, and her two grandchildren Zane and Paris. Please keep Antoinette and the Lash family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of Edward F. Ryan ‘48. Please pray for Edward and his family during this difficult time.

We were recently informed of the passing of Wallace Williams ’64 in late 2014. Please keep Wallace and his family in your thoughts and prayers.