All Smiles as Molloy Celebrates Historic Program

by Joe Sommo ’03 | Alumni Communications Director

One of the subjects was loneliness at Archbishop Molloy High School last week. “I understand her loneliness,” a senior, speaking in a gentle tone of his widowed mother, declared to some colleagues. “I’m not saying I’m turning my back on her. But I’m 16 and she’s 50 and I’m going to have to live my life.” The student stared at the floor of the classroom much of the time, obviously feeling strained, but the open admission of this classic conflict of adolescence was a clear relief to him, too. It was all part of one of the most popular elective courses for seniors at the school in Queens, and according to educators, one of the most unusual in the country.

The preceding is an excerpt from an article written by journalist Francis X. Clines and published in the New York Times in 1973 (Full Article). What Br. Leo Richard had started just a few years prior – a modest a peer-to-peer counseling program benefiting students at Archbishop Molloy High School – had suddenly been recognized by one of the most reputable newspapers in the world. The good work featured in the Times would continue in Leo’s office, or “The Cave” as it became famously known, over the next several decades and result in the longest running non-athletic program in the school’s history. Br. Leo, in tandem with other caring individuals like Br. Ron Marcellin ’52, Br. Francis Regis, Dr. Pat Murphy ’60, Mrs. Sheila Murphy, Dr. Robert Englert, Fr. Edward Doran, Mrs. Mari Hart, and Mrs. Mary Michels, facilitated a forum for students to open up and be themselves in a comfortable and safe environment. Students in SMILE, Something More in Life’s Experience, were encouraged to support each other through whatever problems might challenge them in their teenage years. The lessons guiding these Stanners would stay with them after high school and throughout their lives almost as if by design. Today, the program’s half century of success has been reviewed and implemented by many other schools across the country.

On Saturday, March 21st, Molloy celebrated 50 years of SMILE. Over 250 guests representing past and current SMILE members, past and current faculty, Marist Brothers, living program founders, and the families of SMILE’s faithfully departed founders, gathered at Molloy for a truly impactful evening. “I meet with hundreds of prospective students and their parents each year, but because we have an enrollment of almost 1,600 students our size scares some parents,” said President Richard Karsten ’81 while welcoming the crowd. “My response is that we are a big school with a small school attitude, and I can say with one hundred percent confidence that no student gets lost at Molloy. It is because of programs like SMILE that no one gets lost. With such a great turnout today, it’s clear that SMILE has left its footprint on many of us.”

A prayer service led by Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85 and featuring Br. Owen Ormsby ’74 and Fr. Doran would follow the President’s welcome. Together, the Stanner community prayed for its departed SMILE founders, including Brothers Leo, Regis, and Ron as well as Dr. Englert, Dr. Murphy, and Mrs. Murphy. As the event shifted to its presentation portion, Br. James Norton ’63 provided remarks detailing the beginnings of SMILE. His description featured a big man with a booming voice, bounding in and out of classrooms with enthusiasm and heart. His was an example that was hard to miss and easy to follow. Br. James was, of course, referring to Br. Leo. A beloved figure in St. Ann’s / Molloy’s long history, Leo meant a lot to many people. His long insightful walks, his deep and piercing talks, and his care for each and every student built the foundation of SMILE. But Leo was always quick to deflect success to his colleagues and the students themselves. In his mind he was merely watching over The Cave, providing quips about his hometown Red Sox or his favorite movies along the way. He was the rock, though, and that was what everyone loved about him. What Leo brought to each SMILE session permeated to each of his fellow counselors and sustained for 50 years. Surely not even Leo could have envisioned that. (Pictured: Br. James Norton (right) accepts a certificate of citation on behalf of the late Br. Ron Marcellin. Also L-R: Chris Dougherty ’91, Ray DiStephan ’87, Joe Egan ’89, Richard Karsten ’81)

Ray DiStephan ’87 later took the podium to share his SMILE story. Once a shy teen, Ray learned to open up under Br. Leo’s guidance. As an adult, Ray pursued a career in social work because of his SMILE experience. Following Br. Leo’s passing in 1995, Ray was asked to pick up the torch so the good work in SMILE could continue. He proudly accepted. Ray would forge the way for future SMILE counselors including Chris Dougherty ’91, Ted McGuinness ’91, Rachael Galla, Jessica Pastore ’04, and Kristen DeSantis (The latter three pictured L-R with Opal Vadhan ’11 at far left).

The aforementioned Dougherty, who spearheads SMILE today, compared the founders to superheroes for their heroics in starting a peer-to-peer program during the tumultuous 1960’s – a time when world events only made things harder on young people. He later choked up while discussing the program, and the inspiring men and women, that once guided him as a teen. Chris would then join in awarding certificates of citation to the attending SMILE founders and the family members attending in honor of their lost loved ones.

Joe Egan ’89, one of SMILE’s staunchest supporters, also spoke. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for 25 years,” said Joe, hardly able to contain his smile. His statement would be proven as a video dating back 25 years was played. Joe and his fellow SMILE pals all starred in the vintage footage. He was as enthusiastic about the program then as he remains today. Co-starring were the founders, all of whom provided emotional moments to say the least. See the full video presentation below. (Pictured: Mari Hart and Mary Michels, with Br. Dan O’Riordan ’85, both attended #SMILE50)

The remainder of the evening included a reception and invited guests all around Molloy on a “SMILE Tour” showcasing the many locations the program has utilized over the past 50 years. The Cave was an obvious starting point, but other important rooms included 301, 302, and 206 (the frequent homes of present day SMILE Weekly). Also highlighted was the SMILE Museum; photos, items and articles representing five decades of success.

We don’t have room for all the kind words we heard that night, or the testimonials that were spoken or shared in print and on video, but these words from Mrs. Hart sum everything up pretty well: “This event was just fabulous. The number of people that came together was just amazing. All of my years at Molloy were wonderful, but this felt like a great culmination of that. Tonight could not have been better.”

A special thank you is extended to our SMILE Committee members, volunteers, and all who donated items and put so much effort into making #SMILE50 a huge success. You have the deepest appreciation of the Stanner Alumni Center.

A dedicated page featuring the SMILE Museum content is planned for Molloy’s website in the coming weeks, but until then please enjoy the photo gallery linked below.

Kenny Smith ’83, Kenny Anderson ’89, Tom Konchalski ’64, and the late Jack Curran Featured in NBA Video

Prior to the Knicks vs. Grizzlies game last week, Ed Shannon ’84 and his son Hank got to spend some time with former NCAA Champ and current Grizzlies player Russ Smith ’09. Russ spared a few moments during warm-ups to catch up and take a photo with Hank. Also before the game, Ed happened to catch a clip on the Jumbotron featuring a few well known Stanners. You may know NBA Champion Kenny Smith ’83, NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson ’89, super scout Tom Konchalski ’64, and the late Jack Curran. The clip mainly focuses on Smith, who is seen touring Queens with a film crew. Smith, who grew up in Lefrak City, specifically references his alma mater in the piece. “Archbishop Molloy High School holds a special place in my heart. I even named my son Molloy Adrian Smith. It’s a fitting tribute to my old school and my head coach, the late great Jack Curran.” The clip then cuts to an interview with Curran dated 1991. It’s a great production by the NBA. View the clip via this link: Kenny Smith on NBA.com

Around the School

This Lenten Season

During this Lenten season, Stanners were encouraged to volunteer their time and energy to do good work in our community. Mr. Michael Germano ’93, Molloy’s Director of Campus Ministry, works with many students to find the right opportunity for them to get involved. “Derived from the Beatitudes in St. Matthew’s Gospel, the Corporal Works of Mercy challenge us to do the Lord’s work for the least favored,” said Mr. Germano. “In this Year of Montagne, as declared by the Marist Brothers, these works of mercy took on an even greater meaning.” During the season of Lent, Campus Ministry took on five Corporal Works of Mercy- engaging in activities that brought these practical deeds to life. In fulfilling “feeding the hungry,” students collected blankets and monetary donations to be given to the homeless. $1200 was collected and the collection culminated in a “Midnight Run” in which students prepared sandwiches, blankets, and other items for distribution to the homeless. Students fulfilled “visiting the sick” by spending time and having lunch with some of the Marist Brothers at Champagnat Hall in Mount St. Michael Academy (pictured). Instead of “burying the dead”, students prayed for loved ones who have passed, during a “Rosary Rally” at nearby Maple Grove Cemetery. Students also “gave drink to the thirsty” by participating in a Fast-a-Thon. Family and friends sponsored their efforts and together raised over $2,100 with proceeds helping to provide drinking water to people who have no access to it.

During Lent, many other activities were offered. A Taize prayer service was held at Mt. St. Michael with 3 other Marist schools in attendance. A school-wide reconciliation service brought in 10 priests from neighboring parishes to hear confessions. The Lenten themes were reflected on during weekly Lantern services, including one via Skype with students at Marist Chicago. All of these events led up to the Holy Week Liturgy today, April 1st, in which all students and faculty were invited to gather and pray together. “Anyone who participated in any of these activities or events saw what it meant to live out the Marist Charism by doing these Corporal Works of Mercy. This is what brings us closer to Mary and Jesus,” said Mr. Germano.  In addition to these Lenten exercises, there was another big event on the Campus Ministry calendar. Campus Ministry Leaders were chosen and made their Marist Youth Encounter at Esopus (pictured), which included Marist students from St. Mary’s, Mount St. Michael Academy, Roselle Catholic, Marist Bayonne, St. Joe’s, and Bishop Donahue. “The Marist Youth encounter was yet another great way for our students to see the greater picture of what it means to be a part of this Marist family,” said Mr. Germano. Lent was truly a special season here at Molloy.

Guidance Counselor Selected for Ireland University Tour

Mr. Ted McGuinness ’81, a college guidance counselor here at Molloy, was recently selected to participate in Education in Ireland’s Tour of Irish Universities. Mr. McGuinness was part of a group of 19 college counselors representing some of the finest high schools in the United States and Canada chosen to tour schools throughout Ireland and see first-hand what they can offer students studying abroad. Mr. McGuinness toured Trinity College, Dublin City University, University College Dublin, NUI (National University of Ireland), Maynooth, NUI Galway, and NUI Limerick, all of which he later described as tremendous hosts. “While on the trip, I visited with Steven McGuire ’13. He is a student at University College Dublin and he loves it,” said Mr. McGuinness. “Steven had dinner with our group and thoroughly impressed the counselors from the other schools. It was great for him to represent Molloy so well to such a diverse collection of counselors.”

Overall, the experience gave Mr. McGuinness the chance to see firsthand that pursuing studies in Ireland is a great option for Stanners. “I look forward to sharing my experience with our students when they ask me about unique educational opportunities. Also, by meeting Steven, many of the counselors at top schools around North America were made aware of the fine students we have here at Molloy. It’s no surprise to me that Stanners are making their mark on a global scale!” (Pictured left: Ted McGuinness ’81 with NUI Galway presenter Lorraine Tansey, who happened to attend The Mary Louis Academy and act in several Molloy theater productions. Pictured right: Ted with Steven McGuire ’13)

Sports Updates

On March 25th, The Tablet named their Brooklyn/Queens All-Star Boys and Girls basketball teams representing the best players from around the CHSAA and GCHSAA leagues. The lists are peppered with Stanners, all of whom have provided outstanding performances for their teams. On the boys’ side, Isaac Grant ’16, and D’ante Warren ’15 were named to the Boys ‘AA’ Second Team while Jason Camus ’15 was named to the Boys ‘AA’ Third Team. Grant, a forward and co-captain, has scored 18.2 points per game and provided 9.1 rebounds per game. His game high total for points this year was 41. Warren, a guard and also co-captain, has put up 16.4 points per game along with 8.9 rebounds. Camus, a senior guard, has scored 7.5 points per game with a high game total of 17.

On the girls’ side, Aryn McClure ’15 and Kaintlyn Mahon ’15 were both named to the Girls Division I First Team. Emily Peckham ’16 was named to the Girls Division I Second Team, while Emer Moloney ’15 was named to the Girls Division I Third Team. McClure has scored 14 points per game with 10 rebounds and 4.0 blocks. She was selected to play for the 2015 GCHSAA Mayor’s Cup team and looks forward to playing for Quinnipiac next year. Mahon has scored 10 points per game with 5.0 assists and is committed to Queens College next season. Peckham has scored 8.0 points per game and 10.0 rebounds while Moloney has scored 9.0 points per game while netting 3.0 steals. She is also committed to playing for Queens College next season. For a full recap of the Tablet’s All Stars visit: Boys All-Stars | Girls All-Stars

Look away from your TV for just a moment and you may miss the next big performance by Otoja Abit ’03. The former St. John’s basketball star turned stage and film actor has acted in a number of productions recently with more work on the horizon. Since the beginning of 2014 Otoja has landed roles in primetime TV series including The Blacklist and The Slap on NBC while also appearing in film productions like Dirty Shield and The Humbling. Otoja’s work will be featured in the TV series Criminal Justice as well as Stonewall and Kenshow at the Bedfellow on the big screen later in 2015. He is also helping to promote an indie project he is involved with titled Harlem Knights. Elsewhere, when not working alongside the likes of Chris Noth, Kiefer Sutherland, Jim Gaffigan, Ron Pearlman, James Spader, and other fellow stars, Otoja can occasionally be found providing college basketball analysis on SNY or cameos in commercials. For more on Otoja and his work visit IMDB.com.

Kristina Atienza ’12 is the News Director for WRKC, the radio station of King’s College. Recently, Kristina’s staff entered the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System Awards by submitting her news story titled Frein Fact Finder (See it here: http://wrkc.kings.edu/?p=1960). The story features Kristina’s interview with Pennsylvania State Police Public Information Officer Tom Kelly after the arrest of alleged state trooper killer Eric Frein. WRKC’s staff received finalist nominations in 6 different categories, with Kristina’s story up for Best Community News Coverage. The staff was invited to the awards ceremony at the awards conference at the Hotel Pennsylvania in early March. “We unfortunately did not win any national awards, but we are still considered to be the top five to seven percent of schools for college radio just for being a finalist,” said Kristina, who explained that they were up against four times the normal number of competition in 2015. Currently, Kristina is enjoying her junior year studying Mass Communication at King’s College with specialization in Advertising and Journalism. “Molloy helped me realize what I could potentially see myself doing for the rest of my life, and I’m glad I took all the English classes I did during my senior year – especially that Journalism class,” said Kristina. “In the future I hope to work in Public Relations, but for now I hope to do more work with WRKC and try to bring back more awards so people know just what this Stanner can accomplish.”

Ed Kiernan ’03 is the proud father of another future Stanner, as he and his wife welcomed Amelia Delphine Kiernan to the world on February 10th. All are doing well in the days since. Professionally, Ed has furthered his Stanner connections by partnering with fellow alum John Sabini ’74 in a government affairs consulting firm.

About 16 Stanners from the Class of 1977 (mostly former Harriers) were seen colluding on February 27 at Dee’s Restaurant in Forest Hills along with CHSAA Hall of Fame Coach Anthony Perrone. Apparently these alumni are planning to break the record for largest turnout for their 40 anniversary reunion, which will take place in 2017. Those in attendance included Tony Perrone, Peter Loftus, Robert Pasqual, Greg Sanchez, Tom Pappas, Joe Quinn, Mike Fox, Dan Burke, Peter Hillebrand, John Doyle, Andy Tansey, Chris Delahanty, Tom Pasculi, John Corrigan, Tom McInerny, Mike Paglino, and Pete Boneventure. “Although hairlines and waistlines may have changed, it’s amazing how quickly the conversation took us back to fond memories of the halls of 83-53 Manton Street,” said John Doyle. “Everyone had at least one favorite story that involved the esteemed Molloy lay faculty and Marist Brothers. Their dedication, sense of humor, and challenging lessons helped to shape the lives of each of us. Although we have gone into different careers and geographies, we share a common bond and a set of values that were born in 1817 when St. Marcellin Champagnat founded the Marist Brothers with the goal of bringing the love of Jesus and Mary to others through lives of service.” The Class of 1977 urges all classmates to keep an eye on 2017 to help them break their previous reunion records and make the event a truly memorable one.

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Peter Brucas, father of Kathleen ’06, Rebecca ‘10, Kathryn ’13, and Victoria ’16. We ask that you please keep the Brucas family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

We are saddened to share the passing of Frances Schaeffer, mother of Joan McCabe and grandmother of Lauren McCabe ’06. Please keep Frances and her family in your prayers.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Bertha Bauer Wojis, mother of Stan Wojis ’67. Bertha was a beloved mother, grandmother of four, and great grandmother of five.