#ThankfulToBeAStanner
The Stanner Alumni Center would like to thank the over 80 alumni, parents and friends that attended this morning’s Thanksgiving Liturgy. Your participation helps us to reflect as a community on what we are most thankful for here at Molloy. We are thankful for the Marist Brothers, our administration, faculty, staff, and students, as well as you, our alumni, parents, and friends. You all play an important role in the remarkable work that is done each and every day at our school. Together, we continue the vibrant Stanner traditions at Molloy that have educated and inspired fine individuals since 1892. We are also thankful for our beloved deceased, knowing that their spirits live on in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you to all who participated this year by sharing your prayer intentions with us. Please know your loved ones were prayed for by our community during this morning’s Liturgy.
Following the Liturgy, those alumni, parents and friends in attendance were invited to enjoy refreshments in the student cafeteria during a special reception. Among the offerings was the traditional chocolate chip cookie, which alumni will recall as a staple of the Thanksgiving Liturgies of old. Alumni also had a chance to visit with many of their former teachers, who were eager to hear about their transition to colleges across the country.
And don’t forget, this weekend share why you are #ThankfulToBeAStanner on Facebook and Twitter! Once again, thank you to all who attended today’s Liturgy, and we wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.
View full photo gallery from the Thanksgiving Liturgy & Alumni Reception
Molloy Honors Veterans with Moving Ceremony
“’All gave some, some gave all.’ We take a few moments today to honor alumni of all generations who have served or continue to serve in the armed forces,” said Richard Karsten ‘81, President of Archbishop Molloy High School. “In particular, we recognize the ultimate sacrifices of an elite group of alumni who gave their lives in service to this great nation.” On Friday, November 7th, Molloy honored its alumni US veterans with a moving ceremony. Many of the school’s alumni have represented various branches of the armed forces, with 13 known to have lost their lives in doing so. Their courage has not been forgotten, and it must continue to serve as an example of the importance of selflessness for present and future members of the school’s community.
The impetus for Molloy’s Veterans Day Memorial Event was the enthusiasm and passion of several of the school’s alumni veterans. At the forefront of the effort was former US Navy Captain Larry Seible ‘63 (pictured), who believes the school must remember to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by its fallen heroes. “Veterans Day is a celebration to honor all America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good,” remarked Seible, who worked throughout the past year on this event at Molloy to honor the sacrifices made by his classmate, Private First Class Louis Willett ‘63. Willett was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after his heroic actions on the battlefield in Vietnam came to light. On February 15th, 1967, under clear skies, Willett’s squad, Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, suddenly found itself taking heavy fire from a large enemy force. Despite incredible danger, Willett rose to draw the bulk of the enemy’s barrage, enabling the other members of his squad to slowly but safely withdraw. Willett was mortally wounded during this selfless act of courage. The Medal of Honor is the greatest respect bestowed upon those who serve, and Willett remains the only Molloy graduate to hold this distinction.
Molloy’s ceremony was well attended by alumni and veterans, students, school administration and faculty, as well as veterans who served side-by-side with Willett in Vietnam. Also in attendance were several members of the Willett family, including cousins Lorretta and Brian McCaffery and Louis’ beloved aunt and godmother, Sally Daly. Sally’s attendance was significant, as she was extremely close with Willett and, along with her husband, paid for his tuition to attend Molloy. The ceremony featured the reading of names of fallen Molloy heroes by Capt. Seible. As each name was read, a bell was rung in unison with the mounting of an American flag by a student. Later, Lt. Col. Tim Swan, a guest speaker who was Willett’s platoon leader, detailed the circumstances their squad faced the day Willett gave his life. Lt. Col. Ed Northrop, Willett’s squad leader, then followed up with stirring remarks about what it means to serve, challenging students in attendance to continue to learn more about the sacrifices made by US veterans. Both men also spoke with great pride about Willett. “47 years after Louis lost his life, the men of ‘C’ Company still remember him and all others that served with us as a ‘band of brothers,’” said Northrop. Several other classmates who provided remarks rounded out a program that encouraged much reflection and produced quite a few tears. (Pictured left-right: Willet’s childhood friend Al Peschler, Lt. Col. Ed Northrop, Lt. Col. Tim Swan, Sally Daly, Bea McCaffery, and Brian McCaffery)
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Lt. Col. Northrop and Lt. Col. Swan took pride in presenting Molloy with a flag flown over the US Capitol in Willett’s honor as well as with artifacts procured by Capt. Seible to honor Willett’s legacy at Molloy, including medals and ribbons marking achievements during his military career. In addition, Gallantry CDs donated by Dennis Pepe ’63 were sponsored by an anonymous donor that helped provide $1,000 to a scholarship at Molloy in Louis Willet’s name. Molloy is proud to honor its veterans and is excited to display these artifacts. Molloy President Richard Karsten and Principal Brother Thomas Schady extend their sincerest thanks to the Willett family, Capt. Seible, Lt. Col. Swan, Lt. Col Northrop, and all alumni and friends who helped make this event possible.
View full photo gallery from Veterans Day Memorial Event
Around the School
21st Annual Walkathon A Great Success
“Thanks to the enthusiastic support of our students and their families, our 21st annual Walkathon surpassed our goal. Over $160,000 in pledges was raised this October,” announced Principal Br. Thomas Schady in a recent report to parents. Molloy’s Walkathon is the only student-driven fundraiser of the year, and it has helped to address many important needs around the school since its inception in the early 1990’s. In recent years, Molloy has seen Walkathon funds allocated to upgraded lighting and equipment in the school’s theater, improvements to the bleachers and curtains as well as a re-sanding of the court in the Jack Curran Gym, and the renovation of the student cafeteria and first floor chapel. Money raised for this year’s Walkathon will be used to make significant improvements to the lockers throughout the building. They will be electrostatic painted in addition to all of the hardware refurbished. Considering how beautiful the student cafeteria and chapel look today, there’s no doubt that the lockers will be just as impressive next year. All should take pride in the wonderful changes they have helped to make around Molloy. These annual improvements make our school safer, more comfortable, and always keeping in step with the needs of the modern student. Thank you to all students and parents for their generosity.
View full photo gallery from the 2014 Walkathon
AP Scholar Awards Announced
The Advanced Placement Program of the College Board offers several AP Scholar Awards to recognize high school students who have demonstrated college-level achievement through AP courses and exams. Students at Molloy achieved distinction across all three awards categories for performance on Advanced Placement exams taken through May 2014. 47 Archbishop Molloy students, including recent Class of 2014 graduates, have been named AP Scholars. AP Scholar designation is granted to AP students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.
AP Scholars with Honors gives recognition to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. AP Scholars with Distinction is the highest award granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. Seniors who are presently enrolled in AP courses, and who will be taking AP exams in May of 2015, are eligible for AP Scholar Awards for 2015 depending on the total number of exams they’ve taken over their high school career and the scores they achieve on those exams.
Sports Update
In a follow up to the last issue of the Beehive, we have some more sports items to share. The boys Varsity cross country team made many coaches proud when they reached the state finals for the first time since 1998. The girls Varsity swim team has improved to 5-0 on the season, while the freshman boys swim and diving team took part in the CHSAA Championships (the diving team also includes female athletes). Molloy’s Natalie Ortof won the diving competition with a score of 230 points. This set a new meet record, which was previously 225 points set back in 1984. Thomas Woods placed second in the diving competition with a score of 179 points. Elsewhere, the boys Varsity soccer team boasts several athletes who have been named All-League as well as participants in the Mayor’s Cup game. They are Ryan Hoffman, Pedro Paula, Dan Corrigan, and Lucas DoNascimento (Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff). Athletic Director Mike McCleary would also like you to know that basketball season is just around the corner! Opening day is set for Saturday, November 29th with the following time schedule unfolding in the Jack Curran Gym: Girls JV @ 2:15 pm | Boys Varsity “B” @ 4:00 pm | Girls Varsity @ 5:45 pm | Boys Varsity @ 7:30 pm.
Upcoming Events
Financial Workshop
- When: Wednesday, January 14th, 2015
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School (Library) | 7:00 pm
- Cost: Free
- REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED
Are you prepared for your financial future? Do you think you have a pretty good “nest egg” in a 401(k) or an IRA? Do you feel you have been diligent with your savings and investments? Does this mean you can completely forget about all of it? Even if retirement is far away, you may want to be proactive now in planning for growing concerns of college expenses, and to cover the costs of long-term health care. In a recent roundtable discussion with Molloy’s Advisory Panel of professional wealth management advisors, discussed was what it means for parents to “be prepared” for the expense of college for their children, for possible long-term health care needs, and retirement. With over 80 years of professional experience collectively, our panel offered the following “road map” for consideration:
- Set realistic goals: Establishing real goals, following them through, and tracking your progress are keys to success in achieving all of your financial goals.
- Create a balance: Creating a financial plan isn’t enough; one has to take into account the expenses we need to live day to day. Finding the balance between what you can save for the future and what you need for today plays a key role in your ability to effectively invest in your long-term goals.
- Small investments over time add up: The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. Personal financial goals do not have to be overwhelming if you have patience, create a discipline of saving, and take it one step at a time.
- Be active in your goals: It is one thing to talk about what your vision of the future will be; it is another to act on these goals. A critical action step is to prioritize each of your personal goals in order of importance, and then determine how long you have to save for each of them.
It can be helpful to regularly assess your personal goals to help make sure you’re still on track with the progress you’re making – but knowing that and acting on it can be two different things. Are you unsure when or how often you should be revisiting your “road map”? If you have questions about your current goals and the plans in place to achieve them, we invite you to attend an upcoming free workshop hosted by our Financial Advisory Panel on Wednesday, January 14th, 2015, in the William J. Murphy Library at 7:00 pm. Light refreshments and snacks will be offered. (Pictured above left to right: James Delahanty ’81, George Orefici ’84, Kevin Dehler ’82, Danny Moore ’95, Paul Tuomey ’02, and Alumni Development Director Craig Katinas ’93)
Alum Remembers Br. Leo Richard in Blog
“I can still hear his booming voice,” says Michael J. Sullivan ’78, award-winning and best-selling novelist and speaker. “He would reach out to those struggling and involve other good people he knew to help and support the unfortunate. When he talked, only positive words would echo from his big chamber. They sometimes sounded like they were coming from the heavens.” Sullivan is, of course, referencing the great Brother Leo Richard, who taught and coached Stanners as far back as the years at St. Ann’s Academy. Leo was known as a friend to all and to many as a beacon in the darkness. Whether you were on the right track or in need of deeper guidance, you knew that Leo would make himself available to talk. Once you got to know him, you also came to know that he loved pizza, walks on the beach, Notre Dame football, and the Boston Red Sox. Beyond this, you knew Leo was someone that wanted nothing more than to help you.
Sullivan was inspired to write about his friend Leo after considering what he is thankful for this Thanksgiving. “As I look skyward today, still misty-eyed from missing the big booming voice of Brother Leo, missing our walks and talks, wondering how it would have been if he met my daughters, I talk to him again,” Sullivan reflects in his blog. “I wish for one more chance to sit in the cave with him and laugh.” The Cave, still in existence today at Molloy, was once Leo’s office. It was and continues to be a safe haven for students to share their experiences and feelings as well as to form a better understanding of themselves. The Cave was also a central location for SMILE, which stands for Something More In Life’s Experiences. Leo was heavily involved in this program, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2015, as it served as an important guidance tool to help students of all walks of life. (Pictured: Br. Leo in 1957)
“Br. Leo is the perfect example of why your connection with Molloy never dims,” says Sullivan (pictured). “I became friendlier with him after I graduated. We took many walks while I was going through a few layoffs. He would listen to my desperation, calm me down, and always provide a positive view on life. My fondest memory of Leo was convincing him to see Field of Dreams even though he said he would never go to a movie. He loved the movie and even shed a few tears. For a man so strong and tough, it was a great experience.” Sullivan plans on writing about this experience and others in a book called The Beautiful Ride. “It will discuss how many incredible discoveries are made through life’s toughest challenges. Leo showed me this.” For Sullivan’s full article on Br. Leo, visit michaeljsullivan.com.
Prayers for Paul
The family of Paul Trouve ’67 has asked that the Molloy community pray for him during his time of illness. Paul’s sister Michele described him in a written note as a proud Stanner and track star at Molloy who won many individual and team trophies. Please keep Paul in your prayers.
Class Updates
Michael Kane ’89 shared the accompanying photo from the November 1st Stanner Alumni Reunion. The photo features, from left to right, Kane, Sean Heerey ’89, Robert Maina ’89, and Chris Ruddy ’89. The caption provided reads, “Kane, Heerey and Maina took the Sewanhaka Bus, and Ruddy took the LIRR all the way from Baldwin every day!” You can share your reunion photos with us at alumni@molloyhs.org.
Jennifer Moncino ’11, a member of the St. Joseph’s College women’s volleyball team, was honored along with two teammates by the Association of Division III Independents. Jennifer was named to the All-Independent Second Team for the second consecutive season. She led her team in service aces with 38 and digs with 228. She finished second in kills (102) and points (141). Jennifer, a senior, reached double-digit digs in 13 games.
Bill Ferguson ’63, Principal of St. Elizabeth Catholic Academy in South Ozone Park, was recently named winner of the 2014 Lighting the Fire for Catholic Education Award. This award, presented by the Catholic School Administrators Association of New York, is given to a school leader who has “a clear philosophy of Catholic education; shows a strong commitment to leadership through active membership in professional associations; assumes an active role in his or her parish community; distinguishes him or herself as a leader in civic, religious and humanitarian activities; shows strong educational leadership by setting high expectations for school staff and students; and is respected by students, colleagues, parents and the community.” Students at St. Elizabeth responded to the award by creating a heartwarming video tribute to their Principal, which you can watch below.
John Baiardi ’60 of Mount Vernon passed away on November 16th at the age of 72. He served in the US Navy in Vietnam and later trained in psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institution. He served at a number of hospitals in the New York City area including Nassau County Meidcal Center, Westchester Medical Center, and Bronx Lebanon Hospital. John is survived by his wife, Cathy, daughter, Juliana, and three grandchildren. For more information about John visit mountvernon.dailyvoice.com. Please pray for John and his family.
We are saddened to share the passing of Thomas A. Twomey Jr. ’63 of East Hampton, Long Island. Tom was a leading East End environmental lawyer who fought for the preservation of farmland on Long Island while taking stands against initiatives such as plans to extend the Sunrise Highway and LILCO’s Jamesport nuclear power plant. His legal career spanned four decades. For more information on Tom’s life and career visit www.riverheadlocal.com. Please keep Tom and the Twomey family in your prayers.
We have learned that Dominick J. Mecca ’53 passed away on September 1st, 2014. Dominick’s wife, Rosemary, asks that the Molloy community please pray for Dominick and her family.
We regret to share news of the passing of Donald Bartolo ’82. “He was a good friend and a good Stanner,” said Peter McCarthy ’85. “He also loved Brother Terence, who once helped him through a difficult time in his life.” Please pray for Donald and his family.
The Stanner Alumni Center was also informed of the passing of Bob Casey ’49, uncle of Peter McCarthy ’85 and Michael Brady ’81. Bob passed away earlier in 2014. “He kept his great sense of humor until the end, and had nothing but fond memories of his years as a Stanner,” said nephew Peter. Please keep Bob in your prayers this week.
We are saddened by the passing of Maureen Schaffer, mother of Robert ’75 and Stephen ’77. Please keep Maureen and the Schaffer family in your prayers.