President Richard Karsten Shows Gratitude to Benefactors at “Thank You” Reception

Students at Archbishop Molloy High School have been blessed by the generosity of alumni, parents and friends for decades. In recent years, the Fund For Molloy and other Named Scholarships have experienced an even greater upswing in donor support due to a variety of factors, perhaps none more prevalent than the continued passion and dedication on the part of our school’s major benefactors. These individuals and families have placed Molloy and its students in a special place in their hearts, and we could not be more grateful for their kind gestures. As a show of appreciation for their care in giving the gift of education, Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81 invited the school’s major benefactors to a special reception at Plandome Country Club on Long Island. There President Karsten shared news of the school’s continued success, including capital improvements around Molloy’s six acre campus, technology upgrades, and, perhaps most importantly, a record number of scholarships having been awarded this past year.

Tonight we honor a segment of the Stanner Community that makes an invaluable investment in the Mission and Vision of Molloy. To you here tonight and to every Stanner whom made a gift, attended an event, and gave of your time and energy to Molloy – thank you all for making us stronger. Together we are ensuring that the generosity of today impacts our future,” said Karsten. “When I started my role as President three and a half years ago, my first order of business was to reach out to you and talk about your ideas, your concerns, your sense of what is important to ensure the quality education at Molloy. What came through loud and clear is that you are vested stakeholders who care deeply for our traditions. You helped us to focus on what’s important: to keep the school affordable and to grow our scholarship program.” Molloy had the privilege to award over 200 scholarships to deserving students in the past year, all of whom make an impact at Molloy in and out of the classroom. Whether forging the way in academics, athletics, or service to others, these Stanners take advantage of their scholarships and continue to make a difference in our communities.

Many students were also on hand at the reception to spend time with their scholarship benefactors and update them on their progress at Molloy. While some are seniors looking ahead to college, others are still underclassmen focused on their next big test or game. In either case, these students relished the opportunity to express their genuine gratitude to their scholarship benefactors. One student in particular, Rebecca Wagner ’14, chose to show her appreciation by speaking to the crowd. “I will never forget the lessons I’ve learned at Molloy, the friends I’ve made, or how much I’ve grown,” said Rebecca. “I cannot imagine my life without Molloy. I am truly grateful.” In all, it was a wonderful night, and the honor of President Karsten and everyone at Molloy to show thanks and appreciation for all the great work that our benefactors do in ensuring lasting success here on Manton Street. If you are interested in finding out how you can make an impact here at Molloy, please contact the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210. View some more photos from the reception below, and find out just who is receiving Molloy scholarships in the captions!

Around the School

34th Annual International Day Attracts Record Crowd

Archbishop Molloy High School has been proud to host its International Day event for over three decades. Since 1980, Molloy has invited students and their families, faculty, friends and neighbors to the school for an afternoon of delicious homemade cuisine prepared and served by students and their parents, authentic cultural performances, and showcases of various cultural artifacts.

At Molloy’s 34th Annual International Day on March 30th, the smell of delectable dishes from all over the world immediately greeted over 1,300 visitors – a new attendance record. Those just arriving were directed to the Capt. Anthony Marsloe Gym, where a variety of homemade dishes lined table after table. At the Filipino table, alumnus Herbert Leona ’11 worked all day long as he has for years, carving a fully roasted pig to please one of the longer lines of hungry visitors. Over at team Italian, trays of homemade baked pastas, chicken, and sausage occupied the largest area of the gym. The Indian dishes were delicious, but also the spiciest offerings of the day. The school’s Ebony Club showcased Jamaican, Haitian, Trinidadian, and African cuisine among others. There was also a large contingency of Greek, Asian, and Eastern European volunteers proudly offering dishes of their own. “The Irish club made a big comeback, and nearly all Latin American countries were represented in terms of food. It was great to see,” said Mr. Lou Santos, one of the lead organizers of the event. Beyond the entrees, a dessert spread occupied the school’s cafeteria. From cupcakes to kesio, streusel to Irish soda bread, the classic creations rounded out the day’s menu with a wide range of sweet and flavorful delights.

Once everyone had their fill of edible offerings, Molloy students took center stage in the Jack Curran Gym, where performances of cultural song and dance took shape. Those students participating represented the school’s Ebony, Asian, West Indian, Indian, Italian, Spanish, and Greek clubs as well as the Pipes & Drums band. Also performing were the school’s dance and step teams, which celebrated American culture and others not represented in other parts of the program. Dances included the Irish jig, Chinese lion dance, Bollywood Fusion, Merengue and Bachata among others.

Santos was inspired by the support of the community this year. “Everyone’s dedication to International Day is truly appreciated. We couldn’t host this event year in and year out without the commitment of our community.” Likewise, Ms. Sabina Kobinski ’04, a
teacher and International Day Committee member, was pleased with the success of this year’s event. “Every dish, movement, and musical note told a story. With so many cultures represented, there was so much to learn and to appreciate.”

“We proudly expressed our national pride through song and dance, as well as the delicious food that we shared together,” said President Richard Karsten ’81. “All of these things showcased the spirit of hospitality and family that is embedded in everything that we do at Molloy. Although our families originate from many places across the globe, we are connected as members of the Molloy community, and we are united as proud citizens of the borough of Queens.” (Photos by Laura Sawyer ’07)

Seniors Excel at City Science Fair

Stanners are serious about science! At the preliminary round of New York City’s Science and Engineering Fair in March, several Stanners offered impressive presentations that prompted stimulating conversation among visitors and judges alike. Taking place at the City College of New York, and sponsored by the NYC Department of Education and CUNY, the fair is the city’s largest high school research competition, inviting hundreds of students to participate each year. The fair “provides a supportive, academic venue for students to present their research, network with other NYC high school students, and meet leading scientists and science professionals from around the metropolitan area…and offers a distinctive educational opportunity for students across the five boroughs.” The following students, all from the Class of 2014, presented projects at the fair:

• Dhanesh Binda — Environmentally Sustainable Housing for Urban Expansion and Revitalization
• Thomas Brinskelle — Effects of Electroculture and Magnetoculture on Radishes
• Francisco Cid — Survey on Surveys
• Candice Forrester — The Effect of the Shape of Different Chambers on Social Space Between Rugos 6 and Cantones Drosophila
• Sebastian Geraci — Environmentally Sustainable Housing for Urban Expansion and Revitalization
• Georgios Gulino — Environmentally Sustainable Housing for Urban Expansion and Revitalization
• Edrean-Neil Kabigting — The Psychological Effect of Music on Drawing
• Kristian Mosquito — Memory vs. Reading: The Effects of Reading Daily on Short-Term Memory
• Jordi Sevilla — The Hero Project

Most successful was Edrean-Neil Kabigting, whose project qualified for the final round of the fair at the Museum of Natural History. Edrean ultimately placed 2nd in his division at the finals while also receiving the American Psychological Association Award for general excellence. “I’m very proud of our whole research team, especially Edrean,” said teacher Ms. Mary Mallia. “They competed against Stuyvesant, Townsend Harris, Bronx Science, Benjamin Cardozo, and many other top schools. It’s important for us to be at that level so that we can continue to offer these opportunities to our scientifically gifted students every year. This year’s fair was beneficial for our school, and it will also positively impact the students’ resumes and college applications.”

Molloy Hosts Annual Blood Drive

Stanners lined up for a good cause on April 1st as the Long Island Division of the New York Blood Bank made the Jack Curran Gymnasium its home for the day. Students and faculty made time in their busy schedules to stop in, provide important health history, and donate the gift of life. In total, 178 pints of blood were donated by 154 individuals. These donations will be used by the NY Blood Bank to serve people in the NY/Long Island area who need them most. Special thanks to Mrs. Kathy Forgione, RN, and the NY Blood Bank for their extensive efforts in making sure that all facilities and equipment were safe and clean, and that all donors were shown great care.

Bill Niklaus ’80 CHSAA Hall of Fame Bound

Archbishop Molloy High School has offered a premier golf program since 1989, and fortunately our young athletes have had the privilege to perfect their swings under the experienced direction of Coach Bill Niklaus ’80. The first golf coach in Molloy history, Coach Niklaus has instructed Varsity “A” players for 25 years. His enthusiasm for the sport and dedication to Molloy students has contributed to the team’s overall in-season record of 259-41 since its inception. Varsity “A” has earned 6 visits to the city championships with 2 wins to its credit, as well as 1 Metro Bowl Championship and 13 consecutive divisional titles. Coach Niklaus’ teams have reached the playoffs 23 out of 24 years while also featuring multiple CHSAA All-Stars. Varsity “A”, which uses Douglaston, Kissena Park, and Forest Park as their home courses, has played at almost all the major courses and private clubs in New York City, covering Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Westchester, and Staten Island. Together with Molloy’s Varsity “B” team, which plays in the CHSAA Long Island League, the Molloy golf program boasts the largest official golf program in New York City. Spearheading this program, which also happens to be one of the city’s best, is no easy task, but it is one that Coach Niklaus truly looks forward to each season. “Our philosophy is we want the players to do their best, to make friends, and most importantly to laugh and have fun,” said Coach Niklaus. “Winning and losing is secondary. Hopefully they appreciate that golf is a sport that can stay with them for a lifetime.”

Coach Niklaus has also enjoyed success outside of Molloy, becoming Golf Chairman in 1992. He started the first Intersectional Golf Championship between the Long Island CHSAA and NYC CHSAA (1993-1997), and started the NYS CHSAA State Championship (1998-Present), which he has acted as director for going on 16 years. He also founded the NYC Metro Bowl in 1991, and later the NYS Federation Golf Championship in 2000. He became the coordinator of the federation championship the same year and remains in that position today. Coach Niklaus and Varsity “A” were the first team from the CHSAA to participate in the Palmetto National High School Championships in Myrtle Beach, and placed as high as 3rd in 2007. Most recently, Coach Niklaus was honored to be named the NYC Parks Foundation’s Golf Director in 2010. These accomplishments speak to not only his coaching abilities, but his motivation to expand the game of golf among young people in New York City. In recognizing his contributions to the city and to the sport, the CHSAA will proudly induct Coach Niklaus into its Hall of Fame on May 29th.

Jessica McEntee ’05 Earns CHSAA Hall of Fame Nod

In 2011, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude ’05 set precedent by becoming the first Stanner to earn induction into the Girls’ CHSAA Hall of Fame. An elite basketball player at Molloy and later at Stanford, Ros always remained humble, quickly noting in many interviews that one of the biggest reasons for her success was the elevated play of her teammates. Several years after Ros’ induction, the GCHSAA Hall of Fame will recognize one of those stellar teammates: Jessica McEntee ’05. Jessica was a two sport athlete at Molloy, running cross country for four years, outdoor track for three years, and playing on a highly competitive Varsity basketball squad. Jessica holds the school records in the long jump, high jump, and 4×400 relay. In basketball she was a key member of two state championship teams: 2003 Class “C” and 2005 Class “A”. She remains the program’s all time leader in points, rebounds and blocks.

Jessica would later move on to play for NYU, where the Economics major eventually became the Division III News national Player of the Year in 2009. She was named to eight all-american teams (D3Hoops, Women’s DIII News, Kodak/WBCA Division III), was the second player in UAA Conference history to earn three time Player of the Year honors (2007, 2008 & 2009), a two time Division III Metro Player of the Year (2007 & 2008), a two time Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year (2007 & 2009) and was D3Hoop.com East Region Player of the Year in 2009. Jessica remains ranked third in all-time scoring (1,711) and second in rebounding (1,133) at NYU and is one of only three NYU “Violets”, male or female, to compile 1,500 points and 1,000 rebounds. Jessica had 50 double double games in her college career as well as an average of 20.8 points per game. She holds records in career free throws made (678), career free throws attempted (837) and career free throw percentage (81.0%). In her four years at NYU reached three NCAA tournaments, including the Final Four in 2007 and the Sweet Sixteen in 2009. As if her resume wasn’t convincing enough, Jessica was a leader on the court as well, evidenced by her status as captain for the Violets for two years. The team compiled a stunning 82-28 record (.745 winning percentage) during her time as captain. Needless to say, Jessica’s accomplishments are remarkable and worthy of her induction into the GCHSAA Hall of Fame.

Victoria Goldbach ’12 Pitches Perfect Game

Mount St. Mary College sophomore Victoria Goldbach ’12 recently earned Skyline Conference Softball Player of the Week honors following overall solid play – and a perfect game too! Victoria, a former Pitcher of the Year award winner at Molloy, threw the perfect game against Lehman College on April 8th, striking out nine batters in five innings of brilliance. Her team backed her up as well, putting 17 runs up on the board. Victoria has enjoyed a fine season, and relishes being a leader on the Knights’ pitching staff. Read more about Victoria’s amazing week HERE. (Photo courtesy of Mount St. Mary College)

It is with great sadness that the Stanner Alumni Center shares the passing of Tiffany Yeung ’07. Tiffany passed away last week following complications of a brain tumor. She will be sorely missed by her family and friends, including all of us in the Molloy family. Please pray for Tiffany.

We are saddened to share the passing of Mr. Daniel O’Connor, father of Peter ’87, Daniel ’89, and Timothy ’93. The O’Connors are a wonderful Stanner family, and we know that Mr. O’Connor was very proud of his three sons and what they accomplished at Molloy and throughout their lives. Please pray for the O’Connor family during this difficult time of mourning.

We ask the Stanner community to pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Anna Verdi, mother of teacher Mr. Mark Verdi. Please keep the Verdi family in your thoughts and prayers.

We ask Stanners and friends to please pray for the repose of the soul of the father of Edmund Rom ’87.