Back in Session

After a long summer break, Archbishop Molloy High School welcomed back its students and faculty for yet another exciting academic year. The first day of school is one of many different emotions for students. For freshmen, the adjustment from elementary school to high school begins, and learning new schedules and making new friends take priority. Sophomores return with added confidence, ready to pick up where they left off after a successful first year “learning the ropes.” Our juniors come back ready to accept more of a leadership role while looking toward what will be arguably their most demanding academic year. And finally, seniors return to Manton Street for their “last” first day, knowing that they must take full advantage of their remaining time together as a class.

No matter what class year, the first day of school can often be a blur. For alumni, however, images of the first day at Molloy can spark memories from just last year to decades in the past. That is just what happened last week, as alumni commented on our Facebook Photo Gallery capturing the Class of 2017’s very first day of high school. “Looks just like I remember it 18 years ago. I can’t believe it’s been that long,” said Matthew Lipsky ’99 after viewing the gallery. “I still remember my first day very well. I only just graduated, but I know I’ll remember it 4 years from now and forever after that,” said recent graduate Steven Wody ’13. Michael Score ’69 also recalled his first day as a Stanner. “I remember that [first] day – all the way back in 1965. I hope the new freshman class has as great a four year experience at Molloy as I did. Non scholae sed vitae!” Have you seen the gallery yet? Browse some of the photos below, or view the full gallery HERE. You may just recall what happened on your first day at Molloy! (Photos courtesy of Ms. Laura Sawyer ’07)

In preparing for the new year, students spent time this first week during homeroom announcements reflecting on the Marks of the Marist Student; five essential characteristics that describe what Molloy students are taught on a daily basis. Beyond just current students, these marks represent Champagnat’s call to ALL Marist students, including our alumni community. Reflect on these marks as you join us through this new school year: Faith-Filled Disciples: Form a strong connection with God and a personal relationship with Jesus, Mary and St. Marcellin Champagnat. Through community, prayer and faith in God, students put others’ needs before their own. Thoughtful Students: Become confident witnesses to God’s love, see Christ in others, and live simply, morally, and with integrity. Champions of Justice & Service: Grow in one’s understanding of Catholic Faith as it relates to everyday life. Leaders of Faith: Understand that all were created by God as individuals with unique gifts and talents. All are called by God to share their talents, their faith, and their spirit with the Church and the Catholic Community. Citizens of the World: Represent Molloy’s family spirit, which celebrates and welcomes all people as members of one global family created by God.

Freshmen Reunite With Esopus Friends

It is not always easy to adapt to new surroundings, and freshmen in particular can feel intimidated during their first week of high school. Trying to make new friends, keeping track of textbooks, opening lockers…these can all be very stressful moments! Thankfully, Molloy’s long-standing Freshman Camp program has helped to make life during that first week much less intimidating. For one fun, engaging, and spiritual week in July, a limited number of Molloy’s incoming freshmen are given the opportunity to make friends well before classes begin in September. Gathering at the Marist Brothers’ Center at Esopus, campers participate in prayer services, games and activities, and group meals that encourage not only making friends, but also introduce budding Stanners to the school’s family atmosphere. Between making new friends, meeting teachers, and learning from alumni volunteers, Freshman Camp evokes memories for a lifetime, and it remains one of the most popular and beloved programs Molloy offers. The first week of school just got a little bit easier. (Photos courtesy of Mr. Jim Sheldon ’88). A full gallery can be viewed on Facebook.

We Remember September 11th

Every year since 2001 we have paused to remember our parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, spouses, children, grandchildren, and so many others who were tragically lost on September 11th. At Molloy, we remember our alumni, family members and friends who lost their lives – many heroically – and who remain at the forefront of our hearts and minds in all that we do. The lives of so many wonderful people were taken far too soon that day, and 12 years later it is still difficult for many of us to comprehend. For a great number of current Molloy students, their memories of these events are scattered. Members of the Class of 2014 were just four or five years old when our nation experienced one of its darkest days. Members of the Class of 2017 were just one or two years of age. Still, our students have come to understand the significance of September 11th as they have grown older. At Molloy, students learn about our Hall of Fame Stanners who were lost, and the sacrifices they made to ensure others could live. An essential part of the “Marks of the Marist Student” is putting the needs of others before the needs of oneself. There is no greater example of this aspect of the Marist Tradition than our September 11th heroes. (Featured: A sketch by Jonathan Genciana ’02 from the 2002 yearbook)

Alexandra Caruso ’14 is one student who has come to understand the meaning of the September 11th tragedy in her own way. Just five years old on September 11th, 2001, Alexandra acknowledges she did not know what was happening at the time. “I remember seeing the skyline, but I only understood what happened later through pictures,” said Alexandra. “In reality, my dad was working very close to the World Trade Center that day, so it could have directly affected my family.” Twelve years later, Alexandra is a member of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. “I’ve been a member for eight years. I love singing, especially jazz. My parents met while singing in a chorus together so I think it was meant to be.” The Brooklyn Youth Chorus performs at many different events and venues throughout the year. One of the most important performances that the BYC has given in recent years, including this past week, is the singing of the National Anthem during the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony at the World Trade Center. “It is a very difficult performance,” said Alexandra. “Singing in front of the President is one thing, but seeing the families of victims holding signs and pictures makes it very emotional for everyone.” While she was unable to grasp the event when she was five, she now understands the full scope of what is being remembered  each year on September 11th. “It has always been a difficult performance, but it is an honor to be able to sing at this ceremony.” You can watch Alexandra and the chorus perform “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban during the 12th anniversary memorial ceremony in the video below (Alexandra is the tallest girl and front row center).

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Over the Summer, the Rossi family enjoyed a scenic vacation in Italy that also doubled as the continuation of an important family tradition. High in the Italian Alps, in the small town of Revo in Trentino-Alto Adige, it is tradition for the 19 year olds to celebrate entering into adulthood with a year-long celebration culminating in the design and construction of an “Arco,” or arch, and the carrying of the Blessed Mother around the town on the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmen. These 19 year olds are called “Coscriti.” Robby Rossi ’12 participated in this celebration during their 2013 visit. Thomas ’78, Robert ’81, and Margaret ’07 also participated in this celebration when they were 19 years old. Robert joked, “After posing for this photo, I wondered if the ‘AM’ in the village stood for ‘Ave Marie’ or if these Stanners were able to get the Coscriti of 1994 to, unwittingly, give a shout out to the AM of Archbishop Molloy?” (Pictured left to right: Tom ’78, Robert ’81, Margaret ’07, Robby ’12, Michael ’14, and Elena ’17)

Brian McNerney ’62 had a thrilling evening this past July that he will not soon forget. Brian had the honor of meeting legendary Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully during a home game at Dodger Stadium. Brian was granted the opportunity to visit Scully in his broadcast booth shortly before the first pitch, and later took photos with the Dodger legend following the game. The evening was even more special for Brian because he got to watch his beloved Yankees defeat “Dodger Blue” on the road 3-1. “It was an amazing night for me,” said Brian.

Henry Osti ’78 embarked on a journey 18 months ago that many would think only possible in movies. Henry rode his bike across the United States with help from friends and relatives along the way. His motivation? His parents. Several years ago, Henry lost his mother and father, his heroes, to cancer just 98 days apart. Having devoted so much of his life to caring for them, and then deeply affected by their passing, Henry decided to commemorate their memory in some way, vowing to help make a difference in the world. His journey across the country was the first step in realizing his goal. Henry would go on to establish a movement called RYDE – RideYourDreamsEveryday.com. Partnering with the Bone Marrow Registry, Henry rode his bike 3,800 miles from California to Virginia and hosted bone marrow drives all along his route. Henry’s efforts have established nearly 400 new bone marrow donors, and with no plans of slowing down, he hopes to continue his journey to help others in his parents’ memory.

Joseph A. Papavero ’04 and his wife, Vanessa Papavero, are proud to announce the birth of their first child, daughter Ava Marie, who was born on Thursday, July 18th, 2013 at 4:59 PM. Ava weighed in at 5 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches. Congratulations to the Papavero family!

Kathryn Hartin ’05 and Lawrence Davis ’05 are excited to announce to the Stanner community their recent engagement. Kathryn and Lawrence plan to be married on January 4, 2014 at St. Gregory the Great Church in Bellerose, NY.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Howard A. Uhl ’48, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 83.