Stanner Alumni Reunion
- Class Years ending in 3 & 8, and Track & Field alumni
- When: Saturday, November 2nd, 2013
- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Cost: $100 Single Reservation | $150 w/date or spouse
- Class of 2008 Discount: $50 Single | $100 w/date or spouse
- Class of 1963 Discount: Complimentary w/Guest
- ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
8 days away. Over 425 registered. Have you? The Stanner Alumni Reunion is quickly approaching. Class years ending in 3 and 8, as well as Track & Field alumni, will fill Molloy on Saturday, November 2nd for what will be a memorable night of dinner, dancing, cocktails, and nostalgia. Many of you have already registered, and we thank you for beating many of your classmates to the punch! For those of you who plan to attend, but have not yet registered, you must register by the October 29th deadline. Having an accurate headcount in advance of the event is critical in assuring that each of our alumni and guests can be accommodated in the way of food and drink to the best of our abilities. Contact the Stanner Alumni Center at (718) 441-9210 for more information.
We anticipate having upwards of 500 alumni attend this year’s reunion. Space is always limited, so please don’t delay in registering and assuring your spot at this wonderful event. As a bonus, we’re happy to share that Brother John Klein, Brother Ben Consigli ’80, and Brother Roy George ’62 will all be in attendance that night. They have not been back at Molloy together for quite a while, and they are looking forward to seeing many of their former students. Other favorites will also be in attendance including Mr. Diorio, Mr. Santos, Mr. Vellucci, Mr. Dougherty, Br. Thomas Schady, and more!
Still not convinced? The Stanner Alumni Reunion will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres and dinner selections including tuscan antipasto, mini beef wellington, nassau chicken skewers, BLT wedge salad, chicken francaise, and much, much more. Make sure to save room for dessert – a delicious NY cheese cake with fresh berries and whipped cream!
Track & Field Reunion | Wall of Honor Dedication
When: Saturday, November 2nd, 2013- Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
- Cost: $100 Single Reservation | $150 w/date or spouse
- ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
On Saturday, November 2nd, Molloy will host a Track & Field Reunion coinciding with the dedication of our new Track & Field Wall of Honor. We will be honoring 11 alumni that evening including Fred Ammann ’68, Francis Gallagher ’68, Richard Gumbs ’68, Kevin Krenn ’68 (posthumously), Phil McCluskey ’68, Robert Russell ’68, Gilbert Peters ’69, Elnar Rod ’69, Michael Sweeney ’72, Frank Gambino ’74, and Steve Parham ’88. Also legendary track coach Frank Rienzo (pictured) will be in attendance to witness the dedication and reunite with many of our track stars. By registering, you will enjoy all the accommodations of the larger class reunions taking place the very same night. Please join us as we celebrate our great Track & Field program. The deadline for all Reunion registrations is Tuesday, Oct. 29th.
The Year of Marist Vocations
Ask any Molloy alumnus about their fondest memories of high school and odds are good that a story about a Marist Brother will be told. Hundreds of Marist Brothers have taught at St. Ann’s and Molloy over the course of our school’s 121 year history. Across the globe, thousands more have taught young Marists in over 79 countries. The Marist Brothers indeed have a rich history, but while they may celebrate the past, the Brothers remain very focused on the present and future of their order as well.
This past June, the Marist Brothers began celebrating the Year of Marist Vocations, a series of events and gatherings to excite and inspire young men and women to pursue a life of service in the Marist community. While only men are considered for life as a Marist Brother, the program works with all members of the community, including women, in highlighting the many service opportunities for Lay Marists in our schools, retreat centers, and beyond. Br. Dan O’Riordan, Molloy Class of 1985, and Br. Mike Sheerin, a former Molloy faculty member, are the directors of Marist Vocations in the US province. “We work with many young men from our Marist schools who are interested in pursuing brotherhood as an option in their lives. We run programs in colleges and beyond to explore these possibilities,” said Br. Dan. “We also work with schools in terms of planting the seeds of vocation and explaining how God may be calling individuals to make a difference in this world.” The Year of Marist Vocations began with a program called Foundation Stones, a week long event held in Esopus that invited individuals to live, work, and pray with the Marist Brothers. “The event was very well received,” said Br. Dan. “Those that took part in the activities, workshops and prayer services found it fulfilling. They also observed how the Marist Brothers care for each other.” Programs like Foundation Stones encourage individuals to ask questions and socialize with the Brothers. Through these interactions they become better informed about the brotherhood and formulate a deeper understanding of the calling in their own lives.
Beyond Foundation Stones, the Marist Brothers’ Accompaniment Program is designed specifically to work with young men that are considering entering the brotherhood. “Whether over the phone or through personal visits, I work with individuals in this program to see how God continues to move in their lives,” said Br. Mike. “The process is slow. It can often take many years after college for someone to find their calling, but I maintain these relationships for just as long. The average age range of a young person entering into a religious order is 28 to 32.” The Marist Brothers have observed studies that suggest men in general are not aware of vocations as brothers in any order. “Traditionally, young men enter priesthood,” explained Br. Mike. “The difference in the number of priests and brothers is vast. This is why our work is so important. We let people know that they have options.”
Being a Marist Brother today is also very much about working with Lay Marists – they are important partners in this journey. “We must work together, calling men and women alike, to continue living the Marist dream,” said Br. Dan. “It is important to remember that one of our biggest goals is making a difference in the lives of young people, and bringing them closer to Jesus. We must all work together to accomplish this.” The Marist Brothers evangelization team provides many opportunities for our community to get involved, including retreats, the Marist Young Adult Program, and more. Generations of Stanners have taken full advantage of these opportunities over the years, and have incorporated what they have learned into their lives as firefighters, educators, doctors, Marist Brothers, and so many other vocations. “That’s part of the message,” said Br. Dan. “In following St. Marcellin Champagnat’s lead, we want young people to continue to look at how they can answer ‘yes’ to God in their lives.”
If you are interested in learning more about the Year of Marist Vocations, read this informative brochure, view the Foundation Stones video, or contact vocations@maristbr.com for information on events, programs and other opportunities.
Lunch With Commissioner Ray Kelly ’59
New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly ’59 has been quite busy lately, but fortunately not too busy to spend time with Molloy’s Alumni Relations Director Maria Ford! Maria, on behalf of her family and friends, was the lucky winner of lunch with Police Commissioner Kelly, which was one of the hottest live auction items up for bidding at Molloy’s 27th Annual Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic this past May. Maria, her husband Tom ’64, and close friends Michael and Peggy Corcoran joined Commissioner Kelly at the Columbus Citizens Foundation dining hall in Manhattan for a wonderful afternoon lunch. The group discussed the success of the golf outing, as well as what the future holds for Molloy, its students, and its alumni. Commissioner Kelly provides the courtesy of this lunch to Molloy each year in an effort to extend his services to the school community and give back to the institution that he represents so proudly. Commissioner Kelly graciously plans to offer a private lunch for bidding once again at the next Stanner Golf Classic on Monday, May 5th, 2014. This is a great opportunity to catch up over lunch with one of NYC’s busiest people, so it’s never too early to inquire about bidding! Contact Maria at (718) 943-3186 or mford@molloyhs.org for more info.
Around the School
Open House Greets Over 4,000 Visitors
Molloy recently hosted over 4,000 visitors at its annual Open House on Sunday, October 20th. Open House offers prospective students and their families the opportunity to see the ins and outs of Molloy; from every club and activity to courses offered at every grade level. Musical performances, scientific demonstrations, tours, and the school video offer additional resources for visitors to learn about Molloy and all it has to offer. Open House relies heavily on the work of so many, including leaders in administration, a talented faculty and staff, and energetic volunteers. They all join together to act as ambassadors for Molloy, sharing what they love about the school as well as information about what can best benefit incoming students. After all, many students must make tough choices. This year, Molloy was excited to have a greater number of alumni and parents volunteers than ever. Alumni across generations pitched in to help direct visitors, answer questions, and share their perspectives on how Molloy has helped them in their lives. Our parent volunteers were equally enthusiastic, relating to other parents who have the same questions, comments and concerns that they once had. With the help of these volunteers, Molloy hosted an exciting, informative Open House. Special thanks are due to Molloy’s new Admissions Director, Ms. Leslie Poole-Petit, and new Admissions Coordinator, Mr. Keith Hahn ’02, for their hard work in organizing this important school event. We thank Molloy’s administration, faculty and staff for their dedication, and our student, alumni and parent volunteers for graciously offering their time and energy to Molloy. (Photos courtesy of Broadcast Journalism club)
90 Students Accepted into NHS
Leadership. Character. Service. Scholarship. These are the essential ingredients that make up the proud members of the National Honor Society (NHS). NHS recognizes the most outstanding high school students across the United States. At Molloy, 90 students best exhibited these virtues and were accepted as members into this year’s Louis E. Willett NHS Chapter. Earning membership is no easy task as students must display diligence in a number of key areas. Leadership is measured by a student’s ability to stand out as a mentor to classmates, perhaps in the classroom or after school in a club or on an athletic team. Character represents a student’s willingness to accept rules and regulations while maintaining a clean disciplinary record. Service constitutes a student’s involvement in afterschool or out of school activities, many of which are focused on giving to others without necessarily seeking personal gain. Finally, scholarship outlines the academic standard that students must meet; a 94 cumulative GPA through their first three years of high school is required. Once accepted as NHS members, students are expected to continue meeting these standards for the remainder of their time at Molloy. To help facilitate service opportunities, teachers seek out NHS members and encourage them to volunteer at events such as the Stanner Alumni Reunion, the blood drive, and the Walk-A-Thon. Ms. Lauren Kemmerer, a math teacher as well as one of the main faculty counsels that moderate Molloy’s NHS chapter, believes these students truly deserve to be recognized on a national scale. “The nicest thing about NHS is that we can reward students who have an innate desire to be leaders in academics, athletics, and service,” said Kemmerer. “They don’t necessarily do what is required for the credit or the recognition. They do these things because they want to do them.” (Pictured: A student lights a candle representing the virtues of NHS. Photo courtesy of Yearbook Staff)
Alumni Conquer 10th Esopus Century Ride
Stanners and friends joined together with bikes and helmets in tow on Saturday, September 7th for the 10th Esopus Century Ride. Founded in 2000, the funds raised from the ride, totaling $14,000 this year, are donated to the Mid Hudson Valley Camps at Esopus. These camps provide a summer retreat to children and adults with special needs or economic hardship.
The riders start their 100 mile journey in Central Park and weave their way through Manhattan until crossing the George Washington Bridge. Upon crossing, they head north, up and down the hills of the palisades until Nyack. After a brief pit stop with the support teams, the journey continues north to “the Bear.” Once over Bear Mountain, route 9D provides the backdrop for the next stretch until re-crossing the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. After that, it’s 9W north until riders get their final reprieve at Esopus.
Four decades of alumni were represented on the excursion this year. The riders that completed the grueling 100 miles were Tom Lydon ’78, Patrick Carroll ’81, Paul Krische ’81, Mike Garvey ’84, Damian Sciano ’85, Tommy Madonna ’96, Joe McMenamin ’99, Brian Davis ’02, Evan Kearney ’02, Sean Kearney ’04, Brian Harrison ’03, Charles McMenamin ’06, Ali Brennan ’08 and Mike Kennedy from Roselle Catholic in New Jersey.
Special thanks to Joe McMenamin for organizing the event and taking care of all the logistics for another successful ride, and to the support car teams of Kevin Coughlin ’84, Tim Sullivan ’00, Brendan Cloonan ’01, Dan Regan ’03, Sabina Kobinski 04, Meaghan Fahey 09, Lauren Manning and Nicole Morales for their assistance along the route. And thanks to Kate O’Loughlin and her kitchen crew for feeding our hungry riders.
If you would like to learn more about the Mid Hudson Valley Camps or would like information on how to participate in next year’s ride, visit www.esopuscamps.com.
Class Updates
Sean Tubridy ’00, Stephanie Wagner ’08 and The Bungalow Bar & Restaurant were incredible this past summer in hosting many Stanners as they volunteered down in the Rockaways. Alumni and friends spent a week in August sweeping, shoveling, and cleaning houses and public areas in an effort to help restore normalcy in these battered Queens neighborhoods. The Bungalow was doing its part in spreading good karma, and they were able to do so in part after Spike TV’s show “Bar Rescue” spent time with owners and staff and documented their story for an upcoming episode this Fall. That episode, which features a revitalization of the Rockaway institution, is now set to air on Sunday, October 27th at 10:00 pm EST. You can find Spike TV on channel 241 on Direct TV, 54 on Fios, or 736 on TWC.
Elizabeth Hartin ’11 recently shared another family update with the Stanner Alumni Center. Elizabeth’s older brother Timothy ’02 was married in September 2012, while more recently her older sister Kathryn ’05 announced her engagement in The Beehive this past September. Now there is more news coming out of the Hartin camp. It seems weddings are not the only family celebrations taking place, as Tim and his wife welcomed their first child into the world on August 14th, 2013. Penelope Lisa Hartin joined the family at 8lbs 9oz and 20 inches!
It took John Florio ’78 some twenty years to stop working toward his business degree and pursue a career as a writer (advice from his freshman economics professor at Fordham), but now the author has two successful novels to his credit and ideas for many more. The former professor, who has taught at St. John’s University, FIT, Ramapo College, and the College of Mount St. Vincent, has released two novels in 2013. Sugar Pop Moon, published by Seventh Street Books in July, shares the fictional life of “the quintessential outsider,” Jersey Leo, who is described as a biracial albino bartender during Prohibition. The book is thrilling, with plenty of action and suspense to entice readers. One Punch From The Promised Land, published by Lyons Press in September, explores the lives and careers of former boxing champs, Leon and Michael Spinks. Collaborating with his wife, Ouisie Shapiro, the writing team were able to research and assemble stories from nearly a hundred interview subjects including Mike Tyson, Gerry Cooney, Dwight Muhammed Qawi and Denny McLain. John is very excited about the initial reception to both novels including public acclaim from several bestselling and award winning authors including Rebecca Cantrell, Kevin Baker, and Kelli Stanley. John is already writing a follow-up to Sugar Pop Moon, and he has plans to continue his writing well into the future. You can learn more at www.johnfloriowriter.com or purchase John’s novels on Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Anthony Caruana, father of Joseph ’78. Anthony was a strong supporter of the Stanner community and will be sorely missed. Please pray for the Caruana family.