Heart & Mind - Winter 2020

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Firebird CHEF Lessons learned at Kellenberg Memorial set Iron Chef Marc Forgione ’96 on the path to find his passions and talents for cooking.

SPECIAL COVERAGE HOLY DAY OF OPPORTUNITY Winter 2020 K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

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Holy Day of Celebrating the Feast of All Saints with enthusiasm in our community in action

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Be who you are and be that well in honor of the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are.

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C. On November 1st, the Kellenberg Memorial school community gathered for a series of spiritual events celebrating the Feast of All Saints' Day. The day offered spiritual enrichment, historical knowledge, and the element of service for students both on and off-campus. The special day provided yet another unique opportunity for our students to appreciate the saints who have gone before us and further fostered their growth in faith and love of Jesus Christ.

Washington D.C. Huntington

A. Students and faculty gathered at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for All Saints' Day followed by a tour. B. Michael Panasci ’21 altar serves for Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. during Mass at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception.

C. Following Mass at the Basilica, students and faculty received a tour of the historic site. D. Ava Wayrich ’24, Julia Silecchia ’24, Sara Schroeder ’24, Kathryn Schencman ’24, and Lindsay Trum ’24 with 8F's Marianist Leader, Lola Lechleider ’20 enjoyed the Homeroom competition during WITNESS Day. E. Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. gives the homily during the Holy Day Mass at the Seminary.

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FAITH Day Grandparents Mass & WITNESS Day H.

J. I. K. L. F. Members of the Freshman Class participate in karaoke during their lunch on FAITH Day. G. Thomas Nasso ’24 and RyLeigh Nasso ’26 with their grandparents Jim and Susan during the Latin School Grandparents Brunch.

H. Joseph DiGennaro ’24, Anthony Cilmi ’24, Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, and Luca Fargnoli ’24 break from the competition and take in the sunshine. I. Senior Leaders assisted through the various activities during the Day of Service. Aidan Tice ’20, Marcelo Argueta ’20, Kevin Meegan ’20, Michael Dux ’20, Amelia Hirschfield ’20, Morgan Salmon ’20, Cristina Flammia ’20, and Natalie Untener ’20 assist with the games. J. The 9D Dollar Bills fiercely compete in Gaga Ball.

K. Elijah Jean ’20 and Melina Moncada ’20 serve as Senior Ushers during the Freshman Mass that Father Albert Bertoni, S.M. celebrated. L. Mr. Brian Farrell helps lead his homeroom, the 9H Hornets, to the overall Freshman FAITH Day victory.

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p r i n c i pa l’s w e l com e

Left: Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. admires the Shrine in Washington D.C. on the Holy Day of Opportunity. Above: Sergio Arreaga ’19, a freshman at The Catholic University of America, served as an acolyte at the All Saints Day Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Dear Friends of Kellenberg Memorial, The founder of the Marianists, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, once wrote: Those who are dedicated directly to teaching make a mistake, if they limit their efforts to instructing in the human disciplines, if they only worry about producing scholars or gaining fame. Do not forget that you are Mary’s missionaries. Do not reduce yourselves to running learning factories.

That tenet is at the core of our philosophy here at Kellenberg Memorial, where we have provided an unparalleled education of the hearts and minds of over 13,000 alumni. In addition to preparing our students for the academic rigors of higher education, we are committed to bolstering their faith lives. Our students are the next generation of Catholic leaders and we are dedicated to providing them with the tools to develop sound moral compasses to guide them both professionally and personally.

The role of our students and alumni as the Catholic leaders of tomorrow was quite evident on November 1st, All Saints’ Day, when the school took part in many spiritual enrichment activities as part of our “Day of Opportunity.” Please see our special 6

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A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL coverage on pages 2 to 5 of the many events in which the entire school community took part. I had the great privilege of traveling with the sophomores and juniors who made a pilgrimage to celebrate Mass at The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC. There were many Firebird alumni who are now attending Catholic University who joined us for Mass, including Sergio Arreaga ’19 who served as an acolyte. It was a truly remarkable way to celebrate the lives of the saints who have paved the spiritual way for us with their examples of steadfast faith and fellowship.

There have been many exciting updates around campus as well. With the forward progression of “Spreading Our Wings: The Vision for the Future of Kellenberg Memorial,” there have been many facility enhancements and renovations (please see pages 20-21). The newly resurfaced track is now complemented

by ADA-compliant bleachers with a press box.

St. Mark Field has been converted to a parking area adding 214 sorely needed parking spots.

St. Charles Field is now home to two turf playing fields, with six tennis courts and a visitor parking area slated for completion this spring.

Demolition began on the second floor of the building over the Christmas break to make

way for the complete renovation of our science labs, which will support our STEM curriculum.

Looking forward to 2021, the campus will see the addition of a new multipurpose building on the field behind the cafeteria. These strategic improvements ensure that the unparalleled Marianist education of the heart and mind will continue to appeal to countless generations of future Firebirds.

As missionaries of Mary, the students, faculty, administration, parents, and alumni of Kellenberg Memorial are part of something that is much greater than what can be discovered in the contents of a textbook. The intellectual knowledge that Kellenberg imparts can only truly take flight when it is applied in conjunction with the continued development of one’s faith, alongside the devotion to service of others. The Vision for the Future of Kellenberg Memorial is clear, and I am incredibly grateful for all of the past, current, and future support from our Firebird family which enables us to make this vision a reality.

To Jesus through Mary,

Brother Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M. Principal

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0 8 C E L E B R AT I O N S O F FA I T H 1 0 S T. M A R T I N D E P O R R E S N E W S 1 1 E Y E O N T H E L AT I N S C H O O L 12 SCHOOL NEWS FEED 1 4 C OV E R S T O R Y 18 MARIA REGINA 1 9 K A PA 20 SPREADING OUR WINGS

22 SPORTS 24 REUNIONS 2 6 ALUMNI NEWS 2 7 FOREVER FIREBIRDS 28 CLASS NOTES 3 4 FAC U LT Y I N T E RV I E W: M R S . C AT H Y VO N S C H O E N E R M A R C K 35 IN MEMORIAM

Heart & Mind, the magazine of Kellenberg Memorial High School, is published twice a year and distributed to all alumni, parents, alumni parents, faculty, administration, and friends of KMHS. A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M.

Spreading Our Wings

Reunions

20 24 On the Cover Chef Marc Forgione ’96 sits in his Michelin-starred Restaurant Marc Forgione on Reade Street in NYC. Photo by Mr. Jeffrey Harris ’03.

A DVA N C E M E N T Director of Advancement Mrs. Denise Miles Director of Alumni Mr. Thomas Huggard A L U M N I B OA R D President Andrea (Licari) Petrosky ’91 Vice President Anthony Cantelmo ’97 Vice President Jenny Delaleu ’94 Vice President Tara (Fitzgerald) Fuentes ’89 Vice President Tom Nasso ’99 Vice President Jerry Silecchia ’88 EDITORIAL Editor in Chief Mrs. Erin (Byrne) Cicalese ’98 Editorial Advisor Mr. Thomas Huggard Editorial Assistant Mrs. Beth Campbell Creative Director Mrs. Trista Harnisch PHOTOGRAPHY Jordan Bernhardi ’17 Nicolas Castelli ’17 Joseph Ciorra ’17 Mr. Douglas Cioffi ’97 Mrs. Erin (Toscano) Citrano ’03 Alex Cruz ’17 Mr. Eric Harnisch Mr. Jeff Harris ’03 Brother Roger Poletti, S.M. Kamil Szwed ’20

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C E L E B R AT I O N S O F FA I T H

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TRIUMPH OF THE CROSS On Friday, September 13th, the entire Kellenberg Memorial community gathered to celebrate the Triumph of the Cross prayer service. Father Thomas Cardone, S.M., Father Albert Bertoni, S.M., and Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02 led the celebration near the stained glass cross outside the main entrance of the school building. Father Tom blessed crosses for all present while beautiful, contemplative music was provided by the talented members of the Gregorian Consortium. A. Aidan McBrien ’20 delivers a reading at the prayer service. B. Maggie Hayes’21 looks on as Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. incenses the cross. C. Jada Isaac-Thomas ’21, Adam Ramtahal ’21, and Gabrielle Goodyear ’21 enjoy spending time together after the prayer service.

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Several times a year, Kellenberg Memorial welcomes the grandparents of current Firebird students to visit campus for Mass, followed by brunch. These special days have become incredibly popular with both students and grandparents, alike. Each grade level hosted their own Grandparents Appreciation Days on different dates: the sophomore class on October 4th, the freshman class on October 16th, and the Latin School on November 1st as part of the Holy Day of Opportunity. In the spring, the A. Ava Petrosky ’22 poses with her grandparents, Doug and Denise P’91,’94,’02. B. Megan Furlong junior class will host its Grandparents ’23 visits with her grandparents, Angela and Christopher P’91,’94,’00. C. Miles O'Connor ’23 gives his Appreciation Day on April 24th.

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grandparents, Diane and Gerald Wansor a tour of the school.

A.N.O.I.N.T. & EVENING OF RECOLLECTION The Sophomore A.N.O.I.N.T. (Afternoon & Night of Offering Intercessions, New Evangelization, and Teamwork) Day and Freshman/Sophomore C.R.O.S.S. (Christians Reaching Out Spreading Spirituality) Evening of Recollection took place on Friday, November 15th. During the school day, sophomores gathered to watch a film, take part in Eucharistic Adoration, and enjoy homeroom competition. Later that evening, freshmen and sophomores took part in games and Eucharistic Adoration with meditations and reflections provided by the XLT Band and Father Brian Barr. Pictured left: Freshmen and sophomores gather in the gym for Adoration. Pictured below: The sophomore class gathers for a picture in the Auditorium after the A.N.O.I.N.T. Day activities.

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2019 marked the fifth year of Kellenberg Memorial's Mission of Mercy to Lourdes, France. This past summer, 84 students in three service trips took part in giving their time and labor for those making pilgrimage.

The students and their moderators serve with the Hospitalité Notre Dame de Lourdes, an international organization of some 20,000 members from around the world who welcome all pilgrims, especially the sick and handicapped.

Top: Having just arrived in Lourdes that afternoon, the members of Group C eagerly await the Candlelight Procession from the Basilica. A. The members of Group B tour Blessed William Joseph Chaminade's home in Bordeaux. B. Members of Group A inaugurate the summer of mission work by processing with their new banner. C. Joseph Foley ’20, Kamil Szwed ’20, Alex Cooper ’20, Matt McGuinness ’20, Chris Hilepo ’20, and Aidan McBrien ’20 serve as rope holders prior to the evening procession. D. The young women from Group B served at Accueil Marie Saint Frai, a nursing facility, and are on the front steps with their supervisor. E. Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02 celebrated Mass for the first time in the Marianist chapel in Bordeaux. F. Given a strenuous task one evening of service, young men from Group B took turns carrying the Blessed Virgin statue around the esplanade during the Candlelight Procession. Dylan Feehan ’20, Matthew Duffy ’20, Nicholas Motta ’20, and Chris Gazis ’20 begin their shift of carrying. G. Another form of service is pushing and parking wheelchairs in the Domain. Peter Gillen ’20 assists with the parking brake as Michael O'Connor ’20 and Aidan York ’20 safely park their pilgrims. H. Throughout the summer, large groups of pilgrims make their way to the evening prayers, which Group A members joined. I. Megan Clifford ’20, Melanie McManus ’20, Krista Handler ’20, Riley Martin ’20, Erin Convey ’20, and Katie Hand ’20 take a break from their duties in the Accueil Saint Frai to smile for the camera.

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FALL HIGHLIGHTS AT

ST. MARTIN DE PORRES MARIANIST SCHOOL S t. m a r t i n d e p o r r es

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A. Wyatt Petit and Justin McKenzie enjoy time together while on their eighth-grade retreat at Emmanuel Retreat House. B. Our fourth-graders visited the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay, where they learned about the area's marine life as part of a Harbor Tour. C. Headmaster John Holian congratulates eighthgrader Emmanuel Iregbulem on receiving the award for the highest average for the 2018-2019 school year in his class. D. A beautiful moment captured of our youngest Pre-K students praying to Mary, Mother of All Children. E. God is good, all the time! Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. always has our students excited to participate in our monthly school masses. F. The faculty, staff, and students of St. Martin's were happy to welcome Bishop John Barres for a visit to our beautiful school. G. Some of our eighth-grade students got a unique opportunity to visit the North Shore Animal League, where they learned about veterinary medicine and pet adoption. H. First place honors went to seventh-graders McKenzie Brown and Erin O'Connor at this year's Kid Wind Competition at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. I. Our junior high Morning Show crew wishes the entire school a great and faith-filled day. J. Fifth-grader Peyton Smith is all smiles on the first day of school. K. God Bless Bro. Jean Doussous, S.M., who took his final vows in the Marianist Community! L. Congratulations to our seventh and eighth-graders who were inducted into the St. Martin's Honor Society in September. M. Having a blast at our Back to School BBQ. N. Extending the Marianist Mission at St. Martin's are many Kellenberg Memorial alumni! Front: Brendan Hickey ’09, Kasey (Agostinacchio) Grasso ’06, Stephanie Staiano (SMMS ’09, KMHS ’13), Mikayla Zaccaria (SMMS ’11, KMHS ’15), Saralee (Martelly) Good ’11, Theresa (Carriero) Hurst ’99, Jeffrey Lozano (SMMS ’11, KMHS ’15). Back: Edward Jordan (SMMS ’09, KMHS ’13), Allison (Aguece) Hoover ’02, Christina (Bono) Crocitto ’02, Megan (Klein) Dillon ’04, and Erin (Toscano) Citrano ’03. O. Fifth-grader Maya Williams was happy to bring her best friend to the Annual Blessing of the Animals for the Feast Day of St. Francis.

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A. Throughout the fall, the Squires went on retreats with their homerooms in the Emmanuel Retreat House. Pictured is Mark DaCosta ’24 with Jeremy Diaz ’21, a member of the Retreat Staff. B. On September 26th, Squires took part in Eucharistic Adoration led by Latin School Chaplain Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02. C. On October 25th, the Latin School hosted its annual Halloween Party. Students expressed their creativity by dressing up in unique costumes.

Derek Duane ’25 channeled Dunder Mifflin’s favorite paper salesman, Dwight Schrute. D. Zaria Hutchion ’25 and Michaela Darelus ’25 as a colorful set of Crayola Crayons. E. Gabriel Blanco ’24 transformed into an emperor, while Matthew Fontana ’24 became a surgeon. F. Dylan Healy ’26 dressed as Minnie Mouse, while Sarah Zuckerman ’26 portrayed SpongeBob. G. The Latin School Cadets went on the annual pilgrimage to Shrine of Our Lady of the Island in Manorville, NY, on October 11th. Students participated in Mass and explored the beautiful grounds. It was another unique spiritual experience for the Latin School students! Latin School Chaplain Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02 celebrates Mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. H. RyLeigh Nasso ’26 and Abigail Moscola ’26 with their Marianist Leader, Emily McCarthy ’20. I&J. On September 20 th, Cadets and Tyros in the Latin School celebrated their homeroom spirit day. Homerooms 6D (I) and 7F (J) took a break from friendly competition to pose for photos. K. On October 7th, all of our fall Latin school athletes spent the afternoon on retreat to focus on what it means to be a teammate and then play some games! L. On October 15th, nearly 300 Latin School students participated in the annual Spelling Bee. Pictured with Mrs. Clara Villani are Emily Connelly ’24, the winner of the Spelling Bee, and Jason Veletanga ’24, who was runner-up.

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S C H O O L N E WS F E E D

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Thank you, Bishop Barres for visiting our campers! Bishop Barres visits Kellenberg Memorial’s Summer Camps today to meet campers, celebrate Mass, and tour the campus. @rvcdiocese

Gregorian Consortium pays tribute to all those affected by the events of 9/11 at the @hempstead_town annual memorial service in Point Lookout this morning. #NeverForget

Congratulations to Paul Bartolemea ’20 (center), National Merit Scholarship Program semi-finalist, and to (from left to right) Victor Louie ’20, Thomas McCartney ’20, Aidan York ’20, and Caitlyn Barnwell ’20 on their commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

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The Class of 2019 returns one last time to pick up their Blue & Gold yearbooks. Our prayers are always with you as you #SOAR on to new heights after you leave #TheNest! #KMHS19 #OneHeartOneMind @kmhsalumni

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21 September 11:00AM

The Hiking Club went to Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo, NY on this beautiful day!

10 October 1:15PM

Students from the Latin School and High School visited the Cradle of Aviation Museum for a STEM talk with Camila Turrieta, a Jet Blue Pilot, a mother, a professor and weeks away from earning her doctorate. @cradleofaviation

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28 August 8:10AM

Day one of Triple-A for these Firebirds who start their journey at Kellenberg Memorial!

The Class of 2023 and incoming sixth and seventh grade students arrived today. #KMHS23 #OneHeartOneMind #LatinSchool 12

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Rain or shine, all of the PREP catechists made a retreat at Stella Maris Retreat House to prepare for another year of educating children in the faith. @kellenbergARK

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Thanks to all who joined us for our Catholic Voices for the New Evangelization conference today. Special thanks to our keynote speakers, Dr. Scott Hahn and Jen Fulwiler. @scottwhahn @jenniferfulwiler A K E L L E N B E RG M E M O R I A L FA M I LY P U B L I CAT I O N

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For National Vocations Awareness Week and 200 Years of Marianist Education we celebrated with a special cake at a C.R.O.S.S. party to learn all about Marianist education, vocations, and pictures with Fr. Chaminade! (And yes the cake was delicious!) Brother Patrick Cahill, Brother Peter Sennert, Father Daniel Griffin ’02, Brother Andrew Santoriello, and Brother Thomas Terrill celebrated with C.R.O.S.S. members in the Millennium Room. @kellenbergark @marianistsli

For the first time, Kellenberg Memorial High School students participated in the Northwell Health SPARK challenge. The team at Northwell put together the STEM experience to help reach, engage and inspire tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. @northwellhealth

Two students from Kellenberg Memorial High School were selected to participate in New York State School Music Association’s Conference All-State performing ensembles in Rochester, NY in early December. Youri Kim ’20, violin, performed with the All-State String Orchestra while Benjamin Truncale ’20, tenor, performed with the All-State Mixed Chorus. Both students are two-time All-State participants. Students are selected for All-State ensembles through auditions done the previous spring. Thousands of students across the state audition for seating in these ensembles each year.

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Math classes celebrate #NationalSTEMDay with a variety of activities and interactive demonstrations in class today. #KMHSstem

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8 November 7:00PM

The History Club held its annual Veterans Tribute Dinner to honor all those who have answered the call to defend our freedom. Madison Savarese ’20, pictured with her parents, Annette and Andrew, and her brother, Matthew ’23, celebrates her grandfather, Rafael Perez.

22 November 8:15PM

Congratulations to the Drama Club, Pit Band, and Stage Crew for an incredible weekend of performances of Les Miserables!

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Our students give thanks today at our November school Mass. Today also concludes our annual drive for Queen of Peace residence and the Little Sisters of the Poor. Thank you for all the support this year! #FaithInAction #OneHeartOneMind

Congratulations to the Science Olympiad A Team, which took an awesome 2 nd of 37 teams at the Columbia Invitational, earning 16 medals! #ScienceOlympiad

27 November 9:26AM

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The ladies of the XLT Band supported the annual Magnificat Dinner by leading everyone in song during Eucharistic Adoration.

5 January 4:30PM

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Firebird Chef Takes Flight “I think Kellenberg was a very integral part of where I ended up as an adult,” stated Chef Marc Forgione ’96 during a recent phone interview with Heart & Mind.

At just 40 years old, the Firebird chef has certainly made quite a name for himself in the culinary world as chef/owner of Michelin-starred Restaurant Marc Forgione, chef/owner of American Cut, and co-owner/partner of a Laotian restaurant, Khe-Yo. In 2010, Marc won season 3 of Food Network’s “The Next Iron Chef” at just 31 years old, making him the youngest chef to earn the title.

In 2014, he became an author as well with the release of Marc Forgione: Recipes and Stories from the Acclaimed Chef and Restaurant.

Marc is on the cusp of opening Davide, a coastal Italian restaurant in the Meatpacking District of New York City, with his father Larry P’96,’98, a culinary legend in his own right who revolutionized American-style cooking in the ’70s and ’80s. Marc’s fellow Firebird alumnus brother, Bryan ’98, is the executive chef at Buddy V's Ristorante in Las Vegas.

In keeping with the Marianist education of the heart and mind he received at Kellenberg Memorial, Marc demonstrates the full richness of living in a way that embodies the C.O.R. principles of Civility, Order, and Respect. Recognizing the intrinsic worth of all people and the environment, Marc is a champion of sustainable eating and supports numerous charities, including Family Reach Foundation, Chefs for Kids Cancer, City Harvest, and Feeding America.

Marc is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts. He resides in Manhattan with his wife, Kristen, and son, Santino (1).

One of the first things Kellenberg students learn are the C.O.R. principles of Civility, Order, and Respect. How would you say those principles play into creating a healthy, happy, and successful environment in the kitchens of your restaurants?

of those things, everything else falls into line rather easily. With all the pressure you can find yourself under, respect is kind of like a building block. If you don’t have the solid base of respecting the important things, it’s hard to build to success.

The principle of respect is something that comes first in my kitchen, and I hope in other kitchens. Respect for the business, respect for the ingredients, respect for the cleanliness of your workspace - literally, respect for everything. If you can respect all

A few years ago you participated in (and won!) an Iron Chef America “brother” challenge with one of your siblings, Bryan ’98. One of the judges described your culinary creations as “intellectual.” You were quick to note that not having gotten

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the best grades in school when you were younger, the compliment meant a lot to you. At Kellenberg, the emphasis is really on educating not only the mind, but also the heart. How do you think your time here helped set you on the path of self-discovery to find your passion and talent for cooking?

Kellenberg ended up being a perfect place for what I think I needed as a person. If I hadn’t gone to Kellenberg, I don’t think I would have ended up going on to UMass, meeting the people that I did, traveling the

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way I traveled, and becoming the chef that I have become. I think Kellenberg was a very integral part of where I ended up as an adult.

Obviously you love to cook and you love being a chef. How do you balance your passion for your craft with all the business demands that come with nurturing the success of all of your restaurants and partnerships?

From where do you draw your inspiration to stay fresh and innovative in the kitchen?

I tell anybody that will listen how lucky I am to get to do what I do. Yes, it’s a hard business and yes, it’s crazy - and they make it harder every year - but I’m like a kid that gets to play with toys and it’s because I truly enjoy cooking, creating, and all the little bits about the restaurant business.

The cool thing about the restaurant business is that as you get older, you kind of evolve. I might not be the same person I was 5 or 6 years ago but I don’t think my restaurant is either, so we’re growing together.

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"Everything else is just gravy on top, and I got a lot of gravy."

You have to have good partners. I have certain things that I think I’m good at - a lot of the creative stuff, the leadership part of it. But I’d be lying if I said I sat down at a desk and looked at the numbers for hours upon hours every day. I have people that do that.

You have to find the right people that you trust. You can have the besttasting food in the best restaurant in the world, but if the business side of it doesn’t work, you’re in a lot of trouble.

What type of culture or environment do you strive to create in your restaurants?

I try to make everything as fun as possible, even though at the end of the day it is work and it is business.

We’re all here a lot - especially the day-in and day-out managers here who are still working 60 or 70 hour weeks. So you have to try to create an environment that they also enjoy coming back to as well.

There’s nothing worse than negative energy, especially when you’re in a tight, small, hot space. I try to create an atmosphere so it’s like a family.

Everybody eats lunch together at 4PM and sometimes we’ll go out and have a couple of drinks together after work. It’s kind of like being principal of a high school. I get to mentor these kids and usually they work here for a couple of years. I have to nurture and teach them and hope that they come out better people at the end of it.

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You are involved with charity work and food policy work with the Family Reach Foundation, Chefs for Kids, City Harvest, and Feeding America.

Why do you feel it’s important to give back in this way?

You and your father are hard at work preparing for the opening of your new restaurant, Davide, in the meatpacking district. Are you excited to be working alongside your dad?

At the end of the day, if you have a roof over your head, your health, water, and food - all the basic stuff that most of us have - consider yourself very lucky because there are a lot of people that don’t. If I could, I would give everything I have away to help the people that don’t have those basic necessities. It breaks my heart that these aren’t things that every single person has. Anything I can do to try to help in any little way, I will.

I’m extremely excited to be working with my dad. I worked for him when I was a lot younger, but I don’t think I was mature enough at the time. I kind of just looked at him like “dad” and not like my boss. I think I have a little regret from that. But again I was a kid… but now I think he’s a more mature person, and I’m a more mature person. We’re just going to do this thing together and have fun with it. The whole concept is kind of created around him and me cooking in his backyard.

Is it true you are related to St. Padre Pio? Yes, his real name is Francesco Forgione, and he looks just like my dad. We kind of lost touch with that side of the family, which was the Forgione side. From what we’ve gathered though, there’s a direct line, but we’re just not sure of the details.

It’s funny because the Forgione family, we have not what I would call good luck, but protective luck.

What are you most proud of in your life to date?

My wife and my son. I have everything I could need and more, and I have a lot of what I call “pluses” to be grateful for. Everything else is just gravy on top, and I got a lot of gravy.

Left: Marc Forgione ’96 prepares for dinner service. Top Right: Forgione showcases the front of Restaurant Marc Forgione on Reade Street. Bottom Right: Chicken Under a Brick is one of the best-selling menu items. At the end of dinner, Forgione shares the recipe with his guests, which is included below. He suggests serving with spicy broccoli rabe, roasted rosemary potatoes, and crispy shallots. 

THE DAY BEFORE COOKING, SEPARATE THE DRUMSTICKS FROM

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THE CHICKEN AND RESERVE IN THE REFRIGERATOR, COVERED.

DEBONE THE CHICKEN, REMOVE THE WINGS, AND FILET THE

BREAST AND THIGH MEAT, LEAVING THE TWO INTACT. 

CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK SERVES 2

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: 1 BRICK WRAPPED IN TIN FOIL, CAST-IRON SKILLET ONE (3-POUND) CHICKEN KOSHER SALT FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 1 LEMON CANOLA OIL 4 OUNCES (8 TABLESPOONS) UNSALTED BUTTER 3 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED CAPERS 3 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED SHALLOTS 2 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED FRESH CURLY PARSLEY RED PEPPER FLAKES K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

THOROUGHLY DRY THE BREAST AND THIGH MEAT. SEASON THE SEASON THE FLESH SIDE WITH SALT AND PEPPER. USING A MICROPLANE GRATER, FINELY ZEST 1 LEMON, SO THAT THE ZEST FALLS DIRECTLY ON THE CHICKEN FLESH (THAT WAY THE OILS FROM THE PEELS ARE NOT WASTED AND LAND DIRECTLY ON THE CHICKEN). REFRIGERATE THE SEASONED BREAST AND THIGH MEAT, UNCOVERED, OVERNIGHT OR UP TO 24 HOURS. CHICKEN SKIN SIDE WITH SALT.





SIDES.

DRUMSTICKS FROM THE REFRIGERATOR AND LET IT REST AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FOR AT LEAST

15 MINUTES PRIOR TO COOKING.

ONCE THE EDGES BEGIN TO BROWN, ADD THE

DRUMSTICKS AND TRANSFER THE CHICKEN TO THE OVEN AND ROAST FOR

15 TO 18 MINUTES. THE CHICKEN SKIN SHOULD

LOOK GOLDEN BROWN AND BEGIN TO CRISP UP.

SEASON THE DRUMSTICKS WITH OIL, SALT AND PEPPER. BAKE AT 350 DEGREES UNTIL ALMOST COOKED THROUGH, ABOUT 45 MINUTES. PREHEAT THE OVEN TO 425°F; POSITION THE RACK IN THE MIDDLE. REMOVE THE CURED BREAST AND THIGH MEAT AND THE

IMMEDIATELY REDUCE THE HEAT TO MEDIUM. PLACE A BRICK ON TOP OF THE CHICKEN SO THAT IT IS PUSHING DOWN ON ALL

 

TO AN OVENPROOF SKILLET LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD THE WHOLE CHICKEN, ADD ENOUGH OIL TO COVER THE BOTTOM OF THE PAN. SET THE PAN OVER HIGH HEAT. JUST BEFORE IT STARTS TO SMOKE, ADD THE CHICKEN (MINUS THE DRUMSTICKS), SKIN SIDE DOWN, AND SHAKE THE PAN TO PREVENT STICKING.

ADD THE BUTTER, CAPERS, AND SHALLOTS TO THE PAN THAT THE CHICKEN WAS COOKED IN AND COOK UNTIL THE SOLIDS BEGIN TO BROWN. FLAKES.



STIR IN THE PARSLEY AND RED PEPPER

SERVE THE CHICKEN SKIN SIDE UP AND ADD THE DRUMSTICKS TO EITHER SIDE. POUR THE CAPER BUTTER OVER THE CONTENTS OF THE PLATE AND SERVE IMMEDIATELY.

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M a r i a R e g i na

CLASS OF 1979 CELEBRATES 40 YEAR REUNION On Saturday, October 12, 2019, over 75 members of Maria Regina’s Class of 1979 gathered in the Millennium Room to celebrate their 40-Year Reunion. A great time was had by all reconnecting and reminiscing!

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A. Janet Davis-Lowe ’79, Jeffrey Mascoll ’79, and Marjorie (DeLisser) Roberts ’79. B. Patti (Roarke) Starkie ’79, Michael Varner ’79, Elise Martini ’79, Michael McCloud ’79, and Christine (Gibbons) Trabulsi ’79. C. Jeanne (Muratori) Lyons ’79, Marisa (Tommasi) DeMaggio ’79, and Mary Ellen Lamoreaux ’79. D. Gloria Frazier ’79 and Bill Schoeffler ’79. E. Jerry Morrissey ’79 and Annemarie (Oleksiak) Kellmer ’79. F. Jim Rogan ’79 and Joseph Pusateri ’79. G. Kevin Henry ’79 and Frederick Wunsch ’79. H. Don Cohan ’79 and Liz (Stoll) Munro ’79. I. Carol Finnegan ’79, Vincent D’Agnillo ’79, Bill Schoeffler ’79, and Russell Patterson ’79. J. Maria Regina’s Class of 1979 gathers for a group photo.

The Class of 1970 will celebrate its 50-year reunion on Sunday, October 4, 2020.

Please mark your calendars for this special milestone celebration!

To ensure you receive your invitation, please send your updated mailing and email addresses to alumni@kellenberg.org.

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Please update your contact information by emailing alumni@kellenberg.org.

Be sure to include your current email address to ensure you receive updates about Maria Regina alumni events.

Find us online at MariaReginaAlumni.com or facebook.com/MariaReginaAlumni.

A K E L L E N B E RG M E M O R I A L FA M I LY P U B L I CAT I O N

K A PA

8 TH ANNUAL FOOD & WINE EXPO Thank you to all who attended the 8th Annual Food & Wine Expo on Saturday, September 21, 2019! Kellenberg Alumni Parents Association (KAPA) and KMHS Parents Club extend their thanks to all those who helped make the 8th Annual Food & Wine Expo a success. Over 1,100 attendees enjoyed an evening of delicious food and fun, featuring culinary treats provided by some of Long Island’s most popular eateries, as well as fine wines and craft beers.

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All are encouraged to patronize the fine establishments listed below.

The Kellenberg Memorial community is extremely grateful to all of the businesses who helped make the event such a success: Ace’s Wine and Spirits – Merrick Southern Wine and Spirits – Syosset Amia’s Delicatessen – East Meadow Capo Ristorante – Floral Park Cara Cara Mexican Grill – Farmingdale City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill – Garden City Front Street Bakery – Rockville Centre International Cheeses – Henneborn Family Iavarone Brothers – Wantagh La Strada – Merrick New York Ravioli & Pasta Co, Inc. – New Hyde Park Olive Garden – Westbury Stew Leonard’s – East Meadow Kingfish Oyster Bar & Restaurant – Westbury Riesterer’s Bakery & Cake Gallery – West Hempstead Frantoni’s Pizzeria & Restaurant – East Meadow Rialto Restaurant – Carle Place River Mill Tavern and Tables – Lynbrook The Sundae Palace – New Hyde Park Lithology Brewing Co. – Farmingdale Wine Consultant Group – Locust Valley Higuey Cafe Restaurant – Franklin Square Vines and Branches – Rockville Centre Total Wine Spirits and More – Westbury IL Cantone Cafe – Franklin Square Lenox and Park – Rockville Centre Vespa Italian Kitchen – Farmingdale

F.

A. Ines and Christopher Carpentier P’21,’23. B. Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. with Patti Ann and Michael Ronan P’23. C. Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. with Regan and Matthew Murphy P’25. D. Ilan and Sara (Gant) ’91 Gornstein P’19,’21,’24. E. Patrick and Doreen O'Connor P’23. F. Faculty member Mr. Thomas Huggard, Devin Ruddick ’15, Cara Kennedy ’16, Caitlyn Staab ’15, and Joe Tolgyesi.

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S PREADING O UR W INGS THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF KELLENBERG MEMORIAL

A.

There is much excitement on campus as facility enhancements continue to progress towards the strategic goals that have been laid out as part of Spreading Our Wings: The Vision for the Future of Kellenberg Memorial.

A. St. Mark Field has been converted to a new parking area, making access to campus safer and more convenient. With 214 new spots, the lot provides convenient daily parking for students, and also dramatically eases congestion for campus visitors for after-school and evening events.

B. Work is more than halfway completed on the new athletic complex at St. Charles Field on the corner of Glenn Curtiss Boulevard and Hempstead Turnpike. The turf for two new practice fields has been installed, with the construction of six tennis courts and a visitor parking area scheduled to be completed this spring.

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S P R E A D I N G O U R W I N GS E.

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C. New ADA-compliant bleachers were erected on St. Matthew Field, including a press box, to complement the recently resurfaced track.

D. With one science lab already renovated and in use, demolition and construction are underway for the remainder of the aging labs.

Renovations will be completed by September 2020 to welcome the class of 2024.

E. Pictured are the members of Kellenberg Memorial's Business and Finance Club at Molloy College, where they are taking part in Bloomberg Certification Training. All facility enhancements are taking place alongside upgrades to the curriculum, including the addition of science (Engineering, Environmental Science, Astronomy, and Physics) and business college credit courses.

GRE AT E R T H IN G S A R E YE T T O C OM E . . .

While much progress has been made regarding facility enhancements, there are still many exciting projects on the horizon as part of Spreading Our Wings: The Vision for the Future of Kellenberg Memorial.

A 28,000 square foot multi-purpose building will be constructed behind the cafeteria in 2021. Three new art rooms/studios will be also be constructed above the girls locker room.

A grand new entryway to campus at the driveway on Glenn Curtiss Boulevard will be constructed.

Homeroom, team, and club day retreats are taking place at Stella Maris, the new retreat house located in Islip, while maintenance projects continue including a new roof on the care taker’s house, installation of a portable dock for our crew teams, construction of an outdoor firepit being built by a Kellenberg student completing his Eagle Scout project, and installation of Stations of the Cross built by a KMHS carpenter. l

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l

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S P O R TS

Under the inspiring leadership of Coach Cathy von Schoenermarck, the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team beat an undefeated St. Anthony’s (25-15, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22) on November 5th at Molloy College to win their fourth CHSAA championship in five seasons.

Maggie Caffrey ’20, who was named MVP of the game, reflected on the win in an interview with Newsday, saying, “I just wanted to win it for my coach because she deserves it way more than we do. She works so hard for us every day, and we just wanted to win it for her. She basically told us to go out there, play your game. She always tells us to play it for the little girl who fell in love with the game, and that really stuck with me this season.” The Varsity Volleyball Team has been at the top of their game in more ways than one, having been named as the recipients of the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Team Academic Award for the past five years.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL BRINGS HOME CHAMPIONSHIP JORDAN DELUCIA ’20 RECEIVES RICH REICHART AWARD Kudos to Jordan DeLucia ’20 (pictured with Coach Kevin Hanifan) who was presented with Newsday’s inaugural Rich Reichert Award, which honors the best player in the Catholic High School Football League, in the Millennium Room on December 17th. Jordan will attend Harvard University in the fall and play halfback and special teams for the football team. At the ceremony, Jordan said, “It’s a tremendous honor to stand here and be recognized by Newsday. It means the world to me. I couldn’t be happier. I’m really blessed. I owe this to the support of my coaches, parents, trainers, and, especially, my teammates, who helped put me in this position. Even when things didn’t go my way and I made mistakes, they were always there for me.”

For the first time in five years, the Girls Varsity Tennis Team took home the NSCHSGAA Division A Championship! They clinched the title on October 10th, beating league rival St. Anthony’s five courts out of seven at Cedar Creek Park. The Lady Firebirds had an outstanding undefeated season. Katherine Stewart ’20 shared her excitement with The Phoenix, saying, “Winning the championship was the cherry on top for the unforgettable season we had, which was filled with many laughs and lots of hard work.” The team is looking forward to next season, where they will proudly host home matches on Kellenberg’s very own six new tennis courts, which will be installed this spring on St. Charles Field. To learn more about the progress of Kellenberg Memorial’s “Vision for the Future,” see pages 20-21.

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GIRLS TENNIS CLINCHES CHAMPIONSHIP A K E L L E N B E RG M E M O R I A L FA M I LY P U B L I CAT I O N

19 FIREBIRDS SIGN LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY NCAA ATHLETICS

Julian Belardo Penn State Harrisburg Baseball

This fall, 19 members of the class of 2020 took the next step in their educational growth as they committed to the colleges they wish to attend and agreed to participate in collegiate athletics at the highest level. Congratulations to these exceptional studentathletes who serve as inspiring examples of the benefits of a Marianist education of the heart and mind.

Jordan DeLucia Harvard University Football

Lauren Crotty University of Scranton Womens Lacrosse Xavier Cruz SUNY Maritime College Baseball

Kerrigan de Meij DeSales University Womens Soccer Christopher Einemann Molloy College Baseball Sean Foley SUNY Maritime College Mens Lacrosse

Buddy of the Year

Congratulations to Jessica Lee ’21 of the Girls Varsity Soccer program on being named the U.S. Youth Soccer Top Soccer Buddy of the Year for all her work with athletes who have special needs.

Girls Varsity Basketball

On January 5th, the Girls Varsity Basketball Team took a trip to the Rockville Centre Recreation Center to work with the organization Hoops for All, a program that gives children and teenagers with special needs the opportunity to have fun on the court.

Katie Hand Molloy College Softball Connor Loehr Molloy College Mens Lacrosse Thomas Marten II College of Staten Island Baseball

Top row, left to right: NCAA College Placement Coordinator Mrs. Jennifer Strauss, Assistant Athletic Director Mrs. Jeanne (Savarese) Ceasar ’93, Rory McHugh ’20, Sean Foley ’20, Julian Belardo ’20, Xavier Cruz ’20, and Athletic Director Mr. John Fechtmann.

Bottom row, left to right: Riley Martin ’20, Julia Piotrowski ’20, Lauren Crotty ’20, Ashley Walter ’20, and Kerrigan de Meij ’20.

Riley Martin Catholic University of America Womens Lacrosse

Varsity Dance Team

Congratulations to the Dance Team on their success at the Scholastic Dance Team Competition on January 5th. The Varsity girls placed in every category - 1st place in Hip Hop, 1st Place in Jazz, 1st Place in Pom, and 2nd place in Team!

Rory McHugh Clark University Mens Lacrosse Olivia McNicholas Sacred Heart University Womens Diving Maureen McNierney University of Pittsburgh Womens Lacrosse Morgan Salmon Adelphi University Womens Soccer

Boys Varsity Basketball

On Saturday, December 21st, the boys and girls basketball programs held a Christmas drive to collect baby items for the Regina Residence, which provides housing and supportive services for pregnant and/or parenting young women and their children. Throughout the course of the day, five games were played between the two programs and the ten teams that participated were able to collect over 700 items for the Regina Residence.

Julia Piotrowski Virginia Wesleyan University Softball Allison Sliwinski Molloy College Womens Bowling

Top row, left to right: Mrs. Jennifer Strauss, Morgan Salmon ’20, Connor Loehr ’20, Thomas Marten II ’20, Christopher Einemann ’20, Jordan DeLucia ’20, and Mr. John Fechtmann. Bottom row, left to right: Maureen McNierney ’20, Allison Sliwinski ’20, Julia Tarantino ’20, Katie Hand ’20, and Olivia McNicholas ’20.

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Julia Tarantino University at Buffalo Softball Ashley Walter Marywood University Womens Soccer

Newsday All-Decade Top 100

Kudos to Chris Cappas ’17 and Matt Sluka ’19, who were chosen out of thousands of high school athletes to be named to Newsday’s Top 100 Male Athletes of the past decade! Chris and Matt were integral parts of Kellenberg’s baseball and football programs, respectively, helping to lead their teams to championships.

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Reunions

JUNE REUNIONS

On Saturday, June 22nd, 2019, Firebird alumni from the classes of 1999, 2004, 2009, and 2014 returned to campus to celebrate their 20, 15, 10, and 5-year reunions, respectively. The evening began with Mass at 6PM, followed by private cocktail parties for each reunion year.

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A. Sherice Perry ’99, Stephanie Larosiliere ’99, Anne-Mireille (Charles) Warner ’99, Vickie Richardson ’99, and Pascale Leone ’99. B. The Class of 1999 gathers for a group photo. C. Mr. Kevin A'Hearn, Elena Suarez ’09, and Ryan Andoos ’09. D. Kathleen Blake ’04 and Nicholas Russo ’04 pose with the Firebird. E. Lawrence Peter Herzog III ’14, Stacy Madelmayer ’14, and Mr. John Benintendi. F. Antonia Patino ’09, Kimberly Hutchinson ’09, and Stephen Rodriguez ’09. G. Andrew Cabble ’04, Mr. Matt Kirk ’04, and Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. H. Nicholas Palazzolo ’14, Mark Campmier ’14, Joseph Hinshaw ’14, and Andrew Killian ’14. I. The 2014 Softball Champions: Colleen Dunn ’14, Gianna Razza ’14, Kathryn Eiler ’14, Krista King ’14, Brittany LoGrande ’14, Nikki DiTizio ’14, and Cristen Whigham ’14, with their coach Mr. Kenneth Conrade. J. Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., Steve Tomaselli ’09, and Sean Kelly ’09.

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Reunions

FALL REUNIONS

The classes of 1989 and 1994 celebrated their 30 and 25-year reunions on October 26th and November 2nd, respectively. Each reunion began with Mass, followed by a private cocktail party in the Millennium Room. Firebird alumni enjoyed reminiscing with former classmates, teachers, and coaches!

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A. Members of the Class of 1989 gather for a group photo. B. Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., Tom Caramella ’89, Donatella Arpaia ’89, and James McBrien ’89. C. Current Principal Brother Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. with his predecessor, Brother Mark Ormond, S.M., who served as Principal from 1987 to 1995. D. Michelle Mitchell ’89 and Margaret (Horan) Ortiz ’89. E. Christine O’Hal-Allen ’89 and Ashley Narcisse ’89. F. Arika Easley-Houser ’94 and Tawana (Headen) Mateo ’94 catch up with former faculty member Mrs. Marina Trentacoste. G. Members of the class of 1994 gather for a group photo. H. Lisa (Graf) Ondra ’94, Maura O’Sullivan ’94, George DaSilva ’94, and Robert Barr ’94 take a photo with the Firebird. I. Father Thomas Cardone, S.M., Nancy (Klein) Baena ’94, Michael Kerns ’94, and Mr. Christopher Alfalla ’94 with the Firebird.

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B.

A LU M N I

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ALUMNI THANKSGIVING MASS & BRUNCH Over 400 Firebird alumni returned to the Bird’s Nest on Wednesday, November 27th to participate in the annual Alumni Thanksgiving Mass and Brunch. Masses for the student body and visiting alumni were celebrated by Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, Father Matthew Browne ’11, Father Albert Bertoni, S.M., and Father Thomas Cardone, S.M., while Rev. Mr. John Crozier ’11 and Rev. Mr. Paul Clores ’11 were guest homilists. Alumni enjoyed a light brunch after Mass and reconnected with their former teachers, coaches, and moderators. A. Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, Father Matthew Browne ’11, Rev. Mr. John Crozier ’11, Rev. Mr. Paul Clores ’11, Father Albert Bertoni, S.M., and Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. B. Christina Marks ’19, Jack Russell ’19, Erin Doherty ’19, and Sofia Rinaldi ’19 with the Firebird. C. Maureen Lewin ’19, Brianna Lausev ’19, and Maya Richardson ’19. D. Chris Laurelli ’19 and Matt Gluck ’19.

A.

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ALUMNI CHRISTMAS SOCIAL On Thursday, December 19th, Firebird alumni gathered at Seasons 52 for the annual Alumni Christmas Social. Alumni in attendance were merry and bright as they caught up with teachers and administrators!

C.

ALUMNI FAMILY DAY

Firebird alumni and their families returned home on Sunday, September 15th to celebrate Alumni Family Day. The day began with Mass, which was celebrated by Father Albert Bertoni, S.M., followed by a BBQ lunch, as well as family games and activities. Future Firebirds enjoyed a water slide, arts and crafts, tie-dying t-shirts, face painting, and more. A. Future Firebird Charles Pavlick enjoys the water slide. B. Lorna Simpson ’91 and her Future Firebird, Cameron, enjoyed their third Alumni Family Day. C. Future Firebird Evelyn McBrien poses with the Firebird.

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ENGINEERING ALUMNI NETWORKING SOCIAL Firebird alumni in the engineering field attended an Engineering Alumni Networking Social in the Millennium Room on Thursday, November 14th.

Organized by John Muenzen ’97 and John Scatamacchia ’00 (pictured with Mr. Kevin A'Hearn and Mr. Thomas Huggard), both of whom previously served as members of Kellenberg Memorial’s Alumni Advisory Board and now serve as advisors to the Board, the event provided an opportunity for Firebird alumni in the engineering sector to connect and network. If you would like to be notified of the next alumni networking social (or help plan one!), please send your updated contact information to alumni@kellenberg.org.

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FOREVER FIREBIRDS Danielle (Baronian) ’05 & Stephen Malone ’05

Danielle and Stephen have been married for over five years and reside in Goshen, NY, with their son, Patrick, who will celebrate his second birthday in March 2020. Steve is an investigator with the New York State Police in Middletown, NY, while Danielle is a physician assistant in the trauma department at Orange Regional Medical Center. Although the family immensely enjoys the life they have created in Goshen, they are disappointed they won’t be able to send their children to Kellenberg. Danielle says, “We have joked with Father Tom about the possibility of Kellenberg offering a bus to/from Goshen!” She reflects below on how Kellenberg Memorial brought her and Steve together and helped shape their values as a family.

When and how did you meet?

Steve and I both went on the USA study tour during the summer between our sophomore and junior years in 2003. Prior to going on that trip, we had never met or even knew each other's names! We had become acquaintances through a few meetings that took place prior to departing for the trip; however, we both distinctly remember the first time we hung out and chatted to start our friendship was at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio (which was one of the first stops on the trip). After that interaction, we became instantaneous friends which developed into a relationship over the next 50 days. We both always say it was the best trip of our lives! We wish we could do it again and couldn't imagine how different our lives would be if not for that trip.

When and where were you married?

We got married on September 5, 2014, at St. Catherine of Sienna Church in Franklin K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

Square. I attended St. Catherine's for elementary school, and it was my home church. We both thought it would be fitting to have one of the Marianists say our Nuptial Mass due to our roots, so we asked Father Tom, and he said "yes." He said such a beautiful homily and helped to make our day extra special! We, of course, had a small crew of Firebirds in attendance.

What is one of the best lessons you each learned during your time at Kellenberg?

Jointly, one of the best life lessons we learned from our time at Kellenberg was to always give 100 percent, whether it was in academics, sports, or friendships. Kellenberg had strict rules, and so sometimes life didn't go your way (or at least what you thought was your way). But if you stay true to yourself, keep your faith, and give it your all, we learned that in the end, everything works out somehow, someway for a certain reason.

There are many Firebird alumni who have entered into the covenant of marriage together. What about your time at Kellenberg helped prepare you to make and keep the promise of being "true to your spouse in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health?"

It is easy to get lost in the midst of what culture and social media dictates what "marriage should be." Kellenberg instilled in us a strong spiritual background, grounded us in our faith, and gave us the opportunity to understand the true meaning of friendship and how that can flourish into a beautiful marriage. I love that I met my husband, and we fell in love in a very simple, non-materialistic environment.

On our trip, we had the chance to really get to know each other without the fluff of fancy dinners and worrying about trying to impress each other. We saw each other at vulnerable times and fell in love with the most real parts of each other… and that has prepared us to keep our promise to be true to each other.

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27

C L A SS N O T ES Gary Jansen ’88

Allison Pricci ’90

Tricia Kearney ’97 & Patrick Brady ’97

’88

 Gary Jansen's latest book,

MicroShifts: Transform Your Life One Step at a Time (Loyola Press, 2019), won an Independent Press Award in the self-help/spiritual category and was a finalist for the 2019 Best Books Award. The audiobook for MicroShifts will be released in early 2020 and will be produced by HighBridge Audio. He is currently working on a screenplay for his bestselling memoir Holy Ghosts.

’89

Mark Diaz, who serves as a house carpenter for the Shubert Organization, recently celebrated his 30th year with Local One stagehands union.

Anthony Giordano has four amazing kids who are working and going to school. He was installed as the pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in East Meadow, NY on December 1, 2019.

Kathleen (Story) Wren became an Instructional Coordinator for the NYC Department of Education in 2017. She coaches Early Childhood Educators across Queens and leads professional development programs throughout the city. Kathleen recently had the opportunity to visit Ireland with her family and discover her forebears. She is currently working on writing a series of short stories.

’90

Pricci got engaged while vacationing in Isla Mujeres, Mexico to Robert Torr on November 6, 2019.

’91 28

 Allison

Leslie (Schefer) Chew and her family moved to North

HEART & MIND

Meaghan Fleming ’98

Mark Citarella ’95 Carolina in July 2019. She is a speech language pathologist for Union County Public Schools and has three boys (16, 13, and 11).

’92

Darryl Rhames, who serves as Director of Compliance Auditing, Integrity Systems for University Health System in San Antonio, TX, was featured on the October 2019 cover of Compliance Today, the Health Care Compliance Association’s premier monthly publication.

’93

Audra Balewski-Parisi is a New York State dual certified elementary school teacher in general education and the gifted student. She has been teaching for over 17 years at a public elementary school in Brooklyn. She happily married her husband, Michael, in 2015. They have two daughters, Nicole (2) and Mia (6 months). Audra is happy to be back in the classroom after her maternity leave teaching a first grade class of advanced learners.

Stacey (Sokolowski) Connelly has been working as a Lead Radiologic Technologist for over 20 years, specializing in Mammography and Bone Densitometry for NYU Langone.

She and her husband, Steve, are the proud parents of their daughter, Emily ’24, who began at the Latin School this fall.

’94

Kathleen (Bartley) Chabus is an award-winning medical sales professional with Syneos Health. She is also the founder and CEO of MemoryShare, an app that

Jermaine Lee ’02

Eric Smith ’02 captures, stores, and shares photos and memories that memorialize the full story of a family's life.

’95

P. Z. Citarella has successfully completed battalion command (June 2017 September 2019) of the 110th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Georgia Army National Guard.  Mark

Christopher Howe was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the Port Authority Police Department.

He is a proud father of two children, a daughter (1) and a son (3).

’96

Robert Field has served as Special Events Manager at Major League Baseball for nearly 13 years. Robert majored in marketing and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Hartford. He currently resides in Harlem, NY, with his wife, Amber, and their two daughters, Keira (8) and Ava (6).

’97

Jay Asparro completed a 100-mile run on the Kellenberg track in just under 30 hours on November 2-3, 2019.

The goal of the 2019 Ann Asparro Run - 100 Miles of Hope was to raise awareness and donations for The Long Island Alzheimers and Dementia Center in honor of his late grandmother, Ann Asparro.

Kearney and Patrick Brady welcomed their first child, Colin James, on November 10, 2019. The family resides in Babylon, NY.  Tricia

Kelly (Corva) ’06 & William Elnick ’06

T.J. Haley ’04

’98

 Meaghan

Fleming welcomed her second son, Declan Ryan, in October 2019. Big brother Thomas (7) is over the moon!

Christopher Ryan just completed a big move from New York City to Buffalo, NY. He is enjoying relaxing with a slower pace of life.

’99

Francis Bradley III serves as the PCS Staffing Office Coordinator at Mount Sinai South Nassau. He was named "Employee of the Quarter" for the second quarter of 2019.

John Healy and his wife, Lauren, welcomed their second child, Luke Stephen, in October 2019. Big brother Jax (5) loves his new partner in crime!

David Woods recently became Director of Financial Aid at the New York Law School in Tribeca, NY.

’00

Danielle (Anglade) Crookes recently received her Doctor of Public Health degree in Epidemiology from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. She presented her dissertation, "The Effect of AntiImmigrant Climate on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profiles of Immigrant and US-born Latinos," on July 31, 2019. She continues her research in this area as a postdoctoral fellow at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University in Atlanta. Danielle resides in Atlanta with her spouse, Raymond, and two children, Jolie and Micah.

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C L A SS N O T ES

Matt Cascarella ’07

Caitlin (Madelmayer) Sheridan ’06

Marialaina (Lavrigata) Sheehan ’08

’01

Carmen Granda had her first article related to pedagogy published in Hispania, the peerreviewed academic journal of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).

The article explores how she used bookmapped storytelling in a Spanish class on the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) at Amherst College.

Maria (Puswald) and Sean Hansell have been together since they graduated from Kellenberg. They married in 2007 and welcomed their daughter, Seane, to the world in 2014. Last year, they moved to the Big Island of Hawaii. Sean is the Technical Lead for an IT services company in New York. Maria is an elementary school teacher in Kona.

’02

Lee, DPT was featured on the Summer 2019 cover of Touro Links, the magazine for Touro College's Division of Graduate Studies. Jermaine earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Touro in 2017. He currently works as a supervisor and physical therapist at PRN Physical Therapy in Hicksville, NY, where he treats a range of orthopedic, cardiac rehab, and stroke patients.  Jermaine

John McNeal welcomed his second child, Shane Martin, on September 3, 2019.

Smith and his wife welcomed their son, Ethan John, on October 22, 2019. They also have two older children, Emma (5) and Elaina (2).  Eric

Tricia (Russell) Umhafer recently presented at ISTE, one of the largest international educational technology K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

Michael Pentola ’09

conferences in the world with about 20,000 attendees. Her presentation was on STEAM and process art in early childhood education.

’03

Thomas DeRosa and his wife, Laura, welcomed the birth of their second son, Quincy Charles, in May 2019.

’04

Joseph Bacigalupo got engaged to his fiancée, Karina Solar, in June 2019. The couple will be married in March 2020.

Laura (Hammond) Bonventre and her husband, Steve, recently grew their family. In August 2019, their son, Nicholas Stephen, became a proud big brother to sister, Rosalie Anna. Mom and daughter remain happy and healthy, while Nick enjoys giving his sister plenty of hugs and kisses.

Christine (Canonica) Desotelle and her husband, Patrick, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Audrey Reese, in July 2019.

Haley married his wife, Keely, on June 22, 2019, at St. Martin of Tours in Bethpage, NY. Former classmate and friend Father Pierre Toussaint Guiteau ’04 celebrated the Nuptial Mass. T.J. is an attorney specializing in structured finance and securitization at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP. He and his wife reside in Arlington, VA.  T.J.

’05

Paul Viscuse married his wife, Brittany, in Richmond, VA, and became a board certified

Julia Galea ’10

Stefanie Gayer ’09 internal medicine physician. He recently started a three-year hematology / oncology fellowship at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Candice (Ibarra) Ostermann ’10 in May 2019. She is currently taking part in a one-year internship at MidAtlantic Equine Medical Center in Ringoes, New Jersey.

Pentola was admitted as an attorney to the New York State Bar in spring 2019. He practices civil defense law at a mid-sized firm in Garden City, NY.  Michael

’06

(Corva) and William Elnick have two boys, William Thomas (Billy) and Benjamin Francis (Ben), and are expecting their third child in late spring 2020. Will serves as Manager of Analytics at North American Partners in Anesthesia and Kelly is teaching Adult ESL in BOCES. The family recently moved from Levittown, NY, to Farmingdale, NY.  Kelly

 Caitlin

(Madelmayer) Sheridan is the Director, Experiential Events for the New York Road Runners.

This year, Caitlin helped produced the TCS New York City Marathon for the 10th year in a row with the organization. She currently resides in New York City, with her husband Will, with whom she recently celebrated their first anniversary, and their dog, Boomer.

’07

Cascarella and his wife, Caitlin, welcomed their first child, Logan Chase, to the world in May 2019.

’08

 Matt

(Lavrigata) Sheehan and her husband welcomed their second son in October 2019.

’09

 Marialaina

Gayer (pictured above with her sister, Brittany ’11) graduated from University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School

’10

 Julia

Galea, BS, PharmD, BCPS visited Kellenberg to serve as a guest lecturer for the STEM Cluster on October 2, 2019. Julia discussed the various career paths in the field of pharmacy including retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, research, and entrepreneurial pathways. A graduate of the Bouvé School of Pharmacy at Northeastern University, she was able to educate students about the coursework and clinical rotations required to complete a six-year degree in pharmacy. Julia currently serves as a clinical coordinator of internal medicine at Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown, NY, with a special focus on diabetes and pain management. An associate faculty of multiple schools of pharmacy, she precepts advanced pharmacy practice experience students on clinical rotations.

Anna (Green) Hayes joyfully celebrated the sacrament of Matrimony with her wonderful husband, Joe, on June 8, 2019. Anna continues to serve God as a theology teacher at St. Mary’s High School, where she is also the cocampus minister.

 Stefanie

(Ibarra) Ostermann has spent the last four years in medical school at Auburn University. She is  Candice

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C L A SS N O T ES

23rd Annual New Jersey Marathon.

Kylie's time of 2 hours, 43 minutes, 2 seconds, qualified her for the Olympic Trials in Atlanta in February 2020.

Patrick Ruddick graduated from Minnesota School of Commercial Diving and is now working as an Engineer Diver and Coastal Engineer at McLaren Engineering Group in New York, NY.

Rev. Matthew Browne ’11

’12 Rev. Mr. Paul Clores ’11 & Rev. Mr. John Crozier ’11 expected to graduate as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine in May 2020.

After 13 years of dating, she recently married her high school sweetheart, David, on June 29, 2019.

Meaghan (McCloat) Tully was married on July 13, 2019 at Whitby Castle in Rye, NY, and traveled to Africa for her honeymoon.

Mikayla Zaccaria ’15 Shannon Keane will graduate from Kansas State School of Veterinary Medicine in May 2020. Upon graduation, she will enter a fouryear residency in Critical Care and Emergency Medicine.

Matthew Browne was ordained to the priesthood on June 22, 2019, by Bishop John O. Barres at St. Agnes Cathedral. He has been assigned to one year of further theology studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Upon returning to the Diocese in May 2020, he will serve as the Associate Pastor at St. Dominic's Parish in Oyster Bay, NY.

Michael Mayer decided to make a career change and went back to school to become a nurse in 2017.

He graduated from the accelerated nursing program at Adelphi University in August 2019. After passing the NCLEX licensing exam in October 2019, he began his first job as a registered nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He will be working with both adult and pediatric patients on a specialized unit for patients with head and neck cancer and melanoma.

He is extremely excited to begin this new journey.

Clores and John Crozier took the next step in continuing their vocations to the priesthood when they were ordained to the diaconate at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY, on November 9, 2019.

Kylie Pearse was honored in September 2019 by the village board of her hometown, Malverne, NY, for her achievements in track and field.

On April 28, 2019, she finished second in the women's field in the

’11

 Rev.

 Paul

Emily Farella returned to campus on October 9, 2019, to speak to Kellenberg Memorial's new engineering class and lead a STEM discussion after school. Emily spoke about her education and career in engineering as well as the ACE Mentor Program, which is a free, award-winning, after school program designed to attract high school students into pursuing an education and future career in the Architecture, Construction, & Engineering (ACE) Industry. Emily currently serves as a Project Engineer at Tishman Construction in New York, NY.

’13

Joseph Moresky currently works with the Dean of Students at SUNY Farmingdale, where he also serves as an adjunct professor of political science. Joseph recently received a prestigious Pollie Award from the American Association of Political Consultants.

’14

Sean Dowd is currently attending the U.S. Army's Officer Candidate School to become an Armor Officer. Sean says, “I enjoyed my brief time teaching history, a dream I developed whilst attending Kellenberg, but my true calling is to serve soldiers. I still appreciate the education I received here and I am thankful for being set on the right path.” Sean holds a

Master of Arts degree from St. John’s University.

Adrian Laudani is currently working for Spring Hill College's Italy Center as a Program Coordinator in Bologna, Italy. In this role, Adrian helps American students studying abroad to integrate into Italian culture by planning and organizing travel, service and social justice events.

’15

Patrick Fitzgerald graduated from Mount St. Mary's University in spring 2019. He then moved to Dayton, Ohio, where he is getting his Master’s degree in Theological Studies at the University of Dayton.

Brigid Maelia is currently earning her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology at Hofstra University.

Denise Pascullo graduated from Adelphi University in May 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

She is currently working towards a Master’s degree in Special Education at Adelphi. Denise recently accepted a new job position as group leader at Camp ANCHOR, a well-known camp for individuals of all ages with special needs. She will be working with a group of teenage girls with autism.  Mikayla Zaccaria graduated magna

cum laude from Mount Saint Mary College in May 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a certification in childhood and special education.

She was the student commencement speaker at graduation and the recipient of the Mount Saint Mary College Award, which is given to a senior who has maintained a high standard of academic performance and a spirit of cooperation, leadership and loyal service, and is a representative of a MSMC student.

In September 2019, Mikayla began

29th Annual One Heart One Mind

Benef it Outing & Gala

SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 MEMORIAL

MONDAY, JUNE 8, 2020

Please join us for our upcoming events:

& GOLD Alumnae SOCIAL

Reunion W kend for e

BLUE

237 W. 35th Street in Midtown Manhattan (One block north of Penn Station)

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2020 30

HEART & MIND

CLASSES OF

SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2020

2000, 2005, 2010,

& 2015

SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2020

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C L A SS N O T ES

Talia Chiariello ’16 teaching Pre-K at her alma mater, St. Martin de Porres Marianist School.

’16

Gabrielle Caracciolo was selected as a 2019-2020 Syracuse Remembrance Scholar.

Every year Syracuse University chooses 35 seniors to represent the 35 students whose lives were lost in the bombing of Pam Am Flight 103 in 1988. Gabrielle was selected to represent Mark Tobin, a member of Chaminade High School's class of 1985, who was lost on the Pan Am flight while returning from a semester abroad in London, England.

Tina Ceriello, co-captain and senior libero for the College of Saint Rose's women's volleyball team, was named the Northeast-10 Conference 2019 Libero of the Year. She also earned second-team All-NE10 honors for the second-consecutive autumn, and was chosen for the Academic All-District Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America. Voting recognizes student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Tina is a communication sciences and disorders major.

Chiariello will graduate from The Pennsylvania State University with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in digital media trends and analytics in 2020. Over the course of her college career she  Talia

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JonMichael Connolly ’16

Patrick Ilardi ’19

Christel-Remy Kuck ’16

Katie Solosky ’19

has had the opportunity to host her own talk show, “Talia Talks”, on the student radio station. Additionally, she has interned at Sirius XM’s Hits 1 in Hollywood, SiriusXM’s The Jenny McCarthy Show, and WABC-TV’s consumer troubleshooting unit, 7 On Your Side. Upon graduation she hopes to work in production and be on the air.

Connolly (pictured above with Mrs. Trista Harnisch and Miss Allyson Frisina) met up with Kellenberg's Lourdes Missionaries as they were touring Bordeaux, France in June 2019. JonMichael studied and interned at Fordham University’s London Centre this past summer and is currently studying at Fordham’s Rose Hill campus in the Bronx.  JonMichael

Kuck is in her senior year at Cornell University studying animal science with a minor in education. She has been a teaching assistant for Freshman General Chemistry for three years and has recently been invited into the CALS Honor Society at Cornell that is only open to those who are in the top 10% of the class. Christel-Remy still enjoys participating in Science Olympiad, and she now spends much of her time at the Cornell Raptor Program caring for non-releasable hawks, falcons, owls, and eagles, as well as educating the public about different raptor species. She is currently applying to some of the top veterinary schools in the nation and overseas.

Victoria Moulder, a senior middle blocker on the women's volleyball team at SUNY Oneonta, was recently selected as The State University of New York Athletic Conference's PrestoSports Offensive Player of the week. Victoria had a solid final season for Oneonta helping to lead the Red Dragons to a 23-9 record overall. She is second on the team with career-high stats in kills (313) and blocks (84), as well as second in the conference for hitting percentage (.378), and has collected 375.5 points. She finished the season being named the SUNYAC All-Conference Second Team.

Kenny Mulkeen, a senior offensive lineman for Muhlenberg College's football program, was recently named Second Team All-Centennial Conference.

 Christel-Remy

Christian Pettinato is currently a senior at Farmingdale State College SUNY studying security systems, while also serving in the Army National Guard as an infantryman.

’18

Christian Licato is a prospective producer and recently released his first single, “Yesterday,” with Alyssa Mener.

Arielle Ramirez competed in the World Lacrosse U19 tournament in Peterborough, Ontario, as a member of the first-ever team to represent Puerto Rico in August 2019. They were also the only first-year team in history to go undefeated in the tournament and finished ranking 9th out of 23 countries. Arielle is a sophomore at the University of Hartford and a member of their women's lacrosse team.

’19

 Patrick Ilardi was selected as Explorer of the Year and awarded a scholarship as part of the Nassau County Police Explorers program in June 2019. Patrick, who is a freshman at the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale, NY, earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout in 2018.

Solosky returned to Kellenberg Memorial on December 9, 2019, to present current students with information about the unique program she is enrolled in at LIU-Post, which spans over eight semesters and involves traveling to and studying in 10 different countries. Katie recently finished her first semester in Costa Rica and will be traveling to Panama next. She is working towards a Bachelor’s degree in global studies.  Katie

’17

Jeanmarie Armellino, a junior at SUNY Potsdam, was recently awarded the school's Promethus Fallen Brothers Scholarship in celebration of her involvement on campus and strong academic standing.

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C L A SS N O T ES

Kelle nberg A lumni on Molloy College Retreat On November 16, 2019, Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02 and Mr. James O'Brien ran a retreat for Molloy College Campus Ministries at the Motherhouse of the Amityville Dominicans. Many Firebird alumni were in attendance!

Left: Kidist Allonce ’17, Brittanie Naughton ’15, Colleen Moulder ’19, Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, Michael Messina ’19, Joseph Panasci ’19, and Ryan Romaine ’19.

Right: Eddie Cramsie ’16, Colleen Moulder ’19, Michael Messina ’19, Mr. James O’Brien, Joseph Panasci ’19, Brittanie Naughton ’15, Ryan Romaine ’19, and Kidist Allonce ’17.

A lumni Turkey Bow l For the fourth Thanksgiving morning in a row, members of the Class of 2017 (and some of their friends and brothers) competed for the coveted Turkey Bowl on Kellenberg's football field. After a challenging competition, the white jersey came out on top with Michael A'Hearn ’17 as the triumphant MVP. Top (front row, left to right): Kyle Chin ’17, Bobby Baillie ’17, Patrick Byrne ’17, John Howfield ’17, Cole Bennett ’17, Michael A'Hearn ’17, Liam Von Elm ’17, Ryan Dempsey ’17, and Eric Brach. (Back row, left to right): Patrick Leahy ’17, Michael Grant ’17, Nick Fazzalari ’17, Andrew Heiderstadt, Ryan Heiderstadt ’17, Chris Natale ’17, Jonah Katz ’17, Matthew Leahy ’19, and Jamie Boffardi ’17.

H av e

y o u r e c e n t ly c e l e b r a t e d

a m i l e s t o n e i n yo u r l i f e ,

s u c h a s c o l l e g e g r a d uat i o n , a n e n g ag e m e n t , a m a r r i ag e ,

a n e w j o b , t h e e x pa n s i o n o f y o u r f a m i ly , o r a p r o m o t i o n ?

Submit

Photos

a

Class Note!

at t h e i r h i g h e s t r e s o lu t i o n

should be submitted to

Alumni@Kellenberg.org.

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HEART & MIND

Alumni Networking Program

In an effort to build a networking program for Firebird alumni to connect with each other, as well as current students who are in the midst of considering their future educational and professional options, we are asking for all alumni to quickly submit their updated contact, educational, and professional information by visiting kellenberg.org/alumni and clicking on “Registration.” If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to the Alumni Office at alumni@kellenberg.org.

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C L A SS N O T ES

MEET THE 2019-2021 BOARD In 2014, Kellenberg Memorial established its first official Alumni Association Board, the mission of which is to provide opportunities for Firebird alumni to maintain contact with each other and the school. Board officers serve for terms of two years, with the option of continuing to serve in an advisory role upon the end of the term. Please see below to get to know our new Board officers for 2019-2021.

We thank them all for their continued support of Kellenberg Memorial!

Jenny Delaleu ’94, P’21 Family Nurse Practitioner Stony Book University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Columbia University, Master’s degree in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner with a Minor in Nursing Informatics).

Tara (Fitzgerald) Fuentes ’89, P’22,’24,’26 Owner/Operator, Rialto Restaurant Queens College, Bachelor of Science in Food and Nutrition.

“I chose to serve on the Alumni Board for a multitude of reasons… but first and foremost is the gratitude I have for the cherished connections and lifelong friendships that I found within the halls of Kellenberg Memorial High School. From my first encounter as a student to this day as a parent of three Firebirds currently enrolled in the school, I felt a deep sense of community and of belonging to something much greater than self.”

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“I chose to give back to the Alumni Board because my high school experience was truly special. Much of my character, spirituality, and interests in humanitarianism has been fostered by my experience at Kellenberg. I only regret that I didn't take full advantage of all the activities that were available to me at that time. I guess I'm hoping to make up for a little bit of lost time.”

Anthony Cantelmo ’97 Finance Director, American Express St. John’s University, Bachelor of Science in Finance.

“Kellenberg Memorial is a place that shaped who I am today. It strengthened my faith and developed my morals and my values. It truly set me up for success in life and I want to ensure that continues for future generations of Firebirds.”

Andrea (Licari) Petrosky ’91, P’22, President Professional background in marketing, currently a homemaker Villanova University, Bachelor of Science in Marketing.

“The next chapter in my life has proudly led me to become a Kellenberg parent and I am thrilled to see so many alumni now sending their children to Kellenberg Memorial. It affirms what we all know… this is a school that truly educates both the heart and mind. I encourage all Firebirds to return to campus.

Celebrate a reunion, reconnect with various alums at annual socials, network, or launch your career at an industry presentation. Visit Kellenberg Memorial just to see the amazing growth of the campus or to give back. As we rise from the ashes, watch us soar!” #ForeverFirebirds

Tom Nasso ’99, P’24,’26 Ascot Insurance Company, Senior Vice President Binghamton University School of Management, Marketing.

“The commitment and dedication Kellenberg Memorial High School provided not only to me, but also my wife, Shane Wehrum ’98, and all of our siblings, both while we were at the school and after graduating, is inspiring. To see the school continue its commitment to achieving greatness for its current students and alumni is the reason I have elected to send my children to the school and become involved with the Alumni Board.”

Jerry Silecchia ’88, P’20,’24 Regional Director of Engineering, ISS Facility Services New York Institute of Technology, Bachelor of Science in Mechanic Engineering.

“As a graduate of the inaugural class of Kellenberg Memorial High School, I’m proud to be included on this Board. After graduating in 1988, and while attending college, I volunteered as a football coach at KMHS during the 1990-1992 seasons.

During the first five years of this school’s existence, it was easy to recognize the incredible transformation occurring on the campus, and the vision that the administration had for the future.

After marrying my wife, Eileen ’90, and adding two incredible children to our family, Thomas ’20 and Isabelle ’24, I was pleased to be reintroduced to the KMHS family when our son was enrolled in the Latin School in 2013. I’ve been fortunate to experience, firsthand, the tremendous growth that has occurred over the past 30+ years and am excited for what the future will bring as well. It is my hope that my involvement on this Alumni Board will bring a better awareness of KMHS’s future plans to the many graduates I’m in communication with, and that this message will be shared with many others, as well.”

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Fac u lt y I n t e rv i ew

A FEW MINUTES WITH MRS. CATHY VON SCHOENERMARCK When and how did you end up teaching at Kellenberg?

My brother was teaching in the science department here, and at the time, I was working in another high school. He kept raving about the COR principles of Civility, Order, and Respect, and all the great things here at Kellenberg. It was really intriguing for me, and when there was an opening in the English department in the fall of 1990, he told me to apply. As soon as I walked into the hallway and the general office, I could feel that this was a special atmosphere. When I entered the office, I thought, “Wow, this is kind of incredible.” People hold the door open, the kids are so respectful, everybody is smiling.

It’s a remarkable place to teach because the students actually want to be here.

What have you taught and moderated during your time here?

I currently coach girls volleyball, and in the past I have coached boys volleyball, girls basketball and softball. I’ve taught English for ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades, and I also serve as moderator of the Alumni Book Club.

is just a great sense of liberation that I don’t think you get in many places at all. Although teaching is often seen to have a “beginning” and an “end” each year, at Kellenberg teachers are able to foster relationships that span decades.

What has been the best part about teaching at Kellenberg?

The family atmosphere supersedes everything.

In many places, you have a cold barrier where one person is on one side of the desk and the other person is on the opposite side. Here you spend so much time with your students, and you get to know them on a much more personal level. The bond is very strong. It doesn’t just last from September to June; it lasts sometimes for several years. I am in touch with my former players and students all the time. The Brothers have created an environment here where this really is our family away from home. That connection is a palpable one, and it would not happen in any other place. You are engaged with your students both inside and outside the classroom here, so you get to know them on a deeper level. It makes you a better teacher because you are not as rigid about what you have to cover in class that day. You can be more spontaneous and tailor your lesson to what is going on within the community and within the cultural experience of current events. There

What is so unique about an education that impacts both the heart and the mind?

I love the approach of the core classes. If I were ever young again and choosing a college, I would opt for a liberal arts education again because I truly believe that learning how to THINK is more important than anything else.

When you are challenging students with the old-fashioned Socratic method, you’re asking them not only to spit back information (which is important) but to transcend that and really get to the crux of analysis and thinking, a practice that is fostered by the motto “educating the heart and the mind.” We teachers are genuinely interested in students’ personal responses to whatever the subject matter is.

Physics, math, religion, history, English - we want to know what the takeaway is for them.

Educating the heart and the mind is going beyond the textbook and really getting into what makes the person human. When we can connect on that level, then all of a sudden you open yourself up to greater learning, empathy, and compassion - all the wonderful gifts of the

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Holy Spirit. I think the philosophy of the school is that we’re trying to foster kids to learn how to THINK. So no matter what the subject is, there’s always that kernel of wisdom that you carry with you when you leave because it goes beyond just an objective, factual thing - it is a subjective response, it is an education of the heart.

What do you hope to instill in your students?

Whether it’s on the court or in the classroom, I really hope that they learn to conduct themselves as champions everyday - so that means being prepared for class, answering questions to the best of your ability, participating and being engaged in things, not just “showing up” and punching a clock.

It means really having the energy to be part of something bigger than yourself. That’s easy to do on a team - in the classroom sometimes it’s a little more of a challenge because you’ve got more people! But there are class periods that fly by because of that engagement and alertness, that connection to whatever we're covering. One thing I hope they carry away with them is that they should be passionate about whatever they're doing. They should take pride in anything that they are literally or figuratively putting their names on. That defines who you are. If you’re willing to do a slipshod job, then that reflects the kind of approach you have. I

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never want them to think that’s adequate.

If you’re going to do something, do it all the way. Throw yourself into it. If you do it that way, great things happen. You can’t be wishy washy. You only have one life to live - you might as well suck out all the juice you can!

You are the moderator of the Alumni Book Club. What do you enjoy most about reconnecting with alumni in this way?

I find it fascinating to hear the observations made by our club members, comments which show such intuitive and analytical depth. The interactions, the conversations, the different takes on the literary works - it is an injection of excitement into my veins because people approach literature from all different angles primarily because everyone is walking a different path on earth. So the impactful moment for one person may not resonate with another person. For me, I find it very enlightening to hear what some of our alumni are reacting and responding to, and they teach me much more than I could ever teach them, especially in that kind of setting.

That intellectual stimulation is priceless, and you can’t get it very many places. And that's the really cool part - you remember the alumni from when they were sitting in desks in your room, but now it’s colloquial it’s all amazing because their angle of vision is so powerful. Sometimes - even though as soon as you see their faces, you immediately travel down memory lane, remembering them in the 4th row, 2nd seat - you’re quite speechless because now they’re empowered professionals and dedicated parents, and they give you such food for thought. For many days and weeks after our meetings, I will still think about our conversations on certain books, like Educated or The Storyteller’s Secret or The Chain. When I’m preparing for the next one, I think back to the last meeting and think, “Wow, that was such a fantastic discussion!” It’s definitely more fun for me than it is a responsibility or an assignment.

Do you have any advice for students or alumni who are facing obstacles in their lives?

“If you knew who walked beside you every step of the way, you would never be afraid.”

That’s a paraphrase of a quote I took from A Course in Miracles. There are so many times when you find yourself on that cliff, and you have to take that step, and there are times when you may choose not to go because you are so afraid… but I think if you have faith in something bigger than yourself, you’re much more willing to take that risk. And that’s really the message behind a Catholic education at Kellenberg. In our society K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

today, there’s such a sense of loneliness, and people feel as if they are battling stuff all by themselves. But faith allows you to know that you are walking a path that has been walked for millennia, and you can trust in the greater power of God to guide you. You may not be able to control the universe - none of us can - but you can surrender to the universe without fear because you know it’s all going to be working out for a greater plan. You may not see it, but with faith, it’s going to end up being something that is beneficial for you.

This past season with my volleyball team we were talking about adversity, and I found this quote from Thomas Carlyle, “No pressure, no diamonds.” Under the earth where the diamond is formed, the greater the pressure on the gem, the more brilliant and luxurious it is. So often we shy away from challenges, adversity, or failure, but that’s what truly makes us brilliant. I know in my own life those moments of real challenge helped form the kind of person I became. It’s not fun going through it, but - with the help of faith - after you endure it and survive it, you end up coming out the other side with a really beautiful gem.

What does the phrase, “Kellenberg Family,” mean to you?

It means the bonds that are forged among all members of the community - teachers, maintenance staff, secretaries, religious, students, alumni - even dogs! The Kellenberg family supersedes blood. There’s a consanguinity among people who share the same underlying philosophy: that there’s goodness in the world, and it’s our job to spread that goodness, and to love what you do, love the moment, and love the people - no matter how hard it can be sometimes.

That’s family. It’s not just the people with the same last name as yours. It’s the bond that you form just by coming in here as a freshman or as a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader. And it’s as deep as you want it. If you want it to be superficial and you want to just move through it, you have that right. But hopefully, you will choose to forge a lasting connection where you feel comfortable celebrating your milestones with us long after high school graduation. Your wedding, a job promotion, the birth of your first child, we love to hear about these things, so whether it is attending homecoming or a reunion or just stopping by informally to spend some time together, the doors are always open. That’s what makes the Kellenberg world such a truly rare and special universe!

In Memoriam The Kellenberg Memorial family extends its deepest sympathy to the loved ones of recently departed alumni and friends.

To inform the school of the death of a member of the Firebird family, please contact alumni@kellenberg.org.

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and all the souls of the faithful departed, through Your mercy, rest in peace. Amen.

Thomas Boffardi, father of Nicholas ’14 and James ’17 Marjorie Adams Brown, mother of faculty member Martin Brown, grandmother of Sara (Devitt) Bliss ’03, Nora (Devitt) Streichler ’04, Erin (Devitt) Tingue ’07, and Keara Devitt ’10 James Carew, son of James ’93 and Amanda (Riordan) ’95 Carew Christine Carpentieri, mother of Brett ’18 and Steven ’22 Marion Conner, grandmother of Christina (Samson) Langer ’09, Peter Samson ’11, Teresa Samson ’13, and Paul Samson ’15 Susan Coppeto, sister of staff member Maureen Emilio and aunt of Michael McCarthy ’08 and Maggie (McCarthy) Kemp ’11 Kathleen Cunningham, mother of Hilary (Cunningham) McDevitt ’93 (former faculty member and coach) and grandmother of Owen McDevitt ’23 Patrick Day, brother of Bernand ’98, JeanPhilippe ’98, and Michael ’06 Vincent DeMarino, father of Nicole ’07, Vincent ’09, Michael ’12, and Morgan ’13 George Dittmeier, father of Eric ’12 Elyse Franzitta ’03, sister of Cristin ’08 Robert Golden, husband of Susan, and father of Bridget ’02, Patrick, and Ryan Lucille Kruper, mother of faculty member Janet Bernardini and grandmother of Nicholas ’12, Joseph ’14, and Ryan ’18 Bernardini Richard Larkin MR ’76 Jennifer McNamara, wife of Patrick MR ’82 Diane Linder-Piuggi, mother of Maria Piuggi ’11 Roger A. Poletti, Sr., father of Brother Roger Poletti, S.M. Margaret Rossi, mother of Joseph Rossi ’99 Eileen Shaw, mother of Michael ’09 and Catherine ’12 Lydia Tomaselli, grandmother of Laura ’04, Christina ’06, and Stephen ’09 William Van Vynck, father of nursing staff member Patricia Guter

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