Heart & Mind - Summer 2023

KELLENBERG MEMORIAL FAMILY MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2023

LEARNING FROM THE GROUND UP Construction of Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics Inspires Innovative Survey Course

Blue & Gold Shine The Blue & Gold Show at Hofstra University on May 13th showcased the hard work, talent, and spirit of all who were involved. This year, the Gold Team was victorious! #GTV

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Class of 2023 Seniors celebrated special milestones together before graduation.

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Eye on the Latin School 7th graders enjoyed STEM Day in the Jim & Diane Rowen STEM Center.

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Celebrations of Faith Students traveled to Portugal for World Youth Day.

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Reunions Firebird alumni returned to campus to reconnect in June.

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Principal’s Welcome Class of 2023 Firebird Legacy Families Eye on the Latin School Celebrations of Faith Learning from the Ground Up Athletics St. Martin de Porres Marianist School 20 Things: Mr. Tom Kennedy ’09 Maria Regina DHS KAPA (Kellenberg Alumni Parent Association) Alumni Socials Reunions Forever Firebirds: Lt. Ryan & Sam Mahon ’08 Class Notes In Memoriam

ON THE COVER: Members of the Class of 2023 pose on the construction site of the future Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics as part of the survey course, Introduction to Construction and Project Management, in June.

Heart & Mind is Kellenberg Memorial High School’s biannual magazine that is shared with all alumni, current parents, alumni parents, faculty, staff, administration, and friends of the school.

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL As educators, we have a responsibility not only to teach, but to guide our students

Principal Bro. Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M. Assistant Principal for Advancement & Communications Mr. Robert York ’01

in discerning the truth, navigating the complexities of social media, and bridging the gap between their virtual lives and their authentic selves.

Director of Alumni Mr. Thomas Huggard Editor Mrs. Erin (Byrne) Cicalese ’98 Editorial Assistant Mrs. Beth Campbell Design Mrs. Margaret Galeano Contributors Mr. Douglas Cioffi ’97 Mrs. Erin (Toscano) Citrano ’03 Mr. Eric Harnisch Photography Mr. Jeff Harris ’03, Director James Campbell ’24 Abbygail Fenelon-Alty ’24 John Gaffney ’26 Jude Hassett ’25 Zaria Pessoa ’24

Send alumni news to: alumni@kellenberg.org

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DEAR KELLENBERG MEMORIAL FAMILY, “We teach by relationship.” Everything we do at Kellenberg Memorial involves encounter, engagement, and accompaniment with our students, their parents, alumni, and their parents.

Beginning with the initial acceptance letter with follow up phone calls from PRIME parents, continuing through Open Houses, Orientations, and Triple A, a lifetime relationship is forged through high school, graduation, and beyond.

This issue of Heart & Mind captures some milestones of the relationships forged over the years. More specifically, we are highlighting how relationships are developing among alumni of varying ages in professions and college selections.

Our Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics has become a touchstone for a very creative way to broaden our efforts to teach by relationship through alumni engagement.

Featured in this issue of Heart & Mind are the several graduates and students who are making connections on the construction site. Mr. Kenneth Conrade, our Chief Operating Officer, invited seniors last May and current seniors this year to learn about engineering, construction, and architecture from professionals involved in constructing our building. He has also invited alumni who are engineers, architects, and construction workers to speak with the seniors enrolled in this course. Not only are relationships being

strengthened with their alma mater, but graduates are becoming mentors and instructors to current students interested in these professions.

This is another example of what we mean when we say that “we teach by relationship.” Our Advancement Office is also working on building bridges between graduates and our current students regarding college selection. I would like to take the opportunity to call your attention to page 32, where you will find a tribute to Mrs. Denise Miles, founder of the Kellenberg Memorial Advancement Office. Denise passed away last April and will be sorely missed in our efforts to build and maintain Kellenberg relationships. I worked with Denise in the Parents Club, alumni parent events, and alumni events, as well as in establishing and growing our Advancement Office. She guided our inaugural capital campaign along with Mrs. Karen Simons. When the final and highest piece of steel was placed on the Firebird Center, we placed Denise’s name on the beam in her memory. Denise defines the term of what it means to be a member of the Marianist Family. May she continue her work of building up the Kellenberg Memorial Family now from her vantage point of eternal life.

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At the root of our efforts to teach by relationship lies a profound truth of the Marianist charism: we educate the hearts and the minds of our students in the hope of creating saints. Our commitment extends beyond imparting knowledge; it encompasses the sacred task of nurturing young minds, igniting the flames of curiosity, and instilling a lifelong love for learning.

At Kellenberg Memorial, we view our students as more than just learners; they are disciples in the dual journeys of faith and education. Our interactions with our students serve as integral milestones on their souls’ journeys to heaven.

In today’s world, our students are confronted with unique challenges. The youth of today are often concerned about issues, but seemingly indifferent to action.

The information age has presented them with a deluge of content, some of it unverified and misleading. As educators, we have a responsibility not only to teach, but to guide our students in discerning the truth, navigating the complexities of social media, and bridging the gap between their virtual lives and their authentic selves.

We strive to create a culture of encounter, where we engage with our students on a personal level, valuing their individual experiences and perspectives. By being inquisitive about their lives, we build bridges of understanding and empathy that transcend the classroom.

Kellenberg Memorial’s faculty and administration are renewed in the Marianist mission to shape the hearts and minds of the next generation. Together, let us inspire our students to become not only scholars, but also compassionate, faithfilled individuals who make a positive impact on the world.

Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the legacy of our school. Each member of the Firebird Family serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of our community.

To Jesus through Mary, Bro. Kenneth M. Hoagland, S.M. Principal

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CLASS OF 2023

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n June 4th, members of the Class of 2023 and their families

gathered at Hofstra University for Baccalaureate Mass, which

was celebrated by Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, with Fr. Thomas

Cardone, S.M. and Fr. John Crozier ’11 concelebrating, followed by

Kellenberg Memorial’s 36th Commencement Exercises. Firebirds proudly

received their diplomas with a total of 3,631 academic scholarships and 17

athletic scholarships being awarded to the class, which totaled 485 students.

1. Lianne Chu ’23 walks with a candle representing the Light of Christ which was lit for her and each of her fellow graduates by faculty members.

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2. Matthew Meaney ’23 and Olivia Carmody ’23 pose with Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. after receiving the General Excellence Award.

3. Kaitlyn Messina ’23 balances her diploma and the Bro. Richard J. Hughes, S.M. Service Award while walking off stage.

4. Fr. Francis T. Keenan, S.M. Valedictorian Award winners Jake Truncale ’23 and Jamie Judge ’23

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Congratulations and may God bless and protect Ethan Cumming ’23 (United States Coast Guard Academy) and Christopher Moore ’23 (United States Merchant Marine Academy) as they serve and protect our great nation!

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SENIOR CELEBRATIONS Leading up to graduation, the members of the Class of 2023 were part of many special events celebrating their time together as Firebirds. The Senior Trip to Disney and the Senior Send-off boat cruise along the Hudson River provided the graduating Firebirds with memories that will last a lifetime.

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2. Nori Henry ’23 and Julia Salazar ’23 give the thumbs up while waiting for Mass to begin in Florida.

3. Bro. Peter Sennert, S.M. on deck with Jimmy Ganosis ’23 and Noah Jackson ’23.

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4. DJ OB (faculty member Mr. James O’Brien) served as the hype man on the dance floor.

5. Members of the Class of 2023 relax as they float in a lazy river.

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Firebird Legacy Families The Firebird family is over 14,000 alumni strong and each year legacy relationships continue to grow. Pictured are some of the Firebird legacy families that were present at this year’s graduation weekend. To see more photos, please visit photos.kellenberg.org.

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Carolina Ginebra ’23 with her sisters, Ismenia ’18 and Anabella ’21

11 Tristan Farrell ’23 with his brother, Brandon ’21

22 Joseph Bianco ’23 with his sisters, Ali ’19 and Gabby ’10

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Jack Hom ’23 with his siblings, Suzanne ’15, Lauren ’17, and William ’19

12 Micaela Maywald ’23 with her mother, Erin (Murphy) Maywald ’92

23 Jared Carpentier ’23 with his brother, Mason ’21

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Kaitlyn Messina ’23 with her brother, Michael ’19

13 Kayla Mombrun ’23 with her siblings, Marck ’14 and Kathiana ’18

24 Lily Anne Darcy ’23 with her parents, Patrick Darcy ’96 and Jessica (Parrinelli) Darcy ’98, and her siblings, Ella-Jane ’26 and Patrick ’25

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Connor Stephen ’23 with his father, Sanoj ’93

14 Morgan Grismer ’23 with her father, Rich ’93

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Colin Simpson ’23 with his brother, Zach ’20

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Fiona Dolan ’23 with her siblings, Brendan ’21 and Kathryn ’20

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Timothy McLaughlin ’23 with his uncle, Joe Viggiano ’90, his father, Kevin McLaughlin ’88, his uncle, Bobby York ’01, and his aunt, Peggy (Ranieri) York ’03

15 Chris Dominguez ’23 with his brother, Michael ’20

26 John Velasquez Gonzalez ’23 with Jerson Gonzalez ’18, Daniela Ramirez ’22, and Jay Lemus ’17

17 Thomas O’Kane ’23 with his sister, Jordynn ’18, and his father, Glenn ’90

27 Emma Bratichak ’23 with her sister, Caroline ’19 28 Colleen Bayley ’23 with her siblings, Marykate ’18 and James ’22 29 Samantha Brandon ’23 with her brother, Nickolas ’18 31 Angelo Coschignano ’23 with his sister, Isabella ’22

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Bridget Alcusky ’23 with her brother, Gregory ’22

18 Megan Howfield ’23 with her siblings, Kaitlin ’12, John ’17, and Jackie ’14

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Claire Aboueid ’23 with her sisters, Violette ’22 and Leah ’25

19 John Devereaux ’23 with his brother, Michael ’18

10 Dylan Castellano ’23 with Chris Castellano ’05 and Nick Castellano ’19

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25 Noah Jackson ’23 with his brothers, Noel ’22 and Shane ’18

16 Theresa Bambrick ’23 with her siblings, Chris ’07, Sheila ’08, and Daniel ’10

20 Eryn Brodtman ’23 with her sister, Marley ’19 21 Brian Bernic ’23 with his sister, Lauren ’19

30 Patrick Conroy ’23 with his sister, Caitlin ’19

Commencement 2023

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EYE ON THE LATIN SCHOOL

SPRING CONCERT

A Spring Concert was held on May 17th to showcase the musical talents of the members of the Bro. Joseph C. Fox Latin School. The audience enjoyed hearing the beautiful melodies that were the result of a great deal of hard work and dedication on behalf of the student musicians.

MATH BEE

Faculty member Miss Allyson Frisina and Assistant Principal for Latin School Miss Maria Korzekwinski pose with the Latin School Math Bee winner, Zachary Gallegra ’27, and runner-up, Leonidas Kalogiannis ’29, on April 18th.

SQUIRE DINNER AND DANCE

TYRO STEM DAY

Edward Thompson ’28 and Dean Silvio ’28 work together in the Jim & Diane Rowen STEM Center to design a paper structure that can withstand as much wind as possible without sliding or toppling over.

SQUIRE TRIP TO ADVENTURELAND

The eighth graders celebrated the upcoming end of the year with a trip to Adventureland on May 19th. They gathered for a group photo upon returning to campus.

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On June 16th, squires and their families gathered to wish all the eighth grade students success as they prepare to head to high school. The evening began with a prayer service led

by Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, followed by a reception for both parents and students. The students then celebrated together with their friends and teachers at a dinner and dance from 7:00 until 9:30 PM.

Madelyn Forquignon ’27 poses with her parents, Dwight and Kelly (Agostinacchio) Forquignon ’99 at the Squire Dinner and Dance.

CELEBRATIONS OF FAITH

SISTERS OF LIFE

On February 16th, Sister Charity, S.V., Sister Madeline, S.V., and Sister Cecilia, S.V., gave a presentation to students and shared their personal calls to faith and the vocation of Sisters of Life. Amanda Punturieri ’25 reflected that, “It was just so amazing to see the enthusiasm of the three sisters on stage. Anyone could tell that they really cared about each and every one of us and were very happy that they got to share their message with high school students.”

EUCHARISTIC MINISTER COMMISSIONING MASS

Over 30 members of the Class of 2024 were commissioned as Eucharistic Ministers at a special Mass on May 30th.

May God bless them as they faithfully share the bread of life with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

IMMACULÉE ILIBAGIZA PRESENTATION On May 30th, all students attended a special spiritual presentation by best selling author Immaculée Ilibagiza.

Immaculée’s story is a remarkably moving account on her faith journey amidst the Rwandan Holocaust.

MAY CROWNING

On May 25th, the Kellenberg Memorial family gathered to celebrate the May Crowning by adorning the Blessed Mother with a crown of flowers. With the assistance of the Malverne Fire Department, faculty member Mrs. Peggy (Ranieri) York ’03 had the honor of crowning the Blessed Mother.

MOTHER-SON EVENING OF RECOLLECTION

WORLD YOUTH DAY

Nearly 30 Firebirds attended World Youth Day this summer with the Province of Meribah. The pilgrims visited different religious and cultural sites in Portugal, including Fatima, where they prayed in a special way for the entire Firebird Family.

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On March 24th, Kellenberg Memorial hosted over 350 people for the annual Mother-Son Evening of Recollection. There were games for the boys and their moms, dinner, a faith talk, and Eucharistic Adoration.

Pictured with Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M. and Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. is Claudy (Damus) Makelele ’93 with her son, Claude-Albert ’23.

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Learning from the Ground Up Construction of Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics Inspires Innovative Survey Course

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s the Kellenberg Memorial class of 2023 took flight into the next phase of their lives, they were offered a unique program to explore career opportunities in engineering, architecture, and project development through a survey course aptly titled “Introduction to Construction and Project Management.” This innovative course, developed and moderated by Chief Operating Officer Mr. Kenneth Conrade, combined question and answer-style lectures in the classroom setting, followed by visits to the construction site of the 60,000 square-foot Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics (FCAA).

The course participants were not only exposed to the technical aspects of construction and project management but also had the privilege of interacting with industry professionals and alumni with experience in the field. Margaret Calabro ’14, an estimator with Turner Construction; Daniella Villalobos ’20, who is currently enrolled in the Accelerated BE/MS Program at Stony Brook University and works for the Haugland Group; and Matthew Aylward ’94, partner at R&M Engineering, were among those who enlightened the students about the vast opportunities in construction and engineering.

As the foundation for the FCAA took shape on St. John Field, students were provided with the invaluable experience of learning from the ground up on an active construction project.

Donned with hard hats and safety vests, and

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escorted by members of the construction management team, the recent graduates witnessed the various stages of construction firsthand, from surveying and site drainage to footings and foundation pouring.

Course moderator Mr. Kenneth Conrade, an administrator and faculty member at Kellenberg Memorial, said, “After teaching French, Latin, and religion for the past 32 years, the Construction and Project

Management Survey course was unlike any course I had previously instructed. Much to my pleasure, the recent 2023 graduates were absolutely engaged and excited about the learning process. They arrived at 7:20 AM and were eager to ask questions and discover all the various careers which encompass the construction world. Their passion, curiosity, and maturity made for an awesome experience for everyone involved!”

Survey course participants visit the construction site on St. John Field where the FCAA is being built.

Lauren Dunne ’23, a civil engineering student at Northeastern University, was deeply impressed by the level of involvement, the numerous laws, steps, and people working together to bring a project to fruition. As a woman pursuing a career in engineering, it was particularly meaningful for her to hear from female guest speakers. The representation of women in traditionally maledominated fields like construction is essential for fostering diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

Above: Survey course participants, along with guest lecturer Margaret Calabro ’14 of Turner Construction, pose with their completion certificates.

Right: Construction supervisor Kevin Heinlein ’95 of DF Stone Contracting explains to students the importance of strategic planning to maximize efficiency for a large-scale project such as the FCAA.

Continued on next page

An aerial view of the FCAA construction site at the Topping Out Ceremony in July 2023.

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Members of Denise Miles’ family - including her beloved husband, Brian; son, Chris ’07; granddaughter, Ailís; son, Patrick ’05 (a KMHS history teacher) and his wife, Lisa; and daughter, Meghan ’09, with fiancé, Aaron - gather after writing their names on the steel beam dedicated in her loving memory.

Learning from the Ground Up

(Continued)

The crown jewel in the many campus enhancements made possible by Spreading Our Wings: The Campaign for Kellenberg Memorial, the Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics is a brand new 60,000 square foot structure that will feature two basketball courts with changing rooms, a dance studio, bowling lanes, two golf simulators, separate band and orchestra spaces with 13 practice rooms, general meeting rooms, and a concessions stand.

This exciting new addition to the campus was designed to enhance the co-curricular programs that play an important role in shaping the heart and mind of every Firebird.

Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., explained the importance of the structure, saying, “One of the core tenets of the Marianist mission is the belief that ‘atmosphere educates.’ The creation of the Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics, which is the culmination of the generosity and talents of many members of the Firebird Family, is one more step in enhancing our campus so that it continues to serve the needs of our current and future students. This building has been designed and is being built with meticulous attention to detail so that it

is an extension of the home away from home atmosphere that has become a beautiful place to grow for Firebirds since 1987.”

James Coats ’23, who plans to study engineering at Gordon College, discovered a broader range of engineering job opportunities beyond the conventional functions, including on-site management roles. Likewise, Joseph Wyrozemski ’23, who is attending Marist College, appreciated the course for unveiling the unvarnished reality of the construction industry. He said, “I learned that the construction industry is demanding and arduous. There are definitely rough patches as you move through a significant project like this; however, when the crew reaches a major breakthrough, it is widely celebrated.”

Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M. blesses the steel beam dedicated to the memory of Denise Miles before it is placed atop the building’s frame.

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One such significant milestone in the construction of the Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics was the Topping Out Ceremony, which took place on July 12th. Traditionally, this event marks the placement of the final structural beam, symbolizing the completion of the building’s frame. This momentous occasion allowed faculty members, alumni, supporters of the Spreading Our Wings Capital Campaign, and friends of Kellenberg Memorial to sign the beam (which was also blessed), leaving their permanent mark on the structure. The ceremony held special significance as it paid tribute to the late Director of Advancement, Mrs. Denise Miles P’05,’07,’09, who played a pivotal role in the philanthropic process which made the construction of the FCAA possible. (Please see more about Denise and her contributions to Kellenberg Memorial on page 32.)

As the inaugural survey course came to an end, the graduating students received their certificates of completion, ready to take the next steps in their educational and professional journeys. With expanded horizons and a newfound appreciation for the construction and project management world, these diligent Firebirds were well-prepared to embrace the challenges and successes that lie ahead.

Given the tremendous success of the Introduction to Construction and Project Management course, it will be offered

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again this fall for members of the class of 2024 who are interested in learning about the field. The survey course not only gives students a glimpse into the dynamic world of construction but also exemplifies the school’s commitment to providing holistic education and exposing students to diverse career opportunities. The construction of the Firebird Center for Arts & Athletics provides an innovative pedagogical opportunity to expand students’ learning and career horizons, while also giving them a front-row seat to watch a major capital improvement coming to fruition that will benefit many future generations of Firebirds to come.

Daniella Villalobos ’20, who is currently enrolled in the Accelerated BE/MS Program at Stony Brook University and works for the Haugland Group, speaks to survey course participants.

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Celebrating Our Athletes

By Doug Cioffi ’97

VARSITY WRESTLING won the league championship after defeating Chaminade by 40 points.

GIRLS VARSITY GOLF brought home the championship after winning 11 in a row.

BOYS JV BASKETBALL took home the league championship after an undefeated season.

VARSITY DANCE made the finals in all their categories and finished 5th in Hip Hop at nationals.

VARSITY CHEERLEADING won the state championship in Medium Varsity and Large Varsity Game Day.

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Mr. Chris Alfalla ’94 NSCHSAA Boys Golf Coach of the Year

Mr. Keith Doran NSCHSGAA Girls Golf Coach of the Year

Mr. Joe Fiore ’09 NSCHSAA Wrestling Coach of the Year

SPORTS

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS Congratulations to all the Firebirds who will be continuing their athletic careers at the collegiate level! • SOFTBALL: Grace DiPalma ’23 (State University of New York, Oswego) • BOWLING: Memphis Ling ’23 (Savannah College of Art and Design) • CREW: Brian Peknic ’23 (Fairfield University); Joseph Wyrozemski ’23 (Marist College) • SOCCER: Cristian Janosel ’23 (State University of New York, Plattsburgh); Mario Parano ’23 (John Jay College of Criminal Justice); Sebastien Jean Paul ’23 (University of Chester, England) • FOOTBALL: Claude-Albert Makelele ’23 (Central State University of Ohio); Matthew Watterson ’23 (Pace University); Matthew

Ragusa ’23 (Catholic University); Patrick Conroy ’23 (Gettysburg College); Brenden Jones ’23 (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute); Charles Hawkins ’23 (Salve Regina University); Ethan Cumming ’23 (U.S. Coast Guard Academy); Jack Ligarzewski ’23 (Hobart College) • WRESTLING: Brendan Martin ’23 (Queens University of Charlotte) • LACROSSE: Chris Moore ’23 (Merchant Marine Academy) • TRACK & FIELD: Olivia Spirakis ’23 (Sacred Heart University) and Noelle Pierrecharles ’23 (Indiana Tech) • CHEERLEADING: Maggie O’Sullivan ’23 (University of South Carolina) • EQUESTRIAN: Samantha Capuano ’23 (LIU Post)

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL earned the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) team academic and honor roll award for this past school year.

VARSITY SOFTBALL donated $4,604 to LICADD from their annual charity game.

LEAGUE SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS:

BOYS VARSITY BASKETBALL

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BOYS WINTER TRACK & FIELD

GIRLS WINTER TRACK & FIELD HEART & MIND

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ST. MARTIN DE PORRES MARIANIST SCHOOL

HIGHLIGHTS 1 1. May 6th was First Holy Communion Day. Congrats to the Communicants and their teachers.

2. On March 5th, the Pre-K through 3rd graders were treated to a collaborative performance by the Kellenberg Memorial High School Orchestra and St. Martin’s Junior High Orchestra. Several St. Martin’s alumni participated in the performance!

3. St. Martin’s celebrated Pi Day on March 14th.

Congrats to first place champion, 7th grader James, and runner-up, 8th grader Kaylee. Top performers in each grade won the opportunity to pie the Math Department and a Co-Principal!

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4. On April 1st, faculty, staff, and students participated in the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation 5K and FunRun. St. Martin’s received the trophy for the fastest elementary school race time!

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5. St. Martin’s 8th grade students received the sacrament of Confirmation on June 3rd at St. Martha’s Church. Bishop Barres celebrated the Confirmation Mass.

6. Congrats to the 4th and 5th graders who won for art, essay, and poetry submissions in the Catholic Daughters of the Americas contest.

7. Tug ‘O War, Messy Room, and Gaga Ball all made for an awesome time at the 4th-7th grade Field Day and Barbecue hosted at Kellenberg Memorial on June 5th.

8. Congratulations to the Purple Team on their 2023 victory and the Junior Purple & Gold Team for the Spirit Award!

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9. Congratulations to all the St. Martin’s 4th through 8th grade students who were recently recognized for making the Honor Roll. Keep up the great work!

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Mr. Tom Kennedy ’09 with his wife (and fellow faculty member), Ally, were married in 2019 and welcomed their son, Ryan, in December 2021.

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BER LTY MEM U C A F BY Y ’09 KENNED M O T .

MR 1. My secret talent is that I love to cook. Being in the kitchen is relaxing for me. Trying new things, taking on a challenge, and seeing/ tasting the results make it exciting.

theatre where we binge-watch Bluey, and sometimes it’s Ryan’s personal “The Floor is Lava” set. Every day is something different.

6. I love listening to music. My favorite artist is Bruce Springsteen.

Growing up my dad was a huge fan and it was something we really bonded over. My dad and I have seen Bruce on every tour since.

2. My favorite saint is St.

Joseph because I believe he is the perfect example of humility.

He answered God’s call, trusted it, and lived his life taking care of the two most important people in our faith. He is the model man, father, and husband.

3. On a Sunday afternoon, you will most likely find me in the yard with my wife, Ally, and our little man, Ryan.

Ryan is almost 2 years old and is willing to run on or climb anything. Sundays are spent keeping up with him and inventing new games to have him use that energy.

4. My favorite thing about teaching at Kellenberg is the atmosphere.

Both as a student and teacher Kellenberg makes you feel like family. It is a blessing getting to meet new members of the family each school year!

5. My favorite room in our house is the living room. My son has the power to transform a room in minutes. Sometimes my living room is a playroom, other times it’s a movie

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7. My favorite annual event at Kellenberg is Christmas Door Decorating. Not to brag but I display my 7 winning trophies proudly.

I look forward to working with my new freshman homeroom and bringing that 8th trophy home!

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My favorite book series is Harry Potter. I read them as a kid, then later as an adult, and finally as a parent. These books grow with you and every time I read them I walk away with something I never noticed before.

9. My favorite lessons to teach are the different world religions. For 40 minutes, I get to ask my students to step outside themselves and show them a whole different way of thinking. I get to challenge them, help them grow, and ultimately get a better understanding of the world around them.

15. I prefer dogs over cats. I have two rescues. Eli, a black lab, just turned 10. He was named after Eli Manning and is without a doubt my son Ryan’s best friend. Stanley (we rescued him on the anniversary of the NY Rangers winning the Stanley Cup) is 4, and the old man of the house.

16. I have been teaching at Kellenberg for 10 years. One of the best parts of being a freshman teacher is meeting hundreds of new students each September. I love watching them walk in both nervous and excited and introducing them to their home for the next four years.

10. I am Enneagram #2, the Giver. I am someone who enjoys putting others before myself. One of the strengths of being a #2 is being able to lead by example. Rather than talk about helping others, I hope my students witness these actions each and every day.

11. My favorite tv show I am currently watching is Ted Lasso. I have to admit I was skeptical at first but there hasn’t been a single episode I didn’t want to last longer. It’s a show that has a little bit of everything and helps ground you every time you watch it.

12. My biggest teaching inspiration was Bro. Dermot. I worked as an apprentice under him as part of the Summer Work Program. He never asked me to do a single thing without first explaining the task. Almost 15 years later that has stuck with me and I try to emulate it with my students.

13. The prayer that brings me the most peace is the Serenity Prayer. I pray this on my way to work each day. These few seconds let me take a breath, be okay with what’s in my control, and have faith in what’s not.

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My favorite sports team is the New York Rangers. This is probably one of the worst-kept secrets in my classroom. Looking forward to a winning season this year…You read it here first!

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The next place I would like to go to on vacation would be Nashville. I am a huge country music fan, which my past homerooms all know. I have country music playing all morning until the 8:05 AM bell. The idea of just walking around, listening to live music, and seeing the future country music stars getting their start sounds like the perfect experience to me.

18. My favorite memory from my student days at Kellenberg was during my sophomore year when I flew down to New Orleans with seven other students and helped rebuild homes after Hurricane Katrina. We spent a week and completed two homes.

19. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because it incorporates two of my favorite things: family and food. It is an all-day affair that starts with the parade and ends with the first Christmas movie of the season. This is a tradition we have done since I was little and now I get to pass it on to my son.

20. My favorite season is fall. I enjoy the cooler weather, pumpkin coffees, and the various fall activities we get to do. There is nothing better than a cool fall night with a fire pit going in the yard!

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MARIA REGINA REUNIONS

Maria Regina Diocesan High School Reunions

To ensure you are notified about future Maria Regina alumni events, please email your updated contact information to alumni@kellenberg.org.

Class of 1971 Reunion Maria Regina Diocesan High School’s class of 1971 celebrated a special reunion on Friday, April 21st. Msgr. Jim Lisante ’70 celebrated Mass in the Maria Regina Chapel, which was followed by a cocktail party in the Millennium Room.

Deborah Drumm ’71 and Linda (McCauley) Burhans ’71

Dan Lamar ’71 and Carol D’Auria ’71

Paula (Fronckwicz) Kenny ’71 and Thomas Henry ’71

Thomas Budelman ’71 and Pamela Snow-Lilly ’71

Members of the Class of 1977

Omni Reunion On May 20th, alumni from many classes of Maria Regina DHS gathered at Kellenberg Memorial to celebrate an all-year reunion gathering. A beautiful Mass was celebrated by Fr. James Donovan, S.J. ’82 in the Maria Regina Chapel, followed by a lively cocktail reception and tours of the the new Jim & Diane Rowen STEM Center.

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Fr. James Donovan, S.J. ’82 celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist using Fr. Desmond’s chalice (featuring diamonds from his mother’s engagement ring).

James Madelmayer ’77 points out his old locker.

Alice (Hoxie) Pasie ’76 and Dennis Valdez ’83 looking at Maria Regina memorabilia.

KAPA

KAPA

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3 1. Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. with Karyn Deem P’24 and Tara (Fitzgerald) Fuentes ’89, P’22,’24 2. Jeanine and Frank Nuccio P’29 3. Kathleen and Andrew Hawkins P’22,’23,’26

1 NIGHT AT THE RACES

On February 11th, current and alumni parents took part in the annual Night at the Races event. Whether win, place, or show, a great time was had by all!

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4. KAPA Moderator Bro. Roger Poletti, S.M. with Suzette Pillig P’22 and Elizabeth Farella P’12,’13

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3 1. Phillip and Joanne Wischerth P’19,’21,’23,’24 with Patricia and Thomas Koetzner P’20,’23,’27 2. Sandra and Michael Nightingale

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P’20,’23,’24 3. Michele and Joseph LoPiccolo P’20,’23

WELCOME TO KAPA SOCIAL

Parents of members of the Class of 2023 gathered at a Welcome to KAPA Social on April 29th. Current KAPA members were on hand to meet and greet the newest alumni parents. A highlight of the night was viewing a video of the seniors while they were on their class trip in Florida!

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4. Stephen and Kathleen Moore P’23

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Alumni Events The Firebird alumni family supports each other and the communities around them in many ways.

ALUMNI ESTABLISH NON-PROFIT TO SUPPORT RARE DISEASE RESEARCH

In August 2019, staff member Jeff Harris ’03 and his wife, Caitlin (Schechter) Harris ’03, welcomed their daughter, Macie Anne, to the world. After her newborn screening, Macie was diagnosed with Pompe disease, which is a rare, lysosomal storage disease causing muscular weakness that eventually leads to impaired mobility and breathing issues. The couple, along with Macie’s big brother, Luke, felt compelled to spread awareness and raise funding for the research of Pompe disease and other rare diseases. Jeff and Caitlin founded Macie’s Mission, a charitable organization that has raised over $125,000 through various events over the past four years. Macie’s Mission proudly supports Dr. Priya Kishnani, a pediatric medical genetics specialist and leading Pompe expert at Duke Children’s Hospital.

Several Firebird alums serve on the organization’s Board of Directors, including Peggy (Ranieri) York ’03, Erin (Toscano) Citrano ’03, Joe Citrano ’03, Justin Michelena ’10, Kevin Murphy ’03, and Bobby York ’01.

ALUMNI & KAPA COMMUNION BREAKFAST

Over 300 Firebird alumni and their families, as well as all alumni parents, attended the Alumni & KAPA Palm Sunday Communion Breakfast on April 2nd, 2023. Following Mass, a breakfast and a special reflection by guest speaker Fr. Pierre Toussaint (Alan) Guiteau, C.F.R. ’04 was enjoyed by all.

To learn more about Macie’s Mission and how you can get involved, please visit maciesmission.org.

BLUE & GOLD ALUMNAE SOCIAL

ALUMNI HELPING HANDS BEACH CLEANUP

On May 21st, Firebird alums partnered with Long Beach Cleanup to help clean the beach. Over 118 lbs of debris was collected and disposed of! After the cleanup, alums met up at Bright Eye Beer Co. (owned by Firebird alum siblings Luke Heneghan ’09 and Keira Heneghan ’11) for a casual gathering.

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HEART & MIND

Blue and Gold alumnae gathered for a social before the 2023 show at Hofstra’s Mack Center. A special thank you to those who generously sponsored the social: Tara (Fitzgerald) Fuentes ’89, Lisa (Healey) Hyland ’89, Ann Marie (Tolle) Reardon ’90, Joyce (Petrarca) Woram ’89, and Paul Capoziello ’91 (Capo Ristorante). Pictured are: Samantha Murphy ’22, Erin Cunnane ’22, and Anna Nealon ’22.

ALUMNI

HEALTHCARE WORKER WELLNESS RETREAT On February 5th, Firebird alumni in the healthcare industry attended a Wellness Retreat on Sunday, February 5th. The day kicked off with Mass at 11 AM, followed by a special presentation by award-winning author, speaker, and editor Gary Jansen ’88, P’21,’26.

Brunch was served and there were various breakout

sessions for attendees to choose from, including guided meditation, chair yoga, and expressive writing.

A highlight of the day was a special presentation

by Mrs. Nicole White, wife of faculty member Mr. Ryan White, who shared her deep appreciation for healthcare professionals. Nicole and Ryan’s third

child, Addison Rose, suffered a traumatic birth injury and relies on not only a ventilator, but also a plethora of therapies and specialized medical care in order to aid her progress and healing. The family is incredibly grateful for all who help them care for Addie, especially her nurses and therapists!

ALUMNI LAW SOCIAL

On March 7th, over 50 alumni and current parents gathered for the Alumni Lawyers Social at the Nassau Country Bar Association. It was a fruitful evening of networking for all! Special thank you to Alumni Board member Adam Rossol ’97 and Alumni Board President Anthony Cantelmo ’97 P’24,’26 for their hard work organizing the event! Pictured at the event are: Nicholas Warywoda ’93 P’22,’26,’28; Sanoj Stephen ’93 P’23; Colleen Kearney ’93 P’25; and Miali Makelele ’93 P’23,’26.

CAREER NIGHT

On May 2nd, nearly 30 alumni returned to campus to share their academic and professional experiences with members of the junior class at Career Night.

Students enjoyed hearing from the Firebird alums who represented many different industries, including healthcare, publishing, civil service, law, aviation, military occupational specialties, and engineering.

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WELCOME HOME!

Members of the classes of 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 returned to campus to celebrate their 20, 15, 10, and 5-year reunions, respectively, on Saturday, June 10th. Alums gathered to celebrate Mass, which was followed by private cocktail receptions.

CLASS OF 2003

John Jensen ’03, John Quirk ’03, and Thomas Leonard ’03 with their Varsity Ice Hockey team photo.

Faculty member Mrs. Peggy (Ranieri) York ’03 and Piernha Marc ’03

CLASS OF 2008

Oliver Gamboa ’08 and his wife, Neshy

Blair Paton ’08 and Jonathan Miller ’08

Brittney (Johnson) Quinn ’08 and her husband, Kevin

Director of Alumni Mr. Thomas Huggard and Brendan Guerrin ’08

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ALUMNI

CLASS OF 2013

David Massa ’13 with faculty member Mrs. Jen Strauss

Matthew Mazzie ’13 and Dan Patton ’13

Anthony Napolitano ’13 and Matthew Weissheier ’13

Connor Powers ’13 with faculty member Mr. Sean Vegas

CLASS OF 2018

Faculty member Mr. Joe Moncada ’09, Tori Smith ’18, John Armioia ’18, Bridget Lapham ’18, Gillian Blackwood ’18,

Catherine Zihal ’18 and Patrick Harinski ’18

Clare Posillico ’18, and Anita Mikowski ’18

Faith Agolia ’18 and Madison Callinan ’18 with faculty

Maria Paradiso ’18, Delany Friel ’18, Christina Benintendi ’18, Julie DeMarco ’18, and Jessica Schweers ’18

member Bro. Peter Sennert, S.M.

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HEART & MIND

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Forever Firebirds Lt. Ryan Mahon ’08 and Samantha (Castagna) Mahon ’08

Lt.

Ryan and Samantha (Castagna) Mahon,

both class of 2008, have been married since

2014. They have a son, Owen (2), and another little boy on the way as of press time! The couple spent the first seven years of marriage living in Virginia

Beach, VA. Ryan is an F-18 pilot in the U.S. Navy

and Samantha, an ICU nurse by trade, is currently

a stay-at-home mom and part-time yoga instructor.

The family currently lives in Old Town, Alexandria in the DC area and will be moving to Japan in November for another tour.

How and when did you meet?

We met at Kellenberg freshman year. We were friendly all throughout high school, but didn’t date until the summer going into senior year of college. We met at RJ Daniel’s in Rockville Centre and we’ve been together ever since.

When and where were you married?

We were married at St. Catherine of Sienna in Franklin Square and the reception was at Westbury Manor. As an active duty Navy couple, we wanted to get married young so we didn’t have to do the distance relationship anymore and we could move around the country together. We were only 24 and the youngest in our friend groups to get married - it was an absolute riot.

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

The best lesson we learned is how important your friends are. After college is all said and done, all the grades you ever received and the money you make at work are just numbers. Life gets really hard sometimes and your family and friends help you through it. Our best friends from Kellenberg are still some of our closest friends today.

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?”

Honestly, we learned that marriage isn’t for everyone.

We each saw couples get divorced while we were at Kellenberg and beyond. We have seen how hard that was on the family, especially the kids. We knew if we were going to get married that each of us had to be 100% “in,” forever. We’re not naive… we were 22 years young when we got engaged and we have seen similar married couples not make it through the difficulties of military life. Some people are mostly “in,” but they let the happy thoughts of wedding planning and social media posts shroud any uncertainties they may hold. Marriage is full of ups and downs, and someone shouldn’t enter into it unless they’re 100% clear in their heart and mind.

CLASSNOTES MARIA REGINA DIOCESAN HIGH SCHOOL

1974

Ann (Foy) Pearson retired from her career as a registered nurse homecare supervisor in November 2021. She is a proud new grandmother.

1988

Donna (Parent) Iaboni serves as a dance teacher, choreographer, and facilities manager for Dance Connection. She is looking forward to being mother-of-the-bride to her daughter, Brooke-Ashley, as she marries her childhood sweetheart in September 2023.

1993

Cassandra Codes-Johnson recently accepted a new position as director of student support services for the Delaware Department of Education. Cassandra is excited about the opportunity to serve educators, students, and families across Delaware’s 19 school districts and 23 charter schools.

John Tartamella was promoted to lieutenant with the Nassau County Police Department in August of 2019 before becoming extremely ill with Covid-19 and retiring in March 2020.

1994

Kiesha Locklear resides in Portland, OR, but is looking forward to coming back to New York to celebrate the 30 year reunion with her classmates!

1990

Carl Curatola is the founder and president of Labor Control Associates LLC, which recently acquired Paramount Safety Consulting Inc. Carl says, “This is our biggest acquisition to date. If you are in the construction industry, please contact us. We may be able to help out on projects.”

1992

Toi Robinson-Trice is a middle school English teacher in Charlotte, NC, and received her Doctor of Divinity degree on September 25, 2021. She is married with four children.

Michael Cerullo is a professional video editor and a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, based in Brooklyn, NY. After graduating from Hofstra University, he moved to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue his career in television. With experiences in both long and short-form editing, he has had the pleasure of working on award-winning projects with networks such as MTV, FOX, Discovery, National Geographic, PBS, Science Channel, and more. He is currently the lead editor on BET Network’s newest show, The Breakfast Club.

1994

John Lehane is an active duty Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps. On June 15, 2023, he assumed command of the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Prior to this assignment, he served overseas for six years, first in the Republic of Korea, and then aboard the USS Blue Ridge homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.

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Kathy (Furlong) Silverio serves as a clinical professor of special education at Hunter College, where fellow Firebird alum Liz (Montemarano) Doherty ’06 serves as an adjunct professor in the Speech and Language Pathology Department and is also a doctoral student in the School of Education’s Ed.D program. The duo originally met 10 years ago while working at P.S. 183 in Manhattan. Kathy and Liz recently reconnected through their shared passion for teaching students with dyslexia using research-based instruction, specifically the Orton Gillingham (OG) approach.

Liz is certified in OG and utilizes it in her own literacy company, Manhattan Speech, Language & Literacy, LLC. In March 2023, Kathy and Liz collaborated to present and share a three-part series called “Dyslexia - What It Is and How to Help Students in the Classroom” for the Hunter College School of Education. They are pictured together at the Everyone Reading Conference in NYC in March 2023, where they both also presented.

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CLASS NOTES

1998

Thomas Chengot, DO is an interventional/structural cardiologist. He has been performing high-risk coronary interventions all over Long Island - from St. Francis, to NYU Langone Long Island, to Good Samaritan University Hospital - for the past 10 years.

John Esposito recently retired from a 20-year career in the United States Navy and began flying 757s and 767s for UPS. He relocated with his wife, Ashley, and daughter, Cora (2), to Louisville, KY. John says, “Any and all are welcome if you find yourself in the area catching a horse race or visiting any of the local bourbon distilleries.”

Karla Jenkins serves as principal at Henry L. Higginson Inclusion School, Boston Public Schools, where she strives every day to cultivate a community of joy, learning, liberation, and genius. She is a staunch advocate for children, youth, and young adults and proudly promotes systems change that impacts those most marginalized in our communities. Karla is often found on the campuses of Boston College, Lynch School of Leadership, and Harvard University coaching and teaching current and future leaders about the art of authentic family and community engagement and its impact on student learning and achievement in schools. She is committed to the cause of ensuring access and equity for BIPOC communities. Proud of her Jamaican roots, Karla also works tirelessly to dismantle systems of oppression while implementing and leveraging culturally responsive anti-racist practices that will benefit the next generation.

Karla holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University Maryland and a master’s degree in education focusing on school improvement leadership from Goucher College. She is the Superintendent of Church School and Director of Christian Education at Bethel AME Church, Boston, and is also a proud member of the Zeta Nu Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

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1998

Erin (Keller) Campanella returned to campus on June 8th to present several Kellenberg Memorial teachers with an autographed copy of her first published novel, Ovel. Grateful for the varied opportunities she was offered during her high school years, Erin thanked on her acknowledgments page the teachers with whom she is photographed, including English teachers Mr. Thomas Huggard and Mrs. Cathy vonSchoenermarck, earth science teacher Bro. Nigel Pratt, S.M., and Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Rosemary Dugal.

1999

John Costa returned from volunteering in Ukraine with the Ukrainian Foreign Legion in May 2023. He had been there since November 2022, when he joined the Ukrainian military as a foreign volunteer. While there, he was deployed to Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine in a small village named Stel’Makhivka. John says, “The unit I was with was Alpha 1 Platoon and was with the 92nd Motorized Brigade of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Force. We were operating less than one kilometer from Russian forces. I also traveled to the cities of Lviv, Kharkiv, and Odesa and made many friends along the way. Sadly we have lost a number of people from the original group that I trained with in Yavoriv, Ukraine; including an American. Please pray for them.” John, who is pictured with a Russian claymore-type mine, is expecting to return to Ukraine in the next 12 months.

Kelly (McCue) Nieves holds a Doctor of Education degree in organizational change and educational leadership. She speaks in high schools and colleges about the importance of the roles teachers play in education and self-care for educators. Kelly also founded a free mentoring program for future and new teachers within private schools in NY. She serves as educational and marketing director for A Childs Place Too, a private school in East Elmhurst, and also as summer camp director for Young People’s Day Camp in Queens. Kelly lives in Levittown, NY, with her husband, Victor, and their two dogs: Sully, a Newfoundland, and Sam, a St. Bernard.

CLASS NOTES

2001

Carmen Granda was the recipient of the 2023 Jeffrey B. Ferguson Memorial Teaching Prize at Amherst College. The Ferguson Prize is awarded to Amherst faculty members who see teaching as an art and vocation, engage in pedagogical innovation in their courses, have a significant impact in their department or program and on the broader curriculum, help students develop foundational skills in the finest liberal arts tradition, inspire students and colleagues alike to cultivate the life of the mind, and have a lasting impact on students’ intellectual and personal development.

service. He has transitioned into a career in technology, leading business development and partnerships teams at Twitter and Lyft, and currently serves as associate vice president of enterprise partnerships at Mural.

2004

2003

John Quirk sends greetings from Southern California, where he is in his fifth year running a wellness retreat company, SoCal Wellness Retreats, which he founded in 2014.

Alex Ticas began his career with the United Nations Annual Department of Public Information/Nongovernmental (DPI/ NGO) Conference. He founded and chaired the Young Professionals Subcommittee which allowed college students and young professionals to share their initiatives and network with NGO leaders and government delegations at the annual conference. In his hometown of Uniondale, NY, Alex co-led St. Martha’s youth group, U Strong. After eight months of galvanizing support for the “U Strong 4 Change” campaign, he was proud to be part of the 2009 launch of the Nassau County Summer Youth Employment Corp, which created 1,000 summer job opportunities for youth in at-risk communities. Alex holds a bachelor of arts degree in international political economy from Fordham University and was the recipient of the University’s Senior Leadership Award for dedicated

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Patrick Regan, Lieutenant Commander (SEAL), retired from the US Navy in October 2022. He and his wife, Meaghan, live in Alexandria, VA, with their children Patrick (5), Leo (4), and Ruth (1).

2005

Edwin Aristor and his wife, Lauren, welcome their son, Jean-Michel, to the Kellenberg Family.

Diana Lea Maisonneuve lives in Southern California and is engaged to be married. She is a graduate of Queens College and currently works for Delta Airlines. Diana wrote a book titled My Tiny Spotted Mind: Too Young for MS, which chronicles her journey with pediatric multiple sclerosis. She says, “I want to thank Kellenberg for keeping me focused when the odds were not in my favor and always reminding me that we are one heart and one mind.”

Catherine (Langon) Tortoso and her husband, Michael, welcomed their second daughter, Maria Catherine, in April 2023. Big sister Siena couldn’t be happier!

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CLASS NOTES

2006

2007

Patricia (Coppola) Graham, who is a cardiac nurse practitioner, and her husband, Dennis ’03, who is a faculty member at Kellenberg Memorial, welcomed their fourth child, Taylor Ann, in May 2023. Big siblings Reegan (6), Conor (3), and Dylan (2) are thrilled with the new arrival!

Michael Geyer married his wife, Nalini Singh, on May 13, 2023, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, NY.

Brendan Guerrin recently started a new job as a store manager at Bob’s Discount Furniture.

Mike Sorkin, a Kellenberg Memorial faculty member, and his wife, Noelle, welcomed their second son, Patrick William, in April 2023.

Michael (2) is a very proud big brother!

Jonathan Wright is engaged to marry his fiancée, Cristina, on November 4, 2023.

2009

Chris Kahn, a faculty member at Kellenberg Memorial, and his wife, Colleen, welcomed their second child, Clare Hayden, in May 2023. Gavin (3) is loving his new role as big brother!

Christopher Lyons, a staff member at Kellenberg Memorial, and his wife, Megan, welcomed their third son, Brody Peter, in March 2023. Big brothers Bryce (3) and Brooks (1.5) are thrilled with the new addition!

Allison Murphy graduated nursing school and became a critical care nurse at Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital.

2008

Paul Szczepaniak and his wife, Lexi, welcomed their first child, James, in December 2022.

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Michaela (Carroll) Bates and her husband, Tim Bates ’05, welcomed their first child, Caroline Joan, in February 2023.

Their dog, Buddy, is enjoying his new role as “big brother!”

Jen Matthews married Grant Funderburk of Spartanburg, SC, at St. Agnes Cathedral on April 29, 2022. The couple lives in Jersey City with their rescue dog, Murphy. Jen celebrates five years with Tishman Speyer in August, and has spent the last four years working on Rockefeller Center (and the Christmas Tree!).

This past fall, she was promoted to operations manager of The Rink at Rockefeller Center, overseeing all aspects of the ice skating rink.

Jen says, “Please visit me at Rockefeller Center anytime!”

CLASS NOTES

2010

2012

2015

Colleen Meenan married Michael Martin on April 15, 2023, at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, CT.

Joanna (Connolly) Pepe married Joseph Pepe on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, 2023, at her home parish, Our Lady of Grace, in Howard Beach, NY. They had their marriage blessed by His Holiness Pope Francis during his Holy Week Papal Audience.

Christina Certa and Luke Porcari are very happy to share they got married in August 2022 at the Church of the Holy Spirit in New Hyde Park, NY.

2013

Danielle Tomlin married James Curcio at St Agnes Cathedral on May 20, 2023.

The reception was held at Bourne Mansion.

Classmates Ryan Harkins and Timothy Faranda were in attendance as groomsmen.

Sr. Regina Ann Tonn, O.P. visited campus on June 6th while in the area for her family visit. Sister Regina has been teaching religion and English at St. John Paul II Catholic School in Avondale, AZ. KELLENBERG.ORG

John Liguori was recently promoted to electromechanical assembly and test technician 2nd class. He was also given his own product line to operate and manage.

Lindsey Wiese and Joseph Malandro dated since 2015 and, after Covid postponements, were married on October 15, 2022. The couple has a daughter, Jacqueline Meadow, and are thrilled to be expecting a baby boy in the summer. Lindsey says, “We are so thankful that Kellenberg brought us together!”

2014

Krista King married Timothy Stauder ‘09 on November 18, 2022. They are both working as physical therapists.

Reid Vorbach recently graduated with a master of science degree in physics-quantum computing from the University of WisconsinMadison. While completing his studies, he also excelled as a teaching assistant/specialist and researcher in UW-Madison’s physics department. Currently, Reid is further expanding on his previous graduate research remotely and continuing as a researcher. He is preparing for his next steps as he discerns between continuing his education as a physics PhD candidate or working in an R&D/engineer position at a national lab. He says, “Thank you, KMHS, for providing the strong foundation that allowed me to acquire the organizational skills and discipline which have been pivotal in getting me to this point in my life.”

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CLASS NOTES

2014

Taylor McLaughlin and Connor Goss were married on December 23, 2022, at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, NY. A reception followed at Bourne Mansion in Oakdale, NY. The couple met as freshmen in Mr. Heitner’s history class and had been dating since sophomore year.

They were thrilled to have so many Firebird alums at their wedding. Back row: Michelle (Goss) Martinelli ’12; Alicen Re ’14; Kathryn Murray ’14; Michael Fulop ’14; Philip Bies ’14; Connor Goss ’14; Taylor (McLaughlin) Goss ’14; Joseph Bernardini ’14; Thomas Gensinger ’14; Adam Napolitano ’15; Jonathan Cioffi ’14; Nicholas King ’15; Daniel Bendig ’16; Samantha Bendig ’19; Rebecca (Silverman) Ciardullo ’14; and Domenick Ciardullo ’14. Middle row: Dylan Healy ’26; Lori (Healey) Healy ’91; Christina DiMasso ’14; Keri Healey-Golus ’94; Peter Herzog ’14; Patrick Agresti ’17; and Tara McCarthy ’16. Front row: Danielle Graziano ’14; Lisa Healey-Hyland ’89; Kaitlin McLaughlin ’11; Sarah (Mahon) King ’14; Stacy Madelmayer ’14; Katelyn Barrett ’14; and Lyndsey (Ruchalski) Robinson ’14.

2016

Ryan Wilkens serves as an associate at Bridgewater Advisors Inc. He recently passed the exam and met the requirements to become a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®).

2017

Anthony DeGennaro and Lauren Mastrianni got engaged on May 6, 2023, in Greenport, NY! 30

HEART & MIND

Christian Pettinato is currently finishing a nine month deployment to the Middle East with the U.S. Army, where he serves as a plans officer providing input and advice to the commander when making strategic decisions around the Middle East. 1LT Pettinato has been to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Iraq during his deployment.

Tina D’Auria is completing an externship at NYU Langone, where she will be shadowing a nurse, this summer.

She looks forward to graduating from Molloy University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in May 2024.

CLASS NOTES

2017 (Continued)

2019

Haley Larkin currently serves as a season ticket sales and service account executive at the New York Yankees. Although her main focus is season tickets, she also sells a full menu of groups and private suites as well. If you’re a Yankee fan and a Firebird, send her a note and get to the Bronx!

Stephanie Conrade and Ryan Romaine visited the Clarendon School for children with differing abilities in London, England, with Molloy University in July 2023. They enjoyed observing classes, interacting with students, and asking the “head teacher” (as they say in the United Kingdom) questions.

2018

Dylan Ambroise graduated from SUNY Binghamton in 2022 and is now a dental student at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He says, “I don’t know if I would be where I am today without the valuable lessons and experiences I gained at Kellenberg Memorial.

I always refer to Kellenberg Memorial as my ‘framework’ or ‘foundation’ because it truly is where I learned self-discipline as well as how to have an open mind and be appreciative for all the things I have in life.”

Paul Christopher recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Penn State, where he is now pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

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Robert Coleman graduated from Molloy University summa cum laude and is heading to Touro Law School to begin studying for his Juris Doctor degree.

Theresa Fox recently graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and was commissioned as an Ensign into the United States Navy.

Alessia Pecorella recently graduated from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in finance and marketing. She will be attending Rutgers University, Jersey City campus, for her Master of Science in Business Fashion degree in the fall.

2020

Elisabeth Casey has been named captain of the St. John’s University Dance team for the 2023-2024 season.

2021

Edward Jansen, a physics major at Adelphi University’s Honors College, had the privilege of taking part in a 10-week summer internship with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program. He and his fellow interns conducted cuttingedge research related to the DOE’s mission: addressing energy and environmental challenges through science and technology.

Edward focused on programming neural networks, the technology behind AI chatbots like ChatGPT, which he then applied to condensed matter materials science - or the study of atoms that make up natural and synthetic materials.

2023

Gianna Tamburrino says, “Thank you for the best four years!!! Kellenberg will always hold a special place in my heart.”

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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.

James Brennan, father of Sharon (Brennan) Schwartz ’98 Kenneth Brown, father of Emily Brown ’25 Eric Burel, father of Eric Burel ’15 Anthony Cammarata, father of Sarah Cammarata ’13 Yvan Delbrune, father of former KMHS staff member Mrs. Yolette Green Billy DeNisco, brother of Joseph DeNisco ’03 Eileen Egan, retired KMHS faculty member Christina Walsh Fischer, mother of John Fischer ’10

Richard Kobbe, father of Michael Kobbe ’05, Jennilyn Kobbe ’07, and Kristen Kobbe ’09

Glenn Miller, father of Kristi Miller ’04 and Jonathan Miller ’08

John Krumm, former KMHS staff member and husband of Mrs. Carol Krumm, former KMHS staff member

Katie O’Connor, mother of Emma O’Connor ’10

Cecelia Lisante, mother of Msgr. James Lisante MR ’70 Barbara Marsala, mother of John Marsala ’93, Michelle (Marsala) Kyriakides ’95, and Anthony Marsala ’00 Jasmin Martinez, mother of Adriel Isaiah Luna ’26 George McCutcheon, father of Mr. Jack McCutcheon MR’75, KMHS faculty and administration member, and grandfather of Michael McCutcheon ’20 and Madison McCutcheon ’22 Richard McGrade, father of Grace McGrade ’28 Dominic McNulty ’01 Alberto Menendez, former Maria Regina faculty member and coach Denise Miles, KMHS staff member and mother of KMHS faculty member Mr. Patrick Miles ’05, Christopher Miles ’07, and Meghan Miles ’09

Frances Poppi, mother of former KMHS faculty member Mr. Lenny Poppi, mother of Grace (Poppi) Jansen P’21,’26, mother-in-law of Gary Jansen ’88, P’21,’26, and grandmother of Eddie Jansen ’21 and Charles Jansen ’26 Susan Reed, mother of Megan (Reed) Best ’03 Mildred Rejas, mother of Ali Rejas ’19 Mario Rinaldi ’90, husband of Michelle (Lederman) Rinaldi ’90 Edward Ronan, father of KMHS faculty member Ms. Erin Ronan, husband of retired KMHS faculty member Mrs. Joanne Ronan, and grandfather of Connor Ronan ’23 Thomas Ryan, father of Matt Ryan ’97, Nicole (Ryan) DiMichele ’00, and Jennifer (Ryan) Hartmann ’02 Linda Settino, mother of Daniel Settino ’20 Constance Stoll, former Maria Regina faculty member and mother of Gerard Stoll MR ’77 and Elizabeth (Stoll) Munro ’79 Kathleen (MacDonald) Stubing MR ’70

Frank Gaspe, husband of KMHS faculty member Mrs. Marilyn Gaspe James Gavigan, father of Patrick Gavigan ’92 Walter Gluck, father of KMHS staff member Mrs. Nancy Wotruba and and the grandfather of Matthew Gluck ’19 and Elle Wotruba ’26 Patricia Gruebel, mother of Mary (Gruebel) Glackin ’98, Chrissie Gruebel ’00, and Francis Gruebel ’05 Pearl Heinlein, daughter of Brian Heinlein ’98 and niece of Kevin Heinlein ’95 and Matthew Heinlein ’04 Charles Hoagland, brother of KMHS Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. Kristine Hopkins ’92 Michael Kenney, father of Colleen Kenny ’05 and Courtney (Kenney) Bernstein ’08 Allison Kiernan ’92

32

HEART & MIND

In Loving Memory of Denise P. Miles On April 29, 2023, Denise P. Miles, Kellenberg Memorial’s Director of Advancement, entered into eternal life after battling several relentless ailments for four months. Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M., reflected on Denise’s impact, saying, “Denise Miles dedicated 25 years of her life to supporting and sustaining Kellenberg Memorial’s Catholic, Marianist education of the heart and mind. Her family was everything to her, especially her children Patrick ’05 (a KMHS history teacher), Chris ’07, and Meghan ’09. Denise and her beloved husband, Brian, served as Presidents of both the Parents Club and KAPA (Kellenberg Alumni Parents Association). Denise also established Kellenberg Memorial’s Advancement Office. Our Shepherd’s Fund, Alumni Association, and most recently, the Spreading Our Wings Capital Campaign, all flourished under her leadership. She excelled at building authentic relationships and engaging with everyone in a meaningful way. We will miss her joy, warmth, encouragement, and welcoming smile.”

In honor of Denise’s dedication to advancing the mission of Kellenberg Memorial, a scholarship fund has been established in her name. The Denise Miles Scholarship Fund will honor Denise’s legacy by providing financial assistance to deserving students in our community seeking a Marianist, Catholic education of the heart and mind. If you would like to make a donation to the scholarship fund, please visit kellenberg.org/giving/dms.

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT

We are grateful to all who make Kellenberg Memorial a philanthropic priority. Your generosity, regardless of the amount, supports an education of the heart and mind, preparing our students to lead exemplary lives of faith, citizenship, and professional excellence. Below are some of the most effective ways you can support our mission.

Donate to the Capital Campaign Your support of our capital projects allows us to transform the world through our unique approach to education by enhancing our academic and co-curricular programs for present day Firebirds and beyond.

Join the Phoenix Legacy Society Planned giving is a gracious way of ensuring that your support will continue to strengthen the future of Marianist Education for many generations to come.

Give an In-Kind Gift Participate in the Day of Giving Do you or someone you know own a business?

Mark your calendar - March 19, 2024! The If so, there are many underwriting opportunities one day of the year when our community comes together across many platforms in the for various schoolwide events that may qualify for tax deductibility* spirit of giving. Funds raised go toward the • Food & Wine Expo Shepherd's Fund.

• One Heart One Mind Benefit Outing & Gala • Numerous Athletic, Alumni, and KAPA events Just to name a few!

Plan a Fireside Chat Let’s make a plan to gather together in support of an initiative that means the most to you or for the overall advancement of Kellenberg Memorial! We are happy to host your next Fireside Chat here in the Kellenberg courtyard or a location of your choice.

Donate to the Shepherd’s Fund Making an annual gift to the Shepherd’s Fund affords our school the opportunity to enhance a variety of initiatives that directly affect all our programs. Most importantly, it provides resources for financial aid.

HELPFUL INFORMATION Tax Identification Number Gifts to Kellenberg Memorial are tax-deductible. Our Tax ID number is 83-2160419. *We recommend that you consult with your legal and financial advisors to learn how an in-kind gift would work in your circumstance.

Matching Gifts Many companies match gifts made to Kellenberg Memorial! Check with your employer or your spouse's employer to possibly double or triple the impact of your donation.

Get in Touch Visit us at kellenberg.org/giving/ or email our office at advancement@kellenberg.org.

Our Advancement team is here to help you navigate through any philanthropic initiative.

Uniondale, NY Permit NO. 10 Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Uniondale, NY Permit NO. 10

KELLENBERG MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL 1400 GLENN CURTISS BOULEVARD UNIONDALE, NY 11553 Change service requested Parents of Alumni, If your son or daughter no longer maintains permanent residence at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of his/her new mailing address at 516-292-0200 x 396 or alumni@kellenberg.org Parents of Alumni,

S AV E S T AV H EE T EE DH AT DAT E

If your son or daughter no longer maintains permanent residence at your home, please notify the Alumni Office of his/her new mailing address at 516-292-0200 x 396 or alumni@kellenberg.org

CALENDAR

OCTOBER 14, 2023 Open House OCTOBER 21, 2023 Food & Wine Expo OCTOBER 28, 2023 Firebird Fall Festival

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 Food & Wine Expo OCTOBER 1, 2022 Open House

SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 OCTOBER 2, 2022 Food & Wine Expo Maria Regina Diocesan High School Class of 1970 - Mass & Brunch OCTOBER 1, 2022

Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland S.M.’s

Open House

Samoyed, Beato (whose name derived OCTOBER 15, is2022 from the Latin word beatus, meaning

KMHS ALUMNI REUNION OCTOBER 2, 2022 Class of 1992 30 Year High Reunion Maria Regina Diocesan School his best “Sammy Smile” during the Class of 1997 25 Year Reunion Class of 1970 Mass & Brunch Day of Giving. Save the date for this both “happy” and “blessed”), flashes

year’s Day of Giving, which will take

OCTOBER 15, 22, 2022 2022 OCTOBER Maria Regina High School KMHS ALUMNIDiocesan REUNION Alumni Reunion Class of 1992 - 30 Year Reunion Class of of 1997 1972 -- 25 50 Year Year Reunion Reunion Class

place on March 19, 2024!

NOVEMBER 12,2022 2022 OCTOBER 22, Maria Regina Regina Diocesan Diocesan High High School School Maria Alumni Reunion Alumni Reunion Class of of 1972 1981 -- Belated Year Reunion Class 50 Year 40 Reunion PLEASE VISIT NOVEMBER 12,KELLENBERG.ORG/ALUMNI 2022 FOR MORE INFORMATION! Maria Regina Diocesan High School Alumni Reunion Class of 1981 - Belated 40 Year Reunion PLEASE VISIT KELLENBERG.ORG/ALUMNI FOR MORE INFORMATION!

Spring Drama Club performance of You Can’t Take It With You

Spring Drama Club performance of You Can’t Take It With You

NOVEMBER 5, 2023 Alumni & KAPA Communion Breakfast NOVEMBER 11, 2023 Maria Regina Class of 1973 50 Year Reunion

NOVEMBER 18, 2023 KAPA Dinner Theatre & Fall Drama Production