Heart & Mind – Spring 2015

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K E L L E N B E R G

M E M O R I A L

F A M I L Y

M A G A Z I N E

NEW TIMES DEMAND NEW METHODS

KMHS Chaplain, Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M. using the iPad in his freshman Scripture class.

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CELEBRATING THE KELLENBERG FAMILY WITH ONE HEART & ONE MIND. for our students and for our faculty. Inside features include stories on the Year of Consecrated Life, featuring three Kellenberg Memorial Alumni, plus a faculty interview with Mr. Kevin Buckley, a renowned History teacher and Track Coach who retired from active coaching this past summer (although he certainly has not disappeared from the track scene!)

Under Brother Kenneth Hoagland’s inspiration and thrust, we have initiated a Development Program for Kellenberg Memorial High School. Now that we are in our twenty-eighth year, we want to assure Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends, I am happy to introduce you to our new alumni publication. The Alumni Newsletter has grown up into a twenty-four page magazine – a growth that parallels our increased alumni activity and development program.

I want to thank Mr. Tom Huggard and Mrs. Denise Miles for their creative work in developing our Alumni Association. I also want to thank Mr. Jack McCutcheon for his work with the Maria Regina Alumni. He was a member of the MR Class of 1975 and has brought the MR Alumni into the fold.

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fiscal stability for the future and invite our alumni to aid in this effort. Brother Kenneth has established a committee called SKOPOS. This committee will be the driving force in our development efforts. A note on the use of the word SKOPOS: our school is named after Bishop Walter P. Kellenberg, the founding Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre. The English word Episcopal is the Greek/Latin word for Bishop – an overseer, someone who oversees a Diocese. The Greek is EPI-SKOPEIN, which is translated as over-seeing. You will notice the English derivative from the Greek verb scopein in our English words scope, microscope, etc.

The title of the magazine is “Heart and

Our SKOPOS committee will be the energy

Mind.” This issue’s cover story is on the

and enthusiasm behind our Development

iPad introduction to our Freshman Division.

Program.

It is amazing to see students in the Fresh-

I cordially invite you to check our website

man hallways with no backpack of books

which carries all the current events of Kel-

or notebooks. They just carry their iPad!

lenberg Memorial. You will see the very

This story will tell you about the wonder-

successful athletic seasons in the fall and in

ful success that whole program has been

the winter, both boys and girls varsity sports.

Right now, the school has been overtaken by the intense practice for Blue and Gold — always an unforgettable experience for our young women. As you know, a few years ago we installed solar panels for hot water. Our school is heated by a hot water system and these panels have been of great savings for us. We are currently installing an 840 panel electrical solar system on our roofs. We hope that these two renovations will not only be environmentally an improvement, but also a financial savings.

We have just completed the whole changeover of all the school lighting from fluorescent, incandescent, mercury vapor, etc. to LED lighting. The Government was very generous in supporting 90% of this changeover. As you know, the LED bulb is quite a modern improvement in lighting, using much less electricity than the other types of lighting fixtures.

We admire the stamina and perseverance of our spring sports programs as we await day after day for a harbinger of spring! Our early practices were hampered by a snow covered and ice based coating on all our athletic facilities.

May the continued blessings of Jesus’ Resurrection resonate in your life and in your families!

Fr. Phillip Eichner, S.M.

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4 SCHOOL NEWS 1 2 SPORTS NEWS 1 4 C OV E R S T O R Y: B R I D G I N G T H E G A P B E T W E E N T E C H N O L O G Y A N D E D U C AT I O N 1 6 F E AT U R E : T H E C O N S E C R AT E D L I F E 1 8 T E AC H E R A P P R E C I AT I O N : A F E W M I N U T E S W I T H M R . B U C K L E Y 1 9 A L U M N I S P O T L I G H T: S I G H T F O R YO U N G E Y E S 20 CLASS NOTES 2 2 S AV E T H E DAT E

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Heart & Mind, the magazine of Kellenberg Memorial High School, is published twice a year and distributed to all alumni and alumnae, parents, alumni parents, faculty, administration, and friends of KMHS.

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N

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President Rev. Philip Eichner, S.M. Principal Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. 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 James McBrien ’89 Vice President Hilary (Cunningham) McDevitt ’93 Vice President Patricia Kearney ’97 Vice President Kelly (Agostinacchio) Forquignon ’99 Vice President John Scatamacchia ’00 EDITORIAL

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Editor in Chief Mr. Thomas Huggard Creative Director Amanda (Rances) Wang ’96

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ALUMNI BOARD In 2014, Kellenberg Memorial established its first official Alumni Board.

According to its by-laws, “The mission of the Alumni Association is to provide opportunities for all Kellenberg Memorial High School alumni to maintain contact with each other and the school. This is done through Kellenberg publications, the marketing of Kellenberg merchandise, and the organization of chapters, reunions, and other social events.” We are pleased to announce the officers of this board who will serve for two years: President james mcbrien ’89, Vice Presidents hilary (cunningham) mcdevitt ’93, patricia kearney ’97, kelly (agostinacchio) forquignon ’99, and john scatamacchia ’00. To read a brief biography on each of the board members, go to www.kellenberg.org and click on the tab marked “alumni” at the top of the page.

CLASS OF ’89 REUNION In September 2014, the Class of ’89 gathered in the KMHS Millennium Room to celebrate their 25th Reunion. Photo below: Reunion Committee members james mcbrien, christine (o’hal) allen, anthony giordano, lisa (healey) hyland, john noak, mike mcenerney with brother david and mr. huggard.

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FOOD & WINE EXPO On September 27, 2014, KMHS once again hosted the Food and Wine Expo, under the direction of mrs. denise miles, chris alfalla ’94, peggy (ranieri) york ’03, matt kirk ’04, and kim lastig ’09.

This year the event was coordinated with the Parents Cocktail Party and was open to all alumni, current parents and KAPA parents. Dozens of local restaurants and wine merchants brought savory tastings for all to sample and enjoy.

father philip with katie rissetto ’07 and brittany soto ’07; kelli lastig ’11, melanie vigario ’07, and kelly lawrence ’09.

MARIA REGINA REUNION On November 8, 2014 the Maria Regina Class of 1974 gathered in the KMHS Millennium Room to celebrate their 30 Year Reunion. Mrs. Denise Miles, Director of Advancement, and Mr. Jack McCutcheon, MR ’75, are very interested in fostering the relationship between all Maria Regina alumni and Kellenberg Memorial. They can be reached at mrsmiles@kellenberg.org and mrmccutcheon@kellenberg.org.

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CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Kellenberg Memorial once again was filled with Christmas spirit. father thomas (below) was the principal celebrant at Midnight Mass as current students and parents joined alumni and KAPA parents in celebrating Christ’s birth. Seniors andrew mcpherson and justin bell (right) go the extra mile in entertaining the student body at the Advent prayer service.

Each homeroom was decorated with its own tree as the students enjoyed the friendly competition of door and room decorating.

MAGNIFICAT DINNER claudy (damus) makelele ’93 was the speaker at this year’s Magnificat Dinner in December, a night for the young ladies of KMHS and their mothers. She is the principal of the Essence School in Brooklyn, as well as the Senior Director for the Office of School Wellness Programs for NYC. She spoke to the young women about the importance of hard work and persistence in achieving their goals, and she thanked her mother (photo below) for her support over the years. Finally, she emphasized the importance of maintaining a relationship with Jesus throughout their lives.

Her talk was followed by dinner and dancing — a truly enjoyable evening for all!

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THANKSGIVING VISIT On Wednesday, November 26th, the halls of KMHS were filled with young alumni who made it a point to beginning their Thanksgiving holiday with a visit to their alma mater. Several hundred alumni came to the school Mass, which was followed by a brunch in the gymnasium, where they caught up with one another and faculty. Photo below: rose haslbauer ’14, jackie howfield ’14, erin von elm ’14, and kathryn ulicny ’14; Photos right: julia luciani ’14 and adrian laudani ’14; sal ruffino ’14 and bianca camarda ’14; mr. john heitner and phil bies ’14.

CAROUSEL: A RIDE TO REMEMBER

Packed houses filled the Kellenberg auditorium in November to watch the Drama Club, under the direction of Mr. Denis Murphy, perform the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. austin nalaboff ’15 and courtney o’shea ’16 (upper right) brought the stormy and troubled relationship between Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan to life in a moving and memorable fashion.

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LENTEN PILGRIMAGE Six hundred freshmen marched a mile-and-a-half to go on a Lenten Pilgrimage to view the film, “Jerusalem,” at the Cradle of Aviation Museum. The documentary included the stories of three teenage girls — a Christian, a Jew and a Muslim — living in the city from which Jesus was taken to Golgotha and crucified.

PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND This February, five Kellenberg juniors, charles russell, jon michael connolly, tara noble, victoria rubino and fiona danyko, joined with other Catholic and Jewish juniors from Long Island on a spiritual, educational, and life changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The other students participating were selected from Jewish and Catholic communities on Long Island. The students were accompanied by two Jewish moderators and Brother Michael Gillen, S.M. The purpose of the trip, which was under the sponsorship of Mr. Roger Tilles, was to join together twelve Catholic and Jewish high school juniors to understand the Jewish and the Catholic faiths more deeply. Upon their return, they shared their experiences with classmates during their religion classes.

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STUDENTS TRAIN FOR EMT Under the direction of moderator Mr. Paul Ditrano, KMHS physics teacher, seniors have the opportunity to take part in a year-long EMT training program that is run in cooperation with the Nassau County Emergency Medical Services Academy. Students have the opportunity to become New York State certified Emergency Medical Technicians. In order to be certified, students must attend 120 hours of evening classes and pass all requisite training and testing.

ST. JOSEPH’S MISSION

Brother Roger and Miss Erin Ronan led over thirty Kellenberg students over February break in a weeklong mission to rebuild homes that were damaged during Hurricane Sandy in the tenth annual St. Joseph’s Mission. Volunteers from Kellenberg and Chaminade, led by Father Garrett Long, partnered with local organizations to help those in desperate need. Students spent the week reconstructing houses by putting up insulation and drywall, “mudding” and spackling, sanding, painting, and cleaning out materials. Throughout the week, the volunteers made major contributions to the restoration of four needy houses on Long Island.

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KMHS PARTICIPATE IN D.C.’S MARCH FOR LIFE

In January, over 50 KMHS juniors, accompanied by faculty and alumni, joined thousands of protesters in Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life. Before the March, the students had the opportunity to visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, which vividly portrayed the suffering that the students had been learning about in their study of Man’s Search for Meaning in religion class. They also celebrated Mass in one of the chapels of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TAKES FIRST Under the direction of Brother Nigel, Kellenberg placed first in the Science Olympiad Regionals that took place at the school. Kellenberg competed against 34 other schools.

Congratulations, Olympians!

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MARIANIST MAKEOVERS BRING A NEW LOOK

From the books to the bleachers, Kellenberg Memorial has been diligent in upgrading its facilities. Last summer, the gym underwent a major renovation with new bleachers and windows highlighting the project. To assist with the new technology, the library was reconfigured to feature a Help Center that is available to all students and faculty throughout the day. Lastly, stained glass windows were installed in the library. They are from the former Marianist novitiate in Marcy, New York — where many of the more “experienced” KMHS Brothers began their formation.

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GIRLS & BOYS BASKETBALL BRILLIANCE The boys and girls basketball programs had some of the most successful seasons in Kellenberg history. Congratulations to the Boys Basketball program, which was recently honored with the James Greene Sportsmanship Award for the 2014-2015 season. This award is given each year to the Long Island high school basketball program that excels above and beyond expectations of sportsmanship, integrity, and honor in high school basketball. The girls varsity basketball team captured the NSCHSAA Class A Championship by defeating St. John the Baptist by the score of 68-67. From there the girls advanced all the way to the State Finals. Congratulations to all!

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HITTING A HOMERUN FOR AWARENESS On April 18th, the Varsity Softball team held its annual benefit game. This year’s game was held to benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Recently, Senior pitcher Katherine Piorkowski’s father, Steven, passed away from this disease. The team was able to raise over $7,000 to support this worthwhile cause.

CROSS COUNTRY EXCELLENCE Senior Jazmine Fray’s second place finish, junior Deirdre Lewin’s fifth place finish, along with exceptional performances by seniors Raquel Lopez, Kate Elnick, Emily O’Hara, Rebecca Marks, and junior Sarah Newman cemented for Head Coach, Mr. Marty Brown, the Lady Firebirds first-ever League Cross Country team title. On a beautiful Sunday in October at Sunken Meadow State Park not only did the Varsity squad win, but both Freshman and Junior Varsity squads won their respective titles to complete the sweep!

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BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND EDUCATION

By Mr. Kenneth Frank, KMHS English and Computer Teacher

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last year has seen tremendous activity among the faculty and student body at Kellenberg as we prepared for and implemented a 1:1 iPad program with the freshman class. While the excitement and opportunities afforded by this new technology have been inspiring, adapting a time-tested curriculum to new methods can be challenging.

After surveying the field of options, we as a faculty decided to forgo both conventional printed textbooks and publishers’ new attempts at educational ebooks in favor of creating our own course materials for our freshman classes. This past September, when the Class of 2018 began their studies 14

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at KMHS, they did so with these brand new digital texts written by our faculty. Though it was a demanding workload that required the coordinated efforts of all teachers, we are proud of our successes in transitioning to the new classroom technology.

Kellenberg was uniquely positioned to take on the task of authoring its own course materials. Since we are not limited by the New York State Regents’ Exams or Common Core State Standards, we were free to choose exactly the content and methods we thought most effective for our learning environment.

In looking over our options from major publishing companies, the consistent theme

across all disciplines was the editorial decision to cater books and learning materials to these state and nationwide initiatives. Simply put, they were not written for us, and we felt that we could rise to the challenge ourselves. This decision was not entered into lightly. As any student who has lugged a bulging freshman backpack through the halls will tell you, coordinating the sheer bulk of information presented in textbooks and all other manner of learning materials (in a matter of months) would be a daunting task.

With typical enthusiasm, the faculty rose to the challenge with the aid of impressive 21st century tools. Making great use of

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BELOW: mr. joseph beyrouty ’92 teaching his juniors British literature with the help of the iPad.

Members of the Class of 2018 were introduced to the new technology during AAA; with the help of faculty and staff, the students were able to adapt quite easily to this pedagogical innovation.

Creative Commons media, Open Educational Resources (or, OERs as they are known in the educational technology field), and public domain work, the faculty curated the best available content for their teaching. Then, drawing on their experience and personal expertise, they were able to harness the best features of our new technology to deliver instruction that is more timely, more personal, and more engaging to our students. Instead of a static map in a history textbook, students can zoom directly into the Pyramids of Giza and see them at street level. When reading the poetry of Robert Frost, the poet’s voice can accompany the experience. The key elements of a day’s math lesson can be viewed again while the student completes his homework assignment by watching a video embedded in the digital textbook. Indeed, we have extended the class experience to beyond the four walls of an individual room.

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our growth was also occurring. The I.T. staff, in conjunction with independent consultants and learning organizations, provided comprehensive professional development to increase faculty comfort and understanding of the iPad as a teaching and learning device. Teachers learned the software and teaching practices to best support their newly created materials.

As this redefinition of the Kellenberg learning environment has taken place, it is important to note that the content and the message of our teaching has remained constant.

We continue to teach a classical curriculum rooted in and informed by the Catholic faith.

Now, we are extending the reach of that teaching through new means. In fact, we have taken as this year’s motto the axiom, “New times demand new methods.” The character and personality of the Kellenberg education remains the same and is, in fact, strengthened by this transition to the use of our own educational materials.

In support of this endeavor, as the sophomore

teachers build their materials for next year, a new piece of technology, entirely unique to Kellenberg, has surfaced. It is known, in very exclusive circles, as the “Buckley widget.” As a student reads through the new digital text for European History, he will be greeted by the image of this great Kellenberg treasure. When the student taps on the image, Mr. Buckley will explain, in his own words, some key facet of that particular history lesson. Those who know and remember Mr. Buckley well might find it suitably ironic that he will teach on, in perpetuity perhaps, through a piece of HTML. However, it is this very juxtaposition of the classical and the modern, the timeless and the contemporary, that we hope to show the students of KMHS. We continue to work tirelessly to create an inspiring learning environment for our students and hope for further success in our technological initiative. ❖

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KMHS proudly celebrates three alumni who have dedicated themselves to living the consecrated life: Bro. Daniel Griffin, S.M. (Class of 2002), Sr. Ann Thomas (Caroline) Bamburek, O.P. (Class of 2009), and Br. Pierre Touissant (Alan) Guiteau, C.F.R. (Class of 2004).

THE CONSECRATED LIFE “WAKE UP THE WORLD! BE WITNESSES OF A DIFFERENT WAY OF ACTING, OF LIVING!”

By Mrs. Trista Harnisch, Director of KMHS Retreats

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2013, Pope Francis declared that the coming year would be the Year of Consecrated Life, dedicated to the courageous lives of our holy religious and consecrated brothers and sisters in the Church. The Holy Father’s intention for this year is for consecrated men and women to show how their lives are witnesses of communion, of joy, and of the Gospel. In his letter calling for this special year, Pope Francis says, “I am counting on you to ‘wake up the world,’ since the distinctive sign of consecrated life is prophecy. This is the priority that is needed right now.” The Year of Consecrated Life began November 30, 2014, the First Sunday of Advent, and it

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will close on the World Day of Consecrated Life, February 2, 2016.

Kellenberg Memorial High School proudly recognizes three alumni who have been called to live the consecrated life as either a brother or sister: sr. ann thomas (caroline) bamburek, o.p. ’09, br. pierre touissant (alan) guiteau, c.f.r. ’04, and bro. daniel griffin, s.m. ’02.

Sr. Ann Thomas, in this Year of Consecrated Life, how would you say you are living out your vocation?

I am living out my vocation to follow Christ more closely as a consecrated woman as a Dominican Sister of St. Cecilia. Having public-

ly professed the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience, I am dedicated to God and His Church. Our congregation, the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia, is a contemplative-active religious community with the apostolate of education. So right now I am living out my obedience as I study in preparation for teaching in the apostolate.IlivedatourMotherhouseinNashville, TN and study at Aquinas College working toward a B.S. in History in the School of Education.

What are some aspects that you really enjoy about your vocation that some people may not know about?

There are many aspects that I love about my vocation. When you’re living according to God’s

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plan for you, you’re going to be filled with deep peace and joy even during the difficult times.

That being said, when I was discerning religious life I thought that following the same horarium (schedule) every day, with fixed times for prayer, study, recreation, meals etc. would be boring.

But actually, it provides a rhythm with God always at the center. Even though the horarium is the same, no day is the same. Each day is an adventure with Christ. Another aspect of our life that I enjoy is the silence. We spend parts of our day in silence so that we can be in communion with God and pray always. I thought this would be difficult, and it was at first, coming from our very “noisy” world, but I quickly grew to love it. One of the mottoes of Dominican life is “to contemplate and to share with others the fruits of our contemplation.” The silence fosters this contemplation of God. Did your time at Kellenberg play a role in your vocation story?

Kellenberg played a big role in my ability to recognize and follow God’s call. I’m very grateful to Kellenberg because it was there that I developed a real personal relationship with Christ and grew in faith. It was also at Kellenberg where I was encouraged to discern a religious vocation.

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and helped me to grow in the spiritual life and discern my vocation. The support and advice I received from the Brothers and the faculty were indispensable. As the students know, there are many religious activities at Kellenberg. While they all positively impacted my spiritual life, it was XLT that had the greatest impact. Before coming to Kellenberg, I had not really been exposed to Eucharistic Adoration. So, praying in front of our Eucharistic Lord during XLT really changed my life. It was during those encounters with Jesus in the Eucharist that I developed a deeper prayer life that led me to know the truth of God’s unconditional love for us. This further disposed me to listen to what God was whispering in my heart.

Turning to Bro. Daniel, how would you say you are living out your vocation?

I am living out my vocation by bringing young people closer to Jesus Christ through his Blessed Mother Mary. I hope that young people see in my vocation that this life is not where we find fulfillment, but rather it is in a relationship with Jesus Christ that we will find fulfillment. I am currently teaching History of Salvation I, or Scripture, as we call it at KMHS. A big part of my ministry is also in pastoral and guidance counseling.

And what are some aspects that you really enjoy about your vocation that some people may not know about?

I love being around young people and being a part of their life at such a vital point of their religious and spiritual formation. There is not a day that goes by without a young person bringing a smile to my face! I try my best to see the face of Jesus in all of our students.

Did your time at Kellenberg play a role in your vocation story?

Kellenberg was a very special place and an integral part of my vocation story. I really grew as a person when I attended Kellenberg. I joined a lot of activities and loved growing in my spirituality. My religion classes were very formative, but even more important were the relationships that grew between my teachers, staff, and fellow students. I learned what community was all about by living and growing in the Kellenberg Community. Since I was a little boy, I wanted to become a priest or a teacher, and when I met

the Brothers at KMHS, I felt like they had the best of both worlds!

Finally, Br. Pierre Touissant, how would you say you are living out your vocation?

I’m living out my vocation to poverty, chastity, and obedience just by being faithful to the rule and the constitutions that we have. St. Francis says very beautifully our primary rule is the Gospels, and so I’m just trying my best to be a good Christian, giving food to the poor, loving my brothers in whatever context I can. Really trying to fulfill His commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

And what are some aspects that you really enjoy about your vocation that some people may not know about?

An aspect of my vocation that I enjoy that might be a little bit of a secret is the public witness, which is twofold. First of all, since I am wearing full habit, people look at me very funny, so you just get into weird conversations. But, I love walking down the streets, knowing that everybody is going to be looking at me, turning around really quickly to catch them staring at me, but then that starts a real conversation.

Secondly, by my sincere public witness in habit, people know that you’re different, and so they tend to trust you with things. Sometimes they’ll walk up to me, “Hey Brother, I’ve got this and that going on in my life, can you pray for me?”

It’s those aspects that I really enjoy.

Did your time at Kellenberg play a role in your vocation story?

Kellenberg is often known as the school that never sleeps. And, oftentimes having practices for basketball or baseball, whatever it was, looking back on it, I was asked to give a lot of myself. I found I was being fulfilled in giving of myself, whether it be to my team or to PREP or whatever.

It helped me realize that I like giving myself to other people in that respect. And also too, in regards to the sports, it’s kind of like a communal life, and that has helped me with living in community.

As we continue in this Year of Consecrated Life, Pope Francis asks us to “look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion, and to embrace the future with hope.” Sr. Ann Thomas, Bro. Daniel, and Br. Pierre Touissant would like to Continue to page 23.

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A FEW MINUTES WITH MR. BUCKLEY

By Amanda (Rances) Wang ’96

In what ways have you and your teaching changed over the years? I started out teaching at an all boys school in Manhattan in 1972.

When I transitioned here to this school (then St. Agnes), it was the first time I taught girls. I thought I had to be something else than I was. I forced myself to hold back instead of just being my usually vocal, and outgoing self. It was an adjustment, but once I realized I could be myself as a teacher, then everything became easier. The more years you do it, the more confident and comfortable you become.

In the back of your mind, however, there’s always the possibility you run into a class that’s going to be a disaster and too tough to handle. I’m never so cocky as to think that I’ve got it all made. Once you think you’ve figured it all out — there’s too much hubris there. As I’ve told some of the teachers, never feel like you mastered it; it just doesn’t work that way.

What do you think is the key to opening up a student to a world of learning? I tried to get the students to be themselves, and I want them to see me for who I am as well — that I’m just trying to be myself and not trying to put on any airs. I’ve always respected the kids so I have to continue to keep respecting each kid as 18

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an individual.

As Fr. Phillip always says, you have to be passionate in what you do. If you’re passionate about teaching the subject, I think it translates.

They see the passion and maybe a few of them become passionate themselves. If they don’t get passionate about European History, maybe it translates over to something else, whether it’s another subject, Science Olympiad, or even a sport.

I love what I’m doing and I continue to love what I’m doing. Even when I got killed in the classroom early in my transition from the city to Long Island, I knew I was supposed to be doing this. Even when I was in high school, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I was very much influenced by the teachers who taught me.

Did you have a favorite teacher growing up? I have so many teachers who were influential. Even if the person wasn’t a great teacher, if he or she was a good person, they influenced me. In high school one of the best teachers I had was named Brother Roland Dubois. He taught religion and geometry. He was an outstanding math teacher. There was no way that I was going to get 100% on geometry

regents exams, but he was very good and very concerned about the kids. He played sports with the kids — he was like one of the regular guys. He was tough but you knew he was looking out for his students. There were so many great, influential teachers and what they had in common is that they had just been themselves. I loved the education I got.

What is the best part about being a teacher? I obviously enjoy the teaching, and I just retired from coaching after 40 years — I love all that stuff. I loved the people I work with. I mean you’re not going to love everybody but I really enjoy the people. And I do really like the kids. They’re basically good kids. I get the easiest and smartest kids; they’re personable.

Here at Kellenberg, there’s a great Christian atmosphere. And I’m a practicing Catholic and this school has all these things for the kids. It exposes them to this great foundation.

A lot of them are going to go to college and say, “The heck with it!” but there’s always that foundation they can come back to.

And here, the atmosphere is unbelievably safe compared to other places. If people notice someone getting picked on or something, somebody tries to do something. People are

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a lu m n i s p o t l i g h t

concerned about each other. I mean you’re going to get your isolated incidents with 2500 kids — of course there will be problems.

It’s not all “Pollyanna,” but on average, people care for each other — the teachers care for the kids, the kids care for each other, the teachers care for the other teachers.

What has coaching track meant to you?

Track embodies a work ethic; it’s a lifetime sport. Not that I ran well. I didn’t like running. I didn’t have good track coaches growing up. But as a coach, I wound up doing track, and it became my passion for forty years, even though it was not where I started. It was one of my early career moves. Somehow it just became my passion — I didn’t want to do anything else. Track athletes — both boys and girls — are a special breed. They can just focus and they tend to be the better students. If they’re not the greatest student, they tend to be hard working students. Their interaction with each other is just wonderful.

Again, coaching is just like teaching, the athletes see you have the passion and they’ll pick up the passion as well. We had so many coaches and assistant coaches from all different backgrounds and ages who had so much interest in them. The athletes can see that.

Perhaps the best career move was leaving the city. I had to take a chance — I didn’t want to die with the sport in the city. The younger athletes in the track program didn’t want to be there. So I took a chance and went for a different education route for the sport. I left the teaching job that I was happy with for track. And track worked out well for quite a while. I struggled with the teaching early on in the transition. But I hung in there, and eventually you overcome your obstacles.

What does the Kelleberg Family mean to you? The Kellenberg Family means a lot to me. If I’m not doing this anymore, I’m going to miss it because everyone has been so good. Working with the teachers and administrators — I’m not trying to brown them up or anything — but Bro. Kenneth has Continue to page 23 K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

SIGHT FOR YOUNG EYES photos by Rob Loud ‘97

This year jessica (parrinelli) darcy ’97 launched a new business venture, funoogles, a company that creates customizable eyewear for children. Based on her experiences with her young daughter, who was unhappy having to wear the same classes every day, Jessica came up with an idea for a way for children to express their creativity, assert their individuality, and boost their self-esteem. They were recently featured on The View as part of a “Must Have Monday” segment which highlighted noteworthy products for children. Jessica describes her products as “fun, fashionable, and easy to interchange…each set of eyewear gives kids a unique look and parents an affordable way to keep their children in style.” While funoogles products are made in America, Jessica’s

purpose spans the globe. According to Jessica, she was inspired “to establish a profitable business model with a social mission.” Realizing how many children around the world lack proper eye care, Jessica and her husband, pat ’96 traveled to Santiago in the Dominican Republic to partner with the Volunteer Health Program and provide sunglasses to children who received cataract, strabismus, and other vision saving surgeries. Jessica invited photographer and friend, Rob Loud ’97 to join them on this mission trip and chronicle this unforgettable experience. For more information on funoogles, go to www.funoogles.com.

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c lass notes

kmhs 2011 classmates, james corino (usma - west point) and Theo miller (usna - annapolis) caught up at the army-navy game in december 2014.

laura hammond ‘04 and stephen bonventre chs ‘02 gather with family and friends from kellenberg for a group picture on their wedding day.

’89

’06

mark diaz is a stage carpenter on Broadway for the Shubert Organization.

currently Chief Resident of Orthopedic Surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida.

’91

’04

lygia day (peñaflor) szelwach is a young adult author and teacher to child actors on television and movie sets. Her debut novel, FILMING THE LOCALS, about a young actress struggling with her mother’s expectations and her ambitious director’s edgy script, will be published by Macmillan/Roaring Brook spring 2016.

’00

erin (bates) ropelewski is married to Major Adam Ropelewski of 3DCAV Regiment at Fort Hood.

They have 3 girls: Brynn 7, Jillian 3, Emmelyn, 1. Erin is working on her masters in nursing education from Georgetown University.

’01

marc ialenti is engaged to Lauren Prestianni. He is

20 H E A R T & M I N D

Laura Hammond married Stephen Bonventre CHS ‘02 on September 28, 2013.

Both originally from Massapequa Park, they met at the College of the Holy Cross in 2004 and currently live in Chatham, New Jersey. Laura teaches fifth grade at Holy Family School in Florham Park, New Jersey

’05

adriana estevez graduated from George Washington University with a B.S. in Political Science, International Affairs and Philosophy. She graduated from Catholic Law School in 2013 with a Juris Doctor Law degree. She is currently working in a law firm in Virginia where she resides. In April 2015 she married Brian Ceres.

kelly bourgal is getting married in May 2015 and works in Queens as a 6th grade special education teacher.

’07

michael banks is a video editor in the sports division of NeuLion in Plainview.

’08

michael adamo is a co-founder and COO of Three Piece Suit Productions, a design service company that specializes in animation and motion graphics, graphic design and post-productions.

’11

dan zider was featured on the cover of Adelphi University’s magazine for the Robert B. Willumstad School of Business.

’12

nicholas adamo is currently in his junior year at Manhattan College as a Civil Engineering Major. He has been on the Dean’s Honor List every semester.

He is a 2nd year team member of the Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field Teams. He was recently the recipient of the Metro NY/NJ Chapter of Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) 2014 Scholarship. He made the MAAC All-Academic Team for Manhattan College Division 1. nicholas copoulus is currently in his junior year at SUNY Maritime College studying to become a 3rd Mat Merchant Mariner. eric dittmeier was selected to the All Conference 2nd team for the 2014 Lacrosse season at Misericordia University and named co-captain for the 2015 season. kiran swamy was unanimously elected President of Kappa Sigma at Sacred Heart University.

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c l a ss n o t es

tess doriliio ’13

’13

Tess Dorilio and Kirsten Wosleger ’12, are part of the No. 1 Catholic University of America women’s soccer team that resoundingly claimed the Landmark Conference Championship Title on Saturday, November 8th, defeating the No. 3 University of Scranton Royals on the CUA soccer field this past November.

the nasso family: tom, shane, danny, jimmy and kids sport their new gear from the kellenberg bookstore.

maiya kasprzyk has published two books under her pen name, Maiya Angeline. As a candidate for the Nassau County Poet Laureate, she has written Wounded Healer and The Theoretical Haiku through Blurb Independent.

Kellenberg Memorial High School is very proud of Nassau County Police Officer matthew andoos, class of ’98, whose recent heroism saved three lives from a house fire in Uniondale.

Congratulations to joseph grima, class of ‘98, who was promoted to the rank of Captain with the New York City Department of Correction.

Congratulations to Kellenberg alumna trish torrales, class of ‘11, who was featured on this past season of American Idol.

kylie pearse, class of ‘11 took first place

father tom baptized lia noel towers who was born on december 16, 2014. her parents are john and carlina (campagnola) towers, class of 2002. also in photo are michael towers ‘06, marc compagnola ‘07, and dianna towers ‘08.

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to lead the Bucknell women’s cross country team to its fourth invitational win of the season at Gettysburg College. The Bison also sent 10 runners to the highly-competitive Princeton Invitational, where they took an impressive fifth place out of 35 teams.

HEART & MIND

21

sav e t h e dat e

FLOWERS, FAIRWAYS & FUN:

MONDAY, JUNE 1ST 24TH ANNUAL BENEFIT OUTING

On Monday, June 1st, 2015, KMHS will be hosting its annual Benefit Outing. It will include the options of a presentation on floral arrangements or a day of golf at three top-rated golf courses on Long Island, followed by dinner and a auction back at the Seawane Club. For more information, contact Mrs. Jill Mollitor at benefit@kellenberg.org or (516) 292-0200, ext. 272.

JOIN US FOR ALUMNI DAY ON JUNE 27TH

TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR REUNION ON SATURDAY, JUNE 20TH CLASS OF

’95 ’05 CLASS OF

AND ON SEPT. 12TH...

For more information please contact Mr. Chris Alfalla ’94, Assistant Director of Alumni, at mralfalla@kellenberg.org.

22 H E A R T & M I N D

CLASS OF

’00 ’10 ’90 CLASS OF

CLASS OF

For more information go to kellenberg.org and click on reunions.

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THE SHEPHERD’S FUND “New times demand new methods.” Inspired by these words from the founder of the Marianists, Blessed William Joseph Chaminade, we are launching our first appeal to the entire Kellenberg Memorial Family. We are seeking support for the future welfare of our school. The goal for the Shepherd’s Fund Appeal is $250,000, which we feel is quite realistic and achievable knowing that so many of our alumni, parents, KAPA, grandparents and friends will answer the call to support Kellenberg Memorial High School.

The Shepherd’s Fund is made up of annual unrestricted funds which afford our school the opportunity to take a variety of initiatives that directly affect all of our programs each day:

• • • • •

Scholarship support Improving technology and classroom resources.

Faculty enrichment programs.

Enhancing the programs and services offered to the students.

Initiating capital improvement projects.

As we move forward with a plan for success, we hope you will accept this opportunity to invest in Kellenberg Memorial. We thank you for coming forward in a meaningful way to support Kellenberg Memorial High School’s strong traditions of education and service. For more information on how to support the Shepherd’s Fund, go to shepherdsfund.kellenberg.org or contact Mrs. Denise Miles, Director of Advancement, (516) 292-0200 x245.

“A Few Minutes with Mr. Buckley” continued from page 19. been wonderful and has been here for years. They understand stuff. Is everything always like, 100%? No, but you know if something goes wrong, it only goes wrong for a day. It’s just there are good people to work with. You’ve got Christian commitment. The percentage of phonies who work here is almost nil. There’s a genuineness that comes from the people here. And you have the graduates coming back. And the people who are not into it don’t stay, but the ones who are, do. I’ve just been doing this for such a long time.

But now that I’m at the point where I could retire, I have to make some decisions. I gave up track at a high point in my career — we were really good.

Tremendous. Everything came together. I enjoyed what I did but it’s just time.

Any advice to kids who have faced obstacles? I’ve had a pretty easy life, but when I did hit a few bumps on the road, I got through it with the help of other people — by opening my mouth and speaking and doing something until you got through. That is my life lesson: just hang in there. And then I realized I had to be myself. Early in my career I was trying to be restrained and something that I wasn’t — but then I decided to be the crazy man that I am and it worked out. ❖ K E L L E N B E RG .O RG

In Memoriam JOSEPH FERRISO ‘13 Joseph passed away in January.

Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

“The Consecrated Life” continued from page 17. share their recommendations on how to grow in faith and knowledge of this special vocation in the Church.

Sr. Ann Thomas: The Year of Consecrated Life is a great opportunity to pray about your own vocation. Ask God if He might be calling you to the consecrated life. Also, pray for those already consecrated to God. The Year of Consecrated Life is also a great time to learn about religious life and other forms of consecrated life and meet men and women who have dedicated their life to God. Many religious communities are hosting specials events such as open houses or special times to pray with them.

These events will help you to see what Consecrated Life is about.

Bro. Daniel: I think a good exercise for this Year for Consecrated Life would be to write a letter or send an email to a Religious Brother, Priest, or Sister who has had a major impact on your life. Congratulate them on this special year that Pope Francis has declared, tell them how theirvocation has had an effect on your life, and finally just say “thank you” and tell them that you will keep them in your prayers.

Br. Pierre Touissant: Pray. I mean, it sounds pretty simple, but at the same time there’s such a rich history of prayer. A lot of the consecrated life is a life of prayer; sometimes hidden, sometimes public. St. Teresa of Avila said that all prayer is just a heart to heart conversation with God. The deeper you enter into prayer, the deeper you know Him. The more you know Him, the more you know yourself. And the more you know yourself, the closer you will be to learning what He wants you to do with your life. Pray for what God wants you to do in your lives, and don’t forget about the religious and consecrated, pray for them, too.

May we continue to keep those in consecrated life in our prayers! ❖ H E AR T & M I N d 23

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