LETTERS to the Editor Dear Editor,
Dear Editor,
I had a very rewarding experience attending the Turkey Roll & Reunion. The most valuable parts of my afternoon and evening were the opportunities for reflection and reminiscing on my days at St. Mike's. In the arena, I drifted back to the night I played goal at the annual staff/student hockey game. It was the first time we, the students, did not lose. The game ended in a 2-2 tie.
On behalf of my mom (Fran), sister (Frances Anne), and me, I just wanted to thank the St. Michael’s community for the well wishes and words of support following the death of my father, Gary Benedet ’57 (obituary, pg. 32). I can't express how important and influential the St. Mike’s community was to and on my dad - from the faculty and staff to the lifelong friendships that were fostered during the most important years of a young man’s life. Over the years we have heard so many amazing stories about this fabulous place that was so much more than a school of academic and athletic excellence. The lessons and values that were taught to my father have been passed down now for two generations. We are grateful for the way St. Mike’s has shaped our entire family.
I got lost in time as I walked the halls and corridors. It was as though I was walking those halls just yesterday. On the second floor, a member of the cleaning staff was working in one of the classrooms. She allowed me in and I sat down in one of the desks. I could not get over that I was sitting at a desk that had not changed in 50 years. I could ‘feel’ myself placing my books into the compartment below the seat and preparing for the lesson about to happen.
Kind Regards,
I walked through the cafeteria and out onto the balcony overlooking the gym. I was able to reflect on a really shy 16-year-old guy, sitting up there with his date, at one of the weekend sock hops.
Joe Benedet
All in all, the visit to St. Mike's was, for me, a pilgrimage, a journey back to sacred places and sacred spaces.
Dear Editor,
Class of 1970 celebrating 50th Reunion at Turkey Roll & Reunion 2019.
Henry Checko ’70 ED’S REPLY: So glad to hear you had a fantastic time at what has always been a wonderful event, Henry. But did you try the porchetta? The 65th Reunion for the Classes of ’54, ’55, and ’56 has been postponed until Friday, October 2, 2020. Wherever possible, information has been sent via mail and/or email. If you have any questions, please call Stephanie Nicholls at 416-653-3180 ext. 273
ED’S REPLY: Many thanks for your kind words, Joe, and condolences on the loss of your father.
Re: Blue Banner Special 2011 Memorial Cup Edition. I am not, nor ever was, an SMCS hockey player (nor was I able to stand up on skates). In my years at SMCS, Mr. David Bauer ’44 taught vocational guidance (for either the religious life or the lay life). Anything other was an avocation. Later, in 1956 or 1957, Fr. Bauer, CSB taught religious knowledge, a Grade 13 non-credit subject. Fr. Bauer taught every action is a prayer. For me such is/was my SMCS education. Michael Mallon ’56 ED’S REPLY: Fr. Bauer is well known to us all, Mr. Bauer, not so much. It must be both interesting and fortunate to have had a window into the man beyond the legend.
OUR ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WILL BE STRONGER BECAUSE WE FACED IT TOGETHER
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