OCTOBER 2024
CRUSADER HAPPENINGS
Morris Catholic High School Newsletter
Letter from the President
BRIAN VOHDEN
What a great start to the year we ’ ve had here on Morris Avenue! In August, the Crusader family welcomed over 20 enthusiastic transfer students in addition to our freshmen class. Since then, we ’ ve cheered on our fall athletic teams, gathered with parents at the Sip, Support, and Socialize wine tasting event, and celebrated with alumni from the classes of 1964, 1972, 1974, and 1984 at their reunions Together, we also cheered on the Crusader Football Team as they secured a victory during our Alumni Homecoming weekend
Our first Open House was a resounding success, packed with future Crusaders eager to learn more about our community We were also honored to welcome Bishop Sweeney for Mass and the rededication of our newly updated Advancement and Finance suite
The excitement continued as we hosted meaningful retreats for both our student leaders and our freshmen and sophomore classes Our freshman class also recently embarked on their annual trip to the United State joined by the best colleges and universities in the country as they inspire our students and talk to them about their future beyond Morris Catholic
And the best part? We’ve only just begun! I am so grateful to be a part of this community I’ve enjoyed getting to know our students, faculty, alumni, and benefactors Everyone has a unique Morris Catholic story and it’ grateful for your prayers and suppo growing our community Stay tuned incredible journey together!
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Meet Our New Staff
MICHAEL AXIOTES (SCIENCE)
Michael received an Honors BS in Biochemistry from the University of Delaware and has extensive research experience While in college he had the opportunity to work as a TA and tutor for the sciences He currently lives in Vernon, NJ and is excited to be a part of our students’ learning process.
MICHAEL BUERSTER (PHYSICAL EDUCATION)
Michael Buerster is joining us as a physical education teacher and football coach. He is excited to join the MC community and share his love of fitness and health with the students and teams Michael’s hobbies include volunteering with the Special Olympics and being at the shore whenever possible.
LUCY CANTU (BUSINESS)
Lucy Cantu received her BS in Business Administration from Felician University and an MBA with a concentration in Managerial Leadership from The University of Massachusetts, Lowell and is joining us as our Business teacher. She has been a Navy wife for 20 years and has four children: one in college, two at MC and one in 8th grade Her favorite thing to do is watch her kids’ sporting events
SUSAN CRUCS (BIOLOGY)
Susan Crucs is joining us as our teacher of CP Biology and AP Biology this year Although new to Morris Catholic, she is not new teaching science nor Catholic Education Lucy attended area Catholic schools from 1-12th grade and has spent the past two years teaching middle school General Science at an independent school. Before that, she taught college level Introductory Biology, Genetics, and Biochemistry When she is not preparing her next Biology lesson, she enjoys gardening and spending tine with her family
ELIF ONAT (MATH)
Elif Onat is a graduate from the University of Scranton, where she majored in Mathematics and Computer Science. She has worked with students in high school math courses as well as college students In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball, embracing the sport's camaraderie and energy
Learn more about all of our faculty and staff by visiting our website HERE.
Alumni Happenings
The classes of 1964, 1974, and 1984 celebrated their reunions in September and early October. It was a delight to have them on campus. If you or your group are celebrating or planning a reunion, contact us! Email Maureen O’Connor at moconnor@morriscatholic.org.
Crusader Walk of Fame
Thank you to all families for purchasing a brick dedicated to their loved one, graduating class or the Crusader family as a whole! Our first round of installations from last year are in! Interested in joining our walk of fame? Our next order will take place soon!
Boosters’ Sip, Support & Socialize
Thank you to all those who came out to support our Sip, Support & Socialize event. We currently have raised over $10,000 in support of Morris Catholic athletics! We are so grateful for your generosity! Thank you to all those who joined us at the event and all those who worked to make the evening a great success
There is still time to donate towards our Athletic Wish List Click HERE to make a donation
MC Football and 1974 Championship Reunion
“Looking back 50 years, MC Crusader Football was more for me than just a game of X’s and O’s on Saturday afternoon. Rather, it served to prepare me for success in the game of life, providing joy in victory and resilience in defeat. Developing individual skills while participating in a team setting was a win no matter what the score.”
Our Athletic Director: James Smith
Morris Catholic Athletics’ are proud to welcome Mr. James Smith in his new role as our Athletic Director! Mr. Smith comes to us with extensive experience and a deep love for Crusader Athletics. Prior to joining the MC family three years ago, Mr. Smith had 29 years of teaching experience at Mountain Lakes, Hanover Park, and Hillsborough High Schools He served as Athletic Director for 6 years at Mountain Lakes High School with coaching experience as an Assistant Football Coach, JV and Varsity Baseball Coach, and Varsity Basketball coach He is a certified Athletic Administrator with a BA from Duke University, MA from Drew University, and MA from Seton Hall University Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, Mr Smith!
GERRY FAHY, '75
Co-Captain of the 1974 Diocesan League Championship Team
Kwi Brennan
With close to thirty years of executive fundraising experience and a Denville resident with a deep-rooted respect for Morris Catholic High School, Kwi brings his expertise to the Board and is committed to working toward the future of Morris Catholic. He is the Associate Vice President of Development Operations and Outreach for Earthjustice, the premiere nonprofit public interest environmental law organization
William Pote, ‘85
A member of the Morris Catholic High School Class of 1985, Bill combined his passion for engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship and founded MegaPhase. As the Chief Executive Officer, Bill oversees the design and manufacturing of high-performance parts that are used in the telecommunication, broadband data, global security and defense, satellite, and semiconductor industries Bill has supported the Morris Catholic Robotics program and has served as a speaker for the Advanced Science program
Staff Spot
Emily Baricevic, ‘93 GIRLS SOCCER
Emily is an alumna of Morris Cath her second season as our Girls’ So At MC, she was a four-year Varsity over 100 goals, was awarded All-C and was an All-American player S College scholarship athlete (Div. I All-American, holds school record Athletic Hall of Fame. Professiona coaching soccer to boys and girls 25 years in recreation, travel, sele college level. She is a passionate teamwork & respect while buildin goals
“PRACTICE MAKES PROGRESS, WITHOUT PROGRESS, YOU CANNOT PROGRESS ”
Campus Ministry
Bishop’s Mass
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, we were honored to celebrate Mass with Bishop Kevin Sweeney We were joined by many visiting priests and deacons and by the students from All Saints Academy and Saint Patrick School. The Bishop also gave his time to bless and help us rededicate our newly remodeled Advancement Suite. Mr. and Mrs. Fred and Peggy Ecke were also recognized for their contributions to the original construction of our Advancement Suite. Thank you to Bishop Sweeney, our guests, our Crusader Choir, and all who made this beautiful day possible!
Our school Chaplain, Fr Carmen Buono, and Campus Ministry Director, Mrs Susan Drew, lead the campus ministry team Senior students are selected to be part of the Peer Ministry program These students are guided in faith, receive training in communication and interpersonal skills, and serve the student community in leadership roles The program comprises several service areas: Social Justice, Music Ministry, Peer Ministry, Prayer, and Liturgy
Our Campus Ministry program has hit the ground running this year with two Masses and beginning the process of grade-level retreats Campus Ministry also partners with Student Council to provide assistance to those who have been affected by the natural disasters that have recently hit our country Keep an eye out for our upcoming collections
Fine & Performing Arts Update
Morris Catholic offers many ways for students to grow their interests in the Fine & Performing Arts. MC currently offers classes in music, fine and graphic arts, dance, theatre, and creative writing all with advanced or honors-level options. We have recently announced our fall show, Twelfth Night, which will open on November 21, 2024. The play will feature five performances, and an invited dress rehearsal for our Catholic elementary schools. Students in the arts at MC have a minimum of five different performance opportunities each year: the Fall Play, Winter One Act, Spring Musical, and our Christmas and Spring Concerts, Recitals, and Art Shows.
The Performing Arts program is also beginning the year with a Broadway field trip to see the revival of Our Town this October. Our Town was the first fall play for the Class of 2024.
R U S A D E R
H A P P E N I N G S
