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CRUSADER HAPPENINGS Morris Catholic High School Newsletter

SUMMER EDITION

CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF

2026!

Letter from the President

Dates to Remember

Dear Crusaders, As another school year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on just how much there is to be grateful for at Morris Catholic. This has been a year of tremendous energy and momentum. Our students continued to distinguish themselves in the classroom, in the arts, in athletics, and through service. We celebrated another graduating class leaving Morris Catholic prepared for outstanding colleges and universities and, more importantly, prepared to lead lives of purpose, faith, and service. While summer provides our students and faculty a well-deserved opportunity to recharge, there is no slowing down at Morris Catholic. Throughout this edition of Crusader Happenings, you will see a school moving forward: investing in our academic programs and campus, creating new opportunities for students, strengthening our community, and thinking boldly about our future. That future feels especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate 70 years of Morris Catholic. For seven decades, generations of families have entrusted us with the education and formation of their children. That is an extraordinary legacy and responsibility. But our 70th anniversary is not simply an opportunity to look back with pride . It is an opportunity to look forward with confidence. We believe deeply in Morris Catholic and in the importance of our mission. We are building a school that honors the foundation laid by those who came before us while ensuring that future generations of Crusaders have even greater opportunities to learn, grow, discover their gifts, deepen their faith, and become the people God created them to be. None of this happens without you. To our parents, alumni, donors, friends, faculty, staff, coaches, volunteers, and students: thank you for believing in Morris Catholic. Your support, prayers, generosity, and pride in this school continue to move us forward. There is much to celebrate, and even more ahead. After 70 years, our best days are still in front of us. With Sincere Gratitude,

Brian Vohden President

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Letter from the Principal Dear Morris Catholic Family, Seventy years. Thousands of students. Countless memories. One extraordinary Crusader community. As Morris Catholic High School begins its 70th Anniversary year, we have an incredible opportunity to celebrate where we have been while looking boldly toward where we are going. For seven decades, Morris Catholic has formed young people in faith, challenged them to pursue excellence, and inspired them to lead lives of purpose and service. The 2025–2026 school year was another wonderful chapter in that story. Our students excelled in the classroom, on the athletic fields and courts, on the stage, and through countless clubs, activities, and service opportunities. Most importantly, they continued to grow as young men and women of faith and character. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated faculty and staff, supportive families, alumni, and friends who make these opportunities possible. Now, as we begin 2026–2027, our 70th Anniversary theme, “The Future Starts Here,” captures our vision perfectly. This year, we will celebrate the traditions and people who have made Morris Catholic what it is today, while continuing to strengthen our academic programs, Catholic identity, student experiences, and commitment to excellence. We will look for new ways to challenge our students, empower them to lead, and prepare them to make a meaningful difference in the world. Our 70th Anniversary is more than a celebration of the past. It is a celebration of the future. Every student who walks through our doors represents a new chapter in the Morris Catholic story. Every teacher who inspires a student, every family who supports our mission, and every alumnus who carries the Crusader spirit into the world helps shape that future. I invite our entire Morris Catholic family to join us throughout this special anniversary year as we honor our legacy, celebrate our community, and imagine all that is possible for the next 70 years. The past inspires us. The present unites us. The future starts here. May God bless our students, our families, and the entire Morris Catholic community. Prayers and blessings,

Fr. Peter Clarke, Ed.D. Principal

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2026 GRADUATION On June 4, the Class of 2026 finished their Morris Catholic career. We celebrated with Mass, celebrated by Bishop Kevin Sweeney, followed by the Graduation ceremony. The Class of 2026 is truly an outstanding group. They have been accepted to hundreds of universities across the country, earning collectively well over 20 million dollars in scholarships and grants. This group has scholars, athletes, professionals, and students seeking religious life. They have been accepted into prestigious programs including, The US Military Academy at West Point, Penn State, Bucknell University, Stevens Institute of Technology, University of Pennsylvania, Ole Miss, Rutgers University, Boston University, Lehigh University, Northeastern University, Villanova University, Syracuse University, Holy Cross College, Fordham University, as well as military programs including The Merchant Marine Academy. Collectively, they have earned over $20 million in scholarships and grants to these institutions and many students have even secured employment in their prospective fields post graduation. These students are the true embodiment of Morris Catholic. Join us as we pray for them and their success in their next step beyond Morris Catholic.

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Collectively, the Class of 2026 earned

$20,541,477 in total scholarships and grants. College Choices of the Class of 2026 Susquehanna University Moravian University Boston University Syracuse University Montclair State University Bucknell University Texas Christian University Moravian University Butler University The College of New Jersey Morgan State University Caldwell University The George Washington University New Jersey Institute of Clark Atlanta University The Pennsylvania State University Technology County College of Morris The United States Military Northeastern University Drew University Academy at West Point Quinnipiac University Eastern University U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Rutgers University Fairfield University Union College Sacred Heart University Fairleigh Dickinson University Universal Technical Institute Saint Elizabeth University Florida Atlantic University University College Dublin Saint Peter’s University Fordham University University of Illinois San Diego State University Franciscan University University of Kentucky Seton Hall University High Point University University of Miami Spelman College Holy Cross College University of Mississippi Springfield College James Madison University University of New Haven Stevens Institute of John Carroll University University of Pennsylvania Technology Kean University University of Pittsburgh Stony Brook University Lehigh University University of Rhode Island SUNY Binghamton University Manhattan University University of Scranton Marywood University University of Tampa McPherson College University of West Alabama Monmouth University Villanova University Montclair State University

Special Thanks to Our Legacy Families!

Whelan Family PAGE 4

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT The Class of 2026's Valedictorian and Salutatorian were Jack Smitreski and Olivia Lopes! Congratulations to our graduates!

JACK SMITRESKI, VALEDICTORIAN Jack Smitreski was named the 2026 Valedictorian, earning a grade point average of 4.6413. Jack will continue his academic career at Villanova University and will study Engineering. His four-year involvement with Morris Catholic’s robotics team has only further emboldened his desire to pursue engineering, and he has excelled as a creative problem-solver, eager to design, build, and improve. Jack is also recognized for his kindness, respect, and moral fortitude. Jack’s sense of service extends to his community and church, where he serves as an altar server and volunteer. At MC, he was actively involved in the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa, Spanish National Honor Society as well as a 4-year varsity soccer player, and golfer. Jack also earned All-County, All-Conference, and All-State recognition in his sport. In addition to a number of academic accomplishments, Jack earned AP Scholar Distinction from the College Board Recognition Program with an average score of 4.33. Jack is the true embodiment of a Morris Catholic Crusader.

OLIVIA LOPES, SALUTATORIAN Olivia Lopes, was named the 2026 Salutatorian, earning a grade point average of 4.5397. Olivia will continue her academic career at Northeastern University, where she will be part of their Honor’s Program and will be studying Biochemistry. Olivia earned over $131,000.00 in scholarships and grants over the next four years in recognition of her academic achievements. While at MC, Olivia participated in our Advanced Science Academy, was a member of Student Council holding class and executive board positions, participated in lacrosse and soccer, served as the National Honor Society President, was an active member of Peer Ministry, and was appointed to our Senior Leadership Team. Her warm and outgoing personality, precision, and attention to detail enhanced her work in the classroom and her passion for demonstrating character, community, and commitment.

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SERVICE Every student at Morris Catholic participates in our Servant Leader Program as service is in our core beliefs. All of our students are required to participate in a minimum of 15 service hours each year, however, many students find a passion in giving back and continue to volunteer more. This past year, our students continued our partnership with Celebrate the Children School and hosted their prom, built a reading patio, hosted the kindness fair, and participated in their field day. We partnered with Assumption College, Howard’s Mission, and others to provide food, services, and essentials. Student Council collected over 4,000 food and essential items for our Annual Soup-er Bowl Collection, and our National English Honor Society (NEHS) traveled to Divine Mercy Academy in Rockaway to deliver 162 books we had collected, so that we could distribute them to students in Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade. Our students then read to (or with) them in the hope of encouraging their love of reading. What a wonderful year of service!

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IN COMMUNION This year, our community came together monthly to celebrate Mass and share in our Catholic Tradition. On December 4, we celebrated our Junior class with the Annual Junior Ring and Pin ceremony. During the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we gathered for our Annual Grandparents Mass to honor the grandparents in our community and their roles in the lives of our Crusaders. We concluded our year with our Senior Sendoff Mass. This opportunity brings us together as a community one more time to pray for success next year and beyond. Our students also participated in the Diocesan Masses, including serving during the Bishop’s May Crowning Mass.

VOCATIONS DAY We celebrated our Annual Vocations Day, bringing 15 presenters from different religious orders to campus. They spoke to our students about their personal call to their vocation. The Priests, Brothers, and Religious Sisters encouraged our students to consider a vocation to religious life or ordained ministry, and to support those currently in formation. They emphasized that God calls everyone to a specific path—married, single, ordained, or consecrated life.

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EXCELLENCE CEREMONY Following our tradition, we close out our academic year by celebrating the success of our underclassmen through our Excellence Assembly. This is an opportunity to gather in support of academic achievement. Congratulations to all students on their exceptional work.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK The end of January marks Catholic Schools Week. Thank you to our Student Council for hosting a week of activities. As a community, we collected over 4,000 items to donate to food pantries in our area. We dressed as students and teachers in recognition of our community, and Student Council provided treats for students and a coffee cart for teachers. It was another amazing opportunity to celebrate Catholic education.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH We are thankful to our Black Student Union for their work throughout Black History Month. Each morning, we began our day with a "Radio-Style Call-In" trivia based on Black History. Our group has also held a few bake sales in preparation for their Lunch and Learn program, which featured speakers on Black Excellence.

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ADVANCED SCIENCE ACADEMY It has been quite a year for STEM at Morris Catholic within our Advanced and Exploratory Science Academies. Both programs had an opportunity to visit with Atlantic Health at Morristown Memorial Hospital. Our upperclassmen had hands-on experience hearing about pharmaceuticals, running a Mock Code with a patient in cardiac arrest using the LUCAS (Lund University Cardiac Assist System and exploring the BioSkills Lab. Our underclassmen attended a Stop the Bleed! Tourniquet training with instructions on packing wounds and stopping major bleeding from arteries or veins. They also received hands-on training in the use of laparoscopic instrumentation and 3D Body Camera manipulation inside a body cavity. Finally, they learnt how to suture and make knots using Prolene (nylon wire) as the doctors do! We then welcomed over 150 students to campus for the Junior Solar Sprint Competition hosted by Picatinny Arsenal. During this event, students from all over competed with a specially designed car.

Morris Catholic was also awarded a $10,000 grant for STEM Education Improvements through the support of The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology –ODASA(RT)-- and Army STEM. This grant was presented by Maria Gonzalez and the team at Picatinny STEM to our community. This, on top of our generous donation towards our Innovation Lab, will provide hands-on learning, scientific exploration, and a unique future for our students. Both will help strengthen the opportunities available within our program and continue building meaningful experiences for the next generation of scientists, engineers, researchers, and problemsolvers.

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Jocelyn Lovins, ‘26 received the SMART Scholarship-for-Service funded by the United States Department of Defense!

JOCELYN LOVINS, 26' Jocelyn Lovins, ‘26, received the SMART Scholarship-for-Service funded by the United States Department of Defense. This scholarship is one of the nation’s most competitive opportunities for STEM students. The program provides full tuition support, annual stipends ranging from $30,000 to $46,000, summer internships, and guaranteed civilian employment with the Department of Defense following graduation. Supporting undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students across 21 STEM disciplines, the scholarship also includes a service commitment focused on advancing scientific research and innovation in our nation.

This year, Jocelyn was selected as 1 of only 627 recipients across the entire country. This achievement reflects not only academic excellence but also leadership, commitment to scientific advancement, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the future of STEM research and innovation in our nation. Jocelyn will be attending Fairfield University this fall.

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Letter from the Director of Admissions As we reflect on the 2026 academic year, I am incredibly proud of the continued growth and excitement surrounding the Morris Catholic community. It has been a wonderful year of welcoming new families, connecting with prospective students, and showcasing all that makes a Morris Catholic education so special. From our strong academic programs and faith-centered environment to athletics, extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and our close-knit community, families continue to discover what it means to be a Crusader. As we look toward 2027, we are excited to welcome the next generation of Crusaders! The admissions process for the 2027-2028 school year is already underway, and we encourage families who are considering Morris Catholic to begin exploring all that we have to offer. Upcoming opportunities will include campus tours, shadow days, admissions events, and opportunities to meet our faculty, coaches, students, and school leadership. Our goal is simple: to help every prospective family experience first hand the academic excellence, faith, community, and spirit that define Morris Catholic. We are especially excited to continue building upon the momentum of our 70th Anniversary year as we look towards the future. If you know a family with a student entering high school in 2027, please encourage them to connect with our Admissions Office. We would love the opportunity to introduce them to Morris Catholic and help them discover why The Future Starts Here! Go Crusaders! Sophia Lunan Past Parent ‘24 Director of Admissions and Enrollment

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NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION In January, we were blessed to welcome over 120 families to our campus for Accepted Students Night. During this wonderful event, our staff answered questions, our students spoke of their experiences, and we had the opportunity to welcome the next generation of Crusaders. The students then joined us for registration to select their classes and learn about being a Crusader. In July, they headed back to MC for the Summer Institute, a four-day program designed to help our incoming Crusaders acclimate to campus life. The next step is orientation day and our first day of school. Welcome, Class of 2030!

CRUSADERS ON CAMPUS

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August 24 - Freshmen Orientation August 25 - Transfer Student Orientation August 26 - First Day of Classes

L H E T T A I CS C M

Our winter and spring seasons brought incredible success for the Crusaders. Girls Fencing were conference champions, Baseball clinched the NJAC Independence Division title, and Softball earned the NJAC Liberty Championship. Both our Boys and Girls Basketball teams went on to hold their positions as county champions, with our Girls team advancing to the State Sectional Finals, where they won the sectional title and fell short of the state title by a narrow margin. In addition, a number of our athletes were named to All-County and All-State teams. What a time to be a Crusader!

Spotlight It was amazing this year to see our Crusader Alumni playing in the NCAA March Madness games. Mia Pauldo, '25, and Mya Pauldo, '25, played for the University of Tennessee, and Michelangelo Oberti, '24, played for the University of Pennsylvania. There will be more Crusaders to watch next year, as Jaya Curtis, '26, will also be playing for the University of Pennsylvania and Mia and Mya have transferred to Rutgers University. Go Crusaders!

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SPRING 2026

Athletic Commitments

SPRING SIGNINGS PAGE 14

Each year, we honor athletes in the fall and spring on their athletic commitments. The following students have committed to elite programs across the US to continue their passion for sport. Congratulations.

The Coach Gerry Gallagher Memorial Beefsteak hosted by the Crusader Gridiron Club

Honoring a Legend, Celebrating Our Crusaders The Morris Catholic community came together in a truly special way for the First Annual Coach Gerry Gallagher Memorial Beefsteak, celebrating the life and legacy of a beloved coach while looking ahead to an exciting new Crusader football season. More than 150 guests gathered for an evening filled with memories, camaraderie, and Crusader pride. The event provided a meaningful opportunity to remember Coach Gallagher and the lasting impact he had on generations of Morris Catholic student-athletes, while also bringing together alumni, families, friends, coaches, players, and supporters to celebrate the current football team. The evening was highlighted by the energy and enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming Crusader season, with guests having the opportunity to connect with players and show their support for the team. It was a wonderful reminder that the traditions established by those who came before us continue to inspire today's Crusaders. The Beefsteak was also a tremendous financial success, with proceeds benefiting the Morris Catholic football program and helping provide valuable support for our student-athletes. More importantly, however, the evening demonstrated the incredible strength and generosity of the Morris Catholic community. The First Annual Coach Gerry Gallagher Memorial Beefsteak was more than a fundraiser—it was a celebration of Coach Gallagher's legacy, Crusader football, and the enduring spirit of the Morris Catholic family. We are grateful to everyone who attended, sponsored, volunteered, donated, and helped make this memorable evening possible. Go Crusaders!

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The Arts

What a time for the celebration of the Arts at Morris Catholic. On February 10, 2026, we recognized Joyce Murray Sullivan, '73, for making the first gift of $100,000 towards our endowment. The Carolyn & Thomas Murray Memorial scholarship will benefit students in the Fine and Performing Arts Department and aid in the longevity of a Morris Catholic education. We had the great opportunity to celebrate this commitment from Joyce and the great impact this gift will have on our community. We then celebrate our Annual performances, including our Winter One Act, 8:59: A Courtroom Drama. This wildly interactive play was written, directed, and produced by the students in Theatre Studies 3 and 4 Honors with contributions by students in Theatre Studies 2. In this play, the audience served as a jury in a courtroom drama, resulting in a different verdict each night. The cast consisted of students in ninth and tenth grade who learned from the honors-level theatre students. Newsies took the stage this spring in our Annual Spring Musical. With over 50 MC students involved in the cast and crew, this spectacular performance showcased all the disciplines of Morris Catholic Performing Arts: theatre, dance, and music. In addition, we featured the talents of a youth ensemble of nearly 30 students from surrounding elementary schools. This iconic show, with a spectacular set, will be remembered by audiences for years to come! Congratulations to the cast, crew, and directors of this performance. Our performance season concluded with our Spring Concert and Art Showcase. Guests were able to walk through a beautiful display of our Fine Arts Department, followed by a beautiful concert presented by the students in our MC Band and Choir. Our evening concluded with our Dance Department's Spring Showcase featuring pieces in jazz, modern, tap, and hip hop. Congratulations to the students and the faculty members who worked throughout the year to make this evening possible!

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In March, we were so fortunate to have a number of alumni and friends of Morris Catholic share valuable advice with each of our students in their respective areas. We covered healthcare, law, finance, education, and more. Thank you to all for making this a successful event for our students.

Thank You Speakers & Moderators Brian Wood, President MARS Coaching Jackie DeCataldo, Human Resources Manager, Nisivoccia CPA’s Daniel Bennett, ’21-Broker CRC Group Nick Berg, ’05 – Lead Project Engineer, Armed Futures Command, Picatinny Arsenal Matthew Ciampi, ’06 – Utility Mechanic, American Water Company Justin Connolly, ’14 – Sports Information Officer, Montclair State University Christa Cottone, ’10 – Product Support Specialist, Wylie (Moderator Business) Abby Decker – Lieutenant, Denville Emergency Services Matt DeFranco, Morris Catholic High School Football Coach (Moderator Sports Management) Dr. Fatima Hassan – Doctor of Optometry Kevin Heal, ’83, Analyst, Argus Research (Moderator Business) John Insinga, O.D., F.A.A.O, Diplomate, American Board of Optometry

Tamra Katcher – Counsel, Einhorn Barbarito Craig Kimbrough, ’11 – Program Manager, BAE Systems Edna Manzoor – Resident, Podiatry, Atlantic Health Paul Minnefor, ’89 – Partner, Giordano, Halleran & Cesla (Moderator Law) Joseph Monroig – Broadcast Associate, Major League Baseball Tonianne Poccia, ’20- Assistant Marketing Manager, You Will Blossom.com Adam Pokyrzwa – Lieutenant, Denville Emergency Services Dr. Charles Park – Doctor of Psychiatry Linet Adorno Rivera, DPM – Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine Lawrence Silo, ’80 – Retired Investigator, Allstate Insurance Richard Vazzano, ’11 – Business Development Manager, Smith & Nephew Donatella Verrico, SPHR, SHRM-SCP – Chief Resource Officer, Kristen Wojacek – Intern, Atlantic Health

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UPCOMING REUNIONS UPCOMING REUNIONS Class of 1966 October 3, 2026, 6:30 PM at Cafe Navona, Rockaway. For more information, contact: Cheri Deemer Allaman - callaman@verizon.net or Joanne Miller Rafferty jmrartist@optonline.net Class of 1970 Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Morris Catholic High School Schedule of Events Alumni Memorial Mass Morris Catholic Campus Tour Class of 1970 Tailgate with lunch and beverages provided by Morris Catholic MC Homecoming Football Game vs. Sussex Tech Class of 1970 gathering to follow the Football Game For additional information, please contact: John Lyden - lydenjay@hotmail.com We look forward to welcoming the Class of 1970 back to Morris Catholic! Class of 1976

Potential Dates: October 10, October 17, or November 14 - Belmar, NJ Contact one of the following for details: Kelly Porter (214) 499-8369 Mary (Reidinger) Klocksin maryandjon@optonline.net or (973) 462-7820 Sue (Lamm) Fahey faheysusan17@gmail.com or (603) 759-5753 Class of 1978 The Morris Catholic High School Class of 1978 50th Reunion Committee is already hard at work planning what promises to be a spectacular celebration in 2028! Classmates can look forward to an unforgettable opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate 50 years of friendship and Crusader memories. Stay tuned for the reunion date and details—we can't wait to celebrate with the Class of 1978!

Class of 1996 September 26, 2026 Pre-Game Get-Together held at Morris Catholic High School prior to Alumni Homecoming Game Evening Reunion: Tavern on the Rocks (9 Wall St. Rockaway, NJ 07866) starting at 7:00 PM The Best Part: The get-together itself is free to attend! (Please note: food and beverages at the Tavern are at your own expense. No minimum) Come to one or do both—just make sure to mark your calendars and spread the word. Can't wait to catch up and see everyone after all these years!

PLANNING A

REUNION?

Contact Maureen O’Connor moconnor@morriscatholic.org

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N G I L A L LL A C

M U NI! L A

Mark you calendars for Alumni Homecoming on September 26, 2026. This is a wonderful opportunity to join us back on campus. Our day begins with our Memorial Mass, followed by tailgating, activities and a home MC Football game. Details to come! We look forward to seeing you there!

202Football 2025 Fo OtO F5oFOOTBALL bTaBllALL

SCHEDULE S C H E D U L E SCHEDULE SCHEDULE 9/6 vs. 9/6 vs. Gloucester Gloucester Catholic Catholic

8/28 vs. 8/28 vs. Lenape Lenape Valley Valley - HOME HOME HOME HOME

92/vs. v. sHoly . Hopatcong H on Aio Wce AsYan 9/12 9 /19/3 v3svs. H oloypTrinity Tartcin itgy -Diocesan DAWAY HgO 9/11 vs. 9/11 vs. High HiHOME hMPoint PEoint - HOME HOME

9/20 at 9/20 at Mahwah Mahwah

9/18 vs. 9/18 vs. Vernon Vernon - AWAY A WA Y AWAY AWAY

9/26 vs. 9/26 vs. Sussex Sussex Tech Tech - HOME HOME Alumni Homecoming Alumni Homecoming

AWAY AWAY

10/2 vs. 10/2 vs. Hackettstown Hackettstown - AWAY AWAY 10/9 vs. 10/9 vs. Jefferson Jefferson - AWAY AWAY 10/16 vs. 10/16 vs. Hudson Hudson Catholic Catholic - HOME HOME Student Homecoming Student Homecoming

10/23 vs. 10/23 vs. Newton Newton - HOME HOME 10/31 vs. 10/31 vs. St. St. Mary’s Mary’s - AWAY AWAY

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From Bingo to the Back Nine: A Year of Fundraising Bingo Night | January 2026 Boosters celebrated their 2nd Annual Bingo Night in the winter. What a great evening to support MC Athletics. In addition, they will host a Cornhole Event this fall. Stay tuned and join us to support MC Athletics.

Coach Mike O’Brien Memorial 5k | March 2026 Thank you to all those who supported and participated in our Annual Mike O’Brien 5k. Through your support we provide a special scholarship for students who participated in Cross Country at MC. This year featured a number of MC alumni, friends, and family of MC.

Spring Auction | April 2026 Thank you to all those who joined us at our Annual Spring Auction last week. Your support means so much to all the members of the MC Community. This year’s theme was Candyland. We celebrated with over 200 prizes valued from $120 to $500. Thank you to those who supported this event. Our Auction will continue in 2028, as this year we will celebrate Morris Catholic’s 70th Anniversary with the Gala on April 29, 2027.

Golf Outing | June 2026 Our Annual Golf Outing was held in June at the Knoll Country Club. Close to 100 golfers were in attendance, and $20,000 was raised for Morris Catholic programs. Thank you to our sponsors and all those who supported this event.

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A Note from Our Gala Chair Hello from Joyce Murray Sullivan, ‘73. I'm thrilled to be the Chair for Morris Catholic's 70th Founding Year Celebration. From MC's founding in 1957 to today, we're planning multiple events and celebrations. Along with the 70th Committee, we've been working hard behind the scenes all summer putting the foundation in place for a fantastic celebratory year. We'll kick off the year with a special 70th Flag Raising on Wed. Sept 9th followed by Alumni Homecoming on Sat. Sept 26. There will be many more events throughout 2026 and 2027. Please check the MC website and emails! SAVE THE DATE: We'll have our Gala Celebration on April 29, 2027, at the Meadowood on Rt 10 in Randolph. Details will come out in October. We'll have the entire venue, and this will be THE PARTY of the year! Thanks for putting this on your calendar. One of the most important items for the 70th is to ensure we have VOICES from every class represented. It's been a thrill for me to reach out and get to know many MC graduates, from our 1st graduating class in 1961 to our 2026 recent graduates. From these conversations, we're putting together "Alumni Profiles" to share their journeys from MC to today. We are having conversations with invited "Class Stewards" to ensure each class year's "voice" is represented in the 70th Celebration. We will share more on this soon. We'd love to include your VOICE too. If you are interested in being a Class Steward or to share your story, please reach out! We would love to have as many Crusaders involved as possible, including: alums, teachers, parents, grandparents, and more! If you, or others you know, love Morris Catholic and want to be part of our 70th Founding Celebration, let us know! Thank you for your care and support of Morris Catholic! Joyce Murray Sullivan ‘73 70th Anniversary Gala Chair https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycemsullivan/

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2027 marks our 70th Anniversary and we are celebrating all year long! Mark your calendars and celebrate with us!

September/October: 70 Years of Crusader Excellence 70th Anniversary Kickoff Mass - Wednesday, September 9, 2026 70th Anniversary Mass with the Bishop - Tuesday, October 20, 2026 70 Years Open House - October 4, 2026 & October 14, 2026 See our social media accounts for 70 Stories for 70 Years.

November: Faith, Service & Gratitude Veteran’s Day Recognition - November 11, 2026 More events to come

December: Christmas at Morris Catholic Crusader Christmas Concert and Art Exhibit - December 10, 2026 Alumni Christmas Mass and Reception - December 16, 2026 More events to come

Additional Dates Coach Mike O’Brien Memorial 5k - March 13, 2027 Spring Musical - April 22 - 24, 2027

70th Anniversary Spring Gala - Thursday, April 29, 2027 PAGE 22

Annual Golf Outing - June 14, 2027 More events to come

70th Anniversary Committee Members Noreen Toohey Risko ‘62 Bob O'Halloran ‘63 Sandra Ragaglia Mazza ‘65 MaryLynne Mooney Capen ‘70 Bill Healey ‘74 David Dalia ‘75 Julie Fox ‘79 Kevin Heal ‘83 Sue O'Grady Parry ‘84 Charles Pappalardo ‘84 Maureen McKenna Michaud ‘85 Paul Minnefor ‘89 Tara (Addeo) and Brad Armstrong ‘90, PP ‘21, ‘22 Dennis O'Dowd ‘91, PP ‘26, P ‘28 Nick Rafanello ‘97 Craig Kimbrough ‘11 Justin Connolly ‘14 Michele Brennan, PP ‘18, ‘20 COMING SOON: Class Stewards Class Stewards will help ensure we have the 'voices' of all our MCHS years represented.

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The upcoming academic year is a big year for MC! Join us as we celebrate 70 years of Character, Community, and Commitment! In lieu of our annual auction, this celebratory year, we will gather as a community at The Meadowood in Randolph for our 70th Anniversary Gala. Save the date, spread the news, and reach out if you would like help us connect with members of your class. This event will be a reunion like no other.

SAVE THE DATE

70th Anniversary Gala April 29, 2027 The Meadowood 461 Route 10, Randolph, NJ

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From Our Director of Advancement Dear Crusaders, As we reflect on 2026, I am filled with gratitude for the extraordinary generosity commitment, and Crusader spirit of the Morris Catholic community. Your support has made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and has helped strengthen the foundation upon which Morris Catholic will continue to grow and thrive. B

Because of your generosity, we have made significant progress in growing our

endowment, creating a stronger and more sustainable financial foundation for future generations of Crusaders. Every gift to the endowment is an investment in the long-term accessibility, excellence, and strength of a Morris Catholic education. We are also looking ahead with tremendous excitement as we prepare to celebrate Morris Catholic's 70th Anniversary throughout the 2026–2027 school year. This milestone year will provide countless opportunities for alumni, parents, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends to come together to celebrate our proud history and envision an even brighter future. Special anniversary events, alumni gatherings, community celebrations, and opportunities to reconnect will remind us of the people, traditions, and values that have shaped Morris Catholic for seven remarkable decades. At the same time, the future is taking shape on our campus. We are preparing for several important capital projects, including the development of an Innovation Lab that will provide students with enhanced opportunities for creativity, collaboration, technology, and hands-on learning. We are also excited about the upcoming Fitness Center, made possible through transformational philanthropic support. This new facility will provide our students and athletic programs with an outstanding resource for training, wellness, and community engagement. We are especially grateful for the generous donation that will make new field lights possible. This important improvement will expand opportunities for athletics, practices, competitions, and community events while allowing more students and families to enjoy our campus after school hours. The field lights will enhance the student experience and bring even greater energy and connection to our athletic programs and campus community. These initiatives are more than buildings and projects—they are investments in our students and in the future of Morris Catholic. They reflect our shared commitment to ensuring that today's Crusaders and generations of students to come have the resources, opportunities, and environment they need to succeed. Thank you for believing in our mission, celebrating our accomplishments, and investing in the next generation of Crusaders. Your generosity in 2026 has helped Morris Catholic move forward with confidence and purpose. As we celebrate 70 years of faith, excellence, and community, we are reminded that the future of Morris Catholic is built by all of us, together. With sincere gratitude, Maureen O’Connor Director of Advancement Morris Catholic High School

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Ways you can make a difference: Annual Giving Supporting The Fund for Morris Catholic provides support for the immediate needs of students and faculty. Gifts of all sizes foster student success and have a meaningful impact on their lives.

Committed Crusader Club Making contributions to Morris Catholic High School has never been easier! Enroll in the Committed Crusader Club and have your tax-deductible gifts to Morris Catholic automatically deducted from your credit/debit card each month.

Donor-Advised Fund A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), allows donors to make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction and then recommend grants from the fund over time.

Matching Gift Companies Many companies will match the amount of your donation to Morris Catholic. Check with your employer or visit www.morriscatholic.org/Giving for more details.

Named Scholarships and Endowments Donor scholarships and endowments make a significant difference in the lives of deserving Morris Catholic students, providing much-needed financial support and can be established in honor of a loved one, faculty member or to leave your own legacy.

Online Giving Make a difference immediately simply by using your credit card on our secure online giving site: www.morriscatholic.org to make your gift today.

Planned Giving When you include Morris Catholic in your estate plan, you are helping to ensure that our educational mission continues into the future. Those who include Morris Catholic in their estate plans become members of the Crusader Legacy Society.

Securities A gift of securities, stocks and bonds entitles the donor to an income tax deduction; a gift of appreciated securities may also reduce capital gains tax liability. Visit Morriscatholic.org/Giving to make your gift today. For more information, contact Maureen O’Connor, Director of Advancement, 973-627-6674, ext. 402 or oconnorm@morriscatholic.org.

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70th Anniversary Gala

APRIL 29, 2027 The Meadowood 461 Route 10, Randolph, NJ