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Dr. Joan Greco ’76 builds a life and practice focused on empowerment and giving back to others the advice of both her father and her brother, Richard, who is a nationallyrenowned plastic surgeon, decided life as a dentist would be better for a woman. Dr. Greco completed her undergraduate prerequisites at Texas A&M University and then attended dental school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. After being there six weeks, she knew she made “a wrong decision but was going to finish what she committed to.” By her second year, she found oral surgery and everything changed. She spent all of her spare time in the department. By the time she finished dental school she had published 11 papers in their referred journals and had given as many presentations at the national and international levels. To circle around - she worked in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units as a nurse on weekends (she was able to challenge the nursing boards in Texas and passed without finishing school).
Dr. Joan Greco ’76 has made it her mission to lead a life of personal growth, contribution, and giving back to others. In the 43 years since graduating from MMI, she has used her passion for oral surgery to become one of 422 females practicing oral surgery in a field of 6,374 surgeons where the average career span of a female surgeon is 15.3 years. Over the past 26 years, she has developed a thriving practice on the Big Island of Hawaii that is ranked among the top .2 percent in the country.
Dr. Greco’s sense of determination not only fueled her journey to become an oral surgeon but also played a defining role in her desire to empower young women to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry. Her father Dr. Victor Greco was a prominent general surgeon in Hazleton and was on the first team that invented and used the Dr. Joan Greco '76 is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who Heart/Lung machine, allowing for owns and operates her own practice in Hawaii. She said it was not easy going safe surgery on the heart and its through dental school knowing she vessels. As a young girl, she spent didn’t want to do general dentistry. “I’m a surgeon at heart. I see a time watching him perform surgery from an observation deck at St. problem, I think about how I can fix it, and then I fix it,” Dr. Greco Joseph’s Hospital in Hazleton. Her dad was the icon, but her mom said. “My initial desire was to perform cleft palate and craniofacial gave her the tools to become all of who she is today. surgeries. When I worked as a neonatal nurse, I saw that there were In spite of her early interest in becoming a doctor, her parents plenty of patients who had structural problems and decided that advised her to become a nurse and marry a doctor - but she did not want to marry a doctor - she wanted to be a doctor. On their urging, was the avenue I wanted to take. It’s really exciting when you can take something mildly unattractive and make it attractive,” she said. she entered Jefferson’s School of Diploma Nursing, but knowing It was in her second year that Dr. Greco decided that she wanted this was not enough, she also attended Wharton Evening School to specialize in treating children with facial deformities through and eventually transitioned into The Wharton School of Finance. dentistry as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon (OMFS). Although From Wharton, she graduated with a triple major in marketing, management, and finance. On graduation from Wharton, she took a oral surgery education programs classically take the top one or two percent in the class (which she was not), being a woman also made position in a mortgage banking company in San Antonio, Texas, but it statistically even more difficult to match. She was ultimately quickly realized that “dog-eat-dog and pull someone else down to accepted by Emory University’s OMFS program as a research fellow get ahead,” was not for her. “I am a people-lover, so after discussion and intern. She later matched there as a resident. In good fortune, with my parents, I went back to school to become a doctor.” the Emory Dental School closed and she was accepted and made She was accepted to both medical and dental schools but on the move into the country’s #2 ranked program at Louisiana State (continued on page 11)
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From the Head of School Dear MMI Family & Friends, What a wonderful fall it has been at MMI! So much has been accomplished in a short time. Sixth graders constructed maps of the campus to orient themselves to their new surroundings; sophomores visited Ellis Island; and the tennis, soccer, cross country, and volleyball seasons all concluded, with volleyball earning a second-place finish at districts. The rapid pace and rhythm of schools have always amazed me, but particularly here at MMI where our students are achieving new heights each and every day. My first few months have included a visit to every teacher’s classroom observing each grade level learning from our phenomenal faculty. So many great skills are developed daily, such as collaborating through Harkness discussion in an English classroom, practicing the scientific method in an AP Biology lab, or training with the Wister Quartet in a music workshop. I am impressed by the level of engagement in every classroom. Our students focused and active learning prepares them for the next level whether it is Upper School, college, or beyond. We expect students to lead at MMI and our senior class has truly met this expectation. With exceptional care and detail, the senior class gave the ninth grade a warm introduction to the Upper School from the Pajama Parade to the “bond fire.” Right before Thanksgiving, the seniors led our Founder’s Day festivities. I can already see how MMI traditions, starting with Sophia and Eckley Coxe’s vision of preparing students for life, are alive and well with the Class of 2020. In October, our PAIS (Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools) Accreditation Visit took place. A team of eight teachers and administrators from a range of schools across Pennsylvania visited MMI to assess our practices and review our self-study, a document composed by the faculty and staff over the last year that covered our entire program. Essentially, the team reflects in real-time whether we live our mission. The team noted many great qualities of the MMI experience like warm hospitality, enduring loyalty, and excitement for the future, which I have personally witnessed since arriving four months ago. My family has settled in and fully immersed ourselves in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Eliot spent the past few weeks weeding and planting bulbs in our flower beds, already enjoying his natural habitat at age 3. Ronan has joined the Scouts and earned his first badge. Both boys can’t wait to tell me about what they are learning in their new school, from sign language to animal kingdoms. As you may have noticed, we celebrated Halloween as Odin, Thor, and his resurrecting goat, Otis. We can’t wait to start enjoying a classic Freeland winter with many snowmen and forts built, along with plenty of sledding.
Justin Kleinheider Head of School Justin Kleinheider with his sons, from left, Eliot and Ronan.
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
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Justin Kleinheider
William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58
Head of School
President Emeritus
570-636-1108 570-636-0742 (fax) mmi@mmiprep.org www.mmiprep.org Joseph G. Rudawski President Emeritus
Benjamin Putnam will represent MMI at Poetry Out Loud MMI senior Benjamin Putnam, second from the right, captured the in-school Poetry Out Loud contest and will advance to the regional competition. Putnam recited the poems “Flaxman” by Margaret Fuller and “Ways of Talking” by Ha Jin to win the contest. The regional competition will be held in December at the WVIA Studios in Pittston. The regional winner will move on to the state competition in March. Also pictured are, from left: junior Samantha Sparich, freshman Jillian McGeehin, and Jennifer Novotney, Poetry Out Loud advisor.
New AP class among highlights as 2019-2020 school year begins An AP Environmental Science class, new furniture, and an additional Harkness table were among the new things MMI's 214 students found when they began the 2019-2020 school year on August 27. In addition to AP Environmental Science being added to the curriculum, students returned to a completely cleaned school building and found new classroom furniture in select classrooms, a newly sealed parking lot, upgraded wireless access points, and an additional Harkness table in the Library, which was funded by the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center Endowed Fund of the Luzerne Foundation. Sophomores Kaylee Witner, Althea Stewart, Sandra Abdulrahman, Alexandra Tierney, Anna Hoxha, and Gina Galada are ready for the new year!
Seniors Christian Yamulla, Alexander Jordan, and Josue Rodriguez in Mrs. Zucco's cafe-themed classroom.
Additionally, safety upgrades included new exterior doors and ballistic film on entry point glass.
Juniors Louis DeAngelo, Darren Zheng, Ethan Stine, Kyle Kim, Gregory Leonard, Noah Long, James Kelly, and Thomas Ansillio stop for a quick photo before the bell on the first day.
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Students celebrate their bond at Freshman Orientation MMI celebrated its annual Freshmen Orientation with activities on September 19 and a "bond fire" on September 20. After a morning of fun and games at the MMI Athletic Complex, this year’s senior class walked with the freshmen in the annual Pajama Parade and welcomed the members of the Class of 2023 into the doors of Old Main during the “Fresh Walk.”
Above,Kate Malay, Ashley Bonifacio, Ana Portorreal, senior Andrielle Puntiel, and Lucy Van den Burg walk in the parade. Below, freshmen, seniors, and advisors enjoy a sunny stroll through Freeland.
At top, senior Emily Ankiewicz leads a group of freshmen in a trust walk to the athletic fields. Above, freshman Khristian Banks is welcomed into the doors of Old Main.
Students display their MMI pride during Prepper Field Day MMI’s Student Council held Prepper Field Day on September 6. Students were asked to come to school sporting their MMI attire. After a morning of classes, Prepper Field Day began with a luncheon, sponsored by the school. The MMI Parents Association served and sponsored drinks and sno-cones. After lunch, the student body was divided into teams across the grades and competed in a series of events led by the Student Council and members of the Class of 2020.
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Above, MMI's teacher team shows off their spirit wear and character socks. Right, seventh grader Aiden Hosier, along with eighth grader Edgar Lopez-Rodriguez try their hands at giant Jenga while teammates look on.
Above, the team of Gregory Leonard, Lilli Warner-Senape, Ashley Bonifacio, Lindsay Horvat, Dominique Kline, Carter Frask, Christian Homnack, Bryce Radzwich, and Joshua Witner.
MMI holds third annual Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service MMI students completed community service projects throughout Greater Hazleton to commemorate the third annual Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service on October 2. The Athena S. Ford ’01 Endowed Fund for Community Service was established in 2017 by members of the MMI Class of 2001 to honor their classmate, who passed away on October 23, 2016. This fund is restricted by MMI to be used solely for expenses needed to establish and perpetuate The Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service. Sixth grade students, under the direction of advisors Anthony Cusat, Laurie Mele, and Amanda Shonk, joined the MMI Maintenance Department to complete projects at the MMI Athletic Field Complex and Schiavo Trail. Seventh grade students, with advisors Stella Boosalis, Michael Mele, and Jennifer Novotney, did work at the Freeland Little League field and later joined the sixth graders at the athletic complex.
Members of the MMI junior class with advisor Syra Dewar performed clean up at The Conyngham United Methodist Church. Pictured are, first row, from left: Kimberly Amentler, Christian Badamo, Julie Amentler, and Irene Altmiller. Second row: Louis DeAngelo, Hunter Blasko, Morgan Allen, and Alexis Dalesandro. Third row: Thomas Ansilio, Syra Dewar, and Gregory Leonard.
Following the community service activities, everyone enjoyed a lunch courtesy of the MMI Parents Association.
Athena Ford’s entire life was marked by sincere Eighth empathy, care grade and concern students, for, and service along with to her fellow advisors Patty man. While a Medvecky, student at MMI, Gabriela Ford started Moustardas, a chapter and Christina of Amnesty Spencer, International, helped at served on Country the Regional Heart Farm. Planning Board Freshmen, for the MidMembers of the MMI sophomore class worked on under the Atlantic Region, putting in pavers at the Bike Rental station at the guidance of Rails to Trails trailhead. Pictured are, from left: Gina and started a Cheryl Bayo, Galada, Randy Zea, Sandra Abdulrahman, Rachael Yellow Ribbon Timothy Betz, and Christian Homnack. Club to prevent Garvey, and teen suicide. Kathryn Green, visited Eckley Miners’ Village. Lisa Ferry and Michael Scarlato accompanied the sophomores in cleaning up the Greater Hazleton Rails to Trails.
After graduating in 2007 from Kenyon College, she was a community organizer in Philadelphia for Working America. She tirelessly worked in the field of health insurance reform, first for the support and passage of the ACA with the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, then as the statewide advocacy director for the Pennsylvania Health Action Network. Ford died in 2016 as a result of complications sustained in an automobile collision where she was a seat-belted passenger and suffered a traumatic brain injury. In addition to honoring Ford’s memory at MMI, Kenyon College awarded her its most prestigious honor, the Kenyon Alumni Council Humanitarian Service Award, and the Keystone Research Project permanently named their annual Citizen Activist Award after her. Her legacy will not be forgotten, as she will continue to inspire MMI students to a life of service through this fund.
Juniors, along with advisors Syra Dewar, Grete Floryshak, Christine Lizbinski, Gerard Pierotti, and Vince Vella, conducted projects at Conyngham United Methodist Church, Valley West Little League field, and Whispering Willows Park. Seniors, under the direction of advisors Melissa McHale, Sara Myers, and Justin Vincent, worked at the Butler Township Community Garden, Freedom Park, and Valley East Little League complex. Members of the MMI Eighth grade class performed various jobs around Country Heart Farm.
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MMI hosts Back-to-School Wine and Cheese Social MMI sponsored a Back-to-School Wine and Cheese Social for all parents of current students on August 28 to celebrate the start of the 2019-2020 school year. The evening offered a great opportunity for the 97 guests to catch up with old friends
and make new ones. Parents met members of MMI’s Board of Directors, administration, staff, coaches, and faculty. This tradition is a fun way for MMI’s newest parents to get to know the ropes and to mingle with other MMI families.
Above, Dr. Louis O'Boyle and Autumn O'Boyle. Right, Lesley McDermott and Dana and Alan Genetti.
Above, Melissa Loss and Dave and Molli Yamulla.
Your charitable IRA gift benefits MMI students! Did you know you can make a difference in the lives of MMI students through a gift from your IRA at any point during the year? Even better, a charitable gift from an IRA may be more tax effective than giving cash gifts and may count as part, or all, of your required minimum distribution. Charitable IRA criteria is as follows: • Donors must be 701/2 on the date of the gift. • Each IRA owner may contribute up to $100,000. • F unds must be transferred directly from the IRA
to MMI. • This provision is now permanent, so you can
make this type of gift at any time. How do I contribute from my IRA? Tell your IRA custodian you want to make a qualified charitable distribution to MMI. Just complete the form that your IRA custodian provides you or contact MMI to get a sample letter. Key information you may need includes MMI’s tax ID number which is 24-0795967.
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Learn more about how you can support MMI with a tax-free gift from your IRA by contacting Kim McNulty, Director of Advancement, at (570) 636-1108 or by email at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.
Graduates return to celebrate Alumni Weekend MMI held its annual Alumni Weekend celebration on August 2 and 3. This year’s Alumni Weekend honored reunion classes ending in -9 and -4. The festivities began with the traditional Alumni Picnic in the MMI cafeteria. Attendees had the opportunity to meet MMI's new Head of School, Justin Kleinheider, and share with him their thoughts on what makes MMI so special. Other picnic highlights included tours of the MMI campus by current student ambassadors and the opportunity to catch up with MMI faculty and staff, classmates, alumni, and friends. Formal Alumni Weekend events concluded with the Wall of Fame Awards Dinner on Saturday evening. Special recogntion was given to members from the Classes of 1939, 1944, 1949, and 1954 in acknowledgment of these special Preppers celebrating their 80th, 75th, 70th, and 65th class reunions.
Wall of Fame 2019 inductee Richard Barletta '74 and his wife, Carol, pictured at center, celebrate the weekend with, from left, MMI math instructor Gerard Pierotti and Mike Watahovich '61.
MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider, left, met 1979 graduates Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Beth Woodring, and Joe Valkusky.
Dr. Robert Kettrick '60, far right, a member of the Wall of Fame Class of 2018, sits with Dr. Cory Coll '60 and his wife, Anne, and student ambassador Caden Pease.
President Emeritus Dr. William Shergalis '58, far right, and his wife, Miki, center, pose with, from left, Dr. Monte Grossman, Atty. Harry Schaub '46, and Lisa Schaub Grossman.
Area students explore MMI's exciting summer camp classes MMI welcomed elementary-aged children to the School by offering 17 different summer camps between June and July. There were eight camps led by MMI faculty and staff. Let's Get Crafty!, Sports, Brick Building with Lights and Sound, The Incredible Wall Hugging Mouse Robot, Time Traveler, Super Powers Film, and Disney on Stage were just a few of the camp offerings.
At left, a group of campers pose in the MMI science lab. Above, Disney on Stage campers learned music and dances to popular Disney music from movies and musicals and created and performed in their own Disney Musical Revue.
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Five new members join MMI Wall of Fame MMI inducted a new class of members into its Wall of Fame during the 14th annual Wall of Fame Awards dinner, which was held as part of MMI’s Alumni Weekend festivities. Debbie L. Brenner Walko '79 was inducted for Community Service; Richard L. Barletta '74 and Mary Beth Mischissin Broadt '88 were recognized for Athletic Achievement; and Maj. Gen. Peter C. Bayer Jr. '80 and Dr. Richard J. Williams '62 were honored for Professional Achievement. Debbie L. Brenner Walko volunteered for numerous MMI inducted its 2019 Wall of Fame class during the Alumni Weekend festivities. Pictured are, from left: years at Drums Elementary/ MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty; Mary Beth Mischissin Broadt '88, Debbie L. Brenner Walko Middle School as Reflections '79, Maj. Gen. Peter C. Bayer Jr. '80, Richard L. Barletta '74, Edward A. Kusma '62 (who accepted on behalf of his classmate Dr. Richard J. Williams '62), Dr. Robert G. Kettrick '60 (Class of 2018), and MMI chairperson, Science Fair Head of School Justin Kleinheider. coordinator and judge, Champion teams of 1973. After graduation, he attended homeroom mom, field trip Lycoming College, where he earned a varsity letter in tennis. volunteer, lunch room volunteer, reading programs assistant, He was a math teacher at Pottstown High School, where he and PTA fundraiser chairperson and volunteer. Among her coached the boys’ and girls’ tennis teams and girls’ basketball many roles in the community, team, which won two Ches-Mont League championships and two District 1 AA championships, and had two appearances in she serves as the State Final Four. President of the Board of Mary Beth Mischissin Broadt holds the MMI record for Directors at the highest average by a member of the girls’ bowling team, and led Agudas Israel the girls to the only varsity Anthracite League Bowling League Synogague Championship ever won (boys and girls) by the Preppers. (AIS) and was In 1984, as an eighth-grader, she was a member of the girls’ a former Vice varsity team and averaged 130. In 1985, she led the varsity girls President and in average and bowled the high game and high two-game series Secretary. She and was team MVP. In 1986, she led the girls in all categories is a Jewish with her 144 average and was once again selected as MVP. The Community 1987 girls’ team won the only MMI varsity Anthracite League Center Board Member, former Chairperson for Hebrew School for 15 years, Youth Group assistant coordinator and chaperone, and Maj. Gen. Peter C. Bayer '80, right, receives his Wall of Fame induction plaque from MMI Head co-chairperson of School Justin Kleinheider. of the AIS Cemetery Committee. She also helped set up and cook lunches for the senior citizens at AIS’s Jewish Community Center. At Valley Country Club, Mrs. Walko served as a Pool Committee chairperson involved in swim races and all pool issues. She is also active with the VCC Dr. Robert G. Kettrick '60, a member of the Wall of Fame Class of Woman’s Golf Association and served as representative for the 2018 who was unable to attend last year's ceremony, returned this Central Women’s Golf Association of Northeastern PA.
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Rick Barletta was a member of MMI's State Champion, District 11 Basketball Champion, and Anthracite League
year to celebrate his formal induction into the MMI Wall of Fame. Accompanying Dr. Kettrick were his nominator and fellow Wall of Fame member Dr. Cory Coll '60 and his wife, Anne.
during 14th annual induction ceremony Championship. She anchored the team and led the league with a 168 average, which remained (until the league’s demise) the second-highest average achieved by any Anthracite League girl bowler. Her success earned her a third consecutive MVP award. Maj. Gen. Peter Bayer is a retired United States Army Major General and former Director of Strategy, Plans, and Policy on the Army staff at the Pentagon. He served as MMI’s Commencement speaker in 2017. His current position is as the Area Vice President, Midwest South at Penske Logistics. He had also previously served as the Area Vice President, Northeast for Penske Logistics, where he led a team of more than 1,900 associates providing world class transportation and warehouse management logistics support to 37 diverse customers nationwide. His career in the United States Army spanned more than 29 years as a soldier in a variety of command and staff positions in the United States, Germany, and the Middle East. He owns extensive leadership experience at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels and spent the majority of his career in operations and training with duty in multiple armor and cavalry units, including four post-9/11 operational and combat tours in Kuwait and Iraq. The Valedictorian of the Class of 1962, Dr. Richard Williams earned a degree in geology from Lehigh University after which he received a Ph.D. in geochemistry from Johns Hopkins. After his Ph.D. work, he joined NASA in Houston and earned a technical degree (Masters level) in Public Administration from the University of Houston. At NASA, Dr. Williams served as a Research Scientist at the Johnson Space Craft Center. He was
Above, Debbie L. Brenner Walko '79 celebrated her induction with, from left, her son, Peter Walko '21; her husband, Lawrence Walko; and her sister Cindy Conahan '76.
Richard L. Barletta '74 poses with some of his family in the MMI Courtyard prior to the induction ceremony.
involved extensively with the Space Station programs and was in charge of the many experiments conducted on the Space Station. He was also the Manager of Planetary Geology and Physics at NASA prior to his retirement. Dr. Robert G. Kettrick '60, a member of the Class of 2018 who couldn't attend last year's ceremony, was on hand this year to receive his formal induction. Dr. Kettrick retired in 2010, after eight years with the Nemours Foundation, as the Chairman of the Professional Performance and Quality Committee. From 1996-2002, Dr. Kettrick was the Medical Director and Chief Executive of the Practice at Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, and from 1987-1996, he served as the Director of the Division of Critical Care as well as the Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care at the Alfred I. DuPont Institute of the Nemours Foundation.
Mary Beth Mischissin Broadt '88 and her family gathered outside to celebrate before the ceremony got under way.
Head's Heart-2-Heart events educate parents The Head's Heart-2-Heart events are designed to continue to build a strong partnership between school and home. The first event, on study skills, was held on Friday, September 27, in the Joseph A. Turri '45 Library & Learning Center. Twentyseven parents came out to talk with each other, faculty, and administrators about ways to help their child develop solid study skills. The second event, held on Thursday, November 14, focused on understanding social conflict and was a great discussion between parents, the school counselor, Dean of Students, and Head of School. The next event is planned for after the new year.
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Parents Association raises nearly $9,000 at fall fundraisers The start of the school year was eventful for the MMI Parents Association. Volunteer committees dove right into the planning and execution of several events and fundraisers. While still on summer break, the Gently Used Clothing Sale Committee organized an extremely successful event in August. The sale, open to MMI families, featured reasonably priced dress-code appropriate clothing and this popular event profited more than $1,000. Next, the Parents Association contributed to both Prepper Field Day and the Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service. Parent volunteers had a great time observing the Field Day activities while serving beverages, snacks, and sno-cones for all participants. On the annual Day of Service, the Parents Association provided lunch for all students as they returned from their community service activities. October 20 marked the annual Harvest Bingo event, Harrison Kress and Andrellie Puntiel, pictured at center in the first row, one of the Parents Association’s largest fundraisers. The MMI gymnasium was bustling with a record crowd for the were crowned king and queen at the 2019 MMI Harvest Dance. Also pictured are, first row, from left: Katharine Pinto and Macy Zenier. cash prize event. Harvest Bingo also featured homemade Second row: Benjamin Putnam; Lesley McDermott, Parents Association food items Representative; Lisa Marie Ferry, Dean of Students; and Brandon and baked Crockford. goods, On Saturday, November 2, the Parents Association tricky trays, sponsored the semi-formal Harvest Dance for upper school prize raffles students. The theme, Under a Harvest Moon, came to life with with items the help of a donation from Robert Kashubski '67, owner of donated Kashubski Tree Farm. His donation of pumpkins and corn stalks by each helped the parent-driven committee completely transform the grade level, MMI commons and cafeteria. door prizes To wrap up the fall activities, Trivia Night was held on sponsored by Saturday, November 9. The committee’s goal was to provide a The Flower fun, family event for the MMI community. Thanks to dinner Tent, and sponsor Premier Catering and Events at Genetti Ballrooms, a 50/50. dinner for all participants was included in the ticket price. Thanks to the With more than 100 people in attendance, the evening was Molly Yamulla and Dana Genetti serve a hardworking sno-cone to Kyle Kim during Prepper Field Day. filled with trivia, food, fun, friends, and prizes. The event committee and raised more than $600. volunteers, the event profited over $7,100! Despite the Thanks to a newly formed Parents Association committee, busy fall months, students once again had the opportunity to display their talent the Parents at Open Mic Night. It was an evening of fun and entertainment Association for MMI students, families, and staff featuring music, poetry, continues to comedy, and karaoke. plan for the rest Due to the event’s success, the committee plans to hold of the school more Open Mic nights throughout the school year. year. Upcoming projects include Open Mic Nights, February calendar raffle, Mid School Dance, Making Smart Choices Tara Strecker, Melissa Loss, and Joyce Event – featuring Gombeda worked the kitchen during the a speaker from the Harvest Bingo. 525 Foundation, Designer Bag Bingo, and Graduation reception.
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Renee Banks and Hope Frask helped out with prizes and tricky trays during the Harvest Bingo.
The mission of the MMI Parents Association is to inspire and enrich the lives of MMI students and the MMI community through the support of varied educational, social, and cultural activities, and to partner with the Advancement Office to raise money for school initiatives.
Dr. Joan Greco
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University at New Orleans. In this program, she was the only female in a residency program of 30. “LSU was an amazing unique program with so much volume (patients) and the autonomy to do surgeries that wouldn’t be allowed elsewhere. This is where I learned facial cosmetic surgery talents. If we could find patients, we could do the surgery for free - so the experiences were plentiful.” During the last half of her senior year, she spent a short time in Utah doing a mini-fellowship in facial cosmetic surgery and it was during that time that she met her future husband who decided to join her in her plans to move to Hawaii where they opened a practice together in 1994. Dr. Greco now operates offices in Waimea and Hilo. Even though she is no longer married, they had two incredible children - Cannon who is a first-year medical student at Jefferson with sights on orthopedic surgery, and Tori who graduates from Smith College this December and will start a career making film documentaries around the world. In 2015, she was chosen as one of 15 specialists (Periodontists and Oral Surgeons) in North America to be an active member of Spear Dental Education’s Advisory Board (the country’s largest dental continuing education group) - helping to steer its Master’s Programs. She remains an active member today - along with being on the Open Wide Foundation’s Ambassador’s Council overseeing their dental clinics in Guatemala, and was selected to be the head of their oral surgery division. Dr. Greco’s personal experiences navigating the maledominated medical field and often not feeling heard or seen led her to establish the J.M. Greco Foundation. Founded in 2015, it helps fund the education of local students on the Big Island pursuing any careers related to medical and dental fields. Dr. Greco said the experience as the only woman in her class at LSU helped shape the foundation’s future for the work she is doing today to empower women. “I wouldn’t give up one moment of my residency program. I was in a very male-dominated world and I see what women are still challenged with today. My foundation is morphing from funding students and is focusing on empowering women and letting them know that their voices matter... that they matter.” In addition to her oral surgery and facial plastic surgery practice, Dr. Greco focuses attention on XPRIZE, being selected as a member of the XPRIZE Foundation’s Innovation Board in 2017. A nonprofit organization, the XPRIZE Foundation has designed and operated seventeen competitions in the domain areas of Space, Oceans, Learning, Health, Energy, Environment, Transportation, Safety, and Robotics. XPRIZE has launched more than $140 million in innovation competition prize purses - the first being the Ansari Rocket. This technology spurred Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and Elon Musk’s Space X, and most recently, Israel’s Beresheet spacecraft. XPRIZE takes on prizes that no corporation or government wants to tackle...but each of these prizes have created industry-changing technology that brings us closer to a better, safer, more sustainable world. Dr. Greco is also dedicated to an initiative called “The Invisible Woman” - through XPRIZE - that is focused on empowering women in business and making sure new products are tested with both women and men in mind. For example, standard crash test dummies used by car companies to test vehicles are designed to represent the impact a crash would have on a man but not a woman… “and this is why women are injured more severely in crashes.”
“I want women to have a voice. When my daughter was in middle school, and puberty was beginning, I saw these very strong girls give up their power to boys. They interacted differently and allowed the boy to take the lead... and those boys had no idea what they were doing… they followed the role models they had - and as we know - that doesn’t always turn out good. We’re working on focusing on how women can maintain their femininity in school, in the workplace, at home... and not feel like they have to act like a guy to be successful. They don’t have to be masculine to succeed. I want to let women understand and embody that it’s OK to be feminine and that it’s not a sign of being weak... it’s a sign of being strong,” said Dr. Greco. Dr. Greco is also working on instigating a paradigm shift in dentistry through AI, robotics, and nanotechnology through her associations and involvement with Abundance 360. She is also a proud member of renowned business life coach Tony Robbins’ inner circle - Platinum Partnership Lions group, traveling the world several times a year. Dr. Greco said she has many fond memories of her time at MMI with Mr. Rudawski at the top of the list and named many teachers who had an impact on her studies. Her brother, Tom, attended MMI and her cousin, Angelo Greco, graduated from MMI in 1974. In addition to competing with the cross-country, softball, and tennis teams, she was a 4-year member of the cheerleading squad, including during the boys’ basketball team’s magical run to the State Championship in 1973. She holds onto fond memories of the Pajama Parade, spending time in the old gym that was located across the street from Old Main, the cafeteria that served no real food, the Harvest Ball, graduation, typing class, and spending time at the Valley Country Club with some of her classmates. Greco said, “So many things have changed since then and MMI has grown. When I was in school, it was right after the School went co-ed and there were only six or eight girls in the class. When I was getting ready to attend high school, I wanted to be somewhere special and not get lost in the crowd so I appreciated the small class sizes at MMI. It was a special time for me. Without MMI, I wouldn’t be where I am today. It prepared me for my career and gave me a background for how to find answers and move forward. The small community and personal interaction were very helpful.” In reflecting on her time at MMI and focusing on her mission of empowerment and authenticity, Dr. Greco said she wants to remind today’s MMI students that every one of them has a place in the world. “They need to be who they are and do what they want to do in life. Don’t settle... find your passion and follow it. They need to know that they matter.” To say Dr. Greco lives a robust and busy life would certainly be an understatement! However, through it all, she prides herself on her reputation as “the surgeon with the delicate touch” and “giving back to others.” She also intends to give back to MMI through a planned gift. “I’ve been graced with talents and a mind that allow me to live an abundant life and I want to share that,” she said. “The heart of my practice is being able to connect with people and relax them of their fears of oral surgery and help them to understand that, at the end of it all, everything will be OK.”
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Coll donation funds circuitry kits for mid-school STEM program Dr. Cory Coll ’60 and his wife, Anne, made an annual fund donation to MMI’s mid-school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program. Faculty member Amanda Shonk wanted to add a curricular unit as an introduction to electronics, circuits, and engineering. She found a circuitry kit made by Elenco called Snap Circuit Pro, which are in a hard case, are low maintenance, and, since the pieces snap together rather than requiring soldering, they are perfect for our mid-school students. Thanks to the Coll’s generosity, MMI was able to purchase six full Snap Circuit Pro kits along with additional accessories. The topics Ms. Shonk can now introduce to our students include: resistors, capacitors, transistors, motors, integrated circuits, switches, series circuits, parallel
circuits, batteries, relays, transformers, digital recording, 7-segment displays, SCRs, analog meters, diodes, and FM radio studies. If you are interested in helping MMI fund specific wish-list items for one of our classrooms or program areas, please contact Director of Advancement Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.
Above, Daniel Griffith. At right, Ava Genetti, Alena Lombardo, Madelyn Young, and Erica Schwear.
International Dinner benefits World Languages Department 12
MMI's Annual International Dinner, sponsored by the World Languages Department, was held on Thursday, October 10. Quite a few guests enjoyed the shared dishes and desserts for a night of good food and fun!
Joe Stepansky receives Spirit of Courage Award
Freeland firefighters, from left, Cal Herring ’74, Richard Lindsey, Chief Joseph Stepansky, Audrey Stepansky ’15, John Teliho, and Stan Quaintnance.
The MMI family is very proud of Freeland Fire Chief and MMI’s Director of Facilities Joseph Stepansky! Joe received the Spirit of Courage Award during the 14th annual Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards Celebration held at Lehigh Valley HospitalMuhlenberg. This award was given following his heroic actions when he ran into a burning Freeland building following a mayday call by two firefighters, found the men, and escorted them to safety. “To be honest with you, you don’t have the time to think about it,” he said of the decision to enter the blazing building. “I truly mean that. With all the training, I knew what needed to be done.” Cal Herring ’74, the department’s chief engineer, nominated Joe for the award.
MMI wraps up successful fall sports season
Congratulations to the girls' volleyball team who wrapped up the 2019 campaign playing for the District II Championship against Blue Ridge after defeating Mountain View in the seminfinals. The Preppers fell in the championship game but still had a great season!
Ben Putnam qualifies for district music festivals And, congratulations to MMI’s Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches’ All-Star Team members in soccer. Junior Jimmy Kelly was selected to the Division 2 First Team while senior Carter Frask, junior Greg Leonard, senior Kai Mele, and senior Ben Putnam were named to the Second Team.
MMI senior Ben Putnam auditioned for PMEA District Orchestra & District Band along with 325 students from across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties. He qualified to attend the PMEA District Orchestra Festival and the PMEA District Band Festival. Ben placed first on string bass to secure his place in both festivals, which will take place in January and February of 2020.
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Young Alumni Spotlight: Kaitlyn McGeehan '19 This fall, Kaitlyn McGeehan ’19 was selected to be a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Kite and Key Society, the oldest and largest service society at UPenn. As a member, her primary role will be in providing campus tours to prospective students through the sharing of personal experiences at Penn. Kaity took some time to reflect on her first semester of college and was able to share her thoughts with us! Why Kite and Key? What made you want to be a part of this society? “UPenn was my number-one choice school for a long time. Even before I knew that I wanted to study nursing, it was definitely a school on my radar. Essentially, what motivated me to apply to the Kite and Key Society was simply wanting to have the opportunity to spread the love that I have for my school to prospective students who may not be quite sure what they want in a college experience. It is my pride in my school that made me want to join.” Tell us a little bit about your transition to college. “Making the transition to college life is something that I tried not to think about too much before I came to UPenn. I try to take each day at a time, making a conscious effort to stay focused on my studies while being sure to always make time for the incredible friends that I have already made here. I will admit, nursing school (and college in general) is not a walk in the park! Sometimes, I find myself in a little over my head at times. I often think of the "Growth Mindset" concept that Mrs. Jennifer Novotney taught my AP Literature and Composition class in my junior year when I get stressed. It is a reminder that success isn't marked by a single grade, it's marked by the ability to learn from the past. I know it might sound cheesy, but it really is a good mindset to keep!” What is one of the most exciting aspects of being at UPenn? “The most exciting thing about being at UPenn for me is that each day I get to actively pursue my interests in a way that's not monotonous and with an absolute purpose. Being in a city, I am so fortunate to have so many
Milestones
Events in the lives of the MMI family Births John Slyconish ’95 and his wife, Dr. Rachel Carmody, welcomed Bennett Patrick Slyconish (at right) to their family. Bennett was born on October 25, 2019. He joins big brother Theo and the family calls Boston, MA home. Ambika Chikarmane ’03 and her husband, Maneesh Jain, welcomed a second baby boy to the family this past summer. Kai joins his big brother, Ayaan, who is just over two and starting pre-school this year. The family resides in Washington, DC.
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Jeremy Kuhar ’97 and Anastasia Kalashnikova welcomed a second daughter, Eliana Sienna, who was born May 27, 2019. She, her older sister, Ariana Michaela, and parents live in Gettysburg, PA.
different opportunities to get involved in the community in a way that is meaningful to me. For one thing, I absolutely adore Disney. At the activities fair on the second week of school, I found a club called "A Moment of Magic," a national organization in which college students Kaitlyn McGeehan '19 volunteer to visit pediatric hospitals in cities and dress as Disney or Marvel characters. The purpose of the club is to give children who are less fortunate and suffering severe health ailments the ability to take a moment to be a kid again. I love this club because I am able to combine my love of Disney with my passion for nursing, while serving the community at the same time.” Can you elaborate a bit on the other roles you may take on with Kite and Key Society? “Kite and Key is Penn's oldest and largest service society. In addition to providing campus tours to prospective students, I also have two other roles as a member of the club: facilitating "Chat and Chew" sessions and being a part of the "Equity and Access" program. Chat and Chew is a more informal chance for a prospective student to interact with Penn students and ask questions in a casual setting. I am matched with a student who has signed up for the session and take them to a dining hall of my choice, where we can eat some good food and talk about any questions that the prospective student may have about Penn. Equity and Access is an online program that allows prospective students without the means to visit campus to interact with a student, as opposed to a more formal interview with an admissions counselor. The student can ask questions about specific programs or basic questions about what it's really like to live on campus and we are happy to chat with them!
Milestones
Events in the lives of the MMI family Deaths Clyde H. Bell ’43 passed away on October 27, 2019.His beloved wife, Dorothy, passed away earlier this year on February 22. Clyde is survived by his son, Dr. Peter A. Bell, and his wife, Irene, and daughters Wendy Bell Stutz and Debby Bell Nelson. The family held a Celebration of Life service for Dorothy this past spring and will do the same for Clyde next spring. Their ashes will be interred at the Oakwood Cemetery in Penfield, NY. August “Bud” Corraza ’56 passed away on June 29, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Jean; his five children Susan Thibodeau and husband Timothy, Robert Corazza and wife Carolyn, Barbara Hegner, Ruth Coe, and Jonathan Corazza; and numerous grandchildren. Grace Darrow-Cuozzo passed away on October 6, 2019. She is survived by her husband, John; daughter, Sarah Magula and her husband, Gerard; grandchildren Jacob Magula and Gracie Magula ’25; sisters Michele Corrado and husband Fred, and Patricia Derr and husband Charles; brother, John Darrow and his wife, Gertie; and several nieces and nephews, including Paige Darrow ’14. Gertrude DeMelfi passed away on November 17, 2019. She is survived by her daughter, Donna DeMelfi; son, MMI faculty member Daniel DeMelfi and wife, Esme; grandchildren Michelle Fitzgerald, Jack Mulhall, Jr., Kieran (Chiara) DeMelfi ’15, Gabriella DeMelfi ’17, and Daniel DeMelfi ’19; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren, including Ryleigh Yanac ’26. Joan Durako passed away on October 15, 2019. Joan is survived by her sons Andrew Durako and wife Ann, Robin Durako, and Dr. Robert Durako and wife Peggy Clancy Durako; and seven grandchildren, including Aine Durako ’18. Helen Dzuranin passed away on May 4, 2019. She is survived by her daughters Anna Bendick and husband Sean, and Margaret Morales and husband Roberto; and son, John Dzuranin ’81. Dorothy Feussner passed away on September 18, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Roy; sons Dr. John Feussner ’64 and wife Carol, Gregory and wife Mary Ellen, and Ronald Feussner ’70; daughter, Patricia Morse; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Francis Hale III passed away on November 4, 2019. Frank is survived by his wife, Joan, and six children, including former MMI faculty member Mary-Lee Hood and her husband, former MMI Head of School Thomas Hood; and 10 grandchildren including, Emmeline Hood, Thomas Hood, William Hood ’09, and Catherine Hood ’11. George J. Hayden passed away on October 7, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Florence; sons George F. Hayden and
wife Karen, and James Hayden and wife Mary; daughters Marybeth Hayden, Theresa Seigendall and husband Thomas; and Alicia Gomba and husband Joseph; and many grandchildren, including Jakob Schwabe ’18. Mary Ann Keirans, past MMI Board member from 1988-98, passed away on August 2, 2019. She is survived by her daughter, Veronica Penney ’82, and her husband, James; and granddaughters Jillian, Grace, and Rachel Penney. Mrs. Keirans was MMI’s Board Secretary from 1991-1993, Board Vice-Chair from 1993-1995, and Board Chair from 1995-1997. Barbara Louise Kenvin passed away on July 21, 2019. She is survived by her daughters Barbie Kenvin and Rebecca Warren ’84; brother, Stanley Warner, Jr. ’56 and his wife, Joan; sister, Ellen Ann Karpowich and her husband, Joseph Karpowich ’65; grandsons Grant Warren ’20 and Blake Warren ’24; several nieces and nephews, including Stanley Warner ’92; great nephew Ethan Warner ’19; and great niece Grace Warner ’22. Margaret M. Koslap passed away on November 17, 2019. She is survived by her sons Robert Koslap ’65 and wife Carol, and Michael Koslap ’74 and wife Linda; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Joseph Kotarra ’72 passed away on August 18, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Nina; sons Jake and Nathaniel; brothers Mike and wife Ann, and Ed and wife Debbie; sister Aleta and husband J.P.; and loving nieces and nephews. Frederick W. Loss passed away on August 17, 2019. He is survived by his wife, LeAnne; daughter, Kim, and her husband, Eric Butler; sons Frederick and wife Melissa, and Timothy and wife Lindsay; and five grandchildren, including Ashley Loss ’22. Cindy Sue Merenich passed away on July 1, 2019. She is survived by her husband, Michael; sons Michael III, Jerry, Chris and wife Stacie, Jamie Catrone, Michael Merenich Jr. ’15, and Dillon Merenich ’17; daughters Mimi and husband Ed Mack, and Heaven Merenich; and six grandchildren. Martin C. Nocchi passed away on June 22, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons David and wife Maria, Marty, and Dan and wife Susan; daughters Teresa and husband Walter Golab, Lisa and husband Rob Nairns, and Kathleen and husband Nick Evancho; and seven grandchildren, including Brianna Nocchi ’13. Robert E. Unangst ’43, valedictorian of his class at MMI, passed away April 28, 2019. He is survived by his granddaughter, Margaret Sholtz; and sister, Carolyn Warner and her husband, Bill.
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Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe where he attended King’s College for three years and ND for two years. At the completion of the program, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aeronautical Engineering from Notre Dame and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a Minor in Mathematics from Kings College. Patrick is working as an Equipment Design Engineer at East Penn Manufacturing in Kutztown, PA.
Gabriella Kupsho ’18 (pictured above) is currently attending Drexel University, where she is majoring in Biomedical Engineering, as well as being in Drexel’s BS/MD program. The valedictorian of her class at MMI, Gabriella entered Drexel with defined goals of receiving an engineering degree, while still pursuing her dream to attend the Drexel College of Medicine and become a physician. She has served as an active member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and was granted a Biomedical Engineering Peer Mentor position for the fall. She spent her freshman year spring break in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, attending the Drexel University Alternative Spring Break (ASB) experience. She flew down to Louisiana to help those still struggling with displacement from their homes from Hurricane Katrina. This past summer, Gabby was accepted into the Drexel University STAR Scholars Program, standing for Students Tackle Advanced Research. She spent ten weeks in Philadelphia working in a pediatric cardiology lab conducting laboratory research focused on a severe, congenital heart defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine has announced that 10 new doctors-in-training, including Caroline Bandurska ’12 and Syed Qadri ’15, have committed to staying in the region to practice medicine by becoming part of the innovative Abigail Geisinger Scholars Program. Abigail Geisinger Scholars pay no tuition in exchange for an obligation to work at Geisinger once they finish residency. Brian Driscoll ’16 completed summer research at Wilkes University that included using satellite and drone imagery to create a 3D model of landslides along Shickshinny Mountain, studying geophysical methods to identify the slip surface at depth, and taking tree cores to study activation/reactivation of motions. Brian is a mechanical engineering major.
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Patrick Driscoll ’14 graduated from The University of Notre Dame in May 2019. He was enrolled in a 3+2 program,
Matt Dulcey ’99 is currently residing in the Netherlands with his wife, Jillian Toussaint. They have three children: Malin (age 4 ½), Elodie (age 2), and Luc (6 months). Matt is a 2005 Drexel University graduate who earned an EMBA degree at Erasmus RSM University in Rotterdam. He is the Chief Commercial Officer at Procentec, an independent Dutch company that supplies innovative solutions, training, and consultancy to the Industrial Automation Market. Hazleton Rotarian and MMI Board of Directors Vice Chairman Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 installed new Hazleton Rotary President Alan Whitaker ’83 at the annual Presidents Party at Valley Country Club. Also serving on Rotary’s Board of Directors are Lani Drobnock, Coordinator of Parent Programs, and Kim McNulty, Director of Advancement. Alyssa Famalette ’16 and Jay Solgama ’16, both students at the University of Pittsburgh, returned to the Laboratory for Child Brain Development (LCBD) this fall. Jay started at the lab in the spring of 2018 and Alyssa started a few months later. The LCBD is interested in studying emotion regulation and dysregulation in preschool-aged children using neuroimaging techniques such as fNIRS and fMRI. As undergraduate research assistants, Alyssa and Jay run experiments with subjects and enter data. Both plan to write a thesis this spring using the studies that have been conducted at the LCBD.
From left, Dr. Frank Castrina ’60 and his wife, Judy; Dr. Bob Kettrick ’60 and his wife, Eileen; and Dr. Cory Coll ’60 and his wife, Anne, set sail on a Mississippi River cruise in mid-September.
Bloomsburg University student-athlete Edward Herbener ’16 was recognized by the Division II Athletic Directors Association (D2 ADA) and was named one of the recipients of the 2018-19 Academic Achievement Award. He was also named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete.
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe were assigned attending physicians at Geisinger Community Medical Center for shadowing and mentoring on a daily basis. The intent was to expose participants to a wide range of medical specialties. Mahad is a biology major at Scranton. Rick Mikula ’68, also known as The Butterfly Guy, was recently interviewed on the Weather Channel about monarch butterfly migration. Mikula has been breeding and sharing his love of butterflies with audiences for the past 35 years. He is currently President of Butterfly Rescue International and serves as consultant to both the Association for Butterflies and The International Butterfly Breeders Association. He is a co-founder and past president of the IBBA, has served as a vice president of the Canadian Butterfly Breeders and Exhibitors Association, secretary and treasurer for the New Jersey Lepidopterist Society, and on the Board of Directors for The Center for Landscape Design and Stewardship. The pioneer of releasing butterflies at weddings and funerals, Rick has helped to make that practice a global phenomenon. To learn more about Rick and his expertise in butterflies, visit www.butterflyrick.com. Vanessa Novinger ’12 was among 56 students who graduated from the Physician’s Assistant Master’s Degree Program at King’s College.
Julia Snyder ’18 was named the 2019 National American Miss Pennsylvania Teen and Miss Greater Hazleton Outstanding Teen. Additionally, Julia, a business communication major at the University of Scranton, participated in the University's study abroad travel course in Peru this past summer. Amanda Lara ’11 received a Master of Science with a major in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while her sister, Andrea Lara ’12, earned a Master of Science with a major in Biochemistry during the University of Scranton’s graduate commencement ceremony on May 25. Amanda also earned outstanding academic awards for a master’s level program in clinical mental health counseling. Kayla Leonard ’17, a student at McDaniel College in Maryland, presented at the UMBC Undergraduate Research Symposium in the chemical and biological sciences. She is majoring in biology and chemistry and presented her research, titled “Determining How the 2,2’-Dipicolyldithiocarbamate Anion Binds Zinc (II), Cadmium (II), or Mercury (II) Ions.” Kristyn Lizbinski ’09 was awarded the Brown-Coxe Postdoctoral Fellowship through the Yale School of Medicine. She submitted a research proposal outlining experiments she will perform in her post-doctorate work, which was reviewed by a group of Yale scientists and doctors. The fellowship will fund her research for a year. Mahad Muhammad ’18 was among four University of Scranton students who gained clinical exposure thanks to The Abigail Geisinger Pre-Medical Clinical Experiences Program at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. The five-week program ran during the summer and students
Keenan Overa ’17, a student at Lehigh University, has been traveling internationally extensively since he left MMI. With a major in International Studies with a focus on China, he began taking summer classes in Russian through Bard College (NY) as a freshman. He was able to spend four weeks in St. Petersburg, Russia, doing an Intensive Russian language program and lived with a host family. As a sophomore, Keenan was selected as a United Nations Youth Representative and was chosen to work with the Augustinians, which are a religious NGO. He will hold his post there until graduation. At the end of last semester, he was inducted into Dobro Slavo, which is the National Slavic Honor Society. He was also awarded the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) 2019 Russian Scholar Laureate Award and was selected to be published in The Lehigh Review 2019. Finally, Keenan was also selected for the Iacocca International Internship Program (IIIP) and was chosen to go to Chisinau, Moldova, for an eight-week internship at the American Language Center for American Councils in International Education this past summer. A special thank you to Todd Schell ’80 and Joleen Beltrami ’82 who took time out of their busy schedules to join MMI’s FBLA students and advisor, Mrs. Katherine Zucco, for dinner while they attended the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio in July!
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Edward Sharp ’36 celebrated his 100th birthday on September 9. He was valedictorian of his class at MMI and graduated magna cum laude from Lehigh University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Tau Betta Pi national scholastic honor societies. He received his master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. For a number of years, he was a managing partner of Sharp’s Bakery and retired as vice president of Citterio USA Corp. He was past president and a long-term board member of the Freeland YMCA, past member and chairman of the board of MMI, and was named to the MMI Wall of Fame.
Alexander Sessock ’19 was awarded the Polonaise Society Scholarship in memory of Jake Kislan ’56 by his wife, Michelle Kislan, and Bob and Larry Wydock, in memory of their mother, Agnes Wydock. The scholarship also honors Florence Kopetskie, wife of society president Tom Kopetskie. Alex is attending the University of Pittsburgh honors program with guaranteed admission to the University of Pittsburgh Dental School.
Jesse Plaksa ’15 graduated Summa Cum Laude from East Stroudsburg University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. Jesse has accepted a full scholarship and is attending Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in Columbus, Ohio.
Scott Sugarman ‘73, Rick Barletta ‘74, and Rick DiLiberto ‘79 took in a ball game during early fall!
Alexander Sriharsha ’11 competed as a member of the Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania soil judging team that finished sixth at the 2019 Northeast Regional Soil Judging Competition in October in Easton, Maryland. The Soil Judging Competition involves entering a soil pit, identifying soil horizons (layers), describing the morphological properties of each horizon, and then interpreting the soil for taxonomic classification and land uses such as septic systems.
Lois Polashenski ’17 was presented with a $6,000 scholarship from The Freeland American Legion Home Association. Lois is a junior at Cedar Crest College and is an environmental conservation major and mathematics minor. Leandra Pszeniczny ’07 was officially licensed as an Architect in the state of Colorado in June of this year. Kristin Purcell ’14 successfully passed all four sections of her CPA exam and graduated from the University of Tennessee Masters of Accountancy program in August. She is currently working as an International Tax Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Atlanta, Georgia.
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The Class of 1979 celebrated their 40th reunion at the Valley country Club on Friday, August 2.
Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between June 15 and November 15, 2019
In H onor of the Wall of Fame Induction of Richard Barletta ’74 Fellin's Jewelers
In Memory of Mary Ann Keirans Rev. Mr. Eugene Kovatch ’55 and Mrs. Ruthanne Kovatch Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Lambert E. Broad Mr. and Mrs. John D. Kushnerick Mrs. Mary E. Mertz
In honor of the Wall of Fame Induction of Dr. Robert Kettrick '60 Dr. Frank Castrina ’60 and Mrs. Judy Castrina
In Memory of Kim Byriel Ms. Julia Byriel
In Memory of Jake Kislan ’56 Mr. Dan Ravina
In Memory of Ambabai and Mahadev Chikarmane Ms. Ambika A. Chikarmane ’03
In Memory of Elizabeth Rose Kostick Mrs. Thomas J. Crofcheck Sr.
In Honor of Alexander Composto ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Mark M. Brasavage In Memory of James K. Conahan ’68 Dr. T homas J. Conahan III ’59 and Mrs. Catherine Conahan In Memory of Thomas Conahan ’26 and Eugenia Conahan homas J. Conahan III ’59 and Dr. T Mrs. Catherine Conahan In Honor of Eve Corazza ’25 Mr. J ames A. Corazza '73 and Mrs. Karen Sandrock Corazza In Memory of Grace Darrow-Cuozzo Mr. Joshua I. Narrow ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Rossi
In Memory of John Kostick Mrs. Thomas J. Crofcheck Sr. In Memory of James Lobitz Mrs. Anna G. Krusinski In Memory of Alvan Lynn ’55 Mrs. Patricia J. Lynn In Memory of James Massell ’00 Mr. Andrew N. Christopher ’00 In Memory of Arthur Maurer ’38 Mr. Christopher Maurer In Memory of Harry Max Morrett Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny In Memory of Rudolph and Mary Mucha Mr. Joseph Mucha ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Mucha
In Memory of Robert Curlette Mrs. Maurice Ferry
In Honor of Amanda Neidlinger ’98 Mrs. Shirley Neidlinger
In Memory of Thomas Deisroth ’60 Dr. Robert Kettrick ’60 and Mrs. Eileen Kettrick
In Honor of Nathaniel Neidlinger ’24 Mrs. Shirley Neidlinger
In Memory of Gertrude DeMelfi The Dei Tos Family
In Memory of Martin Nocchi Mr. Paul D. Lesser ’73
In Memory of Mary and Adam Dinko Mrs. Thomas J. Crofcheck Sr.
In Memory of Michael Oleyar Mr. Richard Blaum ’60 and Mrs. Gail Blaum
In Memory of Dorothy Feussner The Dei Tos Family Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Karen Riley Mr. E. Edward Riley ’61
In Memory of Athena Ford ’01 Mr. James Blaum and Ms. Karen Petrosky-Blaum ’01 In Memory of Louise M. Gower Mr. Edgar Gower ’73 and Mrs. Joan Gower In Memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Brian Ayers and Mrs. Cynthia Ayers ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84 Dr. Bruce Klugherz and Dr. Michelle Ecker ’84 In Memory of Francis G. Hale III The McNulty Family In Memory of George J. Hayden Sr. The Dei Tos Family Mr. and Mrs. Dave Eikenberg The Edward A. & Mary Farley-Pane Charitable Fund of The Luzerne Foundation Miss Stephanie R. Zellner ’18 In Memory of Barbara Kenvin The Dei Tos Family MMI Parents Association
In Memory of Margaret Roman Mr. Angelo Roman ’39 In Memory of Andrew Stofan ’22 Mr. Roman Baran ’60 and Mrs. Rita Baran Mr. Bernard Nosal ’59 In Honor of Connor Strecker ’24 Mr. James Strecker In Honor of Morgan Strecker ’22 Mr. James Strecker In Memory of Walter Tunnessen ’57 Mrs. Nancy L. Tunnessen In Memory of Amy Vitek Mr. Steven Nagy In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Williams Mr. Robert Klotz ’58 and Mrs. Carol Klotz In Memory of Sarah Yuscavage ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Yuscavage
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID WILKES-BARRE, PA PERMIT#188
MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224 Address Service R equested
Entrance Exam Testing Date Important Dates 2020-2021 Admissions – January 25, 2020 Applicants report to the MMI Main Office by 8:45 a.m.
Visitation Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 11 Mid Winter Social. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 21 Open House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 29 Wister Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31 Springo Designer Bag Bingo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 5 Spring Musical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 24 & 25