Summer 2023 Newsletter

MMI Preparatory School Honors the Class of 2023 at 131st Commencement Ceremony

MMI Preparatory School honored the Class of 2023 during its 131st commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 25. This year’s graduating class of 24 seniors were accepted at more than 88 percent of the colleges they applied to and amassed more than $7.5 million in merit scholarships and awards.

“I am beyond thrilled to be presiding over the 131st commencement ceremonies at MMI. My first year has been one focused mostly on learning. Learning about the culture of our great school, our extended community, and these talented young people who I am pleased to congratulate on their graduation,” said Theresa Long, Head of School. “As the 13th Head of School, it is my honor to share in many traditions, old and new, and to be able to watch local area students grow and thrive under the watchful eye of our faculty and staff.”

A few students offered remarks at the ceremony, including Manal Muhammed, Salutatorian. In her speech, Muhammed reflected on the importance of her experience and the lessons MMI instilled in her, while looking ahead to her next chapter. “We have been through so much together and we have plenty of exciting things to look forward to as we set off for college in a few months. As we bid farewell to this chapter of our lives at MMI, I hope we carry with us the lessons, memories, and the friendship we have gained here,” she said.

Continues on page 3.

from the Head of School

Dear MMI Community,

As I close my first academic year at MMI, I am reflecting on the incredible journey it has been. First, it seems impossible that the year has come to an end! It truly seems like yesterday I was celebrating with our alumni at the Wall of Fame and greeting our students on their first day back to MMI after their summer break. The joy and gratitude I feel in fulfilling my role as Head of School is immeasurable.

You have welcomed me warmly into the MMI Community and for that I am so appreciative. Your kindness and support have been instrumental in allowing me the opportunity to settle in and begin our work together. I have been inspired by the passion, dedication, and love for our students and school by our parents, alumni, faculty, and the entire community outside of MMI. It is this collective commitment that has allowed us to realize a truly exceptional year!

As we navigated this year, the team of faculty and staff at MMI continued to promote integrity, respect, transparency, and a welcoming culture. Our students have always been, and will continue to be, our focus and priority. We continue to appreciate our relationship with our parents as we view this critical partnership as essential in the successful educational journey of our students. Our parents’ commitment and dedication to their children’s education has made a significant impact on their growth and development. We have enjoyed watching the students mature throughout the school year.

I have very much enjoyed the relationship building with our students, alumni, parents, teachers, staff, and community at large. Getting to spend time with our students has been the best and most rewarding experience for me. I have seen first-hand as a former parent and now, as the Head of School, the tremendous positive effect our school has had on our students.

Many new traditions have been initiated this year such as the Senior Sunrise and Senior Sunset. These were touching events and ones which brought the MMI Community together again, after the pandemic years. The year ended with the recognition and celebration of 24 graduates. The pride we felt as a community experiencing this beautiful event was incredible.

While the academic year may have come to a close, the learning and growth continues at MMI. Our summer camp programs offer a wide range of opportunities for students to explore their interests and expand their horizons. We also welcome back our alumni to campus in early August and get to celebrate with yet another distinguished Wall of Fame class.

As we eagerly await the start of the next academic year, our faculty and staff have been diligently planning to ensure an exceptional learning environment for all our students. We remain committed to providing an education that fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the development of essential skills for success in an ever-evolving world.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude to our students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and Board of Directors for their unwavering support and commitment to excellence! I wish you all a rejuvenating summer filled with relaxation and unforgettable memories.

All the best,

Theresa Long Head of School

William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 President Emeritus

Joseph G. Rudawski President Emeritus

Cover Story (continued)

Jessica Zheng, the Class of 2023’s Valedictorian and Class President, continued this sentiment: “As time passes and we grow older, our time at MMI will become an even smaller fraction of our lives. But, its impact has been resounding. I encourage all of you to value your time and appreciate these small, yet meaningful moments as we embark on this new journey.” Zheng continued to mention the impact her class has had on her and their surrounding community, “The class of 2023 is composed of the most diverse, compassionate, and insightful people I have had the privilege of meeting. They have made a lasting impact on my life, the lives of others, the lives of many more in the audience, and the resounding MMI Community.”

MMI Graduating Senior, Brenna Kate Eckhart, spoke about the Class of 2023’s banner: “The sun and moon represent the many ups and downs the class has experienced. Whether good times or bad times, and we had quite a few, our class made the best of what we had. There are sunrays representing each female in our class and stars representing each male. Each of us will bring some light into this world no matter where we go or what we do.”

MMI Board Chair, Richard A. DiLiberto, Jr., Esq. ‘79 also offered his remarks: “When I spoke to you in this gymnasium on the first day of school, I told you that you can be whatever you dream to be. Stay away from people who tell you can’t. With an MMI education, you have the opportunity to think great thoughts, learn vast things, and change the world. So many of our alumni have achieved monumental achievements, you can too!”

Cal Herring ’74 gave the Founders Day Address. Herring worked at the Keystone Job Corps Center for 26 years. He currently works as the Administrator

for the Greater Hazleton Area Civic Partnership and the Mountain Council of Government. Herring discussed the impact of being an MMI graduate: “When you become ‘Prepper Proud,’ it may not be today and for some of you it may take many years, you will be grateful for the experience you received. My dad made the decision that I was going to MMI. Today, I look upon it as one of the best directions my life has taken.”

During the ceremony, Brenna Kate Eckhart was honored with the Faculty Award, Jessica Zheng was honored with the Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science, and Khristian Carol Banks was honored with the Rotary Service Above Self Award. The Faculty Award is presented to the student who displays basic goodness and honesty while being a good example for their peers in his or her own way. The student is emotionally mature and treats others with empathy, compassion, and concern. The entire faculty selects the recipient from a number of worthy candidates. The Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science is awarded to the member of the class who has the highest combined average grade point average in math and science throughout their four-year upper school experience. The award is named for a distinguished alumnus of MMI who studied engineering at Penn State and was an outstanding professional engineer. The award was founded in memory of Joseph A. Chaykowski by his daughter Ms. Lisa Chaykowski Merlo ’80, and a member of the MMI Board of Directors, until her unexpected and untimely passing. The Freeland Rotary Club Service Above Self Award recognizes and acknowledges a young person who by his or her actions has personified the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” in their school and community.

Cal Herring ’74 had his family on hand to hear him give the Founders Day Address. Members of the MMI Board of Directors gather on the steps of Old Main.

The 2023 Class Officers stand with their faculty advisors, Catherine Carter and Timothy Garvey.

Congratulations to The Class of 2023

Waqas Arain, child of Muhammad Hafeez Arain and Rashid Farah of Bear Creek Township, New York University – Finance and Computer Science.

Khristian Carol Banks, child of Michael and Renee Banks of Mountain Top, Gettysburg College Abraham Lincoln Scholars Program – Chemistry with a minor in German Studies.

Ashley Bonifacio Osoria, child of Edwin and Rosa Bonifacio of Hazleton, LaSalle University Honors Program – Psychology.

Jeffrey Mark DeAngelo, child of Grete and Aaron Floryshak of Sugarloaf and Louis DeAngelo of Hazle Township, West Chester University – Nutrition with a Dietetics Concentration.

Nathan James Dewar-Canosa, child of Alex and Syra Dewar of Drums, The Pennsylvania College of Technology – Undecided.

Brenna Kate Eckhart, child of Charles and Kim Eckhart of Lehighton, Bucknell University –Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Theater Technology and Design.

Anden Shane Karlick , child of Andrew and Carinne Karlick of Freeland, University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown – Business Management with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Erica D. Kline, child of Dr. John and June Kline of Mountain Top, University of Miami – Oceanography with Pre-Veterinary concentration.

Evelyn Raine Lacombe, child of Megan and Jeff Searfoss of White Haven and Brian Lacombe of Silver Springs, New York, Shippensburg University – Clinical Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice.

Emely Illuminada LopezRodriguez, child of Eduart and Veronica Rodriguez of Hazleton, East Stroudsburg University Honors Program – Double major in Rehabilitative and Human Services and Psychology.

Kate Marie Malay, child of John and Kathryn Malay of Jim Thorpe, Lebanon Valley College – Communication Sciences and Disorders, 3+2 program leading to a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology.

John Matias Mauna, child of Pedro and Aracellis Mauna of Hazle Township, The Pennsylvania State University – Computer Science.

Ty Lewis McDermott, child of Terrence and Lesley McDermott of White Haven, The Catholic University of America –Operational Management.

Jillian Claire McGeehin, child of Larry and Amy McGeehin of Sugarloaf, The University of Chicago – Sociology with a minor in East Asian Languages and Literature with a concentration in Chinese.

Gianna Moisey-Hoover, child of Adam Hoover and Jenn Moisey-Hoover of Sugarloaf, The University of New Haven –Forensic Psychology.

Manal Muhammad, child of Ikram and Alia Muhammad of Mountain Top, The University of Scranton – Biology with a PreMedicine concentration.

Samuel Isaac Pacchioli, child of Marc and Nancy Pacchioli of Barnesville, Gordon College –Communication Arts.

Caden Elijah Pease, child of Jeremy and Tami Pease of Drums, Messiah University – Electrical Engineering.

Ava Bridget Putnam, child of Benjamin and Andrea Putnam of Sugarloaf, Nova Southeastern University – Marine Biology with a minor in Environmental Science.

John E. Schwear III, child of John and Lisa Schwear of Sugarloaf, The Pennsylvania College of Technology – Construction Management.

Caleb Joseph Serock , child of Paul and Erin Serock of Sugarloaf, Commonwealth University: Bloomsburg University – Nursing with a minor in Spanish.

Kasia Svendson Bitel, child of Kevin and Wanna Bitel of Drums, The University of Mississippi and UM Chinese Flagship Program –International Studies and Chinese.

Lucille Marie van den Berg , child of Gregory and Kelly van den Berg of Mountain Top, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University –Aerospace Engineering.

Jessica Zheng , child of De and Hongzhi Zheng of Jim Thorpe, The Massachusetts Institute of Technology – Double major in Biological Engineering and Science, Technology, and Society.

MMI Recognizes Student Athletes During 2023 Awards Ceremonies

MMI Preparatory School recently held their Annual Award Ceremonies where they honored upper school and middle school student athletes and their achievements during the 2022-2023 school year.

MMI Head of School Theresa Long opened the program with welcoming remarks and MMI’s Athletic Director Joseph Flanagan and coaches recognized the award winners. During the ceremony, athletes received awards in the MVP, Most Improved, and Coaches’ Award categories.

The upper school Most Valuable Players, Most Improved Players, and Coaches’ Award recipients are as follows:

Basketball:

MVPs – Caden Pease, Ryan Clymer-Sones, and Brendon Brobst.

Girls Basketball:

MVP – Bria Kringe; Most Improved – Yeleiny Paniagua; Coaches’ Award – Georgia Washko.

Baseball:

MVP – Joshua Witner; Most Improved – Andrew Burns; Coaches’ Award – Ty McDermott.

Cheerleading: MVP – Kate Malay; Most Improved – Nora Herseim; Coaches’ Award – Ashley Bonifacio Osoria.

Boys Cross Country: Most Valuable Runner – Alex Neyhart.

Girls Cross Country: Most Valuable Runner – Mary Kate Kupsky; Most Improved Runner – Diane Kim; Coaches’ Award – Erica Kline.

Golf: MVP – Kade Lutz; Coaches’ Award – Ty McDermott and John Schwear.

Basketball MVPs Ryan Clymer-Sones with Head Coach Joe Flanagan and Assistant Coach Cory Rogers ‘15

Soccer:

MVP – Caden Pease; Most Improved – Nicholas Pantages; Coaches’ Award – Reed Floryshak.

Softball:

MVPs – Cassidy McDermott and Erica Schwear.

Boys Swimming: Outstanding Performance and MVP – Eric “Woobie” Kupsky.

Girls Swimming: Outstanding Performance and Coaches’ Award – Mary Kate Kupsky.

Girls Tennis:

MVP – Kendall Orozco; Most Improved – Ava Genetti; Coaches’ Award – Brenna Eckhart.

Boys Tennis:

MVPs – Xavier Bleiler and Reed Floryshak; Coaches’ Award – Nathan Sissick.

Volleyball:

MVP – Alessandra Marciante; Most Improved – Emily Borchick; Coaches’ Award – Cassidy McDermott.

The middle school Most Valuable Players, Most Improved Players, and Coaches’ Award recipients were:

Soccer:

MVP – Ricky Paredes; Most Improved – Haden Stash; Coaches’ Award – Ruby Myers.

Boys Basketball:

MVP – Ricky Paredes; Most Improved – Zach Jordan; Coaches’ Award – Ian Composto.

Girls Basketball: MVP – Anna Drobnock; Most Improved – Savannah Romero; Coaches’ Award – Olivia Moore.

Baseball:

MVP – Ben Drobnock; Most Improved – Anthony Arias-Tejeda; Coaches’ Award – Jared Santana.

Softball: MVP – Mia Jones.

Save the Date to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of MMI’s State Championship in Boys Basketball!

MMI made Pennsylvania history on March 24, 1973, when the Preppers became the first-ever private school to win a state championship with a victory over AlleghenyClarion Valley. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that historic day! It was MMI’s first and only State Championship in a team sport. Save-the-date to “Hoop it Up” and join MMI to celebrate the 1973 Boys Basketball State Championship Team and kick-off the 2023-24 MMI Basketball season on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Valley Country Club at 1:00 pm!

MMI Recognizes Students During Upper School Awards Convocation

MMI recognized students during the Upper School Awards Convocation.

The Freeland VFW recognized Diane Arias-Tejeda, Kendall Orozco, Diane Kim, and Corey Buchman for their excellence in the 2022-2023 Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Program.

The Freeland American Legion honored John Schwear with the Freeland American Legion Good Citizenship Award.

MMI’s Athletic Director, Joseph Flanagan, presented the American Red Cross High School Leadership Scholarship to Erica Kline.

The Luzerne Foundation presented the Frank Pasdon Memorial Scholarship to Jessica Zheng and the Ed Hughes Memorial Scholarship to

Caden Pease and John Schwear. Family and friends of Frank Pasdon established the Frank Pasdon Memorial Scholarship Fund to honor the residents of the greater Jim Thorpe area who, as customers of the Jim Thorpe Market, supported the success of his business. The Ed Hughes Scholarship Fund was created by Mr. Ed Hughes through a gift through the Luzerne Foundation. Mr. Hughes wanted to help the “best students” from our area.

Jessica Zheng was recognized as a National Merit Commended Scholar award winner.

Khristian Banks was awarded the Greater Hazleton Area Polonaise Society Jake Kislan ‘56/ Wydock/ Kopetskie Scholarship.

Head of School Theresa Long (left) and Dean of Academics Justin Vincent (right) stand with the recipients of The Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards.

Awards were also given to students who showed outstanding contribution, achievement, and dedication to an individual subject in the past academic year. Those students were:

9th Grade: Cedrah Abdulrahman (Chinese Language and History), Ava Genetti (English), Alexis Bleiler (Math and Science), Arushi Solgama (Spanish Language), Cassidy McDermott (Visual Arts).

10th Grade: Lydia Chen (Chinese Language), Diane Kim (English), Jason Roberts (History), Alexander Composto (Math and Spanish Language), Daniel Griffith (Science), Winni Zheng (Visual Arts).

11th Grade: Abigail Sparich (Chinese Language and English), Diane Arias-Tejeda (History), Nathaniel Neidlinger (Math and Science), Sophia Plonk (Spanish Language), Emily Hunsinger (Visual Arts).

Every year, MMI students participant in research projects that are presented at their Open House and winners are chosen by an independent panel of judges. Those winners were:

Third Place: Erica Schwear- Level II Humanities, Ava Putnam- Level III Humanities, Kendall Orozco- Level II Science, Sophia Plonk-Level III Science.

Second Place: Cedrah Abdulrahman-Level II Humanities, Emily Hunsinger-Level III Humanities, Kiyan Paknezhad-Level II Science, John SchwearLevel III Science.

First Place: Cassidy McDermott-Level II Humanities, Alex Neyhart-Level III Humanities, Adam Frask-Level II Science, Paul Neyhart-Level III Science, and for Cooking projects, the winners were Kasia Svendson Bitel, Manal Muhammad, and Jessica Zheng.

Ryan Clymer-Sones was recognized as the 2023 George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award and Scholarship Recipient. The 2023 Baush and Lomb Honorary Science Award was presented to Kasra Paknezhad. Caylee Herseim was presented the 2023 Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences. The 2023 Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology was presented to Jagjit Gondara. The 2023 Rensselaer Medal Award was presented to

Nathaniel Neidlinger. The Bryn Mawr President’s Book Award was presented to Abigail Sparich. The University of Pennsylvania Book Award was presented to Sophia Plonk. London Chehovich received the Chatham University 2023 Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award. The Alfred University Outside of the Ordinary Award was presented to Zachary Yenchko.

The following juniors were recognized for the Rochester Institute of Technology High School Awards. Those students were: Robert Orbin (2023 RIT Computing Medal), Diane Arias-Tejeda (2023 RIT Humanities and Social Science Award), Phoebe Bramley (2023 RIT Women in STEM Award), Sun Wang (2023 RIT Math and Science Award), Edgar Lopez Rodriguez (RIT Business and Leadership Award), and Jason Salio (2023 RIT Technology, Art and Design Award).

Several awards were given to multiple winners. Bria Kringe, Ethan Lloyd, and Dominic Raifsnider (2023 Student Sage Award), Alex Neyhart and Heath Williams (2023 Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award) John Drobnock, Reed Floryshak, Angelica Jimenez,and Lex Lispi (2023 Elmira College Key Awards), Emily Borchick, Brendon Brobst, Andrew Burns, Jordan Mulhall, and Kathryn Sissick (Juniors Scholars Program at High Point University), Caitlin Lenahan, Jakob Rossi, Nathan Sissick, and Blake Warren (Wilkes University Emerging Leader Award).

Kate Malay and Caden Pease were recipients of the 2023 District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award.

Anden Karlick was presented with the 2023 MMI Ambassador Service Award for his dedication and longevity in the MMI Student Ambassador Program.

The final awards of the evening were The Eckley B. Coxe, Jr. Memorial Subject Awards. This recognition honors seniors who achieved academic excellence in each subject area over a student’s entire tenure in the upper school. Those winners were: Kasia Svendson Bitel (Chinese Language), Ty McDermott (English and Visual Arts), Jessica Zheng (History, Math and Science), Manal Muhammad (Spanish Language).

MMI Honors Middle School Students During Awards Ceremony

MMI Preparatory School held an awards ceremony to honor middle school students for their academic achievements and inducted members into the National Junior Honor Society and the National Classical League for Latin.

During the ceremony, eighth graders Amanda Stoffa, Ian Composto, Sharon Zhuang, and Philip Benyo were recognized as the American Legion Award winners, which is given to the top two girls and top two boys with the highest grade point average.

MMI also presented subject awards in each grade to the following students:

Sixth Grade – Neal DeAngelo (History), Jack Benyo (English), Brayden Hoover (Visual Arts), Robert Brighthaupt (Math), Sophie Schulz (Science), and Mikaela Mauna (Music).

Seventh Grade – Anthony Arias-Tejeda (History), Arianna Larsen (English and Visual Arts), Siya Patel (Math), Jared Santana (Science), and Andrew Pedri (Music).

Eighth Grade – Ricky Paredes (History), Amanda Stoffa (English), Sharon Zhuang (Visual Arts), Ian Composto (Algebra I), Ruhani Shah (Pre-Algebra) Philip Benyo (Science), and Caitlyn Carter (Music).

Four MMI 8th graders were named 2023 American Legion Award Winners at the Mid-school Awards Ceremony.

Various Open House winners were also recognized:

Mid-school STEM: First place – Robert Brighthaupt, Second place – Jackson Moore, Third place – Derek Radzwich.

Mid-school Humanities: First place – Jacob Hoover, Second place – Savannah Romero, Third place – Siya Patel.

Students inducted into the National Junior Classical League for Latin were: Katherine Arias, Caitlyn Carter, Ian Composto, Avari DeAngelo, Ruhani Shah, Simona Sickler, Amanda Stoffa, and Sharon Zhuang. Philip Benyo and Simona Sickler were also recognized for scoring exceptionally on the National Latin Exam.

Students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were Katherine Arias, Philip Benyo, Caitlyn Carter, Ian Composto, Avari DeAngelo, Katelyn Gera, Zachary Jordan, Kenedy Lutz, Ruby Myers, Ruhani Shah, Simona Sickler, Amanda Stoffa, Nicholas Swaditch, Mattingly van den Berg, Delilah Yatsko,

Alumni Author Visit

Thank you to MMI alumna Darshana (Shah) Khiani ‘90 who visited the School for a “Lunch and Learn” session with some of our current students on May 4. Darshana is a computer engineer with Broadcom by day and a published children’s writer by night. She shared insights about hertwo books, How to Wear a Sari and I’m an American, and passed on details about her career path, writing as a profession, and the road to being published!

Check out more about her at darshanakhiani.com.

Thank you Mid Penn Bank!

Mid Penn Bank recently made a $2,500 donation to MMI’s scholarship program through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program. Pictured, left to right, are MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty, Financial Center Associate Felyssa Ricco, Financial Center Associate Rachel Acure, and Financial Center Manager Christine Marcolla. Thank you!

MMI Students Participate in the PA Junior Academy of Science Regional and State Competitions

There were 41 students who participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regional competition in March. Twenty-four earned first awards (one won twice), 15 won second awards (one won twice), and two earned third awards.

Jillian McGeehin, Kendall Orozco, Jagjit Gondara, Jessica Zheng, and Brenna Eckhart received perfect scores. Excellence awards were earned by Kendall Orozco in Chemistry; Jessica Zheng in Biology; David Yamulla in the Jr. Biology category; and Brenna Eckhart in Engineering. Additional First Award winners were Corey Buchman, Erica Kline, Caleb Skuba, Arushi Solgama, Marissa Yamulla, Maia Laverty, Gabby Carsia, Rishi Patel, Adam Frask, Cedrah Abdulrahman, Ian Composto, Kiyan Paknezhad, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Evan Pedri, Thomas Horvat, Daniel Griffith, Joseph Mayernik, and Gabriel Horvath.

MMI’s Second Award winners were Emily Borchick, Abigail Sparich, Georgia Washko, Sharan Parikh, Samantha Gatts, Yeleiny Paniagua, Michael Kranyak,

Third award winners were Philip Benyo and Diane Kim.

MMI competes in Region 2 with students from schools throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties. MMI instructors Amanda Shonk-Johnson, Michele Tyburski, Michael Mele, and Justin Vincent served as advisors for the competition.

The PJAS competition is open to students in grades 7-12. During the PJAS regional competition, students conduct a scientific research project in one of the 12 Scientific Categories of Research identified by PJAS and then orally present that research to a team of judges. The categories are: Behavioral Psychology, Biology, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Space, Ecology, Engineering, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics, and Zoology.

Ava Genetti, Cassidy McDermott, Gracie Magula, Isabelle Wells, Ryan Clymer-Sones, Teagan Bonham, Kasra Paknezhad, and Robert Orbin, III.

MMI’s PJAS Award Winners sit with their Advisors following many successful projects this spring.

24 MMI Preparatory School students participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) state competition in May at Penn State University Park. Ten earned first awards (one earned two), twelve won second awards, one earned a third award, one earned the 2023 Oerlein Senior High Excellence Award, and one earned an Excellence Award. Three students received Perseverance Awards.

Jessica Zheng earned a first in Math and Science and an Excellence Award. Brenna Eckhart earned a first award and the 2023 Oerlein Senior High Excellence Award. Other first award winners were Adam Frask,

Rishi Patel, Arushi Solgama, David Yamulla, Kendall Orozco, Kiyan Paknezhad, Nathaniel Neidlinger, and Jillian McGeehin.

MMI’s Second Award winners were Gabriella Carsia, Maia Laverty, Marissa Yamulla, Cedrah Abdulrahman, Gabriel Horvath, Caleb Skuba, Corey Buchman, Ian Composto, Daniel Griffith, Thomas Horvat, Jagjit Gondara, and Joseph Mayernik.

Evan Pedri earned a third award and McGeehin, Eckhart, and Zheng received Perseverance Awards for six years of participation.

MMI Takes Home 3rd Place in 2023 Envirothon

Envirothon was a one-day event, which included an “oral component” test along with other stations.

MMI had 13 teams compete in this year’s event.

MMI science instructor and Envirothon advisor Michael Mele said, “We definitely had an amazing showing and learned an immense amount about our local environments. I’m proud of everyone who engaged in this effort!”

The Pennsylvania Envirothon is one of the state’s largest natural resource education competitions. It provides thousands of students with the knowledge and tools to address the natural resource challenges facing today’s world. During the competition, teams participate in a series of tests that focus on five topic areas – soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. Additionally, the teams completed an oral presentation, which provides them with the experience of developing a presentation that is based on a written scenario. The testing station and oral presentation scores are combined to determine the winning team.

MMI Preparatory School won third place in the Luzerne County Envirothon competition. The team consisted of Nathaniel Neidlinger, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Blake Warren, and Jessica Zheng.

They advanced to the state competition, which was held at Camp Mount Luther on May 24. The state

The first Envirothon competition was held in 1979 by the Fulton, Luzerne, and Schuylkill conservation districts. By 1984, the program expanded to a statewide competition and then nationally and internationally. Now, more than 15,000 high school students across the state compete in 67 county envirothons.

MMI’s third-place team with Advisor Michael Mele in the field.

Students Place in Top Ten at FBLA State Leadership Conference

Fifty-nine MMI students competed in the FBLA Region 16 competition, with 38 of those students earning top awards and 34 earned the right to compete at the PA State FBLA Leadership Conference in Hershey which was held from April 16 through April 19.

The following students represented MMI at the State Leadership Conference:

Cassidy McDermott, 3rd place Intro to Financial Math; Georgia Washko, 3rd place Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Lydia Chen, 3rd place Intro to Marketing Concepts; Madelyn Young, 4th place Intro to Marketing Concepts; Willa Bartholomew and Lilli Warner-Senape, 1st place Intro to Social Media Strategies; Corey Buchman, Kiyan Paknezhad, and Jason Roberts, 1st place Intro to Business Presentation; Aiden Hosier and Evan Pedri, 2nd place Intro to Business Presentation; Diane Kim, 1st place Intro to Business Communication; Michael Kranyak, 4th place Intro to Financial Math; Hayden Schwabe, 1st place Intro to FBLA; Isabelle Wells, 1st place Intro to Business Concepts; Josh Witner, 3rd place Intro to Business Concepts; Kendall Orozco, 1st place Intro to Event Planning; Caylee Herseim, 1st place Public Speaking; Emily Hunsinger, 5th place Advertising; Edgar LopezRodrigues, 4th place Securities and Investments;

Nathaniel Neidlinger and Bobby Orbin, 3rd place Network Design; Jason Salio, 3rd place Journalism; Jeffrey DeAngelo, 2nd place Political Science; Brenna Eckhart, 4th place Cyber Security; Anden Karlick, 2nd place Entrepreneurship; Emely LopezRodrigues, 1st place Health Care Administration; Manal Muhammad, 2nd place Agribusiness; Samuel Pacchioli, 4th place Economics; Jessica Zheng, 1st place Sales Presentation.

A few students competed in state only competitions online. Teagan Bonham and Lex Lispi competed in Data Analysis, Abigail Sparich competed in Electronic Career Portfolio, and Diane Arias-Tejeda competed in E-Business.

Other students that competed at the regional level were Ava Genetti who placed 5th in Intro to Public Speaking (only the top two advance to the State Leadership Conference); and Kade Lutz and Jordan Mulhall who placed 3rd in Graphic Design (only the top two progress to the StateLeadership Conference).

Nine students from MMI Preparatory School placed in the top ten at the State Leadership Conference held at Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Of the nine students, the following seven advanced

MMI’s Hayden Schwabe, FBLA State Reporter, makes the big screen!

to the National Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia this summer, for placing first through fourth in their respective competitions: Caylee Herseim for Public Speaking, first place. Kendall Orozco for Intro to Event Planning, second place; Corey Buchman, Kiyan Paknezhad, and Jason Roberts for Intro to Business Presentation, third place; Jessica Zheng for Sales Presentation, third place; Diane Kim for Intro to Business Communications, fourth place.

Robert Orbin and Nathaniel Neidlinger placed fifth in the Introduction to Network Design category and Abigail Sparich placed ninth in the Electronic Career Portfolio category.

Additionally, Hayden Schwabe was elected to serve PA FBLA again next year as the State Reporter.

Mrs. Katherine Zucco, MMI Social Sciences

Instructor and Associate Dean for Middle School, serves as the FBLA advisor.

MMI wants to congratulate all the students who competed in the FBLA Region 16 competition and would like to thank Flashback Cinema and the Orlando Family Foundation for their generous sponsorships of the MMI FBLA Chapter. The MMI FBLA Chapter is consistently recognized as one of the largest per capita chapters in the region.

Future Business Leaders of America-Phi Beta

Lambda is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) educational association of student members who are preparing for careers in business or are interested in learning more about the free enterprise system. FBLA helps students develop leadership abilities and prepare for entry into, and advancement within, a business or business-related occupation. Members learn how to engage in business enterprise, how to direct the affairs of a group, and how to compete honorably in competitive events. These activities help prepare students to be better employees and better citizens. MMI competes in Region 16, which includes students from schools throughout Luzerne County.

MMI’s Jessica Zheng Selected for Final Round of Presidential Scholars Competition

MMI Preparatory School’s Jessica Zheng was one of 628 students to advance to the final round of the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars competition, an award that recognizes our country’s most distinguished graduating seniors.

Over 5,000 students are selected to compete in the contest annually, with 161 being selected as Presidential Scholars. Most students are chosen for their academic achievements. Others are identified through their contributions to the arts or in their ability in career and technical education fields.

Candidates must submit essays, self-assessments, and other items to be reviewed by a committee. For over 50 years, the program has awarded almost 8,000 students in America. Jessica is the daughter of De and Hongzhi Zheng of Jim Thorpe.

MMI Inducts Students in Multiple Honor Societies

MMI Preparatory School inducted students into multiple Honor Societies on March 23, 2023.

MMI English Department Chair/Associate Dean Donna Titus who serves as the National Honor Society advisor inducted students into the Andrew J. Stofan Chapter of the National Honor Society.

National Honor Society inductees are: Chloe Allen, Willa Bartholomew, Xavier Bleiler, Teagan Bonham, Corey Buchman, Lydia Chen, Ryan Clymer-Sones, Alexander Composto, Eve Corazza, Aspen Crilley, Dante DeStefano, Daniel Griffith, Brayden Harleman, Thomas Horvat, Aiden Hosier, Diane Kim, Michael Kranyak, Mary Katherine Kupsky, Gracie Magula, Joshua Naugle, Kendall Orozco, Kiyan Paknezhad, Nicholas Pantages,

Evan Pedri, Jason Roberts, Hayden Schwabe, Mia Lyn van den Berg, Lilli Warner-Senape, Joshua Witner, and Zachary Yenchko.

MMI Science Department Chair/Associate Dean and advisor to the society, Michael Mele, inducted students into the Science National Honor Society.

Science National Honor Society inductees are: Waqas Arain, Diane Arias-Tejeda, Teagan Bonham, Emily Borchick, Phoebe Bramley, Brendon Brobst, Andrew Burns, London Chehovich, Ryan ClymerSones, Jeffrey DeAngelo, Caylee Herseim, Lex Lispi, Ethan Lloyd, Edgar Lopez Rodriguez, Emely LopezRodriguez, Jordan Mulhall, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Paul Neyhart, Robert Orbin, Kasra Paknezhad, Sophia Plonk, Dominic Raifsnider, Jason Salio,

MMI’s Science National Honor Society Inductees gather in the Gymnasium.

John Schwear, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Abigail Sparich, Connor Strecker, Kasia Svendson, Sun Wang, Blake Warren, and Heath Williams.

MMI World Languages Department Chair and Society Advisor, Christina Spencer inducted thirteen students into the Chinese National Honor Society.

Inductees were: Diane Arias-Tejeda, Emily Borchick, Andrew Burns, London Chehovich, Jagjit Gondara, Caylee Herseim, Ethan Lloyd, Edgar LopezRodriguez, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Abigail Sparich, Connor Strecker, Sun Wang, and Heath Williams.

Syra Dewar, MMI Spanish Language Instructor and advisor for the society, inducted nine students into the Spanish National Honor Society.

Inductees were: Xavier Bleiler, Alexander Composto, Dante DeStefano, Daniel Griffith, Michael Kranyak, Kiyan Paknezhad, Evan Pedri, Jason Salio, and Caleb Serock.

Lisa M. Ferry, Art & Anthropology Instructor/ Interim Curriculum Coordinator and Art Honor Society Advisor welcomed three students into the National Art Honor Society. The inductees were: Angelica Jimenez, Gianna Moisey-Hoover, and Jason Salio.

Gerard Periotti, MMI Mathematics Department Chair and Mu Alpha Theta, National Mathematics Honor Society Advisor inducted 18 students into the society.

Inductees were: Diane Arias-Tejeda, Teagan Bonham, Emily Borchick, Andrew Burns, Ryan Clymer-Sones, Lex Lispi, Ethan Lloyd, Edgar LopezRodriguez, Jordan Mulhall, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Robert Orbin, Kasra Paknezhad, Dominic Raifsnider, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Abigail Sparich, Sun Wang, and Zachary Yenchko.

Music Drive

The first-ever MMI Musical Instrument Drive was held last spring. The drive was an opportunity to bring new life to musical instruments that are no longer played by giving students the chance of learning how to make music. MMI accepted donations of gently-used, working instruments such as: flutes, saxophones, trumpets, clarinets, snare drums, and percussion instruments. We are grateful to those who participated: Mr. Frank Balon, Atty. Robert Gallagher ‘72 and Mrs. Barbara Gallagher, the late Mr. Gregory Hanish ‘60 and Mrs. Janine Hanish, Mr. Robert Hanish ‘63 and Mrs. Donna Hanish, Ms. Jill Moran ‘86, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Radzwich, Ms. Lillian L. Urenovich, and Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ‘79.

Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service

Thank you to all of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners who helped us celebrate the Athena Ford ’01 Day of Service on April 12! Our whole student body and faculty spent the day performing community service at: Hazleton One Community Center, Freeland Little League Field, Country Heart Farm, Rails to Trails, Valley West Little League at Whispering Willows Park, LaRock Park, Valley Regional Softball League Fields, Butler Township Community Garden, United Way of Greater Hazleton, Conyngham Valley Civic Organization, and MMI’s campus and athletic complex.

Open House Returns!

MMI hosted its annual Open House, sponsored by State Street, on March 26 for the first time since the spring of 2019. MMI students were challenged with preparing special research projects in the areas of literature, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition, food projects were prepared by senior students and were sampled by the Open House guests. Geography of the Artic and Issues for Polar Bears, Major Battle Strategies of World War II, Hamilton: The Play vs. Reality, Chess and the Relation to Graph Theory, The Egyptian Mathematics System, Progression of Cars in America, 3D Printing, and the Food Project: Travel Across Asia were just a few of the projects that were presented this year. Each project is evaluated during Open House by an independent panel of judges and the winners were honored at MMI’s Upper School Awards Convocation and Mid School Awards Ceremony.

Head of School’s Donor Reception

Thank you to all of the members of the MMI family who joined us at Valley Country Club on Friday, May 12 to celebrate at the Head of School’s Donor Reception. Thank you for supporting our school! What a great night!

Parents Association Update

It has been a busy year for the MMI Parents Association, as they got back into the swing of things following challenges posed by the global pandemic. As we reflect on the past months, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication shown by our incredible parent community.

Almost a full year ago, the Gently Used Clothing Sale Committee organized a successful event in August 2022 to kick-off our fundraising year. The sale, open to all MMI families, featured reasonably-priced dress-code appropriate clothing. This popular event profited nearly $700.

As the new school year began, the Parents Association contributed to both New Student Orientation and Prepper Spirit Day. Parent volunteers had a great time meeting new families at Orientation and enjoying ice cream from the Wood’s Ice Cream Truck. Volunteers also observed the Spirit Day activities while serving beverages, snacks, and Rita’s Italian Ice for all participants.

Fall brought three student events and a joint fundraiser with the Student Council. For the first time the Parents Association teamed up with the Student Council to have a gummy candy sale. The sale profited a total of $1,450, which was then split between both organizations.

The Fall Fun Event on October 28 offered all students an opportunity to hang out with friends in the beautiful fall weather to launch and paint pumpkins, bleach dye t-shirts, listen to music, and enjoy smores.

On Saturday, November 5, the Parents Association sponsored the semiformal Harvest Dance for upper school students. The harvest theme came to life with the help of a donation from alum and past parent Robert Kashubski ‘67, owner of Kashubski Tree Farm. His donation of pumpkins and corn stalks helped the parent-driven committee completely transform the MMI commons and cafeteria. Then, to wrap up the fall activities, parent volunteers provided and served dessert at the annual Founder’s Day lunch.

The parent volunteers wasted no time in the new year and went back to the drawing board to plan a myriad of events for the winter and spring. The Calendar Raffle is a fundraiser where MMI families are asked to sell chances for cash prizes every day in February. Thanks to an outpouring of support by the parents, the fundraiser profited $3,500!

On February 11, parents organized a Valentine themed semi-formal MidSchool Dance in the MMI Commons and Cafeteria. Mid School students enjoyed a DJ, dancing, photo booth, and snacks for a fun-filled evening with their friends.

All parent volunteers were on deck April 16 for the annual Springo Designer Bag Bingo, sponsored by Wyoming Valley BMW. This is the Parents Association’s largest fundraiser. The MMI gymnasium was bustling with a record crowd for the designer handbag event. We had featured homemade food items and baked goods, tricky trays, prize raffles with items donated by each grade level, door prizes sponsored by Van Hoekelen Greenhouses, and a 50/50 raffle. Thanks to the hardworking committee and volunteers, the event profited over $13,230!

Parents celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week by hosting a luncheon, catered by The Meating House, for MMI teachers and staff during the first week in May. The Parents Association also arranged for a massage therapist, Amanda Neidlinger ’98, to be on hand during the day for staff members to get 15-minute massages.

Last spring, for the first time, MMI scheduled a Field Trip Day for all students. The Parents Association financially partnered with the School to ensure all expenses were covered, with no cost to the students. On May 10, the Senior Class went to the Baltimore Aquarium and Inner Harbor, and on May 19, sixth through eleventh grade students spent the day at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Back by popular demand, Trivia Night was held on Friday, February 24 with a sold out crowd. The committee’s goal was to provide a fun, family event for the MMI community. With over 100 people in attendance, including students and their families, faculty, and staff, the evening was filled with trivia, pot-luck food, fun, and prizes. The event not only gave the winning team bragging rights but raised over $800.

The annual Making Smart Choices event, specifically designed for upper school students, brought a variety of local agencies to the MMI Gymnasium on March 2. Set up like a trade show, students circulated through and talked with agencies who presented important and relatable information, including distracted driving simulators, information on the dangers of substance abuse and vaping, and mental health resources.

The culmination of the Parents Association’s calendar of events was the Graduation Reception. This long-standing tradition, organized by the junior parents, was held immediately after the graduation ceremony in the MMI Courtyard. Graduates and their families and guests were invited to mingle and enjoy a hearty spread, catered by The Poppy Press. The Parents Association also provided Target gift cards to each of the graduates as a send-off gift.

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. Looking ahead, we have an exciting lineup of events planned for the upcoming year. The Parents Association would like to thank all the parents and families that volunteer and make contributions throughout the year to make this organization successful. MMI would also like to extend thanks to Lani Drobnock, Coordinator of Parent Programs, for leading the way!

MMI Welcomes Back Two Faculty Members

for 2023-24!

Mrs. Sara Myers

MMI is pleased to welcome Mrs. Sara Myers as a full-time faculty member in the Athletic Department. Mrs. Myers filled in as a long-term substitute for Mrs. Stephanie Shandra while she was out on maternity leave. She returns to MMI after having spent time as the Assistant Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions at Geisinger College of Health Sciences. She will be teaching gym and health, and assisting with various events in the Athletic Department. Mrs. Myers holds an M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Goucher College and a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Susquehanna University. She has spent time as an athletic director, coach, and academic advisor.

Mrs. Jennifer Novotney

Another returning faculty member for 2023-2024 is Mrs. Jennifer Novotney. Mrs. Novotney returns to MMI after having spent time at Wyoming Seminary as an English Teacher and Writing Center Director as well as a grade-level coordinator. She will be taking responsibility as the Director of The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center where she will coordinate tutoring, establish a writing and math center, and serve as the school’s librarian. Mrs. Novotney holds a Master of Arts in English from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from California State University. In addition to being an English Instructor, she was previously the English Department Chair at MMI, and held various positions in higher education English programs throughout her career. In 2018, she was awarded the YWCA PEARL Award for Professional Achievement in Education.

Thank You, Donors!

MMI has received a number of annual fund gifts this spring restricted to purchase wish list items for the school. We are very appreciative of all our donors!

Linda Schiavo was on campus on April 11 to visit Head of School Theresa Long, Coach Tim Garvey, and the Varsity Boys Tennis Team. Partial funding for the renovation of MMI’s tennis courts earlier this fall came from a gift from The Pasco L. Schiavo Memorial Fund of The Luzerne Foundation, which was established to honor her late brother’s legacy to the Hazleton area. MMI’s nature trail, and home course for the cross country teams, were also constructed thanks to a gift from the late Atty. Schiavo and his sister, Linda. The trail is named in memory of Bernard Cortese ’40 and Shayna Cortese Schiavo, who were Atty. and Ms. Schiavo’s uncle and mother.

Thank You, Donors! (continued)

On April 17, Dr. Vincent Bobby ’75 visited the Varsity Boys Tennis Team too. The MMI community is thankful for Dr. Bobby’s generous donation that helped fund the renovation of MMI’s tennis courts. With his gift, he also established The Dr. Vincent J. Bobby ’75 Endowed Scholarship in support of student financial assistance.

Doris Gicking made a gift in memory of her late husband, David Gicking ’56, that was restricted to Physics for a wish list purchase. Physics instructor Tim Garvey used the funds to purchase spectrum tubes and a power source. Glass tubes filled with Hydrogen, Helium, Neon, Nitrogen, Argon, Carbon Dioxide, and Air are plugged into a power supply and provides a mean of viewing gas discharge spectral lines.

President Emeritus Bill Shergalis ’58 and his wife, Miki, made a donation towards the upkeep of the baseball field in memory of his late brother, David Shergalis ’66. MMI was able to purchase an infield nail drag and a light infield drag mat for use by the Maintenance Department in getting the diamond ready for play.

The MMI science department currently uses a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) module to amplify DNA from very small samples to lab-required quantities for analysis. Students can amplify various strains of DNA or fragments of DNA for lab work but lack the ability to quantify their outcomes to guarantee viability. New technology exists that allows analysis of those samples using fluorometry to quantify the PCR output. Fluorometry tags specific molecules with fluorescent markers (which indicate concentration by intensity). The MMI science department was able to acquire a qPCR Fluorometer to complement the PCR process thanks to the generosity of two alumni donors, Dr. Cory Coll ‘60 and Mrs. Anne Coll, and Mr. Rich Abrams ‘88 and Mrs. Karen Abrams. All of MMI’s PCR equipment has been donor funded and allows our students to execute experiments using equipment that is not common in a high school lab.

An estate gift from an anonymous donor helped to fund the purchase of two new school vans which will transport students and athletic teams.

An anonymous donor has committed to a three-year gift through The Luzerne Foundation to the MMI Athletic Program to fund our purchase of a robust Hudl system. Hudl is a software platform that provides video analysis and coaching tools for sports teams. It offers the ability for games to be recorded by auto-capture cameras (indoor and outdoor) and post-game film can be broken down statistically for basketball, volleyball, and soccer. All MMI teams have the opportunity to analyze video, share, exchange, and create highlights.

MMI Wall of Fame Class of 2023

Andrea A. Kosko ’74 – Community Service

• MMI Board of Directors (2005-2011, Chair 2008-2010, Vice Chair 2007-2008)

• Commencement Speaker 2005

• Partner and CFO of Fellin’s Jewelers, with memberships with the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America and the Pennsylvania Retail Jewelers Association.

• Current/Past Board Member:

• Hazleton Area Public Library

• Hazleton Chapter of the American Red Cross

• Meals on Wheels of Greater Hazleton

• Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance (NEPA)

• Alliance to Rebuild Center-City Hazleton (ARCH)

• Business Advisory Committee at Penn State Hazleton

• Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

William L. Spear R.Ph ’79 – Community Service

• MMI Board of Directors (2008-2022, Secretary 2020-2022)

• CEO and Pharmacist at Hazle Drugs Inc.

• Past chairman of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce

• Past President and Board Member of the American Cancer Society Hazleton Unit

• Current/Past Board Member

• Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP)

• Chairman of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Downtown Committee and Executive Committee Member of the Chamber Board

• Hazleton CAN DO Board Member

• BOC (Board of Certification)

• American Red Cross

• Hazleton Rotary Club

• Hazleton Healthcare Foundation

• United Way

• Sons Billy ‘15, Evan ‘17, and Zander ’21 all are MMI graduates.

Anthony R. Cusat – Service to MMI

• After nearly 50 years of teaching math at MMI, he retired in the spring of 2021

• Began teaching at MMI on September 1, 1972

• Served as the Dean of Students for 19 years from 1987-2006

• Advisor for numerous extracurricular activities and classes

• Science Countdown Team

• Scholarship Bowl

• Board Games Club

• Hiking Club

• Computer Science

• Electronics Club

• Student Council

• Head coach of MMI’s varsity boys’ basketball team for 13 years (1990-2004), named Schuylkill League Coach of the Year during the 1989-1990 season.

• Instrumental in establishing the girls basketball program at MMI coaching the inaugural season of girls basketball in 1990-1991 (mid-school level). Then served as an assistant coach of the girls basketball team under his wife, Elaine Cusat.

• Also coached cross-country and baseball and was the advisor for the Cross Country Club.

• Sons Anthony ’92, Grant ’95, Michael ’99, and Marc ’03 all graduated from MMI.

Edward A. Kushma ’62 – Service to MMI

• Volunteered over 20 years as a member of the MMI Board of Directors (1999-2008, 2010-2022).

• Served as the Board’s Secretary (2012-2016) and on numerous committees throughout his tenure.

• Instrumental in helping form the Wall of Fame.

• Formative years at MMI afforded him the opportunity to attend the UPenn on an academic scholarship which has led him to a life of service to MMI.

• Quote from son Ed: “I’ve known MMI as far back as I can remember through his stories and numerous family trips to Freeland. Because of my father’s MMI experiences, I consider MMI the most important institution in Kushma family history.”

Michael P. Scarlato – Service to MMI

• Teacher of American History for 31 years who retired at the end of the 2021 school year.

• Still helping out as a substitute teacher during the past two years.

• Served as the Faculty and Facilities Manager for the MMI girls basketball program.

• Initial developer of MMI’s Summer Camp Program and Summer Concert Series. Organized and oversaw Act 48 Professional Development classes for the faculty at MMI.

• Advised clubs such as:

• Prep Talk newspaper

• Board Games

• Video Games

• Stock Market Game

• Interact Club, sponsored by Hazleton Rotary

• Co-advisor to Student Council

Emmett J. Thomas – Service to MMI

• Served as coach of the MMI Baseball Team from 2000 until 2015.

• Led team to first-ever District title in 2014.

• His tough, but caring personality helped mold his players into successful humans while still encouraging them to have fun and enjoy playing the “kids game” while they had the chance.

• Member of the Freeland Sons of Erin, and was named “Irishman of the Year”.

• Children Brian Thomas ‘06 and Allison (Thomas) Tulanowski ’09 attended MMI.

Irving G. Abrams ’30 – Professional Achievement

• Prominent business and civic leader in Hazleton and Freeland during the 50’s and 60’s.

• He, along with his brother, Simon ’30, and father, Philip, operated three garment companies: Freeland Overall, Freeland Manufacturing, and Freeland Shirt Company.

• The former Freeland Manufacturing Company site is now the MMI Tennis Courts.

• MMI Board of Directors from 1950-1960.

• President of the Rotary Club from 1953-1960, Board member of Hazleton’s JCC (Jewish Community Center), and Board member at Pinemere Camp (located in Stroudsburg, PA).

• Passed away on January 6, 1970 and was nominated by his children Ann Abrams Morrison, and the late Jeremiah Abrams ’65 and Ed Abrams ’62.

• Grandfather to Richard Abrams ’88, Cynthia Jarus, Benjamin Abrams ’96, and Jessica (Abrams) Horsey ‘95.

Around Campus

On February 11, eight competitors attended MathCounts and the team placed fourth. Simona Sickler ‘27 placed fifth in the individual round, third in a head-to-head countdown, and qualified to compete at the state level. Other team members included Ian Composto ‘27, Philip Benyo ‘27, Andrew Pedri ‘28, Siya Patel ‘28, Shreeya Parikh ‘28, Olivia Moore ‘28, and Evan Polanco ‘28.

John Drobnock ’24 was congratulated by the CAN DO Community Foundation for being awarded an Dr. Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award as part of the Junior Leadership Hazleton program on March 5. Established in 2001 to honor CAN DO’s late founder, this scholarship recognizes area high school students and their volunteer efforts throughout the community. As part of a scholarship program within Junior Leadership Hazleton, this award is eligible to local high school students to advance their experience in community service while continuing to learn leadership and teamwork skills. Dr. Dessen was a member of MMI’s Honorary Board of Directors and was the father of two MMI alums, MMI Board member Larry Dessen ‘77 and Beth Dessen Duffy ’78.

MMI’s Mock Trial qualified for the District-level competition this winter, but fell to Wyoming Seminary in the last round at the Luzerne County Courthouse on February 21. A special thank you goes out to current MMI parent and Attorney Dave Pedri for his assistance working with the team this year.

Diane Kim ‘25 earned Best of the Best honors this year. Additional presenters were Caden Pease ’23, Alexis Bleiler ’26, and Diane Arias-Tejada ‘24. The MMI Assembly program, which is designed to help students with public speaking, begins with presentations on subjects to classmates and culminates with the best of those presentations being given to the whole student body.

On March 9, a team of MMI juniors had the second-place team score at the Wilkes Math Contest which they attended with faculty member Mr. Tony Bianco. Nathaniel Neidlinger ‘24 took second-place overall in the juniors contest.

Mock Trial students for the defense are pictured with Judge Lisa Gelb, while the student plaintiffs are with Judge Michael Vough at the District Competition.

Jillian McGeehin ‘23 was the winner of the 2023 Hazleton Rotary Essay Contest and received a $100 prize. The theme of this year’s contest was “As a person of action, what would you identify as a major public issue in your hometown or local area? What would you propose as a possible solution?”

Jared Santana ‘28 was named the Murphy Award recipient at the Freeland Sons of Erin annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and banquet on March 11.

Around Campus (continued)

Mrs. Marci Hosier, Director of Enrollment Management and Mr. Michael Mele, Science Department Chair, were on PAlive! talking about the P.O.W.E.R. program and promoting MMI! P.O.W.E.R. is an acronym for Project Oriented Workweeks in Experimental Research. Implemented in the fall of 2023, it helps students across all grades integrate hands-on learning into the science curriculum.

Head of School

Mrs. Theresa Long was busy this spring delivering congratulatory yard signs to all of MMI’s seniors. We are so proud of all that the class of 2023 has accomplished!

Erica Kline ‘23 was accepted into the 2023 summer program in Coastal Infrastructure Resilience (CIRR) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) at the University of Miami. The program will provide opportunities for undergraduates to engage in research in the area of coastal infrastructure resilience. Although these students might be well informed, taught, or trained in the classroom, few may realize the potential rewards accompanying a career in research unless they are exposed to, and become part of, a multidisciplinary research environment.

Emma Casey ’29 was the recipient of the Greater Hazleton Concert Series scholarship for middle school students to take private music lessons. She had to write an essay about why music is important to her and how the scholarship will help her.

The MMI Prepper Playhouse presented Disney’s The Little Mermaid on April 29 and 30. The production marked the first return of the School’s annual musical since the Covid pandemic. Special thanks to the student production team of Production AssistantBrenna Eckhart ‘23; Student Director - Diane Arias- Tejeda ‘24; Choreographer- Kathryn Sissick ‘24, and the entire cast and crew. Musical direction was provided by Mr. Ed Telatovich; Costume & Stage Crew Coordinator – Mrs. Susan Moyer; Assistant Director- Mr. Kyle Falatko ’18; Sound and Lighting was provided by City Entertainment Systems and Ms. Alonna Weaver. Backdrop art was created by faculty member Mrs. Lisa Marie Ferry. Director of the musical was MMI Drama Advisor Mrs. Joanne Oakum. Thank you also to John Hersker ’76 whose generous funding made it possible to purchase scene supplies, as well as the score and recorded music for The Little Mermaid from Musical Theatre International. Participation in the Prepper Playhouse is open to all sixth through twelfth grade students. The MMI Drama Club was established in 2008 with the presentation of “An Evening of One Act Comedies.” MMI Prepper Playhouse musicals began in 2009 with the production of The Wizard of Oz and over 20 theatre productions have been produced since.

World Language Instructor Senorita Syra Dewar earned her Master’s Degree in Education and Spanish Teaching as a Foreign Language from the Universidad Internacional de Valencia in April.

Around Campus (continued)

Jessica Zheng ‘23, Jillian McGeehin ‘23, and Khristian Banks ‘23 were awarded Hazleton Rotary Memorial Scholarships this spring. Jessica will receive a scholarship of $2,500 per year for a total of $10,000 for four years, Jillian will receive $2,000 per year for a total of $8,000 and Khristian will receive $1,000 per year for a total of $4,000 for four years.

Head of School

May 1 was College Decision Day and MMI seniors wore shirts signifying their college choices and decorated the courtyard and parking lot with chalk to show the same.

Khristian Banks ’23, Brenna Eckhart ’23, and Jessica Zheng ’23 were named Scholastic Superstars by the Hazleton Standard Speaker.

MMI students participated in the PMEA District 9 Chorus Fest on May 5 and Band Fest on May 12. The students who performed in the choir were Jared Santana ‘28, Andrew Pedri ‘28, Zachary Jordan ‘27, Amanda Stoffa ‘27, Caitlyn Carter ‘27, Simona Sickler ‘27, and Nora Herseim ‘26. At Band Fest MMI was represented by Bobby Brighthaupt ‘29 on trumpet, Caitlyn Carter ‘27 on clarinet, and Simona Sickler ‘27 on tuba.

Mrs. Theresa Long presented Academic Achievement Awards to Ty McDermott ‘23 and Ava Putnam ‘23 on May 31 at the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce’s 47th Annual Academic Awards Banquet at Sand Springs Country Club. The top ten seniors from each of the area’s five high schools were recognized!

Jessica Zheng ‘23 was named Student of the Year by the BPO Elks Lodge 200, Hazleton and was also awarded a $1,000 scholarship through the Science National Honor Society. Her application was chosen from over 250 applications at the national level.

The St. John Bosco Music Ministry’s production of Nunsense was performed during the weekend of June 9.

MMI Drama Advisor Mrs. Joanne Oakum served as the director for this production and performed in the musical!

Joanne Oakum (left) with musical director Jen Gerhard.

In the Classroom

• Trooper Petroski of the Pennsylvania State Police spoke with our students three times this spring. He met with seniors twice during Senior Seminar class to teach about arrests, legal issues and processes, and the consequences of alcohol and drug use in early April. He returned to campus on April 25 to speak to our middle school students about internet safety. He specifically addressed smart use of social media and personally identifiable information.

students celebrated the Lantern Festival, held on the last day of the Chinese New Year, which was January 22, 2023. The tradition started 2,500 years ago during the Han Dynasty when people displayed lanterns and solved riddles to celebrate the declining darkness of winter. MMI students made many different kinds of projects to celebrate the new year under the guidance of World Language Department Chair and Chinese Instructor Mrs. Christina Spencer. The 9th graders made kites, 10th graders made lanterns, 11th graders made lunar calendars, and the 12th graders wrote Chinese fairy tales.

Students in 6th grade conducted experiments and showcased them to family, friends, and students at their annual science fair at the end of February. The Science National Honor Society provided judging.

Mikaela Mauna ’29 stands with her project on Extroverts vs. Introverts

• Students in Ms. Michele Tyburski’s eighth grade science classes tested various components of simple machines while studying a unit on Motion and Forces. They designed and built a large Rube Goldberg machine for their fourth-quarter project.

• Mrs. Cathy Carter’s precalculus class learned about using the unit circle for trigonometry. To help memorize the

In the Classroom (continued)

In conjunction with Earth Day, Mrs. Katie Zucco’s sixth grade World Geography Class conducted research on our world’s oceans and how the oceans affect us all in positive ways. The students learned how our oceans provide climate regulation, food, jobs, livelihoods, and economic progress. They spent several weeks working individually to research our world’s oceans. Then, the students shared what they learned by creating dynamic poster presentations which were on display in the Coxe Commons. Finally, the students hosted a school bake sale which yielded $342 to be donated to the World Wildlife Fund, the world’s largest conservation agency. WWF Senior Specialist Bre Giovanniello wrote an email to the sixth grade students to show her appreciation for their dedication and hard work in raising awareness about our oceans, their impact on our lives, and the endangered species that inhabit them!

• Seventh grade math students, under the guidance of faculty member Mrs. Cathy Carter, studied nets, total surface area, lateral surface area, and volume of 3-D figures and then were challenged to take 3-D nets and create Mathville. They measured each net, calculated the surface area of each building, tallied the cost to weather coat the buildings, and the volume that each building could hold. After which they were then able to use their creativity to create their town. Each town has a library, grocery store, houses, water tower, and a school.

On the Road

• Students competing in Envirothon had a study day on April 4. Students learn about aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. Over 30% of MMI upper school students participate in this competitive event.

• MMI language programs teach students more than vocabulary and syntax. Students are also immersed in the cultural experience. The Chinese language classes visited Chinatown in NYC on May 4 and enjoyed authentic Chinese food and experiences.

On the Road (continued)

• The 11th-grade Spanish and Chinese language classes took a trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty to discover and research their ancestry, and personally experience the process of immigration to the United States like their grandparents or great-grandparents before them. From this trip, they realized the language and culture barriers that immigrants faced when they arrived in the U.S. and the importance of learning another language and its culture.

• MMI held a field trip day for all students this spring thanks to the Parents Association! On May 10, the Senior Class went to the Baltimore Aquarium and Inner Harbor, and on May 19, sixth through eleventh grade students spent the day at Knoebels Amusement Resort.

Prepper Sports Update:

• Woobie Kupsky ‘24 was a dominating presence at the District 2 Class 2A Swimming Championships and carried that momentum over to the State Championships. On March 15, Woobie won the Boys’ 200-yard Individual Medley at the PIAA Class AA State Swimming Championships at Bucknell University’s Kinney Natatorium. He finished in 1:49.99, cutting nearly two seconds off his preliminary time of 1:51.97. The top four swimmers in the event finished within one second of each other, and Woobie out-touched Joseph Gardner of Mt. Pleasant by 0.25 seconds. Later in the meet, he added a third-place bronze in the 500 free. He now has six PIAA State Championship medals in his career. Prior to his competition at States, Woobie was crowned District Champion in 200IM with a time of 1:51.68 and 500 free with 4:33.77, breaking his own records in both events, which led to his 2nd and 3rd seedings in those events at the state championship meet. He earned Swimmer of the Year accolades from the Citizen’s Voice.

• Mary Kate Kupsky ‘25 placed second at the District 2 Class 2A Swimming Championships in both the 200 IM with a time of 2:08.09 and the 500 Free with 5:06.33. She qualified in both events at the State Championship meet at Bucknell University. At States, Mary Kate was fourth in the 500 Free and 12th in the 200 IM in 2:10.16.

Woobie Kupsky ‘24 competes at the District 2 Class 2A Swimming Championships (Photo

Woobie Kupsky ‘24 on the podium after winning the Boys’ 200-yard Individual Medley at the PIAA Class AA State Swimming Championship

Credit: Amanda Hrycyna)

Head of School Theresa Long, Woobie Kupsky ‘24, Mary Kate Kupsky ‘25, and Swimming Coach Lori Blue at the District Meet.

• The Preppers, the #4 seed, hosted the District 2/11 Class A Sub-Regional Boys Basketball Quarterfinals on February 25 and squared off against Lehigh Christian Academy, seeded #5. MMI posted a 78-51 win and advanced to the SemiFinals before falling to # 1 seed Notre Dame East Stroudsburg on March 1. MMI then lost a heartbreaker to Bethlehem Christian 60-58 in the thirdplace game. MMI was led by Ryan Clymer-Sones ‘24 with 21. Brendon Brobst ‘24 had 13 and Caden Pease ‘23 added 11.

• In late February, Ryan Clymer-Sones ‘24 was named the Standard Speaker Player of the Week before being named to the First Team of the 2022-2023 All-Area Boys’ Basketball Team and a Wyoming Valley Conference Division II Second Team All-Star. Brendon Brobst ‘24 and Caden Pease ‘23 earned Honorable Mention on the 2022-2023 AllArea Boys’ Basketball Team. Caden Pease ‘23 represented MMI at the 54th Moses Senior All Star Classic at Wilkes Barre Area High School on March 31.

• Bria Kringe ’24 was an Honorable Mention selection on the 2022-2023 All-Area Girls’ Basketball Team while Ava Putnam ‘23 represented MMI on the Wyoming Valley Conference Senior Girls All-Star Basketball Team and played at the 54th Moses Senior All Star Classic at Wilkes Barre Area High School on March 31.

• Xavier Bleiler ‘25 and Nathan Sissick ‘24 qualified for the District 2 Tennis Individual Championships at Kirby Park. On May 17, two doubles teams Jason Salio ‘24 with Blake Warren ‘24 and Xavier Bleiler ‘25 with Reed Floryshak ’24 competed at the District 2 AA Tennis Doubles Finals.

• Senior baseball players Ty McDermott ‘23 and Anden Karlick ‘23 were honored prior to their last home game. The MMI varsity baseball team had a great season but fell to Susquehanna on May 29 at PNC Field in the District 2 Class A Championship Game.

• Aiden Hosier ’25, who plays boys’ lacrosse at Wyoming Area High School as part of a co-op with MMI, played in a District 2 Quarterfinal Game at Crestwood as the team advanced to the playoffs.

• The MMI Cheer Team was able to drop off supplies and monetary donations to three local animal shelters following their “Poms for Paws” drive!

Rick DiLiberto ‘79 to Receive National Service Award

Development, Substance Abuse, and House Rules Committees. More recently, he has been appointed the Chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture. He is a member of Governor’s Magistrate Screening Committee, and for many years, was treasurer and board member of the Delaware Law-Related Education Center, which conducts the Delaware high school mock trial competition, and “We the People” competition.

Unico National, America’s largest Italian American Service Organization, is awarding its 2023 Philip Mazzei Americanism Award to MMI Board Chair Atty. Richard A. DiLiberto, Jr. ‘79, at its annual convention.

Atty. DiLiberto delivered the Founders Day address at Commencement in 2004, was inducted into the school’s Wall of Fame in 2006, has served on the Board of Directors since 2013, and is currently the Board’s Chair. He is a litigation partner in the law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP where he has been co-chairman of the government relations committee, chairman of the paralegal committee, the personal injury litigation section, and the continuing legal education committee. Before joining the law firm in 1987, he was law clerk to Judge Vincent Bifferato of the Delaware Superior Court. He is a past-President of the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association and is one of two Delaware state delegates to the American Association for Justice.

Atty. DiLiberto served in the Delaware State House of Representatives from 1992-2002, where he was a member of the Joint Finance, Judiciary, Public Safety, Corrections, Education, Health & Human

Dean’s List

Sandra Abdulrahman ’22

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (Spring 2023)

Morgan Allen ‘21

Kutztown University (Spring 2023)

Viva Barrett ‘22

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (Spring 2023)

Hunter Blasko ’21

Saint Francis University (Spring 2023)

He was appointed to the Commission on Delaware Courts 2000, the Delaware Courts Planning Committee, the Supreme Court Task Force on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts, and the Delaware Healthcare Commission’s Diabetes Task Force. He received the State Bar Association’s Daniel L. Herrmann Professional Conduct Award in 2015, Christopher Columbus Monument Committee’s “Man of the Year” Award in 2017, DSBA’s Distinguished Legislative Service Award, the Widener University School of Law’s Outstanding Alumni Service Award in 1999, the Bloomsburg University Young Alumnus of the Year Award in 2002, and the H. James Conaway, Jr. Pro Bono Award in 2010. Since 2015 he was selected by his peers several times as a “top lawyer” in torts and insurance in Delaware Today magazine. He is a member of Rehoboth Beach Unico, and a trustee of Unico Foundation, the organization’s charitable arm.

Atty. DiLiberto earned his J.D. (cum laude) from Delaware Law School, Widener University and his B.S. in Education (cum laude) from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Rick, and his wife, Faith, reside in Newark, Delaware. They have three daughters, lawyers Amanda J. Buckworth, Esq., and Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq.; and Aria M. DiLiberto, a teacher; and a granddaughter, Charlotte Jane.

Kevin McNulty ’21

Rochester Institute of Technology (Spring 2023)

Desiree Petrick ‘19

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (Spring 2023)

Millie Symbula ‘21

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (Spring 2023)

Pete Walko ‘21

The University of Akron (Spring 2023)

Randy Zea ’22

Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg (Spring 2023)

Alumni Notes & Milestones

What’s happening in the lives of the MMI Family around the globe

Ashley Acri ’13 is currently attending Bloomsburg University and is expected to earn her MSN/MBA degree in nursing administration and business administration this December. She received her Bachelor’s of Nursing from DeSales University in 2020.

Romilda Crocamo ‘81 was appointed the new Luzerne County Manager this spring by the Luzerne County Council! A West Hazleton resident, Atty. Crocamo practices at the law firm Elliott Greenleaf & Dean. She had worked at two NY City law firms and as managing attorney at the Barbara J. Hart Justice Center in Scranton before starting her county government employment in 2010. She initially worked as a master of county juvenile delinquency and dependency court and then as a law clerk for county Court of Common Pleas Judge Tina Polachek Gartley. In July 2016, she was hired as chief county solicitor to oversee the county’s law division and served as Acting County Manager for 10 months in 2021.

Neal DeAngelo III ‘01 received the tecBRIDGE Bill McNally Mentor of the Year Award on April 27. Neal serves as the President of Tri-Mountain Ventures, is a managing member of DHC Realty Holding, is the Vice President of Mountain Realty. He also joined the Whitaker Investment Group as a Financial Advisor in 2020. Neal is the founding president of Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress (DHAP), a non-profit organization with the mission to provide sustainable leadership, direction, and support for the successful, efficient revitalization and long-term success of downtown Hazleton. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Finance, is a member of the Hazleton Rotary Club, and serves as a board member of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce, Greater Hazleton CAN DO, Greater Hazleton Civic Partnership, and the Hazleton Area Recreation Program.

Marie Ernst ’78 was named the tecBRIDGE Education Partner of the Year on April 27. She is the Principal of the Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences. Marie received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Emmanuel College and her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Bloomsburg University.

Aine Durako ‘18 graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Master of Arts in Advertising in June with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with a double minor in Art Direction and Advertising & Branding in June, 2022, also from SCAD.

Brian Lucas ‘84 was recognized by Board Chair Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 at the end-of-year faculty, staff, and Board of Directors luncheon. We are grateful for his 17 years of service to our School on our Board.

Board Chair Rick DiLiberto ‘79 and his family crossed paths with Head of School Theresa Long’s family on vacation in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Pictured are Morgan Long ‘19, Rick DiLiberto ‘79, and Noah Long ‘21

Anna Haber ‘18 earned a Master of Science degree in occupational therapy from The University of Scranton at its graduate commencement ceremony on May 21 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza, Wilkes-Barre.

Alumni Notes & Milestones (continued)

Maggie Mistal ’91 recently published a book entitled, “Are You Ready to Love Your Job? Make a Great Living Through Soul Search, Research and Job Search.” The book was published on the 20th anniversary of her career coaching practice and includes many client success stories from over the years. The book achieved status as #1 New Release in Job Hunting on Amazon and has been featured in Yahoo Finance in an article titled, “Q&A: How to Find a Career You Are Passionate About.”

Amanda Neidlinger ‘98, owner and operator of River Run Healing Arts Center in Weatherly, has made it to the top five in the Ms. Health and Fitness powerlifting contest and will be advancing to the quarterfinals at the end of June. At her facility, Amanda does massage therapy, one-on-one personal training, yoga classes and weight training classes. Moving into the future, she’d like to add CPR classes and hire staff members to offer more classes.

Anthony W. Orlando ’06 earned the 2022 Outstanding Advisor Award at Cal Poly Pomona as an associate professor in the finance, real estate, & law department. His teachings and research are focused on economics, finance, real estate, public policies, and racial inequalities. His latest book, Keeping Races in Their Places, explores the policies that have led to large homeownership and wealth gaps between Black and White Americans –and proposes solutions that could close these gaps. As a student advisor, Anthony guides students to establish and meet educational goals, provides practical and innovative solutions to students’ concerns, and champions their academic and professional growth. He has worked on the Pomona Project, which identifies the causes and extent of homelessness in the city of Pomona and makes recommendations on how to best target resources to those in need. Anthony holds a Ph.D. in public policy and management from the USC Price School of Public Policy. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master’s in Economic History from the London School of Economics and Political Science.

John Hersker ’76 presented twice at the Future Business Leaders of America State Conference in Hershey this spring. His topics included a presentation about his career in the movie industry and “Walt Disney: The Artist Who Built an Empire.”

Evan Spear ’17 graduated from Duquesne University this May. He stands with his father, Bill Spear R.Ph. ’79 (left), a past member of the MMI Board of Directors, and his brother Dr. Billy Spear, PharmD, ’15. Evan is the second third-generation Spear pharmacist following in his grandfather, father, and brother’s footsteps.

Grace Warner ‘22 , a sophomore at Sacred Heart University, is a member of the Softball Red Team at SHU, which competes at the Club Level. The team is a member of the National Club Softball Association (NCSA) consisting of 110+ teams throughout the country. They compete in the North Atlantic North Division which is made up of teams from Iona University, Fairfield University, Quinnipiac University, the University of New Haven, and Sacred Heart’s White Team. The Red Team has made seven appearances in the NCSA Regional Tournament located in Danville where each Regional Champion and Runner-Up advance to the NCSA World Series. The Pioneers won the region in Danville in late April and moved on to the 2023 NCSA World Series at the South Commons Sports Complex in Columbus, GA from May 18-21. The event featured pool play leading into double elimination bracket play. SHU struggled in pool play but posted a win over UC Davis (7-5 final score) before being eliminated by UConn (6-2 final score) in bracket play. In her first year of eligibility, Grace led the Pioneers in doubles (14) and triples (8), ranked second in batting average (.655) and hits (38), and tallied 31 RBI, 23 runs, and a homerun. At the end of the season, Grace earned 2023 First-Team All-Region honors and was named a 2023 NCSA Second Team Rawlings All-American.

Alumni Notes & Milestones (continued)

The Philadelphia Mini-Reunion was held at Tir Na Nog on April 19. It was a fun time and amazingly, we had two alums join us that graduated from MMI close to 73 years apart! It's always a great event to catch up with old friends and make some new ones too!

Deaths

Mary Jane Barletta passed away on March 10, 2023. She is survived by her son, Rick Barletta ’73 and wife, Carol. She is also survived by daughters and husbands, Linda and Bret Huttenstine, and Maria and Doug LaRue. A sibling, Antoinette Botch, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews also survive.

Rosalie Cera passed away on April 21, 2023. She was the wife of Tony Cera ’58.

Corrine T. Dick passed away on February 18, 2023. Surviving in addition to her husband, Allan Dick Sr. ’61 are her two sons, Allan Dick Jr. ’83 and Norman Dick ’87 and their wives, Debra, and Tara, respectively. Two grandsons and a step grandson also survive.

Gregory A. Hanish ’60 passed away on February 21, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Janine, his daughter and her husband, Elena and Chris Oyer, and two grandchildren. Also surviving is his brother, Bob Hanish ’60, and wife Donna, along with a nephew and niece.

Mildred “Millie” B. Magic passed away April 29, 2023. Mildred is survived by three daughters and many grandchildren including Michael Washinsky ’97 and Dr. Jodi Lenko ’99, a member of the MMI Board of Directors.

W. Kevin O’Donnell passed away May 8, 2023. Kevin was a member of the MMI Board of Directors from 1986 to 1988. He was preceded in

death by his wife, Maureen. Surviving are his three children, Ryan O’Donnell and his wife Doran BoweO’Donnell; Courtney O’Donnell; and Erin Rudalavage and her husband Jason and three grandchildren.

Mary Lou Radick passed away May 7, 2023. Mary Lou was the mother of Attorney Paula Radick ’89. In addition, she is survived by a brother and niece.

Earl A. Titus passed away on March 31, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie, a daughter, and three sons including Albert J, Titus and his wife, MMI faculty member Donna Titus. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren including: Nathaniel Titus ’03, Colin Titus ’06 and Alaina Titus ’10.

Myron Tyburski, father of MMI faculty member Michele Tyburski, passed away on March 29, 2023. In addition to Michele, he is survived by his wife, JoAnn, another daughter, Amy Sincavage and husband, Robert, and grandson Colin Woolnough.

Susan Wisniewski passed away on January 12, 2023. Susan was predeceased by her husband, Tom Wisniewski who was a member of the MMI Board of Directors from 2004 to 2009, serving as Chair from 2007-2008. She is survived by her son Adam Wisniewski ’09.

Joseph John Zavada Jr. ’63 passed away on March 10, 2023. He is survived by his wife, Mary Zavada, along with two sons, a daughter and their spouses. He also has five grandchildren.

Memorials

Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between February 14, 2023 and June 23, 2023

In Memory of Mary Jane Barletta

Mrs. Ingrid DeBellas

In Memory of Rev. Lawrence Barriger

Dr. Ashley E. Morrison ‘05

In Memory of Dr. Jerome Benz

Mr. Anthony Cusat and Mrs. Elaine Cusat

Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kasarda

Mr. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty

In Honor of Robert Brighthaupt ‘29

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brighthaupt

In Memory of Rose Cera

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Honor of Eve Corazza ‘25

Ms. Ann Ferrigno

In Honor of Nicholas Corazza ‘29

Ms. Ann Ferrigno

In Memory of Leslie Gower Della Croce ‘78

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Memory of Beatrice Dunn

Mr. James M. Dunn ‘60

In Memory of Simon Faltz

Mr. James M. Stradnick ‘77

In Memory of Carleen Garvin

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer

In Honor of Benjamin Gombeda ‘26

Mr. Andrew Gombeda

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler

In Memory of Edgar A. Gower Sr.

Mr. James M. Stradnick ‘77

In Memory of Gregory Hanish ‘60

Marianne, Amy, Darrin, and Tracy Herbener

In Honor of Gabe Horvath ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Mike Flock

In Memory of Dr. Alex Huang

Mr. Jason Lenko and Dr. Jodi W. Lenko ‘99

In Honor of Allison Hudak ‘01

Mrs. Mary Beth Hudak

In Honor of Jimmy Kelly ‘21

Mr. Al Baran

In Memory of Dr. Johann Koenig

The Dessen and Duffy Families

In Memory of Daniel Kostick ‘54 and Janet Kostick

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Boyle

Dr. Joseph A. Donato ‘66 and Mrs. Eileen Donato

Mr. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty

In Memory of Giovanna Krogulski

Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Orlando

In Honor of Chris Laverty ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams

In Honor of Maia Laverty ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams

In Memory of Daniel McCormick

Mr. Mark Laputka ‘79 and Mrs. Lee Ann Laputka

In Honor of Cassidy McDermott ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler

In Honor of Ty McDermott ‘23

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler

In Honor of Kevin McNulty ‘21

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parmegiani

In Honor of Andrew Pedri ‘28

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pedri

In Honor of Evan Pedri ‘25

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pedri

In Memory of Mary Lou Radick

Mr. and Mrs. Bill Kisenwether

Mr. Gerard Matyas ‘77 and Mrs. Lisa Matyas ‘78

Ms. Jill A. Moran ‘86

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Roman

Senape & Associates

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Honor of Michelle Reck ‘11

Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Alles

In Honor of Jason Roberts ‘25

Ms. Kathy Roberts

In Memory of Eleanor Scatton

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer

In Memory of Daniel Schutter ‘57

Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Compton

Ms. Marva Joy Dansberry

Dr. John Gaudio ‘57 and Mrs. Jane Gaudio

Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Lawler

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

Ms. Joanne Yutzler

In Memory of David Shergalis ‘66

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus

In Honor of Simona Sickler ‘27

Mr. and Mrs. Fran Sickler

In Memory of Walter Tunnessen ‘57

Mrs. Nancy L. Tunnessen

In Memory of Philip Voystock Sr

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lesko

In Honor of Colin Williams ‘21

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams

In Honor of Heath Williams ‘24

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams

In Memory of Susan Wisniewski

Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

Ms. Lillian L. Urenovich

In Honor of Alexandra Young ‘21

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young

In Honor of Madelyn Young ‘26

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young

In Honor of Nicholas Young ‘17

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young

In Honor of Zachary Young ‘19

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young

In Memory of Sarah Jane Yuscavage ‘04

Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Foley

A Brighter Future for MMI

On May 9, MMI’s annual Day of Giving campaign was held, and this year, our AP Environmental Science students created and pitched a proposal to benefit the School. Funds were raised to begin transitioning the School to all LED lighting, decreasing our carbon footprint and making MMI energy efficient. The campaign raised $20,450 from 112 donors! We cannot thank you enough for your support! Special thanks to students Waqas Arain ‘23, London Chehovich ‘24, Ethan Lloyd ‘24, Manal Muhammad ‘23, Kasra Paknezhad ‘24, Dominic Raifsnider ‘24, Kathryn Sissick ‘24, and Science Department Chair Michael Mele for presenting us with this excellent opportunity for a brighter future at MMI. Finally, thank you to those who offered up challenges to make the day fun! We received a dollar-for-dollar match of $1,000 from Head of School Theresa Long and her husband, Dave, in our New Donor Challenge. David Lopez ’09 added $750 to our totals when we met the Rush Hour Challenge. And we unlocked a $500 gift from Jeff Gittleman and DeAnn Miller of Hawk Mountain Labs in our 100 Donor Challenge.

Welcome Legacies!

We look forward to the upcoming school year and cannot wait to welcome all of our new students into our MMI family in late August! We are especially excited to welcome a number of siblings of alums and current students to MMI this fall!

Maximus Bleiler ‘27, sibling to Alexis ‘26 and Xavier ‘25

Paxton Bleiler ‘30, sibling to Alexis ‘26 and Xavier ‘25

Ryan Bonifacio ‘30, sibling to Ashley ‘23

Stella Horvath ‘29, sibling to Gabe ‘26

Momin Muhammad ‘29, sibling to Manal ‘23, Hiba ‘21 and Mahad ‘18

Avery Orozco ‘30, sibling to Kendall ‘25

Gabrielle Serock ’30, sibling to Gavin ‘28

Gabriella Vasquez ‘30, sibling to Daniella ‘22

Megan Yamulla ‘30, sibling to David ‘26 and Marissa ‘28

Kamila Zea ‘30, sibling to Randy ‘22

MMI students had a great evening at the Prom on April 20!