MMI Preparatory School Honors the Class of 2024 at 132nd Commencement Ceremony
MMI Preparatory School honored the Class of 2024 during its 132nd commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23. This year’s graduating class of 39 seniors were accepted at more than 85 percent of the colleges they applied to and amassed more than $12.5 million in merit scholarships and awards.
Students from the graduating class offered their remarks, with many using “community” as a recurring theme. The class of 2024’s Salutatorian, Abigail Sparich, thanked the communities of Freeland and MMI for providing her with a strong work ethic. She noted that despite being raised in a small town, the class of 2024 can still do big things. She encouraged students to be ready to take on any opportunities that come their way and be willing to do whatever it takes to reach their goals.
Heath Williams, Senior Class President, focused on the community the senior class provided and reminded classmates to be thankful for the opportunities and lessons they have taught each other. He also encouraged students to persevere as they leave MMI and pursue their next journey, remarking, “Let’s embrace the future with the same spirit of adventure and curiosity that brought us to MMI six years ago.”
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from the Head of School
Dear MMI Community,
As we come to the close of another academic year at MMI, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve embarked upon together. It’s hard to believe that my second year has flown by so swiftly, filled to the brim with moments of growth, celebration, and community.
I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for welcoming me into the MMI family with open arms once again. Your warmth and support have been the bedrock upon which we’ve built our shared vision for the School. I am deeply appreciative of the trust you’ve placed in me to lead our community forward.
Throughout this year, our commitment to excellence has shone brightly in everything we’ve accomplished together. Our faculty and staff have continued to uphold our core values ensuring that our students receive an exceptional education and a nurturing environment in which to thrive. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth and development of our students firsthand, and I am continually inspired by their passion, creativity, and resilience.
As we bid farewell to 39 members of the Class of 2024 and prepare to welcome new faces in the fall, I am filled with excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead. Our commitment to fostering critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence remains unwavering, guiding us as we continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing world around us.
Before we part ways for the summer, I want to extend my thanks to our students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and Board of Directors for your steadfast dedication and support. Your contributions are the heartbeat of our community, and I am profoundly grateful for the honor of serving alongside each of you.
I hope you find time to rest, rejuvenate, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones over the summer months. I look forward to reconnecting with you all in the fall, refreshed and ready to start another exciting chapter in the journey of MMI.
Wishing you all a summer filled with joy, laughter, and boundless possibilities.
Warm regards,
Theresa Long Head of School
A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58
Cover Story (continued)
The Class of 2024’s Valedictorian, Nathaniel Neidlinger, spoke about how the MMI community was there for him as he pushed through difficult times. He highlighted the tight-knit community that MMI has and how it’s helped him in the classroom and in his personal life. Nathaniel remarked that on multiple occasions, he was left speechless by the generosity they showed him.
MMI Alumnus, Maura (Kurtz) Hodge ‘00, gave the Founders Day Address and mentioned the MMI community while providing tips for students once they walk through the School’s halls for the last time.
She recounted her time at MMI and provided the experiences she believed truly helped her flourish in her post-high school career. Hodge recognized the challenges the class of 2024 experienced and offered advice on how they can handle those obstacles moving forward; “Press into those feelings, and process them with your tribe. Growth and change come out of challenge – aim for progress, not perfection…”. As she wrapped up, she ended with words of encouragement: “Dream big for yourselves, for your communities, and for the world. Go and make your mark – one person at a time!”
Congratulations to the Class of 2024
Diane Arias Tejeda, child of Angela Tejeda of Hazleton, Swarthmore College-Undecided.
Teagan Bonham, child of Craig and Melissa Bonham of Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania State University-Finance.
Emily Borchick , child of Lance and Cindy Borchick of Drums, University of Pittsburgh-Law, Criminal Justice, and Society with a minor in Psychology and guaranteed admission to the University of Pittsburgh Law School.
Phoebe Bramley, child of Samantha Bramley of Blakeslee, University of Pittsburgh-Biology with a Pre-Dental Concentration.
Brendon Brobst , child of Molly Brobst of Mountain Top and Kevin Brobst of Sugarloaf, Misericordia University-Sports Management and Direct Entry into Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
Andrew Burns, child of Jill Burns of White Haven, Misericordia UniversityBachelor of Science/ Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.
London Chehovich, child of Michael Chehovich of Drums and Jessica Quinn of Hazle Township, Dickinson CollegeEnvironmental Science and Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration.
Ryan Clymer-Sones, child of Brian and Amber Sones of White Haven, Susquehanna University-English with a concentration in Creative Writing.
John Drobnock III, child of John and Lani Drobnock of West Hazleton, Widener University-Marketing.
Reed Floryshak , child of Roxanne Floryshak of Conyngham and Aaron Floryshak ‘95 and Grete Floryshak ‘92 of Sugarloaf, Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg-Medical Imaging.
Jagjit Gondara, child of Parminder Kaur and the late Harinder Singh of Hazle Township, Carnegie Mellon UniversityComputer Science with a Concentration in Artificial Intelligence.
Caylee Herseim, child of Jeremy and Casey Herseim of Hazle Township, Dickinson College-Political Science with a Pre-Law Concentration.
Emily Hunsinger, child of Timothy and Shannon Hunsinger of Sugarloaf, Susquehanna University-Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Studio Art.
Angelica Jimenez, child of Tania Castillo of Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University-Actuarial Science with minors in Physics and Finance.
Kyle Kocon, child of Chris and Ivona Kocon of Mountain Top, Pennsylvania State University-Electrical Engineering.
Eric “Woobie” Kupsky, child of Lori Blue and Colby Vonderheid of Bear Creek Township, University of Hawaii at Manoa-Travel Industry Management.
Caitlin Lenahan, child of David DelRegno and Margaret Lenahan of Mountain Top, Commonwealth University, Bloomsburg-Medical Imaging.
Lex Lispi, child of Tino Lispi and Fran Fasching of Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania State University-Undecided.
Ethan Lloyd, child of Robert Lloyd of Meshoppen and Michael and Wendy Storaska of Drums, Rochester Institute of Technology-Accelerated Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering.
Edgar Lopez-Rodriguez, child of Eduart Lopez and Veronica Rodriguez of Hazle Township, Northeastern University-Electrical Engineering.
Kade Lutz, child of Jeff and Shelly Lutz of Lake Harmony, Pennsylvania State University-Professional Golf Management.
Jordan Mulhall, child of James Mulhall and April Cook of Freeland, Pennsylvania State University-Bioengineering with a minor in Statistics.
Nathaniel Neidlinger, child of Amanda Neidlinger ‘98 of Weatherly, The University of Chicago-Undecided.
Alex Neyhart , child of Paul and Joyce Neyhart of Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University-Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology.
Paul Neyhart Jr., child of Paul and Joyce Neyhart of Hazleton, Pennsylvania State University-Criminal Justice.
Robert Orbin III, child of Robert and Lynn Orbin of Mountain Top, Rochester Institute of Technology-Computer Engineering.
Kasra Paknezhad, child of Dr. Hassan Paknezhad and Elham Naghdi Sedeh of Mountain Top, Wilkes University-Biology with a Pre-Medical concentration and Early Assurance program with Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.
Sophia Plonk , child of Jeremy and Andrea Plonk of Hazle Township, opening a Restaurant with her family.
Dominic Raifsnider, child of Patricia Suveg of Lake Harmony, Rochester Institute of Technology-Accelerated Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering.
Jakob Rossi, child of Sue Rossi of Drums, Wilkes University-Computer Science.
Jason Salio, child of Joseph and Tracy Kress of Sugarloaf and Sylvester Salio of Swoyersville, Quinnipiac University-Journalism.
Kathryn Sissick , child of Thomas Edwards and Michelle Mendofik of Drums and Jeffrey Sissick of McAdoo, High Point University-Nursing.
Nathan Sissick , child of Thomas Edwards and Michelle Mendofik of Drums and Jeffrey Sissick of McAdoo, University of South Carolina-Real Estate.
Abigail Sparich, child of Joseph and Michele Sparich of Weatherly, The George Washington University-International Affairs with a concentration in Contemporary Cultures and Societies and a minor in Chinese Language & Literature.
Connor Strecker, child of Peter and Tara Strecker of Mountain Top, University of North Dakota-Commercial Aviation.
Sun Wang , child of Xiaojing Fang and Chang Wang of Weatherly, Bucknell University-Computer Science and Engineering.
Blake Warren, child of Atty. Rebecca Warren ’84 of Beaver Meadows and Richard Warren of Danville, Lehigh Carbon Community College-Professional Pilot and Aviation Science.
Heath Williams, child of Atty. Richard Williams and Shannon Williams of Mountain Top, Dickinson College-International Studies with a minor in Chinese.
Zachary Yenchko, child of George and Mary Sharon Yenchko of Freeland, Rochester Institute of TechnologyAccelerated Bachelor’s/ Master’s degree program in Electrical Engineering.
MMI Recognizes Students During Upper School Awards Convocation
MMI recognized students during the Upper School Awards Convocation held on May 15. The annual ceremony honors students from ninth to twelfth grades in various subjects and events.
The American Legion’s Academic Excellence Awards were presented by Commander Gerald Gaffney and Pete Peruchetti of the Freeland Post 473 to seniors Abigail Sparich and Nathaniel Neidlinger. The 2024 American Legion Award was awarded to senior Angelica Jimenez.
The VFW established the Voice of Democracy program in 1947 to provide students in grades nine through twelve the opportunity to express themselves in regards to democratic ideas and principles.
The Freeland Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5010 recognized five students in the 2024-25 Voice of Democracy Competition. They were: sophomore Alexis Bleiler, junior Diane Kim, junior Kendall Orozco, junior Kiyan Paknezhad, and sophomore Arushi Solgama.
On behalf of The Luzerne Foundation, The Ed Hughes Memorial Scholarship was presented to seniors Angelica Jimenez and Zachary Yenchko. The Ed Hughes Scholarship Fund was created by Mr. Ed Hughes to assist students who pursue their education despite facing challenges and who display a strong sense of character and commitment to their community.
State Senator David G. Argall honored seniors Alex Neyhart and Paul Neyhart with the Good Citizenship Award, which exemplifies the qualities of good citizenship through their display of outstanding character, leadership, and scholarship.
Senior Diane Arias-Tejeda received The Horatio Alger Association Scholarship, which is given to promising young people in recognition of their character, academic achievements, leadership qualities, dedication to community service, and desire to pursue the American Dream through higher education.
Senior Nathaniel Neidlinger was awarded The National Merit Commended Scholar Award while the Greater Hazleton Area Polonaise Society Jake Kislan ‘56/Wydock/ Kopetskie Scholarship winner was senior Abigail Sparich.
Awards were also given to underclass students who showed outstanding contributions, achievements, and dedication to an individual subject area in the past academic year. Those students were:
Freshmen: Amanda Stoffa (Chinese, English, History, and Visual Arts), Sharon Zhuang (Math), Yoreimy Aponte (Science), Kenedy Lutz (Spanish), and Christina Chrin (Performing Arts).
Sophomores: Ava Genetti (Chinese and English), Christopher Laverty (History), Alexis Bleiler (Math), Cassidy McDermott (Science and Spanish), Joseph Mayernik (Visual Arts), and Andrea Jimenez (Performing Arts).
Juniors: Diane Kim (Chinese and English), Daniel Griffith (History and Science), Xavier Bleiler (Math), Brayden Harleman (Spanish), and Corey Buchman (Performing Arts).
Five students were recognized for their excellent performances on the National Spanish Exam. They were: junior Brayden Harleman, junior Kiyan Paknezhad, junior Isabelle Wells, sophomore Arushi Solgama, and freshman Katherine Arias.
The American Legion’s Academic Excellence Awards were presented to seniors Nathaniel Neidlinger and Abigail Sparich who stand with Pete Peruchetti and Commander Gerald Gaffney of the Freeland Post 473 and MMI Head of School Theresa Long.
Every year, MMI students also participate in research projects that are presented at their Open House in the spring, with winners chosen by an independent panel of judges. Level 2 Awards for Humanities and Stem are awarded to ninth and tenth-grade students while Level 3 awards are presented to eleventh-grade students. Those winners were:
First Place: Shakespeare’s Contributions to the English Language by sophomore Ben Gombeda (Level II Humanities), The History of Gardening by junior Brayden Harleman (Level III Humanities), Nanoparticles in Aquatic Environments by sophomore Joseph Mayernik (Level II STEM), and Building the Ionic Thruster by junior Daniel Griffith (Level III STEM).
Second Place: Japanese Architecture by sophomore Arushi Solgama (Level II Humanities), The Tunnel Rats by junior Nick Pantages (Level III Humanities), Geometry and Ancient Buildings by sophomore Ava Genetti (Level II STEM), and 3-D Printed Hand by junior Kiyan Paknezhad (Level III STEM)
Third Place: The Evolution of English by freshman Caitlyn Carter (Level II Humanities), Constantinople by junior Corey Buchman (Level III Humanities), Ocean Acidification by freshman Sharon Zhuang (Level II STEM), and Series and Parallel Circuits by junior Kendall Orozco (Level III STEM)
This year, the seniors completed capstone projects instead of regular Open House projects, which were group projects incorporating three disciplines within an extensive research project. The winners of the senior capstone project were: Alex Neyhart, Paul Neyhart, and Jakob Rossi for The Paranormal.
Senior Robert Orbin III was presented with the 2024 MMI Ambassador Service Award for his dedication and longevity in the MMI Student Ambassador Program.
The 2024 George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award and Scholarship was presented to junior Thomas Horvat. The 2024 Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award was presented to junior Winni Zheng. The 2024 Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences was presented to junior Eve Corazza. The 2024 Xerox Award for Innovation and Information
Technology was presented to junior Kiyan Paknezhad. The 2024 Rensselaer Medal Award was presented to junior Alexander Composto. The 2024 Bryn Mawr President’s Book Award was presented to junior Isabelle Wells. The 2024 University of Pennsylvania Book Award was presented to junior Brayden Harleman. Junior Lydia Chen received the Chatham University 2024 Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award. The Alfred University Outside of the Ordinary Award was presented to junior Joshua Naugle.
The following juniors were recognized for the Rochester Institute of Technology High School Awards: Daniel Griffith (RIT Computing Medal), Diane Kim (RIT Humanities and Social Science Award), Kendall Orozco (2024 RIT Women in STEM Award), Joshua Witner (2024 RIT Math and Science Award), and Corey Buchman (RIT Business and Leadership Award).
Several awards were given to multiple winners:
Juniors Dante DeStefano, Joshua Hoover, and Jason Roberts were awarded the 2024 Student Sage Awards. Juniors Lilli Warner-Senape and Hayden Schwabe earned the 2023 Elmira College Key Awards. Juniors Gracie Magula, Evan Pedri, Aiden Hosier, Mary Kate Kupsky, and Willa Batholomew were named to the 2024 Junior Scholars Program at High Point University. Juniors Chloe Allen, Nick Pantages, Isaiah Perez-Serrano, Michael Kranyak, Xavier Bleiler, and Lucas Pesotine earned the Wilkes University Colonel Emerging Leader Awards. Seniors Emily Borchick and Edgar LopezRodriguez were recipients of the 2024 District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Awards.
The final awards of the evening were The Eckley B. Coxe, Jr. Memorial Subject Awards. Eckley B. Coxe, Jr. was the nephew of MMI founder Eckley B. Coxe. A trustee of the Mining and Mechanical Institute, now MMI Preparatory School, he donated the funds necessary to establish a series of monetary awards recognizing academic excellence in each subject area over the student’s entire tenure in the Upper School. The seniors receiving these prestigious awards were: Diane Arias-Tejeda (English and History), Nathaniel Neidlinger (Math, Science, and Chinese), Dominic Raifsnider (Spanish), and Emily Hunsinger (Visual Arts).
Edgar Lopez-Rodriguez ’24 received the 2024 District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association ScholarAthlete Award and stands with Athletic Director Joseph Flanagan.
Alex Neyhart ‘24 and Paul Neyhart ’24 were honored by State Senator David Argall with the Good Citizenship Award.
The ninth-grade subject award winners were: (first row, L-R)
Kenedy Lutz (Spanish), Yoreimy Aponte (Science), Sharon Zhuang (Math), Amanda Stoffa (Chinese, English, History, and Visual Arts), (second row) Head of School Theresa Long, Christina Chrin (Performing Arts), and Academic Dean Justin Vincent.
MMI Honors Middle School Students During Awards Ceremony
MMI Preparatory School held an awards ceremony on May 8 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 Siya Patel, Zachary Naugle, Arianna Larsen, and Justin Park received the American Legion Award, the award given to the top two female and top two male students with the highest grade point average.
MMI also presented subject awards in each grade to the following students:
Sixth Grade – Owen Farrell (Geography and Greek), Riley Mason (English and Math), Rian Patel (Science), Sahiba Kaur (Music), and Gabrielle Serock (Visual Arts).
Seventh Grade – Robert Brighthaupt (History), Marlow Basalyga (English and Health), Neal DeAngelo (Math), Thomas Rogers (Science), Yaslin Tejada (Music), and Sophie Schulz (Visual Arts).
Eighth Grade – Evan Polanco (Government), Thomas Pantages (English and Science), Arianny Nieves (PreAlgebra), Marissa Yamulla (Algebra I), Issac Edmonds (Algebra II), Madalynn Young (Music), and Zachary Naugle (Visual Arts).
Each year, MMI students are challenged with preparing special research projects that are displayed at the annual Open House event. All MMI students display, explain, and demonstrate their projects in classrooms and locations throughout the school and all projects are completed under the guidance of faculty advisers. Each project is then evaluated during Open House by a panel of judges from outside the school. The middle-
school winners who were recognized at the awards ceremony include:
Mid-school STEM: First place – Isaac Edmonds for Fractals, Second place – Nathaniel Belanger for Understanding the Stirling Engine, Third place – Rian Patel for Lego Robotic Programming. Mid-school Humanities: First place – Xavier Reymunde Wittmer for How Sleep Affects Mental Health, Second place –Marissa Yamulla for Italy, Third place – Arianna Larsen for Psychology of Compliance.
Students were also inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. NJHS represents an organization of the world’s highest-achieving middle-level students and provides an outstanding opportunity to grow with academically accomplished peers who are sharpening the habits needed for success in high school and beyond. The students inducted were: Anthony Arias Tejeda, Gianna Brush, Gabriella Carsia, Isabella DeStefano, Anna Drobnock, Benjamin Drobnock, Arianna Larsen, Maia Laverty, Calli Mason, Jackson Moore, Olivia Moore, Patrick Moore, Zachary Naugle, Arianny Nieves, Thomas Pantages, Shreeya Parikh, Justin Park, Siya Patel, Andrew Pedri, Evan Polanco, Derek Radzwich, Angel Reymunde Wittmer, Xavier Reymunde Wittmer, Jared Santana, Gavin Serock, Haden Stash, and Marissa Yamulla.
The event concluded with the Rising Up Ceremony for MMI’s eighth grade students who were recognized by their Advisors Syra Dewar and Grete Floryshak ’92. The students received a gift as they will end this school year by “Rising Up” to start their Upper School careers in the fall.
Inductees to the National Junior Honor Society stand with Advisor Mara Zumchak.
MMI Recognizes Student Athletes During 2024 Winter and Spring Athletic Awards Ceremony
MMI Preparatory School held their Winter and Spring Athletic Awards Banquet to honor all athletes and their achievements during the 2023-2024 school year.
MMI Athletic Director Joe Flanagan emceed both events. Coaches provided remarks on the season and announced the award winners. During the ceremony, athletes received awards in the MVP, Most Improved, and Coaches’ Award categories, and varsity letter recipients were recognized.
The Upper School Most Valuable Players, Most Improved Players, and Coaches’ Award recipients for winter and spring sports were as follows:
Boys Varsity Basketball: MVPs – Brendon Brobst and Ryan Clymer-Sones; Coach’s Award – Edgar Lopez-Rodriguez.
Girls Varsity Basketball: MVP – Bria Kringe; Most Improved Players – Cassidy McDermott and Georgia Washko.
Swimming: MVP – Eric “Woobie” Kupsky; Coach’s Award – Mary Katherine Kupsky.
Varsity Cheerleading: MVP – Nora Herseim; Coach’s Award – Eve Corazza and Gracie Magula.
Boys Tennis: MVP — Xavier Bleiler; Coach’s Award — Nathan Sissick; Most Improved — Dominic Raifsnider.
Boys Baseball: Co-MVPs — Andrew Burns; Zachary Yenchko; Coach’s Awards — John Drobnock.
Mid School Baseball: MVP — Derek Radzwich; Coach’s Award — Tyler Swircek; Most Improved — Jackson Moore.
The middle school Most Valuable Players, Most Improved Players, and Coaches’ Award recipients for winter sports were:
Boys Basketball: MVP – Anthony Arias-Tejeda; Coach’s Award – Derek Radzwich; Most Improved Player –Andrew Pedri.
Girls Basketball: MVP – Anna Drobnock; Coach’s Award – Olivia Moore; and Most Improved Player-Yaslin Tejeda Navir.
Cheerleading: MVP – Emma Casey; Coach’s AwardLissa Garcia; and Most Improved – Stella Horvath.
Junior High Softball: Co-MVPs — Alexa Fazio; Caitlyn Carter; Most Improved — Gabriella Carsia.
Alexa Fazio (left) and Caitlyn Carter (right) were named the MVPs of MMI’s 2024 Junior High Softball team.
Pictured from left to right: Baseball Coaches Award recipient John Drobnock, and co-MVPs Zachary Yenchko and Andrew Burns with Head Coach Charlie Karchner ’14
Middle School Girls Basketball Awards were presented by Head Coach Frank Romero to Olivia Moore, Yaslin Tejada Navir, and Anna Drobnock.
MMI Inducts Several Students into Multiple National Honor Societies
MMI Preparatory School inducted students into multiple Honor Societies on March 26, 2024.
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 were: Cedrah Abdulrahman ‘26, Hasan Arain ‘25, Frederick Blaine ‘24, Alexis Bleiler ‘26, Jozef Dovicak ‘26, John Thomas Ferry ‘26, Adam Frask ‘26, Samantha Gatts ‘26, Ava Genetti ‘25, Benjamin Gombeda ‘26, Nora Herseim ‘26, Gabriel Horvath ‘26, Christopher Laverty ‘26, Mehak Manzoor ‘26, Joseph Mayernik ‘26, Cassidy McDermott ‘26, Yeleiny Paniagua ‘26, Sharan Parikh ‘26, Rishi Patel ‘26, Bryce Radzwich ‘26, Christian Schulz ‘26, Erica Schwear ‘26, Caleb Skuba ‘26, Arushi Solgama ‘26, Jayden Unger ‘26, Georgia Washko ‘26, David Yamulla ‘26, Madelyn Young ‘26, Joshua Hoover ‘25, Isaiah Perez-Serrano ‘25, Lucas Pesotine ‘25, Lilli Warner-Senape ‘25, Isabelle Wells ‘25, Winni Zheng ‘25, and Kade Lutz ‘24.
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 were: Chloe Allen ‘25, Willa Bartholomew ‘25, Xavier Bleiler ‘25, Corey Buchman ‘25, Lydia Chen ‘25, Alexander Composto ‘25, Eve Corazza ‘25, Daniel Griffiths ‘25, Brayden Harleman ‘25, Thomas Horvat ‘25, Aiden Hosier ‘25, Diane Kim ‘25, Michael Kranyak ‘25, Mary Katherine Kupsky ‘25, Caitlin Lenahan ‘24, Gracie Magula ‘25, Joshua Naugle ‘25, Kendall Orozco ‘25, Kiyan Paknezhad ‘25, Nicholas Pantages ‘25, Evan Pedri ‘25, Lucas Pesotine ‘25, Jason Roberts ‘25, Jakob Rossi ‘24, Hayden Schwabe ‘25, Isabelle Wells ‘25, Joshua Witner ‘25, Zachary Yenchko ‘24, and Winni Zheng ‘25.
MMI World Languages Department Chair and Society Advisor, Christina Spencer, inducted seven students into the Chinese National Honor Society.
Inductees were: Corey Buchman ‘25, Lydia Chen ‘25, Thomas Horvat ‘25, Diane Kim ‘25, Kendall Orozco ‘25, Jason Roberts ‘25, and Winni Zheng ‘25.
Syra Dewar, MMI Spanish Language Instructor and advisor for the Society, inducted three students into the Spanish National Honor Society.
Inductees were: Isabelle Wells ‘25, Brayden Harleman’25, and Isaiah Perez-Serrano ’25.
Lisa M. Ferry, Art & Anthropology Instructor/ Interim Curriculum Coordinator and Art Honor Society Advisor, welcomed two students into the National Art Honor Society. The inductees were: Sophia Plonk ‘24 and Abigail Sparich ‘24.
Gerard Periotti, MMI Mathematics Department Chair and Mu Alpha Theta, National Mathematics Honor Society Advisor inducted students into the society.
Inductees were: Phoebe Bramley ‘24, Angelica Jimenez ‘24, Kyle Kocon ‘24, Jason Salio ‘24, Blake Warren ‘24, Chloe Allen ‘25, Xavier Bleiler ‘25, Corey Buchman ‘25, Lydia Chen ‘25, Alexander Composto ‘25, Dante DeStefano ‘25, Daniel Griffith ‘25, Brayden Harleman ‘25, Thomas Horvat ‘25, Aiden Hosier ‘25, Diane Kim ‘25, Michael Kranyak ‘25, Mary Katherine Kupsky ‘25, Gracie Magula ‘25, Joshua Naugle ‘25, Kendall Orozco ‘25, Kiyan Paknezhad ‘25, Nicholas Pantages ‘25, Evan Pedri ‘25, Jason Roberts ‘25, Isabelle Wells ‘25, Joshua Witner ‘25, Brendon Brobst ‘24, Hayden Schwabe ‘25, and Winni Zheng ‘25.
Thirty-five students were inducted into the Andrew J. Stofan Chapter of the National Honor Society this spring.
MMI Students Excel at the PA Junior Academy of Science Competitions
Forty-eight MMI Preparatory School students participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regional competition on March 2. Twenty-eight students earned first awards (one earned an additional first award in a second category), 18 earned second awards, and three earned third awards.
First award recipients were Cedrah Abdulrahman, Hasan Arain, Gabriella Carsia, Christina Chrin, Ian Composto, Jozef Dovicak, Jagjit Gondara (2), Daniel Griffith, Diane Kim, Kenedy Lutz, Joseph Mayernik, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Robert Orbin III, Kasra Paknezhad, Kiyan Paknezhad, Yeleiny Paniagua, Shreeya Parikh, Rishi Patel, Andrew Pedri, Evan Pedri, Gavin Serock, Caleb Skuba, Arushi Solgama, Georgia Washko, Marissa Yamulla, Madelyn Young, Madalynn Young, and Winni Zheng.
Rishi Patel, Georgia Washko, Marissa Yamulla, and Winni Zheng earned perfect scores. Kiyan Paknezhad earned an Excellence Award in Engineering; Evan Pedri earned an Excellence Award in Microbiology, and Georgia Washko earned an Excellence Award in Biology. Two seniors were honored with Perseverance Awards for the number of years they have participated in PJAS. Those students were Diane Arias-Tejeda and Nathaniel Neidlinger.
MMI’s Second Award recipients were Katherine Arias, Diane Arias-Tejeda, Alexis Bleiler, Corey Buchman,
Alexa Fazio, JT Ferry, Adam Frask, Samantha Gatts, Ava Genetti, Gabriel Horvath, Diane Kim (2nd project), Maia Laverty, Cassidy McDermott, Sharan Parikh, Siya Patel, Haden Stash, Denna Stellar, and David Yamulla.
Third Award recipients were Gracie Magula, Bryce Radzwich, and Ruhani Shah.
The first award recipients went on to the regional competition which was held at Penn State University from May 19 - 21. All of MMI’s state qualifiers placed in the top three at States with 16 students earning firstplace awards, nine earning second-place awards, and two earning third-place awards.
First-place award recipients were: sophomore Cedrah Abdulrahman, sophomore Hasan Arain, freshman Christina Chrin, freshman Ian Composto, sophomore Jozef Dovicak, senior Jagjit Gondara (two separate projects), senior Nathaniel Neidlinger, junior Kiyan Paknezhad, sophomore Yeleiny Paniagua, sophomore Rishi Patel, eighth grader Andrew Pedri, junior Evan Pedri, sophomore Caleb Skuba, sophomore Arushi Solgama, and eighth grader Marissa Yamulla. Caleb Skuba also received a perfect score.
Second-place award recipients were: eighth grader Gabriella Carsia, junior Daniel Griffith, sophomore Joseph Mayernik, senior Robert Orbin III, senior Kasra Paknezhad, eighth grader Shreeya Parikh, eighth
First row (left to right): Mr. Justin Vincent, Shreeya Parikh, Marissa Yamulla, Gabriella Carsia, Madalynn Young, Ms. Michele Tyburski. Second row: Andrew Pedri, Gavin Serock. Arushi Solgama, Cedra Abdulrahman, Diane Kim, and Winni Zheng. Third row: Mr. Michael Mele, Hasan Arain, Joseph Mayernik, Madelyn Young, Yeleiny Paniagua, Mrs. Shannon Falcheck. Fourth row: Caleb Skuba, Rishi Patel, Daniel Griffith, Kiyan Paknezhad, Ian Composto. Fifth row: Jozef Dovicak, Evan Pedri, Christina Chrin, Kenedy Lutz, and Kasra Paknezhad.
grader Gavin Serock, sophomore Georgia Washko, and sophomore Madelyn Young.
The third-place winners were: eighth grader Madalynn Young and junior Winni Zheng.
MMI competes in Region 2 with close to 450 students from schools throughout Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike, and Monroe counties. Associate Dean and Science Department Chair Michael Mele serves as the primary advisor for MMI’s PJAS program along with additional advisors Shannon Falcheck, Justin Vincent, Timothy Garvey, and
Michele Tyburski. MMI had 48 students compete at the regional level on March 2 and the first-place regional winners advanced to the state level.
The PJAS competition is open to students in grades seventh through twelfth. During the competition, students conduct a scientific research project in one of the twelve Scientific Categories of Research identified by PJAS and 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.
MMI Team Takes 1st Place in Luzerne County Envirothon
MMI Preparatory School won first place in the Luzerne County Envirothon competition. The team consisted of Nathaniel Neidlinger, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Blake Warren, and Amanda Stoffa.
They advanced to the state competition, which was held in May. The state Envirothon is a one-day event, including an “oral component” test along with the other stations.
MMI had five teams compete in this year’s event.
MMI science instructor and Envirothon advisor Michael Mele said, “All teams represented MMI with the utmost respect and dedication to the content areas, honest competition and collaborative success and I could not be more proud. When one team wins, everyone wins and the kids treat it that way.”
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 complete 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.
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.
After placing first in Luzerne County, MMI finished 12th overall out of 63 counties in the State Envirothon competition held on May 22. The team, consisting of Nathaniel Neidlinger ‘24, Kathryn Sissick ‘24, Nathan Sissick ‘24, Blake Warren ‘24, and Amanda Stoffa ’27, showed exceptional knowledge and skills in natural resource education.
MMI Students’ Hard Work Pays off at the FBLA Regional 16 and State Leadership Conference
Sixty-eight MMI students competed in the FBLA Region 16 competition and 43 of those students moved on to compete at the PA State FBLA Leadership Conference in Hershey.
The following students represented MMI at the State Leadership Conference:
Cedrah Abdulrahman – 1st place Intro. to FBLA; Hasan Arain – 1st place Intro. to Social Media Strategies; Diane Arias-Tejeda – 1st place Job Interview; London Chehovich – 1st Place Hospitality and Event Management; Caylee Herseim – 1st place Public Speaking II; Thomas Horvat – 1st place Business Ethics; Diane Kim – 1st place Sales Presentation; Mehak Manzoor – 1st place Business Management; Blake Warren – 1st place Economics; Jayden Unger – 1st place International Business; Josh Witner – 1st place Agribusiness; Winni Zheng- 1st place Graphic Design.
Chloe Allen – 2nd place Economics; Philip Benyo & Ian Composto – 2nd place Intro. to Business Presentation; Kendall Orozco – 2nd place Help Desk; Ava Genetti –2nd place Public Speaking I; Jason Roberts – 2nd place Public Speaking II; Jordan Mulhall & Nathan Sissick – 2nd place Banking and Financial Systems; Robert Orbin and Nathaniel Neidlinger – 2nd place Network Design; Kasra Paknezhad – 2nd place Healthcare Administration; Jason Salio and Heath Williams – 2nd place Broadcast Journalism; Brayden Harleman – 2nd place Personal Finance; Erica Schwear – 2nd place Intro to Business Concepts; Isabella Wells – 2nd place Hospitality & Event Management.
Teagan Bonham, Lex Lispi, and Connor Strecker – 3rd place Marketing; Sharan Parikh – 3rd place Intro to Financial Math; Georgia Washko – 3rd place Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Colin Woolnough – 3rd place Computer Problem Solving; David Yamulla – 3rd place Intro to Business Concepts; Madelyn Young – 3rd place Intro to Marketing Concepts; Alexis Bleiler – 5th place Intro to Financial Math; Lydia Chen – 5th place Accounting I; Dante DeStefano – 5th place Personal Finance; and Arushi Solgama – 5th place Intro to Marketing Concepts.
In addition, several other students were recognized for their work. These students include: Aiden Hosier, Evan Pedri and Nicholas Pantages for Graphic Design, Lilli Warner-Senape, Willa Bartholomew, and Hayden Schwabe for Social Media Strategies, Corey Buchman for Sales Presentation, and Adam Frask, Caleb Skuba, and Rishi Patel for Intro. to Business Presentation.
At the state competition, which ran from April 8 to April 10, several MMI students were honored for their hard work in the program and placed in different competitions, including Robert Orbin III ’24 and Nathaniel Neidlinger ’24, 4th place in Network Design; Caylee Herseim ’24, 4th place in Public Speaking; Kiyan Paknezhad ’25, 5th place in Electronic Career Portfolio; Kendall Orozco ’25, 7th place in Help Desk; Diane Arias Tejeda ’24, 9th place in Job Interviews; and Diane Kim ’25, 10th place in Sales Presentations.
Herseim, Orbin and Neidlinger earned placements that qualified them for the FBLA National Leadership
MMI had several top finishers at the PA Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference held in Hershey from April 8 to April 10
Conference in Orlando, Florida from June 29 through July 2.
Additionally, for the first time in MMI FBLA history, student Hayden Schwabe ’25 was elected as the PA FBLA 20242025 State President for the Pennsylvania State Chapter. Schwabe previously served as VP at large and was elected to the PA State Reporter position in his junior year. Katherine Zucco, MMI FBLA Advisor said, “Hayden’s hard work and perseverance has paid off. Just a few years ago, the MMI FBLA Chapter did not participate in the PA State Project or the Big 33 Community Service Project and now, our school is getting recognition
due to the involvement of our students. Hayden has had a big hand in that.” Hayden will spend the next year traveling across the state to regional and state workshops, conferences, and many other events networking with other members. He will also lead a team of nine state officers to advance the PA FBLA.
MMI Head of School, Theresa Long said, “We are so proud of all of our student participants and know that Hayden Schwabe will represent MMI well as the state president of FBLA!”
The MMI Faculty and Staff would like to congratulate all of the students in their FBLA chapter and kindly thank Flashback Cinema and the Orlando Family Foundation for their generous sponsorships of the club.
MMI Parents Association’s Gratitude and Achievements
As the school year ends, the MMI Parents Association would like to thank all the parents, guardians, faculty, and staff for their assistance throughout the year. The time and efforts of so many enable the Parents Association to enhance the MMI student experience.
From fun events to fundraisers, it has been a busy year. The Parents Association raised funds with a Gently Used Clothing Sale, Calendar Raffle, and Designer Bag Bingo. The monies raised from these events go directly back into providing experiences for the MMI community.
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.
The change in season brought The Fall Fun Event, the
semi-formal Harvest Dance for Upper School students, the annual Founders Day lunch, and even a visit from live reindeer – complete with hot chocolate and cookies – for the entire school.
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 months. The Parents Association sponsored the semi-formal Mid School Dance and the annual Making Smart Choices event for Upper School students. The organization also hosted a luncheon for all faculty and staff in honor of teacher appreciation week. Once again partnering with the school, the Parents Association provided financial support toward the end of year student field trip to Knoebels. The school year culminated by celebrating the Class of 2024 with a Graduation Reception after Commencement, a long-standing MMI tradition.
The MMI Parents Association is pleased to have had another successful year and wishes everyone a relaxing and enjoyable summer.
Storms Can’t Dampen Spirits at MMI’s 15th Annual Jake Kislan Memorial Golf Tournament
MMI proudly hosted the 15th Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament at the Valley Country Club on June 14 to raise funds for the Prepper Athletics Program. In 2009, MMI renamed its annual golf tournament to honor long-time athlete and 1956 MMI graduate Jake Kislan, who passed away in 2008. Despite the thunderstorms that limited play, the participants enjoyed an afternoon filled with camaraderie and fun. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated in this delightful day!
Due to the shortened play, the prizes for first, second, and third place in both the first flight and second flight were raffled off in a drawing conducted by Head of School Theresa Long, who drew the foursome winners. We congratulate CJ Wallen ‘15, who won Closest to the Pin on Hole #2, sponsored by van Hoekelen Greenhouses. Greg Mills claimed the Longest Men’s Drive on Hole #8, sponsored by PAM Specialty Hospital of Wilkes Barre. Missy Dietz won the Longest Women’s Drive on Hole #11, sponsored by Community Bank, and Bill Dessoye secured Closest to the Pin on Hole #12. Bob Moisey triumphed in the Closest to the Keg contest on Hole #14, sponsored by Karl’s Case and Keg.
A special thank you goes out to all our sponsors for their generous support. PNC Bank was our Golf Gift Sponsor, and Wilmington Trust sponsored the Beverage Carts. The Golf Cart Sponsor was John Hersker ’76, and Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton sponsored the Putting Greens. Tri Mountain Ventures sponsored the Drone Drive on Hole #18, where golfers watched in awe as a drone dropped one golf ball per group on the green for a chance at a Hole in One. During the Cocktail Hour, sponsored by the Class of 1995, the drone dropped numbered wiffle balls on the green at Hole #18 in place of our 50/50 drawing. The winners of the 50/50 raffle, Sam Sanguedolce and Kyle Walters, split the $1,125 prize. We thank Silgan Closures for sponsoring the Drone Drop 50/50 raffle. Paul Kamor, Senior Investment Manager and Senior Vice President at PNC Bank, gets ready to fire the Golf Ball Cannon!
The foursome of Donna Dougherty, Michelle Genetti, MMI Board member DeAnn Miller, and Michele Tyson were the first foursome to get a Hole in One on the Drone Drive Hole! You can see the drone hovering above their heads on its return flight!
We also appreciate our hole sponsors: Della Croce Dental Care, Emil J. Gera Concrete Contractor, Inc., Hawk Mountain Labs, Hazle Drugs & Compounding, The Laurels Senior Living, Louie’s Prime Steakhouse, Bob and Julie Parmegiani in honor of Kevin McNulty ’21, John and Lisa Schwear in honor of John Schwear III ‘23 and Erica Schwear ’26, Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis, van Hoekelen Greenhouses, the Wallen Family, Rich and Shannon Williams in honor of Colin Williams ‘21 and Heath Williams ’24, and the Young Family in honor of Madalynn Young ‘28.
MMI extends a sincere thank you to the 108 golfers who participated. Your involvement is the cornerstone of this event’s success, and we are deeply grateful for your support. We also want to recognize and thank the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly on the course: Cheryl Bayo, Lani Drobnock, Jennifer Gerhard, Marci Hosier, Kim McNulty, Theresa Long, Joanne Oakum, Alyssa Sweda ‘19, and Jackie Sweda. Your commitment and hard work are greatly appreciated.
Distinguished Young Alumni Awards to Honor Exceptional Achievements This Summer
MMI Preparatory School is proud to introduce the Distinguished Young Alumni Awards, an exciting new initiative announced by the Board of Directors earlier this year. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of alumni under 30 who have excelled in their professions and made significant contributions to their communities. The inaugural ceremony will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, as part of MMI’s Alumni Weekend. The event will be held at the Edgewood Country Club in Drums, PA. The evening will begin with cocktails from 6:00-7:00 pm, followed by the Dinner and Awards Ceremony at 7:00 pm. Mark your calendars and join us in celebrating these exceptional young leaders! Details about our award winners are included below:
Ashley E. Acri ‘13
• Registered Nurse working at LVHN Hazleton
• Previous experience at Allied Services Scranton, Allied Services John Heinz, Geisinger Bloomsburg, and LVHN Schuykill
• BSN from DeSales (2020), MBA in Healthcare Management and Master of Nursing in Healthcare Administration from Bloomsburg University (2024)
• Volunteer with PA State Nurses’ Assoc as a member of New-to-Practice Task Force
Atty. Antonia K. Diener ‘12
• Deputy Colorado State Public Defender (Trial Attorney in felony rotation)
• Previous work as Student Attorney at the Harvard Criminal Justice Institute, Legal Intern at Defender Association of Philadelphia, and Legal Intern with ACLU of Pennsylvania
• BA from UPenn in Anthropology and Religious Studies (2016), JD from Harvard Law (2021)
• Was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar this spring, and is also barred in Colorado
During Cocktail Hour, Head of School Theresa Long visits with Atty. Jared Shafer ’95, Director at Maron Marvel Bradley Anderson & Tardy LLC in Philadelphia, and Atty. Dave Pedri, President and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation.
Capt. John M. Driscoll ’13
• US Air Force Pilot with 1700+ flight hours, including 550+ as Aircraft Commander and 166 of combat flying time
• Currently stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska and soon moving to Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas to train new students to become Air Force pilots
• RC-135 Aircraft Commander, leading crews of 30 aviators on recon operations aboard one of only 17 RC-135 aircraft used by the US Air Force
• Also holds commercial pilots license
• Among other awards, was named 2023 Pilot of the Year for the 343rd Reconnaissance Squadron
• BS from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2017)
Jessica E. McClellan ‘19
• PGA Head Golf Professional of Old Macdonald at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon
• First Woman to be named Head PGA Golf Professional by any of Bandon’s five 18-hole golf courses. Began her journey at Bandon as an intern in 2020 and rapidly rose up the ranking upon completing her junior year on campus at PSU and returning to Oregon
• One of 15 PGA members selected in January for the PGA Lead Program, the PGA’s 18-month national Leadership Development Program
• Previous experience includes working in seasonal positions during the Masters Tournament in Augusta the last two years, serving as Bandon HS Head Girls Golf Coach, and working at Split Rock Golf Club in Lake Harmony
• Created a mentorship program to help support assistant golf professionals at Bandon on their path to PGA membership and served as Tournament Coordinator of the 2023 and 2024 Golf Digest Woman Classic hosted at Bandon
• BS from Penn State in Recreation, Park, & Tourism Management with a minor in Sports Studies (2022)
Emily R. Seratch ‘15
• Currently works as a Contract Specialist supporting ship repair of the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) at the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center in Singapore
• Previous experience at NAVSUP Weapons Support System where she worked in nuclear propulsion and received numerous awards
• Volunteer with the American Association of Singapore, and previously as co-chair of Membership Committee of Harrisburg Young Professionals and the Carlisle Theater
• Earned Community Connector Award in 2022 at “Harrisburg’s 20 in their 20’s” ceremony
• BS from Elizabethtown College in International Business with a Finance minor (2019)
Marianne L. Virnelson ‘13
• Currently employed at University of Maryland as Coordinator of Visit Services
• Previous experience working for the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland as a Member Experience Associate, Hollins University as a Senior Admissions Counselor, and Randolph College as Senior Admissions Counselor and Fine Arts Recruitment Coordinator
• BA from Randolph College in Theatre and Music (2017)
• Has continued to perform in Musical Theatre/Opera with over 25 productions in past 10 years, including a number of professional acting credits
• Most recent performance is a production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night this July
Dr. Tyler J. Fulton ‘12
• Currently working as a Senior Scientist in Process Chemistry at AbbVie, a pharmaceutical company in Chicago
• Served as a post-doctoral scholar at California Institute of Technology with Nobel Laureate Professor Francis Arnold in enzyme engineering
• Has published 13 research articles and three book chapters
• Awarded Caltech Center for Environmental and Microbial Interactions Travel Grant (2023)
• BS and MS from Bucknell University in Organic Chemistry (2016), PhD in Organic Chemistry from Caltech (2022)
• Volunteered as a mentor in the i-STEM Scholars Program, the Pasadena City College’s Natural Science Stem Center, and San Marino High School, and Caltech Diversity in Chemistry Initiative
Abigail M. Paul ‘18
• Currently attending Ohio University in a PhD program in Chemical Engineering (expected date of graduation is 2026)
• Experience as Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, interned at Sanofi Pasteur, and private tutor and undergrad researcher
• Volunteer at World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia running zip-line events
• Restarted the OU Electrochemical Society student chapter that was defunct and now serves as President, serves on Industrial Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Engineering Division Outreach Committee
• Has been cited in one research publication, and 14 presentations/posters in her field
• Graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BS in Chemical Engineering (2022) from West Virginia University
Kaitlyn R. Sitch ‘14
• Works as an Electrical Research Engineer at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Philadelphia Division
• Received the Department of Defense SMART Scholarship from 2020-2023
• Previous experience as a SMART Scholar Intern at the NSWC, Graduate Research Assistant and Graduate Teaching Assistant at Temple, Research & Development Intern at PECO Energy, and Automotive Design Engineering Intern at ON Semiconductor
• Published in 7 scholarly works
• BS from Wilkes University (2018), MS from Temple University (2021), and PhD from Temple University (2023) all in Electrical Engineering
Atty. Luke D. Yamulla ‘16
• Currently working as a Litigation Associate in the Enforcement and Investigations practice group at Dechert LLP in Philadelphia
• Spent one year as Legal Extern at Public Defender’s Office in Harlem, NY
• Volunteer as editor of Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, as intern at the Mazzoni Center Legal Services, and continues to offer pro bono work in his current employment
• Maintains an active pro bono practice at Dechert with a particular focus on prisoners’ rights and criminal justice reform
• Co-authored briefs and petitions submitted to the Western District of Pennsylvania and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in his pro bono practice
• BA from University of Pennsylvania in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (2020) and JD from Columbia University (2023)
Mid-Winter Social
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Mid-Winter Social at Valley Country Club on February 9. It was incredible to see our MMI community come together. From our fantastic faculty and admins to our amazing alumni, supportive parents and grandparents, and dedicated Board of Directors!
Head of School’s Donor Reception
A big thank you to all who joined us a Valley Country Club on Friday, May 31 to celebrate at the Head of School’s Donor Reception. We are grateful for your invaluable contributions, which enable us to provide exceptional opportunities and experiences for our students. Your generosity fuels our mission and empowers us to create a brighter tomorrow for every member of the MMI family.
Philadelphia Mini-Reunion
We had an unforgettable night at Tir Na Nog on April 11 for the Philadelphia Mini-Reunion! Our small but mighty crowd truly brought the spirit of camaraderie to life! Guests enjoyed complimentary drinks and a delicious buffet, making it a perfect evening to reconnect with old friends and forge new bonds. Stay tuned for more alumni events and save-the-date of April 10, 2025 to keep the Philly spirit alive!
Annual Open House Held on April 14!
Every year, MMI students gear up for the ultimate challenge—preparing and presenting their special research projects at our much-anticipated Open House event. This year, on April 14, the school was buzzing with energy and excitement as students showcased their hard work across the campus. This year’s seniors completed capstone projects for the first time—ambitious group endeavors that integrated three different disciplines into comprehensive research presentations. A huge congratulations to all our Open House winners and participants!
Day of Giving – Their Future Begins With Us
On May 7, we were able to bust through our Day of Giving Goal of $20,000 and ended the campaign raising $37,045 from 147 donors! These funds were raised in support of the MMI Scholarship Fund, benefitting current and future Preppers! All of our respective challenges were met adding valuable “extra” dollars to our totals! It was an amazing day!
• Thanks to MMI’s Board of Directors for their collective pledge of $12,500 when we met the 125-donor count. With 100% of our Board participating, we would like to acknowledge their generosity, which helped us smash our goals!
• Thanks to MMI Head of School Theresa Long and her husband, Dave, for sponsoring two challenges by donating $1,000 when we crossed the $10,000 threshold and by matching the first $500 of gifts received from new MMI donors.
• Thanks to David Tapper ‘67 for issuing a challenge to his alumni classmates, inspiring the first-ever gifts to our Day of Giving by the Class of 1967!
• We also had an Instagram Spirit Challenge using #MMIPrepgives to enter. The winning entry was submitted by the MMI Junior High Softball Team with the photo on the right. Their message was “DAY OF GIVING AT MMI!! Junior High softball loves you all!”
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! However, we are especially excited to welcome a number of siblings of alums and current students to MMI this fall!
Charles Rogers ‘31 sibling to Thomas Rogers ‘29
Kayleigh Erickson ‘28 sibling to Nicholas Erickson ‘27 Noah Schulz ‘31 sibling to Christian ‘26 and Sophie ‘30
Yordy Aponte ‘31 sibling to Yoreimy Aponte ‘27
Around Campus
Thank you to the MMI Parents Association for a great evening at the Mid School Winter Wonderland Dance on February 10!
MMI’s Mathcounts Team competed on February 10 at Valley West Middle School.
Diane Kim ‘25 had her haiku selected and featured in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood of Washington D.C. As one of over 4,000 entries, Diane’s haiku was printed on a poster and displayed in the neighborhood in March and April.
The Mock Trial team fell to Wyoming Seminary at the District Championship on February 20. Caylee Herseim ‘24 and Nora Herseim ‘26 were named best attorney and best witness respectively.
MMI’s Upper School math students competed at a number of events this Spring. The team took first place in the Game of 24 at the Bloomsburg University Math Competition on February 27. On March 5, MMI students participated in the LCCTM Math Contest at Wilkes University, and Nathaniel Neidlinger ‘24 earned third place in the senior division. At the Marywood Math Contest on April 5, Nathaniel placed in the top three out of over 200 students.
Chris Laverty ’26 was highlighted in WBRE/ WYOU “Here’s to You Kid” feature in late February. After doing film for years, Chris was selected to a six-week film program at the University of Southern California as one of only 36 students throughout the country.
Pennsylvania State Senator David G. Argall visited MMI on March 1. He took the time to chat with our student body, giving them the lowdown on what it’s like being a State Senator and answering their burning questions. He then spent some time with area agencies that attended the MMI Parents Association Making Smart Choices event. Our Upper School students got to dive into all kinds of cool activities and chat with local agencies about making smart decisions as young adults. From distracted driving simulators to trauma program info, we covered it all!
Earlier this year, the Freeland Fire Department named its officers for 2024 and MMI Director of Facilities Mr. Joseph J. Stepansky was named Chief again. Congratulations to Joe and a big thank you for always keeping us safe!
MMI wrapped up Chinese New Year with a parade through the halls and a presentation in the gym on February 23. The Chinese Language students incorporated engineering, history, art, and music into creating the event.
Middle School STEM Instructor Mrs. Shannon Falcheck earned her Professional Teaching Certificate in Mathematics to complement the certificates she already holds in Earth and Space Science and General Science.
Three students from MMI attended training and worked as election poll workers on April 23. Angelica Jimenez ’24, Paul Neyhart ’24, and Isaiah Perez-Serrano ’25 worked from start to close, 6:00 am- 8:00 pm, in two different precincts of Hazleton.
Jozef Dovicak ‘26 and Joseph Mayernik ‘26 captured first place in MMI’s annual Spanish II Piñata contest. Under the leadership of Spanish instructor Senorita Syra Dewar, sophomore students spent several weeks designing, building, and decorating their piñatas. The piñatas were unveiled during an all school assembly celebrating the Feast of the Three Kings.
Mrs. Lisa Ferry, Art, Anthropology & Psychology Instructor and Mrs. Jennifer Novotney, Director of the Joseph A. Turri ‘45 Library and Learning Center, had art work on display at the Hazleton Art League in March.
Alex Neyhart ’24 and Paul Neyhart ‘24 participated in Read Across America on March 1. They read to students at Heights Terrace Elementary School. The two brothers also graduated from the State Police Hill Impact Program this spring.
PA State Police Trooper Petroski visited MMI seniors on April 11 to do a presentation on alcohol and drug awareness. Events like this help prepare our students for entering adulthood.
Corey Buchman ‘24, Evan Pedri ‘24 and, Hayden Schwabe ’24 participated in Junior Leadership Hazleton this past year.
Kasra Paknezhad ‘24 received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering over 400 hours last summer. Congratulations!
Corey Buchman ’25 (center) was the winner of tecBRIDGE’s 6th Annual High School Business Plan Competition and won a $1,000 cash prize! In order to reach the finals, Corey and Mehak Manzoor ‘26 first had to advance to the Presentation Round of the competition. After submitting their written business plans on March 22, they were among the nine finalists selected. Corey and Mehak presented their innovative ideas at the Wilkes-Barre THINK Center to a panel of judges on April 13. The top three winners were then announced at the F.M. Kirby Center at tecBRIDGE’s awards event on May 2. Also, Kendall Orozco ’24 (right) and Corey took home second and third place respectively in tecBRIDGE’s Big Idea Essay competition, each winning prizes of $500 for advancing to the finalist category. Thank you to mentors Jerry Lisman (far left) from Lisman Holdings Inc. and Jocelyn Sterenchock (left) from CAN DO for advising our students throughout the process! Also, in the photo is Don Webster, Executive Director of tecBRIDGE (far right).
Congratulations to MMI Athletic Director and Head Boys Basketball Coach Joseph Flanagan who received the 2024 Richard M. Saullo, Jr. Service to Community Award on April 25 at the 95th Anniversary Celebration of the Greater Hazleton United Way!
Caption (left to right): Coach Joe Flanagan with Chair of the United Way’s Board of Directors Donna Dougherty, Vice-Chair Leann Fallabel, and President & CEO Gary Perna.
In the Classroom & On the Road
Mrs. Katherine Zucco’s World History II class participated in the annual Parisian Salon learning activity in February. After conducting research, students lead a whole-class discussion on 18th Century Europe and societal issues and made recommendations for improvement.
Students learned about persuasive speaking in Mrs. Marci Hosier’s Strategic Communication class in February. In this exercise, teams of students were given obscure kitchen items. They had to determine the features and benefits and then “sell” them to their classmates.
There was lots of hands-on learning going on in Mrs. Shannon Falcheck’s sixth-grade science class! This spring, students created DNA molecules using K’nex, made dichotomous keys using fishing lures, and created their own experiments aimed at investigating various factors influencing the growth rate of radish plants.
Mrs. Lisa Ferry’s Psychology class visited Danville State Hospital to learn more about mental disorders. Head of School Mrs. Theresa Long accompanied them on the trip.
Students in Mrs. Katherine Zucco’s World Cultural Geography class shared what they learned in their “Flavors of Change: A Culinary Exploration of Europe” presentations in class. Students brought in prepared dishes to enjoy while listening to one another’s presentations.
MMI Students participated in the Girl Power in STEM event, sponsored by Partners in Education, at Penn State Hazleton on April 9.
Mrs. Donna Titus’ Comparative Literature class took a trip to see an intensive collection of movie and historical memorabilia owned by MMI Board Vice Chair John Hersker ‘76 on April 22. The MMI FBLA Chapter Officers and National Leadership Conference Qualifiers also traveled to view the collection.
MMI’s sophomore and junior classes attended the PACAC College Fair at Kings College.
On May 7, Seniors from the Chinese IV language class went to New York City to experience a hot pot and Korean barbecue lunch, which people in most Asian countries serve to celebrate holidays and special occasions.
The sixth-grade held a bake sale on campus to celebrate Earth Day. The $602.75 raised was sent to the World Wildlife Fund. The donation will go directly to WWF’s protecting of endangered species, preserving habitats, and promoting sustainable practices around the world.
Seniors and their advisors had their annual trip to Great Adventure on April 4, while grades 6-11 celebrated the end-of-the-year with a trip to Knoebel’s on May 17.
Spotlight on the Performing Arts
Tina Chrin ‘27 (clarinet) participated in the Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble performance at Marywood University on March 3.
On March 19 students, led by Music Director Ms. Jennifer Gerhard, performed at the State Capital, and visited with State Senator David G. Argall. The trip was part of Music in our Schools Month.
Sahiba Kaur ‘30 (alto saxophone), Mathias Santana ’30 (trumpet), Yaslin Tejeda ’29 (clarinet), Clara Clugston ’29 (euphonium), Madalynn Young ’28 (clarinet), Maia Laverty ’28 (trombone), Jared Santana ’28 (alto saxophone), Evan Polanco ’28 (trumpet), Dillan Garcia ’28 (alto saxophone), Arianna Larsen ’28 (flute), Alexa Fazio ’27 (flute), and Tina Chrin ’27 (clarinet) performed at the PMEA District 9 Band Festival in Tunkhannock on May 3. The students joined 250 band students from over 50 District 9 schools to rehearse with guest clinicians before performing a public concert that evening.
Paul Neyhart ‘24 (violin) represented MMI in the PMEA Region IV Orchestra at Blue Ridge High School where he joined 117 students from 52 schools across the region. He also performed at the PMEA District 9 Orchestra Festival at Wyoming Valley West High School.
Alexa Fazio ’27 (flute) and Tina Chrin ’27 (clarinet) represented MMI at the 2024 PA Lions All-State Band in Harrisburg from May 17-18. The students joined selected musicians from across the state to rehearse and present two public concerts at the PA Lions State convention.
On March 27, select Prepper Playhouse cast members traveled to the Luzerne County Courthouse to perform selections from Mama Mia! Music Director Ms. Jennifer Gerhard and Drama Advisor Mrs. Joanne Oakum had the opportunity to visit with Luzerne County Manager Atty. Romilda Crocamo ’81 who came to enjoy the performance!
Three MMI students were selected to receive the 2023-2024 Greater Hazleton Concert Series music scholarship. Isabella DeStefano ‘28, Denna Stellar ‘28, and Evan Polanco ‘28 will each be awarded $400 for use towards private instruction on their chosen instrument.
On April 26-27, the Prepper Playhouse presented “Mama Mia!” in the Athletic and Drama Complex. More than 50 students from all grades were involved in this year’s production at MMI. Congratulations to the cast and crew for an outstanding performance!
Prepper Sports
Basketball
The Boys Basketball team had an outstanding season in 2023-24. They entered the District 2/11 Sub-Regional tournament as the #3 seed and hosted #6 Weatherly on February 23, securing a decisive 63-45 victory. This win propelled them into the Sub-Regional Semifinals, where they triumphed over #2-seeded Bethlehem Christian with a score of 59-55. The team concurrently advanced to the District II Championship, defeating Susquehanna, 52-39, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. On March 1, the Preppers faced #1 Notre Dame East Stroudsburg in the Sub-Regional Championship at Pleasant Valley High School. Despite a valiant effort, they fell to NDES, 55-46.
Despite the loss to NDES, MMI’s performance earned them a spot in the PIAA 1A Boys’ Basketball State Championships for just the fourth time in school history and the first time since the 2009-10 season. The team’s previous State appearances included the 2008-09 season and their historic 1973 State Title win, the first year that private schools were allowed to participate in postseason play.
In the first round of the State Playoffs on March 8, MMI defeated Galeton High School, 61-51, with Ryan Clymer-Sones ‘24 surpassing the 1,000-point milestone. Ryan became just the 18th player in MMI history to surpass the 1,000-point plateau. The Preppers continued their winning streak in the second round on March 12, edging out High Point Baptist with a low-scoring 3935 victory. Their magical journey ended in the Quarterfinal round on March 15, where they fell to Linville Hill Christian School at Martz Hall in Pottsville.
Individually, Ryan Clymer-Sones ‘24 earned a spot on the Wyoming Valley Division 2 AllConference First Team, while Brendon Brobst ‘24
was named to the Second Team. Both players also received Standard-Speaker All-Area First-Team honors, with Clymer-Sones averaging 16.6 points per game, hitting 40 three-pointers, and grabbing 5.7 rebounds per game. Brobst averaged 13.2 points, made 32 three-pointers, and contributed 4.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
Coach Joe Flanagan was named Co-Coach of the Year by the Standard-Speaker, having led the team to 18 wins, their highest total since the 1972-73 season. Ryan, Brendon, and Reed Floryshak ’24 were also selected to represent MMI in the Moses All-Star Senior Classic in early April.
Cheerleading
Willa Bartholomew ‘25 and Gracie Magula ‘25 were chosen to perform at the Varsity Spirit Spring Break event at the Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida. Cheerleaders and dancers throughout the nation were asked to send an audition tape. Willa and Gracie joined over 300 performers from other schools in this performance around the Castle and down Main Street. In the spring, the Cheerleading Team donated some of their proceeds from their Gertrude Hawk Fundraiser to three local animal shelters.
Tennis
The MMI Boys’ Tennis Team was competitive this season, advancing to the District 2 playoffs in the team event, singles, and doubles. The Preppers hosted Holy Cross on May 1 in the 2024 PIAA AA District 2 Tennis Boys’ Team Championships but fell in the first round. Xavier Bleiler ‘25 and Max Bleiler ‘27 then represented MMI in the PIAA District II Singles Tennis Championship, and in PIAA District 2 Doubles action MMI had two teams: Nate Sissick ‘24 paired with Xavier Bleiler ‘25, and Reed Floryshak ‘24 alongside Blake Warren ‘24.
Swimming
Swimmers Woobie Kupsky ‘24 and Mary Kate Kupsky ‘25 had exceptional seasons, advancing to the District 2 Championships and State Meets. They both competed in the 200-yard Individual Medley (IM) and the 500-yard Freestyle events.
At the District 2 Championships, Woobie excelled, winning titles in both the 200 IM and the 500 Free. He set a new District record in the 200 IM with a time of 1:51.32 and dominated the 500 Free, finishing in 4:30.63, 40 seconds ahead of the runner-up, and breaking another District record.
During the State meet at Bucknell University, Woobie secured the gold medal in the 500 Free and the silver medal in the 200 IM, concluding his career with eight PIAA State Championship medals. He was honored as the Citizens Voice Swimmer of the Year for the second consecutive year. In May, Woobie triumphed at the USA Swimming 18U Spring Cup in Fort Lauderdale, FL, winning the 400 IM. In June, he was named a Scotty Roman Award Winner, recognizing him as one of the area’s top athletes.
Mary Kate also shined at Districts, earning second place in both the 200 IM and 500 Free. At the State meet, she finished fifth in the 500 Free with a time of 5:05.12 and eighth in the 200 IM with a time of 23:07.84. She was named a Wyoming Valley Conference First-Team All-Star.
The Baseball team played Susquehanna in the District 2 Class A Championship Game on May 28 at PNC Field and earned the District title with a 2-0 win following an outstanding performance by Andrew Burns ’24 who threw a no-hitter. Advancing to the PIAA Class 1A State Baseball Tournament, the Preppers posted an 11-1 five-inning win at home against Millville on June 3 before falling to unbeaten Faith Christian in the Quarterfinals on June 6. MMI has now made it to the State Tournament Quarterfinals three of the last four seasons!
Alumni Notes & Milestones
What’s happening in the lives of the MMI Family around the globe
On April 10, 29 students were inducted into the Alpha Alpha Alpha Honor Society at King’s College which recognizes academic achievements of first-generation students. Inductees included Lieth Abdulrahman ‘20 and Emily Ankiewicz ‘20
Emily Ankiewicz ‘20 was named a King’s College “Magnificent Monarch” in April for her contributions to both the King’s community and the wider community. She has served as the Barron’s in Education Student Ambassador and acted as a member of the Pre-Law Society. She has been selected to the Dean’s List every semester during her time at King’s. In addition to her studies as a first-generation college student, Emily serves nearly full-time as a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach at Vive Health and Fitness in Kingston. She has also been a participant in the Juvenile Justice Mentor Program. Emily graduated in May with a major in Management with a Concentration in Finance.
Jeffrey Careyva ’14 graduated from Harvard University with his PhD in English in May.
Kevin Cibak ‘17, graduated from Vanderbilt Law School on May 10, 2024. He has accepted a position in Chicago at Kirkland & Ellis as a Corporate Associate. Kevin is the son of James and Deirdre (Elsom) Cibak ’85.
At the CAN DO Foundation’s Annual Meeting, Beth Dessen Duffy ‘78, daughter of founder Dr. Edgar L. Dessen, was elected as the newest member of the Board of Directors. Beth has been a volunteer on the Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award (“ELDCSA”) committee and is involved in fundraising for Ferrwood and growing the foundation’s endowment.
Ian Dewar-Canosa ’19 was accepted into the Wilson Manager Development Program and is currently working as a Manager in Development at The Louis Hotel in Wilson, Arkansas. Ian graduated from Wilkes University (2023) where he studied Hospitality Leadership. While at Wilkes, he worked part-time for three years as a Student Services Coordinator in The Office of International Engagement. He also interned at the Hotel Benalmadena Palace, Spain as the Recreation Coordinator in the summer of 2022.
MMI Board Chair Rick DiLiberto ‘79 congratulated Joe Flacco, former NFL quarterback of the Ravens, Broncos, Jets and Browns, for winning the Vince Lombardi Memorial Award at Unico’s National Presidential Awards Banquet in Atlantic City on March 17. Flacco was a member of the NFL Super Bowl XLVII Champion Ravens and earned MVP honors in their win. Also attending the banquet was former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski, a previous owner of Edgewood in the Pines Golf Course in Drums. Jaworski commented “You guys do great work at MMI!”
Hannah Falatko ’21, a junior in Lehigh University’s College of Health, has a deep interest in health equity and qualitative research, especially exploring how people’s cultures impact their perceptions and utilization of health care.
Falatko, a Population Health major, has had several cross-cultural research opportunities through Lehigh University in Sierra Leone (Summer 2023), the Dominican Republic (Winter Break 2024), and the Lehigh Valley (Summer 2024). As part of the Martindale Student Associates Honors Program, she traveled to Taiwan for 12 days in May visiting Taipei, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan, and Kaohsiung to conduct research on social, economic, and policy issues. After graduation, Falatko plans to attend graduate school for a Masters Degree in Public Health and pursue a career in global health.
Classmates Ed Gower ‘73 and Scott Sugarman ‘73 got together at the Quarry House Tavern in Silver Spring, Maryland for burgers! We love to see our alums keeping in touch after so many years!
Madyson Hornack ’20 and Cole Wenner ’18 graduated from Wilkes University at its 77th spring commencement ceremonies on May 18, held in the McHale Athletic Center in the Simms Center on Main.
Morgan Hosier ‘21 is serving a summer internship in the Product Development Division of Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. in Malvern, Pennsylvania. Fujirebio is an R&D driven company developing new technologies and unique biomarkers with high clinical value. Morgan is in the 3+2 accelerated program at Jefferson University in Philadelphia where she majors in Biotechnology and minors in Business. She begins the first year of her Master’s program in the fall. During her time at Jefferson, she has been a cheerleader, served as a Nexus Scholar Ambassador and as the treasurer of the Biology Society.
Earlier this year, the Freeland Fire Department Relief Association announced its officers for 2024.
Pictured (Left to Right, Front) President Larry Stepansky Sr., Vice President William Kuklis, Treasurer and MMI Board Member Calvin Herring ‘74 and Secretary Kristina Heffelflnger. (Back) Trustees Greg Harkins Sr., Audrey Stepansky ’15, and Richard Lindsey.
Weddings
Shawn Menon ‘01, son of the late Dr. Vikram and Vichuvan “Pat” Menon, wed Jessica Washick ‘02 , daughter of Dr. Robert and Rita Washick, on December 22, 2023 at the Wilkes-Barre courthouse rotunda. Shawn is a Prosecuting Attorney and Jessica is a Global Sr. Design Director, Women’s Footwear at Nike. Their matron of honor was
Hiba Muhammad ‘21 was among the 75 University of Scranton students inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu this spring. She is a junior pursuing a biology degree at the Jesuit university.
Athena Nicholas ‘17 graduated from the Bloomsburg campus of Commonwealth University in December 2023.
MMI’s Class of 2025 visited Dickinson College and Shippensburg University this spring. Students toured the campuses and were treated to lunch at Dickinson’s dining hall. The visitors also ran into two MMI alums, Colin Williams ‘21 and Evelyn Lacombe ‘23
Births
Karen Petrosky Blaum ‘01 and James Blaum welcomed a daughter, Megan Joan, on April 11, 2023. She joins big sister, Kerry, and the family resides in Mountain Top, PA.
Deaths
Deans List:
Andrew Blasko ‘22: Wilkes University (Fall 2023)
Althea Hyduke ’22: Jefferson University (Fall 2023 and Spring 2024)
Kevin McNulty ’21: Rochester Institute of Technology (Spring 2024)
Ann Coyle passed away on February 8, 2024. She was a member of MMI’s Honorary Board after serving on the MMI Board of Directors from 1994-2001, and served as the Board Secretary from 1999-2000. She additionally was the President of the Parents Association and served as an MMI Tennis Coach while her children attended MMI. Surviving are her children, Kathleen M., Atty. John Coyle ’87 and wife, Julie; Kevin Coyle ’87, and wife, Wendy; and Dr. Brian Coyle ’94; grandchildren, Connor, Ian, Megan, Aidan, Finn, Catherine, and Bridget.
Ann Marie Della Croce passed away on October 31, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband, Dr. John B. Della Croce ’47 and Leslie Gower Della Croce ‘78 She is survived by her four children, Dr. John J. Della Croce ‘73, and wife, Marybeth; James Della Croce ‘75 and wife Jennifer; Richard Della Croce; and Ellen Saum and husband Allen; and 12 grandchildren including Dr. Melissa Della Croce Grosh ‘98 and husband Stephen; and 10 great-grandchildren.
(Please note that the late Leslie Gower Della Croce ’78 was previously left out of this notification in our Winter edition. We express our sincerest apologies for the omission.)
John Joseph Evancho passed away on November 21, 2023. He is survived by his children Brett, Kaitlyn, Jordan, Summer Evancho Kinney ’19, Joshua Evancho, and Cariae Liquori, and grandchildren, Jasper, Aubrey, Dakota, and Phoenix.
Dr. John C. Gaudio ’57 passed away on February 3, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane, and daughter, Melissa.
Pauline Kashi passed away on March 13, 2024. She is survived by her daughters, Maureen Conner and husband, Mark; Marylynne Spear and husband, Bill Spear ’79; and five grandsons, Billy Spear ‘15, Evan Spear ‘17, and Zander Spear ‘21; Jordan and Logan Conner; and several nieces and nephews.
Michael Koslap ‘74 passed away on March 31, 2024. He is survived by his wife Linda; sons, Mike and Zach; daughters-in-law, Kristin and Elena; grandson, Owen; brother Robert Koslap ‘65; sister-in-law, Carol; niece, Melissa; and nephew, Bob.
Rose M. Naugle passed away on April 29, 2024. She is survived by her son, Dr. David Naugle; daughter Lynn
Mrs. Thelma Fatula Gallagher passed away on February 19. Mrs. Gallagher served MMI as a member of the staff for 36 years. She was secretary to President Lambert Broad, the school’s only secretary, from 1957 to 1972. After taking time away to start her family, Mrs. Gallagher returned to the administrative office of MMI in 1978 until her retirement in 1999.
She is remembered for her kindness and invaluable assistance to the school, and many female alumni from the 1970’s recall her thoughtfulness and compassion during the school’s transition to a co-educational institution. In 2010, she became the second female inductee into MMI’s Wall of Fame. She was honored in the category of Service to MMI.
Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Joseph C. Gallagher; a son, Kevin Gallagher; a daughter, Molly Lapchak and husband, John, all of Freeland; granddaughters, Marisa and Marley Falatko; great-grandchildren, Kelsea, Brody, and Oliver; and several nieces and nephews.
Naugle; daughter, Luann Smith and husband David; grandsons Joshua Naugle ‘25 and Zachary Naugle ‘28, and their mother, Linda Haber.
Bernard C. Nosal, Jr. ’59 passed away on March 5, 2024.
Florence C. Roskos passed away on April 28, 2024. She is survived by her husband George M. Roskos III; sons, George M. Roskos IV ‘05 and James Roskos; and four grandchildren, Ryan, Alivia, Parker, and Violet Roskos.
Joseph Thomas Shenosky ’61 passed away on April 12, 2024. He is survived by his wife Blanche Ann Shenonsky, sons, Reverend Joseph T. Shenosky and Thomas J. Shenosky, niece Michele Pupach, nephew Michael Pupach, and several cousins.
Donna Waldron passed away on March 15, 2024. She is survived by her husband Thomas; five daughters and families: Lenore and Leonard Macikonycz; Cynthia and Louis Pantages; Kathryn and Troy Smith; Thersa and Anthony Petrilla; Nicole and John Cicon; and seven grandchildren including Nicholas Pantages ‘25 and Thomas Pantages ‘28
Mrs. Kathryn (Hayman) Green, retired English Teacher and long-time member of the MMI Faculty, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Mrs. Green taught at MMI for 38 years and retired at the end of the 2020 school year. Mrs. Green began her career at MMI in the fall of 1981, moving here from Minnesota. She started at MMI under President Emeritus Joseph Rudawski as an English and typing instructor. During her tenure at MMI, she taught every grade level at one time or another during her career except eighth grade.
Mrs. Green always had a love for animals. In addition to her beloved shelties, who she trained and competed with, her rabbit, named Ernie, after Ernest Hemmingway, was a fixture at MMI. Ernie spent most of his 12 years of life going back and forth to class at MMI.
Surviving are her husband, Douglas Green, to whom she was married for 39 years; a brother David Hayman, San Francisco, CA; two sisters, Jean Cox and her husband Thomas, Costa Rica; and Margaret Hayman, Downers Grove, IL; and several nieces, one nephew, two great-nephews and a great-niece.
Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between February 1, 2024 and June 7, 2024.
In Honor of The Class of 1984
Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ‘84
In Honor of The Class of 2024
Mr. Heath A. Williams ‘24
In Memory of Rev. Lawrence Barriger
Mr. Ian Kollar ‘06 and Mrs. Maria Kollar
In Honor of Marlow Basalyga ‘29
Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Hermany
In Honor of The MMI Baseball Team
Mr. John E. Drobnock III ‘24
In Memory of Bear-Bear, the beautiful dog of the Dryfoos Family
Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ‘79
In Memory of Ann Boder
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Diane Bogansky
Atty. Wendi See
In Honor of Robert Brighthaupt ‘29
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brighthaupt
In Honor of Corey Buchman ‘25
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Buchman
In Memory of Elaine Cabell
Dr. Ashley E. Morrison ‘05
In Memory of Dennis Clarke
Mr. Grant M. Cusat ‘95
In Honor of Eve Corazza ‘25
Mr. James A. Corazza ‘73 and Mrs. Karen Sandrock Corazza
Ms. Ann Ferrigno
In Honor of Nicholas Corazza ‘29
Mr. James A. Corazza ‘73 and Mrs. Karen Sandrock Corazza
Ms. Ann Ferrigno
In Memory of Ann Coyle
Mr. Anthony Cusat and Mrs. Elaine Cusat
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Honor of Brandon Crockford ‘20
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Crockford
In Memory of Joseph DeMelfi
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Dr. Edgar L. Dessen and Mrs. Sonia Dessen
Mr. Daniel Duffy and Mrs. Beth Duffy ‘78
In Memory of Patrick Dinofrio ‘63
Mr. Michael Urenovich ‘64 and Mrs. Mary Urenovich
In Honor of Anna Drobnock ‘28
Ms. Lani R. Drobnock
In Honor of Ben Drobnock ‘28
Ms. Lani R. Drobnock
In Honor of John Drobnock III ‘24
Ms. Lani R. Drobnock
In Memory of Marcia Lee Flanigan
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Novotney
In Honor of Reed Floryshak ‘24
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Reed
In Memory of Athena Ford ‘01
Mr. Gregory P. Slocum ‘01
In Memory of Thelma Fatula Gallagher
Mr. Anthony Cusat and Mrs. Elaine Cusat
Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ‘71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
Mr. Wayne R. Fairchild ‘69
Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kasarda
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
Mr. William P. Steward ‘72
Mr. Robert Swankoski ‘62 and Mrs. Donna Swankoski
Ms. Lillian L. Urenovich
In Memory of Dr. John Gaudio ‘57
Mrs. Jane J. Gaudio
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Honor of Benjamin Gombeda ‘26
Mr. Andrew Gombeda
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler
In Memory of Kathryn Green
Mr. Richard W. Abrams ‘88
Mr. Grant M. Cusat ‘95
Mr. Andrew F. Hoffman ‘08
Mrs. Nancy Lewandowski ‘89 and Mr. James Lewandowski
Mr. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty
The Orlando Family
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Catherine Hoch
Mr. Jason Cabe and Mrs. Melissa Cabe ‘96
In Honor of Brayden Hoover ‘29
Mr. Adam Hoover and Dr. Jennifer Moisey
Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Honor of Jacob Hoover ‘27
Mr. Adam Hoover and Dr. Jennifer Moisey
Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Honor of Joshua Hoover ‘25
Mr. Adam Hoover and Dr. Jennifer Moisey
Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Honor of Gabe Horvath ‘26
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Flock
In Honor of Stella Horvath ‘29
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Flock
In Honor of Morgan Hosier ‘21
Mr. Barry Hosier and Mrs. Marcianna Hosier
In Honor of Aiden Hosier ‘25
Mr. Barry Hosier and Mrs. Marcianna Hosier
In Honor of Allison Hudak ‘01
Mrs. Mary Beth Hudak
In Memory of Wesley Johnston
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Joseph Karpowich ‘65
Mrs. Ellen Ann Karpowich
In Memory of Ilene Katz ‘78
Mr. Gerard Matyas ‘77 and Mrs. Lisa Matyas ‘78
The Walko Family
In Honor of Jimmy Kelly ‘21
Mr. Al Baran
In Memory of Robert Klotz ‘58
Ms. Megan Romano
In Memory of Robert Koble
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Michael Koslap ‘74
Mr. Robert Koslap ‘65 and Mrs. Carol Koslap
Mr. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Honor of Michael Kranyak ‘25
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Higgins
In Honor of Edward Kushma ‘62
Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Kushma II
In Memory of Christine LaGana
Mr. Gregory Betley ‘70 and Mrs. Anne Marie Lesniak-Betley
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 Steven Lechman
Mr. Joseph Flanagan
In Memory of Donna Lee Waldron
Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ‘71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
In Honor of Ethan Lloyd ‘24
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Storaska
In Memory of Arthur Long
Mr. Noah W. Long ‘21
In Memory of Irene Long
The Dei Tos Family
Mr. and Mrs. John Sweda
In Memory of Arthur and Irene Long
Mr. Morgan D. Long ‘19
Atty. Richard Williams and Mrs. Shannon M. Williams
In Memory of Michael Lorenzo
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Rocco and Katherine Lutz
Dr. Robert J. Lutz ‘63
In Memory of Rose Maresca
Ms. Lillian L. Urenovich
In Memory of Joseph Marmello ‘63
Mr. Michael Urenovich ‘64 and Mrs. Mary Urenovich
In Memory of Daniel Marnell ‘68
Mr. Eric Marnell
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. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parmegiani
In Honor of Kim McNulty
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parmegiani
In Memory of Thomas Merrick ‘51
Mr. Edward R. Merrick ‘54
In Memory of Brandon Metzger ‘03
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of his father, Andrew Mhley
Mr. Andrew J. Mhley ‘12
In Honor of Gianna Moisey-Hoover ‘23
Mr. Adam Hoover and Dr. Jennifer Moisey
Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Memory of Martin Mrozinski
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
In Memory of Joseph Okrasinski
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Bernard Osmanski
Mr. Anthony M. Osmanski ‘70
In Honor of Julie Parmegiani
Mr. Tim McNulty and Mrs. Kim McNulty
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 Honor of Madison Perchak ‘18
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Perchak
In Memory of Karen Riley
Mr. E. Edward Riley ‘61
In Memory of Florence Roskos
Mr. George Roskos ‘05
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
In Memory of William “Rover” Schaub ‘48
Mr. Robert Koslap ‘65 and Mrs. Carol Koslap
In Honor of President Emeritus
Joseph Rudawski
Mr. Michael Campbell and Mrs. Jennifer Obeid-Campbell ‘89
In Memory of William Rudewick ‘42, Louise Rudewick, and Bill Rudewick
Mrs. Susan J. Rudewick
In Memory of Daniel Schutter ‘57
Mrs. Linda Ann Schutter
In Honor of Caleb Serock ‘23
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Honor of Joshua Serock ‘20
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Memory of Edward Sharp ‘36
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Moore
In Memory of Joseph Shenosky ‘61
Mr. E. Edward Riley ‘61
Dr. William Shergalis ‘58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Francis Shovlin
Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ‘71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
In Memory of Ronald Sitch
Dr. John Della Croce ‘73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of John and Yong Hui Slyconish
Fidelity Investments
In Memory of Harold and Millie Sugarman
Mr. Scott J. Sugarman ‘73
In Memory of Norma and Joel Tapper
Mr. David Tapper ‘67 and Mrs. Sandy Tapper
In Honor of Mrs. Donna Titus and all of the Faculty at MMI
Mrs. Catherine Rhee ‘86
In Honor of Nathaniel Titus ‘03, Colin Titus ‘06, Alaina Titus ‘10, and all of our Grandchildren
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus
In Memory of Alice Tomlinson
Mr. Craig A. Eisenberger ‘04
In Memory of Walter Tunnessen ‘57
Mrs. Nancy L. Tunnessen
In Memory of Vincent Vivaldo
Dr. and Mrs. Gerard L. Kline
In Memory of Donna Waldron
Mr. and Mrs. Louis N. Pantages
In Honor of Coach Larry Walko
Mr. Peter T. Walko ‘21
In Memory of John Weber ‘72
Mr. William P. Steward ‘72
In Memory of Jeff Williams ‘60
Mr. Brian McDonald ‘60
In Honor of Colin Williams ‘21
Atty. Richard Williams and Mrs. Shannon M. Williams
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams
In Honor of Heath Williams ‘24
Atty. Richard Williams and Mrs. Shannon M. Williams
Mr. Colin M. Williams ‘21
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Williams
In Honor of Zachary Yenchko ‘24
Mr. and Mrs. George Yenchko
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
Members of the Class of 2024 had a great time at their Prom with MMI’s junior class and faculty and staff! The Prom was held at
Valley Country Club in Sugarloaf.