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Dolphins swim their way into senior’s goals For Haylee Kirschner, a senior at MMI, a childhood fascination led toward her goals for her future. She became interested in dolphins while visiting her grandparents in Florida as a child, and as a teenager began attending programs at the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida. Dolphin Research Center (DRC) educates people about marine mammals and hosts programs for the public to experience Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions in several ways, seeing more than 70,000 visitors each year. More than half of the animals at DRC were born there, with several others that were rescued, rehabilitated, and deemed unsuitable for release back into the wild by the government. Kirschner has attended three years of DolphinLab Teen programs at DRC, graduating this summer from the Marine Mammal Care and Basic Training course, which is geared toward students who plan to pursue a career in marine mammal care and training. The course includes a blend of seminars, observation time, and handson activities aimed at giving students an in-depth understanding of careers in that field. At the conclusion of the course, students demonstrate their animal handling skills by conducting a public dolphin session narrated by DRC’s animal care and training staff for the center’s visitors. Also this summer, Kirschner volunteered with Marley’s Mission in Clarks Summit, which uses horses to provide free therapy to children who have experienced trauma. “She often spent her days cleaning out stalls and never complained, seeing it as just another step in the process toward her goal,” said her mother, Kimberly Kirschner. “Every day, she had a smile on her face to work with the children and the horses.” Haylee Kirschner said the time she spent at the Dolphin Research Center and Marley’s Mission influenced her plans for the future. “I always knew I liked animals, but being able to work with marine mammals and then horses, seeing how these large animals are used to help others, really got me wanting to work with large animals to provide therapy.” She plans to study occupational therapy in college, leading to a career in animal-assisted therapy with large animals, specifically dolphins or horses. She raised several hundred dollars for the Dolphin Research Center through her Open House presentation at MMI and a dressdown fundraiser she organized. Kirschner is also the first recipient of the Roy and Dorothy Feussner Endowed Scholarship, established at MMI this year by Dr. John R. Feussner ’64, Mrs. Patricia A. Morse, Mr. Gregory G.
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Haylee Kirschner poses with Calusa, one of the dolphins she worked with at the Do lphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida.
Feussner, and Mr. Ronald A. Feussner ’70 in honor of their parents. The Feussners are the proprietors of Feussner Ford in Freeland. Dr. John Feussner ’64 said, “Our parents understood the value of education and knew MMI would provide a superior education that offered every advantage as we pursued our chosen careers. The Roy and Dorothy Feussner Endowed Scholarship simultaneously honors our parents and provides financial support to another promising student who seeks the advantage of an MMI caliber education.” Kirschner’s parents, Dieter and Kimberly Kirschner, are the owners of 940 Snowboards/Alpina Ski Shop in White Haven. MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said, “From operating small family-owned businesses, the Feussners and the Kirschners both understand the importance of hard work, which we emphasize at MMI. The MMI family is known for being supportive of one another, which is just what the Feussners have done in establishing this scholarship.” Haylee Kirschner expressed her gratitude to the Feussners, saying, “This scholarship means a lot to me, especially coming from another family that owns a business. I want to thank the Feussners for their generosity.” Kimberly Kirschner said, “Receiving this scholarship has allowed Haylee to stay at MMI, where she has truly thrived and excelled. The school has challenged her to show exactly what she can do. We’re so thankful for the Feussner scholarship and our fellow business owners who understand the joys and challenges of operating a small business.”
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From the Head of School We celebrated our Homecoming weekend in September and you will see several pictures in this newsletter of alumni who returned for the weekend festivities. The weekend is always energizing. I especially enjoy taking a tour of the school with our alumni led by our current students. As groups of classmates reminisce, laughter almost always follows. There are so many great stories of teachers, tricks, and hijinks. The impact that MMI had on our alumni’s lives is tangible. While on the tour, someone almost always makes the comment that today’s MMI is different from the MMI they attended. While the physical school is certainly different, the learning environment at MMI remains very much the same. The lessons our faculty provide our students are similar to those from years past and our rigorous academic program is comparable to the program our alumni experienced. Today’s MMI offers a few more electives, but our great faculty still challenge our students in all subjects across a broad liberal arts curriculum that includes math, science, languages, and the humanities as well as the visual and performing arts. Our expectations are high, preparing our graduates for when they enter college or the job market. MMI graduates are accustomed to taking initiative and managing their time. A strong extracurricular program allows our students to explore any of our subject areas more deeply and augments the academic program. These programs also enhance the student-teacher relationship as they interact in a different manner than in the classroom. What many alumni may not consider when they are students is our focus on developing our students’ social, emotional, and physical well-being. For our students to fully benefit from our superb academic program, they must feel supported and safe, healthy, and connected to their school. This means we must be a secure school, but also a place of emotional safety. Our talented students feel confident and safe expressing themselves and their ideas here. We want them to take chances and to make mistakes. MMI faculty offer a level of support to our students beyond comparison. Students must also have the energy required for the academic day and the understanding of how to maintain their health after they leave MMI. Our new lunch program focuses on foods cooked from scratch, providing a well-balanced meal. Our athletics program is led by a great group of coaches who spend unbelievable amounts of time not only teaching a sport, but teaching teamwork, perseverance, and sacrifice. These programs prepare students for lifelong healthy habits. For students and alumni alike, MMI is special because of our student-teacher relationship. While our alumni remember Mr. Stofan, Mr. Nemesh, Mr. Schaeffer, and many others, today’s students are building relationships with our current faculty whose names are being held in the same esteem. This relationship is built through different environments within the school; academic, athletics, and extracurricular activities. This link allows teachers to lead students through a process of discovery. MMI teachers continue to support our students and make them feel like the special young people they are. Thank you to the alumni who were able to visit last month. You inspire our faculty and staff to develop today’s students to become the next generation of MMI alumni to excel. MMI remains the same great school it has been for more than 130 years. Have a great fall.
Thomas G. Hood Head of School
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
570-636-1108 570-636-0742 (fax) mmi@mmiprep.org www.mmiprep.org
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William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus
Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus
Two teachers join faculty at MMI Timothy Garvey and Todd Ronco joined the MMI family this summer as the school’s two newest faculty members. Garvey is teaching seventh-grade Earth Science, 11th-grade Physics, and 12th-grade Advanced Placement Physics and Ronco is teaching sixthgrade Life Science, 10th-grade Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Garvey and Advanced Placement Chemistry. Garvey has taught at cyber and physical schools including k12 Corporation Online, Agora Cyber Charter School, Wilson Area School District, Holy Name High School, Minersville High School, and Lebanon High School. He has taught all levels of Physics, including AP Physics, in addition to courses such as meteorology, earth science, general science, physical science, and environmental science. He also served as a scientific analysis technician for the FBI. “Bringing enthusiasm to the subject
matter, I engage my students and foster a classroom environment that promotes independent thinking and spawns personal growth. I use multiple teaching strategies to incorporate different learning styles and conduct hands-on labs with my students,” Garvey said. Garvey holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and mathematics from King’s College and a teaching certificate from Bloomsburg University. Ronco came to MMI from Lincoln Leadership Academy Charter School in Allentown, where he taught middle school science. Prior to that, he worked for the Grand Prairie Independent School District in Texas, teaching preAP chemistry, general chemistry, and integrated chemistry and physics. In his final year at Grand Prairie High School, he served as chair of the Science Department, working with the district science coordinator and principal to lead and develop members of the school staff while facilitating effective communication with parents, members of the community, and colleagues in other district schools. “I strive to be a mentor and positive role model to my students. I also bring energy and humor into my lessons in
order to engage students and help them to be eager and willing participants in their own education,” Ronco said. During his time with the Grand Prairie Independent School District, he prioritized community science outreach, developing and presenting a science program for elementary campuses to interest students Ronco in science at an early age. He also served as a presenter at the Conference for the Advancement of Science Teaching in 2012, delivering an advanced chemistry laboratory intended for high school teachers at the annual meeting of the Science Teachers Association of Texas. Ronco holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Wilkes University and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago studying medicinal chemistry and drug design. Ronco also coaches mid-school soccer at MMI.
Stanley Warner ’92 named board chair Stanley B. Warner III ’92 has been selected as the new chairman of the MMI Board of Directors. Warner is the vice president of Longhi Financial, Inc., in Tamaqua. He is a certified public accountant with more than 18 years of professional experience working with individuals
Warner
and small business owners. He has been a registered representative with H.D. Vest Investment Services since 2004, serving the Tamaqua area in all areas of financial planning including wealth management, retirement planning, estate conservation, and tax advantage investing.
Representative), 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam), and insurance licenses. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and Rotary International.
Warner holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from King’s College and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Wilkes University.
Warner’s father, Stanley B. Warner Jr. ’56, and grandfather, Stanley B. Warner Sr. ’27, both graduated from MMI as well. Warner and his wife, Heather, have two children, Ethan and Grace. Ethan, an eighth-grader, is a fourth-generation MMI student, the first in MMI’s history.
He is an advisory representative with H.D. Vest Advisory Services and holds the Series 7 (General Securities
Warner also has two nephews at MMI, Carter Frask, a seventh-grader, and Ryan Verbonitz, a sixth-grader.
Alumni speakers needed for MMI events Throughout the year, MMI faculty and staff often look for guest speakers for classroom lessons, student organization events, and school programs. The Office of Advancement maintains a listing of alumni willing to serve in this capacity and will help match the appropriate alumni with
events and programs that suit their interests. If you’re interested in coming to campus to share your knowledge, please contact Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org with your contact information and the topics you can address.
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MMI summer camps fun, educational MMI hosted a number of summer camps at the school in July. Again this year, MMI partnered with Sciensational Camps and Box of Light, as well as MMI’s own faculty and staff. We offered eight camps, including Edible Art Camp, Lego Maniacs, Minecraft Film Camp, Magnetic Levitation for Future Transportation, Roller Coasters and More Amusement Park Rides, Chemistry is Fun, and Robotics. Eighty-seven campers, ranging in age from 6-14, attended the various camps, 30 of them being new to the MMI campus.
Thank you, golf tournament sponsors! Hole Sponsors AJ Limo Coach
Domenic Imbriaco Construction
Bigelow Patent Law
Longhi Financial
Bryn Mawr Trust Company
Atty. Albert F. Maier Jr.
Mr. Frank and Dr. Christine Cabell ’89
McNelis Law Offices
Birdie Sponsor Dryfoos Insurance and Grange Insurance
Candlewood Suites Hazleton
MMI Class of 1962
A. Cusatis & Sons Plumbing & Heating
The Family of Athena Nicholas ’17
DeAngelo Brothers, Inc.
Beverage Cart Sponsor Pocono Raceway
Frank, Sandy & Anthony ’06 Orlando
Mr. Norman Dick ’87 & Mrs. Tara Dick
PGi Promotions, Inc.
Dryfoos Insurance Agency
PNC Bank
EAM-MOSCA Corporation
Pocono Raceway
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Flood
John and Lisa Schwear
Raffle Prize Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Bill Flood
Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory
Dr. and Mrs. William Shergalis ’58
Hemmler + Camayd Architects
Tom’s Kitchen
Wine and Spirits Raffle Sponsor Howell Benefit Services, Inc.
Howell Benefit Services, Inc.
Wallen Graphics
MMI Preparatory School would like to acknowledge and thank our sponsors from the Sixth Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament. Eagle Sponsor PNC Bank
Hole-in-one $10,000 Cash Prize Sponsor F & L Doors
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Ron and Rosalie Hreha
JonesKohanski Accountants
These students have spirit! MMI’s Student Council, under the guidance of President Jesse Plaksa, a senior, held Spirit Day on August 29. Students were asked to come to school in MMI gear. After a morning of classes, Spirit Day began with lunch sponsored by the MMI Parent Faculty Organization. After lunch, the student body was divided into teams across the grades and competed in a series of events led by the Student Council and members of the Class of 2015.
Camp helps with transition This summer, MMI offered a camp session designed to help our new sixth- and seventh-grade students with their transition to a new school. The camp was free and was a great way for the students to get acclimated to MMI, make friends, have fun, and to get to know some of our teachers. Mrs. Lisa Ferry, who teaches art, and Mrs. Madison Below, our school counselor, led the camp. Many other teachers dropped in to say “hi” and participate in some of the scheduled activities such as making journals, constructing a marble run, and participating in team-building activities. Here, Jimmy Kelly and Josue Rodriquez team up to complete an activity.
Calling alumni boys’ basketball players! MMI is cleaning house and is set to dispose of varsity boys’ basketball uniforms that were purchased in 2010. Athletic Director Jason Tribbet would like to make these uniform jerseys available to any former player who may want one. We have both red and white uniforms in the following numbers: 24, 25, 30, 33, 35, 43, 45, 50, 51, and 54. We also have white jerseys in numbers 22, 31, 42, 44, and 52. Contact Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org if you would like to claim a jersey!
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MMI students are known for excellence during the school year, but our students also spend their summers doing really exciting things. A few of their adventures are featured here.
Junior Andrew Alday and freshman Angel Alday presented research papers at a local high school in Barangay Ayusan Sur Vigan in the province of Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Angel also participated in the Women Empowered by Science (WEBS) Program at Wilkes University as a student leader volunteer assisting with laboratory experiments and demonstrations.
Senior Gabriellia Nunez Becker attended the American Legion Auxiliary Keystone Girls State at Shippensburg University. The program develops tomorrow’s leaders in a fast-paced environment where the students learn about city, county, and state government. Sophomore Niklas Byriel and seventh-grader Philip Byriel took a trip to Switzerland this summer. They went on numerous hikes, including one to Hotel Weisshorn, a historic hotel that opened its doors in 1882 and sits in the Alps at an elevation of 7,667 feet. Philip and Nicholas also hiked with their mom, Julia Byriel, and grandfather, Ulrich Heuer, to the peak of Mount Noble at 8,770 feet on a dreary and rainy day.
Sophomore Eric Degenhart and eighth-grader Tyler Degenhart spent a family vacation at Litchfield by the Sea in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
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Several MMI students and parents traveled to the Boy Scouts of America’s High Adventure “Florida Sea Base” facility in the Florida Keys with BSA Troop 207. Participating in the weeklong scuba adventure were seniors Lew Dryfoos, Hayden Francis, and CJ Snyder along with sophomores Evan Dryfoos and Doug Genetti. MMI parents Chris Snyder, Don Francis, and Lew Dryfoos ’82 accompanied the group, which conducted 11 reef dives, including a night dive, during the July trip.
Freshman Aine Durako was also in Myrtle Beach, S.C., this summer and got to enjoy some time in the air.
Sophomore Katie Eschenbach attended a Chinese Immersion Camp this summer at Swarthmore College through Middlebury Monterey Language Academy. For four weeks, all programming, events, activities, field trips, meetings, and meals were in Chinese. Between class times, Katie participated in co-curricular activities such as tai chi, hiking, theater, calligraphy, cooking, and Majiang.
Eighth-grader Alex Kline attended National Alpine Ski Camp (NASC) in Oregon. He received expert ski racing lessons on majestic Mount Hood. In addition to skiing, Alex took part in activities such as whitewater rafting, windsurfing, rock climbing, and hiking.
Seniors Ellie Maduro, Medina Saeed, and Rachel Stanziola attended the Pennsylvania School for Global Entrepreneurship at Lehigh University. Through their team project work, Ellie, Medina and Rachel helped formulate business and marketing plans for the Borough of Coplay, YMCA, and Just Born Candy Company respectively. Rachel said, “The program left me with firsthand marketing experience and more than enough candy to get me through my senior year!” Senior Katie McGuire spent a week at Misericordia University, where she participated in a residential Speech-Language-Hearing Career Exploration Camp. Over the course of the week, Katie worked in Misericordia’s clinic and used its technology with several patients. MMI sixth-grader Maria Olson spent some time this summer at the beach in Ocean City, Md. Maria, her brother, and her friend literally buried their heads in the sand! Senior Alessandra Ortiz spent her eighth summer training to become a professional ballet dancer. This year she trained at Cincinnati Ballet’s pre-professional summer intensive. On the weekends, she had scheduled trips to various attractions like the Cincinnati Zoo and a Cincinnati Reds Game. In the photo, Allie is performing an arabesque at King’s Island Amusement Park.
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Freshman Madison Perchak went zip-lining … upside down … in the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. Sixth-grader Emily Ryan has been racing go-karts since the age of 5 and this summer she raced in New York and at Oakland Valley Park. Emily’s mom works as a cruise ship nurse, and this year, Emily spent time in Asia and on a twoweek cruise to eastern Canada including Halifax, Prince Edward Island, Quebec City, and Montreal. When she is on the ship at sea, she likes to volunteer in the library, help her mom in the infirmary, or hang out on the bridge. Emily also spent two weeks at sailing camp in Barrie, Ontario. Senior Emily Seratch competed in the Miss Pennsylvania Outstanding Teen 2014 competition and placed in the top 10 in the state and won the Outstanding Academic Life Scholarship. Emily also traveled to China for an academic program and was immersed in the Chinese culture, but also learned a lot about France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.
Freshman Cole Wenner started off his summer break with a four-day hockey tournament called the 2014 Philadelphia Shootout. Cole’s team took the first-place championship title.
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Senior CJ Snyder, freshman Julia Snyder, and sixth-grader Jacqueline Snyder went to visit the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in Paris, France. Jaqueline also competed against 86 other girls to win the title of National American Miss Pennsylvania Pre-teen in August. She will travel to Disneyland in California this Thanksgiving to compete for the national title against girls from across the country. Sixth-grader Millie Symbula’s summer included a lead in KISS Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty, where she played Maleficent. She also traveled to Michigan for a family vacation, attended Farm Camp at Hillside Dairy Farm, and learned how to ride and care for a pony at Pony Party Paradise Summer Camp, furthering her interest in becoming a veterinarian in the future.
2014-15 school year gets under way MMI began the new school year on Tuesday, August 26, with 244 students enrolled. The previous day, orientation was held for new students. The day helped familiarize new students with each other as well as their teachers, counselors, coaches, administration, and school staff.
To start the day, parents joined their sons and daughters for a continental breakfast and were able to meet the MMI administration, teachers, and coaches and ask questions.
with their transition to MMI. The new students also visited classrooms, learning more about the additional academic and athletic resources offered at MMI, and then enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria.
After breakfast, new students met their student ambassadors, returning students designated to assist them
The next day, all MMI students returned to school for the start of the 2014-15 school year.
At left, some of MMI’s newest students enjoy lunch in the Kahler Courtyard.
At right, sixth-grader Timothy Klaers talks with Mr. Anthony Cusat.
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2014-2015 MMI profile Student profile:
244 students (127 male, 117 female) 15 percent minority enrollment
Class size: Sixth grade: 32 Seventh grade: 23 Eighth grade: 37 Ninth grade: 37
Faculty: 21 full-time, 7 part-time Student-to-faculty ratio: 10 to 1 Faculty degrees held: 18 hold
master’s degrees. Sixty-four percent hold a master’s degree or greater.
Average faculty years teaching at MMI: 13 years Average class size: 16 students
Tenth grade: 41
Financial aid: For the 2014-15
academic year, 51 percent of MMI students received need-based financial aid. There was $820,625 of need-based aid distributed among 124 students. The average need-based award was $6,618 per student. MMI also gave the $1,000 Academic Excellence Award to 87 students for the upcoming year for a total of $87,000 in merit-based scholarships.
Eleventh grade: 31 Twelfth grade: 43
PFO hosts back-to-school event for parents
New parents Dave and Theresa Long and Jennifer and Shawn Gallagher enjoy the wine and cheese social.
MMI’s Parent Faculty Organization sponsored a Backto-School Wine and Cheese Social for all parents of current students on August 27 to celebrate the start of the 2014-15 school year. The evening offered a great opportunity for catching up with old friends and making new ones. Parents met members of MMI’s Board of Directors, administration, staff, coaches, and faculty. This new tradition is a fun way for MMI’s newest parents to get to know the ropes and to mingle with other MMI families.
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Homecoming brings alumni back MMI held its annual Homecoming Weekend celebration on September 19 and 20. This year’s Homecoming honored reunion classes ending in -4 and -9. The weekend’s events began with the Head of School’s Reception, hosted Friday evening by Head of School Thomas G. Hood in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center. On Saturday afternoon, MMI held the traditional
Homecoming Picnic, featuring delicious Hazleton-area eats, in the MMI cafeteria. Picnic attendees enjoyed an afternoon of sharing MMI memories and looking through old yearbooks. They also had the opportunity to tour the school and campus, including the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center and athletic fields. Homecoming Weekend concluded with the Wall of Fame induction dinner on Saturday evening.
Members of the Class of 1964 reunited at the Valley Country Club with President Emeritus Joseph Rudawski for their 50th reunion.
Franklin Wezner ’44 and Pasquale DiSpirito ’44 celebrated their 70th reunion during Homecoming.
The Class of 1984, former faculty member Sam Schaeffer and current faculty member Anthony Cusat (above) joined up with the Class of 1979 (right) for a double reunion at Theodora’s on Friday night after the Head of School’s Reception. Also celebrating with the classes (not pictured) were Head of School Thomas G. Hood, President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski, and faculty members Dennis Clarke, Kate Green, Mary-Lee Hood, and Donna Titus.
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Angelo Roman ’39, second from right, marked his 75th reunion and is pictured here during the Head of School’s Reception with Head of School Thomas G. Hood, son Paul Roman, and friend Joanne Seitzinger.
A bean bag tossing tournament was organized by Mike Verbonitz ’64 as part of the 50th reunion for his class. Anthony and Elaine Cusat, at right, won the tournament, and Sally and Mike Verbonitz ’64, at left, came in second place.
Members of the Class of 1964 point to their class flag on display in the MMI cafeteria.
Members of the Class of 1958 display their well-known blue pig at the Homecoming picnic.
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MMI honors Wall of Fame inductees MMI honored the new members of its Wall of Fame during the ninth annual Wall of Fame dinner and ceremony held on Sept. 20. Established in 2006, the MMI Wall of Fame honors alumni in addition to current and past faculty, staff and board members who have distinguished themselves in the areas of athletics, business, sciences, education, government, public service, the arts or humanities. Wall of Fame inductees are selected in the following categories: Athletic Achievement, Community Service, Service to MMI and Professional Achievement.
MMI honored new members of its Wall of Fame during the ninth annual Wall of Fame dinner and ceremony held on Sept. 20. Front row: Edith Wagner, widow of the late Dr. David Wagner. Back row, from left: Head of School Thomas G. Hood, Shawn Gallagher ’84, Robert Della Croce ’82, Dr. Robert Lutz ’63, Dr. James Feussner ’65, Dr. George Feussner ’62, and Director of Advancement Kim McNulty. Absent from photo: Dr. William Koenig ’78.
Members of the Wall of Fame Class of 2014 are Shawn P. Gallagher ’84, inducted in the category of Athletic Achievement; the late Dr. David S. Wagner, inducted in the category of Service to MMI; Dr. George Feussner ’62, inducted in the category of Professional Achievement; Dr. William Koenig ’78, inducted in the category of Professional Achievement; and Dr. Robert J. Lutz ’63, inducted in the category of Professional Achievement. Robert Della Croce ’82, inducted in the category of Athletic Achievement, and Dr. James Feussner ’65, inducted in the category of Professional Achievement, are members of the Class of 2013 and were inducted with this year’s class.
Above: Shawn Gallagher ’84 poses with his family prior to the Wall of Fame induction. Below: Wall of Fame member Dr. John Feussner ’64 celebrates the induction of his two cousins, Dr. James Feussner ’65 and Dr. George Feussner ’62. George Feussner’s wife, Helen, is also pictured.
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Dr. Robert Lutz ’63 spoke to prep school students on Friday afternoon about his time at MMI and some of the similarities between then and now.
Alumni Notes What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Grete DeAngelo ’92 announced this summer that she has become a guest blogger for The Huffington Post. Sixth-grader Charles Dick began his MMI education this fall as a third-generation Prepper. His father, Norman ’87, is a member of MMI’s Board of Directors and his grandfather, Allan R. Dick Sr., is a member of the Class of 1961. Charles’ greatgrandfather Arthur E. Dick Jr. and great-great-grandfather Arthur E. Dick Sr. (pictured at right) were ardent supporters of MMI even though they were educated elsewhere. Both of these men were the largest privately owned coal contractors in the world in the 1800s, and contributed greatly to the coal industry with feats such as designing the world’s largest self-propelled piece of equipment (a huge Bucyrus-Erie dragline for removing overburden), which was standing in the strip mines between Hazleton and Freeland until just a couple of years ago. Attorney Rick DiLiberto ’79 was re-elected a Delaware State Delegate to the American Association for Justice at the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association Annual meeting in Rehoboth Beach, Del., in June. Rick is a law partner at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor in Wilmington, Middletown and Georgetown, Del., practicing plaintiffs’ personal injury law. He is also a member of the MMI Board of Directors. Devan McCarrie ’14 became a member of the Quinnipiac University Bobcat’s NCAA Division I Golf Team after trying out as a walk-on. At MMI, she was Wyoming Valley Conference Golf League 2013 AAA girls’ champion and a district medalist. MMI faculty member Jennifer Novotney released her first novel this summer. Winter in the Soul is a young adult fantasy novel that is available in electronic format at Amazon.com and iTunes.
MMI Wall of Fame member Dr. John Feussner ’64 (right) received honorary membership in the Special Forces Association XXXI for his tireless support of special forces and veterans and their families from the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation.
MMI’s oldest living alumnus, Mr. C. Cassard Kaesemeyer ’31, was back on campus for lunch and a tour this summer with his son, Tom, and daughter-in-law, Sally. Also joining the festivities were some friends of the family. Mr. Kaesemeyer became a centenarian as he turned 100 years old on February 26, 2014. From left: Loretta O’Hara, Sally and Tom Kaesemeyer, Cassard Kaesemeyer ’31, Mimi Stone, and Head of School Thomas G. Hood.
The Helping Hands Society has dedicated its annual evening golf tournament to an MMI past parent. The Paul I. Roda Memorial Golf Tournament, Divots in the Dark was re-named to honor the memory of Dr. Roda, who passed away in December. He was the father of Julie Roda ’98 and Daniel Roda ’01. Edward M. Sharp ’36 was honored in August at a banquet in recognition of Citterio’s 40th year in Freeland. The family-run business boasts a workforce of 350 people, employs 10 percent of Freeland’s population and plans to build a second plant that will exclusively process prosciutto. At the dinner, Citterio staff commended Sharp for helping to bring the business to Freeland and for his overall community involvement. President Emeritus Joseph Rudawski commended Sharp by stating, “With approximately seven decades of service, it is impossible to properly summarize all of the groups, committees and organizations with which Mr. Sharp was involved, served and supported and continues to support.” Robert Yamulla ’10 was invited to present his findings on colon cancer research at a recent Genetics Society of America Conference in San Diego, Calif. He was one of eight students from a pool of 561 research presentations to receive a cash prize. Robert had been working on the project for about two years in the laboratory of Dr. David Roberts at Franklin & Marshall College. Robert is attending Cornell University, pursuing a Ph.D. in biochemistry and molecular biology.
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Milestones Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family Weddings Leandra Diane Pszeniczny ’07 and Vitali Pushkar-Verbitsky were married June 21. The bride is an architectural designer at H-E-B Grocery Company in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design and is the daughter of Angela C. Shannon and Anthony A. Pszeniczny of Mountain Top. Mande Kemmerer ’07 was the maid of honor.
Births Marc S. Cusat ’03 and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Chelsea Aleena, on June 16. The family resides in Warminster. Grandparents are faculty member Anthony Cusat and his wife, Anniversary Elaine. Leena Pelly Hadzick ‘94 and Nate Hadzick ‘95 welcomed a daughter, Lola Grace, on September 15. Lola joins siblings Livi, 12; Sofi, 9; Siri, 6; and Nate, 2.
Deaths
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15. He is survived by children, John and his wife, Ruth; Joseph; James; and Executive Assistant to the Head of School at MMI Joanne Oakum and her husband, Daniel; grandchildren including James T. Oakum ’08 and Matthew G. Oakum ’11; and many nieces and nephews. Rose A. Malaney, R.N., passed away on April 24. Rose was a nurse for 55 years and also worked as a health career advisor at MMI. Surviving are her son, Edward Malaney ’76; brother, James; and several nieces and nephews. Mary T. Minzola passed away on August 15. Surviving are her sons, Joseph Jr. and his wife, Debra; and Jimmy and his wife, Christy; daughter, Mary Kisatsky; brother, James Tait; sister, Frances, and her husband, Bernard Bobis II; grandchildren including Olivia Minzola ’17; and several nieces and nephews. John J. Pusti Jr. passed away on July 16. Surviving are his wife, Mary, to whom he was married to for 64 years; sons, John Pusti III ’70, Robert Pusti ’71 and his wife, Maureen, and James E. Pusti Sr. and his wife, Mary; daughter, Janine Pusti-Graver, M.D., and her husband James; grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild.
Robert S. Baum ’33 passed away on July 14. He President Emeritus Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and his wife, Miki, were one of 214 couples is survived by who renewed their vows as part of the Diocese of Scranton’s celebration of 25 or 50 years of two daughters, marriage. The Shergalises have been married for 50 years and took part in the Mass at Kathy Ann and St. Peter’s Cathedral on June 22. (Photo courtesy of Jason Farmer, Times Shamrock) David B. Satterfield her husband, passed away on Douglas September 6. He Stevens, and is survived by his Georgia and her husband, Thomas Cherry, as well as mother, Louise (Rodino) Cianci; children, Laura Satterfield numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. ’06, David Satterfield ’08, and Daniel Satterfield; sister, Lynn Gorski; brother, Leonard Satterfield; and many nieces Mary Ann DeStefano passed away on August 25. Surviving and nephews. are her husband of 42 years, Richard; daughters, Gina and her husband, Brian Regula; and Lauren DeStefano; son, Mitchell C. Stish passed away on June 21. Surviving are his Richard DeStefano, and his wife, Helen; sister, Debbie wife, Lori; sons, Zachary M. Stish and Jonathan E. Stish Cortese; grandchildren including Reiley DeStefano ’19; ’16; sister, Lauren Stanziola, and her husband, John; a niece; and many nieces and nephews. and a nephew. Stephen Gimmer passed away on September 3. Doris M. Vaskalis passed away on June 19. Doris is survived He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; sons, Matt S. by her husband of 61 years, Eugene T. Vaskalis; son, Thomas Gimmer ’86 and Josh R. Gimmer ’90, and daughter, E. Vaskalis, and his wife, Danielle; daughter, Lori Vaskalis; Lesli A. Lemons ’93. grandsons, Zachary Vaskalis ’02 and his wife, Marisa, and Daniel Vaskalis ’07; and a great-granddaughter. Zygmunt “Ziggy” Goralski passed away on September
Memorials In memory of Mary W. Ahnell Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny In memory of Mary A. Beazzo Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Joseph R. Beltrami Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Mussoline In memory of Linda Blanyar Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Thomas F. Braddock Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Lambert E. Broad Mrs. Mary E. Mertz In memory of John Churbock ’46 Ms. Carol D. Reisenweaver In memory of Gerald Cohn Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McNulty Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Anna Cooper Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of John A. Costa Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Ron Davis ’50 Mr. and Mrs. John Potoskie In memory of Dr. Edgar Dessen Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of Stephen Gimmer Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. Dan Ravina Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors donated between June 15 and September 19 In memory of Zygmunt Goralski The Alday Family The Babinetz Family Ms. Stella Boosalis Mr. and Mrs. Robert Catling The Cibak Family Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Cusat Ms. Marianne Gera Mr. and Mrs. Doug Green Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Jastremsky Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McNulty Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Medvecky MMI Parent Faculty Organization Mr. Frank Molinaro and Mrs. Gwenann Molinaro The Perchak Family Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Pierotti Mr. and Mrs. Michael Scarlato Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus Mr. and Mrs. Ed Yanac Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Zucco In memory of Naomi Hilbert The Freeland Active Adult Center In memory of Richard Hoppy Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Nancy Irvin Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Eva Kislan Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Jake Kislan ’56 Mr. Thomas H. Brown Sr. Mr. and Mrs. David A. Eschenbach Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Orlando Mr. Dan Ravina In memory of Margaret Knyrim Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of George J. Kostick Jr. ’64 Mrs. Ceil Kostick In memory of Joan Kotch Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Violet Lagana Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of Neil Llewellyn ’48 Mr. Robert D. Jones ’48 In memory of William F. McGeehan Sr. Senape & Associates Mr. George Yenchko ’59 and Mrs. Angeline Yenchko In memory of Mary Minzola Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Peter Oster Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Lena Pelly Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of John Pusti Jr. Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Robert Resuta Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Dr. Paul Roda Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of Dr. George Scheers Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of Joseph Sheer Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Jane Shelley Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Mitchell Stish Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Cosmo J. Tomaselli Senape & Associates In memory of Doris Vaskalis Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Dr. David Wagner Dr. and Mrs. John Coyle In memory of Charles A. Whiltington Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID WILKES-BARRE, PA PERMIT#243
MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224 Address Service R equested
Seniors welcome the Class of 2018!
Freshmen get doused by the senior class as part of MMI’s pajama parade, an annual tradition that is part of orientation and dates back to the 1950s.
Entrance Exam Testing Date Important Dates 2015-2016 Admissions – Jan. 31, 2015 Applicants report to the MMI Main Office (Ridge Street entrance) by 8:45 a.m.
Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 19 Founder’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 26 Mid School Grandparents’ Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2 Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 21 Mid Winter Social & Hazleton Mini-Reunion. . . . February 20