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Schell explores 5 countries in semester abroad Cypriots speak and the American English of the United States.
Lora Schell ’13 has come a long way from MMI, quite literally, not only by studying abroad on the island country of Cyprus, but also touring England, Ireland, France and Hungary during a European spring break.
Schell said you can’t understand what it’s like to live in another country until you actually do it, but she adapted quickly to the local culture in Cyprus. That included trying traditional Greek foods. Her favorite dish was souvlaki, which is small pieces of grilled meat and vegetables served in a pita sandwich. Cyprus imports very little food. All of their fruits and vegetables are grown on the island and the seafood is caught fresh. The University of Nicosia is located in Cyprus’ capital city (Nicosia) and 20 percent of its 5,000 students come from abroad. Schell said the Cypriots lived up to their reputation of being very welcoming and open to foreign students. The biology major, who is minoring in chemistry and mathematics, took the same courses the university offers its native students and also had a chance to take photography and ethics classes.
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The Susquehanna University junior began her travels in the spring semester of her sophomore year at the University of Nicosia on Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Schell called the experience “mind changing” and said it had such a profound impact on her that she didn’t want to leave the island. “I made many friends and fell in love with the island. Those friends became just like family and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had,” she said. “It was so amazing there that I didn’t want to come home. I met many people who were openminded and accepting of foreign visitors. The entire trip was something that I never thought I’d get to experience.” Being unfamiliar with Cyprus, she saw Susquehanna University’s Global Opportunities program as the perfect opportunity to explore the Mediterranean island Susquehanna’s award-winning program encourages students to “challenge themselves, to embrace the unfamiliar, and to navigate new worlds, whether near or far.” Schell definitely took all three of those suggestions to heart. Although Cyprus is more than 3,500 square miles, she managed to travel by bus around the entire island during her four-month stay. Fortunately, the biggest challenge she faced was mastering the difference between the British English the
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Schell is studying to be a doctor and has already seen the benefits of an MMI education just two years into college. She felt the classes she took in Cyprus were not as difficult as the ones she has taken in the states and said they were essentially a refresher of courses she had at MMI. Schell said MMI’s rigorous classes prepared her for college-level courses and put her a step ahead of her peers. She also has more confidence when making presentations compared to her college classmates because of what she experienced through MMI’s assembly program. “The classes were easy because I already had an idea of what I was doing. MMI offered many classes that other high schools don’t. For example, we had organic chemistry at MMI, so I knew what I was doing in that class, but many of my friends didn’t have organic chemistry in high school,” she said. Schell liked travelling so much that she returned to Cyprus for several weeks this past summer, adding the time onto a trip to Spain where she attended a conference. Schell eventually wants to explore other parts of the world, but right now her heart is filled with her newfound love for Cyprus.
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From the Head of School The beginning of the school year is busy, but exciting. In the first month of the year, we welcomed 57 new students, held our first Spirit Day and conducted Freshman Orientation culminating in the traditional Pajama Parade through Freeland. This was followed by Senior Auction and welcoming our alumni back to campus for Homecoming. All of this occurred while getting our busy academic, fall athletics and extra-curricular schedule started. With all that is going on, MMI has alot of energy. There is a great atmosphere and everyone is in good spirits. A positive climate is a big part of the success of any school, but it doesn’t just occur. We are intentional about creating a school environment that is welcoming, caring, accepting and fun. MMI faculty and students drive our school climate. Their positive attitude makes MMI what it is. MMI faculty bring a positive, professional attitude to work every day. Their genuine compassion for our students and commitment to their success has been constant throughout the years. They model the behavior we expect from our students. They greet students daily, take an interest in their personal lives and show compassion when things are not going well. In addition to their responsibilities teaching subjects, our faculty also spend time with our students in Advisory. In Advisory, students gather by grade with teacher-advisors to discuss social and character topics. They not only talk about character (lying, cheating, and stealing), but also how to treat others and how their actions influence their life and those around them. This is not a lecture environment. Our teachers engage our students in scenarios that create discussion about ethical living. When are music and video sharing not stealing? When is teasing bullying? When is borrowing stealing? There often is no “right” answer. We want our students to be respectful of each other, their property and themselves. These group discussions allow everyone’s voice to be heard and allow the students to deal with issues as they arise. Issues are openly discussed so that all can understand the impact of their actions toward others. MMI students also contribute to our positive environment. Visitors tell me that they have never seen students as energetic, polite and respectful as our students. Visiting teachers and lecturers are amazed by the thoughtfulness of the questions and the level of engagement. Students treat each other and the faculty and staff with respect. Student Council schedules dances and evening activities where students can socialize and enjoy each other’s company. They come from good families and their solid upbringing is on full display. MMI is a college preparatory school. Our students work hard, but MMI is joyful. A positive, energetic climate makes the work seem more bearable. Everyone is a part of creating that happiness. We welcome all alumni back for a visit anytime. Come see your school in action because I know you will leave in a great mood. Enjoy the rest of your fall and have a happy holiday season.
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
2 Thomas G. Hood – Head of School
William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus
Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus
Dennis Clarke announces retirement Dennis Clarke designed the curriculum for his Spanish and speech classes to provide students at MMI with a strong foundation for the future. In addition to mastering the required coursework, he wanted his students to gain knowledge they could use outside of the classroom for the rest of their lives. Helping thousands of students prepare for the future was among the numerous memorable moments Clarke reflected on when announcing his retirement after 36 years of teaching at MMI. “I hope to be remembered as a teacher who didn’t just teach grammar and vocabulary in preparation for college, but also helped students learn things they can use for life in general,” he said.
in. They get interested in what they are learning and find ways to incorporate their own ideas into it,” he said. “Making the piñatas is a long-term project, so they practice budgeting time and learn something throughout every step of the process.” In his role as a speech teacher, Clarke helped MMI transition from its annual speech tournament to a Model United Nations program and eventually the Mock Trial club. MMI had its first Mock Trial competition in 1987 and advanced to the state finals in 2006 under his guidance.
Clarke has enjoyed working Señor Dennis Clarke has announced that he will retire from teaching Spanish at MMI at the end of the year, with all of the capping off a 36-year career that has touched the lives of many MMI alumni. faculty, staff and Clarke graduated students throughout his 36-year career at MMI and loves that with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from King’s College the school has small class sizes filled with students who are in 1976 and later earned a master’s degree in English from eager to learn. He’s had the opportunity to reconnect with Wilkes University. He decided to become a Spanish teacher alumni at many of MMI’s events and mini-reunions. Clarke after visiting Spain with the King’s College Spanish Club his knows of at least two of his students that went on to be Spanish freshman year. A Wilkes-Barre native, Clarke wanted to remain teachers and said its interesting to see what the students do close to home and was hired at MMI in September 1979. after graduation. When he accepted the position, Clarke became just the third full-time Spanish teacher in MMI’s history. He said the course has grown significantly since he began and various technological advances have made it easier to educate the students. “When I started teaching at MMI, I wanted to find the balance between challenging the students and not being too tough on them. When I saw them rise to the challenges, I knew I had found the right balance,” he said. “Changes in technology have been instrumental to the class. We used to piece together strips of film to show the students different cities from the 20 Spanish-speaking countries in the world. Now, you can easily access many, many videos on the internet.”
Clarke got married and saw his three daughters graduate from MMI during his time as a teacher and said, “MMI has been the backdrop for everything in my life.” Although he will miss the people and the school’s many annual events, including the international dinner, he’s excited for the future. He plans to travel with his wife, Joni, who is also a retired teacher, and hopes to one day fulfill his goal to be on the beach in September, something he said teachers never get to do. He plans to travel and visit his family, which includes daughter Cindy Clarke Matosky ’01, her husband, John, and their daughter, Abby; daughter Samantha Clarke ’04; and daughter Nicole Clarke Telson ’08 and her husband, Jeff.
MMI Head of School Thomas G. Clarke believes that it's a Hood praised Clarke’s many years of combination of learning textbook service. “Dennis Clarke has been a material and working on projects valuable asset to MMI for more than that helps MMI’s curriculum stand 35 years. Faculty, staff and students apart from that of other schools. are truly going to miss him. We all Those projects include having wish him the best in his retirement,” students design and assemble Hood said. their own piñatas in Spanish II, a Señor Clarke poses with the 2014-15 Pinata contest winners. practice Clarke initiated right after he To honor Señor Clarke’s retirement, was hired, and produce a video in Spanish IV showcasing the we encourage MMI alumni and friends to support The vocabulary and grammar they learned over their four years. Excellence Fund for Faculty Professional Development with an online gift. “Working on projects gives them something to be invested
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MMI students compete at FBLA Nationals Emily Seratch, a 2015 MMI graduate, placed sixth in the competitive event of Client Service at the 2015 FBLA National Leadership Conference in Chicago. Seratch earned national recognition among thousands of other high school students. A total of 11,000 students gathered from all over the country to compete for national accolades. Among those competitors were 400 students from Pennsylvania, including five representatives from MMI. In addition to Seratch, Syed Qadri, Allison McGeehan, Jessica Smith and Jonathan Smith received high scores at the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference in Hershey in April, earning the right to compete at the national level.
MMI Preparatory School students who competed at the 2015 FBLA National Leadership Conference were, from left, Jessica Smith, Emily Seratch, Allison McGeehan, FBLA Adviser Katherine Zucco, Syed Qadri and Jonathan Smith.
After competing in their respective events, the MMI students had the opportunity to attend business workshops, network with other students and leading professionals within the FBLA organization, and visit some of Chicago’s best-known attractions. The students also had the chance to meet and dine with Jed Sielberg ’92 at Webber’s Grill in Downtown Chicago.
FBLA Adviser Katherine Zucco accompanied the group and said it was exciting to follow these students on their journey. “The real victory for me has been watching them step up to the challenge. The countless hours, weeks and months they put into preparing for this makes them all champions and it has been truly wonderful to be a part of their journey,” she said.
Students enjoy Bring a Friend to School Day MMI hosted “Bring a Friend to School Day” on September 28 and welcomed 42 friends of mid-school students who spent the day with their friend in various classroom activities. At left, seventh grade student Morgan Hosier has lunch with her friend, Ava. At right, Emily Ryan and her friend, Sophia, pose in a classroom.
Kost receives Dessen Community Service Award
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MMI junior Garrett Kost was one of seven area students selected as recipients of the CAN DO Community Foundation’s Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award. The Dessen Award is a scholarship that allows community-minded juniors from high schools located in the CAN DO service area the opportunity to enroll in the Junior Leadership of Greater Hazleton program. Kost is a member of MMI’s Drama Club, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science team, Mock Trial team and soccer team. He also serves as an MMI Ambassador to prospective students and their families. He is active in the Freeland community by volunteering at the Eckley Miners’ Village and Museum and St. Michael’s Greek
Orthodox Russian Catholic Church, bowling in a league at St. Michael’s Recreation Center and helping his family care for their elderly neighbor. He is also a Civil War re-enactor with the 81st Pennsylvania Co. K. As a Junior Leadership member, he hopes to discover how to hone his leadership skills, gain the ability to work well with anyone and learn to handle and make tough decisions that would better the community. He believes all three are crucial qualities future leaders need to possess. The CAN DO Community Foundation established the award for Dr. Edgar L. Dessen to honor him as the founder of CAN DO, Greater Hazleton’s economic development organization. Additional MMI students who are participating in Hazleton’s Junior Leadership program are: Dana Carrato, Anirban Chowdhury, Evan Dryfoos, Katie Eschenbach, Ryan Eschenbach, Allison McGeehan, Olivia Minzola, Josh Narrow and Evan Spear
MMI receives two EITC Scholarship donations MMI recently received two contributions toward the school’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Scholarship program. The United Way of Wyoming Valley made a $28,050 contribution, which was presented by United Way Vice President of Resource Development United Way of Wyoming Valley Vice President of Resource Miners Bank, a division of Mid Penn Bank, made a $2,000 EITC Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 MPA. Development Nina C. Dei Tos ’01, right, presents a $28,050 EITC contribution. Pictured from left are Christine Nagorzanski, Mid Penn These funds will be used Scholarship contribution from the United Way to MMI Head of School Bank government and non-profit banking officer; Ryan Jastremsky, for scholarship support for Thomas G. Hood. MMI business manager; and Luci Kulish, Mid Penn Bank commercial MMI students who reside loan officer. in the Wyoming Valley and meet the criteria for an EITC scholarship. Bank family,” Hood said. “MMI is honored to accept their first “MMI students have received nearly $2.7 million in contribution toward our EITC program in 2015. This gift will scholarship support since 2005 thanks to the contributions of help a student receive the education that he or she needs to many area companies through the EITC program,” said MMI maximize their potential in preparation for success.” Head of School Thomas G. Hood. “We are pleased to be able to support MMI Preparatory “On behalf of everyone at MMI, I would like to thank the School through the EITC program,” said Mid Penn Bank United Way of Wyoming Valley for helping us ensure an MMI commercial loan officer Luci Kulish. “By providing students education is available to all Wyoming Valley students who wish with a solid foundation to prepare them for the future, to attend our school.” MMI continues to prove that it is an integral member of our community.” Dei Tos said, “The United Way of Wyoming Valley is proud to participate in the EITC program and help children in the Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the nation that Wyoming Valley get the quality educations they need to offers the EITC program, which gives tax credits to eligible succeed.” businesses contributing to a scholarship organization. Miners Bank, a division of Mid Penn Bank, contributed For more information about MMI’s Scholarship Program or $2,000 to MMI through the program. the Education Improvement Tax Credit program, contact MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty at 570-636-1108 or “Miners Bank is a valuable member of the local community kmcnulty@mmiprep.org. and we are excited to partner more closely with the Mid Penn
Students using new 3D printer in multiple classes robots in the robotics and engineering classes. MMI Preparatory School students are utilizing threedimensional printing technology as part of their curriculum “Given the technological advancements and practical with new equipment purchased through a donation from the application of 3D printing today, the printer is a solid addition family of two MMI students. to our curriculum and we plan to use it throughout the school,” said Justin Vincent, MMI David and Maureen Eschenbach director of curriculum and of Drums have a daughter, Katie, a computer science and and son, Ryan, who are juniors at technology instructor. MMI and through their donation, the school purchased a 3D printer “The addition of the that is being used in several 3D printer to the MMI courses and grade levels. technology department will allow students to study Projects already planned for how this process works the printer include reproducing and learn about the many ancient artifacts for a mid-school practical applications where history class, modeling and 3D printing is being used printing trigonometric equations today. We are grateful for for an upper school mathematics the contribution from the course, virtually building and then Eschenbach family,” said printing models of molecules and MMI Head of School Thomas anatomic structures for chemistry G. Hood. and biology courses and designing Computer science and technology instructor Justin Vincent, left, and Head of School Thomas G. Hood pose with Ryan and Katie Eschenbach whose parents funded the and building components for purchase of the new 3D printer.
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MMI summer camps fun, educational MMI hosted 67 area children this summer for camps that ran through June and July. MMI partnered with Sciensational and Box of Light again this year, as well as MMI’s own faculty and staff to offer 10 different camps. Campers participated in Messy Art Camp, Drawing Camp, Make it and Take it Home Science Camp, Electronics Lab Camp, Robotics Camp, Lego Maniacs and Claymation Camp, Bookmaking Bootcamp, Minecraft Film Camp, MeTube Camp, Model Airplanes and Building Bridges and Electronics Camp. Current and new MMI students accounted for 12 of our campers!
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Students begin 2015-16 school year MMI began the new school year on Tuesday, August 25, with 252 students enrolled. Orientation was held August 24 for all new students and their parents. The program helped familiarize new students with each other, as well as teachers, counselors, administrators and school staff. More than 30 current students in the MMI Ambassador program were on hand to assist students and teachers with the orientation program. Once again, the MMI Parent Faculty Organization sponsored a continental breakfast for students, parents, faculty and staff to start the day. After hearing from the Head of School and Athletic Director, students broke off into their respective classes while parents had a chance to learn more about policy and procedure as well as hear about academic requirements from the Assistant Head of School.
Student ambassadors, from left, Devon Faul, Sarah Moyer, Taylor Peluso and Allison Warner-Senape were ready to welcome our new families during orientation.
2015-2016 MMI Profile Student profile: 252 students (130 male, 122 female)
Bridge camp for new students For the second year in a row, MMI offered a week-long camp session for incoming mid-school students designed to help with their transition to the school. The camp was free and was a great way for students to get acclimated to MMI, meet their fellow students, make new friends and meet some of their teachers. Mrs. Lisa Ferry, Art & Anthropology Instructor, and Mrs. Madison Below, midschool counselor, led the camp.
Students enjoyed team building activities, tours, arts and crafts and role-playing throughout the week. Morgan Strecker, left, and Rachael Betz created a spaghetti and marshmallow structure.
Class size: Sixth grade: 32 Seventh grade: 40 Eighth grade: 26 cap Ninth grade: 42 Tenth grade: 39 Eleventh grade: 42 Twelfth grade: 31
Faculty: 21 full-time, 7 part-time Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1 Faculty degrees held: 18 hold master’s degrees.
Average faculty years teaching at MMI: 13 years Average class size: 14.5 students Financial aid: For the 2015-16 academic year, 50 percent of MMI students received need-based financial aid. There was $883,017 of need-based aid distributed among 126 students. The average need-based award was $7,000 per student. MMI also gave the $1,000 Academic Excellence Award to 93 students for the upcoming year for a total of $93,000 in merit-based scholarships.
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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.
Senior Andrew Alday attended the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. The five-week school provided summer enrichment for talented high school students interested in pursuing a career in an agriculturerelated field. The first four weeks of core courses focused on laboratory and classroom instruction and field experiences. During the final week, students participated in a researchbased, service-learning project. Sophomore Angelica Alday participated in the Women Empowered by Science (WEBS) Summer Camp at Wilkes University. WEBS camp participants addressed scientific questions, acquired essential laboratory skills and developed important criticalthinking skills by working directly with Wilkes University faculty, staff and students on a variety of scientific projects.
Freshmen Elliot Blasko, Coleman Smith and Alexander Sessock and junior Samuel Sessock stood atop the Tooth of Time at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimmaron, New Mexico. They climbed to the summit on July 25 as part of their 10-day trek with Freeland Boy Scout Troop 473. 4 Sixth grader Jayden Bonham went gold panning at Crow Creek Mine in Girdwood, Alaska. 5 Junior Niklas Byriel and eighth grader Philip Byriel travelled to Europe this summer to visit family and friends. In Switzerland, they climbed Mount Noble in the Alps for the second consecutive summer.
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6 The Byriel, Overa and Tron families ventured to Washington, D.C. for the International Champions Cup to see Chelsea FC face off against FC Barcelona. The group also visited Arlington National Cemetery and many historical sites.
7 Sixth grader Anna Cabell, left, went on a tree top adventure course in Ashville, NC. 8 Senior Desiree Dinko was recruited to pitch and play third base for the Central Pennsylvania Outlaws Softball College Showcase Team out of Harrisburg. The team competes in showcase tournaments along the East Coast. The rest of her fall schedule includes tournaments in Virginia, New Jersey, Maryland and Massachusetts.
9 Sixth grader Gina Galada vacationed in San Diego, CA in June. Some of the sites she visited included Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres), San Diego Zoo, Sea World and the many museums of Balboa Park. She also sea kayaked the caves of LaJolla. Sophomore Zachary Gera attended a Law and CSI National Youth Leadership/Envision program in Washington, D.C. this summer. The program consisted of glimpses into career exploration of law and crime scene investigations. Zachary was able to see and explore different aspects of the qualifications and skills it takes to become a lawyer, crime scene investigator and forensic scientist. During the week-long conference, he also visited the United States Supreme Court, took a tour of George Mason University and many of our national museums and memorials.
Seventh grader Natalie Graham competed in the U.S. Capitol Classic martial arts tournament in August and won Weapons Grand Champion!
Seventh grader Morgan Hosier participated in the That’s Entertainment Performing Arts National Dance Competition during the first week in August. She earned a Solid Gold award for her lyrical solo performance to “I Stand” by Idina Menzel. Morgan dances with the Arts in Movement Academy of Dance Competition Team out of Taylor, PA. Senior Terrance Jankouskas and Rachel Stanziola ’15 traveled to China this summer as part of the Ameson program. Seven students from the United States were selected to participate in the 10-day program that consisted of academic lectures. Rachel and TJ also participated in a Model Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. Approximately 300 Chinese students also participated in the program, along with the students from the United States, United Kingdom, Russia and France. Seventh grader Sydney Kohl spent a week at the Pennsylvania State Police Troop N Camp Cadet which was held at Penn State Hazleton. She won the award for the most improved cadet in her platoon. Junior Chava Kornblatt attended a two-day Future Restauranteurs camp at the Penn College of Technology in Williamsport. She was able to get some great hands-on experience and test out what it might be like to work as a chef. She really enjoyed the program and is looking forward to attending next summer!
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Freshman Jessica McClellan won five out of seven tournaments on the Anthracite Golf Association Tour in the Lawler Division this summer.
Junior Kyle McGuire, back row, third from left, is a member of Huntzinger’s Karate and was promoted to Black Belt III and Level III instructor this past August. Seventh grader Ryan McNelis stayed active locally this summer. He recited the Gettysburg Address at the Conyngham Memorial Day ceremony, attended Ferrwood music camp playing the tenor saxophone, played baseball and pitched for the McNelis Law Little League Team, played competitive golf and tennis at the Valley Country Club and participated in an outdoor basketball league at the Freeland YMCA. Seventh grader Kevin McNulty spent the summer on the baseball diamond with the Kingston-Forty Fort Majors All-Star Team that fell in the District 31 semis to a talented Back Mountain team, but then went on to win the Swoyersville Invitational Tournament.
Eighth graders Carly Pennington and Abbey Walters spent some time at the beach in Lewes, DE.
Seventh grader Cole Rinehimer passed his Pennsylvania State Boater’s License exam. He is now able to drive watercrafts like this 24' Crownline ski boat. Seventh grader Emily Ryan had a very busy summer. She spent four weeks in Canada and attended a two-week sailing camp working on her CANSail Level 2 certification. Emily then travelled to England where she toured numerous castles, Oxford University, Stratford upon Avon and the Globe Theater in London. Next up was a cruise to Iceland and Norway. Emily attended a Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) program at Penn State WB and built a robot, an MBot. Finally, Emily’s dad raced his Formula Mazda at Mosport and Mont Tremblant in Canada while Emily raced her go-kart at Montt Tremblant as well as a few places here in the United States. Her newest go-kart is a fullsized model with a Rotax Mini Max motor and a top speed of 60 mph.
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Sixth grader Alex Smith traveled to Malaysia and Singapore this summer to visit family. He is shown with his cousins at Atmosphere 360, a revolving restaurant at KL Tower, with the Petronas Twin Towers in the background.
Senior Lauren Toscano attended a fiveweek writing program at Emerson College where she took classes in poetry, prose and graphic novels this summer. She resided on campus in the heart of Boston’s theatre district.
Seniors Lindsey Walko and Lauren Toscano, seventh grader Peter Walko and eighth grader Benjamin Putnam vacationed in Emerald Isle, NC this summer. Seventh grader Grant Warren visited Northern England and also Scotland. He especially enjoyed Vindolanda, the Roman auxiliary fort just south of Hadrian’s Wall in northern England.
Sophomore Cole Wenner spent his summer readying for Tier 1 AAA Hockey competition with the Valley Forge Minutemen by training at numerous camps and competitions. Senior Nash Wenner spent his summer working on a ropes course (30' high) in the adventure park at Blue Mountain. Sixth grader Kaylee Witner, left, won two softball MVP medals and pitched a no hitter at the Valley Regional Warriors 10U Tournament over the summer.
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MMI inducts new Wall of Fame Class MMI held its 10th annual Wall of Fame dinner on September 19, welcoming seven new members to its Wall of Fame. 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. During this year’s dinner and awards ceremony, the following inductees joined the Wall of Fame: Ryan J. Breznak ’88 (Athletic Achievement), James M. Makuch ’60 (Community Service), Atty. Albert F. Maier Jr. (Service to MMI), David G. Gundling ’68 (Professional Achievement), Atty. Tara E. Gutterman ’84 (Professional Achievement), Roy W. Johnson ’63 (Professional Achievement) and Rosalyn V. (Menon) Kennedy ’97 (Professional Achievement).
MMI held its 10th annual Wall of Fame dinner and inducted seven new members into its Wall of Fame. Pictured are, from left, MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty; Judy Gundling, widow of inductee David G. Gundling ’68, Roy W. Johnson ’63, Ryan J. Breznak ’88, Atty. Tara E. Gutterman ’84, Pat Menon, mother of inductee Rosalyn (Menon) Kennedy ’97, James M. Makuch ’60, and MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood. Missing from photo is inductee Atty. Albert F. Maier Jr.
Family members of the late David G. Gundling ’68 gathered before the ceremony.
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MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood and the 2015 inductees view the Wall of Fame following the unveiling ceremony.
Inductee Roy W. Johnson ’63 attended the ceremony with his wife, Diana. They traveled from Charlotte, N.C. to join the festivities.
MMI seeking Wall of Fame nominees period of ten years from nomination.
MMI celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Wall of Fame in September and is seeking nominees for future recognitions.
The Selection Committee includes the Head of School at MMI, one member of the Board of Directors, two alumni representatives, the MMI Athletic Director, the MMI Director of Advancement and one at-large member. Wall of Fame recipients will be announced in April and inducted during Homecoming 2016.
The Wall of Fame was established to honor alumni, current and past faculty, staff and board members of MMI who have distinguished themselves in the areas of athletics, business, sciences, education, government, public service, the arts or the humanities. Inductees are recognized in the Athletic Achievement, Professional Achievement, Service to MMI and Service to the Community categories.
In order to nominate a person for consideration, please complete the form below and return the completed nomination documents to Kim McNulty, Director of Advancement, MMI Preparatory School, 154 Centre Street, Freeland, PA 18224, no later than March 1, 2016.
Nominees can be considered for induction ten years after graduation. An award in each category may not be granted every year. A nominee can remain on the selection ballot for a
MMI Wall of Fame Nomination Form
Nominee:
Nominee’s Home Address:
Home Phone and/or E-mail:
Position Title and Business Name:
Business Address:
Business Phone and/or E-Mail:
Class of:
Please check if nominee is deceased – and list name/contact information above for a family member of nominee above.
My Name:
Home Address:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Nomination Criteria Nominees must be an MMI alumnus or current or past faculty, staff or board member and must meet the criteria listed under each category to be eligible. Alumni can be considered for nomination ten years after graduation. An award in each category may not be granted every year. A nominee can remain on the selection ballot for a period of ten years from nomination. Please select the category for which you are nominating this person (check one box only).
Athletic Achievement – Represents the best personnel that have participated in varsity athletics prior to graduation from MMI, in collegiate varsity athletics, in professional athletics, in the Olympics, or in national or world-wide events, and received recognition for that participation.
Community Service – Contributed to the betterment of his or her community in a significant way over a period of years t hrough distinguished service as a volunteer, donor, board member, etc.
Service to MMI – Contributed to the betterment of MMI in a significant way over a period of years through distinguished service as a faculty member, staff member, volunteer, donor, board member, honorary board member, etc.
Professional Achievement (please check all that apply to the nominee)
Achieved significant position in the business community by attaining executive position or by receiving recognition for achievement from a segment of the business community.
Achieved recognition of the development of major breakthroughs or significant accomplishments in the area of business, science or education.
Received recognition of achievements in his or her chosen profession, to include: major awards in educational or scientific organizations, artistic endeavors, governmental agencies, or humanitarian organizations.
On a separate sheet of paper, please describe your nominee and explain why he or she should be inducted to the MMI Wall of Fame, listing the nominee’s outstanding qualities/achievements.
Return all nominations no later than March 1, 2016.
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Alumni return for Homecoming 2015 MMI held its annual Homecoming Weekend celebration on September 18 and 19. This year’s Homecoming honored reunion classes ending in -5 and -0. 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 hosted a home soccer match followed by the traditional Homecoming Picnic 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.
Celebrating their 60th reunion at the Homecoming picnic are: (first row, L-R) Bonnie and Dr. Martin Sokoloski ‘55; Atty. Denis Brenan ‘55 and his wife, Pat. Second row: Peter Becker ‘55, his wife, Nancy; Carol Garber and Dr. Joseph V. Urenovitch ’55. The class enjoyed dinner at Top of the 80’s the evening before with Eugene Kovatch ‘55, his wife, Ruthanne, and President Emeritus Joseph Rudawski and his wife, Jean. Far left, Robert Klotz ’58 and Carol Klotz, who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, spend time with Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel at the Head of School’s Reception on Friday evening. At left, Wall of Fame inductee Roy Johnson ‘63 and his wife, Diana, enjoy the company of Head of School Thomas G. Hood and his wife, Mary-Lee. Far left, Head of School Thomas G. Hood shares current happenings at MMI with the alumni gathered at the Homecoming Picnic. At left, Atty. John L Bigelow ’70, Business Manager Ryan Jastremsky, and Michael Watahovich ’61 catch up at the Head of School’s Reception.
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Numerous MMI alumni returned to celebrate the annual Homecoming festivities including the ever-present Class of 1958.
Dr. Robert Kettrick ‘60 and Mrs. Eileen Kettrick, who traveled from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL to join the Homecoming festivities, share some MMI stories with Director of Advancement Kim McNulty.
MMI welcomes 5 new head coaches He helped turn the Hanover Area team into a PIAA Class AA powerhouse. The Hawkeyes won six Wyoming Valley Conference titles in eight years from 2008-2014 under his direction and had a 40-plus game conference winning streak.
MMI recently hired five new head coaches for the 2015-2016 school year. Tom Brown heads the golf team, Michael Portonova coaches boys’ tennis, and Sean McLaughlin manages the baseball team. R.J. Gilgore is the new girls’ basketball coach and Katie Pavlick will helm the girls’ tennis team. Brown has been an assistant golf professional at the Valley Country Club for the past five years. After attending Penn State University, he enrolled in the PGA of America’s Professional Golf Management program to further enhance his knowledge of the game.
Katie Pavlick, back row far right, is one of MMI’s five new head coaches for the 2015-2016 school year.
Portonova is a lifelong tennis player and coach. He was recently named to the Middle Atlantic Conference’s (MAC) All Century Team for his accomplishments while attending King’s College. He was a three-time MAC Player of the Year and five-time MAC champion with three singles and two doubles titles. Portonova played tennis at NCAA Division I St. Joseph’s University on a full athletic scholarship before transferring to
King’s College to pursue his chiropractic career. Portonova was nationally ranked in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) throughout his junior career and was No. 30 in the U.S. when he was 17 years old. He was the Penn State Hazleton men’s and women’s head tennis coach in 2014. McLaughlin has 11 years of high school coaching experience at Hanover Area High School and the Nanticoke American Legion program.
Gilgore comes to MMI with more than 18 years of coaching experience. He was a member of the basketball and baseball teams at Nativity BVM High School in Pottsville. He held the head coaching position at Upper Dauphin Area High School and Mahanoy Area High School. Prior to taking the MMI job, he served as head junior varsity and assistant varsity boys’ coach at Tulpehocken Area High School, where he helped lead the team to the District 3 playoffs for seven straight seasons. Pavlick began playing tennis when she was seven years old and was the Hazleton Area High School Lady Cougars’ number one singles player throughout her high school career. She has been an assistant coach at the Valley Country Club and has won the club’s championship the past four years.
Students show MMI pride during Spirit Day MMI’s Student Council, under the guidance of President Andrew Alday, a senior, held Spirit Day on September 4. Students were asked to come to school sporting their 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 2016.
Senior class members celebrate their final Spirit Day in a “big” way.
Ashley Loss plays ping pong during Spirit Day festivities.
A group of teachers work to get untangled during a Spirit Day game.
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Alumni Notes What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Atty. Scott Coffina ’85 recently reentered public service as Senior Deputy Chief Counsel to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Coffina was Valedictorian of his class and MMI’s 2008 Commencement Speaker. He joined the Christie Administration from Drinker Biddle & Reath, LLP, where he was a partner in the firm’s White Collar Defense and Corporate Investigations practice group. Prior to his most recent tenure in private practice, Coffina was an Associate Counsel to President George W. Bush from May 2007 until January 2009. Previously, he served in the White House Office of Political Affairs for President Ronald Reagan. Coffina also was an Assistant United States Attorney in Philadelphia from 1997-2001. Prepper standout Walt Dryfoos ’59 was posthumously inducted into the Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame on September 13. Dryfoos was the entire region’s top scorer during his senior season of 1958-59. His 25.8 points per game average and 694 total points remain two of the highest single-season numbers in both categories by any local player. Dryfoos raised his scoring average to a whopping 33.0 points per game over the second half of that season, when he shot a blistering 68 percent from the field and went on to become the first Preppers player to eclipse the 1,000-point mark in his career. Atty. Lee Ann Palubinsky ’02 was a Constitution Day guest speaker at Penn State Hazleton on September 17.
During the lecture, Palubinsky focused specifically on the First Amendment to the Constitution and notable Supreme Court decisions involving the First Amendment. Palubinsky earned a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from American University in Washington, D.C. and a juris doctorate degree from Barry University School of Law, where she specialized in constitutional law and First Amendment law. She is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and Hawaii, as well as the Federal District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Federal District Court of Hawaii and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. She will be admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of the United States in November in Washington, D.C. William Schwab ’95 travelled more than 6,000 miles to the 23rd World Scout Jamboree in Kirara-hama, Yamaguchi City, Japan, this summer. Schwab, a senior system analyst with Pencor Services Inc., previously served as a member of the staff of the 2013 Boy Scouts National Jamboree in West Virginia. This time he was assigned to the Information Communications and Technology group, which was responsible for building and maintaining the computer network for the Jamboree and technical support. More than 30,000 Scouts and leaders from 161 countries around the world converged for the event. A Boy Scout member for 12 years, Schwab served with Cub Pack 145 and Troop 145 of Lehighton, and previously earned his Eagle Scout status.
Students to be featured as WVIA Artists of the Week Two MMI seniors will be featured on WVIA-TV Artist of the Week segments and are among the finalists for the WVIA Artist of the Year award. Allison Warner-Senape and Charles Bower visited the WVIA studios in Pittston to record a one-minute Artist of the Week piece that will appear on WVIA-TV from Nov. 8-14 and online at wvia.org for a year. Warner-Senape will present a five-piece acrylic series depicting seascapes entitled “Take Me Back” during her interview. Bower will perform the Billy Joel and Ray Charles duet “Baby Grand” and Ed Sheeran’s “I See Fire” on his segment. The Artist of the Week program features two students, one each in visual and performing arts, from high schools throughout northeast and central Pennsylvania who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in visual arts, theatre, music or dance.
Memorial tourney held in honor of Joseph A. Turri ’45 The Order of the Sons of Italy West Shore Lodge #2651 recently held a Bocce Tournament in memory of Joseph A. Turri ’45. On October 16, Charles and Betty Pisano, right, presented MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood with a check for $500 to be used to support The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center at MMI. At left is Kim McNulty, MMI Director of Advancement.
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Charles Bower and Allison Warner-Senape
Milestones Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family Births MMI Business Manager Ryan Jastremsky and his wife, Jen, welcomed their first child on October 12, 2015. At the time of her birth, Addison Clare was 6 lbs 13.6 oz and 18.5 inches long. The Honorable Jarrod Tranguch ’92 and his wife, Bonnie, welcomed Annika Margaret to the family. She was born on May 16, 2015, and joins five-year old brother Liam and twoyear old sister Ezra.
Deaths Kenneth M. Anthony ’47 passed away on June 4, 2015. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; son Kenneth M. Anthony II and wife Grace; daughter Helen M. Waldt and husband David; and five grandchildren. John J. Gabuzda ‘77 passed away April 5, 2015. John is survived by his brothers, Rev. Richard Gabuzda ‘73, Lawrence Gabuzda Jr. ’72 and wife Aida, Dr. George Gabuzda ’79 and wife Christine, a sister Catherine Gabuzda Gottsche ’81 and seven nieces and nephews. Emil Kitlan ’45 passed away on June 20, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Emil Kitlan ’71 and wife Susan; daughter Nancy and husband Joseph; and two granddaughters. Thomas P. Krohn passed away on May 31, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Sara; and daughters, Lisa Platow ’88 and Rebecca Kokinda ’92. George E. Lucas passed away on September 28, 2015. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Barbara; son David Lucas ’77; son Brian F. Lucas ’84, past Chairman and current member of the MMI Board of Directors, and his wife Kathy; two granddaughters Taylor Lucas and Sara E. Lucas ’14.
Noelle Brandmier ’06 and Bryan Roberts were married on May 30, 2015 in Rochester, NY at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. Jessica Malloy ‘06 was a bridesmaid and the father of the bride is also an MMI alum, Kenneth Brandmier ’69. The couple resides in Rochester, NY where Noelle works as an animator and designer for Workman Interactive, a mobile and web game studio.
Stacey Barron ’02 married Travis Miller on October 4, 2014 in Pittsburgh. There were numerous Preppers in attendance! Pictured in the front row, from left, are Kelly (Barron) Hoffer ‘04, Stacey (Barron) Miller ‘02, and Erin (Warner) Britt ‘02. In the back row, from left, are Gregg Walters ‘02, Laura Bonin-Walters ‘02, Lia Urenovich ‘01, Lee Ann Palubinsky ‘02, Travis Miller, Krystle Baker ‘02, Shawn Murphy ‘02 and Marc Cusat ‘03.
Anthony J. Pitman ’58 passed away on September 27, 2015. He is survived by his wife Nancy; daughter Hunter Pitman, son Tanner Pitman; daughter Eileen Pitman; daughter Toni Breznitsky and her husband Robert; son Scott Pitman; daughter Chrystie Pitman and five grandchildren. Audrey D. Rumbel, RN, MS, CAP, wife of Dr. Richard Rumbel ’56, passed away on March 12, 2015. David R. Silberg passed away on June 4, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; sister, Carolyn Taranto; sons, Steven Silberg ’92 and Jed Silberg ’94; and two grandchildren. Marion Stortz passed away on September 28, 2015. She is survived by her daughter, MMI faculty member, Susan Moyer, her husband Robert and her granddaughter Sarah Moyer ’16. Elizabeth T. Tunnessen passed away on September 17, 2015. She is survived by her six children including Cynthia A. Gronski and her husband Mark; eleven grandchildren including Paul Gronski ’12 and six great grandchildren. Correction notice: In the last newsletter, the graduation year and acknowledgement of alumni status of Sandy Manfredi ’82 was omitted. Please note: Dr. William B. Urosevich ’72, passed away on May 6, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and children, Alexander and his wife Erica; Katherine Urosevich Williams and her husband, Matthew Williams, and grandson, John Keller Willaims. He is also survived by brother Thomas G. Urosevich and wife Lori; brother, MMI Board Director, Richard DiLiberto ’79 and wife Faith; sister Sandy Manfredi ’82 and husband Richard; and nieces and nephews including Ella Urosevich ’21. We apologize for the oversight.
Weddings Jessica Abrams ’95 married Ryan Horsey. The couple resides in Crisfield, MD.
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Faces in the Crowd
“Faces in the Crowd” is a feature of MMI Today that includes more information on MMI students and faculty members. Through these articles, newsletter readers will have the opportunity to learn more about members of the MMI family.
The Advanced Art class poses for a fun picture at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
MMI German language students celebrated German Week from October 5 to 8. This celebration recognizes the contributions of German Americans to the US in the arts, sciences, business, academia and government. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed Four MMI juniors were recently October 6 German American Day selected to participate in Junior to honor the date in 1683 when the Leadership Wilkes-Barre for first German settlers immigrated to the 2015-2016 school year. Ali the United States. World Language Aijaz, Jai-Jacob Hoover, Jessica MMI students celebrated German Week October 5-8. instructor Gabriela Moustardas helped Smith, and Jonathan Smith will students mark German Week with a variety of food, games all participate in the program. Junior Leadership Wilkesand history lessons. Barre is a leadership program for high school juniors which MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney had her second encourages and enables potential young leaders to develop book published this past summer. Infinite Spring is the second their leadership skills while increasing their awareness of the novel in her Winter in the Soul series. The book is available various elements that form their community. from Amazon in print and Kindle editions. MMI art instructor Lisa Ferry will have three of her The MMI seventh graders headed to Philadelphia on works shown in the Northeastern Biennial Twenty Fifteen October 6 to the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of exhibition. Her works will be displayed from October 17 Archaeology and Anthropology with Mrs. Katie Zucco, Mrs. to November 12 at the Artist for Art (AFA) Gallery, 514 Nancy Lotz, Ms. Stella Boosalis and Mr. Tim Garvey. Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton. Ferry’s three works “#3 The Effect – Human Trafficking Series,” “#4 As Young as The sixth grade students enjoyed a field trip on October 6 6 – Human Trafficking Series,” and “#5 Seven Year Life to Bloomsburg for the Young People’s Orchestra and learned Expectancy – Human Trafficking Series” were selected from about farm life at an apple orchard. nearly 600 pieces of artwork that were received for review. The Advanced Art class traveled to New York to spend a day at the Museum of Modern Art on September 22. They also enjoyed fare along the way at one of New Jersey’s famed roadside diners!
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Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors donated between June 15 and October 15
In memory of Richard Abrams ’60 Mr. Jacob R. Sherman ’60 In memory of Peter and Stella Amentler Dr. John Amentler ’67 and Mrs. Kristine Amentler
The McNulty Family Mr. and Mrs. Emmett P. Nestor Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mrs. Maureen Serra Mr. Joseph Valkusky ’79 and Mrs. Gwen Valkusky and sons
In memory of Anna Mae Bobby Dr. John Amentler ’67 and Mrs. Kristine Amentler
In memory of Pasquale Matrone Dr. Frank Matrone ’78 and Mrs. Aleth Matrone
In memory of Lambert E. Broad Mr. and Mrs. Doug Kushnerick Mrs. Mary E. Mertz
In memory of Brian Robert Nestor Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of John Chincola Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of John J. Gabuzda ’77 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Veronica Gach Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Albert P. Goedecke ’45 Dr. John Feussner ’64 and Mrs. Carol Blessing-Feussner Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny In memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84 Mr. Tomer and Atty. Tara E. Gutterman Esq. ’84 Atty. Rebecca L. Warren Esq. ’84 In memory of Walter D. Haentjens ’39 Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens In memory of Dr. Patricia Heamen Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Domenic Imbriaco The Hazleton High Class of 1943 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Penny Kaminski 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 Ms. Jessica M. Herness ’01 Mr. Dan Ravina In memory of John Kostick Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of George Lucas Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat The Dei Tos Family Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Drusda Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Fairway Motors, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David C. Haupt Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood
In memory of Michael Pcolinsky Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Kenneth Seliga Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Eileen Sency Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Lucille Sency Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Jean Shrosky Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of David R. Silberg Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Marion Stortz Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood The McNulty Family Mrs. Joanne Oakum and the Members of The Prepper Playhouse Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of David Sugarman ’60 Mr. Jacob R. Sherman ’60 In memory of those we have loved and lost The Class of 1980 In memory of Elizabeth T. Tunnessen Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Joseph A. Turri ’45 Mr. Robert Klotz ’58 and Mrs. Carol Klotz Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny In memory of Dr. William Urosevich ’72 Mr. Brian Bereznak ’79 and Mrs. Jessina Bereznak Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer In memory of Frank J. Vacante Mrs. Marie Feissner Perry Atty. Thomas Feissner ’81 and Mrs. Lisa Feissner Miss Alyssa Sweda Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Sweda
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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 2019!
Freshmen line up to march in the pajama parade, an annual tradition that is part of orientation and dates back to the 1950s.
Entrance Exam Testing Date Important Dates 2016-2017 Admissions – January 30, 2016 Applicants report to the MMI Main Office (Ridge Street entrance) by 8:45 a.m.
Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 16 Founder’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 25 Mid School Grandparents’ Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 1 Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 11 Mid Winter Social & Hazleton Mini-Reunion. . . . February 19