W
i nt e r
2 015
Looking back on Freeland’s history Freeland native and historical expert Charlotte Tancin is returning to her hometown to share her historical knowledge of the borough during a presentation that will be held at MMI Preparatory School on Centre Street in Freeland. The second in a series of historical presentations at MMI will be held March 12, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center and is free, open to the public and children of all ages are welcome. The presentation will focus on Freeland through three different aspects of historical significance: the town’s first layout and how it grew, the early businesses and industries that made it thrive, and the 13-plus churches that nurtured its people. “We will discuss some very interesting topics. My research has spanned several decades and I am very excited to come to MMI for a presentation on Freeland’s growth, businesses, churches in the town’s first 30-40 years, and finishing with a look at the 1906 Pearl Jubilee,” Tancin said.
Though Tancin now lives in Pittsburgh, she feels deeply rooted in her hometown. Tancin is a librarian at Hunt Institute of Carnegie Mellon University. In her spare time, Tancin maintains a Freeland history website (www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/ct0u/freeland.html) that began in the 1990s. Tancin’s passion for Freeland area history began in the 1980s while she was doing genealogical research on her family’s roots throughout the local area. She reached out to another local historian that had published information about Freeland, the late Charles Reczkowski. He gave her files that helped her begin this historical endeavor. There have been hundreds of individuals who have helped Tancin and her mission of sharing information about Freeland. People have provided her with images and information, much of which is on her website, though some remains unpublished as she Continued on page 3
MMI students performed at an “Anthracite Folklore” event in January. Photographs courtesy Mary T. Pagano published by The Freeland Progress, February 2015.
Freeland’s 1906 Pearl Jubilee, shown here, will be part of the March 12 presentation. (Photo courtesy Charlotte Tancin)
T
h e
N
e w s l e tt e r
o f
MMI
P
r e p a r a t o r y
S
c h o o l
From the Head of School Wow, is it cold in Freeland! Last winter was snowy. This winter is a cold one… really cold. It is easy to get the winter blues this time of year. Nonetheless, our students and faculty remain busy. Last week students were working on Science Olympiad, others were taking the ACT, and still others were practicing basketball in the gym for the district playoffs… and that was on a Saturday. MMI students are unbelievably busy. They have opportunities to participate in an incredible variety of activities; academic, athletic, extra-curricular and service-related. This extensive choice puts pressure on our students. The typical MMI student is driven and wants to excel at everything they do. However, they must balance preparing for an exam with practicing for a sporting event, prioritizing a research paper with practicing their lines for a Drama production, or practicing a musical instrument with tutoring a friend or loved one. Responsibility and accountability need to guide these young people through the myriad of requirements they must complete. Responsibility and accountability are key components of high character people. They must be practiced on a daily basis. It requires students to prepare their own assignments while effectively managing their time. They must be accountable when their actions don’t live up to our community standards. They acknowledge their mistakes and accept the consequences of their actions. When they do this, they are well prepared for their lives as adults when their employer or customer will not accept excuses for missed deadlines or shoddy work. There is no one class at MMI, or at most schools, to teach personal responsibility. This important life skill must be integrated across the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities. It includes requiring students’ timely arrival in class or at practice in the proper attire. Students can demonstrate responsibility when they coordinate ahead of time for a missed assignment. Every adult in the school must require this from their students. It can be one of the more challenging skills to instill. Enforcing responsibility can be perceived as lack of compassion. Our teachers walk this line very well. They model the behavior they expect. Each student is an individual and each situation is treated separately. As you read this, I encourage you to reflect upon your own experiences either within MMI or in life that have been built upon responsibility and accountability. If you would like to share a story or two I encourage you to email it to thood@mmiprep.org so we can continue to foster these important components in our students. Our students’ lives will only get busier as they grow into adulthood. Prioritization will become more difficult. The character foundation they built at MMI will serve them well as they juggle competing demands and feel overwhelmed, both in college and throughout their lives. The numerous opportunities at MMI not only expose our students to different vocations, it prepares them to create balance in their future lives. I hope you stay warm and that spring comes soon to wherever you are. All the best,
Thomas G. Hood Head of School
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
2
Thomas G. Hood – Head of School
William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D. – President Emeritus
570-636-1108 570-636-0742 (fax) mmi@mmiprep.org www.mmiprep.org Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus
Spring calendar of events announced Many exciting events are planned at MMI for the upcoming months. Here are a few of them: Head of School’s Donor Reception will be held Saturday, March 21, from 5-7 p.m. This special reception is by invitation only and precedes the MMI Prepper Playhouse’s performance of “The Music Man.”
The Philadelphia Alumni Mini-Reunion is happening April 23. Philly alumni are invited to join us at a get-together! Site and time are TBA.
The Wister Quartet will be performing at the school on Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The world-famous Wister Quartet visits MMI each spring and is sponsored by Dr. James W. Feussner ’65, to play in a concert that is open to the public.
Commencement will be held Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. All alumni are invited to return to MMI for our annual commencement exercises! Please RSVP to Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org if you plan to attend graduation for the Class of 2015!
Washington, D.C., Alumni Mini-Reunion will take place Thursday, March 26. Alumni and friends are invited to join us for a complimentary buffet dinner at Clyde’s of Gallery Place (707 7th Street NW) from 5:30-8 p.m. with current MMI students and faculty who will be in the area for a field trip!
The 7th Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament will tee off Friday, June 19 at 1 p.m. Save the date! Our annual golf outing will be held at the Valley Country Club and we hope you can grab a foursome and join us for a fun day!
The New York City Alumni Mini-Reunion is set for Thursday, April 9. NYC alumni are invited to join us at a get-together at the Houndstooth Pub (520 8th Avenue at 37th Street) from 5:30-8 p.m.
Homecoming 2015 will take place Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19. In 2015, we will celebrate reunions with the graduating classes ending in -5 or -0! Homecoming weekend includes the Head of School’s Reception, the Homecoming Picnic, and the Wall of Fame Induction Dinner.
Open House is being held Sunday, April 19 from 2-4 p.m. MMI’s annual Open House of student research and cooking projects is open for all alumni, friends, and parents to come and see!
Discover Freeland’s history at MMI (Continued from page 1)
hopes to create a book one day. Her main objectives are to continue providing captivating information and images about Freeland, perform research that uses that information to educate, and to share this knowledge base with others so that the history is preserved. This presentation is not the only one of its kind lately at MMI. “Anthracite Folklore” took place January 15 in the library and was also free and open to the public. It was a night of vivid storytelling commemorating the trials and tribulations of the lives of these brave men and boys through songs, poems, and narrative. Historians Karen Esak and Bryan Dunnigan of the Sophia G. Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center presented the event. Sophia Coxe was the philanthropic wife of Eckley B. Coxe, the school’s original founder. After his death in May 1895,
Mrs. Coxe took over control of MMI Preparatory School and became known as the “Angel of the Anthracite.” This occurred during the turn of the 20th century, a time of great change for MMI, from increased enrollments to new buildings and of course, the introduction of a college preparatory curriculum.
of life. Mrs. Coxe passed away in March 1926, but her generous spirit lives on through the hard work of the students, faculty members, and administrators who all contribute to MMI Preparatory School’s continued success.
Mrs. Coxe also helped subsidize tuition costs, opening the school’s doors to people from all walks
MMI students perform at the January 15 “Anthracite Folklore” presentation at MMI Preparatory School. Event photographs courtesy Mary T. Pagano published by The Freeland Progress, February 2015.
3
MMI senior chosen as National Merit finalist Claire Sheen, a senior at MMI Preparatory School, has been notified she is a finalist in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. Sheen, daughter of Kwangsup and Chaeyun Sheen of Mountaintop, is one of the academically talented high school seniors who have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered in the spring.
initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of finalists, representing less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. Three types of National Merit Scholarships will be offered in the spring of 2015. Every finalist will compete for one of 2,500 National Merit Scholarships. Each scholarship is worth $2,500.
About 1,000 corporate-sponsored Sheen is one of Merit Scholarship approximately 15,000 awards will be provided students named as a Claire Sheen by approximately 240 National Merit Finalist, corporations and business organizations stemming from the 1.5 million students for finalists who meet their specified who enter the scholarship program by criteria, such as children of the grantor’s taking the PSAT in their junior year employees or residents of communities of high school, which serves as an
where sponsor plants or offices are located. In addition, about 200 colleges and universities are expected to finance some 4,100 college-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who will attend the sponsor institution. These scholarship recipients will join more than 308,000 other distinguished young people who have earned the National Merit Scholar title. NMSC, a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 440 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring the nation’s scholastic champions and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence.
Kost earns Prudential Spirit of Community Award MMI Preparatory School sophomore Garrett Kost was chosen as this year’s MMI recipient of the Prudential Spirit of Community Award, a nationwide program that recognizes middle school and high school students for volunteer work in their communities. Kost is the son of Joseph and Natalie Kost of Freeland. He was chosen as MMI’s local honoree based upon his essay, his dedication to the cause for which he volunteered, and his passion for volunteering in his community. He will receive a certificate of achievement and his essay will advance to competition at the state level.
would have no clue about prior life that our ancestors had to struggle with to get to where we are now. Without volunteers, the historic site of Eckley would not be able to operate. Putting on clothes and acting seem like easy tasks, but they are not. It is much more than a costume, it is researched clothing that may also have to be reproduced. Everything I do and say to the public needs to be researched by me to make sure everything is as accurate as possible.
“Through volunteering, I learned a lot, not only about history, but also about myself and how much I am willing to do if I put my mind to it. I gained multiple skills such as public speaking, Kost is a volunteer working with wood to with Eckley Miners’ restore houses and sheds, Village, where he Garrett Kost and learned how to plant interprets history to multiple vegetables and visitors of Eckley’s events throughout the plants. The most memorable part of this year. At Eckley, Kost dresses in period was being awarded the volunteer of the miner’s clothing and demonstrates to year award when I went to Harrisburg visitors how miners lived and mined the and received a pin and certificate along coal that made their daily living. He and with my parents,” he wrote. his parents also cultivate a period-correct garden for Eckley’s visitors to see.
4
In his essay, Kost wrote, “Without showing visitors their local history, they
An independent judging organization names the top middle school and high school volunteer in each state and Washington, D.C. Results are
announced in early February, when 102 State Honorees and 234 Distinguished Finalists are named. Then, 10 national honorees (five high school students and five middle school students) are chosen by a panel of prominent public figures and announced at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. The program was created in 1995 by Prudential in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) to honor middle school and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state, and national level. The program’s goals are to applaud young people who already are making a positive difference in their towns and neighborhoods, and to inspire others to think about how they might contribute to their communities. Over the past 19 years, more than 370,000 young Americans have participated in the program, and more than 100,000 of them have been officially recognized for their volunteer efforts.
Congressman Barletta visits MMI Congressman Lou Barletta visited MMI in October, speaking to an assembly of eighth- to 12th-grade students. He discussed a variety of topics, including his plan to run government like a business to save money. Students were able to submit questions that the congressman answered, sharing his views and information on immigration, law
Congressman Lou Barletta
enforcement, unemployment, the economy, local development projects, and more. “The students at MMI are quite impressive. After I spoke to them briefly, they were full of insightful and challenging questions. If these young people are any indication, the future of Pennsylvania is in good hands,� Barletta said.
Mid school dance held February 7
5
Mathematics and Science National Honor Societies
MMI Preparatory School students were inducted into the school’s chapter of the Mathematics National Honor Society. Inductees include, front row, from left: Jonathan Stish, Victoria Kline, Sarah Moyer, and Brendan Drusda. Second row: Andrew Alday, Jay Solgama, Nicolas Vilov, and Luke Yamulla. Third row: Head of School Thomas Hood, speaker Richard Kresge Jr., Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, and faculty member Gerard Pierotti.
MMI Preparatory School students were inducted into the school’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society. Inductees include, front row, from left: Alyssa Famalette, Lindsey Walko, Victoria Kline, Sarah Moyer, and Mikayla Dove. Second row: Edward Herbener, Andrew Alday, Jay Solgama, Nicolas Vilov, Brendan Drusda, and Terrence Jankouskas. Third row: Head of School Thomas Hood, Nash Wenner, William Bower, speaker Richard Kresge Jr., faculty member Michael Mele, and Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel.
MMI Mock Trial competitors win Four students from the MMI Preparatory School Mock Trial team won individual awards and trophies in the Monroe County Invitational Mock Trial Tournament held recently. These students are Garret Kost, Emily Morrison, Emily Seratch, and Claire Sheen. For more than 20 years, the Monroe County Bar Association has sponsored a Mock Trial Invitational in which local high schools are invited to participate. Attorneys volunteer to work with a group of students, and along with their teacher advisers, help prepare students for the competition. The local competition prepares participants for the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Statewide Mock Trial Competition in February and March.
6
The tournament was held at Notre Dame High School in East Stroudsburg. The trial this year was for a fictional criminal case entitled “The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Cecil Pansey.” Cecil, AKA C-Roc, was a rap artist who attended the Pocono Jazz Festival and after being confronted by the paparazzi, attacked one of them resulting in serious injuries to the photographer. The rapper claimed selfdefense because the photographer, Alex Bishop was so close to C-Roc’s children that he and his wife thought they were in danger.
Four students from MMI Preparatory School Mock Trial team won individual awards and trophies in the Monroe County Invitational Mock Trial Tournament. From left: Garrett Kost, Emily Morrison, Emily Seratch, Claire Sheen, and adviser Dennis Clarke.
Members of the mock trial teams played the roles of witnesses or attorneys for each trial. All witnesses had to undergo a direct examination from their own attorney and a cross examination from the opposing lawyer. Finally, each attorney had to complete two parts, such as opening statement, direct examination, cross examination, or closing argument. Each team had to present the defense and commonwealth
sides of the case to a jury made up of practicing attorneys. The MMI Mock Trial adviser is Dennis Clarke. The team’s legal adviser is Attorney Emeline Deiner. The team will continue to practice in preparation for the annual Pennsylvania Bar Association Statewide Mock Trial that will be held at the Federal Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre.
MMI students win in FBLA competition Students from the MMI Preparatory School Chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at the Region 16 Leadership Conference held at the Woodlands Resort in Wilkes-Barre in December. Of the 59 students who competed, nearly half received special honors for their performance in various business-related competitive events.
Several student members of the MMI Chapter of Future Business Leaders of America placed in the top five in the Pennsylvania
The following MMI Regional Leadership Conference and will now continue competing at the state level. The students and their advisers include: front row, from left: Jonathan Smith, Jessica Smith, Soprina Guarneri, Kelsy Donaldson, Caelyn McGran, Aine Durako, Emily students placed in the Seratch, Sydney Karpowich, Chava Kornblatt, and Adviser Katie Zucco. Middle row, from left, Kevin Cibak, Lacee Gera, Joey top five at the regional Kress, Olivia Minzola, Allison McGeehan, Nicholas Young, John Malay, James Lambert, Abigail Paul, and Talia Logerfo. Back conference: Emily Seratch row, from left, Katie Eschenbach, Douglas Genetti, Keenan Overa, Joshua Narrow, Michael Eisenhart, William Bower, Syed placed 1st in Client Service; Yousef Qadri, Mark Lobitz, Michael Badamo, George Palermo, Joseph Synoski, and Keegan Farrell. Allison McGeehan placed 1st in Introduction to Procedure; Michael Eisenhart placed 3rd Kornblatt, Katie Eschenbach, Douglas Business Communication; in Computer Problem Solving; Olivia Genetti, Keenan Overa, William Bower, Nicholas Young placed 1st in Business Minzola placed 3rd in Introduction Kisan Patel, Kelsy Donaldson, Soprina Math; Chava Kornblatt placed 1st in to Business Communication; Joshua Guarneri, Keegan Farrell, Joseph Synoski, Intro to Parliamentary Procedure; Katie Narrow, Lacee Gera, and Joey Kress Mark Lobitz, George Palermo, John Eschenbach, Doug Genetti, and Keenan placed 3rd in Network Design; Kevin Malay, James Lambert, Michael Badamo, Overa placed 1st in Global Business; Cibak placed 5th in Cyber Security; Talia Michael Eisenhart, Olivia Minzola, and William Bower placed 2nd in Personal Logerfo and Abigail Paul placed 5th in Kevin Cibak. Finance; Kisan Patel placed 2nd in Banking and Financial Systems; and Aine Syed Yousef Qadri, Jessica Smith, and FBLA Principles and Procedures; Sydney Durako and Caelyn McGran placed 5th Jonathan Smith – who placed in the Karpovich placed 2nd in Public Speaking in Management Decision Making. Top 10 throughout the state in a special I; Kelsy Donaldson and Soprina Guarneri Furthermore, 24 MMI students team event – will also represent MMI at placed 2nd in Marketing; Keegan qualified to compete at the Pennsylvania the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Farrell and Joseph Synoski placed 2nd FBLA State Leadership Conference to be Conference. in Management Information Systems; held in Hershey later this spring. These Mark Lobitz, George Palermo, John Nearly 40 percent of the MMI upper students are Emily Seratch, Allison Malay, James Lambert, and Michael school student population is involved McGeehan, Nicholas Young, Chava Badamo placed 2nd in Parliamentary in the FBLA club. Katherine Zucco and
Harvest Dance royalty
Tina Lizbinski are the advisers to MMI’s chapter of the FBLA.
Poetry Out Loud Seniors Emily Bogansky and Benjamin Gittleman, seated center, were crowned queen and king of MMI Preparatory School’s 2014 Harvest Dance by PFO representative Theresa Zellner and MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood. Members of the court were Alexzandriea van Hoekelen, seated left; Soprina Guarneri, seated right; Jared Dasher, standing left; and Michael Eisenhart, standing right. The theme for this year’s dance was “Night Under the Stars.”
Senior Chiara DeMelfi, daughter of Daniel and Esme DeMelfi, Hazleton, competed in the “Poetry Out Loud” Regional Competition. The competition was held at the WVIA studios in Pittston on February 17 and will be televised in April. From left are Poetry Out Loud adviser Jennifer Novotney, winner Chiara DeMelfi, and adviser Nancy Lotz.
7
Organizations donate to MMI through EITC MMI recently received contributions from English Riding Supply, Inc. and the United Way of Wyoming Valley through the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. The contributions to MMI will help to fund scholarships for students. English Riding Supply made a $50,000 contribution for need-based scholarships, and the United Way of Wyoming Valley contributed $40,000 to support MMI students who reside in the Wyoming Valley. MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said, “The contributions from English Riding Supply and the United Way of Wyoming Valley are greatly appreciated by the entire MMI family, particularly the students who will directly benefit by receiving financial aid from the EITC program. On behalf of those students and their families, I would like to express our gratitude to these supporters.” English Riding Supply Vice President John Logerfo said, “Our company is pleased, once again, to assist MMI Preparatory School and its students and families as we support the region through programs such as EITC.” English Riding Supply has traditionally made an annual contribution to MMI. Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 MPA, Vice President of Resource Development for the United Way of Wyoming Valley said, “We are delighted to have the
At left, Talia Logerfo, daughter of English Riding Supply, Inc. Vice President John Logerfo, is pictured with MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood. At right, Hood accepts a donation from Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 MPA, vice president of resource development at the United Way of Wyoming Valley.
opportunity to participate in the EITC program and help provide scholarship assistance to many deserving students at MMI from the Wyoming Valley.” English Riding Supply, located in Scranton, is the premiere wholesale distributor to the English equestrian industry in North America. The United Way of Wyoming Valley brings people together from all across the community to tackle imperative issues and produce positive results. This past year, more than 20 local organizations participated in United Way’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) program raising more than $400,000. As an approved scholarship organization, MMI is able to receive
Donate to MMI and earn tax credits! Did you know the company you own or work for can allocate its Pennsylvania tax dollars to MMI’s Scholarship Programs and receive a 90 percent tax credit? To date, MMI students have received more than $2,690,000 in
contributions through the EITC program. Businesses that donate to MMI are eligible to receive tax credits amounting to 75 percent of their charitable contribution for a one-year committment. The tax credit increases to 90 percent if the company commits to making the same donations for two consecutive years. A business paying taxes in Pennsylvania can receive up to $400,000 in tax credits annually. Donations of any amount are eligible for the tax credit. For more information about the Education Improvement Tax Credit program, contact MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty at 570-6361108 or kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.
scholarship support thanks to the contributions of many area companies. In fact, this year, MMI awarded nearly $384,000 in scholarships to our current students through those funds. A business’ gift of $10,000 to an MMI scholarship earns a $9,000 tax credit that can be applied to Pennsylvania state taxes. Tax credits for 2015 are available now for any interested business. To take advantage of this opportunity, please contact MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty at 570-636-1108 or kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.
Annual piñata contest winners announced
8
One of the highlights for students in Señor Dennis Clarke’s Spanish 2 class is the annual piñata contest where students spend several weeks designing, building, and decorating their entries. Sophomore Dana Carrato, daughter of Anthony and Carmine Carrato, Hazleton, won first place for her piñata, “The Coca-Cola can.” Sophomore Jonathan Smith, son of Jonathan and Beatrice Smith, White Haven, won second place for his piñata, “Bowser.” Sophomore Gabriella DeMelfi, daughter of Daniel and Esme DeMelfi, Hazleton, won third place for her piñata of “Tardis” from Doctor Who. In photo are, from left, Clarke, Carrato, Smith, and DeMelfi.
MMI receives grant for science equipment MMI Preparatory School has received a grant that will be used to help purchase new equipment for the school’s science department. MMI was nominated for the $1,000 ExxonMobil Educational Alliance grant by Liberty Petroleum Distributors of New Milford. The grant funds, specifically designated for math or science, were used to purchase a digital incubator. Laboratory incubators are used to grow and maintain cell cultures for microbiological study. Microbiological incubators work like temperature-controlled ovens and are primarily used for growing and storing bacterial cultures. Most incubator units are water-jacketed, air-jacketed, or use direct heat to maintain the temperature around the culture chamber.
Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, Biology Instructor Michael Mele, Liberty
ExxonMobil’s Educational Alliance Program has awarded Petroleum Vice President V.K. Singh ’01, MMI senior Benjamin Gittleman, senior $2 million in grants this year to schools to help enhance Allesandra Ortiz and senior William Spear. math and science education across the United States. Liberty Petroleum Distributors supported 14 schools throughout MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said, “We are grateful, northeastern Pennsylvania with $7,500 from Educational Alliance once again, for the support we are receiving from Liberty funds. For more than eight years, Educational Alliance grants from Petroleum Distributors. These funds will allow us to purchase Liberty Petroleum Distributors and ExxonMobil have benefited equipment that will enhance students’ learning at MMI.” students in northeastern Pennsylvania. Liberty Petroleum, a well established and rapidly growing Gerald Danniel, vice president of operations at Liberty Petroleum Distributors, said, “ExxonMobil, in partnership with Liberty Petroleum Distributors, has a long history of supporting educational programs. We believe it is fundamentally important to encourage the next generation to pursue studies and careers in fields involving math and science.”
company, owns and operates 24 travel plazas, gas stations, and quick service restaurants throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. The company also provides wholesale distribution of ExxonMobil and Sunoco petroleum products to transportation companies, travel plazas and gas stations. To learn more, visit www.liberty-petroleum.com.
MMI mid school grandparents welcomed to campus Mid-School Grandparents and Grandfriends Day was held on December 2 and MMI welcomed 108 visitors to the school that day. Unfortunately, there was also a bout of snow, causing the school to close early. Our Grandparents and Grandfriends still got to enjoy lunch with their favorite Prepper before braving the snow-covered roads!
9
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. shaping my character, but Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf for inspiring me to gently Cluster. “The National Salute of Veteran shape the character of my Patients program is a wonderful tribute pre-teen students through to almost 100,000 veterans who are cared support, optimism, and for at VA facilities around the country,” encouragement.” Hood said. “The program is designed to both pay tribute and show appreciation Senior Emily to our veterans and increase community Bogansky was named awareness of the roles of the VA medical honorable mention in center, while encouraging citizens to visit the Wyoming Valley hospitalized veterans and to volunteer.” Conference and selected to
Freshman James Lambert went on a Boy Scout High Adventure trip where he climbed the Hunt Trail. Hunt Trail is the last stretch of the Appalachian Trail in Maine to reach the top of Mt. Katahdin which has an elevation of 4,188 ft. After the hike, he also completed a 65-mile canoe trip along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, where he came within 16 feet of a moose. Freshman Angelica Alday is one of a handful of students in the state selected for the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic’s Mentoring Program. She is working to prepare for a May performance with the philharmonic where she will play Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture for the first time. Angelica’s mentor is Yuki Handa, who performs with the philharmonic and is a violinist for the American Symphony Orchestra and New York Grand Opera.
10
play in the senior all-star game in girls’ volleyball this past fall. Sophomore Anirban Chowdhury placed second at the NEPA Brain Bee competition at the University of Scranton on February 7.
Faculty member Lisa Ferry has served as a Teen Reading Lounge facilitator at two libraries in Northeast Pennsylvania and has also been a speaker for Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) in Northeastern and Western Pennsylvania. Recently, Mrs. Ferry joined a PHC seminar to talk about her experience with the Teen Reading Lounge and using the humanities to engage youth. In soccer action this fall, senior James Gabrielle was selected to play in the senior all-star game representing MMI.
Faculty member Madison Below was one of 13 area residents whose essays The MMI Golf Team won the division on “What My Family Taught Me About title and senior Sam Harman was an Character” took honors in a contest individual district qualifier, a Pre-District sponsored by Family Service Association Medalist, and was a First Team Wyoming of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Valley Conference All-Star selection. Generation 2 Head Generation and of School The Times Leader. Thomas G. Mrs. Below took Hood was the first place in the keynote speaker adult category on February and wrote, 8 at the “I strive to be Department of a role model Veterans Affairs of enviable Medical Center character for my in Plains. impressionable Hood retired students. I from the Army push them to The Upper School Drama Club after 22 years do their best, presented “Harvey, A Comedy in Three Acts” in service whatever grade by Mary Chase on December 12-13. The and holds they may earn or Prepper Playhouse performance of “The numerous place they may Music Man” will be held on March 20-21 at awards, rank. I have my 7:00 pm. including the parents to thank Bronze Star and not only for
MMI sophomores Allison McGeehan and Dillon Merenich were selected to represent MMI at the Regional Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership Conference at Shippensburg University from May 14-17. HOBY’s seminars focus on the theme “Empower. Lead. Excel.” while encouraging young leaders toward responsible citizenship, including community service and volunteerism.
Eighth grader Alexander Sessock, middle, won the mid-school Geography Bee competition. Sixth grader Charles Dick was the runner up. The two are pictured with faculty member Ms. Grete DeAngelo ’92 who oversees the annual contest at MMI. Faculty member Jennifer Novotney’s first novel, Winter in the Soul, won a bronze 2014 Moonbeam Children’s Book Award in the young adult category. The contest judges the work of authors, illustrators, and publishers of children’s books distributed in North America. Winter in the Soul, published this summer by Anaiah Press, is a young adult fantasy novel. Senior Emily Seratch earned the Best of the Best title for the fall with her assembly presentation on the history of the Titanic on December 5. Other Best of the Best finalists included sophomore Dana Carrato, eighth grader Andrew Decker, senior Hayden Francis, eighth grader Alexander Kline, senior Claire Sheen and eighth grader Alyssa Sweda.
MMI appoints new director of admissions and marketing Marcianna (Marci) Hosier was recently appointed to the position of Director of Admissions and Marketing at MMI Preparatory School. Hosier is a native of Northeastern Pennsylvania and has spent time working in media, higher education, Marci Hosier and non-profit institutions. After living in Arizona, Oregon, and New York, Hosier returned to the area
in 2009. Prior to joining MMI, she was responsible for marketing and served on the enrollment management team for a private, career-focused, liberal arts college with campus locations in upstate New York, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia. “Marci brings years of admissions and marketing experience to MMI and will play an important role in guiding our message for the future. She also possesses the personality needed to work with our families during the admissions process,” said Head of School Thomas G. Hood. Over her career, Hosier has served on many non-profit boards and worked with numerous government, education,
and civic organizations. Her experience is extensive in the admissions process, marketing at the strategic and execution level, public relations, corporate communication, and brand development. She is a member of the American Marketing Association. Hosier holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Mass Communication from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and attended the University of Phoenix at the main campus in Phoenix, AZ, where she earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Management. She currently resides in West Pittston with her husband and two children.
56 guests attend the 2015 MMI Mid-Winter Social The Mid-Winter Social was held at the Valley Country Club on February 27 from 6-9 p.m. It was a fun evening with 56 guests in attendance including current parents, past parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends. Thanks to all who braved the cold to come out and join us!
Five students qualify for district orchestra and band
Food collection benefits elderly and homebound
Students from MMI Preparatory School have been chosen to perform at Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 9 orchestra and band festivals. At front, from left, are Claire Sheen and Angelica Alday. At back are Aaron Harman, Soprina Guarneri, Anirban Chowdhury, and music instructor Christine Lizbinski.
MMI’s Student Council held a Thanksgiving food drive to collect canned goods and raise monetary donations for Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Parish in Freeland. The church’s volunteer group prepared and delivered a full Thanksgiving menu to elderly and homebound residents in the Greater Freeland community. Student Council raised $500, in addition to the canned goods, toward this local effort. Photographed are Mr. George Bereznak, Student Council Secretary senior Medina Saeed, Student Council Vice President senior Cory Rogers, Student Council President senior Jesse Plaksa, Student Council Representative junior Lindsey Walko, Student Council Treasurer junior Andrew Alday, and Student Council Representative junior Desiree Dinko.
11
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Dr. Christine Cabell ’89 was recently elected to serve as Board of Directors President of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery for 2015. Dr. Cabell serves as the director of dermatology surgery at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. She is fellowship trained to treat skin cancer with Mohs micrographic surgery. Additionally, Dr. Dr. Christine Cabell Cabell practices cosmetic dermatology at both GWV and Geisinger Center for Aesthetics and Cosmetic Surgery in Danville. Dr. Cabell earned her medical degree and completed her internship and dermatology residency training at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine. She then completed a fellowship studying Mohs surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Anthony Cusat ’92 is a Senior Landscape Architect at McHale Landscape Design, Inc., in McLean, VA. Recently, Cusat was featured in American Nurseryman magazine after leading a team through a $4.5 million installation on a new estate in Vienna, VA. The project featured an oversized pool, three-story pool house, travertine pool deck, kitchen, loggia, and green roof. Gabrielle Dei Tos ’08 completed the NYC Marathon on November 2 which covers all five boroughs of New York and has been classified as the world’s largest marathon. Dei Tos completed the race in 3 hours and 22 minutes, placing 2828th out of 50,000 runners and was the 341st female to finish overall. She also secured a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, which she is looking to run in April of 2016. “Finishing in Central Park filled my heart and soul with energy and reminded me of my Gabrielle Dei Tos passion for running and how far along I have come as runner since my days at MMI,” she stated. Dei Tos ran during all four years of college at Philadelphia University (Division II), where her team won four CACC titles. She was recognized as an All-Conference selection four times and served as the team captain for two years.
Alex Rachubinski ’03 came back to MMI on November 6 as a guest speaker in College Counseling to share information about Temple University with our Upper School students!
Officer William Feissner ’88 of the Butler Township Police Department was a guest speaker in Mr. T.R. Laputka’s eighth grade Digital Citizenship class on November 4, sharing a lesson about police technology.
Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 is currently working as the Vice President of Resource Development at the United Way of Wyoming Valley. She is charged with managing the annual campaign, major gifts and planned giving. She also is a member of the Board of Directors at Marley’s Mission, which is a non-profit organization that provides equine-based therapy free of charge to children, and their families, who have experienced trauma. Atty. Stephen Palubinsky ’07 was admitted to practice law in Pennsylvania this past fall. He is a graduate of Duquesne University’s School of Law. Dan Roda ’01 was recently named one of 2014’s Best Lawyers in Little Rock, AR. Jed Silberg ’94 works as the Deputy Director, Midwest Region at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. He resides in Chicago with his wife, Sharon.
12
Atty. Rebecca Warren ’84, the District Attorney of Montour County since 2011, has announced her candidacy for a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. There will be three open seats in the Court and the vacancies will be filled in the November 2015 election.
David Lopez ’09, currently serving as Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, enjoyed a visit from faculty members Mrs. Kathryn Green and Mrs. Donna Titus while they were in Washington, D.C., this fall for the National Council of Teachers of English Convention.
Milestones Events in the lives of the MMI family Weddings Benjamin Abrams ’96 married Patricia Hildenbrand on October 10. The couple resides in Salisbury, MD.
Births MMI Faculty member Madison Below and her husband, Shaun, welcomed their first child, a daughter named Wynne Louise on February 19.
Frank Kost passed away on December 30, 2014. He is survived by sons, Frank A. Kost and wife, Kathleen; Alan J. Kost and wife, Judy; a daughter, Ann L. Dremock and husband, Michael; eight grandchildren including Frank J. Kost ’02, Kevin P. Kost ’04 and wife, Andrea, Sean A. Kost ’09, Megan E. Kost ’12 and many nieces and nephews. Robert Lukas ’68 passed away on August 4, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Terrie-Jo; his mother Lillian; his sister Susan Krupenevich and his brother-in-law, Gordon W. Fouche (Bobbi Jean).
Michael Cusat ’99 and his wife, Courtney, welcomed a son named Ryan James on December 16. The family currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. Grandparents are faculty member Anthony Cusat and his wife, Elaine.
Michael Plaksa Jr. passed away on January 27, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Anna; children, Michael Plaksa and his wife, Susan; Joseph Plaksa and his wife, Rachel; Anna McDermott and her husband, James; Edward Plaksa; Maryann Laputka and her husband, James; and 11 grandchildren including Jesse Plaksa ’15.
Maura Kurtz Hodge ’00 and her husband, Matt, welcomed a daughter named Madeline Grace on September 9. Madeline joins her two-year-old brother, Elijah. The family currently resides in Brighton, MA.
Elizabeth A. Polashenski passed away on January 10, 2015. She is survived by her children, Robert Polashenski and his wife, Kathy; Barbara Polashenski-Keck and husband, Dale; and David Polashenski, three grandchildren including Lois Polashenski ’17.
MMI faculty member Todd Ronco and his wife, Amanda, welcomed Zosia Angeline on December 2. She joins big brother Caleb who is three.
Zachary John Richards passed away on September 11, 2014. He is survived by his mother and stepfather; Bridget and Frank DeFalco; his father and stepmother; John G. and Leslie Richards; his brother Justin Paul Richards ’04; sisters, Amanda Richards, Shana Kunkle and daughter Ava Jane Richards.
MMI Athletic Director Jason Tribbet, and his fiancée, Jenna Gupko, welcomed their first child, a son named Noah James on December 27.
Deaths Francis X. Bereznak passed away on October 13, 2014. Surviving are his sons, James Bereznak ’78 and his wife, Dana; and Brian Bereznak ’79 and his wife, Jessina; brothers, George; Joseph; Andrew and his wife, Carol; and Edward and his wife, Alice.; grandchildren, Caroline, Elizabeth, Sasha and Zachary; and several nieces and nephews. John L. Bigelow Sr. passed away on February 13, 2015. He was predeceased in 1997 by his wife, Joan Harrington Bigelow, and is survived by their four children, Deborah Harrington Bigelow and her husband, David Hildebrand, John L. Bigelow Jr. ’70, Lynn K. Bigelow ’80 and his wife, Dr. Karen Bigelow ’79, and Gordon L. Bigelow, Esq. ’81, and four grandchildren. Anna Cheesman passed away on August 11, 2014. She is survived by her sons John G. Younker ’61 and wife Barbara; Rolland T, Cheesman and wife Dietra; and Mark Cheesman and wife JoAnn. She has numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John Joseph Coyle, M.D. passed away on October 13, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Ann Woodfall Coyle, an MMI Honorary Board member, past MMI Board member and tennis coach; daughter, Kathleen M., M.D..; sons, Attorney John P. Coyle ’87 and wife, Julie; Kevin J. Coyle ’87 and wife, Wendy; and Dr. Brian W .Coyle ’94, and wife, Mackenzie; and grandchildren, Connor, Ian, Megan, Aidan, Finn and Katie. David G. Kanuck ’64 passed away on December 10, 2014. He is survived by his daughters, Tina (AJ) Woldt and Heather (Brad) Will; grandchildren, Brianna, Evan, Kaeden, Sophia, and Collin; brother John “Jackie” (Delores) Kanuck and sister Janet (Fred) Stebinsky. Joo Won Kim passed away on October 9, 2014. He is survived by his four daughters, Soyun Oh; Kyung Yun Won, Chae ’Kim’ Yun Sheen and Sun Yun Park and son, Yong C. Kim; twelve grandchildren including Justin Sheen ’13 and Claire Sheen ’15 and two great-grandchildren. Lillian C. Kornblatt passed away on February 13, 2015. In addition to her husband, Marshall, she is survived by her son, Joseph, his wife, Georgia and their children, Chava Kornblatt ’18 and Shlomo; her sister, Diane Jenkins; and her brother, Ralph Coury.
Bernadette Mary Senape passed away on December 3, 2014. She is survived by her husband, James V. Senape Jr.; daughter Tara Mia Senape ’89; son James V. Senape III ’91 and wife Kim; son Michael B. Senape ’92 and wife Kim. She is also survived by six grandchildren including Allison B. Warner-Senape ’16. Mary “Mayme” Senape passed away on January 18, 2015. She is survived by her two sons, James V. Senape, Jr. and Alfred L. Senape ’63 and his wife Marilyn. Mayme is also survived by her grandchildren: Alexandra C. Vader, and husband, Ted; Tara Mia Senape ’89; Andrea B. Putnam and husband, Ben; James V. Senape III ’91 and wife, Kim; Michael B. Senape ’92 and wife, Kim; Alison M. Corradini and husband Danny and by her 13 great-children including Allison B. Warner-Senape ’16 and Benjamin Putnam ’20. Margaret Seratch passed away on January 14, 2015. Surviving are five sons, Richard Morro Sr.; Robert Morro and his wife, Susan; Patrick Morro; Frank A. Seratch III and his wife, Sarah; and Alan Seratch; nine grandchildren, including Emily Seratch ’15, and nine great-grandchildren. Kimberly Ann Sidari passed away on September 28, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Larry; her four children, Amanda Sidari ’03; Cassandra Sidari; Chelsea Sidari Cabell and Lawrence Sidari Jr.; and her grandson, Julian Cabell. Joseph S. Tichy Sr. passed away on October 4, 2014. He is survived by his children, JoAnn King and husband Patrick; Patricia Welsh; Joseph Tichy Jr. and partner Madeline Holmes; Maryann Sisock and husband Paul; Stephen Tichy and wife Tracy; and Robert Tichy and wife, Lina. He is also survived by several grandchildren including Charles Bower ’16. Charlie Weaver Jr.,’70 passed away on October 27, 2014. He is survived by his wife Sheila; daughter Sarah Weaver; son Charlie Weaver III; his parents, Charles and Janet Weaver and sister, Cindy Weaver. Arthur (Art) Whitaker ’49 passed away on January 2, 2015. He is survived by his sons, A.J. Whitaker and Alan Whitaker ’83 and his wife, Lisa and grandsons, Alec and Jace Whitaker.
13
Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between Sept. 20, 2014 and Feb. 20, 2015
In memory of Beatrice Abrams Ms. Roxanne Abrams
Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ’79 Mrs. Sheila Gallagher Weaver ’79
In memory of Edward C. Abrams ’62 Mr. Benjamin Abrams ’96 and Ms. Patricia Abrams
In memory of Jean Christie Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers ’41
In memory of Richard C. Abrams ’60 Ms. Roxanne Abrams In memory of Simon Abrams ’30 Ms. Roxanne Abrams In memory of Ann Ammon Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Donald J. Arbaugh Mr. Frank Kislan ’74 and Mrs. Wendy Kislan In memory of Darryl Arnold Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Gemma and Andrew Arnoldi Mr. Andrew Arnoldi ’63 and Mrs. Judith Arnoldi In memory of Mary A. Beazzo Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of Gerald Cohn Atty. and Mrs. Bart E. Ecker In memory of Brinton Coxe Mrs. Brinton Coxe In memory of Dr. John J. Coyle Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Atty. and Mrs. Bart E. Ecker Mr. and Mrs. William J. Flood Dr. and Mrs. Paul Gutterman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Emil Kasarda Dr. William Koenig ’78 and Mrs. Laura Koenig Dr. and Mrs. Johann A. Koenig MD Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Edward Leon Deal ’42 Ms. Anne J. Frey
In memory of Stephen Gimmer Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Coleman Mr. and Mrs. Fred Cooper Miss Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Olian Ms. Taylor E. Olian ’10 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer In memory of Zygmunt Goralski Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. William M. Loftus ’62 and Mrs. Crystal J. Loftus Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas In memory of Atty. Morton J. Gordon ’52 Mrs. Marilyn Gordon
In honor of Kaitlyn Bellizia ’19 Ms. Helen Bellizia
In memory of Walter Dias Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of Joseph Beltrami Sr. Mr. John Beltrami Atty. and Mrs. Bart E. Ecker
In memory of August DiSpirito ’38 Mr. Pasquale DiSpirito ’44 and Mrs. Jean DiSpirito
In memory of Francis X. Bereznak Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. Dan Ravina
In memory of Vincent DiSpirito ’42 Mr. Pasquale DiSpirito ’44 and Mrs. Jean DiSpirito
In memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Brian Ayers and Mrs. Cynthia Ayers ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84 Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Mr. Barton Hanline and Mrs. Lisa Hanline ’84 Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas Mr. Keith Novatnak and Mrs. Alice Novatnak ’84 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. Mike Shastay and Mrs. Ann Shastay ’84 Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus
In memory of Joseph Dodd o Mr. and Mrs. Michael Scarlato Mr. and Mrs. Cy Ulichny
In memory of Mary C. Gregory Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of Llewellyn Dryfoos Jr. Raytheon Company Mr. Joseph Visintainer ’82 and Ms. Suzy Fulton
In memory of Peter D. Gross Mr. Nicholas Ague and Mrs. Dorothy Ague ’94
In memory of Lee D. Belles Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In memory of Les Blouin Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers In memory of Louise Boyle Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Moore In memory of Thomas F. Braddock Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Joseph Bray ’32 Mrs. Virginia C. Jensen In memory of William Bray ’29 Mrs. Virginia C. Jensen In memory of Kim Byriel Ms. Julia Byriel In memory of Thomas F. Cadwalader Jr. Atty. J. Stoddard Hayes & Atty. Sophia Hayes In memory of Nicholas Calello ’48 Mr. Lester Calello Sr.
14
In memory of Brandon Cochran Mr. Gregory C. Scarlato
Mr. William Spear ’79 and Mrs. Marylynne Spear Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79 Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ’79 Mrs. Sheila Gallagher Weaver ’79
In memory of Kristin Woelfel Cann ’79 Mr. Lynn Bigelow ’80 and Dr. Karen Bigelow ’79 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Ms. Carla K. Colangelo ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. Calvin Pardee ’79 and Mrs. Linda Bean Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. William Spear ’79 and Mrs. Marylynne Spear Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79
In memory of Thomas Denar Ms. Anna Marie Bridges
In memory of Michael Gallagher ’79 Mr. Lynn Bigelow ’80 and Dr. Karen Bigelow ’79 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Ms. Carla K. Colangelo ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Atty. Richard DiLiberto Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. Calvin Pardee ’79 and Mrs. Linda Bean Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. William Spear ’79 and Mrs. Marylynne Spear Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79 Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ’79 Mrs. Sheila Gallagher Weaver ’79 In memory of Gary Gatski ’79 Mr. Lynn Bigelow ’80 and Dr. Karen Bigelow ’79 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Ms. Carla K. Colangelo ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. Calvin Pardee ’79 and Mrs. Linda Bean Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
In memory of Walter D. Haentjens ’39 Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens Mrs. Margaret Stone In memory of Catherine Hoch Mr. Jason Cabe and Mrs. Melissa Cabe ’96 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 William H. Jones Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of David G. Kanuck ’64 Mr. John Hollis ’64 and Mrs. Carol Hollis In memory of Thomas J. Kellagher Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers In memory of Albert T. Kislan 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 Cheryl Kleckner Ms. Louise DeNoia Mr. and Mrs. Michael Scarlato
Additional memorials In memory of Betty Kostick Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Frank Kost Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Joan Kotch Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Joseph E. Lehman Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of John V. Lukac ’64 Mr. and Mrs. Emmett P. Nestor In memory of Alvan Lynn ’55 Mrs. Patricia J. Lynn Mrs. Cynthia L. Noren In memory of Carl Lynn ’58 Mr. Joseph Banyas ’59 and Mrs. Theresa Banyas In memory of Joseph Malchitsky Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Michael A. Martine Senape & Associates In memory of Alexander M. Mason Ms. Sandy Klein In memory of Jules Mason ’32 Roman-Mason Foundation In memory of Thomas Merrick ’51 Mr. Edward R. Merrick ’54 In memory of George Miglas ’37 Mr. and Mrs. Michael Merenich In memory of Mary Minzola Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Thomas Mischissin Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Margaret B. Nagy Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Martin J. O’Donnell ’37 Mrs. Agnes O’Donnell In memory of John C. Opilla ’62 Mr. Benjamin Abrams ’96 and Ms. Patricia Abrams In memory of Michael Plaksa Jr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Elizabeth Polashenski Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Charles Reczkowski Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Thomas In memory of Robert Resuta Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Dr. Paul Roda Miss Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 In memory of Nancy Thomas Roman ’79 Mr. Lynn Bigelow ’80 and Dr. Karen Bigelow ’79 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Ms. Carla K. Colangelo ’79 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat
(Continued from page 14)
Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. Calvin Pardee ’79 and Mrs. Linda Bean Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. William Spear ’79 and Mrs. Marylynne Spear Mr. and Mrs. Albert Titus Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79 Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ’79 Mrs. Sheila Gallagher Weaver ’79 In memory of Agnes Salko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Crocecc In memory of William “Rover” Schaub ’48 Mr. William Fox ’48 and Mrs. Anna Mae Fox In memory of Dr. George F. Scheers ’48 Mrs. Cherie Casari Gudz In memory of Albert and Anna Kollesar Senape & Associates In memory of Bernadette Mary Senape Mr. Brian Ayers and Mrs. Cynthia Ayers ’84 Community Banks, Inc. Mrs. Thomas J. Crofcheck Sr. Mr. Anthony Cusat ’92 and Mrs. Kristen Cusat Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Deaton Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Atty. and Mrs. Bart E. Ecker Ms. Mary Ferry Mrs. Maurice Ferry The Higgs Family Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Dr. and Mrs. Joseph B. Laczi Atty. and Mrs. Theodore R. Laputka Jr. Mrs. Nancy M. Lewandowski ’89 Lower Luzerne County Bar Association Mr. and Dr. Joseph Maduro Ms. Catherine A. McGovern Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McNulty Mr. and Mrs. Fred Miller Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey Mrs. Mary Lou Radick Atty. Paula L. Radick ’89 Mr. Thomas Radzwich ’05 Mr. Edward Sharp ’36 and Mrs. Lorraine Sharp Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis Dr. David Stiller ’61 and Reverend Connie Stiller Atty. Rebecca L. Warren Esq. ’84 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zoldi In memory of Mary Senape Mrs. Irene Gans Mr. and Mrs. Darrin Herbener Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Ms. Catherine A. McGovern Atty. Paula L. Radick ’89 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Margaret Seratch Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Robert Shelhamer Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Bernard Stefanovich Mr. and Mrs. Emmett Thomas
In memory of Gertrude R. and George J. Stegena Mr. Alvin J. Fatula Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Gallagher Mr. Eugene J. Fatula In memory of Mitchell C. Stish Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mrs. Lori Stish In memory of Andrew J. Stofan Mr. Gerald Boyle ’48 and Mrs. Joan Boyle In memory of Harold and Millie Sugarman Mr. Scott J. Sugarman ’73 In memory of Llewellyn D. Supon Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Joseph S. Tichy Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Joseph K. Tito ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sisack In memory of Dr. Walter W. Tunnesen Jr. ’57 Mr. George B. Dornblaser ’57 In Honor of Joseph A. Turri ’45 and Barbara Sowers Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski In memory of Mary Jane Urenovitch Dr. Joseph V. Urenovitch ’55 In memory of Doris Vaskalis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Charles R. Verespy Mrs. Nancy M. Lewandowski ’89 In memory of Dr. David Wagner Dr. and Mrs. Paul Gutterman Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79 Mr. Craig Harris and Dr. Audrey Wagner ’76 In memory of James C. Warner ’54 Mr. and Mrs. Lars Severin In memory of Charles Weaver Jr. Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Mr. Mark Laputka ’79 and Mrs. Lee Ann Laputka In memory of Charles A. Whiltington Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In memory of Arthur Whitaker ’49 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott Atty. and Mrs. Bart E. Ecker Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mrs. Ann G. Krusinski Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Williams Mr. Robert Klotz ’58 and Mrs. Carol Klotz In memory of George Woelfel Mrs. Betsy Woelfel Paterson In memory of Kim Yuhas-Sidari Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott In memory of Sarah Jane Yuscavage ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Yuscavage In memory of John Zoltak ’56 Mr. Robert Edmunds ’56 and Mrs. Janet Edmunds
15
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
Rogers tops 1,000
Cory Rogers celebrates 1,000 points throughout his career at MMI. He is pictured with his parents, Deborah and Robert Rogers (far left and right), and coach Joe Flanagan.
Important Dates Drama performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 20 and 21 Open House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 19 Springo Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 25
Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 21 Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament. . . . . June 19 Homecoming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 18 and 19