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Superior Court holds session at MMI MMI students were witnesses to history on Tuesday, April 5, when the school hosted the Pennsylvania Superior Court. The court’s judicial panel sat en banc – meaning nine judges were present – and heard seven cases at MMI that day. The Superior Court usually meets as three-judge panels in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, only meeting en banc twice a year to handle more complicated cases. Students had the opportunity to observe the court at work throughout the day. “Seeing the court appeals was a fascinating experience. It gave students an idea about how our justice system works, and it gave the students who are considering a career in law a better idea of what they can expect,” said Dana Chippi, a senior at MMI. The sessions held at MMI marked the first time the court’s nine-judge panel convened in a high school. See COURT, page 3

MMI President Thomas G. Hood addresses the audience before the nine judges of the Pennsylvania Superior Court began hearing cases at MMI.

Mexican exchange students spend time at MMI Eight Mexican exchange students became part of the MMI family while spending two weeks as MMI students. The middle-school students from Francis Bacon School in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, stayed with families of MMI students and attended classes with their peers. They were accompanied on their trip by Francis Bacon School’s head principal, Patricia Muñoz Atienza, and Angie Guerrero Tobias, a sixth-grade English teacher. Friday, March 25, was the first day at MMI for the Mexican students, who created PowerPoint presentations to introduce themselves and their home lives to MMI students. The exchange students made their presentations to an assembly of sixth- to ninthgrade MMI students. While visiting with MMI families, the students had the opportunity to experience life in the United States to the fullest, Mexican exchange students and their hosts from MMI take a break from classes to pose for a group photo.

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From the President The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. ~ Vince Lombardi Dr. Angela Duckworth, a psychology professor at the University of Pennsylvania, defines “grit” as a passion and perseverance, the will, over an extended period of time, to achieve long-term goals despite failure, adversity, and plateaus in progress. Dr. Duckworth’s research, conducted with others, hypothesizes that grit is essential to high achievement and significantly impacts individual and organizational success. In short, successful people have great determination and are minimally discouraged by failure. An MMI education involves much more than the 3 R’s. It is about developing a level of “grit” in each student. So how do we teach this characteristic? MMI students are bright young people who are highly teachable. Our students love to learn and are willing to put in the effort required to be successful. But many of them arrive at MMI having seldom faced academic adversity. They were at the top of their class in their previous schools. They are used to getting straight A’s. To be successful here, they must rise to the MMI standard. Our program includes convincing our students that they can work through any problem or challenge. The key then is to challenge young students while providing the encouragement and support required to be successful. Everyone loves to be told they are smart. Consequently, when we compliment our kids, we frequently focus more on their intellect rather than effort. But with teenagers, research conducted by Dr. Carol Dweck at Stanford has shown that how we compliment and encourage our students plays a large role in how they view their abilities. Praising a student for his or her effort is more likely to create a student who will not be deterred by adversity than a student who is praised for his or her intelligence. This “growth mindset,” as Dr. Dweck calls it, can be created in all students and allows them to believe they can work through difficult problems in school and persevere through challenges throughout their lives. Students with a “fixed mindset” about their intelligence are more likely to give up when facing an intellectual challenge, attributing their failure to not being smart enough. Students must be convinced they can meet any challenge. I have spent a lot of time in this column in the past talking about the four pillars of excellence: academics, athletics, activities, and service (I’m sure you can now recite them yourself). Involvement in all four of these pillars contributes to developing “grit” in our students. Alumni love to tell stories of Mr. Stofan, or Coach Goedecke, of Mr. Cusat or Coach Flanagan continually pushing them to get better. These great teachers and coaches never accepted “good enough.” They challenged student efforts to reach success and mastery. A big part of an MMI education is creating challenges for our students and then encouraging and mentoring them to achieve success. Our graduates carry this “grit” with them throughout their lives and use it to persevere through failures and achieve success. I hope to see you at Homecoming. All the best,

Thomas G. Hood President

Published quarterly, 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 (email) www.mmiprep.org (Internet)

Thomas G. Hood – President William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus

Students earn awards at PJAS competition

Students who won awards during the recent PJAS regional competition are, from left, front: Megan Klein, Ashley Acri, Paige Darrow, Maria Carrato, Amanda Lara, Binki Baxi, Sara Aijaz, Shital Patel, Gabriella Lobitz, and Kirsten Young. Second row: adviser Mary-Lee Hood, adviser Laura Petro, Laurel Jacketti-Funk, Katlyn Frey, Anjni Patel, Emily Morrison, Medina Saeed, Sarah Moyer, Claire Sheen, Gabriella Becker, Annika Fisk, and adviser Sue Moyer. Third row: Justin Sheen, David Polashenski, Matt Yurish, Paul Brasavage, Tyler Fulton, Joe Yamulla, Joey Hornak, Luke Yamulla, Nick O’Clair, and Matt Straub. Back row: adviser Michael Mele, adviser Matthew Kenenitz, Casey Olszewski, Aydun Adil, Yusuf Qadri, Bala Natarajan, Tim Yurish, Dhiren Patel, Mike McGraw, Cory Heffelfinger, and adviser Justin Vincent. Absent from photo: Alexis Haupt and Lora Schell.

MMI hosts Pennsylvania Superior Court (Continued from page 1) President Thomas G. Hood said, “We were honored and excited to host the Superior Court. Through observing the court’s sessions, our students were able to learn invaluable lessons about the legal process.” President Judge Correale Stevens was elected to the Superior Court in 1997 and was retained in 2007 for another 10-year term. He serves as an adviser to MMI’s Mock Trial team and is the father of Brody ’98, Ryan ’01, and Brittany.

Members of the audience watch the Pennsylvania Superior Court at work at MMI.

“As president judge, I think it is important to hold occasional court in a community session so that people see their appellate court in action. Holding court at MMI was an exceptionally positive experience. The Superior Court judges were all impressed with the dignified setting and the cooperation of President Tom Hood, Business Manager Mike Morrison and staff. The judges especially enjoyed President Judge Correale Stevens addresses the the question-and-answer audience during the Superior Court’s session at MMI. period with the students,” Stevens said. “MMI was a gracious host and served the community well by opening its door to our statewide appellate court.” The Superior Court is one of two intermediate appellate courts in Pennsylvania. Established in 1895, the court reviews most of the civil and criminal cases that are appealed from the Courts of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

‘Dinner and a movie’ central to alum’s job John Hersker to deliver MMI’s 2011 Commencement Address

open other locations in the Philadelphia area. Movie Tavern locations include six in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and three in Houston, plus locations in Atlanta; Denver; Columbus, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky; and Williamsburg, Virginia. Fourth-generation theatre operator John Hersker ’76 is at the helm of the largest chain of cinema eateries in the United At Movie Tavern locations, guests choose from selections of States. classic American favorites while they enjoy movies in state-ofthe-art auditoriums. The casual dining menu includes choices Hersker is the president and chief executive officer of Movie such as freshly grilled burgers, homemade pizzas, appetizers, Tavern, a group of cinema dining establishments throughout desserts, beer, wine, and margaritas. Traditional concession the country. He has spent his entire life in the film business, items including freshly popped popcorn, soda, and candy are particularly in the areas of theatrical exhibition and motion also available. picture distribution. “This is an emerging concept in theatregoing,” Hersker said The theatre was a way of life for many members of the of cinema dining. “People typically like to go out to dinner and Hersker family. In 1895, Hersker’s great-grandfather established a movie. Our venues allow patrons to do Hersker’s Opera House in Mahanoy City. both at the same time.” Then in 1914, Hersker’s grandfather founded the Hersker Theatre in West In an interesting twist of fate, the Hazleton. former Hersker Theatre in West Hazleton, no longer in John’s family, is now the Hersker grew up next door to the Cinema & Drafthouse Inc., which operates theatre, which was operated by his parents under a similar concept as Movie Tavern at the time, and spent many hours working theatres. there. Hersker was involved in his family’s “Aside from school and sleeping, I theatre throughout high school and probably spent more time in the theatre recalled hosting screenings of “The Great than anywhere else,” said Hersker, whose Gatsby” and “Murder on the Orient duties, depending on the day, included Express” for his MMI classmates at the selling tickets, taking tickets, selling Hersker Theatre. popcorn, cleaning the theatre, creating ads for the newspaper and more. At MMI, he was the editor of the yearbook and newspaper and remembered After graduating from MMI, he in particular working with his fellow attended Haverford College and then in newspaper students on a parody issue of 1979, began working with Paramount “The Prepper Voice.” Pictures in the theatrical motion picture division as a sales representative in the He said teacher Anthony Cusat was company’s Philadelphia office. a strong influence on him, noting, “He John Hersker ’76 was my favorite teacher, despite the fact During his 26-year tenure at that he taught subjects in which I had no Paramount, Hersker held positions in particular interest. His character was the lesson.” New Orleans, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. He spent 12 years working at the studio in Hollywood, where he Hersker occasionally travels from his home in Dallas back to rose to the position of executive vice president for theatrical the Hazleton area and to Freeland. distribution. “While the economy of the area and the nation is While at Paramount Pictures, he studied at Villanova struggling, MMI really seems to be prospering and growing. University, Tulane University, the University of North Carolina The school is clearly making a positive difference for students at Charlotte, Mercer University, and Oglethorpe University. and that’s very exciting,” he said. In 2006, Hersker became chief operating officer for He credited his alma mater with some measure of his Copper Beech Capital, LLC, a privately owned company with success, saying, “MMI provided me with both the academic investments in a variety of industries, including the movie foundation and the friendships that, combined with the business. experience of working in the family business, gave me the confidence to face adulthood in the real world.” Then in 2008, the new owner of Movie Tavern, Inc., asked Hersker to lead the company as its president and chief executive Hersker also described MMI’s assemblies as “an invaluable officer. tool for learning public speaking.” He will soon have the opportunity to model what he learned during assemblies, Movie Tavern, a chain of theatres featuring full-service as he has accepted MMI President Thomas G. Hood’s dining in addition to first-run movies, employs more than request to deliver the Founder’s Day Address at MMI’s 119th 1,000 people across 14 locations in six states. In July, Movie commencement on May 26. As MMI’s commencement speaker Tavern will expand into its seventh state – Pennsylvania – by for the Class of 2011, Hersker will talk to graduating seniors opening a theatre in Collegeville, its 15th location. about the importance of liking your work. “The Philadelphia market has great potential for our “Your job is where you will spend most of your waking company. The Collegeville location is in a new shopping center hours,” he said. “Find work that you love that will also allow development anchored by several large companies in a fastyou to look in the mirror at night.” growing area,” Hersker said, noting that Movie Tavern hopes to

Induction ceremonies held for Spanish and German honor societies MMI recently inducted students into its Spanish language and German language National Honor Societies. New members who distinguished themselves as outstanding Spanish language students were inducted into the Pablo Picasso Chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica (Spanish National Honor Society). The students are Maurina DiSabella, John Gera, Sandrine Gibbons, Megan Klein, Anjni Patel, Derya Sari, and Justin Sheen. Chapter Adviser and Spanish Teacher Dennis Clarke introduced the officers and commended the students for their interest in the Spanish language and culture. Officers of the Spanish National Honor Society are President Amanda Lara, Vice President Michael McGraw, Secretary Antonia Diener, Treasurer Shital Patel, and Historian Joey Hornak.

Spanish honor society officers and new inductees include, front row, from left: Megan Klein, Derya Sari, Anjni Patel, and Sandrine Gibbons. Second row: Maurina DiSabella, Antonia Diener, Amanda Lara, and Shital Patel. Third row: Justin Sheen, Joey Hornak, John Gera, and chapter adviser Dennis Clarke.

Students who distinguished themselves as outstanding German language students were inducted into the Simon Faltz Chapter of the German National Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi. The students are Ashmeen Bains, Noah Beltrami, Morgan Herbener, Rebecca Noga, Michael Sarno, Nicholas Triano, and Gregory Yannes. Chapter Adviser and German Teacher Gabriella Moustardas introduced the officers of Delta Epsilon Phi. Officers of the chapter are President Dana Chippi, Vice President Jacob Daniels, Secretary Megan Kost, and Treasurer Alyssa Triano. Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler opened the ceremonies and greeted students, parents, family members and friends before the formal candlelight ceremony induction. The guest speaker was Ashley Morrison, a 2005 graduate of MMI and a second-year student at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine.

German honor society officers and new inductees include, front row, from left: Rebecca Noga, Ashmeen Bains, and Morgan Herbener. Second row: Alyssa Triano, Megan Kost, Dana Chippi, and chapter adviser Gabriella Moustardas. Third row: Jacob Daniels, Noah Beltrami, Michael Sarno, and Gregory Yannes.

Mexican, American students enjoy exchange program (Continued from page 1) including traveling to different cities and sampling food from various restaurants. In return, they taught their hosts about Spanish culture. The Mexican students spoke English during most of their trip, except during Spanish class, when they conversed with MMI students in Spanish. Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler said, “The exchange students adapted quickly and easily to MMI and the Mexican and American students were like old friends in no time. This was an unforgettable experience for Francis Bacon and MMI students alike, with the students learning important lessons from each other.” Students and their hosts were as follows: Miguel Ponce, hosted by Alec Losen; Eduardo Garcia-Ulloz Fontes, hosted by T.J. Jankouskas; Karla Aguilar, hosted by Collin Frey; Mariana Martinez

Covarrubias, hosted by Collin Frey; Andrea Pintra Allaraz, hosted by Allie Ortiz; Edna Maciel, hosted by Kryslyn Postupak; Juan Pablo Berlin Viniegra, hosted by Brian Gabriati; and Sabrina Bermudes Ham, hosted by Collin Frey. Pintra described her visit as “cool,” saying, “I met many new people and learned many things about American culture.” Sophomore Katlyn Frey said, “The entire experience was wonderful. I didn’t expect to get so close to them … they so easily became part of the family, even with the cultural differences.” Seventh-grader T.J. Jankouskas said, “I thought it was really cool how Eduardo could speak both Spanish and English very well. He taught me new Spanish words, and we had a lot of fun together.”

Eduardo Garcia-Ulloz Fontes and T.J. Jankouskas became fast friends during the exchange program between Francis Bacon School and MMI.

T.J.’s mom, Aprilaurie Whitley ’88, said, “Every day was a learning experience for all of us, as Eduardo would explain how things were different in Mexico on an average day.” MMI students say they plan to keep in touch with their Mexican friends and would like to visit them someday.

Students place at state FBLA challenge Ten students from MMI’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competed at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center in Hershey, and three MMI students placed in the top 10. The students advanced to the statelevel competition after placing in the top five at the Pennsylvania Regional Leadership Conference held in January at Luzerne County Community College in Nanticoke. During the State Leadership Conference, students attended various workshops related to business, economics, entrepreneurship and conflict resolution. MMI students who placed in the top 10 at the state conference include Paige Darrow and Justin Sheen, who received third place in E-Business, and Caroline Bandurska, who received 10th place in Business Procedures. Additional MMI students who competed at the State Leadership Conference were: Courtney Bogansky, Richard Franzosa, Michael Deganich, Antonia Diener, Andrew Mhley, Alexander van Hoekelen, and Matthew Straub. Additionally, MMI’s FBLA chapter received third place in the category of State Project Per Capita Recognition and 10th place State Project Recognition

Members of MMI Preparatory School’s chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America who competed at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference are, front row, from left: Antonia Diener, Caroline Bandurska, and Courtney Bogansky. Second row: club advisers Tina Lizbinski and Kate Lengel. Third row: Justin Sheen, Matthew Straub, Michael Deganich, Alexander van Hoekelen, and Richard Franzosa. Absent from photo: Paige Darrow and Andrew Mhley.

for raising $900 toward the Teen Challenge. In the challenge, MMI’s FBLA Club hosted an Anti-Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week with a goal of raising money to help young people who

are addicted to drugs receive medical treatment and rehabilitation. Faculty members Kate Lengel and Tina Lizbinski are the co-advisers to MMI’s chapter of the FBLA.

Student’s photo wins award in Drexel competition Sophomore Alexandra Baran has received an award in a photography contest sponsored by Drexel University and will have her photo displayed as part of an exhibit at the university. Baran’s black-and-white photo, “Images of Broken Light,” received a second-place award in The Drexel University High School Photography Contest. Baran received a $250 cash award as part of her prize. Baran is the daughter of Richard ’87 and Maxine Baran of Sugarloaf. She submitted her photo under the direction of MMI Art Teacher Lisa Ferry. Her photo, along with the work of other award winners, was on exhibit for one month at Drexel’s Photography Facility at 33rd and Arch streets in Philadelphia. The exhibit opened with a reception at the photography gallery.

The Drexel University High School Photography Contest is open to all high school students throughout the United States. Baran’s photo was selected from among thousands of photos, including black and white, color, silver prints, digital prints and historical processes. The Drexel University Photography program supports students in the discovery of their own unique photographic vision and style, leveraging a mix of aesthetics and technology, of creativity and technique.

Sophomore Alexandra Baran poses with her photo “Images of Broken Light” and Art Teacher Lisa Ferry.

Student takes first at Brain Bee Senior Shital Patel won the Northeast Pennsylvania Brain Bee competition held at the University of Scranton.

Several MMI students received awards for their performance during a Mock Trial competition held at the Luzerne County Courthouse in Wilkes-Barre. Members of MMI’s team are, first row, from left: Jacob Slusser, Vanessa Novinger, Megan Kost, Caroline Bandurska, Antonia Diener, and Andrew Mhley. Second row: Roderick Cook, Justin Sheen, Paul Brasavage, Matthew Yurish, David Polashenski, Francisco Ortiz, and adviser Dennis Clarke.

Students honored at Mock Trial Several MMI students received awards for their performance during a recent Mock Trial competition held at the Luzerne County Courthouse in WilkesBarre. During the competition, the MMI Mock Trial team played both the defense and the plaintiff in two trials. David Polashenski and Antonia Diener were awarded certificates for “Best Witness.” Roderick Cook and Jacob Slusser were awarded certificates for “Best Attorney.” MMI Mock Trial team members

participated in this year’s trials as follows: lawyers, Caroline Bandurska, Megan Kost, Roderick Cook, Jacob Slusser, A.J. Alfieri, and Justin Sheen; and witnesses, Vanessa Novinger, David Polashenski, Andrew Mhley, Francisco Ortiz, Antonia Diener, and Paul Brasavage. Matthew Yurish served as timekeeper for the trials. Dennis Clarke is MMI’s Mock Trial adviser. The Honorable Correale Stevens, president judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, is the MMI Mock Trial legal adviser.

Patel, the daughter of Minaben and Dilipkumar Patel of Drums, earned first place among 56 competitors from 23 local schools. Shital Patel Last year, Patel placed third in the Northeast Pennsylvania Brain Bee. In 2007 and 2008, MMI students won the bee as well.

The bee is part of the International Brain Bee, a neuroscience competition for high school students. The goal of the Brain Bee is to motivate students to learn about the brain, to capture their imaginations and to inspire them to pursue careers in biomedical brain research.

Team from MMI wins regional mathematics competition MMI’s MATHCOUNTS team earned first place during a regional competition at Penn State Hazleton. MATHCOUNTS is a national enrichment, club and competition program that promotes middle school mathematics achievement through grassroots involvement in every U.S. state and territory. MMI’s MATHCOUNTS team of Chiara DeMelfi, Sarah Moyer, Claire Sheen, and Jay Solgama placed first in the Luzerne Chapter competition, where a total of nine schools and 70 students competed. During MATHCOUNTS, student “mathletes” compete in written and oral matches on various math topics such as statistics, geometry, linear algebra and probability. In the individual portion of the regional competition, MMI students took five of the top 10 spots and participated in the countdown round, finishing as follows: Chiara DeMelfi, third place; Claire Sheen, fourth place; Sarah Moyer, fifth place; Yusuf Qadri, sixth place; and Jay Solgama, 10th place. Susan Moyer is MMI’s math instructor and coach of the MMI MATHCOUNTS team.

MMI students who participated in the MATHCOUNTS regional competition with their coach are, from left: Math Instructor and MATHCOUNTS Coach Susan Moyer, Chiara DeMelfi, Claire Sheen, Sarah Moyer, Yusuf Qadri, and Jay Solgama.

MATHCOUNTS, currently in its 28th year, is one of the country’s largest and most successful education partnerships involving volunteers, educators, industry sponsors, and students.

Juniors qualify for speech tournament Juniors Roderick Cook and Antonia Diener will compete in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Washington, D.C. The NCFL is dedicated to supporting high school speech and debate activities for public, private, and parochial high schools throughout the United States and Canada. The students earned their place in the national tournament after their performance in a regional qualifying tournament at Dallas Middle School, where they competed against 11 other teams.

Cook and Diener have been practicing and performing their dramatic duo piece, “Action News: Now with 10% More Action” by Jonathan Rand, since the beginning of the school year. They also took second place at a speech and debate competition at Abington Heights High School in January. Cook is the son of Brian Cook, Nesquehoning, and Melissa O’Connell, Nesquehoning. Diener is the daughter of Ian and Emeline Diener, Pocono Lake. Matthew Kenenitz is the forensics adviser at MMI.

Roderick Cook and Antonia Diener will compete in the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament in Washington, D.C., in May.

Students inducted into National Junior and Latin honor societies Eighth-grade students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) and the National Latin Honor Society (NLHS) during ceremonies held at MMI. Faculty member and adviser the Rev. Lawrence Barriger presented the criteria for membership and inducted the students into the honor societies. Collin Frey, winner of the National Geographic Bee at MMI, stands with faculty member Grete DeAngelo, who oversees the bee at MMI.

Eighth-grader wins geo bee Eighth-grade student Collin Frey won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee and a chance at a $25,000 college scholarship.

MMI President Thomas G. Hood provided opening remarks and greeted students, parents, family and friends before the formal candlelight ceremony. Hood said students accepted into the societies are honored for their dedication to achieving excellence at MMI and in their daily lives. Dr. Jaclyn Fowler, MMI vice president,

offered the closing remarks. The guest speaker was Frank Polidora, M.D. The inductees of the National Junior Honor Society are: Rachel Stanziola, Sam Harman, Eleanor Maduro, Alessandra Ortiz, Claire Sheen, Alexzandriea van Hoekelen, C.J. Snyder, Yusuf Qadri, Annika Fisk, Keegan Farrell, Llewellyn Dryfoos, IV, Hayden Francis, Robert Graaf, Madison Luchi, Collin Frey, Emily Seratch, Emily Sabatos, and Emily Morrison. Latin Honor Society inductees are: Rachel Stanziola, Sam Harman, Eleanor Maduro, Alessandra Ortiz, Claire Sheen, C.J. Snyder, Yusuf Qadri, Annika Fisk, Hayden Francis, Robert Graaf, Madison Luchi, Collin Frey, Emily Sabatos, and Emily Morrison.

The school-level bee, during which students answered oral and written questions on geography, was the first round in the 23rd annual National Geographic Bee. Frey competed against eight other students in the event before earning school champion honors. MMI’s finalists were determined in the classroom prior to the school’s bee. The finalists were Tyler Barilla, Jay Solgama, Charles Bower, Collin Frey, Eleanor Maduro, Alec Losen, Joey Kress, and Sarah Delese. Frey and Delese advanced to the Championship Round, where Frey was awarded first place.

Faculty member Grete DeAngelo oversees the Geography Bee at MMI.

MMI students who were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and the National Junior Latin Honor Society are, front row, from left: Emily Sabatos, Claire Sheen, Alessandra Ortiz, Emily Seratch, Emily Morrison, and Eleanor Maduro. Second row: Robert Graaf, Rachel Stanziola, Alexzandriea van Hoekelen, Annika Fisk, Madison Luchi, Lew Dryfoos, and MMI Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler. Third row: faculty adviser the Rev. Lawrence Barriger, Collin Frey, Hayden Francis, Yusuf Qadri, Sam Harman, C.J. Snyder, and MMI President Thomas G. Hood.

School honors ‘Best of the Best’ In December, MMI held the fall Best of the Best Performance Assembly and recognized eight students in eighth, 10th, and 12th grades as “Best of the Best.” They are, seated, from left: Eleanor Maduro, for her presentation on rollercoasters; Marianne Virnelson, for her presentation on Emily Dickinson; Cassie Caldwell, for her presentation on the SPCA; and Emily Sabatos, for her presentation on adoption from China. Standing: Collin Frey, for his presentation on Asian foreign films; Yusuf Qadri, for his presentation on Michael Jordan; Jahan Choudhry, for his presentation on architect Frank Gehry; and Joseph Hornak, for his presentation on dihydrogen monoxide. Senior Joseph Hornak captured the first semester Best of the Best honor.

Projects on display during annual Open House

Carley Bonacci, Julia Dasher, and Sarah Gittleman, top, and Rachael Daniels, Jacob Slusser, and Richard Franzosa, bottom, present Cupcake Wars, B, and Cupcake Wars, A. Sandrine Gibbons poses with her project, Filipino Art.

MMI students showcased their projects at the school’s annual Open House on Sunday, April 10. Each year, MMI students are challenged with preparing special research projects that are displayed during Open House. Students were present to explain and demonstrate their projects in the areas of social studies, science, mathematics and literature. Additionally, food projects, prepared primarily by foreign language students, were featured and available for sampling.

Jake Driscoll prepared a project on The Accordion.

Matthew Straub’s project was on The Audacity of Audio.

Homecoming Weekend set for August 5-6 All MMI alumni and friends are invited to return to their alma mater for MMI’s Homecoming Weekend, to be held Friday, August 5, and Saturday, August 6. The 2011 Homecoming Weekend will feature the Third Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament, to be held on Friday, August 5. Saturday will feature the traditional Homecoming Picnic in the afternoon, followed by the Wall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony that evening. Homecoming ’11 will honor the following reunion classes: 1931, 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006. If you are interested in attending or helping coordinate your class reunion, please contact Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org or (570) 6361108, ext. 138.

The Third Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament

The Third Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament, in its 17th installment, will be held Friday, August 5, beginning at 9 a.m. at Split Rock Golf Club, Lake Harmony. The tournament is the primary fundraising event in support

Members of the historic 1964-1965 MMI Boys’ Basketball Team, from left, Dr. John R. Feussner ’64, John Hollis ’64, and Dr. James W. Feussner ’65 proudly display their varsity letter jacket at last year’s Homecoming Picnic.

of MMI athletics and the annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Scholarship.

Homecoming Picnic

All MMI alumni and their families are invited to back to the school for a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The picnic will feature raffles, a campus tour, and tours of the future athletic complex and environmental complex, as well as the opportunity to reminisce with classmates and MMI faculty and staff.

Wall of Fame Dinner

The MMI community will celebrate the achievements of the Wall of Fame

Class of 2011 on Saturday evening, August 6, in the MMI gymnasium. Join us for the sixth annual celebration in honor of this year’s distinguished inductees. If you are interested in attending to helping to coordinate your class reunion, or if we can assist you in your Homecoming accommodations for the weekend, please contact Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org or (570) 636-1108, ext. 138.

Inductees announced for Wall of Fame 2011 MMI President Thomas G. Hood and the Wall of Fame Selection Committee are proud to announce the five inductees to the MMI Wall of Fame 2011. More detailed information on the honorees will be presented in the Summer edition of MMI Today.

Athletic Achievement

Dr. Jodi (Washinsky) Lenko ’99 is the only 1,000-point scorer in the history of the MMI girls’ basketball program. She also set the bar high for the women’s basketball program by establishing many of the scoring records, most of which are still held today, for the girls’ basketball program.

Service to MMI

Mr. James L. Dei Tos has lent MMI his hard work, dedication and masonry skills for more than 40 years as both a volunteer and a contracted employee. Among his contributions to the betterment of MMI are work on the concrete steps outside Old Main, work on the parapets to the addition of Old Main and the mounting of all of the bronze naming plaques on the 2001 addition.

Professional Achievement

Dr. Joseph A. Donato ’66 has served Freeland and Greater Hazleton as a dedicated dentist for more than 40 years. During his career, he has also greatly contributed to the Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) and the advancement of the field of dentistry. Mr. Richard Goldman ’68 is widely recognized as the marketing mastermind of the men’s clothing store franchise Men’s Wearhouse. Goldman was critical in growing Men’s Wearhouse from a single store tucked in a strip mall in Texas to the largest chain of men’s clothing stores in both the U.S. and Canada. Mr. Neal Wood ’44 spent nearly 40 years as an engineer for the Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. During his successful career, he was responsible for creating one of the most effective highway safety devices ever developed, the SNAP system, which is the pattern of rumble strips along the shoulders of the highways to alert drivers when they stray from the roadway.

Quartet performs at MMI for eighth year The Grammy-nominated Wister Quartet returned to MMI for its eighth consecutive performance at the school on Monday, April 18. The concert, which was free and open to the public, was held in the Athletics and Drama Complex. Since its formation in 1987, the Wister Quartet has earned high praise from critics and audiences alike for its superb musicianship and memorable performances. This year’s concert again featured special guest Allen Krantz, a critically acclaimed guitarist, composer and chamber musician. The Wister Quartet’s program, entitled “The Return of the Tango,” featured music by composers Joseph Haydn, Astor Piazzolla, Isaac Albeniz, Joseph Kreutzer and Manuel de Falla. An original composition by quartet member Lloyd Smith was also part of the performance. “It is, once again, an honor to host these musicians at MMI,” said President Thomas G. Hood. “We appreciate their dedication to providing an outstanding classical musical performance for MMI students and the community.”

Members of the Wister Quartet perform at MMI on Monday, April 18.

The group also performed during a student assembly at the school the day of the public performance, and recently, quartet member Lloyd Smith gave an assembly on the history of the violin, violin-making and the future of violinmaking to mid-schoolers at MMI.

to several other performance groups, including the 1807 & Friends Chamber Ensemble and the renowned Philadelphia Orchestra. The Wister Quartet has performed throughout Europe and China and regularly performs in the Philadelphia region.

The Wister Quartet is made up of violinists Nancy Bean and Davyd Booth, violist Pamela Fay and cellist Lloyd Smith. The musicians also belong

Sponsors for the concert were Dr. James W. Feussner ’65 and the Bryn Mawr Trust Company.

Business contributes to MMI through EITC program A representative of Berger Family Dealerships in West Hazleton presented MMI officials with a $4,100 contribution made through the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program to help fund need-based scholarships at the school. Many businesses are eligible to make contributions to EITCapproved organizations in lieu of paying certain taxes to the commonwealth. “The support we receive from Berger Family Dealerships and other companies that participate in the EITC program allows us to make a college preparatory and middle school education available to more students,” said Thomas G. Hood, MMI president. “On behalf of those students and their families, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Berger Family Dealerships.” Jeffrey Berger, vice president of Berger Family Dealerships, said, “We believe in contributing to our community in various ways, including the EITC program. We’re pleased to be able to support such a wonderful educational asset as MMI and to assist families in sending their children to the school.” As an approved scholarship organization, MMI is designated to receive contributions through the EITC program. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Businesses that donate to MMI are eligible to receive tax credits amounting to 75 percent of their charitable contribution for a one-year period. The tax credit increases to 90 percent if the company commits to making the same donations for two

Berger Family Dealerships made a contribution to MMI through the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. Participating in the presentation were, from left: MMI Director of Alumni Affairs Nina C. Dei Tos ’01, Berger Family Dealerships Vice President Jeffrey Berger, MMI President Thomas G. Hood, and MMI Director of Development Mark A. DiPippa.

consecutive years. A business paying taxes in Pennsylvania can receive up to $300,000 in tax credits annually. Donations of any amount are eligible for the tax credit. MMI uses all donations from the tax credit program toward need-based aid for eligible students. More than 60 percent of students who attend MMI receive some form of financial aid. In 2010, 18 businesses contributed more than $300,000 to MMI through the EITC program. For more information about the Education Improvement Tax Credit program, contact Business Manager Michael Morrison at mmorrison@mmiprep.org or (570) 636-1108, ext. 134.

Phonathon 2011 exceeds $75,000 goal The MMI Alumni and Development Office recently concluded the successful 2011 Alumni and Parents Phonathon. By reaching out to more than 700 alumni, parents, and friends, this year’s team of dedicated volunteers raised more than $76,000 in gifts and pledges. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to this year’s Phonathon Chairs, Brian ’84 and Kathy Lucas and Robert Davis ’96, for the time and effort they dedicated to making this year’s Phonathon a success,” said Nina Dei Tos ’01, director of alumni affairs. “We are

also grateful to everyone who supported the Phonathon through donations of their time and finances.” The Phonathon is an important part of the MMI Annual Fund Campaign, which runs from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011. The Annual Fund supplements the school’s annual operating budget and serves as the primary source for financial aid provided to MMI families. MMI President Thomas G. Hood said, “This is the fourth consecutive year we have reached our projected Phonathon

goal. In these economic times, that sends a clear message that MMI is important to its alumni and friends. We greatly appreciate the continued support of our volunteers and donors.” Donors who were unable to be reached during the MMI Phonathon have received a pledge form and are asked to consider a contribution. Alumni, parents, and friends still wishing to make a gift to this year’s Annual Fund may do so by returning their form to MMI. As always, thank you for your support!

Milestones

Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family

Weddings

Dr. Sona Chikarmane ’99 and Gabriel Griffin were married on October 10, 2010, in Skytop, PA. They now reside in Boston, MA. Sara Centrelli ’04 married Thomas Lee Arn.

Births

A daughter, Leah Jane, was born to Dorothy (Gross) Ague ’94 and her husband, Nicholas, on December 8, 2010. A daughter, Zaidee Kara, was born to Duane Johnsen ’94 and his wife, Audrey, on February 21. A son, John, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lenhart ’88 on December 15, 2010. He joins a three-year-old brother, Rich. A son, River Coltrane, was born to Michael Washinsky ’97 and his wife, Gillian, on January 22.

Deaths

Nancy Bachman passed away March 6. She is survived by her son, David; a daughter, Gwenann Molinaro, a member of the MMI Staff; and three grandchildren. Stanley F. Balon ’38 died March 19. He is survived by his wife, Marie; and sons, Frank and Daniel. Past faculty member Samuel C. Budge died April 21. He served MMI as a teacher of Biology and Chemistry from 1959 to 1976. He also served as the MMI Boys’ Basketball coach for a number of years. Mr. Budge is survived by his son, Gerald. Francis J. Callovini passed away March 25. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; sons, James ’71 and Ronald ’77; and five grandchildren. Elizabeth Ann Carr died March 25. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Bernard Carr; a son, Dr. George Carr ’72; daughters, Nancy Greenawalt and Mary Beth Heffelfinger ’75; and nine grandchildren.

Weld Coxe ’46 passed away March 15. He is survived by a son, Donald; a daughter, Sal Coxe Dobbs, a member of the

MMI Board of Directors; and three grandchildren. (Please see feature story, page 13) John T. Grega passed away April 16. He is survived by his wife, Emma; sons, Joseph ’81 and John ’70; daughters, Ann and May; and one granddaughter. Erdie Humenick passed away January 28. She is survived by her sons, John ’67 and Richard ’71; and three grandchildren. Irene (Pollock) Kempchinsky passed away March 6. Irene worked in the MMI Office from 1948 until 1954 and was preceded in death by her husband, Paul ’50. She is survived by her daughter, Paula Shoemaker; a son, Michael Kempchinsky; and three grandchildren. Manfred Luppold ’43 died November 22, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Florence; a son, Manfred Karl; a daughter, Cynthia Alves; and six grandchildren, as well as Florence’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Catherine Saullo died January 8. She is survived by her sons, Nicholas ’58, Philip Jr., John and Robert; daughters, Roseann and Michele; seven grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. Michele Shannon passed away January 14. She is survived by her husband, William; sons, Ryan ’00 and Daniel; and a granddaughter. George M. Stershic ’46 died November 25. He is survived by his son, George III; daughters, Alida Lowry and Lori Ruckle; and four grandchildren. Charles W. Stickler Jr. ’33 passed away April 4. He is survived by his wife, Nellie; sons, Charles and Thomas; daughters, Saundra and Judith; 11 grandchildren; and 22 greatgranchildren. Charles Turri ’44 passed away on March 14. He is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Lynn Fernandez and Lisa Tarricone; sons, Robert and Scott; and six grandchildren.

Mileposts

Emil Perkosky ’42 and his wife, Marie, celebrated 65 years of marriage on March 2, 2011.

Alumni Notes

What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Nicole Clarke ’08 was honored by the Tau chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma with a $1,000 scholarship. Delta Kappa Gamma is an organization dedicated to professional and personal growth of women educators and excellence in education. She received the honor at a dinner held by the Pennsylvania group. Nicole is a junior at Wilkes University majoring in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She also instructs a “Live Y-ers” class at the Wilkes-Barre YMCA/YWCA. Mary Franzosa ’98 became a registered Architect in Texas in December 2010. Dr. Thomas W. Edmunds ’62 began his second three-year term as Chair of the Computer Science Department at Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, N.J. Michael B. Senape, Esq., BCE, ’92, represented the Valley Academy Charter School, Conyngham, PA, before the PA State Charter School Appeal Board (CAB) on April 11, 2011. CAB issued an Order and written Opinion granting the Charter of the Valley Academy Charter School, which had previously been denied by the Hazleton Area School District. Attorney Senape practices personal injury, criminal defense, real estate, and estate and probate law in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties. He is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania and Florida.

Attorney Richard DiLiberto ’79, a partner with the Wilmington, D.E., law firm of Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP was named the 2010 recipient of the H. James Conaway, Jr. Award for exemplary pro bono service to the community and the Delaware Bar. In 2010, DiLiberto devoted nearly 300 hours to pro bono projects. He designated MMI as the nonprofit organization of his choice to be the recipient of a $1,000 donation in recognition of the award. Accepting the donation is MMI Director of Alumni Affairs Nina C. Dei Tos ’01. Attorney DiLiberto was MMI’s commencement speaker in 2004 and was inducted into the school’s Wall of Fame in the category of Professional Achievement in 2006.

MMI family mourns loss of Weld Coxe ’46 On March 15, 2011, the last living member of the Coxe family to graduate from MMI passed away. Weld Coxe ’46, the great-nephew of MMI founders Eckley B. and Sophia Coxe, was a loyal alumnus, a member of the MMI Honorary Board, and a past member of the MMI Board of Directors. He will be greatly missed and is fondly remembered. Following his MMI graduation in 1946, Weld attended Harvard University and then served in the Pennsylvania National Guard in occupied Germany in the 1950s. After his discharge, he was a writer and photographer for various newspapers in Massachusetts and Arizona and for the Pennsylvania Railroad magazine. These positions served as stepping stones to his appointment as the public relations director for Vincent Kling Architects, Philadelphia. Weld’s career in marketing, design, and architectural consulting propelled in the City of Brotherly Love, and in 1967 he established the firm Weld Coxe & Associates. The firm later became the Coxe Group, the largest consulting firm specializing exclusively in work with professional design organizations, with offices in center-city Philadelphia and Seattle. While managing the firm, Weld

found time to serve as an adjunct faculty member at a number of colleges and universities, including Drexel University, Rensselaer Weld Coxe ’46 Polytechnic Institute, and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. He has also authored and co-authored a number of books in management and architectural design, including Marketing Architectural and Engineering Services (1970) and Engineering Practice (1980).

Mr. Coxe served on several boards in his communities, including the Block Island Planning Board, the Reed Street Settlement House in Philadelphia, the Upper Main Line YMCA, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, to which he donated family papers known as “The Weld Coxe Collection,” which date back to 1669.

In 1980, his son, Donald Coxe, built him a vacation home and writing studio on Block Island, R.I. The buildings were designed by Philadelphia architect Robert Venturi, whom Weld had encouraged to “keep it simple but make it architecture.” Venturi must have followed Weld’s expert advice, as the buildings won a national award from the American Institute of Architects.

“Weld was an accomplished consultant, a dedicated alumnus of MMI, and a man of honor and integrity. As his son, Donald, described him in his eulogy: ‘He didn’t climb ladders, he built them… When he said something, he meant it, and when he believed in it, he worked for it,’” said MMI President Thomas G. Hood. “He believed in and worked for MMI. We were never able to thank him enough for carrying on his family’s legacy and loyalty to MMI. He will always be remembered and his legacy, and the legacy of his family, lives on in the accomplishments and aspirations of our students.”

Weld moved to Block Island permanently following his retirement in 1993 until his move back to Philadelphia in October 2010 to Cathedral Village, a retirement community where he had been a founding board member.

In addition to his son, Donald, Mr. Coxe is survived by his daughter, Sal Coxe Dobbs, a member of the MMI Board of Directors; several stepchildren; three grandchildren; his former wife, Georgia Mattison Coxe; and his longtime companion, Barbara MacDougall.

Memorials

Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors donated between January 1 and March 31, 2011 In memory of Stanley Balon ’38 Ms. Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 Mr. and Mrs. William P. Fox ’48 Mr. Daniel Ravina In memory of Gregory Bartoli Atty. and Mrs. James V. Senape In honor of Dennis Brady ’62 Mrs. Judith Brady In memory of Steven Christina Atty. and Mrs. James V. Senape In memory of Weld Coxe ’46 Ms. Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 Mr. Joseph A. Turri ’45 and Mrs. Barbara Sowers Mr. Harry C. Schaub ’46, Esq. and Mrs. Kathryn Schaub

In memory of Mary Douglas Heinrich Mr. Lathan M. Ewers

In memory of Eugene Oh Mrs. Nicole ’94 and Mr. Hamidou Traore

In memory of Irene Kempchinsky Ms. Nina C. Dei Tos ’01 Hazleton General Hospital, Administration and Finance Depts. Hazleton General Hospital, Plant Operations Hazleton Health and Wellness Center, Therapy and Fitness Dept. Mrs. Dolores Mhley Mr. and Mrs. Gene Mullay Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Palermo Mr. John Teliho

In memory of Rev. William O’Hara ’71 Atty. and Mrs. James V. Senape

In memory of Lucy Martinelli Atty. and Mrs. James V. Senape

In memory of Ronald Turri ’62 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Turri ’60

In memory of Lillian Paternoster Mr. and Mrs. Mark Laputka ’79 In memory of Florence Stanziola Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Michael Morrison In memory of George Stershic Jr. ’46 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Joan Nowak Mr. and Mrs. Robert Klotz ’58

MMI celebrates arts during annual festival Each April, the MMI family comes together to celebrate the arts with a festival at the school on a Friday evening. The public is invited to the festival, which features drama and musical performances, as well as displays of student art. This year’s Arts Festival was held on Friday, April 29. MMI President Thomas G. Hood said, “There is a great deal of talent among MMI students and we felt the festival was the perfect venue to display those talents. Our students are always excited to have an opportunity to present their artistic works.”

Student art exhibits display a variety of work in many subject areas and art media including charcoal, pastel, colored pencil, watercolor, and acrylic, with pieces based upon their studies in the classroom. Other displays include origami, 3-D project displays, and Cathy Hood plays the ukulele for the photography. Art is displayed open mic portion of the Arts Festival. by all grades from six through 12 and is arranged throughout the school based on the theme of the art. During the festival, musical performances in the Athletic and Drama Complex include selections by the mid school violin ensemble and the mid-school choir. The Coxe Commons is set up for “open mic night” and the Drama Club also does a series of presentations.

Members of the Music Studio class perform for guests of the Arts Festival.

Carley Bonacci’s work, AP 3-D Studio Art, was among those on display.

Alumni attend reunions in Philadelphia, D.C. The Philadelphia Mini-Reunion, held on April 14, was hosted by Dr. Jodi Lenko ’99, Atty. Philip Yoon ’96, and Atty. Brody Stevens ’98 at the Mexican Post Restaurant in downtown Philadelphia. Thirteen alumni and their guests enjoyed the night out.

The event was hosted by Dr. and Mrs. Martin Sokoloski ’55 at the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE-USA). Fifteen alumni and their guests enjoyed a night of networking, socializing, and hearing the latest and greatest of their alma mater.

The Washington D.C. Mini-Reunion was held on April 28.

Philadelphia

A few alums pause for a photo with President Thomas G. Hood. From left: Reunion Host Atty. Brody Stevens ’98, Reza and Nicole ’96 Rahman, Reunion Host Atty. Philip Yoon ’96, President Hood, and Gabrielle Dei Tos ’08.

MMI alumni attending college in Philadelphia joined the crowd at the Mexican Post. Pictured, from left, are Gabrielle Dei Tos ’08, Mitch Sauers ’09, and Sarah Careyva ’10.

Washington, D.C.

Alumni share stories and smiles with President Thomas G. Hood at the D.C. reunion. From left are Scott Sugarman ’73, Reunion Hosts Dr. Martin ’55 and Bonnie Sokoloski, Dr. Robert Lutz ’63, and President Hood.

Jamie ’98 and her husband, Colby Clugston, delighted the reunion with the latest addition to their family, their 11-week daughter, Clara.

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Comical project Marianne Virnelson and Beau Samonte, dressed as Catwoman and Batman, show off their 2011 Open House project, The World of DC Comics. For more Open House photos, see page 9.

MMI Summer Camps 2011 Homecoming 2011 Around the World in Five Days, Claymation, Harry Potter’s Magical Mystery Tour, Jewelry Making Goes Green, and many more! For more information, please visit www.mmiprep.org and click on “2011 Summer Camps” button

Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament. . . . . August 5 Homecoming Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 6 Wall of Fame Dinner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 6