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39 earn diplomas during 119th commencement MMI conducted its 119th commencement exercises on Thursday, May 26, as seniors were awarded diplomas by Llewellyn F. Dryfoos, III ’82, chairman of MMI’s Board of Directors. This year’s graduating class of 39 seniors amassed more than $4.6 million in merit scholarships and awards. The 2011 graduating class also attained an average SAT score of 1755, several hundred points above state and national averages. The commencement address was delivered by John Hersker ’76, the president and chief executive officer of Movie Tavern, a group of cinema dining establishments throughout the country. Movie Tavern, a chain of theatres featuring full-service dining in addition to first-run movies, employs more than 1,000 people across 14 locations in six states. In July, Movie Tavern expanded into its seventh state, Pennsylvania. Hersker previously spent time with the graduates, discussing possible topics for his speech with them. In response, he shared stories about the movie business as well as the role MMI played in his life. “Even in all my youthful cynicism,

Members of the MMI Class of 2011 pose for their official photograph.

I would have acknowledged the school’s obvious benefits: small classes, personalized attention from the faculty and administration, and classmates who were good people to grow up with. It is impossible to over-emphasize these aspects of an MMI education, which are as much in evidence today as they were then,” he said. “When I return to the Hazleton area now, I see the many social and economic challenges that this region – like most of the country – is facing. MMI strikes me as that proverbial shining city on a hill. It is prospering in the midst of adversity, and it is making a demonstrable improvement in the most precious resource a society has: the lives of its young people,” Hersker said. He advised the graduates to hold on to their dreams as they discover what they want their life’s work to be.

John Hersker ’76 delivers the Founder’s Day address during commencement exercises.

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“My career choice was based on the work that I knew I loved. That, in my opinion, is ideally what a career choice should be based on … To me, a career

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choice based on money or prosperity, without regard to how one feels about the actual work, is a recipe for unhappiness,” he said. During commencement exercises, valedictorian Joseph Michael McGraw reflected on the graduates’ years at MMI, saying, “Today, our four years of high school come to an end. In the course of four years, we read an endless pile of books, wrote paper after paper, solved countless math problems, and studied more than we slept. Because of the hard work that we put in, we are now all prepared to head off to college and for the next challenge that awaits. All of our teachers have helped prepare us for the future whether we are going to further our studies in engineering, pre-medicine, art, history, or business. “However, I think that we have helped each other the most. We learned to work together even when it was not easy, and because of it, we are prepared to face the

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See COMMENCEMENT, page 9

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From the President “It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.” ~ Albert Einstein (1879-1955) You wonder what Mr. Einstein would say today, more than 55 years after his death. Go into a restaurant today and you will likely see kids texting on their cell phones, sometimes at each other across the table, while the family is dining. Are we losing the art of communication and interaction? At MMI, the answer is no. Instead we are focused on using “technology” to improve communication, interaction, and student understanding. There are a myriad of new “technology” tools that can improve student learning in and out of the classroom. In the past four years we have acquired many of these tools at MMI. We have modernized two computer labs and provided projectors and Internet connections to every classroom. We have provided updated software tools to our faculty and this year, thanks to a gift from our newest graduating class, 2011, we are installing WiFi throughout the school. Our faculty invest significant time learning to use these tools to improve student learning. While technology has changed how we teach and learn, it has not significantly changed what we teach and learn. We still emphasize effective oral and written communication skills through extensive writing and our assembly program. We require our students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. And we stimulate their curiosity and imagination through dynamic and thought-provoking lessons. New technology can assist the teacher, but cannot replace the need for student mastery of these abilities. The most important role of the teacher is so much more than imparting information or effectively using technology. A teacher is a mentor, surrogate parent, counselor, coach, and friend to his or her students. Good teachers establish a connection with their students and take an interest in their lives. In short, they bring humanity to the classroom. It is this humanity that makes the classroom teacher irreplaceable. While you can learn facts and processes online, there is no substitute for a caring adult in the classroom. In fact, I would bet that your favorite MMI teacher is one who listened to you or took an interest in your life rather than the one who taught you some interesting fact. They likely did both, but we remember the humanity. MMI teachers continue to excel at bringing this humanity to the classroom, and it is through this humanity, as much as any other factor, that they inspire our students to reach their full academic, athletic, and social potential. While Einstein may worry that technology is overtaking our humanity, our humanity is what continues to make MMI a special place. Please consider joining us 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

Thomas G. Hood - President

William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus

(570) 636-1108 (570) 636-0742 (fax) mmi@mmiprep.org (email) www.mmiprep.org (Internet) Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus

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MMI 2011 Wall of Fame Inductees To Be Honored The MMI Board of Directors approved the following distinguished alumni, faculty, staff, and board members for induction to the 2011 MMI Wall of Fame. Detailed information on each inductee is provided here. All members of the MMI community are invited to celebrate the achievements of this year’s Wall of Fame Class at a special dinner on August 6 at MMI. For more information, please see the Homecoming article on page 11 of this newsletter. Mr. James Dei Tos Service to MMI Performed numerous masonry, concrete and handyman jobs for MMI, mostly on a volunteer basis, and has lent his talents to MMI for nearly 50 years under four presidents. Built the concrete steps outside Old Main, which he continues to repair as needed. Other tasks he undertook include pumping water from the old MMI gymnasium during flooding; digging the trench in the underground tunnel between Old Main and Century II to prevent water damage; and working on the parapets between the 1942-1943 addition to Old Main, constantly repointing part of the building as needed even today. At age 73, used scaffolding to hang all the athletic banners in the new gymnasium.

Mr. Richard Goldman ’68 Professional Achievement

Dr. Joseph A. Donato ’66 Professional Achievement Has operated a private practice in general dentistry since the 1970s, with offices in Freeland and Conyngham. Inducted as a fellow of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Academy of General Dentistry, and American Endodontic Society. Active in the Pennsylvania Dental Association on the local, district and state levels, including past leadership roles.

Dr. Jodi Washinsky Lenko ’99 Athletic Achievement Finished her MMI basketball career as the first female to score 1,000 points. Her record still holds today with her career total of 1,104 points. Was the first freshman to be part of MMI’s varsity women’s basketball team. Set a number of records in MMI Women’s Basketball, many of which are still held today, including most points in a season, highest average points per game for a career, completed field goals for a career (420), three-point shots made during a career, and games played during a career.

Mr. Neal Wood ’44 Professional Achievement

Along with his business partner, grew Men’s Wearhouse into the largest chain of men’s clothing stores in North America, with more than 500 stores in the United States and more than 120 in Canada.

Spent nearly 40 years as an engineer for the Turnpike Commission and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation before retiring as the turnpike commission’s chief bridge engineer in 1991.

Widely considered the marketing mastermind of Men’s Wearhouse and retired in 2002 after a 29-year career with the company, leaving Men’s Wearhouse and its affiliates with annual sales of more than $1.2 billion.

Worked on several high-profile projects during his career, from the Interstate Highway System to the completion of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Founder and CEO of Ethos Alliance, a nonprofit organization with the goal of helping corporations define and implement corporate social responsibility.

Developed SNAP (Sonic Nap Alert Pattern), the pattern of rumble strips grooved into the shoulders of highways to alert drivers when they stray from the road. The SNAP system is in place along every major highway in America and is credited with a 70 percent reduction in drift-off accidents.

The 2010 Wall of Fame inductees included, from left, front row, Dr. James M. Andriole ’76; Joseph A. Turri ’45; Thelma Fatula Gallagher; Samuel Schaeffer; and Michael Watahovich ’61. Back row, former Director of Alumni Affairs Nina C. Dei Tos ’01; former Director of Development Mark A. DiPippa; Daniel Kostick ’54; members of the 1963-1964 MMI Boys’ Basketball Team: Dr. James W. Feussner ’65, Dr. John R. Feussner ’64, Coach Albert Goedecke ’45, Col. Michael Urenovich ’64, and John Hollis ’64; William J. Flood; and President Thomas G. Hood.

Student earns second place on chemistry exam

Team from MMI receives fifth place at Envirothon

Matthew Yurish, who recently completed 10th grade at MMI, has placed second in a high school chemistry competition. Yurish, the son of Thomas and JuleAnn Yurish of Freeland, was the local runner-up in the American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Matthew Yurish Competition examination for the Susquehanna Valley section of the ACS. The competitive examination recognizes and rewards outstanding high school chemistry students in an eight-county area of northeastern Pennsylvania. Fewer than 10 percent of high school chemistry students are nominated to take the exam each year.

MMI students competed at the Pennsylvania State Envirothon recently, earning a fifth-place overall finish and the highest score in the category of Aquatics. Team members include, from left: Brianna Nocchi, Christian Parsons, Tyler Fulton, David Polashenski, Nicholas O’Clair, and adviser Michael Mele.

Student’s letter among top in national essay contest

Yurish and his chemistry teacher, Laura Petro, were invited to the Annual ACS Awards Banquet at Bloomsburg University. During the banquet, student winners received an award and teachers were also honored.

Joshua Narrow, who recently completed sixth grade at MMI, received an honorable mention in Letters About Literature, a national essay contest.

With more than 163,000 members, the American Chemical Society is the world’s largest scientific society and one of the world’s leading sources of authoritative scientific information. A nonprofit organization, chartered by Congress, ACS is the premier professional home for chemists, chemical engineers and related professions around the globe. ACS has 189 local sections, called chapters, throughout the United States, allowing members to connect with other chemists and chemical engineers in their geographic area, participate in programs near their homes that can enhance their professional development and contribute to the public’s understanding of chemistry in their communities.

Letters About Literature, now in its 28th year, is a nationwide competition Joshua Narrow sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress and Target Stores and co-sponsored by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 as a public-private partnership to use the resources of the Library of Congress to stimulate public interest in books and reading. Letters About Literature invites students in three grade categories to write letters to authors – living or dead – explaining how the author’s words affected them or their worldview. Narrow is the son of Howard and Marie Narrow of Hazleton. He wrote a

letter to Carol Matas, author of Daniel’s Story, a book about a 14-year-old boy who is deported to a ghetto and then the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. In his essay, Narrow wrote, “I was quickly able to relate to Daniel and the things he went through. We were Jewish boys, the same age and both of us caring about our family. … I also learned that despite everything the Jewish people went through they still had hope. It made me feel proud of my people. We never gave up hope. … I want to read more about the Holocaust and about amazing people like Daniel who was brave enough to risk his own life. I want to read about extraordinary people and their stories in escaping the cruelness of the Nazis.” Narrow was only one of six students to receive an honorable mention. His letter was selected by a national screening committee out of 1,246 letters in the first level of competition, then judged by the Pennsylvania Center for the Book’s screening committee as one of the 10 best letters in the state, then chosen as one of the best letters in the state by six Pennsylvania judges.

Students’ poetry to be published in book Twelve MMI students have had their poems selected for publication in a poetry anthology. The hardbound book will be published by Creative Communication: A Celebration of Today’s Writers. The sixth-grade students submitted their poems under the direction of sixth-grade literature teacher Lisa Ferry and more than half of the class was selected for inclusion in the anthology. Students and their poems are as follows: Nicholas Dule, “The Swinging Tree”; Sarah Delese, “Under the Sea”; Gabriella DeMelfi, “What I See”; Evan Dryfoos, untitled; Ryan Eschenbach, “Colors”; Sukanya Kansara, “The Sea Coral”; Mitchell Milbrand, “Plain Coral”; Athena Nicholas, “Tree”; Kisan Patel, “Stuff on the Tree”; Lois Polashenski, “The Tree”; Kryslyn Postupack, “The Life of Coral”; and Frank Seratch, untitled.

MMI students who have had their poetry selected for publication in a poetry anthology are, first row, from left: Sarah Delese, Gabriella DeMelfi, Sukanya Kansara, and Lois Polashenski. Second row: Kryslyn Postupack, Athena Nicholas, Nicholas Dule, and Evan Dryfoos. Third row: teacher Lisa Ferry, Ryan Eschenbach, Kisan Patel, Mitchell Milbrand, and Frank Seratch.

“These students worked very hard on their poems and I’m happy to see their dedication has paid off. I have seen how much their writing has improved since the beginning of the school year. This recognition is a testament to their writing skills,” Ferry said.

our contest creates a record of what is important to today’s students. Without this publication, the entries which reflect the unique insight and perspective of the youth today would be lost forever.”

Creative Communication Editor Thomas K. Worthen, Ph.D., said, “Publishing the high merit poems from

Creative Communication is a company devoted to the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of

student writing. The intent of its student writing contests is to motivate creative writers. The company’s competitions are selective, with more entries rejected than selected. The contests are judged by published writers and/or educators in elementary, secondary and higher education.

Student raises money for dolphin research An MMI student has raised hundreds of dollars for research to help dolphins.

Center in Florida through a dress-down day at MMI and through her Open House project on the center.

Haylee Kirschner, the daughter of Dieter and Kimberly Kirschner of Pocono Lake, raised $424 for the Dolphin Research

The Dolphin Research Center (DRC) is a not-for-profit research and educational facility in the Florida Keys that teaches the world more about the abilities of dolphins through dolphin research. The center is home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. Kirschner, who recently completed eighth grade at MMI, wrote to the center: “After I visited DRC again in March with my family, I received some literature to raise awareness of the need at DRC. I wanted to do something for you all.” In honor of the donation, DRC will install a personalized paver along a commemorative walkway at the center. Kirschner has been a member at the center since 2000 and will attend an educational camp there in the summer.

MMI Preparatory School student Haylee Kirschner stands with her Open House project on the Dolphin Research Center.

“Your generosity will ensure that we are able to insure our family’s health. Thanks to you, the dolphins and sea lions will continue to enjoy the best food and medical care available. Friends like you make it possible for all of us to continue with our mission to teach, learn and care for marine mammals and our environment,” Rita Irwin, president and CEO of the Dolphin Research Center, wrote in a letter to the Kirschner family.

MMI students plant trees at new fields Students at MMI spent time planting trees and shrubbery at the school’s new athletic field complex. The school received a donation of more than 500 plants of native species from the Pennsylvania Game Commission to encourage regrowth for some of the trees removed during construction of the field. The donation is part of the Game Commission’s Seedlings for Schools program, which provides a variety of seedlings to middle and high school students interested in planting seedlings on school or community grounds to improve a habitat, plant along a stream, develop a tree nursery, or create an environmental area. MMI science students helped plant the new trees and shrubs. The project is under the supervision of MMI faculty member Laura Petro. Englysh Handlong and her classmates plant trees at the school’s new athletic field complex.

MMI’s $3 million athletic and environmental complex includes three fields for softball, baseball, and soccer as well as an outdoor classroom area for nature study.

Sixth-Grade Science Fair winners announced Students participated in MMI’s Sixth-Grade Science Fair and were honored for their achievements. Projects ranged from psychology to biochemistry and alternative energy to botany. The projects were graded on the criteria of scientific thought, experimental methods, analytical approach, presentation, and judge’s opinion, the same criteria used in judging Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) projects. Prizes were awarded as follows: Frank Seratch, son of Frank and Sarah Seratch, Hazleton, first place for his project, “Does Gatorade make plants grow faster?”; Joshua Narrow, son of Howard and Marie Narrow, Hazleton, second place for his project, “The true power of homemade batteries”; and Katie Eschenbach, daughter of David and Maureen Eschenbach, Drums, third place for her project, “How to extract fruit and vegetable DNA.” Seniors who are part of MMI’s Science National Honor Society mentored the sixth-grade students on their projects. Through this guidance, the seniors helped clarify and focus the design and implementation of the younger students’ projects. The partnership allowed the seniors to apply their knowledge of science and experience in preparing science-oriented projects to enhance the sixth-graders’ understanding of science. Science instructor Michael Mele said the science fair is an important first step in conceptualizing and applying the scientific method. “Students learn a hands-on approach to hypothesis formulation, experimental design, data analysis, and proper research project formatting. Research papers, experimentation, and presentations are integral parts of the science curriculum at MMI, as well as other peripherals such as the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science research projects, Open House, the Pennsylvania State Envirothon, and the Biology Olympics, to name a few,” he said.

Winners in MMI Preparatory School’s Sixth-Grade Science Fair are, from left: Katie Eschenbach, third place; Joshua Narrow, second place; and Frank Seratch, first place.

Science instructor Laura Petro said the students enjoyed participating in the science fair. “It is one thing to learn in class during a lesson, but the lesson comes alive when students are allowed to take ownership of it and truly understand the science behind an experiment that they designed and performed. It is our hope that this will enable students not only to participate in PJAS in years to come, but also to realize the importance of experimentation in their lives and possible future careers,” she said.

MMI teams compete in Botball challenge

Two teams from MMI’s Robotics Club competed in the 2011 New York/New Jersey Botball Regional Tournament. One of the teams earned seventh place overall, received the KISS Award for Engineering Design for one of their robots and took first place in the Alliance Challenge. Members of the two teams are, front row, from left: Morgan Herbener, Englysh Handlong, Megan Klein, Antonia Diener, Brianna Dzurishin, and Marianne Virnelson. Second row: Jake Driscoll, Matthew Yurish, Paul Brasavage, Katlyn Frey, Briana Cole, Michael Macarevich, Mark Cole, and Paul Gronski. Third row: adviser Justin Vincent, Roderick Cook, Balaganesh Natarajan, Ryan Twardzik, Samuel Scalleat, Jeffrey Lotz, Corey Sisock, and James Gliem.

Entrance exam and visitation dates set for 2011-12 MMI Preparatory School will continue to offer only one Entrance Exam for admission to the 2011-2012 school year and that exam will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at 9 a.m.

Visitation Nights for prospective families will be held on Wednesday, November 16, and on Tuesday, January 24. The annual Bring a Friend to School Day will be held on Friday, January 20.

“We will continue to streamline the admissions process this year and offering one exam was a resounding success last year,” said MMI President Thomas G. Hood.

Anyone who has questions about any of the admissions events or who would like to register should contact Aprilaurie Whitley in the MMI admissions office at (570) 636-1108 or via email at awhitley@mmiprep.org.

MMI seniors and guests enjoy prom at Waterfront

MMI seniors and their guests attended the school’s prom on Thursday, May 19, at the Waterfront in Wilkes-Barre.

The Class of 2011 Sara Marium Aijaz, daughter of Fakhruddin and Naghma Aijaz, Mountaintop. University of Scranton Honors Program – Biology with a Pre-Medical Concentration.

Andrew Gabriel Kempchinsky, son of Michael and Dolores Kempchinsky, Freeland. Antonelli School of Art and Photography – Photography.

Binki Baxi, daughter of Nilesh and Shital Baxi, Mountaintop. University of the Sciences in Philadelphia – Pharmacy.

Joshua Emerson Kiddish, son of Anthony and Bonnie Kiddish, White Haven. University of Scranton – Biochemistry with a Pre-Medical Concentration.

Courtney Lynn Bogansky, daughter of David Bogansky, Hazle Township, and Katherine Balderston, Hazleton. University of Pennsylvania – Economics and International Relations.

Erin Renee Kislan, daughter of Frank and Wendy Kislan, Freeland. California University of Pennsylvania – Nursing/Art Education.

Carley Lynn Bonacci, granddaughter of Ann Bonacci, Sugarloaf. Curry College – undecided. Dana Marie Chippi, daughter of David and Susan Chippi, Hazle Township. Boston University – Neuroscience.

Joseph Michael McGraw, son of Patrick and Michele McGraw, Mountaintop. Lehigh University IDEAS Honors Program – Chemical Engineering.

Jahanzaib Murtaza Choudhry, son of Babar and Shaista Choudhry, Drums. Franklin & Marshall College – History.

Caden Jae Mecir, son of Dawn Mecir, Freeland. Penn State University – Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering.

Jacob Andrew Daniels, son of Bruce and Denise Daniels, Beaver Meadows. Rochester Institute of Technology – Mechanical Engineering.

Amanda Grace Miller, daughter of Dennis and Bonny Miller, Freeland. Lycoming College – Photography/Creative Writing.

Rachael Nicole Daniels, daughter of Bruce and Denise Daniels, Beaver Meadows. Johnson & Wales University – Sports/Entertainment/Event Management.

Matthew George Oakum, son of Daniel and Joanne Oakum, Conyngham. Wilkes University – Psychology.

Julia Ann Dasher, daughter of Keith and Livia Dasher, Hazleton. Elizabethtown College – undecided. Dylan Reid Donaldson, son of Dennis and Kathy Donaldson, White Haven. Wilkes University – Mechanical Engineering. Ian Patrick Duffy, son of Terence and Karen Duffy, Conyngham. Temple University – Biology with a Pre-Medical Concentration. Ryan J. Forte, son of Thomas and Karen Forte, Sugarloaf. Saint Joseph’s University – Biology. Richard Anthony Franzosa, son of Richard and Tracey Franzosa, Hazle Township. Temple University – undecided. Joshua Ian Fulk, son of Gerald Fulk, White Haven, and Wendy Zawatski, Freeland. Wilkes University – Electrical/ Computer Engineering. Sarah Kate Gittleman, daughter of Sherry Dietrich, Drums, and Jeff Gittleman and DeAnn Miller, Sugarloaf. Kutztown University – Art. Cory James Heffelfinger, son of Edward and Margarete Heffelfinger, Drums. Lafayette College – undecided. Catherine Kelly Hood, daughter of Thomas and Mary-Lee Hood, Freeland. New York University – Music Technology. Joseph Nicholas Hornak, son of Michael and Mary Frances Hornak, Hazle Township. Duquesne University Honors Program – Physical Therapy. Stephanie Ann Karpowich, daughter of Donald and Tracy Karpowich, Freeland. King’s College – undecided. Balljot Kaur, daughter of Rajinder and Swaranjit Baidwan, Sugarloaf. Long Island University – Pre-Pharmacy.

Amanda Cristina Lara, daughter of Guillermo and Sandra Lara, Hazleton. Ithaca College – Psychology.

Francisco J. Ortiz, III, son of Jacqueline Hernandez, Freeland. Penn State University – English/Pre-Law. Dhiren M. Patel, son of Manoj and Bhavana Patel, Hazleton. Penn State University – Biochemistry with a PreMedical Concentration. Shital Dilipkumar Patel, daughter of Dilipkumar and Minaben Patel, Drums. University of Scranton – Neuroscience with a Pre-Medical Concentration. Brittany Lynn Purcell, daughter of David and Kathleen Purcell, Drums. Rochester Institute of Technology – Computer Science. Michelle Lynn Reck, daughter of Joan and Lawrence Alles, Mountaintop, and Clement Reck, Wilkes-Barre. West Chester University – Nursing. Jacob Thomas Slusser, son of Thomas and Kimberly Slusser, West Hazleton. University of Pennsylvania – Biochemistry/Economics. Alexander Patalam Sriharsha, son of Patalam and Pamela Sriharsha, Bloomsburg. Saint Leo University – International Studies. Francis John Swankoski, III, son of Francis and Danielle Swankoski, Freeland. University of Scranton – Biochemistry. Nicholas Triano, son of Nicholas and Michele Triano, Hazleton. Penn State University – Chemical Engineering. Daniel Mark Yencha, son of Michael and Denise Yencha, Ebervale. Mount Aloysius College – Nursing. Timothy John Yurish, son of Thomas and JuleAnn Yurish, Freeland. Bucknell University – Chemical Engineering.

Commencement (continued from page 1) challenges of tomorrow. We all have plans for our futures, and for all of us, that means college is the next step, which means that we get to experience the same four years from freshman to senior all over again. But for now, we do not need to worry about what will be because now, it is time for us to celebrate four years of hard work. Today, we graduate and get our diplomas prepared

Valedictorian Joseph Michael McGraw speaks during commencement exercises.

to move on in life, but we will always be MMI’s Class of 2011,” McGraw said. Salutatorian Jacob Thomas Slusser compared the class to an automobile with its many unique parts that, when put together, function well. “When the class of 2011 first came off the assembly line, there were a few issues here and there. At first, some of the parts thought that the others were too unique or had too different of a purpose. With MMI being the key to the ignition, this car of course would be no lemon. The mechanics here at MMI Auto Body, or teachers as we like to call them, fine-tuned our class with a demanding curriculum and the guidance that helped us get through our journey to 12th grade,” he said. “Once broken in by a few thousand miles and nights upon nights of homework, this vehicle, derived from extremely unique parts such as recognized scholars, letterman winners, featured artists, history buffs, Starbucksdwelling hipsters, outdoor enthusiasts

Salutatorian Jacob Thomas Slusser addresses the audience at commencement.

and many more, was clicking on all cylinders. Now, we have arrived at our last high school destination of this commencement ceremony tonight. Looking back, it is easy to see how each individual person of the Class of 2011 was vital to helping us get to where we are this evening and we would not be here were it not for a collective effort by all of us,” Slusser said.

Class of 2011 earns more than $4.6 million in scholarships, awards Joseph Hornak • Elks Teen of the Year Award • Wendy’s High School Heisman Award

The 39 members of MMI’s Class of 2011 earned more than $4.6 million in scholarships. Graduates received the following awards during the school’s awards convocation on May 17, with the exception of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the MMI Faculty Award, which were announced at commencement:

Joshua Kiddish • Elks Teen of the Year Award (overall male winner)

Courtney Bogansky • American Legion Good Citizenship Award • Elks Teen of the Year Award Carley Bonacci • Hazleton Art League Art Youth Expo Best in Show and Most Emotionally Moving awards • Nuremberg Community Players Scholarship

MMI President Thomas G. Hood and Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler present the Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards in Spanish, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and English to Joseph Michael McGraw. At MMI’s Awards Convocation, Joseph Michael McGraw was also given the Jake Kislan ’56 Polanaise Society Award, the Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science, the Spanish Honor Society Award, and the John Steiner Gold Math Exam Award.

Dana Chippi • District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award

Julia Dasher • Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Award in Art

Jacob Daniels • Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Award in German • Times Leader Best & Brightest Award for Computers and Technology

Joseph Michael McGraw • Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards in Spanish, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and English • 2011 Woodmen of the World American History Award • John Steiner Gold Math Exam Award • Jake Kislan ’56 Polonaise Society Award • Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science • Spanish Honor Society Award • District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award Shital Patel • Elks Teen of the Year Award • Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Jacob Slusser • Elks Teen of the Year Award

MMI announces administrative appointments President Thomas G. Hood has announced the appointments of two administrative members. Kim McNulty has been named director of advancement, and Aprilaurie Whitley ’88 has been named director of admissions and financial aid. For the past four years, McNulty has served as MMI’s director of admissions and financial aid. “Kim and Aprilaurie are well qualified for their Kim McNulty new positions and are already familiar with MMI, Kim in administration and Aprilaurie as an alumna and MMI parent. They understand the school and our procedures and we are confident they will work well with MMI families, alumni and supporters to enhance and support our school’s culture of success,” Hood said. McNulty will fill the position formerly held by Mark DiPippa, who recently left MMI to become the head of a new school, Rock Solid Academy in Dallas. Former Director of Alumni Affairs Nina Dei Tos ’01 has also made a career change and is now the director of development at the Domestic Violence Service Center in Wilkes-Barre. While McNulty served as director of admissions and financial aid, enrollment at the school increased by more than 30 percent. In her new role, McNulty will be

responsible for leading a comprehensive development and alumni relations program at MMI that includes annual fundraising, capital campaigns, corporate giving including the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, planned giving, and alumni events and services. “I love being a member of MMI’s administrative staff and look forward to working with the MMI family from Aprilaurie Whitley a different angle. I look forward to meeting our distinguished alumni and bringing them closer to the school. I also eagerly anticipate assisting MMI with its needs as the school continues to grow and adapt to 21st-century education. MMI is known for an excellent quality of education and individual attention to each student, and I am proud to be a part of the school,” McNulty said. Whitley has served the public in numerous capacities, including most recently as the founder of Valley Academy Charter School. Before that, she spent nearly 10 years as a Pennsylvania state trooper, including several years as a public information officer for the Pennsylvania State Police, handling news releases and other information for the media. As MMI’s director of admissions and financial aid, she will provide leadership and direction to a comprehensive program for the direct recruitment and

enrollment of students to MMI. Her responsibilities include creating programs to assist prospective families to better understand MMI and the opportunities that MMI can offer their children; organizing and promoting various events and programs at the school; and handling financial aid and admissions applications. Whitley has two children. Her older son, TJ, who has attended MMI since he entered in sixth grade (the earliest grade offered at MMI), will be an eighth-grader in the fall. Her younger son, Gunner, will enter sixth grade this fall. “As an MMI parent, I have had truly great experiences volunteering and interacting with the current students and faculty. I attended MMI from seventh to 12th grade, and I can personally attest to the first-class education that MMI provides. I look forward to sharing the wonderful opportunities that MMI has to offer with new families,” she said. Whitley has resigned her position with the board of directors for Valley Academy Charter School, which will now be headed by Stan Warner ’92, an MMI board member. “I have always supported school choice, which is why I proposed and founded the charter school after Bishop Hafey High School closed. With the state approval of the charter school, I feel that my work with Valley Academy is complete. I know personally the value of an independent school education and am excited to actively promote MMI to other families throughout the region,” Whitley said.

State Senator John Yudichak visits MMI

State Senator John Yudichak visited with MMI administrators on June 1 at the school. He also had the opportunity to tour MMI’s newly completed athletic complex. From left: Mary Zubrow of MMI’s Development Office, former Director of Development Mark DiPippa, Senator Yudichak, and MMI President Thomas G. Hood.

Homecoming 2011 set for August 5-6 MMI’s annual Homecoming Weekend will be held Friday and Saturday, August 5 and 6. Reunion activities begin with the third annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday (see story below). The annual Homecoming Picnic will be held Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All alumni and their families are invited to attend. Registration begins at 11 a.m. Highlights include raffle drawings, campus tours, tours of MMI’s new athletic complex and the opportunity to visit with classmates and friends. Saturday evening features the MMI Wall of Fame Dinner (see page 3 for this year’s inductees). The Wall of Fame was initiated to honor esteemed members of the MMI family. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception and then continues with dinner and the awards ceremony set to begin at 7 p.m. This year’s Homecoming honors, in particular, the classes of 1931, 1936, 1941, 1946, 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, and 2006. Class reunions planned for the weekend include: The Classes of 1931, 1936, and 1941 are invited to join the MMI family in celebrating their 80th, 75th, and 70th reunions at the MMI Homecoming Picnic on Saturday, August 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the school. Also celebrating

at the Homecoming picnic are the Classes of 1976, 1981, and 1986. The Class of 1946 is celebrating its 65th reunion with a dinner on Friday, August 5. Harry Schaub, George Allen and Jerry Herbert will be serving as hosts. Members of the Classes of 1945 and 1947 are also invited. The Class of 1951 will gather for its 60th reunion at the Homecoming Picnic on Saturday, August 6, at MMI. The picnic will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at MMI. The class will also be having a cyber-reunion via conference call at 1:30 p.m. during the picnic to connect with those classmates not in attendance. Information about how the conference call will work will be sent to all class members. The Class of 1956 will meet for dinner on Friday, August 5, following the third annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Outing. The Class of 1961 will gather for dinner on Friday evening, August 5, to commemorate 50 years since graduation. The Class of 1966 will come together for its 45th reunion at the Wall of Fame Dinner at MMI on Saturday, August 6, at 6 p.m. Classmate Dr. Joseph Donato will be inducted into the Wall of Fame that evening. The 40th reunion for the Class of 1971 will also be celebrated at this year’s Wall of Fame Dinner on Saturday,

August 6. Nick Dei Tos is serving as the reunion chair and invitations have been sent directly to the class. For more information, contact Nick Dei Tos at (570) 956-7974 or Kim McNulty at MMI. The 20th reunion for the Class of 1991 will take place at MMI on Saturday, August 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. Maija Pelly will be hosting the event. The Class of 1996 will celebrate its 15th reunion with a get-together on Friday, August 5, at Mea’s Restaurant in downtown Hazleton. Rob Davis will serve as host. The Class of 2001 will celebrate its 10th reunion this summer. Reunion Chairs Nina Dei Tos and Jamie (Metzger) Gatts have sent invitations to the class. The reunion will be held on Friday, August 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Meating House in Drums. For more information, contact Nina Dei Tos at nina.deitos@gmail.com or Jamie Gatts at jgatts0212@gmail.com. The Class of 2006 will gather at the annual Homecoming picnic on Saturday, August 6, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to celebrate its fifth reunion. Noelle Brandmier will serve as the reunion chair and can be contacted directly at (570) 956-3991 or noelle.brandmier@gmail. com. For more information, contact Kim McNulty at MMI at (570) 636-1108.

Kislan golf tournament part of Homecoming In 2009, MMI chose to rename its annual golf tournament to honor longtime athlete and 1956 graduate Jake Kislan, who passed away in December 2008.

season ended, Jake began preparing for the baseball season as a pitcher for the MMI Preppers. After graduation, Jake played semi-professional baseball and was scouted by the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. Jake’s natural athletic ability was also evident in fast-pitch softball, as he was named the all-star shortstop after playing in both the Freeland and Hazleton fast-pitch leagues.

Jake was a superior athlete at MMI in both Jake Kislan ’56 baseball and basketball. In his senior year, he was selected as the region’s top basketball guard and helped lead the Preppers to the Anthracite League Championship with a 21-4 record. When basketball

Jake’s involvement in the sports community resulted in a number of significant contributions to the region, such as the Drifton, PA Softball Complex – one of the premier facilities for softball in the country. Additionally, Jake was instrumental in bringing the U.S. Olympic Games women’s fast-pitch team to Drifton in 1996.

MMI will hold the third annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament on Friday, August 5.

The MMI community is pleased to honor Jake’s legacy and carry on his name in the spirit of athleticism with our annual golf tournament. This year’s tournament will again follow a “scramble” format with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Lunch will follow the tournament at approximately 2 p.m. The $125 entrance fee includes a golf cart with GPS course mapping, green fees, continental breakfast, a lunch buffet in the Sunset Green Restaurant and Bar, prizes, and the annual golf gift. Golfers’ guests or those wishing to attend lunch only may do so for $30. Space is limited and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Alumni Notes

What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe John Czarick ’64 has been appointed as a Commissioner for the Certification of Disability Management Specialists, a national credentialing organization out of Illinois. Christian Gaffney ’99 graduated from Harvard Medical School on May 26 with his M.D. degree.

Damien M. Marycz ’00, M.D., graduated on May 20 from the Cleveland Clinic Internal Medicine Residency Program in Cleveland, Ohio, and has joined the staff of the Cleveland Clinic in the Internal Medicine Department. Beginning in July 2012, he will attend the University of Kentucky Medical Center’s Cardiology Fellowship Program at the Gill Heart Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, to pursue a career in interventional cardiology. As an undergraduate, a medical student, and a resident, he has

had numerous research presentations and publications, the most recent being as a presenter at the American College of Cardiology’s National Conference in New Orleans in April. Harry Schaub ’46 received an honorary doctoral degree from Holy Family University during the university’s graduate degree commencement ceremony at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia on May 14.

Alumna teaches English in South America Brianna Kramer ’09 spent part of her summer teaching English in Ecuador. Kramer, who will be a junior at Ursinus College this fall, recently completed a monthlong program, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), which will give her the certification to teach in any foreign country.

Despite her busy schedule, Kramer still had some time to travel. For example, she and an American friend she met in Ecuador visited Mindo, a small town a few hours from Quito.

“I was able to canopy (zip line) high in the “My Ursinus English mountains, see the Education degree will give Brianna Kramer ’09 teaches an English class in Ecuador. butterflies at a place me the opportunity to called Mariposas teach English in Englishin Mindo, and go tubing down Rio Kia – like whitewater speaking regions and the TESOL program will give me the rafting, but tubing,” she said. certification to teach in non-English speaking regions,” Kramer said. “When I graduate, I will be able to teach all over the world. I really want to be an effective teacher worldwide.” She kept busy with classes for nearly 10 hours a day, five days a week, and taught English two days a week to beginners ranging in age from 12 to 53. Kramer joined TESOL through an organization known as Language Corps. Language Corps arranged her plans with the program through which she will become certified, Experimento de Convivencia Internacional del Ecuador. “The training is very interesting for me since I am at a completely different place in my life than everyone else. I am the youngest in my class of teachers who are training,” Kramer said while she was Ecuador. “I really enjoy it. It’s challenging, but it’s worth it.”

While in South America, she stayed with a host family in Quito, living with two sisters and their sets of children. Their home is about a 10-minute walk from the training center.

“Afterward, my friend and I were searching to find a small café and actually were in the right place at the right time. We met the president of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, who was in Mindo the same weekend,” Kramer said. She also visited the town of Banos and was considering trips to visit Incan ruins or the Galapagos Islands. Kramer said her MMI education has been beneficial to her in college and abroad. “MMI has given me the skills needed to succeed in college. In addition, I think since I was able to acquire these skills prior to attending Ursinus, I developed the confidence to do this TESOL program at a very young age. “I personally believe that being the youngest student in my program says a lot about the value of a MMI education. It has only been two years since I graduated from MMI, and I already feel as though I am ready to extend myself in the education field,” Kramer said.

MMI holds baccalaureate

MMI held its annual baccalaureate service at St. James Episcopal Church in Drifton on May 24. Above, senior class members Jacob Daniels, Catherine Hood, Joseph Hornak, and Matthew Oakum sing during the service.

At right, the Rev. Lawrence Barriger, Greek and Latin instructor at MMI, speaks to students during the baccalaureate service.

Milestones

Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family Births

her son, James Lundy ’73, and his wife, Lynn.

A daughter, Sophia, was born to Robbye (Spector) Losada ’96 and her husband, Castor, on November 8, 2010. The baby joins a 4-year-old brother, Aaron.

Charles Reczkowski ’46 passed away June 7. Surviving are his sons, Charles and Robert; and a daughter, Mary Ann “Buffy.”

Deaths

Alfred F. Stortz passed away on June 26. He is survived by his wife, Marion Stortz, and his daughter, MMI faculty member Susan Moyer.

Joseph Rinaldo Beltrami, Jr. passed away on April 28. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their sons, Noah ’13 and Carmen. He is also survived by his sisters, Joleen Beltrami ’82 and her husband, Todd Schell ’80, and Paula Mategrano and her husband, Lt. Col. Albert Mategrano, III. Alexandra D. Betley passed away on April 26. She is survived by her sons, Gregory Betley ’70 and his wife, Ann Marie, and Charles Betley and his wife, Hilary. Shirley Feist passed away on May 16. She is survived by a son, Gregg R. Feist ’67, and his wife, Janis Feist, and a daughter, Cynthia F. Starner, and her husband, Dr. Robert Starner. Herbert J. Kelshaw passed away May 8. He is survived by his two sons, Dr. Charles Kelshaw ’72 and Gary Kelshaw and his wife, Mary. Marie Lundy passed away on April 28. She is survived by

Emily Timko passed away April 24. She is survived by her children, David ’69, Mandy Ferry, and Joan Alvear, along with five grandchildren and a great-grandson. Eleanor Catherine Toman passed away June 26. She is survived by two daughters, Linda Derenick and her husband, Stephen, and Sharon McNamara; a son, Thomas Toman; and a granddaughter, MMI faculty member Stephanie Shandra. Michael J. Wassel ’51 passed away on August 23, 2010. He is survived by two sons, James and Thomas; three siblings, Ann, Margaret Boyle, former MMI staff member, and John, and two grandchildren. John G. Yanochko, Sr. ’44 died April 27. He is survived by his wife, Marie, and his daughters, Georgene Bellizzi and Anne Marie Nicholas.

Memorials

Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between April 1 and July 15, 20111 In memory of Edward Abrams ’62 Mr. Nicholas Nemesh In memory of George Andres Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Morrison In memory of Nancy Bachman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Stanley Balon ’38 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Dr. and Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58 In memory of Joseph Beltrami, Jr. Mr. Charles P. Altmiller Mr. and Mrs. Allen A. Barnum Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beltrami Brenner Recycling Centralia Coal Sales Co. Mr. Matthew Fetchko Mr. and Mrs. William J. Flood Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Mason Mrs. and Atty. Florence M. McNelis Ms. Marion Mussoline Mr. and Mrs. Arnold S. Rifkin Mr. and Mrs. Earl N. Schell Dr. and Mrs. Kwangsup Sheen Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Washinsky, Sr. Mr. Robert Yannes University of the Incarnate Word In memory of Lambert Broad Mr. John Kushnerick In memory of Samuel Budge Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. Nicholas Nemesh In memory of Brinton Coxe ’45 Mrs. Elizabeth D. Miller

In memory of Weld Coxe ’46 Mr. and Mrs. George J. Allen ’46 Mrs. Amy Coxe Mr. Donald M. Coxe Mr. and Mrs. Doug Dobbs Dryfoos Insurance Agency, Inc. Atty. and Mrs. Bart Ecker Mr. James Gaffney Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mrs. Elizabeth D. Miller The Hon. James R. Roebuck Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Dr. and Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58 Mrs. Anne Coxe Toogood

In memory of Peter J. Potochney ’33 Mr. and Mrs. Harold C. Griesing ’49 In memory of Charles Reczkowski ’46 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Bertha Rossi Dr. and Mrs. John J. Della Croce ’73 In memory of Paul Scarlato Mrs. Madelene C. Scarlato Mr. and Mrs. Michael Scarlato In memory of Charles Stickler ’33 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Charles Eyerly Mr. William Maranki Donato Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Andrew J. Stofan ’22 Mr. and Mrs. John S. Shoffstall ’51

In memory of Joseph Falatko Dr. and Mrs. John J. Della Croce ’73

In memory of Alfred Stortz Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of William Grencavich, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. John J. Della Croce ’73

In memory of Harold and Millie Sugarman Mr. Scott J. Sugarman ’73

In memory of Irene Kempchinsky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Barry Lesko Dr. and Mrs. John J. Della Croce ’73

In memory of Eleanor Catherine Toman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Manfred Luppold ’43 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Charles Turri ’44 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers

In memory of the Rev. William O’Hara ’71 Mr. Joshua Dutton and Mrs. Jeanne (Rudawski) Dutton ’91 Mr. Nicholas Nemesh

In memory of Ronald Turri ’62 Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers In memory of William Walp Dr. and Mrs. John J. Della Croce ’73

Members of the MMI Board of Directors pose for a photo before commencement. Front row, from left: Lillian Urenovich, Florence McNelis, Barbara Ecker, and Andrea Kosko. Back row: President Thomas G. Hood, Timothy Twardzik, Chairman Llewellyn F. Dryfoos, III ’82, Brian Lucas ’84, and Ed Kushma ’62.

MMI holds variety of summer camps MMI’s Summer Camp program was a great success with one camp still to go. In the first four weeks of camp, 101 students joined camps such as Storybook Theater, Pets on Parade, and Harry Potter’s Magical Mystery Tour. The students ranged in age from 6 to 14. The final camp of the year will be Basketball Camp, which will run from August 8 to 12 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Head Prepper Boys’ Basketball Coach Joe Flanagan will run the camp and the cost is just $50. Contact the MMI Main Office at (570) 636-1108 to register. The Harry Potter Camp was one of the most popular camps this year.

Camp participants get messy during “Artful Antics.”

Kelsey Kayton works on her piece as part of Mixed Media Camp.

Chava Kornblatt hugs an agility training dog during “Pets on Parade.”

Participants perform a dramatic piece during “Storybook Theater.”

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Getting back to nature MMI science students assisted in planting trees and shrubbery at the school’s new athletic field complex. See story and additional photo, page 6.

Entrance Exam Testing Date Important Dates

2011-2012 Admissions Test – January 28, 2012 MMI will be holding only one entrance examination for the 2011-2012 academic year. Please see the story on page 7 or contact the admissions office for more information.

Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 5 & 6 Jake Kislan ‘56 Memorial Golf Tournament. . . . . August 5 Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 16 Bring a Friend to School Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 20, 2012 Visitation Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 24, 2012