MMI Today - Summer 2015 by MMI Prep

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Congratulations, MMI Class of 2015! MMI conducted its 123rd Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 21, as seniors were awarded diplomas by Stanley B. Warner III ’92, chairman of MMI’s Board of Directors. This year’s graduating class of 43 seniors amassed more than $6.9 million in merit scholarships and awards, an average of more than $150,000 per student. The 2015 graduating class also attained an average SAT score of 1713. The Class of 2015’s average ACT score is 25. Joleen N. Beltrami ’82, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Mathematics at the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio, Texas, delivered the commencement address. Beltrami joined the faculty of UIW in 2009 as an assistant professor in the Dr. Joleen Beltrami ’82 delivers the Founder’s Day Address to Department of the MMI Class of 2015. Mathematics. She was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor in 2014. She teaches undergraduate and graduate statistics courses at UIW and worked to establish a minor program in Actuarial Science, which began in the fall of 2014. Beltrami addressed the graduates on the topic of change. She said they should expect change and not be afraid of it, and that change doesn’t equate to failure. During commencement exercises, valedictorian Claire J. Sheen spoke to her fellow graduates about school being a series of beautiful distractions that helped shape who she is and gave her the opportunity to know her classmates. She quoted the popular 80’s tune “Never Gonna Give You Up” in telling her classmates that she’s never going to give them up, nor let them down. She further noted that her classmates are her favorite distractions. Class president Emily R. Seratch shared some of the unique memories she has of the senior class and said that while outwardly it may not look like the Class of 2015 was together, they very much

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were. She thanked them for all their help and support and said, “I’m not going to say, ‘Goodbye.’ I’m going to say, ‘See you later!’ because I cannot say goodbye to the people who made me who I am today.” Salutatorian Hayden C. Francis also addressed his classmates, noting that time is precious, not only in its passing, but also for the fact that every single moment should be treasured because time is not infinite. He told the class, “Now is our time.”

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Commencement coverage continues on page 4.

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From the Head of School “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.” – J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan We celebrated another inspiring commencement last month! Our faculty and staff, along with over 400 loved ones, watched 43 great young men and women receive their MMI diplomas. Like the more than 1800 living graduates before them, they completed a challenging journey. These students persevered through a rigorous curriculum, a multitude of extra-curricular activities and numerous athletic opportunities. The diverse challenges met were reason for satisfaction and celebration. Through it they gained confidence in their own abilities that will carry them to success at college and throughout their lives. Confidence is a necessary component of success. Without confidence every obstacle to achievement seems like a barrier. Struggle to overcome obstacles un-intuitively leads to growing confidence. We must all face things we do not believe we can do to develop the confidence to accomplish anything. Encouragement and praise are important supports during these struggles. Encouragement during the struggle helps students persevere through the down times and leads to results. Praise after results reinforces confidence that the next challenge can be met. The struggle can be enjoyable if tackled in this supportive environment. Believing you can succeed and having that belief reinforced by those around you is an important piece of achieving success. Overcoming fear is a first step to achieving success. One of the biggest fears of incoming students and their parents is academic rigor. Additionally, many are afraid of the homework requirements at MMI. We try to overcome these fears by explaining that hard work allows us to cover more material and creates a challenging environment that will foster growing confidence. When presented in a supportive way, challenges are tackled in a caring and fun environment. Credit goes to our team of dedicated adults who intentionally create this environment of optimism and hope. Their encouragement convinces our students that anything is possible if they apply themselves. There is no class titled Confidence. Our faculty, staff and coaches weave this belief throughout our curriculum, extra-curricular activities and athletics. Everything we do is designed to support and encourage our students and then celebrate their accomplishments with them. It is one of the several things that make an MMI education special. The class of 2105 accomplished so much during their time at MMI. We know they have the abilities and the confidence to meet the exciting opportunities in their future. We look forward to hearing of their flights for years to come.

Have a great summer,

Thomas G. Hood Head of School

MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224

Thomas G. Hood – Head of School

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

MMI holds annual awards convocation MMI held its Awards Convocation with many students in ninth through 12th grades receiving awards. MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said, “These students have excelled in a variety of areas and we are pleased to honor their dedication to academics and community.” Claire Sheen received a certificate of achievement for being named a National Merit Scholarship finalist and recipient, as well as a semifinalist in the 2015 U.S. Presidential Scholars Competition.

MMI Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, back row, presented the ninth-grade subject awards to, from left: Chava Kornblatt, Sydney Karpowich, Angelica Alday, Gabriella Kupsho, Lauren Babinetz, Joshua Kalada-Kania, David Caldwell and Nicolo Cottone.

Emily Seratch was given the 2015 Jake Kislan ’56 Polonaise Society Award, which honors the highest achieving Polish American graduate of MMI. The Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards were presented to senior students who have excelled in their fields of study as follows: Art, Madison Luchi; Math, Tristan Gibbons; Science, English, History and Spanish, Claire Sheen; Chinese, Rachel Stanziola; and German, Eric Kabitzke. MMI subject awards were presented to students in the following categories:

MMI Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, left, presented the tenth-grade subject awards to, from left: Ali Aijaz, Dana Carrato, Erin Sari, Keenan Overa and Samuel Sessock.

Ninth grade: Science, Joshua KaladaKania; Art, Lauren Babinetz; Math, Spanish and History, Gabriella Kupsho; Music Performance, Angelica Alday; Music History, Nicolo Cottone; German, David Caldwell; Chinese, Sydney Karpowich; and English, Chava Kornblatt. Tenth grade: Art, Erin Sari; Math and English, Ali Aijaz; Science, Dana Carrato; History and Chinese, Keenan Overa; German, Samuel Sessock; Spanish, Allison McGeehan. Eleventh grade: Science and Spanish, Jay Solgama; Math, Charles Bower; Art, Allison Warner-Senape; English, Lindsey Walko; History and German, Sarah Moyer; and Chinese, Terrance Jankouskas.

MMI Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, left, presented the eleventh-grade subject awards to, from left: Allison Warner-Senape, Sarah Moyer, Lindsey Walko, Jay Solgma, Charles Bower and Terrance Jankouskas.

Other award presentations included: Woodmen of the World American History Award, Hayden Francis; American Math Competition Exam 12 first-place award, Jay Solgama; American Math Competition Exam 10A and 12B first-place awards, Anirban Chowdhury; Student Mathematics Club of Marywood University regional math exam Level 1 first-place award, Anirban Chowdhury; Student Mathematics Club of MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood, left, presented certificates to the Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Marywood University regional math exam Memorial Subject Award winners, from left: Madison Luchi, Tristan Gibbons, Claire Sheen, Level 1 third-place award, Ali Aijaz; Student Rachel Stanziola and Eric Kabitzke. Mathematics Club of Marywood University and Information Technology, Terrance Jankouskas; Rensselaer regional math exam Level 2 first-place Medal Award, Brendan Drusda; Bryn Mawr Book Award, award, Jay Solgama; Professor John Steiner Gold Math Exam Sarah Moyer; Sage Colleges Student Sage Award, Shaelyn Heft award, Sarah Moyer; Hazleton Art League Art Youth Expo Most and Jonathan Stish; University of Pennsylvania Book Award, Realistically Rendered Award, Claire Sheen; Academic and Jay Solgama; Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award, community service awards were presented as follows: American Edward Herbener; Wellesley College Club Book Award, Victoria Legion Good Citizenship Award, Audrey Stepansky; George Kline; Chatham University Rachel Carson Book Award, Alyssa Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award and Scholarship, Lindsey Walko; Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, Mikayla Dove; Famalette; and Prudential Spirit of Community Award, Garrett Kost. Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences, Taylor Peluso; Xerox Award for Innovation

The Class of 2015 Emily Rose Bogansky, daughter of David Bogansky, Hazle Township, and Katherine Balderston, Hazleton, Saint Joseph’s University – Communications Studies with a focus in Public Relations. Jared Raymond Dasher, son of Keith Dasher, Hazleton, and Livia Puskas, Sugarloaf, West Chester University – Business and Finance. Chiara Maria DeMelfi, daughter of Daniel and Esme DeMelfi, Hazleton, Ursinus College – Computer Science. Kelsy Margaret Donaldson, daughter of Dennis and Kathy Donaldson, White Haven, Stevens Institute of Technology – Business and Technology.

Zachary Taylor Heckrote, son of Brian Heckrote and Dawn DeMelfi-Heckrote, Lattimer, Wilkes University – Electrical Engineering. Sherwood Nathan Jones, son of Gerard and Dana Sommers, Drums, Albright College – Business Management. Eric C. Kabitzke, son of Dr. Bernhard Kabitzke and Dr. Lorraine Festa, Jim Thorpe, University of Scranton – Physics.

Llewellyn Fogel Dryfoos IV, son of Llewellyn III and Maura Dryfoos, Sugarloaf, Temple University – Film and Business.

Haylee Marie Kirschner, daughter of Dieter and Kimberly Kirschner, Pocono Lake, Elizabethtown College – Occupational Therapy with a minor in Psychology.

Michael James Eisenhart, son of Stephen and Denise Eisenhart, Freeland, Wilkes University – Mechanical Engineering.

Madison Reid Luchi, daughter of Mark and Carolyn Luchi, Drums, and Sonja Luchi, Whitehall, Temple University – Marketing and Management.

Keegan Emily Farrell, daughter of Brian and Priscilla Farrell, Mountaintop, Juniata College – Biology with a Pre-Medicine concentration.

Eleanor Ann Maduro, daughter of Joseph and PollyAnn Maduro, Freeland, Saint Joseph’s University – Marketing.

Collin Christopher Finkel, son of Christopher and Linda Finkel, Bloomsburg, Wilkes University – Psychology and Marketing.

Katelyn Marie McGuire, daughter of Joseph and Janet McGuire, West Nanticoke, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – Speech Pathology and Audiology with a minor in American Sign Language.

Annika Marie Fisk, daughter of Douglas Fisk, Bloomsburg, and Sandra Fisk, Conyngham, Lafayette College – Chemical Engineering. Hayden Charles Francis, son of Donald Francis, Sugarloaf, and Dr. Mary Pascucci, Sugarloaf, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Physics. Anthony Joseph Franzosa, son of Richard and Tracey Franzosa, Hazle Township, Pennsylvania College of Technology – Diesel Technology. James Patrick Gabrielle, son of Bernard and Gloria Gabrielle, Freeland, California University of Pennsylvania – undecided. Tristan AgbayAnirban Gibbons, son of Russell and Edna Gibbons, Mountaintop, Boston University – Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Aeronautics. Benjamin Scott Gittleman, son of Jeffrey Gittleman and De Ann Miller, Sugarloaf, and Sherry Dietrich, Memphis, TN. Entering the workforce. Robert Dwayne Graaf, grandson of Marvin and Sharleen Graaf, West Hazleton, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania – Electrical Engineering.

Sam Mark Harman, son of Brian and Dina Harman, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania State University – Professional Golf Management.

Soprina Lee Guarneri, daughter of Vincent and Sop Guarneri, Wilkes-Barre, Franklin & Marshall College – Pre-Medicine.

Michael James Merenich, son of Michael and Cindy Merenich, Freeland, Pennsylvania State University – Civil Engineering. Emily Grace Morrison, daughter of Michael and Maria Morrison, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania State University – English and Philosophy with a Pre-Law concentration. Gabriellia Maria Nuñez Becker, daughter of Susan Becker, Lake Harmony, DeSales University – Physician Assistant Studies. Alessandra Victoria Ortiz, daughter of John and Cynthia Ortiz, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania State University – Psychology. Jesse Charles Plaksa, son of Michael and Susan Plaksa, Freeland, University of the Sciences – Physical Therapy. Syed Yousef Ali Qadri, son of Dr. Syed and Saffiyah Qadri, Drums, University of Scranton – Biology with a Pre-Medicine concentration. Cory Zane Rogers, son of Robert and Deborah Rogers, Freeland, Ursinus College – undecided. Medina Saeed, daughter of Zubeen Saeed, Mountaintop, Temple University – Business Administration.

Emily Rose Seratch, daughter of Frank and Sarah Seratch, Hazleton, Elizabethtown College – International Business.

Joseph Warren Synoski, son of Joseph and Anita Synoski, Hazle Township, Temple University – undecided.

Claire Jisu Sheen, daughter of Dr. Kwangsup and Chaeyun Sheen, Mountaintop, Yale University – Physics and Philosophy.

Alexzandriea Rebekka van Hoekelen, daughter of Cornelis and Lori van Hoekelen, Drums, Florida Institute of Technology – Biomedical Engineering.

Christopher Jeffrey Snyder, son of Dr. Christopher and Dr. Jill Snyder, Sugarloaf, Pennsylvania State University – Computer Science. William Logan Spear, son of William and Marylynne Spear, Hazleton, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Doctorate of Pharmacy program. Rachel Stanziola, daughter of John and Lauren Stanziola, Sugarloaf, University of Pittsburgh – International Business. Audrey Joan Stepansky, daughter of Joseph and Janine Stepansky, Freeland, Luzerne County Community College – Fire Science and Technology.

Valedictorian Claire Sheen

Nicolas Vilov, son of Nikola and Lelija Vilov, Novo Sarajevo, and grandson of Momir and Anka Vilov, Hazleton, Temple University – Actuarial Science. Craig James Wallen, son of Karl Wallen and Petrina Foss, Drums, Pennsylvania College of Technology – undecided. Avery Orlando Williams, son of Orlando and Karen Williams, West Hazleton, Bloomsburg University – Psychology.

Salutatorian Hayden Francis

Class President Emily Seratch

MMI students inducted into five honor societies MMI hosted induction ceremonies for several honor societies this spring. Eighth-grade students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were Kaitlyn Bellizia, Elliot Blasko, Elizabeth Borchick, Nicholas Carrato, Andrew Decker, Tyler Degenhart, Daniel DeMelfi, Wesley Guarneri, Lauren Herman, Elise Hreha, Amanda Kalada-Kania, Alexander Kline, Morgan Long, Matthew Marchetti, Jessica McClellan, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Frederick Mejia, Emily Mundorf, Christine Park, Brian Payne, Desiree Petrick, Ariah-Kirin Saeed, Alexander Sessock, Bailey Slusser, Coleman Smith, Alyssa Sweda, Ethan Warner and Zachary Young. National Junior Latin Honor Society inductees were Kaitlyn Bellizia, Elliot Blasko, Elizabeth Borchick, Daniel

DeMelfi, Wesley Guarneri, Elise Hreha, Alexander Kline, Morgan Long, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Frederick Mejia, Christine Park, Ariah-Kirin Saeed, Alexander Sessock, Bailey Slusser, Coleman Smith, Ethan Warner and Zachary Young. New members inducted into the Pablo Picasso Chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria HispĂĄnica were Ali Aijaz, Dana Carrato, Anirban Chowdhury, Kevin Cibak, Eric Degenhart, Gabriella DeMelfi, Joey Kress, Kayla Leonard, Allison McGeehan, Joshua Narrow, Kisan Patel, Jonathan Smith, Daniel Tron and Nicholas Young. Chapter officers are President Claire Sheen, Vice President Syed Qadri, Secretary James Gabrielle, Treasurer Mikayla Dove and Historian Alessandra Ortiz. Students inducted into the Simon

Faltz Chapter of the German National Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi were Evan Dryfoos, Garrett Kost, Megan Marchetti and Samuel Sessock. Officers of the chapter are President Eric Kabitzke, Vice President Samanta Cottone, Secretary Sarah Moyer, Treasurer Andreas Boosalis and Officer Brian Driscoll. New members inducted into MMIâ€™s Echoes of Wisdom and Philosophy chapter of the National Chinese Honor Society were Charles Bower, Sara Davis, Katie Eschenbach, Alyssa Famalette, Brian Galbiati, Terrance Jankouskas, Jessica Pileggi, Allison Warner-Senape and Nash Wenner. Officers of the chapter are President Tristan Gibbons, Vice President Rachel Stanziola, Secretary Emily Seratch, Treasurer Eleanor Maduro and Historian Medina Saeed.

MMI holds eighth grade promotion ceremony MMI recognized 36 incoming freshmen during its inaugural Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony. Assistant Head of School Charles C. Seidel distributed awards and certificates of recognition to the students. Class advisors Katherine Zucco and Michael Scarlato and Head of School Thomas G. Hood all gave remarks during the ceremony.

Assistant Head of School Charles C. Seidel addresses the students.

Students advancing to the Upper School are: Kaitlyn Bellizia, Emmanuel Bisono, Elliot Blasko, Elizabeth Borchick, Nicholas Carrato, Joel Cruz,

The students pose with class advisors Michael Scarlato and Katherine Zucco following the ceremony.

Andrew Decker, Tyler Degenhart, Reiley DeStefano, Daniel DeMelfi, Madeline Dryfoos, Summer Evancho, Wesley Guarneri, Lauren Herman, Elise Hreha, Amanda Kalada-Kania, Alexander Kline, Morgan Long, Matthew Marchetti, Jessica McClellan, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Frederick Mejia, Heaven Merenich, Emily Mundorf, Christine Park, Brian Payne, Tessa Peluso, Desiree Petrick, Ariah-Kirin Saeed, Maxwell Santana, Alexander Sessock, Bailey Slusser, Coleman Smith, Alyssa Sweda, Ethan Warner and Zachary Young.

FBLA students connect with business-leading alumnus “Film can be an extremely powerful and engaging educational tool in the classroom, as long as it is supported with meaningful life lessons,” said MMI history teacher Katherine Zucco. She uses film as a bridge to connect her students with learning. “When I share films like The Crucible or Nuremberg, I see a subtle change in my The FBLA students pose with John H. Hersker ’76 during a field trip to the former Hersker Theater. students and their enthusiasm The building on Broad Street in West Hazleton is now home to the Cinema & Drafthouse. for learning. The subject becomes more meaningful “I entered multiple industries having and developed a strong relationship because students experience the subject little to no background in each of them, with students in FBLA. In April, Hersker matter visually, rather than just reading but I recognized my own ignorance and made special arrangements for students about it. It is important to only use was willing to ask as many questions as in the club to participate in a field trip film occasionally and follow up with it took until I felt comfortable making to the Cinema & Drafthouse to enjoy meaningful questions and activities my own decisions,” Katona said. She a private film screening. Prior to the in order to reap the full benefit of hopes students are able to learn more screening, Hersker gave a presentation incorporating relevant films in the about business by not being afraid to ask that introduced the students to the classroom.” questions. history of his family’s business. Hersker also led students in a lively discussion Zucco is also the club adviser for The students enjoyed lunch while about lessons in leadership and decision students in the school’s chapter of the watching the film and continued their making. Future Business Leaders of America discussion on leadership and decision (FBLA). FBLA is a non-profit, educational making with Hersker at MMI the “Movies not only appeal to our association of students who are interested emotions, but also stimulate our intellect. following day. in developing leadership abilities. In They can teach us lessons about life,” Sophomore Jessica Smith recounted FBLA, students learn how to engage Hersker said. “They expose us to different her experience and what she learned. “It in business enterprise, how to direct places we have never been. In the movies was so much fun getting to learn more and manage group activities and how that I saw growing up, there were cities about the movie industry and the history to compete graciously in competitive or countries that I wanted to visit. There of how the Cinema & Drafthouse has events. were stories and histories that I wanted grown. I felt the movie taught us a lot to learn more about. So that’s why I came In March, FBLA students connected about entrepreneurship and the ups and up with this idea, of showing you this with MMI alumnus John H. Hersker ’76, downs of managing a business. I hope movie today.” who is a successful business leader with to use all the leadership qualities that experience in the movie industry. The we discussed and to someday become a Students also learned important Hersker family first opened and operated successful leader.” lessons from Sybil Katona, who shared the historic Hersker Theater, located her own story of how she became a MMI’s FBLA students have developed at 29-31 West Broad Street in West business leader. In particular, Katona great friendships with Hersker and Hazleton, in 1915. emphasized the importance of Katona, and hope to continue to learn surrounding yourself with others who Since that time, the Hersker Theater from both of these fine business leaders are able to positively guide and teach you has undergone many changes and in the future. about the business world. renovations. Now known as the Cinema & Drafthouse, it is currently owned and operated by Sybil Katona. It is the only place in Northeast Pennsylvania where you can enjoy movies and a • Visit mmiprep.org/update to provide your email address casual dining menu at the same time. Patrons have the choice of sitting at a Get MMI news, invitations, reminders and announcements in your inbox. table or at a counter, and are attended to Just visit mmiprep.org/update to easily add your email address to your alumni throughout the movie by the courteous record. While you are at it, feel free to update any other information, as well. wait staff of the business establishment.

Help MMI go green!

Hersker also believes in the power of cinema and using relevant films to teach young people about important life lessons. Throughout the years, Hersker has visited his alma mater many times

Start taking advantage of the broad MMI alumni network and stay in touch with your school and past classmates. Questions or comments? Contact Director of Advancement Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.

Wister Quartet returns for 12th year For the 12th consecutive year, MMI hosted the Grammynominated Wister Quartet for a public performance at the school. The March 23 performance was made possible through the support of Dr. James W. Feussner ’65 and was in memory of his wife Elizabeth. Once again this year, the Wister Quartet performed with guitarist Allen Krantz, a critically acclaimed guitarist, composer and chamber musician. Members of the quartet include violinists Nancy Bean and Davyd Booth, violist Pamela Fay and cellist Lloyd Smith. This year’s program was entitled “Young Composers” and featured music from Frederick Delius, Friedrich Burgmüller, Johann Sebastian Bach, Sergey Rachmaninov and Franz Schubert, all of whom were young when their compositions were written. The program also included three pieces developed by MMI students and arranged by Lloyd Smith. Smith said, “The string students at MMI participated in two composing workshops with me and contributed a wealth of ideas, ranging from complete melodies, melodies with harmonies, musical ideas, rhythmic ideas, textural ideas, as well as plot and architectural ideas for how the pieces should be put together. The result is a most impressive set of pieces built around the idea of the contrast between a restful dream state

For the 12th consecutive year, MMI hosted the Grammy-nominated Wister Quartet for a public performance at the school.

and the intrusion of either nightmare or unsettling thoughts or memories that temporarily get in the way of the restful state. Nearly everything in these pieces was contributed by the students. I merely organized and scored the music.” The Wister Quartet also performed for MMI students during an afternoon assembly at the school the day of the concert.

MMI thanks donors at annual reception

The Head of School’s Donor Recognition Reception was held Saturday, March 21. The evening featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center, followed by a performance of “The Music Man” by the MMI Prepper Playhouse. This special reception recognized MMI friends and supporters who are members of the Black Diamond Society, the Timber Society, the Eckley B. & Sophia G. Coxe Society, the 1879 Society, the Mining & Mechanical Circle, the Head of School’s Circle and the Red Club.

Students shine at annual Open House Each year, MMI students are challenged with preparing special research projects, which were displayed at the annual Open House event in April. All MMI students, from sixth-graders to seniors, displayed, explained and demonstrated their projects in classrooms and locations throughout the school. Visitors were able to observe a variety of student projects, including many in the areas of literature, mathematics, science and social studies. In addition, food projects were featured. Students prepared all projects under the guidance of faculty advisers. Each project was then evaluated during Open House by a panel of judges from Penn State Hazleton. MMI’s in-house chef evaluated the food projects. The winners were honored at a special assembly.

Emily Morrison, Audrey Stepansky and Madison Luchi won first place for their project “Tough Cookies.”

Level 2 awards were given to ninthand 10th-grade students and Level 3 awards to 11th- and 12th-grade students. Winners were: Cooking: first place, Madison Luchi, Emily Morrison and Audrey Stepansky, “Tough Cookies”; second place, Level 2, Hunter O’Clair, “Spanish Wars”; and Honorable Mention: Jared Dasher, Collin Finkel and William Spear, “Just Winging It.” Humanities: first place, Level 2, Cole Wenner, “Banned Books”; first place, Level Joshua Kalada-Kania tied for second place in Level 2 for his science project, “Tidal Pools.” 3, Devon Faul, “History of Werewolves in Engineering,” and Joshua Kalada-Kania, “Tidal Pools”; first Literature”; and second place, Level 3, Charles Bower, “Poetry place, Level 3, Jay Solgama, “Effects of Microwave Popcorn”; and Music.” second place, Level 3, Karalyn Sitch, “Spirograph”; and Science: first place, Level 2, Lauren Babinetz, “Fractals”; second place, Level 2, tie, Anirban Chowdhury, “Genetic

honorable mention, Level 3, Alessandra Ortiz, “Mathematics in Ballet.”

Sixth-grade students host science fair

In May, the members of this year’s sixth grade presented their science fair projects in the cafe. Students who were members of Science and Math National Honor Societies, AP science students and PJAS participants, along with faculty and staff, were the judges for the event. The overall winner was Ella Urosevich who studied Ascorbic Acid in Orange Juice. The first place winner in Mary-Lee Hood’s science section was Kimberly Amentler, while second place went to McKenna Gallagher. In Todd Ronco’s section, first place was awarded to Jacqueline Snyder and second place went to Gregory Leonard.

Thank you, Board of Directors Members of the Board of Directors include, front row, from left: Chairman Stanley B. Warner III ’92, De Ann Miller, Anne J. Frey, Atty. Rebecca Warren ’84 and Atty. Richard A. DiLiberto ’79. Second row: William Spear Jr. ’79, Brian G. Lucas ’84 and Vice Chairman John H. Hersker ’76. Back row: Head of School Thomas G. Hood, Secretary Edward Kushma ’62 and Treasurer Nicholas L. Dei Tos ’71.

MMI holds 7th annual golf tournament A record 112 total golfers attended the sold-out seventh annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament at the Valley Country Club on June 19. The team of Neal DeAngelo III ’01, Bob Gorski, John Hogan and Shawn Menon ’01 captured first place in the first flight with a score of 55. Second place in the first flight, which was determined by a match of cards, went to the team of Foster Dale, Pat Genetti, Alan Rood and Jamie Sgarlat with a 58. First place in the second flight was also determined by a match of cards and went to Craig Bonham, Melissa Bonham, Glenn Boyer and Andrea Boyer with a score of 73. Second-place winners in the second flight were Bob Bencal ’64, Brandon Bencal, Chris Marsch and Chip Seidel.

The first flight winning team of Shawn Menon ’01, Neal DeAngelo III ’01, Bob Gorski and John Hogan.

Closest to pin went to Casey McCoy ’13 and Brian Harman. Jessica Herness ’01 had the women’s longest drive, Menon had the men’s longest drive, Sgarlat had the most accurate drive, Pat Burke won the putting contest and current MMI sophomore George Palermo won the marshmallow driving contest. PNC Bank was the tournament’s Eagle Sponsor and Dryfoos Insurance Agency and Grange Insurance was the Birdie Sponsor. Additional sponsors were: Golf Cart Sponsor - North Penn Charitable Foundation, Beverage Cart Sponsor - Pocono Raceway, Hole-in-One Sponsor - F & L Doors, Raffle Sponsors - Mr. and Mrs. Bill Flood and Mr. John H. Hersker ’76 and On-Course Contest Sponsors - Architerra, PC and Candlewood Suites.

Hole Sponsors were: Anthracite Pump Resources, LLC; Bigelow Patent Law; Congressman Lou Barletta; Don E. Bower, Inc.; Bryn Mawr Trust Company; Mr. Frank & Dr. Christine Cabell ’89; A. Cusatis & Sons Plumbing; DBI Services; Golden Business Machines; Harman Funeral Homes; Hazle Drugs and Hazle Compounding; Hemmler + Camayd Architects; Mr. John H. Hersker ’76; Ron and Rosalie Hreha, JonesKohanski Accountants and Consultants; The Kushma Family; Longhi Financial; McNelis Law Offices; Motor Transportation Co., Inc.;

The first flight second place team of Alan Rood, Jamie Sgarlat, Foster Dale and Patrick Genetti.

The Family of Athena Nicholas ’17; Frank, Sandy and Anthony ’06 Orlando; PGi Promotions, Inc.; Precision Design; John and Lisa Schwear; Dr. and Mrs. William Shergalis ’58; Slusser Law Firm; Tom’s Kitchen; In Memory of John F. Twardzik; and Wallen Graphics. The tournament supports athletics and student athletes at MMI.

Thank you to the MMI faculty of 2014-15 Members of the MMI faculty pose for their photograph before commencement. Front row, from left: Stephanie Shandra, Susan Moyer, Mary-Lee Hood, Donna Titus, Christine Lizbinski and Kathryn Green. Second row: Todd Ronco, Lisa Ferry, Katherine Zucco, Gabriela Moustardas, Christina Spencer, Patty Medvecky and Stella Boosalis. Third row: Grete DeAngelo, Jennifer Novotney and Nancy Lotz. Fourth row: Justin Vincent, Timothy Garvey, Daniel DeMelfi, Gerard Pierotti and Michael Scarlato. Fifth row: Head of School Thomas Hood, Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, T.R. Laputka, Jason Tribbet, Michael Mele, Anthony Cusat and Dennis Clarke.

Students earn awards at PJAS competitions Three MMI Preparatory School students participating in the State Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Competition were awarded Pennsylvania Science Talent Search (PSTS) awards. Sarah Moyer, Jay Solgama and Mikayla Dove will each receive three letters MMI students earned awards during the regional Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition and competed at the state level. of recommendation from the Pennsylvania a first-place award and moved on to Schwabe; Samuel Sessock; Bailey Slusser; Academy of Science to use in their the state competition were: Ali Aijaz, Coleman Smith; Stephanie Zellner; and college applications. who won two first place awards; Lauren Macy Zenier. Babinetz; Elizabeth Borchick; Dana Ali Aijaz received a perfect score Students receiving third-place awards Carrato; Nicholas Carrato; Anirban in math and also finished first in were: Andrew Decker, Brian Payne and Chowdhury; Mikayla Dove; Tristan biochemistry, while Gabriella Kupsho Evan Spear. Additionally, Perseverance Gibbons; Shaelyn Heft; Joshua Kaladaand Anirban Chowdhury each posted Awards were received by students who Kania; Garrett Kost; Joey Kress; Gabriella a perfect score. Kupsho also won an have participated three or more years. Kupsho; Morgan Long; Megan Marchetti; Excellence Award. Additional first-place Tristan Gibbons and Soprina Guarneri Jessica McClellan; Sarah Moyer; Joshua finishers were: Angelica Alday, Lauren participated for three years. Annika Fisk, Babinetz, Abigail Paul, Julia Snyder, Dana Narrow; Gabriellia Nu単ez Becker; Kisan Gabriellia Nu単ez Becker, Syed Qadri Patel; Abigail Paul; Elizabeth Pinto; Carrato, Joey Kress, Megan Marchetti, and Claire Sheen participated for five Lois Polashenski; Syed Qadri; Erin Sari; Elizabeth Pinto, Lois Polashenski, years. Excellence Awards were received Alexander Sessock; Claire Sheen; Jessica Shaelyn Heft, Claire Sheen, Joshua by Lauren Babinetz, Tristan Gibbons, Smith; Jonathan Smith; Julia Snyder; Jay Kalada-Kania, Garrett Kost, Joshua Garrett Kost, Morgan Long, Gabriella Solgama; and Nicholas Young. Narrow, Jonathan Smith, Nick Young, Kupsho, Claire Sheen and Jay Solgama. Tristan Gibbons, Syed Qadri and Jessica Students receiving second-place Perfect Scores of 5.0 were awarded McClellan. Second-place finishers were: awards were: Niklas Byriel; Chiara to: Lauren Babinetz, Tristan Gibbons, Erin Sari, Jessica Smith, Gabriellia Nu単ez DeMelfi; Gabriella DeMelfi; Michael Gabriella Kupsho, Claire Sheen and Jay Becker, Kisan Patel, Nick Carrato, Morgan Eisenhart; Alyssa Famalette; Annika Solgama. Syed Qadri received a $1,500 Long, Alexander Sessock and Elizabeth Fisk, who won two awards; Lacee Gera; yearly renewable scholarship from the Borchick. Soprina Guarneri; Wesley Guarneri; University of Scranton. Jonathan Smith Anna Haber; Sydney Karpowich; John During the regional competition received one of five Commonwealth Malay; Gabriellia Nu単ez Becker; Jakob earlier in the year, students who received Medical College Research Fellowships.

AMPAS president brings Hollywood to MMI Students at MMI Preparatory School had a close encounter with Hollywood in March, thanks to a visit from Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the organization behind the Oscar awards. Boone Isaacs has enjoyed a lengthy marketing career in Hollywood, which began with her work as a junior publicist on Close Encounters of the Third Kind. She went on to hold executive positions at Paramount Pictures and New Line Cinema, promoting such films as Forrest Gump, Braveheart, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and Rush Hour. As a consultant Boone Isaacs worked on campaigns for The King’s Speech, SpiderMan 2 and The Artist. The first African-American to serve as AMPAS president and just the third woman, Boone Isaacs spoke to MMI students, offering career and life advice about overcoming obstacles, as well as relating colorful tales of her life around Hollywood greats such as Steven Spielberg, Angelina Jolie and Mel Gibson. Boone Isaacs was invited to speak by her friend, MMI alumnus John H. Hersker ’76, who himself is no stranger to Hollywood. Hersker, who now serves on the MMI Board of Directors, is a former Paramount Pictures executive vice president, as well as the former CEO of Movie Tavern, a movie theater eatery concept chain with locations across the nation. MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said, “We are thrilled to enjoy a visit from such a highly placed Hollywood executive. I’m sure the impact she has made today on our students will help guide them through their lives, regardless of their chosen careers.”

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, left, addresses students in MMI Preparatory School’s Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center. To her right is moderator and MMI Board Member John H. Hersker ’76.

Born and raised in Springfield, MA, Boone Isaacs worked several jobs after graduating from a small liberal arts college in California with a degree in political science. She worked as a buyer in a department store in Los Angeles, before becoming a flight attendant because of her love of travel. It was in her mid-20’s that she asked herself what she really wanted to do. “I never had a plan,” she said. “I finally had to ask myself what I really loved to do.” Entering the film industry is easier said than done, but hard work and perseverance paid off for Boone Isaacs. Despite having a brother who was already in the industry and had worked on the original Star Wars in 1977, she entered the industry on the ground floor. Her early assignments were challenging, such as being told to read an entire room filled with files before she

was allowed to attend any meetings. “Sometimes you get an assignment that you think is below your education, but it’s not,” Boone Isaacs said. It didn’t take her long before she was on the path toward becoming a toplevel marketing executive for Paramount Pictures. She left Paramount to become president of marketing for New Line Cinema and later formed CBI enterprises, a marketing consulting firm. Boone Isaacs told MMI students to savor the challenges in life and avoid telling themselves self-defeating messages. “I used to tell myself why something wouldn’t work out, before I had even tried. People put up their own barriers, such as ‘I’m not good enough’ or ‘I’m not smart enough,’ but you can take down those barriers just as you put them up.” Other advice given by Boone Isaacs was about social media. She warned students that online is forever, metaphorically suggesting social media is like a tsunami that may seem calm when it’s at sea, but then wreak havoc later. When asked what the best advice was for young people looking to enter the film industry, she said, “Just get a job. Hard work will be repaid.”

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Cheryl Boone Isaacs, second from left, is pictured with, from left: MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood, MMI Board Member John Hersker ’76 and MMI Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel.

Boone Isaacs spoke at length about the voting process for the Oscar nominations and awards. She also talked about education initiatives that are central to the Academy’s mission of advancing the art of motion pictures.

Guest chefs introduce healthy lunch options Continuing MMI’s focus on a more sustainable, healthier food program, the school hosted two guest chefs on March 24 who crafted a special and healthy “build a sandwich” menu for the students. The guest chef program is part of the three-year plan undertaken by MMI to provide healthier food to the student body, faculty and staff in a more sustainable manner. Organic flatbreads, turkey sausage, marinated grilled chicken, roasted spring vegetables, as well as a variety of sauces, toppings and salads were all on the menu crafted by Chef Kevin Ruch, from 14 Acre Farm Gourmet Eatery in Lehighton. Assistance in crafting the meal was provided by Culinary Institute of

America-trained Chef Mikel Percy. Chef Ruch can usually be found at 14 Acre Farm in Summit Hill, which he founded with his wife Sara in 2004, or at 14 Acre Farm Gourmet Eatery. Completely organic, 14 Acre Farm grows more than 200 varieties of fresh, chemical-free produce each year and offers farm-totable catering, as well as a summertime program on sustained agriculture. The Ruch’s have enjoyed 11 years of success in Carbon County and are committed to growing, baking and cooking with the best local ingredients they can get their hands on. For more information about 14 Acre Farm and 14 Acre Farm Gourmet Eatery, visit www.14acrefarm.com.

Guest chefs Mikel Percy, left, and Kevin Ruch, second from right, join MMI Chef Theresa Kairewich and MMI Business Manager Ryan Jastremsky in the kitchen.

Foreign language students take New York City field trips

MMI students traveled to New York City on two occasions this spring with their foreign language classes. Above, the German and Spanish classes made the trip to visit the United Nations on March 18 with Stella Boosalis, Dennis Clarke, Gabriela Moustardas and Donna Titus. Left, the third and fourth year Chinese language students made the trip with Christina Spencer and Joanne Oakum on April 22.

Keep in Mind As you consider your estate plans and charitable gifts, don’t forget about assets like life insurance, retirement plans and even bank or brokerage accounts. Should you wish to update your beneficiary designation, consider naming the charity of your choice, such as MMI. Gifts like these do not require a visit to your attorney. They are as simple as completing a Change of Beneficiary form from your plan provider or Payment on Death form from your financial institution.

Weekend This year’s homecoming celebration will be held Friday and Saturday September 18 and 19, and will honor reunion classes ending in -5 and -0. The Head of School’s Reception will be held Friday from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. All alumni classes are invited to join Head of School Thomas G. Hood for cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center. Alumni classes are planning their reunions at various locations in the area. For help planning your class reunion, please contact Kim McNulty at kmcnulty@mmiprep. org or 570-636-1108. The Annual Homecoming Picnic is Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. All alumni and their families are invited to attend the picnic featuring great food and friendship. Highlights include raffle drawings, campus tours and the opportunity to visit with classmates and friends. The MMI Wall of Fame Induction will follow from 6 to 10 p.m. An elegant induction ceremony is planned to honor this year’s additions to the MMI Wall of Fame. The cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m. with dinner to follow at 7 p.m. in the MMI Athletics and Drama Complex. The Class of 2015 members are:

Ryan J. Breznak ’88 (Athletics) Ryan Breznak ’88 was a basketball starter for four years and the leading scorer in Hazleton during the 1986-87 season. Ryan scored 1,167 career points during his tenure on the MMI basketball squad. He pitched on the baseball team, too, helping the Preppers to their first-ever PIAA playoff appearance during his senior year when he was 5-3. He also batted .319 as a senior (.372 as junior) and was invited to try out for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1988) and New York Mets (1992).

James M. Makuch ’60 (Community Service) Jim Makuch ’60 has had an extensive career in the financial services industry, founding his own company, Willington Financial, in 1986. He has also remained committed in his support of MMI, serving as the school’s 1998 commencement speaker and as a member of the most recent Capital Campaign Committee. Jim’s recent public service includes the Town of Willington, Secretary of Zoning Board of Appeals; Town of Willington, Board of Education; Town of Willington, Board of Finance; Town of Willington, Selectman (elected/ served two terms); Town of Willington, Town Moderator; and Town of Willington, Parliamentarian.

Additionally, he has been active at the University of Connecticut, having served as a Charitable Drive Coordinator, a Board Member, the President of the Professional Employees Association and the first non-faculty member appointed to University Senate.

Save the date! Sept. 18-19, 2015

Jim has also committed numerous hours volunteering his time in the medical field with position such as President of the Board of Directors of Windham Region Homemaker/Home Health Aide Services, Johnson Medical Center Executive Board member and the Johnson Medical Center Chair of the Finance Committee.

Atty. Albert F. Maier Jr. (Service to MMI) Attorney Albert “Whitey” Maier Jr. served on the MMI Board of Directors from 1987-1997 and as the Chairman from 1993-1995 and now serves as a member of MMI’s Honorary Board. Whitey is a 1967 graduate of Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. He graduated from Duquesne Law School with a JD in 1970 and immediately went to work as a patent attorney for Alcoa, where he was employed for two years. In 1972, Whitey opened his own practice. He has been practicing law in the Freeland community for over 40 years and has spent much of that time accomplishing pro bono work for MMI, saving the school from great legal expenses. Whitey worked with the Board of Directors as they began to plan and prepare to modernize the school by building the Marotta Hall for Science and Technology, the Athletic and Drama Complex and the Mildred Kulp Kahler Courtyard, which were ultimately dedicated in 2001. Whitey’s legal service included negotiating and accepting land from the Freeland Industrial Development Corporation and helping to secure the closure of Wyoming Street which led to the eventual construction of the Athletic Field Complex and The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center.

David G. Gundling ’68 (Professional Achievement) David Gundling ’68 had a long and successful career in the food distribution industry, culminating in a position as the Chairman of Spartan Management Group. He was a member of the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s University Academy of Food Marketing, Payless Cashways and Genuardi’s Family Markets. David received his Bachelor’s Degree in history from Allegheny College in 1972. In 1979, he was hired by SuperRite Foods, the food division of Rite Aid Corporation. He worked his way up the ranks over a 17-year span to Senior Executive and President of SuperRite, improving sales from $75 million to $1.8 billion. In 1997, he became the President/CEO of Hagemeyer N.A. where he was responsible for the acquisition of Canadian and Mexican companies valued at $1.4 billion and their integration into one cohesive company. As the CEO, he directed over 5,000 employees and remained at that company until 2003.

After leaving Hagemeyer, David was named the Chairman/ CEO of Spartan Management Group, a privately-held consulting firm specializing in providing high level strategic and senior management support to CEOs, COOs and Boards of Directors.

Roy taught as a Senior Fellow at The Advanced Management Institute for Architecture and Engineering, a Peer Reviewer at the American Institute of Architects from 19982010 and served in the Consulting Engineering Council’s Peer Review Program from 1988 until 2002.

David’s untimely death on February 1, 2009, at the age of 58 was an overwhelming loss to both his family and the MMI family as a whole.

While at Odell, Roy was a licensed architect in 19 states and currently holds licenses in North Carolina and South Carolina. He was honored in 1993 as Alumni of the Year in the Penn State Architectural Engineering Program and was MMI’s 1988 commencement speaker.

Atty. Tara Gutterman ’84 (Professional Achievement) Attorney Tara Gutterman ’84 is the founder of Adoption ARC and served as the organization’s Executive Director from 1994-2009. After graduating from Bryn Mawr with degrees in English and Spanish and earning a law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, Tara began her career as an attorney with the City of Philadelphia Law Department, where she handled hundreds of child abuse cases, child neglect cases and termination of parental rights hearings. Tara subsequently worked for a private nonprofit adoption agency in Philadelphia before founding Adoption ARC which works to find safe permanent homes for children. In 2014, Adoption ARC celebrated its 20th year and has offices in Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware. They have placed over 1,500 children in homes through the adoption process. In 2008, Tara was awarded the Congressional “Angelica in Adoption Award” after being nominated by her local Senator. Tara is a member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, is a licensed arbitrator with the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, is certified to practice law in the dependency and juvenile court system and is licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She has served as a “Big Sister,” volunteered as a member of the Volunteer Indigent Program, taught classes on termination of parental rights and adoption, volunteered in the domestic-abuse section of Philadelphia Family Court and is active in her Synagogue.

Roy W. Johnson ’63 (Professional Achievement) Roy Johnson ’63 received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1968 and Master of Science in Architectural Engineering in 1971 from Penn State University. His career began when he moved to Charlotte and joined Odell Associates Inc in 1971. Roy began work on the then New Airport Terminal for Charlotte in 1978 as project manager and later became Principal in Charge for Odell. In 1986, Roy was named the Chief Operating Officer of Odell and then served as President until his retirement in 1988. Upon retiring, Roy continued consulting with Charlotte Douglas International Airport and was named Airport Architect in 1999, a position he still holds. Roy has worked on every major and most minor expansion to the airport continuously for 37 years.

Roy’s public speaking topics include “The Project Plan,” “How to Create your Firm’s Corporate University,” “Project Budget, Schedules and Controls,” “Project Planning Management and Scope Creep,” “When your Job is Managing Project Managers” and “What to do When Things Go Wrong.” He also has published numerous articles on project management. In terms of civic activities, Roy has served on numerous boards for organizations such as: North Carolina Transportation Museum Foundation, Opera Carolina, Opera America, Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, Piedmont Carolinas Chapter, Johnson C. Smith University and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Rosalyn V. Kennedy ’97 (Professional Achievement) Rosayln (Menon) Kennedy ’97 graduated from Brown University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and from the Columbia School of Journalism with a Master’s Degree in Broadcast and News Media in 2008. She began her career in New York City at CBS News from 2002-2008 where she earned The Investigative Reporters and Editors Award and served as a National News Judge for the Emmy Awards. During her time at CBS she worked as an Associate Producer on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather, the 2004 Presidential Election and at 60 Minutes. From 200810, Rosalyn served as a Producer for CNN where she covered major political, medical and breaking news and earned Peabody Honors for her coverage of the 2008 presidential election. Moving on to The Dr. Oz Show, she was a Producer from 2010-2012, where she was awarded two Daytime Emmy Awards for her work on the broadcast. She relocated to Atlanta to take a position as the Director of Corporate External Affairs for The Coca-Cola Company, a position she held from 20122014. While at Coca-Cola, Rosalyn was a recipient of the Women in Leadership Award. In 2014, Rosalyn moved to the West Coast and is currently employed in Executive Communications for Google. Rosalyn serves as a board member on the Coca-Cola Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board and remains an active volunteer for the Miss America Organization.

Faces in the Crowd

Juniors Luke Yamulla and Victoria Kline and senior Zackary Heckrote earned awards in the Scholastic Writing Awards’ Northeast Writing Region-at-Large competition. Heckrote won two awards: Silver Key in poetry for “Of Little Faith” and honorable mention in flash fiction for “Red Landscape.” Kline won honorable mention in personal essay/memoir for “The Sea Adventure.” Yamulla won honorable mention in dramatic script for “Go Back.” The boys basketball team had a great season but fell in the District Championship game by a final score of 70-42 in a tough battle against Old Forge. The team was led by senior Cory Rogers with 13 points and sophomore Kyle Williams with 11 points. Freshman Julia Snyder became Miss Greater Hazleton’s Outstanding Teen. Snyder also received the Top Interview Award. She received the crown from Emily Seratch ’15 who won the title in 2014. Senior Joseph Synoski was selected as one of WVIA’s visual Artists of the Week and was later selected one of the top ten visual artists from this year’s Artist of the Week Program. Some of his best works were on display at the Mainstreet Galleries in Kingston for the month of April.

Senior Michael Eisenhart was recognized by the Freeland VFW for his essay in the VFW Voice of Democracy audio-essay competition. This year’s theme was “Why Veterans are Important to our Nation’s History and Future.” Freeland VFW Post 5010 Commander William De Francesco and Quartermaster Raymond Clymer were at MMI on Thursday, March 12, to recognize Michael and present him with a certificate and monetary award.

Senior Claire Sheen was awarded the Joseph Adams Senior Scholarship from the Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. The Sociedad looked at all of Sheen’s activities during her time in the Upper School, a persuasive essay written in Spanish and a five-minute conversational video between Claire and Señor Dennis Clarke.

Eighth graders Morgan Long and Zachary Young tied for first place in the middle school division of the 20th Annual Israel T. and Mildred Klapper Memorial Holocaust essay contest. In the high school division, sophomore Joshua Narrow won first place and junior Luke Yamulla won second place.

Four MMI students were recognized for achievement on National German Exam with junior Sarah Moyer and sophomore Samuel Sessock earning Silver Awards. Sophomores Garrett Kost and Megan Marchetti earned Bronze Awards.

Sophomore Anirban Chowdhury captured first place in the Level 1 division (grades 9-10) and classmate Ali Aijaz finished third at the 2015 Marywood University High School Math Contest.

MMI eighth graders Daniel DeMelfi, Wesley Guarneri, Frederick Mejia and Zachary Young placed fourth at The MATHCOUNTS competition, sponsored by the Keystone Northeast Chapter of Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers. In the individual competition, Young had the second highest score and advanced to the state competition. Seniors Cory Rogers and Rachel Stanziola were selected to play in the Wyoming Valley Conference All-Star Senior Basketball Game on March 27. Additionally, Rogers was selected a First Team Wyoming Valley Conference Division 3 All-Star. English teacher Donna Titus was selected from more than 80 local entries in Barnes & Noble’s “My Favorite Teacher” contest. The nomination essay was written by sophomore Dana Carrato. On April 27, the PACAC Northeast Regional College Fair was held at King’s College. MMI’s College Admissions Counselor Stephanie Shandra presented “The College Planning Process” at the event.

Junior Nash Wenner finished 38th in the Junior Men bracket during a competition held Monday, March 30 at the 2015 United States of America Snowboard/Freeski Association (USASA) National Championships in Copper Mountain, Colorado. Wenner was ranked 19th nationally in his age group in the BoarderCross discipline.

MMI students won five of the six prizes in the 13th annual WilkesBarre Jewish Community Center and Interfaith Council Holocaust contest. There were 89 entries in two divisions: grades 9-12 and grades 5-8. Sophomore Allison McGeehan and sixth grader Louis DeAngelo both placed first in their respective divisions. Sophomore Jonathan Smith finished second and sophomore Keenan Overa and sixth grader McKenna Gallagher each came in third. Freshmen Cole Wenner and John Malay both received a fourth-place medal in the mid-school division at the Pennsylvania Science Olympiad, which was held at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. The trivia team placed first at Penn State University’s German Day 2015 competition, which was held April 16 in

Faces in the Crowd State College. Junior Andreas Boosalis, junior Samanta Cottone, junior Brian Driscoll, sophomore Evan Dryfoos, senior Zachary Heckrote, senior Eric Kabitzke, sophomore Garrett Kost, junior Sarah Moyer, sophomore Samuel Sessock and sophomore Lucas Smith represented MMI at the event. Kost and Sessock also finished first and second, respectively, in poetry reading and Moyer placed third in spelling. Senior Claire Sheen won the “Realistically Rendered Award” in the teen category at the Hazleton Art League Art Youth Expo on April 17. Students earned a total of six silver and five bronze medals from Spanish 1 through Spanish 4 in the National Spanish Examinations which are administered each year and are sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Freshmen Angelica Alday and Gabriella Kupsho both earned Spanish 1 silver medals. In Spanish 2, sophomores Ali Aijaz, Kayla Leonard and Allison McGeehan won silver medals, while sophomores Anirban Chowdhury, Nicholas Young and Daniel Tron captured bronze medals. Juniors Andrew Alday and Jay Solgama both won a bronze medal in Spanish 3. Senior Claire Sheen took a silver medal in Spanish 4. Additionally, 11 students earned Honorable Mention accolades.

MMI recognized five students in the seventh, ninth and eleventh grades as “Best of the Best” this spring. First place for the “Best of the Best” was awarded to junior Luke Yamulla, center, for his presentation, “America.” Additional finalists were, from left, freshman Gabriella Kupsho, seventh-graders Grant Warren and Benjamin Putnam, and freshman Lauren Babinetz.

Dr. Roberta Winters, the former Vice President for Issues and Action on the State Board of the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania (LWVPA), presented a program to MMI eighth, ninth, eleventh and twelfth grade classes on Earth Day educating students about Marcellus Shale and the extraction process called hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as “fracking.” Sixth grader Millie Symbula captured first place in the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Luzerne County’s “Be Kind to Animals Week” poster contest.

first prize for his project, “The Effects of Suspended Sediments in Aquatic Photosynthesis.” He was awarded a $1,000 one-time scholarship to attend Penn State Hazleton. Three students finished among the top five in their respective levels during regional competition for the National Spanish Examination. Senior Claire Sheen was second in Spanish 4, sophomore Daniel Tron placed fourth in the Spanish 2 bilingual category and freshman Angelica Alday finished fourth in Spanish 1.

Freshman trombone player Aaron Harman participated in the Pennsylvania Music Education Association’s (PMEA) District 9 Jazz Festival. Sophomore Anirban Chowdhury and junior William Bower both placed second in the Cedar Crest Biology Olympics. The team of junior William Bower, freshman Joshua Kalada-Kania, junior Sarah Moyer, sophomore Samuel Sessock and junior Jay Solgama received the highest score in the Aquatics component and were third overall at the 2015 Luzerne County Envirothon.

Students in Lisa Ferry’s Anthropology class took a field trip on April 26 to the Conrail Site (officially referred to as 36LU169) to join The Frances Dorrance Chapter (Chapter 11) of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaeology for an archaeological dig.

Penn State Hazleton hosted a special science fair for regional high school students focused on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines on April 25, with prizes awarded to winners. More than 40 students presented their projects and the fair showcased a variety of projects in science, technology, engineering and math while helping students improve their public speaking skills through interaction with judges and coaches. Freshman Joshua Kalada-Kania won

Sophomore Anirban Chowdhury recorded the region’s highest score on the Susquehanna Valley Section of the American Chemical Society’s annual chemistry exam. Chowdhury received an award alongside his teacher, Todd Ronco, during the Susquehanna Valley Section’s annual awards banquet at Bloomsburg University. Junior Jay Solgama won first place in the individual competition and joined classmates Brendan Drusda and Sarah Moyer to capture the top prize in the team event at the 67th annual Luzerne County Council of Teachers of Mathematics (LCCTM) Contest at Wilkes University.

Faces in the Crowd MMI’s Head of Maintenance, Joseph Stepansky was named the Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Freeland American Legion. He joined Citizens Hose Company, which later became the Freeland Fire Department, in 1986 at the age of 16 as a junior firefighter. Throughout his 29 years in fire service, he has attended countless hours of training to further his knowledge of firefighting. Through the years of his fire service, he has held numerous officer positions, starting with lieutenant, then captain, deputy chief and currently fire chief for the past six years. Joe resides in Freeland, has been married for 21 years to his wife Janine and has a daughter Audrey ’15, who is following in her father’s footsteps as an active firefighter with the Freeland Fire Department and is the fourth generation of Stepansky firefighters. Seniors Michael Eisenhart and Claire Sheen were named the Hazleton Elks Lodge Teenagers of the Year. The award is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life. Applicants were judged on the basis of character, leadership, citizenship and scholastics.

Senior Syed Qadri, sophomore Allison McGeehan, sophomore Jessica Smith, senior Emily Seratch and sophomore Jonathan Smith will represent MMI at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference, which will be held June 29-July 2 in Chicago, IL. The students qualified for the national event after placing in the top 10 at the Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference. MMI’s chapter won first place for the Local Market Share Award, which is given to the school having the highest percentage of high school students in an FBLA Club Chapter.

The top academic students from five area schools were honored as the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce conducted its 41st annual Academic Achievement Awards dinner. Honored seniors from MMI included Annika Fisk, Chiara DeMelfi, Hayden Francis, Tristan Gibbons, Madison Luchi, Emily Morrison, Emily Seratch, Claire Sheen, Rachel Stanziola and Nicolas Vilov. Each graduate being recognized

MMI hosts Red Carpet breakfast

The Lehigh Valley Mini-Reunion was held on June 3 at Melt Grill. Mary E. Mertz, pictured above second from the right, sister of former MMI President Lambert E. Broad, entertained the group with stories from Mr. Broad’s tenure at MMI. Mr. Broad served as MMI’s President from 1934 to 1973 a time that saw the harsh depression years of the 1930’s, the stressful years of World War II and the crisis when Old Main was lost to fire. After his retirement, Mr. Broad served eight years on the MMI Board of Directors and he attended 49 consecutive Commencement ceremonies at his beloved school. Pictured above are, from left: Elaine and Edward Mertz, Head of School Thomas G. Hood, Mary Mertz and Linda Mertz Michael. Below, from left, Dr. Carl D’Angelo ’64, David Africa ’80, Ed Kushma ’62, John Tucker ’67 and Tom Kobrick ’52 also joined the MMI family.

MMI hosted the Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Breakfast on June 11. Chief of Staff Leigh Bonczewski spoke on behalf of State Representative Gerald Mullery. The Red Carpet programs are conducted monthly by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce as a way of providing information to the local business community and offering new and expanded business networking opportunities.

received a certificate in recognition of their scholastic achievement from the chamber and also certificates from U.S. Representative Lou Barletta, State Senator John Yudichak, State Representative Tarah Toohil and Hazleton Mayor Joe Yannuzzi. Junior Desiree Dinko was selected a First Team Wyoming Valley Conference Division 3 All-Star in softball at the conclusion of the spring season.

Milestones

Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family

Weddings Nicole Clarke ’08 married Jeffrey Telson at St. Nicholas Church in Wilkes-Barre on October 11, 2014. Her matron of Honor was Cindy Clarke Matosky ’01 and her maid of honor was Samantha Clarke ’04. The best man was Jeremy Hauze ’05. The couple resides in Greenville, NC. Lauren McDonald ’01 married Eric Mitchell on June 24, 2014 in Tulum, Mexico. Gregory Slocum ’01 acted as the officiant.

the former Virginia J. Esposito; a daughter, Lisa Haffner; a son, Fredrick D. Haffner III and his wife, Kelly; a daughter, Stephanie Cress and her husband, Brian; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Robert M. Jordan passed away on March 15, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Theresa; Jennifer Kapuschinsky; Robert Jordan Jr. and his wife, Teresa; Kevin Jordan; and two grandchildren, Alexander Jordan ’20 and Zachary Jordan. Ginger Galade and Nathaniel Titus ’03 were married on May 30, 2015. The couple resides in Easton, MD, where he works as a sales associate at an electrical parts company.

Births Sarah Kashubski Czytinski ’06 and husband, Michael, welcomed son, Theodore Robert on April 2, 2015. Theodore weighed in at 7lbs 9oz and was 21 inches long. Proud grandparents are Karen and Robert Kashubski ’69.

Deaths Kenneth M. Anthony ’47 passed away on June 4, 2015. He is survived by his wife Phyllis; a son Kenneth M. Anthony II and his wife Grace; a daughter Helen M. Waldt and her husband David; and five grandchildren. J. Scott Brill Jr. ’83 passed away on May 6, 2015. Scott is survived by his wife Dana; mother Sissy; son, Brian, and daughter, Elizabeth. Joseph L. Brosk ’49 passed away on May 8, 2015. Joseph is survived by his wife, Dolores, and son, Joseph L. Brosk and wife, Sheree; Frederick Brosk and wife, Gail; and the Reverend Steven Brosk. Frederick D. “Fritz” Haffner Jr. ’50 passed away on December 29, 2014. Surviving are his wife of 55 years,

Emil Kitlan ’45 passed away on June 20, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Emil Kitlan ’71 and wife Susan; daughter Nancy and husband Joseph; and two granddaughters. Thomas P. Krohn passed away on May 31, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Sara; and daughters, Lisa Platow ’88 and Rebecca Kokinda ’92. David R. Silberg passed away June 4, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; sister, Carolyn Taranto; sons, Steven Silberg ’92 and Jed Silberg ’94; and two grandsons. Doris E. Stepansky passed away March 30, 2015. She is survived by sons, MMI staff member, Joseph Stepansky and wife Janine; Larry Stepansky and wife Missy, daughters; Deborah Miller; Colleen Yagalla and husband John; Patty Longazel and husband Leo; Susan Novotney and husband Thomas and 11 grandchildren including Audrey Stepansky ’15. Dr. William B. Urosevich ’72, passed away on May 6, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and children, Alexander and his wife Erica; Katherine Urosevich Williams and her husband, Matthew Williams, and grandson, John Keller Willaims. He is also survived by brother, Thomas G. Urosevich and wife Lori; brother, MMI Board Director, Richard DiLiberto ’79 and wife Faith; sister Sandy and husband Richard Manfredi; and nieces and nephews including Ella Urosevich ’21. Edith Oberson Wagner passed away on May 1, 2015. She is survived by her daughters, Audrey Wagner ’76 and Barbara Wagner ’79.

Current students meet alumni in Washington D.C.

The Washington, D.C., Mini-Reunion and Current Student Gathering, pictured above, was held on March 26 at Clyde’s of Gallery Place. Alumni gathered and enjoyed a meal with students who spent the day in Washington on Michael Scarlato and Katherine Zucco’s history field trips. A great time was had by all 52 guests. The New York City Mini-Reunion was held on April 9 at Houndstooth Pub in the Fashion district with a number of area alumni getting together for dinner. The Philadelphia Mini-Reunion was held on April 23 at City Tap House.

Alumni Notes

What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Attorney Donald M. Barnes ’61 was selected to the 2015 Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers list in the area of Antitrust Litigation. He is currently employed at the firm of Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur LLP. Attorney Barnes gave the Founder’s Day address at MMI’s 1985 commencement and currently resides in Potomac, MD, with his wife, Mary. Michael D. Casari Jr. ’08 graduated from Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg Campus, on May 17, 2015. Casari received the Alfred Avins Memorial Scholarship, given to the student with the highest combined average in constitutional law. Casari also received the John A. Fillion Memorial Award, given to the graduate who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated by scholarship and professionalism a likelihood of making a significant contribution to labor and employment law.

gas leaks, building collapses and other residential disasters. Lisa Merlo ’80 spent much of last year working tirelessly on as a clearance supervisor on The Message which aired four episodes in June 2014 on BET. The documentary showcased the influence of hip hop and how its sheer power has changed the sociopolitical landscape of America. The National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) recently announced that The Message was nominated for a NAMIC Vision Award. Anjni P. Patel ’13 will remain on campus from May to August at Saint Joseph’s University as a member of the Summer Scholars Program. Patel is one of 87 students who will engage in facultymentored research and creative projects at the university this summer. Patel, a biology major, will work with Jean M. Smolen on their topic, “Removal of Arsenic from Drinking Water Sources.”

Lisa Merlo ’80 and her husband, Bill Van Horn ’98 recently earned the Tony, were part of a select group of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) volunteers for The Red Paw Emergency designation. Accountants who earn the Relief Team who were in attendance CMA have demonstrated proficiency in Attorney Richard A. DiLiberto Jr. ’79 was a when Red Paw received an award from guest speaker at MMI in April. He spoke about many facets of accounting and financial The Office of Emergency Management Leadership Skills with 11th graders in Michael management. Candidates must successfully during National Volunteers Week in Scarlato’s fifth period government class. complete a nationwide comprehensive April. The Red Paw Emergency Relief examination and a two-year management Team is an emergency service, nonprofit accounting experience requirement. They organization that works in conjunction with the American also must agree to uphold the Standards of Ethical Conduct Red Cross and other public and private disaster relief, for Management Accountants. He is employed as accounting social service and animal welfare organizations to provide manager at SEKISUI SPI, Bloomsburg. emergency assistance including emergency transport, shelter and veterinary care to animals involved in fires, flooding,

Class of 1995 celebrates 20th reunion

The Class of 1995 celebrated their 20th reunion with a two-day gathering on May 15-16 organized by Grant Cusat ’95. Of the 34 graduates, 16 people joined in the festivities along with their class advisors, Dennis Clarke and Donna Titus. Friday evening was a celebratory happy hour at the Other Side in Freeland, while on Saturday the group gathered at Rodano’s in Wilkes-Barre.

Correction In the cover story in the Winter Edition of MMI Today, the late Charles Reczkowski was identified incorrectly as the sole donor of numerous files to Freeland historical expert Charlotte Tancin. Please note that Tancin reached out to the late local historian Charles Stumpf, who published a history of Freeland in the 1990s, and they became friends. He later gave her his files on Freeland area history and she credits him and the late Charles Reczkowski as mentors who encouraged and helped her to collect and connect traces of the area’s past. She also cites Bob Zimmerman, Ed Merrick, Charlie Gallagher, her brother Steve, the late John Zubach and the late Tom Landers as important sources of information and support during her research on the Freeland community.

Memorials

Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors donated between February 15 and June 15, 2015 In Memory of Edward Abrams ’62 Mrs. Marlene Abrams In Memory of Ann Ammon Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Joleen Beltrami ’82 Mr. Michael K. Bayer ’82 In Memory of Joseph Beltrami Mr. Myles W. Katerman In Memory of Francis Bereznak Jeff, Lorraine and Katrina Taylor Dave, Wendy and Anna Nowak In Memory of John L. Bigelow, Esq. Mr. Robert Conahan and Mrs. Cindy Conahan ’76 Dryfoos Insurance Agency, Inc. Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis Mr. Lawrence Walko and Mrs. Debbie Walko ’79 In Memory of Millicent Blumer Senape & Associates In Memory of J. Scott Brill ’83 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In Memory of Lambert Broad Mrs. Leatrice Kushnerick In Memory of Joseph Brosk ’49 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Memory of Walter Dias Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of William H. Jones Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of Llewellyn F. Dryfoos Jr The Raytheon Company Mr. Joseph Visintainer ’82

In Memory of Robert M. Jordan Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In Memory of Jean Foley Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Honor of James Gabrielle ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Gabrielle In Memory of Albert Goedecke ’45 Berger Family Dealerships Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Gallagher Hazleton Area Sports Hall of Fame Mr. John Hollis ’64 and Mrs. Carol Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. Edward A. Matisak ’62 Mrs. Kimberly McNulty Mr. Dan Ravina Mr. Harold Refowich ’68 and Mrs. Antoinette Refowich Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Frank Schmidt Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84 Atty. Rebecca L. Warren Esq. ’84

In Memory of Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Mr. Anthony Merlo and Mrs. Lisa Merlo ’80

In Memory of Charles Gross Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of Ambabai and Mahadev Chikarmane Ms. Ambika A. Chikarmane ’03

In Memory of Francis Gross Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of Anna Daniels Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Honor of Sam Harman ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Brian M. Harman

In Memory of Joseph DeLash Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Domenic DeLuca Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of John Hresko Senape & Associates In Memory of Bertha “Lois” Hueholt Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McClellan Ms. Jessica McClellan ’19

In Memory of Lorraine Kaufman Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Billy Kennedy Mr. Mark Laputka ’79 and Mrs. Lee Ann Laputka In Honor of Haylee Kirschner ’15 Ms. Phyllis Kirschner In Memory of Albert T. Kislan Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Thomas P. Krohn Ms. Grete H. DeAngelo ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In Memory of Lillian Kornblatt Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Kornblatt Mr. Marshall Kornblatt Ms. Stephanie Zellner ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Zellner In Memory of George J. Kostick Jr. ’64 Mrs. Ceil Kostick In Memory of Willard Lamson Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Hugh McCardle Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Chelsea Michalesko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Veronica Miller Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Bernard Moro Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce (Memorials continued on page 22)

In Memory of Francis O’Donnell Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of William Sernak Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of Michael Plaksa Jr Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of Robert Shelhamer Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In Memory of David Rodriguez ’79 Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott

In Memory of Dr. Geraldine Stish Sheppersen Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Memory of Anna Roman Senape & Associates In Memory of Agnes Salko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Patricia Seliga Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Bernadette Senape Mr. and Mrs. Gary M. Dougherty Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGeehan Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey Mr. James Senape, III ’91 and Mrs. Kimberly Warner-Senape Mr. and Mrs. James C. Vreeland In Memory of Mary Senape Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Gabrielle Sr. Mrs. Irene Gans Mr. and Mrs. Walter Golab Jr. and Family Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Laganosky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGeehan Ms. Mary Lou Radick Mr. Richard Segilia Mrs. Mary Grace Tambasco Ms. Teresa Tambasco

In Memory of David R. Silberg Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In Memory of Jane Spadell Mr. and Mrs. Larry J. Pecora Mr. Michael Sarno ’13 In Memory of Doris E. Stepansky Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Llewellyn D. Supon Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Joseph K. Tito ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tito In Memory of Joseph A. Turri ’45 Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Mr. and Mrs. Joseph C. Gallagher Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mrs. Kimberly McNulty Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In Memory of Dr. William B. Urosevich ’72 Atty. Richard DiLiberto, Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In Honor of Alexander van Hoekelen ’12 Mr. and Mrs. Cornelis F. van Hoekelen In Honor of Alexzandriea van Hoekelen ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Cornelis F. van Hoekelen In Memory of Mark Vernborg Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Nicolas Vilov ’15 Mr. and Mrs. Momir Vilov In Memory of Edith O. Wagner Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Mr. and Mrs. William J. Flood Mr. Jeff Gicking ’75 Mr. John Gicking ’76 Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Gicking Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Dr. and Mrs. Johann A. Koenig, M.D. Mrs. Kimberly McNulty Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Robert Zoshak Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

Did you know you can donate appreciated stock to MMI and avoid capital gains tax? People often are surprised to learn that there are tax advantages generated by giving different types of property to their favorite charity. Gifts of highly appreciated securities may be particularly favorable to our donors. When donating stock, you are entitled to a charitable tax deduction equal to the value of the securities on the date of transfer to MMI. Best of all, if

you have owned the stock for more than a year, there are no capital gains taxes due when you give securities. Mutual funds and other types of investments offer the same advantages. Call Director of Advancement Kim McNulty before you sell your stocks, as it may be to your advantage to make a stock donation to MMI rather than a cash one!

IN MEMORIUM Joseph A. Turri ’45

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Joseph A. Turri, 87, of Camp Hill, passed away May 14 in Holy Spirit Hospital.

Born September 17, 1927, in Freeland, he was a son of the late Beniamino and Ernesta (Morandi) Turri. After retiring from the International Division of the former AMP Inc. in 1987, he went on to found Advanced Coating Technology, from which he retired in 2008. Joe was a proud and very active alumnus of MMI Preparatory School, where he was valedictorian of the Class of 1945. Upon graduation, he was awarded a four-year scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a B.S. in Engineering. He was a member of the MMI Honorary Board and, in 2005, Mr. Turri established The Jeffrey A. Turri Endowed Scholarship in his son’s name. He then bequeathed the largest contribution by an alumnus in the history of MMI for the construction of The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center. In 2010, he was inducted into the MMI Wall of Fame in the category of Professional Achievement. Joseph was a member of the Capital City Polka Dancers

Association and the West Shore Sons of Italy Lodge No. 2651, where he enjoyed playing on their bocce team. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and bowler, as well as a true friend to all who had the good fortune to know him. Surviving are his companion of 40 years, Barbara Sowers; two sons, Joseph A. Turri Jr. and his Joseph A. Turri companion, Karen; and Mark Turri, Mechanicsburg; along with numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery A. Turri; his sisters, Matilda Brown and Adele Hanna; and brother, Benjamin Turri. Funeral services were held at Malpezzi Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg. Burial was in St. Anthony Cemetery, Freeland.

Albert P. Goedecke ’45

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Albert P. Goedecke, 87, passed away peacefully Monday, May 18 with his daughter, Lori, by his side. Born in Upper Lehigh on July 29, 1927, he was the son of the late Arthur and Ella (Brehm) Goedecke. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Emily Goedecke Nesbitt, in 1999.

Albert P. Goedecke

Al graduated from MMI and East Stroudsburg University.

veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy.

He was a World War II

He retired from ABCO Chemical Corp. as a chemical salesman. Al’s greatest accomplishment was as a teacher and coach at MMI Preparatory School in Freeland. He was the coach of one of the most memorable wins in MMI boys basketball history, a 7-5 win over previously unbeaten West Hazleton on February 11, 1964. West Hazleton was undefeated and had tied the state record

with 62 consecutive league victories. In fact, the Wildcats had not lost a league game since 1959 and now were on the verge of a new record. The two teams were tied for first place in the Anthracite League and both were accustomed to high-scoring games. The historic upset drew national media attention for its remarkably low score and was noted for Coach Al Goedecke’s defence tactics, as well as MMI’s disciplined teamwork. Coach Geodecke was inducted into the Anthracite League Hall of Fame in recognition of his coaching achievements at MMI. He was inducted into the MMI Wall of Fame in Athletic Achievement in 2008 and more recently into the Hazleton Sports Hall of Fame. Surviving are Al’s children, Lori Goedecke-Gaffney and her husband, Robert, Freeland, and their sons, Dr. Ryan Gaffney and Sean Gaffney; Dr. Phillip Goedecke, Shartlesville; William Neelsen Sr. and his children, William Jr., Michael, Bryan and Kati, Michigan; and William Newbill and Mary Jane Newbill, Virginia, and their children, Blakely and Brandon. Several greatgrandchildren also survive. A memorial service was held May 30 in St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Hazleton, where Al was a member. Burial was held privately for the family.

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Prom 2015

MMI Preparatory School students were dressed in their finest for the prom, which was held May 14 at the Valley Country Club.

Homecoming Weekend Important Dates September 18 and 19, 2015

This yearâ€™s festivities will honor the reunion classes of 1935, 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and 2010. See page 14 for more details.

New Student Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to School Wine and Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet the Teacher Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freshmen Orientation and Pajama Parade . . . . . . . . Parent-Faculty Organization Bingo. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

August 24 August 25 August 26 September 8 September 11 October 4