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MMI celebrates Class of 2017 States, Germany MMI conducted and the Middle its 125th East. He has Commencement extensive Exercises on May leadership 25, as seniors were experience at awarded diplomas the tactical, by Stanley B. operational Warner III ’92, and strategic chairman of MMI’s levels and spent Board of Directors. the majority This year’s of his career graduating class of in operations 42 seniors amassed and training more than $6.4 with duty in million in merit multiple armor scholarships and and cavalry awards. The 2017 units, including graduating class four post-9/11 also attained an operational and average SAT score combat tours of 1733 and 1239 in Kuwait and on the Redesigned The MMI graduating Class of 2017 Iraq. SAT. The Class of In addition to his work at the Pentagon as a Major General, Bayer 2017’s average ACT score is 27. Members of the Class of 2017 were accepted at more than 71% of served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy, Headquarters Supreme Allied Command Transformation, NATO. the colleges they applied to and will attend more than 27 different In April of 2012, Bayer returned to MMI to speak to upper colleges and universities this fall. school students about his time as a Retired Major General Peter Bayer soldier, the concept of service and his ’80, a former United States Army Major experiences as an MMI student. During General and former Director of Strategy, his address about his experiences and Plans and Policy on the Army staff at the how MMI prepared him for life, Bayer Pentagon, delivered the commencement said, “My MMI experience provided me address. His message was simple, “Follow with an outstanding education as well your heart, find your purpose and pursue as the opportunity to grow as a young it with passion.” leader through athletics and numerous Bayer is the Area Vice President, student-led activities. I was surrounded Northeast for Penske Logistics where he by a talented and devoted faculty who leads a team of more than 1,900 associates mentored and challenged me and provided providing world class transportation and living examples of what right looked like warehouse management logistics support through their hard work, character, values, to 37 diverse customers nationwide. professional passion and a commitment Prior to joining Penske, he proudly to serve their community. My MMI served for more than 29 years as a soldier Retired Major General Peter Bayer ’80 delivers the Founder’s in the United States Army in a variety of (continued on page 5) Day Address to the MMI Class of 2017. command and staff positions in the United
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From the Head of School Dear friends, Just a few short months ago, I wrote my first message as permanent head of school for the MMI Today publication. It amazes me how quickly time flies and, how as I write this version, the school year has ended, summer has begun, and we are working swiftly to ready the school for the next academic year! The 2016-2017 school year was one that saw a number of new chapters in the MMI playbook -- from the early adjustments in freshman orientation, to the refashioned and more-inclusive pre-Thanksgiving Founder’s Day Program, to a 4-day snow break in midMarch, to an expansion of Senior Prom into a Junior/Senior event at year’s end. On May 25, it was with pride that I bestowed the title of graduate on the 42 members of the Class of 2017. Before doing so, however, I thanked them for stepping up all year to the challenges given them and for creating new and powerful MMI traditions in the process. Parenthetically, the Class of 2017 ended its tenure at MMI by amassing more than $6.4 million in college scholarships and other awards for academic excellence. They are truly the embodiment of success! In addition to graduating seniors, we also promoted 41 eighth graders to our ninth grade! As the class of 2021 prepares to take on its last four years at MMI, I encouraged all to look beyond what is right in front of them and see the bigger picture. I encouraged them to be leaders, to set a positive example, and to understand that they have an opportunity to make a real “leadership” difference in the lives of the students coming up behind them. I am hopeful that they will continue to explore the world with eyes wide-open and progress to be as successful, if not more successful, then the classes before them. As we turn our sights to the 2017-2018 academic year, we look forward to the ascendancy of the next senior class and the leadership that group will bring to bear for the benefit and betterment of MMI. On August 22, we will come together once again as a community committed to academic, athletic, personal, and extra-curricular excellence. I can’t wait!
D. Scott Wiggins Head of School
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
D. Scott Wiggins – Head of School
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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
Students earn National Merit Scholarships MMI Preparatory School seniors Allison McGeehan and Nicholas Young both won National Merit Scholarships and junior Aaron Harman qualified for the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program. McGeehan was selected as the winner of a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship and Young received the National Merit Computer Aid Scholarship. In March, McGeehan and Young were among just 15,000 students nationwide to advance as finalists in the 2017 National Merit Scholarship Program and two of four finalists at MMI. Harman was selected as a qualifier for the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program based on his performance on the 2016 Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Each year, about 1.6 million juniors take the PSAT, and roughly 50,000 of those students with the highest Selection Index scores (or total PSAT scores) qualify for National Merit Program recognition–roughly the top three percent of 11th
grade testers qualify for merit recognition. About 90 percent of the semifinalists attain finalist standing and about half of the finalists win a National Merit Scholarship, earning the Merit Scholar title.
MMI earns awards at FBLA national competition MMI Preparatory School received a first-place award for Local Market Share during the Eastern Region Meeting at the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Competition in Anaheim, California. The award is given to the school with the highest percentage of students in a high school involved in FBLA among all the states along the east coast of the United States as well as the island chapters of the Caribbean. This marked the sixth consecutive year that MMI students MMI received a first-place award for Local Market Share during the Eastern Region Meeting at the Future Business Leaders of advanced to the national competition. America (FBLA) National Competition in Anaheim, California. MMI’s competitors at the national event were, from left: Chava
Kornblatt, Stephanie Zellner, Jessica Smith, Jonathan Smith, Morgan Long, Julia Snyder and chaperone Lisa Marie Ferry. Missing
Chava Kornblatt, from photo: Allison McGeehan and Jakob Schwabe. Morgan Long, Allison McGeehan, past six years and I am excited to see what is in store for our Jakob Schwabe, Jonathan Smith, Jessica Smith, Julia Snyder chapter next year.” and Stephanie Zellner represented MMI at the event. FBLA’s mission is to bring business and education together McGeehan finished fourth in the nation in the Insurance Risk in a positive working relationship through innovative Management event. leadership and career development programs. MMI Social Sciences instructor Katherine Zucco serves as More than 9,600 of America’s best and brightest high school FBLA adviser and MMI Art instructor Lisa Ferry served as the students traveled to Southern California and competed for chaperone. the opportunity to win more than $170,000 in cash awards. FBLA Nationals MMIZucco said, “I am very proud of the Participants from across the United States and abroad attended performance our students had during the National Leadership the conference to enhance their business skills, expand their Conference and was thrilled with our results. MMI students networks, and participate in more than 70 business and have given our school national recognition at this event for the business-related competitive events.
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The Class of 2017 Ali Aijaz, the son of Fakhruddin and Dr. Naghma Aijaz, Mountaintop, The University of Pittsburgh University Honors Program – Chemistry and English.
Kayla Leonard, the daughter of Gregory and Karen Leonard, Hazle Township, McDaniel College – Biology with a concentration in forensic science.
Niklas Byriel, the son of Julia Byriel, Drums, and the late Kim Byriel, Elizabethtown College Honors Program – Computer Science.
Megan Marchetti, the daughter of David and Andrea Marchetti, Freeland, Elizabethtown College Honors Program – Computer Science with a minor in Information Systems.
Dana Carrato, the daughter of Dr. Anthony and Carmine Carrato, Hazleton, The Pennsylvania State University – Food Science. Anirban Chowdhury, the son of Bhaskar and Saumitri Chowdhury, Hazle Township, Carnegie Mellon University Science & Humanities Scholars Program – Biological Sciences. Kevin Cibak, the son of James and Deirdre Cibak, Sugarloaf, The University of Pittsburgh University Honors Program – Political Science. Eric Degenhart, the son of Dr. John and Janet Degenhart, Hazleton, The Pennsylvania State University – Biomedical Engineering. Gabriella DeMelfi, the daughter of Daniel and Esme DeMelfi, Hazleton, Ursinus College – Undeclared. Evan Dryfoos, the son of Llewellyn and Maura Dryfoos, Sugarloaf, Ursinus College – Undeclared. Katherine Eschenbach, the daughter of David and Maureen Eschenbach, Drums, The George Washington University – Accounting with a minor in Mandarin Chinese. Ryan Eschenbach, the son of David and Maureen Eschenbach, Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Cyber Security. Douglas Genetti, the son of Timothy and Michelle Genetti, Sugarloaf, Delaware Valley University – Agribusiness. Lacee Gera, the daughter of Marianne Gera and Joseph Pavlick, Drifton, Moravian College – Undeclared. Jai-Jacob Hoover, the son of Jai and Ninotchka Hoover, Mountaintop, The University of Scranton – Biology with a pre-dental concentration. Garrett Kost, the son of Joseph and Natalie Kost, Freeland, Gettysburg College Army ROTC – History and Political Science with a minor in German.
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Joey Kress, the daughter of Jessica Holliday, Drums, and Joseph and Tracy Kress, Sugarloaf, The George Washington University – Communications.
Catherine Matyas, the daughter of Michael and Wendisue Matyas, Sugarloaf, The Pennsylvania State University – Accounting. Allison McGeehan, the daughter of Thomas and Sandra McGeehan, Drums, Brown University – Economics and Public Policy. Kyle McGuire, the son of Joseph and Janet McGuire, West Nanticoke, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – Aviation Business Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Control. Dillon Merenich, the son of Michael and Cindy Merenich, Freeland, Colorado Mesa University Engineering Partnership with the University of Colorado – Mechanical Engineering. Olivia Minzola, the daughter of Joseph and Debra Minzola, Drums, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – Mass Communications with a concentration in journalism. Joshua Narrow, the son of Howard and Marie Narrow, Hazleton, The George Washington University – International Affairs with a concentration in Middle Eastern and Eastern European studies. Athena Nicholas, the daughter of Anna Jean Muckler and Richard Malavenda, Hazleton, The University of Scranton – Biology. Anna Olivieri, the daughter of Jack and Mariah Olivieri, Sugarloaf, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania – Undeclared. Keenan Overa, the son of Timothy and Lori Overa, Drums, Lehigh University Eckardt Scholars Program – International Relations and Mandarin Chinese. Kisan Patel, the son of Dr. Dilipkumar and Dr. Minaben Patel, Mountaintop, The University of Pittsburgh University Honors Program – Biology with a pre-medical concentration. Danielle Pileggi, the daughter of Daniel and Sandra Pileggi, Albrightsville, Temple University – Film and Media. Elizabeth Pinto, the daughter of Karen Pinto, Mountaintop, and John Pinto, Maplewood, NJ, The University
of Pittsburgh –Neuroscience with a pre-medical concentration. Lois Ann Polashenski, the daughter of Robert and Kathleen Polashenski, Freeland, Cedar Crest College Honors Program – Biology with a minor in Art and a concentration in pre-veterinary studies. Kryslyn Postupack, the granddaughter of Andrew and Mary Postupack, Hazleton, Pace University – Psychology with a minor in Criminology. Erin Sari, the daughter of Izzet and Mumine Sari, Sugarloaf, Marist College – Undeclared. Samuel Sessock, the son of Jennifer and James Denion, Freeland, and the late John Sessock, Lehigh University Integrated Degree in Engineering & Arts/Sciences Honors Program – Environmental Engineering. Dylan Slusser, the son of Amy St. Pierre, Drums, and Atty. Christopher Slusser, Sugarloaf, The Pennsylvania State University Honors Program – Undeclared. Jessica Smith, the daughter of Jonathan Smith and Beatrice RussoSmith, White Haven, Flagler College – Undeclared. Jonathan Smith, the son of Jonathan Smith and Beatrice Russo-Smith, White Haven, The University of Florida – Biology with a pre-medical concentration. Lucas Smith, the son of Robynn Smith, Drums, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – Sports and Leisure Studies. Evan Spear, the son of William and Marylynne Spear, Hazleton, Duquesne University Accelerated PharmD program – Pharmacy. Daniel Tron, the son of Dr. Eduardo Tron and Dr. Graciela Bianco, Mountaintop, The University of Scranton – Undeclared. Jacob Weiksner, the son of Mary Ann and William Flyzik, Freeland, and Daniel Weiksner, Coaldale, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Creative Writing. Kyle Williams, the son of Robert and Stephanie Williams, White Haven, California University of Pennsylvania – Computer Engineering and Mechatronics. Nicholas Young, the son of Christian and Nicole Young, Freeland, Georgetown University – Chemistry with a pre-medical concentration.
Commencement (continued from page 1) experience was instrumental in shaping me into the man I am today.” Bayer is a 1984 graduate of Lehigh University with a B.S. in Marketing. After graduating, he was commissioned a Lieutenant of Armor in 1984. His staff assignments included Observer Controller on the Armor (Cobra) Task Force Training Team at the National Training Center; 1st Brigade 1st Cavalry Division S3 and 1st Cavalry Division Deputy G3 at Ft. Hood; Plans Officer for the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies; 3rd Infantry Division G3 during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Chief of Staff Multi-National Force Northwest during Operation Iraqi Freedom; Executive Officer to the Commanding General TRADOC; Deputy Commanding General and Assistant Commandant of the U.S. Army Armor Center and Ft. Knox; Chief of Staff I Corps and Ft. Lewis and Chief of Staff Multi-National Corps Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Director of Strategy, Plans and Policy, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff G3/5/7, Headquarters Department of the Army. Bayer commanded C Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor in Kitzingen, Germany; 2nd Battalion 69th Armor at Ft. Benning and in Kuwait as well as the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment at Ft. Irwin and in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is a graduate of the Armor Officer Basic Course, the Infantry Officer Advanced Course, The Canadian Land Forces Staff Course, the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. In 2004, Bayer earned a Master’s degree in Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He and his wife, Lhoryn, have two adult children, Katie and Ross, and currently reside in Lancaster. During commencement exercises, valedictorian Ali Aijaz addressed his classmates about embracing the past and the time spent at MMI because the past shapes the future. “MMI taught us many things and is an integral part of who we are and who we will be,” said Aijaz. He hoped that his classmates would not forget their time at MMI and would use the experience to help build a bright future. Salutatorian Allison McGeehan spoke to her fellow graduates about remembering the little things, especially when recalling big accomplishments. McGeehan said, “All too often we forget about the little things, the seemingly “insignificant” details that can leave the greatest impact. The big things are truly in the small things.” She went on to mention a number of “little things” that impacted life at MMI, from things teachers did to the dedication of parents, which may have seemed small at first but led to a big reward. Class President Dana Carrato told the class “Do what your heart loves and don’t forget to have fun!” in her parody of Clement Clarke Moore’s Twas the Night before Christmas. She also spoke to the class about their ability to face any challenge that comes their way.
Valedictorian Ali Aijaz
Salutatorian Allison McGeehan
Class President Dana Carrato
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MMI honors students at awards convocation MMI held its annual upper school Awards Convocation in May for students in ninth through 12th grades. Senior Allison McGeehan received a special award honoring her service as Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Reporter for the 2016-2017 school year. In addition to assisting MMI FBLA adviser Katherine Zucco, McGeehan spent a significant amount of time during the past year serving more than 500 students across the state in her capacity as State Reporter. McGeehan was also presented the 2017 Jake Kislan ’56 Polonaise Society Award, which honors the highest achieving Polish American graduate of MMI and is sponsored by Mrs. Michelle Kislan in conjunction with the Greater Hazleton Polonaise Society
Ninth grade subject awards were presented to, from left, Macy Zenier, Paige Machulsky, Benjamin Putnam, Grant Warren and Lance Book. Missing from photo: Ryan Halterman.
Sophomore Andrew Decker was recognized for his performance in the Poetry Out Loud competition. Decker was MMI’s school winner for the second consecutive year and went on to place in the top five in the state out of more than 7,000 entrants. The Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards were presented to senior students who have excelled in their fields of study as follows: Visual and Performing Arts – Garrett Kost; History and Mathematics – Ali Aijaz; Spanish – Allison McGeehan; Science – Nicholas Young; Chinese – Keenan Overa; German – Megan Marchetti; and English – Joshua Narrow. Narrow was also recognized for his recent appointment as the Hazleton City Poet Laureate, a role that was recreated to help foster an appreciation for the humanities in the Hazleton area with the hope that students can get involved with various art-based organizations to exhibit their work.
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10th grade subject awards were presented to, from left, Jessica McClellan, Nicholas Carrato, Alexander Sessock, Alexander Kline, Frederick Mejia and Wesley Guarneri.
MMI subject awards were presented to students in the following categories: Ninth grade: Science and Spanish 11th grade subject awards were presented to, from left, Stephanie Zellner, – Grant Warren; Chinese, Music Performance, and Math – Lauren Freeman, Gabriella Kupsho, Lauren Babinetz, Sydney Karpowich and Benjamin Putnam; English and History – Paige Machulsky; David Caldwell. Art – Macy Zenier; Music History – Lance Book; and Certificate of Nomination in the National Council of Teachers German – Ryan Halterman. 10th grade: English and Music of English Achievement Awards – Sydney Karpowich; and Performance – Alexander Kline; Art and Spanish – Alexander American Red Cross High School Leadership Scholarship – Sessock; Math – Frederick Mejia; Science – Nicholas Carrato; Megan Marchetti. History and Chinese – Wesley Guarneri; and German – Jessica McClellan. 11th grade: Art – Stephanie Zellner; Math, Spanish, Additional award winners were: Freeland American Legion and History – Gabriella Kupsho; Science – Lauren Freeman; Good Citizenship Award – Garrett Kost; National Merit Finalists English – Lauren Babinetz; German – David Caldwell; and – Ali Aijaz, Anirban Chowdhury, Allison McGeehan (also the Chinese – Sydney Karpowich. winner of a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship) and Nicholas Young (also the winner of the National Merit Computer Aid In the sciences, Frederick Mejia was recognized for placing Scholarship); George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award second on the American Chemical Society High School Chemistry Competition examination, Abigail Paul was honored and Scholarship – Gabriella Kupsho; Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award – David Caldwell; Frederick Douglass and Susan as a 2017 National Finalist for the U.S. National Chemistry B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences – Chava Olympiad competition, and Lauren Babinetz was recognized Kornblatt; Xerox Award for Innovation and Information for placing second in Penn State Hazleton’s third annual STEM Technology – Aaron Harman; The Rensselaer Medal Award Research Fair for regional high school students. – Abigail Paul; The Bryn Mawr Book Award – Caitlyn Kline; The team of Lois Polashenski, Joshua Kalada-Kania, The Sage Colleges Student Sage Awards – George Palermo and Samuel Sessock, Alexander Sessock and Lauren Babinetz Caelyn McGran; The University of Pennsylvania Book Award were recognized for placing first in the 38th annual Luzerne – Julia Snyder; The Wells College 21st Century Leadership County Envirothon and advancing to the state competition. Award – Lauren Freeman and Jakob Schwabe; The Wellesley Other award presentations included: 2017 Woodmen Award College Club Book Award – Angelica Alday; Elmira College Key of the World American History Award – Ali Aijaz; American Awards – Stephanie Zellner and John Malay; Rochester Institute Mathematics Competition Exam 10A School Winner – Daniel of Technology Computing Medals – Lauren Babinetz and Kyle DeMelfi; American Mathematics Competition Exam 12A Falatko; and Rochester Institute of Technology Innovation and School Winner – Anirban Chowdhury; American Mathematics Creativity Awards – Sydney Karpowich and Joshua KaladaCompetition Exam 12B School Winner – Nicholas Young; Kania.
MMI places eighth at state Envirothon competition MMI placed in the top ten at the 34th annual Pennsylvania Envirothon state competition, which was held at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown campus. MMI’s team of Alexander Sessock, Lauren Babinetz, Lois Ann Polashenski, Samuel Sessock and Joshua KaladaKania finished eighth among teams of high school students from 64 counties throughout Pennsylvania with a score of 444.67 points out of a possible 600. The team placed first during the regional competition with 432 out of a possible 500 points. During the regional competition, five of MMI’s six teams placed in the top 10. MMI’s freshman team of Grant Warren, Kai Mele, Elias Bachman, Benjamin Putnam and Adam Tron placed fourth. The team of Garrett Kost, Kayla Leonard, Bailey Slusser, Kaitlyn McGeehan and Christine Park finished fifth. Stephanie Zellner, Gabriella DeMelfi, Daniel DeMelfi, Dana Carrato and Coleman Smith combined to place sixth. The team of Mahum Ahmed, Amanda KaladaKania, Elise Hreha, Kelisa Hysenbegasi and Alexander Jordan came in ninth. Summer Evancho, Maya Rizkalla, Lindsey Baloga, Ayla Cooper and Catrina Havrilla teamed up to finish 21st out of 30 teams.
MMI’s team of, from left, Alexander Sessock, Lauren Babinetz, Lois Ann Polashenski, Samuel Sessock and Joshua Kalada-Kania placed in the top ten at the Pennsylvania Envirothon state competition.
Michael Mele, MMI science instructor and Envirothon adviser, said, “Our students represented MMI well. We’re all proud of them and the work they put into this competition.”
its problem-solving capabilities, oral presentation skills and recommendations to help solve the specific environmental challenge, which related to the current environmental issue.
At the Envirothon, five-member teams participated in a series of field station tests that focused on five topic areas – soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, and environmental issues. The 2017 current environmental issue focused on Agricultural Soil & Water Conservation Stewardship.
Participating teams represented the best and the brightest of the thousands of high school teens who have competed in county Envirothon competitions sponsored by conservation districts from across the state.
The teams also prepared and delivered oral presentations to panels of judges who evaluated each team on
At the state level, the Envirothon is sponsored by Pennsylvania’s 66 county conservation districts, the State Conservation Commission and the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
Students win 23 first-place awards at PJAS state event
MMI students received 23 first-place awards, 20 second-place awards and two third-place awards at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition, which was held on the Pennsylvania State University main campus. Junior Abigail Paul received a perfect score and earned special recognition from the Pennsylvania Science Talent Search (PSTS), which identifies and recognizes outstanding science talent in students who are juniors or seniors in high school. Pictured are the students who represented MMI as first-place and excellence award winners from the regional competition, first row, from left: Elizabeth Borchick, Lauren Freeman, Lauren Banyas, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Lois Ann Polashenski, Gabriella DeMelfi, Elizabeth Eckhart, Jessica McClellan, Christine Park, and Bailey Slusser. Second row: Dustin Paul, Connor Spencer, Mahum Ahmed, Chava Kornblatt, Angelica Alday, Gabriella Kupsho, Sydney Kohl, McKenna Gallagher, Ella Urosevich, Alexandra Young, Rachael Betz, Anna Cabell, and faculty adviser Amanda Shonk. Third row: faculty adviser Timothy Garvey, Joshua Kalada-Kania, Morgan Long, Dana Carrato, Elizabeth Pinto, Jacqueline Snyder, Macy Zenier, Morgan Hosier, Abigail Paul, Louis DeAngelo, and faculty adviser Todd Ronco. Fourth row: faculty adviser Michael Mele, Jakob Schwabe, Jonathan Smith, Coleman Smith, Samuel Sessock, Nicholas Carrato, Nicholas Young, Zachary Young, Brian Payne, Daniel DeMelfi, Alexander Sessock, and faculty adviser Justin Vincent.
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Six honor societies hold induction ceremonies MMI hosted induction ceremonies for several honor societies this spring. Students inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were: Morgan Allen, Irene Altmiller, Julie Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Thomas Ansilio, Hunter Blasko, Lindsay Braunstein, Marcus Danchision, Louis DeAngelo, Hannah Falatko, McKenna Gallagher, Natalie Graham, Aaron Haber, Morgan Hosier, James Kelly, Dominique Kline, Sydney Kohl, Jordan Kulsa, Gregory Leonard, Noah Long, Ryan McNelis, Kevin McNulty, Violet O’Connell, Robert Rinaldi, Cole Rinehimer, Emily Ryan, Jacqueline Snyder, Samantha Sparich, Ethan Stine, Millie Symbula, Ella Urosevich, Peter Walko, Christopher Yanuzzi, Alexandra Young and Alexis Zola. Students inducted into the National Latin Honor Society were: Morgan Allen,
Kimberly Amentler, Hunter Blasko, Louis DeAngelo, Hannah Falatko, Natalie Graham, Sydney Kohl, Ryan McNelis, Kevin McNulty, Violet O’Connell, Robert Rinaldi, Emily Ryan, Jacqueline Snyder, Samantha Sparich, Ella Urosevich, Christopher Yanuzzi and Alexis Zola. Also recognized at the ceremony for previously being inducted into the National Junior Honor Society were: Christian Badamo, son of Anthony and Jessica Badamo, Sugarloaf; Katherine Lewandowski, daughter of James and Nancy Lewandowski of Mountaintop; and Hiba Muhammad, daughter of Ikram and Alia Muhammad of Mountaintop.
Sessock and Zachary Young.
Spanish language students inducted into the Pablo Picasso Chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica were: Nicholas Carrato, Keefer Hoover, Alexander Kline, Morgan Long, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Frederick Mejia, Desiree Petrick, Maxwell Santana, Alexander
Students inducted into the MMI Chroma Chapter of the National Art Honor Society were: Katherine Eschenbach Anna Haber, Talia Logerfo, Julia Snyder and Stephanie Zellner.
Chinese language students inducted into MMI’s Echoes of Wisdom and Philosophy chapter of the National Chinese Honor Society were: Lauren Babinetz, Kyle Falatko, Gunner Jankouskas, Joshua Kalada-Kania, Sydney Karpowich, James Lambert, Cole Wenner and Stephanie Zellner. German language students inducted into the Simon Faltz Chapter of the German National Honor Society, Delta Epsilon Phi were: Daniel DeMelfi, Benjamin Lloyd, Matthew Marchetti, Jessica McClellan and Coleman Smith.
Pictured above are the National Junior Honor Society inductees.
MMI thanks donors at annual reception
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The Head of School’s Donor Recognition Reception was held Saturday, May 6. The evening featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in The Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center. 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 showcase talents at Open House An annual tradition, MMI’s Open House featured everything from research projects to ethnic cooking samples from around the world. All students from sixth-graders to seniors, displayed, explained, and demonstrated their projects in classrooms and locations throughout the school at this year’s event. Parents and visitors toured the school from room to room to examine a variety of student projects, including many in the areas of literature, mathematics, science, and social studies. Then, they visited the cafeteria to sample the food items. Student projects were done 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.
Keenan Overa, Anirban Chowdhury, Garrett Kost and Niklas Byriel finished first for their project, “Chinese Small Eats.”
Level 2 awards were given to ninth- and 10th-grade students and Level 3 awards to 11th- and 12th-grade students.Winners were: Cooking: first place – Garrett Kost, Anirban Chowdhury, Keenan Overa and Niklas Byriel for “Chinese Small Eats;” second place – Elizabeth Pinto, Kisan Patel and Ali Aijaz for “The Three Broomsticks: Harry Potter Foods.” Humanities: Level II first place (tie) – Mahum Ahmed for “Pride and Prejudice” and Kaitlyn McGeehan for “How Literature Affects Our Emotions;” Level II second place – Morgan Long for “Literary Device Generator.” Level III first place – Angelica Alday for “The Visual Rhetoric of Murals;” Level III second place – Aaron Harman for “Resistance Against Imperialism.”
Angelica Alday captured first place for her project, “The Visual Rhetoric of Murals.”
Science: Level II first place – Kai Mele for “Medieval Siege Machines;” Level II second place – Phillip Byriel for “Voice Pitch in Male/Female Memory;” Level II Honorable Mention (tie) – Katharine Pinto for “Series and Sequences” and Justin Weiksner for “Line-Following Robot:
An Introduction to Robotics and Programming.” Level III first place – Dillon Merenich for “1953 Customline Rebuild;” Level III second place – David Caldwell for “The Effects of Natural Antibiotics.”
Sixth-grade students host science fair
MMI held its annual sixth grade science fair on January 27. Anden Karlick, pictured at left in the above left photo, finished first for his project, “Root Systems and Erosion.” Also pictured are, from left, MMI science instructor Amanda Shonk, third-place finisher Jeffrey DeAngelo and runner-up John Schwear III. In the photo on the right, Jeffrey DeAngelo displays his project, “How Senses Change Your Taste.” Student projects were judged by MMI AP science students and faculty members.
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Thank you MMI Board of Directors! Members of the 2016-17 Board of Directors include, front row, from left: De Ann Miller, Sal Coxe Dobbs, John H. Hersker ’76, Chairman Stanley B. Warner III ’92, Richard A. DiLiberto ’79 and Rebecca Warren ’84. Second row: Edward Kushma ’62, Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82, Nicholas Dei Tos ’71, MMI Head of School D. Scott Wiggins and William Spear ’79. Other board members are Anne J. Frey, Lawrence W. Dessen ’77, Brian G. Lucas ’84 and Carlos Mejia.
Thank you MMI staff and administration! Members of the 2016-17 staff and administration pose for their photograph before commencement. Front row, from left: Stephanie Shandra Swietnicki, Christina Spencer, Teresa Kairewich, Marci Hosier, Joanne Oakum and Kim McNulty. Second row: T.R. Laputka, Justin Vincent, Joseph Stepansky, Ryan Jastremsky, Head of School D. Scott Wiggins, Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel and Jason Tribbet.
Thank you MMI faculty!
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Members of the 2016-17 faculty pose for their photograph before commencement. Front row, from left: Christine Lizbinski, Donna Titus, Kathryn Green, Katherine Zucco and Syra Dewar. Second row: Rev. Lawrence Barriger, Stella Boosalis, Amanda Shonk, Susan Moyer, Jennifer Novotney, Christina Spencer, Stephanie Shandra Swietnicki, Patty Medvecky, Carol Lengel and Gabriela Moustardas. Third row: Daniel DeMelfi, Lisa Ferry, Madison Below, Justin Vincent, Michael Scarlato, Grete Floryshak, Todd Ronco and Gerard Pierotti. Fourth row: T.R. Laputka, Assistant Head of School Charles Seidel, Anthony Cusat, Michael Mele, Jason Tribbet, Timothy Garvey and Head of School D. Scott Wiggins.
MMI holds ninth annual Jake Kislan ’56 golf tournament MMI hosted 88 golfers on June 23 at the 9th Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament at Valley Country Club. Despite the threat of downpours all day, the golfers were able to play the majority of the course before the skies opened up. However, the rain did not impact the fun that was had by all on the course! The proceeds from this tournament support the MMI athletics program. The team of Frank Cabell, Brian Harman, Jay Marks and Steve Walser captured first place in the first flight. Second place in the first flight went to the team of Neal DeAngelo III ’01, Bob Gorski, John Hogan and Shawn Menon ’01. First place in the second flight went to Craig Bonham, Melissa Bonham, Andrea Boyer and Glenn Boyer, while secondplace winners in the second flight were Brady Antolick, Joe Ferdinand, Luci Kulish and Bob Pachence.
The team of, from left, Brian Harman, Steve Walser, Jay Marks and Frank Cabell captured first place in the first flight. Also pictured are Mickey Kislan, wife of the late Jake Kislan ’56, and MMI Head of School D. Scott Wiggins.
The two Closest to the Pin winners were Brian Harman and Joe Ferdinand. The winner of the Men’s Long Drive was Jason Marks and the winner of the Women’s Long Drive was rising MMI junior Jessica McClellan. Donna Barna won the Most Accurate Drive Contest. PNC Bank was the tournament’s Eagle Sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. Additional sponsorships included: Golf Shirt Sponsor – Premier Catering, Golf Ball Sponsor – Community Bank, Golf Cart Sponsor – North Penn Charitable Foundation, Beverage Cart Sponsor – Pocono Raceway, Raffles Sponsor – Tri-Mountain Ventures, Hole-in-One Sponsor – F&L Doors, Closest to the Pin Contest Sponsor – Architerra, PC, and Golfer Gift Sponsors – Mr. Al Baran, Baran Advertising Specialties and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Kelly.
Above, the team of, from left, Glenn Boyer, Andrea Boyer, Melissa Bonham and Craig Bonham placed first in the second flight. At right, MMI junior George Palermo plays one of the on-course games.
The Hole Sponsors were: BBQ by Barry and B3Q Smokehouse, Bryn Mawr Trust Company, Mr. Frank & Dr. Christine Cabell ’89, Embroidery Factory, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Flood, Golden Business Machines, Harman Funeral Homes & Crematory,
Hazle Drugs and Hazle Compounding, Hazleton Casting Company, Ron and Rosalie Hreha, Domenic Imbriaco Construction Co., JonesKohanski Accountants & Consultants, The Kushma Family, Dr. Jodi Lenko ‘99, Morris Drug and Richard
and Karen Flynn, Motor Transportation, Inc., The Family of Athena Nicholas ‘17, Anthony Orlando ‘06, PGi Promotions, Inc, Precision Design, Dr. and Mrs. William Shergalis ‘58, Wallen Graphics and The Washinsky Family.
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MMI students welcome guest chef Foster Dale The guest chef program at MMI strives to give students the opportunity to try new things. Guest chef Foster Dale of Premier Catering and Events visited MMI to prepare a healthy and scratch-made meal for the students. The Guest Chef program began two years ago and is part of a threeyear plan undertaken by MMI to provide food to the student body and staff in a more sustainable manner. The students were treated to a meal that included grilled
marinated chicken breast, strawberry spinach salad, a whole grain roll and vegetarian vegetable soup. MMI Head of School D. Scott Wiggins said, “The guest chef program is a wonderful experience for our students. They have the opportunity to learn about making healthy culinary decisions and try new things. It is our hope that the knowledge they gain through this program will help them make healthy decisions that will impact their future in a positive way.”
Pictured are, from left: MMI chef Teresa Kairewich, Premier Catering and Events chef Foster Dale, and MMI kitchen staff members Agnes Brill and Cynthia Gunderman.
MMI holds eighth grade promotion ceremony MMI recognized 41 rising freshmen during its annual Eighth Grade Promotion ceremony. Former Assistant Head of School Charles C. Seidel distributed awards and certificates of recognition to the students. Class advisors Gabriela Moustardas, Patty Medvecky and Carol Lengel, and Head of School D. Scott Wiggins, all gave remarks during the ceremony. Students completing eighth grade and advancing to their freshmen year are: Morgan Allen, Irene Altmiller, Julie Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Thomas Ansilio, Christian Badamo, Hunter Blasko, Lindsay Braunstein,
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Marcus Danchision, Louis DeAngelo, Hannah Falatko, McKenna Gallagher, Natalie Graham, Aaron Haber, Morgan Hosier, James Kelly, Dominique Kline, Sydney Kohl, Jordan Kulsa, Gregory Leonard Jr., Katherine Lewandowski, Noah Long, Ryan McNelis, Kevin McNulty, Hiba Muhammad, Violet O’Connell, Maria Olson, Robert Rinaldi, Cole Rinehimer, Emily Ryan, Juliana Salio, Jacqueline Snyder, Samantha Sparich, Zander Spear, Ethan Stine, Millie Symbula, Ella Urosevich, Ryan Verbonitz, Peter Walko, Christopher Yanuzzi, Alexandra Young and Alexis Zola.
MMI Head of School D. Scott Wiggins addresses students.
The students pose in the courtyard with their class advisers following the ceremony.
Alumni gather together at Philadelphia Mini Reunion
Lauren Babinetz, pictured at right in the first row, was named the overall “Best of the Best” winner for the second semester. Additional “Best of the Best” presenters were, first row, from left: Rachael Betz. Second row: Nathan Thayer, Grant Warren and Hunter O’Clair.
The Philadelphia Mini-Reunion was held on April 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Tir Na Nog on Arch Street in Philadelphia. Recently appointed new Head of School D. Scott Wiggins enjoyed meeting 25 area alums who continue to support their alma mater by attending this event!
MMI honors Best of the Best Students in seventh, ninth and 11th grades delivered presentations as part of MMI’s annual “Best of the Best” program during an assembly held at the school. Junior Lauren Babinetz was the overall “Best of the Best” winner for the second semester for her presentation on the Morality of Self Driving Cars. Additional “Best of the Best” presenters were: seventh grader Rachael Betz for her presentation on Big Cats; seventh grader Nathan Thayer for his presentation on Secretariat; freshman Grant Warren for his presentation on Kilobots; and junior Hunter O’Clair for his presentation on WWE Superstars.
UGI Energy Services donates $15,000 to MMI OSTC program
UGI Energy Services recently donated $15,000 to MMI as part of the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program. Pictured are, from left: Bill Richards, deputy chief of staff to Senator John Yudichak; Diane Hollock, district office manager for Representative Gerald Mullery; D. Scott Wiggins, MMI head of school; Pamela Witmer, vice president of government affairs at UGI Energy Services; and Kim McNulty, MMI director of advancement.
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Alumni Weekend
Save the dates! Aug. 4-5, 2017
This year’s alumni celebration will be held Friday and Saturday August 4 and 5, and will honor reunion classes ending in -2 and -7. Saturday’s festivities begin with a sculpture dedication at 11:45 a.m. Gather with us in the Mildred Culp Kahler Courtyard at MMI with Sal DeFazio ’67 to unveil his newest sculpture, Apollo’s Harp, which will be gifted to the school in honor of the Class of 1967’s 50th Reunion. The Annual Alumni 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 Awards Dinner will follow at 6 p.m.. An elegant induction ceremony will 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. This year’s inductees are: Atty. Donald M. Barnes ’61 (Professional Achievement) • A tty. Donald M. Barnes ’61 is a senior partner in the Washington D.C. office of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP and co-chair of the Antitrust Competition Law Practice Group. is practice is concentrated in • H antitrust/trade regulation law, agricultural cooperative law, trade association representation and complex antitrust and commercial litigation. He has defended numerous antitrust claims, both criminal and civil, including major, multi-district litigation and class actions. He has represented clients in various industries, including: defense, entertainment, health care, agriculture, transportation, food and beverage and high technology. • O ver the past four decades, Don has developed particular experience in agricultural cooperative law with special emphasis on the applicability and reach of the CapperVolstead antitrust exemption. He serves as Chair of the Antitrust Subcommittee of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Representative agriculture clients include: Sunkist Growers, Inc., Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., Southeast Milk, Inc., American Mushroom Cooperative, Inc., and United Potato Growers of America. on is a member of the American Bar Association Antitrust, • D Litigation, and Criminal Justice sections and White Collar and Intellectual Property Crime subcommittees; District of Columbia Bar Association; and The Barristers.
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e has been admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia; • H the Supreme Court of the United States; the U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and Tenth Circuits; U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit; U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia; and U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
• D on has been named a Washington, D.C. Super Lawyer in Antitrust Litigation each year from 2014-2017. • H e received his J.D. from George Washington University Law School Order of the Coif in 1970, where he graduated cum laude. He served as Notes Editor of The George Washington University Law Review, earned a Trustee Scholarship and was named Phi Delta Phi Graduate of the Year. • H e earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University in 1965. • A t MMI, Don served as the 1961 Class President and delivered the Founder’s Day Address at Commencement at MMI in 1985. Dennis P. Clarke (Service to MMI) ennis Clarke taught at MMI for • D 36 years from September of 1979 to May of 2016. • H e graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from King’s College in 1976 and later earned a master’s degree in English from Wilkes University. ennis was just the third full-time • D Spanish teacher in MMI’s history. • H e also taught speech class and helped MMI transition from its annual speech tournament to a Model United Nations program and eventually to the Mock Trial Club. • M MI had its first Mock Trial competition in 1987 and advanced to the state finals in 2006 under his guidance. • H e began the Pablo Picasso Chapter of the Spanish Honor Society and served as President of the NEPA Chapter of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. • D ennis was also very active in MMI’s athletic program, serving as the head coach of girls’ softball in 1980, the head coach of girls’ tennis in 1998 and as an assistant coach for the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams. Stephen A. Makuta ’69 (Athletic Achievement) • Stephen A. Makuta ’69 played four years of basketball and three years of golf at MMI. • He scored 1,110 career points during his tenure on the MMI basketball squad. • Steve was named both team captain and MVP during his senior year and was named the Anthracite League Scoring Champion and the Regional Scoring Leader, averaging 25.5 points per game.
Alumni Weekend • B oth the 1967-68 and 1968-69 teams were awarded the Sportsmanship Award, given annually by the Hazleton Chapter of Basketball Officials. • Steve was also the captain of the golf team. The golf program at MMI began during Steve’s sophomore year. He played three years of golf and helped the team remain undefeated in all three complete seasons of golf play. • He attended Bucknell University on a basketball scholarship and graduated in 1973. Wilson L. Zehner ’81 (Athletic Achievement) • Wilson L. Zehner ’81 competed at MMI as a member of the golf, bowling, basketball and baseball teams. • He was named MVP of the golf team three times and helped the team to a 44-6 record over his four years on the team. • During his junior year, Wilson led the golf team to an undefeated season and the Anthracite League Championship after averaging a 79 during the season. He was second at the District 11 Tournament and qualified for States.
• During his senior golf season, Wilson helped the team to their second consecutive Anthracite League title and placed fifth at the District 11 Tournament. He placed 20th at the state championship in Hershey. • He was named MVP of the bowling team as a sophomore, junior and senior. • On the hardwood, he averaged 8.2 points per game as a junior and 10.8 points per game in his senior year. • Wilson hit a grand slam against West Hazleton as a junior on the baseball team and was named MVP of the baseball team as a senior. • Wilson is currently the Head Golf Professional at The Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, Florida. He had served previously as head professional at Lancaster C.C. (Pennsylvania) from 1994-1999 and at The Springhaven Club (Pennsylvania) from 1989-1993. Prior to his head professional roles, he served as Assistant Golf Professional at Aronimink G.C. (Pennsylvania) from 1984-1988. • More recently on the golf course, Wilson won the 1997 Caribbean International Pro-Am and the 2006 Southeast Chapter South Florida Section PGA Pro-Assistant Championship. He qualified for and competed in the 1998 Nike Hershey Open
MMI Prepper Playhouse presents Shrek The Musical
The MMI Prepper Playhouse presented Shrek The Musical on March 17 and 18 in the Athletic and Drama Complex. The musical featured sophomore Andrew Decker as Shrek, senior Evan Dryfoos as Donkey, sophomore Kaitlyn Bellizia as Fiona and senior Garrett Kost as Lord Farquaad. The performance was under the guidance of Joanne Oakum, MMI drama program director, and Lisa Ferry, art and crew director. Junior Stephanie Zellner was the student director, Ed Telatovich served as the accompanist and Susan Moyer was the costume coordinator for the show.
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Faces in the Crowd Junior Angelica Alday was chosen to serve on the Junior Leadership Wilkes-Barre Student Advisory Council for the 2017-2018 program year. Earlier in the year she was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. She was also one of just 30 girls selected to participate in the Center For Women in Technology’s (CWIT) Bits and Bytes Program, held in February at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), an honors university in Maryland. On opening day of the Major League Baseball The varsity baseball team played in the District 2 Class A Championship season, MMI held a one-day baseball camp to benefit game at PNC Field and the team took home the silver medal. the varsity baseball team. Hazleton native Russ Canzler hosted the camp, where participants got the opportunity to learn fundamentals from Canzler, Seventh graders Rachael Betz, Elizabeth O’Donnell, Alistair other pros and the MMI coaching staff. Two-time Plotnick, Connor Spencer and Benjamin Zhao and eighth MLB All-Star Andy Ashby also provided his expertise, as campers graders Natalie Graham, Kevin McNulty, Hiba Muhammad and learned the finer points of fielding, throwing and hitting. Samantha Sparich also competed on MMI’s MATHCOUNTS team. MMI Art and Anthropology instructor Mrs. Lisa Ferry was invited to participate in the 2017 Pennsylvania Art Education Association conference. Her presentation, “Empower Your Student’s Creative Side with Growth Mindset Strategies,“ was accepted for inclusion in the conference in Pittsburgh, PA from October 20-22, 2017. Mrs. Marci Hosier, MMI’s Director of Admissions and Marketing, spoke on May 23 at The Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Luncheon. She presented on “Using Pinterest as a Business Resource” and also discussed overall social media good practices.
Junior Angelica Alday participated in the PMEA Regional Orchestra Festival. MMI had 11 students participate in the PMEA Stringfest (photo) and sophomore Benjamin Putnam played at PMEA Jazzfest. Senior Niklas Byriel was one of five exceptional first-year students selected to receive a prestigious scholarship from the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation this fall. This exclusive program was created to recognize students who exemplify leadership, perseverance, scholarship, service and innovation. He will attend Elizabethtown College, which is one of the few elite educational institutions with which Stamps has partnered, joining University of Michigan, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Miami, University of Virginia, California Institute of Technology, UCLA and University of Illinois. Stamps Scholars receive full tuition, a monetary enrichment fund and a personal mentor in his or her chosen field. Freshman Philip Byriel was selected to the Wyoming Valley Conference Coaches Association Division 3 First Team following the 2016-17 varsity basketball season. The 6-foot-7 post player led the Preppers in scoring and rebounding with an average of 13 points and six boards per game. He also topped MMI in blocks and steals. He posted multiple double-digit scoring games this season, including a career-high 31 points in MMI’s victory over Hanover Area in February.
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Eighth-grade student Louis DeAngelo advanced to the MATHCOUNTS state competition after posting the second highest individual score and finishing third in the Countdown Round.
Junior Sydney Karpowich was selected to attend the Pennsylvania School for Global Entrepreneurship from July 2 through July 29 at Lehigh University. Juniors Gabriella Kupsho and Angelica Alday were selected to attend the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences from July 2 through August 5 at Carnegie Mellon University. Seniors Garrett Kost and Allison McGeehan were named the Hazleton Elks Lodge #200 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
Students participated in the Botball tournament in Rahway, NJ. MMI’s team placed fifth out of 20 teams in the seeding round and made it to the second round of the head-to-head tournament.
Faces in the Crowd (cont.) scholastics. This is the third year in a row, and the fourth time in the past eight years, that two MMI students received the honor.
community. At the conclusion of the school year, the YAC awarded $15,000 in grants to area nonprofit groups.
Director of Technology Mr. T.R. Laputka attended and presented at the Tech Talk Live 2017 conference hosted by the LancasterLebanon Intermediate Unit (IU13) on May 3. Mr. Laputka’s presentation was titled “My Personal Information is None of Your Business! How to Keep Your Privacy Private in a Public World.”
Four MMI students placed in the top four at the Pennsylvania School Press Association Student Journalism State Championships. Senior Joshua Narrow and junior Julia Snyder both won the state championship in their respective categories. Josh placed first in the Literary Magazine Poetry category, while Julia topped the field in the Literary Magazine Artwork category. Senior Danielle Pileggi received the State Reserve Champion title for finishing second in the Literary Magazine Artwork category and junior Chava Kornblatt was fourth in the Yearbook Photo Caption Writing category. Senior Joshua Narrow was appointed the Hazleton City Poet Laureate during a meeting held at Hazleton City Hall on March 22. The Poet Laureate has been recreated to help foster an appreciation for the humanities in the Hazleton area with the hope that students can get involved with various art-based organizations to exhibit their work. MMI’s Relay For Life team raised $1,891 and donated the funds to the American Cancer Society during the annual Relay For Life of Greater Hazleton. MMI’s team raised the money by selling daffodils, participating in a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s and selling team T-shirts. Juniors Sydney Karpowich, Julia Snyder, and Talia Logerfo are the team captains and Grete Floryshak ’92 serves as faculty adviser for the team. MMI’s sixth graders shared their journals and brought smiles to the residents of Providence Place on a field trip this spring. The seventh grade students took a field trip to the Schisler Museum, where they were able to hold artifacts from wildlife displays from around the world.
Eleven students, along with faculty members Mrs. Lisa Ferry and Ms. Amanda Shonk, went on an archaeological dig at the Archaeology of the Conrail Site 36LU169. Junior Jessica McClellan captured the 2017 AGA Lawler Junior Tour girls title at Berwick Golf Club with a score of 81. Jessica also attended the 2017 Women’s PA Pro Golf Tournament at the Valley Country Club and had the longest drive of all amateurs who competed in the long drive contest.
MMI College Admissions Counselor Mrs. Stephanie Shandra Swietnicki hosted an information session about the Selective College Admission Process at schools like The University of Pennsylvania on May 3. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Ana del Puerto, the University of Pennsylvania’s Associate Director for Admissions. Eighth grader Peter Walko captured first place in the Middle School Division and eighth grader Emily Ryan and junior Caitlyn Kline finished second in the Middle School and High School divisions, respectively, in the 22nd annual Israel T. and Mildred Klapper Memorial Holocaust Essay Contest, sponsored jointly by the Hazleton Jewish Community Council and the Greater Hazleton Ministerial Association.
MMI Director of Advancement Mrs. Kim McNulty was named to the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in May. Mrs. McNulty is also a member of The Rotary Club of Hazleton, The Church of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Pastoral Council, the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce Women’s Networking Committee and the CAN DO Board of Directors. This spring she led and facilitated a strategic planning workshop for the Board of Trustees at the Wyoming Valley Montessori School, helping them to develop a three-year strategic plan for the school. Senior Dillon Merenich received the Ambassador Scholarship at Colorado Mesa University, which is a full four-year tuition scholarship. He will become part of the Ambassador program through the admissions office. The Colorado Mesa University Ambassador Program is comprised of 34 top student leaders and provides prospective students with a firsthand account of college life. Senior Olivia Minzola has represented MMI on the Luzerne Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) since ninth grade. The Committee was formed to enable students to learn the fundamentals and importance of charitable giving in the
This year’s Pinata Contest was held in the spring. The third place winner was The Snapchat logo by junior Alexander Sessock. Second place winner was Gerald the Sea Lion from Finding Dory by junior Kaitlyn McGeehan and the winner of this year’s contest was El Taco Grande by junior Nick Carrato.
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MMI students take nine-day educational tour of Italy Eleven MMI students, three parents and two faculty members traveled to Italy during spring break 2017 for an educational tour. Arranged by EF Education Tours, the trip took them through Milan, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre and many other towns. For most of the students this had been the first time they had traveled to Europe. Lauren Babinetz, Niklas Byriel, Aine Durako, Summer Evancho, Lauren Freeman, Talia Logerfo, Keenan Overa, Jessica Smith, Jonathan Smith, Ethan Warner and Stephanie Zellner attended the trip. T.R. Laputka, MMI technology director, and Michael Mele, science department chair and science instructor, led the private group. The group departed from JFK on April 7. They arrived in Milan the next day and were met by local tour director Roberto, who would accompany them throughout the nine-day trip. He shared historical and cultural information and insights about the sites, places and people along the way. A walking tour explored the center of Milan and then the group went by bus to their beachfront hotel in Lido di Jesolo. The next day they traveled by water taxi to Venice, which included a local guided tour of St. Mark’s Square and a gondola trip through the Grand Canal. They attended a glass blowing demonstration, visited a lace making shop, saw the golden weathervane atop the 323-foot Campanile (Bell Tower) and stopped at the Doge’s Palace, where Venetian dukes once ruled. Having spent two days in the floating city, the group headed east to Florence, with a stop at the magical towns of Ravenna and Bologna, where
they visited the Museum and Basilica of San Vitale. The group arrived in Florence, which is the birthplace of the Italian language, opera and the Renaissance and where works of art like Michelangelo’s statue of David and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus still reside today. They took a locallyguided tour of the classical statues at the Piazza della Signoria, the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral (better known as the Duomo) which dominates the skyline and the Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise at the Baptistry. They walked across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge where many of Florence’s famed leather and gold artisans keep shop. After lunch at a local restaurant, they attended a leather making demonstration at a shop in the Piazza. That night they stayed in their hotel in Montecatini Terme, where they were able to meet and make friends with another group of high school students from Southern Italy. After two days in the artful city of Florence, the group then went on to visit the beautiful town of Lucca and that evening checked into their hotel in La Spezia overlooking the Ligurian Sea. The next day, they took a train through the
picturesque five villages of Cinque Terre. Cinque Terre, which literally translates to “five earths,” is a cluster of towns perched on the dramatic cliffs of the Mediterranean cost. Each of these five Italian villages—Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore— had its own unique character and charm. From there the trip continued to Lake Como, where the grooup had a very informative bus tour around the lake and then traveled on a scenic boat ride to the village of Belaggio, where they stopped for lunch and shopped at the local stores. At the hotel that night in Lanzo d’Intelvi, they were able to walk over to the Swiss border for a beautiful view overlooking Lake Lugano. On April 15, the last day of the trip, a stop in Cernobbio and Como provided the opportunity to tour the villages and stores and have genuine Italian pizza for lunch.
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From the Milan airport, the students, parents, and teachers said their tearful goodbyes to Roberto and returned to the USA. It was an extremely inspiring experience—not only intellectually, but also personally. The connections and memories made, things learned, places seen and food tasted will not soon be forgotten.
Milestones
Events in the lives of the MMI family
Births
Weddings
MMI faculty member Katie Zucco and her husband, Antonio, welcomed Dominic (Dom) Joseph Zucco at 6:12 a.m. on June 10. Dominic is the Zuccos’ first child and he weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces.
Deaths Zachary David Haupt ’10 was married June 24 to Jennifer Theresa Deptula in an outdoor ceremony conducted by Congressman Lou Barletta at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, PA. MMI alumni who were part of the wedding party, or in attendance, included his sister Alexis Haupt ’13. At back are: Robert Yamulla ’10, Fran Swankoski ’11, Hardik Patel ’10, Joseph Yamulla ’14, Roberth Yandum ’10, Justin Dasher ’10 and Jared Hinkle ’10. Zack and Jen reside in Reading, PA, where he works as an app developer for a government contractor for the Navy, Department of Defense and Coast Guard. Nina Cecelia Dei Tos ’01 married Scott Mario Zanon on June 10 at the Woodlands Inn and Resort, WilkesBarre. Nina is the daughter of Nicholas ‘71 and Patricia Dei Tos, Freeland, and Scott is the son of Walter and Katharine Zanon, Vero Beach, FL. Lia Urenovich ’01 served as Maid of Honor and Nina’s sisters Maria ’05 and Gabrielle ’08 Dei Tos served as bridesmaids. Also in attendance were: Allison Hudak ’01; President Emeritus Joseph Rudawski and his wife, Jean; Dr. Joseph Donato ’66 and his wife, Eileen; John Bradish ’51 and his wife, Joan; MMI College Admissions Counselor Stephanie Shandra Swietnicki and her husband, Frank; and former MMI Director of Development Jim Bebla and his wife, Renee. Nina and Scott honeymooned in Negril, Jamaica, and reside in Mountain Top with their dog, Bartlebee.
Joseph S. Bonacci III passed away on April 1, 2017. He is survived by his daughter, Carley Lynn Bonacci ’11; mother, Ann Bonacci; sister, Bethann; and brother, Jeff. Sophia J. Byorek passed away on March 22, 2017. She is survived by her children Bernard Byorek ’64 and his wife, Susan, and Anita Langley and her husband, Austin; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Gregg Randolph Feist ’67 passed away on June 21, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Janis; daughter, Jacki Dee Slick, and husband, James D. Slick; and grandchildren Andrew J. Slick and Amanda D. Slick. Richard T. ‘Skip’ Frey passed away on June 26, 2017. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Anne Frey, a member of the MMI Board of Directors; sons Shawn and Michael; and grandson, Liam Frey. Elizabeth Gresh passed away on March 10, 2017. She is survived by her son, Robert Gresh, and his wife, Cyndi; daughter, Kathleen Kost, and husband, Frank; daughter-inlaw, Bonnie Gresh, and several grandchildren, including Frank Kost ’02, Kevin Kost ’04, Sean Kost ’09 and Megan Kost ’12. Dolores R. Hornack passed away on June 22, 2017. She is survived by her children, Clair Stauffer Grant and husband, Wayne; Cheryl Blamey and husband, Alan; Jaqueline Dryfoos and husband, James; and John Hornack III and wife, Jeanie; and grandchildren, including Madyson Hornack ’20. Joseph “Buddy” Kress passed away on April 29, 2017. He is survived by his son, Joseph H. Kress, and wife, Tracy; daughters Karlee Blaze Kress and Stormie Matilda Kress; and five grandchildren, including Joey Zane Kress ’17, Harrison Kress ’20 and Juliana Salio ’21. Mary Ellen Maduro passed away on April 4, 2017. She is survived by her children, Joseph E. Maduro and wife, Pollyann; Gregory Maduro and wife, Paula; and Nadine Mackey; and four grandchildren including, Dominic Maduro ’13 and Eleanor Maduro ’15.
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The MMI Alumni App is coming!! We are excited to announce that the MMI Alumni App will make its debut this fall! With this App, your MMI classmates, friends, and business contacts will be one easy touch away! Search for alums in your city or around the world as well as connect professionally with alums in similar fields of work! To ensure all of your information is correct in our directory, please visit mmiprep.org/update to provide us with your most current address, phone number and email!
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Milestones (cont.)
Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family
James C. Massell IV ’00 passed away on April 17, 2017. He is survived by his mother, Joy; and brother, Chris Massell. Elizabeth P. Matyas passed away on May 16, 2017. She is survived by her children, Alice Jones ’74 and her husband, Craig; James Matyas ’75 and his wife, Nancy; Gerard Matyas ’77 and his wife, Lisa Gordon Matyas ’78; Joseph Matyas; Michael Matyas ’83 and his wife, Wendi; and Lisa DeHaven and husband, Fred; and several grandchildren, including Catherine Matyas ’17 and Lauren Matyas ’19. Mary E. McCoy passed away on March 31, 2017. She is survived by her sons, Daniel McCoy and wife, Danielle, and Bryan McCoy and wife, Gwen; daughter, Mary Jo Lampart, and husband, David; and several grandchildren, including Casey McCoy ’13.
Lorraine A. Sharp passed away on June 28, 2017. She is survived by her husband, Edward M. Sharp ’36; brother, Alfred Richard Moyer ’46, and wife, Barbara; and sister, Dolores Buchman. Stanley J. Sosnowski ’40 passed away February 4, 2017. He is survived by his daughter, Suzanne Smolen, and husband, Larry; son, Stanley J. Sosnowski; grandson, Andrew Hnilica; and granddaughters, Valerie M. Smolen and Rachel S. Smolen. Neal E. Wood ’44 passed away on May 30, 2017. He is survived by his son, Leigh E. Wood, and his wife, Mary; grandchildren, Christopher Wood and wife, Mary, and Amanda Wood Palmer; and four great-grandchildren.
Anthony J. Nash ’51 passed away on April 11, 2017. He is survived by his wife, Frances; daughter, Dr. Mary-Beth Nash Wilson, and husband, Lon; granddaughter, Liliy Wilson; and step-grandchildren, Rylan and Camryn Wilson.
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Dr. Christine Cabell ’89 was honored at the 31st Annual YWCA PEARL Awards Dinner. PEARL is an acronym for professional, excellence, achievement, role model/ responsibility and the purpose of the award is to honor outstanding women who have excelled in professions and/ or made significant contributions to their employers in an executive, managerial or supervisory role. Dr. Cabell is affiliated with Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center and serves as supervisor of the Geisinger Dermatology residents and Mohs surgery fellows. She is also president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology. Atty. Elliott Costas ’74 recently published a novel titled “Polished Moon.” According to the publisher, the book is “Part mystery and part classical romance. Readers will meet delicately portrayed characters who find themselves in an indelicate world as they peer into the legal profession, history and literature while grappling with perennial social issues.” The book is dedicated to the memory of Master Sgt. George Petrochilos. In the story, he uses Petrochilos as the father of his main protagonist. It’s also dedicated to Costas’ aunt, Anne Goranitis of Hazleton. Costas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and a Bachelor of Arts in English from King’s College. He went to law school at Ohio Northern University and moved to Texas in 1981. Many might remember Costas from the former Coney Island restaurant on North Wyoming Street. His father, the late Harry Costas, was an owner.
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Atty. Richard DiLiberto Jr. ’79 was awarded first place in the Delaware State Bar Association’s fiction writing
Alums CJ Wallen ’15, left, and Anthony Franzosa ’15 and helped to install the new signage on MMI’s Athletic Field Building at the sports complex. competition for his short story, “The Lawyer Coat.” “The Lawyer Coat” is a story of an enduring bond between a father and son. The story was published in the bar association’s April law journal. Atty. DiLiberto is the secretary of MMI’s Board of Directors and is a personal injury section partner at Young Conaway Stargatt & Taylor, LLP, in Wilmington, DE. He is a past-president of the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association, served in the Delaware House of Representatives for a decade, is chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture and is a member of the Governor’s Magistrate Screening Committee and treasurer of the Law-Related Education Center. Alexander Drusda ’14 was inducted into Phi Beta Kapa Honor Society and is pursuing a dual degree in philosophy and English as a part of Temple University’s Honors Program.
Alumni Notes (cont.)
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Tyler Fulton ’12 graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in chemistry.
Scholars have attained at least a 3.75 cumulative grade point average at the end of their first three semesters.
Alex Haber ’14, who attends the University of Scranton and is a biochemistry major, was inducted into the national Jesuit honor society (Alpha Sigma Nu). This is the only honor society open to students and faculty in all disciplines of the University. Alex was also inducted into the international honor society for students of philosophy (Phi Sigma Tau).
In mid-January, artist and teacher Steven Silberg ’92 asked people to welcome Donald Trump to the White House with a letter, more specifically, a letter that functions as a work of art. The project, called “In Care of the White House,” invites citizens to mail original works of art to the mailbox at President Trump’s new place of residence. The hope is that a gallery of art inspired by Trump’s term will bloom within the archives, in either digital or physical form. “I’m not yet clear on whether the physical objects will be stored or if they will be scanned and held digitally,” Silberg said. “I believe this determination falls at the discretion of the current administration in consultation with the Archivist of the United States.” Following the initial launch in January, Silberg followed up with a related project in March, called “Art as the Message.”
Jessica Malloy ’06 has been named a 2017-2018 Global Health Corps Fellow. During the 13-month program, Jessica will serve as Knowledge Management Officer for Spark Microgrants in Mbale, Uganda. Dr. Damien M. Marycz ’00 graduated from his Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at the Gill Heart Institute at the University of Kentucky Medical Center on June 9. Previously, Damien had studied in London, New York City, and Michigan, and at the Cleveland Clinic, where he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and was Dr. Damien Marycz ’00 is also on staff. At the presented with the Hignite graduation ceremony, Award by Dr. Vincent L. Sorrell, Damien was awarded Cardiovascular Fellowship program the prestigious director, at the Gill Heart Institute Hignite Award in at the University of Kentucky “recognition of Medical Center’s Graduation the Cardiology Banquet Celebration and Awards Fellow who exhibits Ceremony. exceptional professionalism and a positive attitude.” Fellows, faculty and staff of the Gill Heart Institute vote on this award. Damien is board certified in Internal Medicine, General Cardiology and Interventional Cardiology and has accepted a position with WakeMed, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he resides with his wife, Shannon, son, Brandon and daughter, Anna.
Audrey Stepansky ’15, a Freeland firefighter, was awarded a Northeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross Heroes Award. This award is given to local heroes in our communities, those who have saved the lives of others and those whose have given long-time support of the American Red Cross. Nina Cecelia (Dei Tos) Zanon ’01 accepted the position of Executive Director for Wyoming Valley Children’s Association (WVCA) this past March. WVCA provides the highest quality of early childhood education to ensure the greatest developmental potential of all children in partnership with their families, including therapeutic and support services as needed. The following MMI alumni earned recognition on the Dean’s List following the spring semester: Andreas Boosalis ’16 (Wilkes University), Alexander Drusda ’14 (Temple University), Brendan Drusda ’16 (University of Pittsburgh), Collin Finkel ’15 (Wilkes University), Alexander Haber ’14 (University of Scranton), Eric Kabitzke ’15 (University of Scranton), Roger Knittle ’14 (Bucknell University), Robert Kupsho ’14 (Lebanon Valley College), Sarah Moyer ’16 (Elizabethtown College), Emily Seratch ’15 (Elizabethtown College), Lindsey Walko ’16 (Boston University) and Nash Wenner ’16 (Wilkes University).
Anthony Orlando ’06 was awarded a 2017-2018 Final Year Fellowship to complete his doctoral dissertation at the University of Southern California, where he is a PhD candidate in the Sol Price School of Public Policy. Farah Qadri ’13 graduated from the University of Scranton this spring with a degree in biology. Beau Samonte ’13 graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in neuroscience. Emily Seratch ’15, an international business major at Elizabethtown College, was named an Emergent Scholar and was honored at a special luncheon on March 12. Emergent
Atty. Lee Ann Palubinsky ’02 and Atty. Stephen Palubinsky ’07 met up with Dr. Shawn Murphy ’02, pictured at right, for the 12th Annual Bowling for the Brave Fundraiser sponsored by Foundation 58.
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Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between February 1 and June 23, 2017 In Memory of Albert Andrasi Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Thomas Ansilio ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mecca In Memory of Linda J. Balderston Dave, Courtney ’11 and Emily ’15 Bogansky In Memory of Marie Balon Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Ms. Marianne Herbener In Memory of John G. Bellezza Mr. John Bellezza ’64 and Mrs. Janice Bellezza In Honor of Rachel Betz ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Houm In Honor of Jayden Bonham ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Kuzmitsky In Memory of Linda Busher Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Atty. and Mrs. Edward P. McNelis In Honor of Lucy Butkiewicz ’22 Colonel Edward J. Butkiewicz In Memory of Sophia Byorek Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Helen Ciuzio Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Thomas J. Conahan ’26 Mr. James Conahan ’68 and Mrs. Patricia Conahan
In Honor of Elise Hreha ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Hreha
In Memory of Michael Elliot Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of David Kanuck ’64 Dr. John Feussner ’64 and Mrs. Carol Blessing-Feussner
In Memory of Anna Mae Fox Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas
In Honor of Anden Karlick ’23 Mr. and Mrs. George Yurko
In Memory of William Fox ’48 Mr. Brian Ayers and Mrs. Cynthia Ayers ’84 Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Honor of Carter Frask ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zoldi In Memory of Al Goedecke Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
In Memory of Jason Karpowich Dave, Courtney ’11 and Emily ’15 Bogansky In Memory of Paul Katona Jr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Francis Kimock Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Lorraine Kirschner Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Alex Kline ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Vivaldo
In Memory of Ira Goldberg ’64 Dr. John Feussner ’64 and Mrs. Carol Blessing-Feussner
In Memory of Kayla Knepper Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Linda Gonzalez Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny
In Honor of Sydney Kohl ’21 Ms. Adele Kohl
In Memory of Atty. Morton J. Gordon ’52 Mrs. Marilyn Gordon In Memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84
In Honor of Chava Kornblatt ’18 Mr. Marshall Kornblatt In Memory of George Kostick ’64 Dr. John Feussner ’64 and Mrs. Carol Blessing-Feussner Mrs. Ceil Kostick
In Honor of Ryan Halterman ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Halterman Sr.
In Memory of John Lukak ’64 Dr. John Feussner ’64 and Mrs. Carol Blessing-Feussner
In Memory of Jeffrey Haraschak Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Amelia Maholik Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Aine Durako ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew B. Durako Sr.
In Memory of Blanch Hilliard Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Jack Malay ’18 Mr. and Mrs. John Malay Sr.
In Memory of Jim Dvorshock Dr. Feelgoode’s
In Honor of Tom Hood John and Tracey Potoskie and Family
In Memory of Lawrence Marchetti Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Brenna Eckhart ’23 Ms. Arlene Eckhart
In Honor of Madyson Hornack ’20 Ms. Dolores Hornack
In Memory of James C. Massell ’00 Mr. Andrew N. Christopher ’00
In Honor of Andrew Decker ’19 Mr. and Mrs. David Decker In Memory of George Dinofrio Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
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In Honor of Elizabeth Eckhart ’19 Ms. Arlene Eckhart
In Honor of Jessica McClellan ’19 Ms. Leone McClellan
In Honor of Brian Payne ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Chuckra
In Honor of Grace Warner ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zoldi
In Memory of Mary McCoy The Kollar Family Mr. Mark Laputka ’79 and Mrs. Lee Ann Laputka
In Memory of Marietta Ann Petrole Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Cole Wenner ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Wenner
In Honor of Allison McGeehan ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGeehan In Honor of Kaitlyn McGeehan ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas McGeehan In Honor of Dillon Merenich ’17 Mr. and Mrs. George Merenich In Honor of Heaven Merenich ’19 Mr. and Mrs. George Merenich In Honor of Michael Merenich ’15 Mr. and Mrs. George Merenich In Memory of Lisa Merlo ’80 Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas In Honor of Amelia Minzola ’22 Mrs. Michaeline Starruick In Honor of Olivia Minzola ’17 Mrs. Michaeline Starruick In Honor of the MMI Faculty and Staff Dr. Robert S. Yamulla In Memory of Anthony Nash ’51 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Eva Nelson Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Shirley Nenstiel Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Molly O’Connell ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Perrin
In Honor of Cole Rinehimer ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Rinehimer III In Memory of William Ripple Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of JoAnn Sahaida Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of David Schutter ’57 Mr. Daniel Schutter ’57 and Mrs. Linda Ann Schutter In Honor of Caleb Serock ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan In Honor of Josh Serock ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Honor of The Wister Quartet Ms. Carol Jones In Memory of Edward Yanochko Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Rita Yanochko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Sarah Jane Yuscavage ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Foley CPA Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Yuscavage
In Honor of Dylan Slusser ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Jack St. Pierre In Honor of Logan Slusser ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Jack St. Pierre In Honor of Lucas Smith ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Smith In Honor of Jacqueline Snyder ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Norman Thinschmidt In Honor of Julia Snyder ’18 Mr. and Mrs. Norman Thinschmidt In Memory of Stanley Sosnowski ’40 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Memory of Mary Jean Starruick Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Martin J. O’Donnell ’37 Mrs. Agnes O’Donnell
In Honor of Althea Stewart ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowman
In Honor of Katelyn Overa ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Sabol
In Memory of Andrew Stofan Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Steven Paranac Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Kyle Williams ’17 Mr. and Mrs. George S. Williams
In Honor of Bailey Slusser ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Jack St. Pierre
In Honor of Violet O’Connell ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Perrin
In Honor of Keenan Overa ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Sabol
In Honor of Nash Wenner ’16 Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Wenner
In Honor of Alyssa Sweda ’19 Mrs. Marie Feissner Perry In Honor of Ethan Warner ’19 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zoldi
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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID WILKES-BARRE, PA PERMIT#188
MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224 Address Service R equested
Students celebrate at MMI Prom 2017!
MMI seniors, juniors and their guests let their individual styles shine as they dressed in their finest and celebrated prom night with an evening of dinner and dancing on May 18 at the Valley Country Club.
Dates Alumni Weekend Important New Student Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 21 August 4 and 5, 2017
This year’s festivities will honor the reunion classes of 1937, 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, and 2012. See page 14 for more details.
First Day of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to School Wine and Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet the Teacher Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freshmen Orientation and Pajama Parade . . . . . . . . Freshmen-Senior Kickball and Bondfire. . . . . . . . . . . Parents Association Harvest Bingo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
August 22 August 23 September 12 September 14 September 15 October 1