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MMI honors 28 members of the Class of 2020 MMI honored the Class of 2020 during its 128th commencement “As humans, we place an expectation on our life to bring us the ceremony on July 7. Seniors received their diplomas from MMI Head fulfillment of happiness and we fear that without it we won’t ever feel as if we lived the life of School Justin Kleinheider we truly wanted to live. The and Chairman of the 2019danger in that expectation 2020 Board of Directors is that personal happiness John H. Hersker ‘76. will never be handed to us. This year’s graduating We won’t wake up one day class of 28 seniors were and realize that we suddenly accepted at more than 79 have everything we’ve been percent of the colleges they waiting for right in front of us. applied to and amassed It is the gradual changes, the more than $7.6 million daily growth, the frustration, in merit scholarships and the life lessons that slowly awards. allow us to become capable of The 2020 graduating experiencing true happiness. class also attained an More importantly, our lives average score of 1192 on don’t begin on the day we feel the redesigned SAT and an as if we’re capable of being average ACT score of 24. happy, it begins when we During commencement learn that happiness resides exercises, Valedictorian within us and our journey, Benjamin Putnam shared and not what surrounds it,” what he learned about Ankiewicz said. wisdom through his favorite Class President Kai Mele childhood cartoon and remarked on how the Class encouraged the Class of of 2020 grew from 16 sixth 2020 to find wisdom in graders who got to know each their own lives. “In one other by sharing every class episode, an old man said to together to the family of 28 his nephew, ‘It is important that is graduating today. “Over to draw wisdom from the years, our tiny class grew many different places. If into our family of 28 diverse you take it from only one and talented individuals, place, it becomes rigid and each of whom have made an stale.’… So, my challenge impact on my life, and I am to you is to draw wisdom grateful for the memories we from not just many places, have created together. I used but the places nobody the word family to describe MMI Class of 2020 would expect. It could be our class because, ultimately, the smallest flower or the that is what we are, and not without our share of problems. We are tallest skyscraper or the darkest night or the brightest sunrise, a band of misfits at times, but a family nonetheless; a family that I but just know there is wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in will never abandon, betray, or forget,” Mele said. everything,” Putnam said. Macy Zenier, who designed the Class of 2020 banner, spoke Salutatorian Emily Ankiewicz expressed to her classmates the need to persevere through adversity and find true happiness.
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From the Head of School Dear MMI Family & Friends, It is funny how quickly our perspective can change. The Physics Lab rests comfortably above my office. During the winter, I vividly remember wondering whether or not Mr. Garvey had started a bowling club in the Physics Lab, because the noise that came through the ceiling sounded so unusual. In April, when the building was empty I realized how much I missed the simple sounds of desks moving. What seemed like a distraction in December is something I welcome back now with all my heart. The sights and sounds of students learning just aren’t the same online. We all want those things back this fall and we are working incredibly hard to make sure that happens. In my first year, I have certainly learned the strength and resolve of the MMI community and that is why I am confident that the commitment will translate into reality. We missed much during the pandemic and my hope is that we learn to cherish each day when we return. The importance and priority of human interaction as simple as conversation should become priorities. I hope that the increase in screen time for safety helps us recognize the importance of personal connection as we return. We learn so much from just listening to each other and asking questions during even a casual conversation. I appreciate MMI’s culture of curiosity, more and more each day. One event that was not missed was Commencement. Many schools canceled or went online for their graduations but at MMI we just had a slight delay to July 7. I am so glad that we were able to modify Commencement to have families and friends, faculty and staff in attendance to celebrate the Class of 2020. We are just so happy to share the highlights of the ceremony with you in the pages of this newsletter. The smiles are a little bit bigger and brighter for a well-earned and socially distant celebration. 2020 will always be remembered for the pandemic, as a global historic event should. For me it was a clarifying moment. It distilled and helped me recognize why I became an educator. Collaborating with students gives us energy at MMI. Our class of 2020 persevered through all of it and stood as an example of inspiring and resilient young people. This is all to say that a return will be cherished, because we will get back to what makes MMI great – preparing students for life. We will modify everything from assemblies to sports to classroom furniture placement. However, we proved during the pandemic – and during the last 141 years --- that we are resilient and know how to adapt. MMI finds a way and I look forward to helping us chart the course next year and beyond.
Justin Kleinheider Head of School
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
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Justin Kleinheider 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 welcomes three new faculty members to campus for the 2020-2021 school year Over the summer, the MMI faculty and staff are hard at work preparing to be fully open to all students for the next school year. Time is being spent tackling the issues of scheduling, social distancing, sanitization, and safety head on. Our students’ safety is first and foremost on our minds at all times, but especially now. Next year will begin a new chapter in MMI history and we are excited to welcome new members of our faculty and enhancements to our curricular offerings. Our new teachers are eager and excited to begin work with our students. Dr. Jeremy Davidheiser, Ph.D. will join the MMI English faculty from the University of Notre Dame, where he completed his doctoral studies in English Literature. In addition to his experience at Notre Dame, Dr. Davidheiser has also taught at Lehigh University and Dr. Jeremy Davidheiser and Liberty High School. He has wife, Jessie Ervin been honored with the Kaneb Outstanding Graduate Student Award, the Nanovic Research Travel Grant, and a teaching fellowship at University of Notre Dame. He also received a teaching fellowship at Lehigh University, as well as an English Prize and Founder’s scholarship at Moravian College. In addition to his Ph.D., Dr. Davidheiser earned his BA in English
Literature from Moravian College and his MA from Lehigh University. He and his wife, Jessie Ervin, love their two cats and searching out obscure and complicated board games to play on weekends. Mr. Keith Kitchen will join the MMI World Languages faculty from The Masters School, where he had been teaching the classics to both middle and upper school students. With nearly 20 years of experience Keith Kitchen in teaching, Mr. Kitchen is excited to take over our middle school Greek and Latin programs. In addition to teaching, Mr. Kitchen has also served as boys’ advisor, faculty mentor, debate team advisor, and senior advisor. His extensive experience at both the middle and upper school levels will enable him to be actively involved in the MMI school community. Mr. Kitchen holds dual BA degrees in the Classics and History from Pennsylvania State University, a Post Baccalaureate in the Classics from the University of Pennsylvania, and an MA in Classics from the University of Texas at Austin. In his free time, Mr. Kitchen enjoys weekend rides on his motorcycle. He also likes cooking, fishing, camping, and spending time with his partner, Emily.
Mrs. Renee Marciante will join MMI as our new Music Director. Mrs. Marciante comes to MMI from the Jim Thorpe Area School District, where she has been the choral director for the last five years. Prior to teaching in Jim Thorpe, Mrs. Marciante was the General Music/Choral Director for the Ridley School District and the middle school music director at Annapolis Middle School. She is active in several professional organizations, such as PMEA, NAfME, and ACDA. In addition to post-graduate credits in Special Education and Brain Development and Diversified Teaching Techniques, Mrs. Marciante holds a Level II teaching certificate, performs as a freelance musician in flute and voice, and gives private lessons in a variety of instruments. Mrs. Marciante holds a BS in Music Education, flute, and vocal proficiency from Pennsylvania State University. She remains active in performing ensembles such as Bach and Handel Chorale and traveling with Essence of Joy Alumni Singers for both performance Renee Marciante, right, with her family and educational outreach. In her free time, Mrs. Marciante enjoys traveling, reading, running with her dog, drawing, sports, horseback riding, and spending time with those she loves.
MMI receives national and state accreditations MMI recently received accreditation from the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools (PAIS) and re-accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools.
set of standards for private independent schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Delaware. Accreditation ensures the public that member schools meet and maintain articulated standards of educational excellence.
MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider said, “MMI faculty and staff work tirelessly every day to serve the mission of the School and provide the caring and nurturing environment that serves students best. We challenge students every day as we prepare them for life. The rigorous self-study and dual accreditation process both reflected and reaffirmed the strength of our mission and success in serving the community. We are proud to be recognized as a top independent school in Pennsylvania as well as across the Mid-Atlantic region.”
AIS evaluates schools for accreditation based on 10 standards: vision, mission and philosophy; governance; administration; financial management; institutional advancement; school and community; program; personnel; health and safety, and physical plant. Officials and peer reviewers from the organization visited MMI last fall for an on-site school accreditation visit and recently notified MMI that it received the accreditation.
PAIS, under its Commission for Accreditation, offers a means for standards-based accreditation using a comprehensive
Middle States Association accreditation is a multifaceted evaluation process that schools and school systems voluntarily
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The Class of 2020 Andrellie Puntiel, daughter of Pedro Puntiel of Monroe and Jose and Yeseria Rivera of Hazleton, Fairleigh Dickinson University – Business Administration: International Business.
Lieth Abdulrahman, son of Jihad and Basema Abdulrahman of Hazleton, King’s College – Biology. Emily R. Ankiewicz, daughter of Carl and Gwendolyn Ankiewicz of Mountaintop, Bucknell University – Finance.
Benjamin Alfred Putnam, son of Benjamin and Andrea Putnam of Sugarloaf, Lafayette College – Physics.
Elias Zachary Bachman, son of Tammy Bachman of Thornhurst and the late George Bachman, Luzerne County Community College – Automotive Technology.
Maya Ann Rizkalla, daughter of George Rizkalla of Wilkes-Barre and Sandra Rizkalla of Freeland, The Pennsylvania State University – Undeclared.
Callain Adelina Blasko, daughter of Andrew Blasko of Freeland and Renee Lapchak of Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Computer Science. Brandon Crockford, son of Keith and Dawn Crockford of Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Psychology.
Board Chairman John H. Hersker ‘76
Jessica Meredith Flynn, daughter of Richard and Karen Flynn of Mahanoy City, University of Pittsburgh – Computer Science.
Alexander James Jordan, son of Robert and Teresa Jordan of Drums, Marywood University – Biology with a Pre-Medicine concentration.
Carter Jacob Frask, son of Corey and Hope Frask of Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Psychology.
Marcus Daniel Kassick, son of Angel and Danielle Morales of Freeland, Harvard University – Undeclared.
Joshua Robert Galbiati, son of Brian Galbiati and Cortney Repanshek of Drums, Shippensburg University – Business Administration.
Harrison Louis Kress, son of Jessica Holliday of Drums and Joseph and Tracy Kress of Sugarloaf, Drexel University – Sports Business.
Ryan Francis Halterman, son of Gary and Kathleen Halterman of Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Physical Therapy Assistant. Catherine Christine Havrilla, daughter of Emily Havrilla of Mountaintop and the late James Havrilla, Wilkes University – Business with a Pre-Law concentration. Madyson Leigh Hornack, daughter of John and Jeanie Hornack of White Haven, Wilkes University – Psychology.
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Josue Rafael Rodriguez, son of Jose and Dulce Rodriguez of Hazleton, University of Pittsburgh – Biology with a Pre-Medicine concentration.
Paige Madison Machulsky, daughter of David and Renee Machulsky of White Haven, The Rochester Institute of Technology – Computer Science. Kai Michael Mele, son of Michael and Laurie Mele of Jim Thorpe, University of Pittsburgh – Bioengineering. Josiah Daniel Pacchioli, son of Marc and Nancy Pacchioli of Barnesville, Virginia Technical Institute – Electrical Trade. Katharine Anne Pinto, daughter of Karen Pinto of Mountaintop, The Pennsylvania State University – Undeclared.
Joshua Michael Serock, son of Paul and Erin Serock of Drums, The Pennsylvania State University – Biomedical Engineering. Hugh Armani Soltau, son of Sharon Perkins of Freeland, Bloomsburg University – Psychology. Adam Tron, son of Dr. Eduardo Tron and Dr. Graciela Bianco of Mountaintop, The Pennsylvania State University – Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration. Grant Adam Warren, son of Atty. Rebecca Warren of Beaver Meadows and Richard Warren of Danville, Bloomsburg University – Digital Forensics. Christian John Yamulla, son of Atty. Ann McCluskey of Doylestown and Dr. Robert Yamulla of Sugarloaf, Drexel University – Sports Communications. Macy Ann Zenier, daughter of Tedd and Judith Zenier of Conyngham, University of Pittsburgh – Film & Media Studies.
Commencement (continued from page 1) about how her design went from originally reflecting a perfect vision of 2020 to a clear, but ultimately better, one. “As humans, we can spend so much time trying to figure out why certain things happen to us, but in reality we are not the ones in control. Accepting that is hard, but once we do, it is easy to see that our perfect 2020 vision may not have been what we all wanted and were expecting. But it may have been what we needed to strengthen us and grow our positive mindset, which will ultimately help us to change our world for the better. Now, when I look at this banner, I no longer see a shattered version of our 2020 vision. I see adversity that will now help us understand the world in a new and powerful light and hopefully encourages us to use our voices to Salutatorian Emily Ankiewicz Valedictorian Benjamin Putnam fight for positive change in our world. Our 2020 is not about having perfect vision, but clear vision to create a positive change in the world,” Zenier said. During the ceremony, Benjamin Putnam was honored with the Faculty Award and the Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science. The Faculty Award is presented to the student who displays basic goodness and honesty while being a good example for their peers in his or her own way. The student is emotionally mature and treats others with empathy, compassion, and concern. The entire faculty selects the recipient from a number of worthy candidates. The Joseph A. Chaykowski ’48 Memorial Prize for Mathematics and Science is awarded to a member of the class who has the highest combined average grade point average in math and science throughout their four-year upper school experience. The award is named for a distinguished alumnus of MMI who studied engineering at Penn State and was an outstanding professional engineer. The award was founded in the memory of Joseph A. Chaykowski by his daughter, Ms. Lisa Chaykowski Merlo ’80, a member of the MMI Board of Directors until her unexpected and untimely passing. Andrellie Puntiel was honored with the Freeland Rotary Club Rotary Service Above Self Class Banner Designer Macy Zenier Class President Kai Mele Award, which recognizes and acknowledges a young person who by his or her actions has personified the Rotary Motto of “Service Above Self” in their school and community.
2020 graduates sit six-feet apart while each family was provided six chairs and social distanced from other families.
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MMI students continued their education with online classes and capstone assessments during fourth quarter When it was announced that all Pennsylvania schools must close, MMI quickly adapted to an online learning schedule that focused on keeping its students engaged and connected to a sense of normalcy despite the uncertain times. In March, MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider noted that students would be continuing their fourth quarter studies with online course work in core subjects and capstone assessments. “Our students and faculty migrated to online learning with impressive speed and enthusiasm. The eagerness to connect renewed the vitality of the learning process and really speaks to our culture of curiosity here at MMI. Students and teachers are excited to learn each and every day,” Kleinheider said. MMI began its online courses on March 23 with work on core subjects including Science, Social Sciences, World Languages, Advanced Art, Anthropology, Computer Science, Math, and English. Keelyn Radzwich, Class of 2026 parent, said then, “I have been pleased with MMI’s online learning program. Our son has adjusted very well to the platform. Although distance learning will never replace his experience within the school walls, MMI’s design has been a smooth transition for him to continue his learning. I’m impressed with all of his teachers and their accessibility.”
Bryce Radzwich, MMI Class of 2026, works on an assignment as part of the online learning program MMI established as a result of the school’s closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Two weeks after starting the online learning curriculum, MMI began implementing live lessons into the program during the week of April 6. “Our approach takes into account the varied resources and tools students have at home which was served better by not requiring students to attend class at a certain time but rather using a weekly content posting schedule and periodic live sessions. When we began, our primary goal was to reestablish connection and communication with students and families and then we began scaffolding up the workload and expectations on a weekly basis. Moving a curriculum designed for face-to-face teaching into an entirely online environment is no easy task. All the credit goes to the subject area department chairs and faculty for the incredible dedication and effort they have put into making this transition a success,” Justin Vincent, MMI Dean of Academics, said at the time. In a letter sent to parents in March, Kleinheider outlined
Accreditations
Seniors completed their classes and capstone assessments May 15. Students in grades 6-11 ended classes on May 28 and completed their capstone assessments from June 4-8. MMI administrators worked on alternate plans to celebrate the school’s annual Upper School Awards Convocation, which was held virtually, and delayed a formal commencement ceremony until July 7 to honor the graduating Class of 2020 in true MMI fashion.
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use to demonstrate they are meeting a defined set of researchbased performance standards. The 12 Middle States Standards for Accreditation are mission; governance and leadership; school improvement planning; finances; facilities; school organization and staff; health and safety; educational program; assessment and evidence of student learning; student services; student life and activities, and information resources.
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MMI’s plans for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. He said MMI remained “committed to a fourth quarter graded experience” with its online classes and planned capstone assessments to mimic exams. The capstone projects required students to demonstrate cumulative understanding of the course content through an online project-based assignment. Current MMI policies regarding exam exemptions were upheld. AP exams took place online per the College Board.
Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools is a not-for-profit voluntary membership organization serving more than 100 independent schools, representing close to 40,000 compulsory school age students, in Pennsylvania and Delaware. As an association, which provides member services,
PAIS represents and supports independent schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Delaware. The Middle States Association, which is based in Philadelphia, is the worldwide leader in accreditation and school improvement. For more than 130 years, Middle States has been helping school leaders establish and reach their goals, develop strategic plans, promote staff development, and advance student achievement. There are more than 2,500 accredited schools and school systems in 39 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and in over 110 countries.
Forty-two MMI students competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition and 30 qualified for the state competition, which was later canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured are, first row, from left: Olivia Bartholomew, Jillian McGeehin, Brenna Eckhart, Annabel Dobash, Kate Malay, Jessica Zheng, Manal Muhammad, Rachael Betz, Lindsay Horvat, and Amelia Minzola. Second row: Susan Moyer (PJAS Advisor), Abigail Sparich, Diane Arias-Tejeda, Viva Barrett, Natalie Graham, Hiba Muhammad, Katherine Lewandowski, Morgan Strecker, Ashley Loss, Morgan Allen, Daniella Vasquez, and Melissa McHale (PJAS Advisor). Third row: Nathaniel Neidlinger, Ethan Stine, Connor Spencer, Kennedy Tavaris, Julie Amentler, Jacqueline Snyder, Kimberly Amentler, Alexandra Young, McKenna Gallagher, Morgan Hosier, Grace Warner, and Amanda Shonk (PJAS Advisor). Fourth row: Michael Mele (PJAS Advisor), Darren Zheng, Kai Mele, Dustin Paul, Benjamin Putnam, James Kelly, Colin Williams, Noah Long, Thomas Mayernik, Louis DeAngelo, and Justin Vincent (PJAS Advisor).
Forty-two MMI students compete at PA Jr. Academy of Science regional competition, 30 qualify for state event Thirty of MMI’s 42 participants earned first awards in the 59th annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regional competition and qualified for the PJAS State competition. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 state competition was canceled. MMI’s 42 students completed a total of 45 projects for the competition. Thirty students earned first awards with a total of 32 projects. Additionally, 11 students received second awards and two garnered third awards. Viva Barrett, Rachael Betz, Lindsay Horvat, Amelia Minzola, and Benjamin Putnam all placed first with a perfect score. Betz (Excellence Award Microbiology), Horvat (Geisinger Fellowship), Kai Mele (Perseverance Award), Minzola (Excellence Award
Biology), Nathaniel Neidlinger (Excellence Award Computer Science), Putnam (Perseverance Award), Morgan Strecker (Excellence Award Botany), and Jessica Zheng (Excellence Award Math) received special awards during the competition. Louis DeAngelo and Jessica Zheng earned first awards with two projects and Darren Zheng received a first award with one project and second award with a project on allergies. Other first award winners were Morgan Allen, Olivia Bartholomew, Annabel Dobash, Brenna Eckhart, McKenna Gallagher, Natalie Graham, Aaron Haber, Katherine Lewandowski, Noah Long, Ashley Loss, Thomas Mayernik, Jillian McGeehin, Hiba Muhammad, Manal Muhammad, Dustin Paul, Jacqueline Snyder, Kennedy Tavaris,
Grace Warner, and Colin Williams. In addition to Darren Zheng, secondaward winners were Diane Arias-Tejeda, Morgan Hosier, James Kelly, Kate Malay, Abigail Sparich, Connor Spencer, Ethan Stine, Daniella Vasquez, Kaylee Witner, and Alexandra Young. Julie Amentler and Kimberly Amentler both earned third awards. The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition is designed to stimulate and promote interest in science through the development of research investigations. The competition is open to all students in grades seven to 12 who wish to participate. Students conduct scientific research in one of the 12 scientific categories of research and present their findings to a panel of judges at the regional competition.
MMI holds virtual Upper School Awards Convocation MMI honored students in ninth through 12th grades during its annual Upper School Awards Convocation, which was held virtually this year. MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider provided welcoming remarks and presented the awards along with MMI Academic Dean Justin Vincent. Catherine Havrilla received the 2020 MMI Ambassador Service Award. The award is designed to recognize a senior ambassador who exemplifies the true meaning of ambassadorship and has been active in the program for three or more years. Ryan McNelis received the Wilkes University Colonel Emerging Leader Award. This award is granted to high school juniors who demonstrate academic potential. Selected students are guaranteed a minimum of $10,000 per year should the
student be admitted and enroll at Wilkes University in the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. The Eckley B. Coxe Jr. Memorial Subject Awards, named after the nephew of MMI founder Eckley B. Coxe, recognized seniors who displayed academic excellence in various subject areas over the Benjamin Putnam student’s entire tenure in the upper school. Benjamin Putnam received the awards for Mathematics, Science, English, Chinese, and History. Additional subject award winners are German – Paige Machulsky, Spanish – Andrellie Puntiel, and Visual Arts – Macy Zenier.
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MMI honors middle school students for 2019-2020 achievements during Mid-School Awards ceremony MMI honored middle school students for their academic achievements during a virtual 2020 Mid-School Awards ceremony. Students were recognized for their work in subjects, contests, and competitions. Lisa Marie Ferry, Dean of Students, announced the award winners. MMI recognized its newest members to the National Junior Honor Society. Students who are inducted into this society have demonstrated high academic performance in their mid-school years. NJHS inductees are: Diane Arias Tejeda, Teagan Bonham, Emily Borchick, Andrew Burns, London Chehovich, John Drobnock, Reed Floryshak, Caylee Herseim, Emily Hunsinger, Angelica Jimenez, Caitlin Lenahan, Lex Lispi, Gianna Longworth, Edgar LopezRodriguez, Frankie Martinelli, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Robert Orbin, Sophia Plonk, Dominic Raifsnider, Jakob Rossi, Jason Salio, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Abigail Sparich, Connor Strecker, Blake Warren, and Leo Zvonik. Sophia Plonk, Abigail Sparich, Robert Orbin, and Nathan Sissick each received the Freeland American Legion’s Good Citizenship Award. Caylee Herseim was awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the National Geographic Society for her winning performance at the school level of the National Geography Bee. Ethan Lloyd, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Corrigan Nolasco, Robert Orbin, and Leo Zvonik were recognized for being the winners of the Year-Long Competitive Session of the Stock Market Game through PFEW. This year’s team
out-performed their peers and finished third in Pennsylvania and first in the region with a relative return of 23.11 percent above the performance of the S&P 500. Several seventh and eighth graders were presented with awards for their performances Eighth grader Andrew Burns earned a Certificate of Merit for his performance on the National Introduction to Latin Exam, was in the AMC 8 awarded the Subject Award in Latin, and was inducted into the Math Contest. National Junior Honor Society this spring. Seventh graders performing exceptionally on the Avery Pohida and American Classical League National Jason Roberts captured first place, Lydia Introduction to Latin exam. Diane Chen and Evan Pedri finished in second Arias Tejeda (Cum Laude), Nathaniel place, and Chloe Allen and Danica Neidlinger (Magna Cum Laude), and Leo Karlick earned third place awards. Eighth Zvonik (Silver Maxima Cum Laude) each graders Frankie Martinelli and Nathaniel received a Certificate of Honorable Merit Neidlinger were first, Diane Arias Tejeda for their performance on the National and Leo Zvonik finished second, and Latin Exam. Emily Borchick, Caylee Herseim, and Subject award winners are as follows: Emily Hunsinger came in third. Bryce Radzwich was honored for capturing first place in the Sixth Grade Science Fair for his project, “Protect Your Melon.” David Yamulla (“Making Graphite Glow”) finished second, and Frederick Blaine (“What Kind of Potato Conducts Electricity the Best?”) came in third. Honorable Mention awards went to Ben Gombeda (“Snack Energy”), Joseph Mayernik (“Absorbency Rate of Paper Towels”), Erica Schwear (“The Vibration of Sound”), and Madelyn Young (“Which Local Soil Sample Is Composed of the Most Rare-Earth Metals?”). Erica Schwear, Blake Warren, Dominic Raifsnider, Silvia Roberto, Ethan Lloyd, and Emily Hunsinger were recognized for participating in the PMEA String Fest.
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Sixth grader Frederick Blaine earned the Subject Awards in Mathematics and Strings during the 2020 Mid-School Awards ceremony.
Andrew Burns and Kendall Orozco were each presented with a Certificate of Merit for
Social Studies: Sixth Grade Geography – Gabriel Horvath, Seventh Grade Ancient Civilizations – Kendall Orozco, and Eighth Grade Current Events – Nathaniel Neidlinger. Math: Sixth Grade – Frederick Blaine, Seventh Grade – Kendall Orozco, and Eighth Grade – Nathaniel Neidlinger. English: Sixth Grade – Serena Novotney, Seventh Grade – Kendall Orozco, and Eighth Grade – Diane Arias Tejeda. Science – Sixth Grade – David Yamulla, Seventh Grade – Nina Day, and Eighth Grade – Sophia Plonk. Health: Daniel Griffith. Art: Sixth Grade – Christian Schultz, Seventh Grade – Chloe Allen, and Eighth Grade – Angelica Jimenez. Chorus: Sixth Grade – Ava Genetti, Seventh Grade – Corey Buchman, and Eighth Grade – Caylee Herseim. Strings: Sixth Grade – Frederick Blaine, Seventh Grade – Danica Karlick, and Eighth Grade – Ethan Lloyd. Greek: Madelyn Young. Latin: Seventh Grade – Corey Buchman, and Eighth Grade – Andrew Burns.
MMI recognizes student athletes for their performances during virtual 2020 Athletic Awards ceremony MMI held a virtual 2020 Athletic Awards ceremony to honor student athletes and their achievements during the 2019-2020 school year. MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider opened the program with welcoming remarks and announced the award winners. During the ceremony, athletes received awards in the MVP, Most Improved, and Coach’s Award categories and varsity letter recipients were recognized. Although the boys’ varsity tennis, varsity baseball and varsity softball seasons were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kleinheider recognized all those athletes and their coaches for their outstanding work in the preseason and congratulated senior Alexander Jordan, who will continue his baseball career in college. Additionally, the girls’ basketball team was recognized for qualifying for the District 2 Championship for the first time in program history, the boys’ basketball team was honored for once again reaching the district playoffs, Alexander Jordan received recognition for qualifying for the PIAA District 2 individual championship in golf, the varsity soccer team was honored for qualifying for the district playoffs, the girls’ tennis team made an appearance in the district tournament and several members of the team advanced to the second round of the tournament, and the volleyball team once again made a run at the district playoffs before losing to rival Blue Ridge High School in a hard-fought final. Kleinheider said, “The athletic awards program is designed to help build our pillar of excellence that is Athletics by highlighting our sports programs. While we would have preferred to recognize our student athletes for their achievements on the athletic fields and courts in person, we were excited to share their accomplishments virtually.” Alexander Jordan and Andrellie Puntiel received the 2020 District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Scholar-Athlete awards, which are presented to male and female athletes who participated in MMI’s athletic program for multiple years, maintained high academic grades, and were involved in community and school service. The team Most Valuable Players, Most
Alexander Jordan, left, and Andrellie Puntiel, right, received the 2020 District 2 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Scholar-Athlete awards.
Improved Players, and Coach’s Award recipients, as well as team members who received varsity letters, are as follows: Basketball: MVP – Marcus Kassick, Most Improved – Alexander Jordan, and Coach’s Award – Harrison Kress. Letter winners – Lieth Abdulrahman, Chance Eyerly, Alexander Jordan, Marcus Kassick, Harrison Kress, Thomas Mayernik, Ryan McNelis, Robert Rinaldi, Josue Rodriguez, Andre Sechleer, Connor Spencer, and Peter Walko. Girls Basketball: MVP – Kimberly Amentler, Most Improved – Alexis Dalesandro, and Coach’s Award – Julie Amentler. Letter winners - Irene Altmiller, Julie Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Lindsay Braunstein, Sadie Cloud, Alexis Dalesandro, Dominique Kline, and Violet O’Connell. Cheerleading: Most Improved – Khristian Banks, and Coach’s Awards – Morgan Allen and Morgan Hosier. Letter winners - Morgan Allen, Khristian Banks, Ashley Bonifacio, Annabel Dobash, Gina Galada, Natalie Graham, Lindsay Horvat, Morgan Hosier, Erica Kline, Evelyn Lacombe, Katherine Lewandowski, Emely Lopez-Rodriguez, Kate Malay, Julianna Salio, Millie Symbula, and Alexandra Tierney. Boys Cross Country: Most Valuable Runner – Aaron Haber; Most Improved Runner – Connor Spencer; and Coach’s Award – Hunter Blasko. Girls Cross Country: Most Valuable Runner – Annabel Dobash; Most Improved Runner – Morgan Hosier; and Coach’s Award – Alexis Dalesandro. Letter winners – Hunter Blasko, Aaron Haber, Connor Spencer, Khristian Banks, Annabel
Dobash, Alexis Dalesandro, Natalie Graham, and Morgan Hosier. Golf: MVP – Christian Homnack, Most Improved – Alexander Jordan, and Coach’s Award – Christian Yamulla. Letter winners – Christian Badamo, Christian Homnack, Alexander Jordan, Noah Long, Thomas Mayernik, Peter Walko, and Christian Yamulla. Soccer: MVP – James Kelly, Most Improved – David Castro, and Coaches’ Award – Benjamin Putnam. Letter winners – David Castro, Carter Frask, Marcus Kassick, James Kelly, Gregory Leonard, Kai Mele, Keiran Mele, Josiah Pacchioli, Caden Pease, Benjamin Putnam, Josue Rodriguez, and Grant Warren. Girls Tennis: MVP – Katharine Pinto, Most Improved – Emily Ankiewicz, and Coach’s Award – Lindsay Braunstein. Letter winners – Emily Ankiewicz, Lindsay Braunstein, Katharine Pinto, and Emily Ryan. Volleyball: MVP – Jessica Flynn, Most Improved – Andrellie Puntiel, and Coach’s Award – Kaylee Witner. Letter winners – Julie Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Hannah Falatko, Jessica Flynn, Hiba Muhammad, Andrellie Puntiel, and Jacqueline Snyder. Although MMI does not have a swim team, Emily Ryan swims for MMI through the Hazleton Area School District. She improved her meet times across the board in all events for the second consecutive year and was recognized with a varsity letter.
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Honor Societies MMI inducts 30 students into Andrew J. Stofan Chapter of the National Honor Society MMI inducted 30 students into the Andrew J. Stofan Chapter of the National Honor Society.
Morgan Strecker, Kennedy Tavaris, Alexandra Tierney, Daniella Vasquez, Grace Warner, Colin Williams, and Kaylee Witner.
MMI English instructor Donna Titus serves as the National Honor Society advisor. National Honor Society officers are: Christian Yamulla, president; Hugh Soltau, vice president; Alexander Jordan, secreatary; Robert Rinaldi, treasurer; and Dominique Kline, historian. National Honor Society inductees are: Lieth Abdulrahman, Sandra Abdulrahman, Viva Barrett, Olivia Bartholomew, Alain Benitez, Rachael Betz, Andrew Blasko, Jayden Bonham, David Castro, Gina Galada, Christian Homnack, Lindsay Horvat, Kyle Kim, Ashley Loss, Thomas Mayernik, Keiran Mele, Amelia Minzola, Katelyn Overa,
Josiah Pacchioli, Dustin Paul, Juliana Salio, Connor Spencer, Althea Stewart,
The National Honor Society (NHS) is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding high school students. NHS honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1921. Membership in the National Honor Society recognizes students for their accomplishments and challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
MMI inducts 27 into National Junior Honor Society MMI inducted 27 eighth grade students into the National Junior Honor Society for the 2019-2020 school year.
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Students inducted are: Diane Arias Tejeda, Teagan Bonham, Emily Borchick, Andrew Burns, London Chehovich, John Drobnock, Reed Floryshak, Caylee Herseim, Emily Hunsinger, Angelica Jimenez, Caitlin Lenahan, Lex Lispi, Gianna Longworth, Edgar Lopez-Rodriguez, Frankie Martinelli, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Robert Orbin, Sophia Plonk, Dominic Raifsnider, Jakob Rossi, Jason Salio, Kathryn Sissick, Nathan Sissick, Abigail Sparich, Connor Strecker, Blake Warren, and Leo Zvonik.
year and the first semester of their eighth-grade year. Amanda Shonk, National Junior Honor Society advisor, said, “As the advisor to our school’s chapter, I am very excited to personally welcome these 27 new additions to the National Junior Honor Society for the 2019-2020 school year.
To gain membership, a student must demonstrate scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship for the entirety of their seventh-grade
“Students entering the NJHS at the middle school level are beginning the early stages of greater independence and responsibility, seek to excel in academics, show an interest in leadership and service, and have a thirst for challenge and accomplishment.”
Honor Societies MMI inducts students into National Art, Mathematics, and Science Honor societies MMI announced this year’s inductees into the Art, Mathematics, and Science National Honor societies.
Students inducted into the Chroma Chapter of the National Art Honor Society are: Morgan Allen, Christian Badamo, and Hannah Falatko. Art instructor Lisa Marie Ferry is the advisor. Students inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta Chapter of the National Mathematics Honor Society are:
Julie Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Christian Badamo, Alexis Dalesandro, Louis DeAngelo, Hannah Falatko, Natalie Graham, Aaron Haber, Morgan Hosier, James Kelly, Kyle Kim, Dominique Kline, Sydney Kohl, Harrison Kress, Katherine Lewandowski, Kevin McNulty, Hiba Muhammad, Cole Rinehimer, Jacqueline Snyder, Samantha Sparich, Ethan Stine, Alexandra Young, and Darren Zheng. Mathematics instructors Gerard Pierotti and Susan Moyer serve as the advisors.
Students inducted into the Science National Honor Society are: Morgan Allen, Julie Amentler, Kimberly
Amentler, Christian Badamo, Hunter Blasko, Lindsay Braunstein, Alexis Dalesandro, Louis DeAngelo, Hannah Falatko, McKenna Gallagher, Natalie Graham, Aaron Haber, Morgan Hosier, James Kelly, Kyle Kim, Dominique Kline, Sydney Kohl, Katherine Lewandowski, Kevin McNulty, Hiba Muhammad, Violet O’Connell, Josiah Pacchioli, Katharine Pinto, Andrellie Puntiel, Robert Rinaldi, Cole Rinehimer, Emily Ryan, Jacqueline Snyder, Samantha Sparich, Ethan Stine, Colin Williams, Christian Yamulla, Alexandra Young, and Darren Zheng. Science instructor Michael Mele is the advisor.
MMI students inducted into National Chinese, German, and Spanish Honor societies MMI announced the names of students who were inducted into the Chinese, German, and Spanish National Honor societies. Students inducted into the Echoes of Wisdom and Philosophy Chapter of the National Chinese Honor Society are: Julie
Amentler, Kimberly Amentler, Hunter Blasko, Hannah Falatko, Aaron Haber, Kevin McNulty, Robert Rinaldi, Emily Ryan, Jacqueline Snyder, Millie Symbula, and Alexandra Young. Chinese instructor Christina Spencer is the advisor. Students inducted into the Simon Faltz Chapter of the National German Honor Society are: Alain Benitez, Dustin Paul, and Althea Stewart.
German instructor Gabriela Moustardas is the advisor. Students inducted into the Pablo Picasso Chapter of the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica are: Olivia Bartholomew, Rachael Betz, Jayden Bonham, James Kelly, Ashley Loss, and Daniella Vasquez. Spanish instructor Syra Cruz Dewar is the advisor.
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Around Campus In basketball this year, the girls varsity squad was the District 2 Class A Runner-up and junior Kim Amentler was named a Third Team Division 2 All-Star in the Wyoming Valley Conference. On the boys side, freshman Drew Sechler was also selected a Third Team Division 2 All-Star. Sixteen students were chosen by judges from local colleges and universities to represent the best and brightest of the region’s graduating classes as part of the Standard-Speaker’s Scholastic Superstar program. From MMI, Emily Ankiewicz, Marcus Kassick, and Benjamin Putnam were selected. Sophomores Rachael Betz, Sandra Abdulrahman, and Christian Homnack captured first, second, and third place, respectively, in MMI’s Black History Month Historical Research Contest.
Sixth grader JT Ferry won the 125 feature and ran his first night in the open Winged 600 class in June!
Eighth grade student Caylee Herseim won first place in MMI’s school competition of the National Geographic GeoBee while fellow eighth grader Nathaniel Neidlinger was the runner-up in the contest. The school competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world. Questions cover not only geography, but also ancient and world civilizations, cultures, and physical features.
Students collected donations of winter items, such as coats, scarves, hats, gloves, socks, blankets, and other items for the past three years to Friends Can Make It Happen, a mission of Journey mate Ministries, which is located in the former St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Hazleton. The items will be used for an upcoming mission to help the homeless and needy families in the Hazleton Area. MMI participated in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) statewide program to light up stadiums and campuses in honor of the Class of 2020 and all first responders to COVID-19. As part of the effort, MMI lit up its soccer field scoreboard on April 17 to honor all Class of 2020 students as well as all doctors, nurses, and first responders on the front line of COVID-19.
In early May, Mr. Kleinheider made some special deliveries to all MMI seniors at home.
Eighth grader Caylee Herseim competed at the international level with a team called the Conyngham Code Crackers in FIRST Lego League Competition. Helping to eradicate mosquitoes from Conyngham Nature Park is what earned the Code Crackers their spot in the international competition. When their survey found that insects pestered people at Conyngham Nature Park, the four-member team devised a mosquito trap. Their design looks like a flower and costs just $6 to make from plant-based plastic.
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Ninth grade students held a bake sale at the Laurel Mall with proceeds going to Brandon’s Forever Home. Pictured is Melissa Nenstiel from Brandon’s Forever Home with Mrs. Kate Green and representatives of the ninth grade.
State Representative Gerald Mullery visited MMI on March 6. The Representative spoke at an all-school assembly answering questions prepared by students in the Current Events and Government classes as well as a few from the audience. MMI students were most interested in the day-in-the-life of a representative, bills, roads, education, and jobs.
Around Campus
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Mr. Michael Scarlato’s Government class visited Washington D.C. in early March where they visited The White House, Capitol, FBI Building, and the Smithsonian. They also ran into Marco Rubio and Andrew Yang on their travels. In this year’s Stock Market Game, eighth graders Robert Orbin, Nathaniel Neidlinger, Ethan Lloyd, Leo Zvonik, and Corrigan Nolasco finished third in Pennsylvania and first in the east region with a relative return of 23.11 percent above the performance of the S&P 500 index, which measures the stock performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. College Counselor Stephanie Shandra was honored with The McClintick Award at the 57th Annual Pennsylvania Association for College Admission Counseling (PACAC) Conference held virtually on June 22-23. The William R. McClintick, Jr. Service Award was established as a means of recognizing a person with 10 to 25 years of experience who has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the profession, leadership to PACAC, and who will continue to work on behalf of students to ensure access to postsecondary education. Three seniors received recognition in the Scholastic Writing Awards. Adam Tron won a Gold Key in the Personal Essay & Memoir category for “The Dichotomy of Masculinity and Femininity” and will advance to the national awards competition. Gold Keys are awarded to the very best works submitted to
Region-at-Large programs and are automatically considered for national-level recognition. Paige Machulsky received an Honorable Mention in Poetry for “A Tourist’s Sehnsucht” and Maya Rizkalla was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Critical Essay category for “Police Brutality.” MMI published the 2019-2020 literary magazine, Angst. To view the magazine online, just visit: shorturl.at/hksN9
MMI senior baseball player Carter Frask, pictured third from the right, was honored by his coaches and junior teammates with a visit and gifts. Also pictured are, from left: Colin Williams, James Kelly, Robert Rinaldi, Kevin McNulty, and Marcus Danchision. Senior baseball players Brandon Crockford, Carter Frask, Alexander Jordan, Marcus Kassick, and Christian Yamulla were honored with personal visits and gifts to mark their contribution to the team despite the loss of the season due to COVID-19. Head coach Ryan Jastremsky and assistant coaches George Laputka, Michael Laputka, and Jack Jastremsky joined junior players for a visit to each senior to deliver balloons, a gift bag that included personalized cookies, and an MMI Baseball jacket.
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Becky Savage of the 525 Foundation addressed MMI students during the Making Smart Choices Fair in the gym.
National speaker Becky Savage with 525 Foundation visits MMI as part of Making Smart Choices event National speaker Becky Savage, co-founder of the 525 Foundation, visited MMI and spoke to students during an all-school assembly in the cafeteria as part of the 525 Foundation’s mission to educate teens and families and raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol and prescription drug misuse and abuse. The MMI Parents Association brought Savage in as part of their “Making Smart Choices” event, where multiple agencies were available after the talk to address issues with students such as impaired and distracted driving, smoking and vaping, domestic violence, and more. Participating agencies included: Lehigh Valley Health Network with Distracted Driving Simulators, PA State Police, Pathway to Recovery, Communities that Care, Northeast Highway Safety Program, Earley-Polli
Trooper Petroski shows seniors, Alexander Jordan, Christian Yamulla, Ryan Halterman, Macy Zenier, Catherine Havrilla, and Madyson Hornack the effects of impairment with special goggles.
Insurance Agency, Aetna, Domestic Violence Service Center, and LVHN Physician Dr. Candice Widuch-Mert.
Becky Savage’s two teenage sons – Nick and Jack – accidentally overdosed on a deadly cocktail of alcohol and prescription drugs, on the same night, in June 2015. Becky and her husband, Mike, turned their unimaginable grief into a powerful message: educating students, parents, lawmakers, and anyone else who will listen about the dangers of prescription drugs. The couple created 525 Foundation with a goal of preventing another family from experiencing the pain the Savage family still struggles with every day. More information about 525 Foundation can be found at https:// www.525foundation.org/.
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Seniors Hugh Soltau, Grant Warren, and Joshua Serock try the distracted driving simulator provided by Northeast Highway Safety.
Savage also addressed the Parents Association at their bimonthly meeting later that evening.
Milestones
Events in the lives of the MMI family
Deaths Donald Debellas ’69 died May 16 at his residence following a 10-year battle with multiple myeloma. He was a son of the late Dominic and Mary (Gronski) Debellas. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, was his brother, Francis ’65. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Ingrid, and a son, Dr. Joshua Debellas, DMD. Dale Drake Sr. ’58 passed away on December 15. He was the husband of Cherolyn K. (Gilbert) Drake and the son of the late J. Lloyd and Kate (Parrish) Drake. Also surviving is daughter, Wendy Lyn, wife of Mark A. Yeckley; son, Dale L. Drake, Jr; and grandson, David C. Yeckley. Mary Dulcey passed away on May 5. Mary was a past president of the MMI Prep Auxiliary. She is survived by six children, John Dulcey ’68; Joseph Dulcey ’70; James; David; Mary; and Richard; 13 grandchildren including Andrew Dulcey ’93; Stephen Dulcey ’96; and Matthew Dulcey ’99; and 17 great-grandchildren. Raymond Galbiati passed away on March 30. He is survived by his wife, Mary Denise; seven children, Brian and wife, Cortney Repenshak; Ray Jr. and wife, Christina; Terri; Frank and wife, Trieste; and Randy and wife, Chasity Yanetti; Joel, and Courtney. Also surviving are nine grandchildren, including Brian Galbiati, Jr. ’16 and Joshua Galbiati ’20. Melba W. Johnson, 103, passed away on March 17 at Plantation Estates in Matthews, NC. She is survived by her son, Roy Johnson ’63, and his wife, Diana. Joseph Kalada passed away on December 18. Surviving are his wife, Patricia; children Susan Kalada and husband Kevin Kania; Anthony Kalada and wife Ramona; and Joseph Michael Kalada; and eight grandchildren, including Joshua Kalada-Kania ’18 and Amanda Kalada-Kania ’19. Paul Kleinheider passed away on May 11. He is survived by his partner, Deb Kalish; his two sons, Adam Kleinheider and wife, Sherry; and MMI Head of School Justin Kleinheider and wife, Michelle; and grandsons Ronan and Eliot Kleinheider. Margaret M. Koslap, 98, passed away on November 17. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, were her husband, Michael Koslap, who died in 1961; a brother, John Gornal; and sisters Mary Mackanich and Helen Granger. Surviving are sons Robert Koslap ’65 and wife, Carol; and Michael Koslap ’74 and wife, Linda; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Raymond Kostick ’48 peacefully passed away after a long illness on February 12. Ray was the son of the late Mary Wursta Kostick and Michael Kostick. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Hundley Kostick; his loving children Kathy Norman (Peter), Judy Brunetti (Paul), and Sandy Kostick; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a stepson, Matt Girard; his sister, Doris Pollock; his brother, Daniel Kostick ‘54 and wife, Janet; and 16 nieces and nephews.
Frank B. Leib ’62, member of the faculty of Temple University, died March 18. He graduated from MMI before beginning a lengthy career in higher education, including a B.A. degree from Dartmouth (1966), an M.A. from Harvard (1968), and two Ph.D.’s from Temple in English (1986) and Religion (1994). Dr. Leib was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Matthew L. Leib, Jr. and John Leib. He is survived by his niece, nephews, and many friends, colleagues, and students, past and present. Diane Mary Logerfo passed away on March 28. She is survived by her husband, John; two daughters, Portia Dysel and Talia Logerfo ’18; two grandchildren, Blayze and Urijah Fazio; and three sisters, Kathy Bonner and her husband, Francis; Carol Lynch; and Barbara Wilkinson and her husband, Ron. Katherine Lutz passed away on July 5. She is survived by her sons Dr. Robert Lutz ’63 and partner, Valerie; William Luzzi ’68; Jeffrey and wife, Debra; Michael and wife, Evie; and Rocco and partner, Sonia; daughter, Maria Barna and husband, Edward; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, William Ravina ’42 and Leo Ravina ’45. Robert Orbin passed away on February 25. He was the son of the late Joseph and Mary Orbin. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph, Mary, and twin brother, Carl “Pink.” Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Dorothy (Stofanak); and his brother, Jack. Also, surviving are his children, Robert Jr. and wife, Lynn; Joseph and wife, Chrissy; and Thomas and wife, Kami; and five grandchildren, including Robert Orbin III ’24. Ethel H. Siegelbaum died on December 6. She was the widow of Alexander Siegelbaum. She leaves behind two daughters, Carla J. Pariser ’73 and her husband, Dr. Ronald H. Pariser; and Wendy B. Schonman ’76 and her husband, Gary Schonman; and two grandchildren, Erica and Ian. Annetta A. Slusser passed away on April 8. She is survived by her children, Bruce Slusser, Jr. and his wife, Karen; Mary Landis and her husband, Scott; and Christopher Slusser and his wife, Cara; and 13 grandchildren, including Dylan Slusser ’17 and Baily Slusser ’19. Marija S. Vukevich passed away on April 14. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Patricia Urosevich; sons Dr. Thomas Urosevich and his wife, Lori; and Attorney Richard A. DiLiberto ’79 and his wife, Faith; and daughter, Alexandra Manfredi ’82 and her husband, Richard. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.
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Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe Ed Herbener ’16, a member of the baseball team, was one of a Bloomsburg University school-record 208 student-athletes recognized as Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Scholar-Athletes for the 2019-20 academic year. He also earned accolades as a 2019-20 Bloomsburg University Scholar-Athlete. Samanta Cottone ’16 earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physiology at The University of Scranton’s virtual undergraduate celebration ceremony on May 31. Ed Herbener ’16
Brian Driscoll ’16 received a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth & Environmental Sciences from Wilkes University. The degree was awarded at a virtual degree conferral ceremony held by Wilkes on May 16. Jai-Jacob Hoover ’17 was among the 177 University of Scranton students who studied abroad during the Intersession 2020 semester. Hoover, an accounting major at Scranton, participated in CIEE Open Campus, Global Institutes in Germany, Argentina, South Africa, Denmark, United Kingdom, Spain, France, Italy, and Chile. Robert Kupsho ’14 marked his academic success and achievements during Lebanon Valley College’s 151st Commencement ceremony, held virtually on May 9, where he received his doctor of physical therapy degree. Farrah Qadri ’13 earned a Master of Health Administration degree in health administration Robert from The University of Scranton at a virtual Kupsho ’14 ceremony on May 30. She was also among the 55 University of Scranton students inducted into Upsilon Phi Delta, the national honor society for graduate and undergraduate students in healthcare administration programs. Julia Snyder ’18 is busy juggling a double major in business communications and Hispanic studies at the University of Scranton and doing so while serving as the National American Miss PA Teen. It has been a great experience for her that has allowed her to continue to advocate for skin health and partner with the American Cancer Association on helping formulate new legislation regarding teen use of tanning beds. Dr. Shital Patel ’11 was awarded a doctor of medicine degree by Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine when the school conferred 103 doctor of medicine degrees upon students who comprise its MD Class of 2020. Patel additionally earned a Master of Health Administration degree from The University of Scranton at a virtual ceremony on May 30. She is now a neurology resident at Virginia Commonwealth School of Medicine. Dr. Shital Patel ’11
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Lora Schell ’13 accepted an Associate Investigator position in Cortevas’ genetic toxicology lab beginning on July 6. She had previously worked in the lab as a contract associate scientist.
The Honorable Rebecca L. Warren ’84, a member of law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., presented “Business Preparedness for Workforce Return: Construction Industry Focus” for the Associated Builders and Contractors Lehigh Valley & Northeast Pennsylvania Council virtual meeting on May 21. Warren addressed best practices for the needs of each business, how to keep workers safe from the coronavirus, Governor Wolf’s guidance for the construction industry, OSHA requirements, discovery of COVID19 exposure, and what to do if employees Hon. Rebecca Warren ’84 refuse to return to work. Matthew Yurish ’13 was initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective alldiscipline collegiate honor society, at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership.
The Rotary Club of Hazleton recently presented a check for $1,000 to the Holy Rosary Food Bank. From Left to Right: Lauren Sacco of Frankie’s Pizzeria, Gene Evancho of Holy Rosary, MMI Coordinator of Parent Programs Lani Drobnock, Hazleton Rotary President Alan Whitaker ’83, Tony Columbo of Holy Rosary, and Rotarians George Hayden, Tim Genetti, Michelle Genetti, and Mike Cammisa. A Freeland police officer and firefighter were recognized for their efforts in assisting a resident and her children out of her home on January 27. Pictured from left are: Councilman Matt Krone, Freeland Fire Department President Larry Stepansky, award recipients Cal Herring ’74 and Elvis Saracinja, Police Chief Kevin Schuetrumpf, Freeland Fire Department Chief and MMI Director of Maintenance Joseph Stepansky, and Council President Lynn Falatko. Spring 2020 Dean’s List Bloomsburg University: Ed Herbener ’16 (Business Administration and Finance), Olivia Minzola ’17 (Mass Communications), Emily Mundorf ’19 (Criminal Justice, Language and Cultures), Anna Olivieri ’17 (English), and Matthew Yurish ’13 (Computer Science). Susquehanna University: Madeline Dryfoos ’19 (Undeclared) University of Scranton: Jai-Jacob Hoover ’17 (Accounting), Mahad Muhammad ’18 (Biology), Julia Snyder ’18 (Business Communication), and Daniel Tron ’17 (Physiology).
Alumni Notes
(continued) Today, through a global collaborative effort, the company is about to launch YFM, a music social media promotion and development platform, leveraging a curated aggregate global audience of 100 million and a world-class team to break emerging artists. During testing, the YFM team was credited Eric Forschner ’82 with a successful artist signing to Universal/LAVA and exponentially grew fan bases of indies across the U.S. and the world.
Eric Todd Forschner ’82 has forged a unique path and an amazing career in the music industry. He is the founder of Ethos Music Group, which began as an artist management and production house and later expanded to an entertainment consulting firm. The company then emerged as a developer of egalitarian enterprise platforms to enable independent artists to pursue sustainable careers. Corporate consulting clients included Songtradr, QoL, SahlComm, Crowplsr, and Lincoln Center-based event productions. The organization developed platforms across multiple formats and verticals including music licensing, digital A&R, promotion, and marketing. SaaS and social media platforms included Nuhuru in partnership with JWT/ WPP and eThos.
World-class advisors include former Virgin and Warner Music Head, Phil Quartararo; Publishing Exec and Producer Bob Cutarella, who is credited with more than 160 platinum albums; former Saatchi & Saatchi Global Chief, Jimmy O’Mahony; former Virgin Exec and Consultant, Tom Callahan; Brazilian Music Exec/Merlin BoDs, Luciana Pegorer; and Groove Guild’s Al Risi, who broke iconic artists while at UMG. The platform was expected to launch in the second quarter of 2020.
Additionally, the company established philanthropic channels to assist food security and relief efforts hyperlocally and globally as an integration to all platforms. In 2017, Founder Eric Todd consulted at the United Nations on behalf of Ethos and in partnership with MTV Networks co-founder, Andy Orgel of QoL, to engage youth through music brands in development of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Project. Distinguished participants included Secretary-General Huwang Weng.
Upper School Awards
Eric is willing to help any MMI alumni with business development questions! Send him a message in MMI Connect if you’d like to catch up!
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Students in ninth through eleventh grades who exhibited outstanding contribution, achievement, and dedication to an individual subject area during the past academic year received the 2020 MMI Subject Awards. Winners are as follows: Ninth grade: English, Science, and History – Jessica Zheng; Mathematics and Chinese – Jillian McGeehin; German – Khristian Banks; Spanish – Sadie Cloud; Visual Arts – Gianna Moisey-Hoover; and Music Performance – Sarah Yanuzzi. 10th grade: English – Olivia Bartholomew; Science – Ashley Loss; Mathematics, History, and Spanish – Rachael Betz; Chinese – Connor Spencer; German – Alain Benitez; Visual Arts – Gina Galada; and Music Performance – Amelia Minzola. 11th grade: English – Dominique Kline; Science and Mathematics – Kevin McNulty; History – Katherine Lewandowski; Chinese – Emily Ryan; German – Louis DeAngelo; Spanish – Hiba Muhammad; and Visual Arts – Morgan Allen. Earlier this school year, 39 students in the MMI Future Business Leaders of America chapter learned they advanced from the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference to compete at the state level. The State Leadership Conference was held virtually this year and four students placed in the top 10 in their respective categories. Adam Tron and Emily Ankiewicz earned fourth place in Global Business and are eligible to compete in the virtual National Leadership Experience, which will take place this summer, in a completely online forum. Darren Zheng finished fifth in Computer Game & Simulation, and Paige Machulsky placed eighth in Advertising. Other award presentations included: Jake Kislan ’56 Polonaise Society Award – Christian Yamulla; Woodmen of the World American History Award – Benjamin Putnam; Voice of Democracy Audio Essay Competition – Natalie Graham, Jayden
Bonham, Katherine Lewandowski, Paige Machulsky, and Jessica Zheng; George Eastman Kodak Young Leaders Award and Scholarship – Christian Badamo; Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award – Darren Zheng; Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences – Hannah Falatko; Xerox Award for Innovation and Christian Yamulla Information Technology – Louis DeAngelo; Rensselaer Medal Award – Darren Zheng; Bryn Mawr President’s Book Award – Dominique Kline; Russell Sage College Student Sage Award – Morgan Allen, Hunter Blasko, Kimberly Amentler, Morgan Hosier, and James Kelly; University of Pennsylvania Book Award – Aaron Haber; Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award – McKenna Gallagher and Colin Williams; Wellesley College Club Book Award – Sydney Kohl; Elmira College Key Award – Julie Amentler and Ethan Stine; Rochester Institute of Technology Computing Medal – Natalie Graham and Kevin McNulty; Rochester Institute of Technology Innovation and Creativity Award – Katherine Lewandowski and Robert Rinaldi; Brandeis Book Award – Hiba Muhammad; George Washington Book Award – Alexandra Young; American Association of Teachers of German Award – Kai Mele; American Red Cross High School Leadership Scholarship – Andrellie Puntiel; American Legion Good Citizenship Award – Christian Yamulla; and Wilkes University High School Counselor Award – Madyson Hornack. More than $500,000 in scholarships were awarded at this year’s ceremony.
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Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between February 20 and June 30, 2020 In Memory of Richard Abrams ’60 Mr. Jacob R. Sherman ’60 In Honor of Rachael Betz ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Houm In Honor of Corey Buchman ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Buchman In Honor of Class of 1971 Mr. Rudy T. Corazza ’71 In Memory of Kate Conahan Mr. and Mrs. Jim Johnston In Honor of Eve Corazza ’25 Ms. Ann Ferrigno In Memory of Leona Dei Tos Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Kathleen Fornataro, Matthew Fornataro ’01, and William Dooner Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lutz Mr. Dan Ravina In Memory of Victor Diehm ’61 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis In Honor of Annabel Dobash ’23 Mr. Jim O’Boyle In Memory of Dale Drake ’58 Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Honor of Benjamin Gombeda ’26 Mr. Andrew Gombeda Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler In Honor of Ryan Halterman ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Halterman Sr. In Honor of Emily Hunsinger ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Anderson In Memory of Paul Kleinheider Mr. and Mrs. Barry D. Hosier Mr. Frank Molinaro and Mrs. Gwenann Molinaro
In Memory of Robert J. Gaudio ’54 Mrs. Janet M. Gaudio
In Honor of Joseph and Regina Rudawski Mr. James M. Stradnick ’77 In Memory of David Schutter ’57 Mr. Daniel Schutter ’57 and Mrs. Linda Ann Schutter
In Memory of Edward Sharp ’36 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Leroy Lenhart ’58 Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Memory of Ethel Siegelbaum Mr. Ronald Pariser and Mrs. Carla Pariser ’73
In Honor of Ethan Lloyd ’24 Mrs. Gale Gagliardi
In Honor of CJ Snyder ’15, Julia Snyder ’18, and Jackie Snyder ’21 Dr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Snyder D.M.D.
In Memory of Margaret Mead Mr. Joseph Mucha ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Mucha In Honor of Ty McDermott ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler
In Honor of Olivia Minzola ’17 and Amelia Minzola ’22 Mrs. Michaeline Starruick
In Memory of Richard J. Garbacik Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny
In Honor of Jason Roberts ’25 Mrs. Kathy Roberts
In Memory of Frank Leib ’62 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis
In Memory of Theodore Eckhart Ms. Arlene Eckhart
In Memory of Peter Frask Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey
In Memory of Leo Ravina ’45 Mr. William Even and Mrs. Diane Even ’77
In Honor of Josh Serock ’20 and Caleb Serock ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Honor of Kai Mele ’20 and Keiran Mele ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Dellicker
In Honor of Carter Frask ’20 Mrs. Lois Zoldi
In Honor of Dominic Raifsnider ’24 Mrs. Patricia Suveg
In Honor of Michael Kranyak ’25 Mr. Patrick Higgins
In Honor of Elizabeth Eckhart ’19 and Brenna Eckhart ’23 Ms. Arlene Eckhart
In Memory of Athena Ford ’01 Marquis George MacDonald Foundation, Inc.
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In Honor of Sarah Gittleman ’11 and Benjamin Gittleman ’15 Mrs. Sylvia Gittleman
In Memory of Mary Mucha, RN Mr. Joseph Mucha ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Mucha In Memory of Rudolph and Mary Mucha Mr. Joseph Mucha ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Mucha In Honor of Bobby Orbin ’24 Mr. Allen Rebennack In Honor of Evan Pedri ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Newman In Honor of Bryce Radzwich ’26 Mr. and Mrs. John Cara
In Memory of Ambrose Starruick Mrs. Michaeline Starruick In Honor of Althea Stewart ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bowman In Memory of David Sugarman ’60 Mr. Jacob R. Sherman ’60 In Memory of Marija Vukcevich Anonymous Atty. Richard A. DiLiberto Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto Mr. Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 and Mrs. Maura Dryfoos Mr. and Mrs. Mark Eakins Mr. John H. Hersker ’76 Mr. and Mrs. Justin Kleinheider Mrs. Mary Lostracco Mr. and Mrs. Timothy McNulty Mrs. Joanne Oakum Mrs. Cecilia Reimiller The Scaggs Law Firm, P.C. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Ed Van Blargan Mr. and Mrs. Mark Vukcevich The Wright Township Planning Board and Administrator
Memorials (continued)
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between February 20 and June 30, 2020 In Honor of Ethan Warner ’19 and Grace Warner ’22 Mrs. Lois Zoldi In Memory of Peter Washinsky Sr. Dr. and Mrs. Michael A. Washinsky Sr.
In Memory of Dr. David Yakacki ’69 Mrs. Linda Yakacki
In Honor of Macy Zenier ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Tedd Zenier Sr.
In Honor of Nicholas Young ’17, Zachary Young ’19, and Alexandra Young ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Young
Jerry Hludzik ’70 died in April following lengthy illness Famed musician, songwriter, and producer Jerry Hludzik ’70 died in Christiana, PA, near Philadelphia, after a long struggle with frontotemporal dementia. He lived in West Chester, PA and died peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, in the presence of his beloved wife, Annie Sheafer Hludzik. Hludzik was born February 28, 1952, and grew up in Jeddo. Hludzik graduated from MMI in 1970 after finding a niche as an athlete. But his athletic prowess was overshadowed by that of a promising rock Jerry Hludzik ’70 passed away on April 12, 2020, after a long struggle with frontotemporal dementia. musician on-the-rise. He went on to study album Somebody Else’s Dream in Los released on October 30, 2015. at Luzerne County Angeles. They took the name Dakota and Community College, where he met Bill The last time Hludzik performed released two albums and two hit songs, Kelly, co-founder of the famed Wilkesbefore an audience was on the Pittston “Runaway” and “If It Takes All Night,” Barre/Scranton, PA-based psychedelic/ Tomato Festival stage in August 2018 which cracked the Billboard Top 100 at progressive rock group, The Buoys. with his Buoys and Dakota bandmate #78. They opened for Queen on a 35-city and friend, Bill Kelly. In 2018, at a tribute Hludzik was a working musician for tour in 1980. His fans from Freeland and show for Jerry after his diagnosis, Kelly over 40 years hitting the charts with two Jeddo ran a bus trip to see Dakota and said, “He truly has a legacy of great NEPA-based nationally known bands — Queen in Philadelphia. music and he has inspired so many from The Buoys and Dakota. The Buoys song “Timothy” reached no. 15 on Billboard. With Kelly, he produced a national Top 10 hit for fellow NEPA native Jimmy Harnen, and was a staff songwriter for MCA music in Nashville in the late ‘80s/ early ‘90s, co-writing four songs for the Oak Ridge Boys. After the Buoys, he and Kelly formed the Jerry-Kelly Band and recorded the
Dakota stopped performing in 1987, with 17,000 fans at Montage giving them a rowdy send-off. Hludzik kept Dakota going as a studio band, releasing albums in the late 1990s and 2000s. In 2015, Hludzik reunited with Kelly and Jon Lorance and son Eli Hludzik on drums to record a new Dakota album titled Long Road Home, which was
the valley, including me.”
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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
Congratulations Class of 2020!
The MMI Class of 2020 celebrates their graduation during the 128th Commencement Ceremony on July 7.
Important Dates New Student Orientation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . First Day of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back to School Wine and Cheese. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meet the Teachers Night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Freshmen Orientation and Pajama Parade . . . . . . . . Freshmen-Senior Activities and Bondfire. . . . . . . . . .
August 24 August 25 September 2 September 9 September 17 September 18