W
i nt e r
2 019
Andrew Straw ’75 will deliver speech at 2019 commencement ceremony Andrew Krzywicki Straw ’75, the global portfolio manager for fiber optic connectivity product development for Corning Incorporated and a former Colonel in the Army Reserve, will serve as the commencement speaker at MMI’s 2019 Commencement Ceremony on May 23.
assigned to the First Cavalry Division. He later served as a general staff officer at Fort Monroe, Virginia, before leaving active duty in 1985. He continued his military service as an Army Reserve officer, was recalled to active duty at the Pentagon in 2002, and retired from the Army Reserve in 2008 with the rank of Colonel.
In his role at Corning, Straw manages a portfolio of more than 50 development projects for fiber-to-the-home, data center, and distributed antenna system products. He has worked in the fiber optic communications industry for more than 30 years in a variety of engineering and management roles, including applications and field engineering, manufacturing, and research and development.
Straw earned Master of Science degrees in Administration from Central Michigan University and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College and holds Professional Engineer certifications from both Virginia and North Carolina. With such an accomplished career both in the military and in his various engineering roles, Straw cited the research and presentation experience that he learned while he was a student at MMI as impactful skills he carried with him throughout his life.
Straw was the salutatorian of MMI’s Class Andrew Straw of 1975 and discussed science and the future in his graduation address. He spoke about the “In junior and senior social studies, each student various problems and dilemmas that science needed to overcome as was required to research and present a topic to the class every the Earth’s population grew. Straw’s speech noted the responsibility several weeks throughout the entire year. That experience, along of science to supply food, space, energy, and the essentials necessary with mandatory annual assembly presentations to the entire student to maintain life on our planet. body, built my confidence in public speaking. It is a skill that has During his graduation ceremony, Straw was awarded the Eckley served me well ever since; as a student, a military officer, a business B. Coxe Jr. Memorial prizes for scholarship and mathematics and manager, and a community leader. was recognized for placing first in the senior division of the Luzerne As he prepares to deliver his commencement address, Straw County Mathematics Contest. hopes to encourage and inspire the members of the Class of 2019 as In light of his achievements during his time at MMI, Straw said they prepare to embark on their future. he was honored when asked to serve as the graduation speaker. “I hope above all to offer the Class of 2019 encouragement. I “I am thrilled to have been invited to give the Founder’s Address follow their achievements in the newsletter and on social media, for the 127th commencement at MMI. Throughout my adult life, I and they have much of which to be proud. But I also remember that have felt very close to the school, though distance has limited my theirs can be an uncertain, challenging, and even scary time of life. personal involvement in alumni activities. I consider it a high honor Perhaps they will find something from my own journey inspiring as to contribute to this significant event in the lives of the next cohort well. That would be icing on the cake!” of MMI alumni.” Straw, a former Drums resident, and his wife, Anita Doran, reside After graduating from MMI, Straw was awarded an Army ROTC in Hickory, North Carolina, where they are active members of St. college scholarship and studied mechanical engineering at Lehigh Luke’s United Methodist Church and avid supporters of the arts. In University. his spare time, he enjoys restoring antique automobiles. Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree, he was commissioned as an engineer officer in the United States Army and
T
h e
N
e w s l e tt e r
o f
MMI
P
r e p a r a t o r y
S
c h o o l
From the Head of School Dear Families and Friends, My how time flies! It has been more than ten years since I last greeted you from this space. Then, the MMI class of ’58 was preparing for its 50th reunion, many of our sixth graders were only 1 year old, and the United States was headed into a recession. It is nice to be back and help my alma mater. I found the school to be in good shape and everyone is working hard in typical MMI fashion. Many academic competitions are underway, including Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, Future Business Leaders of America, Envirothon, Mock Trial, and various robotics and mathematics competitions. All students are getting ready for their Open House projects, too. Its awe-inspiring to see the school so busy. This time of year, the winter sports have finished and the spring sports are practicing. But you know the weather conditions that the outdoor sports have to endure during this change of seasons in northeastern Pennsylvania! This is an exciting, and sometimes anxious, time for seniors and their families as they finalize their college decisions. Many of them have excellent choices to make. All are looking forward to graduation day in May. While all of that is going on, internally the school is working on many things, including making it the safest school possible, as we continue to get high marks on our preparedness. Our accreditation process is on schedule with the submission of our self-study document. We are working diligently on making our students aware of the hurtfulness of cyberbullying and other kinds of meanness, and using smartphone technology and social media for good. The recent changes to administrative positions noted elsewhere in the newsletter will focus on working with the faculty to explore new curriculum initiatives and enhance classroom management. MMI alumni should begin to plan their reunion activities, especially the five-year reunion classes, as it is only five months away. The school will help any class with planning their particular events, and we encourage you to use the Alumni Weekend for your events. As we move from winter to spring, and hoping that the groundhog was correct, I wish you the very best that the renewal of the season can bring. Sincerely yours,
William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D. Acting Head of School
MMI Today is the official newsletter of MMI Preparatory School 154 Centre Street Freeland, PA 18224
2
William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D. – Acting Head of School/President Emeritus
570-636-1108 570-636-0742 (fax) mmi@mmiprep.org www.mmiprep.org
Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus
Former MMI President William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D. named Acting Head of School for remainder of 2018-19 school year The MMI Board of Directors has announced the appointment of President Emeritus William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D as Acting Head of School to succeed D. Scott Wiggins, who stepped down over the holidays for personal reasons.
masters degree in chemistry from Drexel University, and holds a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Temple University.
An experienced teacher and administrator, Dr. Shergalis has spent more than twenty years in educational leadership William A. Shergalis ’58, Ph.D. at the collegiate level, A long-time member including ten years as the of the MMI community, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Shergalis served as President (Head of at King’s College in Wilkes-Barre. School) from 2001 to 2008, after serving as Chairman of the Board from 1996 to Most recently, he was an Adjunct 2000. Professor of Chemistry at King’s, stepping In 2008, he was named President Emeritus of MMI and was inducted into the MMI Wall of Fame in honor of his service to the school. Dr. Shergalis is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, received his
down from that post in December 2018. “Dr. Shergalis is a highly accomplished educator and has been an engaged supporter of MMI Preparatory School for virtually his entire life,” MMI Board Chairman John H. Hersker
’76 said. “We are fortunate to have this dedicated and proven leader at the helm.” Dr. Shergalis will serve through the balance of the 2018-19 school year. MMI has also launched a search for a new Head of School to begin at the start of the 2019-20 school year. The Board has formed a search committee comprised of current board members Llewellyn F. Dryfoos III ’82, John H. Hersker ’76, Theresa Long, and Stanley B. Warner III ’92, and former board member William F. Loftus ’62. Hersker added, “With a dedicated faculty and staff under the experienced leadership of Dr. Shergalis, we are confident that MMI is in good hands and we look forward to a great spring semester.”
Justin Vincent and Lisa Marie Ferry named to Dean positions On February 19, Acting Head of School Dr. William A. Shergalis ’58 announced two administrative changes at MMI. Justin Vincent was named to the newly-created position of Academic Dean and will have all duties related to academic matters. Lisa Marie Ferry was named to the newly-created position of Dean of Students and will have responsibility for student discipline, dress code, and general student comportment. Between them, Vincent and Ferry will be handling all responsibilities previously assigned to the Assistant Head of School, and therefore the Assistant Head of School position has been eliminated. Justin Vincent began teaching at MMI in 2004 as a Computer Science and Technology instructor and has served as the Interim Assistant Head of School since 2017. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Elizabethtown College and a master’s degree in Instructional Technology from Wilkes University. Vincent resides in Orangeville with his wife, Melinda, and sons, Ethan, Elliot, Micah, and Jaxon. Lisa Marie Ferry earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Photography and Anthropology from Bloomsburg University and a Master’s degree in Art Education with an Emphasis in Special Populations from Moore College of Art & Design. Ferry has served the MMI
Art and Anthropology instructor Lisa Marie Ferry, left, has been named Dean of Students and Computer Science and Technology instructor Justin Vincent, right, has been named Academic Dean.
community as a member of the faculty for more than 11 years and has acted as an Interim Dean since 2017. Ferry resides in Drums with her husband, John, and youngest son, J.T., who is in fifth grade. Her three eldest children are MMI graduates: Caitlin Ferry ’10, Amber Ferry ’14, and Hayle Shearer ’14. Dr. Shergalis stated, “MMI is indeed fortunate to have seasoned professionals like Mr. Vincent and Mrs. Ferry who have proven themselves highly capable
of carrying out the duties of their newly created positions.” MMI Board of Directors chairman John H. Hersker ’76 said, “The MMI Board of Directors enthusiastically supports Dr. Shergalis’s efforts to strengthen his administrative team, and are excited about his choice of Mr. Justin Vincent and Mrs. Lisa Marie Ferry to assume the responsibilities formerly associated with the Assistant Head of School position.”
3
MMI’s new Harkness tables will help prepare students for college discussion-based learning courses MMI recently purchased two Harkness tables to transform two classrooms into Collaborative Learning Labs to help prepare students for the discussion-based learning courses they will find in college. The purchase was made possible by a donation from Dr. Philip A. McHale ’58 and Ms. Linda Tishko. The Harkness table-teaching concept was developed by philanthropist Edward Harkness in 1930 and first instituted at the Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. Students sit around an oval table and their teacher instructs them in a tutorial or conference method, where each student is encouraged to speak up. Students are given discussion points and lead the instruction, while the teacher acts as a facilitator. The Harkness approach to teaching is designed to explore the use of studentcentered, discussion-based education.
Donna Titus’ 10th grade English Class (above) and Jennifer Novotney’s AP English Class (below) are pictured using the Harkness table to transform two classrooms into Collaborative Learning Labs.
The teaching method also allows the students and their teacher to track the amount of time each student spends talking and grades are given based on participation. English instructors Jennifer Novotney and Donna Titus attended the five-day
Exeter Humanities Institute conference for secondary English and History teachers at the end of June 2018 and are currently using the Harkness teaching method with their eighth, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade classes. The Harkness method was introduced in English classes at MMI for the beginning of the 20182019 school year. MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty said, “What I learned through our annual faculty wish list process is that we are looking to expand the classroom experience and bring more of a higher education feel to the campus. Dr. McHale and Ms. Tishko shared the desire to help further collaborative efforts across our curriculum and this initiative was a perfect match. We are very grateful for their generous donation.”
MMI uses ExxonMobil grant to buy Digital Dry Bath machine MMI received a $500 grant from the ExxonMobil Foundation that it used toward the purchase of a Digital Dry Bath machine for the school’s science department. Liberty Petroleum Distributors nominated the school for the grant. Scientists use the digital dry bath’s stainless steel chamber and aluminum block for rapid and even heating of samples in standard centrifuge and microcentrifuge tubes. The high-wattage heater is microprocessor controlled for precise temperature control.
4
Since the program’s inception in 2011, MMI has received more than $5,500 in ExxonMobil grant money through Liberty Petroleum Distributors. The funds helped the school purchase several items for its math, science, and technology departments, including a digital incubator, form scanner, associated software for the school’s 3D printer, and supplies for a collaborative project between the Marine Biology and Robotics classes where students worked toward building Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicles (ROVs).
MMI received a $500 ExxonMobil Foundation grant for its science and technology departments through a nomination from Liberty Petroleum Distributors. Pictured are, from left: MMI freshman Thomas Mayernik, Arjan Aulakh of Liberty Petroleum Distributors, MMI Acting Head of School Dr. William A. Shergalis ’58, MMI freshman Amelia Minzola, and MMI Science Department Chair Michael Mele.
Seventy-five MMI students recently competed at the Pennsylvania FBLA Regional Leadership Conference and 50 students advanced to the state finals. Pictured are, first row, from left: FBLA Advisor, Katherine Zucco, Kaitlyn McGeehan, Elizabeth Borchick, Lindsay Horvat, Morgan Strecker, Grace Warner, Kaylee Witner, Olivia Bartholomew, Rachael Betz, Andrellie Puntiel, Katharine Pinto, and Madeline Dryfoos. Second row: Jacqueline Snyder, Elizabeth Eckhart, McKenna Gallagher, Katherine Lewandowski, Hiba Muhammad, Morgan Allen, Samantha Sparich, Alexis Dalesandro, Irene Altmiller, Alexis Zola, Paige Machulsky, and Kennedy Tavaris. Third row: Kaitlyn Bellizia, Jessica McClellan, Sydney Kohl, Kimberly Amentler, Julie Amentler, Hannah Falatko, Mahum Ahmed, Kelisa Hysenbegasi, Amanda Kalada-Kania, Alyssa Sweda, Emily Ankiewicz, and Kai Mele. Fourth row: Maxwell Santana, Elliot Blasko, Brian Payne, Ryan McNelis, James Kelly, Carter Frask, Marcus Kassick, Hugh Soltau, Josue Rodriquez, and Harrison Kress. Fifth row: Ian Dewar, Keefer Hoover, Darren Zheng, Wesley Guarneri, Coleman Smith, Andrew Decker, David Antolick, Alexander Jordan, Adam Tron, and Nicholas Carrato. Sixth row: Matthew Marchetti, Jayden Bonham, Kevin McNulty, Colin Williams, Frederick Mejia, Alexander Kline, Christian Badamo, Marcus Danchision, Ethan Stine, and Zachary Young.
Fifty students qualify to compete at FBLA State conference Fifty of MMI’s 75 student competitors qualified for the Pennsylvania FBLA State Leadership Conference during the Regional Leadership Conference competition.
(Intro to Business Presentation); Emily Ankiewicz, Adam Tron, and Katharine Pinto (Management Decision Making); and Amanda Kalada Kania (Political Science).
The top five students in each test event advance to states and the top two students or teams in each performance event advance to the state competition, which will be held April 8-10 in Hershey. MMI Social Sciences instructor Katherine Zucco is the FBLA advisor and Flashback Cinema sponsors MMI’s FBLA chapter.
Third-place finishers and state qualifiers are: Alexander Kline (Business Calculations); Wesley Guarneri and Coleman Smith (Entrepreneurship); Nicholas Carrato, Marcus Kassick, and Kaitlyn McGeehan (Global Business); Carter Frask, Kai Mele, and Hugh Soltau (Marketing); and Christian Badamo (Political Science).
Fifteen MMI students placed first in individual or team competitions and will advance to the state competition. Firstplace finishers and their events are: Keefer Hoover (Accounting); Frederick Mejia (Business Calculations); Morgan Allen and Samantha Sparich (Business Ethics); Mahum Ahmed, Kelisa Hysenbegasi, and Alyssa Sweda (Emerging Business Issues); Elizabeth Borchick, Julie Amentler, and Kimberly Amentler (Graphic Design); Jayden Bonham (Intro to Business Communications); Morgan Long (Personal Finance); and David Antolick, Alexander Jordan, and Christian Yamulla (Sports & Entertainment Management). Additionally, 35 students finished in the top five and will advance to the state competition. Second-place finishers and state qualifiers are: Elliot Blasko (Communications); Rachael Betz (Intro to Business); Sydney Kohl, McKenna Gallagher, and Jacqueline Snyder
Fourth-place finishers and state qualifiers are: Brian Payne (Cyber Security); Zachary Young (Healthcare Administration); Ian Dewar, Matthew Marchetti, and Maxwell Santana
(Hospitality Management); Kaylee Witner (Intro to Business); Hannah Falatko (Intro to Business Procedures); James Kelly (Intro to Business Math); and Andrellie Puntiel, Josue Rodriguez, and Harrison Kress (Sports & Entertainment Management). Fifth-place finishers and state qualifiers are: Irene Altmiller (Advertising); Jessica McClellan (Hospitality Management); Kevin McNulty (Intro to Business Math); Olivia Bartholomew (Intro to Information Technology); and Paige Machulsky (Political Science). Lindsay Horvat (third place in Intro to Public Speaking), Catherine Havrilla and Madyson Hornack (third place for Graphic Design), and Violet O’Connell (fourth place in Publication Design) also finished in the top five but did not qualify for the state competition.
Zheng earns FBLA spot in special competition Sophomore Darren Zheng participated in a special, state-only project and earned the right to advance to the Pennsylvania Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Leadership Conference based on his work in the Computer Game and Simulation competitive event.
For the qualifying competition, students were required to create a game designed to test a member’s knowledge of FBLA. The game had to produce questions to be presented to the user comprising a minimum of five different FBLA-related topics. The event tested the programmer’s skill in designing a functional, interactive simulation/game that would both entertain and educate/ inform the player.
Darren Zheng
5
Andrew Decker advances to Poetry Out Loud state finals April on WVIA-TV as part of the station’s National Poetry Month celebration.
MMI senior Andrew Decker won the regional Poetry Out Loud competition at the WVIATV studios and advanced to the Pennsylvania state championships in Harrisburg.
For the state championships, Decker will memorize and recite three poems. Final rankings will be based solely on evaluation sheets submitted by judges and take into consideration a student’s physical presence, voice, articulation, and their performance and comprehension of the poems. State champions will advance to the national semifinals and finals, which will be held April 30 and May 1 at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
Decker, the son of Atty. Elizabeth and Troy Topolski of Sugarloaf and Aaron Decker of Kingston, won MMI’s school competition for the fourth consecutive year. He previously won the regional championship as MMI senior Andrew Decker captured the regional Poetry Out Loud championship and will advance to the state championship in a sophomore and finished Harrisburg. Pictured with Decker is MMI English instrutor and Poetry in the top five in the state Out Loud advisor Jennifer Novotney. The Poetry Out Loud program competition that year. helps students master public Educational Intermediate Unit 19, Decker has placed in the speaking skills, build self-confidence, Decker faced students from throughout top three at regionals each of the past and learn about literary history and Luzerne, Lackawanna, northwestern four years, having finished second as a contemporary life. Since 2005, Poetry Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne, and eastern freshman and third as a junior. Out Loud has grown to reach more Wyoming counties. MMI English than 3 million students and 50,000 During the regional competition, instructor Jennifer Novotney served as teachers from 10,000 schools in every which was held under the direction the Poetry Out Loud advisor. state, Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin of Arts in Education of Northeastern The regional event will be televised in Islands, and Puerto Rico. Pennsylvania and Northeastern
MMI receives $1,000 EITC contribution from FNCB Bank MMI received a $1,000 contribution from FNCB Bank through the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program that the school will use to support needbased scholarships for students. The EITC program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. MMI Director of Advancement Kim McNulty said, “On behalf of everyone at MMI, I’d like to thank FNCB for once again making such a generous contribution to our school. We strive to support families to make sure an MMI education is available to all students who qualify for admission. Donations to MMI, like this one through the EITC program, will directly support funding for children in need and provide them with the opportunity to attend our school.”
6
FNCB Vice President Mike Cummings said, “Since 2010, FNCB has contributed more than $1.6 million to local educational and scholarship organizations through the EITC initiative and our larger Community Caring initiative. We take pride in our role as a local, community bank and work to make a difference through volunteerism, donations, and outreach programs.” For more than 100 years, FNCB has
provided not only comprehensive and cutting-edge personal banking products, but also a high level of personalized service and dedication to communities throughout northeast Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. For more information, visit www.fncb.com. Pennsylvania is one of only a few states in the nation that offers the EITC MMI received a $1,000 contribution from FNCB Bank through program, which the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program that the gives tax credits to school will use to support need-based scholarships for students. eligible businesses Pictured are, from left: MMI Acting Head of School Dr. William A. contributing to Shergalis ’58, Frank Kost ’02 of FNCB Bank, and MMI Director of a scholarship Advancement Kim McNulty. organization. taxes in Pennsylvania can receive up Through the program, all businesses that to $300,000 in tax credits annually. donate to MMI are eligible to receive Donations of any amount are eligible for tax credits amounting to 75 percent of the tax credit. their charitable contribution for a oneFor more information about the year period. The tax credit increases Education Improvement Tax Credit to 90 percent if the company commits program, contact Kim McNulty at 570to making the same donation for two 636-1108 or kmcnulty@mmiprep.org. consecutive years. A business paying
Students give thanks on annual Founders Day MMI students honored their school’s founder, Eckley Brinton Coxe, and his wife, Sophia Georgianna Coxe, during an assembly at the school and graveside service in November, giving thanks for the Coxes’ contributions to the school and the area. An all-school assembly was held in the MMI cafeteria, where senior class officers presented information about MMI’s history. At the conclusion of the assembly, the senior class traveled to the grounds of St. James Episcopal Church in Drifton, where they held a wreathlaying ceremony at the gravesites of Mr. and Mrs. Coxe, more than 120 years after Eckley Coxe’s death. The school also welcomed back young alumni from the last four graduating years to visit with faculty, staff, and students in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center.
Above, members of the MMI senior class gather at the gravesite of founder Eckley Coxe and his wife, Sophia, during the annual Founder’s Day ceremony. Below right, Senior Class President Nicholas Carrato, second from left, places a wreath on the gravesite. Also pictured are, from left: MMI World Language instructor Rev. Lawrence Barriger, Senior Class Secretary/Treasurer Zachary Young, and Senior Class Vice President Summer Evancho.
MMI hosted a young alumni gathering in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center as part of the 2018 Founder’s Day celebration! It was great to catch up!
Coxe House renovations are underway The home of our founders, Eckley B. Coxe and Sophia G. Coxe, located in Drifton, is getting a facelift this winter thanks to a Community Development Block Grant! This grant was filed by the CAN DO Community Foundation to the Luzerne County Office of Community Development and received by The Sophia Coxe Memorial Foundation and Education Center.
7
Michael Kranyak wins MMI sixth grade science fair Michael Kranyak captured first place in MMI’s sixth grade science fair. Kranyak won for his project entitled “Are Permanent Markers Really Permanent?” Danica Karlick was the runner-up for her project “Gel Polish vs. Traditional Polish” and Kendall Orozco finished third for her project “The Birthday Paradox.” Winners were honored with certificates and one-of-a-kind medals created on MMI’s Glowforge Laser Cutter, donated last year by Dr. Philip A. McHale ’58 and Ms. Linda Tishko. Several other students were recognized for their efforts. Willa Bartholomew (“Homemade Lipbalms: Testing Water Seals”), Alexander Composto (“The Effect of Temperature on Magnet Strength”), and Silvia Roberto (“Effectiveness of Household Cleaning Agents on Sponges”) all received Procedural Prodigy awards. Joshua Hoover (“Can Air Pressure Cause an Egg to be Pushed into a Bottle?”), Nicholas
Michael Kranyak captured first place in the sixth grade science fair. Pictured is the presentation for his project entitled “Are Permanent Markers Really Permanent?”
Pantages (“Which Bridge Can Hold More Weight?”), and Avery Pohida (“Oil Spills and Marine Life”) were given Budding Scientist Awards. Gracie Magula (“Iron in Cereal”) and Nanci Major (“The Power of pH; The Effects of pH on Fish Respiration
Rates”) were recognized with Innovative Idea awards. Twenty-four MMI students completed projects as a part of the annual science fair. Sixth grade students learn about Life Sciences as part of MMI’s middle-school curriculum.
Interact Club collects items for California wildlife victims The MMI Interact Club collected disaster relief items that were sent to California wildfire victims through the Faith Assembly Church. Pictured are club members, first row, from left: Elizabeth Eckhart, Jessica McClellan, Kaitlyn Bellizia, Madeline Dryfoos, Ariah-Kirn Saeed, and Emily Mundorf. Second row: Interact Club Advisor Michael Scarlato, Justin Weiksner, Frederick Mejia, and Ethan Warner.
Sweda, Lewandowski named first semester “Best of the Best”
8
Katherine Lewandowski and Alyssa Sweda, pictured at center from left to right, tied for first place as MMI’s “Best of the Best” for the first semester. Also pictured are, from left: Ella Urosevich and Samantha Sparich, who also competed in “Best of the Best.” Sweda’s presentation focused on Henri Bendel, while Lewandowski discussed the Bilderberg Group. Urosevich talked about how technology negatively affects us and Sparich gave a presentation on The Hero’s Journey in literature.
Mid-School students welcome grandparents, grandfriends
Mid-School Grandparents and Grandfriends Day was held on November 27. MMI welcomed 86 guests, who attended lunch and class with our 90 middleschool students.
Boys’ basketball team wins second consecutive District 2 Class A title
Congratulations to the MMI boys’ basketball team for winning their second consecutive District 2 title with a 63-28 victory over Salem Christian in the District 11/2 Sub Regional Single A Quarterfinals on February 21.
9
McGraw family visits MMI and views science lab equipment purchased in memory of Dr. Thomas P.J. McGraw, D.O. ’52 Mrs. Anne McGraw visited MMI in December with two of her children, Mrs. Anne McGraw Reeves and Mr. Sean McGraw. Mrs. McGraw was married to the late Dr. Thomas P.J. McGraw, D.O. ’52 for 58 years before his passing in December, 2016. Thanks to the generosity of the entire McGraw family, memorial gifts were sent to MMI and were used to purchase numerous pieces of lab equipment in his honor. The McGraws were able to spend some time visiting with Science Department Chair Michael Mele and view the equipment that was purchased in their husband’s and father’s memory.
MMI Entrance exam for 2019-2020 will be held June 4 MMI will hold an Entrance Exam on Tuesday, June 4 at 9 a.m. at the school. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited openings remain for the coming school year so any families who may be interested in an MMI education are encouraged to sign up for the exam. MMI has a 9:1 student to faculty ratio. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Director of Enrollment Management and Marketing Marci Hosier said, “The return on investment in an MMI education is clearly demonstrated when looking at our students’ success across all aspects of their lives. While last year’s graduating class of 38 received offers for more than $8.1 million in awards and scholarships to attend some of the best colleges and universities in the country, the leadership roles our students embrace, the activities they are involved in, and the general willingness to go above and beyond are what really makes our students and graduates shine. Whether a student comes to MMI in the 6th grade, 9th grade, or any grade, our caring faculty and staff work toward preparing them for their next step.” For more information, or to register, for the Entrance Exam, contact Marci Hosier at (570)-636-1108.
Parents, alumni, friends gather for MMI Mid-Winter Social
10
MMI hosted their annual Mid-Winter Social at Valley Country Club on Wednesday, February 27. A great time was had by all who attended!
Science Honor Society and Richard Abrams ’88 will help fund students’ PA Junior Academy of Science projects project, intent, general The Science National layout, and budget. Honor Society (SNHS) has This proposal was then kicked off a new initiative presented by the student this year helping current to a group of three SNHS students by funding largersenior officers and two scale Pennsylvania Junior PJAS faculty advisors prior Academy of Science (PJAS) to the winter holiday projects. break. The 2018-2019 SNHS The officers and officers, and standing advisors met and members, are supporting worked to determine a the PJAS competition by level of funding, based instituting a grant program on the practicality, that allows for supplemental feasibility, presentation, funding to students who seek preparedness, and overall to develop projects beyond cost. Students were the scope of conventional notified in early January finances. of their funding. The sources of the One project that supplemental funding received funding this includes: a private donation year was designed from Richard Abrams ’88 by sophomore Louis and SNHS fundraisers and DeAngelo. membership fees. According to DeAngelo, Funding allocations were “The goal of my project not based on household was to create a tie that need or family finances, but Sophomore Louis DeAngelo received funding for his Pennsylvania could display any pattern provided through a grantJunior Academy of Science project through a new initiative. or animation that I could style approach. funding might be required should program for it. I used a Traditionally, materials a student wish to complete a more board of LED lights that displays required for PJAS projects were any color and a very small computer purchased by the student and his/her advanced project. To kick off this new program, that could fit in your pocket or on family. students developed proposals for the back of the tie. I had a lot of fun The average financial scope of a large-scale project including building the light-up tie.” most PJAS student projects ranges descriptions of the scope of the from $5-$100, however, additional
MMI to mark 140th anniversary with inaugural Day of Giving Celebrate MMI’s 140th anniversary by helping to support our Day of Giving! MMI will hold its first ever Day of Giving on May 7, 2019, in honor of the first day of school at MMI, which was on May 7, 1879! On that date in our history, eleven young men from the local coal mines began night classes at the Institute for Mining & Mechanics. Details will be forthcoming and we hope you will support this initiative!
11
MMI receives Department of Environmental Protection grant to correct baseball field drainage issues MMI received a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation (BAMR) that it will use to make repairs to its baseball field. The repairs are to correct drainage problems caused by water growth in an abandoned mine slope under the outfield. MMI experienced minor water issues on the field during the 2016 baseball season but the winter melt following heavy snowfall prior to the 2017 season and rains prior to the 2018 season caused pools of water to develop on the field. The baseball field was dedicated in 2012 and used for five seasons before the drainage problems made the area unplayable for the 2018 season. The Preppers played all but one of their 2018 games at the Freeland Babe Ruth field in Drifton. Ryan Jastremky, MMI business manager and varsity baseball coach, said, “We thought the heavy snow leading up to the 2017 baseball season, especially the March storm, as well as rain before the 2018 season caused us to see much more water on the field than we have had in the past. Sections of the field were
MMI received a grant to make repairs to its baseball field.
just puddles and water was bubbling up from the ground onto the field.”
contacted the BAMR to conduct an investigation.
In the spring of 2017, MMI consulted with architect Architerra, PC and contractor Franzosa Trucking, Inc., about the water issues but, since the fields eventually dried out, no corrective action was taken at that time.
After meeting with MMI administration, the Chairman of the MMI Board of Directors’ Property Committee, and the contractor, and after obtaining water samples and conducting further research, the BAMR concluded underground mine drainage was the source of the water that was affecting the playability of the field.
When the issues reoccurred in 2018, a community member suggested that they could be mine related and MMI
Drama Club presents An Evening of One-Act Comedies IV
12
The Upper School Drama Club performed An Evening of One-Act Comedies IV on December 7 and 8 in the cafeteria. The entire Prepper Playhouse will present the spring musical, “Mel Brooks – Young Frankenstein,” on April 5 and 6 at 7 p.m.
Around Campus MMI is a very active and vibrant school community. Here are just a few of the things our students and faculty have been up to... Carolers were accompanied by music instructor Daniel DeMelfi on the piano. Gabriela Moustardas is the German Language instructor.
Students made cards and wrote letters to service members. The cards and letters were given to the Freeland American Legion to be included in care packages sent overseas for the holidays. Pictured are sixth grade students.
On November 20, seventh and eighth grade students participated in a music composition workshop with Lloyd Smith and Allen Krantz of the Wister Quartet. The Wister Quartet visits to MMI are made possible in part by Dr. James W. Feussner ’65, in memory of Elizabeth Feussner, and The Sowers and Turri Music and Arts Fund of the Luzerne Foundation. The MMI Boys Basketball Team assisted Brueningsen Memorial Food Pantry volunteers in preparing bags for distribution in mid-December. The Chamber Ensemble, under the direction of music instructor Christine Lizbinski, performed at the 26th annual CAN DO Community Christmas
on December 5. Ensemble members played several selections to open the 90-minute show. The free concert featured student musical and choral groups from schools throughout Greater Hazleton. On November 30, Upper School German Language students visited the Moravian Museum, Hoover Mason Trestle (Steel Stacks), and the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem. Two days later, students in the German language program attended Christmas at Eckley where they sang German Christmas Carols at the Episcopalian Church in the Eckley Miners’ Village.
Seventh grade student Heath Williams, center, won MMI’s National Geographic GeoBee competition and eighth grader Jakob Narrow, left, placed second. Williams will now take an online qualifying test for entrance into the state competition. MMI Social Sciences instructor Grete Floryshak ’92 served as MMI’s GeoBee coordinator and the moderator for the competition.
Senior Alexander Kline and junior Andrellie Puntiel received Honorable Mentions in the Scholastic Writing Awards competition. Kline won in the Critical Essay category for his piece entitled “The Four Frankensteins Character Duplication and the Gothic Doppelganger in Frankenstein.” Puntiel captured the award in the Poetry category for her poem “The 21st Century.” MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney served as the advisor for the competition. Sophomore Katherine Lewandowski took second place in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) state-level Voice of Democracy competition. Lewandowski was one of 24 winners out of the more than 3,000 essay entries received at the district level. Lewandowski captured first place in the District 11 competition earlier this year. As the District 11 winner, she earned a place at the 33rd annual Pennsylvania VFW Voice of Democracy Banquet at the Department of Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Department Auxiliary 2019 Mid-Winter Conference, which was on January 26 in Cranberry.
The MMI team of, from left, Alexander Sessock, Darren Zheng, Frederick Mejia, and Zachary Young finished fourth in the Brain Teasers and Quiz Bowl categories in the annual Bloomsburg University Math Contest. Also pictured is Susan Moyer, MMI math instructor and department chair, who was the advisor for the competition.
13
Around Campus MMI is a very active and vibrant school community. Here are just a few of the things our students and faculty have been up to... Senior Jessica McClellan was named the Wyoming Valley Conference’s Golfer of the Year. She was a three-time District 2 qualifier, a three-time East Regional qualifier, and a two-time participant in the state tournament. She claimed her first district title this season after consecutive runner-up finishes in the past. Every year since her sophomore season, she began the postseason with a victory in the Pre-district Tournament, where she was a three-time winner. This season, McClellan became the first regional champion for the conference since Brandon Matthews, who is currently playing professionally. McClellan also became the first girl in the history of MMI to qualify for the state tournament, was the first two-time state qualifier for the school, and just the second student-athlete ever to reach the PIAA Championships.
Independent Schools and the intent was to help spark conversation amongst our student population around building community, kindness, antibullying, and social issues.
MMI’s math team earned second place at the King’s College Math Contest. Thirteen schools and more than 140 students competed in both individual and team competitions. Senior Frederick Mejia took home top honors for the MMI team.
Junior Benjamin Putnam placed third out of 11 string bass musicians at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Orchestra Festival seating auditions and advanced to the Northeast Region Orchestra Festival in February. He also participated in the recent District 9 Orchestra Festival, which was held at Marywood University,
On February 11, MMI took an all-school field trip to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts for a free screening of the Mr. Rogers documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? MMI was able to bring this screening to our school community through the National Association of
14
The senior class got a lesson in Dining, Interviewing, and Cross-Cultural etiquette on December 10 from Dr. John Mellon of Misericordia University and Dr. John Etiquette, LLC.
The MMI Interact Club is spending the winter making blankets for those less fortunate. Interact is a service organization for high school students who desire to volunteer their time and aid school and community. MMI’s Interact Club is sponsored by Hazleton Rotary, Freeland Rotary, and Rotary International. The word Interact stands for international action. On behalf of MMI’s Interact Club, senior President Jessica McClellan, pictured second from the left, recently received a grant in the amount of $1,000 from Hazleton Rotary to support the blanket project. Pictured with McClellan are, from left, Rotary Project Committee Chair Kim McNulty and President Elect Alan Whitaker ’83.
Sophomore James Kelly, center, captured first place in MMI’s annual Spanish II Piñata contest. Kelly won the contest for his rendition of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi’s jersey. Sophomore Gregory Leonard, right, placed second for his Venezuelan Devil while classmate Ryan McNelis, left, was third for his Cuban missile piñata.
along with 125 musicians from throughout the Northeast Pennsylvania region. Spanish language classes held an all school assembly to share the story of Los Tres Reyes, or the three kings. The story, written by the classes and told in both Spanish and English, shared the tradition that in many Latin American countries the Three Kings are the bearers of gifts during the holiday season. Katherine Zucco’s 12th grade Modern American History class engaged in the Ethics Bowl-Optimal Debate process. The students discussed the ethical dilemma governments face when presented with opportunities to set up and enforce standards for individuals and businesses to conduct legitimate activities that also allow for maintaining a sense of economic liberty. The debate process allows students to research and discuss topics, encouraging them to deepen their understanding and appreciation of compelling and complex ethical and philosophical issues.
Angst Literary Magazine 2017-18 edition receives Superior ranking from the National Council of Teachers of English MMI ’s 2017-2018 edition of the Angst Literary Magazine received a Superior ranking in the 2018 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) Program. The mission of NCTE’s REALM Program is to recognize excellent literary magazines produced by students with the support of their teachers. REALM is designed to encourage all schools to develop literary magazines that celebrate the art and craft of writing. This is the second consecutive year that MMI students received an award from the NCTE for the literary magazine. Last year, the NCTE recommended MMI’s publication for its highest award and the publication earned a silver award from the Pennsylvania School Press Association. MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney worked with a group of student editors to publish the literary magazine. Angst Literary Magazine student editors were Jaclyn Braunstein ’18, Nicolo Cottone ’18, Kelisa Hysenbegasi, Mahum Ahmed, Alyssa Sweda, Lauren Herman, Madeline Dryfoos, Macy Zenier, Adam Tron, and Emily Ankiewicz. State and national judges complete the first round of judging. Awards are based on a point system. The total points awarded to magazines determine placement. Magazines that received between 86 and 100 points are deemed Superior.
Lenko family donation used to purchase anatomy kits
Thank you to Mr. Jason Lenko and Dr. Jodi W. Lenko ’99! The Lenkos donated funds to purchase new anatomy kits for dissections in MMI’s Anatomy and Physiology class.
Volleyball team holds American Cancer Society t-shirt fundraiser The MMI volleyball team sold shirts as a Play for PINK initiative that could be worn during a dress down day at school to raise money for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. Custom Ink, who made the shirts, also made a donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of the Lady Preppers volleyball team.
15
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe
Taylor Olian ’10 receives 2019 Mason Pressly Memorial Medal Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has announced MMI alumna Taylor E. Olian ’10 as the recipient of the 2019 Mason Pressly Memorial Medal. The award is presented to a student for his or her outstanding achievement and service to the College, the community, and the osteopathic profession. Recipients are selected by representatives of the overall college community. Olian received her medal at PCOM’s Founders’ Day Awards Luncheon on January 25. Olian will receive her doctor of osteopathic medicine from PCOM in the spring. She received her undergraduate degree from Elizabethtown College in 2014 and her certificate in biomedical sciences from PCOM in 2015. Olian’s commitment to the College is made evident through her active involvement in various clubs and organizations on campus. An example is her role as president of PCOM’s Robert Berger Pediatrics Society, through which she has increased her own and her colleagues’ exposure to pediatric subspecialties and has expanded the club’s educational component through presentations by alumni. She was also a member of the College’s Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Otolaryngology clubs, as well as its chapter of the Association of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians. Olian is active as well in the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), serving as the assistant district representative and then the district representative for District 3 (covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, and West Virginia) to facilitate communication between the Academy and medical schools and to help plan national advocacy events. She also is a member of the leadership council of the AAP’s Section on Pediatric Trainees—the Academy’s
largest section with 16,000 medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees, — serving as its national liaison to the Section on Osteopathic Pediatricians. In addition to her work on campus, Olian is an active volunteer in her community, logging more than 400 community service hours in her four years of medical school. Since 2009, Olian has spent four days each summer at Camp AsthmaCadabra, an overnight camp designed for children with asthma between ages 7 and 13, in White Haven, Pennsylvania. She began as a counselor and subsequently joined the medical staff, and she plans to take on a leadership role in the next few years. Olian relishes the opportunity to “take a complex medical condition and be able to relate it in a way that children can understand. The goal is to have them be able to take ownership of their condition, and that’s something I really pride myself on.” During summer 2018, Olian volunteered in the neonatal intensive care unit at AtlanticCare in Pomona, New Jersey. She was a baby cuddler whose charges included babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were going through withdrawal. She has also been a child-life services volunteer in the emergency room at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
On January 10, College Admissions Counselor Stephanie Shandra hosted a panel discussion with members of the Class of 2018 and MMI’s current senior class. This annual conversation helps to give insight to MMI’s soon-to-be graduates about what life is really like in college!
16
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe In a new study, a joint UCLA/Caltech team, including Tyler Fulton ’12 of Caltech, has shown that it is possible to obtain the structures of small molecules, such as certain hormones and medications, in as little as 30 minutes, hours and days less than was possible before. The team used a technique called micro-electron diffraction (MicroED), which had been used to learn the 3-D structures of larger molecules, specifically proteins. In this new study, the researchers show that the technique can be applied to small molecules, and that the process requires much less preparation time than expected. The study, “The CryoEM Method MicroED as a Powerful Tool for Small Molecule Structure Determination,” was funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Energy, a Beckman Young Investigators award, a Searle Scholars award, a Pew Scholars award, the Packard Foundation, the Sloan Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Tiffany Gwilliam ’94 recently delivered a TEDx talk: “Women with Grit vs. The Third Leading Cause of Death.” The message of her talk was that establishing strong relationships with our doctors and advocating for our families could be the most powerful way to safer medical care. Gwilliam is a graduate of Lafayette College with a BA in psychology. She is a mother of three children and both she and her parents are cancer survivors. Her oldest child was diagnosed with a chronic autoimmune disease at eight years old. As a result, she has become passionate about the patientphysician relationship. Gwilliam has appeared on Sirius XM on the “Business of Healthcare” show to discuss the patient-physician experience. She has co-written a blog post for the NEJM Catalyst: “Patient Care Depends on the Patient-Physician Relationship.” Victoria Kline ’16 was selected by Pitt’s Honor’s College to be a member of their THINK fellowship. As a student of the research cohort, she received a grant to perform research on an independently designed poetry project. Kline will be looking at violence against women in America. She will be covering institutionalized abuse of women through government programs (such as the American Plan, 1910-1950, and America’s STD experiment on Guatemalan sex workers, 1946-1948), intimate partner violence (IPV), assault of incarcerated women, and the Me Too/Time’s Up movement. A goal is to identify gaps in U.S. legislation
that exclude women from support and protection and propose potential solutions. She will then turn her findings into a published poetry book. Dr. Kristyn Lizbinski ’09, a 2013 alumna of the University of Scranton, graduated in December with her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from West Virginia University. Dr. Lizbinski will continue her research career in the Department of Neuroscience at Yale University’s School of Medicine as a Postdoctoral Research Associate. Kristyn is the daughter of MMI music instructor Christine Lizbinski and her husband, David. Deans List: Several MMI alumni earned Dean’s List honors for the Fall of 2018, including: Anna Haber ’18 (University of Scranton), Aaron Harman ’18 (Kutztown University), Eric Kabitzke ’15 (University of Scranton), Devan McCarrie ’14 (Widener University’s Delaware Law School), Anna Olivieri ’17 (Bloomsburg University), Jesse Plaksa ’15 (East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania), Julia Snyder ’18 (University of Scranton), and Matthew Yurish ’13 (Bloomsburg University).
The MMI Board of Directors was well-represented at the Hazleton One Community Center Benefit on December 14 at The Pines in Hazleton. Enjoying the evening are, from left: Atty. Richard DiLiberto ’79, Anne Frey, and William Spear ’79.
17
Milestones Events in the lives of the MMI family
Deaths
George M. Allen ’37 passed away on September 25, 2017. He is survived by his children Schelley Lee Allen, Wendy and William Jones, Robyn and Alan Keef, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Norman E. Ceriani passed away on September 19, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Ann Marie; son, Gary Ceriani ’76 and his wife, Karen; daughter, Maureen and her husband, Randy Bell, and several grandchildren. Dolores Helen Della Croce passed away on December 2, 2018. Dolores is survived by her husband, Dr. Joseph M. Della Croce ’54; their four children, Dr. Joseph M. Della Croce Jr. ’76; Catherine Kost and husband, Mark; Robert Della Croce ’82 and wife, Stephanie; and Joan Della Croce; and eight grandchildren. Faye Director passed away on December 26, 2018. She is survived by her sons Neal Koller ’74 and wife, Denise; Richard Koller ’78 and wife, Dara; and Laurence Koller ’83 and wife, Kathryn; several grandchildren; and a large extended family including niece, Ilene Katz ’78. Michael J. Drewniak passed away on January 27, 2019. Surviving are his wife, Carol; two daughters, Tiffany Cloud and her husband, Erik Olson, and Tonya DuBois and her husband, Doug; and two granddaughters, Sadie Cloud ’23 and Aubrey DuBois. William J. Gabel passed away on November 26, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters Lisa Bolton and husband, Don, and Nicole and husband Andy; son, William Gabel and wife, Beth; and four grandchildren, including Kaiden and Corrigan Nolasco ’24.
Robert J. Gaudio ’54 passed away on February 23, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Janet; two daughters, Lisa and her husband, Jeff Swedock; and Barbara and her husband, Mark Taylor; three grandchildren; brother, Dr. John C. Gaudio ’57 and his wife, Jane; and several nieces and nephews. Paul G. Glowatch passed away on December 29, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; children Joan Mcneal and husband, Norman; Michelle Ayre and husband, James; Paul Glowatch and wife, Karen; Lee Glowatch; Jean Hornack and husband, John; and Andrew Glowatch and wife, Andrea; and 12 grandchildren, including Madyson Hornack ’20.
18
Marilyn Gordon passed away on November 17, 2018. Preceding her in death was her husband, Morton J. Gordon ’52. She is survived by her children Ian Scott Gordon ’77 and Lisa Gordon Matyas ’78 and her husband, Gerard Matyas ’77 and grandson, Luc Gordon. Mildred Kost passed away on December 31, 2018. She is survived by her son Michael Kost and his wife, Theresa; a daughter, Janice Kollar; and grandchildren, including Ian Kollar ’06 and Aaron Kollar ’13. Archpriest Joseph Martin passed away on November 9, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; daughters Cathryn Haber and husband, Dr. John Haber; Juliana Good and husband, Jeffrey; Marina Martin and fiancée, James; and Deborah Good; and eight grandchildren including, Alexander Haber ’14; Andrew Haber ’16; Anna Haber ’18; and Aaron Haber ’21. Former MMI Board member Agnes M. O’Donnell passed away on November 1, 2018. Preceding her in death was her husband, Martin J. O’Donnell ’37. Surviving are three nieces and a nephew. Dr. Richard Rumbel ’56 passed away on October 7, 2018. Honorary Board Member Atty. Pasco L. Schiavo passed away on December 29, 2018. He is survived by his sister, Linda L. Schiavo; brother, Louis Eugene Schiavo; and sister, Judith R. Schiavo. Timothy J. Turner ’83 passed away on January 24, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Kristin; daughter, Alexa; and son, Timothy J. Turner II.
Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials, and Honors donated between Nov. 1, 2018 and Feb. 20, 2019
In Memory of Beatrice S. Abrams Dian, Benji, and Roxanne Abrams
In Memory of Michael Brill Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Richard Check Sr. Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott
In Memory of Richard C. Abrams ’60 Dian, Benji, and Roxanne Abrams
In Memory of The Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar Mrs. Elizabeth S. Brndjar
In Memory of Ambabai and Mahadev Chikarmane Dr. Ajit Chikarmane and Dr. Kalpana Chikarmane
In Memory of Simon Abrams ’30 Dian, Benji, and Roxanne Abrams
In Memory of Lambert Broad Mrs. Leatrice Kushnerick
In Memory of Dr. George Anderson Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Gemma and Andrew Arnoldi Mr. Andrew Arnoldi ’63 and Mrs. Judith Arnoldi In Memory of Stanley Balon ’38 Mr. Frank D. Balon In Honor of Kaitlyn Bellizia ’19 Ms. Helen Bellizia In Memory of Mary Ann Bellizia Mr. Thomas Bellizia Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In Honor of Rachael Betz ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Philip Houm
In Memory of Leann Brogan Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos In Memory of LeAnne Brogan Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Dolores Buchman Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos In Memory of Agnes Budda Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Thomas Burke Jr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Kim Byriel Mrs. Julia Byriel In Memory of Anthony Calvello Sr. Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Richard Bigelow Atty. Richard Bigelow ’66 and Mrs. Joan Bigelow
In Memory of Bill Campbell Ms. Samantha M. Christopher ’04
In Honor of Jayden Bonham ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Kuzmitsky
In Memory of Rose Carrelli Feelgoode’s Vending
In Honor of Teagan Bonham ’24 Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Kuzmitsky
In Memory of Leroy Carter Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of Denis Brenan ’55 Mr. Sean Brenan In Memory of Joseph Breznitsky Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas
In Memory of Ann Louise Ceriani Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Norman Ceriani Dr. Richard Bott ’79 and Mrs. Nadine Bott
In Honor of Alexander Composto ’25 Mr. and Mrs. Mark M. Brasavage In Memory of Bob Conahan Mr. Paul D. Lesser ’73 In Memory of Thomas Conahan ’26 and Eugenia Conahan Dr. Thomas J. Conahan III ’59 and Mrs. Catherine Conahan In Honor of Eve Corazza ’25 Mr. James A. Corazza ‘73 and Mrs. Karen Sandrock Corazza Mrs. Laura A. Corazza In Memory of Anne Costabile Mr. Ralf Heming and Professor Carol Anne Costabile-Heming ’81 In Memory of Bill Crooks Mr. Jason Lenko and Dr. Jodi W. Lenko ’99 In Memory of William Crooks Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski In Memory of Edward Deal ’42 Mrs. Anne J. Frey In Honor of Jeffrey DeAngelo ’23 Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens In Honor of Louis DeAngelo ’21 Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens In Honor of Andrew Decker ’19 Mr. and Mrs. David Decker In Memory of Loretta Debalko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Dolores Della Croce Mr. Dan Ravina
19
Additional memorials In Memory of Mary Dinko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Patrick Dinofrio ’63 Colonel Michael Urenovich ’64 and Mrs. Mary Urenovich In Memory of Faye Director Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski In Honor of Annabel Dobash ’23 Mr. Jim O’Boyle
In Memory of Anthony Fornataro Mr. George Yenchko ’59 and Mrs. Angeline Yenchko
In Memory of David Gundling ’68 Mrs. Judy Gundling Dr. Fredrick Sherman ’63 and Ms. Patricia Rowe
In Memory of Richard Frey Mrs. Anne J. Frey
In Memory of Dolores Gyurko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Gloria Gabrielle Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood
In Memory of Peter Donish Mr. and Mrs. Edward A. Kushma II
In Memory of Janet Gerhard Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Margaret Dotter Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Bob and Linda Gicking Mr. Jeffrey S. Gicking ’75
In Memory of Michael Drewniak Mr. and Mrs. William J. Flood
In Memory of David Gittleman Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos Mr. Jeffrey S. Gicking ’75
In Honor of Miles Dulina ’24 Mr. Roman Baran ’60 and Mrs. Rita Baran In Memory of Albert Duna Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Robert Edmunds ’56 Dr. Thomas Edmunds ’62 and Mrs. Pamela Edmunds In Memory of Edmund and Irene Firley Mrs. Thomas J. Crofcheck Sr. In Honor of Reed Floryshak ’24 Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens In Memory of Athena Ford ’01 A2Z Inspection Services and Mr. Chris Duphily Mr. James Blaum and Ms. Karen Petrosky-Blaum ’01 Ms. Allison L. Hudak ’01 Marquis George MacDonald Foundation, Inc. Ms. Delores Magro The Oppenheim Family
20
(Continued from page 19)
In Memory of Walter D. Haentjens ’39 Mr. Gavin P. Haentjens ’94 and Ms. Maggie Slye Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens In Honor of Ryan Halterman ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Gary W. Halterman Sr. In Memory of Catherine Hoch Mr. Jason Cabe and Mrs. Melissa Cabe ’96 In Honor of Jack Hollis ’64 and Carol Hollis Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bogansky
In Memory of Marilyn Gordon Ms. Monica Barletta Mr. Jeffrey S. Gicking ’75 Mr. John M. Gicking ’76 Mr. Daniel Jenkins ’77 and Mrs. Lisa Jenkins Mrs. Anna G. Krusinski Mr. Lewis J. Matuella ’77 and Mrs. Melanie Matuella Atty. Paula L. Radick ’89 Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski
In Memory of Brooks Holtzclaw ’50 Mr. Fernand Barata ’50 and Mrs. Philomena Barata
In Memory of Edward Gower Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Theresa Jordan Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
In Memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Brian Ayers and Mrs. Cynthia Ayers ’84 Mr. Rusty Cassway and Mrs. Karen Cassway ’84 Mr. Barton Hanline and Mrs. Lisa Hanline ’84 Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas Mr. Mike Shastay and Mrs. Ann Shastay ’84
In Memory of Daniel Kimmel Mrs. Helen Kimmel
In Memory of Dolores Hornack Mr. James Dryfoos ’83 and Mrs. Jacqueline Dryfoos In Memory of Wilmot Jones ’45 Mrs. Harriet Jones
In Memory of Anna Kish Mr. John E. Kish ’85 In Memory of Jake Kislan ’56 Mr. Dan Ravina In Memory of Mildred Kost Mr. Anthony Orlando ’06 and Mrs. Jessica Orlando
Additional memorials
(Continued from page 19) In Memory of Martin Mrozinski Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer
In Memory of George J. Kostick Jr. ’64 Mrs. Ceil Kostick
In Memory of Joseph Martin Ms. Danielle Donadi and Ms. Gina Galada ’22
In Memory of Joseph Kovack Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Jules Mason ’32 Roman-Mason Foundation
In Memory of Rudolph and Mary Mucha Mr. Joseph Mucha ’50 and Mrs. Nancy Mucha
In Memory of Jessie and Pasquale Matrone Dr. Frank Matrone ’78 and Mrs. Aleth Matrone
In Honor of Amanda Neidlinger ’98 Mrs. Shirley Neidlinger
In Honor of Michael Kranyak ’25 Mr. Patrick Higgins In Memory of Dorothy Larock Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Evelyn Lapetina Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Audrey M. Laputka Atty. and Mrs. Theodore R. Laputka Jr. In Memory of Atty. Theodore R. Laputka Atty. and Mrs. Theodore R. Laputka Jr. In Memory of Jerome and Nancy Leichtman Mr. Robert Moisey and Mrs. Janice Gans Moisey In Memory of Peter Lesko Mr. Andre Stephano and Mrs. Beth Lesko ’93 In Memory of Elizabeth Lutz Mr. David Bogansky Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bogansky In Memory of Alvan Lynn ’55 Mrs. Patricia J. Lynn Mrs. Cynthia L. Noren In Memory of Mary Macejko Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Michelle Mahovich Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Memory of Keith Matulevich Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Ty McDermott ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Kistler In Honor of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Mrs. Catherine and Mr. Thomas J. McGeehan Sr. Atty. James V. Senape Jr. Atty. James Senape Jr. and Atty. Kimberly Kostun Senape Atty. Michael B. Senape ’92 Ms. Tara Mia Senape ’89
In Honor of Nathaniel Neidlinger ’24 Mrs. Shirley Neidlinger In Memory of Dr. David Novatnak Mr. and Mrs. James Kramer Michael, Ann Marie, Krista, and Ryan Scanlan The Michael Scanlan and The Ted Sabol Families In Memory of David Novatnak Mr. and Mrs. Steven Hutt Mr. William P. Steward ’72
In Honor of Kevin McNulty ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parmegiani
In Memory of Daniel Oakum Mr. and Mrs. Dennis P. Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Anthony R. Cusat Mr. and Mrs. David C. Haupt Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Jastremsky Atty. and Mrs. Edward P. McNelis Mrs. Kimberly McNulty MMI Parents Association Mr. Frank Molinaro and Mrs. Gwenann Molinaro Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis Walko’s Landscaping and Nursery Ms. Stephanie Zellner ’18
In Memory of Lisa Merlo ’80 Mr. Anthony C. Merlo
In Honor of Violet O’Connell ’21 Mr. and Mrs. Robert Perrin
In Honor of Amelia Minzola ’22 Mrs. Michaeline Starruick
In Memory of Agnes O’Donnell Ms. Joan Cerula Dr. and Mrs. Johann A. Koenig MD Ms. Mary Letchko Mr. and Mrs. Brian Lutz Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski
In Memory of Dr. Thomas McGraw ’52 Mr. Sean McGraw In Memory of Aileen McLovitch Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Joan McNulty Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood
In Honor of Olivia Minzola ’17 Mrs. Michaeline Starruick
In Memory of Michael Malloy Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
In Honor of MMI’s Faculty and Staff Mr. and Mrs. Barry D. Hosier
In Memory of Arlene Marchetti Mr. and Mrs. David S. Marchetti and Family
In Memory of Leroy and Anna Moyer Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Sparich
In Memory of Maureen O’Donnell Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos Feelgoode’s Vending
21
Additional memorials In Honor of Katelyn Overa ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Sabol In Honor of Keenan Overa ’17 Mr. and Mrs. Leonard E. Sabol
In Memory of Bernadette Senape Mr. James Senape III ’91 and Mrs. Kimberly Warner-Senape
In Memory of Marie Payne Mr. Brian J. Payne
In Memory of Mayme Senape Mr. Alfred Senape ’63 and Mrs. Marilyn Senape
In Honor of Evan Pedri ’25 Mr. Thomas Newman
In Honor of Caleb Serock ’23 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Memory of Victor Piazzi Mr. Nicholas Dei Tos ’71 and Mrs. Patricia Dei Tos
In Honor of Josh Serock ’20 Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Regan
In Honor of Ava Putnam ’23 Mr. Alfred Senape ‘63 and Mrs. Marilyn Senape In Honor of Benjamin Putnam ’20 Mr. Alfred Senape ‘63 and Mrs. Marilyn Senape In Memory of Karen Riley Mr. E. Edward Riley ’61 In Memory of Margaret Roman Mr. Angelo Roman ’39 In Memory of William K. Rudewick ’42 and Louise Rudewick Mr. and Mrs. James M. Biello In Memory of Atty. Pasco L. Schiavo Mrs. Anna Krusinski and Family Mr. Brian Lucas ’84 and Mrs. Kathy Lucas Atty. Paula L. Radick ’89 In Memory of Joseph Seaman Atty. Joseph J. Seaman ’68 In Memory of Robert Seitzinger ’38 Mr. Richard Seitzinger ’70 and Mrs. Linda Seitzinger In Memory of William Seitzinger ’56 Mr. Richard Seitzinger ’70 and Mrs. Linda Seitzinger
22
(Continued from page 19)
In Memory of William Shafer Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Stanley Sherman ’58 Dr. Fredrick Sherman ’63 and Ms. Patricia Rowe In Honor of Carol Silberg Mr. Jed Silberg ’94 and Mrs. Sharon Silberg In Memory of Kirk Sims Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Mary Sue Sisock Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of John and Yong Hui Slyconish Mr. John Slyconish II ’95 and Dr. Rachel Carmody In Honor of Alex Smith ’22 Mr. and Mrs. Johnny M. Smith Sr. In Honor of Christopher Snyder ’15 Dr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Snyder D.M.D. In Honor of Jacqueline Snyder ’21 Dr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Snyder D.M.D. In Honor of Julia Snyder ’18 Dr. and Mrs. Leonard J. Snyder D.M.D.
In Memory of Linda Soika Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Ambrose Starruick Mrs. Michaeline Starruick In Memory of Kathleen Starruick Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Gayle Stempel Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Andrew Stofan ’22 Mr. Albert Antolick ’56 and Mrs. Mary Ellen Antolick Mr. Robert Gaudio ’54 and Mrs. Janet M. Gaudio In Memory of Genevieve K. Straw Colonel Andrew Straw ’75 and Ms. Anita Doran In Honor of Connor Strecker ’24 Mr. James Strecker In Honor of Morgan Strecker ’22 Mr. James Strecker In Memory of David Sugarman ’60 Mr. James M. Dunn ’60 In Memory of Harold and Millie Sugarman Mr. Scott J. Sugarman ’73 In Memory of Arthur Sweeney Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce Mr. George Yenchko ’59 and Mrs. Angeline Yenchko In Memory of Sylvano Tagnani Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce
Additional memorials In Memory of Harold Taub ’41 Dr. Fredrick Sherman ’63 and Ms. Patricia Rowe In Memory of Ausrey Thomas Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Joseph Tito ’92 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Sisack Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Tito Ms. Kandie L. Tito ’94 In Memory of Walter W. Tunnessen Jr. MD ’57 Mrs. Nancy L. Tunnessen Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tunnessen In Memory of Ronald J. Turri ’62 Mr. Robert Turri ’60 and Mrs. Marie Turri In Memory of David Ulshafer Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Memory of Mary Jane Urenovitch Dr. Joseph V. Urenovitch ’55 In Memory of William Urosevich ’72 and Walter Greshko Atty. Richard A. DiLiberto Jr. ’79 and Atty. Faith DiLiberto
(Continued from page 19)
In Memory of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Williams Mr. Robert Klotz ’58 and Mrs. Carol Klotz In Memory of Suzanne Wisdo Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce In Honor of Kaylee Witner ’22 Mr. and Mrs. William Van Horn In Memory of David Yakacki ’69 Mrs. Elenora Duerr Mrs. Linda Yakacki In Memory of David Yamulla ’60 Mr. Roman Baran ’60 and Mrs. Rita Baran In Memory of Frederick J. Yannes ’25 Mr. James A. Yannes In Memory of Sarah Yuscavage ’04 Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Foley Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Yuscavage In Honor of Alexis Zola ’21 Atty. Peter Fagan ‘65 and Mrs. Ann Fagan
In Memory of Bill and Lois Vaughn Mr. Jordan Klemow ’80 and Mrs. Jennifer Klemow In Memory of Dr. David Wagner and Mrs. Edith Wagner Atty. David Stern and Mrs. Barbara Wagner ’79 In Memory of Michael Wassel ’51 Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Boyle In Memory of Mrs. John Watro Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny
23
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
MMI celebrates “Grandparents and Grandfriends Day! MMI middle school students welcomed their grandparents and grandfriends to MMI on November 27 for the annual Grandparents Day celebration. See page 9 for more photos from the day of fun and learning.
Important Dates Head of School’s Donor Reception . . . . . . . . . . . March 24 Open House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 24 Prepper Playhouse “Young Frankenstein” . . . . . April 5-6 Springo Bingo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 14 Upper School Awards Convocation . . . . . . . . . . May 15
Baccalaureate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 21 Commencement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 23 Entrance Exam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 4 Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament. . . . . June 21 Alumni Weekend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 2-3