Alumni Magnificat | Summer 2012

Magnificat ALUMNI

Volume 6 | No 1

Summer 2012

A Publication for Saint Mary’s High School Alumni, Parents & Friends

Commencement 2012 Academic Honors and Scholarships

br. kenneth robert scholarship First Scholars Named

Hall of Fame Kevin McBride and Larry Siedlick ’68 Inducted

sections from the president | 4 in the spotlight | 5, 9 alumni association | 6 school news | 10 athletics | 20 alumni notes | 24

On the Cover: President Grace M. Cavallo and Principal Jonathan D. Kramer ’92 congratulate Joseph Cascone ’12 as he accepts his diploma. Photo by Ted Roeder.

On the Web! Please visit the high school website www.stmary.ws/highschool for the athletic schedules. Alumni are invited to attend night games and BBQs in the spring and fall to reconnect and see the current teams in action!

Visit our website for the latest updates, news, and events for the Alumni Association and Saint Mary’s High School at www.stmaryalumni.ws or call the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 516.627.4605.

Saint Mary’s High School-Manhasset St. Mary’s High School Alumni, Manhasset, New York

calendar of events

contents

Saturday, October 13, 2012

55th Reunion - Class of 1957

Cocktails and Dinner Manhasset Bay Yacht Club 455 Main Street Port Washington, NY 11050 516.767.2150

• Accommodations Roslyn Claremont Hotel 1221 Old Northern Boulevard Roslyn, New York 11576 | 516.625.2700 A limited number of rooms are available for $159 per night. Contact 516.625.2700 to make a reservation. Rate is available through September 7, 2012.

Saturday, October 20, 2012

50th Reunion – Class of 1962

Cocktails and Buffet Dinner Manhasset Bay Yacht Club 455 Main Street Port Washington, NY 11050 516.767.2150

• Accommodations Group rates have been established at the following hotels. Please contact them directly to secure your reservation.

• Roslyn Claremont Hotel 1221 Old Northern Boulevard Roslyn, NY 11576 | 516.625.2700 • The Inn at Great Neck 30 Cutter Mill Road Great Neck, NY 11021 | 516.773.2000 • Manhasset Bay Yacht Club 455 Main Street Port Washington, NY 11050 516.767.2150

Saturday, October 27, 2012

All Inclusive Reunion for Classes ending in 2 and 7 Mass | 5:00 PM in the Church of St. Mary Cocktails and Dinner | 6:00 PM St. Mary’s High School Immaculata Hall Gymnasium

Formal invitations with final information for all events will follow by mail.

For more information and additional events, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 516.627.4605 or visit www. stmaryalumni.ws.

contents

Magnificat ALUMNI

Editorial Editor in Chief | Kristin Lynch Graham ‘88 Creative Director | Eileen Symmons ‘86 Contributing Author | Sean T. Collins ‘77

feature stories 5 Digital University: Electives online

Administration Pastor | Rev. Msgr. John J. McCann ‘57 President | Grace M. Cavallo Principal | Jonathan D. Kramer ‘92 Director of Development and Alumni Relations | Kristin Lynch Graham ‘88 Director of Communications | Eileen Symmons ‘86 School board President | Marc de Venoge P ‘06, ‘09, ‘11, ‘14 Patricia Hennelly Anglin ‘69 Father John J. Denniston Carol Dunning P ‘14 Alice Evans P ‘03, ‘05, ‘09, ‘11, ‘14 Susan Frooks P ‘07, ‘10 Tom Hoban ‘76 Larry Siedlick ‘68

6 Hall of Fame 2012 9 Brother Kenneth Robert Scholarship

10 Sports Night Recap 18 Alumni Mentoring Panel

P=Parent Saint mary’s Alumni Association Officers

20 Lacrosse News

Co President | Patty Hennelly Anglin ’69 Co President | George Shaughness, MD ‘68

22 Young Alumnus

Vice President | Thomas Smyth ‘86 Secretary | Mary Beth Welsh ‘84 Treasurer | Robert Pennachio ‘86

Taking Action

Board Robert Anastasia ‘71 Judi Annibale Betts ‘59 Robert Dunphy ‘93 Gary Leli ‘00 Janet Barth McHale ‘69 James F. Smyth ‘91

Alumni Magnificat | 3

from the president

Welcome to the first online edition of the Alumni Magnificat. I hope that you will find this medium an easy and useful way to stay connected to Saint Mary’s High School. The new online format also allows you to easily share some of the achievements and information about St. Mary’s High School with classmates and friends who may be interested.

As we build upon the themes of Character, Innovation and Leadership with the current students, we are always looking for ways to put these concepts into action with alumni. Please follow St. Mary’s on Facebook and our newly designed School website for the most current news and events.

You have every reason to be proud of your High School alma mater. St. Mary’s is rooted in the traditions you created and cultivated, and alive with the innovations of today. God bless you and your families.

Sincerely,

Grace M. Cavallo President gcavallo@stmary.ws

www.stmaryalumni.ws | 4

in the spotlight

Digital University Electives Program In September, approximately 40 students will participate in St. Mary’s new Digital University. This initiative allows students to take online courses from some of the nation’s leading universities including Stanford, Columbia and UCLA. “It is the concept of the flipped classroom” says, Principal Jonathan Kramer. Students will do the course work and readings online at home, and work with their teachers on the homework and assignments.

The program is available at no additional cost and is offered in addition to required courses and electives for graduation requirements. These courses will earn the students SMHS credit and appear on their transcript to demonstrate their desire for learning and motivation to colleges and universities. The courses include: Numerical Methods, International System in the 20th Century, iPad and iPhone App Development, Astronomy – Frontiers of Science, Digital Film School for Mac/iPad, Cinema Studies – Short Stories and Film, Introduction to Yoga and Exploration of Spanish and Italian Culture through Cinema and Literature.

The participating students are motivated, and committed to going above and beyond for their education. The time with teachers will take place outside of the regular school day, and for many require balancing extracurricular activities with extra course work.

Marron is excited about this opportunity.

He says, “It will really allow students to focus on specific areas of the course that are of interest to them. Each student can essentially be studying a very unique aspect of the broader curriculum. I think that will be very engaging for them.”

The most popular course to date is Astronomy taught by Mr. Kramer followed

by International System in the 20th Century taught by Jonathan Marron. Mr

Photo by Eileen Symmons

Alumni Magnificat | 5

alumni association

Fifth Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony On March 29th at Plandome Country Club, alumni, former and current faculty members, parents and friends gathered to welcome Larry Siedlick ’68 and former principal Dr. Kevin McBride into the St. Mary’s Hall of Fame. It was a great celebration of two individuals who recognize St. Mary’s as an influential part of their lives. The event raised close to $18,000 to benefit current St. Mary’s students.

The Hall of Fame recognizes the people who have made an extraordinary commitment to St. Mary’s High School, making it a stronger and more vibrant place. Kevin McBride and Larry Siedlick join the ranks of 23 other alumni and friends who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. All of the inductees share the same quality; they value the excellent Catholic education offered at St. Mary’s which provides a foundation for a lifetime of learning and service.

Principal Jonathan Kramer inducted Kevin McBride. In his remarks he said, “Kevin always made the distinction that he never worked at St. Mary’s - he always served at St. Mary’s. And, his service is truly worthy of the honor we bestow on

him tonight.” Dr. McBride shared stories and memories of his work with faculty and parents, but underscored how it is the students that make St. Mary’s such a special place.

Many members of the class of 1968 rallied to support the induction of their classmate and friend, Larry Siedlick.

Fellow members of Larry’s freshmen year homeroom (1E) took a journal ad as a way of honoring his beginnings at St. Mary’s. Mr. Jim Volkland, Larry’s freshmen homeroom and religion teacher was in attendance. He fondly remembers 1E, and participated in George Shaughness’ introduction. On cue he stood and said, “Larry, the bell rang. Get in class.” “It was great seeing all those guys again,” said Jim. “They were a great group of kids who have turned into a great group of men.”

Save the Date The Sixth Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner Thursday, March 21, 2013 Larry Siedlick‘68 reminisces with former classmates at the Hall of Fame.

NOMINATION PROCESS The Alumni Association accepts nominations for Hall of Fame candidates at all times. All nominations are reviewed and considered by a committee of alumni board members.

Visit www.stmaryalumni.ws for more details on the Hall of Fame criteria and selection process. If you would like to nominate someone for induction, please email kgraham@stmary.ws.

www.stmaryalumni.ws | 6

Photo by Ted Roeder

Classmates from the 60’s reconnected to honor Larry Siedlick featured in order (back) Bob Bonagura ’67, Dan Cappio ’68, Phil Cappio ’66, Steve Shackel ’68, Larry Siedlick ’68, J. Dixon Byrne ’68, Neil Reilly ’67 (seated) Gene Tullio ’68, Jim Sweeney ’68, George Shaughness ’68.

Photos by Ted Roeder

Current members of the faculty share a laugh with honoree, Kevin McBride.

The evening’s honorees: Larry Siedlick and Kevin McBride join President, Grace M. Cavallo.

Principal, Jonathan D. Kramer ’92 presents Kevin McBride with the Hall of Fame award.

in the spotlight

St. Mary’s High School formally launches the Brother Kenneth Robert, FMS Scholarship Fund

This winter, the Brother Kenneth Robert, FMS Scholarship Fund was established to recognize the dedicated work of the many religious men and women who have taught at St. Mary’s High School during its 63 year history, and to pay tribute to the longest running St. Mary’s faculty member, Brother Kenneth Robert.

Arriving on campus in 1958, Brother Kenneth taught, coached, and mentored many young men and women during his career at St. Mary’s. He continues today as the Assistant Athletic Director. Brother Kenneth exemplifies what it means to be a member of the order of Fratres Maristrae a Scolis (FMS) or Marist Brothers of the Schools: ”A Catholic congregation whose mission is making Jesus known and loved through the Christian education of youth, especially those most neglected. Marist Brothers are educators, mentors, and friends. They come together to live simple lives in communities that serve others.

They are real people, with real stories, who make a real difference.”

based and consideration is given to prospective awardees’ leadership qualities, service activities, and involvement in student life. Recipients are obliged to maintain academic success throughout their high school career in order to continue to receive scholarship funds.

Scholarship awards are available to both young men and women who attend St. Mary’s. Awards are both merit and needs

Visit www.stmaryalumni.ws to make a secure online gift to the Fund.

To date, $90,000 in donations have been received from alumni and current parents.

At the annual year-end awards ceremony, six current students, two freshmen, two sophomores, and two juniors were named as the first awardees of this scholarship. It was a fitting tribute to Brother Kenneth and all the religious who have taught and mentored at St. Mary’s High School.

Photos by Eileen Symmons

The 2012 Brother Kenneth Robert Scholars featured above in order: Victoria Jensen ’15, Kathleen Dulligan ’14, Kimberly Toledo ’13, Aaron Johnson ’13, Alex Ikhehedu ’14, Dante Centeno ’15 with President Grace Cavallo and Principal Jonathan Kramer.

school news

Sports Night: Endless White Summer and Blue’s Night Out Ask any alumna to name her most vivid St. Mary’s memory, and she will likely say Sports Night. It is no different for this year’s students who participated in the 54th St. Mary’s Sports Night on March 9-10th. The music and costumes change, but the spirit stays the same – young women working together as part of storied tradition.

2012 White Captains, Janelle James and Giovanna Ambroselli presented alumnae Wong-Mangroo ‘11 and Christina Romero ‘11, with their “White Jukebox” blazers, and Overall 2012 Blue Captains, Alex Corrozzo and Paola Anteri presented Olivia Evans ‘11 and Dana Perna ‘11 with their “Starring...

Blue” blazers.

almost instantaneous response. Alumnae immediately assert their team loyalty by posting and bragging about their prowess on the dolly races known today as Buddies.

Jillian Laurel posted, “I was a senior and captain for the 50th anniversary in 2008. It was one of the best parts of high school!

We still talk about it to this day! :)”

As part of the Sports Night tradition, the captains from the previous year return and are presented with their team blazers representing their theme. Overall

“I love all my Blue girls. This was one of the best memories I have of St. Mary’s”, said Paola in the student paper. Facebook postings about Sports Night get an

And, in case you were wondering – White Endless Summer was victorious!

Photos by Eileen Symmons

Alumni Magnificat | 11

A Word of Gratitude St. Mary’s High School’s annual revenue is comprised of two main sources – tuition and charitable donations. Each year, alumni, parents, and friends selflessly give to the school in the form of tax-deductible donations. These donations are vital to the financial health of the school. This occurs in many ways, whether by supporting the Alumni Golf Outing, the Student Marathon Day, the Parent’s Association Ladies’ Night Out, the Alumni Lacrosse Reunion, Scholarship or Tuition Assistance funds, or the Annual Fund.

The Annual Fund is simply an annual appeal for support. It is not associated with any particular event and donations can be made to the Annual Fund at any time during the year. If the donor wishes, their contribution can be made in honor of someone or in memory of someone. This category of charitable giving is the single largest contributor to the school’s sources of income, aside from tuition. In the coming years, the Office of Development and Alumni Relations will seek to broaden the Annual Fund effort to include a larger percentage of alumni and to include current parents.

It is with deep gratitude that St. Mary’s High School recognizes all those who give of their own personal financial resources to support the school. Without your generosity, we could not be the wonderful spiritual, academic, and athletic institution that we are. Thank you!

Every Gift Matters To make a secure online gift visit www.stmaryalumni.ws or contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 516.627.2711 x 1162. Every gift directly benefits current St. Mary’s High School students.

school news

Commencement 2012 On June 2, 219 St. Mary’s High School students crossed the stage at the Tilles Center at Long Island University in Brookville, leaving behind their student status and becoming alumni.

Commencement Weekend was filled with both celebration and sacredness.

At the Baccalaureate Mass, held at the Church of St. Mary on Thursday evening, the Class of 2012 gathered in prayer and

On Saturday, family and friends welcomed the St. Mary’s Class of 2012 with great enthusiasm as they entered the Tilles Center. Ashley Iype was the Valedictorian and Paola Anteri was the Salutatorian. Both young women delivered very inspiring addresses. Ashley will attend The State University at Albany, where she received the University at Albany Scholar Award.

Paola received seven scholarships and has chosen to attend Binghamton University.

They will attend some of the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities, including Boston College, University of Connecticut, Fordham University, Syracuse University, Manhattan College and numerous state universities including, Binghamton and Albany.

President Grace Cavallo said of the Class of 2012, “They are unique and have used their talents to remain compassionate and giving in maintaining our cutting-edge school. I’m so proud of them. What you see is what you get with these students, and that’s just genuine.”

40% of the graduates received academic scholarships, totaling over $15 million.

Alumni Magnificat | 27 13

Photo by Ted Roeder

Photo by Ted Roeder

thanksgiving. Reverend Msgr. John J. McCann ’57 and pastor reminded the class, “We are called to use our gifts well.” He encouraged them to “rejoice in hope and persevere in prayer.” Janelle James offered a beautiful senior reflection in which she remembered the times when her classmates bonded together to help the

people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake. Janelle received the Spirit Award and the Mother M. Annette Trophy at Commencement.

school news

Commencement Awards Highlights The Sister Jeanne Drummond Award, given to a senior girl who demonstrates the qualities of selfless service and dedication to academic success and loyalty to St. Mary’s, exemplified by Sister Jeanne is award to: staci gerasimou The Brother Michael Driscoll Award, given to a senior boy who demonstrates the qualities of generosity, conscientiousness in studies and dedication to St. Mary’s, exemplified by Brother Michael is award to: jonathan kerby The Mother M. Annette Trophy, given to a senior girl who demonstrated the qualities of character, success in studies, and school spirit over a four-year period is awarded to: janelle james The Brother Nicholas Mary Trophy, given to the senior boy who demonstrated the qualities of character, success in studies and school spirit over a four-year period is awarded to: john abbatangelo

CONGRATULATIONS TO

••

Photos by Ted Roeder

THE CLASS OF 2012 www.stmaryalumni.ws | 14

school news

Class of 2012 College Acceptances Together with the Administration and Faculty of St. Mary’s High School, Reverend Monsignor John J. McCann, Pastor, is pleased to present the following post-secondary educational acceptances for the Class of 2012. Congratulations to our students on their remarkable achievements. We will keep you in our prayers as you continue your journey as young Catholic men and women.

Adelphi University Albany College of Pharmacy American University Arcadia University Baruch College of the CUNY Bates College Belmont Abbey College Borough of Manhattan Community College Boston College Boston University University of Bridgeport Bronx Community College of the CUNY Brooklyn College of the CUNY Buffalo State College of SUNY University of California at Los Angeles University of California at San Diego Canisus College Carson-Newman College Champlain College Chestnut Hill College City College of New York CUNY Clark Atlanta University University of Colorado at Boulder Concordia University - Irvine Connecticut College University of Connecticut The Culinary Institute of America CUNY - New York City Technical College D’Youville College University of Dallas Daniel Webster College Delaware State University University of Delaware Dominican College of Blauvelt Dowling College Drexel University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emmanuel College Emory University Fairfield University Fashion Institute of Technology Fiorello H. LaGuardia Community College Five Towns College Flagler College Florida State University Fordham University Franklin College Switzerland Gannon University George Mason University The George Washington University Gordon College Hampton University University of Hartford High Point University Hofstra University Howard University Hunter College of the CUNY University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Indiana University at Bloomington Iona College Ithaca College John Jay College of Criminal Justice Johnson & Wales University Kingsborough Community College of the CUNY Kirkwood Community College La Salle University Lawrence Technological University Le Moyne College

Lehman College of the CUNY Lesley University LIM College Lincoln Technical Institute Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus Loyola University Maryland Macaulay Honors College at CUNY Manhattan College Marist College University of Maryland, College Park Marymount University Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences University of Massachusetts, Amherst Mercy College University of Miami Michigan State University University of Michigan Molloy College Morgan State University Mount Saint Mary College Mount Saint Mary’s University College of Mount Saint Vincent Nassau Community College University of New Haven New York City College of Technology New York Institute of Technology – Manhattan New York Institute of Technology – Old Westbury New York University Newbury College Niagara University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Norwich University Notre Dame de Namur University Nova Southeastern University Nyack College The Ohio State University Old Dominion University Onondaga Community College Pace University, New York City Pace University, Pleasantville Campus Parsons The New School for Design Pennsylvania State University, University Park Philadelphia University Polytechnic Institute of NYU Pratt Institute Providence College Queens College of the CUNY Queensborough Community College Quinnipiac University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute University of Rhode Island Rider University Roger Williams University Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey at New Brunswick Sacred Heart University Saint Francis University Saint Joseph’s University Saint Peter’s College University of San Diego Savannah College of Art and Design School of Visual Arts University of the Sciences in Philadelphia The University of Scranton Seton Hall University

Siena College University of South Florida, Tampa University of Southern California Southern Connecticut State University Spelman College St. Bonaventure University St. Francis College St. John’s University - Queens Campus St. Joseph’s College, New York St. Joseph’s College, Suffolk Campus St. Thomas Aquinas College State University of New York - Plattsburgh State University of New York at Albany State University of New York at New Paltz College of Staten Island Stonehill College Stony Brook University Suffolk County Community College Binghamton University SUNY College at Brockport SUNY College at Cobleskill SUNY College at Cortland SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry SUNY College at Geneseo SUNY College at Old Westbury SUNY College at Oneonta SUNY College at Potsdam SUNY College of Technology at Canton SUNY Delhi SUNY at Farmingdale SUNY Maritime College SUNY Oswego Syracuse University The University of Tampa Temple University Texas A&M University Union College Union County College University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Utica College Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology University of Vermont Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Virginia State University Virginia Union University Wagner College Wells College Wentworth Institute of Technology Wesleyan University West Virginia University Western New England University Wilkes University University of Wisconsin, Madison York College of Pennsylvania York College of the CUNY

school news

2012 Class Agents

Janelle James, Jonathan Kerby, John Patrick Kiggins, and Angelica Villegas will serve as the 2012 Class Agents. All four received the Spirit Award at Commencement, which is given to students who have been outstanding in expression of school spirit over a four-year period, so they are well suited for the role. As agents, they will serve as the lead communicators with their classmates. They will both share and collect school news and class updates. They join the 65 other agents representing various classes.

Photo by Eileen Symmons

“Like Us” and stay in touch…

• Saint Mary’s High School - Manhasset • St. Mary’s High School Alumni, Manhasset, New York www.stmaryalumni.ws | 16

save the date!

The 20th Annual Don Monti Memorial Golf Classic benefitting Saint Mary’s High School will be held on

Thursday, September 27, 2012 Shotgun start at 12 noon Plandome Country Club

Honoring The Monti and Saladino Families and presenting Timothy Cluess with the Timothy J. Coughlin Award All proceeds from the event benefit the current students of St. Mary’s. The sponsorship opportunities are as follows: • Golf Foursome $ 1,400 • Golfer (Single) $ 400 • Cocktail Reception/Dinner (guests welcome) $ 100 • Tee Signs $ 250 YOUNG ALUMNI (‘02-’12) • Golfer $ 280 • Cocktail Reception/Dinner $ 80 sponsorships * Dinner $10,000 * Cocktail Party $10,000 * Brunch $ 7,500 * Invitations $ 5,000 * Prizes $ 5,000 * Golf Carts $ 3,000

* Half Way House Postage Hole-in-One Closest to the Pin Longest Drive

$ 3,000 $ 2,500 $ 2,500 $ 1,000 $ 1,000

* Sponsorship at these levels include a golf foursome and dinner for eight.

You can register immediately online at www.stmaryalumni.ws.

Formal invitations will follow.

school news

Seven Alumni Return for Panel Discussion with the Junior Class A component of St. Mary’s High School’s College Mentoring Program is the annual Alumni Panel for the junior class. This year, the alumni panel included seven alumni who are all emblematic of a St. Mary’s graduate: they have each made a thoughtful impact on the lives of others during their life’s journey.

The alumni panelists included Robert Coughlin ’80, Ralph Jean-Pierre ’89, Elizabeth Parrella ’80, Rick Ritacco ’76, Terry Grace Sears ’75, Denise VeyVoda ’72, and Dan Zenka ’76. In advance of the panel discussion, each alumni participant was asked to submit one life lesson and one faith lesson that they believe is most meaningful to them.

Here are some of the responses:

= In the darkest hour, you need faith and belief, and an understanding that life should never be taken for granted. I learned the critical need of holding tight to the things that truly matter.

= Everything happens for a reason. We may not understand it and it might not make sense right away, but it will eventually reveal itself. The trick is recognizing it when it does.

= When you learn to forgive it is then that you are at peace with yourself. = Prayer is critical in deepening our relationship with God. = I believe you need to listen to the good in your heart to be true to yourself and you will hear the voice of God.

= Lemons in life often turn into the lemonade. = When the door is slammed, God always opens a window. = Don’t question the challenges that come your way. Everyone has them. Work through them and there will come a day when you look back and understand the pattern of your life.

The Alumni Panel is a very meaningful way for St. Mary’s graduates to be involved in the current student life of the school. We invite all alumni to volunteer their time and talents for the benefit of our current students by calling the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 516-627-4605.

www.stmaryalumni.ws | 18

Panelists featured in order Ralph Jean-Pierre ’89, Dan Zenka ’76, Rick Ritacco ’76, Robert Coughlin ’80 (seated) Terry Grace Sears ’75, Elizabeth Parella ’80, and Denise VeyVoda ’72.

Dr. Denise VeyVoda tells students they will always remember the question they got wrong, so learn from it.

Rick Ritacco tells students that St. Mary’s instilled in him a sense of giving back to the community.

Rob Coughlin shares advice with a Junior following the panel discussion.

Ralph Jean-Pierre shares his experience as a New York City Detective in the elite Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU).

Alumni Magnificat | 19

Photos by Eileen Symmons

Terry Grace Sears with Kristin Lynch Graham, Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

athletics

Lacrosse News: Reunion and Championship Title

Photos by Eileen Symmons

The alumni lacrosse game and barbeque are quickly becoming an alumni tradition. On April 21st, alumni and friends gathered for the fourth lacrosse alumni game and reunion. Coach Matt Panetta says, “It is always fun to see former players return, and to meet others who have been a part of St. Mary’s lacrosse over the years. “ Next year, the event will be held on June 8th . We hope our young alumni will be home from college and be able to attend. Mark your calendars.

Photo by Barbara Kiggins

It was a great season for Coach Panetta and his team. The Saint Mary’s High School Varsity Boys’ Lacrosse Team captured the 2012 CHSAA Metropolitan Class ‘A’ Final for the second time in three years after an outstanding performance against Msgr. Farrell on May 29 with an 11-1 victory. Coach Panetta said, “It was a very satisfying win and end to the season. Two years ago when we won this championship our team did not lose a league game all year. This year we had to face two very good teams in the playoffs that had beaten us earlier in the season. We lost to St. Dom’s (10-8) in the regular season, but we were able to avenge that loss with an 11-2 win in the semi-final playoff game. Monsignor Farrell beat us (7-6) in the regular season, and for us to beat them in such a convincing fashion is a very satisfying win.

I could not be happier for the boys.”

Photos by Barbara Kiggins

Alumni Magnificat | 21

school news

Young Alum Tackles Global Needs of Youth Mamadou Diakhate is a 2003 graduate of St. Mary’s High School and graduated from Fairfield University with a BS in Software Engineering in 2008. At a young age, Mamadou had a vision to make a real and significant impact of the lives of needy children around the world.

Today he is making that vision a reality with his founding of the Kaba Foundation. The mission of the Kaba Foundation is to improve the lives of children and young adults around the globe and particularly in Africa. The organization’s focus is computer education, sports and health, while stressing the importance of educational programs for its targeted population. Mamadou invites you to becomes involved in this mission. To find out more go to www.kabafoundation.org.

A Mamadou Moment

Where did you grow up?

In Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Dakar is on the Cap-Verte peninsula, the western most point on the continent of Africa.

What activities did you enjoy as a young boy?

I had a very regular childhood and was always active in sports such as soccer and basketball.

I was quite happy in school and didn’t realize at the time that our school had such limited resources. You cannot miss something that you don’t have, after all.

When did you come to the United States?

I came to the United States in 2000. My sister was already here. That’s when I began school at St. Mary’s High School.

Why did you come to the United States?

I came here because I knew there were many opportunities here for work. The United States was considered the best country in the world, but I still considered Senegal as a great place; there is no place like home.

What was your first impression of the United States?

The United States has so many more resources

than Africa. I particularly noticed this in school since I was in high school when I came here.

In Senegal, schools are in disrepair and we don’t have the basic educational resources and tools that you find in schools here. They do not have computers and many schools have dirt floors.

How did you first develop the idea to begin the Kaba Foundation?

I always knew that I wanted to do something for my country and other communities around the world that have needs in education, health, and athletics. My mother and father taught me that helping others is the right thing to do and I’ve had this in my mind for quite a long time.

What is the focus of the Kaba Foundation?

The focus of the Kaba Foundation is to improve the lives of children and young adults around the world. Right now, Kaba Foundation is focused on Africa, but it will grow to other parts of the world. It began with a donation of ten laptops from Pfizer Corporation. They were delivered to a middle school in Senegal that did not have any computers. The teachers were trained on them and the students learned how to use them very quickly. Kaba will also develop health clinics in schools and will provide information about health

www.stmaryalumni.ws | 22

and preventive care. In athletics our goal is simple, to provide children with the footwear and other equipment needed for them to participate in the sport of their choice.

How can others help the Kaba Foundation achieve its mission?

Kaba is a self-funded organization that depends on support from individuals and corporation. We need both in-kind donations of educational supplies, computers, and athletic supplies including sneakers, uniforms, and sports equipment. With your donations we are able to reach children across the globe and strengthen education and sports programs, which help their overall development. Anyone who is interested in helping the Kaba Foundation can contact me at info@kabafoundation.org.

How can others find information about the Kaba Foundation?

Visit our website www.kabafoundation.org.

“We have the will. We need help with the way.”

I hope others will share in this undertaking.

Dr. Winston M. Tellis, a longtime professor at the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University and Kaba Foundation Board Member and Vice President for International Relations comments, “The mission of the Kaba Foundation touches the very heart of what it means to use one’s talent and treasure in service of others. Kaba has already had a tremendous impact on middle school children in Senegal and I anticipate the good work to spread quickly, as long as we can successfully engage prospective supporters of our mission.”

Alumni Magnificat | 23

alumni notes In Memoriam

The St. Mary’s Alumni Association expresses its sympathies to the families, friends, and classmates of the following deceased alumni whose deaths were reported to the Alumni Office between June 30, 2011-June 15, 2012. We invite you to join us at the Alumni Memorial Mass on October 14, 2012 to remember them in prayer and thanksgiving.

Carol Dorsa Bovaird 1953 Thomas Swan 1953 Patricia Hallaren Timberlake 1953 Peter Kenny 1959 James Maguire 1959 ChristinE Healy Monaco 1961 Patricia Mahoney 1962 Dale Sanacore Pellegrino 1970 Cathleen Prior Singleton 1975 Michael J. Walsh 1975 Omar Ripalda 2009 Please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations at 516 627 4605 to report the passing of a St. Mary's High School alumnus.

Annual Alumni Memorial Mass Sunday, October 21, 2012 10:30 A.M. Church of Saint Mary Manhasset, New York

Let us Remember

A light continental breakfast and reception immediately following Mass.

Reverend Monsignor John McCann ‘57 will lead us in prayer, and remember the faithfully departed alumni, particularly those who died this past year.

This liturgy is a meaningful way to honor the lives and memories of these special souls who touched our lives while students at St. Mary’s High School.

Contact Kristin Lynch Graham via kgraham@stmary.ws in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations if you would like to have an alumnus remembered.