Join us for a Blue & Gold Alumnae Social prior to this year’s show on May 13th at Hofstra University! There will be an alumnae social prior to the show at 6 PM with food, water, and soda. Although premier reserved seating is sold out, you may still attend the social for $5 and buy general admission tickets for $10 at the door.

Friday, May 19 at 6:00 PM

Mr. Blanton once again invites all Firebird Swing alumni to join in singing Route 66 as an encore in concert at Jazz Night on Friday, May 19. The concert begins at 8:15 PM, but all Firebird Swing alumni are invited to a pre-concert reception in the Millennium Room starting at 6:00 PM. Food and refreshments will be provided and alums will have a chance to “meet and greet” old friends before enjoying a night of great jazz from the band and chorus.

Friday, May 19 at 6:00 PM

Mr. Vegas invites all Band alumni to return to campus for Kellenberg Memorial’s annual Jazz Night on Friday, May 19. The ensemble will be performing Duke Ellington’s Take the A Train and Band alumni are invited to take the stage and perform with the band! The concert begins at 8:15 PM, and Jazz Band alumni are invited to enjoy a pre-concert reception with food and refreshments in the Millennium Room at 6:00 PM. Those who wish to perform should plan to warm up with the band on Jazz Night and run through the selection a few times. All are always welcome to sit in on any other rehearsals as well. Rehearsal dates can be found here. Also, click here to access an audio recording of the exact arrangement of “Take the A Train” that will be performed.

Questions? Contact Mr. Vegas at MrVegas@kellenberg.org or alumni@kellenberg.org

Saturday, April 29th at 6:30 PM

RVC Athletic Complex (Peninsula Blvd.), Bob Klein Field

Save the date to get together with fellow softball alumnae to watch the Varsity team take on Mepham High School under the lights at Bob Klein Field.  A pre-game alumni reception with refreshments will begin at 6:30 PM.  Admission for the pre-game alumni reception and game is $10.  Admission for the game only is $5 for adults and $2 for students. The game begins at 7:30 PM.  The Alumni Association will donate all proceeds from the event to the Lustgarten Foundation in support of pancreatic cancer research.  If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Director Mr. Thomas Huggard at (516) 292-0200 x375 or alumni@kellenberg.org.

Alumni XLT Band Members, as well as all Firebird alums, are invited to take part in a special XLT on Saturday, May 20th!  

Alumni XLT Band Members are invited to arrive at 5:00 PM to take part in soundcheck, rehearsal, and dinner.

The Alumni XLT evening will begin at 7:00 PM

The evening is open to all Kellenberg Memorial alumni.
(Guests are permitted; please register for each person attending.)

Our speaker for the evening will be Mr. Kevin A’Hearn.

Any questions regarding the evening may be directed to MrHarnisch@kellenberg.org.

Please RSVP for the evening below:

The Kellenberg Memorial community celebrated a successful 2nd Annual Day of Giving on Thursday, March 30, 2017. The day, which was dedicated to honoring the 30th Anniversary of the founding of the school, featured live broadcasts throughout the day which were produced and directed by student members of ETV.

Students expressed their gratitude throughout the day at the Day of Giving photo booth!

The live shows highlighted the topics of Giving Back, Prayer Life, Alumni Programs, STEM, Faith/Vocations, Athletics, and “Future Firebirds” ranging in age from under one year up to nine years old. The shows featured students, as well as current and past faculty members. Alumni seminarians John Crozier ’11, Rev. Mr. Mike Plona ’07, Kieran Maelia ’13, and Paul Clores ’11 supported the day by returning to campus (with Matt Browne ’11 joining the conversation via Skype from Catholic University!) to discuss how their faith and vocations were shaped by their time at Kellenberg Memorial High School.

The shows were hosted by the incredibly spirited and talented Jordan Bernhardi ‘17, who reflected on his participation in the day, saying, “Having the opportunity to be a part of the Day of Giving was an amazing honor for me. It would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the ETV crew. The Day of Giving truly embodies the Kellenberg spirit of giving back and service over self. I have been blessed with the most amazing opportunities at Kellenberg, and it’s thanks to the entire Kellenberg family. Giving back to Kellenberg is so important because you’re supporting the future of the Firebird. With your support, you’re fostering the faith and academic opportunities that students receive each day at Kellenberg Memorial.”

Last year, over $75,000 was raised on the first Day of Giving for the Shepherd’s Fund, Kellenberg Memorial’s annual unrestricted fund which affords our school the opportunity to enhance a variety of initiatives that directly affect all of our programs each day. This year, the goal for the 2nd Annual Day of Giving was based on participation. In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Kellenberg Memorial, the day’s goal was to attract more than 30 donors each hour for ten hours, therefore completing the day with over 300 participants. Thanks to the generous support and enthusiasm of the Kellenberg community, the participation goal was met and more than doubled, with 745 donors contributing $111,261.58!

Thank you to all who participated in the 2nd Annual Day of Giving by sharing time, talent, or treasure. The continued generosity of the Kellenberg Memorial family ensures that a Marianist education of the heart and mind will be available for countless generations of “Future Firebirds.”

Special thanks to the following students for their outstanding contributions to the success of the day:

ETV – Andrew Ammazzalorso ’17, Jordan Bernhardi ‘17, Nick Castelli ’17, Joe Ciorra ’17, Alex Cruz ’17, Brandon Wainwright ’17, Kelly Kenny ’17, Eddie D’Atri ’17, Craig Wallace ’17, Shane Jackson ’18, and Gavin Williams ’18

Photography – Harrison Keller ’18 and Anthony Ort ’18

Social Media Club – Meagan Kimick ’18, Amaya Montalvo ’18, Madison Keller ’18, Maria Paradiso ’18, Brianna Hartmann ’18, and Maddie Oliver ’18

View photos from the 2nd Annual Day of Giving here.

View the recap video of the day here.

On Sunday, April 2nd, the Kellenberg Memorial community gathered for the 30th Annual Communion Breakfast for grades 6, 7, 8, and 9. Mass was concelebrated by Father Thomas Cardone, S.M. and Father Albert Bertoni, S.M.

The guest speaker for the breakfast portion of the event was Dr. James McBrien ’89, who serves as President of Kellenberg Memorial’s Alumni Association Board. Dr. McBrien and his wife, Cathy, are proud parents of Firebird alumna, Audrey ’15, current student, Aidan ’20, Cavan (9), and Evelyn (7). Having been a student during the time of Kellenberg Memorial’s founding in 1987, Dr. McBrien shared a unique perspective on the ongoing functional improvements and beautification of the campus. As a student worker, Dr. McBrien was responsible for many projects around campus, perhaps the most recognizable of which is the creation of the wood podiums which still remain in all of the classrooms.

Dr. McBrien reflected on the importance of the constant improvements around campus, saying, “Early on in the life of the school I remember hearing Fr. Philip state that ‘atmosphere educates.’ This idea was a driving force for beautifying the campus grounds and buildings while also ensuring a civil, orderly, and respectful atmosphere in our classrooms and halls. Over the years we have witnessed the continued improvements around the campus, and I believe that this atmosphere continues to educate and lift the minds, hearts, and spirits of our students.”

Dr. McBrien has served as President of Kellenberg Memorial’s Alumni Association Board since its formation in 2014. He stated, “Besides assisting in laying the foundation for a large and vibrant Alumni Association, I am happy to share that I am still making new friends and acquaintances, but now from different class years. Our experiences are similar or different to greater degrees depending on which time period we came through Kellenberg, but all of us are committed to the success of our alma mater which provides an outstanding experience for those seeking a rigorous college prep curriculum in harmony with a practiced and living faith in Jesus Christ and His Church.”

If you are interested in learning more about Kellenberg Memorial’s Alumni Association, please visit kellenberg.org/alumni.

Join us in Long Beach on Sunday, June 25, 2017, for a Boys and Girls Volleyball Alumni Game, followed by a Social in Point Lookout!

Meet at the volleyball nets right off Long Beach Road at 11:00 AM for a game of beach volleyball.

Following the game, all are invited to meet up at Heneghan’s Tavern on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout to catch up with coaches and fellow alums after the game.
There will be free appetizers and drink specials.

Please RSVP using the link below.

If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Director Mr. Thomas Huggard at (516) 292-0200 x375 or alumni@kellenberg.org.

Congratulations to Melissa DeLury ‘06, who has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to India in Education from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board!

Melissa will conduct research and support the teaching of English at the Indian Institute of Technology at Indore as part of a project to explore the effectiveness of the Indian Right to Education Act and assess possible barriers to accessing schools.

She is one of 1,900 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 2017-2018 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields.

When asked to reflect upon the role Kellenberg Memorial has played in her life, Melissa said, “Kellenberg provided a very encouraging atmosphere for me to explore and deepen my faith. Since graduating, I used this strong foundation to practice my faith by participating in service trips, both domestic and international, and professional experiences that sought to improve livelihoods through education. I also developed a strong work ethic that enabled me to succeed both at Saint Anselm College for my undergraduate studies and Trinity College Dublin for my graduate studies.”

Melissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Saint Anselm College and a Master of Arts degree in International Peace Studies from Trinity College, Dublin. She most recently worked as a Program Assistant at City University of New York’s School of Professional Studies. Prior to that, Melissa interned at No Peace Without Justice, which is based at the United Nations, and the International Crisis Group, a think tank working on the prevention of deadly conflict worldwide.

Fulbright alumni have achieved distinction in many fields, including 57 who have been awarded the Nobel Prize, 82 who have received Pulitzer Prizes, and 37 who have served as a head of state or government.

Congratulations, Melissa!

Join us on Saturday, July 8, 2017, for a Boys Soccer Alumni Game at 10:00 AM at Kellenberg,
followed by a social at The Greene Turtle!  

The alumni game is a tradition which continues to grow each year.  
Coach Masiulis looks forward to seeing everyone there!  

Please bring with you all equipment necessary to play.  

Following the game, all alumni are invited to catch up at The Greene Turtle in East Meadow with drink specials and complimentary appetizers.

Please RSVP for this complimentary event below.
If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Director, Mr. Thomas Huggard,
at (516) 292-0200 x375 or alumni@kellenberg.org.

Dear Post-College Alumni,

I am writing this on behalf of my brother, Archbishop Chris.
Three more volunteers are needed to teach in the Solomon Islands!
Archbishop Chris is in need of three volunteers for the months of February, March, and April of 2018.

Happily we have had three alumni Clare Carroll ’10 and two who are currently teaching, Kiran Swamy ’12, and Ricky Willi ’12 serve as successful missionaries.

Here are the opportunities available:

1. ​​Holy Name of Mary Major Seminary. This is an opportunity to work with seminarians with their English skills and basic introduction to computer.
2. ​Pre-Seminary Catechist School. This is a school where young women are training to be Sisters and young men are preparing for the seminary. This is also an opportunity to work with those who aspire to a vocation in the area of English skills and Religious studies.
3. School/Vocational School in Visale. This is an opportunity to work with the DMI Sisters in a beautiful rural setting. Teaching English, computer and being involved with pastoral work with youth are the main focus here

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In order to give you a better first-hand idea of the missionary challenge ahead, please read the experiences of your fellow alumni and do not hesitate to contact them.

If you think God may be calling you in this direction and are seriously interested, please contact me at frthomas@kellenberg.org so we can arrange a time to meet and talk.

Father Tom

All Kellenberg Memorial Football Alumni are invited to attend a social at the final home game of the season vs. Fordham Prep at Mitchel Field on October 6th at 7 PM.

Enjoy the game from the announcer’s booth with refreshments.

During halftime the Football Alumni in attendance will be announced and recognized on the field.
Tickets for the alumni social are $10.

Please register below by Monday, October 2nd.

Pearse ’11 pictured in the center.

Kellenberg Alumna Kylie Pearse (2011), a former “Lady Firebird” and Bucknell University Track ace, ran to one of the all-time best Marathon performances by a Long Island born female. Pearse debuted in 2:50:22 for the 26.2-mile race at the famed “Corning (NY) Wineglass Marathon.”

Pearse, a successful Insurance agent for The Chubb Company, finished second female overall, garnering that place’s $600.00 money prize. Currently running for the Philadelphia Running Club, Pearse has been a wonderful role model for the current “Lady Firebirds,” as she continues to balance a successful career with a healthy lifestyle and successful athletic career.

Please join us for the
Kellenberg Memorial High School
Alumni Communion Breakfast
Sunday, February 11, 2018

Mass begins at 9:00 AM, followed by
breakfast and a special guest speaker
$12 per person
$6 for children 10 and under
Online registration closes February 5.

After graduating from Kellenberg Memorial in 2010, Anie Jamgochian studied at Cabrini College and graduated magna cum laude in 2014.   She then earned acceptance to both Harvard and Yale Divinity schools.  However, she turned down the Ivy League graduate school offers and chose instead to complete a year-long service trip volunteering with Rostro de Cristo at a women’s shelter in Ecuador.  She has since earned her Master of Theological Studies degree from Boston College and is volunteering with Birthright Armenia, an international nonprofit organization.

What was the biggest influence on your faith-life while here at Kellenberg which helped you to listen to and trust in God’s unique plan for you?  

I will never forget the peace I found at Kellenberg. I remember sitting in my religion courses thinking “this all makes so much sense.” I quickly became enchanted by the love of my God who I was learning about through biblical stories and especially through my morality classes.

My experience at Kellenberg began a deep and ever-enriching conversation and connection of heart and mind. Cliché, but true. As a result, I began to listen more closely to discern who God was shaping me to be. I followed where I felt God calling with the small things, which would help me navigate life’s more paramount decisions in the near future.

In the meantime, I was encouraged to share my story with my teachers, who listened with patience and compassion. They taught me that my story matters – all of our stories matter and I can choose to be a part of lifting up those which are forgotten or cast aside. Little by little I felt God calling me to love, in any and every way imaginable. I felt God calling me to know the story of my neighbor, my brothers and sisters, wherever in the world they may be. I learned that God could take the dreams I had and assist me in building them into something even more beautiful. It is my journey at Kellenberg that gave me the courage to listen, the courage to speak up, the courage to take the leap of faith against all odds and most of all, the courage to love.

Anie Jamgochian graduated Cabrini College magna cum laude in 2014.

What is the most important lesson you have learned from your service to others?

The most important lesson I have learned from my service to others, which also happens to be the most important lesson I have learned in my life, is this: Love knows no boundaries.

I had heard a phrase like this often, usually pertaining to the kind of love God has for all of humankind and Creation. However, I learned it differently when I saw it with my own eyes from strangers. I’m talking about strangers who I not only shared many cultural differences with, but strangers who I could not even speak to. There was no sharing of who I am or learning who they were. And yet there was love. I can’t describe this feeling when you realize you are loved without condition.

Jamgochian on the cover of Cabrini Magazine (2011)

Needless to say, these were encounters where I felt God’s presence most. I learned that love is without rhyme or reason. It doesn’t come after I can prove you are a relatable, kind, clean, sane, healthy, -insert other conditions here- person. Love happens when I look into your eyes and see you as a human being, as God’s Creation, as Christ. Maybe we would be great friends. Maybe we wouldn’t get along at all. But none of that matters to love. Love just is. Without any conditions. Without any preparation or answer or reason or expectation of love in return. Love is without boundary or hesitation. Maybe it sounds crazy, or extremely difficult, but what I found is we are all capable of this love. We need only the courage to take down our walls and forget all the conditions we think love requires, and simply love.

Do you have any advice for the current students at Kellenberg Memorial?

Current Kellenberg Students! My advice to you is to invest in yourself. It is the perfect time to explore your passions and get to know yourself. Engage your interests, join that club you’re curious about or start a new one! Visit your teachers and ask questions. Trust that you are supported every step of the way, you need only ask. You have an entire community surrounding you, rooting for you, which won’t always find throughout your life. So share yourself with this community! Take advantage; let them get to know you. Let them encourage and support you as you continue learning about yourself and the world around you. Invest in yourself. You are worth it.

Who was your favorite teacher at Kellenberg Memorial, and why?

This is a difficult one to answer, as I felt many of my teachers during my 7 years of attending Kellenberg were not only superb teachers, but also great mentors. I enjoyed sharing conversations many of my teachers after school, and often went back to my Latin School hallway to visit teachers I no longer saw in my day-to-day high school shuffle.

There is one teacher I will mention with whom I always felt a positive and calm presence from. She always brought such joy into the classroom. I can’t remember a day she didn’t wear a smile. As a result, I sought her after school from time to time, and enjoyed sharing conversations with her. Eventually, I began to seek her guidance too. I found such kindness, empathy, understanding and patience in her accompaniment. At a time where I most needed a mentor as I grew into young adulthood and life’s challenges grew just a little more difficult, Mrs. Marconi reassured me, encouraged me, and always asked important questions, which later prompted good self-reflection and self-confidence. I found her to be both an engaging teacher who brought life to her classes and openly shared much of herself with her students, as well as a compassionate mentor who spent time to really get to know me. I think of Mrs. Marconi often in gratitude for her peaceful accompaniment and companionship throughout my life and I try to remember to send her snail mail from time to time. Thank you Mrs. Marconi!

From left to right, Director of Alumni Mr. Thomas Huggard with Charles, Gary ’88, Grace, and Edward ’21 Jansen.

On Sunday, February 11th, over 200 Firebird alumni and their families gathered for the 2nd Annual Alumni Communion Breakfast.  The morning began with Mass celebrated by Father Albert Bertoni, S.M. at 9 AM.  The Gregorian Consortium provided beautiful music which added to the sanctity of the special Mass.  Members of the Kellenberg community then gathered in the cafeteria for breakfast and a presentation by guest speaker, Gary Jansen ’88.

Gary is an editor,  bestselling author, and frequent lecturer.  He has been featured on NPR, The Huffington Post, CNN, Coast to Coast AM, A&E, the Sundance Channel, and has appeared numerous times on the Travel Channel’s Mysteries at the Museum.   

Gary spoke about the important role prayer plays in maintaining balance in our lives and how small “microchanges,” such as dedicating just 1% of your day to prayer, can make a big impact on one’s life.  He also urged those in attendance to look at Jesus’ responses in the Stations of the Cross and use that as inspiration for their own lives and examine how they respond to suffering.  

Gary closed the enlightening presentation by saying, “We need to get back to basics.  By keeping our focus on Jesus and using proper form, which is obeying the Commandments and obeying the teaching of the Church.  When we do those things, everything falls into alignment, and when we don’t, we can really hurt ourselves.”  

Steve Lincoln ’89 is a Nassau County Detective currently assigned to the 5th Squad.  He and his wife, Janet, have been married since 2011.  Their youngest daughter, Katie, is currently in her senior year at Kellenberg Memorial.  Their other children are all proud Firebird alums as well.  Keara ’12 is a graduate of Fordham University with a Masters in Social Work currently working for LIJ Northwell Health.  Patrick ’16 attends the University of Rhode Island, while Caitlin Gaine ’16 attends Rhodes College.  

Being an alumnus as well as a long-time Firebird parent, you must have a unique perspective on Kellenberg Memorial.  What kind of a role has Kellenberg played in your life, and the life of your family?  

Kellenberg is an unbelievable second family to ours.  We are so proud to have such a wonderful institution guiding us, one that prioritizes our faith over everything we do.  Our faith is the true meaning in our lives – not our jobs, the car we drive, the clothes we wear or the vacations we take.

Officer Steve Lincoln ’89

You have put service over self by serving as a Nassau County Police Officer for 14 years.  Why did you decide to pursue a career which serves and protects your fellow Nassau County residents?  

Service is a personal calling.  I received my calling when I was 19 years old.  I was a sophomore attending Siena College watching the first Gulf War on the news – Operation Desert Storm.  I had several friends overseas fighting in that war.  Not only was I disgusted at the atrocities Saddam Hussein was committing against the people of Kuwait, but I also had a feeling of guilt watching it on tv and not participating.  I contracted in the United States Army Reserves later that year through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon graduation from Siena College in 1993.  I had a civilian career with Automatic Data Processing, Inc. for 10 years while I continued to serve in the US Army Reserves. When I returned from a one year deployment to Southwest Asia in 2002 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, I realized that I wanted to serve in a full time capacity.  A career in law enforcement has provided me with that opportunity.

Do you have any advice for current Kellenberg Memorial students?  

1.  Keep and nurture your faith – it’s the only thing that you will have your entire life.  
2.  Don’t sweat which college you attend so much.  Pick a geographical area (NE, SE, etc.), a size (small, medium, large) and type (public, private, Catholic, etc.) and take on the least amount of debt as possible.  In the end, you will have a degree and to be quite honest – it’s all the same cheeseburgers and roof over your head!

Who was your favorite teacher when you were a student here, and why?  

I had a bunch of teachers that I took away much from.  Father Albert Bertoni in particular seemed to always strike a chord with me through his explanations in religion class.

Kristin, a mom of four beautiful children (including a set of identical twin boys), three Nigerian Dwarf goats, many chickens, and a furry fox-looking dog, currently dedicates her time to being with her children and directing their education by participating in a faith-centered, homeschooling program. She also owns Lloyd Harbor Brewing Company, a micro-brewery that uses her own homegrown organic hops. She and her family enjoy many homesteading activities such as tapping their own maple trees for maple syrup, collecting fresh chicken eggs, hiking, skiing, swimming, enjoying nature and, of course, growing their own fruit and vegetables. Kristin resides with her children and husband, Gary, in Lloyd Harbor on Long Island.

What kind of role did Kellenberg Memorial play in shaping you into the person you are today?

Kellenberg emphasized the values that my family instilled in me as a child. I see the many beautiful gifts we are given in this world and am grateful for all God has given us. I believe Kellenberg opened my eyes to staying on Jesus’ path. I also cherish the memories I made on the USA Tour.

What do you hope to teach your children as they grow?  

To love and know Jesus and always try to stay on His path.

You and your family attended Kellenberg’s Alumni Spirit Day this past fall. What made you want to come back to campus to celebrate Mass and participate in a day of family fun?

I have been dreaming of the day I could bring my family to Kellenberg, and at last the date seemed to work. I couldn’t wait to show them the newest additions at Kellenberg too. They loved seeing all the animals. I wanted them to see where Mommy went to school.

Who was your favorite teacher when you were a student here, and why?  

I have to say though he didn’t strictly teach me in a classroom, he taught me many life lessons. Mr. Benintendi was there for me at a time when there was nobody that could possibly understand a 14-year-old girl losing her oldest brother. I couldn’t be more grateful for his guidance and love which helped me work through this difficult period in my life.

Join us for a Blue & Gold Alumnae Social prior to this year’s show on May 12th!  Meet at Hofstra University to secure prime parking at 5 PM, and then board a bus to Kellenberg for food, wine, and soda.  At 6:30 PM, the bus will return alums and their guests back over to Hofstra where they will watch the show in premium reserved seats!

The cost for the evening is $25, which includes your premier reserved seat ticket, as well as the pre-show social at Kellenberg. This year, alumnae have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative Blue & Gold t-shirt for an additional $10. Please note that premier reserved seat tickets are available for the first 100 registrants only! The deadline to register and purchase a t-shirt is Monday, May 7th at 3 PM.

If you have any questions, please contact Alumni Director Mr. Thomas Huggard at (516) 292-0200 x375 or alumni@kellenberg.org.