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 from July 15 – October 15, 2018.

Archbishop Chris Cardone, O.P. with school children from the Solomon Islands. (2009)

Happily, we have had several alumni serve as missionaries in recent years. Brendan Gilroy ’13 and Anne Fiore ’13 will be returning soon after spending time in the Solomon Islands since this past January. In addition, you may read the accounts of Ricky Willi ’12, Kiran Swamy ’12, and Clare Carroll ’10’s experience of their service at the bottom of this page for more information.

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 the 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.
3. Wanderer Bay School.  This is a rural school in Tangarare Parish in need of a Science and/or English teacher.

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

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

Matt, a Vice President at CIT Bank, is currently responsible for originating and structuring commercial aircraft financing opportunities within the aviation industry. His day-to-day role involves analyzing and pricing debt secured by commercial aircraft while building and maintaining relationships with airlines, aircraft lessors, banks, hedge funds, private equity firms, and other industry-related institutions.

Matt currently works and resides in New York City. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree with a double major in Finance and Risk Management/Insurance from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, where he attended the Haub School of Business.

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

I have been fortunate enough throughout my life to have had a strong family foundation complemented by 15+ years of Catholic school education. Beginning with Maria Regina for elementary school, then Kellenberg Memorial for high school, followed by Saint Joseph’s University for undergrad, each progression within my formal education was more than just an academic institution. As the years go by, I look back and appreciate the sacrifices my parents made to create these opportunities. Maria Regina is still my family’s parish and I try to stay involved as an alumnus of both Kellenberg and SJU.

As everyone knows, high school plays an important part in the development of an individual’s identity. I think many former students can attest to the positive impact of attending Kellenberg. Whether it’s the experiences a student has through the sports played, the clubs joined, the events attended, or the friendships formed, all aspects leave a lasting impression. Kellenberg certainly does not fall short of the opportunities provided to make high school a positive experience.

I’ve always felt that Kellenberg realizes everyone is more than just a student. My oldest brother was in the military and deployed overseas during my sophomore year. I’ll never forget the assembly held that focused on students with family members in the military. I felt honored when I was asked to participate in a pre-recorded interview. I was excited the day of the assembly, but also a little nervous as I didn’t know what to expect. When it came to the part with pictures of my brother and the interview, I was filled with all different types of positive emotions. I remember going home and showing my parents a DVD of the assembly. I was so proud to be a part of it and always appreciated Kellenberg’s support. The experiences I’ve had throughout my life, including at Kellenberg, have had a direct impact on who I am as a person today and for that I am grateful.

How did Kellenberg prepare you for success in college and in your career?

My experience at Kellenberg was an important building block for developing a strong work ethic. While trimesters and comprehensive exams were challenging, they were instrumental in developing the fundamentals for preparation and hard work. For me, the amount of effort and time dedicated to school work and studying was directly correlated with my academic performance. By the time I arrived at Saint Joseph’s freshman year, I felt prepared and aware of what it took to keep myself motivated to succeed academically. My experience as a student was an important part of the development of a skillset I rely on each and every day in my current role.

Matt Hughey ’08 (far right) catching up with (from left to right) Michael Hutchinson ’08, Sarah Reul ’09, and Mr. Kevin A’Hearn at the NYC Alumni Social at Juniper Bar this month.

You recently attended the NYC Alumni Social at Juniper Bar. What made you want to attend the event and reconnect with fellow Firebird alums?

I’ve remained friends with many former classmates over the years. Regardless of how often I see them, many are lifelong friends. The friendships formed in high school and college are relationships where you can pick up right where you left off and it doesn’t skip a beat. I was talking with a friend (Mike Hutchinson ’08) and we decided to attend the Alumni Social and catch up. I plan on attending my 10-year reunion this upcoming June and look forward to catching up with friends from Kellenberg. I am also looking into playing in the annual golf outing on June 4th.

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

While there are many faculty members who have left a lasting impression in the classroom and on the field, I think I’d have to go with my former “bosses” Jeff Harris ’03 and Kevin Murphy ’03. Like many students, I worked at Kellenberg over the summers and throughout the school year. Jeff and Kevin were college students at the time and involved in countless activities/events sponsored by and/or affiliated with Kellenberg. We’ve remained friends over the years and I always enjoy catching up. It shows that Kellenberg has a lot of great people involved throughout every facet of the administration and faculty.

Alumni XLT Band Members, as well as all Firebird alums, are invited to take part in a special XLT on Saturday, May 26th!

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.)

Matt Browne ’11, Seminarian for the Diocese of Rockville Centre

Our speaker for the evening will be seminarian Matt Browne ’11, who is currently studying in Washington D.C. at Theological College – the National Seminary of the Catholic University of America.

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

Please RSVP for the evening below.

Mr. Vegas invites all Band alumni to return to campus for Kellenberg Memorial’s annual Jazz Night on Friday, May 18th. The ensemble will be performing Duke Ellington’s “Take the A Train” and all Band alumni are invited to take the stage and perform with the band! The concert begins at 8:15 PM, and 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 jazz rehearsals as well.

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

Sara (Devitt) Bliss ‘03 is a Pediatric Cardiology ICU Physician Assistant at Mount Sinai Medical Center.  She holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross in English and Pre-Med. Sara completed an academic internship program during her senior year where she worked with both a plastic surgeon and a physician assistant. Sara decided to pursue a career as a physician assistant and completed the PA program at SUNY Downstate Medical Center.  She then began her career at Mount Sinai, where she has been for the past six years. Sara recently spent three weeks in Vietnam on a medical mission trip lead by a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Khan Nguyen. She was part of a multi-faceted team of pediatric

cardiac specialists that enabled the successful completion and post-operative management of sixteen pediatric cardiac surgeries on patients with a variety of heart anomalies.

1) How did Kellenberg Memorial shape who you are today?

I have so much love for Kellenberg Memorial and my time spent there. My time was spent mostly studying and running. I ran cross country, as well as winter and spring track, all of which were coached by the infamous Mr. Martin Brown.  Some of my best memories of high school were spent in the bus driving to meets and spending time with friends as part of this amazing team with the best coach and dad a girl could ask for!

2) What motivated you to travel to Vietnam to take part in a medical mission trip?

When the surgeon I worked with asked me to be a part of his Vietnam team, I think I said yes before he finished speaking. I love my patients and being presented with an opportunity to help children, who otherwise would not have access to these surgeries, I knew I was going to be a part of something truly special. The doctors, nurses, patients, and families I met in Vietnam forever changed my heart. Caring for patients after open heart surgery and witnessing the strength of these little warriors and the love of their families is unexplainable.

3) How did Kellenberg prepare you intellectually and spiritually for the challenges that you face in your demanding career?

Kellenberg provided me with a strong academic foundation in science, research, and communication while instilling me the importance of my Catholic faith that helps guide me through difficult shifts and crisis situations in an ICU setting.

Join Us for a Boys Soccer Alumni Game & Social!

Join us on Saturday, July 14th, 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.  

Nick Boffardi ’14 recently began a new position as a Video Producer at Sports Illustrated TV, where he is responsible for the preparation, production and editing for the shows that stream on their website si.tv, and on Amazon.com.  In addition to this full-time position, Nick also balances a number of other professional responsibilities, such as serving as a member of the game day production staff for the New York Mets and as a production coordinator for NYCB Live at Nassau Coliseum.  He also served as a videographer and editor at Kellenberg Memorial throughout his three and half college years. Nick holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Television Production from Hofstra University with a concentration in Production and Post-Production and was an active member of ETV and Auditorium Services (among other things) during his time at Kellenberg.  

How did Kellenberg Memorial shape who you are today?

I’ve been a part of the Kellenberg community for over a decade now. I started with the Latin School in 6th grade in 2007, graduated in 2014, and worked with the ETV Technical Staff until I got my full time job offer from SI.  Nearly everything I’ve done to this point has been influenced in some way by Kellenberg Memorial. As a student I was able to find what I loved in ETV. It gave me the confidence to pursue what I enjoyed doing. As a Catholic, Kellenberg allowed me to learn about my faith and carry it with me into my community and in college.  When I became a staff member, I was able to pass my knowledge to the students and help them learn as much as they could.

How did Kellenberg prepare you for success in college and in your career?

Kellenberg has done so much for me on so many different levels you could probably write a whole piece on that alone. Starting with the academics, while the material of each class is important to know, what’s more important is how I went about learning it all. I had to manage my time effectively and learn how to prioritize projects or papers. It was important to learn how to make time to study and not allow that time to interfere with sports or clubs. Balancing ETV with schoolwork and sports was the groundwork for my entire college life. As a senior Kellenberg, I learned how to be a leaders while serving as a Marianist Mentor for Mr. Kirk’s 7th grade homeroom (and now I feel old because those kids are going to be seniors this September). As a staff member, I was not only able to continue to lead and set an example for the students in ETV, but it also allowed me to mentor them and teach them what I knew. In television a producer is perhaps the most critical element to any successful show. We are responsible for all the content that fills an episode. We come up with everything from topics and themes for shows, to guest bookings and even the design of the set. All of these pieces require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with others. Kellenberg was the perfect place to learn these skills as they were incorporated into the curriculum both directly, in the likes of group projects, and indirectly, where I had to know myself enough to be able to determine what methods of organization worked best for me.

Kellenberg prepared me for nearly all aspects of college. Academically, I felt Kellenberg was far more difficult than any class I took in college. I had some college finals that were 50 scantron questions and 2 essays, which by Kellenberg standards should be able to be completed in 38 minutes (and usually done faster than that). Trimester and Comprehensive Examinations are in a class of their own in comparison. I learned how to interact with peers and teachers and how to navigate social situations outside the classroom. When I took my Intro to Studio Production class at Hofstra in my first semester, 95% of the material was what I had already learned through ETV. Coming back as an alumnus to work with the Technical Staff allowed me to put into practice the things I was learning at Hofstra. It not only gave me a place to refine my skills but it also allowed me to produce various types of videos to show as part of my professional experience.

Kellenberg teachers never wanted us to feel like we couldn’t we ask for help, which is what makes them so different. I’m sure nearly every teacher says that, but even the nicest teacher in the world can’t force a student to come for something as small as extra help. It’s the atmosphere at Kellenberg which allows students to feel comfortable in approaching a teacher to discuss what they’re struggling with or perhaps talk about what they’re really good at and enjoying in the class. Kellenberg teachers leave lasting impressions on their students which many of us carry to college. Kellenberg teachers want us to succeed after college and they love to hear how well their alumni are doing. Having been part of the Kellenberg family, I was able to approach my professors and have an open dialogue about what was going well or not so well in a given class.

You made a gift in support of this year’s Day of Giving.  Why do you think it’s important to give back to Kellenberg?

It’s so important to give back because it’s the way we’re going to help shape the future. Tuition isn’t cheap by any measure, and Donations from alumni can help Kellenberg continue to be an affordable option for families seeking a Catholic education. The building as we know it is essentially at capacity and while we make the most of the space, could we do better? The facilities may need to be upgraded or expanded in the future to allow students to get the most out of their education. Giving back can help Kellenberg continue to invest in their students’ futures. Donating as a recent graduate and making a consistent donation for the next decade or so could very well mean that my kids will be looking at a drastically improved Kellenberg Memorial (physically) from the campus I knew as a student.  

Who was your favorite teacher/class, moderator/club, or coach/team when you were a student here, and why?

Jeff Harris and ETV were and are my favorites from when I was a student. When I say ETV, as much as I mean the club itself, I also want to include the people that were part of it because they were the essence of the club. Our first studio was in a literal closet in the back of the auditorium. There were maybe a dozen kids in the club when I joined. I came in as a freshman only knowing that I liked shooting video. I looked up to the juniors and seniors in the club who were there every day morning and afternoon, taking care of anything that had to be done. They’re a big part of the reason I’m in this field and have the work ethic I do. Jeff was always involved in the club and one of the first things he said to me when I joined was, “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” You can’t be shy in this industry and he tried to teach that from Day 1. He wanted us to push our boundaries because it was the only way to learn. He had an idea of what I was capable of and knew how to push me just enough to get a little extra out of me. He was my mentor for high school and one of my biggest supporters when I said I was going to pursue television production in college. When he hired me at Kellenberg, it came with one caveat: I couldn’t stay forever. He was right and I’ve been fortunate that other opportunities have come up that I couldn’t pass on.

You graduated from Hofstra a full semester ahead of your peers.  How did Kellenberg play a part in that accomplishment?  

As a senior at Kellenberg Memorial, I was offered the opportunity to take some of my classes for college credit.  I took 3 credits through LIU-Post for our English class. We had a guest professor visit and lecture a few times throughout each trimester.  I also took Father Philip’s LS Latin 12 class for 6 credits. While we did do some conjugating of verbs or declining of nouns, this class was different from any other Latin class I had taken at Kellenberg. On the first day of school each student was given a binder probably 2 inches thick filled with information not only about Latin, but about Roman and Greek culture too. It was more of a Classics focus than it was about the Latin language. Fast forward to college, where a BA degree in TV Production requires 124 credits. At least 94 of those credits had to fall into Hofstra’s liberal arts designation. Among these 94 credits were core requirements in subjects like math, science, social studies, literature and a foreign language. I called up both St. John’s and LIU-Post to get copies of my transcript and have them sent to Hofstra, and within 10 days I received an email confirming the credits were accepted. The summer after my freshman year, I took a 3-credit writing class over the summer. The following summer, I went abroad to Italy where I took another 3-credit course. With those two summer courses, plus my credits from high school, I had a total of 15 credits not taken in my spring and fall semesters. It actually moved me a semester ahead and my junior year I took two semesters of 17 credits. Entering the Fall 2017 semester I needed just 16 credits to complete my degree and I graduated that December. That was very important for a few reasons. First, it saved money as I didn’t have to pay or take loans for another semester of college. And secondly it allowed me to apply for jobs beginning in October and list a possible start date in January instead of June. I had nearly a 6 month head on my other classmates in my job search. I interviewed for Sports Illustrated TV in March, something I might have been able to do if I were still in school. However they were looking for someone to start as soon as possible so when they called me and offered the job I was able to say, “I’ll be there Monday,” instead of trying to delay it until after finals.

Dear Firebird Alumni,

So excited to get the ball rolling with our Alumni Book Club! As the final days of school wind down, what a perfect time to think about SUMMER READING–wait, not that kind of summer reading where you have to plow through (or Sparknote) a literary tome in order to be tested in the opening week of September. Nooooo! Rather, this is just a suggested title that you may (or may not) pick up, throw into your beach bag, and then dive in!

Since this is our inaugural session, I am offering up the opportunity to share a novel I just finished last week. In the future, the door is open for others to provide titles of books that they would like to recommend. This is going to be such great fun!!!

So here goes . . .

This is an amazing tale that flips back-and-forth between two narrators and two time periods: Rill Foss, a twelve-year-old girl who finds herself thrown into a Tennessee Children’s Home Society orphanage in Memphis in 1939, and Avery Stafford, a federal prosecutor who has returned home to South Carolina of the present day to assist her father who is in poor health. Somehow, in some way, these two disparate voices will connect, and magic will ensue–thanks in large part to the enchanting writing ability of Lisa Wingate. Check out this treasure of words:

You see, there is one thing I learned from following in Papa
Sevier’s footsteps, as I grew up. Life is not unlike cinema. Each scene has its own music, and the music is created for the scene, woven to it in ways we do not understand. No matter how much we may love the melody of a bygone day or imagine the song of a future one, we must dance within the music of today, or we will always be out of step, stumbling around in something that doesn’t suit the moment.

Ah, passages like that abound in this powerful story. What makes this book even more compelling is the fact that the horrors of the Tennessee Children’s Home Society were TRUE!!! There really was a Georgia Tann who directed this notorious organization by kidnapping and selling poor children to wealthy families from all over the US. Wingate creates an unforgettable experience through her blend of fact and fiction, one that promises to keep you engaged throughout and disappointed when the final page must be turned because it’s over.

We will convene on Tuesday, August 14th at 7PM in Kelleberg Memorial’s library to discuss the book. For all those who are not living locally and can’t join us in person, we will be livestreaming the discussion. If you’d like to take part, please RSVP below. Once you have RSVPed, you will receive an email on Monday, August 13th containing instructions to access the livestream.

For more information or any questions, please reach out at alumni@kellenberg.org.

Happy reading,
Mrs. Cathy (Hughes) von Shoenermarck

Miss Tara Marsigliano ’06 with Athletic Director and History Teacher, Mr. John Fechtmann at Kellenberg Memorial’s 2018 Homecoming Game.
Photo Credit: Brittany Bernstein

Article by Newsday’s Brittany Bernstein:

For Tara Marsigliano, Kellenberg Memorial High School’s football game against St. Francis Prep on Sunday was a homecoming in more ways than one.

Marsigliano graduated from Kellenberg, a Catholic school in Uniondale, in 2006 with dreams of one day returning as a teacher. But after graduating with degrees from Iona College and Hofstra University, she ended up as a K-4 teacher in Downtown Brooklyn.

That is, until Kellenberg Athletic Director John Fechtmann called Marsigliano, who rowed crew all four years of undergrad at Iona and went on to become a crew coach in Manhasset, with a “crew question” recently.

“I’m thinking it will be something simple — nothing to do with me being hired there, and he said, ‘What about starting our [crew] team and teaching here?’ ”she said.

Her reply?

“When can I sign the contract?”

Read the full article on Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/kellenberg-memorial-high-school-homecoming-1.21105223

All Kellenberg Memorial Football Alumni are invited to attend a social sponsored by the Coaching Staff on Saturday, October 6, 2018, at the Firebirds’ home game at Mitchel Field vs. Holy Cross. Kickoff is at 7 PM, but alumni are welcome to arrive at 6:30 PM.

Admission for Football Alumni is free. Football Alumni are invited to watch the game from the announcer’s booth while enjoying complimentary food and soft drinks.

During halftime, the Football Alumni in attendance will be announced and recognized on the field.

The deadline to register for this event is Wednesday, October 3rd.

Stephen Dengel ’98 recently accomplished something that only .01% of the world’s population has been able to achieve:  He successfully completed the IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant in Canada on August 19th! Stephen, who holds degrees from both Sacred Heart University and Molloy College, currently serves as Director of Operations at Topix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  He and his wife, Rachel, have two children, Max and Maddie. In addition to being a proud Firebird alum, Stephen has recently joined the ranks of Firebird parents! His son, Max, is a sixth grader in the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School.

How did your time at Kellenberg prepare you for your professional and personal successes?
Kellenberg put me in an environment where I was challenged daily, along with other students who worked as hard at being successful as I did.  It laid the building blocks of leadership and gave me the confidence to constantly seek new challenges, however difficult or uncomfortable they may seem.

What made you want to compete in the IRONMAN competition, and how did you feel upon crossing the finishing line?
The Ironman was a beautiful culmination of eight months of dedication to a single goal.  There were so many reasons why I competed. It was the next progression in my journey through the sport and life, and I wanted to set an example for my children.  It was pure elation to cross that line and have my family there with me to celebrate the accomplishment.

Why did you and your family decide that the Latin School was the right place for your son, Max?
The sacrifices that my parents made to put six children through private Catholic education left an impression with me on just how highly they valued quality education and faith.  My wife is an educator herself, and we both want the best for our children. Last year, we were so impressed at the open house that we decided then and there to enroll our son, Max.    

Please share your favorite class/teacher, activity or sport from your time at Kellenberg. 
It would be tough for me to pick favorites because my Kellenberg experience was all around great.  I loved that the school seemed to come alive with an energy after that last bell, when the sports and clubs started.  I tell Max to seize every opportunity to get involved and not to take home that early bus! We are so excited to see the first of our children experience the joy of being part of the Kellenberg family, and our daughter, Maddie, will be soon to follow!

After the success of our inaugural Alumni Book Club meeting this past August, we are pleased to invite all alumni to participate in our upcoming fall event!

On Tuesday, November 13th, we will gather in Kellenberg Memorial’s library at 7 PM to discuss our fall selection, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. A brief description of the New York Times best-selling novel is below:

Ove is a curmudgeon–the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. But when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty you daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of back up a U-haul.

For those who are unable to attend the meeting in person, we will be live-streaming interactive coverage of the event. Please register using the link below by Thursday, November 8th. Any questions may be directed towards the Alumni Office at (516) 292-0200 x396 or alumni@kellenberg.org.

As part of Kellenberg Memorial’s STEM Cluster, students have opportunities throughout the academic year to attend lectures presented by professionals who work in various fields of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math industries.  On September 19th, Caitlin (Schechter) Harris, FNP-BC, MSN ’03 served as the first lecturer of this year’s STEM Talk Series.  Caitlin shared her expertise in the nursing field and informed the many students gathered about the wide variety of employment opportunities offered within the field.  She also clearly illustrated the most appropriate educational paths students interested in nursing should take and discussed how to seek out opportunities for scholarships.  Caitlin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Nursing from Boston College and Pace University, respectively. She also holds a Master of Science degree in Nursing from Molloy College.  Currently, she works for Northwell Health Solutions as a Nurse Practitioner on the Transitional Care Management Team based out of Southside Hospital.

On September 26th, Stephanie (Pierce) Minero ’04 spoke to a packed room of students regarding her career as a Forensic Scientist II at the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s Office.  She explained the steps involved in DNA analysis, including the first step of evidence collection, followed by DNA extraction and amplification.  Stephanie also explained the chemical techniques involved in the analysis of controlled substances, and the laboratory instrumentation used to identify them.  In addition to her work at the Medical Examiner’s Office, Stephanie serves as a Corporate Liaison for the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists. She also recently served as an adjunct professor at LIU Post.  Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forensic Science and Chemistry from LIU Post, as well as a Master of Science degree in Biology from LIU Post.

Following graduation from Kellenberg, Jay attended Hofstra University and received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Management in 2002. Over the last 15 years, he has worked for Merck, Smith & Nephew, AposTherapy, and is currently an Account Manager at Bausch Health.  Jay sold medications and devices to clinicians in primary care, psychiatry, wound care, orthopedics, and dentistry. He currently sells medications and devices in the dental market. Jay resides in Plainview, with his wife, Allison, daughter Olivia (6), and son Shane (3).

How did Kellenberg Memorial shape who you are today?

Kellenberg allowed me the opportunity to be surrounded by an extraordinary faculty, student body, and culture. KMHS has instilled a high moral intelligence that has given me a foundation to be a better person by helping others in our community. As a student, I didn’t understand how important faith would be in my life. Looking back now, I have to thank Kellenberg for helping me build the faith that I have today.

How did you get involved with endurance running as a way to raise awareness and funds for charity?

After graduating from Hofstra, I ran a handful of half marathons from 2009-2015 to lose weight and stay in shape. After every half marathon I completed, I’d always think to myself: you have to be CRAZY to run 13.1 more miles to finish a marathon.  It was always a far-fetched dream for me to run the NYC Marathon, but I thought it would be an amazing feeling to run through the city that I lived in for 6 years and visited my whole life, as I am from Long Island. In March of 2015, I registered for the NYC Marathon with mixed emotions — some excitement, some nerves.  When I crossed the finish line of the marathon, it changed my life forever. After completing the marathon, I began to use running as a platform to raise awareness and money for the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, in honor of my Grandmother, Ann Asparro, who is living with Alzheimer’s. I also wanted to run for my parents, my aunt and my uncle, who are my grandmother’s primary caregivers. However, I did not believe a half marathon or a marathon would suffice for raising awareness around Alzheimer’s. That’s when I decided I would run 90 miles over three days from Montauk to Plainview on Long Island. The 90 miles represented my grandmother’s age at the time. This is when The Ann Asparro Run was created. On Friday, November 4th, 2016, I ran 29.4 miles. On Saturday, November 5th, I ran 31.2 miles. Finally, on Sunday, November 16, I ran 29.4 miles, completing the 90-mile run.

Can you share a little more about the first Ann Asparro Run and what you learned from it?

The 2016 Ann Asparro Run raised $37,000 and for every mile I ran, I dedicated a mile to a family who has lived or was living through the effects of Alzheimer’s. That year, I learned about self-belief, perseverance, focusing on solutions (not the problem), and that anything is possible. The 2016 Ann Asparro Run would have never happened if it wasn’t for the love my grandmother had shown me and the rest of my family. I’m so grateful to my running coach, Alex Arslan, who gave me the encouragement and correct training plan to complete this incredible feat.

In 2017, I continued to raise money and awareness for the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, in honor of my grandmother. My grandparents would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary in 2017, so I decided to run 75 miles in two days. I ran 48.8 miles on Saturday, November 4th from the north shore of Long Island to the south shore. Then on Sunday, November 5th, I ran the NYC Marathon.  Due to knee pain, this was one of the most challenging and difficult days I’ve ever had to endure, but I knew I was running for my grandmother and for Alzheimer’s awareness. I sacrificed so much during my training and worked so hard that there was no way I was not going to finish. Not only did I finish 75 miles in two days, but together, we raised $18,000 for the Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation. Again, I could only reach this achievement with the love for my grandmother and my family, as well as, supporting other families living with Alzheimer’s.

In 2018, I challenged myself to complete the Lake Placid Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2-mile run). Unfortunately, during the swim, I was injured by a competitor and had to be taken out of the water.  My race was over, but I knew there was something I could do which I always fall back on… running. So I grabbed my running gear, and I ran 26.2 miles on my own, away from the Ironman race. This was a disappointing day, but I was still able to complete a marathon. Just recently on September 9th, I traveled back to Lake Placid, and I was able to swim around that lake for 1.2 miles and completed the Lake Placid Ironman 70.3. So far this year, we have raised $11,000 for the Long Island Alzheimers Foundation.

Who was your favorite teacher/coach/moderator when you were a student here?

I played soccer at KMHS and Mr. Declan McSheffrey was my coach, as well as my history teacher, and someone with whom I had a great relationship.  Father Tom was/is someone I love speaking with and I always feel better after speaking with him.

With this month of November being National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, can you share with the Firebird Alumni family what your next endurance running fundraising initiative will entail?  

I’m currently organizing a run from my grandmother’s family’s city of San’t Angelo a Fasanella to my grandfather’s family’s city of Bari in Southern Italy for late 2019 or early 2020. This run across Italy will consist of one marathon a day for six days. I continue to try to create a platform through running that has a meaning to me so I can raise money and awareness for the Long Island Alzheimers Foundation to honor my grandmother, Ann Asparro.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month!  If you would like to learn more or show your support for Jay’s extraordinary efforts to raise awareness and funds for Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation, please visit:
The Ann Asparro Run website

Facebook: Jay Asparro or Ann Asparro Run

Instagram: jayasparro7

We are pleased to invite all alumni to participate in the upcoming meeting of the Alumni Book Club!

On Monday, January 28th, we will gather at Kellenberg Memorial at 7 PM to discuss our winter selection, Educated by Tara Westover. 

Mrs. Cathy vonSchoenermarck, moderator of the Alumni Book Club, provides a synopsis below:

Harkening back to books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn or the more recent Glass Castle, Tara Westover’s memoir Educated is a triumphant tale of overcoming a tragic upbringing and gaining a broader perspective on life thanks to learning and education.

Westover grew up in the mountains of Idaho in a family of “survivalists” whose patriarch continually injected fear into the clan about the imminent approach of the end of the world.  Stockpiling food, gathering ammunition, and clutching “head for the hills” bags, the Westovers distrusted all forms of societal influence:  the children never saw doctors, they were never enrolled in school, and some of them didn’t even have birth certificates.  In fact, only when one of Tara’s brothers “escapes” to college does Tara herself begin to imagine a life away from her home near Buck’s Peak.

The story is a riveting one–all the more so because it’s true.  In fact, when you read of the many frightening events that occurred in Westover’s life, it’s amazing that she even survived to tell the tale!  This is a wonderful book about the difficulty in reconciling childhood memories with present experiences and future dreams.   

For those who are unable to attend the meeting in person, we will be live-streaming fully interactive coverage of the event.   Please register using the link below by Thursday, November 24th.  Any questions may be directed towards the Alumni Office at (516) 292-0200 x396 or alumni@kellenberg.org.

Michael Anderson ’88 recently retired after 25 years of active duty service with the United States Air Force.  He retired at the rank of Colonel, with his last post being at Maxwell Air Force, AL. His ceremony was held on Lexington Green, the site of the battle of Lexington and Concord outside of Boston, MA, and he was awarded the Legion of Merit.  Michael now lives with his wife, Sara, and children, Marcus (13) and Erin (11), in New Hampshire and is pursuing a Ph.D. in history at the University of New Hampshire.

What inspired you to serve our country by joining the United States Air Force?

I always felt I had a calling to the military.  When speaking to family, I thought the Air Force would be the best fit, so I applied for the ROTC program at Boston University.  I didn’t get a scholarship at first, but after a semester of good grades, I was offered a full ride. I can partially thank Kellenberg – they helped me take 4 AP exams, of which two qualified for college credit.  That allowed me to take a lighter load during my first semester in college, which helped boost my GPA and that was critical to the scholarship and my eventual commission as a second lieutenant.

How did it feel being awarded the Legion of Merit?

It was a big honor, especially since it was not automatic.  Normally, you have to be a higher level commander, but General Kwast was a great leader and mentor, and he supported me fully.  But I think the Bronze Star was my most rewarding. Earning that as a Captain for my deployment right after 9/11 is one of my proudest moments.

How did Kellenberg Memorial shape who you are today?  

Kellenberg, and St Agnes before it, had a great combination of excellent education, good discipline without being stifling, caring teachers, and sports programs that were serious, but focused on development as much as winning.  I was able to be in the Math Club, Computer Science Club, and play baseball and soccer. All those things helped me with my military career, assisted me with mentoring others since I had so many good examples myself, helped drive me to stay physically fit, and since I had a career as a telecommunications officer, gave me a very good educational foundation to build upon.

You recently attended your 30 Year Reunion.  Did you enjoy reconnecting and being on campus again?

I am a very nostalgic person, so it was fantastic to see everyone.  I cannot believe how much the campus had changed from when I graduated!  It is incredible. And my fellow classmates are just fantastic. I only regret that more could not come, especially those who have passed away.  So it was bitter-sweet. Still, it was a great experience.

Who were some of your favorite teachers from your time as a student here?

There were so many.  Ms. Pospisil (now Mrs. Dugal) was one of my first teachers my freshman year and certainly inspired me towards science.  Mr. Gigliotti was a fantastic math teacher, very down to earth, and one of the funniest people ever. Mr. Buckley’s History classes were always fun and interesting – I am actually pursuing a Ph.D. in history and I know he had some influence in that.  There were so many, I could go on and on.

By Phoenix reporter Isy Odiaka ’19:

On Friday, February 1, 2019, Kellenberg alumna Katie Van Loan ’01, MA, MT-BC, LCAT came to Kellenberg to speak about music therapy to the members of the Phoenix Chorus and Band.

Ms. Van Loan, whose job requires her to perform various musical exercises with patients to assist in assessing emotions, discussed the diverse elements of music therapy: clients, therapists, interventions, evaluations, and assessments. These exercises can range from having patients create lyrics and sing to express their emotions or calm them, playing instruments to help premature babies develop certain feeding patterns and many more things.

“Music therapy requires you to truly love music and working with people,” concluded Ms. Van Loan.

After the presentation followed a question and answer session, during which Ms. Van Loan discussed how to become a music therapist.

“I especially enjoyed the videos of patients who are infants and seniors,” expressed senior Andrea Smith. “There is so much more to music therapy then I was aware of.”

Ms. Van Loan graduated from Kellenberg in 2001, and while she was a Kellenberg student she participated in Chorus, Drama, Tennis and Firebird Swing. She has had a career in music therapy for over ten years, beginning with a job working with premature babies. Currently, she works at Mt. Sinai Hospital with psychiatric patients.

Katie Van Loan ’01 with Mr. Clark Blanton, Music Department Chairman

Sherice Perry ’99 recently released her first book, Invincible Summer: A 30-day Reflectional on the Power of Kindness.   Sherice is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Master’s degree in public policy from Georgetown University.  She also studied at Oxford University. Today, she is a communications strategist in Washington, D.C., where she advises nonprofits and community-based organizations that are fighting for the greater good.  

How did Kellenberg prepare you for where you are today in your life?

Taking religion class each year provided an important building block for my faith. More important than learning the actual stories in the Bible is that the religious foundation I received shaped strong principals that I constantly fall back on  – whether or not I realize it.

I think Kellenberg also gave me a chance to see first-hand that when you put your mind to something and you work hard at it, you can succeed. I saw that in the classroom, but even more so in the sports that I played.  I joined the gymnastics team in the seventh grade with some experience, but not as much training as the other girls. I couldn’t compete until the ninth grade because of the league’s rules, but Mrs. Denise (Pisapia) Prosceo pushed me to work just as hard as everyone else at practice. When it came time to compete, I was prepared and I actually did really well. It was the same thing with running Spring track.  I wasn’t really a “runner,” but Coach Buckley found a race that would work for me.  Sophomore year, I ran the anchor leg on our Sophomore 4×400 relay and we won the city championships!  It is one of my favorite memories. It was really cool. So I think having teachers and coaches who were willing to invest in me helped me to push myself. Seeing the results made it all worth it.  

After many years in a fast-paced job at the Department of Health and Human Services, you decided it was time to slow down and take a break.  What did you do with your downtime, and how did that time shape your future?

My job at the Department of Health and Human Services was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.  Healthcare has always been an incredibly important issue to me and I’ve spent the majority of my career working on it. I believe that everyone should have access to healthcare and should be able to go to the doctor when they are sick. So being able to support President Obama on that legacy issue was an incredible honor.  You commit. You know it’s going to be tough, but you learn a lot.  As an appointee, you make a commitment knowing it will be long hours, and you grow because of the incredible opportunity before you.  But there are sacrifices. You miss birthdays and vacations knowing you are working for the greater good.  Ironically, right before I started my position at HHS, I was diagnosed with lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, inflammation, and severe fatigue. There’s no way I should’ve been able to do that job. But God gives us the grace to do the things he sets out for us.

When I left the Department, I went to go work for Billie Jean King for a bit. About a year into that job, I realized how exhausted I was and had been for a long time.  I made the decision to take some time to reset and reassess. It was the scariest thing I had ever done. I’ve never not had a job.  And I’ve never stepped away from a good job not knowing what I was going to do next, but I wanted to be very intentional about what I did next.  So, I took a life-break. I slept, I got to know DC again, met up with friends, learned to meditate, took yoga, went hiking, walked, and exercised.  I started writing again because journaling had been something I had to put off when I was working the crazy hours. So I got to know myself again.  When I would meet up with my girlfriends for coffee and share things with them, they would ask me what I was doing with my time off and I would tell them about my journaling.  As I shared my struggles and successes with them via text and in conversations, I’d also share quotes, questions, and random musings and many of them told me they wanted to take time to reflect and write too. That’s how Invincible Summer came to be. I never set out to write a book, just a gift for my friends.

What do you hope readers take away from your book, Invincible Summer: A 30-day Reflectional on the Power of Kindness?

I hope they take time to step away from the busy of their everyday lives and experience quiet moments to reflect, refocus, and do things that restore them.

What are you up to now?

I am a Vice President at Spitfire, a woman-owned, strategic communications firm rooted in one core principle: everyone belongs and has the power to spark change.

Who was your favorite teacher/class, moderator/club, or coach/team from your time as a student here, and why?

My favorite class was definitely Mr. Huggard’s English class. He’s an amazing teacher who brought literature to life and helped me sharpen my writing skills. He was an important sounding board for me after I graduated and is just a good human being.  I am also very grateful for the guidance of Mrs. Denise (Pisapia) Prosceo, my gymnastics and cheering coach. Gymnastics was my first love and she helped me to excel even though I wasn’t the most naturally talented or trained.  She helped me understand how much hard work could actually pay off.

We are pleased to invite all alumni to participate in the upcoming meeting of the Alumni Book Club!

On Tuesday, April 9th, we will gather at Kellenberg Memorial at 7 PM to discuss our spring selection, The Storyteller’s Secret by Sejal Badani.  Please RSVP below.

Below is an adaptation of Cynthia A. Graham’s review of The Storyteller’s Secret by Sejal Badani as it appeared in The New York Journal of Books:

Jaya, the only child of Indian immigrants, sees her world unravel after her third miscarriage.  Soon after separating from her husband, she discovers that her grandfather in India is dying and that he wishes to give her mother (his daughter) a gift.  Jaya is thoroughly confused, however, when her mother refuses to return to India to share those final moments with him. Jaya makes the trip instead.

While in India, Jaya finds out from her grandmother’s servant, Ravi, that Jaya’s grandfather has already died.  In order for Jaya to receive her mother’s gift, Ravi tells her that she must first listen to the story of Jaya’s grandmother–a story that involves sacrifice, blessing, resilience, and healing.  

A novel that transports the reader to another place and time, The Storyteller’s Secret is a tale of that celebrates the beauty of story and its ability to help us be heard, understood, and connected.

Please note, the 2019 Blue & Gold Alumnae Social originally scheduled for May 11th has been canceled. If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Alumni Director Mrs. Beth Campbell at (516) 292-0200 x396 or alumni@kellenberg.org