Fasting or abstaining is a common practice for Catholics during the season of Lent. The idea of fasting during Lent actually dates back to 325 A.D. with the tradition of a forty-day fast period. The rules of fasting are very specific: every person fourteen years and older must abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, as well as all Fridays in Lent. As Catholics, Lent is a time of sacrifice and renewal; thus, we can practice a form of modern fasting along with traditional fasting. Some examples of modern fasting include fasting from social media, profanity, laziness, and pride. Lent can not only be a time of spiritual growth but individual growth too- by fasting from things like negativity and self-deprecation, we can improve our spiritual and personal attitudes. By growing stronger in heart as well as mind, we can grow closer to Christ while working to better ourselves not only as Catholics, but as human beings.

On Friday, March 8, the winter freshman and junior varsity athletics programs gathered to honor the athletes of the winter season. Awards were given for most committed, most improved, and most valuable athletes on each team.

The Most Improved Player Award is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.

The Bernie Ward Commitment Award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.

The Most Valuable Player Award is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.

Boys Freshman Basketball

James Bayley
Most Improved
James joined the high school program as the only player from our Latin School. Early in the season, it was apparent that the speed and competitiveness of the league were overwhelming. However, with a strong work ethic, he continued to earn additional minutes in games and became important during our semifinal game vs. St. Anthony’s.

Brendan McCann
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Brendan was one of the few players who had a consistent and positive approach to his training and support for the team throughout the season. Brendan was coachable and willing to do anything that could help the team. Brendan was a true “team player.”

James Cavallaro
Most Valuable Player
James was without any doubt our best player this season. James was responsible for facilitating our team’s offense from the point guard position and naturally became the unofficial captain of this team. Teammates gravitated towards his knowledge of the game and leadership on the court. James was a pleasure to have coached this season.

Boys Junior Varsity Basketball

Maximus Mongelli
Most Improved
On a team full of guards, Maximus Mongelli had an uphill battle in front of him to stand out from the rest to receive significant minutes this year. Early on in the season, he was lost in the shuffle. However, due to his strength, fortitude and sheer toughness he was able to move his way up on the depth chart and eventually into the starting lineup. His hard work in both practice and in games was well noticed by the coaching staff and his increase in playing time was well deserved. He continued to improve on both offense and defense where he became one of our top perimeter defenders and rebounding guard as well as a top transition player. This year’s Most Improved Player is Maximus Mongelli.

Liam Collins
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Each and every player in the beginning of the season great potential and were expected to play a specific role on the team. The coaching staff was very high on Liam Collins early on, showing great promise as a strong defensive player and shooter from the outside. Some playing setbacks and “sophomore” mistakes became a problem for him early in the season. Other players might have packed it in and accepted mediocrity, but not Liam. He continued to work hard in every practice to get better and fix those mistakes. He was committed to the team and to himself. Toward the end of the season the player we expected him to be showed up and helped us win some big games down the stretch. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Liam Collins.

Joe Durso
Most Valuable Player
The Most Valuable Player is given to a player who is exceptional in every aspect out on the court. Joe Durso was that player for us this year. He was the strongest and most physically powerful player out there with the skill to back it up. He could play as a guard or a forward, being able to score from anywhere on the court. He was our strongest defender, able to guard the best players around the league. He was the vocal leader in both games and practices. He was a true motivator that the other players on the team could look up to and get behind. He was the team’s leader both on and off the court and the driving force behind our successful season. This year’s Most Valuable Player is Joe Durso.

Girls Junior Varsity Basketball

Jessica Lampasone
Most Improved
This year’s Most Improved Player is Jessica Lampasone. Jessica is an extremely talented and hard-working player- always looking for a way to improve her own personal game as well as helping the team succeed. She improved little by little through experience and instruction. Once the second half of the season hit, Jessica became a force to be reckoned with. Her defensive skills could not be beaten. As a point guard, her decision- making skills were spot on. And when she hit back to back three-pointers in a very close semifinal game, that’s undeniable! Jess quickly became a player that was not just wanted on the court, but needed on the court to win. I cannot wait to see her heart and courage next season!

Kylie McShea
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award for this season is presented to Kylie McShea. One word I would use to describe Kylie — heart. She was the heart of this team. From the moment she stepped into the gym, Kylie took on a leadership role and she created a culture where everyone put their heart and soul into the game- just like she did every, single game. She quickly solidified her spot in the starting five and as a captain, Kylie displayed devotion on and off the court. Whether it was pulling down rebounds or setting screens for a teammate, Kylie always put the team before herself. I am so proud to have witnessed her strength and her love for the game. I am even prouder to say I have coached her and I cannot wait to see where her future takes her.

Mackenzie McAllister
Most Valuable Player
This season’s Most Valuable Player is Mackenzie McAllister. Mackenzie started off the season coming off the bench. But it soon became evident that Mackenzie was a “must-have” on the court. Her defensive skills were unlike any other. Offensively, she always found a way to score when the game was on the line. But most importantly, Mackenzie’s drive and determination is what allowed her to develop as a wonderful captain and leader on this team. In tight games, Mackenzie was always our go-to. Whether it was to get a defensive stop or to put the ball in her hands to score the basket, she never disappointed. Her talent, her stability, and her confidence allowed her to bring a passion to the game that was intangible and the team followed her lead. Mackenzie, by far, was the most outstanding all-around player this season and I cannot wait to see how her basketball career continues.

Freshman Cheerleading

Mia Kouletsis
Most Improved
The Most Improved Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous growth, dedication, and perseverance throughout the winter season. Mia Kouletsis began the season as a base but finished the season as one of our main flyers. Just two weeks before the season ended, we challenged Mia to try flying in place of a flyer who was hurt. At first, she flew in basic stunts, but we soon saw she had so much potential in the air. By the last competition, Mia was confidently flying in every stunt sequence. We are so proud of how quickly she learned everything, even when that meant picking up on stunts and formations the morning of the competition. Her dedication and passion for cheerleading is evident, and we’re looking forward to watching her grow as a cheerleader. This seasons Most Improved Player is Mia Kouletsis.

Brianne Zaremba
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a cheerleader who has shown tremendous dedication over the past two seasons. Every practice, Brianne Zaremba pushes herself to go above and beyond what is asked of her. Her commitment to the betterment of herself and the team is evident each and every day. We could always count on Brianne to have a positive attitude and open mind to anything put her way. No matter how tough a practice was, Brianne always left smiling. Her hard work, passion, and dedication make her an absolute pleasure to coach. We can’t wait to watch her grow as a cheerleader. This seasons Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Brianne Zaremba.

Caroline Franco
Most Valuable Player
This season’s Most Valuable Player goes to a cheerleader who has been an asset to the Kellenberg cheerleading program since 7th grade. Caroline Franco is an all-around cheerleader with strong stunting skills, impressive jumps, and beautiful tumbling. Caroline pushes herself and her teammates beyond what is asked of them each and every practice. She is one of the strongest flyers on the team, and she is always pushing herself to be better. Her leadership skills and positive attitude make her a pleasure to coach. Caroline graciously accepts any challenge put her way, and does not stop working until she reaches perfection. Caroline excels in all aspects of cheerleading, and we can’t wait to watch her grow as a cheerleader over the next three years. This season’s Most Valuable Player is Caroline Franco.

Junior Varsity Cheerleading

Brianna Houlihan
Most Improved
Brianna is one of the hardest workers on the team. She never settles for less than her best and works to make her best even better each day. She always took constructive criticism with a smile, knowing it was always to make her better. By the end of the season, she was one of our go-to bases; where we’d always look to try something new. Her never-give-up attitude was always apparent and always encouraged those around her to better themselves too.

Isabella Koudelka
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Isabella has been a part of the cheerleading program since the Latin school. Her elite tumbling made her a star early on. She has continued to grow in her skills, becoming one of the most talented athletes on our team. Her continued dedication to the program makes her very deserving of the Bernie Ward Commitment award, and we are excited to see what her future holds.

Jennifer Carman
Most Valuable Player
With cheerleading being a sport that is team-based and has little room for individuality, choosing an MVP can sometimes be hard. When looking at this team of incredibly talented girls, we looked at who would be the hardest to replace on the competition mat. Who had we trusted to be in all of the most difficult portions of the routine? When we realized that athlete was Jenny, we also realized she was consistently one of the hardest workers. She constantly works to improve herself and is always looking at how she could better serve her teammates. We are very lucky to have coached an athlete like her and are proud to award her with MVP this season.

Junior Varsity Dance Team

Jessica Bryant
Most Improved
The Most Improved Award for the 2019 JV Dance team goes to Freshman, Jessica Bryant. When it was time to set up for her team, Jessica effortlessly took the role never missing a beat. She understands constructive criticism and takes every opportunity to become a stronger dancer. Her love of dance is very apparent when you watch Jessica dance. As coaches, we appreciate her hard work and consistency to perform better. This girl is definitely going places.

Patricia Rood
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a JV dancer who is always the first member to show up for practice and has never missed a day. She is always willing to try new things and strives hard for her team. This dancer’s dedication and talents are undeniable. Her commitment towards her team has never faltered and Freshman Patricia Rood is totally deserving of this award.

Chloe Accurso
Most Valuable Player
The recipient of this year’s JV Dance team Most Valuable Award goes to Sophomore, Chloe Accurso. For four seasons Chloe has excelled and has been such an inspiration to others. She sets the bar high for herself and holds others in the same respect. She is encouraging and genuinely loves to see the success of others. Her old soul and vibrant smile brought the passion needed, and she was a pleasure to have on our side. Her pint-size was never underestimated especially when she danced through her pains. Chloe is such a great dancer and was an asset to our team. She is completely worthy of such a prestigious award and we are so proud to have been able to be her coach.

Boys Freshman Track

Matt Mormando
Most Improved
Matt Mormando started of the season as a good 200-meter runner. By the end of the season, he was arguably our best relay leg on the entire team. At the NSCHSAA championship meet he ran to an All-League as a member of the 4×200 meter relay. At the CHSAA Championship. He ran a great leg as a member of our All Catholic State 4×200 meter relay. Matt then came back on the “B” 4×400 meter relay and ran the fastest leg out of all Kellenberg runners to win that team a medal.

Bradley Lazo
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Bradley Lazo was the ultimate team player for the Winter Track Season. Whatever was needed Bradley did and Bradley did well. At the Freshman NSCHSAA Championship, meet Bradley won All-League Honors in the 600-meter. He then came back later in the meet to turn in medal-winning performances in back to back relays. In both relays, he was the key to us performing well. The Winter Track & Field Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to Bradley Lazo.

Rino Monteforte
Most Valuable Player
Rino Monteforte had one of the best seasons a Freshman Shot Putter has ever had in the history of Kellenberg. Week to week he improved on his impressive throws. He capped off his season by winning NSCHSAA League Championship. This year’s Winter Track & Field MVP goes to Rino Monteforte.

Girls Freshman Track

Jessica DiFiglia
Most Improved
This young lady, a neophyte to the sport, dabbled in the sprints and mid-distance events. It was in the 400 meters, the long sprint, she made the most significant improvement. She ran on a critical scoring Varsity 4×400 relay in the Sectional league championship meet, and we are honored to bestow the M.I.P. award to Jessica DiFiglia.

Tess Rundo
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This young lady gave it or all season long. Never missing a practice, always early to practice, running workouts on the boardwalk on her own, and most important, never giving up, Tess Rundo was a winner. We are honored to award her The Bernie Ward Commitment Award.

Natalie Pamulo
Most Valuable Player
In a needed area of our track and field team, the throwing events, we need dedicated and committed young athletes to secure our team’s successful future. This young lady embraced all those fine qualities and was our highest scoring freshman in the freshman-sophomore NSCHSGAA championships, scoring quite well in the Shot-Put. We are honored to bestow Natalie Pamulo our season’s M.V.P.

Junior Varsity Wrestling

Robert Serviss
Most Improved
At some point during the season, it all clicked for Robert Serviss. Timing is everything in wrestling and Robert picked the perfect time to begin to excel. With a ferocious headlock, Robert went from a back up to placing at the league tournament and taking 6th place at the CHSAA Tournament. Robert Serviss is this year’s MIP.

Tim McGrath
Bernie Ward Commitment Award
Tim McGrath showed up every practice and never had to be told to work his hardest. Despite being out-weighed by most of his opponents Tim never made any excuses. His determination and desire will no doubt lead to a lot of success in the sport of wrestling. Mr. Ward would have been proud of Tim’s work ethic and even more proud of the way Tim carries himself. This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Tim McGrath.

Ryan Paladino
Most Valuable Player
Ryan Palladino is the future star in the Kellenberg program. Ryan battles at practice and makes all the kids he works with better. And he’s just a freshman! He has the work ethic of a seasoned senior wrestler and hates to lose. He is one of the most talented freshmen the program has ever had in the program. This year’s MVP is Ryan Paladino.

By Anya Murphy ’19

It has been one year since my great-grandmother’s death. Mary Ann O’Toole, the matriarch of my mother’s family, left behind more than 100 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and 15 children, of whom my maternal grandfather is the second oldest. Despite her wishes, a two-day wake had to be held after her death because of the sheer number of people who wanted to celebrate her life.

So it was that day, exactly one year later, my mom and I woke in the chilly dawn of St. Patrick’s day to attend her 8:00 a.m. memorial Mass at St. Anthony’s parish in Oceanside. We met my aunt and uncle at the door and chose a pew, and as we sat down, I found myself thinking about her funeral. How my cousins and I sat in the back of the funeral parlor pasting old photos of her to two poster boards. How we tried laughing instead of crying. How we methodically categorized all of our relatives into a family tree that gave us a count of cousins, aunts and uncles. How we talked, as we always did, of the myriad ways our family was special – the fact that my ‘cousins’ Mary Liz and Annie, though we are all the same age, are actually my mom’s cousins, because of that pesky fifteen-year age gap between my grandfather and their parents. How we reminded each other that she had lived a good life, and that she was ready to go the way that she did – surrounded by family.

I thought about our family’s history. Thought about my great-grandfather, Eddie, who ran in the London Olympics’ 1000 meter, and was the first American to cross the finish line, who died when I was only a year old, but who loved me, his oldest great-grandchild. Thought about how much he loved monarch butterflies, and how my mom’s favorite story to tell is how one once landed on my nose as a baby. Thought about the card that is now hanging on my mirror, an old photo of the two of them, smiling astride a motorcycle parked in their driveway. Thought about how much my mother looks up to both of them – how she tries to imitate them in faith, in love and in dedication. Thought about my parents’ approaching 20th wedding anniversary, and how they had gotten married in that very church. Thought about how every part of my ancestors’ lives trickled down into me and my life.

Then, the first reading: Genesis 15:5. God’s covenant with Abram ensuring that his descendants will be as many as the stars in the sky. It seemed oddly fitting that this reading should be the one assigned to the memorial of my great-grandmother, who had more children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren than anyone I have ever met, and who did so with an incredible amount of grace and patience.

It is this grace and patience that I hope to inherit from her, and, as Rev. Donovan explained in his homily, the kind of fortitude we all should try to replicate during Lent.

The Gospel, Luke 9:28-36, tells the story of Jesus’ transfiguration after it had been completed, of Peter’s mobility to grasp its magnitude, but willingness to help nonetheless. Rev. Donovan called on the congregation to be like Peter during the difficult parts of Lent, citing the placement of the reading on that second Sunday as encouragement, rather than a warning.

During the homily, I reflected on ways I could channel my great-grandmother’s strength, her patience and her courage. I decided that her dedication to family was a quality that I should try to develop, because, as exciting as the prospect of going to college is, it means leaving my big family behind, at least for a little while. So my new Lenten resolution is to spend more time with my family, grow closer with them, so that, even if we no longer live together, our relationship will be as strong as ever. I think she would like that. She created so many opportunities for love in our family that, two generations of O’Tooles later, I am determined to follow her example of selfless love.

We brought up the gifts for Communion – something that I’ve never done before. It seemed symbolic to me, watching my mother walk down the same aisle that she did on her wedding day, bearing witness to the generations of love that made my life possible.

When Mass ended, my aunt and I were walking out of the pew. When I realized that my mom wasn’t behind me, I looked back, only to find that, in typical ‘mom’ fashion, she had found someone she knew and had struck up a conversation.  It turned out to be my preschool teacher and my parents’ youth group leader, who had known them since they were my age, before they were married. She hugged me, saying, “I don’t believe it – you’re so grown up!” I felt that the day had come full circle, from my great-grandparents, to my parents, to myself. I thought about the years of wisdom I had to draw on, and felt strengthened in my resolve to strengthen my relationship with my family in honor of my great-grandmother.

By Randi Titus ’19

Hi, my name is Randi Titus, and I am a procrastinator.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: “everybody procrastinates sometimes,” or, the classic, “you just have to be more focused.”

I assure you, I have heard it all and tried it all before. Every solution, quick fix and goal

to strive for has had absolutely no effect on my chronic condition. After numerous attempts to eradicate my procrastination tendencies, I have come to the conclusion that maybe my procrastination really isn’t such a problem after all. While there might be a measly number of negatives, I find that the positives definitely tip the scale.

My condition always rears its debilitating head when a big project is coming around. I think that procrastination actually causes me to forget assignments. I don’t just mean, “Oh, I don’t want to do that, so I’ll wait until the day before,” but rather I have no recollection whatsoever of an assignment until hours before something is due. A project assigned a month before might as well be assigned the very day before.  Even reminders from others seem to go in one ear and directly out of the other.

This assignment amnesia can have its downfalls, but I personally see it as a great thing. The weeks and days before a deadline are always filled with frantic students, worrying friends and thousands and thousands of questions. I am luckily not a part of this group. After a project is assigned, I am as cool as a cucumber, as calm as a summer sea and as relaxed as a freshly fed baby. I live in a stress free zone, floating in my ignorant bliss.

While my carefree demeanor is a huge plus, the biggest positive of procrastination by far is the sleep. I never seem to get a better night’s sleep than when I have something to do, or something due, the very next day. Despite what you might think, my restful nights always begin with a relatively productive thought. I know I have a big assignment to do, but can I really give something my “best go” if I am tired? Of course not! So, before you know it I am engaged in a deep slumber, filled with dreams and wonder.

As I told you, my memories of an assignment return to me the day before the deadline. So, my sleep is purely meant to give me the energy to do my best work. In order to leave myself enough time to finish the project, I set alarms.

This system, no matter how hard I try to convince myself, is not foolproof. It turns out that as easily as you can set an alarm, you can just as easily turn that alarm right back off and maybe even throw that ringing phone across the room.

Because procrastination has been a lifelong affliction, I have found a way around this. One alarm is easily switched off, but ten, back to back, is a different story. Eventually the struggle of reaching for that phone will wake you right up.

Now, you might be worried, thinking, “How can she finish a project in the early hours of the morning, and get a good grade?” Fear not because only the best work is produced at two o’clock in the morning. As the clock strikes two, the creative juices start flowing. Ideas fill your brain, designs create themselves and your goals are set. The assignment really writes itself. In my opinion all of my best work has been made with only minutes to spare.

After hearing all of this, the word “lazy” is probably shooting through your mind. You’re probably convinced that I am just unmotivated and irresponsible. I would venture to say that nothing is further from the truth. When you have five hours to write a six-page paper, you kick into overdrive. You lock into a focus so intense that nothing can get in your way. Motivation and dedication do not fully cover the level of work that must be done to complete the task.

Procrastination is an equal opportunity attacker. Not only are assignments forgotten, but everyday requests or favors are iffy at best. Something as simple as, “Can you send me the notes,” can be a long process. If you ask me while I am engaged in another task, I will undoubtedly say, “Of course, I’ll send them as soon as I am done.” This never happens. Procrastination steps in, and I suddenly never heard you. I need at least two reminders, or I need the person standing directly in front of me to jumpstart me into action.

The college application process was no exception. Kellenberg students were given a deadline to submit a list of schools that we were applying to into college placement. My ailment actually changed the words due date into suggested date. So, imagine my surprise when I was called down to answer for my lateness. While my procrastination can be seen as a bad thing in this situation, I saw it as a great motivator. If I do say so myself, I think that those numerous college essays I wrote in one day were the cream of the crop.

All in all, my condition has never failed me. While waiting until the last minute might not be optimal, the pros definitely justify it. Who can say that with trimesters approaching she slept like a baby the night before? Who, but a procrastinator, can say that with a research paper due in a week she had no worries? Because of my experience, I see no reason why everybody shouldn’t just procrastinate. Imagine all of the sleep that could be caught up on and the worry that could be saved. But really, I wrote this an hour ago, so what do I know.

By Maya Tadross ‘19

It is 5:15 p.m. on a Saturday afternoon, and sophomore Kerrin O’Grady is sitting with her teammates in the auditorium anxiously awaiting the results of the day’s Speech competition. After arriving at school at 8 a.m. and successfully performing her oral interpretation pieces four times, Kerrin lets out a well deserved yet content yawn.

“I just love being involved in my school and meeting new people, as well as doing the things that I love like singing, speaking, teaching and sharing my faith,” reflects Kerrin, who is involved in a total of 11 clubs and activities at Kellenberg Memorial.

Kerrin participates in a diverse selection of clubs, including PREP, Gregorian Consortium, XLT Band, Firebird Swing, CROSS, Communications Club, Social Media Club, Drama Club, Speech and Debate, SALT and SMART.

“Because I am in so many activities that do not revolve around the same topic,” Kerrin expresses, “I get to meet so many different people with various interests.”

Although Kerrin planned to eventually join most of these clubs upon entering the Latin School in seventh grade, she would not have joined Gregorian Consortium or Firebird Swing if it had not been for her good friend Emma Carmody. When they were freshmen, Kerrin accompanied Emma to Mr. Basile’s office for her Gregorian Consortium audition.

“Mr. Basile asked me if I was going to audition too, and I hadn’t really thought about it before then,” Kerrin related. “About a week later once I prepared a song, I went back and auditioned and now I am in the club.”

Kerrin joined Firebird Swing in a similar way. The night before the audition, she was unsure whether or not she should try. However, Emma, who was already in Firebird Swing and knew how much Kerrin loved singing, encouraged her to audition.

“Emma came with me to the audition to support me, and now I love being in Firebird Swing!”

According to Kerrin, many of the clubs in which she is involved have a time commitment of only an hour after school once a week plus some work on the weekends. She is most dedicated to the activities with larger time commitments, such as full days on weekends and even school breaks. These are PREP, Communications Club, Speech and Debate and Drama. Spending so much time with her fellow club members, Kerrin has formed some strong friendships over her five years at Kellenberg.

Kerrin concludes, “My favorite thing about all the clubs and activities I do has to be the relationships I make.”

Senior Christelle Pascal agrees that clubs “are a great way to make friends.” Upon entering Kellenberg as a freshman, Christelle strategically chose to join all the music related clubs and activities due to her passion for singing. “Every activity I do means something to me,” refects Christelle.

Over her four years at Kellenberg, Christelle has performed various roles in Drama productions such as Fannie in Mary Poppins, Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and Elsa in the Sound of Music. You can also find Christelle belting out solos as a member of Firebird Swing, Gregorian Consortium and XLT Band. As a member of St. Cecilia’s Recording Studio as well, Christelle has recorded two singles this academic school year: “Noel” and “You Say.” Christelle’s interest in singing expands to public speaking as well. She has been a member of Communications Club since her sophomore year and became a producer of morning and afternoon announcements her junior year. As a dedicated member of Blue and Gold, she has been chosen as a Blue and Gold Narration Leader this year too.

“The best thing about all I do at Kellenberg is making a difference in the school community and touching people in any way I can through music,” Christelle explains with a big smile.

Thunderous applause resounds from homeroom 8D during A.M. Announcements after hearing that their Marianist Mentor Colleen Moulder ‘19 has led the Girls Varsity Basketball team to yet another victory. A three season athlete and recent winner of the Bernie Ward Commitment Award, Colleen is well known for her commitment to the Girls Varsity Basketball, Lacrosse and Volleyball teams.

“I enjoy the feeling of being on a team, and I love each sport in a different way,” Colleen reflects. I am also a very big competitor, so they each give me a great chance to seriously compete.”

Every sport Colleen plays practices for two hours six times a week, not including the games on weekends. These heavy time constraints have allowed her to form great time management skills, so she is even able to partake in clubs on top of sports.

“All of my coaches and club moderators are very understanding and want us to be able to participate in as many things as possible,” explains Colleen, who is also a Eucharistic Minister and member of SALT, Social Media Club, Athletic Retreat Staff, Sacristans, PREP and CROSS.

Through her three sports and various clubs, Colleen has been able to meet and work with a lot of different people inside and outside of the Kellenberg community, which she deeply values.

“I think I have been able to get a lot out of my four years at Kellenberg because I did so much,” Colleen reflects. “I do love sports a lot because I probably invest the most time in them, but I absolutely love being a Marianist Mentor because I get to interact with an amazing homeroom and do many different things, like the trip to Philadelphia, that a high school student would not have been able to do.”

Senior Kerry Skinner, likewise, has found opportunities at Kellenberg that might not have been discovered elsewhere. Kerry has found a special connection with the people in every club she has joined, and emphasizes that these friends have become part of her extended family. As a member of SPICE, SMART, Blue and Gold, and most importantly to her, Stage Crew, Kerry especially enjoys spending time with her Stage Crew family over long breaks when they build the sets for the Drama productions.

“When I first heard about Stage Crew my freshman year I wasn’t interested in it,” Kerry admits, “until my friend who was a junior at the time persuaded me to join. I immediately loved being part of this happy family, and today we share so many fun memories and inside jokes.”

Kerry has been dedicated to Blue and Gold as a member of the Gold Team since freshman year too. This year she is especially excited to be a leader for Gold Entrance and hopes to inspire the underclassmen to become a part of the Gold family.

While Kerry is hard at work with Stage Crew, senior Tyler Martinus is in the Lab.

“At the recent States Tournament I did Circuit Lab, Chem Lab, Fermi Questions and Experimental Design,” recalls Tyler, who has been a dedicated member of the Kellenberg Science Olympiad team since his sophomore year of high school.

Science Olympiad is notorious for its time consuming schedule, and Tyler spends the majority of his days after school and some weekends in the Lab.

“It’s demanding, all right!” Tyler admits. “However, I’m still able to participate in a few other clubs I’m really interested in, like Academic Quiz Bowl, Model United Nations, SAINTS, and orchestra.”

Kerrin, Christelle, Colleen, Kerry and Tyler may all participate in different clubs and activities, but they all have one important quality in common: their fervent passion for what they have dedicated themselves to.

Members of C.R.O.S.S. from the Bro. Joseph C. Fox Latin School and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School joined forces to celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25th. The two groups met at Maria Regina Chapel to begin a Rosary “pilgrimage” on the Kellenberg Memorial campus, praying the Joyful Mysteries in honor of the Annunciation. Each decade was prayed at a different Marian image or statue on the campus. Students from both St. Martin’s and the Latin School led each decade. The Rosary concluded in the Emmanuel Chapel, followed by a feast in Emmanuel retreat house in honor of the day.  Students also had the opportunity to make a Rosary chaplet for themselves. The celebration was enjoyed by students of both schools.

Congratulations to our talented and competing students in the Latin School. They participated in the annual Catholic Daughters of the Americas contest sponsored by the Bishop Kellenberg Court located in North Merrick, NY. The entries of our five winning students exemplified the themes of “Here I Am Lord I Come To Do Your Will” or “Doing My Best To Do Good.” The contestants demonstrated their skills, imagination, and creativity in their selected essays, poetry, art, computer art, music, and photography samples. Awarded were the following sixth and tenth-grade students: ESSAY – Connor Griffin (6); ART – Virginia Bruder (6); PHOTOGRAPHY – Elizabeth Rizzo (6), COMPUTER ART – Ella McAleer (6); and MUSIC – Evan Carroll (10). An awards ceremony and celebration was held on March 18, 2019, at the Sacred Heart School in Merrick to reward their achievements with prizes and certificates from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Congratulations to our accomplished winners and their notable achievements.

Article by Newsday’s Roger Rubin:

When Jason Diaz began his freshman year at Kellenberg, he was a mystery man. By the end of his sophomore year, he’d become the phenom that pitched the Firebirds to a second straight CHSAA championship. He begins his senior season this week as Long Island’s most recognizable pitcher and a guy facing a decision every ballplayer would want come June.

Diaz will have to decide if he wants to join a major league organization or play for the hallowed University of Miami Hurricanes.

“I don’t see [that decision] as a dollars game,” Diaz said. “I’m going to think whatever they give me is what I deserve. And I am going to have the opportunity of Miami. I’m blessed.”

Photo Credit: James Escher

Diaz first came to the attention of Kellenberg baseball coach Chris Alfalla through a series of phone calls in October of 2015. All were inquiries about the new kid that had just enrolled at school with the 90 mph fastball. Alfalla hadn’t met him and came out of the calls with only a name: Jason Diaz.

Read the full article on Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/baseball/jason-diaz-kellenberg-major-league-1.29108542

Andrew Sheridan ’03 is a Financial Advisor and CFP®* with Merrill Lynch in Washington, DC.  A graduate of Mount Saint Mary’s University’s business program, he has been with the firm since 2007.  Andrew met his wife, Katherine, while attending the Mount. They currently live in Burke, Virginia, with their daughter, Cassidy, and son, James.  They are expecting their third child at the end of May! He is an officer and member of the Knights of Columbus in Fairfax, where he has led several food drives.  In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing with his kids, coaching youth basketball, cooking, and playing tennis.

How did your high school experience shape who you are today?  

My Kellenberg experience started when my amazing parents enrolled me in the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School as an impressionable 7th grader.  From the beginning, a strong Catholic identity positively impacted my personal development. The school’s emphasis on both academics and sports motivated me to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the field.  I try to apply these life lessons every day in the approach I take to raising my children.

You recently attended the Washington, DC Alumni Chapter Breakfast Social at the Army Navy Club.  Why do you feel it is important for Firebird alumni to maintain their connections with one another and the school after graduation?

Both my sister, Colleen ’06, and brother, Brad ’07, graduated from Kellenberg, so being a Firebird runs deeply within my family.  Kellenberg instilled a strong sense of community and helped me to develop many long-lasting relationships. I feel that the best way for me to give back is by networking within the extended KMHS family to build new personal and business relationships.      

What do you enjoy most about your job?

At the heart of my profession, I help people.  I think my industry is widely misunderstood. It’s not just about crunching numbers and picking investments.  Every day I meet new people and try to guide them through major decisions and challenges in their lives. It is extremely rewarding!     

Who was your favorite teacher or class from your time as a student here, and why?

This is a tough one, and I can’t keep it to just one.  Mrs. Howe was my homeroom and Latin teacher for a number of years.  She helped me to learn about the importance of foreign language and appreciate ancient history.  Mr. Blanton was my chorus and music teacher throughout my entire tenure. His love and knowledge of the history of music, instruments, and musicians still resonate in my life today.  Lastly, Mrs. Walsh, my math teacher, helped me develop my love of numbers, which has a direct application to my profession. I cannot thank them enough!

*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER in the U.S., which it authorizes use of by individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

You are cordially invited to a cocktail social celebrating
the graduating Class of 2019 from Kellenberg Memorial High School.

Saturday, May 4, 2019
6 to 8 PM
Queen of the Apostles Courtyard

Please contact Director of Advancement Mrs. Denise Miles at MrsMiles@kellenberg.org or (516) 292-0200 x245 with any questions.

Kindly RSVP below by April 29th.

This event is hosted by the Kellenberg Alumni Parents Association (KAPA).

Photo Credit: George A. Faella

Article by Newsday’s Jordan Lauterbach:

There will be no spring season senior slump for Maureen Lewin. Nope, she’s here to leave her mark on the Kellenberg track program, and she isn’t wasting anytime wading herself into winning waters. Lewin won twice at the 51st Nassau Coaches Invitational Saturday at Cold Spring Harbor High School.

Lewin won the 1,500 meters in four minutes, 52.50 seconds, the 800 in 2:17.74, and was voted athlete of the meet.

“I did pretty well at [indoor states], which I was happy about,” Lewin said. “I didn’t run great at [indoor] nationals. That just made me want to come back even better in the spring, train even harder, and go out with a bang.”

Read the full article on Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/track/maureen-lewin-alexandria-yarbrough-gianna-mcgowan-nina-cialone-1.29474035

On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, the Kellenberg Health Sciences and Psychology Clubs embarked on a journey across Hempstead Turnpike to visit Hofstra University’s Public and Mental Health Awareness event. The event kicked off with Kellenberg students viewing nine PSA commercials, created by current Hofstra students, which addressed various mental, physical and societal health concerns. Kellenberg
students were able to vote on their favorites- it proved to be both entertaining and informative.

Following the film competition, the high school students went to a fair where vendors from dozens of professional health organizations handed out information, answered questions and introduced students to their respective fields. From guide dogs to athletic training and everything in between, the
Kellenberg students were treated to a fun and extremely informative day.

Join us for a Blue & Gold Alumnae Social prior to this year’s show on May 11th!

Meet at Hofstra University’s Mack Complex to secure prime parking at 4:30PM, and then board a bus to Kellenberg for food, wine, and soda. At 6:15 PM, the bus will return alums and their guests to Hofstra where they will watch the show in premium reserved seats!

The cost for the evening is $30, which includes your premier reserved seat ticket, as well as the pre-show social at Kellenberg.

Please note that premier reserved seat tickets are available for the first 45 registrants only! All others will be placed in general seating behind the premium section.

The deadline to register Wednesday, May 8th.

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

Article By Sara Spathis ’25, Charlotte Overs ’25, Erica Revill ’25, and Jasmine Taveras ’25:

We went to a movie premiere! We saw “Missing Link” and we also were able to stand on the red carpet and not only meet but ask questions of many of the stars of the film.

The red carpet experience is loud, with lots of bright lights and media. We were all a little scared but also so excited. We met a lot of the stars from the film, from Carter Burwell, who composed the musical score, to the producers and then many of the stars including Hugh Jackman who voiced Sir Lionel Frost and Zoe Saldana (Adelina Fortnight), Timothy Olyphant (Willard Stenk), Amrita Acharia (Ama Lhamu), and Zach Galifianakis who stars as Mr. Link.

One by one, they came over and talked to us about their role in the film and other things. The first person we met was the composer Carter Burwell. Carter liked meeting us and told us that he is from Long Island, too. He lives in Amagansett. We asked Carter about his favorite things to compose and how difficult they were. He told us the most difficult thing to compose in this film was the suspenseful music leading to the climax and his most favorite was the mood music. We loved the music in this movie and how it helped bring the story to life. We also spoke to Carter again after the movie and have to say we are proud he is from New York.

Read the full article on Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/kidsday/missing-link-hugh-jackman-obscured-pictures-zach-galifianakis-1.29604031?fbclid=IwAR166pB_ia4bS0XyHBBu2nkb77zuuToNovq4YwsP9BuGb97DwfE2CZWMWH0

Alumni XLT Band Members, as well as all Firebird alums, are invited to take part in a special XLT on Saturday, May 18th!

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 welcome; please register for each person attending.)

Our speaker and presider for the evening will be Father Daniel Griffin, S.M. ’02, Chaplain of the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School.

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

Please RSVP for the evening below.

Stephanie Conrade puts a ball in play that results in a run in bottom of second inning of a CHSAA softball game against St. Anthony’s at Kellenberg on April 12. Kellenberg won, 8-5. Photo Credit: James Escher

Article by Newsday’s Owen O’Brien:

The Kellenberg softball team needed to get creative.

With their championship series set for the same day as the Kellenberg varsity banquet last year, the Firebirds were going to have to wait for another day to receive their individual awards. The players were OK with that though, because they still had bigger goals in mind — a CHSAA title.

After falling behind 9-0 to St. Anthony’s May 24, 2018 in the CHSAA championship game, the Firebirds wouldn’t quit. They scored six runs in the final four innings, threatening in the seventh before falling, 9-6.

A few weeks after the loss, the team organized their own banquet with pizza. And talked about the past and the future.

“We talked a lot about how we would move forward and we were so close last year,” said outfielder Stephanie Conrade (of Franklin Square). “We realized with working hard every day and putting our hearts into it, our goal is definitely achievable and we held on to that mentality this year.”

Read the full article on Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/softball/kellenberg-softball-off-to-a-fast-start-1.30211523

 Article by James Dionisio ’20:

Every passionate poet has the desire to unlock their imagination and inspire the world with their verse. April is National Poetry Month, and to celebrate the literary arts, Kellenberg hosted their first annual Poetry Week from April 2nd to April 5th. Featuring a daily form of poetry on morning announcements and various fun-filled activities, Kellenberg was overflowing with lively excitement during Poetry Week.

The amusement commenced on Tuesday, April 2nd with a scavenger hunt. QR codes were scattered around the hallways and the students were set on a quest to identify literary devices found in famous poems. Those who participated were introduced to the personification in John Donne’s “Death, Be Not Proud” and the enjambment in William Carlos Williams’ “Between Walls.”

Many notable pieces of art were inspired by the compositions of prolific authors. On Wednesday, April 3rd, students were given insight into how art can imitate poetry. The painting Ophelia by Sir John Everett Millais was based off the character from the Shakespearian drama, Hamlet. Students unleashed their inner artist as they put an artistic spin on poems such as “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost.

On Thursday, April 4th, Kellenberg held a Poem in Your Pocket Day. Members of the Latin school and high school selected their favorite poem and shared it with the school. In the chorus room, students orally interpreted the works of Shel Silverstein, Maya Angelou, and Percy Bysshe Shelley. Some even recited original poems, adding to the abundance of poetic voices. At the conclusion of Poetry Week on Friday, April 5th, students were able to join in the friendly musical competition during two sessions of the trivia game Kahoot. The objective of the first game was to recognize literary devices in pop music. Everyone jammed out to the onomatopoeia of The Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” and the hyperbole of Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” The second game required a keen eye for both music and poetry, as students were to discern if a quote was a lyric from a rapper or a line from an author. Many were perplexed at how similar Jay-Z’s style of writing sounds compared to William Shakespeare. Kellenberg’s first Poetry Week was certainly a success. All who participated left with a sense of how influential and inspirational poetry can be. Special thanks to the English department for coordinating this event!

Katie graduated summa cum laude from The Catholic University of America in May 2018 with a major in Psychology and minors in Theology and Philosophy. Katie now works full time as a research assistant at Uniformed Services University’s Center for Study of Traumatic Stress in Bethesda, MD, where she contributes to research projects aimed at reducing rates of suicide and post-traumatic stress among service members. She is currently in the process of applying to clinical psychology Ph.D. programs.

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

Kellenberg prepared me in innumerable ways for both my role as a student and as a young professional. On a more basic level, my time at Kellenberg not only taught me how to study but also how to express what I had learned. Kellenberg gave me an exceptionally strong foundation in writing, a skill to which I attribute much of my academic and professional success. This foundation especially prepared me for one of my favorite activities at CUA—working as a peer tutor in the Writing Center. On a much broader level, however, Kellenberg taught me what it means to be part of a community that values civility, order, and respect, and strives to honor the dignity of every human person. I believe my desire to study suicide prevention stems directly from the desire to preserve and reaffirm human dignity that Kellenberg instilled in me.

You recently attended Kellenberg’s Washington, DC Alumni Mass and Social.  Why do you think it’s important to say connected to your alma mater?

During my time at Kellenberg, I truly embraced the idea that Kellenberg was home. Between sports, clubs, retreats, and other activities, I felt like I lived at school, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I am so proud of my Kellenberg roots, and I feel it’s so important to honor and nurture that bond by staying involved and connected. Singing the Salve Regina together at the end of the DC Alumni Mass really made me feel like I was home again, and it was so wonderful to see a Kellenberg community come together in DC.

What inspired you to pursue a career focused on improving the mental health of service members?

Despite the massive scope and complexity of the problem of suicide in the military, I feel that I have a duty to use my talents as a civilian researcher to advance this mission. Since launching my post-undergrad career in as a full-time researcher with the Center for Study of Traumatic Stress, focused on military suicide research, what has inspired me the most is the idea that I am working with data that represents the authentic lived experiences of our nation’s heroes; it is my responsibility to approach this data with honor, respect, and gratitude, and to work with my team to transform this data into a story that we hope will save lives.

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

Each class and every teacher contributed to my KMHS experience. My favorite class at Kellenberg, though, was my sophomore year English class with Mrs. Vonn. That was the year that my fear of poetry was transformed first into an appreciation, and then ultimately a love. I think back on that class so fondly, and I could not be more grateful to Mrs. Vonn for encouraging my curiosity and sense of wonder around American literature. Mrs. Vonn was also the first person to introduce me to the poem “Invictus,” which has in many ways become my personal mantra; I’ve had a copy pinned to my bulletin board for years!

Last night the Kellenberg Memorial High School Music Department held their annual NYSSMA All-State Student Recital featuring students featured in this weekend’s NYSSMA All-State performances. These students will be amongst the roughly 10,000 students who have auditioned for All-State in New York state this year and represent a portion of our many advanced musicians vying for this honor.

Congratulations to our Math Bee winner, Isabel Connolly ’23, and runner up, Gabby Airo ’23!