Article by Phoenix writer Tsassis Angelo ’22:

A few words of advice, should you ever be matched up in a basketball game with Kellenberg senior Nick Spinoso: Do not seek for any post shots. Whether you are back down or face up, his mere presence is enough to ensure that your shot is promptly swatted into the stands. Don’t bother even attempting to guard him in the post, either. His impeccable footwork and creative finishes around the rim make that a terrible idea. Don’t jump with him. His long wingspan and strong hands allow him to pull in every rebound in his vicinity. And whatever you do, do not sag off him on defense. That is unless you plan on allowing him to carve you up with a perfectly timed pass to an open teammate.

Spinoso’s superior passing awareness makes him nearly unguardable for opposing players. His passing IQ and vision are what teammates and coaches say are his best attributes on the court. It gives him an edge that most high school big men don’t have.

“Nick has been a great teammate throughout the years, being one of the best passers on the team. He was always a leader on the floor, leading on both offense and defense. And he always picks up a teammate when they are down,” says fellow senior and captain Jake Cosgrove, who shared the court with Spinoso for 4 years at Kellenberg.
His incredible talent and desire have led Spinoso to his fair share of accolades. Averaging 21 points, 14 boards, 5 assists, and 4 blocks per game throughout his 4-year career, Nick garnered 1st team NSCHSAA All-League and 2nd team all Long Island honors for the 2018-19 season. It’s likely he reaches those heights again this year, based on his exemplary play this season.

Kellenberg’s coach, Mr. McCutcheon, has high praise for his star player. “Nick Spinoso was a 3-year starter for the KMHS varsity basketball team. He was a great leader and mentor towards the younger players on the team. He is without a doubt one of the best big men to play basketball in KMHS history.”

Spinoso’s versatile arsenal of basketball skills took immense time and effort to be mastered. His passion and dedication to the sport are evident every time he steps onto the court. His teammate Cosgrove says, “He also just flat out cares more than most people. Playing late after practice, or going to a gym.”
Spinoso cited his father as the main reason he plays. “He taught me everything I know and I really strive to be just like him,” says Nick. “Also, just my love for it. I never get tired of it and I never want to stop.”

Spinoso displays this tenacity and determination in each and every game he plays. He is an imposing force in the paint on both ends of the hardwood, and his versatile game has no blemishes. He can do anything his coach asks of him on the basketball court, and it leads to substantial totals piling up in the box score. Spinoso is the true definition of a “stat-sheet stuffer”.

“Someone I model my game after is probably Nikola Jokic. A big man who can do a little of it all, and a very good passer.” Jokic is infamous in the NBA for being one of the only players who can shoot, finish, and facilitate the ball at ease. The Denver Nuggets’ superstar center is a fitting comparison for Spinoso’s multifaceted game. One doesn’t have to squint to see the similarities between the two. They share the distinction of being big men whose best asset is their uncanny passing ability.

The zenith of his high school career came on February 11th, 2020. This particular game against St. Dominic High School was Senior Night for Kellenberg. It also happened to be the night when Spinoso would score his 1,000th point as a Firebird. An incredible achievement for an incredible player.

Although his time as a Kellenberg basketball player is over, Spinoso plans to continue his playing career. He’ll be attending Kimball Union Academy, a prestigious prep school in New Hampshire. His story is far from written, and his future is bright. Nick Spinoso; remember the name.

Article by Phoenix writer Mary O’Connor ’21:

Kellenberg’s student-run newspaper, The Phoenix, was recently honored by the New York Press Association for their contribution to high school journalism. Senior Editor Isabella Nieminen won first place for “Best Feature Story.” The judges commented on her “lively writing” with “solid information.” Editor Angelo Tsassis ‘22 took home “Best Sports Story” for his feature on senior athlete Jordan Delucia. He was recognized for his “vibrant writing” in a crowded category. The Phoenix Online earned third place in the “Best Web Site” category, with the judges noting their partiality to having the past editions available. The Phoenix was recognized with an Honorable Mention in the “General Excellence” category. This is a credit to Editor-in-Chief James Mooney ’20 who made the newspaper one of the best in New York State.

At the Adelphi Quill Awards in late February, The Phoenix also won third place for “Most Outstanding Newspaper” along with other awards.

Article by Phoenix writer Edward Jansen ’21:

A few months ago, a friend of mine sent me a link to a music video by Brooklyn pastor Hezekiah Walker. It was for a modern-day Gospel song called “Every Praise.” In the video, Pastor Hezekiah is standing in the middle of a town square, eyes turned to the sky. The music starts—an upbeat tempo of drums, synth, and old school R&B horns. Then a flash mob starts singing and dancing in the streets: “Every praise is to our God, Every word of worship with one accord.” It’s a little cheesy, but the singing faces on screen are joyful, exuberant, and enthusiastic. I don’t know if certain scenes were staged, but the reactions of passers looked sincere. Some, in shock, staring at the revelers. Some smile in amusement. Others finally join in, embracing the joy before them.

Now, I must admit I’m not a huge fan of religious music. It’s not that I have anything against it, but I’d rather listen to the Beatles or the Ramones than listen to the latest contemporary Christian pop song. Still, something about Pastor Hezekiah and his band of merrymakers moved me. I’ve watched that video a number of times and something about it stirs me, like a spoon mixing sugar in a coffee cup. When I listen to that song, when I watch those people raise their hands into the air—I feel different. I feel uplifted.

Contrast that with a recent experience at my local parish. I’m standing at Mass for the opening procession. The cantor and organist expertly break into song with energy and grace. I open my mouth to sing. But I drawback when I look around at my fellow churchgoers, having noticed no one else is singing—at least from my viewpoint. Maybe the little old lady with the veil on her head a few rows in front of me is quietly squeaking out some notes. I can’t be sure. I look around and all I see are people standing in their pews, simply mumbling the words to themselves, not paying attention, looking down into the pew in front of them, or fidgeting as if they have to use the bathroom.

Friends, where’s the joy? Where’s the exuberance? Where’s the enthusiasm?

We can be a little spoiled at Kellenberg—we have robust choirs and singing groups, we sing at Mass, at prayer services. Overall, there’s energy. There’s passion! But what happens at parish Masses though? It doesn’t usually look like what we do at Kellenberg.

Now to be fair, I only have a limited experience of what happens at Mass in my parish and in select others, but my guess is that many churches are lukewarm when it comes to singing. Maybe people are nervous about feeling out of place. Maybe people think they have to sound perfect to sing. Maybe people just don’t care that much. I’m not here to judge, but I do think that all of us here have a responsibility to “raise the praise” so to say when we go to church.

Let us sing with heart next time at Mass. To ease the occasional nerves, here are some suggestions: first, sit closer to the altar. I have noticed that many parishioners tend to sit towards the back during Mass. Try moving a little closer to increase your attentiveness to the ceremony. We need to be present, whether that is during class, having dinner with family, or kneeling at Mass. Often our minds race, worrying about the future, harping over mistakes, or wallowing in boredom. Bring yourself out of that and center your mind. Be present with God. Get closer to the action. Next, keep your shoulders loose. Often, we stiffen our shoulders. Relax, you’re with God. Then, listen to the cantor, open the Missal and turn to the page in question. When singing at Mass, perhaps the most important thing to do is to simply follow the music. Finally, take a deep breath and sing from your heart and be enthusiastic. To have enthusiasm is to be filled with God.

After all that God does for us, can we not join in and sing the song of creation? Are we so adamant in our own beliefs that we cannot bend to the will of God? I think it’s time we raise the praise, not just at Sunday Mass, but every day and everywhere.

Article by Phoenix writer Ally Goldsmith ’20:

In the midst of the global pandemic, the Kellenberg community came together for its first-ever Flyby on Monday, April 20 to fill 30 cartons with non-perishable food items and to show thanks for the Marianist Community’s continuous prayers.

While following all social distancing guidelines and remaining in cars the entire time, hundreds of students, parents, and faculty members gathered in the parking lot across from the school with canned goods to be donated to Catholic Charities of Long Island.

Led by an ambulance with its sirens blaring, the Kelleberg families drove their blue and gold decorated cars single-file to the main campus where they were met by Bro. Kenneth Hoagland S.M., principal, and his dog, Beato. Additionally, other Brothers and faculty members were gathered six feet apart outside of the school to greet all those who drove by.

There were enormous black bins where the canned goods could be placed upon driving through the parking lot. At the curve, drivers were met by Fr. Tom Cardone, S.M., his dog, Goretti, and Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M. They blessed the cars as they made their exit off of the property. This extraordinary fly by event filled all who participated with a feeling of hope.

National Anthem – Sung by Senior Members of Phoenix Chorus

FIREBIRD ORCHESTRA 

Colors of the Wind – Alan Menken (Arranged by Eder Garcia)

FIREBIRD CHORUS

Sing Unto the Lord – Henry Purcell (Arranged by Hal Hopson)

Take Me to Higher Ground – Carl Strommen

FIREBIRD BAND

Byzantine Dances – Carol Brittin Chambers
Exhilaration – Michael Story

PHOENIX CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

Andante Festivo – Jean Sibelius

PHOENIX CHORUS

Stop By Lord – Doris Wesley Bettis
Come, Walk Beside Still Waters (Sung by Senior Members of Phoenix Chorus) – Doug Greene
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Paul Simon (Arranged by Kirby Shaw)

PHOENIX BAND

See You Again (Performed by Senior Members of Firebird and Phoenix Bands) –  Charlie Puth (Arranged by Johnnie Vinson)
Avengers: Endgame (Arranged by Paul Murtha)
Highlights from The Greatest Showman – Alan Silvestri (Arranged by Michael Brown)

FIREBIRD ORCHESTRA

FIREBIRD CHORUS

FIREBIRD BAND 

PHOENIX CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

VIOLIN	Youri Kim		VIOLA		Isabella Rollo
Yamilay Andre	Luna Lowrie		James Cross		Olivia Tymon
Shannon Butler	Andrea McPherson		Matthew McGuinness
Lauren D’Amore	Danielle O’Sullivan		Hailey Pitcher		BASS
Kaitlyn Duggan	Cassidy Shillingford		Lauren Tarpey		Paul Bartolemea
Alexandra Goldsmith	Colin Simpson *
Kaiya Jenkins Ellie Kim	Elizabeth Trick Samantha Weir		CELLO Emma Katz		NYSSMA All-State
			Anthony Pecoraro		* All-County

PHOENIX CHORUS

SOPRANO	Marvah Philidor	Quin Mieczkowski	James Dionisio
Sofia Abuin	Mary Pinsent	Alexa Morgan	Brandon Farrell
Deirdre Ambrosi	Alyssa Romeo	Francesca Muzio	Anthony Iadevaio
Maria Barrella *	Molly Simons	Isabella Nieminen	Thomas Kiedaisch
Emily Campbell	Gamille Valbrun	Mary O’Connor	Dylan Lopez
Emma Carmody	Victoria Valencia	Annemarie Patalano	Benjamin Truncale*
Kathleen Carrie	Daniella Villalobos	Grace Peknic	Maximus Valencia
Gabriela Cunha	Danielle Wergiles	Kelly Peknic	Xavier Wisdom
Emily D’Alessandro	Chloe Yack	Shannon Pepe	Alexander Wrenn
Erin Delaney	Megan Zabrouski	Rosemary Pham	Aidan York
Danielle DePetris		Geneva Pierre
Allison Dormer	ALTO	Isabella Rajkovic	BASS
Samantha Durante	Amanda Baez	Gabriella Rodriguez	Craig Addeo
Linda Faulk	Breanne Bell	Faith Schwartz	Kevin Bongiorno
Claire Galante	Grace Cairo	Kiera Shanahan	Evan Carroll
Giustina Gentile	Katherine Calderon	Alex Sharabi	Colin Donnelly
Jeanne Godoy	Catherine Cooke	Jada Smith	Andrew Erickson
Sarah Goez	Christacia Darelus	Kaylee Sprizzo	Pharoah King
Ava Hartung	Zanaii DeCastro	Kathleen Swanson	Joseph Kuebler
Samantha Horton	Joanna Destil	Danielle Thomas	James Moger
Lauren Iacoviello	Jai Huff	Ashley Torres	Darragh Moynihan
Maggie Kutner	Cassidy Johnston	Mikaela Tucker	Joseph Nelson
Alexis Lindsay	Ava Latham	Isabella Vera	Christian Onyeike
Zoe Major	Mairead Lees	Evelyn Vesely	Michael Popp
Sofia Mango	Isabella Malize		Aidan Quinn
Grace Massillon	Michaela Markey	TENOR
Grace McKenna	Julia Martino	Yordys Castro
Briana Molina	Rachel McCallin	John Constantino	NYSSMA All-State
Elizabeth Panchyk	Kimberly Mejia	Joseph DeMarco	*All-County

PHOENIX BAND

Musical Directors:

Mrs. Allison Burke and Mr. Eder Garcia – Firebird Orchestra and Phoenix Chamber Ensemble
Mr. S. Clark Blanton – Firebird and Phoenix Chorus
Mr. Sean Vegas – Firebird and Phoenix Band

Private Lesson Instructors: Mr. David Abrams, Mr. Judd Abrams, Mr. Mark Bennett, Mrs. Allison Burke, Mrs. Ivy Chatanow, Mr. Emmett Collins, Mrs. Shiori DeBellis, Mr. Eder Garcia, Mrs. Susan Guidone, Ms. Susan Hugelmeyer, Mr. Paul Infante, Ms. Cindy Lauda, Mrs. Jennifer Malanowski, Mrs. Lisa McElraevy, Mrs. Debbie Peltz, Mr. Steve Perillo, Mrs. Dorothy Shorter and Ms. Jenni Zepnick

We wish to extend a very special thank you to:

Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. – Principal
Bro. Roger Poletti, S.M. – Assistant Principal for Activities
Mrs. Allison Basile – Program Layout and Typist

Miss Mary Panasci and the Members of the Senior Art Portfolio Class, Mr. Jeffrey Harris, Mr. Orlando Each and the Auditorium Service Club, Parents, Friends, and Student Participants 

Nicole Aponte is the 2020 recipient of the “GLIRC 2020 Scholarship Award.” GLIRC (Greater Long Island Running Club) is an organization with over 20,000 members who put on over 400 road races, triathlons, aquathlons, and track meets in a normal year. They amass hundreds of their members to volunteer to coordinate the staging of these events. They are rich in pro-activity community service charity work. This award goes annually to a member of a Long Island track team who has done extraordinary community service work. The $2000.00 scholarship this year is awarded to Kellenberg’s first recipient ever. Nicole  on her own, got her teammates to help volunteer, and started a “Special Olympics Track Team” called the “Rockets.”  Congratulations Nicole. 

Article by Céili Donnelly ’20

The whole thing started because of an idea Sarah Killian ’20 and her mom came up with after seeing various birthday drive-bys and then the one organized by parents and students past Kellenberg back in April. She asked some of the seniors on the girl’s varsity track team what we thought.  We had done a few virtual hangouts as a team with the coaches, but we still missed seeing each other in person and running together so much, and we knew Mr. Brown missed the team and coaching us a lot, so we thought it would be a nice idea to help cheer him up. So, Sarah and I talked about it and then I contacted Mr. Moncada, who contacted Mrs. Brown to make sure she could have Mr. Brown home when we came by. We then got the word out to the rest of the team and a lot of the alumni from the past couple of years. 

Then I saw the success of the food drive that fellow classmate Ally Goldsmith ’20 had put together for Island Harvest. I thought it might be nice for each person to bring some food and toiletries to the drive-by for us to donate to Island Harvest. We usually do a Service-Over-Self (SOS) project as a team each season, but since our season was canceled, we never got to do one for Spring Track, so I thought this would be a good way to do something like that and also help keep the team spirit alive. 

The current team and alumni all met at the Best Market parking lot in Franklin Square, about 5 minutes from Mr. Brown’s house in Malverne, at 4:00 on Friday, May 15th. The girls dropped off their donations in my car for Island Harvest. Then it was parade time!  Many of us had our cars decorated with balloons and window paint for KMHS track and thanking Mr. Brown. Then, we drove out of the parking lot in a line to Mr. Brown’s house and drove past him honking and yelling “Thank you.” A few of the girls left right after they drove-by while a few of us stayed and talked to Mr. and Mrs. Brown and the other coaches and each other for an hour or so albeit while social distancing. 

It was so nice to see Mr. and Mrs. Brown and to see the smile we were able to bring to their faces by doing such a simple and fun activity. And seeing all of our teammates come together despite all that’s been going on was amazing. Things like this remind us why we love our team so much and why we’ve done track and cross country all four years. It’s hard not having our last season, but we’ll always be grateful for times like those and all the other times our coaches and teammates have been there for us and given us some of the best days of our lives.

“It is about using the talent God gave you, doing your best, and using that talent to teach others about faith.” This is what Mr. O’Brien tells his Scripture classes each year when he assigns the now-famous Scripture Timeline Project “Extravaganza.” Brother Patrick Cahill, S.M. puts the project into a great perspective: “I think this project is an extension of our mission as Scripture teachers—to help the Scriptures come alive for our students! Mary is a great model of faith, and just as she brought Jesus, the Word of God, into the world, we too are called to share the Good News of the Scriptures with our students and the whole world.”

This is the twelfth year of this project, but this year would end being quite different (much different than anticipated when it was assigned in mid-January). Normally in the spring in the school’s lobby, you would be able to see the creativity and the hard work the freshmen put into these projects. 

As Mr. O’Brien states, “I actually felt bad seeing these projects in videos and pictures via Schoology because I always look forward to setting them up in the lobby, and seeing the smiles on the faces of freshmen when they show off their project to their friends and classmates.” However, that did not stop the Scripture students from stepping up to the plate this year.

(Click here for gallery of student projects.) 

All of the Scripture teachers agreed about the hard work that the students put in despite the state of the world amidst this pandemic. Mrs. York was impressed with how tech-savvy the kids were. “One thing I took this year that I hadn’t in years past was the ability of the students to be able to utilize the technology to share their projects.” Mr. O’Brien comments, “I thought the projects this year were amazing! In most cases, you would not even know the circumstances surrounding the world right now. To see pictures of projects taking up basements and dining room tables showed that families had something to be happy about, work on, talk about.”

Mr. Moran shares the same sentiments, “It was great to see the creativity of the students. It was very cool to see the projects laid out on kitchen tables, in the students’ backyards, or on display in their garage.” Bro. Pat said, “This year required some extra creativity on our students’ part. They demonstrated great patience as school closed down and persevered to create some really outstanding projects.”

Freshman Angelina Scalice ’23 felt that the project was well worth her time despite the current situation. “Doing the Scripture Timeline Project Extravaganza during quarantine was— well, it was an extravaganza. The circumstances made it so that I had to find different ways to get materials and adapt my project accordingly, but I didn’t let it bring me down. It was just more of a reminder that in times like these, God is with us!”

For many of the teachers and students, they see this project as a culmination of their freshman year, a rite of passage, so to speak. On an academic level, the Timeline Project encourages the students to think back through the Old Testament to see how God has been at work from the very beginning of Creation in order to prepare us for the coming of Jesus, which they learn about in the New Testament.

The project is about synthesizing information and events learned in the Old Testament and showing how it relates to the birth of Jesus. Freshman Lily Anne Darcy comments, “Throughout my experience of creating my scripture project, I focused on the major theme of God forgiving His people and giving His people second chances. I created a mini-golf course to show that sometimes our shots go astray. I learned about many times where God forgives and redirects people throughout the Old Testament. I am glad God allows his people to reflect on and correct their mistakes. Most of all I am happy ‘God Gives Mulligans.’” 

Many of the upperclassmen still talk about their creations and the pride in seeing it in the lobby and showing it off to their families at the Communion Breakfasts, after sporting events, etc. Simply, seeing these projects adorn the lobby each year brings back memories for the seniors, juniors, and sophomores. This year is definitely different as the projects will not be decorating the lobby, but instead gracing Instagram and the Kellenberg website. 

Ninth-grader Brian Bernic said, “The freshman scripture project was probably the most fun that I’ve had all year because it allowed me to make something fun out of the Old Testament. The imagination is a wonderful device that allows us to live in a world that doesn’t exist, and this project allows people to do just that, bringing the foundation of faith to a whole new level.” And in times like this a little imagination is not a bad thing.

Mrs. York believes the students take so much pride in what they create for a few reasons. “One reason is that this project spans a few months, and the students put in a lot of work and effort. They know that we take their projects seriously and appreciate all their work. This year, especially, I could tell that the students were very eager to share their projects with us. Since the start of remote learning the students wanted to turn their projects in.” When they did turn them in they did such an amazing job! Submitting and grading these projects was a great boost to teachers and students alike during this difficult time in the world. Great work by the Class of 2023!

Program for the Evening

FIDDLE CLUB

Kesh Jig
Traditional

Road to Boston
Traditional

LATIN SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

Isn’t She Lovely
Stevie Wonder
Arr. by John Berry

What Came First
Dean Sorenson
Arr. by Rick Stitzel

FIREBIRD SWING

Finale from Firebird Suite
Igor Stravinsky

Everything
Amy Foster-Gillies, Michael Buble & Alan Chang
Arr. by Roger Emerson

Route 66
Bobby Troup
Arr. by Kirby Shaw

HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

Steam Whistle
Les Sabina

That’s How We Roll
Gordon Goodwin
Arr. by Peter Blair

FIDDLE CLUB

LATIN SCHOOL JAZZ BAND

FIREBIRD SWING

HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND 

Musical Directors:

Mr. Emmett Collins – Fiddle Club

Mr. Brendan Narell – Latin School Jazz Band

Mr. S. Clark Blanton – Firebird Swing

Mr. Sean Vegas – High School Jazz Band

We wish to extend a very special thank you to:

Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. –Principal

Bro. Roger Poletti, S.M. – Assistant Principal for Activities

Mrs. Allison Basile – Program Layout and Typist

Luna Lowrie ’20 – Cover Program Artist

Administrative and Teaching Staff, Miss Mary Panasci and the Members of the Senior Art Portfolio Class, Mr. Jeffrey Harris, Mr. Orlando Each and the Auditorium Service Club, Parents, Friends, and Student Participants 

Private Lesson Instructors: Mr. David Abrams, Mr. Judd Abrams, Mr. Mark Bennett, Mrs. Allison Burke, Mrs. Ivy Chatanow, Mr. Emmett Collins, Mrs. Shiori DeBellis,  Ms. Susan Hugelmeyer, Mr. Eder Garcia, Mrs. Susan Guidone, Mr. Paul Infante,  Ms. Cindy Lauda, Mrs. Jennifer Malanowski, Mrs. Lisa McElraevy, Mrs. Debbie Peltz, Mr. Steve Perillo, Mrs. Dorothy Shorter and Ms. Jenni Zepnick

Evening Program

A Star-Spangled March
John Stafford Smith & Francis Scott
(Performed by 8^th Grade Members of the Centurion and Praetorian Bands)
Arr. by Michael Story

PRAETORIAN ORCHESTRA

Gargoyles
Doug Spata

Classic Bits & Pieces
Arr. by Michael Story

CADET CHORUS

A Song of Peace
Teresa Jennings

CENTURION BAND

Champion Fanfare
David Samuel

Down to the River
Michael Sweeney

TYRO CHORUS

You Say
Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram & Paul Maybury
Arr. by Heather Sorenson

PRAETORIAN BAND

Blessed Legacy
Robert Sheldon

New Forest March
Johnnie Vinson

SQUIRE CHORUS

Nanuma
Ghana Folksong
Arr. by Audrey Snyder

Grant Us Peace (Dona Nobis Pacem)
Dave & Jean Perry

PRAETORIAN ORCHESTRA

CADET CHORUS

CENTURION BAND

TYRO CHORUS

PRAETORIAN BAND

SQUIRE CHORUS 

Musical Directors:

Cadet Chorus – Mrs. Sheila Zider

Praetorian Orchestra – Mr. Emmett Collins

Centurion Band – Mr. Brendan Narell

Tyro Chorus – Mrs. Sheila Zider

Praetorian Band – Mr. Brendan Narell

Squire Chorus – Mrs. Anna Tochelli

Chorus Accompanist – Bro. Andrew Santoriello, S.M.

Private Lesson Instructors:
Mr. David Abrams, Mr. Judd Abrams, Mr. Mark Bennett, Mrs. Allison Burke,  Mrs. Ivy Chatanow, Mr. Emmett Collins, Mrs. Shiori  DeBellis, Mr. Eder Garcia, Mrs. Susan Guidone, Ms. Susan Hugelmeyer, Mr. Paul Infante, Ms. Cindy Lauda, Mrs. Jennifer Malanowski, Mrs. Lisa McElraevy, Mrs. Debbie Peltz, Mr. Steve Perrillo, Mrs. Dorothy Shorter and Ms. Jenni Zepnick

We wish to extend a very special thank you to:

Bro. Kenneth Hoagland, S.M. – Principal

Bro. Roger Poletti, S.M. – Assistant Principal for Activities

Mrs. Allison Basile – Program Layout and Typist

Miss Mary Panasci and the Members of the Senior Art Portfolio Class, Mr. Jeffrey Harris, Mr. Orlando Each and the Auditorium Service Club, Parents, Friends, and Student Participants 

Christian Pettinato ’16 is currently completing his Security Systems degree at Farmingdale State College and plans to start a master’s degree in Applied Business Analytics this fall.  Christian is an infantryman with the New York Army National Guard.  In this role, he serves in a variety of jobs, including hazmat certifier and platoon level radio operator.  He is currently serving on Joint Task Force Empire Shield COVID-19 Response in the NYC metro area.  He has been working for both task force Long Island and task force NYC by providing both security and logistical support at the various testing sites.

Why did you decide to serve our country by joining the Army National Guard?

Ever since I was a little kid I had wanted to serve in some capacity.  I remember being a freshman in Mr. Weavers’ homeroom during Hurricane Sandy when he was put on orders with the Army National Guard to help the community.  I thought that was the coolest thing.  Now every once in a while I’ll run into Mr.Weavers during training.

What kind of projects have you been involved with lately as our country is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic? 

I have worked on two different task forces since being activated on March 18th, both on Long Island and in New York City.  They have us working alongside many different federal and state agencies providing a presence and logistical support to aid the doctors and nurses administering the tests.

How do you think Kellenberg prepared you for the challenges you’ve surely encountered as a service member during this unprecedented time?

Kellenberg taught me that with the right work ethic anything can be achieved, as well as that we should never lose sight of our end goals.

Do you have any favorite teachers from your time here at Kellenberg? 

Mrs. Finn (’98) was my favorite faculty member.  She always believed in me and would always encourage me to strive for what I wanted in life. 

Dear Members of the Marianist Family,

“Things fall apart; the center cannot hold”

A century ago, the Irish poet W.B. Yeats wrote these prophetic words as he contemplated the societal upheaval wrought by the violence of World War and the ravages of the influenza pandemic of 1918-19. The disruptive events of the past few months, compounded with the distressing and disturbing death of Mr. George Floyd and so many others, leaves us feeling confused, uncertain, and angry. Can the center hold?

“Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?”

Two months ago, Pope Francis stood alone in the rain in St. Peter’s Square and preached on the gospel story of the disciples tossed fearfully in a storm with Jesus asleep in the boat: “Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets, and our cities; it has taken over our lives; we feel it in the air, we notice in people’s gestures, their glances give them away. We find ourselves afraid and lost. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we were caught off guard by an unexpected, turbulent storm. We have realized that we are on the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented, but at the same time important and needed, all of us called to row together, each of us in need of comforting the other.”

“Teacher, do you not care if we perish?”

Today, injustice is startlingly revealed; chaos threatens our streets. Our faith is challenged; our hope is nearly exhausted. Fear, anger, and confusion wash over us like the waves that nearly overwhelmed the storm-tossed disciples. Can we still have faith? Do we dare to hope? Where do we stand?

As men vowed to live and teach the gospel, the Marianists of the Province of Meribah believe in the dignity and sanctity of every human life. We affirm the teaching of the  Catechism of the Catholic Church that “racism is not merely one sin among many, it is a radical evil dividing the human family;” thus “every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, color, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.”

As educators, we are committed to educating all of our students at Chaminade High School, Kellenberg Memorial High School, and St. Martin de Porres Marianist School to strive for justice and peace and to form them as young women and men committed to service, leadership, and transformation. We strive to create an environment of respect where growth and goodness can flourish and where every student is cherished and challenged. With Pope Francis, we believe that “The most effective antidote to every form of violence is education about discovering and accepting difference as richness and fruitfulness.”

As Christians, we are called to listen and know the stories of our brothers and sisters. We must create opportunities to hear, with open hearts, the tragic stories that are deeply imprinted on the lives of our brothers and sisters, if we are to be moved with empathy to promote justice. As teachers, we pledge to work with all our students and their families to strengthen the commitment of our schools to our core values:

One Heart and One Mind

Fortes in Unitate – Strength in Unity

Above all, Charity

Finally, as members of the Marianist Family, we turn to Mary for hope and intercession. She is the Mother of Sorrows who stood in silent witness as her Son suffered violence and degradation on the cross. She is the Mother of Mercy who wraps all her children in her mantle of protection. She is the Woman of Faith who trusts in the Father’s promise and opens herself to the workings of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, she is the Mother of the Church who intercedes for her children in their every need:

Mary, Mother of the Church,
you are enthroned as queen at your Son’s right hand:
we ask your intercession for the needs of our country,
that every desire for good may be blessed and strengthened,

that faith may be revived and nourished,
hope sustained and enlightened,
charity awakened and animated;
guide us, we pray, along the path of holiness.

Mary our Mother,
bring everyone under your protection
and entrust everyone to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

At each of our schools, we speak of ourselves as a family, and “family spirit” is an animating principle of Marianist education: “In this way a community of learning becomes an experience of grace, where the teaching program contributes to uniting into a harmonious whole the human and the divine, the Gospel and culture, faith and life”

To all our students, all our families of every skin color and background: you are valued as men and women made in God’s image; you are treasured as people who seek peace and strive for justice; you are loved as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and beloved children of Mary. We stand firm in this belief despite the darkness that engulfs our world.

In the spirit of Jesus who reassures us: “Do not be afraid. I am with you always.”

The Brothers of the Marianist Province of Meribah,
Bro. Timothy Driscoll, S.M.
Provincial

The Rev. Thomas Cardone

Chaplain, Kellenberg Memorial High School, Uniondale

At Kellenberg Memorial, religion is about relationships. We teach, pray, lead retreats, coach and moderate activities by relationship, and this has been extended into our virtual school experience. Our website contains multiple spiritual resources that are relational: daily rosary led by families; spiritual workouts (in May a religion teacher and coach did meditations on the “Seven Sorrows of Mary” that included physical exercise). Spiritual clubs are in high demand.

Recently one group held a 100th birthday party for St. John Paul II, a celebration for Our Lady of Fatima, and a session in which students wrote notes to residents at nursing homes to help lift their spirits. One Sodality group has a spiritual “Question of the Day” to which students respond in group chat. We have an Instagram account where teachers and students share different topics, including favorite prayer songs and videos. Conference calls and emails keep the relationships going.

Each year we hold a May Crowning in which the student body assembles in prayer; then with the assistance of a local fire department, using its ladder and bucket to reach our elevated statue, the Blessed Virgin Mary is crowned with flowers. Since we are a Marianist school devoted to Our Lady, this tradition continued virtually!

Read the full story at Newsday.com: https://www.newsday.com/long-island/religion/asking-the-clergy-spiritual-guidance-for-students-affected-by-the-pandemic-1.45226191

Mr. Fechtmann and Mrs. Solosky present the Solosky Award to our seniors who participated in 12 seasons of athletics during their time at Kellenberg Memorial. Congratulations to all senior athletes this year!

Nicole Aponte – Track

Anthony Tucker Bradshaw – Football, Track, Lacrosse

Catherine Cooke – Track

Jake Cosgrove – Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Volleyball

Ceili Donnelly – Track

Cristina Flammia – Track, Soccer, Lacrosse

Joseph Foley – Track, Football, Lacrosse

Laura Haaland – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Brielle Johns – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Sarah Killian – Track 

Katelyn Kirby – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Peyton Larkin – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Samantha Lombardi – Volleyball, Basketball, Lacrosse

Erick Lopez-Defillo – Track and Soccer

Maya Mangual – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Nicole Mathison – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Maureen McNierney – Soccer, Basketball, Lacrosse

Lydia Mercante – Track and Tennis

Cameron Mooney – Track

Miranda O’Mara – Tennis, Basketball, Soccer, Lacrosse

Claire O’Regan – Track, Soccer

Lindsey Palazzolo – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Brooke Panzavecchia – Track

Jessica Politi – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Aidan Quinn – Track

Gabriella Quinones – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Luca Reich – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Jillian Simonelli – Dance and Blue and Gold

Molly Simons – Track 

Paige Vigliotti – Cheer and Blue and Gold

Concert Pieces

Dragonhunter
Richard Meyer

Ode To Joy
Ludwig van Beethoven

Private Lesson Instructors for Orchestra

Mrs. Allison Burke
Mr. Eder Garcia
Mrs. Ivy Chatanow
Mrs. Jennifer Malanowski
Mr. Emmett Collins
Mrs. Lisa McElraevy
Mrs. Shiori DeBellis
Mrs. Dorothy Shorter

Beginning in the Second Trimester our Eighth Grade students studied about the respect that Catholics have for all life from conception to natural death.  They also learned how to do research and write a persuasive essay on a topic promoting the dignity of life.  The top two essays were selected from each English class and these 12 finalists read their essay on video and we have put together a virtual oratory contest.  We would like to thank the assistance of the religion teachers: Mr. Finn and Mr. York and the English teachers: Mrs. Agulles, Mrs. Page, and Mr. Walsh.

Congratulations to our winners: First Place: Kaitlyn Cole, Second Place: Gabriel Blanco, and Third Place: Gabriella D’Orlando.

Stephanie Augustin, Ed.D, LBA, BCBA ’04 is a Licensed and Board Certified Behavior Analyst with over 10 years of experience in the field of developmental disabilities and autism. She began working in group home settings as a behavior specialist after completing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University. She has worked in academia as an ABA instructor at the graduate school level and has worked in K-12 school settings as a behavioral consultant. Her post-master’s clinical training in behavior analysis training was completed at FIT.

Stephanie is the co-founder and Director of Operations of Blossoming Behavior Applied Behavior Analysts. She was awarded a doctor of education in March 2019 from Northeastern University for her dissertation entitled “A phenomenological analysis of autistic children receiving applied behavior analytic services: A culturally and linguistically diverse parents’ perspective.” Her research and practice interests include disseminating applied behavior analysis to under-served groups and culturally diverse populations.

What inspired you to dedicate yourself to a life of improving the mental health of those with developmental disabilities and autism?

I fell into the field because my younger brother was diagnosed with a developmental disability, and later autism, when I was in high school at KMHS. At that point, I knew that I wanted to become an advocate for children like him who were from culturally diverse backgrounds. It was difficult for my mother to understand what was happening to him because of her cultural background (we come from Haiti), and I thought it was so important for me to be able to bridge that gap for her and other families like us.

How do you think your time at Kellenberg Memorial helped to prepare you for your career in behavioral health?

I don’t think Kellenberg positioned me to enter this field specifically, but I do remember during career day one year a medical doctor came in to discuss what she did in her job. I was incredibly motivated at that point to also be a woman in science. 

Our country is experiencing unprecedented turmoil due to the global pandemic and the appalling realities of deeply embedded systemic racism.  Do you have any advice for current students or alumni who are internalizing their emotions during these deeply troubling times? 

As a woman of color, this has been a very triggering time for me. I’ve had to do a great deal of self-reflection to get to an understanding of what this means for me as a human as well as how this impacts my place in the world. I think that ultimately, it is important to have these incredibly difficult conversations in the workplace, at school, at home, and with friends, because only through dissecting our own deeply embedded belief systems and biases will we be able to break through to the other side. 

Do you have any favorite teachers/club moderators/coaches from your time at Kellenberg Memorial? 

I have a lot of great memories of my teachers and coaches at Kellenberg. I have especially fond thoughts of Mrs. Korzekwinski (she was the first teacher I met when I arrived in the 6th grade). I also often laugh at the words that I remember from PSAT prep with Mrs. von Schoenermarck (e.g. when I say “circumlocution” or “loquacious” during a conversation.) My favorite classes ever taught were with Mr. and Mrs. Dugal! And I can’t forget Mrs. Villani – she was super funny and we made a time capsule in the 7th grade.