Network Today - Donovan Catholic High School

Griffin
Network Today
HOME OF THE GRIFFINS
2013-2014
A YEAR IN REVIEW
Fall 2014
A Message from Dr. Gere
Staff:
Madeline Kinloch
Director of Advancement
and Alumni Relations
Dear Alumni and Friends,
In July our community embarked on a new and exciting
path in the history and future of this school, as we
refreshed its name to Donovan Catholic. Donovan speaks
to our heritage and Catholic speaks to our mission.
Over the past 52 years St. Joseph High School became
Monsignor Donovan High School and now Donovan
Catholic. However, one fact has not changed. This
educational community remains the only Catholic high
school in Ocean County. In my opinion, it is also the best
and most progressive high school in the surrounding area.
At the time of the name change, we also introduced a new
tagline: It Makes A Difference. As a community we truly
believe and know that choosing to attend Donovan Catholic makes a difference in the
lives of young men and women. Just as it did in the past, Donovan Catholic continues
to empower each student to work hard and to demand greatness from themselves.
Faculty and staff create a culture steeped in moral Catholic values, encouraging
students to believe in themselves, while also allowing them to discover and express
their individual God- given potential.
The support and financial commitment of alumni, parents and benefactors have
afforded our community the strength and courage to create a unique plan for the
future of Donovan Catholic. Our strategic plan, known as Blueprint 2020, focuses
on specific goals: to increase enrollment, to leverage global best practices and
innovations in teaching strategies and technology, and to enhance the Performing
and Visual Arts Programs, while also maintaining and improving existing facilities.
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Griffin Network Today as it reviews and celebrates
the last year of Monsignor Donovan High School leading into the future of Donovan
Catholic. Experience the friendship alumni have shared at various events, and recall
your own memories of your school days as you learn about the activities of our
present students.
Once again, I thank you for your past support. Your loyalty, generosity and friendship
have contributed to the greatness of this school. I thank you in advance for your
continued support, which will ensure the future of Donovan Catholic.
Erin Lesperance
Alumni Event Coordinator
Administration:
Father G. Scott Shaffer
Director
Edward G. Gere, Ed. D.
Principal
Eileen McCullion
Assistant Principal
Kathleen D’Andrea
Vice Principal
Admissions
Bill Vanore
Director of Guidance
Kimberly Sandomierski
Dean of Students
Joseph Gomulka
Athletic Director
Suzanne Oliver
Director of Student Activities
School Board
Members
Linda Anzano, Chair
Eileen Fagan
Genie Amabile
Janice Malland
Dorothy Glawson
Frank Wetta
Richard Angowski
Gerry Luongo
Raymond Zuhowski
May you and your family experience a blessed, healthy and happy 2015.
God Bless.
Dr. Edward Gere
Principal
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
Our apologies are extended
to the following parties for
misprints in the GNT Fall 2013
Christopher Hrycenko – MDHS Art
Teacher received his BFA from
Rowan University and a Masters
Degree from Georgian Court
University.
Kevin and Rory McCormick provided
the Wine tasting for GriffinFest
2013 and are the parents of Alumni
Kaitlyn ’04 and Shawn ’06.
Griffin
Network Today
Inside this Issue
2 A Message from Dr. Gere
4 Faculty Focus
5 Feature Stories - Alumni
9 Homecoming
10 Christmas Parties
12 Griffin Golf Outing
13 From the Office of Advancement
and Alumni Relations
14 GriffinFest 2013
16 Reunions
18 Graduation 2014
20 Class Notes
22 Around the Campus
26 Performing Arts
28 Service
30 Student Spotlight
31 Sports Highlights
34 Future Griffins
36 Into His Hands
37 Annual Report
40 Upcoming Events
Century Club 2014
On May 9,2014 the Century Club held its annual dinner gala at the Toms River
Hotel honoring the Very Rev. G. Scott Shaffer, Pastor of St. Joseph’s Church,
Toms River and Director of both schools. Since his ordination to the priesthood
in 1989, Father Scott has served in various parish ministries involved with
Catholic schools. Father Scott’s first assignment as a newly ordained priest
was at St. Joseph’s Parish, Toms River, and then at Notre Dame High School
in Lawrenceville, where he served as Chaplain of the school before being
reassigned as Pastor at Holy Innocents Parish in Neptune. From there Father
Scott became Pastor at St. Aloysius Parish in Jackson and now has come full
circle as Pastor at St. Joseph’s Parish. Established over 50 years ago, the Saint
Joseph’s Century Club provides scholarships for students from St. Joseph’s Grade
School who attend Donovan Catholic. Since its inception, the Century Club has
raised over $1,133,000.00 that has benefitted more than 269 students.
Pictured L to R: Dr. Edward Gere, Mr. Kevin Smith, Fr. Scott Shaffer, Mrs. Michele Williams
Endowment
On Thursday, September 25, 2014 the Saint Joseph Endowment
for Catholic Education honored Ms. Rosanne Citta at the annual
Endowment Dinner gala held at Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Lakewood.
Ms Citta, a life-long resident of Toms River is the Broker /Owner
of Citta & Moffitt, LLC Realtors and is President of the Citta
Foundation. Ms. Citta has generously supported St. Joseph’s
Grade School, Donovan Catholic and the parish of St. Joseph’s
Church, fulfilling the mission of the Citta Foundation established by
her parents, Joe and Regina Citta, to contribute to local charities
and learning institutions.
All gifts to the St. Joseph’s Endowment for Catholic Education
make a significant impact on the future of Catholic education and
provide for the long-term financial security of St. Joseph’s Grade
School and Donovan Catholic.
Pictured L to R: Fr. Scott Shaffer, Ms. Rosanne Citta, Dr. Paul DeMartino
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
3
Faculty Focus
RETIREMENT
Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your
dedication to serve, for inspiring us to do our best, and for
friendship shared. We wish you good days and good health
on your longest, most exciting holiday of life.
Mr. Gerard Ferraro, 43 years of service
Mr. Ferraro was a member of the first graduating
class of Saint Joseph High School, the Class of
1966. He received a BA degree from Seton Hall
University. Mr. Ferraro began his teaching career
at St. Joseph’s High School in 1971. Through
the years, he taught Science, served as Dean of
Discipline, Senior Class advisor, and coached track.
Mr. Walter Peters, 35 years of service
Mr. Peters received a BS degree from Bloomfield
College and started his tenure at St. Joseph’s in
1979 teaching Business Education. He then spent
ten years in Guidance followed by 22 years as
the school’s Substance Awareness Coordinator
(SAC). Mr. Peters served as the Senior Class
Advisor for awhile, but is better known by the name, “Mr. Disney”
for his many years of coordinating and leading the senior class trip
to Walt Disney World in Florida. Some of the other hats he wore
while at the school were site manager for activities and security
coordinator. Mr. Peters also coached Baseball, Football and Golf.
Mr. Michael Taris, 29 years of service
Mr. Taris, best known for his talent to draw
the perfect circle, is well respected for his
compassion, kindness and ability to relate and
care for every student he taught. Mr. Taris earned
an MRE from Mt. St. Alphonsius and taught
Religion, primarily to Freshman students. Mr. Taris
was the moderator for the Philosophy Club and the Chess Club
and lent a helping hand by filming basketball games.
FAREWELL
Mr. Carlo Boemio - is a graduate of the Class
of 1998. He received his BA degree from Richard
Stockton College. Mr. Boemio began his teaching
career at Donovan in 2004 teaching Spanish. He
helped with Senior/Junior Powder Puff Game
as one of the adult supervisors and organizers
of the event. Mr. Boemio also planned many
international trips to Europe. We wish him well as he moves on to
continue his teaching at TR North High School.
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
WELCOME BACK
Ms. Kimberly Verwey
a member of the
MDHS Class of 2008, returned to Donovan in
September 2014 as a full time teacher of History
and the Foundations Program holding a BA degree
from Georgian Court University.
INITIATED INTO THE CATHOLIC FAITH
Mrs. Carly Scallon, Psychology teacher, Mrs. Suzanne Oliver and
Mrs. Patricia Viscomi, Physical Education teachers, became fully
initiated into the Catholic Faith in front of the MDHS Faculty and
staff during a special Mass held November 22, 2013.
Mrs. Mary Beth DeBlasio, Coordinator of Campus Ministry and
Religion Curriculum Coordinator at MDHS provided special
instruction last year and throughout the summer to the three
women. The Very Reverend G. Scott Shaffer, Pastor of Saint
Joseph Church, Toms River, guided and counseled Carly, Patti and
Suzanne throughout this faith journey. He blessed the marriages
of Carly and Casey Scallon, Patti and Greg Viscomi and Suzanne
and Ken Oliver.
As a community, we witnessed Suzanne’s baptism, her first
communion and Confirmation. She took the name Grace. Her
husband, Ken Oliver was her sponsor. Patti received her first
communion into the Catholic Church and Confirmation, taking St.
Elizabeth Ann Seton as her patron. Mary Beth DeBlasio was her
sponsor. Carly made a profession of faith as a Catholic. She had
previously received her sacraments in the Methodist Church. She
took the name Hannah. Fellow colleague Glen Effenberger was
her sponsor.
“That’s the Way It Is!”
Written by: Susan Moroney
MDHS classmate and longtime friend
T
he above title is the yearbook quote
Todd Palladino chose when he graduated
Monsignor Donovan High School in
1991. As it turned out, his selection of this
quote said by legendary television news
broadcaster Walter Cronkite, turned out to be
foreshadowing of what was ahead for Todd.
Donovan Catholic, or “Mon Don” as referred
to by 1991 Alumni, reached out to Todd since
they heard from several sources about his
amazing experiences as a freelance television
camera operator. Todd is humble, so I happily
accepted the honor to interview him when he
asked that I help tell his story. To start off with a
few highlights: Todd has received four National
Emmy Awards, worked the Summer Olympics
in London and this year’s Winter Olympics in
Sochi and he will be included in the credits of a
movie about to hit theaters nationwide. But the
question we are exploring in this article is how
did he get to where he is today?
Picture this: A few years ago, Todd and a couple
of NBC Camera Operators were grabbing a
bite to eat while on a short break from taping
Football Night in America. They were discussing
how they each got their start “in the biz”.
Todd shared his story and everyone was in
awe when they realized that the first television
studio camera lens that Todd ever looked
through had been operated by the gentleman
sitting across from him! Back in 1987, as a
high school freshman, Todd had written a
letter (before e-mail’s time) to request tickets
to The Phil Donahue Show, which aired on
NBC. The request was granted and he and his
family went to the taping. Todd’s mother told
a cameraman on the way out of the studio that
her son wanted to pursue a career in television.
That man graciously invited Todd to look
through a television camera lens for the very
first time. A passion for the camera was born.
Years later, Todd and that Cameraman Anthony
work together on a regular basis. Todd says,
“You never know where your life will take you.
People from your past may come back again to
your present.”
independent films and music videos. Todd
recalled working for free at times to get
experience working and learning from wellknown Directors of Photography, so he could
learn the right way to load 16 mm film and be
trained on how to use different camera lenses.
By making connections, at a very young age,
Todd was fortunate to work on such great film
productions as Die Hard 3 and Miracle on 34th
Street.
As we sit on my balcony eating a frittata and
drinking lots
of strong
coffee, I
ask Todd to
share some
memorable
moments that
helped pave
the way to
where he is
today. Todd
recalled his
dad’s Super
8 camera that
he operated back in 7th grade and how in high
school, he became involved in live productions
in any way, shape or form, such as videotaping
Sister Jean’s spaghetti dinners, attending a
taping of CNBC’s John McLaughlin show with
the Political Science Club, and being on the
lighting crew with the Drama Club. Even back
then, as stated in the program from the MDHS
version of the musical CAROUSEL, Todd had
aspirations to work as a camera operator.
While attending Monmouth University as a
full-time student,
Todd continued
to find ways to
“You never know
master his craft.
where your life
Todd became
a founding
will take you.
member of
People from your
Hawk TV, a
past may come
station that aired
back again to
news updates
your present.”
and is still
thriving today.
When not in
the classroom,
Todd worked for a local cable company
shooting commercials, operated a camera at
the Meadowlands and Monmouth Racetrack
covering live horse racing, and he even
worked as the Jumbotron Score Keeper at
Yankee Stadium for a few seasons. Todd is
very humbled because every opportunity was
through a friend or colleague’s referral. Todd
states “Like in any career, but especially in
television and film, you need someone to help
you open the door. But once that door is open,
it is solely up to the individual to succeed and to
prove his or herself.”
Todd jumped at any opportunity to work with
a video camera. Beyond high school, Todd
worked for a wedding video company and
worked as a production assistant on several
Todd took a semester off in college to travel
with fellow MDHS classmate Victor Matus
and his European travels taught him another
valuable lesson. Todd was able to see and feel
the experiences firsthand, while still capturing
great shots on camera. He learned not to bury
himself in the lens or a moment may pass you
by. This lesson helped Todd later in his career
when Todd needed to have acute awareness
of what was happening, both through the lens
and all around him. Today, Todd’s list of travel
destinations seems endless. His career has
taken him back to Europe and also to Russia,
Hong Kong, Vietnam, Mainland China, South
America and all over the United States.
As in every career, there are downfalls.
Holding a fifty-pound camera on your shoulder
for hours on end can cause physical strain.
Also, there is no such thing as a ‘9 to 5’ in
Continued on page 7
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
5
Shelf
Leadership
”A
long enduring quality of Donovan
Catholic’s community is its ability to
foster life long relationships. Shelf
Leadership, LLC is not the only example of
those relationships developing into business
partners, as we know by following the alumni
network. It can be said that Shelf happens to
be both a product of and for Donovan’s strong
community.”
skits, icebreakers, and
motivational presentations,
in addition to the
workshops. They took
time off from their jobs to
work the Shelf program
and served as role models
of a variety of skills and
career paths.
Patrick Mulvaney (’98) and I (Paul D’Elia) (’99),
were neighbors and friends, with much of our
relationship developing and blossoming through
participation in Student Council. The idea for
Shelf came about over a winter break from
college. Patrick and I were reminiscing about
our times at the summer leadership retreats at
Delbarton Boys School (a long-time Donovan
tradition started by Mrs. McCullion in the early
90s) we sketched out a program that would
offer the same shared experience while offering
a core leadership education curriculum. Dr. Gere
approved the model for the program during the
winter of 2001 and the first Shelf Leadership
program ran that July.
Shelf matured as the
original staff and founders
moved into professional
careers from college
and developed Shelf in their spare time.
The curriculum was organized into specific
components, project-planning routines
were solidified, and staffing practices were
developed. Staff members would team up
and deliver small one-day programs here and
there but remained focused on delivering the
signature three-day program for Donovan.
During this period, the facilitator network grew
to include non-alumni staff members.
Shelf Leadership increases the opportunities for
students to learn and practice leadership. The
programs expose students to leadership theory
while asking them to plan and lead real projects
that are implemented throughout the school
year. The curriculum brings organizational
development concepts often seen in the
corporate world to students involved in Student
Council, National Honor Society, Campus
Ministry, and Student Ambassadors.
The early years sought to fulfill the mission
of providing solid leadership education while
delivering a program that could become part
of the fabric of the school experience, like the
Delbarton retreat in the past. Serving this end
was an all-alumni cast of characters performing
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
Twenty-two Donovan Catholic alumni have
been, or continue to be involved with Shelf
Leadership, LLC for fourteen consecutive years.
The spirit of the program relies on dynamic
facilitators to bring energy and knowledge to
the workshops and activities. Characteristic of
the staff members is a keen balance between
engaging the students and making a program
work logistically behind the scenes. Many
Donovan alumni have joined the facilitator
network and commit to working programs for
both Donovan and St. Rose. I have conducted
some professional organizational development
Written by: Paul D’Elia
consulting under the Shelf Leadership banner,
and as of 2013, Shelf Leadership officially
expanded to nine owners and operates as a
firm of facilitators, programs managers, and
curriculum developers.
Eight of the nine ownership partners are
Donovan graduates (Patrick Mulvaney ’98, Paul
D’Elia ’99, Christene Martin ’99, Nicole Kappler
’00, Rob Saenz di Viteri ’00, JD Wilson ’01,
Mary Hrycenko ’04, Tracy Steigerwald ’04
and the ninth owner, MaryColleen Norcia, is a
past program participant and sibling to several
Donovan alumni. Other Donovan Catholic
alumni who have worked as facilitators in
the past and/or continue to work programs
are Tim Mulvaney ’96, Kerry Meyer ’98, Paul
Gardner ’99, Michael Fraclose ’00, Andrew
McNamara ’03, Peggy Costello ’03, Conner
Effenberger ’06, Chris Hrycenko ’07, Sarah
Stefanelli ’09, Chris Nicolleta ’09, Zach Hynoski
’10, Kelly Coulson ’11, Billy Andersen ’12, and
Allie Ambriano ’12.
Continued on page 7
Shelf Leadership
Continued from page 6
The three-day summer program is the ultimate
“overnight and away” shared experience for
student leaders. All workshops
and activities take place on a
college campus (Villanova for
Donovan Catholic and Chestnut
Hill for St. Rose). Students work
primarily in groups learning about
and practicing leadership skills
while applying the concepts
to their organization’s work.
The program has been the
birthplace of ideas and plans
that have evolved into major school initiatives.
The fast pace of the three-day program allows
for a diverse array of experiences. Students
work for the upcoming year, but also have
fun performing in skits, participating in group
challenges and games, and establishing
relationships with new friends. The students
also take advantage of having the reflection and
focus time to get excited for the coming year.
Immeasurable personal and group bonds form
during the three days away. Students stay in the
dorms and explore campus during breaks. Many
connections are made among students who
did not know each other prior to the program.
The atmosphere is supportive, energetic, and
positive. This proves to be beneficial to the
various student organizations
when the school year begins and
traditional routines resume.
Donovan’s lessons of community,
character, and service have
influenced the development of our
Shelf programs. Shelf is always
looking for new facilitators to lead
our programs. Shelf’s vision is that
participants from the programs
will team up, build on those relationships and
lead an organization to impact and serve the
community in positive ways.
With our gratitude:
I never really considered myself a leader
amongst students, but at the end of my
sophomore year I was thrust into a position of
leadership as the Vice President of the Junior
class, but at that point didn’t really see myself
as a leader. But that summer I was given the
opportunity to attend the Shelf Leadership camp
at Villanova University and during the short
three days there I learned a lot about taking
control of a room and leading with confidence,
as well as staying focused and on task with
the objective at hand. I believe in my time with
Student Council, and my time as a student
leader, there has been nothing more beneficial
to my career than working with the counselors
from the Shelf Leadership organization.
Darius Radziszewski, 2015
Shelf Leadership provided the opportunity to
become a better leader through fun educational
experiences. Shelf allowed me to learn the
qualities of a good leader and taught me how
to use those qualities to better my school. The
Shelf Leadership Camp at Villanova was a great
experience.
Nicholas Arminio, 2016
Shelf leadership is a great program that inspires
kids to be leaders in their school communities.
Shelf ran our Villanova leadership camp this
past summer and they made the experience
memorable for everyone. They encouraged us
to break out of our shells and taught us skills for
everyday leadership. Shelf Leadership helped
make me the leader I am today.
Brooke Sobieski, 2017
“That’s the Way It Is!”
Continued from page 5
television. Todd works many early mornings,
late nights and weekends and is grateful that
his family supports his career and understands
his long hours. Todd has built himself a great
reputation through the years. He recognizes that
consistently being trustworthy and dependable
has earned him the right to allow some
flexibility in his schedule so that he can make
those important family, friend and work special
occasions. A case in point, Todd joined the
crew as a camera operator on several movies
including The Fighter, starring Christian Bale
and Mark Wahlberg and Grudge Match starring
Robert DeNiro and Sylvester Stallone. Todd was
able to leave his regularly scheduled work with
HBO, MLB and NBC to work on these films and
return upon completion of each shoot without
any issues, due to years of solid business
relationship building.
Todd knows to trust his instincts. “I tell people
who are looking to get into television and film
that you need to always associate yourself with
good people, both in your personal life and in
your business. When I see good people running
a production, who have good character, nine
times out of ten, that production will be a well-
run quality production.
Stay connected with
good people. It will only
enhance your career.”
says Todd.
The highlight of Todd’s
career occurred in 2003.
Todd was asked to work
on a PBS special with
his idol Walter Cronkite.
Todd remembers feeling
chills as the familiar
opening line was spoken
in front of his camera
lens, ‘Good Evening,
I’m Walter Cronkite’.
Todd’s favorite memory
of that day was when
Mr. Cronkite, while on
a break, enjoyed lunch
with the crew instead
of eating privately in his dressing room. This
comes full circle for Todd going back to his high
school yearbook where he quoted his idol. A
dream had been realized.
To this day, over 25 years later, operating a
camera still excites Todd. As a freelancer,
Todd is always asking ‘what’s the next thing?’
He knows he needs to
always be ready to roll,
literally. Complacency
is dangerous, he states.
Todd knows he is never
bigger than the production
and always shows respect
and humility for not only
his peers, but all the
people around him. He
knows when on set the
only person that matters is
the Director, and the only
thing that matters is the
subject at hand.
On deck is the 2016
Olympics in Rio de Janeiro
and the Pacquiao vs.
Algieri boxing match this
November in Macau,
China. Be sure to look out
for his name as the credits roll on the upcoming
boxing drama movie “Southpaw”, starring Jake
Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams. Who knows
where we’ll see Todd Palladino’s name in the
credits next? You can check IMDb (the Internet
Movie Database or www.imdb.com) regularly to
keep up with his projects.
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
7
Helping
First Responders
Written by: Amanda Kacpersowski ’14
was difficult, especially since event planning
was unfamiliar territory to me. I designed a
logo for the concert, created and gave out
fliers, helped find a venue, obtained food
vendors, secured a lighting and sound crew
along with security personnel and learned how
to set up on-line tickets sales, everything to
make this concert as professional as possible.
We also had to arrange for travel and hotel
accommodations for the bands and secure
sponsors to pay for all of this. Keeping focused
though on helping others, I embraced new
learning experiences with confidence.
Over the years, I have been very active
in serving others through walks, drives,
volunteering at the food pantry and Interfaith
Hospitality Network, as well as leading my
school’s Core Campus Ministry Team as
President. Nothing however impacted me
more than when Superstorm Sandy devastated
my hometown in 2012. Many of my friends
lost everything they owned. Due to outages,
the only source of social networking I had
was through my iPhone where I met Sara on
“Tumblr.” We shared a conversation about a
Over 300 fans attended the December
favorite band “Before You Exit,” and half1st concert, which enabled us to donate
heartedly joked about
proceeds to the New Jersey
organizing a benefit
Amusement Association
concert to help
(NJAA) First Responder’s
the people in our
Fund and the Toms River
community. Giving it
Regional Schools Hurricane
some thought (about
Relief Fund. The NJAA First
five minutes), I felt
Responder’s Fund was
motivated to make
established to provide grants
a difference and
to those first responders
take on this great
who walked away from
challenge. I was
their homes during the
Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Senator
committed to do
storm to help others, only to
Jennifer Beck with Amanda and Sara
something big and
return to their own personal
that we did. I felt it was my time to give back
devastation. The Toms River Regional Schools
and my time to serve others.
Hurricane Relief Fund provided financial
assistance to students and families affected by
We approached our parents and were told if
the storm. That night we raised $15,000.
we found bands to perform, they would help
us with the event. We learned later that our
parents actually thought this would never
happen because both of us were very shy and
we really didn’t know each other.
Within 24 hours Sara and I secured six bands
from as far as California to Florida who agreed
to perform at no cost and help us raise money.
We spent the next two weeks working hard
to put together the Pier Pressure Hurricane
Relief Concert on December 1st 2012, held at
Toms River Intermediate East, just a couple of
weeks after the storm. We named our concert
“Pier Pressure,” a play on words representing
the piers that were destroyed in the hurricane.
Being shy was no longer an option, as Sara
and I spent time being interviewed by local
and national on-line media, radio stations,
magazines, and newspapers. We planned to
hold the concert within three weeks. Between
my work schedule of 20+ hours per week and
the demands of schoolwork, balancing a concert
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
During our journey to help others, we also met
some great people. At the NJ Amusement
Association’s Gala, Sara and I had the
opportunity to stand alongside New Jersey
Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and present
grants to those first responders and their
families, whose stories of personal loss and
destruction made us realize how truly blessed
we are. Meeting these First Responders shed
a new light on our efforts and put faces to the
names of those we were working so hard to
raise money for. Because of the success of this
event, we were asked by the association to
coordinate another concert.
Our May 19th concert was even bigger, better
and more successful than our first, but the night
took on a completely different meaning because
of one very special first responder – Tim Farrell.
Tim is a Seaside Heights volunteer fireman, who
was busy making rescues when Superstorm
Sandy flooded his Lavallette home. Six months
Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno with Sara and Amanda
later, a sense of normalcy finally started to
return when he moved into a new place in
Seaside Park with his family. Three days before
our concert, a fire burned through their Central
Avenue home, engulfing their possessions and
forcing them to restart their recovery, again.
That night, Sara and I stood on stage with Tim
and his family asking the community to help
Tim rebuild his life for a second time and once
again, we realized that we were truly blessed.
Our goal of bringing bands together to raise
money to help the community and to raise the
spirits of teenagers throughout the area was a
huge success. Although Sara and I worked hard
to put the shows together, our love for music
and the feeling of helping others truly warmed
our hearts.
In June, we were invited to Senator Beck’s
Office, where she and Assemblyman O’Scanlon
presented us with proclamations from the NJ
State Legislature in honor of our work. At this
meeting, Senator Beck asked us if we were
planning on a concert to mark the one-year
anniversary since the storm. She said it would
be a great idea. Sara and I looked at each other,
shrugged our shoulders and said, “why not!”
On November 3rd, 2013 we held our third
concert but this time we changed the name
to “Fear the Pier” and gave it a Halloween
twist, costume contest and all. The truth is a
California based company named Pier Pressure
trademarked the name and although we were
no competition, the company threatened to
sue us if we didn’t drop the name. In total, we
raised $39,000.
Last year, we were honored by the Lakewood
Blue Claws as part of their 70 Sandy Ovations
program and were presented with a Township
of Toms River Proclamation from Mayor
Kelaher and the Toms River Township Council.
Shawn and Sue in the morning on WOBM have
invited us into their studio on three occasions
to promote the concert and we have been
interviewed by local and national media sources.
We have been recognized by Inspire Me 2
Aspire (www.im2a.info), a web site recognizing
inspirational women and female teens around
the world. Last year, we were recognized for
our efforts by the Interfaith Hospitality’s Ocean
County Long Term Recovery Group.
Homecoming
2013
Homecoming 2013 saw a new tradition included in the
Homecoming football festivities. Alumni from Atlantic Physical
Therapy acted as Grand Marshalls for the Parade of the
Homecoming Court. Michael Manzo ’93, Dave Manzo ’96, Roland
Rodriquez ’96, Kathy Borrero ’05, Tamara Burgagni ’04, along with
their spouses, guests, and children enjoyed the spotlight and
ride around the football field. Missing from the ATP group was
Michael Mundry ’96, Jillian Hadfield ’06 and Larry Larsen ’01. The
2013 Homecoming king was Matthew Migdon and the Queen was
Lana Macchiaverna.
Grand Marshalls - Atlantic Physical Therapy
Alumni enjoying the homecoming game from up on the hill. Enjoying the good food and friendship offered at the Alumni
Christopher Hrycenko ’07, Tom Connerton ’07, Andy Longo ’07, Tom Hospitality Tent. Jim Courtney ’84, Thomas Trembulak ’04, Tamara
Khoudary ’07, Eric Bruno ’07
Burgagni ’04, Meredith Heim Trembulak ’04
2014
Homecoming 2014 honored the faculty alumni members as Grand
Marshalls. Representing the faculty were Suzanne Estevez Oliver ’92,
Brian Hull ’95 along with Family members and children lead the Parade
of the Homecoming Court.
The 2014 Homecoming King was TJ Murphy and the Queen was Gianna
DeBiase.
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
9
12th Annual Alumni Christmas Party
David DelPizzo ’05, Kyle VanDyke ’05,
Brent Effenberger ’05, Todd Hawkins ’05
Charlie Gill ’07, Carly Davenport ’12, Brendan Gill ’09,
Katie Finnegan ’09, Brooke Davenport ’09,
Corrine Piotrowski ’09, Kerrie Davenport ’82
The 12th Annual Alumni Christmas Party was
held December 27th at the Beachcomber on the
Seaside boardwalk. It was great to return to the
beach after Superstorm Sandy. Special thanks
to alumni Michael Carbone , Class of ’73 for the
hospitality provided by the Beachcomber through
reduced bar costs and a food buffet. Entertainment
was provided by the then “Riverview Crew” of
Harold Frazee, John Steigerwald ’71, Ed Russell
’80, Ed Stanton Austin ’72 and Steve Frazee.
Added entertainment was surprisingly provided
by “Shorty Long”. The large number of alumni that
came out for a fun evening had a really great time.
Patti Crimmins Kunzman ’84, Paul Schill ’68, Joe Panek ’83, Mike Lacy ’81
Mark Hemhauser ’83, Gina Fanuele ’83,
Dawn DeFosse Applegate ’83, Dawn
Steinbacher Nevius ’83, Jackie VanSeggem
Coleman ’83, Joe Panek ’83 and
Patti Kunman ’84
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
Jaime Chadwick and Carter Lee with
Terence Wells and
Megan Steigerwald Wells ’99
Michael Kearney ’80, Caren Stichter ’78, Kevin Kearney ’78, Laura Bitter ’74,
and Velda Castellano, wife of Anthony ’78
Joe Tardibuono ’84, Sue Winters ’84, Tom Lebel ’84,
Valerie Kern ’84, Kevin Murphy ’82
The Band
Kevin Kearney ’78, Caren Stichter ’78, Laura Bitter ’74, Gerard Gallo ’78,
Denise Peterson ’78 Frank Crowe ’78, Bill Vanore ’78, Anthony Castellano ’78
Roland Rodriquez ’96, Mark Buttacavoli ’96,
Josh Simpson ’95, Brian Hull ’95
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
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Ryan Crowe (son to Dominick ’83), Corey Crowe ’04, Jacob Martin ’04 and Joe Cerami ’04
Team Marzarella
Griffin Golf
Outing
The Annual Griffin Golf outing was held on
May 21, 2014 at the Eagle Ridge Golf Club
in Lakewood, a great turn out on a fabulous
good weather day. Alumni, children of
alumni and friends gathered with Mr. Dennis
Toddings (former athletic director) and Mr.
Walt Peters (former golf coach) for a fun
day of golf with some good shots, some easy
shots, and some questionable shots!
Mr. Toddings and Mr. Peters
In the evening the golfers enjoyed a fabulous
buffet dinner, good fellowship with friends
and colleagues and enjoyed some door
prizes as well.
Dr. Steve Asanza ’82
Mr. Panorfi, Ryan Panorfi ’00 , Patrick Henderson ’07, Michael Gunteski ’00, Tom Khoudary ’07, Andy Longo ’07, and Douglas Barry ’07
12
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
From the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
ONCE A GRIFFIN…ALWAYS A GRIFFIN
Take a moment to recall your high school days. Did your memories
take place 50 years ago or just last year? When you attended was
the school’s name St. Joe’s or Mon Don? One family framed their
perspective very nicely on Facebook. We would like to thank them
for their unique but important message.
Three different names for ONE GREAT SCHOOL!
If you visited your Alma Mater today, the building may appear
similar to your memories. Sure the lecture hall looks different, the
gym is now named for Steve Gepp, the Home Economics room
is now an Art room, and the band room is now the chapel. Over
the years courses have become more advanced and technology
flows throughout the building. Many of the faces have changed,
but some still remain the same. However, one quality has never
changed – that is the feeling of community when you enter
this building.
I am blessed to have attended school, this school where I now
work. Every single day I walk through the front doors in awe. I look
at the students as they change classes and I see my classmates.
I walk into the Bio Lab and I see Sr. Barbara. I sit in the bleachers
and I hear the sounds of enthusiastic fans.
St. Joseph High School ’81 (Adele Ritchie Berardi)
Monsignor Donovan High School ’08 (Jordan Berardi)
Donovan Catholic ’15 (RJ Berardi)
ECTED
STAY CONCN
atholic
Donovan
J
Toms River, N
ext. 2435
732-349-8801
E-mail:
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vancatholic.o
Alumni@dono
.org
ovancatholic
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seph Donova
Facebook: Jo
van Catholic
Twitter: Dono
ffins
@DonovanGri
Give to
the
Annua
l
Griffin
Fund
Dona
te before
12-30-14 a
nd take a
2014 inco
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tax deduc
Contact: T
tion
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of Advanc
732-349-8
801 ext 24 ement
35
Yes, the name has changed, but the culture is the same; you
know you belong, you recall that people cared about you as
a student. Visiting Donovan Catholic feels like coming home.
Many great things continue to happen on this campus. I ask you
to stay connected to your high school community in some way.
Many of you contribute financially, many send your children to
Donovan and some of you return to visit or to volunteer your time.
If nothing else, please send us your email, update your information
so you can stay connected and learn what is happening at your
alma mater.
Madeline Westen Kinloch ’73, Director of Advancement
Scholarship Giv
ing
Remember special peop
le that have
touched your life through
scholarship giving.
Consider a contribution
to the
Donovan Scholarship Fu
nd - assists families in ne
ed
Newest established scho
lar
sh
ips:
Kathleen McCullion Memo
rial Scholarship - Class of
1993
Francis Xavier Duddy Me
morial Scholarship - Class
of 2013
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Office of GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY 13
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GriffinFest 2014
The 2nd Annual GriffinFest in the Quad was held
this year in conjunction with the KBA Basketball
3 0n 3 Tournament on Saturday, June 7, 2014. The
KBA Tournament started at 2:00 PM followed by
GriffinFest at 6:00 PM. Alumni from the early years
of St. Joseph High School(1962- 1983) and later
from Monsignor Donovan High School (1984 – 2014)
enjoyed reminiscing, eating, singing, and dancing
the evening away to the sound of Bally Haunis
Band featuring our own, Harold Frazzee, Donovan
Catholic Instrumental Music Director, John
Steigerwald ’71, Ed Russell ’80, Ed Stanton Austin
’72 and Steve Frazee.
Many alumni and their family members took this
opportunity to locate their memorial pavers or
sit on the benches they donated to the renovated
Quad. The newly installed solar lamp posts that
several people purchased in their family or class
name illuminated the Quad and added that extra
ambience making the evening so much nicer. There
was a true family community feel in the air.
Special thanks to all those who attended,
volunteered and donated to the event, especially,
Sr. Jean, The Marzarella Family for the burgers and
dogs, the Courtney Boys for the specialty beers from
Surf Taco, the D’Onofrio Family for the additional
spirits of beer and wine. Several establishments
with ties to the school provided additional food and
supplies for the event. La Fontana - Mike Durazzo
’94, Café Italia - The Varriale Family, Joey’s Place Joe Varriale ’04, Three B’s - The Boemio Family, The
Gordon Family, and Real Pizza.
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY
15
Class of 1983 – 30th Reunion
The St. Joseph Class of 1983 and their guests
gathered on October 19, 2013 at the Crystal
Point in Point Pleasant, NJ for their 30th
Reunion. Activities began with a tailgate party,
football game, and a tour of our alma mater on
Friday night with the main event taking place
on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning
many of the class gathered for Mass at St.
Joseph’s Church followed by a brunch.
The memorable weekend proved to be a great
success with classmates returning from as
far away as California. Many memories were
shared and friendships rekindled. Classmates
provided a tribute table to our glory days and
also remembered members of the class who
have passed away. We left with one promise
to one another, “we will do something to try
to get together each year.” The Class of 1983
has honored that promise as they gathered
at a Blue Claws picnic in July 2014, and met
again for the Griffins tailgate party in October
2014. Several members of the class plan to get
together for the Christkindlmarkt Christmas in
Bethlehem, PA this month.
Mark your calendars for July 11, 2015 for the
Blue Claws event. If anyone is looking for us,
sign up on our Facebook page at ‘SJHS Class
of 1983’ or contact us through the Donovan
Catholic Alumni office.
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GRIFFIN NETWORK TODAY