Thursday, November 21, 2013 Gargiulo`s Restaurant Brooklyn, New

Thursday, November 21, 2013
Gargiulo’s Restaurant
Brooklyn, New York
Celebrating
Brooklyn Tech
SPONSORS
GOLD
LONG ISLAND CHAPTER
OF THE BROOKLYN TECH
ALUMNI FOUNDATION
SILVER
JAMES CROWE
BRONZE
ARTIE KETTENBEIL '67
GEORGE L. VAN AMSON '70
SPONSORS
BLUE
LARRY CARY ‘70
MARC MAZUR ‘77
ACHILLES PERRY ‘58
ANTHONY SCHIRRIPA ‘67
ORANGE
RALPH BAIONE ‘77
HORACE DAVIS ‘84
NORMAN KELLER ‘54
CHESTER LEE ‘66
HOWARD SANDERS
PROGRAM
Welcome
Elizabeth A. Sciabarra
Executive Director, Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation
Remarks
Larry Cary '70
President, Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation
Randy Asher
Principal, Brooklyn Tech High School
Achievement Awards
The Blue and White Award for Outstanding Leadership and Service
The MVP Alumnus Award
Faculty Emeritus Awards
INTERVAL
Acknowledgements
Mathew M. Mandery ‘61
Chief Educational Officer, Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation
Achievement Awards
The Technite – Younger Alumnus Award
The Distinguished Alumni Awards
Closing
Liz Sciabarra
HONOREES
2012
Anthony Bartolomeo '70
Lionel Marks '49
Kim Coles '80
Lorenzo Charles '81
Howard Falick '50
Jules Peemoeller
Alice Timothy
Nicholas Malachias
Carol Powers
John Albert '90
Jeanine Aguirre Ramirez '88
Joseph Kaelin
Sidney Milden '77
HONOREES
2013
The Distinguished Alumnus Award - recognizes alumni who have achieved
high levels of excellence in their career fields or academic area and have in
some way given back to the community (either the Tech community or other
aspects of society).
Kenneth Daly ’84 , President, National Grid
George L. Van Amson ’70, Managing Director in the Institutional
Equity Division Sales and Trading, Management, Morgan Stanley
Arlene Isaacs Lowe ’76, Senior VP @ Moody’s Investors Service
Tanya Kennedy ’85, Acting Supreme Court Justice
The Tech Faculty Emeritus Award – recognizes a retired faculty member,
who was outstanding as an assistant principal, teacher, guidance counselor,
coach, faculty advisor, and/or mentor.
Charles Kyrie Kallas ’37, technology teacher; school treasurer
Lillian Cincotta Fiore, social studies teacher
Artie Kettenbeil ’67, English teacher; advisor to the school newspaper
“The Survey”, Senior Class Advisor; school treasurer;
AP Pupil Personnel Services
Edwin Zarowin, AP Health and Physical Education; boys’ track
coach
James Crowe, AP Organization and Administration; social studies
teacher; citywide SVA program
The Technite – Younger Alumnus Recognition Award – recognizes talented
alumni who graduated from Tech within the last 25 years.
Dr. Robert Roswell ’94, Director, Bellevue Hospital Coronary
Care Unit; Office of Diversity Affairs;Director Recruitment & Retention;
Assistant Professor of Medicine - NYU School of Medicine
The Blue and White Outstanding Service/ Leadership Award - recognizes
alumni and/or non-alumni who have strengthened and enhanced Brooklyn
Tech and/or its community through outstanding contributions to Brooklyn
Tech and/or its Foundation.
Leon Bukhman ’01, Compliance Manager, Con Edison; helped
develop the Con Edison Internship Program for Brooklyn Tech
The MVP Alumnus Award – recognizes alumni for their athletic achievements seeded in Brooklyn Tech and solidified in college and/or
professional sports.
Conrad McRae ’89, (posthumous award) - basketball
Brooklyn Tech was not only an excellent
foundation for my academic development, it
provided a platform for my career. Few high
school students have an opportunity to study
in concentrated majors and even fewer have
a chance to apply what they have learned at
professional working environments that pay a
salary for their knowledge. Because of Tech, I
had both.
LEON BUKHMAN '01
BLUE & WHITE OUTSTANDING SERVICE/
LEADERSHIP AWARD
The high standards and work ethic that I developed at Tech is something
that I share with all of my fellow alumni. These fundamentals are the
main reason why we have been so successful with hiring Brooklyn Tech
students as interns in Con Edison and have continued to do so for over
a decade. The transformation that our interns go through from the time
they start working in July to the time that they present their accomplishments two months later, is remarkable and a testament to the preparation
that they receive in Brooklyn Tech.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the leadership, staff, and alumni
for staying true to Tech’s mission over the decades and ensuring that
Tech alums remain in good company regardless of when they graduated.
It is a great honor for me to accept this award and continue Brooklyn
Tech’s mission of empowering the next generation of industry professionals.
Conrad McRae attended Brooklyn Tech
where he was a Graphic Communications
major. He played and excelled at basketball
at both the junior varsity and varsity levels.
He was captain of JV Basketball for his first
two terms and played Varsity from terms 3
through 8. He served as Captain of the Varsity Basketball Team for terms
5-8. Conrad was named PSAL High School All-City from 1986-1989,
named to the 1989 McDonald’s All-American team and participated in
the Junior Olympics.
He earned the nickname “McNasty” while playing in the Entertainers
Basketball Classic in Harlem’s famous Rucker Park. He was named one
of the 25 Greatest Street Players of All Time.
Upon his graduation from Brooklyn Tech, Conrad went to Syracuse University on a basketball scholarship where he played NCAA Basketball.
After graduation from Syracuse, he was chosen in the second round of
the 1993 NBA draft by the Washington Bullets but opted for a career in
Europe, in which he starred in the Turkish League. In 2000 he returned to
the states to play with the Orlando Magic
CONRAD MCRAE '89
MVP ALUMNUS AWARD
Part of Conrad’s legacy is the Conrad McRae Youth League, New York
City’s premiere summer basketball league for teens. Nationally and
locally ranked players are spread throughout the rosters of teams who
compete in this league year after year.
The league was founded by McRae along with Cleon “Silk” Hyde, Anton
Marchand and Troy Lemond. On July 4, 2000, the league started out as
the “Dean Street Park Foundation Tournament”. Conrad McRae’s untimely death in a league game on July 10, 2000 sparked the co-founders
to honor him the following year by having the league wear his name to
commemorate his skill and passion for the game.
Brooklyn Tech has received a substantial donation from an alumnus who
played with Conrad. The donation has been earmarked for the gymnasium to be renovated. Once the renovations have been completed, the
gymnasium will be named in honor of Conrad McRae.
Thank you very much for including me among
those who you deem worthy of this wonderful
honor.
It seems as if it was only yesterday, not fortynine years ago, since I got off the subway at
DeKalb Avenue and found myself walking, what felt like a gauntlet of
two lines of students, all the way to Brooklyn Tech (I guess they knew
that I could get lost in a revolving door). I was overwhelmed by the size
of the building and the huge number of students.
I began my long, rewarding career on March 16, 1964. It was the end of
the first marking period and my program was created from those of three
different teachers. I had to make those kids mine. I had to be tough but
fair. I observed another teacher, Bill Sullivan, who looked like an Irish
detective and who became one of my dearest friends, handle a “situation.” It seemed as if several students were being slightly disruptive. Bill
looked at the class and said, “I may have been born yesterday, but I spent
all last night IN the Marines.” It worked! I decided to use the same line
in my classes. When the “situation” presented itself, I said, “I may have
been born yesterday, but I spent all last night WITH the Marines..” The
boys just put their heads down so that I could not see their reactions.
As I reflect back to the early years, I remember how wonderful those kids
were. I suspect that they knew that they were dealing with a product of a
LILLIAN CINCOTTA-FIORE
TECH FACULTY
EMERITUS AWARD
Catholic institution “for young ladies.” As the years passed, I can only
remember those bright, polite, and sometimes, enthusiastic girls and boys
who enriched my life. They gave me more than I could ever give them.
For many years, I ran the Breakfast Program at Tech. There I was, me
and three hundred students. One of my kids came up to me and said.
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Fiore, we got your back.” It was always true.
I still meet some of my “kids” in my travels, in restaurants, and of
course, at Tech functions. Many of them are not young anymore. Some
are on Social Security; some are surprised to see that I am still here.
Finally, I have met, and still have, great friends from my years at Tech.
Now we are grandparents. I met my late husband, Carl Fiore, class of
1960. After his death in 1996, I remained involved with the Alumni
Association. In 2006, I met my companion, Bill Scales, class of 1952 (I
got to like older men). I am a very lucky woman who is always proud
to refer to herself as a teacher who was privileged to spend a career at
Brooklyn Technical High School. I retired in June 1995 after having
taught over ten thousand students.
Thank you.
Reflections about Tech
Fall 1960
Gratitude to Burnell Shafer for a
teaching position in Social Studies. Had
been excessed after teaching since 1955 at Fort
Hamilton H.S. (including two-year Army stint in Germany). Also, had
just met my future wife and really needed a job.
Fall 1972-74
Coordinator of Student Affairs
As all will recall, the late 60s and 70s were unlike any years before or since.
Fall 1974-87
Assistant Principal, Administration
Served under five principals, after being appointed by
Lou Weiss, worked under Richard Brucato, Al Zachter, Matt Mandery, and set up the organizational charts for John Tobin as he arrived; I left in 1987.
The Golden Years
1987-1993
With Tech colleague, Bob Reilly, trained in financial field (Series 7 License). Traveled to schools explaining TRS retirement options.
JAMES CROWE
TECH FACULTY
EMERITUS AWARD
1993-2002
Administrator for the SVA program, working with Bob Reilly and Ed Houser, who was Vocational Ed Director at that time. Bob and Ed organized this very succesful program of training high school graduates to be vocational and technical teachers.
2003-2013
Attend classes at SUNY Old Westbury on Long Island, auditing classes in all departments, under New York
State’s “Over Sixty Program.” Currently taking Interna
tional Relations” and “Beginning Punjabi.”
1986-2013
Started volunteering at Mercy Medical Center in Rock-
ville Center, Long Island, on Saturday mornings when I retired and am still there.
I feel honored and thankful for being chosen for this award but not surprised since Tech was always there when needed and made possible all
the above.
Started Tech in 1933, graduated in 1937 (was
among the first students to attend Tech in the
new building on Fort Greene Pl.).
Retired from teacher service in the early
eighties.
From his soon-to-be-released memoir “On the Wings of the Wind: The
Story of the Last Navigator”:
Miss Boole was the one who woke me up. On my first day of high school
in August, 1933, she took one look at me and said, “You don’t belong
here. Why don’t you learn to be a shoemaker like your father?” In those
days, teachers could get away with saying things like that. She seated me
in the front of the class, which I quickly realized was no good. I raised
my hand. “Can I sit in the back?” I figured I’d get in trouble if I sat up
front. I didn’t want to be too close to her. “Ok,” she said, “Go ahead and
sit in back, for today.” So I parked myself in the last row and kept quiet
and listened to what she had to say. I liked her class.
When I wrote my first essay on the Parthenon, our whole relationship
changed. Miss Boole suddenly looked at me differently. She called me up
after class one day and pulled out a book from her desk drawer. “I want
you to read this book,” she told me. I looked down at the cover. “A Tale
of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. Never heard of him. At home that
night in Bay Ridge, in the room I shared with my older brother Danos, I
opened to the first page.
CHARLES KYRIE KALLAS '37
TECH FACULTY
EMERITUS AWARD
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of
wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was
the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of
Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair . . .”
I loved it, the two cities being Paris and London before the French Revolution. Never in a million years did I ever think that one day, not too long
after high school, I’d get to see those cities. I brought the book back to
Miss Boole and she gave me another. Every week she’d give me a new
book to read. I read all kinds of stories. One winter day she came to me
and said: “Come with me, we’re going to go see Shakespeare.” And she
took me downtown someplace and we saw Macbeth. That’s the first time
I ever saw a play. I was thrilled! I’ve been with Shakespeare ever since.
Thanks to her, I read his plays. Miss Boole really opened my eyes.
I felt graciously humbled by this award and
thrilled to be a part of this group of esteemed
former teachers of mine and esteemed colleagues. In Brooklyn Tech as a student, I was
greatly influenced by two of my teachers ,
Ms Alice Hartley and Ms. Lillian Cincotta
Fiore. Working with both of them at lunch doing clerical duties gave us
a chance to talk about futures. Going into college, I knew I was going to
wind up in the education game, not sure of the major. But it was the motivation and inspiration of the Tech teachers that placed me on the path
back to Brooklyn Tech after graduation.
After student teaching with great cooperating teachers, Ms. Helen Souze
and Ms. Sandra Offsink, I knew I wanted to be back at Tech. It was the
right career and right school. They say location is everything. Now I
waited until the 1972 school year for a position to open. Upon receiving
the position, I was now surrounded by the cream of the crop of teachers
of English, Mr. Malachias, Mr. Brand, Ms. Reilly, Ms. Brincko, etc. The
list continues to go on but what the acceptance of the new kid in town
was unbelievable. All staff showed respect for your ideas and teaching
methods, even if they were different from theirs. I developed a second
home at Tech, though considering the hours there, it may have been my
first home.
Always open for new adventures, I developed a Sci-Fi Curriculum,
which bit the dust- budget cuts, Technical Writing course for Computer
major, etc. Arriving one morning, Mr. Michael Cillo, advised me that
I was now teaching Journalism and taking over the SURVEY, school
newspaper. With tremendous support of faculty and outstanding journalism students, it became a reality. At Tech , you were never alone ;
ARTIE KETTENBEIL '67
TECH FACULTY
EMERITUS AWARD
everybody was on the Tech team. We all bled blue and white , together,
later red.
The Summer High School Discovery Program tied me into the incoming
freshmen for 22 years as well as the tours for incoming students. Beware
of questions on the last day of school. Ms. Sciabarra asked if I would
take the position as a grade advisor. I told her I would if no one else was
available. After one year, Ms. Sciabarra left for the Board, and I was
the new Acting Guidance AP. This position for my last 10 years at Tech
allowed me to mix up the Guidance Department, where counselors were
actually talking to students and identifying personal and academic problems and finding solutions. Guidance training was held monthly as we
were bombarded with Condom Availability, HIV-AIDS training, and the
new Board issue of the year. Guidance had to be ready to pick up each
new campaign. I was very proud of the Guidance staff and their connections with students with my Open Door Policy always being available for
students and staff.
The dedication of the students was and is outstanding. Students were eager to learn and compete without the cutthroat mentality of other schools.
Students actually sat together to study for exams. They were happy for
each others achievements. This sounds almost unreal.
Thank you for this honor but I share it with all Tech faculty members and
all the outstanding students throughout the years.
EDWIN ZAROWIN
TECH FACULTY
EMERITUS AWARD
Who’s responsible for transforming misfortune
into serendipity? As a young boy growing up
in Midwood, Brooklyn, I had envisioned riding
my bicycle to school or walking leisurely to
and fro with my varsity jacket. Midwood High
School offered me that opportunity to realize my dreams, and I thought I
was the perfect candidate for its science program as a straight A student
from a gifted and talented junior high school.
Of course, that was until I took my first quiz as a senior in junior high
school. We were instructed to write out the full word “true” or “false” on
the exam. In my haste and nervousness, I wrote the letters “T” & “F”. I
would have scored perfectly on that exam, but to teach me a life lesson
the teacher decided to give me a 0 for the exam and a D for the first marking period. With a D on my transcript, I was rejected from Midwood and
began down a road of academic exceptionalism at Brooklyn Technical
High School.
Because of my academic history, I was enrolled in the P.U.L.S.E. program
which was geared to increase the representation of underrepresented
minorities in science careers and medicine. I excelled at Tech and probably was the best, holistically, in my life at that point. What senior would
decide to take a 0 – 10 (7am – 430pm) schedule just so he could take AP
Physics C, Mechanics & Electromagnetism based on Calculus.
ROBERT ROSWELL '94
YOUNGER ALUMNUS
RECOGNITION AWARD
Tech not only prepared me academically, she prepared me spiritually,
morally, and ethically. No one race dominated at Tech, and we boasted
our joyful coexistence as a plurality. If we had forgotten how lucky we
were to be academically talented, we were quickly reminded when we
went on community service projects. Sitting and hearing stories from
the children of domestic abuse made me realize at an early age that not
everything is as perfect as Tech and my Technites.
I have a solid small circle of very close friends. Our kinships were solidified at Tech, probably in the center section of the cafeteria. When we
meet new people the question always arises, “where did you guys meet”?
We respond in unison, “ TECH”!
I couldn’t be more overwhelmed with emotion and pride that a school
that has given so much to me, has chosen to honor me. What’s the magic
that runs through the halls of Tech? She’s responsible for my career
choice of academic medicine. She got me into Harvard University. She’s
shown me how to accept and relish in our cultural differences instead
of becoming a xenophobe. Tech has taught me not only how to be an
exceptional cardiologist, she’s taught me how to be an exceptional person.
The magic that flows through the halls of Tech should be studied and
cloned – I would like to be a beneficiary of the enormous profits. I still
don’t understand how misfortune is transformed into serendipity, but I do
know that that “Tech magic” has something to do with it.
The Brooklyn Tech Bridge to the Future
I am truly honored and humbled to receive The
“Distinguished Alumnus Award” from Brooklyn Tech. It is hard to believe that it has been
nearly 30 years since I graduated from Tech, back in 1984. I have very
fond memories of my time at Tech and the learning experience has stayed
with me throughout my working career and personal life. I remember the
hard work in studying rigorous math and science courses, as well as the
fun in playing baseball. I learned an important early lesson: that I was
better at studying math and science than I was at playing baseball! In
fact, to this day, the math skills I learned at Brooklyn Tech have enabled
my career success.
Rather than reflect further on my time at Brooklyn Tech, I would prefer
to thank those who came before me… and to help pave the way for those
who will come after me. First, I would like to thank my uncle, James McCosker, Class of 1948, who introduced me to Brooklyn Tech…and after
I graduated from Resurrection in an 8th grade class of only 60 students,
he encouraged me to attend a high school of “6,000 strong.” To this day,
he is still working in the engineering industry and is a role model for all
Tech Alumni.
Next, I was privileged to be handed my diploma from then-Principal
Matt Mandery, who is now Brooklyn Tech’s Chief Education Officer,
and has worked with current-principal Randy Asher to position Tech for
many years of future success. Finally, throughout my 25-year career in
the energy industry at Brooklyn Union/KeySpan and now National Grid,
KENNETH DALY '84
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
I have met and worked with dozens of dedicated Tech graduates who
have helped build National Grid into a global energy leader.
Looking forward, we need to ensure that future students have the same
opportunities to attend Brooklyn Tech. These students need to be introduced to math and science at an early age and be provided with opportunities to learn about the energy challenges our society faces, so they can
help safeguard the environment for future generations.
Therefore, I am delighted to announce a partnership between National
Grid and Brooklyn Tech -- a ‘first of its kind’ 4-year, $300,000 STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program for middle school students. The program will offer middle school students with
diverse backgrounds the opportunity to take technology-based courses
and participate in summer enrichment programs that will hopefully shepherd them into Brooklyn Tech. The program will continue during their 4
years at Tech with projects, guest speakers, and internships, and graduating students will receive STEM—related scholarships to local colleges.
In closing, when I look back at my 1984 Brooklyn Tech class ring, one
of the sustaining symbols is the ‘Bridge.’ Brooklyn Tech has been a true
bridge for me – a bridge to thank those who came before me; a bridge
to remember those who attended Tech with me; and, most importantly, a
bridge for the students who will study at Brooklyn Tech for many generations to come. These special Tech students – like my own four young
children – will serve as the bridge to the future for all of us.
When Ms. Ski called to inform me that I was
selected to be one of the recipients of The Distinguished Alumni Award, my first response
was “why me?” I was in complete shock and
awe. Once I gathered my composure, I told
Ms. Ski that although I was not sure whether or not I was
deserving of such distinction, I would accept this award and was “humbled and honored” to receive it. Words cannot express how excited I am
to share this award with other BTHS alums who have achieved success
in their noted fields and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to them.
I have nothing but fond memories of my time at Tech. Every time that I
return to Tech, I become emotional when I reflect upon all of my experiences there. Although I lived in the Northeast Bronx during my years at
Tech, I looked forward to attending school in spite of the close to ninetyminute one-way commute. While I did not enjoy being assigned to a 7:50
A.M. zero period Physics Lab class, I can proudly say that I was never
late to that class. That experience provided me with a valuable lesson in
punctuality and time management, which I value to this day. Even though
I do not miss my foundry and machine shop classes, I nonetheless cherished my time in each class. My favorite teachers were Mr. Henry Jackson, despite my shortcomings in math, and Mr. George McDonough, who
always generated thought-provoking discussions among students as we
studied Shakespeare and other great classics. I also enjoyed participating
in the BTHS gospel choir and traveling with former and current students
throughout the borough on Saturdays and Sundays to sing at concerts and
TANYA KENNEDY '85
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
other events where I was often a featured soloist. My mother never complained and always gladly accompanied me on those long subway rides
to sing in the choir. My life also been enriched by the life-long friendships that I established at Tech and continue to enjoy today.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Tech expanded its course offerings to non-technical majors,such as Law and Society. I had the pleasure of supervising and mentoring two Technites who served as judicial
interns in my chambers. Both students are bright, ambitious and caring
individuals who continue to excel academically. One intern is now a
second year student at Amherst College who has distinguished himself as
a leader in student government. The other intern is currently a first year
law student at my alma mater, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, who
has a demonstrated passion and thirst for the law. I believe that I was able
to provide them with practical legal experience, as well as life lessons. I
am proud that I continue to enjoy a relationship with them both. I am forever grateful to Tech for its role in my intellectual, emotional and social
development and I welcome the opportunity to assist my alma mater in
continuing its long-standing tradition of developing young minds, as well
as enriching their lives.
I have many fond memories of my years at
Brooklyn Tech. When I learned that I would
be attending one of the best high schools in
New York City and that the students were
among the best and the brightest but I had no
idea of the incredible legacy and reputation of this great institution and
the wonderful opportunities that a student of Brooklyn Tech would be
afforded.
I lived in Queens and didn’t think about the 2 hour bus and two train
commute that was in store for the next 3 years and I really didn’t think
about waking up at 5am every morning to make a 8am zero period
class, really pleasant on a frigid winter morning. It was great; the Queens
students formed a strong bond; we studied, laughed, talked and slept on
those rides home. And together we learned to maneuver the Fort Greene
neighborhood, of that time, which is not the Fort Greene of today.
Being a part of the earliest class of girls that was admitted to Tech, was
one of the greatest influences on the woman I am today. When I entered
in 1973, of the approximately 6000 student, 500 were girls. What an
experience! It was at Tech that I learned not only how to be comfortable in the male presence, but how to interact, communicate, work and
yes compete with them, very important skills for a career in the financial
services industry. That early molding has been instrumental in my ability
to succeed. While other young women were in home economics I was
learning how to use a lathe, make screws by hand, pour hot metal in a
ARLENE ISAACS-LOWE '76
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
mold I made to make a metal T-square, and accurately test the strength
of different metals. Since then I have felt that I could learn how to do
anything and given the opportunity I could accomplish anything.
And let’s not forget for a scrawny and flat chested girl from the West
Indies, the odds of getting some male attention was finally in my favor.
I learned tenacity and leadership at Brooklyn Tech, believe it or not by
being a part of the first cheerleading squad. We had a championship
football team who played the best sports teams in the city with formidable cheering teams and initially we were not very good. Our uniforms
were homemade, our cheers were unoriginal, and our steps were uncoordinated. But with determination, commitment and the incredible support
of Ms. Sciabara and her family we persevered. By my senior year I was
co-captain we had great uniforms and at some games we outperformed
some of those cheering squads.
The very best thing about going to Brooklyn Tech was meeting my
husband, Walter Lowe IV, in the 10th grade. Through our union we
produced my greatest accomplishments our son Walter Lowe V, a graduate of Morehouse College, and my daughter, Khiana, a sophomore at
Stanford University. Being their mother has been my greatest pleasure,
they are both wonderful and productive young people and I can’t wait to
see what lies ahead for their future. Thank you Brooklyn Tech.
A 14 year old boy from a housing project in
the Bronx dreamed of Brooklyn Technical
High School. In 1966 a letter of acceptance
was the realization of that dream. For four
years I had the great privilege of studying
with six thousand of the best and brightest
students in our country. Together we learned
concepts of science, technology, engineering
and mathematics along with languages, history and creative writing. While the academic
rigor prepared us well for our college years,
we at the same time learned how to compete
on the gridiron and track from Adam Cirillo
and Ed Zarowin, how to write from Jean
Brincko and Nick Malachias, how to lead
from Lowell Sanders and Bill Clarvit and how
to behave as gentlemen from Joe Lipp and
of course S.O.S. In the cauldron of turbulent
late ’60s we learned about strength of materials and strength of character,economic value
and human value, mathematical equality and
racial equality. As it was then and remains today each school morning throughout the five
GEORGE VAN AMSON '70
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
boroughs, buses and subways carried Technites to 29 Fort Greene Place
from neighborhoods like Throggs Neck, Bedford –Stuyvesant, St. Albans, Harlem and St. George. Whether by the GG, QB, #4 or the Ferry…
all led to Tech. Tech where we were challenged, shaped and educated.
Tech, our simultaneous beacon and foundation. Tech , where opportunity
was in abundance.
For every teacher, coach and classmate; for every ‘T’ square, step ‘v’
block and tap wrench; for every lab, shop and classroom, I am forever
thankful for Brooklyn Technical High School. I am deeply honored to
receive this Alumni Achievement Award and will forever bless the name
of Brooklyn Tech.
Brooklyn Tech
Alumni Foundation
Board of Directors
Larry Cary ’70
President
Norman Keller ’54
Vice President
Susan Mayham ’76
Vice President
Anthony Schirripa ‘67
Vice President
Carmine Morano ’72
Treasurer
Donovan Wickline ’88
Secretary
Wilton Cedeno ’82
Horace Davis ’84
Jim DiBenedetto ’71
Jack Feinstein ’60
Penelope Kokkinides ’87
Amy Kong ’99
Edward LaGrassa ’65
John Lyons '66
Margaret Murphy '83
Achilles Perry ’58
Leonard Riggio ’58
Ned Steele ’68
Michael Weiss ’57
Marc Williams '90
Laurie Zephyrin ’92
Mathew M. Mandery ’61
Chief Educational Officer
Elizabeth A. Sciabarra
Executive Director