preston echoes - Preston High School

Preston Echoes
. . . Revisited
A publication for alumnae, parents, and friends of Preston High School
Summer 2012
PHS Bids Farewell to the Class of 2012
On Saturday afternoon, June 2nd, Preston High
School held its 62nd annual Commencement Exercises.
The 123 members of the Class of 2012 gathered on the
South Lawn under sunny skies to receive their diplomas.
Class salutatorian Deanna Ibrahim welcomed the
invited guests with an address that paid tribute to her
class’s unity and resilient spirit in the face of adversity as
she acknowledged the poignant loss of several members
of the Preston community in recent years. Weaving into
her speech appropriate quotations from familiar Disney
films such as Alice in Wonderland, The Lion King and
Mulan, Ibrahim explained life lessons that applied to her
class’s experiences and recalled favorite memories of
their four years at Preston.
Keynote speaker was Annalea Canzoniero Ricci, who
received this year’s Distinguished Alumna Award. Mrs.
Ricci, PHS ’62, was recognized both for her long career
as an outstanding science educator and for her ongoing
support of Preston High School and its mission. Several
years ago she and her husband Ken established the Mary
Ricci Memorial Scholarship to honor her mother-inlaw. This scholarship provides yearly tuition support
that enables a deserving, hard-working young woman to
remain at Preston until her graduation.
Among graduates being recognized for their
achievements were Kelly Simpson, recipient of the
Divine Compassion Award for Integrity, Generous
Valedictorian, Sofia Ahsanuddin,
flanked by her parents, will enter
the 8-year-long B.A./M.D. program
at CUNY’s Brooklyn College,
administered in conjunction with
SUNY Downstate Medical Center, in
the fall.
Service and Exemplary Leadership; Clarisa González,
recipient of the Helen and Anton Wagner Memorial
Award for Outstanding Service and Compassion in
School and Community; and Stephanie Ashley Cabán,
recipient of the Sr. Mary Carmella Stapleton Alumnae
Association Award for Exemplary Preston Spirit. Mrs.
Linda Youngren, Dean of Studies, announced to the
audience that the 123 members of the Class of 2012
had earned a remarkable total of more than $11 million
in scholarship awards from their various colleges and
universities.
Commencement exercises concluded with a rousing
call to action from class valedictorian Sofia Ahsanuddin,
who urged her classmates to strive to become
metaphorical “linchpins”—small but absolutely essential
components of a larger entity. Citing author Seth Godin,
she challenged the class to become people who “can
steer, innovate, provoke, lead, connect, and make things
happen.”
At the conclusion
of the ceremony, the
graduates gathered
on the South Lawn
to participate in the
traditional “tossing of
the caps” to celebrate
Tossing of the caps on the South Lawn
their graduation.
The Class of
2012
received over
$11 million in
scholarships
and grants.
Salutatorian, Deanna Ibrahim will attend
Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY
in the fall. Dean Linda Youngren looking on
in background.
Preston Echoes Revisited
Summer 2012
Page 2
Message from the Principal
Dear Preston Alums,
We congratulate the delightful young women of the Class of 2012 whose personal, academic and
athletic achievements are detailed in these pages and on our website and offer our prayers for their
continued success in college and their chosen careers.
Jane Grendell,
Principal
Just as we put the finishing touches on academic year 2011-12—administering Regents exams,
calculating final grades, handing out report cards, saying adieu to faculty and staff who are moving
on to new adventures—we also prepare for the coming academic year—finalizing student and
teacher schedules, undertaking a variety of maintenance and repair projects, welcoming new
teachers, staffers and incoming 9th graders. Preston High School remains a hive of activity even in
the summer months.
Among the challenges facing us as we head into the fall is the need to align our curriculum to the new Common Core
State Standards (CCSS) which have been adopted by New York and some 45 other states. For teachers, this means
adapting their curriculum maps, unit and lesson plans to address these new standards, which emphasize literacy and
writing skills across the curriculum. Fortunately, PHS has long been ahead of the curve in promoting critical reading
and thinking skills, as well as developing our students’ analytical and persuasive writing skills. To help our faculty
make the necessary adjustments, many will be attending workshops sponsored by the Archdiocesan Department of
Education in August. We will also be providing in-service workshops during faculty conferences here at Preston during
the coming year.
In other news, the Sisters of the Divine Compassion recently elected a new leadership team, many of whom have
strong Preston connections. We offer hearty congratulations to Sr. Carol Wagner (PHS ’69 and former PHS faculty
member), the new President of the congregation, and to Councilors Sr. Clare Arenholz (PHS ’56), Sr. Lucille Coldrick
(former PHS Principal, 1991-2008), Sr. Mary Jane Deodati (former PHS Principal 1985-1991), and Sr. Lauren McLeod.
Sr. Mary Jane will join Sr. Alice Feeley, another former Preston teacher, on our Board of Trustees in the fall.
Be sure to mark your calendars! I invite you to join us on Sunday, November 18th at the Marina del Rey to help us
celebrate the 65th anniversary of Preston’s founding as an independent, Catholic college preparatory high school for
girls in the Divine Compassion tradition. Catch up with old friends, make new ones, admire the talents of our current
students, learn what’s new and what remains unchanged at your alma mater! We will be sending out further information
soon and posting details on our website, too.
Best wishes for a restful and delightful summer!
Snapshots of Memories Made
Sonandia Azcona ‘12 a recipient of the gold medal
for leadership
Dallas Ripka ‘12 & Annalise
Ricci ‘62, keynote speaker
Members of the Class
of 2012 with their
alumnae mothers
Sneha Jose ‘12 recipient of
the Jeanne Wezel Salerno ‘66
Award
Graduates of 2012
getting ready for the
ceremony
Preston Echoes Revisited
Summer 2012
Page 3
4th Annual Golf Classic
The 4th Annual Preston High
School Golf Classic took place
on Friday, May 4 at Pelham Bay
and Split Rock Golf Course.
Despite the looming storm and
ominous skies, golfers enjoyed a
hot breakfast buffet before taking
to the green for an 8am start. As
the morning progressed, the skies
brightened and the golfers enjoyed
their game.
Sponsored by The Westchester
Bank, the Classic culminated in
a special luncheon and awards
ceremony. This year’s honorees
included current board member,
Elizabeth Anne Asaro. “Betty
Anne” is an alumna of the Class
of 1968 and a loyal supporter of
PHS. Don Gallant, Sr., President
of All County Business Solutions
was also honored at the event. All
County is an indispensable partner
to Preston working with our IT
department to ensure that all of our
computers, hardware, servers, etc,
etc. are up to standard. On behalf
of all at Preston High School we
would like to take a moment to
thank the honorees again as well as
all of the golfers, sponsors and supporters of the Golf Classic!
Principal Jane Grendell with honoree
Don Gallant Sr. of All County
Business Solutions
Principal Jane Grendell with honoree PHS
Board Member Elizabeth Anne Asaro ‘68
Save the date for the 5th Annual Golf Classic
Friday, May 10, 2013
The winning foursome, Andrew
Squitieri, John Reilly, Carmine
Castiello P’14 and Mike
Cambria P’13
Step-Up Day: Here Come the New Senior, Junior
and Sophomore Classes
Step-Up Day! The coveted assembly when the current juniors finally reach the pinnacle and claim the
“Senior Bleachers.” As the Class of 2012 departed the
building, the underclasswomen started plotting their
rise to the next level of their high school careers. The
new seniors, the Class of 2013, took over the Preston
gymnasium in full force decorating half of the gym
with their signature colors of blue and white. They
plastered the walls with signs saying “We bleed blue!”
An electric blue glow-stick entrance, complete with a
guest gorilla, announced them as the new leaders of
the school.
Class of 2013
The new junior and sophomore classes tried to
match the senior spirit and pride with their own decorations and festive shirts. The three classes came
together in a lively game of “steal the bacon” and a
basketball shoot-out.
Step-Up Day was brought to a close with a few
dance moves performed by all the members of the
class of 2013, 2014, and 2015. If this pre-celebration
of the new school year is any indication of what is to
come, then we are all in store for a great time!
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
Preston Echoes Revisited
Summer 2012
Page 4
Art Students Celebrated Throughout the Spring
Preston High School, in conjunction with the East Tremont Avenue branch of Citibank, held its annual
community Art Show during the month of March. The artwork, created by over 50 Preston High School students, graced the walls of the branch for the entire community’s enjoyment. In addition Preston invited alumnae and friends to view the showcase and submit their choices for the best works. A wide variety of media and
formats were featured including paint, ink, pencil and digital art. Students and their works were selected by
the art department faculty for participation in this special exhibition.
On the final day of the showcase, Thursday, March 29, an awards ceremony and reception was held at
Citibank. In attendance were the student artists, their families, Preston art teachers and Preston principal Jane
Grendell. Citibank branch manager Patricia Fournier, a Preston alumna, said, “It is an exciting event for the
bank and our patrons. We look forward to holding it every year.” The following students were recognized as
the winners in each category:
Best in Show: Chelsea Rosado
Best Painting: Alexandria Foglia
Best Drawing: Charlee Gloriani
Most Creative: Toni Senior
Honorable Mentions: Sneha Jose & Patricia Collazo
Citi Bank Art Show
winners with teachers &
Patricia Fournier ‘78
Each of the winners also received a special proclamation from Senator Jeff Klein.
Art student explaining her
art work
The 2011-2012 art program culminated in a school-wide Art Show held on April 25th. The PHS gymnasium came to life with vibrant paint colors, exciting hand-made masks and interesting sculptures. All Preston
students were invited to display their works of art during this special show.
Academic Honors Convocation Recognizes More Than Students
Preston High School held its annual Academic
Honors Convocation ceremony on Wednesday, May
23rd. Students, parents and faculty gathered in the
school auditorium to recognize outstanding achievements and contributions by students, faculty, and
parents.
The 2011-2012 National Honor Society President
Sofia Ahsanuddin and the 2012-2013 NHS President
Cristina Iannarino welcomed the attendees.
The award for General Excellence is given to the
top student in each grade. This year’s top students
are Emily Mitchell (9th grade), Yanette Rosario (10th
grade) and Cristina Iannarino (11th grade). The 12th
grade winner, Sofia Ahsanuddin, was revealed at the
Commencement ceremonies on June 2nd.
Faculty and Staff Recognition awards were also
presented at the Convocation. The 2012 Distinguished
Teacher Award recipient was Maureen Cuomo, longtime faculty member and PHS Computer Program
Chairperson. “Mrs. Cuomo doesn’t just believe that
women have the capacity to excel in coursework and
careers that require advanced knowledge of mathematics and technology; she is living proof that this is so,”
said Jane Grendell, principal of Preston High School.
Special recognition was given to the Mandile
Family; Vinny, Rosina (Veltri) ‘80, son Vincent and
daughter Theresa ’13, for their diligent efforts in
acquiring the donation of the new gymnasium fans.
The family was presented with a certificate while a
commemorative plaque acknowledging the donation
was hung at the entrance to the auditorium.
Cuomo Family: Daniel, Theresa
‘05, Maureen, and Vincent
The Mandile Family with
Jane Grendell, principal
Jane Grendell, principal, with General
Excellence recepients
Preston Echoes Revisited
Alumnae News
1990’s
Elizabeth Patalano-Bob ‘95,
husband Kevin and big brother
Daniel welcomed a baby girl, Leah
Elizabeth, in August 2011.
Melissa Skrapits Wagner ‘98,
husband Paul and big sister Caitlin
welcomed a baby boy, Matthew, on
April 15, 2012.
2000’s
Nikki Garafolo-Barile ‘00 and
husband Philip welcomed a baby boy,
Zachary, on April 26, 2012.
Summer 2012
Page 5
Elaine (Murphy) Orwin ‘00 and
husband Tim welcomed a baby boy,
Brayden Thomas, on May 23, 2012.
Worth Crashing”. Gina was also the
keynote speaker at the PHS 2012
Senior Night event.
Diana (Federico) Hau ‘00 married
Fransisco Hau on June 3, 2011.
Jacqueline Cruz ‘05 won a 1st place
ribbon in the Connecticut Cake
Competition.
Margherita Prestopino DiSalvo ‘01
and husband Lenny welcomed a baby
girl, Josephina Rose, on April 15,
2012.
Krystle Rizzo Balagna `01 and
husband Ryan welcomed a baby girl,
Lilliana, on April 20, 2012.
Gina Gentile ‘04 performed at the
White Plains Performing Arts Center
June 22nd - 24th in the play “Party
Laura Leich ‘05 and CPL Nate
Newman married on May 26, 2012
at Camp Lejeune, NC. Family
and friends attended, including
sisters Katie ‘05 and Erika ‘01.The
newlweds reside in Sidney, Ohio.
Faculty & Staff
Lindsay Carr ‘03 joins the PHS
Athletics Department staff as the new
JV Basketball coach.
In Memoriam
We regret to inform you of the passing of these beloved classmates, friends and family members.
Pre ston A lum n a e
Mrs. Mary F. Walpole Lara ‘55
Pre ston C om m u n i t y
Mr. Oscar Berrios, grandfather of
Ashley Maymi ‘13.
Mrs. Aida Cruz, grandmother of
Rossangelica Rivera ‘12.
Ms. Emma Desel, sister of Sr. Madeline
Desel, RDC.
Ms. Paula Desel, sister of Sr. Madeline
Desel, RDC.
Mrs. Dolores Fontaine, aunt of Diane F.
Timper ‘72 and family.
Mrs. Betty King, mother of faculty
member Dr. Mark King.
Mr. John Pietrowski, father of Lee-Anne
Matias ‘12.
Mr. Gregory Pilla, uncle of faculty
member Gina DeMarco.
Mr. Anthony Wilson, uncle of Candice
Lorenzo ‘12
Eternal rest grant unto them,
O Lord, and let perpetual
light shine upon them.
May the souls of the faithful
departed, through the mercy of
God, rest in peace.
Amen
PROOF POSITIVE! Presenting the 2011-2012 Annual Report Proof
It’s not too late to make your gift to Preston High School!
Included in this edition of Preston Echo’s Newsletter is a special proof of the Preston High School
2011-2012 Annual Report. This proof copy is a simplified listing of current year gifts and donors, as of
May 31, 2012. Names are printed alphabetically by giving society and include gifts to the annual fund,
scholarships, the golf outing, Mother’s Day / Father’s Day tributes, etc.
This is a great time for you to ensure that you with be included in the 20111-2012 Annual Report.
We ask that you please take a moment to verify your name and giving society. Please contact Gianna
Dell’Olio, Director of Advancement at (718) 863-9134 ext. 195 or [email protected] if you notice any
omissions or discrepancies. All gifts received by August 31, 2012 will be acknowledged in this years report.
Thank you for whatever you can do to further support the Preston High School mission
“to empower young women … so that they may become compassionate leaders for change in the world.”
Preston Echoes Revisited
Varsity Softball
Summer 2012
Athletic Panthers
The 2011-2012 Varsity softball team brought home two
champtionships this season.
The Panthers reclaimed the
CHSAA Bronx/Westchester
title and won the CHSAA 2011-12 Varsity Softball team
City Championship against
Molloy High School. The team moved on to
the Archdiocesan finals and lost 1-0 against St.
Joseph’s by the Sea High School. They finished
the season with a 12-1 record.
GO
2011-12 JV Softball team
Varsity Softball
head coach,
Rachel Mazza was
named The NY
Post All-Bronx
Softball Coach of
the Year.
Page 6
JV Softball
The 2011-2012 JV
Softball had a solid
season. They ended
the season with a 7-1
record. Their hard
work, determination,
and dedication was
apparent on and off
the field.
PA N T H E R S !
PHS Sports Night
Preston High School celebrated their athletic program on Thursday, May 17th, during an awards banquet held in the
school’s gymnasium. Jamie Skrapits, Preston High School Athletic Director, hosts the event each year to pay tribute to
each team while reflecting on Preston’s rich athletic heritage. Festivities kick off with the Preston Athletic Department
Hall of Fame Induction. This year’s honoree was Lindsay Carr ‘03, who played in three Varsity sports – soccer, basketball and softball. Carr will be returning to PHS next year as the JV Basketball coach.
The next part of the event is marked by individual team recognition and award
presentations including “Most Outstanding Player,” “Most Improved Player,” and a
special “Coach’s Award.” Skrapits also gives special recognition to the many scholarathletes who received First or Second Honors or Commended Achievement for three
consecutive quarters.
Of special note are three overarching awards for graduating senior athletes as well
as a special fan award. This year’s winner of the Lou McSwigin Award for displaying
“outstanding achievement and commitment to student athletics and sportsmanship”
Lindsay Carr ‘03
was Nora Kilkenny. Kilkenny played varsity soccer and basketball at PHS.
Kelly Simpson, member of the Varsity basketball team, was awarded the Babe Leath Award. This award is for “outstanding commitment to the Preston Sports Program, and for the leadership and spirit exemplified by Babe Leath.”
This year’s winner of the Donald Collins “Heart Award,” an award given to an athlete who is the heart of her team,
was Loredana Calce. Calce is a member of the Varsity volleyball team.
A fourth special award is given to Preston’s most dedicated fan in honor of Richard Donovan, father of four PHS
daughters and two granddaughters, all alumnae. Richard attended every game he could during his time with Preston.
The 2011 Donovan Award winner was Donato Signore, grandfather of Jessica Signore ‘12, for his regular attendance at
PHS sporting events.
On a more somber note, PHS retired two very special players’ numbers
during the event, basketball number 14 which was worn by Margaret
“Magie” Donnelly ’04 as well as basketball number 13 which was worn by
Jillian Bragg ’03. Long time Physical Education teacher, Marge McEvoy
announced that she will be retiring as head coach of the JV volleyball team.
McEvoy was presented with a shirt with the slogan “Finished Business” on
it as a thank you for her many years of successful coaching.
Kelly Simpson, Nora Kilkenny and Loredana Calce
Preston Echoes Revisited
Summer 2012
Page 7
Eddy Awards Moderator of the Year Goes To...
On Friday, May 11th, Preston High School’s Video Production
students attended the 39th Annual Eddy Awards with Mr. Craig
Preston Echoes Revisited is published three times a year
Youngren, teacher and Jane Grendell, Principal. The Eddy Awards
by Preston High School, Office of School Advancement.
2780 Schurz Ave., Bronx, NY 10465
are sponsored by the Archdiocese of New York and recognize
(718)863-9134 ext 195
student and staff efforts in instructional television on the elemenCredits
tary and high school level. The award ceremony was held at St.
Mary Ahl, Volunteer Associate
Jennifer Geideman ‘00, Associate/Editor of
Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, NY.
Echoes Revisited
Preston is proud to announce that the Prestigious Moderator
Margaret Ahl Damo ’77, Associate
Gianna Dell’Olio, Director of Advancement
of
the
Year award, presented by Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Jane Grendell, Principal
Timothy J. McNiff, was awarded to our very own Video ProducPrinted by Tremont Offset, Inc.
We welcome your suggestions. E-mail
tion teacher, Craig Youngren. Youngren, a faculty member at
[email protected].
PHS for over ten years, was instrumental in developing the Video
For more news, photos and events, log-on to
www.prestonhs.org.
Production class as well as the video production studio at PresPreston High School (Bronx, NY) is a private, Catholic,
ton. He works diligently as the school’s liaison to MSG Varsity
college-preparatory school for girls, founded in 1947 by
and ensures that the students are always up-to-date on the newest
the Sisters of the Divine Compassion. It is accredited
by the Middle States Association of Colleges and
technology and applications. Principal Jane Grendell was quoted
Schools and chartered by the New York State Board of
Regents. PHS is a 501(c)(3) organization, separate from saying, “Craig’s humor, joy for what he does, and sincere desire
the Preston Center of Compassion.
to make a difference in the lives of his students is inspiring not
just to his grateful students, but to his department colleagues and
the faculty and staff as a whole.” In addition one of Youngren’s
former students stated “…he wasn’t afraid to let me be his teacher
once in a while.” These sentiments prove why Craig Youngren
Support the Annual Fund
was a natural choice for the 2012 Moderator of the Year award.
A Preston High School education is a
“gift that lasts a lifetime.”
It should also be noted that the tradition of greatness is a familiar
On September 1, Preston High School launched trait, Linda H. Youngren, Dean of Students at Preston and Craig’s
its annual appeal for the Fund for Preston High
mother, is a past winner of the Moderator of the Year award.
School campaign. Thank you to our faithful donors
In addition, Preston is proud to announce that the PHS Video
whose support we count on every year.
This is the most important fundraising effort of Production students received a total of seven nominations; four
the year. The annual appeal for the Fund for PHS
single nominations and three team nominations, ultimately winsupports excellence in education by providing
ning two 2012 Eddy awards. Senior Jacqueline Chua won in the
opportunities for students beyond what is covered
High School Photo Essay category for her work on “Body Image
by tuition and fees. Gifts to the Fund for PHS
and the Media”, presented by WNYW-TV’s Nick Gregory. PHS
enrich all of our programs; academics, the arts,
also walked away with the High School Graphics award presented
technology, athletics, campus ministry and our
financial aid program.
by WPIX-TV’s Mary Murphy, which was accepted on behalf of
The Annual Fund for PHS is the backbone of
the students by Senior Elizabeth Vacca, for
our fundraising efforts. Without generous annual
their collective work on “Body Image and
support from parents, alumnae, grandparents and
the Media”.
friends, PHS would not be able to maintain its
Preston Echoes
. . . Revisited
reputation as one of the top Catholic high schools
in the Bronx.
Please visit
www.prestonhs.org/giving/ways-to-give/
and click “Make a Gift Now” to send your
gift to PHS today.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED
SUPPORT!
PHS Video Production Students
Craig Youngren, Moderator
of the Year
Preston HS Always Welcomes You Home
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SAVE THE DATE
2012 EVENTS
Preston High School’s
Saturday, October 6, 2012
65th Anniversary
Thanksgiving Celebration
A luncheon event will take place on
Sunday, November 18, 2012
at the Marina Del Rey from
11am - 4pm.
A celebratory Mass will be held
at St. Frances de Chantal at 10am.
Invitation to follow.
Preston Idol
Columbus Day Parade
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Open House
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Preston’s Flea Market
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Preston Musical - Legally Blonde
Thursday, February 28 - Sunday, March 3, 2013
MIOSM Concert
Thursday, April 18, 2013
** Sponsorships and journal ads available. **
Alumnae Liturgy and Reunion
Contact Jennifer Geideman at 718-863-9134 or
5th Annual Golf Classic
[email protected] for more information.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
For more event listings and information visit www.prestonhs.org or find us on Facebook!