Alumni Beacon Alumni Beacon - Bennett High Alumni Association

Alumni Beacon
Bennett High School
2885 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
Forwarding Service Requested
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
BUFFALO, N.Y.
PERMIT NO. 505
Alumni Beacon
Bennett High School
Vol. 14/ISSUE No. 2
WINTER 2012
Bennett High School • 2885 Main Street • Buffalo, New York 14214 • (716) 816-4250 • www.bennettalumni.com
From Our President
Principal’s Message
all feel grateful for our blessings
and thankful for the lives that we
lead. Let us also reach out to help
those who we know are not as fortunate as we
are.
Because of
your generosity,
we will be sending some of our
students to the
Forbes Theater
for a special
Irene Greene Spanish perforPresident mance. Alumna
Rena Reissman,
an accomplished artist, is coming
to Bennett to work with some of our
art students. We also will again
underwrite a field trip to Attica
Correctional Facility so that our
students can see what it means to
be incarcerated.
The above projects are only a few
of the many ways you help to enrich the lives of Bennett Students
with your contributions. The number of contributing members has
decreased this year. We are hoping
that you will consider joining the
Association if you have not done so
already. Please check your address
label to see if you have paid your
dues for 2012. Your membership
benefits the students at our school
in so many ways!
May peace, love, joy and happiness be ever present in your heart
now and throughout the New Year.
As we approach the midpoint of the school year, I am en-
In this holiday season let us
Have you PAID your 2011 - 2012 Alumni Dues???
Please check the mailing label to see if you are up-to-date!!!
Please mail to: Bennett Alumni Association
2885 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
I am requesting that future copies of the Alumni Beacon are
sent only to my email address.
Tax Deductible Contributions (checks payable to Bennett Alumni Community Foundation)
 $100
 $150
 $200
 Other_______
P lease Check One:
Regular Dues - (checks payable to Bennett Alumni Association(
 Basic Dues • $20
 $25
 $50
 Other_______
Name
Address
City
Phone Number
State
E-mail Address
Maiden Name
2011 - 2012 Dues Statement
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Re-Culturing Bennett High School
couraged by our continued re-culturing of our school. While we continue to improve our graduation rate, academic
achievement in courses and on State examinations,
our efforts are steadily paying off. As administrators, we collaborate with teachers in meetings and
with parents to help ensure our growth. Our data
shows that we are trending in the proper direction:
UP!
The Buffalo Promise Neighborhood Grant has been
approved. Our lead partner, M & T Bank, has worked
Dr. David
diligently to create a grant application that will bring
Mauricio
supports to Bennett High School, Highgate Heights
School #80 and Westminster Charter School as a partPrincipal
nership. The grant will provide numerous supports
for the three schools and the 14215 zip code.
While Bennett High School remains on the Persistently Low Achieving School list, we continue to move our school forward in an effort to be
removed from this list. Research shows that a complete transformation takes five years. We are currently in our third year of this effort.
The data chart below shows our trend of achievement on the NYS Regents Exams.
Bennett High School
NYS Regents Exams Passing Rates
2008-2009 through 2010-2011
100
90
80
70
60
50
%
40
66
57
41
7067
63
48
42
36
34
30
34
24
15
20
10
1314
12
English
Algebra
Algebra
2/Trig
23
20
13
53
33
29
2
0
0
50
44
Geometry
2008-2009
Living Env.
2009 -2010
Earth Sci
Chemistry
2010-2011
Global 10
US Hist.
2
see Message from Our Principal
Page 2
Zip Code
Class of
Bennett Alumni Beacon
Winter 2012
Vol. 14/Issue 2
2011 - 2012 Officers
BAA President
Irene McLeish Greene, '57
Vice President
Carol Newman Caserta, '60
Treasurer
Larry Levin, '57
Recording Secretary
Deby Fox-Hahn, '60
Corresponding Secretary
Roberta Allbert Dayer, '53
BHS Principal
Dr. David Mauricio
Directors
Class of 2012:
Linda Barker Moore, '68
Carol Newman Caserta, '60
Donald Cloudsley, '42
Adam Dzimian, Faculty
Lois Edwards Johnson, '60
Marsha Jadd, '58
Leonard Katz, '53
Florence Rembold, '47
Class of 2013:
Roberta Allbert Dayer, '53
Jennie DePerro Brummer, Faculty
Deby Fox-Hahn, '60
Neil Lange, Faculty
Barbara Lewis Lewis, '59
David Mauricio, Faculty
Irene McLeish Greene, '57
Rosalie Brothman Rosenband, '55
Bert Stevenson, '86, Faculty
Class of 2014:
Phillip Brothman, '56
Cecilia Henderson, Faculty
Philip Hubbell, '56
Lawrence Levin, '57
Wayne Reilly, '47
Jeff Schapiro, '67
Mission Statement
We believe in the power of education
to transform lives and society. To that
end, as graduates of Bennett High
School, we are committed to
promoting equity and social justice
through service and reaching out to
students and faculty at our Alma
Mater. We recognize the value of our
support in assisting them in reaching
their educational goals. The Bennett
High School Alumni Association’s
contribution will be substantive and
creative in order to achieve those
goals.
2
Message from Our Principal
continued from Page 1
As you may know, our school is
separated into three smaller learning communities. Below is an update of each community:
• The Freshman Community offers students a three week summer
orientation, double period English
and math courses, a greater focus
on attendance and social-emotional
supports, and an after-school program with tutoring, clubs and
snacks. Our clubs are in need of
digital cameras and gaming systems. If you have a digital camera, X Box or Play Station that is
not being used, please consider donating it to our school. We use the
clubs to attract students to our academic tutoring program and give
them a safe place to be until 4:30 p.m.
• Our Business Community will
soon open The Buffalo Metropolitan Credit Union school-based
branch at Bennett High School.
The branch will be open for stu-
dents, teachers and alumni from 35 p.m. Students will work in the
branch with a manager from the
credit union.
• Our Law Community offers
new courses in forensic sciences
and will plan for paralegal studies
and a police/ security prep course.
I hope that you take the opportunity to continue to stay involved
with Bennett High School. The
Alumni Association offers you an
opportunity to give back to your
beloved alma mater in many ways.
It is crucial that you spread the
word to other alumni as we need
your help. We are looking for mentors for our students and donations
to the Alumni Association. The
commitment will work around your
availability.
Please contact Mr. Lange (8164250) if you are interested in helping. Again, I would like to thank
the Alumni executive board and
the Association for all of your support. It has made a difference.
Alumni Fund Trip to Cooperstown
W
by Dr. Daniel Haick, Business Faculty
e want to personally thank you for such a wonderful time in
Cooperstown, NY. Without your generosity, our Sports and Entertainment Management Group would not have been able to travel to
the Baseball Hall of Fame and experience up close what we have learned
in the classroom.
During our visit we were able to view the museum in great detail
with our personal guide, as well as participate in two classes, titled:
Economics: The Business of Baseball and Civil Rights History: Before
you could say Jackie Robinson. In addition, we engaged in a hands-on,
artifact-based experience in the museum’s education gallery. We touched
real artifacts from the years past, while learning how baseball has
changed America. A trip to the
Plaque Gallery and the
Bullpen Theatre followed.
What a fantastic experience:
None of us will ever forget!
Sincerely,
Breone Boles
Derrick Gandy
Clayton Hund
James Myles
Brandon Johnson
Jean Rios
Richard Morris
Julieann Rolden
Kalifa Kent
Thank-You Notes
These are a few of the Thank-you
notes we recieved after the Spanish
Dance Trip that was funded by the
Alumni Association!
From Tatiana Gonzalez...
I
Members of the Class of 1951 gathered for
their 60th reunion on September 17, 2011!
Sports Hall of Fame
10th Anniversary
Homecoming Weekend
Friday, October 5, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Bennett Sports Hall of Fame
is sponsoring a gala
10th Anniversary Weekend
celebrating
the accomplishments
of all of our inductees.
Plans are in the initial phase.
Many more details will be announced in the
Summer edition of Alumni Beacon!
Save the Dates
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
thought that the trip was
eye-opening. We got to
see all of the different
dances from some of the
many Hispanic cultures.
After that, we also got to
have a taste of the Hispanic
food. It was truly an amazing
experience and I hope we
get a chance to do it again.
From Arthur Hill...
T
his trip was a great
experience for our class
to interact with each other
and see a good show. Being
part Puerto Rican and not
knowing my heritage is hard
and this trip allowed me to
learn and be entertained.
From Cheyene Ormond...
D
on’t get me started
when it comes to the
performance. It was different
in the best way possible!
Nice music, cool dancing and
also great singing. The performers did a great job!
Thank-you for this field trip!
From Drayxa Diaz...
H
oy fue el mejor lunes
que he tenido en toda
mi vida! Cuando el
espectaculo comenzo,
simplemente me surprendio.
13
Bennett Alumni Honor Roll Induction
A
by Dr. Leonard Katz, '54
beautiful brunch at the Park Country Club on Sunday, September 18, 2011 was the setting for this year’s induction ceremony for the new members of the Bennett Alumni Honor Roll. It
was a wonderful day of great memories and connections.
There were four School District Superintendents represented:
Samuel Alessi, '61, of Buffalo; Donald W. Rappold, '63, of LewistonPorter; Salvatore Iluzzi, Ph.D., '64, of Cinnaminson, NJ; and
Margaret Lanz Puzio, '68, of Batavia.
Carla A. Nelson, '80 of Baltimore, MD was recognized for Politics and Government.
In the field of Artists, Artisans and Crafters, Ben Perrone, '54,
of Buffalo; Rena Estry Reisman, '52, of Buffalo; Larry (Fink) River,
'68, of Willits, CA and Richard Stromberg, '72, of Rochester were
honored.
Additionally, Bennett High School Administrators, past and
present, were honored. A large number were present for their recognition. In order of service: Principals: Leonard Sikora, 1962 1975; Ronald Meer, 1975 - 1980; Marilyn Wittman, 1984 - 2004;
David Mauricio, Ph.D., 2009 - present. Assistant Principals: Anthony Vetrano, 1966 - 1968; Adam Dzimian, 1968 - 1984; John
Davis, 1971 - 1983; Crystal Boling-Barton, 1984 - 1985; John Vella,
1985 - 1987; Geraldine Horton, 1996 - 1997; Lula Herring, 1998 2003; Julie Horn, 1999 - 2009; Teena Jackson, 2009 - present and
Carlos Alvarez, 2009 - present.
Each was presented a plaque in recognition of their achievements.
F
ormer Assistant Principal Mr.
John Davis proudly showed his
recognition plaque to Former
Assistant Principal Mr. Anthony
Vetrano. They were honored for
their years of service at Bennett by
the Alumni Association.
Alumni Honor Roll
2012 Nomination Form
please use this form to make your nomination
New Categories (Fields of endeavor)
 Sports - Post-Bennett (National Halls of Fame,
professional sports (all aspects), coaching (all aspects)
 Historic Preservation
 Cyber-Related Careers
Repeat Categories (Fields of endeavor)
 Architecture
 Music
 Law
 Health Professions
Nominee
(include maiden name )
Address
City
State
Phone
E-mail
Class of
ZIP
Briefly describe the accomplishments of this graduate in the field of endeavor.
Name
Name and address of person submitting nomination:
Class of
Address
D
r. David Mauricio and Miss Marilyn Wittman attended the Alumni
Brunch and were recognized for their achievement as principals of
Bennett High School.
12
W
ayne Reilly, '47 presented a
copy of John Lee’s poem
(written in memory of his brother
James) about the Class of 1947 to
Bennett teacher Mr. Neil Lange.
The poem is permanently displayed
in the Alumni Room.
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
City
State
Phone
E-mail
ZIP
Please feel free to duplicate this form and send in as many nominations
as necessary. We would like to be able to recognize all those Bennett
Alumni who have done so much for our community. Please submit your
nominations before August 21, 2012!
Return this form to:
Bennett High School Alumni Honor Roll
2885 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
2012 Alumni
Honor Roll Award
E
by Dr. Leonard Katz '53
ach year for the past nine
years, the Bennett Alumni Association has recognized graduates
who have excelled in their careers.
Living graduates, in a wide array
of life activities, have been recognized. We know that many others
deserve recognition.
This year, graduates in four repeat categories will be recognized,
as well as, those in three new categories.
Repeat categories for this year:
Architecture including assistants, etc., Law including para-legal professionals, Health Professions (non- physicians) including
OT and PT, and Music – all aspects: performance, non-school
teaching, composing, etc.
New categories for this year are:
Sports post-Bennett – this year:
National Halls of Fame, professional sports (all aspects), coaching
(all aspects), Historic Preservation – all aspects, and Cyber- related -- websites, companies, programming, etc.
Please take time to nominate fellow alumni who deserve to be recognized. A nomination form is
available in this issue of the
Alumni Beacon. Nominate one or
more candidates, just duplicate the
form. We need class and contact
information of the candidate as
well as your information. Thanks
in advance for participating in recognizing more of the remarkable
people who have graduated our
high school.
Have you renewed your
Membership?
Be sure to send in
your contribution
TODAY !
3
Class Notes...
The 1940s
Angela M. Lawrence, '46, writes that
when she attended Bennett, she was
in the Sight-Saving class where
many fine girls from the Honor Society helped her by reading text books
to her. She now is 84 years old and
writing her memoir: 20/200 and Pale.
Part 1, subtitled The Impossible
Dream, describes growing up legally
blind during the Great Depression.
It should be published in two or three
months. How Angela became a certified social worker will be described
in Part 2. Angela’s sister, Lois Monroe Pettit, '46, lives in Advance North
Carolina. Her brother, Rev. Perry
Monroe, '43, died in 1975.
Morris (Morry),'47 and Sue
Herman Himmel, '49, live permanently in Arizona.
years in Washington, D.C. He spent
37 years at the Securities and Exchange Commission and 13 years
with a large international law firm. He
and his wife, Joan, live in suburban
Northern Virginia.
Class Notes...
The 1950s
Louis A. Ryen, '52, received a JD from
UB and practiced law in Rochester. He
also is a Fine Arts Photographer and
enjoys traveling with his wife. His web
site is web.me.com /ryenphotos.
Ginger Foster King, '48, sends her
thoughts and gratitude to the Alumni
Association “as you support Bennett
students and the programs that help
them succeed.”
Paul Gonson, '49, “has a warm spot
in my heart for the four happy years I
spent at Bennett High School.” He
has retired after practicing law for 50
4
Class Notes...
The 1960s
(Reprinted, courtesy of the Buffalo News, Oct. 21, 2011)
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Class Notes...
The 1970s
Phil Hubbell, '56, feels indebted to Bennett because, “I met Jayne there in 1955
H
By Keith McShea
Anthony Nash, '06, is currently
serving our country in Afghanistan.
After graduating from West Point, he
was most recently stationed at Fort
Drum.
James T. Sandoro, '62, has purchased
vacant land which will give access to the
tracks near his Buffalo Transportation
Pierce-Arrow Museum in Buffalo if they
decide to add a railroad exhibit in the
future.
Peter Silverberg, '56, is a retired chemical/electrical engineer and an editor of
scientific magazines. His home recently
was featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Judith Richardson Taetz, '54, of Inman,
South Carolina, practiced as a registered
nurse for over 50 years until retiring in
2008. She writes that she always was
proud of her class ring and wore it often
for a long time but had lost it. One day,
checking out at a convenience store, she
noticed that the cashier was wearing a
ring like our class ring. She asked if she
had attended Bennett and the cashier
said no, but that her brother had found
the ring and gave it to her. When Judith
asked to look at it, she found her initials
inside! The cashier gave it back and
refused compensation!
New Attitude at the Top of
Tiger’s Turnaround
igh on a hill behind All High Stadium , and
about a half mile from its own school, the
Bennett football team practices on an asymmetrical patch of grass at McCarthy Park that includes
the outfield of a baseball diamond. No goal posts, no
lines, no level footing. While recent renovations have
made All High an exceptional facility, it is a field in
high demand that is often used for soccer games
during the week.
The Tigers are OK with that. They’ll be on the All
High turf tonight, when it counts, as they host one of
the school’s biggest football games of the last decade.
Bennett (4 - 3) hosts Starpoint (4 - 3) at 7 p.m. in
the Class A quarter finals as the Section VI playoffs
kick off. It is the Tigers’ first sectional playoff berth
after missing out during the Buffalo Public Schools’
debut in Section Vi last year, and it is just Bennett’s
third post season appearance since 1995.
The Tigers have done it with a strong running game
and a mix of something new and something old on the
coaching staff.
“I can actually see the atmosphere of the school
starting to change,” said first-year Bennett coach Steve
McDuffie, who has been a history teacher at Bennett
for eight years. “The kids are really excited in the
building. We’re establishing a lot of Bennett pride.”
Bennett finished 4 - 2 in Class A South and earned a
home game by winning a three-way tie breaker. It is
just Bennett’s fourth winning record in regular season
since 1990. The Tigers are 4 - 3 overall; a season
opening rout of Grand Island would have made that 5 2 but the game was forfeited due to a transferred
player’s paperwork not being in order.
“Every team goes through its ups and downs, I’m
just happy my last year is my peak year,” said Bennett
senior and four-year player Javon Fogan. “I’m very
grateful to be here. The new coaching staff, the players, it was a new attitude this year. That’s the big
thing. We have players that are here to play for each
other. We don’t have ‘me’ players, we have players
who are here for the team.”
McDuffie took over from John Kisiel, who won 22
games over seven seasons - including a Harvard Cup
semi final berth in 2009.
Marcia Van Creveld Horwitz,'53, hopes
for information about a 60th reunion!
Thomas Sheehan, '47, can be
reached at danenshamrock
@comcast.net or 410-472-4749. He
has sent a tribute to the Bennett Class
of 1947 which appears in this issue.
Bernard E. Wills, '48, is a member
of a volunteer senior citizen band that
plays Big Band and jazz music and
performs in the Baltimore, MD and
Washington, D.C. areas. He suggests that the Alumni Association
consider establishing a chapter in the
Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area.
Your comments are welcome.
in Miss Sherman’s Spanish 3 class. We
went together for 5 years, were married
in 1960- and had a blissful marriage of
49 years until her death.”
Sydney Satuloff Hoffman, '70 is the
owner of TeaLeafs at 499 Klein Road
in Williamsville. She invites all fellow
alumni to join her for a cup of tea at
her shop!
Kenneth Hoffman, '70, CPA, is the
practice administrator of Gastroenterology Associates.
Class Notes...
The 2000s
Martez Roberts, '04, has returned
from his third tour of duty in Iraq.
Alumni Mentoring Program
C
by Jeffrey Schapiro, '67
urrently we have 15 tutors from a variety of
fields in the public sector. Being a mentor
provides many rewards for both the mentor and
the students being mentored. We always are
looking for mentors to help provide students with
the needed guidance they truly deserve. It is a
great way to give back to the community as well
as providing yourself with a great sense of fulfillment.
Next semester we will be providing additional
mentors to the Bennett students with undergraduates from Daemen College.
Please consider giving an hour of your time
each week to spend with a student. They truly
appreciate the time you give and you will also.
If you are willing, you may contact me by leaving a message at the school - 716-816-4250.
W
A Green Newsletter?
ith mailing costs skyrocketing, and the use of
the internet becoming more popular, the Association is exploring sending the Alumni Beacon
electronically to those WHO REQUEST IT! We will
still be mailing the Alumni Beacon through the US
Post Office to those who DO NOT specifically request
an electronic copy.
Use the membership form to request having your
Beacon sent by email!
11
•In Memoriam•
Harold Walkow, '45
(Reported since Summer '11 Beacon)
Richard F. Miller, '37
Lois Rowland Klein, '41, age 87, July
17, 2011
Gordon Guernsey, '39
Murray Kotlove, '47
Martha Rodriguez Branson, '52
Jean Naish Hoffman, '74, August 10,
2011
Dr. Thomas Gullo, age 80, September
4, 2011
Nora Herzog, '55
Donald Hubbard, '34, 2011
Marietta Segal, '61, 2008
James J. Higgins, age 85, September
6, 2011
John H. Evans Sr., '53, age 76,
September 7, 2011
Susan Dessert Blankenship, '59, July,
2010
Elizabeth Murray Hamlin, '33, age 95,
September 10, 2011
Arlene Pohl Hartzberg, '56, January,
2011
Robert R. Truckenbrod, '40, age 90,
September 14, 2111
Helene Sarikas Blommendahl, '59,
January 9, 2011
Bradley Gotthelf, '52, October 2011
Betty Meister Muse, '39, March 26,
2011
Robert Lambert, '49, May 18, 2011
Barbara Wolkind Jaffey, '52, September 25, 2011
Phyllis Schweizer Jones, '48, age 80,
October 11, 2011
Anthony Marchionda, age 80, October
15, 2011
Albert F. Lotz, '36, May 31, 2011
Gary Schuller, DDS, age 78, November 15, 2011
Joan Ellis Shatkin, '48, age 81,
November 15, 2011
Arthur J. Maloney, age 91, November
16, 2011
Richard B. Goodage, November 25,
2011
Martin Weinberg, '48, December, 2011
Sherwin S. Pohl, '49, January 24,
2010
Karen Miller Hartman, '61, March 3,
2011
Judith Kaufman Summer, '54, November 11, 2011
James R. Hopkins, age 65, December
11, 2011
John I Starr, age 86, December 24,
2011
Dr. Richard Judelsohn, '59, age 69,
January 15, 2012
Faculty:
Frances Pribek, age 66, September 1,
2011. Retired English teacher.
Mildred Bellinger, Retired Biology
teacher, widow of Frederick Bellinger,
Retired French teacher.
Correction: Misspelling in Summer
2011 Beacon:
Roswell Vasbinder, '47, June, 2011.
• Your additions or corrections are needed. Forward to the Alumni Beacon staff.
Welcome New Board Member
J
Jeffrey Schapiro, '67
effrey Schapiro graduated from Bennett in
1967. He taught here from 1985 until 2004
where he reconfigured and coordinated the Law
Magnet program. He was honored as New York
State Law Educator in 1997. He was also honored in 2006 when the Mock Trial Courtroom was
opened in his name. After retiring from Bennett,
he served as Headmaster of the Kadimah School
from 2004-2008. He currently tutors college students with special needs. He was elected a member of the Bennett Alumni Board at the Annual
Meeting in September, 2011. He serves as Coordinator of the Alumni Mentoring Program.
10
Welcome New Board Member
A
Allen Yasgur, '60
llen Yasgur graduated from Bennett in 1960.
He attended the University of Colorado in
Boulder and received his BA from the University at Buffalo. He received the MSW at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. His
career has been as a clinical social worker and
social work supervisor in family service, child
welfare and child guidance. He is an Adjunct
Professor of the Social Work Department at Buffalo State College. Mr. Yasgur also is a licensed
real estate salesperson. He was elected to the
Bennett Alumni Board at the Annual Meeting in
September, 2011.
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Past Inductees
into Honor Roll
Bennett, Bennett Thine Forever
H
by Adam Dzimian, Retired Assistant Principal
er name was Norma Gelose and she was an outstanding bal
let teacher in Western New York in the 1950s through the
he following alumni have been '90s. She was never a student at Bennett High School but she
previously inducted into the
was in touch with the school when one time she came here to help
Bennett Alumni Honor Roll in the
with the mailing of the Alumni Beacons.
following categories:
T
by Dr. Len Katz, '54
Architecture:
Richard Dattner, '55
Alfred D. Price, '65
Law:
Richard Gallivan, '44
Bennett Leader, '47
David Mahoney, '47
John Garrity, '48
Paul Gonson, '49
Hon. Joseph Mintz, '51
Philip Brothman, '56
Jeffrey Freedman, '68
Hon. Paul L. Friedman, '61
Hon. Sam Maislin, '64
Hon. Rosalie Bailey, '66
Richard S. Redlo, '69
Health Professions:
Dr. Lawrence Brownstein, '44
Dr. Ronald Ly, '47
Florence H. Rembold, '47
Richard P. Van Slyke, '49
Dr. Melvin Brothman, '50
Alan Katz, '53
Dr. Jeffrey Carrel, '59
Douglas Baker, '60
Deby Fox-Hahn, '60
Dr. Harry Newman, '60
But before this most recent visit,
she ran into one of Bennett's students, Michael Difiglia, who at an
early age of nine and through his
teens studied under her in studios
on East Lovejoy in Buffalo and
Grand Island. He also spent a good
number of hours practicing in her
living room.
His innovative ballet concepts
and stage settings impressed her
immediately and soon his reputation took off. He was born to dance
and he was born to choreograph,
she soon realized. The moment she
best remembers about him was the
day Michael called her and expressed a great deal of anxiety.
“Jerome Robbins (world famous
choreographer on Broadway)
called me and wants me to come to
New York City and take the cast of
West Side Story on the road. He
also would like to audition me for
the role of Baby John in the musical. But I want to first get my high
school diploma.”
Without hesitation, Norma told
him, “When Jerome Robbins calls,
drop everything!”
And so he did, changing his last
name to Bennett (family name on
his mother’s side). The road version of the West Side Story was a
huge success and he returned to
Broadway to direct and choreograph A Chorus Line.
And the rest is HISTORY!
Alumni Mini-Grants Help Teachers
A
total of $3995 was awarded to Bennett Teachers and staff to
enhance projects to benefit the students. Each year the Alumni
Association funds special grants up to $500 per applicant. The monies
for these grants come from the generous donations and membership dues
of our Alumni. Awards were presented as follows:
Mrs. Lisa Witkin - $50 - Six pennants from Historically Black
Colleges
Mrs. Sheila Busshart - $500 - Eye of the Tiger Prizes
Miss Lucy Buell - $312 - Random Acts of Kindness Awards
Music:
Mrs. Alicia Granto - $500 - Spanish Field trip to Forbes Theatre
Harry Taub, '42
Mrs. Jackie Jordan - $150 - SAVI recognition items
Marilyn Bass Buxbaum, '54
Miss Anna Klapakis - $318 - Recycling Items
Charles Z. Bornstein, '69
Mrs. Barbara Trietley - $192 - DECA membership for 20 students
Use the form on page 3 to nomiMrs. Tanya Johnson - $290 - Earth Science Performance Tests
nate other deserving Alumni!
Mr. Jamie Barden - $500 - Attica Correctional Facility Field
Why Does Your Mailing
Trip
Label Say or occupant?
Mrs. Nancy Davies - $400 - Rena Reisman artist field trip and
Postal regulations require us to
project
use this on our labels to avoid
Mrs. Kathie Eisinger - $300 - Art Club student materials
paying First Class postage.
Mrs. Traci Batcho - $483 - Regional Trade Fair at Wesleyan
We hope you understand!
College
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
5
Thoughts from
the Brunch
2012 Community Foundation Donors*
It is with grateful appreciation that we acknowledge these generous contributions!
$500+ - Diamond Club Donors
Philip Hubbell, '56
Wayne R. Reilly, '47
Marlene West Helfrich, '51
$200 - $499 - Platinum Club Donors
Jack Heims, '54
$101 - $199 - Gold Club Donors
Judith Clarke, '59
Robert E. Cook, '60
Rev. Bernard F. Engelhardt, '47
Donald Gilbert, '60 & Faculty
Lynn Gilmore Canton, '66
Thomas J. Guttuso, MD, '53
Gloria Lawrence Baxter, '43
Harold Leader, '57
Dr. Ronald Ley, '47
Leonard Ludwig, '55
Gerald F. Lupejkis, '50
Kenneth W. Matasar, M. D., '60
Marilyn Newman Walsdorf, '53
Sue O’Connor Idleman, '51
Alan Penn, '62
Carolyn Price Singletary, '66
Robert C. Rettke, '60
Herman Rodenberg, '44
Frederick J. Wallace, '50
Geraldine Walsh Manning, '51
Edward J. Willett, Jr., '56
Bernard E. Wills, '48
$100 - Century Club Donors
Phyllis Hanes Vogt, '53
Robert Maclin, '61
Roberta Allbert Dayer, '53
Robert M. Alt, '40
Jacqueline Hargrave Braswell, '55 Joyce McMahon Scherer, '51
Jack C. Anthony, '48
Cecelia B. Henderson,Faculty
Bruce A. McNallie, '56
James Banigan, Friend
Suzanne Herman Himmel, '49
Robert B. Mooney, '48
Kenneth L. Barley, ’50
Morris Himmel, '47
Robert G. Neuman, '60
Marilyn Bass Buxbaum, '54
Marjorie G. Hoffman, '62
Carol Newman Caserta, '60
Marland L. Berdick, '49
Patricia Hoffman Axelrod, '59 Dr. William E. O’Connor, '56
Richard Berkson, M.D., '64
Audrey Hoover Noble, '47
Katherine A. Phillies, '54
Sheldon Berlow, '50
Pamela J. Hough Alvarez, '68 Oliver L. Poppenberg, '55
Dr. Melvin M. Brothman, '50
Dr. Russell F. Houseman, '45
Harry L. Powazek ’73
Phillip Brothman, '56
Ana M. Hurd, Faculty
Josephine J. Riso , '55
Rosalie Brothman Rosenband, '55
Carmen J. Iannaccone, '57 Margaret Russ Guenther, '42
Richard F. Carver, M.D., '50
Charles G. Inman, '47
Elaine Schrutt Brothman, '53
Thomas Cechini, '56
Cora Jones Williams, '73
Owen W. Schultz , '92
Dr. William E. Clack, '61
Dr. Leonard Katz, '53
John Shavers, M.D., '60
Frederick Clarke, '58
Merle Katz Goldstein, '55
Myron M. Siegel, Atty., '47
Richard Dattner, '55
Mary Jane Kern Bednar, '62 Josephine Smith Gerner, '42
Cynthia Dayer Erb, '80
Ruth King Balchunas, '40
Rhoda Stein Greenwald, '59
Frank G. Emerling, '60
Neil J. Lange, Faculty
Theodore Sullivan, '50
Teresa M. Friol, '81
Marjorie Leff Scheff, '53
Elaine Thier Schweitzer, '47
Seymour Gitin, '52
Lawrence H. Levin, '57
E. Gary Toffolo, '54
Judith Lynn Green Brothman, '59 Rona Lichtman Tananbaum, '60 Richard Van Slyke, '49
Paul Guenther ’42
Fred ‘Fritz’ Vollmar, '54
Thanks to all of our members for their continued support!
*As of December 31, 2011. We apologize for any omissions or errors.
Please forward your corrections or inquiries to Neil Lange at the school.
6
by Margaret Lanz Puzio, '68
(These are some of the words from
Margaret’s acceptance speech at the Annual
Alumni Brunch. She was inducted in the field
of School Superintendents.)
I
t’s hard to describe how honored
I feel today. Bennett High
School’s distinguished graduates
populate every profession and field
of endeavor. Joining those who
have been honored before is both
humbling and deeply satisfying.
Second only to being born into a
strong family, a good education is
the best gift we can receive. I was
one of about 2100 students enrolled
at Bennett during the late sixties,
a large school by almost anyone’s
standards. But my experience was
not one of anonymity, nor did I languish unnoticed by my teachers.
Bennett has always been known
for its great teachers and rigorous
academics; its diverse student
population; its excellent physical
plant; its highly competitive athletic teams.
But its most important quality
by far is the teaching staff ’s ability to take vulnerable young
people, nurture and develop them
and then launch them as successful citizens, parents, professionals
and workers who are ready to productively engage with the world in
the pursuit of happiness.
Many thanks to members of the
Bennett High School Alumni Association for your tireless work on
behalf of generations of Bennett
High School students. We truly
appreciate the gifts of your time,
talent and dedication.
(To honor alumni in their field of endeavor,
please refer to the article and application
form on page 3 of this edition of the Alumni
Beacon. We encourage you to submit the
names of friends and classmates to be honored at our Annual Brunch!)
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
class reunions
Class of 1951
by Sally Laurie Murphy, '51
60th Reunion Rekindles Fond Memories
O
n September 17, 2011, 42 members of the Class of 1951 and their
guests enjoyed a delightful evening of sharing memories, reconnecting with old friends and lots of picture taking. This was the third
reunion of the class and there were about a dozen present who have
made all three and several who also attended the School’s 75th in 2000.
We seem to maintain a strong connection to our Alma Mater. There still
are a few souvenirs from our time together for anyone interested—the
little tigers, some bio books and photos. They can be obtained by contacting Sally Laurie Murphy at [email protected], or 12001 Colt Dr.,
Sutter Creek, CA 95685.
I am passing the torch for further reunions and hope someone will
step up to keep us connected— perhaps a simple dinner the same weekend each year? I have certainly gotten back more than I put in, loved
doing it and I am delightfully remarried as a result of doing the 50th.
But it is too hard from across the country! Take care and join the
Alumni Association—they do SO much for our school!
Class of 1962
by Dr. Peter Ostrow, '62
Golden Reunion Planned for September 28 - 30
S
et aside the weekend of September 28-30 to celebrate with your old (!)
friends and classmates!
Our weekend will include Friday night at Coles and Saturday night at The
Pierce Arrow museum, operated by our classmate, Jim Sandoro. It’s a fabulous place (www.pierce-arrow.com), and contains a filling station designed by
Frank Lloyd Wright! We’ll also have a Sunday brunch, and for those traveling
from out-of-town, we’ve arranged special hotel rates at the Hampton Inn downtown. Our committee is also working on other programs for that weekend!
But, first we need your help. We were a class of 421. So far we have some
information on 215 classmates, emails for about 150 of those, and sadly, we
know of 33 members who are deceased.
WE NEED TO LOCATE MORE MEMBERS OF OUR CLASS.
HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP:
This link will take you to a spreadsheet that has all the information we have
to date: http://tinyurl.com/BHS62at50
Please look it over and try to find people we have not found or let us know if
there is incorrect information on the sheet. Email any new information or
changes to Patti Harris at [email protected]. Anything you have would be
appreciated.
Also, we’d like to know whether you can join us! Please contact Andie
Rosenfeld Isch at [email protected] to let us know.
The planning committee currently includes (in alphabetical order):
Dave Butler, Karen Altman Cooper, Don Copley, Nick Costantino, Janet Loew
Day, Don Eppers, Dave Franko, Sandy Friedman, Patti Harris, Alan Hoffman,
Andie Rosenfeld Isch , Sherry Beane Huegel, Bob Kaprove, Kathy Poppenberg
Kridel, Jeffrey McCarley, Lorna Pyles Meade, Sharon Anscombe Osgood, Peter Ostrow, Sue Peugeot, Mel Reinheimer, Elaine Prince Rosen, Clarice Zeigler
Ryan
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Class of 1956
Mini Reunion Held
T
by Philip Brothman, '56
he Buffalo Pierce-Arrow Museum was a unique setting for
the BHS Class of '56’s 55th Reunion on September 17, 2011.
Sixty-two alumni and guests enjoyed the camaraderie, Buffalo-fare
food, '50’s music and a brief talk
about the museum and a tour by
Jim Sandoro, BHS Alumnus and
owner of the museum.
Lee Kirk served as MC and after dinner he read the Last Will
and Testament from the '56 Beacon for each class member in attendance. Steve Greenberg
thanked the Reunion Committee
which worked on the event for over
a year. Susan Busch Cullen led us
all in the Bennett Alma Mater.
Thanks to our Committee members who already have held a wrapup meeting and are talking about
our 60th!
SAVE THE DATE
for the
Class of 1952’s
60th Reunion
T
he Class of 1952 is in the process of planning their 60th
(can you believe it???) Reunion. The
committee is working on all the
details and needs your input to
help locate everybody.
Save the Date for Sunday,
October 14, 2012! A brunch is
planned for Milos Restaurant (formerly The Little White House) at
5877 Main Street in Williamsville.
For more information, be sure to
contact: [email protected].
Hope to see everybody there to
have a fun day and to catch up on
good memories!
9
class reunions
Class of 1961
50th Reunion Held
T
by Patrick Fox, '61
he Class of 1961 held its 50th
Reunion on Saturday, July 23
and Sunday, July 24, 2011. On Saturday a tour of the renovated Bennett High School was conducted by
Mr. Neil Lange at 11:00 a.m. He
masterfully spoke of the history
and changes that have occurred
since our graduation. From there
a picnic was held at the grounds of
Temple Beth Am at 2:00 p.m. on
what turned out to be the hottest
Saturday since forever! The
weather aside, 167 alumni in attendance had a wonderful time
catching up with each other.
On Sunday, a luncheon was held
at Aqua (formerly Harry’s Harbor
Place & Grill). Here was another
terrific occasion to reminisce and
get reacquainted. At this function
we were advised that an account
was being established and chaired
by Sam Alessi. Funds received will
be used to benefit Bennett High
School.
Thank you to Edward (Spike)
Hellman for the herculean effort
to assemble, plan and execute this
wonderful event.
The Class of 1961 had 408 graduates. Ed located and communicated with 335 classmates. We lost
53 classmates since graduation. To
achieve this level of participation
was remarkable.
A special thank you to Mr. Lange
for taking what I am sure was his
day off to conduct the school tour.
Bennett
reunion
notes
8
Are you planning
a reunion?
If so, we want to know about it!
E
veryone is interested in knowing details of your reunions. Many
alumni call us for information and, too often, we cannot help
them. So, please drop us a line about what you’re planning. You can
send information to our website or use the form below to keep us
posted!
Bennett High School Reunion Information Sheet
Class
Date of Reunion
Chairperson
Location and details
Phone number
Sports Hall of Fame Induction
O
by Jennie DePerro Brummer, Faculty(retired)
n Saturday, October 1, 2011, Bennett Alumni and friends gathered
at the school for the Tenth Annual BHS Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. After a lively time of renewing friendships, enjoying hors d’oeuvres, conversation and laughter, the guests entered the
auditorium for the ceremony.
This year’s Honorees included: Dennis Schoen, '57, Jack Syracuse,
'89, Richard Syracuse, '89, Sylvester Johnson, '65 and his son Shane
Johnson, '87, William Harty, '35 (deceased), Jim Dixon, '66, Anthony
(Tony) Cipolla, '54, Don Meyncke, '50, Don Orsolits, '60, Carla Colucci,
'82, Maurice Maloney, '48, Kristin Poliachik, '89, Joe Monte, '74 and
Arthur McClinton, '85.
The Bennett Alumni Association congratulates the induction Class of
2011! Plans for this year’s 10th anniversary reunion are underway. Look
for more details in the Summer edition of the Beacon!
Please attach any additional information to this form!
• Bennett Alumni Beacon • 2885 Main Street • Buffalo, New York 14214 •
Class of 1947
by Thomas P. Sheehan, '47
A Tribute on the 64th Class Reunion
A
bout six weeks before I was to be the Master of Ceremonies
for the 64th reunion I found myself in the back of an ambulance on the way to the hospital with a heart attack. I survived,
but knew that my MC role was over. But here it is.
Your dedication in being here tonight shows that the class of 1947
is one of the most loyal classes that
ever graduated from Bennett. It
tells the world that we are still true
to the orange and blue. But 68
years ago is what we should be celebrating tonight, not 64 years ago.
When in 1943, in the middle of
World War II, having just become
teenagers we, we walked bravely
through the doors of Bennett for
the first time and into four great
years of learning and good times.
But alas, we are now in our 80s
and we are the last twinkling stars
in the twilight of the Greatest
Generation this country has ever
known. We, along with our parents, suffered through the hard
times of the great World Depression of the 1930s and in the 1940s
we struggled through WWII.
While many of our families went
into military service or worked in
war production plants, we helped
the war effort by collecting scrap
metal and pots and pans for the
production of ships, tanks, guns
and planes. We suffered shortages
of food, gasoline and clothing. Just
three years after our graduation
the Korean War broke out.
Many of our classmates, including my two brothers and I,
marched off to fight yet another
war 8000 miles from our beloved
Bennett. The lucky ones made it
home safely, but too many came
home badly wounded or in flagdraped caskets.
All of them and you, my dear
classmates, are part of this special
bunch of American kids. I am
proud and honored to be your classmate.
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Sports Hall of Fame - Class of 2011
Random Acts!
T
by Lucille Buell, Faculty
his year the 9th Grade Academy started a Random Acts of
Kindness initiative with the help
of Mrs. Anne Maurer and myself.
Students who were spotted doing
something nice/kind/respectful,
etc... were nominated to receive a
certificate. But, through a wonderful Alumni Mini Grant, students
were able to receive pencils and
bracelets which read: Helpful,
Kind, Nice, Respectful, Responsible and water bottles which read:
Trustworthy, Friendly, Cooperative, Responsible, Caring,
Honest.
Students who were honored for
the First Marking Period are pictured below. In the back row:
Meghan Burdick, Andrew
White, Aliya Tompkins, Daija
King, Keone Owens, Davia
Hall, Modelis Delgado, and
Alauna DeBose. Front Row: Mrs.
Ann Mauer and Miss Lucille
Buell.
Not pictured were Michael Ortiz,
Sierra Magby and Cameryn Cook.
“Our freshmen are doing a wonderful job,” explained Mrs. Mauer. “It’s
good to be recognized for doing good
things. Thank-you, Alumni!”
Thank-You All!
by Alicia Granto-Estenoz, Faculty
T
his is a message of gratitude
for having financed a most
memorable field trip for a group of
23 Bennett students. Some in the
group termed it “my best experience ever”.
I cannot over emphasize how
much of an impact the field trip to
see the Spanish dance troupe had
on the participants educationally,
personally and socially.
Thanks for all you do to make
projects such as this possible for
our students!
BENNETT ALUMNI BEACON
Ninth Grade Academy - Random Acts
7