Dear Students,

Parents, Alumni and Friends of the Mount, 

Our common religious tradition celebrates life in a special way over the next few weeks. With the start of Advent a season of waiting unfolds. 

Advent, and the Christmas season surrounding it, calls to mind the Incarnational "fact" that Christmas is one of the defining moments in the unfolding story of the love between humanity and divinity. 

This is a season which challenges us to see divine promises and possibilities around us in spite of the commercialization and political turmoil we endure as we wait our way through Advent for the celebration to follow. Perhaps this is the Advent which will be a "tipping point" in our spiritual development and growth.

Advent....waiting.... wait we must for another opportunity to clinch the football championship.  Of course, there was a bit of consolation later when the MOUNT won the 69th Annual Turkey Bowl against Cardinal Hayes High School. It was a great day for a football game and lots of alums came out as a result. A win-win for the Mount.

Our student government celebrated the Thanksgiving spirit by organizing and leading the school in preparing over 50 food baskets and turkeys for parishes in the Bronx to be distributed to families in need. 

KEEP READING

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!! 

No matter the size, your gift to the Annual Fund enables the Mount to:

- Offer financial-aid

- Maintain its own school buses

- Provide state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms

- Maintain the school grounds

- Provide support for extracurricular activities

CLICK HERE TO DONATE  

Teacher Adam Mayeroff works with Sophomore Terrell Halliman

One of the hallmarks of any Marist school is the particular care for students who, for one or more reasons, may find school difficult. 

Rooted in St. Marcellin

Champagnat's belief that Marist schools should care for the "most neglected," in a special way, Marist schools have designed programs to enable struggling students to succeed.  Mount St. Michael Academy is  no exception. 

Focus Education at Mount St. Michael is a program designed to enable students to successfully complete the college preparatory curriculum offered at the Mount, with the goal of having students enrolled in the program succeed in college upon graduating. To that end, the program has four main components: academic support, study skills, organizational skills and self-advocacy. 

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Samuel Akinseye '12

 As an example of Mount literary talent, we wanted to share with you this essay that Samuel wrote for his college applications. 

My eyes are half-way open due to my neighbor's loud music. At times, I thank God for his passion for it or else I would be always late for school. As I come down from my bed, I realize it is six a.m. I drag my feet into the tub. 

Relieving myself of soreness due to late night studying, I have my uniform placed already on my ironing board in order to make it more convenient to quickly put my clothes on. 

Next is my tie. Throwing my book bag over my shoulder, I walk through my lonely apartment to the refrigerator where mother leaves a word of advice on a sticky note for the day. Making sure to turn both top and bottom door locks, I leave my building. It is the entrance to another world. 

I have never understood how on the same block there are magnificent homes while in the opposite direction there are notorious projects and boarded-up buildings. The worst part is that I live right between both areas. Each day, I see the streets from a different point of view depending upon where I walk. Moving through the entrance, I travel to the bus stop. Every step I take brings back memories of dropouts, street pharmacists and failures. KEEP READING

Junior Stephen Bailey is on the road  to biochemistry

On December 10th, 2011, Mount Junior Stephen Bailey 'gave a presentation on what it takes to develop a career in biochemistry at the  6th Annual Mentoring in Medicine Conference at the Frederick Douglass Academy in Manhattan.  

The conference was sponsored in partnership with the Student National Medical Association, Weill Cornell Medical College and Columbia Medical School Chapters.  

Stephen is getting a kick start in an intended career in biochemistry by participating in the Mentoring in Medicine program at the Mount.  Mentoring in Medicine was founded in 2006 by Montefiore Medical Center emergency room doctor Dr. Lynne Holden and a handful of her colleagues to help students of diversity achieve their dreams of becoming health professionals. The program is sponsored by the National Library of Medicine. 

Stephen says, "I have always enjoyed science since I was a little kid, and I saw this as an opportunity to advance my learning in biology and in medical science." Stephen points out that a biochemical researcher is often the person at a food company, for example that will discover if a food is at risk for salmonella or e-coli.

Stephen is currently researching which universities to apply to in his senior year which will help him along his path of becoming a biochemist. 

Here is Stephen's presentation: 

The role of a biochemists in the world is to participate in industry, by developing biochemical products through research, analysis, synthesis, and experimentation. 

Biochemistry is a major, which focuses on the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. Examples of these processes include the chemical basis of heredity, metabolism, molecular biology, microbiology, and physical chemistry. Biochemists study the secret characteristics of each organism and their biological processes. This major also prepares students for careers in the fields of science, medicine, agriculture, and industry. 

If you are interested in advancing your common skills, once you complete this major, you will know how to communicate, operate scientific equipment, organize and handle information, think critically, problem solve, and most importantly, how to work amongst a team. A couple of examples of careers that require the previously noted skills and the knowledge of biochemistry are as follows:

                        Professions:                                       Work location:

                        Assistant scientist                             Hospital laboratories

                        Biochemist                                        Research facilities

                        Research assistant                          Pharmaceutical companies

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George Ranalli '64: Musician to Architect

A chair, the Valentine #2, designed by George Ranalli '64 is currently on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the installation Highlights From The Modern Design Collection, 1900 to the Present. The piece, which Ranalli designed in the early 1990s as part of a breakfast room design at a Westchester residence, is part of the Met's permanent collection.  The Exhibit runs through the Spring of 2012.

How does a Mount student go on to have a design in a Met exhibit for the world to see?

It was not a direct route, as Ranalli relates: "I was in the performing arts at the Mount, and played drums in both the Concert and Jazz Bands. The Mount had a fabulous music program." 

When Ranalli graduated Mount, he chose not to go to college right away and instead was pursuing the career of a musician. He worked with greats such as Etta James, Johnnie Morris and Wayne Cochran in clubs all over New York. 

Click Here to See Pratt's Video  Interview with George Ranalli on his work

 "I worked with terrific people, but I needed a day job to make extra money," recalls Ranalli. He credits his mechanical drawing class at the Mount, taught by Bro. Leo Matthews F.M.S., with giving him the skills to land his first job in the architectural profession-working in an architect's office. Ranalli was fascinated by drawing at the job, and soon decided to apply to college and to study architecture. 

Ranalli graduated first in his class from Pratt and then went to Harvard for his graduate studies in Architecture. He opened his own practice in 1977 on West 28th Street in Manhattan. Ranalli's firm does residential, commercial and institutional projects. He is currently Dean of  the Architecture School  at City College of New York (CUNY) and has been extensively involved with other leading Schools of Architecture including Yale, Columbia, Rhode Island School of Design and Pratt Institute.  

Ranalli says of the Marist Brothers, "The  Mount grounded me and taught me a lot of life's lessons. The Brothers were great, especially Brother Timothy Joseph.  The overtone of professional and personal ethics was driven by a moral imperative, which was, 'You can succeed and be helpful to other people.' "

Dr. Joseph Maresca '69 talks to Mount students on Career Day 2011

Dr. Joseph Maresca '69 CPA, CISA is not only a distinguished accountant, he has recently started a second career as an avid writer on academic topics. 

Earlier this year, Dr. Maresca created and launched the website Supercontents on Lunch.com. in order to centralize complex research topics like The Artificial Sun, The Continent of Plasticsis and Nuclear Power Safety Issues.  

Members of Lunch.com write articles on topics of interest in the arts, sciences and current events. Says Dr. Maresca, " I like writing about academics in order to add a practical dimension to the subjects. Obviously, Accounting has brought me into the details of business operations that operate in ways that the accounting literature does not always anticipate."

The intent of Supercontents, says Dr. Maresca,  is to have content which is topical, well-researched and generally unique. The content should interest a wide spectrum of professionals, people in academe, government, researchers, students at every level, hobby enthusiasts,  nature enthusiasts  and many others. Some popular issues covered on Supercontents include articles on the following. Click on any one of them to read the entire discussion:   

• The Icelandic Volcano
• Haitian Earthquake
• The Continent of Plasticsis
• Natural Cancer Killers

Mr. William J. Kleber '49: Great Grandchild Arianna born 10/1/11.

Mr. Ralph A. Manna '55: Retired Teacher from Byram Hills School District, Armonk, NY.

Mr. Philip V. Aliotta '59: My son Vincent was married on 8/16/07 - He and his wife Teri are expecting a son in May of 2008, this will be our 11th grandchild. 

Mr. Philip V. Aliotta '59: My graddaughter, Daniele Willwerth will be getting married in August of 2012.

Mr. Robert J. Marinaro '59: Retired as Deputy Regional Commissioner of theSocial Security Administration after 40 years of service.  Enjoy teaching kindergarten through fifth grade at Ward Elementary school in New Rochelle as a permanent substitute.

Mr. Arthur F. Napolitano '60: Retried from Lockheed Martin Space Co. (Sunnyvale, CA) in Feb 2011.  Moved to Sarasota, FL with my wife, Lynn.

Mr. Vincent P. Ditrano, Jr. '62: 2012 is my 60th! I plan to attend the graduation.  Maybe we could remind all from the class of 1952 (The first class to graduate from the Memorial gym) to come back. Please keep me posted.  A blessed Christmas to the Mount family. God bless.

Michael Diffily '63: Last January (2011), Michael Diffily was named president of Daniel Webster College in Nashua, New Hampshire.  Previously he had been vice president of Lincoln College of New England in Southington, Connecticut.  Michael holds a Ph.D. from Boston College, a master's degree from University of Rhode Island, and a bachelor's degree from Brown University.

Mr. Paul Juliano '69: I entered the USAF immediately upon graduating in '69 and retired in '89.  I then entered the field of insurance and also retired in '06. I am currently residing in Myrtle Beach, SC.  I am currently serving as President, Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Strand Lodge 2868. 

Mr. Bob Pagani '69: These days I live on the coast in Oregon (my eigth state).  Married for the second time, I have two step-kids (boy and girl). I've worked in radio and TV; back in the 70's, I worked in security for the Yankees, Mets and Madison Square Garden.  It's been an interesting ride so far, lemme tell you. 

Mr. Michael D. Donovan '74:  I currently work in Pratt Institute in Brooklyn as an Engineer.   

Michael Boyle '80, upper left, with the Mount Soccer Team

Mr. Michael P. Boyle '80:  Retired from NYPD 49 Pct. Currently teaching Physical Education at Our Lady Of Mount Carmel .

Varsity Soccer Coach along with my Brother Danny 1982 of the Mount Saint Michael Soccer Team. Married to my wife Mary Boyle over 18 years . My daughter Kaitlin is in 10th Grade at Maria Regina in Westchester and plays soccer, basketball and volleyball.  Lead the Mount Soccer Team to the 2011 CHSAA North Division Championship and the CHSAA Soccer Archdiocese of NY Sectional Championship contest. Mount was the CHSAA Runnerup.  

Mr. Joseph Hickey '07: Was a proud member of the mount Saint Michael Academy Hockey Team. Also took part in the Tower, Campus Ministry, and the yearbook.  Formerly attended Westchester Community College majoring in communications and studying Broadcasting at SUNY Oswego.  Formerly, I worked at Sirius Statellite Radio on the Howard Stern Show.  I am also a brother of the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity.

We want to hear from you!!! Please send your updates to Michael Duignan, Director of Alumni Affairs, at michael.duignan@mtstmichael.org

Our Annual Fund helps to bridge the gap between tuition and operating  expenses.  Annual giving is the financial lifeline of any school.  Simply put, the annual fund is the best way possible for alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and friends to help make a difference in the future of Mount St. Michael Academy. Your investment, on an annual basis, will help raise needed funds for programs, activities and other expenses that the school incurs.

Regardless of its size, your gift to the Annual Fund enables the Mount to:

• Offer need-based financial-aid
• Maintain its own school buses
• Provide state-of-the-art technology in our classrooms
• Maintain and improve classroom and student facilities
• Hear specifically how the Annual Fund is used to help Mount students!

Bro. Steve Schlitte, Principal

Bro. Steve Schlitte: The Annual Fund has allowed us to expand our reach into new elective courses and to integrate technology into our instructional practices. For example, we are developing a Sports Medicine Program and have outfitted virtually all our classrooms with "smartboard" technology.

Our new AP European History class makes use of a wide range of scholarships not otherwise available. Teachers are empowered to help students in school and at home - a great way to enhance student achievement school wide.

Gus Berger '12

Gus Berger '12:  I am a senior at the Mount. My family has struggled with the economy and with tuition. This year we received financial aid from the Mount. 

It has made a big difference for my family and me. I can study and not worry so much. I can concentrate on applying to college and my future. 

I am grateful to the generosity of the alumni. I will not forget this help. I look forward to helping a student in the future after I get a job.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE!!!!

2012

February 11th: Florida Reunion-Ft. Lauderdale 

Thursday April 26th: Legends Dinner

May 10th: Washington D.C. Area Reunion

Friday June 1st: Class of '62  50th Reunion

Tuesday June 19th: Wykagyl Country Club

Stephen Dougherty '77 Gives a Presentation on the Pharmaceutical Industry

 

Mr. Lambert then moved to Washington, DC where he worked as an Associate at Capital Source, a commercial bank focused on helping private equity and entrepreneurs purchase small businesses.  After four years at Capital Source, Mr. Lambert joined Oakcrest Capital Partners a private equity firm in Washington, DC, where he helped raise a $150MM private equity fund to purchase small businesses.  Mr. Lambert lives in Laurel, Maryland with his wife Ayana and two sons, Alexander and Anderson.

 CLICK HERE TO SEE CAREER DAY PHOTOS

Director of Development

Mount St. Michael Academy