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Saturday June 7: MSM Graduation

Monday June 30 MSM: Golf Outing @ Metropolis Country Club 

Dear Alums and Friends of the Mount,

 

Your reading of this latest edition of the newsletter will prove to be bittersweet. Of course you will see great coverage of the many activities that characterize life today at the Mount. However, there is a cloud over the Mount as we mourn and celebrate the life of Joel Occhiuto '59. 

 

 

This was Joel's 49th year of teaching at the Mount. Joel was a dedicated person to the ideals of the Mount, the vision of the Marist Brothers, and his own personal faith. Joel was a man of solid routine (as Louis Ramos will demonstrate below) and steadfast practice to norms and ideals.

 

One characteristic stands out for me, his faithfulness to his God and his peers. Joel was one of the first faculty members to arrive at school in the morning. His first act was to stop by and say a short prayer in the Chapel. He then went on to make coffee for the faculty! At the end of the day, no matter how busy, he would always stop in the Chapel for a short reflection before heading home. He modeled, silently and with no fanfare, his faith and his loyalty to his peers.

 

Joel loved teaching. His students knew that in their hearts and experienced that enthusiasm every day in class. As Msgr. Hugh McManus noted in his final words at Joel's funeral mass, "Joel died with his boots on. I have no doubt they were shined as well."

We have lost a good and faithful model for what a teacher at the Mount ought to aspire to. Thankfully, we have great memoires to guide us in his absence.

  

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Anthony Miserandino

 

By Luis Ramos '04  

 

On April 24th the Mount lost a member of its family and a teacher of 49 years, Joel Occhiuto. The outpouring of condolences and rememberences by students, alum and friends has been incredibly touching. We thought that this rememberance by Luis Ramos '04 encompassed much Joel's spirit and the impact that he had on his students.  

 

  

As a college student, I think back to how I have changed since high school. While I am still Luis, aspects of my life and person have changed. Interests, ideas, courses of study, and even social groups have changed or grown since high school. Experiences that I have had since entering college have helped and continue to help shape me. This, of course, does not erase the impact of experiences I had in the past: especially in high school.

 

As a senior at the Mount, I was able to take Advanced Placement Spanish... under the guidance of Mr. Joel Occhiuto. Not only was he known as a "by the book" teacher, but the class itself was TOUGH. A daunting double whammy for a senior who had enough on his mind! 

 

If I passed the AP exam at the end of the year, I'd gain college credit (always a benefit). Over the year I spent in his class, Mr. Occhiuto stressed the importance of many things in his teaching and personality.  Keep Reading

 

 

The Mount has established the Joel Occhiuto Memorial Scholarship Fund.  These funds will be utilized to support students who demonstrate financial need and outstanding proficiency in Spanish.

 

 

If you would like to donate to the fund in memory of Joel, please contact the Development Office: 718 515 6400 ext. 268

or email julie.androshick@mtstmichael.org

All checks should be addressed to Mount St. Michael Academy

Mail to: 

Development Office

4300 Murdock Avenue

Bronx, NY 10466

Congratulations to Mount seniors who are currently being accepted at universities all over the United States! So far, over 90 of our students have been accepted into over 120 colleges and universities--and we are still counting!  The hard work of our students--SAT's, application paperwork, essays and STRESS--has paid off. Read below as we highlight some of our college bound seniors! 

 

Jayson Buford '14: "I definitely want people to know who I am and that I am here to help out if they need it!"

Jayson Buford '14 received offers from Manhattanville, Sacred Heart University, Hofstra University, Quinnipiac University and the University of Ithaca, and will most likely go to Quinnipiac , where he has received a scholarship.

 

He and his family  live on 159th Street in Hamilton Heights'  biggest self-described best  trait is being authentic, although he also says that can rub people the wrong way in that he is sometimes too talkative.  Says Jayson, " I have a big heart and like to have fun, but sometimes I ruffle a lot of feathers being 100% real!"

  

This big-hearted Mount extravert has treasured his 4 years at the Mount because of the faculty and his fellow students.  Says Jayson, "Coach Ryan, who was my teacher for Government and US History, is my favorite. He took the time out to get to know me and encourage me, both on the basketball team and in my academics." 

 

Jayson will help anyone that needs it, from faculty to admin to the maintenance staff, whom he helps quite a bit. Says Jayson, "I definitely want people to know who I am and that I am here to help out if they need it."  

 

Jayson also mentors sophomores and juniors in order to show them the rocks. Jayson says, " I will go out of my way to help anyone. I am not a prototype jock!" Keep Reading

 

    

 

During Easter Break, The Marist Brothers Vocations Office organized and sponsored a service trip to Wheeling WV. Four students from Archbishop Molloy H.S. and four students from Mount St. Michael Academy joined Bro. Brian Poulin, Bro. Dan O'Riordan and Phil Sitarski, a graduate of Roselle Catholic to spend a week working on a number of projects to help many of the forgotten poor in the Appalachian region of our country. 

 

The students worked with the homeless at the Catholic Charities 18th Street center, on two house renovation projects as well as in a community garden. The group teamed up with the Marist Brothers stationed in West Virginia  as well as with students from Bishop Donahue H.S. which continues to be a school in the Marist tradition.

The students worked incredibly hard and made a great difference in the lives of many in this impoverished community. Each evening the students gathered for a night time prayer reflection on the day's events and shared about the experience impacted them.

 

Sam Oliver '14:  " I could never imagine faculty like this: they have your back and are encouraging. Everyone knows everyone  at Mount. It is a true brotherhood."

 Sam Oliver '14  credits his mother Yvette with urging him to attend the Mount.  Says Sam, "At first, I wasn't really excited about the idea of attending an all-boys school, and wanted to go to Spellman."  Sam received a scholarship from the Mount and his mother compelled him to go, saying he would soon get used to an all boys school. 

 

Says Sam, "My mother was right. I am so glad I received a scholarship and that I went to the Mount-it shaped me into the young man I am today. Everyone is themselves at Mount, and not trying to show off or be tough."

 

That young man will be on his way to Duke University in Durham, North Carolina in the fall, with a scholarship from Duke that will finance 95% of his education. Duke's prestigious Black Students Alliance, which supports and advocates on behalf of black students in order to enhance Duke, invited Sam and other top students for a visit to Duke. 

 

It was BSA hospitality and pride in Duke that pretty much convinced Sam that Duke was the place for him. "I went there and got to campus. Everyone was so welcoming and I fell in love with the place. I got a sense of comfort, and could see myself there." Keep Reading 

    

 

Ben Borsellino '73 is flanked by Mount President Anthony Miserandino and Bro. Steve Schlitte at an alum event at Winged Foot in 2011, when the first seed money for the program was donated by Ben as well as Johnson and Johnson.

 

It was John Valavan '45 that inspired grad of '73 Ben Borsellino to help drive the design of the Mount's Sports Medicine program, a unique  program that combines advanced science studies  with hands on learning.   Ben met John at Paul Rowan and Company in 1982. 

 

 

Says Ben, "By working John I got into the business of sports medicine, and have been working for clients like Johnson and Johnson and Gatorade. John had a love for what he did, and the biggest heart of anyone I knew.  He had a lasting impact on those he touched. I wish he were here to see what his life work has inspired."

 

 

John Valavan '45

  In its second year,  the Sports Medicine program has 30 students who are studying advanced biology, chemistry and anatomy courses and participating in internships. The program's foundation of advanced science courses prepares participating students for not only collegiate sports medicine programs at the university level but dozens of other university level science courses that gear students up for careers in fast growing healthcare and medical industries.

 

Athletic Trainers today are trained at an expert level so that they are similar to EMTs, but with more of a specialization. Says Ben, "This is important because the Athletic Trainer today is a primary care giver along the lines of an EMT professional because they need to be able to respond immediately to injuries ranging from a sprained ankle to a serious concussion."  Keep Reading 

    

  

 

Joseph Hummel, Mount's Vice Principal and history teacher

will be attending Hertford College at Oxford University this July to study The American Empire in the Nineteenth Century. The lecture will be given by Jay Sexton, Fellow and Tutor, University Lecturer in American History, Corpus Christi College, Oxford University

Mount students in Milan on their first day in Italy!  From left to right is Jose Rivera (senior), Mount teacher   Spanish teacher and Italian Club advisor Jessica Hall, Bryan Costello (sophomore), Neil Cristal (senior), Greg Pope (junior), and Tim Caceres (junior).

  

Mount St. Micahel Academy's Italian Club and other interested students had an Italian adventure over the Easter  Break, from April 17-25.  The group toured Venice, Florence, Assisi, Rome, and Pompeii, and will have memories of a lifetime. Here are some of the group's favorite experiences:

 

Neil: "I loved the gondola ride we took in Venice!"

 

Bryan: "We walked to the top of the Duomo in Florence and you could see the whole city from the top.  It was 463 steps to the top!"

 

Tim: "One of the lunches in Florence was a Florentine steak and it was super delicious:)"

 

Greg: "It was remarkable seeing the Sistine Chapel." 

 

Jose: I will always remember walking through the Colloseum."

 

Ms. Hall: "My favorite part was wandering through the hilly streets of Assisi." 

 

 

  

  

 

To our Alumni and Friends!

 

On Monday June 30th the 24th Annual Mount Saint Michael Academy Golf and Tennis Outing will take place at one of New York State's premier Golf and Tennis Country Clubs, Metropolis Country Club located in White Plains, NY. 

 

Each year our Golf Committee strives to improve on what is a very successful and enjoyable MSM event that supports the 

Mount Saint Michael Academy Scholarship Fund. 

 

The Metropolis CC facilities offer a championship golf course and top of the line tennis facilities,  topped off with an elegant club house and patio that provide spectacular views.

  

This year our outing offers a hearty brunch, morning and afternoon golf, afternoon tennis, our popular gourmet cooking class, followed by a fabulous cocktail party, dinner and concludes with a fabulous live and silent auction. Our Live and Silent Auctions will have many new and exciting offerings and opportunities. Our Super Raffle will feature two NFL Super Bowl tickets and two US Open Tennis Tournament tickets.

 

Click here to buy Super Raffle Tickets!!

 

Your support will make a difference in the lives of these deserving young men and their families. The Mount and the good news that goes on every day at the corner of Nereid and Murdock Avenues deserves our best and collective efforts.

 

This event sells out early, so we urge you to sign up online as soon as possible at the link below to reserve your participation in the outing! 

 

Thank you for your support!

 

 Ad Astra Per Aspera

   

  

Thank you

  

Jim Coleman '76

Chairman, Mount St. Michael Academy Golf Committee

 

For more information, please contact

michael.duignan@mtstmichael.org

  

Richard Francis O'Donnell '69, of Mechanicsville, MD, died October 13, 2011 at his residence. Born August 18, 1951 in Bronx, NY, he was the son of the late Joseph Patrick O'Donnell and the late Louise Marie O'Donnell.

Richard held dual Master Degrees in secondary education and economics. He was an undergraduate of Iona College in New York, held a graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University and also held an Advanced Certificate in Administration. Richard taught U.S. History, was a Director of Student Activities, and coached Boys Basketball at Chopticon High School until he retired in June of 2008. He also was a former President of SMAC.

Richard is survived by his wife, Maureen O'Brien O'Donnell; children, John Patrick O'Donnell (Stacy) of Prince Frederick, MD and Laura Marie O'Donnell of Towson, MD; grandson, Andrew Richard O'Donnell and brother, Dennis M. O'Donnell (Gail) of Charlotte, NC as well as many beloved family members and friends.  Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1041 Rt. 3, North Bldg. A, Gambrills, MD 21054.

 

Mr. Patrick C. De Gasperis '56:  Great Granddaughter Gianna Cornwell born Feb 22,  2012, which was our 53rd wedding anniversary.

 

 

Dr. Peter D. Fugazzi '58:  recently retired after 33 years of practice in Lansing Michigan.  Presently enjoying traveling to Ohio and Nevada to visit grandchildren.  New baby girl coming at the end of March.  That will make six and counting.  Enjoy reading Mount's web page.  Delighted that Mount's goals have never changed.  God Bless you all!! Peter Fugazzi '58.

 

Mr. Daniel J. Polchinski '60: Aerospace Engineer/ Pilot at Grumman Corporation, worked for 30 Flight Departments Worldwide, Qualified on Boeing 707, 727, 737, and 747 aircraft in 9 countries, Flew commercial flights into 350 different airports in 77 countries, Lived in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Australia, worked at over 40 different occupations since attending Mount, and haven't stopped yet. Married to a talented writer wife for 39 years who gave me a daughter and two sons who made 35 pack and follow moves.

 

Mr. John J. Gaynor '68: How about a fishing trip?

 

Mr. Domenick Laperuta '79: (Ret) NYPD Detective  Owner of StarQest Security & Investigations, Inc.  Inspector for Sara Lawrence College Author of "Endeavour."  Married with two children. 

 

Mount St. Michael Academy is excited to announce our new Mount Loyalty Society! Become a member by donating to the Annual Fund for at least 5 consecutive years and get discounts on select Mount Events! 

 

We are in the process of sending out cards to alum who currently qualify.

 

Consecutive Annual Fund Donations and Discount Levels are as follows: 

  

5-9 Years:    5%

 

10-14 Years: 10%

 

15-19 Years: 15%

 

20+ years: 20%

 

 John Mendez '06  

 

 I give because the Mount really helped me to understand the value of brotherhood .

 

No matter what year you graduated , the simple mention of Mount Saint Michael brings a common bond to all Alumni who attended this great institution.

 

I am forever thankful for attending Mount Saint Michael Academy and will continue to help in anyway way that I can. " 

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL FUND? 

 

Our Annual Fund bridges the gap between tuition and operating expenses. Your investment will provide funding for programs, activities and other expenses that the school incurs. Tuition and fees cover about 66% of total revenue collected, which is why we need to rely on your support. 

 

When you give to the Annual Fund, your dollars help fund advanced curriculum in programs like Sports Medicine,  IT and Business, as well as strengthening our athletic programs and extracurricular activities.

 

• Offer need-based financial support
• Drive excellence in curriculum and scholastic advancement
• Strengthen our athletic programs
• Provide state-of-the-art technology
• Make repairs to school facilities and grounds

 

The Bro. James Kearney,
F. M. S. Memorial Scholarship was established in June and is an award granted to a graduating senior who best exemplifies the

characteristics of this beloved teacher, former Principal and Mount Board member.  These characteristics are: great patience, attention to the needs of others and service to the Mount. 

 

Our goal is to raise $50,000 dollars for this scholarship so that it may be endowed at an amount that will yield meaningful returns in order to provide scholarships in perpetuity.

 

For more information, please call

Julie Androshick Boyle

Development Office

718 515 6400 ext. 268 

 

Please send your donation to:

 

Development Office

Mount St. Michael Academy

4300 Murdock Avenue

Bronx, NY 10466

 

 

Says Jayson's mom Alexia, " Such a young man!!!  It has been an inspiring journey at the Mount,for my intrepid traveler, Jayson. The Mount took my free-spirited son, who came from a liberal, "sit on the floor yoga style" school on E. 66 Street and molded him into a disciplined, assertive and critical thinker, who loves Shakespeare as much as he loves Mike and Mike on ESPN. With the guidance of his teachers, who saw beyond his big bulky 6' 3" exterior, he has become a knowledgable, engaging and joyous young man, ready to take on the challenges of College life. I am buoyed by the possibilities."   

   

 

 

 

Jerel Gayle '15's industriousness as the Mount's Yearbook editor over the past three years is legendary, so much so that it earned him the nickname of "Little Napoleon" among the Yearbook staff. Well, Jerel's industriousness and proficiency in getting a job extended to his college application process. 

  

  

Says Jerel, as the college acceptances came rolling in, my dad was bragging to everyone that "My son Jerel is getting into colleges out of the wazoo!! "

  

Jerel and his family live in Wakefield and are not far from the Mount. He is the oldest of three children and wants to study journalism when he goes to college. 

  

Of the Mount,  Jerel says, " I like all the students the most along with the teachers. I like how welcoming everyone is. When I first entered the Mount I felt very new and distant, but the students and teachers made me feel part of the community immediately "   

 

Kalif Rollock '14 lives in Long Island and definitely has the longest commute of any Mount student! However, with no traffic (Kalif's mom drives him to school) it is 45 minutes.

  

Kalif started attending Mount after his former school, Rice, closed after Kalif's freshman year. Kalif credits Tom Fraher, admissions director, and his mother with encouraging him to come to the Mount.  " I like the Mount a lot and I have learned  a lot. It has taught me to be yourself, but don't overdo it, and have limits." 

  

Kalif was accepted into  Quinnipiac University, University of Bridgeport University, Albright College and St. John's University, with partial scholarship offers from Quinnipiac and Bridgeport. Kalif says he favors Quinnipiac. 

  

The one teacher who influenced me the most is Mr. Asaro who teaches  English. When I first ccame here he knew I was new and talked to me a lot. A lot of life lessons. I would not mind keeping in touch with him after I graduate."

  

Kalif works at Wendy's 20 hours a week, usually the 3 to 10 shift. I want to study nursing, pshycologist, or physical therapy. Older brother, we are total opposites.

  

Says Kalif, "My mom is my biggest supporter, she gets my drive going!"

  

 Sam works very hard, not only in school but a  the DeFranco Pharmacy in Soundview from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  during the week and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

 

Sam, his dad Joseph, his mom Yvette, and his two younger sisters live in the Soundview section of the Bronx.  

 

Sam is a member of the Rising Stars Steel Orchestra at his Church, Westchester United Methodist. He also plays drums with the Cool and Smooth Ebonites, a steel drum band with musicians from all over the Caribbean that compete in annual Calypso Band contests in Barbados. 

  

Says Sam of the Mount, " I could never imagine faculty like this: they have your back and are encouraging. Everyone knows everyone  at Mount. It is a true brotherhood."

 

"When I become successful I will always remember the Mount and will give back to Mount! No doubt in my mind I would give back to Mount."  

  

1. Being proper: Whether it was subject-verb agreement or dress code, Mr. O made sure to let us know that the rules needed to be followed. Nothing was a surprise, it was made CLEAR. We knew the rules, the consequences, and the expectations.

 

2. Accountability: Homework was due at the beginning of class. We had a homework folder that was due as soon as we walked in! In the student-teacher relationship, we were accountable to him as students, and he was accountable to us as a teacher. There was a sense of respect and professionalism.

 

3. Listening: Watching a movie in Mr. O's class always took a few classes... he paused it every few minutes to make commentary! Some found it annoying, but the pauses made sense when it came time for the homework to be done! He stressed listening and taking in lessons. This was a sure way to get a handle on content.

 

These are just a few of the many things Mr. O stressed to students. At the end of the year, I passed the AP exam, gaining college credits! These have been extremely helpful in scheduling and getting me ahead of coursework in college. That and much more from high school has followed me into college.

 

This past Thursday, Mr. Occhiuto passed away suddenly. The news was shocking, and is still difficult to think about. While it is a sad time for the Mount community and those who knew him, we have much to enjoy in memories of Mr. O. His influence in the lives of hundreds of people, especially Men of the Mount, will have spanned much longer than the 49 years he dedicated to the Mount. "By the book" was not annoying, but truly a symbol of care for students. His care for students was truly evident.

 

Your experiences are your own... and also shared. Your relation to others is part of how you express yourself. I encourage all of you to look back on your high school experience and where you are now. That will be different for all of us, but it provides an interesting perspective. What has changed and what has remained the same? Are you where you thought you would be? If not, how can you get to the place you want to be? God Bless You All, and Keep Living Marist.

 

Below are  remembrances from many of our alum who had Mr. Occhiutto:

 

This past Thursday, Mr. Occhiuto passed away suddenly. The news was shocking, and is still difficult to think about. While it is a sad time for the Mount community and those who knew him, we have much to enjoy in memories of Mr. O. His influence in the lives of hundreds of people, especially Men of the Mount, will have spanned much longer than the 49 years he dedicated to the Mount. "By the book" was not annoying, but truly a symbol of care for students. His care for students was truly evident.

 

 

Your experiences are your own... and also shared. Your relation to others is part of how you express yourself. I encourage all of you to look back on your high school experience and where you are now. That will be different for all of us, but it provides an interesting perspective. What has changed and what has remained the same? Are you where you thought you would be? If not, how can you get to the place you want to be? God Bless You All, and Keep Living Marist.

 

Below are remembrances from some of the many of our alum who had Mr. Occhiutto:

 

Eric J. Rios '13 and family: "Our condolences to the entire Mount Family and Mr. Occhiuto's loved ones.  With much sympathy."

 

Lewis Montana '70: I am very sorry to hear of this news. Mr. Occhiuto was a wonderful person and teacher.  May he rest in peace with the Lord. 

 

 

Mark Bardini '83 "This is very sad news. Joel was a great person and devoted a large part of his life to Mount, just as Jack Murphy did."

 

 

Gerry Fredella '72: " As I just read about Mr. O's passing I remember his "passion" for the Spanish culture and language...I enjoyed his classes and the "CLASS ACT" he instilled in us as young men. 

 

 

In my junior year in college I decided to study in Spain for a year, and I guess Mr. O had inspired me to follow my heart with my studies.

 

I ended up with a Spanish major, and a business minor. Today, I enjoy my work as an EXPORT SALES manger to Latin America and use the SPANISH language daily and some Mr. O's professional guidance in life.

 

We were all blessed to have him as a teacher and mentor, and the MOUNT in our lives." 

 

  

Ben and Johson and Johnson have been very generous in helping to provide funding to get get the Sports Medicine program up and running in the Fall of 2011, and Ben, because of his professional contacts in sports medicine, has  been instrumental in driving the development of the program. He has arranged for guest lecturers for the students. One such guest speaker was  Dean Webber, part of the Gatorade sports nutrition and education program, who spoke to the students on the importance of nutrition and hydration for athletes.   

Ben says, "First of all, the exposure to sciences  in general is a wonderful thing for the kids because they can become familiar early on with everything in the health care industry from research to teaching. It provides a strong foundation for ultimately going into careers in physical therapy, health care and nursing , just to name a few, where hiring is increasing."

 

One of the significant components of the Sports Medicine program is the hands on experience the students will receive. This semester juniors and seniors will go to Iona College, and under the guidance of head trainer Sam DeRosa,  will shadow Iona trainers.  

 

An exciting and powerful addition to the Sports Medicine program will be the new training room, which will be completed this summer. Says Ben, "It will make a major statement that our program is state of the art,  that it looks good and is working terrifically."