Mount Saint Michael Academy 

Ad Astra Per Aspera
In This Issue
President's Letter
Basil Smikle '89 Speaks at Harvard Club
3 Questbridge Finalists from Mount
Bronx Wanderers Entertain
Mount Basketball
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Teacher Spotlight
Turkey Bowl!
Class Notes
Annual Fund: Why I Give
2014/2015 
ANNUAL FUND 

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

 

Offer scholarships and financial aid

 

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

 

- Maintain the school 

grounds and facilities

 

 

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A RECURRING DONATION

 

 CLICK HERE TO DONATE  

 

Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
QUICK LINKS
 
SAVE THE DATE!

Vol 5 Issue 2, November 2014
President's Letter


 

  Dear Alums and Friends of the Mount,


 Welcome to the 72nd year of great football competition in the Bronx! Please join us at the Annual TURKEY BOWL. For those who can't make it back to the Bronx, we wish you and your family a great Thanksgiving Holiday.


 

Another great tradition of the Mount is for the students to chip in and collect food to take care of those less fortunate. This year the students and faculty will provide the makings for a FULL Thanksgiving Dinner to sixty families in the Bronx.

 
 

This newsletter reports on the ramblings of alums that cover over 65 years of Mount history. Meet Michael McEneny '49 (known by generations of kids as "Mr.Mc") and students from the Class of 2014. In between these years you will read about a special fund raising event that brought the house down by a member of the Class of 1976.


The Eight Annual Harvard Club Symposium featured Basil Smikle '89 as the keynote speaker. This venue proved to be an exciting forum for NYC area alums, and Basil did not disappoint those who joined this wonderful reunion opportunity.


Lastly, as you finish reading the newsletter you will see that we once again ask for your financial assistance. Your generosity and loyalty to the Mount are meaningful values that can be translated into programs and financial support for those who need the assistance to ensure their receiving a Catholic education. Please take a few minutes as you muse about your days at the Mount, and make a special contribution to the future of our programs. You do make a difference, and at this time of year we are especially grateful. Happy Thanksgiving!


Sincerely, 


 

 Dr. Anthony Miserandino


 


 

Mount Alum and Distinguished Political Analyst Basil Smikle Jr. '89 Speaks At Harvard Club


     

Basil Smikle '89 talks to captive audience at the Harvard Club on Thursday,
November 13

Mount St. Michael Academy was honored when Basil Smikle Jr. '89 spoke to a captive audience of alum, students and friends at the 8th Annual Harvard Club Colloquium. Basil talked at length about his Mount experience and how it shaped his career as a well known political analyst. 



Smikle spoke about how the Mount provides a solid foundation for its students: The Marist Brothers and faculty create an environment that is structured for building character, a work ethic, confidence and at the same time enhancing personal spirituality and a strong sense of service towards others. 
Mike McEneney '49 and Basil Smikle '89
When he went to Cornell University, Basil said that he was for the first time surrounded by students who were also in the top of their respective high school classes, and it was challenging. 

Mount St. Michael Academy prepared him thoroughly to meet the challenges at university and to excel. Basil built on his Cornell successes to be a successful political consultant and further his education where he received a Masters Degree in Public Policy from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. While there, he was awarded the Columbia University Departmental Fellowship and the Public Affairs Fellowship. 

Basil emphasized that a sound education is critical for developing our future national and global leaders, and institutions like Mount St. Michael Academy are primary players in shaping future leaders. 
Three Mount Students Are Questbridge Scholar Finalists

  

Raishawn Pitt '15, Christian Cabral '15 and Kai Cash '15

The Mount is pleased to announce that 3 students from the Class of 2015 were named Questbridge finalists in of the first selection phases of the 2014 National College Match, a program that "matches" talented qualifying high school seniors with admission and full scholarships to 35 top colleges and universities. 

 

Out of 11,654 applications, 4,180 students (36% of the applicants) were selected as Finalists, based on their academic, financial, and extracurricular credentials. Congratulations to outstanding seniors, Christian Cabral, Kai Cash and Raishawn Pitt. 

Bronx Wanderers Rock the Mount!

    

Vinnie Adinolfi '76 belts out a tune with his son Nick. 

Mount Saint Michael Academy was the site of a repeat performance given by Mount Alum Vinnie Adinolfi '76 and his Bronx Wanderers. The show is a tribute to the rock and roll music of the 1960's and 1970's.  Adinolfi a former Grammy winning writer, producer and musician weaves his own personal life experiences into an entertaining show that takes on a unique Bronx, NY, like no other show of its kind could ever duplicate. Vinnie and The Wanderers first performance at the Mount took place in the summer of 2013 which was also a smashing success.

 

L to R: Maureen Coleman, Jim Coleman '76,
Theresa O'Brien and Fran Roback 
Over 400 people were in attendance at a show that was enjoyed by groups of all ages. Many of those in attendance were singing and dancing in the aisles to the songs of Frank Valle, the Beatles and many more Rock and Roll Legends. Vinnie's classmates from 1976 came up on stages and sang a rendition of A
Teenager in Love that would have made Dion and the Belmonts proud! We know it made Brother John Herrmann FMS who was in attendance and the principal of Mount from 1972 to 1976 very proud! 

 

A special THANK YOU must go out to Bob Erickson, Frank Pellegrino '73, Mount students, and many other volunteers whose hard work made this event very successful. The proceeds from the show are donated to  Mount St. Michael Academy.

 

We look forward to seeing The Wanderers at the Mount again in the near future!

 

A Good Season Ahead for Mount Basketball

 Newly elected CHSAA Hall of Fame Basketball Coach Tom Fraher now starting his 23rd season as head coach at the Mount along with longtime Assistant Tom McKenna have seen many different types of teams over their 23 years together. When asked to sum up what he sees for this year 2014-15 team, Fraher stated,  "Each team takes on its own personality, they are all different. The trick is getting our boys to play together, so they can reach their potential as a team. Sometimes it happens early in the season, sometimes it takes a little longer. This group is off to a good start. With continued improvement we can be a very tough opponent for the teams in our league."

 

Coach Fraher and the Mountaineers are counting on steady play from three year starting point guard senior Nickoy Singleton '15, the emergence of St. Croix senior transfer 6'-7" center Romani Hansen '15, coupled with the continued sharp shooting of guard Elijah Buchanan '17. "If the starters play to their capabilities and our bench provides a lift, we will compete with the top teams in best high school league in the country."

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE BASKETBALL SCHEDULE

 


 Thanksgiving Food Drive In Full Swing

Students get ready to roll to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church with Thanksgiving turkeys and trimmings 

Mount students, led by Campus Ministry,  volunteered on Tuesday November 25 to sort and organize donations for the Mount's Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Each year the Campus Ministry department and Student Council collect food items intended for Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets (complete with all the necessary items for a turkey dinner and dessert!) for members of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church in the South Bronx. 

Jeffrey Medina '15 is happy to help others this Thanksgiving as
he loads food into the bus 


 

Teacher Spotlight: Bienvenida a 
Amantina Reyes!

Welcome to Amantina Reyes, the Mount's new Spanish teacher for freshmen through seniors!

 


Amantina,, who lives in the west side of the Bronx overlooking the Harlem River,  graduated from The City College of New York, where she is also in the Masters Program specializing in Secondary Spanish Education. She has  been teaching for three years. Says Amantina, "
Teaching not only allows me to pass on knowledge, I can also help my students to feel empowered, to have a voice, to feel nurtured, to become critical thinkers, to encourage themselves and to constantly take risks. Together we listen to one another and create an atmosphere of support for those who are struggling. "

 

Amantina says that she loves to hear conversations outside of her classrooms pertaining to what was learned. There is a sense of community that is created and the happiness felt with small or big accomplishment. 

 

Teaching at The Mount has been a great experience thus far. From the very first day I felt the community that The Mount embodies. Everyone was so welcoming and nice, it made me feel like I belonged here. Both the student body and the staff have again proven to me that it is okay to be new, there are people who will show you the way. Even the students that I do not teach are always respectful and hospitable. I am very grateful for all of you, really! I continue to look forward to the remainder of the school year and I am very happy with the outcomes seen so far.  


 

 

Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl 
Thursday November 27!


 

Dear Proud Mount Alum!!! Come on out to see Mount take on Hayes on Thursday November 27. Show your Blue and Gold!!!


 

Schedule: 


 

9:00 AM:  BREAKFAST STARTS: $10
 

9:00 AM: MASS IN ST. MICHAEL'S CHAPEL

 
10:30 AM: KICKOFF
 

GAME TICKETS:
$10 at the door
$5 prior to the game: 


contact Mount Athletic Office  718 515 6400 ext. 244

  
 Class Notes

 

 Mr. George E. Cushing '43: Is looking for Mount        

 Retirees in Hendersonville, NC.

 

Rev. Gerard P., S .J., '44 passed away on November 17, 2014. He was interred at the Jesuit Cemetery, Auriesville, NY. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the NY Province, Society of Jesus, 39 East 83rd St., NY, NY 10028. 


 

Mr. Thomas J. Baker, Jr. '45  Thomas J., of the Bronx, son of the late Thomas J. and Nellie Crane Baker, passed away on November 7, 2014. He attended Mount St. Michael High School in the Bronx, and obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Manhattan College. 

 

Tom also served for a year in the U.S. Army. He began his career as an engineer before changing to what he loved to do most teach. Tom taught Math at Xavier High School in  Manhattan for 44 years. Simply put, he was devoted to Jesuit education and loved Xavier. His magnificent 

photographs of Xavier school activities, especially the Cross Country and Track teams, are legendary.  He always stayed attuned to the lives of his many nieces and nephews.  

 

Mr. Harry L. Settino '50:  Has been spending the winters in the Villages in Florida for the past few years.  Harry only just retired from Senior softball last year at the age of 81.   He has had a good run and played since he was 55 years of age.

 

Dennen Reilley '55 of Nashua, New Hampshire died on Wednesday, November 19, 2014. He was 74 years old.  He was born on March 1, 1937 in Greenwich, CT, a son of the late Philip F. Reilley and Florence Rita (Junkersfeld) Reilley. Mr. Reilley was a graduate of Mount St. Michael Academy in 1955. He received a B.A. in History from Fairfield University in 1959, a M.Ed. in Education, and a certificate of advanced graduate study in Education (M+30), as well as completing other graduate work at the University of Connecticut, University of Minnesota, University of Hartford, Boston State College, and University of Wyoming. 


 
He was happily married to Randall (Dougherty) Reilley for 39 years and survived by five children: Philip, Christopher, Diane, Betsy and Kate; ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Peter Reilley and his wife Lynn, his sister Rita Wolf, and two nephews. 

 

Mr. Salvatore T. Naclerio '59: We recently welcomed our 

new granddaughter, Ava Maddie Lindley in Colorado!  Brings our total to three granddaughters to join Lauren & Julia Naclerio of  Easchester, NY.

 

Mr. Patrick J. Hunt '59 of Brookfield, CT, died on Saturday evening, August 30, at Danbury Hospital following a long illness. He was 73 years old.   Patrick was unwavering in his faith and an avid member of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish in New Milford, CT. He was a charter member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11386 of Manville, NJ, and a member of Council #40 in New Milford.  He was born in New York City on March 8, 1941, he graduated in 1959 from Mount Saint Michael Academy. 

 

He received a bachelor's degree in Math from Manhattan College in 1963. He and his childhood sweetheart, Concetta M. Prisco, were married at the Roman Catholic Church of St. Lucy in the Bronx on Jan. 26, 1963. Patrick was a longtime resident of the Bronx and parishioner of the Church of St. Lucy, where he served as lector. 

 

He and his family subsequently lived in Danbury, CT, and Belle Mead, NJ. After retiring as a director in the home office of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1998, he and his family moved to New Milford, CT, and joined the parish of Our Lady of the Lakes Church. Patrick and his wife moved to Brookfield's Newbury Village in 2011. In addition to his wife, he is survived by their three children and eight grandchildren. 

 

Mr. Robert Giannelli '64  passed away        

 

Mr. Lester J. Ventimiglia '65: Retired from Met Life Financial Services in 2006 after 38 years service. Married to wife Linda Living in South Salem, N.Y. . We have one Daughter Chelsea living in Danbury, Ct. a graduate of CIA  ( Culinary Institute of America) She is the Private Party & Event Planner for The Modern Barn in Armonk, N.Y.. I am a U.S. Army Veteran and supporter of Wounded Warriors, U.S.O., Vietnam Veterans Association & American Legion. Thank you MOUNT & Bro. Paul Felix.

 

Dr. John T. McCarthy, M.D. '67: Continue to enjoy an active retirement in upstate New York.  On Sept. 11, 2014 we celebrated the arrival of my daughter's 4th child, Nevin Baxter McCarthy.  Saddened by the passing of my grade school classmate Anthony Iazetti, a Marist brother and by the loss of my 5th grade teacher, Bro. James Ryan (AKA Francis Bernard).

  

Mr. Thomas J. Forma '73: Thomas John Forma died unexpectedly on September 5, 2013, in the home of his birth in Yonkers, NY, at the age of 58.  The youngest of four ~ and the only boy ~  he had a deep  rooted love of family and took pride in bragging about the accomplishments of his sisters, his niece, his nephe and  recently his great niece and great nephew.    

 

After graduating Mt. St. Michael in 1973, "Tommy" attended he Academy of Aeronautics at La Guardia, and graduated from Embry Riddle Academy in Daytona.  He owned Guerra's Auto Body Shop in Yonkers until 1999.  

A longtime member of The Catholic Slovak Club, he loved 

the water and enjoyed boating, fishing and scuba diving.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and a regular at The Daytona 500.   

 

He hated to fly but he loved to travel! The trips to The Daytona and to Superbowl XXI were legendary!  He loved his "Trip Around the World" and would often speak about his trips to Africa, Thailand, India, and Germany but he had a soft spot for his trips to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and St. John.  The final trip he made was to visit a longtime friend South Carolina. Everyone who knew him loved him and misses him terribly.  

 

Dr. John T. McCarthy, M.D. '67: Continue to enjoy an active retirement in upstate New York.  On Sept. 11, 2014 we celebrated the arrival of my daughter's 4th child, Nevin Baxter McCarthy.  Saddened by the passing of my grade school classmate Anthony Iazetti, a Marist brother and by the loss of my 5th grade teacher, Bro. James Ryan (AKA Francis Bernard).

 

Paul Libretta '90: in Atlanta for 5yrs.  Lawyer for Cinergy aquistions & mergers.  Trying to get back to NY.

 

Mr. Andrew Stephenson '09:   Is currently still in college pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.  He works security for Rockefeller Center in midtown, Manhattan.

New at the Mount! Become an Annual Fund Loyalty Club Member and Get Discounts! 

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%

 

2014/2015 Annual Fund:  
Why I Give

 

 Mark Bardini '83:


 

"I give to the Mount to support its values and high level of education. Without funds from alumni, the school could cease to exist.

I give since I recognize the strong start that I was given at Mount as a student, which continues to drive me to this day to succeed. 

 

I will always be thankful for the life lessons learned and education that I received from the teachers and administrators at the Mount.


 

 If it weren't for my education, I certainly would not have achieved what I've done today and be successful.  To this day, the best and truest friends that I have ever made have been from the Mount.  To give to the Mount takes so little, yet can mean so much to the school. "

 

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

RECURRING DONATIONS: Please consider a recurring donation of $5, $10, $20 or $50 a month! It's easy: Just click here to register your account once and you can set up your recurring donation!
 
MATCHING GIFTS: You can double your gift through a matching gift from your employer! Check to see if your organization is a matching gift participant!
 

 

CLICK BELOW TO  DONATE NOW!!!

 

$25

 

$50

 

$100

 

$250

 

$500

 

$1000

 

Other Amount

  

Bro. James Kearney Memorial Scholarship 


 

The Bro. James Kearney,
F. M. S. Memorial Scholarship was established in June 2013 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 make checks payable to Mount St. Michael Academy and 

send your donation to:

 

Development Office

Mount St. Michael Academy

4300 Murdock Avenue

Bronx, NY 10466

 

Basil Smikle Jr. '89 Smikle


Ashique Rafique '89 and Rich Tinger '63 

Basil Smikle Jr., is a political and policy analyst recognized as a staunch advocate of public service and education equality. He is widely regarded as part of the next generation of leaders and was featured in the L.A. Times as "Harlem's New Political Elite". City Hall Magazine named him one of 50 rising stars in New York Politics in the first year the list was compiled. 

 

He founded his own firm 11 years ago and has since garnered diverse clients such as, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, The William Jefferson Clinton Foundation, The New York Urban League, AT&T, Senator Joe Lieberman, former New York City School Chancellor Joel Klein and the New York City Center for Charter School Excellence.

Juwan Maynard '17, 
Cleveland Beckett '88 and 
Jonathan Maynard '18
Basil graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1993 from Cornell University in Industrial and Labor Relations. A child of Jamaican immigrants, he is inspired by his father, a retired textile worker, and mother, a long-time public school special education teacher to give back to the community. Basil mentors young people in schools across this City to promote public service and education. He created a literacy program in Flushing Queens, where 5th graders are encouraged to read, write and expand their vocabulary. 

 

 

 

Thank you for keeping up with the exciting news at the Mount, and thank you always for your generous support!!!

Please let us know what you are up to, and we will cover it in the e-News.

Keep in contact with us and send us your updated contact information to stay in the loop!!
You can click here to make any changes to your information.

Sincerely,
 
Julie Androshick
Director of Development
Mount St. Michael Academy