On Saturday, November 17, 2012, Marist High School honored the very best from among its entire community at the school's Eighth Annual Hall of Fame Induction celebration and dinner. The Hall of Fame celebration honors individuals who either have gone on to prominent business and professional careers in all disciplines, or who have actively supported Marist through the years.

Hurricane Recovery Efforts at Marist High School

My Experience with the Rotary Youth Leadership Award

John Lennon once said, "When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life." Every human being that has been born on this Earth longs for peace in their lives. This peace is something we often associate with happiness; that when we are at peace, we will truly be content. In my own search for happiness, I found the Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA).

I first discovered RYLA when I received a letter of nomination to attend the Rotary Club's leadership seminar. At first, I was unsure about if I even wanted to go. The idea of no cell phone or any other electronics didn't sound pleasing to me. However, a student who went before me guaranteed I'd love my experience there if I remained open-minded. Needless to say, I enjoyed my time at RYLA so much I didn't want to go home. I didn't even miss my family. I had fallen in love with the people I had met and the family we had formed. Returning to Jersey City was like returning to reality after being in a euphoric dream. As heart-wrenching, as my departure was, I realized that it was my duty to make Jersey City a loving community like RYLA.

It was then that I got the "Big picture". My trip to RYLA was more than being a leader in my community. The purpose of RYLA was to teach me how to work locally and influence globally. RYLA taught me that happiness is something that is not far away, we as people have allowed ourselves to become too preoccupied to see it. I discovered that happiness is found in the love that people share with one another. People are always searching for peace, yet the moment a room gets "too quiet" they need to blast their music. A major problem with our society today is that no one is used to themselves. The thought of being absolutely alone in a room with only oneself is frightening to many people. My theory is that we've become so used to technology doing the thinking and the talking for us, that dealing with ourselves is unbearable. I believe this is also why people have issues talking to other people face-to-face. I do not mean to bash technology; I just feel that the affect it has on our lives needs changing.

Dear Marist family,

As many of you, at Marist, we focus on the many things for which we are blessed. Personally, I have been blessed for this great Marist community and for all of you who are supportive and caring to our wonderful students. Marist High School would have a tough time existing without you, our community and parents.

At Marist, we value our old friends, who religiously support us through our daily challenges. But, each year, we also look forward to the new faces and new friends who bring additional resources, ideas and perspectives to help Marist High School.

Especially in tough times, the Christmas season is an opportunity to realize that we have many blessings. It is inspiring to see so many Marist community members and groups working to help make Marist a better place. Thanks to everyone for your contributions to our great community.

On another note, I wanted to take a moment to let you know that after a decade of service, I am leaving my position at Marist High School this month. I have returned to school to pursue my degree in Nursing. This is a degree that I have wanted to pursue for most of my life. At the same time, I will be working in the Mortgage division of a financial services organization where my primary responsibilities include managing accounts, coordinating the loan process and marketing.

I have enjoyed my tenure at Marist and I appreciate having had the opportunity to know you. Even though I will miss the students, my colleagues and the entire Marist High School family, I am looking forward to the new challenge of starting two new phases of my professional life. Chris Hansen '99, Director of Alumni Relations, will be taking over my duties beginning in January. Chris is a dedicated member of the Marist family and he will do a fantastic job serving our alumni in multiple capacities.

So, I won't say good bye, but rather, see you around. I intend to continue supporting the great mission at Marist High School and look forward to seeing you again at one of the many events scheduled throughout the year.