Albertus Magnus High School

Newsletter

Joseph T. Troy, President/Principal March, 2014

Christopher Power, Assistant Principal Volume 54, Number 5

LENTEN REFLECTION Lawn chairs. Thousands of them. All set up and pointing in the same direction: at Niagara Falls. Why? Because Nik Wallenda was about to do something no human being had ever done before: walk across the falls on a tight rope. People wanted to be there when a man faced the chasm and achieved the impossible. Lent is like that. We focus our gaze, not on a man holding a balance bar, but on one carrying a cross. As he walks, he prays, “Do not let the floodwaters overwhelm me, nor the deep swallow me, nor the mouth of the pit close over me: (Ps 69:16). He prays in order to give us hope, even when it seems our enemies “in their heart…scheme to plunge you into the abyss (Sir 12:16).

How does Wallenda accomplish his death-defying stunt? By focusing on the movement of the wire to guide him through the walk...The wire is the will of the Father; Jesus keeps his eyes fixed on it. And he calls us to stop being simply spectators. He makes us this promise: “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life…Walk while you have the light” (Jn 8:12; 12:35). Let’s walk with Jesus as he crosses the chasm of sin, evil, and death. Let’s follow, trusting in life’s only true support: God’s will. The abyss will not win! One with him, we will witness in the Resurrection what has never been done before. Then as added miracle to the empty tomb on Easter morning will be all the empty lawn chairs!

-Father Peter John Cameron, O.P.

HONOR ROLL

FIRST HONORS is awarded to a student who achieves an average of 95% with no failing grade.

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FROM THE OFFICE OF CAMPUS MINISTRY

As I write this article we are preparing to celebrate Ash Wednesday. It is hard to believe that Lent is upon us! I recently saw a quote that said, “LOVE LIFE….LIVE LENT!” Here at Al-bertus we strive to “LIVE” Lent in many ways remembering all along that Lent is a journey whereby we strive to make changes both personally and communally in our lives. It’s a journey that leads us to the most significant and joyous event of our faith – the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Each of us approaches this differently but let us hold each other in prayer in a special way during these 40 days.

At the end of February, the students took a pledge to end bullying in any form on campus. At mass on February 28th purple ribbons were worn and pledge sheets were presented during the offertory procession. The pledge (which was written by one of our seniors) was read after communion and student reaffirmed their commitment. This idea came forth from one of our seniors in the Pro-Life Club.

In March we will begin training classes for our future Eucharistic Ministers. Nineteen members of the junior class have expressed a desire to answer God’s call to this special ministry. They will be inducted at a special Mass in May. Our junior retreat which was originally scheduled for February but was cancelled due to……….you got it……..SNOW!! – will be held on March 18th. Its theme “Justice = Just Us” correlates to the Dominican Pillar of Com-munity which juniors focus on and will explore how Jesus calls us to care for all of creation.

A new student led group under the auspices of Campus Ministry us S.A.D. (Students Assisting Meals). This group is an outgrowth of Meals on Wheels and is active on many Rockland high school campuses. This year these students will or-ganize and facilitate our April FAST-A-THON which will benefit those served by Meals on Wheels. This is another example of how Campus Ministry and Pro-Life students develop their leadership skills.

Once again, may you have a blessed Lent and may you feel God’s loving and healing presence touching your heart as

you walk the path to Jerusalem with His Son.

-submitted by Sr. Nancy Richter, O.P.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Medgine Boutin Emily Auld Edward Amaba Megan Confrey

Samantha Brosius Michelle Barry Maxx Annunziata Charles Giordano

Philip Cipollina Maria Fernandes Griffin Favre Annemarie Hahnenfeld

Christopher Cooney Reilly Golden Allison Fisher Madison Kandoth

Gabrielle Favre Matthew Grieco Samantha Giuliano Jessie Kay

Chloe Martinez Samantha Heavner Claire Hatala Megan Mearian

Valarie Monaco Emily A. Nealon Sean Healey Raymond Mosquea

Julia Oliveria Timothy A. O'Connor Jacqueline Hennelly Maureen O'Dowd

Jacklyn L. Onody Daniela Herrera Brian Reardon

Katherine A. Reilly Kelly Houlihan Kaitlyn Solesky

Jessica N. Stagnari Kevin Leddy Sania Solon

Carly M. Winchell Madison McGrath Megan Townsend

Heba Z. Yacoub Elisabeth Pappalardo Tracy Xiao

Chelsea L. Yagel Gianna Pisano

Kiera Townsend

Gabrielle Valdez

Michael Waldron Caroline Zemsky

SECOND HONORS is awarded to a student who achieves an average of 90% with no failing grade.

Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Gabriella Angeletti Kyra Berkner Ronald Arvanites Cara Amador

Elizabeth Benedetto Olivia Berkner Timothy Brenner Terence Amonica

Jovan Bertrand Casey Bischoff Madison Brooksbank James Arnowich

Jacqueline Cerrati Isabella Bono Catherine Cain Michael Aurellano

Jack Conlan Megan Bragaglia Victoria Cipollina Caroline Bartholomew

Michael Dunne Brendan Callahan Christian Conklin Marisa Blanco

Julia Fahey Joseph Campitiello Danielle Ferguson Jenna Braca

Nicoll Flores Brendan Carle Andrew Gallagher Michael Brivonese

Grace Freeman Erin Ciborowski Kevin Hayes Kristin Burns

Anna Hennelly Zachary Cunillera Shannon Horan Maliq Cham

Leah Hopson Erin Curley Kaitlyn Joong Mikaela Connell

Kaitlyn Kreider Kelly DeVizio Kelly Kozar Mary Czerwinski

Melissa Lagueras Paulina Dore Michael Lang Kathleen Dougherty

John Maguire Edward Faro Anthony Lettieri Heather Durkin

Isabelle Martucci Tonny Francois Victoria Lord Fiona Egan

Christopher McAvoy Mary Gavin Ashley Lara Kristen Fahey

Gregory McAvoy Joseph Hahnenfeld Maria Maguire Shannon Fegan

Patrick McConnell Samantha Joseph Lauren Milano Brianna Flores

Kylie Priest Gabriel Lara Jade Ortiz Sabrina Francois

Matthew Quinones James B. Musngi Amber Pandya Bridget Gallione

Jake Rivera Michael J. Padron Andrew Pierre Alessandra Garcia

Jack Rockhill Jason A. Pappalardo Rianna Scanlon Luke Kern

Michael Sakmann Jordan C. Rivera Emily Roff Hyunyoung Lee

Zachary Shaffer Hugo Rodriguez Sean TenEyck Victor Leeber

Berry Shupe Stephen R. Rodriguez Allyson Tierney Felicia Long

Gabrielle Smith Giordana Scaffidi Joanna Todd Cristina Magistro

Meaghan Sullivan Stephen R. Storms Jon Valentino Marissa Martuscelli

Jaclyn Travaglini Ashley Tortorella Megan Witt Mallary McFadden

William Ward Feda Yacoub Dana McLaughlin

Tonianne Zottoli Joseph Denise Kaitlyn McNamara

Victoria Vieira Daniel Miller

Christopher Munno Emily Minkowitz

Kirsten Rico Savannah Moore

John Humphrey Ryan O'Grady

Kristin Rivera Christine O'Riordan

Courtney Olsen

Grade 12 Grace Ostolozaga

Vivian Vila Jacqueline Parker

Allison White Matthew Raggi

Kiana White Brianna Untener

The Performing Arts Club presents

"Beauty and the Beast"

Download Playbill Ad form and Purchase tickets

Playbill created by Elizabeth Terzer

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ATHLETICS

The Girls Basketball team road an unlikely path to the county center and the Section One Finals this year. The Girls were led all year by Senior Kelly Guarino who did everything for the lady Falcons scoring at a 19ppg with 4 assists 6rpg 2 steals. Kelly even did some damage playing in the post! When Kelly went down with an ACL tear in practice before the sectional playoffs began things looked bleak for the team’s chances to advance. After the initial shock the girls decided to dedicate their quest for the Gold Ball to Kelly. They responded with inspired play on the floor winning 3 straight games against excellent competi-tion and advancing to the Sectional finals. The girls scored victories over league rival Nanuet, a talented So-mers team and a tremendous win over Rye at the county Center in the semi finals. Senior Ryan Doherty (10ppg 7rpg 4apg was spectacular scoring, handling the ball, rebounding and playing terrific defense. Senior Christine O’Riordan added some solid play as well at the forward position rebounding and scoring some big baskets. Junior Chontel Fils 6ppg 7rpg came out with a terrific tournament as well rebounding, scoring and playing great defense. Junior Madison McGrath 15ppg was terrific the whole tournament and came up with numerous clutch baskets to help the team advance. The girls came up short against Peekskill in the finals but put up a valiant effort in defeat. Coach Buckley and his staff have nothing but pride in the way they competed all season. Congratulations Girls! We are proud of all of you!

Submitted by Joseph McGuinness

Purchase your ticket today—seats

are selling fast!

You are invited to attend

Albertus Magnus High School's

"Third Time's a Charm" Dinner Gala and Auction

Saturday, April 5, 2014, 6pm The Clubhouse at Patriot Hills

Stony Point, New York

JOIN THE TRADITION OF GIVING Your support will continue the legacy of excellence in education

for generations of Albertus Magnus students.

Proceeds from our annual Dinner Gala and Auction

and Raffles will go towards the renovation of

our outdated, 55+ year old Physics Lab !

Ways to help - Endless

Making a difference for our students - PRICELESS!

Call Marty Moran 845 623-8842 x229 for more information.

Join family, friends, and alumni in continuing the legacy of excellence for our students and have fun too! Make your Reservations Online Now!

Become a Sponsor! Place an Ad in the Journal. Make a Donation of Good s and Services! Seek Donations from your local businesses

Download Ad, Sponsor and Donation Packet

Automobile Raffle

Only 350 tickets will be sold.

$100 each Great odds! Buy the winning ticket and you could drive away this beautiful, brand new

2014 KIA FORTE!!

One lucky Albertus Magnus student will win a semester of

FREE TUITION. Tickets are $50 each.

Only 350 will be sold.

50-50 Raffle

Last year's winner received almost $8000!

Buy TICKETS

Guidance Corner

Director of Guidance (A-K) Casey Ehrie (ext. 233) Director of Admissions/Guidance Counselor (9 th) Noreen Power (ext. 206) Guidance Counselor (L-Z) Missi Holland (ext. 232) Guidance Administrative Assistant - Marianne O’Brien (ext. 202)

The SAT vs. the ACT

Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?

It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT.

To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences: ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.

ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being

asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test

(their name for the essay): SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value? ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating? The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.

If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.

You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and

reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.

In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math

section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.

The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to

take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the

ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out. The SAT is broken up into more sections.

On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end.

On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the begin-

ning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask

yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized? The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam.

College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite

score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a

strong impression with the admissions committee. PrincetonReview.com 2014

Upcoming Test Dates for Spring 2014 SAT : March 8th, *May 3rd, June 7th (To register go to Collegeboard.com)

*Administered at Albertus Magnus HS ACT: April 12

th, June 14

th (To register go to ACT student.org)

Thank you to all the Junior Parents that came out for the College Planning meeting on Thursday evening February 27 th. For those of you

who could not attend, here are a few important items that were on the agenda:

Junior Year TO DO LIST

Research and visit colleges and universities that fit your academic and extracurricular profile

Complete Resume/Activity sheet

Request teacher letter of recommendation via Naviance

Register with NCAA if you plan on playing a Div I or Div II sport

Register and take SAT and or ACT test

Keep an eye on Naviance for college table dates for the fall

Melissa Place, Class of 2011, spoke to the student body on Friday, February 28th. Melissa’s brother, Jimmy passed away on July 23, 2011 after a courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Jimmy was a member of the Class of 2014. The Place Family would like the Albertus Magnus community to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Walk-a-Thon that will be held here on June 1, 2014.

Melissa’s speech follows - - -

Hello everyone, for those of you who do not know me, my name is Melissa Place, and I am the proud sister of the young boy who’s memorial bench sits beside the tennis courts—Jimmy Place. For the past two years, my mom and I have come to Albertus to say a few words about the horrible disease my brother suffered from—Cystic Fibrosis; however, this year, my speech is going to be extremely different from previous speeches. The first year after my 15 year old brother’s passing, the walk-a-thon was a huge success. In Rockland County alone, we raised $90,000. My family and I, we were ecstatic. We thought the walk would do nothing but progress; however, we were proven wrong. Last year in 2013, the total number of attendants at the walk was no where near the number in 2012 and the total money raised last year: $71,000. Rather then share factual information with you on Cystic Fibrosis, I have decided to share a personal, non-fiction essay that I have written for one of my English courses and have shared with only my professor. My reason for sharing this essay with you, is because I feel that in order for there to exist an understanding of the devastating effects of this disease, you need to hear a personal testimony, not numbers and statistics. So, all I ask is for your undivided attention and, at the end, reflect upon the importance of supporting this walk-a-thon and preventing anyone else from undergoing this tragedy.

Everything is Going to be Fine

My body lies flat across the chair as I wait to change my appearance forever and goose bumps cover my body as my skin touches the cold leather, but I don’t mind. My nerves cause me to sweat profusely. My mind races. My heart pounds. I wonder what the pain will feel like– will it be intolerable? I wonder if I am ready– have I given this enough thought? I tell my-self, Yes, I have given this enough thought! Relax! The man’s latex covered hand gently touches my calf. He asks me if I am ready. I smile, take a deep breath and nod my head. Yes. My first tattoo is underway.

As the black ink is artistically, meticulously, passionately, slowly etched into my skin, I close my eyes and stare at the back of my eyelids. Black, black, black; the only color I see. Black everywhere. The travesty my family suffered over the sum-mer begins to project itself onto the back of my eyelids. I sit in the chair, paralyzed and watch my personal horror film. I can-not blink it away. There is no pause or fast-forward option. Reality plays itself in slow, vivid detail.

The film begins. It is summer. I have just stepped out of the shower with water dripping from my hair to the floor. Then I hear my phone ring. I throw on my robe, wrap my hair in the towel and answer the phone: Miss, it’s dad. We just had some trouble here at the hospital and Jimmy was put into a paralytic state. The doctors just spoke with me and mom; they don’t know if he is going to make it. Michael is going to bring you here. I don’t want you driving. I know this is hard, but you need to try to relax, stay positive and be strong for Jimmy.

My mind races; he might not make it? Why? What was the trouble? This was supposed to be a routine tune-up, what has changed? What if… what if he doesn’t make it? My heart starts pounding, my breathing grows heavy, my palms grew sweaty while my body felt cold; I fall to my knees and start retching over the toilet and begin to cry; tears stream down my cheeks and make my face puffy and sticky, my nose is clogged and I gag every time I attempt to breathe. I always knew Cystic Fibrosis was fatal, I just never thought a day like this would ever come. How could it?

Pick yourself up Melissa! Dad said stay strong for Jimmy and this is what you do? Everything is going to be fine, everything is going to be fine! I pull myself together, stuff enough clothes for a week into a bag, pack my toothbrush and anxiously wait for Michael to pick me up; I need to get to Jimmy, he needs me.

When I get to the hospital, I run inside, pass the security guard who, from seeing my family and me so frequently, knows who I am and does not stop me, take the elevator up to my brother’s room and, before entering, think: everything is going to be fine. When I walk in the door, what I see was far worse than what I expected; my brother, who was always so happy and lively, lies on his hospital bed, motionless, with machines surrounding him. He is on a respirator and is intubated. A lump forms in my throat, my eyes fill up with tears and I begin to cry, but I make sure my sobs are muffled; it is said that when someone is paralyzed or in a coma, he or she can still feel and hear things– I do not want Jimmy to hear me cry.

After monitoring my brother for hours, the doctors discuss two possible options we have: our first option is to stay at the hospital and hope my brother’s condition improves, or, our second option is to transport him to Philadelphia immediately,

where he would be evaluated for and hopefully receive a lung transplant. There is, however, a factor that makes a decision even more difficult to reach– if we wait too long to transport Jimmy and his condition grows worse, he will not be stable enough to withstand the stress of a transport. After an agonizing deliberation, we decide we should transport Jimmy before it was too late. He deserves a fighting chance.

Pause.

O.K Melissa, we’re about half way done the man in the latex glove said. My eyes open abruptly. The man looks at me and seems concerned. He asks Are you ok? Your eyes are extremely red. I answer Yea, I am fine, I am just thinking about my brother. My eyes burn. They feel like I have been crying for hours. My answer, however, was enough to convince him to continue. He did not ask any questions about my brother. It seemed like he wanted to distance himself; he was not very sociable. I close my eyes to ease the intense burning feeling. As he proceeds to etch ink into my skin, the loud buzzing sound the tattoo pen makes morphs into the violent BEEP, BEEP, BEEP, BEEP sounds the hospital machines make. Like an unwanted nightmare, my horror continues right where I left off.

Play.

My mom and I were to drive to Philadelphia, where we would meet my dad and brother at the hospital’s air transport landing. Before leaving, I lean over Jimmy, hold his limp hand, give him a kiss on the head, and whisper in his ear, hang in there Jimmy, you just gotta make it to Philly and things will get better. You are strong, I know you can do this; we can do this. Everything is going to be fine. I love you Jim, and I’ll meet you in Philly! My mom and I pack our bags and start our journey to Philadelphia. I drive. The anxi-ety of the situation has a heavy influence on my lead foot; speed limitations are not a concern– I need to get to Philadelphia as fast as possible; the quicker we get there, the quicker I will wake from this horrible nightmare. We were making great time, but then the phone rings. My mom answers, her face goes blank and she begins to cry. Melissa we have to turn around, they could not hook up Jimmy’s respirator at the airport and the flight crew had to preform CPR on him. They are taking him to White Plains Hospital. To White Plains we go; the nightmare continues.

When we get to White Plains, my mom and I rush into the hospital, walk down a long white hallway lined with lights on the ceiling, to find my dad standing at the end of it. He is shaking his head. That is enough for my mom and I to realize what has happened; Jimmy has not made it. We walk into the room where my fifteen year old brother’s fragile, innocent, small body lie, looking just as he did when we left– paralyzed –just as if he were sleeping temporarily. That is what he is doing, he is just sleeping, this is not real; there must be some mistake– his hands are still warm, his blonde hair is soft and shiny, the freckles that spread across his cheeks and nose accentuate his youth; he still looks perfect. He is not gone, he can’t be– he is just a kid.

The film is over; the horror ceases and my body regains control of itself. My eyes open. Just then, O.K Melissa take a look. The man in the latex gloves holds a mirror to my calf, which reflects a beautiful black and grey picture of my brother’s cross with a pair of voluptuous angel wings in the background, and there is a beautiful banner inscribed with my brother’s pen-manship. My tattoo, just like my brother, is perfect.

The day Jimmy died everything fell apart. Just as I think my heart cannot break any more, every day, I am proven wrong. Although he is gone, I truly believe Jimmy is watching over me. The tattoo is comforting; when I am alone, upset or wish I had Jimmy here to talk to, I simply graze my hand along my tattoo and the feeling of everything is going to be fine washes over me.

Please join us on June 1st at Albertus Magnus High School for the Cystic Fibrosis Walk-a-thon and help make a difference in someone’s life by raising money to help fine a cure for Cystic Fibrosis so no one else has to endure what my brother Jimmy had to. We look for businesses, large and small, to be corporate sponsors and have their business advertised along the track on the day of the walk. For more information, please contact Melissa Place 845-826-3135. Hope to see you there on the 1st!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, March 5 - Ash Wednesday Thursday, March 6 - Spring Sports Informational Meeting—7:00 PM Monday, March 10 - Spring Sports Begin—Sports Fee Due Thursday, March 13 - Progress Reports Mailed March 14, 15, 16 - Spring Musical—Beauty and the Beast Monday, March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day Sunday, March 23 - Pearl River St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tuesday, March 25 - Freshman Orientation—Class of 2018—7:00 PM Friday, March 28 - Hospice Dance-a-Thon—7:30 PM—11:00 PM Saturday, April 5 - Annual Dinner Gala & Auction—Patriot Hills, Stony Point, NY Wednesday, April 9 - Fast-a-Thon

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