Alumni Newsletter - St. John's Prep

THE ALUMNI
NEWSLETTER
www.stjohnsprepschool.org
– S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 –
SUMMER 2012
COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
On Saturday, June 2, 2012 the St. John’s Prep
Class of 2012 Commencement Exercises were
held at Carnesecca Arena on the campus of St.
John’s University. Mr. William Higgins
welcomed the members of the graduating
class and acknowledged the support given and
sacrifices made by the parents, guardians,
family members and friends of the graduates.
The general tone of both the Salutatorian’s
and the Valedictorian’s speeches was of
gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities
the students had been given and for the
sacrifices and support of their families and the
love and concern of their teachers for the
education they were given." Salutatorian Marc
A. Burgos said, “we must realize that we owe
our families a debt of gratitude; we would not
have made it this far without them. It is most
appropriate that they are here today, for today
is their day just as much as it is ours; They
helped us study and they made sacrifices for
us. Their love, their strength, their wisdom,
their support, and their guidance helped us
through the difficult times and carried us to
moments of success and happiness.” Marc will
attend Polytechnic Institute of NYU in the
Fall. Valedictorian Diane N. Moya will attend
New York Institute of Technology (NYIT)
in the Fall.
Congratulations to the Class of 2012!
Valedictorian Diane N. Moya
On Wednesday, March 28, 2012, alumni of St.
John’s Prep, Brooklyn and Mater Christi and
St. John’s Prep, Astoria came to the school to
speak to current Prep students about their
careers and the paths that led them there. The
participating alumni ranged from members of
the class of 1959 to the class of 2002.
The message sent by many of the alumni
echoed the words of Thomas Jefferson who
said, “I am a great believer in luck, and I find
that the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
The students enjoyed listening to alumni who
provided personal anecdotes about how hard
work and dedication led to their success. The
variety of careers included Anethesiologist,
Architect, Attorney, Community Relations
Coordinator for the New York Knicks,
Dentist, Emergency Preparedness
Coordinator, Hedge Fund CEO, Member of
the New York City Council, Neo-Natal
Intensive Care Nurse, Pediatrician and Speech
Pathologist.
The following alumni attended Career Day
2012:
CAREER DAY 2012 AT ST. JOHN’S PREP
Career Day 2012
Name Year School
Alicia Abella 1986 SJP
Andrea Alonso 1974 MC
Arturo Bayes 1990 SJP
Kevin Bracey 1985 SJP
David A. Branca 1986 SJP
Salvatore A. Branca 1974 MC
Mary Ann Busso 1969 MC
Robert Casanovas 1972 SJP
Wallesca Castrodad 1999 SJP
Joseph D'Onofrio 1959 SJP
Gerard M. DeMarco 1982 SJP
Matthew J. Feimer 1993 SJP
Robert R. Galaskas 1962 SJP
Kathleen Kralick 1965 MC
Francis J. Lombardi 1965 MC
Name Year School
Gerard Loughran 1965 MC
Shani A. Lowe 1999 SJP
Maryann E. Massari 1994 SJP
Mary Jane McCartney 1965 MC
Rudy A. Murillo 2002 SJP
Joseph Neufeld 1969 MC
Christopher L. Pia 1984 SJP
Paul Rossi 1971 MC
Frank J. Ruggieri 1959 SJP
Robert L. Rupnick 1972 MC
Kevin V. Sanborn 1965 MC
Peter F. Vallone 1979 MC
Perry C. Vallone 1981 MC
Paul A. Vallone 1985 SJP
David Velazquez 1989 SJP

2
S T . J O H N ’ S P R E P
On Saturday, March 24, 2012 St. John’s Prep
alumni returned to the school for a reunion
celebrating the classes of 1982, 1987, 1992,
1997 and 2002. Alumni traveled from Colorado,
Nevada, Georgia, Florida, and throughout the
tri-state area to attend the reunion. Attendees
included married alumni couples who met at
the Prep. One couple, Justine Cerasoli Larsen
and Eric Larsen of the class of 1987, proudly
reported that their daughter, Casey is a member
of the St. John’s Prep class of 2013.
SPRING 2012 REUNION
A MESSAGE FROM JUSTINE CERASOLI LARSEN ’87
Thank you so much for organizing the reunion. My husband and I enjoyed the night along
with our fellow 1987 graduates. We are so lucky to have formed such great lasting
friendships. I have such incredible memories of my years at St. John's Prep and hold them
close to my heart. Now my daughter, Casey, will be able to form those same bonds and
friendships that I have made. My high school years were fun, positive and produced lasting
friendships and that is because I went to an incredible high school. Not only did I make
great friends, I met my amazing husband, Eric, at St. John's Prep. We have been together
for 26 years, 19 of them married. Thank you St. John's Prep :).
Justine Cerasoli Larsen and Eric
Larsen at the St. John’s Prep Senior
Picnic at Astoria Park in 1987.
The Larsen’s at the 2012 Reunion
Ed and Maureen Flood with Holly Leon Peterman ‘82 and John Peterman
‘82. The Peterman’s met at the Prep and are now married.
Members of the Class of 1982
Members of the Class of 1987
Women of the Class of 1987 at their lockers.
Members of the Class of 1992.
Members of the class of 2002.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 2
Eleven student researchers from St. John’s
Preparatory School were invited to present and
lead a panel discussion at the Northeast Writing
Center Association‘s annual conference, held
this year at St. John’s University. The students’
presentation entitled “Academic Writing in an
Age of Informality” was the culmination of a
year of research done under the guidance of
Mr. Jason Booth, and in consultation with Ms.
Kathleen Prager, members of the Prep’s
English faculty. Students conducted an
extensive review of current research, explored
student attitudes and methodologies, and then
proposed ways social media can serve as a
viable bridge to formal rhetorical modes. Mr.
Higgins, Principal of St. John’s Prep stated,
“These students are continuing our long
tradition of scholarship. We are absolutely
delighted for the national recognition they are
bringing to St. John’s. For the past months they
have worked diligently to prepare a valuable
presentation and we believe, contribution to
the field.”
ST. JOHN’S PREP WRITING FELLOWS SPEAK
In 2007, St. John’s University Writing Center
and St. John’s Prep English Department forged
a partnership whereby the University and High
School communities began to collaborate.
With the guidance and generosity of
Christopher Leary and Thomas Philipose,
Assistant Directors of the University’s Writing
Center, the Prep took steps to deepen learning
and understanding about composition theory
and practice. This partnership offered the Prep
community such an extraordinary opportunity
as the students and teachers began to work
directly with University personnel. St. John’s
University generously provided workshops,
access to Dr. Harry Denny’s extensive on-line
library; e-tutoring; dialogues with the professors
and hosting St. John’s Prep English classes for
face to face writing conferences.
In 2010, Ms. Prager and Chris Leary determined
that the Prep was ready to begin the next
phase, a Writing Center at the Prep. With the
continued support of the University team, the
Prep began the identification and cultivation
process of their first cohort of Student Writing
Fellows, a number of whom were participants
in the NEWCA Conference. Over the past 18
months, these young people studied, discussed,
observed, acquired and implemented the skills
for successful language study and instruction.
A solid team of practitioners developed and
then, to the delight of the Prep community, the
team was invited to present at the conference.
Plans to expand the Prep’s center continue and
this year, an alumnus made a generous donation
to advance the work being done. The good
news regarding the Prep’s efforts continues as
Ms. Prager has accepted an invitation for the
students to write an article for the highly
regarded English Journal.
Located in Astoria, New York, St. John’s
Preparatory School was founded in 1870 by
the Vincentian Fathers. For over 140 years, the
Prep has served and provided leadership for
the metropolitan area and beyond.
From left to right: Christine Johnson, Ashlene Bisram , Ms. Kathleen Prager, Ina Kodra, Deanna Danke, Oliver Allen-Cummins, Mr. Jason Booth,
Chitkaran Singh, Theodore Samonte, and Mark Burgos

4
S T . J O H N ’ S P R E P
ALUMNI IN THE NEWS
Alica Abella SJP'86 Appointed To
Presidential Commission
Dr. Alica Abella has been appointed by
President Barack Obama to the President's
Advisory Commission on Education
Excellence for Hispanics.
Dr. Abella is currently Executive Director of
the Innovative Services Research Department
at AT&T Labs Research and she also chairs
the AT&T Labs Fellowship program.
Previously, Dr. Abella served as Group
Manager and Principal Member at AT&T
Labs Research. She also serves as Executive
Vice President for the Young Science
Achievers Program, where she encourages
high school-aged women and minority
students to pursue careers in science and
engineering. Dr. Abella has been recognized
as one of the Top Five Women of the Year
by Hispanic Business Magazine and was the
recipient of the Pioneer Award from the
Women of Color STEM Conference and the
Latinos in Information Sciences and
Technology Association Leadership of the
Year Award. She holds a B.S. degree from
New York University, and an M.S., M.Phil,
and Ph.D. from Columbia University.
Robert Sorensen MC '70 Retires as
NYU Head Coach
Robert Sorensen has retired after 32 years as
Head Coach of The NYU Swim Team.
During Sorensen's 32 years, he coached 38
NCAA qualifiers and 30 All-Americans while
recording a 198-122-1 (.618) career record in
dual meets. NYU has had an NCAA qualifier
in 11 of the last 12 years, as well as in 20 of
the last 22 seasons.
“It has been an honor to have coached at
NYU for over 30 years. I feel proud to have
touched the lives of so many student-athletes
and hopefully helped instill values that carry
on after their competitive experience is
complete,” Sorensen said. “While I will no
longer be coaching, I look forward to
continuing to assist the Department as
Natatorium Manager and in my role as an
educator.”
Sorensen and his assistants received University
Athletic Association (UAA) Coaching Staff
of the Year honors twice during his tenure, in
2005-06 and 2007-08. The '05-06 season
culminated with the Violets' third consecutive
Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC)
Division III Championship.
The '07-08 campaign was arguably the most
successful of Sorensen's decorated career,
with eight of his swimmers qualifying for the
NCAA Division III Championships. NYU
placed ninth at the meet, its highest finish
ever.
Sorensen began his coaching career at the
Boy's Club of Queens. Two years later
became coach at Mater Christi High School,
his alma mater. He also served as an assistant
at the Flushing YMCA in addition to terms
as president and vice president of
the Metropolitan Collegiate Swimming
Conference.
A 1970 graduate of St. John's University with
a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science,
Sorensen co-captained the Red Storm's swim
team and was a Metropolitan Conference
champion in the 200-yard butterfly. He
earned a Master of Arts degree in physical
education at Teachers College of Columbia
University in 1982.
CLASS NOTES 2012
Edwin N. Rowley, Ph.D SJP ’64 wrote
“Life is good in Texas. I've served as
department chair and president of the
faculty senate. In 2008 I was ordained a
deacon by the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
The greatest joys are baptizing babies, joining
couples in marriage
and preaching the
gospel. Thanks to
St. John's for its
foundation and
direction.”
Joseph D. Feaster,
Jr. MC ’67 was
sworn in as
Joseph D. Feaster, Jr.
MC ’67
Stoughton,
Interim
MA.
Town
Manager on April 3, 2012. Feaster is an
Attorney and Counsel to the law firm of
McKenzie & Associates, P.C. in Boston. He
previously served as the Interim
Administrator of the Boston Housing
Authority, as Chair of the Boston Board of
Appeal and as an Assistant Secretary and
General Counsel in the Commonwealth’s
Executive Office of Administration and
Finance.
Maureen Duddy MC ’74 relocated to
central Virginia from NYC, where she is an
"au pair" for airedales that her friend shows
and breeds. Maureen wrote: “Sure beats
working in an office. The puppies/dogs are
so happy to see me (as I am the food
goddess).”
Keila Davis SJP ’06 will attend Brown
University for Graduate School in Fall 2012.
She will study for a Masters in Public
Humanities.
FACULTY NEWS
At the end of the school year, five members
of the faculty were honored. Honorees who
retired at the end of the year were Valerie
DeAngelo who retired after 28 years of
dedicated service as a teacher of French and
Spanish and Department Chairperson and
Stephen Pardalis who retired after 27 years as
a mathematics teacher and Chairperson.
Also honored for 25 years of service were John
Fox of the Science department, Denise Hillig of
the Matematics Department, and Mary
O'Donoghue of the Religion Department.
~2012 SUMMER ALUMNI NEWSLETTER MEMORIAM~
Sal Allocco
Christine (Zmirak) Berrios, MC '70
Elizabeth Bodai, SJP '87
Robert Borzone, SJP '58
Thomas Furlong, SJP '57
John Gruttola, MC '74
Florence (Cotugno) Guigliano, MC '69
William Houston, SJP '51
John Lucas, SJP '57
Edward Sullivan, SJP '54
Lester Wareham SJP '70

S U M M E R 2 0 1 2
ANNUAL FUND
St. John’s Prep is deeply grateful to our parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends for their generosity and support of the 2011-2012
Annual Fund. Without your continued support the Prep would not be able to meet its annual operating budget nor provide our
students with the quality Catholic education that is our trademark. If you have not had the chance to contribute to this year’s Annual
Fund, it’s not too late. Please consider making a contribution today. Each gift makes a real difference in closing the gap between what
tuition covers and the actual cost of operating the school. No gift is too large or too small!
To make a contribution to the 2011 – 2012 Annual Fund:
Send your gift by mail to:
St. John’s Preparatory School
Development Office
21-21 Crescent Street
Astoria, New York 11105
Call us in the Development Office
and we will gladly accept your gift via
credit card over the phone at
718 -721-7200 ext 686,
or make a secure online donation at:
http://www.stjohnsprepschool.org
Online Alumni Portal
Our online alumni portal is available to all registered alumni.
1. Visit the school website at http://www.stjohnsprepschool.org
2. Click on the Alumni Link tab on the homepage.
3. Next, from the list of pages on the left choose
Online Alumni Community.
If you have previously logged in, your username and password remain the same.
You can request to have your password e-mailed to you via the alumni portal if
you have forgotten it. If you are new to the portal, your username is your first
name, last name and year of graduation. Your password is the five-digit number
next to your name on the mailing label of this newsletter.
For example:
Username: jackhunter1966
Password: 01507
Contact sjpalumni@stjohnsprepschool.org with any questions.

6
S T . J O H N ’ S P R E P
Come one, come all and celebrate with fellow Mater Christi Alumni
Honoring Classes of ’67, ’72 and ’77 – Join us for a buffet dinner
September 29, 2012 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM 21 21 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY
Ticket Reservation
Tickets: $100.00 per person (If reserved by September 19th)
Tickets: $125.00 per person (After September 19th)
Tickets: $150.00 per person at the door
Cocktail attire is suggested.
Tickets are nonrefundable. No tickets will be issued. Your name will be on a list at the door.
Name _________________________________________________________________Year of Graduation ____________
Address____________________________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone ____________________Cell Phone____________________E-mail _______________________________
Mail check in enclosed envelope OR Fax/mail reply with credit card information: FAX: 718 274-0298 OR Register online at
www.stjohnsprepschool.org OR Call with credit card information: 718 721-7200 Ext. 686
Order A Commemorative Plaque
Commemorative plaques in the Mater Christi Alumni Auditorium are available at a cost of $50.00 each. Many alumni have chosen to
honor parents, teachers, or a deceased classmate with a plaque which may be inscribed:
In Memory of________________________________________ In Honor of _____________________________________
Class Gift
I would like to contribute to my CLASS GIFT. ____$250 ____$100 ____$50 ____$25_____Other
Your participation in the Class Gift program will send a positive message that you support your alma mater and will enrich our
students in the areas of academic technology, athletics and cultural arts.
____ Yes, my company has a MATCHING GIFT program.
Please respond by September 19, 2012
____ I/we will attend the reunion and reserve ____ticket(s) at $100 each ($125 after 9/21) ...........$____________
____ I would like to order ______ commemorative plaque(s) at $50 each:
____ Please accept my Class Gift of:
____ I cannot attend, please accept my Class Gift of:
Please make checks payable to: St. John’s Prep
$____________
$____________
$____________
TOTAL $____________
Amount to be charged $____________ Visa American Express Master Card Discover
16 digit #______________________________________________________________Exp.Date______________________
Cardholder’s Name_______________________________________________________
Mater Christi Alumni Reunion
____ I am willing to contact members of my class and encourage them to attend the reunion.
Hotel Rooms Have Been Reserved For Your Convenience
Rooms have been reserved at the Fairfield Inn by Marriott, located at 45-20 Astoria Blvd., Astoria, NY, at the reduced rate of
$169.00 (plus tax) King room (1 king bed) or Double (2 beds) complimentary continental breakfast and complimentary shuttle
service to/from LaGuardia Airport and local subway station. This rate is only available to those who reserve a room prior to
August 30, 2012. To reserve your room, please call (718) 267-0008 and mention St. John’s Prep.

St. John’s Prep
“Lewis Avenue” Alumni Reunion
Acknowledging the Classes of ’37, ’42, ’47, ’52, ’57, ’62, ’67 & ‘72
NEW YORK ATHLETIC CLUB, 180 Central Park South, NY, NY
NOVEMBER 17, 2012
6PM Mass
Cocktails & Dinner begin at 7PM
S U M M E R 2 0 1 2
Name _____________________________________________________________Year____________
Address_____________________________________City____________State_______Zip_________
Cell Phone ____________________________E-mail______________________________________
Please respond by November 1st. You may Fax your response (718) 274-0298,
Email to alumni1@stjohnsprepschool.org, Register online at www.stjohnsprepschool.org or
Mail to St. John’s Prep, Development Office, 21 21 Crescent Street, Astoria, NY 11105
_____Tickets $175 per person. Please make checks payable to: St. John’s Preparatory School
MC Visa Amex Discover
Card #_____________________________________________________Exp.Date_______________
Amount to be charged $________________________________________
Sponsorships
Dinner Sponsor.....................................................................................................................................$5,000
Cocktail Hour Sponsor – Open Bar...............................................................................................$3,000
Cocktail Hour Sponsor – Hors d’oeuvres.....................................................................................$3,000
Wine with Dinner Sponsor................................................................................................................$2,500
Transportation Sponsor...................................................................................................................... $1,500
I cannot attend, but I would like to make a contribution toward my Class Gift $___________
I will sponsor a Vincentian for dinner with a $175 donation
Signage for both will be added to our Journal
Commemorative Journal
Please advertise your business or send a message to your classmates.
We will help with all.
$500 Gold Page $300 Full Page $175 Half Page $100 Quarter Page

8 S T . J O H N ’ S P R E P
2012 UPCOMING EVENTS
We hope that you will join us for some of
the events planned for 2012!
2012 Golf Outing....................................................... July 23, 2012
The Seawane Club, Hewlett Harbor, NY
2012 Mater Christi Reunion............................ September 29, 2012
Honoring Classes of '67, '72 and '77
2012 Lewis Avenue Reunion............................November 17, 2012
Honoring '42, '47, '52, '57, '62, '67, '72
2013 St. John's Prep Reunion................................ March 23, 2013
Honoring '83,'88,'93,'98,and 2003
You may register online for reunions and other events via the school website!
Would you like to contact classmates to encourage their attendance at upcoming events? Do you have
any news you would like to share with fellow alumni? If so, please send a message to
sjpalumni@stjohnsprepschool.org or mcalumni@stjohnsprepschool.org
Keep up with MC/SJP breaking news on Twitter: http://twitter@StJohnsPrepNY
ST. JOHN’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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