SAINT ANTHONY'S HIGH SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT ALUMNI ...

A 1989 graduate of St. Anthony’s High School, Reza Kolahafir has many fond memories of
his time spent here. His stint as a thespian in The Diary of Anne Frank is one of them. Reza’s
time on the Boys Varsity Bowling Team and his relationship with “Coach K”, Bill Kristiansen,
had the most profound and positive influence on him as a young man. While a student here,
Reza had a very strong, healthy seed planted - to become a Catholic. The seed was nourished
by his classmates, his teachers and his spiritual mentor, Brother Gary Cregan.
Reza had been raised by his father, who is Muslim, and his mother who is Catholic. He and his
sisters were exposed to both religions as children, but their parents encouraged them to make
their own decisions as they entered adulthood. Reza’s mother suggested Saint Anthony’s
because of its academic reputation and Reza decided to leave the Kings Park public school
system and give Catholic school a try.
Having had Brother Gary as a teacher, Reza felt very comfortable turning to him with his
theological questions. The two spent many periods discussing topics which were being taught
in Theology class. Reza states that Brother Gary was extremely supportive of his spiritual quest.
Upon graduation, Reza attended Clarkson University where he met and fell in love with Christina
Montemurro. As their relationship deepened, Reza again became interested in the Catholic faith.
He reached out to his former teacher, Brother Gary. The two arranged time for catechetic classes.
Upon the completion of his studies, Reza was baptized a Catholic with his teacher and friend,
Brother Gary, by his side.
Today, Christina and Reza are raising their children in their Catholic faith. Their twins, Trevor
and Mikalya (13), will be making their Confirmation this year. Their youngest is their 9-year-old
daughter Breanna. We hope to see the young Kolahafirs roaming the halls of their father’s
Alma Mater in the next few years.
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