RAVENVOLUME VIII NUMBER 2 St. Raymond High School for Boys

Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition RAVEN

The Magazine of St. Raymond High School INSIDE for Boys Pastor’s Letter 1

Principal’s Letter 2 Volume 8 • Number 2 Spring 2011

Saint Raymond Parish SCHOOL NEWS Archdiocese of New York Archbishop from Ghana, Africa Visits 3 Monsignor John Graham Parish Pastor Senior Wins Film Award 3

School Service Projects 4 School Administration

Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC A Visit from the Consulate General of Italy 5 Principal Judith Carew Annual March for Life 5 Associate Principal for Academics

Andrew Sedia CHSAA Basketball Division Champs 6 Associate Principal for Student Life MSG Varsity: The Challenge 6 John Musto Assistant Principal for Student Affairs Homecoming 2011 7 Michael Norelli Assistant Principal for Information Services

Campus Ministry ADVANCEMENT Brother Richard Galvin, FSC ‘82 Campus Minister Director of Advancement’s Letter 8

Raven Fund Update 8 RAVEN Publication Christopher Ellis Ways to Give 9 Director of Advancement Genna Toye Advancement Associate Construction Update 10

Valerie Noble Advancement Assistant Alumni Association Donation 11 Design EP Graphic Design

Photographs Davis Studios, Bronx, NY ALUMNI NEWS

Reunions 14 - 15 RAVEN Magazine is published by St. Raymond High School for Boys for Alums in the Spotlight 14 - 15 alumni, parents, friends and the St. Raymond community. Class Notes 16 Send address changes and class information to the Advancement Office at 2151 St. Raymond Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462.

Spread the word: Pass this on to a friend or other alumni interested in learning more about St. Raymond High School for Boys. from theParish Pastor

Dear Alumni and Friends of St. Raymond High School for Boys,

We are so happy to see Spring! It was a difficult winter with all of the snow storms, closings and rescheduling of events. We hope that we are back to normal here at the parish. The good news is that we continue to celebrate our 50th Anniversary—so be sure to keep reading for our final events and gatherings.

The response of our eighth graders for the incoming freshman class has been most encouraging. We actively try to ‘recruit’ our own St. Raymond Elementary School eighth graders and our efforts are proving to be very successful—we anticipate that more than 200 students will register for the class of 2015. We speak to our families about our parish efforts to provide a Catholic education while also providing financial assistance to families who have children in our elementary school and high schools. It seems to be working and I know that our families appreciate the “family discount.”

During the late autumn and winter months we have been refurbishing and renovating our church and it is scheduled to reopen this April 15. It will be a beautiful and fitting place to worship and thank God forH is many blessings to our parish. Be sure to make a visit to the church as well as to the Boys High School to see the construction of the new annex.

We look forward to our Holy Week celebrations and an Easter season filled with Holy Communions, Confirmations and Graduations. We are the parish and schools that never sleep! Thank you for your prayers and support.

Sincerely,

Monsignor John Graham Pastor fromthePrincipal

Dear Alumni and Friends of St. Raymond High School for Boys,

Greetings from St. Raymond High School for Boys on the occasion of our 50th Anniversary! Our celebration opened with a 50th Anniversary of Thanksgiving at St. Raymond Church last March. Since then, we hosted our annual De LaSalle Leadership Dinner, made a trip to the new Yankee Stadium, welcomed students and their families back to school with a Family Pasta Dinner and gathered for a great Homecoming basketball game in January. As the celebration nears to a close, we are gearing up for our biggest event of the year, and quite possibly in our school’s history—the 50th Anniversary Gala.

We are always grateful for the support that you have given to your alma mater over these 50 years. That support has allowed our students to develop as young Christian gentlemen who have attained academic excellence. It has allowed our faculty to maintain their professional excellence by attending classes, seminars and workshops. It has allowed us to maintain our facilities as a showplace of educational excellence. So, the common theme and the theme of St. Raymond High School for Boys is excellence.

This edition of RAVEN magazine will highlight many aspects of the school’s programs including student and faculty achievements and alumni news. I would like to personally invite you to attend our Gala Celebration on April 1, 2011. We will be able to fully celebrate and appreciate the contributions of the Brothers, faculty members and alumni over the past 50 years of excellence at this grand event.

God bless and go Ravens!

Sincerely,

Brother Daniel Gardner, FSC Principal

2 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition SCHOOLnews A Visit from Archbishop Palmer-Buckle of Ghana, Africa

Archbishop Charles Palmer-Buckle of Accra, Ghana (center) with (from left) Chris Sottie ‘11, Daniel McLendon ‘11, Kevin Adjei ‘11, Augustine Anyanful ‘12, Edmund Nathan ‘14, Joshua Obeng ‘11, Mr. Moses Alabi, William Boateng ‘11, Chris Amoako-Kwaw ‘13, Christian Asiedu ‘11, Timothy Aheneku ‘11 and Robert Osei-Owusu ‘11.

On February 8, 2011 St. Raymond High School hosted Archbish- tribe ourselves,” the Archbishop joked. He told the students that op Charles Palmer-Buckle of Accra, Ghana for a discussion with “prayer does not have to be mental gymnastics. Prayer is about students of Ghanaian descent. Organized by Monsignor John building a simple relationship with the Lord.” Graham and math teacher Mr. Moses Alabi, the Archbishop vis- ited Ghanaian students in the school’s chapel to discuss culture, Senior Kevin Adjei was truly inspired by the Archbishop’s sto- education and ministry. ries. As a student who wishes to attend a Christian college and continue his work in ministry, he related to the relationship Arch- A priest for 31 years, Archbishop Buckle was appointed Arch- bishop Buckle had with his father. “Hearing him talk about the bishop of Accra in March of 2005. He shared stories of what it strict lessons his father taught him showed me that just because was like growing up with 12 brothers and sisters. “We were like a he’s a priest, we’re not all that different,” said Kevin. “My father is teaching me those same lessons on how to be a good man.”

Senior Premieres Award Winning Film

Jared Ray ‘11, wrote, directed and edited his own fea- ture film this past summer. The film, In Darkness is a six minute thriller that premiered at Lincoln Center on September 15, 2010.

Ray is taking part in The Ghetto Film School (GFS) program in . The mission of the GFS is to “educate, develop and celebrate the next generation of great American storytellers.” They aim, among other things, “to broaden the pool of filmmaking talent and subject matter feeding the entertainment industry by providing opportunities for young people who might otherwise be overlooked.” The film school and Jared’s entry was featured in a New York Times article on September 5, 2010.

Congratulations to our young director on winning a $1,000 prize. Next year Pictured left to right at the Lincoln Center premiere is art Jared hopes to attend SUNY Purchase or New York University to study film. teacher Mr. Ed Mouzon ‘82, Jared Ray ‘11 and his broth- ers Gabriel Pagano and Gabriel Romero.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 3 Annual Service during the Holiday Season Thanksgiving School librarian Mr. Robert Heckmann and 16 students visited St. Ann’s Church on Thanksgiving Day to help those in need. The students attended Mass, participating as ushers, and served a traditional dinner to elderly parishioners. Fr. Frank Scanlon celebrated the Mass and thanked the volunteers, as well as the entire St. Ray- mond community, for participating in this activity for the past three years. Pictured (left) are St. Ann’s volunteers and (right) Brother Richard Galvin, FSC ‘82 and Lasallian Attending this year were Mayo Afolabi ‘11, Youth members delivering cans to Mercy Center in the Bronx. Tireri Akaramu ‘11, Omarri Allen ‘14, Jorge Bautista ‘14, Brian Colon ‘14, Jona- Throughout the day, students served food, Mercy Center offers programs and services than Diaz ‘14, Kevin Escarraman ‘12, Bri- escorted parishioners from the nursing to women and their families. Dry goods an Ferrer ‘14, Carlos Hernandez ‘14, An- home to the parish hall and cleaned up af- and canned food were collected and deliv- thony Irizarry ‘12, Quiny Lassiter ‘14, ter the meal. After the event, Mr. Heck- ered to help single mothers create tradi- Nicholas Nazario ‘12, Andrew Narine ‘11, mann remarked that the “students were tional Thanksgiving meals for their fami- Robert Osei-Owusu ‘11, Alfred Rivera incredibly helpful and humble—truly per- lies. Members of Lasallian Youth delivered ‘14, Jeremy Rodriguez ‘14, Edwin San- sonifying what St. Raymond is all about.” the goods Monday, November 22, 2010 chez ‘14, Victor Sapia ‘14, Jonathan Sas- and spent a few hours with the grateful tre ‘14, Jeffrey Urrego ‘12, Angelo Vega The annual Canned Food Collection, held mothers. This was an excellent opportunity ‘12, Shawn Villeta ‘14, Ra-Mel Williamson during the first two weeks of November, for the students to understand and prac- ‘12, and parent Gennaro Pasantes. benefited Mercy Center in the Bronx. tice a fundamental Catholic responsibili- ty—serving the less fortunate.

Gving Back at Christmas St. Raymond students continued the “Year of Kindness” theme during the holiday season by giving back in multiple ways.

On Saturday, December 18, 2010, ten students served Christmas Dinner to more than 300 people at St. Anthony’s Soup Kitchen and Luis Reynoso ‘12 acted as Santa, delivering gifts to the children.

On December 20, 2010, members of the Lasallian Youth Group delivered 62 toys to the Highbridge Commu- nity Life Center at the annual Christmas party, in support of their literacy program. The students mingled and played with the children from the program, enjoyed pizza and soda and then received a personal gift from Santa. As in past years, gifts were collected in homerooms throughout December.

St. Raymond hosted a Dollars and Cans Drive for the students of our twin school, St. Mary’s School in Nyeri, Kenya. Brother Dominic Jordan, FSC, a former St. Raymond faculty member, is the founding principal and a current teacher at the school. During his December visit to St. Raymond, Brother Dominic visited the freshmen classes to share his experiences and stories of working abroad.

This year, faculty members once again collected unwrapped toys for The FealGood Foundation, which assists the families of 9/11 first responders. This annual drive is important to our faculty because of the dedication and hard work of first responder Charles Giles from the class of 1985.

Lasallian Youth members with Brother Robert Deary, FSC, Mr. Martinez, Brother Richard Lalime, FSC and right, Luis Reynoso ‘12 and his helper John Figueroa ‘11 handing out gifts.

4 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition Italian Consulate General visits st. raymond

Mr. Antonio Benetti, The Consulate General of Italy, Education Department of New York, visited St. Raymond High School on Tuesday, November 30, 2010. Mr. Benetti was greeted by St. Raymond pastor Monsignor John Graham, Brother Daniel, Italian teacher Mr. Michael Blanco and Italian III students Dorian Persaud ‘12, Manuel Baez ’12 and Benjamin Bravo ’12.

The visit by Mr. Benetti touched on topics of importance for Italian education, including the textbooks used in the Italian classes, the Italian curriculum at our school and the use of technology to increase student interest. Mr. Benetti stressed the importance of cultural education and how a multilingual experience can make the students well rounded young men. From left to right, Mr. Michael Blanco, Benjamin Bravo ‘12, Mr. Antonio Benetti, Manuel Baez ‘12 and Dorian Persaud ‘12.

Speaker and the March for Life Support Pro-Life Movement Brother Richard Galvin, FSC Earlier in the year, the Lasallian Youth and Pro-Life groups at St. ’82 accompanied seven stu- Raymond hosted guest speaker Ms. Theresa Bonopartis. Ms. dents to the annual March for Bonopartis, director of Lumina/Hope and Healing After Abor- Life in Washington, DC on tion, spoke to students about post-abortion issues. According to January 24, 2011. This annual Ms. Bonopartis, Lumina refers and helps those suffering from a event is intended to give wit- past abortion in order to heal. They speak publicly to educate on ness to the importance of life post abortion and conduct training seminars for clergy, mental from conception to natural health professionals and lay persons. The evening ended with a death. The students travelled visit to Dr. Emily’s Abortion Clinic in the South Bronx where our by bus and attended mass at St. Stephen the Church, fol- community united for peaceful prayer. lowed by a march to Capitol Hill.

This focus on Faculty Focus: literacy is intended to increase scores always on on all state and college preparatory exams, including the Excellence ! ACT and SAT.

During the 2010-2011 school year, St. Funding for this initiative has been made Raymond faculty have remained dedi- available to Title I teachers through the cated to excellence in education. In this Archdiocese and ’s Depart- spirit, Mrs. Judith Carew, Associate Prin- ment of Education. cipal for Academic Affairs, has dedicated faculty professional development to im- St. Raymond teachers are working with proving literacy across the curriculum. Catapult Learning Consultants—one of The goal of this program is to improve the largest educational services consul- reading, vocabulary and comprehension tants in the United States—in group skills with their students. workshops and individual coaching ses- sions. The goal is to enhance teaching The faculty meets regularly and has been strategies and improve student acheive- able to increase vocabulary instruction ment for all students, particularly those and comprehension skills in the class- who struggle. This is just one component room. All testing includes assessing these of the school’s ongoing efforts to in- skills. crease the academic excellence of our students.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 5 Athletics Activities

Varsity Basketball wins Chsaa CLASS AA DIVISION TITLE The St. Raymond& Varsity Basketball team continued their quest for another City Championship with an amazing week of basketball to open the month of February. The team bounced back from a tough Homecom- ing loss to Xaverian with a home victory against All Hallows on February 3, 2011. Two nights later, the Ravens visited Arch- bishop Molloy and left with a thrilling overtime victory. The team then hosted Rice on February 6, 2011—again on just two days rest. Showing no signs of fatigue, the team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.

The win against Rice brought the team’s record to 14-8 over- all, and a very impressive 8-2 in the conference. In defeating Pictured above is Kerwin Rice, who came into the game as the top-ranked Catholic Okoro ‘12 and left is Daniel team in the city, the Ravens won the CHSAA Class AA Divi- Dingle ‘12 competing in the sion title and will enter the Archdiocesan New York playoffs Homecoming basketball game as the top seed. against Xaverian High School.

faculty wins the turkey bowl A St. Raymond High School tradition continued this year with the winners of the Intramural Football League—the Dream Team—competing against the faculty in the Turkey Bowl. The game was held on the chilly afternoon of Thursday, December 2, 2010 on Parkchester’s turf field. The faculty and students battled for 40 minutes with pride and bragging rights on the line. Many students and faculty members at- tended to cheer on their respective teams. Though it was a close game throughout, the faculty got on the scoreboard first, never relinquished their lead, and won by a score of 13-12. The students scored a touchdown with just 30 seconds remaining, but missed their chance for victory on a two point opportunity. This marks the fifth straight win for the faculty.

The faculty after winning this year’s annual Turkey Bowl game.

MSG VARSITY

St. Raymond High School students once again participated in The Chal- lenge, a popular quiz-bowl competition for high schools in the tri-state area, hosted by MSG Varsity. This elimination style tournament offers students the opportunity to answer questions in categories that include history, arts & literature, science, math, pop culture and sports.

64 public and private schools competed in this knowledge bowl in Manhat- tan, with a cash prize and Challenge cup trophy on the line. The team faced St. Barnabas High School on December 30, 2010 in the first round of the tournament. It was a close competition, but the Ravens emerged victorious From left to right: Moderator Mrs. Judith Carew and seniors in the end. On February 1, 2011 the team was defeated by All Hallows in the Jeswin Joy, Chris Sottie, team captian Alex Luciano, Timothy second round. Ahaneku and alternate Brian Curran.

6 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition St. Raymond Celebrates homecoming 2011

On Sunday, January 30, 2011 St. Ray- mond hosted Xaverian High School at our Annual Alumni Homecoming Game. More than 100 alumni attended, many with their families, to cheer on the Ra- vens. Attendees were invited to a lun- cheon and watched the game from the skybox and behind the home team’s bench. Before the game, Coach Oliver An- tigua ‘93 addressed the alumni, thanking them for attending and for their support over the years.

At halftime, a special recognition ceremony was held honoring the 20th Anniversary of the 1991 City Championship Basketball Team. During that ceremony, Assistant Coach Mr. Greg Scott ’72 and Mr. Orlando Antigua ’91 shared their own memories of the 1990 -1991 season. Members of the 1991 and 2010-2011 St. Raymond Varsity Basketball teams.

From left to right are alumni and Brother Frank Byrne, FSC, former principal (center), catching up at the Homecoming luncheon.

ways to help st. raymond by shopping

Easter plant fundrasier Campbell’s Labels for Education The school will be selling tulips, daffo- This program awards free educational equip- dils, hyacinths, single-stem Easter ment to schools in exchange for proof of lilies and Cemetery Palm Crosses purchase on Campbell Family Brands. Sim- during the Easter Season in order ply submit the UPC code (or scan your store to raise money for the school. loyalty card) and St. Raymond will receive points! Qualifiying products include BIC, Campbell’s, Pep- Orders will be accepted until April 1, peridge Farm, Post cereals, Prego, SpaghettiOs, Swanson 2011 and the order form is posted on the and V8. Please visit www.labelsforeducation.com for more school’s website at www.straymondhigh- information on collecting points. Contact Genna Toye at school.org. All orders must be picked up [email protected] or 718-824-5050 ext 140 to from the school. learn more about how you can help St. Raymond just by shopping.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 7 The LaSallian Educator ı A Teacher’s Perspective by John Sudol

The following reflection was part of a recent faculty professional development day. The 50th Anniversary of the school is also a celebration of the remarkable faculty—past and present—that honor the mission of St. John Bap- tiste de La Salle every day. These Brothers, lay men and women understand that “example makes a better impres- sion than words,” and that the “education of the young is about guidance, protection, caring, teaching and lead- ing students to God.”

“You can What does it mean to be a Lasallian educator? I thought it natural first to seek perform inspiration from the examples of our own patron . And, after some re- search, I was immediately struck by the works of St. Raymond Nonnatus—the Who was miracles by had gone to Algeria in the 13th century to liberate captive Christians and, St. John Baptiste De touching the when the money for his cause had run out, offered his own life in its stead. His La Salle? hearts of those reward at the hands of his captors was humiliation, torture and eventually the He was born in 1651 to entrusted to fettering of his lips with a padlock such that he could not preach the Word of wealthy parents who saw your care.” God. Here was an individual who had gone into a foreign land, gave his all for to his every need as a child - De La Salle others but in the end, was prevented from doing the one thing he did best— and encouraged him to teaching—by those who simply could not recognize the nobility of his mission. enter the profession of law. Nonetheless, feeling an I wonder if this sounds at all familiar to all teachers. As Lasallian educators, we pour the entirety of early calling to the Church ourselves into our interactions with our students and, if we are fortunate, we may ransom a captive and moved by the plight of mind, liberate a heavy heart or lift a wounded spirit. But sometimes we may feel just like St. Raymond the poor around him, he toward the end of his life and thus ask ourselves, “from where do I draw the strength to go on?” abandoned his parents’ home after their death, You might be surprised to discover that St. La Salle himself had these same doubts. “If God had renounced his own wealth, revealed to me the good that could be accomplished by this Institute,” he said, referring to the moved into residence with school he had established for underprivileged children, “and had likewise made known to me the those teachers who would trials and sufferings which would accompany it, my courage would have failed me and I would never become the Christian have undertaken it.” Yet, undertake such a course of action he did and, as a result, left a legacy of Brothers movement, and charity and perseverance that resonates with us today. set to work on providing both academic enrichment What allowed St. La Salle to both embrace an existence of austerity and challenge and to affect such and vocational training to change in the lives of so many? Monsieur Lechassier, superior general of the Congregation of - the most delinquent and Sulpice, said “St. La Salle was a constant observer of the rule. His conversation was always pleasing underprivileged children of and above reproach. He seems never to have given offense to anyone, nor to have incurred anyone’s his native France. censure.” Here was a teacher’s teacher—someone gentle, but firm; someone who always thought the best of those around him and, consequently, drew out the best qualities they had to offer as St. La Salle succeeded in individuals; someone who sought first to understand before being understood; someone who lived creating a network of by the Golden Rule in the knowledge that others would adhere to it were it modeled for them. schools throughout France that integrated religious We can and should learn much when looking back on the respective ministries of Saints Raymond instruction with secular Nonnatus and John Baptiste de La Salle. Perhaps this might take shape in first understanding that subjects, prepared teachers our students, cut from the same cloth as those children to whom St. La Salle ministered in seven- with a sense of vocation teenth century France, do not have appropriate role models or funds or knowledge and rely upon us and mission, and involved to provide these, whether they understand this or not. Maybe this means that we must have patience parents in their children’s in lieu of our students’ appropriate knowledge of social mores while endeavoring to draw them ever lives. closer to the teachings of Christ. Such a ministry might even lead us to subsume our own preconcep- tions of our role within our respective ministries and hold that our first and foremost responsibility is to the education of the young men of St. Raymond’s as whole persons, rather than compartmental- izing (and therefore minimizing) them as “behavior problems,” “lazy” or “basically unintelligent.”

Saints Raymond and La Salle believed to the end of their lives that every student, every individual, had the chance to learn and succeed by the efforts of man and by the grace of God. May all the teachers at St. Raymond personify the patience, perseverance and understanding of these men such that we may truly prove to be Lasallian educators.

8 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition

Monsignor John Graham Pastor, St. Raymond Church & Brother Daniel Gardner, Principal, St. Raymond High School for Boys FSC Cordially invite you to the St. Raymond High School for Boys 50th Anniversary Gala FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2011 VILLA BARONE MANOR 737 THROGGS NECK EXPRESSWAY ı BRONX, NEW YORK 10465

COCKTAILS ı 7:00 PM DINNER ı 8:30 PM

Please join us in celebrating our Golden Anniversary with an evening of dinner, dancing and memories.

Our 50th Anniversary Gala will recognize four Lasallian cornerstones, based on St. John Baptiste de La Salle, that have shaped St. Raymond High School for Boys and our students over the last 50 years: Academics, Religious Values, Extra Curriculars and Athletics.

cornerstone speakers include: Mr. John Palisi ı Br. Frank Byrne, FSC ı Mr. Mike Norelli ı Mr. Greg Scott ‘72

Live Music by Vision Entertainment

Please RSVP to this event with the envelope included in this issue or contact the school for information. A portion of each ticket is tax deductible and is your contribution to the 50th Anniversary celebration.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 9 Advancementnews

fromthe Director of Advancement

Dear Alumni and Friends of St. Raymond,

As our 50th Anniversary Celebration continues, there are only great things to report from your alma mater. It was wonderful to see so many of you at the annual Homecoming basketball game on January 30, 2011. More than 100 alumni visited the school to catch up with old friends and to cheer on the cur- rent Ravens. And despite the sometimes brutal weather conditions, we also welcomed many alumni back into the fold at our class reunions this winter.

The best part of our 50th Anniversary celebration is still yet to come. By now you should have all received an invitation to the 50th Anniversary Gala on April 1, 2011 at the beautiful Villa Barone Manor. This event will be the largest alumni gathering in the history of our school, and we hope that you will be there to join us. We have a carefully selected menu picked out for the evening, and live music will be provided by the Bronx based Vision Band—including two of our very own, Charlie Cernaro ‘78 and Mike DePalma ‘77. Do not miss out on your chance to reunite with former faculty members, classmates, teammates, coaches, Brothers and everyone who shaped St. Raymond High School over these 50 years into the school it is today.

Aside from the Gala, it will certainly be a busy few months and we hope you will be able to reconnect with your alma mater and your fellow alumni. Be sure to take a look at the calendar on the back cover of this issue for information about upcoming events, including our annual Career Day, class reunions and the 15th Annual Golf outing scheduled for October 4, 2011. If you have questions about any of the events here at St. Raymond High School, please give me a call, send me an email or just drop by the school. Looking forward to seeing you on the dance floor on April 1st!

Best Wishes,

Christopher Ellis, Director of Advancement

GOAL ı 200,000

Thank you to all of the St. Raymond alumni, friends and supporters who have already made ST. RAYMOND a donation to the Raven Fund this year.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS Our goal for this year is $200,000 and we have now raised more than $130,000. Just TO DATE RAISED 130,000 + RAVEN FUND past the halfway mark, we would love your sup- port to reach this year’s goal. In honor of our 50th year, many alumni have made their first gift to the school. So, if you have not given to your alma mater in the past, THIS IS THE TIME to do so. Every bit helps—big or small. The school appreciates your support.

Academic Year 2010 - 2011 10 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition ways to give to ST. RAYMOND HIGH SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Investing Matching Gifts For questions or to find out more about ways to invest inSt. All corporation matching gifts forms are to be sent to the Direc- Raymond, please contact Christopher Ellis at (718) 824-5050 x105, tor of Advancement for execution according to rules set by the or [email protected]. corporation or foundation for the employee match.

Gifts of Cash Wills/Estates/Trusts Gifts of cash are most often in the form of personal checks made Remember St. Raymond High School in the long-term by includ- payable to St. Raymond High School for Boys. Unless specified ing the school in your will as a bequest, participating in pooled by the donor, the school will use the cash gift in the area we income funds or establishing an annuity or trust. You can also judge to be most in need. contribute through gifts of life insurance, IRA’s, tangible person- al property, closely held stock or remainder interest in a home. Gifts of Securities All of these contributions result in tax savings for you and/or Stocks, bonds, notes or other instruments for which value can be your heirs. determined in the financial marketplace should be made pay- able to the St. Raymond High School for Boys. Donors are en- Gifts in Kind couraged to have a conversation with the Director of Advance- Do you know you can support St. Raymond fundraising initia- ment to determine the most advantageous method of giving tives by providing the school with a gift in kind? These donations donations of securities. The school does have an electronic trans- to St. Raymond are not monetary contributions, and may consist fer number for transference of security ownership. Internal Rev- of furnishings, art, computers, special services rendered to the enue Service guidelines are followed in establishing the value of school or other appropriate gifts that may be used by the school donated securities. Our policy, in most cases, is that the security or sold to a third party. Gift in kind donations are tax-deductible is sold immediately. within legal limits (see also Gifts of Personal Property and Equip- ment explained below). Merrill Lynch Charitable Donor Fund If you currently have funds with Merrill Lynch, you may choose to Gifts of Personal Property designate all or part of your fund’s growth to be donated to St. Gifts of personal property (i.e., antiques, works of art, collec- Raymond High School. tions, etc.) are welcomed by the school with approval from the principal. The donor is responsible for securing appraisals on Endowed Gifts such property according to IRS guidelines. Named giving opportunities for endowed funds are available through the Office of Advancement. Generally for an endowed Gifts of Equipment fund to be created, a donor must pledge an agreed upon dollar Gifts of equipment are encouraged by the school. However, amount over a four year period. when such equipment requires additional and/or ongoing main- tenance that is not budgeted, prior approval by the school is necessary.

SHOP & SEARCH Online We are happy to You can help raise money for St. Raymond High School for Boys. partner with NY Just start using Yahoo! powered GoodSearch.com as your search Charities.org, a service which assists non-profit organizations in engine and they will donate New York City. Our alumni, parents and supporters now have the a penny to the school every ability to show their support through a convenient and secure time you do a search! The website. Simply visit the alumni page on our website and click school will also receive dona- on ‘Support St. Raymond’. When you click on the ‘Donate YOU SEARCH WE GIVE tions when you shop online Here’ button, you will be asked to provide your credit card billing through GoodShop.com. details—with the utmost security to protect your information.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 11 the New Building Extension

Last year the school proudly announced plans for a new 14,000 square foot addition to the current school building.

These additions include: Construction Updates a music education center The construction project for the new extension to St. Raymond High School for Boys is quickly moving along. Though the tough winter weather conditions posed unforeseen problems, the building is still an art studio scheduled to be completed by September 2011, welcoming returning students and the class of 2015.

two computer labs Construction began in August 2010 and the foundation for the new building was completed in late February. A model of the new St. Raymond High School for Boys building now resides in our lobby for all to see. The a guidance and school is excited about the many changes we will see next year. college planning center In addition to the new two story extension, enhancements to the current school building are underway. Two current classrooms are being renovated to become state of the art science labs—one for Biology and classrooms the other for Chemistry, Earth Science and Physics. Each will include lab stations around the perimeter with classroom space in the middle, new plumbing and gas lines, new desks, lab tables and equipment. a rooftop recreation facility

12 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition the Alumni Association makes its’ biggest Gift to the School “ e hope that the association’s gift inspires alumni to make their own contributionW toward this important addition to our school’s facility.”

—Jim Martin ’68, president of the alumni association

From left to right are Jim Duncan ‘65, Jim Martin ‘68, Monsignor John Graham, Brother Daniel Gard- ner, FSC, Bob Brilla ‘70, John Corcoran ‘78 and Christopher Ellis.

Members of the St. Raymond High School 14,000 square foot extension to St. Ray- hope that the association’s gift inspires for Boys Alumni Association made the mond High School for Boys. “We heard alumni to make their own contribution to- largest gift in their history when they pre- Brother Daniel’s call for alumni to step up ward this important addition to our sented the school with a check for $125,000. and we wanted to be the first ones to sup- school’s facility,” Jim Martin ’68, president Jim Duncan ‘65, Jim Martin ‘68, Bob port this history making project that will of the alumni association said. Brilla ‘70 and John Corcoran ‘78 present- shape the future of the school,” treasurer ed the check to Monsignor Graham of the alumni association John Corcoran and Brother Daniel at a Christmas dinner ’78 said. held on December 1, 2010 at Fratelli’s Res- To learn more about the plans for the taurant in Pelham Gardens. With construction on the new building ex- new addition, construction progress, tension swiftly moving along, the alumni and how to become involved, please The gift will be used to help purchase ma- association generously made a leadership contact Christopher Ellis at terials and equipment needed for the investment in the school’s expansion. “We (718) 824-5050 ext. 105.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 13 Alumninews REUNIONS during the 50th Anniversary Year As the 50th Anniversary of St. Raymond High School for Boys continues, many of our alumni have gathered to share memories of their days roaming the hallways. For the dates and locations of upcoming reunions, please visit the calendar at the back of this issue or check out our website at www.straymondhighschool.org.

Would you like to catch up with classmates but do not see a reunion listed for your year? No problem! St. Raymond High School will organize a reunion for any class. Contact Genna Toye in the Office of Advancement at [email protected] or (718) 824-5050 ext. 140.

The classes of 1970 and 1971 held their reunion on 1970 1971 November 12, 2010 at Patricia’s of Tremont. Thirty & alumni gathered to catch up on the past and remi- nisce looking at old yearbooks and telling stories. Many of the classmates had not seen each other since graduation.

Brother Daniel attended and spoke to the alumni about new initiatives and news from the school. The class of 1970 celebrated their 40th anniversary this past May and the class of 1971 will celebrate their 40th this year. Congratulations on these milestones!

2001& 2002

Ten years after graduating from St. Raymond High School, the classes of 2001 and 2002 reunited on February 4, 2011 at Fiddler’s Elbow in Throggs Neck. Alumni shared memories and some friendly trash talk about which year had the better basketball team. Alumni also heard about upcoming new young alumni initia- tives St. Raymond is introducing. 2009& 2010

In 2009, St. Raymond High School invited back its most recent grads on Thanksgiving Eve for a reunion in the school cafeteria. This year, the Classes of 2009 and 2010 gathered for the second annual Young Alum- ni Reunion on November 29, 2010. More than 125 recent graduates attended—trading college stories and talking about their days at St. Raymond.

14 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition Become A CLASS REPRESENTATIVE In order to keep IN TOUCH with all St. Raymond graduates, we are recruiting some of our top alumni to serve as class representatives. Ideally, we are aiming to have two representatives per class year. Responsibilities include gathering classmate contact information and helping to spread the word about upcoming school events. The commitment is for one year—and only involves help that can be done from home. We are always looking to expand our database, especially email addresses. If you are interested in serving as a class representative or would like more information about the program, please contact Christopher Ellis at (718) 824-5050 ext. 105 or cellis@ straymondhighschool.org.

St. Raymond Graduate Signs with the Kansas City Royals Nicolas Blanco ‘05 was signed as a free agent by the Kansas City Royals in August 2010. The right handed pitcher excelled on the Ravens baseball team while a student at St. Raymond. He attended Fairleigh Dickinson University before transferring to SUNY Cortland, where he intends to graduate next year with a degree in Criminal Justice.

After being signed by the Royals last summer, Nicolas was able to join the team for the latter part of Rookie Ball. He appeared in four games, striking out seven batters in just four innings. When he returned from the instructional league, Nicolas spent time with his family while preparing for spring training. “I have no complaints,” Nicolas said. “Things are going well for me, and I’m very happy.”

Nicolas joined the Royals this February at their spring training facility in Surprise, Arizona. We wish Nicolas all the best as he competes for a spot on the big league roster. Nicolas Blanco ‘05 (left) with St. Raymond baseball coach Mr. Marc DeLuca.

ALUM Appears on ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ Richard Angehr ’72 took the stage of ‘Who Wants to Be A Million- aire’ this past January for two days. The first day, he earned $35,100. With time running out, Richard was invited back to appear on the show the next day. Facing some difficult questions, he was forced to use his last two lifelines early on the second day of competition. Rather than risk walking away with nothing, Richard bowed out after the second question, cutting his $35,100 pot in half, and leaving the show $17,550 richer.

Richard, an Ellis Hospital social worker, currently resides in Sche- nectady, New York with his wife Laura. They have four sons. On the show he told Meredith Vieira that he would use his earnings for a family vacation to Ireland. St. Raymond High School extends its’ congratulations to Richard and his family.

Richard Angehr ‘72 with Meredith Vieira on the set of ‘Who Wants to be a Mil- lionaire’ in January 2011.

The Magazine for St. Raymond High School for Boys 15 CLASS NOTES 1967 Dr. Hector Sepulveda is the Associate assistance to homeowners and small busi- Timothy Greene recently retired from Gei- Dean for Academic Affairs at Suffolk Coun- nesses in New York and New Jersey. co and now resides in The Villages, FL. ty Community College. He also works at Stony Brook University as an assistant clini- cal professor in the Department of Preven- 1998 tive Medicine. Anthony Cabrera currently works at REED 1969 Academy—a private school for children John Sommo has lived in Maine for the with autism. Anthony recently participat- past 30 years and currently works as an El- ed in a bike ride with REED Academy, rais- ementary School Principal. 1979 Joseph Matranga, a married father of ing money to build a brand new school in four—with twin girls age 6 and boys ages Oakland, NJ. 1970 8 and 10, is an active member of Our Lady Michael Caputo recently retired from Sony of Assumption Church and School in Pel- Electronics, Inc. and lives in Ridgefield, CT. ham Bay. He works as a developer of com- 2002 puter applications for a bank. Keith Morales works for Crush Manage- Thomas Nonnon, a successful actor, just ment and runs a bar in Manhattan, Angels finished filming The Tower Heist, starring Joseph Nigro is Vice President of a profes- and Kings. He is also the owner and man- Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy and Matthew sional choir and orchestra, TreasureHouse ager of No One You Know (NOYK) Pro- Broderick. Music. ductions. 1975 1980 2005 Deacon Vincent DeFedele R.Ph, a regis- Michael Kenny was elected to a three year Freddimir Garcia graduated from Marist tered pharmacist, was recently ordained a term as the Vice President of Local 375 College in 2009. He is an Assistant Direc- deacon. He lives in Hasbrouck Heights Civil Services Technical Guild last year. tor of Student Financial Services and a with his wife. His two sons, Philip and Chris- Graduate and Adult Admission Counselor topher, are attending law and pharmacy at Marist College. schools respectively. 1982 Christopher Mele is currently the Execu- Ricky Torres is currently enrolled at SUNY tive Editor of the Pocono Record in Strouds- Old Westbury and is in his last year of bas- 1977 burg, PA, and is finishing his 24th year in the ketball eligibility. Gerry O’Sullivan and his wife Lesley cur- newspaper business. rently live in Drexel Hill, PA with their two sons Owen, 11, and Devlin, 18. Gerry is the 2008

Vice President for Academic Affairs and a 1989 Sylus M. McKenzie has created a fragrance Luigi Muccitelli started his own business, Professor of English and Theology at Neu- line which enables individuals to custom- Mozzarella Di Luigi, which offers clients the mann University, as well as a peer reviewer ize their own fragrance. opportunity to make fresh mozzarella in for The Journal of Catholic Higher Educa- their own home. tion. 2010 Salvador Alberto entered his first year at Peter Ruggiero has recently relocated to 1997 St. Joseph’s Seminary. He will live at the Cleveland, Ohio where he works at Key- David Pina established Mr. TechKnowledge seminary and participate in priestly forma- Bank. in 1997, a company that provides technical tion while taking courses at Iona College.

Where have you been? Name ______Class Year ______Email address ______It has been wonderful hearing from so many alumni during our 50th Anniversary year. If Address ______you have any news to share (new job, move to a different city, recently married or had City ______State ______Zip______children) we would love to hear about it. Any Telephone ______(circle one) home work mobile updates can be sent to Valerie Noble at vnoble@ straymondhighschool.org, or you can visit the Company Name ______Job Title ______alumni tab on our website or return this form to College Attended/Degree ______St. Raymond High School for Boys, Advancement Office at 2151 St. Raymond Spouse’s Name/Children’s Name(s) ______Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462.

16 Celebrating 50 years in the Lasallian Tradition i 50th Anniversary Year i

Mr. Kevin Sullivan ‘70 and Mr. Harry Walpole ‘70 joined by their families at the De La Salle Leadership Dinner held in April 2010.

Faculty members and their families enjoy a meal at the Family Pasta Dinner in September 2010.

Students at the 50th Anniversary Mass of Collie Smith ‘10 and Mohamed Sidique Thanksgiving held in March 2010. ‘10 at Raven Day at Yankee Stadium in May 2010.

Graduates of the class of 1973 at Raven Day at Yankee Stadium in May 2010. st. raymond high school for boys 2151 St. Raymond Avenue Bronx, NY 10462

Address Correction Requested Design © by EP Graphic Design EP Graphic Design • [email protected] © by save the date ı upcoming events

Tampa, Florida Raven Road Trip tuesday, March 15 6pm University Club of Tampa Parent’s Association Meeting Wednesday, March 23 7pm School Cafeteria 50th Anniversary Gala Friday, April 1 7pm Villa Barone Manor Student Art Show Sunday, April 3 1pm Elementary School Auditorium Alumni Hockey Game Saturday, April 9 6:30pm World Ice Arena Annual Career Day Thursday, April 14 12pm St. Raymond HS for Boys Second Annual Mother Son Dance Friday, April 15 7pm School Cafeteria 1980 & 1981 Reunion Friday, May 13 7pm F&J Pine Parent’s Association Meeting Wednesday, May 18 7pm School Cafeteria 1965 & 1966 Reunion Saturday, June 4 1pm 900 Park 1975 & 1976 Reunion Friday, June 10 6pm Patricia’s of Tremont 15th Annual Golf Outing Tuesday, October 4 10:30am Salem Golf Club

If you would like more information about any of these events, please contact Christopher Ellis at (718) 824-5050 ext. 105 or cellis@stray- mondhighschool.org.