On a frigid January Monday evening at the Metropolitan area’s newest track and field facility, “Ocean Breeze” in Staten Island, the Kellenberg track and field teams stood out at the Trials competition for a “Grand Prix” memorial meet finals competition to be held on February 18th.

All thirty-five CHSAA member schools were vying for a top eight finish in each relay to advance to these finals. The boys 3200-meter relay team of Ricky Lopez, Josh Michel, David Lozipone, and Eric Brown ran courageously to a fifth place qualifying placing.

The team of two sophomores, a junior, and a senior are echoing memories of the great All-American Kellenberg 3200 relay teams of the past decade. The girls qualified both a 4×200 team with Gabby Bussereth, Olivia Coletta, Chrissy Foster, and Camryn Beckford running a seasonal best of 1:47.34 to finish third, and the 3200-meter relay team of Nora Bennett, Ceara Conroy, Maya Richardson, and Maureen Lewin finishing second.

The 4×200 “B” team of Gillian Blackwood, Megan Carelus, Rhea Thomas-Hill, and Arielle Ramirez finished an amazing sixth place overall, well ahead of all but four school’s “A” teams.

January 7th, 2017 Junior Brandon Walter was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout at his Eagle Court of Honor at Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy. His scouting career began as a tiger cub in 2006 and progressed through all of the ranks in both cub scouting and boy scouting. Brandon completed his Eagle Scout Projects by creating a learning garden for Our Lady of Grace Montessori School in Manhasset, New York. Troop 87 is fortunate to have a dual troop scout like Brandon as a role model for our young scouts.

Photo Credit: James Escher

By Newsday’s Kenny DeJohn:

Elation, relief and disbelief all rolled into one.

Clare Calabro had never hit a buzzer-beater in her life. So when she squared to the basket from the right wing about five feet behind the three-point line and banked in the game-winner, she was mauled by teammates and didn’t know what to do.

“It just released from my hands, and when it went in, I didn’t even know how to feel from there,” said Calabro, whose 12 points led the Kellenberg girls basketball team to a dramatic 48-47 win over host Our Lady of Mercy in CHSAA on Friday night.

Calabro inbounded the ball from inside halfcourt with two seconds left on the clock to Alyssa Boll, who was met high by a defender. With nobody stepping in to guard Calabro, Boll quickly dished back to the 5-8 junior, who took advantage of the open look.

Find the full article on Newsday.com: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/girls-basketball/clare-calabro-s-three-pointer-at-buzzer-wins-it-for-kellenberg-1.12954360?pts=385804

Article by Gunyley Jean-Pierre ’12:

Over this past weekend, the Boys Varsity Basketball team took a trip to Founders Hollow Retreat House. This retreat is an annual event that has been going on since Coach McCutcheon took over the basketball program. During the retreat, the team participated in many personal and group activities which were designed to create better team chemistry.

The team started the retreat off interacting with one another after a long three-hour bus ride. We were then informed by Coach McCutcheon and Coach Lyons that we would be going to the chapel for a prayer service with Fr. Phillip, the President of Kellenberg Memorial High School. The prayer service was a spiritual experience. Senior captain Liam McAdams said, “I realized we are more than a team, we are a family and we prayed together just like a family”. After the prayer service, we enjoyed a nice home cooked meal, that was prepared by the assistant coach Don Defino, a master chef who shared great delight in preparing delicious meals throughout the retreat.

On Monday, the team started the day off with another prayer service led by Fr. Phillip. Following the prayer service, we proceeded to have breakfast. After breakfast, it was time for reflection. Fr. Philip led a discussion on talents and how to understand and acknowledge our inner feelings. Coach McCutcheon and Coach Lyons then held individual sessions for all seventeen members of the team on the topic of “Who Am I”. Afterwards, junior forward Erik Gregg remarked, “I feel as if my bond with both coaches is much stronger knowing I can talk to them about anything now.”

After an amazing retreat, every member of the team along with the coaches woke up bright and early to clean the retreat house so it would be immaculate for the next group of students and teachers. On the bus ride home the team laughed about the many great experiences and memories that were made at Founders Hollow. The team also talked strategy for their upcoming game against St. Mary’s High School and their season going forward. Every member of the team had a good time and felt much closer with each other at the conclusion of the retreat. If the retreat could be summed up in one word it would be magical.

By Brianna Hartmann ’18:

On Thursday, January 26, 2017, 50 Kellenberg juniors, in company with Brother Michael Gillen, S.M., Mr. and Mrs. Harnisch, and Father Thomas Cardone, S.M., embarked on an incredible journey.  This journey required a very strong faith from all members, because it included participation in the March for Life. The March for Life is an annual event where people from all over America come together in Washington D.C. to protest against the injustices of abortion and other practices that neglect the blessing of life. This March was however very different from those before. For the first time ever the Vice President, Mike Pence, addressed the crowd in support of the March. In addition, this year’s March was the most covered by the media in light of other protests during January.

The trip began bright and early when students gathered at Kellenberg to load onto the bus for a six-hour ride ahead. Upon entering the nation’s capital, the students enjoyed lunch then a small break at the Marriott Hotel. Then they made their way on foot to the National Mall and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The visit to the museum perfectly coincides with the juniors’ Religion curriculum, as they are reading Victor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. A tour of the National Mall included visits to the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, and the Korean War Veterans memorial. After these tours the participants gathered back at the hotel to enjoy a wonderful dinner as a group. Then it was time to get rest before the big day.

The next morning each student rose with a spiritual vigor excited for what the day had in store. After a hearty breakfast, the bus was packed and everyone made their way to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. With direction and information from Father Tom, the students explored the different chapels in the basilica. Then, as a Kellenberg family, along with current seniors and other teachers, we celebrated Mass within one of the chapels of the basilica.

After Mass, we loaded the bus once more and made our way to the march route. Upon arrival, everyone was overcome with determination to march and protest for what is right. Seeing the thousands upon thousands of people who gathered for the march was so inspiring. It affirmed that everyone has a voice and when we all come together we can change the world we live in. After we marched, we made our way to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where we participated in a prayer service and were kindly given snacks and drinks. Then it was time to go back home. I think I speak for myself and everyone on the journey when I say that this experience was eye-opening to the different injustices that we face in our world, but it gave us all a new strength to stand up for what we believe in.

Kellenberg’s premier STEM Club, Science Olympiad, took home a second-place team victory on Staurday, February 4, 2017, at the Nassau West Regional Science Olympiad Competition. Three teams represented Kellenberg in the day-long competition. Students competed in 25 different events from anatomy, game design, dynamic planet, tower building, and more exposed these students to challenging science and math for a culmination of 17 medals. Bro. Nigel Pratt, S.M., the head coach of the Science Olympiad, takes great pride in his team extending their streak to 21 years of continuous qualification for the New York State Science Olympiad Competition.

On Thursday, February 2, the Senior Sodalities of Mr. and Mrs. Dugal, Mrs. Gaspe, and Mrs. Page joined together to celebrate four years of friendship and fellowship in Sodality. Students enjoyed dinner, prayer, and fun as they reflected on their four years together. Mr. Dugal offered a beautiful blessing and reflection for the seniors for their commitment to God and service to the school community here at Kellenberg Memorial. Mrs. Dugal presented each student with St. Benedict bracelets blessed by Fr. Philip as a reminder that God is always present in their lives. The evening concluded with a challenging game of Heads-up! Good luck to our Senior Sodalists as they carry their faith into the world.

By Madison Keller ’18:

For the past 27 years, Kellenberg Memorial students have been participating in Junior/Senior Prom at Queen of Peace Residence run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. The students started the night by picking up their dates at their rooms and then heading down to the auditorium where they had a picture taken, exchanged corsages, and took a seat to get ready for the wonderful night of music and dance.

Throughout the night the students engaged in conversation and danced to the music provided by the Irish Mist. The students talked to their dates about their life, family, and what their life consisted of when they were their age. The residents talked about their time in the war, what they did for a living and how those jobs shaped the, into who they are today.

Sergio Arrega, a sophomore at Kellenberg who participated in the event, said, “Participating in this opened my eyes to how we as young people should care for elders and be a source of comfort in their times of need.”  At the end of the night the students escorted our dates back to their room and thanked them for the fun night.

From left to right: Coach Robert York ’01, Manny Abreu ’18, Maya Richardson ’18, Coach Martin Brown, and Athletic Director John Fechtmann

On Monday, February 6, Maya Richardson ’18 and Manny Abreu ’18 received the Dave Daly Memorial Award, which is awarded annually to two track athletes who exemplify Coach Daly’s many impressive qualities. Dave Daly was a dedicated coach throughout his life, who for many years shared his talent with track athletes at Kellenberg Memorial. Students who were nominated to apply for the award submitted essays detailing how track has impacted their lives socially, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Coach Robert York ’01, Head of Kellenberg Memorial’s Boys Track program, was thrilled that Manny was selected for the award, saying, “Manny epitomizes the dedication that Dave Daly possessed as a coach. He is also a good and decent young man who respects his craft, honors his competition, and competes at the highest level. It is our honor that Manny Abreu receive this award in memory of our beloved coach and mentor.”

Coach Martin Brown, Head of the Girls Track program, expressed similar excitement, saying, “When we needed to have somebody potentially score in the 600 meters at the recent NSCHSGAA Championships, Maya willingly volunteered saying in her firm, but sweet voice, ‘If the team needs me there, put me in.’ Maya not only won her heat, but scored overall for the team, and came back to run the anchor leg on the winning 4×800 relay. Maya is a true team player who always puts the needs of others in front of her own. I can’t think of anyone else who is more deserving of this award than Maya.”

Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy

By Newsday’s Kieran Lynch:

For Kellenberg’s Nora Bennett, every race is about the process.

On Saturday at the CHSAA Intersectional championships at Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex in Staten Island, that path led to a comeback victory in the 1,000 meters in 3:06.63 to claim a title. The win was built on the foundation of past experiences.

“I would get super nervous, but now I feel like I’m able to sort of channel my nerves and stay relaxed until that right moment when you just have to go,” Bennett said.

Read full article here: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/track/kellenberg-s-nora-bennett-takes-the-title-in-1-000-meters-1.13109461

On Saturday, February 11, Kellenberg Memorial High School’s liturgical choir, the Gregorian Consortium, provided the music for the 5:00 PM Liturgy at Holy Spirit Parish in New Hyde Park.

This year, the Gregorian Consortium wanted to begin a new tradition, whereas they would give back to the community, by playing music for one parish a year in the Diocese of Rockville Centre. Moderator Mr. Alex Basile reminded the students, “Kellenberg may be our home away from home, but on the weekend, parish life is just as important to the Church.” Holy Spirit Parish itself is one of the older parishes in the Diocese; being founded in the late nineteenth century. The church and former school have also produced a fair number of Kellenberg’s faculty and students.

The students of “St. Gregs” found great meaning in assisting with the music at Holy Spirit. Jordon Bernhardi ’17 expressed that, “It was a great opportunity to share our musical talents with other Catholics in the Diocese.” Kailee Alberto ’18 and Anna Gallego ’18 further agreed, “Participating in the mass at Holy Spirit made us realize that there is more to our faith life than just Kellenberg.”

The Pastor of Holy Spirit Father Frank Grieco summed up the evening during his homily, “I have never physically visited Kellenberg, but I have only heard wonderful things. The students this evening have inspired me with their talents. It is great to witness young people learning the liturgy and the catechism. I am a great supporter of Catholic education on Long Island, and this is truly great to see among this group of students. I also want to know when they’re coming back to sing for us again!”

After Mass, members of the Gregorian Consortium distributed free copies of Kellenberg’s most recent CD, Merciful Father. The group then walked a few blocks to the nearby pizzeria Gino’s on Jericho Turnpike. Here they shared in an Italian dinner. Overall, it was a wonderful evening of faith and community.

During the months of January and February, Kellenberg’s Junior Varsity Dance team took the time to give back to their community. Their mission this year for the Service Over Self (S.O.S) project was to volunteer with one of Nassau County’s hunger assistance organization, Long Island Cares.

Long Island Cares is more than just a food bank. This organization collects school supplies, pet food, pet supplies, disaster relief resources, personal care items, and baby products. As noted on their website, Long Island Cares strives not only to meet the immediate need for emergency food relief on Long Island, but also eliminate the underlying root causes of hunger itself through a variety of programs.

The girls united together and connected with the organization’s Freeport location, to fill a three-foot tall box with as many items as possible. The girls were very successful. On their last basketball halftime performance, the girls reached their goal. The box filled with various items including, but not limited to, pencils, stacks of loose leaf paper, pens, markers, crayons, an assortment of dog and cat food, pasta, canned tuna, boxed rice and more, all weighing close to 100 pounds!

Getting the opportunity to donate is a fulfilling experience for everyone involved. The JV Dance team encourages the student body and family members to do what they can to be of service to others.

By Natalie Montufar ’17:

On Wednesday, February 21, eight seniors from the Health Sciences Club took a trip to Nassau University Medical Center for a unique shadowing opportunity. It was overall an incredible, eye-opening perspective of the medical field.

My classmates and I first spent the beginning portion of the morning in a meeting room with the chiefs and chairmen of the Nursing Department and the Emergency Medicine Department. They told short narratives of why they chose to go into medicine, and they also gave us a feel for their everyday tasks.

We then split up into two groups; two thirds of us went with the Emergency Medicine Physicians, and the other third went with the Nursing Department. I was assigned with the Emergency Medicine Physicians. The two doctors which were directing us were Dr. Anthony Boutin and Dr. Dean Olsen. My group later attended a lecture on smoke inhalation and toxicology. We learned about the differences between carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning, how to treat patients with either poison in their bodies, and we reviewed many past medical cases on these poisons.

We later had lunch with a group of residents, and surprisingly we had a lot in common. After lunch, we were given a tour of the Emergency Room, and the doctors explained how they would go through a general procedure. Our short trip to Nassau University Medical Center gave all of us students a distinct and up close view of the medical field. It greatly helped us see whether or not medicine is the correct path for us in the near future.

By Maggie Guerriere ’18:

Three weeks ago, the varsity cheerleading team went to Walt Disney World for UCA Nationals. This was the first time ever that a cheer team from Kellenberg Memorial was able to go to Nationals in Disney. We arrived at Kellenberg at 2:00 AM on Friday, February 10. There was never dull moment from that point on!

The first day we hung out at the pool for a couple hours before we had practice at the hotel to prepare for the next day’s competition. On the second day, the team had to wake up at 5:00 AM for the first round of competitions, prelims. We competed at 7:30 am and we did great! We then eagerly awaited to find out that we had made it onto the next round, semifinals.

We made our way back to the hotel to rest up and practice another time. At 7:30 PM we competed again in semifinals and hit a nearly perfect routine for the first time all season. Although it was our best performance yet we didn’t make it onto the next round, finals. The top 12 teams made it to the finals and we came in 13th in the nation out of a total of 38 teams.

Overall it was an amazing experience that would of never happened without the support of our coaches, teammates and our parents. Thank you to everyone who helped make our dreams come true in Disney!!

Troop 87 kicked off winter break with a snow tubing trip to Hunter Mountain and campout at nearby Tri-Mount Scout Camp. Saturday morning allowed scouts time for hiking through snow covered trails before a field expedient MRE lunch. The afternoon gave warm temperatures for snow tubing. Mass at the Immaculate Conception C.C. in East Jewett capped the day off on a spiritual note.

Friday, March 3, 30 sophomores spent the day at Brookhaven National Lab for a day of STEM learning. The morning challenged the students as the conducted soil remediation to remove iron from their soil samples using a technique developed at Brookhaven National lab. The lab combined Earth Science, Chemistry, Math, and some sophisticated technology for a very successful experience.

Lunch was paired with a STEM talk from Dr. Raul Acevedo-Esteves. Our students quickly realized how cutting-edge the field of science can be before the talk concluded with a video on microgravity flights with NASA’s Weightless Wonder.

The afternoon took the students into a deeper understanding of viruses. The outcome drew parallels to strep cultures, several other common viruses, and the importance of vaccinations. Thank you to Dr. Aleida Perez for an outstanding experience.​

Congratulations to Patrick Wilson who competed for the third year in a row at the New York State Federation Swimming Championships, coming in 7th place in the 100-meter Breast Stroke, 12th in the 50-meter freestyle, and winning the CHSAA Sportsmanship Award. Patrick will be attending Binghamton University on a swimming scholarship next year.

The Kellenberg Girls 3200-meter relay team of Maya Richardson, Julia Bryant, Maureen Lewin, and Nora Bennett placed 4th in Saturday’s New York State Federation Track and Field Championships.

The New York State Meet is known as, “the most competitive indoor high school track meet contested in the United States.” The team qualified on February 11 by winning the Catholic Intersectional Championship relay in an improved time of fourteen seconds.

In the Federation meet, they improved upon that by nine seconds to 9:21.9, currently among the top twenty five times in the country. The winner of the race, Upstate Shenedehowa, ran the fastest time this year, 9:00.34, in the country. The Kellenberg Girls are pictured here with their supporting teammates.

On March 6, members of the Kellenberg Memorial class of 2017 took time from their day to participate in the annual senior blood drive for New York Blood Center. The drive was originally scheduled for mid-February, but was rescheduled due to a snow day. Today, students donated a grand total of 184 units from 108 whole blood donors and 38 ALYX donors. The ALYX machine takes double the amount of red blood cells from the donor, yielding 76 units in all. The blood drive was a great, positive experience for the Kellenberg Memorial family and the class of 2017!

Over the February break, 8 members of the Lady Firebird Track and Field Team competed at the Ocean Breeze Grand Prix in Staten Island. The 4×200 meter relay team of Gillian Blackwood, Christiana Foster, Olivia Coletta, and Camryn Beckford broke a ten year school record, placing second overall in 1:46:64. The 4×800 meter relay team of Nora Bennett, Ceara Conroy, Maya Richardson, and Maureen Lewin ran well also placing second in that event. Congratulations ladies!