The Girl’s track and field team continued on their mercurial path towards the championship season by breaking three long standing School records at Thursday’s “Seahawk Invitational,” a Long Island twilight Meet favorite.

Julia Bryant broke the school (and meet) record in the 1000 meter steeplechase with a time of 3:32.2. The previous record of 3:34 was set in 2010 by Kylie Pearse, a future steeplechase champion. Bryant led a Kellenberg sweep with Erin Doherty and Emma Dougherty finishing second and third. It was a very special day for Bryant and Dougherty, as they, and fellow team member Tori Smith were ordained Eucharistic Ministers.

The 4×200 Relay of Gabby Buissereth, Chrissy Foster, Tori Duignan, and Camryn Beckford broke the seven year old 4×200 record by two seconds running 1:46.20. The previous record was held by Michele Anthony, Jasmin Belcher, Odrine Belot, and Clare Carroll.

The final record on this successful evening was the 4×1500. The quartet of Brianna Lausev, Maya Richardson, Grace Browne, and Maureen Lewin ran to a winning 20:33.50, eclipsing the 21:16 of Melanie Watts, Ashlin Conroy, Kylie Pearse, and Clare Carroll set in 2009.

Sophomore Maureen Lewin, shown here winning the 800 meters in the first of three gold medals won at the NSCHSGAA Freshman-Sophomore Championships, with teammates Madeline Lay in third, and Catherine Cooke in fifth. Lewin led a 1-2-3-4 sweep with teammates Chrissy Foster, Alyssa Pugh and Rachel Cooney filling out the next places in the 400 meters, and anchored the 4×400 relay team of Rachel Cooney, Cooke, and Brianna Lausev, who had earlier won silver in both the steeplechase and 3000 meters, to Gold! Freshman Camryn Beckford also took two silvers in the 100 and 200 meters.

Photo Credit: Richard T. Slattery

By Newsday’s Gregg Sarra:

Chris Cappas wanted his senior season to end with another CHSAA baseball title. The Kellenberg lefthander took a 12-inning scoreless streak into Friday’s first-place showdown at St. Anthony’s in South Huntington.

That streak was extended to 18 2⁄3 innings after Cappas shut down St. Anthony’s offense in a brilliant outing.

Cappas allowed only four baserunners as Kellenberg shut out St. Anthony’s, 3-0, to capture back-to-back CHSAA regular-season titles for the first time in school history.

Kellenberg finished at 14-4 and St. Anthony’s fell to 13-5.

Read the full article on Newsday.com: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/baseball/chris-cappas-pitches-kellenberg-to-second-straight-chsaa-title-1.13628675

Emmah Federman of Kellenberg tees off on the 13th Hole of Eisenhower Park’s Blue Course during the Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA girls golf championship on Tuesday, May 16, 2017. She shot a 5-over 77 to win the event. (Credit: James Escher)

By Newsday’s Ari Kramer:

A year after placing fourth at the CHSAA championship, Emmah Federman took the title.

The Kellenberg junior shot a 5-over 77 Tuesday at Eisenhower Blue. The score, which was an 11-stroke improvement from last year, earned Federman a trip to suburban Buffalo for the state championship.

She edged Holy Trinity’s Tess Murphy (78) and Kellenberg teammate and 2016 champion Ashley Harding (79). Murphy, Harding, Our Lady of Mercy’s Katie Costello (84), St. Anthony’s Freya Do (87), and St. Anthony’s Caroline Smolensky (93) also qualified for the state championship as top-six finishers.

Read the entire article on Newsday.com: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/golf/kellenberg-s-emmah-federman-wins-chsaa-golf-championship-1.13641090

From LI Catholic Staff:

Bishop John Barres toured Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale on Monday, May 15, spending time talking and praying with the students and faculty there. The bishop celebrated Mass  in the school auditorium for about half the student body, while the rest attended Mass in the gym celebrated by Marianist Father Phillip Eichner, president of the school. After Mass, Bishop Barres went to the gym and spoke with the students there, who included the sixth, seventh and eighth graders of the Brother Joseph C. Fox Latin School.  The bishop also spent time talking with the sophomore and junior members of the PREP program, who teach faith formation in local parishes.

http://licatholic.org/kellenberg-welcomes-bishop-barres/

Congratulations to Gerard DeAngelis on being selected as a National Semifinalist in the 2016-2017 National Honor Society Scholarship Program. The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), parent organization of the National Honor Society (NHS), has awarded more than $14 million in scholarships to outstanding NHHS members since 1946.

This year, 400 NHS National Semifinalists were chosen from over 9,000 applicants. As one of the National Semifinalists, Gerard will receive a $2,325 scholarship.

Gerard will be attending Boston College in the fall of 2017.

Congratulations to the members of the class of 2017 who will continue their athletic career by competing in college athletics beginning in the fall of 2017.

Micheal Abramo, Lacrosse – Wheaton College (MA)

Jaclyn Amato, Lacrosse – Lynchburg College

Andrew Ammazzalorso, Baseball – College of Mount Saint Vincent

Caleigh Bennett, Soccer – Hobart and William Smith College

Timothy Berry, Lacrosse – Clarkson UniversityAlyssa

Alyssa Boll, Lacrosse – LIU Post

Deirdre Buckley, Lacrosse – SUNY Oneonta

Christopher Cappas, Baseball – University of Pittsburgh

Sam Contino, Lacrosse – Western New England

Kiersten Cote, Volleyball – Cortland

Lena D’Amico, Soccer – Nazareth College

Jack Delaney, Baseball – St. John Fisher College

Nicolas Demaria, Tennis – Vassar College

Alexander Ellis, Sailing – SUNY Maritime

Michael Grant, Lacrosse – Scranton

Joe Grimm, Football – SUNY Cortland

Shannon Hughes. Lacrosse – Stonehill College

Jonah Katz, Baseball – Colby College

Brendan Kelly, Lacrosse – Salve Regina

Michael Laskowski, Baseball – Purchase College

Patrick Leahy, Football – St. John Fisher College

Kaitlin Maniscalco, Softball – Ithaca

Jack McLaughlin, Baseball – Scranton

Marco Mongelli, Lacrosse – Salve Regina University

Ian Nalepinski, Football – Salve Regina University

Christen Patalano, Lacrosse – Oneonta

Thomas Paulich, Baseball – Stevens Institute of Technology

Maureen Pearson, Soccer – Sacred Heart University

Trevor Quinn, Football – Muhlenberg College

Andrew Russell, Baseball – Colby College

Patrick Wilson, Swimming –
Binghamton University

Sarah Wood, Soccer – Dominican College

Pictured L-R: Mr. Kevin Dugal (English Dept.), William Ilardi ’17, Bro. Kenneth Hoagland S.M. (Principal)

Congratulations to senior William Ilardi on winning the Stephen Tompsett Award essay contest.  William received a trophy and a $500 scholarship award.  He qualified for consideration by being a resident of Garden City and for writing an essay.  One award is given annually to a resident of Garden City who attends a public school, and another is given to a student who attends a Catholic school.  William is the first Kellenberg student to earn this award. 

The Stephen K. Tompsett Memorial Fund for Technology in Education (“Stephen’s Fund”) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charity, created in honor and memory of Stephen Tompsett, SVP of Instinet Corp, resident of Garden City, NY, and parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church who was killed on 9/11/01 while attending a technology conference in the World Trade Center.

Stephen’s Fund is dedicated to continuing his volunteer work, exemplified by his love of children and his desire to improve education. Their mission is to encourage young people to excel especially in the Math, Science and Technology fields. 

The Girls Track and Field Team captured the NSCHSGAA Championship title Saturday in impressive form. The team scored 102.50 points, well ahead of second place St.Anthony’s (56),third place St. John the Baptist (52), and fourth place Sacred Heart (50.5). Holy Trinity and Our Lady of Mercy rounded out the top six. It was only the second time in the storied history of the Girl’s Track program that the team eclipsed the 100 point mark in the league championship competition. The team, well balanced across the multi-disciplined events, had some outstanding individual winners. Gillian Blackwood won the 100 meter high hurdles in a state ranking time of 15.30. Blackwood finished second in the high jump behind winning teammate Kayra Theodore. Theodore also took a bronze in the triple jump, with Rhea Thomas-Hill finishing third in both the high hurdles and the triple jump. Maureen Lewin also ran a state ranking time, finishing second in the 1500 in 4:45, yet came back to win the 800 meters, and anchor the winning 3200 relay of Grace Browne, Ceara Conroy and Madeline Lay. The team also achieved some remarkable surprise top performances. In the steeple chase Brianna Lausev and Julia Bryant upset the favored runners finishing first and second, with Claire Burns and Erin Doherty finishing fourth and fifth for more points. The 4×100 Relay of Kailee Alberto, Tori Smith, Ariana Baldwin, and Kaitlin Romaine added to the scoring fireworks with a silver medal finish.

At last night’s Spring Sports Banquet, Josh Michel ’19 was presented with the Most Valuable Performer Award from the CHSAA Sophomore Intersectional Championships.  Josh was voted by the coaches in the Metropolitan Catholic League for his double gold medal winning accolades in the 800-meter run and 4×400 meter relay.  Josh is pictured with Coach Capozzoli ’12, Mr. Estrella ’95 and Coach Milteer ’09.  Congratulations Josh on your exceptional accomplishment.

On Thursday, May 18 the Junior class Blood Drive was held.  The Juniors collected 141 traditional pints of blood and 60 ALYX units for a total of 201 units collected from students and teachers.  Together with the blood that was collected in March from the Senior class, Kellenberg students and faculty donated 383 pints of blood which impacted the lives of more than 1,000 people.  We should be very proud of our students by making themselves a little uncomfortable to help save the life of another. 

Credit: Victoria Lodi

Article by News12 Varsity’s Jon Perez:

What a difference a month makes.

In early April, Kellenberg was in shambles. After losing a heartbreaker to Fordham Prep in last year’s CHSAA ‘AA’ Intersectional final, the Firebirds dropped their first five matches to begin the 2017 season.Six weeks later, Kellenberg captured eight straight wins en route to its second CHSAA ‘AA’ downstate final in three years after its 11-9 victory over Iona Prep at home Friday afternoon.

“They had a tremendous amount of determination,” Kellenberg coach Mike Schwalje said. “The refused to quit and they learned to play with composure and that’s what really dug us out of the hole. They played together and a lot of good things happen when did they did.”

In a back and forth affair, Kellenberg and Iona Prep exchanged runs throughout the first three quarters. However, in the fourth quarter Kellenberg outscored Iona Prep 4-1 to seal the victory.

Read the full article on News12Varsity.com: http://www.news12varsity.com/long-island/flying-firebirds-kellenberg-captures-chsaa-aa-intersectional-title-1.1873520#sthash.DowTdUlM.uxfs

Article by Rachel Harrington ’18:

On Wednesday May 24, the Brother C. Fox eighth graders had their annual barbeque in celebration of their last year as middle schoolers. To start the day the squires—the members of the eighth grade class—attended the May Crowning Prayer Service, then changed out of their uniforms and got ready to play the rest of the day. On the fields, there were bounce houses, popcorn machines, and pick-up games of lacrosse, soccer, and more. Squire Emma Carmody said, “The Squire Barbeque is a fun way to end the year and a great experience to have right before we start high school.”  For lunch, the eighth graders had a delicious barbeque on the fields with their teachers and friends. The Squire Barbeque was a great way to wrap up the year before high school begins.

Article by Rachel Harrington ’18:

This past Wednesday, May 24, the entire student body of Kellenberg Memorial, along with students from St. Martin De Porres Marianist School, parents, and alumni gathered together to celebrate the annual May Crowning Prayer Service. Junior Colleen Wing remarked that “The May Crowning is a lovely way to celebrate Our Mother Mary, and all of the amazing sacrifices she made for her son Jesus Christ.”

Father Thomas Cardone S.M. lead a beautiful prayer service with words of inspiration for all those who attended. With the help of the Floral Park Fire Department, Miss Korzekwinski, assistant principal for the Latin School, along with Father Tom, were able to journey up to the statue of Mary at the entrance of the school to crown Mary. This beautiful prayer service is a great way to pause our lives and take focus on what really matters, our faith.

After celebrating Mass on Ascension Thursday, 20 juniors spent the day learning molecular genetics laboratory techniques at the Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center. The students worked with enzymes that cut large DNA fragments into smaller fragments. Since they were working on the molecular level, students learned how to work with micropipettes to measure extremely small amounts of DNA, enzymes, and solutions. After three hours working in the laboratory, students were able to visualize the DNA fragments and view their results. The trip also included a tour of the Northwell Health Core Laboratory which processes medical specimens 24 hours per day.

By Newsday’s Kenny DeJohn:

It was Jason Diaz’s game from the moment he stepped on the mound at Hofstra’s University Field on Monday.

The Kellenberg sophomore showed poise in the biggest game of his first year on varsity, striking out 10 batters in a four-hitter as the top-seeded Firebirds defeated No. 3 St. John the Baptist, 1-0, in the CHSAA championship game.

The Firebirds (16-4), who won their second consecutive championship, did not allow a run in three playoff games.

Diaz, who walked two batters and threw 95 pitches, said he had goose bumps before the first pitch, but he shook off early nerves to execute his two-seamer, changeup and slider.

“I gave it all in those seven innings,” he said.

The game’s lone run came in the bottom of the first inning. Chris Cappas slapped an 0-and-2 pitch to leftfield for a single that drove in Andrew Russell, who had doubled to right-center to start the inning.

Cappas was 2-for-2 with a walk and was named the CHSAA player of the year and pitcher of the year.

“We didn’t expect that at all,” Cappas said of the first-inning run being the difference. “We had a lot of chances, we just didn’t score. Their pitchers did a great job. So did their defense.”

Read the full story on Newsday.com: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/baseball/jason-diaz-pitches-gem-as-kellenberg-wins-chsaa-title-1.13684020

By Newsday’s Ari Kramer:

Before Tuesday, seven CHSAA Class AA boys lacrosse state championships had been played.

Kellenberg never had appeared in one.

In their first chance at a title, the Firebirds capitalized. They defeated St. Joseph’s Collegiate of Buffalo, 12-5, Tuesday at Mitchel Field.

Dylan Willis had three goals and two assists. Brendan Kelly had three goals and one assist, and Joe Grimm had two goals and two assists.

“Today we made history,” said Willis, a junior. “Being here next year, it’s never going to feel like this again, being the first ones. It’s a really good feeling knowing we’re the first ones.”

The Firebirds (12-5) believed this year could be special after they returned several key pieces from the team that lost to Fordham Prep in the CHSAA AA Intersectional Championship. They got a taste of late-season playoff lacrosse, and they knew the unsatisfying experience would only make them better.

“From the beginning of the year, we had one goal,” Kelly said, “and that was to avenge the loss to Fordham in the (intersectional) championship.”

Read the full article on Newsday.com: http://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/boys-lacrosse/dylan-willis-brendan-kelly-lead-kellenberg-to-its-first-chsaa-lacrosse-title-1.13691063?pts=528669

The Most Improved Player Award
This is awarded to the athlete who displayed the greatest amount of improvement and growth in their skills which contributed to the success of their team.

The Bernie Ward Commitment Award
This award is named after our beloved former faculty member, coach and colleague Bernie Ward is for the athlete who has displayed the most passion and commitment towards bettering themselves and their teammates during the season.

The Most Valuable Player Award
This is awarded to the athlete whose contribution to the team contributed most towards that team’s success during the season.

Junior Varsity Softball

Most Improved: Lindsey Raimondi

Lindsey Raimondi proved to the entire coaching staff this season that she was determined to be the best player she could be. She worked hard in the offseason and came out strong during the beginning of the season. Throughout our time together Lindsey worked on her pitching, fielding and hitting skills. Almost every day Lindsey would ask one of the coaches what she could do to be better at a particular task. Lindsey was a player that as a coach I could rely on to make the most out of any situation and would play any position I asked her to play. Lindsey has been a role model for her fellow teammates, showing them that hard work and dedication can pay off. Congratulations Lindsey!

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Haley Lorenzo

Haley Lorenzo has proven what it takes to be a Firebird. Haley will give it her all during any game and at all times. She was a true leader to her teammates and helped to pick them up when they were down on themselves. Haley was at every practice and every game willing to work hard and make herself a better player. Haley’s commitment to the team was shown each and every day and she was always willing to do more. She helped lead the team to the playoffs with 18 RBI’s and 30 hits. She always found a way to more a runner and then to cheer her teammates on. She was a huge help to the coaching staff and knew how to put the team first always. Congratulations Haley!

Most Valuable Player: Julia Piotrowski

Julia Piotrowski lead the team in pitching with 59 strikeouts over 30.2 innings pitched. Offensively Julia had a .628 batting average with 4 homeruns, 29 RBI’s and no strikeouts. Julia is a player that will make an impact no matter if she is pitching, playing the outfield or at bat. She was a vital part of our team this year and as a freshman learned how to be a leader on and off the field. She wanted the best for herself but more importantly, she wanted the best for her teammates. There would be times that Julia would help out a fellow teammate with hitting skills or talk to them in the outfield on a better way to approach a ball. We are excited to see what the future holds for you! Congratulations Julia.

Boys Junior Varsity “A” Lacrosse

Most Improved: Kyle Cote

Kyle Cote started the year out as an attackman but the coaches started to work him into the midfield lines to try and take advantage of his athletic ability.  Once Kyle got comfortable in the position he thrived as a player, he was a multi-talented offensive threat because of his attack background but more importantly, he quickly learned how to play tough defense and become one of our most reliable wing players on faceoffs picking up ground balls and clearing the ball. 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Ethan Michaud

Ethan Michaud was the first player out and ready for practice every day and always the first one into drills working on his skills.  Ethan is a very talented player so the coaches demanded a lot from him as a player, he always took everything that was asked of him in stride and never questioned the coaching staff knowing he was always doing what was best for the team. 

Most Valuable Player: Rob Filshie

Rob Filshie was always tasked with the toughest job on the field, he was always matched up with the opposing teams best offensive player.  Rob thrived in this position often getting the best of his opponents and shutting them down effectively shutting down the opposing offense altogether.  In addition to his defense, Rob was our best defender clearing the ball and creating transition opportunities for our offense as well as playing the wing on face-offs when the team needed to change things up.  In short, we asked a lot of Rob this season many things he was not used to doing and he excelled at everything we asked.  

Boys Junior Varsity “B” Lacrosse

Most Improved: Samir Umar

This year’s Most Improved Player is Samir Umar.  Samir came into the year willing and eager to learn all the facets of the game.  Having only been playing for a few months, the first few weeks were quite a challenge for him.  As the season progressed, his determination continued to grow and Samir was able to earn himself a regular spot in our defensive rotation by the season’s end.  The coaching staff is extremely proud of Samir’s achievements this year and cannot wait to see him continue to grow and succeed with the program. 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Michael Dux

This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Michael Dux.  As one of our three team captains, Mike lead the team with quiet determination and consistent play all season long.  Mike finished the season second in goals and led the team in assists.  He was always willing to help the team over himself, including a move from attack to midfield halfway through the season.  The coaching staff is excited to see Mike continue to develop and improve as he progresses through the program. 

Most Valuable Player: Brian Pleines

This year’s Most Valuable Player is Brian Pleines.  Brian played outstanding in each and every game this season.  As our team’s only goalie, Brian did not let himself become content in never being able to lose his starting job.  Rather he continued to lead by example and single-handedly kept our team in many games this season.  Being one of our three team captains, Brian was never one to vocally lead the team, instead he thrived in silently leading them with a big smile every day.  Brian played through several injuries throughout the season but never once complained or asked to sit out.  He will be greatly missed next year and the coaches wish him all the best.    

Junior Varsity “A” Baseball

Most Improved: Luke Napolitano

Luke Napolitano came into this season after a very competitive freshman season. While in competition with a sophomore last year, Luke hit .235 in limited action. He was motivated to become a better player all around and he did just that. Luke was the starting shortstop for the JV-A team and hit third in the lineup all season. He accumulated a .395 batting average and led the team in On-Base Percentage, RBI’s, and Batting Average with Runners in Scoring Position (.588). In 58 plate appearances this season, Luke has only struck out 4 times! Luke will be a vital part of the future success of this program on the Varsity level.

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Frank Roder

The Bernie Ward Commitment Award goes to a player who has done everything for the team this year. Offensively, Frank Roder hit .306 as a Designated Hitter most of the year with many crucial hits. As a pitcher, Frank achieved success in a way which many will forever remember. Frank had a 3-1 overall record as the ace of the staff. In 26 innings, Frank struck out 32 batters and only surrendered seven hits! He threw TWO consecutive no-hitters in league play and was the most dominant player on the mound in the league. Frank’s future is very bright for the baseball program at Kellenberg.

Most Valuable Player: Joe Braskey

Joe Braskey joined the JV-A team as a freshman last year and hit .375 while catching a majority of the league games. Joe came into this season motivated and determined to work harder and achieve greater success. He ended with a .462 batting average, accumulated 16 RBI’s in 15 games, and led the team in hits, singles, and doubles. Joe caught 14 of 15 games behind the plate and made it very difficult for opposing coaches to formulate a game plan on the base paths. We look forward to watching Joe’s continued success in the baseball program over the next two years.

Junior Varsity “B” Baseball

Most Improved: Aidan McGrory

As the old baseball adage goes, “Pitching wins the day,” and just about every time Aidan McGrory took the mound, the team came away victorious. A fierce competitor, Aidan possesses a great feel for the game. He is a blessing to the coaching staff, and great leader on and off the field. He was the team leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He played a smooth second base and was among the team leaders in batting average.

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Andrew Cossu

Andrew Cossu is what the Commitment Award is all about. Andrew played most of the season out of position at third base, splitting time with his natural position, second base. Andrew knew that sacrificing his comfort and routine, which are every player’s most desirable commodities, would help to keep him in the lineup, and would help the team to win. When we asked him to move a few slots down in the lineup, Andrew wholeheartedly agreed, and he took his usual business-like approach, helping the team to win 2 huge league games. Andrew is an unquestionably great leader, a great student/athlete, and a clever young man who always kept the team loose with his hilarious personality.

Most Valuable Player: Aidan McGrory

As the old baseball adage goes, “Pitching wins the day,” and just about every time Aidan McGrory took the mound, the team came away victorious. A fierce competitor, Aidan possesses a great feel for the game. He is a blessing to the coaching staff, and a great leader on and off the field. He was the team leader in wins, ERA, and strikeouts. He played a smooth second base and was among the team leaders in batting average.

Boys Freshman Spring Track

Most Improved: Daniel Bermiss   

Daniel first came to track and field in the winter season and had some early difficulties with the techniques and the form associated with the shot put.  Daniel does possess the natural strength to throw the shot put a great distance, but his improvement in the technique and the form came with his added attention to learning about the sport outside of practice.  Studying the shot put and the discus throwing events over the winter break came in handy when he began the spring season.  Daniel added to our point scoring efforts at the Freshman Championship meets and we look forward to his continued improvement at the sophomore level.   

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Aidan Quinn

Aidan displayed true commitment from the moment the season started.  Aidan had the foundational training from the cross country and winter track seasons but he was eager to try new events like the steeplechase for example.  Aidan worked hard to earn a spot on the 4X800 meter relay where his commitment proved pivotal during the freshmen championships.  Where at this meet, Aidan feel during his leg of the relay, and when others runners would have fallen into a period of embarrassment and self-pity, Aidan got right up and continued to move the team into medal winning position which they were able to secure thanks to Aidan’s commitment to team success and not individual glory.  

Most Valuable Player: Ryan Whitlock

Ryan Whitlock was truly our most valuable performer throughout the season.  Ryan shows a very quiet demeanor on the track, but a great focus during workouts as well as relay and individual races on meet days.  Ryan won medals throughout the season in the 400 meters but his largest contribution came as the anchor of the 4X400 meter relay at both the NSCHSAA and CHSAA freshmen championships which earned he and the team valuable point scoring placement in our league standings. 

Girls Freshman Spring Track

Most Improved: Sydney Insall

This young lady utilized a background of cross country and winter track to continue to work hard and improve this spring season. She improved her 200 by a significant two seconds and her 100 by .53. She was a vital member of the 4×100 relay squad. We are proud to award Sydney Insall our MIP award for this season.

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Molly Simons

A tiger of a worker, this young woman defines persistence. She experimented with events all season, contributing her efforts to the team in the 800, the 1500, the 3000, even the 400. Yet she picked the most challenging event, the 2000 meter steeplechase, where her commitment to excellence and inner “moxie” showed itself. Her gallant stretch drive in the freshman-sophomore championships was valuable not only in her passing of her Sacred Heart rival and scoring for the team but of her visual “giving it all.” We are proud to award Molly Simons as our Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner.

Most Valuable Player: Claire O’Regan

This young lady all season long was not only “valuable” in her trying all events from the high hurdles to the jumps, to the 400, to the 100, to the Intermediate hurdles, but her daily dosage of hard, consistent work. A young woman of few words, but mighty actions, and a contagious smile, we are proud to award our MVP for this season to Claire O’Regan.

Girls Junior Varsity “A” Lacrosse

Most Improved: Emily Lampasone

The Most Improved Player Award goes to Emily Lampasone. Emily started off the season as one of our solid defensemen but quickly was asked to play midfield when the position needed to be filled. Without hesitation, Emily accepted the challenge of the new position and for the rest of the season worked day in and day out to learn all the ins and outs of a midfielder. She always put in maximum effort in practices and games and this enabled her to be one of the most versatile players on the field by the end of the season. 

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Rosie McCumiskey

(Student-athlete information forthcoming.)

Most Valuable Player: Caitlin McDonough

The Most Valuable Player Award for the JVA Girls Lacrosse team goes to Caitlin McDonough. Caitlin worked all season long to become the best teammate, leader, and player that she could be. She was the type of player that a coach wants on the field for the whole game. She always gave 110% and pushed her teammates to rise to their potential. She was a defender’s nightmare with her offensive skills and finesse.

Girls Junior Varsity “B” Lacrosse

Most Improved: Julia Merz

This season’s most improved player is Julia Merz. Julia started off this season with very little lacrosse experience. Over the course of the season, she continued to grow not only as a lacrosse player but also as a strong leader on the team. Julia reads the game of lacrosse very well and has a natural ability to play the game. She was able to pick up aspects of lacrosse in a few short weeks, where it could take other players years to learn those same skills.  The coaches noticed that she improved after every single practice. Julia became a strong defender and started in a few of the games this season. She is a natural athlete who has a strong potential to be an amazing lacrosse player in the future. We are extremely proud of the player she has become, and we cannot wait to see her continue her lacrosse career here at Kellenberg.

Bernie Ward Commitment Award: Elizabeth Collins

This year’s Bernie Ward Commitment Award winner is Elizabeth Collins. This decision came very easily to the coaches. Liz was truly the unsung hero on this team. Although she is not a very vocal leader, she truly sets a perfect example for younger players. Liz was always one of the first on the field for practice and always one of the last ones off. She would make sure the field was clean after practice and that all the equipment was taken in. The coaches always knew she would step up if we asked. Liz started every game and was a strong leader on defense. She was the go to when a specific player had to be marked, and the coaches always went to her to lead the defense in pep talks.  Liz has grown into a strong lacrosse player over the last two years.  She always put the team before herself and defined what it means to be a Kellenberg athlete. Congratulations, Liz!

Most Valuable Player: Emily Acimovic

This season’s Most Valuable Player was Emily Acimovic. Emily has a natural talent for lacrosse. As a starting midfielder, Emily was a go-to player in most situations. Emily would beat players to ground balls and come up with the draws in tight situations. She was also a strong force on attack. Emily was not afraid to drive to the cage if it meant she could potentially score a goal. No matter what, Emily was always giving 110% on the field. As one of the leading goal scorers this season, the coaches always knew Emily could make something happen whenever she was on the field. Because of her ability to play both strong defense and attack, it was clear that she is the most valuable player. The coaches look forward to seeing Emily grow as a strong leader and player for the lacrosse program.

Saturday, Firebird Swing, Kellenberg’s jazz chorus, sang the National Anthem for the League of Yes, a baseball league for children with special needs.  Following the anthem, they presented a very generous donation to the league in the name of Firebird Swing director, Mr. Clark Blanton, and his son Luke.

Several of the singers the remained to be “buddies” with the children, helping them to play ball and run the bases.  Kaitlyn Toscano presented the check on behalf of the Firebird Swing.  Accepting the check on behalf of the League of Yes are Kevin O’Sullivan and Ann Marie Dean.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017 Senior Superlative winners!

Most Likely to Succeed:

Natalie Montufar and Thomas Greco

Most Studious:

Maximillian Calleo and Emily Roff

Most Friendly: 

Mary Donnelly and Garry Tellus

Most Talkative: 

Kathleen Carroll and Paul LaFranca

Best Smile: 

Kevin Gomes and Anna Lieza Bradshaw

Most Artistic: 

Jeremy Capuder and Sophie Wilson

Most Athletic: 

Alyssa Boll and Andrew Sluka

Most Spirited: 

Kiersten Cote and Andrea Goodman

Most Musical: 

Sean Crosby and Angela Paton

Most Humorous: 

Sarah Wood and Sal Cirasola

Most Involved: 

Bridget Murphy and Chazz Rahynes