Congratulations to our talented and competing students at Kellenberg Memorial. They participated in the annual Catholic Daughters of the Americas contest sponsored by the Bishop Kellenberg Court located in North Merrick, NY.  The entries of our two winning students exemplified the themes of “Let all you do be done with love” or “Show love to one another.”  The contestants demonstrated their skills, imagination, and creativity in their selected essays, poetry, art, computer art, music, and photography samples.  Awarded were the following eighth and twelfth-grade students:  POETRY – Virginia Bruder, ’25; ART – Virginia Bruder, ’25; and MUSIC – Evan Carroll, ’21.

They were rewarded for their achievements with prizes and certificates from the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. Congratulations to our accomplished winners and their notable achievements.

The Marianist Community, Administration, Faculty, and Staff would like to congratulate the following student-athletes for their hard work, effort, commitment, and success in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in celebrating their faith as valued members of the Kellenberg Memorial Family. Today they take the next step in their educational growth as they commit to the college they wish to attend and agree to participate in collegiate athletics at the highest level.

Griffin Chernoff
Lacrosse
Binghamton University

Sarah DeFreitas
Women’s Soccer
UMass Amherst

Victoria Dieguez
Basketball
Pace University Pleasantville Campus

Olivia Cruthers
Lacrosse
Manhattan College

Joseph Durso
Baseball
St. John’s University

Claire Galante
Golf
Hofstra University

John Hommel
Lacrosse
Mars Hill College

Thomas Ort
Lacrosse
Belmont Abbey College

CJ Picone
Baseball
Adelphi University

Nicolette Picone
Softball
Coastal Carolina University

Katherine Reinhard
Equestrian
Sacred Heart University

Bryan Walker
Football
St. Anselm’s College

The Marianist Community, Administration, Faculty, and Staff would like to congratulate the following student-athletes for their hard work, effort, commitment, and success in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in celebrating their faith as valued members of the Kellenberg Memorial Family. Today they take the next step in their educational growth as they commit to the college they wish to attend and agree to participate in collegiate athletics at the highest level.

Craig Addeo
Volleyball
Drew University

Ryan Cuddy
Lacrosse
Salve Regina University

Chandler Dalhouse-Osouna
Football
University of New Haven

Margaret Dolloff
Cross Country, Track, & Field
St. John Fisher College

Michael Gillam
Lacrosse
Ithaca College

Maeve Graham
Soccer
Catholic University

Theodore Healy
Soccer
SUNY Plattsburgh

Hector Ketant
Wrestling
Sacred Heart University

Brendan Lavarra
Lacrosse
Muhlenberg College

Jessica Lee
Lacrosse
Catholic University

William Ligarzewski
Football
Sacred Heart University

Grace Massillon
Track & Field
Johns Hopkins University

Margaret McLoughlin
Cross Country, Track, & Field
Bucknell University

Andrea McPherson
Track & Field
Emory University

Rebecca Meier
Volleyball
Molloy College

Ashley Minns
Cross Country, Track, & Field
University of Richmond

Matthew Moncada
Lacrosse
Salve Regina University

Maximus Mongelli
Football
Sacred Heart University

Ty Pleines
Lacrosse
Palm Beach Atlantic University

Brian Russell
Lacrosse
Merrimack College

Jack Quinlan
Soccer
Molloy College

Cesar Romano
Football
St. Lawrence University

Kellie Ann Sandas
Softball
Hofstra University

Luke Sherry
Wrestling
Sacred Heart University

Brendan Stanley
Lacrosse
Misericordia University

RJ Tocco
Football
Misericordia University

SeanMichael Wilcox
Basketball
Bard College

By Phoenix Editor Mary O’Connor, ’21:

On Friday, April 30, around 330 eager seniors boarded coach busses to start their journey towards Six Flags, Great Adventure.

Ms. Vigario and Mrs. Meisse were the head of planning for not only the Six Flags trip but all spirit events for the class of 2021. They decided to enlist the help of seniors to ensure each event would be a hit.

Senior Jenny Carman became involved with the planning process because of her close relationship with Mrs. Meisse and Ms. Vigario, who had been her cheer team coaches in the past.

She noted, “I think it is important to offer senior events, especially this year because a major part of Kellenberg is the community that comes from the events the school can come together for.”

Seniors who were interested in the planning process could join conferences through a Schoology group and bounce ideas off of each other. These ideas eventually took form and settled into what would become the Camp Echo Outing, Senior Night Carnival, and, of course, Six Flags.

The day, so long-awaited since the initial Six Flags announcements, was finally here, and seniors buzzed with excitement and dreams of conquering rides like “El Toro”, “Superman”, and the infamous “King-da Ka”.

After getting amped up in the usual Kellenberg way (listening to Lauren Daigle and Chris Tomlin on full blast), the students arrived at the gates and entered the 510-acre-park, quickly making their way towards the “Maximum Thrill” rides.

“I got to ride Nitro with the Mr. Sorkin. Not only did I get to share my favorite ride with the people who made my senior year the best, but I then also got to ride it twice with even more friends! Going to Six Flags was the ‘greatest adventure’ ever.” Breanne Bell said with a smile.

Congratulations to John Schencman, ’21 and Mairead Lees, ’21 on being awarded the 2021 Bob Spring Memorial Inspiring Artist Award. The award is given to two seniors who intend to major or minor in Art or a similar field (design, animation, architecture, fashion, etc.) in college and who clearly have a passion for art, creativity, and imagination. This fall, John will be studying Architecture at Catholic University and Mairead will be studying Animation at Edinboro College. The award winners were decided based on recommendations to the Bursig/Spring Family, from teachers, and the College Placement department.

From Mr. Matthew Bursig:

The Bob Spring Memorial Inspiring Artist Award
In Memory of Bob Spring (1932-2020)

During the COVID pandemic, my grandfather Robert Spring, affectionately known as Bob, sadly passed away from complications of his heart, age, and the COVID virus. To honor his memory, we have created a Memorial Award, to honor two graduating Kellenberg students who have clearly attributed a passion for art, imagination, and creativity.

In 1932, John Spring (my great grandfather) opened an art foundry in Queens that would later become known as Modern Art Foundry.  The Spring family quickly gained the reputation of being the “artist’s foundry”; a place where an artist felt comfortable in the casting process of bronze sculptures. Robert (Bob) Spring took over Modern Art Foundry during the 1970s, and soon became the face of the organization, and in some respects the art foundry industry.  Besides understanding the inner workings of bronze castings, sculpture, and the patina of bronze, Bob Spring had ongoing relationships with legendary artists such as Jacques Lipchitz, and Louise Bourgeois. Still, it is unfair for his legacy to single out only two artists.  Ultimately, Bob Spring took pride in every artist he worked with, specifically younger and lesser known artists or foundry workers. He was always willing to teach, and help with the development of young budding artists.  Encouragement was key, and he always provided attention and care.  On a very simple level, he wanted to help, and if he or his foundry could do that in nourishing the artist, that was the prize. He appreciated a person’s passion to create something new and beautiful.  He relished the relationship, and the entire creative process.

Therefore, to continue his memory, and his goal of inspiring future art in this world, we have awarded this scholarship of $350. Whether your future lies in sculpture, painting, animation, architecture, graphic design, fashion, etc., the point is that you are continuing the creative process.

My grandfather once told me a story of how he and the artist Jacques Lipschitz were in an antique store in Manhattan, looking at artwork. Mr. Lipschitz turned to my Grandfather and said, “Bobby! Look at this piece. Can’t you see the love that went into making it!”  Bob Spring lived his life by placing love into art, his family, and his friends, I hope that you will continue with the same spirit. Congratulations, good luck, and God bless.

By Phoenix writer Amir Jeudy, ’22:

Many can agree that this past year has been anything but normal. This pandemic has truly tested everyone’s strength in every measure possible. This pandemic has forced changes onto all of the world. Due to the Kellenberg administration’s dedication to meeting those changes, the school community has adapted. Kellenberg has introduced cohorts, social distancing, mask mandates, and so many other procedures to guarantee the safety of the students. Though grateful for these measures, many can agree that the students, especially the most recent freshman class, are only experiencing a small fraction of what Kellenberg has to offer. In efforts to provide familiarity to the upperclassmen, and to offer a glimpse of all that this school has to offer, the Kellenberg administration has brought back a staple, Kellenberg Retreats.

This year’s retreats have been held at all grade levels, at Kellenberg’s most recently acquired retreat house, Stella Maris. Sitting on a beautiful waterfront property in Islip, Stella offers a quiet and much needed pause, for all students who visit. Students spend their entire school day at Stella Maris, participating in fun icebreaker games, discussing their faith, celebrating Mass, and growing closer together. In a school year where students are confined to a singular classroom all day, the retreats at Stella Maris have garnered a positive response from all. Junior Ryan Varley had this to say when discussing how retreats have enriched his year at Kellenberg: “The retreats this year at Kellenberg have been a great escape from our day to day lives. They have allowed us to step back from our current situation and allow us to reflect on what matters most”.

In a year filled with uncertainty, retreats offer a crucial “retreat” from all of the stress in the students’ lives. All students are extremely grateful for Kellenberg’s ability to offer a safe, faith-filled, and fun day for all.

By Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly, ’23:

Communion Breakfasts have been an annual tradition in which the Kellenberg community can gather together and celebrate, both with a Mass and an accompanying breakfast.

Unfortunately last year, due to the pandemic, Kellenberg was unable to hold a Communion Breakfast for its students. This year however with new safety procedures in place, students and their families were able to participate in Communion Breakfast once again.

With limited capacity, each class division had their Communion Breakfast on a different Sunday at 9 A.M. The Senior division was first on April 18, the Junior division on April 25, the Sophomore division on May 2, the Freshmen on May 9, and finally the Latin School on May 16.

Each Mass was celebrated by either chaplain Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M., Fr. Daniel Griffin, S.M., or Fr. Albert Bertoni, S.M. The Masses were held in the auditorium where families were able to be spaced out to follow safety protocols. The Gregorian Consortium provided music for the Mass.

Following the Mass, everyone was able to gather outside on the fields or in the gym. They were each served individually wrapped breakfasts from A&S Bagels in Franklin Square. Many students enjoyed being able to celebrate Mass with friends they have not been able to see much in school.

Sophomore Sloane Sackett noted, “This year we haven’t had the chance to see many people from our grade. It almost felt like a new, fun thing to just be talking and hanging out with classmates after Mass.”

Following a difficult year, it was a great relief for students to participate in the tradition of Communion Breakfasts. It took a lot of effort on the part of the A.R.K. and faculty to organize these breakfasts and to make sure all safety protocols were followed.

Even with all the uncertainty this past year has brought, it was wonderful to know that Kellenberg would continue its faith-filled, community-building Communion Breakfasts.

By Phoenix writer Edward Jansen, ’21:

National Poetry Week was celebrated at Kellenberg through the school’s first poetry Open Mic Ceremony, pioneered by Mrs. Page.

Senior Edward Jansen, Master of Ceremonies, introduced readers after dramatizing an original poem, titled “I Do Not Know The End,” and providing some insight on the purpose and process of truthful writing. “A writer’s goal,” Edward said, “is to convey his or her message through actions and through attitudes; to use words as little as possible, to never say more than necessary, and to elicit courage and grace under pressure through honest and sincere prose.”

First to perform was sixth-grader Zachary Gallegra who read the opening prayer— Psalm 96–and two original poems— “You Are You” and “From the Start.” Mr. Brown, English teacher and published author of the novel Chuckanut Dreams, read an original poem titled “To Steven,” dedicated to deceased Officer Steven McDonald— someone Mr. Brown has found particularly inspiring— and masterfully described the journey of a writer to multitudes of young minds. Most participants were from either the sixth or ninth grade, with a handful of exceptions, such as Senior Robert Nolan, who believes, “though I messed up a six-word Hemingway story— ‘For sale: baby shoes, never worn’— it was good to see so many young people in love with poetry.”

And that is exactly what the Open Mic was— a display of affection for art, for poetry, and for writing, championed by some of Kellenberg’s best speakers— such as drama personalities Gabriel Blanco and Clara Ambrosino— upheld by an expansive audience of teachers and students— including Mrs.von Schoenermarck, Mrs. Agulles, Mrs.Villani, Mrs. Sullivan, and Mr. Each— and produced with much love and many thanks through the kindness, sincerity, and dedication of Mrs. Page.

78 students and staff attended the event, encouraging English Department Co-Chair Mrs.von’s hope for the future of poetry at Kellenberg.

Students interested in publishing poetry in Kellenberg’s arts and literature online magazine can email renaissance@kellenberg.org.

By Phoenix writer Lillian Stern, ’22:

Students from Kellenberg Memorial have been incorporating yoga into their schedule to help relieve the stressors of everyday life and are finding it useful.

Scarlette Wrage, a sophomore, elaborates on how her class was first introduced to the new stress-reducing practice, “Adapting to the circumstances, my cohort has gotten creative in finding ways to de-stress and get to know each other better. On one particularly stressful school day, a few of my classmates remembered when our chemistry teacher, Mrs. Frem, mentioned the mental benefits yoga could offer, and proposed we take five minutes to try it out. Since then, yoga has become a routine in my cohort, 10R”.

Mrs. Frem, who teaches chemistry in the cohort, recalls her own “discovery” of yoga, “One morning almost twenty years ago, I found a short yoga program on public television that captured my attention and introduced me to its benefits. Yoga challenges the body by holding postures while also releasing tension through stretching and twisting. My cohort enjoys the quick stretch and the poses which clear the mind before we tackle complicated chemistry problems.”

Maraline Palmer, wholeheartedly agrees with her science teacher, “Yoga is a great way to clear our minds and distress before our next class. It helps us to focus and re-center our minds for the day ahead.”

Scarlette Wrage is grateful for the bonds created from trying something new, “Furthermore, it’s helped us connect as a class and become really good friends. I never thought I’d say that yoga helped make my school year, but it really has helped me and my classmates bond as well as de-stress over the past few months. It has also given me memories that will allow me to look back to this school year and smile.”

Mr. Brown, the sophomore’s homeroom teacher, brags about his student’s newfound skills, “Our Cohort, 10R, which many could say that it is one of the most spirited homerooms in America, derives much peace from a few minutes of yoga, particularly before we absorb the Norm training and such on Faith Fridays!”

Olivia Carmody, a very thankful sophomore comments, “We all have a fun time during this and are grateful to our teachers who let us take a little break!”

Between cohort walks, outdoor activity breaks, and now yoga, cohorts have enjoyed a diverse set of tools to break up the Covid protocol days throughout the year.

By Phoenix writer Nicholas Cortese, ’23:

The plan that God has for us is one of the most mysterious parts of living in the faith. Your life can change by the second and then your entire purpose flips into something that you never would have imagined yourself doing before. For expecting parents, there are many different ideas to embrace. All parents wonder about their child’s gender and health, but the additional scenarios racing through a parent’s mind are numberless. However, few parents think about the idea of having triplets – an idea that became reality in 2006 for two families in this year’s freshman class at Kellenberg!

Paulina, Sophia, and Gabriella Barnjak are now freshmen at Kellenberg, as are the triplets Chimdimma, Chimdearh, and Chimebuka Okigbo.

The Okigbo triplets were born February 14, 2006, in Brooklyn and now reside in Baldwin, while the Barnjak triplets, born only ten days later, live in Seaford.

While this lifestyle has always been part of their norm, the triplets from both families acknowledge the effect they had on people’s lives just by being triplets.

Mr. York, Assistant Principal for Personnel & Communications, recalls, “I remember learning of our two triplet families last summer and being so excited to have them all here together as members of the Firebird Family.”

Two sets of triplets in a single graduating year is a noteworthy first at Kellenberg.

Paulina said her parents were shocked but thrilled when they heard that they were expecting three kids. “My parents were very surprised and excited because they knew their life was going to drastically change.”

Sophia was born first, to which she interposed with joking pride, “There’s no surprise there, I’m always number one.”

While there is always a sibling rivalry as Sophia quipped, Chimdimma, also the “oldest” of her triad, depicts the appeal of the team effort of triplet-hood, saying, “I love being a triplet because we can all learn from one another and help each other out in many ways.”

The Okigbos and Barnjaks have spent effectively their whole lives by each other’s side, which has allowed them to grow close to one another.
“It almost feels like we are more than sisters,” Sophia noted. “They have been my best friends my whole life. It’s a blessing having people I can relate to so closely.”

Sophia even thinks that being in a triplet of all girls is one of the best things that has happened to her. “We always help each other with work and share clothes, and being in the same sport or class made me more comfortable in stressful environments.”

Their situation may be relatively uncommon, but it is one that has blessed the students with advantages, and that “built-in” support group is just one of them.

Chimdimma says, “We are very blessed. My family is Nigerian and is very Christian. ‘Chim’ means God and that is why my siblings and I have Chim in our names so that God is always in our lives.”

Being a triplet doesn’t go unnoticed, and many people who realize they are talking to a triplet begin to ponder what it must be like. A frequent reaction is that triplets are all identical – not only physically but emotionally and behaviorally.

But that the identical nature of these triplets isn’t the case. Mr. York says, “The Okigbos and Barnjaks have experienced Kellenberg not in three identical ways, they have experienced Kellenberg and have excelled as 6 distinct individuals.”

Gabriella, admiring how her siblings are as individuals, declared, “My favorite thing about each of my siblings is how Sophia is funny and smart and Paulina is very organized and very motivated.”

Mr. York explains that his hope as an administrator is for all students to find their unique experience as part of a cohesive whole at KMHS – like the Okigbo and Barnjak triplets, to have an individual experience in the comfort of a family unit.

Paulina might agree to say, “The best part of being a triplet is always having someone to relate with. Especially because we’re all girls, we need to have each other’s backs. We go through everything together and help each other throughout the years.”

When you have this type of love and unity among your family, you cannot ask for it to be any better.

Article by Phoenix writer Michelle Paszek, ’24:

On May 7th, 2021, the members of the Firebird and Phoenix bands, choruses, and orchestras showcased their talents through the virtual high school Spring concert.

The concert began with the Firebird and Phoenix bands performing the “Star-Spangled Banner”. Every year, this is performed by one of the groups to start the concert.

After this, the Firebird Orchestra performed “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz.” The Firebird Chorus sang “Rewrite the Stars” from “The Greatest Showman”. The Firebird Band followed with “Afterburn” by Randall D. Standridge, concluding the Firebird portion of the show.

Next up was the Phoenix Orchestra playing “Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

Before the rest of the Phoenix ensemble displayed their talents, Brother Roger Poletti, S.M., gave time to recognize seniors Emily D’Alessandro for making the all-state mixed chorus and Maria Barrella who was selected as an alternate.

This announcement was followed by the Phoenix Chorus singing “A Million Dreams” from “The Greatest Showman” and the Phoenix Band playing “The Mandalorian” from “The Mandalorian” series.

Brother Roger concluded the concert by acknowledging the graduating seniors and thanking them for all that they did in their ensembles through the years.

Article by Phoenix writer Lauren DeRiggi, ’24:

The Kellenberg Memorial family gathered to celebrate the May Crowning prayer service on May 20, 2021.

Mrs. Mulligan, with the help of the Floral Park Fire Department, crowned the Blessed Virgin with flowers alongside her two children in the bucket atop the aerial ladder. Fr. Thomas Cardone, S.M., who accompanied the Mulligan family in the bucket, led the prayer service and talked about the sacrifices Mary made for her Son and how we can compare her to maternal figures in our lives.

After Mary was crowned, members of the junior class assisted in reciting the Fifth Glorious Mystery, the Crowning of Mary. The Fifth Glorious Mystery teaches us that after Mary’s Assumption, God crowned her Queen of both Heaven and earth.

For Covid social distance protocols, the junior class gathered outside to watch the crowning, while the rest of the student body watched it live in their cohorts.

When the prayer service ended, the juniors had the opportunity to have breakfast and spent the rest of their morning at junior spirit day, where they received their Junior Rings and participated in various entertainments and activities outside such as karaoke, air hockey, can jam, video game trucks and the traditional junior homeroom tug-o-war. This year’s tug-o-war champion was Mr. Miles’ Homeroom 11A Cohort.

Article by Phoenix writer Amir Jeudy, ’22:

An information session for the upcoming Kellenberg EMT course was held on Tuesday, May 18.

Mr. Ditrano, the program administrator at KMHS, has been running the EMT course here for nearly a decade. Hundreds of students from Kellenberg have begun their related studies and professions in Mr. Ditrano’s EMT course at Kellenberg.

Mr. Ditrano, AP for Activities Bro. Roger Poletti, S.M., and Athletic Director Mr. Fechtmann all provided insight and answered questions pertaining to the course.

Emergency Medical Technicians, better known as EMTs are individuals who provide crucial emergency medical care. They’re extensively trained to deal with strenuous out of hospital situations.

Due to the course’s difficulty and its limited space, the application process is very selective. Of the numerous juniors who attended the information session only 35 will be admitted into next year’s course.

These students will be evaluated and chosen on the basis of expressed interest, grades, and their responsibility. Though the course is difficult many juniors are looking forward to attacking that challenge and attaining crucial medical training.

While being an EMT is a very challenging pursuit, many Kellenberg juniors are welcoming that challenge. The course will be held over the span of the 2021-2022 school year and upon completion of a New York State final exam, students will be rewarded with a basic EMT certification.

On May 23, Kathleen Healy, ’22 was honored by New York Senator Todd Kaminsky as a 2021 Student Star. Kathleen was nominated to receive this honor by Kellenberg Memorial based on her record of leadership, community service, and achievements both inside and outside of the classroom. Congratulations!

Labor omnia vincit!

31 seventh graders and 40 8th graders were awarded for their hard work on the National Latin Exam. For the first time, the exam was given online, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. Additionally, we congratulate Janessa Winchester, ’25, Ava Alperin, ’25, and Cole Moclair, ’26 on their perfect scores! Well done!

Ad astra per aspera!