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JourneysTHE NEWS MAGAZINE OF IONA PREP

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Iona Preparatory School k - 12

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LETTER from the President 1

EVENTS 2013 President’s Dinner 2

COVER STORY The Merger of Iona Prep and Iona Grammar 4

ALUMNI INTERVIEW Lt. Col. Mark Baadan ’90 6

MINISTRY Camino Pilgrimage 8

STUDENT LEADERSHIP Kairos Reflection 10 ACTION Leadership 11

ACADEMICS – MEET THE TEACHERS Kelly Ferguson 12 Rich Salerno 13

ACADEMICS AND BEYOND Wexford Trip 14 The Iona Prep “App” 16

ATHLETICS Field of Dreams 18

CLASS NOTES 20

IN MEMORIAM 23

FUND FOR IONA PREP 24

IONA PREPARATORY SCHOOL2013-2014

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Bro. Daniel J. Casey, CFC Bro. John Casey, CFC Bro. Raymond Vercruysse, CFC

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kevin J. Degen ’74 – Chair of the Board Sr. Ona Bessette, CND Diane D. Brink Jonathan Corpina ’90 Bro. Kevin Devlin, CFC Sr. Kathleen Finnerty, OSU Neil L. Lane ’81 Bro. Thomas R. Leto, CFC Fr. Daniel O’Reilly Felix J. Petrillo ’89 Thomas B. Wilson, DDS, MD ’91

DIRECTORS EMERATI William F. Harrington* John P. Heffernan Vito Verni * Deceased

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION Bro. Thomas R. Leto, CFC – President Maureen B. Kiers – Principal Barbara O’Meara – Chief Financial Officer Mark E. Hogan ’87, ’91 –

Chief Advancement Officer

ADMINISTRATION Joseph Blanco – Principal of the Lower School Anthony Casella ’97 – Director of Campus Ministry Kieran Daly – Dean of Students Kevin V. Kelton, PhD –

Director of Mission Integration Joseph Klein – Director of School Counseling Bernard Mahoney – Director of Athletics Susan Natale – Dean of Academics Kevin O’Meara – Director of Technology Barbara Robertson – Director of Admissions,

Upper School Barbara Shattenkirk – Director of Admissions,

Lower School Chad Somerville – Director of Facilities

MISSION STATEMENTIona Prep educates young men to be moral, ethical leaders, developing the whole person in the heritage of Blessed Edmund Rice and the American Catholic tradition to be life-long learners, responsible to their commitment of service to others, confident in their self-worth, while being supported by a challenging and innovative college-preparatory curriculum in relationship with a dedicated and caring faculty and community.

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On the cover: Alfred Blanco ‘26 and Matt Ryan ‘15

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LETTER FR

OM

THE P

RES

IDEN

T

Dear Parents, Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to Journeys, the latest edition of the Iona Preparatory

School news magazine, one that has taken on a brand new look,

a new feel and a new approach! This past fall Iona Preparatory

School took on its own new look, new feel and new approach! For

the first time in many, many years, Iona Prep is once again a school

encompassing both elementary and secondary levels of education,

preparing the next generation of Gaels for their own individual

Journey. In September we opened our doors as the only all boys’

Catholic, preparatory school operating as a K-to-12 entity in the met-

ropolitan area. As we approach our centennial celebration, we do so

as one school as we once were on our founding in 1916! In this issue

there is a wonderful article I think you will enjoy reading about the

merger of the two schools.

During the past few weeks we journeyed with Mary and Joseph

to Bethlehem as they brought our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, into

the world to redeem us all. What a magnificent way to introduce our

own Journeys, coupled with God’s Incarnate Word becoming man!

I trust that each of you and your families were able to experience

some quality time together, thanking God for the many blessings He

has provided you through His only Son, Jesus.

Now that we are once again one school, life on both the Upper

and Lower School campuses is busier than ever. Along with those

normal after-school activities, we now have a wonderful exchange

between our younger and older students. Iona’s SADD (Students

Against Dangerous Decisions) organization has taken the challenge

to begin a middle school chapter which is now “up and running.”

During the week prior to Christmas break, our National Honor Society

sponsored a viewing of the Polar Express for students in grades one

through three. It was quite the scene as our NHS members carefully

brought about forty “little ones” through the student lobby for hot

chocolate and cookies prior to the viewing of the movie. The noise

level went up a few decibels with the young ones running around!

We have truly been blessed with the joining of the two schools.

As Iona Prep continues the Journey toward our centennial, we

have been hard at work piecing together a strategic plan that will

ensure our viability for our second one hundred years. As I travel

about speaking with grateful parents and successful alumni, I contin-

uously hear about their great love and admiration for “The Prep.”

Over and over I am part of conversations reminiscing about the

wonderful years spent on our campus and the interactions between

students and teachers, parents and administrators, coaches and

athletes, actors and directors, club members and moderators.

Every alumnus I meet, every alumni parent I speak to, every friend

of the Prep glowingly remembers their time with us. I hope that

your perusing of Journeys allows you to recall some of the golden

moments of your time on campus.

I thank each of you for your generosity and support of our great

school. Your investment in Iona Preparatory School keeps us striving

for excellence today, tomorrow and always!

God bless,

Br. Thomas R. Leto, CFC

President

Br. Thomas R. Leto,

President, in Iona’s

state of the art physics

lab — Br. Leto is

currently in his fourth

year as President of

Iona Prep.

2 JOURNEYS # WINTER 2014

EVEN

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On November 22nd 2013, Iona Preparatory School held its annual

President’s Dinner at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

This year’s honorees were Rina and John Verni ’80, with proceeds

from the event benefiting the Paul Verni Fine Arts Center located on

Iona Prep’s campus. The Paul Verni Fine Arts Center opened in 1985

and was made possible by a generous gift from Mary and Vito Verni

in honor of their son Paul, a member of the class of 1981, who passed

away after a battle with Leukemia.

Rina and John have a long history with Iona Preparatory School.

In fact they met when John was a student at the Prep and Rina was

a student at The Ursuline School. They have four children, three sons

and one daughter.

John Jr., Paul, and

Charlie all attended Iona Prep. John Jr. graduated in 2008 and

recently graduated from Fordham University. Paul graduated last

year and is a freshman at Syracuse, and Charlie is a senior at the

Prep. Marielle graduated from The Ursuline School and is a senior at

Hobart William Smith Colleges.

The evening was full of laughter and smiles as guests browsed

the numerous silent auction items that were generously donated by

members of the Iona Prep community. John Gardner ’79, a long time

friend of John Verni, emceed the evening. To add to the festivities

Chris Brown ’74 and his band “Bookends,” a popular cover band

from Westchester County, performed throughout the night.

During the course of the live auction, New York Yankee great,

Mariano Rivera made a surprise appearance and served as a special

2013 President’s Dinner Honoring Rina and John Verni ’80

BY VIC CRISTIANO ’05

1. John ’80, Rina TUS

’82, Marielle TUS ’10,

John Jr. ’08, Paul ’13,

and Charlie ’14

pose for a photo

during the dinner.

2. John Gardner ’79,

emcee for the evening.

3. Vito and Mary Verni

receive flowers

from their grandson

Charlie ’14.

4. Mariano Rivera

takes the microphone

as our guest

auctioneer.

5. Marc and Kristen

Friezo.

6. Chris Gallin ’79

placing a bid on one

of the evening’s live

auction items.

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WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 3

guest auctioneer for three items that he personally donated to the

event.

Mr. Rivera, who has two sons currently enrolled at Iona Prepara-

tory School and one who attends Iona College, donated a lunch and

pitching session as well as one of the last jerseys he wore during his

final season as a New York Yankee, which he also signed. During the

bidding, two bidders emerged for the lunch and pitching session and

Mr. Rivera graciously offered to host two separate lunch and pitching

sessions. The items Mr. Rivera donated raised over $70,000 for the

school and the President’s Dinner itself raised over $375,000.

Overall the evening was a great success, and The Paul Verni Fine

Arts Center will benefit tremendously. If you would like to make a

donation to the Paul Verni Fine Arts Center please contact MaryLou

Pagano, Director of Alumni and Special Events, at (914) 600-6190 or

by email at [email protected].

7. Faculty member

Kevin Kavanah

playing the bag pipes

at the 2013

President’s Dinner.

8. The Verni Men

(left to right): Paul ’13,

John ’80, Charlie ’14,

and John Jr. ’08.

9. Br. Pellegrino,

Br. Reynolds,

Br. Knaap, and

Br. Menezes enjoying

the cocktail reception.

10. Chris Brown ’74,

Lynn Mara, and

Frank Mara ’78

11. John Heffernan ’85,

Br. Thomas R. Leto, and

Jamie Heffernan ’93.

12. Chris Brown ’74

entertains the crowd.

13. Darin ’86 and

Michelle Gillenwater.

14. Jim Breen,

Kathleen Breen,

Christina Reen,

Jerry Reen.

15. Some of the

evening’s 40 silent

auction items.

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CO

VER

STOR

Y

In 2016 Iona Preparatory School will be celebrating its centennial.

Nearly one hundred years ago, the Christian Brothers, then known

as the Irish Christian Brothers, were granted permission by John

Cardinal Farley to establish the “Iona School” which served as both

a grammar and high school in New Rochelle. Throughout the nine-

ty-eight year history of Iona Prep, the school has gone through major

transformations both with the physical plant and the school structure.

Originally located on Webster Avenue some eight miles away

from its present day campus, the “Iona School” served as the

premiere all boys Catholic school in Westchester County. As years

passed, enrollment increased and the need for larger facilities neces-

sitated a move to 715 North Avenue, which today serves as the main

campus of Iona College. Catholic education remained strong during

Iona’s time on their North Avenue campus. Enrollment continued to

grow and a decision was made in 1954 to split the “Iona School” into

two separate schools, both still under the auspices of the Christian

Brothers. This separation allowed both the Iona Grammar and Iona

Prep the much needed space to continue offering a high quality

education to its students. Iona Grammar would move to its present

day campus on Stratton Road in February of 1955, and on January 2,

1965 the official groundbreaking of Iona Prep’s campus took place.

The 27 acre Carney Estate, located a few short minutes from Iona

Grammar, would allow the Upper School to flourish in academics, the

arts, athletics, and campus ministry.

The Rebirth of Iona Prepatory School K-12

When Brother Thomas R. Leto, President of Iona Prep, took office in

2010 he knew he was in a special place. He was surrounded by faculty,

staff, students, and parents who cared and believed in a Catholic edu-

cation for their sons. A graduate of Iona College, and former teacher

at the Grammar, he often considered reuniting both the Grammar and

the Prep. Though the merger might have seemed unexpected, both

institutions flirted with the idea in the past. “During the nineties,” he

explained, “both boards (from the high school and grammar school)

discussed the possibility of merging, to go back to one Iona.”

When the congregation entered into bankruptcy proceedings

in 2011 Brother Leto realized it was time to act. “With a number of

Catholic elementary schools closing in the area we, as part of the

Iona family, needed to assure that the vision and mission of Iona

Grammar would be preserved.”

When the 2013 school year began on September 6th, Iona

Grammar was reborn as the Lower School of Iona Prep. “We spent

over $500,000 in refurbishing the school,” Brother Leto said. “We

did that because it was needed, and at the same time we were

able to upgrade the facility.” The Lower School has benefited from

numerous upgrades including a renovated gymnasium with new

flooring, state of the art science labs, renovated bathrooms, and a

newly paved roadway on the grounds.

In addition to the wonderful campus improvements, the merger

has allowed the Lower School to expand their academic curriculum

and Campus Ministry programs.

Students in all grades now take Spanish, and for the first time

in a number of years there are two Christian Brothers on staff who

serve as full-time teachers. Brother Leto has gotten into the class-

room as well, teaching algebra to eighth graders. Most mornings

members of the Iona Prep community can see quite a sight when

Brother Leto gets on his motorized scooter and makes his way to the

Lower School campus.

Iona Prep’s Campus Ministry programs are woven into both

schools seamlessly. Mr. Anthony Casella ’97, Director of Campus

Ministry, and Campus Ministers from the Upper School visit the Lower

School monthly to speak to students on topics including leadership,

community service, and spiritual growth. During these “Leadership

Series” days, senior members of the Campus Ministry Team teach

supervised lessons to seventh and eighth graders.

The Rebirth of Iona Preparatory School k-12


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1. Each classroom was

fully renovated over

the summer.

2. Students from

both the Upper and

Lower Schools interact

during a Christmas

celebration.

3. John Verni ’80,

former Chair of the

Board, Br. Thomas

Leto, President,

and Joseph Blanco,

Principal of the

Lower School.

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Interaction between students from the Upper and Lower Schools

occurs on a consistent basis. Following the true spirit of Iona Prep,

students from the Upper School tutor students at the Lower School

during after school extra help programs. Also, students from the

Lower School often make the trip down the road to use the Upper

School’s track and field for their Hunger Walk, as well as field days.

Iona Prep: The Next 100 Years

Not only has the merger provided immediate impact for both cam-

puses, it allows Iona Prep to sustain positive growth for the future.

When a student enrolls at the Lower School they are part of the Iona

Prep family until they graduate as a senior from the Upper School.

“One of the decision factors to move forward with the merger”

explained Brother Leto, “was to ensure that an Iona Prep education

would last for years to come.” He continued, “By having one school,

kindergarten through twelfth grade, we expect a student who joins

us at kindergarten to be with us the entire way.”

As Iona Prep approaches its centennial in 2016 we can all cele-

brate as one school, true to the original vision of our founders and

poised for continued greatness in our second century!

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1916: Iona Prep founded by Brother Joseph I. Doorley and classes began at the Stearn Estate in New Rochelle

1919: Iona Prep moves to 715 North Avenue (home of Iona College)

1920: The football program at Iona Prep was founded

1955: The current location of the Iona Prep Lower School was completed and the two schools split, thus forming Iona Grammar School

1965: The official ground breaking ceremony of the current upper campus took place at the Carney Estate

1966: Iona Prep opened its doors to the new campus on Wilmot Road

2012: Iona Prep began negotiations to merge with Iona Grammar

2013: Iona Prep and Iona Grammar merge to become Iona Preparatory School K-12

Iona Preparatory School TIMELINE

4 5

6

4. Lower School

Gym renovations

which included

a new floor, painting,

and new logos.

5. Center court of

the Lower School

Gymnasium.

6. One common

history, one common

goal, one school.


ALU

MN

I INTER

VIEW

This past fall I was fortunate enough to have a conversation with

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Baaden ’90, a Purple Heart recipient. Lt.

Col. Baaden and I discussed his life in the Army, and how being a

graduate of Iona Prep prepared him for his future career. Here is the

transcript from our interview:

What year did you graduate from Iona Prep?

1990

What branch of the military did or do you serve in?

U.S. Army. Still serving in U.S. Army Reserve.

Before serving did you attend college or have a full - time job?

If so where?

After Iona Prep I attended SUNY Purchase and enrolled in the

Army ROTC program at Fordham University. Over the years I

received a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Iona College and am

completing a Masters in Public Administration from John Jay

College of Criminal Justice. My current full - time job is as a

Sergeant on the New York State Troopers.

What motivated you to join the military?

My father was a big influence. He is a U.S. Army Combat Veteran

having served in the Korean War. I was proud of that growing up

and he spoke of the great camaraderie and trust he had serving

with his Army buddies. I knew that I wanted to serve since I was

about 10 years old. I wanted to join the Paratroopers and get

paid to jump out of perfectly good airplanes with a gun and fight

bad guys so that’s what I did.

Highest rank achieved?

I’m currently a Lieutenant Colonel and serve as a Battalion

Commander.

Are you able to discuss the nature of your work while with the

military? If so, could you please highlight a few memorable

events, commendations, etc.?

For my first ten years I was an Infantry Officer whose mission

is to “close with and destroy the enemy”. After 9/11, I wanted

to deploy with Special Operations Forces so I transferred to the

U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.

The irony was my mission changed from destroying the enemy

Sitting Down with an American HeroA conversation with Mark Baaden ’90, Purple Heart Recipient and Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army Reserve


to “winning hearts and minds”. However, as nice as the mission

sounds, it works most effectively on people that are receptive

to having their minds changed. It is difficult work to influence

the population when the enemy is embedded among the civilian

population like they always are in an insurgency. My troops are

highly skilled Special Operators that can perform all the lethal

requirements required to survive in combat but also were highly

trained in the culture of the middle east. In preparation for their

assignment many read the Koran. Even after 23 years of service,

I’m still often awed by the quality of the people that I’m blessed

to serve with. Prior to 9/11 and the subsequent training and expe-

rience in middle eastern culture was only a World Religions class

taught by Ms. Morton at Iona Prep that gave me an excellent

overview of Islam.

I have many great memories from my service. One of my

proudest days was in 1994 when my parents were invited to pin

my Second Lieutenant bars on. I had my parents on one side and

my girlfriend on the other pinning my bars on. The aforemen-

tioned girlfriend has been my beautiful wife for nearly 17 years.

Not a high point, but the day that I was wounded was

certainly memorable. It was December 11, 2003 in Ramadi, Iraq.

A suicide car bomber penetrated the gate to our base and deto-

nated near a group of us, killing a U.S. Soldier and wounding

about a dozen of us. Prior to my approaching the scene to

investigate the vehicle before it exploded, I was speaking to the

Catholic Chaplain about what time he was going to hold Mass.

As I broke away from him to see what the commotion was at

the gate, the vehicle exploded and I was sent flying through the

air and knocked out. I woke up in the aid station with a flurry of

activity around with medical personnel carrying and treating us

and the Chaplain comforting us. I’m still close friends with that

Chaplain today and credit him with saving my life. I believe that

had I not stopped to greet him, I would be dead because I would

have been standing at ground zero of the blast site.

Overall, the best memories are seeing the guys I served with

lead happy and successful lives. They earned the right to a good

life. They earned it more than most. Their selfless acts of service

protect us all. For the guys like me that return wounded we try to

live life a little fuller than we did before. I definitely better appre-

ciate the little things, like a good joke as well as the big things,

like family, friends and faith.

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Are you still serving? If not, when were you discharged?

Yes, I’m still serving in the Army Reserve.

How did your Iona Prep education prepare you for your training?

Iona not only gave me a great academic education but it also

shaped my Catholic faith. I recall praying the Rosary in the Iona

Chapel as part of Religion class. I had not prayed the Rosary

again until I was in combat. Everything gets tested in war;

endurance, mental health, courage, leadership, character and

your faith. After the first time I lost a comrade in combat, I sat

alone in our makeshift field Chapel to reflect. The Chaplain had

a table with items for the troops to freely take at the Chapel

entrance. I scanned the table and found a guide to praying the

Rosary and a basket of simple, plastic Rosary beads colored red,

white and blue. I started to use them and stumbled through my

recollection of praying the Rosary and I was at first frustrated

and ashamed that I had not prayed a Rosary since my time at

Iona. However, I used the guide pamphlet and continued until

the recitation prayers came easier and the calm slowly over-

took my grief. Those simple inexpensive Rosary beads may as

well be made of pure gold to me. I’ve carried them with me on

multiple deployments and used them weekly. I was given a gift

of an expensive set of Rosary beads before my last tour and I still

preferred to use my plastic set that got me through my first tour.

Who was your favorite teacher at the Prep and class?

I had three that jump out at me as great men that taught me

more than academics. Coach Rob Spence was my football coach

but also my History teacher. He made history come alive for me.

His no nonsense teaching style in the classroom and on the

field was highly respected by me. Mr. Curran was also a History

teacher of mine. He was not only a great teacher but encouraged

me to join a group of Iona students to march in a Pro-Life rally

in Washington, DC. I really enjoyed that first act of expressing

my right to lawful assembly as both an American and as a Cath-

olic. Those teachers are the reasons that I majored in History in

college. I am still a history buff. I credit my love of history that

was first inspired by Coach Spence and Mr. Curran with greatly

aiding my Army career as I’ve researched places that I have

travelled to in Europe and Asia. Finally there is the indomitable

Mr. John Fogler. I can still see him today waiting at the top of

the stairs inspecting students for proper grooming and attire as

we entered the building each morning. He had a real presence

about him. When he spoke, you listened. There were times

during my time at Iona I was clowning around in class and was

sent to his office. The anxiety of waiting for him to call me into

his office was similar to my experience

a few years later when I was nervously

waiting in the plane to make my first

parachute jump at Fort Benning. He

never yelled when he brought you into

his office, he didn’t have to. He made

you realize what a fool you were acting

like that landed you in his office. My

Mom years later told me a story about

a conversation with Mr. Fogler. I had

brought in a VCR remote while we were watching Sir Lawrence

Olvier’s portrayal of Hamlet in Mrs. Leif’s English class. During

the film I used the remote to secretly reverse, fast forward and

pause the film. Mrs. Leif grew frustrated thinking something was

wrong with the video cassette until I got found out. That was a

dark day in Mr. Fogler’s office. My Mom is a strict lady and was

disappointed. I spent a few Saturday morning detentions at Iona

for that prank. Apparently my Mom and Mr. Fogler had quite a

laugh over it but they never let on that they were amused at my

antics to me while I served my sentence. I never was in his office

again after that.

Any fond memories of Iona Prep that you would like to share

with our readers?

Great friends, Turkey Bowl pep rallies, lunch breaks in the

Ursuline girls school parking lot, Pro-life marches, great

teachers, faith instruction, knowing how to dress professionally

before college. The laughs!

Any advice/guidance for our current students?

You are in the midst of an environment full of great opportu-

nities. Iona has a sport, club or activity for whatever you are

interested in. Take advantage of them now. Challenge yourself

to achieve and learn while you are at Iona. Those challenges

you accept now will serve you well into adulthood. Learn about

your faith and be proud of our Catholic traditions. You will have

to call upon it years from now during tough times. Stand firm in

your faith, integrity and values that are instilled in you at Iona.

You will weather any storm if you can maintain them. When the

challenges come just remember our simple Latin motto “Estote

Firmi (Stand Firm)”.

We thank Lt. Col. Baaden and all our members of the Iona

Prep community who have served or are still serving to protect this

wonderful country. Thanks to their efforts we are able to rest our

heads easier at night.

Lt. Col. Mark Baaden

’90 – Mark played

football as a Freshman

and was a four-year

swim team member.


MIN

ISTRY

Foncebadón, in the Province of Galicia,

is near the highest point on the Camino

de Santiago de Compostela. It is a tiny

ten-house village perched at the top of a

mountain surrounded by lush green forests

and not much else. It was my twentieth day

on the Camino, about two-thirds of the way

into my twenty-nine day journey, but still

it was not the high point. Each day had a

character all of its own; each day was a high

point. I wondered why, in my daily life, I am

unable to see each day as a high point, no

matter what transpires.

I began my 500 mile trek across northern Spain at the French

border. That evening, as most evenings on the Camino (“the Way”),

the Benedictine monks celebrated the Pilgrims’ Mass for those

travelers walking their way to Santiago in northeastern Spain on the

same path trod by pilgrims for almost 1,200 years. We one hundred

or so pilgrims were called to the front of the thousand-year old

Romanesque church to receive the first of many Pilgrims’ Blessings.

In the waning light of that first evening I pondered, “Would I make

it to Santiago? What would I experience along the way? Would I be

alone amidst this crowd of companions?”

Each day saw a similar routine: Awake and out by 6 a.m. walking

for three hours before a rejuvenating breakfast of “café con leche”

and a pastry; another long stretch of walking often alone, sometimes

with a companion as the sun rose high in the sky and the day grew

hot; arrival in the early afternoon waiting for the albergue to open

and swallow up the weary pilgrims into its dormitories; a refreshing

shower; care for one’s feet, legs, and back, one’s aches and pains;

a leisurely three-course lunch with a great cheap bottle of Spanish

house wine; a siesta; a walk about the town, and in bed by 10 p.m.

for lights-out.

The schedule, however, belies the mystery of walking through

countless villages, beautiful fields, hills, and plains, and encoun-

tering God at each turn. The fact that the pilgrim is taking on this

journey with hundreds or perhaps thousands of companions at a

time makes for a heightened experience of our common humanity,

each pilgrim with our own story, motivations, and destinations. At the

same time each one looking out for all, calling out as we pass fellow

travelers, “Buen Camino,” “Good Journey,” not just as a greeting,

but as a blessing.

At that first Pilgrims’ Mass at the French border, a Latin Amer-

ican approached the celebrant and requested prayers for his son.

Each day for a week, we came upon each other, greeted each other,

and moved on. Several times I saw him lingering in fields, engaged

in some kind of ritual. But it wasn’t until we sat down to share a

meal that I learned his full story, one of many touching stories of the

Camino: “Nene” was a wealthy Paraguayan business man with the

world at his command. He had traversed the globe, had more than

his fair share of liaisons, and could purchase whatever he wanted.

But the one thing he wanted most he could not have. Exactly six

months to the day he started the Camino, Nene’s twenty-year old

son, Kevin, was killed in a kidnapping gone awry. His only son left

behind a pregnant wife and a grief-stricken father. Nene was walking

the Camino for Kevin, leaving behind a lock of hair along the Way as

his wife had requested, seeking his own inner peace.

As we walked as companions on the journey I could see a

change in Nene. He was by no means “over” the loss of his only

son, the apple of his eye. Nonetheless, there was a sense of arrival,

of having allowed the Camino and St. James, its patron and goal, to

work their magic. Such was the mystery for all of us. The daily grind

forced us to focus on the simple things, our body, especially our feet,

food, water, and other people. It freed us from our daily lives and

Camino Journey—A Walk of a Lifetime

1. Rising early to walk

makes for beautiful

scenes such as this.

2. A typical scene,

which gives the pilgrim

a sense of the long line

of those who walked

the path before, as well

as those who will come

after. On next page:

3. Many pilgrims leave

prayers at the high

point on the trail.

4. Lograno’s Gothic

tower shows the

French influence on

the Camino.

5. Sometimes the

Camino takes the

pilgrim along roads or

highways making the

walker a bit envious

of the speed of the

vehicles. 6. A bridge

over a river marks the

pilgrim’s progress.

7. Ruins of a Francis-

can establishment.

8. The Pilgrim’s

Blessing in Carrion

de los Condes.

1

BY DR. KEVIN V. KELTON

2

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 9

Camino Journey—A Walk of a Lifetime

stripped us to our humble humanity. It allowed us to soar to new

spiritual heights while being engaged in the drudgery of walking

500 miles one step at a time.

Just on the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela is the Monte de

Gozo, the “Mountain of Joy.” It is there that pilgrims can see for the

first time in their long trek the spires of St. James Cathedral. There I

dropped to my knees and sang the “Te Deum” out loud, grateful to

have made it, but more grateful for the companions, the insights,

and the experience of the journey. I don’t know if I will ever return

to walk “The Way,” but I know that I have been changed for having

made the journey.

The lessons for me were many but I will limit them to three:

Laugh at yourself, if you can, out loud! This I learned the very first day

when I took half an hour to get ready to charge out onto the Camino

without ever looking out the window to see the rain. Ten paces out

the door, I had to retreat back to the safety of the entrance to put on

my rain poncho. Second, there are angels at each turn. My Guardian

angel was a seventy-five year French woman who somehow tracked

me down one day when I lost my Camino passport and sunglasses a

couple of days into the journey. “Odile” would show up often on the

Camino and despite my limited French and her non-existent English

and Spanish, we both knew that the Lord had brought us together

as Camino companions. Third, I learned once again that God does

provide and I waste entirely too much time and energy worrying

about insignificant things. To quote the great Sixteenth Century

Spanish mystic:

Let nothing disturb thee,

Nothing affright thee.

All things are passing.

God does not change.

Patient endurance attains all things.

Who has God is lacking in nothing.

God alone suffices.

9. A hilltop view

inspires the pilgrim to

keep going forward.

10. A Knights Templar

chapel now run by

the Knights of Malta.

11. The pilgrim had

many opportunities to

reconnect with nature.

12. A medieval bridge

reminds the walker of

the hundreds of years

of history. 13. The soul

is nourished at the

Pilgrims’ Mass.

14. Hospital ruins.

15. A Knights Templar

church guards Estella

from the heights.

16. The presence of

religious orders is

often felt. 17. A typical

Romanesque portal.

18. The pilgrim is

very aware of

changing weather.

19. Our inspiration.

20. This solid

Romanesque Church

in Ponferrada reminds

the pilgrim of our God

as Rock and Fortress.

21. A pastoral setting

reminds us of the

Good Shepherd.

3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10

11 12 13

14 15 16

17 18

19 20

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STUD

ENT LEA

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IP

“Live the fourth.” These three words encapsulated the bevy of

emotions that surrounded the final day of the Kairos retreat. Kairos

comes from the Greek, meaning “God’s time.” On Iona’s third Kairos

retreat, it certainly was. When Mr. Casella approached me in August

about leading this retreat, I was incredibly nervous. My experience

as a participant on the second retreat was a moving one, but I was

apprehensive about my ability to act as Rector. The Rector is the

student-leader of the retreat: his job is to ensure that the proceed-

ings run smoothly and that everyone gets what they need from the

experience. I said yes, and the rest is history.

As I reflect on the retreat, I realize that being the Rector of Kairos

was one of the greatest privileges I’ve ever had in my life. It is a truly

special four days of reflection, prayer, and bonding. My close friend

Thomas Taylor, currently a freshman at the University of Notre Dame,

was instrumental in bringing the program to Iona Prep. His example

inspired me to become the Rector. The unique aspect of Kairos is the

Kairos Reflection BY GRAHAM PIRO ’14

brotherhood that it forms. Like any retreat, most participants start off

unsure about what lies before them. They are skeptical about how

much one retreat can change them. The beauty of the retreat lies in

the fact that everyone can walk away with completely different, yet

equally amazing experiences.

After having been on two Kairos experiences, I can honestly say

that the retreat is one of the greatest programs that Iona has to offer.

Being Rector allowed me to grow and find myself in my life, and also

helped me see my fellow Iona brothers around me grow in their

own way. Being Rector was one of, if not the greatest experience

of my life, and it is not one I will forget anytime soon. We have a

saying on Kairos to correspond with each day of the retreat: “Doubt

the first. Cry the second. Believe the third. Live the fourth.” Living

the fourth means taking what we have learned on the retreat and

bringing it back into our everyday lives. This has proven to be the

most rewarding experience that Kairos had to offer.

1

2

3

4

5 6

1. The Kairos

Leadership Team –

Alex Donovan ’14,

Tristan Oliveira ’14,

Graham Piro ’14, Kyle

Quinn ’14, Mr. Horton

’01, Mr. Casella ’97, Dr.

Kelton, Johney Danial,

and Kyle Steffen ’14.

2. Iona men take

a moment to pose

for a photo before

beginning their

weekend of reflection

and prayer. 3. John

O’Byrne ‘14, Peter

Hefferon ‘14, Mike

Ohene-Adjei ‘14, and

Jack Clifford ‘14 made

a bond at Kairos that

will last well past their

days at Iona Prep.

4. Jack Clifford ‘14,

John O’Byrne ‘14,

Kyle Steffen ‘14, Mike

Ohene-Adjei ‘14, Matt

Bellino-Richardson ‘14, Kyle Quinn ‘14, Thomas Steccato ‘14, and Mr. Casella ‘97.

5. Ryan Kincheloe ’14, Matt Saggese ’14, Connor Ryan ’14, Sal DiGioia ’14,

Dr. Kelton, Graham Piro ’14, Matt Marrone ’14, and Alex Donovan ’14 are all

smiles during Kairos 3. 6. Tristan Oliveira ‘14, Johney Daniel ‘14, David Manuele

‘14, Ed Brady ‘14, Peter Hefferon ‘14, Jacob Keller ‘14, and Mr. Horton ‘01.

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 11

ACTION 2013BY SR. ONA BESSETTE, CND

ACTION 2013, which took place in St. John’s,

Florida, gathered sixty student leaders from

eighteen Christian Brother schools from across

North America (US and Canada) and South

America (Argentina, Peru and Uruguay). Intro-

ductions and icebreakers quickly connected

strangers and friendships rapidly developed

as students learned that companions from

all over the Edmund Rice Christian Brother

(ERCB) network of schools shared their beliefs

and hopes. Over the three days, participants

engaged in skill building sessions, community

building tasks, journaling exercises, times of

prayer and reflection, and recreation. These

activities further strengthened the skills in the young leaders.

They were challenged to see how they are called to be advo-

cates for the voiceless in the world. Every Christian Brother school

collects mission money. Br. Stephen Casey, CFC shared information

with the student leaders how their contributions are utilized to

support the Brothers’ work across the globe in fighting poverty.

They wrestled with the reality that many of their global brothers and

sisters live on less than $2 a day.

By the end of the weekend a new community formed among the

students. There are no boundaries in the ERCB network of schools

as email and Facebook page addresses were shared and the prom-

ises of staying connected are exchanged. Many students leave the

ACTION Workshop feeling changed, strengthened, and challenged

to engage their schools in projects that will make a difference.

They are affirmed in their gifts as leaders and strengthened in their

commitment to make a positive difference in the lives of the poor.

They walk squarely in the footsteps and

spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice and continue

the Gospel mission of Jesus to be the voice

for the poor and bearers of the Good News.

1

2

3

4 5 6

1. ACTION 2013,

which took place in

St. Johns, Florida,

is an empowering

experience that

challenges its

participants to set out

and do God’s Will.

2. Iona men receiving

their certificate of

completion. 3. ACTION

allowed Iona men

to hone their public

speaking skills.

4. ACTION is an eye

opening retreat that

demonstrates the

potential in each

person to be effective

leaders. 5. Iona men

making new friends

during a Frisbee game.

6. Thomas Pagano ’14

with Kevin Marshall

from St. Thomas

More Catholic School

located in Ottawa,

Canada, the two

became friends during

ACTION.


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MEET TH

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Ms. Kelly FergusonIona Preparatory Lower SchoolGrades: 6-8

If you have the chance to sit down with

Kelly you will realize how passionate she

is about teaching. Born in Trumbull, Con-

necticut, Kelly’s original dream job was

to be a marine biologist, however as she

went through grammar and high school she

realized that her true calling was to teach.

“I credit my desire to want to be a teacher,

to the teachers I had when I was in school”

Kelly explained. “They always insisted that

learning was a life-long process and we had

to pass along what we learned to others.”

Currently in her second year at the Lower

School, she was thrilled to find out that

the merger between the Upper and Lower

Schools was going to happen. “Coming in

as a new teacher last year, I was uncertain

if the Lower School was still going to be operating.” Kelly stated.

“Thankfully, once word spread that Iona Prep was going to merge

with Iona Grammar that uncertainty faded away into certainty,” she

continued, “Seeing what the Lower School can become now that we

are one school is exciting and I am proud to be part of it.”

Kelly, currently a sixth, seventh and eighth grade English -

Language Arts teacher at Iona Prep’s Lower School believes that

an interactive classroom makes for a better learning experience

and environment. “I like to start most of my classes by having my

students discuss current event topics; it is very refreshing to see our

boys discuss each topic so passionately.”

This year Kelly has created a dystopian (i.e. imaginary) society

for her eighth grade class. This project allows her students to interact

with each other while tackling everyday problems that may occur at

a local or national level. “At the beginning of the year I gave my class

the option to read one of three books,” she explained regarding the

dystopian project, “They could read The Hunger Games, Divergent

or Matched.” These books seamlessly fit into her class project and

served as the background to what the students would be doing.

When Kelly is not in the classroom, you will be able to find her

working hard on the Lower School’s plays. An avid actress while at

Fairfield University, Kelly brings her passion, talent, and knowledge

to each production. Last year, the students performed “The Music

Man” and Kelly considers this to be one of her fondest memories of

working at Iona Prep so far.

QUICK FACTS

ORIGINALLY FROM: Trumbull, CT

EDUCATION: Fairfield University: Bachelors and Masters

Degrees

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: Fairfield Warde High School

– Fairfield, CT & Bedford Middle School – Westport, CT

FUN FACTS: Loves the New York Giants and can do

impersonations of other Lower School Faculty

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 13

QUICK FACTS

ORIGINALLY FROM: Port Chester, NY

EDUCATION: Iona College, BA and Pace University MST

AWARDS RECEIVED: 2013 Citizen of the Year in

Harrison

FUN FACTS: Was nominated for “Disney Teacher of The

Year” on multiple occasions

Mr. Rich Salerno Iona Preparatory Upper SchoolGrades: Junior and Senior History


When Rich Salerno isn’t constantly searching for gloves to fit his

oversized hands or reading up on the latest political news, you can

find him in his classroom motivating Iona Prep juniors and seniors to

strive to be the best.

Rich, born in Port Chester and residing in West Harrison since

1977, has been a staple at Iona Prep since 1990. Known by many of

his students as “Salernooo,” he has always gone above and beyond,

inside and outside of the classroom. Over the course of his career

here at the Prep, Rich has served in various roles. From coaching

baseball and football to chairing the Social Studies department, Rich

has done it all.

A graduate of “that school” in White Plains, Rich spent his high

school years playing football and baseball. His studies then took him

to Iona College where he was a star football player and honed his

skills as a teacher.

To many of his friends he is known as a walking encyclopedia,

and this is one of the major reasons why he decided to become a

teacher. Coupled with his passion for history and the law, Rich knew

his true calling was to teach and mentor students.

Rich has been an innovator in the classroom as well. He was

the catalyst for Iona Prep’s model stock trading unit, a lesson that

spans over the course of the semester where students learn how to

invest in the stock market by researching stocks and understanding

trends in the market. He has also been the driving force behind the

Westchester County District Attorney’s School Outreach program, a

program where DA’s come into Iona Prep and talk to students about

various legal topics.

Being a teacher at Iona Prep means the world to Rich and he

truly appreciates when alumni come back to visit. “Being able to

sit down with guys I taught” he explained, “and see how far they

have come along in their lives is amazing.” Rich added, “The bonds

we make with students and alums is one of the reasons why I love

working at the Prep.”


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Eight Iona men enjoyed an adventure in Ireland during the first

week in March. Accompanied by Mrs. Kiers, Mr. O’Meara, and Mr.

Kavanah, students Dan Madden ’14, Kyle Steffen ’14, Ross Burke ’14,

Matt Sullivan ’15, John O’Byrne ’14, Chris Eskierski ’14, Devon Zap-

polo ’14, and Bear Winteroll ’15, made what was for most of them,

their first journey to the land of scholars and saints. All the Iona

students agree that the trip was a “great experience.”

Sightseeing in Dublin began immediately after the visitors

dropped their bags at the Harrington Hall Hotel. After a quick lunch,

the students climbed aboard one of the many double decker buses

that carry travelers around the historic city. The first stop was the

Guinness Brewery where visitors learn about the complexity of the

beer-making process and the business that has provided lifetime

employment for many thousands of Dubliners over its more than

200 year history. The top floor of the building provides a 360 degree

view of the city, and the bottom floor is home to a well-stocked gift

shop where the group purchased their first souvenirs.

The next stop was Kilmainham Gaol, a grim reminder of

Ireland’s troubled political past. Students walked the halls and

entered the cells where the leaders of the 1916 rebellion were held

before they were executed. It was a privilege to stand in the rooms

of courageous, intelligent leaders such as Padraic Pearse, Charles

Parnell, and the earlier revolutionary, Robert Emmett. An excellent

tour guide helped the visitors to understand the harsh conditions at

this prison, that at one time was considered state-of-the-art.

After a hasty meal and a cab ride, the travelers arrived at Croke

Park for a treat arranged by our friends from the Wexford Christian

Brother School. Teams from Mayo and Dublin showed the boys how

the Irish play football. The Americans watched a game that rarely

stops for long. Points came frequently, and the score was close. It

was an exciting evening.

The next morning was to begin with a visit to the National

Museum of Ireland, but upon discovering that it was closed, the

travelers took a very short walk to the Jameson distillery. Here the

students learned about another important Dublin business with a

long history. The process of making whiskey is similar to that of

making beer until the stages of distillation and aging. The group

learned about the chemistry of whiskey and how aging in various

casks changes the flavor.

After the Jameson tour, a long walk along the River Liffey led

to Trinity College where Damien Brennan, a cousin of traveler Ross

Burke, led the group on a two-hour tour that included the Book of

Kells and the imposing main room of the old library, the longest

room in Ireland and repository of another national treasure, the

Brian Boru harp. Students learned about the stunning Georgian

architecture of many of the buildings and even caught a little bit of

rugby. The visit ended with an excellent photo under the school’s

famous courtyard arch.

A short walk from the college, students attended Mass at a

small church tucked away on a side street. The evening was topped

off with a fine meal at Gallagher’s Boxty House, where a number

of traditional dishes, such as a Dublin Coddle and Shepherd’s Pie

were available.

On Monday morning a two hour drive through sheep and cow

country carried the group to their main destination, the Christian

Brothers’ school in Wexford. Here the Iona boys met with the Irish

students they had hosted through our annual exchange program in

October. Chris Eskierski said, “It was great to see another part of the

Iona Prep Students and Faculty Travel to Wexford, Ireland

1. Iona Prep students

joined faculty members

Kevin O’Meara, Kevin

Kavanah, and Principal

Maureen Kiers outside

of Trinity College.

1

BY KEVIN KAVANAH

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 15

world and stay with such a nice host family,

like the Doyle’s.” Devon Zappolo agreed,

commenting on the pleasure of meeting

his host family, the O’Connor’s, and their generosity in allowing him

to stay with them. The Iona group went off to various classes and

then spent the night with their host families. Tuesday morning found

them again on the bus, this time heading for Kilkenny Castle and the

Dunmore caves. The castle is a magnificent restoration of a home

that was occupied for almost 600 years by the ancient Butler family

line. Here students saw the second largest room in the country, the

castle’s great hall. The medieval foundations were visible, as was

an early example of a household bathroom, a luxury in medieval

times! Many paintings hung from the walls, some originals that had

been returned to the castle during its restoration. Some important

furniture had never left the building, including a table at which a

king and queen had dined and a large marble wake table. A short

drive away were the caves, where the guide, in addition to pointing

out the remarkable geologic features and explaining the cave’s

ecosystem, provided a thorough education on the endangered bats

of Ireland.

Wednesday was to have been another full day of classes, but

the Irish host parents created their own field trip, bringing the Iona

men to the National Heritage Park. The students learned about

the way of life of Ireland’s earliest inhabitants from the stone and

bronze ages, and the changes wrought by the arrival of the Vikings

and Normans.

Thursday found the group on the road through the countryside

again, this time for a visit to the home of one of Ireland’s most well-

known exports, the Waterford Crystal factory. Top notch craftsmen

worked just inches away from the visitors, demonstrating all the

steps from mold-making through the cutting and etching that are

done with surgical precision. Dan Madden had the privilege of

smashing a rejected piece, and the students made a number of

purchases in the showroom for their deserving loved ones.

In Waterford the group also made the pilgrimage part of the trip,

a visit to the Blessed Edmund Rice heritage center. Iona Prep would

not be here without the work of Edmund Rice, and the students

learned of his early efforts to clothe and educate the poor and the

growth of his order. A few moments in the room where he spent his

last days and a prayer by his resting place in the chapel ended the

visit on an inspiring spiritual note.

The final “tourist” stop on the way back

to Wexford was at the Dunbrody famine

ship. This reproduction of a sailing ship that

carried many Irish immigrants across the

ocean in deplorable conditions impresses

upon visitors the hardships faced by those

who left their homes behind in hope of

survival. It should inspire students to

contemplate the advantages in their lives

and the trials that people can endure.

Getting to know Ireland wasn’t all about

hopping on and off the bus. “I enjoyed

every second of being in Ireland,” said Kyle

Steffen. That included seemingly mundane

aspects of life. John O’Byrne noted the “stores and different types

of brands.” Ireland has a great variety of independent shops to

which Americans are not accustomed. He also remarked on his

host family, the Thompson’s, who “live very much as we do.” This

thought was echoed by Matt Sullivan, who felt that the trip gave

him and his friends a chance “not just to be tourists, but also to live

as they do.” For at least one Iona student, the history of Ireland had

special significance. Ross Burke was able to make a strong personal

connection: “My trip was an extraordinary experience. This trip

really helped me learn a huge amount of very interesting history

about Ireland. I learned a lot about my cousin Michael Collins, and

got to experience the culture of teenagers from across the world

which showed me just how different, but similar, people around the

world can be.”

That night the fun officially ended with a buffet at the Wexford

Golf Club provided by the host families and school. The Iona trav-

elers enjoyed a meal and some final photos with their new friends.

Dan Madden said, “My favorite part of the trip was staying with my

host family, the Doyle’s. They treated me like I was one of their own

and gave me a true idea of what life in Ireland was like. I hope to

go back and visit my host family again and learn even more about

Ireland.”

Iona Prep Students and Faculty Travel to Wexford, Ireland

2. The group enjoyed a

soccer match at Croke

Park. 3. The group

took a voyage on the

Dunbrody Famine Ship,

where their tour guide

revealed the realities

of life on the notorious

“Coffin Ships.” 4. The

men spending the day

at the Blessed Edmund

Rice Heritage Center.

5. Our students got

a chance to visit the

final resting place of

Blessed Edmund Rice

while in Wexford.

6. The group listening

to instructions before

they entered the

Dunmore Cave.

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In a day and age when smart phones, tablets, and now wrist watch

phones, are becoming the “go to” vehicle for people to get their

information, it was only a matter of time before Iona Prep introduced

their own “app” for the tech savvy constituent.

Through a great deal of knowledge, hard work, and the desire

to make a “one stop” shop for students and parents to gather

information regarding Iona Prep, Usama Bhatti ’15 put his computer

programing skills to the test and developed the Iona Prep “app” for

Android devices.

Usama, who resides in Yonkers, knew he wanted to attend

Iona Prep after his initial visit to campus. “The campus is beautiful”

explained Usama, “I knew this was the school I wanted to be at once

I got out of my car.”

With students and parents having to check their Iona Prep

email, EdLine updates, and the Iona Prep homepage constantly,

Usama wanted to make it easier for his classmates and their fami-

lies to access all of this information. “Before the app” he began, “I

heard my fellow classmates explain how difficult it was to keep up

with emails, EdLine updates, and news from the school.” Usama

continued, “I thought to myself that it would be great if there was a

way to make accessing this information easier.” Drawing inspiration

from other schools who have their own “app” Usama contacted an

“app” development company to see how much they would charge

to create one for Iona Prep. “After hearing how much it would cost, I

could not burden the school with that.” He recounted. “I decided to

put my computer skills to the test and create one as a gift to the Iona

Prep community.”

“I am greatly appreciative of Usama and his gift to Iona Prep

with his app” began Brother Thomas R. Leto, President of Iona Prep.

“Our students are excelling in the fields of science and technology

and this app puts Iona Prep at the forefront of Catholic education.”

He added, “I urge all of those who can download the app to do so, it

is an easy way for you to keep up with all the wonderful things that

happen here every day.”

After spending long hours over the summer and fall, Usama

launched the Iona Prep “app” in November. Currently the “app” is

Yes, Iona Has an “APP” for That! Usama Bhatti ’15 develops the Iona Prep “app” for Android devices


only available for those with Android devices. However, Usama is

working on a version for the iOS system. He is hopeful that come

April, those with iPhones will be able to have the Iona Prep “app”

as well.

Usama hopes to become a doctor when he gets older and is

planning on majoring in pre-med and computer science when he

goes off to college.

1. Usama Bhatti ’15

developer of the Iona

Prep “app.”

2. The Iona Prep “app”

allows students and

parents to stay up

to date on all things

Iona, and even make

purchases from the

Gael Store.

1

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ATH

LETICS

When the decision was made to renovate the track and field at Iona

Prep, Brother Thomas R. Leto knew it would serve as more than just

a venue for sports. “The idea behind renovating our track and field

was to bring all members of our community together. From athletics

to campus ministry, our track and field serves as a field of dreams for

all.” Thanks to a lead gift from Lynn and Frank Mara ’78, Iona Prep’s

new track and field was ready for use this past September.

In addition to hosting home games for the Upper School’s soccer,

football, and lacrosse programs, along with meets for both the Iona

and Ursuline track programs, the facility is used for all outdoor

physical education classes. The venue is also home to the opening

ceremony for Olympic Day, a friendly and fun filled annual competi-

tion between students of the Upper School which strengthens the

already strong bond between the classes.

Yet the newly designed track and field is also a gift to those

beyond Wilmot Road. Students from the Lower School use the

facility for their annual Hunger Walk, getting a chance to see where

the “big kids” play, all while benefitting their Missions Collection.

In keeping with Edmundian principles of assisting the less fortu-

nate, the Prep also hosts Cardinal McCloskey Community Services’

(CMCS), annual Walk-a-thon. CMCS provides services to over 2,000

children in their foster care programs, preschool education to over

4,000 three and four year-olds from low income families, and helps

over 200 developmentally disabled adults lead more fulfilling and

independent lives.

Field of Dreams Iona Prep’s state of the art track and field brings the community together

BY MARK E. HOGAN ’87, ’91

“Iona Prep demonstrates how important it is to be part of their

community when they lend us their facility which allows Cardinal

McCloskey to bring our community of children, families, and adults

together.” stated Beth Finnerty CEO of Cardinal McCloskey, “We

are so grateful to Iona Prep and all that they have done to support

Cardinal McCloskey and our efforts during our annual walk-a-thon.”

Be it the Upper School athlete striving for a scholarship to

college, the Lower School student doing their part to fight hunger

and learn about the world around them, to the developmentally

disabled person enjoying a day outdoors in the company of friends

and family, Iona Prep’s new facility is truly a field of dreams.

1

1. The Varsity Football

team in prayer before

kickoff. 2. A typical

Saturday afternoon —

a beautiful day for

Gaels football.

2

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 19

3. Cardinal McCloskey

Community Services

utilizes the new

track and field as

part of their annual

walk-a-thon. 4. The

Varsity Lacrosse team

takes the field. 5. Iona

Prep Lacrosse has

produced numerous

All-Americans under

head coach Rick

Trizano. 6. Members

of the 2014 Varsity

Lacrosse Team have

been accepted to

Dartmouth and Loyola

Maryland for their

outstanding work on

the field and in the

classroom.

7. Iona Prep Soccer

players have gone

on to compete at

programs such as

Fordham and NYU,

and be recruited to

NC State. 8. Wide

Receiver Riley Aviles

’14 goes airborne to

make a highlight reel

catch. 9. Goalie Conor

Fay ’14 makes another

big save for the Gaels.

10. Iona Prep men

strive for excellence,

on and off the field.

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4 5

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6

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TES

Fr. Leo J. O’Donovan ’52, S.J.

Recently, Georgetown University unveiled

a portrait of Iona Prep alumnus Fr. Leo J.

O’Donovan. Fr. O’Donovan served as the

47th President of Georgetown University

from 1989 to 2001.

William Loewe ’58, PhD

In December of 2012, Dr. Loewe spoke at

Holy Family Church in New Rochelle. Dr.

Loewe’s presentation was titled “Jesus after

Vatican II.” This talk coincided with Holy

Family Church’s 100th anniversary and the

50th anniversary of Vatican II.

Br. R.W. Harris ’62, CFC

Brother R.W. Harris celebrated his 50th anniversary as a Christian

Brother on September 29, 2012. Br. Harris’ Golden Jubilee celebra-

tion took place at Iona Prep and he was joined by his family and

close friends. Currently, Brother Harris is a member of the Iona Prep

Science Department. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Iona

College and a Master’s Degree in Physics from the University of

Notre Dame.

John F. Mariani ’63

John recently published three new books entitled: How Italian Food

Conquered the World (Palgrave MacMillan), which has won top prize

from the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards; Menu Design in Amer-

ica, 1850-1985 (Tashcen Books); and The Encyclopedia of American

Food and Drink, 5th edition (Bloomsbury).

Michael Sarli ’71

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in

1975, Michael worked for ExxonMobil Corporation for 36 years. He

is now semi-retired, and teaches chemical engineering at UMass.

Patrick Pizzella ’72

Patrick Pizzella was sworn in as a Member of the Federal Labor

Relations Authority on November 12, 2013. He was nominated by

President Obama on August 2nd and confirmed by the U.S. Senate

on October 16th .

John F. Hogan, Jr. ’76

John is a salesman with NAFECO, a fire-fighting equipment company

based in Alabama. His current territory covers all of South Florida.

Alfred Kelly, Jr. ’76

Currently, Al is President and Chief Executive Officer of the NY/NJ

Super Bowl Host Company, the entity created by the owners of the

New York Jets and the New York Giants to raise the necessary funds

and partner with the NFL to plan and stage the game and events

associated with it, and to work with business leaders and public

officials to maximize its positive economic impact.

David Hogan ’80

David is employed by Educational Testing Service (ETS) located in

Princeton, New Jersey and has been with the company for over eight

years. Currently, he is a Manager of Assessment Process and works

on Teacher Licensure programs. David is married with three children

and resides in Hillsborough, New Jersey.

TJ Costello ’82

TJ was selected to be the Vice Chair of the inaugural Austin Inde-

pendent Citizens Redistricting Commission. The commission formed

after the voters of the City of Austin, TX voted to change the City

Charter to establish a city council by districts rather than an at-large

council. TJ led the facilitation of the Commission as it formed new

district boundaries for ten new city council members. The Commis-

sion and the process installed was viewed by experts as one of the

most transparent and open redistricting programs ever.

Dr. David Ryan ’84

Dr. Ryan was named Chief of Hematology and Oncology at Massa-

chusetts General Hospital in October of 2012.

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 21

Brian Dillon ’85

Brian was working on a loading dock near the Empire State Building

on the morning of August 24th, 2012 when he witnessed a disgrun-

tled employee shoot and kill a co-worker. Brian, concerned that

the shooter would blend into the crowd and escape, followed the

suspect in a heroic act of bravery ultimately leading to the suspect’s

arrest by the NYPD. “I had to do what I had to do.” Brian explained.

He did not think about his own safety while he was in pursuit, instead

he focused on the safety of the thousands of people who gather

around the Empire State Building on a daily basis.

John Gilchrist ’86

John was featured in a Newsday article detailing his role as “Mikey”

in the 1971 Life cereal commercial. The commercial ran for over a

decade and starred John and his two real-life brothers, Tommy ’81,

and Mike ’83. The ad has become part of pop culture along with the

phrase, “Mikey likes it!” Since shifting away from acting, John has

been in ad sales, and currently works for MSG Networks.

Anthony J. DiFiore ’89

Anthony was awarded “Top Individual Fundraiser” for the Hudson

Valley Region’s Make-A-Wish Foundation’s 8th annual “Walk and 5k

Run for Wishes.” Anthony is currently a partner at The Quinn Law

Firm in White Plains, New York.

Edward Pugsley ’90

Eddie’s company, Captial HQ, put together a presidential gala at The

Four Seasons Restaurant in NYC this year. The event, which honored

the winner of the Calvin Coolidge Journalism Award, was a tremen-

dous success with toasts from former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker,

Larry Kudlow, Governor James Douglas, Senator Tom Colburn, Steve

Forbes, Richard Chilton and a personal letter of support from Presi-

dent George W. Bush.

Greg Quirolo ’90

Greg and his wife Erin welcomed their first

child, Morgan Marie, into the world on Jan-

uary 25, 2013.

Mark E. Hogan ’87, ’91

Mark was recently appointed Chief

Advancement Officer at Iona Preparatory

School. Mark is a graduate of both the

Lower and Upper Schools.

Michael J. Keating ’91

Mike was named Managing Director at First

Republic Private Management in New York, New York. He is also the

President of the Iona Prep Alumni Association.

P.J. Goldfeder ’95

A Yonkers firefighter, P.J. was featured throughout local media out-

lets last year for his heroic off-duty actions. P.J. bravely saved the

home of Joan and Dennis Robertson, who are alumni parents of

Iona Prep, when a fire badly damaged their kitchen. P.J., who is a

neighbor of the Robertson’s, rushed across the street and kept the

fire from spreading through the rest of the home.

Michel Kiers ’95

Michael and his wife Lisa welcomed their son Owen Michael Kiers

into the world on April 22, 2013.

John A. Giacobbe ’98

John was selected as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star.” To be eligible

for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old

or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. While up to 5 percent of

the lawyers in a state are named to Super Lawyers, no more than 2.5

percent are named to Rising Stars. All attorneys first go through the

Super Lawyers selection process. Those who are not selected to the

Super Lawyers list, but meet either one of the Rising Stars eligibility

requirements, then go through the Rising Stars selection process.

Matthew Horton ’01

Matt, who currently is an Art teacher at Iona Prep, and his wife

Denise, welcomed their son Aidan on December 20th, 2013. Matt

also recently redesigned the Iona Prep Gael head which is now on

full display throughout the school.


Daniel Cherico ’03

Last year, Dan embarked on a journey that took him from New

York to Tanzania, Africa. He, along with the Big City Mountaineers,

climbed to the Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Victor M. Cristiano, Jr. ’05

Vic was recently appointed Director of Communications at Iona Pre-

paratory School.

Mike Raimondi ’05

Mike was recently appointed Assistant Athletic Director of Iona Prep.

Kevin Farrell ’08

Kevin currently serves at the Director of Basketball Operations for

the Loyola University Greyhounds Men’s Basketball team.

Colin Moran ’10

Colin, a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,

was selected 6th overall in the 2013 MLB Draft by the Miami Marlins.

Anthony Leo ’11

Anthony recently accepted a position to work in the office of the

United States Trade Representative. The Office of the United States

Trade Representative (USTR) is an agency of more than 200 commit-

ted professionals with decades of specialized experience in trade

issues and regions of the world. Members negotiate directly with for-

eign governments to create trade agreements, to resolve disputes,

and to participate in global trade policy organizations. The office also

meets with governments, with business groups, with legislators and

with public interest groups to gather input on trade issues and to

discuss the President’s trade policy positions.

Mike Longo ’11

Mike, a pre-med student at Johns Hopkins University, recently saved

the life of a distressed baby boy. The toddler began to have a seizure

and turned blue. Realizing that he needed immediate care, Mike

sprang into action and dialed 911. Due to Mike’s heroic actions, and

his ability to assist the toddler before paramedics arrived, he was

able to ensure that the young boy survived.

We’d love to hear from you! Please send us any news about you or

your classmates and we will be sure to include it in the next edition

of Class Notes!

WWW.IONAPREP.ORG 23

IN M

EMO

RIA

M

Please keep the families and friends

of the deceased members of the Iona

Preparatory School community in your

thoughts and prayers.

Br. John J. Adams, CFC

Margret “Sally” Alter — Mother of Thomas ’79, Mark ’81 and

Michael ’87

Eleanor Borgia — Mother of John ’66, Thomas ’72, Joseph ’74 and

James ’78 and grandmother of Kevin Carey ’04

Claudia Blume — sister of Vincent Pica ’71, Gregory Pica ’75 and

Jeffrey Pica ’79

Vincent Cahill — Father of Terence ’07

Robert P. Cella, Jr. ’55

J. Kevin Coffey — Father of Jimmy ’90

Donato DeAngelis — Father of Alberto ’16

John G. Deeney ’50

David DeSanto ’61

Michael DeSola — Father of Ryan ’00

Stuart D. Draudt ’51

Pearse D. Ennis — Father of Brian ’98 and Marc ’00

Dr. Richard T. Falvey — Father of Brian ’80, Christopher ’81,

Daniel ’82, Peter ’83, Timothy ’85, William ’86 Matthew ’89

and grandfather of Ryan ’98, Devon ’03, and Dylan ’05

James J. Flanagan ’48

Jeffrey F. Fox ’58

Margaret Gallin — Wife of Joe ’81

Thomas Gialo — Father of Mark ’76, Peter ’79 and Paul ’83

John J. Glatthaar ’70

Edwin J. Gleason Jr. ’69

Dr. Rolando Gomez — Father of Rolando ’84 and grandfather

of John ’08, Paul ’13 and Charles Verni ’14

Richard J. Gormley ’56

Matthew Heilman ’07

John F. Hogan, Sr. — Father of John ’76, David ’80,

and Mark ’87, ’91

Thomas W. Irwin ’56 — Brother of Charles ’45 (D), John ’50,

William ’52, Joseph ’53 and David ’57 (D)

Philip E. Jakeway, Jr. — Father of Philip III ’71, Kevin ’73 and

Brian ’85 and grandfather of Philip IV ’01 and Brendan ’04

George F. Jessop ’58

Kenneth McAleenan ’45

William McCarthy — Father of Bill ’75, Joe ’77, John ’79 and

grandfather of Luke ’04, Timmy ’12

Maria Melillo — Grandmother of Giuseppe ’02

Michael J. Maroni ’63

Bruno Mazzari — Father of Steven ’81

Br. Daniel McDonough, CFC — Brother of Thomas ’57, Robert ’57

(D) and John ’59

Daniel McLaughlin ’70

Carmine “Mel” Moliterno — Father of Stephen ’80

Edward G. McSherry — Father of John ’85, Brian ’88

and Christopher ’87 and grandfather of Matthew ’13 and

Daniel Turchioe ’15

Arthur W. Newberry ’48 — Brother of Edward ’44 (D)

and Joseph ’48

Kenneth J. Nixon ’54 — Father of Kenneth J. Nixon ’81

Johanna M. O’Meara — Mother of John “Jay” ’82

Vincent Paniccia ’04 — Brother of Anthony ’06 and cousin of

Michael ’95, Mark ’97 and Matthew Lungariello ’99

John M. Quigley ’60

Rose A. Quinlan — Grandmother of Michael Gallo ’09

John B. Rice ’52 — Brother of Frank ’49

J. Paul Rodriguez ’47

Francesco M. Runco — Father of Alfredo ’05

Dr. Nazar Sayegh, MD — Father of Jamil ’08

Walter Ullrich ’53

Mary McCabe Walsh — Sister of Hugh ’67, Thomas ’65 Mark ’74,

David ’76 and Lawrence ’80

Michael Walsh — Father of John ’83 and Mark ’84


FUN

D FO

R IO

NA

PR

EP

The Fund for Iona Prep is made up of annual

gifts from alumni, parents, board members,

faculty & staff, grandparents, and friends of

Iona Preparatory School.

Traditionally, strong academic insti-

tutions like Iona Prep have robust annual

giving programs. An annual gift to The

Fund for Iona Prep remains a tangible vote

of confidence in the young leaders Iona

produces.

You may elect to make your gift in honor

of a faculty member (past or present), family

member, or have it generally directed to one

of the following areas:

1. Academics: Iona Prep offers our students an exceptional and

unique education throughout their four years. Our graduates

attend top universities throughout the country including Notre

Dame, Holy Cross, Boston College, University of Pennsylvania,

and Harvard.

2. Athletics: Our students compete on one or more of our 16 inter-

scholastic teams. Many continue their athletic careers once

they become alumni, be it at the college or professional level.

3. Campus Ministry: Iona men take part in numerous community

service opportunities offered throughout the school year. These

opportunities range from local soup kitchens to traveling to

Peru to work with orphans and students in a Christian Brothers’

school in Canto Grande.

4. Leadership: We prepare Iona men to become Catholic, moral,

ethical leaders in today’s world by inviting our students to

attend leadership workshops throughout the year.

5. Unrestricted Support: This allows Iona Prep to fund areas of

our school which are deemed among our “greatest needs” by

Iona Prep’s leadership and Board. This can range from class-

room supplies to campus improvements.

6. Hardship Relief: If the family of an Iona student encounters

extreme financial hardship, such as the loss of a parent or job,

a gift directed to hardship relief will allow the young man to

continue his journey of excellence through our school.

In an effort to make it even easier for you to make a gift, we

have several methods for you to help Iona Prep continue its life-

changing work. You can make your tax-deductible contribution to

Iona Prep in any of the following ways:

Check:

Please make your check payable to Iona Prep and mail it to us

in the enclosed envelope.

Credit Cards:

We accept American Express, Visa, and MasterCard. Please

fill out the enclosed envelope, contact us by phone or visit our

secure giving page which is located at www.ionaprep.org

Matching Gifts:

You can double your gift to Iona Prep if you or your spouse,

work for an organization with a Matching Gift program.

Securities:

You can avoid capital gains tax on securities held long-term and

provide an income tax deduction equal to the fair market value

at the date of transfer. To transfer securities to Iona Prep please

provide your broker with the following information:

Vanguard Account Name: Iona Preparatory School;

Brokerage Number: 21230575 and DTC Number: 0062

Once you transfer your securities, please contact Mark

Hogan ’87, ’91 at (914) 600-6158 or [email protected]

notifying him of the date and time of the transfer so that he may

relay that information to our broker.

We could not continue to mold the next generation of Catholic

leaders without your support. Please help keep the mission of

Blessed Edmund Rice alive for our students!

CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Mark E. Hogan ’87, ’91DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Vic Cristiano ’05DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & SPECIAL EVENTS MaryLou PaganoADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Valerie Noble

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Vic Cristiano ’05, Mark E. Hogan ’87, ’91, Graham Piro ’14, Sr. Ona Bessette, CND, Kevin Kavanah, Dr. Kevin V. KeltonDESIGNER Virginia PopePHOTO CREDITS Christopher Pope ’78, Anthony Casella ’97, Michael Lyons ’15, Dr. Kevin V. Kelton, Marc SantosPRINTER Tom Nangle, ProGraphics


Save the Date!2014 Iona Prep Hall of Fame Dinner

Honoring Don Scanlon ’48, Frank “Chick” Mazzuca, Ann Slocum, and Br. Anthony K. Cavet

May 8th, 2014

The Fountainhead 55 Quaker Ridge Rd, New Rochelle, NY 10804

For more information please contact MaryLou Pagano,

Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events at

914-600-6182 or by email at [email protected]

IONA PREPARATORY SCHOOL255 WILMOT ROAD

NEW ROCHELLE, NY 10804-1299

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