Skip to main content

Spring 2026 Chaminade News

Page 1

THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 1


CHAMINADE NEWS

2026

SPRING

Bro. Thomas Cleary, S.M. ’81 President Robert Paul ’92 Principal Gregory Kay ’98 Chief Academic Officer Brian Crimmins ’95 Chief Operating Officer

Guy LaCognata ’15 Director of Communications Kathleen Nolan Senior Graphic Designer Sarah Nagel Graphic Designer Element Media Photography Office of Communications and Marketing (516) 742-5555 ext. 492

4

3 President’s Letter 4 Al Heinlein

5

Ted Fioraliso ’03 Director of Alumni Engagement Office of Advancement (516) 742-5555 ext. 444

CLASS OF 1943

Bill Basel CLASS OF 1958

6 Fred Yosca

Katie Hess Director of Development

13

In This Issue: A Letter from Each Decade

7 Chris Hanley ’80 Executive Director of Advancement

11

CLASS OF 1969

Bob Cole CLASS OF 1974

8 Alumni Notes 9 The Importance of

10

Matt Fasciano CLASS OF 1988

11

Greg Murphy

CLASS OF 1995

12

Chris Fisher

CLASS OF 2007

13

Pat Johnson

14

CLASS OF 2017

Harry Peluso CLASS OF 2021

Planned Giving

On the Cover The past meets the future: Christopher Miro ’30 poses on Jackson Avenue with one of the first photos ever taken of Chaminade.

2 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

PRESIDENT'S LETTER Dear Chaminade Family, As another academic year draws to a close, the Chaminade Family pauses to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. These young men have distinguished themselves in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, in service to others, and in the daily example they have set for our school community. Their graduation marks not only the completion of four years of hard work and brotherhood, but also the beginning of lives that will continue to reflect the Marianist ideals they embraced here at Chaminade. At the same time, we turn our attention toward a remarkable group soon to join our halls: the incoming Class of 2030, the “Century Class.” When these young men walk across the stage at graduation, Chaminade High School will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It is difficult to overstate the significance of that moment. For nearly a century, generations of Chaminade Men have carried forward a tradition rooted in faith, scholarship, leadership, and service. The members of the Class of 2030 now become part of that enduring legacy. There is something especially meaningful about entering a school community on the threshold of such an important milestone. The Century Class arrives not simply as students beginning high school, but as custodians of a tradition nearly one hundred years

in the making. They will learn in classrooms shaped by decades of excellence, pray in spaces sanctified by generations before them, and walk the same halls as thousands of alumni who have gone on to serve their families, parishes, professions, and communities with distinction. Yet the story of Chaminade has never been merely about the past. Every generation renews and strengthens the mission entrusted to it. The Century Class will help shape the next chapter of our school’s history. Their talents, energy, character, and faith will define what Chaminade looks like as it enters its second century. This issue of the Chaminade News is dedicated especially to those giants whose shoulders the Class of 2030 will stand on. It is both an introduction and an invitation: an introduction to the traditions, values, and brotherhood that await them, and an invitation to take their place among the countless young men who have proudly called Chaminade home. To the Class of 2026, we offer our gratitude and congratulations. To the Class of 2030, the Century Class, we offer our warmest welcome. You inherit a remarkable legacy…and, with God’s grace, you will help carry it forward into Chaminade’s next hundred years.

“The Century Class will help shape the next chapter of our school’s history.”

Bro. Thomas J. Cleary, S.M. ’81 President

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 3


CHAMINADE NEWS

Al ’ 4 3 Heinlein To the Class of 2030 – My name is Al Heinlein, and I was in the Chaminade graduating class of 1943. Our class name was “the ’Aces!” I am honored to be asked to address the century class of 2030 in the Chaminade News. Chaminade was, and still is, a warm and inviting school. I had a lifetime dream to attend the school. My parents could not afford the tuition, but through the grace of God and the guidance of the principal, Louis J. Faerber, S.M., my parents found a way for me to attend. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t think about Chaminade and the excellent education I received. The school emphasized family and religion. The brotherhood was wonderful. I was on the track team and played varsity football under the direction of the wonderful Coach Bossu. I have fond memories of him. My steadfast belief in the Catholic faith has shaped my life forever. The brothers are excellent teachers, and I advise the Class of 2030 to learn from their instruction. It will serve you well in your life. I am so thankful for my years at Chaminade. I made lifelong friends, one of whom was Herb Langendorfer, the best man at my wedding in 1948. Jack Lenz was another classmate who continued to support the school and was in the Hall of Fame. One important lesson I learned at Chaminade, and I urge all of you to remember is this: “Do the right thing at the right time even when no one is looking.” I have let that guide me through life. In closing I ask that you all study hard, honor the school, and contribute to its well-being and develop belief in God and the Eucharist.

4 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026

Al celebrated his 100th birthday at Chaminade on September 26, 2025.


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

Bill ’58 Basel Dear Century Class, It was the fall of 1954 when I entered Chaminade as a freshman. Little did I know that this was the year 1954-55 that Chaminade was celebrating 25 years since its founding. The entire school year was dedicated to this celebration. Those young men entering Chaminade next fall will be part of a special class, that is, the Class of 2030. I am happy to say that my grandson, Matthew Ryan, will be a member of the Century Class. As a student at Chaminade, I was able to experience the athletic competition on the football field as well as in the gymnasium. Being involved with men like Mr. Joe Thomas and Mr. Ed Flynn helped me to fulfill my expectations as a student athlete. Their example was an inspiration to me and aided in my maturation as an adult. My hope for the members of the Class of 2030 is that they too will be able to experience the same positive impact that many of our present teachers will bring forth to their students. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the religious aspect of a Chaminade education. I can remember vividly our principal, Bro. John Darby, and how he took an interest in everything his students were involved in. I can remember after graduation that I had trouble finding a summer job. I stopped in to see Bro. Darby one day and asked him to hire me for the summer. He did so on the spot and I worked the entire summer under the supervision of Bro. Jim Abel. One of the jobs we had to do was paint the bleachers, and we accomplished this, all the while getting a fuller understanding about what the Marianists were really about. It is my hope that the

Century Class will experience only positive things from the many religious activities that present themselves here at Chaminade. The “saying” that goes along with being a Chaminade Man had a lasting impact on me, not only as a student, but as an adult in later life. It probably played a factor why I came back to Chaminade, after spending three years in the US Army in Europe, and after graduation from the University of Dayton, another Marianist school. If all the members of the Class of 2030 could live by the Chaminade Man motto, they will certainly have a bright future. I came back to Chaminade to teach in 1967 and once again, I was fortunate to work under Mr. Joe Thomas in the Physical Education Department. He allowed me to not only teach Physical Education, but also to coach football, wrestling, and basketball. For 40 years, going to work every day was a pleasure. My desire is that every member of the Class of 2030 experiences that same feeling of satisfaction, knowing you have given your all in pursuit of your dreams. Many great individuals have walked these halls and have entered the same classrooms that you have graced. Just remember what a tremendous tradition you are following. Finally, I still keep in touch with several of my classmates that I met while a student at Chaminade. It is an example of the brotherhood and friendship that exists after these many years. Bill Basel

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 5


CHAMINADE NEWS

Fred ’69 Yosca To the Chaminade Class of 2030, Ready or not, you are about to embark on a four-year journey that will be crucial in shaping the man that you will one day become. With your arrival on campus this fall as members of the Class of 2030 you will have the privilege and responsibility of honoring the legacy of the thousands of Chaminade Men who have preceded you. Much has changed in the 100 years since Chaminade opened its doors, but what was true in 1930, and in 1969 when I graduated, and in 1994 when my son graduated, remains true today; Chaminade is as much about molding boys into good men of faith as it is about educating them. For me, the Marianist education I received at Chaminade and the guidance provided by my parents have been the two most important moral and character influences in my life.

6 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026

As you prepare for your freshman year, don’t be dissuaded by the absence of girls in the classroom, the dress code, and the academic workload. When you leave Chaminade four years from now you will do so knowing that you are capable of so much more intellectually, spiritually and socially than you gave yourself credit for. As the Class of 2030 disperses to begin the next chapters in their lives, you will also be a part of a unique brotherhood. Today, 57 years since graduation, my friendship with my classmates is as strong as it was in 1969. My bonds with these brothers are more important to me than any others save for my family. I congratulate you all on beginning the process of becoming Chaminade Men, and don’t forget to have some fun along the way! GO FLYERS!


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

Bob ’74 Cole Dear Class of 2030, Welcome to our newest FLYERS! I am sure most of you have an idea of what to expect over the next four years, but I can assure you of three things. First, your four years will go by faster than you could ever imagine, second, your experiences will exceed your wildest expectations and third, you will make lifelong friends.

will help write. And if you want a firsthand account of what it was like to be a student, parent of a student, and long time faculty member, stop by the athletic department and ask for Coach Cole. Tell him his father sent you! Wishing you the best of luck, Bob

As a graduate of the Class of 1974, I am amazed at how much the school has changed and the campus has grown. I had so many wonderful “Flyer” experiences as a student and continue to have them since graduating over 50 years ago. A few of my most cherished experiences since graduation were my 25th and 50th reunions along with the Chaminade graduations of my two sons and grandson. Because of the strong bond we made during our years on campus in Mineola, approximately 35% of my classmates attended our 50th reunion a couple of years ago, setting an alltime attendance record. Over four days, we reminisced about our brief but special time at Chaminade and shared new stories about families, jobs, and adventures since graduation back in 1974. The reunion was a perfect example of how much Chaminade meant to me and so many classmates. It’s hard to explain in just a few words the strong bond with classmates and fellow alumni but it’s easy to see when someone says, “I went to Chaminade” when meeting another FLYER. Watching my two sons and grandson graduate from Chaminade were some of the proudest moments of my life. Their time at Chaminade went by as quickly as mine did and they also have developed lifelong friends from their days in the classroom, clubs, or athletic teams. As a member of the Class of 2030, you will be experiencing something that took 100 years to build but is far from being finished. It continues to grow and improve year after year. Chaminade has so much to offer beyond the classroom. Participate. Volunteer. Be curious. Try something new. You are an important piece of shaping the next 100 years, and I look forward to reading about Chaminade’s next chapters that you

Bob and his son, Head Varsity Wrestling Coach, Scott ’95.

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 7


CHAMINADE NEWS

ALUMNI

News & Notes Anthony Bagnuola ’04 James Foran ’01 After more than seven years as a federal prosecutor in the Eastern District of New York, Anthony joined the global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP as a Shareholder, resident in the firm’s Long Island litigation group.

James was named National Video Director of the Year for the Football Championship Subdivision in college football three times (2014, 2023, 2024). He was also named as National Representative for the FCS to the national organization of football video directors (CSVA).

Joseph Castiglie III ’04 Bill Frank ’65 Joseph is the co-portfolio manager of The Free Markets ETF (Ticker: FMKT), listed at the NYSE. He rang the closing bell at NYSE to celebrate the launch and has been named to the 2025 Business Council of Westchester 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.

Kevin Curran ’78 Kevin was a guest on The Sports Economist podcast to discuss how play-byplay broadcasts contribute to team and league revenue.

Thomas Daly ’18 Thomas recently purchased an office building in Farmingdale and is growing two businesses with several Flyers working at both: Fractional Financial Officers and East Coast Scholars.

Bill was inducted into the New York State Senate 46th District’s 2026 Veteran Hall of Fame. Bill is a Vietnam veteran, retired Army Captain, CPA, and former Director of Veterans Services in Schenectady County.

Chris Lyons ’07 Chris was awarded the Bronze Star Medal (BSM). This prestigious United States Armed Forces decoration is awarded to service members for heroic achievement, heroic service, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service in a combat zone. It is the fourth-highest individual military award for bravery and the ninth-highest in the overall U.S. military order of precedence.

Kenneth Solosky ’82 Kenneth has earned national recognition for his continued excellence in aviation education, receiving both his second NAFI/SAFE “Master Flight Instructor” designation and his second consecutive AOPA Distinguished Flight Instructor Award. In addition to his work as an

8 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026

WANT TO SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US? FILL OUT THIS FORM.

Death Notices Andrei Antchoutine ’12 Richard Bennert ’62 Donald Francis Boden ’63 Rev. Gerard “Jerry” Cleator ’56 Eugene P. Cunneely ’47 James J. Davis ’58 Ed Dibble ’50 Rev. Richard Donovan ’50 Timothy Dunckley ’66 Charles Richard Dunne ’52 Don Galletly ’69 Rev. George F. Gere ’58 Henry Greve ’57 Keith Hill ’74 Peter E. Maggi ’59 Deacon Jack McKenna ’72 John Thomas Montilino ’51 Gerry Poldesak ’75 Gregory Pranzo ’04 William Regan Ressegue ’63 Daniel Riva ’01 Richard Roth ’55 William Shaw ’88 William Tuer ’62 William P. Warnken ’66 Roger Young ’69

adjunct aviation professor at Farmingdale State College and lead ground instructor for Nassau Flyers, he also presented an FAA-hosted webinar on cognitive bias in aviation safety that drew more than 1,500 pilots nationwide.


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

A Legacy Built to Last

Lynn and Larry Eisenhauer ’57 and the 1930 Legacy Society Larry “Ike” Eisenhauer was known to many as a standout football player, a multi-sport athlete at Chaminade, a Boston College Eagle, and later an All-Star defensive end for the Boston Patriots. But to those who knew him best, Larry was much more: a leader, loyal friend, devoted husband and father, and a man whose life reflected preparation, purpose, and generosity. Born in Hicksville in 1940, Larry’s athletic gifts and competitive drive set him apart early. After graduating from Chaminade in 1957, his football career continued at Boston College. In 1961, he was selected in the sixth round of the AFL Draft by the Boston Patriots. Over nine seasons, Larry became one of the franchise’s top defensive stars, earning four AFL All-Star selections and a place on the Patriots’ All-1960s Team. Known affectionately as “The Wildman,” he was admired not only for his relentless play, but for his joyful spirit and ability to bring people together. What endured beyond football were the Marianist values he absorbed as a Flyer: faith, brotherhood, service, and responsibility to others. Off the field, Larry carried those same values into his next chapter. After retiring from professional football, he became a successful businessman in Boston. His competitive drive remained, matched by loyalty, warmth, and a generous heart.

The most important team in Larry’s life was the one he shared with his wife, Lynn. Together, they were known for their hospitality, laughter, fellowship, and faith-filled way of living. Their home in Cohasset, Massachusetts, became a place of welcome and connection. They supported the people and institutions they loved, including the Joslin Diabetes Center, the local VFW, and Chaminade. By including Chaminade in their estate plans, Larry and Lynn made a lasting commitment to the school that helped

shape Larry’s life. Their gift was an act of gratitude, hope, and promise... an investment in generations of Flyers to come. That is the heart of Chaminade’s 1930 Legacy Society. Named for the year of Chaminade’s founding, the Society recognizes alumni, parents, and friends who include Chaminade in their estate plans. These future gifts help ensure that Chaminade remains strong in its mission of forming young men of faith, character, intellect, and service. Planned giving is often simpler than people realize. A gift through a will, trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, or other estate-planning vehicle can protect your loved ones while supporting the causes that shaped your life. Gifts of any size can make a meaningful difference. What matters most is the intention behind them. To help members of the Chaminade Family take that first step, Chaminade offers a free online estate-planning resource through FreeWill. In less than 20 minutes, you can create a legally valid will or trust at no cost, protect the people and causes you care about, and, if you choose, include a future gift to Chaminade. Larry and Lynn Eisenhauer remind us that legacy is not only what we leave behind, but what we set in motion. Through thoughtful planning, each of us can strengthen the people, places, and values we hold dear while helping Chaminade form Flyers for generations to come.

LEARN MORE chaminade-hs.mygiftlegacy.org Scan the QR code for more information or contact Executive Director of Advancement Mr. Chris Hanley ’80 at (516) 742-5555 ext. 509 or chanley@chaminade-hs.org.

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 9


CHAMINADE NEWS

Matt ’88 Fasciano To the Class of 2030, First, congratulations on your admission to Chaminade. That is no easy task and it already tells me something about you. You are at the very beginning of what I hope will be an exciting – and sometimes challenging – but rewarding journey during your time at Chaminade. But you are also at the beginning of what I hope will be a lifelong relationship with the institution and your Chaminade brothers.

As the Class of 2030 – Century Class – you now carry the torch and pave the way for the next hundred years. No pressure. Well, yes, some pressure. But you got this. Wishing you the very best on your journey. Fortes in Unitate, Matthew Fasciano ’88

I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Chaminade Leadership Summit (CLS ’26). I shared that my appreciation for Chaminade has only grown over the last forty plus years from when I was a student to now. Like many of you, I went to Chaminade alongside some of my childhood friends. Our bond of friendship only deepened while we were there. They remain my closest, most trusted and valued friends. But I also met so many other great guys while I was there and it has been a true joy to see how their lives – both personal and professional – have progressed and how we continue to intersect. Our experience at Chaminade was shaped by the values of our faith and the challenge to become the Chaminade Man. I recall trying to understand what that was. Where was the checklist? How did I know that I was on the right path? I never found the checklist, but I’ve concluded two things. First, there is no single embodiment of the Chaminade Man. It is more about discovering and growing into the best version of yourself – guided by principles, pushing yourself to excel in your pursuits and just being a good human being. Secondly, becoming a Chaminade Man is not a destination. It’s the journey. Yours is just beginning. Be open to it. Challenge yourself to grow but also know when to lean on the community around you. Get as much as you can out of your four years at Chaminade – both inside of the classroom and out. I chose to volunteer at a hospital during my time there. That set me on what has become an incredibly gratifying career in the service of others. I credit a lot of who I am and how I got here with the values, lessons, and experiences I had at Chaminade.

10 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026

Matt presented at CLS ’26 in May.


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

Greg ’95 Murphy Dear Chaminade High School Freshmen, Time is a funny thing. We are always saving time, wasting time, or watching it pass. However, ultimately when we look back at the times that have passed, we are recalling the moments. As the Class of 2030, each of you is part of an extraordinary moment. As the Class of 2030, you represent a moment for the Chaminade community. Your graduation from Chaminade represents one of the most important moments in your lives. My name is Gregory Murphy, and I am a proud member of the Class of 1995. More than 30 years have passed since my time on campus, but not one day has passed when I have not recalled moments from those four years in the 1990’s. Those moments in the halls of Chaminade High School were some of the most impactful of my life. It was in those moments that brotherhoods were created. During my time on Jackson Avenue I learned about my capabilities, pushed my limits, and developed my strengths. It was through those moments that I earned my membership within a group that represents excellence and integrity, the Chaminade alumni.

Marianist Community have spent the last 96 years building a place where you can learn to be your very best. It will be challenging, but this will make you stronger. Being your best will require dedication, but we are here to support you. Being your best will embolden those graduating classes that have gone before you and inspire those Flyers that will follow you. Together you will be part of the most celebrated class in the history of Chaminade. You will be exposed to countless alumni and the entire Chaminade community as we approach our 100th year. We are excited to see what you will accomplish over these next four years. We are confident in your ability to launch us into the next century. I will leave you with this, whenever life gets too complicated, or you feel overwhelmed, remember: The Chaminade Man does the right thing at the right time, because it is the right thing to do, and not because anyone is watching. Remember this, and you are well on your way to being the best. Enjoy Every Moment & Fortes in Unitate, Gregory E. Murphy ’95

You too now have the opportunity to enjoy similar moments over these next four years. You will meet other young men, who like you, are willing to be challenged. Together, you will struggle with new concepts and work harder than you have previously worked. It is with these men that you will endure losses and celebrate victories. Together you will march forward until June of 2030, when you too will earn your membership amongst the Chaminade alumni. Having gone to St. Aidan’s for grammar school, from a young age I knew that Chaminade was where the smartest attended high school. They were also the best athletes, who would then go onto the best colleges. My first real Chaminade experience was as a participant at the basketball camp the summer prior to my freshman year. Coach Pomponio was my team’s coach, and we broke every huddle by saying, “BE THE BEST!” This is what it means to be a Flyer. You chose to come to Chaminade, and this is now your responsibility. A responsibility that all of my fellow alumni have embraced and continue to protect: to be the best. I would be remiss if I neglected to inform you that this will not be easy. As Fr. Francis Keenan told me and my fellow Latin students, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” Life is not easy, and being the best is certainly not easy. However, as a Chaminade student you are not alone. The alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 11


CHAMINADE NEWS

Chris ’07 Fisher To the Class of 2030, Congratulations and welcome to Chaminade High School. As the “Century Class,” you carry a distinction few classes ever will. You stand at the intersection of tradition and future, uniquely representing the legacy, longevity, faith, and excellence that have defined Chaminade for the last 100 years. As you begin this journey, you are becoming part of a lifelong brotherhood built by generations of young men striving to live with purpose, discipline, integrity, service, and faith. You are joining a community that will celebrate with you, challenge you, support you, compete with you, and ultimately push you to become the best version of yourself. Over the next four years, you will grow in ways that you may not fully recognize in the moment. The friendships you build, the routines you develop, the challenges you face, and the moments that test you will shape you long after your time at Chaminade. The values instilled in you here: faith, accountability, humility, compassion, and commitment to something greater than yourself, will become part of the foundation on which you build your life. You are now Chaminade Men. You are charged with the responsibility of leading with faith and doing the right thing at the right time simply because it is the right thing to do. As a clinical psychologist, I have learned that growth and fulfillment are rarely found in comfort alone. Growth often comes through challenge, responsibility, perseverance, and the willingness to continue showing up even when life becomes difficult. Chaminade will help prepare you for those moments, not simply by teaching you what to think, but by teaching you how to carry yourselves with character and purpose. You are entering a world that continues to change rapidly, but the need for empathy, leadership, kindness, and human connection will never go out of style. If I could offer you any advice, it would be this: be kind. Follow the Platinum Rule: treat others the way they would like to be treated. Work hard. Challenge yourselves continually to grow. Be compassionate. Lift others up rather than put them down. And every day, make decisions that move you closer to becoming the person you aspire to be.

12 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026

My time at Chaminade was deeply meaningful to me, and I hope yours will be as well. I am excited for all that lies ahead for you and proud to welcome you into this remarkable tradition. Congratulations, Century Class! You’ve got this. Dr. Christopher Fisher Class of 2007


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

Pat ’17 Johnson Dear Flyers, When I arrived at Chaminade, I didn’t know how to use a combination lock. That’s pretty embarrassing when you’re in high school, but I swear, I couldn’t figure it out. First, you had to rotate the dial three times to clear the combination, and then on the second number, you had to pass zero, or it wouldn’t open. For my first two weeks in Powers Hall, I had to ask Pete Korchak and Anthony Hubner from homeroom to help me grab my textbooks for English class. Those are some good friends.

Future Flyers, Chaminade taught me many things. I know for certain that it will do the same for you. Welcome to something bigger. As Chaminade’s Century Class, you are the embodiment of a nearly 100 years of commitment to excellence, faith, and tradition. You are the future of this place. No pressure or anything. My advice for you all: study hard, get involved in the community, and invest in your people. If you make really good friends, they might help you open your locker. Fortes in Unitate!

Looking back, I didn’t know a lot of things before Chaminade High School. What I did learn at Chaminade, I carry with me for life. Studies taught me work ethic and discipline. Showing up mattered. Being attentive mattered. A good grade is earned through hard work and effort. I will be clear, you are going to work harder than you ever have before, but the payoff has never been more rewarding. My extracurriculars at Chaminade taught me about myself. In middle school, I played sports – football and basketball. In my time at Chaminade, I developed talents that I didn’t know I had. I’d spend most of my days after school practicing speech writing. I’d spend homeroom reading off the morning announcements. Chaminade helped me to find the things that made me tick. Through Mass with my classmates and singing with the Glee Club, I connected deeper with my faith. It helped me to better understand how important being a Catholic was to me. Most importantly, I got to meet the people. Chaminade is a goldmine for some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Life-long friends, mentors, and confidantes who will have your back in good times and bad.

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 13


CHAMINADE NEWS

Harry ’21 Peluso Dear Class of 2030, First of all, congratulations on joining the Chaminade brotherhood! I’m excited to tell you a bit about my experience, but WOW, do I feel old! I graduated Chaminade in 2021 before going to Notre Dame for college, but the lessons I learned at Chaminade have truly stuck with me and defined my success since. At Chaminade, I was on the rowing team, PREP, and Element Film Club. Each was amazing and challenging in its own way, but I traveled across the East Coast with my team and created cinematic pieces using professional equipment. I was able to pursue all of my passions. It was a blessing but also a major challenge that forced me to develop discipline, grit, and time management. Early mornings and late nights while building friendships with my friends taught me to love the process even when it’s hard. Chaminade has this tradition of excellence that you feel at every corner of campus. From seeing rowers become athletes at Ivy League schools to the completion of our world-class science center, students past set an example that carried me while I was a student. I won’t lie and tell you that it was easy, because there were many days that all I wanted to do was leave my 90-minute lecture, but people say, “You don’t appreciate Chaminade until you leave it,” and that is incredibly true!

I have been involved with the Alumni Association since moving to Los Angeles and have had the honor of meeting the CMO of Shake Shack, Michael Fanuele ’90. The legacy is an honor and a blessing, but that legacy isn’t about reminiscing on stories from a decade ago. The legacy is alive through you and your entire Century Class. I hope you find your passion and community at Chaminade, whether through sport, arts, or anything in between, and give all your passion, grit, and dedication to it. That is what will carry Chaminade forward for another century. I have had amazing mentors of mine in the past, so I only hope to pass that forward and inspire those coming after me. When you graduate from Chaminade and college, it’ll be your turn to carry that torch for future classes and many more after you. The brotherhood lives through you. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Carry it forward. Roll Flyers, always, and welcome to the family!

14 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026


THE CHAMINADE FAMILY MAGAZINE

Create summer memories at www.camps.chaminade-hs.org

SPRING 2026 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | 15


CHAMINADE NEWS

2026 C H A M I N A D E

SPRING

N E W S Fortes in Unitate

3 4 0 J A C K S O N AV E N U E , M I N E O L A , N Y 1 1 5 0 1

Leading with Purpose April 30–May 1, 2027

16 | LETTERS TO THE CENTURY CLASS | SPRING 2026


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Spring 2026 Chaminade News by chaminade-hs - Issuu