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Spring 2007
Holy Cross High School • 587 Oronoke Road • Waterbury, CT 06708 • 203.574.5422
Inside This Issue: Advancement Office Notes Alumni News Crusader Clippings
Upcoming Events: Graduation Liturgy Saturday, June 2, 2007
Graduation Sunday, June 3, 2007
Golf Tournament Monday, June 25, 2007
Dear Friends of Holy Cross, What a great year this has been.We have been busy with many activities and accomplishments that have brought great honor and joy to Holy Cross. High academic performance on all levels, several state championships and compassionate and creative service to the broader community has given us a tremendous sense of pride. Everyone has been busily engaged in this work of education and transformation. I am personally grateful to all who have offered their time, talent and treasure to making this a positive and exciting year. Much good has been achieved for the benefit of the young men and women of Holy Cross High School. As most of you know, I will be leaving Holy Cross at the end of this school year. I was wondering what I might say in this communication and recalled the words of a song by Beth Nielson Chapman. She sings, “and I thought about years how they take so long and they go so fast.” That is so true for me.The years have passed quickly, much has been accomplished and I am a better person for being here. I am grateful to everyone for all that you have done for Holy Cross High School and for the students here.Their education is second to none and much of that is because of your generous response. I am most appreciative of such kindness. As I leave Holy Cross we share a profound optimism about Holy Cross High School and the future of Catholic Education in the Greater Waterbury area.The Administration, faculty and staff are keenly aware of the privilege that is theirs, the privilege to assist in the education and growth of your sons and daughters.To be responsible for young people, while an awesome task, also affords us much joy as we reflect on the many successes that our alums and current students have had and will continue to have. While I am unsure where my future ministry will take me, I know that I can go there with the strength of your prayers and the gentleness of happy memories. You will always have a special place in my prayers. Sincerely yours,
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Br. Jerome Donnelly, C.S.C. President
Commemorative Plaque Dedication On Sunday, April 22, 2007, Br. Jerome Donnelly, CSC and Mr.Tim McDonald hosted a reception honoring all Religious brothers, priests and sisters who have served Holy Cross High School since the school began. Many former and current religious, as well as present faculty members joined in a prayer of dedication of a plaque which lists the names of all Brothers, Priests and Sisters, members of the Congregation of Holy Cross and the Congregation de Notre Dame. Following the dedication, there was time for socializing and lunch was served. Br. Jerome, President, noted that “it was truly an honor to remember all those who labored to make Holy Cross such a great place.”
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Advancement Office Notes The Holy Cross Fund The annual giving campaign for the Holy Cross Fund will soon be wrapping up. Our spring Phon-a-thon was very successful. We appreciate the generosity of all who have contributed and respectfully ask those who have not to consider doing so.
Take A Seat The auditorium seating renovation, supported by the Take-A-Seat Campaign, is scheduled to begin this June and will be completed by the beginning of the 2007 school year.There are still some seats available for purchase. If interested, you may get more information by calling the Advancement Office at 203.574.5422.
Green & Gold Gala The combined Parents Clubs sponsored the 6th Annual Green and Gold Gala on March 24, 2007 at the Ponte Club in Waterbury.This evening was extremely successful as we had over 400 parents, faculty, alumni and friends in attendance. The winner of the car raffle was a Freshman Present Parent, Jim Schultz. Photos can be viewed online.
Easter Egg Hunt The Annual Alumni Easter Egg Hunt was held on Saturday, March 31, 2007. Over 300 alumni, spouses, grandparents and children attended the event which featured entertainment from Pumpernickel Puppets as well as a visit from the Easter Bunny. Photos can be viewed online.
Golf Tournament The Annual Crusader Classic Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held at the Country Club of Waterbury on June 25, 2007.Applications are available online or can be obtained by contacting the Advancement Office at 203.574.5422 ext. 221.
Reunion Dates 1982 November 10, 2007 Grand Oak Villa in Oakville 1987 November 17, 2007 Crowne Plaza Hotel in Southbury 1997 TBA
Crusader Clippings Library Becomes Library/Media Center Holy Cross has been converting its traditional Library into a Media Center. Integrating technology into the curriculum within the Media Center will strengthen and support meaningful and engaging learning for all students.To ensure academic excellence some changes had to be made.The most prevalent was the reduction of the 12,532 titles within the Library. A number of books were moved to different areas within the school’s Academic Departments, while others were donated to various book clubs.The titles that were eliminated from the Media Center consisted of books that were old and rarely used, books that had multiple copies, and books that covered similar subject areas. Copies of “Literary Classics” remain within the Library Media Center.To ensure that the students have all of the necessary resources, Holy Cross will continue to update its circulation desk. There are adequate resources in the Library / Media Center to support the schools mission and the academic program.These include: • A reference section which includes encyclopedias, books for each subject area, current magazines, videos, and online databases on all computers for student research. • Technology is present with student access to 80 internet ready computers / laptops. Multimedia projectors can be used for student presentations. • A copier, scanner, web-based programs, and powerful drawing and graphic software applications are available for student use.
Founder’s Week ‘07 Monday, March 19th began the seventh annual Founder’s Week celebration at Holy Cross High School. Founder’s Week started in the Spring of 2001 to give the community of Holy Cross High School the opportunity to come together and celebrate all that makes them special.With the theme in 2007 of “The Power of One”, this weeklong event focused each day on the potential power of each member of the school community in a number of different ways. The week began with speaker, Ed Gerety, one of the top professional youth speakers in the United States. He is recognized for his unique ability to connect with audiences about real issues.Through his personal experiences, humor and insights, Ed teaches the principles and skills that are essential to the development of leaders. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Gerety is the author of “Combinations: Opening the Door to Student Leadership” and a contributing author of three books in the popular Teen Power series. Founder’s Week ‘07 included a school-wide service project to raise money to purchase science lab equipment for Holy Cross High School in Jinja, Uganda. Besides a loose change collection in Homerooms and in Theology classes, the students purchased raffle tickets to win a $30 lunch ticket for free meals during Founder’s Week. A second raffle prize winner won the privilege of parking in Mr. McDonald’s (school Principal) parking space for the week. Founder’s Week ‘07, planned and implemented by the Holy Cross Student Council under the guidance of the Office of Student Activities, culminated with a school-wide Liturgy celebrated by Archbishop Henry Mansell of Hartford.
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Student Government and Activities:
Sports Wrap Up Girls Basketball finished their season with a 26-0 record and in the process won their third consecutive Naugatuck Valley League Championship and the CIAC Class M Championship, the first Girls Basketball State Championship in school history. They were recognized as the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Team of the Year and ended the season ranked as the number one team in the state. Kelly McKeon and Katie Ciarleglio were both named to the first team All-City,All NVL,All County and All State. Coach Frank Lombardo was named the New Haven Tap Off Club Coach of the Year. The Holy Cross Cheerleaders won the Naugatuck Valley League and CIAC Class M State Competition for the second consecutive year. In Skiing, Sean Muckle and Kayla Rogers were named to the All State Team. Boys Basketball finished the season with a 21-4 record, finishing as a Naugatuck Valley League Tri Champion and City Co-Champion. Wrestling had its best year and highest state finish in 12 years. Chris Marino and Matt Brouillard finished 2nd in Class S and Brian Cobbol finished 4th. Boys Indoor Track finished 3rd in the Naugatuck Valley League and Girls Indoor Track finished 6th. Lauren Pytel won the Class M Individual Gymnastics Championship in floor, balance beam, uneven parallel bars and the overall categories. Holy Cross was recently chosen as the 2nd place winner of the Michael’s Achievement Cup in Class M.The bowl was presented at The Sports Writers’ Gold Key Dinner held in April at the Aqua Turf.
Three members of Student Government attended the Spring State Leadership Conference held at Wesleyan University on March 23rd-24th. Student Council was once again featured in the February, 2007 issue of the NASSP’s national “Leadership” magazine, in a feature article about building bridges with a school’s neighborhood.“Halloween Happening” was the showcased event.
Events: Stockings for Seniors ‘06 was sponsored by Student Government in December. Every Theology class in the school filled large personalized Christmas stockings which were delivered to every resident at Waterbury Extended Care Facility and Watertown Convalarium on December 22nd. 200 hundred stockings were filled.
Read Across America Day on March 2nd saw 65 Holy Cross students, attired in Dr. Seuss hats, visit classrooms in 16 area grammar schools to read a Dr. Seuss book.The Holy Cross readers first created Dr. Seuss hats with the children, then read them a story and ended with an activity sheet.They were very appreciated for their effort and enthusiasm (despite the torrential rains that day!) and many thank you cards were sent to them by children, teachers and principals of the visited schools.
Recognitions CIAC SCHOLAR-ATHLETE RECIPIENTS Each year the Connecticut Association of Schools recognizes two senior scholar-athletes, one male and one female, from each CIAC participating school.This year Andrew Wells-Qu and Maureen Malley are the recipients from Holy Cross.
CAS FINE ARTS AWARD RECIPIENTS Each year the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) hosts a recognition banquet recognizing two seniors who excel in the performing or visual arts programs at their respective schools. This year’s recipients are Bethany Killian and Russel Stepan, both involved in the performing arts.
GOVERNOR’S SCHOLAR Victoria Parkes, a member of the Class of 2008, has been named a Governor’s Scholar of Connecticut for 2007. Victoria was chosen from an entry pool of over 120 top juniors in Connecticut’s high schools and will be honored along with the other designees at the Governor’s Scholars Luncheon in May. Holy Cross Student Council was once again the recipient of the Connecticut Association of Schools “Gold Council” Award for excellence in Leadership Development and community service.This is the third consecutive year that Student Council has been the recipient of this award, one of only 5 schools in 2007. Seniors Vincent Laliberte and Marissa Ranalli were honored by the Children’s Community School in April for their creation of the afterschool “Heart to Heart” program. Each month Vin and Marissa bring a Holy Cross Club to CCS to provide an afternoon of activity and refreshment as a reward for the CCS “Star” students.The school’s administration is so impressed by their efforts that they awarded Vin and Marissa with their “Volunteer 2007” awards.
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Meet the Holy Cross Board of Directors: Mr. Joseph Carrah,‘76 Chair Mr. Bernard Dzinski, Jr.,‘81 V.C./Treasurer Mrs. Cheryl Marcucio Tokarski,‘83 Secretary Mr. Frederick Blasius, Jr ‘76 Dr. Daniel Coelho, MD ‘78 Br. Jerome Donnelly, CSC (President: non-voting) Mr. Brian J. Flaherty ‘83 Monsignor Thomas Ginty ‘76 Mrs. Deborah Graziano (Faculty: non-voting) Mr. Raymond Lynch Mr. Michael Martone ‘74 Mr. Gregory Mascoli ‘84 Mr.Tim McDonald (Principal: non-voting) Atty. Kevin McSherry ‘75 Ms. Kathleen Murphy Partin ‘93 Ms. Katie O’Brien Atty. Gary O’Connor Mr. Neil O’Leary Mrs. Beth Padula Devino ‘93 Mrs. Gina Paternostro Petrokaitis ‘85 Mr. John Pronovost ‘85 Mr. Joseph Ramirez Mr. Gregory Ruthven Mr. Frank Samuelson, Jr.‘73 Mr. Anthony Zupa ‘83
Alumni News
Alumni News Publishing Policies To be considered for publication, the Advancement Office must be able to verify that you are a graduate of Holy Cross High School.Alumni News submissions are accepted from, but not limited to the following sources: press releases, e-mail and our website ‘Contact Us’ page. Holy Cross High School has the exclusive authority to reject any Alumni News submissions not in alignment with the spiritual and religious character of the school.The Holy Cross Advancement Office retains the exclusive right to edit any material submitted for publishing in the Alumni News. All Alumni News submissions will appear in both the Advancement Newsletter – CROSS Words and on the Website - www.holycrosshs-ct.com, unless otherwise requested by the sender. Requests to change information intended for publishing must be made by phone, e-mail or in writing to the Advancement Office.Any information to be published in the In Memoriam section must be verified by appropriate documentation. Associate Director of the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University in Tempe,AZ is at the leading edge of a research field that focuses on understanding the processing of energy and multiple chemical elements in plants, animals and microbes, and how they sculpt ecosystems, also known as ecological stoichiometry.
Class of 1978 Richard Marano has been elected President of Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America.
Alumni News includes submissions received since the last newsletter.
Class of 1982
If you would like to have a Class Note, Engagement, Marriage or Birth Announcement published in an upcoming newsletter please click on ‘Contact Us’ on our home page at www.holycrosshs-ct.com and submit your news.
Jeff D’Antonio is currently working at US Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.After his overseas deployment, Jeff is enjoying being at home with his wife and daughter and surfing.
Alumni in the News...
Michelle (LaChance) Smith lives in Waterbury with her husband, Randy, and The Jim Abromaitis ‘75 family recently their three children,Andrew, Julia and joined exclusive company when Jim’s youngGabriele. She is currently employed as est son,Tim, was named All-State in boys a Medical Billing Specialist for a Medical basketball for the second straight year.Tim, Supply company. who is headed to Notre Dame on a basketball scholarship, joins his brother Jay, who Class of 1986 was All-State in 2003 and just completed his senior year playing for Yale, and his father, Mark Danaher was selected as theJim, who was All-State in 1975, as only one Manchester District Teacher of the Year of three families who had three or more for the school year 2006-2007. He was immediate family members named as New also selected as a finalist for Connecticut Haven Register All-State selections. Teacher of the Year for 2007. Mark is cur-
Class Notes Class of 1977 James Elser Professor of ecology, evolution and environmental science and
rently a Career Services Teacher at Manchester High School in CT and has been teaching there for the past eight years.
Class of 1987 Denise Dean worked five years in social work before pursuing an actress lifestyle. She was involved in many community and professional theater groups and was one of 9 artistic founders of the Boston Theater Works. Currently, Denise resides in West Haven and is a case manager/outreach worker at the Fair Haven Community Health Center. David Linnevers lives in Pasadena, CA with his wife, Sharlene Ellen, and their two daughters, Sophia and Talia. He will graduate with his MBA from CSU, Los Angeles in June.
Class of 1988 Michele (Vancour) McDevitt graduated from NYU in 2005 with her PhD in Health Education. She is an Associate Professor of Public Health at Southern CT State University.
Class of 1989 Frank Romanelli was recently appointed the Assistant Dean for Education Innovation at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. He earned his bachelor’s degree and doctor of pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston and his master’s degree in public health at the University of Kentucky.
Class of 1990 Stacie Midolo graduated in January 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Southern CT State University.
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Class of 1991
Beth (Addessio) Consoli ‘91 and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of Shannon (Blake) Rankin is employed at their first son, Nicholas James, on July 1, UConn Medical Center as a Nurse Manager 2006. and resides in Prospect with her husband, Charles, and their two daughters, Blake and Shannon (Blake) Rankin ‘91 and her husband, Charles, welcomed their second Skye. daughter, Blake Elizabeth, on November Christa (Cofrancesco) Martyszczyk is 26, 2006. a Senior Plan Coordination Consultant for National Accounts, Northeast Region at Aet- Christa (Cofrancesco) Martyszczyk na in Middletown, CT. She is also the owner ‘91 and her husband, Jim, welcomed their of a home-based business, Pages by Christa. daughter, Heather Michele, on August 19, 2005.
Class of 1995 Ryan McDonald teaches History and English to Sophomores and Juniors at Crosby High School. He is the Holy Cross High School’s Boys’ soccer coach and was voted 2006 NVL Coach of the Year by his peers. Sara (Roy) Gallant and her husband, John, reside in Tolland, CT with their three children,Alexis, John and Mikayla.
Future Crusaders Dennis Piotrowski ‘82 and his wife, Marifrances, announce the birth of their daughter, Catherine, on January 6, 2007. Gina (Verrastro) West ‘84 and her husband, Eric, welcomed their second child, Mira Grace, on January 11, 2007. Cassandra (Zorn) Crea ‘85 and her husband, Giovanni, announce the birth of their daughter, Giavanna Marisa, on January 30, 2007.
Justin B. Kutniewski ‘96 and his wife, Phoebe, welcomed their second child, Stella Rose, on January 14, 2007.
Weddings Diana Franco ‘86 to Douglas Barry Jr. on December 22, 2006. Bruce Padula ‘92 to Rebecca Creno on October 13, 2006. Josephine Nocita ‘93 to Nicholas Gugliotti on September 23, 2006.
Ann-Marie (Ianniruberto) Forrester Stephanie Mattaboni ‘00 to Clayton ‘92 and her husband, Scott, welcomed their second daughter, Mackenzie Berg, on Oliver on August 19, 2006. November 14, 2006.
Engagements
Tamica (Leonardo) Warren ‘93 and her husband, Eric, welcomed their third Jennifer Gimelli ‘97 to Paul Tobin, a July child, Carter Jameson, on August 29, 2006. 19, 2008 wedding is planned. MaryAnn (Macatol) Kumar ‘93 and her husband, Sanjay, are proud to announce the birth of their second child, Lalita, on February 5, 2007. Jennifer (Prato) DeJoseph ‘93 and her husband, McKenzie, welcomed their second son, Jack McKenzie, on November 16, 2006. Peter Fox ‘94 and his wife,Tanya, announce the birth of their daughter, Catherine Claire, January, 2007. Joanna (Haddad) Nagle ‘94 and her husband,William, welcomed their second child,Andrew George, on September 26, 2006.
Mark Danaher ‘86 and his wife, Laurie, welcomed twins, son,Tegan Mark and daugh- Carla (Rebelo) Kasarda ‘95 and her husband, Scott, announce the birth of ter, Emma Rose, on April 27, 2006. their first child, Kristian Scott, on NovemMark Hoey ‘88 and his wife, Jennifer, anber 10, 2006. nounce the arrival of their first daughter, Patricia (Ringel) Meltser ‘95 and her Kindle Dwyer, born December 17, 2006. husband, Gene, announce the birth of Michele (Vancour) McDevitt ‘88 and her their first child, Nikolai Matthew, born husband, Pete, welcomed their second son, January 16, 2007. Matthew, on December 6, 2005. Sara (Roy) Gallant ‘95 and her husband, Gina (L’Heureux) Farra ‘90 and her John, announce the birth of John Marcel, Jr. husband, Shawn, welcomed their first child, and Mikayla Patrice on April 1, 2006. daughter, Morgan, on December 17, 2005.
Brooke Harrison ‘97 to Kevin Sullivan, an August, 2007 wedding is planned. Kristen Hurlbut ‘97 to Paul Gwiazdoski ‘96, a June 2008 wedding is planned. Jaime Padula ‘97 to P.J. Byrne, a July 7, 2007 wedding is planned. Emily Trombley ‘97 to David Baffaro, an August 11, 2007, wedding is planned. Jennifer Guerrera ‘98 to Eric Gruettner, a July 20, 2007 wedding is planned. Melissa Maturo ‘98 to Will Levesque, a July 6, 2007 wedding is planned.
In Memoriam Please remember all our deceased alumni but in particular those listed below.We extend our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of these recently departed members of our Holy Cross Community.
Harry Kryzanowski ‘77 David Soucy ‘74 Sanders Troy ‘83
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The Holy Cross Institute The Holy Cross Institute is charged with creating a national network among secondary schools, colleges and universities founded and sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross in the United States for the purpose of providing resources, programs and events that educate administrators, faculty, board members and students on the unique educational legacy of the Congregation. A delegation from Holy Cross,Waterbury recently attended the Institute for the second year. Those representing Holy Cross included Brother Jerome Donnelly, CSC, President,Tim McDonald, Principal,Amadeo Rinaldi,Vice Principal for Academic Life, Margaret Leger,Vice Principal for Student Life, Cary Razza Fappiano ‘85, Director of Development and Alumni, Jodie LaCava McGarrity ‘93, Director of Admission, and Ann Estrada, Chair of the Religion Department at Holy Cross.
Did U Know? - Each year the CIAC releases a report ranking all member schools based upon the rate of student participation in interscholastic sports based upon the previous year’s enrollment. Holy Cross was ranked 21st out of 180 schools with a participation rate of 86.3%
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