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A u T u m N 2 0 0 9
MMI launches alumni online community
Members of the MMI Preparatory School and forums so registered alumni can share
family have always remained close. Now, memories about their MMI experience and
modern technology allows MMI alumni their lives since MMI.
to stay connected in new and exciting Alums can create groups inside the
ways. MMI recently unveiled an Online community such as fan clubs for Preppers
Community exclusively for alums. sports teams, activities, or faculty members.
Created by the Alumni Relations Office, They can also use the community’s online
the Online Community allows alumni to messaging and chat functions. And to
interact with their former classmates and increase alumni networking, users can
other members of the extended MMI family. upload their resumes to their profile pages.
“MMI alumni are among the most “The creation of the alumni online
faithful that I have ever come across,” said community will serve to further enhance
school President Thomas G. Hood. “We are post-graduate relations at MMI. It provides
excited to launch an online community for password and sign in to their class year. our alumni with the technology and tools
our alumni so they can reconnect with lost Once there, alums create and manage their they need to stay in touch with friends,
friends, stay in touch with current friends, own profiles. Then alumni can access a reconnect with classmates, and network
and exchange memories and stories of their whole world of information. They can with one another,” said Nina Dei Tos ’01,
times at MMI.” search for other alumni using an online MMI’s alumni relations coordinator. “It is
To access the Online Community, directory, and upload files and photos. a great advancement for the school and a
alumni will log in with a username and The Online Community includes blogs great opportunity for our alumni!”
2009 Wall of Fame inductees honored at dinner
A dinner and awards ceremony to honor
this year’s Wall of Fame inductees was held
on Saturday, August 8. Eight members of
the MMI family were recognized for their
commitment to and support of the ideals
upon which MMI Preparatory School was
built.
The 2009 inductees are: Dr. Brian Brazzo
’84, Simon Faltz, Atty. Henry Giuliani,
James Lundy ’73, Harry Carl Schaub, J.D.
’46, Edward Sharp ’36, Dr. Martin Sokoloski
’55, and John Zoltak ’56.
Established in 2006, the MMI Wall of
Fame honors alumni as well as current
and past faculty, staff, and board members
who have distinguished themselves in
the areas of athletics, business, sciences,
education, government, public service,
the arts, or humanities. Specific Wall of
Fame categories are: Athletic Achievement,
Professional Achievement, Service to MMI, The 2009 Wall of Fame inductees are, from left, President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski, accepting the award on behalf of
Atty. Henry Guiliani; Dr. Martin Sokoloski ’55; Florence Faltz Bubis ’73, accepting the award on behalf of her father, Simon
and Communtiy Service. Faltz; John Zoltak ’56; Harry Carl Schaub, J.D. ’46; and Edward M. Sharp ’36, with MMI President Thomas G. Hood.
T h e N e w s l e T T e r o f MMI P r e P a r a t o r y S c h o o l
From the President
Greetings from MMI,
New beginnings for students and alumni!
My second favorite day of the school year (after graduation day) is the
first day of school. The excitement of the coming school year is palpable as
everyone – students, faculty, and staff – rekindle friendships and prepare to
take on the challenges ahead. August 25 was no exception as 245 students
started their first day of the 2009-10 school year.
This year we have plenty of reason to be excited at MMI. While our core curriculum
remains engaging and challenging for our students, we have added a number of electives
that allow students to explore their passions. Our elective program is designed to reinforce
and expand on concepts established in our core curriculum while exposing our students to
potential career fields. As an example, our new Environmental Science elective reinforces
topics first introduced in Biology and Chemistry while exposing students to the environmental
sciences by taking them outside for hands-on lab experiences. Other elective offerings include
Shakespeare, Ethics, Robotics, Leadership, and Statistics. Additionally, we are now offering
Mandarin Chinese as a foreign language, in addition to German and Spanish. In our mid-
school, students are taking choir as we continue to expand our fine arts program. All these
new offerings will improve our ability to prepare our students for their future.
Our alumni and friends have equal reason to be excited. This past month, we launched
a new Web site – complete with an online community. Our Web site contains more pictures
and information on our current students while our online community allows those closest to
MMI to be even better connected with the school, friends, and classmates. I encourage you to
visit our Web site and register for the online community. Once registered, explore all of the
features it has to offer such as locating alums in your area, forum discussions, and networking
capabilities.
While we make changes to improve our curriculum and our communication with our
friends, we continually remember our history. MMI was founded to provide an excellent
educational experience for the students of our area. These changes help to ensure that we will
continue to honor that mission for many years to come.
All the best,
Thomas G. Hood
President
Published quarterly, MMI Today is the official newsletter of
MMI Preparatory School 570.636.1108
154 Centre Street 570.636.0742 (fax)
Freeland, PA 18224 mmi@mmiprep.org (email)
www.mmiprep.org (Internet)
Thomas G. Hood - President William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus
2
Sheen a finalist in
national science
competition
Claire Sheen, a seventh-grader at
MMI, is one of ten finalists in the
national Discovery Education 3M Young
Scientist Challenge, the premier national
science competition for students in
grades 5 through 8.
As a finalist, Sheen will be awarded
an all-expenses-paid trip to New York
City to compete in
the Young Scientist
Challenge finals
Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler teaches the “Shakespeare” class in the first full week of the 2009-10 year.
on October 6.
MMI enhances curriculum
This year, the students of MMI To adapt to the new curriculum,
The winner will
receive $50,000
in U.S. Savings
returned not only to a new school year, MMI devised a new schedule that Bonds and the title
but to a new schedule and an updated would provide the required flexibility. of “America’s Top
curriculum. “The schedule, created specifically Young Scientist.”
Beginning in September 2008, the for MMI, manipulates how time is During the Claire Sheen
faculty and administration worked to used. Rather than offering a class at the competition finals,
revamp the core curriculum under the same time each day, the new schedule students will demonstrate their scientific
direction of Dr. Jaclyn Fowler, MMI allows each class period to be moved innovation and creativity in a series of
vice president. so that classes meet at different times individual challenges focused on “The
during the week. For example, it is not Science of Everyday Life” – sometimes in
“Starting with the premise that front of a live audience.
they are preparing students for their uncommon for a class to meet two
futures, the faculty quickly realized times in the morning and two times in To enter, students demonstrated
that the MMI curriculum needed to be the afternoon in the same week,” Dr. their science communication skills in
updated to reflect current and future Fowler explained. a one- to two-minute video about a
educational needs. In fact, recent In addition, some classes meet four specific scientific concept that relates to
educational and industry research has times each week for 52 minutes while innovative solutions for everyday life.
stated that, in five years, MMI students other classes meet five times a week for Sheen’s video showed how she created
will enter college in majors that do not 42 minutes. a device to balance overhead light in
even exist today,” Dr. Fowler said. her room. Video entries were evaluated
This new schedule also allows for by a panel of judges and assessed on
In order to prepare the students the creation of a dedicated time slot creativity, persuasiveness, classroom
for this while maintaining the MMI for the Assembly Program. In the suitability, and overall presentation. To
tradition, new topics were added to past, assembly periods required the view Sheen’s entry video, visit www.
the core. Some were streamlined and administration to shift the schedule youngscientistchallenge.com.
others were aligned to enable a more so that, during each assembly period,
interdisciplinary approach to teaching a regular class was missed. With a Sheen was one of ten finalists selected
and learning. dedicated assembly period, there is from a pool of 51 middle-school students
no need to miss classes and, more (one from each state and the District
The faculty and administration also of Columbia). She has already earned a
targeted areas needing attention and importantly, assemblies finally receive
the respect and attention they deserve. $1,000 prize, a medal, and a chance to
created electives to enhance the core. win various prize trips.
Some of the most popular additions They are now an essential part of the
are Biotechnology; The Space Race and schedule, just as they have always The Young Scientist Challenge is
The Cold War; Advanced Computer been an essential part of the MMI designed to encourage the exploration of
Programming; Environmental Science; experience. science and innovation among America’s
Anatomy and Physiology; Myths, “There is a buzz – an excitement youth and to promote the importance of
Masks, and Superheroes in Literature; – present in the hallways this year. science communication.
Probability and Statistics; and Robotics. Students and faculty alike recognize Over the last ten years, more than
Electives are concentrations from the importance of the changes both to 600,000 middle school students have
within core courses that are given extra the curriculum and to the schedule and been nominated to participate in the
treatment in separate one-semester have adapted beautifully,” Dr. Fowler competition, and winners have gone on
classes. In this way, the electives commented. to speak in front of members of Congress,
reinforce the core program – a core It is clear that, in accordance work with the nation’s top scientists, and
program that has graduated many, with its rich history, MMI continues pursue academic careers in the sciences.
many successful Preppers. to educate students in a way that Claire is the daughter of Kwangsup 3
guarantees success in their futures. and Chaeyun Sheen, Mountaintop.
New school year begins with renewed spirit
The new school year began as MMI
welcomed new and returning students
back to campus on Tuesday, August 25.
With the total enrollment of the
school at 245 students, MMI is excited to
announce that some grade levels are full,
President Thomas G. Hood said.
“More and more parents recognize
the value of an MMI education, so
we expect that the consistent growth
we’ve been experiencing over the past
several years will prompt early interest
in our October entrance exam for the
next school year,” Hood said. “We have
a 9-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and
average class size of 16 students because
we value individual attention for each
student at MMI.”
New Student Orientation for students
in grades 6-11 was enhanced as MMI
utilized the Student Ambassador Program
From left, Emily Seratch, Emily Sabatos, Eleanor Maduro, and Madison Luchi pose for a photo during the first
and included the new sixth graders for week of classes.
the first time. Orientation was held the
day before the official start of school and help with their adjustment to MMI, and their parents to tour the school
on Monday, August 24, to welcome this both academically and socially. and find out more about MMI. The first
year’s 41 new students. Visitation Day is scheduled for October
On Friday, August 28, MMI’s
Each of the new students in grades 7 Student Council and the Parent Faculty 14 from 6 to 8 p.m. The first Entrance
to 11 was paired with one or two Student Organization (PFO) hosted the first Examination of the year will be held
Ambassadors whose job it is to mentor Spirit Day of the year. The day began October 17.
him or her throughout the school year with students arriving to school in MMI will host Bring a Friend to
a color representing their class year. School Day for the mid-school students
After a morning of regularly scheduled on Friday, November 6 – an Act 80 Day
classes, the PFO sponsored and prepared in the Hazleton Area School District.
a school-wide lunch of hot dogs, pizza, This program allows our current students
salad, cookies, and drinks. to bring one friend to MMI to see what
Following lunch, the entire student we’re all about. He or she can sit in on
body was divided into teams to compete classes, enjoy lunch, and join the Friday
in Spirit Day games run by the Student afternoon club program. Bring a Friend
Council. Additionally, there was a to School was held for the first time
faculty/staff team that competed against last year in March and resulted in 53
the student teams. The event was visitors joining the MMI family for a day!
designed to welcome back all of the We look forward to meeting our mid-
returning students, embrace MMI’s newly schoolers’ friends and having them join
enrolled students, and kick the year off us for a fun-filled day!
with a day of school spirit and fun. For more information on any of the
upcoming admissions events, contact
Fall Admissions Events Kim McNulty, Director of Admissions
The Admissions calendar begins with and Financial Aid at 636-1108, ext. 138,
Ryan Scirrotto, left, and John Walton jump through
hoops to complete a Hula Hoop Chain on Spirit Day. a Visitation Day for prospective students or kmcnulty@mmiprep.org.
MMI at a glance
Student profile Classes More than 61 percent of MMI students
245 students Sixth Grade: 12 students received need-based financial aid (up from
132 male, 113 female Seventh Grade: 39 students 57 percent in 2008-09).
Faculty: 20 full-time, 8 part-time Eighth Grade: 34 students Need-based aid totalling $863,250 was
Ninth Grade: 47 students distributed among 150 students. The average
Student-to-faculty ratio: 9 to 1 Tenth Grade: 38 students award was $5,755 per student.
Average class size: 16 students Eleventh Grade: 41 students
Twelfth Grade: 34 students
4
Family of alum donates 35 violins to MMI
Family members of the late Alvan
Lynn, a member of the MMI Preparatory
School Class of 1955, recently made a
gift to MMI in his honor. The donation,
combined with other gifts in memory
of Lynn, was used to purchase 35 new
violins for the school’s music program.
“Alvan Lynn was a strong supporter
of MMI throughout his life. We are
grateful to his family for continuing his
legacy of giving by making this donation
to our music program,” said Thomas
G. Hood, president of MMI. “Students
in future classes will learn to better
appreciate music and the arts thanks to
the generosity of the Lynn family.”
MMI mid-school students
receive violin lessons as part of their
introduction to music appreciation. All
sixth-graders and new seventh-graders
learn how to play the instrument.
For the 2009-10 school year,
returning seventh-graders will receive a Members of the family of the late Alvan Lynn ’55 participated in the presentation of donated violins to the
music program at MMI. From left, front: MMI President Thomas G. Hood; Music Instructor Christine Lizbinski;
second year of violin lessons.
Patricia Lynn, wife of Alvan Lynn; and Director of Development and Alumni Relations Jim Bebla. Back: Alvan
Availability of the class will be Lynn’s children Corinne, Kristen, Cynthia, and Allan.
expanded for the 2010-11 school year, as
eighth-graders will be able to choose to The Lynn family donation allowed made, the school had to rent violins for
take a third year of instruction. the school to purchase enough violins for use in the class.
the entire class. Before the donation was
Spencer joins staff as Chinese
added to curriculum Your book
Chinese is now part of the MMI
curriculum. belongs here.
The new Chinese language instructor
is Christina Spencer, who joined the
administration as assistant business
manager.
Spencer implemented the new Chinese
language course elective at MMI. Beginning
Christina Spencer with this year’s freshmen class, a level-one
Chinese program is offered. She created and
planned the curriculum to introduce the Mandarin language,
writing, cultural traditions, calligraphy, art and history.
Spencer will coordinate and introduce Chinese cultural
events to compliment the curriculum. Over each of the next
few years, another level of the course curriculum will be added, Over the years, our alumni authors have produced
up to a level-three course curriculum. fascinating, entertaining, autobiographical, and even
In her role as assistant business manager, Spencer assists historical works.
MMI’s business manager in the financial business operations
We would like to share them with our students by
of the school. She is responsible for financial and business
operations and human resources administration. adding your publication to the new Alumni Corner
Spencer graduated from King’s College with a Bachelor of of our library.
Science degree in international business. If you or an alumnus you know has written a book or a
Before joining MMI, she was the business manager at piece of literary work, please contact Alumni Relations
Wyoming Valley Montessori School in Kingston. She and her Coordinator Nina Dei Tos ’01 at (570) 636-1108 ext.
husband, Chris, live in Mountaintop with their five-year-old
son, Connor.
101 or ndeitos@mmiprep.org 5
Classes reunite during Homecoming Weekend ’09
More than 300 alumni and their
families traveled back to MMI during
Homecoming Weekend held on August 7
and 8. The weekend festivities kicked off
Friday morning with the 1st Annual Jake
Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament at
Sand Springs Golf Club in Drums. That
was followed by several anniversary class
reunions in the evening. The events
Saturday started with the time-honored
afternoon picnic. Seated at picnic
benches enjoying lunch (complete with
boxed pitza), alumni and their families
enjoyed visiting and reminiscing. Many
joined campus tours and exchanged
stories of what MMI was like when they
attended. Finally, closing the weekend,
Saturday night featured the Fourth
Annual Wall of Fame Dinner and Awards
Ceremony, where two more anniversary
Members of the Class of 1984 who celebrated their 25th reunion were, from left, seated: Reunion Co-Chair
classes gathered for their reunions.
Atty. Tara Gutterman, Lisa Hanline, Alice Novatnak and Reunion Co-Chair Karen Cassway. Standing: Brian
The earliest anniversary class to Branz, Jason Sebelin, Ann Shastay, Cynthia Ayers, Faculty Member Kate Green, Retired Faculty Member Sam
celebrate its reunion was the Class of Schaeffer, Reunion Co-Chair Brian Lucas and President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski.
’64. Members and their guests gathered
commemorate the evening. The Class of The Classes of ’84 and ’99 celebrated
at the Top of the 80’s in Hazleton to
’89 also chose an intimate dinner at the their reunions at Mea’s Restaurant in
celebrate 45 years since their graduation
Top of the 80’s to host its 20th reunion. downtown Hazleton. The Class of ’99
with dinner, stories and even T-shirts to
enjoyed a friendly dinner and were
presented with signed copies of MMI
Alumnus Robert Goldman’s ’68 book,
Luck by Design, as gifts from Reunion
Chair Matthew Dulcey, his uncle Dr.
John Dulcey ’68, and the author.
The Class of ’84 enjoyed a cocktail
reception with classmates, their guests,
and faculty members from their time
at MMI including Kate Green and Sam
Schaeffer as well as President Emeritus
Joseph G. Rudawski. Reunion Co-Chair
Brian Lucas offered a toast to welcome
and thank all in attendance.
See HOMECOMING, page 7
Left: members of the Class of 1999 who celebrated
their reunion were, from left, seated: Christian
Gaffney, Jennifer Boninfante and Reunion Chair
Matthew Dulcey. Standing: Atty. James Brando,
Christopher Bonin, Joseph Fisher and Atty. George
Morrison.
Celebrating its 20th reunion at the Top of the 80’s
was the Class of 1989. From left: Karen Bruno,
6 Reunion Chair Dr. Christine Cabell, Monica Martyak The class from the earliest year to celebrate its reunion was the Class of 1964. From left: Reunion Co-Chair Robert
and Valerie Mayernik. Bencal, Dr. Carl D’Angelo, Mike Verbonitz, Clarence Sasso, Reunion Co-Chair John Czarick and Dr. John Feussner.
Members of the Class of 1974 gathered at the Wall of Fame Dinner to celebrate
their 35th reunion. From left: Reunion Chair Andrea Kosko, David Whitmer,
Michael Koslap, and Michael Pait and Carole Cramer-Pait.
Homecoming Weekend ’09
(Continued from page 6)
The Classes of ’74 and ’79 celebrated their reunions as
part of Saturday evening’s Wall of Fame Dinner. Both classes
enjoyed visiting and exchanging stories while honoring and
supporting this year’s Wall of Fame inductees.
Lastly, the latest graduates to celebrate their anniversary
reunion was the Class of ’04 (see page 11 for a photo from
the event). Class members celebrated their five-year reunion
with a late-night happy hour at the Ground Round, where
President Emeritus Dr. William A Shergalis ’58 stopped by for
a visit and a trip or two down memory lane.
Brian Lucas ’84, one of the reunion chairs for his class’
25th reunion, said, “Everyone had a wonderful time. We got
together and it was like we never left. We reminisced and
talked about old times. You don’t appreciate what a good
time it is until you are there. It’s funny how you can just The Class of 1979 celebrated its 30th reunion at the annual Wall of Fame Dinner.
From left, front: William Spear, Beth Woodring, Dr. Karen Bigelow, and Brian
rekindle old friendships and how strong they are after so Bereznak. Back: Emory Snyder, Joseph Valkusky, Walter Barnes and Reunion Chair
many years.” Atty. Rick DiLiberto, Jr.
Check out the Fall Sports Schedule
Mid-School Girls’ Basketball Varsity Cross Country
10/1 Home Holy Family Academy 6:00 p.m. 10/7 Cluster Meet Boys 4:15 p.m. Girls 4:45 p.m.
10/5 Home Drums 6:00 p.m. 10/14 Cluster Meet Boys 4:15 p.m. Girls 4:45 p.m.
10/8 Home Freeland 6:00 p.m. 10/21 Coaches’ Meet
10/13 Home Valley 6:00 p.m. 10/28 District II Meet
10/15 Away West Hazleton 6:00 p.m.
10/19 Home Heights-Terrace 6:00 p.m.
Varsity Golf
10/22 Away Holy Family Academy 6:00 p.m.
10/5 Individual Districts 9:00 a.m.
10/26 Away Hazleton 6:00 p.m.
10/9 Team Districts 9:00 a.m.
10/29 Home Freeland 6:00 p.m.
11/2 Home Valley 6:00 p.m.
11/5 Away Drums 6:00 p.m. Girls’ Varsity Volleyball
10/1 Away Wyoming Area 4:30 p.m.
Boys’ Varsity Soccer 10/3 Away Berks Christian 9:00 a.m.
10/3 Away Berks Christian 9:00 a.m. 10/3 Home Crestwood 4:00 p.m.
10/5 Away Pittston Area 4:15 p.m. 10/5 Away Pittston Area 4:30 p.m.
10/7 Home Berwick Area 4:15 p.m. 10/7 Home Lake Lehman 4:30 p.m.
10/9 Away Wyoming Area 4:15 p.m. 10/12 Away Nanticoke Area 4:30 p.m.
10/13 Away Meyers 4:15 p.m. 10/15 Home G.A.R. 4:30 p.m.
10/16 Home Nanticoke Area 4:15 p.m. 10/20 Away Coughlin 4:30 p.m.
10/19 Away Lake Lehman 4:15 p.m. 10/22 Home Hanover Area 4:30 p.m.
10/21 Home G.A.R. 4:15 p.m. 10/24 Away Delaware Valley 4:00 p.m.
10/26 Home Berwick Area 4:30 p.m.
Girls’ Varsity Tennis 10/28 Home Dallas Area 4:30 p.m.
10/2 Away Jim Thorpe 4:00 p.m.
10/5 Singles Districts 9:00 a.m. Please refer to the MMI Athletics Website for details and directions.
10/8 Doubles Districts 9:00 a.m.
7
MMI holds 1st Annual Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial tourney
As part of Homecoming Weekend,
MMI hosted the 1st Annual Jake Kislan
’56 Memorial Golf Tournament on
Friday, August 7, at Sand Springs Golf
Course, Drums. The tournament was
renamed this year in honor of the MMI
alumnus and athlete who passed away in
December 2008.
The event raised more than $10,000
for the school’s student-athletes through
the generosity of participants, donors,
and silver sponsor PNC Bank. Proceeds
also established a scholarship named in
memory of Kislan. Hazleton Mayor Lou Mickey Kislan, left, wife of the late Jake Kislan, poses with the winners of the MMI Preparatory School Jake
Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament. From left, winners of first place in the first flight were Eric Deer, John
Barletta, a longtime friend of Kislan,
Mikiewicz, R.J. Nemetz, and Laura Nemetz. Winners of first place in the second flight were Bill Maranki,
served as chairman. Emmett Thomas, Jim McDermott, and Rick Maranki.
Seventy MMI alumni and friends of event in support of MMI student-athletes. In the second flight, first place
Kislan and the school participated in the Proceeds of the tournament are used went to the team of Emmett Thomas,
event, which is the primary fundraising to purchase uniforms, equipment, and Jim McDermott, Bill Maranki and Rick
related items for all MMI sports teams. Maranki.
The team of R.J. Nemetz, Laura Second place in the second flight
Nemetz, John Mikiewicz, and Eric Deer went to the team of Mayor Barletta,
knocked off perennial winners Lew President Thomas G. Hood, Michael
Dryfoos III ’82, Mike Dolon, Tom Brown, Dennen, and Becky Delia. The team of
Sr., and Robert Brown to claim first place David Kendall, John Beam, Dennis Beam,
in the first flight of the tournament. and Jonathan Hoegg placed third in the
The Dryfoos team came in second second flight.
place in the first flight. Third-place Following the tournament, a
Before the tournament are, from left, MMI President
Thomas G. Hood; Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta,
finishers in the first flight were Atty. Ned luncheon and awards presentation was
tournament chairman; Michael Dennen and Becky McNelis, Frank Seratch, Dr. Chris Snyder, held at the golf club.
Delia from PNC Bank, tournament silver sponsor; and and David Caldwell.
Athletic Director Bruce Young.
Milestones
Events in the lives of the MMI Prep family
Weddings Carl D. Marotta ’49 died June 24. Surviving are his wife,
LiAnne; sons, Mark and Michael; daughters, Catherine,
Dr. Melissa Della Croce ’98 married Atty. Stephen W. Grosh. Stephanie, Shani and Tow; and five grandchildren.
Amanda Yenshaw ’04 married Christopher Haskell Jr. on Helen Pierotti passed away July 17. She is survived by her
July 3. son, Gerard Pierotti, MMI faculty member; and two
grandchildren.
Births
A daughter, Cassidy Ann, was born to Crystal Hollednak Joseph R. Petrole, Sr., father of Joseph ’68, Gerald, George
Rodgers, ’01 and Gary Rodgers, Jr. on July 29. and Larry passed away June 2.
Deaths Edward Lewis Schoepf III ’82 died August 14. He is
survived by his son, Zachary Schoepf; brother, Matthew
Robert B. Asson ’41 died June 20. He is survived by his wife Schoepf; and parents Edward L. and M. Dale Schoepf.
of 62 years, Grace; daughter, Denise Stuart; brother, Thomas
Asson ’50; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mary Kostick Sherry passed away August 18. She is survived
by sons, Daniel Kostick ’54, Raymond Kostick ’48 and
Henry A. Giuliani, MMI Honorary Board Member, Paul Kostick; daughter, Doris Pollock; 19 grandchildren; 28
passed away July 6. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Irene; daughter, Atty. Elizabeth (Giuliani) Scott ’84; and
grandchildren, Nicole and Brady. Brian S. Tisi died July 3. He is survived by his wife, Cindy
Schagen Tisi; his son, Lucas Schagen; two stepsons, Jason
John A. Kuklis ’48 passed away July 9. He is survived by his Slizofski and Jeremy Slizofski; and two brothers, Gary Tisi
8 wife, Barbara; and sister, Catherine Kuklis Shelhamer. and Chuck Tisi ’80.
Alumni Notes
What’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe
Laura Bonin ’02 received her juris doctorate degree from
Regent University School of Law. She was the recipient of
the Regent’s Academic Merit Scholarship and graduated in
the top 10th percentile of her law school class. Bonin has
accepted a judicial clerkship with The Honorable Correale
Stevens of the Pennsylvania Superior Court.
Nicole Brandmier ’06 had pieces of her animation work
displayed in the High Falls Laser and Animation Show
in Rochester, NY, this summer. Noelle is in her senior
year at Rochester Institute of Technology where she is an
Animation major with a Literary Culture minor.
Maria Dei Tos ’05 graduated from Temple University WEDDING REUNION – In July 2008, Melissa Moore ’96 married Jason Cabe –
with a B.A. in Biological Anthropology. She is currently a and several members of the MMI community were there to witness the happy
event. Pictured are, from left, kneeling: Jaime Moir ’98 and Ana (Rojas) Caucci
Master’s Degree in Professional Nursing candidate at Wilkes ’96. Standing: Tulip Rahman ’95, Mike Moir ’96, the bride, the groom, MMI
University. President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski, and Stacy (Moore) Swearengen ’00. Not
pictured: the Rev. William O’Hara ’71 and David Sheer ’71.
Rachel Lee Gennaro ’02 graduated from the Jefferson
College of Health Professionals at Thomas Jefferson Matthew Muckler ’01 graduated from Dickinson School
University in Philadelphia with a degree of Doctor of Physical of Law, Penn State University in 2008. Since passing the
Therapy. She is also a board certified athletic trainer. Pennsylvania Bar Exam, he worked in Bradford County Public
Elizabeth Graham ’87, owner of Wilkes-Barre-based Riggs Defender’s Office. Recently, Muckler joined the Luzerne County
Asset Management Company and co-founder of Circle 200, District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney.
was awarded the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce’s Anthony Orlando ’06 graduated magna cum laude from
ATHENA award which recognizes local business women. She the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, with a
was awarded for her work mentoring other female executives B.S. in economics and a concentration in finance. He is
and the creation of Circle 200 which promotes networking currently pursuing a M.S.c./Ph.D. in economic history at
and sharing of information among local women executives. The London School of Economics and Political Science.
Recent alum, former parent team up for mentorship
When Colin Haentjens ’08 was projects. I worked on some of the
considering a career in architecture, presentation drawings, which is what
the MMI Alumni Relations Office they would submit for design awards,”
connected him to Donald Sanderson, Haentjens recalled.
a former MMI board member and Haentjens was grateful for
parent of two alums. As a result, Sanderson’s help.
Sanderson became an advisor for
Haentjens, recommending good “Talking with him was great
colleges for architecture and helping because I didn’t expect to have any
Haentjens locate a summer internship. resources,” Haentjens said. “Getting
to speak to someone who had years of
“I was in my senior year and I Colin Haentjens ‘08 poses for a photo at his
experience was very helpful.”
knew I was interested in studying desk at the architectural firm of Williams
architecture. I went to the alumni Kingman and Lewis in Wilkes-Barre during his Sanderson said the MMI alumni
summer internship. base has a wealth of knowledge to
office and they said they would try
Haentjens went to Carnegie Mellon offer students at the school now.
to find me some alumni who were
University in Pittsburgh. Near the end
architects,” Haentjens said. “Many times, juniors pick
of his first year, he wanted to intern
Haentjens and Sanderson, father something as their major and they
at an architecture firm. Haentjens
of David ’86 and Philip ’88, discussed have no contact with it,” Sanderson
again called Don Sanderson, who
what it was like to have a career in said. “It would be very helpful for
helped him find two opportunities.
architecture. MMI alumni to speak with current
Haentjens spent the summer of 2009
students and sort of mentor them as
“Colin asked me what were interning at Williams Kingman and
they plan for their futures.”
the architecture schools that were Lewis in Wilkes-Barre.
respected in the area, and I was able Alumni interested in offering their
“I was working on their marketing
to give him a number of them,” experience and becoming mentors for
sheets. I also went with one of the
Sanderson said. MMI students can contact Nina Dei
architects to help take measurements
Tos ’01, alumni relations coordinator,
After graduating from MMI, on a building that was one of their
at (570) 636-1108, ext. 101. 9
Memorials
Library Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors
donated between June 1 and August 31, 2009
In memory of Irene Arnold Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer In memory of Agnes Maloney
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. & Mrs. Edward Sharp ’36 Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73
Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58
Mr. Paul Strain In memory of Albert “Gus” Maier, Sr.
In memory of Veronica Banyas Dr. & Mrs. David Wagner Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58 Dr. & Mrs. Michael Weiss Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58
Mr. & Mrs. John Wright
In honor of Gail and Andrew Blasko In memory of Carl Marotta ’49
Atty. & Mrs. Mark Blasko ’86 In memory of Scott Graham ’84 Mr. Charles Banks
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Lucas ’84 Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58
In memory of Joseph Brasavage
Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 In memory of Marion Gula In memory of Mary Ann Miller
Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 Dr. & Mrs. Richard H. Bott ’79
In memory of Lambert Broad Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Moore
Mr. & Mrs. Denis Brenan ’55 In memory of David Gundling ’68
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski In memory of Tracy Patterson
In memory of Joseph Calabrese Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Laputka ’79 In memory of George Hadzick, Jr.
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Hood In memory of Helen Pierotti
In memory of Helen Capozzelli Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Hood
Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 In memory of James Heckler ’48
Mr. & Mrs. William P. Fox ’48 In memory of Robert Robbins
In memory of James Correale, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Morrison & Family
In memory of Victor Karpowich In memory of Ray Saul
In memory of Victor Dei Tos Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski
Ms. Nina Dei Tos ’01
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski In honor of Anna Kish In memory of
Atty. & Mrs. James V. Senape, Jr. Mr. John Kish ’85 Edward Lewis Schoepf, III ’82
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58 Ms. Ann Bonacci
In memory of Jake Kislan ’56 Mr. Richard Bremer
In memory of Dr. John F. Duffy Amateur Softball Association Mr. Thomas Chegwidden
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski of Pennsylvania Ms. Helen Hummell
Mayor Louis J. Barletta Mr. Wilbur Knecht
In memory of Atty. & Mrs. Denis V. Brenan ’55 Mr. Stanley Kula
Rev. Monsignor Stephen Dutko Mr. & Mrs. Robert Edmunds ’56 Surgical Specialists of Hazleton
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski Freeland Area Support Team
Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58 Greater Hazleton Area Polonaise Society In memory of Sylvia Schwarz
Mr. Thomas P. Kopetskie Ms. Dian Abrams
In memory of Marie Ferry Ms. Roxanne Abrams
Dr. & Mrs. Herbert Laub ’56
Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73 Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Sherman ’60
Mr. Robert Ostroff ’53
Mr. Daniel Ravina
In memory of Anna Fitzpatrick Mr. Paul Super ’47 In memory of Margaret Silvasi
Atty. & Mrs. James V. Senape, Jr. Mr. Richard Zanolini ’60 Dr. & Mrs. William A. Shergalis ’58
Mr. & Mrs. John Zoltak ’56
In memory of Thomas Tombasco ’78
In memory of Pauline Fontanella
In memory of Mary Kostick Sherry Mr. & Mrs. Joseph G. Rudawski
Melissa ’96 and Jason Cabe
Mr. & Mrs. Bart Ecker Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Hood
In memory of
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Moore Walter Tunnessen, Jr., M.D. ’57
Mr. Paul Super ’47 In memory of John Kuklis ’48
Ms. Jean Smida Mrs. Nancy Tunnessen
Stacy Moore Swearengen ’00
and Curtis Swearengen In memory of Keith Wilkinson
In memory of Alvan Lynn ’55
Mr. Allan Lynn Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73
In memory of
Atty. Henry Giuliani Mrs. Patricia Lynn
In memory of David Yamulla ’60
Anonymous Mrs. Cynthia Noren
Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Sherman ’60
Sheila, E.J. & Lucy Butkiewicz Mrs. Corinne O’Hara
Mrs. Kathleen Haentjens Mrs. Kristen Schell In memory of Betty Young
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas G. Hood Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73
Mrs. Ann Krusinski In memory of Helen Mahon
10 Dr. & Mrs. John Della Croce ’73
Mr. William Morse, Jr. ’52 & Family
Homecoming Weekend 2009
Robert Ostroff ’53 and his guest, Dorothy Swank, share
a look at the yearbook of his late brother, Michael
Ostroff ’50.
Reminiscing with President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski and Jean Rudawski (at right) in the Coxe Commons
are, pictured from left, Robert Edmunds ’56 and Janet Edmunds, Joseph Turri ’45, and Barbara Sowers.
Visiting with
Faculty Member
Anthony Gennaro
are alums Sheri
Domin ’95 and the
Yaskewich brothers,
Dave ’01, left, and
Paul ’99.
John Dulcey ’68, Gary Bubis, and Florence Bubis ’73 pause for a
picture at the annual Homecoming picnic.
President Emeritus Dr.
William A. Shergalis
’58 , Ruth Ann
Schaeffer, Douglas
Green and Faculty
Member Kate Green
await the unveiling of
the Wall of Fame in the
Coxe Commons.
Chatting during the Wall of Fame cocktail reception are, pictured
from left, Judith Lynn Schoen, Joseph Schoen and Mary Thomas.
The newest members of the alumni family to celebrate their reunion were the
members of the Class of 2004. From left, seated: Reunion Chair Nicole Ferdinand,
Amanda Hess and Samantha Christopher. Standing: Nicholas DeCandia, Jerry Maura Dryfoos and Board Member Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82 visit with 11
Dancho, Justin Richards and Paul Urenovich. Vice President Dr. Jaclyn Fowler.
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FREELAND, PA
PERMIT#11
MMI Preparatory School
154 Centre Street
Freeland, PA 18224
Address service r equested
Newest students
sport new look for
MMI apparel
Start the year out right with MMI’s
new selection of apparel.
Baseball hats are $10 and T-shirts
sell for $15. MMI sweatshirts are $30.
Embroidered golf shirts retail for $35.
Snuggle up this fall with an MMI
Cotton Throw for $20. A popular
recent addition to our line includes
a 2-gigabyte MMI flash drive for
$15. Insulated Travel Mugs can be
purchased for $10. We have a small
selection remaining of the MMI
Retro Cookbook for just $2. There is
something available for everyone!
For descriptions, prices, or to order,
visit our new online store at www.
mmiprep.org. Select either the student
or alumni tabs and choose the MMI
Sixth-graders model some of the latest MMI apparrel. They are, from left, front: Taylor Young-Bottomley, and Chris Tessitore;
Store or MMI Alumni Store to view
middle: Sarah Moyer, Sara Davis, and Meghann Principe; back: T.J. Jankouskas, Brendan Drusda, Brian Driscoll, Andrew
Haber, Joseph Delese, Wister Yuhas, and Tyler Barilla. our products!
Entrance Exam Testing Dates Important Dates
2010-2011 Admissions – Oct. 17, Jan. 23, March 20, April 24 Visitation Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 17
Applicants report to the MMI Main Office (Ridge Street entrance) by 8:45 a.m. Harvest Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 7
Testing takes approximately 3 hours and usually ends by 12:15 p.m. Founder’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 25
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