T h e N e w s l e T T e r o f M M I P r e P a r a t o r y S c h o o l

A u T u m N 2 0 1 3

Daniel Bavolack ’51 has followed his curiosity and turned a lifelong love of the arts into something of an additional career in his retirement. He has appeared in numerous theater, television, and musical productions and bills himself as an “elder actor who sings and moves.” Others have expanded that to “a charming, intelligent, and creative elder actor who sings and moves.”

His newest phase in life has come after positions with the Eastman Kodak Company in Rochester, N.Y., and as a freelance technical writer and editor based first in Rochester then in Manhattan, with clients both here and abroad.

Bavolack began his career with Kodak after graduating from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, having added applied science courses that prepared him for a career in technical corporate and marketing communications. During his time with Kodak, he worked as an educational systems designer, audiovisual writer-producer, and technical writer/editor.

“It was great to have worked with Kodak. There were top-notch editors and photographers around me to learn from. When I was an audiovisual writer-producer, I got to work on Kodak World’s Fair and other exhibits and with major creative talent, including Alan Anderson of the J.

Walter Thompson Ad Agency. Alan had produced the prize-winning ‘Turnaround’ TV commercial for Kodak, which was created from a lifetime of photos, featuring a mother with her baby, the girl growing up to a young woman, until she had a baby of her own,” he said.

“That was so beautiful, and I felt so comfortable with Alan’s level of creativity. It was truly a highlight to have worked with Alan, which made me realize that there was another world that I wanted to explore, and perhaps join,” Bavolack said.

After 18 years with Kodak at a time when nearly all employees stayed for more than 40 years until retirement, he left. His experience with Kodak was just what he needed to transition into a career as a freelance technical writer, working on a variety of projects first around Rochester, and then in New York.

“When information technology came along, I was ready. There were only a few of us who had any idea of what to do in front of those boxes – computers – and who were able to write about them in plain language as well,” he said.

Building on his background as a technical writer and educational systems designer, Bavolack wrote manuals and other materials for several kinds of organizations, which were adding computerized systems, one right after another. Those organizations included Lifetime Television, Chase, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Mount Sinai Medical School, Pfizer, and Goldman Sachs.

But there was that other world calling him. During his years as a freelance writer in New York, he also performed with not-for profit theaters and opera companies, wrote plays, and learned method acting.

After he retired from freelancing, Bavolack became further involved with New York theater groups and used his corporate writing experience to write grant applications and become involved in other volunteer activities to which his skills were suited. He also started going to senior centers, including one at Greenwich House, a settlement house established in 1902, where educated women and a few celebrities – such as Amelia Earhart, Bette Davis, and Eleanor Roosevelt – had come and volunteered their services.

One week, the music appreciation class at Greenwich House featured modern dancer Megan Sipe. She asked if

anyone in the class had ever done modern dance, and Bavolack, who had performed modern dance in Rochester in the 1970s, raised his hand. This was one of the places in New York, where he could say with a smile, he was “discovered.”

Retired alum enjoys new career in the arts

Daniel Bavolack ’51 speaks with filmmaker Olga Klyachina after a showing of her film, “When People Die They Sing Songs.”

Continued on page 5

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“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost

We celebrated an invigorating Homecoming this year. Throughout the weekend, I heard about MMI’s impact on so many lives well lived. A large number of these stories started with parents who wanted a quality education for their children and then sacrificed so their children could attend MMI. The stories continue with tales of caring teachers and challenging curriculum. In the end, our alumni universally express gratitude to their parents for sacrifices made and opportunities provided.

Coincidentally, I read an article this weekend chastising these same parents. Allison Benedikt, a managing editor at Slate online magazine, recently published a self-described manifesto, which opened with: “You are a bad person if you send your children to private school. Not bad like murderer bad—but bad like ruining-one-of-our-nation’s-most-essential-institutions-in-order-to-get-what’s-best-for-your-kid bad. So, pretty bad.” She believes that shaming parents into sending their children to public schools will improve them, and create similar opportunity for all.

Unfortunately, Ms. Benedikt has it backward. It is not parents’ responsibility to improve schools. On the contrary, schools exist to serve students and their parents. Parents have a limited window to fully educate their children. We cannot expect parents to sacrifice their children’s education to support school improvement sometime in the future. They must act now to best create future opportunities for their children.

The MMI faculty and staff recognize their obligation to provide each student a meaningful education. They recognize that parents are entrusting them with their children’s future. They also understand the sacrifice made for a MMI education. MMI continues to make a difference in our students’ lives. We remain focused on preparing our students for success in college. Our small class sizes and knowledgeable and caring faculty ensure our students get the individual attention and support they deserve.

Today’s MMI families also continue to sacrifice for their sons and daughters. They don’t do it to keep MMI alive; they make a sacrifice to provide the best education possible for their children. The generous support of our alumni and friends helps ensure that our program remains strong, and MMI remains accessible to any local student wishing to attend. They contribute to make MMI affordable while also supporting their local public schools.

There is no shame in the efforts of our faculty, our families, or our alumni. Together, we are creating a road of opportunity that may be less traveled, but leads to a lifetime of success.

Enjoy your fall.

From the Head of School

MMI Today is the official newsletter of

570-636-1108570-636-0742 (fax)mmi@mmiprep.orgwww.mmiprep.org

MMI Preparatory School154 Centre StreetFreeland, PA 18224

Thomas G. Hood – Head of School William A. Shergalis, Ph.D. ’58 – President Emeritus Joseph G. Rudawski – President Emeritus

Thomas G. HoodHead of School

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One of MMI’s most valuable assets is the strength of its faculty, who are devoted to exposing students to a level of education well beyond what is considered traditional. MMI teachers consistently work to keep their curriculum fresh and up-to-date while offering new electives and actively leading club and extracurricular activities. Elective classes are concentration areas that are pulled from MMI’s core curriculum and given extra attention in a one- or two-semester format. Electives vary from year to year in order to pique our students’ curiosity. The “Today’s MMI” column allows us to highlight some classes within our outstanding academic program. This issue we focus on three electives, two in the sciences and one in the humanities.

Ethics and BiotechnologyMMI’s faculty has always exhibited a

strong commitment to STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and this year’s curriculum is no different. MMI is offering six core science courses, four AP science courses, eight electives, and five science-focused clubs to our students. Ms. Laura Petro will be teaching a number of semester-long science electives including Organic Chemistry, Applied Research, and the two profiled here: Ethics and Biotechnology.

Ethics, a fall class this year, can be described as the study of the rightness or wrongness of an action and the effects of that action. Ethics has a ubiquitous presence in our lives, constantly reminding us of what is right or wrong, whether in our daily lives or in business on Wall Street. How do we make an ethical decision? What or who governs whether or not something is considered ethical or unethical? How and when do we encounter ethics in our lives and proceed to make the “right” decision? These and many other questions are addressed in this course. Areas of discussion include biomedical ethics, business ethics, work ethics, legal ethics, and social ethics.

Ms. Petro said, “The importance of knowing how to make sound, ethical decisions cannot be stressed enough. Not only do students need good decision-making skills in their present lives, but they will also need them as they pursue their future careers and relationships.

Ms. Petro elaborated on the uniqueness of this course, saying, “This cross-curricular Ethics elective is built

on the foundation of numerous well-known philosophers and their beliefs. It also focuses on the scientific method, enabling students to organize their thoughts, address the dilemma, and make an ethical decision by relying on the tools they have acquired in both STEM and humanities courses. This process results in a fully integrated learning environment that they can apply in real-life situations.”

In the spring, Ms. Petro will also teach Biotechnology, a course that builds on the principles learned in the core Biology and Chemistry classes. The purpose of this course is to have the student gain both a cognitive and aesthetic awareness of biotechnology as it applies to humankind in the areas of forensics, agriculture, and medicine. Students study the structure and function of DNA and proteins, using such methods as DNA extraction and quantification, protein and DNA gel electrophoresis, and DNA fingerprinting. Topics include the building blocks of DNA and RNA, protein synthesis, amino acid structure, forensics, bioethics, and diseases.

“The Biotechnology elective gives students the opportunity to study concepts that they might only have access to in a college lecture or lab,” Ms. Petro said. “It offers students a glimpse into their future by allowing them to discern a potential career path. I am especially excited to teach Biotechnology this year since we will be using protein gel electrophoresis for the first time. This new equipment was acquired through an Excellence in Biotechnology grant that I was awarded to give students a more hands-on learning opportunity. I know the labs that we can now perform will greatly add to their understanding of Biotechnology and set them apart from their peers as they enter college.”

Today’s MMI

Alessandra Ortiz, Ms. Laura Petro, and Joseph Synoski use MMI’s new biotechnology equipment

that the school purchased through an Excellence in Biotechnology grant.

Continued on page 4

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MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood announced that Ryan Jastremsky has been hired as the school’s business manager.

As business manager, Jastremsky will direct and oversee all financial and related activities at the school, acting as chief financial officer and providing administrative leadership in finance and accounting, personnel management, and buildings and grounds.

He previously worked as financial accounting manager and senior accountant at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono. At Mount Airy, he

was responsible for preparing monthly financial statements, supervising the month-end closing process, managing and training staff accountants, assisting the chief financial officer and financial analyst in preparing corporate budgets, and other accounting duties.

Jastremsky also worked as a staff accountant at Parente Randolph in Wilkes-Barre, where he primarily served as a member of the audit staff.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bloomsburg University.

Hood said, “Ryan’s business background and experience with high-level accounting practices will be a great benefit to our school. Our selection team felt that Ryan’s enthusiasm and leadership abilities make him an ideal candidate to handle the diverse

responsibilities of the business manager position.”

Jastremsky said, “I am very excited to be continuing my professional career at MMI and am looking forward to working with the school’s outstanding administration, faculty and staff. Having served as an assistant basketball coach at the school over the past six years, I am well aware of the school’s deep pride and longstanding traditions of excellence, and am honored to become a larger part of the MMI family.”

He is the junior varsity boys’ basketball coach at MMI. He serves as treasurer for the Freeland Little League’s board of directors and as a member of the Freeland YMCA’s board of directors.

Jastremsky lives in White Haven with his wife, Jennifer.

MMI appoints new business manager

Jastremsky

JournalismThe MMI faculty is equally passionate

about our students’ education in the humanities and social sciences. The abilities of our students to analyze what they read, write effectively, and speak in public are timeless skills that cross our curriculum. Ms. Grete DeAngelo ’92 will be teaching a full-year Journalism elective this year. This class builds on Ms. DeAngelo’s past work experiences, as she has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in history from Lehigh University. She has also worked at Rodale Press and Prevention magazine as a fact-checker and researcher, at King’s College in public relations, and as a reporter for various regional newspapers.

Journalism covers the basics of writing news stories, features, reviews, and personal profiles. The class begins with the basic structure of news stories and interviewing techniques. The students will read In Cold Blood, a true-crime novel by Truman Capote, and Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a National Book Award winner about the modern slums of Mumbai, India, by Katherine Boo. The class will also watch All the President’s Men and discuss how media coverage of government changed in the wake of the Watergate scandal, and Shattered Glass, an account of a reporter from The New Republic who

was found to fabricate stories. Students write a weekly news diary, in which they read and comment upon current events as portrayed by the media. A major emphasis of the class is learning to write efficiently and concisely through daily practice exercises. In addition, this class writes, edits, and takes pictures for both the MMI yearbook and school newspaper.

“The courses I took in reporting and editing shaped my whole college career because I learned how to write quickly

and accurately and how to proofread my work,” Ms. DeAngelo said. “Being able to write ‘on demand’ made it easier to keep up with my workload. My goal is to pass on these skills to my students while they are still in high school so that they have that advantage starting in their very first college class.”

Ms. DeAngelo recently signed with Assent Publishing’s Panoptic Books Imprint and her first women’s fiction novel, Giving Myself Away, will be published this fall.

Ms. Grete DeAngelo is teaching a new journalism class at MMI.

Today’s MMI (Continued from page 3)

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MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood announced that Jennifer Novotney and Nancy Lotz have been hired as English teachers at the school. Novotney teaches ninth-grade composition, 12th-grade English, Advanced Placement English and electives, and Lotz teaches eighth-grade English.

Novotney earned a Master of Arts degree in English with distinction from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism, cum laude, from California State University Northridge.

Most recently, she worked as a coordinator of writing, learning specialist and adjunct English instructor at Misericordia University in Dallas. She also worked closely with students, faculty members and the university’s support services through tutorial services, sponsored workshops and other activities related to writing instruction and other learning strategies.

Novotney also worked as an adjunct English instructor at Penn

State University’s Hazleton campus and McCann School of Business & Technology’s Hazleton campus. She also has experience in the high school setting, having taught English while serving as the gifted and talented coordinator at Panorama High School in Panorama City, Calif. She has participated in numerous professional conferences.

“I love working with students because it is a different experience every day for every class. My passion has always been writing and teaching, so being able to instruct students in English is so much more than just a job. It is my life’s passion. Becoming a member of the team at MMI is a wonderful gift. I am able to share my knowledge and experience with eager, motivated students who will go on to achieve great things in life,” she said.

She lives in Drums with her husband, Tim, and daughter, Serena, and continues to write and publish her work.

Lotz holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature, cum laude, from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, Vt., where she was an English honors scholar.

She previously worked as an English teacher for students in grades six to eight at St. Mary’s School in Lee, Mass.. She also worked as a preschool teacher at the Helping Hands Society in Hazleton.

Lotz said, “Both of my children are graduates of MMI, so I am well aware of the many benefits of an MMI education. I am very excited to have the privilege of now being a member of the MMI faculty and sharing my love of reading, vocabulary and grammar with MMI students. I am impressed and motivated by the amazing staff and faculty at MMI, and inspired by the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness of the students. My goal as a literature teacher is to help my students truly understand how Scout feels when she states in To Kill a Mockingbird: “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.”

Lotz and her husband, Jeff, live in Sugarloaf and have two children, Charlotte and Jeffrey.

Hood said, “We are pleased to welcome these fine educators to the MMI faculty. Their experience will fit well with our interdisciplinary curriculum at MMI and their enthusiasm for learning will serve our students well.”

Two English teachers join MMI faculty

Novotney

Lotz

Alum a stellar performer“Megan was also an adventurer

and was exploring possibilities of performing with someone other than the beautiful and accomplished dancers she was used to. So we put together a brief skit featuring the two of us. I sang, mimed, and danced, and we were a hit. ‘Brilliant!’ I heard from the audience. We were a sensation, this old guy and this young woman,” he said.

Sipe and Bavolack also performed together for filmmaker Sasha Santiago. To see one of those films, “Enchanted Strangers,” search for “Daniel Bavolack” on YouTube.

Bavolack continued to be an active participant with musicians and composers he met through Greenwich House, and through other senior centers in concerts, musical programs, and more.

“My time spent as audience and participant was completely innovative and playful. I have had a lot of fun just because I have been curious to discover anything that I had never

done before,” he said.

While his discovery as a dancer came at a senior center, it was at a lunch counter where he was discovered as a singer – simply by his humming a tune.

“The man who heard me humming had studied opera and struck up a conversation with me,” he said. “He worked for a company associated with Stephen Sondheim that went around the world staging Sondheim shows adapted for young audiences. He asked me if I knew how difficult it was to find someone my age who could also sing.”

As a singer, actor, and dancer, Bavolack continues to journey wherever his curiosity will take him, continuing to add to a long list of adventures that began while he was at MMI.

“MMI prepared me by allowing me to explore anything I was interested in while I was at the school, including photography, writing for publication, and playing the piano. I always felt rewarded and encouraged by (former

MMI President) Lambert Broad’s support. For the rest of my life I simply assumed that that level of acceptance and support would be there. As a result, my life has not been along a long conventional path, stopping at a traditional destination. This has suited my temperament. Am I unique? I think not,” he said.

“I notice that as conditions have changed, there could be more and more people who are going to be living life like I have, by putting bits and pieces together. There are now more individuals finding ways of doing that,” Bavolack added.

He is pleased to continue supporting MMI through recurring credit card donations. Simplifying the process, the school has designed its online giving page to process donations on a recurring basis, should a donor choose to do so.

“Setting up my gifts to MMI in this way was a great decision,” he said. “I’m very comfortable with how it works, and it’s easy to increase my gift should I decide to do so.”

(Continued from page 1)

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MMI began the new school year on Tuesday, August 27, with 247 students enrolled.

The previous day, orientation was held for new students. The day helped familiarize new students with each other as well as their teachers, counselors, coaches, administration, and school staff.

To start the day, parents joined their sons and daughters for a continental breakfast and were able to meet the MMI administration, teachers, and coaches and ask questions.

After breakfast, new students met their student ambassadors, returning students designated to assist them with their transition to MMI. The new students also visited classrooms, learning more about the additional academic and athletic resources offered at MMI, and then enjoyed lunch in the cafeteria.

The next day, all MMI students returned to school for the start of the 2013-14 school year.

MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood visits with Chase Mattioli, vice president at Pocono International Raceway, in pit road prior to the Pocono 400 race this past summer.

Pocono Raceway sponsored the putting contest at MMI’s Jake Kislan ’56 Memorial Golf Tournament in June.

Head of School Thomas G. Hood addresses new students and their

parents at orientation.

247 students start school year at MMI

MMI visits with Chase Mattioli at Pocono Raceway

Above: XXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, and XXXXX are ready for the first day of school.

Above: Students XXX, XXX, XXXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, XXX, and XXX on their first day of school.Right: Assistant Head of School Chip Seidel speaks with XXXX during orientation.

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Spirit Day provides fun and games

Another great Spirit Day run by MMI’s Student Council under the guidance of President Devan McCarrie, a senior, was held on Friday, August 30.

The day began with a delicious Italian lunch sponsored by the MMI Parent Faculty Organization. Each MMI class was dressed in a different color representing their grade.

After lunch, the student body was divided into teams across the grades and competed in a series of events led by the Student Council and members of the Class of 2014.

Even the faculty and staff put a team together for the competition with Mr. Mele, Ms. Petro, Mr. Tribbet, Mrs. Lizbinski, Mr. Vincent, Mrs. Titus, Mrs. Moyer, Ms. Boosalis, Mr. Catling, Mrs. Green, and Mrs. Ferry.

The white team enjoys their Popsicles after several hours of competition.

Student profile: 247 students (135 male, 112 female) 16 percent minority enrollment

Class size: Sixth grade: 17

Seventh grade: 40

Eighth grade: 33

Ninth grade: 42

Tenth grade: 35

Eleventh grade: 44

Twelfth grade: 36

Faculty: 20 full-time, 5 part-time

Student-to-faculty ratio: 11 to 1

Faculty degrees held: 19 hold master’s degrees and one holds a doctoral degree. More than 74 percent of our faculty hold a master’s degree or greater.

Average faculty years teaching at MMI: 13 years

Average class size: 16 students

Financial aid: For the 2013-14 academic year, 53 percent of MMI students received need-based financial aid. There was $841,200 of need-based aid distributed among 131 students. The average need-based award was $6,421 per student. MMI also gave the $850 Academic Excellence Award to 79 students for the upcoming year for a total of $79,000 in merit-based scholarships.

2013-2014 MMI profile

Faculty members had just as much fun as the students did!Angelica Alday gets her sponge ready for the Sponge and Water Race.

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Students chosen for program in ChinaTwo MMI students were selected to take part in a cultural

program in China this summer.

Paige Darrow and Mariah Serra, who study Chinese at MMI, participated in the Ameson Chinese Elite Program (ACE). ACE is an annual event that brings together hundreds of top students from the United States, China, and Russia. More than 200 Chinese, American and Russian students took part in this year’s program, which was held on the campus of the Experimental High School Attached to Beijing Normal University. Students heard lectures from and interacted with academic and government leaders, elected representatives to organize clubs and events, and engaged in international summit discussions.

In addition to their classes, the students also took a trip to Beijing University. Before the program got under way, the students visited many historical sites in and around Beijing, including the Great Wall, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

“ACE gave me the opportunity to meet many successful and educated people from around the world. The knowledge I gained from this experience has made me even more excited to pursue a major and career in international affairs,” said Darrow.

Serra said, “Being accepted into this program was a great honor. Also, spending a few days in China allowed me to assimilate myself with the culture prior to either a one- or two-semester study-abroad program in college. This trip informed me about current world issues as well as the problems world leaders face every day.”

MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood said the ACE program emphasizes the importance of Chinese classes at MMI.

“Realizing the importance of Chinese to the business world and our global economy, we implemented a Chinese curriculum several years ago at MMI. Paige and Mariah demonstrate that Chinese is much more than just a class to them. Because of their success in studying Chinese, they will be able to pursue additional opportunities in higher education and careers,” he said.

Sophomore Shaelyn Heft, a member of the youth group of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Palmerton, had the opportunity to work with people in Tanzania, Africa, during a missions trip this summer.

Heft joined seven other teens selected from about 280 churches in the Northeast Pennsylvania Lutheran Synod and chaperoned by the Rev. Kurt Garbe and Deaconess Deborah Matern Graf for a 16-day trip. They flew into Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, and went on to Dar es Salaam, where they stayed for two days.

The group left Dar es Salaam for a 23-hour drive in a Land Cruiser, stopping the first night at Mikumi National Park. “We went on a safari. I saw animals you would only see in a zoo, like lions, giraffes, and even a hippopotamus,” Heft said.

From there they drove to Mikate, a village of about 500 to 800 people, arriving around 10 p.m. They attended Tandaeu, a church-funded trade school for blind, deaf, and disabled children. While there, the mission group cleared a path to the proposed site of a hydroelectric water plant.

Heft said the most exciting part of the trip was visiting the orphanage in Bulongwa, playing and interacting with the 32 children living there. “They’re the happiest kids I’ve ever seen, even if all they had on their feet was one flip-flop. They have no personal belongings, so they appreciate everything. If you give one a ball, they don’t fight over it. They simply wait patiently until it’s their turn. We taught them songs like ‘This Little Light of Mine,’” she said.

In Bulongwa’s hospital, there was only one doctor who was 85 years old as well as three assistants and five nurses. They

receive medication only during the dry season.

The average weekly income of the citizens is between $4 and $10 in U.S. money. The clothing the mission group wore on the trip was left behind and donated to the orphanage and the hospital, which is like the village’s center.

Heft said her trip was a real eye-opener, adding, “Here in America, we concentrate on what we want, not on what we have.”

After graduation, she would like to pursue a career in pediatric oncology or radiology, and she also has another goal.

“I’d like to study six weeks in Bolongua’s hospital as of part of my studies,” she said. “I would love to go back and do more for those wonderful people.”

Sophomore serves in Africa on missions trip

Paige Darrow and Mariah Serra enjoyed their China trip.

Shaelyn Heft works with children at an orphanage in Bulongwa.

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MMI selects seven for Wall of FameMMI honored seven new members

of its Wall of Fame during the eighth annual Wall of Fame dinner and ceremony held on September 21.

Established in 2006, the MMI Wall of Fame honors alumni in addition to 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. Wall of Fame inductees are selected in the following categories: Athletic Achievement, Community Service, Service to MMI, and Professional Achievement.

The following people are members of the Wall of Fame Class of 2013: Dr. John Timko ’74, Margaret M. Boyle, Anthony J. Gennaro, Dr. John R. Feussner ’64, Dr. Joseph V. Urenovitch ’55, Robert Della Croce ’82 and Dr. James Feussner ’65.

Dr. John Timko ’74 was inducted in the category of Athletic Achievement. He was a standout basketball player at MMI, playing all four years of his high school career. During his time on the team, he scored 1,218 points. He was the second-leading scorer on the Preppers’ 1972-1973 state championship team and notched 546 points that season. He was the team’s leading rebounder and best inside player that season and received honorable mention recognition on the United Press International Class C All-State Team. In the semifinal game of the season, he scored the clinching basket and scored double figures; in the final game, he led MMI with 33 points.

During the following season, Timko scored 568 points, an average of 25.8 per game, and was the team’s leading rebounder once again. The 1974 Minamek notes of the basketball team that year: “The team deserves our thanks for an exciting season, and John Timko our special admiration, for he scored his one-thousandth career point and led the region in scoring. John was also the recipient of the Scotty Roman award which is given annually to the region’s outstanding athlete.”

Timko now operates a dental practice in Weatherly.

Margaret Boyle was honored in the category of Service to MMI. She devoted 31 years to MMI Preparatory School, working as secretary to the president from 1977 until her retirement in 2008. Boyle was known for her dedication to

the school and students and was in the office each morning by 6:30 am. She had an excellent rapport with students, faculty, and staff, all of whom knew they could depend on her to support them however she could.

Always a friendly face in the office, Boyle was known for helping students have a positive experience at MMI and feel confident in their transition to college. She served under two presidents, Joseph Rudawski and Dr. William Shergalis ’58, both of whom spoke highly of her.

“Her dedication to the school and the students was exceptional. Marge and I worked together for many years and I could count on her for anything,” Mr. Rudawski said.

Dr. Shergalis said, “Marge’s talents helped me immensely. She was great at handling unexpected situations, as well as all the normal details of the day.”

Anthony J. Gennaro was inducted in the category of Service to MMI. In his 32 years at MMI, Gennaro inspired a love of the sciences in many students, some of whom went on to become doctors, scientists, or other professionals in the medical and scientific fields. He taught biology, environmental science, anatomy and physiology, Advanced Placement biology, and earth and life science at MMI from 1978 to 2010.

Gennaro also served as adviser to a

host of student activities, including the Envirothon team, Biology Olympiad, Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science, ecology club and bowling club. He also helped found MMI’s chapter of the Science National Honor Society. The teams and individuals he coached through PJAS, Envirothon and the Biology Olympics won a number of titles and awards.

As a class adviser, he was known as a mentor, supporter and role model, and most notably, as a man who genuinely cared about students as individuals.

Dr. John Feussner ’64 was honored in the category of Professional Achievement. He is a distinguished university professor and the executive senior associate dean for clinical affairs at the Medical University of South Carolina. Until recently, he served as the professor and chairman of the Department of Medicine from 2002 to 2011. He also serves as professor in the Department of Biostatics and Epidemiology and the Department of Neurology.

From 1996 to 2002, Feussner worked as chief research and development officer for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and as director of the VA Cooperative Studies Program. He also served on the President’s Committee on Science in the Office of Science and Technology Policy and was chairman of the Gulf War illnesses research

MMI honored seven new members of its Wall of Fame during the eighth annual Wall of Fame dinner and ceremony. From left: Director of Advancement Kim McNulty, Anthony J. Gennaro, Margaret M. Boyle, Dr. John R. Feussner ’64, Dr. Joseph V. Urenovitch ’55, and Head of School Thomas Hood. Missing from photo: Dr. John Timko ’74.

Continued on page 13

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MMI held its annual Homecoming Weekend celebration on September 20 and 21. This year’s Homecoming honored reunion classes ending in -3 and -8.

The weekend’s events began with the Head of School’s Reception, hosted Friday evening by Head of School Thomas G. Hood in the Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center.

On Saturday afternoon, MMI held the traditional

Homecoming Picnic, featuring delicious Hazleton-area eats, was held Saturday in the MMI cafeteria. Picnic attendees enjoyed an afternoon of sharing MMI memories and looking through old yearbooks. They also had the opportunity to tour the school and campus, including the new Joseph A. Turri ’45 Library and Learning Center and athletic fields.

Homecoming Weekend concluded with the Wall of Fame induction dinner on Saturday evening.

Left: John Czarick’64 and Mike Verbonitz ‘64 share a smile during Homecoming.

Right: Head of School Thomas G. Hood visits with Robert Jones ’48.

Below left: At the Head of School’s Reception are, first row, from left: Patricia Brenan,

Nancy Becker, and Bonnie Sokoloski. Second row: Head of School Thomas G. Hood,

Attorney Denis Brenan ’55, Peter Becker ’55, and Dr. Marty Sokoloski ’55.

Below right: Frank Wezner ’44 and Packy DiSpirito ’44 take a moment to pose for a

photo.

Memories abound during Homecoming

The Class of 1988 celebrated their 25th reunion at the Head of School’s Reception, followed by dinner at The Meating House, and a get-together at the Homecoming Picnic the next day.

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Current and former faculty members Dennis Clarke, Wall of Fame Inductee Tony Gennaro, Kate Green, and Wall of Fame member Dr. David Stiller ‘61 were reunited during the Wall of Fame dinner.

The Class of 1963 reunited at Top of the 80’s.

The class of 1968 held its reunion dinner at Sand Springs.

Classmates reunite at annual events

Clyde Bell ’43 celebrated his 70th reunion with his son, Dr. Peter Bell, and grandson, Pete Bell. Also at the event were Clyde’s wife, Dorothy, and

Clyde’s brother, Arthur ’47.Brothers Ray Kostick ’48 and Dan Kostick ‘54 both attended the Wall of Fame dinner.

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EngagementsBen Sherry ’07 became engaged to be married to Stevi-Lorayn Platzer. Ben, who attended Gannon University, is a repair technician for a private firm. An October 2014 wedding is being planned.

Jonathan Sisock ’01 will wed Danielle Decker this fall. Jonathan is employed by ABEC Inc. as an electrical engineer in Bethlehem.

WeddingsKristin Bruch ’03 married Joseph Bisagna at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn on August 3. The couple now resides in New York City, where Kristin works as a client development analyst for Christie’s Auction House.

Lee Ann Palubinsky ’02 and Marc Eble were married at the Ritz Carlton Kapalua on Maui on June 12. Stephen Palubinsky ’07, the brother of the bride, was the best man and Krystle Baker ’02 served as the maid of honor. On August 17, the couple held another reception in Pennsylvania with a number of MMI friends present. Lee Ann and Marc now reside in Conyngham, where she is an attorney and he owns the Conyngham Brewing Company and Eble Enterprises, an area IT company.

DeathsCharles J. Bower Jr. passed away on July 14. He is survived by his son, Charles J. Bower III ’16 and his mother, Artemesia Pinto.

Kim Byriel passed away on July 22. He is survived by his wife, Julia; sons, Niklas Byriel ’17 and Philip; and his father, Per Byriel, in Denmark.

Judy A. DeAngelo passed away on September 13. She is survived by her husband, Neal P. DeAngelo; children, Neal A. DeAngelo, Cindi Denning, and Paul DeAngelo; and seven grandchildren including Neal DeAngelo III ’01.

Walter Dryfoos ’59 passed away on August 11. Inducted into MMI’s Wall of Fame last fall, Walt excelled on the basketball court as a member of the Preppers and later as a player for Ursinus College. He is survived by his son, Walter Dryfoos Jr., and his wife, Kim; daughter, Christine Nichols; six grandchildren; and nephew Llewellyn Dryfoos III ’82.

Marilyn Katz passed away on September 13. She is survived by her children, Ilene Katz ’78 and Nathan Katz; her sister, Faye Director; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and three nephews including Laurence Koller ’83, Neal Koller ’74, and Richard Koller ’78.

Agnes Mary Laputka passed away on August 4. She is survived by her three children, George Laputka Jr. and

his wife, Barbara, Mary Culkin and her husband, Michael, and Mark Laputka ’79 and his wife, Lee Ann; and five granddaughters, including Katie Laputka ’10.

Dorothy V. Lutz passed on September 6. She is survived by her sons, Stephen “Skip” Lutz ’71 and his wife, Kitty, and Brian and his fiancée, Terri.

Joshua Robert Madden ’47 passed away on June 28. He is survived by five children, 16 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Francis P. Olenik ’39 passed away July 1. Surviving are his daughter, Carol Walker, Scranton, and several nieces and nephews.

Charlotte E. Tancin passed away on June 26. Surviving are her daughter, Charlotte A. Tancin, and her husband, Douglas Metzler; son, Stephen L. Tancin ’73 and his wife, Susan; and two grandsons.

Dr. Michael J. Uricheck ’58 passed away on July 23. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; sons, Seth and Steven; and a granddaughter.

Tom Wisniewski, past chairman of the MMI Board of Directors, passed away on July 15. He is survived by his wife, Sue, and son, Adam Wisniewski ’09.

Philip F. Young passed away June 17. He was a generous supporter of local organizations including MMI, which was founded by his great-uncle, Eckley Coxe. Surviving are a niece, Carolina Casperson, and a nephew, Brinton Young, as well as two grandnephews, three grandnieces, two great-grandnephews, and a great-grandniece.

John E. Znachko ’57 passed away on August 1. He is survived by a sister, Barbara Znachko, three sons, Carrall Znachko, Michael Znachko, and John S. Znachko; two daughters, Kimberly Kinnaird and Jaclynn Mims; and 10 grandchildren.

MilestonesEvents in the lives of the MMI Prep family

At the Pennsylvania reception of Lee Ann Palubinsky ’02 and Marc Eble were: Joe Rudawski, Jean Rudawski, Laura Bonin-Walters ‘02, Gregg Walters ‘02, Miki Shergalis, Bill Shergalis ‘58, Sonya Kalim ‘07, Anna Loshakov ‘07, Lindsay Gorski ‘07, Bernard Bonner ‘07, Marc Eble, Lee Ann Palubinsky ‘02, Krystle Baker ‘02, Stephen Palubinsky ‘07, Omar Butt ‘02, Justin Richards ‘04, Erika Rodriguez ‘04, Stacey Barron ‘02, Samantha Christopher ‘04, Andrew Polashenski ‘02, Donna Titus, and Shawn Murphy ‘02. Nate Titus ‘03 also attended the wedding in Maui, but was not in the Pennsylvania photo.

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Kelly Barron Hoffer ’04 was married to Jacob Hoffer in 2011. After their marriage, the couple lived in Rhode Island, where Kelly attended the University of Rhode Island and worked as a graduate teaching assistant. In 2012, Kelly completed the Rhode Island Teaching Fellows Program, which is an alternative certification program that trains highly effective teachers to teach in high-needs school districts throughout Rhode Island. Last year, Kelly taught high school biology and chemistry at the Providence Career and Technical Academy. Jacob is employed as a golf professional, so, according to Kelly, “Golf takes us everywhere!” They have both been a part of the staff at the Augusta National Golf Course in Georgia during the Master’s Tournament. The couple has relocated to Maumee, Ohio, where Jacob serves as the assistant golf professional at the Inverness Club in Toledo.

Dr. Joseph Polastre ’97 was selected as a presidential innovation fellow working on the Innovation Toolkit project at the State Department. Joe is a researcher, developer, and serial entrepreneur focused on data analytics. He has built systems to remotely monitor endangered seabirds and co-developed the Xerces XML parser and world’s smallest Java Virtual Machine. Joe was chief technology officer and co-founder at Sentilla, where he led the technical team and opened offices in Singapore and London. Previously, Joe held development and product management positions at IBM, Microsoft, and Intel. He was named one of BusinessWeek’s Best Young Tech Entrepreneurs and won the Silicon Valley 40 Under 40 award. Joe holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in computer science from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BS degree from Cornell University. Joe lives in San Francisco, where he enjoys sailing on the bay, skiing in Tahoe, and taking in local live music.

Alumni NotesWhat’s happening with MMI graduates around the globe

MMI’s oldest living alum, Cassard Kaesemeyer ’31, returned to campus for a visit on the first day of school. Mr. Kaesemeyer, who will turn 100 on Feb. 16, 2014, is shown here with his daughter, Mrs. Paula Presler, and her husband, Frank, and MMI Head of School Thomas G. Hood.

MMI’s oldest alumnus returns to alma mater

working group for the consortium of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense and Health and Human Services.

Previously, Feussner was a professor of medicine and chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. He has authored or co-authored more than 250 scientific publications and has received numerous professional honors and awards. Feussner has also testified before Congress on veterans’ affairs health issues. Currently, he serves on multiple advisory committees for the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense.

Dr. Joseph Urenovitch ’55 was inducted in the category of Professional Achievement, having significant

accomplishments in the field of industrial chemistry throughout his career. He worked as vice president of research, development and licensing at Atlas Powder Company, where he directed the development, commercialization and licensing of bulk and packaged emulsion explosives, the first commercialization of emulsion explosives in the world. These products advanced and revolutionized the commercial explosives industry. The president and CEO of Atlas cited Urenovitch’s leadership and efforts as a primary reason that Atlas became the largest and most profitable explosives company in the United States.

He retired from a position as the worldwide vice president of technology

at ICI Explosives, at the time the largest explosives company in the world, managing six laboratories worldwide.

Dr. Urenovitch began his career at Air Products and Chemicals in Hometown, where he progressed from scientist to research director to specialty chemicals manager. He serves on a number of local boards of directors, including the Tamaqua Industrial Development Enterprises (TIDE), where he was president from 2008 to 2012, as well as the Tamaqua Area Community Partnership and the Business Enterprise Center at Lehigh Carbon Community College.

Robert Della Croce ’82 and Dr. James W. Feussner ’65 are members of the Wall of Fame Class of 2013 but will each be inducted in a future year.

Wall of Fame ceremony held (Continued from page 9)

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In memory of Charles Bower Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Kim Byriel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. HoodMr. and Mrs. Timothy McNulty

In memory of Yvonne Marie Cheeseman Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs.

Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of John J. Corrigan Jr. ’34Mr. John J. Corrigan ’63

In memory of Judy DeAngelo Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Orlando

In memory of Dr. Edgar Dessen Mrs. Edith O. Wagner

In memory of Walter Dryfoos ’59 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki ShergalisMr. George Yenchko ’59 and Mrs. Angeline Yenchko

In memory of Edward Grohol Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Walter D. Haentjens ’39 Ms. Grete DeAngelo ’92Mrs. Kathleen S. Haentjens

In memory of Marjorie Haueisen Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs.

Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Jake Kislan ’56 Mr. Norman A. Dick ’87 and Mrs. Tara L. DickMr. and Mrs. David A. EschenbachMr. Dan Ravina

In memory of Dorotha Carson Kitlinski Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny

In memory of John Kostic Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of George J. Kostick Jr. ’64 Mr. John Czarick ’64 and Mrs. Susan CzarickMrs. Ceil Kostick

In memory of Agnes Laputka Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. HoodDr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In memory of Thomas Landers Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Joshua Robert Madden ’47 Dr. and Mrs. Lee AnschuetzMr. Richard NavinMr. Robert NavinMr. Thomas Navin

In memory of Leon and Marjorie Maranki Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Michael McDonald ’58 Mr. Mark Levine ’58 and Mrs. Millie Levine

In memory of Kenneth T. Meckes Mrs. Ann Marie Della Croce

In memory of Diana Lesny Merrill Mr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne Lesny

In memory of Faith Patrick Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Ronald Perkowski Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Lioba Petrushka Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of George I. Puhak Jr. Ms. Nancy Hudock

In memory of Teresa Ravina Mr. Joseph Turri ’45 and Ms. Barbara Sowers

In memory of the Rudewick Family Mr. and Mrs. James M. Biello

In memory of Philip R. Schwartz ’44 and Mary D. Schwartz

Mr. Salvadore V. DeFazio ’67

In honor of Lorraine Sharp’s induction into the Luzerne County

Sports Hall of FameDr. and Mrs. Michael A. Washinsky Sr.

In memory of John Silvasi ’33 Mr. John J. Corrigan ’63

In memory of David Sugarman ’60 Mr. Jacob R. Sherman ’60

In memory of Charlotte Tancin Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Allen Thompson III Dr. John Della Croce ’73 and Mrs. Marybeth Della Croce

In memory of Mary Jane Urenovitch Dr. Martin Sokoloski ’55 and Mrs. Bonnie Sokoloski

In memory of Dr. Michael Uricheck ’58Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. HoodMr. Robert Klotz ’58 and Mrs. Carol KlotzMr. Edward Lesny ’58 and Mrs. Susanne LesnyMr. Mark Levine ’58 and Mrs. Millie Levine

In memory of Thomas Wisniewski Mr. Elton Cheeseman, Ms. Debbie Cheeseman, and Ms. Tanya CheesemanMr. and Mrs. Thomas G. HoodMr. and Mrs. Frank P. OrlandoDr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

In memory of Philip Young ’34 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Hood

In memory of Jack Znachko ’57 Dr. William Shergalis ’58 and Mrs. Miki Shergalis

MemorialsLibrary Memorials, Annual Fund Memorials and Honors donated between June 15 and September 25

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When MMI senior Elijah Dove sets his sights on something, there’s no stopping him. He proved that this summer when he was recognized for being the first Scout in the country to complete the Summit SEAL Challenge. Eli was among the 50,000 Scouts who attended the July 2013 National Jamboree in Bechtel Summit, W.Va., and were provided the first-ever opportunity to earn the SEAL Challenge Award.

“This strength and endurance test consists of a 500-yard swim in 12:30 or less, 50 sit-ups, 50 push-ups, 10 pull-ups and a mile-and-a-half run in 10:30 or less,” said Special Warfare Operator Chief James Jackson.

More than 500 Scouts registered to take the Navy SEAL PST and were provided with weekly workout plans and physical conditioning tips by the Navy. Only 237 Scouts actually attempted the event and just 46 passed the test. Eli sailed through the pool and handled

the push-ups and sit-ups with ease.Upon completion of the pull-ups, the remaining Scouts lined up on the track, ready to complete the challenge. During the run, Eli maintained a steady pace until a SEAL called out, “If you don’t move, you will fail.” With that said, Eli kicked it into high gear and became the

first Scout in the country to complete the challenge and win the award. On July 22, Eli received his Summit SEAL Challenge patch, certificate of completion and challenge coin from the SEAL/SWCC Team.

Eli said, “I enjoy challenging myself mentally and physically, and the Seal Challenge offered both. It’s as much a mental game as a physical one.” The PST test is demanding and requires disciplined preparation, but Eli knew he was prepared. “I credit my mother with my success since she was instrumental in my preparation for the challenge. She kept a notebook of my training milestones and acted as my personal trainer,” he said.

A senior at MMI, Eli is applying to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the US Naval Academy and several engineering universities as part of the Naval ROTC Scholarship. Eli is the son of Eric and Susan Dove of Mountaintop. His sister, Mikayla, is a sophomore at MMI.

“Faces in the Crowd” is a section of MMI Today that features MMI students and faculty members. Through these articles, newsletter readers will have the opportunity to learn more about members of the MMI family.

MMI began this academic year with a full complement of ninth-grade students as 42 new and returning students filled the class to capacity. Within that group, there are two sets of fraternal twins in Katie and Ryan Eschenbach and Jessica and Jonathan Smith. The Eschenbachs arrived at MMI as sixth-graders while the Smiths joined the MMI family this year, coming from Holy Rosary School in Duryea.

Jessica and Jonathan said they are very happy to be at MMI and they are ready for the academic challenges they will encounter. Jessica said, “I like MMI a lot and everyone is really friendly. I hope to do well here.” Jonathan agreed with his sister, adding, “I also hope to create new memories while I’m here.” This year will be a bit of an adjustment for them, as they were always in the same classes together before.

Though they are twins, both sets certainly do have their differences. Katie’s favorite class is Chinese, while Ryan’s is History. Katie plays volleyball, while Ryan trains in Jujitsu. Jessica’s favorite subjects are Math and Health, whereas Jonathan’s are Math and Biology. Jessica

and Jonathan both play tennis, but Jessica expects to compete on MMI’s basketball team and Jonathan is looking forward to participating in PJAS and on the Envirothon Team.

“What has worked for Katie and Ryan at MMI is that they both have found and been able to maintain their independence,” Maureen Eschenbach said about her children. “Independence

is great for all kids, but when you are a twin it is often hard to accomplish. Katie and Ryan have each found their separate space in the school and I know they are happy about that, which in turn makes me happy about our decision to send them to MMI!”

Faces in the Crowd

MMI’s ninth-grade class includes two sets of twins this year. From left are Jonathan Smith, Ryan Eschenbach, Katie Eschenbach, and Jessica Smith.

Katie and Ryan Eschenbach and Jessica and Jonathan Smith – Class of 2017

Elijah Dove in his Scout uniform

Elijah Dove – Class of 2014

Did you know?Mrs. Joanne Oakum,

executive assistant to the head of school, is also a fraternal twin!

MMI Preparatory School154 Centre StreetFreeland, PA 18224

Address service requested

Applicants report to the MMI Main Office (Ridge Street entrance) by 8:45 a.m.

2014-2015 Admissions – Feb. 1, 2014

Entrance Exam Testing DateVisitation Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 20Founder’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 27Holiday Concert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December XXVisitation Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 21Wister Quartet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March XX

Important Dates

Freshmen (front) and seniors (back) in front of Old Main after the annual pajama parade, which is part of orientation and has been held each year since the 1950s.

Partying in their PJs

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