By Jim Formato

Saturday, May 18 South Middle School (formerly known as South Junior High School) celebrated its 75th anniversary. Historically, the original building opened for the 1936-37 school year. Subsequent to this date, additions were built between 1957 and 1987.

Besides the grand opening in its inaugural year, the next major celebration occurred during the 1986-87 school year. The list of participants at this time included the late Honorable Hamilton C. Fish Sr., who was present at the grand opening; Theodore (Ted) Malinoswki, who gave the graduating address as President of the first graduating class; Mary Torrens, a member of the original faculty; and MaryKay Hollenbeck, an alumni of SJHS who was attending Mount Saint Mary College pursuing a degree in music. Hollenbeck led the celebration with her vocal rendition of the national anthem. This day also began the SJHS “Anniversary Run” which awarded first, second, and third place trophies to each of the winners in grades 7 through 9. Many local community groups participated in the static displays held in the cafeteria. Alumni from each decade spoke at services when a tree representing each decade was planted. One additional tree was planted for the “Future Students.” In addition to this service, a time capsule that included artifacts of the 50th celebration was buried beneath the stone marker in the courtyard, engraved with the following message: “Dedicated to those who served, are serving and will serve, Oct. 1987.” This message was meant for the faculty, staff, and administration of SJHS. Prior to the conclusion of the festivities, NY State Senator William Larkin, placed the “1987” cornerstone in the building’s addition. Members of the 156th FA, NYS National Guard saluted the laying of the cornerstone with the firing of their 155mm howitzer. The 50th anniversary celebration activities, including the initial Anniversary Run, were coordinated by James R. Formato, Assistant Principal of SJHS, also an alumnus.

Formato, who later was responsible for the design and implementation of the Engineering Technology House at SJHS with the United States Military Academy Physics Department, was the guest speaker at the 75th anniversary celebration on May 18. His comments included explanation of what was done for the 50th. The activities began with opening remarks made by Michael Ragusa, principal, and his introduction of MSGT MaryKay (Hollenbeck) Messenger, soloist for the USMA Band at West Point, and the alumna who sang at the 50th anniversary celebration. Following her rendition of the national anthem, the Anniversary Run took place. At its conclusion, Formato was introduced to speak about his reflections of the 50th and SJHS. Ragusa acknowledged and thanked Board of Education President Dawn Fucheck for attending and representing the Board. Ragusa applauded the efforts of the 75th Anniversary Committee and especially the contributions of the co-chairwomen, Theresa Trapani and Jonelle Formato-Santo. The latter is the daughter of James R. Formato. The principal was also quick to point out the tradition of the anniversary celebrations seems to be a family affair. Members of the committee are Theresa Trapani, Jonelle Formato-Santo, Nancy Faust, Paul Sheffield, Shari Franco, and Michael Sweetser.

The variety of activities throughout the day included Zumba, a bounce house, face painting, the “Dunk Tank” featuring Jen Grogan, the 75th Anniversary Students Dance, sack races, free hot dogs and hamburgers and drinks (water donated by Hannaford Supermarkets), Rita’s Ices, a DJ, and the “Fire Safety House Interactive Demonstration” by the Good-Will Fire Department.

Concluding the day’s events was a commentary by City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy, who spoke directly to the students by describing her personal background and the dreams she always wanted to achieve. She emphasized the need “to develop one’s dream for the future at this stage in their lives and never, never give up!”

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary, a Japanese Yew tree (signifying perseverance) will be planted in the courtyard several feet in front of where the time capsule will be reburied. According to the committee, the time capsule will not only include the artifacts of the 50th anniversary, but also a layer of memorabilia from the 75th. The actual burial ceremony will take place after the memorabilia has been gathered.

Students at Temple Hill Academy in New Windsor recently finished their school Olympics in style. Classes exited the building one by one proudly waving flags representing various countries. Student and alumni torch runners, as well as Temple Hill Academy physical education teachers and volunteer staff members, jogged around the parking lot before physical education teachers Chris Leggett and Jane Scott blew out the Temple Hill Olympic torch in front of the school. In addition, Scott, who will retire this year, was recognized by the school for her years of commitment and dedication to the students and staff at Temple Hill Academy. The annual event promotes a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness as well as fostering friendly competition between the students.

Mount Saint Mary College’s 50th annual commencement ceremony on May 18, 2013 ushered in a new era for 627 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates. With faculty and administrators seated on stage, Mount president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, encouraged graduates to continue using their skills of mind and habits of heart.

“When called to choose in our work between excellence and quality, and what is slipshod or just enough, choose excellence and quality,” said Fr. Mackin. “Go the extra mile to make something just right because it is the better and worthy thing to do.”

The college conferred honorary doctorate degrees upon three accomplished speakers: William Kaplan, successful entrepreneur and philanthropist; James Patterson, best-selling author; and Sandra Gerry, chair of the Sullivan Renaissance. A staunch supporter of the school, William Kaplan emphasized that Mount graduates have made a huge difference in Newburgh, the city he loves. “On behalf of this community, we thank you,” he said. “You’ve been absolutely amazing.” Long a catalyst for grassroots projects, Kaplan serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the Newburgh Armory Unity Center: a collaboration of people from organizations and businesses – and with many Mount volunteers – with the aims of education and recreation.

Writer James Patterson returned to his hometown to congratulate the newest Mount graduates. Patterson, a Newburgh native, was interviewed for a feature in the July 10, 2012 edition of The Sentinel. In total, Patterson’s books have sold an estimated 275 million copies worldwide. At the Mount’s commencement ceremony Patterson described life as a juggling act, wherein work is a rubber ball that will bounce back if dropped. But family, friendship, spirituality, and health are made of glass – and will scuff and shatter if they hit the ground.

Sandra Gerry, creator of the Sullivan Renaissance, encouraged graduates to give back to their communities. “Each of you can make a difference,” she said. “No matter how small the contribution, the collective impact for good can be enormous.”

South Middle School in Newburgh is seeking the community’s help in celebrating the school’s 75th anniversary. The event will take place this Saturday, May 18 with fun, family-friendly activities held throughout the day. In addition, there will be a bounce house, music, face painting, taste-testing by Fuel Up to Play 60, a visit from the Good-Will Fire Department with its Fire Safety House for kids to explore, children’s identification and fingerprints services offered by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and ices from Rita’s Ice in New Windsor. Guests of honor will be on hand throughout the day, including New York Senator Bill Larkin and City of Newburgh Mayor Judy Kennedy. There will also be a special recognition of former and current faculty members and a display showcasing items from the 50th Anniversary time capsule that was recently excavated.

South Middle School current and former students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to participate in events held throughout the day. “The day will include relay races, vendors, and various other activities to help celebrate 75 years of education in the Newburgh community,” said teacher and 75th Anniversary Committee Co-chair Jonelle Formato-Santo.

According to her, the funds raised during the Run/Walk will help fund future field trips for the students. “The goals of our field trips are to enrich our students with the history of our area and make them more aware of their surroundings in the Hudson Valley,” said Formato-Santo.

The schedule of events for the day includes: 9 a.m.—National Anthem sung by MaryKay Messenger (Member of the United States Military Academy Band and South Alumni) followed by a 1-Mile Run/Walk; 9:10-10:30 a.m.—Field/Relay Races for ages 4-14; 10:30-11 a.m.—Zumba Event; 11:15 a.m.—Faculty vs. Alumni Kickball Game. For more information, contact Jonelle Formato-Santo at the school by calling 563-7000, or emailing jsanto@necsd.net.

With approximately 150 exhibits, the annual Bishop Dunn Memorial School Science Fair showcased middle school students’ innovative experiments, as well as projects from many of the students in first through fifth grade. Each experiment was carefully planned and executed. Congratulations to all students and the following winners: Grade 6, First Place—Bacteria in the House by Morgan Hurst and Elizabeth Licameli; Second Place—Science that Pops by Matthew Osborne; Burning Calories by Andrew Crinieri and Marc DiVenuto; Third Place—Which Sense is the Fastest? by Alliana Lightbody; Magnets and Temperature by Colin Berardinelli; Grade 7, First Place—Comparing Generic vs. Name Brand Food Items by Brenden Bready and Max Labrenz; Second Place—The Effects of Slope Degrees on the Amount of Eroded Material by Lucas Labrenz, Will Conyea, and Christian LoBiondo; Solar Cars by Joaquin Bagtas and Shivan Brissette; Third Place—Auditory vs. Visual Learning by Brielle Maxwell; Does Color Preference Change by Age? by Julia Griesing and Sarah Goodwill; Honorable Mention—How Acids and Bases Affect Fruit and Vegetable Decay and Browning by Will Davis; Fruity Juice by Julia Stillman and Anna Scherno; Grade 8, First Place—Do Bugs Bug You? by William Whelan; Second Place—Baseball Bats: Performance Difference Composite vs. Wood by Mark Heidmann and Andrew Indzonka; Effects of Air Pressure in a Soccer Ball by Gracie McElduff; Third Place—How Certain Colors Reflect or Absorb Light by Sarah Palmatier; Colgate Clean Off by Joshua Pisano and Mia Serrano; Honorable Mention—Gaming Under Pressure by Dylan Edge.

The Spirit of 1776 was alive and well at Sacred Heart School in Newburgh as students took part in traditional colonial school days as part of their social studies curriculum.  Fifth graders became famous historical figures they have studied as they donned period clothing and gave presentations during living essays. Fourth graders participated also, by wearing colonial clothing, bringing lunches of homemade items, and spending their day as children their age would have during the days of the Revolutionary War.

Mount Saint Mary College’s Curtin Memorial Library celebrated National Library Week with a host of informative, fun activities for students, faculty, staff and the public. Throughout the celebration, the Mount community updated their peers on academic projects and achievements. This semester, teacher candidates from three of professor Ludmila Smirnova’s social studies methods courses taught economics and other social studies concepts to second and fourth grade students at Bishop Dunn Memorial School. Using computer programs, the teacher candidates facilitated learning through creating short films and animations. At the Mount, more than 16 percent of current first year students are aiming for careers in education. The college’s nationally accredited education program embeds fieldwork in coursework beginning in sophomore year, and earns high marks in preparing students for New York State licensure.

Also making presentations during Library Weeks were Mount students. Members of the Mount’s GoJu Karate Club showed off their martial arts skills. They taught a variety of self-defense techniques and demonstrated katas: predefined sets of blocks and attacks that help to sharpen and maintain form. The Different Stages club performed “The Sure Thing,” a short play about the difficulties of forming new romantic relationships. Other Library Week activities included a visit from “Fat Kid Rules the World” author K.L. Going; a celebration of Mount faculty who have published books or scholarly articles; and a sing-along of the college’s alma mater in preparation for commencement on May 18.

On June 3, Mount Saint Mary College is holding its 35th Annual Invitational Golf Tournament, this year honoring Robert T. Armistead, PE and Bogdan Paunovic, DDS. The tournament is held to raise funds for the school to help keep tuition costs down. 37% of MSMC students are the first in their family to attend college, and the school aims to keep its tuition affordable.

For this special event, Mount Saint Mary College is looking for your donations of gently used golf clubs for The First Tee program. Donations will be collected on Monday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Powelton Club, 29 Balmville Road, Newburgh. The First Tee is a non-profit youth development organization. Its Mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Your golf clubs served you well in the past, and for the kids of First Tee they can mean a brighter future.

It was just about three years ago when Kristin Oberle, Instructor of Science Research at the Newburgh Free Academy North Campus, approached Acting Co-Principal Matteo Doddo with the idea of a science Symposium. Doddo thought it would be a great idea and the seeds of science began to sprout amidst the students on the Newburgh campus. Thus, the first annual Science Research Symposium was held at NFA on May 9, 2013.

Science research at NFA is a three-year experience that affords students the opportunity to participate in the science community, conducting unique research and participating in scientific competitions. Students enrolled in the science research program select and investigate a topic of interest, while developing skills in traditional and online methodology. Among interested students were two young ladies named Kayla Dubois and Doreen Dacilas.

Dubois is a sophomore Science Research student and member of the Science and French Honor Societies. She is also an all-around athlete and active member of NFA’s varsity lacrosse team. Outside of school, Dubois is involved in leadership training through her local Girl Scout troop. She has learned a great deal during her year spent researching concussions in sports, and was excited to share her knowledge and enthusiasm at the Symposium.

Dorren Dacilas is a sophomore Science Research Student and member of the Spanish Honor society. She also plays the violin in the orchestra at the NFA North campus. Outside of school, Dacilas is actively involved in her church community and serves as a bible bowl coach. She also lines to play piano and draw. Dacilas is enthusiastic about her area of research and looks forward to working collaboratively with a research advisor in order to advance her research in epilepsy.

Both these young girls are deeply rooted in their communities and school and have a very bright future ahead of them.

6th Grade Honor Roll

Allegro Elizabeth, Alpert Hannah, Alvarado Grace, Alvarez John, Arocho Ryan, Aviles Cameron, Axton Elinor, Bacigal Paige, Baez Sydney, Basselini Giavanna, Battaglia Michael, Battaglia Nicholas, Bennett Justin, Besold William, Blake Hunter, Brady Shannon, Brosnan Amanda, Buck Gabriel, Budakowski Dyana, Bunning Morgan, Bushey Raymond, Butler Victoria, Calabro Jewel, Calandra Jonathan, Calore Anthony, Caraballo Justin, Castillo Nina, Chareonlarp Arya, Clark John, Colangelo Marisela, Colon Bethany, Compere Gassendi, Concepcion Ciara, Cosentino Nathaniel, Cronin William, Crowe Reilly, Cunningham Noah, Davila Alayna, Diaz Brandon, Diaz Christine, DiBella John, DiBella Kayla, Diliberto Kayla, DiVirgilio Richard, Doelger Quinn, Dominguez Antonio, Donlon William, Dugan Gianna, Eisenhauer Dylan, Enriquez-Sendra II Ramon, Estrada Celine, Faith Dylan, Fioti Christopher, Fisher Barrington, Forsyth Samantha, Fowler Amanda, Frisbee Michaela, Galatro Isabelle, Gannon Mary, Gannon Ruth, Garguilo Emma, Garnett Jeffrey, Gerdin Emily, Gildea Liam, Godfrey Andrew, Golden Erin, Gomes Mackenzie, Goodwin Brandon, Goudsmith Danielle, Graffeo Ryan, Graziano Kara, Grudell Cody, Guarneri Matthew, Ha Kevin, Hartley Brooke, Hecht Caroline, Hendricks Alexandra, Hernandez Joshua, Herndon William, Hewitt Eugene, Higgins Justin, Hinck William, Hopper Aidan, Imperato Danielle, Isseks Joseph, Kaufman Madison, Keith Azaria, Kennedy Kelly, King Meaghan, Kocienda Elizabeth, Kocienda Emily, Koenig Jacquelyn, Kronaj Amadeo, Laquidara Julia, Laux Kali, Leiter Russell, Lim Joseph, Lombardo Alexandra, Loyola Ethan, Lozada Mya, Madsen Jennifer, Magarino Francisco, Magurno Ryan, Mahoney Aiden, Manhertz-Patterson Rojae, Margolis Matthew, Marrero Brendyn, Marrone Anthony, Marseille Chelsea, Martello Vincent, Maurya Aryanna, McAuliffe Eamon, McCann Connor, McDermott Liam, McGrath Brendan, McIntosh Jesse, McNeilly Julia, Meyer Nicholas, Montoya Melina, Moragas Christina, Morello Gina, Moreno Lily, Moskowitz Ashley, Motta Justice, Moyer Kolby, Naftal Jason, Nazari Dylan, Negersmith Matthew, Oginz Lauren, Ogrodnik Joanna, O’Neill Tyler, Ortiz Yoansy, Packes Jessica, Paperny Noah, Parker Paige, Pecovic Victoria, Peterson Mason, Pillsworth William, Quinn Sean, Reyes Louis, Riggins Shayla, Rivera Angelina, Rocco Giancarlo, Rossi Skylar, Rowlands Owen, Sander Felicia, Santambrosio Anthony, Santiago Jorden, Santillo Giana, Sapp Christopher, Schindler Kollin, Schuck Arianna, Shaw Bailey, Sheeran Carly, Shute Jennifer, Singer Bryan, Sorensen Benjamin, Soto Nathaniel, Strelevitz Angela, Sullivan Dillon, Sullivan Kyra, Szwakob III John, Taubes Barbara, Thompson Kyle, Thompson Mackenzie, Tousley Corinne, Tuske Amber, VanKleeck Alexzandrea, Vanlew VI John, Walla Kevin, Walters Sean, Warn Gillian, Wood Kaitlin, Younger Nicole, Zalewski David, Zappolo Christopher, Zecchini Tara, Zozaya Delaia.

7th Grade High Honor Roll

Adamchek Victor, Ahmad Dylan, Baroutjian Anne-Sophie, Beck Ally, Benson Matthew, Besterman Jack, Bhagirath Siddarth, Boerke Kristen, Bonventre AnnaMaria, Bridgehouse Sean, Cassidy Elise, Catania Roseanna, Cedeno Renee, Cergol Tucker, Cestari Alexander, Cliffton Louis, Creeden Joshua, Crouch Samantha, Danner Ryan, Dela Cruz, DeLuca Michael, Dudek Maximilian, Dudek Molly, Eichner Robert, Evans Abigail, Fernandez Sydney, Finnigan Kathryn, Foley Julia, Geary Megan, Gerdin Thomas, Giarraputo Nicholas, Helpley Jake, Hogan Brendan, Jensen Hayley, Johnson Brogan, Juliano Mia, Kane Dillon, Kellman Alex, Kenny Patrick, Kissack Maxwell, Knips Hayley, Knoll Kayleigh, Kostycz Daniel, Kraiza Alexa, Kristiansen Amy, Lascar Kendal, Lebrecht Alexis, Lia Nicholas, LiVolsi Sabrina, Lotito Natalie, Maltes James, McConnell Mimi, McCue Morgan, McGovern Dempsey, McKeen Connor, Merchant Lauren, Mirecki Victoria, Natale Alexa, Neybold Alexa, Nieves Matthew, Nimmo Jessica, Obie Jason, O’Brien Gavan, Ogunlade Oyindamola, O’Hare Allison, O’Leary Brendan, Palmer John, Pardo Brendan, Phillips Samantha, Pryde Samantha, Quinones Jr., Rocke Katherine, Rodriguez Alexis, Schultz Samuel, Silva Richard, Small Rebecca, Solek Nicholas, Strelevitz Matthew, Sturtz Jesse, Tubens Alexis, Valentin Nicholas, Waaland Ryan, Wilson Erin, Wirth Timothy, Witte Anthony.

7th Grade Honor Roll

Abbott Abigail, Ahmed Azeem, Anson Michael, Beck Griffin, Brown Kelsey, Bullerdick Lindsey, Colon Jillian, Creeden Morgan, Diaz Maya, Doelger Darcy, Fagan Taylor, Felice Anthony, Fitzpatrick Andrew, Flanagan Kiera, Garcia Samantha, Hagan Jacqueline, Hart Caroline, Julian Lindsey, Kabaria Vijay, Lewis Devin, Macre Mary, Markgjonaj Gabriella, Matos Stephanie, Moriarty Thomas, Nair Megha, Nunez Justin, Olafsson Lilja, Oquendo Rylan, Pearlman Ryan, Perez Alexia, Peysson Patrick, Rendon Isabella, Richardson Olivia, Rosa Brandon, Sanchez Brionna, Scherf Hailey, Sladewski Angela, Smith Nicolette, Stone Victoria, Sutter Jacklyn, Villano Dylan, Zaeem Syed.

8th Grade High Honor Roll

Ambrosio Mariah, Annesi Kate, Arendes Gabriella, Arnold Spencer, Aussenheimer William, Bajramovic Amela, Buck Abigail, Carlone Joseph, Charles Allison, Chin Katrina, Clark Cyrus, Curry Sean, Deoul Danielle, Donlon Jillian, Dunnigan Sean, Faith Zoe, Fisher Aniyah, Fothergill Kristen, Fowler Quinn, Garrison Brenna, Garwood Colleen, Giacoio Ginamarie, Giacoio Gino, Gonzalez Jillian, Grogan Brendon, Gschlecht Victoria, Hackett Taylor, Hammonds Kendall, Hanubal Suresh, Hendricks Sarah, Hewitt Sarah, Kinsley Jennifer, Kirkpatrick Gillian, Knoll Mallory, Kobyleckyj Adrianna, Kocienda Matthew, Kovalcik Dominik, Larkai Lester, Latch Jesse, Lawless Thomas, Leonty Alexander, Lerner Katelyn, Lombardi Diane, Lu Jingyue, Malagon Christopher, Mann Taylor, Mastropietro Kayla, Mathelier Brianna, McAleer Aislinn, McCarthy Patrick, McGoldrick Erin, Medora Gianna, Mitchell Jordan, Mitchell Ryann, Nevel Hannah, Nguyen Scott, Nienstadt Bryan, O’Keefe David, Parzer Ryan, Pena-Perez Lizmari, Perez III Enrique, Polen Sequoya, Pressimone Christopher, Pressimone Matthew, Quinn Thomas, Rabsatt Nygeria, Ramirez Kyza, Randazzo Ashley, Rivera Rebecca, Rodriguez Laura, Santer Justin, Smolar Kaitlyn, Soto Olivia, Tecklenburg Jr. John, Thompson Jordan, Tuske Ashley, Tyrrell Sara, Warn Danielle, Wong Liam.

8th Grade Honor Roll

Alicea Justin, Allegro Benjamin, Badu Mimi, Barao Nicholas, Barillaro Jaclyn, Blanchette Kaitlyn, Catalano Paul, Colombo Jacqueline, Cosentino Gabriella, Fasano Thomas, Floyd Jacob, Fox Jordan, Greene Ryan, Hayes Katherine, Hayes McKenzie, Kavanagh Bridget, Krigsman Cariana, Lyons Christopher, Mann Morris, Martin Casey, Mathew Christina, McIntyre Christopher, McNeilly Timothy, Meehan Eugene, Miller Molly, Milmoe Fiona, Mosca David, Moscato Treasa, Munoz Isabel, Nunemaker Sara, Ossentjuk Erinn, Pena-Perez Renzo, Poole Brianna, Poppe Emily, Postiglione Summer, Rivera Alejandra, Rivera Gina, Rodriguez Jr Noel, Sacco Carly, Saladino Andrea, Sanchez Dylan, Sheboy Thomas, Shute Stephen, Sorensen Nathan, Steinmann John, VanWagner Dylan, Vergeli Jason, Witte Isabella, Wolf Alexandra.