IRISH CULTURE CLUB WILL MEET TODAY, TUESDAY, AT 2:30 IN ROOM 217 FOR PROGRAM AND DONUT SOCIAL. ALL MEMBERS, PLEASE ATTEND. WE HAVE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS TO FILL.
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Irish Culture Club
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Art Club Meeting
The Art Club will be meeting today after school in the art annex. New members are welcome.
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Sports News
Today in athletics, the Bowling Team begins their playoff run, we wish them well, ---and the Varsity Basketball team will play a non-league game vs.
St.Marys , 430 at home.
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Billiards Club
Billiards Club will play pool today after school. All are welcome. Meet in the Main Office at 2:40. The cost is $4.00. Any questions, see Mr. Ronan in the Main Office.
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Communion and Liberation
Communion and Liberation will meet today at 2:40 in Room 106.
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Speech and Debate
There will be a Speech and Debate team meeting today in room 102 after school. All members are expected to attend.
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Good Time Had By All At 12th Annual Cigar Night
from left to right: Judge Vincent Del Giudice '72, New York Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long,
and Senator Martin Golden
On September 6th, Xaverian hosted the 12th Annual Cigar Night, an evening filled with great food, spirits, cigars, and camaraderie. Nearly 100 guests enjoyed the lovely weather on the Brothers' Terrace while taking in the gorgeous view of the Manhattan skyline and The Narrows.
The evening was a success in large part because of the dedication and generosity of Robert Charles Golden '64 and Joseph B. Guarinello '72.
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Meet Xaverian's New Faculty Members!
Xaverian's new faculty members, from left to right:
Mr. Thomas Holek, Ms. Karen Chalif, Mr. Thomas Keidel, Mr. Dan Majikas, and Mr. Brendan Gorman '04
Xaverian is pleased to welcome five new teachers for the 2013-2014 academic year. Please read on to learn more about these skilled educators.
Mr. Thomas Holek joins Xaverian’s Math Department after spending time in pursuit of his Master’s Degree in Mathematics Education at Columbia University’s Teachers College. Mr. Holek states, “I am excited to join Xaverian because of the strong sense of community it provides as well as the opportunity to teach mathematics.” In addition to a Master of Arts Degree in Mathematics Education, Mr. Holek holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics from Boston College.
Ms. Karen Chalif most recently taught at Carroll School in Carroll Gardens and at Stuyvesant High School in Manhattan. Ms. Chalif is thrilled to be joining Xaverian, saying, “From the moment of my first interview, Xaverian was presented as a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment. Xaverian has everything that I am looking for: support, academic vigor, and an array of musical opportunities.” Ms. Chalif is teaching music in the middle school and high school and holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from New York University.
Mr. Thomas Keidel comes to Xaverian after teaching music at Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, CT. He also recently served as Assistant Squash Pro at Pyramid Squash Club in Westchester. Tom continues to perform with his band, Model Kite, in the NYC area. Mr. Keidel says, “Guitar is my first love, and I can think of no better environment than Xaverian to share my knowledge with the next generation of musicians.” Mr. Keidel is teaching music in the middle school and high school and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Tufts University.
Mr. Daniel Majikas most recently taught Living Environment at East Meadow High School on Long Island. Mr. Majikas spends his summers working as an ocean lifeguard in Atlantic Beach, NY. Mr. Majikas says, "The heartfelt embrace of the Xaverian community, and warm, friendly atmosphere of the faculty, staff and administration has been blessing - and it is my hope that I can foster the same feelings among my own new students." Mr. Majikas is teaching Living Environment in the high school and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington.
Mr. Brendan Gorman, a Xaverian graduate of the class of 2004, most recently taught History and Religion in grades 6-8 at Our Lady of Trust in Canarsie. In addition to teaching middle school and freshman religion at Xaverian, Mr. Gorman will serve as moderator of the Speech and Debate Team. He says, “It's good to be back home and working with such talented educators and wonderful students.” Mr. Gorman holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. Francis College and a Master's degree in Administration and Supervision from St. John's University.
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Xaverian Seniors Named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists
from left to right: Principal Dcn. Kevin McCormack, Patrick Coen '14,
Michael Darby '14, and President Robert Alesi '78
Two Xaverian seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 59th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Patrick Coen ’14 and Michael Darby ’14 are two of 16,000 Semifinalists who now have the opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,000 National Merit Scholarships worth about $35 million that will be offered next spring.
Patrick Coen was thrilled upon hearing the exciting news. “Finding out I was a Semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship was really great news,” he says. “It’s a really big accomplishment, so I was happy.” Patrick, who was recently elected Vice President of Xaverian’s Student Coordinating Council, is also a member of the Pipe and Drum Corps, Mock Trial team, the Clipper Society, and the swim team. He is interested in applying to a variety of Ivy League schools, as well as Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Macaulay Honors College at the City University of New York, and the SUNY Honors Programs. He plans to major in Engineering.
Despite being part of .022 percent of students who earned a perfect score on the SAT last spring, Michael Darby says he was taken by surprise by the news that he had been selected as a semifinalist for the National Merit Scholarship. Michael, who is a member of Xaverian’s Dramatics Society and the Young Democrats Club, is applying to Harvard University, Princeton University, and Yale University. When asked if he’s decided on a major, Michael says, “I’m torn between business, engineering, science, and math.” In the midst of his academic success, Michael is also working towards his Eagle Scout badge with the Boy Scouts. His Eagle Scout project involves improving the channel of a stream which overflows regularly in Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve in Staten Island by digging it out and removing debris.
About 1.5 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools entered the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2012 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state.
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A Tale of Two Mr. Gormans
Mr. Brendan Gorman '04 (left) and Mr. Bill Gorman (right)
After 24 years of teaching history at Xaverian, Mr. Bill Gorman was amused to hear a freshman refer to him recently as "Mr. Gorman's father." For the first time in the school's 56 year history, Xaverian has a father/son duo on faculty. Mr. Brendan Gorman, a graduate of the class of 2004, joined Xaverian's faculty this fall, teaching religion to the middle schoolers and freshmen.
Mr. Bill Gorman has served as a history teacher at 7100 Shore Road for the past 24 years. He is also the proud parent of three Xaverian graduates: Brendan '04, Billy '08, and Terence '11. Bill Gorman never had the opportunity to teach any of his children and when asked if they saw each other around campus frequently, Brendan replies, "Not unless I needed money for lunch." Even now as fellow faculty members, the two Mr. Gormans do not see each other in the halls much. Brendan says, "We are just never in the same place at the same time."
Most recently, Brendan taught History and Religion in grades 6-8 at Our Lady of Trust in Canarsie. He is overjoyed to be working back at his alma mater, saying, "I've been trying to get a job here for 5 years. Every year I sent a resume. I am very excited to finally be here." One of the best perks of life as a faculty member at Xaverian so far? Not having to ask his father for lunch money anymore.
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Wrestling Tournament Sunday at 9:00am
Xaverian is hosting the annual Clipper Classic Wrestling Tournament this Sunday at 9 am in the gymnasium. The tournament includes 12 teams from all over New York City and Long Island. Please come cheer on your classmates as they battle some of the best wrestlers in the area this Sunday at 9 am. Admission for students is $2.
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Belgium Exchange Program-One Spot Left!
There is one spot left for any student interested in going to Belgium in February as part of the school's exchange program. If interested, please speak with Mr. Giugliano before the end of this week.
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Basketball Games-Support the Clippers!
Xaverian is hosting Brooklyn rival Bishop Ford this Friday in a basketball triple header. The freshman team gets things started at 4 pm. The JV follows at 5:30 and the varsity contest begins at 7pm. Please come support your classmates this Friday evening.
Lastly, the basketball team opens their CHSAA league play this Saturday against Iona Prep. The Varsity B game tips off at 10 am, followed by the freshman contest at 12 pm, then the JV game at 1:45, and finally the varsity tips off at 3:30 pm. Please come see the Clippers open their league play this Saturday against Iona Prep.
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Feast Day Prayer Service Welcomes New Chaplain and Honors Mr. Verde
President Robert Alesi '78 (left) and Principal Kevin McCormack (right) presented Mr. Verde,
a beloved member of the Xaverian faculty for the past 43 years, with the 2013 Ryken Award.
On Tuesday, December 3rd, The entire student body (grades 6-12) assembled in the gymnasium to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Francis Xavier. During the prayer service, a number of special milestones were commemorated, including the heartfelt welcoming of a new Chaplain, Fr. Sean Suckiel, and the honoring of Mr. Joseph Verde, a beloved long-time teacher.
Fr. Sean Suckiel is replacing Fr. Michael Gribbon, who leaves Xaverian after five years of dedicated and loving service. Fr. Gribbon's enthusiasm and love for our God was contagious, and his spirited homilies will be missed. Xaverian wishes Fr. Gribbon continued blessings in his new ministry serving as Pastor of St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church in Flatbush.
Fr. Sean (pictured at right) currently serves as Parochial Vicar of Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point. He was ordained a Priest by Bishop DiMarzio on June 23, 2012, and is looking forward to his work at Xaverian, saying, "What I hope to bring to the Xaverian community is a pastoral presence, letting the students know that God is here, God is living, God is present in their lives and He is worth following."
The Xaverian community also presented the 2013 Ryken Award, which is awarded annually to a person who proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ, participates in the school’s community of faith, nurtures members of the community, is committed to academic excellence, fulfills the Gospel call to peace and justice, and who recognizes the talents of individuals and the importance of educating the whole person. This year's Ryken Award was presented to Mr. Joseph Verde, a dedicated faculty member for the past 43 years. Mr. Verde has made a profound impact on countless current students and alumni. All are invited to join in honoring him formally at the 2014 Spirit of Xaverian Gala on Thursday, May 15th (more details to follow).
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Robotics Team Continues to Innovate
The innovative members of Xaverian Robotics program continue to make waves! The team, whose name is The Brooklyn Blacksmiths, receives sponsorships from businesses and tech programs. One of their most prominent sponsors is Credit Suisse. As a thank you to Credit Suisse for their generous backing, team members Brendan Woods '14, Co-Captain, and Theo Doudak '14, designed and 3D printed a gear to be presented to Credit Suisse. A labor of love, the gear took an incredible amount of effort to produce.
The dynamic duo drew up their design, adorned with the team name and number, 806. To make the gear, they used a program called Auto Desk Inventor, and later downloaded it to another program called Rhino 5.0 for printing. The design process took about two hours. Then, they printed their masterpiece using the Up Plus 3D Printer, which is slightly larger and louder than the average printer. Using a spool of ABS plastic, the printer layers plastic .15 millimeters thick to create the gear, a process that took a full 8 hours. No small task, this is merely an example of the great things accomplished by Xaverian's Robotics team.
Brendan and Theo were also featured guests on an online radio show for the geocaching community where they spoke as authorities on designing and 3D printing cache objects. Geocaching is a hobby that involves hiding and seeking objects in various places around the community and leaving clues on internet message boards and social apps to lead other participants in their exploration. Our two young men have started a small business by taking orders from fellow geocachers for 3D printed custom objects made of weatherproof plastic. Check out the show here. Brendan and Theo are on from about 4:25-33:50. Great job, guys!
- submitted by William Kay '16
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Irish Culture Club
Irish Culture Club members please note—we will meet next week on Monday instead of Tuesday. Pipers are especially welcome. 2:30 in room 217.
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Ryken Dance
There will be a Ryken Dance for the disabled this coming Monday.
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Young Republicans Meeting
There will be a meeting for all members of the YOUNG REPUBLICANS on Monday 2:30 in room 105. New members are welcome.
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Psychology Club Meeting
Psychology Club will meet today at 2:25pm in Room 215. Please be prompt.
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College Applications Due
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ARE DUE IN GUIDANCE TWO (2) WEEKS
PRIOR TO COLLEGE DEADLINE. HOWEVER, ALL COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ARE DUE IN GUIDANCE DECEMBER 13TH.
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