Kearney Freshmen Thank Former Educators

By Marie Elena Giossi

Thank you — those two small words had the power to make a substantial impression on around 60 educators who were invited to Bishop Kearney High School’s first “You Make a Difference Day.”

Several dozen Kearney freshmen invited their elementary school teachers, principals and even a pastor — Msgr. Peter Kain from St. Ephrem, Dyker Heights, to their Bensonhurst school last Friday afternoon to express their gratitude to these men and women for making a difference in their lives.

Marie Elena Giossi

Lorraine Buckley beamed as six Bishop Kearney H.S. freshmen, her former students from Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, expressed their gratitude for the difference she’s made in their lives. From left, Teresa Thazhathukunnel, Camille Raimondi, Buckley, Jennifer D’Alessio, Elizabeth Wagner, Josephine Leone and Amanda Guarnaccia.

Robyn Bennet couldn’t choose just one person from her elementary school, St. Bernard, Mill Basin, so she invited Kathy Buscemi, principal, social studies teacher Patricia Bellard and language arts teacher Norma Strong.

“They all taught me well and prepared me for life.

Education is the key to life and nobody can take my education away from me,” Bennet told a visitor.

Educators arrived just before 4 p.m. and were escorted into the Catholic Center, located on the basement level. Banquet tables and light refreshments were set up so students could spend some time with their special guests.

Jamie Bracci and Colleen Shea both nominated 35-year teaching veteran Charles Seideman, their seventh-grade science teacher at the Bay Academy, Sheepshead Bay.
“He always helped me and made me understand science,” Bracci said.

But Seideman modestly pushed any accolades he received onto the girls.

“These young ladies always came into my class with the most positive attitude. If anyone thinks I’m a good teacher, it’s really because these students are of a high caliber,” he said.

The idea for this event came from Sister Virginia Lake, C.S.J., director of development. During a guidance class last fall, she asked the girls to write a few lines about an adult who had made a difference in their lives.

“The results were truly inspiring,” said Sister Thomasine Stagnitta, C.S.J., principal, who lauded educators and presented them with certificates of appreciation.

“One of the students … couldn’t pick just one teacher — they had all been so helpful. Another young lady reached all the way back to her kindergarten teacher. Two young ladies chose their pastors.

“You never know when what you say or do on a particular day will inspire a child for a lifetime,” Sister Thomasine said.

Although teachers and guidance counselors wanted to correct some of the grammar and spelling, they decided instead to pass along the students’ thoughts just as they had been originally expressed.

Every educator received a goodie bag complete with their student’s original note, a Kearney notebook and pen set, and a plaque inscribed with a quote about being important in the life of a child.

Six young ladies weren’t looking for Lorraine Buckley’s famous “five extra points and a lollipop” when they chose to write about her. They wanted Buckley, who teaches math, science and religion to seventh- and eighth-graders at Our Lady of Grace, Gravesend, to know how much they appreciate and respect her.

“She’s an amazing teacher. I admire the fact that she had cancer and she came to school and pushed through it,” said Our Lady of Grace alumna Jennifer D’Alessio.
Buckley beamed as the girls gathered around her, chatting and catching up.

“I am so touched. As a teacher, I can’t tell you how much this means to me. You work hard every day and you don’t always know if you’re failing or succeeding.
“I try to make them feel like they’re in a loving, caring atmosphere, especially in the seventh and eighth grade. You can’t just look at a kid and think they’re all the same. They’re all special in their own ways,” she said, looking at the faces of D’Alessio, Teresa Thazhathukunnel, Camille Raimondi, Elizabeth Wagner, Josephine Leone and Amanda Guarnaccia.

“I am really honored, especially because it’s these six girls. Bishop Kearney High School is lucky to have them,” she said.

Youth Views

What is your most treasured

memory of your mom?

Mario Avallone Holy Cross H.S. Sophomore My most treasured memories are of how she’s cared for all eight of her children. She does everything for all of us and she is always there when we need her.	Christopher Alamilla Holy Cross H.S. Freshman My most treasured memories are from when I was around four years old. My mom and I would eat lunch in the school park waiting to see my older brother come out for recess

James Benesh Holy Cross H.S. Junior Every day is a treasure. There are many kids out there that do not have a mother so I try to treasure my mom every day.	Linda Perez St. Joseph H.S. Senior My most treasured memory was when she visited the college of my choice and agreed that it was the right choice for me. She showed me that I have her full support and that I can always count on her.

Randy Bradley Xaverian H.S. Junior My most treasured memories of my mother are made whenever we have a good time because I like to see her laugh and smile.	Joseph Rizzo Holy Cross H.S. Senior The memories that stand out the most in my mind are of all the times she went to my basketball games to support me.

back to top