2008 Fr. Valdazo Scholar

The Father Stephen Valdazo Scholarship 2008 has been awarded to Colm Mulvany, who graduated from the eighth-grade at St. Joan of Arc School, Jackson Heights, last month. He has received a $2,000 scholarship to the secondary school of his choice — Xavier H.S., Manhattan, where he will be a freshman this fall.

In selecting Mulvany, Father Valdazo, parochial vicar at St. Joan of Arc, said, “Colm was a superior student and excelled in all areas of evaluation. Academically, his grades placed him at the top of his class. His behavior was exemplary. Colm always conducted himself in a manner of a polite and respectful young gentleman.

“Additionally, he exhibited a mature and responsible attitude toward his studies and responsibilities. He faithfully met academic deadlines and earnestly strived to be the best student he could be. Colm is a highly motivated student and a good role model for the younger students of St. Joan of Arc School and our community.

“Colm is also active in our parish community, particularly in our CYO sport program. He is always willing to lend a helping hand when called upon to do various tasks, ranging from helping out during Youth Council events, Religious Education classes or numerous school events.”

Eleven Grads from St. Luke’s Score H.S. Scholarships

Congratulations to the eighth-grade graduates from St. Luke’s School, Whitestone.

The school and parish community especially commend 11 students who have earned academic scholarships to continue their educational careers. They are: top row, Amanda Marinato, Rosemarie Geoghegan, Joseph Lugones, Victor Benavides; middle row, Caitlin McDonagh, Angelo Tierno and Bryan Hui; and bottom row, Serena Ambroselli, Gabrielle Moreno, Tira Affatato and Frank Celentano.

St. Luke’s pastor, principal and teachers wish all of the young women and men the very best in their high school careers.

Three Hall of Fame Inductees For St. Agnes’ Centennial Year

Alumni, faculty, religious and friends gathered at the Immaculate Conception Center, Douglaston, for a Liturgy of Thanksgiving and Gala Dinner in honor of the 100th Anniversary of St. Agnes Academic H.S., College Point, this spring.

Amid the festivities, Principal Sister Joan Martin, O.P., and assistant principal Susan Nicoletti asked the nearly 350 guests for their attention as the 2008 Hall of Fame honorees were recognized. The honorees were:

Sister Dorothy Kane, O.P., Financial Officer — A Dominican Sister for over 62 years, Sister Dorothy first entered the halls of St. Agnes in 1946 as a student. She returned in 1960 to teach math. By 1981, she also assumed the school’s business and financial responsibilities. A technological pioneer, she also established the school’s Computer Science Dept., which today offers full Internet access to students and faculty alike. Sister Dorothy continues to be an energetic contributor to the life of the school.

Maryanne Warren McCormack ’64 — Thirteen years after graduation, McCormack opened the first Visible Changes Beauty Salon and developed a training program for hairdressers. Visible Changes now has 16 salons in Texas. It has twice been recognized on a list of the nation’s fastest rising companies and was awarded the International Entrepreneurial Global Salon Award. A supporter of education, Maryanne’s company started The Visible Changes Education Foundation, which provides scholarships to employees and full tuition to any of their children who are accepted into medical school. Presently three young people are studying to be doctors as a result. Named one of Houston’s “Women on the Move,” McCormack credited St. Agnes with fostering her values, saying “St. Agnes and a Catholic education molded me into who I am today.”

Thomas McCormack, Faculty — Born in Ireland, McCormack has been part of St. Agnes’ English Dept. for over 30 years, serving as chairperson for many of those years. Sister Joan called him a model of a fine Christian gentleman. She noted that he’s not only played a major role in St. Agnes’ academic life, but also enriched students’ lives with his knowledge and enthusiasm.

McCormack said the source of his commitment to Catholic education has always been “the Dominican spirit which urges us to preach the truth found in Scripture.”

All who attended that evening took great pride in the impact St. Agnes A.H.S. has made on young men and women throughout its 100 years. Sister Joan looks forward to many more years of providing a quality Catholic education to the female population of the surrounding area.

St. Agnes’ centennial year will culminate with a Dec. 5 grand finale gala at the Milleridge Cottage.

A tradition of each World Youth Day, 10 saints and blesseds have been named official patrons for WYD08.

St. Peter Chanel

July 12, 1803-April 28, 1841

Memorial: April 28

Marist Father Pierre Louis Marie Chanel was martyred on Wallis and Futuna Islands in Oceania, where he and a band of missionaries learned the native language, taught in the local school and ministered to the sick — converting many to the faith. Jealous of the priest’s influence, the native king ordered his death. St. Peter Chanel is the first martyr in Oceania.

Blessed Mary MacKillop

Jan. 15, 1842-Aug. 8, 1909

Memorial: Aug. 8

At age 24, Maria Ellen MacKillop co-founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, Australia’s first religious order, which opened 17 schools to educate poor children. She devoted her life to improving education and living conditions for Aborigines and the poor. Her order continues today in Australia, New Zealand and Peru. She’s likely to become Australia’s first native born saint.

Servant of God, John Paul II

Father of World Youth Day

May 18, 1920-April 2, 2005

As head of the Roman Catholic Church for over 26 years, Polish-born Karol Wojtyla, better known as Pope John Paul II, has been described as “a voice of conscience for the world and a modern-day apostle

All 10 WYD patrons have been featured on this page throughout July. To review previous weeks, log onto www.thetablet.org.

back to top