BC Alumni Newsletter

January 2021
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Alumni Spotlight
Stacie (Gamma) DeMaro
BC ‘91
The year is 2021. My oldest son’s year to graduate from
Burke Catholic. It feels like it’s only a few years past
1991. The year I graduated from BC. Thirty years after
me, my oldest son will graduate from my high school
alma mater. I smile and cry and reminisce, sometimes
to my family’s laughter and usually to rolling eyes and a
smile (or snort). But the reason I reminisce? Because I
came out of high school with way more than I ever
ever was. They deserved Burke and Burke deserved
gave, but so with many things I will forever be grateful
them. Sitting and talking basketball with Mr. Turner
for. The lessons learned, the growing pains, the laugh-
while watching my sons play, after having played for
ter, fun, and the (sometimes) crazy choices. Four years
him as MY basketball coach? Surreal. And pretty awe-
of being fiercely competitive in sports, and most im-
some. Going in to chat with Mr. Debold during parent
portantly, having my friends. (Oh, and pretty grateful
-teacher conferences, whether or not he had one of
for not having to worry about social media. Can I get
my sons in his class? I would never miss the chance to
an Amen for that one? )
chat with a teacher and man I respect and adore.
I can’t lecture my sons too much, especially my senior, Hearing Ms. Kelly talk about my sons and how much
with “when I was your age” or “when I was a senior” she likes them and their participation in her class? My
because it’s so, so different for them. My worry and smile couldn’t get any bigger. I always tell people
fears, my excitement and celebration of it all is always who are considering Burke for their children, it’s a
shared with my friends. Those same friends I made at whole philosophy. It’s not just academics or sports.
Burke who made those years of growing up and making It’s not just small class sizes and a faculty who will
our choices so much better, the same friends who know each and every student and family. It’s faith and
turned their tassels and proudly wore their rings on discipline. Compassion and expectations. Values that
Ring Night with me, they are still my tribe and the ones are a part of everyday and support at every turn. It’s
who celebrate with me, shoulder my fears or pains with confidence to move forward once high school is over
me, and everything in between. That, to me, is my and a foundation of things I didn’t know I needed,
greatest gift from Burke Catholic. (And getting into the
until I did. It’s lifelong friendships and reunions
colleges I wanted. I owe the acceptance letters to
that remind you how much you truly loved your
Burke, too.)
class. (And the great hair we had back then). I
Which brings me to my teachers. Some of
wrote this on day one of the new year. A day full
whom are now teaching two of three of my sons. I won-
of gratitude and hope. And lots of good wishes,
der what they thought when they figured out they were
especially for all the seniors out there. Wishing
my sons? No matter, because those boys are a hundred
everyone a safe, healthy, and wonderful year.
times the students and amazing young people that I
 Always Family
Ellenjane Gonyea
BC 1970-1997
It is such a pleasure to see what Burke Catholic HS has
achieved, and how respected our school and alumni are
in the community. I started to teach Social Studies at
BCHS in 1970, just ten days after Bob and I were mar-
ried, and didn't depart until Matthew graduated in
1997. Then I became Principal at Coleman Catholic un-
til I retired. Following that, I had the pleasure to be an instructor for Mt. St. Mary
College's college degree completion for military personnel that greatly expanded
my world view. Looking for a project that would help in the difficult socio-
economic conditions of marginalized youngsters, I became involved in the founda-
tion and growth of Nora Cronin Presentation Academy, named for Sr. Nora Cronin
PBVM (Burke students of the 1970s will remember) who was my good friend.
I value Burke friendships greatly and gratefully, like colleagues through the
years, among them:
Kevin and Jeannette McGee, Jim and Mary Nagle, Karen DeCrosta, John Debold,
Kevin Lazarus, Bob Turner, Annette Petry, Nancy Burlew,
the late John Fedor and Sophie Bayno, Fran Fay, Toni
Gazzanga, Chris Rudy, Roberta Huntington, Diane Egan,
Keith Gallagher, Noreen White Rogan, and especially Sr.
Mary McCarthy and Sr. Josephine Ortner who were won-
derful leaders and mentors.
Former students are now wonderful administrators.
Traditions continue and magnificent innovations keep
Burke vital. Alumni are now parents of current students
who reaffirm pride in the Eagles Nest. It amazes me that
former students are in frequent contact from all over the
world: Sweden, Germany, Italy, the Caribbean, Ireland,
and now China, Philippines, and throughout the USA.
BCHS is firmly planted and truly globalized and that
is a wonderful thing!
 Voice of Eagles Past
Deborah (McBride) & Paul Heppes

Hello to all my fellow Burke Catholic Alums!

It’s great to keep up with everyone through the
BC newsletters. Our favorite school is doing a
fantastic job in expanding their outreach to all
of us. I’m always happy to read about everyone
to continue building our network and friend-
ships.

As some of you know, Paul and I met freshman

year at Burke. We graduated in 1982 (Crew of
’82) and we are still Eagles through and
through. Our oldest daughter, Clare, is a junior
at Burke Catholic, following in our footsteps. I
often joke with her that she is the Crew of ’22!
Our youngest daughter Kate, is a fifth grader at
St. John’s in Goshen. It is her plan to be an Ea-
gle in a few years.

We are lucky to have been given such an amaz-

ing foundation at Burke Catholic. Our parents
sacrificed so much for us to attend and we will
forever be thankful. I often think of our school
motto “Not Words But Deeds.” This motto has
been woven into our lives thanks to the won-
derful Presentation Sisters who taught us. Dur-
ing my time at Burke, I remember attending
Sunday Mass at the state hospital to be compa-
ny for the patients there. This started out as our
required community service and ended up be-
ing an experience where I received more than
gave. I am happy to say that our school motto
continues to be woven into the lives of Burke
students today. Service is paramount to who we
are as alums.
A life well lived... “Mary Albarino
is someone that con-
sistently gave me
such motivation. Al-
’
ways brought me up
in my lowest times.
Kind words and Snow
Days! “
Dan Schulz

“ A real life fairy God-

mother at Burke. She
made everyone feel
welcome and always
had her door open to
talk to. She had the
kindness soul ever and
made you feel like you
were talking to a friend
instead of guidance
counselor. “
Meg Catherine

“13 years ago

during my broth-
ers Burke open
house. They in-
troduced “the
woman you can
go to if you rob a
bank, and will be
there for you”,
Mrs. Albarino.
That was the mo-
ment I decided to
go to Burke “
Matt Thompson
“Heaven gained the real life fairy godmother, Mary Albarino. The woman who got so many of us
through high school, who I referenced in witness talks throughout college and who changed the
world for the better. Rest easy Ms. Albs, and keep watching over us.“
Meg Kerr

Mary is the reason I wanted to become a School
Counselor and the reason why I am now working
as a School Counselor at Burke. No matter what
grade we were in or who our assigned counselor
was, we always knew Mrs. Albarino was there for
us if we needed her, and boy did we need her!
The impact she has had on me and all of BC will
last forever. Katie Conroy
Snow days will be a little differ-
ent now. Truly a real life fairy
godmother to all of her stu-
dents. You will be missed by all.
Thank you for all you did in sup-
porting my journey to becoming
a school counselor.
Allison Smith

We remember her dedication to her students, and Burke Catholic.

She will be deeply missed by all she touched.
John Douthit BC President
 "Hi, I'm Mary" were the first words spoken to me by the kind, funny, and amazing
Mary Albarino on my first day at Freshman orientation at Burke Catholic. It was the
first day at Burke for the Class of 2010, but it was also my first day as a teacher. I was
nervous and unsure. She was warm, kind, and welcoming. Mary was more than a col-
league. She was a role model, mentor, and most importantly, friend. She would an-
swer my questions, give great advice, and when I need it, she would just listen. She
was the same with Burke students, whether she was their guidance counselor or not.
She loved them and was a fierce advocate. She provided a safe place in her office, an
ear to listen, and quite a few times, a questionable late pass to class. She was a con-
stant presence at Burke events: football and basketball games, concerts and musicals,
fashion show, and NHS inductions, even after she retired. I looked forward to her
snow forecasting, games updates and musical reviews on Facebook. It is impossible
to think of pot roast without thinking of Mary. As many Burke alumni have posted, I
would not be the person or teacher that I am today, if I had not met or worked with
the incomparable Mary Albarino. Rest in peace dear friend. You will be missed.

Dawn Ferriolo
 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame
The Burke Catholic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors BC alumni, faculty, staff, and extended family who
exemplify the highest ideals of Catholic education and live by the standards of our school motto, “Non Vox Sed
Votum” – Not Words but Deeds.

Since 2002 we have been honoring the inductees at our annual BCHS Family, Friends & Alumni Gala. We are
looking forward to celebrating our 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees when we can all gather together again. In the
meantime, we will highlight one these amazing men and women in each month’s newsletter.

2020 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame Inductees

Rory Brady

Andrew Rivas

Katherine Juliano

Cynthia Philips

Rory Brady
BC ‘96
Rory’s commitment to the community shines bright in
each interaction he has with everyone around him. He
continued to be committed to honoring his community
showing that it is deeds and not words that make the
difference. Rory is an inspiration to current students
and alumni to live by Non Vox Sed Votum.
Dan Sullivan ‘96

Rory was an excellent soccer player for me on

two sectional championship teams. I asked
him to sacrifice personal statistics and play
multiple positions for the betterment of the
team. Our relationship has come full circle. I
now have to listen to him and obey his wishes
in my role as an attorney appearing in his
court. No conflict of interest here.
Chris Shust -BC Boys Varsity Soccer Coach
 Join Us...
For the first time we can all come together at our annual art auction!
No matter where you are in the world, join us on Saturday, January
30th!

Register to join the auction :

Bid.marlinart.com
Join us for a virtual cocktail party :
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85117140572?
pwd=aDBnaWNvOTRvNGJnZlJTbXkyVU1qUT09
Meeting ID: 851 1714 0572
Passcode: tAN84b
our

Thank You to all who watched Mystic Pizza in

our first Netflix Watch Party
Congratulations to Kristen Moss
( Mom of Whitney ‘11 & Lyndsey ‘14) winner
of our 80’s trivia!

Stayed tuned for our next watch party!

SAVE THE DATE

 MENTORSHIP AND
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Ellen Roesch (BC Class of ‘78)
CEO of Ellen Roesch Your Col-
lege Coach. Let Ellen simplify the
college process for you. She offers
full service college selection and
application coaching. Ellen is experi-
enced and knowledgeable in selec-
tion criteria, application success &
how to write a great essay. You will
get personal one-on-one attention
from beginning to end. Priced to fit
all budgets and needs. Learn more
at yourcollegecoach.org .
You can reach Ellen at taxlaw-
yer20@gmail.com.
Jeanine Grillo (BC Class of ‘12) is a
graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas (2016)
and works as a Senior Associate for
Innovation & Enterprise Solutions at
KPMG. She has been working with stu-
dents through KPMG’s University and
Internship program and also offers her
services independently. Jeanine is
ready to help young professionals navi-
gate the job market and coach them
early on in their careers.
Contact info:jgrillo@kpmg.com
MILESTONES
Andrew Jackson ‘ 08 - Started as As-
sistant Defensive Coach at West Vir-
ginia University
Michelle Lenzi ‘14 - Named North-
western Mutual Park Avenue Agency’s
2020 Recruiter of the Year for 2020
Clara (Bingjie) Qi ‘15 - Started as As-
sociate Management Consultant at
PwC
Ryan Geraghty ‘ 16 - Earned fall 2020
Deans List Honors at SUNY New Paltz
Byrana McCartney ‘ 16 - Graduated
from Marywood University with an MS
in Nutritional Sciences
Julia Merie Leary ‘ 19 - Started as
Alumnae Relations Director at Alpha
Xi Delta & Academic Tutor at Syracuse
University
Annie Dwyer ‘20 - Earned fall 2020
Deans List Honors at Salve Regina
University
BC Alumni Newsletter
January 2021

ReVitalize, ReEngage, ReConnect

Office of Alumni and Advancement

Thank You! Thank You ! Thank You!

To all who have responded to the Add a Zero Campaign,
we are so very grateful!
Your continued support is what powers BCHS.

We are asking one more thing of you this year... Visit us at the site below to
see if your company participates in the Corporate Matching Program.
It is a simple way to Double the Impact of your gift to BC this year.

https://doublethedonation.com/BCHS
 If you would like to be in-
cluded in the next news-
letter or have a Milestone
or story you would like to
share, contact Karen Dwyer:
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org

Contact Information
John S. Burke Catholic High School
Office of Admissions, Alumni and Advancement
80 Fletcher St, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 294-5481

burkecatholic.com
facebook.com/burkecatholichighschool
facebook.com/BCadmissionsandadvancement
twitter.com/burkecatholichs
instagram.com/burkecatholichs