BC Alumni Newsletter

May 2021

YOU DID IT!

BLEACHER PROJECT
CLOSE-OUT!
 Alumni Spotlight Replacements, closure implants on Congenital de-
fects of the heart, and mitral valve clip repairs. I
Mardi Flores Schenoni ‘85 continue to learn and evolve in my work even in
my 50’s. I got married in Milan, Italy and had twin
boys. I lived in Italy for a short time, only to return
It has been 36 years since back to NY. I traveled a lot while I was in Europe
I graduated from BC. and spent a lot of time learning about the Italian
Since then, I have moved way of life and developed a love for Italian cooking.
on and explored many It was important for me to give back to the com-
things. My experience at munity.
BC was full of happy and
memorable moments. I I volunteered in programs at UCLA to motivate
have maintained many disadvantaged high school children from inner-city
valuable friendships and schools. I worked in nonprofit organizations to
renewed some after help Latino and Filipino communities as well as
many years. The connec- volunteered my time in my church to participate in
tion I have with Burke is events to feed the poor and homeless. I also volun-
a long-lasting one. It pre- teered my time at a women’s outreach center help-
pared me for an incredi- ing and supporting battered women and children. I
ble journey of life lessons support certain organizations that support and
into adulthood. spread awareness for autism, having one of my
twin boys born with autism. I want to inspire chil-
Before college, I was already pressured by my parents to dren to strive toward doing what they want to do. I
pursue a medical career. My aspirations were formed by want them to develop their own path in their fu-
my successful parents. I started off my college education ture career and to pursue it for the right reasons. I
at UCLA. I studied pre-med there for the first two years try to inspire, motivate, and nurture my children in
but after my mother had a stroke, I made the decision to discovering their interests. After my life experi-
go back home and help my dad take care of her. I con- ence, I want my kids to find what is rewarding for
tinued my studies with two Associate’s degrees, one in them, not just push them toward a career that will
Biology and one in Nursing. I finished my Bachelor’s in not give them fulfillment. If they feel that the path
Biology many years later at UCLA. Though my life path they have taken isn’t what their true calling is, we
changed to a career in nursing, I still needed to finish have to support them and not punish or make
what I started. When I entered nursing I had no idea of them feel it’s the biggest mistake. Yes, we all make
the diverse opportunities in the field. My initial drive mistakes in life but my experience taught me still
toward healthcare was having aspirations toward making to pursue the avenues that gave me fulfillment
good money and living a good life. I realized later that I even though it was not the original path I was
found purpose as a nurse in healing and making a differ- guided to follow. My life experiences as an adult
ence, it was no longer about money nor having the were the influences that made me follow a different
means of having a good life. Though my parents had path that got me to my true calling and passion.
good intentions to teach me to strive toward higher-
paying jobs and following my dad’s journey, I found that After 36 years, I still
my real journey was in nursing. I tried every aspect of recall my memories
nursing, every specialty in different environments from at Burke. Even with
hospitals, clinics, public health, and the corporate world. my busy schedule, I
I became a manager at the age of 27, managing a hospital still make time to
in Manhattan, NY. After trying different management reconnect with my
positions, I realized that I belonged in the clinical prac- old friends from BC.
tice area. In 1997, I finally found my niche in the cardiac We talk of our pre-
cath lab assisting with heart procedures at New York cious memories as
Presbyterian Hospital in Queens. My expertise grew in well as share our
invasive cardiology assisting in performing procedures of life stories since we
the heart such as coronary angioplasties and stent place- left. I feel truly
ments, along with permanent pacemakers and cardio blessed to have
defibrillators. My career in invasive cardiology has been these memories and
the most rewarding career of my life. Since 1997, I have precious connec-
moved on in the invasive procedures that include cardi- tions all these years.
ac structural procedures such as Trans Aortic Valve
 BC Connections... the winter and spring track teams and
plays football. Our daughter Shayla is in
Christine & Andrew Halpin 5th grade at
St. John's in
BC class of 2000 Goshen
( Colin and
It all started Andrews al-
our junior ma mater).
year, that is We are
the year An- thrilled that
drew and I Shayla will
started da- be in the in-
ting. We augural 6th-
went to our grade class at the new Burke Catholic
Junior and Academy in the fall, continuing the
Senior Burke tradition! I worked at St. John's as
proms to- a COVID aid until recently, when I took
gether and a leave position as the school secretary.
fell in love For the last 16 years, Andrew has built
with Disney his career as a union Steamfitter in NYC.
on our BC
senior trip. We have been going back togeth- Something that BC instilled in us is a
er ever since (now with our children)! Our commitment to giving back. Andrew is a
home away from home, we were both very volunteer firefighter for Chester and is
active at BC. Andrew played soccer, was part the current President for Walton engine
of the ski and social awareness clubs, and and hose. He was the athletic director at
was a stage crew member. I ran track, was a SJS for 2 years, and I served as the athlet-
cheerleader, and was also a member of the ic coordinator for 3. We were also in
social awareness club. We became engaged charge of the kitchen for basketball sea-
on my 18th birthday and were married 2 son. Together we started the first SJS soc-
years later in 2003. We have been together cer program. I was the JV coach and An-
for 22 years and will celebrate our 18th wed- drew the Varsity coach. We have been
ding anniversary in May. We welcomed our volunteering at
first child Colin in 2005 our second Shayla in SJS for 10 years!
2010.
We have many
Catholic education is very important to us. fond memories of
We both attended local parochial schools our time at BC.
before BC, Andrew went to St. John's in Go- We are thrilled
shen, and I went to St Joseph’s in Mid- that both our chil-
dletown. We wanted the same experience dren will be at-
and opportunities for our children. Burke tending BC. We
was never a question for our family. Our son are a proud Eagle
Colin is currently a freshman at Burke. He family!
loves BC as much as we did. He competes for
 Voice of Eagles Past
Karen DeCrosta
BC 1979-2005 – English Dept. Chair, Vice Principal

It all began with a

busy signal—my ca-
reer at Burke Catho-
lic, that is. Back in
the day, there was
no call-
waiting. There was I
just-the busy sig-
nal. I was employed
at Mount Saint Mary
Academy in New-
burgh, a private celebrate the myriad accomplishments of so
Catholic high many alumni: doctors, nurses, teachers, musi-
school, and my alma mater. MSMA would be closing, cians, military veterans, consecrated religious,
however. The school simply did not have any more room artists, business entrepreneurs, and so many
to expand, and tuition was not meeting the expenses. I more vocations which have been undertaken
had interviewed in several places and had been offered a with commitment and distinction. My thanks
job at the School of the Holy Child in Rye, NY. to so many of you who continue to be in touch
in person, on Facebook, and by Christmas
On a school day, between classes, I placed a call to accept card.
that job. Busy signal, thank God, because in the interim I
became aware of a job at Burke Catholic. Making a long People ask me if I miss teaching. Certain-
story short, I interviewed with Sr. Mary McCarthy, and, ly! Fishing, reading, and traveling are nice, but
God bless her, she hired me that same day. I miss all of the things mentioned
above. However, I have wonderful memories
Thus began my time at BCHS, a tenure of twenty-seven of BCHS which I will ALWAYS cherish. Non
years and a part of my thirty-five year long career that I vox sed votum!
deeply cherish. Everything about Burke made me a bet-
ter person and a better teacher: the school’s commitment
to a values-based education; the quality curriculum; the
expectation of excellence for students; the leadership,
example, and love of the Sisters of the Presentation;
working with faculty who were wonderful mentors
(sometimes they did not even know that was happening);
the opportunity to be a Catholic educator, to develop my
career and to serve the school as teacher, administrator,
and, I hope, as a Christian role model. And the oppor-
tunity to learn something from my students, because as
much as I was able to impart knowledge to my students,
they gave me, practically everyday, new insights into cur-
riculum as well as life-lessons.

Life-long friendships were born at BCHS. I celebrate

those friendships and grieve the loss of many who have
gone Home to God. who continue to be in touch in per-
son, on Facebook, and by Christmas card.
 Eagles Soaring
Jeanine Braham Hall BC Class of 2000

Hendrick Hudson School District

Seniors in Dr. Jeanine Hall’s Biomedical Innova-

tions class recently put their scientific knowledge
to the test, along with their marketing savvy, in
order to solve problems and address health chal-
lenges that affect people everywhere. The class,
part of the Project Lead the Way Biomedical track
at the high school, focuses on the design of innova-
tive solutions for the health challenges of the 21st
century. “This project allowed us to get a much better
insight into the careers we would like to
The students researched the existence and signifi-
pursue, or at least have an interest in, when
cance of a biomedical problem of their choice, and
we graduate,” said senior Orion Ijeh. “I was
then explored past and present solutions. Based
able to learn how to research a topic and
upon their research, they each identified a product
properly adjust my presentation according
that would best address the problem they had se-
to my audience.”
lected. Finally, they explored possible design solu-
tions, selected the best approach, and developed a Some of the innovative products included a
design proposal, which they ultimately presented pain-free, EpiPen alternative patch, an app
to the class. to help people better understand nutrition
and make healthier choices, and ways to
During the presentations, students showcased
help paraplegics regain mobility.
their designs with models, prototypes, and/or or
schematics, while sharing their marketing plans for “I am very impressed with my students' em-
pitching the products to potential investors. pathic approach to developing biomedical
innovations that greatly focused on improv-
ing the quality of others' lives,” said Dr. Hall.
 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 togeth-
er again. In the meantime, we will highlight one of these amazing men and women in each month’s
newsletter.

2021 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame Inductees

Ron Biore

Rory Brady

Andrew Rivas

Katherine Juliano

Cynthia Philips

Ron Biore - BC Board of Trustees Chairman

Few if any other high school boards of trustees in the
archdiocese can claim someone with the breadth of C-
level experience and expertise that Ron brings to BC.
Fr. George Hafemann— Pastor of St. John the Evange-
list, BC Board of Trustee member

Ron is an ardent supporter of Catholic

education throughout Orange County
and the Archdiocese of New York. Ron’s
philanthropic support, and deep commit-
ment to our BC students is the embodi-
ment of our school motto, Non Vox Sed
Votum.

Burke Catholic is blessed to have his

leadership during this exciting time of
expansion. We are honored to induct
Ron into the Burke Catholic Hall of
Fame.
John Douthit, President BC (‘87)
 BC Day of Giving
THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
Every time we ask, the BC Community answers. Every time.
Day of Giving 2021 was truly a day the entire BC community: alumni, par-
ents, faculty, and staff showed their love for BC and our students.
We surpassed our goal in a way that we never imagined. The Bleacher
Project has been closed! But that is not all! We heard from so many
alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, faculty, and friends of BC–
sharing with us what BC has meant in their lives. We are grateful for all
the love, commitment, and dedication to our amazing BC students past,
present, and future! We know this is not possible without YOU,
Our BC Community!
Together we can continue to build a school where success is a tradition.
May means BC Prom!
Some memories from years gone by...
 “Why Burke Catholic?”
Rob Lee
BC Foundation President

My two sons attended Burke Catholic, and I can honestly say

that attending BC was a worthwhile investment in their fu-
our
tures. Both of them say they were glad they attended Burke Catholic. The atmosphere is
warm and friendly with great teachers who really care for the kids. I knew we made the
right choice to have them go to BC every time I saw them, and other students, smiling as
they went in and came out of the school.
BC offers small class sizes that allow for more individualized instruction. The teachers
work hard to prepare students for college and come in early or stay late to assist students
needing extra help or enrichment. The guidance counselors assist students in applying to
some of the best universities and for academic scholarships. Both my sons were awarded
academic scholarships from numerous top-level universities. I am confident BC has
helped to provide the tools they need to be successful in college and all future plans.
Burke helps prepare students to be high-quality, well-rounded, respected individuals. I
am proud to serve on the BC Foundation Board.
Points of Pride
our

RSVP to the Alumni BBQ

Our 1st Annual BC
Alumni BBQ is just
around the corner!
Help us get everything ready by letting
us know you are coming.

June 26 is going to be a great day!

 MENTORSHIP AND MILESTONES
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Faith Ferguson (BC Class of ‘82) -Stage Coach Inn
Michelle Barone ‘17-graduated from
We are hiring! Calling all hospitality professionals to
George Washington University with a
join our stellar team Stagecoach Inn is a great place
Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in
to work and we welcome everyone to apply for all
International Affairs.
positions on our website. We are looking for bar-
tenders, servers, dishwashers and housekeepers. Kate Dennehy ‘17- graduated from Fair-
Click here to apply: https://stagecoachny.com/work- field University Dolan School of Busi-
with-us ness

Patrick Douthit ‘17-received his Bache-

Ellen Roesch (BC Class of ’78) – CEO of Ellen
Roesch Your College Coach. Let Ellen simplify the lor of Arts Cum Laude in Business Ad-
college process for you. She offers full service college ministration from Misericordia Universi-
selection and application coaching. Ellen is experi- ty.
enced and knowledgeable in selection criteria, appli- Maverick Ramirez ‘17- received his
cation success & how to write a great essay. You will Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engi-
get personal one-on-on attention from beginning to
neering from Manhattan College.
end. Priced to fit all budgets and needs. Learn more
at yourcollegecoach.org. You can reach Ellen at Ciara Serpa ‘17- graduated from Iona
taxlawyer20@gmail. College with a BBA in Finance and In-
formation Systems. Will be pursuing her
Jeanine Grillo (BC Class of ‘12) - Jeanine is gradu- Masters of Science in Data Science at
ate of St. Thomas Aquinas (2016) and works as a Fordham University in the fall.
Senior Associated for Innovation & Enterprise Solu-
Lauren Staiger ‘18 - named Animal Care
tions at KPMG. She has been working with students
Associate at Wildlife Conservation Soci-
through KPMG’s University and Internship Program
and also offers services independently. Jeanine is ety.
ready to help young professionals navigate the job
market and coach them early on in their careers.
Contact Jeanine at [email protected]

Elizabeth Brady (BC Class of ‘98) -Plexus offers

Bioavailable clean supplements and an incredible
compensation plan. If helping people with wellness
and contributing financially to your family is some-
thing that motivates you please reach out to me . Fa-
cebook : Elizabeth Megan or IG: beth_megan11

Camden Olivero (BC Class of ‘18)- sign up to be a

ClothesLyner. Must live in Orange County NY. Visit
www.clotheslyne.com for information/application.
A Re-Imagining of Catholic Education in Orange County

Burke Catholic Academy

Burke Catholic Academy is a new middle school program that allows for students to
attend 6th-8th grade on the campus of John S. Burke Catholic High School.

To be chosen by the Archdiocese of New York to launch this innovative pilot pro-
gram is a testament to Burke Catholic’s commitment to being the premier college
preparatory school in the New York Hudson Valley Region.

We are excited to expand our legacy of academic excellence to our new Burke
Catholic Academy middle school students.

Registration information contact:

John Douthit, President – [email protected]

Tracy Sullivan, Director of Admissions – [email protected]

BC Family, Friends & Alumni Gala
Update...
BC Alumni Newsletter
February 2021

ReVitalize, ReEngage, ReConnect

Office of Alumni and Advancement

Your gift will have an immediate impact on all BCHS students.

Light the way for today’s students, so that they can find their way to impact
the world.

To make your gift today, please visit

www.burkecatholic.com

To double the impact of your donation check to see if your company participates in a matching
gift program - please visit

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:
[email protected]

Contact Information
John S. Burke Catholic High School
Office of Admissions, Alumni and Advancement
80 Fletcher St, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 294-5481 ext 132

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