ST. BENEDICT’S: A HAVEN FOR WRITERS
May 2008
This spring has been quite a time for aspiring writers at St. Benedict’s.
The school has had it all lately – from award winning authors who’ve been on the New York Times Bestseller’s List to alumni that have gone on to greener pastures with their writing ability.
The Hive, to say the least, has been abuzz with novelists, playwrights, poets and screenwriters.
“What a wonderful experience this has been for high school kids,” said Noreen Connolly, English teacher and adviser of The Benedict News.
Heck, what has been happening here at 520, has been a fulfilling adventure for everyone involved. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a writer, art teacher or a student involved in biology, it’s hard not getting caught up in the hype.
It all started when author and alumnus John Van Kirk ’70 visited the school for a workshop on Tuesday, April 1. Van Kirk’s short story, “Newark Job,” was studied by students in “The Writers in Schools Program” sponsored by the The Hudson Review and put together by Dr. David Wolf, Chair of the St. Benedict’s English Dept.
Wolf also coordinated the first “Newark High School Writing Contest,” a competition that began in March and culminated Wednesday night, May 7, with an awards ceremony and public reading at the Paul Robeson Gallery on the campus of Rutgers-Newark.
The contest, which drew over 150 entries from five schools in the University Heights section of Newark – St. Benedict’s, Arts High, St. Vincent’s Academy, Central High and North Star Academy – was co-sponsored by the MFA Program at Rutgers Newark and their distinguished leader Jayne Anne Phillips.
Phillips, who was appointed last year as the Director of Rutgers-Newark’s first master’s writing program, was the host of the ceremony and Chidi Asoluka ’01 was the master of ceremonies. Phillips, whose 1984 novel, Machine Dreams, was a New York Times Bestseller, is who drew Asoluka to the MFA program at Rutgers Newark after graduating from Georgetown in 2005.
“I wasn’t planning on being part of a MFA program two years after getting out of Georgetown,” said Asoluka. “But once I was told Jayne Anne Phillips was starting up a program in at Rutgers-Newark, I did some research and was so impressed that I wanted to be part of this type of program in this city.”
Asoluka, who actually thought he would be some sort of counselor at this point in his career, knows now that his calling is writing. He felt a special affection for his alma mater at the ceremony and was thrilled to see some of his former mentors on hand. The fact that a number of St. Benedict’s students (nine in all – see list of award recipients from the school below) came away with honors, made the evening even more special for charismatic Asoluka.
“To be back here and to see students and their writings, I still feel like I’m one of them,” Asoluka said.
The awards ceremony came on the heels of an stimulating Tuesday at St. Benedict’s when former student-turned-accomplished author, Kyle Dargan ‘98, and New York Times bestseller Amy Hill Hearth were on hand at two separate events.
Dargan, who teaches literature at American University and had his most recent book of poems, Bouquet of Hungers released last fall, was on hand to work with students in a Spring Phase magazine project conducted by Connolly and Jeff Austin.
The group of students are in the midst of publishing a 28-page magazine. Dargan, who has spoken to high school students before, was more than a speaker. He was part of the project as a subject and aid in conducting interviews.
“Of course there is more to talk about when I come back to Benedict's because the students and I share that common experience,” he said. “I like to let them know I had a lot of the same teachers they did as a way of reinforcing the fact that the faculty is there to help you get to where you want to be.”
Austin ’96 was appreciative of Dargan taking time out to return to his alma mater while coming to the area from Washington D.C. on a business trip.
“It was great to have an alumnus come back and help us – especially in the writing we are doing for the magazine,” said Austin. “To have a professional writer come in and talk to the kids was very impressive.”
Hearth, formerly a writer with the New York Times, was on hand at Radel Library to talk specifically to the project group headed by Pam Wye-Hunsinger, whose class is working on Lenape Indians. Hearth, who’s most famous for her book Having Our Say: The Delaney Sisters’ First 100 Years, just released her most recent novel Strong Medicine Speaks: Native American Elder Has Her Say. The story is about an Elder from a Lenape tribe in South Jersey.<>
Hearth, whose story on the Delaney sisters was on the N.Y. Time Bestseller’s list for 405 weeks and was later made into a Broadway Play and then a movie, offered some sound advice to the youngsters who came to hear her speak.
“Listen to yourself and be who you want to be,” she said. “Just because somebody else thinks it’s important, doesn’t necessarily mean it is. Think independently. Seek your own path to the truth.”
Notes: Here are St. Benedict’s award recipients from the 2008 Newark High Schools Writing Contest: In the essay category, Marcus Edwards won first place for his essay, "A Mother's Instruction to Her Son;" in the poetry category, Kwasi Agyemang won second place for his poem, "400 Years of Gold;" in the fiction category, Ratnaventh Gunaratnam won second place for his story, "Raining Tears."
In addition, Dylan Knox won honorable mention in poetry; Kevin Hall and Cody Petit-Frere won honorable mention in fiction; and Babajide Kale, Naji Curry, and Damon Ware won honorable mention in the essay.
--Story by Ron Jandoli
--Photos by Charles Eluwa '08
Dowdy was a little apprehensive tangling with Notre Dame's Jon Mereitt in the 130-pound final. Dowdy and Mereitt both grew up in Millstone and wrestled together in the township recreation program. Dowdy, in fact, nearly joined his neighbor at the catholic school in Lawrenceville, but instead wound up in Newark.
Matt Aaron (112 pounds), Zach Jacobs (119), Naeem Boucher and Bobby Bah (152) all joined Dowdy and Luvsandorj in the final. But Aaron was pinned, while Jacobs, Boucher and Bah all were out-pointed and wound up in second. Rob Ranalli (125), Isaiah Cromwell (189) and Xavier Vassell (215) each placed third.
DiPiano, in his eighth year as the head coach of the Gray Bees, picked up his 150th career victory last Saturday in the championship match when the St. Benedict's captured the Iron Horse Duals in Maryland.
Fr. Albert was honored Wednesday, Jan. 7 by the City of Newark with a resolution for the work he put forth in his latest book, From Holidays to Holy Days: A Benedictine Walk through Advent.
Senior Marco Pendas in foil and junior Rodrigo Bergamasco in epee were perfect in three bouts apiece to spark St. Benedict's past St. Peter's, 15-12, before an exuberant crowd in Shanley Gymnasium.
"I slacked off and paid the price. I deserved it and learned my lesson," said Knox. "It was hard to sit and watch. But I had to stay focused and wait until I got my chance. It definitely felt good to help lock up the win."
The St. Benedict's basketball team won its second tournament in as many weeks. This time, the Gray Bees traveled to Puerto Rico and claimed the Gatorade International Championship.
Fr. Albert, the creator and conductor of our wonderful Program, understands this aspect of Christmas and, also, just how to let the Spirit 'move' the Program's singers and instrumentalists - whether they are few or many, and having much rehearsal time or almost none.
Every student of the small group sang with great intensity, and every singer seemed to be aware of his place in the ensemble. One could see, even from far back in the rows of Conlin auditorium, how many boys were taking cues from each other and, at the same time, really synchronizing themselves with Fr. Al. All the old pieces, so familiar to this writer, were sung with freshness and excellent volume and tempo. We liked, especially, the gentle and moving "For the Beauty of the Earth" - always the opener - then, the Jamaican "He Born," delivered by the group with real Calypso verve, including Fr. Al's upbeat guitar work, and, also, "A Voice Cries Out in the Wilderness" with outstanding solo parts by senior, Elijah Brown. The newer "O Come, Emanuel," arranged in Gospel style for the group by Rev. Winstead, was the perfect background sound for the solo 'overlay' of the traditional version of the carol - sung in Fr. Al's inimitable baritone Latin. And Rev. Winstead's other arrangements of some of his own Gospel pieces, as well as the old standard 'Soon and Very Soon', rocked the house, as usual. The Spanish carol "Hoy en la Tierra", sung by a small group of our native Spanish speaking students to Fr. Al's guitar accompaniment, was unusually crisp and energetic - yet reverent at the same time. And the beautiful "O Come Divine Messiah" sung by Fr. Al, Fr. Boniface, Fr. Maynard, Fr. Augustine, Bro. Max and Bro. Patrick as well as a beautiful piece of Gregorian chant, subtly and powerfully reminded the audience of Jesus' presence behind all our human efforts. In addition, the slide show of Scriptural scenes and Benedict's activities that accompanies the singing throughout the Program was perfectly coordinated to the music - and senior Philmon McFadden and Jose Santamaria, the readers of the poetry and Scripture, were excellent.
But the strongest pieces rendered by this year's deceptively small group of Benedict's vocalists were the "The Spirit is A-Movin'" and "He's the King of Kings." The 'burden' of "The Spirit is A-Movin" starts softly and slowly, "The Spirit is a movin' all over, all over this land," repeating over and over in a building wave of sound, interrupted by numerous verses, and rising to a peak of intensity then it returns to its softer and slower mode at the closing.
Our new instrumental teacher, Dr. Jeremy Fletcher - classical and jazz saxophonist and, tonight, flutist in the pit orchestra - was a real gift to this year's Christmas Program. In all the years that we have heard the pit orchestra, we have always been just a bit 'jostled' by its sometimes-too-loud presence, often overwhelming the singers. But Dr. Fletcher created a sound from our instrumentalists that was at once strong, melodic and well-timed - yet modulated perfectly to the voices of the chorus. There was not one moment during the Program when we couldn't hear the words of the songs - let alone the music! Bravissimo to Dr. Fletcher and our instrumentalists! - and especially to senior Chris Lowe, whose drumming exemplified the excellent timing and modulation of the whole group.
The cross-country team, which won its fourth straight state Prep title, had Matt Jensen and Jared Mason on the All-Prep First Team. Garland Miller was a Second Team pick, while Daniel Gaspar and Sergio Wilcher each were Third Team selections.
The soccer team, once again, dominated the All-Prep after claiming its 20th straight state title. Walter Rodriguez headed the list of five players who made First Team by being named The Player of the Year (click 
Mocco, whose father, Joe '61, and uncle, Pete '60, were St. Benedict's grads, was on hand to teach a few techniques to the young Gray Bees wrestlers, most notably his patented foot sweep - a move he used to record more than half of his 187 pins as a scholastic wrestler. It's also the move that allowed him to eventually score the winning takedown and beat Minnesota's Cole Konrad in overtime of NCAA finals in 2005 while he was at Oklahoma State. He also won the 2003 collegiate championship as a member of Iowa's wrestling team.
"Steve would do anything for these kids," said Joe Mocco, who drove with his son from their native North Bergen home for the impromptu appearance. "He told me he couldn't wait to get here when we were coming down. He really looks forward to giving back and helping out the kids any way he can."
Lupica, a newspaper columnist in New York for over three decades, a span in which he has produced over 7000 columns, feels like a "dinosaur" in the newspaper industry, one that is being swallowed up by the internet.
Dr. Robert Curvin was one of the most prominent Civil Rights activists in New Jersey over 40 years ago. The advocacy group he led - Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) - and those like it are part of the reason so many minorities have the opportunities that weren't available when he was a younger.
friends arrested and punished fighting for their convictions.
Manny Alvarez, our much loved head of maintenance, died Nov. 13 at Raritan Bay Hospital.
Brother Patrick Winbush, O.S.B., the Director of Vocations here at St. Benedict's, will be honored Saturday as one of the first recipients of the Bishop Joseph A. Francis Award.
Dr. Joshua Aronson, an associate professor of psychology and education at New York University, was the keynote speaker. Aronson, an author who's internationally known for his research on minority achievement, gave a provocative slide show on stereotypes and their misconceptions. He showed that typical theories of stereotypes can be swayed depending on the circumstances and psychological factors concerning things such as standardized testing and other determining methods.
As an Olympic champion who has soared to celebrity status, Cullen Jones could have easily forgotten where he came from.
The 24-year-old Jones, who helped the United States 4x100-meter relay team win gold medal and shatter the world record in one of the most memorable events in Summer Olympics history in Beijing, told the students at every turn to "Dream Big," which has become his own personal motto since graduating from St. Benedict's in 2002.
"Some of the life lesson's I learned came directly from this place and they'll stick with me forever," said Jones, who gave an empathic "No!" when asked if he thought he could have become an Olympic champion had he not attended St. Benedict's.
numerous television and print interviews, throughout the day. Jones even told the kids at water polo practice, "Listen to Cass. He knows what he's talking about. I'm proof."
Jacobs has done more than just contend for a state championship - he has captured a staggering 21 in all, including 19 straight. His teams have reeled in an unprecedented six National Championships while creating a venerable who's who of former players that have gone on to grace national and professional teams worldwide.
He's a friend, confidant, counselor and even a surrogate father to most of the players who walk into his life.
"The significance of 500 will probably be one that I remember the guys who I first meet here and every guy who's had a chance to come through here since then," Jacobs said. "It's about them and what they have accomplished. Not me."
Asked if he's surprised by his achievements, Jacobs said, "I'd be a fool if I thought I could have accomplished this."
Also on hand promoting the International Cup, besides some of the St. Benedict's players and coach Rick Jacobs, were Fr. Edwin and soccer great and St. Benedict's alumnus Claudio Reyna, who drew just as much or even more attention than the "Survivor" star when people realized he was in attendance. The tournament proper will include six-time National Champion St. Benedict's, the Under-18 clubs from Chelsea FC (England) and the National Teams from Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. All games will be played at NJIT's Lubetkin Field.
In the midst of Mount Carmel’s move from their long-time Newark location into the more spacious former Catholic school in Bloomfield, the St. Benedict’s students transformed the plain white walls of the school into a work of art.
St. Benedict's students rose to the challenge and not only created engaging designs but completed the painting of the entire alphabet mural in time for the end of First Term and the return of the Mount Carmel preschoolers for the start of their new school year.
"Right out of the gate this was successful and it has grown to become one of the hottest commodities in the country," said McLaughlin, a member of the St. Benedict's Board of Trustees and a self-proclaimed basketball nut. "You get good speakers that people want to hear - from national championship coaches to some of the best tactical guys in the country - is what draws people here every year."
St. Benedict's blue-chip prospect Tristan Thompson, who's listed as the No. 5 rated player in America for the Class of 2010, got a first-hand look at how his future college coach conducts his drills. Thompson, a 6-9, 200-pound power forward, gave a verbal commitment to attend Texas last year and will play for Barnes in two years.
"I just love teaching," stated Brown, a Jerseyan himself, who grew up in Elizabeth and graduated from St. Mary of the Assumption High School. "The fact that St. Benedict's asked me on board, it's been an honor and a pleasure coming here. This has always been a famous place in my mind, not just in sports, but for the quality of education. I respect that tremendously."
Marc Cintron, who was moved from the midfield into an attacking role in the second half of a 3-0 victory over Blair in the last game, stayed up top this time around. The move seems to be paying off - not only for the technically sound Cintron, but for Rodriguez as well.
Mason won the Freshman Race, set at 3,500 meters, in 11:52.9 - the best time in at least the last decade - and beat out the other 301 runners in the race. As a team, the Gray Bees finished sixth with 206 points. Asides from Mason, Danny Gaspar also posted a top 10 finish with a ninth place finish in a time of 12:50.4. Miles Clark (70th), Kolonji Foster (94th), Justin Nwadiozor (95th), Kendall Kirkland and Kenyon Wright rounded out the runners that competed for St. Benedict's.
Fletcher, the new director of instrumental music, and Fitzpatrick, the head of the vocal program, were each persuaded the join the St. Benedict's staff after consultations with students - not administrators - of the music program here at St. Benedict's.
Fitzpatrick was the one who really needed to be coaxed. Besides having other job offers, he was across the country in Arizona.
Carnahan and nine of his closest allies, including former St. Benedict’s mentors, Tom McCabe and Marc Onion, formed Team Vitality to take part in the LIVESTRONG Challenge. The Century Ride is the signature event for the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
“It was pretty tough on me, but I was putting Megan through a lot,” said Carnahan. “Here’s a woman preparing for her wedding and this happens. But she’s been my rock through it all. She went through every chemo session, every doctors appointment and was always there when I needed a lift.”
Carnahan and Team Vitality – besides the early reflection by the leader himself – stayed and strayed together, for the most part, during their 100-mile trek through the “burbs” of Philly. One of the riders and more experienced peddlers of the group, Tom McCabe, said he and Carnahan “probably did about 103 miles” because of his miscalculation and wrong turn during a stint in the route.
It was a lesson in life and the hard work it takes to achieve success.
“It’s not about the money,” she said. “It’ about getting to the truth. As a reporter, we have skills that most people don’t. We can write and we can analyze. But you have to ask the questions – most people will tell you anything. Knowledge is power and what we write matters. So make sure you do the research – you have to check and double check your sources.”
The students were also treated to the interactive side of the paper where Antonson puts his artistry to use. Drawings and caricatures don’t get as much credit in the newspaper world as a whole, but are an integral part of its heartbeat. Antonson’s job as an Interactive Artist is mainly used for the WSJ’s online edition, but his creations do get some play in the print edition.
Some students even drew inspiration from the speakers and may aspire to be journalists beyond The Benedict News.
“It really sparked my interest in pursuing journalism as a career,” said senior Dylan Knox. “The people were very supportive and even offered to guide me in college searches for schools with great journalism programs. It was a great experience.”
“I had the option of Giants Stadium or at the Red Bulls (complex),” said Reyna, a 1990 graduate of St. Benedict’s, who became one of the most decorated players in U.S. history. “The perfect place to have the conference was at St. Benedict’s. It’s like my second home.”
After UVA, he made the unusual leap to play professional soccer in Europe. American players rarely played in Europe then, so Claudio was an exception. He really had to prove himself.
“I’ve been asked to be on the Board of Trustees at St. Benedict’s,” said Reyna, who was appointed to the St. Benedict’s board back in December. “I will also stay involved with Red Bulls and focus on my foundation.”
Williams, who is headed to Sacred Heart University in Connecticut, won the Junior title in the United States Fencing Association Summer National Championships on Sunday, July 6, at the San Jose Convention Center.
Reyna’s foundation is designed to help kids in the inner-city and other disadvantaged areas through soccer. But it will be much more than kids just “kicking a ball.” The program, with infrastructures already established at St. Benedict’s and Brooklyn, will aid children through education, health and well-being – both physically and mentally.
“I think it’s terrific that he still has St. Benedict’s in his overall awareness. I wish I had more guys of his generation thinking about us,” said Fr. Edwin. “He is bringing awareness to the inner city; something St. Benedict’s has been committed to for quite some time. He sees a need and goes out and makes it happen. That’s what makes Claudio Reyna so special. I’m glad he’s one of us.”
Reyna’s goal is to have an academy-type operation run in inner-cities across America and beyond. And, like his career has evolved as one of the best midfielders the U.S. has ever produced, he plans and being right in the middle of all the action for his foundation, not just a namesake.
Such is the case for Bill McNamara..jpg)
That’s when McNamara finally came to fully understand the fraternity that is St. Benedict’s..jpg)
Low-and-behold, the St. Benedict’s spirit paved the way for McNamara. After four operations – the last coming in February – McNamara is up and about again. So much so that, on Friday, June 13, he was back on New Jersey soil surrounded by a number of his classmates and many others who came together for the Senior Alumni Luncheon at The Breakers Restaurant in Spring Lake..jpg)
“I had guys calling me every week, every day,” recalled an emotional McNamara of the outpouring of support he received from his fellow classmates. “It’s hard for me to even talk about it now because of how unbelievably kind everyone was.”
The praise heaped upon the 100 or so who walked down the aisles of Colin Auditorium on Sunday, June 1, was a just reward for a job well-done. And the person chiefly responsible for Fr. Edwin’s approval was the leader of the entire senior class, Dan Sheehan.
“This wasn’t about me, it was about the entire class always stepping up to get the job done,” Sheehan said. “That's what allowed our class to get recognized. It wasn't one guy leading, it wasn't even seven guys. It was 100 guys always watching each others back.
My two years at St. Benedict’s Prep proved to be a life altering experience. It’s here that I learned how to care – my community, my teachers, my family. I discovered that it is about being the best you can possibly be on a daily basis in an attempt to realize your potential.”
Success and his formula to achieve it was the main theme of the Commencement Address given by Charlie Cawley, who was also on hand to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of his graduating class of 1958. The CEO of a Fortune 500 company, Cawley told graduates to believe in themselves, make excellent habits, have the right attitude and “be careful who you run with” by making the appropriate associations. He also told them to continually write down their ideas and keep pursuing their dreams.
“When I think of high school, I don’t think about St. Benedict’s. When I think of home, community, friendships and loyalty, that’s when I think of what this school has given me and my classmates,” Sheehan said. “There's something about Benedict’s that you can't really describe. It's given me lessons that I could never thank them enough for and I’m going to do whatever I can in my future to make sure kids get the opportunity that I had.”
This year, for the first time since this ritual started for St. Benedict’s when Fr. Edwin led a group of students on their first journey into the woods in 1973, the freshmen were aided in their ascent by the Midshipmen. It was part of the U.S. Naval Academy’s Department of Leadership, Ethics and Law (USNA-LEL) partnership.
“We didn’t know what to expect coming in here,” said Midshipman Toshi Williams, who is selected to serve as Regimental Commander for her upcoming senior year at the academy. “Mentally it was a struggle because we didn’t know where we were going and the rain just added to the toughness of the whole situation.”
Fr. Philip Waters, who, along with Fr. Mark Payne, have been on the trail for 33 of the 35 years it’s been navigated, was quite impressed with the members of the Naval Academy.
The celebration kicked off in the afternoon when Charlie Cawley was bestowed with the naming of a building his family’s honor. What was known as the freshman building, has been renamed Cawley Hall, a little token of appreciation for all the 1958 graduate has done for his alma mater.
The celebration continued, so eloquently, into the night at the Annual Dinner when Bishop Paul Bootkoski ’58, Mike Caruso ’63 and Dr. Robert Lahita ’63 were honored with the prestigious Medal of St. Benedict’s. Rev. Bootkoski, who was named the Bishop of the Diocese of Metuchen by Pope John Paul II in 2002, was on St. Benedict’s first advisory committee and was instrumental in the reopening of the school in the summer of 1973.
“He was dedicated to this place before the school closed and has been a terrific, faithful supporter ever since the school reopened,” said Fr. Edwin. “His presence alone is what draws other people to our cause and has helped lead us to where we are today.”
This is not an accident,” Dr. Lahita said. “The root of life must begin with the seed – the seed of potential. In the last several decades, this school has done more for its young men than anything I know – planted the seed.
Br. Patrick, however, has no regrets. How many people can say they’ve been on hand to see two different Popes live and in person?
Br. Patrick also had a close-up view of the Pontiff 13 years ago when Pope John Paul II visited the metropolitan area. Winbush, at the time, was just a sophomore at St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth and was part of the school’s student body that showed up at Newark Airport to greet the Pope.
Br. Patrick, the Director of Vocations here at Newark Abbey, was also involved in one of the more intimate gatherings with Pope Benedict XVI. He had one of the selected few reserved seats at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City for the Pontiff’s clergy-only mass.
for those not only in the religious sect, but for everyone who got to see the Pope’s special appeal.
"We spent 35 hours on the road and 37 hours in Atlanta," said Glenn Cassidy, who chaperoned the music department's trek to the capital city of Georgia.
"There was a mix-up on our bus reservation and we were forced to leave later than we had planned," said Peter Holsberg, Chair of the music department.
The travel disasters made no difference in the performances and, perhaps, made them focus harder on the task at hand. There were six groups that competed against eight other schools. Five groups came in first place and one came in second place.
"They overcame adversity and performed at a very high level," he said. "Most importantly, they behaved like gentlemen and represented the school in the best light possible."
The Fifth Annual Jazz and Gospel Fest at St. Benedict's Colin Auditorium had quite an appeal to it. St. Benedict's, which put forth a typical solid effort from its jazz and vocal ensembles, shared the stage with it peers from Delbarton.
Meader, however, was "just part" of a school performance at St. Benedict's.
"Darmon has a great spirit and brings an energy that comes from being a clinician all the time," said Holsberg. "He is naturally an easy-going guy his sincerity really shines through. That, combined with his high level of playing, is a potent combination."
"We've really tried to bring in role models for the kids," Holsberg said. "Exposing them to well-known artists will hopefully give them the incentive to continue their growth with music."
“It gives me a lot of hope knowing somebody who came from St. Benedict’s has gone on to become a great writer,” said Hall, the editor-in-chief of The Benedict News. “Now I know wanting to be a writer is possible. This gives me a lot of hope.”
“Talk about serendipity,” said Chair of St. Benedict’s English Department David Wolf, who put the whole project together. “We could not have drawn it up any better on the board.”
“The moment I watched the students internalize is what makes it all worthwhile. This was a perfect 10.”
The Comedy of Errors, Shakespeare’s early and blessedly short farce is, as is all of Shakespeare, demanding for high school students (and even more for high school teachers of a certain age). But Pat never has shied away from challenges. And there were many. Casting was difficult – one student was cast in a major role but had poor grades and had to quit; the next actor had to be rescheduled for surgery and had to leave the cast. Finally two weeks before opening night, Gabe Drouet finished wrestling and agreed to take on the part of Antipholus of Ephesus. Two weeks to memorize those lines!
For the painted set, Fr. Maynard had created elaborate drawings that the students had to paint on the 25 foot flats that they made. Costumes, usually a big expense, were hand-made by librarian Br. Max and chemistry teacher, Dr. Dennis Lansang.
I mention all this to give to give some small idea of the hours of labor that went into the production; memorization was only the beginning.
Throughout their day-long adventures, each twin is mistaken for the other by wife, sister-in-law, lover, merchants, masters, and servants. Mishap and mayhem ensue until all gather in the town square for the execution of Egeon, where twin meets twin and all are reconciled and reunited.
A group of art and music students from St. Benedict’s, led by teachers Pam Wye-Hunsinger, Peter Holsberg and Russell Marsh, were on hand at Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall to showcase their talents and works of art.
The art and music students engaged in a multidisciplinary setting. Whereas, the music students from Holsberg class developed a music piece on CD for their audience mulling about in the Grand Promenade at Avery Fisher Hall, the art students made sculptures out of clay molds on the subject matter of the day’s performance by the ASO.
The art and music students – 18 in all – began working on The Destruction of Jerusalemproject in December by starting its research in St. Benedict’s Radel Library. The group, which was aided in its effort by Fr. Maynard, also spent time visiting the Ancient Eastern galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“This was a very challenging project which required a lot of research,” said Wye-Hunsinger. “My students were, at times in the beginning, wondering why I was doing all this for sculpturing. I think in the end, however, they understood it was being done so they could relate more to the topic in which we were involved.”
Connolly, who, along with English Department Chair David Wolf, was a presenter Wednesday night when a select few individuals from The Benedict's News and Kayrix were the latest inductees of the St. Benedict's chapter of the Quill and Scroll.
The Ivy League-bound Rosen, who will be headed to the University of Pennsylvania after graduation, is among a few students who juggle sport (basketball) as well as their duties as a journalist on The Benedict News.
Dossekou was part of the two-day School Swap curriculum that helped bring together students from the predominantly minority filled, inner-city private school that makes up St. Benedict’s with peers from the mostly white, suburban school from Livingston.
Everyone here is friends. They don’t have their cliques,” said one Livingston girl.
Henaz Bhatt runs a number of these School Swap efforts as the Program Manager for the American Conference on Diversity. The uniqueness between St. Benedict’s and Livingston appealed to her.
Coach Mike DiPiano’s club fashioned a 4-0 mark, including a 35-29 verdict over Newton in the championship match that allowed the Gray Bees to take home the trophy ahead of 15 other teams at the Jack Welch Duals at Moorestown High School.
The 215-pound Brown wrapped up a perfect tournament himself with a match clinching pin in a 40-34 verdict over Haddonfield before sealing the championship with another fall against top-seeded Newton in the final.
The opening game of the Doherty Classic saw Danny Hurley’s club, ranked No. 3 in the nation, struggled from the field - hitting only 19 of 60 shots (31.7 %) – but still managed to put away a scrappy Passaic Tech team, 59-47.
Mike Michado chipped in with 12 points, while Greg Echenique was a force defensively, blocking eight shots and pulling down eight rebounds for the Gray Bees (17-1).