Gray Bees Forever

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St. Benedict’s welcomes any and all news about your career, education, family life and reconnecting with other alumni. We are delighted to include Class Notes from alumnae of Benedictine Academy. Submit news via email to classnotes@sbp.org.

^{1. 1963: Albert Hagovsky’s new book. 2. 1982: Leon McBurrows. 3. 1992: Jimmie Wandling}

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 ’62 

Paul Ahr, Ph.D., M.P.A, M.A.,who lives in Lake Worth Beach, Fla., recently shared a copy of his revised and updated Bearing the Beams of Love: A Decade of Reflections on a Ministry, a compilation of Lenten letters he wrote to the staff and board of Camillus House, a system of care for homeless persons in Miami, founded by the Brothers of the Good Shepherd. Paul served as President and CEO of the organization from 2005 to 2015.

Recently, he launched a new venture, titled Gospel Values for Catholic Human Services Organizations. “It is designed to provide consultation and training on strategies available to Catholic organizations to introduce, renew, reinforce and/or promote the values articulated in the Gospels and discussed by New Testament and other scholars that can and should be integrated into all aspects of organizational life from board oversight to day-to-day operations,”
he wrote.

Paul, who has written 10 books, said he wanted to formally acknowledge the many gifts that were given to him at St. Benedict’s. “My first publication was in the Kayrix in 1962 at age 17. Sixty-two years later, I have taken the opportunity
in my acknowledgments section to formally recognize the important role Father Regis played in my academic life, but all my Benedictine teachers played a positive role in my personal and academic development.”

 ’63 

Albert Hagovsky has written Vietnam 631 about his experiences as a Navy hospital corpsman during the Vietnam War. In 1969, serving on the hospital ship USS Sanctuary off the coast of Vietnam, he worked as an operating room technician, treating casualties directly from the field. The book contains summaries of the 631 letters he and his then-fiance (now wife of 53 years) exchanged during 1969. The book also includes narratives and letter summaries from Boot Camp, Hospital Corps school and Field Medical School. The book is available on Amazon, which calls it “a personal and unique perspective on the Vietnam war that goes beyond the traditional military experience.” 

 ’72 

Joe Pisauro and his wife, Nancy, were honored by the Diocese of Paterson, N.J., with the Vivere Christus Award. The award was given by Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney at a Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. The award acknowledges the value and importance of the laity in the Church. The medal given to each awardee has the Latin phrase “Vivere Christus Est,” which means “To live is Christ.” Joe and Nancy were nominated by their pastor, Fr. Joe Garbarino, for their service to St. Ann Parish community in Parsippany.

 ’75 

Robert Doyle wrote that he is living in Jacksonville, Fla., and working with Disabled American Veterans as a Veteran Service Officer.

 ’82 

Leon McBurrows enjoyed a Queen Latifah concert. 

 ’92 

Congratulations to Gray Bee Varsity Soccer Coach Jimmie Wandling on being named the National High School Coaches Association’s Coach of the Year. 

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 ’93 

Head Track Coach at Maryland’s Bullis School, Joe Lee, discussed Quincy Wilson’s High School National Record on CNN. 

 ’10 

Matt Aaron has been recently recognized by #FORBES as a Best-In-State Top Financial Security Professional.

 ’13 

Zakee Conte-Smith, a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, wrote that he shared a “presentation on my career as a Medical Laboratory Scientist and healthcare careers to seniors at my alma mater, St. Benedict’s Prep. Students were engaged and asked questions. It’s always good to give back!” And speaking of giving back, Zakee has also funded “A Rose in the Concrete” award. Every year at the Senior Dinner in May, he presents the $1,000 award to a senior interested in STEM or healthcare professions.

 ’16 

Arryn DuBose, a second-year student at Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, spoke to Gray Bees at a recent Lunch and Learn about his journey to a career in veterinary medicine. A graduate of St. John’s University, Arryn admitted to being a mediocre student who kept searching and working. He was rejected twice by veterinary school but after earning a master’s degree in veterinary medicine at Tuskegee, he was admitted to the veterinary medicine school, where he is now a stand-out student. He pointed out that there are many different careers available to students of veterinary medicine and offered advice and encouragement. As someone who took a while to find his niche, he told the students that living outside your comfort zone is the best way to grow. “Learning never stops,” he said. “Get 1% better every day.”

 

 Marriages and Births 

Jorge Estrella ’09 and his wife, Alekza, welcomed their first child on September 10, 2024.

Joseph A. Kessopha ’08 married Priscila Satake on October 23, 2024.