BC Alumni Newsletter

February 2021
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Alumni Spotlight
Myriam Moise
BC ‘18
Finishing up my last semester of junior year at the Uni-
versity of Scranton, it’s crazy to think that I will be gradu-
ating next year when it feels like I just graduated high
school. Burke taught me that I could really do anything
and everything I set my mind to ( and I did a lot)! Here at
Scranton I am a Physiology major with a minor in French
and Psychology on the pre-med track.

At BC I was a joiner! I played volleyball my first 2 years,

and then threw myself into just about everything BC
offered. I was part of the Drama Department and in Band
& Chorus throughout my 4 years at BC. I was a member
of Yearbook club, Key Club, and Fashion Club. I was class
president my freshman year and Voice of the Eagles my
senior year with my best friend Jeanette (Jaycie) Dick. I
was honored to represent Burke at “ The High School All-
County Music Festival” in 2018. All the while I was on
honor roll and doing other things outside of school.
Needless to say, I barely slept. But doing all those made
me so happy and prepared me for college where I still
can’t seem to stop throwing myself in various things!
Burke provided me with so many great opportunities.
Being able to attend Scranton University is one of them. I
would never have gotten this far without my teachers and
those who wrote my letters of recommendation for me.
Mrs. Lattanzio and Mrs. Morgan being my best and big-
gest supporters! And of course, Mr. Douthit never missed
a moment to tell me how great The University of Scran-
ton was, and he was so right.!
I have had the opportunity to do many cool and exciting
things since leaving the doors of Burke Catholic. I partici-
pated in a summer research program with the Geisinger
Commonwealth
School of Medi-
cine in Scranton
PA. I am now a
mentor for two
high school stu-
dents through the
REACH HEI pro-
gram. I also got an
amazing intern-
ship working for
the FDA with Do-
ver Brooke Associ-
ates, this past win-
ter break . This
came about
through a lovely
connection I had
made while at Burke.
I am part of a couple clubs at Scranton. I belong
to the Liva Arts Organization here at the U which
is a completely student run organization that puts
on two musicals a year. I am the vice president of
the United Cultures Organization (UCO) which is
very important to me. We are a club that is open
to all University students and we are committed
to promoting and celebrating diversity and multi-
culturalism on campus and throughout our whole
community.
Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to be
on the Council of Diversity and Inclusion. We
work to make recommendations that regard in-
clusive and diverse approaches, programs, prac-
tices, etc. to make an inclusive University for all
the students, faculty, and staff. In light of every-
thing that has progressed from last summer with
George Floyd to now we want all of our
BIPOC students to know that we stand with them
and will do everything we can to keep them safe
and comfortable on campus. I have gotten the
chance to meet with Scranton’s president
Fr.Pilarz, to talk to him about other students and
my challenges of being a minority at the Universi-
ty.
Burkes motto, “Non Vox Sed Votum” is a phrase
that always stuck with me and is still with me
now. I think it matches great with Scranton’s
many phrases such as “Go forth and set the
world on fire” and to be “men and women for
others”. All of these help push me forward
towards my goals in life; working to go to
med school and becoming a doctor.
 I am a proud 1985 grad-
uate of Burke Catholic. I Voice of Eagles Past
would say even prouder
for having been on the
waiting list to enter an Michael Robert Fish ‘85
outstanding private, Ro-
“Non-Vox Sed Votum”, Not the voice but the choice, not the
man Catholic HS, rich in
clarity but the charity, not the harp but the heart, that makes
Values, Teachings and
music in the ear of God. Let your tongue reflect your thoughts,
Traditions. I am the
and your thoughts be in tune with God. I think my decisions I
youngest of two BC
made were my choice, the charity and good deed to my Father,
Alumni (Frank John '77)
and the decision was made with all my heart.
along with a handful of
cousins that have walked
I began a career early with Sharp Electronics Corporation and
the halls before me. If it would later transition over to be a buyer for Hitachi Ameri-
wasn’t for my parents,
ca. After being in the international sector for 15 years, I made a
their strong faith and wanting a private education for their children, I don’t smooth transition over to financial services working for Citi Capi-
know what direction my career and life would have taken. Undenounced to tal, GE, and Radware. Today I am a Senior Account Repre-
me the months leading up to the start of my HS years, my parents went for
sentative for Highland Capital Corporation a subsidiary of Valley
guidance to our Pastor and the rest was history. In September 1981 my National Bank.
parents gave me the news that I would be attending BC. This moment I
knew I was going to have an exciting and incredible journey.
In my spare time I enjoy running, biking, Cross Country Skiing,
Spartan Obstacle Course racing and Sky Diving. I have only
I have such fond memories of my four years at BC. Friendships made with
completed roughly 10 races, three of which were my Trifecta in
the Class of ’85, upperclassmen, and the strong bonds made with teach- 2016. In 2017 I had the experience to Sky Dive over the Island
ers. My teachers devoted their time, guided and molded me into the indi- of Aruba for my 50th Birthday. In 2018 I trained and ran and
vidual that I was upon graduation and still am today. Especially Sr. Janet
became a Marathoner in the TCS New York City Marathon for a
Brisky, Mr. Farina, Ms. DeCrosta, Mr. John Maclean, Mrs. Gazzaniga, Mrs. cause deep in my heart, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for
Gonyea, Mr. Lazarus, Mr. Fornera, Mr. Gardner, Mr. Desol, Mrs. Barone, Parkinson’s Research. It was a great experience overall but a
Mrs. Campbell, Ms. Huebner, Mrs. Semerano, Ms. Nagle and Mr.
greater pleasure to meet Michael J. Fox himself from Back to
O’Neill. Mr. O’Neill’s catch phrases were the best and most memorable.
You never wanted to be caught taking a short cut through his gymnasium to the Future and Family Ties (I am really aging myself )
lunch across the glass like floor! I remember the demerit system and dress
Over the years I have always wanted to return to BC to visit and
code violations that were there to teach us and to prepare us for the real
in September 2018 this was made possible with Mr. John
world called “Life.” Our class witnessed the construction of new wing and
Douthit 86’ BC President. A few days before the start of their
later the blessing ceremony dedication with Cardinal Cooke. In 1984 we
academic semester John graciously made time in his schedule
had a visit by incoming Cardinal O’Connor. I do recall my dress code viola-
for me to stop in and tour the campus. For me it was a great
tion given to me by, Ms. DeCrosta. For whatever reason that day I felt like
experience, filled with emotions of course after some 30+ out of
wearing a V-Neck pullover with a collar, (I actually remember the one till
high school. Walking down the halls past each classroom
this day). My seat being right in front I received the demerit for the V-
where I can still envision my actual classes and the teachers I
Neck! The Class of 85’ also lost 2 members, Lisa Blanchard and Patrick
had. The campus looks and feels warm and inviting. Just as it
Kanzler, may they rest in peace.
did to us Alumni, when we attended. The only thing missing
was the pay phones in the lobby and the jukebox in the cafete-
My first year of college I majored in Computer Science at SUNY Or-
ria! Many of us can recall standing in line to use the phone,
ange. Over summer break I switched my major to Marketing Manage-
borrowing a dime off a friend the Best of Times!! To all Alumni
ment and Sales. I decided to enter the workforce early. My second year I
that are in the area or visiting family during the holidays, it’s
balanced 40-hour weeks, night school and studies on the weekends. Upon
worth revisiting our
graduation with a degree in Marketing Management and Sales I pursued
Alumni home. Mr.
my studies further in Business Management with a minor in International
John Douthit, Presi-
Relations at St Thomas Aquinas College. Two years into my studies at St.
dent and Ms. Janice
Thomas I received the devastating news of my Fathers diagnoses of Hydro-
Clark, Principal are
cephalus at age 65 which later progressed into advanced Parkinson’s Dis-
doing amazing things
ease. Having witnessed what my Father was experiencing daily I made the
at BC. I want to thank
decision to drop out of night school and switch over to online studies at the
them for all their hard
University of Maryland College. Remembering and looking back at this
work and devotion.
moment when you get news that your Father; your best friend, teacher,
Great things are hap-
“The Man” the one person you always went through life thinking they will
pening at Burke Cath-
live forever is terminal, my life did a 360. I transitioned over to having a full-
olic!!
time career, taking online course work and learning how to be a fulltime
caretaker and nurse very quickly. I don’t think I would have changed this
experience for the world, it was meant to happen and for me to experience
it. Our Burke Catholic school Motto, was “Non-Vox Sed Votum”, Not words
but Deeds. I would like to share this 16th century inscription found in the
Church of San Damiano, Assisi:
 BC Success
Ray Tonkin ‘86
Peter Becker - Tri-County Independent

HARRISBURG - Pike County District Attorney Raymond J.

Tonkin has been honored by the Acting U.S. Attorney Bruce D.
Brandler for outstanding contributions to public safety.Tonkin
was one of 14 individuals recognized, which included FBI , U.S.
Secret Service, U.S. Marshal personnel, a municipal police
chief, county detectives, and a Bureau of Prisons attorney. Ton-
kin was the only District Attorney recognized and the only
honoree from either Pike or Wayne County. Each were recog-
nized for performing in an exceptional manner and making
significant contributions to the U.S. Attorney Office’s efforts to
promote public safety. This award recognized District Attorney
Tonkin’s exceptional work in cooperative law enforcement ac-
tivities over many years. District Attorney Tonkin vigorously
During his tenure, the court caseload rose to the
works to maintain a strong working relationship with federal, point that a second Court of the Common Pleas
state, county and local law enforcement to investigate and
judge was added. The increasing caseload and
prosecute criminals who pose a danger to the citizens of Pike
courtroom security concerns helped prompt the
County, Pennsylvania, Brandler said. discussion by the late Senior Judge Joseph Kameen,
for a courthouse annex. This project in 2016 and was
“We appreciate the partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office completed two years later. The District Attorney's
to keep Pike County a wonderful and safe place to live, work Office was one of the departments that relocated to
and raise a family,” Tonkin said. “This award is a credit to the the addition.
team effort here at the District Attorney’s Office. While my
name is the one mentioned, the credit goes to everybody in the
Among his several murder convictions was that of
office who works hard for the citizens of Pike County every
Eric Frein in 2016, following the sniper attack at the
day.” Blooming Grove barracks of the PA State Police two
years before.
A Pike County native, Tonkin is the first full-time District At-
torney in Pike County, serving since 2008. He started his pro-
Among Tonkin's other achievements have been dra-
fessional career as a police officer, serving the departments in
matic improvements to county victim services, in-
both Milford Borough and Westfall Township and worked his creased Meagan's Law convictions, strengthened
way through the criminal justice system as assistant district
DUI enforcement, co-founding the Pike County El-
attorney prior to his first election.
der Abuse Task Force, improved child abuse investi-
gative techniques, creation of a veterans program
“We have many achievements here at the District Attorney’s criminal diversion initiative and improved drug in-
Office,” Tonkins reflected. “Recently, we completed the open- vestigations and prosecutions.
ing of Dickson House the Children’s Advocacy Center, and
opened a DUI processing center. Those are two important ad-
“As we see in the newspapers every day, and most
vancements towards our work everyday to make Pike County a recently in the tragic events that occurred in Flori-
safe place for people to live and raise a family.” Tonkins said da, law enforcement officers put their lives at risk
that they prosecute a large variety of criminal cases from crimi-
every time they put on their uniforms,” said Acting
nal homicide to driving under the influence. The largest num-
U.S. Attorney Brandler. “All too often their tremen-
ber of cases are DUI cases. “The work we have been doing with dous sacrifices go unnoticed and unrecognized. I am
the Pennsylvania State Police and the Criminal Investigation
therefore very pleased to recognize a few of these
Division of the District Attorney’s Office to solve and prosecute
heroes who contributed so much to promoting pub-
drug delivery resulting in death cases and drug trafficking cases
lic safety in 2020. On behalf of the entire U.S. Attor-
has taken a large coordinated effort here in the office,” the D.A. ney’s Office, I congratulate them and thank them
stated.
for their service.”
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 program 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.
The New Wing...
’

Although move in day was March 19, 1982 it is still affection-

ately called the “New Wing”. Enjoy a look back at the con-
struction and actual move in day of what will now be known as
Burke Academy!

To register or to schedule a tour contact

John Douthit, BC President, jdouthit@burkecatholic.org
Tracy Sullivan, BC Admissions Director, tsullivan@burkecatholic.org
www.burkecatholic.com
Facebook : Burke Catholic Academy
 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

Katherine Juliano BC ‘96

Katherine took part in our 2nd mission trip to the DR.
Katherine holds a warm place in my heart. She is smart,
kind and in her quiet way, very determined. I remem-
ber going up into the mountains to run a clinic at a
small country school and Katherine was a tremendous
help setting up the clinic and doing medical intake with
the children. She was so patient and sweet with the stu-
dents and you could see their apprehension slip away
when she worked with them. I knew then that someday
she would be an amazing medical professional.

Audrey Clarke - BC Director of Guidance

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
 BC Alumni Business Spotlight
Michael Coyne ‘86
Club Z! In-Home Tutoring provides 1 on 1 tutoring to
students throughout the greater Orange County, NY
area in all subjects from grades Kindergarten to Adult.
Tutoring is provided by thoroughly screened and cre-
dentialed tutors who work on the student's curriculum
to impact results where it matters most, in the class-
room. Tutoring is provided in the student's home on
days and at times that are convenient for the student
and his/her family. Our rates are affordable and com-
petitive and we do NOT require a long term contract.
In addition to subject based tutoring (English, reading,
math, sciences, languages, etc.) Club Z provides indi-
vidualized tutoring for all standardized tests such as
the SAT, ACT, SSAT, ASVAB, GED, etc.) To help stu-
dents become life long learners we offer a proprietary
study skills program that teaches students how to study
smarter, not harder. In home and online tutoring ser-
vices provided. Call 845-3781448.
clubztutoring.com/orange-county

Our virtual Art Auction and Zoom Cocktail Party were a huge success!
It was great connecting and enjoy-
ing the entertainment of a live auc-
tion together with our BC Family &
Friends.
We hope everyone enjoys their new
artwork!
our

SAVE THE DATE

Our 1st Annual BC Alumni BBQ is just around the corner!
Please mark you calendars...it is going to be a great day!
Hope to see you there!
 MENTORSHIP AND
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Job listings shared by BC Alumni :
Johanne Morne –Director of NYSDOH AIDS
Institute
(BC Class of ‘91)
Department of Health Resources & Services Ad-
ministration, Division of Policy and Data has an
Opening for a Health Statistician PD 14R045–
HIV/AIDS Bureau. For more information and to
apply:
www.usajob.gov
Neil Walker—Gothan Technology Group ( BC
Class of ‘ 97)
Gotham Technology Group Opening for Senior
Systems Engineer 3– Security (Palo Alto) Email
Neil Walker at :
Nwalker@gothamtg.com
Brian Conlon—SVP of Sales & Operations
DAX U.S. ( BC Class of ‘07)
DAX U.S. hiring for a Campaign Manger for Ad
Ops team. Apply at : www.linkedin.com/jobs/
view/2420252482
MILESTONES
Tom Weirich ‘98 - has joined EDP Re-
newables Distributed Generation as
their new Lead for Marketing & Corpo-
rate Strategy in Houston Texas
Nick Grasso ‘06 - Graduated Savan-
nah Police Academy. Nick is a gradu-
ate of SUNY Oneonta
Samuel Burgos ‘14 – started as Strate-
gic Sales Director, Commercial at
Medallia NYC
Lauren O’Halloran ‘15 - Started as
Sustainability Consultant at Ramboll
Neil Stevenson ‘16 - started as En-
gagement Center Manager at Ruffalo
Noel Levitz– New York University
Camden Olivero ‘18 - Named Social
Media Manager at Matte & Lacquer
Alyssa Barone ‘19 - named Orienta-
tion Leader at New York University
Elizabeth Magnussen‘20 - Named to
fall 2020 Deans List at Loyola Universi-
ty Maryland
Madelyn St Amand ‘20 – Started as
Project Intern at Plug and Play Tech

It is that time of year… many of our BC Alumni are looking

for summer internships. If your company offers intern-
ships or mentorships please contact Karen at
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
BC Alumni Newsletter
January 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.org

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:
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 ext 132

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