BC Alumni Newsletter

May 2023
 Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle
Sr. Kathleen Cusack
BC English Department 1970-1974

Maryann Gisler, Director of Development for the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, had the delightful opportunity to sit down and engage in a heartfelt conversa-
tion with Sr. Kathleen Cusack, delving into her memories and experiences during her time at
Burke Catholic. What emerged from their conversation was a collection of meaningful anec-
,
dotes and lasting connections.

Prior to joining Burke Catholic, Sr. Kathleen had been teaching in the bustling borough of the Bronx. The prospect
of teaching high school students was a thrilling and enlightening chapter in her life, as she embarked on a new
adventure of sharing knowledge and shaping young minds. Recalling those days with fondness, she reminisced
about the vibrant atmosphere that permeated Burke Catholic. The school was a hub of activity, with sports events,
clubs, and numerous other engaging activities that fueled a palpable sense of enthusiasm and joy. The stories of
the children she taught left an indelible mark on her, continuing to shape her life even to this day. Among the
treasures that teaching at Burke Catholic bestowed upon her was a lifelong friendship with Rita Turi, a former Bi-
ology teacher. Their bond remains unbroken, and they still find connection and friendship in their almost daily
conversations.

Following her tenure at Burke Catholic, Sr. Kathleen ventured to St. Michaels, where she dedicated four meaning-
ful years of her life. Her journey then led her to oversee the operations of a senior citizen center, where she nur-
tured and cared for the older members of the community. Later, she found herself immersed in the world of litera-
ture as a librarian at St. Hilda St. Hughes, a role that allowed her to foster a love for books and learning in others.
Eventually, the tide of fate brought her back to St. Michaels, this time as the principal, a position she held for a
remarkable 18 years. Throughout her dedicated service, she became a pillar of the educational institution, leaving
an indelible legacy on the hearts and minds of countless students.

Today, Sr. Kathleen finds solace and serenity residing at Mt. St. Joseph, a place that provides a haven for her and
her fellow sisters. In her current role as the Proxy Manager for the congregation, she carries the torch of leader-
ship, ensuring the smooth operation of the organization and upholding the values that have guided her through-
out her remarkable journey. Her unwavering commitment to the congregation exemplifies her enduring dedica-
tion to her calling and her unwavering faith.

Sr. Kathleen's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, friendship, and service, and
it is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Burke
Catholic.

Alumni Spotlight
Sr. Barbara Muldoon ‘65
My name is Sister Bar-
bara Muldoon, PBVM. I
am a 1965 graduate of
John S. Burke Catholic
High School, a member
of the first class to grad-
uate from the beautiful
new school building.
My freshman through
junior years were spent
at Saint John’s High School on Murray Avenue in Go-
shen, an old building formerly known as Garr Hall.
I vividly remember the day in November 1964 that all
four high school classes took part in a ceremonial march,
together, in uniform, along Murray Avenue from Saint
John’s to the new school building on Fletcher Street. We
were all very excited to begin classes in our new and very
different surroundings.
The new building had been named in honor of John
S. Burke, a New York businessman, for his generosity to
the New York Archdiocese. While we students didn’t
know much about the finances concerned, we were de-
lighted at all the new aspects of the building we found as
we began this last phase of our senior year. Among these
were the language lab for French and Spanish classes,
classrooms with expandable walls that could be used for
team teaching, biology and chemistry labs, a chapel, and,
best of all, our own private lockers with combination
locks! We were also fascinated by the restroom sinks that
spewed out a fountain of water when you stepped on a
foot pedal! Such “luxuries” were not possible during our
previous years at Saint John’s.
,
Among my happiest
memories of those few
months as a senior at
“Burke Catholic” are the
English classes occa-
sionally held outside,
while sitting on the
lawn behind the school
building. I remember
our taking turns read-
ing Elizabeth Barrett
Browning’s ”How Do I Love Thee” and other poems
on a lovely May morning.
Of course, no memory of my high school years
would be complete without mention of our teach-
ers. At that time the school was almost completely
staffed by the Sisters of the Presentation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, a congregation of women reli-
gious founded in Ireland in the 18th century. I re-
member the Sisters as excellent teachers but they
also impressed me with their cheerfulness and
good spirits. When, towards the end of senior year,
with only two weeks left before graduation, I sud-
denly felt that maybe God was calling me to a reli-
gious vocation, I knew that I could only ask to fol-
low their example and become a Presentation Sister
myself. Next September, I will celebrate 58 years
since making that decision. It is one that I have
never regretted and for which I will always be grate-
ful.
So, did John S. Burke influence the path I took in
life? It certainly did! Not only did I become a Sister,
I also became a teacher in both elementary and
high school. I also taught adults. Some of my most
rewarding teaching experiences were instructing
refugees and immigrants In English as a Second
Language, GED classes, and preparation for citi-
zenship. I taught in New York, New Jersey, and
Louisiana before taking part in the administration
of my congregation and, later, in its fundraising
and communications departments. At present, I
am retired from active ministry and live at the Sap-
phire Nursing Home in Newburgh, NY, where I still
try to show the cheerful good spirits that I remem-
ber the Sisters having all those years ago at John S.
Burke.
,

BCHS Family, Friends & Alumni Gala 2023

“What a night!”

The BCHS Family, Friends, and Alumni Gala was an exceptional night filled with joy, nostalgia,
and laughter. The event provided a perfect opportunity for attendees to reconnect with old
friends. It was equally gratifying to forge new friendships, expanding the ever-growing network of
supporters and alumni. So much love and laughter as cherished memories were shared and cele-
brated in true Burke Catholic spirit. The gala was a beautiful night of moments, woven together by
the love and dedication of the entire community, leaving everyone with a deep sense of gratitude
and pride in being part of the Burke Catholic family.
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"High school friendships often become the foundations of life-

long connections, as they are forged in the fires of shared experi-
ences and the journey of self-discovery." - Unknown
,

The month of May means one thing

Burke Catholic Prom!

Burke Catholic prom is a magical night. Elegance, excitement, decorations, music, and friends
make for an unforgettable evening of celebration and laughter. A night of deepened friendships
and memories that become part of the collective story of Burke Catholic’s prom tradition.
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Burke Class of 2023

Senior Prom
,

Eagle Milestones in Pictures

Ellen Barrett Kelly ‘93 and daughter Niall Croke ‘11 and his wife Shannon
Anya ‘23 with Gillen Carr Farrell ‘93
and son Rory ‘24

Amanda Muscarello Testani and her husband Michael

The Muscarello family; Amanda ‘07, Raymond ‘08, Jenna ‘10, Thomas ‘11,
Kateri ‘13 and Michael ‘18
,

BC Alumni Reunions!
We have a few reunions in the planning stages.
You can find contact information on the next few pages and look for information
to be posted in the coming weeks on the alumni page of our website.

Calling the Class of 2003!

It will be 20 years since the class of 2003 graduated high school!

We all know what this means! Our 20 year reunion!
Please reach out to Deirdre Dillion at the email below.
Let the planning begin!

deirdredillon07@gmail.com
,

Save the date Class of 1978

Let’s celebrate the Class of ‘78

It is time for our 45th Reunion

October 7, 2023
The Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame of the Trotter

We want to get in touch with as many classmates as possible; please share

this information and reach out to one of the committee members below.

Jim Brannigan bjames71@aol.com

Coleen Minnock cminnock1@gmail.com
Mike Phipps Phippsmcp@aol.com

Looking forward to October!

Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

 Class of ‘73
50 Year Reunion

Save the date Class of 1973!

There will be a 50th High School reunion for members of the class of 1973 on September 30, 2023
at Delancey’s in Goshen NY.

If you are on Facebook, there is a group to join for our class:

JS Burke Class Of ’73

Also, if you are in touch with a classmate, please share this date.

Looking forward to being together in September.

More information to follow!

We are seeking mailing and email addresses.

Please email any of the following class members with your contact information.

Peg (Dickerson) Cullen Peggycullen1@yahoo.com

Patty (Arceri) Wojehowski pwoje@yahoo.com
Bob Frederick captainbobservices@hotmail.com
Mary Kaye (Dougherty) Koch mkkoch@optonline.net
David Roach droachcmd@hotmail.com
Rita Flynn ritaflynn01@optonline.net
Mary Kay (Swanwick) Jankowski swanski55@gmail.com
 Class of ‘87
36 Year Reunion

Join us November 3rd and 4th

November 3rd will be drinks at Delancey's and November 4th will be dinner at
Limoncello's in Goshen.

A message from Len Pawliczk…

“Hey everyone - after visiting BCHS the other day to speak with the students
at Career Day- I felt a little nostalgic for the old days! This year is 36 years
since we graduated and 6 years from the last reunion. Against my better
judgement on organizing this (men suck at organizing - just ask my wife),
here we go!”
If you are on Facebook, there is a group to join for our class:

John S. Burke Class Of ’87

Also, if you are in touch with a classmate, please share this date.

Contact Len at Lenny@awrgroupinc.com

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3rd Annual Alumni BBQ

Families Welcome!
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2nd Annual Alumni Reception NYC

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PBVM Raffle
Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Our beloved Sisters have reached out and asked that we share the information for their
Care of Creation Raffle

The drawing is on August 26th. Take a chance to win either a 2024 Toyota Corolla Hybrid
OR $20,000. Then 2nd and 3rd prizes of $4,000 and $1,000. We are only selling a limit of
1,500 tickets.

See the flyer below for details and information on raffle purchases.
 The BC Connection Weddings
The BC Connection every Friday at noon.
Amanda Muscarello ‘07 – wed Michael
You can connect at 1110 AM or 93.5 FM Testani on May 14, 2023.
Nial Croke ‘11– wed Shannon Laird on
Innovation. Education.
May 20, 2023

Coaching Positions
Interested in joining the BC Coaching Staff?
Email Adam Kless, BC Athletic Director
akless@burkecatholic.org

Yearbook Needed
A message from Mrs. Ruiz-

I am trying to put together the most complete set of

yearbooks for our archives. I am missing a copy of the
1957 yearbook. If anyone is willing to donate their copy
please email jruiz@burkecatholic.org

Many of our BC Alumni are looking for internships. If your company

offers internships or mentorships please contact
Karen at kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
We are compiling a list of all our BC Alumni authors and their works.
If you would like to be included please contact
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org

A writer never has a vacation.

For a writer life consists of either
writing or thinking about writing.
~Eugene Ionesco
BC Alumni Giving

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:
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