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WHO WILL DO IT?
This is an important story about four people named EVERYBODY, SOMEBODY, ANYBODY and NOBODY.
 
There was an important job to be done and EVERYBODY thought SOMEBODY would do it.
 
ANYBODY could have done it, but NOBODY did it.
 
SOMEBODY got angry about that because it was EVERYBODY’S job.
 
EVERYBODY thought ANYBODY could do it, but NOBODY realized that EVERYBODY wouldn’t do it.
 
It ended up that EVERYBODY blamed SOMEBODY when NOBODY did what ANYBODY could have done.
 
And, so, we need EVERYBODY to make one last gift to the Annual Fund by June 30th, in any amount, which together will get us over the finish line for meeting our budgeted total of $250,000. We are sitting at $239,000 in gifts to the Annual Fund as of today, two weeks and two days away from our year end.
 
You may make that gift by credit card or Zelle bank to bank payment by going to hudsoncatholic.org/1964.
 
BE THE HAWK!
With just 2 weeks 2 go 2 our year-end, we are at $242,753, or 97%, of our Annual Fund goal
Welcome, Class of 2022,
our 55th Graduating Class,
to the Ranks of Alumni
On Saturday, June 4th, 116 graduates in the Class of 2022 entered the ranks of the Alumni, with the conferral of diplomas made in front of family and friends at St. Aedan’s Church – “the Cathedral of Jersey City.”
 
Highlights included Valedictorian honors for Juan Teira, who has been bestowed a four-year full academic scholarship to Rutgers University, and the awarding of the school’s highest honor, the Signum Fidei Award, to Mr. Lou Tatti, our Medical Arts Program Director who has been a non-salaried advisor in service to Hudson Catholic and our students for seven years. Under Lou’s leadership, we created the three-year-tract Medical Arts Program two years ago and it has just completed year two of operations.
 
The senior class has received acceptances at Rutgers, Cornell, Villanova, Syracuse, Penn State, Stevens Institute of Technology, NJIT, University of Scranton, Loyola of Maryland, Fordham, and Charleston Southern. And, of course, Hudson Catholic’s perennial most popular choice will see seven grads enroll one block west of the Hawks Nest at the home of the nationally-acclaimed Peacocks of St. Peter’s University. All told, our seniors raked in just near $1.5 million in scholarships and grants.
Signum Fidei Award honoree, Mr. Lou Tatti
A sign of our times – The Hawkflix Yearbook
From the President
The Hawks Nest certainly never sleeps! Saturday, June 4th, saw the graduation of the 55th class in school history. The Commencement Ceremony returned to St. Aedan’s Church after COVID had forced it onto the football field in Lincoln Park for the past 2 years. 116 graduates proudly walked down the aisle to receive their diplomas after Valedictorian Juan Teira gave a rousing speech to his classmates that focused on the need for graduates to give back and, invoking the legacy of Science teacher Mrs. Debra Lucas-McGady, who passed away earlier this year, to “Be a Debbie” in all they do moving forward. The Class of 2022 was accepted to some incredible colleges and universities: Cornell University, Rutgers University, Fordham University, Penn State, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Loyola University, Stevens Institute of Technology, Syracuse and Morgan State to name a few.
 
In partnership with New Jersey City University, we will officially launch an 18-credit Media Arts Certificate Program in the fall. This program will run in addition to our existing Dual Enrollment and Accelerated College Experience programs that we have with St. Peter’s University. We are currently exploring a Summer STEM program with Stevens Institute of Technology.
 
Because we are a college preparatory high school, I feel it is imperative that we create tangible, mutually beneficial relationships with our area colleges and universities.  We continue to strive to open doors to opportunity for our graduates and broaden their college choices.
Dedication

Michael O'Koren '76, one of the most prolific basketball players in our school's history, will receive yet another distinctive honor in his home town of Jersey City on Saturday, June 18th at 12:30pm. His grammar school parish, St. Joseph's, at 509 Pavonia Avenue, will be dedicating the "St. Joe's Courts" in his name at that time and location. All St. Joe's and Hawk Alumni are encouraged to come out for the dedication, to honor Mike and to renew the friendships that were formed during highly competitive pick-up basketball games there over the many years. Congratulations, 'Little'!
Hawks at the Shore Redux
Year 2 is by Popular Demand
You asked for it!
 
In the same locale as last year’s event launch, we will be in Belmar at The Friendly Sons of The Shillelagh, on 16th Avenue, hosted by the lovely and talented Bobby ‘Rosco’ Quirk '73, on Saturday, August 27th, from 3-6pm.
 
This is an All-Hawk event, open to all alumni and their guests. Only one limitation. The room holds 100 people comfortably.
 
We will accept payment of $85 per person (for hot / cold buffet and open bar) in advance only, not at the door. Reserve and pay online at hudsoncatholic.org/hats before we sell out.
 
Last year, we gave away hats that said HATS to the first 50. This year, we will give away shirts that say HATS to the first 75. It’ll all be on the quiz!
1997
A Class Act
Upon their departure from Hudson Catholic in 1997, the thoughtfulness of the graduating class culminated in leaving behind a gift of welcome to all who came to our campus in the ensuing 25 years. Each class since then, everyday, passes the ‘Welcome to Hudson Catholic Regional High School’ sign that stands in our courtyard. It is a reminder how thoughtfulness among the members of a class can culminate in a gift to the school that stands the test of time.
 
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of their commencement, we wonder what 1997 may have in store for our school this year?
 
But the larger point is that each and every class, special and significant in their own way, should be thinking similarly, as a way to demonstrate their affinity for a school that gave them so much with which to chart their paths in life.
 
Each year we have 10 classes that celebrate round number anniversaries. They are all milestones, but the tenth is always the first one that feels significant, and of course, the 25th and 50th are beautiful milestones. As such, these classes are always encouraged to think about how best they can honor their school and their class in a tangible, meaningful way.
 
2012, 1997, and 1972, in particular, if you are in need of ideas and assistance in making something happen that would mark the occasion and commemorate your signum fidei to your alma mater, contact the Chief Advancement Officer at advancement@hudsoncatholic.org.
Building The Legacy makes for ideal Summer Reading
Take us with you to the beach or mountains. Catch up on back issues at hudsoncatholic.org/BTL
A Cafeteria Fit for a Castle
All of us call it ‘the Caf’. Many of us know it to be named ‘Castle Hall’. None of us really call it that. But there is a plaque that says so. It hangs on a column in the Cafeteria, and has since 1977, down the left side from the top of the stairway, less than half way to the kitchen doors. Every school day, kids convene, engage, eat, and carry-on under the watchful gaze of Mr. Edward Castle.
 
The plaque's inscription reads: "The Hudson Catholic Men’s Club and School Administration dedicate this room as 'Castle Hall' in honor of Edward Castle. We rejoiced in the uniqueness of his methods, for his untiring efforts on behalf of Hudson Catholic. Charter Member. Past President. Entertainment Chairman. Dedicated, December 3, 1977.”
 
Ed Castle enjoyed the camaraderie of the Men's Club and was one of its first presidents. He worked and became friends with the other dads. They put on fundraisers like the Night at the Races, hosted Christmas parties at the school, and helped out at football and basketball games. They enjoyed each other’s company as much as they enjoyed donating their time. Ed also donated time at Sacred Heart Academy where his daughter went to school and at his parish, St. Anne's. Volunteerism was in his blood and he was a wonderful role model for the generation that followed him.
 
Brother Patrick King remembers Ed Castle “as a worker bee - more than that - a king bee. The Men’s Club had a 'bazaar' in the early years as a fundraiser.”
 
At that time they were not committed to football, but at some point, they committed to supporting a very expensive sport by a margin of 1 vote. They began a very lucrative bingo and for a number of years they were in the money. At the center of that operation, and later on in “Night at the Races” was Ed Castle.
 
But as all good things must come to an end, The ‘Races’ faced stiff opposition from the Bingo Regulators, and history shows that the ‘Bingomen’ won out.
 
In our school’s early days, Ed Castle was at the center -- according to Brother Pat, “a source of energy, devotion to Hudson Catholic, and the King Bee for advancing the school’s activities and prosperity. The bazaar, bingo and races were all held in the cafeteria. Easy to see how the connection was made to name the “hall” in Mr. Castle’s honor.”
 
Mr. Castle, as you would expect, sent two sons to Hudson Catholic - Edward Jr ’70 and Stephen ’75 - and gave his daughter to Hudson Catholic in a way. Colleen married Jim Sweeney ’73!
 
From Stephen Castle ’75: “I was only 8 or 9 when my brother entered high school and my parents got deeply involved with Hudson Catholic for the next 10 years. I remember that the whole point of the parent organizations was to raise money for things the school community needed. The school hadn’t been around for all that long and the families in those organizations were very committed to its success. I think the pursuit of that shared goal paid a social dividend (community and friendship) and some parents like my father were involved in the school even when they didn’t have a child in attendance. My father made friends easily. He was a very likable guy and his enthusiasm for the school and its mission of Catholic education made him one of a few great leaders for the “Men’s Club”. I think they honored him because his love and commitment for the school was evident and inspired others - it was infectious.”
Focus on Faculty
Hudson Catholic congratulates Melisa Chavez on being named Outstanding Educator of the Year at Hudson Catholic. This award, in its inaugural year, recognizes a member of the faculty, staff or administration, as determined by the administration to have gone above and beyond during the school year.
 
In addition to being a stellar math teacher, Ms. Chavez runs the school store, coordinates the Junior and Senior Proms, organizes school Pep Rallies, and plans and oversees the faculty Christmas Party. She arrives early and stays late---meeting the needs of her students each and every day. Ms. Chavez is dedicated to the ideals of Hudson Catholic and is a remarkable educator and person. Congratulations, Melisa! 
Alumni Spotlight
Historical Perspective. Aldo Salerno ’73 joined the U.S. Coast Guard soon after graduation, staying 10 years, sailing on two Cutters, the Hamilton out of Boston and the Reliant out of Yorktown, then serving two years at the Kodiak Air Station in Alaska. Upon returning to civilian life, he completed his undergraduate work between St. Peter’s and Rutgers-Newark, earning a BA in History. That’s where things got interesting. His love of history, starting at Hudson Catholic, with Mr. Jake O’Halleran, along with scholarship and fellowship, kept him at Rutgers for his M.A., and took him to UConn for his PhD in American Ethnic History -- nearly 10 years’ schooling in total. 
 
Along the way, Aldo taught at the high school and college level for six years, and became a ‘Hawk Author’, co-authoring From the Old Country - An Oral History of European Migration to America.

He then took a civilian role as Army Historian at the US Army Space & Missile Defense Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, which built his bridge into his dream job in the federal government -- spending 2001-2017 at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in the Department of Interior in Washington DC. As BIA Historian, Aldo worked alongside anthropologists, historians, and genealogists researching petitions from Indian groups never before ‘recognized’ by the US Government, sometimes making field trips to confirm the research.
 
Having been trained as an ethnic historian, this provided him with the most gratifying professional work of his career, where he applied history in research and writing. Because two-thirds of all petitioning Indian groups do not gain federal recognition status, Aldo’s greatest source of professional pride was helping two of the oldest Indian groups in the country to be ‘recognized’ -- the Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia (and Pocahontas fame) that met the VA settlers in 1607, and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts, that met up with The Pilgrims in 1620. Hard to believe it took centuries for the fedgov to recognize the tribe that celebrated at the first thanksgiving and provided the impetus for our national holiday celebrating that occasion, but our man Aldo was instrumental in that important distinction for the Wampanoag Tribe!  
A Man for All Seasons. Wayne Witkowski ’71 is a life long sportswriter, from The Commentator Sports Editor to the pages of the Jersey Journal, on to editing and sports writing for the Daily Record in Morristown, Newark Star-Ledger, and Asbury Park Press. Up to date, Wayne is sports writing in Pike County, PA for a weekly, covering all sports for Delaware Valley HS and their graduates' careers through college. Wayne received 13 journalism awards in 15 years, for boxing stories and, as a result, was inducted into the NJ Boxing Hall of Fame in November, 1995. From Wayne: "I always saw my future in my use of the written word."





Broadway Bound. Brian Mendoza '12 is appearing in an Off Broadway production, Jean Jackets and Red Pandas, an absurd dark comedy, presently running at the Trinity Theatre on W. 57th St. in NYC.



Airport Delta. Curt Zegler '89, Vice President, Construction Executive for Turner Construction, is changing the skyline at LaGuardia Airport, partnering with Delta Airlines to construct and open Terminal C, which, long overdue, dramatically changes the customer experience at that airport.

Mun in the Sun. Another former Alumni Leadership Program award recipient Nelson Pereira ‘00 is a leading financial planner at Fidelity Investments in the U.S. Southeast Region and recently became Managing Director of Wealth Management, based in Naples, FL.
The Ranalli Legacy
Rich Ranalli '74 and son Rich Ranalli '04 are the latest nested
Hawk Legacy to be revealed
The Fame Among Us

We often cite membership in the HCHOF when we mention someone in print. Rightfully, we are proud of those among us who have distinguished themselves in a manner worthy of enshrinement. But just because someone has not made it into our HOF, does not mean they are not Hall-worthy. In fact, we have many graduates or coaches who are inducted in a myriad of other Halls of Fame - athletic, college, professional.
 
We think we have a good grip on many or most of those, and plan on sharing that in a future issue of BTL. But we also welcome the input of our community who know of such accolades received by our classmates or mentors, and think that all of us should know that.
 
So, please send along to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org the names of Hudson Hawks and the Halls of Fame they belong to, and we’ll compile them for as complete a depiction of ‘The Fame Among Us’ as we can muster.
We’re Looking for a Few
(35) Good Hawks
 
If you are in touch with any of the following essential Hawks, please feel free to provide an email address for them to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org or let them know we would like to hear from them at hudsoncatholic.org/stay-connected.
 
Ray O'Brien '72
Richard Walsh '72
Brian Earls '74
Phil Carbonaro '75
Anthony Orrico '76
Dan Kosinski '78
Dominic Esker '79
Joe Simone '81
Frank Nese '83
Anthony Scarpa '83
John Caruso '84
Roland Miranda '84
Patrick Brett '85
Kyung Chung '85
Alex Kuzma’ 86 
Joe Amati '87
Vin Pasculli ‘87
Paul Taglieri ‘87
Oliver Youseff '88
Ed Caberte ‘89
John Stanton '89
Timothy Gate '90
Edwin Guengue '92
Mark Hayes ‘92
Brian Hilton ‘92
Steven Imbriaco 92
Jan Youseff ‘92
Pat Guerra ‘93
George Weyer ‘93
Brian Boswell ‘95
Louis Libitz '95
Robert O'Donnell ‘96
Pat Sheridan ‘96
Vito Rizzi '99
Tom Steinel '01
 
As of now, they are all missing out on each great issue of Building the Legacy. Now, you don’t want that to continue, do you?
Blast From The Past
Korrection Korner

In our last issue, we misidentified two of our esteemed grads in the photo of the Dual Enrollment Program's degree recipients. Fiona Galvin and Jaylene Santiago were inadvertently identified as each other. We regret the error.
“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus”
- Luke 2:7
The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine
201-332-5970 x118
BTL Sponsors
If you are in need of financial advice, a new luxury automobile, Quarterback training, an arbitrator to settle an enormous legal claim, or all of the above, then do check out our long-running sponsors --
thanks, to Mike, Mike, Mike, and Chris
Mike Pecklers '71
Mike Dunne '77
Chris Johnston, HC Director - Technologies & Football Coach
Mike Silva '04