La Salle Academy’s July Recap
In addition to their required reading assignments, many of our students are engaged in other academic pursuits over the summer. A good number of our incoming freshmen participated in person at our optional Cardinal Readiness Program on campus this month. Rising seniors are involved in programs associated with Columbia University, The Cooper Union, Adelphi University, the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, and the Manhattan-Staten Island Area Health Education Center, among others.
Additional summer activities have included a basketball clinic for rising 9th and 10th graders and participation in the virtual national Lasallian Youth Assembly. Mr. Jerome Pannell, Athletic Director and basketball coach, conducted the former and Brother Richard Galvin, our incoming Director of Campus Ministry, was responsible for our students’ involvement in the latter. Read more about some of these summer happenings below.
Congratulations are in order for our Varsity Baseball team – they were named 2021 CHSAA New York Archdiocesan “A” Division Champions! The team was also recognized as one of 10 schools in New York State and one of five in New York City to receive the 2021 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Team Academic Award. Izzac G. ’22 was named Team MVP and 2021 CHSAA New York Archdiocesan “A” Division Player of the Year. Way to go!
Rising senior Alejandro A. (pictured at left in this photo) was offered acceptance to the 2021-2022 Freedom & Citizenship Program at Columbia University! The civic leadership program began with a summer seminar and reconvenes in September with meetings every other week through April. The program offers experiences for personal growth and exposure to civic engagement. This is an incredible opportunity and well-deserved, Alejandro!
Our optional Cardinal Readiness Program for incoming freshmen concluded yesterday. The 26 students who volunteered to come to campus for the four-week summer program got a taste of high school and had the opportunity to meet some of their classmates and teachers before school begins in September. Pictured here is Ms. Ana-Maria Ritziu teaching freshman-level Algebra. Mr. William Hackshaw and Ms. Patricia Toney were also present to teach our new students this summer.
The Lasallian Region of North America hosted a virtual Lasallian Youth Assembly this month including 125 high school students from across the U.S. La Salle was well-represented with the participation of five students: Alejandro A. ‘22, Matheus D. ‘24, Eamon M. ‘23, Aaron P. ‘22, and Rowan T. ’24. These young men were joined by Brother Richard Galvin, FSC, La Salle’s new campus minister. Read more about the program on our website. All students are encouraged to consider joining La Salle Academy’s Lasallian Youth Group in September!
At this midpoint of the summer we are preparing to welcome our new and returning students to our building in September. We are awaiting guidelines from the CDC and New York State that will enable us to finesse our approach at this point in the global pandemic. Our intention is to be 100% in person. We are creating a clean, fresh look throughout our school to mirror the vitality our students will bring back to their workspace. Be on the lookout for more information about this initiative.
Your ongoing interest in our students and commitment to our mission bonds us in association as we serve the young men entrusted to us. Enjoy the balance of the summer and know of my gratitude and prayers for you and those special to you.
Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President
P.S. Our partnerships with St. Francis College and The Cooper Union will be reactivated and enhanced in 2021-2022. The affirmation of our efforts by these institutions and their openness to serve our students is exciting. Look for more details next month!
