La Salle Academy’s April Recap

The story, the pedagogy, and the spirituality of John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719) all transcend time. As we observed the feast day of the namesake of our school on 7 April, I noticed how past, present, and future all touched our day. We hosted a virtual reunion for alumni, we inducted current students into our chapter of the National Honor Society, and we administered an admissions exam to prospective students.

In addition to well-regarded local schools like Manhattan College, St. Francis College, St. John’s University, Fordham University, and members of the CUNY and SUNY systems, other institutions with more national reputations have accepted members of this year’s senior class. We are proud that some of our men have earned a seat at Stanford, Notre Dame, RPI, Vassar, Howard, Catholic University, Wesleyan, Colby, NYU, Boston College, and in two instances, Cornell. Congratulations to the members of our Class of 2022! Their college decisions will be shared on our website soon.

As I mentioned in my intro, thirteen juniors were inducted into our chapter of the National Honor Society on 7 April. In order to be selected, student candidates must maintain a 90% average, submit an essay, and be evaluated by faculty. I am proud of these men who represent the academic excellence that flows throughout La Salle Academy.

The Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 celebrated their 50th Reunion on 22 April and Slainte Bar & Lounge! Approximately 50 alumni from those class years joined us, traveling from all across the U.S. Pictured here are Edward Beyrer ’64 (former faculty), Aldo Bruschi ’72Nicholas Paccione ’72 and Andres Valdespino ’72.

The Classes of 1995, 1996 and 1997 will celebrate their 25th Reunion on 19 May at Juniper Bar. If you are an alumnus from one of those classes, click here or contact Ms. Zenaida Sonberg at 212-475-8940 ext. 205 or [email protected] for more details and to purchase your ticket. See you then!

As a result of our virtual class reunions, alumni from 1957 and 1967 kicked off class fundraising drives. $9,625 was raised from the Class of 1957 and $2,437 was raised from the Class of 1967. This additional $12,062 adds to the tuition assistance awarded to students with financial need. I am grateful to Bob Barbieri ’57Jim McPartland ’57 and Rod Hasson ’67 for initiating this effort.

In our Easter appeal this year, we set out to raise $10,000 for our new Fitness Center. Thanks to all of you who so graciously made a contribution, we raised just over $30,000 for this new addition to our athletic programming! Athletic Director Mr. Jerome Pannell shares his thanks and is enthusiastic about the future of this project.

A busy month awaits as we anticipate a visit from Cardinal Dolan, our annual Art Expo, AP Exams, Senior Prom, a Welcome Dinner for the Class of 2026, and the Golf Outing. It is refreshing that for the first time in three years we are able to bring back some of these routine spring events!

As a reminder, our 26th Annual Cardinal Classic Golf Outing will take place two weeks from today on Monday, 16 May at North Hempstead Country Club. Consider golfing, attending the evening reception, or purchasing a sponsorship. Register online or contact Ms. Daria Coney at 212-475-8940 ext. 301 or [email protected].

May the blessings of the ongoing Easter season be a source of hope and joy. I assure you of my gratitude, prayers, and best wishes.


Brother Thomas P. Casey, FSC
President

P.S. Our 30th Annual Scholarship Benefit will be held on Thursday, 9 June at Tribeca Rooftop. This year’s honorees include God Shammgod ’95Bill Scarry ’59Jack Scarry ’52 (posthumously), and St. Francis College. Register online or contact Ms. Daria Coney at 212-475-8940 ext. 301 or [email protected].