News
LATEST NEWS
Starbuck Ballner '04 Awarded Volunteer Vacation For Service
Perry Point, MD – Starbuck Ballner’s year is about to get a little busier. This July, Ballner is being recognized for his commitment and dedication to service, as the NCCC Atlantic Region winner of a week-long volunteer vacation, courtesy of Travelocity Travel for Good and the American Hiking Society.
Ballner, who graduated from John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in 2004, will be joining four other NCCC Corps Members representing the other regional campuses in Mount Baker-Snoquamie National Forest, located in Washington State. From July 10 – 17, the group will work alongside volunteers for a week to build new trail along the Great Northern Railway. When he considers the work ahead of him as the Travel for Good winner, Ballner does not hesitate to express his excitement. As a member of the NCCC Wild Land Fire program, Ballner finds meaning in environmental work.
“I am very excited for the opportunity to learn about other current environmental issues affecting our natural resources.” he asserted.
Will Ballner continue to bring the same level of enthusiasm to the west coast that he has exhibited every day in NCCC? The staff at the Atlantic Region doesn’t believe he could do any less, according to Sean Kuether, Ballner’s Unit Leader and head of the Atlantic Region Wild Fire program.
“Starbuck has exemplified the term ‘National Service’ during his tenure here,” says Kuether. “He has designed and implemented a series of workshops with a local outreach program for at-risk youth, and has even stepped up to lead a team in disaster relief efforts in Nashville, Tennessee. Starbuck has been a leader for the entire Corps.”
The Atlantic Region can rest easy, knowing that members like Ballner are speaking for NCCC at a higher level. And Ballner is thrilled to do it: “It is an honor to have been selected to represent the NCCC Atlantic Region on a national stage,” Ballner concludes.
“New experiences like this provide me with adrenaline and excitement, knowing that life holds so much to be lived.”
Starbuck Ballner is a Member of the AmeriCorps NCCC a leadership program for young people ages 18 to 24. In exchange for completing 1,700 hours of service during a 10-month term, these young people receive an education award of over $5,000, plus a living stipend, housing and more. AmeriCorps programs are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency. Interested applicants and project sponsors are encouraged to learn more by visiting www.americorps.gov/nccc or calling 1-800-942-2677.
Campobasso, Schuck Medal At States
Sporting newly modified marine-style haircuts and matching v-neck black shirts, Dylan Schuck and Michael Campobasso were given instructions by Coach Elliot to make a statement by example in their events. And that, they did! Both Kennedy athletes medaled at the State Meet in Vestal, New York. Dylan Schuck placed sixth in the pentathlon and Michael Campobasso placed sixth in the 110 Meter Hurdles. Both athletes stood on the podium and were awarded NYS championship medals for their effort.
Jessica Kendzor turned in two fine performances in the 400 and the 800. Jessica finished 9th in the 400 Meter dash finals. From the 400 Meter finish line, she dashed to the clerk's booth to check into the 800 Meter run. 45 minutes after she finished the 400, she ran the 800 Meter finals and finished 11th.
Danielle Asaro made a mad dash to the finish line in the 100 Meter and 200 Meter races. She crossed the line 12th in the 100 Meters. Just a few events later, she ran the 200 Meters and finished 14th. In both cases, she ran amazingly fast.
Friends (Ms. Kastberg, Catherine Kastberg, Laura Kastberg, Anthony D., State Pole-vault Champion Carissa Leonardi, Legendary Libby Lazarre, her dad Steve & family, joined Kennedy Catholic family members, Coach Elliot, Coach Bergmeier, and Sister Janet in support of KC's exceptional track athletes. The Kennedy Catholic Track family celebrated Friday night at a Japanese Steak House (Hibachi style) and Saturday at Roscoe's Famous Restaurant in Trout City USA.
Gaels Fall, 7-2, In Title Game
ENDICOTT — They woke up at an hour normally reserved for a school day and played until past bedtime. Their day started in morning sunlight and ended in a thickening night fog. For the players of Kennedy's baseball team, the state final four experience was as grueling as it was long. By the time it ended shortly before midnight Saturday, the Gaels' somewhat surprising run to the Class B state championship game ended in defeat. They fell 7-2 to Section 3's Westhill after an extensive day (and night) of delays at Union-Endicott High School.
Read more online in The Journal News.
Dreams Do Come True!
KENDZOR '10 CAPTURES GOLD TWICE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD INVITATIONALDuring the 2010 Walt Disney World Invitational, Kennedy's Jessica Kendzor captured two gold medals at ESPN's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. This exciting nationally sanctioned event took place over 3 days from March 18 through March 20.
After a night of cross-cultural dining and fireworks at Epcot Center, Kendzor entered the ESPN complex and proceeded to run a smart race in the 800-meter run. Jessica stayed in second place for the first lap behind the frontrunner, who hailed from Nova Scotia. When a runner from Brearley, NY, passed them both, Jessica followed her instincts and her dreams. She outkicked the fast Brearley girl to win the event and a gold medal with a time of 2:20. Next, in the 400-meter dash, Jessica ran the best time of the day in the preliminaries. Later, she headed for the Magic Kingdom for some good, old-fashioned fun and dreamed a little more. Read more at KCHS XC & Track.
Community Outreach Makes Olympics Special
Members of the Community Outreach Club continued a long-standing Kennedy Catholic tradition on March 6 in volunteering for the basketball skills competition of the Hudson Valley Region of the Special Olympics. Kennedy has hosted and helped the Special Olympics since 1978, when a group club as Serve did the good work of Community Outreach. For more on Saturday’s competition, read Brian J. Howard’s story in The Journal News.‘Fiddler’ Photos Now Up On LoHud.com
Theater aficionado and writer extraordinaire Peter (a.k.a. Pedro) Kramer stopped by Mrs. Spahr-Toteda’s “Fiddler on the Roof” rehearsal March 1. We were graced the following day by photojournalist Mark Vergari. While we anxiously await Pedro’s story, check out Mark’s blog online at The Journal News for pictures.
Viteretti '10 Named To Section 1 All-Tourney Team
Talk about back with a vengeance. Following an almost two-week layoff due to a wrist injury, Kennedy Catholic's Amanda Viteretti '10 returned to the Lady Gaels lineup to lead the girls to a victory over Westlake and a return trip to the County Center. Though the Lady Gaels' run was cut short by eventually Class B champion Irvington on Feb. 28, Viteretti was named to the Section 1 All-Tournament Team. See her listing in Josh Thomson's The Sixth Man Blog.
Kendzor ’10 Qualifies For States
Senior Jessica Kendzor added yet another feather to her Hermes-esque winged shoes with a second-place finish in the 1,000-meter run at the Section 1 State Qualifier on Feb. 28 at The Armory Track & Field Center in New York City. She’ll hit the blocks next on March 6 at Cornell University. For complete times and results, visit Armory Track.
Lady Gaels Fall To Irvington, 42-57
Like their team USA hockey counterparts, the Lady Gaels could not pull off the upset on Feb. 28, falling 42-57 in its semifinal showdown with Irvington. Read more about the girls’ playoff run in The Journal News.
Kendzor To Run In Walt Disney World Invitational
Jessica Kendzor ’10 has been invited to run in the Walt Disney World Invitational March 18-20 at the Wide World of Sports Track & Field Complex. Kendzor is one of a select few high school students invited to participate in this national event.
Coach Morales Named 'Master Strategist' By Journal News
Varsity girls basketball coach Al Morales was named a “Master Strategist” by the Journal News today for his shutdown defense that has carried the Lady Gaels to Championship Week at the Westchester County Center in just his second year on the Kennedy bench.
Santini Jr. Named NCN’s Male Athlete Of The Week
“Kennedy Catholic freshman defenseman Steven Santini Jr. played a big role in Kennedy/Putnam Valley’s upset win over Lakeland/Panas on Friday (Feb. 5) at Brewster Ice Arena. Santini notched three goals and two assists, powering his squad to a 6-4 victory over the vaunted Rebels. As of press time, Santini had accumulated the fourth most points in Conference 1 with 19 goals and 10 assists.”
Lady Gaels Headed To County Center
The girls’ varsity basketball team extended its playoff run on Feb. 17 with a hard-fought 37-32 win over Westlake that will send them to the Westchester County Center for a semifinal showdown. Alexa Mancuso led the way for the Lady Gaels with 9 points, while Amanda Viteretti enjoyed a triumphant return with 8. Viteretti, cleared to play just an hour before game time, had been out for 12 days with a wrist fracture. Lauren Tracy had 6 points with 11 rebounds, and Natalie Candarelli added another 6 on two killer threes.Kendzor, Aprile Medal 3 Times; Asaro & Schuck Strike Gold
The Kennedy Winter Track and Field stars were out in full force Sunday night in NYC at the Armory Track for the Sectional Championships as the JFK Catholic Girls Placed 5th in a 17 Team Field and the JFK Boys Finished 6th in an 18 team field.
Danielle Asaro tore up the resurfaced Armory Track with a 7.58 55 Meter Dash 1st place, Gold medal performance. She was also an integral part of the Silver medal, award-winning 4 x 400 Meter Relay team. Danielle is the Section 1, Class B, 55 Meter Champion.
Dylan Schuck jumped to 1st place Gold and Glory with a 19-8.25 Long Jump. Dylan is the Section 1, Class B, Long Jump Champion.
Jess Kendzor displayed her versatility as she ran 3:04.50 in the 1000 Meter for a Silver medal & finish 2nd to New York State XC Champion, Megan Young. Jessica ran faster as the night continued, sprinting 43.14 in the 300 Meter Dash to place 3rd for a Bronze medal in that event. In addition, several coaches clocked her at 59 seconds as anchor leg for the 4 x 400 M Relay team, which garnered a Silver medal. Jess, top point scorer for the JFK girls, left the Armory with 3 medals for the night.
Jesse Aprile ran and jumped to 3 medals for the Gaels in stunning fashion. Jesse sprinted to a 6.86 55 Meter Dash to decorate himself in Bronze. Between sprints, he jumped to a Bronze medal in the Long Jump at 19-3. With 2 medals in his pockets, he excelled in the Triple Jump with a 40-4.5 mark, to place a 3rd medal in his pockets. Jesse was top point scorer for the boys.
Breeda Mannion shaved 15 more seconds off her Westchester County Championship performance in her comeback bid as she captured Bronze in the highly competitive 1500 Meter run that included the aforementioned Young and Nicki Nesi (Journal News – Runner of the Year). Breeda led off the 4 x 400 Meter Relay team that was awarded a silver medal.
In the 4 x400 Meter Relay, the JFK girls team ran 4:15.20 to set a new JFK Indoor Track 4 x 400 Meter School Record. The record-setting team consists of Breeda Mannion, Katherine Kastberg, Danielle Asaro and Jess Kendzor.
Other notable performances were… Dylan Schuck (55 Meter Hurdles – 4th in a field of 20), Liam Perry (Triple Jump - 11th in a field of 30) Eric DiNome (1600 Meters - 13th in a field of 38), Alex Cecere (1000 Meters - 18th in a field of 50), the JFK Boys 4x400 Meter Relay team (Cecere, DiNome, Perry, and Schuck – 7th Place), and Katherine Kastberg (55 Meters - 20th in a field of 40)… in this meet of invited, qualified champions.
Danielle Asaro tore up the resurfaced Armory Track with a 7.58 55 Meter Dash 1st place, Gold medal performance. She was also an integral part of the Silver medal, award-winning 4 x 400 Meter Relay team. Danielle is the Section 1, Class B, 55 Meter Champion.
Dylan Schuck jumped to 1st place Gold and Glory with a 19-8.25 Long Jump. Dylan is the Section 1, Class B, Long Jump Champion.
Jess Kendzor displayed her versatility as she ran 3:04.50 in the 1000 Meter for a Silver medal & finish 2nd to New York State XC Champion, Megan Young. Jessica ran faster as the night continued, sprinting 43.14 in the 300 Meter Dash to place 3rd for a Bronze medal in that event. In addition, several coaches clocked her at 59 seconds as anchor leg for the 4 x 400 M Relay team, which garnered a Silver medal. Jess, top point scorer for the JFK girls, left the Armory with 3 medals for the night.
Jesse Aprile ran and jumped to 3 medals for the Gaels in stunning fashion. Jesse sprinted to a 6.86 55 Meter Dash to decorate himself in Bronze. Between sprints, he jumped to a Bronze medal in the Long Jump at 19-3. With 2 medals in his pockets, he excelled in the Triple Jump with a 40-4.5 mark, to place a 3rd medal in his pockets. Jesse was top point scorer for the boys.
Breeda Mannion shaved 15 more seconds off her Westchester County Championship performance in her comeback bid as she captured Bronze in the highly competitive 1500 Meter run that included the aforementioned Young and Nicki Nesi (Journal News – Runner of the Year). Breeda led off the 4 x 400 Meter Relay team that was awarded a silver medal.
In the 4 x400 Meter Relay, the JFK girls team ran 4:15.20 to set a new JFK Indoor Track 4 x 400 Meter School Record. The record-setting team consists of Breeda Mannion, Katherine Kastberg, Danielle Asaro and Jess Kendzor.
Other notable performances were… Dylan Schuck (55 Meter Hurdles – 4th in a field of 20), Liam Perry (Triple Jump - 11th in a field of 30) Eric DiNome (1600 Meters - 13th in a field of 38), Alex Cecere (1000 Meters - 18th in a field of 50), the JFK Boys 4x400 Meter Relay team (Cecere, DiNome, Perry, and Schuck – 7th Place), and Katherine Kastberg (55 Meters - 20th in a field of 40)… in this meet of invited, qualified champions.
For more results, visit KCHS XC & TRACK.
Kendzor Named To All-State X-Country Team
The New York Sportswriters Association has named our own Jessica Kendzor to its 2009-2010 All-State Cross-Country Second Team. She was the only Westchester harrier to receive such an honor. Congratulations Jess!
Gael Force Wins
BOYS, GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAMS BOTH ADVANCE
Friday was a good day for Kennedy Catholic basketball, as both the boys and the girls advanced to the second round the playoffs. The Lady Gaels were up first and got off to a fast start against Hastings, taking a 27-10 lead into the half. That proved enough to take the sting out of the Yellow Jackets, as Kennedy would go on to win 46-29. Alexa Mancuso and Molly Brennan led a balanced attack with 10 and nine points, respectively. Natalie Candarelli, Lauren Foti and Allison Santini each had eight points, while Lauren Tracy grabbed nine rebounds.
The boys then held up their end of the bargain, grounding the Eagles of Eastchester with a 60-50 victory behind the hot hand of Frankie Kelly. The junior guard finished with 18 points, all on three-pointers, to lead the Gaels. Conor Donohue added 12 points and was seven-for-eight from the free throw line, while Dan Healy rebounded well and Ryan Hickey added 10 points off the bench.
The likely matchups for next week are the Lady Gaels at home against Westlake on Tuesday, Feb. 16, with the boys traveling to Spring Valley on Wednesday.
Read about the Gaels in the Feb. 18 North County News.
Former Kennedy Standout Inks Pro Deal With Evansville Otters
Former Kennedy Catholic baseball standout Matt Maher ’05 signed a professional baseball contract on Jan. 12. Maher, who hit .339 in his final season at Fairleigh Dickinson University, was signed by the Evansville Otters (Indiana) of the Frontier League. Maher reports to spring training May 21.
Perry ’12, Track Teams Shine At Fordham Grinch Games
Liam Perry won the Sophomore Boys 55 Meter Hurdles with a time of 9.20 to pace the Gaels. For more highlights from the Fordham Grinch Games, visit the KCHS XC & Track Blog.
Varsity Girls Finish 3rd In Slam Dunk Tourney
Though it wasn’t as easy as the tournament’s name suggests, the girls’ varsity basketball team beat Good Counsel 53-35 in the challenge game of the Slam Dunk Tournament at the County Center on Dec. 26, behind a balanced scoring attack and strong bench play. Read the complete staff report in The Journal News.