"Enter To Learn, Leave to Serve"

Class of 2025: share your email address with the school!

Our Year End Balancing Act

Requires an Appeal for Your Help

June is the most important month of the year at Hudson Catholic because we deliver our finished product in the form of the next graduating class in the first weekend of the month. And because, thereafter, the administration must go hard at work to complete the fiscal year, which means making some hard choices to balance the books.

The main factor in this exercise is the degree to which families have been unable to meet tuition obligations even after receiving financial aid during the year. We have but a small reserve for bad debts, consequently, when combined with paying the operating bills and meeting our pension and benefit obligations, we invariably find it necessary to make one last appeal for support to close out the fiscal year with a balanced budget on June 30th. There is always a careful balancing act in meeting our twin objectives of being benevolent and financially responsible.

With a Target of $50,000, we make this general appeal to all donors. In addition, we reach out to a select number of loyal and responsive donors who, in years past, have always been there when we have asked for their support, specifically to help return academically deserving students to classes in September.

Without your traditional favorable response to our year-end appeal, our year might look very different, and we could be starting off the next year in a hole.

Being Lasallian means being Men and Women for Others

Last call to get in the giving column for the Classes of 1991, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and raise your position in the Class Standings. Spring up the Leaderboard with a few gifts before the year ends!

Hawk Happy Hour

Proves You Can't Cage the Hawk!

Class of '71 gatherees: Mike Hellreigel, Dennis Danilewicz, Ritch Charles, Greg Cucco, Mike Pecklers.

Hawks of the 80s: Dennis Cronin '81, Mike Flanagan '82, Dan Ravatier '81, John Nastasi '81, George Isabella '86,

Ed Hannon '81

Flocking '73: Jack Ferri, Gary Ferrari, Thom Riscoe, Tom Borkowski, Casey Zachowski, Mark Torzewski

Hawk Hockey Community:

Caitlin Miller, Hall of Famer Peter Haglund '01,

Coach/Mr. Frank McGady, FAC

Th Star of Our Show: Black & Golden Lager

Message From the Prez

In a note to parents regarding graduation details, President-Principal Matthews shared this sentiment regardng the Baccalaureate Mass: "Our seniors started their journey at Hudson Catholic with a mass and will end that journey with a mass, as well."

Editor's Note: School's Out in June, but for the Administrative Team, we remain at work during summer hours. Which is a great time for Hawk alums and friends to pay a visit to the Nest. President-Principal Terry Matthews is fond of receiving visitors and touring them around the school to show them what we have done with the place and then sitting down to share news of Hudson Catholic and receive your ideas about the school we love. Make an appointment at advancement@hudsoncatholic.org. Just provide your choice of dates or days of the week (Mondays through Thursdays, please) and time of the day between 9am and 12pm. See you at the Nest!

And Now, A Word For Our Sponsors

Seeking Sponsors for each of our

Constant Contact Mailing Platform & Hawks at the Shore Event

We’ve crossed the rubi-con, of sorts – or ConCon, short for our mailing platform, Constant Contact -- to the 5,000-contact distribution tier. The bad news is that it raises our annual cost to provide Building The Legacy (and other communications) to $2,300 from $1,200. The good news is that we saved $1,000 by choosing the annual payment plan over the monthly.

Nevertheless, we are seeking a Subscription Sponsor, at $1,000, to help us cover our incremental cost of publication, In return, we would be pleased to add the name of your business or service to the masthead of this digital magazine for the next 12 months.

We are also seeking an Event Sponsor for our Belmar-based social -- the 6th Annual Hawks at the Shore social, a/k/a HATS -- to help us defray the costs of this quite popular event.

Also a $1,000 sponsorship, we will include your business or service name and contact information in our promotions of the event by email and in social media, and we'll accept your signage for posting at the event.

To express interest in either sponsorship, drop a note to the Chief Advancement Officer at gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org.

Invest in Hudson Catholic

and Help Secure Our Future

Hudson Catholic receives, and you take a tax deduction for, 100% of the value of the donation

Tap on the box for Instructions

June 20th

To benefit the students of Hudson Catholic

August 15th

The Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Club

16th Avenue in Belmar - 2-6pm

No Inflation -- Same Mere $85 as Years Past

Register & Pay -> -> ->

October 19th

NEW VENUE

Register to Play / Sponsorships at

https://hudsoncatholic.org/bggolf

Hawk Happenings

Spring Sports Roundup

Girls Track Captures First State Championship

What a weekend it was for Hawk Athletics in the State Tournaments!

First, on Friday, May 29th, in the second round of the NJSIAA Tournament, the Boys Volleyball Team beat an Arts HS team that came in with a 21-4 record, which put them into the North Jersey group semi-finals. Not to be outdone, the Softball Team took down St. Dominic Academy in a first round game by a score of 13-3.

But the BIG winner of the weekend was the Girls Outdoor Track Team that captured the overall Non-Public 'B' State Championship, defeating perennial champion Villa Walsh in the process. This is the first State Championship for Girls Track and for Hudson Catholic Girls in any sport in the history of Hudson Catholic! Along the way, the Girls (Junior Zy'ara Davis, Freshman Alex Batista, Senior Faith Eatman, and Soph Promyze Porter) won and set a new Non-Public 'B' Meet Record in the 4x100M Relay that had stood for the last eight years! In addition, we went 1-2-3 in the 100M with Zy'ara Davis, Senior Breanna Miller and Alex Batista getting the Hawk sweep! Zy'ara Davis won the 200M Dash as well, and Faith Eatman won the Triple Jump. And the Hawks also captured first place in the 4X400M Relay (Senior Kimora Sims, Soph Lia Barker, Alex Batista, and Promyze Porter) and the 4X800M Relay (Kimora Sims, Lia Barker, Promyze Porter, and Junior Jenaiya Acosta).

Five of our eight Girls standout champions will return next year to try to improve their already prolific performance and defend their title! Congratulations to Coach Anthony Campbell and our amazing young ladies!

On the Boys side, Andre Marcus medaled with a 4th Place finish in the 100M Dash and Roniel Sanchez medaled wit ha 5th Place finish in the 110M Hurdles.

A total of eight Hawks - six Girls and two Boys -- qualified for the overall Meet of Champions on June 3rd.

Dual Degree Graduates

Gifted $1.83 million by Hudson Catholic

Congratulation to our senior Dual Degree students who graduated on May 16th from St. Peter's University with 60 college credits and an Associate Degree -- once again, three full weeks before receiving their high school diploma!

These monstrous college tuition savings encompass 60 credits saved at SPU, a value of $83,540 per student; the annual award of the Presidential Scholarship to a Hawk who continues their education at St. Pete's for the additional two years - another $83,540; and, the acceptance of all 60 credits by Villanova - a value of $145,980 per student - for four Hawks attending there.

Having completed its sixth year of operation, the Dual Degree Program has benefitted more than 100 Hawks with a cumulative savings of college tuition in the millions!

We are all indebted to retired Hall of Fame President-Principal Richard Garibell, retired Director of College Programs Bill Venezia '70, and current Director of College Programs Erin Drennan-Eckel for their design, creation, and ongoing execution of this remarkable program.

17 of our 19 Dual Degree Hawk/ St. Peter's University Associate Degree recipients are pictured, along with Ms. Erin Drennan-Eckel. They are: Olivia Morgan, Ludelle Marasigan, Karonna Johnson, Jadyra Amaya Garcia, Gella Abdul Latif, Ezra Anciado, Rachel Cabrera, Mary Cabalquinto, Jalaya Clark, Analise DeLeon, Alejandro Diaz, Max Hernandez, Luciano Guzman, Nandini Krithivasen, Julia Leigh Ortiz, Matthew Palanca, Luz Perdomo Cordero, Kharington Schwindt, Aerin Tapala.

A Hawk Captures SPU Graduation Award

for 4th Year Running

For the fourth consecutive year, St. Peter's University bestowed the prestigious Shanahan Award to a Hudson Catholic student at SPU commencement. The award signifies the student having the highest academic average in the Associates Degree class, including the adults in the program! This year's recipient is Olivia Morgan '26, who joins in the 'tradition' with fellow Hawks Jean Marie Bamba '25, Katherine Villaver '24, and Aidan Marmorato '23. Olivia is also this year's Hudson Catholic Valedictorian, who will continue her education at Villanova University in the fall, on a pre-med track.

Ludelle Marasigan is this year's class Salutatorian. She will continue her education at the University of Pittsburgh. Karonna Johson graduates 3rd in her class and has been awarded the Presidential Scholarship to attend St. Peter's University, meaning that her entire college education will be tuition-free! Among our 19 Dual Enrollment Program graduates, four will attend Villanova, two will attend Rutgers, one each to NJIT, northeastern, and U. of Mass-Amherst, and six will continue their studies at SPU in the fall. Go Hawks and Peacocks!

Signing Day

15 Hawk Athletes Commit to Their Schools of Choice

Athletic Signing Day is held annually at Hudson Catholic to honor senior students who will be participating in college athletics. Their families are invited into school to enjoy the special moments for their Hawks. Mr. Jabir Brinkley, Lead College & Career Counselor, who also serves as Student-Athletes Counselor/NCAA Liaison - helping Hawks register for the NCAA Clearing House, arranging recruitment practices, administering athlete questionnaires, and creating highlight tapes -- played a strong role in bringing athletes together with their future schools. Presenting 16 athletes across all three NCAA Divisions, all academically eligible, and their schools:

Track & Field

Kimora Sims / Temple University

Breanna Miller / Morgan State University

Faith Eatman / Fayetteville State University

Marcus Vincent - Monmouth University

Andre Marcus / St. Peter's University

Christopher Carillo / Montclair State University

Rugby

James Spiegel / Rowan University

Basketball

Kharington Schwindt / University of Hartford

Elijah Williams - Georgian Court

Football

Paul Johnson / Montclair State University

Jonas De La Rosa / St. Thomas Aquinas

Za'hir Williams / St. Thomas Aquinas

Nicholas Andino / St. Thomas Aquinas

Alexander Perez Munoz / University of Maine

Ibrahim Akinyemi / Monroe College

Qhuahir Williams / Howard Prep School

In a Hawk Drama Society first,

Double-Cast Roles Fill the Bye Bye Birdie Playbill

Over the weekend of May 14-16, the Hawk Drama Society performed Bye, Bye Birdie, with its largest cast to date! And, in a first for Hawk Drama, and a testament to the talent in the program, our main cast contained five double-cast roles, in which two actors share a single character, taking turns playing the part in alternating performances. This differs from having an understudy, as both actors are considered primary cast members.

Senior Alejandro Diaz had the leading role of Albert Peterson in his final stage performance in four years of Drama Society roles at Hudson Catholic. Sophomores Elizabeth Canela and Zeridah Nahuria shared the spotlight as Conrad Birdie. Mr. and Mrs. MacAfee were played by freshman Sophia Amos and senior Chris Carrillo; and, sophomore Adienne Palanca and senior Julia Leigh Ortiz shared the role of Kim McAfee. Junior Linus Gosa starred as Hugo. Senior Vanessa Anonuevo and sophomore Aniyah Soto played Ursala to perfection. Junior Jenesis Dale played Mae Peterson and freshman Genesis Amaya-Garcia shared the role of Randi MacAfee with sophomore Abigail Rose. As for the iconic “Spanish Rose," Rosie Alverez, senior Jadyra Amaya-Garcia and freshman Abigail Rowan Degnan brought the house down at each performance with their portrayal of the character immortalized by Chita Rivera. 

Mrs. Sarah Barbi directed this year's Spring Production, assisted by Mr. Anthony Monte '78, and choreographed by Ms. Lexylee Martiniz. Forty five students found their way on stage, and 15 more performed technical and stage crew roles, for a 60-student production. Seniors Olivia Morgan and Gellah Abdul-Latif manned the lights and music, training freshmen Isabella Castro and Andy Castillo to take the reins next year. Fred Barbi '86 controlled the sound board and sophomore Emma Shotolu “called” the show as stage manager. Backstage, senior Zaniyah Black supervised the stage crew and assisted Larry Basinski '70, without whom the productions could not take place.

We also welcomed three young students from Primary Prep and All Saints Catholic Academy to take part in the production, and they helped bring the show to life in vibrant ways.  

Our ensemble of teens, parents, and screaming Birdie fans brought the energy from our Wednesday matinee for over 200 elementary school students, to the close of the final curtain on Saturday night.

Many tears were shed as the Hawk Drama Society had to say goodbye to the seniors who have been involved in our shows during their time at Hudson Catholic. We wish the best of luck to our seniors, who received varsity letters, honor cords, framed playbills and a moving video tribute from their cast mates to say thank you for all they’ve done for theater at Hudson Catholic.

Our graduating seniors are: Alejandro Diaz, Julia Leigh Ortiz, Jadyra Amaya Garcia, Vanessa Anonuevo, Kaitlyn Rea, Daniel Brea, Axel Fuentes, Chris Carrillo, Elijah Amanya, Krystal Council, Olivia Morgan, Zaniyah Black, Gellah Abdul-Latif, Darrin Allen, Quion Adams Purnell, Matthew Palanca, and Eric Powell.

The arts are thriving at Hudson Catholic!

Up next on the Jack Campion Stage at Hudson Catholic are: Annie Jr this summer for grades Pre-K to 10; Once on This Island in November for grades 9-12 and Mean Girls in May 2027 for grades 9-12. Come support our shows, and our amazing performers!

New Jersey Devils Alumni Scholarship

Awarded to a Hudson Catholic Senior

The New Jersey Devils Youth Foundation announced senior Kaitlyn Rea as one of this year's 10 winners of the New Jersey Devils Alumni Scholarships, from among over 100 applicants. The awards are based on scholarship and community service, with experience in hockey as either a player or a fan. The Prudential Arena in Newark was the scene of this year's Presentation Luncheon, attended by the awardees, their families, their teachers who wrote them recommendations, and Devils alumni Martin Brodeur, Kan Danilo, Bruce Driver, and others. Kaitlyn's guest was Mr. Frank McGady.

The Army of Christ Gains 22 Soldiers

"A Spiritual Commitment to Faith"

On Saturday, May 23rd, 22 Hudson Catholic students were among a larger group to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Aedan's Church. Mr. Archie Mabini of Faculty ran the RCIA/OCIA classes over the course of the year that enabled our students to be ready to receive the Sacrament. We thank Mr. Mabini and Ms. Maria Maderal of Faculty for their support throughout the process.

Hudson Celebrates America 250

The Hudson Catholic History Department hosted America 250 Day on Tuesday, May 26th. In this, the fifth consecutive year that The Home of The Hawks has hosted a traveling exhibition museum experience, Hudson Catholic served as a temporary site of a new traveling exhibition: Declaration 1776: the Big Bang of Modern Democracy. The traveling exhibition is the product of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History in New York City. History Department Chair Joseph Cook arranged for the exhibit that featured several panels that explored the legacy of the Declaration of Independence's words. Additional relevant items, including rare historical artifacts from Mr. Cook's personal collection were also on display to create a unique museum experience. Mr. Cook stated: "250 years ago, our nation was founded on a radical idea: that all men are created equal. Decades later, Abraham Lincoln said that a democratic country of, by, and for the people was a proposition that needed to be tested. A century after that, Martin Luther King, Jr. challenged the country to consider if it had completed the great task that Lincoln defined. In many ways, this is still a question for our country."

S/PA Concludes its Hudson Catholic Year

with a Day at the Liberty Science Center

Hudson Catholic's S/PA students closed out their year with our valued sponsorship organization with a field trip to the Liberty Science Center, exploring the exhibits while creating lasting memories with their mentors. An S/PA spokesperson stated: "Our students showed up, showed out, and reminded us why we do this work every single day." Shout out to Lord Abbet, for making this and other field trips during the year possible.

Getcha Hawk Merch!

Many have inquired about how best to obtain Hawk merch.

It is now available through our school website.

Here are a few samples of what you will find there.

Hudson Hawks

Gold-trimmed Tee

HC Zip-up

The World's Most Interesting Hawk. Mike Pecklers '71 doesn't always wash his decks when setting up the Shore house, but when he does, he drinks Black & Golden Lager!



About Mission and Purpose,

Lasallian or otherwise

Mission. It is not only for philanthropy, although we use it to define the work that we do. Mission-driven work isn't exclusive to non-profits. And it's not about where you work. It's about whether you've connected your work to something bigger than yourself.

Some of the most purpose-driven people are in 'regular' jobs and companies. For example, the office staff supporting doctors can see themselves as more than adjacent to the mission, rather, as part of their patients' emotional and physical recovery. Financial advisors manage portfolios for their clients. But don't they also build trust from which to manage the hopes, dreams, and plans of their clients? That's a lofty purpose to hold in one's hands. Purpose goes beyond a job description. It is a choice. And it doesn't evaporate when you leave your work. You carry it with you.

That 'purpose' is often at the root of what we speak of often at Hudson Catholic -- that which St. John Baptist de La Salle taught us -- to be people who live our lives in service to others.

Alumni Spotlight

Leadership, Service, Achievements

(and occasional whimsy)

Honor and Service. Angelina Rivera '23 was inducted into Pi Delta Delta at Villanova University, the national honor society for public affairs and administration. She will be spending her summer as an Intern at Philadelphia-based Bebashi -- Transition to Hope that provides wellness-related services to people of color.

Visual storyteller. Tatiana Lopez '20 is celebrating three years with the Miami Marlins. She is a sports photographer and works in the marketing and advertising industry with experience in content creation, social media management, client relations, and creative direction, with extensive experience in high-energy sports environments. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration from Barry University to combine business acumen with a strong artistic foundation, to deliver storytelling and audience engagement through visual media.

Foodie, but not like you think. Christian Spiegel '13 and his plant leadership team from General Mills recently served at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Food insecurity is an issue close to his heart. He recalls that growing up, he didn't miss any meals, but came close at times, so that perspective remains with him and informs his service to others.

Youth be Served. Hall of Famer Peter Haglund '01 of the 2000 State Championship Hawk Hockey Team is the Head Coach of Girls Ice Hockey for (NJ) Devils Youth Hockey, and the Varsity Coach for Hoboken HS Girls Hockey. Pete, himself, is an alum of Devils Youth Hockey, and played at Wagner College following his high school days. On the side, he apparently makes his living as a Business Underwriter for Chubb Insurance.

Turn the Page. Attorney Russel Francisco '94 is among our newest Hawk Authors, having taken to writing fiction and publishing his first title called Titan, about business mavens in the wrestling business and what they will resort to in protecting their interests. Of course, it helps if you are from Jersey, which is where this story is set.

Upon This Rock I Will Build My Church. Joe Pagetta '90 also published his first book, a non-fictional account of Italian-born Father Aloysius Orengo's arrival to and exploits in and beyond Nashville, TN. Titled The Apostle of Tennessee, it tells the story of the life and ministry of this Catholic priest who built 12 churches in communities throughout Tennessee.

Anchors Aweigh. Tom Steffens '81. After a career in the Navy and a stint at The Pentagon, from which he is retired, Tom is giving back as a Professor of Practice at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterrey, and involved in some non-profit endeavors in D.C. focused on homelessness.

25 Years of Recovery and Resilience. Bill Keegan '73, leader of the HEART 9/11 First Responders organization, joined mental health experts and first responders at the 9/11 Museum and Memorial for conversations exploring traumatic events like 9/11 and the Newtown School Shooting that have shaped our understanding of resilience, recovery, and community support in a program titled: "25 Years Later: Creating Resilience for Communities in Crisis.

Zen and the Art of RV Maintenance. Mark Fugel '73 is a self-titled full-time "RV Nomad and Travel Blogger." His blog is entitled Journeys with Jersey Mark: One Man's Quest for Health & Happiness. We are waiting to hear if he has hit all 50 States. And we are wondering why his travelogue lacks the required Hawk apparel made for Kodak photo spots! Mark is a former member of Faculty at Hudson, but the record shows that he was hired into his first teaching position by our President-Principal's father, Terence Matthews, a legendary JC public school educator and administrator.

Hawk Author Joe Slota '72 has been literally, and literarily, quite busy. His book, From the Streets to Global Seats, has been recognized with a 2025 International Impact Book Award. He followed that up with a Barnes & Noble Book Signing in Paramus, NJ, and just this past month, his second book is published -- The Uncoded Advantage -- which addresses "What happens when thinking becomes assisted, but people stop developing their own judgment." The book is not a rejection of artificial intelligence. It is a recognition of what happens when human capability quietly erodes beneath it.

He Served His Country and His Flock. Retired ArchPriest Frederick Webster '69 had a professional career that encompassed 35 years as a pastor, professor, and "padre" - a common nickname for military chaplains. In 2019, he retired from the Holy Trinity Seminary, where the Faculty Council bestowed upon Fr. Alexander the title of Dean and Professor of Moral Theology Emeritus.

The First To Serve. Pioneer Hawk William Donovan '68 was the very first Hawk to enter into service of our nation, enlisting in the United States Navy shortly after graduating from Hudson, just as the Vietnam War was heightening. He served for four years, and left the Navy when his tour ended in 1972.

Tell Us

Just one of many things that unites us as Hawks is that Hudson Catholic alumni spread around the nation and the world are making incredible contributions to their communities, professions, and to Hudson Catholic.

If you know of an exceptional Hawk deserving recognition, we invite you to share why, by writing to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org with examples of Hawk alumni and alumnae leadership, service, and achievement...........and occasional whimsy.

A Legacy Hawk Family Story:

Cliff Knuepple '05 and Cliff Knueppel, Sr.

Recent discussions with and among early-day Hawk Harriers and Track stars led to talk about the school's first running championship of any kind -- the 1972 Cross Country City Championship. Among the names brought up ffrom that team were Wall of Honor members Al Long '73 and Paul Santasieri '74, Don Hanbury '73 and the late John Lane '73, and one other name -- that of Cliff Knueppel, who was in the class of '74 at that time and spoken of so highly. Cliff did not graduate Hudson, but his son, Cliff, is a Hawk. We invited him to write about his dad.

Cliff Knueppel '05 -- My Dad loved running track. He talked about it often when I was a kid and it ultimately led me to signing up for St. Aloysius track team in the third grade. I knew I wasn’t the best, but I always wanted to be like my Dad and I knew it would make him proud. He was so proud that he began coaching the entire team until I graduated and moved on to high school.

I was accepted everywhere I applied, but didn't know where to go, but I knew my Dad wanted me to go to Hudson Catholic.

I went to the open house for St Peter’s Prep. That’s where all my teachers said I should go, so I checked them out first. But at the open house, everybody kept calling me Chris and nobody could pronounce my last name. It all felt so transactional and nothing felt personal. Nothing that felt like this would be family. My Dad assured me that Hudson would be different.

So I went to the Hudson open house next and, wow, it was night and day. Not only did I feel more welcome, but I met teachers like Brother Pat King who remembered teaching my Dad, and Mr. Lenczuk who coached my Dad. They shared stories of his time there and of how great he was in the sport of track and field. Everywhere I went, there were conversations, laughs and inspiration. That felt like family and the decision was clear. I was going to be a Hawk.

My Dad couldn’t have been happier. He was so proud to be a Hawk himself, but unfortunately had to leave for Snyder and didn’t graduate from Hudson. It was certainly no decision of his own, but situations beyond his control forced him to say goodbye to Hudson Catholic and end that chapter of his career. But he loved Hudson and he deserved his opportunity to close the book in Hudson Catholic.

My dad had records and championships at Hudson Catholic.I joked with him that I'd break them all, but I never came close. The work ethic he had when it came to running was another level. When I was a kid on Christmas, I'd play video games all day. For him, Christmas morning was another day off to go run a few miles to be ready for the next meet. He loved it. It was his escape. And he was awesome.

Hudson often invited him to the Wall of Honor dinners, but he always declined. My Mom asked him why, but he felt he didn’t deserve to be included because he didn’t graduate from Hudson. I always told him, despite having to leave Hudson Catholic through no fault of his own or of the school, he’d always bleed Black and Gold and be just as much of a Hawk as anyone else. To me, he’ll always be worthy of the honor and a Wall of Famer in all aspects of his life. 

Just as he did on the track, he fought through many obstacles before leaving us in 2023. We shared many bonds, but being Hawks was one of our strongest. If not for him and his connection to Hudson Catholic, I don’t know where I'd have ended up when choosing a school in 2001. Thanks to him, I enjoyed four amazing years with a great group of guys and friends for life. I met my wife, Eileen, at St. Dom's and we now have two amazing children, Caden & Emily, who he loved so much. Perhaps, one day, they’ll also go to a Hudson Catholic open house. And when they ask why it feels like family, I’ll tell them it’s because Poppy went here. That is my Dad’s Legacy. 

Did You Know?

...... that the December 23, 1964 edition of the Jersey Journal referred to our school building, then under construction, as 'Hudson County Catholic Boys High School'? Not only was that quite a mouthful to say, but they got it wrong with the insertion of 'County' into the title, and the out-of-sequence phrasing. As we all know, when we arrived at the corner of Bergen and Mercer, the lettering on the Bergen Avenue orange brick announced us as 'Hudson Catholic High School for Boys'.

Hawk Gatherings

You Say Bye Bye, We Say Hello! Following dinner among Ken Such '80 (center), Ray Pipher '80 and Keith Brennan '80 to Ken's left, the trio of classmates made their way to The Nest to take in this year's spring production of Bye Bye Birdie on the Jack Campion Stage at Hudson Catholic. While there, they met up with Mr. Frank McGady of Faculty and a star of the show, in costume, Alejandro Diaz '26.

Hawks gathered following funeral services for the late Vin Grauso '73 are Tony Just '72, Mike Topolski '72, John Colaneri, '71 Joe Colasurdo '72, Joe Slota '72, Mike Morris '72, Mark Bara '75. Slota has been man about town of late, running into Carl Gargiulo '73 and Perry Cecchini '72, and then Joe Castagna '74.

Catholic Confab. Tony Luna '89 and Len Mackesy '71 met up to talk ministry and mission.

Blasts From the Past

From Hudson's very first year, '64-'65. These are Freshmen, the only class in the school, with classes being held at

St. Patrick's Grammar School in Bergen-Lafayette,

and they are Jersey City Freshman Basketball Champions!

From the Jersey Journal prior to

the Hawks' '78-'79 Basketball Season

Can't Improve on This One!

Do You Have a 'Blast From The Past' to Share?

Whether from the 60s, or all the way up to the Aughts and beyond

(at least ten years old), or in between,

if you have a great rare memory, artifact, or whimsical item,

send it to advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

and we will try to share it with the HC community

Reaffiliation... and it Feels So Good!

The Changing Neighborhood

Looking west on Montgomery St. with the Jersey City Armory on the right, the tall new building on the left side of the street is The Orchard, at 725 Montgomery, directly across the street from the Hudson Catholic campus. It is 16 stories tall, containing 285 apartments. And it casts a shadow on its neighbor, the low-lying Astor Bar, observing 70 years in business this year.

After 87 years at the same location, old friend Boulevard Drinks may soon be forced out of its location in Journal Square by the site owners, who are eyeing a high rise development on their lot situated next to the Loews Theatre, itself undergoing a substantial restoration. Stay tuned, as a legal fight is expected.

Korrection Korner

In our April issue, BTL 132, in a photo in the Hawk Gatherings section, we identified Tony Just '72 as Mitch Morris, friend of HC and brother of Mike Morris, '72. Apologies to all for the error.

If you can't take it with you,

why not leave it to Hudson Catholic?

(or, at least part of it?)

Where it can provide perhaps the greatest gift of all

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION

For more information on ways to arrange a meaningful planned gift

Contact the Chief Advancement Officer, Gary Ferrari '73 at gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org or 201-888-6276.

You can help Hudson Catholic

with 'likes' & 'shares' of our posts to your networks, from

No Hawk Left Behind

We lose touch with some of our graduates who move around, go off to college, start careers, get married, etc. In some cases, they retire, having used their work email to receive ' BTL', and forget to notify us of a personal email address. Help us find them again and make it harder for us to lose touch. Many on this list have siblings who are Hawk alumni, so turn them in at advancement@hudsoncatholic.org or send them to hudsoncatholic.org/stay-connected to update their contact info.

Reminders

Drop a note to

advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

To advertise your business or service

and support this newsletter for $30 per month or $350 annually

Plan a visit back to The Hawks Nest,

Obtain or donate a Hawk Yearbook

through the Yearbook Exchange,

If you receive our email at your workplace

We may not be getting through to you if our email is being intercepted by your spam filter. Only you can correct that by placing us on your safe list, which would allow communications from our Constant Contact email platform to reach you.

For Hawks at or nearing retirement age

and receive this newsletter at your workplace email address

Please send us your personal email address at hudsoncatholic.org/stay-connected, or we will lose touch with you! This happens often.

Death Notifications

may be sent to

info@hawkalumni.org

Catch up on back issues of

Building The Legacy 

Do you have a newsworthy item or something from the present or past to share with the Hawk community?

·    Landed your first job? Taken a new one?

·    Received a promotion or honor?

·    Gotten engaged or married?

·    Celebrated a milestone anniversary?

·    Welcomed a child or grandchild?

·    Reminisced with fellow Hawks recently?

·    Relocated?

·    Retired from your last job?

Hudson Catholic welcomes any and all news about your career, education, family life, and reconnecting with other alumni.

Submit a note and share photos with the Hudson Catholic community at

advancement@hudsoncatholic.org

Words of Wisdom

"No one taps you on the shoulder and declares: 'You're ready now'. You decide you are."

-- Leigh Toomey, CEO/Founder - LeadHERship Educational Solutions

"Don't look backwards. You're not going that way. We all make mistakes. Learn from them, then leave them in the rearview mirror. Always move forward.

-- Reese Witherspoon, award winning actress and producer

"It's been a long time since we laughed together, a long time since we cried; raise your glass for the comrades we've lost, my friends it's been a long, long time."

-- Southside Johnny, Asbury Park legend

Requiescant in Pace

Vita Mutatur Non Tollitur

(Life is changed, not ended)

___________________________

Bryan Schoch '91,

brother of Marc Schoch '94

Agnes Ebert,

mother of Thomas Ebert '74, Michael Ebert '76, and

Paul Ebert '80

George Gavin, Former Faulty

and brother of Gerard Gavin '71

Antonia Pagetta,

mother of Nicholas Pagetta '85 and Joseph Pagetta '90

___________________________

Will be remembered in the annual

Alumni Mass of Remembrance

on November 1st, 2026

The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine

201-332-5970 x118

Advancement@hudsoncatholic.org ~ OR ~ gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org

We Thank Our Sponsors

Voted Best Burger in Baltimore Magazine

Find Fuzzies at Orioles Park at Camden Yards and Nationals Park in Our Nation's Capital

Hiring at fuzziesburgers.com/careers