Hawk Pride

We are proud of our school's history.

The straight line that runs through it is

top quality education,

traditions built by the student body,

and affinity for 'Hudson' that lasts a lifetime

For the Glory of God and Service to Man

Catholic Education Under Pressure,

but Hudson Catholic is Thriving

Fresh on the heels of celebrating Catholic Schools Week, we regret to report on the latest round of Catholic school closures. In New Jersey, the announcement came from the Archdiocese of Newark about Montclair Immaculate High School, a Sisters of Charity school, that will close in June at the completion of its 100th year.

In New York City, seven schools will close in June as well, five in the Bronx. Press accounts attribute the closures to rapidly declining enrollments due to the inability of local families to afford private tuition while experiencing increased costs of living and, in many cases, also footing a local public school tax bill for services not utilized. School choice vouchers that would enable such affordability continue to await passage into law.

The loss of any Catholic school is a loss for us all. We despair the demise of so many good schools that have served their communities for so many years, but are ever grateful that Hudson Catholic has had the steadfast and staunch support of its alumni, many friends, and private and Catholic scholarship organizations over many years. They have all enabled our school to advance its mission, strengthen its academic credentials, serve its students and families, provide pathways to university studies and careers, and build its enrollment higher and higher as a result.

Interest in and demand for a Hudson Catholic education is at its highest level in more than 20 years, with attendance in September expected to rise to 510 or higher, thanks to the extended hard work of the Hudson Catholic administration and faculty, and the generous support of alumni and friends throughout the Hudson County community. The community recognizes a winning institution when they see it, and they reward it with support and attendance, wanting to be part of what is happening to make Hudson Catholic a winning institution.

This article should put everything in clear perspective about the difference we are truly making at McGinley Square. So, once more and louder still, we at Hudson Catholic proclaim to all our supporters and stakeholders, THANK YOU! AND PLEASE KEEP IT UP!

Second Heroes Event Brings 'em Out!

Our second, now annual, Heroes of Hudson event on February 6th attracted another big crowd to witness Hudson Catholic pay tribute to the police, firefighting and first responder community on a night that the Hawks Boy Basketball Team hosted and defeated the highly regarded Dickinson Rams (16-2 coming in), 66-61, to improve to 16-4 and remain undefeated in Hudson County play.

L. to R., Pat Drennan JCFD Ret. and father of Erin Eckles, our Director of Instruction & Special Programs; Cheryl Lee, widow of the late JCFD Capt. Mark Lee '77 of the HC Honor Role of Highest Sacrifice; Elizabeth and Larry Costanza '76.

The Hawk community and our Heroes owe great thanks to the father of this event, our very own Larry Costanza '76, longstanding member of the HC Board of Consultors and newly elected member of the HC Hall of Fame.

Celebrate with a slice, 3.14(15926) is Pi Day

Message From The President,

-- Terry Mathews

One of the cornerstones of a Lasallian education is the idea of Service to Others. It’s the thing that makes us most special. Over Hudson Catholic’s long history, many of our graduates have gone on to become police officers, firefighters and EMTs, often rising to the top echelon of those careers. A little over two years ago, I became increasingly uncomfortable with the climate that existed towards our first responders, as well as the idea that somehow being a civil servant was not a tremendous career. In my mind, no one exemplifies our mission to create servant leaders more than our graduates who willingly put themselves in the line of duty every day. The men and women who keep our streets safe, run into, not away from burning buildings, and who arrive when lives are in the balance embody the Lasallian ideal of service to others.

With that being said, it was a no-brainer to task one of our Board of Consultors, Larry Costanza ‘76, with taking the lead on creating an event that would not only recognize our own graduates, but all those in Hudson County who answered that call. Hence, the Heroes of Hudson title, rather than Heroes of Hudson Catholic. Larry reached out to our own Deputy Chief Pat Sullivan ’92 and Pat Drennan, retired Fire Captain who although he may have made the wrong high school choice, did give us his daughter Erin to teach and coordinate our college programs at Hudson Catholic. Together, they created an event that represents everything that is good about Hudson Catholic and the county in which we reside. It’s a night of friendship and celebration, but also a night to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our families. It’s a night to acknowledge the amazing men and women who get up every day to put themselves on the line for people they may never meet. And it has turned into a ‘can’t miss’ event in the process. 

Our second Heroes of Hudson Night was a huge success. Once again, the cafeteria and gym were packed and, apparently, the boys Basketball team cannot lose when our Heroes are on site! The fact that we were able to raise some money for the school is an added bonus.

I hope we see more of our Heroes at next year’s event, and I invite you all to come and enjoy the night. Hawks always fly high!

Defund the IRS!

Donate Appreciated Securities

You get a tax deduction for the full market value of the securities;

Hudson Catholic receives the full amount of the gift / NO TAXES!

Hudson Catholic has made arrangements to receive the proceeds of gifts of appeciated (or any) securities through the Archdiocese of Newark's brokerage account with Morgan Stanley. Here's how it works:

Transfer securities from your brokerage account

'for the benefit of Hudson Catholic Regional High School'

through the Depository Trust Company (DTC #: 0015)

to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark --

Donated Securities Account (#036-893206)

held at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

1030 Broad St. 3rd floor, Eatontown, NJ 07702

Attention: Tyler Gilmour

732-389-5135 / david.gilmour@morganstanley.com.

Federal ID # of the Archdiocese: 22-1487308

Notify Incoming Donations to:

Matthew Phelan,

Archdiocese of Newark

973-497-4069 / matthew.phelan@rcan.org

Upon receipt of the donated securities, the Archdiocese will sell them and forward the cash proceeds to Hudson Catholic's bank and provide details of the donor to the Advancement Office.

Hudson Catholic receives 100% of the net proceeds of your donation

Or Give the Old Fashioned Way

By credit or debit card at hudsoncatholic.org/1964

Show us what is important to you by voting with your gifts.



If you are reading this on your phone and wish to donate via the QR Code, please open this newsletter on your computer and scan the QR Code on your screen.

Or, simply click on the button below

March 18th

Student/Partner Alliance Mentor/Mentee Lunch

March 27th

Father Leo Gariazzo

Tribute & Memorial Service

for our beloved friend, priest and spiritual mentor

who passed into eternal life on December 2, 2024

1:00pm at St. Matthias R.C. Church

168 JFK Blvd, Somerset NJ

Repast to follow at St. Matthias School,

sponsored by the Alumni Association

Click on the photo to RSVP

April 7th

Celebrating the Feast Day of St. John Baptist de La Salle

All gifts to Hudson Catholic will be 100% matched, up to $25,000

May 8th, 9th, 10th

On the Jack Campion Stage at Hudson Catholic

May 15th

Click on the event logo to be taken to the event page for

Tickets, Tables, Testimonials and Sponsorships

REUNION RMINDERS

50 Years for 1975!

Contact Frank Martineau at 201-238-7753

SAVE THE DATE: OCTOBER 18th at The Nest, 5pm

Reunion Kickoff 4pm

The Astor Bar, 725 Montgomery Street

a/k/a "The Shrine at St. Astor"

Hey MillenniAlums!

It's 25 Years for 2000

Let's Get It in Gear!

Special Note to 2020

Covid deprived you of

your senior prom and in-person graduation.

You are the only class to have a 'Virtual Graduation'

Let's get you together for a real live and in-person celebration of the truly unique class that you are!

1985 / 1995 / 2005 / 2015

It is time to start planning your milestone

Contact Jill Cypher at jcypher@hudsoncatholic.org

to express interest in having / helping with your class reunion

For the nearly 1,000 Hawks who have joined our mailing list

over the past year, we invite you to have a look at our

'Stay Educated' video.

Created three years ago,

it still resonates on what it feels like to be a Hawk.

HAWK HAPPENINGS

Everthing's Coming Up Millroses

On Saturday, February 8th, two former Hawk harriers, Wall of Honor member Al Long '73 (he of Millrose Games lore), and Tom O'Connor '73, Al's track teammate from 1970 to 1973, hiked down the Turnpike to Philly to cheer on our Hawk Boys and Girls teams that were both invited to compete at Millrose in the 4X400 event. The Hawk squads acquitted themselves admirably. Both Fours took home a Bronze medal in the event, the Boys by running a school record 3:24.69, just .02 out of second place, and the Girls by running a personal best (dropping nine seconds!) finishing at 4:09:55 and missing out on a school record by just 1 second! From '73 to '25, the thread of Hawk Pride runs through time and times, and tape, as old memories are recalled and new memories are made. Great job by all.

Post-script: Aiden Smith, Breanna Miller, and Kimora Sims each advanced to the NJ State Meet of Champions to compete in the 400m, 55m, and 400m events, respectively, along with both the Girls and the Boys 4x400m relay teams. Just today, Breanna placed 8th in the 55M Dash Finals and, in the process, broke the Hudson County record with a time of 7.21 seconds, lopping .02 off the County best! And in Kimora's event, she smashed the school record of 60.46 seconds in the 400M, held by Ryan Webb '15, with a time of 60.01!

Even Stevens Eyes Our Hawks

Ten members of the Hawk STEM Club convened at the 2nd Annual Youth STEM Conference held at Stevens Institute of Technology on February 1st. The event is a powerful signal to encourage and inspire students to take the first step toward a rewarding STEM career beyond high school. For 60 years, the Hudson Catholic student body has been a provider of academic talent to this prestigious Hoboken engineering school, and we see no reason why that tradition should not continue.

Exciting Runs of Basketball Hawks Coming to an End

Congratulations to the Hawk Girls and the Hawk Boys Basketball Teams for advancing to their respective County Championship games. No other high school in Hudson County had both their Girls and Boys teams playing for championships. Your excellence in competition makes the entire Hudson Catholic community proud! Good luck in the State Tournament!

FSC Leadership Announcement

The LaSalle District of Eastern North America (DENA) announced that Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC has been reappointed for a second term as Visitor/Provincial of DENA. Congratulations, Brother Robert. Hudson Catholic looks forward to our continued relationship with the Christian Brothers.

Quickie Quiz Results

From last issue's science factoid, Mr. Phil Gazzale reports that “Everyone received 100% on the asteroid dust quiz!”

Alumni Spotlight

Leadership, Service, Achievements

(and occasional whimsy)

Hawks on the Courts. If it's March, then Madness shall surely ensue! And Hawks are surely involved! Tahaad Pettiford '24 is playing a key role as a freshman on the nation's #1-ranked college team, the Auburn Tigers (23-2), playing in all 25 games, 21 minutes per game, and scoring 11 ppg. Zanai Jones '21 will be completing her college career with the SMU Mustangs unfortunately missing out on the Madness, with a 10-18 record in the ACC. Zanai 's year has been a good one, though. In 27 games, she has averaged 33 minutes, 8.4 ppg, and 4.1 assists. And, as previously reported, Elijah Gertrude '23 has sat out this season at UVA due to a knee injury, and Alex Massung '23 at Penn has also sat out the season due to a back injury.

Beat Writer. Brianna Mac Kay '19 is covering the Columbus Crew soccer team of Major League Soccer, and the Ohio State Women's Basketball team as a sports writer for The Columbus Dispatch. Asked how she became a professional sports writer, she said "In my sophomore year in high school, I decided to give writing for my school newspaper a try. By the time my first byline was published, I knew I wanted to continue to pursue sports journalism."

Following Shepard and Glenn. Kayla Gomez '17 is a Manufacturing Engineer at Blue Origin Enterprises, an American Space Technology company headquartered in Kent, Washington.



Admit it. Matthew Bruining '12 is now an Admissions Counselor at the University of Detroit Mercy.



Meet the Mets. Mike Albunia '14 is now an Associate Minor League Athletic Trainer for the New York Mets.

Over and out. Kevin Obiedzinski '95 retired from the Office of the Bergen County Sheriff with the rank of Lieutenant.

Now batting. Eric Amador Mays '91 is now Vice President of Sports Marketing at Bruce Bolt

Big Whistle. Matt McNulty '87. During the recent Winter Officials Appreciation Week, the NJ State Interscholastic Athletic Association issued its thanks to Matt for his years of service to ice hockey and boys lacrosse.

That's a Wrap! Messiha Shafik ’83. After 39 years in the consulting business and nearly 24 years at Deloitte, Messiha retired at the year-end.

Presidential Timber. The Board of Directors of the the First National Bank of Pasco (FL) has appointed John Zazzera '83 as its President and Chief Executive Officer.

Penta-gone. Tom Steffens '81 recently retired as the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Defense after over 39 years in service to the Army and DoD in Uniform and as a Senior Executive. He resides in Vienna, VA and works remotely as a part-time professor for the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

MikeMansion. Michael Skea '74, one of our loyal advertisers, is one of the preeminent real estate brokers on the Jersey Shore and in all of New Jersey. Mike is a land use attorney, a background that aids him in brokering some of the most prestigious properties "down the Shore." Ward Wight Sotheby's in Spring Lake recently announced that Mike advised a buyer of a $25 million mansion in Spring Lake, in one of New Jersey's biggest deals. And if it's only February, Mike's got a good year brewing!

Hawk Sports Lore. Mike Bobal '69. Did you know? Mike was named by the Jersey Journal as First Team All County Outfielder in 1969, the first Hawk to receive such honors in the sport of baseball. [Credit: the Morales Sports Bureau]



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.

Hawk Get Togethers

Shore Hawk Alumni gathered at the recent HC-Rumson basketball game in Rumson, in which the Hawks emerged victorious at 57-49. Cheering our team on were former Hawk ballers Flavio Rubano '69 (front left), starting guard on HC's first team to appear in a State Final; Tim Hurley '74 (front right), Mike Finley '73 (center), starting forward, and Peter Morales '74 (back right), all on the second Hawk team to reach the State Final; and, other Hawks flashing their Pride (back, left to right), Mike Ammerman '74, Michael Skea '74, and Matt McGrath '74.

It i

Joe Malloy ’73, A True La Sallian Man

Joseph Malloy, Class of ’73, and a Jack Campion thespian in the Hawk Drama troupe, passed away suddenly on January 20, 2025, after a fall exiting a local bus on idyllic Burgaz Island, just outside of Istanbul in Turkey, 4,368 miles from Jersey City.

Joe was an academic at heart, even in his school days. And in the LaSallian tradition, Joe was foremost, an educator -- who never stopped learning. He became fluent in Turkish and Italian. After graduating Hudson Catholic, Joe received an M.A. degree in Communications/ Education from The New School for Social Research in New York City, and NY State Certifications in English, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

Joe went to work as a director and dean of admissions for foreign students at several New York universities and as an ESL Teacher Training Specialist for the New York State Department of Education.

In 2001, Joe’s training, and his wanderlust, led him to Turkey, where he lived for the last 25 years of his life, in and outside of Istanbul, working in academia. He served in the roles of Lise Prep Department Head at Uskudar American Academy; English Department Head and Director of Academic Affairs at TED Istanbul Koleji; Head of School at Isikkent Egitim Kampusu in Izmir, and on faculty of the Graduate Education Department at Bilkent University, a research university in Ankara.

In 2009, Joe was honored with a Klingenstein Fellowship for Independent School Leadership at Columbia University. In 2010, he completed Doctoral coursework in International Education with Bath University (U.K.)

Joe was an original guy, loved and admired by his classmates, and made Hudson Catholic proud by way of his educational and professional achievements and his service to others in academia and society. Joe was buried in Pangalti Latin Catholic Cemetery, Istanbul on January 23rd. He is survived by his son, Taycan (‘Ty’). Godspeed, Joe Malloy.

Nice Sh0rts!



Edwin Rodriquez '81 unearthed this relic in a recent attic clean-out!

Blasts From the Past

An action photo from the Millennium Hawk Basketball Team (1999-2000 for those not paying attention) captures Omar Charles '01 in action at the Nest.

Frenzied Faculty, circa early '80s, snapped while still catching their breath immediately following a win over the Seniors. How does a crew this winded manage to come away with the victory? It didn't hurt to have 1973 First Team All County center and Hudson's first 1,000 point scorer, 'Big Mac' Jim McDonough '73 on staff back then! Jim's #44 hangs on the Wall of Honor in the Rocky Pope Gymnasium.

Hall of Fame Founding Christian Brother and former HC Principal, Brother Martin Zewe, FSC, with Pioneer Hawk John 'Jack' Deschauer '68 "in the early days". The fashion on both Christian Brother and student have evolved considerably over the decades.



Display of Their Catholic Faith

In February, if you find yourself in Houghton, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula along the Keweenaw Waterway, keep an eye out for Michigan Technological Institute, whose Catholic students build an ice chapel during Winter Carnival to celebrate Mass.



You can help Hudson Catholic

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

Korrection Korner

In BTL issue #117, we highlighted the background of Parth Thaker (as CEO of Priority 1 Security), who attended Hudson Catholic but whose family moved away before he could graduate as a Hawk. We refered to him as a member of the Class of ’01. In fact, he was on track to be a graduating member of the Millennium Class of ’00.

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

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.

advancement@hudsoncatholic.org to:

Plan a visit back to the Hawks Nest

Obtain or donate a yearbook through The Yearbook Exchange

Convey an obituary notice

Advertise your business card here for $30 per issue

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

“The moment’s never too big if you’re prepared.”

-- Kirby Smart,

Head Football Coach, University of Georgia, 2x National Champion

"The only way I've lived with loss, is to lean into it. The only way out is through."

-- Mariska Hargitay,

actress & producer of NBC's Law and Order

"Empower your future by leveraging your past. Build a strong network. Your legacy matters."

-- Anonymous

Requiescant in Pace

Vita Mutatur Non Tollitur

(Life is changed, not ended)

___________________________

Robert Trotte '68

Joseph Malloy '73

Edward Roselle '80

Richard Brown, Sr.,

Father of Richard Brown, Jr. '84

John Loughlin,

brother of Richard Loughlin '70

William Neil, Sr.,

Father of the late SSgt William Neil, Jr. '87 USA/USN

Patricia Neil,

Mother of the late SSgt William Neil, Jr. ''87 USA/USN

_______________________________________

Will be remembered in the annual

Alumni Mass of Remembrance

on November 2nd, 2025

The Office of Advancement ~ Gary, Jill & Jenine

201-332-5970 x118

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

We Thank

Our Alumni Sponsors