Hey, Class of 2025!

Share your email address with the school

More Hawks, please

Let This Be The Year You Truly Come Home

for Hudson Catholic

Through the ‘BTL’ monthly digital magazine, we are able to reach 4,350 alumni and 4,930 total supporters of Hudson Catholic. That alumni count puts our ‘penetration rate’ for living alumni at 58%. These are our highest levels in all categories, as the affinity for our school grows and more alumni and friends want to be part of the modern-day Hudson Catholic community. This is due to our rich 60-year history, your cherished memories, and the great things that are happening at McGinley Square today.

The key to growing our success from what it is to a level that is grand, would be to grow our present Hawk donor engagement from 400, which is an engagement rate of 9.2% to a rate double or triple that. Knowing what we know about how Hawks feel about being Hawks, it is not inconceivable that we could quadruple that rate, and our fundraising for the annual fund this year would “Soar To New Heights!”

So, as we announce that our goal for the 2025-26 year remains at $400,000, to which we came oh-so-close, we believe that the key to getting there is More Hawks! WE NEED MORE HAWKS to make a gift to The Fund this year. A groundswell movement in such large numbers would take us well beyond our goal, possibly all the way to $500,000, which is really the baseline number that Hudson Catholic needs to ensure that we are always on solid footing and able to meet unanticipated expenses and capital needs.

There are many ways to do so: clicking above to make a gift by credit or debit card or bank account transfer; mailing a check to the Office of Advancement at 790 Bergen Ave. 07306; setting up recurring monthly gifts; seeking matching gifts from your employer; making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA at age 70 and 1/2; or gifting securities at hudsoncatholic.org/securities.

Show us your support by going to:

MORE HAWKS, you know who you are. Show your Hawk Pride by opening your hearts and wallets for those who have followed us in their dreams and into the hallways of The Hawks Nest. Their future depends on it.

Hey, Hawk Retirees!

Your Company Will Match Your Donations

………..if you worked for: Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, SONY, Lilly, Intel, Boeing, Caterpillar, Chevron, Gap, or Darden Restaurants. So will many more – why not inquire with the company from which you retired?

'Distinguished Donors'

We recently acknowledged those many Hawks who have distinguished themselves over the past five consecutive years -- many for longer, or much longer -- by consistently supporting Hudson Catholic in some manner or form -the Annual Fund, Event Patronage, Scholarship & Tuition Assistance, Matching Gifts, Securities Donations, or Match Challenge Gifts. 

Irrespective of the size of their gifts, they help form the bedrock of Hudson Catholic, as those who can be counted on to faithfully support our school whenever they can and in times of need.

As a small token of our appreciation, we take this time to thank them again and acknowledge their recognition, in the eyes of the school, as 'Distinguished Donors'. They help propel the school forward, providing the needed funding, each year, that makes the difference between red ink and the enormous successes of our student body, year after year after year.

"We do not have any grand ways to express our gratitude, but please know that our gratitude knows no bounds, for you represent the very best among the Hawk population, as your gratitude shows through your generosity," Chief Advancement Officer Gary Ferrari '73 wrote in a private note to our annual supporters.

Be The Hawk? You Are The Hawk!

12th Annual Black & Gold Golf Classic

Honorees, Students Shine in West Orange

"Remember, it is always about the kids."

-- the late Brother Patrick King

Gina Hulings, Director of the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs, receives the Golden Service Award from husband, JCPD Captain Michael Hulings '90

Board Member Ann Marie Petrocelli and husband Sandy Petrocelli, long-standing benefactor, receive the John P. Higgins '77 Award from John's sister and former Board member, Eileen Higgins

Hall of Famer Larry Basinski '70 receives the Brother Patrick King Lasallian Star Award from Mrs. Sarah Barbi, Asst. Principal & Director of the Hawk Drama Club.

The stars of our show, our Hawk volunteers - six seniors who wowed the crowd with their plans for the future, pictured here with Ms. Eileen Higgins, former Board member and benefactor of the the long-running John P. Higgins '77 Scholarship Fund. In this photo, we have the President and Vice President of the Student Council, three Space Campers, four members of the HC-SPU Dual Degree Program working toward an Associates degree during their high school years, and this year's winner of the Newark Archdiocese' O'Toole Scholarship representing a full four-year scholarship to Villanova University.

This year's Welcome Crew: our six student volunteers flanked by administrators Mrs. Jenine D'Addetta of Advancement and Mrs. Mary Ann DiGiaimo of the Business Office on the left, and Ms. Ashlee Rivera '16, Director of Student Services, and Event Director Ms. Jill Cypher on the right.

Guests at Black & Gold Golf Classic hoisting the Hawk Flag!

Message From The Prez

The first month of school is in the books! I think it’s important to remind our stakeholders of just how much is going on OUTSIDE the classroom here at the Hawks Nest! We take our responsibility of educating the whole person quite seriously, and your continued support allows us to do just that. The first 30 days of school were a perfect example of just how much takes place on campus.

On September 4^th, Orientation took place for all year levels.

On September 8^th, classes officially began for grades 9 through 12.

On September 11^th, at 8:46am, we read the names of Michael Diehl '70, John Monahan '72, Paul Nimbly '77, Bernie Pietronico '80, Tom Swift '88, David Lemagne '92, former Faculty Robert Parks, Jr., and alumni parents Mary Melendez (Ramon '96) and Joseph Lovero (James '86) over the intercom followed by a moment of silence. They will NEVER be forgotten because we will always remember. Then, as we did last year, our entire school community participated in the 9/11 Memorial & Museum's Anniversary Digital Learning Experience during our hour-long 2nd period. The program commemorates 9/11 using a free, age-appropriate program that conveys the history and impact of the attacks through a film highlighting individual stories and an exclusive live chat connecting viewers with Museum staff.

The program features first-person accounts of the attacks and their aftermath to help viewers learn about 9/11 and the importance of commemoration. Participants heard personal stories from an FDNY first responder, a 9/11 family member, a U.S. Army veteran, and a former window washer at the World Trade Center. Afterwards, we had each student write a personal reflection and/or hold open discussion in the classroom.

Later in the day, Yearbook/ID Photos were taken for all grades.

We had a school-wide assembly on September 16^th featuring Jordan Toma, motivational/mental health speaker and author of the book: I’m Just A Kid With An IEP. Jordan shared his inspirational and engaging story about how his struggles became his strength in what we hope is something students will always remember.

We hosted a Freshman Parents Night on September 17^th for the parents/guardians of the Class of 2029.

On September 19^th, we held our Opening Liturgy in St. Aedan’s Church. 

On September 24^th, we hosted a College Fair for our Juniors and Seniors. We had 55 colleges and universities in attendance.

On September 25^th, we hosted a sports psychologist from the Lukin Center’s Sport Mental Health & Performance Program who spoke to our Fall student-athletes. This specialized program blends the latest evidence-based treatments, counseling, clinical intervention, and training to give athletes the mental tools needed to work harder, play smarter, and reach their goals on and off the field.

On September 30^th, we hosted Joshua Rivedal, a speaker, educator, and stand-up comic who is the founder and creative director of Changing Minds: A Mental Health Based Curriculum and the i’Mpossible Project. The i’Mpossible Project is an organization dedicated to educating, entertaining, and engaging on suicide prevention and mental health. Mr. Rivedal has spoken about suicide prevention and mental health across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. As an actor, Joshua’s voice has been heard on U.S. national commercials like Dell, McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, and on one of the Freckleface Strawberry Books. He is the author of six books and a co-author of three scientific peer-reviewed journals.

On October 1^st, we held our Back to School Night for all parents/guardians, during which followed their student’s abbreviated class schedule so they would meet teachers and learn the curriculum.

On October 3^rd, we held a school-wide Club Fair for all year levels so they could learn about and join some of the more than 20 different clubs offered to our students.

And that’s just the first 30 days! Your support allows us to fill the lives of our students with inspiration and opportunity throughout the year. I cannot thank you enough!

The 2024-25 Hudson Catholic Annual Report of Giving

will be available for online viewing in flipbook format on

October 10th at

https://hudsoncatholic.org/annual-report

Get DAFfy on October 9th!

DAF Day is an annual national giving day observed on October 9th that is aimed at raising awareness about Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) and encourages donors to give through their DAFs to a wide range of non-profits. What are DAFs? Donor Advised Funds constitute a tax-advantaged philanthropic channel to which donors contribute assets and then recommend grants to favored charities, causes and non-profit organizations over time. They may even provide a charitable legacy following a donor's passing.

That is why, at this time, we wish to remind all of our supporters who maintain Donor Advised Funds to consider directing their charitable funds, e.g. Fidelity Charitable Fund, Morgan Stanley Gift Fund, Schwab Charitable Fund, or Commonwealth Charitable Fund, to make a gift to Hudson Catholic Regional High School as part of this year's annual DAF Day 'holiday' tradition of giving to your favorite causes.

Invest in Hudson Catholic

and Help Secure Our Future

October 6th

In memory of

Dr. Alfred Fiume '80

In Support of Therapeutic Assistance &

Scholarship at Hudson Catholic

October 18th

5pm at The Hawks Nest

October 25th

At the Hawks Nest

November 8th

April 24th

REUNION REMINDERS

Hey MillenniAlums!

It's 25 Years for 2000

Contact Jill Cypher at jcypher@hudsoncatholic.org

to express interest in having / helping with your class reunion

Rest in Peace

Mr. Daniel Kelleher

Twenty-two years on Faculty at Hudson Catholic, from 1988 to 2010, Mr. Dan Kelleher, age 80, passed away on August 30, 2025. His teaching assignments covered the curriculum -- Mathematics, Science, English and Computer Science. Less well-known, perhaps, was the fact that Mr. Kelleher was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971. He was decorated as a Commissioned Officer, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge during his service. As many Hawks will attest, Dan Kelleher was a pillar of the Hudson Catholic faculty during his tenure with us. And for that, many of us owe him a debt of gratitude for helping to steward us through our high school years. Rest in peace, Mr. Kelleher. May God shed His perpetual light upon you.

In Search of A Hawk Influencer

We are exploring the potential to add a role in Advancement for a 'gig worker', available remotely and part-time, who could help us raise our social media presence, including with SMS marketing, for promotional and fundraising purposes. The aim is primarily to engage our Millennial, Gen X, and Gen Z Hawks in communication vehicles and digital payment platforms where they interact, communicate, and donate to worthy causes like Hudson Catholic.

We’d like to explore your talents, interest, and availability, with a view toward matching up with you in ways that may make more sense for your schedule and lifestyle, as opposed to dictating rigid job requirements around location and schedule.

If this sounds like it could be you, let’s talk. Hawk Talk.

Drop a note to Chief Advancement Officer Gary Ferrari at gary.ferrari@hudsoncatholic.org and we’ll go from there.

Hawk Happenings

Alumni Association ACTS to bring Exam Prep Resources to the Student Body

Special thanks to our Alumni Association who graciously has provided $6,200 in funding needed to bring an online ACT Prep training program, Magoosh, to support our juniors and seniors in their preparation for the exam that is an integral component of college and university acceptance decisions. The Magoosh platform allows students to study at their own pace and on their schedule from a computer or mobile device. The content caters to different learning styles and is designed to be engaging and interactive. The study materials are created by experienced instructors and subject matter experts and organized in a way that is easy to follow and understand. Students can feel confident and ready with their extensive library of practice questions and full-length practice exams. Even better, parents/guardians are able to access Magoosh to see how much time their student has put into this resource. Teachers will be able to see classroom trends and adjust accordingly for their individual students and classes. Did we mention it’s FREE?!! to Juniors and Seniors? Thank you to the Guardian Angels of the Hudson Catholic Alumni Association!

Football Roundup

Coach Yasir Thomas' Hawks are proving to be quite gritty on the gridiron. After a season-opening loss to Hanover Park, 30-14, the Hawks bounced back in The Lamar McKnight Classic at Paterson's Hinchcliff Stadium with a 30-6 triumph vs. Newark Collegiate Academy. Their third tilt proved the most exciting and competitive game to date, a 26-22 defeat to Hoboken in which a spirited comeback fell just short of victory. In the ensuing weeks, the Hawks fell short against Newark Central, 28-19; Henry Snyder High School (for those Hawks who pay attention when they read 'BTL'), 32-20; and to Immaculata, 49-6.

Next Up: Bayonne (Home), October 10th, a bye week, then at Kennedy, October 24th, and the season concluding at home on October 30th vs Morris Catholic.

One For The Books!

Hall of Famer former Principal and President, 'Grandpa' Richard Garibell, along with grandson Jackson, granddaughter Mackinley, and son-in-law John, found their way into the Guinness Book of World Records, joined by former Yankees Ron Guidry and Willie Randolph, Hall of Fame Announcer Bob Costas, and 2,000 other folks at Yogi Berra Stadium in Montclair. Their feat? The most pairs of people playing catch on one ball field.

'The Catholic' in Hudson Catholic

Hudson Catholic offers OCIA and RCIA Classes for those students wishing to receive the sacraments of First Communion and/or Confirmation. These classes are also available to those who wish to learn more about what is involved in becoming Catholic. Classes begin October 2nd and are held in the former Brothers Residence.

Black & Golden Lager

remains available for sale!

Order at the button

Pick up at 902 Brewery any time.

Tell them The Hawk sent you!

Alumni Spotlight

Leadership, Service, Achievements

(and occasional whimsy)

Med Pro. Jacqueline Nacipucha '18 started her Master of Biomedical Science at Rutgers University and is a Clinical Research Coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.



Digital Explorer. Ankit Mittal ‘12 is an advanced software engineer at Relativity, a software consultancy specialized in electronic discovery in support of the legal community. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Information Technology from NJIT.

He cares for us. Armand Campos '10, BSN, RN, CCRN, RCES is a Senior Clinical Nurse in the Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology Lab at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. After Hudson, he continued his Christian Brothers education at La Salle University in Philadelphia where he obtained his BSN. He maintains advanced certifications in both Adult Critical Care Nursing and Cardiac Electrophysiology. His prior experience includes serving as an RN in the Johns Hopkins Hospital ICU.

Pastoral duties. Rev. Robert Benko '82 is Pastor at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Columbus, Georgia. Has been since 2018.

From the Time Capsule. Pioneer Hawk Rich Laban '68 led the '68 Hawk Bowling Team to the 1968 Hudson County Championship as the leading scorer in the County.



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 Gatherings

L-R: ‘80 Hawks Paul Ebert '80, Steve Grocki, Ed Hickey, Joe Gallucci, Ken Such, & Frank Lemkan, gathered for the sounds of guitarist Gallucci and the Carbon Place Project.

To observe their 30 years since graduation, these ’93 Hawks gathered for a show at the Wellmont Theatre in Montclair: Chris Soprano, John Sanfilippo, Mike Olear, Scott Bolasci. Phototaker: Ralph Santiago

'73 Hawks gave themselves a 70th Birthday Party at Bar A in Belmar! The class clowns are, L. to R., Casey Zachowski, Tom Mullarney, Jim Sweeney (hovering), Carl Gargiulo, Gary Ferrari, Lou Manzo, John Winstanley, Mark Fallon, Gus Cotayo, Ted Natoli, and Mark Fugel (standing).



‘What’s in a Name?’ Redeux

With the recent popularity of ‘A Complete Unknown’, about Bob Dylan’s early years in the bohemian environs of early 1960s Greenwich Village, would it surprise anyone if our Robert Zimmerman '81 was sought out for interviews as the reclusive genius songwriter he is lauded to be?

Whereas, James Brown ’69 is “smokin’!,” Joe Walsh ’87 is “the smoker you get.”

In the film world of goodfellas, our Joe Pesce ’75 is out and about as opposed to ‘home alone’. Christopher Soprano ‘93 seems to be a composite of two main characters from that oh-so-Jersey crime family drama.

Was Douglas Brain '07 actually the smartest in his class?

Have any others? Share them at advancement@hudsoncatholic.org.

Nice Glass!

Spotted by a hawkeye in their wanderings.

Blast From the Past

30 Years Ago, Hawk Baseball Shocked the County!

The June 15, 1995 edition of The Jersey Journal's 'Faa's Corner' blared "What a Year it Was for Zadroga's Determined Hawks." His rather lengthy and fawning article offered one accolade following another for Hawk Head Coach Mike Zadroga, Sr., since enshrined in the Hudson County Sports Hall of Fame, and nearly every, if not every, player on the roster, in naming our Hawks the Team of the Year. He started by saying that going into the season anyone would have been hard-pressed to see this coming. Yet, the Hawks finished with a 21-4 record, the most wins in program history, a school-record 15-game winning streak, a #10 State ranking, and the County crown. Seniors Hector Torres '95 (8-0) and Ismael Alsina '95 (7-2) proved an indomitable 1-2 pitching duo. Faa went on to cheer the exploits of C Tomas Rosa '95, IF David Budinick '95, IF Tommy Burns '95, Craig Martens '97, George Gallagher '96, John Pein '95, Jon Lionakis '96, Avery Bristol '95, Ken Piegari, Sean Spencer '96, and Jim Freyre '95. But the Faa saved his most glowing praise for Senior Gary Tullock '95 for his team-first attitude, for which Coach Zadroga and Assistant Coaches John Furch '85, Mike Nieves '86, and Tom Gentile were immensely grateful. Faa ended his column by citing HC Hall of Famer and then-Athletic Director Terry Matthews as A.D. of the Year, saying Terry's "interest and professional handling of the Hawks' season was second to none" and......"in his stewardship......made it very clear that unsportsmanlike behavior is simply not acceptable."

40 Years Ago, Class of '85 Were Top Dogs

The nascent Hudson Catholic Alumni Association, led by Jim McDonough '73, Mark Bulwicz '73, John Winstanley '73, Larry Basinski '70, and the late Bert McTague '70 in 1985, welcomed the Class of '85 into the Alumni Association with this testimonial in their Hawk Yearbook.

If you can't take it with you,

why not leave it to Hudson Catholic?

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.

Did You Know?

Back in the day, being named First Team All County in your sport by the Jersey Journal was a great distinction and afforded you bragging rights - in the neighborhood, the school, and the community.

As recently presented in the digital pages of Building The Legacy, Mike Bobal '69 in Baseball, was the first such Hawk so honored by the Jersey Journal. Bobby Quirk ’73 in Football (’72) was the second, Jim McDonough '73 in Basketball was the third. At that point, those three Hawks were the first of their kind in each sport. Then Jim Spanarkel ’75 became the fourth, in Baseball (’73) and fifth, in Basketball (’74), the first Hawk to receive laurels in multiple sports.

Did you also know?..........the closest any team came to state honors prior to the '72-'73 North Jersey Basketball Championship Team was the Flavio Rubano-led '68-'69 team. That team advanced to the Parochial A North Final before bowing to St. Peter’s Prep, then went on to claim the championship of the season-ending 6th Annual Hudson County Conference Tournament -- for all teams not in the County Final -- besting St. Michael's of Union City and its All-County, Duke-bound star, Richie O'Connor. The tournament was played until 1971.

Readers Respond

Our photo of a drop-in to The Nest by Miguel Alvarez '79 was received with the following reminiscence and accolades from George Bailey '80: "Miguel was a great teammate. Greatest overall hurdler in the history of Hudson Catholic, other than in 400 yards. Frank Neglia '80 holds that honor. Also one of the best Hudson County ever saw."

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

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

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

"A strange part of adulthood is we are all homesick for a place and a time that no longer exists.”

-- Anonymous

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

-- Mike Love,

lead singer of the Beach Boys

in reference to the passing of lifelong bandmate Brian Wilson

"When you are down to nothing, God is UP to something.

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible.

If you cannot see God IN all, you cannot see God AT all.

B.I.B.L.E.: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth."

-- Anonymous

Requiescant in Pace

Vita Mutatur Non Tollitur

(Life is changed, not ended)

___________________________

Michael Stewart '71

Thomas Rea '93

Joseph Aziz '23

Elizabeth Amorino,

mother of Samuel Amorino, Jr. '81 and

the late Joseph Amorino, Former Faculty

Joseph T. King,

father of Joseph King ‘84

Judith Tunnell,

sister of Joan Gaedt, former Administrative Staff,

aunt of Tim Gaedt ’90, and

sister-in-law of Steve Tunnell ‘88

______________________________

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