HALL OF FAME

Friends who have FAITH IN GOD AND BA

This past Sunday, Benedictine Academy hosted its' Third Hall of Fame Induction Event.  Fifteen Accomplished Alumnae and Outstanding friends of the Academy were honored during this memorable celebration orchestrated by Rosemary Anderson, Director of Development.  

Over 200 people celebrated the lives, the dedication, the leadership, the spirituality, and (most especially)the treasured friendship of:

The Arminio Family (Rev. Thomas G. Armenio, Barbara Arminio LaMort, Dianne Arminio Schmitt)

Brother Ralph Darmento, F.S.C.

Mary Ann (O'Brien '60) and M. Anthony DeSantis

Frank J. Gentempo

James C. Kellogg IV

Justice Virginia A. Long '59

Margaret Harrington MacNeill'62

Gertrude Turner Mahon '31

Maureen McKee Morrison '38

Bishop Chandler David and Mrs. Shirley Owens

Helen McGonegal Prusak '56

In gratitude to Mr. James C. Kellogg IV and Dr. Floyd and Dolly Donahue for their significant support and empowerment of our students for the achievement of the National Jefferson Award Gold Medal for public service by a high school, a signed lithograph by famous artist Peter Max of the White House was presented.

The testimonies were inspiring and heart-felt.  There was one testimony, however, that captured so eloquently the true essence of the charism of Benedictine Academy.  Margaret MacNeill shared:

"We often talk about why schools fail their students and there are any number of reasons, but I do believe an important one is the absence of community, shared values, hospitality.  A failure to create a place safe for risk-taking, as contradictory as that may sound.  Benedictine Hospitality makes community and risk-taking possible. That elusive concept - "hospitality" - creates an atmosphere that optimizes academic success...  I do believe it has always been alive here to breathe life into the spirit of this Academy.  It was here for me fifty years ago. It's here today. And a very important reason why I am committed to BA's continued success is that I want Benedictine hospitality, and all it nurtures, to be available to yet another generation of young women."     

Mr. Ken Jennings, Principal, welcomed the guests and shared with his usual great enthusiasm and BA Pride an overview of the school's significant accomplishments.   Sr. Germaine Fritz, President, began the celebration as we do all things at Benedictine Academy with a beautiful prayer. 

Ariana Taveras, a recent graduate and now a student at Tisch School of the Arts (NYU),  introduced our special guests Gary Russo, also known as Second Avenue Subway Sinatra, and Dr. Andrea T. Goeglein, the co-author of the book "Don't Die with Your Song Unsung". 

Gary's music filled the air with joy and gaiety.  We also are grateful for Andrea's affirming words for our Hall of Fame Honorees and light-hearted humor.
Dr. Andrea Goeglein and Gary Russo graciously gifted each Hall of Fame Honoree with an autographed copy of the book and every guest with an electronic version from Amazon.

 A special thanks to Rosemary Anderson, Director of Development, and her committee for their countless hours of hard work and dedication to make this afternoon such a memorable event.