by Karla Hernandez and Noelia Morales
THE STANNER, Archbishop Molloy H.S. – Seniors at Archbishop Molloy H.S., Brairwood, are experiencing a variety of emotions as they walk down the hallways during their final days of high school. Overall, they say, it feels surreal. Some seniors are ready to leave while others have yet to grasp the fact that they will be moving on.
For many, a feeling of nostalgia is hitting hard. Sam Spoto said Molloy will always be a part of who he is.
“Of course I am excited to experience the new atmosphere, friends, and adventures that college will bring but no matter where you go in life, Molloy is the type of place that comes along with you and is never far away,” said Spoto, who will attend Queens College.
“Before Molloy, I wasn’t a very open person,” he said. “Molloy taught me how to be a part of a community through Peer Groups and by leading underclass retreats. I learned how to open myself up to others, be giving, and be more understanding.”
Joel Antolijao’s favorite Molloy memories are all the events that bring students together such as Freshman Field Day, International Day and the Senior-Faculty Basketball Game.
Antolijao, who with Julian Tobias, is co-captain of the Boys Step Team, has enjoyed its camaraderie and energy since sophomore year.
“It will be hard to leave the team, but I trust them,” he said. “They’ve worked hard all year and I’ve seen them grow. I know they’ll be great.”
Antolijao is excited about going south to Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
“But I’m going to miss Molloy,” he said. “Molloy treats everyone like family, always supporting one another. That is something I’m going to remember when I graduate and in the future. I will always treat others with love and respect because that is what I was taught here.”
Maverick Alzate recalls with affection his classes over the years, particularly Mark Sweeney’s English 9 honors class with his pals Erik Petschauer and Thomas Ashton.
“Mr. (Chris) DeSarno is the Jesus among teachers,” he said. “He never lets his sheep go astray.”
“Two teachers who have had a big influence on me are Mr. DeSarno and Mr. (Jim) Sheehan,” the senior said. “DeSarno instilled in me logic and reason, while Sheehan taught me how to sway people effectively and semantically.”
Alzate is going to New York University in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in the fall.
“I am both excited and nervous,” he said.
College guidance counselor Mr. Ted McGuinness, who has worked at Molloy for eight years, is excited to see the seniors “embark on the adventure of life.”
His favorite memories of the Class of 2012 are being able to see Stanners get into the colleges they wanted to attend and seeing students get into schools they thought they couldn’t get into. McGuinness offers this advice to all students: “Work hard and enjoy all aspects of college. Challenge yourself and have faith in yourself for the rest of your life.”