This page is designed to keep our members and
friends up-to-date on what is happening within the Association.
NORTHEAST
CATHOLIC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, INC.
We are happy to report that we have moved to our new home - 2700 Rhawn
Street (SEC Rhawn and Fairfield Sts. - one block east of Roosevelt
Blvd.) See photos below. All our equipment and some of the NECHS memorabilia
came with us. What we received when the school closed is now
proudly displayed. The Shrine of Our Lady Fatima
and the plaques honoring our members who died during World War II,
Korea, and Viet Nam, which was the property of the Association came with
us have been reconstructed at the site. The men pictured below -
alumni and friends and relatives - were responsible for getting us moved
in.
Since moving in last June,
we've made a number of improvements to the building and property, not
the least of which, was installing the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in
the rear yard. Of course, the plaques honoring the memory of the
265 alumni who gave their lives for their country in World War II,
Korea, and VietNam are next to Our Lady. The Shrine was dedicated by Father Kilty on
Memorial Day.
The office as you walk in from the
entrance on Fairfield Street is the nerve center of your Association.
On the walls are a number of mementos of accomplishments from years
past. The desk on the right belonged to the secretary to the
President of NECHS and was made by Frank Fedele, '64. Above the
mantle on the left is an original cartoon by Bil Keane, '40
Two views of the operations
center where all mailings are produced. It is also used for
committee meetings and meetings of the Board of Trustees of the
Scholarship Fund. On the far right is the plaque honoring those
killed in VietNam which hung at the end of the first floor corridor at
North. It now graces a wall in one of our Memorial Rooms.
Some the Catholic League
Championship shields given to us when school closed. Our Hall of
Fame which honors our Outstanding Alumni, Outstanding Achievement Award
recipients, Honorary members, and past Presidents and Chaplains.
Some of the sports memorabilia that were presented to us.
On the left some more sports
memorabilia. On the right, the NECHS Hall of Fame plaques and a
tapestry honoring the 1956 City Championship football team.
Between the Hall of Fame plaques are three items of interest. The
Crucifix is from the chapel at North. Just below is a school
shield which dates to 1932, and, finally, the podium which graced the
stage at North since it was presented as a graduation gift by the Class
of 1951.
A wall with the trophies we
were able to obtain from the school. Center is a number of the citations
the school received from local and state government over the years.
Some banners and pennants gathered over the years, in particular, one
honoring the basketball teams achievements.
Some more memorabilia, in
particular an autographed picture of honorary member, Pope John Paul II,
and a plaque honoring the legendary Father Thomas "Knobby" Walsh, Hon.
'66. On the right, plaques and photos honoring former alumni, an
original "Reds" Falcon cartoon by Jerry Buckley, '50, and a copy of the
recruitment poster emphasizing that the "right direction" was North.
Now that you've had glimpse, why not stop by and view the building first
hand. Give us a call at 215-543-1051 to make sure someone is
"home".
Turkey Bowl Beef and Beer
Our apologies for taking so
long to update this portion but what with the FALCONWAY
and the Christmas season, we've been up to our ears. Kathy (2nd
from left) and Jeff Brown, '79, are joined by his classmate Ed Baker and
at far left a friend of Kathy's. Our middle photo pictures a man
deep in thought. Since he had just split the Big Board jackpot,
he's probably figuring out how to spend the cash. He did make a
donation to the Scholarship Fund. The couples on the right are
with us every year and thoroughly enjoy their afternoon.
Class Reps Frank Kelly, '50,
and Joe Pilawsky, '71, are celebrating the success of another great NC
Alumni event. Center photo (far right) event Chairman and 3rd VP
Jack Devine, '69, entertains a few guests. Ellie Dougherty, wife
of Class Rep Tom, '51, reminisces with old friend Bill Smith, '53.
Class Rep Joe Mulawka, '51
(left) and friends enjoy a beer or two and some great beef and crab
fries. At the bar (l. to r.), we have a gentleman whose name we
didn't get, Dominic Zinnie, '45, and 4th VP Tom McAvoy, '59.
Listening to Secretary John
Handley (far right) explain why the Eagles are having a bad season are
Class Rep Walt Coughlin, '46, a friend, and John's son. The crew
on the right consisting of Class Rep Tom Dougherty, '51, Charlie Meloro,
'66, Ed Jaskowiak, '66, and 1st VP Steve Cardullo are celebrating our
Alma Mater's proud history of victories over Frankford.
The food and beverages were
plentiful as attested by the full plates and smiling faces of (l. to r.)
1974 Class Reps Lou Szojka and Bob Kensil, Jr., a friend, and Bob Kensil,
Sr. First time attendees but obviously having a great time were
Class Rep Al Waskiewicz, '79 and his wife.
The members of the
Class of '51 (l. to r.) Jerry Gallagher, John Arndts, Russ
DiBella, Jerry McCool, Joe Mulawka, Rich Hanagan, and Tom
Dougherty. Looking over their shoulders in the back is
President John Hanejko, '65. A table of revelers from the
Classes of '49 to '51 (l. to r.) Tony Amand, '50 & Mrs. Amand,
Mrs. McCool & Jerry, '51, Tom McCool, '50, Jerry & Mrs.
Gallagher, '51, and Richard & Mrs. Camp, '49.
Among our guests
were the McCool brothers, Jerry, '51 & Tom, '50, Mr. & Mrs.
Richard Camp, '49, Mr. & Mrs. Jerry Gallagher, '51, Rich
Hanagan, '51, and Ellie & Tom Dougherty, '51, Gene Carr, '48,
and his daughter.
Walt & Maria Tyson,
'41 and Gail & Frank Dufner, '41 - Walt entertained by playing a
rendition of the school's old Alma Mater on his harmonica, Frank
was the event Chairman. John Kingston, '43 and his
daughter. The Malone boys and their wives - Dave, '50 and
John, '47.
Also in attendance
were John, '47 & Mrs. Grosik, Betty & Bud DiGiacomo, '44, Don
Kelly, '49, Joe Muffler, '49, and Frank Kelly, '50.
Ed, '50 and Mrs.
Swier are joined by Mrs. & Joe Hueber, '49, Mrs. & Jim, '49
Maguire and John McGuigan, '49 and friend, Frank, '42, and Doris
Devinney.
We apologize to our
guests on the left as we don't know who they are. On the
right is Frank, '49 and Mrs. Slavin. Rich Hanagan, '51 (c)
is surrounded by classmate Russ DiBella and his wife.
There's that Hanagan
fellow again joined by Fran Murphy who graciously took most of
the pictures for our spread. Another apology is due as we
don't recognize the couple in the middle. On the right are
our chaperones for the day - Barbara & Len Knobbs, '53 and
President John Hanejko, '65.
Obviously enjoying
themselves were a group of our younger two-fisted drinkers.
Dave Levy '90, surrounded by a bevy of admirers. Rich
Nilan, '76 (2nd from right) and friends. The lower Port
Richmond contingent of Jim (Jesse) Dugan, '63 (center) and Jake
Booth, '55 (right) - sorry we don't know the man on the left.
A rose surrounded by
thorns - Ellie Dougherty with (l. to r.) John Handley, '58,
Steve Cardullo, '72, and Tom Dougherty, '51. The Class of
'61 was well represented as usual by (l. to r.) Dan Meenan, Tony
Aspite, Joe Gabor, and Ken Peters. More '61 - Jo Meenan,
John Heavey, and Anne Gabor. John Giel, '66, Mike Cliggett,
'66, and Ed O'Connell, '63 pose for our photographer.
Mrs. Amand, Joe
Mulcahy, '56, and Tony Amand, '50, residents of Cape May county
had a short jaunt to Lighthouse Pointe. Jack Devine, '69
(right) keeps a close watch on Joe Pilawsky, '71, and Frank
Kelly, '50 (seated). A trio from the Class of '53 (l.to
r.) unknown (our apologies), Charlie O'Donnell, and Mike
McNamara. This gang of stalwarts sporting Falcons at the
Beach t-shirts was having a great time.
Jake Booth, '55, Don
Woods, '64, unknown, and Steve Pascavitch, '68, raise a glass in
memory of our Alma Mater. Representing the Class of '81
were (l. to r.) Vince Market, Jerry Volgraf, and Mike McBride
along with a friend. Jim Meehan, '67 (second from left),
his wife Jean and classmate "Jason" Marquess are joined by a
friend (far left). Class Rep Ray Rysak, '66, and classmate
Joe Kaiser display the t-shirts they had made especially for
their 45th anniversary reunion.
George Hallett, '65
(second from left), and Paul Worrell, '66 (4th from lest) are
joined by a bunch of friends and obviously having a great
afternoon. Dave Levy, '90, and Mike Fenerty, '81 pose for
the photographer. Tony Colletta, '72, Steve Cardullo, '72,
and John Savage, '73, and his wife spent most of the afternoon
selling our memorabilia.
After a 9 AM at Resurrection
of Our Lord parish, where we joined the conregation for their regular
Memorial Day Mass, we relocated to the Association property at Rhawn &
Fairfield Sts. to rededicate Our Lady of Fatima Shrine. The Mass
was concelebrated by Fathers Joseph Howarth, '67, pastor of
Resurrection, Neil Kilty, OSFS, '59, our Chaplain, John Spellman, OSFS,
'56, and Joseph Tustin, OSFS, '57.
Father Kilty blessed the
Shrine and conducted services in memory of our brother alumni who
perished in defense of our country. Almost 80 alumni, relatives
and friends of the deceased attended the services. President John
Hanejko, '65, placed a wreath at the base of one of the two plaques
honoring our deceased brethren.
First VP John Musial, '63,
is discussing the Association with Vince Rzepczynski, '11, and Kathleen
McAvoy, wife of Tom, '59, as they and others enjoy their coffee and
donuts. Another group lining up to get their supply of donuts.
A dues paying member may apply for a grant for his child(ren)
and/or grandchild(ren). Grants are awarded to attend any of the
following colleges/universities: Cabrini College,
Radnor, Pennsylvania; Chestnut Hill College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
DeSales University, Center Valley, Pennsylvania; Georgian Court University, Lakewood, New Jersey; Gwynedd Mercy College,
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania; Holy Family University, Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; Immaculata University, Immaculata, Pennsylvania; LaSalle
University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Neumann University, Aston,
Pennsylvania; Rosemont College, Rosemont, Pennsylvania; St. Charles
Borromeo Seminary College, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; St. Joseph's
University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Villanova University,
Villanova, Pennsylvania. The applicant must be a senior in high
school to be eligible. Three grants of $20,000 and three grants of
$12,000 are awarded. They are payable in equal semi-annual
installments over four years providing the applicant meets our minimum
academic standards.
Grants
are also awarded to attend an
(arch)diocesan or parochial high school operated within the
canonical jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden,
New Jersey, and/or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, New
Jersey. The applicant must be in the 8th grade to be eligible.
Five grants at $12,000, five at $8,000,
and five at $4,000 are awarded. They are payable
in equal semi-annual installments over four years providing the
applicant meets our minimum academic standards.
Finally, grants are awarded to
attend a parochial grade school operated by a parish within the
canonical jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden,
New Jersey, and/or the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trenton, New
Jersey. To be eligible, the applicant must be in the 5th
grade. Six grants of $4,500 and 5 grants of $1,500 are awarded.
They are payable in equal
semi-annual installments over four years providing the applicant
meets our minimum academic standards.
The first step in applying for a grants is the qualified (dues
payer) parent or grandparent must complete our
request form and
return it to the Fund Office - P. O. Box 7005, Philadelphia, PA
19149-0005 - prior to January 31, 2012.
2011 Scholarship Fund Recipients
The Board of Trustees of the
Northeast Catholic Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund, Inc. met on April 19 and selected
the following young men and women as the recipients of this year's grants.
College Grants
$20,000 Grants:
Raymond K. Kolakowski, Father Judge HS, 2709 Buckius
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19137 - LaSalle University
Brittany R. Ranier, Philadelphia Academy Charter HS,
3821 Greenacres Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 - Holy Family University Jennifer P. Whalen, Archbishop Ryan HS, 3569
Brookview Road,
Philadelphia, PA 19154 - Gwynedd Mercy College
$12,000 Grants:
Andrew T. Schwab, Archbishop
Ryan HS, 2701 Orthodox Street, Philadelphia, PA 19137 - LaSalle University Philip J. Hooten, PA Distance Learning Center,
9752 Redd Rambler Road, Philadelphia, PA 19115 - LaSalle
University Kristi Ann DeChristopher, Cherry Hill West HS,
Cherry Hill, NJ, 302 Brentwood Avenue, Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 - Chestnut
Hill College
Alternates:
Kaitlyn Williams, Archbishop Ryan HS, 1164 Regina Avenue, Bensalem, PA
19020 - LaSalle University
Christina Bonomo, Ephrata Senior HS, Ephrata, PA, 45 Agape Drive, Ephrata, PA
17522 - Holy Family University
High School Grants
$12,000 Grants:
Keira B. Farnan, Maternity BVM, 1929 Murray Street, Philadelphia, PA 19115
Archbishop Ryan HS
David A. Bartholomew, St. Bridget, 318 Rector
Street, Philadelphia, PA 19128 - Roman Catholic HS
Alexis M. McDonnell, Christ the King, 9815 Academy Road, Philadelphia,
PA 19114 - John W. Hallahan HS
Kevin P. O'Gara, Resurrection of Our Lord, 1007 Borbeck Street, Philadelphia, PA
19111 - Father Judge HS
Michelle E. Hooten, Maternity BVM, 9752 Redd Rambler Road, Philadelphia, PA
19115- Archbishop Ryan HS
$8,000 Grants:
Eric M. Bowers, Presentation BVM, 803 Kerper Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19111 - Roman Catholic HS
Jessica M. Evans, Our Lady of Port Richmond, 3260 Salmon Street, Philadelphia,
PA 19134 - John W. Hallahan HS
Joseph T. Boyle, Pope John Paul II, 4505 Salmon Street, Philadelphia, PA
19137 - Archbishop Ryan HS
Brian J. Blanco, St. Anselm, 3140 Belgreen Place, Philadelphia, PA 19154 -
Archbishop Ryan HS
Haley Arici, St. Richard, 2611 McKean Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145 -
John W. Hallahan HS
$4,000 Grants:
John F. Davis, Resurrection of Our Lord, 2115 Ripley Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19152 - Roman Catholic HS
Ryan A. Shepherd, St. Joseph/St. Robert, Warrington, PA, 2579 Polk Court,
Warrington, PA 18976 - Archbishop Wood HS
Nora M. Grady, St. Pius X, Broomall, PA, 7 Kathryn Lane, Broomall, PA
19008 - Cardinal O'Hara HS
Kaitlyn R. O'Keefe, St. Matthew, 3203 Brighton Street, Philadelphia, PA
19149 - Little Flower HS
Christopher J. Malitsky, Resurrection of Our Lord, Cherry Hill, NJ, 136
Mansfield Boulevard, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 - Camden Catholic HS
Alternates:
John J. Polidor, St. Charles Borromeo, Bensalem, PA, 1035
Portside Drive, Bensalem, PA 19020 - Archbishop Ryan HS
Brandon E. Razler, St. Joseph/St. Robert, Warrington, PA, 47 Belair Road,
Warminster, PA 18974 - Archbishop Wood HS
Thomas M. Mount, St. Anne, 2163 E. Cumberland Street, Philadelphia, PA
19125 - Roman Catholic HS
Deidre A. Grady, St. Pius X., Broomall, PA, 7 Kathryn Lane, Broomall, PA -
Cardinal O'Hara HS
Natalie R. Ford, St. Laurentius, 1342 E. Eyre Street, Philadelphia, PA
19125 - Little Flower HS
Matthew R. Ciecka, St. Martha, 3564 Kyle Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154 -
Archbishop Ryan HS
Meagan T. Gormley, St. Matthew, 7810 Lister Street, Philadelphia, PA 19152
- Little Flower HS
Kevin T. Schaeffer, St. Charles Borromeo, Bensalem, PA, 3612 Sunny Lea Road,
Bensalem, PA 19020 - Archbishop Ryan HS
Grade School Grants
$4,500 Grants:
Charles R. Baynum, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade,
NJ, 1104 Fernwood Avenue, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
Christian M. Kemmerer, Mother of Divine Grace, 3053 Almond Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Halley M. Zaleski, St. Cecilia, 1024 Griffith Street, Philadelphia, PA 19111
Meghan V. Primus, Our Lady Help of Christians, Abington, PA, 443 Washington
Avenue, North Wales, PA 19454
Caroline M. Tilson, St. Alphonsus, Maple Glen, PA, 205 Werner Way, Fort
Washington, PA 19034
Scott A. Vogelman, St. Martha, 11730 Lannett Street, Philadelphia, PA 19154
$1,500 Grants:
Emily R. Whalen, St. Bede, Holland, PA, 78 E. Julianna Drive, Holland, PA
18966
John J. Handley, Resurrection of Our Lord, 935 Princeton Avenue, Philadelphia,
PA 19111
Shauna Matthews, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Southampton, PA, 1455 Stephan Way,
Southampton, PA 18966
Nicholas W. Hagan, St. Cecilia, 727 Stanwood Street, Philadelphia, PA
19111
Samuel P. Long, Resurrection of Our Lord, Cherry Hill, NJ, 418 Kennebec Road,
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Alternate:
Taylor C. Zavatsky, St. Matthew, 7800 Calvert Street, Philadelphia, PA
19152
Mike Ranson, '60, served as
the Lector for the Mass at St. Martin of Tours. His classmate
Father John Friel who came all the way from Yuma, AZ, was a concelebrant
and the Homilist. Bill FitzPatrick, '59, did his usual outstanding
job as the Cantor.
Monsignor George Tomichek,
'60, (foreground) was the principal celebrant at Mass. Joining him
at the altar were (l. to r.) Fathers Nicholas Waseline, OSFS,
former Principal at NECHS, Edward M. Dougherty, MM, '67, Superior
General of the Maryknoll Fathers, and John F. Spellman, OSFS, '56.
Our photographer didn't capture our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty, OSFS,
'59, and the Homilist, Father John Friel, '60 in the photo. Some
of the over 300 men who attended Mass . In the forefront two
members of the honor class of 1960 - both former Class Reps - (l. to r.)
Mike Cox and Frank Szymendera.
The Class of '60 occupied
honor seating at their 50th Mass and Breakfast. One of our Hall of
Fame recipients, the Honorable John R. Padova, '52, and his wife.
President John R. Hanejko,
'65, welcomes alumni to the business meeting held prior to the
Breakfast. Another table of alumni from '60 and '59.
Former NECHS President Stan
Witalec, '66, entertains a number of alumni at his table including Jim
Haney, '54, Jack Marczely, '55, and Bob Fennell, '55. Grover
Silcox was a hit as the Toastmaster, as he regaled us with stories of
growing up in St. Jerome's parish.
Father Kilty, as usual, kept
his remarks brief and to the point and, as usual, were right on target.
Our honoree, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey, brought us
up-to-date on the state of policing and maintaining order in a large
city. He left us in a quandary as to his plans for remaining in
Philadelphia. Three days later, he announced he was staying.
He accepts our 2011 Outstanding Achievement Award from President
Hanejko.
This year, something new was
added to the Communion Breakfast. With the demise of our Alma
Mater, the Association assumed the responsibility for the NECHS Hall of
Fame. Four members were inducted. Three are pictured
accepting their plaques from Hall of Fame Chairman Len Knobbs, '53
(third from left). They are (l. to r.) Michael R. McDevitt, '82
(Athletics), Hon. John R. Padova, '52 (Business/Labor/Military) and John
R. Hanejko, '65 (Service to NECHS or Community). The fourth award
was made posthumously to Father Francis W. Collins, MM, '38. It
was accepted after Mass at St. Martin's by Father Dougherty, MM, '67,
Superior General of the Maryknoll Fathers. Finally, our usual
rogue's gallery shot of the Executive Board: (seated l. to r.) 3rd VP
Stephen A. Cardullo, '72, 1st VP John T. Musial, '63, President John R.
Hanejko, '65, and 4th VP Thomas O. Ballard, '86; (standing l. to r.)
Secretary John F. Handley, '58, 1st Assistant Treasurer Jeffrey W.
Brown, '79, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Leonard F. Knobbs, '53,
Historian Patrick J. Boyle, '49, and 2nd Assistant Treasurer Joseph T.
Mulawka, '51. Missing from the photo were 2nd VP Henry J. Stahl,
'66, and Assistant Secretary Jeffrey C. Rzepczynski, '88.
This year's Golf Classic was
a Return to Our Roots! It was played on May 16 at
Juniata Golf Club. Fifty seven golfers teed off at 1 PM.
Chairman Tom Morgan, '64 had an eventful day planned which culminated
with the Awards Dinner at Romano's Catering. Everyone enjoyed the
day. The foursome of Frank Welsh, '82, Jim Kealey, '85, Kevin
Kealey, '93, and Bob Wheeler, '67, representing Gold Sponsor Frankly
Legal captured first place. "Cookie" Borcich, '59, won the putting
contest. Why no pictures? Our photographer accidentally
erased from his camera. So, we're leaving last year's pictures for
you to enjoy.
Ed McKenna, '63, Tom Christian,
'63, Mike Bispels, '63, and John Reedy, '57, relax at lunch. At
the 9th tee are Mike McBride, '81 and Mike Ritchie, '84 (in the center)
with two guests on the edges.
A guest, Golf Classic
Chairman John Barnes, '89, Joe Gabor, '61, and Tony Aspite, '61 just
before teeing off. Barnes illustrates the proper form for the rest
of the foursome.
Mike McBride, '81, sinks a long putt for a birdie on
the 9th. Craig White, the eventual winner of our putting contest
sinking the first of many putts.
The Class of '10 enters Holy
Innocents Church for the last Baccalaureate Mass for NECHS.
Families and friends of
graduates filled Holy Family University field house to overflowing.
The graduating class processes in under the watchful eye of Father
Vincent Smith, OSFS, school president.
Joining the Class of '10 in
singing the Alma Mater are: Father Robert Bazzoli, OSFS, '77
(Pastor of Our Mother of Consolation parish; Father Michael Murray, OSFS,
former NECHS principal and president; Father John Fisher, OSFS, teacher
at NECHS; Father Nicholas Waseline, OSFS, North's principal; Father
James Greenfield, OSFS, Provincial of the Oblates'
Wilmington-Philadelphia Province; Most Rev. Robert Maginnis, auxiliary
bishop of Philadelphia; Father Vincent Smith, NECHS president; Michael
McCall, '10, Valedictorian, and Robert Franco, '10, Salutatorian.
Sadly, this was the last
time the NECHS banner will fly over a graduation ceremony.
Class of '11
The young men pictured above
left: (1st row l. to r.) Robert Dunphy, Matthew Dugan, Thomas Goodyear,
Dylan Marnoch, Raymond Kolakowski, (2nd row l. to r.) Jeremy Reith,
Michael Negroni, Thaddeus Meyers, Patrick Bradley, and Andrew Mitchell
returned to North on May 7, 2011 to celebrate their Senior Prom.
On the right the boys pose with their dates for posterity.
Christopher
Abramson, Jeremy Reith, Joseph Janda, Thomas McGowan, Ray
Kolakowski, and Justin Zarzycki on the steps at their Alma Mater
after their graduation from Judge on June 8, 2011. These
young men are eligible to join the Association and some already
have. We look forward to hearing from this year's
graduates from other schools who spent at least one year at
NECHS.
Brendan Bradley, '11 (l.)
and his best friend, Erik Crudele, '11, pose on the steps of NECHS which
they specially decorated for their graduation pictures (albeit from
Ryan). As you can see they altered the marquee outside North to
reflect their sentiments.
On Sunday, June 6, 2010, the
School and the Association combined to host a closing Mass and luncheon
for alumni and friends of the school. At the concelebrated Mass,
Jeff Brown, '79, Association 1st Assistant Treasurer and Len Knobbs,
'53, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, proclaimed the readings.
Hank Stahl, '66, Association
2nd V. P., read the intercessions. Father Vincent Smith, OSFS,
'74, NECHS president delivered an inspiring homily. After Mass,
Association President John Hanejko, '65, welcomed the crowd and advised
them that the Association would continue and would maintain all of the
North traditions.
Association Assistant
Executive Secretary Ed White, '55, and 2nd Assistant Treasurer Joe
Mulawka, '51, presented the gifts. At the conclusion of Mass, the
entire assemblage rose as one and sang the Alma Mater.
Three classmates from '59 relax
and enjoy the luncheon (l. to r.) Helen and Ed Alegado, Kathleen and Tom
McAvoy, and Bill FitzPatrick. Another table of alumni enjoying the
afternoon.
Someone got the bright idea
of taking a photo of everyone on the front steps. Needless to say
by the time a ladder was found and the photo was snapped total chaos
reigned.
Keep this picture and the
memories it invokes forever alive in your hearts and minds!
Also enjoying
the Brunch were the Kliniewski twins, Ron and Rob, both '62 and a lady
friend. A close-up of our fans seated at the 20 yard line.
Relaxing
at the Brunch were immediate past president Ed White, '55, Class Rep Joe
Pilawsky, '71, and former Daily News reporter Frank Dougherty, '59.
Posing for our photographer were two members of the 1952 City
Championship team - Bill Maher, '53, and Pete Gibbons, '53, who proudly
displays the sweater awarded to team members. He notes, with due
pride, that he still fits into it. Prior to kickoff Father
Nicholas Waseline presented a framed NC jersey to the Pioneers Coach,
Mike Capriotti, and the team captains..
Taylor
Rand proudly wearing Falcon red leads the crowd in the singing of our
National Anthem. To her right, our Chaplain, Father Neil Kilty,
'59, who delivered the invocation. Coach Charlie Szydlik rallies
his team prior to kickoff. And the game is underway - notice the
gaps in the crowd on the Frankford side.
Frankford scored first, near
the end of the first quarter, on a 68-yard punt return by Taron Mills.
The try for the extra point was wide. They scored again in the
second period on a 16-yard run by Tyrell Martin and he ran for a two
pint conversion to put the Pioneers up 14-0. That was the story of
the first half.
Falcon fans view the game from our version
of a Super Box while in the stands we spot a smiling Joe Glackin, '73
with his family and friends.
Attending the game from the Super
Box were three outstanding alumni - Paul Hondros, '66, and brothers,
John, '62, and Bob, '67, Doman. The Falcon crowd is on its feet at
halftime to sing the Alma Mater.
The Falcons came out
determined in the second half and marched down the field on a 16-play
70-yard drive that consumed eight minutes and thirty-four seconds capped by a
1-yard plunge by junior quarterback Anthony Reid. John McCarthy's
kick for the extra point was good and North trailed 14-7.
Early in the fourth stanza,
North scored on a 5-yard run by back-up sophomore tailback Taishan
Tucker. Then Coach Charlie Szydlik made a gutsy move and went for
the lead and potential win in what to then had been a tight game.
The Pioneers stopped the attempt for a two-point conversions and led
14-13 with a little more than eight minutes on the clock.
Surprisingly, this turned out to be the most exciting eight minutes of
Falcon - Pioneer football this writer has observed in sixty years of
watching the games.
After our defense forced a
three and out, the offense took over once again. Senior tailback
Eugene Byrd broke loose on a 45 yard scamper that set up an eight yard
TD pass from Reid to Julian Huggins and Reid carried it in for a two
point conversion and the Falcons led for the first time with 2:28 left
in the game.
The Falcons stands
anticipation of victory was short lived. A little over a
minute later, Frankford running back Jeffione Thomas took off on an
electrifying 55-yard cutback run to put the Pioneers ahead with 1:11 on
the clock. Then he ran it in for two points to put Frankford up by a
point. North was not to be outdone. Frankford, for some
unknown reason, made an on side kick which gave the Falcons the ball on
their 38 yard line with 67 seconds remaining. What happened next
will go down in the annals of Philadelphia High School Football as both
dramatic and historic. Reid engineered a seven play drive that
would have made some pro quarterbacks jealous. Using the sidelines
to march down field, He ended the drive with a pass
over the middle to tailback Eugene Byrd who took it in from twenty yards
out. McCarthy added the point and the Falcons were in front 28-22
with 13 seconds left. The defense held true on Frankford's one
play and that was all she wrote.
As the game ended and players
milled on the field, the crowd exploded from North's stands onto the
field to congratulate the team who afterwards saluted the stands.
And the crowd responded by standing and
saluting the team and singing our Alma Mater.
