Augustinian Academy - Augustinian Yearbook (Staten Island, NY)

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FOUR YEARS On September ll, 1951, we, the class of '55, first entered the portals of Augustinian Academy, our minds filled with, and a little frightened by, thoughts of our new life as high school students. Nine members of our class of twenty-nine were embarking on their four years of study and prayer as postulants in the Order of St. Augustine. Our first impressions were all very favorable. We liked the buildings, the teachers, and one another. The first few weeks passed swiftly and soon all traces of timidity or homesickness vanished. We had settled down to our duties and responsibilities. As a result of diligent study, our names ap- peared frequently on the Honor Roll. Our abilities were not, however, confined solely to the class- room. ln sports, Luke Finn, Silvio Fittipaldi, Thomas Hennigan, and Lawrence Seaver showed great promise. Before we realized it the snow came, and with it our long awaited Christmas vacation. The even- ing before we left for home, our class took part in traditional Gaucleamus . Upon our return we were faced with the task of passing our mid-year exams successfully. Base- ball occupied our minds now and we all became ardent fans. Before long spring ushered in our Easter vacation. June was upon us before we realized it, bringing with it the final examina- tions. During these last few weeks we impatiently looked forward to the Grad- uation Banquet and Gaudeamus . After bidding farewell to the Seniors, we prepared to spend an enjoyable summer at home. The summer months passed swiftly and once more Septem- ber was here. We renewed old friendships and acquired new ones. Our numbers were augmented by the arrival of a new classmate, Dave Smith. We were now Sophomores, but the title was accompanied by new and more difficult studies. Our scholastic endeavors were reflected by the outstanding achievements of such students as Gerard Alexin, Laurence Clark, and James McCusker. The fall season was to show our skillful ability on the gridiron. Winter fol- lowed quickly and we returned from our Christmas vacation, refreshed in mind and spirit. After a few weeks of intense study and review, we faced the mid-year exams with con- fidence. With the appearance of spring in all her radiant splendor, the baseball leagues evoked an enthusi- astic response. The last weeks ofschool were spent in prepar- ing for the final examinations. After the exams, the final Gaudeamus and Graduation brought our Sophomore Year to a close. 10

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-nu-5 ,-new Q .2 f E' og. 'J -giopiav- ' Recently the American Augustinians opened their first foreign mission in Japan. At present five zealous priests are laboring to bring the true faith to the Japanese. In 1533, while pro- vincial of the Spanish province of Castile, St. Thomas sent forth the first Augustinian mission- aries to the New World. The seniors now go forth intoa godless and materialistic world armed with the saving truths of their Catholic Faith. E lllli

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IN RETROSPECT Two years had already fled away into the past and in Septem- ber, 1953 we returned to the Academy as Juniors. We were pleased to welcome into our ranks Lonny Schenck, Frank Shea, and Joseph Wimmer. Scholastically we were at our best, and names like Gerard Alexin, James McCusker, Michael Scanlon, Frank Shea, and Joseph Wimmer were practically always seen on the Honor Roll. We also exhibited our varied aptitudes in the extra-curricular activities. In the field of the drama, some who contributed to the success of Notre Dame's annual play were Thomas O'Brien, Richard Rogers, and Lonny Schenck. A member of our class, Kevin Johnson, captured first honors in the annual ora- torical contest. Christmas came, and with it a memorable vacation. After our return, the dreaded mid-years loomed on the horizon. Afew weeks of study enabled us to pass the examinations. During the following months our minds turned to baseball. Many class members displayed great capability in this sport. Before long, June arrived together with the final examinations. Our class sponsored the tra- ditional banquet and Gaudeamus for the depart- - ing Seniors. Now only one year remained and we all awaited it with great anxiety. Seniors at last! This is what we have been striving for these past three years and now it seems hardly credible that we've finally attained it. We did not lose any of our old enthusiasm. Indeed, the Senior year finds us participating in even more school activities. During the month of October, the school held a dance under the supervision of Richard Rogers and Peter Schles- ser. It was also evident that our academic status suffered no decline. Some of those who never failed to make the Honor Roll were Michael Scanlon, Frank Shea, and Joseph Wimmer. During the football season Thomas Hennigan, Edward Martin, Peter Schles- ser, and Dave Smith displayed exceptional ability. Basketball soon captured our interest. Seniors on the Varsity included Captain Tom O'Brien, Silvio Fit- tipaldi, Edward Martin, Lawrence Seaver, and David Smith. After the Christmas holidays we settled down to prepare for the mid-year examinations by prayer and study. A gf E e l Spring came, beckoning us all to the baseball Q f 5 diamond. Senior players on the Varsity nine were Luke Finn, Kevin Johnson, Norman Neubauer, and Lonny Schenck. June brought with it the Latin Scrutinium and the final examinations. We are now anxiously awaiting the twenty-fourth of June, at which time we will receive our diplomas. 11