Lead, Serve, Inspire
The Inaugural Light the Torch Celebration honors Falcon Cup Recipients
The Light the Torch Celebration on Friday, April 11, 2025 gathered parents, alumni and friends to support the Mission of Albertus Magnus.
The Light the Torch Celebration is more than just an evening of celebration—it is a vital part of sustaining and strengthening our mission. Through the generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends, this event directly supported scholarships, innovative academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and essential resources that allow our students to thrive every day. Every dollar raised helps ensure that an Albertus Magnus education remains accessible and transformative for current and future Falcons.
Veritas Honors Choir, under the direction of Mr. Cesar Orozco P'25, '28, welcomed attendees with their beautiful voices.
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Veritas Honors Choir, under the direction of Mr. Cesar Orozco P'25, '28, welcomed attendees with their beautiful voices.
As in all things, Elizabeth Guzman '26 started the evening with prayer.
Mr. Joseph Tweed, Head of School, and Mr. Christopher Power, Assistant Head of School, then presented the Falcon Cup to the Honorees, Mr. Michael McAndrew, Mr. John McNiff '75, Mrs. Noreen Power and Mr. Joseph Sarvis '75.
Mr. Michael McAndrew: Michael has been a teacher at Albertus for over 25 years, starting in the year 2000. During his time here, Mike has taught just about every class that the Albertus Social Studies Department has to offer from grades 9-12, including AP US History and College Level Politics & Government. He has also coached Soccer, Softball and Track & Field at Albertus. Since 2009 Mike has served as Chair of the highly successful Social Studies Department.
Mr. John McNiff '75: John was a linchpin on one of the greatest sports teams Albertus and Rockland County have ever known – the 1974 State Champion Cross Country “Long Red Line”. John has led the Falcon Spiked Shoe Club, a group for cross country and track and field alumni, for over 20 years. He is also a member of the Albertus Hall of Fame Committee and an Executive Board Member of the AMHSAA.
Mrs. Noreen Power: Noreen has been a vital member of Albertus for over 25 years. Starting in the front office in 1999, Noreen took the role of Director of Admissions in 2008, transforming our school's admission process into the best among a highly competitive group of Catholic and Private Schools in our Tri-State area. Noreen has been one of the chief ambassadors for Albertus as the first to meet future Falcons at Open Houses and local elementary school visits. Her impact is demonstrated in the caliber of students that have become Falcons in her tenure. Noreen, along with her husband Chris, our current Assistant Head of School, are proud parents to three successful AM graduates, Tricia, ’05, Maura, ’09, and Colleen, ’12.
Mr. Joseph Sarvis '75: Joe is the founder and owner of Sarvis Tree Service. Joe has devoted countless hours of service and expertise to enhance the landscaping and broader physical plant of the Albertus campus over the years. In Rockland county, Joe is always the first to help in storms and hurricanes, giving to others, often without praise or recognition. Joe is truly an inspiration to all.
With gratitude to our Light the Torch sponsors:
Illuminator of Hope Sponsor, Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Guiding Light Sponsor: AlianzaDuffy
Guiding Light Sponsor: Greg & Laura Freeman
Guiding Light Sponsor: The Heilferty Family
Guiding Light Sponsor: MCM Paving & Excavating
Guiding Light Sponsor: Mike Reidy '80, & Family
Guiding Light Sponsor: Posa Posa Restaurant & Pizzeria
Candle of Support Sponsor: Beckerle Lumber & Home Center
Candle of Support Sponsor: The Mulligan Family
Entertainment provided by The Flying Ivories, a dueling pianos experience
Photography by Beth Capuano Photography and Sara Bellon '25
Thank you Light the Torch committee:
Joseph Tweed, Head of School
Mr. Joseph Tweed, Head of School, and Mr. Christopher Power, Assistant Head of School, then presented the Falcon Cup to the Honorees, Mr. Michael McAndrew, Mr. John McNiff '75, Mrs. Noreen Power and Mr. Joseph Sarvis '75.
Mr. Michael McAndrew: Michael has been a teacher at Albertus for over 25 years, starting in the year 2000. During his time here, Mike has taught just about every class that the Albertus Social Studies Department has to offer from grades 9-12, including AP US History and College Level Politics & Government. He has also coached Soccer, Softball and Track & Field at Albertus. Since 2009 Mike has served as Chair of the highly successful Social Studies Department.
Mr. John McNiff '75: John was a linchpin on one of the greatest sports teams Albertus and Rockland County have ever known – the 1974 State Champion Cross Country “Long Red Line”. John has led the Falcon Spiked Shoe Club, a group for cross country and track and field alumni, for over 20 years. He is also a member of the Albertus Hall of Fame Committee and an Executive Board Member of the AMHSAA.
Mrs. Noreen Power: Noreen has been a vital member of Albertus for over 25 years. Starting in the front office in 1999, Noreen took the role of Director of Admissions in 2008, transforming our school's admission process into the best among a highly competitive group of Catholic and Private Schools in our Tri-State area. Noreen has been one of the chief ambassadors for Albertus as the first to meet future Falcons at Open Houses and local elementary school visits. Her impact is demonstrated in the caliber of students that have become Falcons in her tenure. Noreen, along with her husband Chris, our current Assistant Head of School, are proud parents to three successful AM graduates, Tricia, ’05, Maura, ’09, and Colleen, ’12.
Mr. Joseph Sarvis '75: Joe is the founder and owner of Sarvis Tree Service. Joe has devoted countless hours of service and expertise to enhance the landscaping and broader physical plant of the Albertus campus over the years. In Rockland county, Joe is always the first to help in storms and hurricanes, giving to others, often without praise or recognition. Joe is truly an inspiration to all.
With gratitude to our Light the Torch sponsors:
Illuminator of Hope Sponsor, Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Guiding Light Sponsor: AlianzaDuffy
Guiding Light Sponsor: Greg & Laura Freeman
Guiding Light Sponsor: The Heilferty Family
Guiding Light Sponsor: MCM Paving & Excavating
Guiding Light Sponsor: Mike Reidy '80, & Family
Guiding Light Sponsor: Posa Posa Restaurant & Pizzeria
Candle of Support Sponsor: Beckerle Lumber & Home Center
Candle of Support Sponsor: The Mulligan Family
Entertainment provided by The Flying Ivories, a dueling pianos experience
Photography by Beth Capuano Photography and Sara Bellon '25
Thank you Light the Torch committee:
Joseph Tweed, Head of School
Una Miller, Director of Advancement
Patty Coakley P'29, Advancement, Communications & Events Manager
Michael and Bonni Garvey P'26 - Chair Persons
Bill Heilferty '74 , AM Board Member
Dan McGrath, '82, AM Board Member
Brian Metcalf '87 - AMPA President, P'19, '22, '23, '25
Jen Bricker – AMPA Co President/VP, P'20, '22, '24, '28
Jen Iannazzo - AMPA Secretary, P'25
Jody Coyle - Executive Board/Committee Chair P'21, '25
Lisa Anderson '92, P'24, '26
Carmela Clark, P'25, '27
Rich Ennis, P'25, '27
Jody Coyle - Executive Board/Committee Chair P'21, '25
Lisa Anderson '92, P'24, '26
Carmela Clark, P'25, '27
Rich Ennis, P'25, '27
Myra Miller, P'26
Noreen Murray, P'27, '29
Denise O'Donnell '90, P'28
Noreen Murray, P'27, '29
Denise O'Donnell '90, P'28
Dannyelle Schaff, P'28
Jennifer Yanes, P'21, '25
Jim Daly '96 - Alumni Association President
Dennis O'Keefe '78 - Alumni Association VP
Terence O'Neill '05 - Alumni Association Treasurer
Kathy O'Brien Horan '90, P'20, '21 - Alumni Association Secretary
Terence O'Neill '05 - Alumni Association Treasurer
Kathy O'Brien Horan '90, P'20, '21 - Alumni Association Secretary
Kristen Glynn '89 P'20, 23, 27
Tommy Anderson '98, Faculty
Kathy Kobus, '87, Faculty, P'19
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