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01.29.08
It was dark when the bus pulled up on Northfield Avenue to load the
Prep's volunteers, and the forecast was for clouds and the threat of afternoon rain. Nevertheless, two dozen Prepsters set out yesterday morning for Mountain Creek in northern New Jersey for a day of lending a hand at
the New Jersey Special Winter Olympics.
For years, under the guidance of Prep Bio teacher Mr. Michael Metelsky, Seton Hall Prep students have served as, judges, escorts and gatekeepers for the more
than 200 Special Olympics participants from all across New Jersey. Accompanied by Mr. Tim Brennan this year the volunteers included: David Williams, Pat Byrnes, Lazaro Tiant, John DiMieri, Mike Giambattista, Bryan
Huber, Mark Hahn, Kyle Webster, David Del Corso, Greg Gilhooly, Gary Lewis, Frank Viola , Nick Kurzum, Nick Conte, Clayton Parros, Alejandro Ruiz, Rob Rohr, Paul Ruiz, Jon Bell, Patrick Prime, Mike Davis, Patrick Mota,
Dan Wooters, Dan Salazarand Mike VanDorn. They joined scores of volunteers from around the state in making a very special day for the Special Olympics athletes, who were attempting to qualify for the national
competition.
The Prep group made a great impression on the organizers, not only with the size of the contingent, but with the Prep students' willingness to attend to any task, no matter how
menial, and with the care and individual attention they offered the athletes.
Knowledge that they were doing something in service of those less-abled was sufficient "payment" for all involved. Nevertheless, if
a concrete payoff was needed, the post-competition skiing availed the students at day's end, even in the rain, was "the cherry on top."
<<< photos by Richard Morris /SHP
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Febrary 18, 2000
Dear Msgr. Kelly,
I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Seton Hall Prep and the students
she sends to the NJ Special Olympics Winter Games. Each year, since the Prep began its participation as volunteers, your students have proven to be outstanding young men. that first year we were in a bit of
a bind just a few short weeks before the games were to begin. We did not have nearly enough volunteers to meet our  needs, and we needed them promptly. Fortunately... one
phone call to Mike [Gallo, SHP Dean of Men] got the ball rolling and the Prep responded enthusiastically. Each successive year it has been a joy wo welcome your student volunteers to the Winter Gamesw.
I am on the Winter Games Committee for NJSO and am responsible for pairing athletes with volunteer escorts. This is a responsible job for abyone, let alone a high school student.
your students, however, are more than able for the challenge. We have many other high school groups that help out, but few are as consistent and responsible as the group from the Prep.
Each year I look forward to the arrival of Mike Metelsky and his troop of volunteers. It is a pleasure to see these young men embrace the ideals of
Christian charity through the spirit of volunteerism. They participate willingly and with such positive energy it's a joy to watch. they are unfailing in their willingness to pitch in
wherever they are needed, and always foster the success of the Games. I have had the privilege to observe some of your
students interact with the athletes and I am always heartened by the caring and compassionate way in which they treat the athletes.
I want to thank you for the continues support of NJ Special Olympics Winter Games and look forward to seeing another outstanding group of young men in 2001. I remain,
May E. McCormick |
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