Prep Talk

Interact Club Visits Bishop McCarthy Residence

Posted February 18th, 2015

Valentine’s Day arrived early for the 185 residents at Bishop McCarthy in Vineland, NJ as 17 members of the Interact Club, along with club moderator Mrs. Nancy McHugh, visited to deliver a single long stem carnation to each resident on Wednesday, February 11th. The day was full of emotion, from both the residents and from the boys. As the boys moved from room to room in groups of two to four, they brightened the day of each resident by spending time talking to the residents and sharing stories. The cheery, caring disposition of each of the club members was palpable. The residents particularly enjoyed Jeremy Wozunk’s encore piano playing performance in their dining hall – his resident guest at the piano was Doris. They met last year when the Interact Club visited and were glad to see each other again. As Jeremy serenaded the group, the boys sat at each table conversing with the residents. One resident told club member Ryley Bennett, “Thank you so very much for sitting and talking with me. The conversation is even better than the beautiful flower.” Other club members, Allan Weidman and Chase Williams, spent time with Veterans of the Army Air Corp and the Air Force and were treated to authentic World War II stories. Grandmother of Prep alum Anthony Ruberti was thrilled with the companionship of Michael Baker. It was truly a day of Hermit pride for this is an activity that truly touches the heart and impacts the students profoundly. Seniors RJ D’Amico and Michael Toner, attendees at the annual event for four consecutive years, commented that they truly enjoyed this activity and will remember it always.

Mrs. Dolores Pringle, Activities Director at Bishop McCarthy, greeted the boys upon arrival and explained how important the visit was to the residents, especially on this particular holiday. Mrs. Pringle thanked the group and asked them to return more frequently. Each student was significantly impacted by participating in this project.

Attendees:
Seniors – Chase Williams, Sean Carew, Michael Toner, Allan Weidman, RJ D’Amico
Juniors – Collin Campbell, Daniel Pavlik, Steven Sontag, Christian Bik, Niko Basolis, Jeremy Wozunk
Sophomores – Chase Bisignaro, Michael Baker, Ryley Bennett
Freshman – Roman Brooks, Joshua Blackely, Nicholas Pilny