BCHS news and events April 2022

1. BC Alumni Newsletter
April 2022

2. Voice of Eagles Past
Greg Traphagen ‘72
In September 1967, I
entered the halls of
John S. Burke Catho-
lic to join 30 other
fresh faced eighth
graders to begin our
high school career a
year early. The ad-
venture that began
on that sunny Sep-
tember morning
would ultimately cul-
minate on June 16, 1972. In fact, preparations are under-
way as our class of ’72 is planning to return to Goshen this
July to celebrate our Fiftieth Anniversary. That milestone,
and Karen Dwyer’s request to write this, has given me
pause to reflect on the enduring impact that those days on
Fletcher Street have had on me.
As a parent and an adult, I have had to make a choice for
my children as to where they should attend school for the
formative high school years and making a choice between
better resourced public schools or the culture and intima-
cy of a much smaller private school. At least in my case,
the choice which my parents allowed me to make of Burke
Catholic has proven to be wise and of enduring value. My
high school years are still a source of fond memories and
part of an academic base for my continuing efforts to learn
the how and the why of the world we live in today.
Following my graduation, I was fortunate to attend and
graduate from SUNY Oneonta and Albany Law School and
was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1980. From
there, I was able to navigate a long and mostly successful
career working in various business roles for large compa-
nies like General Electric and Amp, as well as several
smaller regional companies in manufacturing, sales, oper-
ations, human resources and distribution. I was able to
travel the world and helped establish a joint venture in
South Korea in the early 1980’s, met scores of professionals
throughout the United States, Mexico, China, Taiwan, Ja-
pan and Europe and was able to participate in a small way
in the globalization of our society.
Later in my career, I was fortunate to be able to
share some of the lessons I learned along the way
and served as a bankruptcy trustee, receiver and
consultant for a variety of businesses coping with
stress situations.
In 2006, I sold my interest in a lighting company in
Chicago and focused on consulting and began work-
ing with several not-for profit companies who focus
on youth leadership development, community im-
provement with a focus on women and girls and
healing for youth victims of violence.
I am fortunate that our family has been able to give
back with the endowment of the Raymond Trapha-
gen Memorial Scholarship at SUNY Oneonta which
is awarded annually to students demonstrating need
and studying science.
Important to me throughout these experiences has
been Burke’s motto “Non Vox Sed Votum” as I have
learned words can often prove shallow and conven-
ient, while actions and conduct are what ultimately
matter.
My years at Burke Catholic blessed me with several
enduring friendships and I look forward to renewing
relationships at our reunion in July. While the aca-
demic instruction, the extracurricular activities, ath-
letics, and social events were critical to that experi-
ence, for me the endurance of a culture of generosi-
ty, inclusiveness, selflessness and sharing are the
values which I take with me each day. These values
formed part of the foundation for my professional
and personal relationships with friends, family and
associates and are distinguishing characteristics
rooted in my high school experience.

3. ,
Alumni Spotlight
Valerie Michels Belknap ‘00
I have so many memo-
ries at Burke. Our class,
the Class of 2000, had so
many unique experienc-
es. One of my favorite
events was our student
vs. teacher charity base-
ball game. As the presi-
dent of Social Awareness,
I spent months planning
this event with other
clubs and Mr. Jackson,
the Dean of Students at
the time. I have to admit I don’t remember much about
the game. (I do know Ms. Clark was on the teacher
team). I remember the planning, the laughing, and the
sense of community that surrounded it instead. I think
that is what I remember most about BCHS, the commu-
nity we developed and the way we embraced challenges
and fun.
Burke was where I first remember having teachers
who were closer to our age and relatable. Mr. Allen and
Ms. Clark were “people.” They understood what we
were interested in. I remember one morning walking to
my locker in the “new wing” and hearing Mr. Allen
scream, “WHO GOT THE HOOCH” as he ran to the
faculty room to call in the answer to a radio contest. He
also would discuss hockey with us, and even put ques-
tions on tests about playoffs…I definitely lost points for
being a Devils fan instead of a Rangers fan. Ms. Clark
helped us plan our prom and listened to our ideas and
opinions. She never thought they were silly or trivial,
but rather helped us find ways to actualize them. I also
remember Mr. Wengenroth crying, “YEEESSSSSS!”
whenever we finally understood a new topic. I remem-
ber Ms. Hurley being the first to recognize my love and
talent for writing. I always knew I wanted to be a teach-
er. There was never any other career I considered. But
at Burke, I learned how the student-teacher relationship
continued to grow beyond the classroom.
After graduating I stayed in touch with my teachers.
They were invested in my decisions and where life
would lead me. I feel that I have taken this and expand-
ed upon it in my own teaching career. When choosing a
college, I sought out a similar environment to Burke. At
Marywood University I graduated summa cum laude
with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary
Education with a minor in Early Childhood. I then
went on to receive my Master’s of Arts in Educa-
tional Psychology from Marist. Upon completing
my Master’s, I auditioned, not applied for a job at
St. John Elementary School in Goshen. A teacher
that I had had was sick and out indefinitely. I had
one weekend to review the curriculum, create
plans, and be ready to walk into a class for a
month. I stayed for the next eight years. After St.
John’s, I also taught at Nora Cronin Presentation
Academy for a year, and currently am an AIS
(Academic Intervention Services) teacher in Go-
shen. But I carried the memories of my teachers
with me and tried to emulate them. I expect my
students to be the best. I do not mean academical-
ly. In that regard, I want them to do THEIR best.
What I mean is I expect them to be ready to work,
respectful, and kind. Once this is in place, we can
make learning meaningful and fun. I love the stu-
dents that other teachers are frustrated by. Being
able to reach them is one of my greatest achieve-
ments. But what is even better is I have become the
teacher that students keep in contact with.
My first students are now adults. They have ca-
reers and lives and amazing experiences that they
share with me. Some have become friends and oth-
ers are more like family (and they are BCHS alumni
who are reading this as well). They will always be
“my kids.” And those who have allowed me to stay
in their lives are fully aware of this and the love I
have for them. When my students finally realize
that they really do have the talents I saw in them
all along and share this with me, I am beyond
proud of them. This is what I took away from
Burke, this sense of family and love and communi-
ty that I share with my students. I hope that one
day my son finds teachers with this passion and
genuine concern for him as well..

4. ,
Eagles Soaring
Dolores Figluizzi ‘97
My journey at Burke Catholic HS was a great one. I was a little socially awk-
ward as a kid, but it made my time there more exciting and wonderful be-
cause I found outlets for my creativity! I was involved every year for four years
in all of Ms. Bayno's productions!! Being an Irish dancer and being asked to
be in shows was always a treat! I played Annie, Jasmine and others during her
Christmas spectacular shows, and got to be in her wonderful productions
such as King and I, Carousel, and West Side Story ! I was on varsity track for
four years running the 100 and relay, and was a soccer cheerleader my whole
time at Burke Catholic. I even let Mr. Fedor beat me freshman year on the
chess team! I have fond memories being on set for the drama productions
and of my time with the drama club! If you ask anyone from 1993-1998, I am sure almost everyone will know who I
am! I in fact am still best friends with my HS bestie Lori Artisan.
After Burke Catholic, I went to Trinity College in Burlington, VT, where I played varsity soccer and was a striker. I left
College to join the US Navy to pursue a career in the medical field but was injured and took a few years off to start a
family. I had two beautiful daughters whom are now adults and both in college, one is on the law enforcement path
and on dean's list !
I battled cancer two times with one additional time being precancerous and had many surgeries. The last surgery was
in 2001 where I was diagnosed with GIST cancer, a very rare form of cancer and had a total esophagectomy.
I have been volunteering in my town of Kingston currently for the last 3 years. I am a local artist in town, and have
donated over 100 paintings to the children in the community during COVID times. I work with KMA a group of
members from the community that help others with services and resources. I most recently helped a domestic vio-
lence survivor leave a situation and get the help she needed for her and her children.
Burke Catholic left me with many wonderful memories and experience s and it's from those that I have grown into
living our motto. "Not words but deeds". While I am still recovering from my surgery and still using a cane and
wheelchair, I continue to help others in the community and pass along these skills and qualities to my adult children.
I am happy to report, I am on the mend, and I am getting married May 14,2022 in a private ceremony and then cele-
brating with a big party in October for our family and friends. My daughter Hailey is married and is in college at Bry-
ant and Stratton and is on the Dean's list. She will be pursuing a career in law enforcement and hopefully will be
working locally when she graduates with honors in October of this year. Her intention is to join the secret service!!!
My other daughter Shae is at Dutchess Community College she has two semesters left and is going for general educa-
tion. She is autistic and wants to pursue a career in helping other special needs people, showing others that being
handicapped doesn't mean you can't do but that you CAN do. I really feel that I have passed along these wonderful
traits because of the foundation Burke Catholic set for me in my life's journey.

5. ,
The BCHS Family, Friends & Alumni Gala
Since 2002, we have honored the inductees to the Burke Catholic Hall of Fame at our spring
Gala. We are looking forward to celebrating our newest Hall of Fame Inductees on May 21.
We have waited a long time to come together once again and celebrate our Burke Family.
We want to take the time to highlight the incredible women and men who will be honored
this year.
The Burke Catholic Hall of Fame recognizes and honors BC alumni, faculty,
staff, and extended family who exemplify the highest ideals of Catholic education
and live by the standards of our school motto, “Non Vox Sed Votum” - Not Words
But Deeds.
2022 Burke Catholic Hall of Fame Inductees
Ron Biore
Rory Brady ‘96
Andrew Rivas
Cynthia Phillips ‘70

8. Jim Ambras ‘47
In earlier editions of the newsletter we shared
that Jim will be appearing in two documentaries
on Elon Musk. The first of those two will be air-
ing in May.
The New York Times Presents
Elon Musk Documentary airing on Hulu and FX
Networks May 20 at 10pm
Class of ‘04, ‘05 & ‘06
The challenge continues...
To make a donation visit:
www.burkecatholic.com
Select Tony Gilmore Matching Give Challenge

9. Do you have a vacation home you would be willing to share for a week, season
tickets you would be willing to donate, tickets to a show or concert you are not
able to use?
We are looking for items to be used as part of the Silent Auction at our Gala. All
monies raised that evening will go directly to our BC ReVitalization Fund.
Thank you for your continued support of our students.
Email: kdwyer@burkecatholic.org

10. our
Save the Date
June 21
Eagles living and working in the NYC metropolitan area: join us for our first NYC
Alumni Chapter Cocktail Party
Details below.
RSVP—kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
Fall is here, hear the yell
Back to school, ring the bell
Brand new shoes, walking blues
Climb the fence, books and pens
I can tell that we are going to be friends
Yes, I can tell that we are going to be friends
- Jack Johnson

11. our
2nd Annual BC Day of Giving
May 21, 2022
We are excited to announce our 2nd Annual Day of Giving.
Last year our BC Family blew us away with their tremendous support of
our students and faculty.
Stay tuned for more news on how you can continue to help us
ReDefine the Possible at Burke Catholic.

12. our
Our 2nd Annual BC Alumni BBQ is just around the corner!
SAVE THE DATE

14. Burke Catholic Academy
In a year filled with “firsts”
Congratulations to our BCA members on being inducted into
the BCA National Jr. Honor Society.
Non Vox Sed Votum!

15. We are compiling a list of all our BC Alumni authors and their works.
If you would like to be included please contact
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
A writer never has a vacation.
For a writer life consists of either
writing or thinking about writing.
~Eugene Ionesco

16. MILESTONES
Whitney Moss Forsstrom ’11 -started as
Development Associate for the Corpo-
rate Foundation Relations Team at
Northeastern University.
Madison Olivero ‘15– earned his Certi-
fied Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Christopher Skermo ‘16– started as Ex-
perienced Associate at PwC
Engagements:
Dolores Figluzzi ‘97– announces her
engagement to Brian Gray
It is that time of year! Many of our BC Alumni are looking for summer in-
ternships. If your company offers internships or mentorships please contact
Karen at kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
The BC Connection every Friday at noon.
You can connect at 1110 AM or 93.5 FM
Innovation. Education.
The BC Connection

18. Your gift will have an immediate impact on all BCHS students.
Light the way for today’s students, so that they can find their way to impact
the world.
To make your gift today, please visit
www.burkecatholic.com
To double the impact of your donation check to see if your company participates in a matching
gift program - please visit
https://doublethedonation.com/BCHS
BC Alumni Newsletter
April 2022
ReVitalize, ReEngage, ReConnect
Office of Alumni and Advancement

19. If you would like to be in-
cluded in the next news-
letter or have a Milestone
or story you would like to
share, contact Karen Dwyer:
kdwyer@burkecatholic.org
Contact Information
John S. Burke Catholic High School
Office of Admissions, Alumni and Advancement
80 Fletcher St, Goshen, NY 10924
(845) 294-5481 ext 132
burkecatholic.com
facebook.com/burkecatholichighschool
facebook.com/BCadmissionsandadvancement
twitter.com/burkecatholichs
instagram.com/burkecatholichs