TARMAC III March 2017

A Man for All Season

by Jack Valentino

Chaminade High School’s Yearbook Club has been putting out a phenomenal yearbook each academic year since 1930. Every year, a thought-prompting theme has been chosen for the yearbook, and this year is no different. The theme for the 2016-2017 edition is “Paradigms.” A paradigm is defined as “an example serving as a model.” Co-editor-in-chief of the yearbook, Ryan Smith ‘17, put it well: “Over the years, Chaminade has established itself as a paradigm for young Catholic men seeking unique opportunities inside and outside the classroom. From the new science building and Saragossa retreat house to the introduction of the iPad Initiative, Chaminade’s drive to introduce new ideas and resources for its student body continues to open new doors. We honor a role model dear to the Chaminade family who has played an essential part in establishing this paradigm and dedicate the 2017 Crimson and Gold to him.”

The process of deciding who the yearbook would be dedicated to began in early February. The senior members of the yearbook staff began the process by meeting with Mr. Engelhart, the yearbook moderator. Three subsequent meetings occurred and, after much thought and many conversations, a decision was finally reached about whom the yearbook would be dedicated to. This year, that process culminated with the selection of an exemplary member of the Chaminade family: Mr. Christopher Lynch ‘82. With the theme of a “paradigm” in mind, Mr. Lynch personifies what it means to be a Chaminade man.

Mr. Christopher Lynch, '82, addresses the student body

After graduating from Chaminade in 1982, with current faculty members Mr. Kevin Parente and Mr. Robert Hazelton, Mr. Lynch went on to graduate from St. John’s University and then returned to Chaminade in 1987 to coach freshman football. The following year, he joined the faculty as a science teacher. In every aspect of student life, Mr. Lynch has led by example, encouraging students to nourish all sides of their personhood -- the mind, the spirit, and the body. Beloved by all who are lucky enough to have him as a coach, a teacher, or an advisor, legions of fellow Flyers were devastated when he was diagnosed with stomach and brain cancer. However, his brave and defiant response to these challenges has personified what it means to be a Chaminade Man. Everyday, he greets everyone with a smile and a jovial attitude. His behavior in his time of struggle shows what it means to be truly courageous, committed to one’s purpose, and to others.

As Mr. Lynch explains, "My faith, my family, and my friends have given me a lot over the last few years. Life goes quick. But, my mother always told me, 'Your life is God's gift to you. What you do with your life is your gift to God.'" Mr. Lynch has done much to share his gifts with others and continues to be a paradigm for rising Chaminade students. His life and actions every day are a tremendous model for us all. Congratulations to Mr. Lynch!

The Aviation Club

by: Peter Camporeale

The Aviation Club, a long-standing club at Chaminade, is one of the most unique and specialized after-school activities. The Aviation Club affords a myriad of opportunities for students to learn more about commercial and private aviation, the physics of flight, and aircraft themselves, to name only a handful.

The club, moderated by Mr. Young, is more student-run than most other clubs. For example, there is a variety of different student presenters on any given meeting. Students present about a plethora of topics, ranging from the four forces of flight to military aircraft. Some club members have even been inspired by the club to pursue a private pilot’s license, which requires simulator time, flight time, and intense study of regulations and maneuvers to obtain. Club President, Stefan Schmitt ‘18, and Vice President, David Bianco ‘17, ably lead the club by promoting involvement from younger members and by sharing their in-depth knowledge of aviation.

Along with the regular Wednesday meetings, the Aviation Club has organized a number of weekend activities over the past year. The first trip of the 2016-2017 school year was a visit to a flight control center on Long Island, which is the main communication point for transatlantic flights leaving or arriving in the New York Metropolitan Area. The club has also visited Republic Airport twice, where members received tours of the aircraft facilities and valuable flight simulator time at no charge.

An important annual event of the Aviation Club is the Paper Airplane Competition. This annual event seeks to stretch students’ knowledge of principles of flight to the limit to win the competition. Moreover, the competition is based on three relatively important characteristics: distance flown, time aloft, and aesthetics. These three characteristics are the core principles, besides cost, around which aeronautical engineers base their designs; therefore, the competition provides a glimpse into the mindset of an engineer.

Stefan Schmidt prepares to dazzle the Aviation Club

Recently, former club moderator Mr. Robert A. Wilkie, a Chaminade alumnus and private pilot, passed away unexpectedly on February 26 in Westhampton. A group of Aviation Club members attended the funeral mass on Saturday, March 4, presided over by Fr. Garrett Long, S.M. The untimely loss of Mr. Wilkie, may he rest in peace, will forever touch the hearts and souls of those who knew him, but the members of the Aviation Club look to continue its mission of imparting aviation knowledge to students.

Mr. Robert Wilkie, Chaminade graduate, Avuation Club Moderator, May he Rest In Peace.

Ash Wednesday

by: Edward Daubel

Each year, to mark the beginning of Lent, Chaminade faculty and students celebrate Ash Wednesday. This year, Ash Wednesday was held on March 1. On this day, the Chaminade community came together as each homeroom received ashes. In addition, students, faculty, and staff did not eat meat and refrained from buying snacks in between meals. Since Ash Wednesday is such an important day, it makes sense that Chaminade treats it with such attention and care.

Ash Wednesday occurs forty-six days before Easter and is celebrated by many Western Christians. Jesus lasted forty days fasting in the desert, where he was tempted by Satan. Lent is seen as a reflection of this fasting time. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of our fasting during Lent. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are placed on each participant’s forehead in the shape of a cross. The administer then says, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” These ashes that we received came from the palm branches blessed on the previous year’s Palm Sunday. These ashes are a reminder that we were created from dust, and we will return to dust in the end. Receiving the palm ashes is a way to show an external sign of repentance. Ash Wednesday’s rituals should be something we are proud of as a Chaminade community.

No matter one's age, Ash Wednesday represents the beginning of restored faith and reparation of relationships with God. It allows all of us to begin the Lenten season once again and be renewed in spirit. We all can move through the Lenten season now with confidence in God and readiness to put our souls to the test.

Father Ernest distributes ashes on Ash Wednesday
Varsity Sports Scoreboard

Baseball - 4/4 vs St. Dominic's, Cantiague Park, 4:15

Spring Track - 4/8, Suffolk Track Officials Holiday, Mt. Sinai High School

Crew - Manny Flick Regatta, Philadelphia, PA

Volleyball - 4/4 vs St. Anthony's, AAC, 4:15

Tennis - 4/3 vs Kellenberg, Mineola Park, 4:00

Report Abuse

If you feel that this video content violates the Adobe Terms of Use, you may report this content by filling out this quick form.

To report a Copyright Violation, please follow Section 17 in the Terms of Use.