THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, June 14, 2019 Page 3 Emotional send-off for Pope John XXIII HS alumni and staff A By Tara Vocino lumni of Pope John XXIII High School shared fond memories of their days as students during last Thursday’s send-off. Despite an enthusiastic fundraising campaign, it was recently determined that the school does not have sufficient finances to open in the fall. In his somber May 30 letter to parents, Head of School Carl DiMaiti said International Residence Management (IRM), which had been the funding arm for the school’s 43 international students, “failed to meet the obligations of its agreement.” DiMaiti also said that IRM had declared bankruptcy in October 2018 and subsequently ceased operations. As they looked at their yearbook, Darlene Marcin-Bowdridge ’81 and Debbie Bennett-Petruzzella ’81 said they shared memories at Pope John that they didn’t find anywhere else. Although Bennett-Petruzzella didn’t want to attend school there originally, she met her best friends there and hosted her bridal shower there in ’86. Her daughter, Tiffany, attended preschool there. “It’s a very sad sentimental day,” Marcin-Bowdridge said. By doing so, the company burdened Pope John with a deficit of more than $1 million. Brian Vocino ’96, who transferred to Pope John from another school district, said some of his best childhood memories were made at the school and that it was an emotional day. “It’s very surreal, but I’m glad I came,” Vocino said. Similarly, Alicia Papantonatos ’18 said a part of her life has Retired theology teacher Larry Greco is with his former students Alicia Papantonatos ’18 and Caroline O’Connor ’18 at a gathering in the basement. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 www.eight10barandgrille.com Kitchen Hours: Mon-Thurs: 12-10pm Fri-Sat: 12-11pm Sunday: 1pm-10pm Lunch Menu! Enjoy our Famous $10 Served Mon. thru Fri. ‘til 3:30 PM Choose from 16 Items! Grilled Rib Eye Steak! Only $22.00 includes Two Sides Every Friday FRESH HADDOCK DINNER Prepared Your Way! Includes two sides Now Featuring our BREAKFAST PIZZA & OMELET MENU Saturday & Sunday Only Served until 3:30 PM As low as 7.99% APR* For up to 12 Months Amounts from $500 — $5,000 • VACATIONS • EXTRA CASH • PAY BILLS & MORE APPLY ONLINE: MEMBERSPLUSCU.ORG/SUMMER-SIZZLER-LOAN MORE INFO: (781) 905-1500 *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Payments for 7.99% APR for 12-months are approximately $87.00 per month per $1,000 borrowed. Payment does not reflect disability and/or credit life insurance and may differ slightly due to rounding. Terms up to 12 months. Minimum loan amount $500 and maximum loan amount $5,000. APR is based upon member’s credit score. Rates listed above reflect excellent credit scores. Rates effective May 28, 2019 and subject to change without notice. Membership requires a $25 deposit in a share/savings account. Alumni who went to school together in the 1990s gathered in the gymnasium one last time to reflect on fond memories. Shown from left to right are Anna Noviello ’97, Maria Provenzano ’94, Kerri Gould ’94, Ginett DiMaggio ’94, Billy Cammarano ’94, Antonietta Coviello O’Toole ’94, Eric Santangelo ’94 and Brian Vocino ’96, seated. (Advocate Photos by Tara Vocino) been lost. “It’s sad, it’s like my old home,” Papantonatos said. “ Caroline O’Connor ’18 said she formed so many friendships at Pope John and spent so much time there. Retired theology teacher Larry Greco said he is very proud to have been associated with the school. “The school brought love to the community,” Greco said. “I’m glad that we can get together again, but wish it was under different circumstances.” Greco said the high school stayed true to its mission and that it was an extremely sad day. Darlene Marcin-Bowdridge ’81 and Debbie Bennett-Petruzzella ’81 said they shared experiences at Pope John that they didn’t have anywhere else. Although Bennett-Petruzzella admitted that she didn’t EMOTIONAL | SEE PAGE 4
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