Bay Ridge
Congratulations to the honorees of this year’s Spirit of Xaverian award. Xaverian High School President Robert Alesi and Principal Dcn. Kevin McCormack made the presentations at the school’s gala fund-raiser on Nov. 19.
The honorees were: Ed Gilligan (posthumously), whose wife Lisa accepted his award; James E. Leonard ’76, Chief of Department, FDNY; Joseph M. Corrado ’73, Senior Managing Director, the Boston Company Asset Management; and Michael J. Mennella ’64, executive vice president of Tishman Construction and a member of Xaverian’s Board of Trustees.
Students entertained the crowd, along with members of the Pipe and Drum Corps and the Jazz Band, and Dan Walker led the group in an a capella rendition of the National Anthem.
Lisa Gilligan announced that a perpetual scholarship was established in her husband’s name.
“Ed never forgot his experience at Xaverian and the role it played in enabling him to rise about his circumstances,” she said. “When he joined the Board of Trustees, he did so because he believed it was an opportunity to make a difference and a way to make sure other young people have the same opportunity he had to succeed.”
Lisa Gilligan added her family couldn’t think of a better way to continue her husband’s memory than by enabling other young men and women to attend his alma mater.
Standing O thanks all the honorees for the dedication, and the Gilligan family for its scholarship.
Xaverian High School [7100 Shore Rd. at 71st Street in Bay Ridge; (718) 836–7100].
Bay Ridge
Be prepared to be amazed
Mastermind mentalist Michael Lee will dig deep into his audience when he performs at Ft. Hamilton Army Base over the holidays. Michael can just look at your hands, your nails, the heels of your shoes, and your eyes to read your every thought.
He’s also a death-defying escape artist — small wonder that he needs to make a quick getaway after he lets you in on your secrets!
Save these dates. Standing O pal Michael will be reading minds, amazing guests and tantalizing base members, military families, and civilian guests with his powers of perception and escapism on Dec. 4 at 7 pm, Dec. 11 at 1 pm, and Dec. 18 at 4 pm.
The talented artist could have chosen any venue, but he selected the fort because he wants to salute our servicemembers.
“It’s vital that we show our appreciation for their service by giving back and sharing our talents with them and their families in any way possible during the holiday season,” he said.
Standing O totally agrees. Come on down and bring the whole family for a day of mind reading, entertainment, and holiday cheer. Don’t even try to escape, ’cause he knows what you are thinking! Just remember to bring proper ID to enter the base.
Ft. Hamilton Army Base [Seventh Ave. and Poly Place in Bay Ridge; (718) 630–4771].