Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Venturino ’25:Read
Latest News
The PhoenixOnline is the school newspaper, published by the students of Kellenberg Memorial High School. Articles are posted throughout the school week to PhoenixOnline at kellenberg.org/phoenix. PhoenixOnline covers various Faith, Academic, Extra-Curricular, and Athletic stories and features at Kellenberg Memorial. PhoenixOnline staff contribute to the school journalism publication by conceiving stories, attending school events, conducting interviews, and writing and editing articles. Membership on the PhoenixOnline staff is open to all students in grades 6 through 12. Editorship positions are available by application.
PhoenixOnline Surveys
Throughout the year, we run open surveys polling our student body on some general interest topics.
PhoenixOnline Video Segments
Athletics News
Von Receives Coach of the Year Honor
March 13, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Kelly ’26: This winter, our very own Mrs. Catherine vonSchoenermarck was named Coach of the Year for Region 1 by the AVCA. The American Volleyball Coaches Association awards the top High School Girls Volleyball Coaches for their unwavering commitment to their respective teams. This award
Bowling Team Dominates State Tournament
March 12, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25: In a string of athletic victories, three Firebird bowlers travelled up to Buffalo for the state tournament. Outstanding athletes Juniors Chloe Horstmann and Kerri Callahan and Senior Emma Dolan all qualified for the tournament based on their regular season average. The girls not
Firebirds Defeat Flyers in Final Seconds
March 4, 2025
Wednesday night, the Boy’s Varsity Basketball team defeated Chaminade at Chaminade with a score of 46-42. The stakes were high, as Kellenberg and Chaminade were fifth and fourth seeds, respectively. The score was neck and neck throughout the game, leading to high tensions as the game progressed. Senior Jordan Leach
Firebirds Take Gold at League Tournament
February 12, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Strauss ’25: The Firebird wrestling team soared to victory at the NSCHSAA League Tournament on Sunday, February 9th. The team wrestled hard earning a total of 434 team points, 71.5 points ahead of runner-up and league rival Chaminade, to secure the title of League Champions.
Activities News
Alumna Encourages Young Entrepreneurs
December 2, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Victoria Vakser ’26: Fresh out of college and already influencing students: On November 12th, KMHS Class of 2019 alum Reagan Mullaly gave a talk to the students of the Business and Finance Club. Ms. Mullaly, a marketing major who graduated St. John’s University just two years
Business and Finance Club Competes at Adelphi Apprentice Challenge
November 26, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Venturino ’26: On Friday, November 8th, the Business club students, under the direction of Mr. Heitner and Mrs. York, competed in the Adelphi Apprentice Challenge. The marketing competition consisted of over 40 Long Island high schools with 250 students, with Kellenberg being the only Catholic
Speech and Debate Orates Their Way to Victory
November 20, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Delaney Clark ’25: On Saturday, November 9, the Speech and Debate Team took part in a competition against other rookie competitors of the Long Island Speech and Debate League. Five Kellenberg members participated in these debates: Jillian McLaughlin, Thomas Englese, Anna Prince, Emanuel Chamarro, and Callum
Kellenberg Sets Sail with New Sailing Club
November 20, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Mika Accardi ’25: On Saturday, November 2, Kellenberg’s newly formed Sailing Club competed in their first invitational regatta at the Waterfront Center in Oyster Bay. The Sailing Club had practiced three days a week in preparation for the regatta. Seniors John Renz and Marco Arena, Sophomore
Apostolic News
First XLT unites in Faith and Friendship
October 16, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Amelia Campbell ’26: Nearly 200 firebird faithful gathered to celebrate the first XLT of the year on October 1st. This month, we had not only one guest speaker, but two. Students witnessed firsthand as Mr. and Mrs. Campbell recounted and reflected on their experiences during multiple
New Mosaic Illuminates Marianist Faith
October 10, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Amelia Campbell ’26: A beautiful new mosaic of Our Lady of Guadalupe has been added to Kellenberg’s Marianist tradition in the Our Lady of Guadalupe plaza, located outside the FCAA building. The mosaic, along with the pictures of saints that line the walls of the FCAA,
ETV Produces Pope Leo XIV Coverage
June 3, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Natalie Lezcano ’26: On May 8, Kellenberg Memorial High School students and faculty buzzed with excitement as the papal conclave announced the name of the new pope, Pope Leo XIV. In the hour leading up to the announcement, a few faculty members were granted the opportunity
Rain Dampens May Crowning, but Not Marianist Spirit
June 2, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Kelly ’26: Due to inclement weather, the annual May Crowning took place indoors on Thursday, May 29. On a typical year, the ceremony would be held in the school parking lot, with a fire truck from a local volunteer fire department assisting the chosen faculty
Last Week at Mass
Last Week at Mass: A Russian Orthodox Girl at Liturgy
March 12, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Victoria Vakser ’26: “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages!” With these words the lights came on, the choir sang a majestic “Amen,” and the Orthodox Divine Liturgy began. March
Last Week At Mass: Faith from a Child’s Eyes – St. Patrick’s Glen Cove
March 6, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Cristina Palmieri ’25: On the first Sunday of March, I found myself everywhere but with God. I was organizing arrangements for the Senior Trip, stressing over college admission decisions I hadn’t even received yet, and any other thing that was on my mind. I piled clothes
LWAM: The Opportunity of a Lifetime
January 9, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25: “Are you interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister?” The bolded letters on the front of St. Thomas the Apostle’s Church bulletin made my heart jump. Though an 8-year-old me who received her Sacraments of Initiation and altar served for St. Thomas would have
LWAM: Trusting What I Can’t Change
December 3, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Brooke Oldenborg ’26: On Sunday, November 17, I decided to end my weekend with my home parish’s evening mass. This is the first mass I’ve attended fully in a while. As the priest started talking, it seemed like a normal mass, but as he continued it
How Will They Know Us
Academics News
Poetry Is Alive and Well at Kellenberg
June 4, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Keira Quigley ’26: Poetry Week, an annual week-long event sponsored by the English department, was held from April 28 to May 2 this year. During Poetry Week multiple events were hosted by various English Department teachers after school. Mrs. Tochelli hosted an event called Rhyming Rendezvous,
Senior Writers Focus on Journaling
February 27, 2025
Article by Phoenix writer Michaela Dennean ’25: “Staring at the blank page before you…” Above is easily one of the most instantly recognizable lyrics of the 2000s. “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield acted as a powerful ballad for young and old, and it continues to be a hit today, over twenty
Junior History Trip Sparks Appreciation for the U.S.
October 30, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Mary O’Brien ’27: From Washington’s Headquarters to West Point Academy: On October 18th, the class of 2026 made their own trip down the Hudson on an academic journey to broaden their knowledge of American History. Leaving Kellenberg at 6:15, the 42 sleepy juniors made their first
Students Send Shivers Down Your Spine at Fright Club
October 22, 2024
Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Strauss ’25: On October 22, Bro. Peter Sennett, S.M., held a meeting for the creative writing contest Fright Club in room 122. Middle and high school students alike joined to share their ideas for horror short stories and get assistance from Bro. Peter to make
Firebird Crosswords
The Renaissance
An important extra facet of the academic life at Kellenberg Memorial is the literary magazine, Renaissance. Published twice a year in Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer issues, it contains the creative writings and artistic talents of students from grades six through twelve.
The creative voice heard in the poems, short stories, essays, and art is often unheard in the day-to-day work within the classroom.
October 21, 2025
The Renaissance: “Mourning Dove” by Danielle Kercy ’26
Mourning Dove by Danielle Kercy ’26 Its cheeks are round with youth, and its eyes are wide with innocence, Bringing me to recall my
October 21, 2025
The Renaissance, “Miles” by Elizabeth Califano, ‘28
Miles by Elizabeth Califano, ‘28 You’re close to me because my heart holds you there holds a house for you with a freshly made
October 10, 2025
The Renaissance, “Eden” by Aren Saraydarian ’26
“Eden” by Aren Saraydarian ’26 Beyond the depths and pits of earthly grief, A pasture lies with treasures yet unseen, With trees and bushes each
September 22, 2025
The Renaissance, Artwork by Lauren Reyes ’26, “New Friends”
Artwork by Lauren Reyes ’26, “New Friends”
June 2, 2025
The Renaissance, “The Road of Friendship” by Theresa Stender ‘29
The Road of Friendship by Theresa Stender ’29 The road of friendship is difficult to know because sometimes it lasts a lifetime while sometimes it
June 2, 2025