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

Kellenberg Athletes Honored at Hofstra
Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25: Hofstra University celebrated accomplished Kellenberg student-athletes at the January 25 Hofstra vs. Delaware Men’s basketball game. Hofstra has been looking to become more engaged with Kellenberg Memorial in the form of student recognition over the past few years. At the end of last

Firebird Wrestlers Dominate at Battle at the Beach
Article by Phoenix writer Griffin Strauss ’25: On Saturday, December 7, 26 Firebird wrestlers competed in the prestigious Varsity Battle at the Beach Tournament in Long Beach. Senior Elijah “Conquering” Carrington dominated his weight class pinning the second ranked wrestler in Nassau County and beating the fifth ranked wrestler in

FCAA Celebration Honors Benefactors
Article by Phoenix writer Caitlin Hanratty ’25: On November 16, the Firebird Center Completion Celebration was hosted in the FCAA for its major benefactors to celebrate the official opening of the new building on the 1400 Glenn Curtiss property. More than 500 benefactors, faculty, staff, and additional guests attended the

Girls Varsity Wins State Volleyball Championship
Article by Phoenix writer Grace Andino ’25: For the second consecutive year in a row, Kellenberg’s Girls Varsity Volleyball team took home the title of CHSAA State Champions. The Lady Firebirds have been sweeping wins all across Long Island this season, tallying up an undefeated score of 14-0. After beating
Activities News

Kellenberg by Land, Sea, and Air
Article by Phoenix writer Brooke Oldenborg ’26: Our planet is one big, complex, and interconnected system made up of myriad elements and environments. However, it seems that the most fundamental wonders and beauties of Earth can be placed into three iconic categories: land, air, and sea. Kellenberg provides its students

Smashing Success for Gaming Club Tournament
Article by Phoenix writer Molly Driscoll ’26: On Friday, January 17, senior Christopher Gallegra took the initiative to organize a Super Smash Bros. Tournament for the Gaming Club. This event marked the club’s first esports tournament of the year. Students from all grades were welcome to compete in this inaugural

Health Science Brings Joy to the Elderly
Article by Phoenix writer Sophia Venturino ’26: Before Christmas, the Health Science club sent cards to senior citizens living in nursing homes via the “My Dear Friend Card Creating” program begun by Glamour Gals. This is an organization that seeks to raise awareness about elderly solitude, while also working to

Kellenberg Musicians Perform the Annual Christmas Concert
Article by Phoenix writer Brooke Oldenborg ’26: On the evenings of December 11, 12, and 13, musicians from the Latin School, Firebird, and Phoenix groups held their annual Christmas concerts. The concerts opened with a performance of the “National Anthem” in tribute to the many Kellenberg family members that serve
Apostolic News

First XLT unites in Faith and Friendship
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
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
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
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 Therapeutic Lord
Article by Phoenix writer Nick Cortese ’23: As of late, I have been reflecting on myself quite a bit. People tend to downplay the idea of junior year being stressful until they get to junior year. Now, I’ve been having bad days here and there, one of such being this

Last Week At Mass: It’s Been A While
Article by Phoenix writer Angelo Tsassis ’22: Honestly, I was a bit nervous to come back after such a long time. Each Sunday, I thought to myself, I should really get back to Church this week. But no, there was always some obligation I had that was more important at

Last Week at Mass: A Mass and a Meet for Season’s End
Article by Phoenix writer Amir Jeudy ’22: At 9am in the middle of Sunken Meadow Park, hundreds of runners, middle school and high school alike, come together with their parents and coaches to pray before the races. The Mass, celebrated by Kellenberg’s Fr. Albert Bertoni, S.M., might be an odd

Last Week At Mass: Birthday Sunday
Article by Phoenix writer Isabel Connolly ’23: It was a 73º sunny day, perfect weather for a birthday. The sixteenth birthday has been heralded as some important stepping stone in an adolescent’s life. It’s this wonderful year where everything is supposed to happen. With it comes the idea of sweet
How Will They Know Us

PhoenixOnline Initiates New Lifestyle Section
Article by Phoenix writer Mary O’Brien ’27: On October 1st, 2025, the Editorial Staff of PhoenixOnline made a groundbreaking decision. After much thinking and debating, PhoenixOnline has chosen to discontinue our opinion-based articles, “But What do I Know?” In our ever divided world, it is difficult to share opinions without offense. Unfortunately, it is challenging for us young journalists to write opinions that interest people without contributing to that divide. The truth is that we as the school newspaper for a Catholic high school really only have one perspective. Even though we are all different as people, we are united under one central identity: Catholicism. In John 13:35, Jesus tells us, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another.” In this passage Jesus’ disciples are wondering how they will be recognized as Christians. He explains to them that Love is what distinguishes us.
Academics News

Poetry Is Alive and Well at Kellenberg
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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

The Renaissance, Artwork by Lauren Reyes ’26, “New Friends”
Artwork by Lauren Reyes ’26, “New Friends”
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