South East Consortium Formal 2015

It was all glitz and glamor this past Saturday at the 2015 South East Consortium Formal. The SEC formal, in its 8^th year, saw the best attendance yet from participants dressed to nines and ready to party the night away.

Sunset Rendevous on the Beach was the theme for the evening and the decorations matched the theme perfectly. Beautifully laid out table cloth of white and mahogany complemented the sand and seashell center pieces that captured the essence of the shore. Elegant and refined the formal also offered some excitement with a model volcano in full eruption! Perfect for photo ops.

DJ Mike spun some fresh tunes as everyone present spent some time on the dance floor. Bronxville High School students led by David Russert and Nina Richeter got the party started and even tired out some of our dancers! Party goers were dragged off the dance floor to eat a delicious dinner catered by Village Pizza and Pasta of Mamaroneck. After dinner it was right back to the dance floor!

Whats a party without some cake! After dinner dancers had a some party cake and were able to take a break from all the fun and excitement on the dance floor which of course included a Conga Line!

As is tradition at the SEC formal a King, Queen, Prince and Princess are named. Of course only a select few get bragging rights to this honor every year. This years prom King was TJ Marchese with a lovely Susan Eagan as his Queen. Brad Zeifer was thrilled to be named Prom Prince along with his Princess Kathleen McCandless.

What an exciting spring evening for everyone! Many thanks to the Bronxville High School students who came out and enjoyed the evening with us, DJ Mike for another great show, Village Pizza and Pasta for the delicious food and all the staff and parents who made this night possible!

Hawks Versus Bronxville High School

The Hawks took to the hard top revved up and ready to rock last Tuesday night at the 2^nd Annual BVHS game. The highly anticipated night did not disappoint. The Hawks soared to victory once again against a gritty Bronxville High School JV team. The night also featured a celebrity coach appearance by former Michigan State player Anthony Ianni. Parents, friends and family gathered in the stands to cheer on the Hawks and enjoy a fun night.

The Hawks came onto the court hard with a starting lineup featuring Alexander Pflaum, John Reichelt, James Beveridge, Andrew Brooks and Matthew McCarthy putting up 12 points in the first quarter. At the half BVHS had crept back up on the scoreboard coming within 6 pts of taking the lead. The second half of the game saw the Hawks bury the Broncos racking up another 24 points taking the game for a second year in a row 46-28.

Jason Frank was a highlight of the game once again with an outside the paint shot in the 4 quarter with a fantastic assist from teammate Johnny “Rockets” Reichelt. The crowd went wild! Under the guidance of celebrity coach Anthony Ianni the Hawks showed their true colors last Tuesday; sportsmanship and dedication.

At the age of 4, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD), a disorder on the autism spectrum. Doctors told Anthony’s parents that he would barely graduate from high school, would never graduate from college, would never have a shot at being an athlete, and as an adult, he would likely live in a group institution.

Anthony played for legendary coach Tom Izzo while at MSU. He won two Big Ten Championships, a Big Ten Tournament Title, was the recipient of both the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On Award and the 2012 Unsung Player Award, and was a member of the 2010 Final Four team. He is also the recipient of the Epling Agent of Change Award.

Anthony has pledged his life and career to help those who face similar challenges. He has been invited to tell his story and share his message across the country and has inspired countless individuals to LYD - Live Your Dreams.

Anthony was not the only celebrity appearance. Executive Director of South East Consortium Jerry Peters  and Bronxville Student Activity Director David Russert threw on the zebra suit and made the run up and down to court to officiate Tuesday night’s game.  Mr. Peters and Mr. Russert called a fair and honest game.

The Hawks are flying high off this recent victory and are already looking forward to their next game against rivals North East in a couple of weeks also at Bronxville High School. GO HAWKS!

Second Annual SEC v. NEC Basketball Game

It was non-stop action from the tip off when the South East Consortium Hawks squared off against North East Consortium Basketball last Tuesday night in the second annual SEC v. NEC basketball game.

With the bitter taste of defeat still fresh on their taste buds from last season’s disappointing defeat, on their home turf no less, the Hawks came swooping in, talons out and ready to play. The long awaited re-match was met with ultimate victory for the Hawks (30-24.)

The Hawks quickly took the lead under power forward Alexander Pflaum. Alex, known as the Savage Dancer by his team mates for his delicate footwork and precise jump shot coupled with his intensity up and down the court, sank 8 points in the first three minutes of the game.

North East realized that this was not the same team they played one year ago, re-grouped, and caught up with 6 unanswered points before the end of the first quarter. 

The Hawks went right back at it full force in the second quarter. The unavoidable excitement from the crowd off the court and rough and tumble action on the court electrified the air infecting our Hawks. Typically composed players were rushing shots resulting in turn overs and making some daring passes that did not always work out in their favor.

The second quarter saviors were Chris Horan and Andrew Brooks. Horan (now known as “the Surgeon”) hit three jump shots in a row with surgical precision. Brooks, all 6’4” of him, camped out right underneath the hoop on defense stealing every rebound that came his way.

At half the Hawks had some time to cool down, collect themselves and refocus their energy. Victory was in sight. The importance of the evening and what it meant was now understood but like professionals they didn’t let it get in their heads. Their eyes told the story “There’s a job to do and my team mates are relying on me.”

The Hawks regained the lead after the third quarter and never looked back. Smashing their way through the North East defense to the board for multiple lay ups and increased aggressiveness on defense kept NEC at bay.

North East Consortium battled valiantly through the entire game making it very exciting to watch. Both teams a spectacular job by displaying every skill indicative of a great basketball team. Plus something that cannot be taught but acquired through maturity and respect; sportsmanship. Something everyone should be proud of.

The game was made complete with the scoreboard lit, half time music and even the Bronxville Broncos Mascot joining the action, dancing and rooting on the home team. The night could not have been possible without the amazing dedication and creativity of the Bronxville Youth Council spearheaded by Kenny, Thomas and Jack.

The Hawks closed out the season with a big win making them undefeated for the 2014 season. But like any great team you are only good as your last win. The Hawks are already looking towards next year as re-peat undefeated title under their belts. GO HAWKS!

SEC Prom 2014

There was plenty of tail feather shaking and rug cutting at the 8^th annual South East Consortium formal last Saturday night.

Participants arrived dressed to the nines for a Vegas themed evening at Bronxville High School. The gala was hosted by the energetic and outgoing Bronxville Youth Council led by staff advisor David Russert.

“It’s a fantastic night, one our students look forward to every year,” said Russert as he manned one of the game tables Saturday night.

As party goers trickled in the dance floor filled up with twisting feet, shaking hips and pumping arms to the familiar styles of DJ Mike. The party was truly under way when Chris Horan arrived quickly dancing into a shirt saturating sweat.

The ambiance was electrifying with palm trees, Vegas themed decorations, an ever- changing DJ booth and Vegas gambling chips strewn across tables. Besides the windows on the walls one would think you were on the floor of Ceasar’s.

Dancing can build up quite an appetite but that was easily solved thank to Mamaroneck Village Pizza and Pasta who catered the event. Attendees had a smorgasbord of food to choose from including two types of pasta, salad and chicken marsala.

Shortly after dinner and after a little more dancing it was time for the main event of the evening. One that was eagerly anticipated by all; the crowning of the prom King, Queen, Prince and Princess.

Maggie Stone and Chris Horan grabbed the princess and prince spot respectively. Approaching the stage to applause the two were visibly ecstatic with joy.  Both stood side by side as they were crowned.

There was a collective hush in anticipation of what was coming next, the crowning of the king and queen.  Mark Siragusa was named Prom King. Mark seemed triumphant in his victory as he walked up to the microphone, pumping his fist and grinning ear to ear.

Prom Queen? Marci Mehler! A woman who has been vying for the honor for years. Tears erupted from her eyes as the Tiara was placed on her head. The only words she was able to get were “thank you, thank you.” It was a very moving moment and there was hardly a dry eye in the gymnasium because of it.

The night ended with cake, more dancing and warm feelings towards one another. The South East Consortium prom has become something everyone looks forward to during the year. It’s a night to get dressed up, dance with friends and have some laughs. 

Check out another article written about our Prom night: Phil Reisman: At long last, Marci is crowned prom queen

Hawks Versus Broncos

It was a back and forth slug fest Tuesday night between the Bronxville Broncos and the South East Hawks on the hard top. Hawks took an early lead and didn’t let up until the fourth quarter buzzer sounded (54-42.)

Friends and family gathered at Bronxville High School to watch the first annual Broncos V. Hawks basketball game. The Broncos squad was composed of boys and girls from the Bronxville basketball team who came out to give our Hawks a run for their money.

The Hawks were chomping at the bit at the start of game; very excited to play their first game of the season on a regulation court. After the starting five settled down some they started putting down some serious points. Center Andrew Brooks led the scoreboard with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Forwards Maggie Stone and Chris Horan showed off their passing skills with most assists for the evening, 14 and 12 respectively.

The Hawks performed beautifully displaying all the skills they have been working on at practice: passing, dribbling, communication and defensive positions. The game was great preparation for the Hawks who have their first Special Olympics tournament March 8^th at White Plains High School.

All Hawks players saw game time and many took advantage this fact. Chris Bisconti made a terrific defensive block and bolted down the court. Eduardo Baca threw up some beautiful shots and John MacAulay made a series of two pointers from the side of the hoop.

Hands down highlight of the evening was Jason Frank getting his first official basket on the Hawks basketball team. On the fourth attempt Frank sank the rock for two. The crowd went wild and Jason made his rounds in the stands with high fives for all.

The significance of the event was not lost on either side of the bench. Bronxville students are already requesting this be a yearly tradition between the two teams.

“How nice of them (Bronxville students) to take time out of their day to play with us,” said Maggie Stone. 

Everyone left the gymnasium with a smile that Tuesday night. And that’s a W for everyone.