01/15/2025
For those of you who’ve known me well you know who this man is and what he represented to me. I left Cardinal Gibbons my sophomore year and was introduced to brother Michael McKenery in Long Island, New York. He was the headmaster at LaSalle military Academy, Oakdale Long Island. I was facing extreme adversity and wasn’t sure what direction life was gonna take me. Within an hour of meeting with these Christian brothers, they made it clear to me that I belonged under their direction. They were emphatic about me coming! They actually wanted my parents to leave me there immediately, lol, which didn’t happen. I went home, packed all my belongings and said goodbye to South Florida and moved to Long Island, New York as a sophomore in high school. Very quickly, brother Michael became a father figure to me. I spent the next couple of years under his direction, leadership and guidance. The relationship we forged there carried on until his recent death. Brother Michael literally changed the direction of thousands of young men just like me. Not only was he a father figure, he was a man of integrity, honor, and humility. He lived for his students and wanted to make sure everybody in the room felt like they mattered and were loved. For those of you who don’t know, my son Michael was named after Brother Michael. I could go on for hours about all the stories and accomplishments this man has but I can guarantee you that he wouldn’t want you to know them, he was too humble to acknowledge his greatness. His greatness is displayed in the students he taught, and mentored. By far, he is the most important man I’ve ever met in my life. I will always be reminded of his greatness as I look to my fellow classmates and friends. Goodbye God’s faithful servant, you lived a life of Sacrifice, Humility and Mentorship. I love you “Bro”!
St John Baptist De La Salle, pray for us. Live Jesus in our Hearts, Forever.❤️❤️❤️