St. Peter’s Annual School Celebration was held on Saturday, March 12, at the North Hempstead Country Club. This year’s honorees were Deacon Joseph Bianco and Deacon Frank D’Angelo. They were honored in recognition of their many years of service to the St. Peter’s School and parish communities.
Almost 200 people came to celebrate the honorees and the school. Father Patrick Whitney, pastor of the parish, introduced the honorees and spoke about how much they have touched the lives of parishioners and students in St. Peter’s parish. Both are committed to Catholic education.
Deacon Joe spoke about his love of St. Peter’s and how his service as a deacon started with being involved as a parent. Deacon Joe and his wife Melissa have six children, three of whom have graduated and two are still in attendance.
Deacon Frank spoke about his love for the school and he tearfully asked everyone to pray for a St. Peter’s graduate, Mary Johnson, who was seriously injured in a car accident in Houston, TX (see story page 4). Deacon Frank and his wife Ann Marie’s three children graduated from St. Peter’s. Deacon Frank is a lawyer at the law offices of Frank D’Angelo and Associates, PC.
Both Deacon Joe and Deacon Frank preach on Sundays, officiate at baptisms and weddings, teach pre-cana and baptismal classes, moderate alter server training, teach religion and help with the parish and Lenten missions.
The evening was a successful fundraiser for St. Peter’s School as well. Guests had fun bidding on silent auction items such as concert tickets and an Hermès bracelet. Bidding was strong during the exciting live auction for Justin Bieber VIP concert tickets and Jimmy Buffet VIP concert tickets. There was a wine toss, photo booth and a performance to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by dancers from the Doherty-Petri School of Irish Dance, two of whom attend St. Peter’s.
The evening was a celebratory gathering of old friends and new coming together to honor two wonderful, giving people who are an important part of a special school.
