Bay Ridge

Bob Costas goes to bat for buddy at Xaverian gala

December 2, 2014 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Sports broadcaster Bob Costas (center) made a surprise visit to Xaverian High School’s annual gala so that he could be on hand to present his friend, Dr. Andrew Fiore (left) with an award. At right is Xaverian President Robert Alesi. Photo courtesy Carl Gachet Photography
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Legendary sports broadcaster Bob Costas, who has covered everything from the Olympics to the World Series for NBC during his long career, took on the role of surprise guest at the Xaverian High School Gala, where he introduced one of the evening’s award winners, his friend Dr. Andrew C. Fiore.

Costas came to the Spirit of Xaverian Gala at the El Caribe Country Club in Mil Basin on Nov. 20 unannounced so that he could surprise Fiore and present the Bernard McQuillan Distinguished Alumnus Award. Fiore, the director of cardiothoracic surgery at the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center in St. Louis, is a 1966 graduate of Xaverian.

Costas is a philanthropic supporter of the medical center.

The gala drew nearly 400 attendees. The award winners included Spirit of Xaverian Award recipient John J. McCormick, director of the school’s senior involvement program.

Located at 7100 Shore Road in Bay Ridge, Xaverian was established as a Catholic high school for boys in 1957. The school also has a co-ed middle school program, called Genesis, for intellectually gifted students.

In addition to Fiore, the Bernard McQuillan Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were: Dominick P. Balsamo, vice president, international broadcasting, Major League Baseball; Thomas M. Minchin, former national executive secretary of the Navy Club of the United States of America; and Dr. Salvatore S. Volpe, chief medical officer, PDR Network.

The St. Francis Xavier Award recipients were Frances H. Gillen and Jennifer and Harry D’Onofrio, who are all parents of Xaverian students.

The Theodore James Ryken Award was given to Richard Montalbano, a teacher and curriculum specialist in Xaverian’s History Department.

The 20th anniversary of the arrival of the Genesis Middle School Program at Xaverian was also commemorated.

Student volunteers assisted throughout the program. Dinner guests were greeted by the music at Xaverian students playing harps. The school’s Jazz Band also performed during the cocktail hour.

The dinner portion of the evening was kicked off by an appearance by the Pipe and Drum Corps, as well as an a cappella rendition of the National Anthem sung by Michael Curcio.

Another student, Kathryn McGarty, spoke about the unique educational benefits offered to the academically talented students who attend Genesis.

 

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