The 2018 Dinner Gala Honorees
Sr. Raimonde Bartus
Educator of the Arts Award
Sr. Raimonde began an illustrious service at St. Joseph Hill Academy in 1956. In 1968, she founded the St. Joseph Hill Drama Club, directing the operetta "The Firefly." In 1971, she directed the school's first musical production "Bye, Bye, Birdie." Over the 13 years, she directed such Broadway classics as "Where's Charley?" to "The Boy Friend" and "Cinderella." She also served as the school's forensics coach for over two decades.
“First and foremost, her goal was to ‘educate’ as stated by Sister herself!” said Hill alumnae and 2015 CWL Awardee, Loretta O’Hara. “Before musicals, she directed dramas where the Hill girls played the roles of boys/men that required acting. The boys were first invited to audition and participate in Hill shows beginning with "Bye, Bye, Birdie!" Sr. Raimonde was a firm believer that details mattered, ‘so pay attention to details and project and enunciate - diction is very important.’"
Frank Lombardi
Distinguished Alumni Award
Frank graduated Moore Catholic High School in 1974, appearing in all of the musicals while there, including "Guys & Dolls" and "Show Boat." He also appeared in musicals at St. Joseph Hill Academy ("Bells are Ringing") and St. John Villa Academy ( "Oklahoma!").
He began his writing career in NYC writing jokes for nightclub acts including Wayland Flowers and Madame. His professional career began in Los Angeles in the 1980's. Performing at the legendary "Groundlings" improv comedy theater led to writing jobs in children's television for Hanna Barbera Studios and Nickelodeon. He broke into prime time as a writer on shows for Shelley Long and Judith Light. He went on to write for Drew Carey's first ABC sitcom "The Good Life", David Schwimmer's first sitcom, "Monty", as well as on the NBC hit "Mad About You". His longest success came as writer and executive producer of "The Nanny" for six seasons on CBS. The show, often in the Top Ten, garnered numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations with two wins. During those years he wrote for guest stars such as Bette Midler, Elton John, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Frank went on to write and produce other sitcoms including "First Time Out", "Run Of The House", "Living With Fran", as well as writing for the show "Gilmore Girls". He developed shows for Tyra Banks, wrote several national commercials, a FOX daytime talk show, the television feature "Nicky Deuce" and the feature film "Treasure Island." Most recently he was the writer and executive producer of the TVLand sitcom "Happily Divorced". Frank is currently in development on a new series, and divides his time between NYC and Los Angeles.
Ed Burke
The Community Enrichment Award
Ed Burke is the Staten Island Deputy Borough President, appointed by Borough President James S. Oddo. Mr. Burke has served in government on Staten Island for 30 years. As Deputy Borough President, Mr. Burke works closely with Borough President Oddo and his staff on public policy, community issues and special projects for the office, including parks and recreation, cultural attractions, youth and quality of life issues.
He has supported performing arts in our schools acknowledging the positive impact theatre and music have on youngsters, nurturing discipline, teamwork and creative expression. Throughout his career in government he has helped promote Staten Island’s cultural organizations as a vibrant part of our local economy and quality of life. He is a long-time strong supporter of the Minty Awards, recognizing the role high school theatre programs play in encouraging students to build their confidence and public speaking abilities. And, he applauds the leadership and hard work of Michael Pinto, the founding father of the Minty’s!
His steadfast support and dedication to not only the Minty's but the Performing Arts across the Island is beyond compare. Staten Island is truly blessed to have such a devoted public servant (We'll even consider ourselves fortunate to hear his jokes each year at the Minty's).
Senator Andrew J. Lanza
Community Enrichment Award
Throughout his service in public life, Sen. Andrew J. Lanza has shown great commitment to the arts and especially our high school students. A constant supporter of The Minty’s since day one, this year Sen. Lanza helped secure a grant through the NY State Education Department that has allowed The Minty Organization to expand its educational program offerings, including the additions of free master classes and audition workshops. “More than ever, our students are taking part and taking advantage of our free programs,” said Pinto. “They are learning and fine-tuning their craft in ways never before, due to the faculty we have been able to bring in, thanks to Sen. Lanza’s help in securing this grant. As a supporter of us since the beginning, we are very fortunate for that support and privileged to honor him. His work for this grant has set the groundwork for us to expand our offerings and include more free programs all year round.”
Show Boat (MCHS 1972)
Outstanding Show Award
"In the fall of 1972, the ultimate impresario of school musical theatre decided to produce and stage the beloved classic 'Show Boat.' Carl William Lesch assembled a large cast of Moore girls and newly arrived Moore boys and taught them an "operetta" that no one else on Staten Island had ever attempted. The production was true to its original concept by design and in its musical integrity. As far as I know, no one on Staten Island has attempted it since.”
-Rosemarie Callahan ("Magnolia"), 2016 Community Enrichment Honoree