FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com MARCH 20, 2014 • The Courier sun 23 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS Cookie Marie Kurtz President, Parent Organization St. Luke School COMMUNITY SERVICE: Cookie Marie Kurtz is the president of the Parent Organization at St. Luke Catholic School in Whitestone. BACKGROUND: Kurtz was born and raised in Brooklyn and went to Catholic grammar, high school and college. She graduated from St. Joseph’s College with a degree in education and is currently working at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx and also has been a wedding singer for 31 years with a band called The Projekt. Kurtz now lives in Beechhurst with her family. She has been president of the St. Luke Parent Organization since 2011. “I went to a meeting one year and they were looking for people who were passionate about getting involved. I raised my hand and that was it, and I’ve been doing it for three years now,” she said. Kurtz has also been on the carnival committee at the school for four years. In 2009 Kurtz was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. She had 18 months of treatment and five surgeries and still maintained her job and volunteerism. “I didn’t want to give the cancer any energy,” she said. “I would put my wig or hat on and I went to work.” She started promoting breast cancer awareness at St. Luke with her fundraiser,“Pink on Purpose” in 2011 where she had sponsors come in, raffles set up, and speakers come and talk about the importance of breast cancer awareness. “It was a really beautiful event, and it brought the parish together,” said Kurtz. FAVORITE MEMORY: Her fondest memory would be the first Welcome Parents Breakfast, where about 100 parents came to the event. Parents were able to come together and create two new events -- the walkathon, where they raised $25,000, and the princess ball for little girls and their parents. INSPIRATION: Her inspiration is her daughter. “She loves that I volunteer, and I’m teaching her to try new things and be confident,” said Kurtz. She also said that she was inspired by the Catholic school system, praising the teachers and administration at St. Luke. “Last year 70 percent of the graduating class left with a scholarship to high school; that’s amazing,” said Kurtz. BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Her biggest challenge is trying to get more parents involved. She understands that people are busy or fearful of over-committing, and she explains it can be difficult to convince people to take that first step. brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCICATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens SAVE* 20% TICKETS START AT $25 Award-winning actor/director/playwright Frank Ferrante recreates his acclaimed portrayal of legendary comedian Groucho Marx in this fast paced 90 minutes of hilarity. The two-act comedy consists of the best Groucho one-liners, anecdotes and songs including "Hooray For Captain Spalding," and "Lydia, the Tattooed Lady." The audience literally becomes part of the show as Ferrante ad-libs his way throughout the performance in grand Groucho style. *Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. May not be combined with any other offer. Not valid on rear $25 seating. 14 UNITED NATIONS AVENUE SOUTH | FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK WWW.QUEENSTHEATRE.ORG | 718.760.0064 Ask Th e Experts Real Estate Seminar Need-to-Know Information for Today’s Buyers & Sellers! Saturday March 22, 2014 There Refreshments, will be 10AM - 12PM Giveaways Raffl & es! Looking to Buy, Sell, Trade Up, Size Down or Build Wealth rough Investing In Real Estate Our Panel of Experts Will Update You On e Latest Industry Changes/Guidelines and Answer Your Questions! Richard Nailes, James McQuade & Joe Barrette Mortgage Loan Originators Helen Keit Licensed R.E. Broker Jason Walters Title Lou Andreani Professional Engineer Joeseph Taglia Credit Advisor RSVP to the seminar by calling 718•475•2877 e Seminar will be held at Keller Williams Realty Landmark Ross Keit Licensed R.E. Associate Broker Ryan Walsh Attorney 32-55 Francis Lewis Blvd. Flushing, NY 11358
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