Alumni Spotlight

Why did your family choose Kennedy for your education?
My parents wanted us to have the best education possible, so they chose John F. Kennedy. I am the youngest of six children: Joe ’72, Jim ’75, Rocky ’76, Elizabeth ’78, and Isabelle ’80. We all attended JFK and then chose to send our children there as well. My oldest brother started JFK in 1968 and my children are still here now so we have pretty much been here since the very beginning. Kennedy is a great school filled tradition and good Catholic values. I love that it is a small school because it genuinely feels like we are all one family.

What is your favorite Kennedy memory?
I honestly have so many it is very hard to choose just one. I have great memories of being a student at Kennedy and I have made great friendships that have grown stronger over the past 35 years. I enjoy watching my kids walk the same hallways I walked and experience all that JFK has to offer. Each day they are making memories that we will cherish forever. I would have to say one of my favorite memories was winning our 1st State Cheerleading Championship in 2015.

Did you have a teacher or class that was a major influence on you?
I would have to say Mr. Gillen. He was always there when I needed him, and he always gave me great advice!

Education/Professional Experience (If applicable): What career did you choose and tell us a little bit about how you got there.
I have been a cheerleader pretty much my entire life. After graduating from JFK, I went on to work for Eastern Cheerleaders Association, All American Cheer and Dance, and Star Power. I traveled all over the country teaching cheerleading and dance. I have been on the staff of the Hula Bowl, the Pro Bowl, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Orange Bowl. I have coached Junior High and High School cheerleading for the past 33 years, and I now own Xtreme Allstars  Cheerleading which is a competitive all-star cheerleading gym.  When I’m not coaching cheerleading, you can find me working at our family florist shop, Mitolo’s Flowers.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my three amazing children John Michael ’19 who is a junior at The Ohio State University, Isabella ’22 who is a senior this year at JFK, and Mariana ’24 who is a sophomore. I am so honored to be their mother, they  make me so proud each and every day.

What is a specific piece of advice you would give to a Kennedy senior?
Enjoy every moment of your senior year, it will be graduation day before you know it. Have fun and don’t stress over the little things, set your goals high, and work hard to achieve them. There is nothing you can’t do.