Eagles on the Air

Louis D'Esposito didn't know movies were something you could make for a living when he graduated from Salesian High School. 50 years later, he's the Co-President of Marvel Studios. In this virtual episode, Steve Sallustio sits down with the Class of 1974 grad who went from the Bronx to Iona College to $35-a-day freelance gigs to executive producing Iron Man alongside Jon Favreau, an...

Sal Torre showed up to Salesian High School on day one without knowing a thing about it. What followed was a basketball career that landed him in the Athletics Hall of Fame, a successful run in commercial real estate finance, and a return to the school as a Board of Trustees member helping build the future.  In this episode, Sal talks about playing on Coach Frank Conroy's first varsity team a...

Dr. Michael Foti came to Salesian because his brother couldn't stop talking about it. What happened next was a complete transformation. From ranking #1 in his class all four years to becoming valedictorian, Mike went on to Iona College, NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, and an internal medicine residency at Greenwich Hospital in the Yale system. Now a professor of medicine at Touro Colleg...

Tarik Hyman didn't choose Salesian High School. Salesian chose him. In this episode, Steve Sallustio sits down with the Class of 1996 Silver Eagle recipient who turned a career in Catholic education into a lifelong mission of paying it forward. From his grandmother bringing him to that first interview with Mr. Flaherty, to running schools across the Archdiocese, to sending countless students...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio sits down with Gio Lopes, Class of 2015. Gio shares how his connection to the Salesian Order began through his mother’s work as an educator and how that relationship in Westchester led him to Salesian High School. Entering as a shy young student, Gio reflects on how Salesian helped him grow into a confident young man: drawn in by the basketball...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio welcomes Spencer Boateng, Class of 2011. Spencer reflects on how his Salesian journey began at an Open House and how stepping onto the New Rochelle campus from the Bronx immediately made an impression. He shares the moment that truly won him over: when Fr. Patrick Angelucci explained that at Salesian, he would never be just a number, but always...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio welcomes Mr. Michael Marasco, Chair of the Theology Department at Salesian High School. With a long and meaningful history within the Salesian order, Mr. Marasco shares his philosophy of relational education—a teaching approach centered on listening to and connecting with students first, so that learning can truly take root. Together, Steve and...

In this special episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio sits down with Mike Breen, Salesian Class of 1979, and the legendary voice of the New York Knicks and the NBA. Mike reflects on his Salesian journey, following in his brother’s footsteps to play basketball and discovering lifelong lessons through mentors like Brother Jim Wiegand, his former coach and an enduring influence. From his days...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio welcomes Major Jonathan Brooks, proud parent of a Salesian freshman. Major Brooks shares how his family’s journey with Salesian began through the basketball summer camp program—the moment his son fell in love with the school. What started on the court became the window for the Brooks family to experience the Salesian community firsthand. He ref...

In this special episode of Eagles on the Air, Steve Sallustio sits down with Jorge Bello, Class of 2026 - one of the first current students to join the podcast. Jorge shares what brought him to Salesian and reflects on his experiences as a student in the Honors Program and a pitcher on the baseball team. He also talks about his role in student government during his senior year, what it means to re...

Welcome Isabel Bello, proud parent of Jorge Bello '26, to this episode of Eagles on the Air. Isabel shares how the Salesian order shaped her own life growing up in Peru and why she knew that if she ever had a son, he would attend Salesian High School. In this conversation with Steve Sallustio, Isabel opens up about her son’s growth during his time at Salesian, her commitment to volunteering a...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we welcome Jimmy Ascencio, Class of 2019, whose journey with Salesian High School is a powerful story of gratitude and growth. Jimmy shares how transferring into Salesian as a sophomore — during an uncertain time — became one of the most transformative experiences of his life. From the way the school embraced him and his family, to the lasting relationships he...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air , current Dean of Students — and soon-to-be Director of Admissions — Chris Fraticelli joins Steve Sallustio for a conversation about purpose, passion, and leadership in education. Chris shares how his career at Salesian High School has allowed him to impact the lives of students every day and why working in education has become his true calling. He also looks a...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we sit down with longtime educator and administrator Steve Sallustio, who has dedicated the past 19 years to Salesian High School. Throughout his journey — from Mathematics teacher to Director of Admissions and soon his new role in Director of Alumni Relations and Events — Steve has seen firsthand how the Salesian mission and methodology shape the way young me...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we sit down with John Miressi '80, Salesian High School’s Athletic Director and proud parent of the Class of 2012. John shares how Salesian’s athletic program has grown over the years and how it continues to create opportunities for students both on and off the field. From the beautiful, state-of-the-art Athletic Center to the baseball field overlooking t...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we sit down with Ramon Reid ‘23 to talk about his incredible journey through Salesian High School. From starting as a freshman in student government to becoming senior class president, Ramon shares how leadership opportunities helped him grow both personally and academically. He also reflects on the mentorship and guidance he received from Salesian’s teachers,...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we sit down with Christopher Healy '24 to discuss what makes Salesian a truly nurturing and supportive environment. From mission trips in Tampa that provide students with meaningful service opportunities to dedicated coaches on the baseball and bowling teams, Salesian offers a well-rounded experience that shapes young men into future leaders. Hear firstha...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we welcome Michael Capozzi '12 to discuss the lasting impact of his high school experience. Together with Steve Sallustio, they explore how Salesian continues to shape students into future leaders through its unique approach to education and personal development. The conversation also touches on how Salesian’s marketing has evolved over the last few years...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, Beth Orecchio P'24 P'27 dives into what makes Salesian High School a unique and transformative environment for her sons. Beth and Steve Sallustio also discuss the school’s small, safe, supportive, and successful atmosphere. The conversation highlights the vital role of the Parent Teacher relationship in fostering a true partnership between families a...

In this episode of Eagles on the Air, we welcome Salesian High School alum and English Department Chair, Mr. Andrew Marinaccio '09! Mr. Marinaccio shares his journey of choosing Salesian High School and how it’s shaped his passion for education. He discusses his approach to leading the English department, focusing on empowering students to write authentically—for the culture, not just for the...

Welcome Mr. Victor Acevedo P'24 to Eagles on the Air! In this episode, Vic brings us a fresh perspective we haven’t heard before: that of a Salesian parent. He shares insights on his son’s journey over four transformative years, reflecting on the personal growth and positive changes he’s witnessed. Vic talks about why he’s so glad he chose Salesian High School and the lasting impact it’s had...

Welcome Mr. Steve Macias '86 to Eagles on the Air. Steve will be returning to Salesian as the head baseball coach and newly appointed Director of Facilities. Steve has a rich backstory with Salesian High School that has followed him from high school all the way to presenting his own son with his Salesian diploma at graduation. Salesian High School was founded in 1920 and is an independent sch...

Welcome Mr. Stephen Bruno '05 to Eagles on the Air. Listen in as Steve delves into his history with Salesian High School and how he continues to give back as a proud alumni and serve as the Chair of our Board of Trustees. Dive deeper into how the leadership skills he honed at Salesian High School—fostered in a safe, small, and supportive environment— have shaped his success. Discover how Sale...

In this exciting episode of "Eagles in the Air," we are honored to welcome Salesian High School’s interim principal, Mrs. Cynthia Chambers. Join us as Interim Principal Chambers shares her initial impressions of Salesian High School, both as a faculty member and parent of a '22 graduate, and discusses the pivotal role of Catholic education in shaping student lives. She also offers v...

Join us on Episode 3 of Eagles on the Air as we welcome alumni and faculty member Mr. Nicholas Federico '09. Mr. Federico's Salesian journey began when he was an altar server at St. Benedict's in The Bronx. From participating in the drama club and passionately learning history from his teachers, Mr. Federico embodies the four pillars of Salesian High School: a Home, School, Parish,...