Letters/EMail

From: Kevin L. Pryor
Sent: Friday, January 19, 2007 11:49 PM
Subject: Hi it's really good to know there's a site now.

Hi this is Kevin L. Pryor, I was at Saint Agnes campus from 1966 to 1973, and transferred to a group home established in Brooklyn NY.

I graduated from Midwood HS and started college but things suddenly changed. it was not until a few yrs later that I found out about the 1977 closing of Saint Agnes Home and School for boys. I was very unsettled then as I am now, for you see I was raised there it was my home year round it was all I knew.

While I was at the main campus there were a lot of activities that I had the privilege of experiencing but the most important impact was the fact that I was treated as family by the Sisters and Staff in a way that helped me deals with the fact that I was alone.

I remember all the years that the other kids went home to their families for the holidays, I would still be at the main campus at that time the first few year it was very lonely but I grew to enjoy it after a while, the Sisters made those holidays memorable with enjoyment (smiling).

I remember being given my first fish tank which was a blessing considering I had taking an interest to nature and found myself wanting one, they went out and brought me a ten gallon tank with all the necessary equipment. When the other kids found out they begged the Sisters to let them have fish tanks as well, it was allowed.

I remember walking thru the old groups and seeing fish tanks in a few of the quarters and those kids saying they felt I was the reason that they were allowed to have the fish they were raising, though I remember one kid having an alligator at one point, oh I eventually got into turtles big time. That memory sinks well with me; I still on occasions put a fish tank together because of that experience.

As the years went on, I was invited to stay with some of the staff with their families during the other holidays, that was suggested by the Sisters at the time, they were right I really enjoyed that aspect of the holiday, for the guys who remember me would you believe I even spent one holiday with Wayne Cozart's family.

But eventually I discovered that everyday was a holiday at the ole school for me because the Sisters considered all of us to be special and made the effort to help us see that. I always did and loved them dearly. A lot of the Sisters that were an impact in my life have passed on, others have moved on to a different life. When I think of the Staff, Tom Obrien, Ed Henion, Ken Kulousky, Mark, Frank, Gary Goodmen, John Dorithy and Joan are the few people that come to mind.

For me those where the innocent years as well as trying years, but one thing I have to say I am still that same house boy that used to visit the over flowing swamp in the back fields, always looking for turtles and frogs, and experienced the ups and downs of the times, but still came out to be the man that I am. Raised with respect and the never ending drive to succeed even when things have gone wrong for me.

I remember Sister Mary Suzo she always said that no matter how things get just keep going and make a better life for yourself, Kevin, don't give up. I remember the days I sat with Sister Rose Vincent and we talked about everything under the sun and she always asked me what are my plans for the day she took notice of me and made it a point to watch over me, they were my guardian angels back then, and are still my guardian angels today. I owe them my life and want everyone to know that.

I have very good memories and a few strained ones but life goes on for me and one thing is for sure "I Am Proud To Be A House Boy", hey guys remember the drill team we were the best in the Saint Patrick’s parade in NYC, and the pee wee football team. The basketball team, color wars, I always ran with the Blue and surprised the gold members as well as myself a few times, but one memory that comes to mind was shaking hands with Gail Sawyers the football player at the awards dinner, when there was the Frank Sabital Award.

That's what the Sisters and Staff did for us kids, made our lives a paradise in the highest order. Though a few of my plans were set back, I know I can go on and do better things for myself, but I always reflect back to the good Sisters and realize I have to think beyond myself, I can do better then that, there's an entire world out here and I have to do something to make it a better place for all of us, after all the world is at our feet and we "The House Boys" are part of this world to no end. I am proud of my history and well always remember what I experienced and never have regrets for the guidance and love that I have for life.

I'm back with my family "The House Boys",

I would like to also forward my sorrow regarding the loss of John Falterman he was one memorable kid and respected me to the highest order and Ed I will never forget him NEVER !!

He was my lil brother as well, he will be greatly missed, it is a great loss to me ..and all who remember him .. God Bless him ..

I would like to also send my thanks to the members who put this site together for us to link with the most important history " Our Past "that we can now share with those we love dearly, thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you ..

Feel free to send me an email at klp4d@juno.com