MICHAEL HOLDING IN SEVENTH HEAVEN AT SAGE May 15, 2000
The seventh graders at the Russell Sage school in Forest Hills were a part of the large gathering of students who participated in the ICC cricket week festivities this past April. ICC’s cricket Ambassador and fast bowling ace, Mr. Michael “Whispering Death” Holding, spoke passionately about his love for the sport and of its role in promoting peace, harmony and goodwill among the peoples of the world. Ambassador Holding later said that he was pleasantly surprised by the interest and the genuine love for the game of cricket that was shown by the students. The USACA delegation that accompanied Ambassador Holding was deeply moved by the comportment of the students whom they described as a model audience. But, according to staff member Mr. Samaroo, it was characteristic of Sage and a reflection of the guiding hand of Assistant Principal, Ms. Kathleen Ponze, and 7th grade Dean, Ms. Ethel Gould. Said Mr. Samaroo: “Ms. Ponze has a complete understanding of the challenges of middle school education. Ms. Ponze brings to the desk a wealth of experience acquired through hard work, commitment and fortitude. She joined the public school system in 1983 and taught both Spanish and French at JHS 157. In 1996 she successfully completed the supervisory program and joined Russell Sage in 1998 where she currently heads the Departments of Foreign language, ESL, Music and Art.
One of the things Ms. Ponze laments is the lack of a true sports program at Sage, and said that she would like to see both the city and state become involved in developing such a program. On the sport of cricket, she said that the passion that the game generates is very contagious and she felt it most acutely during Ambassador Holding’s address. She is very impressed by the emphasis that the game places on fitness and athleticism. Asked about a possible cricket program at Sage, Ms. Ponze was quick to remind us that that was indeed one of the things that she had requested of the USACA delegation that visited the school earlier this year. Let us hope that the United States Cricket Association (USACA) is listening!