Christ the King High School in Middle Village will honor two of its most pivotal figures—Serphin R. Maltese and Dolores St. Louis—for an extraordinary milestone: 50 years of volunteer service to the school community.
On Thursday, June 19, the Christ the King community will gather at Roma View Catering in Howard Beach for a commemorative dinner to recognize the half-century legacy of Maltese and St. Louis, whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in shaping the school’s past, present and future.
Their story began in 1975 during one of the most critical chapters in the school’s history. Amid a teachers’ strike that threatened to close Christ the King High School permanently, Serphin R. Maltese stepped forward to lead the charge.
He founded the original committee to save Christ the King High School and became the first—and still serving—Chairman of the Board of Trustees. His leadership not only saved the institution but also helped position it for decades of growth and excellence.
Dolores St. Louis also emerged as a cornerstone during this crisis, taking on the role of Executive Assistant to the newly formed board. Today, she serves as Vice Chair, remaining a vital presence in guiding the school’s direction and championing its mission.
Together, Maltese and St. Louis have helped shepherd Christ the King through eras of change and growth. Maltese’s vision led to the establishment of the Christ the King Daycare Center and the founding of Middle Village Prep Charter School—initiatives that expanded the school’s educational reach across age groups and academic needs.
Their legacy continues to thrive through the leadership of current principal Joseph Arbitello, a proud alumnus who has reinvigorated the school’s academic and community life. Supporting him is a dynamic leadership team, including Assistant Principals Veronica Arbitello and Maria Spagnuolo, both graduates with over 20 years of service each.
Marking another historic milestone, Veronica Cokley now serves as Christ the King’s first female President. With more than two decades of dedication to the school, her presidency began boldly, with a $2 million campus-wide window renovation project that symbolizes the school’s renewed investment in excellence.
As the school honors Maltese and St. Louis, it also celebrates the countless alumni, educators, and leaders who have made Christ the King a beacon of community and education. The June 19 dinner will serve not only as a tribute to these exceptional individuals, but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism and leadership that defines the Christ the King legacy.
The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Roma View Catering, located at 160-05 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit ctkhsny.org.
