'Paradox'-cally, Stephen Scuderi is a Michael fan

Pyramid Life Center, that is.

Stephen, 17, who graduated seventh in his class, was a junior statesman, varsity wrestler, member of the pep band and master singer in select choir.

For the past three years, he has volunteered and worked at Pyramid Life Center, in Paradox, from spring to fall. The Center, part of the Albany Diocese, is a place for reflection, recreation, spiritual renewal and retreats.

Many Michaels

* When he was in the fourth grade, his family moved to Warrensburg. They joined St. Michael the Archangel Church in South Glens Falls, where his mother is pastoral associate. Stephen has been an altar server and involved in music ministry for many years at St. Michael's.

* When he was confirmed, he chose the name Michael.

* In the fall, he will major in mathematics at -- where else? -- St. Michael's College in Vermont, where he received an academic scholarship.

Life and love

"It's is an exponential experience for me," said the young mathematician. "I love to be there. The people I work with are great. They're hard-working, they have lots of energy and we're surrounded by the Spirit. They are my extended family. There isn't anything we wouldn't do for each another, or for the people who come here.

"It's an amazing place. It's open and trusting. It's 100-percent beautiful. I see it as a real privilege to serve others there."

For a song

Music is a huge part of who Stephen is. He recalls a Palm Sunday celebration at Pyramid where the notes and tempo took him to a new spiritual place. "Music is awesome," he declared.

Stephen also is the lead singer in a rock band he formed with three friends. The band, Cold Libations, has performed at school dances and has raised money for scholarships.

As he prepares to head off to college, Stephen plans to take along "my memories and experiences...the people I've met...what I've learned...the gifts I've been given. I want to bring a higher level of grace and peace into the future."

Sidebar: Renaissance man
Sister Monica Murphy, CSJ, director of Pyramid Life Center, said: "Stephen is a Renaissance man. He's charming. He's generous to a fault. He has the greatest disposition and the greatest sense of humor. There isn't anything he won't do or try. He loves music and loves to sing. He is an excellent student. He is a fine person of character. He has marvelous values, and he stands up for what he believes in. He works with guys who agree it's okay not to drink, smoke or party every weekend. They know it's okay to be smart, to study hard and to be good students." (LB)

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