Last fall, Molloy’s annual Walkathon went virtual in response to COVID-19 health and safety protocols. One senior event that unfortunately did not take place due to this new format was the annual World Trade Center Walk, an 11+ mile urban hike to lower Manhattan in honor of the late Br. Leo Richard.
Mr. Chris Dougherty ’91, Guidance Department Chair and SMILE Moderator, has organized the WTC Walk in tribute to Br. Leo every year since 2005. Fortunately, due to eased COVID-19 restrictions, the walk was finally able to take place on June 17th. Mr. Dougherty accompanied over 20 seniors and faculty chaperones to lower Manhattan. Together they traveled through Briarwood, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Williamsburg, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and finally the Financial District. Ending at the reflective pools at the World Trade Center Memorial, the group joined in prayer and a moment of silence.
Christian Zamora ‘21, a senior who participated, said the event was bittersweet “being there with my fellow PGL’s (Peer Group Leaders), some other seniors, a few faculty members, and Mr. Dougherty, knowing that it would be one of my last events with Molloy.” Speaking on the legacy of Br. Leo, Christian said he gained a greater appreciation for SMILE’s founder as well as the program’s current moderator. “It seems like he [Br. Leo] was the kind of person to always be there for everyone he knew, and everyone loved him. I think Mr. Dougherty has done an amazing job in continuing Br. Leo’s legacy. I’ve witnessed how much he does for others firsthand, especially since I’m one of those people he’s done so much for. The WTC Walk is just one example of Mr. Dougherty’s commitment to Molloy, and he did an amazing job organizing it. I’d recommend it to any future seniors who may be considering it, for the walk itself and to meet Mr. Dougherty, so they can have the opportunity to experience Br. Leo’s legacy as well.”