Halloween Hoots and Birthday Toots!

Oct 23rd, 2014 - by Martha McCann, Michael '13
Sponsor: Class of 2016 3rd Co Parents
Photos
Slideshow video of Captain Walter Botto's birthday pics

Cap'n Jack Sparrow (can you guess who that is?) led "his" bilge-rat band of buccaneers under the Jolly Roger at Cookie Cafe today, celebrating Halloween with a very swashbuckling group of Midshipmen. Seated at one of the tables was a scary Mid who obviously had not done well on his sea projects (hadn't eaten in years...) and had been forced to walk the plank, a serious warning to all lads and lassies who entered Land Hall, especially those about to go to sea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Saucy wenches and scalawag mates served wonderful booty to the students, courtesy of 3rd company's Class of 2016 parents. And, have no fear, scurvy was nowhere to be found as tangerines, bananas, grapes and apples were in abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Besides celebrating Halloween by enjoying bat-shaped cookies, severed finger treats and witch hat candies, some served out of a coffin, the Midshipmen took time out of their Cookie Cafe visit to honor a very special Kings Pointer, Captain Walter J. Botto, Class of '44, who is the oldest living graduate and celebrating his 94th birthday today. The students sang "Happy Birthday" to Captain Botto several times over the course of the afternoon and were happy to send their best wishes to a loyal Kings Pointer who has also been a great supporter of Cookie Cafe. Richard Hannan, KP '63 wrote the following about this distinguished alum:

"As a Kings Pointer, Walter has served the Corps and Kings Point's heritage with extraordinary passion and distinction, exemplifying what it means to be both a distinguished WW II Mariner and a Kings Pointer. Born in what is now Union City, New Jersey in 1920, he entered Kings Point in August 1942, graduating in February, 1944. Prior to entering the Academy, he was active in the Sea Scouts and Navy Patrol. His older brother also graduated from Kings Point. During Walter's period at the Academy in its formative years, it was an 18-month program. Upon graduation, Walter was caught up in the D-Day invasion of WW II to liberate Europe. A week before graduation, he married his lifelong love, Judy. He thought the trip would be a short 6 weeks, but it turned into over 4 months. His ship became engaged in shuttling war material initially and bringing POWs back as part of the Normandy campaign support. Walter became a US Maritime Service Captain and Licensed Master in 1946.

Walter has been an exceptionally strong supporter of Kings Point (and CC), both as a recruiter and contributor to congressional screening boards and he continues to help Kings Point in any way he can from Cleveland, Ohio. His email is mailbouy@mailbug.com and he would love to hear from his Kings Point family! Happy Birthday Walter!"

Yesterday, a teacher at Kings Point dropped off several letters composed by her class to the Cookie Cafe moms. Over the next several weeks we will share these heart-felt and often very funny notes written by our Mids. Here's the first one, from a Korean student:

To: Cookie Mom

Hi Mom! I'm from Korea so I don't have Mom in this country but I have Cookie Mom who bakes me delicious cookies every Thursday. So is it alright to call you Mom? HaHa.

I love cookies! But what I love even more is Thursday cookies!! It's delicious, healthy, various kinds, free, with love, and also on. So I really wait for this cookie day all week. And it's already the cookie day tomorrow! I can't wait to taste delicious cookies again.

Well, in my country, we do have cookies but all factory made. I never thought of making cookies in the house oven. That's why I love it more! It's tastier, it's safe eatery, and I can taste the effort that you made!

I really deeply appreciate the cookies you make for us every week. Thank you so much!

Very respectfully,

M/N Byung Yong Jung, class 2015

How perfect is that letter? What further baking inspiration do any of us need?

Martha McCann
Michael '13
One of the many "Cookie Mom"


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