13 Summer Saints Spirits - Saint Thomas Aquinas High School

32 Pages·2013·19.64 MB·English

Community Calendar
Table of Contents
August
Alumni in Religious Vocation ............................3
1 .............Class of 2013 Yearbook Signing & Ice Cream Social
Hall of Fame ......................................................4 9 .............Class of 2008 5-year reunion
A Brief History of STA ......................................7 10 ............Saints Stampede 5K Walk/Run, Pancake Breakfast and
Celebrating 25 Years ..........................................8 Family Fun Day
Art Student Honored ......................................10 13............Freshman-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza
Class of 2013 ....................................................11 14 ............First Day of School
Alum Joins Dominican Order ..........................12 15 ...........Feast of the Assumption All-School Mass*
Saint Thomas Aquinas Then and Now .............14 16 ............Sophomore-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza
17 ............Junior-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza
25 Year Book Order .........................................16
24 ............Senior-Parent Gift Gathering for Extravaganza
Alumni Story ...................................................17
25 ...........Class of 2017 Freshman Family Picnic
Retirements .....................................................18
28 ...........Parent Back-to-School Night
Mission Trips ...................................................20
29 ...........Mass of the Holy Spirit All-School Mass*
Saints Marrying Saints .....................................21
September
Where are you Reading the Saints Spirit ..........21
All American ...................................................22 13............Blue & Gold Tailgate Kickoff
Sister Schools ...................................................23 19 ............Homecoming All-School Mass*
Alumni Pop Quiz ............................................23 20 ...........Homecoming Tailgate and Football Game vs. Salina
Sports Review ..................................................24 Central
20-21 .......Class of 2003 10-year reunion
Class Notes ......................................................26
21 ............Class of 1963 50-year reunion
Rosemary Maher Saints Walk for Life ..............29
In Memoriam ..................................................30 October
Class Reunions ................................................31 6 .............Open House
10 ............Grandparents Day Mass*
November
The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint
1 .............All Saints All-School Mass*
Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your
1 .............President’s Tailgate before STA vs. Miege football game
comments or questions. Call or write:
7-9 ...........Fall Musical All Shook Up
Bryan Thrasher
16 ............Extravaganza
Director of Communications
26 ...........Thanksgiving All-School Mass*
[email protected]
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School December
11411 Pflumm Road
Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 11 ............Performing Arts Department Christmas Concert
913.319.2425 12 ............Our Lady of Guadalupe All-School Mass*
20 ...........First Day of Christmas Break
William Ford, Ed.D.
President January 2014
Teresa Ahrens 6 .............Second Semester Begins
Director of Special Events
11 ............Placement Test, Class of 2018
Mary Bridget Kratofil 28 ...........Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas Mass*
Director of Media Relations
February 2014
Michon Quick 5 .............Mass of Remembrance in the Chapel
Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations
8 .............Saints Trivia Challenge in the Gym
Cindy Winkler
*All are welcome to attend All-School Masses at Saint Thomas
Advancement Office Manager
Aquinas! Please check the school website to confirm the date and
time. Most liturgies begin at 10:00 a.m. in the Gym.
Special thanks to Michelle Gress, photographer
2
Alumni in Religious life
Alumni in Religious Vocation
On January 28, our school community celebrated the
feast day of our patron, St. Thomas Aquinas, at an all-school
Mass concelebrated by Archbishop Joseph Naumann and
our chaplain Father Andrew Strobl. In conjunction with
our 25th year-long celebration, it seemed an appropriate
occasion to honor in a special way our alumni who are
discerning God’s call to the religious life. May God bless
each one in his and her sacred ministry to His people!
fR. Vince HubeR, ‘00
Holy Order of Priests, Apostles of the Interior Life -
Ordination: June 18, 2011
PAmelA mcgown, ‘08
Servants of the Lord and Virgin Matara,
Washington D.C.
The feast day Mass poster honoring Saint Thomas Aquinas alumni was
wAlt nelson, ‘97
later placed in the chapel as a reminder to students to open their hearts
3rd-year College at Conception Seminary College, to God’s call for them to consider the religious life.
Conception, Missouri
sR. mARy mAgdAlene of
immAculAte concePtion, oP
Jaime Zarse
(Carri Prewitt, ‘05)
Dominican Nuns Monastery of Summit, New Jersey (see On May 18, 2013,
article, page 10-11)
alumnus Jaime Zarse,
eVAn tinkeR, ‘03 ‘05, and three other
2nd-year Theology at Kenrick School of Theology, seminarians from
St. Louis, Missouri the Archdiocese of
Kansas City in Kansas
mAx wilbeR, ‘12
were ordained to the
2nd-year College at Cardinal Glennon College,
diaconate at Most Pure
St. Louis, Missouri
Heart of Mary parish in
JAime ZARse, ‘05
Topeka, Kansas.
Diaconate Ordination: May 18, 2013, Theology at Kenrick
The duties of a
School of Theology, St. Louis, Missouri
Deacon Jaime Zarse, ‘05,
deacon can include
(see Alumni News at right)
was vested by Fr. Mitchel
proclaiming the Gospel
cARteR Zielinski, ‘09 Zimmerman, archdiocesan
and preaching at Mass,
vocations director and STA
3rd-year College at Conception Seminary College,
baptizing, witnessing
chaplain 2004- 2007.
Conception, Missouri
marriages, and presiding
at funerals, liturgies
On the Cover, clockwise from top-right:
and graveside services. Deacon Zarse will return to his
1) The 25th-Year celebration began in August 2012 with a prayer
studies with plans to be ordained to the Holy Order of
and blessing before the inaugural Saints Stampede 5K Cross-
Priests on May 24, 2014.
Country Run/Walk. 2) Sporting KC professional soccer players and
STA alumni Michael Thomas, ‘06, and Kyle Miller, ‘07, kick off the Son of Alicia & Bob Zarse and brother of Josh Zarse,
fall semester with a ribbon-cutting at the Saints Athletic Stadium’s ‘08, Jordan Zarse, ‘10, Tessie Zarse, ‘12, and Tommy
newly renovated field and facilities. 3) Dr. Bill Ford presents the
Zarse - class of 2018, Jaime attended and played soccer
Legacy Award to Ben & Betty Zarda / MRZ Corporation at the 25th
at Marquette University and University of Missouri
Year Gala & Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction, March 2013. 4)
Alumni Cameron Russell, ‘97, and Shane Borth, ‘97, perform for Kansas City before entering Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
students during Saints Arts Week in May. in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2010. The Zarse family
Look for more on the Saints 25th-Year celebration, pages 3-11. belongs to Prince of Peace parish in Olathe, Kansas.
www.stasaints.net 3
HAll of fAme
Saints Inaugural Hall of Fame Event
honors new inductees
Over 250 guests attended the Also grandfathered
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School into the Hall of Fame
25th-year Gala & Inaugural Hall of were those faculty
Fame held on Saturday, March 2, 2013, and staff who upon
at the Regnier Center of Johnson retirement were
County Community College. recipients of the
Marian Award for
The event was in conjunction with
long-time, faithful
the high school’s year-long celebration Alumni children of Distinguished Service Award recipient Bob
service to Saint
that began last August and culminated Frankovic and his wife Judy traveled from Texas, California and
Thomas Aquinas
with the graduation of the class of Colorado to participate in the celebration. (Pictured left-to-right:
High School. They
2013, the 25th since the school opened Nathan and Lia Frankovic Cless, ‘04; Josh and Chris Frankovic
include: Gennaro
in fall 1988. Zaroor, ‘93; Judy and Bob Frankovic; and Michael Frankovic, ‘96.)
Mirocke (dec),
According to current president Richard Scott (dec), Blake Mulvany, ‘98, school chaplain Fr. Andrew
Dr. Bill Ford, “This year was an Janiece Dye (dec), Sister Kathleen Strobl, and alumni-parent and faculty
appropriate time to recognize patrons Condry, OSU, Evelyn Boutte, Gail member Sue Waters.
who have been faithful friends of the Prieb, Archbishop James P. Keleher, The Saint Thomas Aquinas
school as well as a few of its many Dennis and Geri Hord, James chamber choir, under the direction
outstanding alumni.” Enneking, Bonnie Patrick and Bob of music teacher Joe Heidesch and
It was an evening of fond memories Aley. accompanied by senior John Bellau,
that featured a crowd of the school’s Members of the Inaugural Hall ‘13, sang several songs including the
past presidents, retired teachers, of Fame Selection Committee were school’s Alma Mater written by retired
alumni, parents and friends of Saint also recognized at the event. They are music teacher Dennis Hord. A jazz
Thomas Aquinas High School. alumni-parent and board member combo comprised of Saints alumni
Members of the 2013 Inaugural Class Bill Blaise, retired faculty member Evan Maslak, ‘09, Austin Quick,
of the Saints Hall of Fame are: and alumni-parent Jim Enneking, ‘07, and Paul Shinn, ‘06, performed
Distinguished Service Award -- Mac faculty member and alumni-parent during the reception. Alumni-parent
Ayer, Robert Frankovic, Dave Goebel, Phil Farnan, school president Dr. Bill Mark Oppold served as Master of
Gail and Bob Foote, and Barb and Ford, faculty member Kim Harrison, Ceremonies. The event was organized
John O’Donnell. alumnus Tim Herre, ‘00, alumni- by the Saint Thomas Aquinas High
parent Cynthia Sabatini, alumna School Advancement Office with the
Alumni Award -- Father Vince
Elizabeth Kisthardt Samples, ‘00, help of Gala committee members,
Huber, class of 2000, Erica Thesing
alumna Amber Krumbholz Schrieber, past parents Jeanine (Mike) Cindrich,
Kratofil, class of 1996, Mikey
Bit (Keith) Clark, Jean
Needleman, class of 2002, Benjamin
(Burry) Hinman, Anita
Schloegel, class of 1996, and Dr. Brigid
(Tim) Link, Nancy
Molen Sullivan, class of 1995.
(Troy) Reazin, and Mary
Legacy Award -- The MRZ (Jim) Zeller.
Corporation, comprised of members
Nominations for
of the McAnany, Rieke and Zarda
the Saints Hall of
families of Shawnee, Kansas: Richard
Fame are accepted
(dec) and Betty McAnany, Leo and
on an ongoing basis.
Helen Rieke, Max, ‘39 (dec), and
Go to www.stasaints.
Frances (dec) Rieke, Tom, ‘52, and
net/HallofFame for
Mickey Nachbar Zarda, ‘53, and Ben,
MRZ Corporation, presented with the school’s first Legacy program guidelines
‘45, and Betty Zarda.
Award, was represented by Tim McAnany, Leo Rieke, ‘76, and forms.
Leon Rieke, Ben Zarda, ‘45, and Tom Zarda, ‘52.
4
HAll of fAme
The Hall of Fame Award features a print of the original acrylic
painting by Kansas City artist Mike Savage of Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School.
Alumni inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Gala were Benjamin
Schloegel, class of 1996, Dr. Brigid Molen Sullivan, class of 1995, Erica
Thesing Kratofil, class of 1997, and Mikey Needleman, class of 2012.
Not pictured: Father Vince Huber, class of 2000.
Retired counselor Bob Aley - pictured here with his wife Teresa and
STA chaplain Father Andrew Strobl - was one of ten Marian Award
recipients grandfathered into the Saints Hall of Fame.
Each Hall of Fame recipient, including
Distinguished Service honorees Gail and Bob
Foote, was honored with a short description
of their service and a video montage, followed
by an award-presentation by Saint Thomas
Aquinas president Dr. Bill Ford.
Mac Ayer represented the John and Barb O’Donnell,
Dave Goebel, Distinguished spirit of volunteerism as Distinguished Service honorees,
Service Award recipient and STA a Distinguished Service celebrated with family members
Board chair for 13 years, and his Award recipient at the and friends at Johnson County
wife Jan have six children who inaugural Saints Hall of Community College and
all graduated from Saint Thomas Fame. afterwards at Tequila Harry’s
Aquinas High School. across the street.
Debbie and Randy Huber accepted the Alumni
Award from Dr. Ford on behalf of their son
Father Vince Huber, ‘00, who is ministering
in Rome with his Order, the Apostles of the The school’s chamber choir under the direction of music director Joe Heidesch provided fitting
Interior Life. entertainment for guests at the Saints 25th Year Gala & Inaugural Hall of Fame.
www.stasaints.net 5
HAll of fAme
GALA: Celebrating 25 Years of Saints - March 2, 2013
6
bRief HistoRy of sAint tHomAs AquinAs
Brief History of Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School
21st-Century Prepared of the National Catholic Education
Association - Secondary Schools, a
Saint Thomas Aquinas remains
membership organization that “provides
steadfast in serving all families
leadership, direction and service to fulfill
regardless of socio-economic or
the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching
academic capability. Parental
mission of the Church.”
involvement has always been high
and is considered a component of Fiscal Prudence
the school’s success. Another key
factor is the dedicated, supportive Over the years, numerous facility
faculty that encourages students enhancements include the addition of
to live their faith in all things and lower-level classrooms, 500-seat theater,
attain their God-given potential. The auxiliary gym, state-of-the-art science
school provides a demanding and classrooms, Chapel renovation, adjacent
At the 25th Year Gala, Tom Zarda welcomed rigorous curriculum to ensure that building with additional classrooms,
esteemed guests from the “early years” in its 99-100% college-bound students are athletic stadium and practice facilities.
Shawnee as well as many young alumni, well prepared to enter a highly competitive Astute planning has also allowed
parents and friends who have collectively post-secondary arena. Each year, over 50% Saint Thomas Aquinas to keep stride in
worked to build the Communion of Saints and of graduating seniors receive academic the digital age. All building additions,
position the school for the next 25 years and scholarships to at least 100 different technology upgrades and classroom
beyond. colleges and universities. renovations -- including wireless
The school has been the recipient of the connectivity, web-based applications,
A School Ignites state-wide academic recognition program, laptops and classroom projection devices
the Governor’s Achievement Award, -- incorporate cutting edge, progressive
In the mid-1980’s, a soaring Catholic
five times since the award’s inception educational innovations.
population in southern Johnson County
prompted then-Archbishop The Most in 2006. Saint Thomas Aquinas was Through the generosity of many
Reverend Ignatius J. Strecker, D.D., to selected as a 2012 U.S. Department of donors as well as sound fiscal planning by
build a new coeducational Archdiocesan Education National Blue Ribbon School administration, Saint Thomas Aquinas
Catholic high school that would integrate of Excellence. High School has been able to maintain
Aquinas High School located in Shawnee, and enhance our quality facilities and
Strong Leadership
Kansas (1980-1988, and previously St. programs without the burden of incurring
Joseph, 1934-1980). While Saint Thomas From the start, Saint Thomas or holding over long-term debt.
Aquinas High School adopted its own Aquinas has benefitted from exceptional
A Culture of Faith
identity, it also inherited a rich tradition leadership. The school’s first president,
of dedicated Catholic families affiliated Blake Mulvany, was charged with opening Saint Thomas Aquinas has an
with St. Joseph dating back to the 1930’s. the new high school, and his competent excellent reputation for its award-winning
Since opening with an initial leadership grounded the school during programs in the areas of athletics, writing,
enrollment of 447 students, Saint Thomas its first arduous days of policy forming. debate, forensics, performing arts, and
Aquinas High School has maintained a He was succeeded in 1996 when Sister competitive scholastics. Over 65 clubs,
focus on four core values in all endeavors: Kathleen Condry, OSU, advanced her activities and athletic programs enable
FAITH, EXCELLENCE (emphasizing position from principal at Saint Thomas a young person to explore interests and
lifelong learning), SERVICE and Aquinas to assume the role of president, experience growth and fulfillment in
COMMUNITY. In its third decade, the a position she held for two years and a faith-based environment. Always at
school currently enrolls 937 students with capably steered the school for two years the core of a Saint Thomas Aquinas
5,638 alumni since 1989. Fulfilling the until she left to assume a leadership education is the challenge to make one’s
mission of the school, Saints alumni and position with the Ursuline Sisters of faith living, conscious and active. This
students positively impact their parishes, Paola. can be witnessed through the outstanding
communities and the world through these Since 1998, William P. Ford, Ed.D., has community and nationally recognized
four core values. served as president. Dr. Ford is a skilled student outreach program that benefits
administrator noted for his integrity and over 800 agencies in the Kansas City area
ability to continually raise the bar in order in any given, single year.
to achieve excellence. He is past president
www.stasaints.net 7
25 yeARs in ReView
Celebrating 25 Years IN-REVIEW
August 24
All-Years Soccer Alumni Event highlights included recognition of two
national championship teams (1994 and 2009), two professional Saints on the
MLS Sporting KC roster, and the amazingly successful boys soccer program
for the past 25 years. 41 Action News and Sports Radio 810 WHB contributor
Frank Boal, during a special halftime presentation, outlined the unprecedented
influence of the Saints Soccer program led by coaches Craig Ewing and Chuck
August 11, 2012
Hammons in Kansas City, the Midwest and on the national scene.
The 25th-Year Celebration officially (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fARRoCF3iDY&feature=youtu.be)
began at the inaugural Saints
Stampede with a student-led Opening
Prayer and exciting Balloon Rosary
launch by the Teens for Life. The 5K
Run/Walk, Pancake Breakfast and
Family Fun Day was so popular with
young alumni, students, and present/
past families that the event will now
be held annually.
August 30
Twenty-four alumni and one member of the Class of 2014, each representing
the first 25 Years of Saints, joined students, faculty/staff and parents for the
year’s first all-school Mass of the Holy Spirit.
noVembeR 10
Saints Silverbration and “all things
silver” created the perfect setting for
Extravaganza 2012, a reminder of the
hard work and sacrifice our parents
make to provide their children with
the best, most well-rounded and good-
valued high school education around.
August 31
A special 25th-Year visit by
Archbishop Joseph Naumann The Field Blessing & Dedication
highlighted the evening’s celebration of the new synthetic turf field
sePtembeR 28
as he recognized Dr. Bill Ford and the coincided with the Blue & Gold
STA faculty and staff for the timely Crowned during halftime were the Kickoff and a very-soggy-yet-victorious
25th-Year designation by the U.S. 25th Saints Homecoming King & first varsity football game of the
Department of Education as a Blue Queen, Michael Peck and season.
Ribbon School of Excellence. Hannah Pyle.
8
25 yeARs in ReView
febRuARy 2
A sell-out with over 500 in attendance, the 4th
annual Saints Trivia Challenge attracted several
JAnuARy 28, 2013
tables of Saints alumni, who were asked to stand
Parents and family members of our alumni in religious life were and be recognized, as well as current and alumni-
honored at the all-school Feast Day Mass celebrated by Archbishop parents and friends -- all vying for the prestigious
Naumann, who asked all students and parents to pray for religious winner’s trophy.
vocations.
febRuARy 6
The annual Mass of Remembrance,
is a special way for members of the
community to remember loved ones,
especially those who have died in the
last year, at beautiful and intimate
Mass in the Chapel of the Immaculate
Conception at Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School. Guests are invited to enter
their loved ones’ names in the Saints
mARcH 2
Book of Remembrance, which remains
At the 25th Year Gala & Inaugural Hall
in the Chapel throughout the year.
of Fame Induction, five alumni who embody
the mission of Saint Thomas Aquinas and five
individuals/couples who have demonstrated
outstanding commitment to our community
were recognized, as well as past recipients of the
Marian Award. A special Hall of Fame award
was presented this year to honor the MRZ
Corporation for its impact on the Catholic
community in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in
Kansas and specifically Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School.
APRil 27
APRil 27-28
The Saints Walk for Life
The 2013 Dinner Theater
was renamed for STA past-
paid tribute to the musicals of
parent and retired teacher
the past 25 years, reflected in the
Rosemary Maher who
decorations, costumes and songs
has devoted many years
performed since 1988 by the STA
to saving lives and pro-life
Performing Arts department.
activities.
www.stasaints.net 9
25 yeARs in ReView
S
AINTS
ANNUAL FUND
Enjoy This Magazine?
Your tax-deductible gift to the Saints Annual Fund helps
strengthen our Communion of Saints through alumni
programs such as this publication. Look for information in
your mail, or go to www.stasaints.net/SaintsAnnualFund. All
donors will be recognized in the 2013-14 Annual Report.
APRil 29 - mAy 3
Senior Erica Gammill honored for
The 25th-Year Arts Week provided opportunity
for students to learn about alumni Saints who are outstanding digital art drawing
successful in the Arts as well as the tradition of
patron Saints of the Arts. The week culminated
with the “Art of a Saint” Student Showcase
featuring student work in performing, visual,
practical and computer Arts, and a special
lunchtime performance by alumni Cameron
Russell, ‘97, and Shane Borth, ‘97, of the locally
popular Irish Rock band, ‘Flannigan’s Right Hook.’
Several alumni also helped organize “Alumni Open-
Mic & Karaoke Night” in the Commons as part of
the 25th-Year Arts Week.
Award winning digital art photo* by Erica Gammill, ‘13, that received
national recognition from the Scholastic Art and Writing Award.
Erica Gammill, as a senior at Saint Thomas Aquinas High
School, received two Honorable Mentions, one Silver Key and
June 10
two Gold Key Awards from a regional, five-state competition. She
Many “regulars” and several new participants was awarded the Silver Medal Award for Digital Art in the 2013
including 30 alumni helped make the 25th-Year Scholastic Art and Writing Award sponsored by the Scholastic
Finale, the annual Mirocke Golf Classic, a day to Corporation and accepted the award at Carnegie Hall on May 31
remember. Since 2008, 108 families have received in New York City.
over $200,000 in assistance to be able to continue
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the longest running,
Catholic secondary education at Saint Thomas
most prestigious competition and largest source of scholarships for
Aquinas.
creative teenagers in the United States. It has an impressive legacy
Representing the family of Gennaro Mirocke, and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol,
faculty member and football coach at St. Joseph, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Joyce Carol Oates
Aquinas and Saint Thomas Aquinas High Schools and many others.
for 43 years, Coach Mirocke’s oldest son Tony
*Note: digital art does not translate to print with the same depth
Mirocke thanked guests for carrying on the legacy
and quality - this award-winning picture appears three-dimensional on a
of helping others in need in our community.
computer screen.
10