2013 Winter Annual Report Saints Spirit.pdf - Saint Thomas Aquinas

48 Pages·2013·3.19 MB·English

www.stasaints.net 1
Community Calendar
Table of Contents
January
National Blue Ribbon .................................3
28 .........Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas Mass: Archbishop
Hall of Fame ...............................................4
Jospeh F. Naumann, Celebrant, and
25th Year ....................................................8
recognition of alumni in or discerning religious
Homecoming ..............................................9 vocation
28-31 .....Catholic Schools Week
Extravaganza ..............................................10
February
Alumni Feature .........................................12
2 ...........Trivia Challenge, 6:30 pm
Baton Twirler ............................................13
6 ...........Mass of Remembrance, 7 pm
Our Students .............................................14
13..........Ash Wednesday Mass, 9:30 am
Performing Arts .......................................15 15-16 .....Alice in Wonderland play, 7 pm
23 .........Incoming Freshmen Student/Parent
Student Highlights .....................................16
Orientation in Gym & Commons, 9 am
Alumni Feature .........................................17
March
Coach Mirocke Golf Classic .......................18
2 ...........25th Year Gala and Hall of Fame Induction
2011-12 Annual Report ..............................19
at JCCC Regnier Center, 6:30 pm
Saints Marrying Saints ..............................29 12 .........Community Service Mass, 9:30 am
Class Notes ...............................................30 18-22 .....Spring Break
31 ..........Easter Sunday
Mass of Remembrance ..............................33
April
In Memoriam ...........................................34
4 ...........Easter Mass, 9:30 am
Reunions ..................................................35
12 .........Wigs Out Assembly
19-20 .....Gospel of Life Convention
26-27 .....Dinner Theater, 6:30 pm
The Saints Spirit magazine is a publication of the Saint
27 ..........Saints Walk for Life, 9 am
Thomas Aquinas Advancement Office. We welcome your
29 .........Arts Week (celebrating 25 years of
comments or questions. Call or write:
literary, performing, practical and fine arts)
Bryan Thrasher
Director of Communications May
[email protected] 4 ...........Father-Daughter Dance
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School 14 ..........Baccalaureate Mass at Holy Trinity Church,
11411 Pflumm Road 7:00 p.m.
Overland Park, Kansas 66215-4816 15 .........Class of 2013 25th-Year Graduation at JCCC,
913.319.2425 7:00 p.m.
William Ford, Ed.D. June
President 10 ..........Mirocke Golf Classic
Teresa Ahrens
Director of Special Events
Front Cover
Mary Bridget Kratofil
Director of Media Relations Saint Thomas Aquinas High School president, Dr. Bill
Ford, accepted the National Blue Ribbon School award
Michon Quick
from Aba Kumi, Director of the NBRS program for the
Director of Alumni & Constituent Relations
Department of Education, on November 13, 2012, in
Cindy Winkler Washington, D.C. Accompanying Dr. Ford to accept the
Advancement Office Manager award were faculty members Brian Schenck and Craig
Moss, who spearheaded the five-year assessment and
Photography courtesy of Michele Gress
application process.
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Cover Story
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
Receives National Blue Ribbon
School Designation
On September 7, the United progress in improving
States Secretary of Education, Arne student achievement
Duncan, officially announced that levels as measured by
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School is state assessments or
a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School nationally-normed
based on overall academic excellence. tests.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools When he was
award honors public and private notified of the award, middle and secondary schools that the
elementary, middle, and high Dr. William Ford, President of Saint organization represents (more than
schools where students perform at Thomas Aquinas High School, 80% of the private school enrollment
very high levels or where significant congratulated and thanked the faculty nationwide).
improvements are being made in and staff of Saint Thomas Aquinas
To qualify for the NBRS
students’ levels of achievement. Saint High School. “This nomination is
designation, a school must meet
Thomas Aquinas is one of 50 private validation of our school’s quality
certain academic criteria over
schools in the country to receive the academic programs and the conscious
a five-year period including the
designation, along with 219 public result of our school-wide effort to
federal Adequate Yearly Progress
schools from across the country. ensure that every student at Saint
(AYP) measurement and the state’s
Thomas Aquinas has the opportunity
“Our nation has no greater Academic Performance Index (API). A
to learn and acquire tools for life-long
responsibility than helping all children total of 417 schools nationwide may be
achievement,” he said.
realize their full potential,” Duncan nominated for the NBRS distinction
said. “Schools honored with the “It is especially fitting that this per year. In its 30-year history, the
National Blue Ribbon Schools Award designation comes as we celebrate National Blue Ribbon Schools
are committed to accelerating student our 25th year as a premier Catholic Program has bestowed this coveted
achievement and preparing students high school in the Kansas City greater award on nearly 7,000 of America’s
for success in college and careers. metropolitan area,” said Ford. Since schools.
Their work reflects the conviction 1988, Saint Thomas Aquinas High
Locally, Saint Thomas Aquinas
that every child has promise and that School has graduated 5,889 young
was awarded the Kansas Department
education is the surest pathway to a men and women. Current enrollment
of Education’s 2012 Governor’s
strong, secure future.” at the four-year co-educational
Achievement Award, which recognizes
archdiocesan high school is 937
The program recognizes schools in schools that score in the top 5% of all
students.
one of two performance categories. high schools in both math and reading
The first category, for which Saint To select National Blue Ribbon on the Kansas State Assessment tests.
Thomas Aquinas has been honored, Schools, the Department of Education It is the only high school in Johnson
is “Exemplary High Performing.” requests nominations from the top County to receive the recognition
Schools in this category are education official in every state, this year. Since the state-assessment
recognized among their state’s highest the District of Columbia, Puerto program was established seven
performing schools, as measured Rico, the Department of Defense years ago in 2006, Saint Thomas
by state assessments or nationally- Education Activity, and the Bureau Aquinas has received the Governor’s
normed tests. The second category of Indian Education. The Council Achievement Award designation five
is “Exemplary Improving,” in which for American Private Education times: 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011
schools that have at least 40 percent (CAPE) also nominates 50 private and 2012.
of their students from disadvantaged and parochial schools for the award
backgrounds demonstrate the most from the 33,740 private elementary,
www.stasaints.net 3
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2013 Saints Hall of Fame Recipients
Named Nominations for the annual award
within the Archdiocese of Kansas City
are based on exceptional achievement
in Kansas.
in areas of profession, vocation or
Honorees are chosen by an
Saint Thomas Aquinas High avocation that may include but are
appointed Hall of Fame Selection
School is pleased to announce the not limited to fields of religion, arts,
Committee consisting of diverse
establishment of the Saints Hall of athletics, business, human services,
representation of the Saint Thomas
Fame Awards Program to formally industry, medicine, military, science
Aquinas community. Recipients will
recognize alumni, parents and friends or volunteerism. Award categories
be honored in the Saint Thomas
who help define and advance the are Alumni and Distinguished Service.
Aquinas High School Saints Spirit
institution and its mission. Additional awards that may be
Annual Report and at the 2013 Hall
bestowed in any given year include the
The Saints Hall of Fame program of Fame Induction Tribute. The
Legacy Award, for long-time exceptional
celebrates the four-year co-educational inaugural event will be held on
service to the institution by members
high school’s 25th year and its alumni Saturday evening, March 2, 2013,
of the community, and the Marian
and supporters. To date, 5,889 alumni at the Regnier Center at Johnson
Award, for long-time exceptional
have graduated from Saint Thomas County Community College in
service by retired faculty and staff. All
Aquinas since the school opened at conjunction with the Saints 25th
nominees must demonstrate Catholic
114th & Pflumm in 1988. Year Gala celebration.
values that represent Saint Thomas
Aquinas High School and its mission
Alumni Award
The 2013 inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Alumni Award recipients are: Father Vince Huber, class of 2000;
Erica Thesing Kratofil, class of 1997; Mikey Needleman, class of 2002; Benjamin Schloegel, class of 1996; and
Brigid Molen Sullivan, class of 1995. Alumni Award nominees must be graduates of ten years or more.
Benjamin Schloegel, ‘96, is a triathlete, firefighter and entrepreneur who embraces
service to others. As a triathlete he has won numerous competitions at many levels and
has raced in over 20 Ironman triathlons, frequently finishing in the Top-Ten. Although
he never swam, biked or ran competitively while growing up, Schloegel ascended to
the professional level of triathlon in just two years after struggling tremendously with
alcohol and drug abuse as well as discipline issues and the court/legal system. His
behavior resulted in his removal from Saint Thomas Aquinas for a year, but he remained
in contact with some key people at the school who he credits with bringing him back
from the fringe and carrying him when he was not strong or disciplined enough to do
it himself. Through his company Endurance Management Group llc which owns and
operates EnduraCamps and FireFighterAthlete.com, Ben now coaches others to become
better athletes and firefighters as well as better parents/spouses/co-workers/children
by encouraging life-balance and sustainable fitness. Ben, who is known to friends and
colleagues as a highly motivating, inspirational and driven individual, also risks his own
life every day as a full-time firefighter and EMT for the city of Kansas City, Missouri on
Truck 8. For Ben, being a firefighter is the culmination of turning around his life to
ultimately and selflessly serve others. Schloegel serves on the Board of Directors for First Benjamin Scholegel, ‘96
Call (an affiliate of the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Dependence), mentors
for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Kansas City, and counsels adolescents: sometimes through the Student Formation office
at STA. One of his companies’ core values is to give a substantial portion of its earnings as well as time back to support
physical activity among youth. Retired from multisport, Ben enjoys consulting, boxing, extreme sports and his dog
Sammy. Two of Ben’s siblings, Charlie Schloegel and Ali Schloegel Dunn, ‘98, attended STA along with numerous
cousins. His parents are Debby and Jake Schloegel, members of Church of the Nativity.
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Brigid Molen Sullivan, ‘95, Erica Thesing Kratofil, ‘97, leads an altruistic life
earned her Bachelor of Science guided by faith, compassion and respect for life. She
degree in Mathematics from the graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 2001
University of Notre Dame while with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies with a
on ROTC scholarship. She was concentration in Journalism, Ethics and Democracy.
named Distinguished Graduate Following this, she
in 2000 from the United States went to work with the
Air Force in Air Battle Manager AmeriCorps VISTA
Training and became Senior program that provided
Director at Tinker Air Force social services to
Base where she supervised a homeless clients seeking
team of Air Weapons officers Brigid Molen Sullivan, ‘95 legal assistance. This
during planning, preparation led her to seek a Master
and execution of airborne missions for Operation Enduring of Social Work from
Freedom. As a Marine Corps software analyst in 2003-04, Washington University
Brigid provided technical support to deployed U.S. Marine in St. Louis where she
Corps Intelligence Forces. Upon completion of her active was the recipient of a
military duty, Brigid earned her Doctor of Medicine degree prestigious Women in
and was recognized with the Family Medicine Research Management Scholarship.
Award in 2011 from the Medical University of South At the age of 26, she Erica Thesing Kratofil, ‘97
Carolina. Now a hospitalist at Trident and Summerville accepted the challenge of helping launch a non-profit
Hospitals, Dr. Sullivan and her husband Roger volunteer at organization that provides shelter and social services
a local free clinic as well as participate in medical missions for homeless families -- the Johnson County Interfaith
to Guatemala with their local diocese. The Sullivans Hospitality Network. In her role as Network Manager,
reside in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina with their three she coordinated all facets of the program and trained
young children, where Brigid enjoys running, cooking more than 850 volunteers. Erica’s first-hand knowledge
and gardening. Brigid’s parents are Susan and Joe Molen of issues related to poverty and homelessness have
of Holy Spirit parish. Siblings who also attended Saint grown along with her passion to help children and
Thomas Aquinas are Ryan Molen, ‘90, Sean Molen, ‘92, families in need. She subsequently worked for Episcopal
and Lily Molen Beach, ‘97. Community Services in Kansas City as Director of
Development, where she managed grants and the agency
implemented a culinary arts career training program for
Father Vince Huber, ‘00, was ordained into the Holy
low-income adults and expanded its feeding programs
Order of Priests on June 18, 2011. He is the first and
to serve more than one million meals a year for the
only graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School
working poor and homeless. Erica and her husband,
to be ordained a priest at the present time. During his
John Kratofil, ‘97, have four children and are active
undergraduate work at the University of Kansas, Vince
members of Church of the Ascension in Overland
Huber was an active member of the St. Lawrence Catholic
Park. She currently manages grants and social media
Campus Center. Through encouragement from friends,
for the archdiocesan Catholic Education Foundation,
family and the intercession of the Holy Spirit, Vince moved
and also serves as a Field Instructor for the Schools of
to Rome in 2004 and committed to his vows of poverty,
Social Welfare at the University
chastity and obedience on January 1, 2008. At the
of Kansas and the University of
historic Ordination Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic
Missouri - Kansas City. Erica is
Church in Overland Park, Father Vince became
the daughter of Cindy and John
one of the first four priests of the Apostles of the
Thesing of Church of the Nativity
Interior Life, an emerging order founded in Rome in
parish. She has four sisters: Kelly
2007 by Father Salvatore Scorza. Father Vince and
Thesing Rose, ‘00, Laura Thesing
the other priests and nuns in his Order split their
Fisher, ‘03, Kathryn Thesing,
ministry time between Rome and the Archdiocese
‘07, and Mary Thesing, ‘10, and
of Kansas City in Kansas. Father Vince is the son of
a brother, John Thesing, current
Debbie and Randy Huber of Church of the Nativity
junior at Saint Thomas Aquinas
parish. His three sisters are also Saint Thomas
High School.
Aquinas High School alumni: Jessie Huber, ‘02,
Tricia Huber Sprouse ‘03, and Lindsey Huber, ‘05. Father Vince Huber, ‘00
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The gift of music that he shares makes Mikey Needleman, ‘02, a worthy member of
the 2013 Hall of Fame. Beginning his transformation in high school, Mikey was an active
participant in Spring Break Mission Trips, Kairos retreats and sharing his testimony with
other grade school and high school students through Clean Team Outreach. As lead singer
and creator of the Mikey Needleman Band, Mikey has released two records of original
music and plays over 100 shows a year at local and regional venues. His work as a youth and
music minister exemplifies his effect on the spiritual growth of individuals and communities
within the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. As Youth Minister at Holy Spirit parish,
music teacher at Nativity parish, Adult Team Leader for Kairos and Teens Encounter Christ
(TEC) retreats, music leader for countless retreats, reconciliation and adoration services at
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and at many local parishes, Mikey has had direct and
positive impact on countless youth in the Archdiocese. In addition, Mikey has shared his
Mikey Needleman, ‘02
gift of Christian music across the country and internationally, playing at Prairie Star Ranch,
National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), Stuebenville Retreats, Camp Tekakwitha, World Youth Day, youth
rallies, Life Teen camps, Shine Work camps, and Catholic Mission Trips Inc. In January 2008, Mikey initiated the 6:30
p.m. Sunday-evening Life Teen Mass at Holy Spirit parish, offering the community a dynamic, upbeat style of worship.
Mikey still leads music at this Mass every Sunday. Living in Olathe with his wife Allison (Day) Needleman, Mikey enjoys
traveling, his family and his friends. Mikey’s parents are Tati and Mike Needleman of Holy Spirit parish. His sisters are
Celia Needleman Thompson, ‘98, and Kelliana Needleman, ‘05.
Distinguished Service Award
The 2013 inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Award recipients are: Malcom Ayer, Robert and Gail
Foote, Robert Frankovic, Dave Goebel, and John & Barb O’Donnell.
Representing the Continuing their
grassroots effort of commitment to Saint
dedicated parents that was Thomas Aquinas High
so necessary to the school’s School well after their own
success during its early years, children graduated, Bob and
Mac Ayer is the epitome Gail Foote encourage young
of selfless commitment families to consider Saint
to Saint Thomas Aquinas Thomas Aquinas for their
High School. Beginning in children’s secondary Catholic
1990 and for most of the education. They have
decade, Mac served as a established a scholarship, in
volunteer coach, fundraiser, memory of their daughter
contractor, facilities Colleen, made available to
Malcolm “Mac” Ayer
manager and genuine eighth graders from Queen of
Robert “Bob” and Gail Foote
ambassador for the Saints Softball program. Known for the Holy Rosary-Wea. Strong
“filling in the gaps,” Mac found a way, when the budget supporters of the Chapel and Stadium/Field renovations,
would not allow, to provide transportation, equipment, the Footes’ humble generosity has had a significant impact
uniforms and lodging not only for the Lady Saints but also on the education of hundreds of students who attend
for the school’s “Early Bird Invitational” visiting teams. Saint Thomas Aquinas each year. The Footes are members
Mac Ayer is largely responsible for the construction of of St. Michael the Archangel parish and live in Bucyrus,
the softball field, batting cages and many improvements Kansas, where they manage the Foote Cattle Company.
including fencing, backstops, and a field drainage system Bob and Gail await the arrival of their seventh and eighth
at the Saints softball facilities on campus. Married to grandchildren in April. Their children are Scott Foote, ‘94,
JoAnne Lascuola Ayer, the Ayers have two daughters, Brad Foote, ‘95, Colleen Foote, ‘98 (dec.), and
Rhonda Ayer Edwards and Angie Ayer Garrison, ‘93, and Greg Foote, ‘05.
five grandchildren. The family owns and manages MAJ-R
Thrift Stores in the Kansas City area.
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In 1985, under the direction of Archbishop Ignatius Strecker, Blake Mulvany
recruited Bob Frankovic to help lay the groundwork for a new Catholic high
school in southern Johnson County as well as secure financial support from
his home parish of Holy Spirit for Catholic secondary education across the
Archdiocese. Bob became active in fundraising specifically for Saint Thomas
Aquinas while his children were in high school, serving on the Foundation
Board and eventually as chair of the committee. Bob became an appointed
member to the high school’s governing body -- the Order of Saint Thomas
-- in 1998 . When the Order and Foundation Board merged in 2002, Bob
continued to be actively involved in strengthening the mission of Saint Thomas
Aquinas through the newly formed Board of Trustees until his retirement from
this volunteer position in 2012. A scoutmaster, youth coach and Knights of
Columbus member over the years, Bob is a principal with Cretcher Heartland,
a commercial insurance firm based in Overland Park. Wife, Judy, is a member
of the STA visual art faculty. Their children, all Saints alumni, are Christine
Frankovic Zaroor, ‘93, Michael Frankovic, ‘96, and Lia Frankovic Cless, ‘04.
Robert “Bob” Frankovic
The Frankovics have one grandchild, Josephine Zaroor.
For thirteen years, Dave Goebel served as Chair of the Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School Board of Trustees. He and his wife Jan have six children, all of whom
are Saints graduates: Lydia Goebel Bledsoe, ‘96, Lauren Goebel Salmon, ‘99, Lyssa
Goebel Krumholtz, ‘02, Kyle Goebel, ‘06, Kerry Goebel, ‘06, and Kevin Goebel, ‘06.
Dave and Jan first became involved at the school 1993 as Extravaganza volunteers. In
1998, when he assumed responsibilities as Chair of the Order of Saint Thomas, Dave
worked diligently to develop a collaborative and constructive relationship between
the school’s governing Board and administration. Under Goebel’s tenure as Board
Chair, the school completed three capital campaigns to build the Theater, Auxiliary
Gym and St. Mary’s additions, implemented the Technology initiative, and renovated
the Chapel and Science Rooms. Saint Thomas Aquinas received the State of Kansas
Standard of Excellence recognition in both Math and English every year since the
award was established in 2001 until Dave’s retirement in 2010. While his children
were young, through their high school years and now as a grandfather -- despite being
an executive / director for Rent-a-Center, Boston Market, Applebee’s, Jack-in-the-Box
and Mr. Goodcents -- Dave puts his family, his faith and the well-being of others first. Dave Goebel
His compassion and selflessness to help others sets Dave apart. He is a member of
the U.S. Faculty of Mentors for Merryck & Co. He takes time to meet with individuals looking for guidance concerning
employment opportunities, business issues or personal questions. Goebel is Chairman of the Board for Children’s Mercy
(Hospital) Family Health Partners and teaches a class at the Children’s Mercy development institute on “Values and
Leadership Legacy.” A youth and high school sports coach for many years, Dave and his wife Jan are members of Holy
Spirit parish and grandparents of five with number six due in May.
25th Year Gala and Inaugural Hall of Fame Induction
Saturday, March 2, 2013 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
$75 per person
Regnier Center, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas
For more information and reservations,
www.stasaints.net/HallofFame
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Humility and generosity -- these words best express the qualities of
John and Barbara O’Donnell. Another example of alumni parents who
have remained involved in the mission of Saint Thomas Aquinas well
after their children graduated, John and Barb began their involvement
in the school even before their oldest child entered its halls. Willing
to help as part of the “grass roots” effort in the school’s early years,
the O’Donnells have participated for well over a decade as steering
committee members, Tournament Sponsor and event chairs for the
Mirocke Golf Classic -- ultimately benefitting the Guardian Angel Fund
at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School. Also active at the parish and
Archdiocesan level, Barb and John were 2004 Future Full of Hope
campaign chairs for Church of the Ascension parish where Barb is a
ministry leader and coordinator for funeral lunches since 1999. John is
a current board member of the Archbishop’s Call to Share Allocation
Committee and benefactor to the Archbishop’s Crosier Society. Long-
time supporters of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Barb has served as a member of the Catholic Charities
Board of Directors, Women’s Golf Classic steering committee and event chair, Women’s Auxiliary member and current
president, and Development Committee member. Since 1996, Barb has also served as board member and chair of the
Johnson County Christmas Bureau and the Client Services Committee, helping to establish innovative ideas and new
procedures for the organization that serves over 14,000 low-income residents each year. Barb and John enjoy golf and
traveling, and even then share their service by volunteering for their golf-community associations. Their children are
Johnny O’Donnell, ‘97, Patrick O’Donnell, ‘01 (STA alumna daughter-in-law Carrie Furman O’Donnell, ‘01, and Jen
O’Donnell Forrest, ‘04. Barb and John have two grandchildren, Abigail and Jacob O’Donnell.
Legacy Award
The recipient of the 2013 inaugural Saints Hall of Fame Legacy Award, honoring persons or organizations who have
been instrumental in helping to build the Saints community over a number of years, is MRZ Corporation.
The partnership’s generous contributions to Aquinas 2000 helped launch the school into the next millennium. As
geographic growth continued to the south and west and demand for Catholic secondary education in the Archdiocese
continued to increase, the original facilities for Saint Thomas Aquinas High School had to be expanded and enhanced.
Air-conditioning, additional classrooms and a new performing arts theater were the result of the Aquinas 2000 campaign.
“MRZ,” abbreviated for ‘McAnany, Rieke, Zarda’ includes Richard (dec) & Betty McAnany, Leo & Helen Rieke,
Max, ‘39, (dec) and Frances Rieke (dec), Tom, ‘52, & Mickey Zarda, ‘53, and Ben, ‘45, & Betty Zarda.
Well over 25 grandchildren of the MRZ principals have attended or graduated from Saint Thomas Aquinas
High School since its opening in 1988.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS
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Marian Award
Faculty and staff members who are past recipients of the Marian Award will be grandfathered into the Saints Hall of
Fame. They are: Gennaro Mirocke, 1992 (dec), Richard Scott, 1995 (dec), Blake Mulvany, 1996, Janiece Dye, 1996 (dec),
Sister Kathleen Condry, 1998, Evelyn Boutte, 1999, Gail Prieb, 2002, Archbishop James P. Keleher, 2005, Dennis and
Geri Hord, 2005, James Enneking, 2008, Bonnie Patrick, 2009, and Bob Aley, 2010.
Gennaro Mirocke, 1992 Richard Scott, 1995 (dec) Blake Mulvany, 1996 Janiece Dye, 1996 (dec)
(dec)
Sister Kathleen Condry, Evelyn Boutte, 1999 Gail Prieb, 2002 Archbishop James P.
1998 Keleher, 2005
Dennis and Geri Hord, James Enneking, 2008 Bonnie Patrick, 2009 Bob Aley, 2010
2005
www.stasaints.net 9
ALumni PArent
Janet Koch, true champion of young
people
Many students, parents, alumni
and friends became acquainted with
John and Janet Koch through their
daughters: part of the successful “new
millennium” Saints Girls Basketball
program beginning in 1999 under the
direction of current head coach Rick
Hetzel.
Many will recognize Kacie Koch
Janet and John Koch with their family in May 2011, celebrating the Kochs’ 30th wedding
Joyner, ‘00, and her younger sister,
anniversary.
Molly Koch Spencer, ‘02, who
Top row, left-to-right: Carson Joyner (Kacie’s husband), Kacie, Molly, Andy, Ebony, Ross Spencer
were members of the 1999 and
(Molly’s husband)
2000 5A sub-state championship Bottom row, left-to-right: Janet, John, Shannon
teams. Another Koch “sister”
Janet served as Ebony’s surrogate Despite her illness, Janet was the
caught the attention of Saints fans
mother amid the daily routine wind beneath not only her children’s
-- including in 2001 when the Lady
of those high school years with wings, but also for the friends of
Saints earned their first-ever (6A)
encouragement from the rest of the her children. She loved to open
State Championship title. Ebony
family. her heart to others, spending many
Haliburton, ‘02, stole the heart of
quality days with family and friends
fans and first of Janet Koch with her Janet and John, always willing
at the ‘Koch Family Retreat’ lake
outgoing personality, enthusiasm and to roll up their sleeves to help out,
house in Wisconsin. A devoted
zest for life. were active members of the parent
wife and mom who could make
community while their children
The Koch family first met Ebony
the simplest occurrence seem like a
attended Saint Thomas Aquinas
Haliburton, ‘02, through AAU
celebration, Janet was a “pied piper”
High School. In addition to the
summer basketball when she and
who personified what it means to
Kochs’ dedicated involvement in their
Molly were on the same team. The
live a respectful and dignified life of
children’s sports and other activities,
Koch family learned that if Ebony
humility and grace.
the couple served as Blue & Gold
wanted to fulfill her dream of going
Annual Fund Steering Committee In honor and memory of Janet, her
to college, she would need some
members, two-time chairs of Project family and friends have established
assistance changing high schools. Janet
Graduation (2000 and 2004), and the Janet Koch Memorial Scholarship
took the lead, worked with Ebony’s
chairs of the 2001 Extravaganza Live Fund, which will provide annual
family and the Saint Thomas Aquinas
Auction. scholarships for young women who
administration. The result was Ebony
are in need of financial assistance to
attending STA It is this willingness
attend Saint Thomas Aquinas High
beginning her and desire to help others,
School as an avenue to achieve their
sophomore year. especially young people,
dreams.
Ebony moved in that motivated Janet.
with the Koch’s Unfortunately, her life was On Monday, February 4, 2013, at
and became “one cut short last year. Janet was halftime of the Saints vs. Bishop Miege
of the family,” diagnosed with an auto- Stags girls basketball game, Janet will
joining the rest immune disease several be remembered and her family will
of the Koch kids, years ago and died from formally present the scholarship to
Shannon Lueker, related complications on Saint Thomas Aquinas High School.
‘92, Kacie, ‘00, March 15, 2012. For questions about the Janet Koch
Molly, ‘00 and Scholarship Fund, contact Michon
Andy Koch, ‘05. John and Janet Koch Quick at 913-319-2437 or
[email protected].
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