SPRING 2023
Fr. Anthony Mersmann, AJ Williams, Jack Elder and Nate Hayward before the all-school Mass
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT President Randy Salisbury, Lexi Kurt, Jojo Valdivia and Rose Lenihan representing the girls soccer team for the Team Academic Award.
Greetings and Peace Be with You! The Lenten season offers Christians the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ by drawing closer to Him in prayer, fasting and penance, trying in a small way to join in His suffering on the cross. Many people increase the frequency of receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Lent, some attend weekly Stations of the Cross, and others enjoy fellowship at parish fish frys. At Bishop Miege, the community welcomed Lent by receiving ashes at an all-school Mass on Wednesday February 22nd. Our students have weekly opportunities to participate in confession, and Mass is celebrated three times per week in the St. Angela Merici Chapel. Our faculty shares the Lenten journey with our students to continue to form the transformation of our hearts. The school year has been filled with many highs and a few lows. You’ll read of our many academic extracurricular achievements in the pages of this magazine. Miege was blessed to have national Catholic speaker, song writer, and singer ValLimar Jansen, at an assembly during Catholic Schools week. Students sang praise and worship songs and learned about six Black Catholics on their way to sainthood. In February, our Cultural Diversity Club was instrumental in helping students learn more about Black history through visual displays and trivia games.
Last October Miege lost a legend. Coach Terry English, varsity girls basketball coach from 1975 to 2021, was honored at the Aquinas basketball game in February. Plans were announced for a refurbished basketball court which will bear Coach English’s name and signature. Bishop Miege is continuing to make needed building improvements. The 2023 Fund-a-Need will be directed towards three particular projects: the Joseph Michael Pedrotti Innovation Center and renovations to the gym and foyer. Gratitude to the Miege community and the many ways you support our students. Thank you for your prayers, your participation in school events and your ongoing financial contributions. Bishop Miege invites you to attend any of our school Masses and our spring club and sporting events. “God is Good. God is Always Good!“ Sincerely,
Mr. Randy Salisbury President
Corrections to 21-22 Annual Report: Pg 4, Photo description should have read: The Administrative Team, Archbishop Naumann, and Father Mersmann. Pg 34, Country Club Bank should have been listed as a Benefactor Level Donor ($25,000 - $49,999). Pg 42, Jon Holmes, Varsity Football Coach, should have been listed with the support team. 2
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Miege, Continues to Live in the Spirit... SPIRITUAL GROWTH Bishop Miege strives to educate the whole student by blending learning with faith and making faith an integral part of the school day. This is accomplished through prayer as a fundamental component of each class, Mass celebrations, Eucharistic Adoration, and weekly opportunities for Reconciliation. Students participate in March for Life, NET Retreats, Kairos and help facilitate the all school Masses.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Miege offers a challenging curriculum designed to develop students’ potential in accordance with ability, and to equip graduates for college and 21st Century careers. We are proud to have five National Merit Scholars, a National African American Scholar and two National Hispanic Scholars.
SERVING OTHERS In order to strengthen the commitment to be of service to others, Miege provides a four-year service program that challenges students to reach beyond themselves and to touch the lives of others. This year students participated in a fundraiser to support Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a gift drive for families in need at Christmas, a stuffed animal drive for Children’s Mercy Hospital, and an allschool service day helping multiple non-profit organizations across the city.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT Students are strongly encouraged to become well-rounded individuals by interacting with others in various extra-curriculcular activities which serves as an extension of a solid educational program.
Faith Family activities at Bishop Miege provide a variety of opportunities for social development through interactions with peer groups made up of students from all grade levels.
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LIFE OF A STAG
The Bishop Miege Theatre Department winter play “While the Lights Were Out!” (L-R) Jamie Weiss, Frank Cressey, Maggie Noblitt, AJ Wiliams, Lauren Lueckenotto, River Ball, Darby Sutherlin and Bianca Bair. (Photo by Katie Berry - Theatre teacher)
In addition to our State Championship Sports Programs, Miege has received various awards in our extra-curricular departments: • Engineering: Ace Mentors Program Scholarship Winners • Journalism: State Championship: Class 4A - Runner-Up • Robotics: 2022 Entrepreneurship Award & Gracious Professionalism Award, 2023 Team Spirit Award (FRC) FIRST Robotics Competition • Theatre: Kansas City Cappies Award Winning Production and Starlight’s Blue Star Awards
Daniel Larson, Class of 2023, was awarded the Premier Distinction Award, it’s the highest degree in the National Speech & Debate Association Honor Society. Fewer than 3% of NSDA members earn Premier Distinction prior to graduation.
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Alena Gillespie was named the Kansas Student Journalist of the Year by (KSPA) Kansas Scholastic Press Association. A panel of judges chose Gillespie’s work as a premier display of Kansas high school journalism. The judges are high school publications advisers, university instructors and former scholastic press professionals. Alena is the first overall winner in almost 30 years from a 3A-4A school. Photo: Journalism teacher & adviser Sarah McCambridge, Alena, with KSPA Director Eric Thomas.
Miege teacher and Debate and Forensic Coach Melissa Reynolds, earned her 7th Diamond Award from the National Speech and Debate Association. Bishop Miege teams have won nine State Debate titles in school history.
Mary Kathryn Wert was named a 2022-23 Academic Scholar by the National African American Recognition Program by the CollegeBoard national organization. She also received the (DAR) Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen of the Year Award. This award recognizes and rewards high school seniors who possess the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their homes, schools, and communities. These students are nominated by their teachers and peers because they demonstrate these qualities to an outstanding degree.
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- HONOREES HERB ROME STEWARDSHIP AWARD The Herb Rome Stewardship Award was established in 2010 in honor of Herb’s legendary commitment to Miege which spanned 53 years. Every year the Foundation recognizes an individual(s) who, like Herb, has had a profound impact on the success of our school through their long-time commitment to keeping Miege strong. The 2022 recipients were Dennis and Merrill Schapker. They joined the Miege community in 1996 when their oldest son, David, enrolled as a freshman; all five of their children are Miege graduates. They were both very involved as parents and have remained involved long after their youngest son, John Mark, graduated in 2010. For the last 25+ years, they have supported nearly every drive, event and campaign at Miege, including our Annual Fund drives and Dream House fundraisers, the $16 million Because Miege Matters renovation of the school and chapel, and the $5 million Future of Miege Athletics campaign to build Dixon Doll stadium. In addition, they have recently taken on a leadership role in support of our Bridge to the Future scholarship program. The Miege auction has become a family tradition in the Schapker family; they host a table with their children annually. Their dedication and commitment to Miege has been outstanding. Photo: Foundation President, Dr. Joe Passantino, Dennis and Merrill Schapker, President Randy Salisbury
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR Each year Bishop Miege honors a graduate who has exemplified tremendous loyalty and continued support of Bishop Miege. For the first time ever, the 2022 Award was given to a group of alumni - the Class of 1991. Alums, Joe Andrade, BridgetWhite, Lynn Petro, Bill Dunn III and David Herr (not pictured), set out on a mission to not only coordinate a fun reunion, but to bring their class together and give back to Miege. A “30 for 30 Challenge” was created after securing $30,000 in matching gifts from three classmates. The goal was to raise $30,000 from the class, creating a $60,000 gift. Classmates rallied and successfully hit their goal. A $120,000 donation was reached by matching funds from the Miege Foundation. These funds were used for needed exterior brickwork repair, a project the reunion committee selected. The Class of 1991 made a true lasting impression. Class Reunions being planned for 2023 and beyond: The class of ‘91 challenges you to set a ”Give Back to Miege Goal”. To the class of 1993 - they specifically challenge you to match their efforts!“
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50th Annual Auction We are looking forward to seeing everyone on April 22nd to enjoy a fun-filled evening together supporting our wonderful school. This marks the 50th Anniversary of our Annual Auctions. Enjoy a great evening of Dinner, Drinks, Great Silent Auction Items, and a Live Auction with the Nigro Brothers! Come support our school and help raise funds for building improvements that include gym renovations and the new Joseph Michael Pedrotti Innovation Center. (see next page)
April 22, 2023
Purchase tickets: BishopMiege.com/auction
“II feel loved and supported, Miege is my home away from home.” home. - Allison, Class of 2023
SUPPORTING MIEGE Have You Considered a Legacy Gift to Miege? Do you currently have a will or have you thought about preparing one? Regardless of your age, having a will can allow you to create a legacy. Bishop Miege is committed to the formation of the entire student: academically, spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. Miege partners with parents to develop young women and men of strong faith, integrity, and knowledge. Our students will be our leaders of the future. Nearly half of Miege students receive some type of financial assistance to pay tuition. If you would like to make a lasting difference in the lives of future Miege students, consider a legacy gift.
“I love Miege because I encounter God everyday at school in my classes, my teachers, friends, our faith family activities, sports, and through service opportunities.”
Contact Molly Peterson in the Development Office with questions about planned giving: mpeterson@bishopmiege.com
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INVESTING IN 21ST CENTURY L Gym & Gym Foyer Renovations The Gym is not only for sports at Bishop Miege, it is a significant space for all students, staff, and visitors. It serves as a space for student athletics to practice and showcase their athletic abilities, and it also serves as a space for the community and student body to celebrate all school Masses, pep assemblies and special events.
The Gym Foyer is a place to proudly display all of Miege’s athletic & academic accomplishments. Not only is it in the heart of the school for students to pass through daily and be reminded of their great achievements, but also functions as a reception area for events in the Gym and Commons.
Updates in the Gym include a refinished court bearing Coach Terry English’s name and signature, with new mascot and school pride color scheme. • New Bleachers • Volleyball System
Gym Foyer • New Paint on Walls • Wall Graphics • Refurbished Trophy Cases
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• Refinished Floor • Audio Visual
• Storage Updates • New LED Lighting
Y LEARNING AND ACTIVITIES Joseph Michael Pedrotti Innovation Center Two new learning spaces are equipped with state-ofthe-art tools and technology for students to develop skills needed for success in college and 21st century
careers. Students will utilize the two areas for academic investigations to create products and solutions not possible within a traditional classroom.
The Project Studio will be equipped to provide students unparalleled access to rapid prototyping technologies, which include, but are not limited to: 3D printers, laser cutters, microelectronics, vinyl cutters, and traditional woodworking tools.
The Project Studio The Engineering Lab will be equipped with technology for designing, building, and testing products related to a wide range of high demand careers.
The Engineering Lab
Support Fund-a-Need
*NOTE: all design images, scope and total project costs are conceptual and final design is pending available funding.
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- Alumni Feature Featured on National CBS News segment by Norah O’Donnell “Eye on America” and the Rachel Ray Show
‘9 5 A L U M BoysGrow, a Kansas City nonprofit, was founded by John Gordon Jr., a 1995 Bishop Miege graduate. John founded the organization as a result of his experience working with a 14 year old foster in the juvenile justice system in Northern Californa. As part of the teens rehabilitation program, he was sent to a farm where he had a plot of land and animals to take care of. The teen had a complete life-changing experience through real time learning and new responsibilities. Seeing a positive change in someone after a couple of
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months of working on a farm sparked an interest for John, inspiring him to create a similar program. After moving back home to Kansas City, the spark became a reality. The mentor program uses farming and agriculture to teach entrepreneurship to urban youth. Most of the youth come from five charter schools in the metro Kansas City area. The two-year program is typically pitched to eighth-grade boys going into ninthgrade. The youth attend an informational meeting and receive an application packet. They apply, go through an interview process and get a call letting them know if they got the job.
Three days a week each summer, four dozen teens work on the 10-acre farm just outside of Kansas City. They are tasked with everything from planting and harvesting crops, to auto mechanic work and culinary training. In return they earn a paycheck, and for many, it’s their first. In addition to working on the farm, the boys create products with the food, such as agave ketchup and jalapeno honey mustard, and do demos in grocery stores. They also sell their produce to local restaurants. Learning marketable skills and the ability to work as part of a team, graduates have gone on to Ivy League colleges and well-paying jobs. “I see the evolution of these kids every year,” Gordon said. “And that’s one thing about my job that never gets old.”
To learn more, visit Boysgrow.com
During their two-year commitment at the farm, boys choose a core team to commit to: • Farming • Culinary Arts • Construction In addition, they also partake in two other teams to supplement their work in their main teams.
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Miege Has Heart! -Alumni Feature-
Halpin was instructed by a 911 operator on the phone, and performed CPR until the first responders arrived. White says her heart stopped, and paramedics shocked her twice to get it started again. Doctors told White if her daughter hadn’t performed CPR when she did, she would not be here. “It was really difficult,” Halpin said. “Probably one of the worst moments of my life, followed by one of the best moments of my life, because the first responders were able to revive her.”
Kim Dean White, Class of 1970 knows how important February, the Heart Month is. She survived cardiac arrest thanks to her daughter and first responders, and wanted to make sure others are equipped to respond in an emergency situation. Kim asked the Leawood fire department to help her teach a CPR class at her parish, the Church of the Nativity. The effort was made in hopes to help others if they come face-to-face with someone suffering a cardiac arrest. At the time of her attack, Kim’s daughter, Kristen
“The word ‘miracle’ is something that’s not used in science very often,” White said. “And yet, doctors have said time and again, that two things are miracles: that Kristen was there because she saved my life, and it’s a miracle that I have my cognitive ability.” Hoping no one else experiences this, White held the CPR demonstration with 100 participants.
A Strong Heart Devyn Davis, a current Miege freshman, will be the host of the streaming NFL PLAY60 Draft Fitness Break, alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, during the National Football League (NFL) Draft on April 26th. For 15 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the NFL have worked together to get youth physically active for 60 minutes a day. Devyn is a congenital heart disease (CHD) survivor and was chosen for his tenacity, leadership, and love for football. Devyn has been a volunteer with the AHA for several years, sharing his story of survival every chance he gets. He’s a true advocate for CHD youth.
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-reference Fox4 News
In Memory
Alumni July 2021 - February 2023
Terry English Honored The late Coach Terry English ‘68, was celebrated by the Bishop Miege community including family and friends on February 21st. The ceremony took place at a varsity basketball game to a full house. Miege students wore Terry English commemorative t-shirts bearing his name with “Forever Our Coach.” Former players were also in attendance to show their appreciation for his dedication to the sport and the impact he made on their lives. Terry English was the Varsity Girls Basketball Coach from 1975 until 2021, with a record of 22 State Championship titles and 910 career wins. (Top) Susie English with family giving a heart-felt thank you to everyone.
Moira Aaron - 2001 Jeff Beaumont - 1978 Donald Bollard - 1962 Thomas Casey - 2003 Ellen Condry - 1973 Thomas Conry - 1966 Jose Andre (Dre) Coronado - 1996 Terry English - 1968 Suzanne Fuchs (Boland) - 1965 Rick Furst - 1968 Megan Gladbach - 2012 James Glennon - 1965 Linda Hopfinger (Pickert) - 1985 Mike Howe - 1972 Dennis JoRay - 1978 Donna Marrs (Heinzman) - 1969 Marilyn Maskill - 1983 Denise McFadden - 1968 Pamela Melton (Thomas) - 1970 Sarah Olson - 1998 Diane Owens - 1979 Patrick Prior - 1971 Kathleen Reed - 1962 Emily Reed (Bollard) - 1967 Joan Reichenberger (Tschechtelin) - 1967 Andrew Reyes - 1999 Bill Schumm - 1971 John Scofield - 1962 Tim Trenshaw - 1980 Mark Vidovich - 1996 Dan West - 1965 Rodney Winston - 2013
MIEGE COMMUNITY
(Top right) Boys Head basketball coach, Rick Zych, paying tribute to his best friend Coach English. (Right) Katie Gates Calderon ‘98, Annie Henley Spillman ‘99, and Katie Houlehan Maher ‘01
(L-R) Alums and Former Lady Stags basketball players supporting the English family: Iland Shurn ‘13, Hope Bentley ‘15, Sydney Vaughn Ritter ‘13, Shea Johnson ‘12 and Shelbe Piggie ‘16
Msgr Gary Applegate Lois Christian Micki Christian Judy Cowin Donald Donnelly Joseph Ernst Lorraine Gerard Margaret Gladbach Paula Gleason Gertrude Graves Frank Harkins Rock Herrick Fr. Thomas Kearns John Martin Edward Martincich Kenneth Marx Mary McGrath Edward McMurray
Donald Moore Timothy Morris Daniel Mulvany Jerry Murphy Fr. Peter O’Sullivan Patricia Perusich Harold Scott Cotton Sedler Susan Shortell Charles Thompson Margaret Tremonti Leo Michael Welsh John Wilcox, Sr. James Wilkus Forrest Wombwell John Zych Mary Jane Zych
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- Alumni Updates ALUMNI SIGHTINGS
Go Stags - Class of 1983 Alums were in attendance at the Stags vs Blue Valley basketball game supporting their Home team. Photo: Tim Mahr, Mike Albright, Jim Monty, Bill Creach, Pat Bello, and Mickey Masterson.
Jacob Stockton - Class of 2016 and Martin Reyes Class of 2019 Jacob and Martin both graduated from the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department this past fall. The two alums are both Firefighter Paramedics for the same county and have worked side-by-side in their new roles in KCK.
CLASS REUNIONS
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Class of 1968 - 55th Class Reunion October 6-7 2023. Tentative plans include a golf outing, Miege football game tailgating and after party. A Saturday night party at the InterUrban Arthouse in downtown Overland Park.
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Class of 1973 - 50th Class Reunion September 28-30 2023. A weekend full of fun including a golf outing on Thursday, Miege football game and after party at Conroys on Friday. Saturday food & drinks at Blue Moose in Lenexa.
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Class of 1974 - 50th Class Reunion Spring 2024. Tentative plans are to hold the reunion in the Spring with a golf tournament on Friday and the reunion at Miege on Saturday. Are you interested in helping plan the 50th reunion? See contact below.
For more information: Barbara Albers Stockton & Mike Mulcahy Email: miege68@gmail.com
For more information: Frank Schreiner Email: frankjhawk@aol.com
For more information: Janet (Hosty) Schlake Email: jschlake55@gmail.com
Joe Pedrotti Class of 2017 The Joseph Pedrotti Memorial Foundation is proud to announce the 2nd Annual JMP Basketball Tournament. It will be held on May 20th at Bishop Miege. The event is a fun, friendly, and competitive atmosphere. Three game guarantee, five divisions, and up to five players per team.
Bridget Hannon - Class of 2017 Bridget returned to Miege with her students from St. Joseph Catholic school for the 2023 Jr. High Music Festival at Bishop Miege. This is her 2nd year as a music teacher at the school.
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The Foundation, founded in memory of Joe, strives to help others that encompass the drive, compassion, and love of life that Joe possessed. It supports programs that get students involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics along with educating others on shallow water blackout prevention and organ donation. - Visit the Miege website for registration details -
Your Gifts Support Future Alums...
2023
2019
...and Benefits Every Student, Every Day!
“Miege has taught me the importance of having a strong community.” Morgan Class of 2023
“Miege is special. It’s not just a building. It’s culture, competition, a great education, faith, family, love, and community.” Jack Class of 2023
“Miege has shown me when you put all your trust in God, good things happen.”
“I love Bishop Miege because of the loving community and the strong support system.”
Charly Kate Class of 2023
Adriana Class of 2023
“Miege has helped me grow closer to God and really understand how to communicate with Him on a deeper level.” Daegan Class of 2023
Your support is needed to make up the difference between tuition and the true cost of a Miege student’s education. This gap is over $1,000 per student; your gift will help Bishop Miege keep tuition rates more affordable for families who desire a Catholic education for their children.
Donate Now: bishopmiege.com/annualfund MIEGE MATTERS
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID KANSAS CITY, MO Permit No. 342
5041 Reinhardt Drive Shawnee Mission, KS 66205
www.BishopMiege.com
• SPORTS & REC • CREATIVE • DRUMLINE • STEM & MORE
CAMPS
50TH ANNUAL AUCTION
LUMNI, PARENTS, A AND FRIENDS OF MIEGE
Did you know Bishop Miege offers summer camps? We invite your future Stag or others to spend some time this summer at Bishop Miege at one of our summer camps. We are proud to offer a variety of sports clinics and enrichment programs for all ages.
April 22, 2023
Fall 2023
For Camp Details and Online Registration: BishopMiege.com/SummerCamp