VOL. 16 ISSUE VII
METRO DETROIT CHALDEAN COMMUNITY AUGUST 2019 $
www.chaldeannews.com
BACK TO SCHOOL! OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO NOTABLE SCHOOLS IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
INSIDE SUPERCUTS GETS A MAKEOVER SNAPPING TURTLES FORMER VOICE CONTESTANT RELEASES NEW SINGLE
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CHALDEAN NEWS
AUGUST 2019
CONTENTS THE CHALDEAN NEWS
AUGUST 2019
VOLUME 16 ISSUE VII
departments 32
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FROM THE EDITOR BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
It all started in Journalism school 6
on the cover
24 BACK TO SCHOOL BY CHALDEAN NEWS
Our guide to notable schools in Southeast Michigan
features 18 CHOOSING A MAJOR BY RENNA SARAFA
Tips to help students figure out what they want to do when they “grow up”
20 WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU ABOUT SURVIVING HIGH SCHOOL
BY MICHAEL SARAFA
Contours of Community 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
8
GUEST COLUMN BY N. PETER ANTONE
Where would Chaldeans be if today’s immigration proposals enacted before? 10
NOTEWORTHY
12
CHAI TIME
13
HALHOLE
13
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
14
ECRC CORNER
16
OBITUARIES
36
SPORTS BY STEVE STEIN
BY CHLOE KILANO
22 UNLEASHING CATHOLIC SCHOOLS BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
Perspiration and inspiration 38
JBACH pursues dream, inspires others 40
Supercuts gets a makeover
Senior at MSU leads by example 41
32 TEACHING IS A TWO-WAY STREET
CHALDEAN ON THE STREET BY HALIM SHEENA
Back to school prep
BY MONIQUE MANSOUR
34 BUSINESS MINDED
ECONOMICS AND ENTERPRISE BY LISA CIPRIANO
BY BIANCA KASAWDISH
Chaldean teachers on the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BY PAUL NATINSKY
A strategic vision for the future of education
30 THE FUTURE IS NOW
IN MY VIEW
42
CLASSIFIEDS
44
KIDS CORNER
46
EVENTS
BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
Universities across Michigan attract Chaldean students with an inclination for business
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 3
from the EDITOR
It all started in Journalism school
PUBLISHED BY
The Chaldean News, LLC
EDITORIAL
W
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Vanessa Denha Garmo MANAGING EDITORS
Denha Media Group Writers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashourina Slewo Halim Sheena Lisa Cipriano Monique Mansour Paul Natinsky Chloe Kilano Bianca Kasawdish Renna Sarafa
ART & PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Alex Lumelsky with SKY Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Zina Lumelsky with SKY Creative PHOTOGRAPHER
Jonathon Francis
OPERATIONS Interlink Media
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Martin Manna CLASSIFIEDS
Ashourina Slewo
SALES
Interlink Media Christen Jamoua SALES REPRESENTATIVES
Interlink Media Sana Navarrette MANAGERS
Vanessa Denha Garmo Martin Manna Michael Sarafa SUBSCRIPTIONS: $25 PER YEAR THE CHALDEAN NEWS 30095 NORTHWESTERN HWY, SUITE 101 FARMINGTON HILLS, MI 48334 WWW.CHALDEANNEWS.COM PHONE: (248) 851-8600 Publication: The Chaldean News (P-6); Published monthly; Issue Date: August 2019 Subscriptions: 12 months, $25. Publication Address: 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334; Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Farmington Hills Post Office Postmaster: Send address changes to “The Chaldean News 30095 Northwestern Hwy., Suite 101, Farmington Hills, MI 48334”
hen I was earning my degree in jourclients. We tell their stories. I am wired to find nalism from Wayne State University, I outlets to tell stories whether I am writing them thought about starting my own Chalmyself or pitching to other publications; if it is a dean newspaper. In 2002, that began to come to good story, I will want to share it. It is who I am. fruition. I was researching and talking to community members and at the same time, a group of What’s Your Story? young Chaldean men were looking to purchase That has been a question I have asked more than an existing newsmagazine covering the Middle any other over the last 25 plus years. I ask that of Eastern community. The late Rosemary Antone community members and clients. As a journalist, VANESSA suggested we meet with each other, since her son my ear is trained to hear good stories. Hundreds was among the group; she thought we should col- DENHA-GARMO of people have heard me say over the years, ‘wow, laborate on the paper and so we did. In Febru- EDITOR IN CHIEF that is a great story,’ while engaging in a casual CO-PUBLISHER ary in 2004, we launched the Chaldean News. conversation. That question is part of my comFor the past several years, Mike Sarafa, Martin pany’s marketing slogan. We all should be asking Manna and I have been owners and publishers of this ourselves: What’s the story? community magazine. Change is hard but often necessary. As much as movIn many ways, this publication has been like a child to ing forward comes with trepidation, it must be embraced. me. I birthed it, I guess you can say. As a mother, I nurAlthough the platform may change, the messenger won’t; tured it. Much like having a child, it has been joyful and being a storyteller is truly part of my DNA. I will never painful at the same time. It has come with sleepless nights, stop wanting to share the story. tearful days, triumphs and heartaches, but I don’t regret I have been so blessed to have interviewed so many any of it. We have shared stories and made our share of talented, faithful, engaging, bright, successful and inmistakes. From those mistakes, we learn and grow. I like sightful people. What I love more than the story are the to believe, in many ways, we have brought the community people who share them with me so I can tell them to you together through this platform. Like children, they grow and others. I am truly grateful to everyone who has shared up, evolve and move on. their stories with us over the nearly 16 years I have coAfter more than 15 years, this paper is in transition published this magazine. and will soon be moving in new directions. I am not sure of my role in the paper as it evolves but I do know, it will The Journey continues always be a baby to me. I am proud to say I am a founding As the door revolves and I walk through it, my journey publisher and original Editor-in-Chief. Regardless of its continues. The business I am in today, the professional future, I can always be proud that I launched this newshats I wear, the work I do every day as a communications magazine that has won awards and has been read globally. strategist, evangelist, leadership coach, and content creTelling the story ator all started in journalism school. I am a journalist and story teller by trade. It is what I do. I have written and broadcasted stories for various platforms including WJR AM 760, Women’s Healthcare, Ave Maria Radio, Catholic Television Network of Detroit (CTND), Chaldean Voice, for various social media platforms inAlaha Imid Koullen cluding Chaldean Moms of Metro Detroit, among others. (God Be With Us All) I have produced even more programs for television netVanessa Denha-Garmo works around the globe through ECRC’s Mar Toma Provanessa@denhamedia.com ductions. I will continue to use various platforms to share Follow her on Twitter @vanessadenha stories. I also create platforms for my Denha Media Group Follow Chaldean News on Twitter @chaldeannews
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AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN 7/18/19NEWS 3:50 PM5
in my VIEW
Contours of Community
T
he word “contour” growth in the Chaldean suggests a boundChurch has been spurred ary; an outline or on by immigration. Acan edge. It’s used in the cording to Church officontext of everything from cials, only about 15% of wine, to maps to geometry. the Michigan Chaldean The contours that define population are considered Chaldeans are easily idenactive in the Church. Of tified: God, family, commuthose that are active, many MICHAEL G. nity. But these contours are are critical of the Church SARAFA then framed, supported and or some of its components. SPECIAL TO THE validated by community While this is better than CHALDEAN NEWS institutions that exist to other Christian congregaprotect and build up these values. In tions, it is still a sad commentary. my view, these institutions are under Similarly, the institution of famconstant attack—often by the forces ily in our community is under attack of modernity, materialism and apathy. by the “ghettoization” of our younger The Chaldean Church, by comgeneration. Fast money, marijuana parative standards of religious groups, money, the idea that bigger and more is thriving. It is inarguable that the is better seems to predominate. The hub of the world-wide Chaldean rise of wealth in the community has Church is now Detroit, Michigan. been a tremendously positive develFor various and sundry reasons, this opment. There are great success stofact is not readily or publicly admitries that involve years of hard work ted. Yet, most of this strength and and determination. We have covered
may of those stories in these pages. But there is another side that has come with that wealth creation. Materialism, financial competitiveness and jealously have created in the community what I would describe as one big, gigantic rat race. The notion of stepping into one’s parent’s lifestyles while still in the early twenties is the goal for too many. At risk is sense of the greater world, the idea of charity, any sense of proportion or priority. It feels like it is possible that we have gone backwards in this regard. Organizations such as Shenandoah, the Chaldean American Chamber and Chaldean Community Foundation and the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity have enjoyed tremendous success in the last decade. Their success derives from their ability to execute on their mission and provide value. In many cases, their existence predates this new generation of wealth. However,
like the Church, their membership represents only a fraction of the community. At times, these organizations have alternative agendas and individual egos that clash with each other. This creates an opening for those that do not understand the importance of community organizations to become critical. What is clear is that there is a portion of our millennial generation that does not fully understand the struggle and sacrifice that preceded their adult lives. They were born into wealth and this has clouded their vision. Vision is a prerequisite to leadership. Without vision, there is either no leadership or the wrong leadership. I remain confident, however, that there is a portion of this generation that already understands or will come to understand the notion of community. It will be these people that will become the vanguards of the contours of our community.
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your LETTERS
When you have
In response to First Generation American Guilt
children, you too will sacrifice for them. You will push them to succeed, and sometimes they will feel like they can’t live life the way they want, and they will feel guilty for feeling that way. was her dream. Her “job” as a parent was to make sure you don’t take her sacrifice for granted, and to make sure you have all the skills needed to be self-sufficient, to be able to provide for your children, and to live the beautiful life you so deserve. I wish you and your family all the best. – Mary Barson
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I understand what you are saying. When you get your degree and start your life, the guilt will dissipate and you will be so thankful that she made the journey to America, and pushed you hard to succeed. She didn’t sacrifice her dreams for you. Her dreams were to make a better life for her future children. She moved to this beautiful country before you were born, but throughout her journey, she did it because she wanted her future children to have the opportunities she never had. Those were her dreams and she fulfilled them. When you have children, you too will sacrifice for them. You will push them to succeed, and sometimes they will feel like they can’t live life the way they want, and they will feel guilty for feeling that way, and you may say things out of love that will make them feel guilty. Your mother did a brave thing to go through the journey to come to this country. That
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CHALDEAN NEWS 7
GUEST column
Where would Chaldeans be if today’s immigration proposals enacted before
P
resident Trump rement by President Clevecently proposed an land was back in 1897 and immigration bill that how true it is today! would increase the number Had President Cleveof highly skilled individuals land not vetoed that leg(good idea) but limit the islation in 1897, many of number of family and refuour own Chaldean comgee immigrants (bad idea). munity would not be here This is not the first time today. Many of the early N. PETER such proposal has been cirChaldean immigrants ANTONE culated. In 1897, Congress came directly from vilSPECIAL TO THE proposed a legislation relages where they had little CHALDEAN NEWS quiring a literacy test for education and skills exwould-be immigrants. The President cept for farming. They were exactly then, Grover Cleveland, had the the type of immigrants who Congress wisdom to veto it. In his veto mesat the time thought undesirable. Yet, sage, President Cleveland wrote, “It many of those Chaldean came here, is said, however, that the quality of reworked hard, established a wonderful cent immigration is undesirable. The life, and now many of their children time is quite within recent memory are professionals, doctors, lawyers, when the same was said of immigrants successful business people, and so on. who, with their descendants, are now It would really be a pity if our comnumbered among our best citizens.” munity looks at current immigrants How wise and wonderful this statewho might be just as unfortunate in
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their opportunity to gain a high education as many of our ancestors were. America is the land of opportunity. If we limit our immigration to only those with high skills, we will become the land of second opportunity, open only to those who have had the chance
Many of the early Chaldean immigrants came directly from villages where they had little education. to get a higher education in their own country. But many of those unskilled people who come here, risking their lives for a better opportunity for their kids, have the genes of ambition and courage; they simply did not have the
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opportunity to flourish in their own country. That is why America is considered history’s greatest experiment. America’s essence is that a human being, given the chance, can thrive and be his or her very best, and that only restrictions of class, circumstances, and limitations that exist in the old world are the hindrance. If we give up those ideals, then America will become just like any other country. This does not mean that we should not welcome the highly skilled. Those are very much needed. But the numbers of those highly skilled should not be increased at the expense of refugees and less educated immigrants who very much resemble our ancestors many of whom came from poor villages of northern Iraq. N. Peter Antone, Immigration attorney and former professor of Immigration and Nationality Law at MSU
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noteworthy
West Michigan Chaldean Grocer Wins Small Business of the Year
Speaking to Young Leaders Vanessa Denha Garmo was invited by Wayne State University and Professor Colleen McGowan Ezzeddine to speak to students from Iraq who are participating in the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program. Vanessa spoke to the students about a number of topics including communications, storytelling, and her own company, Denha Media Group. The Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) brings Iraqi high school and undergraduate students to the U.S. for summer exchanges to explore themes of leadership development, civic rights and responsibilities, respect for diversity, and community engagement.
Andy Meisner Celebrates 10 Years in Oakland County Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is celebrating 10 years in Oakland County, where he has prevented thousands of tax foreclosures. Oakland County voters elected Andy Meisner as their county treasurer in the fall election of 2008. Thousands of Chaldeans have resided in Oakland County for more than five decades and many are business developers in the county. “Ten years ago, Oakland County was in the midst of a housing crisis and recession. At that time, we had a treasurer’s office that wasn’t focused on the human tragedy of the Great Recession. We adapted and became fully engaged in finding or creating solutions to the tax foreclosure crisis,” Meisner said. During these ten years, Meisner and his team have seen a fall in annual tax foreclosures to a fraction of the quantity he acquired, 1,650 down to 200. Meisner has implemented several compassionate projects to prevent foreclosure and keeping families in their homes. He has also developed business opportunities for developers.
Midtown Fresh Market, a Kalamazoo grocery store dedicated to providing fresh and organic produce, and products from local vendors, has been named the Best Small Business for the SBDC Southwest Region. Midtown Fresh Market has also been selected as a finalist for Consumers Energy Project of the Year Award.
Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedoms Chaldean Community Foundation President and CEO, Martin Manna, attended the U.S. Department of State Ministerial on Religious Freedom in Washington D.C. on July 17 where he sat on a panel to discuss the plight of the community in Iraq.
CCF Hosts Students From Iraq On July 16, 2019, the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) hosted a group of 21 students from the Iraq Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP). IYLEP brings undergraduate college students to the U.S. from all over Iraq, diverse regions, institutes and backgrounds for one month to learn about leadership, civic engagement and peace building. The students visited the CCF to hear from community leaders, which included Dr. Adhid Miri, Director of Special Projects at the Chaldean Community Foundation, Rony Foumia, District Leader for Rite Aid Corporation and Dr. Nahid Elyas. The discussion was centered around leadership, their upbringings and how these students can better the future of Iraq when they return. Students also enjoyed a traditional Middle Eastern dinner at Ishtar Restaurant in Sterling Heights, following the discussion. IYLEP is sponsored and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Department of State and implemented by World Learning. Wayne State University was selected to be the host institution for the students during their stay. 10
CHALDEAN NEWS
AUGUST 2019
Chalk it Up to Life Contest at VBS The Right to Life of Michigan presented the first of three Chalk It Up for Life contests at St. Thomas on July 11, as part of the ECRC’s Vacation Bible School. The children did an amazing job at interpreting the theme “God Made Us All, Big and Small.” The members of twenty-four crews (about 150 kids in total) collaborated on their drawings and the winners were given award ribbons and bragging rights for the rest of VBS. The children were led out to the parking lot at 11:45 to begin their drawings. Volunteers brought around water bottles and extra chalk for those who needed it. Judges walked around as the drawing was happening to listen to explanations of the drawings. As each team finished, their leaders took them back into the church to await the judges’ decisions. They enjoyed Veggie Tales and pizza as they waited. There was much celebration for the winning teams when they were announced and everyone enjoyed the contest.
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 11
CHAI time
CHALDEANS CONNECTING
COMMUNITY EVENTS IN AND AROUND METRO DETROIT AUGUST 2019
state-of-the-art 1.5-mile Performance Track! All funds raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will benefit Forgotten Harvest’s mission to fight food insecurity and reduce the waste of nutritious food. Forgotten Harvest’s goal, with your help, is to provide nearly 750,000 meals for those in need in metro Detroit. Visit www. forgottenharvest.org/2019ontrack for more information.
Thursday, August 1 Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront: Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront is the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s unique, interactive early literacy program that provides children from southeast Michigan an opportunity to see live children’s entertainment, hear a story read by a local community leader and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the lovely Cullen Family Carousel. Sessions are at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM and 1:15 PM. Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront is hosted on Thursdays and Fridays and will continue through Friday, August 16. Families and groups under 10 may register on site. Groups with more than 10 children must preregister at https://detroitriverfront.org/ readingandrhythm. Thursday, August 1 The Generous Pour: The Capital Grille’s annual The Generous Pour wine event has returned for its eleventh year. This year’s theme is Legends of the Land, where guests can sip on any combination of seven select wines including the Maggy Hawk 2015 Pinot Noir, the 2015 Cenyth Red Blend, and the Arrowood 2013 Red Blend. Each is from California’s Jackson Family that tell a unique story of origin and sustainability. From July 8 through September 1, 2019, guests are offered a customized wine tasting paired with the restaurant’s classic menu items. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.thecapitalgrille.com Thursday, August 1 Sounds and Sights: Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights, presented by Rick Taylor Real Estate - Reinhart Realtors, showcases a variety of music, art, comedy, and family entertainment. Now in its fifteenth year, the weekly outdoor concert series is recognized for its mixture of music from jazz to country to indie rock and more. Every Thursday, 10 acts perform on ten separate-staged areas throughout downtown Chelsea (located 14 miles west of Ann Arbor) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A complete Schedule can be found at: https://chelseafestivals.com/soundsights/schedule/ Sunday, August 4 Annual Oral Cancer Walk: Join Oral Cancer Awareness Michigan for their fifth annual 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, August 4, through the streets of Birmingham. The course starts in front of Seaholm High School and ends on the track. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate on this flat course. The first 100 participants will receive a gift bag 12
CHALDEAN NEWS
AUGUST 2019
at registration and be welcomed with Starbucks coffee, Panera Bread bagels, donuts, and more. Henry Ford Hospital’s Dr. Steven Chang, M.D., who specializes in treating complex cancers of the head and neck, will be the special guest speaker at 8 a.m. Runners will be timed to win prizes according to age groups. Registration for the race day begins at 7:00 a.m. and the 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. This year’s event also includes the Kids Fun Run, for children ages 8 and under who are registered and accompanied by a registered adult. Kids will receive free T-shirts and swag bags. Prizes, medals, vendors, face painting, and more will be featured. Please reserve your own or your child’s spot online by visiting oralcancermi.org and selecting “Register.” To become a sponsor or for more information, contact Jennifer Menser, RDH, at support@oralcancermi.org or 248-343-5467. Tuesday, August 6 KRUIZE4KIDS: Northeast Guidance Center’s signature event, Kruize4Kids will set sail on the Ovation yacht from Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores on Tuesday, August 6 to raise funds for children’s programs such as Camp Kelly. The annual fundraiser takes place on the 138-foot luxury yacht, Ovation, from their dock at Jefferson Bach Marina in St. Clair Shores and travels the international waterways of Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River on a three-hour cruise. The tri-level Ovation offers a full-length main dining salon and second level cocktail lounge with outdoor aft deck, while the third level is an extensive sundeck with fullservice bar and open-air dance floor.
The Lafayette Park menu features an array of original recipes made with hand-selected, farm-fresh ingredients, artistically prepared on the onboard galley kitchens. Guests enjoy delectable cuisine as they stroll the salons punctuated with creative food displays and stations. Kruize4Kids is a way to honor employees, entertain business partners or just have fun with family and friends. Everyone leaves with a gift! Tickets are priced at $150 each and can be purchased online at www. neguidance.org Thursday, August 22 The Berman Center: The Berman Center for the Performing Arts is poised to announce its ninth season. Be sure to join them for world-class art that will surprise and delight you. Whether it’s music, film, theater, dance or magic, their spectacular ninth season has award-winning programming you won’t want to miss. Watch their website for a full announcement coming soon! The Berman showcases an eclectic variety of world-class entertainment for all audiences of metro Detroit while showcasing the Jewish Community Center’s exceptional events. For tickets, call 248-661-1900 or visit theberman.org. Saturday, August 24 On Track to End Hunger: Join Forgotten Harvest for On Track to End Hunger, a premiere summer experience, featuring “Thrill Rides” at M1 Concourse. This first ever, VIP experience will be an exhilarating evening of great food and drinks, live music and burning rubber. The excitement will happen on M1’s 87-acre playground for auto enthusiasts, including access to their
Wednesday, September 5 Wine and Dine in the D: Wine and Dine in the D is a strolling dining experience featuring cuisine from 20 of Metro Detroit’s finest restaurants, wines, craft beer and spirits from Michigan and around the world and live entertainment by the Ursula Walker/Buddy Budson Quintet. Proceeds raised go to Cure Multiple Myeloma Corporation to assist Michigan myeloma patients and to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), which aggressively funds research for a cure. This year Wine and Dine in the D will take over the entire fourth floor of the Westin Book Cadillac on Thursday, September 5. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a Multiple Myeloma roundtable by prominent doctors from around the country, followed by the wining and dining at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for Wine and Dine in the D are priced at $175 per person, and $275 for Patron tickets, which include admission to an Afterglow reception featuring a collection of extremely exceptional and rare Champagne. Discounts are available for Multiple Myeloma patients. For more information, visit curemultiplemyeloma. org or call (248) 449-6663. Saturday, September 7 Trailblaze Challenge: Push yourself to the limit and help make wishes come true by taking a 21-mile hike along the beautiful Manistee River Trail/ North Country Trail Loop during Trailblaze Challenge on Saturday, September 7. Join Make-A-Wish Michigan for this amazing endurance experience that provides participants an opportunity for adventure, fun, and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of Michigan children with critical illnesses. You’ll receive a personal training schedule, have the opportunity to participate in biweekly training hikes, and receive instruction on footwear and hiking gear from seasoned professionals as well as fundraising tips and resources. Contact Sarah Ragone at sragone@michigan.wish.org for registration information, or visit TrailBlazeChallengeMI.org. For more information about upcoming events and other ways to support Make-A-Wish Michigan, or to make a donation, visit michigan.wish.org.
HALHOLE
Congratulations Zachary Youkhana!
Congratulations to Zachary as he has graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Physics and Economics! Zachary Youkhana
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ECRC corner
Evangelization is for All Ages
M
y brothers and Second, we must read sisters in Christ, scripture; start with just a as summer comes few verses each day. And to a close and we prepare finally, you need to trust, ourselves for the first day and I mean fully trust and of classes, we typically prehave confidence in Jesus pare mentally. Whether it Christ. He tells us hunis the first day of middle dreds of times in the Bible school or your first year in “do not be afraid.” So, go high school or your first out talk about Jesus. Tell year in college, you also everyone what great things JEFF KASSAB need to prepare on a spiri- SPECIAL TO THE he has done for you, show CHALDEAN NEWS them why he came, tell tual level. And so, you might ask: people about Catholicism how do I prepare for a new school and how it was the one church that year? Jesus Christ founded. Tell them You will probably buy new how the secular world and media is clothes, supplies, books, or maylying to us about abortion, same sex be even a new computer or iPad. marriage, etc. The fullness of truth These are the things we do to prelies in the Catholic church only. If pare ourselves for a task that we are you are not good with preaching in about to take on in our lives. words then preach your good works How do you prepare yourselves or in your good deeds that you do to evangelize for Jesus Christ? How did the apostles prepare themselves some 2000 years ago to evangelize? The first thing that Jesus tells them in Matthew 28:19 “go therefore, and make dismust be done is ciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of prayer. We must the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, pray to the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, that He will open I am with you always, until the end of age.” Jesus gives them mission he our minds and tells them to “go and make.” This message or this commandhearts and guide ment of Jesus Christ was not just for the 12 apostles but for every us into all truth. one of every age and especially the youth in today’s world. It is very important to take the word of God to your peers and the people who for other people. Treat everyone are of your own age. I know you’re with gentleness, kindness, and love probably saying to yourself ‘I will and then everyone will know you be an outcast’, ‘they will make fun are disciples of Jesus Christ. of me’, ‘they might bully me or they My brothers and sisters in might call me a Jesus freak.’ Well, Christ, St. Paul says in Galatians they did all those things to our 2:20, “It is no longer I that live but Lord and savior, so who are we not Christ who lives in me.” If Christ to do that for the kingdom? The truly lives in you then you will be call to evangelize is not limited to on fire for Jesus, the Gospel, and the Pope, bishops, priest, or deathe truth. cons, this call is for every baptized Christian to go out and spread the In Christ Jesus good news of the gospel. Jeff Kassab So, what do we do to prepare “Do not be afraid” ourselves to evangelize? The first thing that must be done is prayer. Jeff Kassab has a BA in Pastoral We must pray to the Holy Spirit Theology and is on the board of the that He will open our minds and Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization hearts and guide us into all truth. Center (ECRC).
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obituaries
RECENTLY DECEASED COMMUNITY MEMBERS
Jacob Yousif Nov. 23, 2018 July 21, 2019
Talal Tobia Konja April 1, 1950 July 18, 2019
Saleem Kakooz Toma Kas-Shamoun July 1, 1928 July 17, 2019
Youhana Eshaiya March 3, 1950 July 16, 2019
Elia Bajocka March 15, 1937 July 13, 2019
Janit Aorri July 1, 1938 July 12, 2019
Shammamta Najor March 14, 1929 July 11, 2019
Shammama Mikha Jalaba February 21, 1940 July 10, 2019
Nano Jajjo January 7, 1936 July 9, 2019
Dhaher Dadou May 20, 1962 July 8, 2019
Balsam Matti May 17, 1972 July 7, 2019
Sarkis Lucian July 1, 1943 July 4, 2019
Ezet Kachi March 15, 1936 July 3, 2019
Christian Amy Koki March 13, 2001 July 3, 2019
Gorguis Namo Kizy July 1, 1933 July 3, 2019
Karim (Goria) Daoud Bahoura
Dawood Hermiz Jendo August 15, 1928 July 2, 2019
Samir Shaeena February 2, 1942 June 29, 2019
Yazi Mikho July 1, 1931 June 29, 2019
Butrus Butrus July 1, 1942 June 28, 2019
Evan Baka January 22, 1982 June 27, 2019
Naeema Kakos Dabish Sept. 2, 1929 June 25, 2019
Farid Abid Alyas July 17, 1926 June 25, 2019
Nazhat Asmar July 1, 1932 June 23, 2019
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AUGUST 2019
Labiba Rabban Watha June 6, 1939 June 23, 2019
Gladys Loussia Nov. 4, 1928 June 21, 2019
Khalid Dawood Salman June 7, 1953 June 20, 2019
Kays (Kenny) Zair July 18, 1957 June 19, 2019
April 4, 1945 July 2, 2019
Yacoub Audisho July 1, 1947 June 23, 2019
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON WARMTH ƚ ,ƵƌŽŶ sĂůůĞLJͲ^ŝŶĂŝ ,ŽƐƉŝƚĂů ŝŶ ŽŵŵĞƌĐĞ͕ ǁĞ ŶĞǀĞƌ ĨŽƌŐĞƚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƚ ƚĂŬĞƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ŵĞĚŝĐŝŶĞ ƚŽ ŚĞĂů͘ /ƚ ƚĂŬĞƐ ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐŝŽŶ͕ ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝǀĞŶĞƐƐ͕ ĂŶĚ Ă ŚĞĂůƚŚLJ ĚŽƐĞ ŽĨ ŬŝŶĚŶĞƐƐ͘ ^ĞĞ ƵƐ Žƌ ƐŝŐŶ ƵƉ ĨŽƌ Ă ƚŽƵƌ Ăƚ ǁǁǁ͘ŚǀƐŚ͘ŽƌŐͬďŝƌƚŚŝŶŐĐĞŶƚĞƌ
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CHALDEAN NEWS 17
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Choosing a major Tips to help students figure out what they want to do when they “grow up” BY RENNA SARAFA
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“
want to be an actress,” is what I wrote when my third-grade teacher asked our class to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up. To say the least, that is not the case today. However, that day my friend sitting next to me wrote down “I want to be a doctor”. She is now a pre-med student at the University of Michigan. Some people are extremely lucky to know what professions they want to pursue for the rest of their lives when they are very young. Even those who know what they are going to major in when they graduate from high school are blessed. During my senior year of high school, I knew of many Chaldeans in my class who knew what job they wanted to have after college or were already admitted to a specific program where their profession was almost guaranteed. Although this may be the case for some, most high school students don’t know what they want to study when they go off to college. I was one of those students who had no idea what I wanted to do before I began classes at Michigan State University. When my orientation advisor asked me what I would be studying, there was no easy answer. I felt like I had to decide what I was going to do for the rest of my life right in that moment. Thankfully, I talked to many older students and wiser adults who told me otherwise. They helped me remember that I was still only 18 and that the rest of my life is supposed to be about figuring out who I am and what I love. I began to feel more at ease and comfortable with the idea of seeing which direction things took. For any soon-to-be college students who do not know what major they want to declare, here are some tips that might help you plan: Go through a process of elimination - If you don’t know what you want to major in, go through a list of the majors your college or university offers and eliminate those you know you would not want to study. For example, when I was going through 18
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MSU’s list of majors, I immediately crossed off engineering because I did not enjoy my physics classes in high school. This process of elimination was what led me to my final decision to apply to MSU’s Eli Broad College of Business. Not only does crossing off these majors shorten your options, it also allows you to realize what you might be interested in learning about. Reflect on what you are interested in - Once you have narrowed down your list of options for your major, you can assess which academic pathway you might want to pursue. Most universities offer brief descriptions on their websites of the classes within a certain major. These sites provide students with a sneak peek about what they will be learning in the class, how it is set up, and what the expectations are of each student. You may not like all the classes that your major offers. However, remember that each class you are required to take for your major will be beneficial for you in your long-term career
path. Eli Broad’s College of Business requires all its students to take two accounting classes. Even though I do not plan on ever pursuing a career in accounting, those classes taught me more about business than I ever thought I would understand. These tools are convenient for those who are undecided like I was. Gain experience with work The best way to figure out what life is like after college is to gain experience with jobs and internships. Working when you are young provides many benefits you will use throughout your lifetime. It is the only way to get a clear understanding of what you get out of knowledge you gain in school. Throughout my teenage years, I worked in many different industries to expand my horizons. Each internship I had helped me conceptualize what I want to do in my professional life. It was not until my internship this summer that I decided to declare a finance major from MSU’s Business College. Working also allows you to build
a strong personal resume. I have found that having a solid resume communicates to employers that you are credible and that you have multiple skill sets. Finally, working teaches you professional behaviors and communication skills that you will use your entire lifetime. There’s always time to change - As I previously mentioned, it was not until this summer going into my junior year of college that I decided I wanted to focus on finance in school. Originally my major was human resources. It is very common for students to switch their major during their college years, even more than once. If you are not content with what you are currently studying, talk to your advisor about other major options that might be more interesting to you. It is also common for people to change their career path. If you declare a certain major you are not required to practice within that field until you retire. Even the most successful people did not start off what they are doing now. For example, most of us know Ken Jeong as the hilarious comedian from movies like The Hangover movie trilogy and Dr. Ken TV series. It was not until I recently went down a Google rabbit hole that I found out that before he became a professional actor and comedian, he was actually a medical doctor. No matter what major you choose, remember that nothing is permanent and change can be a good thing. The list of decision-making factors for choosing a college major could go on and on. At the end of the day, your undergraduate major does not tell your life story. It is how you tell the story of what you learn from your studies and your work that defines you. Reflect on the choices you are faced with. Pray for guidance and divine wisdom. Decide for yourself without trying to please others with your decision. It is your life, so do what makes you happy. As Walt Disney said… if you can dream it, you can do it!
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 19
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What no one tells you about surviving high school BY CHLOE KILANO
T
he summer before high school is filled with an enormous amount of emotions. You may be feeling ecstatic to be done with middle school, and beyond ready to begin this next chapter of your life. You may already be missing middle school, terrified of the challenges that come with high school. If you’re in the same mindset that I was in just two years ago, there’s a healthy mix of both. I’m going to give you some advice that will make your freshman year, and the rest of high school, easier, less stressful, and fun. You don’t have to fit in with the crowd
When it comes to staying true to your character, high school students can have a pretty difficult time avoiding the social expectations of being the average teenager. Remember this: people are going to judge you no matter what; you may as well do whatever it is that makes you happy. As cliché as it is, just be yourself, and you will make friends. You will find your place in high school. Your grades matter Having good grades in high school is extremely important. Your grades in high school will determine which colleges you will be accepted to, how much scholarship money you will earn, which classes you will be allowed to take, etc. Develop good study habits, don’t slack, and earn good grades throughout your freshman year, because it will act as the foundation for the rest of high school. I know that sleep is much more appealing than staying up until two in the morning to study for a test (which, at this point, you probably don’t care about), but it’ll be immensely rewarding when all of your hard work pays off in the form of college acceptances and scholarships. But your grades don’t define you They are important, but they aren’t everything. Just because you didn’t do as well on a test as you wish you had, does not mean you’re complete failure and you won’t get into college. As a perfectionist and someone with huge goals, I know how terrible a low grade can feel. Keep moving forward. Remember that everyone has different strengths, 20
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dreams, and talents. Yours may not be in the classroom, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Know how to manage your stress High school is stressful, but many of the things students worry about are not as big of a deal as they may seem. Manage your time well, stay organized, make time for yourself, and learn to say no. Remember that you can’t control everything, and high school is only four years of your life. It can also be helpful to try some stress-relieving activities, such as exercising, baking, writing, etc. Everyone is different; manage your time and handle your stress in the way that best fits you. Try everything High school is about the time when people start asking where you want to go to college, or what you want to pursue after college. Signing up for clubs, sports, activities and going to as many of the school-wide events as possible not only allows you to figure out what you do and do not like, but to meet new people, which leads me to my next point.
Talk to everyone Introduce yourself to people you have never heard of or seen before, because you’ll be spending the next four years with them. You’ll go through finals week and Segment 1 classes with them, they’ll become your brothers and sisters. My closest friends are not people who I went to middle school with, but people that I talked to during my first semester of freshman year. And remember, they’re just as nervous as you are, if not, more. Ask for help when you need it You have dozens of resources at your disposal if you are struggling throughout the year. Your teachers and counselors are there to make your life easier and to help you with the transition into high school (because it can be a pretty tough one). Do not ever hesitate to go to a teacher if you’re not understanding the material, or to a counselor if you need help with anything. Upperclassmen are there to help you too; they aren’t mean and scary like the movies make them out to be.
As a junior, I know that I would be happy to help out a freshman who is still learning the ropes. Asking for help isn’t weird and doesn’t mean you’re stupid, we’ve all been in your shoes, and remember how much we appreciated help during our freshman year. Don’t be afraid to ask for it. Soak up every second of it High school goes by indescribably fast. There will be days when you cannot wait to leave high school behind and move on with the next chapter of your life; still, try to enjoy it. Take in every moment with your friends, soak up every pep rally, and savor every single moment—even the bad ones. Before you know it, you’ll be walking across that stage in a cap and gown, looking at your brothers and sisters, and wondering how 4 years went by so quickly. I hope this advice helps you as you start this next chapter of your life. High school is a fun, stressful, amazing, overwhelming, and exciting experience, all wrapped up into four extremely short years.
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Unleashing Catholic schools A strategic vision for the future of education BY VANESSA DENHA GARMO
F
or centuries, Catholic schools have prepared boys and girls to become men and women of virtue – to fully develop into the person God created them to be – and to joyfully embrace their vocations. The Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD) is Unleashing Catholic Schools through a recently unveiled document. “It was an outgrowth of Unleash the Gospels, which is the strategic vision of Archbishop Vigneron for the Archdiocese of Detroit. In it, the Archbishop talks a lot about schools,” said Kevin Kijewski, superintendent of schools for the AOD. “This new document puts more flesh on the bones regarding what we are going to do to make our schools proudly Catholic, academically successful, attainable to all and sustainable for the future.” Catholic education has created servant leaders in the world and saints in life to come. God calls children to become joyful missionary disciples of Jesus Christ and the schools equip them to do so. Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron shares his vision for Catholic schools in the document. “This document demonstrates that this is a partnership between the Archdiocese and roughly 90 schools, partnering in various areas,” said Kijewsi. “In terms of academic excellence and STEM schools, the AOD will get involved to make sure that the programs work. Under no circumstances will we mandate for a school to do something alone. It is either the Archdiocese taking on a large-scale project or the Archdiocese partnering with a school on a project.” Recently, the AOD created the Principal Formation Institute which is essentially principal
U N L EAS H I N G O U R CAT H O LI C S C H O O LS A STRATEGIC VIS IO N FO R THE FUTURE O F THE ARCHDIO CES E O F DETRO IT
UNLEASHING OUR CATHOLIC SCHOOLS | 1
school. So far, 26 highly qualified individuals participated in the program over a series of six months and since then three people have been placed as principals from that program. The AOD also issued new principal standards and evaluation tools. “This helps our principals remain strong in their leadership,” said Kijewski. The AOD is also collaborating with the University of Notre Dame. “This partnership will help some of our schools become fully immersed aca-
demic STEM schools,” said Kijewski. STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. “Notre Dame has already worked with 13 schools in the AOD.” The plan is by the start of the 2020 school year the AOD will have fully immersed STEM schools that are fully Catholic. The AOD is also hosting the Archbishop’s Catechetical Day on September 27, which is an outgrowth of the document. They expect all 3,000 educators to gather at the University of Detroit to hear from Archbishop Vigneron and national speakers on Catholic topics. “This is designed to help them better communicate the gospel to their students,” said Kijewski. There are projects and initiatives for all the Catholic schools in the AOD. “The ultimate benefit for students is their final exam so when they meet St. Peter at the gate will they pass or fail and we want them to pass,” said Kijewski. “We want our children to have a faith-filled education where they get to know, love and serve Jesus Christ and go out into the world to be joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.” The AOD is working on a strategic plan to make Catholic schools affordable to anyone who wants to attend. This is part of the sustainability of the plan. “We want families to be able to pay what they can afford,” said Kijewski. “We need our Catholic schools more than ever so that our young people have the vision that is part of the mind of Jesus-Christ so they don’t slip into a post Christian mentality about how all the world fits together and the place they have in it. Our children must grow and move forward with the heart and mind of Christ,” wrote Archbishop Vigneron in the document.
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Private Schools Bloomfield Christian School Elementary, Middle and High School 3570 Telegraph Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (248) 499-7800 BloomfieldChristian.com Formerly known as the Christian Leadership Academy, this K-12th grade interdenominational, classical-curriculum school was founded in 1994. The school’s mission is teaching students to know, reason, discern and apply truth using Scripture and the classical liberal arts. Seventh- and eighth-graders learn Latin. Students have steadily scored higher than average on standardized tests for college. Brookfield Academy Elementary School 2965 Walnut Lake Road West Bloomfield, MI 48323 (248) 626-6665 BrookfieldAcademy.net Brookfield Academy was founded in 1964 by Dr. and Mrs. David Weinberg as the first Montessori school in Michigan. The academy has campuses in West Bloomfield, Troy, Rochester Hills and Livonia. West Bloomfield, Troy, and Rochester Hills locations serve students in grades pre-K to fifth grade, while the Livonia location caters to infants until the third grade. Brookfield Academy has been honored by the Michigan legislature and Untied States Congress for excellent academic achievements and involvement in early education for children. Cranbrook Schools Elementary, Middle and High School 39221 Woodward Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (248) 645-3000 Schools.Cranbrook.edu Founded in 1922, Cranbrook is located on a beautiful 319-acre campus considered a masterpiece of American architecture. In 1989, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. Cranbrook has 1,661 students in 2016/2017, including a few hundred boarders. Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School has been named an Exemplary School by the U.S. Department of Education due to its academic excellence. Cranbrook has also shown excellence through extracurricular activities. Detroit Country Day School Elementary, Middle and High School 22305 W. 13 Mile Road Beverly Hills, MI 48025 (248) 646-7717 Dcds.edu For more than 100 years, the core commitment of Detroit Country Day has been academic excellence for grades pre-K-12 on several campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills. Onehundred percent of high school graduates are accepted into accredited four-year colleges and universities. Country Day offers a liberal arts-based education, more than 30 athletic programs, and impressive
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fine and performing arts programs. Eton Academy Elementary, Middle and High School 1755 Melton Road Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 642-1150 EtonAcademy.org Opened in 1980, Eton is designed exclusively for students with reading, attention and other learning challenges in grades K-12. The school offers classes in both group and individual settings. This school year, Eton Academy will work with approximately 200 students. The school offers an Independent Study Program that features one-to-one instruction on a schedule designed for each student. There are also several summer camps including drama and dance. Eton has gained substantial support from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Independent School Association of the Central States. The International Academy High School 1020 E. Square Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (248) 341-5900 IAToday.org The International Academy is a nationally recognized all International Baccalaureate public high school serving 1,300 students from 14 Oakland County school districts and students living in surrounding counties. The International Academy is one school with three campuses: IA East in Troy, IA Okma in Bloomfield Hills and IA West in White Lake. In 2014, 66 International Academy students achieved National Merit status representing 22 percent of the senior class. INVEST Schools Elementary, Middle and High School 2167 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 (248) 658-5600 InvestSchools.org Launched in 2002, International Network for Vocational Educational Skills Training (INVEST) is a Michigan non-profit company dedicated to providing an alternative to mainstream teaching. INVEST offers Grace Elementary and Middle School, INVEST Roosevelt High School, and an online learning center. They also offer Saturday school for ages 6-14, a scholarship program and a summer soccer camp. Provided through Hazel Park Schools, INVEST serves ethnic and less-privileged communities, many of them Chaldean newcomers, offering a wide range of educational programs while conducting charitable efforts throughout the calendar year. Japhet School Elementary and Middle School 839 S. Crooks Road Clawson, MI 48017 (248) 585-9150 JaphetSchool.org Japhet serves ethnically diverse students in preschool through eighth grade. Rolling
admission means students are admitted through the school year. The school is accredited through the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. Japhet was the first independent school in the country — and the first school in Michigan — to receive a National Schools of Character Award, presented to schools that encourage the social and ethical development of students while maintaining strong academic standards. Class sizes are small, less than 20 students. Keys Grace Academy Elementary, Middle and High School 27321 Hampden Street Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 629-7700 KeysAcademies.com Just opening in fall 2015 from the same team that runs the INVEST schools, Keys Grace Academy is the first charter school to offer Chaldean/Assyrian/Syriac language, culture and history. Organizers are formulating a complete Modern Aramaic curriculum to incorporate as a required class for all students. In addition, all grades will focus on Mesopotamian culture and history. Keys Grace Academy’s K-12 curriculum is mapped directly from the Common Core State Standards. Afterschool activities include arts and music programs and intramural sports. Lakes Area Montessori Center Preschool through Elementary 8605 Richardson Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 360-0500 LakesAreaMontessori.com Lakes Area Montessori is a toddler, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school housed in a specially constructed building on two acres. The school is directed by professional educators and staffed by Montessori teachers. Children as young as 18 months are accommodated and full-day kindergarten is offered. The non-graded curriculum has a strong academic focus on science, mathematics, language arts, geometry, history, geography, art, music and Spanish. Montessori School Rochester Elementary School 3976 S. Livernois Rd. Rochester Hills MI 48307 (248) 453-5757 TheMontessoriSchoolRochester.com Montessori works with children from toddler years through the age of 12. The school follows the philosophy of allowing children to follow their greatest interests and learn about their immediate world at their own pace. Appreciation for the arts is facilitated with visiting artists, musicians and storytellers. The Lower Roeper School Elementary School 41190 Woodward Avenue Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
The Upper Roeper School Middle and High School 1051 Oakland Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 203-7300 Roeper.org Roeper is a unique coeducational school community for gifted children in preschool through grade 12 with campuses in Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. The first school opened in 1941. The school enrolls more than 570 students and is organized into three divisions starting with children as young as 2 ½. The mission is to educate the whole child in an emotionally supportive, intellectually engaging environment.
Catholic Schools Academy of the Sacred Heart Elementary, Middle and High School 1250 Kensington Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (248) 646-8900 ashmi.org One of 22 Sacred Heart schools in the United States, the 44-acre campus includes an Early Childhood Program through Grade 4; the Knights of the Sacred Heart (boys in grades 5-8), and the Middle School and Upper School that is home to the Gazelles (girls in grades 5-12). The high school is also known for its outstanding lacrosse team, 17 state championships (including the 2016 high school tennis team), and its 31,000-square-foot field house. All Saints Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 48735 Warren Road Canton, MI, 48187 (734) 459-2490 AllSaintsCS.com Accredited by the Michigan Nonpublic Schools Accrediting Association, this co-ed school has more than 500 students. Special classes are taught by teachers from the Livonia Public School Share Time Program and include foreign language instruction, faith mentoring and the monthly outreach to disadvantaged communities and organizations. Highlights at All Saints are student service projects and small class sizes. Austin Catholic Academy Co-Ed High School 25925 23 Mile Road Chesterfield, MI 48051 (586) 200-0143 AustinCatholicAcademy.org Created under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Detroit and sponsor parishes, Austin Catholic Academy is the only co-ed Catholic high school in Northern Macomb County. Opened in 2011, administrators hope to eventually serve about 500 students. The Augustinian education includes rigorous college preparatory academics, spiritual growth, service to the community and extracurricular activities. Last school year Austin opened a media center.
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Bishop Foley Catholic High School Co-Ed High School 32000 N. Campbell Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 585-1210 BishopFoley.org Bishop Foley is a co-educational high school with advanced national accreditation through North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. Founded in 1965, it has an enrollment of 400 students and offers a wide range of opportunities in academics and athletics. The school has a full-time Campus Ministry Director to foster spiritual activities and teacher and peer tutoring. Bishop Foley has amassed more than 50 athletic championships and has a dual enrollment program with the University of Detroit Mercy for Engineering and Leadership classes. Bishop Kelley Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 926 W. Nepessing Street Lapeer, MI 48446 (810) 664-5011 BishopKelleyLapeer.org All faiths are welcome at this co-ed school instituted by the Immaculate Conception Parish community and accredited by the Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association. The school, which boasts a family-type atmosphere, was founded in 1950 and has about 230 students. There is also a preschool for children as young as 3. The school is affiliated with Immaculate Conception Parish in Lapeer. Brother Rice All Boys High School 7101 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 833-2000 BrRice.edu Founded in 1960 by the Congregation of Christian Brothers of Ireland, Brother Rice is a private, fully accredited, four-year Catholic college preparatory school for young men. Brother Rice High School fosters the spiritual, intellectual, cultural and moral development of its students. The Brother Rice community promotes excellence through an environment conducive to life-long personal growth, and responsible, moral decision making in a Christian atmosphere. The Brother Rice student body is composed of over 600 young men with a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, talents and interests. Each student is a unique contributor to the Brother Rice family. De La Salle Collegiate All Boys High School 14600 Common Road Warren, MI 48088 (586) 778-2207 DeLaSalleHS.com Inspired by the tradition of St. John Baptist de La Salle, this school is dedicated to the Catholic education of its diverse students, including the poor and disadvantaged. The college preparatory school was founded in
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1926. Clubs and activities range from choir to robotics. It’s a Class A MHSAA member school and also a member of the Catholic League Central Division. Detroit Catholic Central High School All Boys High School 27225 Wixom Road Novi, MI 48374 (248) 596-3810 CatholicCentral.net The school dates to 1928 and has relocated a number of times, settling into its current home on 60 acres in Novi in 2005. The school philosophy is that while textbooks are important (it has more than a dozen AP courses and is accredited through the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), much knowledge can be learned only in prayer. Each student is required to complete Christian Service and at least 95 percent of graduates go onto college. Detroit Cristo Rey Co-ed High School 5679 W. Vernor Highway Detroit, MI 48209 (313) 843-2747 DetroitCristoRey.org Detroit Cristo Rey opened in 2008 as the only co-ed Catholic school in the city of Detroit. The most distinctive feature of this school is its corporate work-study program, which allows students to spend one day per week on real-life work experience in a businesses or organization in Metro Detroit. Across the network, 96 percent of seniors graduated and were accepted to college. The school strives to “break the cycle of poverty” in Detroit by offering a collegeprep education to low-income, center-city students. Divine Child Elementary and Middle School 25001 Herbert Weier Dearborn, MI 48128 (313) 562-1090 dces.info Divine Child Co-ed High School 1001 N. Silvery Lane Dearborn, MI 48128 (313) 562-1990 DivineChildHighSchool.org Divine Child is a co-ed parish school founded in 1958. Equipped with 34 classrooms, a chapel, library, and 500-seat auditorium, it’s the largest co-ed Catholic high school in Michigan. With more than 30 extracurricular activities and AP-level courses available, 97 percent of students attend college. The elementary and middle schools offer many activities including scouting. For athletes, there are 52 teams in 24 sports.
Everest Collegiate High School and Academy Elementary, Middle and High School 5935 Clarkston Road Clarkston, MI 48348 (248) 241-9040 Everest-Clarkston.org Everest, which offers pre-K through high school, uses the Integral Formation method of education, which is built upon the Christian view of the person and focuses on forming all dimensions of the person – their intellectual, human, spiritual and apostolic capacities. In 2012, Everest Collegiate was awarded a spot on the Top 50 Catholic Schools list. The school shares most high school athletics with Our Lady of the Lakes. Gesu Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 17139 Oak Drive Detroit, MI 48221 (313) 863-4677 GesuSchool.UDMercy.edu Gesu is an award-winning co-ed school with about 250 students in grades pre-K through 8. Gesu students are known to give back to the environment by recycling and tending their own garden-to-harvest crops. The school was established in 1925 and is accredited by the Michigan Nonpublic Schools Accreditation Association. Gesu has been recognized by the Skillman Foundation as an improving school. Facilities include an on-site learning center, renovated computer lab and updated library.
programs include Talent Development and Special Services for those who need extra help. There is also the Young 5 Program as an alternative to kindergarten. Holy Name Elementary and Middle School 680 Harmon St. Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 644-2722 school.hnchurch.org A Blue Ribbon school since 2008, Holy Name provides unique classes for boys and girls in grades K-8, and also has a preschool. A variety of teaching techniques are used to meet the different learning styles of its students. Facilities include a media center, music and art rooms and a technology lab. The Holy Name Hurricanes have an outstanding athletic department. The school is accredited by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools and offers after-school enrichment programs. Immaculate Conception Co-Ed Elementary and Middle School 7043 Church Road Ira Township, MI 48023 (586) 725-0078 ICCatholic.org For more than a century and a half, Immaculate Conception, set on the shores of Anchor Bay, has served the northeast Macomb County and St. Clair County communities. It has more than 180 students and a low teacher to student ratio. Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron is an alumni.
Guardian Angels Preschool, Elementary and Middle School 521 E. 14 Mile Road Clawson, MI 48017 (248) 588-5545 GASchool.com A Blue Ribbon School, Guardian Angels students have scored well above the national average and are as much as three full grades ahead of other students at their same level. Unique features of the school include a science lab, a greenroom and Spanish instruction for all grades. The school has about 300 students. An extended day program is available. Guardian Angels has created a new full-day service for their preschoolers.
Loyola High School All-Boys High School 15325 Pinehurst St. Detroit, MI 48238 (313) 861-2407 Loyolahsdetroit.org A Catholic scschool fronthool in the Jesuit tradition, Loyola began as a concerned response to a pressing need in Detroit and its surrounding communities. With strong involvement of parents and staff at every step of the way, its graduates – truly “Men for Others” – demonstrate the level of academic, physical, social, and spiritual growth first envisioned by the school’s founders. Now in its 23nd year, Loyola remains committed to its original mission. It is a strong community of students, parents, and staff.
Holy Family Regional School Elementary and Middle School North Campus Grades K-3 1240 Inglewood Rochester, MI 48307 (248) 656-1234 South Campus Grades 4-8 2633 John R Road Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 299-3798 HolyFam.org Holy Family educates children at two campuses: kindergarten (full or halfday) through grade three in Rochester, and grades four through eight in Rochester Hills. The school has an impressive computer lab, and all students in grades 6-8 receive Spanish instruction. Unique
Marian All-Girls High School 7225 Lahser Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 (248) 644-1750 Marian-HS.org Founded in 1959, Marian is a prestigious college-prep high school for young women with about 500 students. It offers 17 advanced placement courses and 19 honors classes. The Class of 2015 was 100 percent college-bound. Marian athletic teams have been recognized as state champions on 24 occasions. Marian is located next to Brother Rice and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The student-teacher ratio is 16:1.
Mercy All-Girls High School 29300 W. 11 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336 (248) 476-8020 mhsmi.org More than 13,000 students have graduated from Mercy throughout its 60-year history. After graduation, 99 percent of Mercy’s young women attend college – and 88 percent get into their first choice. The school, which has a student body of 750, upholds a strong tradition of competitive athletics in more than 17 sports and facilities that include a gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, full-size track, two fields, and two enclosed softball diamonds. Mercy is designated as an Exemplary Private High School by the U.S. Department of Education. Notre Dame Marist Academy – Lower Division Elementary School 1425 Giddings Rd. Pontiac, MI 48340 (248) 373-2573 Notre Dame Marist Academy – Middle Division Middle School 1300 Giddings Road Pontiac, MI 48340 (248) 373-5371 Notre Dame Preparatory School Co-ed High School 1300 Giddings Road Pontiac, MI 48340-2108 (248) 373-5300 ndpma.org Notre Dame has a co-ed and economically diverse student body with a population of about 1,000. As a college preparatory school it offers a variety of advanced-placement classes and myriad clubs and organizations; graduating classes routinely earn more than $10 million in scholarships. The school is operated by the Marist Fathers & Brothers. It is the only Catholic school in Michigan that offers the International Baccalaureate course of study to students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary and Middle School 1151 William Street Plymouth, MI 48170 (734) 453-3053 IAmOLGC.com Good Counsel has 545 students, 25 teachers and a 1:17 student-teacher ratio. Most teachers have advanced degrees and the school is accredited by the Michigan Nonpublic Schools Accrediting Association. The school is more than 60 years old and offers extracurricular activities from chess to yearbook. It has captured championships in several CYO sports. Our Lady of Good Counsel has a school partnership with a junior high in Nanjing, China.
Our Lady of the Lakes Elementary, Middle and High School 5495 Dixie Highway Waterford, MI 48329 (248) 623-0340 ollonline.org Our Lady of the Lakes Parish School is the only K-12 Catholic School on one campus in Oakland County. Founded in 1956, the school serves more than 650 co-ed students and touts itself as an affordable option. The school offers up a foreign exchange student program and a drama club. Students can earn extra credit by working in the office or library. The college preparatory curriculum includes seven AP classes. Our Lady of Refuge Elementary and Middle School 3750 Commerce Road Orchard Lake, MI 48324 (248) 682-3422 Olr-School.net Our Lady of Refuge offers a Christcentered education for students from pre-K (3-5 year olds) through eighth grade. It offers a fully accredited core curriculum complemented by classes in Spanish, music, art, computer skills and physical education, as well as a wide range of sports and school activities. Before- and after-school programs are available to meet the needs of working parents. Our Lady Star of the Sea Elementary and Middle School 467 Fairford Road Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 (313) 884-1070 StarSchoolGrossePointe.org Star of the Sea offers a wide range of academic and elective programs for preschool through eighth grade. Among its amenities are a computer lab and an extensive arts and music program. Students score highly in most IOWA basic skills tests. Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary and Middle School 24040 Raphael Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336 (248) 476-0977 OLSorrows.com Our Lady of Sorrows is one of the largest elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Accredited by the Michigan NonPublic School Accrediting Association, it offers preschool, half- and full-day kindergarten, and grades 1-8. The school has 33 classroom teachers, six classroom aides, school counselor, technology coordinator, media specialist, development room teacher, and shared-time teachers and a speech therapist from Farmington Public Schools.
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Our Lady of Victory Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 132 Orchard Drive Northville, MI 48167 (248) 349-3610 OLVNorthville.org/school This co-ed parish school has about 445 students with a maximum classroom size of 26. On test scores, students perform well above the national averages and above the average of other schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Students also participate in a special CARE project (Christ’s Arms Reaching Everyone) to benefit the community. Preschool and afterschool faith programs are available.
St. Anne Elementary and Middle School 5920 Arden Avenue Warren, MI 48092 (586) 264-2911 St-Anne.net Founded in 1949, St. Anne has some 600 students in pre-K through eighth grade. St. Anne ranks as one of the highest schools for test scores in the Archdiocese. In national IOWA testing, the school’s fifth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students scored in the top 10 percent, while the second-, third-, fourth- and sixth-graders were in the top 15 percent. Enrollment at St. Anne has increased in recent years.
Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Elementary and Middle School 32460 Pierce Road Beverly Hills, MI 48025 (248) 642-2616 OlqmCatholicSchool.org Accredited by the Michigan Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association, Our Lady has a college-prep curriculum from early childhood programs through grade eight. OLQM, which dates to 1954, provides after-school latchkey for working parents and a student/teacher ratio of 22:1. Competitive and intramural sports teams are available, as are band, choir and scouting. Transportation is provided via Birmingham District buses.
St. Catherine of Siena Academy All-Girls High School 28200 Napier Road Wixom, Michigan 48393 (248) 946-4848 SaintCatherineAcademy.org Just opened in 2011, St. Catherine of Siena Academy is the first all-girls Catholic high school to open in 50 years. The campus is a 137,000-square-foot facility constructed on a 33-acre parcel that includes 27 classrooms and a 400-seat chapel. St. Catherine’s mission is rooted in Pope John Paul II’s philosophy of the “Feminine Genius.” It’s accredited by the Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association.
Regina All-Girls High School 13900 Masonic Boulevard Warren, MI 48088 (586) 585-0500 ReginaHS.com Open since 1956, Regina has a number of endearing traditions for its 463 young women. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and has 38 certified educators, 70 percent holding master degrees or beyond. Virtually all graduates go onto higher learning. Regina is classified as a Class A School and offers 23 Honors and nine Advanced Placement classes. Its brother school, De La Salle, unifies with Regina to create a well-balanced and positive environment.
St. Clare of Montefalco Elementary and Middle School 16231 Charlevoix Street Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230 (313) 647-5000 StClareM.org This co-ed school is the only private school in Grosse Pointe Park. St. Clare of Montefalco is part of the National Catholic Educational Association. The school has a 15:1 student/teacher ratio in preschool through eighth grade. A large number of extracurricular activities and special programs are offered.
Shrine Elementary, Middle and High School 3500 W. 13 Mile Road Royal Oak, MI 48073 (248) 549-2925 ShrineSchools.com Shrine offers elementary, middle and high schools and is affiliated with the landmark Shrine of the Little Flower Church. The grade school is a Michigan Blue Ribbon School and has about 600 students. The attached middle school with about 175 students is known as the Academy. The co-ed high school has about 275 students, participates in the Michigan High School Athletic Association and is a member of the Catholic High School League. It is also home to a dynamic International student base with students from China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Guatemala.
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St. Edith Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 15089 Newburgh Road Livonia, MI 48154 (734) 464-1250 StEdithSchool.com This co-ed school of about 178 students focuses on stressing responsibility and independence to prepare students for junior high and high school. Extracurricular activities include weekly music classes, choir and scouting. The school also participates in the Livonia Share Time Program where teachers specializing in certain subjects teach on site. St. Fabian Elementary and Middle School 32200 W. 12 Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 553-4610 StFabian.org St. Fabian, a Chaldean community favorite, offers preschool through eighth grade for some 385 students. Most teachers have or
are getting their master’s degree and meet or exceed the Michigan Department of Education standards. Paraprofessionals are utilized in kindergarten through third grade, and students in all grades participate in at least one “special” class per day. Students learn Spanish starting in kindergarten. The school offers a wide variety of CYO and intramural sports. St. Hugo of the Hills Elementary and Middle School 380 E. Hickory Grove Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 (248) 642-6131 StHugoSchool.org Operated by the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and located on 30 acres, St. Hugo is a Blue Ribbon Exemplary School with a student population of about 565. Students typically score in the top 10 percent in math and reading tests. Extracurricular activities range from band to scouting to the National Geographic Bee. St. Isaac Jogues Elementary and Middle School 21100 Madison Street St. Clair Shores, MI 48081 (586) 771-3525 StIsaacJoguesSchool.org Established in 1956, St. Isaac Jogues has a population of about 300 students. Special clubs include choir, drama, forensics and yearbook. The school also offers preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds and extended daycare. St. Joseph Elementary and Middle School 715 N. Lapeer Road Lake Orion, MI 48362 (248) 693-6215 StJosephLakeOrion.org Named an innovative model for other faith-based schools, St. Joseph, which dates to 1952, has more than 330 students in grades pre-K through eight. Through the years, the school has doubled the number of classrooms and added a media center, computer lab, science lab, fine arts labs, extended care and state-of-the-art technology. St. Lawrence Elementary and Middle School 44429 Utica Road Utica, MI 48317 (586) 731-0135 StLawrenceParish.com Established in 1931, St. Lawrence has students in pre-K through eighth grades. The school is accredited by the National Catholic Educational Association. The Mustangs play a number of sports, including lacrosse, and before- and afterschool latchkey is offered. The Varsity Cheerleading Team won the winter CYO championship in 2016.
St. Mary Elementary and Middle School 2 Union Street Mt. Clemens, MI 48043 (586) 468-4570 StMaryMtClemens.com St. Mary’s has been a pillar of Macomb County since 1871 by continuing their commitment to serving the community with faith-filled education for children from preschool through eighth grade. The school is accredited through the Michigan NonPublic School Accrediting Association and is a designated Michigan Green School. Music, hands-on science, art, Spanish and computers are part of the core curriculum. Activities include children’s choir, newspaper, national junior’s honors society, children’s ministry and student council. St. Mary’s Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 628 S. Lafayette Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 545-2140 StMaryRoyalOak.org A member of Michigan Green Schools, St. Mary’s Royal Oak is accredited by the Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association. Most of the 220 students are parishioners at St. Mary. The school dates back to 1916 and offers a variety of athletics. St. Mary also has 117 preschool students. St. Mary’s Preparatory All-Boys High School 3535 Commerce Rd. Orchard Lake, MI 48324 (248) 683-0530 StMarysPrep.com St. Mary’s has a day program and boarding school for young men. Dating to 1885, its 115-acre campus has been designated a Michigan Historical Site and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accredited by the State of Michigan Department of Education and nearly 100 percent of graduates go onto college. St Michael’s Catholic School Elementary and Middle School 11311 Hubbard Street Livonia, MI 48150 (734) 261-1455 LivoniaStMichael.org St. Michael’s received the “School of Distinction” award by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools for exceeding standards and effective school improvement in both 2008 and 2011. The co-ed school is aligned with Michigan state standards. Students are strongly encouraged to enter at least one enrichment program such as art, band or drama. St. Patrick Elementary and Middle School 9040 Hutchins Road White Lake, MI 48386 (248) 698-3240 StPatrickSchoolWhiteLake.org St. Patrick has been open since 1957. Advanced programs are an integral part
of the regular curriculum to help students get ahead in their studies. Scouting, ski, drama and chess are among the many club offerings. It’s accredited by the Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association. St. Paul on the Lake Elementary and Middle School 170 Grosse Pointe Boulevard Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236 (313) 885-3430 StPaulOnTheLake.com A designated Blue Ribbon School, St. Paul has roots back to 1887. Students can choose from a wide variety of extracurricular activities including scouting, foreign language, gymnastics and choir. Eighth-graders typically score four years above their grade level on national tests and take advanced placement classes in high school. St. Regis Elementary and Middle School 3691 Lincoln Road Bloomfield Township, MI 48301 (248) 724-3377 StRegis.org Established in 1959, St. Regis focuses on faith, high academic standards, leadership and service. For working parents, it offers an extended care club, as well as afterschool enrichment programs. St. Regis is accredited by Michigan Non-Public School Accrediting Association. Services like remedial reading and speech therapy are offered through Birmingham Public Schools. The church is newly restored. St. Thecla Elementary School Elementary and Middle School 20762 South Nunneley Road Clinton Twp., MI 48035 (586) 791-2170 StThecla.com/school St. Thecla was founded in 1960 and offers preschool through eighth grades. The school participates in the Scrip Corner program, which helps families earn credit towards their child’s tuition. Students enjoy a new media center and many extracurricular programs such as Spanish, music and CYO sports including soccer, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, bowling and cheerleading. The Little Disciples Program is for tots ages 18 months to 3 years. St. Valentine Kindergarten through Ninth Grade 25875 Hope Street Redford, MI 48239 (313) 533-7149 StValentineSchool.com St. Valentine is a Michigan Green School dedicated to achieving environmental goals. The school participates in several CYO sports. It also offers a computer lab, the Accelerated Reader program, a latchkey after-school program and scouting. Currently it serves about 175 students. All curriculum objectives meet the Michigan state standard.
St. William Elementary and Middle School 135 O’Flaherty Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 669-4440 StWilliam-School.com With 200 students, St. Williams excels in competitions such as the spelling bee and the Science Olympiad. Advanced math is available for students in grades 5-8. The school has earned full accreditation by the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools. It also offers a junior kindergarten program.
Farmington Public Schools 32500 Shiawassee Farmington, MI 48336 (248) 489-3349 Farmington.K12.mi.us Farmington Schools have numerous points of pride, including Blue Ribbon schools and consistent winning titles in athletics and music. Their rigorous curriculum has earned several honors, and they are very dedicated to their diverse student body, establishing Welcome Centers for newcomers, going-green initiatives, and International Baccalaureate programs.
University of Detroit Jesuit High School All-Boys Middle and High School 8400 South Cambridge Avenue Detroit, MI 48221 (313) 862-5400 UofDJesuit.org Founded in 1877 as Detroit College, U of D Jesuit is the oldest continuously functioning secondary school in Detroit and oldest college-prep Catholic high school in the city. The high school has about 750 students and the Academy has more than 150 seventh- and eighth-graders. The school has more National Merit and National Achievement semi-finalists than any other Catholic school in the state.
Hazel Park Schools 1620 E. Elza Hazel Park, MI 48030 (248) 658-5200 Hazelparkschools.org Hazel Park has several schools throughout the small district, ranging from the typical high school and elementary schools to alternative education and vocational programs. Hazel Park Schools has enhanced the learning experience with the use of technology, giving each student their own Chromebook. In recent years, the district has also implemented the Promise Zone, providing scholarship dollars to provide an associate’s degree or its equivalent at Oakland Community College.
Public Schools of choice The State School Aid Act of 1979 in Michigan allows schools to enroll nonresident students if there is room and the district is willing. Commonly known as Schools of Choice, it is a recruitment tool that more and more districts are using to boost their numbers – and funding. Schools of Choice have helped a lot of districts educate children who might have otherwise had a poor education in their failing schools and dangerous neighborhoods. SOC students bring their state per-pupil funding with them to their school, while their resident district loses those dollars. It has been a controversial topic in many school districts in Metro Detroit and different districts vary their allowance based on enrollment of resident students. Here are some Schools of Choice with large Chaldean student populations, based on teacher estimates. Avondale School District 2940 Waukegan Street Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (248) 537-6000 Avondale.K12.mi.us Avondale has nine schools covering elementary through high school with students from Troy, Auburn Hills, Bloomfield and Rochester Hills. The Avondale/Oakland University Partnership was established in 2013 where OU teaching students explore methods and models at Auburn Elementary and medical students teach kids about wellness. The district also offers early learning centers for 3-5 year olds. The schools offer a full roster of extracurricular activities.
Lamphere Schools 31201 Dorchester Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 589-1990 Lamphereschools.org Lamphere is one of Madison Height’s two districts. The district has enhanced its instruction with the use of technology and has added a Mandarin Chinese Immersion program beginning in preschool. They have renovated all of their buildings and align their curriculum with the state’s common core standards. They encourage athletics, the arts and community involvement. Madison District Public Schools 26524 John R. Rd. Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 399-7800 MadisonSchools.K12.Mi.Us This small district offers challenging academics and a nurturing environment. They provide state-of-the-art technology, bilingual programs, and specialized math and reading programs. Student leadership and involvement is much encouraged, as is the appreciation for cultural differences. They also offer an alternative school and a “virtual academy” in which students can take online courses. Madison accepts students from Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. Troy School District 4400 Livernois Road. Troy, MI 48098 (248) 823-4000 Troy.K12.Mi.Us Troy supports a quality education with enrichment programs that foster an appreciation for learning, diversity and mutual respect. They offer a complete
K-12 IB program and all schools have received the Blue Ribbon Award. They also previously received an A+ rating from the Detroit News. Walled Lake Consolidated Schools 850 Ladd Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 956-2000 wlcsd.org Walled Lake, one of the largest school districts in the state, has shown significant gains in Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and Michigan Merit Exam (MME) scores, as well as AP enrollment in the high schools. They continuously implement state-of-the-art technology in their instruction and offer a variety of enrichment programs and community-wide initiatives. Like West Bloomfield, it is very diverse and all three of their high schools have been ranked in Newsweek’s list of advantageous schools. Warren Consolidated Schools 31300 Anita Drive Warren, MI 48093 (888) 492-7543 wcs.K12.Mi.Us More than 52 languages are spoken at home by students of Warren Schools’ diverse population. Warren is committed to using technology and providing a wide range of opportunities for its multicultural student body. It offers a strong curriculum in a friendly atmosphere supported by the local community. Sterling Heights High School has been named among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. West Bloomfield School District 5810 Commerce Road West Bloomfield, MI 48324 (248) 865.6480 wbsd.org West Bloomfield is a very diverse district that boasts rigorous academics, engaging programs and a 95 percent graduation rate. West Bloomfield High School, ranked in the top 6 percent of Newsweek’s most desirable schools, offers the most Advanced Placement (AP) classes than any other high school in Oakland County. There are more than 5,500 students enrolled in the schools, which have achieved Evergreen status through the students’ aggressive attitude to being energy conserving. Utica Community Schools 11303 Greendale Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (586) 797-1000 UticaK12.org Utica’s commitment to students can be found in their motto, “Every child achieves.” They have implemented a first-class curriculum and a culture in which students aspire to accomplish their goals. They have 28 Blue Ribbon schools and their students have the highest MEAP, MME and American College Testing (ACT) scores in Macomb County. – Updated by Ashourina Slewo
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 29
back to SCHOOL
The future is now Senior at MSU leads by example BY BIANCA KASAWDISH
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here may be power in titles and status - but that alone does not make someone a leader,” says Mario Kakos. Currently a senior at Michigan State University, Kakos has high hopes of making a difference long after he graduates. He is currently the Student Body President, majoring in political science and minoring in leadership of organizations. A Michigan native, he is the seventh born of eight children in his family, with the goal of leaving people and places better than he found them. “I feel indebted to the people who have come before me and made my life easier. Because of this, I strive to make the most of any opportunity I’m given,” he says. Kakos dreams of making a meaningful impact in the bigger picture, whether that takes the form of public service, a non-profit, or a corporation. He shares that he wants to help others realize they don’t need a title to be a leader or to make a difference in their community. He says, “I am open to things working out better than I can imagine.” His drive began at an early age. His parents worked long hours in Detroit while raising eight children, and their struggle has shaped his life and deepened his humanity in a way they will never know. Inspired by his mother, Lillian migrated to the United States uneducated, illiterate and with nothing to her name. She learned how to drive before learning how to read, sharing stories of how she had to memorize the design of English letters so she could navigate roads. “She’s the strongest, wisest, and most giving person I know. She’s come a long way since then and has shown me what hard work and determination can do to improve one’s life. My mother believes in standing firm no matter the circumstances and facing any challenge head on in order to grow from it,” he says. In turn, he learned firsthand what it means to be resourceful and resilient. 30
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With that same resilience, he believes that the root of many issues in the world we live in today stem from a lack of education. “When an individual is equipped with the knowledge and information they need, they become more confident, more driven and inspired to do better for themselves and those around them. They learn about their likes and dislikes through exposure to different subjects and can move forward with what they’re passionate about,” he says. This goes beyond reading and writing, and the difference can make an impact for generations to come. Kakos shares that it’s about setting a stage, a standard, one that is better than the one before and can set an example for the one after. He believes it is not only a privilege to do better, but a responsibility and duty because of the immense sacrifices our
parents and families have made. “Ultimately, it’s about uncovering the gifts that all of us have within. Education is not just going to school and studying for tests,” he explained. “It’s about the people, friends, teachers, mentors, and the overall experience of learning whether inside or outside of the classroom. It’s about the human connection and the valuable relationships that a child/individual will develop that will carry them through their journey in life.” According to Kakos, mental health and well-being also carry importance. “Having a sound, healthy mind and positive disposition is just as important as having a healthy physical body,” he says. This all goes full circle- from eating well to getting enough rest to doing the things that make you happy. He believes that people should not hesitate, feel embarrassed,
ashamed, or judged to seek professional help if they need it. On the contrary, he encourages it. “It’s unfortunate that there’s still a stigma surrounding those who are struggling with their mental health and this is something I hope to help resolve one day with the help of others,” he says. Balancing it all isn’t easy. Kakos shares that ruthless prioritization is the only way balance is possible. Taking this even further, integration is the key. When it comes to the one thing he wants to make a difference doing, he shares, “The individual that faithfully leads will uplift others through their example. If I can help shift the consciousness around what this means by exemplifying it in my dayto-day actions and see that others are positively affected by it, then I know I’m doing the right thing.”
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CHALDEAN NEWS 31
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Teaching is a two-way street Chaldean teachers on the lessons they’ve learned in the classroom BY MONIQUE MANSOUR
Areej Hakim and her students, Rodney Karromi’s students, and Mary Ann Kassab-Ayar
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reej Hakim of Rochester Hills, Mich. has taught for 14 years. She now serves as a school counselor at Sterling Heights High School. “My most recent position in teaching was teaching English Learners, or EL, for high school students. This was the most challenging and rewarding part of my career,” said Hakim. “I learned so much from our refugees…their bravery and insight are incredibly inspiring. Despite their monumental challenges, they are resilient. They are my heroes.” For Hakim, teaching is in her blood. “My mom taught in Detroit Public Schools for more than 30 years. Her influence and dedication inspired me to help others, too,” she explained. “My brother and sister are educators as well. I’m also married to an educator. I feel fortunate to be able to communicate on a daily basis with these family members. Without their knowledge and guidance, I wouldn’t have been able to stay in the field of education.” 32
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Hakim’s beginning years in the classroom taught her many lessons. “I learned that it’s okay to not know everything. You can always research and continue to learn yourself as the teacher, as you can learn just as much from your students,” she said. “I also learned that one has to dedicate a lot of time and energy into this field, but it’s so rewarding and fulfilling. It makes me proud when my former students reach out to me to let me know how they’re doing.” Rodney Karromi was born and raised in southeast Michigan and is currently a resident of Novi. He’s currently a business teacher at Sterling Heights High School. “I decided I wanted to become a teacher in 2001. I realized that life is short and teaching could provide me with a good work-life balance, so I went back to school to earn my teaching certification,” he said. Karromi’s overarching teaching philosophy is simple. “Be kind. During my first year of teaching, I primarily taught immigrants and refugees
Gabby Mansour, a former student of Mary Ann Kassab-Ayar.
from Iraq,” he explained. “They were wonderful! It was a challenge teaching student in one class that were at so many different learning levels, but being kind and encouraging kindness in the classroom made for a fruitful educational experience for all.” “If there’s advice I can offer to students,” said Karromi, “It would be the following: get involved at your
school! Do your best, respect your elders, and always be reading!” Karromi is also married to an educator, Raneem Jamil. “Rodney and I met at Warren Mott. We were married in 2008 and now have two children, Jude and Julia,” said Jamil. “I currently am a Language Acquisition Teacher at Warren Mott, while Rodney has been moved to Sterling Heights High School within our district. He teaches his students to be fiscally responsible, and I couldn’t be prouder.” Jamil credits her Chaldean heritage for her ability to connect with students. “My Chaldean upbringing has become an asset to me since I started working in Warren Consolidated Schools in 2002. The Chaldean students at Warren Mott High School have treated me like family since day one,” she explained. “They confide in me when they need to because I speak their language and I understand where they are coming from. Over the years, my husband and I have even attended the weddings of former students. To hear
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their stories and to see the impact those years had on forming their futures…our cups runneth over!” For Jamil, her work environment at Warren Mott feels like home. “From the amazing administration, to my fellow teachers, to the smiling faces of the secretarial staff that have greeted me for almost twenty years… when I go to them with an issue brought to me by an ESL student, it is handled with fairness and respect, no matter the size. For that I will always be thankful.” Mary Ann Kassab-Ayar resides in Waterford, Mich. She’s married to her husband Raied, and together they have four children: Olivia, John Paul, Maria Rose and Adam Jude. “I’m so proud to be a mother, a wife, and a teacher,” said KassabAyar. “My mother was an ESL paraprofessional for the Southfield School District for 35 years. Growing up as an only child, I always enjoyed spending time with cousins and friends. I knew that I wanted a family and a profession that was family friendly. I worked my way through college as a hairdresser and manicurist with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. It took me longer because I had to pay for my own education, but the journey helped me become the teacher I am today.” Kassab-Ayar looks forward to the beginning and to the end of every academic year. “September and June are my favorite months. Getting to know each child and embarking on
our journey together in September is so special,” she explained. “June is bittersweet, as it’s sad to see my students go, but knowing that I had a part in their growth fills my heart with such joy! I look forward to each year and each child. I can make a difference in the world one child at a time.” Teaching has many ups and downs, and for Kassab-Ayar, the loss of a student has by far been the hardest aspect of teaching for her. “I was blessed to have been Gabriella Mansour’s kindergarten teacher. She called me when she received her welcome letter. She was so excited and we had a wonderful year. She came to school every day with a smile on her face! She loved learning,” she said. “I recall the last day of school…she told me that she was going to miss me and that she would see me next year. Gabby taught me so much. She is a part of my classroom every day. I am forever grateful for the time I spent with her and for the lessons she taught me.” Gabby and her brother, Alex, died in a tragic boating accident in 2013. Hakim, Karromi, Jamil, and Kassab-Ayar all agree that teaching is a true vocation. For aspiring teachers, Kassab-Ayar offered the following: “God has chosen you to have an important role in the lives of many children that are not your own. You have been entrusted with molding them for their future…don’t forget what a blessing this is!”
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AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 33
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Business-minded Universities across Michigan attract Chaldean students with an inclination for business BY ASHOURINA SLEWO
L
ooking at Alaa Kishmish’s current career trajectory, one would never guess that the business major on the cusp of graduating was once pursuing a career in anything other than business. With a refined acumen for all things business, Kishmish, 24, is looking at graduating in December 2019 from the Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University with a bachelor’s in business administration. The switch from pharmacy to business came after he took on a part time bank teller position at a local bank in Sterling Heights. In his post as a teller Kishmish’s passion for business presented itself and in turn, flourished. “I was at Macomb for about a year and a half when I changed my major from pharmacy to business,” he explained. “It was a complete 180-degree switch, but I was honestly very happy with the choice I made.” For the last five years, Kishmish has continued to excel at the local bank, further fueling his love for business. Starting as a part time teller, he advanced to a full-time relationship banker. After just a couple months, he was promoted and became a supervisor. Today, Kishmish is the assistant manager at the Warren branch. Through his work at this financial institution, Kishmish has established a number of long-lasting relationships that have ultimately contributed to his passion for business. “After being fortunate enough to work at the bank, I met a lot of great people and I have had many great mentors and they taught me how important it is to build relationships with your customers,” he explained. “It made me want to be a business major after I saw how many relationships I was able to build in this field.” Between Sterling Heights and Warren, the Chaldean community continues to grow. This growth is reflected in the bank’s clientele and not lost on Kishmish. A fluent speaker of both Aramaic and Arabic, Kishmish finds himself working with Chaldean customers regularly. This ability to 34
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help his community, he says, is rewarding beyond measure. “There are so many Chaldeans that actually come to my bank and they will wait the extra 10, 15, 20 minutes to work with me,” he explained. Having come to the United States from Iraq in 2008, Kishmish finds himself relating to his Chaldean customers as many are new to the country and just trying to find their way. “It honestly has opened my eye to how many of our Chaldean neighbors and brothers and sisters actually struggle when they first come to America,” he said. “I honestly, at this point can say I am a part time assistant manager, full time therapist and guidance counselor and translator.” For this young student, seeing his customers thrive in their new home is just another perk of the job. “Having the opportunity to help them come up with financial plans to
actually meet their goals and having them tell me ‘hey, we finally saved up for that car, we finally got approved for a mortgage’ after I helped them repair their credit, all of those stories are the reason I am in business,” he explained. “I love helping people and making a difference in their financial lives.” In 2017, the Sterling Heights resident found a second home at the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Like his work at the bank, Kishmish found that establishing and fostering relationships would be imperative to his success. With this, and the desire to continue his progression, in mind, Kishmish applied to become a student ambassador for the school of business. In order to be considered for the position, applicants were required to submit a written proposal and three letters of recommendation. Kishmish came highly recommended by the chairs of finance and accounting. The applicant pool was pared down
from 76 to 23 applicants. Ultimately, only 10 students were selected. Kishmish was among those chosen. As a student ambassador, Kishmish is tasked with representing the school in a variety of volunteer capacities both internally and externally. “As an ambassador I have had the opportunity to meet Chris and Marian Ilitch and take them on a tour of the terrace; I showed them how different classrooms are organized and how they are set up,” he explained. “They were very impressed. Seeing their faces and their reactions to how well it turned out has honestly been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a student ambassador.” Reflecting on the last five years, Kishmish is thankful. Thankful for the job that ultimately changed his mind and his path, leading him to the Mike Ilitch School of Business where he has thrived. “My journey at Wayne State has been extremely rewarding. I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with so many different people that I would not have otherwise met,” he explained. “Some of my closest friends, colleagues, and people I network with I met through the school of business. I would not have been able to do any of this if I had not been at Wayne State; it has provided me with several opportunities.” Despite starting out as a pharmacy major, business, says Kishmish, is in his blood. “As Chaldeans, business is in our blood,” he said. “Growing up, I had a lot of family members, cousins, uncles, and aunts who owned a lot of businesses – the most stereotypical ones are liquor stores and gas stations, but they do own them and I grew up around them.” At just 15 years old, Kishmish worked alongside his cousin at his store. “Seeing that and seeing his entrepreneurship was very formative and positive for me.” Post graduation, Kishmish has his sights set high. “I envision myself working in
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ness, she says is the perfect fit for her to learn and develop her abilities in the field of business. From the curriculum to the alumni network, Ross makes the most sense for the college freshman. “Michigan’s Ross School of Business was my first choice because it is ranked fourth among other undergraduate business programs,” Esshaki explained. “The curriculum is based on learning by doing, which is very beneficial for students. Also, the Michigan alumni system is so extensive and I feel that I will be able to connect with many people across the nation.” Looking to the future, Esshaki hopes to utilize her degree in either marketing or the management of a large and reputable company. However, nothing is quite set in stone for the student who has four years at the University of Michigan to look forward to. “After Ross, I will most likely apply to law school for my law degree as well,” said Esshaki. “I don’t have an exact plan post university, but I am not stressed. I am sure I will discover my strengths and weaknesses over the next four years at the Ross School of Business and I am excited to see how it all turns out.” In the meantime, Esshaki is filling her free time before she heads to Ross with some light reading that doubles as preparation for the years of business school ahead. “My current involvement in the world of business is reading many articles about the successes of business leaders in Forbes,” she explained. “I am currently reading a book called Girl CEO by Katherine Ellison which highlights many women in the world of business and how they were successful by following their passions, which is inspiring.”
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CHALDEAN NEWS 35
sports
Perspiration and inspiration Albion College swimmer Andrew Jonna is making a splash in the pool and the classroom BY STEVE STEIN
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ndrew Jonna decided to attend Albion College because of its business program and small class sizes. Joining the men’s swimming team was a distant second place. After a year at the private liberal arts college that only has about 1,500 full-time students and an average class size of less than 19 students, Jonna has changed his tune about swimming. “I’ve made so many good friends on the Albion swim team,” he said. “I’m doing a lot more work than I’ve ever done when it comes to swimming, but I’ve learned if you can get through it, it pays off.” Work is a word Albion men’s swimming coach Nick Stone uses often when talking about Jonna, whose specialty is breaststroke. Stone, headed into his second season as coach, said Jonna came to the Albion team last year not as a freshman who could make an immediate impact, but one who had the potential to do well. Jonna swam at Detroit Country Day School for four years, qualifying for the state meet in the 100-yard breaststroke three times. He also was a member of the Birmingham Athletic Club summer swim team for eight years. That’s not an extensive resume to carry into college swimming. “Andrew needed to make some changes in his techniques, but we knew if he put in the work, he could have success,” Stone said. “He improved greatly, mainly because of his hard work. Andrew’s hard work was an inspiration to the entire team.” Jonna finished fifth in the 200yard breaststroke in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association meet in 2:08.96 after swimming a lifetime-best 2:08.30 in the prelims. He also tied for first place in the consolation heat of the 100 breaststroke (1:00.30), helping the Britons win their second MIAA championship in three years. Jonna was also 12th in the 1650 36
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freestyle (17:36.07). That was a huge event for Albion because the Britons took over first place in the meet for good by placing five swimmers in the top 13. Wait, Jonna swam the 1650 freestyle? Albion needed another swimmer in the event, Stone said, and Jonna was glad to help out even though the event was new to him. “Anything for the team,” Jonna said. Stone said Jonna is a great team-
he learned and keep getting stronger physically.” Academics are also going well for Jonna at Albion. The 20-year-old from Bloomfield Hills made the Dean’s List both semesters last year and he has a 3.67 grade-point average. He’s an accounting major in the college’s Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management. “Country Day really prepares you academically for college,” Jonna said. “You’d better learn time man-
Movie night What does Albion College sophomore swimmer Andrew Jonna do to calm his nerves the night before a big meet? “I watch a random movie on Netflix on my iPad,” he said. “I don’t pick what you would consider a motivational movie.” Indeed he doesn’t. Before this past season’s Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association meet, Jonna watched “Incredibles 2.” A previous selection before a big meet was “The Hangover.” Breaststroke photo caption: Andrew Jonna specializes in breaststroke for the Albion College men’s swimming team. mate, and not just because he was willing to leave his swimming comfort zone and give the 1650 freestyle a try. “Andrew is an awesome kid, full of life,” Stone said. “He loves to be around people and he’s so supportive of his teammates.” Stone said he’s looking forward to seeing what Jonna can accomplish in his upcoming sophomore season in the pool. “Andrew really matured as a swimmer last year,” Stone said. “We’d like to see him build off what
agement at Country Day, or you’re not going to survive.” Jonna is doing more than surviving academically at Albion. “That’s because Andrew takes his academics very seriously,” Stone said. Jonna’s parents are Matt and Michelle Jonna. He’s the oldest of three children. His sister Isabella, 18, recently graduated from Bloomfield Hills Academy of the Sacred Heart High School and is headed to the University of Michigan. His brother Mi-
chael, 16, will be a junior this fall at Country Day. All three of the Jonna siblings have swam for the Birmingham Athletic Club team. Because of age limits, Michael is the only one left. Isabella and Michael have each made a splash outside the pool. Two years ago, Isabella traveled to the Amazon rainforest over the Easter holiday as part of a schoolsponsored trip. Michael is the creator of the video chat tutoring app, Ruru, for high school students.
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Help Wanted! Please consider hiring one of our many new Americans. More than 30,000 Chaldean refugees have migrated to Michigan since 2007. Many possess the skills and determination to work hard for you and your organization. The Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF) has a bank of resumes of candidates qualified to do a variety of jobs. To inquire about hiring a New American, call or email Elias at 586-722-7253 or elias.kattoula@chaldeanfoundation.org.
Chaldean Community Foundation Sterling Heights Office 3601 15 Mile Road Sterling Heights, MI 48310 586-722-7253 www.chaldeanfoundation.org
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 37
ARTS & entertainment
JBACH pursues dream, inspires others I think I’m gonna start a new life New life You want the old me? Well I left him behind —JBACH, Old Me BY PAUL NATINSKY
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n epiphany in the form of a surprise phone call changed the course of Jonathon Bach’s life, and he hasn’t looked back since. When he was 19, attending the University of Michigan, singing and playing piano, the now 23-yearold picked up the phone. It was the popular TV music show, The Voice, and they wanted him to audition for a spot. Having quit piano lessons in 8th grade and only beginning to sing seriously at 16, he headed out to Los Angeles at the show’s expense. What followed was an odyssey lasting several months and moving him closer to his dream. The Voice is a show that pits singer-contestants against one another once they are selected by celebrity musician judges who coach them on teams. Bach sang an acapella version of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.” Pop star and composer Pharrell spun his chair after three lines and selected Bach. Pharrell then enlisted rapper and music industry impresario P Diddy to co-coach Bach in the show’s competition. Before that fateful selection Bach made it past the first couple of rounds of auditions. The real competition started in October 2016. Bach made several trips to LA and back; at first for a week or so and then for months. He enjoyed the full Hollywood experience: hotels, chauffeurs and star treatment that included access to the Universal Studios lot. His life was filled with rehearsals, voice lessons, lawyer and record label meetings. “Every artist that makes it onto the show is a Republic Records signed artist. I was at one 38
CHALDEAN NEWS
AUGUST 2019
point signed to Republic Records for at least two songs with them.” He didn’t share his music with his family because he was unsure how it would be received, so they really didn’t know how good he was. Bach, who lost his “battle” contest to another team member, used the experience to launch a budding pop career. Before his run on The Voice, Bach sang in a school-based acapella group at UM. The Voice talent scouts saw some of his taped performances and recruited him to audition. Keeping his audition a secret—he told his cousin and piano accompanist they were going to an open mic night— Bach made the cut and headed to Los Angeles. “It was crazy,” said Bach. “I was not looking for it. I doubt I would ever done it on my own. So it was completely out of the blue.” His “battle” contest was the first time his parents saw him perform and they were blown away by their son’s talent. They supported his ambitions from that point forward. Bach said his experience on The Voice was the first time anyone treated him like an artist and told him that was what he was meant to be. “It was crazy, it was like full immersion; you know like when people go to Spain and then after three months they can speak Spanish, they come back and tell us how they eat paellas and they are all changed and stuff? It was like that, but for music,” he explained It completely turned everything upside-down for me.”
From Jonathon to JBACH Losing on The Voice was hard to take, but Bach took the praise and encouragement he earned on the show, reinvented himself as JBACH and moved to LA to pursue his dream. In the four years JBACH has been in LA, he has released two singles, “Old Me” and “Taste.” His funky pop style and clever confessional lyrics are infectious, but they have come at a high price. JBACH spends most of his time writing and composing in the same apartment he leased when he moved to LA. He once wrote 22 songs in 21 days. So far, he has only deemed three worthy of recording. His newest single, “When The Dark Comes,” is soon to be released. A video of “Taste,” was due out in July. Both “Old Me” and “Taste” are available on Spotify, Apple Music and other streaming services. Among the highlights of JBACH’s career is a January 2017 opening act gig before 3,000 fans for an Ohio performance by indie pop stars the Chainsmokers. Tempering the rush of that experience was JBACH’s frustration that he only had one song and some mixes to play. While he has redoubled his commitment to writing, he has eschewed performing other artists’ music to continue to work on his own, working “every job under the sun” to make ends meet. His labors have included being duped into a telemarketing job and teaching music. “The starving artist life is very real, I’m telling you,” he said. “It makes you work harder because you are funding everything yourself.”
Chaldean Celebridom As he continues the long climb on the ladder to pop stardom, JBACH has become a celebrity in the Chaldean community, a phenomenon he calls “Chaldean celebridom.” He has appeared on the cover of the Chaldean News. People come up to him all the time—even at a wedding performance in San Diego. “I feel like a cool ambassador for the Chaldean people because people will ask, “what are you.” We’re Iraqi Christians. It’s so cool to explain that and tell people what it is.” JBACH said he has received a lot of communication from Chaldean people, especially after “Old Me” came out and people said they could relate to it. “It’s about doing your own thing, so every Chaldean who is not a dentist, doctor, lawyer or pharmacist can relate to it. “The Chaldean people had to come here from Iraq and make a life for themselves and our generation shouldn’t be afraid to go where we need to go and make our own careers the same way our ancestors did.” His Instagram account is loaded with young and older Chaldean people inspired by his example. “My mom told me about a friend whose kid left everything behind for Mission work, based on my telling people to go forward and do what they want to do,” Bach explained. When he hears that people have shed their self-consciousness to pursue their dreams, he said, “it touches my soul.”
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CHALDEAN NEWS 39
ECONOMICS & enterprise
Supercuts gets a makeover BY LISA CIPRIANO
M
40
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AUGUST 2019
Supercuts - after FUTUREWAVE IMAGES
etro Detroit area Supercuts salons are ready for the busy back-to-school season after undergoing major growth and a makeover of their own. A Birmingham-based ownership group of nine Chaldean entrepreneurs called Super C Group, led by private equity group firm Vision Growth Partners, is growing and improving the Supercuts brand after acquiring 65 Michigan based salons from Minneapolis-based Regis Corporation. In addition to purchasing 13 Supercuts stores in Michigan, Super C Group is taking, what were once BoRics, Hair Master and Fiesta Salons, remodeling them and converting them into Supercuts salons. They also are in the process of opening 10 brand new Supercuts locations in Michigan. The Michigan locations along with a number of franchisee and salon acquisitions in Ohio has made Super C Group the largest Supercuts franchisee in the Midwest with a total of 190 stores. Adrian Shayota, director of operations for Super C Group/Alline Salon Group, is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Supercuts locations in Michigan. “It’s a good brand and a strong name with lot of marketing already behind it. It was really kind of an easy decision to jump on board,” explained Shayota. Another major draw in the decision to acquire the brands was the quality of the existing 430-plus employees of the Michigan salons who came along with longtime, devoted clientele. “You don’t see many industries where people are around for 25 or 30 years. The average tenure of our existing employees is over ten years. We took on every single stylist, every salon manager and a majority of the district leaders as well,” Shayota said. In fact, Super C Group has made it a mission to not only invest in the salons, but also their employees by making their workplaces more modern, ergonomic and comfortable with a fresh new look from top to bottom
by installing new floors, walls, work stations and reception desks. The stores also are being equipped with Wi-Fi internet. “It’s 2019 and the old stores didn’t even have internet for their customers if they wanted to show their stylist a haircut that they wanted on their phone. They can do that now,” explained Shayota. Super C Group/Alline Salon Group also is able to provide their employees a more responsive upper management that is locally based. “That’s a very big benefit to our staff. They don’t have to call Minneapolis to get something done. We’re here and right around the corner to help,” said Shayota. “I’ve already visited every single salon personally,” he added. That personal touch, better healthcare benefits, a 401K plan, one of the most aggressive commission plans in the industry and new life breathed into what were sometimes old, outdated salons make for both happier workers and customers. They’ve even started a new Facebook group for employees to interact with one another and share photos of their newly renovated salons. “We’re all about the team. We want to keep our stylists happy, they’re my customer, and that boils down to the customers walking in
Supercuts - before
and walking out happy,” Shayota explained. In fact, Super C Group boasts a mere 6 percent turnover rate during the acquisitions and renovations that have closed some locations for a number of months. With all of this growth, Supercuts also is actively recruiting fresh, new talent to fill its newly acquired and expanding Supercuts salon portfolio by spending thousands per month on ads on job search websites and regular visits to local cosmetology schools and beauty colleges. “We visit all of the local beauty schools at least once a month. We’re right there to get the best, new talent as soon as they graduate,” said Shayota. All of this work and investment taking place since the official announcement of the acquisition just last September has put Michigan’s Supercuts locations in position to tackle the busy back-to-school season and possibly make some new, future lifelong clients. “It’s one of the busiest times of the year and we’re ready for it with a lot of marketing being done digitally and with $5 off coupons for kids. It’s a huge time us and we’re very excited about it,” said Shayota.
Back-to-school time often means entire families coming in for their own fresh new looks and the price must be right to fit the family budget. “Our prices are a lot lower and much more affordable than private salons. We’re at mid-price point level with an average of $16.50 for a simple haircut. But, unlike our national competitors that lowball their prices and have time limits on their haircuts, we do not. It’s all about the quality of the work,” Shayota explained. Keeping up on all of the latest cut, color and style trends is most important to maintain that quality of work and keep a cut above the competition in the salon industry. “We’ve instituted new, top-ofthe-line training that this brand has never had before which includes Paul Mitchell coming in every month to teach our stylists new techniques and about new products,” Shayota said. “Our goal is to have or stylists and customers stay with us at least another 30 years,” he concluded. If you’re interested in learning about a career at a Michigan Supercuts Salon you can visit: https://allinesalongroup. com/ or simply email your resume to hr@allinesg.com.
chaldean on the STREET
Back to school prep BY HALIM SHEENA
For some, it feels like the summer has only just begun, but for others, it is quickly winding down as they look ahead at the upcoming school year. We asked members of the community how they prepare for the start of school.
To prepare for the upcoming school year, I make sure I’m registered for my classes, gather my supplies, purchase my parking pass, and dedicate the school year to Our Lady of Good Studies. Surrendering my education to Mary gives her full permission to aid me and get me through the difficult and successful parts of academics. – Rosemary Joseph, 22, Sterling Heights
To prepare for my upcoming school year I make sure I’m in the correct classes, and buy all the pens in Target because I can’t control myself. I make sure I have all the correct supplies for each of my classes and talk to my counselors to make sure they are the right class for me. As well as making sure I have done all the summer homework well before school has started. – Breanna Zaitouna, 16, Troy
I prepare for the upcoming school year by making sure all of my summer responsibilities have been accomplished. Also, I ensure that my classes are correct and registered, my supplies are bought for each class, and everything is packed for me to move into my dorm. Throughout this preparation, I pray that the upcoming school year will open more doors for my education. – Rogina Hanna, 18, Ann Arbor
During undergrad I usually waited to school supply shop until after syllabus day so I know exactly how the professor and class set up is like. During grad school, I have to prepare my apartment for my day to day life and just follow my pre-made schedule. Before school starts, I always try to give myself a week or two if I’m not taking summer classes to relax so I can go hard during the school year. – Zena Alsaraf, 22, Sterling Heights/Indianapolis
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” -Nelson Mandela. As a Biomedical Science major, I prepare for the upcoming school year by setting personal and educational goals each semester. Additionally, I research effective study habits, such as finding a quiet and well-lit room to study. I also make an effort to send out an introductory email to all of my professors in order to open the gates of communication. Most importantly, I pray for God’s gifts of wisdom, perseverance, and knowledge throughout the school year. – Julia Hanna, 19, West Bloomfield
Preparing for the upcoming school year in college is different than when I was in high school. To prepare, I visit Mysail to review my courses and review the books and materials. Usually, I try to purchase or rent any books I need prior to class. I also purchase any lab materials or such for the course. One important way for me to prepare for the upcoming school year, is reading the course syllabus. Through the syllabus, I can prepare for exam days and plan my schedule based upon that. – Leena Yaqoo, 20, Sterling Heights
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 41
classified listings LIQUOR LICENSE FOR SALE Liquor license for sale in Oakland county 248-464-7844 BUSINESS FOR SALE FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS half interest for sale in southern metro Detroit. Must obtain new financing. Seller retiring. $800,000 (248) 338-0869
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE BEAUTIFUL WEST BLOOMFIELD COLONIAL ON A QUIET CUL-DE-SAC LOT. Attached garage, first floor laundry. Large private back yard with deck. Full basement. 4 large bedrooms, with den or 5th bedroom. 3105 total square feet. Move-in ready. $385,000. Contact Robert Alpert at (248) 894-1167.
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SNAPPING TURTLES BY SALLY WENCZEL
SNAP!
The powerful jaws of the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina, clamp shut on the leg of an injured duckling. The small duck eventually gives up and becomes part of the food chain, a prize meal for a snapper. Turtles have lived on Earth for a very long time. More than 200 million years ago, turtles shared our planet with dinosaurs. On the constant search for food, turtles evolved intelligent ways to sneak up and attack their prey. They are predators and scavengers. “Snapping turtles do have a very strong jaw. They are designed this way to better protect themselves,” said Lauren Azoury, Park Naturalist at West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission. They also have very sharp claws. Common snapping turtles live in Michigan’s ponds, lakes and rivers. They feed on dead animals, insects, fish, birds, small mammals, amphibians, and lots of aquatic plants. When they’re not hunting for food, snappers can be seen digging holes on the land. Females are looking for a safe place to lay eggs. They lay up to 30 eggs at a time! That’s a lot! Have you ever stood on the end of the dock in a nature sanctuary and looked out at the swamp? Did you see that dome of green slime rising up out of the dark water, like a submarine coming to the surface? Snapping turtle shells can be as big as a large pizza! The large, hard shell protects their soft bodies. Turtles have 13 scutes on their shells. A SCUTE is a thickened horny or bony plate on a turtle’s shell or on the back of an alligator. It’s always that special number 13. Different groups of Native Americans have unique names for each scute, which represent the 13 moons of the year. Snapping turtles live a very long life and they carry the story of the wetland and watershed with them. They can live to be 50 44
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AUGUST 2019
years old or more. In that time span, environments can change with new subdivisions, development and pollution. Some wetlands have been completely drained or polluted and turtles are left homeless. “It is very important for us to keep the water free of litter and pollution. If you fish for sport/fun make sure to clean up all of your fishing line so the turtles do not get tangled in it,” said Azoury. Chelydra serpentina’s environment needs your love and protection. So mind the bin and put your trash in! It’s a good idea to ease up on lawn and garden chemicals too, as they eventually end up in the watershed and inside a snapping turtle’s body. If you’ve never had a snapping turtle encounter, maybe one is in your future! Grab a friend and some binoculars and hit the trails of your favorite wetland preserve!
FUN FACTS: • Snapping turtles bruminate, which is the reptile version of hibernate. They are under the ice at the bottom of the pond. They do not move all winter long. • The temperature of eggs buried underground in a nest determines the sex of the babies. • Large adults can weigh 70-80+ pounds (alligator snappers, found in the south, can be much larger) • Their long necks can stretch out half the length of their shell. • Snapping turtles do not have ears on the outside. They have an inner eardrum that picks up low sounds and vibrations.
event
Presbyteral Ordination PHOTOS BY JONATHON FRANCIS
M
embers of the community gathered at St. Thomas on Saturday, July 6 to witness the Presbyteral Ordination of Deacons Perrin Atisha, 26, and Rodney Abasso, 28. The St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Diocese shared brief backgrounds on both priests before leading up to the ordination. Before entering the seminary, Atisha, the son of Steve and Ibtihal Atisha, was studying Psychology at Wayne State University and assisting in his father’s store with things like bill payments, Western Unions, and check cashing. Through this all, he was also quite active within the church. He was very involved at St. 46
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AUGUST 2019
Thomas serving Masses, teaching Catechism, and leading the CLC youth group. The idea of becoming a priest was not a new one, but rather one Atisha had given thought to from an early age. As an altar boy, he thought about priesthood as young boy. He began serving as an altar boy at Mother of God Church when he was just 5 years old. Fr. Boji and Fr. Frank were the priests at the time. A year later, Atisha approached his mother, telling her he wanted to do what the priest was doing. Throughout his childhood Atisha recalls wanting to become a priest. When Atisha made the decision to enter the seminary and pursue priesthood, he was met with love and support from his family. Entering the seminary did not come without its
hardships, though. Overall, Atisha’s family was supportive of his decision to enter the seminary. His mother, however, took this the hardest. Despite this, though, through the last seven years, Atisha has had nothing but love and support from his family. While the newly ordained priest will miss the seminary and his brother seminarians, he is excited to love and serve God’s people. Before entering the seminary, Abasso, the son of Saad and Fatin Abasso, was also in college. Attending Oakland University, he was studying psychology and pre-law while also assisting with his family’s business. It was during his time at Oakland University that Abasso began to seri-
ously consider becoming a priest. It was not until his last year in college that he decided to seriously begin pursuing the call to priesthood. While the initial reaction from his family was not so great, Abasso’s family were front and center to watch their son being ordained as a priest. Leaving the seminary to serve the community, Abasso says he will miss the immense beauty of the main chapel and the time he spent there in prayer. Nevertheless, the newly ordained priest is looking forward to offering the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of confession. Taking on their new roles, Fr. Perrin Atisha has been assigned to St. George in Shelby Township and Fr. Rodney Abasso has been assigned to St. Thomas in West Bloomfield.
AUGUST 2019
CHALDEAN NEWS 47