THE LEADER FOR THE ALUMNI, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS OF COVINGTON LATIN SCHOOL
SPRING 2021
IN THIS ISSUE LATIN’S LEGACY: SERVANT LEADERSHIP // 2020 ALUMNI AWARDS // MIRIAM GERLACH MEMORIAL
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A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends:
shared their prayer intentions before the opening prayer. I realized that the connection between them is paramount: when you read about the need for children to be in classrooms in person, know that being able to share their hurt in putting down the family pet or having a grandfather stricken ill is the key to being able to get through such hurdles in life. As they prayed together, each child could feel the solace of having friends close to them physically and emotionally, the balm to get us through these difficult times.
At the beginning of February, we celebrated Catholic Schools Week highlighted by a Mass with Bishop Foys in which our students participated serving as Pontifical Servers, readers, and our alumnus, Deacon Jerry Franzen ‘60 assisting the Bishop. As I spoke with another alumnus, Stephen Koplyay ‘78, about his time at CLS and the intimate connection with the Cathedral, I realized how central Covington Latin School students are in the diocese, the Cathedral, and in producing leaders for our community, the Catholic church, and for our nation. In this odd year, I have been blessed to not only see the dynamic interaction in our classrooms, but also meet many alumni from different eras of Covington Latin School. From the stories I have heard, I know there have been seismic changes at times in our long history, but I also see the rich connection between the education given by the priests and nuns, and the timeless pursuit of goodness, discipline, and knowledge today in our classrooms.
I am hopeful that our prayers will allow us to return to those precious days when such minor things as being able to hug our friends or congregate with others will be routine again. Until then, I thank Jesus for blessing me with the honor of being one of you. Sincerely, John P. Kennedy, Ed.D.
In this issue, you will see the recipients of our alumni awards for last year: Obviously, we did not congregate, but still found time to honor each of them for their service and leadership. As I met these people who have served Covington Latin School and others after graduation, I know the values inculcated during their time here have allowed them to be of service to so many in our communities. Faith is central to our days here: today I walked into a classroom where the students
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THE LEADER TABLE OF CONTENTS
SPRING 2021
FEATURES
UPCOMING EVENTS May 22 July 22 September 18 October 21
Servant Leadership ...................................................... 6 Miriam Gerlach ........................................................... 8
Graduation Golf Outing Grand Event Alumni Banquet
2020 Alumni Awards ................................................. 12 Pontifical Honors ....................................................... 16
CLS
IN EVERY ISSUE Letter from the Headmaster ....................................... 2
GOLF
School News ................................................................. 4 Alumni News .............................................................. 10
OUTING
Class Notes .................................................................. 17 In Memoriam ............................................................. 18 Letter from Advancement ........................................ 19
TWIN OAKS GOLF COURSE
MISSION
JULY 22
The Covington Latin School is a Catholic institution prompted by the gospel message of Jesus Christ to accelerate the unique abilities of its students by fostering an environment rich in belonging, classical in thought, modern in approach, which cultivates leadership in service to others.
SHOTGUN START
9AM
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Dr. John P. Kennedy, Headmaster Matt Krebs, Dean of Students Stephanie Tewes, Dean of Studies Erin Stone, Guidance Counselor Amy Darpel, Director of Advancement
SIGN UP: www.one.bidpal.net/clsgolfouting
CONTACT
DISCLAIMER: Some photos used in this issue were taken prior to the pandemic
Please direct all Letters to the Editor, address changes, or other correspondence to advancement@covingtonlatin.org or to: Covington Latin School 21 East 11th Street Covington, KY 41011
FOLLOW US 3
SCHOOL NEWS A hearty congratulations to John Greelish ‘25 for winning the Covington Latin School Spelling Bee. He will represent CLS at the Scripts Howard Spelling Bee in February. Good luck, John! Prep 7 students Anthony Bohannon, Truitt Moore, and Brenna Fredrick were selected to represent Covington Latin School at Leadership Day sponsored by the Museum Center in March. Way to go! Brady Boyer ‘22 and Anthony Brown ‘23 were selected to the West Point Society Leadership and Ethics Seminar. Olivia Brown ‘23 and Lily Hagan ‘23 will be representing Covington Latin School at the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program this summer. Covington Latin School Junior Classical League won the club of the month for November and December for their efforts to keep the CLS Chapter active during the pandemic. They have hosted halloween-inspired events as well as virtual opportunities to keep our students engaged. Art Students Mia Ionna ‘21, Laurynn Smith ‘21 and recent alums, Daniel Zalla ‘16, and Maria Bossert ‘18 created a mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe that was dedicated by Father Maher at the Rose Garden Home Mission. Covington Latin School was selected as the Nonprofit of the month by Dressman, Benzinger, and LaVelle Law Firm to present at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Eggs and Issues. The CLS Student Y Club participated in a virtual Kentucky State Assembly. Our delegates earned several awards. As a group, they earned the distinction of the Premier Delegation. Ella Thornberry ‘21 was awarded the Outstanding Speaker; Jack Wilburn ‘21 was awarded the Outstanding Speaker. Finally, Greta Koszarek ‘22 was named the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court for the 2021 state assembly. Congratulations, delegates! Kaylee Johnsonbaugh ‘23 and Ella Thornberry ‘21 com4
peted at the Cross Country State Meet. They were also each awarded the Northern Kentucky Fall High School Athlete of the Week. Ian Giblin ‘23 was also nominated for the award. Jay Kroger ‘22 was selected as the winner of McConnell Center’s “Who is Your Hero from American History?” essay contest. He was featured on the McConnell Center’s podcast for his essay on Henry Johnson. Sophia Yanis ‘25 is a synchronous learner from Eastern Kentucky. Sophia participated in the 4H Livestock show. She did amazing and came away with several first place ribbons for Showmanship and Best in Breed for her chickens. She also competed at the UK Confucius Institute’s 10th Annual Moon Festival Art and Essay Competition that received over 100 artwork and essay submissions from K-12 Chinese language students across Kentucky. Sophia submitted a piece of artwork that took 2nd place! Way to go, Sophia! Ally Knotts ‘21 was selected to participate in the Regional Youth Leadership Program. Covington Latin School was featured in NKY Magazine for our response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
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LATIN’S LEGACY: SERVANT LEADERSHIP
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C
ovington Latin School has had a long tradition of servant leadership. As part of our theology program, students are required to do service hours each year. Each year, the service hour requirements change to reflect the abilities of our students. By Junior year, students go into the community to help tutor students, visiting nursing homes, and working at Rose Garden Mission.
Society then picks organizations to nominate to receive a $1000 grant from Magnified Giving based on their experiences in local nonprofits. Over the years, CLS has donated thousands of dollars on behalf of Magnified Giving and raised funds to add to the gift. Some of the groups that have received grants over our seven years are: The Diocesan Children’s Home, Cinderella‘s Closet, The Parish Kitchen, and the Rose Garden Mission in Covington.
With so many clubs and annual activities put on pause this year, our students dedicated themselves to the service of others. Ms. Tewes, CLS’s Dean of Studies, coordinates all the outside service projects for Covington Latin School. Eight years ago under her leadership, Covington Latin partnered with an organization called Magnified Giving. Magnified Giving’s mission is to teach students about philanthropy by actively engaging them within the community. Students choose from an extensive list of organizations to find groups that resonate with them. Covington Latin’s National Honor
So far this year our students have done socially distant service projects at Be-Concerned, the Northern Kentucky Emergency Shelter, St. Vincent DePaul’s Food Pantry, Be-Concerned’s Christmas Shop, Smiles for Seniors, Empower Youth, and See3D. We could not be more proud of our students for all their efforts to make the world a better place!
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Requiescat in pace Miriam Gerlach Miriam “Mimi” Gerlach passed away on June 28, 2020 in Ocala, Florida. She was affectionately known by the CLS community as Frau or Frau Gerlach, teaching German, Social Studies, Speech, and managing the library from 1989 to 2006. She is survived by Garry, her husband of 43 years, and daughters Kristi ’96 and Karin ’98. I sat down with Kristi and Karin to talk about Frau and her time at Covington Latin School as part of an ongoing series of articles by the CLS Alumni Association about former faculty and administration.
Explaining Frau’s involvement in all things CLS, Karin shared that “Mom was so proud of her students, whatever their accomplishments, whatever they won or whatever they tried. She was grateful to be involved because she knew each kid would be spectacular, and she was grateful to be part of their story. The kids were her 3rd, and 4th, and 5th child.”
Karin said it best, Frau “loved everything at Latin School. She lived and breathed the school. Even after retirement, she would have dropped everything to help out.” Kristi shared that Latin School was a community in which Frau found a home. Frau could always be found in the library; it was a place she cherished and made special for the students. If you were looking for your friend, you would check the locker room, the classroom and, of course, the library. The library was where students met during lunch, study hall or tutorial, to work on a paper, during, before and after school - it was a home, a community, curated by Frau to be a space that was welcoming to the students.
Kristi and Karin thought you may have noticed as one of her students that she had a strange seating chart, terrible handwriting, and a fashion sense that never changed. Some of the many qualities we remember about Frau, and part of what made German such an enjoyable class.
As the CLS German teacher, Frau coordinated and coached a generation of CLS students in competitions at the Foreign Languages Festival – where high schools throughout the state of Kentucky still compete for various academic and non-academic categories. Her students regularly swept the field, both in regional and state competitions. One of her favored categories was the German Choir competition which combined her passions for music and German.
Frau rarely seated her students by last name – or rather by the first letter of your last name. There was a system, just never one that was clear – sometimes seating would be ordered by the 3rd letter of your last name, or the 4th letter of your first name converted to a number and subtracted by the 2nd letter of your last name converted to a number. She was clever and creative.
Frau was a ready volunteer, willing to coach or sponsor any team or organization. She coached a variety of Academic Teams and Governor’s Cup Teams. She moderated the Cross Country and Track teams, even though Kristi shared “she never ran.” She organized outings for exchange students.
Kristi explained that when Frau was learning to write, she was left-handed, and the school tied her hand behind her back to make her write with her right hand. It never really took, and she had terrible penmanship with both hands. 8
Frau had a perpetual 80s European look, a style that her daughters say never really changed. Her closet was full of floral prints and wool. When she moved to Florida, she just added more shorts to go with the floral prints.
They credit her with many of their best attributes (e.g. love of travel, art, culture), and some others as well (e.g. Kristi’s clumsiness). They shared that she was really supportive, letting them try anything. “She never denied us an opportunity and encouraged us to expand our horizons – to get out there and try something new. Even when she was disappointed, she never held onto it. She was easy going.” During what was expected to be a simple surgery, doctors discovered cancer throughout Frau’s body. She declined quickly and passed 13 days after finding the cancer. Kristi and Karin were thankful for Frau’s doctors and care team that explored every option to treat her. The doctors were able to keep Frau in a stable condition, long enough for Kristi and Karin to make it to Ocala and spend time with her at hospice before she fell into a coma.
The daughter of an Air Force Master Sergeant and his German wife, Frau learned German in her home as a child. She grew up living on bases throughout Europe, where she developed a love of language, art, culture, and travel. Passions that would continue throughout her life and passed along to her family, and her many friends who became family.
After Frau’s passing, many people reached out to Garry to share their condolences. The Gerlach Family appreciated the many prayers and support from throughout the community. It meant a great deal to Kristi and Karin to hear from so many from the Covington Latin School community – particularly their classmates. It didn’t surprise them that so many people reached out because Frau’s impact never stopped.
As kids, Kristi remembers they would take trips to cities for their Museums – Chicago for the Field Museum, Detroit for The Henry Ford Museum. The daughters have many friends who credit their first museum experience to Frau taking them for a museum day at Cincinnati Art Museum, the Taft or Union Terminal. The family would go almost every weekend.
Garry continues to live in Ocala, Florida, where he has cherished the support he has received from his friends and neighbors. Kristi Gerlach ‘96 lives in Los Angeles, California. She is an Entertainment Project Manager for the L.A. Times. Karin Gerlach ’98 lives in Phoenix, Arizona. She is Campaign Planning Specialist for Circle K – North America.
Travel remained an important part of the family’s life with a few large trips, most recently traveling as a family to Hawaii to celebrate Miriam and Garry’s 40th Wedding Anniversary. In 2012, Kristi and Frau traveled to Germany together to meet extended family. Gary and Fran regularly attended his navy reunions in San Francisco, Texas, and New Orleans.
A special thanks to Kristi and Karin Gerlach for sharing the story of their Mom. I will always remember her big smile and laugh. Gute Nacht, Frau Gerlach.
After retirement from CLS, Frau and Garry moved to Florida to enjoy the beach and the warm weather. The retirement didn’t last long, and she quickly found her way back to the classroom for several more years, teaching middle school social studies from 2008 to 2015. Kristi says she believes her Mom was hoping to recreate the community she found at CLS at this new school.
-Tom Rauf ‘99
Frau never lost her roots as a librarian serving in her retirement community’s libary. She learned to golf – but was still learning. Active in the community, she did everything - water aerobics, golf team, and bunco. Her choir regularly performed concerts, most memorably singing a playlist of Disney songs. Kristi and Karin’s love for their Mom is readily apparent. 9
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
We are Growing!
The Covington Latin School Alumni Association has grown tremendously since it rebooted in 2019 and there always room for more! members. Want to get involved? Contact Amy Darpel, Director of Advancement for information at amy.darpel@covingtonlatin.org
Alumni Board President Elise Elam ‘03 Vice President Anna Pfaehler ‘02 Secretary: Sam Anneken ‘07 Golf Outing Chairs Dave Kramer ‘76 & Kelly King ‘84 Communications Andy Schoettker ‘77 Alumni Directory Greg Foltz ‘65 Board Representative Chuck Finney ‘74 Grand Event Chair OPEN Past President Scott Spille ‘95
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COVINGTON
UPDATE US!
LATIN SCHOOL
One of the goals set by the Alumni Association is to build an alumni directory. Please help us update our records by submitting this form or visiting our website covingtonlatin.org
ALUMNI NETWORK
Submitted by: ________________________________________ Graduation Year: __________________________ Address: _________________________________
ENGAGE
CONNECT
_______________________________________
GROW
Phone : __________________________________ Email: ___________________________________ Occupation/Employer: _______________________ __________________________________________ Schools Attended: ___________________________ __________________________________________
SCHOLARSHIPS
It is the mission of Covington Latin School to never turn away a deserving student due to financial need. We are grateful to those who have established scholarships to help fulfill our mission. • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Engaged __________ Married __________ Name of Spouse: ___________________________ News to share: _____________________________
The Gary Cummins Scholarship The Richard Hellmann Memorial Scholarship The Bob Kohlhepp and Family Scholarship The Ranft and Vesper Family Scholarship The Dennis P. Whitehead Memorial Scholarship The Michael and Andrew Zalla Memorial Scholarship The Dr. James and Marna Zalla Scholarship The Saint Vincent De Paul Society Scholarship The William V. Banks, M.D. Scholarship The Barczak Family Scholarship The Jack LaVelle Memorial Scholarship The Matthew Resing Memorial Scholarship The Wayne Cowens Memorial Scholarship
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________
______________________________________ ______________________________________
If you would like more information on establishing a named scholarship, please contact Amy Darpel, Director of Advancement, at amy.darpel@covingtonlatin.org or call (859) 291-7044. 11
Alumni Awards Class of 2020 ing Ahead: Life, Family, Wealth, and Business after 55 and was quoted in numerous publications regarding financial planning for unwed couples.
Each year, Covington Latin School has the privilege of honoring its own for their outstanding achievements and their dedication to CLS. Sadly, we had to postpone our Awards Banquet in May. We are proud to announce this year’s honorees. If you would like to nominate an alumni who best exemplifies our motto, please contact amy.darpel@ covingtonlatin.org.
Anna was sure she would never leave New York, but she was once again wrong. In 2014, she returned to Ohio and joined Horan to lead the financial planning department. She earned a certificate in business succession planning and the Accredited Estate Planner designation. In 2017, Anna received the NextGen Financial Services Professional Award, a national recognition presented by the American College of Financial Services.
Distinguished Alumna Anna Gier Pfaehler ‘02 After graduating as Valedictorian of the Class of 2002, Anna attended Vassar College, imagining she would study drama. She was wrong. She studied economics and mathematics. In her Junior year, Anna attended the London School of Economics then finished her degree at Vassar graduating with general and departmental honors. She earned membership to Phi Beta Kappa and Omicron Delta Epsilon honors societies and received the Virginia Swinburne Brownell Prize for excellence in economics. Anna began her career at Palisades Hudson Financial Group, thinking that she would work for two years and then return to school. She was wrong again. Instead of a PhD, she earned the Certified Financial Planner™ designation. Anna was a contributing author of the first edition of Look-
The daughter of two business owners, Anna never thought she would become a business owner herself. Remarkably, she was wrong once more. In March 2020, she joined Constellation Wealth Advisors as a Partner and Wealth Advisor. 12
Anna specializes in helping ultra-high net worth families and is humbled daily by their trust. She also serves on several committees and boards for Covington Latin School and Girls on the Run Cincinnati and is an active member of the Cincinnati Estate Planning Council.
captains for the class of 1996. “Teach me goodness, discipline, and knowledge” is a motto that she still lives by today. Michelle shares that it has been 25 years since she graduated from Covington Latin School but is still very grateful for everything that she learned while she was there. You have to work hard for your accomplishments. She has made life-long friendships with some of her classmates and even some of the faculty. She considers herself lucky to be part of such a great school community.
Anna credits the fundamental skills CLS taught her for carrying her along each time she got it “wrong.” Through whatever uncertainties, she has fallen back on her approach to learning and her capacity for hard work – skills honed at CLS. Of course, sometimes you need more than skills. You need friends. Anna considers herself lucky to be able to rely on the tremendous people she has met through CLS as both a student and an alumna. She believes that the greatest gift CLS has given her will always be her husband and classmate David, who faces every turn with a sense of adventure and their children will always be Anna’s greatest joy.
Disciplinam Award Dave Kramer ‘76 The Covington Latin School Alumni Association has awarded the 2020 Disciplinam Award for professional achievement and service to CLS to David Kramer of the Class of 1976. After graduating from CLS, Dave obtained an HAB degree (concentrated in classical languages and humanities) with honors from Xavier University and then received his Juris Doctor degree University of Kentucky College of Law. He joined Dressman Benzinger LaVelle psc (DBL Law) in 1986 and has been a partner since 1994. He chairs the firm’s Civil Litigation Practice Group.
Bonitatem Award Michelle Thompson ’96 Michelle Wagner Thompson ‘96 entered CLS in 1992 in the first class integrated with girls. After graduation, Michelle attended Northern Kentucky University where she studied pre-pharmacy. She was then admitted to the University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy, graduating in 2004 with a Doctorate of Pharmacy. Michelle has worked for Walgreens Pharmacy since 1997 where she is on the front lines helping with the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccinations.
In recognition of his civil litigation experience and his reputation in the legal profession, Dave has been named a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and Litigation Counsel of America. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 lawyers in Kentucky by Super Lawyers® Magazine. He had previously been named one of the Top 50 Kentucky Super Lawyers on two occasions. He has also been named to the Best Lawyers in America for health-care litigation and is rated AV (pre-eminent) by Martindale Hubbell. His publications include the Thomson West two-volume treatise on the Kentucky Rules of Civil Procedure, part of the Kentucky Practice Series. The treatise is often cited by Kentucky’s appellate courts and is widely regarded as the leading reference on the Kentucky Civil Rules. He is also the chief Kentucky contributor to Thomson Reuters “Practical Law” series in several civil litigation areas.
Michelle married her classmate, Sam Thompson in 2004. They have three children: Kayla (14), Lucas (13), and Logan (9). Kayla and Lucas are currently students at CLS. Michelle has been very involved at her children’s schools. She served on the Mothers’ Club board for four years at St. Therese School. She has been the organizer of one of their biggest fundraisers, the St. Therese Walkathon, for the past 4 years. She also served on the board for two years for the parish’s Raise the Roof Gala. At Covington Latin School, she has served on the Grand Event Committee and serves on the Association of Parents and Teacher Board. She and Sam are class 13
In 2008, Dave was appointed by Governor Steven Beshear to serve as a Special Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court. He was elected by lawyers in the Sixth Supreme Court District as their representative on the Board of Governors of the Kentucky Bar Association (KBA) from 2008 to 2014, and served from 2011 to 2014 as the KBA’s representative on the Kentucky Supreme Court Civil Rules Committee. He currently serves as a member of the Ethics Committee of the Kentucky Judiciary. He was elected in 2020 as President of the Salmon P. Chase Inn of Court, and in 2016 was presented the Defense Lawyer of the Year Award by Kentucky Defense Counsel. From 1993 to 1998 he served on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation by appointment of Governor Brereton Jones.
with a degree in Sociology. Tom paid his way through college by working as a musician in the Cincinnati area. Tom excelled in this music avocation. He performed with the house band at a venue known as The Inner Circle, which was a top Cincinnati Nightclub featuring national musicians such as The James Brown Band. During Tom’s musical performance career, he also appeared on a local television broadcast as a solo guitarist/vocalist, invited by Marian Spellman, who had previously attended Tom’s show at a local night club. After studying classical guitar at the UC Conservatory of Music, voice with the renowned Opera Singer Madame Kruse, and keyboard with renowned Cathedral Basilica’s organist Robert Schaffer, Tom decided to make his music avocation his preferred vocation. He served as music director at Holy Cross-Immaculata Church in Mt. Adams from 1974 through 1981. He became the music director and music teacher at St. Pius X Church in Edgewood from 1981 through 2000. In addition, Tom became the music director at Mary Queen of Heaven Church in Erlanger from 2009 to 2018.
Dave has also served on numerous civic and charitable boards and organizations over the years. He has served on the Crestview Hills City Council and the Lakeside Park/ Crestview Hills Police Authority Board since 2000. Charities that he has been involved with besides CLS include the Congregation of Divine Providence Development Board, the Mental Health Association of Northern Kentucky, and the Kiwanis Club of Covington/Kenton County. His service to CLS goes back many years. He has served on the School’s Board of Education as a member (from 1994 to 2004) and Chair (1998 to 2000), and as a member of its Alumni Association Board of Directors (1989 to 1992 and 2019 to present). His volunteer activities for the School include planning and fundraising for the Academic Advancement Fund, organizing and running the Alumni Golf Outing, serving on the the school’s Covid-19 committee, and serving on an advisory committee for management of the School’s endowment.
Over the past 40 years, Tom and his wife Linda (an accomplished vocalist in her own right) provided music at hundreds of wedding ceremonies and receptions in the group known as Oasis, throughout the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.
Dave credits his CLS education with instilling intellectual rigor and mental discipline that set him up for success in college and law school and in the practice of law. He also developed many friendships at CLS that have stood the test of time. His group of friends from the Class of ’76 still regularly get together to socialize.
In 1980 Tom opened a music store (which he still owns and operates) known as The Music House, where musical instruments are sold and private music lessons are provided to students, including many Kentucky Governor’s School recipients. Tom has taught guitar, keyboard, music theory, song writing, choral music, and elementary education music to literally thousands of students in the Northern Kentucky/ Greater Cincinnati area. Tom credits the discipline he learned while at Covington Latin School for his accomplishments in his music career.
Dave resides in Crestview Hills with his wife Diane. They have one child and three grandchildren. Scientiam Award Tom Kohlhepp ’66 Tom Kohlhepp graduated from Covington Latin School in 1966 and went on to graduate from Thomas More College 14
Honorary Alumna Christy Boehmker Christy Lidington Boehmker was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. Christy lived in Erlanger with her parents, Jim and Nina and siblings Nancy, Jenny, Laurie, and Jay. She attended Lloyd High School, Northern Kentucky Vocational School, and Northern Kentucky University. She worked in customer service at Lightcraft and Lunkenheimer. She married Chip in 1981 and Christy stayed home to raise her three boys, David, Danny, and Joseph. She and Chip owned Herb-&-Thelma’s Tavern from 1982-2012. Christy interviewed at CLS when her son David entered Prep 8. She started in the Development Office part-time in 1999, then moved to the front office, retiring 20 years later in 2020. “I loved my kids at CLS. I’ve cried with a few, laughed with many, and chatted with them all. I always have and always will say they are my kids. I loved my time at CLS. I miss my bestie, Kathy, the faculty, staff, and administration. The best in the area! The students at CLS are so lucky to have this building of people who love them. I surely loved them and will miss them everyday.” One of Christy’s favorite memories was when a student asked where she and Kathy learned medical first aid. Their answer- the show E.R.!
sition in the Admissions Office. There she worked from 1974 – 1980. She was married in 1976 to Mike Metzger. Kathy and Mike made the decision that would allow her to stay home while raising their children. They were blessed with three daughters, Heidi, Bridget and Amanda and one son, Michael. Off and on through those years, Kathy returned to NKU to fill in during busy times. In 1994, with all kids in school, Kathy took a part time job with Desmond Insurance. In 1999, an advertisement in the Messenger caught her eye – Part time Office Help at Covington Latin School. Hoping to get back into the education spectrum, she applied and was offered the position. In 2000, she went full time, eventually taking over the position of Office Manager. She retired in 2020. “Being at CLS was a wonderful experience. I met so many people. …. Dedicated Administrators, teachers and staff, gracious parents and talented students. I enjoyed meeting alumni and seeing the contributions they have made to the school and the world at large. I am amazed at the time and effort that was expended by all. It was a family-oriented place, where everyone took care of each other. I am so proud to have been a part of this community. I am truly blessed!”
Christy plans to enjoy her retirement with her three boys and their wives and her sweet granddaughter, Riley, and hopefully a few more. Christy and her best friend and husband “Chip” hope to travel, hang out with friends, and enjoy retirement.
Kathy plans to spend her retirement years being with her large family, including her 10 Grandchildren. She and Mike plan to do some traveling and look forward to new adventures. For now, reading, sewing, crafting and enjoying the alarm-free time is what retirement looks like.
Honorary Alumna Kathy Metzger Kathy Heil Metzger was born and raised in Northern Kentucky. The seventh of thirteen children of Will and Edith Heil, she grew up in South Newport. Kathy attended St. Vincent de Paul Grade school and LaSalette Academy for high school. Attending NKSC (now NKU), she began a work study program in the Admissions/Registrar’s Office. As the college expanded, Kathy was offered a full-time po15
Pontifical Honors Bestowed on Alumni In August, several of our alumni were bestowed with pontifical honors by Pope Francis for their service to the Church. We would like to congratulate the following alumni for this tremendous honor: Charlie Deters ‘46, Mark Guilfoyle ‘76, Deacon Gerald Franzen ‘60, Msgr. Ronald Ketteler ‘53, Msgr. Gerald Twadell ‘ 59, and Msgr. Daniel Vogelpohl ‘67, Tim Fitzgerald ‘63 were awarded The Cross Pro-Ecclesia et Pontifice for distinguished service to the church. Chaplain to His Holiness (monsignor) was bestowed to priests who have distinguished themselves to the church. Msgr. Ronald Ketteler ‘53, Msgr. Gerald Twadell ‘ 59, and Msgr. Daniel Vogelpohl ‘67 received this honor. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MESSENGER
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CLASS NOTES 1930s
1950s
Donald Wulfinghoff ‘57 after CLS, he earned a couple of degrees in physics, served four years in the Navy in the Far East, and started an auto service company.
Bob Schulte ‘38 After graduating from CLS, Bob attended the University of Cincinnati where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He was part of a team that developed the de-Gaussing equipment that helped prevent navy ships from damage due to magnetic mines. Bob joined the U.S. Army at the start of WWII where he served in a variety of roles and experienced significant battles across Europe. He participated in the Normandy invasion, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of once concentration camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his performance as the sole forward artillery observer in a battle when all other artillery observers were knocked out.
1960s
Nick Rechtin ‘68 reports that he is doing well and enjoying life! Richard Volke ‘64 has been married for 50 years and has 4 children and 6 grandchildren. Roger Metzger ‘65 After over 30 years in retail, he retired 6 years ago and moved to Florida. There he still works full time as director of Golf. He has 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Two children live one hour from them in Florida.
After the war, Bob worked for General Electric for almost 40 years. He began as an electrical engineer and subsequently worked as a manager, completing his career as Midwest Regional Manager of the Lamp Division.
Joseph Klingenberg ‘66 is retired and playing as much golf as he can!
1970s
Bob’s wife Rosemary passed away in 1980; his second wife DeLoris passed away in 2015. Bob has three children, including two sons with doctorates and a daughter who is a medical technician. All three children studied Latin in elementary and high school. Bob also has three grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Bob currently resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. While he no longer plays golf, he is an avid sports fan. He follows the news and the stock market. He enjoys Sudoku and the NY Times Crossword.
Gary Goetz ‘70 is now retired but worked since 1977 in the mental health field as a Therapist, Program Manager, VP of Development and Community Relations, Chief of Operations, Hospital Administrator, and consultant. Most of his career was with the local Community Mental Health Center (NorthKey Community Care). He has lived in Northern Ky for all but 11 years of his life. He and his wife remain active and engaged, serving on a couple of boards and enjoying their 3 children and 5 grandchildren.
1940s
Norbert Baumann’47 has enjoyed years of travel in retirement. He enjoys being a grandparent to his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Robert Kendig ‘75 plans to retire around the end of the year after being at the Post Office over 33 years.
Wilbert Ziegler ‘49 is mostly retired as president and senior member of Ziegler and Schneider PSC, attorneys at law. He spends most of his time as CEO of the RC Durr Foundation Inc. which is a private charitable foundation.
1980s
Brian Schuler ‘80 Served Honorably in the United States Navy and traveled around the world seven times. He has had the opportunity to live in exotic places both stateside and overseas. 17
He loves hardware and applications of hardware and has become proficient in software as well. Brian married the love of his life and has three children and three grandchildren. He likes hiking, camping, and stories around a fire. He is an outdoorsman with a flare for electronics.
news to Covington Latin School, 21 East 11th Street Covington, KY 41011.
In Memoriam • David Barth ‘70, father of Sarah ‘98 and Graham ‘01 • Ronald Fragge, MD ‘49 • Dr. Mike Held ‘69 • Sharon Hemsath, grandmother of Isabella Hemsath ‘20 • Carole Hermes, mother of Tyson ‘90, grandmother of Jonah ‘18, Ellyse ‘20, and Zane ‘22 • Herbert Knotts, grandfather to Ally Knotts ‘21 and Karah Knotts ‘16 • Dr. David Kramer ‘51 • George “Skip” Lahner ‘57 • Peter Lobo, father of Stephen ‘98 and Neil ‘04 • Catherine Luken, great-grandmother to Jamie Macke ‘15 and Chris Macke ‘20 • Fr. Paul Nienaber ‘71 • Tom Prieshoff ‘60 • Mark Purtilar ‘76 • Richard Raabe ‘66 • Jim Richardson ‘66 • Fr. Ray Stratman • Anne Vankirk, sister of Mark Roebker ‘83 and Jim Roebker ‘79 • Lee Vesper ‘53 • Mark Wintersheimer ‘78
Martin Dressman ‘81 is self-employed and has worked for 20 years in the securities industry and 34 years in the tax industry. Steve Oldfield ‘83 is a documentary director, professor at Thomas More University, film critic, and public speaker. Jay Metzger ‘87 has been married for 23 years. He works at Deloitte as a Solution Specialist. His wife is a Nurse Manager in the Stroke Unit at Advent Health. Eric Boyle ‘88 lives outside of Washington, DC and works for a global consulting company.
1990s
Susan Winterberg ‘98 works in international relations and responsible investigations. Feel free to connect with her on Linkedin. Lisa Ernst ‘99 is married with 3 children, Hunter (11), Carter (9), and Emmalyn (1).
2000s
Nota bene: We rely on notifications from family and friends for our expressions of sympathy. We regret any omissions.
Julia Guberman Stoeckel ‘01 is now a stay at home mother teaching 3 gifted kids aged 6, 7, and 8 and anticipates all three will attend CLS!
Please contact leighann.divine@covingtonlatin.org to send news of the passing of a loved one
Sam Rodgers ‘08 and his wife Lauren welcomed their first child, Evelyn Rose, in January.
2020
Chris Macke ‘20 is in his first semester at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Aerospace Engineering. Do You Have News to Share? We want to hear from you! Tell us your general news, announcement, engagements, marriages, births, and deaths for inclusion in The Leader. Please email advancement@covingtonlatin.org or send your 18
A MESSAGE FROM CLS ADMISSIONS
Dear Alumni, Parents, and Friends: Looking back at the past year, many can find themselves lamenting on events they have missed or opportunities that were lost. While all of that is true, as a school, we have adopted the motto of patience and kindness. We are focusing on the positive and finding a silver lining to what otherwise is a difficult situation. Instead of focusing inward, everyone at CLS is looking outward on how they can make the best of a situation. Once again, our motto shines through. Our goodness has shown through from our alumni who are front line workers or researchers fighting the virus. Their generosity in the AAF has been overwhelming. With more and more families finding themselves needing financial aid, this generosity is much needed. Our alumni have also worked tirelessly in our efforts to engage our community to help in this common goal. Our students have given their time selflessly to volunteer at regional organizations such as the Food Pantry, Welcome House, and BeConcerned to name a few. They have demonstrated kindness to each other each and every day, either by tutoring students through Zoom or giving a helping hand to those students who have had to miss school. Their goodness is contagious and has extended to the faculty. In the first semester, our faculty delivered Christmas treats to all students, delivered a special lunch to seniors during NTI, organized a toy drive for needy families, and worked tirelessly to make sure every student’s needs were met.
virtual experiences that kept students engaged. Our mixers have been replaced with online trivia games and scavenger hunts. Their ability to be creative and flexible has been an inspiration to us all. CLS has long been known for its academics. Our student’s thirst for knowledge is present regardless of what is happening around them. It is incredible to watch, either in-person or online, the commitment to learn. Our teachers are providing engaging learning experiences and the students are able to maintain the level of education they have been accustomed to getting at CLS. On a personal note, I would like to thank our entire community for the patience and flexibility we have all needed this year. Replacing reunions with Zooms and missing events have been disappointing but on the other hand, we have been blessed with the opportunity to have out of state alumni and students join us for the first time. These are interesting times indeed. We look forward to the bright sky ahead and pray that we will be able to meet in person very soon! Amy Darpel Director of Advancement
This year has not been easy. Students have had to pivot from in-person to NTI on occasion and they have handled it with grace and patience. The discipline it takes to maintain the level of education that CLS requires is not an easy task under the best of circumstances. Our students have risen to the challenge and excelled. They have made the best of situations by modifying events to make them safe and socially distant. Our JCL won a state-wide award for
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