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Catholic High Winter Magazine The Winter Magazine is published by the Lancaster Catholic Advancement Office. Tim Hamer, President Mary Jo Yarris, Director of Advancement Kevin Carver, Director of Strategic Communication Kyla Hockley ‘96, Director of Admissions Betty Isaacson, Advancement Services Coordinator Joe Sahd ‘01, Alumni & Constituent Relations Director Emily Svetecz ‘13, Communications Assistant Lori Wagner ‘83, Special Events Coordinator
Special thanks to all of the contributors to this publication, including: Editor-in-Chief: Associate Editor: Special Contributors: Copy Editor: Printing:
Kevin Carver Emily Svetecz ‘13 Kathy Alton ‘79 Tony Brill ‘80 Tim Hamer Kyla Hockley ‘96 Sue Martin ‘72 Prestige Color, Inc.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, and that it was created with the school’s Mission Statement in mind. A digital version of this magazine is available on our website under the Advancement tab.
Lancaster Catholic Mission Statement
Centered on Jesus Christ, in the Roman Catholic tradition, our mission is to form students who are intellectually astute, passionately faithful and socially responsible.
On the Cover
Clockwise from top left: Victor Fallas ‘20 uses science equipment to learn about measurement. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Lauren Brommer ‘21 & Gabrielle Kambouroglos ‘21 work the registration table at Back to School Night. Alex Cruz ‘20 scores a touchdown during a homecoming shutout. Claire Wolfe ‘19 & Ben Ryan ‘19 share a laugh at Commencement. Lizbeth Stephan plays during a recent halftime show. Design by Kevin Carver.
From the Desk of the President Dear Friends, As we prepare to celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever received—the birth of Jesus, our Savior—we devote these pages to celebrating the many gifts Lancaster Catholic High School has received and given. On October 18, the Cardinal Newman Society notified our offices that Lancaster Catholic High School has been recognized as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School! The Catholic Education Honor Roll is a national program recognizing schools committed to strong Catholic identity. Recognized schools commit to and model the Principles of Catholic Identity in Education (more on Page 4). Once approved, our school received a certificate of recognition good for five years. This nationally recognized status enables schools to tell not just their local populations, but also colleges, universities, and a broad national audience that they excel as outstanding Catholic schools. This honor is not bestowed on every school that applies—Catholic High is among only 53 schools in the nation and three high schools in Pennsylvania—but only on those schools distinguishing themselves in the areas of Catholic identity and academic excellence. Our most abundant gift is our students, and I hope you enjoy these quick snapshots of how well they used their individual gifts and talents this fall. Only a few of the many gifts thousands of our Alumni share each day are also chronicled here. As you will see, Catholic High graduates continue to distinguish themselves as intellectually astute, passionately faithful and socially responsible women and men wherever they go. On behalf of the entire Lancaster Catholic Family, I wish you and your family all the blessings of Christmas and a happy, healthy 2020! Live Jesus!
Photo Credits to LCHS Advancement Office, Eric Forberger, Kinectiv, Abby King/David & Sarah Wedding Co., LifeTouch & Chris Heisey.
Tim Hamer, LCHS President
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Catholic H igh Winter Magazine
Table of Contents
Page Title 4 Lancaster Catholic Earns Cardinal Newman Status 5 Bleistine Claims Honor Crusaders Raise Rainbow Trout on 650 Juliette
6 8 9 10 12 13 14 16
Operation Marine Baby Shower Catholic High Becomes ‘Alive’ West’s Words Inspire Collaboration The Year (So Far) In Photos A Special, Unique Mass Current Crusaders Shine On Fulton’s Stage Fall Athletics Wrap-Up LeBreton Nominated for Prestigious Nursing Honor Klemmer Does It All
17 18 19
Science Gift Zooms In On Opportunities A ‘Palette’-able Affair Special Purpose Entities Help You & Us
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Lancaster Catholic Earns Cardinal Newman Status
Lancaster Catholic was recognized as a Catholic Education Honor Roll School by the Cardinal Newman Society in October. LCHS was one of just three high schools in Pennsylvania to earn the honor. “It is great affirmation for Lancaster Catholic to be recognized by the Catholic Education Honor Roll,” Lancaster Catholic’s president Tim Hamer remarked. “This distinction confirms our commitment to the mission of Catholic education. I applaud the leadership, administration, students, parents, teachers and staff for their hard work in assuring a strong Catholic identity permeates all that we do in preparing our students to be future leaders in both society and the Church.” Lancaster Catholic engaged in a thorough internal and external review of its comprehensive program offerings before being awarded this status. It has received specific recognition for its strong integration of Catholic identity throughout its efforts, including the integrity of its mission and the strength of its community and rich spiritual life. The Honor Roll also recognizes the school’s efforts at integral formation of the minds, bodies and spirits of its students, as well as its comprehensive academic program which seeks to instill a Christian vision of the world and human wisdom and culture. “The Honor Roll is a helpful tool for families and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school,” said Patrick J. Reilly, president of The Cardinal Newman Society. “It is external validation that a school is both focused and successful in meeting the high calling of Catholic schools to serve the well-being and salvation of students and to serve the common good. We are very pleased to have Lancaster Catholic join in the nationally recognized ranks of excellence; this is a select group. The school has well demonstrated they are successful in meeting the key principles that guide Catholic education.” The Cardinal Newman Society has recognized over 300 high-performing Catholic high schools nationwide since the program’s inception in 2004.
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Bleistine Claims Honor
A Lancaster Catholic teacher earned the prestigious Frederick F. Noel Distinguished Educator Award for the second-straight year when Anne Bleistine was announced as the recipient at this year’s Diocesan Conference in August. Bleistine, a 34-year educator, has taught at LCHS for 14 years, including the last five as the Science Department Chair. She received the award from Bishop Ronald Gainer. Last year, Math Department Chair Dave Sharp was the school’s first Noel Award winner. The Frederick F. Noel Award is given to an educator in recognition of Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Only one honoree from the Diocese is chosen each year.
Crusaders Raise Rainbow Trout on 650 Juliette
Anne Bleistine and a freshman member of the Environmental Club release the rainbow trout into their new tank in November.
Lancaster Catholic’s Environmental Club is really diving in this year by rearing rainbow trout as their yearlong project. The students are responsible for cleaning, feeding and testing the water chemistry. Some of the tests include temperature, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and carbonate hardness. One hundred and twenty trout eggs were received in early October and 106 baby rainbow trout hatched and were released from the egg basket to their new home, a 55-gallon aquarium. By March, the rainbow trout should be about four inches long and ready to be released in a Lancaster County stream. Lancaster Catholic High School’s participation in the Trout in the Classroom program was made possible through a unique partnership between PA Fish and Boat Commission and the PA Council of Trout Unlimited. This partnership, coupled with assistance from local conservation organizations, was created to introduce Pennsylvania students to cold-water resources and their importance to all communities. The partnership also provides trout eggs, trout food, technical assistance, curriculum connections and teacher workshops each year.
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Rhonda Beckmann (left) and Keeter Kallam enjoy a wonderful shower at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base.
Operation Marine Baby Shower by Emily Svetecz ‘13
Having a family member in the military can be very overwhelming at times. With a life dedicated to protecting one’s country, the journey to find the feeling of home when moving from base to base around the nation is difficult. And when you add the littlest of babies to the mix, that’s when the longing for home, family, and a support system is irreplaceable. In 2013, Ryan Smith ‘06, was stationed at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base in San Bernardino County, California. It was there when he and his wife Christine discovered that they were expecting their first child, a little boy whom they would name Connor. Riley, Ryan Smith’s sister, is currently a senior at Lancaster Catholic and spoke about her sister-in-law’s struggles of motherhood. “My sister-in-law was very isolated when they lived at the Twentynine Palms Base because she moved from Pennsylvania to be with my brother. When she found out she was pregnant, she didn’t know anyone there. I remember talking to her and she told me how hard it was.”
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It was this conversation that sparked Riley’s interest in helping other Marine families by starting Operation Marine Baby Shower at the Twentynine Palms Marine Base in conjunction with the United States Marine Corps Family Readiness program. Keeter Kallam, Deployment Readiness Coordinator for Combat Logistics Battalion 7 at Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Base is thrilled that Riley started this service project. “I was so grateful to be the middleman for our spouses to receive baby items! Diapers and wipes are always in high demand for our new parents and the other items they sent allowed for us to have a day where we got our unit spouses together and pampered them a little,” said Keeter. “They absolutely loved it!” Last year, Riley and her mother, Laurie, planned a small shower for the women at the base. But for the Second Annual Operation Marine Baby Shower, Riley wanted to make a bigger impact and invited her friend and classmate Katie Keane and the Lancaster Catholic community to be involved.
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This baby shower, along with my involvement in Varsity Club, has had a great impact on my life.
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Katie has a very unique tie to the Twentynine Palms Marine Base. “I was born at that base,” laughed Katie. “I lived at the Twentynine Palms base for the first year of my life.” With her mom in the Navy and dad in the Marine Corps, Katie moved around a lot as a child having called California, Virginia, Massachusetts and now Pennsylvania her home. “Having a baby shower for these families makes me feel proud that I am able to be of some aid to the families of those who make brave sacrifices for our country every day,” said Katie. “As I have a desire to serve in the military, it has made me even more passionate about pursuing my dream to be a part of something bigger than myself and to contribute to serving the community.” Over the summer, Riley and Katie sent the items that were collected to base in Southern California. “For me, having a baby shower is special because it is amazing to show our appreciation for everything service members and their families do for our country, even if it is something as simple as a baby shower,” said Riley.
Students in Abby Henry’s English classroom recite the Pledge of Allegiance during homeroom. The Crusaders face a new flag, one of many donated by Arla Reincke, in memory of her husband, Jack Reincke, Jr. ‘67, a veteran of the Vietnam War, who passed away in April.
“It is comforting to know I can help families in the same position my brother was in because I know it is not always easy to be in a place as isolated as the Twentynine Palms Base is.” The young ladies will kick-off the Third Annual Operation Marine Baby Shower in April with a donation drive for needed baby items including diapers, baby wipes, lotion, and onesies. This year, they are planning to incorporate the efforts of Lancaster Catholic’s service clubs, Varsity Club and Youth Club. “This baby shower, along with my involvement in Varsity Club, has had a great impact on my life by allowing me to recognize how important serving both active duty service members and veterans is to me,” said Riley. “I will continue to find service organizations with this purpose for the rest of my life.” Ryan is now retired from the Marines and lives in Oberlin, Ohio with his wife and now three children.
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Counterclockwise from above: Kat Sahd ‘20 & Brendan McNamara ‘21 discuss their time at Catholic High. Scott Anthony gives a Confirmation talk. Tymere Glenn-Peters participates in Cru-Samba, playing the drums. Courtney Myers asks a question during the Keynote Address. Fr. Brian Wayne celebrates Mass.
Catholic High Becomes ‘Alive’
By combining two amazing Lancaster Catholic High School events the Open House and the I AM Youth Rally - Crusaders Alive exponentially increased the energy and impact of welcoming prospective students into the building to experience what makes our community so special. On Sunday, October 27, over 200 middle school students from across the county participated in a conference-style event that allowed them to choose from 30 different breakout sessions facilitated by our students, teachers, administration and parents. “I liked how they combined religion with different subjects,” one student who attended the event explained, “so we learned things about our faith without it feeling like a class!” The goal was to highlight how Catholic faith and identity can be woven into all aspects of life - from science class to athletics to reading and writing. Students and parents were invited to the event and were able to visit multiple sessions, hear a Keynote Address and attend Mass at the conclusion of the event. Parents attended such events as: The Power of Partnership, Technology: Don’t Knows & Responding to the Emotional Need of Students. Students’ talks ranged anywhere from Gifted in Grace, a Confirmation talk by Scott Anthony, to DNA: God’s Unique Creation and Bringing God into the Game. Father Brian Wayne gave the Keynote Address, exploring how saints are examples of how good can triumph over evil in our lives. The day was a huge success. If you missed it, but still would like to find out more about Lancaster Catholic High School, our annual Activities Fair will be held on January 25th. For more information, visit www.lchsyes.org.
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West’s Words Inspire Collaboration by Kathy Alton ‘79
Sometimes a book can change your life. In 1977, I sat in Mrs. Sandy Heffner’s “Great Books” class in Room 125 as she introduced the next title we would be reading. I had never heard of it and wasn’t sure how to pronounce the letters on the cover: LES MISERABLES. It looked long and I was doubting the wisdom of taking such a hard elective my sophomore year. In the weeks that followed, as Mrs. Heffner guided us through the suffering and redemption of the protagonist, Jean Valjean, my heart was transformed. I couldn’t wait for class. I read and reread the pages. I marveled at the mercy of the bishop. I gasped at the moral courage of Jean Valjean. I wept as he struggled to let go of Cosette, and as she, in turn, said good-bye to him. I fell more deeply in love with my faith as I watched Fantine welcome Jean Valjean to his eternal home. In the mid-1980s, I began to hear murmurings of a musical based on Victor Hugo’s masterpiece. I greeted the news of a musical version of Les Mis with the same skepticism I had when I first opened the book. How could the depth and complexity of Les Miserables be transposed into a musical score? That level of creativity seemed beyond human capacity. A couple years later, I reluctantly accepted tickets to see the show in New York. As the finale played and the curtain closed, I sat dumbfounded. It had been done! My world was rocked once again. During the summer of 2018, I sat in another classroom, not at Lancaster Catholic, but at a retreat center in southern Lancaster County. This time the teacher was Christopher West ‘88. The work we were studying was every bit as daunting to me as Les Miserables seemed all those years ago: St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body. At one point, as Christopher West illuminated the treasures of John Paul’s teaching, he broke into the lyrics of the Les Miserables finale. It was one of those rare experiences when the veil between heaven and earth seems to disappear and for a moment everything in the cosmos clicks into place. As I listened to Christopher unite the Theology of the Body with Les Miserables, an idea was conceived in my psyche. Four months later, on a Saturday night in a noisy pub in Manheim Township, I found the courage to pitch the idea to Christopher. With his interest confirmed, I knew that I needed the talent of Tony Brill ‘80 for making extraordinary events happen at Lancaster Catholic. On April 23, 2020, in a joint effort by the Fine & Performing Arts, Theology, and Campus Ministry departments, Lancaster Catholic will present The Theology of Les Miserables with Christopher West in Old Main Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The evening will consist of selections from the musical performed by young alumni and theological reflections by Christopher West. The musical director for the event is Peter Favilla ‘12. Vocalists include Gabrielle Spica ‘13, Emma Lawson ‘14, Julia Stengel ‘15, and Rohan Suriyage ‘15. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted for the LCHS Annual Fund. Questions regarding the event can be sent to kalton@lchsyes.org.
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The Year (So Far) In Photos Clockwise, starting with Honorary Signing: ¤ Fr. Edward Lavelle receives a signed copy of Joe Roda’s recently published book ‘Abraham Lincoln and Making a Case: The Story of a Master’. ¤ Bishop Ronald Gainer visited Catholic High in October, meeting with numerous classes throughout the day. ¤ The entire Catholic High community was impacted by Rachel’s Challenge in September, hearing the story of Rachel, the first victim at Columbine High School. ¤ The 1974 Girls Basketball State Championship Team was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Honor and was celebrated at a football game in September. ¤ Kat Sahd ‘20 was crowned Homecoming Queen in October. ¤ Jonathan Furukawa of Lancaster Subaru helped donate 100 new science books as part of the ‘Subaru Loves Learning’ program. ¤ Youth Minister and energetic traveling speaker Mike Patin visited Lancaster Catholic in November to discuss ‘How to be a Christian in a distracting world’ with our students and faculty.
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A Special, Unique Mass by Kathy Alton ‘79
The night was October 19, 2008. Tyler Givens ‘12 and Leah Houser ‘12 were freshmen at Lancaster Catholic. They had not yet met, but they were both attending the Lancaster Catholic Homecoming Dance. Toward the end of the evening, at the edge of the dance floor, Tyler and Leah struck up a conversation. Fast forward 11 years to this October as Tyler and Leah exchanged wedding vows at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in front of a church full of family and friends who have loved and supported them on their journey to marriage. Their wedding reception followed later that Saturday afternoon at 5:00. After a night of celebrating, the young couple had early morning reservations for a flight to New Zealand for their honeymoon. This created a predicament. There were no local Masses offered early enough for them to attend and still make it to the airport on time. Not wanting to start married life by missing their Sunday Mass obligation, Tyler and Leah asked Father Messner if he could celebrate a private Mass with them before the wedding reception at 4:00. But where?
Tyler & Leah Givens dance in the exact spot where they met in the LCHS Cafeteria (above) & Fr. Michael Messner celebrates a private Mass for the newlyweds. photo credit: Abby King/David & Sarah Wedding Co.
“I thought it would be a lovely tribute and completion of a full circle if Tyler and I could have our first Mass as a married couple at the first place we met,” Leah emailed, asking permission to use the Catholic High chapel. Providentially, the LCHS 2019 Homecoming Dance was on October 19 this year - eleven years to the day that they met at that fateful dance in the Catholic High cafeteria. I marveled at God’s goodness as I opened the door of the chapel for these two young people, not dressed for a homecoming dance, but as bride and groom. Wishing you a happy, holy, and fruitful marriage, Tyler and Leah!
Anthony Calhoun (far left) & Henry Greiner (top right) are a part of the cast of Peter Pan at the Fulton (photo by Kinectiv).
Current Crusaders Shine On Fulton’s Stage by Emily Svetecz ‘13
Nestled by the second star to the right and straight on until morning, two Crusaders found a home in The Fulton Theatre’s Peter Pan. With less than a week to master the show, sophomores Anthony Calhoun and Henry Greiner, jumped into the constant action with the gusto of an energized “Lost Boy”. Marc Robin, Executive Artistic Producer and the Director/Choreographer of Peter Pan, was thrilled to have the talents of Anthony and Henry in this unique holiday performance. “They each bring a magical energy that is essential in the story telling of the show,” Robin said. “Sharing the stage with professional actors from New York City, Anthony and Henry had to learn this show just as quickly, in just six days! They have very bright futures ahead of them and we are excited to watch their talents and careers grow!” As the character Curly, Anthony took on a little more responsibility than the other Lost Boys but still maintained the childish nature that unites them all. “Peter Pan is a very fun show but it also has high stakes that takes you on a roller-coaster,” Anthony said. “It’s a fun ride that goes from one place to another very quickly. So you have to keep up but the whole time you are laughing and get very connected to the characters.” One of the few times that the Lost Boys are not jump-roping, pogo-sticking or leaping around on stage is during the ballad, Distant Melody. “Distant Melody would have to be my favorite song in the show because we get to sleep on stage,” said Anthony. “It’s a nice to take a rest for a second since the whole time we are really energetic and always doing something like running or chasing someone or being chased. Plus, the song is really nice and one of the more emotional parts.” Peter Pan will be at the Fulton Theatre until December 29th! Mark your calendars and prepare to be amazed in Lancaster Catholic’s Spring Musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, on the Old Main Auditorium stage from Thursday, March 19 to Sunday, March 22, 2020!
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Fall Athletic Wrap-Up
The Crusaders had another successful fall sports season, led this year by the girls’ teams. The girls tennis team captured the District 3 Team Title and swept the District individual titles. This is the first sweep of all 3 District titles for girls tennis, the volleyball team won the Section 3 Championship in just their second season eligible and the girls soccer team won its second-straight Section 4 Championship, with senior Brynn Rathsam earning All-State accolades. “This fall has been impressive in not only the accomplishments of each and every team, but more importantly in the character and team work that has been shown. From prayers before and after practice and games, to team masses, to supporting each other on the field of play, to their character in the community - each team has shown the true meaning of being a Catholic student on a Catholic team.” Athletic Director Rich Hinnenkamp said. “Congratulations to all the teams and kudos to all the players and coaches for all of their hard work.” A list of accomplishments for each team is listed below: Cross Country - The boys’ team finished the season with an 11-4 dual meet record led by junior Dan Myers, who was named First-Team Section All-Star. Sophomore Mason Moore earned Second-Team honors while seniors Daniel Baksh, Chris Martin and Peyton Sheaffer were named Academic All-Stars. On the girls’ side, junior Ellie Bomberger garnered Second-Team Section All-Star honors leading the Crusaders to a 9-6 record. Field Hockey - Catholic High finished the season with a 3-14 mark, but earned a milestone victory along the way. Led by the lone senior on the team, First-Team Section All-Star Libby Lobeck, LCHS took down Country Day at home late in the season. Junior Allison Loney secured Second-Team Section All-Star honors. Football - Lancaster Catholic captured its second consecutive Section 3 Title, finishing the season with a 10-2 record. The Crusaders were an undefeated 6-0 at home, including a 30-7 victory over Bermudian Springs in the first round of the District Playoffs. In two years at the helm, head coach Todd Mealy owns a 20-3 record and a pair of Section crowns. The football all-star teams were not available at time of press. Click here for an updated list.
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Fall Athletic Wrap-Up
Golf - Senior Liam Badger and sophomore Jack Novis were named Section All-Stars as the golf team finished the 2019 campaign with an 11-5 record. Girls Soccer - Catholic High captured the Section 4 Championship for the second-straight season led by a group of 15 seniors. That experience and leadership helped the team to a 16-4-1 overall record that included a huge 1-0 victory in the District 3 playoffs over James Buchanan, the team that ended its season last year. Brynn Rathsam collected the All-State All-Star nod, while seniors Rathsam, Gabbi Bruno, Amanda Mueller and Zoe Orihuel garnered First-Team Section All-Star and senior Hannah Schmidt and junior Raina McAnally were named Second-Team Section All-Stars. Boys Soccer - Led by First-Team Section All-Stars Danny Biondolillo ‘21, Michael Dougherty ‘20 and Ethan Paulukow ‘22, the Crusaders finished 12-6-2 and advanced to the District Playoffs. Seniors Peter Bilson and Gavin Morales earned Second-Team Section All-Star status. Girls Tennis - The Crusaders, led by a solid senior class, earned the District 3 Team Championship for just the second time in school history while also collecting the fourth consecutive Section 3 title. Individually, Riley Smith ‘20 earned the District 3 Singles Title, LL League Singles Title, Section 3 Player of the Year and shared the LL League Double Championship with classmate Angelle San Jose. San Jose and freshman Anna Millen claimed the District 3 Doubles crown as the team finished the season with an 18-3 record. Girls Volleyball - LCHS claimed the Section 3 crown and won a District playoff game for the first time in school history. Led by a bevy of underclassmen, the Crusaders finished with a school-record 17-4 record in just the fourth-year of the program. Isabel Hoin and Ella Deck earned First-Team Section All-Star while Sophia Wentz collected Second-Team honors. Hoin earned Second-Team District 3 honors while Deck and Wentz picked up Third-Team. Liam Besecker ‘20 prepares to blitz in a home victory. Liam Badger ‘20 lines up a putt. Daniel Baksh ‘20 and Erin Mohr ‘21 run a local cross country race. Lea Fritz ‘21 celebrates a milestone win with head coach Abby Henry ‘07. Angelle San Jose ‘20 returns a volley. Ella Deck ‘23 sets the ball in a recent home match. Severino Flores ‘20 defends a counter attack for the boys soccer team. All-State midfielder Brynn Rathsam ‘20 controls the ball in a home win.
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LeBreton Nominated for Prestigious Nursing Honor
Dr. Maribeth (Schreder) LeBreton ‘77, DNP, CRNP, APRN-BC, was nominated and selected to be one of the three finalists for the Nightingale Award of Pennsylvania, as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. The Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing was created in 2001 to celebrate and elevate the nursing profession. This award represents love, compassion, and sacrifice. The Nightingale Award of Pennsylvania recognizes nurses who stand out from their peers and have demonstrated a love and devotion for their patients and their career in nursing. Dr. LeBreton has been a nurse/nurse practitioner for 38 years, spending the last 22 years at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Currently, she is working with a high risk medically and socially complex patient population, assisting the patients in the management of their medical and social conditions. Maribeth is the first Managing Clinician in the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health outpatient practices. She was nominated for this award by a fellow health care colleague for her work and dedication to patients, across their continuum of care. Maribeth was honored and humbled to have been nominated for this prestigious award and Dr. Maribeth LeBreton ‘77 with her husband, Ed, and two looks forward to continuing to serve the Lancaster community daughters, Amanda ‘12 (left) and Emily ‘14 at the Gala. throughout her career.
Klemmer Does It All
Oliver Klemmer ‘20 is a sort of Renaissance Man for Catholic High. You may have done a double take this year when you saw one of the leaders of the marching band taking his steps in a bright gold football uniform. Klemmer decided to join the football team during his senior year which caused the wardrobe change for halftime performances, or lack there of. As soon as the horn went off and the clock hit zeros, Klemmer would sprint to the sideline and toss his helmet aside in favor of his tuba. Oliver had just enough time to catch his breathe as he was the featured soloist in the band’s second song. “It’s made it harder to hold the tuba because of the shoulder pads,” he quipped. Klemmer is just the latest example of the do-it-all type student that frequents the halls of Lancaster Catholic. The senior has been recognizable on the stage in key roles in musicals, on the lacrosse field as a defender in the spring and even as a member of the quiz bowl team where he will take his second trip north to Scholarship Challenge after earning a Final Four finish last year.
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James Johnson ‘23 uses the new microscope phone adapter during his freshman biology class. The new adapter allows students to see the enlarged chromosome of a fruit fly (insert).
Science Gift Zooms In On Opportunities
Lancaster Catholic students received a gift from a donor this year that opens up a world of scientific discovery that was not accessible a few years ago. The new microscope phone adapters were put to use in all biology classes in September. “The adapters are such an amazing addition to our classrooms,” science teacher Tanya Mason explained. “The microscopes can magnify an object 400 times, and the phones then allow the students to zoom in even more. Then they are able to take a picture of it with their phones and use that for their research.” The adapters were donated by Dr. Thomas ‘75 and Toni Schreder.
Lancaster Catholic lost a dear friend in Mrs. Genevieve Malone in September. Mrs. Malone loved Catholic High and sent her four children to the school. Her favorite event was Graduation, and she donated money to purchase the new stage for Berger Gymnasium. Whenever we set up for Mass or Graduation, we will think of Mrs. Malone. Thank you for your friendship to Lancaster Catholic.
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Catholic High Preps for Sixth Purple & Gold Gala
The sixth-annual Purple & Gold Gala is set for the evening of April 25, 2020, at which Lancaster Catholic will honor three worthy individuals with The Saint John Paul II Excellence in Leadership Award. Mary Anne (Fix) Aichele ‘48, Donald Nikolaus ‘60 and Catherine (Emig) Schreder ‘50 will be celebrated for their accomplishments to Lancaster Catholic High School. Aichele and Schreder were instrumental in Lancaster Catholic’s Phonathon and both have been leaders in numerous aspects of the school. Nikolaus is being honored for his professional accomplishments and dedication to Lancaster Catholic High School. Those interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the Advancement Office at 717-509-0313. Ticket information will be available soon.
A ‘Palette’-able Affair Save the date for a special evening of art in support of Lancaster Catholic High School and the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). A ‘Palette’-able Affair will take place at Catholic High on Saturday, March 7 from 6-9 p.m. in the Cafeteria. Paintings and pottery from some of Catholic High’s most award-winning artists will be on display and up for auction throughout the evening. Sister Helen David Brancato, IHM, who taught at LCHS from 1969-73, will be the featured artist. She taught the other three artists at Lancaster Catholic, John ‘Bot’ Roda ‘70, Richard Ressel ‘71 and Ann (McCollough) DeLaurentis ‘75. All four will be in attendance along with their artwork. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase some art from up-and-coming artists and current Crusaders. The evening will start with a cocktail hour where you can meet the artists and will be followed by dinner. Artists’ tables and the silent auction will be open after dinner. Contact Tony Brill for more information, tbrill@lchsyes.org.
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Special Purpose Entities Help You & Us
Pennsylvania now allows individuals/families, through Special Purpose Entities (SPEs), the same ability to qualify for PA Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC) that businesses have been taking advantage of for years! If you (whether you file individually or jointly) owe at least $1,000 in personal state income taxes, YOU may be able to redirect 90% of your personal state income taxes to the students of Lancaster Catholic High School in the form of invaluable tuition assistance! Since 54% of the entire student body relies on some amount of tuition assistance in order to benefit from the gift of a Lancaster Catholic High School education, we rely on the generosity of every single one of our dedicated donors and benefactors. SPEs are the biggest no-brainers ever! You have to pay your personal state income taxes regardless. Why not have a say in how up to 90% of your personal state taxes are allocated? Help forever improve the lives of more teenagers by making a Lancaster Catholic High School education financially affordable. Lancaster Catholic High School proudly partners with several Special Purpose Entities as well as many local accounting firms. Now is the perfect time to submit your Joinder Agreement for the 2020 Tax Year! Easy steps for joining an SPE: • Contact your accountant/tax preparer to confirm your personal state income tax liability • Select the SPE of your choice and mail them your completed Joinder Agreement • Once you receive your Approval Letter from the SPE, make your tax contribution. Your benefits include: • A 90% state tax credit • At least a 10% federal tax deduction To obtain a Joinder Agreement, request more information or to discuss any questions, please contact Joe Sahd ‘01 in the Office of Advancement by calling 717-509-0313 or emailing jsahd@lchsyes.org.
Office of Advancement 650 Juliette Avenue Lancaster, PA 17601
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