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Catholic High Winter Magazine The Winter Magazine is published by the Lancaster Catholic Advancement Office. Tim Hamer, President Kevin Carver, Director of Strategic Communication Emily Svetecz ‘13, Communications Assistant Kyla Hockley ‘96, Director of Admissions Betty Isaacson, Advancement Services Coordinator Joe Sahd ‘01, Alumni & Constituent Relations Director Lori Wagner ‘83, Special Events Coordinator Julie Waltman, Annual Giving Officer Mary Jo Yarris, Major Gifts Officer
Special thanks to all of the contributors to this publication, including: Editor-in-Chief: Primary Writer: Special Contributors: Copy Editors: Printing:
Kevin Carver Emily Svetecz ‘13 Catherine Smith-O’Brien ‘70 Mary Jo Yarris Kyla Hockley ‘96 Sue Martin ‘72 Julie Waltman 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.
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: Michael Jamanis & Robin Wu ‘20, Ellie Bryce ‘19, Extraordinary Ministers, Kiki Jefferson ‘19, Mrs. Abby Henry ‘07, Daica Perez ‘21 & Kameron Garcia ‘20, Seniors at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C., Natalie Knox ‘21 & Aria Yang ‘20. Design by Kevin Carver. Photo Credits to LCHS Advancement Office, LifeTouch & Joyous Photography.
From the Desk of the President Dear Friends, One of my favorite saints, St. Francis De Sales is famous for saying “the test of a preacher is that his congregation goes away saying, not ‘what a lovely sermon’ but, ‘I will do something!’” That has been our focus in these first months of our school year—to inspire our students to action. In the classroom, our students have been exhorted to make a real commitment of ‘quality time’ to improve their preparation for class. Our coaches have similarly urged our athletes to give their best effort at all times on the court or on the field. Most powerfully, all members of our community have been called to live each moment in the realization that we are made to love—not in the romantic sense of the word, but as described by ‘agape,’ one of the 3 words in Greek that translates as ‘love.” The Greeks coined the word ‘agape’ to describe “the highest form of love, charity” and “the love of God for man and of man for God,” which we Christians have been called to extend to all people. We have an almost infinite number of opportunities to answer this call by choosing to act in recognition of the enormous power—for good or ill— of the little things we do or say in our everyday interactions with those around us. I hope you enjoy these stories of how our students and graduates are responding on all fronts as you read these pages! As we celebrate Advent and Christmas in a time of increasing turmoil and change, it provides an opportunity for us all to reflect on how fortunate, how truly blessed, we continue to be! I hope all of our Catholic High families— alums, students and so many friends—will enjoy a holiday season filled with plentiful moments in which they and those in their midst will truly express their love—and especially that great virtue GRATITUDE—for the abundance of blessings they enjoy. We at Lancaster Catholic are indeed blessed and I am most grateful for our passionate, dedicated faculty and staff and for the unparalleled level of care and dedication they shower on our students every day. I am equally thankful for the generosity and support of our parents, benefactors and many friends who combined make Lancaster Catholic High School a magical community for the students entrusted to our care. Our times will continue to call us to act, probably in ordinary rather than heroic ways, to start a chain reaction of compassion, kindness and integrity powerful enough to bring light to even the darkest corners of the world. I wish you and yours a holiday filled with joy and the peace of the infant Jesus. Please keep our school in your prayers and be assured of ours, always! Live Jesus!
Tim Hamer, LCHS President
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Catholic H igh Winter Magazine 6
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Table of Contents
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Page Title 4 Throwing Them to the Sharks 6 Sophomore Performs Unique Gift at Nation’s Capital 7 A Quick Masterpiece 8 Broadcasting Alumni Flourish In Real World 10 Hinnenkamp Named Athletic Director of the Year 12 Volleyball Raises $1,800 In Dig Pink Event 13 Administration Unveils Strategic Plan In “Road Shows”
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Catholic High to Honor Two at Purple & Gold Gala
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The Year (So Far) In Photos A Somber Trip to D.C. Q & A with Abby (Hershey) Henry ‘07 Hangin’ Ten at Nuns’ Beach Bingo Event Helps New Tuition Scholarship
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Standing in front of a row of ‘business sharks’ similar to the hit show Shark Tank, Catholic High students experienced something they have never felt before thanks to the new Millersville University dual enrollment class.
Throwing Them to the Sharks by Kevin Carver
As they stood there, in front of a row of “sharks”, Catholic High seniors were forced to think back to what they had learned this entire semester; not to survive, but to succeed. These twenty-four students begin each day like college students, not high school seniors, in the Art of Entrepreneurial class taught by Millersville University’s Oliver Feakins. They meet everyday, not every other day like the rest of their classes and classmates, working within a challenging curriculum laid out by their college professor. “This class is preparing me for college life, and just for the future in general, by teaching me real-life ways of how to make decisions in a business world or a personal world,” Tobey Prime explained. “This is one of my favorite classes I’ve ever taken at Catholic High.” Feakins took a new perspective on teaching this class from what it was the previous year. “It’s hard for me to teach something theoretical when I can teach something practical,” he admitted. “I figured that most of these students wanted to see what being
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an entrepreneur was like, rather than find out what the spirit of being an entrepreneur is.” So he chartered the course of the basics, covering skills, behaviors and personality traits that are required to be an entrepreneur, with an eye on the big picture, a final project where a student’s start-up company idea would literally be pitched in front of a group of entrepreneurs, similar to the hit TV show, Shark Tank. But the steps in between the tense atmosphere in the Catholic High Library in the first week of December and the first week of the class is where Feakins saw his students thrive. “We eventually moved into selling, because anything in business is a sale,” Feakins continued. “Every entrepreneur is selling something, and if you’re not selling something, you’re selling your vision.” He taught them how to interact with this new vision, and how to “sell” other students to come and work for them in this large year-end project. They practiced project management, product management and more.
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There is no difference between what I’m asking them to complete and what you need in the real world.
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“We didn’t get too deep into a lot of aspects, but more of an overview of every single part of being in business,” he added. “We kind of put it all together, and now we can apply it to a real practical concept.” Feakins was steering his class in the direction he wanted them to go, and they were loving every bit of it. As the calendar shifted to November, Feakins gave the students an assignment that started them down the path of this final project. He had them deliver a 30-40 second pitch on a product or idea that they were going to sell. Each student lined up around the room and took turns doing what they had learned in the previous two months of the class. Feakins also gave the students an option of being the project manager of a new company, or, if they didn’t have a vision they could sell, they could be the employees and join up with their classmates of the vision that they believed in. “There were six people who opted not to pitch a startup,” Feakins explained. “So at that point, the other 16 stood around the room, and for 10 seconds each, all the employees pitched themselves and what their strong suits were and how they could contribute to them. “So then, the start-ups had to persuade the employees to come and work on their idea, and why it would be better for them to work with them and why they should believe in their vision.” Eventually, some of the start-ups realized their vision wasn’t as strong as others in the class, and six groups had formed around the classroom. One group started GloUp, a makeup company that comes to you (sort of like Etsy + Facebook + Uber). Another vision was Canadata, an unbiased/independent source for political information. Easy Eats is a dietary app, Wingin’ It is a food truck of the best wings in town and Sip & See & Co. wants to create straws that are safe for the environment.
Another group quickly had an epiphany. “I had the student who was in charge of a different start-up ask me if they could switch and join another one because they believed in the vision of that more than their own,” Feakins said. “After I let him join a new group, I asked his employees if they wanted to keep it going or join another group, and they all decided to fold the company.” So the five start-ups had almost a month to prepare every aspect of the final project. Obviously the pitch in front of the sharks, but also a 25-page business plan that they needed to hand into their professor before the big pitch. “It’s a big ask, but we’ve been working really hard all semester on it towards this idea of being able to create a real business” Feakins admitted. “But the formula that I’m giving them is the Small Business Administration Loan format, so they could legitimately take these business plans to a bank and get a loan. There is no difference between what I’m asking them to complete and what you need in the real world.” The Entrepreneurial Program has been a huge success in the first few years, allowing students to gain college credit while still walking the halls of Catholic High. The second semester of the Entrepreneurial Program will focus on social media, and Feakins has big plans for the group that he’s not ready to unveil quite yet. But if it’s anything like the first semester, Catholic High has found something that not too many other high schools offer, not only in the area, but in the state, as well.
Oliver Feakins brought a new spin to this year’s Art of Entrepreneurial class with Millersville.
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Sophomore Performs Unique Gift at Nation’s Capital by Emily Svetecz ‘13
On a normal day, the mail is a mix of bills, advertisements and magazines; but on an extraordinary day, the mail can contain an opportunity to impact or change a life. Through an unsolicited letter and invitation, Lancaster Catholic sophomore Cody McSherry discovered that the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. wanted him to perform his unique gift on the Millennium Stage on November 20. Cody performed about 20 songs on his accordion, as part of the Millennium Concert Series 365. Since the age of six, Cody has been playing the accordion with the support of his family and music teacher who now lives in Connecticut. “My family has always been deeply rooted in music,” he explained. “I was most excited to share the instrument and the music it can make at the Kennedy Center and help break the stigma around the accordion.” Cody is no stranger to performing since he formed a Germanfest music band, Polterabend, three years ago. Cody is also a former Lancaster’s Got Talent competition winner held by Lancaster Newspapers and is a two-time winner of the Carmen Carrozza Scholarship, junior division, held by the American Accordionists Association. Additionally, Cody has also won numerous awards at American Accordionists Association festivals and the Leavenworth International Accordion Festival. Cody McSherry performed at the #ExtraGive in Mr. Tom At a recent performance in downtown Lancaster at Blaszczyk’s Mummer’s costume. the #ExtraGive, a few people asked him how many accordions he had, and if he may be interested in acquiring any more. He squinted, as if holding back the urge to say yes and flashed his million-dollar smile. “I have eight working ones right now. I probably don’t need another one,” he laughed. Cody’s performance at the Kennedy Center featured a large selection of music including modern, classic and folk pieces. The performance was archived for viewing at www.kennedy-center.org.
#ExtraGive On Friday, November 16, despite the chill in the air several Crusaders braved the weather to entertain downtown visitors: Joseph “The Great Giuseppe” Martin performed mystical street magic, Cody McSherry mesmerized with his accordion skills, Ethan Jones impressed all with his cup-stacking skills and let’s hear it for the band! Erik Graybill, Justin Henry, Victor Night, Paul Jackubowski, Katy Arnold and Emma Graybill energized the late evening crowd with some serious drumline performances! We are pleased to have reach
$10,875
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contributed by
93 donors
, including a generous offline gift.
A Quick Masterpiece by Emily Svetecz ‘13
What can you accomplish in 48 hours? Read a book, do chores. . .the options are endless! Would you think of writing an award winning composition, complete with lyrics? Most of us would say no, but, that is exactly what sophomore Lizbeth Stephan did when she composed and recorded her original song, “Provider of Joy”. She accomplished this daunting task on the piano, with classmate Cody McSherry on vocals, for the Catholic Daughters of Americas National Education Contest. The Catholic Daughters of Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. They donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.” The National Education Contest is one of the ways they administer scholarships to students across the nation. Lizbeth was not sure if she was going to compete in the Catholic Daughters of Americas competition for 2018 because she faced the adjustment of being a Freshman, trying to balance homework and other obligations. But once her mind was set, she was determined to submit a piece of music to the contest. “Sometimes it is hard to write music,” said Lizbeth. “Once you find a flow the music just comes to you.” Miss Stephan is no stranger to the Catholic Daughters of Americas National Education Contest. She competed several times in grade school at Our Mother of Perpetual Help School in Ephrata where she placed third on the National level twice. This time around she was tasked with creating an original piece of work in the form of art, poetry, music or photography that fit the selected theme “The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us, We Are Filled With Joy.” Psalm 126 or “Finding Joy In My Life.” “Provider of Joy” took less than two days to complete and won Lizbeth first place in the Music Category for Division 3 Catholic Daughter of Americas Chapters for Lancaster County, first place for the State of Pennsylvania and second place Nationally. Other Catholic High Crusaders who placed at the local level for the CDA National Education Contest were: • Cody McSherry: First Place in Poetry • Sarah Scott: First Place in Essay • Allison Francis: Second Place in Poetry
Lizbeth Stephan performs during homecoming at Lancaster Catholic Crusader Stadium (above) and pictured with her fellow award winners (from left) Sarah Scott and Allison Francis.
Evan Werner ‘16 uses a new shoulder rig at DeSales University.
Broadcasting Alumni Flourish In Real World by Catherine Smith-O’Brien ‘67
You’re on the air! Evan Werner is video editing at a local media production company. Julia O’Leary is on the radio coast-to-coast. Will Paterson is on TV in the Susquehanna Valley. Andrew Struminger is marketing a local startup computer company. These four Catholic High grads are hard at work long before they finish college, and, all four are applying skills they learned in Broadcasting Class. Evan Werner ‘16 came into Broadcasting Class ahead of the curve. He was already filming and editing his own movies. Evan mastered our Final Cut Pro X editing software and, on summer break from college, began working summers as part of the team at Aidem Media Solutions. “I am primarily a video editor. I sort and organize footage, select the clips, create a rough cut and pick music for the client. I collaborate with the producer on ideas to further push the video in the direction the client would like.” He is also part of the crew setting up video shoots. Evan, a TV/Film major at DeSales University, says being in the Broadcasting Class “gave me a small window into what I would be doing in the future. It built a foundation for what I was to expect. If anyone is looking into the communications field, then the Broadcasting Class will guide you in the right direction.” Julia O’Leary ‘17 was an absolute stand-out student who already possessed wonderful communication skills. Now she is attending Syracuse University, one of the most prestigious communications schools in the nation. She is studying Broadcasting and Digital Journalism and on track to enter the Newhouse School of Communication next year. She auditioned for, and won, a job at the University’s radio station. “I am an on-air personality for WJPZ-FM Z89, the student-run Syracuse University station which is an iHeart station. That means it can be accessed across the country online via iHeartRadio.com. Z89 gets about 60,000 listeners per week. I love working for Z89 so much that it hardly feels like work at all!!” Julia says the Broadcasting Class improved her communication, speaking and writing skills and made her comfortable speaking in front of others and giving presentations.
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Will Paterson ‘17 is studying public relations and business marketing at Elizabethtown College. Will always enjoyed being in front of the camera during Broadcasting Class, but he became an expert video editor as well. Now, he’s getting some real world experience. “I’ve been part of the Senior Board for ECTV Channel 40, E-Town College’s TV channel. I started my own talk show, “Talk to the Flock” which could be seen in the Elizabethtown area. Now I’m in the process of producing a new show. It’s called “The Start-up” and is a comedy much like Seinfeld. And, it’s posted on YouTube.” Andrew Struminger ‘18 is studying software engineering at Drexel University. Andrew took Broadcasting 101 as a junior and then Advanced Broadcasting his senior year. He had a natural talent for the technical side of the course and became a real whiz at tape editing and creative graphics. “This skill that I developed led me to a job over the summer of 2018. While my official title was Director of Sales, I was also put in charge of producing media content for a start-up company, Chimera Computers, LLC. This included a number of promotional videos, TV commercials and many product pictures.” Andrew continues doing work for the company while he’s at college. “If it were not for the Broadcasting program at Lancaster Catholic High School, I would not have had come even close to developing the the skills that led me to excel in a real world work environment.” This year’s Broadcasting Class, like the past few years, is publishing daily Morning Announcements that are available on their YouTube page. They can also be found on our website, under the Quick Links button.
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Rich Hinnenkamp holding the 2018 PIAA State Championship baseball trophy in State College after the Crusaders’ win.
Hinnenkamp Named Athletic Director of the Year by Kevin Carver
An incredible work ethic and respect among his local associates helped Rich Hinnenkamp earn Lancaster-Lebanon League Athletic Director of the Year, which was announced this fall. A pair of PIAA State Championships last year didn’t hurt, either. You’ll find Hinnenkamp at nearly every Crusader athletic event, but he is involved in so much more at Catholic High. He is extremely engaged in the students’ lives away from competition, serving as a mentor to student-athletes and attending and leading retreats with the Campus Ministry department. “Rich is so deserving of this honor. When his colleagues selected him, I know it was in recognition for all his service to the L-L League,” LCHS Principal and former Athletic Director Terry Klugh explained. “His qualities of self-sacrifice and integrity are exhibited daily in his ministry to almost two dozen sports programs, over 70 coaches and hundreds of student athletes here at LCHS as well. “I know without question, that Rich holds all who he works for and with to the standards of the school’s mission. He does this because he holds himself to a high moral standard firmly established in his Catholic faith.” Last year, under his direction, the Crusaders won the PIAA State Championship in girls basketball and baseball while also claiming three Section, two District and one Lancaster-Lebanon League titles. This year is Hinnenkamp’s sixth year as Lancaster Catholic Athletic Director and the Crusaders have already won two Section 3 titles and have a girls tennis individual doubles championship under their belts, as well. Overall, Catholic High has earned 21 Section, six District, four LL League and three PIAA team titles and four other individual championships, including an individual State Title under Hinnenkamp’s leadership.
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Fall Athletic Wrap-Up
Cross Country - A pair of Crusaders ran in the District Tournament. Senior Mary Zukus finished 30th and junior Jotham Ngarama finished 28th. Field Hockey - Finished the year 6-12. Senior Alexis Howe led the team with 13 goals. Football - Finished the regular season with a perfect 10-0 record, for just the fourth time in school history, winning the Section 3 Title for the 10th time since 1998. They hosted the District Semifinal game after receiving a first-round bye as the top seed. Golf - Freshman Jack Novice qualified for the District Tournament and finished 12th. Girls Soccer - Finished the season with a 17-1-2 record, losing a heart-breaker in penalty kicks in the District Tournament, one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. Boys Soccer - Reached the District Semifinals, falling in penalty kicks and finishing with a 14-5-3 record. Girls Tennis - Reached the PIAA State Tournament and finished with a 16-3 record. Junior Riley Smith & senior Isabel Midcap finished third at the PIAA Doubles Tournament, after winning the Doubles District Title in October. Girls Volleyball - Reached Districts for the first time in program history & finished with an 11-8 record, the most wins in school history. Clockwise from above: Zoe Orihuel ‘20 of girls soccer; Alex Cruz ‘20 (42) and Malkam Lawrence ‘19 of football; Alexis Howe ‘19 of field hockey; the girls cross country team and Riley Smith ‘20 (left) and Isabel Midcap ‘19 of girls tennis.
Volleyball Raises $1,800 In Dig Pink Event
Wanting to do something more, the Catholic High volleyball team decided to honor those living with stage IV breast cancer by teaming up with the Side-Out Foundation. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Crusaders held three Dig Pink events where the team’s families sold baked goods and more, with all monies benefiting the foundation’s mission. During the team’s official Dig Pink night, the Crusaders wore pink uniforms and all proceeds from the gate that night were donated to the Side-Out Foundation, as well, bringing the girls’ total to exactly $1,800 for cancer research. Coach Julie Hoin and team captains helped organize the event, and each girl raised money online to help make the event a total success.
The team sold baked goods with a pink feel (top left). Jenna Danielson ‘19 (in white) and her teammates Lauren Hagan ‘20, Bella DiCarlo (LCDS), Mackenzie Moody ‘19 and Sophia Wentz ‘21 celebrate an ace (below). Head coach Julie Hoin and the team cheer on the Crusaders to victory (bottom left).
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Administration Unveils Strategic Plan In Road Shows
In anticipation of Catholic High’s 90th Anniversary, our school board launched a comprehensive Strategic Planning process to chart the course of our school’s mission and development for the future of Lancaster Catholic High School. This year, the administration began unveiling the plan, titled Future VUE (Vision, Unity, Excellence): 2022, in a series of group presentations that doubled as “Road Shows” across the county. The process will continue through the remainder of the 2018-19 school year in breakfast/lunch meetings, as well as presentations at the parish level. The plan was developed during the 2017-18 school year by 75 members of the community who were broken into six strategic groups. Those Strategic Area Committees focused on the six core elements of the LCHS mission and ministry: Academics, Advancement, Catholic Identity, Facilities, Finance, and Student Life. The first steps in implementing the plan included the development of the Campus Master Plan which will identify the school’s renovation, repair and upgrade priorities—designed in separate phases—followed by a feasibility study of key stakeholders to determine how much can be raised in support. The result will likely be a capital campaign to raise the funds needed to begin the Campus Master Plan in the near future. For more information of the Strategic Plan, contact the Advancement Office at 717-509-0313, or visit our Future VUE: 2022 website at www.lchsyes.org/futurevue/.
Catholic High to Honor Two at Purple & Gold Gala
The fifth-annual Purple & Gold Gala is set for the evening of April 6, 2019, at which Lancaster Catholic will honor a pair of worthy individuals with The Saint John Paul II Excellence in Leadership Award. Marilyn (Mester) Berger ‘50 and Fr. Allan Wolfe will be celebrated for their accomplishments to Lancaster Catholic High School. Berger, one of the most successful alumna in the rich history of the school, runs a thriving real estate partnership with Berkshire/Hathaway and is involved in numerous local charities. Wolfe served as Catholic High’s school chaplain for 22 years and continues to preside over two local Catholic churches, San Juan Bautista and Saint Joseph’s. Those interested in sponsoring this event, please contact the Advancement Office at 717-509-0313. Ticket information will be available soon.
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Five young alumni joined French teacher Madame Cicioni in a week-long tour of France (1) where they had the opportunity to experience the French culture and language in which they studied here at Catholic High. New Chaplin Fr. Steven Arena commissioned this year’s Extraordinary Ministers (2) during All Saints Day Mass. Sebastian Klemmer, Johann Imperial, Cate Lopez & Anna Peris (3) earned National Merit Recognition. Eleven senior girls were named to the 2018 Homecoming Court (4), won this year by Ellie Bryce, top left. Aria Yang, Jisela Teron & Bedei Gbala (left-right) were honored for their boasts of Beowulf (5) in Ms. Kinsey’s Dramaturgy Class. Senior Anna Peris & her father, FPA teacher Mr. Don Peris ‘82 (6), perform together at this year’s Open House. Freshman Kerek Myers participates in an icebreaker (7) during New Student Orientation. Senior Jayne Wells (8) was named this year’s Wendy’s High School Heisman. The cast of Murder’s In The Heir (9) perform this year’s Fall Play, an interactive production that featured multiple endings. Math Department Chair Mr. Dave Sharp (10) has been recognized by the Diocese of Harrisburg with the Frederick F. Noel Distinguished Educator Award which honors a distinguished Catholic educator who has served at a Catholic school for 10+ years and has contributed significantly to the promotion of Christian values in the school.
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A Somber Trip to DC by Emily Svetecz ‘13
Lancaster Catholic seniors embarked on a trip to the past to discover and learn more about the Holocaust at the United Stated Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American heroes that are laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. as part of their senior English field trip. “The trip to Washington D.C is a long ride from Lancaster Catholic,” said Mrs. Priscilla Kegel ‘87, English teacher. “But anytime we can make the stories we read become real and alive, they become more meaningful to us.” Upon arrival at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, students had a private audience with Mr. David Bayer, a 96 year-old survivor of the Holocaust. They had the opportunity to ask him questions about his life and hear his story of survival in the Concentration Camps. “Getting to talk to Mr. Bayer was an absolute privilege,” said senior, Abigail Francis. “I feel lucky to have been able to experience him in person and hear his story.” Some of the English classes were tasked with reading The Book Thief by Markus Zusak for their summer reading assignment. The book is narrated from the eyes of death and follows a young girl on her journey during World War II. “In today’s age more people are in denial that the Holocaust happened,” said Mrs. Kegel. “By taking the students to see the Holocaust Museum, we hope to give them courage to stand up for what they believe in and empower them with courage so they don’t stand by and watch things happen.” Mr. Bayer expressed that he is baffled when people deny the Holocaust and the senseless killings of nationalities and individuals that are different. “There are thousands upon thousands of skeletons found at camps across Germany and Poland,” expressed Mr. Bayer. “How can people deny that it happened and that it may happen again?” After exploring the Holocaust Memorial Museum, students were transported to Arlington National Cemetery and were allowed to honor military men and women who gave their lives protecting our freedom. “It was extremely moving to see the Changing of the Guards and the dedication these men and women have to our country,” said Miss Francis. “The overall trip was very enriching, especially getting to experience it with my friends.” Claire Buczacki (below, third from left) invited her friends to visit her grandfather’s grave at Arlington National Cemetery during this year’s senior class trip. Mr. Bayer (center of insert) stuck around for a few additional questions with the Catholic High students, and would have talked for hours with them if given the chance.
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Q & A with Abby (Hershey) Henry ‘07 Abby (Hershey) Henry ‘07 returned to Catholic High this August 11 years after graduating with a new name (Mrs. Henry) and a new job (English Teacher). We caught up with Mrs. Henry in one of her few free periods to discuss her return to LCHS. After Catholic High & Temple University, where was your first job in education? I taught 6th, 7th and 8th Grade English at Sacred Heart School for three years. I loved working there. Working on reading, writing, grammar and spelling was so rewarding. What’s it like being back in the building, but as an adult? Weird! There’s a lot more going on that I didn’t realize when I was a student here, and it’s different, but in all good ways. Advancement wasn’t here; Campus Ministry wasn’t here. But also, everything smells the same...so there’s that! It’s neat being in Mrs. Laird’s old room, too, because I loved her. What made you want to take on the task of Yearbook Advisor & Jr High Field Hockey Coach in your first year s a teacher here? I’m crazy! I love art and I’m very creative and always have been. I took art classes while I was here and I like layout and making things look nice. When they asked me if I was interested, they explained that they wanted it to move to the English department, since it was more like journalism, and I said yes. Then they asked me about field hockey and I said, “Let me think about it,” and then that just happened, too. What’s been your favorite part about teaching our Crusaders? I really like that conversations are on a different level. In middle school, it’s very hard, almost reaching at times, to talk about some tougher topics. And I like the fact that the students have a lot of things going on. These kids have things that they are going to turn into careers, potentially. It’s cool to see them in their niches.
Yearbooks For Sale The Rosmarian is selling yearbooks from almost every year! Lost yours? Want to give one as a gift to an old classmate? Help us find a new home for these treasure troves of memories. Contact Abby Henry at ahenry@lchsyes.org to find out if your year is available. Just $30
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Hangin’ Ten at Nuns’ Beach
For the last 20 plus years, Lancaster Catholic Art teacher, Mr. Richard Ressel has been giving back to the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in an unique way—by designing their annual surf competition logo. The Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary own a retreat house known as Villa Maria by the Sea on a stretch of beach in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. When the retreat house found itself in need of repairs, the Sisters decided to create a surf invitational since their beach is the only beach in the area to allow surfing. Since 1996, the Nun’s Beach Surf Invitational became the foundation of fundraising for the Sisters. It allows them to make the needed repairs to maintain the retreat house where they can recharge during the summer months. But the bigger draw of the simple surf competition is the annual tee-shirt design. From wave gliding to surfing, the Nun’s Beach design makes huge waves each year. “My aunt was a Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary nun,” said Mr. Ressel. “So when the Hayek family (alums of Lancaster Catholic) told me that the former designer of the logo retired, I spoke with Sister James who is in charge of the retreat house and the rest is history.” This year the logo was created with Class of 1970 grad, John “Bot” Roda and features the Sisters building a replica of the Villa Maria by the Sea in the sand near the retreat house. “By designing the logo each year, it is my gift to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters,” said Mr. Ressel. “I know the sacrifices they make and we are so glad that we can do this since they have given so much to Lancaster Catholic High School and the entire Lancaster County community.” Mr. Ressel is the mastermind behind the line drawing, while Mr. Roda made it come to life with vibrant colors by several different Photoshop techniques and is responsible for the text design. “I have been blessed with God-given talent,” said Mr. Roda. “To be able to give back to the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and to be able to help the Sisters who taught me at Lancaster Catholic is incredible.” The tee-shirts will be available for the 2019 surf season which begins Memorial Day weekend and are exclusively sold in Stone Harbor.
Mr. Richard Ressel ‘71 & John ‘Bot’ Roda ‘70
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Bingo Event Helps New Tuition Scholarship
A simple weekend event turned into an amazing opportunity for future Catholic High students thanks to a generous family. The Cunningham family held a power tool and designer bag bingo in memory of their parents, including their father, William Cunningham ‘66. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the families raised $10,000. They donated $5,000 to Lancaster Catholic to start the William C. Cunningham ‘66 Tuition Assistance Scholarship, while sending the other half to J.P. McCaskey High School in memory of their mother, Gloria. Bill is best known at Catholic High for riding horseback as the Crusader mascot onto the football field. He served his country in the United States Air Force and settled down in his hometown of Lancaster with his wife and three children. The Catholic faith was always a big part of who Bill was. He appreciated his upbringing in the Catholic Schools and made sure he passed on those values to his family. Bill was a hard-working man who took every opportunity to provide everything possible for his children. He taught them the art of giving back, which is why Joseph, John, Angela and their families started the Scholarship. The Cunningham Family is truly interested in making a difference in a student’s life by helping them afford a Lancaster Catholic education.
There’s no doubt about it — Bill Cunningham is a real life Crusader! - 1966 Rosmarian
Are you 70.5 years or older? Then you may incur an IRS mandated 50% penalty on your IRA or 401K. That’s what will happen if you don’t take action before December 31.
Donors age 70.5 can continue to make gifts directly from their IRAs to qualified charities and can direct up to $100,000 annually. This is a great way to support Lancaster Catholic with pre-tax dollars. The process is simple, and you can direct your gift in support of more than one non-profit. For example, you can use your IRA to satisfy your Annual Fund pledge. Contact LCHS Major Gifts Officer, Mary Jo Yarris, at (717) 509-0313 ext. 174
Office of Advancement 650 Juliette Avenue Lancaster, PA 17601
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Lancaster, PA Permit No. 1406